DISNEY-PIXAR'S “FINDING DORY” To Dive into Theaters on Nov. 25, 2015

When Dory said, “just keep swimming” in 2003's Oscar-winning film “Finding Nemo,” she could not have imagined what was in store for her (not that she could remember). Ellen DeGeneres, voice of the friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish, revealed details today about Disney-Pixar's “Finding Dory” - an all-new big-screen adventure diving into theaters on Nov. 25, 2015.

             “I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time,” said DeGeneres. “I'm not mad it took this long. I know the people at Pixar were busy creating 'Toy Story 16.' But the time they took was worth it. The script is fantastic. And it has everything I loved about the first one: It's got a lot of heart, it's really funny, and the best part is it's got a lot more Dory.”

MARVEL Starts Production on “CAPTAIN AMERICA 2: THE WINTER SOLDIER”

Following in the footsteps of the record-breaking Marvel Studios’ release, “Marvel’s The Avengers,” production on the highly anticipated release, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” has commenced in Los Angeles, Calif., with production also including locations in Cleveland, Ohio, and Washington D.C.

            Directing the film is the team of Anthony and Joe Russo from a screenplay written by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.

            Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” returns Chris Evans as the iconic Super Hero character Steve Rogers/Captain America, along with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. In addition, film icon Robert Redford has joined the all-star cast as Agent Alexander Pierce, a senior leader within the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is set for release in the U.S. on April 4, 2014.

Meet the Electrolux Digital Brand Ambassadors

Electrolux, the leading brand of home appliances, introduces its new set of digital brand ambassadors to represent the latest Electrolux campaign, Wear Your Passion.

The beautiful and very passionate individuals are celebrity mom Cheska Garcia-Kramer, celebrity chef Rosebud Benitez-Velasco, and mompreneur Janice Villanueva.

The Adventurer : The Curse of Midas Box

Ancient mysteries.

Powerful evil.

And a fearless hero's quest through a fantastical realm of steam-powered wonders and sinister magic.

In The Adventurer : The Curse of the Midas Box, seventeen-year-old Mariah Mundi's life is turned upside down when his parents vanish and his younger brother is kidnapped. Following a trail of clues to the darkly majestic Prince Regent Hotel, Mariah discovers a hidden realm of child-stealing monsters, deadly secrets and a long-lost artifact that grants limitless wealth - but also devastating supernatural power. With the fate of his world, and his family at stake, Mariah will risk everything to unravel the Curse of the Midas Box!


‘The Adventurer: The Curse of Midas Box’ released and distributed by Captive Cinema showing soon!

47 Ronin

"47 Ronin" is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch ("The Gift").

Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that's never been seen before.

From ancient Japan's most enduring tale, the epic 3D fantasy-adventure "47 Ronin" is born. Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 Ronin. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.


“47 Ronin” is released and distributed  by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.

Director Neil Jordan on Byzantium and Vampire Movies

Neil Jordan’s body of work is an odd, fascinating beast. On one level, the Irish director’s fablelike films — with their often mystical elements, their vivid photography, and their tormented, passionate characters — are remarkably consistent in tone, style, and themes. On another level, though, the films are a diverse lot, ranging from moody dramas like Mona Lisa and The End of the Affair, to thrillers like The Crying Game and The Good Thief, to big-budget, star-studded epics like Interview With a Vampire and Michael Collins, to fairy tales like The Company of Wolves. He’s even made a couple of exuberant comedies along the way (including High Spirits, which is better than you remember). Now, with his latest, Byzantium, a tale of mother-and-daughter vampires (played by Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan) hiding out in a British seaside town, Jordan has returned to the vampire genre, and the result is one of his strongest, most ambitious and romantic works in years. Jordan talked to us about his new movie, fairy tales, and vampires.

ANGRY BIRDS Animated 3D Comedy Slated For July 1, 2016

Sony Pictures Entertainment has won the exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the eagerly anticipated Angry Birds animated film, making it one of the most high-profile deals of the year. The 3D film is being developed, produced, and financed by Rovio Entertainment and will be released worldwide by Sony Pictures on July 1, 2016. Several major studios pursued the global film rights in recent weeks, with Sony Pictures Entertainment emerging as the winner.

Michael Lynton, Chairman & CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio Entertainment jointly announced their partnership today. John Cohen and David Maisel – producer of Despicable Me and executive producer of Iron Man, respectively – are both on board for the new Angry Birds feature film. Cohen will serve as producer and Maisel is executive producer.

Commenting on the announcement, Mikael Hed said, “Sony impressed us with their great attitude, determination, and professionalism. They convinced us that we have found the right partners and team to help us market and distribute our first motion picture. Michael, Amy, Jeff Blake, Sony's marketing and distribution head, and their teams will be the best possible collaborators as we get set to take our franchise to the next level.”

Lynton and Pascal said, “Every studio in town would love to add Angry Birds to their slate. There are few titles out there that bring this kind of excitement, brand awareness and built-in audience to the table. We’re thrilled to be distributing this film and we hope this is just the beginning of what will be a long relationship with Rovio as we look for ways to work on future projects together.”

David Maisel and John Cohen said, “We are very excited to join with Sony Pictures in presenting this movie to the world in 2016 and we will have many more announcements as we begin production in the coming months.”

Angry Birds is one of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises, starting in 2009 with the original mobile game that remains the number one paid app of all time. Angry Birds has expanded rapidly into entertainment, publishing, and licensing to become a beloved international brand.

Angry Birds has been praised for its great value and simple, casual gameplay. Players use a slingshot to launch birds at green pigs in an attempt to get their eggs back, with the game setting the model for what is possible in terms of game development and commercial success. To date, the Angry Birds and Bad Piggies games have been downloaded more than 1.7 billion times across platforms and versions.

The upcoming movie marks Rovio Entertainment’s first foray into feature films, although fans have already been introduced to the Angry Birds world with the weekly Angry Birds Toons animated series. Rovio launched the series in March through its Angry Birds apps as well as on select video-on-demand channel providers, Smart TVs, connected devices, and on select TV networks around the world. Paving the way for a full-length feature film, Angry Birds Toons has been a massive success for Rovio clocking in over 150 million views from the Angry Birds apps alone within the first six weeks.

While known for distributing world renowned motion picture franchises such as Spider-Man, Sony Pictures has been building a strong reputation in contemporary animation through its house production unit, Sony Pictures Animation, and hit films including Hotel Transylvania, The Smurfs, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Surf’s Up, Open Season, and Aardman’s Arthur Christmas and The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

SEVEN NEW POSTERS FOR “SEVENTH SON”

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures have rolled out seven new character one-sheets for their fantasy action adventure “Seventh Son.”

The posters separately highlight the seven important characters played by Jeff Bridges, Ben Barnes, Alicia Vikander, Kit Harington, Antje Traue, Djimon Hounsou and Julianne Moore.

In the film, Master Gregory (Bridges) is a knight who had imprisoned the malevolently powerful witch, Mother Malkin (Moore), centuries ago. But she has escaped and is seeking vengeance. Summoning her followers of every incarnation, Mother Malkin is preparing to unleash her terrible wrath on an unsuspecting world. Only one thing stands in her way: Master Gregory.

GODZILLA Stomps into a New Teaser Image

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures released a new image art for the upcoming tent pole “Godzilla.” Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, and Juliette Binoche are starring in the film, with David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston.

            Gareth Edwards is directing the film from a screenplay by Max Borenstein, Frank Darabont and Dave Callaham. Legendary’s Thomas Tull and Jon Jashni are producing with Mary Parent and Brian Rogers. Alex Garcia and Patricia Whitcher are serving as executive producers alongside Yoshimitsu Banno and Kenji Okuhira.

            Opening across the Philippines on May 15, 2014, “Godzilla” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

SM Foundation Sends Out 50,000 Relief Packs to Yolanda Victims

PRESS RELEASE

The SM Group of Companies, through the SM Foundation's disaster relief program, Operation Tulong Express, has started relief operations in typhoon-stricken areas across Luzon and the Visayas region to provide assistance to the families greatly affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

“The SM Group of Companies has mobilized SM Foundation’s Tulong Express disaster relief facility. We are distributing 50,000 kalinga packages to typhoon victims in Tacloban, Samar, Panay Island (Iloilo, Antique, Capiz), Cebu, Bicol and Bacolod," said SM Foundation executive director Debbie Sy.

Following the onslaught of “Yolanda,” SM Foundation volunteers and partners were able to immediately prepare 20,000 relief goods and have repacked 30,000 more for distribution to various areas at once. The Kalinga relief packages consist of bottles of mineral water, rice, ready-to-eat ulam packs, and instant noodles. A total of 50,000 relief packs are allocated in the following areas, Tacloban (20,000 packs); Cebu (10,000); Panay Island (7,000); Samar (5,000); Bohol (4,000); Bicol (3,000); and Bacolod (1,000). The distribution is done in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Air Force, local government units, SM Malls, SM Hypermaket, SM Supermarket, and SaveMore.

SM Foundation also accepts donations in kind through Tulong Express booths in all SM Malls nationwide or in cash deposited at BDO account name: SM Foundation Inc.-Operation Tulong Express with savings account number: 15000 70694. SM Foundation will issue receipt of donations for deposit slips faxed to 831-8282. For SM employees, they were able to raise more than Php100,000 for the Bohol earthquake victims. Currently, the employees are raising funds for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

While for its other ongoing relief efforts, the Foundation vowed that it will push through with the assistance it is currently extending to other regions in the country that were hit by previous calamities, such as the earthquake that struck Bohol and Cebu in October and typhoon Maring which battered various parts of the Philippines last August.

KOREAN MOVIE “DON’ T CRY MOMMY” DEPICTS PRESSING NATIONAL ISSUES

“Don’t Cry Mommy” is an outspoken depiction of the national issues on high school sexual violence that has plagued the nation in the recent past.  Based on various true cases, “Don’t Cry Mommy” stars celebrated Korean actress Yoo Sun and young icons Nam Bo-ra and Dong-Ho (U-Kiss) about a teenage girl whose first crush turns into a gang-rape nightmare that triggers her suicide, prompting her grieving mother to take vengeance into her own hands.

             
 Arriving at a new school in the wake of her parent’s divorce, conscientious teenage girl Eun-ha (Nam Bo-ra) is attracted to handsome student Jo-han (Dong-ho). Preying on her innocence, Jo-han and friends Pak Joon (Kwan Hyun-sang) and Min-gu (Lee Sang-min) rape Eun-ha, and threaten to post footage of the incident online if she talks. After Eun-ha’s suicide, the students who perpetrated the crime received only limited punishment applicable under prevailing laws.

Outraged by the illogical verdict, Yoo-rim decides to punish them herself. The script received mixed reactions for high level of violence, almost literally depicting the phrase “women are weak, but mothers are strong”. This project was developed with actress Yoo Sun in mind since the very beginning because of her previous portrayal of strong female roles in her previous films.
         
     Filming the controversial drama thriller “Don't Cry Mommy” was an emotional roller coaster for Korean actress Yoo Sun. “There are so many emotional scenes in the movie and sometimes, I would be filming emotional scenes all day long, until dawn.  It was very tiring but I had to keep myself emotionally charged for those scenes,” relates Yoo Sun.

                The movie outgrossed other foreign films such as “Wolf Boy” and “Breaking Dawn 2” when it opened in Korea and was initially rated for adult viewing but has eventually opened to be screened in Korea to 15 years old and above when more people appealed for a lower censors rating.
           

  “Don’t Cry Mommy” opens November 13 in cinemas from Axinite Digicinema.

Visa Requirements Dictating Two-thirds of Filipino’s Travel Choices

A survey conducted by Skyscanner, a leading global travel search site, reveals that the logistics of securing visas are having a huge effect on the holiday destination choices made by Filipinos.

Currently, Philippine passport holders can only visit 25 countries without a visa. These countries include neighboring Southeast Asian countries and some Latin America destinations such as Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Costa Rica.

According to the survey, 73% of the 1000 Filipino respondents consider visa issues before choosing their holiday destination. Only 26% of the respondents have been to two or more destinations that required a visa. When the respondents were asked to rank their top destinations are if visas were no option, they ranked America on top of the list followed by Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia.

 “Right now, ASEAN passengers can just hop on and off a plane within the region without the hassle of planning months before to meet visa requirements,” Janet Ranola, Philippine Marketing Manager for Skyscanner.  “There have been a lot of Filipinos traveling within the ASEAN region in the past few years because of the increased number of flights within the region offered by budget airlines and the convenience of the no-visa travel agreement in the region.” 

89% of the respondents support a single visa system across ASEAN countries to ease travel across the region. “19% of our Filipino respondents have had their visa applications rejected. With a single visa system across ASEAN countries, non-ASEAN nationals are able to travel around the region without the need to obtain a visa for each country,” Ranola added. “This would definitely boost tourism within the region.”

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About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a leading global travel search site offering a truly comprehensive, free flight search service as well as instant online comparisons for hotels and car hire. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner receives over 25 million unique visitors each month. Skyscanner is optimised worldwide and is available in 30 languages. Skyscanner’s highly-rated free mobile apps are available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Windows 8 devices and have been downloaded over 25 million times. The privately-owned company employs over 250 staff and has its global headquarters in Edinburgh with regional hubs in Singapore, Beijing, Barcelona and Miami.

For more information, visit our press office or our company blog.  

PARKLAND Movie

A TRAUMA PATIENT IS RUSHED TO PARKLAND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN DALLAS. HIS NAME IS PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY.

Parkland recounts the chaotic events that occurred in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Parkland is the ferocious, heart-stopping and powerful untold true story of the people behind the scenes of one of the most scrutinized events in history.
Parkland weaves together the perspectives of a handful of ordinary individuals suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances: the young doctors and nurses at Parkland Hospital; Dallas’ chief of the Secret Service; an unwitting cameraman who captured what became the most watched and examined film in history; the FBI agents who nearly had the gunman within their grasp; the brother of Lee Harvey Oswald, left to deal with his shattered family; and JFK’s security team, witnesses to both the president’s death and Vice President Lyndon Johnson’s rise to power over a nation whose innocence was forever altered.
The ensemble cast includes James Badge Dale, Zac Efron, Oscar®-nominee Jackie Earle Haley, Colin Hanks, David Harbour, Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden, Golden Globe®-nominee Ron Livingston, Jeremy Strong, Oscar-winner Billy Bob Thornton, Oscar-nominee Jacki Weaver Linings, Mark Duplass, Gil Bellow and Oscar-nominee Paul Giamatti.

Released and Distributed by Captive Cinema showing soon!

Zambezia Movie

Zambezia- they’ll have to wing it, in this bird city!

On the edge of a majestic waterfall, in the heart of Africa, lies the amazing bird city of Zambezia, led by wise and battle-tested Sekhuru (Leonard Nimoy). Our young falcon hero Kai (Jeremy Suarez) leaves his remote outpost against his father (Samuel L. Jackson) whishes join the prestigious Hurricane defense flyers fiercely trained by Ajax (Jeff Goldblum) to patrol the skies keeping Zambezia safe. Kai’s father goes after him but is captured as the scheming iguana lizard Budzo (Jim Cummings) conspires to attack the sanctuary. Kai and soul mate Zoe (Abigail Breslin) will need to gather all their flying skills along with a big dose of diplomacy to save the city from Budzo’s deadly plot.

From Captive Cinema!  Zambezia is beautifully animated fun-filled adventure the whole family will enjoy!

Released and Distributed by Captive Cinema showing soon!

The BOOK THIEF Trailer

 Based on the beloved bestselling novel, THE BOOK THIEF tells the inspiring story of a spirited and courageous young girl named Liesel, who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a foster family in World War II Germany.

Check out 20^th Century Fox’s YouTube where trailer has just been launched. 



                               For Liesel, the power of words and of imagination becomes a means of escape – and even joy – from the tumultuous events enveloping her and everyone she knows and loves. She is THE BOOK THIEF’s heart and soul.

                 Directed by Brian Percival, “The Book Thief” stars Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson and newcomer Sophie Nélisse in the title role.

                “The Book Thief” will open soon in 2014 nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

THE COUNSELOR Character Posters

Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott and Pulitzer Prize winning author Cormac McCarthy (“No Country for Old Men”) have joined forces in the motion picture thriller “The Counselor,” starring Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt.  McCarthy, making his screenwriting debut and Scott interweave the author’s characteristic wit and dark humor with a nightmarish scenario, in which a respected lawyer’s one-time dalliance with an illegal business deal spirals out of control.

                “The Counselor” is a cautionary tale about mistakenly tempting fate.  Rounding off this tale are people who get involved in something they should have stayed out but are eventually lured into a world where immense amount of cash can be quickly handed in a very dangerous way.

                Revealed are the latest online character posters of “The Counselors” assembled to portray unforgettable characters – damaged goods yet attractive who have all ducked in unexpected moments of thrill and humor.

             

Michael Fassbender is simply known as The Counselor tempted to try for once an illegal way of amassing a large amount of money instantly. Although he’s received numerous warnings about the potential dangers of getting into this deal, his blind arrogance deafened him of those warnings.

                Laura, played by Penélope Cruz is the fiancée of The Counselor.  Laura is a beautiful woman whom The Counselor prizes the most.  Her intelligence and foresight – and her love for The Counselor – are no match for his descent into the rabbit hole, and they both face tragic consequences if the deal he has made with unseen, powerful forces, goes south.

STELLAR CAST AS DAMAGED GOODS IN “THE COUNSELOR”

Probably this year’s jaw-dropping crime thriller so far, “The Counselor” is both an amazing and devastating cautionary tale about greed helmed by no less than Academy-Award nominee director/producer Ridley Scott (“Alien,” Black Hawk Down,” “Prometheus,” “Hannibal”) and written by Pulitzer-Prize winner Cormac McCarthy who recent novels “All The Pretty Horses,” “No Country for Old Men,” “The Road” and “Child of God” have all been made into acclaimed major motion pictures.

                 Filled with a sterling cast headed by Michael Fassbender in the titular role, “The Counselor”  also stars Academy-Award winning couple Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz along with acclaimed blockbuster stars Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz.

Shimmian Manila Surgicenter Opens in SM Southmall

Shimmian Manila Surgicenter recently opened it's 5th branch in the south of Manila at the basement level of SM Southmall. Managing Director and Chief Dermatologist, Dr. Anna Marie Montesa-Lansangan welcomed everyone to the beautiful Shimmian Manila Grand Opening Event last October 26, 2013.

The event was held at the activity center of SM Southmall. Dr. Anna Marie Lansangan and husband Dr. Levin Lansangan both made everyone happy with the food, giveaways, mini contests and the performance of Shimmian Manila endorsers. The event was hosted by my very good friend Vince Caballero and Bonnie Cruz, both radio jocks.