Fun Facts on the Making of “CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER”

A brand-new costume for Captain America? Gymnastics lessons for Chris Evans? The iconic shield as an offensive weapon? Get to know the fun trivia surrounding the production of Marvel's “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

The sequel pick-ups where “Marvel’s The Avengers” left off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.

Chris Evans returns as the iconic Super Hero character Steve Rogers/Captain America, along with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

• The Winter Soldier character, played by Sebastian Stan, was created for Marvel comics by Ed Brubaker in 2005. Though the character of Bucky Barnes existed previously in the Captain America comic books, he was killed off in WWII and not resurrected until Brubaker brought him back as the Winter Soldier.

“BUDAPEST HOTEL’S” Grand US Box Office Debut

 Soon to be released in Ayala Cinemas, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” recently broke U.S. box-office records for being the highest-grossing limited live action debut of all time to-date. With its limited release, the movie is now crowned as the most successful art-house release and that of Anderson’s most successful debut so far with an $800,000 weekend box-office bow.

                Directed by world acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson, “Grand Budapest Hotel” is a caper dramedy that stars a powerhouse cast including Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Willem Defoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bull Murray, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Bob Balaban, Tom Wilkinson and Owen Wilson.              

Epic Adventure "Noah" Launches Posters

Paramount Pictures has released the domestic and international poster art for its eagerly anticipated epic adventure, “Noah.”

Russell Crowe stars as Noah in the film inspired by the epic story of courage, sacrifice and hope.
Also starring Jennifer Connelly (“A Beautiful Mind”), Ray Winstone (“Beowulf”), Emma Watson (the “Harry Potter” film series), Logan Lerman (“Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief”) and Anthony Hopkins (“Thor”), the film is directed by visionary filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (“Black Swan”).

Opening across the Philippines on April 02, 2014, “Noah” will be distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures.

Teaser Trailer of "Planes: Fire & Rescue" Takes Off

The teaser trailer of Disney's 3D animated comedy-adventure “Planes: Fires & Rescue” has just took off and may now be seen here.



The sequel to last year's box-office hit “Planes” (grossing more than $200 million worldwide, with some global markets still to open), “Planes: Fire & Rescue” is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire.

When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team, including spirited super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.

Opening across the Philippines on August 13, 2014, “Planes: Fire & Rescue” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Into the Wild and Bigger Adventure in RIO 2

Carlos Saldanha, who co-directed and directed the global blockbuster “Ice Age” movies had long wanted to write a love letter to his hometown of Rio.  From his imagination came a story about a nerdy, highly domesticated bird who goes on the adventure of a lifetime in that wondrous city that produced the highly successful “Rio” movie released in April 2011 that became a worldwide smash with almost $500 million at the global box office.

                Now, his lead characters Blu and Jewel voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway are back in “Rio 2” for a grandeur adventure into the wild with the Nigel the villain at their trail.  To fully realize the scope and breadth of this magical world and its vivid characters, Saldanha brought together an all-star voice cast, led by Oscar® nominees Anne Hathaway and Jesse Eisenberg, Oscar and Grammy®-winner Jamie Foxx, acclaimed musical artist will.i.am, actor-musician Jemaine Clement, comedic actress Leslie Mann, actor Rodrigo Santoro (a Brazilian native), actor-comedian George Lopez, and funnyman Tracy Morgan.    

"Maleficent" Reveals Two New Posters

Walt Disney Pictures has just revealed two new one-sheet art (domestic and international) for its fantasy adventure “Maleficent” starring Angelina Jolie.

Featured below, the domestic poster shows Jolie hypnotically staring into the viewer as the title character's iconic horns beautifully cut the solid white background. Meanwhile, the international version features an image of Sleeping Beauty in addition to Maleficent.

“MALEFICENT” Spreads Wings in New Trailer

Disney has just released a new trailer for director Robert Stromberg’s fantasy-adventure “Maleficent” which may be viewed here.



“Maleficent” explores the untold story of Disney's most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty" and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone.

Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king's newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

Opening across the Philippines on May 28, 2014, “Maleficient” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Electrolux Design Lab 2014

Design students contribute to building thoughtful homes

Imagine this: You had an exhausting day at school and you can’t wait to get home and rest. On your way home, the weather was unpredictable and the pollution in the streets was horrible. As you enter your room, you realize that it is not as spotless as you hoped it was. You come in to the kitchen to find good food, but you find nothing on the dining table. You had a draining day and the last thing you would want to do is take care of the household chores.

The Atomium 3D food printer concept, aims to promote healthy lifestyles by incorporating play into food preparation. 

The  Breathing Wall filters indoor air using a cutting-edge bio-oxygen technology that eliminates contamination, odor and germs

The futuristic MAB cleaner scans the environment and deploys nano robots to clean dirty surfaces.

As you let out a weary sigh, you realize that your home appliances can take care of all these. You see the MAB cleaner scanning your house and deploying its flying mini-robots to the areas in need of cleaning. Meanwhile, an Atonium 3D Food Printer has determined your nutritional needs and is working on a healthy meal for you. At the same time, the Breathing Wall started to purify the air while recreating an environment that will help you relive a happy memory. Imagine this futuristic scenario made possible by you. 

This advanced home is the brainchild of the top three winners at last year’s Electrolux Design Lab competition. 

Electrolux Design Lab 2014

This year, Electrolux, a global leader in household appliances, partnered with the University of the Philippines-Diliman, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and University of the East-Caloocan to give design students a chance to create a thoughtful, modern home for the rest of the world to enjoy.

Design students around the globe are invited to submit innovative ideas for the future household for a chance to win € 5,000 and a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux Global Design Center.

On its 12^th year, Electrolux Design Lab continues to pave the way for future visions of urban household lifestyles, with the theme Creating Healthy Homes. The competition seeks ideas for products, accessories, consumables and services for three focus areas: Culinary Enjoyment, Fabric Care and Air Purification. Through the Design Lab competition, Electrolux sees a creative and sustainable future that projects a healthy well-being and pleasant environment for everyone to live in.

Andrea Pionilla, Marketing Manager, Electrolux Philippines, explains, “Design Lab is Electrolux’s way of fostering technological innovation. This year, we look forward to receiving creative new ideas that will promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles to millions of people around the world.” She adds, “Design students from the country are capable of competing globally and are equipped with outstanding skills and the drive to be recognized by the whole world. For the winning idea to come from the Philippines this year would be a great finishing touch.”

All Filipino Design students are welcome to join. To enter the competition, participants should submit the following: (1) a brief of their concept; (2) a visual sketch illustrating their concept; and (3) a description of the consumer benefits. Submission of entries is from March 1 to April 6, 2014. To know more about last year’s winning entries and the details of the competition, visit www.electroluxdesignlab.com.

X-MEN’S Toughest Challenge yet in “X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST” (3D)

 20th Century Fox has just released new photos from the upcoming “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” the most epic and action-packed X-Men to-date.

Chris Evans Returns as Steve Rogers in “CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER”

Chris Evans reprises his role as the iconic Super Hero Steve Rogers in Marvel's “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

            “In this film a good amount of time has passed since the events with The Avengers, so Steve Rogers has had time to process what has happened to him,” says director Anthony Russo. “As the world’s greatest soldier, Cap moves on from the U.S. Army and goes to work for S.H.I.E.L.D., which creates a conflict in him because S.H.I.E.L.D. is a complicated spy organization that deals in grays and clandestine motivation, and that’s not who Cap really is.”

            For Chris Evans the grounded and gritty tone of the script played to the strength and sensibilities of the title character. “Cap doesn’t fly; he doesn’t shoot lightning bolts,” informs Evans. “He punches and kicks, so with that type of combat, to make it cool you have the liberty to get grittier. It feels a little more voyeuristic, a little more documentary style, and it just has a rougher feel as opposed to most Super Hero films that tend to be a bit glossier.”

Johansson's Black Widow Darker Than Ever in “CAPTAIN AMERICA” Sequel

Joining Steve Rogers aka Captain America in his latest adventure, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” is familiar ally Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, played once again by topnotch actress Scarlett Johansson.

Natasha has become Steve Rogers’ closest ally in the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization as she helps him adjust to his new role. “When we first meet Natasha and Steve, it’s kind of in real time, so a couple of years have gone by and they have worked on many different missions together,” informs Johansson. “They have gotten to know each other better, so they have more ease and banter to their conversations. I really like the dynamic because their friendship is far more interesting to me than if they were to have a romantic relationship.”

Habitat for Humanity Philippines and BPI gives thanks with Zalora

Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Zalora Philippines (Zalora) today launched a promo that encourages BPI Cardholders to help Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) survivors by shopping online.

“People have the heart to help, but sometimes don’t know how,” says Habitat CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco. “This partnership with BPI and Zalora is a good and easy way of doing so as we now move towards rebuilding the lives of those affected by Haiyan.  We have a long way to go and every amount helps in giving these families back their homes.” ends Ayco.

Habitat aims to distribute 30,000 Shelter Repair Kits and build 30,000 core shelters for those affected by Haiyan depending on availability of funding.

“With BPI’s more than 1 million credit cardholders, and Zalora being the leading online fashion store in the country, we hope to generate a lot of donations while they shop,” says BPI VP for Marketing Strategy and Development Angie Florentino.  “Thank you, Habitat and Zalora for undertaking this role with us as we continue to help those who survived Haiyan.”

“Thank you for letting us be a part of this initiative,” says Zalora Philippines Co-Founder and Managing Director Paulo L. Campos III.  “We are very excited in launching the promo with BPI.  I’m sure our online shoppers will be thrilled with the 15% discount voucher they will receive when they donate to Habitat.” ends Campos.

The BPI-Zalora promo is open to all qualified BPI credit card holders.  BPI cardholders may donate a minimum of P1,000.00 using any BPI Card variant via www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines.  They will then receive a 15% ZALORA discount

voucher code via e-mail which may be used upon checkout when they shop at ZALORA.COM.PH.  Discount is not valid for sale items and brand exclusions apply. Terms and conditions apply. Promo is from March 15 – June 15, 2014.

New Fantasy World Unveils in “SAGA: CURSE OF THE SHADOW”

From the producers of “Pride and Prejudice,” Jason Faller and Kynan Griffin of Arrowstorm Entertainment write and produce “Saga: Curse of the Shadow,” a sci-fi adventure thriller tracking a female bounty hunter on a mission to stop a cult to raise the god of the Undead.



                Starring Dani Chuchran as Nemyt Willowhaven, a tormented elven bounty huntress to infiltrate a cabal known as The Shadow. In the movie a man named Keltus (Richard McWilliams), an agent of the ruling Order, is on the trail of the enigmatic Shadow cult. He reports to a local garrison to interrogate a captured Shadow cultist, but finds the man dead - murdered by Nemyt, an elven bounty huntress cursed with the Mark of the Shadow - an undead plague. Nemyt has learned of a secret meeting and a powerful treasure. Keltus frees her from prison and the two set out to rendezvous with the cult.  

Final Trailer of “AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2” is here!

The final international trailer for “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” has just been launched  by Columbia Pictures which can now be viewed here.



            Synopsis: We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important conflict has been within himself:  the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man.  But in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” Peter Parker finds that his greatest battle is about to begin.

            It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield).  For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone).  But being Spider-Man comes at a price:  only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city.  With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he.  And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common:  Oscorp.

            The film, directed by Marc Webb from a screen story and screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, is produced by Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach.

            (Be the first to see the defining moment in Peter Parker’s journey! Opening across the Philippines on April 30, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.)

SM Supermalls Honors 100 Women of Power and Substance This March

In celebration of Women’s Month, SM Supermalls, Project Headshot Clinic, and the Dream Project Philippines are launching a campaign and digital exhibit called Inspire.

Inspire brings together 100 of the country’s most inspiring women from all fields and industries, such as Jessica Cox, Irma Adlawan, Andi Manzano, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Kai Magsanoc, Margie Moran, Nene Chan, Angel Guerrero, Kara Alikpala, Wilma Galvante, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, Ingrid Santamaria, Sarah Gaugler, and Merlee Jayme. (Photos can be found here)

The diversity of the women chosen shows that regardless of background, beliefs, and preferences, empowered women who dream and act on those dreams are able to inspire and change their communities for the better.

Inspire is showcasing stories of women empowering others. To get a chance to be one of the 100 women featured in Inspire, applicants must answer the question, “How are you using your power as a woman to inspire change and enable dreams of your own and of others?” Their answers should be posted in any of the  following  social  media  accounts,  Facebook,  Twitter  or  Instagram,  starting  with  the  hashtag
#SMProjectInspire.

Applicants must also register via Headshot Clinic's official website, www.headshotclinic.com, for their entries to be counted. Entries must be received by March 17, 2014.

Inspire is a joint effort of SM Supermalls, Project Headshot Clinic, and the Dream Project Philippines. It is one of the highlights of SM Supermalls’ national celebration of Women’s Month. To know the full schedule of events for March, please visit www.facebook.com/smsupermalls.

Project Headshot Clinic is digital platform that merges profile photos with campaigns and advocacies. The Dream Project Philippines is a volunteer-based community initiative that helps build the nation by shaping the dreams of the Filipino youth.

For more information about Inspire, go to  www.headshotclinic.com,  www.smsupermalls.com or in the

SM Supermalls’ official Facebook page.

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST Latest Teaser Video

Director Bryan Singer tweets latest "X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST" teaser video featuring selected X-Men characters poised to face the battle that will define their fate.

Enjoy watching the teaser trailer here -> http://instagram.com/p/k2XZgiDo_c/#

Watch out for these characters that will war against powerful machines and be forced to time travel to save their kind.

"X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST" opens May 21 in (Phils.) theaters from 20th Century Fox.

“300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE” GROSSES P67-M IN 4 DAYS, OPENS AT NO. 1 IN PH

MANILA, March 10, 2014 – Warner Bros. Pictures' blood-splattered epic “300: Rise of an Empire” slew its box office competition with a nationwide opening weekend of a battle-ready P67-million for the March 6 to 9 frame. This was announced today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Philippines, the film’s distributor.

            The epic action-adventure muscled its way to the record books, with the following breached milestones: All Time, Industry-Wide Biggest Opening Weekend for an R-16 or higher-rated film (surpassing the R-18-rated “The Da Vinci Code” at P46.55M); and All-Time Biggest Opening Weekend for a Warner Bros. R-rated film (outgrossing the R-13 rated “The Matrix Reloaded” at P45.3M).
And despite a 4-day opening weekend, “Rise of an Empire” eclipsed the 5-day opening weekend of the first “300” by a robust 69%.

Worldwide, “Rise” scored an estimated $133 million, as it grossed $45.1 million in the U.S. and North America of which 3D contributed a muscular 63%, with premium large-format and Imax locations grossing a combined $10.9 million.

Internationally, “300″ hauled a stellar $87.8 million from 58 markets, including leaders Russia, France, South Korea and Brazil. The film, which earned $5.2 million from Imax overseas (a March record), ranked No. 1 in the market place globally.

Back in the Philippines, SM Mall of Asia got the lion’s share of gross receipts, posting a mammoth P4.09-M in five days.  At second place is SM North EDSA with P3.29-M, followed by SM Megamall at third with P3.02-M.

The Top Ten biggest-grossing cinemas include Trinoma (P2.16-M), SM Cebu (P2.08-M), Glorietta 4 (P1.85-M), Greenbelt 3 (P1.80-M), Power Plant (P1.60-M), Eastwood (P1.55-M) and Theatremall (P1.53-M).

The Top 11-20 slots are occupied by Alabang Town Center (P1.46-M), Gateway (P1.38-M), Newport (P1.281-M), SM Aura (P1.280-M), SM Fairview (P1.12-M), SM Southmall (P1.11-M), Ayala Cebu (P1.08-M), Market! Market! (P1.03-M), Shang Cineplex (P1.02-M)and Robinsons Ermita (P985,920.)
Set in ancient Greece, "300: Rise of an Empire” is the eagerly anticipated “companion film” to the 2007 blockbuster "300." “Rise” takes place before and after the earlier film when 300 Spartans marched to their deaths in a battle against the Persians.  In the new movie, an alliance of Greek city-states wage battle on the seas against the Persians.

Both films are based on graphic novels written by author Frank Miller. "300: Rise of an Empire" stars Australian actor Sullivan Stapleton as the Greek leader Themistokles and French actress and model Eva Green as Artemisia, the ruthless commander of the Persian forces.

"This far exceeded our expectations," said Jeff Goldstein, executive vice president for theatrical distribution at Warner Brothers.

The studio anticipated an opening in the range of $35 million to $40 million, "thinking, if we can get to $100 million (total box office) we'd be in a good place," Goldstein added, noting that the movie made nearly half that in its opening days.

"Clearly we captured a much broader audience than we anticipated," Goldstein said.

            Still showing across the Philippines in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D, 2D and 30mm format, “300: Rise of an Empire” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“ENTOURAGE” Expands as Additional Cast Joins the Film, Now in Production

Debi Mazar, Rex Lee, Constance Zimmer, Nora Dunn and Emily Ratajkowski have joined the cast of Warner Bros. Pictures’ theatrical feature “Entourage.”  Mazar, Lee, Zimmer and Dunn will reprise their roles as Shauna, Lloyd, Dana Gordon and Dr. Marcus from the HBO hit series, and Ratajkowski will appear as herself in the film, which began principal photography in Los Angeles on February 19.  

            “Entourage” will open in theaters beginning June 12, 2015.

Written and directed by series creator Doug Ellin, the big-screen version of the award-winning show stars Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven in their original roles, as well as Billy Bob Thornton and Haley Joel Osment as Larsen and Travis McCredle.  The film also reunites series regulars Perrey Reeves as Ari Gold’s wife, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Sloan, and Rhys Coiro as Billy Walsh.
“Entourage” is produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Doug Ellin, with Wayne Carmona serving as executive producer.  The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Steve Fierberg, production designer Chase Harlan, and costume designer Olivia Miles-Payne, all of whom worked on the long-running HBO series.

            Movie star Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), together with his boys, Eric (Kevin Connolly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Johnny (Kevin Dillon), are back…and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven).  Some of their ambitions have changed, but the bond between them remains strong as they navigate the capricious and often cutthroat world of Hollywood.

            In addition to Los Angeles, “Entourage” will also film on location in Miami, Florida.

            “Entourage” is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Home Box Office.  The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.