“EASY A” – A FUNNY MORALITY TALE FOR THE TEEN CROWD

On the heels of a little white lie about losing her virginity, clean-cut high schooler Olive finds that her new-found bad-girl rap has an upside: she is finally getting noticed. Olive decides to exploit her "easy" reputation and use the school rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. But life starts to spin hilariously out of control, in Columbia Pictures' teen comedy “Easy A.”  

The film stars Emma Stone (recently cast as Gwen Stacy in the “Spider-Man” 2012 reboot) as Olive, Penn Badgley (TV’s “Gossip Girl”), Amanda Bynes (“What a Girl Wants”), Cam Gigandet (“Twilight”) and Aly Michalka (TV’s “Hellcats”). 

Its' easy to love Emma Stone, with her striking beauty and sincere talent, she is claiming her role as one of Hollywood's most sought out actresses. She has just been cast as Gwen Stacy in the “Spider-Man” reboot in 2012. And now, she’s starring in one of the year’s smartest and coolest teen comedies – Columbia Pictures’ “Easy A.” 

He starred as a villainous vampire in Catherine Hardwick's hugely successful “Twilight.”  Now, Cam Gigandet plays a Bible-quoting student who may have dark secret, in Columbia Pictures' new teen comedy “Easy A.” For Gigandet, the role of Micah was a far cry from his portrayal of the vampire who hunts humans for sport in  “Twilight.”

Best known for his role of Dan Humphrey in the hit series “Gossip Girl,” Penn Badgley was more than happy to take on a new character challenge with his role in Columbia Pictures' new, edgy comedy, “Easy A.”   Playing the part of ‘Woodchuck Todd’ was so tempting, he arranged to fly between the west and east coasts of America to accommodate the shooting schedules for both the film and his series.

The world of “Easy A” first arose out of a concept screenwriter Bert Royal had to fuse a timeless work of literature with a contemporary milieu. Royal chose Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” -- about the public ordeal a 17th century Boston woman named Hester Prynne goes through over an act of adultery -- as the classic source. “The major theme of the piece, is about puritanical values versus being yourself.", quotes the writer. 

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 10, “Easy A” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads.  Like them at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join their fan contests. 

HOLIDAY ADVISORY

November 1 (Monday) is declared as special non-working holiday for the entire Philippines in observance of All Saints Day, as per Proclamation No. 1463.

 

Those who will report to work on November 1 will be compensated with an additional thirty percent (30%) of daily rate.

The inefficiency of LRT

Before, when you you're in a hurry to go a certain place, you take the train. It's the fastest transportation there is a few years back. Its much faster than jeep, cab or bus and it will cost you much less too.



But now, I honestly don't think it is. I have been an MRT-LRT user for almost 12 years now, since I started college, LRT was my only mode of transportation from house to school and vice versa. Rush hour back then was not like the "rush hour" today.


Today, if you will ride the LRT during rush hours you will have to wait for a maximum of 15mins before you can ride a train, actually, before you will be pushed your way into the train. In every 3 trains that will pass your station, only 1 train will open for ride. You will have to wait at the platform again, if you weren't lucky enough "na matulak papasok ng train", together with sweaty *and sometimes smelly* people who, like you, got out of the house very fresh and with make up, but ended up being harrassed in riding the LRT in going to work. Now, the moment you made it inside the LRT, if you're not lucky to catch a seat, you will literally rub elbows and faces with the same sweaty *and sometimes smelly* people who waited with you at the platform. You will also meet one of my pet peeve, the girl whose hair is good for a shampoo commercial, but did not take the time to dry her hair before going out of her house, thus, you'd end up annoyed that her wet hair and wet back is occasionally rubbing your back as well. Haay, the joy of taking the train nowadays.


Honestly, I think LRT SHOULD do something about this. There are about 4 million people riding LRT every freaking day, I wonder if they know this. People ride the train because if fast, affordable and very efficient. Now, I can only say it's affordable. I should wait til it would increase it's prices. Everyday, during rush hours you would really see that they just let the people come in and I don't think they manage the influx of people everyday. This shouldn't be the scenario of efficient train transportation. I just have to let this all out. I was really pissed off at LRT today, well not just today actually.

Hennesy Artistry in Manila: The Global Art of Mixing

MOET Hennesy Asia Pacific presents, Hennesy Artistry in Manila with these: 

4 Surprising Drinks...

3 Amazing Bands...

2 International DJ’s...

1 Unforgettable Night...

Hennesy, known for the best cognac in the world will mix flavors and talents this coming November. Moet Hennessy Asia Pacific is delighted to announce the launch of its musical platform Hennesy Artistry in Manila, a unique platform entirely dedicated to Mixability that characterizes the Hennessy Artistry. 

At the night of the event, Hennessy will serve Hennessy's mixed drinks based on four basic flavors that mix perfectly with Hennessy Cognac - berry, citrus, ginger and apple. Beside from these treats, Hennessy will present two international music star DJ's, alternative group Pupil, rock band Kjwan  and pop group True Faith and they will seamlessly mix various genres of music together live on stage.

 How to attend? I'm sure you're all dying to know.. to attend this exclusive, purchase a bottle of Hennessy at Encore Super Club, Limbo, Amber Ultra Lounge or M Cafe and participate in an activity with Hennessy models to receive tickets. 

Check out the Hennessy Artistry Manila website and their Facebook Fanpage. Follow them on Twitter too, HArtistryPH for more info and updates. See you there!

A Run for the Pasig River 10.10.10

The 10 10 10 Run for Pasig River Fun Run was a success! I, together with Angel and Matt, run for the restoration of the Ilog Pasig and at the same time joined the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ECO-foot race in the world. That's hitting two birds in one run! People from all walks of life have come together for a common cause - to save ilog Pasig and give the coming generations a clear future.

We arrived at Quirino at around 5am and Roxas blvd from Quirino - Buendia is already closed due to the run. People were coming in from different directions towards CCP where the 5k runner will start. (that's us!) 3K Runner will start in MOA and 10k runners will start in Ayala. There were exercises before the run but i dont think people can still stretch dahil sobrang jampacked na. After the gun start, runners flooded Roxas - Buendia-MOA (the 5k route). After the run, runners are gathered sa MOA concert grounds for some freebies and for the program, we just squeeze our way in sa tent that distributes the finisher's bracelet and then umalis na kami because of sooo many runners dun and we're hungry na din. We walked going to roxas then rode the jeep to Quirino, then ate at Sinangag Express (my request) and then went home.

There were around 150,000 runners who register and join the run awhile ago. Despite the headache the 5k was so worth it! Kahit hindi makatakbo ng maayos kanina sa sobrang daming tao. Haha! The feeling after you stepped on the finish line was so refreshing!

Congrats to all!

Happy Birthday John Lennon!

Happy Birthday John Lennon!

FIRST-LOOK: “HEREAFTER” POSTER

“Hereafter” tells the story of three people who are haunted by mortality in different ways. Matt Damon stars as George, a blue-collar American who has a special connection to the afterlife. On the other side of the world, Marie (Cécile de France), a French journalist, has a near-death experience that shakes her reality. And when Marcus (Frankie/George McLaren), a London schoolboy, loses the person closest to him, he desperately needs answers. Each on a path in search of the truth, their lives will intersect, forever changed by what they believe might—or must—exist in the hereafter.

The film also stars award-winning Belgian actress Cécile de France (“A Secret”) as Marie, and twins Frankie and George McLaren. The international cast also includes Jay Mohr (“Street Kings,” TV’s “Gary Unmarried”), Bryce Dallas Howard (“Eclipse,” “Spider-Man 3”), Marthe Keller, Thierry Neuvic and Derek Jacobi.

“Hereafter” is produced by Eastwood, multiple Oscar®-nominated producer Kathleen Kennedy (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Munich,” “E.T.”) and two-time Oscar® nominee Robert Lorenz (“Letters from Iwo Jima,” “Mystic River”). Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Peter Morgan and Tim Moore served as executive producers.

Late

Why is that when you are such in a hurry, everything goes so slow. The train is not even running, it's crawling this morning, and the traffic.. well it's in his usual business. You take the train because it express, it supposedly much faster than any ground transportation there is. But lately it has become very inefficient, the volume of the people riding the LRT and MRT everyday has become countless and the government is not doing anything about it.

No, im not ranting because im blaming these for being late today.

well, yeah maybe I am.

Darn. Crap. Ugh.

Eat Pray Love Movie Review

Liz Gilbert had everything a modern woman is supposed to dream of having -- a husband, a house, a successful career -- yet like so many others, she found herself lost, confused, and searching for what she really wanted in life. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, Gilbert steps out of her comfort zone, risking everything to change her life, embarking on a journey around the world that becomes a quest for self-discovery. In her travels, she discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali. 

Indeed, there really is more than one way to let yourself go and see the world. The moment I saw the trailer, I liked it already. After I watched the movie, I loved every scene and every word. The Story is not your typical drama of falling in love, getting hurt and getting back at your feet. I love the small details that happened in Liz' life that lead her to where she is right now. The fact that this is a TRUE story makes it more appealing to the audience. The Direction is brilliant. I just love how they showed the good food finds and the history of Italy, how the movie educated us on ashram in India and how the movie teaches us the balance of life in Bali. The scenery in every country is superb. Witty humor is present too, look out for Ketut. The musical is perfect with every scene attached to it. The Actors, award winning, starting of with Julia Roberts. Throw her any character and im so sure she can pull it off, muffin top or no muffin top. Julia's lovers, James Franco and Javier Bardem were either adorable and sexy in their roles. 


Change is the only permanent thing in the world, they say. I would have to agree. I was once asked, If there is one thing in the world that I want to change, what would it be and why. I answered that I wanted to start the change in myself first and then influence others.








Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 6, Eat Pray Love is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM turns 15!

The country's first and only world-class theme park celebrates 15 years of magic!

Enchanted Kingdom's grand opening fifteen years ago marked a major milestone in the local leisure and amusement industry. It was and still remains to be the Philippine's first and only world-class theme park. As Enchanted Kingdom celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this month of October, prepare for the different highlights that will surely fascinate you and gives you a lifetime of magical experience.

15th Anniversary Highlights

EK's EKstreme Tower Ride - A spanking brand new ride that will bring adrenaline rush to all those who dare take the plunge. This spine-tingling ride towers 150 feet into the sky, you will be given a minute at the top and 2seconds to drop.

Happy Feet: Mumble's Wild Ride - After the successful run of Speed Racer, Rialto's new film feature is based on the award winning animated motion picture, Happy Feet. 

First Enchanted Kingdom Asian Sky Wizardry Competition - For the 15th Anniversary Celebration, EK hosted an international fireworks competition on the grand night of October 23, preceded by local elimination rounds on October  2, 3, 9, 10, 16 &17. Two fireworks per night on the said dates!


Annunal search for EK's Little Prince & Princess 2010 - The search for the princess (3rd edition) and the search for the prince (1st edition) is on! Finals is on October 24.


Princess Victoria's Dream Shop by Careline - Pretty young lasses who wants to become "princess for a day" can walk in to this beauty parlor cum retail store and go thru make up and adorn regal dresses and accesories.


Elder's Specialty Shop - Know more about everything and anything that is about Eldar the Wizard, Enchanted Kingdom's lovable signature mascot.


Simon & Silver Magic Show - Prepare to be mesmerized and enthralled by a completely new spellbinding show for our resident illusionists, Simon & Silver.

EK-Biki Waterworld - The water park will re-open again after a short hiatus, in addition to the regular water attractions, new features are being progressively introduced  leading to a very exciting holiday season before the end of the year.

Enjoy "A Lifetime of Magical Experience, as Enchanted Kingdom Promises."

Legend of the Guardian Movie Review

As much as I wanted to start my review with a quote from the  movie, I can't because I wasn't able to take note any of the status-worth lines by the Owls because I was too spellbound by the movie.

Just a brief background, the movie is based from the first three books, Guardians of Ga'Hoole by Kathryn Lasky. The film follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father's epic stories of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, as he embarks on a quest to follow his dream.. only to discover they are real.

What to expect. A lot of Owls, ofcourse. The movie will tell you also different types of Owls, you have never even heard before. The story is quite simple (maybe because this is just a summary of the first three books) from your bedtime stories come a real journey in finding your dreams. The animation is a must see, watch out for slow motion owl fight. I feel somehow that it might be a violent movie for kids, since the second half of the film is mostly owl battle scenes. The voices behind the owls were commendable, combines with the eye-catching visuals. But I love the fantastic animation of the movie, the enchanting place of Ga'Hoole, the epic feel of something you were just dreaming turned out to be real. It's a first rate family entertainment and you MUST WATCH IT IN 3D.



Legend of the Guardian, The Owls of Ga'Hoole will start showing today in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D, and regular format. The movie is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

IMAX Think BIG project

Think BIG!  SM Cinema is giving away free IMAX tickets for those creative people who would take their pictures with the oversized popcorn, IMAX ticket, and IMAX 3D glass found in IMAX theaters together with the IMAX "think big" module.

Just upload your pictures in the SM Cinema Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/SMCinema?ref=ts

Good luck and have fun taking your pics! :)

Taiwan Film Festival @ Shangrila Plaza

Take a trip to Taiwan and learn more about their culture and their country. Shangrila Plaza presents the first ever Taiwan Film Festival, which will run from September 23-28 at Shang Cineplex Cinema 4.

Also made possible by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, the Taiwan Film Fest features an impressive line-up of some of today’s must-watch Taiwanese films, such as Cape No. 7 (2008). The biggest box office hit in Mandarin Chinese history, it is a moving love story that touches on Taiwan’s history and way of life through the story of young man Aga, who leaves for Taipei to follow his singing dream. Together with other musicians, he becomes part of a band that eventually becomes an incredible musical sensation.


Chocolate Rap (2006) centers on the tough world of break dancing through the eyes of dancer Choco, who singlehandedly outdoes 6 b-boys and is taken under the wing of renowned manager Pachinko. Under his guidance, Choco steadily climbs the ladder to dance success—until a car accident changes his life for good. He then proceeds to teach young dancer King Kong and in the process regains his confidence—but eventually finds himself having to face his young protégé in the biggest battle of his life.


Three young men called Behong, Jeddah and Qingkuang (dubbed “The Three Musketeers” for their lifelong friendship) take the spotlight in Fishing Luck (2005). One summer day, their lives are changed by the arrival of a woman named Zing—bursting through the tranquility that had so peacefully once ruled their lives.


Basketball takes center stage in Kung Fu Dunk (2008), a film that follows the story of youngster Shi-Jie—who possesses impressive skills both in kung fu and basketball. Persuaded by a con man (who happens to be his uncle) to play ball in university to locate his family, Shi-Jie goes on a journey that will change his life forever—which can mean either finding his loved ones, or forever becoming a pawn of his uncles money-making schemes.


Orzboyz! (2008) chronicles the story of two young pranksters (aptly nicknamed “Liar No. 1” and “Liar No. 2”) who plan the trick of their lives—head to the mysterious water park and go through a portal that will take them to the fairytale world of OZ. However, things change when this childhood pact is threatened by a betrayal.


A triangular friendship in the beautiful island of Kinmen is the focus of the film Our Island Our Dreams (2009). The youthful bond tying Xing Jun, A Jin and A Wu together changes when soldier Han Wei arrives from Taiwan and develops an attraction for Xing Jun.


Finally, Yang Yang (2009) follows the journey of Eurasian Yang-Yang, who has always longed for a family (never having seen her birth father, who is French) and appears to have gotten her wish with her mother’s remarriage. However, her new family proves to be disappointing, and she once again goes on a quest to find genuine intimacy. After an unexpected betrayal, she runs away from home and becomes an actress. Despite all this, she remains to face the struggles brought upon by her former heartbreaks.

Tickets will be released 1hr before the start of the film, this is on a first come first served basis and 1 ticket per person only.


For inquiries, contact 633-7851 loc.113 or log on to www.shangrila-plaza.com.

May Day Eve

 

May Day Eve is  play adaptation of Nick Joaquin's short story that was published last 1947. The play 

tells a story of a family where love and bitterness is passed on by Agueda and Badoy's encounter one May eve in front of the mirror. There they saw their future spouses in the form of a witch and a devil by means of a ritual; their hearts were eaten and their blood, drank. They fell in love but their love never met. That is the curse they brought to the generations after them: to fall in love yet live in bitterness. 

Actors. The actors are composed of students and alumni of UA&P. The actors performed their roles very well. Considering that this is a 1947 story, the actors very well portrayed the nature of the characters. I specially like Anastacia (the gypsy). Her role, though short, gave an important punch on the weaved story. I like the character's diction when they deliver their lines.

Setting. The stage setting is Arena, or The Theatre in Round, wherein the stage is right in the middle and the people watching is all around outside the arena. Love the low lights in every scene and the music is very appropriate in every feelings of the characters. I just noticed, some characters have not really modulated their voice. There were some dialogues that seemed like a murmur. Since the stage is Arena, the whole theatre is open, hence the volume of the voice of the characters should be well modulated and clear. 

Direction. The play was very well directed, from the set, to the actors, to the music and over all it was clear and you can relate to the play. I like that it was an elegy in eight dialogues. You must not be late in order to really understand the play (im telling this because i was late) so you wouldn't ask questions to your seatmate, haha. 

The play was produced by ViARE,  student theatre organization of the University of Asia & Pacific. May Day Eve will be shown at Telengtan Hall, 5th floor Apec Communication Building, University of Asia and the Pacific, Pearl Drive Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Catch the play on Sept. 27, 28, 29. Oct 2, 4, 5, 6 (matinee and gala). Tickets at 250p.For inquiries, please call Luis at (63 922) 929-3939 or email: rb.pilar@gmail.com.

Sick on a Sunday

This is the third second time this month that I stayed at home on a weekend because i'm sick :( I don't like the feeling specially that it's Dengue season. I was able to rest naman and even accomplished some chores. Thank God for rest days. I hope to be better tomorrow.

The 31st Manila International Book Fair

The longest running book fair in Asia is back! Dubbed as Words without Borders, the 31st Manila International Book Fair has started its sail last Sept. 15 until Sept. 19 from 10:00am-8:00pm at the SMX convention halls of the SM Mall of Asia.

The wide variety of book stalls will have you drool over their discounted books. Choose from educational books, to self help books, to childrens books and even comics!  The p99 books and devotional from Christ Strengthening Ministry booth if a good buy as Christmas gifts! OMFLit has a wide range of 50% off devotionals too! The Timelife booth offers educational and very children friendly books for starting from toddlers, to pre schools even for highschools! This is also your chance to buy your latest fiction and non-fiction novels from National Bookstore with 20%, you wont miss their big booth believe me! Goodwill is there too! People who loves comics would go crazy over tons of different type of magazines, from Otaku, to Archie Comics, to Marvel, to Simpsons!

I am so happy with the books I bought myself, with just p1500, I was able to buy 11 books already! And the most pricey is 650p with a 50%! Let's start reading!

PS. Images from the Manila Book Fair website!

The OWLS in 3D

I am soo excited to watch this movie the moment I watched the trailer. Still don't have an idea? Read here!

The photos below are just some of the owls that you will be flying in brilliant 3D. 

  

Young owlet Soren embarks on a quest to follow his dreams…only to discover they’re real, in Warner Bros.’ new fantasy, family adventure in 3D, Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole.  Stepping into the legend that he’s faithfully followed through his father’s nest-time stories, he becomes a crucial part of the next chapter in the epic tales.

Now on a true hero’s journey of self-discovery, young Soren and his friends join their mentors in an action-packed battle against the evil Pure Ones to protect not only their freedom, but the very existence of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, who have sworn an oath to mend the broken, make strong the weak, and vanquish evil.

“Isn’t it every kid’s fantasy to become a character in his or her favorite story?” director Zack Snyder asks.  “In our film, it’s a young owl who wants to find these legendary warrior owls that have been part of his personal mythology since he was born.  And when the stories actually turn out to be true, it’s very powerful.”

In Legend of the Guardians, Snyder and the gifted creative team at Animal Logic sought to open a window into a world that hasn’t been seen before, with mythic environments and expansive terrains like nothing they’d ever imagined, and owls so wonderfully realized that you almost forget they’re not real.

 

Opening soon across the Philippines, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole will be presented in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular format and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

THE PROVOCATIVE DRAMA “STONE”

STONE, a thought-provoking film directed by John Curran, stars Edward Norton, a convicted arsonist that looks to manipulate Robert de Niro, a correctional officer, into a plan to secure his parole by placing his beautiful wife played my Mila Jovovich in the lawman's path.

 

In the film, as parole officer Jack Mabry counts the days toward a quiet retirement, he is asked to review the case of Gerald "Stone" Creeson, in prison for covering up the murder of his grandparents with a fire. Now eligible for early release, Stone needs to convince Jack he has reformed, but his attempts to influence the older man’s decision have profound and unexpected effects on them both.

Stone skillfully weaves together the parallel journeys of two men grappling with dark impulses, as the line between lawman and lawbreaker becomes precariously thin. The film’s superb ensemble features Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil series) as Lucetta, Stone’s sexy, casually amoral wife, and Golden Globe® winner Frances Conroy (TV’s Six Feet Under) as Madylyn, Jack’s devout, long-suffering spouse. Set against the quiet desperation of an economically ravaged community and the stifling brutality of a maximum security prison, this tale of passion, betrayal and corruption examines the fractured lives of two volatile men breaking from their troubled pasts to face uncertain futures.

Epic Phail Friday

The ending of the day is the complete opposite on how it started. I was so happy at the start of the day until late in the afternoon. Then came evening. I don't know how to describe what I'm feeling right now. Am i being paranoid or the whole world is against me? I hope tomorrow will be a new day. Positive vibes ONLY.

Not in the mood to write much about it. Goodnight.

Adidas End of Season Sale!

Angel and I went to the Adidas Sale yesterday and lo and behold, the head office looked like it was washed away by human Ondoy. The place was about to close when we arrived that's why, there were only a few of the apparels and shoes that's available. I was reminded of the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, it looks exactly like the sale there, minus the chaos. New stocks will arrive today. Sale starts at 10am and will end at 8pm. Originals are almost have the price! You have to be patience though, in searching for your size, coz they have broken sizes already. If you wish to drop by, dont forget to print a colored copy of the invite here :)

Happy Shopping!