FACE-OFF: Charice vs. Jessica Sanchez

The world of TWITTER has it, with the latest tweet of Charice' handler and manager creates fire to AI fans particularly Jessica Sanchez.

I won't involve myself on who is talented and beautiful, who has the voice and popular. I am here to give you the essential facts of these two young sensation of everyone. And no doubt, both has it's own strengths and achievements.

Charice, a Youtube star with 15 million views, was invited by The Ellen DeGeneres Show & made her appearances at Star King then to The Paul O' Grady Show and finally, The Oprah Winfrey Show where she was called "the most talented girl in the world" and replaced Britney Spears' as the Pop Princess.

Jessica Sanchez, the runner-up of AI's 11th Season is the first female who made it on the finale and fourth as Judges' saved.

The commonality of the two is that they have made their way to stardom thru' a reality search - where talent matters - where their heart sings  and the whole world listens.

Charice, 3rd runner-up of Little Big Star and Jessica, 1st runner-up in American Idol.

Both experienced the difficulty in reaching for their dreams BUT they made it - and the fruit is so sweet that each cherish every moment while on top.

Let's value the two gifts that God gave us for they have long way to go and for sure we will all enjoy the music they will make.

Music unite.
Talent make it stronger.

BOOKS TO READ: E.L. James' Fifty Shades Trilogy

FACT 1:  
This fastest selling paper back of all time surpassing Harry Potter series’ original title is Master of the Universe.

FACT 2: 

Fifty Shades trilogy has been first read in a Twilight fan fiction website where Stephanie Meyer commented  “…not really my genre, not my thing… Good on her – she’s doing well. That’s great! (referring to E.L. James)” and Ms. James removed her work from the site and published this on her own website FiftyShades.com where she reworked and rewritten the Master of the Universe in three volumes thru’ the help of The Writers’ Coffee Shop – a virtual publisher based in Australia.

                                                                                FACT 3: 

Fifty Shades of Grey has sold over 40 million copies worldwide in 37 countries. It was no. 1 on USA Today's best-selling books list for twenty weeks in a row, breaking a previous record of 16 weeks set by In the Kitchen with Rosie: Oprah's Favorite Recipes by Rosie Daley and the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Fifty Shades trilogy is about 22 year old Anastascia "Ana" Steele and 27 year old successful & wealthy young entrepreneur Christian Grey sexcapades.

Erica Leonard first uses a pseudonym Snowqueen's Icedragon now E.L. James (1963) is now included by 2012 Time magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People in the World.


 Early this year, (2012) bids for film rights has been made which was participated by Warner Bros, Mark Whalberg's production, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Universal Studios.

Universal Pictures and Focus Features got the rights of this trilogy.

Fifty Shades of Grey: The Classical album will also be released by EMI Music.

CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS 2012: Official Entries

                                                                                                                                 



Cinema One Originals will be shown at Shang Cineplex on Nov. 7 - 13, 2012.

HERE ARE THE OFFICIAL FINALISTS FOR CINEMA ONE ORIGNALS 2012:

1.      BAYBAYIN 

directed by Auraeus Solito
cast:  Alessandra de Rossi / Assunta de Rossi / Mon Confiado

synopsis: a tale of two half sisters both in love with a man who can’t hear or talk to them, proof that love can communicate even in silence. The sequel/ prequel to "Busong" is also based on Palawan legends.

2.      CATNIP 

     directed by: Kevin Dayrit
     cast: Lauren Young / Maxene Magalona / Rommel Luna

     synopsis: a psychological film on two friends who, despite their differences, find

comfort in being together.

3.       ABERYA 

      directed by: Christian Linaban

      cast: Mercedes Cabral / Will Devaughn / Iwa Moto / Gabby Nazareno / Nicholas

Varela

      synopsis: about love, sex and psychedelic potions that affect the lives of four people

in one night.

4.     MARIPOSA SA HAWLA NG GABI

     directed by Richard Somes

     cast: Erich Gonzales / Maria Isabel Lopez

     synopsis: about an innocent woman from the province who comes to Manila to look for her missing sister. Her journey to the city unravels horrible truths.

5.      MATER DOLOROSA (Lourdes) 

     directed by: Adolfo Alix, Jr.

     synopsis: a film about a typical Filipino mother in a non-stereotypical kind of profession, living a dark shadowy life in Manila’s underground.  She leads a group of professional criminals in the province.

6.      SLUMBER PARTY 

     directed by: Emmanuel Dela Cruz

     cast: Archie Alemania / RK Bagatsing / Markii Stroem

     synopsis: a riotous comedy about fraternity initiations and homosexuality.

7.      MEKANIKO NI MONICA

     directed by: Cesar Hernando

     synopsis: set in the ’50s and is about a man torn between his newfound love and fighting for his country.

8.      MELODRAMA NEGRA –

     directed by: Maribel Legarda

     synopsis: about three dead people who find unanticipated things in the acclaimed. City of Stars—Quezon City

9.      PALITAN 

     directed by Ato Bautista

     synopsis: a sex movie similar to the classic ‘Scorpio Nights’”; has claustrophobic locations as its backdrop to depict the life of lovers who find themselves asphyxiated and trapped in an erotic triangle. 

10.  MAMAY UMENG 

     directed by: Dwein Baltazar

     synopsis: tells of an 84-year-old woman who is alone and waiting, prays not for long life, but for a fast escape.

11.  PASCALINA 

     directed by: Pam Miras

     synopsis: story of a girl who, after visiting her dying aunt, experiences changes in her life that will push her to the edge of madness and monstrosity.

12.  ANAK ARAW 

     directed by: Gym Lumbera

     synopsis: about the colonial illusion of an albino, who believes that he is the son of an American.

13.  PAGLALABAY NG MGA BITUIN SA GABING MADILIM 

     directed by: Arnel Mardoquio

     cast: set in Mindanao, it tells of a boy’s journey to safety after his parents are killed in a gun battle.

CINEMALAYA 2012: BWAKAW goes OSCAR

BWAKAW is a drama-comedy about a stray dog who by accident met Rene, a gay old man at the crossroad of his life – a very late bloomer who tries to cope the loneliness of being alone and old. He has few years to live and face the fact that he’s gay after long years of hiding. And BWAKAW teaches him lessons in life. While Rene’s failed romance is a perfect side plot, the story depicts sincerely as it progresses.

And here's the good news, BWAKAW is our Official Entry to the 85th Academy Awards popularly known as The Oscars (2013) .

Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) shortlist were: "Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa",  "Busong", "The Witness", "Captive", "Segunda Mano", "A Mother Story" and "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story".

BWAKAW won as the Audience Choice  and NETPAC Awards in the recently concluded Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Phils. last 29th July.

Obviously, the character of Rene portrayed by no other than Mr. Eddie Garcia grabbed the Best Actor award that rainy evening.

BWAKAW is also included in Toronto Film Festival this year.

BWAKAW is directed by the youngest Palanca Literary Awards Hall of Fame JUN ROBLES LANA - the man behind Tarot, My Neighbor's Wife and Matakot Ka Sa Kulam. 

               He wrote MURO-AMI, JOSE RIZAL and 1988 Brussels International Film Festival Best Screenplay "SA PUSOD NG DAGAT."

BWAKAW cast are as follows:

Eddie Garcia, Rex Cortez, Bibeth Orteza, Allan Paule, Soliman Cruz, Joey Paras, Soxie Topacio, Gardo Verzosa, Luz Valdez, Ronaldo Bertubin, Jonathan Neri,Armida Siguin-Reyna, Beverly Salviejo, May-I Fabros and introducing Princess as Bwakaw.

Production Design: Joey Luna
Sound: Albert Michael Idioma
Editing: Lawrence Ang
Music: Jema Pamintuan & Jeff Hernandez
Cinematography: Carlo Mendoza
Story & Screenplay: Jun Lana
Line Producer: Tonee Acejo
Producer: Antonio Taviera & Ferdinand Lapuz
Executive Producer:  Ramel David, Joselito Ocuner, Percy Intalan, Michael Tuviera, and Jun Lana
Director: Jun Robles Lana

Watch, meet and learn from BWAKAW - a stray dog diagnosed of cancer.

Laugh, cry and realize the simple joys of life and appreciate everything that surrounds us.
BWAKAW - may you rest in peace.

OPEN LETTER: A Call for Freedom of Expression & of Religion

Harry Roque's column last Saturday published in PDI enlightened me on the debate on the limitations of Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Religion. This is about the controversial movie entitled "Innocence of Muslims" that depicts Mohammad as a fraud, a womanizer and a pedophile. A trailer has been uploaded on YouTube caused colossal violent reaction especially our Muslim brothers that led to the death of US Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens.

 

His death can be condemned as a barbaric act but he did not die in vain. His death opened a new symbol of freedom, redefined the freedom of expression and freedom of religion - worldwide.

Accordingly US Supreme Court explained that "at the heart of the 1^st  Amendment is the recognition of the fundamental importance of the free flow of ideas and opinions on matters of public interest and concern. The freedom to speak one's mind is not only an aspect of individual liberty - and thus a good unto itself - but also is essential to the common quest for truth and the vitality of society as a whole. We have therefore been particularly vigilant to ensure that individual expressions of ideas remain free from governmentally imposed sanctions. The 1^st  Amendment recognizes no such thing as "false" idea.” As Justice Holmes wrote, "When men have realized that the time has upset many fighting faiths, they may come to believe even more than they believe the very foundations of their own conduct that the ultimate good desired is better reached by free trade ideas - that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market..." which even extends to offensive speech "the fact that society may find speech offensive is not sufficient reason for suppressing it. Indeed, it is the speakers opinion that gives offense, that consequence is a reason for according it constitutional protection. For it is the tenet of the 1^st Amendment that the government must remain neutral in the market place of ideas.”

According to Prof. Roque 1987 Philippine Constitution’s provision for freedom of religion consists of two negative state obligations; (1) not to endorse a religion referred to as non-establishment clause and (2) not to interfere with its’ free exercise.

From the files of our Supreme Court, INC v. CA states that “in a State where there ought to be no difference between the appearance and the reality of freedom of religion, the remedy against bad theology is better theology. The bedrock of freedom religion is freedom of thought and it is best served by encouraging the marketplace of dueling ideas. When the luxury of time permits, the market place of ideas demands that speech should be met by more speech for it is the spark of opposite speech, the heat of colliding ideas that can fan the embers of truth.”

Ours is a country that will ban this trailer/movie, but I believe in a democratic country that I live in, this is not the remedy - allow the free interchange of ideas, of expression after all, all speech remains constitutionally protected.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRANT: Your's Truly

 Sept.15 is not only my Special Day but likewise memorable to some.

It is on this day that Prince William was also born.

(so we both celebrate our Birthday together the difference is that mine is simpler than his.)

Sept. 15 for Marian devotees like me also celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.

& it is on this day that UN commemorates International Day of Democracy.

(on a minor note, my classmate named Soraya is celebrating her natal day on her own special way.)

Martini?
Where’s the party?

So cheers everyone!

[for more events and birthday celebrants for this day visit wikepedia @ yahoo.com]

FILM FEST: CINE EUROPA 15

  "This year, Europe shares its' hopes, its' dreams and its' trials not just with the people of Metro Manila but also in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Baguio and    Ilo-ilo."

Cine Europa 15 has been held at Shang Cineplex, 6th floor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City.

There were many souvenirs given away per screening like caps, mugs and key chains and a Trip for 2 Raffle for lucky viewers. 

 As per schedule, the festival started with a Gala Night last Sept. 5 featuring the movie "UPPERDOG" and regular screening of the 21 films featured on the 6th till 16 of September 2012.

  Moreover, Sept. 8 and Sept 15 were also dates to be marked as filipino movies were also shown featuring the films "Bakal Boys", "MNL143", "Kano" and "Lipad ng Pangarap".

Adding to this spectacular event are Round Table Talks on Film Appreciation, Analysis, Financing and Film Making Discussions.

This is FREE ADMISSION!

WORD: [What's in a word?] BANANA

BANANA

- is a major staple crop for us, Filipinos and in other tropical countries.                   

For  those  who will consult  Mr. Wikipedia, try "musa acuminata, musa balbilsiana" or hybrid of both.

Most BANANAS can  be eaten  fresh   boiled, fried,  or  baked.  

   So  what's  in  this  word  that  humans  are  so  hooked  into  it . If  you  are  familiar  with  the  following  I'm  sure  you  will  agree with  me that  majority  are  addicted  то - BANANAS.

The TV  SHOW  "BANANAS  in  PAJAMAS "  - is  an  Australian  original  childrens television  тхат вас franchised  by  ABS -CBN  and  was  dubbed  in  tagalog . And  until  now  majority  knew  the  lyrics  that  goes  "... sina  Б1 at  Б2 laging  magkasama ..."

GWEN STEFANIS'   "HOLLABACK GIRL "  - this  cherrio  tuned  song  has  included  in  the  word  "Б-А-N-А-N-А-S", spelled -out in  the  lyrics  which  I  find  it  catchy . 

PLDT COMMERCIAL's  "ANNA БАNANA" - is  earning  it's  fame  in  television  with  а boy  singing  "Anna  Баnаnа".    Well , at  first  I  laughed  at  it  but later I  find  the  commercial  entertaining  and  effective. Here's the thing, did you know that the director of this commercial walked-out during the presentation of this material to the CEO and Top Management of the company? This was called crap. BUT, the commercial turned out to be a HUGE HUGE HUGE SUCCESS!

So BIG that a sequel was made by the same production staff and director.



But  did  you  know  that  BANANAS  are  used  as  part  of  the  essential  traditional  offering to Buddha ?  You  heard  it  right . In  Burma, they place  this  in  а form  of  tray  - as  BANANA  is  one  of  the  important  fruits  in  their  faith , the  two  are ,  Mango  and  Jackfruit .

          Now you know. BUT what's really in this word that the 3G's are so gaga of.


         I'll just whisper it to you... "BANANA" is often used as a symbol of phallic. You may laugh at it BUT that's the reality - BANANA is directly associated with the male human organ. Simple as that.

       So what do I mean by the 3 G's - it means - Girls, Guys and Gays.

CINEMALAYA 2012: DIABLO Best Picture for New Breed Category

From the start of the movie, DIABLO established the daily routine of Nana Lusing (Ama Quiambao) The scenes were fully-packed with substantial activities she does and as the movie progress, viewers would eventually understand the sequence of her life. Her only companion every night was an old radio whom she was bombarded with the same lines from time check to the sole commercial sponsor, well the radio program theme changes but it focuses more on “faith and spirituality”.

              Night after night Nana Lusing experienced difficulty in sleeping as she felt that someone is watching her. A widow and a mother of 5, whose siblings had made a chosen path of life, a soldier, a miner, a farmer,  a pastor and a gambler/drug addict.

Adding to her siblings were  Matias (Ronel Caramba) and Jamba (John Paul Escobedo) – two characters that brought fun and humor. They were hungry  street lads who robbed her house then later on she convinced them to worked as cleaners in her vicinity. Their acting balances the thrilled viewers that sometimes we forgot that this is a suspense film. Definitely, they were given their exposure and delivered their lines effectively.

What caught my attention was the portrayal of Ronaldo (Jose Escobedo), the prodigal son – the gambler and addict – that looked like the Diablo in the movie – as one scene suggested and I quote after placing the “palaspas” on the main door “hindi na makakapasok ang diablo dito sa pintong ito“, alas! he wasn’t able to enter no matter how hard he tried.

A tear-breaker scene and I believe a winning scene of the movie was the confrontation of Nana Lusing and her farmer son, Alberto (Rodel Camañag) while sitting in the dining table, no lines were delivered just the facial expression of the two characters and Alberto cried so hard while his mother was so quiet. It brought me to tears as I felt the intense of feelings on the scene. Tranquility helped to build the moment to be remembered even after the movie.

Oscar (Carlo Aquino) among her sons has the major role on the movie as his life as a struggling wanderer (layman terms, he would be called a “pastor” since he led a group of young men to search for enlightenment) had his portrayal so unique though he seemed to be so young to be a long-haired man acted with elegance. He convinced the viewers to believe and walked with his journey. His death brought a huge change in the lives of his mother and brothers.

As to cinematography, the dawning of the sun was great, some of the shots were taken at night that I find it too dark that needs lighting (well it added the creepy scenes though) and the late afternoon sepia effect was projected perfectly.

In the end, Nana Lusing had to face the DIABLO that lives with her, the shadow that watched her every night. She had to send the devil away  by scolding and right after that  when evening comes, her well-loved radio broke. (Well for me – I interpreted it as a sign that the DIABLO – in the form of a shadow left. – A unique presentation of departing.) And her emotion erupted, embracing the radio, her deafening cry carried me away. And for the first time in her life she was able to sleep soundly and snoring gently (another metaphor used to depict that she was freed from the shadow of DIABLO. – very artistic).

Although there were many interpretations on the reason of her sound sleep but for me it was primarily because she gained her freedom after the death of her son from the shadows of DIABLO. The movie ended – outstandingly that the audience clapped and scream in unison.

            Director Mes de Guzman, for me was exceptional on this film. He’s a caduceator of creativity. He’s a caenogenesis, wild guess, he might win the Outstanding Director for New Breed.

     Asked me what letter “C” stands for… simply C is not only for Cinemalaya but it also stands for a Conflate of Creativity, a Creepy and Calodemon film.

CINEMALAYA – It’s More Fun In The Philippines!

Chirk!!!

MUSICAL: 3 GREAT Reasons WHY U Should Watch “I Do Bidoo Bidoo”

Les Miserables (2013) your time will come, Katy Perry step aside and let "I Do Bidoo Bidoo" shine.

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t miss this film but for me I have listed 3 essential raison d'êtres, come and read along…

GREAT CAST

Eugene Domingo is not only outstanding actress but she also can sing. Yes, my dear readers she can sing. She has a voice (well you can’t compare her to the Sunday Afternoon program shows Party Pilipinas and ASAP) but she rendered her solo performance “Di Na Natuto” beautifully and her part in the quartet version of “Nakapagtataka” and “Batang Bata Ka Pa”. For me, she’s a revelation in this movie.

Sam Concepcion may not be as good looking compared to your matinee idols in Primetime Bida and Drama-rama soaps but his talent is explosive. His voice and dance moves outshines young artists at his age, he seemed to be so cool. A guy with such talent must be treasured.

Tippy Dos Santos is a lady all-in-one, a beauty with good acting and angelic voice.

Zha-zha, Gary V. and Ogie A., whew!!! What more can I say, their performances are with authority and their rendition of APO song’s are refreshing and well-orchestrated. Truly a world class.

GREAT MUSICALITY

Obviously, the movie is inspired from the pop-ballad hits of APO and I’m sure you would agree with me if I say that APO’s songs are timeless.

It may not be powerful as there were no belting in any of the songs but let me say that it’s a wonderful rendition, noteworthy to mention are “Batang Bata Ka Pa” and “Nakapagtataka”. “Paano”, “Di Na Natuto” and “Ewan” were coupled with so-cheesy moments – and I Love It!.

Finally, I was surprised with John Lapuz’ broadway version of “Pumapatak Na Naman Ang Ulan” – it maybe short but will be remembered.

GREAT SCRIPT

The script fast transition and presentation makes the movie more interesting and lively. The plot is not new to us but still everybody loves a heart-warming story.

                I Do Bidoo Bidoo is far from STAR CINEMA’s The Reunion which seemed to be a trying-hard movie of dissecting the songs of Eraserheads to their plot.

So common sing-a-long while watching this film. "Do Bidoo Bidoo Bidoo Bidoo Bidoo wahhhhhh ..."