REEL DEAL: Star Trek Into Darkness REVIEW

If you are a geek or sci-fi fan, you do know the Star Trek Universe. And for late bloomers and newbie fans like me, it would be hard to watch all of the episode of the series since they actually started way back in the 1970's which is also the era of the rise of Sci-fi movies. And Star Trek has made a mark, and even a culture among fans.

With the first Star Trek movie back in 2009, many people were hesitant that it can par with the series which made hardcore fans. Yet, it was a big hit and also got positive reviews from many. 

Thus the challenge of having a second movie gave more pressure to the cast and crew to create a movie that can at least equal the first movie. Was it successful? lets find out later.

For this film the story goes with the Star Fleet doing interplanetary missions with the crew of Jim, Spock, Scotty, Sulu, Ulura, Bones, and more. J. J. Abrams said in the preview that he loved the film when it was converted into IMAX. Star Trek Into Darkness stars Chris Pine as Jame Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock , Karl Urban as Bones, Zoe Saldana as Nyota Ulura and Benedict Cumberbatch as James Harrison.

REEL DEAL: Star Trek Into Darkness SPOTLIGHT

Star Trek Into Darkness : on a deadly manhunt to capture those who devastated the Starfleet

by Emy Abuan

The USS Enterprise is sent to observe Planet Nibiru, but finds a volcano on the verge of erupting and wiping out its primitive inhabitants. In the process of launching a dangerous mission to halt the eruption, first officer Spock's life is jeopardized, forcing Kirk to break the "Prime Directive" and reveal the Enterprise to the planet's civilisation to rescue him. As a consequence, a number of indigenous people begin to worship the ship as it leaves. After being called back to Earth, Kirk is relieved of command, and Admiral Pike re-assumes command of the Enterprise. Shortly afterward, Starfleet agent John Harrison bombs a secret "Section 31" installation in London. An emergency meeting of high ranking officers is called at Starfleet headquarters, which Kirk attends as Pike's first officer. The meeting is attacked by a gunship piloted by Harrison. Kirk takes the gunship down, but Harrison escapes and Pike dies.

After Pike's funeral, Admiral Marcus (Weller) authorizes Kirk to hunt down Harrison, who has fled to the Klingon homeworld of Qo'noS. Since Qo'noS lies deep in Klingon territory and Starfleet is on the brink of war with the Klingon Empire, the Enterprise is supplied with 72 long-range prototype photon torpedoes, and is ordered to fire them all at Harrison's location once he is found. Believing the torpedoes could be dangerous to the ship, chief engineer Montgomery Scott refuses to take them aboard and tenders his resignation when ordered to accept them. The Admiral's daughter, scientist Carol Marcus also joins the crew, under a false identity, and Pavel Chekov is promoted to Chief Engineer.

Several twists and turns of events will turn Admiral Marcus and Captain Kirk into opponents.

With Marcus in pursuit, the Enterprise is attacked by the superior starship Vengeance in Earth's orbit. Outgunned, the Enterprise is severely damaged. Ultimately Kirk agrees to hand over the Klingon Khan and the 72 bodies in cryo sleep in exchange for the lives of his crew. Marcus refuses and beams his daughter aboard to prevent her being used against him.

#DirtyFinger2013 Update: Burgos Elementary School

 Padre Burgos Elementary School used to be the biggest elementary school in the world in terms of students, it also the venue for a lot of precincts in  the vote rich Sampaloc district, and today it is also the venue where former president Erap Estrada votes as a Manileño. And as expected media flocked to cover his vote as his residence is just 200 meters away from the school. With a huge population, the school looks like it opened for its first day of school, and Altura street which serves as the entrance and exit of voters, watchers, and election officers is bombarded with tarpalins, posters and a storm of sample ballots which is somehow lesser than the last elections, I hope they are going green now. And since it is a school, the stores infront of it becomes a booming marketplace, at least for the whole day. So far there was no power outages and less to no lines (just like in our baranggay). It took me longer to commute than to find my name, fill the ballot and let the PCOS machine eat it.

Thousands Flock Labor Day Job Fair at SM City San Lazaro

Labor Day would either mean rallies or holiday to some, but for jobseekers, its a perfect day to get that dream job that they wanted. With the start of May is made to commemorate the hardworking class of the nation, plus positive economic direction of the country, it also paved way to the creation of more investments and also jobs.

Jobs that are the foundation of the economy, new ones are created everyday but also comes with competition from a lot of aspiring job hunters with various backgrounds and skills.

REEL DEAL: Star Trek Into Darkness SPOTLIGHT

Star Trek Into Darkness : on a deadly manhunt to capture those who devastated the Starfleet

by Emy Abuan

This Summer of 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness.

When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

MUISC LYF: Yonel's Top 30 - July 22

For this week's countdown,  Maroon 5 steals the number one spot with ONE MORE NIGHT . 2nd place still goes to Flo Rida feauturing Jennifer Lopez with SWEET SPOT . The third place is TURN UP THE LOVE  by Far East Movement featuring Cover Drive. See the rest of the countdown after the jump and also like Yonel's Top 30 hits on Facebook!

MUISC LYF: Yonel's Top 30 - June 2

For this week's countdown,  Jennifer Lopez and Flo Rida steals the number one spot with GOIN' IN . 2nd place still goes to Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa with PAYPHONE . The third place is GOOD TIME by Craig David featuring Calvin Harris. See the rest of the countdown after the jump and also like Yonel's Top 30 hits on Facebook!

MUISC LYF: Yonel's Top 30 - May 26

For this week's countdown,  Jay Sean and Pitbull goes for number one with I'M ALL YOURS . 2nd place goes to Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa with PAYPHONE . The third place is BOYFRIEND by Justin Bieber. See the rest of the countdown after the jump and also like Yonel's Top 30 hits on Facebook!

MUSIC LYF: Lifehouse Live in Manila

Fall in love once again with American rock band, Lifehouse, as they take Manila by storm in an evening of extraordinary musical pleasure this May 26th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Lifehouse’s leap to mainstream success started with the release of their international hit single “Hanging by a Moment” which became the Most Played Song in 2001. Written by Jason Wade, the song catapulted the band into commercial recognition. This was followed by other chart-topping hits such as “You and Me” and “Blind” from their self-titled album “Lifehouse” as well as “Whatever It Takes” from the album “Who We Are” all under MCA Music. Their latest album, “Smoke & Mirrors”, debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 marking the highest chart debut of their 10-year career. It sold 500,000 units in the United States and over two million worldwide, owning the charts for twenty consecutive weeks.   

Most of the band’s songs were featured on TV series and motion pictures in the United States. “Everything” was used in the series Smallville, “All in All” in Scrubs while “Good Enough” was played over the end credits of the Disney film “The Wild”. The band’s ability to evoke emotions and effectively translate it into a song was what gained them their massive fan base over the years. Tracks like “Sick Cycle Carousel”, “Everything”, “Breathing”, “First Time”, “You and Me” and more, were played over and over again by loyal listeners worldwide. These songs captured the hearts of millions and left them wanting more. 

Coastal Cleaning With Don Bosco Youth Choir

The Dominican Youth Choir of Basco will be celebrating its 22nd Anniversary as a church organization serving the faithful of Basco on May 19, 2012.

One of its calendared activities to observe this event in the history of DYC is the "COASTAL CLEANING ACTIVITY" at the Chanarian beach on May 19, 2012 at 6:00 a.m. (right after the morning mass).

MUISC LYF: Yonel's Top 30 - May 13

For this week's countdown, Justin Bieber snags the top spot with BOYFRIEND. 2nd place goes to Jay Sean and Pitbull with I'M ALL YOURS . The third place is THROW DAT D by Akon. See the rest of the countdown after the jump and also like Yonel's Top 30 hits on Facebook!

Tobys Give It Your Best Shot Contest

Are you a thrillseeker and love sports? Why not make this an opportunity to film this and get achance to win great prizes from TOBYS! Join The Give It You Best Shoot Contest!

How to Join:

Participants may join by creating a video (video should not exceed 2 minutes) that shows his or her best move like dunking on the ring, smashing a tennis ball, kicking a football etc.

The video should be posted on Toby’s Sports official fan page (http://www.facebook.com/Tobysstore) to be counted as an official entry.

Participants may use any video sharing site (ex. Youtube, Dailymotion, Vimeo etc.) as long as it can be viewed by other people when posted in Toby’s Sports official fan page.

Think of a creative title for the video (ex. John’s amazing 360 lay-up for Toby’s Sports!)

Participants must encourage their friends to share their video.

MUSIC LYF: 4 The Best Pak na Pak - The Repeat Performance

Pokwang, Pooh, Chokoleit and K Brosas, the most talented and in demand comedians of our generation  will once again converge for their anticipated repat performance for their 4 DA BEST The Repeat Concert on May 4 and 11 (Friday) and 12 (Saturday) at the Misic Museum with special guest Ara Mina.

This after the successful first two night performance of the 4 DA BEST concert last March. The group has been knwon to be the best comedians in the country with a concert filled with skits, songs and a whole lot of fun.


Despite their busy schedules with so many different shows in TV and movies, the concert is indeed a one of a kind experience for them and their fans.


They will also imitate famous artists like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and Katy Perry.

MUISC LYF: Yonel's Top 30 - May 7

For this week's countdown, Nicky Minaj still holds the top spot  with STARSHIPS. 2nd place goes to Justin Bieber with BOYFRIEND which a first in the top three. The third place is DANCE AGAIN by Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull. See the rest of the countdown after the jump and also like Yonel's Top 30 hits on Facebook!

LAKBAYAN: SM North EDSA Sky Garden Features Sea Explorers World

The hot (and sudden rain) may get into your nerves and feel that there is no where to go that the family would definitely have a fun time. From April 28-May 31, SM North EDSA will be showcasing a one of a kind exhibit that will provide not only fun and entertainment but also more information about sea creatures which a very vast and wonder ful world.


At the Sky Garden of SM City North EDSA the exhibit features almost life-sized models of animals that inhabit the seas like dolphins, whales, walruses, penguins, seagulls and many more.


You can also get you pictures taken with the animals so you can also experience the wide world of the sea. So bring family and friends to the Sky Garden Sea Explorers World now!

All Is Set For The PHILSME and Franchise Expo 2012

L-R : Dominic Ochoa (celebrity entrepreneur) ,
Rajan Uttamchandani (President/CEO, Esquire Financial Inc)
, Mildred Caballero (President, Tradecon,
David Abrenilla (President, Executive Communications)

This specialized event will be the venue of learning for visitors to acquire new leads and relationship through awareness campaign on new business ventures.  Workshops and seminars, free educational classes and new product launches will also be highlighted during the expo as it promises to be the right avenue to increase the exposure of SME products in domestic and foreign markets. Come to the PICC FORUMS 1-3 at the CCP COMPLEX, Roxas Blvd. Pasay City on May 11-13, 2012. For inquiries, call 3955009 or visit http://www.smexpoph.com/ 

TRADECON holds 4th PHILSME EXPO at the PICC

Around 18,000 people are expected to grace this year’s three-day Philippine Small Medium Enterprises and Franchise Expo (PHILSME EXPO 2012) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City from May 11-13.

The event, the fourth of the yearly expo, will showcase various products and stakeholders in the SME sector. Organized by the Trade Advertising Exhibitions & Conventions International Inc. (TRADECON), the three-day expo hopes to serve as a venue for product exposure in the domestic and international markets and a link among industry players.

SMEs play a major role in the country’s economic development as they contribute to the creation of business opportunities, generation of employment, and linkages to existing industries both here and abroad.

MUSIC LYF: Smash TV Series Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK OF NBC HIT “SMASH” SET FOR RELEASE IN MAY

Fan-Favorite Original Tunes and Covers to Be Included

NBC and Columbia Records announced that the soundtrack from the first season of NBC’s musical hit “Smash” will be released in May 2012. The soundtrack will be released in the Philippines by Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music. 

The highly anticipated album will feature stars Katharine McPhee (Karen), Megan Hilty (Ivy Lynn) and other cast members performing the original music created for the show’s narrative and for the musical-within-a-musical.  The freshman series already has been renewed for a second season.

Highlighted on the album will be the Broadway-caliber songs written for the series by Tony and Grammy winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The “Smash” album will also include some of the pop tunes that have been adapted for the show, such as Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” the show-stopping song that Karen sings so effectively for her audition that she is plucked, literally, from obscurity to audition for the musical’s starring role.