REEL DEAL: Boy Pick Up The Movie SPOTLIGHT

As a fan of the longest running gag show in the Philippines, Bubble Gang,  has made unforgettable characters and sketches that have transcended trough generations, I am amazed on how these comedy sketches would actually become a very big thing. And one of them is the popular BOY PICK UP which made the pick up line revolution here and even abroad.

With its success and popularity, GMA Films and Regal Entertainment Inc., bring the wacky and addicting anticd of multi-talented comedian Ogie Alcasid to the big screen with the spin off of his character in Bubble Gang via BOY PICK UP THE MOVIE!

Set to hit theaters this June 6, the film not only promises to give the audience bigger laughs but also grants the wish of avid fans of Boy Pick Up from television into the big screen. This would be Bubble Gang's second spin off movie from their segments, the first was Yaya ang Angelina which also starred Ogie and Michael V.  Ogie expresses his excitement on playing the role for the first time after being in the industry for over 25 years. Ogie is likewise very thrilled to work with sexy Kapuso actress Solenn Heussaff who will be his leading lady in the movie.

REEL DEAL: Snow White and the Huntsman REVIEW

Skin white as snow, lips red as blood, hair black as night, bring me you heart... my dear... dear... Snow White.

Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all...

These are the lines that people recognize and know belongs to the well loved fairy tale now brought to a different light with Snow White and the Huntsman. Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Chis Hemsworth (Thor, Avengers) and Charlize Theron leads the cast as Snow White, Huntsman, and Queen Ravena respectively.

And even with new take of the story, the key elements are still there like the magic mirror, dwarves, and the poison apple. This is similar to the latest Alice in Wonderland who is also the producer for this film. It is also not all evil with the queen but also shows the journey on how she became the queen with the mirror. 

Kristen Stewart makes a break away from her twilight image and also impressive with her action scenes, also Chris Hemsworth weilding axes and knives instead of a hammer. 

KFC Reveals The Colonel's Newest Secrets!

I have been invited to a big reveal from KFC Philippines, one of the most loved fast food chain in the Philippines which is also the oldest one as it is 45 years old in the country, they invited us for a day of revelations and of course food that are so good.

It is not the secret 11 herbs and spices that was revealed but a secret manuscript, written by the Colonel himself, was discovered in his home in Louisville, Kentucky. It does not only contain his life story, lessons, and personal values but aslo reveals a collection of 35 of his most treasured recipes.

Give Me a ‘Break’! Distrito Makati opens at MCBD North anew

The city of Makati is unwrapping yet another huge and exciting surprise this June 1, in time to usher the celebrations for its 342nd founding anniversary, as it opens once again the Distrito Night Food Market in the Amorsolo open parking lot beside Makati Medical Center (MMC).

Home to the country’s top business headquarters, commercial establishments, and the most prime residential enclaves, Makati is set to bring the experience of the world’s best lifestyle markets from Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, and Birmingham once again through this signature late night food and lifestyle concept.

World Vision Holds Run For A Cause

You run to stay fit. You run for fun. This time, run for a cause --- run “Towards Fullness of Life!” Join the very first World Vision Run on June 24 at the Bonifacio Global City. The Run is for the benefit of poor Filipino children.

Funds raised will support children in communities assisted by World Vision. Through its Child Sponsorship program, World Vision provides education, healthcare, child protection, and community assistance to children and their families in need. 

The Run is part of World Vision’s 55th anniversary celebration. True to its theme: “Sharing the Joy of Hope”, childfocused organization World Vision, has been working since 1957 to uplift the lives of children in some of the country’s poorest provinces. Now on its 55th year, the organization aims to inspire more Filipinos to take on the collective responsibility of sharing hope and reaching out to  help their  fellow men in poverty. Today, World Vision assists more than 112,000 children and their families in 29 provinces.

PAGTUTULUNGAN.ORG: US Government Up Support For WFP Disaster Preparedness in the Philippines

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) received a US$3.75 million (approximately PhP 160 million) grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which will be used to expand WFP’s disaster preparedness and response programme in the Philippines. 

Working in close partnership with the central government and the Office of Civil Defense, WFP and local government units in four disaster-prone provinces of Sorsogon, Benguet, Cagayan and Laguna have been rolling out a disaster preparedness and response pilot programme focused on building local emergency management capacity, disaster mitigation and protection of livelihoods. 

REEL DEAL: Prometheus ONLINE EVENTS

As we await "PROMETHEUS"  to hit cinemas, you can go interactive with the actors with the Prometheus Online Events!

Send in your questions during a Live Chat with the stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green and director Ridley Scott atwww.clickthecity.com on May 30 (Wednesday) at 7:30pm.

 

See the stars of the movie and other celebrities arrive at the Live Broadcast of Prometheus' Red Carpet on May 31 (Thursday) at 1:00am at http://www.live.prometheusmovie.com

Prometheus is brought to you by 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros.

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: Three emerging Filipino artists lead Singapore concert

THREE emerging Filipino artists—a singer-composer, a boy band, and an acoustic princess—were chosen to lead one of the biggest Filipino independence day celebrations in the island state of Singapore this June. 

The sentimental prince of Philippine music Myrus, foremost Filipino boy band 1:43, and acoustic artist Princess Velasco will be performing their latest hits, as well as covers of popular Original Pilipino Music (OPM), in a rare musical festival titled “Philippines: One World Concert 2012” on June 10 at The Coliseum of the posh Hard Rock Hotel in Resorts World, Singapore.

“Our three banner talents namely Myrus, 1:43 and Princess Velasco represent the next wave of global Filipino artists. Their songs showcase how comparable OPM is to the music of the world,” says Singaporean director Jaden Zanders of Jaz-E Entertainment, the concert organizer.

REEL DEAL: Ice Age 4 Continetal Drift - SOUNDTRACK

THE WANTED IN “ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT” SOUNDTRACK

Continental phenomenon male group The Wanted have joined forces with Twentieth Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios to celebrate the return of one of the world’s most beloved franchises when “ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT” hits cinemas on July 12 in Phils. theaters.

Following the success of their single “Glad You Came”, which was a number one hit in the UK & has sold over 2 million copies in the US alone, the UK pop sensation announce their brand new single ‘Chasing The Sun’ will be a featured track on this year’s most anticipated animated feature film.

Congratulations to the First Baguio Bloggers Conference!

Just this weekend I am happy to be part of historical event up in the Cordillera Region, they had their First Baguio Bloggers' Conference held at the University of Baguio. It brings together bloggers from the Cordillera region. Held at the University of Baguio and attended by hundreds of bloggers old and new  with interesting topics that will benefit all who have attended the conference.

Summer Komikon 2012 Tomorrow!

This year Summer Komikon 2012 gets hotter just like the weather as it will be filled with komiks, komiks and many other things still related to komiks! The event has been the most awaited event of the season. It was so in demand that the Independent Komiks slots were filled in less than a day! I actually failed to get a slot, but this means I have more time to go around the place and enjoy the komikon just like I did before. So Mark your Calendars now for May 26 at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City from 10 am to 7 pm!

Specials for this years Komikon are Elemer Damaso, Freely Abrigo and Heubert Khan Michael. There will be also the Independent Komiks Tiangge and a 24 Hour Comic Creation Contest. Get to meet your favorite comic book artists and also their latest work hot and fresh and of course have them signed!

For more information visit www.komikon.org.

Mabuhay ang Pinoy Komiks!

iBlog 8 Now Happening!

For today and tomorrow iBlog 8 is happening at the UP College of Law, Malcolm Hall. Another fun filled day of learning and networking about what's new and what's going on in the Phlippine Blogging Scene. Now on its 8th year, it brings together bloggers from the metro and even from North Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to join in this annual event.

I have attended iBlog since 2009 and have been looking forward to meet more blog friends and companies who support the online media.  The Agenda for the two days are as follows:

HEALTHY LYF: What’s New with Watsons?

Wonderful things happen when you’re in perfect health. A great body is not a luxury but a necessity so we can all live happy and meaningful lives. Watsons offers twogreat news that both benefits health and also brings savings.  Welcome Generic Medicines and Now Foods now available at Watsons stores!

REEL DEAL: Taken 2 - Liam Nelson SPOTLIGHT

Shot in Istanbul, Turkey and directed by Olivier Megaton , “Taken 2” reunites Liam Neeson with his co-stars Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace in this rocket-paced action sequel that rivals some of the greatest gun-handlers in cinema history.

Neeson reprises the role of Bryan Mills, a father and an estranged husband who would do anything for his family in the movie.  Mills’ daughter having been kidnapped the first time. But he faces a different kind of conflict in “Taken 2.”  Liam Neeson returns as Bryan Mills, the retired CIA agent with a particular set of skills who stopped at nothing to save his daughter Kim from Albanian kidnappers.  When the father of one of the kidnappers swears revenge, and takes Bryan and his wife hostage during their family vacation in Istanbul, Bryan enlists Kim to help them escape, and uses the same advanced level of special forces tactics to get his family to safety and then systematically take out the kidnappers one by one.

Thank You Mom, You Are My IDOL

Everyone needs someone to look up to, a model that we mimic our actions and mold us to what we will be and lead us to what would be the best for us. We are looking for an IDOL where we get our inspiration. Before we knew the beautiful and wild world, we had our first Idol, and we call her mother. In my case I grew to call her "mama" and others call her "Josie".

Mama Josie was the youngest of the three sisters and learned to stand up on her own at a young age, as their family were not that financially stable, in which only one of them finished college with the help of my mother as she goes to many "rakets" to bring food to the table and help my aunt finish her studies.


With the people she meets everyday, her eyes was opened into the vast opportunities and the love of travel. She would go out with friends and go on trips from Baguio to Albay, then hop on a ship to Cebu and also got a roundtrip ticket to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia without sending a cent. She was indeed charismatic, she has the gift of persuastion as well a fiesty attitude when oppressed. A strong woman she grew after she was left with her first son (my eldest brother Jeffrey) and raise him on her own. 

PAGTUTULUNGAN.ORG: Saudi Envoy Hands Over 60 Tons of Dates to WFP for Conflict-Affected Communities in ARMM

Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the Philippines Abdullah Al-Hassan (second from left) and senior representative of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Finance in Riyadh Saad Al Sunaidi (far left) formally hand over 60 tons of dates to U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson (far right), with Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Middle East and African Affairs Executive Director Neal Imperial (second from right) acting as witness.  

The generous date donation from the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest ever to WFP Philippines.  In coordination with the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, WFP will distribute the food to 30,000 vulnerable families in the conflict-affected provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.    

Photo Credit: WFP/Anthony Lim/Philippines

REEL DEAL: Snow White and the Huntsman - Charleze Theron SPOTLIGHT

Charlize Theron’s monsters turns to evil queen.

Reflects director Rupert Sanders on the power of this creature in our minds, as well as her role in this interpretation of the iconic story: “The Queen symbolizes death, and she is trying to stop her own from arriving.  She is seeking immortality, so everything in the kingdom is thrown off balance.  Oppositely, Snow White is the beating heart of life, and the Huntsman’s job is to take that life.  If the Queen fails, life and death may fall back in sync and the kingdom will return to how it once was.”

Academy Award® winner Charlize Theron was brought aboard to play the fabled monarch.  Discussing his decision to cast Theron, Sanders commends: “Charlize has given such staggering performances in her career, but she is also such an incredibly beautiful woman.  She encompasses, more than any other actor out there, both power and beauty personified.  She is Margaret Thatcher-meets-Kate Moss.” 

Camille Prats not yet entertaining suitors but not closing her doors

Eight months after the untimely death of her husband Anthony Lansingan, Camille Prats is now trying to recover from her husband’s demise.  Her husband died in September 2011 after suffering from nasopharyngeal cancer, a type of throat cancer affecting the upper section of the throat.

“Masasabi ko po na I’m getting better now.  Kasi mas natatanggap ko na na wala na talaga siya, na hindi na siya babalik. Kasi nung mga first few months talagang ang iniisip ko baka naman bumalik pa. May ganun e.  Parang in denial pa ako. Ngayon natatanggap ko na na hindi na talaga siya  babalik.  But there are days na ‘pag naiisip ko siya ang sakit talaga,” she shared in an interview during the press launch of GMA-7’s newest primetime series Luna Blanca.

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. 

Bactidol Idol: The Best Performances from 12-hour Sing-a-thon

We would like to thank all the participants who joined and won in the Bactidol 12- hour Sing-a-thon held at Red Box Rock Dine and Roll in Eastwood City Mall.

If you missed the event, you can still get a chance to win Bactidol Gift packs! Join the Bactidol IDOL promo!

To join:

• Like the Bactidol and Manual to Lyf facebook pages
• On this blog post just leave a comment of your guess who are the winners for each category:
• Best Solo Performance Bactidol IDOL
• Best Group Performance –Bacteria-busting Barkada[r2]
• And thats it, Very easy indeed!

To know more about the participating groups and Bactidol IDOL contestants performances, you can check out my coverage of the Bactidol Sing-a-thon event and/or  the Bactidol facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Bactidol).  

Julie Anne wishes for happiness, more opportunities as she turns 18

Julie Anne San Jose had just finished her birthday/thanksgiving concert held on May 16 when she sat down for an interview with some members of the entertainment press to share her elation over the success of her first concert.

Julie Anne San Jose had just finished her birthday/thanksgiving concert held on May 16 when she sat down for an interview with some members of the entertainment press to share her elation over the success of her first concert. 

“Grabe, ang saya.  Hindi ko ineexpect na ganito pala karami ‘yung mga tao.  It’s really an overwhelming feeling na nag-enjoy talaga sila,” she shared.

XSTIG: Sony Xperia Sola UNBOXING

After some time, I got my birthday gift that I won at the raffle from the launch of the Sony Mobile NXT series launch. There is actually 4 of us who won the Xperia models P, S, U and Sola. I won the Sony Xperia Sola, and I just recently got this fresh from the box, and since there is not much information about the Xperia Sola, I have also made a exclusive unboxing video about the Xperia Sola. enjoy!

The Power To Do More With Dell Philippines

"Technology has always been about enabling human potential" - Michael Dell

This quote has captured my attention about our current lives today and what we will be heading in the years ahead. Michael Dell is the founder and CEO of the popular computer brand DELL. And aside from making computers, Dell has ventured out into many services and products that still makes them a great innovator and quality provider al over the world.

Child Star-turned-pastor On GMA-7’s Tunay Na Buhay

In life, there is really no telling what the future will bring into the lives of each and every person.

Such is the case for the 26-year-old pastor from a Christian Community in Quezon City. During his early years, he was made famous by the children’s program, “Eh Kasi Bata!’” and a hit TV commercial of the Department of Health.

Preparing for the First Baguio Bloggers' Conference!

I'm excited to go up north later in preparation for the 1st Baguio Bloggers' Conference. I will be one of the speakers talking about BLOG ADVENTURE. Curious what will it be about? Register now and lets meet at University of Baguio Square Hall from 8am to 5pm on May 19, 2012. 

Guest speakers for the event are:

• Janette Toral - Digital Filipino - Making a Difference Through Blogging and Social Media: A Call to Action
• Avelmar Manansala - GenSan News Online Magazine -Blogging Communities: The Soccsksargen Bloggers Story
• Antonio Caranzza Jr.- Pusang Kalye - Do's and Dont's in Event Blogging
• Fitz Villafuerte - Ready to Be Rich - How To Get Traffic To Your Blog
• Azrael Coladilla - Azrael's Merryland - Personal Branding and Social Media Marketing
• Dean Cuanso - Wat Wat World - Monetizing Your Blog
• Florencio Jusay Jr. - Manual To Lyf - Blogging Adventure: How to Make Blog Post Exciting
• Ane Fallarme - Milk Cereals and Chips - Food Blogging
• Joven Chico - Travex Travels - The Travel Blogging Experience

See you all in Baguio tomorrow!

REEL DEAL: Snow White and The Huntsman - Kristen Stewart SPOTLIGHT

Kristen Stewart Twilight’s turning into Snow as White

In Snow White and the Huntsman, a breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale begins. Kristen  Stewart  plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron).The casting of Ravenna’s nemesis was slightly trickier than finding her pursuer.  The filmmakers were searching for an actress who could capture both sides of the archetypal character: the innocence, naiveté and tenderness that Snow White demonstrates in the first half of our story, and the tough, physical warrior princess that she becomes in the second half.  They discovered a number of younger actresses who could play the first half of the movie brilliantly but had trouble convincing the team that they could carry off the tougher persona.  Likewise, when older actresses auditioned, they could well portray the battle-hardened soldier but were unconvincing as the recessive captive that the film’s early scenes demanded.  

Jean Garcia considers hosting ‘Personalan’ one of her favorite jobs

During a press visit to the set of GMA News TV’s public affairs program Personalan, host Jean Garcia told the members of the press that hosting the said advocacy program is one of her favorites.

“I look forward to it every week. Bagama’t once a week ko lang siya ginagawa, excited ako palagi,” the actress said.

Since the resignation of Ali Sotto as the program’s host last March, Jean has been hosting Personalan alternatively with singer-actress Jolina Magdangal-Escueta.

Sotto resigned from the show so she could spend more time with her diplomat husband and son who are based abroad.

Jean did not hesitate to accept the post vacated by Sotto when it was offered to her.

“Hindi ko tinanggap ang show na ito because of the ‘money;’ tinanggap ko ‘to because I wanted to do something really different, and gusto ko ‘yung konsepto ng show na nakakatulong sa ibang tao at naayos yung mga problema nila,” said Jean.

Search for the Best "Pride Rice" With Clara Ole Sinangag Fest

Rice has been the staple food of the Filipinos, and though we are used to have it plain, we love to do experimenting with it using different flavors and textures. And thus, SINANGAG or fried rice is formed. This is what the Clara Ole brand wants to highlight as something Filipinos can also be proud of as we are a food loving nation.

Clara Ole recently had the launch of its SINANGAG FEST which is a nationwide search for the best sinangag recipie in the land. This is also with the flavorful taste of Clara Ole's Ora Mix Mo Rice Mix that comes in many flavors like Tocino, Beef Steak, Adobo, Japanese Rice and many other flavors!