REEL DEAL: Emily Blunt fights love and lies in ‘Arthur Newman’

As a youngster, Emily Blunt struggled to overcome a stammer, and with a teacher’s help eventually overcame it. So it’s quite a testament that the English actress would eventually make a career out of speaking, especially as the profession requires her to play different characters with various accents.

In the romantic drama Arthur Newman, she is paired with fellow Brit Colin Firth, in which they both play Americans. Of course, Blunt is no stranger to American accents. She played a Yank in Sunshine Cleaning, Charlie Wilson’s War, and last year’s sci-fi epic Looper, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. She also lives in America with her American husband John Krasinski (The Office).

As Mike, she plays a troubled young woman trying to escape her past who runs into Firth (playing the title character). His character has faked his death in order to erase his problems. The two end up on a road trip together from Florida to Indiana, where Newman (Firth) believes he can start fresh as a professional golf instructor. The two share some sexy scenes together as their characters share some intimate moments as they get to know each other.

Special Drive-In Screening of Philippines' Favorite Love Story "It Takes A Man And A Woman" Presented by Cinema One

The country’s favorite love story, “It Takes a Man and a Woman”, hit the big screen once again, in a romantic drive-in screening event presented by Cinema One held last Friday (September 27) at the the Greenfield District Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Cinema One invited its audience to fall in love all over again as it revived the story of Miggy (John Lloyd Cruz) and Laida (Sarah Geronimo), shown out in the open and under the moonlight.

Kimpoy Feliciano Meet And Greet At Mossimo Stores!

Online Heartthrob Kimpoy Feliciano continues on his rising journey in the entertainment industry with shows and endorsements left and right makes him a very busy lad. The latest is his endorsement with fashion brand Mossimo as one of its newest ambassadors.  

He recently had a "meet and greet" event for his fans at the SM North EDSA Annex branch which brought loyal fans flocking to the store to see their online idol live! He performed some songs and a dance medley which made his fans crazily happy. Everyone wants to have a picture with Kimpoy as he also showcase apparels from Mossimo. The fun presentation does not end there as they get to have the meet and greet at another Mossimo store located in the main mall. Kimpoy will have similar future events in Mossimo stores around the Metro. 

REEL DEAL: Rush REVIEW

F1 is probably the most thrilling sport in the world today as it involves a lot of speed, talent and mind conditioning. The pressure is intense as well as the risk of being burn alive or crash to a fatal end. And there has been a number of movies dedicated to this sport and their heroes, but the greatest story in the Formula 1 history is probably the legendary rivalry of Nikki Lauda and James Hunt in 1976.

RUSH gives live to this timeless conflict between two people with extreme lifestyles yet bounded by the thrill of racing. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl play as Hunt and Lauda respectively as the controversial friends and enemies in the name of the race. 

LAKBAYAN: Tiger Air Offers Rock Bottom Promo Fares

Travelling has never been this easy and affordable! Tigerair, Asia-Pacific’s leading value-for-money airline, presents its latest promo to celebrate the upcoming semestral break.

The airline offers one-way base rates of Php50 to all local destinations and Php500 to all international destinations. Promo runs from September 27 to October 2, 2013 only. Travel period is September 27, 2013 to March 27, 2014.

“This latest Tigerair promo is perfect for students who are preparing for their holiday from school next month. It is an irresistible offer, especially for big groups travelling on a budget,” said Olive Ramos, President and CEO of Tigerair Philippines.

Megan Young Wins First Miss World Title For The Philippines

In the history of the Miss World pageant the Philippines has never won the crown, rather has placed as the first runner up at most. But this night was something of a suprise as Megan Young won the very first Miss World Title for the country. This now completes the long-awaited "Grand Slam" for the world pageants namely Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth.

Megan Young started her career as a Starstruck Avenger and later moved to ABS CBN to look for more opportunities. Recently, she made news with her intention to join the Miss World Philippines whose franchise is now under the supervision of Cory Quirino.

Megan Young had a sweeping victory with numerous special awards in the competition and became a favorite and eventually crowned as the winner. There were controversies that came with her crown but she showed discipline and desire to prove that she is deserving of the title.

MUSIC LYF: Westlife's Shane Filan Philippine Promo Tour

Former lead vocalist of boy band Westlife, Shane Filan is here in Manila for a series of shows on September 28, 6PM (Skydome , SM City North EDSA) and on September 29, 4PM (The Podium) to promote his brand new EP entitled "Everything To Me" exclusively distributed under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

Shane is known to millions as the front man of the super group, and worldwide phenomenon - Westlife with a string of hits to the group's credit: If I Let You Go, I Lay My Love On You, Swear It Again, Flying Without Wings and many more. The group has sold over 50 million records around the world including a staggering 14 No. 1 singles in the UK alone - the third highest in UK history! in 2010, Westlife were named the top selling album group of the 21st century. Westlife bid farewell to their fans in 2012 with a successful goodbye tour. Shane has been working on his solo material since then. Last August 2013, he co-wrote and released his debut single "Everything To Me", produced by Grammy Award winning producer, Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, James Morrison, Train). This edgy pop song is the lead track of an EP which includes three other brand new songs, written by Shane. A full album is expected to follow later, according to Shane would be Novermber this year.

FASHIONISTA:Join Solo’s His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Competition Year 2

Get your creative juices flowing again with another round of SOLO His & Hers’ Graphic Tee Design Competition! Following the success of last year’s contest, Solo definitely spotted a lot of talent in today’s growing generation of graphic artists with the numerous wonderful entries that poured in. The three His and Hers designs that won are: 90’s Romance by Michelle Santos, 90’s Time Machine by Juan Paulo Manalo and 90’s Mixed Up by Raymundo Perez, emerging as the official grand winners of last year’s contest with their fun and very relatable graphic presentation of the theme Dekada 90’s. Their designs, modelled by Solo Online Model Search 2013 winners Derek Espinosa and Ganiel Krishnan, are already in stores this September! Grab one of these winning tees for a trip down memory lane to Dekada 90's!

ART IS A BANG: Der Kaufmann - Ang Negosyante ng Venecia REVIEW

From Shakespeare's timeless classic comedy "The Merchant of Venice", Tanghalang Pilipino gives a whole new light and perspective to it with DER KAUFMANN (Ang Negosyante ng Venecia). With translation by Rolando Tinio from the original play by William Shakespeare, and directed by Rodolfo Vera and Tuxqs Rutaquio. 

As a Filipino adaptation of one of the famous stage plays, Der Kaufmann comes to life onstage with a very cryptic yet critical approach to the story which has been told and lived in many stages around the globe. Taking into the limelight of the theme is the Antisemitism movement and homosexuality aligned with the plot opens it into a whole new view of the celebrated piece as more of dark and devious bringing the audience into the period of the Second World War during the mass execution of Jews, Gypsies, Homosexuals performed by the Nazis.

Vista Residences: Condo Living is the Way to Go

A cursory trip to Metro Manila will reveal a curious phenomenon: the frenetic, unstoppable construction of high-rise residences. From mid-rise to towering structures, helmed by novice developers or established real estate players, they are transforming not only the urban fabric and the skyline but also the way people live, how they interact with each other, and their relationship with the city and its myriad opportunities.

“Metro Manila is a prime mega-city that is ripe and ready for high-rise developments,” says Emma Amores, Corporate Communications Head “With over 15 million people calling the metropolis home, it’s inevitable that there will be scarcity of land on which to build. The fact that that it has the country’s most expensive real estate in square meters makes building and buying a home more challenging.”

No wonder that more and more people are embracing condo living. The 21st century will be marked with condominium projects, just like how subdivisions and villages defined the late 20th century. Though there will still be a segment of the home-buying market that will prefer horizontal developments, signs are pointing toward more and more people preferring to live vertically. Here are some of their compelling reasons:

Pelicula 2013!

¿Loco/a por el cine?

Crazy for (Spanish) films? No need to go further, you can now watch quality Spanish Cinema at Pelicula 2013! From October 3 to 13, join them to watch the Best of current Spanish cinema!

For the screening schedule and further information on the Festival, please click here  or logo on to www.manila.cervantes.es 

The SM Aura-gram is On!

The SM Store AURA would like to invite all Instagramers to join the SM Store AURAGRAM! Over P50,000 worth of shopping certificates to be given away!

How to join:

1. Follow The SM Store  (@thesmstore) on Instagram.  

2. Take a photo of your favorite product from the SM Store Aura and post it on your Instagram account with the hashtags #thesmstoreauragram #thesmstoreaura. Do it as creatively as possible.

3. Criteria will be based on photo quality, creativity and likes.

4. The top 5  most creative Auragrams with the most likes on Instagram will each win P10,000 worth of shopping certificates from The SM Store Aura.

5. Promo runs from September 23 to October 3, 2013 only.

Join The SM Store online community Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

Best of October: Girls Rule the World on beTV!

Let girls take over your TV screens this October! Enjoy new seasons of your favorite shows, first and exclusive on beTV!

Catch Paige Duke, the former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ambassador from South Carolina, as she takes control of the affairs of her heart on the third season of Sweet Home Alabama. A fan favorite in the second season, Paige returns to search for her true love in an all-new, ten-episode run of Sweet Home Alabama! This time, suitors from big cities and small towns will be the one vying for her affection. More tears and more romance await you as bachelors from around the United States head to the Deep South to compete for the heart of this southern belle. Sweet Home Alabama starts on October 6, Sunday at 8:10 PM, first and exclusive on beTV!

Philiipines Gets Caught Up In The "LINSANITY"

In February 2012, the New York Knicks, mired in a disappointing season and out of desperation, looked to the end of their bench and found Jeremy Lin, an undrafted free agent from Harvard. On the verge of seeing his lifelong NBA dream vanish, Lin – at, or near what was believed to be his last chance as an NBA professional, underwent a now-legendary run, obliterating stereotypes along the way, and in the process birthed a global phenomenon known as "LINSANITY" Basketball -- and the world – was never the same.

Solar Entertainment Corporation presents “LINSANITY”, a film that chronicles the amazing journey of the American-Asian NBA superstar Jeremy Lin.

Jeremy Lin came from a humble background to make an unbelievable run in the NBA. State high school champion, all-Ivy League at Harvard, undrafted by the NBA and unwanted there: his story started long before he landed on Broadway

A native of Palo Alto, CA, Lin is the NBA’s first American-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. Overlooked after his prep career ended, he is believed to be the only California Division II Player of the Year to not receive a Division I scholarship. However, Harvard University did take notice of Lin, and he helped pave the way for his Harvard team to become nationally-ranked for the first time in its history along with making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1946.

NUVALI gives BIG BIG BIG Surprises on September 28!

In NUVALI, the love for nature and for one another go hand in hand.

As part of Ayala Land Inc.’s 25th Anniversary, one of the country’s most successful and well-loved mixed-used developments, NUVALI gives thanks to the community through the Random Acts of Kindness Day.

BIG, BIG, BIG surprises await everybody!

Head on to NUVALI, Sta. Rosa Laguna on Saturday, September 28, 2013 and experience generosity like no other.

And if you are new to NUVALI, here is a map of how you can get there. See you all on the weekend!

REEL DEAL: 'Mr. Go' is World's First Gorilla Pinch Hitter

The world's first gorilla pinch hitter is here! Mr. Go is a light-hearted, genial story with a baseball-playing gorilla and his 15-year old manager, who become superstars after playing in the Korean Baseball League.

Young circus ringmaster Wei Wei has only bat-swinging gorilla Ling Ling to depend on as her only family member and friend, her grandfather, dies in the Great Sichuan Earthquake, leaving behind an insurmountable debt. When a loan shark threatens to sell Ling Ling and the circus kids to cover the debt, Wei Wei has no choice but to allow Ling Ling to be scouted in the Korean Baseball League by the materialistic sports agent Sung.

Ling Ling, now dubbed ‘Mr. Go’, becomes an instant hit with fans and leads his team Doosan to a miraculous winning streak. No pitcher can stand up to Mr. Go’s powerful single-handed swing, and they watch helplessly as the ball flies out of the park. His popularity grows so immensely that even the fans of his opposing teams cheer for him, and single-handedly attracts worldwide media attention to the league. Wei Wei and Sung are stunned and blinded by the sudden success, and neglect to detect Ling Ling’s worsening knee injury, just as Japanese clubs are drafting ground breaking trade propositions.

Catch this heart-warming film of Wei Wei and Mr. Go and their miraculous run in the Korean Baseball League in selected SM Cinema branches starting October 16, 2013.

Watch out for screening schedules and branches at www.smcinema.com. Stay updated for the latest and hottest in the movie scene by liking e-PLUS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

One More Try and other teleserye theme songs in compilation album

Universal Records has gathered some of the most memorable teleserye theme songs in their album One More Try: Favorite Teleserye Love Song and other OPM Hits.

The album’s carrier single One More Try, performed by Kuh Ledesma, is the theme of the phenomenal GMA TV series My Husband’s Lover. The series’ lead star Carla Abellana’s debut single Kung Alam Ko Lang is also included in the album.

One More Try: Favorite Teleserye Love Song and other OPM Hits also includes One More Try (Kuh Ledesma), Ngiti and Maghihintay Sa’yo (Christian Bautista), Haplos (Alden Richards), Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin (Jed Madela), among others.

One More Try: Favorite Teleserye Love Song and other OPM Hits is available at all record bars nationwide.

Boy band 1:43 reaps four nominations in the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music

BOY BAND 1:43’s sophomore album titled “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo” under MCA Music which contains the monster hit song of the same title reaped one of the most number of nominations in the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music.

With a total of four nominations for “Song of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” “Pop Album of the Year,” and “Best Duo or Group,” 1:43 joined the league Daniel Padilla, Gloc-9, Sarah Geronimo and Callalily as one of the most recognized recording artists in 2012 by the members of the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).

REEL DEAL: X-Men Days Of Future Past

“X-Men: Days of Future Past” directed by Bryan Singer is based on a classic two-issue comics tale that takes us to a bleak future where powerful machines overpower and vanquish the warm-blooded populace that forces the mutants to time travel despite all odds.

Revealed in this year’s San Diego Comic-Con are two teaser posters of the movie featuring two of the greatest mutants ever to live in the X-Men universe. The promotional teaser posters of Professor X and Magneto are each inhabited by two actors – Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy melds as Professor X while Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender’s features are merged to become Magneto.

Judy Ann To Demonstrate World-Class Hosting Skills In Upcoming Game Show "Bet On Your Baby"

In the tradition of taking on the best and most exciting shows to Philippine television, acclaimed actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo is set to bring her unparalleled charisma to the stage as the host of ABS-CBN’s newest game show, “Bet On Your Baby”.

“Bet On Your Baby”, an international game show for families, aims to put to the test how well parents know their children. Designed for kids aged two to three and a half years old, the game show began airing this same year in the United States and Turkey and immediately gained a huge following as one of television’s most well-loved programs.


Aside from being set to air in the Philippines, the game show is also on its way to touch the shores of China—where the said country is also in the process of developing their own versions of “Bet On Your Baby”.


Britney Dance Challenge V4.0

After volume 1,2 and 3.....

There's definitely a VOLUME 4.0!

Ignite Dance Company in cooperation with Team Britney Philippines (Official) presents Britney Dance Challenge V4.0 with Britney Spear's latest single "WORK BITCH". Choreography by IGNITE's Artistic Director TRIGGER.

Happening on September 28, 2013 (Saturday) 3pm atSt. Augustine, Espana Manila near UST

1139 Laboda ctr. (adelina st. cor. Espana blvd.). Walk-in fee is 150 PhP only.

See y'all there BritArmy!

For more information please contact: 0942-8-IGNITE

Converse x Komiks, A Match Made In Punk

Shoes are Boring Wear Sneakers, this is the new mantra of the world known sneakers brand converse best known for their Chuck Taylors, and they had campaigns that not only promote their well-loved brand but also how the new generation will enjoy their lives with it.

That philosophy is also what komiks artists also share which is now on a new age of artistry and audience. Upgrading yet timeless giving its lasting permanence. Then how about having a crossover between them?

Converse Philippine recently  held an event at their flagship store in Glorietta to launch their in-store customization area "Punk Your Chucks". Renowned Filipino komik book artists Kajo Baldisimo and Bow Guerrero - of Trese and Dark Colony fame, respectively-were on hand to showcase artwork of their characters donning converse, and to "live paint" one of a kind pairs of Chuck Taylor All Star Sneakers for their fans.

BPI Family Bag Best SME Bank Award for the Third Straight Year

It is a strong three-peat victory for BPI Family Savings Bank (BPI Family) as it bags for the third straight year the title Best SME Bank by Alpha Southeast Asia (SEA) Magazine.

BPI Family has set itself apart from other financial institutions in the Philippines with its unique commitment in making it easy for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to grow and expand their businesses.

“More than this award, the assurance that we are able to carry out our commitment in empowering MSMEs year on year is what we are most grateful for. This continues to inspire us here in BPI Family to aggressively enhance our processes, along with the innovation of both our products and communication strategies to reach more MSMEs and make it easy for them to achieve their growth potential,” shares BPI Family President TG Limcaoco.

National Geographic Channel Reveal The Mind's Power With Brain Games

Premiering on September 24, 2013, Tuesday at 9 PM is National Geographic Channel’s new series Brain Games, a show that explores the human mind’s powers of perception as well as the skills that it affords us. Using mind-boggling experiments, brainteasers, optical illusions and hard science, Brain Games shows viewers how the human brain works and how their lives are affected as a result.

NGC will be showing a Brain Games special on September 24 for its premiere. In the premiere episode, viewers are lured into the world of sleight of hand, of advanced card play and card magic, with a focus on the oldest card trick in the world, the Three Card Monte. Card performers will be revealing the secrets behind their tricks as well as exploring the psychology that allows people to be tricked. Also, the connection between human beings and primates will be highlighted, giving us a better understanding of our social interactions and dynamics, and how we perceive our relationships because we are hard-wired in a certain way.

ART IS A BANG: Trumpets returns with the magical musical The Bluebird of Happiness

What happens when two kids embark on a magical adventure to find happiness?

The Bluebird of Happiness follows the unforgettable adventure of poor kids Mytyl and Tyltyl search of a mythical creature called the bluebird of happiness. They are accompanied by their dog, their cat, and a candle in human form named "Light" who help them on their journey. Together, they explore wondrous and mysterious lands and meet interesting and enchanted characters in their quest for true happiness.

They visit "The Land of Memory" where they encounter their long dead grandparents, "The Palace of Night" where nightmares and horrors creep from dark corners, "The Forest" filled with trees who have a grudge against humans, "The Land of Luxury" that holds all kinds of riches and bounty, and "The Land of the Future" where sadness is unknown and “The Graveyard” where they must face their worst fears. Despite of all the places they visit they end up where they started and find that the "Bluebird of Happiness" is right in their own home. 

HEALTHY LYF: Show Off Your Dance Moves WIth Healthway Medical's Dance For Health

Get your kicks and groove with us! The Philippines’ premiere ambulatory service provider Healthway Medical is all set for their 16th Anniversary celebration as they bring you an exclusive healthy dance battle, “DANCE FOR HEALTH, a healthy way to live”.

The elimination rounds will kick off on September 26, 2013 at SMX Convention Center and October 26, 2013 at Alabang Town Center. The grand finals will be on November 23, 2013 at Glorietta Activity Center.

MUSIC LYF: The Power of Two Aiza and Charice

Sensational acoustic singer Aiza Seguerra and international singing discovery Charice is set to headline Power of Two this September 28 at the Araneta Coliseum. Aiza and Charice are all set to provide audiences an unforgettable musical extravaganza.

Helping the two are exceptional duos that further proves that indeed Power of Two is a strong force, even in music. Power of Two is the first time that WilbrosLive is teaming-up with ETalent Entertainment for the production of the concert. Sharing Musical Director chores are gifted musicians Troy Laureta and Ria Osorio. Gloc-9 and Abra will perform as guests in the concert.

Aiza, who packed the Big Dome last year with her silver anniversary concert Bente Singko, returns to the Coliseum to exhibit her artistry as a young icon of the local music scene. She is expected to perform old and current hits, given her unique acoustic, heartfelt, sincere touch.

Cheezify and Baconize Anything You Want With KFC

Food Trends may come and go, but bacona and chese will always be here to stay. These classic eats are so well-loved that one finds an excuse to add them to just about anything. Drizzle cheese and sprinkle bacon to literally anything and it automatically becomes a crown pleaser proving that everything is better with bacon and cheese after all.

KFC Philippines invites all their fans to their stores for a Cheezy Bacon Fest. Fans will be delighted to hear that the chicken they loved through the years has just gotten better as they are cheezified and baconized. Through Cheezy Bacon Fest, KFC fans and cheese and bacon lovers alike will now be able to indulge and satisfy in their most insatiable cravings as the world's most beloved foods are added to another classic, the KFC Fried Chicken.

MUSIC LYF: Marion Aunor Releases Album With Star Records

After being part of Himig Handog P-POP lovesongs, Marion Aunor is now officialy part of Star Records with the release of the debut self-titled album and is now ready to win more hearts with her original songs and covers. 

Though she is a newbie in the music industry, she said that her edge among others is her ability to write songs and her prowess in playing the piano where she would do most of her performance. And her talent isproven with her original songs which landed her a spot in major songwriting compeitions.

Singer-Songwriter Marion Aunor Releases Self-Titled Debut Album

Fast rising singer-songwriter Marion Aunor believes that her singing and songwriting skills will make her stand out among the many other talented Filipino singers. The Third place winner of "Himig Handog P-POP Love Songs 2013" is positive that she can carve  her niche in the music industry, especially with the new sound and unique flavor that highlights in her much awaited self-titled album released under Star Records.

HEALTHY LYF: 4 Reasons Why MILO is Good for Kids

Winning energy and chocomaltee goodness in every cup of MILO

For 49 years, MILO has championed health and wellness for generations of Filipino families with quality products that boast of big flavors and wholesome energy-giving nutrients. According to the recent Kantar Worldpanel Brand Footprint 2013 study, MILO has consistently ranked in the top 5 brands in the Philippines for both rural and urban households, cementing its reputation as a trusted and well-loved brand by kids and adults alike.

Having established itself as a local favorite among the youth, MILO does more than just provide a healthy source of energy for kids, but also advocates holistic development through sports. As a testament to MILO’s invaluable commitment to serving Filipino households, the brand shares the top 4 reasons why MILO is good for kids.

LAKBAYAN: TigerAir Launches Oktoberfest Promo

Tigerair, Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing low-cost carrier, rings in the “ber” months with a special treat: Buy 3, Get 2 Free! From now until September 20, purchase 3 tickets to any destination and get 2 tickets free of charge. Tickets bought on these dates may be used from October 1 to December 15, 2013.

“In addition to providing topnotch service, Tigerair is committed to providing our customers the most memorable experiences. Through this opportunity, we hope that we are able to give consumers the immeasurable joy of being together with their loved ones this holiday season,” says Olive Ramos, Tigerair Philippines President and CEO.

XSTIG: DLSU’s Improved Sikat II to compete in 26th World Solar Challenge

Sikat II was launched at its send-off as the country’s official participant to the 2013 World Solar Challenge, which will be held this October at Darwin, Australia.

The team is comprised of 50 mechanical and electrical engineering students plus six faculty members from De La Salle University. Additional improvements, which took a grueling seven months to complete, were applied to Sikat II. The vehicle was subject to test runs at Basa Airbase and SCTEX to ensure optimum performance.