REEL DEAL: “AVENGERS” Sequel, “CINDERELLA” Lead Disney's 2015 Line-Up

Walt Disney Studios Philippines will release nine movies in 2015, led by Marvel's “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the live-action “Cinderella” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the first Star Wars installment since 2005.

Disney's opening film for the new year will be Rob Marshall's “Into the Woods,” already a December blockbuster in the U.S. and stars Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Chris Pine and Emily Blunt. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel — all tied together by an original story.

In March, “Cinderella” will get the live-action treatment, the way Disney brought fantasy characters like “Maleficent” and “Alice in Wonderland” to the bigscreen. “Cinderella” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and features Lily James (“Downton Abbey”) and Cate Blanchett.

REEL DEAL: Full-On Adventure At The Movie With 20th Century Fox's 2015 Line Up

20th Century Fox, avant-garde studio behind  breakthrough concepts in filmmaking such as the immersive 3D technology in “Avatar,” the better-than-ever sequels of franchise films such as “Ice Age” and superheroes such as “X-Men” films, non-stop heart-pounding action flicks and phenomenal book-to-film adaptations of “The Fault In Our Stars,”   “Life of Pi” and “Maze Runner” welcomes 2015 with unforgettable and highly-entertaining movies poised to set new box-office records.  

What Are The Filipino Values That We Should Practice More?

Filipinos in general has a lot of diversity in terms of cultural and geographical things that have shaped the meaning of the word 'Filipino' or basically to be 'Pinoy'. But we have to admit that there are also the negativeness that has caused  values demoralization and inferior mentality. But why linger on things that are negative and choose to "Change For The Better" and come out on the positive side of life.

With some of the great values that we show but not usually highlighted transitions into forgotten values, it would be great to be reminded of the things that we are doing right and should always do that will not only bring us harmonious relationships but can also change for a better living and a better country. 

Krem-Top leads the Change for the Better campaign 

“The year 2015 is harvest time - harvesting all what is good about the Filipino to transform our country into a great nation,” said Dr. Mina Ramirez, phenomenological sociologist and president of Asian Social Institute. 

REEL DEAL: “INTO THE WOODS” Gets Bext Picture, Acting Noms From Golden Globes

Walt Disney Pictures' “Into the Woods,” the contemporary retelling of the classic fairy tales, has been nominated for major Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Best Actress for Emily Blunt who plays the Baker's Wife, and Best Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep for playing the Witch.

Rob Marshall, producer and director of “Into the Woods,” reacted to the nominations thus, "On behalf of my fellow producers, John DeLuca and Marc Platt, I want to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press for this wonderful honor. I am so proud to have been a part of bringing Stpehen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beloved and profound work to the screen, and equally proud of the extraordinary cast who brought it to life with such passion and heart."

REEL DEAL: Jeff Bridges, Master Demon-Slayer In “SEVENTH SON”

Academy Award-winner Jeff Bridges stars as grizzled demon-slayer Master Gregory in Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures' fantasy adventure “Seventh Son.”

For Master Gregory, explains producer Basil Iwanyk, the filmmakers needed an actor who “could play grumpy and taciturn and irascible, aged but still lively and youthful, charming when he wants to be and has a great physicality.” They felt that Jeff Bridges fit that bill. “He’s always been one of the best American actors, and he’s a true box-office draw, having established those credentials with films like `TRON: Legacy' and `True Grit.' There are a lot of actors who feel very familiar in movies in this genre and we knew Jeff would bring his own spin to this, which he has. He created this incredible character.”
“Master Gregory is somebody who has got a lot of miles on him and is very weary,” elaborates producer Jillian Share. “He has the burden of keeping the forces of evil at bay, yet without the appreciation of those he helps. They want him around when there’s trouble, but they don’t want his friendship. Jeff does an amazing job of capturing that pain, and there’s great character work here.”

Bet Ng Bayan Grand Finals this Sunday on GMA

After months of searching and showcasing Filipino homegrown talents all over the country, it’s going to be the battle of the best this Sunday (December 28) on the Grand Finals Showdown of GMA Network’s widest reality talents search Bet ng Bayan hosted by Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Kapuso prime leading man Alden Richards.

Happening at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, viewers will definitely witness spectacu-lar performances from the contestants representing Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Mega Manila.

SYKES Celebrates a POPTASTIC 2014!

Year End Celebrations are one of the most anticipated events of the year, and for the pioneer in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines, SKYES never fails to make employees feel that their hardwork throughout the year gives them the Christmas/New year treat they desreve. And for years, SYKES has celebrated its Year-End Celebration (YEC) held last December 14 at the SMX Convention Center with theme "POPTASTIC". 

Last year, we were also at the same venue for their SKYES Music festival which featured Up Dharma Down and Parokya Ni Edgar. It was one big party that night, and for this year, they made sure it will par of do better for this year as they also expanded new businesses this year and prepared more prizes and performances that made the event even more bigger. 

Kubot The Aswang Chronicles 2 REVIEW

This upcoming MMFF season, I am happy to see that GMA Films and Reality Entertainment has an entry for the Film Festival which gives another flavor among the recurring films which has left it saturated. Kubot The Aswang Chronicles 2 is a follow up to TikTik which was shown back in 2012. Starring Dingdong Dantes as Makoy, he ventures first to Pulapandan to get her pregnant girlfriend back which eventually led them into a big fight with the Tiktiks. And the conflict continues with another group of aswangs called the Kubot, aswangs who have very long hair which they use to envelop their prey and eat their insides.

We have always seen aswang in many ways in Philippine Cinema but we have yet to discover the diversity and the various aspects that they add to the Filipino society. And direk Erik Matti's concept of having a trilogy about them would help us know more about our own monsters which is not limited to tyanaks and Mananangals.

Feel the thrill of Star Cinema’s Feng Shui in XD: 4D Cinema

The newest addition to SM Cinema Mall of Asia’s Specialized Theatres – the XD:4D Cinema is a new 4D experience with enormous in-theatre effects including snow, wind, water, scent, fog and strobe/lightings. It also has seat impactors, motion seats, seat vibrators and even a leg ticklerto add a breathtaking fourthdimension experience.

In this year’s upcoming 40thMetro Manila Film Festival, Star Cinema, in partnership with SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. will feature its official entry and Feng Shui, at the XD: 4D Cinema inMall of Asia. Feng Shui, to be shown on December 25, 2014, will be the first Filipino movie rendered in 4D. 

In this highly anticipated second installment of the multi-million Feng Shui film franchise, everything comes in twos with the return of Feng Shui to the big-screen: it’s double the excitement with the awesome tandem of Kris Aquino and Coco Martin; its double the fright with the terrible return of “Lotus Feet;” and it’s double the heart-stopping horror as double luck and double misfortune will befall anyone who will dare to accept anything from the horrific bagua.

Watch the greatest horror movie in the history of Philippine cinema and engage your senses in complete cinematic experience at Mall of Asia’s XD: 4D Cinema!

Banish “unwanted guests” from your home on this season of festive gatherings

Deck your homes with all sorts of festive Yuletide décor as Christmas draws near. For most Filipino families, after all, the holidays are a time for merrymaking with family and kin, old and new friends, and even balikbayan flying in for their much-anticipated reunions.

But how do you welcome holiday guests and banish holiday pests? How do you spruce up your homes for the most cherished season of the year while keeping them 100-percent clean?

2014 Christmas Message of Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC

A Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

This year has not been without its challenges and as I address you this season, I call to mind the many sacrifices we have all had to make to keep our children learning. Whether we are teachers, administrators, school staff, or parents, we have all contributed much by way of our time, dedication, and hard work.

These times have seen direct threats aimed at our students. Violence in schools and the constant possibility of disasters keep us on our toes, firm in our commitment to ensure everyone’s safety within the school community.

This season, rather than recalling what we fear most, I choose to honor the good in all of us.

Christmas is a reminder of the goodness that comes into the world even as it is challenged by the darkness of uncertainty. We have seen examples of this throughout the year in the persons of those within the Department who have given much of themselves so that our work may continue. Our teachers have gone beyond their call to do remarkable things like deflect gunmen and protect their students. Administrators and officials from local offices have been outstanding in shepherding their people, in always being quick to offer a word of care and thanks. Our donors too have been on call, ready to engage us, for what little or big needs we might have. Even our students have been good citizens.

It is very difficult to lose hope in the company of great people.

This Christmas, I wish for all of you to rekindle that goodness inside and magnify it. Remind others, by way of gratefulness, that they too have been beacons of good in your lives.  Find peace knowing that in your own little way, you have contributed a great deal of good in a world bereft of it.

This season, as we celebrate community and oneness in the pursuit of being good, may we all find joy in each other’s company and encourage each other to do good, no matter the cost.

Again, may you all have a Christmas filled with goodness, joy, and love. God bless us all!

REEL DEAL: Game Characters Attack Earth In "PIXELS" Banners

Take your first look at the banners for director Chris Columbus' upcoming adventure feature "Pixels" which boasts arcade game characters everyone will be familiar with including PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, Centipede®, Galaga, Frogger, Q*bert, and Space Invaders.

Adam Sandler, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Monaghan, Josh Gad, Brian Cox and Kevin James all star in the film.

In “Pixels,” when intergalactic aliens misinterpret video-feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war against them, they attack the Earth, using the games as models for their various assaults.  President Will Cooper (James) has to call on his childhood best friend, ’80s video game champion Sam Brenner (Sandler), now a home theater installer, to lead a team of old-school arcaders (Dinklage and Gad) to defeat the aliens and save the planet.  Monaghan plays the team's unique weapons specialist.

REEL DEAL: Final "HOBBIT" Film Opens At No. 1 Grosses P72-M In Just 3 Days

The Philippines bade farewell to Middle-earth with a heartfelt send-off as “The Battle of the Five Armies” – the final film in “The Hobbit” trilogy -- hauled a stunning P72-million opening gross at the nationwide box-office in only three days.

This was announced today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Philippines which locally distributed the film.

“Battle” debuted on Friday, Dec. 12 which meant it had only a three-day opening weekend, yet the film managed to overcome this setback and still captured 65 percent of the market for a No.1 bow.

The Peter Jackson-directed saga also established several records, among them the Biggest Opening Day for a Warner Bros. film this year (ahead of “Godzilla”), Biggest Opening Day and Biggest 3-Day-Weekend for a “Hobbit” or “Lord of the Rings” franchise film.

REEL DEAL: The Aswang Chronicles Continues With Kubot

We have waited enough and Direk Erik Matti and Dingdong Dantes has finally made Christmas complete with the entry of Agosto Dos and GMA Films for the second installment of the aswang series after Tiktik with Kubot The Aswang Chronicles 2.

The second movie will continue from where they left off after defeating the group of Tiktik which had a lot of action and unfortunate events. Though there were a lot of things to improve on for the first movie, they have made amends and applied that on the second movie. This time the action moves from the rural landscape into the urban city life. Makoy finds himself more involved with the Aswangs as another kind wants him and his family dead.

Liam Neeson Out Of Retirement One Last Time In “TAKEN 3”

Check Out This Cool “12 Skills of Christmas” Homage Video

One explosive finale will end it all in the non-stop, catch-your-breath action thriller “Taken 3” starring Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, as-covert agent Bryan Mills forced to step out of retirement to save his family using the extraordinary set of skills that only he possesses.

“Taken 3’s” gripping and fantastic action sequence brings Bryan to track down the real killers of a murder that he is being framed of.  Director Olivier Megaton smashes Bryan Mills and his enemies into breathless action scenes when Mills’ long-awaited reconciliation with his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) is tragically cut short when she is murdered.  Mills, overtaken with anger, goes on the run for justice to prove his innocence and trace the mastermind behind his ex-wife’s murder.  With the CIA, FBI and police all in hot pursuit, for the last time, he channels his rage to protect the one remaining important thing left in his life: his daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace).

A Whole New Cinematic Experience With XD-4D Cinema

With cinema evolving and also improving throughout the years with new technologies for audio and video making movies more engaging and more realistic. This has been proven with the Atmos, THX, and IMAX. Now SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated (SMLEI) introduces the newest addition to SM Cinema Mall of Asia’s Specialized Theatres – the XD 4D Cinema!

This is a new 4D experience with enormous in-theatre effects including Snow, Wind, Water, Smell, Fog and Strobe/Lightings. It also has Leg Tickler, Motion Seats, Seat Vibrators and Seat Impactors to add a breathtaking fourth dimension experience.

MUSIC LYF: AC/DC " ROCK OR BUST’ Reaches #1 In 10 Countries So Far

AC/DC are back to topping charts around the globe with their 15th studio album ‘Rock or Bust.’ Released globally last week, ‘Rock or Bust,’ debuts at #1 on sales charts in 10 Countries so far including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Finland, France, Norway, Sweden, and Germany where it’s the fastest selling international album in nearly ten years and sold more in its first week than all other international albums on the chart combined. In addition ‘Rock or Bust’ debuted in the top five in a total of 25 countries including the U.S., UK, Spain, Poland, New Zealand, Japan, Czech Republic, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, and Hungary. In the U.S the band debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Top 200 chart selling over 174,000 albums in its first week.

Nutritionist to the Stars Shares A Secret Ingredient of an Effective Diet Plan

PEOPLE often have the impression that getting a toned and healthy body can be easily achieved by merely spending time at the gym. But truth be told, smarter food choices equate better to a fitter body.

In this fast-paced world, people tend to put healthy lifestyle practices far down their priority list. More often than not, people are not mindful of what their bodies really need; short-changing them of the nutrients they require to go further.

REEL DEAL: Middle-Earth Heroes, Villains Battle It Out In “THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES”

Peter Jackson's “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Here's a refresher and update on the characters' motivations and what have they been up to coming into the finale of the trilogy.

Bilbo Baggins. Following his harrowing adventures through the perilous Mirkwood Forest, Lake-town and a death-defying encounter with the Dragon Smaug, Bilbo Baggins has successfully helped Thorin Oakenshield and his Company reclaim their long-lost Dwarven Kingdom. Unfortunately, this victory comes at a high cost as the little Hobbit witnesses the fiery destruction of Lake-town. Fearing that Thorin is descending into the dark depths of “Dragon-sickness,” Bilbo Baggins has many tough decisions ahead if he is to ever return to the Shire and the home that he loves. Caught in the midst of an epic battle, the small Hobbit comes face to face with the reality that he may never go back again.

REEL DEAL: “PROJECT ALMANAC” Shows Of Teaser Poster

Following  the trailer reveal, Paramount Pictures has now shared the teaser poster of the time-travel movie “Project Almanac” from producer Michael Bay.

In the film, a brilliant high school student and his friends uncover blueprints for a mysterious device with limitless potential, inadvertently putting lives in danger. The youthful cast is composed of Jonny Weston (“Chasing Mavericks”), Sofia Black-D’Elia (TV's “Gossip Girl”), Sam Lerner (TV's “Suburgatory”), Allen Evangelista (TV's “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) and Ginny Gardner (TV's “Glee”).

Insurge Pictures presents in association with Michael Bay a Platinum Dunes Production “Project Almanac.” Executive Producers are Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Vicki Dee Rock. Produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, the film is written by Jason Harry Pagan & Andrew Deutschman. Directed by Dean Israelite.

Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 04, 2015, “Project Almanac” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Taking care of your skin during the holidays

It is always the season for skin care and sun protection

With the holidays fast-approaching come the different how-to-dos on surviving this merry yet frenzied season. These range from managing work and play, recovering from a dreadful hangover, getting back into shape, but nothing focuses on how the stress of the season actually affects your skin 

Imagine having parties lined on your social calendar for the week, but then you suddenly wake up with flared-up skin one morning. What a nightmare! Due to excessive celebrations, sleepless nights, exposure to harsh elements and the holiday stress, it’s the time of the year where puffy eyes, tired-looking skin and breakouts appear more than usual. What do you do when your skin gets the holiday blues?

Cleanse and moisturize. Make sure you cleanse and prep your face properly before hitting the sack. The all-time, no-no rule of sleeping with your makeup on still tops the list. And if the colder weather begins to dry out your skin, double up the potency of your current moisturizer by switching to a richer version. After all, nothing says happy holidays more than having healthy skin in time for all the celebrations!    

MUSIC LYF: Lenny Kravitz Live In Manila - Tickets Now Available!

Wondering if you’ll ever see him perform live in Manila? This March 24, 2015, Lenny Kravitz will strut to Manila for the first time. One of the preeminent rock musicians of this generation will have you grooving to his hits and cuts from his latest album “Strut”.

In his 20-year musical career, Kravitz has changed rock music with his own brand of 60’s and 70’s soul, rock, and funk. He stood out with his undeniable presence and classic sound, transcending race, genres, and style. The industry is definitely listening to his work with his long list of collaborations with various artists from different backgrounds like Madonna, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Aerosmith, N.E.R.D, Mick Jagger, P. Diddy, and more. To add to his long list of musical achievements, he holds the record for most wins in the “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance” category at the GRAMMY Awards. He has sold over 40 million albums to date. The rock icon is also an accomplished actor with notable works in the critically acclaimed movie Precious and the box-office hit The Hunger Games as Cinna.

Getting to Know the 2014 Filipino TV Viewer

Watching television has always been one of Filipinos’ favorite pastimes. According to Kantar Media, the highest rating TV programs for the third quarter of 2014 were game shows (21.65%) and primetime soap operas (17.68%). These figures reflect what Filipinos watch but what else do we know about Filipino television viewing? Kantar Media present some facts to help us get to know the Filipino TV viewer better.

Time Talk

According to Kantar Media, Filipinos spend an average of three (3) hours per day or almost a fifth of their waking hours watching TV. This year, Filipinos watched an extra hour, recording up to four (4) hours a day in front of their TV sets compared to the previous year. Moreover, Kantar Media studies showed that most Filipinos watch TV programs during the primetime slot, from 7:00 PM until 11:00 PM.

REEL DEAL: “SEVENTH SON,” First Fantasy Adventure of 2015

From Legendary Pictures, producers of “Godzilla” and “300: Rise of an Empire,” comes “Seventh Son,” the first fantasy adventure to open the New Year 2015.

Based on the book "The Spook's Apprentice" by Joseph Delaney, the film stars Jeff Bridges (“TRON: Legacy”), Ben Barnes (“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”), Alicia Vikander (“The Fifth Estate”), Kit Harington (“Game of Thrones”), Olivia Williams (“The Sixth Sense”), Antje Traue (“Man of Steel”), Djimon Hounsou (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) and Julianne Moore (“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”).

REEL DEAL: “CINDERELLA” Characters Featured In Own Posters

Walt Disney Studios has rolled out three new character posters for “Cinderella” featuring Ella and the Prince (Lily James, Richard Madden), the Wicked Stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and the Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter).

A live-action feature inspired by the classic fairy tale, “Cinderella” brings to life the timeless images from Disney’s 1950 animated masterpiece as fully-realized characters in a visually-dazzling spectacle for a whole new generation.

The story of “Cinderella” follows the fortunes of young Ella whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her.

Aquabest Joins QCIM

Aquabest recently joined thousands of runners and Quezon City residents in celebrating the city's 75th anniversary by supporting the 4th Quezon City International Marathon (QCIM).

The company set up hydration stations along Quezon Avenue where it offered free water to the marathon participants. It also gave away awesome prizes to the 21k runners at the Quezon Memorial Circle. The QCIM is being held to honor and celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of Quezon City.

The event gathered 9,000 professional and amateur runners and marked the first time the global marathon event was held at night.

Globe sets new standard in retail as it opens its Generation 3 flagshipstores simultaneously in Manila and Cagayan de Oro

Setting a new global standard in retail experience, Globe Telecom unveiled today its Generation 3 Stores simultaneously in SM North EDSA, Quezon City, Manila and in Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro.

The Globe Gen3 stores will further engage and delight customers by fueling their passion in the areas of music, entertainment, productivity, and life. With the opening of the GEN3 Stores, Globe has topped some of the iconic stores in the US and around the world. 

“Globe is proud to bring to Filipino consumers another world-standard differentiated experience. Our passion for our customers inspires us to end the year on a high note by bringing innovation a notch higher in our stores, one of our key customer touch points, allowing us to truly empower our customers' digital lifestyles,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO.  

REEL DEAL: “THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU” Arrives With US Critical Acclaim

Warner Bros. Pictures' endearing family dramedy “This is Where I Leave You” arrives exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on Dec. 17 with a flurry of rave reviews from highly regarded American critics.

Variety's resident film reviewer Scott Foundas writes, “`This Is Where I Leave You' is a sprawling ensemble dramedy that starts out like a full-tilt sitcom and gradually migrates to a place of genuine feeling. Repping a concerted effort by `Night at the Museum' and `Cheaper by the Dozen' helmer Shawn Levy to spread his wings beyond the gilded cage of family-friendly tentpoles, this alternately manic and mawkish adaptation of Jonathan Tropper’s 2009 novel aims for `Terms of Endearment' territory and ends up somewhere closer to a Semitic `August: Osage County.' But a tremendous ensemble cast gives the pic a significant boost, especially when they’re allowed to act rather than merely act out.

REEL DEAL: “PLAYING IT COOL” Tackles Long-Debated Question - Can Man And Woman Be Just Friends?

Chris Evans adds up to the pre-holiday’s enchanted festive mood in the upcoming movie “Playing It Cool” when it opens in local cinemas this December 17.

“Playing It Cool” sees Evans falls hard for a woman who is already engaged, played by Michelle Monaghan.  Evans plays a writer who has been disillusioned by love until he meets Her (Monaghan) at a charity dinner. But He (Evans) pursues her and tries to deal with a platonic relationship just to keep seeing Her – stopping at nothing to conquer her heart.

MUSIC LYF: Boyce Avenue Back For Valentine's Day Concert In 2015

Boyce Avenue, one of today’s hottest singing sensations which gained worldwide popularity for its strong acoustic roots and melodic rock sound, is returning to perform at a special Valentine’s Day concert on Feb. 14, 2015 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Billed as “Boyce Avenue Live in Manila 2015!,” the treat from Ovation Productions will bring back the American band more than a year after its last local performance in response to the popular demand of Pinoy fans. The overwhelming support of Filipino Boycers made the band the no. 1 most streamed international artist on Spotify in the country.

The one-night-only show will mark Boyce Avenue’s fourth local appearance in six years following its sold-out concert at Resorts World Manila last Dec. 30, 2013, also produced by Ovation Productions, and its headlining tour with American Idol winner Kris Allen and the dance troupe Jabbawockeez on Feb. 5-6, 2010, one year after its local debut on Feb. 16, 2009. Boyce Avenue is composed of the brothers Alejandro Manzano, Fabian Manzano and Daniel Manzano.

Warner's Peter "PAN" Debut Trailer, Character Posters

Warner Bros. Pictures’ live-action Peter Pan movie from director Joe Wright titled “Pan” has just unveiled a teaser trailer and four character posters. Take your first look at the one-sheets featuring Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman), Hook (Garrett Hedlund), Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara) and Peter (Levi Miller). The trailer may be viewed at http://youtu.be/446bUFckuv8.

Offering a new take on the origin of the classic characters created by J.M. Barrie, the film follows the story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny—to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.

38th National MILO Marathon ends another record-breaking season

Reigning MILO Marathon Queen Mary Joy Tabal revelled in the spotlight as she defended her National MILO Marathon crown at the National Finals of the 38th National MILO Marathon held on December 13 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. Not to be overlooked, Rafael Poliquit was named the 2014 National MILO Marathon King as he won his first National MILO Marathon championship title in the prestigious footrace. Today’s race saw 19,242 registered runners, bringing the total headcount of the season to 228,000 which shattered last year’s record.

DepEd reiterates “No Collection Policy” in public schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded all public school authorities that collection of any fees for school activities and celebrations is strictly prohibited.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that contributions in public schools should be voluntary. He added that while Parents-Teachers Association may be authorized to collect financial contributions from its members to enable it to implement programs and projects (such as Christmas parties) for the benefit of the students, the fees should be voluntary and agreed upon by the members in a general assembly.