REEL DEAL: Scarlett Johansson Frees Her Mind In “LUCY”

Portraying strong, unique female characters on the big screen is always a welcome challenge for Scarlett Johansson. So when casting his latest action-thriller “Lucy,” and writer-director Luc Besson needed to find an actress who could be believable as extremely vulnerable, as well as superpowered, when her exposure to an illicit substance inadvertently makes her acquire incredible skills, Johansson quickly came to mind.

Producer Virginie Besson-Silla describes the unlikely heroine of this story: “Lucy is an average girl who’s having fun with her friends in Asia, and there’s a lot of partying going on. She’s discovering life, but she’s going to discover it the hard way…and go much further than she would ever expect.”

MUSIC LYF: Get to Know Bea Valera 12 Stone's Newest EDM Artist

Bea Valera (born on December 12, 1991) better known as “BV” is an Electronic Dance Music (EDM) recording artist and songwriter born and raised in the Philippines. As a child, she started doing theatre in and eventually made her way to UP Diliman to study theatre arts. With a true passion for music, she decided to try her luck and focus full time on her work. In 2011, BV turned heads when she was featured as the lead on a music video called “Biglang Liko” by Ron Henley which currently has over 18 million youtube views. Eventually, this led her to do more music videos for other artists like Chicosci, Save Me Hollywood and many more. She is also quite experienced behind the scenes, working as a stylist and production designer from time to time.

BV was first heard in a collaboration with rapper Ron Henley called “Langit” and started singing choruses on live shows for her friends in the hiphop industry like Stick Figgas and Loonie while working as a creative executive for an advertising agency in 2012. Attending music festivals and watching foreign EDM inspired her to make her own music and collaborated with Kidwolf to make her first track “Unbroken”. After releasing the track on youtube in December 2013, BV along with her producer (Kidwolf) were asked to make the anthem for the Summer Siren Festival 2014. The song entitled “Free” exceeded their expectations as it entered the myx charts and was regularly played at different radio stations. The success of “Free” has allowed BV to perform around metro Manila, Zambales, Pampanga, Subic and Baguio. Staying true to her electronic pop sound, she is currently working with young EDM producers from all around the Philippines, hoping to take original Filipino EDM the next level.

REEL DEAL: “MAD MAX: FURY ROAD” Unfurls Charcater Banners

Meet “Max,” “Furiosa,” “Nux” and “Immortan Joe” – the four lead characters of Warner Bros.' upcoming action-adventure, “Mad Max: Fury Road” in their own individual posters.

“Mad Max: Fury Road” is the fourth film of George Miller‘s Road Warrior/Mad Max franchise co-written and directed by Miller. The post-apocalyptic action film is set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life.

Within this world of fire and blood exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order… There’s Max (played by Tom Hardy from “The Dark Knight Rises”), a man of action and a man of few words, who seeks peace of mind following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos.

And… Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron from “Prometheus”), a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to her childhood homeland.

Also starring Nicholas Hoult as Nux and Hugh Keays-Byrne as Immortan Joe, Nathan Jones, Zoe Kravitz, Riley Keough, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, “Mad Max: Fury Road” opens across the Philippines in 2D and 3D theaters on May 14, 2015.

United States Supports Disaster Resilience In Benguet

(L-R:) Tublay Mayor Ruben Paoad, US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg, UN World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director Praveen Agrawal, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Mission Director Reed Aeschliman visit the women coffee farmers of Tublay, Benguet, who have been assisted by the US Government through WFP for the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR/CCA) programme. The US Government has announced an additional US$340,000 assistance to the province of Benguet to further improve disaster resilience in the area.

Photo credit: WFP Philippines/Anthony Chase Lim

REEL DEAL: “THE BOOK OF LIFE” Poster Reveal

Producer Guillermo Del Torro and director Jorge Gutierrez push the boundaries of animation in the upcoming “The Book of Life” where three childhood friends Manolo (Diego Luna), Joaquin (Channing Tatum) and Maria (Zoe Saldana) take on their most important journey within an enthralling landscape and larger-than-life visuals.  

As the story unfolds, all the world is made of stories but the greatest story begins in “The Book of Life,” the day when spirits pass between worlds and anything can happen.  “The Book of Life” sees the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, the movie encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

Check out this cool poster of “The Book of Life” as it opens us up to a stunning world created with rich details in a powerful story that celebrates life and the after-life. 

“The Book of Life” (3D) opens October 16 in theatres nationwide (Philippines) from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Statement of Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC on PNoy’s SONA 2014

The Department of Education is one with President Benigno S. Aquino III in fulfilling his promises to the Filipino people. We remain committed to the Filipino learner. After addressing the inherited backlog of basic inputs, we continue to address the incremental requirements of enrollment growth and additional requirements with the introduction of Senior High School. In fact, it is only now in the history of the agency that we are going to build classrooms in preparation for FUTURE requirements. We are also hiring teachers at unprecedented levels that position our schools to provide quality education. The continued roll-out of the K to 12 curriculum sets the foundation for lasting reform of the Philippine educational system.

REEL DEAL: “FIFTY SHADES OF GREY” Heats Up Web With Teaser Trailer Images

Universal Pictures and Focus Features have just uncovered the sizzling teaser trailer and images of Sam Taylor-Johnson's feature film adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The trailer may be viewed at http://youtu.be/bdagP6--_-s.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the bestselling book that has become a global phenomenon. Since its release, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has been translated into 51 languages worldwide and sold more than 100 million copies in e-book and print—making it one of the biggest and fastest-selling book series ever.


Stepping into the roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, who have become iconic to millions of readers, are Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson.

XSTIG: Philips Reveals New Sound and Visual Systems


Every year, new technologies are formed especially the audio and video innovations that has paved for a clearer viewing experience and enjoyable acoustics through our electronic appliances. Philips is one of the global brands that focuses on this main technology drivers which is now introducing their new line in the Philippine market.

New range of Philips portable audio products and home cinema systems deliver a new dimension to your viewing and listening experience

With over a century of rich heritage and expertise in high-end TV and audio technology, the focus on innovation takes on a new dimension with the launch of the Philips 2014 home entertainment and sound collection.

REEL DEAL: Pinoy Pride Dave Bautista Is Drax In “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY”

Filipino wrestling champion-turned-actor Dave Bautista takes on the role of Drax—a quiet yet physical brute, obsessed with avenging the death of his wife and child, in Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy” (opening in the Philippines, July 31).

The casting of Drax was a tough one for the filmmakers, as executive producer Jeremy Latcham explains: “Drax is a complex character. He is a man who seeks vengeance on the people that murdered his wife, his daughter, ruined his life and took everything from him. He is a big, bulky guy covered in tattoos, and he looks like a menace but over the course of the film as the layers are peeled back, it is revealed that he is a deeply sorrowful, regretful man who wants to make amends, a multifaceted guy with much more going on than his physicality implies. Finding a big, hulking actor who could pull off that nuanced performance was really hard.”

Aquabest Unveils Technological Quartet

Aquabest the country’s premier water refilling franchise is set to revolutionize the way Filipino’s  experience drinking water as it launches its four exclusive water treatment technologies.

Utilizing its new technologies the company will enable the company’s 700 store network to produce  Granderized water a type of water that is not only clean but also healthy. The company utilizes four unique technologies Grander, Tanwing, Nanogen, and Reverse Osmosis; that alters the very nature of water to make it better.

Get Deals From Mandaue Foam!

Up to 30% off on beds, pillows and mattresses at Mandaue Foam Furniture Store. Give your bedroom a makeover as Mandaue Foam Furniture Store, the one-stop home furnishing store, is holding their Bed Sale from July 21 to July 30, 2014. The sale event will offer discounts of up to 30% on all regular-priced items which include Gala Bed Top Mattresses, Gala Bed Bases, local pillows, foam and spring mattresses, folded mattresses, and bed frames. With over 40 years of providing its customers value-for-money, Mandaue Foam Furniture Store now has 19 conveniently-located showrooms nationwide. For more information, visit Mandaue Foam on Facebook or their website at www.mandauefoam.ph

BPI Family Ka-Negosyo Loans Reaches out to Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Finding a Worthy Investment, Co-Presents 2014 Franchise Asia Philippines

BPI Family Savings Bank Ka-Negosyo Loans strengthens its campaign for Filipino entrepreneurship as it once again co-presents the Franchise Asia Philippines 2014, Asia’s biggest 4-in-1 franchise event organized by the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

With the theme, “Asia to the World. The World to Asia. Conquering an Intergrated ASEAN”, the Franchise Asia Philippines 2014 opens its International franchise expo led by Mrs. Hanep Buhay, Senator Cynthia Villar, to share valuable insights on the Philippine landscape in the field of business and entrepreneurship. Dubbed as the biggest franchise show in Asia, Franchise Asia Philippines 2014 offers a platform to gain

REEL DEAL: New Trailer For “IF I STAY” Arrives

New Line Cinema has just shared the new international trailer of “If I Stay,” director R.J. Cutler’s adaptation of the Gayle Forman young adult novel.

The new trailer may be viewed at Warner's official youtube channel at http://youtu.be/xN5rzLeWKKU.

Gayle Forman’s best-selling novel comes to the screen in New Line Cinema’s and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ drama “If I Stay,” starring Chloë Grace Moretz (“Carrie,” the “Kick-Ass” films), Mireille Enos (TV’s “The Killing,” “World War Z”), Joshua Leonard (“Higher Ground”), Jamie Blackley (“Snow White and the Huntsmen”) and Stacy Keach (“Nebraska”).

REEL DEAL: Realistic FX Brings Viewers Inside Tornadoes In “INTO THE STORM”

Towering over and around the human characters of New Line Cinema's tornado disaster film “Into the Storm” is its intimidating main character—the storm itself. “I think it’ll be exciting for the audience to go inside this massive tornado with its horrific power of destruction and, at the same time, see its beauty,” director Steven Quale says. “With advances in sound and visual effects, it’s now possible to do that in an incredibly visceral and realistic way.”

REEL DEAL: Classic Video Game Characters Unite In Upcoming Film "PIXELS"

Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today that the studio has brought together an extraordinary number of iconic video game companies, whose classic characters – including PAC-MAN, Donkey Kong, Centipede®, Galaga, Frogger, Q*bert, and Space Invaders – will be featured in the highly-anticipated action comedy “Pixels,” starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, and Brian Cox, and directed by Chris Columbus. The film will be released on May 15, 2015.

38th National MILO Marathon race picks up pace

More than 40,000 runners expected to break record attendance

The country’s biggest and most prestigious footrace will once again welcome children, students, aspiring runners and professional athletes to its running routes as the 38th National MILO Marathon takes its act to Manila for its fifth qualifying leg on July 27 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, Pasay City. With more than 40,000 participants expected to run on Sunday, another historic record of the most number of runners in a single race is anticipated to be achieved.

REEL DEAL: “HERCULES” And His Loyal Crew Of Mercenaries

In the new epic action-adventure “Hercules,” “It doesn’t matter to the titular character if he’s the son of Zeus or not,” actor Dwayne Johnson reflects. “The only thing that matters to him is righting the wrongs of the past. But he has this band of brothers and sisters – and they are the ones who push Hercules to believe that he can be a better man.”

Joining Johnson in the film as his loyal crew are Ian McShane (“Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”), Rufus Sewell (“Legend of Zorro”), Aksel Hennie (“Headhunters”), Ingrid Bolsø Berdal (“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”) and Reece Ritchie (“Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time”).

REEL DEAL: Director Brett Ratner Makes-Over "HERCULES” For New Audiences

The immortal legend of “Hercules” -- the demigod renowned for his mighty deeds and valor – gets a high-adrenaline 21st century makeover as director Brett Ratner (“X-Men: The Last Stand”) and leading action star Dwayne Johnson bring Hercules to life in a modern incarnation . . . as a man struggling to live up to his own lore in a world of fearsome villainy.

This version of Hercules is an icon who has vanquished lions and hellhounds, and is publicly feared and revered as a super-human champion; but deep within, he remains wounded by tragedy and uncertain of his legacy. Accompanied by five faithful companions, he travels the empire selling his services for gold and using his formidable reputation to intimidate his enemies. But when the benevolent ruler of neighboring Thrace and his daughter seek Hercules' help to defeat a terrifying warlord, Hercules can no longer skate by on the folklore surrounding him.

SM Companies Together To Support Ice Skating Hero Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez became an inspiration for Filipinos that it is possible to be a winter Olympian despite living in a tropical country. After competing at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, the interest in the sport grew more and more. 

Now Michael is off to the US to compete in the Hilton HHonors Skate America to be held in Chicago Illinois in October 22-26.Michael was one of the select few invited by the organizing committee of the Hilton Hhonors to compete in this prestigious event. Only World Top Ranking skaters, which Martinez ranks 27th, are requested to attend the competition.

Carolino, Gilbuena edge rivals in 38th National MILO Marathon Angeles Qualifying Race 52 runners qualify for National Finals

Jobert Carolino and Mischelle Gilbuena took advantage of the good weather and set a swift pace in the 21K division run at the 38th National MILO Marathon on Sunday in Angeles City, Pampanga. Each received a cash prize of P10,000 and a trophy.

Out of the 10,312 runners who joined this leg, Carolino, Gilbuena and 50 others booked their place for the National Finals on December 7 for a chance to be crowned as the MILO Marathon King and Queen and fly to Japan on an all-expenses paid trip to the 2015 Tokyo Marathon courtesy of MILO. 

It was a tight race as Jobert Carolino went head-to-head with Crescenciano Sabal and Sherwin Patron. Carolino was behind former champion Sabal for most of the race. As they neared the finish line, Carolino picked up pace and raced to the end, finishing with a time of 01:15:20, relegating Sabal to second place (01:15:35) and Patron to third (01:22:34)*.

REEL DEAL: “SEX TAPE” - A Movie About A Movie They Don't Want You To See

“Annie and Jay are a married couple who are ten years down the road. They have two kids and they find themselves in that part of the relationship where they’re not doing their best to keep it alive. They have a very happy marriage, but like a lot of couples, there’s just no time to have sex,” says Cameron Diaz, who re-teams with her “Bad Teacher” co-star, Jason Segel, in Columbia Pictures' outrageous new comedy “Sex Tape.”

“So Annie comes up with this idea – let’s make a sex tape. It’ll be exciting, it’ll be fun, and then we’ll erase it.”

REEL DEAL: Chris Pratt Seeks Stardom With “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY”

Bound-for-stardom Chris Pratt (“The LEGO Movie”) plays a brash space adventurer named Peter Quill, who was zapped into space at the age of nine, in Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

The filmmakers’ search for Peter Quill, the leader of the Guardians was extensive. Many actors were considered as contenders for the role but it was Pratt, best known for the role he plays in “Parks and Recreation,” and who was beginning to make a significant mark for scene-stealing roles in “Moneyball,” “The Five-Year Engagement” and “Zero Dark Thirty,” who triumphed. His ability to effortlessly switch between drama, comedy and action, together with his incredible charm, made him not only a great choice but also the only choice.

REEL DEAL: Feeling From The Inescapable In "The Maze Runner"

Filmmaker Wes Ball, acclaimed for his kinetic powerful 8-minute short “Ruin” that had internet audiences blown away brings his dynamic filmmaking flair in the upcoming young adult movie “The Maze Runner.”

Based on the bestselling book by James Dashner, “The Maze Runner” stars Dylan O’Brien along with a talented young cast – Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie Sangster,  Will Pouter, Ki Hong Lee, Aml Ameen, Alex Flores, Chris Sheffield, Dexter Darden, Jacob Latimore and Blake Cooper who are all trapped in a enclosed space known as The Glade.

“The Maze Runner” is the first book in the bestselling trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic world where a community of young men discover they’re all trapped in a maze.  When Thomas (O’Brien) surfaces from the bottom of The Glade, things have never been the same, especially when the last one and the only girl in the group followed after Thomas.   They all must work together not only to escape the maze, but solve its riddle and reveal the chilling secret of their entrapment. 

REEL DEAL: Danielle Chuchran Back IN Fighting Form In "SURVIVOR"

Danielle Chuchran, an up and rising action heroine who recently starred in  "Saga: Curse of the Shadow," "Minor Details" and "Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat" shows her action skills anew in "Survivor" along with favorite sci-fi actor Kevin Sorbo. 

Produced by Arrowstorm Entertainment, known as a world leader in fantasy films, the movie finds Kate (Chuchran) as one of the last living humans who landed on an alien planet.  But when Kate's crewmates are captured by flesh-eating creatures, she must join forces with the planet's mysterious masked inhabitants before what's left of humanity is destroyed. 

REEL DEAL: Unbox “ANNABELLE” In Creepy Teaser Trailer Poster

Ten days after announcing that “Annabelle,” the spinoff of the surprise hit horror film “The Conjuring,” will open worldwide this October, New Line Cinema has now released the first poster art and a two-minute teaser trailer for the movie which may be viewed here at http://youtu.be/hq4lCvVB6XM.

It may be recalled that Annabelle is the creepy doll that was featured in several of “The Conjuring's” set pieces. The new film explores the early origins of the doll and how it acquired its eventual demonic essence.

Fashion and Functionality in One Bag - Parachute Bags

Bags is a must for all. We grew up with them since our youth and even in our present lives, we never leave the house without a bag. May it be a small or big bag, it is an essential. The only thing that makes it different is our taste for fashion and the functionality of these bags. But can it possible to have both?

Parachute Convertible Bags are now in the Philippines with the guarantee of having fashion and functionality together in one bag. We all know these are the main factors that both men and women would consider in purchasing bags. Most women love to be fashionable with bags that goes well with their outfit, while most men would like to have a bag that is not bulky but keeps all their things in one bag.

REEL DEAL: Duplicity - Jake Gyllenhall On Creating The Characters Adam And Anthony In Enemy

What would you do if you discover someone who looks exactly like you?

The reality of finding your doppelganger or a mirror image or yourself is the intriguing premise of the upcoming psychosexual thriller ENEMY, released by Solar Pictures. 

Based on the novel “The Double” by José Saramago, ENEMY tells the story of a university lecturer named Adam (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is nearing the end of a relationship with his girlfriend Mary (Melanie Laurent). One night, while watching a film, Adam spots a minor actor who looks just like him. Consumed by the desire to meet his double, Adam tracks down Anthony (Jake Gyllenhaal), an actor living with his pregnant wife Helen (Sarah Gadon) and engages him in a complex and dangerous struggle.  

“HERCULES” Storms Into IMAX Theaters in PH July 23

IMAX Corporation, Paramount Pictures, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures recently announced that Brett Ratner's action epic, “Hercules,” will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® 3D format and released by Paramount Pictures and MGM in IMAX® theatres worldwide, including the Philippines on July 23, 2014.

"Hercules deserves a platform like the IMAX 3D format," said Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. "We are excited to team up with our partners Paramount and MGM to bring this epic tale to life as never before for IMAX fans around the world."

REEL DEAL: Disney Casts Newcomer For Mowgli Role in “THE JUNGLE BOOK”

After an extensive worldwide search ranging from New York to New Zealand, London to Canada, and all throughout the United States and India, The Walt Disney Studios is pleased to announce that 10-year-old Neel Sethi will play the part of Mowgli in Disney’s “The Jungle Book.”

Neel is a newcomer from New York picked from among thousands of auditions, and his role in “The Jungle Book” marks his first foray into acting.

“Casting is the most important element of any film and finding the right kid to play Mowgli was imperative,” said director Jon Favreau. “Neel has tremendous talent and charisma. There is a lot riding on his little shoulders and I’m confident he can handle it.”

ICYMI: Parokya Ni Edgar performed at the HONOR X9b 5G Bagsakan Concert!

HONOR Philippines just threw the very first HONOR X9b 5G Bagsakan and it was a success!  Parokya Ni Edgar performed at the HONOR X9b 5G Bags...