REEL DEAL: Gritty, Realistic Action Pay Off In “THE EQUALIZER”

To realize the action of Columbia Pictures’ new action-thriller “The Equalizer,” the conversations began between director Antoine Fuqua, Denzel Washington, and Keith Woulard, one of the film’s stunt coordinators.  “There’s a tendency in shooting action to shake the camera and move things around – the audience can’t tell what’s happening,” says Fuqua.  That’s just what they didn’t want to do.  “My goal was to take acting and make it action,” says Fuqua. 

Fuqua’s inspiration for the way he would shoot the action scenes with McCall, Denzel’s character, was inspired by his interaction with real-life boxers.  “I happen to have a very good friend who’s a great boxer – Sugar Ray Leonard,” he notes.  “He’ll tell stories, and you’ll realize how smart a boxer can be.  Sometimes they’ll touch you – hey, how you doin’ today? – and that’s their way of checking you out, seeing if you’re in shape, if they think you’re a threat.  Or they’re watching you a certain way, to see how you move, how your body language is, what your strengths and weaknesses are.  They can pick you apart.  McCall is trained that way, too – he notices these things and uses them to his advantage.  We had to show that.”

Water can damage even the toughest concrete—so waterproof it with Optimum Flex

Concrete is one of the toughest materials around—just look at all the tall buildings, stadiums, and other large structures we build with it. Concrete is made with several ingredients including cement, aggregates and reinforcing materials to make it very durable. However, water can damage even the toughest concrete; this leads to leaks and continuous deterioration. To prevent this, concrete must be protected by an effective waterproofing product.

Certain parts of a house, like roofdecks, balconies, and the upper floors, experience tremors or movement (and yes, the higher the structure, the more tremors and movement). Such parts of the house must be protected by a flexible waterproofing product that will not crack or otherwise be dislodged because of the movement or tremors. The best option for this is Optimum Flex.

A No-Sting Approach to Good Oral Health

For many people, good oral health begins and ends with brushing their teeth after meals. While this practice is commendable, sadly it is not enough. Food particles, especially those at the back of the teeth and in hard-to-reach areas, may remain lodged, causing a host of alarming oral health problems. These include halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (a gum infection that damages soft tissue and the teeth’s bone support).

Food particles that are not removed by regular brushing may be used as fuel by anaerobic bacteria (bad bacteria) so they can multiply. These bacteria may cause dental problems such as tartar, plaque, and cavities, among others. They also release gaseous elements called volatile sulfur compounds, which are identified as major sources of strong odors in the mouth.

REEL DEAL: Meet The Unbeatable Team In “FOOSBALL”

“Foosball: The Unbeatables” is a highly-unique animated movie for all the family by Academy Award winner Juan José Campanella and supervised by animation expert Sergio Pablos who also supervised hit animation movies such as “Rio” and “Despicable Me “.

In “Foosball,” an unlikely hero - Amadeo (voiced by Rupert Grint) lives in a small and anonymous village who works at a bar and plays foosball better than anyone.   He is also in love with Laura, his childhood friend though she does not know it.  His simple routine comes crumbling down when Ace, a young man from the village that became the world’s best football player, comes back willing to have his revenge for the only defeat he ever suffered.  With his foosball table, hi s bar and even his table destroyed, Amadeo discovers something magical: the players of his beloved foosball table came to life!  Together, as a team they embark on a journey full of adventure to save their village. 

REEL DEAL: Kaya Scodelario's Unexpected Arrival In “THE MAZE RUNNER”

In the highly anticipated action-adventure “The Maze Runner,” based on the hugely successful book series of the same title by James Dashner,  Kaya Scodelario stars as Teresa in the movie within the midst of teenage boys confined in a place called The Glade where she is the only girl in the mix and where they have no idea who they are except for their names.

Teresa’s arrival into the mysterious Glade takes her fellow teenage captives by surprise: she’s the first girl in their midst. It’s immediately apparent that she has a connection to Dylan O’Brien’s Thomas; a connection that may well explain the Gladers’ confinement.  Teresa came into the Glade just right after the movie’s lead protagonist, Thomas (played by Dylan O’Brien) – among the boys, only both of them have repetitious dreams of a mysterious organization of which only the acronym WCKD flashes within their memories.  

Meet And Greet Allen Iverson With PCWorx!

More than just watching Allen Iverson call the shots as his Ball Up Streetball team take on former NBA superstars and local cage names, lucky fans will also have a chance to be up close and personal with the 11-time All-Star.

Iverson will be in town early November for “All In” --- a charity basketball event presented by PCWorx at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 5, 2014. The former NBA MVP will have Gilbert Arenas, Eddy Curry, and DerMarr Johnson.

Tickets may be purchased thru online at www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470-2222 and PCWorx branches or call the hotline at (02) 6232877. Prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,500 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission).

REEL DEAL: New Spies In Training In “KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE” International Trailer 2

From Matthew Vaughn, director of “X-Men: First Class” comes a new set of spy heroes to save the world in “Kingsman: The Secret Service.”  Starring Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Samuel L. Jackson and Taron Egerton, this latest espionage movie is based on the comic book “The Secret Service” by Dave Gibbons and Mark Millar. 

REEL DEAL: Creating The Action In “EXODUS: GODS & KINGS”

Filmed at Pinewood Studios in London and on location in Almeria, Spain and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Exodus: Gods & Kings is the reimagining of one of the greatest stories ever told by one of the best filmmakers working today.

Filmed in 3D, Scott’s film will tell the story of Moses, abandoned by a desperate mother as a baby after the Egyptian rulers orders the murder of all boys born to slaves. The boy is found in the bulrushes by the Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the royal household, where he grows up alongside Ramses, the future monarch.  As a man, Moses has a vision and turns his back on his privileged life and leads his people, the Israelites, from enslavement. Scott’s film will feature ground-breaking special effects, including the plagues visited upon Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea. 

REEL DEAL: "THE BOOK OF LIFE" Becoming A Hero Feature

“The Book of Life,” a vibrant animated fantasy-adventure, tells the legend of Manolo, a conflicted hero and dreamer who sets off on an epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to reunite with his one true love and defend his village.

But Manolo and his equally courageous best friend Joaquin are not your typical Prince Charmings; the object of their affections is far from being your average princess; and “The Book of Life” is a fairy tale that doesn’t go by the book.

MUSIC LYF: Jason Mraz Returns To Manila With Raining Jane

Since launching his musical career 15 years ago by playing the local shops and coffee-house circuit in San Diego, California, the 36-year-old American pop sensation has brought his positive image and soulful, folk-pop sound to audiences worldwide through his recordings, sold-out live performances and philanthropic projects. During the next few years, he has earned multi-platinum certifications in more than 20 countries for his various releases, sold 48 million singles and made pop history with his record-shattering single, “I’m Yours”. Among the accolades he has received were two Grammy Awards (out of six nominations), a Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, and nominations from the Teen Circle Choice Award and People’s Choice Award.

Mraz has performed in major amphitheaters and arenas across the globe and sold out iconic venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden and London’s 02 Arena.

REEL DEAL: Extraordinary Cast Brings “ALEXANDER” Characters To Life

Walt Disney Pictures' big-screen adaptation of “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” required just the right family. “We assembled possibly the world’s loveliest family,” says director Miguel Arteta. “We wanted the audience to have fun, but also to feel this family’s warmth.”

The cast, adds the director, brought so much warmth to the big screen because they felt it on the set. “They all ended up falling in love—with each other,” says Arteta. “We had that spirit that you hope to get—but you don’t always get. The bond you see is real.”

Sharp Calulators Launches Search for the Ten Outstanding YoungMathematicians

We have to admit that the country is not that science or math savvy, but come to think of it Math is the foundation of almost everything that we have today. From construction to art, music, economics, media, technology and even the internet.

With a booming economy and rising population, it is the crucial times to invest in educating the youth with all the mathematical knowledge and uplift the quality of learning in the Philippines. Let us take a look of some facts that would greatly concern or need to be competitive in math.

REEL DEAL: “INTERSTELLAR” Lifts Off With 4 New Posters

Warner Bros. Pictures has released four brand new poster artworks for Christopher Nolan’s futuristic thriller “Interstellar” starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain and Michael Caine.

Judging from the taglines (and the images) of the onesheets, audiences are in for a mystifying ride:

“Mankind Was Born on Earth. It Was Never Meant to Die Here.”

“Go Further”

“The End of Earth Will Not Be the End of Us.”

“Mankind's Next Step Will Be Our Greatest.”

REEL DEAL: Before "THE CONJURING” There Was “ANNABELLE”

Annabelle, the infamous doll at the center of one of paranormal experts Ed and Lorraine Warren’s most profiled cases, made her terrifying screen debut in James Wan’s box office sensation “The Conjuring.” Even while shooting the film, Wan and producer Peter Safran were already entertaining the idea that the not-so-innocent doll needed an entire movie of her own.

Wan, who has always been fascinated with the Annabelle case, says, “We know she’s so bad that, even after all this time, she still has to be kept locked up ...but, how did she get that way?”

Safran adds, “How does something so charming, so sweet, become a conduit for pure evil and destruction?”

REEL DEAL: Master Of The Undead Returns Home In “DRACULA UNTOLD”

Since the publication of Bram Stoker’s definitive “Dracula” in 1897, one of the most enduring literary and popular characters of our time has been explored in film, animation, literature and music, and is as relevant today as he was when his creator spawned a cultural phenomenon almost 120 years ago. Although Dracula’s presence remains ubiquitous in culture, it remains surprising that the origins of this undead icon have never been explored on film...until now, in Universal Pictures' dark thriller “Dracula Untold.”

While the man history calls Dracula, for all intents and purposes, was actually a real historical figure, just as terrifying to millions of people are the vampires of ancient myth. Found in almost every culture and language on Earth—from the Babylonians’ Lilitu, a succubus who thrived on babies, to the iron-toothed Asasabonsam of the Ashanti peoples of Ghana—the legend of blood-sucking creatures of the night may be traced back thousands of years. But it was not until the 10th century, in Slavic Europe, that the word “vampire” first appeared in modern language.

Diana Stalder Opens New Branch in Megamall

Known for their beauty products and services, Diana Stalder continues to grow with their service centers and celebrity endorsers. Notable celebrities who proudly testifies the brand are Kapuso protegé Ruru Madrid, celebrity mom Dimples Romana and hunk Sam Milby.

The new branch of Diana Stalder houses a number of enclosed yet cozy room for treatments, a relaxing lobby and the DS Cafe which serves healthy and hearty dishes that integrates balanced nutrition with great skin.

REEL DEAL: “THE MAZE RUNNER” Raced To First Place At The Philippine Box Office With 62.4 Million

“The Maze Runner” landed top spot at the Phils. Box-Office with an outstanding P62.4 million on its first five days of release (opened Sept. 17) outrunning all other films that simultaneously opened that week.  The movie clinched its place as the 3rd Biggest Opening Weekend for a Fox film this year (“X-Men: Days of Future Past” being the 1st) and is now the 4th Biggest Opening Weekend for a Fox film all-time (again succeeding “X-Men: Days of Future Past”) so far. 

“The Maze Runner” has exceeded expectations and is also currently tracking higher than previously released YA (young adult) blockbusters such “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent.”

Kris Lawrence Scores Twin Win at 6th Star Awards For Music

Kris Lawrence’s double victory at last Sunday’s 6th PMPC Star Awards for Music reaffirms his solid footing in the local R&B circuit.

The proud crooner bagged the R&B Artist of the Year award, while his Spread the Love album emerged R&B Album of the Year. The festivities were held at the Solaire Resort & Casino last September 14.

Surprised at his double victory, Kris posted on his Instagram account: “First and foremost, I’d like to thank the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is because of You I received this. Thank you for using me as your instrument to reach people and inspire and most importantly to love them. Thank you to everyone who believes in my artistry & for listening to my songs.”

Introducing: G.I. Jane Collection by BUM

On Monday, September 22, BUM Equipment will unveil its launching of G.I. (Girl It’s) Jane collection named after one of its youth brand ambassador Jane Oineza, who is fresh from her successful third finish in a recently concluded Pinoy Big Brother All In Edition, a hit reality show of ABS-CBN Channel 2.

BUM’s move to provide Oineza with a collection named after her does not just spotlight the young star’s crowd-drawing potentials, but as an inspiration to the youth of today to be uniquely strong and brave amidst any criticism.

There are two categories for this particular collection—The Statement Shirts and the Skater Tops with Skirts.

Philippines hosts Chef de Mission meeting for 2014 ASEAN Schools Games

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the City Government of Marikina met with the delegation heads of participating countries to ensure the readiness and safety of playing facilities for the 2014 ASEAN Schools Games (ASG), which will be held from November 29 to December 7, 2014 in Marikina City.

The “Chef de Mission” meeting is intended to finalize billeting arrangements and to allow the countries’ representatives to inspect the playing facilities.

MUSIC LYF: Brit Acts to Conquer Philippines in 2015

2015 will be year the British will invade the Philippines, that is in terms of concerts. Imagine the biggest british music artists will have their concerts scheduled for next year, and some of them are already sold out once the tickets were available.

The 1975 - January 24, 2015

The Vamps - February 1, 2015

Ed Sheeran - March 12, 2015

One Direction - March 21 & 22, 2015

The British invasion is just months away, mates! Due to the phenomenal success of their respective tours around the globe, FOUR of the biggest names in BRIT music are coming to Manila in 2015, namely One Direction, Ed Sheeran, The 1975 and The Vamps!

REEL DEAL: Dolphin-Rescuing Boy Grows Up In “DOLPHIN TALE 2”

Teen actor Nathan Gamble first played the role of Sawyer Nelson in 2011's “Dolphin Tale,” for which he received a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Feature Film.

In Warner Bros. Pictures' highly anticipated sequel, “Dolphin Tale 2,” Sawyer is facing another difficult decision. Returning in the role, Gamble explains, “Sawyer has learned a lot over the years, thanks to his work at Clearwater. He has been offered the chance of a lifetime—to spend a semester at sea in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, studying and swimming with wild dolphins. Everyone is telling him what a fantastic opportunity it is, but it will mean leaving dolphin Winter when she needs him most. He’s conflicted about what to do.”

Meet The Finalist for the 3rd ASOP Music Festival

Christian Music may not be as big as pop songs but has the most soulful lyrics and melody. It continues to evolve as it adopts a wider range of genres that still keeps the essence of having that spiritual connection. And one way to celebrate and recognize the songs of prayers and praise is  the A Song of Praise Music Festival or ASOP which the first ever song writing competition on Philippine Television. It aims to bring back to the lives of people what seems to be lost and forgotten - giving thanks and glory to the Creator amidst the rat race, fear and violence humans are faced nowadays - a mark of that most songwriting competitions do not possess.

A brainchild with no less than Mr. Public Service himself, Kuya Daniel Razon, ASOP has been a venue not only for professional songwriters but also for aspiring and budding composers who have their own stories to tell through their songs and musical talents shocased year round.

REEL DEAL: “THE BOOK OF LIFE” Flips Through Pages of Friendship, True Love and Strong Family Values

Reel FX Animation and 20th Century Fox open the pages of “The Book of Life” and present a grand mythology set in visually spectacular worlds never seen before. The film brings together director Jorge R. Gutierrez’s unique visual style and a crowd-pleasing mix of adventure, action, comedy, romance and music with a voice cast as lively as their animated characters – Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Christina Applegate, Diego Luna,  Ice Cube, Ron Perlman and Hector Elizondo. 

Ellen Adarna's Hot Secret

Ellen Adarna is hot in the news and entertainment as her best asset is her rocking body which turn heads and she becomes the center of attraction. But what is her secret in maintaining her fit and sexy body aside from her workout? Actually it's Coffee.

Yes, coffee, but not just your ordinary coffee. She has NICE DAY COFFEE MIX as her daily regimen to provide her with that coffee fix but has an added function to cleanse, slim, and whiten the body by just taking a cup a day.  Here are the description of each variant and what it does to the body.

REEL DEAL: Meryl Streep Bewitches In “INTO THE WOODS” Teaser Poster

“Be Careful What You Wish For,” admonishes the teaser poster for Disney's highly anticipated fantasy adventure “Into the Woods” from director Rob Marshall.

“Into the Woods” is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy)—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife (James Corden & Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch (Meryl Streep) who has put a curse on them.

Rob Marshall, the talented filmmaker behind the Academy Award®-winning musical “Chicago” and Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” helms the film, which is based on the Tony®-winning original musical by James Lapine, who also penned the screenplay, and legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, who provides the music and lyrics. The film is produced by Marshall, John DeLuca, “Wicked” producer Marc Platt and Callum McDougall.

The principal cast is led by Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Tracey Ullman, Christine, Baranski and Johnny Depp.

Also starring are Lilla Crawford, Daniel Huttlestone, MacKenzie Mauzy, Billy Magnussen, Tammy Blanchard, Lucy Punch, Frances de la Tour, Simon Russell Beale, Richard Glover, Joanna Riding, Annette Crosbie.

Opening across the Philippines on January 21, 2015, “Into the Woods” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

MUSIC LYF: One Direction New Single 'STEAL MY GIRL’ to be Released on September 29

Globe conquering pop band One Direction announce ‘Steal My Girl’ as the first single from their eagerly anticipated new album ‘FOUR.’ ‘Steal My Girl’ is premiered on radio and released globally on September 29th, excluding the UK and Ireland where it is released on 12th October.

Over cascading stadium piano chords, ‘Steal My Girl’ shows the band continuing to expand their influences and song-writing ability while retaining their widescreen pop sound. ‘Steal My Girl’ is written by Louis and Liam with Ed Drewett, Wayne Hector, Julian Bunetta and John Ryan – the collaborative team behind last year’s massive ‘Best Song Ever’ – and is produced by Bunetta, Ryan and Paro Westerlund.

Vote for your favorite Design Lab idea and win a trip to Paris!

The Electrolux Design Lab competition is now on its final stages of selection. After nearly 1,700 entries submitted, the judges have selected the top entries among the innovative ideas of design students across the globe.

To make things more exciting, Electrolux is giving the audience the power to vote for their favorite entries. The idea with the most votes will be named People’s Choice Award and two lucky voters will win a trip to Paris for two nights to witness the Design Lab event gala in November!

Joining is easy. Simply choose your favorite entry by visiting www.electroluxdesignlab.com and answer the question “What is a healthy home to you?” Voting period is until October 14, 2014 at 12:00PM CEST (6:00PM, Manila time). Know more about the trip to Paris in the Design Lab website.