Disney's "Moana" Finds Her Voice‏

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” has found her voice following a worldwide search to cast the film’s title character. Native Hawaiian newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, 14, joins Dwayne Johnson in the big-screen adventure about a spirited and fearless teenager named Moana (voice of Cravalho) who, with help from demi-god Maui (voice of Johnson), sets out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder.

While hundreds of talented people from across the Pacific Islands were eager to try out for the role, Cravalho set her sights firmly on her sophomore year of high school. “I didn’t think I would have a chance,” she said. “When I was little, I used to dance around the house singing at the top of my lungs. In my mind, that was performing and I loved the feeling of it. But I never imagined being in a Disney movie, being Moana—representing my culture in that way.”

Star Wars™ Joins Forces With Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel In The All-New DISNEY INFINITY 3.0

Disney Interactive today announced that the Star Wars™ universe will join Disney, Disney•Pixar and Marvel in Disney Infinity 3.0 – the latest installment of the best-selling “hybrid toy / video game” of 2014.  The Disney Infinity 3.0 Starter Pack will be available from 1 September at a suggested retail price of PHP 2,999.00, and Disney Infinity 3.0 promises to deliver kids and families with a wider breadth of content and variety of gameplay than ever offered from Disney Infinity, including:  

• Three Star Wars Play Sets, one set in the timeline of Episodes I-III, the second set during the original trilogy, Episodes IV-VI, and the third based on Star Wars™: The Force Awakens™

Star Wars Goes On a Global Toy Unboxing!

from SM Mall of Asia facebook page

Star War fans across the world have witnessed the first look at select new products inspired by the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the world's first live global toy unboxing event unfolded across 12 countries 15 cities and 18 hours.

In the most epic product launch ever mounted, select toy and merchandise inspired by the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been revealed for the first time in YouTube. The celebration was hosted out of Los Angeles, with live unboxing beginning in Sydney, Australia (Evening of Sept 2, US Time), and the grand finale at LucasFilm, home of star Wars in San Francisco (Morning of Sept 3, US Time).

Breaking News: "Inside Out" Opens at No.1, Grosses P97.17-M in 5 Days‏

Filipino audiences met the little voices inside their heads and apparently loved the experience, as Disney-Pixar's “Inside Out” shot to the top of the box-office with a record-breaking P97.17 million gross in five days (Aug. 19 to 23). This was announced today by Walt Disney Studios Philippines which distributed the film through Columbia Pictures.

A comedy adventure featuring a team of Emotions who help guide an 11-year-old girl through an unsettling change in her life, “Inside Out” now holds the record for the Biggest Walt Disney/Pixar opening weekend of all-time, beating last year's “Big Hero 6” (P69.99-M) and 3rd biggest animation opening weekend of all-time, bumping off “How to Train Your Dragon 2's” P84.9-M.

Disney, Pixar Reveal Details About Upcoming Animated Films‏

Filmmakers from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios introduced D23 EXPO 2015 fans to an array of new stories and characters—from a lost dinosaur to a master wayfinder, a scheming fox to a forgetful fish. The audience of 7,500 was treated to sneak peeks, musical performances and appearances from stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dwayne Johnson, Randy Newman and Ty Burrell, among others.

John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, led the presentations, calling on a host of filmmakers from both studios to introduce the upcoming slate of films. “We really have an unbelievable range of movies in production at our studios right now,” said Lasseter. “The stories are dynamic, fresh and so much fun; the characters new and old are so appealing. I’m excited to share some of our long-held secrets for the first time at the D23 EXPO.”

Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm Showcase Upcoming Live-Action Slate‏

Disney, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm presented their live action film slates recently at the D23 EXPO 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. The presentations, which revealed exclusive news and details about the upcoming live action films, were aided by live and video appearances from talent and filmmakers. Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn hosted the highly anticipated biennial event.

“It’s quite something to be able to have Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm all on the same stage, and it’s tremendously gratifying to unveil our upcoming projects to our most dedicated fans first,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “We always have an incredible time at the D23 EXPO.”

After welcoming the crowd to D23 EXPO 2015, Horn introduced Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, and Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, to present overviews of the Marvel Studios and Disney live action slates. Later Horn returned to the stage to present the Lucasfilm film slate to the enthusiastic audience.

A recap of the presentation follows:

Kevin Feige led off with a glimpse into the world of Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” featuring a video greeting by Benedict Cumberbatch, who stars as the title character, followed by a pre-production piece that offered fans a taste of the look and feel of the upcoming film, opening in U.S. theaters on October 26, 2016.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” marched into D23 EXPO with an introduction by its producer, Kevin Feige. To the delight of the audience, Chris Evans and Anthony Mackie showed up on stage to help Feige show never-seen-before footage from the movie. Before the footage rolled, Feige revealed that there was a special “Easter egg” for fans to find: it was aptly a nod to D23 EXPO.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in the U.S. on May 6, 2016.

Amy Poehler Lends Joyful Voice for "Inside Out"

One of Hollywood’s most versatile and sought-after talents, Amy Poehler is perhaps best known for her starring role on the Emmy®-nominated NBC comedy series “Parks and Recreation,” which began its seventh and final season in February 2015. Her portrayal of Leslie Knope earned her a 2014 Golden Globe® Award for best actress in a TV series, musical or comedy.

In Disney-Pixar’s new adventure comedy “Inside Out,” Poehler breathes life to the emotion Joy whose goal has always been to make sure 11-year-old Riley stays happy. She is lighthearted, optimistic and determined to find the fun in every situation. Joy sees challenges in Riley’s life as opportunities, and the less happy moments as hiccups on the way back to something great. As long as Riley is happy, so is Joy.

"Inside Out's" Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen Bring "Joy" to Manila‏

Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen, director and co-director, respectively of Disney-Pixar's “Inside Out” received an emotional, warm Manila welcome when they met the local press and graced the film's Philippine gala premiere Friday, Aug. 7.

The highly regarded duo flew into town as part of their Southeast Asian tri-city tour with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia as their first stops. Both filmmakers met with numerous Disney-Pixar fans and the local creative communities at various on-ground events.

"Inside Out" Filmmakers Fly to Manila, Attend Gala Premiere Aug 7‏

The creative geniuses behind Disney-Pixar's latest acclaimed blockbuster “Inside Out” – director Pete Docter and co-director Ronnie del Carmen – will be in Southeast Asia from August 2-10 as part of a three-city tour just before the movie opens in these markets. The tour which starts from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia will head to Jakarta, Indonesia and end in Manila, Philippines. Both filmmakers are scheduled to meet with numerous Disney-Pixar fans and the local creative communities at various on-ground events.

In the Philippines, Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen will attend the by-invite-only red carpet premiere on Friday night, August 7 at the IMAX SM Aura in Taguig. And on Monday, August 10, Ronnie del Carmen will give an inspirational lecture before local animators and animation students in an event organized by the Animation Council of the Philippines. Venue is also the IMAX SM Aura.

Oscar-Winning Director Finds Inspiration at Home for "Inside Out"‏

What is she thinking?

It’s a question that has gone through the minds of parents worldwide who are attempting to raise teenagers—and it’s one that occurred to “Inside Out” director – the Oscar®-winning Pete Docter (“Up”) – as he witnessed his own daughter Elie growing up.

“My daughter did the voice of young Ellie in ‘Up’—that spirited, spunky kid with hair out to there—and she was a lot like the character at the time,” says Docter. “But by the time we started ‘Inside Out,’ Elie was older—about 11—and she’d become quiet and withdrawn. It made me think, ‘What’s going on in her head and why is she changing?’”

Lost Boy Meets "The Good Dinosaur" in New Trailer‏

The delightful second trailer for Disney-Pixar's new comedy adventure “The Good Dinosaur” is now online and may be viewed here at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo8GDxpiXWE.

Directed by Peter Sohn (the popular animated short “Partly Cloudy”), the buddy comedy takes place in a world in which the asteroid didn’t smash into Earth millions of years ago, leaving the dinosaurs alive and thriving.

Emotions Run Wild In New "INSIDE OUT" Trailer

Disney-Pixar has released the full trailer for its new comedy “Inside Out,” revealing a new look at the little voices inside 11-year-old Riley’s head.

The new trailer, which may be viewed at http://youtu.be/iMfhiDnJeE8, gives just a glimpse of the challenges facing Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Anger (Lewis Black) as they try to help Riley handle a new city, house and school after a move across the country.

Celebrate brighter holidays with Philips!

Christmas is the brightest season in the Philippines, and it’s the perfect time to decorate your homes with creative light displays that usher in the Holidays. 

“With price hikes in electricity, households need to consider more energy-efficient lighting options,” says Christine Villanueva, Country Marketing Manager for Philips Lighting. “With the help of Philips—the global leader in lighting, your home can be brightly lit this holiday season without breaking the bank.”

REEL DEAL: Disney's “INTO THE WOODS” Reveals Teaser Trailer

The teaser trailer for Disney's highly anticipated film version of “Into the Woods” has just been revealed online and may be viewed here at http://youtu.be/me2tvvqDVHc.

“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.

MUSIC LYF: Hilary Duff signed recording deal with RCA Records

Her first single “Chasing the Sun”, written by Colbie Caillat, Jason Reeves and Toby Gad and produced by Toby Gad, is now available at all digital music providers on July 29th. The music video for “Chasing the Sun” earned already over 11 Million views on VEVO.

Says Duff, “I couldn't be more excited to join the RCA family!  I love my team there and feel so lucky to be in the company of their talented artists. I came to them with my vision for the album and it has been a real labor of love, but something I am so proud of. ‘Chasing The Sun’ is just a peek into my new album. I've worked very hard and the album is a great representation of the experiences I've had in my life and where I want to go from here!”

ART IS A BANG: Witness The First Ever Staging do Disney's Phenomenal Broadway Musical 'Beauty And The Beast' In The Philippines!

Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks, Broadway Entertainment Group, and Ovation Productions will present the first International Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in celebration of the production’s 20th anniversary.

The tour will play in markets to include Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The musical, which will reunite the original Broadway creative, will be seen for the first time in these territories. For Manila, Beauty and the Beast will be handled by veteran concert promoter Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions which is, coincidentally, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Venue is the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) main theater and dates are in January 2015.

Ron Kollen, senior vice president international for Disney Theatrical Productions, shared in a statement, “We are thrilled to be collaborating with NETWorks and Broadway Entertainment Group, to launch this first-ever international tour. To premiere Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in these cities throughout the Middle East and Asia, is a perfect way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our beloved stage musical.”

Monsters University Fair at TriNoma

Giordano Philippines is inviting everyone to get a taste of what it’s like to participate in Monsters University’s Freshman Fair when it opens its wrought iron gates this week.

Experience being in the world’s best scare university, don Mike Wazikowski’s shoes and attend Giordano’s Monsters University Fair on June 29-30 at the TriNoma Activity Center. 

Giordano also has a lineup of Monsters University merchandise available in the booth.

Fun and freebies await you. Monsters University is now showing in theaters! No tuition fee required! Entrance is free for all! Play physical, mental, and a whole lot of fun! You can also have your face and skin painted and have pictures with the monsters in the Activity Area.

Win Disney On Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes Tickets From Araneta Center!

Kids and kids-at-heart I know that you are excited for the biggest Disney event happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Disney On Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes! See you favorite characters come alive and do amazing stunts and slides on ice starting on Christmas Day! And the most exciting thing is Araneta Center is giving away tickets to the show!

Win tickets to the Disney On Ice Presents Princesses & Heroes!

Promo period:  December 21 – 30, 2012

See below for the mechanics of the contest

Disney on Ice 2012: Believing is the Beginning

Less than 100 days before Christmas, anticipation about the annual ice spectacle at the Big Dome is reaching fever pitch. 

This year, the message of Disney on Ice is all about believing. 

This Christmas, dreams will come true in “Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes”, a beautifully created show of artistic skating and graceful acrobatics. Witness those defining moments when the wishes of eight Disney Princesses (Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Tiana), come true with the help of their devoted princes. Representing the magic of Disney, special guest and everyone’s favorite Tinker Bell takes audiences from one inspiring story to the next.

Beyond fulfilled wishes, this year’s show ushers in a world where heroes and hearts prevail. Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric as he breaks Ursula’s spell to reclaim his true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficient as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin as they evade the royal guards in a high-speed marketplace chase! And, watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true!

Families will scream in excitement as they watch Aladdin swing across the ice on a rope as he escapes from the marketplace guards in a chaotic getaway scene. And, one of the most unforgettable scenes will be that of Prince Philip fighting with a tenacious 20-foot fire-breathing dragon!

Romance accompanies adventure in the production numbers inspired by The Little Mermaid. The show illustrates how Ariel’s dreams are unlocked from under the sea in one magical moment, and how she finds happiness in an exploration above the waves.

Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes is a holiday presentation from the Araneta Center, Smart Araneta Coliseum and Lactum. Official transport partners are Philippine Airlines and H&M Transport. Official TV partner is ABS-CBN. Other media partners are the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Summit Media.  Official Residence is Holiday Inn. For ticket purchases, simply log on to TicketNet Online, www.ticketnet.com.ph or call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

Music LYF: Various Stations Get Tanya Mark-Over

Wacky band Tanya Markova invaded various radio stations and a music channel to bring their version of a make-over—what they call Tanya Mark-over to mark the release of their latest single “Da Facebook Song (Ang Ganda Ganda Mo)”.

The group best known for their hits “Picture Picture”, “Disney”, “Linda Blair” and “PA Roadie Fernandez” visited radio stations Jam 88.3, Magic 89.9, 90.7 Love Radio, 91.5 Big Radio, RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, 95.5 Pinas FM, 96.3 EASY ROCK, Barangay LS FM 97.1, 99.5 RT, 101.1 YES FM, Tambayan 101.9, 102.7 Star FM, 103.5 WOW FM, 106.7 Energy FM and 107.5 WIN Radio as well as music channel MYX and made up the DJs and crew there a la Tanya Markova and posted it on various facebook pages.