REEL DEEL: Darkest Hour - Timur Bekmambetov SPOTLIGHT

TIMUR BEKMAMBETOV DELIVERS THE LATEST SPECIAL EFFECTS IN “DARKEST HOUR” 3D

Visionary filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov who gave us the highly-stylized action packed “Wanted” and “Night Watch” produces the latest in mind-blowing special effects in the 3D thriller “Darkest Hour” starring Emile Hirsch, Max Minghella, Olivia Thirlby and Rachael Taylor.

Director Chris Gorak pits young internet entrepreneurs Sean (Hirsch) and Ben (Minghella) who arrive in Moscow amidst a mysterious lightening storm.  Upon landing in the vibrant Russian capital to pursue their business dreams in the international economic center yet full of unscrupulous business practices, they met up with travelers Natalie (Thirlby) and Anne (Taylor) who are stranded in Moscow en route to Nepal.  

The two pairs of best friends meet amid the glitz and glamour of the Zvezda Nightclub, the hot spot for the international and the beautiful in Moscow, including the young turk Skylar (Joel Kinnaman), the Swedish businessman who duped Sean and Ben. A mecca for the globe trotting youth, supermodels, and business elite congregating in Moscow, the club is quickly transformed to a scene of terror when the aliens invade and everything goes dark. 

MUSIC LYF: Cyndi Lauper Live in Manila

Cyndi Lauper burst onto the world stage as the quintessential girl who wants to have fun. After more than 25 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 50 million, she has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move.

The beauty of Cyndi Lauper is that she has evolved into a richly multi-faceted renaissance woman who strikes a resonant chord with each project.

After winning the Grammy in 1985 for best new artist and becoming the first artist in history to have five top ten singles from a debut album, Cyndi Lauper continues to garner critical acclaim as a singer, musician, actor and writer. Cyndi has released 12 albums, over 40 singles and has sold more than 25 million records world wide.  She has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 7 American Video Awards, 18 MTV awards.   

Traslacion 2012: The Feast of the Black Nazarene

Quiapo holds a lot of spiritual and personal attachments to many Filipinos including myself. And the celebration of the Traslacion this year is an event that I have always look forward every year to attend and now to feature in the blog. As a devotee this will mark my 9th year to attend this which started back in high school. And the thing is, I always go alone. 

Just like my other adventures, I do go on these trips solo with just a backpack or a mailman bag with everything I need for the long day. Though many perceive the Quiapo district as very dense, rowdy and unlawful place in Manila, the existence of Quiapo church and the Nazareno has somehow gave way to changes in the sights of the famed part of Manila. Though in reality, there is still chaos, crime, sex in the area, its massive structure and millions of followers has proven that faith can move mountains. Hopefully it would also change the district into a better community soon. 

JUAN MINUTE SPOTLIGHT: Mikey Bustos

Mikey Bustos burst into the entertainment scene when he landed Top 8 in Canadian Idol and as a matter of fact was the very 1st Pinoy to land in the top 11 in any Idol search around the world. Soon after that, he was invited to open for the concert of Pussycat Dolls and Christina Aguilera.    

His biggest break came when his Filipino Accent Tutorial when viral and hit more than 1 million views on YouTube. This launched him as the new online sensation and has been featured in GMA, ABS-CBN, TV-5 and numerous news formats from print, TV to online. He presently has 19 videos on his YouTube channel and has garnered almost 8 million views to date.  

Mikey Bustos recently received an award as "Video Slinger of The Year" by Globe Tatt and is nominated as "2011 Wiki Pinoy Of The Year".    

Aside from his singer and online career, Mikey Bustos is also presently featured on Animal Planet for their program Pets 101 "Backyard Neighbors" wherein he tackles his Ant Farm company which distributes Ant Farms to over 22 countries around the world.  

Friendly Reminders for Devotees of the Black Nazarene

Here are some tips and warnngs that devotees and tourists should keep in mind when going to the feast of the Black Nazarene (Translacion 2012) in Quiapo and Luneta.

1. Pack less- don't bring unnecessary devices  that can be targets by snatchers.

2. Bring a towel and water umbrella and extra shirt - rain or shine it is still hot and you need to wipe the sweat off. the last two indeed will come in handy.

3. Do bring footwear - though people said its tradition/devotion, do not torture yourself because there are many sharp and rough surfaces along the way.

4. Place your backpack in front - aside from professional snatchers there are also "slashers"

5. When planning to be a "mamamasan" (rope pullers) - better to have a group to always know where you are and know if you are OK.

6. For mass goes - to get inside the church it would take 1 mass to go in 1 mass to go out.

7. Know places in the Quiapo/Sta Cruz area - with swarms of people better know escape alleys and places to avoid also.

8. Bring candies and a mini first aid kit - better be safe even on your own. Candie help remove nausea.

9. Organize your things before going - this will save the hassle of looking for money, food and religious items. 

10. Be vigilant - though it a enriching faith experience to celebrated with solemnity. Crooks might take advantage of you even while in prayer.

For those who want to stay at home and avoid the chaos live streaming is available at www.manualtolyf.com and www.quiapochurch.com

EVENTOLOGY: Cadbury Sing for Joy!

CADBURY DAIRY MILK GETS YOU TO SING FOR JOY AND P40,000 CASH PRIZE!

Last December, Cadbury Dairy Milk excited mall-goers with a device that combined two things Filipinos love: Chocolate and Videoke. It was set during the most celebrated time of the year, Christmas. People were given a chance to have a moment of pure joy amidst the last-minute holiday shopping rush.

 

Dubbed “Sing for Joy,” the machine was set up in different malls within Metro Manila and passersby were invited to share the joy with one or more friends. All they had to do was pick a Christmas carol from the song list, and perform it to the best of their abilities. The machine captured the participants on video so they could watch themselves as they sang.

After their performances, the machine dispensed free, creamy Cadbury Dairy Milk Bars to each participant. Brand endorser and model Georgina Wilson joined the fun as she sang carols with fellow chocolate-lovers at the Trinoma mall in Quezon City.

Live Streaming from Luneta for the Feast of the Black Nazarene

For those who are devotees of the Black Nazarene, Here is the live streaming from Luneta for the Traslacion . Will be there later to avoid the chaos. Hourly masses happens from 3 AM-12 NN, 3 PM- 9 PM.  Procession will start 8 AM.

Viva Senor Nazareno!

I also hope to make a video blog within the day, you can also read the post I had for the feast last 2011 and 2010. Here is also a video of Nuesto Padre Jesus Nazareno inside the church.

Traslacion 2012: The Feast of the Black Nazarene Tomorrow!

After Christmas and the New year, The feast of the Black Nazarene is the first major feast day that happens on January 9. And I have been a part of this celebration since 2003 way back while I was in high school. And via providence, I was able to attend those years with no injury, no stolen items but just inspiration and faith seen with the sea of people who cling to faith to help them in their needs.

And it has been more than 400 years since this has started and has drawn millions of devotees. Even people from  far flung provinces patiently join in the procession. I never tried to pull the rope because I go alone and always brought a bag. Like Misa De Gallo, will also have a post for the Translacion 2012 and also on its 3rd year now.

Let see what happens tomorrow! 

Viva Señor Nazareno!

 More updates on their new website www.quiapochurch.com

LAKBAYAN: It's More Fun In The Philippines!

2012 is indeed a year of the start of new things especially for the tourism industry in the country. No question, we have great places and things to do here and DOT recently launched the new tourism campaign It's More Fun In The Philippines. With the hashtag #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines trending in twitter world wide. 

It does have this 'cool' factor connected with the slogan and is perfect with photos. However, there are still a dash of controversy with its similarity with the 1951 Switzerland poster with the slogan "It's More Fun in Switzerland". Others use the slogan and post them with pictures that contains negative propaganda and others with subliminal meanings. I admit to be surprized with the new logo but finally realized that there is no need to destabilize the campaign because we have not given it time to prove its effectiveness. 

REEL DEAL: Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked SPOTLIGHT

CHIPMUNKS’ CHIPWRECK ON A CHARACTER-CHANGING ADVENTURE

The Chipmunks are back as you’ve never seen them before in character-changing adventure that caught them by surprise in “Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.”

As the story opens, The Chipmunks, Chipettes, and their eternally beleaguered guardian, Dave Seville, are en route, on a luxury cruise liner, to the International Music Awards.  Alvin, of course, cannot resist wreaking havoc on this ultimate playground.  .  He attempts to steer the vessel, takes over the hot tubs, and dons a tuxedo – secret agent style – to work the baccarat and blackjack tables.

Jason Lee who reprises his role as Dave Seville relates that “As always, the operative words for Alvin are ‘chaos’ and ‘action.’  It’s his first time out of the city, and he wants to make the most of it.  Dave isn’t happy about Alvin’s shipboard antics – and lets him know it. It’s not easy to be sympathetic, likable and charismatic when you’re screaming ‘ALVIIIIIN!’ so loudly you’re breaking windows around you!”