REEL DEAL: Contraband SPOTLIGHT

Mark Wahlberg leads the cast of Contraband, a white-knuckle action-thriller about a man trying to stay out of a world he worked hard to leave behind and the family he’ll do anything to protect. Set in New Orleans, the film explores the cutthroat underground world of international smuggling—full of desperate criminals and corrupt officials, high-stakes and big payoffs—where loyalty rarely exists and death is one wrong turn away. 

Chris Farraday (Wahlberg) long ago abandoned his life of crime, but after his brother-in-law, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones), botches a drug deal for his ruthless boss, Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), Chris is forced back into doing what he does best—running contraband—to settle Andy’s debt. Chris is a legendary smuggler and quickly assembles a crew with the help of his best friend, Sebastian (Ben Foster), to head to Panama and return with millions in counterfeit bills.

Things quickly fall apart and with only hours to reach the cash, Chris must use his rusty skills to successfully navigate a treacherous criminal network of brutal drug lords, cops and hit men before his wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), and sons become their target. 

“Contraband” distributed and released by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation.

REEL DEAL: We Bought a Zoo - Elle Fanning SPOTLIGHT

TALENTED ELLE FANNING IN “WE BOUGHT A ZOO

Elle Fanning gives a spirited performance in the true-life story based on the memoir of Benjamin Mee, “We Bought A Zoo” with Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Colin Ford and Maggie Elizabeth Jones.

Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) is a widower when he moves in with the two children. The plot essentially follows the path of a courageous family and tells the story of the incredible risk they take that transforms their lives.   While Matt Damon’s Benjamin Mee forms a close friendship with the rest of the zoo keeping personnel, a strong bond also develops between Lily (Fanning), a home schooled country girl and Dylan Mee (Colin Ford), a city boy adjusting to country life. 

Q:        What kind of girl is Lily?

A:         “She is actually a lot like me; she will be the first one to say ‘hi.’ Like me, Lily’s very sensitive. I’m not super tough. I’ll just sort of go for it.  I love to laugh and be happy. I guess I’m not shy at all. Lily is definitely one of the most comedic characters that I’ve ever played. She is very quirky and funny.”

2012 End of the World Survival Guide!

I know many of you are wondering if this year is indeed the last year of our lives. The Ancient Mayans made a very accurate calendar that tells the world will end its era. But don't fret! There is still hope by preparing yourself with the essentials of survival. Axe Philippines bring you this informative (and sexy) video on how you can survive the end of the world.

More Survival tips after the jump!  #Survive2012

REEL DEAL: MY BINONDO GIRL Treats Viewers With a 'Dragon Finale'

This Chinese New Year, MY BINONDO GIRL will treat loyal viewers with a grand 'Dragon Finale' as the top-rating Primetime Bida Drama Series topbilled by Kim Chui is down to its last week.

The Lunar New Year of the water dragon also brings love and luck to the cast of My Binondo Girl according to the readings of a Feng Shui expert. Also the series have evolved into the new loveteam of Kim and Xian which has a growing number of fans. Direk Francis also shares that Xian showed romantic gestures off cam during taping days to Kim by having a choir sing to her love songs and flowers.  

In the last five nights, expect for more breathtaking revalations and sweet surprizes, especially from MY BINONDO GIRL love teams Jade (Kim) and Andy (Xian Lim), and Zeny (AiAi Delas Alas) and Papa Chen (Richard Yap).

Kris Aquino Finally Found True Love

KRIS AQUINO’S BIG ANNOUNCEMENT THIS 2012: “THE SEARCH IS OVER” 

by Vince G. Lopez from the Manila Bulletin.

Her talk shows, movies and telenovelas have endeared Kris Aquino to the hearts of Filipinos both here and abroad. After all, having dubbed “the Queen of all Media” means that whatever Kris says or does, Filipinos will always take notice.

Now, she is starting the year with this announcement: “I finally found true love.”

Her romantic trials and tribulations are among the most well-documented of all Filipino celebrities so this pronouncement can come as a shock to those who have followed her relationship’s ups and downs. The popular host also revealed that this relationship will definitely be beneficial for her, as she knows it will have a long-term positive effect on her life.

“My search is over,” she boldly declares. “I found true love in San Marino.”

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