MUSIC LYF: The Cranberries are back in Manila for “Greatest Hits” concert

THE CRANBERRIES ARE BACK in Manila for their much-awaited “The Greatest Hits Concert” on April 10th at the Araneta Coliseum. The Irish rock band, one of the world’s biggest rock acts in the 1990s, first staged a concert in the Philippines in 1996. They attained a worldwide fan base after releasing their hit songs, which are now rock and roll classics: “Linger”, “Zombie”, “Ode To My Family”, “Animal Instinct”, “Ridiculous Thoughts”, and a lot more.

Stephanie Uy, President of Karpos Multimedia Inc., the producer of the said concert, shares that they are very excited to bring The Cranberries here in the Philippines.

“The Cranberries are going to tour starting March until July, and we’re very lucky because Philippines is the only country that they’ll visit in Asia. We can’t wait to have them here,” she says.

“So if you love rock and you miss the music of the 90’s, this is an event you shouldn’t pass up,” Uy adds. 

Pinoy band Franco will showcase their own brand of rock and roll as the front act for  The Cranberries.

REEL DEAL: The Firm on AXN Asia

The First AXN Original Series - The Firm 

AXN viewers in Asia will be able to enjoy the two-hour premiere of The Firm on February 19 (Sunday) at 9.50PM, on the same day it airs across 126 million households on SPT channels globally in Asia, Latin America, Central Europe, Iberia, Italy, Africa, Russia and the Baltics. 

An AXN original series based on John Grisham’s bestselling novel, the TV reincarnation picks up ten years after the movie of the same name starring Tom Cruise. Hot shot lawyer, Mitch McDeere, brought down a Memphis law firm fronting the Chicago mob. Mitch and his family attempt to reclaim their lives by moving to Washington DC to start their own firm after leaving the Federal Witness Protection Program. However, the past has a way of catching up with them.

MUSIC LYF: Paolo Santos - How Sweet It Is

After quite some time, PAOLO SANTOS, the King of Acoustic is back! This time, he is doing songs closest to his heart! Paolo Santos is doing his versions of James Taylor’s most popular songs. Songs like Wandering, Sweet Baby James, How Sweet It Is, Don’t Let me Be Lonely Tonight and a lot more. Only One is the album’s carrier single. 

Ask why James Taylor? “He has been the biggest influence in my style. An amazing songwriter. James Taylor’s approach to his music is very simple. But it goes straight to your heart,” the Acoustic King enthused. 

With the release of Paolo Santos’ new album – HOW SWEET IT IS, Paolo Santos still reigns as the Acoustic King of the Philippines. Released under IVORY Music & Video, Paolo has come up with a 14 – track revival of James Taylor’s hits done in his sophisticated acoustic style.  

Things do have changed now that he is now a husband and a father. He mentioned that he does not like to be interviewed much because he was a little uncomfortable. But today, he is thankful for this new album and feels more open to more   media opportunities and also working on another album with original songs.

MUSIC LYF: The First Philippine Popular Music Festival iis Now Open!

There are competitions for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, bands, chefs, even children wanting to be chefs but what about for songwriters?

With a local music scene widely dominated by imported music, the Filipino songwriter has become a stranger in his own land. 

With this in mind, prominent names from various industries have come together to spearhead the creation of the Philippine Popular Music Festival. 

PhilPOP is a songwriting competition open to all amateur and professional Filipino composers. By March 1, 2012, interested composers can start submitting their entries online at PhilPOP.com.ph. The deadline of submission is on May 10, 2012. Song entries must be in MP3 format and can be in any popular music genre or a fusion of known genres, in any form or structure. Each entry must not exceed four minutes. Contestants can submit a maximum of two songs, either as a sole composer or as a collaborator. Song lyrics may be in Filipino, English, any Filipino dialect or a combination thereof. 

REEL DEAL: Titanic 3D SPOTLIGHT

ABOARD WITH THE KING OF THE WORLD AND ROSE IN “TITANIC” 3D

Return to the deep as 20th Century fox brings back “Titanic” in 3D to the big screen on a global theatrical release on April coinciding with its 100th anniversary since sailing.

Opening April 7th in the Phils., the most celebrated film in history is presented to an untapped new generation of audience in 3D format.

James Cameron who pioneered the first and only truly immersive 3D in “Avatar” brings back timeless “Titanic” in its full glory with enhanced, never-before-seen experience re-mastered in digital 3D.  Starring today’s most admired and accomplished actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, “Titanic” first released in 1997 is an epic romance and disaster film.  A fictionalized story of what was then believed to be unsinkable, “Titanic” is the voyage of the most luxurious ship ever built, the RMS Titanic where Jack (DiCaprio) and Rose (Winslet) fall in love aboard the ship during its ill-fated maiden voyage. 

REEL DEAL: This Means War - Chelsea Handler SPOTLIGHT

CHELSEA HANDLER: REESE’S BFF IN THE MIDST OF WAR

Currently invading the international mainstream audience and slowly carving her way as a household name is Chelsea Handler who plays the no-holds barred best friend of Reese Witherspoon in “This Means War.”

So far this year’s most enjoyable and hilarious romantic-action comedy to beat, “This Means War” is about two best friends, the best CIA agents use their incredible skills against each other in order to win a woman’s love.   Playing the trio trapped in the riotous fray of friendship and love are Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. 

Injecting an outsider’s view of the trio’s fray is Chelsea Handler whose character Trish is Lauren’s (Witherspoon) best friend.   The inimitable talk show host, comedienne actor and author Handler intimates on her role as herself except that she’s single in real life.  “Trish is basically me, but married,” says Handler.  “Trish is not the best advisor, but Lauren needs her to provide a jolt of energy. Trish is a wife and mother whose mission in life is to offer frank and explicit opinions on her single friend’s love life.”

MUSIC LYF: Angeline Quinto Lives Her Dream Concert Tour i

Star Power pop superstar Angeline Quinto brings the dream to the stage of University of St. La Salle Bacolod City on April 14, 2012 to sing her top tracks, "Patuloy ang Pangarap", "Kunin Mo Na Ang Lahat Sa Akin", "Mahiwaga", "Saan Darating Ang Umaga", "Hanggang" and more. 

From last year's successful concert at The Sky Dome, the first Star Power Grand Champion was the voice behind different drama anthology OST of ABS-CBN's Primetime Drama including "100 Days To Heaven", "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin", "Way Back Home" and more. 

ASAP Live's asset and Star Magic's music princess, Angeline Quinto's "Dream Concert Tour" in Bacolod City will be directed by Dido Camara with musical director Marvin Querido. This once-in-a-lifetime event is produced by ASAP Live, Media Nation and That's N-tertainment. Grab your tickets now at University of St. La Salle, Robinsons Bacolod, ABS-CBN and Sky Cable Office. 

For ticket inquiries, please contact Patty Ong at 09209528980 or Beth David at 09178546890.

Follow Media Nation on Twitter @medianationinc

REEL DEAL: The Descendants - Shailene Woodley and Amara Miller SPOTLIGHT

SHAILENE WOODLEY and AMARA MILLER: RAW YOUNG TALENTS TO WATCH FOR
IN “THE DESCENDANTS”


“The Descendants” showcases breakthrough performances from Shailene Woodley and newcomer Amara Miller as the daughters of this year’s Oscar contender for Best Actor, George Clooney.

In the depths of a crisis following a boating accident of Matt King’s (Clooney) wife, King has to come to terms with the fact that he has been largely inadequate as a father as he attempts to repair his relationship with his two daughters. Lack of parental support and stability have left both girls without direction. Alexandra (Shailene Woodley) is rebellious and has been sent off to boarding school.  10 year-old Scottie, played by first time actress Amara Miller, is precocious and in need of parental supervision.
Woodley plays 17-year old Alexandra, troubled daughter of Matt King (Clooney) who has to help her father come to terms with his wife’s coma – and her secrets.


Woodley is best known to US audiences for her performance as Amy Juergens in long-running TV series The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, for which she has received particular praise – including being named ‘Breakthrough of 2008’ by the magazine Entertainment Weekly.


Q:        How would you describe your character, Alexandra?
A:         I’d say she’s kind of a normal teen going through her angsty period in life and as a child she realized her Mom was going to be more of a best friend than an actual mother. And that her Dad was far removed and would show up for but not really have any communication within the family. So she built walls up and kind of became her own protector. She became very independent at a very young age.
Q:        Could you relate to the character?
A:         Yeah, of course, I went through my angsty period. I was probably about 14/15 when I hated the world, but that went away quickly and I didn’t really pull from my childhood for this character. For me acting is just about being yourself in the colors and restrictions of a particular character. I try not to pull from my own life or think about it too much. I’d rather just stay present to the situation in which the characters are being forced through.

I Heart Nescafe 3 in 1! WEEK 1 CONTEST!

Manual Readers!

I know that the weather is kinda weird today and this might ruin your good mood and the start of your work week this Monday! But don't fret! It's time to relax and loosen a little with Nescafe 3 in 1 which provide instant happiness to your day. And for this week I am giving away a Nescafe 3in1 gift pack of your  choice and a NESCAFE notebook! Does that rock or what?!

Speaking of rockin', one way to perk you up for the week is to come strong. Try Nescafe 3 in 1 Strong and Rich, which has that strong aroma and rich coffee goodness perfect to win over negativity that comes your way today. Even Journey frontman and proud Pinoy Arnel Pineda would recommend this one!

Contest mechanics are so simple that you can also invites friends to join!


All you have to do is comment in the section below how would you profess you love for your favorite Nescafe 3 in 1 Variant starting with the statement "I <3 Nescafe 3 in 1 (name of the variant)...". The criteria is as follows:


• Creativity 60%
• Originality 30%
• Relevance 10%


The winner will be announced on Monday (February 27, 2012).

Find Your Career in Star Cinema or Star Records!

Manual Readers!

You might be interested in working with one of the biggest movie and record company in the Philippines today. ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc., or more popularly known as Star Cinema and Star Records are now opening job openings for the Star Creatives Group. Details are posted on the picture. Just click it to enlarge.  Hope this will help you pave the way for a great career in ABS CBN. Appply now and Good Luck!