ART IS A BANG: Walang Kukurap

The story of corruption is not really new to the country and the Filipino people, yet many still don't know the very complex and dark plans and people behind them. This year, Tanghalang Pilipino introduces WALANG KUKURAP by Layeta Bucoy that tackles the complexity and morbid truth about corruption, politics and power. 

WALANG KUKURAP shows the political network that is interlinked with drugs, money, strategies, loyalty, and family. It shows the darkside of both parties and all who are involved. In a town controlled by powerful leaders with political masks to decieve the public of their true intention. However, it also shows that the problem is also fueled by the poor who tolerate and benefit from corrupt culture. The question that goes into my head is "When will this end? How will we end this?"

It is actually my first time to see Tanghalang Pilipino (either I was too young to remember, or it was my past life), and it shocked me. Though I have seen stage plays with a violent theme, this one is the most moving I have seen so far. They have a set design that is surprisingly simple yet very multipurpose. I was also want to crumple like a paper upon seeing real hammers and handsaw as props. It spooked my soul when they are using them, but they did a wonderful job of executing them to be so realistic. 

MUSIC LYF: Yonel's Top 30 - September 15

WOW! GOODTIME by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen still remains on top for this week! . 2nd place goes to  PLAY HARD by David Guetta featuring Akon and Ne-Yo. The third place goes to THAT'S MORE LIKE IT by Katy Perry. See the rest of the countdown after the jump and also like Yonel's Top 30 hits on Facebook!

MUSIC LYF: X Plus album previews what’s next for Christian Bautista

Ten years has passed since Christian Bautista was introduced to showbiz, but he remains to be one of the most sought-after balladeer of his generation here and abroad.  Universal Records joins Christian as he celebrates his first decade with the release of X Plus, a collection of songs which celebrate his 10th year.

X Plus includes Christian’s rendition of three of the biggest theme songs from top rating teleserye – Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan (from Walang Hanggan), Nag-iisang Bituin (from Princess and I), and Nag-iisang Ikaw (from Precious Hearts Romance presents Pintada).

X Plus also gives a glimpse of what’s next for the balladeer by the inclusion of the remix version of Unphotographable, used during the Philippine Fashion Week. The sweeping ballad What Can I Do is also part of the compilation.

Voting for the Top 3 ‘Makulay Ang Buhay Photo’ begins Monday

Beginning Monday (September 17), netizens may participate in selecting the three grand winners of GMA Network’s “Makulay Ang Buhay” photo submission promo.

To highlight the Network’s latest station ID -- “Makulay Ang Buhay” -- GMA launched the“Makulay Ang Buhay Promo,” a photo submission contest wherein participants submitted original photographs depicting the “colorful” moments in their lives.

MUSIC LYF: Gloc-9 - MKNM (Mga Kwento Ng Makta) BlogCon

After the launch of Gloc-9's new album MKNM, I really loved the songs in the album which I have also made into the first Listening Room Album Review. Yet there were actually some things I still want to ask him with his new album and his new recording label under Universal Records Philippines. Luckily, they had a Gloc-9 Bloggers' Conference in cooperation with Pinoy Magazine, Franci Magalona Clothing Company, Lionheart.tv and Universal Records.

REEL DEAL: Lincoln SPOTLIGHT

Steven Spielberg's LINCOLN Trailer Revealed

Dream Works Pictures and 20th Century Fox reveal the long-awaited trailer  of "Lincoln." From pioneering blockbuster maker and one of the world’s most influential filmmakers, Academy Award-winner Steven Spielberg directs Academy Award-winning actors Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones in the sweeping drama “Lincoln.”

Steven Spielberg’s biographical epic “Lincoln” puts Daniel Day-Lewis in the titular role as the most beloved 16th president of the United States.  The movie unveils Lincoln’s tumultuous final months in office following his triumph in leading his country during the Civil War and leaving his greatest legacy on ending slavery.   Renowned for his Gettysburg Address “Four scores and seven years ago…that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from earth” Lincoln, coming from a poor family is a self-educated man who became a politician and was able to unite the country with his steadfast moral compass and passion to succeed changed the fate of his country’s next generations. 

GMA Network, ABS-CBN and TV5 come together for ‘Dolphy: Alay Tawa’ TV special

In a rare occasion, broadcasting giants GMA Network, ABS-CBN and TV5 will take part in the production and simultaneous airing of a two-and-a-half-hour TV special to pay homage to the late Philippine King of Comedy, Dolphy.

The TV special dubbed “Dolphy: Alay Tawa,” was an idea of one of Dolphy’s sons, director Eric Quizon, who had thought of coming up with a show that will not only have an entertainment value but also be a fund-raiser of sorts to continue the legacy of his late father who had helped his fellow through various foundations.

The King And I: Another Eminent Theatre Production From Resorts World Manila

Along with Resorts World Manila’s incessant support for Philippine theater culture as well as the championing of world-class Filipino talents, comes another forthcoming musical spectacle, The King and I.

To unveil the highly-anticipated all-Filipino produced musical, a Premiere Night was held last September 14, Friday evening, at the state-of-the-art Newport Performing Arts Theater. The by-invitation event was attended by VVIPs from various private and public sectors together with distinguished media personalities and members of the press. 

Showdown for survival between mentors and protégés this Sunday

This Sunday (September 16), the five celebrity mentors and their respective protégés join on stage and perform together for a showdown for survival!

North and Central Luzon mentor Ricky Davao and protégés Shelly Hipolito and Bryan Benedict star in an action sequence. Bryan plays the hero captured and tortured by his godfather Ricky while Shelly is Bryan's love interest. 

Mega Manila mentor Roderick Paulate plays a modern-day family man who copes with his dysfunctional relationship with a gay son played by Japs de Luna and a lesbian daughter played by Elle Ramirez.  

Universal Records artists named Peace Ambassadors

from Gloc 9 facebook page

Aside from being respected names in the music industry, Universal Records artists Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Gloc-9, and Sam Concepcion were named National Peace Ambassadors by Malacanang. The awarding ceremony was held at the Palace, and was attended by no less than the President, His Excellency Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

New Universal Records artist and online celebrity Kimpoy Feliciano was also named as ambassador because of his social media influence.

These artists headline the “I am for Peace” campaign, which seeks to engage all sectors of society in sustaining support for the country’s peace process and strengthen the government’s peace building platform. It will also mobilize social engagements and information dissemination especially on the significant developments and milestones of the on-going Mindanao peace talks.

Aside from Christian, Noel, Gloc-9, Sam, and Kimpoy, other Peace Ambassadors are Anne Curtis, Gerald Anderson, Karylle, Derek Ramsay, Epy Quizon, Megan Young, Mikael Daez, Kiray Celis, Igi Boy Flores, Rovilson Fernandez, Ramon Bautista, Ebe Dancel, Moro artist Datu Khomeini Bansuan, fashion designers Arnold Galang, JC Buendia, and Philippine Azkals.