REEL DEAL: Star Trek Into Darkness REVIEW

If you are a geek or sci-fi fan, you do know the Star Trek Universe. And for late bloomers and newbie fans like me, it would be hard to watch all of the episode of the series since they actually started way back in the 1970's which is also the era of the rise of Sci-fi movies. And Star Trek has made a mark, and even a culture among fans.

With the first Star Trek movie back in 2009, many people were hesitant that it can par with the series which made hardcore fans. Yet, it was a big hit and also got positive reviews from many. 

Thus the challenge of having a second movie gave more pressure to the cast and crew to create a movie that can at least equal the first movie. Was it successful? lets find out later.

For this film the story goes with the Star Fleet doing interplanetary missions with the crew of Jim, Spock, Scotty, Sulu, Ulura, Bones, and more. J. J. Abrams said in the preview that he loved the film when it was converted into IMAX. Star Trek Into Darkness stars Chris Pine as Jame Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock , Karl Urban as Bones, Zoe Saldana as Nyota Ulura and Benedict Cumberbatch as James Harrison.

ART IS A BANG: Manila Improv Festival 2013

Improv Theater is not new to the Philippines, rather it was seen as an alternative of the craft and    also a great way to improve theatrical creativity and response. However, there are a just a few number of Improv groups here in the Philippines but this number might change with the staging of the Manila Improv Festival this June.

I also am not familiar how Improv Theater works but on the press conference of the Manila Improv Festival, we got to experience this one of kind art in the front row, which is really entertaining and also gets the audience involved with the material. The event is spearheaded by Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT)

In celebration of its 11th year anniversary, the Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) and the PETA Theater Center proudly present the Manila Improv Festival 2013 from June 25-30, 2103.

Lovi Poe topbills GMA News TV's 'Titser'

Following the critical and ratings success of its original series on good governance - BAYAN KO - GMA News TV launches a groundbreaking new series entitled TITSER, which discusses issues in Philippine education. 

TITSER will be the first television project of character actress Lovi Poe upon signing a new, three year exclusive contract with GMA.  She plays the lead Michelle in the series – a high school valedictorian from a poor barrio school who dreams of becoming a teacher, but whose only option after graduation is to work as a housemaid. Her best friend Rosa is the class salutatorian who ends up a single mother.  Fate, tragedy and the sheer dedication of Michelle and Rosa to finish their schooling lead to unexpected twists in this compelling series. 

The Morning Episodes making waves on U.S. Radio

OPM is definitely not dead; at least the spirit of it isn’t. It lives and thrives in the heart of every impassioned musician who remains true to their talent; fueled by self-expression, dedication to their craft and a drive to be heard, these bastions of the industry hoist the flag of originality on local shores, and – for those fortunate enough – beyond.

Such is the case for singer-songwriter Miguel Escueta, and his newly re-launched band, The Morning Episodes. Their single Now It Starts, which was well-received locally, made its debut on US radio in April of this year.

Just two weeks after its US debut, the catchy, upbeat pop-rock tune landed on the US National Airplay Top 200 Chart, ranking #107 overall, and #40 among Indie Artists.

Sarah Jessica Parker- the New face of the SM Store

International screen and stage actress – and style icon – Sarah Jessica Parker is the new face of the SM Store.

This comes as the SM Store opens its new branch at SM Aura Premier, a world- class mall, which redefines the retail and lifestyle scene in the country.  And with that, the SM Store brings great design and great retail to new heights with its Love To Shop campaign.

As the new face of the SM Store, SJP brings to Manila her love of shopping as expressed in her incredible fashion style.  She has been known to be experimental in her fashion choices – which range from elegant designer gowns to casual street fashion and even sportswear - mixing and matching and looking fabulous.

Her collaboration with SM Store in its Love to Shop campaign is a perfect fit, as her personal style celebrates the SM Store’s passion for fashion, as well as its wide assortment of merchandise. SJP is a fashion inspiration for Manila’s stylish set, as she is one of the very few Hollywood personalities that could pick anything in the store, expensive or affordable, and look awesome.  And most of all, many Filipinos can identify with her, as like them, she loves to shop.

44 Kalokalikes Battle It Out In "It's Showtime" Kalokalike Level Up

Forty-four look-alikes of the most popular local and international stars will face off and top each other in the grandest gala of “Kalokalikes” called “Kalokalike Level Up” in ABS-CBN’s top-rating noontime show “It’s Showtime” beginning Monday (May 20).

Watch as the celebrity wannabes unleash their wild personality and charisma for “Kalokalike Level Up,” the look-alike contest’s semi-finals round that will be held over the course of two weeks from May 20 until May 31. Each day, a group of Kalokalikes will battle it out to try to get a coveted spot in the grand finals that will be held on June 1.

The Philippines’ 7th IMAX Theater opens at SM Aura Premier

SM Aura is now open and many are amazed with the structure and the store inside it. Located in the posh district of Bonifacio Global City, the mall is another great attraction  for those who have sophisticated taste. And what is a mall without a movie house?

SM Cinema made sure that on the opening of the new mall comes with a one of a kind cinema that is unique only in SM Aura. SM Opened its latest IMAX Theater here which is a great treat for movie goers who live in East Metro Manila.

In The launch, we were able to see how the new IMAX looks like and how well does it fair with the other IMAX theaters in the metro. The verdict is we did love this one even it is a little smaller compared with the others but still gives the audience a complete and intimate image and sound experience. The lobby also has a great view of the BGC skyline before you enter the cinema.

SM Cinema Aura is set to redefine entertainment as it becomes one of the most anticipated features in the new SM Aura Premier. Unveiling on May 17, 2013, SM Cinema Aura houses two Director’s Club Cinemas with 48 seats each, a perfect venue for small gatherings and corporate events, and two digital theaters equipped with Dolby Atmos, a revolutionary sound technology that uses overhead and surround speakers, for a natural and a more realistic sound experience. 

REEL DEAL: Return To Grand In "Rio 2 "

Nigel is about to crash…into the grandest party as Blu, Jewel and friends return in “Rio 2.” 

Jesse Eisendberg and Anne Hathaway return in “Rio 2”  along with Jemaine Clement,  Will.I.Am, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, Leslie Mann,Rodrigo Santoro, Brazilian singer Bebel Gilberto, Jake T. Austin, and Jamie Foxx.

REEL DEAL: "Epic" Characters in 3D

Known for their grandiose storytelling and visual effects in “Ice Age” and “Rio,” Blue Sky Studios brings a world unlike any we’ve seen before in the 3D wonder “Epic.”

In “Epic,” MK (voiced by Amanda Seyfried) returns to her childhood home and reconnects with his father Prof. Bomba (Jason Sudeikis) who believes that out there are unseen people who live in the woods.  She finally believes when she is magically transformed into the size of the people his father had been looking for all his life.   Transported into the magical world of Leafmen where soldiers live to protect the forest, MK meets Nod (Josh Hutcherson), Ronin (Colin Farell) and Queen Tara (Beyonce).  Together, she must unite with them in order to save the forest against the evil Boggans led by Mandrake (Christoph Waltz).

MUSIC LYF: Living Things World Tour: Linkin Park Live in Manila 2013

As you all know that I am a fan of Linkin Park since high school and even until now, I still love their music which is indeed a cut above the rest. And with the launch of their latest album "Living Things" under Warner Records last year also spells another world tour happening this 2013. It has been years, since their last concert here in Manila. So LP fans will definitely attend this rare event that has now become a dream come true to the "soldiers".

Linkin Park is a rock-alternative band behind the hits "Crawling", "In The End", "Lost in the Echo", "Castle of Glass" and many more. I will definitely be in this concert!

The concert will happen on August 13, 2013 - 8:00pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

Ticket Prices:*

VIP STANDING - Standing - PHP10,440

PATRON - Reserved Seats - PHP10,440

LOWER BOX A - Reserved Seats - PHP7,270

LOWER BOX B - Reserved Seats - PHP6,210

UPPER BOX - Reserved Seats - PHP3,680

GENERAL ADMISSION - Reserved Seats - PHP930

*ticket prices based on SM Tickets pricing.

ALL SM Ticket outlets or visit www.smtickets.com or call 470-2222.

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