Mother Lily, Marian make peace after "misunderstanding"

After news reports on Wednesday (June 19) revealed a "misunderstanding" between Regal Films matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde and Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, which had something to do with Regal's non-participation in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the two patched things up on Thursday, June 20, at the press conference of Marian's upcoming movie with Richard Gutierrez, "My Lady Boss."

In an interview, Marian said that she has a lot to thank Monteverde for and that without her support and help, she (Marian) would not have become the star that she is today. She maintained that whatever happened between her and the producer was just a "misunderstanding."

Later in the press conference Monteverde arrived and Marian welcomed her with a tight hug which lightened up the tensed atmosphere. 

Get Rockin' This School Year With School of Rock!

School starts and so is also a great way to rock the new academic year with a new hobby that can be transformed into a musical craft with the opening of School of Rock located at Greenhills Shopping Center. Yes you heard me right, it is a school where you get to learn how to rock. Compared to music schools, it focus more of the practical lessons on how to play instruments and even vocals.

Children can start young to be the next big thing as rockstars of the future with School of Rock which started in the US and the opening of the school is the first in Asia. Schedules are also flexible for students who wants to study after class and even in weekends. The school is complete with instruments like guitars, drums, keyboards, mikes and a lot of collection of rock classics which they can get inspiration to rock on.

MUSIC LYF: The Art of Burt Bacharach

The Legendary Composer & Songwriter Celebrates his 85th Birthday with the release of “Anyone Who Had a Heart: The Art of the Songwriter”

This year, legendary composer and songwriter Burt Bacharach celebrates his 85th birthday with the release of a “Anyone Who Had A Heart: The Art of the Songwriter” --- a 40-track, 2-CD set with various artists performing his memorable writing collaborations. The complete collection is also available on iTunes --- http://smarturl.it/artofthesongwriterph.

Dating from his first pop hit on the charts and especially his work with longtime writing partner and lyricist Hal David, who helped the duo create an amazing streak of classics, to those songs of recent years when Bacharach ventured out on his own to write with Carole Bayer Sager and Elvis Costello among others, the collection celebrates the work of Bacharach and how the combined efforts of talented songwriters, majestic melodies, unforgettable lyrics and great vocalists can yield timeless pop classics and be interpreted in unique ways.

Along with Lennon and McCartney, Burt Bacharach is one of the most celebrated and legendary song-writers of the twentieth century. His work is recognized around the globe and the respect he has from his peers and fans alike has made him a true living legend.

TRACKLISTING:

DISC 1 1. I Say A Little Prayer (Aretha Franklin) 2. Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head (B.J. Thomas) 3. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (Dusty Springfield) 4. Waiting For Charlie To Come Home (Etta James) 5. The Story Of My Life (Marty Robbins) 6. The Look Of Love (Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66) 7. A House Is Not A Home (Brook Benton) 8. Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)(Christopher Cross) 9. Baby It's You (Smith) 10. Tower Of Strength (Gene McDaniels) 11. Magic Moments (Perry Como) 12. Take A Broken Heart (Rick Nelson) 13. Wishin' And Hopin' (Brenda Lee) 14. Don't Make Me Over (Sybil) 15. Any Day Now (Elvis Presley) 16. Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa (Gene Pitney) 17. I'll Never Fall In Love Again (Isaac Hayes) 18. Love's (Still) The Answer (Ronald Isley) 19. Anyone Who Had A Heart (Dionne Warwick) 20. What The World Needs Now (Jackie Deshannon DISC 2 1. What's New Pussycat? (Tom Jones) 2. Alfie (Barbara Streisand) 3. Make It Easy On Yourself (The Walker Brothers) 4. This Guy's In Love With You (Herb Alpert) 5. Message To Michael (The Marvelettes) 6. One Less Bell To Answer (The Fifth Dimension) 7. Walk On By (Gloria Gaynor) 8. Trains And Boats And Planes (Astrud Gilberto) 9. Let The Music Play (Diana Ross & The Supremes) 10. You'll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart)(The Stylistics) 11. Wives And Lovers (Jack Jones) 12. Love Is My Decision (Chris De Burgh) 13. Keep Me In Mind (Patti Page) 14. On My Own (Patti Labelle And Michael McDonald) 15. Nikki (Burt Bacharach) 16. My Little Red Book (Manfred Mann) 17. Overnight Success (Gladys Knight & The Pips) 18. Toledo (Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach) 19. That's What Friends Are For (Kevin Eubanks)

"Anyone Who Had a Heart: The Art of the Songwriter" is now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or online via iTunes http://smarturl.it/artofthesongwriterph | For more information about this release, visit www.facebook.com/mcamusic.ccj

REEL DEAL: World War Z REVIEW

I think we have too many Zombie films that usually deals the same thing over and over, and sometimes we got immune with the concept. But I have to rule out World War Z which is now showing in theaters for showing us a whole new kind of undead experience which can be one for the books.

Based on a novel, World War Z brings to life a global pandemic that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction  With men turning into Zombies and swarming together to infect more, what other option you have left and what can you do to stop the plague. 

Brad Pitt takes everyone on a dangerous mission in search for answers that can be the key to the cure and answers for the gruesome fall of cities and countries. Which happened so fast and  is now threatening mankind's existence.Though I have not read the book, I think it has satisfied it with the details put into the scenes. And again, we love movies that makes you think even after the show. Now I have to set up my zombie fortress soon.

Who will the Elan Awards Filipino Gentleman of 2013?

This is not the search for the next Psy but the ultimate Pinoy gentleman that embodies the qualities of a successful and made man and now for the first time the Elan Awards presented by McJim will now recognize the Man of the year with the search for the Modern Filipino Gentleman.

On the launch last Monday, the 12 finalists were announced with the judges and the organizing team. From a long list from the open nomination now it has come down to 12 men who will now on the final phase with the public voting who will be the emerge the sole victor.

The voting happens on the McJim Classic Leather Facebook Page which have a link to the application for the voting process. One vote for each category for each facebook account. This means you have three votes and it can be the same or different person for that category. Votes will then be tallied and will be the basis for the winner of the award. The list of the nominees are listed after the jump. Hurry because the  voting period will end on August 2, 2013.

REEL DEAL: Runner Runner SPOTLIGHT

How deadly is gambling and the things that go with it? It may be worth more than money but can also change your life forever.

In the sexy, sultry thriller RUNNER RUNNER, Richie (Justin Timberlake), a Princeton college student who pays for school with on-line gambling, bottoms out and travels to Costa Rica to confront the on-line mastermind, Ivan (Ben Affleck), whom he believes has swindled him. Ivan sees a kindred spirit in Richie and brings the younger man into his operation. When the stakes get incredibly high and dangerous, and Richie comes to fully understand the deviousness of his new boss, he tries to turn the tables on him.

"Runner Runner" will open very soon this September from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Check out the trailer after the jump!

Barbie Forteza teams up with Aljur Abrenica this Saturday in Maynila

This Saturday (June 22), Kapuso tween star Barbie Forteza teams up with Kapuso Hunk Aljur Abrenica in an episode entitled Tibok at First Sight of the weekend series Maynila. 

Currently playing the role of Karen in the primetime series Anna Karenina, the Tween Queen plays the role of Abby who was raised by her spinster aunt to be an extremely conservative and anti-social girl.

Abby’s world changes when she meets Mark (Aljur Abrenica), an upperclassman, in college. Abby enjoys the attention she gets from Mark to the extent that she goes against her aunt’s wishes when it comes to dealing with boys. Soon, Abby finds out that Mark has a girlfriend.

How will this change Abby’s view on dealing with boys? Will she be able to mend her broken heart?

Don’t miss the story of Abby and Mark in Maynila airing every Saturday morning right after Sarap Diva.

37th National MILO Marathon sprints into action

2013 MILO Marathon King and Queen to compete at the 2014 Paris Marathon

The National MILO Marathon, the most prestigious running event in the country, kicks off another exciting marathon season with the first of 18 leg races set in Puerto Princesa on June 30. Marking its 37th season this year, the sporting event has a rich history that features a continuous expansion of its scope to nationwide races, and a growing attraction among hundreds of thousands of participants from all over the country.

XSTIG: PH consumer market eagerly awaits HP Slate7

The HP Slate7, an ideal trusted personal companion, will soon hit the Philippine market and the country is waiting in anticipation. And why not? HP’s Slate7 is a consumer tablet packed with the Google Android that is aimed at the value conscious shopper.

The entry of Slate7 will usher in HP’s coverage of the consumer tablet segment with a broad portfolio of products and technologies geared towards everyday use. Soon the market will experience the world leader in PC’s range with a variety of sizes and operating systems and offer compelling solutions for the BYOD space.

“The product is primarily for play and entertainment consumption, but it can also be used as BYOD and for email, note-taking, and other processes,” Albert Mateo, HP General Manager for PPS, said. “This product will be able to contend in the Philippine market instantly and we expect the value conscious shopper to frenzy over the possibilities they can do with the Slate7 as soon as it gets here.”

The HP Slate7 is the first tablet ever to have Beats Audio, providing superior sound quality for music and movies, coupled with built in stereo speakers. To power your movie marathon, the battery life is capable of five hours video playback.

MUSIC LYF: Imagine Dragons - Night Visions (ALbum)

CERTIFIED RIAA PLATINUM IN THE US

Album Is Top 10 on Billboard 200, 40 Weeks On The Chart

June 14, 2013 – Santa Monica, CA – KIDinaKORNER / Interscope recording artist IMAGINE DRAGONS’debut album, Night Visions is certified platinum by the RIAA. Night Visions, released on September 4, 2012 entered the Billboard Top 200 Chart at #2 with the best first week sales for a full-length debut by a new rock band in over six years. Imagine Dragons crosses a monumental threshold; according to Nielsen SoundScan, since 2008 there have been 25 rock bands to sell over one million copies, only three of which were for debut albums.