ART IS A BANG: Repertory Philippines Announces Cast Of "The Producers," Set To Open On November 15

In celebration of its 46th year, Repertory Philippines proudly closes its 76th theater season with THE PRODUCERS.

Adapted from the 1968 Mel Brooks film of the same name, The Producers was written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with songs arranged by Glen Kelly and Doug Besterman. As in the film, the story concerns two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. The humor of the show draws on ridiculous accents, homosexual stereotypes, and Nazis, along with many show business in-jokes.

The original Broadway production, starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, opened at the St. James Theatre on April 19, 2001 and ran for 2,502 performances, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. It spawned a successful London production running for just over two years, US national tours, many productions worldwide, and a 2005 film version.

Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the cast of THE PRODUCERS features CARLO OROSA and ROBIE ZIALCITA (alternating as Max Bialystock), TOPPER FABREGAS (as Leo Bloom), and GISELLE TONGI (as Ulla).

Join RJ Ledesma As He Launches A Book on Gayumas, Aphrodisiacs and Magic Love Spells on September 20!

Friends, fans, families, fugitives, no girlfriends since birth (NGSBs), DOMs and yayas are invited to attend the launch of TV Host/Entrepreneur/Editor RJ Ledesma’s newest humor book ‘PLAYING WITH PINK PARTS, RJ Ledesma’s Guide to Gayumas, Aphrodisiacs and Love Spells’ on September 20 (Friday) 6pm at National Bookstore Glorietta 1, Makati.

“The book has something for everyone with pink parts.” RJ jokingly relates. He convinced an honest-to-goodness magician to share some modern-day love spells using text messaging, emails and Twitter, interviewed mysticists on how to concoct a homemade gayuma and consulted a naturopathic physician on the ideal combination of herbs to create a potent aphrodisiac. He even visited a urologist (but managed to keep his underpants on) to ask about what were the most effective aphrodisiacs available in the market.

Multiple Palanca award-winning author Butch Dalisay writes in the foreword of RJ’s book, "Sex and humor are two of the most potent forces known to man, and RJ appears to have mastered both. Lest one mistake him for just another randy fool, take note how sharply his humor is barbed politically, to the point that one suspects this is his real agenda."

Fans tricked by Ryzza Mae’s look-alike

Nicole Quimzon of Brgy. Canlalay, Biñan, Laguna almost always captivates the attention of people wherever she goes, not because she is a celebrity herself, but because she resembles someone who is.

In last Sunday’s episode of the news magazine show on GMA-7 “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS),” multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho featured Nicole, a look-alike of Little Ms. Philippines 2012 Grand Winner and host of a morning talk show, Ryzza Mae Dizon.

JUAN MINUTE: 7 Things you’ll love about Dingdong Dantes

He has an “international” appeal.

With his washboard abs and his dashing looks, women not only in the Philippines but also all over the world find him very sexy. In fact, in 2008, the actor landed in E! Magazine’s 25 Sexiest Men in the World and he’s the only Filipino in that list, which by the way also includes David Beckham. Dingdong ranked 3rd.

He exudes a positive vibe.

Ask the people close to Dingdong and those who have worked with him in the past and they will utter only kind words about the matinee idol.  “Dingdong is such a kind-hearted person on and off-camera. He treats everyone on the set equally. He doesn’t discriminate. He is also very approachable and accommodating,” says a staff member of one of Dingdong’s previous TV series. “The actor is always there to inspire everyone around him despite any situation,” the staff member added.  In a TV interview, Dingdong’s girlfriend, actress Marian Rivera, shared how much she has changed for the better because of Dingdong. “Tinuruan niya ako maging patient, bawal ang maging negative,” she said.

ART IS A BANG: Ibalong D'Wonder Twins of Boac Lead Philstage Gawad Buhay’s 2013 1st/2nd Quarter Citations

PHILSTAGE proudly announces the first and second quarter citations of the 2013 Gawad Buhay !, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts.

TANGHALANG PILIPINO’s “Ibalong,” a dance-musical reimagining of the Bicolano epic, topped the list with 15 citations in the performance and technical categories.

“Ibalong” was adapted for the stage by Rody Vera, with the neo-ethnic rock music provided by Carol Bello and direction and set design by Tuxqs Rutaquio. It garnered citations in the following categories: Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Stage Direction (Tuxqs Rutaquio), Adaptation or Translation (Rody Vera), Musical Direction (Carol Bello), Musical Composition (Carol Bello), Choreography (Alden Lugnasin), Costume Design (Leeroy New), Lighting Design (Katsch Catoy), Sound Design (TJ Ramos), Set Design (Tuxqs Rutaquio), Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Delphine Buencamino and Jenine Desiderio), and Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Cheeno Macaraig and Jonathan Tadioan).

REEL DEAL: Ben Affleck Plays Online Gambling Kingpin in "Runner Runner"

Despite the risks – statistical and criminal – online gambling holds innumerable attractions. In today's post-economic-meltdown world, young people have fewer job options than ever before. But that hasn't done anything to affect their desire to get-rich-quickly. This generation – consumers from early childhood – is used to getting what they want, when they want it, with the click of a mouse.

“Runner Runner” depicts the risks of this reality starring Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Gemma Arterton where Timberlake plays Princeton grad and former Wall Street star Richie Furst, who believes he’s been swindled by an online poker organization based in Costa Rica. He decides to head to Central America to confront the owner, Affleck’s Ivan Block, and is soon seduced by the promise of immense wealth. As Block’s right-hand man he uncovers more than he bargains for, and is soon juggling loyalties and trying to stay alive.

REEL DEAL: Arthur Newman

Oscar award-winning actor Colin Firth and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt star together in the romantic comedy, Arthur Newman.

In the film Colin Firth plays Wallace Avery is tired of being a loser. His ex-wife and son hate him and he’s blown his one shot at living his dream. After once being a hot shot in competitive amateur golf, Wallace is dubbed “The Choker” in the pro circle.

After being unable to shake his nerve, he does something radical. Wallace stages his own death, buys a new identity as Arthur Newman and decides to move away. On the road trip to his new life, he meets Mike (Emily Blunt), who is also trying to forget her past. Connected by a common goal, Arthur and Mike break into empty homes and take on the identities of the absent owners. In the process, they begin to own up to the identities they've left behind and help each other to rediscover themselves.

"Arthur Newman" is released and distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation.

Showing on Octoberber 11. Nationwide.

Benilde Hosts Musical on Lorenzo Ruiz

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde is hosting the maiden run of Lorenzo, a musical on the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, produced by actor Christopher de Leon through Green Wings Entertainment Network. Benildean students collaborated with theater industry professionals in bringing to the stage a contemporary opera that examines what it really takes to be a Filipino.

MTL Top Ten Emerging Blogs for 2013

I've known people who where part of the Top Ten Emerging Blogs for years yet I was not able to join it because I was focused on my main blog which has been 7 (ehem) year old now. But as a blogger, I know that I would have to keep on discovering new blogs that will keep me motivated as a blogger and also improve my skills. And for the first time ever I have my list of my own top  emerging blogs for 2013. 

Best of September: Eat, Prey, Love on beTV!

Relive your favorite beTV shows starting this September! Enjoy 4 hours of back-to-back reality, romance, comedy and drama from Mondays through Thursdays at 8:30 PM!

Eat. Enjoy your favorite cupcake while watching delicious battles on  Cupcake Wars! Four top cupcake makers face-off in three elimination challenges until only one remains and wins the sweet prize of $10,000 plus the yummy opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at an event!

Prey. Experience the full force of tension and anxiety as Teen Wolf (season 3) and Supernatural (season 8) quenches your thirst for forces beyond understanding.  Be taken to the edge of your seats by the fiercest battles of the paranormal kinds on beTV!