REEL DEAL: “THE BOOK OF LIFE” Photo Release

From producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez comes “The Book of Life,” an animated comedy with a unique visual style. “THE Book of Life” is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart.  Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, the movie encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.

Ayala Malls’ Style Origin Lights Up the Runway at TriNoma

The country’s leading lifestyle and shopping destination re-energizes the local fashion scene, as Ayala Malls presents Style Origin, a lifestyle series that will cultivate each shopper’s eye for style.

Ayala Malls, in partnership with the Philippine STAR and Starworld, and in collaboration with the country’s top lifestyle magazines MEGA, Meg and Chalk, empower men and women with inspiring trends in clothing and cosmetics. With landmark trunk shows especially compiled by the country’s leading style authorities, Regina Belmonte of Philippine Star, Peewee Isidro and Rainier Dagala of MEGA Magazine, Bianca Gonzalez and Patrick Galang of Meg Magazine, and Kate Paras and Elaine Carag of Chalk Magazine, Style Origin opens up a remarkable setting where timeless, impeccable style is bound to be experienced. 

A cozy reading nook just for 18K‏

Make a cozy reading nook for your home for 18K. Thinking of ways to turn your vacant space at home into a useful spot for reading and relaxation? 

Transform it into a cozy reading nook. A comfy Gavin Lounge Chair in Fixed Seat Cushion matched with throw pillows is a must for your reading corner. This is a perfect spot where you can sit and relax while reading your favorite book. If you don’t feel like sitting, curl up in a Black Maze SR011 print shaggy carpet instead. Add a side table for your books’ storage or a place where you can put your cup of coffee. 

To complete the vibe of your nook, put an F1035 Modern Arc Floor Lamp with soft lighting that brings out a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for your reading time. You can also add string lights and sheer canopy if you want a homier feel for your corner. Making a reading nook for your home is surprisingly easy, follow these guides and create one for your home. To know more tips on making a reading corner for your home, visit Mandaue Foam on Facebook or www.mandauefoam.ph.

REEL DEAL: “DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES” In Natural Locations Using 3D

Following the emotionally arresting story of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” the latest movie “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” takes place 10 years after a viral apocalypse known as the Simian Flu hit the humans whose numbers have been severely depleted.  The Apes, on the other hand, have done quite well amidst the pandemic with Caesar at their helm.  Caesar,  the prime intelligent ape with human-like qualities,  who can strategize, organize and ultimately lead a revolution, borne and developed by genetic engineering  has now led his kind to freedom and has built a new home where humans have difficulty thriving.

Dawn’s director Matt Reeves, who created a vivid and unexpected sense of realism in his 2008 thriller “Cloverfield,” says, “My hope is that audiences – even knowing about the visual effects – will say, ‘Wait a minute.  There weren’t real live apes in the movie at all?’  “That to me is an exciting idea because it creates emotional reality.  If you believe these apes are real and they are emoting, then your involvement just becomes deeper and deeper. I think that’s one of the miracles of what Weta has achieved.”

REEL DEAL: “CHANNELING” – YOU’RE ONLY LIVE ONCE

In today’s social-media obsessed and advertising-driven world, the upcoming thrilling film “Channeling” brings a thought-provoking commentary on the possible path of destruction on the way we currently channel our lives. It introduces us into a world where people have begun live-casting. Using a camera in the form of a contact lens, people begin sharing every part of their lives. Some lives are more exciting to watch than others.

Written and directed by Drew Thomas, “Channeling” tells the story of a soldier who returns home for his brother’s funeral to find that his older sibling’s death is mired in a mystery involving social media “eyecasting,” where a user places a contact lens with a camera on their eye and broadcasts everything they do. The more hits you get on your “channel” the more sponsors you can acquire. This spawns casinos where gamblers can bet on people’s life events and unscrupulous channel producers who try to spice up the action on their eyecaster channels.  

Winner at the recent Phoenix Film Festival as Best Sci-Fi Feature, “Channeling” opens July 2 in local cinemas nationwide from CrystalSky Multimedia.

Check out the thrilling trailer here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34untXf56ko&feature=youtu.be

New Series "Hawak Kamay" Reaches Out To The Modern Day Filipino Family

How much can the life of a drunkard and aspiring musician change when he finds himself left with the responsibility of acting as a father to three adopted children?

This is what ABS-CBN’s newest family drama, “Hawak Kamay,” will be taking on as it hits TV screens to reach out to modern day Filipino families.

The series is set to take off with acclaimed actor Piolo Pascual at the helm, who will be making a much-anticipated return to television drama following the success of his movie “Starting Over Again” earlier this year. Piolo stars in “Hawak Kamay” along with three of the country’s most powerful child stars, Zaijan Jaranilla, Andrea Brillantes, and Xyriel Manabat. The series will also introduce Grand i-Shiner Yesha Camille, who was under the mentorship of Piolo during her stint in the second season of the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp.

Grander Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest On Its Fourth Year

Last year was an unforgettable moment for me as I won the media group for the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest Year 3 held at New Glorietta Activity Center. As they promised, the new year of the annual eating competition get tougher yet with prizes getting bigger and better.

Though I was not part of this year's competition, it is still an opportunity to support fellow blogger Ruel Umali (www.ruelumali.com) on his bid to be the winner in the media group. I did gave pointers and some techniques that I used and the things I have learned from the previous year which he can use for his way of chomping down bowls of beef. 

Cast of Kapamilya Show "Hawak Kamay" Had Family Day At Hospicio De San Jose

ABS-CBN’s newest family drama “Hawak Kamay”, soon to be part of the Primetime Bida time block is now in the works and they are making it a very inspiring show by first giving back to people with a Family event held at the one of the oldest orphanage and charity center Hospicio De San Jose in Manila.

Just in time for Manila and San Juan day, they set up a large party held at the covered court of the center. Here the orphaned and special children, elderly, volunteers and staff live in the community in the island in the middle of the Pasig River. With sponsors and partners who provided gifts for the kids and elderly, food and sweets for lunch, photobooth and activities like a magic show and a bubble showcase to give entertainment to all who attended.

MUSIC LYF: Sam Tsui and Kurt Hugo Schnieder Are Now Here In Manila! Asian Tour Concert on June 25 & 26.

The Youtube Dynamic duo Sam Tsui and Kurt Hugo Schneider is now here in Manila for their concert happening at June 25 and 26 at the SMX Convention Ceneter at the SM Mall of Asia Pasay City.

Known for their covers of popular songs from Adele, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and Katy Perry.  as well as favorite classics like the Michael Jackson Medley. They are also known to be part of "College Musical The Movie"  and made music for Coca Cola promotional video last January. Currently Sam Tsui has 2 studio albums and a number of extended plays, mash ups and singles which are also uploaded in his youtube channel.

At the presscon held June 23, the duo are first timers in the Philippines and are game to try out things here especially the food. Starting from doing musicals and joining music clubs, Sam shared that consistency and passion are needed in pursuing their dreams. They have also worked with other youtube sensations like Alex Goot, Against the Current, Landon Austin, Luke Conard, and King the Kid.

“ Protect the Goal ” kicks off in the Philippines

Global football-based HIV prevention campaign headlined by the Philippine football national team, Azkals, targets youth at risk.

The campaign was officially be launched in the country on June 22, 2014 during the opening of the LoveYourself Anglo, a new free HIV testing community center along Shaw Boulevard near Ortigas.

Protect the Goal, the football-based HIV prevention campaign that has swept the world with its sports-oriented approach to promoting HIV testing and safer sex behavior, has kicked off in the Philippines.

The campaign ultimately seeks to help lower the risk of HIV transmission among the Filipino youth, specifically among young Filipino men. In the Philippines, 71% of new infections since 1984 were in young people and that two-thirds of high risk young people actually do not know their HIV status.