REEL DEAL: Gandalf, Galadriel Allies To The End In “THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES”

“The Hobbit” Trilogy’s expansive ensemble cast includes a core of artists reprising their now-iconic roles from “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy. “Now that a decade has passed since we made the first films, the iconography of the characters is everywhere,” director Peter Jackson notes. “When Ian McKellen walked out on set, it felt like you were seeing Gandalf again—the line between actor and character has become so thin.”

Holding a consistent place as a driving force and vital constant throughout both trilogies is the Wizard Gandalf the Grey, as embodied by Ian McKellen. From the moment McKellen first donned Gandalf’s Wizard’s hat, the acclaimed stage and screen star has become the face of the Grey Wizard for generations of fans.

Pancake House is coming home!

One of the country's proudest dining traditions moves forward by going back

What makes a good restaurant? For pancake House, the answer is simple; a taste and feel of home.

The popular pancacke chain recently debuted a new look for its next generation for Filipino diners in Lipa City, Batangas. Now part of the Max's family of brands, Pancakes House refurbished theme is inspired by its beloved heritage.

"Pancake House remains a household name with a loyal following," say Jim Fuentebella, Branding Director of Max's Group Inc. "But with the highly competitive market it is facing, we decided we needed to do something to bring back to the forefront of its dining category."

REEL DEAL: Step Into The Teaser of "THE WALK"

The exhilarating first trailer of director Robert Zemeckis' new thriller “The Walk,” a true story based on French high-wire artist Philippe Petit's book "To Reach the Clouds," has just been released and may be viewed here at http://youtu.be/zzHVqFk01eA.

“The Walk” stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the young dreamer who dared the impossible: an illegal wire walk between the World Trade Center towers. Last August 7, 2014 is the 40th anniversary of the astounding event, now being brought back to vivid life in the third act climax of the film.

REEL DEAL: Benedict Cumberbatch To Play Doctor Strange

The celebrated actor to become the Sorcerer Supreme!

Benedict Cumberbatch has entered the world of the mystic arts.

The actor will star in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” scheduled to hit theaters November 4, 2016 (including the Philippines). The film, directed by Scott Derrickson with Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay, will follow the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.

Hoolala Korean Chicken House: Straight From The Heart of Seoul

When it comes to Korean food, nothing can be more authentic than homegrown recipes straight from the heart of Seoul.

Despite the rash of Korean-inspired restaurants mushrooming all over the metropolis, very few actually come close to the unique flavors of the genuine, traditional Korean dishes that have earned the nod of the world’s most discriminating chefs and food critics.

In the same way that not everything slathered in chili sauce or paired with kimchi can pass off for Gangnam-style cooking, neither should any of it be priced way beyond the reach of the average Pinoy foodie on the lookout for new culinary adventures.

KakaoTalk's New Emotion Pack To Raise Funds For Hope Campaign Share The Love This Season With KakoTalk's Frodo and Neo

Brace yourself as the latest Kakao Friends emoticons are here, just in time for the holiday season when spreading love is on everyone’s mind. The new “Love Story” set includes 24 moving stickers featuring everyone’s favorite dynamic duo, Frodo and Neo, and cover the full spectrum of situations and emotions they go through as a couple. Whether madly in love or going through a rough patch, there’s a perfect emoticon to let your special someone know exactly how you feel. Even if you don’t have your very own Frodo or Neo, the “Love Story” set is also ideal for letting your friends and family know that you’re thinking about them.

However, sending emoticons isn’t the only way to spread your love through the Kakao Friends this season. The “Love Story” set can also be purchased as part of the Hope Pack, which includes three other sets of emoticons, with all proceeds going to Daum Kakao Hope Campaign http://hope.daum.net/campaign/list.daum (site in Korean). For every Hope Pack sold from December 2 to 15, Daum Kakao, KakaoTalk’s parent company, will donate 1,000 Korean won (approximately 90 US cents) to the Hope Campaign with the goal of helping ten different people (including a set of twins) fulfill their wishes. 

REEL DEAL: "WOLVES" Director David Hayter Mentored By Bryan Singer

Lucas Till, who starred as Alex Summers aka Havoc in “X-Men: First Class” plays lead role in the upcoming horror thriller “Wolves” directed by David Hayter (who also wrote the script for “X-Men,” “X-Men 2” and “Watchmne”) - “Wolves” is Hayter’s directorial debut that had tinseltown abuzz when he announced of his first directorial job.

“Wolves” centers on a young man (Till), who transforms into a werewolf and finds himself falsely accused of murdering his parents. Escaping from the town’s authorities, and eventually arriving at a small town named Lupine Ridge that has a history of supernatural happenings and the truth to his curse is finally revealed.

Director Hayter, in recent interviews notes that in making the film, he was grateful for being able to undergo Bryan Singer’s training.  “I was lucky enough to be sort of trained and mentored by Bryan Singer, and he gave me such an insight on what it takes to make a film. Like, what you need to do to a screenplay to make it “shootable.” So I understood those things, but I didn’t always agree with what the studio were doing to the material. So while there things I had to change in my script to accommodate the rigors of production, I was able to make those decision in ways that I felt good about and wasn’t forced too many times—I mean, you’re always going to make compromises—but for the most part, I was able to come up with I thought was the coolest solution to the problem.”

The Residences at Brent: Where the Past Intertwines with the Present

Baguio has been a top tourist destination since the 1900’s. Originally the American’s playground, the remnants of its culture and heritage have remained in the many pine trees and beautiful landscapes.  Unlike other places in the Philippines, Baguio’s western vibe has remained – from the city’s planning to the recreational activities one can enjoy.

We cannot deny that many still flock to Baguio because of its cool weather, which averages around 8 degrees lower than most parts of the country. It is the best place to sit back and read a book or you can simply catch up on rest and relaxation. For those who are up for an adventure, there are many activities for all ages like biking or the good ‘ol horseback riding. 

A visit to Burnham Park is always a fun experience. There are many things to see and do. One can watch or even join football games and Zumba sessions, go biking, rowing in the lake or have a picnic. Going for a walk is another pleasurable experience in Baguio. There is less pollution as there are many gardens and landscaped areas spread around the city. 

However, not everyone is a fan of crowds which is quite common because many Baguio locals indulge in the simple and healthy lifestyle. The park for example is situated at the heart of the city which makes it accessible for all. In fact, most public transportation terminals surround it. It serves as a melting pot for those who want to enjoy the outdoors especially during weekends. 

The Residences at Brent by Willowtree Development Corporation situated along Brent Road located strategically close to the heart of the city but far enough to breathe the freshness of Baguio. This secured community offers a unique experience with access to landscaped gardens, pocket parks and even bike trails. There’s no need to ride a car to go to the park. All you have to do is step out of your home and you have the beauty of nature right at your doorstep. 

“We have here something here that captures everything that Filipinos and tourists alike love about Baguio: the cool weather, the serene ambiance, the thrills and the rustic atmosphere,” said Mr. Ulysses Gaerlan, Willowtree Development Corporation Vice-President for Marketing and Sales. “As a Baguio local myself, this premium residence brings back sweet memories of the “old” Baguio intertwined with the contemporary.”

With all the advancement of today’s society, Baguio along with The Residences at Brent was able to preserve the past’s loved memories. 

And with the soon-to-rise second building, which is aligned with the 7-building Master Development Plan that makes up The Residences at Brent, it only proves that Baguio is an enduring destination that even time cannot break.

For inquiries on The Residences at Brent or Willowtree Development Corporation call/text 0999-8853715 or 0927-4664442, e-mail at info@theresidencesatbrent.com, or visit the website www.theresidencesatbrent.com.

Celebrate brighter holidays with Philips!

Christmas is the brightest season in the Philippines, and it’s the perfect time to decorate your homes with creative light displays that usher in the Holidays. 

“With price hikes in electricity, households need to consider more energy-efficient lighting options,” says Christine Villanueva, Country Marketing Manager for Philips Lighting. “With the help of Philips—the global leader in lighting, your home can be brightly lit this holiday season without breaking the bank.”

REEL DEAL: Status Relationship Complicated In Romantic Comedy “PLAYING IT COOL”

In today’s status driven world, “Playing It Cool” comes at the most opportune of time with a very simple, classic yet relatable theme on love – Chris Evans plays a writer, disillusioned by love, was suddenly tasked by his publisher to write a rom-com novel.  Not only does it hamper his next book’s publication, but for one who has been avoiding commitments for so long, he’s even more surprised to realize that he’s falling head over heels to someone (Michelle Monaghan) who  is already engaged.

This generation’s signature story, “Playing It Cool,” written by Chris Schafer and Paul Vicknair have penned a story that will move audiences around the world – a material so cinematic that it demands to be translated into film.     

With their debut screenplay, telling an artful love story in a style so fresh and unique it will undoubtedly be embraced by young audiences around the world as their story – the love story of our time.