DepEd Statement on Teacher Hiring

In response to Senator Ralph Recto’s conclusions on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) teacher hiring as carried by the Manila Bulletin last July 19, 2015, DepEd stresses that we have adjusted and improved the qualifications in hiring teachers in public schools to ensure the quality of education in the country. In the last four years, DepEd was able to fast track its hiring process: with an average of three months (May to July) hiring period now compared to an average of 14 months before. With over 128,000 teachers hired from 2010 to 2014, records show that DepEd has an average of 95% filling up rate in the past five years.

Cody Simpson Will Make Manila Go “La Da Dee” on August 12!

Get ready, Simpsonizers! Cody Simpson is finally coming to Manila as Wilbros Live brings in the multi-awarded Australian pop singer on August 12 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.

The 18 year old singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor hailing from Queensland, Australia, landed a record deal on his 13th birthday, an indisputably remarkable feat. Simpson’s claim to fame was his debut single “iYiYi” released in 2009 which features American rapper, Flo Rida. Since then, the singer and awarded swimmer began touring with iconic pop figure, Justin Bieber. In 2013, Simpson’s album called “Surfers Paradise” debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. In the same year, he commenced the Paradise Tour, presenting Before You Exit, Plug In Stereo, and Ryan Beatty as the opening acts. The brilliant performer infiltrated the world of dancing, as well—becoming a participant in the 18th season of Dancing With The Stars and landing a spot in the contest’s top 9.

Gangster Thriller "Black Mass" Outs Teaser Trailer‏

Warner Bros. Pictures has just launched the teaser trailer for its new gangster thriller “Black Mass” starring Johnny Depp and may be viewed here at https://youtu.be/f5i-Z-Dklzc.

The film is based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger. The film stars Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp as Whitey Bulger and Joel Edgerton (“The Great Gatsby”) as FBI Agent John Connolly. The film is directed by of Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart”).

In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Edgerton) persuades Irish mobster James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp) to collaborate with the FBI and eliminate a common enemy: the Italian mob. The drama tells the true story of this unholy alliance, which spiraled out of control, allowing Whitey to evade law enforcement, consolidate power, and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in Boston history.

Red Band Teaser Trailer of "Vacation" Now Online‏

The next generation of Griswolds is at it again. New Line Cinema’s “Vacation,” starring Ed Helms (“The Hangover” films) and Christina Applegate (the “Anchorman” films), takes the family on the road for another ill-fated adventure.

Watch the comedy's Red Band teaser trailer here at https://youtu.be/ucWrUNWDUUE.

“Vacation” marks Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley’s directorial debut.

Following in his father’s footsteps and hoping for some much-needed family bonding, a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Helms) surprises his wife, Debbie (Applegate), and their two sons with a cross-country trip back to America’s “favorite family fun park,” Walley World.

Rounding out the cast are Leslie Mann (“The Other Woman”) as Rusty’s sister, Audrey; Chris Hemsworth (the “Thor” films) in the role of Stone Crandall, Rusty’s irritatingly successful brother-in-law; and Skyler Gisondo (“Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” “Hard Sell”) and Steele Stebbins (“A Haunted House 2”), who play Rusty’s sons, James and Kevin. Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprise their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold from the classic “Vacation” comedies.

The Feel Of Friendship In “ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL”

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is the uniquely funny, moving story of Greg (Thomas Mann), a high school senior who is trying to blend in anonymously, avoiding deeper relationships as a survival strategy for navigating the social minefield that is teenage life.  He even describes his constant companion Earl (RJ Cyler), with whom he makes short film parodies of classic movies, as more of a 'co-worker’ than a best friend. But when Greg’s mom (Connie Britton) insists he spend time with Rachel (Olivia Cooke) – a girl in his class who has just been diagnosed with cancer - he slowly discovers how worthwhile the true bonds of friendship can be.

Watch How Tom Cruise Did Plane Stunt in "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation"‏

In Paramount Pictures' new action-thriller “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation,” Tom Cruise outdoes himself as he takes on one of his biggest stunt challenges yet: hanging on the outside of a plane while it literally takes off. Into the air!

The studio is proud of Cruise's daredevil stunt and wants everyone to know that this is the real deal, no CGI. And to prove this, Paramount has released a brief featurette that includes raw video of Cruise performing the stunt, which may be viewed here at http://youtu.be/s94PbLFa4Rk.

Marvel Cinematic Universe Welcomes "Ant-Man"‏

When Marvel’s “Ant-Man” hits Philippine theaters on July 15, director Peyton Reed believes the movie will surprise audiences. “Ant-Man is an incredibly powerful character,” says Reed. “He can shrink down to a very tiny size and actually command armies of different types of ants. The great thing about the comics and the great thing about this story is you get to see what kinds of things a bunch of ants can get done and the interesting ways in which they can help Scott Lang aka Ant-Man.”

The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.”

"Man from U.N.C.L.E." Sets Off New Trailer at Comic-Con‏

Warner Bros.' “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” has unveiled its new trailer at Comic-Con, boasting fast-paced action and stylish set pieces. Watch the trailer here at https://youtu.be/4t8YBqS5Hac.

A fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series, the spy thriller stars Henry Cavill (“Man of Steel”) as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) as Illya Kuryakin.

Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.

Kung Fu Panda 3 Trailer Reveal

In DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda 3” first trailer, Po and the gang is back with three times the force and adventure! Po (voiced by Jack Black) is now considered as the legendary Dragon Warrior who has already saved the world a few times but has remained a humble panda despite wide and wild adulation.   

Ultimate Road Trip On Friendship In “PAPER TOWNS”

Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green (“The Fault in Our Stars”), PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears--leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship--and true love.