The Minority as the New Majority in Cinematografo International Film Festival

The very first Cinematografo International Film Festival (CIFF), a film exhibition series and networking event designed to elevate and showcase emerging Filipino and Filipino-American talent, films and television content to the world stage, was launched in a by-invitation presser at the AMC Dine-In Kabuki 8 in San Francisco’s Japantown last week. The initial Cinematografo is a project of the leading Filipino media and entertainment company ABS-CBN International. The press conference was attended by representatives from various Bay Area publications, the San Francisco Film Commission, and the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.

The vision and objective of Cinematografo was presented at the presser. Executive Director for CIFF 2017 John-D Lazatin says that “with all the content that we create, I believe that film is the strongest form. You’ve got narratives, documentaries, and shorts. Film is really a piece of art, and art is basically what we want to showcase.” Lazatin underlined that “Cinematografo’s objective really is to put the Filipino talent on the world stage.”

Pru Life UK named ‘Patron of Literature’ at Nick Joaquin Literary Awards 2017

Pru Life UK representatives together with ALIW Media Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon (left most), Philippines Graphic President Benjamin V. Ramos (second from left), and Philippines Graphic Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon (rightmost)

British life insurer Pru Life UK, a subsidiary of international finance services group Prudential plc, was conferred the Patron of Literature Award by the Philippines Graphic for being an advocate of Philippine literature through the Nick Joaquin Literary Awards (NJLA). 

Pru Life UK co-presented the NJLA for six consecutive years in line with the Company’s advocacy to promote literacy and education in the country, helping lay strong foundations for Filipinos to realize their full potential.

REEL DEAL: Thor Ragnaork REVIEW

I was originally not a Thor fan, but this iconic superhero played by Chris Hemsworth eventually became one of my favorite avengers film. This third installment of series starring the god of thunder takes on a different ambiance as it shifted from the gloomy theme of Thor: The Dark World to a hilarious yet pivotal turning point with Thor: Ragnarok.

Just a few months after Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 which is banks on comedy to capture its audience, it was with this approach that Ragnarok was featured in its trailers. Since they do happen in the vast space, it seems fitting to align themselves towards their theme and would gravitate both of the movies together.

As Ragnarok means the end of the world, a new god is introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her name is Hela played by Cate Blanchett. As the goddess of death, she is really a foe to be feared who could bring Asgard to ruins. Thor in the meantime find himself in a odd predicament where is made a warrior like gladiators.

Taika Waititi directed this film which is said to be his first hollywood movie. As a comedian himself, the comedic timing was on cue despite some are recurring jokes. It was really hilarious and made use of the outer space realm to introduce more alien life rather than focusing more on Earth. 

"The Star" Soundtrack Album Releases First Track "Life Is Good"

In anticipation of the worldwide release of Sony Pictures Animation’s animated motion picture The Star, in Philippine cinemas December 6, Epic Records and Sony Pictures Animation will release The Star: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack in stores and online October 27.

The soundtrack assembles new music from a bevy of powerhouse superstars befitting of the cast’s blockbuster pedigree. Leading the tracklisting, Mariah Carey performs the film’s theme song “The Star.”

Go CocoNUTS About Flavor With MERCI BUCO

How sweet is it that aside from the original coco water, you get to choose from two more flavors? Since Filipinos are naturally fond of sweets, Locally, the first quirky Filipino juice line made with indigenous local fruits, launched two more variants of the Locally Merci Buco coco water line: Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee. So you have not one, not two but three Merci Buco variants! Sweet!

Buco Pandan and Buco Lychee are flavors that appeal to the sweet tooth of every Filipino coco lover. And while they are often prepared as desserts, making them into drink flavors is not a bad idea at all!  Imagine having your dessert and drinking it, too! What an amazing coconut concoction! Or shall we say...COCOction?!

Responsible Travel and Surfing highlighted at Reef‘s “Free the Sea Movement 2” in Baler

Reef, a surf and lifestyle brand known worldwide, continues to promote responsible travel and environmental conservation with a fun-filled weekend in Baler for the Free the Sea Movement 2 last September 29 until October 1 , 2017.

In partnership with WWF Philippines, Free the Sea Movement 2 was set in Baler, Aurora, one of the country’s top hotspots for surfing. The exciting three-day event treated guests to a slew of fun activities that had them experience the waves and beauty of Sabang Beach.

Jollibee is digital engagement leader among QSRs in PH

The Philippines’ #1 fast-food chain is also #1 in digital engagement. For decades, Jollibee has been capturing the taste buds of Filipinos with its langhap-sarap treats. Lately, the brand has been winning over the hearts of millions online with hit-after-hit digital content.

According to a report by Community Plus, a social listening tool used by various global brands, from January to June 2017, Jollibee outranked all other brands in the quick service restaurant category, particularly in Facebook where it garnered a majority 37% share of engagement, twice greater than its biggest foreign competitor. Social media intelligence tool Thoughtbuzz also reports that Jollibee is the #1 most talked about QSR brand, registering 1.5 million mentions in various digital platforms; almost triple that of its competitors in the same period.

LGBT Film "4 DAYS" Opens October 18 at Ayala Malls Cinemas

dolf Alix Jr.’s LGBT themed film “4 Days” starring indie actor Mikoy Morales and Sebastian Castro that made its debut at the 2016 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival will now screen at exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma starting October 18.

“4 Days” takes on the struggles of a gay relationship in times of confusion, curiosity and whether to stay inside or come out of the closet.  The movie is not the highly typical gay love story where boy meets boy and falls in love, it goes through the downfall of questioning the reality of one man’s own sexuality,  whether or not to choose a woman because of societal culture or to accept the fact that it is okay to love a man even if you’re a man yourself.

Official Name for the Untitled Han Solo Film Revealed

It’s time to set your hyperspace coordinates.

In a surprise announcement today, director Ron Howard revealed the official name of the untitled Han Solo film – Solo: A Star Wars Story. The announcement came in a post in which the acclaimed filmmaker (with a little help from an anonymous Wookiee) thanked his cast and crew as principal photography wrapped.

Check out his special message at http://youtu.be/a8fGlA39N7o.

"Happy Death Day" Opens at No.1 in the US, Scares Up $26,.5-M

It's celebration time for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse's Happy Death Day as the new suspense-thriller opened at No.1 in North America this weekend October 6-8, with $26.5 million from 3,149 locations.

(Check out the film's new spots at http://youtu.be/1vlpzmQTihk and http://youtu.be/2MqmAEG2c6Q and watch Happy Death Day in Philippine cinemas October 18.)