REEL DEAL: Mga Gabing Kasing Haba ng Hair Ko REVIEW

This film with an interestingly catchy title is not just the regular queer themed movie as it has also made it to the Busan International Film Festival this October. Mga Gabing Kasing Haba ng Hair Ko (Those Long Haired Nights) presents 3 stories of transgenders who live and work in the red light district and they each have a story to tell.

As long as their strands, the life of Tuesday (Daclan), Amanda (Falcon), and Barbie (Salumbides) are a mix of fun and tragic consequences. We might be familiar to them as they reveal themselves with the people they work and relate to. Sex and drugs is expected but there is also some scenes that surprise the viewers.

Though I was also expecting the actors playing transgenders to be "lady like" appeal, they did great in portraying their roles despite looking buff. Each has his/her own charm with their first impression, to the way they progress to their own stories. A mix of light and heavy moments makes its a journey to their lives though we wanted to see more, probably a short backstory.

Tennis' Greatest Showdown “BATTLE OF THE SEXES” Exclusive At Ayala Malls Cinemas

Emma Stone and Steve Carell star in the exciting and moving new film “Battle of the Sexes,” which is based on true events and revolves around tennis legend Billie Jean King’s historic 1973 match against Bobby Riggs. Oscar winner Emma Stone stars as King; Oscar nominee Steve Carell plays Riggs, the former champion who claimed that no woman would ever defeat him. The electrifying contest was viewed by millions worldwide.

The film, from directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, is heartfelt and infused with humor, relating the personal journeys of both players. It delivers insights into Billie Jean King’s pioneering achievements as well as her challenges, as she was coming to terms with her sexuality, while preparing for the match.

Watch a New Featurette & Clip from Disney-Pixar's "Coco"

In just four weeks, Disney-Pixar's Coco will bow in Philippine cinemas on November 22. In time for the opening of this wildly anticipated animated adventure, the studio has released a new featurette and clip to bring it closer to audiences.

In the featurette “Crafting Coco” which may be viewed at http://youtu.be/946WZKoMSlU, Coco directors Adrian Molina and Lee Unkrich introduce Pixar’s quest to explore the language, culture, and history of Mexico, the film's setting.

Meanwhile, Grandma knows best in the “Mariachi Plaza” clip at http://youtu.be/bFqeYK96JXc.

Killer Blockbuster Franchise "Saw" Makes Goriest Comeback in Upcoming "Jigsaw" Movie

After more than fourteen years and grossing $874 million worldwide, one of the most critically acclaimed horror franchise is back, taking the Jigsaw killer’s signature brand of twisted scenarios to the next level in “Jigsaw”

Considered as one of the goriest films in Hollywood horror history, the “Saw” franchise which was launched on the big screen in 2004 has become a timeless cult-classic in people’s Halloween must-watch slasher film list, and now it is back on its’ eight installment, making sure that audiences begin to hide and run for their lives all over again.

The newest instalment’s story takes off 10 years after the death of sociopath killer, John Kramer, who is also known as the “Jigsaw Killer” or simply “Jigsaw”. After a series of murders bearing all the markings of the Jigsaw killer, law enforcement officers find themselves chasing the ghost of a man dead for over a decade and embroiled in a new game that’s only just begun.

Boyzone + Weslife = BOYZLIFE in Manila!

Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, part of the multi-platinum, record breaking bands, Westlife and Boyzone, have joined forces to create Boyzlife.  

Boyzlife is the thrilling untold story of life in two of the world’s biggest boybands, with the lifelong friends walking the audience through their lives - captivating tales of the highs, the lows and of course weaved in between the stories will be an intimate performance including a selection of their biggest hits that forged their careers! Boyzlife has been selling out all their special intimate performances since their formation in 2016. 

During Brian’s time in Westlife the band secured a record 7 straight Number 1 singles, 12 UK & Ireland Number 1 singles in total, 4 Number 1 Albums, x3 Record of the Year Awards, x2 MTV Europe Music Award, x1 Brit Award and countless others. Sales during this time reached in excess of 30 million. Among Westlife’s chartbusting singles are; “Swear It Again”, “My Love”, “Fool Again”, “Queen of My Heart”, “I Have A dream”, “Uptown Girl”, “I Need You”, “Soledad”, “All or Nothing”, “Seasons In The Sun”, and many more! Brian’s debut solo single ‘Real To Me’ topped the charts in the UK, Ireland and across Europe, becoming one of the biggest radio airplay hits that year across the continent. Brian followed this up with a further three solo Number 1 singles and platinum status in Australia where he resided.  

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?!