REEL DEAL: "Twilight" and "Percy Jackson" Producer Karen Rosenfelt Brings Onscreen Her Latest Young Adult Movie Project "The Book Thief"

From Karen Rosenfelt, producer of blockbuster young adult movies such as the “Twilight” saga, “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief,”  “Alvin and the Chipmunks” and “The Devil Wears Prada” bring another potential hit among the young and the young at heart in the upcoming endearing movie “The Book Thief,” starring Sophie Nelisse with acclaimed award-winning actors Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson.

Based on the beloved bestselling novel, “The Book Thief” tells the inspiring story of a spirited and courageous young girl named Liesel, who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a foster family in World War II Germany.  For Liesel, the power of words and of imagination becomes a means of escape – and even joy – from the tumultuous events enveloping her and everyone she knows and loves. She is “The Book Thief’s”  heart and soul.  Indeed, it is heart and soul – as well as triumph and perseverance—that drive the film, which is rich in themes and characters that will resonate for every generation.  A moving and poignant portrait of the resiliency of the human spirit, this life-affirming tale contrasts innocence (as embodied by Liesel) with the pervasive tyranny that marked the times and her homeland.     

Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Seen Live on TV5

Like the summer games which was held in London back in 2012, the winter Olympics is another world sporting event that the entire planet is watching. As the XXII Olympic Winter Games are held in the city of Sochi, Russia, many await the opening ceremonies that will mark the start of the games and also a feast for the spectators all over the world. For our part of the world, TV5 is the official Philippine Olympic Network.

The Opening Ceremonies started on Friday at 12 midnight (Philippine Standard Time) live from Sochi and a replay at 12PM, Sochi 2014 will be making Olympic history at the Fisht Olympic Stadium, which is expected to be filled to its capacity of 40,000 spectators with billions more watching around the world, as everyone awaits if Russia can truly surpass the grandeur of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in China.  

MUSIC LYF: Let Christian Bautista be your ‘Ace of Hearts’ this Valentine’s date

Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, with his soothing voice and memorable ballads, will serenade those who will watch his Heart’s Day show “Ace of Hearts,” February 14, 8 p.m., at the Ace Hotel, Kapitolyo, Pasig. The show will be his first V Day show in the country in recent years.

“It feels good to, once again, be part of the Valentine’s Day celebration of Filipinos – may they be single, in a relationship, or married,” says Christian. “Iba pa rin siyempre ‘pag Pinoy ang nag-se-celebrate ng Valentine’s.”

The show’s repertoire will include some of the most romantic OPM and international tunes, plus some of Christian’s biggest hits like The Way You Look At Me, Everything You Do, among others.

The Romantic Balladeer will also be joined by two revered theater actresses Sheila Valderrama, who recently bagged the Best New Female Recording Artist from the Awit Awards, and Cris Villonco, Christian’s leading lady in the upcoming musical “Ghost.”

Three Months After Yolanda, WFP's Support Boosts Recovery for Survivors

photo by Dale Rivera/WFP Philippines

Three months after Super Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, devastated the Philippines, more than 2.8 million people have received emergency food and nutrition support through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Government of the Philippines, NGOs and UN agencies. In the coming weeks and months, WFP will help families rebuild their livelihoods while continuing to meet the immediate needs of the most vulnerable.

“The destruction caused by Yolanda was and remains staggering, but equally striking are the unbroken spirit of the Filipino people, the concerted action of the Philippine Government and its partners, and the tremendous support from other countries, the private sector and thousands of people who are helping communities survive and build back better,” said Praveen Agrawal, WFP Representative and Country Director in the Philippines.

Cinema One Originals Film "Mater Dolorosa" Now Available on iTunes

Another milestone for Philippine cinema was recently achieved with the award-winning film “Mater Dolorosa,” which was first screened through Cinema One Originals, being made available online on the Apple iTunes store.

“Mater Dolorosa” tells the story of a woman who has taken over running her husband’s crime empire while trying to keep her family together. While this is happening, a new mayor steps in, bringing the need for change not only in her business—but in how her and her family must deal with ghosts from their past.

“Mater Dolorosa” stars Gina Alajar, Cogie Domingo, Alessandra de Rossi, Carlo Aquino, Felix Roco, Anita Linda, Rosanna Roces, Evelyn Vargas, Alwyn Uytinco, Mercedes Cabral, Jason Abalos and Phillip Salvador.

The film took home a number of awards, including the 2013 Gawad Urian Best Director for Adolf Alix, Jr., the 2013 Golden Screen Awards Best Actress award for Gina Alajar, and the 2013 Star Awards for Movies Best Supporting Actor for Carlo Aquino.

ART IS A BANG: Pulitzer Prize Winne "Agust Osage County" Announces Stellar Cast

Repertory Philippines proudly announces its second offering for the Season 2014 with “ AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY ” - The 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama written by Tracy Letts.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is set to open on February 21 and shall run up to March 9, 2014 at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas corner Legazpi St., Makati City.  

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is set on the plains of modern day, middle-class Oklahoma. The Weston family members are all intelligent, sensitive creatures who have the uncanny ability of making each other absolutely miserable. When the patriarch of the household mysteriously vanishes, the Weston clan gathers together to simultaneously support and attack one another.  

 

Jardine Distribution, Inc. distributes tents to schoolchildren affected by Yolanda in Northern Cebu

Jardine Distribution Inc. turned its efforts to help schoolchildren affected by Typhoon Yolanda in Northern Cebu. In cooperation with the Department of Education, JDI distributed 15 tents in Northern Cebu to be used as makeshift classrooms.Edwin Hernandez, President and General Manager of Jardine Distribution, Inc., explained that the company chose to focus on helping the children in Yolanda-affected areas after talks with the DepEd through Undersecretary Mario Derequito.

“Resuming the school activities of kids is really an important part of helping families and communities recover from the effects of the typhoon. By contributing in this way to the rehabilitation efforts, we are empowering communities to return to their normal way of life,” said Hernandez, adding that education is always a priority in the company’s CSR projects.