Asia-Pacific region facing a ‘hidden epidemic’ of HIV among adolescents, new report finds

The Asia-Pacific region is facing a ‘hidden epidemic’ of HIV among adolescents. There were an estimated 50,000 new HIV infections among adolescents aged 15-19 in 2014, accounting for 15 percent of new infections. There are now around 220,000 adolescents living with HIV in the region, with large cities like Manila, Bangkok, Hanoi and Jakarta hubs of new infections.

Although new HIV infections are falling overall, they are rising among adolescents from key populations, in particular young gay men and other men who have sex with men. The rise in new infections coincides with an increase in risky behaviour, such as multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use.

JBK, Fifth Dynamics release independent debut albums

Emerging Filipino boy band JBK and pop-rock band Fifth Dynamics independently released their much-anticipated debut albums more than a year after winning the grand champion trophies of “Dreams Get Real: The Search For The Next OPM Star”—an annual talent search mounted by popular gentleman’s brand, McJim Classic Leather. 

JBK’s self-titled album and Fifth Dynamics’ “Pogi Kame” feature fresh tracks that cater to a broad base of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) listeners. The albums were produced by talent manager and public relations expert Chris Cahilig and arranged by internationally recognized arranger and composer Jonathan Ong of Sonic State Studio. 

Sinag Maynila films continue to make waves here and abroad

Independent film festival Sinag Maynila was born from the vision of Solar Entertainment Corporation, CEO Wilson Tieng and renowned festival director Brillante Mendoza’s wish to have a festival that not only inspires but educates and enlightens Filipino movie audiences. Made up of five homegrown filmmakers handpicked and closely collaborated with by Tieng and Mendoza, the festival produced feature films that presented social issues currently faced in Filipino culture. After a successful run last March, the films have gone on to garner attention both in the country and abroad thanks to their compelling narrative.

"In the Heart of the Sea" Stars Future Spider-Man Tom Holland

Before debuting on next year’s “Captain America: Civil War” as Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man, young actor Tom Holland makes a splash in Warner Bros.’ new action-adventure “In the Heart of the Sea.”

Oscar winner Ron Howard directs “In the Heart of the Sea,” based on Nathaniel Philbrick’s best-selling book about the dramatic true journey of the Essex.  In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance.  The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. 

Public school principal invents energy sufficient system, garners international award

William Moraca, a school head at the Datal Salvan Elementary School in San Jose, General Santos City, has won an international award for his contributions not only to the school but also to the Blaan and T’boli indigenous communities where his students belong.

Known for being an avid supporter of educational development, Thailand Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has provided opportunities for the underprivileged youth in far-flung areas by means of education. To honor such cause, the Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA) gives recognition to 11 dedicated teachers in Southeast Asia whose outstanding achievements generate benefits to education and human development. Moraca received the PMCA for the Philippines during its awarding ceremony last October 2, 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand during Her Royal Highness’ 60th birthday.

The Battle Begins in First Trailer for Marvel's "Captain America: Civil War"‏

The road to Marvel's “Captain America: Civil War” starts here!

After reading through the fans' tweets demanding the trailer for Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” stars Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. decided to give you exactly what you want!

Watch the first trailer here at https://goo.gl/M8rtwH.

Tensions rise as the world governments demand accountability for our heroes’ actions in the first trailer above, pitting friend against friend.

Opening across the Philippines on May 6, 2016, Marvel's “Captain America: Civil War” will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Marvel, namely, (FB) MarvelPhilippines, (Twitter) @marvelstudiosph and (Instagram) @marvelphilippines.

Marvel's "Doctor Strange" Begins Production‏

Marvel Studios announced today that production has begun on “Doctor Strange,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “Star Trek: Into Darkness”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “The Martian”), Rachel McAdams (“Sherlock Holmes”) and Michael Stuhlbarg (“Steve Jobs”) with Mads Mikkelsen (“Clash of the Titans,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton”).