Girl, sexually abused at 12, tells her story in "Magpakailanman"

Michelle, now 42 years old, may not be the perfect daughter a parent could have but she certainly did not deserve the tragedy she found herself in when she was yet a child: she was sexually abused when she was only twelve years old while at a party in Baguio City.

Michelle was adopted at birth by a rich couple. Her biological mother used to be a househelp working in the couple's mansion.  Since her mother knew she could not provide her daughter with a comfortable life, she decided to put her baby up for adoption. Michelle had known early on that she was an adopted child.

Even if Michelle is not their biological daughter, her adoptive parents treated her as if she were their own.  They enrolled her in exclusive schools and even in dance and music classes during summer breaks.

Unknown to Michelle's adoptive parents, the girl has been mistreated by their housemaids, who made up stories about her and accussed her of stealing her parents' money. Consequently, she was frequently -- albeit, unfairly -- scolded by her parents.  They would learn later that the accusations were untrue and that the maids themselves were the culprits.

Temptation of Wife continues its nationwide ratings dominance

More and more viewers are magnetized with the exciting developments in GMA’s Temptation of Wife as the series continues to dominate its timeslot with increasing high numbers nationwide, according to the more widely recognized TV ratings data supplier Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

The Kapuso Network’s Pinoy adaptation of the Korean series has been garnering critical acclaim since its debut, delivering consistent high ratings not only in viewer rich Urban Luzon and Mega Manila but also across National Urban Philippines.

Based on household data recorded in National Urban Philippines from December 1, 2012 to January 4, 2013 (December 23 – January 4 based on overnight readings), Temptation of Wife registered 19.6 percent household rating, leading ABS-CBN’s A Beautiful Affair’s 18.4 percent by 1.2 points, and Kahit Puso’y Masugatan’s 13.1 percent by 6.5 points. Using the assumption of an estimated five (5) viewers per TV household, Temptation of Wife’s margins of 1.2 points and 6.5 points translate to more than 500,000 viewers and almost 3 million viewers, correspondingly.

MUSIC LYF: Jason Fernandez Panimula launch this Friday at Metrowalk

Former Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez is back with the release of his first solo album Panimula, produced by Jason himself with the support of his new band Sta. Maria. The said milestone album will be launched this Friday, January 18, 8 p.m., at Metrowalk.

The album launch will showcase the versatility of Jason as a band vocalist.

Panimula, under Ivory Music and Video, boasts of having six tracks and one bonus track.

“I have been working on this album for the past year, and I am very proud with how everything turned out,” says Jason. “The wait is definitely worth it. The album follows my journey as a musician.”

When asked what the public can expect from the album, Jason quips that its sound will show his musical influences, including his former band Rivermaya.

ART IS A BANG: The Magic of John Williams: 2013

What would be more amazing with hearing epic music from legendary films? Having them played by an orchestra of course! The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra's opening salvo for the year will happen with "The Magic of John Williams: 2013"!

Happening at the Meralco Theater on February 23 at 7:30 PM, featuring OPM artists Karylle and Jose Mari Chan.

Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets located at the SM Department Store Customer Service Area and at the Araneta Coliseum Ticket Booths. For inquiries and reservations, please call 911-5555, or you can visit www.ticketnet.com.ph

REEL DEAL: Les Misérables REVIEW

The long wait (here in the Philippines) is over with the new year bringing the Christmas movies into the screens and one of the most anticipated is the Oscar nominated and Golden Globe best film winner in the Comedy/Musical category, Les Misérables.

It would actually be my first time to see the critically acclaimed musical made by Claude-Michel Schönberg, original French lyrics by Alain Boublil based on the novel by Victor Hugo. Took place in the era of the French Revolution talks about the struggles and tribulations of characters Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), Fantine (Anne Hathaway), Cosette (Amanda Syfried), and Javert (Russel Crowe). Many of them have backgrounds in theater and musicals which is suprizing to some fans as they sang and performed well. 

The story was indeed a tearjerker with the intensity of the scenes made more dramatic with the musical delivery. since the movie is adapted from the musical, it did complete the experience with a unique set of cast, great set deign and soothing music quality that brought to life the well loved musical. 

Great performances and our top picks for best performance would be for Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Samantha Barks. For new and avid Les Miserables fans, the movie indeed gave a intensive view of the lives of the characters something like a close up view which makes each scene more touching to the audience. 

REEL DEAL: Ang Nawawala Goes to Slamdance Film Festival

CINEMALAYA 2012 AUDIENCE CHOICE WINNER “ANG NAWAWALA” HAS BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE 2013 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

Director Marie Jamora's opus Ang Nawawala closed 2012 on a pretty high note after winning Best Original Musical Score for composers Mikey Amistoso, Diego Mapa, and Jazz Nicolas; and Audience Choice (New Breed) award at the Cinemalaya Film Festival and enjoying an extended theatrical run after the festival.

The film also managed to start the new year as strongly as they ended the previous one. At the beginning of 2013, Rappler.com held their Social Media Awards 2012 on Facebook, having the masses vote for their favorite TV shows, films, musicians, and celebrities. Ang Nawawala was on a list along with The Avengers, Argo, The Dark Knight Rises, and Twilight. Based on the number of votes, Ang Nawawala won “Best Film of 2012.” The film was also named one of the 12 “Must-See Pictures of the Year” by Clickthecity.com and one of the “Top 20 Pinoy Films of 2012” by Twitch writer, Oggs Cruz on another popular site and TV network, ABS-CBN.com. Our leading lady, Annicka Dolonius, has also been named one of the 10 “Best Screen Actresses of 2012” by the number one business daily newspaper in the Philippines, The Business Mirror.

REEL DEAL: Parental Guidance REVIEW

Family comedy has evolved through the years with the change of the family values and also the lifestyle that has changed so much and still continues to evolve. This is what PARENTAL GUIDANCE shows with its kind of family comedy.

The parents are out on a vacation and the grandparents are coming over to take care of their grandchildren for a week seems like an ordinary job and something not to worry about. But with different lifestyles and rules clash makes the week crazy and the kids are into a whirlwind of `suprizes but meaningful life experiences. With the children, parents and grandparents having generation gaps and conflicting views is something that made the family bonding a struggle.

Unlike other family-themed movies, Parental Guidance brings wholesome comedy with the things that make it interesting. The clash of personalities and the changes in the family lifestyle of Americans which made so much change in the succeding generations. The fun goes in and out of the house which gives its a total experience of fun and bonding. And we do recommend this to people who love to hang out as a family.