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Monday, July 31, 2017

LILY JAMES, A BURST OF SUNSHINE IN “BABY DRIVER”



In 2015, she played the title role in Disney’s live-action feature Cinderella to wide acclaim. Now, Lily James stars as the title character's love interest in Columbia Pictures’ U.S. No.1 box-office hit Baby Driver (in Philippine cinemas August 02).



In the film, a talented, young getaway driver named Baby (Ansel Elgort) relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. When he meets Debora (James), the girl of his dreams, Baby sees a chance to ditch his criminal life and make a clean getaway. But after being coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey), he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom.

Who could bring to life Debora, the kind-eyed, friendly waitress who gives Baby hope that his life could mean something more? Writer-director Edgar Wright found her in British actress Lily James.


“I was incredibly charmed by her,” says Wright. “She basically did in the audition what she does in the movie. She inhabits this character, this new ray of light in Baby’s reasonably introverted life. I sent the video of her audition to Bill Pope, my cinematographer, whose opinion I really trust, especially on actors and actresses. I didn’t tell him why I was sending it or what I thought of it. Maybe half an hour later he replied with a two-word email saying, ‘Hire her.’”

Says James about her character, “Debora works a dead-end job and it becomes clear that she has no ties to where she is at this point in her life. She has no family and is a bit of a wanderer who wants to escape. She’s a dreamer and she loves music, which is why she and Baby really connect.”



For Lily James, Elgort makes it easy to sympathize with Baby. “You root for Baby because he’s got such a good heart and you see him at home with Joe, his foster dad, and there’s this beautiful relationship. He’s doing this to get a better life for Joe and himself, and so you want him to succeed, and you don’t want him to get totally corrupted in this horrible world. I think he’s got such a big heart and that shines through in Ansel’s performance, which I think is so beautiful and kind of vulnerable but cool.”



Baby Driver stars Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Bernthal, Eiza Gonzalez with Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx.

Baby Driver is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Brillante Mendoza’s AMO premieres on August 20, 9:30PM at TV5


TV 5 launches AMO directed by Brilliante Mendoza on July 25 at SEDA Hotel. The event was attended by Director Brilliante Mendoza and his cast headed by Derek Ramsay, Vince Rillon, Allen Dizon, Felix Roco, Apollo Abraham, Archie Adamos, and Mara Lopez.


Leading the cast of this cinematic television creation is Vince Rillon who plays the role of Joseph the young drug peddler and one of the country' s leading actors Derek Ramsay who plays the role of a good cop. Joining the cast as well are Allen Dizon, Felix Roco, Apollo Abraham, Archie Adamos, Mara Lopez with the special participation of Baron Geisler.




“Totoong totoo,” was how Derek Ramsay described his upcoming project  AMO, an action-packed TV series helmed by one of visionary director Brillante Mendoza.

During one taping, Derek recalled, they were just instructed by Direk Brillante to just run through a street as they chase someone, and was told not to stop until he shouts “CUT.”

Derek said he’s never ran as fast trying to catch up with the real policemen with him, unsure of what he was going to encounter as the people living in the area had no idea that they were just shooting a scene.



“For them it was real, they thought we were real policemen and that it might be a legit police operation that made the scene look real.”

It was only after the shot, that the real policemen told Derek how they admired his bravery as they never went inside fearing the “snipers” waiting for them in the area.



This 12-episode miniseries is set against the background of the country’s War on Drugs and depicts situations including the rampant vigilantism against suspected illegal drug personalities. It features the story of Joseph, a high school student peddling crystal meth or ”shabu” initially to his fellow gang members and later on to a much bigger market in Metro Manila. Amo also shows the controversies revolving around the Philippine National Police in the government’s campaign against drugs as well as its role in rightfully enforcing it.

Derek describes the series a bit similar to Netflix’ “NARCOS.”




AMO is yet another dauntless television masterpiece by Brillante Mendoza which reflects TV5’s strong commitment to provides quality differentiated entertainment content.


Brillante Mendoza’s AMO premieres on August 20, 9:30PM every Sunday on TV5.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Be very afraid of "Annabelle: Creation"


Annabelle is coming to theaters again, and this time audiences will be taken through the infamous doll’s very beginnings—from her first home in a little girl’s room to her first possession of a little girl’s soul, in New Line Cinema's “Annabelle: Creation.”




After a chilling cameo in “The Conjuring,” followed by a starring role in her own film, it became clear to filmmakers that moviegoers were ready to uncover the origins of the doll that has both terrified and captivated them.

So, on the heels of his successful feature directing debut, last summer’s hit “Lights Out,” director David F. Sandberg was tapped to helm “Annabelle: Creation,” the next chapter in James Wan’s “Conjuring” universe produced by Peter Safran and Wan.

“I was already a big fan of ‘The Conjuring,’ it felt like a classic that stood out from a lot of other modern horror movies,” Sandberg says. “I remember I was really intrigued by that world and excited to do my own sort of classic take within the genre.”

When I was directing the first ‘Conjuring’ and we were designing the Warrens’ haunted artifact room, I remember between myself, the studio and the producers, we all kind of looked at each other and said, ‘You know, it would be incredible if we could tell the stories of each of these objects,’” Wan recalls, referring to the collection the couple had confiscated over their years of paranormal investigation. “Even then, we felt that giving Annabelle that prologue opening was cool, but we sensed she had a lot more stories to tell. Every time that doll appeared on screen for just those few minutes, people shifted in their seats. Audiences react to her.”

To craft the story, the filmmakers turned to scribe Gary Dauberman, who had written “Annabelle” and was eager to dive back in. “The first film I wrote extended the mythology of the doll,” he says. “For this one, we wanted to dig into her history and see if we could find out how the evil started.

“Dolls are things that bring people joy, right?” he continues. “They’re given as gifts, passed down through generations. So I wanted to set that up for Annabelle by starting her out from a place of love—a happy family—in order to sort of lay the groundwork for a nice contrast to all the bad stuff that would follow.”

With a toy taking center stage, kids seemed an appropriate addition to the tale. While batting around more ideas, Dauberman relates, “It was James who had the idea to make the kids orphans, and from there I had my playing field. Then I just had to figure out what it is about this particular doll that makes it so haunting and evil.”

Sandberg says the sense of dread already attached to her carried over to the set of “Annabelle: Creation,” revealing, “even the actors were a little wary around her, asking me, ‘Do I have to touch the doll? I don’t really want to touch it,’” he smiles.



In fact, at the request of certain cast members, the production brought in a Catholic priest to bless the set and the prop Annabelle dolls, much as they did before cameras rolled on “The Conjuring 2” and the most recent production, “The Nun.”

Just in case.

Opening across the Philippines on August 26, “Annabelle: Creation” is a New Line Cinema presentation, an Atomic Monster/Safran Company production. The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

National Bookstore celebrates creativity with Art Bar, Work Station and Noteworthy



Next to paperbacks/books, I am obsessed with pens. I have a favorite pen. I think I have collected 50 gel pens alone. Just because I am very particular with ball points. The pen aisle looks like a paradise to me and could anywhere tempts me to spend Php500 for pens alone, not to mention Sharpies. The millennials are very lucky to find bookstore that carries their addiction for pens.



I am happy to tell you that Greenbelt houses Noteworthy which carries all kind of pens and stationery .


National Bookstore recently launches Art Bar, Work Station and Noteworthy on July 25 at Greenbelt Makati.

If you go crazy over pens and stationery or are looking for unique and thoughtful gifts, then Noteworthy is the place for you! This store offers a great and unique selection of writing materials that will surely get your creative juices flowing. From notebooks and journals for every personality to note cards and gift wrappers for every occasion, you’ll find the exact paper product you need here. Pair that up with Noteworthy’s extensive line of pens from premium collector pens to special professional grade calligraphy pens to everyday ballpoint pens.



Noteworthy offers the most-loved pen and stationery brands worldwide, including Tokyo’s Itoya, Caran d’ Ache, Sheaffer, Filofax, Lihit Lab, Kate Spadekate spade, ban.do and many more.



Nowadays, people are displaying their creativity in different ways –  from creating their own unique hashtags, to decorating their office desks, to making DIY cards. The goal is to make something one-of-a-kind that reflects their personality.



It’s great to get in touch with one’s artistic side, whether it is driven by passion or the desire to just have something nice. Luckily, there are new shops slash havens that have have something for everyone with a creative soul, from the self-taught to the professional artists. Get ready to explore and hoard in these new specialty shops from National Book Store, the Philippines’ biggest bookstore and supplies chain.



First stop: Art Bar 

Art Bar is heaven for all artists – from the hobbyists to the accomplished. The store offers all the possible art materials that you can imagine, from a wide range of brushes, high-quality pencils, painting paints, canvasses, to art books and various tools for artists sketch pads. Beyond the supplies stash, Art Bar also hosts workshops and product trials in-store to give customers an interactive creative experience.



If you still need another reason to check out Art Bar, know that it carries exclusive hard to find global brands that artistic types know and covet like Caran d’Ache, Sennelier, Pan Pastel, Touch and Fredrix.

In addition to Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils, you can find the complete line of artist-staple brands of Tsukineko and Ranger stamp pads, the complete selection of ZIG Kuratake products like brush pens, markers and ink. Adding to their great lineup of products are Caran d’Ache, Sheaffer, Filofax, Lihit Lab, Kate Spade and many moreWinsor & Newton, Sakura, Pebeo, Zig, Liquitex, to name a few.



Art Bar is located in Serendra, Taguig City. Follow Art Bar on Facebook and Instagram @artbarph.  

Second Stop: Work Station

If you’re looking to set up or jazz up your work area for help in setting up an office for your startup company or just wanting to elevate your workspace, Work Station will give you what you need at the budget you want.  It has a wide selection of supplies, desk and office accessories, office furniture, gadgets, and machinery business machines that will let you create a dynamic office lifestyle and enhance your productivity.



When you walk into Work Station, a store product expert will ask questions to help you create the work environment that would best match your needs and deliver optimum results. They will then recommend the best match for your needs and lifestyle.




If you’re not looking for a major overhaul, you can just get what you need to make your work life easier – electronic gadgets, desks, chairs, printers and storage boxes – down to the basics like organizers, clips, papers and labeling accessories. You can choose all of these from Work Station’s wide selection of brands and broad price range offering.



Work Station is located at BGC Stopover, Taguig City. Follow Work Station on Facebook and Instagram @workstation.ph.


Gen Korea BBQ House x Manila



California’s famous Gen Korean BBQ House is now open and ready to serve Filipino diners.




The popular all-you-can-eat restaurant chain, which has twenty one branches across the United States, is a favorite among Filipino-Americans and Filipino tourists. So to have it right here in Philippine shores is a real treat for those who wish to experience, or re-visit, Gen.

Gen’s key to success is its premium all-you-can-eat and order-all-you-can style that doesn’t scrimp on quality, giving the customers amazing value. The branch here in the Philippines will be no different, according to David Ghim, Vice President of Operations of Gen Korean BBQ House.


Everything that people knew and loved, and will know and love about it [Gen Korean BBQ House] is all here,” Ghim enthused. “All the meat is sourced directly from the same suppliers that provide top-quality premium meat to the other branches in the US,” he continued.

The aforementioned premium meats are the highlight of the Gen dining experience. Their menu features over 30 different selections of premium meat— from beef, chicken, pork, and locally sourced fresh seafood. Diners also have the choice to order deliciously marinated meat, with a selection of different flavor profiles and ingredients from all around the world. One of their biggest best-sellers is the beef brisket, which is served fresh and beautifully presented in marbled pink rolls. Another item that Pinoys will surely love is the pork belly (liempo, in local parlance) that comes in different flavors, namely smoked garlic, cajun, and red-wine infused.



Ghim also took pride in the steps they’ve taken making sure that Manila can provide the authen-tic Gen experience. “We’ll be bringing over the fan-favorites from the US so everyone in the Philippines can experience them without having to book a flight,” Ghim explained.

Right when diners take a seat at Gen Korean BBQ House, amongst the chic interiors, diners are immediately served a colorful array of banchan (traditional Korean side dishes). What makes each branch so successful aside from their premium meats is their exemplary service. Waitstaff and managers are very quick when attending to customers’ needs and do it all with a smile on their faces .

“The GEN experience is something that beings the moment you walk through the doors. You’re greeted with the classic blue lights, energetic music, and our friendly servers. We pride ourselves on our premium meats and seafood, and of course our amazing service.” explains David Ghim, who is in Manila to make sure everything is running smoothly.



Aside from being the first Gen branch outside of the US, it is also touted to be the largest with a 500-person seating capacity.

For more information, inquiries, and reservations, visit the Gen Korean BBQ Facebook page, and follow their instagram @GenKBBQ_PH. 

Thursday, July 27, 2017

How Marian Rivera maintains her Glow

Kapuso Primetime Royalty, box-office queen, three time FHM Philippines Sexiest, and hundreds of magazine covers-- bash her all you want but there is no denying that Marian Rivera is one of the Philippines most beautiful celebrities.


I've seen her a couple of times in person already, but its hard not to get awestruck by her beautiful face. Makes you wonder just how hard it is for her to keep her skin glowing and almost flawless right?

Earlier today, I almost missed Marian at the launch event of her newest endorsement for Snow Crystal White Tomato thankfully I was able to listen in to one of the interviews and she actually revealed how she kept her skin beautiful--  By staying hydrated and moisturized!

The Queen of the Kapuso network says that she's into three things: steaming, moisturizing, and religiously applying sunblock. She also said she makes sure to take off her make up after work no matter how tired she is. "Pagkatapos ng pagkatapos ng taping ko, magtatanggal ako ng makeup."

Finally, Marian says she removes impurities by taking a shower when she gets home and applies lotion to keep her skin soft!

With her latest endorsement--Snow Crystal White Tomato--Marian says she hopes to help other Filipino women achieve more beautiful skin and become more confident about themselves.

Snow Crystal White Tomato from Vida Nutriscience, is the first supplement in the Philippines that offers  the unique combination of Phytofloral derived from Crystal White Tomato and the popular and proven Kohjin Glutathione.


Phytofloral is new to the Philippine Market, and Vida Nutriscience is the first company to offer it in a widely available oral supplement.  It is a very effective, clinically tested whitening and anti-aging compound.  Phytofloral offers protection against darkening and even damage caused by exposure to UV rays of the sun.  It is also very effective for evening skin tone.

The Crystal White Tomato from which the Colorless Carotenoids that make up Phytofloral are derived is a non-GMO.   The combination of Phytofloral with Kohjin Glutathione is topped off with Bioperine, an ingredient that increases the efficacy of the Phytofloral and Kohjin Glutathione combination by 30%.

“Marian’s looks tend to distract us from the fact that she is an extraordinary, multi-faceted woman.  She worked as a psychologist; she is a versatile actress in different genres like drama, action, and comedy; she has also hosted a dance show, a gag show, and a talk show.  Now she is a hands-on mother and an ambassador for The Smile Train.  She is fearless, she always has the confidence to reinvent herself and her career, that is why she stays relevant, that is why she is the queen”, says Erick Armigos, President and CEO of Vida Nutriscience. “At this stage in her career, Marian is a perfect fit for Vida at this point as our company continues to grow and introduce innovations to health and beauty,” concludes Armigos.

“At Vida Nutriscience, we take pride in the fact that we are always fresh and always relevant”, says Armigos. “We were among the first in the country to offer whitening supplements with 500mg of glutathione with our very popular SnowCaps brand.  We were also the first, and so far the only company to come up with a Yerba Mate-based supplement and drink in mySlim.” He continues.



“Just as Marian Rivera has reinvented herself countless times to earn the title of queen, we at Vida feel we are also adapting through innovation in order to stay ahead, we are proud and happy to welcome queen Marian to the Vida family,”  says Armigos.

Snow Crystal White Tomato is available in Mercury Drugstore, Watson’s, and other leading drugstores nationwide.  For more information on Snow Crystal White Tomato, visit www.vidanutriscience.com or www.facebook.com/snowskinwhite.  




McDonald’s Twister Fries is back starting July 28!




Yes, you heard it right! McDonald’s Twister Fries is back and will be available in every McDonald’s store nationwide starting July 28. After three long years, this great news is definitely worth the wait.

It’s the McDonald’s fries made with a delicious twist—literally. Savor the crispy golden curls and spices of this glorious potato treat. Twister Fries is available for a limited time only so what are you waiting for? Hurry up and get it while you can!



And since it’s available for a limited time only—why not enjoy it every day? After all—#MinsanLangTo! Enjoy it a la carte or go big with the BFF size! You can also have your Twister Fries fix when you upgrade your regular fries and drink meal. Pair it with a McFloat or McFreeze for an even more exciting snack time experience.

Bite into the potato goodness with a twist when you dine in any time at McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. You can also enjoy McDonald’s Twister Fries via Drive-Thru or McDelivery by dialing 86-2-36, visiting www.mcdelivery.com.ph, or using the McDo PH app.

Tell your friends and loved ones that the long wait is over because McDonald’s Twister Fries is back! Share your photos on Facebook, facebook.com/McDo.ph or tag @McDo_PH on Twitter or Instagram.

Melt your fats away with Blue Water Day Spa's MLD and Indian Head Massage







This is good news to those on a diet and wanted to eliminate excess fats in their body thru massage. MLD or Mild lymphatic massage is the perfect therapeutic prescription for detoxifying and slimming; this toxin targeting technique recharges the immune system and reduce water retention and boosts sluggish circulation. This is very gentle and extremely relaxing. Yes, you hear it right, melt your fats away while you relax inside a spa.



Blue Water Day Spa recently introduced MLD or Mild lymphatic massage and 
Indian Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage to the media on July 25 at Blue Water Day Spa Ortigas-Greenhills branch. The therapist demonstrates MLD and Indian Head Massage to their models. The MLD is an hour massage where the therapist applies light pressure to certain areas of the body that have a high concentration of lymph nodes such as the auxiliary and inguinal regions.



The recommended visits for those who wanted to massage their fats away is once a week. There are health benefits aside of course from slimming. It can prove beneficial in the correction of numerous conditions as well as in preventative health maintenance; practitioners using MLD are doctors, surgeons, osteopathic physicians, doctors of chiropractic, physical therapists, dentists, massage therapists and the like.



MLD works to help recirculate body fluids, stimulate functioning and balancing of the immune system. When accomplished, results may be:

* Relief of vertigo, dizziness, headaches and migraines
* Reduction in edemas (swelling) and lymphedemas of many origins.
* Relief of chronic and subacute inflammation and conditions such as acne, eczema and allergies.
* Regeneration of tissues and anti-aging effects
* Detoxification of the body
* Deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, stress, loss of vitality and loss of memory.
* Alleviation of adiposis and cellulite tissue.




This massage is best to stimulate and improve the following: 
* Edemas
* Wrinkles, skin complexion, eye bags, sagging breasts, cellulites
* Sleeping disorder, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cholesterol, Stress
* Memory Loss, Immune system stimulation
* PMS, Breast Pain, Infertility, Menstruation, Fibrocystic Masopathy in breasts
* Headaches, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis,
* Sprains, Hematomas, Fractures, Traumas
* Muscle Cramps, Scars/Fibrosis
* Neck pain, Whiplash, Lower back pain, Sciatica
* Bladder and Kidney




Indian Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage is an ancient and therapeutic massage technique which I had to try for 15 minutes. This is highly recommended to those who are having difficulty sleeping. This is very relaxing. My mind wanders off when the therapist put her magic hands on my head. I slept for about 10 minutes. Indian head is practiced in india for over a thousand years. All their therapists underwent training and techniques through International Indian trainor, Ms Ranjeet Kour.




It focuses on the back, shoulders, neck, head and face – areas where tension, tightness and stiffness  built up. With aromatic essential oils that help soothe the nerves, you will feel calm, balanced and absolutely de-stressed after the treatment.



It stimulates and improves scalp circulation for promoting strength , growth and texture of hair. It relaxes scalp.It relieves eye strain and headaches

Indian Head massage is not advisable if you're suffering from neck injury, fracture, severe headache, fever, active migraine, hypertension and vertigo.



"Under a Piaya Moon" and "Last Shift" Triumph at First-Ever Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

“ Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respe...