TFC@theMovies Announces MY EX AND WHYS Earns US$5M Worldwide

A romantic comedy-drama film from the Philippines that opened in theaters internationally just a week ago is illustrating solid signs of a highly welcoming global landscape for Filipino films and also encouraging possibilities for a simultaneous worldwide release.

TFC@theMovies released "My Ex and Whys" internationally around the same time said film was released in the Philippines. The combined box office take on its first week is now at USD 5 million — USD 4 million in the Philippines and USD 1 million from screenings in the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, U.S. and Canada. The film will also screen in Hong Kong on March 5.

TFC@theMovies' "My Ex and Whys" stars the popular Filipino youth loveteam of Enrique Gil and Filipino American Liza Soberano, a San Francisco Bay Area native. It is directed by the award-winning Cathy Garcia-Molina.

"My Ex and Whys" is on its way to either equaling or surpassing the performance of three of the top-grossing Filipino films released by TFC@theMovies in 2016: "Barcelona" at USD 1.6 million; "Everything About Her" at USD 1.5 million and "Unmarried Wife" at USD 1.2 million.

The film's commercial run is already extended in U.S. and Canada. The film is distributed by ABS-CBN International in North America. For more information, visit visit tfc-usa.com/exandwhys and tfc-ca.com/exandwhys.

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By: JENG On 2/25/2017 03:36:00 PM

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Jack Sparrow Up Close in PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR'S REVENGE

Walt Disney Pictures has unveiled a Jack Sparrow-centric teaser poster for is upcoming action-adventure Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge, which may be seen below. (The film is alternatively called Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in the US.)

The fifth installment in the hugely successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Salazar's Revenge will bow in local cinemas starting May 24, 2017.

Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea…including him. Captain Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge is directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (Oscar Best Foreign Language Film nominee Kon-Tiki).

The cast also includes Orlando Bloom, Kaya Scodelario, David Wenham, Geoffrey Rush and Brenton Thwaites.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge is distributed in the Philippines by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

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By: JENG On 2/24/2017 10:17:00 PM

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Teacher vs. Teacher in Rowdy Comedy Movie FIST FIGHT

Remember those inspiring high school movies where a dedicated but unconventional teacher is assigned to the worst class and, defying the odds, transforms them all into well-behaved honor students? Well, New Line Cinema's upcoming comedy Fist Fight isn't one of those.

Director Richie Keen says, "This is definitely a heightened experience of high school. It takes place entirely over one day -- the last day of the year at Roosevelt High, which is the traditional Senior Prank Day, so it's utter chaos. We wanted to see how far we could push that envelope."

It starts out as the teachers versus the students, or, as Keen puts it, "the prison guards versus the inmates." But everything changes when two teachers are pitted against each other. Suddenly Senior Prank Day is overshadowed by the promised faculty fracas that quickly goes viral. #TeacherFight.

Ice Cube and Charlie Day head the cast as the two teachers about to come to blows, and the actors also serve as executive producers on the film. Cube relates, "When I first got the script for 'Fist Fight,' I was like, 'Yo, this is what you go to the movies for; it's the kind of film that you can just have fun with.' "It's like one of those movies where you have a ticking time bomb, but the time bomb here is my character, Ron Strickland."

Day, who stars as Strickland's opponent, Andy Campbell, agrees. "I mean, who doesn't love a good high school movie? And I thought the dynamic between my character and Ice Cube's character jumped off the page. I liked the ticking clock scenario, where it's a pressure cooker and the heat keeps getting turned up. Those were the elements that made the script exciting to me."

Even before Andy's date with destiny-or death, depending on whom you talk to-he is not exactly having a good day. Keen elaborates, "The kids at school are crazy; his pregnant wife is three days past due; and he's nervously waiting to find out if he's among the teachers being fired due to budget cuts. Then, being in the wrong place at the absolute wrong time, he happens to witness Strickland having a 'final straw' moment with his students, who have pushed him one time too many. He's put in a tough spot when he and Strickland are called in by the principal who wants to know what happened. With his job on the line, Andy reluctantly points a finger at Strickland, at which point Strickland tells him to meet him in the parking lot after school at 3:00. That's when things really get started."

If the longsuffering school manages to survive Senior Prank Day, the faculty and students will witness a no-holds-barred brawl between two of their own. Unfortunately for Andy Campbell, this test is pass or fail -- and they're not grading on a curve.

Fist Fight also stars Tracy Morgan (30 Rock), Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street), Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Dennis Haysbert (The Unit) and JoAnna Garcia Swisher (The Astronaut Wives Club).

Richie Keen directs from a screenplay by Van Robichaux & Evan Susser (Funny or Die's What's Going On? With Mike Mitchell), story by Van Robichaux & Evan Susser and Max Greenfield.

Opening across the Philippines on February 22, Fist Fight is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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By: JENG On 2/24/2017 10:15:00 PM

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CARE FOR RARE: Philippines' Celebration of 8th National Rare Disease Week

The Philippines celebrates the 8th National Rare Disease Week on 22-28 February 2017 which, together with the global commemoration of the Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2017, highlights the need to intensify the country's efforts to provide adequate health care and government support to persons afflicted with a Rare Disease otherwise known as orphan disorder.

In the Philippines, a disease is considered rare if it affects 1 in every 20,000 individuals or less. Those afflicted with rare disease or orphan disorders suffer from social abandonment due to lack of existing network of support to aid them. The nature of rare disease is hardly known as well due to lack of information; and only few medical professionals in the country are aware of these disorders and how to diagnose and address these conditions. Medical help is also elusive under the conditions of the country's health priorities.

The country recently enacted the Rare Diseases Act of 2016 (Republic Act 10747) which seeks to "improve the access of persons diagnosed to have a rare disease, or persons highly suspected of having a rare disease, to comprehensive medical care and to timely health information to help them cope with their condition." 

The law mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide benefit package; medical assistance as provided in the Sin Tax Reform Act of 2012; fiscal incentives for donations intended for researches on rare diseases, maintenance of the Rare Disease Registry, or for purchase of orphan drugs or orphan products for use solely by persons with rare diseases as certified by FDA. Further, under RA 10747, patients with rare disease will also be considered as persons with disabilities and will be granted benefits and privileges such as priority programs and discounts as mandated by the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Mr. Randy Martinez, recounts the challenges of going back and forth to the hospital as her daughter Pauline, seeks treatment for her Gaucher disease. Pauline who is now 11 years old, was noticed to have a small bump on her left torso when she was 6 months old and was later found out after years of  several tests to be Gaucher disease. "Sana magpatuloy pa ang paggamot kay Pauline at marami pang tumulong sa kanya para dire-diretso ang gamutan. Para makapag tapos din siya ng pag-aaral", Pauline's father said.

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By: JENG On 2/24/2017 08:11:00 PM

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Cristine Reyes, Arci Muñoz, Sue Ramirez, and Pokwang Prove They Can Do Anything in I CAN DO THAT

Cristine Reyes, Arci Muñoz, Sue Ramirez, and Pokwang will prove they can do anything to entertain viewers in the newest talent-variety program “I Can Do That,” which will air soon on ABS-CBN.

The four Kapamilya stars are the first celebrity challengers revealed by the program who will complete and perform unique talents they have never done before with only one week of training. In the end, only one will be hailed as the Greatest Entertainer.

Who are the male celebrities joining the girls? What challenges will force them out of their comfort zones?

“I Can Do That” was developed by Israel’s Armoza Formats, with local versions in 20 countries, including the United States, which named singer Nicole Scherzinger its first Greatest Entertainer.

Don’t miss “I Can Do That” soon on ABS-CBN. For updates, like www.facebook.com/ICanDoThatPH or follow @ICanDoThatPH on Twitter or Instagram.

By: JENG On 2/24/2017 05:20:00 PM

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Live Independently the Practical Way with O SHOPPING

O Shopping, the number one home TV shopping network in Asia, offers up practical solutions to challenges faced by newly independent young adults, from managing limited living or working space, to learning to cook, to keeping fit.

Make managing limited space in the office or in the home less of a task with the Vo. Temm Living Boxes. The durable boxes are spacious as they allow a volume of 66 liters of content. With transparent side windows, the boxes need not be completely pried open whenever one needs to check on the stored items.

As living independently often requires one to develop cooking skills, pots and pans become essential. The Ilo Titanium Cookware set is perfect for yuppies learning their ways in the kitchen. It has everything a beginner could need and a little bit more. the set is made up of a frying pan, a pot, a wok, a grilling pan, and even an egg pan when there’s a craving for tamago dishes. All of the items in the set are non-stick and made of the best bonding layers for heat protection.

If there’s eating there also has to be exercising. With gym memberships becoming expensive, home equipment becomes a practical option. O Shopping features the Wedo X-Bike, a portable, 8-level stationary bike that offer many health benefits that can last a lifetime. Designed to be portable, the bike is easy to keep when not needed. It’s also made for comfort with its ergonomically designed silicone gel saddle and built-in holder for the remote control or cellphone.

And because early adulthood is when the travel bug bites, it’s a good idea to invest in durable bags and luggage that can help one go from point A to point B in style. The Swiss Military Polycarbonate Luggage set comes in 24-inch and 20-inch sizes. It’s an obsessive organizer’s dream because the entire set includes a boston bag and a flight cover, along with some freebies like a travel pouch, an underwear pouch, and a shoe bag.

Giving adult skin much needed care is O Shopping’s Oriental Jin Plu Scrub, a six-in-one body scrub ready to take care of any skin repair needs from cleansing, moisturizing, whitening, nourishing, and exfoliation. Dead skins cells and dark areas are its target for repairs. It is made of natural ingredients with an exotic floral scent. Not only will skin be healthy, it’ll also smell great.

All these items are available for purchase on O Shopping! Watch it 24/7 on SKY and Destiny Cable Channel 11. It is also on ABS-CBN (channel 2) every weekday from 12:30 AM to 4:30 AM and weekends from 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM and on the following ABS-CBN TVplus channels: Cinemo (channel 3) from 1 AM to 4 AM, Yey! (channel 4) 10 PM to 5 AM and The Knowledge Channel (channel 5) from 10 PM to 5 AM.

Purchases can also be made through the O Shopping app, available for download for both iOS and Android, or through the website, www.oshopping.com.ph.

By: JENG On 2/24/2017 04:31:00 PM

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Big Reveal: Matt Reeves Directs, Produces THE BATMAN Movie

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Matt Reeves ("Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," "Cloverfield") has been set to direct "The Batman."

Reeves will also serve as a producer on the new standalone action adventure centering on one of DC's most enduringly popular Super Heroes. The announcement was made by Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

Emmerich stated, "We are thrilled to have Matt Reeves taking the helm of Batman, the crown jewel of our DC slate. Matt's deep roots in genre films and his evolution into an emotional world-building director make him the perfect filmmaker to guide the Dark Knight through this next journey."

Matt Reeves noted, "I have loved the Batman story since I was a child. He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honored and excited to be working with Warner Bros. to bring an epic and emotional new take on the Caped Crusader to the big screen."

Batman was created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger.

"The Batman" will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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By: JENG On 2/24/2017 12:45:00 PM

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Secret to PBA's Top Rookie Player Mac Belo's Winning Performance Revealed

Rey Mark "Mac" Belo, the newest endorser of Blackwater for Men, looks every inch an athlete on camera and in person – standing six feet four inches tall with a muscular build that can only be acquired from hours spent studying screen drills, acing his shots and dribbles in the basketball court.

However, his imposing frame hides a shy personality. The soft-spoken Mac admits that he is still not comfortable with interviews, preferring to be seen in action.

A native of Midsayap, Cotabato, Mac first became known for his buzzer-beater shots against De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University, where he led his alma mater, Far Eastern University (FEU), to their back-to-back finals spot in the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP). He finished strong in his final playing year by clinching a UAAP championship and bagging the Most Valuable Player award.

Now a power forward for Blackwater Elite of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and also part of the pool of players for the Gilas Philippine National Team, the player admitted that he was a late-bloomer in basketball.

"My love for the sport started in high school. My older brother was the one who got me into basketball, and I began to enjoy it when my friends encouraged me to join the varsity. After that, I was given the opportunity to play for FEU where I was given proper training, and my career took off from there," he says.

But moving from college to professional basketball was a different playing field for him. Training sessions grew more intense with three hours of practice daily, and getting drafted into the PBA meant competing with other athletes whose skill level in the sport match his own.

Mac shares, "Being able to play professional basketball is a big achievement for me, but it also took a lot of discipline and hard work to earn my PBA spot." These and love for the sport have paid off: he has become one of PBA Philippine Cup's top rookie players in the first half of its 2016-2017 conference, helping his team earn three straight wins for the first time since its inception.

With this newfound recognition, he acknowledges the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He stresses, "Even off court, I'm constantly trying to improve my skills. I work on strengthening exercises at the gym." Besides pushing his body to its limits with daily training sessions, he adds, "I try to get enough sleep and eat healthy, in fact I trained myself to avoid pork and oily food. I also maintain a good personal hygiene by taking a shower before and after practice, and using Blackwater Men's spray to keep me smelling good even while training."

Indeed, Mac Belo's dedication, discipline, and passion for the sport not only make him one of the sought-after rookie athletes of his generation, but also the perfect personality to be included in Blackwater's roster of highly regarded endorsers.

To know more about Blackwater and its products, visit http://blackwater.com.ph/ and follow its official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BlackwaterForMen. Follow the progress of the Blackwater Elite team at www.facebook.com/blackwaterpba.

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By: JENG On 2/24/2017 12:38:00 PM

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Get Re-Aquainted with the Beloved BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Characters

With barely three weeks before Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast bows on the big screen, the studio has released the official descriptions of the beloved fairy tale’s characters.

And when searching for talent to bring the beloved animated characters to life on screen, the filmmakers canvassed the worlds of film, television, music and theatre to find the performers best suited for each role.

BELLE (Emma Watson) is a bright and spirited young woman who dreams of adventure, romance and a world far beyond the confines of her French village. Fiercely independent and keeping to herself for the most part, Belle wants nothing to do with the town’s arrogant and boorish rogue Gaston, who relentlessly pursues her. When her father is imprisoned in the castle of a hideous Beast, Belle trades her own freedom for his and quickly befriends the former staff who have become household objects as result of a curse placed on the castle. The Beast, while surly and ill-mannered, can be generous and chivalrous and knows how to make her laugh, and Belle soon begins to sense the kind heart of the Prince within.

THE BEAST (Dan Stevens). Once a dashing young Prince who had grown to become cruel and self-absorbed before being transformed by an enchantress into a hideous Beast, he is trapped in the castle until he can learn to love another and be worthy of their love in return, thus breaking the curse. When the Beast catches Maurice trespassing and takes him prisoner, his beautiful and headstrong daughter Belle takes his place, and the Beast develops feelings for her, slowly beginning to come back to life.

GASTON (Luke Evans) is the arrogant and shallow villager intent on marrying Belle. A former War hero, he holds court in the village tavern and has every eligible woman in town wrapped around his finger. Smitten with Belle, who is strong-willed and impervious to his charms, Gaston becomes consumed by rejection and jealousy and leads a mob of villagers to the Beast’s castle to rescue Belle and kill the Beast.

LEFOU (Josh Gad), Gaston’s sidekick, is not the brightest bulb in the box. He worships Gaston, who has no regard for him whatsoever and makes him the brunt of his jokes, but soon comes to realize that beneath Gaston’s handsome exterior lays a heart that is much darker.

MAURICE (Kevin Kline), Belle’s father, is a reclusive artist who specializes in beautiful one-of-a-kind music boxes, which to Belle represent the world beyond the confines of Villeneuve but to Maurice are a way to protect his daughter while preserving perfect memories from his past. When Maurice stumbles upon the Beast’s castle and is taken prisoner, Belle comes to plead for his release, eventually trading her freedom for his. Now it is up to him to convince the villagers of Belle’s imprisonment and to find a way to set her free.

LUMIÈRE (Ewan McGregor) is the Prince’s proper French valet who becomes a gilded candelabra as a result of the spell. While frequently at odds with Cogsworth, the mantel clock and besotted with Plumette, the feather duster, Lumière is charming and sophisticated, and can turn an ordinary meal into a musical extravaganza.

COGSWORTH (Ian McKellen). The castle’s fastidious and tightly-wound head butler who is transformed into a mantel clock by the curse of an enchantress, Cogsworth detests any kind of disruption, preferring things to run like clockwork.

MRS. POTTS (Emma Thompson) and CHIP (Nathan Mack). The castle’s former housekeeper, Mrs. Potts, is now a teapot with her Cockney brogue still in place. Her son Chip, who has been transformed into a teacup, is trapped in the castle with her and the other castle staff. It is Mrs. Potts who takes Belle under her wing and who convinces the Beast to try and woo their new houseguest, hoping that she may be the one to capture the heart of the Beast.

PLUMETTE (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is the castle’s former maid turned cheeky, yet graceful, feather duster who has captured the heart of the candelabra, Lumière.

MADAME DE GARDEROBE (Audra McDonald) is the renowned Italian opera diva performing for the Prince when the spell is cast, becoming an enormous wardrobe. She resides in Belle’s room at the castle, and in addition to dressing Belle, has a flare for the dramatic and a proclivity for frequent naps.

MAESTRO CADENZA (Stanley Tucci). Now a harpsichord (with a considerable number of broken keys) following the curse of an enchantress, Maestro Cadenza is husband to – and accompanist of – the celebrated opera diva Madame de Garderobe, who, along with his wife and their dog, Froufrou, are trapped in the castle awaiting the lifting of the curse.

Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, March 16, Beauty and the Beast is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #BeOurGuestPH.

By: JENG On 2/23/2017 06:59:00 PM

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Froilan, Jex, CarlMalone: Who Will Make It To the TAWAG NG TANGHALAN Grand Finals?

Which singers will continue to fight for their dreams and make it to the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” grand finals on “It’s Showtime”?

Find out by watching seven semi-finalists from different parts of the country battle for vocal supremacy in the competition’s weeklong Quarter 4 semi-finals than began Monday (February 20).

As they face the toughest battle of their lives yet, all of them are bringing with them their own stories, experiences, and ambitions to keep them going until the end.

Sam Mangubat, a YouTube sensation from Batangas, overcame his shyness and did not let his lack of experience in competing stop him from sharing his talent with the world. And from teaching music and sports to children, Froilan Canlas of Camarines Sur is now ready to risk it all to reach his dream.

Also not to be outdone is the youngest semi-finalist, Julia Faith Joaquin, a high school student from Bohol, who is out to prove she can keep up with her older counterparts. Carlmalone Montecido of Bacolod, meanwhile, continues to give inspiration and show the madlang people that anyone can succeed just as long talent is coupled with determination.

Representing Metro Manila are Jex De Castro of Mandaluyong, who wants to provide a better life for his family by using his talent as an events singer, and now as a “Tawag ng Tanghalan” contender on the country’s biggest stage. Hazelyn Cascaño, a freelance performing artist from Marikina, also remains steadfast on pursuing her passion despite her father’s disapproval.

Also coming a long way to fight for her dream is is the sole representative of Mindanao, Joylaine Canonio, a teacher from Sarangani who would trek mountains just to teach at her school.

Like in the previous semi-finals, the results will be based on combined scores from the judges and the public votes in order to get into the Grand Finals.

The competition was off to a scorching start as the semi-finalists performed their audition songs, fight songs, and songs for their family. In the coming days, they are tasked to take on songs originally made popular by their musical influences, the songs picked for them by the judges, and their life songs.

The semi-finalists also call for the support of their fans all over the country by voting for them. Just text TAWAG(space)NAME OF SEMI-FINALIST and send it to 2366 for all networks. A SIM can only send one vote per day. At 6PM every day, the program temporary closes the voting.

Whose voices will stand out for the judges and for the madlang people?

Don’t miss “It’s Showtime,” Mondays to Saturdays in ABS-CBN. For more information, follow “Tawag ng Tanghalan” on Facebook (facebook.com/TawagNgTanghalan), Twitter (@TNTABSCBN), and Instagram (@TawagNgTanghalan). Be updated with the latest happenings on “It’s Showtime” by also following the show on Facebook and Twitter (@ItsShowtimena).

By: JENG On 2/23/2017 06:53:00 PM

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PBB Airs the First Live Drama Series on Philippine TV Titled TITIG NG PAG-IBIG

For the first time in Philippine television history, “Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7” is airing a three-day live drama dubbed “Titig ng Pag-ibig” wherein the remaining eight housemates will be star in their own series under the direction of Rory Quintos beginning tonight (February 23).

The tasks poses a huge challenge for the housemates because they only have a short amount of time to prepare themselves as actors and must deliver the necessary lines and emotions without cuts or take twos.

The three-day live drama corresponds to the third, fourth, and fifth Dream Team challenges. Big Brother has given the housemates the chance to secure seven slots for them at the Big Night by winning at least three of the five Dream Team Challenges. So far, the housemates had only managed to succeed in one and will need to win at least two more challenges.

Will they be able to complete the three remaining Dream Team challenges?

In the past 11 years, “Pinoy Big Brother” has remained to be one of the most watched program in the country, a consistent top trending topic in social media, and the most viewed reality show online via iWant TV.

Avid viewers followed the journey of their favorite housemates every weeknight and watched how they get to know and get to improve themselves better .

“Kuya taught me how to open my heart to my fellow housemates,” said Kisses.

“Being here makes you realize what you want more in life— family or dreams,” said Edward.

Besides self-improvement, viewers were also inspired by the determination and dedication of the housemates when it comes to facing the tasks given by Big Brother.

“Dreams do really come true as long as you do your best,” said Maymay.

Cora adds, “There is a certain satisfaction when you do your all.”

“It will all be worth it because in the end you’ll see the fruit of your labor,” said Mccoy.

“Pinoy Big Brother” has mirrored the hopes, plight, and aspirations of Filipinos through its diverse mix of housemates. Big Brother formulates tasks and challenges for the housemates to bring out their best, test their strengths, and foster camaraderie as they undergo a transformative journey inside the house.

Don’t miss the last two weeks of “Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7,” Mondays to Fridays after “A Love to Last” on ABS-CBN or on ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable Ch 167). Viewers can also catch up on the program’s past episodes via iWanTV.com and for Sky subscribers.

By: JENG On 2/23/2017 06:37:00 PM

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Mel Gibson Gums for Oscar Best Director Prize with HACKSAW RIDGE

With films that span from the classic, Oscar Best Picture-winning Braveheart to The Patriot, We Were Soldiers, The Passion of the Christ and his most recently directed film, the Mayan civilization epic Apocalypto, Mel Gibson has become known for meshing big themes with atmospheric style that takes audiences into revealing worlds.

Now, Mel Gibson's re-creates with a mesmerizing realism the epic combat that saw the true-to-life heroism of Desmond Doss in the World War II action-thriller, Hacksaw Ridge.

Nominated for eight Oscar Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, Hacksaw Ridge centers on the story of Desmond T. Doss (Andrew Garfield), a Seventh-day Adventist who became an army medic while adhering to his religious convictions of not carrying a weapon. He saved 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

For producer Bill Mechanic, Gibson was always the ultimate choice to direct Hacksaw Ridge. "The script felt to me almost like a companion piece to Braveheart," comments the producer. "It pulls together the same themes of faith, violence and war, though it's a very different story about a man from a very different time and background. To me, what also sets Mel apart as a contemporary filmmaker is how experiential his filmmaking is, how visceral the storytelling is in his films. He's become a consummate director. He's equally great with characters, with actors, with the camera and the editing process and with giving audiences a new experience."

Gibson saw in Hacksaw Ridge a chance to bring into the light a forgotten hero – and he was drawn to Desmond Doss as man who determined to find a way to live by the values that meant everything to him, even when they seemed in conflict with the whole world around him.

Says Gibson: "Desmond Doss abhorred violence, it was against his principles, his religious beliefs, but he wanted to serve his country in World War II as a medic. How does somebody go into the worst place on earth without a weapon? It was all the more compelling to me, because it was a true story, and I thought I could bring my visual language to it."

Gibson notes that Doss never called himself a conscientious objector. That was the army's term. Instead, he called himself a "conscientious co-operator," believing with unflagging tenacity that he had plenty to contribute without having to kill other human beings.

"He was a co-operator in the sense that he passionately wanted to join the war effort, but he wanted to enter it as someone aiming not to take life but to save it," says Gibson. "Still, you have to ask, what kind of madman goes into that kind of a conflagration seen on Okinawa without being armed? Doss defied what anyone could have expected from that situation. Somebody mentioned to me that the Congressional Medal of Honour is usually given to people who have a singular moment where they make a snap decision and do one heroic thing. One of the things that stood out to me about Desmond is that in Okinawa, this guy was heroic 24/7, for a whole month. He took heroism to another level not often seen."

Mechanic notes that when it came to the battle sequences, Gibson zeroed right in on the most essential and creative details. "Mel has such an eye for war action, I feel he was the real creator of all the battle sequences, regardless of who wrote the scenes," says the producer.

Yet even in the most frenetic action, Gibson wanted the humanity of the character to hold sway. He says of the battle sequences: "The important part was to give you the sense that this is the worst place anyone has ever seen, which it was for these men. And here's Desmond, this guy you've hopefully come to know and to love, thrown into this terrible place where he will finally see how measures up to the standards he has set for himself."

Hacksaw Ridge will open in Philippine cinemas on February 22, 2017.

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By: JENG On 2/21/2017 09:33:00 PM

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Is it Goodbye Ronnie, McCoy, Jameson? Meet the New HASHTAGS Members

“It’s Showtime” introduced another batch of its ‘kilig ambassadors’ – the newest members of its boy group Hashtags – who will bring more kilig to the country’s number one noontime program.

The new heartthrobs showed off their dance moves for the first time on Valentine’s Day, led by former child star Bugoy Cariño, who said, “Dancing and showbiz are not new to me. But now that I’m a ‘kilig ambassador,’ you will see a different Bugoy.”

Also making their debut on “It’s Showtime’s” stage as new Hashtags were former “Pinoy Boyband Superstar” contestant Wilbert Ross, model Maru Delgado, as well as CK Kieron, Kid Yambao, Rayt Carreon, Vitto Marquez, and Franco Hernandez.

They will join original Hashtags members Zeus Collins, Jimboy Martin, McCoy De Leon, Nikko Natividad, Tom Doromal, Jameson Blake, Paulo Angeles, Jon Lucas, Ryle Santiago, Luke Conde, and Ronnie Alonte.

Meanwhile, more viewers in the country prefer “It’s Showtime” because of its hit segments “Tawag ng Tanghalan,” “Dancing in Tandem,” “TrabaHula Extreme,” and “KanTanghalian.”

According to data from Kantar Media, more viewers nationwide watched “It’s Showtime’s” Valentine treat as it recorded a national TV rating of 17.4%, higher than that of “Eat Bulaga’s” 14.7%.

Don’t miss “It’s Showtime” at noon from Mondays to Saturdays. To get updates, follow the program on Twitter (@ItsShowtimena) or like facebook.com/ItsShowtimeNa.

By: JENG On 2/21/2017 01:44:00 PM

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Palace Declares February 28, March 2, 7, 8, 17, 21 and 24, 2017 as Special Non-Working Holiday #WalangPasok

Malacañang Palace through Proclamation No. 142 to 160 series of 2017 declared February 28, 2017 and March 2, 7, 8, 17, 21 & 24, 2017 as Special Non-Working Holiday in selected areas nationwide due to celebrations of various important events.

Proclamation No. 158 - Special non-working day in the City of Tangub on February 28, 2017 (Tuesday) for the celebration of of the Charter Day of the City of Tangub.

Proclamation No. 153 - Special non-working day in the Province of La Union on March 2, 2017 (Thursday) for the celebration of its 167th Founding Anniversary.

Proclamation No. 154 - Special non-working day in Island Garden City of Samal on March 7, 2017 (Tuesday) for the celebration of the Charter Anniversary.

Proclamation No. 155 - Special non-working day in the Province of Basilan on March 7, 2017 (Tuesday) for the celebration of its 43rd Founding Anniversary.

Proclamation No. 159 - Special non-working day in the Province of Compostela Valley on March 8, 2017 (Wednesday) for the celebration of its 19th Foundation Anniversary as well as 10th "Bulawan Festival" of the province.

Proclamation No. 156 - Special non-working day in Municipality of Tayug, Province of Pangasinan on March 17, 2017 (Friday) for the celebration of its Founding Anniversary.

Proclamation No. 157 - Special non-working day on March 21, 2017 (Tuesday) in the City of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro for the celebration of its 19th founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 160 - Special non-working day in the City of Tabaco, Province of Albay on March 24, 2017 (Friday) for the celebration of its founding anniversary.

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By: JENG On 2/21/2017 12:10:00 AM

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