Will Smith Lead the Cast of "Aladdin" Live-Action Adaptation

Casting for "Aladdin," the live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic, is complete and production is currently underway at Longcross Studios outside London.  

The "Aladdin" cast includes: Two-time Oscar® nominee Will Smith ("Ali," "Men in Black") as the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes to whoever possesses his magic lamp; Mena Massoud (Amazon's "Jack Ryan") as Aladdin, the hapless but lovable street rat who is smitten with the Sultan's daughter; Naomi Scott ("Power Rangers") as Princess Jasmine, the Sultan's beautiful daughter who wants to have a say in how she lives her life; Marwan Kenzari ("Murder on the Orient Express") as Jafar, an evil sorcerer who devises a nefarious plot to unseat the Sultan and rule Agrabah himself; Navid Negahban ("Homeland") as the Sultan, the ruler of Agrabah who is eager to find a proper husband for his daughter, Jasmine; Nasim Pedrad ("Saturday Night Live") as Dalia, Princess Jasmine's hand maiden and confidante; Billy Magnussen ("Into the Woods") as Prince Anders, a suitor from Skanland and potential husband for Princess Jasmine; and Numan Acar ("Homeland") as Hakim, Jafar's right-hand man and head of the palace guards. 

"Aladdin" is directed by Guy Ritchie ("Sherlock Holmes," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.") from a screenplay by John August ("Dark Shadows," "Big Fish") based on the 1992 animated film "Aladdin" and stories from "One Thousand and One Nights." The producer is Dan Lin ("The LEGO Movie") with Golden Globe® winner Marc Platt ("La La Land"), Jonathan Eirich ("Deathnote") and Kevin De La Noy ("The Dark Knight Rises") serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken ("Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid") provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar®-winning lyricists Howard Ashman ("Little Shop of Horrors") and Tim Rice ("The Lion King") as well as two new songs written by  Menken and Oscar® and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul ("La La Land," "Dear Evan Hansen"). 

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By: JENG On 9/14/2017 06:33:00 PM

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"Hey Matteo" Happening November 30 at the Kia Theater

With his talent and dashing personality, MATTEO GUIDICELLI is always a stand-out in any field that he puts himself into. Over a decade in the entertainment industry, Matteo has become one of his generation's most established actors and continues to prove that his talents go beyond acting and sports as he shares more of himself through his music.

Last November, Matteo headlined his first major concert entitled #MatteoMadeinCebu. This sold out concert held at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City showcased Matteo's singing prowess and love for music.

This year, Matteo is once again taking centerstage, this time in Manila, with "HEY MATTEO" to be held at the Kia Theater on November 30, 2017 at 7:30PM.

"Hey Matteo" is set to give the fans a glimpse of Matteo's innermost self as he opens up more of his identity and artistry. Drawing from his personal experiences, this concert will be a revalation of his brand as a singer. "I have always wanted to sing, but I wasn't able to focus on it", he says, "Now, I'm at a stage of my life when I really want to do music and I'm very excited about this concert because it's going to feature songs from my upcoming album", he adds.

"Hey Matteo" combines Matteo's talents with the creativity of concert Director Genius Rowell Santiago and Musical direction by OPM Master Louie Ocampo.

This concert will be an entirely different show from his previous hometown concert in Cebu last year. "Hey Matteo" is definitely one concert event to look forward to as "70% to 80% of the creative input came from Matteo", Louie said. Both directors have worked with the versatile actor on several projects in the past and both have witnessed his growth as an artist. Their collaboration for this concert is one more a coming together of artists commited to mount a great show for the love of music. "The concert will have a youthful vibe with the 90's beat. It will show Matteo's versatility as a singer through songs that tell his story", says Louie. "Matteo is really hands-on with the preparations and this concert will definitely show much about the kind of singer that he is", he added. Matteo will be performing a combination of covers inspired by the music that he grew up with and original songs from an album that he will soon be releasing.

A post shared by Jeng Bauto (@showbiznest) on Sep 13, 2017 at 3:25am PDT

"Hey Matteo" is produced by Big Bang productions, the same production company behind the successful #MatteoMadeinCebu concert last year. It will also co-produced by Hills and Dreams Events Concepts Co. Catch Matteo on November 30, 7:30PM at the Kia Theater.

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By: JENG On 9/14/2017 06:23:00 PM

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Albie Casino Joins "Pusong Ligaw"

Albie Casino joins the cast of ABS-CBN's hit afternoon series "Pusong Ligaw" as Leon, a teenager believed to be Tessa (Beauty Gonzalez) and Caloy's (Joem Bascon) missing son.

Just like Rafael, Leon was also found in a river when he was just about to turn a year old. Despite uncertainties, Jaime (Raymond Bagatsing) still made Tessa believe that they have already found her long lost child. Leon remains clueless as well, but saw the situation as an opportunity for him to pay his debts and get himself out of poverty.

How long can Jaime deceive Tessa? As Marga (Bianca King) finds out about Leon, what will she do to hide the truth from Caloy? What will Caloy do once he finds out that he and Tessa have a son?

Don't miss "Pusong Ligaw" after "It's Showtime" on ABS-CBN and on ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Catch up on the show's past episodes via iWanTV or skyondeman.com.ph for Sky subscribers. For more updates, follow @starcreatives on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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By: JENG On 9/14/2017 06:15:00 PM

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Lit Horror Movie "Pwera Usog" Unnerves Cinema One this Sunday, September 17

Social media ego causes the tragic misfortunes of Sofia Andres, Joseph Marco, Cherise Castro, and Albie Casino in the 2017 horror flick "Pwera Usog," graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board and airing for the first time on Cinema One this Sunday (September 17).

Jason Paul Laxamana's debut horror venture is an exciting take on a popular Filipino superstitious belief, "usog" meaning affliction caused by a greeting from a stranger. The film's cast also includes Kiko Estrada, Devon Seron, and veteran actresses Aiko Melendez and Eula Valdez.

A clique of bored and rich teens - led by headstrong Jean (Sofia) - decides to record a cruel prank on a crazed beggar woman (Devon) in the hopes of getting it viral on social media. The plan goes haywire as the beggar reacts violently, resulting to her curious accidental death. The group then seeks the help of a mother-and-son (Aiko and Kiko) tandem of faith healers as they find themselves plagued by visions of the dead beggar seeking revenge. Will they be able to escape the strangest things happening to them?

Nazamel Tabares of movie-review site pelikulamania.com commends the effective jump scares and fun turns of the film indicating, "there's action, there are scares and also laughs, Pwera Usog keeps the audience entertained from start to finish."

Hop on a millennial rollercoaster ride in "Pwera Usog" on Cinema One's Blockbuster Sunday (September 17) at 8PM. Cinema One is available on SkyCable and Destiny Cable Digital Channel 56, and Destiny Analog Ch. 37. Like Cinema One on Facebook at facebook.com/Cinema1channel to view full schedule.

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By: JENG On 9/14/2017 06:07:00 PM

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Horror Thriller "IT" A Certified Monster Hit in the Philippines, Rakes P50.18-M on its Opening Weekend

New Line Cinema’s IT, the critically lauded big-screen adaptation of Stephen King’s perennial best seller, floated to the top of the Philippine box office on its opening weekend, earning P50.18-million across 213 cinemas, and still climbing.

Directed by Andy Muschietti (Mama), the much-anticipated horror thriller has surpassed the opening figures of recent horror blockbusters, The Conjuring (P39-M) and Lights Out (P36.7-M).

In making the announcement, Francis Soliven, General Manager, Warner Bros. Philippines, said, “IT is the film that everyone is talking about, whether fans of the genre or not, driving moviegoers across the country to brave the cinema for their own encounter with Pennywise. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the results, and congratulate New Line Cinema, director Andy Muschietti and his phenomenal cast and crew on this fantastic opening.”

New Line Cinema’s horror thriller IT tells the story of seven young outcasts growing up in the township of Derry, Maine, who call themselves the Losers’ Club. Each of them has been ostracized for one reason or another; each has a target on their back from the local pack of bullies…and all have seen their inner fears come to life in the form of an ancient shapeshifting predator they can only call It.

For as long as their town has existed, Derry has been the entity’s hunting ground, emerging from the sewers every 27 years to feed on the terrors of its chosen prey: Derry’s children. Banding together over one horrifying and exhilarating summer, the Losers form a close bond to help them overcome their own fears and stop a killing cycle that began on a rainy day, with a small boy chasing a paper boat as it swept down a storm drain…and into the hands of Pennywise the Clown.

 

Directed by Andy Muschietti, IT is based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. First published in 1986, IT became an instant classic. It continues to be counted among the best and most influential works of the undisputed literary master of horror, inspiring numerous film and television projects in the years that have followed.

The film stars Bill Skarsgård (Allegiant) as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (Midnight Special), Jeremy Ray Taylor (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip), Sophia Lillis (37), Finn Wolfhard (Netflix’s Stranger Things), Wyatt Oleff (Guardians of the Galaxy), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming Cops and Robbers), Jack Dylan Grazer (Tales of Halloween), Nicholas Hamilton (Captain Fantastic) and Jackson Robert Scott, making his film debut.

Muschietti directed IT from a screenplay by Chase Palmer & Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman, based on the novel by King. Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti produced the film, with Dave Neustadter, Walter Hamada, Richard Brener, Toby Emmerich, Marty P. Ewing, Doug Davison, Jon Silk and Niija Kuykendall serving as executive producers.

New Line Cinema presents a Vertigo Entertainment/Lin Pictures/Katzsmith Production, IT. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

By: JENG On 9/13/2017 07:26:00 PM

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Apple iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Specs Release

Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the much-anticipated iPhone X during a launch event at the Steve Jobs Auditorium in Cupertino, California, on Tuesday, September 12.

iPhone X, which Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook called "the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone," is redesigned product of glass and stainless steel with an edge-to-edge display. It features wireless charging, an infrared camera and special hardware for facial recognition, which will replace the fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone. 

The home button found on previous iPhones is also gone, and users will instead tap the device to wake it up.

The screen on the iPhone X is about the size of the current iPhone 7 Plus. It features richer colors thanks to a new technology called OLED.

 

Priced at $999, iPhone X, is set for market release starting November 3.

Apple also introduced the iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus, which resemble the iPhone 7 line but have a glass back for wireless charging.

The new phones feature Apple's first proprietary graphics processor, which provides greater speed, improved cameras and some features for augmented reality apps.

The company also introduced an upgraded Apple Watch, which can make phone calls and access the internet without the user carrying an iPhone. The Series 3 watch will cost $399.

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By: JENG On 9/13/2017 01:32:00 PM

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ABS-CBN Publishinh Launches Five New Books at the 38th Manila International Book Fair

ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. will launch five exciting new titles at the 38th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) on September 13 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City with celebrity authors ASAP BFF5, Boy Abunda, Empoy Marquez, Gloc-9 and McLisse in exclusive meet-and-greet and book signing sessions.

Visitors will have a first peek of ABS-CBN Publishing's latest offerings at the National Book Store booth, one of the exhibitors at the longest-running gathering of bookworms that celebrates the limitless joys of reading.

Kicking things off will be Dr. Boy Abunda with "It's Like This: 100 + Abundable Thoughts That will make you think and rethink what you've always thought about your life." As the title suggests, readers are sure to pick up nuggets of wisdom from the author, especially on topics like management and hosting. The award-winning host will be part of MIBF's ribbon cutting ceremony as well as a meet and greet session on Wednesday (September 13) at 11am.

Next up is author Aristotle Pollisco better known as the rapper Gloc-9 with his first ever collection of poetry, "Akin Lang Naman." In his book, Gloc-9 masterfully crafts his lyrics into poetry verses, a unique bridge between rap and literature. He will be signing books and performing his hit songs live on Friday (September 15) at 3pm.

For fans of Korean dramas, the Mangaserye Book Series promises to offer a new kind of kilig. Topbilled by two of today's hottest loveteams, MayWard and McLisse, book 1 of the Mangaserye series has two must-read tales inspired by Korean and Japanese love stories. Be sure to join McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson as they have a meet and greet session on Saturday (September 16) at 2pm.

Empoy Marquez, ABS-CBN Publishing's newest author, will be talking about his highly entertaining book, "Bakit Nakakakiliti ang Bigote?" also on the 16th at 3pm. Expect the unexpected as Empoy reaches a new audience with his unique brand of humor.

Finally, ASAP's BFF5, composed of Andrea Brillantes, Kira Balinger, Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, and Ylona Garcia, will also be joining book enthusiasts on Saturday at 4pm. The Kapamilya girl squad members will promote their new manual for teens, "BFF5: Sugar and Spice."

Now on its 38th year, the MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature for leisure and academic reading. It also serves as the go-to venue for this year's most awaited book launches and signings, dialogues with readers, contests, and other literary events.

ABS-CBN Publishing, known for bestselling books that redefine genres, is a magazine and book publisher and a wholly owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN. Aside from a variety of fiction and nonfiction books, it includes lifestyle, culinary, youth, and entertainment glossies in its portfolio.

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By: JENG On 9/13/2017 12:39:00 PM

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Join the Search for The Toughest Pinoy in KIX Channels' R U Tough Enough? “Man versus Woman” Edition

Men and women have different views when it comes to defining toughness. While some believe men’s brute physical strength represents toughness, others believe that women’s resilience and emotional endurance are what being tough is all about. But when they are put up against one another, we have to ask, who is tougher?

KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment, will find out as it brings back R U Tough Enough? for the third time! This year, the event aims to go beyond the stereotypes by recruiting 5 male and 5 female contestants to face off for a “Man versus Woman” edition. The contestants will go through a rigorous series of physically demanding and emotionally enduring challenges. Only one winner can be crowned as the Toughest Pinoy and walk away with the grand prize of PHP 250,000. Are men going to prove themselves as the tougher gender? Or are women going to finally break the stereotype?

At the media launch, KIX announced that actress-turned- fitness trainer, Aubrey Miles and celebrated fitness guru, Arnold Aninion were chosen as the ambassadors to emphasize this year’s theme of “Man versus Woman”. The ambassadors will lead #TeamAubrey and #TeamArnold respectively in the challenge to determine which gender is the toughest.

Aubrey Miles isn’t your typical model or actress. This girl is tough to the bone! Aubrey is the perfect embodiment of toughness and tenacity.  She supported her family since she was a teenager, she fought through her life’s challenges and emerged as a tough actress and fitness advocate.

“I’m very excited to be chosen as the first female ambassador for R U Tough Enough? Filipinos are tough, especially women, they never give up even get hit by all kinds of life adversities. Like me, I struggled to get my life back after giving birth and start everything over again by myself. Everything that I have and where am at now is from my hard work and being tougher inside and outside. So I encourage my fellow Pinays out there to join R U Tough Enough? Let’s show them women are really tough,” said Aubrey.

From being a national rugby player to a body builder, Arnold Aninion, has proven to be tough with countless hours of training and hard work throughout his years as a fitness enthusiast.

“Being tough is a balance of being physically and mentally strong. I believe that we can accomplish anything if we just set our minds to it. Much like the Pinoy spirit. Pinoys are so resilient that we get up every time life brings us down. I challenge everyone to test your limits and join R U Tough Enough?,” said Arnold.

“In this year’s R U Tough Enough?, we are excited to go beyond the stereotype that men are tougher than women with our very own battle of Man versus Woman. We’re sure that this will make for an enthralling competition, as we know that toughness isn’t limited to physical strength; it is also a test of mental endurance. And a big thank you to our sponsors and partners for supporting this program,” said Shirley Cheong, Executive Director of Marketing at KIX, Hong Kong.

R U Tough Enough? is open to all Philippine residents aged 18 and above. To enter the contest, participants must apply online and tell us why you are the Toughest Pinoy at www.KIX-TV.com/tough. Participants with the most inspiring stories will be called to an audition and only ten individuals will be shortlisted to compete at the final showdown and stand a chance to win the title of “The Toughest Pinoy” and a grand prize of P250,000.

R U Tough Enough? Philippines is sponsored by Fisherman’s Friend, the strong adult candy with added benefits, supported by venue partner SM Mall of Asia, gym partner Gold’s Gym, as well as cable partners Cablelink, Cignal TV, Destiny Cable, Gsat and SKYcable; and media partners WhenInManila.com and Action Asia.

More details including terms and conditions of the competition can also be found on the contest website www.KIX-TV.com/tough. Stay updated on the competition through KIX’s social media platforms, including Facebook: facebook.com/KIXAsia, Twitter: @KIXAsia, and Instagram: @KIXAsia.

KIX is available on (Cablelink Ch. 31, Cignal TV Ch. 264, Destiny Cable Ch. 10, Gsat Ch. 117, and SKYcable Ch. 242). For more information, you can log on to www.KIX-TV.com.

By: JENG On 9/12/2017 07:35:00 PM

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