SBNLifestyle

July 19, 2017

OPM Icon Ogie Alcasid Soars High with First, Momentous Kapamilya Album Called “NakakaLokal”

After his refreshing return to ABS-CBN last year, OPM icon Ogie Alcasid makes another soaring move as a Kapamilya as he launches his debut album under Star Music, “NakakaLokal,” a first-of-its-kind musical collaboration with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

This is the first joint project of the premiere ensemble with a solo artist in an album, a history-in-the-making in the local music industry. The symphonic music of the orchestra, led by its music director Gerard Salonga, complements Ogie’s latest offering to his fans and those eagerly awaiting the newest OPM pieces to hit the radio.

"A song always sounds best when it's with the orchestra as there are a lot of things you can’t do with a software that the orchestra can deliver. One of my biggest dreams was to work with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and it was a blessing they said yes," Ogie shared.

The award-winning artist’s new collection has 10 tracks, 6 of which are original compositions including “Nakakalokal,” “Ikaw ang Tanging Pag-ibig Ko,” “Akala Ko,” “Di Na Muli,” “Di Ka Pababayaan,” and “Do You Wanna Dance With Me.”

He is most excited about the song “Nakakalokal” which has been chosen as the official theme song of this year’s songwriting competition, Himig Handog PPop Love Songs.

“It has brasses, with the horn section, with guitar and strings. It proudly showcases Pinoy music at its best,” Ogie revealed.

In addition to his new songs, Ogie has a medley with his wife, another OPM icon and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez. These include classic hits “Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw,” “Pangako” and “Hanggang Ngayon.”

The singer-host-actor also has three cover songs in this highly anticipated album. These include “Kailangan Kita,” the theme song of Star Cinema’s film with the same title starring Claudine Barretto and Aga Muhlach; “Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap” from the top-rating ABS-CBN teleserye “Lobo” starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual; and “Ikaw Lamang,” the theme song of the film “Dubai,” also from Star Cinema starring John Lloyd Cruz, Claudine and Aga.

The multi-awarded artist has released more than 20 albums in the past with gold, platinum and double platinum feats, highly contributing to the local music scene with his original compositions, well-loved and timeless love songs, and unforgettable performances.

His first Star Music album is produced by Jonathan Manalo. It is out now on digital stores worldwide and is available at all record bars nationwide for only P350.

For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.

By: JENG On 7/19/2017 05:32:00 PM

Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho Together Again for "University Town" on S+A

Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho get to hang out with Filipino basketball icon Danny Ildefonso as their campus tour in the show "University Town" makes a stop at National University this Sunday (July 23) on S+A and S+A HD at 1pm.

A pride of NU and a former UAAP star, Danny introduces to Robi and Gretchen his son Shaun, who recently transferred to the Bulldogs’ bastion in the hope of following his dad's footsteps. The duo will also meet other great Bulldogs, Gelo Alolino and Glenn Khobuntin, who are members of the Season 77 champion team.

This is the third leg of the "University Town" this season, which is on its second year of featuring the eight schools competing in the country’s premier collegiate league.

Also featured in the NU special is Bulldogs’ best man on the football pitch, Mark Marcaida, a partially deaf and mute player who proudly wears NU’s colors in the UAAP Football competition. What makes Mark greater in the eyes of his peers is his ability to pick up game plans and execute them despite his handicap, as well as being able to juggle the life of a student and athlete who lives far away from his hometown in Masbate.

“U-Town’s” latest episode also gives the spotlight to members of the different competing teams of NU in the UAAP that have been dominant in their disciplines and has shone for the NU athletic program like the Women’s Basketball Team, their Lawn Tennis representatives, the Cheerdance squad, and their Badminton shuttlers.

Don’t miss the chance to get to know more about the NU Bulldogs and their competitive spirit as a community as Robi and Gretchen come down to Recto and tour with “U-Town” on S+A and S+A HD this Sunday (July 23) at 1pm.

For more information and stories, visit ABS-CBN’s sports hub sports.abs-cbn.com and follow @ABSCBNSports on Facebook and Twitter.

By: JENG On 7/19/2017 05:12:00 PM

July 18, 2017

Audition For the Role of Young Simba in the Manila Production of THE LION KING Announced

The search for the male child’s role in the Manila production of world’s #1 musical - Disney’s THE LION KING is on!

Michael Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions are looking for boys from ages 9 to 12 for the role of young Simba. He must be a confident young boy with personality, natural actor/singer who can move well. Previous performing experience is not necessary.

All Performers must pre-register for the open call by contacting the Children’s Casting Director – Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group:

Landline: 02-6505144

Mobile: 0995-9859718, 0945-3386126, 0917-8381534

Email: lionkingmanila@atlantistheatrical.com

Deadline for registration is July 30, 2017

Children will be asked to prepare the last verse of “Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and bring with them a 3R headshot, birth certificate, a parent/guardian’s written consent, and be prepared to fill out a registration form upon arrival. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“The Philippines is rich with wonderfully talented performers and we are excited to not only bring this wonderful production to Manila for the very first time, but to welcome to the cast young Filipino actors who will join performers from South Africa and around the world in bringing this show to audiences in Manila.” Producer of the international tour, Michael Cassel commented.

“We’re proud to partner with our long-time friend Michael Cassel to bring the world-renowned stage production of ‘The Lion King’ to these vibrant cities,” Thomas Schumacher, President and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions, meanwhile, said in a statement. He added, “I cannot wait for new audiences to join us in the Philippines.”

THE LION KING will premiere in Manila on March 2018 at The Theatre at Solaire in Pasay City as part of its 20th anniversary on stage and the title’s 25th global production.

Tickets for the Manila show will go on sale in October 2017. More details on the dates, venue, and ticket prices will be made over the coming months.

Since its Broadway premiere in 1997, “The Lion King” musical has been seen by more than 90 million people.

It has been staged in 100 cities in 19 countries and translated into eight languages: Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese.

Aside from Manila, the international tour will enjoy additional engagements in Singapore, Korea, Taiwan and South Africa.

For further information about THE LION KING or to sign up to be the first in line for tickets, visit: LionKingInternational.com

By: JENG On 7/18/2017 06:45:00 PM

Watch the Spectacular First 6 Minutes of the Movie "Baby Driver"

Columbia Pictures has just released the six-minute Baby Driver opening scene online which encapsulates the acclaimed film's energetic spirit and cool vibe.

Check out the scene at https://youtu.be/6XMuUVw7TOM and watch Baby Driver in Philippine cinemas on August 02, 2017.

“The movie is structured so it opens with the dream of being a getaway driver, and very quickly turns into the nightmare of being a criminal,” says director and screenwriter Edgar Wright. “The opening chase is sort of positioned as a clockwork act of precision. Everything goes right. Then very quickly, with subsequent situations, things start to go wrong, and very visceral consequences start to bear down. The storm clouds have been gathering during the movie. At some point, Baby’s luck is gonna run out.”

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 the girl of his dreams (Lily James), 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.

Full of reversals, rewinds, fast forwards and heart-stopping skips, and inspired by the types of crime-and-chase movies that have thrilled moviegoers since Steve McQueen in a revved-up Mustang changed car pursuits forever, Baby Driver is a game-changing, lane-changing, hard-charging blast only Wright could have dreamed up.

Baby Driver stars Ansel Elgort (The Fault in Our Stars), Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”), Lily James (Cinderella), Jon Bernthal (“The Walking Dead”), Eiza Gonzalez (“From Dusk til Dawn”), with Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) and Jamie Foxx (Sleepless).

Opening in Philippine cinemas in August 2, 2017, Baby Driver is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

By: JENG On 7/18/2017 06:08:00 PM

Beach Volleyball Teams Vie for National Title at the "BVR on Tour" National Championship

It may be rainy season but nothing can stop the 32 beach volleyball teams competing for the national title and the chance to represent the country in the Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) On Tour National Championship this July 28 to 30 at the Anguib Beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

After seven exciting BVR legs in different parts of the nation, 16 teams each in the men's and women's divisions will be slugging it out in the event, which has been sanctioned by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI) as a qualifier for aspiring national bets to the Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Games in Singapore.

The Top 3 in each division will be included in the national training pool, from which the LVPI will select the country’s official representatives to the international competition.

BVR founders Bea Tan and Charo Soriano made the announcement with BVR tournament director Tony Boy Liao in a presscon held ‪last Tuesday (July 18) at the Delimondo Café in Makati with Jimmy Alvaro and Kristen Enrile of BVR presenter Delimondo, and Jimmy Escaño of venue host Cagayan Adventures and Leisure.

Partial list of the participating teams include FEU, Dipolog, Coast Guard, NU, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, RTU, La Salle Bacolod, Ateneo, Navy, and Coast Guard in the Men's division; and RTU, Ateneo, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, Tagum, PNP, and Perlas in the Women's division.

With the dream of making the Philippines the Beach Volleyball Hub in Aisa, BVR has been organizing beach volleyball tournaments that do not only feature the best beach volleyball players in the country but promotes the beauty of our country. It also conducts "sandroots" activities to inspire and train young Filipino athletes to love and excel in the sport of beach volleyball.

Aside from the chance to represent the flag, the teams will also be fighting for the grand prize of Php 50,000, with the runner up receiving Php 30,000 and the third placer getting Php 15,000.

Stay tuned to “The Score” on S+A for updates on the “BVR On Tour” or log on to ABS-CBN’s sports hub sports.abs-cbn.com and follow @ABSCBNSports and @bvr_ph on Facebook and Twitter.

By: JENG On 7/18/2017 06:05:00 PM

Production Begins on Clint Eastwood's "The The 15:17 to Paris" Feat. Bright Young Stars and Genuine Heroes

Production is underway this week on Clint Eastwood’s “The 15:17 to Paris.” The film tells the real-life story of three men whose brave act turned them into heroes during a highspeed railway ride.

In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the world watched in stunned silence as the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack on Thalys train #9364 bound for Paris—an attempt prevented by three courageous young Americans traveling through Europe. “The 15:17 to Paris” follows the course of the friends’ lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing in life, to the series of unlikely events leading up to the attack. Throughout the harrowing ordeal, their friendship never wavers, making it their greatest weapon and allowing them to save the lives of the more than 500 passengers on board.

The heroic trio is comprised of Anthony Sadler, Oregon National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos, and U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Spencer Stone, who play themselves in the film. Starring alongside them are Jenna Fischer (“Hall Pass,” TV’s “The Office”); Judy Greer (“War for the Planet of the Apes”); and Ray Corasani (TV’s upcoming “The Long Road Home”). Paul-Mikél Williams plays the younger Anthony; Max Ivutin and Bryce Gheisar each play younger versions of Alek; and Cole Eichenberger and William Jennings take on the role of the younger Spencer‬.

Eastwood (“Sully,” “American Sniper”) directs from a screenplay by Dorothy Blyskal, based on the book The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train, and Three American Heroes by Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone and Jeffrey E. Stern. Eastwood also produces the film, along with Tim Moore, Kristina Rivera and Jessica Meier. The film’s executive producer is Bruce Berman.

Behind the scenes, the creative team includes frequent collaborators Tom Stern, who served as cinematographer on 13 of Eastwood’s previous films; Deborah Hopper, who has served as Eastwood’s costume designer on 17 prior films; and Blu Murray, who most recently cut “Sully.” Veteran art director Kevin Ishioka, whose work can be seen in “Sully” and in this month’s “Dunkirk,” serves as production designer.

The film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

By: JENG On 7/18/2017 05:57:00 PM

Viva Films Introduces the Newest Action Star AJ Muhlach in the Movie "Double Barrel"

AJ Muhlach sheds his boy-next-door persona as VIVA Films launches him as the newest action star in the very timely film "Double Barrel", by master director Toto Natividad. He is paired with Phoebe Walker who won Best Supporting Actress at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival for her performance in the horror film "Seklusyon".

Muhlach plays the role of Jeff, a drug pusher who gets caught during an extensive police operation at a slum area. After begging for his life, Jeff is spared from being killed on the condition that he will become an asset to the police. He must divulge all the names of the drug lords he knows and join the authorities in extrajudicial killings (EJK).

Walker plays Martha, Jeff's wife whose love for him leaves her with no choice but to take part in the never-ending violence. Armed with a gun and shooting down drug personalities, she and her husband are tagged as "mag-asawang birador".

High-speed vehicular chases, hand-to-hand combat, not to mention gun fights and explosions, are employed in this engrossing action movie that is based on a true story.

(Swipe) From Master Director Toto Natividad featuring Jeric Raval, MMFF Best Supporting Actress Phoebe Walker, Ali Khatibi, and the newest action star AJ Muhlach comes the biggest Pinoy action movie this year entitled DOUBLE BARREL in theaters nationwide on AUGUST 2. Visit www.showbiznest.com for more details.

A post shared by Jeng Bauto (@showbiznest) on Jul 11, 2017 at 4:52pm PDT

Muhlach underwent rigorous fitness training as proven by his Instagram post last March. This former member of the boy group XLR8 showed off his well-toned body that is perfect for his role. Before this big break, he was seen in "Diary ng Panget", "Talk Back and You're Dead", "Para sa Hopeless Romantic", "Chain Mall", and "Felix Manalo". Muhlach also starred in the TV series "P.S I Love You", "Bagets Just Got Lucky".

Aside from the Erik Matti Film "Seklusyon", Walker's other movies are "Unconventional" and "Gayuma". This half-Filipino, half-British talented VIVA artist was part pf the girl group Eurasia.

Jeric Raval, one of the biggest action stars in the 90s, joins cast. He plays Inspector Bagani, a headstrong police officer who insists on eradicating drug users and pushers despite orders from his superiors to stop EJK. He is assisted by his loyal subordinate, SPO4 Lagman, played by mixed martial arts expert and model Ali Khatibi.

"Double Barrel" is showing in cinemas nationwide starting August 2, 2017.

By: JENG On 7/18/2017 05:33:00 PM

Celebrity Couple Richard Poon and Maricar Reyes Reveal Common Couple Woes in New Book 10 THINGS WE FIGHT ABOUT

Four years into their marriage, celebrity couple Richard and Maricar Reyes-Poon have discovered noteworthy ways to deal with common relationship battles and have decided to share these in their first book, “10 Things We Fight About” by ABS-CBN Publishing.

“The book started as an idea from our blogs. To write about something real, something close to our hearts. And one of those things are those conflicts we go through,” shared Maricar.

Readers will delight in learning more about the experiences the actress and the crooner have gone through as they continuously strive to maintain a happy married life despite the usual scuffles. In the book, the couple cited lending money to others, false accusations and insecurities, criticism and fake apologies as among those causing squabble.

”What makes this book interesting is that they’ll get a glimpse of the Poon and Reyes home, how we were raised and how different we are from each other,” disclosed Richard.

“It basically answers the question, what happens after saying, “I do,” said Maricar.

The couple’s book also comes with reflections and lessons that can help those young, married couples in understanding their partner better and settling a lover’s quarrel.

“10 Things We Fight About” is the latest addition in ABS-CBN Publishing’s line of bestselling consumer books. Richard and Maricar join an elite roster of celebrity authors that includes Alex Gonzaga, Georgina Wilson, Solenn Heussaff and Ramon Bautista.

The couple formally introduced their latest project in a book launch held in National Book Store, Glorietta in Makati City last July 16.

The Poons’ “10 Things We Fight About” is available in leading newsstands and bookstores nationwide for P225.

By: JENG On 7/18/2017 05:26:00 PM

July 14, 2017

ABS-CBN Store Launches "Ravelo Komiks Superheroes" Collectible Brands

As Darna fever starts to roll in, ABS-CBN brings well-loved Pinoy superhero characters back to life with the rollout of its latest and biggest offering to date, the “Ravelo Komiks Superheroes” brand inspired by the creations of the famed komiks writer, the late Mars Ravelo.

This exciting development marks the Kapamilya network’s release of licensed merchandise including shirts, tumblers, and other novelty items, bearing illustrations of favorite “Ravelo Komiks Superheroes” Darna, Lastikman and Captain Barbell. Also among the new products is “Darna at Ang Nawawalang Bato”, a much-awaited card game which will be officially out in stores next month.

The brand launch is also celebrated with the creation of collectible character statues of Captain Barbell, Lastikman, Darna and her supervillain counterpart, Valentina, designed and produced by Halimaw Sculptures.

Aside from said famous characters, succeeding product rollouts will be inspired by other Ravelo Komiks heroes such as Varga, Tiny Tony, Kapitan Boom, and many more.

ABS-CBN held the launch of its latest offering at the recently held Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention (ToyCon) 2017 in SMX. The Kapamilya booth gave visitors a chance to try out the Darna card game, shop for “Ravelo Komiks Superheroes” merchandise, see some Mars Ravelo memorabilia and get a preview of the collectible Pinoy superhero statues.

This generation’s Darna, Liza Soberano, joined the launch and encouraged the attendees to support the legacy of the homegrown comics.

The “Ravelo Komiks Superheroes” statues are now available for pre-order via the Facebook Page of Halimaw Sculptures, while shirts and novelties are now available at The ABS-CBN Store.

For more information on ABS-CBN merchandise, visit www.abs-cbnstore.com.

By: JENG On 7/14/2017 05:33:00 PM

SM and Disney Launch "Cars 3" Mall Event at SM North EDSA on July 19 feat. Life-Sized Lightning McQueen and Matteo Guidicelli

Racers, start your engines and rev up for a rare treat as The Walt Disney Company (Philippines) and SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. (SM-LEI) launch the “Cars 3” Mall Event at The Block Atrium on Wednesday, July 19.

In celebration of the theatrical release of “Cars 3” on July 26, Disney and SM will provide mall-goers a taste of life in the fast lane, as they unveil a life-sized Lightning McQueen model, to be the centerpiece of the mall event.

Former professional car racing champion and now popular actor Matteo Guidicelli will lead the ceremonial unveiling of everyone’s favorite Piston Cup champ on July 19 at 4PM at The Block Atrium.

Fans and the public are invited to witness the momentous event and share the experience through social media by using the hashtags #Cars3 and #JoinTheRacePH.

The mall event will also feature fun activity areas where families and kids can play with and purchase the latest “Cars 3” toys from Mattel.

Shoppers can also browse around the cool retail booths that carry the best of “Cars 3” merchandise.

The mall event will be open to the public.

By: JENG On 7/14/2017 05:27:00 PM

July 13, 2017

Free Meals and Drinks Await Dine-In Customers at GRINGO Ayala Mall The 30th Opening on July 14

Hola, Amigos and Amigas. GRINGO opens its 8th branch today, July 14, at Ayala Mall The 30th.

And to show his love and appreciation to his beloved Amigos and Amigas, during the opening day, Gringo is giving away some FREE delicious treats:

Bring your Amigo along with you when you dine in and get your 2nd quarter chicken for free**
Buy 8 local beers and get Nachos for free.*
Buy 3 local beers, get 1 local beer for free.*

You can also visit other GRINGO stores at SM North Edsa The Block, BGC Burgos Circle, C. Palanca Makati, SM Megamall Atrium, SM MOA Arena Annex, UP Town Center, and SM City Sucat.

*** No sides. Valid for dine-in orders at Gringo the 30th only.
*** Not valid in conjunction with other promos or discounts.
*** Terms and conditions apply.

* Ongoing promos on all 8 branches

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 08:33:00 PM

Kisses Delavin and Marco Gallo Face MYX’s Fun Hosting Challenge

The number one music channel in the country brings in one of today’s rising loveteams, the KissMarc tandem composed of PBB Lucky Season 7 2nd Big Placer Kisses Delavin and fellow housemate Marco Gallo, as MYX Celebrity VJs for July.

According to Kisses, she has always wanted to become a VJ as she regularly watches MYX on TV, admiring the VJs for being so cool and fun. “When Marco and I found out that we’ll be MYX VJs, we’re super excited.”

Their stint began last July 1 and since then, both Kisses and Marco have readily faced the hosting challenges in various music programs on MYX.

The KissMarc fans are extra thrilled for the tandem’s latest television project.

Shared Monette (@Monettezkie31) on Twitter, “how adorable of KissMarc on screen. Thank you MYX.”

“Waiting for my daily dose of happiness on MYX Philippines. I will never get tired of watching them,” tweeted Kissable IQ (@Kisses_IQ).

“Now watching Kisses introducing Callalily's Miles Away on MYX. Áng galing mo mag-VJ @delavinkisses. So proud of you,” tweeted CJ (@caedeminthecity).

Catch the KissMarc tandem on Pinoy MYX until July 15 (9AM, 1:30PM and 11PM); Mellow MYX from July 16-22 (1PM and 11:30PM); and My MYX from July 23-29 (8AM, 2PM and 10PM). Watch MYX on Skycable channel 23.

For more information on MYX programming, log on to www.myxph.com, follow MYX on Instagram (@myxph) and Twitter (@MYXPhilippines).

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 04:58:00 PM

Ka-Donut Alert: It's a Buy 1, Take 1 Weekend at DUNKIN DONUTS Stores Nationwide #UnboxTheFun

Who's excited for Fri-Yay (Friday Payday)? I sure see some hands in the air. And in case you thought weekend is merely about spending quality time with the family, staycation, binge-watching, or malling, think again.

Mister Donut is making your next 3 weekends extra fun-filling with its Buy 1, Take 1 offer.

Get 15 pieces assorted Bavarian and Choco Butternut Smidgets for free when you buy 1 dozen box of donuts of your favorite variants like Bavarian, Filled Donuts, Choco Cake, or Cake Collection.

This promo happens on the weekends of July 14 to 16, July 21 to 23 and July 28 to 30 on all Mister Donuts stores nationwide

Get updated with the latest Mister Donut treats and surprises by liking it Facebook page www.facebook.com/MrDonutPH.

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 04:54:00 PM

Look: "Dunkirk" Officila IMAX Poster, Harry Styles Marks Acting Debut

Warner Bros. Pictures has just revealed the IMAX one-sheet art for Christopher Nolan's new epic action thriller Dunkirk, which was shot with IMAX film cameras.

Check out the IMAX exclusive poster below and watch Dunkirk in Philippne cinemas on Juy 20, 2017 with special engagements in IMAX 70mm film.

Nolan (Interstellar, Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy) directs Dunkirk from his own original screenplay, utilizing a mixture of IMAX® and 65mm film to bring the story to the screen.

Harry Styles Marks Acting Debut

As one of the members of the global phenomenon One Direction, Harry Styles became one of the best-known musicians in the world. Now, he makes his feature film acting debut in Christopher Nolan's new epic action thriller Dunkirk (in Philippine cinemas July 20).

Dunkirk opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea, they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in.

The story unfolds on land, sea and air. RAF Spitfires engage the enemy in the skies above the Channel, trying to protect the defenseless men below. Meanwhile, hundreds of small boats manned by both military and civilians are mounting a desperate rescue effort, risking their lives in a race against time to save even a fraction of their army.

In the film, Styles plays Alex, a young soldier whom the actor describes as “seems nice, but there’s also this edge to him. He comes off a little more hardened than the other guys. Alex likes the idea of being the tough guy, but he’s also really scared.”

Styles talks more about Dunkirk and his experience filming it in the following interview:

Question: What can you tell us about your character and where he fits into the story of Dunkirk?
Harry Styles: I play a soldier called Alex, and he and Fionn Whitehead’s character, Tom Glynn-Carney's, pretty much stick together through most of the film. These guys are really just given a gun and some boots and thrown into this dangerous situation, and they have no idea what they’re doing or how they’re going to get out of it alive. So, it’s just: ‘All right, we’re on the same side, so we’re going to help each other out of this.’

Our part of the film is just a straight survival story, and what really sticks with me is the idea that when you’re a soldier – especially in a situation as intense and chaotic as this – it doesn’t matter what the guy next to you does or if you even know his name, if he’s wearing the same uniform as you, you’re a team. It’s you and him, and you’re going to get through this together – and that says a lot, actually. It might be flowery BS, but it’s just pure camaraderie.

Q: What was it like meeting writer/director Christopher Nolan for the first time, and what impressed you the most about working with him?
HS: When you meet him and spend a little time with him, especially on set, you understand why he takes so much time between films: he invests so much in every project he does. He doesn’t just churn them out; I think he would rather wait and know everything there is to know about what he’s going to do, and if he’s going to do it justice in a film. He has researched everything about Dunkirk to the nth degree – from the costumes, to hair and make-up, to lighting. Everyone, even people who have done their jobs for 20 years, all said that they learn something from him on every film.

Q: How did it feel when you first arrived on the set and saw the scope of the production?
HS: It was definitely bigger than you expect, but the best part about it was that even when all of this was going on around you, as soon as you started filming, it always felt like it was just you and Chris and the camera. I think he’s amazing at making you feel comfortable on set in a way that doesn’t stress you out.

Q: What was the toughest aspect of the shoot?
HS: It felt like someone pulled you out of the bed, dumped you in the water, and then put you back in bed. But those were good days. Those were the ones that you’d get back from afterwards and everyone feels like [whistles], ‘That was a big day’.

Q: How much did you know about the events at Dunkirk prior to becoming involved in this project?
HS: When you’re at school, learning about history and World War II, Dunkirk is not as emphasized as some of the big battles, but it’s actually an incredibly important moment in the war. The world might be very different if things hadn’t gone the way they did.

Dunkirk opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in.

The film features a prestigious cast, including Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and Cillian Murphy as well as newcomer Fionn Whitehead. The ensemble cast also includes Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles, James D’Arcy, Jack Lowden, Barry Keoghan and Tom Glynn-Carney.

Dunkirk is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 04:41:00 PM

TV Ratings: "Weightlifting Fairy" Flexes Ratings Muscle, Beats Competition and Dominates Twitter Trending Topics

ABS-CBN's new show, the Tagalog-dubbed version of the Korean drama "Weightlifting Fairy," had a successful premiere.

It dominated Twitter conversations and finished just a tad lower than its predecessor, the hit "Goblin," in the ratings, based on data from Kantar Media.

"Weightlifting Fairy" had an audience share of 8.5% on Monday versus the 5% produced by "Innocent Defendant" from GMA-7.

Check out the ratings result for Monday below:

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 04:23:00 PM

Knowledge Channel Airs Student-Made Documentaries Entitled “Class Project”

Viewers can take inspiration from real-life stories that tackle social issues while sharing hope found in different settings on Knowledge Channel’s “Class Project.”

“Class Project” features documentaries produced and created by college students, starting with projects by the students at Colegio de San Juan de Letran.

Among the documentaries to be aired are “Tahan Na,” about the orphans of SOS Children’s Village. The SOS Children’s Villages is a private, non-political, non-denominational organization that provides long-term family-based care to children in need, and “Tahan Na” tells the story of some of its residents. The documentary depicts how the orphaned children have found their permanent home in the village, with their fellow orphans becoming family and the house mothers becoming their own surrogate mothers.

Other documentaries include “Triple Kayod,” which follows a father juggling three different jobs to support his family, and “Haligi,” which features a father and son as they ride through the streets of Manila in their pedicab.

According to Danie Sedilla-Cruz, channel head of Knowledge Channel, the project aims to give the spotlight to relevant social issues while giving a platform to student producers and content creators who come up with high-quality content for broadcast. The partnership with Colegio de San Juan de Letran will be the first in a series of tie-ups with different schools.

“As the title already implies, there are so many class projects like documentaries, especially by communication students, that are well-produced and should be shared,” says Sedilla-Cruz.

The project aims to give students at the collegiate level opportunities to showcase their work while making use of Knowledge Channel’s platform of educational television. The series will be airing student-made documentaries throughout the coming school year.

Watch the “Class Project” documentaries every Friday at 7:30 pm on Knowledge Channel.

Founded in 1999, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. is the only non-profit organization in the Philippines that offers curriculum-based, multimedia educational resources, and professional teacher trainings to improve teaching skills, thereby helping audiences learn better through technology.

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 04:01:00 PM

Watch New "Baby Driver" Featurette on Ansel Elgort's Life, Love....and Emoji

He is everybody's Baby! Watch the newly released featurette from Columbia Pictures' Baby Driver at and be captivated by lead star Ansel Elgort's charm. Click https://youtu.be/3BqE1LU1h7I

Baby Driver is the critically acclaimed action comedy from director Edgar Wright (The World's End). The film stars Ansel Elgort as Baby, a getaway driver who suffers from a hearing impairment that requires him to listen to music in order to drown out the humming noise.

In the film, Baby relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. When he meets the girl of his dreams (Lily James), 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.

Written and directed by Edgar Wright, Baby Driver stars Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Bernthal, Eiza González with Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx.

Opening in Philippine cinemas in August 2, 2017, Baby Driver is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 03:07:00 PM

Kuya Kim Atienza Challenges "Bloody Crayons" Stars with Trivia Game

Kim Atienza challenges today’s hottest young stars to an exciting trivia game in another fun and educational episode of “Matanglawin” this Sunday (July 16), 9:45am on ABS-CBN.

Elmo Magalona, Janella Salvador, Jane Oineza, Diego Loyzaga, Ronnie Alonte, and Yves Flores of the movie “Bloody Crayons” will get a different kind of thrill as they race to answer Kuya Kim’s questions while a mystery guest awaits to surprise the losing team.

Meanwhile, the Gimme 5 boys will relive the era of knights and kings as they attempt to help “Haring Kim” in finding the cure to his “ailment.” Join Nash Aguas, Grae Fernandez, Brace Arquiza, Joaquin Reyes, and John Bermundo in this epic journey this Sunday (July 16) on “Matanglawin,” 10am on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD.

You can also watch online via iwantv.com.ph and skyondemand.com.ph. For updates on the program, follow @MatanglawinTV on Facebook and Twitter.

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 02:55:00 PM

Look: Dashing Debonaire Daniel Padilla and Gorgeous Kathryn Bernardo Photoshoot for Yes! Most Beautiful Faces 2017

Photographed by ace lensman Mark Nicdao, here are the photos of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo goofing around each other, sharing a fun dance together for Yes! Most Beautiful Faces 2017 where the country's most famous loveteam hailed as the "most beautiful" celebrities of this year by the magazine.

By: JENG On 7/13/2017 02:48:00 PM

July 12, 2017

TRUEMONEY Breaks The Norms, Offer Low-Cost Remittance, Load, and Bills Payment Charges

“FinTech” (short for Financial Technology) is an extremely hot industry sector in business today. Talk to any tech investor or Venture Capitalist out there and they will tell you how investment into Fintech companies and start-ups has soared in the past 2 years. In 2016 alone, according to data accumulated by investment bank Financial Technology Partners, FinTech companies globally raised a total of US$36 billion in funding.

FinTech is especially attractive in emerging markets like the Philippines because of the massive opportunity to serve those without access to efficient payments and banking services today.

And according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), this number of “underbanked” or “unbanked” Filipinos is still around 70% of working adults today.

However, skim through these FinTech companies and you’ll find that most, if not all, existing FinTech players have a skew towards an app-based service or digital-first business model.

Enter TrueMoney, the latest mobile financial services provider in the market. The company

started out with a totally different view of how to provide FinTech services - its focus on face-to-face transactions.

TRUE ACCESSIBILITY

“Our mission is to provide affordable and innovative financial services to those who are underbanked and underserved today,” says TrueMoney Philippines CEO Xavier Marzan. “That means going beyond a purely digital UI (user interface) and being present in the physical world where these segments are transacting today.”

The strategy seems to be working. The company has only been in operations in the Philippines for less than a year and yet has achieved a level of size and scale that some of these FinTech start-ups are still aspiring for. In a matter of months, the company has grown from nothing into an organization with hundreds of employees across the country and with a distribution network comprised of 5,000 TrueMoney Centers which they manage with a high standard. These Centers are currently capable of performing remittance transactions, bills payment, gaming credits, and even payments for e-commerce purchases.

“We need to bring underserved customers who don’t even use banking services today along a customer journey. This requires us to be pervasive across the country and be able to serve customers even in farther-flung areas,” Marzan adds.

“Getting to this point, however, has not been easy,” says Mr. Marzan. “We had to contend with all kinds of challenges that are inherent in a ‘last mile’ business.”

True enough, access to financial services has been hard to come by in majority of places in the Philippines, with nearly 40% of municipalities in the country not having any banking presence, according to a study by the BSP.

Currently, TrueMoney Centers in the Philippines already provide convenient payments and financial services to provinces and far flung areas including Albay, Bataan, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Ilocos, Isabela, Laguna, La Union, Metro Manila, Misamis Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Tarlac, and Zambales and more!

“Where we are today is just the starting point,” Marzan says. “We are constantly growing our network of partner centers to cover more greenfield areas.”

TRUE AFFORDABILITY

Given its large network today, TrueMoney has also started to offer domestic money remittance services. And true to its mission of providing affordable services, it has come out with one of the lowest sending rates in the country for cash-to- cash remittance services.

While the average rates for domestic remittances today range from 3 percent to more than 10 percent for some providers, TrueMoney rates go as low as only 2 percent of the transaction amount - without any additional charges to the recipient. So say for remittances of P1,000, the total cost of sending is only P20. The recipient also gets the entire amount without any additional charges.

“We are also constantly innovating our services and plan to offer more services in the future,”, says Marzan.

To know more about TrueMoney and how to become a TrueMoney partner agent, visit www.truemoney.com.ph or call (02) 7189999.

You may even text them at 09778063775 (Globe) or 0998565999 (Smart).

By: JENG On 7/12/2017 03:05:00 PM

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla Lead Yes! 100 Most Beautiful Stars 2017

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo made it to the cover of the highly-anticipated annual YES! Magazine 100 Most Beautiful Stars issue.

The "La Luna Sangre" stars were hailed by the magazine as the "most beautiful stars" of 2017.

Check out the cover photo arranged by lensman Mark Nicdao below:

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla are 2017 Yes! 100 Most Beautiful cover stars. #Yes100MostBeautiful #danielPadilla #kathrynbernardo #kathniel @yes_magazine @bernardokath @supremo_dp

A post shared by Jeng Bauto (@showbiznest) on Jul 11, 2017 at 6:50pm PDT

By: JENG On 7/12/2017 11:17:00 AM

10,000 Smart Subscribers Get First Dib of Justin Bieber "Purpose Tour" Manila Concert #SmartJustinBieber

Smart subscribers had first dibs to a presale of tickets of Justin Bieber "Purpose Tour" happening on September 30 at the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena.

More than 4,800 Smart subscribers were able to get ahead of others their 2 tickets each for the concert last July 7 at SM Outlets nationwide.

MORE THAN THE CONCERT, ITS A FAMILY EVENT

The management of Philippine Arena has announced that preparations are underway, especially ample parking at the 80-hectare compound.

It also promises to have an improved traffic system via three entrance and exit points: NLEX, Duhat and Sta. Maria.

There will be 1,000 traffic enforcers patrolling the grounds and PNP/LGU officers present inside and outside the venue.

Before showtime, Bieber fans are encouraged to enjoy biking, Zumba classes, inflatables, Kids Zone, and local live band performances, as well as food stalls and a bazaar within the premises.

The Philippine Arena has also contracted the services of 50 Point-to-Point (P2P) shuttle buses for concert-goers coming from different locations. Bus schedule and pickup points will follow.

And since the Philippine Arena is quite a distance for Metro Manila residents, there are more than 400 housing units within the property available for a Bieber staycation. For reservations, visit philippinearena.net, or Official Philippine Arena on Facebook, or contact 09179372870.

Tickets available at all SM Tickets outlets. Visit www.smtickets.com or call 4702222.

For more ticket information, follow MMI Live on Facebook, and @mmilive on Instagram and Twitter, or visit mmilive.com.

By: JENG On 7/12/2017 08:36:00 AM