SBNLifestyle

July 29, 2018

The Search for the Next ABS-CBN MOR Global Pop Icon Flies to South Korea

It's now global Filipinos in South Korea's time to shine!

After being floored with the amazing talents from Taiwan this summer, the search for the talented overseas Filipinos moves forward with "MOR Global Pop Icon in Korea", with the auditions kicking off on July 29 at the Hyehwadong Church in Seoul, South Korea.

"MOR Global Pop Icon" is a singing competition organized by ABS-CBN, the largest and leading Filipino-owned media and entertainment company, MOR 101.9 For Life!, the corporation's official FM radio arm in Mega Manila and delivered overseas by The Filipino Channel, the flagship brand of the ABS-CBN subsidiary, ABS-CBN Global

Recognizing the need to provide a platform for the talented Filipino singers, the competition aims to discover amateur singing talents and empower the overseas Filipinos by letting their talents shine before the world.

Interested parties may choose to audition either by submitting an online audition or joining the on-ground auditions.

The on-ground auditions will happen on July 29, August 12, August 19, August 26, and September 2 at the Hyehwadong Church in Seoul, South Korea. For further details, please contact Roger Amboyat +821067201972.

Meantime, the online auditions will be from July 29 to September 2. For more details on how to submit your online audition entry, visit facebook.com/TFCKoreaOfficial.

Lucky auditionees will learn of their initial successful foray by an ABS-CBN representative. ABS-CBN MOR and TFC share a few more reminders for interested parties: aspiring contestants should be 18 years old and above; must have proof of Filipino origin; and are working overseas on date of entry to the competition. They should also choose their pangmalakasan (all-out) song piece with discernment.

After the audition period, the public will be given the power to choose who is the rightful finalist to be hailed as the "TFC People's Choice" awardee. The voting will start on September 9 and will last until September 23. For details on how to vote, visit facebook.com/TFCKoreaOfficial.

Filipinos based on South Korea can get those vocal chords conditioned and choose the perfect audition piece for a chance to be hailed as the "MOR Global Pop Icon in Korea", and fly to Manila, Philippines for the "MOR Global Pop Icon" grand finals.

For more details about the competition, visit facebook.com/TFCKoreaOfficial. Connect with fellow global Kapamilyas and follow@KapamilyaTFC and KapamilyaGlobalPR on Twitter and Instagram.

By: JENG On 7/29/2018 02:25:00 PM

Maymay Entrata Learns Value of Forgiveness in “Wansapanataym Presents: Ikaw ang GHOSTo Ko”

With an open third eye, Espie (Maymay Entrata) will finally put her ability of talking to dead people to good use as she helps give justice to the death of her old love Vincent (Edward Barber) in "Wansapanataym Presents: Ikaw ang GHOSTo Ko" this Sunday (July 29).

Aside from hiding away from a syndicate, Espie will continue to face more challenges as she crosses paths with Vincent, the man who broke her heart in the past. Now roaming the earth as a ghost, Vincent will ask for Espie's help to be able to reconnect with his mom.

Though frightened and confused at first, Espie will let go of her grudges, eventually grant the ghost's request, and take it as an opportunity to make up for all times she had tricked other people.

Will Espie succeed in her mission?

Meanwhile, the series' first episode enjoyed high viewership as it rated a national TV rating of 26%, while rival program "Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko" only got 17.4%, according to data from Kantar Media.

Having aired for almost two decades, "Wansapanataym" is the sole Filipino program to be nominated in the prestigious International Emmy Kids Awards held recently under the best TV movie/mini-series. It battled against shows from Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Don't miss the values shared in "Wansapanataym Presents: Ikaw ang GHOSTo Ko" on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.

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By: JENG On 7/29/2018 02:23:00 PM

Legendary Animator Mark Henn Headlines Disney’s “Hall D” at APCC, Touts Latest Film “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2”

Legendary Disney animator Mark Henn flew-in to town to spearhead and serve as the main attraction in Disney's first-ever `Hall D' in Asia through AsiaPOP Comicon scheduled at SMX Mall of Asia on Sunday, July 29.

"It's an incredible honor to be part of Disney's first-ever `Hall D' in Asia, and I'm as excited as ever to meet and engage with Disney fans in the Philippines," said Henn who's a first-time visitor to the country.

A veteran animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios for 38 years, Henn is currently serving as the 2D animation supervisor for the studios' upcoming feature film, "Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2" (in Philippine cinemas November 21).

Henn will hold an exclusive presentation inside `Hall D,' tracing his beginnings at Disney, up to the illustrious present. Henn is the artist behind the classic Disney characters Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," Jasmine in "Aladdin," Young Simba in "The Lion King," title characters "Mulan" and "Pochahontas," and Princess Tiana in "The Princess and the Frog."

In 2000, Henn traded his pencil for a director's chair on the award-winning short "John Henry," based on the popular American legend.

Previously, Henn served as lead 2D animator on the Academy Award®-winning "Big Hero 6" and "Frozen."

By: JENG On 7/29/2018 02:21:00 PM

(Movie Poster) The Hows of Us - Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

Here it is!

Star Cinema has revealed the poster of muc-anticipated romantic-drama movie of the year entitled "The Hows of Us".

Featuring the blockbuster tandem of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla and director Cathy Garcia-Molina.

The movie is set to be shown on August 29 in theaters worldwide.

By: JENG On 7/29/2018 02:13:00 PM

July 17, 2018

Dwayne Johnson Makes a Spectacular Leap of Faith in “Skyscraper”

Action superstar Dwayne Johnson headlines Universal Pictures and Legendary's epic action thriller Skyscraper. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber describes it as Die Hard meets Towering Inferno set in Hong Kong—a love letter to the action movies the director grew up watching. "I wanted to make a big movie that demands a big-screen experience, with the biggest movie star in the world driving every bit of it," he says.

To that end, Thurber is proudest of the fact that his film isn't based on a comic book; it's not a reboot, remake, prequel or sequel. "Skyscraper is an original idea, one that guarantees the audience won't know what's going to happen next. I wanted to make something with Dwayne that audiences have to experience firsthand in the theater, and I'm so proud of what we've accomplished together."

Johnson explains why he was drawn to the project, one he calls "easily, the most physically demanding role I've ever played." He notes: "The number-one anchor with audiences all around the world is the bond of family. Regardless of race or culture or class or religion, the ideology of family is one everyone relates to. There's something very visceral about a family being torn apart, and the parents doing everything they can to protect their young. That's always been a special anchor for us in Skyscraper, and for us to explore this on the canvas of film makes it so relevant to people."

It wasn't just the premise, but the chance to work once again with collaborator Thurber that drew in the performer/producer. "Rawson is one of the very unique talents in Hollywood in that he is the sole writer and director of projects on a massive scale. All this all this comes out of his head and out of his brain. When he pitched me Skyscraper, I was in 100 percent. I felt like it was an amalgamation of Die Hard, The Towering Inferno and The Fugitive—Harrison Ford was already the inspiration for Will Sawyer."

Of utmost importance to the filmmaker was for audiences finally to see Dwayne Johnson as a vulnerable hero. "We all know him as The Rock; we all know he can pick up a truck and throw it through a building," laughs Thurber. "But that's not what is most interesting about him as an actor and a person. I also don't think that's what audiences always relate to. People love Indiana Jones because he takes a punch, not because he can give a punch. He's just a normal guy who is trying to survive the adventure. Dwayne and I wanted Will to be someone who barely survives the trials and tribulations he will be put through."

As the director fleshed out the story, the stakes became even greater for Will. "The building is on fire, Sawyer's family is trapped above the fire line, and he's outside the building," explains Thurber. "What's more, he's being framed for the fire. So he's got to figure out how to get into the building to rescue his family, figure out who the bad guys are, stop them and clear his name and get out. All in one day." As he wrote this film for Johnson, the filmmaker reflects: "I wanted to challenge Dwayne. I wanted to see him be vulnerable. I wanted him to see him think his way out of a problem instead of punch his way out…and I wanted to see him barely survive."

"In today's world, there are big superhero movies, big movies that are franchises and big commercial popcorn movies," ends Johnson. "I know, because I make them. But what I also like about Skyscraper is we are a big summer movie; we're fun, and we're supposed to be. But there's also something really gritty and down-and-dirty about it that sets it apart from everything else out there. I'm very proud of it."

In cinemas July 11, Skyscraper is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uipmoviesph/

By: JENG On 7/17/2018 12:21:00 AM

True-to-Life Gripping Crime Drama “Jacqueline Comes Home (The Chiong Story)” Opens in Cinemas Nationwide on July 18

VIVA Films presents "Jacqueline Comes Home (The Chiong Story)," a gripping crime drama based on the controversial real-life rape and murder case of the Chiong sisters which happened 21 years ago in Cebu.

Showing in cinemas on July 18, the movie stars Donnalyn Bartolome as Marijoy and Meg Imperial as Jacqueline. It marks the directorial debut of Ysabelle Peach Caparas (Direk Peach), with story and screenplay by her father, Carlo J. Caparas, who is also themovie's assistant director.

Jacqueline and Marijoy are typical young women fortunate to belong to a loving family. They enjoy the freedom to go out unchaperoned, and in the case of Marijoy, to be in a relationship. Jacqueline, though she is older, does not mind being single, and actually prefers being in the company of their beloved parents, Dionisio and Thelma.

But the ordinariness of their situation ends on July 16, 1997. On that rainy evening, the sisters are snatched from a waiting shed, dragged into a vehicle, and transported to a godforsaken place where they eventually suffer inhumane acts in the hands of six evil men.

The next day, their parents are the ones to experience indescribable agony at the sight of Marijoy's lifeless body while Jacqueline is nowhere to be found.

When such tragedy strikes a family, what happens to those left behind?

The ordeal that the Chiong family had to go through in search for justice is captured in the performances of Joel Torre and Alma Moreno.

Ryan Eigenmann takes the role of one of the perpetrators. Before doing the rape scene, the actor showed his respect to the two lead stars by asking what actions would be unacceptable for them. Meg and Donnalyn, on the other hand, showed professionalism by not putting any limitations and giving Direk Peach and Ryan their full trust that everything will be done according to what the scene requires.

Direk Peach has shared in an interview that she created this film in a way that it is open for interpretation. She also said that her mother, the late Donna Villa, had always wanted to produce this film.

"Jacqueline Comes Home (The Chiong Story)," a movie that comes from the heart of all involved will pierce the hearts of many.

Catch it on July 18 in cinemas nationwide.

By: JENG On 7/17/2018 12:12:00 AM

ABS-CBN Named One of The “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” by HR ASIA

ABS-CBN was recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia in 2018 by HR Asia, the premiere Asian publication for senior human resources professionals that handpicks world class corporations with high levels of employee engagement and excellent workplace cultures.

"This award validates our strong belief that people are key to our success, and our success reflects on our people," said Archie Sabado, ABS-CBN head of human resources and organization development during the awards ceremony on June 29 at the Marriott Hotel in Manila. "It is important because while this affirms that our organizational practices are in the right direction, it also humbles us to continue learning from the bestpractices of other companies so we continue improving for the benefit of our Kapamilyas."

The HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia list covers 12 markets across Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and China. ABS-CBN is the only Philippine TV network included in the list.

The "Best Companies to Work for in Asia" are selected from various companies in different industries based on a proprietary survey that assesses the company's working environment, HR practices, employee engagement and the resulting job satisfaction. The results were then judged by an independent panel of industry experts, academics, journalists and government representatives based on the HR Asia Employee Input Survey™ (EIS) Report and the HR Asia Workplace and Employee Engagement Survey™ (WEES).

By: JENG On 7/17/2018 12:00:00 AM

July 16, 2018

New Live-Action Reimagining of Classic Tale “The Little Mermaid” Opens in PH Cinemas on August 8

The latest thrilling fantasy-adventure live-action independent remake of "The Little Mermaid" is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's novel that stars British actress Poppy Drayton (Downton Abbey), William Moseley (Chronicles of Narnia, The Royals), Loreto Peralta, Armando Gutierrez and Shirley MacLaine. First published in 1837 about a mermaid's sacrifice for love, the latest adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" is a brand new take on Anderson's timeless tale, written and directed by Blake Harris.

Produced by independent studios Kingsway Productions and Conglomerate Media, "The Little Mermaid" unfolds with an old grandmother telling her two granddaughters the story of a fascinating beautiful mermaid. William Moseley stars as a reporter who started following a story about a mermaid and a magical healing water. Together with his sick niece, they travel to a small town in Mississippi to uncover a legend. There, they go to a circus and encounter a beautiful mermaid trapped in a glass tank. They are further amazed when the mermaid appears before them as a young woman with legs.

Drayton, who stars in the titular role said in previous interviews that she's hugely fascinated with mermaids. Moseley who has visited the Philippines previously said in local interviews that the movie didn't have the same budget as Disney's but that it's also a film with a lot of heart.

A very different "The Little Mermaid" splashes in Philippine cinemas nationwide on August 8 from Axinite Digicinema.

By: JENG On 7/16/2018 11:54:00 PM

Kristine Hermosa Takes on First Kontrabida Role in “Bagani”

Viewers of "Bagani" can look forward to more exciting scenes now that Malaya, a goddess played by Kristine Hermosa, has shown her true colors and is poised to become the Baganis' next foe.

Malaya's true colors finally showed when she swore to avenge the defeat of her son, Sarimaw (Ryan Eigenmann), at the hands of the Baganis.

Kristine's first kontrabida character, Malaya first seemed like an ally to Lakas (Enrique Gil) and Ganda (Liza Soberano) when she helped them get out of Dako Pa Roon. However, Lakas was told that not all is what it seems when it comes to the goddess.

The people of Sansinukob are also discovering the trail of bodies that she and Gaki (Justin Cuyugan) laid to waste in their journey through the land.

Is Malaya the creature being talked about who will destroy Sansinukob? Are Lakas, Ganda, Lakam (Matteo Guidicelli), Dumakulem (Makisig Morales), and Liksi (Zaijian Jaranilla) strong enough to fight the most powerful goddess in Sansinukob?

Don't miss any of the action of "Bagani," every night after "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano."

For more updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit www.abscbnpr.com.

By: JENG On 7/16/2018 11:52:00 PM

July 8, 2018

M. Night Shyamalan’s “Glass” Reveals Teaser Poster

"You cannot contain what you are." Take your first-look at the teaser poster of director M. Night Shyamalan's upcoming suspense thriller "Glass" starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy.

Check out the poster below and watch "Glass" in Philippine cinemas January 2019.

About "Glass"

From "Unbreakable," Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn as does Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price, known also by his pseudonym Mr. Glass. Joining from "Split" are James McAvoy, reprising his role as Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities who reside within, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke, the only captive to survive an encounter with The Beast.

Following the conclusion of "Split," Glass finds Dunn pursuing Crumb's superhuman figure of The Beast in a series of escalating encounters, while the shadowy presence of Price emerges as an orchestrator who holds secrets critical to both men.

This riveting culmination of his worldwide blockbusters will be produced by Shyamalan and Jason Blum, who also produced the writer/director's previous last two films. They produce again with Ashwin Rajan and Marc Bienstock, and Steven Schneider, who will executive produce.

By: JENG On 7/08/2018 03:23:00 AM

July 7, 2018

2-in-1 Probiotic Kid Supplement ERCEFLORA PROBIBEARS Now Available in Mercury Drug and South Star Drug Stores Nationwide

There is nothing worse than having your child get sick with painful tummy problems. Kids tend to have a higher risk of getting digestive health-related diseases such as diarrhea and constipation from harmful bacteria. A stomachache isn't only uncomfortable; it alters the child's mood and his or her attitude for the day.

As a parent, this definitely causes emotional stress because we don't want to see our kid experiencing any kind of discomfort.

Experts say probiotics may help ease your child's digestive disorders and make potty training more manageable.

What are probiotics, which have been showing up in a lot of kids' products lately? As a mom, you want to know what probiotics are and which one to choose for your child.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that help maintain the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive tract. It works like this: A human digestive tract has about 100 trillion healthy bacteria. Bacteria aid in digestion and help the body defend itself against illness. Thus, probiotics can aid with immunity and help protect you from common colds and flu.

Every person, child or adult, needs a balance of good bacteria in the body. However, this balance is easily upset by a number of factors such as a poor diet, stress or by taking antibiotics and other medication.

Children can get probiotics from eating yogurt and beverages that contain probiotics. However, the amount and quality of probiotics in those food and beverages maynot be enough.

It's a good thing there is Erceflora ProbiBears, a yummy tummy supplement with the combined 2-in-1 PROBIO-BOOSTER of not just Lactobacillus acidophilus, but also Bifidobacterium lactis – good bacteria that help prevent gut problems such as diarrhea, upset stomach, and other digestive illnesses to help keep kids happy and healthy every day. It's the delicious and healthy way to strengthen your child's tummy in yummy chewable bears!

Lactobacillus is good bacteria that are present in a lot of food. A study has shown that Lactobacillus was an effective treatment against infant colic and even helped improve immunity. Bifidobacterium, on the other hand, helps ease digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence. It also has a longer shelf life.

From the makers of the World's #1 Probiotic, ProbiBears will reassure moms that their kids stay healthy in the tummy! Moreover, their kids will love it because it comes in fun and yummy chewable bears!

Erceflora ProbiBears is the 2-in-1 Probiotic Supplement(Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) that will help improve your child's digestion.

Erceflora ProbiBears is available at select Mercury Drug and South Star Drug branches for only Php540 SRP per Box of 20s.

By: JENG On 7/07/2018 02:12:00 PM

“Ant-Man and The Wasp” Connects Directly with “Avengers 4”

Don't look now, but it appears "Ant-Man and The Wasp," aka Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, will have a major influence in the resolution of the events after last April's "Avengers: Infinity War."

In a recent featurette released by Marvel Studios (https://youtu.be/tn9uHjqeqFQ), Feige declares, "Ant-Man and The Wasp also directly connects to `Avengers 4.' These characters are going to be very important going forward."

Meanwhile, director Peyton Reed also shared his thoughts on how the Marvel Cinematic Universe was incorporated into "Ant-Man and The Wasp."

"Of course, the one thing the audience knows is that Scott Lang is in a prison underwater somewhere, but there's the hint that Captain America busts them out," explains Reed. "And presumably he takes the Ant-Man/Giant-Man suit with him. But that's really all we know. So one of the big challenges was that for the little amount of time that Scott Lang is in `Captain America: Civil War,' we had to take in account what that meant for these characters going forward.

"We landed on a really fun way to find Scott and Hope at the beginning of the movie, and Hank Pym as well," continues Reed. "It takes into account the events of `Civil War.'"

Scott and Hank in the larger MCU

"One of the things to bear in mind about `Ant-Man and The Wasp' is that it is set post Sokovia Accords," adds Reed. "So just as Hope is about to come into her own as a hero, she's got to figure out what it means to be a hero in the world of the Sokovia Accords. With Hank, I think it's fair to say that at the beginning of the movie Hank is not very happy with Scott Lang for having taken the Ant-Man suit and exposed that technology to the Avengers.

"It's Hank's worst nightmare. He's looking for someone who's going to be a faithful steward of this technology whom he can trust and who understands how powerful this technology is. And then Scott gets roped into this Avengers in-fighting and winds up in prison, and the suit is confiscated. Hank may be having second thoughts about whether Scott is up to the challenge of being Ant-Man. Scott's actions in "Civil War" have real ramifications on the characters in this movie," says Reed.

Ant-Man during Infinity War

For his participation in epic airport brawl in "Captain America: Civil War," Scott was thrown in jail, but was later liberated by Captain America. "Avengers: Infinity War" elaborates about this when Captain America explains that Scott took a plea deal and is living under house arrest. Gallivanting around the world as a super-outlaw and spy would have taken too much of a toll on his family, so he elected to hang up his costume. But did he?

Fans will find out together when they watch the fun-filled "Ant-Man and The Wasp" now in Philippine cinemas nationwide.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtags #AntmanAndTheWasp and #MarvelPH.

By: JENG On 7/07/2018 01:59:00 PM

Scariest Film Award Winner “Still/Born” Hits Philippine Theaters on August 1

At The Overlook Film Festival that celebrates all things horror, thriller/horror film Still/Born won the "Scariest Film" upon its world premiere. Directed by Brandon Christensen, Still/Borntells the story of the perfectly happy life of newlyweds Mary (Christie Burke) and Jack (Jesse Moss) until they lose one of their twins at childbirth. The plot thickens when Mary develops psychosis after learning of a demon, "Lamashtu" who preys on newborns and their mothers.

"The amount of attachment that happens between a parent and child is beyond anything I've ever imagined, and the thought of losing one is incomprehensible."

Christensen shares his thoughts about the concept, "So how does it feel when you lose one twin that you never met, but at the same time, still have the other one perfectly healthy?"

After the nominations at the British Columbia award program Leo Awards for " Black Fly" (2014) and a role in "Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2" (2012), Christie Burke plays a phenomenal Mary as she depicts the depth of the mind of a mother stuck between two worlds. While four-time Leo-nominated and Best Male Lead in Canadian TV drama "Whistler," Jesse Moss captures the audience as he represents the perspective of a man who witnesses the love of his life become someone he can no longer trust.

Also among the cast are Michael Ironside, Rebecca Olson, Sean Rogerson, and Grace Christensen. Written by Colin Minihan of The Vicious Brothers (Grave Encounters) and Brandon Christensen, Still/Born is rapidly becoming one of this year's most compelling horror films. It debuted The Overlook Film Festival at horror's most iconic hotel The Timberline Lodge and won SCARIEST FILM of the festival in 2017.

According to SLASHFILM, Still/Born "Elicited a genuine shriek from an audience member, a terrified, genuine cry of terror, the like of which I've never heard before during a screening." while FRIGHTDAY reviews, "Hits terrifying notes, splitting its time between effective jump scares and chronic paranoia and dread."

Still/Born is coming out in Philippine theaters on August 1, 2018, distributed by Cinescreen.

By: JENG On 7/07/2018 01:55:00 PM