SBNLifestyle

September 18, 2018

Xian Lim Bares His Basketball Journey as "U-Town" Goes to UE

Actor Xian Lim is currently having the time of his life as he is able to live out his basketball dream as a player in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

This Saturday (September 23) on “University Town” (U-Town), Xian shares how his athletic career actually began more than a decade ago as a varsity player for the University of the East (UE).

In the newest episode of “U-Town,” hosted by Gretchen Ho, Robi Domingo, and Alyssa Valdez, Xian reveals how basketball was the reason he left America, and how he is overjoyed now to finally play the sport competitively.

Also featured in this jam-packed episode is another famous UE alumnus, Allan Caidic, who has won numerous championships in the pro league and played for flag as the country’s top-gunner, earning him the moniker “Triggerman.” Allan shares how it is like to play for the UE Red Warriors, which owns the record for most consecutive titles in UAAP Men’s basketball with seven straight championships.

Gretchen and Robi also visit the Bullyfree Life Advocates, an organization in UE that aims to promote peace and kindness to make UE a bully-free campus. The two also take the viewers throughout the campus, revealing the perfect spots to hang-out and where there is a strongest wi-fi.

Volleyball star Alyssa then picks up a tennis racket to learn to hit and volley from members of the back-to-back champion in UAAP Men’s Tennis.

Take a trip inside the UE campus and meet its famous students and alumni with Gretchen Ho, Robi Domingo, and Alyssa Valdez in “U-Town” this Saturday (September 23) at 1 pm and catch it online on iWant after its airing.

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

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

By: JENG On 9/18/2018 06:34:00 PM

September 16, 2018

Gerald Anderson and Pia Wurtzabch Blockbuster Movie “My Perfect You” Enchants CinemaOne this Sunday

Expect an unconventional romantic-comedy in the first team up of Gerald Anderson and Pia Wurtzbach in the enthralling film "My Perfect You," airing on Cinema One's Blockbuster Sunday this weekend.

Burn's (Gerald) perfect life turns upside down when his girlfriend rejects his marriage proposal and his boss fires him from work. Devastated, he flees from home, crashes his car, and ends up in a run-down hostel owned and managed by optimistic Abi (Pia)—and the two personalities clash.

After realizing Abi's enthusiastic advances were just to help cheer him up, he makes up for her by helping repair the hostel, and the two grow closer. Will Burn get a second chance in love or is he destined for another heartbreak?

"My Perfect You," produced under Star Cinema and directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, includes Dimples Romana, Tonton Gutierrez, Janus Del Prado, Wilma Doesnt, Darwin Tolentino, RJ Ledesma, Paolo O'hara, Marlann Flores, and Xia Vigor in the cast.

JE CC of LionhearTV describes the film as charming, heartwarming, and heartbreaking.' "(The film) offers a beautiful world that feels implausible and real at the same time. 'My Perfect You' renders a sense of reality that will move spectators to tears," wrote JE.

Claudine Felize Itchon of PEP meanwhile applauded the film's director and wrote "Cathy Garcia-Molina has proved yet again that when it comes to local romantic comedies, her status remains superior."

Escape to a mini-paradise in "My Perfect You" on September 16, in Cinema One's Blockbuster Sunday, now airing at 7 PM. Cinema One is available on SKYcable Channel 56, SKYdirect Channel 19, Destiny Cable Analog 37 and Digital 56. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visitwww.abscbnpr.com.

By: JENG On 9/16/2018 01:45:00 PM

Relentless Action Amps Thrilling Hunt in “The Predator,” Now Showing in Philippine Cinemas

From veteran action director Shane Black and producer John Davis (who also produced the original and subsequent Predator films), man's most formidable adversary once again reaches Earth in "The Predator".

In the latest movie, Predators have been coming to Earth and hunting humans for some time now, and it's no longer quite the secret it was. The government has established a defense agency dedicated solely to protecting humans from a Predator incursion. Project Stargazer was initially conceived of as a high-tech, top-secret government lab in which captured Predators could be studied. Scribe Fred Dekker says, "But in the back-story, the government needed some kind of plausible deniability, so they put it in the hands of the CIA." But when Traeger, played by Sterling K. Brown, takes over operations, he privatizes Stargazer to profit from Predator technology.

Davis recalls what first drew him to the Predator, more than 30 years ago: "It was the idea of the hunter. It was the idea of this creature from another planet that hunted the greatest game and would go from planet-to-planet for that sport, and the American Commando and group of guys in the jungle that represented that. And in the end, he was outsmarted and defeated, so even though the Predator had great brawn and weaponry, there was an ingenuity and a desire to survive in man that made it a fair fight."

In addition to writing a slate of sensational movies, including Lethal Weapon, and directing films such as Iron Man 3, The Nice Guys and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, director Shane Black is also an actor, perhaps best known for the role of Hawkins in Predator, the 1987 classic directed by John McTiernan. But, says Black, "The Predator in this film is the deadliest and scariest one yet."

The director brings forth Boyd Holbrook as Quinn McKenna, a retired Special Forces army ranger turned mercenary in the thick of relentless thrilling action. He says, "The original Predator was legendary, so it's an honor and a privilege to get to come back with Shane after 30 years and reinvent this thing."

Because of the training he'd begun to shoot his previous film, Holbrook was in great shape. He recalls that while working on "Logan," he met a stunt man. "He was an ex-sniper out of SEALs. McKenna is Special Forces Army Ranger, but you're splitting hairs at that point. I was fortunate enough to hang out with the guy and he got me on the beach at 5 AM, in the water, running, and training. I did that for a couple months. What I truly believe is that the preparation is all about the conditioning of that person. There's a gauntlet of things that make up these people. I thought it was really important to get that sensibility of how these guys have this morbid sense of humor. These guys are really a fascinating group of men."

"The Predator" is now showing in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox.

By: JENG On 9/16/2018 01:26:00 PM

September 15, 2018

OPPO F9 Starry Purple Arrives in the Philippines

In time for the opening of its concept store in Glorietta 2 in Makati, OPPO releases the new F9 in starry gradient purple color.

The new OPPO F9 Starry Purple comes with:

VOOC flash charging technology. So you can charge as 4x faster than regular chargers;

16MP+2MP Dual rear lens camera for portrait photography and a 25MP AI front camera for selfies

Specifications:

6.3-inch Full HD+ Waterdrop Display

MediaTek Helio P60 Octa-Core

6GB RAM

64GB Internal Storage expandable via MicroSD card

16MP+2MP f/1.8+f/2.4 with LED Flash

25MP Front Camera. f/2.0

WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, LTE

Dual SIM

3500mAh Battery with VOOC Flash Charge

ColorOS 5.2 with Android 8.1

The OPPO F9 is now available for Php17,990 at OPPO Concept Store in Glorietta 2. With free Bluetooth Headphone from September 15 - 16.

By: JENG On 9/15/2018 07:45:00 PM

September 2, 2018

Gary V., Maja, John, Joseph, Robi, and Beauty Remain Exclusive Kapamilya

Six ace celebrities remain Kapamilyas after renewing their respective contracts with ABS-CBN last August 16.

The line-up of Kapamilya stars include "Mr. Pure Energy" Gary Valenciano, who will continuously be seen in the Sunday noontime variety show "ASAP." Fans of the show in Sydney, meanwhile, can expect to catch him as he joins "ASAP Live In Sydney: The Grand Kapamilya Party Down Under" in October. He will also serve as a hurado in "It's Showtime's 'Tawag ng Tanghalan'" and a juror in the program "Your Face Sounds Familiar."

Meanwhile, Maja Salvador is set to do a new program and movie with the Kapamilya network that are yet to be disclosed. The "Dance Princess" shared how grateful she is to ABS-CBN as she was given the opportunity to showcase her talent to a bigger audience specifically in Thailand, "Thankful talaga ako sa ABS-CBN. Sobrang lawak ng nararating ng Kapamilya programs. Masaya ako na parte ako ng magagandang shows na 'yun (Bridges of Love, Legal Wife, and Wildflower)."

Actor, comedian, dancer, and TV host John Prats also remains a Kapamilya as he continues his role on "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" and hosting stint on "Banana Sundae." "Forever grateful. I'll be entering my 26th year in the industry and in ABS-CBN. Lagi akong grateful dahil sa tagal na 'yun may tiwala pa rin sila at patuloy na naniniwala sa akin," John said.

Robi Domingo, on the other hand, will continue being one of the hosts of the Sunday noontime variety show "ASAP," the sports program "U Town" together with Gretchen Ho, the digital travel series "Lakwatsero," and will still be regularly seen as a VJ of the music channel "MYX." Robi will also be seen on the new Kapamilya program "Star Hunt" and on the new season of "Pinoy Big Brother" set to air by the end of the year. He also disclosed that he is working with kids on a new project.

Beauty Gonzales also inked her contract with ABS-CBN. Her upcoming projects are yet to be disclosed. "I'm very excited because it's my first contract with ABS-CBN, exciting times ahead," shared Beauty.

Star Magic artist Joseph Marco completes the roster of celebrities who renewed his contract with ABS-CBN. With projects still confidential, Joseph cannot hide his excitement as a Kapamilya actor: "Signing up with ABS-CBN is still overwhelming for me. Nakaka-ilang sign na ako pero I still feel the happiness and excitement so I'm really looking forward."

Present in the signing were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak, chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes, TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, head of finance for Broadcast and news and current affairs Cat Lopez, along with the respective managers of the artists.

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 10:47:00 PM

Toni and Alex Gonzaga Reveal Rules for Strong Sisterhood in New Book “Sissums”

Celebrity siblings Alex and Toni Gonzaga divulge the many roles they have played in each other's lives in "Sissums: the 18 Rules of Sisterhood," a new book under ABS-CBN Publishing where they revealed how Toni became a role model, a critic, and even a bully to Alex, while the latter became Toni's lawyer, cheerleader, and more when they were growing up.

"We've realized we have different roles in each other's phases in life, and we share them in this book. Whether positive or negative, these are the roles that helped us grow individually and as sisters." explained the "Sissums" co-authors who were at first surprised that many tagged them as #sistergoals.

Alex wrote how Toni became her "Inang Yaya" who took care of her when their parents were very busy at work. Toni likewise became a role model, a critic, and even a bully to her younger sister who triggered Alex's amusing attempt to run away from home when she was just five years old.

Meanwhile, Toni disclosed how Alex became her lawyer, PR manager, cheerleader, and travel companion, while both of them considered each other as partner in crime growing up. Now, Alex also serves as the best TiNang or aunt-godmother to Toni's son, Seve.

Also in the "Sissums" book, the pair shared different set of rules they live by at home, at work, and at play. Among these rules are that sisters should be roommates by default and that they should respect each other's differences and remain loyal at all times. They also stressed the importance of veering away from comparison and envy.

The book likewise contains exclusive photos and quirky comics, illustrating funny and relatable situations they have been in. Quizzes and a mini-scrapbook are also ideal to bond over with siblings.

"Sissums" is Toni's first venture into publishing while it is Alex's third book project, after her best-selling books "Dear Alex, Break na kami. Paano? Love, Catherine" and "Dear Alex, We're Dating. Tama ba o Mali? Love, Catherine."

Find out the secrets to Toni and Alex's strong sisterhood in "Sissums" book, available for only P225 in leading bookstores nationwide. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 10:43:00 PM

Netflix Releases the First Look at Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip in “The Crown” Season 3

Netflix has released a first look photo of Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip in The Crown season 3. Menzies, best known for his roles as Frank Randall/Jonathan Randall in Outlander and Edmure Tully in Game of Thrones, is taking over the role from Matt Smith, who played the prince in the acclaimed series' first two seasons.

Joining Menzies in the all-new cast for season 3 are Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, Ben Daniels as Antony Armstrong-Jones, and Olivia Colman, who will play Queen Elizabeth this time around.

The Crown season 3 will launch in 2019.

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 10:40:00 PM

X-Men’s Nightcrawler Kodi Smit-McPhee Goes Wilder in “Alpha”

Young Australian actor Kodi Smit-McPhee ("Dawn of the Planet of the Apes", "Let Me In," "X-Men: Apocalypse") provides the crucial human element in Columbia Pictures' new epic adventure, ALPHA (in Philippine cinemas September 5).

Set in the last Ice Age, ALPHA tells a fascinating, visually stunning story that shines a light on the origins of man's best friend. While on his first hunt with his tribe's most elite group, a young man named Keda (Smit-McPhee) is injured and must learn to survive alone in the wilderness. Reluctantly taming a lone wolf abandoned by its pack, the pair learn to rely on each other and become unlikely allies, enduring countless dangers and overwhelming odds in order to find their way home before winter arrives.

Seventeen-year-old Keda is a Solutrean, part of a creative, resourceful Cro-Magnon tribe living in the area we know as southern France and Spain at the end of the last Ice Age, when most of Europe was uninhabitable, covered in ice two miles deep. Glacial winds blew. Winters were brutal and lasted nine months. Dangerous predators roamed the vast, unpopulated landscapes in search of food. The isolation was extreme, and bonds of family and community were essential for survival.

The casting of Keda was of vital importance, because for a large part of the movie, he is the only human character onscreen, and one-half of a carefully knit relationship that needed to cover a lot of emotional ground: from ingrained distrust to hard-won friendship.

Kodi Smit-McPhee's measure of a script, when he reads it for the first time, is where it hits him in his heart and his emotions. "I've been doing a lot of modern tales and I've been waiting for something that deals with earth and mother nature" says the Australian actor.

Smit-McPhee, who at twenty is already a veteran film actor, has been making his own journey from boyhood to manhood onscreen. "I always find a pattern with the characters I play," he says. "They are quite vulnerable, coming of age, and eventually transformed at the end, but this has been the transformation on the biggest scale."

"When you see Kodi on the monitor," says actor Mercedes de la Zerda, who plays a fellow hunter, "you see the subtleties in his work and it blows you away. It's just him and a handful of words in two-thirds of the movie. To have found a talent who can communicate so much, just in body language and to have so much of an inner life happening without dialogue is a major accomplishment."

"Kodi is a deeply and naturally gifted actor," says director Albert Hughes. "His instincts are very mature, and he doesn't come from an intellectual place when he's acting. He comes from an emotional place. He comes from the character, so he's really exciting. I'd say he's leaps and bounds above a lot of guys his age. Then, when I see a close-up, I go 'God! This guy is really special.'"

ALPHA is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 10:04:00 PM

TNT Singers Bring Historical All-Star Showdown to Cebu this September

On the heels of the success of their Araneta concert, the country's best singers are once again joining forces to bring the historic "TNT All-Star Showdown" to Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on September 21.

For the second time, "Tawag ng Tanghalan" grand champions Noven Belleza and Janine Berdin, online sensation Sam Mangubat, and the international big shot trio and Philippine pride TNT Boys are coming together to headline the Cebu leg of the concert.

The "TNT All-Star Showdown" will also serve as a homecoming for Janine, as well as fellow Cebuanas Marielle Montellano and Sheena Belarmino.

Also bringing their talents to Cebu are Steven Paysu, Ato Arman, Anton Antenorcruz, Eumee, Froilan Canlas, Reggie Tortugo, and Arabelle Dela Cruz.

Aside from giving world-class performances, the TNT singers will also surprise fans in an after-party and meet-and-greet sessions.

Joining the concert are TNT Divas Rachel Gabreza, Gidget Dela Llana, and Remy Luntayao, the Cove composed of Sofronio Vasquez, Christian Bahaya, and JM Bales, and the comical threesome Hala, which includes Hazelyn Cascano, Lucky Robles, and Alfred Relatado.

Cebuanos can also look forward to performances by young-at-heart serenaders The Erpats Rico Garcia, Antonio Sabalza, and John Raymundo, the newest belter band Bukang Liwayway with Pauline Agupitan at Lalaine Arana, "TNT Kids" grand champion Jhon Clyd Talili, Jex De Castro, Aila Santos, and Mark Michael Garcia.

Last July, the concert made a lasting mark on fans as it ran for four hours non-stop and made it as this year's longest and biggest musical showdown.

Ticket prices for the "TNT All-Star Showdown" are at P4,500 for Platinum, P3,800 for VVIP, P2,650 for VIP, P2,100 for Gold, P1,650 para sa for Silver, and P450 for Bronze.

They are now available at Ticketnet outlets and at the Araneta Coliseum Box Office. Simply call 911-5555 or log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph.

For more information, visit TNTV at Facebook.com/tntversions, or @tntversions on Twitter and Instagram.

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 10:00:00 PM

“Pokemon Detective Pikachu” Movie Reveals Official Title Logo

At the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Pokémon World Championships, The Pokémon Company, along with its partners from Legendary Entertainment, unveiled the official title and logo for the first-ever live action Pokémon movie, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu.

Mr. Tsunekazu Ishihara, president of The Pokémon Company, welcomed the movie's director, Rob Letterman, and actors Justice Smith and Kathryn Newton to the stage for the surprise reveal.

The stars also engaged the room full of the world's best Pokémon players in a chant of "Pikachu!" which was recorded for use in the upcoming film.

For official assets unveiled at the event as well as photos of the cast's appearance, please visit the link below: https://mediapass.warnerbros.com

In Philippine cinemas June 12, 2019, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a WarnerMedia Company.

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 09:50:00 PM

TNT Boys Serenade the Meralco Scholars During the MVP Academic Achievement Awards 2018

The singing trio of Francis Concepcion, 11, Mackie Empuerto, 12, and Kiefer Sanchez, 13, also known as the "TNT Boys," wowed a jam-packed theater at the MVP Academic Achievement Awards (MVP AAA) held recently at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City.

The group, which caught the attention of TV audiences in the U.S. when they performed in the hit talent show "Little Big Shots," serenaded close to 300 awardees of One Meralco Foundation's annual recognition program, which rewards the academic achievement of children and siblings of qualified employees of Meralco and its subsidiaries.

On its eighth year, the MVP AAA recognized 210 winners and 76 top achievers.

Each winner received an MVP AAA medal and a P20,000 cash prize. Meanwhile, top achievers — those who won during the previous year and continued to excel academically and have received honors during the current academic year — each received an MVP AAA Top Achievers medal.

The awardees and their parents cheered as the TNT Boys rendered a back-to-back performance of Angeline Quinto's "Patuloy ang Pangarap" and Sarah Geronimo's hit single "Forever's Not Enough."

Addressing a primarily young audience, the boys congratulated the MVP AAA winners for doing their best to deserve the recognition. They also shared that despite their very tight work schedule, they still set aside time for their studies in between shows. They are currently home-schooled.

"Natutuwa po kami na nandito kami para makisaya sa inyo kasinaniniwala rin po kami na mahalaga talaga ang pag-aaral," Kiefer said.

"Sa guidance ni God, sa tulong ng parents natin, at sapamamagitan ng edukasyon, talagang walang imposible. Kaya tayong lahat, patuloy lang sa pangarap," he added.

The TNT Boys capped the show with an encore performance of "This is Me," a theme from the musical film, "The Greatest Showman."

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 09:47:00 PM

Award-Winning Young Actor Jacob Tremblay Triggers Return of “The Predator”

From the outer reaches of space to the to the backwoods of southern Georgia, the hunt comes home in director Shane Black's explosive reinvention of the Predator series. Now, the universe's most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before. And only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and an evolutionary biology professor can prevent the end of the human race.

Young gifted child Rory (Jacob Tremblay), unknowingly triggers the return of "The Predator" to Earth when he tinkered with the package that contains alien technology his dad , Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook), sent to their home from a recent military mission. With the government attempting to cover up the extent of Predator incursions on Earth, a rag-tag group of military veterans must figure out what is going on and how to save the world – or at least themselves – as the battle spreads from the depths of outer space to once-safe suburbia. Rory's gift for solving puzzles helps him understand the Predator language. "He's really good at figuring out the Predator," Tremblay says.

Shane Black directs an extraordinary cast from the script he penned with Fred Dekker. Boyd Holbrook heads the ensemble which also stars Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Augusto Aguilera, and Sterling K. Brown. "The Predator" is produced by John Davis, who brought the seminal Predator franchise to life.

Quinn's son, Rory, is on the autism spectrum. To help research his role, Tremblay and Black paid several visits to the Canucks Autism Network, a Vancouver-based organization providing sports and recreational programs for individuals with autism. "We made friends and got to hang out with some of the kids," says Tremblay.

"This wonderful little boy was probably the most dependable actor in the cast," says Black about Jacob Tremblay, who plays Rory. "He's a one-take wonder." Black notes that when they were pressed for time, they never needed to worry about young Tremblay hitting his marks. "We'd get all three shots because he'd do every one perfect, the first take!"

Jacob Tremblay has quickly established himself as one of the industry's finest working young actors. Tremblay garnered international recognition for his breakout performance opposite Brie Larson in the critically-acclaimed, Oscar-nominated film Room. Tremblay received the "Breakthrough Performance Award" from the National Board of Review, a Critics' Choice Award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association for "Best Young Actor," and a nomination for "Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role" by the Screen Actors Guild, among other accolades, for his performance in the film.

"The Predator" opens September 12 nationwide in cinemas from 20th Century Fox.

By: JENG On 9/02/2018 09:41:00 PM

August 20, 2018

Disney’s Live-Action “Mulan” Coming Soon, Cast Includes Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee with Gong Li and Jet Li

Production on Disney's "Mulan," a live-action adaptation of the studio's 1998 animated feature, has begun. The film will shoot on locations in New Zealand and China and will open in Philippine theaters on March 27, 2020.

Liu Yifei ("The Forbidden Kingdom," "Once Upon a Time") was cast as Hua Mulan following a year-long global casting search. Joining her in the film are: Donnie Yen ("Star Wars: Rogue One"); Jason Scott Lee ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny"); Yoson An ("The Meg"); Utkarsh Ambudkar ("Pitch Perfect"); Ron Yuan ("Marco Polo"); Tzi Ma ("Arrival"); Rosalind Chao ("Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"); Cheng Pei-Pei ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"); Nelson Lee; Chum Ehelepola; with Gong Li ("Memoirs of a Geisha," "Raise the Red Lantern") and Jet Li ("Shaolin Temple," "Lethal Weapon 4").

"Mulan" is the epic adventure of a fearless young woman who masquerades as a man in order to fight Northern Invaders attacking China. The eldest daughter of an honored warrior, Hua Mulan is spirited, determined and quick on her feet. When the Emperor issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army, she steps in to take the place of her ailing father as Hua Jun, becoming one of China's greatest warriors ever.

"Mulan" is directed by Niki Caro ("Whale Rider," "McFarland USA") from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver ("Jurassic World," "In the Heart of the Sea") and Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem "The Ballad of Mulan." The producers are Jason T. Reed ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"), Chris Bender ("A History of Violence") and Jake Weiner ("Criminal") with Barrie M. Osborne ("The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"), Bill Kong ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," "Monster Hunt") and Tim Coddington ("Crazy Rich Asians") serving as executive producers.

Disney's animated feature, which was released in 1998, starred Ming-Na Wen, Miguel Ferrer and Eddie Murphy and was nominated for an Oscar® and two Golden Globe® Awards.

The story of the legendary warrior is one of China's most popular folktales, and is still a part of the curriculum in Chinese schools today.

By: JENG On 8/20/2018 02:18:00 AM

August 19, 2018

Kim, Alex, Robi, and Melai Follow Stories and Journeys of Filipino Dreamers in “Star Hunt” Starting August 20

Some of the country's brightest stars today started their journey to stardom with a simple audition – all it took was a confidence, a spark of hope, and a little dream.

Filipino dreamers get their place in the spotlight and share their stories on ABS-CBN's grand audition show "Star Hunt," which premieres on Monday (August 20) on Kapamilya Gold.

The show will heavily feature the stories and talents of promising Star Dreamers or auditionees who came to ABS-CBN's "Star Hunt" auditions in 13 locations in and out of the country.

They will be introduced to viewers by the show's hosts Kim Chiu, Alex Gonzaga, Robi Domingo, and Melai Cantiveros – stars who were once dreamers and showcased their authenticity on "Pinoy Big Brother."

But more than highlighting the Star Dreamers' life stories and aspirations, the show will follow their journey to achieving their dreams and improving their skills.

So far, many successful Star Dreamers have become or may become a part of "I Can See Your Voice," "Tawag ng Tanghalan," "Dance Kids," "Pilipinas Got Talent," "MMK," "Pinoy Big Brother" and the soon-to-be-launched dance competition "World of Dance Philippines."

"Star Hunt" will also give opportunities to the Star Dreamers to appear in or join ABS-CBN's different platforms, whether it is on television, radio, online, movies, or music.

Which of the Star Dreamers will become a housemate in the newest season of "Pinoy Big Brother"? How are Piolo Pascual and Coco Martin help some of the Star Dreamers achieve their dream?

Don't miss the premiere of "Star Hunt" on Monday (August 20) on ABS-CBN. For updates, follow visit fb.com/starhuntabscbn and follow @@starhuntabscbn on Twitter and Instagram.

By: JENG On 8/19/2018 08:02:00 PM

August 18, 2018

Kris Bernal Opens Up About “Mag-asawa, Magkaribal,” “House of Gogi,” and Cruelty-Free Lipstick “She”

Kapuso prime actress Kris Bernal is all set to face a new challenge of portraying a pivotal character in GMA's upcoming series, "Mag-asawa, Magkaribal."

"I did my research, at tinanong ko kaagad ang writers kung paano ang atake nila sa kwentong ito. It's never been heard of or been done on Philippine TV kaya mas excited akong gawin ito," Kris shared.

She added, "This story will offer a new perspective to our Kapuso viewers, and I am excited to work on this project. I will be with Thea Tolentino, whom I truly adore, at excited na akong makasama siya rito. I know she's a terrific actress, kaya inaabangan ko ang matututunan ko sa kanya."

Being one of GMA Network's prized artists, Kris continues to explore the different facets of her talent as an actress. Her most notable roles include Andy in the Network's Philippine adaptation of the Korean drama "Coffee Prince"; the lead role of Tinay with intellectual disability in "Little Nanay"; and her first dual role as Nimfa/Rosette in the top-rating Afternoon Prime drama series "Impostora".

The versatile Kapuso actress is now also included in the long line of female celebrities to launch their own businesses.

Kris shared her passion, "I am an entrepreneur by heart. I want to have my own business where I can tap my creativity. Gusto ko kasing maging inspiration sa mga kapwa ko artista to invest their earnings. More than that, I also want to create jobs for other people."

She recently openend "House of Gogi," a Korean barbeque restaurant at Dapitan 55 Lifestyle Complex in Banawe, Quezon City.

Apart from her food business venture, Kris also revealed that she is working on all-natural and cruelty-free lipstick line called SHE that will be launched soon.

By: JENG On 8/18/2018 12:22:00 PM

Constance Wu and Henry Golding Steal Your Hearts in “Crazy Rich Asian”

Warner Bros.' new romantic comedy "Crazy Rich Asians" takes a fun, engaging and hilarious look at what can happen when young love collides with old money.

Singapore's favorite son, Nick Young (Henry Golding), proudly brings his beautiful and successful New Yorker girlfriend Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) home for a meet-and-greet, but the family dynamics aren't quite what she expects. For Rachel, what starts as a dream romantic holiday with the man she adores becomes a battle to remain true to herself and her roots, while holding her own against picture-perfect backstabbing rivals and a prospective mother-in-law who thinks this modern American girl will never measure up.

Set in Singapore and featuring the first all-Asian ensemble in a contemporary Hollywood film in 25 years, the story mines humor from the idiosyncrasies of one family in a way that people everywhere can relate to—no matter who they are, how much money they have, or where they call home. It taps into the fundamental desire to fit in, while honoring your own identity, in an era of blending—and sometimes clashing—cultures.

As Rachel's friend tries to warn her: these people aren't just rich. They're crazy-rich. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Constance Wu, who stars as the intrepid Rachel, describes her as "a college professor raised by a working-class, single mom. For many people, that's a point of pride, but not for the Youngs. Their pride comes from legacy. I don't think the story says one value system is better than the other, but shows those cultural differences and the differences between Asian and Asian-American, that are often overlooked. What I love about Rachel is that when things get tough she has the courage to follow her heart and forge her own path, in ways that are tested, but, ultimately, make up who she is."

It's a test for Nick, too, even though he knows what's coming. "Having decided that Rachel is the one, he first has to get over the speed bump of bringing her home," says Henry Golding, making his feature film debut as Nick. "He's afraid if she sees how he was brought up, she might think he's not the guy she fell in love with. Also, once home, he sees more clearly the forces conspiring to tear them apart and how standing his ground will affect them both."

At its core, "Crazy Rich Asians" is a love story…a kind of savvy Cinderella tale, complete with a charming prince, a magnificent castle, and a battle of wills between two strong women determined to write their own ending. "I definitely see this as a modern-day, aspirational fairytale," states Chu. "Rachel is our princess-warrior, and this is her journey to discover who she is—an American girl on her first trip to Asia, who comes away with a deeper appreciation not only of her past, but of her future."

"Rachel is the way in for audiences," says Wu. "We see everything through her eyes. She's living a regular life, meeting her boyfriend for karaoke, et cetera, after work. Everything she has she has earned through hard work, and she's remained humble and appreciative. So, when she's thrown into this world of wealth unlike anything she's ever known, it's hard to fathom. Rich is something many of us have seen before: rich means you can buy whatever you want. Wealth means you can buy whatever you want and you control the market."

On the plus side, Wu points out, "Rachel and Nick really love each other. Love transcends class and culture and logic. When someone's your person, you know it, and that's what Rachel and Nick are to each other."

But will that be enough?

In Philippine cinemas August 22, "Crazy Rich Asians" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.

By: JENG On 8/18/2018 12:09:00 PM

After Her Sold-out Manila Concert, Maymay Entrata Takes “The Dream Tour” to Baguio and Cebu

Maymay Entrata, the MOR Pinoy Music Awards 2018 Song Of The Year winner for "Shanawa," is taking Baguio and Cebu by storm on September 14 and October 19, respectively, for the continuation of the highly anticipated "The Dream Tour Maymay in Concert" series.

Maymay's sold-out concert, her first-ever solo major show held last February 23 at the Kia Theatre, led the singer-actress to "The Dream Tour," a Star Events production which commenced at Imus Sports Complex in Cavite last April 13.

The "Wansapanataym Presents: Ikaw ang GHOSTo Ko" star will be performing at the University of Baguio with her special guests—heartthrob performers Edward Barber, Zeus Collins, Migz Haleco, and Marlo Mortel.

Her onscreen partner, Edward, will also be joining Maymay in the tour's Cebu leg to be held at Hoops Dome Arena, Lapu-Lapu City.

Fans will get to catch the 2017 Eduk Circle Awards' Best Novelty Singer of the Year perform her hit songs such as "Kabaduyan," "Toinks," "Baliw," and "Shanawa."

After being hailed as the big winner in "Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7," Maymay has consistently topped radio charts with tracks from her self-titled debut album produced under Star Music's record sublabel, Star Pop. It reached platinum status just a few months after its release.

"The Dream Tour Maymay in Concert" happens in Baguio and Cebu on September 14 and October 19, respectively, at 8 PM. Grab your tickets now at SM Tickets or call 4702222. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @StarMusicPH.

By: JENG On 8/18/2018 11:30:00 AM