In 2014 when he assumed the position as The Theater at Solaire’s Director of Entertainment, theater luminary Audie Gemora had proposed a possible concert for actress and singer Sharon Cuneta. The Megastar, however, did not accept at the time because she wanted to lose weight and look good for her fans.
Now that she has lost some 50 pounds, Sharon is finally doing an eponymously titled show, her first after four years. It is set on October 15 and 22, 2016 at 8 p.m. at The Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino.
Sharon is clearly excited, and in fact, at the launch of her concert, expressed her willingness to do weekend concerts there for a year!
She has excellent motivation as she has performed at The Theater before. She has experienced what an extraordinary venue it is with comfortable seats at a 2,000-person capacity — just big enough to allow intimacy between performer and audience — and an outstanding acoustics and lighting systems to allow an extraordinary viewing experience.
“I’m really happy; when I’m happy, I’m funny. I like that; I like having that rapport with the audience na ganyan, so, yan yung mga hindi ko magawa pag malaki ang venue. I’m very parang 200% more than the 100% pa happy that I’m going back to do a concert again dito sa Pilipinas and here pa sa The Theatre at Solaire,” Sharon enthused.
Sharon is so inspired that she made the concert the debut concert of her 16-year-old Frankie — or Simone Francesca Emmanuelle, the Megastar and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s songwriter/drummer/guitarist firstborn. After finding out that she did not have important examinations to review for, Sharon confirmed her second daughter will perform with her together with the 20-member Sharon Team of The Voice Kids 3. Louie Ocampo leads a five-piece band with Paolo Valenciano as stage director.
“I am sure she is just going to die of happiness kapag kumanta siya dito,” Sharon described her daughter’s Frankie’s possible reaction when she finally enters the concert scene as a professional performer. It must be extremely special. The media huddle to launch it started on time and had none other than Audie as host.
Here are quotes from the Megastar on choice topics:

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER. “Frankie is the one, not just in singing pati sa ugali, actually lahat ng anak ko, meron akong ugali na meron sila, pero si Frankie yung pinakamaraming nakuha. Nakakatuwa kasi, di ba, baligtad, kasi siya yung kamukha ng Daddy niya (Kiko Pangilinan) pero sa akin namana ang ugali.”

MIGUEL WANTS TO JOIN TOO. “Gusto rin ni Miguel (her adoptive son) sumali. I asked him, ‘What will you sing?’ Sabi niya, ‘Once I Was Seven Years Old’ by Lukas Graham. Sagot ko sa kanya, ‘How can that be? You’re just turning seven.’ He’s so funny! Siyempre one at a time isasali ko my children. Minsan lang nga ako kinuha ng Solaire, baka sabihin ginawa ko namang Von Trapp family, The Sound of Music ang show.”

SHARON  REPERTOIRE PREVIEW. “I will be doing mostly English songs and the classics as I am sure there will be a lot of foreigners in the audience. (Note: Sharon was more specific in her interview with Boy Abunda in Tonight With  Boy Abunda on Thursday night: “I will do Broadway and Celine Dion songs.”)

ON LOSING WEIGHT. “I did what I had to do. Kasi nung napanood ko iyong sarili ko sa birthday special ng ‘ASAP’ for me, I was shocked. I felt small. I never let my physical obstacles that I had been carrying on my back — I never let those define me. Pero nahiya ako sa fans ko. As an actress, you’re supposed to keep yourself looking like a leading lady and apparently, I had really crossed the line. And that was a real wake-up call.”  
LAST CONCERT. “2012 pa ang huling concert ko sa Araneta Coliseum with Martin Nievera pero hindi masyadong tinao. Masakit ang naging karanasan ko sa nasabing concert at natagalan bago ko natanggap at naka-recover sa nangyari. A lot of people didn’t know there was a concert. Nagulat  talaga kami ni Martin sa nangyari as hindi na-promote ng mabuti like my previous Valentine concerts, which were all soldouts. Promise this concert will be different.”

FIRST GRANDCHILD. “Gusto ko na ng apo! Sabi ko kay Kiko, ayoko talagang i-pressure si KC. Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Anak walang pressure ‘pag ‘di ka agad nagkaanak, magpapabuntis ako!’ (Laughter) Mapapahiya ka. Kahiya-hiya na mabubuntis ang nanay mo na, in nine years, 60 na ‘di ba?”

FOOTBALLER ALY BORROMEO. “Hindi ko alam if KC Concepcion and Aly have called it quits. Kung ano man, hindi ko pa naririnig. Sana naman huwag. Anybody that’s nice to my daughter and makes my daughter a better person and brings her closer to the family, I will like. Aly is like that. I leave it to them. KC is an adult. Saan man makarating ang kanyang relasyon, decision na niya ‘yun.”

NATIONAL BILIBID PRISON VISIT. “And nung nagpunta naman kami roon, ang mga nakausap ko, tinanong ko lang ‘yung mga tao roon na ano ang ginagawa nila sa araw-araw. ‘Yung show kasi, gusto naming ma-reinforce ang positivity. And mabigyan na rin ng hope ‘yung mga medyo wala na, or nakakaramdam na parang wala na silang pag-asa. Gusto ko lang maipakita, pati sa mga tao sa Bilibid na, ‘yung iba, they found God nga. Makikita mo naman sa pamumuhay nila.”

INDIE ACTRESS. “Matagal ko nang gustong gumawa ng indie film, naghihintay lang ako ng magandang istorya, I want to say nga to the indie filmmakers, if you really have a good story, if you want to consider me to do a movie with you, if you really have good story please tell me, the talent fee and all of that will never be a problem.”
Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call landline no. 891-9999. for ticket information.

P4 MILLION TURNED OVER TO CIARA MARIE ABALOS FOUNDATION. Four million pesos was turned over to the Ciara Marie Foundation by the Mandaluyong Golf Club on Sept. 9, 2016. The funds were raised through the 9th Mayor Abalos Golf Cup that was concluded on the same day at Wack Wack Golf & Country Club.
The occasion was honored by 250 participants including celebrites from the entertainment industry headed by GMA7 anchor Arnold Clavio, music composer Lito Camo and actress Daisy Reyes. Image shows the participants of ceremonial tee-off (from left): Dr. Arnold Abalos, Girlie Abalos, former Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, Executive Secretary Atty. Salvador Meldialdea, Councilor Charisse Abalos-Vargas, former Commission on Elections Chairman Ben Abalos, Cora Abalos, Celine Abalos and Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos.
This success was achieved through the joint efforts of the Mandaluyong Golf Club and its sponsors: SM Supermalls, San Miguel Corp. and DDT Konstract, Life Oil, AMA University, Smart Communications, Mizuno and Bingo Bonanza, DMCI Homes, 3D, The Address @ Wack Wack, St. Francis Square Properties, Expedition Construction Corp., Norkis Group, Unilab, Globe Telecom, Greenfield Development Corp., Alexa Trading & Construction, Guevent Investment Development Corp., Robinsons Land Corp., Unilever Philippines, Monocrete Construction Philippines, Mighty Corp., Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and Champion by Pepmaco.

HERBO OR HIDALGO? In the column titled “The curious case of the doppelganger paintings” on Sept. 24, 2016, Lead revealed that the oil on canvas of the same size as Leon Herbo’s painting Fillette au chapeau (Girl With Hat) bears a strong resemblance to Una Damita (Portrait of Ana Maria Gonzalvez) with a flesh-colored background by Félix Resurrección Hidalgo (1853–1913) dated 1901. It was put on the block in Salcedo Auctions’ Important Philippine Art as Lot 144 with the estimated price of P7,000,000 to P9,000,000 on September 17 at 2 p.m.

This column asked the Salcedo Auctions to clarify the issue and on its Facebook page read: “The high horse has been forced to address its mistakes.” Lead believes it deserves a more detailed explanation on why it happened as the case has the ability to affect the national auction business. But this approach is understandable based on the public relations principle that the less said, the less damage. But it does point out how the controlled reporting of art Philippine deals with important truths about it. 

TASTE BUDDIES. Showbiz’s classy ladies, bosom buddies Georgina Wilson, Solenn Heussaff and Isabelle Daza, can now post on Instagram their slim left digits similarly manicured in chic white edged in black their magnificent wedding bands. Previously, Isabelle was the odd one out, wearing instead a huge diamond encrusted teardrop style engagement ring.
But why the three weddings in a row to gorgeous European businessmen — Georgina to British Arthur Burnand in June, Solenn to Argentinian Nico Bolzico in July and Isabelle to French Adrien Semblat in September? What are entertainment’s well-acknowledged “it” girls up to?
More than a dictate of age group, it would appear they married one after the other for the pilot of their new reality show appropriately entitled It Girls with stylist Liz Uy on E! Philippines to narrowcast in 27 countries this October. Imagine the glam, glitter and gloss of three weddings in foreign locations with showbiz royalties and blue-bloods entering and exiting in and out each sequence!
Count the rare small screen appearances of Anne Curtis and the kilt-wearing Erwan Heusaff, teased by Tim Yap as next in line. Boyfriend Jeff Ortega escorted Anne Curtis-Smith. Taste buddies Lovi Poe, Bea Soriano, Raymond Gutierrez, Rajo Laurel, Liz and Carla Humphries provided company. Now that’s a guaranteed audience grabber!
Their credibility high, the It Girls are certified best friends hooked on twinning as trendspotted by Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. With their flair of identical dressing, the pals step out in capital cities in this-is-me dresses, from rocker chic to deconstructed jeans, unlike the identical dresses of twins but in similar style.
The way it evolved, twinning is more than fashion sense as it is a lifestyle choice that maintains the “twins’ individuality. They show off their friendship by maintaining similar lifestyles. Sounding off the hackneyed quote of “bird of the same feather flock together,” twinning is the urban version.
It refers to having the bearing of twins as in matching patterns of beliefs or behavior, even braininess. It subscribes friends or even relatives put together for a period look basically like twins over time. Most likely, they’d style their hair to the same cut and dye it in a similar shade.
Since they are probably of the same height and build, they also wear each other’s clothes, or turn up separately at an events dressed identically. They think it’s coincidence, but force of habit has mildly crept in. The dynamics have developed and evolved so twinning is mirroring one another as the valid expression.
It Girls is our double twinning version. No wonder Lovi posted a cruising photo with Fil-French guy Chris Johnson.

OCTOBER SHOWS AT HARD ROCK CAFE. Come and see the exciting shows at Hard Rock Café (HRC) this October. Leading the pack of performers is the country’s premier band Side A, set to perform center stage on October 15 and 22. Acoustic balladeer Nyoy Volante performs on October 21 and 28. Hard rockers can look forward to unforgettable evenings of great music with Side A and Nyoy as they dish out live their greatest hits plus a s sampling of today’s hottest chart-toppers, homegrown favorites, and most well-loved party anthems.
Other featured artists at HRC this October are Part 3 (Sundays and Fridays), Kudos Love 80s (Mondays), Red Picasso (Tuesdays), Arpie & The Multivitamins (Wednesdays), Access All Areas (Thursdays), and Verse 2 (Saturdays). All shows start at 9 p.m.

NOSTRADAMUS PREDICTED THE ELECTION OF DUTERTE AND HAS A SHOCKING REVELATION FOR THE WORLD. NEWSPH, Satire News For Your Entertainment, posted an item on Facebook that it prints verbatim. Here is the original, unedited copy:
“The power of sixteen million forsaken souls will give birth to a messiah in the pearl of the orient seas.
“A shocking prediction made by Nostradamus during the fifteen hundreds baffled historians on how they accurately predicted what is currently happening in the Philippines.
“We all know that Pearl of the orient seas refer to the Philippines. It is the sobriquet of the Philippines. The term originated from the idea of Spanish Jesuit missionary Fr. Juan Delgado in 1751. In his last poem ‘Mi último adiós,’ Dr. José Rizal referred to the country with this name.
“They said the sixteen million forsaken souls represents the 16 million voters of Duterte, which are all hungry and for change after decades of abuse by the government.
“Nostradamus said that Duterte will be the new age messiah based on his other prediction.
“The millenial messiah will question GOD himself as a representation of his own frustrations to save the world”
“Just recently, Duterte questioned GOD himself ‘Where are you when a baby is raped and killed?’
“Which is simillar trait of the late Messiah Jesus Christ. On a desperate time, Jesus also questioned the lord ‘Father. why have you forsaken me?’
“History is repeating itself, people!”
This is an attention grabber. But which of its contents is for information and/or entertainment, the reader has to determine. This is entirely different from the approach of traditional journalism where the assumption is objective reporting that readers can understand as true.
This is the present predicament of social media where the content is polluted, causing them a serious credibility problem. Facebook has recognized this as it is studying with other social media platforms ways to solve it by weeding out unreliable content.

CONGRATULATIONS! Vincent “Chot” Reyes is the new president and chief executive officer of TV5 Network and president of Media5 Marketing Corp. effective October 2016. The network turns into a sports channel with news and entertainment. TV5’s present entertainment menu consists mainly of US shows dubbed in Filipino. Up next is a US series also be dubbed in Filipino in connection with the network’s “counter-programming” strategy.
Adopting the practice of fast correction of programs that do not work to move forward, this approach is more directed. Recognizing the strength of ABS-CBN and GMA7 in producing soap operas and entertainment shows, TV5 will target the 20 to 29 age group, male and female, from the broad C-D segment of society as core market. It is now a content company that creates or acquires and curates content and then distributes and communicates them across different platforms.

TIME TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA. We must remember that alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, prostitution, homosexuality and drugs were once upon a time illegal stuff. All the tell-tale signs of marijuana use by the Beatles were there circa mid-‘60s; we were not just hip enough to pick up the clues:
Paul McCartney sings the double entendre “Turns me on when I get lonely” in “She’s A Woman.” The change perspective on the cover of the Rubber Soul album; the giggling during recording sessions, which did not make it in the final cuts; Paul admits, “I need you every single day of my life” in “Got to Get You in My Life,” his ode to pot. The cannabis weeds on the cover of Sgt. Pepper album where Paul “had a smoke and went into a dream” in “Day in the Life.”
Beatles history recounts that Bob Dylan in their second US tour in August 1964 introduced them to marijuana. But the largely untold part is that they were introduced to cannabis much earlier, in Hamburg, Germany, but they did not bite.
It seems the foursome were active covert herbal users, but did not succumb to a chemical habit. At the time, medical opinion about marijuana use was largely reflected in what Dr. Anthony Starr told the Sunday Times on Feb. 5, 1967: “Marijuana is not a drug of addiction and is, medically speaking, far less harmful than alcohol or tobacco.”
Even with the medical benefits of marijuana not yet specifically identified, the Beatles with business manager Brian Epstein and 64 other British personalities called for the legalization of marijuana in 1967.
Paul was also known to follow the lead of his wife when it came to pot. The real love of his life, Linda Eastman, was a big cannabis consumer. In fact, she took the rap for Paul when he was arrested for weed in Los Angeles in 1975. Two years earlier, police found plants growing in their farm in Scotland. They were also once jailed in Japan for marijuana possession.
When Linda passed on and he married Heather Mills, who didn’t approve of his marijuana use, Paul stopped smoking for the sake of eight-year-old daughter Beatrice, stating, “When you’re bringing up a youngster, your sense of responsibility does kick in.”
By the time Paul married New York businesswoman Nancy Shevell, he hadn’t commented on whether he still hit the pot pipe. But in a new interview with The Mirror in London, Paul says it’s all in the past: “The last time I smoked was a long time ago. Instead of smoking a spliff, I’ll now have a glass of red wine or a nice margarita.”
Paul and Ringo are now promoting the decriminalization of marijuana. “I support it. People are smoking pot anyway and to make them into criminals is wrong. It’s when you’re in jail you really become a criminal,” Paul stood his ground.
“I don’t think the campaigns of the government in this country or America are doing anything. I think it’s an absolute waste of resources, the way they’re going about it. You go to clubs, everybody’s taking stuff, that’s how it is. Most lawyers have inhaled; they’ve had a joint... Then they carry on with their lives,” Ringo opines.
“There were 12 bad effects of the Prohibition, a massive social experiment in the USA from 1920 to 1933 that failed and served as a lesson for how we think about victimless crimes: (1) The Prohibition created disrespect for the law; (2) It eroded respect for religion.; (3) It created organized crime.; (4) It permanently corrupted law enforcement, the court system, and politics.; (5) It overburdened police, courts, and the penal system.; (6) It harmed people financially, emotionally, and morally.; (7) It caused physical harm.; (8) It changed the drinking habits of our country — for the worse.; (9) It made cigarette smoking a national habit.; (10) It prevented the treatment of drinking problems.; (11) It caused “immorality.”; and (12) It was phenomenally expensive.
“Prohibition was a massively failed attempt at legislating morality. The government’s role is to protect citizens and their property — not legislate what people are allowed to do for recreation, who they can love, or what kind of sex they can have.”
No wonder when Philippine National Police chief director general Ronald de la Rosa went on an official visit of Columbia, he learned that the prohibitionist approach to its drug problem has been “a failure.”

“Dante Hipolito’s painting, Salubong, was intended to be a welcome gift for Pope Francis when he visited the Philippines in 2015,” wrote Spot in “10 Controversial Works by Filipino Artists” dated Nov. 18, 2015.
The other nine works in the shortlist of “shocking, weird, or offensive” paintings are the master works The Parisian Life by Juan Luna; Muslim Betrothal by Carlos “Botong” Francisco; Assassination of Governor Bustamante and His Son by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo; Las Buyeras by Jorge Pineda; and The Builders by Victorio Edades.
The other contemporary paintings are: Untitled (Burnt-out Europe) by Manuel Ocampo; Gothika Filipina 2 by Igan D’ Bayan; Menstrual Cycle in Philippine History by Danilo Sillada; and Poleteismo by Mideo Cruz.
But Spot reported wrongly. Salubong was never intended as a welcome gift for Pope Francis, as the Adobo Chronicles reported. It was meant to be a commemorative of his visit, but there was never an intention to give it to the Pope as Dante planned to give it to this writer as gift. It is now part of my art collection that his family has to borrow when needed.
Hipolito observes his 57th birthday this October 17, and this writer, a close friend of the artist, celebrates it with this feature article on his most famous artwork. This year is also his 25th year of celebrating Filipino Heritage.
In the distinct style of vibrant rural realism of the 29-by-24-inch oil-on-canvas entitled Salubong (2015), Hipolito redefines art. He calls it Composite Realism, which is the smooth interplay of filmmaking elements of production design, photography and digital art based on his experience in stage production and advertising. Thus, he creates distinctively exuberant depictions of country life on their basic principles.
With its remarkable multi-cultural approach, Hipolito’s paintings depict the Filipino heritage — our history, our values, our traditions, our customs, our music and dances, our literature, our myths, our rituals, and our ideals interpreted in a nuanced manner, as vignettes in the life of ordinary Filipinos.
Hipolito set work on Salubong two months before Pope Francis was set to arrive for his first Pontifical visit of the country. His wife Carmen, who is an avid follower of local entertainers, suggested that he paint film and television actors dressed as farm workers welcoming the Catholic leader. As the idea followed the style of Composite Realism, the idea appealed to him.
In an ambiance of rural peace and prosperity, Hipolito shows Gov. Vilma Santos as a farmer leading stars (from left of painting) Gary Valenciano, Sen. Grace Poe, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Coco Martin and Kris Aquino, who are also costumed as country people in the festive welcome.

AGE OF MISINFORMATION
Salubong turned controversial soon after Marian Rivera posted it on her Facebook account. When television, broadsheet and online portals gave it primary exposure, it was inevitable that it would go viral — and controversial — despite its pacific message.
This certainly gave Hipolito major media exposure and turned Salubong into his most celebrated painting to date. ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda broke out the news. Television crews sought him for interviews in his Bacoor residence and he was invited for live appearances such as GMA-7’s Unang Hirit and during TV5’s live coverage of the Papal visit as a resource person.
What is basically a depiction of farmers welcoming Pope Francis on his Papal visit turned into a convoluted issue. Clearly, many commenters missed the spiritual dimension of the painting, which was meant to be a non-sectarian approach to spirituality. They turned it into a free-for-all bashing, from the banal to the absurd, currently causing the meltdown of social media. Here are selected quotes:
Carlos Celdran is logical: “The vanity of this painting is exactly what Pontifex is against. And Gary Valenciano is a Born Again Christian. WTH?”
Adobo Chronicles reported its own facts: “It is a gift from Filipino artist Dante Hipolito, who was commissioned by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to do the artwork as a way to welcome the visiting head of the Roman Catholic Church.
“The ‘Adobo Chronicles’ learned that it will be displayed at the rotunda of the Batangas provincial capitol in Batangas City, south of the Philippines’ capital. Santos, who is prominently featured in the painting, happens to be the elected governor of Batangas province. She is one of many Filipino movie stars who have chosen to pursue a political career.”
These are pure manufactured information as there was no such intention or transaction ever took place. I know this as Hipolito and I closely coordinated while he painted the work. The CBCP did not commission him to paint Salubong, as reported by Wikipedia or, for that matter, Santos.
“The painting contradicts the concept of realism as it shows nothing about the submerged reality of the nation’s agricultural workers,” said Michael Beltran, chair of Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (Karatula), in an article published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Ma. Isabel Ongpin articulated in her Manila Times column that the painting had the power to “move the obscenely rich, the comfortable rich and the middle class in this country to share more with their poorer countrymen without whose help they would not be where they are… Otherwise, the visit will just be a celebrity bash, a Pope Francis and me story for the usual suspects and the favored few, albeit using a cast of thousands, with no good and transformative effect.”
Netizen Nathan Briones (via the Rappler Web site) thinks the artist intended the painting to be a satirical artwork. “You decide. ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.’ Blessed are the rich and famous, for theirs is an oil painting with Pope Francis,” he commented.
It was unavoidable that Salubong would be compared to Cruz’s Poleteismo installation at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which turned controversial and was eventually banned. This was an unfair comparison as Hipolito’s painting did not have anti-religion content. But Cruz’s statement about the issue opens the mind: “Kung sinasabi ko lagi na walang limitasyon ang imahinasyon ng isang artista bakit hindi ang tumitingin.”
After all the exercise in the freedom of expression, the discussion about Salubong turned high fallutin,’ a dire effort to intellectualize a simple issue. Hipolito stated it best by bringing it back to earth level: “Isa lang po ang naging mensahe ko sa painting na ‘yon... ang pagmamahal ko sa aking kabiyak ng puso.
“Mundo ko ito e. Ito nag-exist ito sa utak ko lang nailabas ko… Kaso na-misinterpret ng tao,” he expounded.
Salubong, no doubt, spawned partial truths, confused interpretations and plain lies. And doing so resulted in bending information and purposely misinterpreting them. For sure, they were done in the logic or illogic of freedom of expression, most of the time without obligation or remorse.
The Age of Information necessarily has been twisted and mangled, becoming the Age of Misinformation.

The Nobel Prize in Literature given to Bob Dylan places him in the ranks of laureates Thomas Mann, Samuel Beckett, Doris Lessing, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Toni Morrison, Saul Bellow, Albert Camus, William Faulkner and W.B. Yeats, among others.
Although it is not true that Dylan is the only songwriter to win the prize — Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian poet, painter and musician, was the first in 1913 — it is a well-deserved honor as Dylan is a major musical force and influence to generations of songwriters, musicians and performers including the Beatles, specifically John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Reintroducing marijuana, which made the Beatles more receptive to mind expansion, Dylan provided them with templates to plagiarize that brought them to a higher level of creativity. The greater influence was with Lennon. He did not only write songs a la Dylan, but imitated his drawl and started to hide his eyes behind dark glasses. He adopted Dylan after Elvis Presley as his new guru for the father figure he never had.
Dylan’s influence on Beatles songs was particularly apparent in the songs “Eleanor Rigby” and “Yellow Submarine.”
“Eleanor Rigby” took its form and content from Dylan’s “The Ballad of a Thin Man,” and it is a superb distillation. Both songs moan about desolation and the futility of human action. That of the Beatles dwells on the physical (“Picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been”), while Dylan’s deals with the psychological (“You try so hard, but you don’t understand!”).
The two songs have the same verse construction: beginning with a narrative and ending with a question. Dylan: “But you don’t know what it is / Do you, Mr. Jones?”
The Beatles: “Wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door/Who is it for?”
The line “Wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door,” refers to makeup and is a modification of the Dylan metaphor, “You put your eyes in your pocket...” which refers to a pair of eyeglasses.
The Beatles translated “The Ballad of a Thin Man’s catchy ending verse construction into the refrain (“All the lonely people / Where do they all belong?”).
The fourth verse of Dylan’s song starts with “Aaah, you’ve been with the professors and they’ve all liked your looks.” The chorus of The Beatles song is “Aaah, look at all the lonely people” repeated twice.
While Dylan’s song remains an exposition of Mr. Jones’ pathetic situation, the Beatles’ song expands it into a narrative of two characters, Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie, and how their respective desolation intertwines their fates and seals it to make the Beatles’ song more poignant.
The Beatles distilled “Yellow Submarine” from two sources: Dylan’s riotous song “Rainy Day Woman #12 and #35” and Paul Anka’s “The Longest Day,” the theme song of the war epic of the same title released in 1962. By combining the two songs, McCartney largely diffused their essence. While it resembled specific passages of the model songs, “Yellow Submarine” refined the treatment of the intro’s march song features, the brass accompaniment, and the jocular ribbing that refined the influence of Anka’s song.
Its mid-to-end sections were given the boisterous treatment of a Dylan song. It re-created the ambiance that gave Dylan’s song its uniqueness and appeal. It even imitated the “who-aah!” scream. This first instance in ambiance creation through the use of sound effects would later develop into the Beatles song concept known as the “sound picture.”

DUMPING DYLAN. Asked in a Q interview if he saw Dylan as a primary influence in his songwriting, Lennon said: “No, no. I see him as another poet, you know, or as competition. Just read my books which were written before I’ve heard Dylan or read Dylan or even heard anybody. It’s the same, you know. I didn’t come after Elvis and Dylan, I’ve been around always. But I see or meet a great artist, I love ‘em, you know. I just love ‘em. I go fanatical about them — for a short period. And then I get over it! And if they wear green socks, I’m liable to wear green socks for a period, you know.”
Lennon gave a mixed-up answer. He stated that as far as songwriting was concerned, he was an original since he was capable of introspection even before he met Dylan as evidenced by his two books, In His Own Write and A Spaniard in the Works. But as competition, he stated that whatever Dylan did, he could also do.
Lennon was a glib talker. What he did not say in his claim as being co-equal to these artists was that he competed with them by imitating their creative output. He did this individually or collectively with McCartney by being a White Negro. He rehashed partially or sometimes even in their entirety the works of these artists and other artists their art of selection, and having done this, their works became those of the Beatles.
McCartney was more circumspect. “He (Lennon) loved Dylan so much...John was like that. John liked gurus. John was always looking for a guru,” he said. He recalled that Lennon would introduce to him a person he would call “my new guru.”
He had to accept whoever this new guru offered, knowing that it might not last. He correctly surmised that this need for a guru was out of Lennon’s psychological need for a father figure. He explained, “You know, to understand John you have to look at his past. The father leaving home when he was three; being brought up by his aunt. And his mother, you know. It’s extraordinary he made it to the age he made it to.”
For McCartney himself, Dylan served as an inspiration. “Maybe he (Dylan) allowed us to go further. He allowed the Stones to go further, then we did ‘Pepper’ and we allowed everyone else to go further. It was like boot walking...we’d take a step, Dylan’s taking a step, Stone’s take a step, all of us have from time to time,” he said.
Of course, he also conveniently forgot that the first step of a thousand miles happened when they started their art of rehashing.
Perhaps the best assessment of Dylan’s influence on Lennon, McCartney, and the rest of the Beatles came from Harrison. He stated: “You know the famous Beatles story: we cleaned up our act a bit. Because (business manager) Brian Epstein could get us more work if we had suits. By the time Bob came along, it was like, yeah, we all want to be more funky again, and please put a little more balls into the lyric of the song. There’s a funny thing that I don’t think anybody else has noticed and that is when John wrote ‘Norwegian Wood.’ It was obviously a Bob Dylan song, and right after that Bob’s album out and it had a song called ‘4th Time Around.’ You want to check out the tune of that — it’s the same song going around and around.”
What Harrison implied was: Dylan copied the Beatles as much as the Beatles copied Dylan. It is a truism in rock’s code of imitation.
As far as Lennon was concerned, however, Dylan had served his time. So he could move on as the perpetually evolving artist he pictured himself to be, Lennon rejected Dylan with the rest of the Beatles, Epstein and record producer George Martin.

You have not heard the end of the furious cases of the alleged fake Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo work Una Damita and Allysa Calderon’s plagiarized The Promise.

UNA DAMITA. First reported by this writer on Facebook and eventually in this broadsheet, the Hidalgo fiasco was addressed by Salcedo Auctions after this columnist asked the prestigious body to explain why the alleged Hidalgo painting complete with its provenance managed to be included among the lots of its Important Philippine Art 2016 auction.
Although Salcedo Auctions on its Facebook page had admitted the reported forged painting as a “mistake,” the eminent Jaime Laya clarified the issue through a column in the Manila Bulletin entitled “Beware red-eyed internet detectives” dated Oct. 10, 2016.
Lead quotes pertinent parts of the clarification verbatim:
“Richie Lerma of Salcedo Auctions reports that the information came from the owner-consignor, that a ‘leading authority and author of two award-winning books’ signaled thumbs-up and that the painting passed a ‘black light’ test. Notwithstanding its description as ‘a testament to Hidalgo’s sure hand, eye for detail, and supreme artistry,’ Una Damita went unsold at the auction.
“Enter Facebook friends Ben Ramos (of Vancouver, Canada) and Isidra Reyes (of Metro Manila), who discovered that a near-identical painting — with green background and no Hidalgo inscription — was auctioned at Brussels’ Hôtel de Ventes on May 15, 2001 entitled Portrait d’une filette au chapeau and again, still in Brussels, on Oct. 13, 2014 at Horta Art et Antiquités entitled Portrait de jeune fille estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 euros. Both times, the painting was by Léon Herbo (1850 to 1907). Ben found nothing, however, about the Gonzalvezes.
“Sherlock Holmes would have applauded.
“The auctioneers themselves promptly posted on Facebook, ‘While Salcedo Auctions is in no position to declare conclusively that the painting it had offered is a forgery, it does however accept that the evidence presented puts into question the attribution of the work to Hidalgo…The consignor insists upon the painting’s provenance and the result of the black light test. Salcedo Auctions, however, feels that in the light of the evidence presented, the consignor’s defense is not strong enough to warrant the continued attribution of the painting as a Hidalgo…”
“Richie tells me he contacted the Brussels auction houses and was told that at the 2014 auction, the painting was sold to a ‘professional’ who then sold it to a ‘foreigner.’ INTERPOL is onto the case and we may soon know if the Hidalgo is indeed a Horta in disguise and the identities of the Dramatis Personae: the “foreigner” Belgium buyer, painter-forger, art authority, consignor and, of course, the mastermind.
“It’s a long way from 1,500 to 2,000 euros (80,000 to 100,000 pesos) for a genuine Horta to 7,000,000 to 9,000,000 pesos for a fake Hidalgo. For the tempted, beware alert, skeptical and determined IT-savvy people who can stay sleepless, glued to computer screens.”
Read: Buying from a prestigious auction house is no assurance of authenticity of lot. Usually covered by a “no recourse” clause in the auction agreement, this provision is usually stated in general terms. BUYERS, BEWARE!

THE PROMISE. As if the Hidalgo shamming were not enough, an art gallery put the plagiarized artwork of Calderon entitled The Promise on the block, according to Prof. Raffy Ignacio, who brought to the attention of this writer on Facebook of said gallery “claiming the artist grandwinner (sic as spelled in the original text), which is opposite to the final lists of winners. It’s anomalous. Metrobank’s integrity may have been put on the line.”
Said artwork was withdrawn by the artist upon exposure of the plagiarism in a post on Facebook and this broadsheet’s, based on reports provided by Profs. Herminigildo Puneda and Abe Orobia. As such, it could not be claimed to be a duly awarded grand winner as said prize was never awarded. No doubt, it is a gross misrepresentation. And to think it intends to put the artwork on auction where an alleged five bidders are waiting.
This is highly questionable. How can an art gallery with no experience in auctions have “bidders” unless they are “captured?” How can legitimate art collectors bid for a disgraced artwork of an artist with no history of exhibits unless something is seriously out of place with the process?

TRICKS OF THE TRADE. Shamming is the deliberate placement at auction of an artwork with questionable provenance or credentials. It is the worst form of auction as there is a deliberate intention to deceive the buyer, artist and/or seller.
Other deceptions, which may overlap with shamming, are: Shill bidding happens when anyone, usually planted by the seller (artist, art gallery, auction house, item owner), bids on an item with the intent to artificially increase its price or desirability.
Flipping is when art collectors buy art to resell at a profit.
Market manipulation is a deliberate attempt to interfere with the free and fair operation of the market and create artificial, false or misleading appearances with respect to the price of, or market for an artwork.
Price fixing is maintaining prices of artworks at a certain level by agreement between competing sellers.
Insider trading is the practice of buying artworks, for example at auctions, to one’s own advantage through having access to confidential information, usually considered as an unfair if not illegal practice.
Money laundering is the concealment of the origins of illegally obtained money, typically by means of transfers involving foreign banks or legitimate businesses, used to purchase artworks, for example, at auctions.

HOW TO DEAL? Lead suggests organizing a self-regulating body to accredit auction houses that will address the business’ own needs with the primary purpose of protecting mutual interests of buyer, artist and seller.
This is for the sake of legitimate auction house as the multi-million peso prices will naturally attract more players whose interests go beyond earning decent profits. If this is not done, the auction business will suffer in the short- and long-term by losing credibility, which is crucial to its viability.
For the time being, Lead suggests buyers’ strict compliance with the following guidelines:
1. Deal only with auction houses that are credible and with three years experience in the business based on written and tested guidelines in the conduct of process.
2. Do not deal with art galleries that dabble as auction houses as they maintain an inventory of artworks, making them susceptible to manipulation.

Sen. Loren Legarda expressed her profound regret when asked by Tempo entertainment editor Nestor Cuartero for her reaction to the violent dispersal of protesters that included Indigenous People (IPs) outside the United States embassy last week.
Speaking at the media launch of the second season of the documentary Dayaw (which starts airing on November 3, Thursday, 6 p.m. on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel and ANC HD),  Sen. Legarda described the IPs as having been here before the coming of the Chinese and the Spaniards. They are our roots, she stressed — the true Filipinos, whose culture and heritage we are celebrating in the month of October. Dayaw means exactly that in many local dialects — celebration. It also means “honor” in Ilocano and generally connote inspiration.
But the way the commemoration turned out, it became the opposite — desecration.
Activists from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and various indigenous groups attacked a police van at the height of the protest in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Manila. Due to years of oppression, the IPs have been politicized to fight for their rights. Police allegedly retaliated and ran over some protesters. The activists, in return, ran for safety, but several people were hit by the police vehicle.
It is good there are groups that promote the interests of IPs positively. “We, in ABS-CBN and ANC, have deemed it our responsibility, in fact our duty, to do our part in promoting this knowledge about our past, and pushing for an enlightened citizenry. Thus, this partnership with the NCCA. We are very proud to be launching the second season of  Dayaw,” summed up Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs.
Marking her return to primetime television, Sen. Legarda brings her advocacy to the small screen in partnership between ANC as represented by Reyes and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as repped by Rene Napeñas. Dayaw is a six-part, 30-minute weekly documentary series that focuses on the preservation of the culture and heritage of the country’s IPs.
For this season, the three-term senator will explore the arts, culture, traditions and beliefs of various indigenous groups from the north to the south of the Philippines to show how each contribute to the identity of the Filipino.
Sen. Legarda started her television career at age 18, and was considered the most awarded broadcast journalist of her time. She was the executive producer and anchor of PEP Talk, which was the first telemagazine show of ABS-CBN in the post-Edsa era and won more than 30 awards including the Catholic Mass Media hall of fame. She was also the executive producer and anchor of The Inside Story and the anchor of the highly respected and multi-award winning news program, The World Tonight, with the late Angelo Castro Jr. before she retired from ABS-CBN to run for the Philippine Senate in 1998.
Decidedly one of the most respected and the most awarded broadcast journalists of her time before becoming a public servant, Sen. Legarda has been known for her advocacy of protecting the rights of the IPs and the preservation of traditional culture. In Dayaw, she hopes to showcase how knowledge and appreciation of the indigenous ways can make every Filipino whole, and how this can also strengthen love for our country, as she has experienced it herself while doing the documentary.
“My interest in indigenous peoples’ culture goes back three decades and they never fail to amaze me. Whenever I talk to IPs or visit indigenous communities, I always discover marvelous things about our culture and heritage. Doing the Dayaw TV series is an enriching experience for me because I continuously learn about our indigenous culture with every episode. We have a very rich culture that we must all try to learn about and I hope that through Dayaw, Filipinos will be inspired and encouraged to discover their indigenous roots. To me, it is not just another television show, but a legacy for the Filipino people,” Sen. Legarda said.
Each episode of Dayaw promises a rich treasure trove of images, insights, traditions and beliefs from various groups, juxtaposing differences and similarities, creating a synthesis of cultures.
In Episode 1, the documentary zeroes in on the ways we preserve, prepare and present food — from the salt-making tradition of the North, to the Halal of the South.
Episode 2 tackles how the environment shapes traditional homes, and will look at the Ivatan home, the Ifugao Bale, the T’boli longhouse, the Bahay Kubo and the Bahay na Bato.
In Episode 3, the Senator will show the different rituals that employ music, chant and dance, such as the Subli of Batangas, the Tud Bulul chant of the T’Boli, and the Bulul ritual of the Ifugao.
Episode 4 will take on an even more spiritual route, as it surveys the rich spiritual traditions of the Agusanon Babaylan, the Mambobolo and Mananambal of Siquijor and the Baglan of Abra.
The last two episodes, meanwhile, will focus on traditional adornments on the body, from the Kalinga batok tattoos of Whang Od and the traditional jewelry of the Ivatan, to the heirloom beads of the Kalinga and the Gaddang, to the modern jewelry of Bulacan.
With Dayaw offering a grand opportunity to promote traditional Filipino culture and heritage, NCCA chairman Felipe de Leon Jr. said he is looking forward to more seasons of the documentary series, emphasizing how it can help strengthen unity among Filipino people.
“Even if we have 1,000 Dayaw episodes, these are not enough to showcase the great variety and diversity of Filipino cultures. With 131 languages, it means we have 131 ethno-linguistic groups and the best way to know the Filipinos is really to know who they are. If you look at Dayaw, it really represents what we call the IKSP of the Philippines: Indigenous Knowledges Systems and Practices and this is the only way to bind the country. You know, any kind of society becomes united by showing them their strengths. Only the positive can unite the people; negative things only tend to divide. We have to showcase the strengths of the Filipinos through Dayaw,” he said.
“Doing the Dayaw TV series is an enriching experience for me because I continuously learn about our indigenous culture with every episode. We have a very rich culture that we must all try to learn about and I hope that through Dayaw, Filipinos will be inspired and encouraged to discover their indigenous roots. To me, it is not just another television show but a legacy for the Filipino people,” summed up Sen. Legarda.
Don’t miss Sen. Legarda’s return on TV as she takes us to another season of Dayaw on ANC. Explore the culture and lives of indigenous Filipinos.

For more information, visit the official Facebook account of NCCA (https://www.facebook.com/NCCAofficial) and news.abs-cbn.com/anc, or follow ANC on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ANCalerts) and Twitter (@ANCalerts).

How about provocative “love” stories such as Assunta de Rossi as a widow who brings home her dead husband’s uncorrupted corpse? Only in Karelasyon with Carla Abellana whose gentle and quiet hosting complements its quirky content that GMA7 unfolds every Saturday at 3:15 p.m!

For this Halloween, Karelasyon unfolded weekly horror stories that fills up the vacumn of cringe features of old like Noli de Castro’s Magandang Gabi Bayan. The first Halloween Special series salvo proved that tikbalang and engkanto are no match to true and pure love.
But Karelasyon is more than terror thrillers. It could be Rodjun Cruz and Sebastian Castro as man-to-man webcam performers? Or the hellish life of Kim Rodriguez whose father turn their shack into a shabu den leading to her abuse? And many other viewer grabbers unexpected of non-primetime since April 2015?
“Karelasyon” or “in a relationship” in English does not mean the same as “relationship.” In fact, karelasyon strongly suggests a lack of love as basis. But it clearly refers to a romantic or sexual friendship between two or the way it has evolved more persons.
Karelasyon defines that relationships do not necessarily involve real love by blood or marriage. A love story, on the other hand, deals with natural love no matter the twists usually with a happy ending. Karelasyon teases or tears types.
Rated SPG (Strong Parental Guidance) as promulgated by then liberal-minded MTRCB Chair Grace Poe Llamanzares, you’d think the screen classification board will be in a mad rush for such day-time show with sensitive and controversial treatments. Not a single reported case!
Karelasyon does this by emanating sensuality and/or brutality without graphic details (only implied sexual activity, mild swearing, no prolonged violence, no glamorization of substance abuse among others with redeeming social value as ending).
And mind you, Karelasyon is not a second-rate trying-hard copycat but an excellently produced anthology featuring award-winning newbie and veteran actors from Mark Neumann to Chanda Romero and helmers Zig Dulay to Adolf Alix Jr.
Karelasyon can easily be understood as passion stories gone wrong. They are actually what happens in the absence of real love. In our multi-cultural times, relationships are complex that turn out as refreshing bold and brave alternative to the predictable stories of romantic comedies and love drama series.

BIMBY MEETS HALF-BROTHER. Kris Aquino admitted that she was disappointed with the lack of effort on James Yap’s part in reaching out to son Bimby Yap regarding introducing him to his newborn younger brother, MJ, by his current Italian domestic partner, Michela Cazzola.
“I reached out to James and asked if it would be okay for Bimby to meet his baby brother,” Aquino said. “I prayed a lot for this day to arrive when we’d all be ready, because I just want what is best for my bunso.”
When Kris took the iniative to take the effort in Saturday afternoon, she shared a picture of Bimby’s imported brands of educational toys for MJ on Instagram bringing Cazzolla Phalaenopsis orchids.
Thanking her ex-husband and Cazzolla for graciously welcoming them into their home, Cazolla prepared carbonara for Bimby and baked an Italian chocolate pie for merienda. Yap, for his part, posted on Instagram: “Thank you Bimby for bringing gifts for your baby brother. I love you both.”
It now appears that Aquino has made true her words to forgive Yap for their bitter and expensive split for the sake of their son. In another post, Aquino claimed that there’s not “perfect formula for mothering except to do it with love.”
“I am grateful that today we gave our sons the opportunity to meet and hopefully have genuine bonding as brothers. Because in the end, the good men we are able to raise will be products of our guidance and unconditional love as mothers,” she explained.

STAR MAGIC MOUNTS THE PHILIPPINES’ MOST GLAMOROUS EVENT. The Star Magic Ball, the Philippines’ most glamorous event, staged its 10th edition at Shangri-La Makati on Saturday. Star Magic members and invited guests followed the black and white color code.
Liza Soberano in a patterned, floor-length turquoise blue gown that featured a long, plunging illusion neckline down the middle, which she co-designed with Michael Cinco won the much-coveted Best Dressed Award. Her male counterpart is Zanjoe Marudo in a Lanvin tuxedo. Sofia Andres and Diego Loyzaga were named Couple of the Night. ABS-CBN chief content officer Charo Santos and ABS-CBN chair Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III were awarded “Stars of the Night.”

BOB DYLAN SNUBS THE NOBEL PRIZE? His 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature to be officially conferred December 10 in Stockholm, Bob Dylan’s silence since receiving the honor is “impolite and arrogant” according to Per Wastberg, a member of the Swedish Academy that awarded it.
Crediting him with creating “new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition,”  the academy says it has failed to reach Dylan since the award announcement October 13. It was mentioned on Dylan’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Although this lack of reaction was predictable, Wastberg found it disrespectful, telling the Swedish newspaper Dagens Myheter in Saturday’s edition: “One can say that it is impolite and arrogant. He is who he is.”

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO PIA WURTZBACH AND THE SEXIEST DOCTOR ALIVE? After denying dating 2016 Miss Universe Pia after a photo of them together in New York sparked the rumors in an interview with ABS-CBN News early this month and then maintaining that they are just close friends, Filipino-Swiss race car driver Marlon Stockinger finally admitted that he and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach are indeed “seeing each other.”
Stockinger told entertainment site Push during the Star Magic Ball that they “want to keep it down low.” When asked about the truth, he replied, “Let’s put it this way if Pia was here tonight she’d be my date here so yeah obviously we see each other but we just want to keep it down low pretty much but yeah, I’ve been seeing Pia.”
This indicates that Wurtzbach may no longer be dating Dr. Mike, the New York doctor who is Mikhail Vershabski in real life, also known as the “Sexiest Doctor Alive.” Or she longer sees him exclusively. Wurtzbach must be thinking in practical terms as her reign ends in January 2017 as she is normally homeward bound.

Sundance is the most prestigious film festival in the world,” says Filipino-American filmmaker Anthony Diaz V, who is set to break out with Break, his Sundance-bound, full-length feature film debut as writer-director-actor. If your goal is for your film to get global recognition, hit for Sundance. Also, most film buyers and distributors attend Sundance more than any other international film festival. If accepted into Sundance, it’s the closest to you hitting a home run.

Break hits Manila on November 19, which is its second stop in Asia before the film goes to Sundance and emerge as its future film maverick. Break had a successful private screening in Tokyo with over 500 people last April.
“If your goal is for your film to get global recognition, hit for Sundance. Also, most film buyers and distributors attend Sundance more than any other international film festival. If accepted into Sundance, it’s the closest to you hitting a home run,” Anthony explains.
Movies have always played a major role in Anthony’s life, from his childhood to his years at the University of Las Vegas Film School (UNLV). He graduated with high honors with a Bachelor’s Degree in Film at age 20, making him the youngest graduate in the program’s history.
His passion for film guided him as he embarked on his earliest short films that include Delusion, which was showcased at the UNLV Film Festival, and Forgotten Heroes, a film about the effects of the war in Afghanistan to a US military family. Forgotten Heroes was warmly received and has played at various movie festivals. It is being considered for a showing at Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
“My first major influence was Robert Rodriguez,” Anthony identifies that exclusive circle, which also counts as members two directors. The other helmer he looks up to is Hollywood actor and director Robert Redford, who won an Oscar for helming Ordinary People and the maverick who signaled Sundance.
“The movement he created in the indie movie scene was amazing at that time. He proved that it wasn’t impossible to make a movie if you had the desire and the creativity and, quite frankly, the ignorance of not knowing it can’t be done. My recent favorite is Ben Affleck (Argo & Gone Girl) who writes, directs and acts in the project’s he produces,” he adds.
Filmmaking is a tedious process whose end results are always most rewarding. In most cases, a film’s genesis begins with the spark of an idea; what follows after is a whole new different story. Break, says Anthony, was a breeze to write. It took him two months, on and off, to finish the movie’s draft. “What really took time was dialing it in with the details.”

Break is a first-of-its-kind Hollywood style movie shot entirely in Japan with Japanese actors speaking both English and Japanese. That naturally posed a problem.
“Honestly, the biggest challenge was the language barrier, where things could get lost in translation,” he explains. “It took six months in language and intonation prep before we started to roll cameras. Also, trying to give my guidance as a director to the actors through a translator sometimes made me want to pull my hair out. It was physically and emotionally exhausting at times, but I would never trade the experience for anything.”
Anthony, as a kid, always had a crazy imagination and was raised watching gritty and perplexing classics like The Godfather, Taxi Driver, Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, El Mariachi and The Shawshank Redemption, to name a few.
Invariably, he would act like a character from a film after just watching it and be on that for a week straight before moving on to the next character of a movie. On the side, he also did normal things kids his age engaged in like video games and sports.
Anthony feels that Break is the perfect vehicle for his full-length feature debut. Mixing elements of crime, drama, love story and action, Anthony stars and directs from a script he also wrote under his own production company called Kaizen Studios. With his gym-honed physique, killer smile, arresting screen presence and seductive alto, Anthony slips into the lead role of Johnny with ease.
Johnny is a young Japanese-American who gets involved with Tokyo’s underworld elements as he deals with the weight of being an outsider trying to fit into Japanese society. With Kaede as lead actress, the film’s the storytelling is gripping and technical aspects are polished, managing to draw one into this alienated young man’s world and outsider psyche.
Go to thebreakmovie.com or visit the Kaizen Studios FB page @Facebook.com/KaizenStudios to find out more about “Break.”

ANSWER THE HIV SURVEY. The University of the Philippines Manila in collaboration with researchers from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine of United Kingdom was awarded a research grant after a rigid competition to improve the effectiveness of HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) in the Philippines.
It will pilot an innovative tool in the form of a “serious gaming” application available for both Android and iOS operating system to increase the number of MSMs getting tested and knowing their HIV status.
The increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the Philippines is becoming an alarming public health dilemma with almost 25 new cases diagnosed every day. According to observation by the Department of Health, high risk groups, especially Men having Sex with Men (MSM), tend not to come forward for testing, and the two-week time period between testing and diagnosis in the current system leads to few returns for treatment and care.
This is an important contributing factor to the Philippines having the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world. There is a clear need to address delays the current diagnosis system and pilot targeted interventions to improve uptake of HIV testing and counselling services among high risk groups.
“The prevalence is going up... hopefully through this we can increase the testing through gaming,” Dr. Emmanuel Baja, principal investigator of the project, says in an interview.
The project is also supported by the HIV/STI Prevention Program of the Department of Health under the leadership of Dr. Jose Gerard Belimac.
The game will make use of information gathered from the series of interviews conducted and accomplishment of survey questionnaires. To the gays and transgenders who would want to participate in the survey, there will be a link available in social networking sites like Planet Romeo, Grindr at Growlr that will redirect you to the survey platform.
All information captured from the survey will be treated as confidential thus it is highly encouraged to answer the survey with utmost honesty.
Again, the LGBT community is encouraged to support this cause.

“Yes, the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival’s (MMFF) ‘Reelvolution’ is pushing through,” clarified Stephanie Henares, marketing manager of SM Lifestyle and Entertainment Inc. “They will have their MMFF corner at SM malls soon and they will be announcing the official entries this month.”
In revamping its original concept, the 2016 MMFF received 60-plus entries. Yes, the original plans are pushing through despite the change of MMDA chairmanship from Emerson Carlos to Tomas Orbos in an acting capacity.
While majority of submissions are indie films, the established film production companies are also present, but some are keeping mum about their submissions for fear they will not be picked.
Vice Ganda and Coco Martin have an entry under Star Cinema with the working title of Sampung Gamol. Vic Sotto and Ai Ai de las Alas under M-Zet are also in partnership with other film production companies for a film entry. The producer of a sequel of a blockbuster indie film starring an award-winning actress is not publicizing their participation until it is selected as an official entry.
But other entries are more daring. Vhong Navarro’s remake of the iconic Chiquito character, Mang Kepweng, in Mang Kepweng Returns, is also from Star Cinema. There is Anne Curtis’ action movie, Buy Bust, as helmed by Erik Matti. Reel-life pastors Philip Salvador and Gina Alajar will field Pastor as directed by Adolf Alix Jr.

EXCLUSIVE LOAD, SHOPPING PERKS WITH SMART MASTERCARD.
Smart subscribers are in for a whole lot of treats this holiday season with exclusive prepaid load and online shopping discounts through PayMaya, the country’s leading digital payments mobile app that allows users to get an instant virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard that they can use for digital purchases.
By downloading the PayMaya app on their Android or iOS phones and registering with their Smart, TNT or Sun mobile number, subscribers will be able to instantly get a virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard which they can load up at PayMaya load-up centers and use in more than 36 million merchants worldwide that accept MasterCard.
Smart subscribers who download the PayMaya app and use their virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard can also get as much as 10 percent discount on Smart prepaid load when they buy in-app, as well as enjoy exciting perks and discounts from Zalora, Jollibee, and many other big brands that will be announced in the coming weeks.
“With a vast majority of ‘uncarded’ Filipinos, many are still unable to experience the life-changing benefits that digital services offer today. With the Smart and PayMaya partnership, we aim to once again help our customers break barriers and experience new ways of transacting and engaging,” said Katrina Luna Abelarde, Wireless Consumer Operations head at Smart.
“We are happy to join forces with Smart, the leader in mobile, so their subscribers can get more out of their purchases through the virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard. With Smart’s reach and ‘nationwidest’ presence, we can all, in turn, help bring the many benefits of digital payments to more Filipinos,” said Kenneth Palacios, director and vice president for International Platforms at PayMaya Philippines.
PayMaya is the globally recognized digital payments app from PayMaya Philippines, the digital financial services arm of PLDT and Smart. Launched in September last year, the app has been the consistent number one in the Google Play Philippines charts under the finance app category.
The PayMaya mobile app serves as a digital prepaid wallet where users can link virtual and physical prepaid cards, among them, the Smart MasterCard. PayMaya Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to ensure all user transactions are secure.
With their virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard, users will be able to:
1. Transact online and use digital services. With the instantly-generated 16-digit card number in their virtual MasterCard, users will be able to do online shopping and subscribe to their favorite digital services that require a credit, debit or prepaid card as a payment option.
2. Get discounts on prepaid load packages. Users will be able to purchase prepaid credits and enjoy up to 10 percent discounts to load their own Smart prepaid numbers or send as gifts to family and friends.
3. Pay bills. Through the app, users will be able to pay their Smart, Sun, PLDT, Maynilad, Cignal, Meralco and a host of other bills using credits they have loaded to their PayMaya account.
Users can load up their PayMaya accounts in any of the over 15,000 touchpoints nationwide, which include Smart Stores, SM Malls Business Centers, Robinson’s Department Stores, UnionBank ATMs, 7-Eleven stores with Cliqq Kiosks, TouchPay Kiosks and Smart Padala Centers, on top of online banking via BdO and UnionBank.
With the PayMaya app, users will be able to instantly see a list of all their transactions and manage their usage. At the same time, they will receive timely SMS notifications each time they use their virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard anywhere.
Soon, Smart and PayMaya will also introduce a physical Smart MasterCard payment card and an NFC-enabled Smart MasterCard payment sticker, which users can link to the PayMaya app and use in millions of brick-and-mortar merchants that accept MasterCard here and abroad.
Recently awarded as the world’s best online payments solution at the Emerging Payments Awards in London, PayMaya has been leading the charge in enabling instant access to the digital economy through its game-changing payments service.
Empowering Filipinos everywhere with customer-focused digital innovations, Smart has pioneered payment solutions through the years that allow subscribers to break barriers digitally.
To know more about Smart MasterCard, visit smart.com.ph
or www.paymaya.com.

REVEAL ITEM. The buzz that T.A.P.E owner Romy Jalosjos (yes, he still owns it) is the reason Kris Aquino could not join his entertainment production company is reliable. Why? Her brother, former President Noynoy Aquino, turned down his request for a favor when he was still Philippine president. Well, there’s no appeal in such a case. Kris knows this, accounting for her crying blues and swallowing her pride to sound off to ABS-CBN that she is available.
But Kris is not one who will easily accept defeat. Like a true Aquino, she is known to find her way out of a predicament. She went to dear friend Manny Pangilinan and enticed the TV5 owner with an exclusive interview, that of President Rody Duterte, who agreed, as long as the interview would be aired on TV4. This is scheduled for November 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Be My Lady, ABS-CBN’s long-running romantic comedy headlined by Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga, ends this November 25.
Other stars in the series, developed by Ruel Bayani with a pool of writers, are Janice de Belen, Al Tantay, RK Bagatsing and Yves Flores, with Theodore Boborol directing. Mel Mendoza-del Rosario is blockbuster creative director.
The series will be replaced by the friendship story of two generations, Langit Lupa, which will have a short run of one season as decided by the Department of Labor and Employment’s four hours only work rule for minors.
Produced by the RSB Drama Unit, Langit Lupa stars child wonders Xia Vigor and Yesha Camile, with Jason Abalos, Yam Concepcion, Patrick de la Rosa, Ellen Adarna, Tommy Esguerra, Miho Nishida and Buboy Garovillo as megged by Carlo Artillaga and Myla. Mel is also creative director. The show’s title is culled from the children’s game “Langit Lupa Impyerno.”

EMPOWERING SUBSCRIBERS. “We remain committed in our vision of making every Filipino break norms and embrace the multiple opportunities that the digital world brings. This is why we are unveiling bigger and better data packages for our subscribers, and welcome stronger partnerships with device makers and content providers,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, head of Smart Wireless Consumer Operations.
In an unprecedented move to empower subscribers with rewarding data experiences, Smart Communications is showering subscribers with the biggest data allocation this Christmas season.
“We are also empowering our subscribers with more convenient and rewarding ways to enjoy digital services at their fingertips, turning their phones into a wallet they can use to purchase load, shop online, book an Uber, or subscribe to the latest hit series — among a list of endless possibilities,” Kat added.
Smart unboxed a shortlist of announcements during the launch of the second Smart Flagship Store at the 4th level of the SM Annex in North EDSA, featuring state-of-the-art interactive walls and activity tables to better engage and serve customers. Its specialties are Post Paid and Prepaid Phone, Broadband Internet, Mobile Broadband, Handy Phones, LTE Pocket Wi-Fi with Bro SIM.

RICHER DIGITAL LIFESTYLE WITH MORE DATA. Smart subscribers may now experience a worry-free digital lifestyle with Giga Plans, the telco’s best-ever postpaid data offers with 10 times more data than its previous plans, a free app and unlimited texts to all networks.
Giga Plans is the perfect match for the latest handsets on the market, as these gadgets are best experienced with the biggest data plans available to consumers.
“Data under Smart Postpaid’s Giga Plans will  provide a richer digital lifestyle for Smart users. And since we are doing network improvements all over the country, digital services under Smart is just bound to get even better,” said Kathy Carag, head of Smart’s Mobile Marketing.
With the new line-only Giga Plans, Smart users can do everything with twice as much data as handset plans — from binge-watching movies on iflix, keeping Waze running on out of town trips and even post as many photos and videos on Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook.
If Smart Postpaid has Giga Plans, Smart Bro’s New Postpaid Plans have also been upgraded to offer more data for sharing online connectivity across gadgets, or with friends, anytime and anywhere. Smart’s premium postpaid brand will also be rolling up data plans of up to 60GB allocation for members with Smart Infinity.
Smart has boosted the My Smart app, a mobile and desktop platform that allows each user to manage their accounts conveniently to monitor subscribers’ consumption of data and other services. On this app, people are able to check their billing, their data usage and subscribe to different data promos. Prepaid users are also able to use the service to monitor their load, purchase additional credit and register to promos.

ALL ABOUT #SMARTLOVE. Enjoy #SmartLove Christmas Giveaway promo for a chance to win holiday getaways, Uber and Airbnb vouchers, free data and more exciting prizes by simply participating at key events all over the country. In partnership with ABS-CBN for iWantTV, Smart will pave the way for millions of Smart users to access their favorite hit TV series, shows and programs anytime and anywhere using their prepaid load or charged to their postpaid bill. Soon, iWantTV will be part of the offers under Giga Plans.

PAYMENT SOLUTION FOR THE SHOPPING SEASON. With Smart’s recent introduction of exclusive prepaid load and online shopping discounts through PayMaya, the country’s leading digital payments mobile app that allows users to get an instant virtual prepaid MasterCard used for digital purchases.
Subscribers will be able to instantly get a virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard by downloading the PayMaya app on their Android or iOS phones and registering with their Smart, TNT, or Sun mobile number. This way, they can load up and use in millions of online merchants and digital services worldwide that accept MasterCard.
Subscribers who download the PayMaya app and use their virtual prepaid Smart MasterCard can also get as much as 10 percent discount on Smart prepaid load when they buy in-app, as well as enjoy exciting perks and discounts from Zalora, Jollibee and many other big brands soon.

SMART WORLD FOR FILIPINO TRAVELERS. To suit the diverse needs of today’s travelers, Smart is also beefing up its lineup of roaming services as presented by Tina Mariano, head of Smart World, who unveiled Chat Abroad and Smart World Travel WiFi.
Smart Chat Abroad allows Smart Prepaid subscribers now have another option when communicating back home. Smart Chat Abroad is a data roaming service that allows subscribers to use six popular chat messaging apps — Facebook Messenger, Viber, Telegram, WeChat, Line, and WhatsApp — while travelling in over 130 countries. The service comes at a fixed rate of only P150 per day.
Want bigger data while traveling? The telco will soon be making available the Smart World Travel WiFi, a Pocket WiFi which Smart and non-Smart subscribers can rent to enjoy mobile data in 130 countries starting at P399 per day.
Also present were Carlo Endaya, Smart head for Digital Products and Marketing Communications, and Kenneth Palacios, PayMaya VP and head for International Partners, who announced the partnership between Smart and PayMaya to introduce Smart Mastercard, which Smart subscribers can conveniently use for their purchases while enjoying exciting perks.
Joachim Horn, Smart Chief Technology and Information Adviser, talked about the massive Smart network transformation to provide subscribers with an awesome digital lifestyle.
Remain updated on Smart’s awesome products and services by following its official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

MAKE ARJO ATAYDE THE AXE BRAND AMBASSADOR.
Axe, globally popular male fragrance brand, has invited actor Arjo Atayde, who is currently known for his role as Police Senior Inspector Joaquin Tuazon of Ang Probinsyano, to join its Concept Store series contest from November 11 to 13.
A signed actor of Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent development and management arm, Arjo’s award-winning support role in Ang Probinsyano has undeniably placed him on the to-watch list of Philippine entertainment. Combining natural good looks with extraordinary acting genius, he came up with a menacing character that is, at the same time, believable as a police officer.
I arrived at the launch of Arjo’s Varsity Lockroom Room of the Store Concept series held at Unit 27 Apartment Bar + Café at Icon Plaza BGC, and saw him accommodating requests for photo opportunities at the lobby.
Wearing an all-black ensemble that emphasized his alabaster face and dimples, Arjo was soon swarmed by entertainment journalists led by Lyka Denava of Star Magic. Accommodating as usual, he buzzed to me in a sit-down interview that a major role awaits him in a new film in the works. There is no doubt he got his acting chops from Sylvia Sanchez, his mother, who is a versatile actress.
Varsity Locker Room may just get him an endorsement contract of a major grooming product for men — Axe Black.
Patterned after last year’s Pop-up Bar Series, the Concept Store Series aims to invite guests in the Axe Black Man’s world of understatement, showcasing his take on “less effort, more style.”
It kicked off last August 26 to 28 with Axe Black Ambassador DJ Nix Damn P at his Maharlika Store, while fashion and lifestyle blogger David Guison took the spotlight with his Aviation Axe Store Last October 7 to 9.
Each participant was asked to come up with his own concept store where he would sell fashion and grooming items plus the Axe fragrance. The participant posting the highest sales wins the opportunity to lead in the new Axe brand advertising campaign.
This November, Axe wrapped up the series with Axe Black Ambassador. Arjo showing his understated style with Axe Park. Together with teammates Ria Atayde, Landon Leoncio, Martin Atayde and The Boys of Night Out DJ Slick Rick, the Axe Park will zero in on fashion, grooming and fragrance, along injecting Arjo’s personal style of leisure wear.
Always on the go, Arjo took his concept store’s inspiration from his daily life. Despite a busy schedule, guys can always complete their look with pieces that are both bold yet simple, much like the Black Axe fragrance.
“In my line of work, I constantly have to juggle my taping schedule with my football training and the gym. Through my concept store, I want to be able to introduce guys to the world of luxury sports wear — showing them that being athletic can be classy, if done in the right way,” Arjo explains. “For the Axe Park, we wanted it to be a space where guys felt comfortable enough to shop and be themselves, even with their girlfriends were around.”
Replicating the aura of a varsity locker room, the venue featured in-store stylists and grooming consultants to help customers mix and match different pieces. Arjo and his teammates were also present throughout the event to help guests finish up their looks with a spray of Black Axe.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by stylists who took them on a tour of the different apparel available, including exclusive pieces by local retail brands Rocca and Halo-Halo. Attendees also perused other essentials, like special jackets, Mist and Sip jugs and special merchandise from Vans. His 10 showcased pieces were a mix of both local and foreign brands, but combined, created a look that was absolutely Arjo.
“I have always been athletic when it comes to fashion. I’m all about being comfortable without sacrificing style. It’s about carrying yourself,” shares Arjo. “That’s why I keep highlighting the fragrance. Because when you smell good, you feel good, and when you feel good you can pull off any outfit.”
Since the concept store is closed by the time you read this column, yes, you can still make Arjo win. Selected items in his store are available for online purchase through Lazada.

THE AMAZING iPHONE 7 COUNTDOWN!
In a Smart Communications event marked with excitement at Eastwood City that started late Thursday, Smart encouraged subscribers who participated in the iPhone 7 countdown to lift the night’s heaviest iPhone 7 for a chance to be included in the midnight raffle.
Actor Ramon Bautista lifted the giga-heavy iPhone 7 for a chance to win one of seven iPhone 7 smartphones raffled off during the #SmartiPhone7. And at exactly 12 midnight, November 11, Friday, Smart handed out to loyal subscribers the first units of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus — the best, most advanced iPhone ever, featuring new advanced camera systems, the best battery life ever on an iPhone and water and dust resistance.
The night’s Giga party also marked the introduction of Smart’s Giga Plans, the latest postpaid lineup to boost the digital lifestyle of Smart users via high volume data allocation.
Smart subscribers may now experience a worry-free digital lifestyle with Giga Plans, the telco’s best-ever postpaid data offers with 10 times more data than its previous plans, a free app and unlimited texts to all networks.
Giga Plans is the perfect match for the latest handsets on the market, particularly the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus as these gadgets are best experienced with the biggest data plans available to consumers.
“Data under Smart Postpaid’s Giga Plans will definitely provide a richer digital lifestyle for our Smart users. And since we are doing network improvements all over the country, digital services under Smart is just bound to get even better,” said Kathy Carag, head of Smart’s Mobile Marketing.
With Giga Plans, Smart users can do everything with twice as much data as handset plans — from binge-watching movies on iflix, keeping Waze running on out of town trips, and even post as many photos and videos on Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook.
Smart has also partnered with ABS-CBN for iWantTV, which will pave the way for millions of Smart users to access their favorite hit TV series, shows and programs anytime and anywhere using their prepaid load or charged to their postpaid bill. Soon, iWantTV will be part of the offers under Giga Plans.
The premium phone brand to score is but iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus!

BIBSY CARBALLO BROUGHT HOME. Bibsy worked at the Saturday Mirror Magazine under editors Eric Giron and Tirso Rodriguez in the mid-1960s. She was also curator of Gallery Indigo, Bencab’s gallery adjacent to Indios Bravos Cafe on A. Mabini Street, Manila at around the same time. From there, she proceeded to be a well-known publicist, executive producer of Himala and columnist of The Philippine Star under Ricky Lo. Brought to Lourdes Hospital for treatment of Stage Four cancer of the pancreas last week, she has been released and now stays at home.

COLDPLAY AT MOA CONCERT GROUNDS ON APRIL 4, 2017! As part of their “A Head Full of Dreams” Tour, British rock phenomenon Coldplay will finally come to Manila on Apr. 4, 2017 to tear up the open stage of the much-anticipated, one-night concert at the Mall Of Asia concert grounds.
As part of their ongoing world tour promoting their seventh and latest studio album, A Head Full of Dreams, Chris Martin, lead vocalist, is out to impress diehard fans with his distinctive vocals and ability to put on a high-octane show complete with elaborate lighting and sets.
The confirmation was announced Tuesday, November 15, on the band’s website, coldplay.com, and on the online platforms of Music Management  International, the concert promoter. The band’s Asian itinerary includes: April 1 — Singapore; April 12 — Taiwan; April 15 — Korea; and April 19 — Japan.
This announcement is five months ahead of concert day, April 4, enough time for fans to save up for tickets priced at: VIP — P22,500; Platinum — P17,500; Gold — P12,500; Silver — P7,500; Bronze — P3,500; and General Admission — P1,800.
Globe pre-sale kicks off on November 20, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Citi pre-sale from November 21 to 22, 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Tickets will available to the general public starting November 24, 10 a.m. at SM Ticket outlets or online at smtickets.com.
Formed in 1996, Coldplay’s key influences ranged from each album as its style has ranged from dream pop to art rock. To date, it has released seven studio albums: Parachutes (2000), A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), X&Y (2005), Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), Mylo Xyloto (2011), Ghost Stories (2014) and A Head Full of Dreams (2015), producing such hits as “The Scientist,” “Yellow,” “Clocks,” “Viva La Vida,” “Fix You,” “Sky Full of Stars” and “Paradise.”
The band has garnered more than 65 awards, including seven Grammy wins and more than 200 nominations. Selling more than 80 million records, Coldplay is definitely a must-see hot game band.

TV MADE SEN. dE LIMA OWN UP. The public suspected it all along and knew she would eventually own up. In an exclusive interview with Winnie Monsod on Bawal ang Pasaway Kay Mareng Winnie that aired on Monday night, on GMA News TV, Sen. Leila de Lima for the first time admitted having had a relationship with former driver and bodyguard Ronnie Dayan.
Borne out of the trust that developed between them, Sen. De Lima described her involvement with Dayan as “frailties of a woman.” Asked how long the relationship lasted, she replied without hesitation, “A few years.” She also admitted that she had assisted Dayan financially, but clarified she did not finance the construction of his Pangasinan house.
What a House of Representatives investigation with mostly convicted personalities linked to the drug trade as witnesses and no less than President Rodrigo Duterte accusing her of having an illicit affair with Dayan failed to substantiate, the interview with credible, no-nonsense interviewer Mareng Winnie made Sen. de Lima admit the truth.
They tagged Dayan as allegedly the go-between for Sen. de Lima and inmates involved in the drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison. Sen. de Lima has vehemently denied these accusations. The public vaguely believes her and thinks she will eventually bail herself out of the mess her political enemies have created.
Sen. de Lima has claimed that her public service record remains untarnished, contrary to Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II’s claim that the drug charges against her were bolstered by her recent admission of a past affair with Dayan.
 
NOVEMBER SHOWS AT HARD ROCK CAFÉ. Catch an exciting line-up of shows at Hard Rock Café (HRC) this November. Side A Band and balladeer Nyoy Volante lead the pack with special performances on November 18 (Friday) and November 25 (Friday) respectively. Certified hard rockers can look forward to great evenings of beautiful music as Side A and Nyoy dish out live their hit songs as well as a sampling of today’s hottest chart-toppers, homegrown favorites, and party anthems.
Other featured performers at HRC this November are All Access (Mondays), Silk (Tuesdays), Kudos Love 80s (Wednesdays), Verse 2 (Thursdays), Part 3 (Fridays and Sundays), 70s Superband (November 19), and Music Network (November 19 and 26). All shows start at 9 p.m.

MS. EUGENE DOMINGO, ANG BABAE SA 2016 MMFF.
Among the full-length features that Lead shortlisted as furtively submitting entries to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, it is only the entralling Ang Babae sa Septic Tank #Forever Is Not Enough that made it to the Magic Eight.
Ms. Eugene Domingo’s only film for 2016, she reprises her 2011 blockbuster indie film with Kean Cipriano as Rainier and Cai Cortez as Jocelyn now with Khalil Ramos as Lennon plus the participation of  special guest artists Joel Torre, Jericho Rosales and Agot Isidro with Joyce Bernal and Inigo Pascual in cameo roles.
Script is by Chris Martinez and direction by Marlon Rivera as produced by the Martinez Rivera Films and Quantum Films in association with TBA film.

ANTHONY DIAZ V’S BIGGEST BREAK.
The Philippine premiere of Filipino-American auteur Anthony Diaz V’s smashing debut feature Break on Saturday, November 19, at Cinema 3, Power Plant Mall in Rockwell will not be followed by screenings in the local commercial cineplex circuit.
As it aims to premiere first in Sundance Film Festival that works on first screening basis explains Anthony Diaz, the executive producer, who is the American-Saipanese father of lead actor-writer-director-editor Anthony Diaz V. “We’ll know by December if Break gets accepted by Sundance as founded by actor-director Robert Redford.”
As Diaz’s first step to bigger platforms, the prestige will of Sundance, the most prestigious film festival in the world, will result to global recognition. You see, more film buyers and distributors attend Sundance than any other film festival in the world. This will make Break more marketable in the world film market.
“This is actually my first full-length feature,” explains Diaz. “I’ve always been passionate with film since I was a kid. I would always have movie nights with my family or with my father. I was always interested in and wondering (about) the characters’ motivation and what they are in stories.
“I’ve done a lot of short films in college and high school and middle school. Break started out as short film entitled Lunch Break that I made when I was 17 with friends in Las Vegas. I do stories that are very controversial. I like to do stories that actually people are afraid to tell.”
With an English and Japanese-speaking actors, the cast is led by Diaz with Namihiko Omura, Kaede Ishizuka and Tohru Watanabe who acts as Johnny’s father in a special guest appearance. He presently plays an active role as a multi-talented actor and has a chairmanship with a popular Japanese TV program.
Asude from Watanabe, breaking their first international appearance as actor in a feature film are Ishizuka, Japanese rapper Ish-One, American rapper Crazy-T, Shinya Arai, Kai Yusaku, and Ayaka Sonoda.
Ish-One and Crazy-T infuse hip-hop into the movie soundtrack and collaborate on songs that can be heard throughout the film.
Produced by Kaizen Studios, production cost was under P1 million as the cast did not collect talent fees.
Blending American storytelling with Japanese cinema aesthetics with touches of hip-hop cum rap, Diaz plays Johnny, the central character who is confused, fierce but loving, a young American-Japanese with a cancer-stricken American mother and a Japanese father. They move from America to Japan to seek better medical attention for his mother. But she succumbs to the disease and dies. His father falls into depression and can’t take care of him as he has turned into a rebel.
The struggles of his character do not end there. He fails to adapt to Japanese culture. Everything being so strict and straight, his America upbringing interfere. Culture clash results that brings alienation and loneliness as he breaks the line with Tokyo’s underworld elements.
With a very Asian appeal, Break starts as an involving film about Tokyo as we know it and the storyline takes us to its inner streets and then to their bowels. The reverting storyline about identity, romance and acceptance proceeds and turns into an unpredictable tragedy.
Diaz fits the character as his features are a blend of American and Saipanese genes that resemble the Japanese traits. Very promising as an actor, his dramatic range sufficiently fulfills the needs of a debuting actor who is also his own director.
Cinematography and editing make Break a one shattering experience. The feature is testimony that Diaz knows his medium well. Producing a very visual two-hour film, he knows how to make the ordinary look different in a special way.
But Diaz’s biggest break no doubt is coming up with a flawless Hollywood style film that is world class.

MOTHER LILY, ANG BABAENG WALA SA 2016 MMFF.
Mother Lily Monteverde of Regal Entertainment entered Mano Po 7: Chinoy, a Richard Yap starrer, the seventh franchise of the engrossing Mano Po saga, in the 2016 MMFF. Attending the announcement of the Magic Eight of the reformatted filmfest, she just let it go when she found out it was not picked.
Despite her immense contribution to the success of the MMFF and its larger application, Philippine cinema, Mother Lily turns out to be its biggest woman missing this year.
The Vice Ganda-Coco Martin starrer, Super Parental Guardians, Vic Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers, Ai Ai delas Alas’ Our Mighty Yaya and Vhong Navarro’s Mang Kepweng Returns also did not make it to the MMFF.
The AlDub (Alden Richards-Yaya Dub), LizQuen (Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil) and JaDine (James Reid-Nadine Lustre) entries are missing, too. So is Moonlight Over Baler starring Ellen Adarna, Vin Abrenica, Sophie Albert and Elizabeth Oropesa.
The Mano Po anthology that focuses on the ways and traditions of the Chinese-Filipino community has had six movies that includes Ako Legal Wife and Bahay Kubo (A Pinoy Mano Po). All are directed by Joel Lamangan except Mano Po 2 (2003), which was helmed by Erik Matti.
Mano Po is the most successful film series produced in the history of Philippine cinema, second only to the Shake, Rattle & Roll franchise, also produced by Mother Lily, which has a total of 15 films, each with three episodes. Shake, Rattle & Roll 7 in 2005 kicked off Mother Lily’s official participation to the 31st MMFF.
Co-headlined by Jean Garcia, Jake Cuenca, Janella Salvador, Kean Cipriano and Marlo Mortel as directed by Chinoy Ian Loreñas, Mano Po 7: Chinoy shows the struggles of the Chinese-Filipino from a male point of view. The first seven installments are centered on women and female subjects and issues.
Selected scenes were shot in no less than China.
Lead projects a festival-like event of unaccepted films before or after the 2016 MMFF that will challenge its gross receipts.

“That an old-fashioned Filipina in the character of Pinang is timeless,” replies writer/creative manager Mel Mendoza-del Rosario when asked what she learned from doing the exceptional ABS-CBN family series Be My Lady that wrapped up on November 25. “We will always love the Filipina daughter na mapagmahal sa pamilya.” 

Mel laughs when quizzed if she is the Erich Gonzales character in person: “Hindi ako old-fashioned, rebelde ako nung kabataan. Pinang sacrifices her love and life for family. Pareho lang kami sa magnitude ng pagmamahal.”
“I always keep a happy disposition kahit na ano pa nangyayari sa loob ko,” she explains. “Naging very madrama ang teenage life ko, took a major turn when my mom got sick with stroke and aneurysm when I was 13 years old. Siyempre growing up years ‘yun, difficult part at teenager, wala kang active mother. She was recuperating,” she explains how the sickness affected her young life.
It turned into a defining moment for her. “It accounts for what I have become as a person. I like taking care of people and anticipating their needs. Her being sick allowed me to see my father embody what ‘in sickness and in health’ truly means. They are my greatest blessing.”
And her family: “But the happy part was her sickness made our family solid. There was one goal to make her well. Seeing my father devote his life to caring for us and my mother probably is the happiest part. We were able to laugh about serious stuff.”   
Her parents are Manolo, 85, and Luningning, 86. “They just celebrated their 57th wedding. With the grace of God and the strength of the human spirit, they are well at home. My mom medyo alagain na. My dad cares for her. Imagine 1975 na-sick ang mom ko. My dad has been faithful and loyal to his vow. Wagas. Iyan ang tunay na forever.”  
They are only two children in the family. “My mom’s heart condition ‘di na puwede manganak uli. Pero bawi sa only kapatid ko — nine kids ! Yes, Opus Dei.”

SERIES AND ANTHOLOGIES. Mel developed the midday timeslot with the blockbuster series Be Careful With My Heart, followed by Ningning and now Be My Lady that she practically owns the day-part at the Kapamilya network. Her other major accomplishments are helping Maalaala Mo Kaya evolve and the romcom genre evolve into a love story told in a lighter, humorous style.
 “MMK still tries to give variety, a mix. May love story, light drama, family story, success story. Iba-ibang timpla bawa’t linggo. Of course, easier said than done. Depends sa bagsak ng kwento. Mas mahirap maghanap ng kwento kasi marami na kaming nagawa,” she says.
Starting as a writer in MMK, del Rosario says she identifies with  its uniqueness and strength. “Iba ang kwento ng tunay na buhay. Hindi lahat nabibigyan ng pagkakataong maging part ng isang show that has been running for 25 years.”
When she started a writer, she was clueless about typing so she wrote everything by long hand, paying for the typing work. “I literally cut with scissors and paste with glue the portions for revision on the computer by the typist.”
Her personal favorite among the films she wrote is Wanted: Perfect Mother. The first movie she watched that fascinated her was The Sound of Music. “I asked my mother to have my hair cut like Julie Andrews as Fraulein Maria and begged my parents to take me to the ‘hills are alive.’ Dinala nila ako sa Tagaytay instead. Wanted: Perfect Mother was my adaptation.”
She started as writer-cum-sales representative with TAPE, producer of Eat...Bulaga! as she was not required to report daily so she had time to write. In 1998, she resigned so she can write full time out of jealousy for college friend Olive Lamasan.
“Naisip ko para ‘di ako ma-out of place ‘pag reunion, magsulat din ako sa MMK kasi two friends were writing under Olive,” she recalls. “Ako mag-isa kahit walang clamor nagsulat na pinasa ko kay Malou (Santos). One year after writing for MMK, they got me na as co-writer sa MMK the Movie. Then Viva got me na to write solo. Manalo, Matalo, Mahal Kita. Sabi ni Eric Cuatico, marunong pala ako mag-comedy.”
She remains a writer by choice. “I had been offered when I was younger to direct pero parang hindi ako ‘yun. Hindi ko enjoy technical side. Plus it takes a lot of time away from home. ‘Di ko rin kaya ibigay.”
So far, her well of ideas has not dried up. “With God’s grace but dumadating minsan time na tinatamad ako, wala lang ‘yun, walang gana. May ideas pero tinatamad lang ako kumilos kasi siguro pagod, or hindi inspired, or maybe feels unappreciated…”
She snaps out upon seeing eager young writers dying to enter the industry. “Nahihiya rin ako sa balat ko. Andito na ko. Mahirap pumasok kasi ‘yung entry point. Maraming new generation hindi nakakatagal sa process. Sanay sila sa lahat instant.”
What could she have done better? is her question to herself. “I would have improved on three aspects of my life. I wish I could have been a more obedient daughter, mas masunurin, pero hindi naman ako nag-adik nung kabataan ko, ha. I could have worked less and had more time to be with family. At sana nag-aral ako mag-piano imbes tinakasan ko piano lessons.”
As a writer, she shares her biggest lesson: “Mahirap maging writer. Nakakapagod sa mind, heart and kahit sa katawan... kasi ang pagsusulat kasama palagi ang pagkatao mo. Binibigay mo ito.”
What’s the secret of her scripts? “My faith and discipline. I believe writing is a talent, a gift from God and not dependent on mood, ambiance or angst.”
The secret of her writing success? Again laughing off the praise, she replies, “Thank you for that. No magic. I think it’s genuine love for family.”
Now 54, she still has six years before she reaches the mandatory retirement age of 60 at ABS-CBN. “After which maybe I will teach or just write films...or sleep at home and clean the house.”
Until when is she going to write? “Until I ran out of ideas or get arthritis on may hands, whichever comes first.”
The late night online interview turning out to be like Boy Abunda’s two-minute closer of Tonight With Boy Abunda, I wrapped up, “Sex or chocolate?”
“Hmmm... now maybe sleep and chocolates.” And then she laughs her way out.

“An escape from reality is just what we need in these emotionally disconcerting times,” observes Random Minds president/managing director Allan Villegas.
The way it developed, the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival re-branding in favor of no-big stars independent films proved to be a positive development: It expanded entertainment possibilities this Christmas season. A virtual filmfest of selected unaccepted entries and MMFF-exempted films with confirmed release dates start before the official filmfest.
A highlight is the screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story that opens on December 15 and will screen at Imax theaters beginning 2016 MMFF. The first stand-alone sequel of the space opera, the plot, characters and music are all new. Rebel Alliance recruits Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) team up to steal the design of the Empire’s new superweapon, the Death Star.
It kicks off with Vic Sotto’s Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers and Vice Ganda and Coco Martin’s The Super Parental Guardians that simultaneously open today, November 30. Their competition for ticket sales supremacy is back!
Helmed by Marlon Rivera and Tony Y. Reyes, the riotous Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers reprises Vic’s all-time favorite character and re-introduces his lady love, Faye. Featuring the Abangers, the seven escapees from Encantadia, the movie is made dazzling with superior animation and other special effects.
Directed by Joyce Bernal, the uproarious The Super Parental Guardians follows the ups and downs of Paco (Coco), a handsome gang boss who fends for his orphaned nephews (Onyok Pineda and Awra Briguela) with Arci (Vice), a loud but good-hearted gay family friend.
This will be followed by Richard Yap’s mesmerizing Mano Po 7: Tsinoy as helmed by Ian Lorenos on December 14. It is  a fresh take on the male side of the previously all-female side of the Filipino-Chinese family saga.
A Parade of Stars just about completes the pre-MMFF crop’s MMFF appeal.
As the provincial theater circuit is not covered by the MMFF, these features are likely to continue screening, depending on demand, even during the official filmfest’s run.
Screenings of Ai-Ai de las Alas’ My Mighty Yaya, as megged by Joey Reyes, and Vhong Navarro’s Mang Kepweng Returns, a rehash of Chiquito’s iconic quack doctor character as directed by G.B. Sampedro, follow after the official filmfest.
Who says Pinoy Christmas this year will not be the merriest?
BASIL, CELESTE & BITUIN FOR SMART SOCIAL CHANGE. Smart Infinity, along with PLDT-Smart Foundation and One Meralco Foundation, presented “Love in Abundance: An Outpouring of Blessings,” a dinner-concert staged to raise funds for Caritas Manila’s youth scholars.
The benefit, which featured the inspirational music of composer and musician Ryan Cayabyab, was held at the Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City. The show, directed by Floy Quintos, featured performances by Bo Cerrudo, Celeste Legaspi, Bituin Escalante, Esang de Torres and Basil Valdez accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
“We are very grateful to Smart Infinity, PLDT-Smart Foundation and One Meralco Foundation for their valuable support to our efforts,” said Caritas Manila executive director Rev. Fr. Anton CT Pascual.
Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program is the flagship program of Caritas Manila, which extends financial assistance to poor but deserving students and trains and hones the youth not only for academic excellence, but also to become responsible members of the community.
To date, Caritas Manila has produced over 10,000 graduates and continues to provide educational assistance, values formation workshops and leadership trainings to almost 5,000 students nationwide with an average of 300 college and technical/vocational graduates yearly.
Entrepreneurs, art patrons, and Smart Infinity Ambassadors, Raul and Joanna Francisco, graced the event to show their support for the brand’s advocacy.
“We are very proud to be ambassadors for a brand that has a heart. Smart Infinity consistently leads the change by helping provide an education for disadvantaged children, ensuring that their futures will be better & brighter. Giving them a chance to lead a better life. To whom much is given, much is required — therefore, together with Smart Infinity, we believe in sharing our blessings and paying it forward,” said Raul.
“We, at Smart Infinity, believe in empowering our members to lead through personalized mobile services and rewarding experiences allowing them to succeed not just in their personal and professional lives but also making a significant impact in the lives of others” said Julie Carceller, head of Smart’s Multi-Segment Marketing.
Smart Infinity members were provided access to “Love in Abundance” through the exclusive Smart Infinity Lifestyle App. Being a member of Smart Infinity includes having personalized service, a dedicated hotline (*800) and VIP assistance at stores.
For more information on Smart Infinity, please call 848-8806, e-mail infinitysupport@smart.com.ph, or visit the Smart Infinity website at www.smart.com.ph/infinity.
 
VINCENT SOBERANO’S ‘BLOOD HUNTERS’ VICTORIOUS. Blood Hunters, a film written, produced and directed by Filipino filmmaker and martial arts action star Vincent Soberano, won the coveted Best Short Film 2016 trophy at the prestigious Cinemax HBO Action Film Competition and the Urban Action Showcase and Expo held at AMC 25 Theaters, Times Square, New York City, New York, USA.
Blood Hunters, which melds fantasy, action and martial arts, tells the story of a rugged band of demon hunters who capture an Aswang queen to extract her blood, which is known to bring the dead back to life. When greed and betrayal gets in the way, mayhem ensues between the hunters. The Aswang escapes to face off with them in a final, action-packed showdown.
Vincent has made two other action films this year. The latest one is the full-length version of the short film starring martial arts legend Monsour del Rosario in his return to a leading role on the silver screen. Vincent will also star alongside Monsour, supported by a cast of real Filipino Martial Arts masters and experts. This project is due to be released in 2017.
Vincent is a former Muay Thai world champion with multiple championship belts who also coaches several fighters in the UFC. Now he is mainly dedicated to representing martial arts in movies. He has recently worked on notable projects such as Jackie Chan’s “Police Story 2013” and the UFC’s “Ultimate Fighter (China) — Season One” reality TV show. Vincent studied film and television arts at San Diego State University, California and currently owns IndieGo Pictures Entertainment, an independent film company based in Beijing, China.

The botched sale of La Damita, surreptiously attributed to Felix Resurrection Hidalgo, sure put the credibility of a local auction house under fire. It is disconcerting that a fake can be put on the block with impunity. Reported to have been sold, the seller cannot be held liable.
A similar case involving a painting entitled The Discovery: A Scene from a Stage Play attributed to Juan Luna, was discovered from a catalogue by the Drouot-Richelieu auction house. It shows the same painting, but titled La femme trompee (or “the wrong woman”) and attributed to a P. Ribera. The serious issue here was The Discovery was authenticated by a known Luna expert.
There are other instances such as when Vicente Manansala’s The Birdman was put on auction by Christie’s, only to be pulled out when reported to be a forgery. This international auction house almost sold five fake Amorsolos in Singapore in 1997. Other fakes were  a  Mauro Malang Santos and Araceli Dans.
It pays for collectors to deal only with sellers with exceptional credibility. An auction house must give topmost importance to provenance. Auction previews are usually held so that prospective bidders can view the lots and clarify provenance and its authenticity. In the case of La Damita, however, the preview proved useless. 
Hidalgo’s La Innocencia will be under the hammer at Leon Gallery’s The Kingly Treasures Auction 2016 this Dec. 3, 2016 at 2 p.m. Director Jaime Ponce de Leon assures it has an authentic provenance. As Lot 89, the 46” x 32” (117 cm x 81 cm) oil on canvas painting is signed and dated 1901 (lower right) by Hidalgo, provenance by Augusto “Toto” M R Gonzalez III. Starting bid is P10,000,000.
Read the details in catalog that shows interiors photos where La Inocencia once hanged. It part reads:
“La Inocencia, a beautiful young lady painted by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo y Padilla in Paris in 1901, harks back to the happiest years of the affluent and elegant Filipino painter who had fallen in love with his Spanish model Maria Yrritia. He brought her all the way to Manila to meet his aristocratic mother and family. Predictably, Maria Yrritia’s modest origins met with stern disapproval from the super rich Barba Padilla de Resurreccion Hidalgo — “the Queen of the Pasig River” as she owned the biggest fleet of ‘cascos’ trading barges and a succession of warehouses that lined the river in Binondo and Tondo; it was a shipping and real estate fortune inherited from her father Narciso Padilla. Embittered, the couple returned to Spain and Felix never returned to his family and homeland. When he died, Maria Yrritia accompanied his remains and belongings back to Manila. She boarded a ship bound for Spain but never made it back as the ship sunk off South Africa.”

FILHARMONIC EXCITED TO COLLABORATE WITH SMART LAUNCHPAD WINNERS. When singers MJ Labenia and Lesha Litonjua and vlogger Tops Unay were declared the top three winners of Smart Launchpad, a search for the country’s most promising content creators, one of their prizes was a chance for a collaboration with international YouTube stars.
“This was a reason I joined Smart Launchpad. The chance at a collaboration with YouTube superstars is so exciting,” said Litonjua during the awarding ceremonies held at First Pacific Leadership Academy, Antipolo City.
The three were chosen from 100 finalists out of 1,537 entries from the Philippines. The three will fly to Los Angeles, California early next year for a shoot/collaboration with The Filharmonic, a vocal group composed of six Filipino-Americans.
The a capella group competed in NBC’s hit musical competition, made the semi-finals and joined The Sing-Off national tour. The Filharmonic, consisting of VJ Rosales, Joe Caigoy, Trace Gaynor, Barry Fortgang, Jules Cruz and Niko del Rey, was featured in the Universal Pictures hit movie, “Pitch Perfect 2.”
The group expressed its excitement over the collaboration with Labenia, Litojua and Unay.
“We just want to make sure they are put in positions where they will shine! They are all clearly very talented, so we will let them play to their strengths when it comes to personality and skill. We just want them to have fun and do what they do best, create and be themselves,” said Cruz, one of The Filharmonic’s vocalists.
The chance to work with their countrymen is something The Filharmonic is looking forward to. The group members are very proud of their Filipino ancestry.
“Our passion is to share our Filipino culture worldwide using our music and unique sound. We have learned and that we are yet to learn on this journey,” said Fortgang.
“Aside from performing a few OPM songs in our set, we like to incorporate a lot of choreography in it as well. When I watch Filipino performers on TV, it’s always a big production of singing and dancing and we like to combine the two to make the show fun and exciting,” said Caigoy.
Beat boxer del Rey urged content creators to “keep putting yourself out there and make your music heard. There will be ups and downs, but don’t give up, be yourself, do what you think is best for you and eventually you can make it.”
“The best way for performers to gain international attention is to keep putting out your best content as much as you can consistently. The more you produce, the more chances you will have to go viral. As long as the content is unique, you have a great chance of getting the world to see your talent!” said Caigoy when asked what advice he would give to young and untapped talents.
On going viral, Gaynor said, “timing, patience, consistency and inspiration to create are key ingredients to going viral. For us, as long as we can continue to share our love for music and be able to gain a new fan along the way, then that’s all that matters. Going viral is the cherry on top.”
Smart Launchpad is a talent search and content creation program that encourages the youth to showcase what they do best–whether it’s singing or dancing, doing make-up tutorials, sharing travel tips or making people laugh.
To demonstrate its fast and efficient Internet, Smart took its Launchpad Upload Stations to malls and schools all over the country. At the stations, content creators could make their entries on the spot and upload them on YouTube.
Smart Communications was overwhelmed by the success of the competition and plans to stage the competition next year.

TO FARM FILM FESTIVAL REDUX. Due to the tremendous success of the first edition, project coordinator  director Maryo J. delos Reyes with festival organizer Dr. Milagros How, executive vice president of Universal Harvester, met with film directors and writers to discuss the launch of the  2nd ToFarm Film Festival 2017. With the festival theme “Planting the Seeds of Change,” it will be held from July 12 to 18, 2017. Deadline for the submission of screenplays is Dec. 16, 2016. Six scripts will be selected to receive seed money of P1.5 million each. To encourage participation, 50 script submissions will receive an incentive. Previous winners are qualified to join.

“Embrace the change,” life coach Rikka Infantado advises on the not-your-usual Metro Manila Film Festival menu this year.
Film critic Mario Hernando describes it as “without the insults, grossness and the kabobohan.”
“It’s a new recipe,” multi-awarded writer Roy Iglesias entices.
“Recognize the shape of real film works,” shares art educator Raffy Ignacio.
“Let it pass,” entertainment journalist Alwyn Ignacio suggests.
“Quality should be paramount in the moviegoers’ minds,” 2016 MMFF Selection Committee juror Crispina Belen opens minds.
“While I support the goal to re-brand the lineup of movies, I hoped the change was not as radical. It alienates the regular moviegoing public. There is always a win-win balance to effect changes,” digital marketing expert Don Peji balances.
“I never understood why screen only local films at Christmas,” Edwina Litton Ortigas brings the issue’s crux.
A survey also reveals Pinoys are thinking film alternatives outside of the 2016 MMFF: Dr. Ped Salvador is viewing “HD 720 movies from YouTube, SeeHD, Genvideos in a large LED TV with surround audio, good subwoofer. Cheaper, comfortable and countless movies from different nations including documentaries on history, wars, economics, spirituality and others relevant in answering my curiosities.”
Dr. Orestes Monzon thinks, “Home theater is enjoyable, safe, inexpensive with homemade popcorn and drinks.”
Hanzel Villafuerte suggests to coach-bond watching DVDs. These are the movie marathons suggested by publicist Chuck Gomez. This writer, for one, will definitely watch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at IMAX. “Bring the children too. They aren’t as innocent as we think,” appends painter Reb Belleza.
Many respondents, however, are returning to basics: “I miss when Lola Hilda (wife of National Artist Vicente Manansala) brought us to Luneta Park for a picnic,” Ronna Manansala reminisces.
“Go to Little Sisters of the Poor to host lunch or dinner for the elders,” Marilyn Yao offers.
But majority plan to personalize by spending the time with family and friends. “My kids and I will watch Disney on Ice and the Hello Kitty and Friends Show,” solves mother-of- two Arlyn Marie Escano.
“Watch the Ayala Triangle Garden’s Festival of Lights or revisit the MOA fireworks,” reminds Rose Cruz Mendoza.
“Staycation to unwind, meditate and set goals,” thinks Jotham John Culangao.
“Flix?” Nancy Reyes Lumen adds a techie solution but shamelessly includes, “Watch my band The Hot Flashes and enjoy yourself for the same two to three hours singing, dancing to your genre’s music.”
Variations are endless. Here’s another constructive idea.
Producers can learn filmmaking to meet new MMFF standards by watching Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 #Forever Is Not Enough as template.

This season, Europe arrives in the metro!
 On November 8, Europak opened its first European-themed store in Market! Market!, Taguig. A feel of Europe welcomes mallgoers as they enter. This new architectural design creates a positive ambience and justifies the products and image Europak bags portray: Success!
Europak is a premium brand of quality-crafted bags for the discerning professional. A registered Hongkong bag brand, Europak is inspired by European artistry and culture. Each bag design is crafted with passion and sophistication.
A wide range of bags are offered, such as briefcases, backpacks and trolleys. Smaller items like shoulder bags, laptop sleeves and clutch bags are among the latest styles that also prove to be successful in the market.
In 2014, Europak was significantly redesigned to combine the essence of European design with Asian innovation. Rooted in European artistry and heritage, it uses lightweight, water-resistant fabric crafted with passion and sophistication by professional designers, and it is constantly inspired by new innovations. From North America to Asia, each piece is designed to be timeless yet current, delivering utmost ease and style for the urban professional.
In 2006, it was introduced in the Philippines through the SM Group and other leading retail stores. For its first concept store, it partnered with Robinsons Malls.
Europak continuously improves its products and services to exceed customers’ expectations. Today, Europak’s remarkable success has led to a partnership with the Ayala Malls, thus creating a more premium European themed store. Currently, Europak has five retail and five concept stores and counting, ready to serve a growing professional market.
In addition to the new look of the boutique, Europak also launched a new product line that complements the premium atmosphere of the store. The Blue label collection is a sophisticated line of bags made of genuine leather.
Europak continues to innovate as technology evolves. Europak’s direction is to create a more diversified product line that will cater all the needs of working professionals. There will be more innovations and classy designs that soon will hit the market, and just like the other collection, all designs are limited!

“For the December 25th episode, I will go to Bacolod on December 7th to (film) 200 children in an orphanage. There will be gift-giving in a Christmas party. Three siblings will receive special gifts from me as donor,” former Binibining Pilipinas International 1986 and actress Alice Dixon shared during the launch of Happy Life, a travel/lifestyle show.
Alice is not yet a host, but a special guest. Wearing a plain red cocktail dress with a black blazer and dangling earlings with an oval-shaped precious stone, she explained during a sit-down interview, “Happy Life is a show that travels around the country and helps people to make them happy.”
Still very much a beauty queen in appeal and disposition at 47 years, Alice is pretty set about her life plan. “For the next three years, I plan to keep on working in entertainment. I will stay in the Philippines starting 2017 until I am 50. After that, bahala na. I don’t know yet when I may retire.”
Dixon is in a relationship with a 45-year-old European businessman. “Maybe I can even have a child of my own,” she shares. She has been undergoing exercises with the supervision of her obstetrician to try to normalize her hormonal system to conceive the natural way. Their alternative is to adopt, which both are willing to do.
Maybe the biggest gift she will receive this Christmas is to herself.

TRAVEL SHOW TAKES NEW ROUTE. Evidently, the “travel show” takes a new route in Happy Life as hosted by beauty queens and directed by A-list actor/director/writer/producer/restaurateur Eric Quizon. Produced by White Lion Media Production, its pilot show airs tomorrow, December 11, Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. over free channel GMA News TV.
At the launch, Eric looked trim and stylish and in alll black. He was friendly, moving around to greet guests and making himself available for interviews.
The beauties Mary Jean Lastimosa, Miss Universe Philippines 2014; Bea Rose Santiago, Miss International 2013; Jamie Herrell, Miss Earth 2014; Mutya Datul, Miss Supranational 2013, and models/actresses Sophie Rankin, Giulia Ahar and Anthea Murfet will appear two at a time in succeeding episodes.
And they are not newbies in the delicate task. MJ recently had a hosting stint in ABS-CBN’s Game ng Bayan, while Bea is involved in efforts to rescue homeless animals. Others have been involved in charity shows and other public functions.
Beauty qeens, we know, are rigorously trained to speak and how to hehave in public which they will once again put into extensive use in Happy Life. They were not selected for the appeal alone, but more importantly in dealing effectively with people.
In the remarkable three-in-one show, they get to travel, have fun and help others. Eric serves as a tour guide and organizer, who brings the girls to places that need attention both by adventure-seekers and those who like to help marginalized people.
Past beauty queen winners spread cheers to those who have earned it. The concept was created with Kim Singson, who stressed that they want to inspire others to take action and engage in altruistic activities to have a truly happy life.
“We have been doing this for the longest time. It is only now that we put the concept on television,” shared the producer. “If there is no donor for the prizes and expenses, I shoulder it. It is our way of sharing my wealth, which I cannot bring with me once I die.”
“We primarily showcase the value of helping others with the backdrop of eye-popping destinations readily provided by the Philippines. It is style show with a style all its own,” emphasized Eric. There have been shows with similar formats before, but not one that went around the country and focused on its beautiful destinations and centered on its festivals.
 
HIS FATHER’S SON. “When you are the director, you are part of the conceptualization, like I was the one who chose the places we went to,” Eric explains. “Of course, may mga line-up, but we do our research then we plan everything after the research kasi we choose the participants slash recipients very carefully.”
Eric started work on Happy Life in May this year. Since he also directed Pasion de Amor for ABS-CBN that was a full-time work in itself, he was only able to focus on Happy Life when the sexy drama series wrapped up.
“We don’t just give to somebody who needs, help but we give it to the person who is deserving,” he explains. “The reason we picked Lola Gabina, the 76-year-old grandmother, who is farmer, is because she is so selfless. She wanted to help her sick grandchild. We were trying to help her, but she insited that we help her apo. Nagulat kami.”
For the first episode tomorrow, Happy Life gives a fully furnished house and lot!
The 12th son of Dolphy, the King of Comedy, Eric is very much like his father. He has open hands to help others including family members. His siblings, Eppy Quizon and Vandolf, are appearing in a forthcoming episode. “I encourage my brothers to help,” he added.
“Happy Life is not a dole-out show; it has extra purpose and twist. “We give reward only to the deserving family, individual, school or community after passing intensive scrutiny,” he emphasized.
In a way, it is interactive, encouraging people to lend a hand and contribute to the good causes the show carries through. It wants to let the public know that there are generous people willing to help,” Team Happy Life claims. “We are one with you in going the extra mile.”
With its reputation for delivering groundbreaking programs that challenge the norms without shortchanging on commercial appeal and good television, this partnership with GMA News TV and Happy Life can be a best thing to happen to free television!
 So sit back, relax and open your heart.  Happy Life is here to touch down destinations and touch people’s hearts. Tell your family and friends to follow this wonderful show.
 
REGINE TOLENTINO GETS NOMINATED. Gawad Amerika nominated actress, dancer, fitness expert and health advocate Regine Tolentino as “Outstanding Filipino in the Field of Dance.” Regine received her trophy when she joined Filipinos in the US West Coast in redefining a healthy lifestyle with the recent, three-city launch of Organique Acai Berry health supplement. Knowing that being healthy is a choice, she shared how beautiful life is with wellness in body and mind as the celebrity endorser of Organique Acai Berry.

Saving Sally, director Avid Liongoren’s 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival official entry for Rocketsheep (starring Rhian Ramos, Enzo Marcos, TJ Trinidad, Bodgie Pascua, Carme Sanchez, Shamaine Centenera and Archie Adamos), got a Grade A from the Cinema Evaluation Board. This rating of overall excellence is extremely difficult to gain.
American sociologist Kathleen Shaputis labeled millennials as the “Peter Pan generation” for the perceived tendency of members to delay some rites of passage into adulthood for longer periods than most generations before them.
This label is also a reference to a trend toward members living with their parents for longer periods than previous generations. Demographers and researchers typically use the early-1980s as starting birth years of millennials and ending birth years ranging from the mid-1990s to early-2000s.
Delayed rites of passage? A span of a decade? Don’t let the period shock you, but the indie film Saving Sally was 10 years in the making and will finally be screened in cineplexes for the first time at the 2016 MMFF.
Saving Sally lead actress Rhian Ramos stars as high school senior Sally, a gadget inventor who puts about the people around her in types or categories. For instance, her parents are “monsters” and her boyfriend is “selfish.”
Rhian was 19 years old when she underwent rigorous go-sees to sub for the original choice, Anna Lacurea, who was no longer available to redo the role. Talk about coincidence! She is now a woman in full bloom, attending the Saving Sally media launch at Victorino’s restaurant as an undeniably voluptuous star with smoking hot platinum ash blonde hair. Whatta sight!
Enzo is Marty, who also sees people as monsters. The lead actor, who appears in the feature as a reed-thin lad with long hair parted in the middle, is now fleshier and opted to appear in the media launch as a skinhead. He is a comic-book artist in the narrative, whose romantic feelings for his best friend Sally is unrequited.
TJ is Nick (Rhymes with Dick, doesn’t it?), the seemingly only normal guy in the storyline, but not quite. He occasionally appears in the feature as a one-eyed monster. TJ came as himself, older and more staid than ever.
Here lies where their life and love encounter. In Marty’s fantasies, he conjures up ways of defending Sally from the big bad wolf.
Now see how their characters are fixated in childhood fears and fixations, all flopping to grow up on time! But they are unlike Peter Pan, who never wanted to grow up. They, on the other hand, try.
Tagged as a romantic sci-fi fantasy movie, Saving Sally mixes live action with 2D animation. The film’s official website describes it as a “typical teen film about love, monsters and gadgets,” a synopsis that remains relevant despite the decade-long wait.
You should have been there at the launch to enjoy the outputs of its creative team! They dressed up a function room of Victorino’s to project the ambiance of the set complete with original sketches, sampayan of time-correct clothes, actual props used for the shoot, monster hats including Nick the d*ck hats on the waiters, colorful cupcakes on the tables, gummy worms and cheesecurls as giveaways.
Starting as a passion project between Avid and writer Charlene Sawit-Esguerra, the movie began as a short story entitled Monster Town. The tandem decided to turn it into a movie because it felt like “it would make a fun movie.” Despite budget constraints, they finished filming with Enzo and Anna as the stars.
Avid is the funky, diehard creative, who ties his long hair neatly in a bun. He comes from a family of visual artists and started directing for television and TV commercials before he turned 20 (a prodigy!) It’s not a joke that he tried to sell his kidney on YouTube when crowd-funding flopped to complete the feature.
Good that Avid’s work impressed French film producer Alain de la Mata, who decided to come in and help with production. “We had to do a reshoot. We did the whole thing all over again,” Enzo revealed.
So cast and crew resumed shooting scenes in 2010 on a green screen, which was later replaced with a futuristic Manila and 2D animated monsters created by Avid and his team of artists at Rocketsheep. Rocketsheep, ah! Prepare for a slew of wordplays. John Lennon, are you a script consultant? Why all the word play, but no mind games?
“What we lacked in manpower, we made up for with love in every single frame. We spent countless hours checking and rechecking every detail,” shared Avid.  
“Avid didn’t take any shortcuts and he made sure he poured his soul into it. Every frame, every background, every piece of art was painstakingly made. He truly deserves an audience,” emphasized Enzo.
“This was mind-boggling; we had already lived with the film for so long, and this meant that the finish line would once again descend into vanishing-point distance,” Charlene said. Yeahbah! to the point of evolving your own millennial-speak! Saving Sally, ready to take off?
Saving Sally convinces that it is for millennials, which has always been the niche market for horror films, romcoms and crossovers, but never been animation-friendly and multi-genre. Avid goes out of the box!
And by the way, Saving Sally is the first Philippine-made feature with an English title and in English dialogue yet. This is explained by the filmmakers as faithfully representing “a demographic among our Westernized youth that are beholden to a global outlook and contemporary inclinations, as well as creative pursuits.”
Want a reality-correct? Saving Sally is not for children only as is Rated Parental Guidance (PG) by the Movie and Television Ratings and Classification Board.
Read: Saving Sally is the first Filipino film with a global outlook, a bible tenet by the MMFF Selection Committee, perhaps a big factor in its pick. In other words, it is MMFF for Millennials! With the status of living the indie code to the max, you deserve to be best!

HARD ROCK CAFÉ CELEBRATES 21st ANNIVERSARY. Hard Rock Café (HRC) marks its 21st anniversary this December with a special line-up of some of the best Filipino live performers today. Come and see the show with family and friends and enjoy the music of Part 3 (Sundays and Fridays), Access All Areas (Mondays), Silk (Tuesdays), Kudos Love 80s (December 28), First Five (December 21), Verse 2 (Thursdays), and Music Network (Saturdays). Hard rockers can also party all night long at HRC’s New Year’s Eve countdown with Part 3 and Music Network as the two bands perform a sampling of today’s hottest chart-toppers, homegrown favorites, party anthems, and standard favorites. All shows start at 9:30 p.m.