“We’re expecting ticket sales to boost by next week,” estimates Hello Kitty Live — Fashion & Friends PR and Marketing manager Calvin Neria Murphy. “It is like a movie release. You will know the box-office performance once it opens.”
Its comparison with a movie release brings to mind the musical as a great alternative for the dearth of children-and-family-oriented releases in the coming film festival this Christmas. The well-loved global icon Hello Kitty and friends will talk (really!), sing and dance in their first musical ever. What’s great about this all-out celebration is it starts earlier! The show premieres in the Philippines on December 20 and will run up to January 1, 2017 on weekdays at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.
Be part of a great story full of interactive scenes and dance numbers on the notes of the latest pop hits. The show also creates a whole new experience made even more engaging by cutting-edge technology, original animations on mega HD led walls and special effects.
Altogether, Hello Kitty Live — Fashion & Friends will take you on a story of friendship, talent, hard work and passion for creativity combined with fantastic fa-shion and costumes specially designed by Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand Tokidoki.
And that’s not all. It is going to be an all-out Hello Kitty experience. You can get a chance to have a photo opportunity with the cast after each show, enjoy the food and drinks at Hello Kitty Café and buy Hello Kitty merchandise to your heart’s pleasure!
 
EXCITING NARRATIVE. Set in modern-day London, Hello Kitty is a young, modern girl full of dreams and ambition for her future. Before she can get there, she is faced with a challenge ahead. Luckily, she gets help from her fantastic friends.
Meet Hello Kitty’s friends starting with her best friend and classmate, My Melody, who’s got a great sense of humor. They also love chatting about fashion.
Next is Hello Kitty’s boyfriend, Dear Daniel. They grew up together and they’re kind of a great mix — she likes fashion and he likes photography and dancing. Another friend of Hello Kitty is Pom Pom Purin. When he is not smiling, he’s laughing. Just hanging out with Pom Pom Purin is enough to make everyone feel happy. When everyone else has run out of ideas, he’s just getting started on his.
Also part of Hello Kitty’s friends is her younger sister Mimmy. She’s sweet and shy. They’re best of friends, but everything else is different. Hello Kitty is a dreamer and her sister likes practical things. Rounding off thr group is Sophie. She’s funny, cool, wants to be a model and, even better, has always got time for her friends. She is loved by everyone.
The squad’s troublemaker is Bad Badtz-Maru. Saying “yes” before he thinks usually makes sure the whole gang is caught up in all sorts of tricky adventures. It’s a good thing he’s cool on his decks and everyone still likes him.
Hello Kitty Live — Fashion & Friends is a production of Zen Tiger Live and Royale Chimes Concerts and Events Inc. Secure a Red Bow Access available at the venue of the show to get a chance to have a photo opportunity with the cast after each show. For tickets, call SM Tickets (470-2222), Ticketworld (891-9999) or Ticketnet (911-5555). For more inquiries, check out the Facebook page of Royale Chimes Concerts and Events Inc. or call 0906-4180786 or 0918-4972121.
 
HOLIDAY TRAVEL WITH ONLINE CONNECTIVITY IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES. Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications is making your overseas getaways a lot more enjoyable and worry-free this holiday season with the Smart World Travel Wi-Fi, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you stay connected in over 100 countries for as low as P390 per day.
Available to all Smart and non-Smart subscribers, the Smart World Travel Wi-Fi may be booked online with your preferred Day Pass or credits at www.smart.com.ph/booktravelwifi for deli-very right at your doorstep before you fly out of the country.
Upon arrival at your destination, simply turn on the device, click start then press confirm to enjoy 1GB data for a whole 24-hour period. With the Smart World Travel Wi-Fi, you can connect with family, friends and colleagues via popular chat apps; post real-time updates and upload photos of your adventures on your Facebook and Instagram; and keep up with your social circles on Twitter and Snapchat, among many other apps.
You can also access travel apps for a much more convenient travel: Connect to your Airbnb host; book an Uber from time to time; use Waze or Google Maps for directions; check in to your next flight; and even search for valuable tips and recommendations on must-see sites from fellow travelers.
Even better, Smart World Travel WiFi lets you connect up to five devices, so you can hook up your personal phone, tablet and laptop at once, or share the connection with your family and friends travelling with you.
The device goes offline after a 24-hour period is up, so you don’t need to worry about going over your budget or getting charged with extra fees. For added convenience, the device will be picked up at your specified destination upon your return to the Philippines.
The Smart World Travel Wi-Fi Day Pass costs P390 per day for Asian destinations including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
On the other hand, the Smart World Travel Wi-Fi Day Pass costs P490 per day for getaways in Africa (Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa); Europe (Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican); South Pacific (Australia, Christmas Island, Fiji, Guam, New Zealand); and Middle East (Israel, Qatar, Turkey).
The P490 per day rate also applies in the Americas (Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saipan, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks & Caicos Island, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela).
To know more about Smart World Travel Wi-Fi and make the most of your overseas adventures, visit www.smart.com.ph/travelwifi.

“Eugene Domingo
as Eugene Domingo outdid herself in the first Septic Tank film
at masasabi mong
mas flip, mas
outrageous at baliw
ang sitwasyon dito.”
“Everything seems perfect, especially the timing!” exclaims Ms. Eugene Domingo about her annual full-length feature for 2016,  Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2, her words strong, personal and enlightening.
With Quantum Films’ latest movie one of the official entries in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival, Eugene can now duly claim she is like Hans Solo of the classic Star Wars sagas: She awakens.  
With the 2011 film-within-a-film Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank, Eugene reprises the format as Romina in The Itinerary of its sequel. “The script of Chris Martinez and the direction of Marlon Martinez are brilliant,” snaps Eugene with unapologetic pride.
The gang of the most-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed and multi-awarded film, the country’s highest grossing indie movie to date and foreign language film submission to the Oscars, is back!
Kean Cipriano as Rainier and Cai Cortez as Jocelyn return with Khalil Ramos as Lennon, plus the participation of special guest artists Joel Torre, Jericho Rosales and Agot Isidro with Joyce Bernal and Iñigo Pascual in cameo roles. Eugene describes the team as “inspired and energized.”
Until 2013, the female dynamo Eugene filmed feature after feature as lead actress or in a support role, whether indie or mainstream film, as ingénue or genius, shooting as much as nine films in 2011 including Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank.
Then, in 2014, she abruptly slowed down. What happened?
It was, Eugene says, a conscious decision to be less productive in order to conserve creative energy. She opted to do one film per year. In 2014, it was Barber’s Tales and in 2015, Las Amigas. Her Saturday game show, Celebrity Bluff, had its final episode in February 2016 as was replaced by Dear Uge, which she also headlines. This year, she’s reactivating herself with Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2.
“I am rejuvenated, and it is time to do films!” explains Eugene. “I’d always say yes to Septic Tank. Why? Because it means doing the type of comedy I really like. Funny and thought-provoking,” identifying the two key words that made her slow down and... reboot.
“I, for one, am fresh. (Laughter.) The movie feels fresh as if in a spa. The movie will say something about love and how people want to feel love. That is totally not in original Septic Tank,” Eugene says.
Who will win between the two Cesars in Romina’s life? Or is there a third Cesar entering it? The only way to find out is to watch!
 
CRITICAL REVIEWS. About its choice of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2 as official entry, the MMFF Selection Committee states: “With wit that sparkles in carefully crafted dialog and acting that shines way above the commonplace, this comedy tickles both the mind and the funny bone.
“Where the original film satirized the sensationalistic tendencies of the indie film and the dishonesty of film directors who make films for foreign festivals, this sequel launches a pointed but hilarious commentary on the pretensions and machinations that characterize the mainstream movie industry and its stars and superstars in our day.
“While this film maybe seen as reflecting on itself or a self-reflective film, it is nonetheless a film that will appeal as well to all moviegoing Filipinos who will profit from and enjoy seeing from the falsities and frivolities of the mainstream movies they have been watching for decades.”
Writer-producer-talent manager Noel Ferrer thinks: “Sobrang  laughtrip ang Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: Forever Is Not Enough.
“Eugene Domingo as Eugene Domingo outdid herself in the first Septic Tank film at masasabi mong mas flip, mas outrageous at baliw ang sitwasyon dito.
“She will do everything  para matuloy ang movie in her mind kahit ano pang mangyari.
“Kahit magpalit-palit ng leading man — from Joel Torre to Jericho Rosales and to a younger one.
“Pati pakikialam sa casting at sa plot twist, may pagka-absurd na talaga.
“But trust Eugene Domingo to come up with a nuanced and cadenced intelligent performance  na sobrang pigil na pigil pa sa pagka-LOL  sa simula pero  wait ‘till the ending.
“Unthinkable  talaga ang  twist of events.”
“Dito rin ipinakita ang bunga ng pag-i-Spanish lesson ni Uge na nagamit niya nang todo pati na ang bagong  career  niya sa pagkanta.
“Magagaling lahat ang mga characters dito pero dapat mapansin ang original cast members ding sina Kean Cipriano at si Cai Cortez.
“Basta, dito sa pelikulang ito, ganap nang inilunsad ang pagiging artista ni Binibining Joyce Bernal.”
Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board that entitles it to 100 percent rebate in amusement tax, it explains the Grade: “...Director Marlon Rivera in his workable team-up with Chris Martinez comes up with another crisp and engaging satire on the industry, highlighting the ongoing contretemps between indie and mainstream while raising the level of discourse to momentous comedy...
“The multi-layered film within a film was structurally creative if unavoidably self referencing, then again this is not your usual slapstick. And though the novelty from the first septic has worn off a bit, there’s still the tour de force performance of the lead Domingo, who takes over the film...
“A nice take established early on is that the Cai Cortez character now has dialog, while the new PA aka Lennon keeps his mouth verily shut to good comic effect. And though the ensemble deliver a fine performance, it is Domingo who takes over in a manner that is a notch or two better than Kimi Dora.”
Producer Joji Alonso thinks: “Eugene Domingo is Eugene Domingo. She can easily shift from comedy to drama and then back to comedy. She is so versatile. Her comeback is most awaited. She is superb in this film. I am happy to work with her again. Hindi halatang may mabaho sa pelikula!”
As the only franchise film in this year’s MMFF, Lead thinks Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: Forever Is Not Enough stands to benefit critically and commercially.
And Eugene may win her first Best Actress trophy yet from MMFF. 

‘ANG BABAENG HUMAYO’ WINS HIGHEST AWARD IN A-LIST FILM FESTIVAL. At nearly four hours long, Lav Diaz’s Ang Babaeng Humayo, a black- and-white film nominally inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s 1872 short story God Sees the Truth, But Waits, won the top Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival. In a story about the absurdity of human existence, Horacia (Charo Santos-Cancio) is a wrongly convicted schoolteacher, who plots retribution against the ex-boyfriend who framed her, disguising herself in a bid to get close to her prey.

‘MA’ ROSA’ FAILS TO MAKE IT. Jaclyn Jose bagged the Best Actress award for her role as Rosa Reyes in Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. In it she ably plays a woman who owns a sari-sari store in a poor Manila neighborhood, and to make ends meet, she sells drugs with husband Nestor (Julio Diaz). Chosen as the Philippines’ entry to the 89th Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film category, it failed to make the nine final choices.

LAST FULL SHOWS. German Moreno, known as “Master Showman” in the entertainment industry, passed away from cardiac arrest at 3:20 a.m. He was 82 years old. Moreno’s death came a year after he had a stroke. Known for his loyalty and professionalism, Kuya Germs was hospitalized after suffering from a stroke and he had to rest for several months in January 2015. Film and movie director Wenn Deramas died due to cardiac arrest. His last movie was the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Beauty and the Bestie, with Vice Ganda and Coco Martin.

THE RETURN OF TAWAG NG TANGHALAN. Tawag ng Tanghalan is a singing competition conducted as one of the segments of the noontime show It’s Showtime, airing its first episode on January 2, 2016. It is hosted by Vice Ganda, Amy Perez, Mariel Rodriguez and Anne Curtis. The standards of the reformatted version is the same as the original. The daily contender wins P10,000, and a consolation prize of P5,000 to the other contenders, while the defending champion wins a pot money of P25,000.

WILLIE IS BACK WITH A DAILY SHOW. In February 2016, Wowowin with Willie Revillame as co-producer and host turned GMA Network’s Weeknights Primetime block, serving as the lead-in to the network’s flagship national evening newscast, 24 Oras. Wowowin began broadcasting from its new home located at Studio 6 at the GMA Network Studios starting April 18, 2016. The program opens with a grand production number introducing new songs such as “Zumbahan Na” and “Sige Sige Sumayaw” and segments like Gandang Filipina Ms. Wow 2016.

TALK IS BEAUTIFUL. The showbiz talk show that tends to focus on the negative has metamorphosed into a lifestyle show. In a model home setting with high-profile female entertainers as hosts talking intelligently about life issues, they often portray the ideal woman. Frequently conducted in Taglish, they do not appeal as gossip, but as talk, since they come from the source aspects of personal reality so they sing, dance, cook, exercise, splurge, pamper and tittle-tattle about themselves and peers in generally positive terms, frequently in a humorous tone.

FOURTH SERIES OF ‘ENCANTADIA.’ Eleven years apart from the third one, Encantadia began airing on July 18, 2016 in the Philippines and worldwide through GMA Pinoy TV. It is also shown exclusively online through iflix at 1080p high-de finition video as video on demand. Portraying the sang’gres or keepers of the four gems are Kylie Padilla played the role of Amihan, Alena by Gabbi Garcia, Danaya by Sanya Lopez and Pirena by Glaiza de Castro. The series is committed to air until December 2016, but later extended until February 2017.

THE TRAVEL SHOW TAKES A NEW ROUTE. The travel show has taken a new route in Happy Life as hosted by beauty queens and directed by A1-list actor-director-writer-producer-restaurateur Eric Quizon as produced by White Lion Media Production that piloted on December 11, 2016, Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. over free channel GMA News TV. A remarkable three-in-one show, beauty queens led by Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa and Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago appear two at a time get to travel, have fun and help others all in one show.

‘ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK 2’ AND A DOWNSIZED MMFF. Turning out as a smaller version of the Metro Manila Film Festival with a pared down Parade of Stars featuring simplified floats on December 23, taking off from the Manila City Hall and ending at Plaza Miranda, it strongly suggested that the filmfest was a Manila-centered event. What used to be a semi-partial national film festival involving capital cities is now strictly a Metro Manila event. Its run was cut to January 3, 2017 with the Gabi ng Parangal rescheduled on December 29 at the Kia Theater. Aiming to promote quality Filipino films, it eliminated box-office superstars from films in its eight official entries.

BRINGING THE BIGGEST TRIBUTE EVENT FOR TEACHERS IN DAVAO. The pinnacle of PLDT Gabay Guro’s celebration is embodied in the tribute event held every year where the organizers leave no stones unturned, ensuring that teachers get treated like royalty, even for just a day in a year.
This is the day where our teachers get to let their hair loose, meet the biggest celebrities, be treated to a whole day of world-class entertainment and win huge raffle prizes — just about anything to remind them of their immeasurable value in our lives.
This year on its ninth anniversary, PLDT Gabay Guro didn’t just hold one, but two of this kind of grand tribute. The first teacherfest happened last September 25 at the MoA Arena, while the second one took place for the energetic teachers in Davao and its nearby provinces.
Considered to be a culmination of a year of trainings, scholarships and livelihood programs for the teacher-beneficiaries, TeacherFest 2016 honored their hard work, dedication and impact on society with heartwarming tribute held last November 27 at the SMX in Lanang, Davao City.
As the educational arm and flagship project of the PLDT-Smart Foundation, PLDT Gabay Guro focuses on upholding the vocation of teachers. Its tagline “building the nation one teacher at a time” highlights the valuable role of teachers in leading their students to the future and shaping the next generation of nation builders. Since its establishment in 2007, Gabay Guro has been able to grant over 1,100 scholarships in various state colleges and universities nationwide and train over 16,000 teachers across eight annual training programs. 2G also donated laptops and computers to schools and foundations, and built over 40 classrooms located in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz.
The Davao leg of TeacherFest 2016 was graced by Gabay Guro celebrity volunteers — Asia’s Songbird and PLDT Home ambassador Regine Velasquez, concert queen Pops Fernandez, international pop star Christian Bautista, multitalented performer Aicelle Santos, Miss Universe-Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa and Philippine Volcanoes rugby star Andrew Wolff. Top-caliber performers from Manila and Davao (Kris Aquino impersonator Divine Tetay, singer-songwriter Wency Cornejo, among others) all came together in one stage to entertain the teachers for free.
On top of being star-studded, the celebration was glittered by amazing raffle prizes ranging from huge cash prizes to laptops with Smart Bro Pocket WiFi modems and other livelihood opportunities. The event also honored an outstanding teacher from Davao, Teacher Ching, for her outstanding commitment to serve her students with the meager income that she earns from the job, even after she has retired from work.
“It is our honor to be able to bring this grand celebration to the deserving teachers of Davao.” PLDT Gabay Guro chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla said. “After the main event in Manila, we decided to bring the experience to our teachers from other areas, including Japan and now Davao. This is our way of rewarding as many teachers as possible for their valuable presence in our lives.”
Chaye, who gets emotional every single time she sees the impact Gabay Guro is making to the Filipino teachers in all its activities, said “we will never get tired of doing this. For as long as we are able, for as long as we can convince partners to share this joy with us of serving our teachers, Gabay Guro will be here,” she promised.
Brand Advocacy head and PLDT VP and Home Marketing director Gary Dujali added, “After nine years and counting, we look forward to giving our teachers more wonderful, memorable surprises. The bond that brought us all volunteers together on Day 1 stands to this day — we want to impact the lives of our educators in a positive way, one teacher at a time. We want Gabay Guro to be their avenue of support for their noble mission of shaping our country’s future leaders.”
The PLDT Gabay Guro TeacherFest Davao 2016 was made possible with the help of the following partners: Bonamine, Flanax, Tempra, PR Savings Bank, among many others. For more information, visit gabayguro.com, like the PLDT Gabay Guro Facebook page and follow @PLDTGabayGuro on Twitter and Instagram.

THE LEAD-IN! When you watch Ilawod, the horror feature starring Ian Veneracion and Iza Calzado, when it opens in January 17, 2017, make sure that tnothing latches on to you when you leave the ci-neplex. Had director Dan Villegas not lost four shoot days due to heavy rains, he would have finished Ilawod earlier and entered it as an entry to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. Indie aesthetics permit the slaughter of a dog when it is against the law such in the case of Oro, the winner of the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award. Even before it can release the official ticket sales figures, the spindoctor of the 2016 MMFF is proclaiming its resounding success. There is a big possibility that Jerome Alcere is not the only gay housemate in Pinoy Big Brother Lucky 7. Versatile character actor Nico Antonio, who became a household name by his Tolyts character in the high-rating romantic comedy On the Wings of Love, will be back with two humor-oriented series on ABS-CBN this year. Hajji Alejandro, Christian Bautista, Joey Generoso, Jinkee Vidal, Nina plus another female singer will headline “Love Throwback 2” at the Philippine International Convention Center on February 4, 2017 at 8 p.m. After the breakthrough character in the romantic comedy Be My Lady, RK Bagatsing will be back really sexy in Wildflower now that he can sweat it out without having to travel a long distance to shoot in Pampanga!
 
STAR MAGIC SHINES AT 2016 MMFF! Star Magic artists did not only manage to snag the top roles in  the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival, but more importantly delivered the critical and commercial values in Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2, Vince and Kath and James and Seklusyon.
Jericho Rosales participated in the festival anew by being part of the second installment of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank starring ace comedienne Eugene Domingo. Jericho plays the role of a fictionalized version of himself who is Eugene’s love interest.
Star Magic Angels member Hanna Ledesma is also part of the show as Riza, the wife of Rainier played by Kean Cipriano. Khalil Ramos, meanwhile, is Lennon, the new production manager of Kean’s team.
Ronnie Alonte, Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia headline the only romantic-comedy film in the roster titled Vince and Kath and James along with their other co-Star Magic Maris Racal and Axel Torres.
Ronnie Alonte’s second appearance in the festival is Seklusyon. He is joined in the film by Dominic Roque and the two play the role of two of the deacons or priests-in-the-making. Child actor Rhed Bustamante is also part of the film as the miraculous child.
Other participating Star Magic artists are Jason Abalos in socio-political drama Kabisera. Joem Bascon plays a small-scale miner in Oro, the film that unfortunately got flak for a dog slaughter scene.
 
STAR MAGIC DOMINATES CONCERT SCENE IN 2016. Whether it was a big or intimate show, Star Magic artists dominated the concert stage with their successful shows last year.
There was first-time concert performers Kim Chiu, who marked her 10th anniversary in the business through the “Chinita Princess The FUNtasy Concert” in April at the KIA theater. Two months later, her love team partner Xian Lim also staged his first solo show “A Date with Xian,” also at the KIA Theater last July 9.
New Kapamilya Jona marked her entrance at the Kapamilya network with “Queen of the Night: Jona,” which had her performing alongside Regine Velasquez-Alcasid and Jed Madela at the KIA Theater last November 25.
Matteo Guidicelli staged his first-ever concert in his hometown Cebu touted as #MatteoMadeinCebu to mark his 10th year in the business. Ronnie Alonte staged his first solo concert titled “Kilig King” at the KIA Theater on December 17.
Apart from the solo concerts, first-time group performances also shone in 2016. There’s the Valentine concert “Royals,” which happened at the Mall of Asia Arena last February 13. The show was headlined by Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid along with the King and Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto.
Angeline then went back to the concert stage with her other co-singers KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino and Kyla for the sold-out “Divas: Live in Manila” at the Araneta Coliseum.
It’s Showtime’s kilig ambassadors Hashtags composed of Zeus Colins, Ronnie Alonte, McCoy de Leon, Tom Doromal, Jon Lucas, Luke Conde, Paulo Angeles, Nikko Natividad, Jameson Blake, Jimboy Martin and Ryle Tan took the stage by storm with “Hashtags: The Roadtrip Concert” at the jampacked KIA Theater on September 24.
Experienced Star Magic concert performers also took the stage anew last year. The Voice Kids Season 1 first runner up Darren Espanto filled the KIA Theater to the brim back in June for his major concert “D Total Experience” together with guests Maja Salvador, Inigo Pascual, Ylona Garcia, Jed Madela and the G-Force.
Maja Salvador also staged her third major concert titled “Only Maja” last November 12 at the Music Museum. Her friends Enchong Dee, Piolo Pascual, Paulo Avelino, Kakai Bautista and the Hashtags were among her guests in the sold-out show.
Star Magic artists also participated in the pioneering digital concert arena spearheaded by the ABS-CBN online music portal One Music PH.
Yeng Constantino served as the digital concert scene’s opening performer, who marked her 10 years in the business with “Yeng Constantino: Salamat sa 10 Taon” and was followed by former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Ylona Garcia with “My Name is Ylona Garcia.”
D Total Performer Darren Espanto followed suit with “The Other side of Darren,” which marked his second show for the year. Finally, there came the best friends Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, Sue Ramirez and Kristel Fulgar, who formed part of the digital concert titled “Double Hearts.”
 
ALAGANG KAPATID FOUNDATION FACES THE CHALLENGE. “We believe that we can play a vital role in making the lives of the people a little better, especially during those times when forces beyond their control have made things very difficult for them,” said Menchie Silvestre, executive director of Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc. (AKFI).
The MVP group of companies social corporate responsibility arm, AKFI aims to provide assistance when the strength and resiliency of the Filipino spirit is tested. The need for immediate help and assistance with food, shelter and medicine is always going to be there whenever there is a calamity.
AKFI hopes to live up to the challenge. It aims to be the preferred media-based organization to deliver immediate, efficient and effective support to marginalized Filipinos. It

LEAD-IN! Ilawod, an Ian Veneracion and Iza Calzado starrer opening on January 18, is a fresh horror story as it features a new source of terror!... Diana Meneses hosts the new reality show The Fiercest of Them All where America's Next Top Model meets Survivor!... Come to think of it, the Selection Committee initiated the trouble of 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Oro!... Ricky Lo, Entertainment editor of The Philippine Star, is finally on Facebook!... It will not be any sooner that Ang Larawan, The Movie, the principal photography of which was in 2016 and headlined by Rachel Alejandro, Ogie Alcasid, Paulo Avelino, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Joanna Ampil, would be shown before September!... Mocha's appointment as board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board was announced by Malacañang and picked up by media, but Virgilio Almario's election as National Commission for Culture and the Arts chair was basically silent and not accorded with the same attention.

2016 METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL INSIGHTS. With its conversion into finished film entry submissions as main accomplishment, the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) failed to prove that so-called quality films, loosely classified as independently produced features, are the answer to the annual Christmas film fest's perceived woes and excluding mainstream films and its ticket sales-friendly actors did not prove worthwhile.
It, in fact, largely removed the spirit of celebration from the MMFF. All of the eight entries of the 2016 festival were supposed to be quality films so how could the variances in sales performance be explained? Advertising did it!
The top three rankers in ticket sales (Die Beautiful; Seklusyon; Vince and Kath and James) relied heavily on television advertising that cost P700,000 per spot. The rest (Saving Sally; Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2; Sunday Beauty Queen; Oro; and Kabisera) were deliberate non-advertisers due to lack of resources in true indie practice. This naturally favored entries with links to networks.
Most glaring were the critical ratings of entries. Oro and Seklusyon got Grade B, while the rest favored with a Grade A from the Cinema Evaluation Board were award winners. But Seklusyon got the most trophies at the MMFF's Gabi ng Parangal.
Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 and Saving Sally relied heavily on social media to promote.
How did the orbiters fare at their job? There was a clear effort for the 2016 MMFF to mislead. Without a clear basis, organizers had proclaimed the filmfest to be a "success."
It purposely made the 2016 MMFF a 10-day filmfest instead of the traditional 14-day run. It resorted to extending the festival up to January 7 to even up with the previous edition, some entries even discounting ticket prices.
And when there was some sort of understandable basis, it opted to report ticket sales figures divided into "Metro Manila" and "Provincial" groups. This has never been done in the festival's entire history. It seems organizers were direly avoiding comparison of its lower sales with previous years' higher figures.
With such spindoctoring, how could its pronouncements be deemed reliable?
So who profited from the 2016 MMFF? The TV networks!
If the MMFF wants to retain its credibility and viability, Lead suggests maintaining the finished film requirement and the return to non-bias of mainstream films as they are what attracts families with children. This was the reason the 2016 MMFF lost in ticket sales on the first and second days, traditionally the best-selling days.
Such entries will always have the advantage of expensive television advertising that indie films could hardly afford. If the MMFF does not want to maintain this status quo, then it must regulate the use of TV advertising for filmfest to be fair game to indie features.
As you cannot regulate viewers' satisfaction without disastrous effect such as what it just experienced, a filmfest cannot be all films about family troubles, social injustice and dark secrets. Lead then supports Sen. Tito Sotto's call for indie films to have its own filmfest of which there are several already that continue to get popular support.
Films are meant to be watched, and without huge numbers of viewers willing to pay the ticket to make them profitable, such intentions turn useless.

LIVE PAIN-FREE WITHOUT DRUGS. Millions of Filipinos are suffering in silence because of the pain of health issues.
The revolutionary Medsonix Acoustic Resonating Therapy System from the US is now in the Philippines. The Medsonix Acoustic Resonating Therapy System integrates a medical device that uses low frequency sound waves to increase blood flow and mobility, reduce inflammation and pain and relieve symptoms of many diseases and disorders. The system uses a medical device that is registered with the US Food and Drug Administration as Class A and was granted three US patents.
Non-invasive, drug-free, safe and effective for Filipinos suffering from arthritis, migraine, sciatica, back and joint pain and other medical conditions, it can also relieve pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, bursitis, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.
The therapy system was developed 10 years ago by Alphonse Cassone, 42, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, US who experimented with sound waves for 15 years.
Two pilot studies conducted at the School of Nursing and Physical Therapy in the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2000 showed that the Medsonix Acoustic Resonating Therapy System improved the mobility of patients and reduced the pain in 85 percent of patients. The studies were later published in an international medical journal in 2002.
Cassone said immediate and sustained pain relief has been experienced by many patients after only one session, although four to six therapy sessions, are normally required to gain maximum benefit.
Prof. Eric Soriano III, who helped Cassone bring the therapy system to the country, is confident the system will be embraced by Filipinos who want immediate relief from pain caused by many diseases and disorders.
Cassone and a group of Filipino investors have formed a joint venture, Medsonix Philippines, with office at Unit 1110 Raffles Corporate Center, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
Each Medsonix pain therapy session lasts for 30 minutes and can be done while reading, listening to music or checking e-mails. There is no need to disrobe, but those undergoing the therapy will be required to wear sound reduction headphones as he/she is enveloped with low frequency sound waves. Patients often feel a warm, tingly sensation throughout the body or around the affected area.
The Medsonix Device is now available in Clinica Manila at SM Megamall. A pioneering comprehensive healthcare facility in a mall, Clinica Manila has been providing quality healthcare with personal touch for 20 years.
For scheduling, call 730-3237/0947-5951524 or emailinfo@medsonix.com.ph.

The issue of the so-called “dog slaughtering” in Alvin Ypan’s Oro has awakened animal rights consciousness among Filipinos including entertainment journalists.
During the grand launch of Regis Films and Entertainment’s Tatlong Bibe, the straight drama movie to open nationwide on March 1, 2017, a major question asked was whether there were ducks killed during the shoot of the full-length feature. This was casually denied by writer/director Joven Tan.
Three children, as played by Raikko Mateo of Honesto fame, Marco Masa of Nathaniel and Lyca Garainod, The Voice Kids first grand winner, search for three missing ducks. Meeting in a barrio road, they immediately form frienships that led them to find selfless love in the process.
As it was shot in an agricultural farm, it involved a variety of animals. “Meron ding baboy, baka, aso na ginamit sa pelikula pero naalagaan sila rito nang maayos kagaya ng pag-alaga sa aming mga artista,” shared Joven, who also composed its theme song.
Instead, the three kids learn positive values of life in trying to solve its knots and bumps by turning to the simple solution of prayers to God. Tatlong Bibe makes great viewing for city-bred children as they will visually experience of the three rural kids, making it as a personal adventure.
Marco and Raikko are Star Magic artists, who starred on drama series that revolved around their respective characters. During the open forum, Rita recalled how Marco guided her in a scene they did together. They are friends in real life. Marco is attending real school, while Raikko is doing home study.
Others in the star-studed cast are Eddie Garcia, Rita Avila, Sharlene San Pedro, Victor Neri, Luis Alandy, Edgar Allan Guzman, Ronnie Lazaro, Dionisia Pacquiao, Anita Linda and JK Labajo with the special participation of Angel Aquino. Also included are Perla Bautista, Nikki Valdez, Lou Veloso, Janna Trias, Dianne Medina and Ernie Garcia.
To watch for is Dionisia, more popularly known as Manny Pacquiao’s mother and as Mommy D. She goes out of the box by doing a serious role this time.
The movie was submitted to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival under another film production company, but it did not make it to the eight official. Tatlong Bibe was saved by Regis Films and Entertainment. A partnership between manpower exporter Anicia Joson-Regis and entertainment professional Edith Fider, Regis Films and Entertainment plans to engage in films production and producing shows and concerts.

JUSTICE TO ALVIN YAPAN AND ‘ORO.’ In government, being a newbie is not an excuse for incompetence. Such is what happened when the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Executive Committee and Selection Committee picked Alvin Yapan’s Oro as official entry and even meted it with awards, but failed to justify its decision in the “animal slaughtering” charge when accused by the Film Development Council based on questionable bases.
This is gross injustice!
What is the use of the finished film submission of the 2016 MMFF when such entries could not be used as a reliable basis of acceptance? Oro was accepted so any issue about it afterwards is necessarily the responsibility of the 2016 MMFF organizers and they must be responsible. But no, they even failed to defend it against the opinion of guilt of Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chair Liza Diño-Seguerra.
There was no deliberate slaughtering of two dogs in the film. The footage used in the film was shot from ritual so it can qualify with the exception of depiction of local culture that is exempted by the law. The trouble here was they based the guilty decision from unofficial sources.

JOHN LENNON’S LAST GOODBYE. “A very, very strong image,” Annie Leibovitz describes in CNN Talk Asia in July 2016 about the photo she took on the morning of December 8, 1980 of a naked John Lennon on top of wife Yoko Ono wearing all black.
“The very same day, John was killed — his murder. It was like our last goodbye — his last goodbye,” tells the celebrity photographer when she brought to Hong Kong her Women: New Portraits retrospective.
The now iconic photo, one of Leibovitz’s best images, was from an improvised shoot by Polaroid in the bedroom of their Dakota Apartments unit in Manhattan, New York City. She was shooting for Rolling Stones magazine that had assigned a cover photo of Lennon to promote his newly released Double Fantasy album. Lennon was able to have Yoko in the picture, too.
She refused to strip down, however, which Lennon readily accepted. Wearing no makeup, she did not hesitate to lay down on the cream-colored carpet as Lennon posed naked on top, clutching her, sucking her left cheek. Done in minutes, Lennon and Ono happily exclaimed to Leibovitz, “You’ve captured our relationship exactly.”
This was the second time Lennon posed naked for cover material, the first by delayed camera for the jacket of the Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins album.
After the photo shoot, Lennon and Ono were interviewed by San Francisco DJ Dave Sholin to air on the RKO Radio Network. They left their apartment at 5:45 p.m. for the Record Plant Studio to mix Ono’s song “Walking on Thin Ice” where Lennon played lead guitar.
On their way to the studio, visiting 25-year-old security guard from Hawaii Mark Chapman waited for Lennon and asked him to autograph his copy of Double Fantasy. Having obliged, Lennon asks, “Is this all you want?” Chapman flashed an ominous smile and just nodded.
The Lennons spent five hours at the studio, lovingly announcing to Ono after, “This is going to be your first number one.” They returned to the Dakota at approximately 10:50 p.m., skipping dinner in a restaurant as Lennon wanted to be with five-year-old son Sean.
Back to the Dakota, he recognized Chapman standing in the archway. His back turned, Chapman aimed a Charter Arms .38 Special revolver directly at the center of his back, successively firing five bullets. Lennon moans, “I’m shot, I’m shot,” and he fell on the concrete floor.
Rushed by ambulance to the Roosevelt Hospital dutifully followed by Ono, a doctor pronounced Lennon dead on arrival at 11:15 p.m. Ono sobbed and cried, “Oh no, no, no, no ... tell me it’s not true!” She requested to delay the television announcement as Sean might be watching and wanted to be with him.
Lennon died, but not his beautiful music and powerful message as Ono serves as their faithful keeper.
Leibovitz’s natural and minimally retouched photo served as epitaph on the January 1981 cover of Rolling Stone. Sean recreated its concept in reverse in 2011 with him fully clothed and his model girlfriend Kemp Muhl on top of him exposed. His mother curiously dismissed it as “plagiarism.”

Ilawod, Quantum Films’ new horror thriller to open nationwide today, anchors itself on three great elements:
ACTING. The movie features two versatile actors, one of whom is Ian Veneracion, once a child actor and now a matinee idol. He has done the horror classics, among them Hiwaga sa Balete Drive, Anak ng Demonyo, Halik ng Bampira and Feng Shui 2. Ian is Dennis in Ilawod, a reporter who works for an online news publication that covers supernatural stories.
Then, there is Epy Quizon, a comedy royalty who has managed to transition into an award-winning actor. He acted as a hostage-taker in the satirical drama, Unlucky Plaza, which was filmed in Singapore, and won for acting at the 2015 International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City. He is photographer Carlo in Ilawod, who accompanies Dennis in his coverages.
Determining the adult roles were fairly easy as Veneracion, Iza Calzado and Quizon are competent actors able to deliver on the requirements of the script and director on demand.
Calzado entered the horror genre with flying colors in Yam Laranas’ Sigaw that was reprised as the English language film Echo, helmed by an American. As Dennis’ wife Kathy, Calzado’s great ethereal beauty and acting ability have booked for her a number of horror films that she jokingly refers to herself as the genre’s “queen.”
Acting as daughter Bea, 13, is former child star Xyriel Manabat, who is best known for Agua Bendita and 100 Days to Heaven. As son Ben, Harvey Bautista, 14, is the youngest son of Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who used to be in Goin’ Bulilit. In Ilawod, both play the role of normal students who live comfortable lives in a happy family.
Doing the role of Isla is Therese Malvar, 16, who won for the indie film Hamog three international awards in one year. She won the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Golden Goblet Award at the 2016 Shanghai International Festival; Screen International Rising Star at the 2015 New York Asian Films Festival and Best Actressin the Moscow International Filmfest. She plays Bea and Ben’s friend in school.
According to producer Joji Alonso, the crucial roles of the tweeners were hardest to cast as these require extraordinary abilities to make them work. So they called for audtions in which they picked Xyriel, Harvey and Therese in the short lists.
Multitalented actor Nico Antonio does a cameo role with Joel Saracho.

DIRECTION. Award-winning director Dan Villegas’ forays into the horror genre after five blockbuster romantic-comedy films (English Only, Please, The Breakup Playlist, #WalangForever, Always Be My Maybe, How To Be Yours) make a frightening shift!
From newbie to successful filmmaker, Villegas debuted as director in the indie film Mayohan that gave Lovi Poe a Cinemalaya best actress award. His subsequent mainstream films are all blockbuster hits and some also won awards for him as best director.
His actors were also trophy reapers like Jennylyn Mercado who won two best actress awards in a row, Derek Ramsay and Jericho Rosales.
Ilawod could have been one of the two finished film submissions at the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival had nature not interfered. Villegas failed to complete it due to the intermittent rains. But it was meant to be as another Quantum Film, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2: #Forever is not Enough, was selected as an official entry.
Lawyer Alonso has been producing films since 2004 with Minsan Pa. Kubrador holds the record of the highest Filipino full-length feature participation in 100 foreign film festivals all of them attended by her. In 2012, she helped produce six Cinemalaya films including the Vilma Santos starrer, Ekstra.
Largely unrecognized, Alonso is a staunch supporter of the indie film industry in the Philippines by striving how to make quality entertaining films so it can evolve as an audience-friendly and profitmaking venture.

NARRATIVE. The second monster film by Quantum in its 12-year history, the first being Lawrence Fajardo’s star-studded The Strangers, the genre is considered a breaker of the drama, action and romcom features that Quantum Films makes.
It is an extraordinary story written by Yvette Tan, the Palanca Awardee who authored the book Walking the Dead and Other Horror Stories. Her past projects were the water-themed films Sidhi, The Child Abandoned, Pasig River, The Bridge, San Juanico and Stars (set in Balicasag Island, Bohol).
“I have been writing such stuff since I was a girl, clueless of what I did until people labelled it as horror stories,” Tan related about how she got into Transrealism during Ilawod’s media launch.
Transrealism is a literary mode that mixes the techniques of incorporating fantastic elements used in science fiction with the techniques of describing immediate perceptions from naturalistic realism. That is what takes place when reality is stirred with fantasy, what we used to describe as horror stories.
As a Catholic who believes in good and evil, Tan believes in possession but vehemently denies she has been haunted. “I started calling my genre as Transrealism about two years ago so the term is fairly new, but it is an old term,” Tan shared.
Now she makes use of her favored element of water in Ilawod. About an elemental of water that flows downstream carrying its victims with it, “Ilawod” means deep things in different dialects.
In Tagalog, it means “downstream” (“ilaya” is the opposite of “upstream”). In Visayan, it means “the furthest part of a body of water.” In Bicolano, it means “far from shore.” It’s also been used to mean “far from the barrio.” The exact province of origin is unknown. By any source, it is endemic that causes pandemic terror.
Picture this: The story shows how the Ilawod messes up the family life of a peaceful couple, Dennis and Kathy. Dennis covers a story of possession in the mountains with Carlo.
Unknown to Dennis, he brings home the Ilawod that latched on to him during a provincial sortie. It then possesses Kathy, their Bea and Ben. Their family then has to fight the Ilawod to save not just their lives for survival, but more importantly, their souls.
What follows is an inevitable battle that risks not only the family’s lives, but also their souls. The demonic attack causes his family’s breakdown. What great risk will a mother take to fight the mystery enveloping her family?
No spoiler here. Who acts as the Ilawod? Encounter. Do not resist the scare!

H.R. OCAMPO ON VIEW. His art described as “abstract compositions of biological forms that seemed to oscillate, quiver, inflame and multiply” like mutations, Leon Gallery proudly presents “TROVE: The Coseteng Collection | The Life and Art of H.R. Ocampo,” an exhibition and retrospective on the life and oeuvre of one of the most iconic Filipino artists, H.R. Ocampo. The exhibit opens today, January 21, at 6 p.m., at the Eurovilla 1. Rufino corner Legazpi St. Legaspi, Makati City. 
 
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. With 26 submissions of finished full-length features to the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), three screened out of festival (Super Guardians, Enteng Kabisote 10 and The Abangers, Mano Po 8: Tsinoy) eight precariously blasted during the annual event (Die Beautiful, Seklusyon, Vince Kath and James, Saving Sally, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 2 #Forever is not Enough, Sunday Beauty Queen, Oro, Kabisera), four with confirmed screenings (Mang Kepweng Returns, Moon Over Baler, Across the Crescent Moon, Sakaling Hindi Makarating and Tatlong Bibe) and nine without indication of release plan.
When all is said and done, the issue is narrowed down to whether the MMFF’s finished film requirement was effective in producing the kind of quality films it aimed for.
Here are the opinions of selected directors based on the question: Which do you favor and why: Script or finished film submission for MMFF?
Joven Tan, writer, director and associate producer of Regis Films and Entertainment’s “Tatlong Bibe” screening starting on March 1: “Finished film! Mas napaghandaan ang paggawa ng pelikula, walang naghahabol ng deadline, mas sumigla ang film industry dahil maraming gumawa ng movies. Kapag script muna, kung sino lang ang napili, yun lang ang gagawa.”
Gil Portes, director of Moonlight Over Baler: “Although not included in the past MMFF, I still believe that finished films should be submitted not scripts which are not followed by producers/directors. This is a film festival not a scriptwriting contest. The last MMFF produced some excellent films that will never be given a chance to be seen had we followed the old system.”
Theodore Boborol, director of surprise pick Vince Kath and James: It’s a very difficult question to answer because honestly, I have no idea how the other film festivals go. It really depends on the vision and objective of MMFF. Personally i prefer a finished film or picture lock submission if their intention to select a film is based on the film’s aesthetics. Pag script lang kasi, marami pang pwedeng mabago while filming.”
Marlon Rivera, director and co-producer of Ang Babae Sa Septic Yank 2 #Forever is Not Enough and co-director of Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers: “Definitely, finished film (not even a pic lock). The best way to judge a film is in its final form.”
Avid Liongoren, director of Saving Sally: “Finished film, of course, because you are exhibiting a film. And a film has to be judged as a film.”
Baby Nebrida, director of Across the Crescent Moon screening starting January 25 dissents: “I would prefer to have the script as a basis for choosing the entry for the MMFF. This is fairer and just — filmmakers need not waste time, money and effort in hurrying to meet the MMFF deadlines. The story and the screenplay should be the big consideration in joining the MMFF.
“I have joined the MMFF in the past and our film won Best Picture and the other entry we had won second Best Picture. In this MMFF — our film did not qualify because our film with high budget was considered mainstream and the judges who were proponents of indie film gave us the lowest score. The fate of the film should not be determined by six judges who are known Indie director, indie actor and indie supporters. MMFF wanted to have pure indie films as the official entry. We hired well known young and senior stars and used expensive cameras and these factors worked against us when they judged our film, Across the Crescent Moon.
“Well, I was disappointed, but I just trusted in God’s will. I always surrender everything to Him. He knows what is best for our film and indeed, now, I am happy that we were not chosen. God knows everything and He knew that our film was not meant to be in that line up. I am hoping that the Filipino people will enjoy and love our film. Definitely, we gave our best and it will be worth your time, money and effort to watch our film.”
Majority of its directors in favor, thus, the introduction of the concept finished film submission is 2016 MMFF’s biggest accomplishment and must be perpetuated.
 
FINAL SCREENING FOR MOSSIMO BIKINI SUMMIT TODAY. Producing aspiring individuals becoming standouts from TV-movie actors to runway superstars to popular print and TV ad models to media personalities since 2002, the Mossimo Bikini Summit will have the final screening for its 2017 edition dubbed “Model Supremacy” on January 21 at The Penthouse 8747 located at Paseo de Roxas, Salcedo Village in Makati City. Registration starts at 10 a.m.
The search is open to all aspiring male and female models (all nationalities with Filipino blood or ancestry), ages 18 to 25 years old, at least a high school graduate, single and with an exceptional character that is perfect to be the next big thing in the modeling industry. Height requirement for male is 5’10” and for female is 5’6.”
Interested applicants must also possess a proportional physique and must have excellent communication skills. Application forms can be downloaded at themodelsupremacy.com or visit Mossimo branches in Glorietta Ayala Center, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa and SM Mall of Asia.
The titleholders shall receive P250,000 each; P150,000 each for first runners-up and P100,000 each for second runners-up. Winners will also receive exciting valuable gifts from sponsors.
A production of Lumina Events Management, The Mossimo Bikini Summit — Model Supremacy is sponsored by Henann Regency Resort and Spa, The Penthouse 8747, Councilor Juris Sucro of Kalibo, Aklan, Think + Talk, Elinnov, JPC Audio Rental, Allocacoc Philippines, Creations by Lourd Ramos, Gold’s Gym, Lay Bare, Belo Essentials, Skyjet Airlines, Vans, STI, Healthy Foodie Manila, Ysa Skin and Body Experts.
To get more updates, check out www.themodelsupremacy.com, Facebook (fb.me/themodelsupremacy), Twitter (@themodelsupreme), Instagram (@themodelsupremacy) and YouTube (The Model Supremacy). For more details, call the Mossimo Bikini Summit 2017 — Model Supremacy secretariat at 0915-5208714, 0908-8102334, 403-1303 or 734-4303.
 Pinoy performers at the Hard Rock Café. Catch an exciting line-up of Pinoy performers at Hard Rock Café this January. Leading the pack is Area One, which will have a special concert on January 21 (Saturday). Area One is the country’s premiere Beatles tribute band and hard rockers can look forward to an evening of beautiful music as Area One performs live the greatest hits of The Beatles and a selection of standard favorites and party anthems from the ‘60s and the ‘70s. Other featured artists are Part 3 (Sundays and Fridays), Arpie & The Multivitamins (Mondays and Saturdays), Silk (Tuesdays), Kudos Love 80s (Wednesdays) and First Five (Thursdays). All shows start at 9:30 p.m.

Seven sexy participants out of a total complement of 12 unexpectedly arrived at the venue of The Fiercest of Them All media launch, at Ka Tunying’s Café on Timog Avenue, Quezon City, in the discomfort of a motorcade of firetrucks from a San Juan City fire fighting unit.
Traveling under the harsh midday sun and ultraviolet rays, they lived up to the title of the search for the fiercest. Not necessarily the fairest, of course.
“Nakakaloka na, nakakaiyak pa; nakakabaliw at nakakatuwa rin.” This is how the Tagalog-English-speaking Brazilian actress, model and former Eat... Bulaga! host Daiana Meneses entices viewers to follow the new fantasy-reality television show that pilots on March 5 at 9 p.m. and airs on Sundays over GMA News TV. “The ‘fiercest’ girls will be going through amazing challenges so sana panoorin po ninyo!” she expounded.
Television is in search of a fresh format, the reality show being the most successful last variant that spawned several versions. The small screen has always been a medium for versions of entertainment, one distinct genre being fantasy. Until The Fiercest of Them All, no production company has successfully blended fantasy and reality in a workable and exciting concept. And it is here now to test and prove its viability.

EXEMPLAR. Daiana is exemplar of the fiercest. “Ito ang pinakamagandang project na nagawa ko sa buong buhay ko, and I’m very proud. It feels like I shot 13 different movies sa editing (ni Direk). Kapag nakita ninyo ang materyal namin, hindi siya biro. I went to film academy before, and I haven’t seen something that is designed for TV, but looks cinematic. I’m very proud to be a part of this,” she enthuses.
Nothing can make her be the gentlest, even her new love life. Still smarting from the termination of her marriage to Benjo Benaldo months after a Nevada court granted her divorce, she claims to be “wiser” now from the experience. “I should love myself more than give myself to somebody else,” she maintains. But nothing can make her budge to reveal who he is as she firmly believes he deserves privacy as he’s not a public person.
“Siguro ang masasabi ko lang ang tagal ko bago nauntog. I should have done it before pa, but I don’t regret any of it kasi kung hindi nangyari ’yun, wala siguro ako ngayon sa kinalalagyan ko,” she adds without nervousness. “Natuto na ako sa experience ko. Hindi na ako mag-re-reveal kung sino ang ka-date ko. Makikita n’yo rin naman kasi kung sino ang ka-date ko. I don’t hide. It’s just like I don’t think the person (should) be talked about.”
Dubbed “the craziest modelling competition on TV,” Daiana finds the show unique. “You know what, we’re not actually in search of a model, but ‘yung magaling na tao, ‘yung totoo, ‘yung may talent, ‘yung kaya lahat, ‘yung hindi mag-gi-give up. Kasi ‘yung kagandahan nawawala ‘yun. Kapag tumanda ka na, nawawala ‘yun. Minsan, maaksidente ka mawawala ‘yun. Pero kung ugali mo maganda, ‘yun na ‘yun. So, kakaiba siya,” she explains.
Director Martin Aviles tags the show as a “Fantareality” that unfolds like a full-length feature. And, no, it’s not a beauty contest at all. “It’s a competition that tests the contestant’s character amid challenges. “What makes this special is it is a legitimate reality show, but at the same time may fantasy angle alongside being reality show.”
Daiana says, “The Fiercest Of Them All has got it all. “Alam mo ’yung parang walang arte, puwede naming gawin lahat. That’s why I’m thankful getting this opportunity. I hope the audience will enjoy the show as much as the cast and crew enjoy it.”

MEET THE JOINERS. The following are some of those who dare display their aggressiveness in the one-of-a-kind series.
Aya Sarmiento is a registered nurse working as a promo girl and model, a demure Filipina who can easily switch into a vicious fighter.
Christine Basadre is a mixed breed (half-German and half-Filipino), who grew up in Germany and returned to the Philippines to pursue her dream to be an actress, beauty queen and model.
Candice Ramos is a beauty queen title holder, popular pageant host, UP college graduate and MA student, a smooth mix of the hero and the anti-hero.
Krisha Francisco is an online casino dealer, promo girl and model. Frank and funny, she is the “pare” of The Fiercest of Them All team.
Tanya Lingat is a petite model who is a Law graduate from Pampanga. She is a go-getter, someone who will pull and push until she achieves her goal.
Peru Morena is a fitness model who grew up in Canada, the daughter of an OFW from Batangas, the youngest in a brood of 10 known as “the Animal” when competing.

OPERATIVE. “Fierce” being the show’s operative word yes, in various degrees and permutations be ready for the physical, emotional and intellectual challenges and twists it will offer. Better believe it is possible and viewer-friendly. There is only The Fiercest of Them All in the entire universe and it is in the Philippines.
Martin Aviles explains the concept otherwise called “fantareality” as a combination of America’s Next Top Model and Survivor.
“Daiana plays the character of a queen who is searching for the fiercest of them all. There is a story. It just makes it more fun also for the audience, especially for the kids. We want not only to show this to grown-ups, we also want kids to be excited about it, why she is making them go through these challenges?... There’s a hidden narrative — hidden to the girls. Even the girls don’t know about it’” Martin reveals.  
“Staying true to the definition of a reality show means it has to be unscripted. We’ve seen how other shows are halatang scripted. You won’t see that here. What makes this special is you will see the aspect of a reality show pero may fantasy narrative. You’ll have to watch it to understand it. We set up challenges that’s planned, but what happens within and after the challenges, we don’t know. It’s all organic,” Martin outlines what makes The Fiercest of Them All exciting.
Daiana joins up the fierce ladies in the test-your-character challenges that put them in intrigue situations among themselves. The equally ferocious squad of judges who also appeared during the launch are fitness trainer and model Matthias Rhoads, stylist and fashion writer Bea Jocom and fashion designer Doggficher. To win the Fiercest title, the winner must get their nods.
“I’ve been in the fashion industry for a while now and I watch all these shows — as in lahat, bata pa lang ako. Never pa akong nakakakita ng tulad nito. Kami mismong judges, nasa-shock sa mga nangyayari. It’s something different,” Bea shares about the show’s unique selling proposition.
If The Fiercest of Them All clicks with the Filipino audience and indications are it will, cast and crew would have developed a fresh television concept worth franchising worldwide. Its format can be easily adapted to local conditions and situations of the franchisor country. For sure, this will be its fiercest accomplishment!

MISS UNIVERSE ORG TAKES STAND AGAINST ALLEGED COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. Globe telecommunications company, non-sponsor of the 2017 Miss Universe, flooded Baguio City with banners bearing its own and the beauty pageant’s official logos welcoming candidates when they visited for an official activity.
Jonathan Seiden, general counsel of the Miss Universe Organization, condemned the act of Intellectual Property Infringement in an official statement: “The Miss Universe Organization will not tolerate infringement of our intellectual property rights and we will act vigorously to protect and prosecute any third party infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property.”
Mon Isberto, head of Public Relations of Smart Communications, a breached official sponsor of the prestigious and high-profile event, released this statement: “We thank the Ms. Universe Organization for taking quick action on the incident in Baguio. Moving forward, we hope that other parties will respect the agreements that cover the holding the Pageant in the country.”
 
UPSTREAM OF RECOGNITION FOR HARVEY BAUTISTA. Introduced in Dan Villegas’ spooky scarefest, Quantum Films’ Ilawod, Harvey Bautista is 12-year-old Ben who shines by underplaying his brooding role of an adolescent son of the demon-possessed family of reporter Dennis (Ian Veneracion) and accountant Kathy (Iza Calzado) and their daughter Bea (Xyriel Manabat).
In this expertly executed Transrealism script by Yvette Tan, Bautista — whose acting inclinations originate from a clan of actors that includes actor-director Herminio “Butch” Bautista, former actor now Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and stage actor Harlene Bautista; and his mother, ex-professional choreographer now 2nd District Quezon City Concilor Teresa “Tates” Gana; and cross-training as comedy actor in Goin’ Bulilit under Edgar Mortiz ―— manages to hold his own against the award-winning cast.
The Ilawod, the water elemental from downstream (ilaya is its upstream equivalent) latches on to Dennis while covering exorcism rites with photographer Carlos (Epy Quizon) in a far-away barrio by a river rushing downstream. Strange things start to happen once he gets home to their swanky condominium building without conscious attention of the occurrences.
Ben gets attracted unknowingly by the perennially clad in white underdress Isla (Therese Malvar) who mysteriously reappears when he passes by the common swimming pool after school. His sweet behavior slowly turns foul when he falls for the seduction just like the alarming changes in conduct of the rest of the family members.
Ben isolates himself and starts a fascination for the razor blade. Unsuspectingly, Dennis, while attempting to bond with his now surprisingly distant teener, talks about his new friend that he openly namedrops as Isla. He encourages him to bring his new girlfriend to their condo unit. Taking advantage, Isla proceeds to claim Ben’s soul by devirginizing him in an implied shower sex scene.
To prove his quickly earned love and loyalty, she asks for evidence by blading a fingertip for a blood compact; he complies without hesitation. Fast-forward to Ben perversely slashing his left forearm with ferocity then Isla taking him down for a swim in the pool. Quick cut to a screaming Bea upon finding Ben floating dead.
Bautista’s minimalist acting soars due to a proficiently structured script and well-balanced helming that does not rely on special effects, but on plain inputs by the actor’s speed digitalized to deliver horror shots. No doubt this prevents anticipation and intensifies the scare when they are released specially in a one-two punch.
Turning out as a central character made for his body type and emotional makeup, Bautista takes center stage and goes with the flow with the unfailing smoothness of liquid. His faultless performance noted, Ilawod convinces us that other worldy evils can lurk in safety and naturally takes Bautista in the upstream of recognition, not downstream.
 
PAUL MCCARTNEY PURSUES OWNERSHIP OF LENNON-MCCARTNEY CATALOG. Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney filed a lawsuit in the federal court in New York on January 18, 2017 against Sony/ATV over copyright ownership of the many hit songs he wrote with John Lennon.
The celebrated composing tandem sold their share of its original copyright owner, Northern Songs Ltd., when the Beatles experienced a severe cash strap in 1969. Ever since, the duo when Lennon was still alive has been trying to reclaim ownership. Cash-rich Michael Jackson bought it in 1985 and then fully sold over to Sony/ATV following his death.
McCartney says he has sent notice to Sony/ATV saying that he will claim them back under a provision of US copyright law that makes that possible after a certain time. The first song eligible to be claimed back is “Love Me Do,” in October 2018. The rest of the catalog would follow in years after, ending in 2026.
McCartney wants a ruling to say his claiming them doesn’t represent a legal breach of any contract or publishing agreement that Sony/ATV could use against him.  
Sony/ATV said it had “the highest respect” for McCartney. “We have collaborated closely with both Sir Paul and the late John Lennon’s Estate for decades to protect, preserve and promote the catalog’s long-term value,” the company said, adding that it was “disappointed” over the filing of the lawsuit, which it said is “unnecessary and premature.”
 
WHY DAYANARA TORRES SPEAKS FLUENT TAGALOG. It is now definite that Puerto Rican Dayanara Torres will be a judge in the 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant so she will have to return to Manila as Miss Universe 1993. Many young Filipinos will be surprised to find out she speaks fluent Tagalog. You see, she became an instant superstar in the country after winning the title. During her stay, Torres learned to speak the language as she had an entertainment career. She became a host of ASAP in 1994 where she displayed her proficiency in dancing taking the title of “Dancing Queen.” She also had a four-year romantic relationship with matinee idol Aga Muhlach. They first met on the set of the movie, Basta’t Kasama Kita, in 1995 followed by two other features.
 
BOOK ON PANGASINAN WWII HEROES. As part of the 67th anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings, the Pangasinan Provincial Government and Philippine Veterans Bank sponsored the publication and printing of the book Biographical Sketches of Pangasinan Heroes of World War II by Dr. Cecilia Daranciang and Deborah Castillo. The book features stories of 33 Pangasinense heroes based on interviews by the authors, and was unveiled during the Lingayen Gulf Landing anniversary rites.
Shown in the photo are Guest of Honor former President Fidel V. Ramos, Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. (3rd from left) and Mike Villa-Real, Veterans Bank VP for Corp. Communications (2nd from Left) during the anniversary rites. Others in the photo are Veterans Federation of the Philippines Secretary General Col. Francisco San Miguel (5th from Left), Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina PVAO Administrator (6th from Left) and authors Dr. Daranciang & Ms. Castillo (leftmost and rightmost respectively).

Willie Revillame, Wowowin host/co-producer, had 11 of the 86 gorgeous Miss Universe candidates as guests, the biggest batch of contestants to appear in a local television show, on January 26. Wowowin airs weekday afternoons on GMA 7 at 5 p.m.

Through an exclusive arrangement of Willie's wedding sponsor, Luis "Chavit" Singson, who is Miss Universe 2017 sponsor, they included Miss Universe Canada Siera Bearchell, Cayman Islands Monyque Brooks, Haiti Raquel Pelissier, Curacao Chanelle de Lau, Sweden Ida Ovmar, Norway Christina Waage, Barbados Shannon Harris, British Virgin Islands Erika Creque, Bulgaria Violina Ancheva, Croatia Barbara Filipovic and Czech Republic Andrea Bezdekova.
The guests danced to "Isn't She Lovely" and were welcomed by Willie with a serenade of his hit song, "Ikaw Na Nga." With the Wowowin Dancers handing them gifts, they first received Cherry Mobile Android mobile phones in black boxes.
When it was Miss Curacao's turn, Willie suddenly knelt in front of her and proposed marriage, to which she proudly said, "Yes!" Holding Miss Curacao, he jokingly said, "Goodbye, Miss Universe," and added that he'd go home with her. This drew cheers and laugher from the candidates and viewers. Willie praised Miss Curacao, "You're special!"
Then, more gifts of karaoke microphones and Wowowin jackets were distributed, making the recipients joyful. Then he asked viewers to watch the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant on GMA 7 on January 30 starting 8 p.m.
Willie celebrated his 56th birthday the following day at the ballroom of the newly inaugurated Windlord Hotel and Casino in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Up next from Willie is the second anniversary of top-rating daily game show on February 1.

SEN. VICENTE SOTTO SPEARHEADS MMFF REDIRECTION. If Sen. Vicente Sotto III's proposed National Film Promotion Act will be passed this year, we will have the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which is usually held during lucrative Christmas season, most likely adapting a suitable new name, turning into a national festival in scope and a separate annual festival for independent films every summer.
Sen. Sotto vows to file a bill that will be dubbed the National Film Promotion Act to help new, small film producers and all stakeholders to promote their movies in specific number of days and to generate more income.
Sen. Sotto authored the law creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the implementing body of the MMFF, and sponsored the bill creating the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
The mechanics of the largely successful annual film festival was subjected to swift changes by filmmakers identified with indie films favoring independent films and converted it into their own last year without regard to viewer preference and financial viability.
Sen. Sotto has been thinking a solution after observing this huge drop (more than 50 percent) in MMFF 2016 revenues due to its focus on indie films and disregard for viewer preferences. "The small income of MMFF 2016 will definitely affect its beneficiaries."
All servicing the needs of workers in the local film industry, wholly or partially, these beneficiaries are the Mowelfund, Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, Film Academy of the Philippines, Film Development Council of the Philippines and Optical Media Board.
A decrease directly affects beneficiaries and deliverables as they get a share from MMFF net earnings, which their managers plow in to projects aimed to benefit film industry workers in particular and the film industry in general. The decrease naturally translates into a cut of such shares.
On January 5, Sen. Sotto filed Senate Resolution 257, calling for an exclusive film festival for independent films with Sen. Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, supporting the proposal. In filing the resolution, he explained that this is not to favor anyone, including his brother, comedian, TV host and producer Vic Sotto.

BEN'S SEDUCTION. The ilawod, the water elemental from downstream (Ilaya is its upstream equivalent), latches on to online reporter Dennis while he is covering an exorcism rite with photographer Carlos (Epy Quizon) in a faraway barrio, by a river rushing downstream in Quantum Films' Ilawod. Strange things start to happen once he gets home to their swanky condominium building without conscious attention of the occurrences.
Ben gets attracted unknowingly to the perennially clad in white under dress Isla (Therese Malvar), who mysteriously reappears when he passes by the common swimming pool after school. His sweet behavior slowly turns foul when he falls for the seduction like the alarming change in conduct of the rest of his family members.
Ben isolates himself and starts having a fascination for the razor blade. Unsuspectingly, Dennis, while attempting to bond with his now surprisingly distant teener, informs about his new friend whom he openly namedrops as Isla. He encourages him to bring his new girlfriend to their condo unit. Taking advantage, Isla proceeds claiming Ben's soul by deflowering him in an implied shower sex scene.
To prove his quickly earned love and loyalty, she asks for evidence to which he complies without hesitation by wounding a fingertip for a blood compact. Flash-forward to Ben, perversely slashing his left forearm with ferocity, then Isla taking him down for a swim in the pool. Quick cut to younger sister Bea screaming upon finding Ben floating dead.

LEAD-OUT. Cory Quirino giving up on the Miss World franchise is backfiring big time!... The buzz is that Cory's decision has something to do with Chavit Singson's involvement with the Miss Universe pageant!... Pregnant with their love baby, Kylie Padilla and Aljur Abrenica are going to Australia so he can ask for her hand in marriage from her mom!... Robin Padilla, Kylie's father, expressed his disapproval then, and stated in an interview: "Hindi ko ibibigay ang opinyon ko diyan kasi sumisikat ang ibang tao. Sinaktan na nga ang anak ko, e!"...Filipino-British Xia Vigor is leading Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids!...Xia has beaten former top favorite Awra Briguela, who shows a major weakness when impersonating male celebrities!... The frequent sightings of Regine Velasquez at the ABS-CBN premises have something to do with husband Ogie Alcasid being a contract star there!... Former hunk Diether Ocampo is now in the US to convert into a Mormon!... Dr. Aura Azarcon was evicted from Pinoy Big Brother on Saturday!... Nora Aunor is sour-graping by talking about the Oro script calling for the clubbing of a dog as director Alvin Yapan admitted that!... Will President Rodrigo Duterte declare Nora as National Artist for film?

WHAT IS IMG? During her introduction at the 65th Miss Universe grand coronation event, outgoing Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach looked back on her reign before announcing that she has signed with IMG. What is IMG? It is the “prestigious” (as described by Boy Abunda) talent management company headquartered in New York. It represents some of the world’s biggest sports stars and models such as Gigi Hadid, Lily Aldridge, Gisele Bündchen and Ashley Graham.
LOST IN TRANSLATION. Miss Universe host Steve Harvey asked Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina her top six question, “What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the world in the last 10 years?”
The question was translated into Pilipino by the Pilipino translator.
Maxine, who opted to answer in English, replied, “In the last 10 years of being here in the world, is that I saw all the people bringing in one event like this, Miss Universe. And it’s something big to us that we are one, as one nation we are all together.”
Lawyer Raymond Fortun commented on Facebook: “You know what lost it for Ms PH? The translation for “What is the biggest change in the world xxx” is “Ano ang pinakamalaking PAGBABAGO and NOT pangyayari. It is understandable that our candidate got confused and gave a less-than-ideal answer. Considering that ‘change’ was a byword during the last elections, this should have been a no-brainer. Sayang, but okay lang, we still did well. Good job, Maxine! You did our country proud.”
Despite all these inputs, Maxine’s answer was vague, her message unclear. It did not make a mark among the judges, making them decide not to include her in the top three, thereby losing her chance to win the 2017 Miss Universe crown.
Lawyer Fortun commented about public-speaking, “When one joins a contest where the audience or panel of judges play a part, it is always best to know who your listeners are and “connect” with them. Otherwise, they will lose interest or.... yeah, give a less than stellar score. We did well in an international contest today, but a gentle shoutout to those who will prepare our contestants in the future. ‘Know’ the judges. ‘anticipate’ what they want to hear. ‘Prepare’ our bets to give those answers with confidence. If you need help in anticipating, just send me a PM (private message). I want our bets to win as much as you.”
In the end, Maxine gave the best approach to the controversial answer, “Let’s move on.”

WHAT THE ILAWOD DID TO HARVEY. The water elemental ilawod is said to take its victim downstream, but in the case of actor Harvey Bautista, 13, it does the exact opposite in Ilawod, now making the rounds of the American theater circuit.
A long list of ABS-CBN’s pre-pubescent actors and now stellar figures such as Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes came from the Sunday kid star cradle gag show Goin’ Bulilit as conceptualized by Bobot Mortiz and Linggit Tan.
Harvey, trained in comedy there when the director’s daughter discovered him while malling and his parents approved of him joining the 11th batch of long-running tweener show with “pareng” Bugoy Drilon, among others. He impersonated his father, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, in “Umagang Kay Bongga,” a spoof of week mornings show “Umagang Kay Ganda.”
At 10, he did a music video of “Troublemaker,” the original song by Olly Murs featuring Belinda Mariano as megged by The Jumpcat Experiment. He showed his rarely seen talent in singing and he did reasonably well.
Harvey’s chinito looks and acting inclination originate from the Bautista family of actors (actor-director Herminio “Butch” Bautista, former actor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista and stage actor Harlene Bautista) and his mother, ex-professional choreographer now 2nd District Quezon City Councilor Teresa “Tates” Gana.
Hizzoner’s youngest offspring “graduated” from Goin’ Bulilit last year upon reaching the show’s compulsary “retirement age” of 13. Asked to audition for Ilawod, his first attempt outside ABS-CBN, Harvey’s body type, emotional makeup and convincing tryout got him the coveted role.
Introduced in Dan Villegas’ spooky scarefest by Quantum Filma, Harvey is 12-year-old Ben who shines by underplaying his brooding role of an adolescent son of the demonized family of reporter Dennis (Ian Veneracion) and accountant Kathy (Iza Calzado) and their daughter Bea (Xyriel Manabat).
Based on expertly executed Transrealism script by Yvette Tan, the equally challenging three teener roles, proficiently structured script and well-balanced helming proved the least experienced Harvey delivered the most convincing performance with his minimalist acting.
The Ilawod, the water elemental from downstream (ilaya is its upstream equivalent) latches on to online reporter Dennis as he covers an exorcism rite with photographer Carlos (Epy Quizon) in a far-away barrio by a river rushing. Strange things start to happen once he gets back to his family in a swanky condominium building.
The family members begin to change in alarming ways. Ben is drawn to the girl Isla (Therese Malvar), perennially clad in a white underdress, who mysteriously reappears every time he passes by the common swimming pool after school. His sweet behavior slowly turns foul when he falls for her seduction.
Ben becomes moody and develops a fascination for the razor blade. Unsuspecting, his father Dennis, attempting to bond with his now surprisingly distant teener, encourages him to bring his new girl friend to their condo unit. Isla proceeds to claim Ben’s soul by seducing him in an implied shower sex scene.
Falling for the seduction of demon in disguise Isla, he attempts a soft porn scene, getting devirginized in a carefuly handled implied shower sex scene.
Gone binatilyo with the unfailing smoothness of liquid, a faultless one, Harvey is taken in the upstream of recognition. He is so exceptional it made his father shed tears during the celebrity premiere.

Lovers will swoon this Valentine’s Day with serenades from some of the country’s top OPM singers.
To be held at the PICC Plenary Hall this February 14, 8:30 p.m., a concert aptly titled “#LoveThrowback2” will bring together a powerhouse line-up that includes Ariel Rivera, Joey Generoso, Jinky Vidal, Nina, Christian Bautista and Hajji Alejandro.
“#LoveThrowback’s” second run celebrates the season once again with stories and songs that stir the heart. Nothing invokes passion and heartache more than Filipino ballads that tell of love, loss, acceptance and the courage to take another chance.
Leading the star-studded lineup is the “90s” singing heartthrob turned actor Ariel Rivera whose hit singles “Sana Kahit Minsan,” “Ayoko Na Sana” and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” are sure to resonate with sweethearts and hopeless romantics alike this year.
Band Royalties Joey G. and Jinky Vidal will also tug on heartstrings with bittersweet melodies.
Former band frontman Joey G. is set to perform Side A classics including “So Many Questions,” “Tell Me” and “Forevermore.” As for Jinky, the crowd is in for a treat with “If I Believe,” as well as “One Hello” and “So Slow” from her days with Freestyle.
Joining “#LoveThrowback” for a second time, Diamond Soul Siren Nina will deliver another stunning performance with her rendition of “Through the Fire,” “I Love You Goodbye” and “Love Moves in Mysterious Ways.”
Christian Bautista has gone a long way and captivated many hearts both here and abroad. The Asian Pop Superstar’s chart-toppers “Colour Everywhere,” “The Way You Look at Me” and his rendition of “Hands to Heaven” will grace audiences this year with sweet musical caresses.
Finally, to cap off the night, the original Kilabot ng Kolehiyala Hajji Alejandro will take OPM back to its founding years with “May Minamahal,” “Nakapagtataka” and “Panakip Butas.”
A production of Royale Chimes Concerts and Events Inc., “#LoveThrowback2” is supported by Echo Jham Productions, Salu – The Filipino Restaurant, Icon Hotel, 105.1 Crossover FM, 106.7 Energy FM, 94.7 Mellow, 97.9 Home Radio, Retro 105.9 DCG FM, DWWW774, 104.7 Brigada News FM, 107.5 Wish FM, WhenInManila.Com, Inquirer.Net, Philstar Global, Philippine Concerts, Manila Concert Scene, MNL Online, Soundcheck Manila and Business Mirror. For tickets, call TicketWorld at 891-9999, TicketNet at 911-5555 or SM Tickets at 470-2222.

LEAD-IN. Gina Lopez is ARTlead’s nominee for Nobel Prize for Peace!... In case it is passing your conscious attention, ABS-CBN is now releasing films with local content on a weekly basis and foreign film distribution using its television power to market them!... Regal and Viva have reactivated their film production business!... Having brought only black underwear during the pageant, Joyce Pilarsky bought this candidate in a global beauty contest that she was assigned to dress up with a see-through gown skin-colored panty and bra plus shoes as the one she was wearing had defects!... Television advertising for breakout films is no longer an assurance that viewers will patronize it as other factors such as date of release and headliners are determining factors!... The two major television networks using different survey companies reduce the credibility of their daily, monthly and yearly ratings as the sponsor no doubt about it rules!... With the appointment of Rachel Arenas as the new Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chief, replacing Eugenio “Toto” Natividad, National Museum’s Jeremy Banks is the only appointee of former President Noynoy Aquino who has not been replaced!

ANNA FEGI IN GARY V’S LOVE IN MOTION. Catch Anna Fegi live as she is set to appear as the very special guest of Gary Valenciano’s upcoming Valentine concert titled “Love in Motion” on February 14 and 15 at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, The Fort.
Anna, who is a three-time AWIT Award winner and recipient of two ALIW Awards, recently performed with Gammy winner Patti Austin; her special performance in “Love In Motion” marks her very first mainstream and major performance in Manila this 2017.
Prior to “Love In Motion,” Anna has been busy doing rounds in numerous corporate events, as well as with the Brown Academy of Music (BAM), a music school in Cebu that she put up and manages with her husband, American music educator and drummer Adam Brown.
The most significant event in Anna’s life, however, has been the tragic loss of her stillborn baby whom she named Aria Mikeila. Her baby passed away on November 18, 2016. “There’s not a single day that I don’t think about her,” says Anna. “I know that she is up in heaven with The Lord now and I dedicate every performance of mine to her because I know that she is listening to me. Adam and I even named a music course at BAM in her honor.”
It should be noted that this is Anna’s very first major collaboration with Gary Valenciano on the concert stage. “I have performed with Gary during my days with ASAP, but this time it’s different because “Love in Motion” is a major Valentine concert. I am counting the days and I am very excited. I have been preparing myself for this because I have always looked up to Gary as one of my inspirations as a performer. I have been studying the songs that they gave me and I feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement,” says Anna.
“Love in Motion” is Gary’s first solo Valentine concert in Manila in over a decade . It also offers a different and must-see concept as this marks the first time that Gary will perform with a big band — a type of musical ensemble associated with playing jazz music. It became popular during the Swing era from the early 1930s until the late 1940s. A big band typically consists of approximately 12 to 25 musicians and contains saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section.
In Love In Motion, expect a love-filled, fun, dance-inducing time as Gary and Anna perform with the 19-piece AMP Band under the musical direction of Mel Villena, vocal musical direction by Mon Fautistino, and stage direction by Paolo Valenciano.
Supported by ABS-CBN, Sky Cable, Myx, Jeepney TV, Cinema One, ASAP, Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids, One Music PH, Biogesic, Novuhair, The Philippine Star, Crossover, DCG FM, Sound Check, Gold’s Gym, Jollibee, Alaska, GAOC, Toni & Guy and Universal Records, all proceeds of Love In Motion will go to the Shining Light Foundation Inc., Operation Blessing Foundation Inc. for the benefit of victims of the recent Typhoon “Nina” and Unicef for special causes of children.
For ticket inquiries or table reservations, call +63917-5399584 or TicketWorld (891-9999).

“I am having an affair with my husband,” confesses Camille (Shaina Magdayao) to a priest in a confessional in ABS-CBN’s newest romantic drama and psychological thriller, The Better Half, which piloted on Monday, February 13, at 3:15 p.m., replacing the long-running blockbuster drama series Doble Kara.
The better half is a person’s wife, husband, or partner. The term strongly suggests being the other part of a whole that completes. Can a wife have two “better halves” without committing bigamy or marital indiscretion? Positive! But how is that possible?
On its third exciting episode this afternoon, the unique story of love and obsession will show how far people go for the person they believe will fill their other half. Its theory is true and more than wishful thinking.
It was supposed to air middle of this year, but management decided on an earlier release. The launch was such in a rush that the airing time was not ready for announcement, kept secret for some unknown reason.
Lead thinks this has something to do with the channel wars, which is great for viewers’ satisfaction!
Four of ABS-CBN’s best actors, Shaina, Carlo Aquino, JC De Vera, and Denise Laurel, who attended the event in trendy formal wear, play characters who go to extraordinary lengths for love as their lives get entangled in lies, betrayal and dark secrets.
It seems the series reflects the love life of Shaina, Denise and Carmi Martin, who strongly identify with their characters. All currently do not have a ‘better half’ as they admitted during the media huddle.
The series is produced by the team behind hit shows Be Careful With My Heart, Dream Dad and Ningning, all directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, with Mel Mendoza del Rosario as creative director. They are some of the greatest Filipino family stories.
Get to know Camille and Marco (Carlo), a married couple whose relationship is tested by fate when his airplane crashes, leaving a big scar in his wife’s heart.
Believing her husband is already gone, Camille meets Rafael (JC), the man who will help her forget about her past. But just when they think they can start a new life together, Marco resurfaces and returns to Camille’s life, but now he is married to Bianca (Denise).
As their paths cross once again, will Marco and Camille turn their backs from the new life they have without each other, or will they just throw away the love and dreams they once built together? Will Rafael and Bianca let their other halves go, or will they fight for their love? How far will they go to prove they are the better half for the person they love?
Also part of The Better Half are Epi Quizon, Nadia Montenegro, Rommel Padilla, Carmi, Zeppi Borromeo, Maila Gumila, Bart Guingona, Mari Kaimo, Joyce Ann Burton, Regine Angeles, Junjun Quintana, and Pooh. Completing the cast are Gilleth Sandico, Kate Alejandrino, Tiptip Fucoy, Delphine Buencamino, Lemuel Pelayo, Vincent Lim and Johan Santos.
Don’t miss the new series weekdays on ABS-CBN at 3:15 p.m. For updates, follow @thebetterhalfTV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ANY EARNING IS BIG ENOUGH FOR INDIE FILMS. “Our income went down drastically so how can it be the best festival ever?” respected 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Executive (MMFF) Committee member Marichu “Manay Ichu” Vera Perez Maceda derisively asked about its P373-million gross income.
The previous years’ earnings, usually quoted as “P1 billion-plus” as no official figure was ever released by the 2015 MMFF, is certainly higher. Calculated at P1 billion, that’s a P627 million decrease, a 63 percent drop. This is what supporters of indie films describe as the “best festival ever.”
Grossly overstated?
Lead does not think so. Although it fully understands Manay Ichu’s point, it also does the indie supporters mindset. They have accepted that indie films are not moneymakers, so any kind of earning or even the lack of it is “best” earning for them. Pathetic!

TWIN BATAAN DEATH MARCH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS. “Once again, Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), together with our partners, is putting a segment of our nation’s history into the forefront of our national consciousness with the Bataan Freedom Run and the Freedom Trail,” said PVB chairman Dr. Roberto de Ocampo, OBE, in honor of the country’s World War II heroes.
Besides the Bataan Freedom Run on April 2 to observe the 75th Year Anniversary of the Bataan Death March, the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail will feature a punishing 160-kilometer run with individual and team relay categories for marathoners as well as similar-distanced bike run. This new event will be held from April 10 to 11 and will cover the Death March route from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.
The Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail is presented by Philippine Veterans Bank and organized by Without Limits, is in partnership with Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Capas Freedom March, Automobile Association Philippines,  and the local governments of Mariveles, Bataan; San Fernando, Pampanga; and Capas, Tarlac.
The Bataan Freedom Run, this year in its the 4th installment, will feature a 42-kilometer full marathon, a 21-kilometer half-marathon as well as 10-kilometers, 5-kilometers, and 1-kilometer courses for running aficionados, kids, and pets. As in previous years, the BFR follows the route of the Bataan Death March and will start at Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan.
The Bataan Freedom Run, organized by Without Limits, is presented by the Philippine Veterans Bank in partnership with the PVAO, provincial government of Bataan, Freeport Area of Bataan Investor Locator Association, History Channel Asia, ANC News Channel, and WhenInManila.Com. Proceeds from the BFR will be used for the maintenance of Death March markers located in Bataan province.
“These events are not only challenging physically but also mentally to the runners and bikers but they are doing this to honor the World War II veterans who endured and made the ultimate sacrifice during the Death March seventy-five years ago,” explains PVB chair Dr. de Ocampo about the events’ importance.
To register and find out more about the Bataan Freedom Run and the Mariveles-San Fernando-Capas Freedom Trail, visit http://www.withoutlimits.ph/component/k2/item/66-bfr2017.html.

There was a road rage 
She ran away out of his car
He tried to block her way
Before he knew it she was far 
A brooding opening guitar riff introduces “Road Rage,” an original first single of the debuting band The Pub Forties, to be digitally streamlined and downloaded by Warner Music Philippines this March. It shamelessly captures in sound and sentiment two pressing current social issues, female battery and road violence, and all its dark pleasures and gloomy distresses.
Melody and lyrics were penned by Yugel Losorata, who is also bass/backup vocals. He wrote the song in 2010 around a notorious road rage case involving the son of a well-known art collector. It was arranged by The Pub Forties, made up of seasoned journalists Aries Espinosa on lead vocals, Kap Maceda Aguila on drums and Vincent Borromeo on guitars.
It was not impossible that The Pub Forties would do a road trip song. Espinosa is a vocal coach and choir master known for his high-octane singing, who was a Motoring journalist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer before he transferred to the Motoring section of Business Today. 
Aguila used to be with the punk rock band called Wagitay, which penned the track “Switik.” He writes for the Motoring page of The Philippine Star while co-hosting its Motoring show Wheels on ABS-CBN.
Losorata writes for the Entertainment Section of The Philippine Star, and was an ex-lead man of the Ivory Music-signed band Syato with two full-length albums.
Borromeo was half of a singing tandem signed by a major label and writes for the Life section of this broadsheet.

MIND GAMES. The band’s name is perceived by this writer as wordplay for “The Fab Four” in reference to the Beatles, which is the team’s multi-cultural influence. Espinosa puts it in a cross-decade spread, “My musical influences run across decades and eras of artists — from The Beatles of the ‘60s, to Queen and America of the ‘70s-‘80s, to Incubus, Guns & Roses and Bon Jovi of the ‘90s, and to Linkin Park, Muse and Coldplay of the New Millennium.”
“Pub” also references publication as in broadsheet, as well as pub house where people hang out to drink alcohol. “Forties” points to that age group when mid-life crisis and the age of wisdom somewhat collides. And, yes, all members are in essence in their biological forties.
It’s never too late or bit way off to start a career in the music biz. The quartet knows that and actually makes use of the situation to their advantage. They’re no longer twentysomethings as their credentials strongly suggest. They are successful media practitioners by day, which is synonymous to saying they criticize issues, people and products. 
 But the point is, they have taken the risk of going to the other side of the fence, dressing up as music artists and opening themselves to the scrutiny of their own colleagues. In other words, they are part-time music trippers as the Beatle John Lennon rightfully coined daytime drug users as “Day Trippers.” Cool!
“For us, The Pub Forties is like a hangout of people in their forties and beyond, successful or life-battered peeps, who still want to have fun and feel young,” echoes Losorata.
Truth be told, it’s all fun for The Pub Forties, basking in the joy of being not too young and not too old, the privilege of being experienced, but not laying low yet. They’re right in the middle, aged to go for the right groove. They bring the news, they mingle with the newsworthy, and they can make and play music.
 
SHE MUST HAVE HATED HIS GUTS. 
Just weeks ago, they escaped into the night 
Then one moonlit fight she realized she’s tired 
She --- went home alone to make it right (4x) 
It’s pretty much about a girl who decides to go home and leave her abusive boyfriend to make it right and before it’s too late. She’s trying to fix what’s wrong to survive.
Through a mix of crisp words and catchy melody, The Pub Forties is trying to help send back the young lady home. That’s music for them, driving listeners out for a joy ride and bringing them back home to safety. 
They blew it no doubt 
Breaking house rules is their game 
Change is here now 
Home is where things should be sane 
They found they couldn’t like each other’s posts 
He started beating her and things got thrown
He sped into a club
And dizzied all the sad girls 
Drunk and broke he quarreled with a cab —
Driven, unapologetic and unpretentious, it’s melancholia embracing mayhem — rock pops. It tackles not the crime committed by temperamental motorists, but by youngsters playing with fire and fate. It’s about a couple eloping into the night and raging about it on the road. 
She — wooh (went home alone to make it right) 
She —  wooh (went home along to make it)
Right! 
From beginning to the crashing final notes, “Road Rage” sounds like it’s delivered by some European rock art or Filipino-Americans used to an American lifestyle. But make no mistake, The Pub Forties is a group of pure Pinoys, their names appearing as bylines in leading local broadsheets, their music knocking on the door of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) landscape with the intention of contributing to its progress.
The Pub Forties’ Pinoy sensibility is right there within the music, ready to take you away!
Alternative bands dead? I don’t think so! They are just fallowing, waiting for committed musicians with something fresh to deliver to fill up the niche, much like The Pub Forties. This team is willing to share their angst and art, creatives who are non-newbies with unqualified guts and thirst for glory.
“Hopefully, we’d have released additional singles and gotten more gigs so more people would experience our music. We’ve waited so long already, so I’m at a point where I believe nothing should be rushed if it’s meant to be anyway,” projects Aguila about the short-term plans of The Pub Forties.
This is, no doubt, great for OPM, which is suffocated by big name imports and lack of ambition. The Pub Forties has all the right drives and with some encouragement, may just make it!

I can almost hear Ogie Alcasid blurting out above title in his stereotypical way.
Who is Mama Adeng? She is Anicia Joson-Regis, otherwise known as Mama Adeng, the extraordinary, kindly and humorous president and chief executive officer of emergent entertainment company Regis Films and Entertainment Inc. (Regis Films) and president and general manager of Sunway International Manpower Services Inc. with business address at 1120 President Elpidio Quirino Avenue, Malate Manila.
“Wholesome entertainment that binds Global Filipinos,” Mama Adeng defines Regis Films’ Mission and Vision during its official launching on February 16, 2017, which was also her birthday. The event was held at One Castilla Place, Castilla Street, Valencia Hills, Quezon City. “We believe in strengthening the basic unit of our society — the family.
“A partner of the government, learning institutions and spiritual formators in inculcating values to Filipino children and youth, we aim to provide wholesome and educational entertainment, both in films and shows,” Regis expands.
Dionesia Pacquiao of the Tatlong Bibe the movie had an exclusive interview via Skype. Cast members Marco Masa, Lyca Gairanod and Raikko Matteo with Ernie Garcia graced the event.
Tatlong Bibe the movie as directed by Joven Tan is Regis Films’ initial full-length offering with an invitational premiere, which was described as “full of elegance like a ballet performance at Cultural Center of the Philippines.” It was held on February 13 at Megamall Cinema 1. Focusing on the real cherished values of love, hope, giving, sharing and forgiving, the movie emphasizes the role of children in articulating these values in true ways.
Honesto Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, encourages its parishioners to watch this wholesome film to screen starting March 1 in theaters.
About three rural-based children (played by Matteo, Gairanod and Masa) whose paths cross while searching for three ducks, the film shows how the purity of their young lives intersect with the troubled lives of broken adults (headlined by Eddie Garcia and Pacquiao), which leads to a surge of optimism and gratitude. Their spirituality is awakened and leads to eventual redemption.
Others in the star-studded cast are Rita Avila, Sharlene San Pedro, Victor Neri, Luis Alandy, Edgar Allan Guzman, Ronnie Lazaro, Anita Linda and JK Labajo. Also included are Perla Bautista, Nikki Valdez, Lou Veloso, Janna Trias, Dianne Medina and Garcia.
Born and raised in Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, Regis is married to Bert Regis. They have one son and three daughters. An award-winning recruitment expert, she has a solid experience in various capacities as a professional and a business owner since 1983.
It was Edith Fider, who is Regis Films’ chief operating officer and managing partner, who encouraged her to produce a film about faith based on Typhoon “Yolanda” victims. Fider proposed that 10 percent of gross proceeds should go to charity, which Regis approved of. This resulted in Tatlong Bibe The Movie.
“We plan to produce and import films and mount concerts and produce recordings by our signed talents,” shares Regis about their short-term plans.
The initial shortlist of premium talents includes homegrown band Endangered Species; Mark Mabasa, who is a David Foster protégé; and Tem Five, girl group from the Philippines based in South Korea.
“Regis Films aims to be an entertainment and development company that binds Global Filipinos,” sums up Regis.

LIZA SOBERANO, BELO’S SUMMER BEAUTY. Liza Soberano, ABS-CBN’s breakthrough young actress on film and television, is the next beautiful face to grace Belo Medical Group’s (BMG) Summer Beauty Goals campaign.
Dr. Vicki Belo says of Liza, “She is such a sweet, sweet, beautiful girl. We love having Liza with us at Belo. She makes everything look and feel refreshingly young. Our summer campaign is just perfect for her. Liza represents the young and, here at Belo, we only offer the best for their beauty needs.”
The Filipino-American stunner, who has captured the hearts of the people with her performances on projects both on the big screen and on television, understands that beauty is both a cause and a responsibility, especially when one gets thrust into the limelight in a high-profile profession such as acting. Summertime brings everything to a whole new level.
That is why Liza, the other half of the successful loveteam LizQuen (opposite Enrique Gil), feels a strong commitment to take care of her body and her looks for the sake of all those who have been showering her with love and support, following her career and watching all her projects.
As such, Liza has taken the extra mile to make sure that this season will showcase an even better version of herself. The Belo Medical Group understands her needs and have given her generous support to help maintain her beautiful gorgeous skin and slimmer, hair-free body, perfect for her #BeloBeautifulJourney this summer.
Millennials who also would like to achieve their #SummerBeautyGoals like Liza can be assured that Belo has the right solution for them.
To those who need to slim down, here are the options:
V Contour to look slimmer in an instant without surgery, and no downtime.
Exilis offers non-invasive solution for skin tightening and reduction of wrinkles, with long-lasting effects. The Exilis procedure uses safe thermal waves to heat your skin and target fat cells.
If your skin is the problem, here are the treatments to go for to achieve that glowing skin this summer: Body Scrub with Bleach is a combination of sea salt/sugar scrub and essential oils that gently exfoliates dead, dry, rough skin leaving skin, baby soft and smooth.
Wet and Dry Dermabrasion works well to even out skin color throughout the body, through exfoliation and infused serums, helping skin become lighter and supple.
There are super helpful treatments to address nagging and common problems of the body such as: Botox Hyperhidrosis is for those experiencing extreme underarm perspiration. Belo’s Botox Hyperhidrosis is the right treatment for you to make you sweat-free and extra confident. Effects last up to six months.
Laser Hair Removal for hair-free underarms and Revlite for fairer underarms. No need any cream and peels anymore.

Art works are not created equal; their eventual sale prices ultimately depend on the stature of the artist, the piece’s authenticity, quality, starting price and the credibility of the auction house handling the sale.
A fine art auction is always a function of exceptional works of art put under the hammer, either paintings, prints, photography, sculptures, functional art or antiques like religious figures, furnitures and historical artifacts.
The much-awaited first of four full auctions of Leon Gallery, the country’s foremost art auction house recognized for its lots of impeccable provenance, quality, long list of collectors and intensive promotion, held a successful sale of a 211-lot auction on February 18, 2017 at its showroom at the G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Philippines.
Here are the top eight bestsellers.

ANTIQUES. The Batangas Uno Mesa Altar, known as “the Holy Grail of antique Philippine furniture collectors,” was sold at a staggering P16,352,000 (Note: All prices include the gallery premium), taking rank one in the antique category in the recent Leon Gallery Asian Cultural Council Philippines 2017 Auction.
In the catalog, antique authority Martin Tinio Jr. describes, “It stands on four cabriole-type legs resting on somewhat flattened squash-shaped feet that are supported by a frame platform in the typical Ming Style, with the latter positioned parallel to the ground and supported by square, ogee feet. The legs are carved with stylized acanthus leaves at the shoulders and are joined together in front and at the sides by convex aprons that follow the curve of the legs.”
The rest are:
2. Silver Sanctuary Lamp at P3,036,800;
3. Ivory Crucifix (Hispano-Philippine) at P3,036,800;
4. Pedro Murillo Velarde Mapa de las Yslas Pilipinas at P3,270,400;
5. Silver Tabernacle at P2,336,000;
6. Sketch of Book of Karl Ullmer with Jose Rizal drawings by Jose Rizal is signed and dated 1886 at P1,635,200;
7. Urna at P1,401,600; and
8. Dining Table and Set of Chairs at P1,051,200

OVERALL FINE ART. The top eight sellers are the perennial high-demand artists:
Felix Resureccion Hidalgo’s A Lady in the Moonlight was sold at P18,688,000 including gallery premium.
“The work fully typifies Hidalgo’s portrait technique: soft edges and an equally soft light which is cast on the subject. The delicacy with which the lacey outfit is made to compliment on the subject’s face is masterly. The surrounding dark background does not quite seem real: the background is immaterial as long as the viewer focuses on the beauty of her face. The delicate pallor of Maria Yrittia’s face is almost luminous in the weak, evening light.
“The moonlight provides an ideal pretext for an image that is strikingly poetic, elegiac, melancholic and slightly unreal.
“The figure is frontally but not harshly lit. The whiteness of her skin shines out, defying the viewer to pay attention to any other aspect of the painting.
“The lacy details of the dress are painted with a softness and blurring of definition...wrapping the subject in an aura of mystery: languorous and free of self-consciousness.
“There is that romantic allure of woodlands, secret coves and Arcadian scenes where a misty solitary maiden is glimpsed. It is a fine example of the work of a master painter at the height of his powers. His lyricism is apparent when compared to Luna’s oeuvre, which seethes with dramatic tension.
“Of Hidalgo’s art, (Jose) Rizal had much respect and admiration; “…in the painting of Hidalgo throbs the purest sentiment, an idealized expression of melancholy...Hidalgo is all light-color and harmony, feeling, limpidness like the Philippines in the calm, moonlit nights, in her serene days with her
Fernando Zobel’s #305 Dianium (1959) at P14,016,000;
Ronald Ventura’s Conquest (2011) at P14,016,000;
Fernando Zobel’s Los Tejados II fourth at P11,096,000;
Ang Kiukok’s Rosary Queen (1989) fifth at P10,512,000;
Ang Kiukok, Fishermen (2002), at P9,928,000;
Fernando Amorsolo’s Burning of the Idols (1952) at P8,760,000; and
Annie Cabigting’s This Is My Painting If I Paint It. This Is Your Painting If You Paint It (After Reinhardt) (2010), the only contemporary work in the short list at P8,176,000.

CONTEMPORARY ART. Ronald Ventura’s Conquest (2011) ranked number one in the contemporary art lots at P14,016,000. The catalog states: “After such string of successes, Ventura pushed the envelope further. Creating a stunning collection of works for his 2011 show entitled “A Thousand Islands,” his highly detailed paintings, sculptures, drawings and installations all boast of the iconic artist’s multifaceted virtuosity. In the show, Ventura exhibits a grand assortment of thematically cohesive works. Phantasmagorical in essence, the floating islands allude to the Philippine archipelago, and the various elements juxtaposed into the dystopic fantasy to that of the hybridity and complex cultural heritage of the Philippines. This very work, Conquest, was among the highlights of “A Thousand Islands.”
“Brilliant is Ventura’s thematic intent, more so with his inimitable degree of detail and allegorical depth.”
2. Annie Cabigting’s This Is My Painting If I Paint It. This Is Your Painting If You Paint It (After Reinhardt) (2010) at P8,176,000;
3. Buen Calubayan’s Palabas / Papasok at P4,672,000;
4. Elmer Borlongan Circumaural (2013) at  P3,737,600;
5. Mark Justiniani’s Untitled (2008) at P1,868,800;
6. Augusto Albor’s My Favorite Wall (1996) at P1,635,200;
7. Ronald Ventura’s Untitled (2016) at P1,401,600; and
8. Joven Mansit’s Lola (2008) at P1,401,600.
ARTlead Originals’ consignment, Sherwin Paul Gonzales’ The Jester (2014) with Starting Bid of P8,000, sold for P52,560.
The catalog reads: “An immensely talented artist from Baler, Aurora, whose penchant for satire has produced some of this decade’s most stirring works, Sherwin Paul Gonzales reflects on a harsh national reality — how politicians rule our lives with treachery as a way of life and how the people allow themselves to be taken for a ride.
“The Jester is the trickster put into power by an unseen Kingmaker who must follow his every will and whim. He wears thick clown makeup to hide, bright headwear to divert attention, and skintight patterns to make his cover even more deceiving. Featuring exceptional draftsmanship, substantive content and an incomparable use of color, texture and contrast, Gonzales’ paintings steep themselves in allegory and motion — parodying Philippine politics, with the clowns embodying the politicians in all their comedic trickery.”

Family business coaching occurs when families are in complex business relationships that provide intriguing interactions with agendas and “sub-texts.” There is both power and money involved, the agendas become larger and more emotional and often more devastating, describes Prof. Enrique “Eric” Soriano, who is a global family business coach, at the launch of his books, Ensuring Family Business Legacy and The Kite Runner Columns.
Prof. Soriano continues, “Egos get involved and emotions such as anger and then resentment or depression and sadness set in and start to destroy families that once communicated and interacted well and that once loved and cared for each other. The result is devastation, hurt and chaos. Sometimes, the damage is irretrievable. Sometimes, the relationships deteriorate to such an extent that family members do not talk to each other and have nothing to do with each other. And the pain never goes away.”
The job of the family business coach is to untangle and resolve their complexities by coaching and training them for as much as US$12,000 per day. In the case of Prof. Soriano, he uses scientific techniques that he has refined from experience and in consultation with other global Family Business coaches.
Conferred a National Agora Award for Excellence in Marketing Education in 2013, Prof. Soriano is  also a professor of Global Marketing and Program Director for Real Estate of the Ateneo Graduate School of Business (AGSB). He is also the past president of the Association of Marketing Educators and Director of PCCI QC.
He holds a B.A. in History from the University of the Philippines, an MBA from De La Salle University, doctorate units at the UP National College of Public Administration and pursued Executive Education at the National University of Singapore Business School.
His last executive engagement was as Group CEO of the Belo Medical Group. Prior to his Belo engagement, he was the chairman of publicly listed Suntrust Developer, president of Travelers Hotel International, Country CEO of ERA Philippines and he set up the Commercial and Lifestyle Malls of Megaworld Corporation.
Prof. Soriano is currently a Senior Advisor of the Wong + Bernstein Advisory Group, a Strategic Consulting Group servicing Asean organizations related to Strategic Leadership, Growth in Asian Family Businesses, Organizational change and Competitive Strategies.
His advocacy and academic work related to Strategic Management and Family Business Governance has made him a sought after Advisor and resource speaker in global conferences in the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and China.

ENSURING FAMILY BUSINESS LEGACY. As an educator and business mentor, he has helped and re-engineered dozens of companies to growth and profitability. He writes weekly columns in newspapers and business magazines in the Philippines and in a leading Filipino-American newspaper in the US. His columns are widely circulated in popular online magazines in Europe as well.
Every year, Prof. Soriano delivers more than 150 talks in the Philippines and the Asean region espousing Strategic Innovation and Growth Strategies.
Family businesses in Asia have grown considerably in the past decades. They are the bedrock of most Asian economies particularly in China, India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Setting up and maintaining family businesses have its own advantages and set of challenges. This informative and inspiring book provides a quick but comprehensive reference for understanding what it takes to build a successful family business.
Almost every member of a family business is interested in continuing the life of his or her business until the third generation and beyond. The book provides the knowledge and tools to help ensure that your family business and legacy will last through the generations.
The business tips and insights contained in the book are the result of author’s years of consultancy work and experience. Among the valuable things to learn here are the key things to consider when setting up a family business; reasons why most family-owned businesses fail and what to do about it; striking the right balance in the family business; passing on the torch of leadership; steps towards a successful family business succession plan; and available resources for family businesses and where to turn for help.
Whether you are a business founder or successor or are dreaming of building your own family business, this is a great reference material that will help you build a family business that will last beyond your lifetime.

THE KITE RUNNER COLUMNS. Business in Asia is a family affair. The Asian economy is one extended family tree. The book contains everything you need to know about running a successful family business inspired by Asian entrepreneurs.
Only one out of three family businesses make it to the second generation, while less than three percent survives past the third generation. What makes a family business fail and others succeed? The book contains the answers to these crucial questions and more.
The compilation of selected speeches and articles from the author’s business lectures provides valuable lessons for every family business owner and member. As a family business coach, the author equips you with tools and insights to help you build a thriving family business in an ever-changing globalized marketplace.
Professor Eric will guide you through the slippery slopes and blind curves that usually endanger family businesses, and he will teach you how to build a strong and healthy enterprise. Taking his lessons to heart can help you save millions of dollars and protect your relationships.
The crucial things you will learn from this book are how to manage conflicts in the family business; the six essential marketing components for building a successful family business; financial restructuring tips to turn your family business around; can you work with your parents?; should you include in-laws in the family business?; should you employ non-family members?; and how do you build up a business successor?
The book that retails for P800 per copy is an essential reading for you and every family business owner you know.
For book orders (single and bulk), please contact W+B Advisory Group at (02) 655-2686 or 0922-8603186.

The scale tips uneven. In the case of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra, however, she tries her darnedest best to balance targeted objectives.
FDCP honored award-winning Filipino filmmakers of 2016 like film dynamos Jun Robles Lana and Paolo Ballesteros for Die Beautiful and Brillante Mendoza for Ma’Rosa, the Philippines’ entry to the Foreign Language Film of Oscar 2017, with the Film Ambassador Awards at the FDCP Cinematheque Manila on T.M. Kalaw Ext., Manila.
Image shows FDCP chair Liza Diño-Seguerra (second from last) handing Film Ambassador trophies to Team Die Beautiful, (from left:) FDCP director Will Fredo, Ferdinand Lapuz, Jun Lana, Paolo Ballesteros, Christian Bables, Diño-Seguerra and Perci Intalan for winning in Tokyo, Japan and Kerala, India.
“The FDCP is also building Cinematheques in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley; Antique in Western Visayas; and Bacolod City, Negros Occidental,” reveals Elvert Banares, festival director and programmer of CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival, the four editions of which were all held in Cinematheque Iloilo. Three other Cinematheques operates in Baguio City, Cebu City and Davao City.
The first time high-level FDCP officials graced the CineKasimnanwa as subsidized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, FDCP and the Department of Tourism (DoT)-Region VI, Diño-Seguerra graced the awarding ceremony, while executive director Wilfredo Manalang acted as jury member.
Image shows CineKasimanwa 4th edition Awards jury members: (from left)  Dr. Adrian Torres & director Will Fredo; CineKasimanwa National Coordinator Tanya Lopez; FDCP chairman and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra; festival director and programmer Banares; DoT-Region 6 Regional Director Atty. Helen Catalbas; Jury members director Ed Lejano, jury chair director Jeffrey Jeturian; and Teddy Co. (Photo by Mark Dizon)
“This year, FDCP co-assisted the workshops with DoT — Region VI, provided Cinematheque Iloilo as venue for the festival and took care of the MTRCB (Movie and Television Regulation and Classification Board) permits,” Banares shares.
Open to meaningful changes and keen on foresight that works are the important qualities that Diño-Seguerra exercised when she assumed chairmanship seven months ago. These qualities make her a results-oriented member of the Rodrigo Duterte administration, accomplishing them by going global and grassroots.
Now working closely in developing and serving the best interests of stakeholders by fully utilizing its five Cinematheques including local programming, FDCP has started to achieve its mandates.
She cancelled the World Premiere Film Festival Philippines, which showcased cinematic achievements from countries as initiated by FDCP last year. She replaced it with a national inter-school film festival that will feature works by students in competition. The entire program runs from February to July 2017.
In preparation for this festival, a series of workshops shall be conducted in all Cinematheques to train students and teachers about film education, appreciation, criticism, and literacy before they can join its competition component.
Although FDCP supports regional cinema and much has to be done, it is definitely there. “I heard that FDCP entering into an agreement with a big mall chain to use all their Cinema Number 1 for local independent films. If this pushes through, it will be a breakthrough,” Banares ends.

THE POWER OF PRAYER BY JOTHAM JOHN CULANGO. There is a unique element in Tatlong Bibe The Movie that every Filipino must discover by watching it: prayers work. Lead child actor Marco Masa, as good-hearted Noah, illustrates this in the lives of the young, mid-age and old characters through three pet ducks given to him as a gift by his mother.
Written by director Joven Tan with additional scenes by recognized writer Jerry Gracio, the story of Noah intersects with the troubled lives of families of a South Luzon barrio as he influences them with his pure heart and good deeds. His solution to problems is prayer and in case of more problems, he prescribes more fervent prayers.
The movie is perfect for everyone seeking spiritual adventure and enlightenment. At the media launch held at the events hall of One Castilla Place at Valencia Hills, Quezon City to launch Regis Films and Entertainment Inc. and celebrate the birthday of Anicia Joson-Regis or Mama Adeng, president and chief executive officer, she emphasized the spiritual relevance of the movie in our time, which prompted her to produce it.  
The portrayals of three child stars Marco, Raikko Matteo and Lyca Gairanod, will make you laugh, cry and experience miracles that will uplift and strengthen Christian faith.
And this miracle is the experience of one of the stars of the movie, the feisty mother of our international boxing champion, Manny Pacquiao, who was hospitalized of pneumonia right after filming. This hindered her from attending the premiere night. According to Mommy D, her faith had healed her, and she shares how the miracle of prayer works.
The full cast includes Rita Avila, Sharlene San Pedro, Victor Neri, Luis Alandy, Edgar Allan Guzman, Ronnie Lazaro, Anita Linda and JK Labajo. Actors with special participation in the film are Perla Bautista, Nikki Valdez, Lou Veloso, Janna Trias, Dianne Medina and Ernie Garcia.
“The main objective of this movie is to help the children nowadays to value spiritual things,” Edith Fider said. She is the chief operating officer of Regis Films, who believes that Tatlong Bibe The Movie could be instrumental in the upliftment of the family.
Thus, Honesto Ongtioco, DD, Bishop of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, encourages its parishioners to watch this wholesome film to screen starting on March 1, 2017 in theaters.

‘NEXT GENERATION STARS.’ The night before my column entitled, “Harvey Bautista: Gone Binatilyo,” the column’s subject was listed by Tonight With Boy Abunda host, Boy Abunda, in the February 3, 2017 episode as one of the seven showbiz royalties or“Next Generation Stars.”
Listed with his half-brother Race Matias, the five others were Andre Yllana, only son of Jomari Yllana and Aiko Melendez who is now managed by Star Magic; Frankie Pangilinan, eldest daughter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Francis Pangilinan and half-sister of KC Concepcion;  Claudia Barretto, the daughter of Marjorie Barretto and Dennis Padilla, the sister of Julia Barretto; Kyla Estrada, the daughter of Janice de Belen and John Estrada; and the exception, Jack Reid, the younger brother of James Reid.
This shows Harvey’s recognized potential to become a big entertainer, that is, if he decides to pursue an entertainment career and the actor/comedian/singer/dancer catches the imagination and admiration of the public. But the

Eight celebrity “iCANdidates,” participants of Season 1 of the ABS-CBN new reality show, I Can Do That! (to pilot tonight, March 11, after MMK, and every Saturday and Sunday thereafter following Balitang K), are expected to perform unique talents that could be hilarious, nerve-wracking or simply extraordinary.
Eighty entertainment journalists met the cast and production managers as is, where is at the newly constructed set of “I Can Do That!” at Studio 10 of ABS-CBN. The media huddle superbly hosted by Media Relations manager Aaron Domingo and excellently emceed by Eric John Salut has Robi Domingo and Alex Gonzaga, dubbed as the “New Generation Hosts of the Kapamilya Network,” as show hosts.
The eight iCANdidates, three of whom including host Robi are recently out of romantic relationships (with asterisks), are Christine Reyes, actress and jiu jitsu enthusiast; once bratty, she’s now a certified mom; Gabriel “Gab” Valenciano, dancer, performer and composer who soon will be back as “YouTube Superstar”; Arci Munoz, actress and in-demand cover girl, part-time rocker, too; Pokwang, comedienne, actress and host (only blood will stop her from doing any of the challenges); Wacky Kiray, who was given the chance to turn from jester to comedian by Vice Ganda; Daniel Matsunaga, model, actor and footballer (his tandem with Erich Gonzales is much missed); JC Santos, theater/television/film actor (soon he will go into recording and two features are waiting for him to shoot); and Sue Ramirez, singer and actress (host Eric John kept addressing her as “anak”).
The IS edition launched on May 26, 2015, and was broadcast at 10 p.m. on Tuesday nights, I Can Do That! is based on the original format of the same title, originated by Israeli company Armoza Formats. The format has now been sold to over 20 other countries including the Philippines. The show’s theme song is “Can You Do This” will most likely have a local counterpart.
The Philippine version involves eight entertainers (the original US version had only six celebrity participants) who rival each other competing and showcasing their talents with some chosen classic and unique acts that need skills they will learn to implement practicing with the original acts.
Every week, the iCANdidates will perform extraordinary acts in pairs. The fun begins when different groups of professional performers demonstrate a variety of acts that iCANdidates have never done before.
If the iCANdidates think they can do a certain act, they will make their way down the stairs toward the performers. The first to reach the fourth and last step will be locked in to perform the act and will get to choose the iCANdidate who he or she believes will help him or her give a winning performance.
Given only one week to practice, the iCANdidates should be able to perform their assigned act and entertain the audience.
After re-performing their acts live in the American edition, the public starts voting on the best re-enacted act of the week. The audience’s vote for the best act of the week corresponds to the amount of points the celebrity gains for that week with; first earning three points, second earning two points, and third earning one point. At the end of six weeks, the celebrity with the most points earns a trophy and the title of “The Greatest Entertainer.”
Nicole Scherzinger was its first Greatest Entertainer.
The weekly winner of the Philippine edition will be determined based on the combined scores culled from the scores given individually by the iCANdidates and the extra points granted to the winner of the audience vote. Specifics unannounced.
So far, the rehearsals have immensely challenged the iCANdidates physically and emotionally. In fact, Daniel got hit by the props he was required to use for an act.
What challenges will force the iCANdidates out of their comfort zones? Will the stress take a toll on their camaraderie? Can the love-busted iCANdidates do it?

ROBI. Following the announcement of his breakup with Gretchen Ho, Robi bravely owned up that he still has his “fair share of sadness” and is still hurting up to now.
He, however, stressed that their breakup was something they both agreed on.
“So much has been going on. Ang dami niyang projects sa news department, sa Sports and Action. Ako I have this (I Can Do That!) and may mga nilalatag na projects. We are just so happy and blessed. Pero we have decided na wala talagang time to grow ‘yung relationship namin,” he said.
Robi said he also did not want to be unfair to Gretchen and to the job that he loves.
“Siguro unfair kung hindi ko pagbibigyan ang trabaho ko na kailangan kong mahalin pero mas magiging unfair kung hindi ko maibibigay ‘yung time na deserve niya. Personally, mas bibigyan namin ng priority kung ano ang nangyayari sa buhay namin kasi ito ‘yung hinintay namin,” he said, insisting that there was no third party involved.

GAB. He and estranged wife Tricia Centenera are now in good terms after they realized that they could not throw away a good friendship. “We are not the best of friends yet, but we are going towards a good friendship.”
But Gab also said, “Friendship is all I have to give. And I believe that is more than enough kasi we were good friends before. We fell in love and sadly, things ended.”
The two are now resolving how to legalize their separation. “We already have documents with us, but it’s just a matter of putting them together kasi in the US, kapag nagkamali ka ng papeles, ang hirap na ulitin. We are just trying to perfect everything para pagka-file namin, everything is set in stone already,” he said, adding that there is no date yet as to when this will happen.

ARCI. Commenting on her breakup with rock artist Badi del Rosario, the son of Brunei’s Prince Jefri Bolkiah, she said, “Gusto ko talaga kung kayang ayusin, kasi alam ko kaya pa naman. Pero siguro hindi lang ngayon, kasi pareho kaming hindi ready.”

DANIEL. The Brazilian actor and model is hoping that the day will come that he and former girlfriend Erich will finally be okay. He bravely admitted that he still loves Erich and is finding it difficult to move on. “Siyempre po mahirap lahat nang pinagdadaanan ko. Siyempre I love the person,” he said. He said he will just focus on his new show. “Sa trabaho muna, sa career muna and family,” Matsunaga said. Daniel still plans to woo the actress again.
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