FREE MOVIES: At Selected SM Cinemas

FREE MOVIES: At Selected SM Cinemas

Oh, la la! Life is sweet!
Good news to my fellow Korean movies and teleserye fanatics and of course most specially to all of you out there who love free movies! 

In a world and time where not everybody gets to enjoy FREE movies, this news is a welcome break.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines will be featuring six (6) popular Korean films in the 2013 Korean Film Festival slated to be held from September 18 to October 10, 2013 in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu and Davao!

The Korean films have Korean audio with English subtitles.

I am a bit sad that I just learned about this event only today, but glad at the same time 'coz there are two(2) more days left for you to enjoy their FREE film showing at SM Megamall.  

The film festival kicked off at SM Megamall last September 18, 2013 and will run until September 22, 2013. SCHEDULE for SM MEGAMALL September 18-23 , 2013

Followed by the SM Iloilo run from September 26 to 29, 2013. Palangga, don't miss this sweet treat!

From October 3 to 6, the film festival will move to SM Cebu with the following schedule:

The Korean Movie Festival will have its final run on October 10 to 13 at SM Lanang in Davao.

The films to be screened are Green Days (소중한 날의 꿈), Masquerade (광해, 왕이된 남자), Sunny (써니), A Werewolf Boy (늑대소년), Deranged (연가시), and Dancing Queen (댄싱퀸).

The animated film Green Days (소중한 날의 꿈), voiced by actors PARK Shin-hye, SONG Chang-eui and OH Yeon-soo, is a coming-of-age story of Yi-Rang, a track runner, Soo-Min, a pretty transfer student from Seoul and Chul-soo, as they work towards their dreams.

Topbilling the period film Masquerade (광해, 왕이 된 남자) are LEE Byung-hun of the G.I Joe fame and HAN Hyo-joo as their respective characters tackle the intricacies of court life during the Joseon dynasty. In a turn of events, King Gwang-hae was poisoned and a court jester who looks remarkably like the king, Ha-sun, fills in the role of the king until the true king recovers fully. Ha-sun’s vastly different personality incites change in the morale among the people in the castle for the better.

Third in the roster is the critically-acclaimed film Sunny (써니) that retells the story of seven girls whose friendship stretches far back in high school through the journey of Na-mi, one of the seven girls. Chun-hwa, one of the girls, is presently terminally ill and asks Na-mi to get together the old members of Sunny for the last time before she dies.

Popular actors SONG Joong-ki and PARK Bo-young grace the fantasy-romance flick A Werewolf Boy (늑대소년) about the young “wolf boy” and a girl who had just moved to the small rural village as these two strangers find affection from each other against a cold world that shuns them both.

In Deranged (연가시), panic grows across the country as an epidemic of suicides occur where the victims jump into the river. The alarmed government declares a state of emergency. Medical supplies salesman Jae-hyuk suspects his family is showing symptoms of the drowning victims and through his brother, Detective Jae-pil, they search for the antidote to such.

In Dancing Queen (댄싱퀸) the wife of the Seoul mayoral candidate was a Dancing Queen, formerly a popular talent whose chase for her dreams came to an abrupt stop when her husband, Jung-min, decided to run for office. The movie goes through the journey of Jung-hwa as she balances her life as a wife of a political candidate and as a leader of the Dancing Queen.

The 2013 Korean Film Festival is in cooperation with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Korea Tourism Organization – Manila (KTO), the Korea Copyright Commission, SM Cinema, SM Cinema Megamall, SM Cinema Lanang and LG. Admissions are FREE.

For further information and queries, please contact the Korean Cultural Center at 555-1711 or email events@koreanculture.ph.

MARIAN RIVERA AND AI-AI DE LAS ALAS: Co-Produced and Stars in Kung Fu Divas

MARIAN RIVERA AND AI-AI DE LAS ALAS: Co-Produced and Stars in Kung Fu Divas

I still can't believe it! Something unimaginable happened!  The reigning divas of two warring television networks unite in one movie! When I was invited to the blog conference of the upcoming movie Kung Fu Divas and personally saw Marian Rivera at television network ABS-CBN's turf, I couldn't believe that this could happen!

           

Well, it is possible after all. Thanks to Direk (director) Onat Diaz. Yes, loves, the Kung Fu Divas director made it all possible,  together with Marian Rivera and Ai-ai De Las Alas, of course.  Produced by Reality Entertainment and The O&Co Picture Factory, Inc., the movie is set to open in theaters nationwide on October 2, 2013.  Released by Star Cinema as part of their 20th anniversary presentation, the movie also stars Roderick Paulate, Edward Mendez and beauty queens Ruffa Gutierrez, Bianca Manalo, Precious Lara Quigaman, and Ms. Gloria Diaz.

Kung Fu Divas is the first feature film of direk Onat Diaz. He conceptualized the movie several years ago. Direk Onat Diaz shared during the blog conference that he personally created San-ing's role in the movie with only Roderick Paulate in mind.

Direk Onat Diaz is known as one of the best directors in the advertising world and in ABS-CBN's afternoon Sunday program The Buzz.  He also directs music videos and the biggest and best station IDs. A risk taker, direk Onat welcomes every opportunity to improve his skills. 
                              

I am curious and excited to see how director Onat showcased the use of cutting-edge technology to visually capture the lead stars’ escapades that cross the borders between reality and fantasy.  I believe that is one of the highlights of the film Kung Fu Divas.

                               

Hmmm... interesting.

Ai-Ai plus Marian equals double fun and riot. 

Marian was asked during the blog conference if Dingdong Dantes influenced her decision to make a movie with Star Cinema. Hear the answer straight from Marian Rivera...
                               
Expect only pure entertainment as they unleash their comic talents and hilarious antics on the big screen via Kung Fu Divas.

MARICEL SORIANO AND EUGENE DOMINGO: Stars in Momzillas

MARICEL SORIANO AND EUGENE DOMINGO: Stars in Momzillas 

From left: Andi Eigenmann, Maricel Soriano, Eugene Domingo and Billy Crawford

I am so excited! My favorite comedienne, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, partnered with my idol, Rough Diamond Star Eugene Domingo, in the newest comedy offering movie of Star Cinema entitled "Momzillas." 

Maricel Soriano

The movie which will be shown on Wednesday, September 18, in all theaters nationwide is co-produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films.

From left: Maricel Soriano, Billy Crawford, Andi Eigenmann and Eugene Domingo

Maricel Soriano and Eugene Domingo portrays as mom to their son and daughter–Billy Joe Crawford and Andi Eigenmann.

Maricel ( Clara ) and Eugene ( Minerva ), respectively, are two warring and overprotective mothers to their son and daughter portrayed by Billy Joe Crawford and Andi Eigenmann as Elwood and Rina, respectively.

Though the film isn’t their first time to work together, the ‘Rough’ Diamond Star Eugene Domingo has high regards to her co-star, the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano. “Her talent is already given," quips Eugene. Certainly!

“Pinagtibay na siya ng maraming characters. (She was strengthened by the many characters she portrayed) From leotards, clothes, hairstyle, fashion, even in selling certain roles… may mga pelikula siyang hit na hit, may maligamgam, at may mga di natin namamalayan… kaya siya tinaguriang (some of her movies are hit, some are lukewarm and there are some that we were not aware of... that is why she is called) ‘Diamond Star’ because she is forever, says Eugene.

Also she mentioned that the most essential lesson she learned from working with ‘The Maricel Soriano’ is: “One must not only rely on the script, on what the director’s instructions, and one’s perceptions on the role/s he or she is portraying, but it is to build connection with his or her co-stars.

“That is definitely what makes Maricel an effective actress and makes her won awards.”

According to Eugene Domingo, Maricel’s films are her legacy to the Philippine cinema.

Uge, naku agree dyan si Dagay ang classmate ko noon Elementary, super idol niya si Maria. [ Uge (Eugene's nickname), my Elementary classmate Dagay would agree to that. Maria (Maricel's nickname) is her idol.]

Both admitted that doing the film was challenging and fun at the same time. In this project, Direk  (Director) Wenn Deramas cast them away in an island for them to deal with themselves and together conquer their respective fears.

Even if every project, like this film, Maricel treats it as work, but while working with her other co-stars, particularly Eugene, she only has positive things to say. She said, “Paano mo ba naman masasabing mahirap mag-trabaho kung ang mga kaeksena mo, puro masaya? Magaan ang naging trabaho namin.” (How could you say its hard to do the movie if your co-stars are all fun to work with? So, our work became easy.)
                          
Eugene considered the filming of ‘Mozillas’ fun and they treated it like a workshop and a thesis.

“Para itong naging workshop. Parang thesis. Iba-ibang emosyon ang kailangan naming ramdamin, ire-recreate." (This became like a workshop. Like a thesis. There are may different emotions that we need to feel and re-create.)

“Maricel and I have collaborated to hit the right timing and meet that comedic flavor. Direk Wenn is a genius. Definite na definite ang gusto ni Direk Wenns. Kung di kami guided ni Direk, baka kalat-kalat kami.  Kaya it's a blessing. This movie is a blessing to all of us” (He is very definite. If we were not guided by our Director, maybe we are a mess by now. That is why  I consider this movie a blessing for all of us) said Eugene.

Playing as a mother is reflective of her fears, which are but normal for any mother like her in real-life. She said “Kids nowadays party so late. Parties usually start at 12 midnight and end up around 4 or 5 in the morning and they go home the latest at 6. It’s the safety of my two kids that I fear the most.” quips Maricel.

Andi Eigenmann also shared the lesson from her character in the movie.
                           
‘Momzillas’ is part of Star Cinema’s year-long celebration in connection for its 20th anniversary in bringing quality productions for Filipino moviegoers.

Joey Paras, Candy Pangilinan, Atak, Paul Jake Castillo, Mel Martinez, Luz Valdez, Eagle Riggs, and Divina Valencia are also part of the cast.
                         
For more updates, visit StarCinema’s website, like its facebook page and follow its twitter account, too.

Image courtesy of Star Cinema. Opens in Cinemas Nationwide on September 18.

VIDEO TRAILER: Jessy Mendiola in Sizzling Hot Maria Mercedes Remake 2013

VIDEO TRAILER: Jessy Mendiola in Sizzling Hot Maria Mercedes Remake 2013

Jessy Mendiola plays the role of Maria Mercedes in the upcoming Philippine remake of ABS-CBN newest prime time offering this October, 2013.

Watch the official teaser for the Philippine remake of the hit Mexican series "Maria Mercedes" which was released on Friday the 13th of September 2013.

The clip was shown during the blogger conference and it shows lead actress Jessy Mendiola dancing in a long flowing red dress, a throwback to the iconic take of Mexican superstar Thalia on the title character.

The teaser also offers a brief taste of the updated Filipino version of the series' theme song, as first heard in the local telecast of the original "Maria Mercedes" in 1996.

During the bloggers conference  at ABS-CBN, we asked Jessy Mendiola for a sample song since she was tapped to sing the theme song. She gamely obliged.
                             
The beautiful Jessy Mendiola is the fourth Filipina actress to portray a role first made popular by the "telenovela" superstar Thalia. She now joins the likes of Marian Rivera, Carla Abellana and Erich Gonzales who previously took on Thalia's role in "Marimar," "Rosalinda," and "Maria la del Barrio," respectively.

For the local adaptation of "Maria Mercedes," Jessy Mendiola said that there's a lot of changes that was done for the teleserye (television series) while the original plot and the characterization of the lead role are largely retained. In the original telenovela (television novel), Thalia portrayed a street urchin whose life takes a turn when she agrees to marry a rich man who is terminally ill. The local adaptation is basically the same except for a few changes made to adapt to the Philippines settings. In the local version of  "Maria Mercedes," Jessy as Maria Mercedes grew up in the slums of Tondo. That's why she grew up a feisty lady who would cry foul if you touch any member of her family, just like her in real life according to Jessy. Are you curious what other similarities Maria Mercedes and Jessy has? Please watch attached video.

                             .

Joining Mendiola in the upcoming Kapamilya series are Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez. The local teleserye is directed by Chito Roño. 

Are you curious if Jessy Mendiola will be bolder in Maria Mercedes? Please watch her interview here:
                                    Abangan (watch out for it), this October na!

                              
Abs-cbn Primetime Bida

ANDI EIGENMANN: Plays GALEMA: Anak ni Zuma

ANDI EIGENMANN: Plays GALEMA: Anak ni Zuma 

Andi Eigenmann is blooming during the press conference of her latest teleserye (television series) - Galema.

Andi Eigenmann plays Galema, the daughter of Zuma, in her upcoming teleserye over at ABS-CBN Channel 2. The teleserye will be aired every 1:30 pm from Monday to Friday starting September 30.

Andi gamely answered each and every question that was thrown her way. She was even asked who she will bite if she were a real snake.

Andi answered she will bite her leading man Matteo (Guidicelli) in his abs (abdomen).

Andi reminds me of her mother Jacklyn Jose who's also a very good actress. Andi also shared that it is her daughter Elie who is her inspiration.

Watch the presscon video here.

RUSSIAN COOKIE HOUSE: Cookie Perfection

RUSSIAN COOKIE HOUSE: Cookie Perfection

Mini Bite-sized Pistachio Cookies in Small Canister

Absolutely divine! Rich, buttery, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth little morsels! These are awesome shortbread-type cookies that give a crushing sensation when you bite into them. 

These are the various gourmet cookies baked to perfection and beautifully packaged by Russian Cookie House.

Black Russian Cookie

I particularly like the taste and texture of the Black Russian Cookie which is a buttered cookie covered with bittersweet chocolate and topped with chocolate sprinkles. Inside this cookie are bits of crunchy walnut that compliment the taste of the chocolate and buttery cookie crust. 

Russian Cookie

The Russian Cookie is a snowball butter cookie dusted with powdered sugar. This has bits of walnut inside like the Black Russian Cookie. The cookie crust itself is crunchy and has a buttery and milky taste. Compared to the Black one, the Russian Cookie is less sweet and has a hint of salt. 

Black Almond Cookie

Black Almond Cookie is a chocolate-coated buttered cookie with toasted almond on top.

White Almond Cookie

On the other hand, the White Almond Cookie is a dark chocolate cookie dipped in white chocolate and topped with toasted almond.

Pistachio Cookie

Pistachio Cookie is a butter cookie topped with bittersweet chocolate and chopped pistachios.

Bite-sized cookie perfection!

Classic Gourmet Cookies in Brocade Print Gift Boxes European Selection (₱402.50)

Mini Bite-sized Cookies Small Canister (₱224.25 for 26Pcs-36Pcs of one kind per canister). I chose the Pistachio flavor.

Pistachio, Black Russian, Black Almond and Russian Cookies

I had mine sugar free. They are perfect with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate or tea. You would always want to have another round of these cookies.

They truly do melt in your mouth and, what I like most about them, they're not too sweet.

With the crazy weather and flood all over the metro in the past week, I felt blessed to be introduced to foodie.ph which has a very efficient online ordering system down to the delivery of the food I ordered.

If you are hungry and wants to have a quick fix, sign up now and order online via foodie.ph and yes, if you are living abroad and wants to surprise your family and friends with luscious Russian cookies, you could opt to sign up and pay online using your credit card.

Russian Cookie House - Makati Commissary
1692 Baler cor. Pililia St.
Makati City, MM

Peñafrancia Festival 2013 Highlights

Peñafrancia Festival 2013 Highlights

Source: pbnbicol.com

This September, all roads lead to Naga City, declared as “Pilgrimage Capital” by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 33 of 2010 and colloquially known as “Queen City” of the Bicol region in the Philippines. 

Hordes of people composed of Marian pilgrims and tourists flock to this City to celebrate the Peñafrancia Festival which is centered on giving tribute to the Virgin Mary in the miraculous image called Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia (Our Lady of Peñafrancia). 

Bicolanos, the locals of Bicol region, fondly refer to her as Inâ (mother).

Various activities are lined up for this year's festival, the highlights of which are as follows:

Source: Naga Smiles to the World FB

Traslacion

Traslacion, which falls on the second Friday of September, officially marks the first day of the Peñafrancia Festival. That day is also the feast of the Divino Rostro (Holy Face or the Image of the Divine Face of Jesus).

The Traslacion procession or Paghubò ki Inâ (transfer of our Mother) is the transfer of the miraculous image of Inâ and the Divino Rostro from the shrine at the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga City where novena and holy masses will be held. This tradition began in 1885.

Picture of Divino Rostro taken by Jojo Prieto

During the procession, Inâ and the Divino Rostro, on their respective dome-shaped andas (carriage), will be carried by barefooted voyadores up to the Metropolitan Cathedral. Some devotees will usually try to climb the andas to touch the images. Others will throw their handkerchiefs or small face towels to the devotees or priests on board the andas to be wiped on the images or on the surface of the dome-shaped andas. The handkerchiefs will then be returned to the devotees by throwing them back in their direction. The devotees believe that by touching the images or having their handkerchiefs touch the images or their andas, they will be cured of their ailment or the same will bring them good luck or good fortune.

"Voyadores" is an altered form of the Spanish word vogadores, which means seafarers. Loosely, "voya" means "to transport something to another place." So, the "voyadores" transport something to another place. In this case, they transport Inâ and the Divino Rostro.

Throng of devotees follow the images while waving their handkerchiefs and shouting "Viva" or "Viva la Virgen" or "Viva la Virgen de Peñafrancia" or "Viva el Divino Rostro." 

Picture of the Palanquin or Andas taken by Ringer

More than a decade ago, the andas used to carry the images are made of wood and do not have wheels. They are carried on the shoulders of the voyadores during the processions. Later, they were replaced with andas made of steel and which have wheels. In 2009, larger and higher andas replaced the old ones. As shown in the above picture, the wheels used in the new andas are those being used in airplanes.

Fluvial Procession 

On the 9th day of the Novena which will fall on the 3rd Saturday of September, Inâ and the Divino Rostro will be returned to the Peñafrancia shrine in Basilica Minore through the Naga City river route. 

The voyadores will carry the images on their respective dome-shaped andas from the Metropolitan Cathedral up to the river bank near the city public market. 

During the procession on foot, devotees usually try to get near the images or throw their hankerchiefs or small face towels to the devotees or priests on board the andas to be wiped on the images or on the surface of the dome-shaped andas.

Throng of devotees follow the images while waving their handkerchiefs and shouting "Viva" or "Viva la Virgen" or "Viva la Virgen de Peñafrancia" or "Viva el Divino Rostro." 

 Picture of Inâ taken by Rafael F. Matubis 

From the river bank, the images will be transferred to a huge pagoda/ barge that will be pulled by long bancas (boats) manually paddled by the boatmen/ devotees in colorful shirts up to the bank of the river near the Basilica Minore. Along the banks of the river, devotees with lighted candles wave their handkerchiefs as the barge/ pagoda passes by.

Picture of the actual fluvial procession in NAGA CITY taken by Atty. Rene Dela Cruz

Upon arrival at the Basilica, the images will be received in formal religious rites by Roman Catholic dignitaries.  

Viva la Virgen de Peñafrancia!

Viva el Divino Rostro!

MILEY CYRUS: In Her Birthday Suit For Her Latest Video

MILEY CYRUS: In Her Birthday Suit For Her Latest Video 

If you think that Miley Cyrus is done shedding her innocent public image by her vulgar VMA performance last month, you are so wrong. It turns out to be just an ice breaker.

Miley Cyrus, in her latest music video entitled “Wrecking Ball,” went totally naked. Yes, butt naked.

.. 

In the music video, Miley is seen crying and swinging around nude in an erotic ode to lost love, complete with nude shots and sensual licking of a sledgehammer. (see video at the bottom of my post.)

I just don't get it. Where did the sweet, angelic, girl next door image of Miley Cyrus went? I hate the new Miley Cyrus now. Miley Cyrus sexual innuendo in the video leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

The Miley Cyrus in this music video is the 360-degree version of the Miley Cyrus I used to idolized.

In “Wrecking Ball,” Cyrus sings about trying to break down her lover’s walls and, in return, being broken down herself.

I came in like a wrecking ball

I never hit so hard in love

All I wanted was to break your walls

All you ever did was wreck me

It’s pretty deep, eh? It was made all the deeper by the video in which she makes out with a sledgehammer, rides the wrecking ball as it destroys the walls of a structure/relationship and then she walks around on the rubble of demolished the structure/relationship.

Since Miley Cyrus Video was uploaded less than 24 hours ago, it garnered more than 20 million page views on You Tube.

Warning: This video is not for kids.

COHEN DIET: Changes Lives

COHEN DIET: Changes Lives

I finally got to know what the real Cohen Diet is all about when I attended a recent event about it.

A lot of people, including myself, had this notion that Cohen Diet is a very expensive diet. That is a big fat lie. Why? Because it turned out that the program would only cost you Php60,000. A really small amount to pay in order to have a life changing, healthy way of living.

Mind you, it is not money alone that could get you to the Cohen Program. Many people tried but failed because they did not pass the medical test in order to be on the Cohen Diet Program. Yes, folks Cohen is not applicable to everybody. 

I learned during the event that the Cohen Diet Program is a personalized eating plan that results in a fast loss of weight. With Cohen, they teach you how to make your food for it to become your medicine. 

PERSONALIZED. This means that the diet plan made for Juan is NOT the same for PEDRO.

I must warn you about those enterprising individuals who market their set menu food as "good for weight loss." I am really sad that they do not take into consideration the negative effects of giving the same menu to all their clients and falsely selling their food as COHEN. Please, oh please, don't make Pedro sick by giving him Juan's food program.

If Juan is 400 pounds and Pedro is 190 pounds. It is not only the blood type that distinguishes their food plans. Their weight, height, age and a lot of other things must also be taken into consideration. 

Yes, I know. It sucks big time that not everyone can take the Cohen diet.

Persons with the following health issues don't qualify:

• Liver problem
• Kidney problem
• Heart problems such as but not limited to palpitation
• Diabetes

The doctor told us that when you are in the Cohen program you should cook your own food. Yes, it is not advisable to just let those so called enterprising individuals to deliver your food. Don't buy diet food. Cook it yourself after you qualify for the Cohen Diet Program.

Forget about all those fad diets. Cohen Diet changes one's lifestyle and gives hope to people who felt hopeless all their pathetic lives. 

The statements uttered by the five successful graduates of the Cohen programs are words of wisdom that we should take into consideration.

Up until now, the words uttered by Francis, the biggest loser ( weight loser, that is) was still ringing in my ear. He said:

"I already accepted the fact that I was fat, I was born Fat, and would die Fat."

He further related that he's also resigned to the fact that he had to paid two slots in public transportation for the rest of his life. He grew up being ridiculed because of his weight problem and was shocked when his mom enrolled him in the program and was even thinking of cheating on the program because he doesn't believe that he can still attain his ideal weight. In fact, it was his sister who originally took interest in the program. Unfortunately, she has palpitation, thus not qualified to be on the program. But look at Francis now!

              

                                             BEFORE                                                          AFTER

Francis shared that the weight he lost is equivalent to one person. A whooping 158 lbs. He conquered his own self! Congratulations Francis! 

Of course, I asked Francis about the negative effects he experienced with his rapid weight loss. He said that basically he became anti-social because he'd rather stay home with his family than go out plus a lot of people including his office mates thought he was on drugs because of all the weight he shed. He said he also became cranky. As for his health, he said that at the onset of the program, he could not exercise but eventually he was able to exercise to maintain the new version of himself. Francis is very thankful that he got into the Cohen program that gives him his new found confidence.