Wheels explores unique rides and the ‘Godzilla’

This week in Wheels, automotive journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero explore some of the country’s unique rides and meet the man behind the Nissan GT-R.

First up, we inspect the most unique cars from the recent Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). Find out which car took the spotlight and what makes it tick.

Ivy Grace Paredes Receives Loudest Standing Ovation on The X Factor UK Six Chair Challenge

Singing the Whitney Houston megahit, I Have Nothing, Ivy Grace Paredes took The X Factor UK stage to thundering applause and what host Dermot O’Leary described as the “loudest standing ovation of the night.”  Judges Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger were on their feet acknowledging how well the Filipino singer did in this round of the competition.

In giving her comments after Ivy Grace’s performance, Nicole said, “I know why you left the Philippines. (It is) because your voice is way too big for the Philippines alone.  It is meant for the entire world to hear.”

"Girl on the Train" -- Novel that Shocked the World Now Heats Up the Screen

Based on author Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel, the thriller that has riveted millions now makes its way to the big screen in DreamWorks Pictures’ provocative tale, “The Girl on the Train.” Emily Blunt leads the all-star cast which includes Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Allison Janney, Edgar Ramirez and Lisa Kudrow, under the direction of Tate Taylor (“The Help”).

(Watch the new Girl on the Train spot at https://youtu.be/7awAT8MYWl4.)

Pro tips for travel selfies worth sharing

Capturing wanderlust takes some creativity and a few essential tools

Travel 2

Whether it’s a day hike up Pico de Loro or a few days touring Angkor Wat in Cambodia, travel is always the perfect time for selfies. But any selfie won’t do if you want to capture the grandeur of the great outdoors from atop a mountain, or those ancient ruins choked by overgrown banyan trees—with you included in the shot, of course.

MOLIERE PMS: A Hilarious Mix of Hypocrisy and Honesty

The Egg Theater Co together with the PARC Foundation and Pineapple Lab presents Moliere PMS, a fusion of three Moliere play adaptations: Praning (The Imaginary Invalid), Maniacal (The Learned Ladies), and Schism (The Misanthrope) on October 1 & 2 at PARC Foundation, 494 Lt. Artiaga St., San Juan City and at Pineapple Lab, 6071 Palma Street, Rockwell on October 7-9 and October 14-16.

Transporting Moliere’s French Society to an imagined theater world that serves as a microcosm of Philippine society, the fusion of the three plays is a satirical comedy that pokes a searing look at the foibles and travails of theater artists divided and polarized by the ills of hypocrisy and pretentiousness.

Wheels goes to PIMS 2016

Wheels team goes to the country’s much-awaited auto show of the year – the Philippine International Motor Show 2016 (PIMS) 2016. Join audacious automotive journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero as they inspect the halls of the biggest industry-backed motor show.

PIMS 2016, produced by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), is a must-go to motoring show that exhibits the latest automotive products, technologies and services.

Join Manny and Kap as they witness the country’s top automotive manufacturers and distributors showcase their hottest and newest vehicles. Which car brand will take the spotlight?

"Smurfs: The Lost Village" Gets a Teaser Trailer‏

Columbia Pictures' upcoming adventure comedy “Smurfs: The Lost Village” has released its teaser trailer which may be viewed at https://youtu.be/YJoaxq-b6Nc.

The newest entry in the Columbia Pictures movie franchise that has grossed more than $900 million globally, “Smurfs: The Lost Village” is set to open across the Philippines on May 10, 2017.

Ice Cube Takes on Charlie Day in "Fist Fight" Teaser Trailer‏

Ice Cube and Charlie Day star as high school teachers prepared to solve their differences the hard way in New Line Cinema’s comedy “Fist Fight,” directed by Richie Keen (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”).

Check out the comedy’s newly-released first trailer at http://youtu.be/Tp2kwR5SIUo.

Watch “Fist Fight” when it opens across the Philippines on February 22, 2017.

On the last day of the year, mild-mannered high school English teacher Andy Campbell (Day) is trying his best to keep it together amidst senior pranks, a dysfunctional administration and budget cuts that put jobs on the line.  But things go from bad to worse when he accidentally crosses his much tougher and deeply feared colleague, Ron Strickland (Ice Cube), who challenges Campbell to an old-fashioned throw down after school.  News of the fight spreads like wildfire and ends up becoming the very thing this school, and Campbell, needed.

Lady Gaga to Star Opposite Bradley Cooper in Reimagining of "A Star is Born"

Film marks Cooper's Directorial Debut, Lady Gaga to write and perform new music in the film

Award-winning music superstar Lady Gaga has been set to star opposite four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper,” “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) in a remake of the iconic musical drama “A Star is Born.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures. The film will also be helmed by Cooper, who will be making his directorial debut.

Lady Gaga’s role in “A Star is Born” will mark her first lead in a feature film. In addition, she will compose new songs for the film, which she will also perform. 


“A Star is Born” is being produced by Billy Gerber and Jon Peters; together with Bradley Cooper and Todd Phillips, under their Joint Effort Productions banner. Basil Iwanyk is serving as executive producer. 

Seth Rogen Pranks Grocery Shoppers for "Sausage Party"

Columbia Pictures' new raunchy, R-18-rated animated comedy “Sausage Party” opens in the Philippines on Sept. 28 and imagines what it would be like if the food in our grocery aisles was alive.

The movie is hilarious, twisted and outrageous, but that wasn’t enough for Seth Rogen. In addition to bringing talking foods to the big screen, he also wanted to bring them to a real life grocery store with a hilarious and creepy Sausage Party prank.

Haley Bennett Breaks from the Pack with "Magnificent Seven," "Girl on the Train"‏

A natural talent, with a striking presence, Haley Bennett is quickly establishing herself as one of Hollywood's most dynamic actresses. She is poised to become the breakthrough talent of 2016 as she stars in two highly anticipated films this season – Columbia Pictures' “The Magnificent Seven” (in cinemas Sept. 21) and “The Girl on the Train” (opens Oct. 05) from Universal Pictures.

In “The Magnificent Seven,” she plays Emma Cullen, wife of a murdered farmer, and who takes charge in finding the righteuos mercenary Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington) and convincing him to defend her town from a greedy industrialist. Bennett had worked before with director Antoine Fuqua and Washington on the hit film, “The Equalizer.”

“Emma suffers a great loss and takes matters into her own hands to ensure that she stops this man, Bartholomew Bogue, from victimizing her town,” says Bennett. “Emma defies all of the stereotypes – she’s not objectified or submissive or victimized. The film is set at a time when women didn’t have equal rights, so it’s inspiring for me to portray her as complex, a person with a voice who can evoke change. That’s another way that this telling of the story is different.”

"Inferno" to be Released in IMAX Cinemas in the Philippines Oct 12‏

Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX Corporation and Imagine Entertainment has announced that “Inferno,” the latest film in the Dan Brown (“The Da Vinci Code”) franchise, will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® format

The film, starring Tom Hanks as Dr. Robert Langdon and directed by Ron Howard, will be released into IMAX® theatres worldwide (including the Philippines), coinciding with the film's general release date on October 12th.


(Watch the “Inferno” Vignette “Langdon's Super Power” at https://youtu.be/gX2mXN7qKK4.)

" PINOCCHIO, THE LIVE MARIONETTE MUSICAL " Is All Set To Open

Carlo Collodi’s popuplar story about a puppet named PINOCCHIO will come to life on stage by premiere kid actors of the country under Kids Acts Philippines. The first in the country doing musicals for kids and by the kids, is the company’s 14th Musical Theatre Season offering for school, parents, children and the entire family.

Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “PINOCCHIO” with script, lyrics and direction by LUIGI NACARIO, and music by EUGENE BELBIS. The group won an award from ALIW Awards through Hansel and Gretel as Best Production for Children wherein all featured actors of the musical were kids. Belbis and Nacario’s collaboration of creating children’s musicals can be considered works of the masters, that may lead them to be christened as Fathers of Philippine Children’s Theatre.

Pinocchio is a of a puppet boy who dreamed to become a real boy. The story begun, one fine day, that a piece of wood found itself in the shop of an old carpenter named Master Cherry to make the leg of a table. As he was about to give the first blow of his hatchet, he heard a wee, little voice coming from the wood. His face had changed and fright had turned him to death. To appease his terror, he gave the piece of wood to his friend Geppetto who took it to make himself a marionette, a puppet that will dance, fence and turn somersaults. He called it Pinocchio, the first pranks of the marionette, the name that will make his fortune. The adventure of Pinocchio started right after he was fashioned by his father Geppetto. He went out of his way to explore the world of wonders and never returned

Oscar-Winning Composer Alan Menken Writes Music of "Sausage Party"

One way that Columbia Pictures' acclaimed comedy “Sausage Party” pays homage to the animated movies that came before it was in the hiring of legendary composer Alan Menken to co-score (with Christopher Lennertz) the film and write the music for a song.

Rated R-18 With No Cuts by the MTRCB, “Sausage Party” is about one sausage leading a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they become chosen to leave the grocery store

An eight-time Oscar® winner and 19-time nominee, Menken has brought memorable music to such family classics as “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Hercules,” “Enchanted,” and “Tangled.”

Putting the ‘self’ back in selfies

Selfie hacks that let your personality shine through 

So are you one of those who take selfies 10 to a hundred times a day? We may be proud of having one of our cities named the “selfie capital of the world,” but it doesn’t mean that we’ve fully mastered the art of taking selfies.

A lot has already been said about capturing the perfect image of yourself: from proper lighting and cropping close to your face, to angling and the rule of thirds. But if you really want your personality to shine through, here are a couple of tips that can add impact to your latest Instagram upload.

Negros-Based Piaya Network goes Nationwide

With the big networks having a hold of national TV, competition is fierce and they go leaps and bounds to get viewership in many areas. But here comes PIAYA NETWORK which proudly hails from Negros Island bringing in their local stories and concepts on a larger scale via Cignal TV.

The founder of the network is a young multimedia director Anthony Leo Agguire which also heads Aperture Tales Production which makes post production and videography for various clients mostly from their region. From there they have conceived several shows powered by high precision and definition cameras which captures their stories in high quality.

They held a press con and launch recently along with their executives JR Gumabon (Chief Legal Officer), Tony Aguirre (Board member), and Anthony Leo Aguirre (Board member and President of Piaya Network) leading the ceremonies and also answering the questions of the press as they proudly showcase the network into the highly-competitive market of Television to a broader audience.

Ateneo Blue Reportory Presents "Real-Life Fairy Tales" A Musical Scene-Cycle From Sept 20-Oct. 1

Ateneo Blue Repertory presents “Real Life Fairytales”, a blueREP original play, for it’s 25th Season Premiere. Real-Life Fairytales is a series of six unique vignettes about how fantastical real life can be, or alternately, how fantasy isn’t so different from real life. Contemporary issues such as mental health, body image, and drug use are examined through the lens of the magical and unusual.

This musical scene-cycle is written and musically directed by a homegrown blueREP talent, Ejay Yatco; who is a composer, musical director and pianist. In 2013, he represented the Philippines in the World Championship of the Performing Arts where he made it to the top 3 and took home a gold and three silver medals. He was also nominated twice for Best Musical Direction and once for Best Music at the BroadwayWorld.com Awards. Lastly, he composed and arranged music for well-known companies such as City of Dreams, PNB, Resort's World, Bonanza Foods, Pepsodent, Pepsi, SM, Arlington and IBPAP.

J.Law, Pratt Are in Space Limbo in First "Passengers" Trailer‏

From the director of the Oscar Best Picture nominee “The Imitation Game” and the screenwriter of “Prometheus” comes Columbia Pictures' action-adventure “Passengers” starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

Check out the film's newly released teaser trailer here at https://youtu.be/v9-uM4TpY6E.

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt are two passengers onboard a spaceship transporting them to a new life on another planet.  The trip takes a deadly turn when their hibernation pods mysteriously wake them 90 years before they reach their destination.  As Jim (Pratt) and Aurora (Lawrence) try to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction, they begin to fall for each other, unable to deny their intense attraction... only to be threatened by the imminent collapse of the ship and the discovery of the truth behind why they woke up.

"Moana" & Maui Set Sail to Uncharted Waters in Main Trailer‏

The main trailer for the new animated adventure “Moana” – starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Auli'i Cravalho in the titular role – has just been released by Disney and may viewed at http://youtu.be/waB4U9Wc3x4.

The film sails into Philippine theaters Nov. 30.

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast South Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one today knows why.

Ed Helms, Owen Wilson Look for Their Father in "Bastards" Trailer‏

Warner Bros. Pictures has just delivered the first trailer for its new comedy “Bastards” starring Ed Helms and Owen Wilson which may be viewed at https://youtu.be/Pkf7T0eraSU.

Opening across the Philippines on January 26, 2017, “Bastards” marks the directorial debut of the veteran cinematographer Lawrence Sher (“The Hangover” films).

Helms and Wilson play Peter and Kyle Reynolds, two brothers whose eccentric mother (Glenn Close) raised them to believe their father had died when they were young. When they discover this to be a lie, they set out to find their real father, learning more about their mother than they probably ever wanted to know.

Kasuotang Pilipino 2016 on September 23

The city government of Makati through its Museum and Cultural Affairs Office (MCAO) will be staging this year’s Kasuotang Pilipino fashion show on September 23 at 6pm at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay expressed full support for the said event, which has become an annual event showcasing the creations of local designers to promote Filipino fashion representing the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

“We fully support the event as it offers an opportunity for the people, especially the youth, to have a better appreciation of Filipino fashion that denotes our rich cultural heritage. At the same time, it serves as a venue for Makati-based fashion designers to share their ingenuity and distinctive style and receive the recognition they deserve,” Binay said.

Take Your First Look at "Annabelle 2" in Announcement Trailer‏

The horror thriller is scheduled to scare Philippine audiences when it opens here on May 18, 2017.

From New Line Cinema comes “Annabelle 2,” with David F. Sandberg (“Lights Out”) helming the follow up to 2014’s hugely successful “Annabelle,” which scared up nearly $257 million at the worldwide box office during its run in theaters. The new film is once again being produced by Peter Safran and James Wan, who also partnered so effectively on “The Conjuring” movies.

Michael Weatherly of NCIS plays Dr.Phil-inspired character in new series

Michael Weatherly may have said goodbye to his role as Special Agent Anthony Dinozzo on NCIS, but his new role does not take him far from the twists and turns of the justice system.
After playing the role of a senior field agent in 13 seasons of NCIS, Michael Weatherly is taking the lead in the brand new show BULL.

“I’m gonna miss his repressive sense of humor, what I won’t miss is wearing that gun, that was uncomfortable,” Weatherly said about his NCIS character during an interview.

BULL takes inspiration from the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, co-founder of top trial consulting firm Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (CSI), which has provided trial consulting services for Fortune 500 companies as well as talk show host Oprah Winfrey.

Filipina Singer Ivy Grace Paredes Gets All The Yeses She Needs From The X Factor UK Judges

Ivy Grace Paredes, 33, from the Philippines, impressed all four judges of The X Factor UK with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s All The Man I Need on the sixth episode of the show today. On camera before she belted out her version of the hit song, she said that she was inspired to join the competition after seeing 4th Impact on the show last year. “If they can make it, I can make it, too.” She said that she wasn’t getting any younger but that she could still be on The X Factor UK stage.

After her powerful performance Simon Cowell reacted, "Oh my God! What just happened there?!"

Chris Pratt, the Wild Card in "The Magnificent Seven"

New action superstar Chris Pratt (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Jurassic World”) plays the gambler Josh Faraday, Sam Chisolm’s (Denzel Washington) right-hand man in Columbia Pictures' new action adventure “The Magnificent Seven” (in cinemas Sept. 21).

(Watch the Josh Faraday vignette at http://youtu.be/u24RevyT-oM.)

Director Antoine Fuqua brings his modern vision to a classic story in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Columbia Pictures’ “The Magnificent Seven.” With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), the desperate townspeople, led by Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns – Sam Chisolm (Washington), Josh Faraday, Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier). As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money.

School is about to get slime-tastic as Nick Takes Over Your School returns for 13th year of awesomeness

Class bells ring for an incredibly fun break as Nick Takes Over Your School rolls out again for its 13th year in the Philippines. This time, kids and family entertainment brand Nickelodeon, is bringing a different learning experience to kids in schools, in the form of interactive activities and games and a boost to their self-esteem with the theme, “Shout It Out Proud.” Over 10,000 kids in 20 schools in the Metro and Greater Metro Manila areas are expected to participate in the initiative which runs throughout August and September.

“We, at Nickelodeon, believe in the importance of encouraging kids to develop a positive self-image and grow into loving and competent individuals. With this in mind, we carry out various initiatives such as Nick Takes Over Your School, in hopes of making a positive impact in their lives,” said Dinna Zaratan, Country Manager, Philippines, Viacom International Media Networks.

Nickelodeon holds the annual Nick Takes Over Your School program to inject play into learning through physical and mental challenges that promote sportsmanship and team spirit, along with a good dose of its signature green slime that is Nickelodeon’s badge of honor.

Pitt, Cotillard are Spies in Love in First Trailer of "Allied"‏

Paramount Pictures has released the first trailer for director Robert Zemeckis‘ World War II spy, romantic thriller “Allied” starring Brad Pitt and Mario Cotillard. Watch the trailer at http://youtu.be/6duhivRqg-o and see the film when it opens nationwide on November 23.

“Allied” is the story of intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt), who in 1942 North Africa encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Cotillard) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by the extreme pressures of the war.

Written by Steven Knight (“Eastern Promises,” “Locke”), the film also stars Lizzy Kaplan and Matthew Goode.

“Allied” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Flores is speaker at Int’l Peace Day, Road & Belt Int’l Conference

Writer, college teacher and realty entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores is invited guest speaker at the September 21 “International Peace Day” rites on September 21 (Wednesday) afternoon by International Peace Diplomacy Corps at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City; and the September 26 International Conference on the Belt and Road Economic Initiative in Xian City, Shaanxi province.

The Xian Conference focuses on the $4 trillion Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road, known as “The Belt and Road Initiative” is a development strategy linking 60 countries of Asia, China, Africa and Europe via land and sea infrastructures and trade. The regions linked by the Belt and Road Initiative covers about 40 per cent of the world’s economy and more than half of the world population

#LOVEPINOY At Second HOOQ Hangouts

HOOQ HANGOUTS, the biggest outdoor cinema event series from HOOQ, returns this Friday, September 23, 2016 to give its loyal subscribers another unique and memorable viewing experience and spread some Pinoy love.This time, HOOQ showcases its massive catalogue of local movies with a screening of the Every Breath You Take, starring Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban. 

Majoy (Angelica Panganiban) is a romantic who desperately waits for her true love to finally come while Leo (Piolo Pascual), a bigtime sales executive in the real-estate business, is a career-driven playboy who does not believe in love at all. The two meet by accident on a Valentine’s Day, after Majoy’s failed date. She deems Leo as her destiny, she has never been surer that Leo is the one for her. Leo thinks otherwise. But as they find themselves growing closer to each other, the crazy and seemingly accidental events surrounding them seem to put their lives in danger! Unbeknownst to them, people are after them, determined to ruin their budding relationship, and will stop at nothing to get what they want! Will Leo and Majoy’s magnetic feelings for each other surpass the deeper dangers that face them? It all began as a fairy tale – but will the outrageous circumstances ever allow them to achieve their happily ever after?

Green Day’s American Idiot garners 10 citations from esteemed 2016 Philstage Gawad Buhay

The Philippine production of Green Day’s American Idiot led by Globe Live and 9 Works Theatrical is nominated for 10 categories for this year’s 2016 Philstage Gawad Buhay midyear citations. On its 9th year, Gawad Buhay is the only award giving body for the performing arts.

The high-octane musical is one of the top theatrical plays nominated in major categories including Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical; Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical by Robbie Guevara; Outstanding Musical Direction by Daniel Bartolome and Onyl Torres; Outstanding Choreography for a Play or Musical by PJ Rebullida; Outstanding Costume Design by Mickey Hirai; Outstanding Set Design by Mio Infante; Male Lead Performance in a Musical for Nel Gomez; Female Featured Performance in a Musical for Yannah Laurel and Ela Lisondra; and the only citation for  Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical.

THE MUSIC RUN™ By Philam Vitality Break Out The Jams For PH Runners

Registrations are ongoing for the World’s fastest-growing fun run

The Music Run™ by Philam Vitality is ending 2016 with all the greatest hits, and everyone's invited! The hugely-successful 5KM fun run returns in the wake of last year's phenomenal Philippine debut, and is set to rock McKinley West on December 3. Super Early Bird registrations for The Music Run™ by Philam Vitality opened to strong response on September 9 via Ticket World.

Hailed as one of Asia's most popular running events, The Music Run™ by Philam Vitality is the ultimate 5K running and music festival. The event features an immersive musical experience that takes runners through 5 different genre-themed zones – rock, pop, old school, hip hop, and dance.

Jacob Cordover All Set For A Free Classical Guitar Concert On Oct 6

The Guitar Friends and St. Scholastica's College present classical guitar artist JACOB CORDOVER with the special participation of THE KABATAANG GITARISTA and EDEL MARK BITAO in a free concert set on Oct. 6, 2016 - Thursday 7:00 pm, St.Cecilia's Hall, St. Scholastica's College Manila.

Jacob Cordover will also be conducting a guitar masterclass on Oct. 3 Monday, 3 pm at the Mini Hall, UP College of Music and on Oct. 7, Friday, 1 PM, at the Rehearsal Hall, St. Cecilia Bldg., St. Scholastica's College Manila.

Currently residing in Barcelona, Spain and enjoying a truly international career as both a concert and recording artist, Jacob Cordover “impresses with his intuitive musicianship and impeccable technique” (Leicester Mercury, UK). His “consummate artistry” (Adelaide Advertiser, Australia) has enticed audiences in over a dozen countries across four continents.

Denzel Washington Protects the Innocent in "The Magnificent Seven"

Two-time Academy Award® winner Denzel Washington takes the lead as Sam Chisolm in Columbia Pictures' new action adventure “The Magnificent Seven” (in cinemas Sept. 21).

(Watch the Sam Chisolm vignette at https://youtu.be/jlXqI5A18J8.)

Director Antoine Fuqua brings his modern vision to a classic story in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Columbia Pictures’ “The Magnificent Seven.” With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard), the desperate townspeople, led by Emma Cullen (Haley Bennett), employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns – Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington), Josh Faraday (Chris Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Ethan Hawke), Jack Horne (Vincent D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Byung-Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier). As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money.

New Feamal Coaches Invigorate The Voice When It Returns To Starworld on September 20

Singing a new tune as it returns exclusively to StarWorld this September 20, The Voice will be featuring two new judges for its 11th season. Joining singers Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as judges on The Voice Season 11 are R&B diva Alicia Keys and pop superstar Miley Cyrus, making this season the first ever with two female judges on the panel. Host Carson Daly also returns to present this exciting reality competition for the 11th year straight.

Jennifer Aniston, Ty Burrell are Workaholic Parents in "Storks"

Emmy Award-winners Jennifer Aniston (“We're the Millers”) and Ty Burrell (TV's “Modern Family”) lend their voices to Sarah and Henry Gardner, loving but workaholic parents, in Warner Bros. Pictures' new comedy adventure “Storks” (in cinemas Thursday, Sept. 22).

Ty Burrell says of their chaacters, “They’ve kind of lost touch with their young son, Nate. They’re so consumed with their careers, trying to make hay while the sun shines, that they’re missing out on his childhood.”

“The story is so original and moving, but funny at the same time,” adds Aniston.

Patrick Dempsey, One of Two Possible Fathers of "Bridget Jones's Baby"

Best known for his portrayal of Dr. Derek Shepherd on the hit series “Grey’s Anatomy,” Patrick Dempsey now stars as the dashing American internet mogul Jack Qwant in Universal Pictures' new romantic comedy “Bridget Jones's Baby” (now showing only in cinemas).

(Watch the featurette “Mark Darcy vs Jack Qwant” at https://youtu.be/BSlqEajvtik.)

Also starring Renee Zellweger and Colin Firth, the new film in the beloved comedy series finds Bridget Jones (Zellweger) unexpectedly expecting, but with one hitch: Bridget’s uncertain if the baby’s father is her longtime love Mark Darcy (Firth)…or the newfound one Jack Qwant from just across the pond.

Why are Pinoys so jolly and joyful?

The answer might be as simple as the company we keep, the things around us that make us smile and the food we enjoy. 

There’s no doubt that Filipinos are among the jolliest people on the planet. Wherever one might go in this country, he or she will most definitely be met with a smile, a warm greeting, or a hearty laugh. Foreigners often wonder how an entire nation of over 100 million can extend kindness and good cheer even to complete strangers.

In the Gallup 2015 Positive Experience Index, the country ranked fifth in the list of happiest citizens in the world, despite the many socio-economic issues they face every day. However, these survey figures do not completely explain why many Filipinos consistently choose joy over negative emotions.

What’s the real secret behind the trademark Pinoy cheerfulness?

This is a question that Jollibee, the country’s number one fast food brand, answered in an online campaign released last September 10, 2016.

“Jollibee, as a homegrown Filipino brand, is happy to answer why Pinoys are among the happiest people in the world,” said Francis E. Flores, Jollibee Global Chief of Marketing and Philippine Marketing Head. “Throughout Jollibee’s nearly four decades of serving the Filipino people all over the country and the world, we’ve discovered many reasons behind our innate joy, which we’re proud to showcase in the latest Chickenjoy Nation video.”

The Jollibee team went around the country to observe the lives of ordinary Filipinos and seemingly simple reasons behind their day-to-day happiness. The “stars” of the video cited sense of humor, appreciation for music, an easy-going spirit, and good food (including Jollibee’s crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy) as some of the core ingredients of Pinoy joy.

The video, however, implies something more profound about the Pinoy psyche: even in the most dismal of situations, the Filipino heart is filled with hope and optimism. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of their lives and the circumstances they find themselves in, they smile, laugh the bad vibes away, they are always to sing and dance, and share their favorite meals with the people they value the most. For them, joy is something that can be discovered in even the most mundane of things they encounter every day.

“Through our best-tasting Chickenjoy, we serve the perfect complement to our customers’ most joyful moments,” added Flores.  “We’ve made it our mission to unite Filipinos under one joy, one nation—a Chickenjoy Nation.”

To find out more about Chickenjoy Nation, like Jollibee’s official Facebook page (facebook.com/Jollibee Philippines), follow @BestFriendJollibee on Instagram and @Jollibee on Twitter and Snapchat.


Price drop alert: Get P1,500 off on OPPO’s Neo7

Heads up to early Christmas shoppers: mobile technology brand OPPO announced today that the Neo7, a smartphone known for its sleek design and powerful cameras, dropped its price from P7490 to P5990.

The promo opens tomorrow, September 16.

“The Neo7 is perfect for those who love taking selfies and those who want to have more fun with their smartphone photos,” said OPPO Marketing Brand Manager Stephen Cheng. “We offer the Neo 7 at a discount so more users can experience its outstanding capacities to capture unforgettable moments.”

Camera-ready for the holidays

The Neo 7’s 5-megapixel front camera captures crisp and clear selfies even in low-light situations, thanks to its frame rate and higher light sensitivity. It is equipped with the Beautify 3.0 with low, medium, and strong built-in beautification modes that let users achieve their desired looks at any time of the day.

Starworld Reveals Magic Behind Best Celebrity Weddings WIth SHE SAID YES!

Giving brides-to-be and their grooms an in-depth look at the magic behind the Philippines’ most talked-about weddings is She Said Yes!, which will premiere on September 21 at 10 PM on StarWorld, Asia’s leading female entertainment channel. She Said Yes! features weddings of the country’s biggest celebrities as well as couples who have stopped at nothing to make their special day meaningful and uniquely memorable. The series also introduces the suppliers who made these dream ceremonies possible, allowing other couples to take inspiration for their own weddings.

Animated Short "The Master" to Play in Front of "Storks"

Warner Animated Group has announced that a LEGO animated short film called “The Master,” featuring the character Master Wu (voiced by Jackie Chan), will be a pre-main feature attraction to Warner's “Storks” when the latter opens across the Philippines this Thursday, Sept. 22.

Watch a clip titled “It's On” from “The Master” at https://youtu.be/Jv2sdxB90fQ.

Master We is voiced by legendary Asian superstar Jackie Chain who will appear as the wise leader of an all-LEGO ninja crew in next year's “The LEGO Ninjago Movie.”

Creepy Levitation in New Poster of "Ouija: Origin of Evil"‏

“When you talk to the other side, you never know who will be listening,” warns the tagline of the new poster of Universal Pictures' supernatural thriller “Ouija: Origin of Evil.”

Check out the new one-sheet art below and see the film when it arrives in Philippine cinemas Oct. 26.

It was never just a game. Inviting audiences again into the lore of the spirit board, “Ouija: Origin of Evil” tells a terrifying new tale as the follow-up to 2014’s sleeper hit that opened at number one.

In 1965 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their séance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by the merciless spirit, this small family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.

Piolo and Crizal® get into life’s moments

What if, in the middle of your routine eye check-up, you ended up face-to-face with Philippine leading man Piolo Pascual?

Watch and share the surprised reactions of patients during a vision screening set up by Essilor’s flagship brand Crizal® on https://youtu.be/-E6BiMaz5gc.

The new video is part of the brand’s campaign to encourage patients and customers alike to stay present in every experience of your life – or, better yet, to create your own precious moments with the clear vision that only Crizal® can provide!

Crizal® lenses are available at leading optical shops and through eye care professionals nationwide. For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph.

Top Comedians Come Together to Bring You "Sausage Party"‏

Cinema's funniest and most talented comedians team up for Columbia Pictures' brave, new comedy “Sausage Party,” a recent No. 1 in the U.S.

Rated R-18 With No Cuts by the MTRCB, “Sausage Party” is about one sausage leading a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth about their existence and what really happens when they become chosen to leave the grocery store

Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, and Michael Cera play sausages (Frank, Carl, and Barry, respectively); Kristen Wiig plays Brenda, a bun; Salma Hayek plays Teresa, a taco; Danny McBride plays Honey Mustard; Edward Norton plays Sammy, a bagel; David Krumholtz plays Lavash; Bill Hader takes on Firewater; Craig Robinson plays grits; and Nick Kroll plays a douche. James Franco and Paul Rudd play human beings: Franco as Druggie and Rudd as Darren, a store clerk.

Dornan, Johnson Sizzle in First Trailer of "Fifty Shades Darker"‏

Universal Pictures has unveiled the first trailer for the romantic thriller “Fifty Shades Darker,” which may be viewed at https://youtu.be/bhPYYAQ1fdU.

“Fifty Shades Darker” opens in Philippine cinemas February 8th.

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in “Fifty Shades Darker,” the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon. Expanding upon events set in motion in 2015’s blockbuster film that grossed more than $560 million globally, the new installment arrives for Valentine’s Day and invites you to slip into something a shade darker.

When a wounded Christian Grey tries to entice a cautious Ana Steele back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.

Danes Lee, David Licauco Sign Co-Management Deal With GMA Artist Center

GMA Artist Center’s Talent Development and Management Department recently signed up young stars Danielle “Danes” Lee and David Licauco.

Danielle Lee, younger sister of model/TV host Divine Lee, started out with TV5, where she was launched as one of the leads in the aborted local version of the Hollywood hit series “Pretty Little Liars.”

After the series was shelved, Danielle decided to focus on her studies although she continued to accept modeling gigs from time to time. With her towering and leggy frame, not a few people see her as beauty queen material. Although very close to her sister, Danielle is determined to make a name for herself in the acting field.

From his humble beginnings as a Mr. Chinatown, David Licauco has come a long way as one of the showbiz industry's freshest faces and emerging young taipans.

"Fifty Shades Darker" Unmasks Teaser Poster, First Trailer Up Today

“Slip into something a shade darker,” teases the first poster of the hotly anticipated “Fifty Shades Darker,” which has just been revealed by Universal Pictures.

Take a look at the teaser poster and the first trailer.

“Fifty Shades Darker” opens in Philippine cinemas February 8th next year.

Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in “Fifty Shades Darker,” the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling “Fifty Shades” phenomenon. Expanding upon events set in motion in 2015’s blockbuster film that grossed more than $560 million globally, the new installment arrives for Valentine’s Day and invites you to slip into something a shade darker.

When a wounded Christian Grey tries to entice a cautious Ana Steele back into his life, she demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Christian’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.

REEL DEAL: Bridget Jones' Baby REVIEW

We have fallen in love many time with the relate-able character of Bridget Jones which became a hit of that decade. And after a very long break from the last sequel, she is back after 14 years now with a new twist on their love triangle. From the title itself, Bridget Jones' Baby, reveals that it is high time for her to get knocked up and enjoy a new phase called motherhood, but with one problem, who is the father of the baby?

With Hugh Grant out of the picture in this film, Mr Darcy (Firth) still finds a love rival with Jack Qwant (Dempsey) who adds an American flavor to the British love story. And with the years that had passed, of course they tried to be relevant by incorporating the trends, technology which passed.

With a baby on the way, and another crisis in Bridget's life definitely it will be a riot with a lot of people behind her. The spectrum of characters here are getting interesting with old and new characters making a splash into the life of the hopeless romantic and vocally explicit Bridget Jones.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Opens New Temple In Urdaneta

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to grow their ministry with building more places of worship where the community ca...