Is ‘Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir’ Worth Watching?

The plan of turning San Pedro Calungsod’s short but meaningful life on the big screen has been going on for years. I remember seeing a photo of another actor who is the original choice to play the coveted role. It would be impossible nowadays for mainstream film outfits to shell out money for such project (it’s all about the money, honey). Gone are the days when Filipino moviegoers could expect to an inspirational film for Christmas or Holy Week.

Fr. Diego San Vitores (Christian Vazquez) and Pedro Calungsod (Rocco Nacino)dro-Calungsod1

Fr. Diego de  San Vitores (Christian Vazquez) and Pedro Calungsod (Rocco Nacino)

We all know that Metro Manila Film Festival is for the family and most would prefer to watch the feel-good films. Watch this film as it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of San Pedro Calungsod. It will serve as an inspiration to the youth and we need films like this especially after all the challenges our country have gone through the past months.

Continue reading

Movie Review: When The Love is Gone

Gabby Concepcion’s return in the Philippine entertainment scene was a big deal way back. Why? Aside from his matinee idol status in the 80’s, his personal life is also controversial. The public were eager to know what happened to him after he turned his back from fame. For anyone who is bankable and interesting, leaving showbusiness is a big deal.

Scenes of Cristine Reyes as Cassie in "When the Love is Gone"

Scenes of Cristine Reyes as Cassie in “When the Love is Gone”

His showbiz comeback is considered successful. He is an in-demand teleserye actor and is even paired with leading ladies that are close to his daughter’s age. There were rumours before that his movie comeback will be via the remake of the 80’s film “Nagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi”. What happened was he and daughter KC Concepcion starred in a movie for Father’s Day. I am not sure if they met the expected box-office gross, but the movie wasn’t as markable as the producers wished.

Cristine Reyes is one of the hottest stars in the biz. Just like Gabby, she is bankable and controversial. She entered showbiz via Starstruck and for a time, she was just known as “Ara Mina’s Little Sister”. When she turned 18, she embraced her sexiness and began accepting daring roles. When she moved to ABS-CBN from GMA, she played the title role in Eva Fonda and that’s where her talent was seen by the masses. There was a time wherein she was crowned as box-office queen with Anne Curtis when they did “No Other Woman“, where she played as the legal wife.

This time, Cristine Reyes is the mistress. And what a fierce mistress she is!

Continue reading

Why I Love Jessie J’s ALIVE album

Jessie J is truly one of the most talented artists from the United Kingdom. My curiosity about this woman started when I first saw the music video for “Do It Like a Dude”. This girl is fearless, unique and she can definitely sing! Her first single is one of the songs that you’d sing if you want to feel extra confident or have that ‘swag’ feel in an instant.

I Love Jessie J - with or without the hair! :P

I Love Jessie J – with or without the hair! 😛

Later on, she released the worldwide hit ‘Price Tag’ and elevated her status from a newbie to a top-selling artist. When her prolonged debut album “Who You Are” was finally released, the fans went mental and sang her songs with passion. Some of the singles released include Nobody’s Perfect, Who’s Laughing Now, Who You Are, Domino and Laser Light.

Jessie J gained more followers after her exposure as a resident judge in The Voice UK. She may have this angsty image at first, but she was able to show the public how sweet and endearing she is in person.

Her sophomore album ‘ALIVE’ was released last September in the UK. Prior to the official launch, I got the chance to listen to some of the songs like Wild, Hero, Magnetic, Excuse My Rude and It’s My Party. The last song I mentioned is very special to me. In fact, it is one of the songs that I’ve memorized in 30 minutes! Too bad I still can’t reveal why… but soon you will know why 🙂

Continue reading

Movie Review: GAYDAR

Paano kung lahat ng lalaki na nagugustuhan mo ay bakla pala?

Gumagana ba ang Gaydar mo?

Gumagana ba ang Gaydar mo?

Sounds familiar? Well, I was once a girl who tend to fall for closet gay men. You cannot blame me. Most gay men that I met in the past are good-looking, responsible and talented. The ideal straight men are either in a relationship or married. What to do?

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VYLIe87fxc&w=420&h=315]

GAYDAR is a romantic-comedy film under the direction of Alvin Yapan, who is known for directing the award-winning Cinemalaya films Ang Panggagahasa ni Fe and Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa. I think Gaydar is his most ‘mainstream’ and ‘fun’ film to date. The lead character in the movie is Tina played by Pauleen Luna. I’m glad that finally this Eat Bulaga mainstay is given a lead role in a comedy film. I loved her performance as Giselle Sanchez in GMA News TV’s Wagas.

Continue reading

Holidaying in style over the festive season

Sometimes it’s good to get away from it all over Christmas. By taking a well-earned vacation over the festive season, you can re-charge your batteries and prepare yourself for the new year ahead. If you’re planning a vacation on or around December 25th but haven’t decided where to go yet, here are some options, both close to home and further afield…

Ice bar


The traditional winter break

For the ultimate in Santa holidays, it has to be a trip to frosty Lapland. This icy wilderness lies hundreds of kilometers above the Arctic Circle and is the perfect place to spend a traditional winter break. It may sound like a fantasy, but for those who live below the Equator, it’s essential to spend at least one Christmas in the snow! And if you’re lucky, you’ll also get to witness the eerie majesty of the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. This celestial light show is unlike anything else.

Continue reading

For Once in My Life by Mel B

Melanie Brown a.k.a. Mel B is one of my childhood heroes. I do think that her Scary Spice persona is still evidently seen in her recent gig as judge of America’s Got Talent. She is fearless, talented and surpassed a lot of trials in her career and even personal life.

 

For Once In My Life by Mel B

For Once In My Life by Mel B

 

I loved her debut album “HOT” (1999). Her sophomore album “LA State of Mind” had very minimal publicity and the copies of the album are scarce. Imagine how happy I was (and I bet other Spice Girls fans were!) when she all of a sudden announced her new single called “For Once In My Life” via PerezHilton’s website. Woah, this is madness!

Continue reading

Egyptian Excursions: Day trips in Sharm el Sheik

For year round sun and endless fun, Sharm el Sheik is the place to be. Situated on the southern tip of Egypt’s magnificent Sinai Peninsula, this world-class resort offers activities that are sure to delight families, couples and even solo travellers. Sharm el Sheik holidays are usually inexpensive, hassle-free and only a short haul flight away from the UK.

Sharm El Sheikh. Naama Bay. Photo Credit: Svetlana Grechkina

Sharm El Sheikh. Naama Bay. Photo Credit: Svetlana Grechkina

While travellers will have no trouble filling their days in this stunning resort, there are plenty of activities and day trips for all types of visitors.

Sharm el Sheik lies on the shores of the Red Sea, one of the most spectacular dive sites in the world. With abundant marine life and vibrant coral reefs, visitors can easily access this underwater wonderland as a diving or snorkelling day trip, or even witness the splendour from the safety of a glass-bottomed boat.

Continue reading

SOS by Solenn Heussaff – An Album Review

I’ve blogged about Solenn Heussaff a couple of times. I just love this girl!

Just two months ago, the French-Filipina celebrity launched her sophomore album entitled ‘SOS’ or ‘Sinner Or Saint’. Her first album was a success. I was even invited on the music video shoot for the song ‘Our First Time’. Her kindness and jolly personality stuck on my mind. Who wouldn’t want to support her anyway?

Is Solenn Heussaff a Sinner or Saint?

Is Solenn Heussaff a Sinner or Saint?

I bought a digital copy of SOS via iTunes. I listened to the preview snippets and I loved it!

SOS contains 10 original tracks and 2 revivals. Boy band fanatics have the reason to dance with her own version of Backstreet Boys’ “All I Have to Gove” and Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River”.

[youtube=://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C50rGIJLc2U&w=420&h=315]

The carrier single from the album is entitled “Diva”. It is a tagalog song about a female celebrity who acts as if she’s the most important woman in the world. The music video is quite queer and colorful! Another song with a twist is “Never Met a Man”, which Solenn co-wrote.

Continue reading

Blow Your Hair Back On A New League of Super Cruises

Cruise liners have the reputation for catering for a certain clientèle, namely the over 60’s crowd. However, there are plenty of cruises that tick all of the boxes with interesting and fun activities for all ages. If you love the idea of a cruise, but you’re worried about being bored, here are some excellent reasons to escape onto the open sea.

Pacific Dawn lots of on board entertainment

Photo Credit: eguidetravel

Forget about napkin folding and ice-sculpting, nowadays you can learn about things in your spare time on the ship. Many cruise liners offer lectures and esteemed guest speakers talking about esoteric subjects like astronomy, history, music, digital photography, personal investment and more. The Fred Olsen cruise ship offers guests the opportunity to hear the inside story on famous true crimes, by Detective Inspector Clifford Wrate.

Continue reading

My iTunes Festival 2013 Experience: Jessie J and Lawson

It’s been two weeks since I enjoyed my first ever iTunes Festival Experience! It was a night full of music, fun and surprises!

Jessie J with the boys of Lawson

Jessie J with the boys of Lawson (from Jessie J’s FB)

I joined the online promo for the iTunes Festival 2013  just for the heck of it. No expectations or whatsoever. It is the reason why I was amused when I received an e-mail that I got picked and I can bring one friend with me. I originally planned to go with my mom or my cousin, but they both declined. Just happy that my blogger friend Catherine is free that day so yeah, my other free ticket didn’t go to waste!

iTunes Festival - Jessie J

Jessie J encouraging her Heartbeats to sing with her 😀

For some reason, I think Jessie J is my lucky charm. I was also given the opportunity to get involved in a ‘special party’ a few months ago. Now, I am about to see her perform live!
Continue reading