Logo

Controversial Personalities Talk About the Premise of ‘The Mistress’

With its fierce plot, brave confrontation scenes and its stellar cast, Star Cinema’s latest daring film “The Mistress,” topbilled by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, continues to stir up strong reactions from the public, including the active netizens in popular social networking sites and some of the well-known personalities in the country. Set to redefine everyone’s meaning of love and loyalty, “The Mistress” will hit theaters nationwide this Wednesday, September 12.

According to veteran broadcaster Mon Tulfo, he likes the newest film masterpiece of multi-awarded director Olivia Lamasan because of its realistic plot. He said, “Ang kwento ng ‘The Mistress’ ay talagang makatotohanan at nangyayari sa society natin. Kaya madami talagang tatamaan dito at mahahanap ang mga sarili nila.”

Aurora Representative Sonny Angara, meanwhile, got interested with the heated arguments of John Lloyd and Bea in the movie trailers. “Very interesting ‘yung nag-aaway sila. Nung ang assumption ni John Lloyd ay sinasamahan ni Bea si Ronaldo dahil sa pera. Pero sinabi ni Bea na mahal niya,” shared Rep. Angara. “Sa palagay ko magiging interesting ‘yun sa mga manonood dahil maiintindihan natin kung bakit ba nangyayari ‘yun.”

Similar with Cong. Angara, veteran singer-actress Pilita Corrales also got curious with the possible ending of the four-sided love story of “The Mistress.” She said, “I will definitely watch this kasi napaisip talaga ako sa kwento. Ano kayang mangyayari? Kanino mag-e-end up si Bea? It’s a very difficult situation having to love two different men in different situations.”

Aldrin Cerrado, Rotary Club Makati East president, admired the life lessons that “The Mistress” will impart to its viewers. “All of us has something we really want to have in life. But no matter how hard we try, some things are just not really meant for us,” he said. “I think the movie teaches us about acceptance and forgiveness na ipinapakita ng apat na characters dito.”

Highly-acclaimed movie and TV actors Gretchen Barretto and Albert Martinez both salute the film because of its brave concept. “It’s a very interesting subject matter because there are four characters involved, four individual characters na lahat may mystery. Lahat sila may kanya-kanyang pains,” said Albert.

“For me, ‘The Mistress’ is a masterpiece. Every scene and every dialogue is breathtaking,” Gretchen commented. “It happens everywhere, it’s so real. Gustong-gusto ko ‘yung linyang ‘walang babaeng pinangarap maging kabit.”

Aside from Bea and John Lloyd, also part of “The Mistress” are two of Philippine cinema’s finest actors namely Hilda Koronel and Ronaldo Valdez. Completing the cast are Carmi Martin, Anita Linda, Minnie Aguilar, and Clarence Delgado.

“The Mistress” is set to hit theatres nationwide on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.

For more updates about “The Mistress,” simply visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, http://facebook.com/StarCinema and http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

Kristen Stewart Covers Vogue UK October 2012 Issue

Kristen Stewart graces the cover of Vogue Magazine UK Edition October 2012 issue. Out on Monday.

Photographed by known lensman Mario Testino and styled by Lucinda Chambers, Kristen was wearing a Gucci ruffled floral-print silk wrap dress from the Fall 2012 collection. While in the editorial, she wore an all Balenciaga look.



In this issue, the controversial 22-year-old Hollywood actress talks about everything from going blonde for her new role to struggling to play it cool.

Continue reading HERE.

DZMM Launches New Programs: Logan Live, Radyo Patrol Balita Linggo and O.A.!

DZMM, the only Philippine radio station to compete in the prestigious Asian Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes 2012, has launched three new programs that will add new flavor to its exciting lineup.

Followers of “Mga Kwento ni Marc Logan” in ABS-CBN’s flagship newscast “TV Patrol” have something new to anticipate from DZMM’s newest offering, “Logan Live” that airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1 a.m. until 4 a.m.

In his interactive music program, listeners and viewers get to catch Marc’s spontaneity as a comic discussing topics on relationships, friendship, and family accompanied by his classic 70s and 80s music playlist.

DZMM’s has also launched its ‘comedy bar on air’ via “O.A.!” anchored by Onse Tolentino and real-life stand-up comedian and writer Alex Calleja to pump up the public’s lacklustre Saturday evenings with their witty banter, trivia, and jokes.

Tune in to Onse, the grand winner of the first comedy talent search on radio, “Laugh Out Loud 2008” and the competition’s first runner-up, Alex every Saturday at 9 p.m.

Listeners and viewers, meanwhile, can keep abreast of the latest news events even before they hit the upcoming week’s headlines from Ricky Rosales and Jun Lingcoran in “Radyo Patrol Balita Linggo,” 11 a.m on Sundays.

The tandem will take on the crucial task of dissecting the county’s hottest news stories by interviewing newsmakers and officials on issues that are expected to develop at the start of the week.

DZMM, meanwhile, continues its winning ways after being named contender for top honors at the ABU Prizes 2012 and dominating the latest ratings data in Mega Manila and Metro Manila.

Two entries from DZMM are up for three awards in the ABU Prizes 2012 this October. Its DZMM Silveradyo Station ID, which was launched in celebration of the station’s 25th anniversary, was named finalist for the Radio Special Jury Prize and for the Radio Jingles/Station IDs category. “Radyo Patrol Balita Alas-Dose,” meanwhile, is set to contend in the Radio News Reporting category for its roundup on the aftermath of typhoon Pedring last year.

DZMM also topped all AM radio stations in Mega Manila in July this year based on the latest data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement, where it registered a 34% average audience share, eleven points higher than rival DZBB (23%) and more than twice as high as DWWW (15%) and DZRH (11%).

It also ruled the competition in Metro Manila as it ranked highest in the survey conducted by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Radio Research Council in March 2012, hitting an average audience share of 8% all days of the week, versus DZRH’s 6%.

Meanwhile, broadcast journalist Ted Failon continues to give away “mahiwagang back pack at mahiwagang black box or Digibox” via the seeding program of “Failon Ngayon sa DZMM” to promote Digital Television (DTV), a high-tech standard that uses digital signals for broadcast. DZMM TeleRadyo will be one of the free channels to be unveiled by when ABS-CBN DTV is formally rolled out.

DZMM has also unveiled the new version of its station jingle for its 26th anniversary celebration, performed by singer Zia Quizon.

Tune in to “Logan Live” on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1-4 a.m., “O.A.!” on Saturdays at 9 p.m., and “Radyo Patrol Balita Linggo” on Sundays at 11 a.m. on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, on DZMM TeleRadyo (SkyCable channel 26), or online on dzmm.com.ph. For updates, follow @DZMMTeleRadyo on Twitter and like www.facebook.com/dzmmteleradyo.

Director's Cut Version of ‘The Healing’ Now Available on Skycable Season Pass

The controversial R-18 version or the director’s cut of Star Cinema’s blockbuster suspense-horror film of 2012, “The Healing,” will finallly premiere on Philippine television via SKYcable Season Pass. This is the first time that the said suspense-horror film topbilled by Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos will be shown on TV after its successful theatrical release.

From September 15 to October 7, SKYcable subscribers can now enjoy “The Healing: The Directo’s Cut” at the comfort of their homes through the pay-per-view service of SKYcable Season Pass for only P199 for the three-day access and P299 for the seven-day access.

Aside from the behind-the-scenes footage, also bundled with the pay-per-view subscription of “The Healing: Director’s Cut” are three of Star Cinema’s blockbuster horror films namely “T2,” “Sukob,” and “Feng Shui.”

A masterpiece of Philippine cinema’s ‘Master of Horror’ Chito S. Roño, “The Healing” is about Filipinos deep faith on on faith healers. It will follow the life-changing experience of Seth (Vilma) and the people whom she convinced to get help from the faith healer whom she thought made a miracle to his father.

Also part of “The Healing” are Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Martin del Rosario, Jhong Hilario, Daria Ramirez, Joel Torre, and Pokwang.

Don’t miss to subscribe to the pay-per-view of “The Healing: Director’s Cut” in SKYcable Season Pass from from September 15 to 30 sa pay-per-view ng “The Healing: Director’s Cut” sa SKYcable Season Pass. SKYcable subscribers may simply log on to www.mysky.com.ph or call SKYcable Customer Service Hotlines 381-0000 (Metro Manila, CAMANAVA and Rizal), 520-8560 (San Pedro, Laguna), 049-53428 (Laguna), 046-4844701 (Cavite) and 044-6935877 (Bulacan).

Mario Maurer and Erich Gonzales "Suddenly It's Magic" Behind-the-Scene Photos

Catch here some of the behind-the-scene photos of Star Cinema's much-awaited romantic movie of the year, "Suddenly It's Magic" starring Kapamilya actress Erich Gonzales and Thai superstar Mario Maurer.

Shot in Paoay, Ilocos Norte and Bangkok, Thailand, Suddenly It's Magic also stars Jestoni Alarcon, Ces Quesada, Joross Gamboa, Guji Lorenzana, Cacai Bautista, Dinkee Doo with the special participation of Baifern Pimchanok, Mario's leading lady in the hit movie Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Under the direction of Rory B. Quintos, Suddenly It's Magic opens in theaters nationwide and in Thiland this October.

Joy Viado Caught Shoplifting

Comedienne, Joy Viado was one of the innocent shoppers accused of stealing at a grocery store.

“They wanted to arrest me because I looked like the person in the wanted poster,” said Joy who is more popularly called as Lola Paula in “LUV U”. “Lola Paula was the one accused though, not me. I don’t think I have a look-alike because nobody else has this beautiful face,” the actress said laughing.

The trouble started when Lola Paula (Joy Viado) asked the cousins Camille (Miles Ocampo), April (Angeli Gonzales) and Whitney (Kiray Celis) to accompany her at Cherry Foodarama for some grocery shopping. They would only ask for Rocky’s (Igi Boy Flores) help but the two boys, JB (Marco Gumabao) and Boom (CJ Navato) would follow anyway. Instead of having fun, they will be burdened by Lola Paula’s shoplifting problem.

What will Lola Paula do to prove that she’s not guilty?

Find out in “LUV U” this Sunday (September 9) after “ASAP 2012” on ABS-CBN.

"Nakakasabik na Setyembre ng GMA" Video: Coffee Prince, Sana ay Ikaw Na Nga, Aso ni San Roque and Of All The Things

Know what's instore for you this month of December coming from the largest broadcast company in the country - GMA-7.

Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz Reunite this Sunday

Sarah G. Live is all set to treat TV viewers with a ‘very special’ episode this Sunday (September 9) as the hit love team of Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz reunite in Popstar's solo musical variety show.

Watch out for the romantic duet prepared by Sarah and John Lloyd, who is also the lead actor of Star Cinema’s upcoming film The Mistress. The duet will be followed by Sarah's must-see one-on-one interview with SGL first-timer John Lloyd.

Meanwhile, aside from John Lloyd, award-winning Kapamilya actor Paulo Avelino will also grace SGL as Sarah's guest co-host.

Still with Sarah in the upcoming episode are her resident dance royalty Gab Valenciano, musical director Louie Ocampo, choreographer Georcelle Dapat-Sy, G-Force, and director Erick Salud."

Sarah G. Live! airs at 8:15 p.m. after Rated K on ABS-CBN.

MTV VMAs 2012 Winners Announced

Honoring the best music videos of 2011, the complete list of winners in the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) 2012 were announced on Thursday night, September 6 at Los Angeles' Staples Center Arena in California.

The winners are:

Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco 'Battle Scars' Music Video and Lyrics

Guy Sebastian, the only 'X Factor Australia' judge who keeps on saying that Fil-Australian performer Chris Cayzer has no "x factor at all", releases the music video for his and Lupe Fiasco's latest song “Battle Scars.”

Check out the video below:

Alden Richards Gets Ready for the Cosmo Bachelor Bash

Kapuso teen hunk Alden Richards is getting ready for Cosmopolitan Magazine 2012 Cosmo Bachelor Bash. Alden will hit the ramp along with 68 other ‘bachelors’ in a show-off of beautiful physique happening mid-September.

In fact, he headed for the gym immediately after he and his on-screen partner Louise delos Reyes answered questions from fans online via the GMA Network Live Chat on Thursday, September 6.

The teen actor said in an interview that despite his very busy schedule – he tapes for his soap three times a week and also performs in Party Pilipinas – he finds time to work-out.




Alden also follows a strict diet which restricts him to just fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, Alden contracted amoebiasis last week possibly due to his consumption of raw fruits, which might have been contaminated. He was hospitalized for two days.

Although still recuperating, Alden resumed taping after hospitalization because he did not want to be a cause of delay in the production.

Alden invited Louise to the Bachelor Bash but the beautiful teen actress hasn’t made up her mind yet. Louise, however, admitted that she was fascinated when she saw Alden’s macho physique in the latest issue of a glossy magazine.

Meanwhile, the pair’s primetime series is nearing its finale and viewers are intrigued by how the story will conclude. Although Alden and Louise did not “spill the beans,” they hinted that the finale will surely leave viewers teary-eyed. Now, whether that would be out of joy or sorrow, that’s what they should watch out for.

Alden and Louise, at the moment, do not know what specific projects are coming their way after “One True Love” but they are aware that GMA Network is preparing something for them.

Continue reading HERE.

Penshoppe Welcomes Zac Efron to Manila this September

The country’s leading casual wear brand, Penshoppe, brings to Manila one of Hollywood’s most promising young actors, Zac Efron. Coming straight from the international premiere of his latest movie, The Paperboy, Efron is set to appear in this year’s Penshoppe Fan Conference 2012 on September 29, 2012 at the Mall of Asia Arena (gates open at 6 p.m.).

“As we continue to bring PENSHOPPE to greater heights, this event starring Zac Efron will be our biggest event to date. Team PENSHOPPE is indeed grateful to him for accepting our invitation to visit and meet his fans in the Philippines,” shares Brand Director Alex Mendoza.




For a minimum single receipt purchase of 800 pesos, Penshoppe customers can get FanCon vouchers from the store manager, and exchange them for free tickets at any SM Tickets branch.

Purchases worth 800 pesos entitle customers to General Admissions seats; receipts worth 1200 pesos entitle customers to Upper Box seats; while total purchases amounting to 2,500, 3,500 and 5,000 pesos entitle customers to Lower Box seats, Patron seats and VIP seats, respectively. Penshoppe customers are also given the opportunity to choose pass combinations for every single receipt purchase. All ticket categories are free seating.

Penshoppe branches included in the promo are SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Ayala Trinoma, SM North Edsa, SM Pampanga, SM Baguio, SM Lucena, SM Batangas, SM Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM Davao and SM Cagayan De Oro as well as 10 new stores at Glorietta, SM Fairview, SM San Lazaro, Robinsons Ermita, Ali Mall, Festival Mall Alabang, SM Marikina, SM Manila, Eastwood and SM Southmall.

Ticket redemption is from now until September 23, 2012 so do not miss out on seeing Hollywood’s golden boy! For more information follow @PENSHOPPE on Twitter or like them on Facebook and be part of the brand’s epic 26th year with Penshoppe FanCon 2012.

“Monsters, Inc. 3D” Poster Revealed

Disney/Pixar has just launched the teaser poster for the theatrical, 3D release of the now-classic Academy Award®-winning animated comedy adventure “Monsters, Inc.”

One of Disney•Pixar’s most beloved and visually imaginative feature films ever, “Monsters, Inc.” returns to the big screen to delight a whole new generation of audiences and fans alike, this time in stunning 3D.

The film is set in Monstropolis, a thriving company town where monsters of all shapes and sizes reside. Lovable Sulley (voiced by John Goodman) and his wisecracking best friend Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the largest scream-processing factory. The main power source in the monster world is the collected screams of human children - and at Monsters, Inc., an elite team of scarers is responsible for gathering those precious natural resources.

Believed by monsters to be toxic, children are strictly forbidden from entering Monstropolis. But when a little girl named Boo (voiced by Mary Gibbs) accidentally follows Sulley back into his world, he finds his career in jeopardy and his life in utter chaos. So pals Mike and Sulley plot to rectify the mistake and return Boo to her home. But when the trio encounters an unexpected series of complications, they become embroiled in a cover-up catapulting them into a mystery beyond their wildest dreams.

Directed by Oscar®-winner Pete Docter (“Up”) and produced by Oscar nominee Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), “Monsters, Inc.” will be in Philippine cinemas - again - on January 2013, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Karel Marquez Transforms into an ‘Aswang’ for Third Eye

This week’s Third Eye episode promises to be another nail-biter. An aswang (played by actress Karel Marquez) wreaks havoc in city, terrorizing everyone. It is up to Cassandra (Eula Caballero) and her rag-tag gang to save the city once more.

Karel and Eula are reunited in the episode, having worked together in the critically-acclaimed primetime series Sa Ngalan Ng Ina which was headlined by Nora Aunor.

Speaking of Nora Aunor, fans of the show should stay glued to their screens as this Sunday’s episode leaves clues that will lead to next week’s instalment - an episode that will feature a ‘Superstar’.

Don’t miss the thrilling events on Third Eye, Sunday, September 9, 9:30 p.m. only on TV5.

SIR Shares Stories of Celebrities Who Survived Cancer this Saturday

“Showbiz Inside Report” will share this Saturday (September 8) the touching stories of survival of breast cancer survivor Liezel Martinez, prostate cancer survivor April Boy Regino, and ZsaZsa Padilla who recently underwent a successful kidney operation.

In the episode titled “Hawak Kamay: Mga Kwento ng Katatagan at Pag-asa,” Liezel, April Boy, and ZsaZsa’s daughter Karylle will reveal how they and their family remained strong and hopeful despite the unfortunate incidents. Meanwhile, “SIR” will also feature the ongoing battle of comedian Sammy Lagmay against the complications of his diabetes.

Don’t miss this heartwarming episode of the country’s no. 1 Saturday showbiz-oriented talkshow, “Showbiz Inside Report,” 2:30pm, after “It’s Showtime,” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log-on at www.abs-cbn.com, follow @SIRTVOfficial on Twitter, or like the Facebook fanpagehttp://www.facebook.com/ShowbizInsideReport.AbsCbn.

Fans' Favorite Characters Return and New Faces Take the Centerstage in “Resident Evil: Retribution”

The cast of Columbia Pictures' new, 3D sci-fi action-thriller “Resident Evil: Retribution” includes many faces that will be familiar to fans of the franchise. The filmmakers devised an ingenious way to bring back characters who have met with brutal fates in earlier films, including Michelle Rodriguez’s Rain from the first “Resident Evil,” Sienna Guillory’s Jill Valentine from “Resident Evil: Apocalypse” and “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” Oded Fehr’s Carlos from “Apocalypse” and “Resident Evil: Extinction” as well as Boris Kodjoe’s Luther West and Shawn Roberts’ Albert Wesker from “Afterlife.”




“It’s exciting for us and, we hope, for the fans to have these actors and their characters back,” says writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson. “It was a unique opportunity to work with everyone again. For instance, I’ve always wanted to work with Michelle Rodriguez again, but we shot her in the head in the first movie, which seemed to preclude bringing her back.”

But anything can and often does happen in the Resident Evil universe. “The world of the Umbrella Corporation is constantly evolving,” says producer Don Carmody, “Just as you think you’ve stopped them, another tentacle emerges.”




Anderson kicked off “Resident Evil: Afterlife” with an army of Alice clones, which provided him with the inspiration he needed to bring back favorite characters. “Once we introduced cloning, it really kick-started the idea of characters returning,” Anderson says.

But the cloning concept also adds a new layer of intrigue to the storyline. “The audience will wonder, ‘is that person really Carlos? Is that person really Rain?’ It’s very much in keeping with the world of gaming, where everything can change in a heartbeat.”

Milla Jovovich relished the idea of her character reuniting with so many of her friends and foes from the previous films. “People really became invested in these characters,” she says. “When Paul figured out how to bring everyone back, we all got really excited. There’s a lot of illusion versus reality in this movie and it will take people by surprise. It was amazing to have everyone back together again.”

In the original “Resident Evil,” Rain Ocampo, played by Michelle Rodriguez, was a member of the Umbrella special commando unit. A skilled marksman, Rain and her team were dispatched to contain the infection after the outbreak by any means possible. But after Rain was infected with the deadly T-virus and transformed into a zombie, she was killed.

Rodriquez was thrilled when Anderson called to say they had found a way to bring her character back to life. “I’m really happy to be back,” she says. “I didn’t think there’d ever be a possibility of bringing back my character. But there’s always an open window when you’re dealing with science fiction. The possibilities are endless. I’m really happy we have a director who is so creative.”

Also returning is the character of Jill Valentine, played once again by British actress Sienna Guillory. A former police officer who aligned with Alice against the Umbrella Corporation in “Apocalypse,” Guillory was last seen ordering the killing of all remaining survivors - including Alice - at the end of “Afterlife.” “Jill is being controlled by Umbrella now,” explains Guillory. “She’s a good girl trapped in a bad body. And she’s a real baddie in this film.”

Guillory was delighted to return to the world of Resident Evil, as well as to work with Jovovich and Anderson once again. “On these films, you’re part of a team and the support is incredible,” she says. “Milla is the most giving actress to work with and Paul has a limitless imagination. I felt like I had come home.”

Oded Fehr, familiar to audiences as Carlos Olivera, a member of the Umbrella forces special commando unit in “Apocalypse” and “Extinction,” also plays dual roles in the film. Fehr says that his return to the franchise makes perfect sense. “If you can have a hundred Alices, why not have more Carloses, Ones and Rains?” he asks. “There are so many twists and turns that it’s going to be a blast. And it was great to be reunited with the ‘family’ from the films I did earlier.”

Boris Kodjoe is also back as Luther West, a strong, confident ex-pro athlete discovered barricaded inside a prison with a small group of survivors in “Afterlife.” Luther and Alice shared an immediate connection, forging an allegiance based on mutual respect. During their escape from the prison, Luther was attacked by zombies and is presumed dead by Alice and the others. “They had an amazing partnership in the last movie,” the actor says. “But she believes that he’s gone and it’s a nice surprise for her to find out he’s not. When they meet again, there’s obvious relief on both sides, as well as excitement that they are going to embark on a new adventure.”

Returning as the film’s larger-than-life villain, Umbrella Corporation chairman Albert Wesker, is Shawn Roberts. Virtually indestructible as a result of being infected with the T-virus, Wesker seems to be evil incarnate. “Wesker is probably the biggest villain from the games and definitely a fan favorite,” says Anderson. “We blew him up with an atom bomb in the last movie, but even that was not enough to keep him down.”

Playing an unrepentant scoundrel is an actor’s dream, according to Roberts. “Albert Wesker will not to stay in the background. He’s decided to take top position. I rule the world and it feels pretty good to be sitting at the top.”

Aside from the returning characters, the filmmakers introduce elements of the games that are most popular with hardcore gamers. “We pay a lot of attention to what they say,” says writer-director Paul W.S. Anderson. “We listen to their feedback. That’s why the dogs and the Lickers are in the franchise. It’s why Jill joined the franchise. For “Resident Evil: Retribution,” we have added the characters of Leon Kennedy, Barry Burton and Ada Wong. People were clamoring for them.”

The gamers’ enthusiasm for those characters meant the filmmakers had to be especially meticulous in selecting the actors who would embody them on screen. “We took a long time with the casting process,” Anderson adds. “We found actors who brought these characters to life in a way that is as close to the video game as possible. You have no idea how difficult it is to find someone who could carry off Leon Kennedy’s hair. He had to be to be manly and have those long bangs.”

“I think the parts of Barry, Leon and Ada are perfectly cast,” says producer Robert Kulzer. “The actors have captured the essence of what people love about their videogame characters, but at the same time, have made the roles completely their own.”

Anderson chose Estonian-born actor Johann Urb to bring the key character of Leon S. Kennedy to life. Urb calls his character “a zombie-killing machine. He is a survivor and the leader of the resistance. Things have gotten really dire and we all have to team up to survive.”

Urb says he loved the idea of playing an action hero. “The character is a real dream for me. He’s strong, confident, a great leader, and he gets to shoot zombies. He’s lot of fun and it makes it easy to wake up each morning and step into his shoes.”

To bring the role of Barry Burton to the screen, the filmmakers tapped Canadian-born actor Kevin Durand. Familiar to audiences for such roles as Gabriel in “Legion” and Martin Keamy in the hit television series “Lost,” Durand embraced the opportunity to play the cigar-chomping zombie fighter. “It really wasn’t a difficult decision,” says Durand. “Burton’s kind of a Dirty Harry type of character that carries a big .44 Magnum and is really good at killing zombies. How much fun is that?”




Another character drawn directly from the game is the mysterious and deadly Ada Wong. The filmmakers selected award-winning Chinese actress Li Bingbing to embody Wong’s strength and intelligence, as well her ambiguous loyalties.

“We knew as soon as we saw her audition that Bingbing was the perfect choice for the role,” says producer Jeremy Bolt. “In addition to being an extremely talented actor, she’s sharp, sexy and smart - all qualities that the Ada Wong character had to have.”

Li was honored to be chosen to play the alluring assassin. “Resident Evil is a well-known game in China and Ada Wong has a lot of fans there,” she says. “When Paul invited me to play the part, I think the fans were as excited as I was.”

The most daunting component for Li was not the extensive stunt work, but having to speak her lines in English. “At the beginning, I was very self-conscious,” she admits. “I thought that if I just didn’t open my mouth, I wouldn’t make any mistakes. But as I got to know everyone better, I became more comfortable. And I was relieved to find that nobody laughed. In fact, they said ‘oh your English is amazing!’ They made me feel like I was part of a very cozy family.”




Opening across the Philippines on September 12, “Resident Evil: Retribution” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Maggie Grace Follows the Footsteps of Liam Neeson in “Taken 2”

Hit action director Olivier Megaton heats up the action arena with twice the thrill, action and carnage in the upcoming sequel “Taken 2” where the first movie cemented Liam Neeson as this era’s most relatable action hero being a family man keen on saving his daughter at all cost from human trafficking.




From the first movie where his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) had been abducted by a cartel of human traffickers, “Taken 2” now follows Bryan Mills and his family at Istanbul where the father of the cartel’s leader is out to avenge his son killed by Mills during his daughter’s rescue. With Mills and his wife abducted this time, Kim tries to save them at breakneck speed taking cues from his father’s infallible timely instructions to track them down.

At the helm of the movie is director Olivier Megaton who was born Olivier Fontana – Megaton being his artistic name that fitted right into the mix of a new wave of action directors. Megaton started working on a number of TV and short projects and eventually teamed up with Luc Besson where he wrote and directed the film “Exit.” It was then followed by the crime thriller “The Red Siren” and continued to work in the production of the game-adapted movie “Hitman.” After the success of “Hitman,” he was then offered to direct “Transporter 3,” which went on to become the highest-grossing film in the “Transporter” series.




In the first movie Bryan’s a guy with nothing to lose. He's divorced and he's lost filial relations, but all that changed when his daughter was kidnapped. “Taken 2” takes it in a whole new platform where Bryan’s got that relationship back and he's even flirting with his ex-wife (played by Famke Janssen). Director Megaton notes that “ It's almost cheesy, but that makes him all the more human at the beginning of the movie because he's not thinking about his training; he's thinking about his family. He's a little less strong, less robotic. He's a little less lonely, and he has some hope in this one. This hope is initially lost because when he tries to have lunch with his wife, he lets trouble in. He would never have invited Kim and Lenora to Istanbul before because he was working and he wasn't sure something could happen. It's sweet and at the same time it gives the character some more humanity. I think this is the little difference that makes the movie more interesting.”

Megaton confirms that “Taken 2” they detoured from the action sequel’s formula, “Bryan Mills is exactly what people are looking for. You realize that you can change the formula, you don't have to stick to it, but what's important is the character. The fact that this guy has a daughter and she's becoming like him was really the brand new thing in Taken 2. Suddenly Kim becomes something different - a real action character. At the end of the first movie she's trying to rebuild her life, she tries to fall in love - the classic American girl - but she has been impacted by what's happened to her. These dark memories arrive suddenly and it makes her different, allowing her to become an action hero like her father. That was the real trick of Taken 2,” assures the director.

“Taken 2” in theaters nationwide on October 4 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

CBN Asia Revealed Dulce's Unsung Story on "Tinig"

From singing to acting, “Asia’s Diva” Dulce is now opening the pages of her closed-book life to the public in a stirring made-for-TV movie.

What remained hidden from many is the OPM star’s painful journey towards stardom. From being a sexually-abused singer who wanted to make a name for her family, to being a battered wife who wanted nothing but love and acceptance, the world-class singer bares it all in "Tinig," another inspirational production by CBN Asia (Christian Broadcasting Network Asia).

Famous for her rendition of “Ako Ang Nasawi, Ako Ang Nagwagi,” Dulce found the song true to her life as she looked back at all her mistakes, struggles, beginnings, and victories. With a successful singing career back in the ‘70s, no one would think that happiness, fame, and success eluded the diva for some time.

Undeniably, her exceptional singing prowess is one of the most sought-after performances in and out of the country during her time. Even more today, with back-to-back theater and TV performances and singing engagements, Dulce proves she can still go head-to-head with younger voices.




Tinig will showcase Dulce’s growing-up years as an amateur singer, played by former child actress Isabella de Leon, while Kapuso singer-actress Frencheska Farr will portray an adult Dulce struggling from her distraught life on and off camera.

Don’t miss Tinig on GMA’s Sunday Night Box Office, September 30, 2012 at 10:30 p.m. Written by Icko Gonzalez and directed by Derrek Adapon. For updates, LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OfficialTinig or use #OfficialTinig on Twitter.


Tinig - Trailer:




Continue reading HERE.

Artista Academy Scholars Set to Invade Hong Kong

The students of Artista Academy are definitely one lucky group. Not only are they vying for the biggest-ever total prize of P20 Million in the TV5 artista search, they are also given the opportunity to fly to Hong Kong and perform for the Filipino community in a much-awaited grand event to be held at the Hong Kong Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre over the weekend.

Sponsored by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, the event is in line with the celebration of the milestone achieved by the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) campaign, which garnered 10,000 registered absentee voters in Hong Kong last month. The Artista Academy students are set to showcase their talents and introduce themselves to the thousands of overseas Filipinos who will attend the spectacular program.

The Artista Academy Top 16 have come a long way since they were chosen among thousands of showbiz aspirants who filled the SMART Araneta Coliseum in the one-day massive auditions held last June 19. Through their extensive training at the Asian Academy of Television Arts (AATA), they have learned to hone their talents and exude more confidence in everything they do.

During their recent courtesy call to the office of TV5 Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, the students impressed the renowned business magnate with their good looks, wit, and charm. They asked intelligent questions that ranged from MVP’s secrets to success to his expansion plans for the network, which the chairman readily answered. TV5 President and CEO Atty. Ray C. Espinosa, EVP and COO Roberto B. Barreiro, and Creative and Entertainment Production Head Perci M. Intalan were also present to answer the students’ questions about the network’s identity and the management’s plans for Artista Academy.

MVP praised the Artista Academy students’ dedication in honing their talents and proving themselves worthy of being TV5’s next stars. “I think it is important that we have talents who will be truly known as TV5 talents. We want to create loyalty, dedication and commitment to the station in the long term. So if you’re committed to us, we are committed to you,” MVP advised the Top 16.

The TV5 chairman extended his well wishes to all the Artista Academy students, saying that he looks forward to seeing them succeed in their respective ambitions. “It’s good that they are young and so into life, and they are intelligent. I wish them a good future with TV5. In many aspects, they represent the future of TV5 and our goal is to provide them the opportunity to shine as new talents of Philippine TV and film industry,” he shared.

Continue reading HERE.

Jennifer Lopez Live in Manila on November 26

Singer/dancer/actress and former American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez is coming to Manila on November 26 to stage her Manila leg of "JLo Dance Again World Tour" at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.


Ticket Prices:

VIP – P26,000
Patron (Reserved seating)- P18,720
Patron Standing – P15,000
Lower Box A – P18,720
Lower Box B – P15,000
Lower Bix C – P10,400
Upper Box – P7,800
General Admission – P2,600

For ticket reservation, you may call 470 2222 or visit http://smtickets.com.

Continue reading HERE.

Heart Evangelista and Bianca King Enter 'Luna Blanca Book 3'

Beginning September 10, Kapuso prime actresses Bianca King and Heart Evangelista headline GMA Network’s original drama, Luna Blanca, as they breathe life to the adult characters in the story’s third generation.

As the series enters its third book, Bianca as the dark-skinned Luna and Heart as the fair-skinned Blanca will continue the journey of the twin sisters in discovering their ancestry and, at the same time, fulfilling their personal destinies.

In this generation, Luna and Blanca’s relationship will be tested after being trapped in a love triangle with Joaquin, whose character will be portrayed by Mark Herras. The sisters are in love with the same man, but Joaquin is smitten with Blanca from the moment he laid eyes on her.

The sisters continue to live separate lives. Blanca stays with Luis and endures Divine’s ill-treatment, while Luna takes care of Rowena who is now under the spell of Devolas/Diego.

Playing equally important roles in the last phase of the series are the characters associated with Luna and Blanca including seasoned actor Christopher de Leon as Luis, drama actress Lani Mercado as Rowena, Carmi Martin as Divine, Carlos Morales as Devolas.

How will the separate lives of Luna and Blanca affect their relationship? When the time comes and their paths cross again, will the sisters be able to reconnect with each other? Now that Joaquin is back, will Blanca find the strength to fight for their love without hurting Luna? How much is Blanca willing to sacrifice for Luna’s happiness?

Will Luis be able to save Rowena from the hands of Devolas and Divine? Will Luis and Rowena succeed in having a second chance at life and love?

Under the direction of Dominic Zapata, catch Heart Evangelista and Bianca King in Luna Blanca weeknights right after Aso ni San Roque on GMA Telebabad.

Get the latest updates about Luna Blanca from its official facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/LunaBlancaGMA), twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/GMALunaBlanca) and the GMA Network website (www.GMANetwork.com).

‘Walang Hanggan’ is the Undisputed Number 1 Primetimeserye for 8 Consecutive Months

After eights months since its premiere, Philippines’ phenomenal TV drama “Walang Hanggan” continues to rule the ratings game as it remains the no. 1 TV program in the country for the month of August.

Based on the latest data of Kantar Media, the drama series starring Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, Susan Roces, Helen Gamboa, Julia Montes, and Coco Martin garnered an average national TV rating of 37.9%.

And to show his appreciation for their fans’ undying love for “Walang Hanggan,” Coco, along with other Kapamilya stars, will fly to Bicol this Saturday (September 8) 4pm, at Plaza Quezon, Naga City, to celebrate the Peñafrancia Festival. Don’t miss “Walang Hanggan,” weeknights, after “Princess and I” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For more updates, log-on to http://walanghanggan.abs-cbn.com/, ‘like’ http://facebook.com/abs.walanghanggan, or follow @walanghanggan_ on Twitter.

Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez Reunite in Star Cinema Valentine Movie

Long before she finish shooting her Star Cinema produced MMFF movie entitled "One More Try" opposite Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes, Angel Locsin already announced that she is also set to do another movie under this ABS-CBN film outfit which will mark as a reunion project with her longtime and original loveteam Kapuso actor Richard Gutierrez.

The said movie, which title is still unknown, will be released as a 2013 Valentine offering of Star Cinema.

Angel and Richard first worked together as a partner in GMA-7's highly successful fantaserye "Mulawin". Their strong tandem was tested through several hit movies produced by Regal Films and GMA Films like "Mulawin: The Movie," "Let The Love Begin," "I Will Always Love You," "Mano Po 5," and "The Promise".

Continue reading HERE.

‘Pepito Manaloto’ Returns on September 16

GMA Network is bringing back the well-loved family sitcom Pepito Manaloto to Filipino homes beginning September 16, Sunday night right after Imbestigador.

Pepito Manaloto, Ang Tunay na Kuwento is different from the previous season. It is a stand alone show that follows the ordinary life of an ordinary person who was blessed with extraordinary luck.

This original family sitcom is top billed by Asian TV Best Comedy Actor recipient Michael V. as Pepito Manaloto. The show also stars Manilyn Reynes as Elsa Manaloto, Angel Satsumi as Clarissa Manaloto and Jake Vargas as Chito Manaloto.

Playing equally important roles are John Feir as Patrick, Ronnie Henares as Tommy, Mosang as Baby, Janna Dominguez as Maria, and Arthur Solinap as Robert. Completing the cast are the new characters who will make the lives of the Manaloto family more interesting – Jessa Zaragoza as Deedee and Nova Villa as Mimi.

Pepito Manaloto and his family’s rags to riches experience earned them a TV show, but because they thought it didn’t reveal the true story, they had the TV network responsible to scrap it. Instead, they came up with the idea to show exactly what goes on in the Manaloto household by having a camera crew film their lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The merry mix of characters of Pepito and his wife Elsa, their children Chito and Clarissa, their house help Patrick, Maria, Robert, Baby, and their neighbors Tommy, plus the mother-daughter tandem of Deedee and Mimi, will bring more color to the life story of Pepito Manaloto.

These different characters surrounding Pepito will definitely make his life a lot more interesting.

Follow the ordinary yet real life story of Pepito Manaloto as it premieres on September 16 and will air every Sunday right after Imbestigador on GMA Sunday Grande.

Continue reading HERE.

Star Magic Catalogue 2013 Photo Outtakes