"The Healing" Movie : The freedom to choose... and life's consequences

        

Let us all admit, aside from consulting to different medical practitioners, engaging into various laboratory tests and going to the clinics or hospitals, Filipinos somehow, would really result into getting the services of an "albularyo" to perform "healing" sessions. In some ways or another, we also keep this "option" within us that sometimes we ask their help to do some rituals like "tawas" and other "healing-related" activities. I guess this is all part of the Filipino culture that we tend to believe and somehow establish faith to these so-called "faith healers." My question is, "Are we ready and aware of its consequences?" 

I guess it's high-time that we get to witness and watch a new brand of suspense, horror and drama movie being brought to us by Star Cinema, entitled "The Healing." Incidentally, the said movie was graded A by the MTRCB and has granted it a double rating (R-13 and R-18); the first time to happen in the history of Philippine Cinema. This is also the first time that a very delicate theme like this was tackled in-depth in local film. 

Still gorgeous as ever @36 :))

The "Star for all Seasons" and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, lead star of "The Healing" was so elated on the ratings they've received for the movie, she said direk Chito Rono really fought for that, so the moviegoers would have the freedom to choose between the two options. More choices, more audience will be captured. :)) Isn't it amazing?! 

Gov. Vilma Santos (center) flanked by writer Roy C. Iglesias (left) and direk Chito S. Rono 
during "The Healing" Bloggers conference held at ABS-CBN ELJ Bldg.

On the other hand, award-winning writer Mr. Roy C. Iglesias couldn't be happier when his story was approved since this was really tailored-made to the "Star for all Seasons." Gov. Vilma Santos have been hoping and dreaming for this kind of movie, she said, "I've been asking Chito for so long for something like this and I'm so glad that it's finally happening. With the undeniable top caliber of Star Cinema, Direk Chito, and our award-winning cast, how can I go wrong?" 



The whole cast of "The Healing"

In honor of Vilma's 50th anniversary in showbiz, Star Cinema gathered an all-star highly acclaimed powerhouse cast composed of Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang! The legendary actress can only say nothing but high praises and flattering remarks about her co-stars who were equally professional and brilliant in their own crafts.

Gov. Vilma was very friendly and accommodating. She really made my day! Thanks so much and love u Gov.! Batangas is so "lucky" having someone like you! :))

Ate Vi, as she's fondly called before she became Lipa's Mayor for three consecutive elections and eventually got elected as Governor of Batangas in 2007, plays the role of Rosette Angeles, a very simple woman who's only prime motive is to help her family and friends suffering from ailments and various illnesses. Of all these changes and turn of events in their lives, what could possibly happen next? 

Don't let all your curiosities ponder, have it answered! Do watch this newest masterpiece from the film master himself, direk Chito S. Roño, Vilma's very first ever suspense horror movie, "The Healing."


Please watch this video to enlighten you about the movie's double rating R-13 (censored version) and R-18 (director's cut) as Gov. Vilma Santos talks about it during their 
Bloggers Conference. 


For more updates on "The Healing," simply visit Star Cinema web page or like The Healing and
 Star Cinema on Facebook and follow @StarCinema on Twitter.


Roy C. Iglesias, Gov. Vilma Santos and direk Chito S. Rono were all smiles after their "bonding" with the bloggers. :))
Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

Sacha Baron Cohen... A Hilarious Dictator


Want to bust your belly with laughter? (I did!), then this definitely is the right movie for you!
Sacha Baron Cohen of Borat fame comes back with another hilarious portrayal. ( if you enjoyed Borat then this is a must see for you). This time by being the ruler of the  Republic of Wandiya, an oil rich country supposedly situated somewhere in the Middle East. So naturally, he is a very rich and politically powerful dictator of his country known as Admiral General Shabazz Aladeen. (notice the over ranking of his title position).

The story starts basically showing his dictatorial style of ruling his country. From participating and using dirty tactics to win in his own olympic games to the further ambition of developing his own nuclear weapons. Hence, the attraction of opposition in particular from the USA to the United Nations in general. And the plot thickens with a twist of fate and timely punchlines. Sorry but I don’t want to spoil your appetite for this movie so better watch it yourself!

Although politics played several parts in this story to open our minds, it is simply done just to further enhance the comedy aspect of this film. You don’t have to seriously swallow in everything they may want to suggest but instead allow the comic side to take over.

Before I forget, there are parts in this story that is maybe somewhat gross in nature for other people. But in general, if you just want to laugh your hearts out, then by all means go ahead and fully enjoy this HILARIOUS movie. (don’t tell me I didn’t warn you, hahaha).

Personally would like to thank the management of Solar Entertainment Corporation for giving me this wonderful opportunity to watch the advance screening of THE DICTATOR. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Don't miss THE DICTATOR. Pretty sure you’ll not regret it!

Here's one of the Official Trailers of The Dictator

















Posted in: , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

Queen Sofia of Spain supports the fight against hunger in the Philippines





Her Majesty Queen Sofia of the Kingdom of Spain (leftmost) listens intently as Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman (third from right) and United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Country Director Asaka Nyangara (rightmost) jointly brief her regarding emergency relief and rehabilitation activities mounted in response to Tropical Storm Sendong. The presentation was made during Queen Sofia’s visit to the Climate Change Academy in Bicol province earlier this month. With Queen Sofia was Spanish Secretary of State for International Cooperation Jesus Gracia (third from left).  


The Kingdom of Spain, through its Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacionalpara el Desarrollo (AECID) or Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, is a major donor to the Philippines and strongly supports the fight against hunger and malnutrition in the country. Since 2009, Spain has given over USD4.5million (Php190.6 million) to support various WFP programmes, implemented in close partnership with DSWD,  that help ensure proper nourishment for children and pregnant and lactating women who have been displaced by conflict in Mindanao, as well as for relief and rehabilitation of communities affected by natural disasters.
           


Photo Credit: WFP/Mei Nebreja/Philippines




Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

My "Great Northern Sale" Ultimate Shopping Adventure



Looking for the ultimate bargain in the city? Guess what, I just got so lucky I even jumped for joy because I've found it just right here, at the "Great Northern Sale" in SM City North Edsa which is ongoing 'til tomorrow, July 15, 2012. :))

Going back to my previous post, I've mentioned there that I am a self-confessed shoephoric (shoe addict), and so as expected, I'll be hunting for shoes, shoes, shoes! But here's a story that I'd like to share with you... before leaving home, my mom had noticed and appreciated my white blouse. She had also expressed her "gusto" of having one similar to mine. 

As soon as I've reached SM City North Edsa by around 2:30 pm, the first 3 levels of the carpark area were so full, so we had to look for few slots remaining at the 4th level, indeed, this was a very good indication that we'll be expecting a huge crowd. :))


Part of the crowd that had rushed to avail the major discounts at the
"Great Northern Sale"

I went inside SM department store to check for my mom's white blouse and I was so surprised by what I've seen... 

OMG! I want! I want! :P

It's happening, it's true! It's real, everywhere you look, there are major discounts even up to 70%, here are some proofs...

G2000 was so generous in taking off 70% from the original price, yes! 


Shopaholic offers 50% off, whoa!


I was really excited to use my SM Gift Pass :))


Check this out peeps, Canadian Club apparel, it's
 "Your Choice" for only P150.00, isn't that great?

Finally, after searching and hunting for this "special" blouse which I've promised to my dear mom, I found the "one!" And look! This was such a fabulous find, from P979.75 it trimmed down to P475.00, that's more than 50% huh! I would not let go of this! Yay! 

Vivant blouse for my mom ;))


You do the judging, they looked similar, right? hihihi All my time and efforts had been paid off, I was just so happy having found this, according to the pretty and friendly saleslady, this was their last stock, so that would only mean... it was really MTB (meant to be, hehe). It felt like finally discovering the treasure you'd been searching. I told myself, I would never give up and it was really worth it! Once again, I've proven that if you are strong-willed, patient and optimistic, nothing is impossible. 

Mom, this one's for you, mission accomplished! 

Do you think my "Ultimate Shopping Adventure" ends there? Oh no, I would never leave SM department store without checking out its Parisian collections... we're talking about shoes now, baby. :)) 


Take 50% off for Parisian shoe collection

I grew up with this brand. SM department store started as a shoe store founded by Mr. Henry Sy, the "Retail King" and is still considered as the richest businessman here in the Philippines according to Forbes Asia. Having been lived here in Manila ever since, our whole family used to visit the very first SM department store located in Quiapo built in 1972; it was part of the expansion of Mr. Henry Sy, due to the success of his shoe store in 1958. Since then, SM (Shoe Mart) has established its own name in the shoe industry having Parisian as its carrier shoe brand. `

This was Shoe Mart's (SM) first head office located in Quiapo
 (photo courtesy of karmalente.wordpress.com)

Moving forward...

Fitting a comfy Parisian pair of shoes, this was really a wise buy huh, see? 
I'm gonna buy this one too! 


Thumbs-up! Bought a blouse for my mom and a new pair of shoes for me at a great deal! :))


Time check, 4:15 pm, still have time to dine and check out the restaurants here. Hmmm... guess I could try and use the Free Gourmet Card of SM City North Edsa. Please check my previous post on how to avail this. 

We decided to dine in at Burgoo located at the The Block, 2nd floor


Would you believe, got this whole order of Buffalo Wings for free with any food purchase, oh yeah!

I suggest that you try using the Free Gourmet Card and get special discounts and freebies from all the participating restaurants at SM City North Edsa. 

Time check: 5:30 pm. The fun, excitement and adventure never really stops when you're here. My next agenda would be "The Block Fashion Show" which I also previously posted. Hope you could check it here and read about the "Strike a Pose" promo as well. 

Gorgeous models in their fabulous outfits 

After the spectacular fashion show, me and my blogger-friends posed for some photos. Actually, we intend to join the "Strike a Pose" promo ;)) 

with the sassy Cha Sy 


Cha Sy, Mac Vasquez and of course me hehe 

Stylish Florencio Jusay Jr. (FPJ)


The pretty Ria Hazel Lumandog


"pwede na ba?" hihi 



Time flies so fast especially when you're having fun. I can never forget my ultimate shopping adventure here at SM City North Edsa. Valued experiences, fab finds, lavish dining, spectacular fashion experience and priceless bonding, is there anything that we could ask for? I say we have every reason to jump for joy! Oh well, you better get on your feet and head on to this one AMAZING place. It's this place called SM City North Edsa. 


www.sm-northedsa.com

Special thanks to Azrael Coladilla of www.azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com and of course to SM North Edsa




I dedicate this blogpost to you Mama, I love you more than you'll ever know. 
Take note: She loves the white blouse *-) *-) wink, wink 






































Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

Cast hopes to do "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw" Book Two




"Some good things never last." The cast of "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw" had exactly experienced and proven this among themselves. It was my first time to attend a teleserye finale presscon wherein the whole cast and crew of the said hit tv series were all teary-eyed and up to the extent of shedding tears like   what happened to the very versatile actress Ms. Eula Valdez.

According to Eula, they always have wonderful moments during tapings. "My relationship with my co-stars really became very personal, to the point that we share stories about our own families. The whole cast and even the staff are sensitive to each other's feelings that's why if we're making jokes about each other, nobody gets offended," she said.

The "teary-eyed" Ms. Eula Valdez

We're referring to another ABS-CBN's Kapamilya Gold hit teleserye "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw's" finale episode this afternoon. The original writer Mr. Salvador Royales even expressed his awe and high praises to the cast's performances and also considered Nikki Gil as the next Cherrie Gil based on the impact of her acting which was a "big revelation" as Ms. Eula Valdez and the rest of the cast echoed upon that impression. 

Mr. Salvador Royales during the presscon

Just to inform you dear readers, Mr. Salvador Royales was the scriptwriter of "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw," which was originally intended and created for a movie under Seiko Films sometime in 1990 played by main cast, Ms. Susan Roces (Eula's role); Sheryl Cruz (Empress' role) and Jennifer Sevilla
 ( Nikki's role). 

On the other hand, the beautiful and very talented Empress Schuck received high praises and comments from her co-actors. According to them, Empress deserves everything but the best and hoping for a more successful career in showbiz since she has a pure heart and a very loving daughter as well. Empress shared, "I've learned so much from veteran actors in the show. I think even if I'm not part of "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw," I'll still be proud of it because of its great story and well execution on TV."

The "slimmer" and glowing Empress Schuck during the presscon


The lovely Nikki Gil also expressed, "I've learned a lot not only about acting but also many other things about myself. I'm very thankful to be given the chance to work with senior stars in "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw" because they've taught me a lot about being an artist and being a person."

Pretty face Nikki Gil


One of the tv series directors, Rechie A. Del Carmen was quoted as saying, "Ito 'yung show na walang problemang nabuo." 

I could imagine the tight "bonding" that occurred between these people... they were all even clamoring for a Book Two of the said teleserye, it sounded like a joke but I guess most of the jokes being uttered is always half-truth. 

During the presscon, I asked a hypothetical question to the two stars, Ms. Eula Valdez and Nikki Gil if what they wish to do if "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw," (if the world will come to an end), the two actress were very generous and candid enough to share us their answers. Please check out their videos: 


Let's hear it from Ms. Eula Valdez


Nikki Gil shares...

Please don't fail to watch "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw" finale episode today after "It's Showtime," over Kapamilya network. You may also follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter. 


















Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

FREE GOURMET CARD at the "Great Northern Sale!"


From July 12-15, customers are entitled to a FREE Gourmet Card when they register at the redemption booth located at the 2nd floor of The Block. Then, from July 13-August 15, simply present your card upon ordering in participating restaurants to get special discounts and freebies!

So If you want to enjoy your all-time favorite restaurants even more, get a Gourmet Card now!


Fun, Excitement and Opportunities never really ends at the

 "Great Northern Sale!"


Major Discounts Everywhere You Look! Get the most exclusive deals on all brands, stores and dining places only at SM City North EDSA's

GREAT NORTHERN SALE
July 13-14-15

Up to 70% off on selected brands!










Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

The Great Northern Sale Fashion Show and Strike a Pose Promo!



As promised, here's another blog update about the highly anticipated "Great Northern Sale" happening this July 13, 14 and 15, 2012 at SM City North Edsa. 

Experience SM City North Edsa's the "Great Northern Sale Fashion Show" on July 13 at 6pm at The Block Atrium. 


But wait! Here's another treat for you peeps, starting today, July 9, 2012, SM North Edsa is having a "Strike A Pose" photo contest where you can win shopping GC by sending your strike a pose photo this #greatnorthernsale



Here are the Mechanics:
1. Take a photo of yourself with "Strike a pose" infront of the giant 
Great Northern Sale shopping bag in SM City North EDSA or any place within the mall.

2. Upload and post your photo entry to your Facebook wall (make sure your post is set to public in order for us to view it)

3. Send your Facebook permalink URL entry here in our contest thread

4. Contest will start on July 9-15, 2012

5. Strike a Pose entry with the most stylish and wow factor photo will win the shopping GC 

6. Winner announcement will be on July 16.

good luck and happy #greatnorthernsale !


About the Great Northern Sale:
See how wild things can get at Great Northern Sale!

Major Discounts Everywhere You Look! Get the most exclusive deals on all brands, stores and dining places only at SM City North EDSA's "GREAT NORTHERN SALE" on July 13, 14 and 15, 2012. 
Up to 70% off on selected brands!

Check out TVC of the "Great Northern Sale" 








You better strike a pose now peeps, let's go to SM City North Edsa! 










Related links to "The Great Northern Sale" 

The Most Awaited Great Northern Sale is Back!

FREE GOURMET CARD at "The Great Northern Sale!"












Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

“BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART”: You Can Take It Just Don’t Break It




We’re now very familiar with ABS-CBN’s newest offering in Prime-Tanghali, “Be Careful With My Heart” teaser wherein Jodi Sta. Maria (Maya Dela Rosa) plays a “nanny” to Mutya Orquia , youngest daughter of Richard “Papa Chen” Yap (Richard Lim) in the story and Jodi was instructing Mutya to say “I Love You Daddy” to Richard and as he reciprocates the gesture, he embraces his daughter while uttering “I Love You” and purposely looking towards Jodi’s direction and the latter’s “sweet smile” was so effective that it gained tons of “kilig” factors to the viewers.

Mutya Orquia, Richard "Papa Chen" Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria

And with that particular scene alone could lead us into conclusion that, it is a romantic, light drama, comedy and “feel-good” teleseries which can happen in real life huh, believe me, because I’ve known a couple of similar stories happened with one of our relatives who had married their “kasambahay or yaya” and the other instance happened to my grandma’s best friend who has captured her “kuya’s” (employer) heart and then eventually got married too. Hay, truly love knows no boundaries, right peeps? It is indeed amazing!


She's so stunning!

The stunning Jodi expressed her excitement towards this new project she was quoted as saying “Espesyal sa akin ang “Be Careful...” dahil ito ang unang seryeng bida ako. First time ko din na makakasama si Richard.” She even added, “Natutuwa ako sa role ni Maya at sa mismong istorya kaya tinanggap ko kaagad nung in-offer ito sa akin.” The versatile actress plays a provincial lass who dreams to become a flight stewardess for her to help her family out of poverty.
Jodi further shared that she is quite positive that Maya’s tale will win the hearts of the afternoon viewers because of the “good vibes” that she brings in the story. She’s very assertive that others will be surely inspired by her character as Maya for she’s very optimistic and considers everything can be done and that nothing is impossible.


The heartthrob "Papa Chen"

On the other hand, “Papa Chen” as he is popularly known for his very first appearance in another triumphant teleserye, “My Binondo Girl,” wherein he played Kim Chiu’s father, was equally excited for their new tv series since this would be his first drama where he plays the leading man. He shared, “Widower ako dito na nahirapang palakihin ang mga anak dahil busy din sa negosyo kaya kakailanganin ko ng tulong. It’s more of an unexpected love story. Maraming “kilig” moments na dapat abangan and I’m sure maraming makaka-relate dito.”

Richard Yap plays Richard Lim and Jodi Sta. Maria plays Maya Dela Rosa in the story

The two leading stars of “Be Careful With My Heart” were asked to describe each other during the newest tv series’ presscon held at Dolphy theater, “Papa Chen” said, “I’ve seen that she’s a very intelligent and very strong woman, we have a lot of things in common din kaya nagkakaintindihan kami, and she’s a very fine actress so, I admire her a lot for all these things that she has accomplished as an actress and a person as well.”
Jodi’s reply was, “Hindi mahirap pakisamahan si Richard, and nakikita ko rin naman sa kanya ‘yung willingness n’ya matuto sa work, ‘yung pagmamahal n’ya sa ...kumbaga new found love n’ya ‘tong trabaho na ‘to eh, ‘yung professionalism nandoon sa kanya tsaka, para kaming partners nito eh pagka kunwari sa mga promos, or kahit sa isang eksena pinag-uusapan namin kung anong gagawin namin, kumbaga nag-aalalayan kami.”

Please watch the Stars of "Be Careful With My Heart" reveal their First Romances



Be ready to fall in love... check out this one-of-a-kind teleseries that starts today, July 9, 2012 at 10:45 a.m. weekdays, before “Showtime.”  This is brought to us by the same group who created “Mundo Man Ay Magunaw,” which is slated to end this Friday incidentally :((


The whole cast of "Be Careful With my Heart"

‘Be Careful With My Heart” is directed by Jeffrey Jeturian and Mervyn Brondial. Jodi and Richard is joined by other actors namely Aiza Seguerra, who plays a mother for the first time (would you believe?!), Kute (kuya and ate) to Maya, Sylvia Sanchez is Teresita who plays their mother and the comebacking veteran actress Ms. Divina Valencia is Mamang who plays their “bingi” grandmother so you could now imagine how fun and enjoyable this new teleseries is, right? Other stars in this tv series include another comebacking actor Robert Ortega, Ms. Gloria Sevilla and newcomers Jerome Ponce, son of former actor Jessie Delgado; Janella Salvador, daughter of singer Juan Miguel Salvador and Jenine Desiderio and child actor JM Ibanez.

“Be Careful With my Heart,” you can take it just don’t break it.... to whom would you address this line?

Need I say more? Hahaha


Peace "Mama Chen" (Mrs. Melody Yap, the very lovely and supportive wife of Richard) :)) 

For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndot.com on Twitter. 
Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :