Amazing Jing for Life: john lloyd cruz

‘A Second Chance’ tops weekend box-office in the Middle East, gets extended weekend run in U.K. Vue cinemas

The Box Office King and Queen John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo during the victory blogcon held at the Star Cinema conference room in ABS-CBN compound.

Long lines at the theaters in Dubai

REDWOOD SHORES, CA, DECEMBER 7, 2015 – The portent of things to come in December for ABS-CBN Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) happened when ABS-CBN President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio announced last November 20 at the Q & A with Filipino actor Piolo Pascual at Asia Society Museum that for the first time, Filipino films have broken into Europe’s mainstream film circuit with the carriage of TFC@theMovies’ A Second Chance by Vue Entertainment, a leader in the premium entertainment cinema sector in the UK. Vue International is the world’s largest cinema group outside of the U.S.

On December 5 and 6, ABS-CBN achieved a Philippine cinema historical first when A Second Chance was screened on Vue West End Leicester Square, Vue Westfield Stratford City, Vue Shepherd's Bush, Vue Birmingham Star City and Vue Leeds The Light.

The main cast of "A Second Chance" ( Bea So, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Ahron and Janus Del Prado) with direk Cathy Garcia-Molina after the movie's presscon held at Dolphy Theater

The result? “The management of Vue was so pleased with the turnout for this Filipino movie that they decided to extend its run for another weekend,” shared ABS-CBN EMEA Managing Director Kai V. Rodriguez. “This is an achievement that Filipinos around the world should be proud of. A Filipino film just had the honor of being shown at Vue Cinemas and moreover, was given an extended weekend run on December 12 and 13! We just made history.”

But the celebration for ABS-CBN EMEA does not stop there.

In the Middle East, A Second Chance started showing on December 3 in 21 theaters in UAE, five in Qatar, two in Kuwait, three in Bahrain, and two in Oman. After opening day, ABS-CBN EMEA received a congratulatory note from Gulf Films Chief Executive Officer Selim El-Azar for a record-breaking opening day at the box office, adding that the movie was on pace to become the top grossing film in the weekend. It eventually did, surpassing the box office takes of Hollywood films last weekend.

TFC Europe and Middle East News Bureau Chief Danny Buenafe interviews Filipinos who watched "A Second Chance" at Vue Cinema in London. (TFC Europe Facebook)

“The UAE comprises 85 percent of the movie theater market in the Middle East. But more than that, just as Variety reported three days ago, it has earned a reputation as the international hub for different types of productions, especially hi-tech ones. On the other end, in more conservative Middle East countries where alcohol is forbidden and there are no night clubs, cinema is the public’s favorite form of entertainment. Thus, it is very clear how important the film industry is in the region. For a foreign, English-subtitled Filipino film like A Second Chance which just focuses on relationships with no special effects or gigantic million-dollar production budgets and casts, to achieve the milestones we just did proves the strength in numbers of the Filipino market here and the growing international appeal of Filipino films that transcends cultural and language borders. To me, that is both the story and opportunity behind all this,” said Rodriguez.

To check the movie schedules of A Second Chance in Europe and Middle East, visit https://www.facebook.com/TFCEurope/ and https://tl-ph.facebook.com/TFCMiddleEast

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Posted in: A Second Chance, a second chance in uae and uk, a second chance main cast, A second chance movie, Bea alonzo, blockbuster movie, box office king and queen, john lloyd cruz, TFC | Posted by : Amazing Jing Javier

Zanjoe Marudo: "The Main Man" of the New Era of Comedy

"The Main Man" himself, Zanjoe Marudo during pocket presscon of "Bromance: My Brother's Romance"

Some tagged him as the "Prince of Comedy," direk Wenn Deramas even described him as the "Adam Sandler" of the Philippines but after witnessing the overwhelming success of his launching movie, "Bromance: My Brother's Romance," at the tills, bagging 50M on its first week and still counting, I wanted to recognize Zanjoe Marudo as "The Main Man" of the new era of comedy. And yes, he deserves and has every right to be labeled and treated that way. To date, this is considered to be Skylight Films' highest grossing film.

I know Z (Zanjoe) is not that comfortable with the titles being tagged to him, like what he said during the movie's pocket presscon held yesterday at the Star Cinema conference room, "Isang pelikula pa lang eh, parang masyado namang mabilis na magkumpara agad sa ibang tao, sa mga malalaking tao. Mahirap 'yung ganun eh, s'yempre sila marami na talagang napatunayan and maraming pinagdaanan. Ayoko naman na hindi magpasalamat sa mga ganung klaseng puri, sa mga ganung klaseng sinasabi kasi dapat maging masaya ako kung ganun 'yung nakikita nila. Ayoko ding ipasok sa ulo ko kasi baka mamaya magka-attitude na 'ko," he humbly said.

After the effective gay portrayal of Zanjoe in Bromance movie, he doesn't mind being typecasted in such roles he said, "Hindi naman, kung ganun ang gusto nila eh di ganun ang ibibigay ko, kung panonoorin ba nila eh, kasi kung di naman, di naman siguro gagawa ng ganung klaseng pelikula (he laughs)." Another proof of his professionalism and versatility was when he was asked to have a quick but funny "butt exposure" in this film, no questions was asked, no but's and if's, he just said to the their A.D. (assistant director), "Kahit ano sabihin mo, gagawin ko dito." Zanjoe even jokingly said, "Lucky charm yata 'yun eh."

Once again, a film that was worth watching would never slip the theory of the "word of mouth." It is just so powerful than any other marketing strategies, once it had sink in to the moviegoers, no one and nothing could stop its "viral" spread, on a positive note huh! No negative reviews or unpleasant criticism about the movie was posted, published, shared, twitted or submitted. And talking about worth watching, Z could never forget this one positive comment he had encountered, he cheerfully shared, "Ang pinakanatamaan ako sa mga nabasa ko, 'yung sinasabi nila na sulit. Kumbaga worth it 'yung bayad, biruin mo maglabas ka ng pera para panoorin lang ako, parang ang sarap-sarap ng dating. Namasahe pa 'yan, kumain pa 'yan. Ngayon ko lang naman nararamdaman 'yun kasi nga ako naman 'yung gumaganap dun sa pelikula."

Zanjoe is also thankful to his "Banana Split" family, for being so supportive, wherein he is a mainstay at this Kapamilya tv sitcom. After Zanjoe's participation at the reality program PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) Celebrity Edition in 2006, he had done the tv sitcom "Aalog-alog" with fellow ex-PBB housemates Keana Reeves (big winner) and John Prats along with Pokwang and another ex-PBB housemate, Jason Gainza. This was followed-up by "Parekoy," in 2009, another Kapamilya tv sitcom wherein the friendship between Zanjoe, John and Jason got even stronger. Then came "Banana Split," Zanjoe was the very first male guest of the all- female cast that includes Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes, Angelica Panganiban, Valerie Concepcion, Roxanne Guinoo and RR Enriquez and because direk Bobot (Edgar Mortiz) believed in his capabilities, and encouraged him to venture into comedy, he then became one of the show's mainstays together with John and Jason in Banana Nite and Banana Split Extra Scoop.

Zanjoe received a lot of praises and good comments about his stellar performance in Bromance movie. Everyone in the whole cast was given their fair chance and well-fitted spot in the movie. The Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) writes, "The casting is excellent, Zanjoe Marudo is a revelation, as he essayed both his roles with great versatility. "Bromance: My Brother's Romance" is a good vehicle for him to display his range. This was his best movie-- his performance was commendable and effortless-- and it's the perfect launching for him." Compliments also go to of course, direk Wenn Deramas for his outstanding direction and to his co-writers Ayz De Guzman and Danno Kristopher C. Mariquit.

Another X factor of the film was the cameo roles of the biggest celebrities like Kris Aquino, Bea Alonzo, Vice Ganda, John Lloyd Cruz and Ai-Ai de las Alas, who've been very supportive of their friend and co-actor's launching movie.

Given the opportunity to choose for his next movie, Z would still prefer doing comedy roles. Another thing he shared to us during the pocket presscon was his admiration to the 7 year-old child actress/host Ryzza Mae Dizon, whom he hasn't met yet personally, he admitted. Zanjoe also hopes to do a film like "Jack," a 1996 Robin Williams movie wherein Williams played the role of Jack Powell, a boy who ages four times faster than normal; Z finds the role very challenging. And for those who are asking and anticipating for Bromance's international showing, it was already been confirmed that it will be shown in Guam and they are still working on other areas abroad so watch out for it!

Lastly, what could a Zanjoe Marudo has to say after the successful turnout of his launching film, "Bromance: My Brother's Romance? "So ngayon, pag sinasabi nila na sulit, parang di mo sinayang 'yung pera nila, di'ba, parang lesson din sa 'kin. Simula ngayon, tuwing gagawa ako ng pelikula, bawa't eksenang gagawin ko, iisipin ko, hindi magsisisi 'yung tao, iisipin ko 'yung tao na manonood na at least hindi masayang man lang 'yung pera nila," he exclaimed. Very well said Z, good luck on your next project and may you have a blooming career and lovelife at the same time. Congrats!

(Click here for related article.)

Please watch Zanjoe's video thanking everyone for all the support

More exclusive pics of Zanjoe here.

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Posted in: Ai-Ai de las Alas, Bea alonzo, Bromance blockbuster, Bromance total gross, john lloyd cruz, Kris Aquino, vice ganda, Zanjoe happy, Zanjoe Marudo's bromance, Zanjoe thankful, Zanjoe's successful Bromance movie | Posted by : Amazing Jing Javier

A Story of Love and Responsibility.... “The Mistress”

Love begins with Attraction...

Love is fueled by Desire...

Love takes on Risks...

Love comes with Pain...

Great Love comes with Hope.

These are the running taglines from the most awaited romantic- melodrama movie of the year....

“The Mistress.”

Wife or mistress, husband or lover, boyfriend or girlfriend, friends or enemies, I guess everyone’s been expecting and so excited in watching this Star Cinema’s newest offering. Helmed by no other than Ms. Olivia “Inang” Lamasan, and penned by one of the celebrated screenwriters of our time, Ms. Vanessa Valdez, this film marks as Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd’s comeback project as a love team on screen since their last partnership two years ago, via the movie “Miss you like Crazy.”

“The Mistress” not only celebrates the 10^th year anniversary of “John Lloyd-Bea” tandem, but according to direk Olive, it also marks her 10th film directorial job, as well as Vanessa’s 10^th screenplay, so they’re celebrating a Triple 10, would you believe? :)) Congratulations to all of you! Completing the powerful cast, the lead stars were also joined by Ms. Anita Linda, Carmi Martin, K Brosas, Tony Mabesa, Gabe Mercado, Minnie Aguilar, Nor Domingo and child star Clarence Delgado.

John Lloyd and Bea during "The Mistress" Blogcon

Expect more striking, peculiar and phenomenal exchange of lines between the characters, Regina, The Wife played by Ms. Hilda Koronel; Rico, The Benefactor played by Ronaldo Valdez; JD, The Lover played by John Lloyd and Sari, The Mistress played by Bea. Driven by their maturity, and by the demand of the story, this film is Bea and John Lloyd’s most daring role to date!

Watching the movie’s teaser, Bea was quoted as saying, “Walang babaing pinangarap maging kabit!”

So true, so real... but has it ever crossed your mind, why do these women still engage into a relationship where in fact they know very well that they don’t own and doesn’t have any right to the man they’ve fallen in love with? The only thing that these women can occupy is a little “space” in their man’s heart. Nevertheless, being in love doesn’t proved just and right if it’s considered illegal, stolen and unsolicited.

But no offense meant to anyone huh, this film doesn’t judge anyone. And you really can’t put all the blame on the mistress alone. It really takes two to tango. During the blog conference, Bea even shared what her mother used to tell her, “You cannot seduce a happy husband.” I couldn’t agree more with that! In this present and modern world, oftentimes, the so-called “straight” men are predominantly empowered by liberated and persistent women, agree?

“The Mistress” entails us a love story in different angles. This is not created to justify Sari’s means or any of her personal reasons. This film is made for us to realize and spend some thinking that, being in love doesn’t only include attraction, desire, risks and pain... we must not exclude that, apart from those feelings, there’s always a corresponding responsibility...and that all of us must face whatever consequences there might happen. But the good thing is... at the end of the day, we should never fail to anticipate that there’s always hope.

Never miss this one-of-a-kind love story! Showing in 200 theaters nationwide!

Please follow Star Cinema on twitter and log on to www.abs-cbn.com for more updates and details.

Let's watch and listen to what Bea has to say on
"Why married men still seek for other women?"

Posted in: abs-cbn, Bea alonzo, benefactor, hilda koronel, john lloyd cruz, love, lover, new movie, now showing, ronaldo valdez, star cinema, The Mistress, wife | Posted by : Amazing Jing Javier

"UNOFFICIALLY YOURS" IS TRENDING OFFICIALLY!!!

People are always talking about “status,” whenever, wherever, everywhere and anywhere. Turning the focus on social media networks, it’s always the posted or shared “status” of a particular person that is most of the time, discussed, argued, well-commented and generates reactions from various groups.

But getting more hooked by it, how would you state your present relationship status? And that question was brought up and was directly answered by the cast of Star Cinema’s Valentine offering, “Unofficially Yours,” starring John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin, showing today, February 15.

Direk Cathy Garcia-Molina hoped to be “In a relationship,” mode but still has no “Valentino” for her, while John Lloyd claimed that he is “In a relationship” as everyone expected and it’s “official,” with no other than, Shaina Magdayao; meanwhile, the microphone had finally reached Angel’s end, and she was all blushing and dumbfounded at first, while JL (John Lloyd) who was seated beside the gorgeous actress, teasing her. At last, Angel had managed to answer and she uttered it’s “unofficial.” A follow-up question was again, poked to the rumored girlfriend of Azkal football team star player, Phil Younghusband - if she’s happy being in an “unofficial” relationship.

Direk Cathy talking about her "status" while being watched by John Lloyd and Angel during "Unofficially Yours" presscon

John Lloyd on his status: "In a Relationship"

Angel Locsin on her status: "It's Unofficial"

Angel with Phil (photo credit: jejermons.info)

The star of “Unofficially Yours” who plays Princess “Ces” Bricenio in the story, a lifestyle senior reporter, grinned and replied, “yes.” She thinks that it’s not the “status” that really matters, according to her, what is important is the love and respect that they have for each other. I guess basing from Angel’s gestures and aura, she is indeed happy; it really reflects I suppose.

On the other hand, John Lloyd who plays Mackie Galvez, a practicing dentist and an upcoming blogger who gets an offer to write for a major broadsheet in the story, couldn’t agree more with what her leading lady has stated, he said, as long as they’re both happy and secured with their (Angel and Phil) feelings, that alone can surpass almost everything.

Ever since I’ve heard about direk Cathy Garcia-Molina and seen her projects, I’ve been an avid fan of her; I am so fascinated by her works and her personality per se. This is the first time for her and Angel to work together, whereas this film is JL and Angel’s first big screen project after their “Imortal” teleserye.

I’ve learned that Angel was so surprisingly daring in this movie, with the movie’s theme, we could expect “hot” love scenes from the two leading stars.

And when JL was asked, what can he say about Angel’s body, Angel was so hideous in saying, “Patay tayo diyan” hehehe :-)

The mood was so light and joyous that afternoon and John Lloyd’s comment was “Ang masasabi ko sa katawan ni Angel, sobrang sexy!”

Then when Angel’s turn to rate JL’s body, the latter demanded that he should be rated from 1-10, with 10 being the highest, Angel jokingly answered, “Okay, I’ll give you 10, 10 out of 100 hahaha.” But Angel was so quick in following up by saying she gives JL a perfect 10 - that scenario really brought the house down, actually.

Angel to John Lloyd: "I'll give you 10, 10 out of 100!" :-))

Looks like JL was feeling "kilig much" inside hehe

Direk Cathy discloses, “It’s still a love story! Iba man ang paraan ng pagkukuwento namin dito, at the end of the day, it still talks about love, it talks about how beautiful love is! How better it is to love than not having love at all!” Awww, I love you direk, I can see myself in you. ;)

I know for myself that, there’s really something to find out and expect for from this movie, I’d like to prove that after watching this movie, anybody who’s into the “unofficial” status, would finally decide and declare that their relationship will be finally confirmed as “official!” Why not? It’s an amazing world, after all.

Here's the FULL TRAILER of "UNOFFICIALLY YOURS"