#UAAP82 Semis: Baby Tams Returns To Finals

The FEU-FERN Baby Tamaraws are back in the finals after they trounced the third seeded Adamson Baby Falcons, 78-65.

The Baby Tams scored an early 24-17 lead in the opening quarter and extended it to a 43-31 advantage at the end of the first half.

Going to the second half the Baby Falcons were able to cut the lead down to single digit but the Baby Tams were able to bounce back in the final period and started to pull away.

Penny Estacio top scored with 18 points, Mark Padrones had 14 points, Jorick Bautista had 11 points.

Cholo Anonuevo added 14 rebounds, while Patrick Sleat had 13 rebounds.

PBA D League 2020 Aspirants Cup Schedule

Check out the 2020 edition of PBA's Developmental League starting this March 3

PH Embassy in Germany Co-hosts FDCP's Philippine Cinema Night in Berlinale 2020

With the Berlin International Film Festival or Berlinale underway, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)  Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño gladly announces FDCP's partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Germany for the forthcoming Philippine Cinema Night. A Filipino contingent’s trip to an international film festival is incomplete without the Philippine Cinema Night which showcases the Filipino films, filmmakers, and delegates to international partners and stakeholders so that they may network, connect, and partner for future collaboration.

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Ma. Theresa “Tess” Dizon-de Vega remarked, “The Philippine Embassy looks forward to developing strong collaboration with the FDCP in raising the profile of our film industry in Germany, a global center for innovation in film and visual  arts, during the annual Berlinale. Through sustained Philippine film programs in cooperation with FDCP and German institutions, we hope to introduce more German filmmakers, creatives, producers, and distributors to unique voices in Philippine Cinema.”

Previous Philippine Cinema Nights have resulted in Filipino filmmakers interfacing with festival programmers and representatives of foreign production companies, which led them to widen their audience by bringing Filipino films to other countries. Such is the aim of this year’s Philippine Cinema Night that will also celebrate the achievements of Filipino participants in Berlinale 2020 and commemorate the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema.

Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and Philippine Ambassador to Germany Ma. Theresa “Tess” Dizon-de Vega with representatives from FDCP and Embassy of the Philippines in Berlin

International guests of the event will not just be introduced to Filipino films and talents but will also get a taste of the country through the showcase of Filipino cuisine. Catered by Ayan Filipino Streetfood Restaurant which is based in Berlin, they will be treated to classic Filipino dishes like adobo, longganisa, tocino, and turon together with a selection of Filipino liquor like Don Papa Rum and Manille Liqueur. It will be held on February 24 at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Germany.

Three Berlinale 2020 titles have Philippine representation: “Death of Nintendo” by Raya Martin, Alex Piperno’s “Window Boy Would Also Like to Have a Submarine” co-produced by Armi Rae Cacanindin, and short film “Filipiñana” by Rafael Manuel. Meanwhile, the German entry “Orphea” is co-directed by  Alexander Kluge and Filipino Khavn. 

The Berlinale Co-Production Market has selected “Boldstar” by Antoinette Jadaone while the Berlinale Talents training program has chosen director-editor Celina Marie Donato and producer Gale Osorio. Alemberg Ang, Anne Prado-Magadia, Gutierrez Mangansakan II, and Carlo Valenzona are part of the Berlinale Co-Production Market Visitors Programme and “Whether the Weather is Fine” by Carlo Francisco Manatad is among the Berlinale World Cinema Fund recipients.

The Berlinale is among the Big Three A-List international film festivals together with Venice in Italy and Cannes in France. It boasts of screening more than 400 titles and has awarded British theater and film actor Jeremy Irons as president of the International Jury. Now on its 70th edition, the Berlinale runs from February 20 to March 1. 

Cover photo: Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and Philippine Ambassador to Germany Ma. Theresa “Tess” Dizon-de Vega

Paulo Avelino teams up with Janine Gutierrez in T Rex Entertainment's "Ngayon Kaya"

Teaser of Paulo Avelino-Janine Gutierrez starrer Ngayon Kaya unveiled

T-Rex Entertainment—the studio behind film festival favorites such as the laugh-out-loud comedy Patay na si Hesus (from Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018) and the moving romantic drama Open (from PPP 2019)—has just released the official teaser of their newest film entitled Ngayong Kaya, starring Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez.

Directed by Prime Cruz and written by Jen Chuaunsu (Isa Pa With Feelings, Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B), the romantic drama is about two friends, Harold and AM, played by Paulo, and Janine, respectively, college buddies who were more than friends but less than lovers who are reunited after being apart for five years.

With Janine’s character AM uttering to Paulo’s character Harold the line “Ang tagal na nating magkaibigan, puwede na ba?” Ngayon Kaya is an ode “to missed prospects and second chances, to heartbreaking failures and innocent dreams, and to finished endings and new beginnings.”

For updates about the film, visit the T-Rex Entertainment Facebook page.

#UAAP82 Updated Volleyball Tournament Schedule

Two weeks after the postponement and cancellations of games for the second round of the 82nd season of the UAAP, the league has announced that the league is coming back and will officially begin the second round this February 28.

Meanwhile, the Volleyball tournament is set to debut this March 3, yes that's a Tuesday, to make amends with the lost days of the Tournament due to the COVID-19. Games will still be played at either MOA Arena or Philsports Arena and the format of will be applied (The men's and women's team will play consecutively right after each match).

For the full schedule of games check the photo posted below:

CONSEQUENCES OF A MODERN DAY CHEATER: US AGAIN (2020)

Photo taken by Mark Anthony Bautista

Us Again Premiere Night last February 24, 2020 at SM Megamall

Us Again is Regal Entertainment's post valentine offering this 2020! It stars RK Bagatsing and Jane Oineza as couples whom entered a forbidden relationship, broke up then went back in each other's arms again, for at least. From the title itself, you can expect a storyline about a reconciliation or a film about giving second chances but actually, it is far more than what this film offers. Ghosting is the biggest and visually evident subject you will see in its entirely and I don't want to spoil you that much with regards to it. Watch the film, go back to this blog and tell me that I am right about how big is ghosting in the film.

The movie also features Jin Macapagal who is a newbie in the industry yet proved that he can handle such an intriguing role in a very versatile way. Sarah Edwards who plays the role of RK Batagsing's boyfriend yet betrayed by a hidden relationship from her own best friend, Jane Oineza, did an acceptable portrayal which at some point felt inadequate or needs a little more practice though still worked fine especially in its concluding hour. In addition, other casts felt like an add-on and aren't necessary for the build-up of the story, as for me. If you've watched past films of RK Bagatsing, his acting is as is here in Us Again. Nothing new aside from his role of course as an actual painter and art enthusiast. Personally speaking, Jane Oineza's acting was one of the saving grace of this film. She has evolved and her skill was the emotion you can feel from her very eyes which is devastating and heart-felt at the same time especially whenever she delivers a powerful line. 

Story wise, Us Again fails to connect with the audiences in its first hour when the characters are introduced. It is slow and quite cliché. The revelation and the resolution are the most exciting parts of this film. Though the huge twist seems like a photocopy of the 2017 local film starring Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga, still they added small elements to make it unique even just for a little bit.

Technically speaking, the color grading is not fit for the mood of the story while the original soundtrack is a must everyone should listen to. On a lighter note, Us Again may not have an unpredictable and shocking twist but the way it is executed, it is entertaining enough for you to recommend it to your closest friends. As such, struggles of being a medical student, forgiveness and the value of friendship are some of the deeper messages you would attain from the film which can be a great factor as to why Us Again is still worthy of your time and money.

Us Again is a stepping stone notably breaking the rule of common love stories.

Us Again is directed by Joy A. Aquino and is now showing nationwide!

(Be sure to come-in early before the movie starts rolling for the highly anticipated trailer of The Missing by Regal Entertainment is exclusively shown to Us Again film viewers.)

BEYOND THE DRUG WAR AND EJK: WATCH LIST (2020)

WATCH LIST SHOULD LITERALLY BE ON YOUR WHAT TO WATCH FILMS THIS 2020

Photo taken by Mark Anthony Bautista

Watch List Premiere Night last February 18, 2020 at SM Megamall

The plot is simple, a story about a couple whom are both past drug users and is currently in the process of moving away from the addictive life. The husband was shot dead afterwards by unknown killers, now the wife takes full responsibility of taking care of their 3 children as the breadwinner and also to seek justice for the sudden death of his husband. She asked helped from the police to solve the case but instead of the justice she desires, she got involved in the dark world of the drug war.

Everyone in the cast portrayed their role flawlessly even up to the small cameos. The foundation of the story is Maria and was played by the impressive Alessandra de Rossi. I have no doubt in all of the recognitions they got from numerous international film festivals for the cast alone did well of narrating such sensitive themes.

"Hindi titigil ang mga gumawa nito sa asawa mo, kung hindi natin sila papatayin"

I don't know if this is the correct exact line but this thought is one of the most striking message I got from the film. Unlike any other film, it unravels the truth behind the current drug war of President Duterte and the politics behind the biggest drug lords in the country which we are unaware of in a much lighter but more purposeful story telling . Moving forward to its last scene, it may appear plain but it is indeed a powerful cap-off worthy of an applause.

Watch List was directed by the American director Ben Rekhi. Who would've thought that all of the elements and the details about the drug war and extra judicial killings was visually executed in a way that it will convince you it is a locally directed film. Prepare for a heart-pounding journey that will take you to the edge-of-your-seat!

If Erik Matti's BuyBust opened your eyes, Ben Rekhi's Watch List will take you beyond and behind the unseen. 
Watch List by Reality Entertainment is now showing nationwide! 

WATCH OUT FOR WATCH LIST

Watch List: a truly international film with a universal message about love for family

Opening in theaters across the nation on February 19, 2020, is Watch List, a film starring Alessandra de Rossi as a mother who will do anything to protect her family. Directed by American-Indian filmmaker Ben Rekhi from a screenplay he co-wrote with Rona Lean Sales, Watch List tells the story of a woman whose husband is killed and must now take on the role of family breadwinner and protector.” Ben declares, “It’s a very human story. At its most basic, it’s about the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children.”

The deeply moving film is the result of the partnership of top-caliber artists from the Philippines and from abroad. 

Watch List stars a formidable all-Filipino cast composed of Alessandra de Rossi, Jake Macapagal, Art Acuña, Lou Veloso, Jess Mendoza, and Angeli Bayani with Micko Laurente and Timothy Mabalot.

The Hollywood-based director reveals he cast actors that not only fit their roles but could also carry the depth of emotion. He was very impressed with everyone and singled out Alessandra, Jake, Art and Micko. “I was very fortunate,” he says of his cast. “Alessandra’s talent is something I’ve never seen before. Jake, who is very well known in Hollywood for his work in Metro Manila, brought a level of intensity that is going to surprise people. Art Acuña is also a force of nature. One of the breakout performances is Micko Laurente who plays Alessandra’s teenage son. I think he’s just going to absolutely break people’s hearts.”

Ben’s collaborators in the project include executive producer Anjay Nagpal, who served as co-executive producer of Joker, international cinematographer Daniella Nowitz, and award-winning Filipino production designer Ericson Navarro.

Watch List has made the rounds of many international film festivals, namely the Deauville American Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Bahamas International Film Festival, International Film Festival of India, Nashville Film Festival and Mill Valley Film Festival. It recently won the Most Disturbing Fiction Film Award at the 2020 Tournai Ramdam Festival in Belgium.

At these screenings, viewers were so affected and roused to tears. Ben relates his experience with a Filipina who watched at the world premiere at the Seattle Film Festival. Ben says, “She stood up after the screening and started crying. She said, ‘I grew up in these neighborhoods, and I’ve never seen them portrayed like this before. It’s so real.’”

Ben is dedicating Watch List to the Filipinos in front and behind-the-scenes who helped him make the film. He says, “As an outsider, I worked very, very hard to tell an authentic and truthful story. It is my deepest hope that this story resonates with the Filipinos who were so gracious to us.”

Photos above are taken from the press conference of Watch List last February 13, 2020.

Watch List

Opening in cinemas this February 19, Watch List, starring Alessandra de Rossi who portray the role of a mother that will do anything to protect her family. Directed by American-Indian filmmaker Ben Rekhi, from the screenplay of he co wrote with Rona Lean Sales. Aside from Alessandra, Watch List also stars Jake Macapagal, Art Acuña, Lou Veloso, Jess Mendoza, and Angeli Bayani with Micko Laurente and Timothy Mabalot. 

Watch List tells the story of a woman whose husband was killed and must now take over the role of her family's breadwinner and protector. 

Jinky Amores Contract Signing

Reality Entertainment acquires rights to parapsychologist, Jinky Amores’ book

Reality Entertainment has acquired the rights to the book by parapsychologist Jinky Amores, which chronicles her life — from her childhood days when she realized her gift of telepathy, to her present vocation as a full-fledged counseling psychologist/therapist who can communicate with spirits and also unlock keys to mysterious crimes.

Reality Entertainment—the production company behind trailblazing movie hits On

The Job, Honor Thy Father, Buy Bust—made the announcement at the contract- signing event with Jinky Amores and Reality Entertainment’s Ronald Stephen “Dondon” Monteverde and Erik Matti.

The film based on the book will be directed by Erik Matti and will star Judy Ann Santos.

 The new film project will reveal Jinky Amores’ struggle to accept her God-given

mission amid personal tragedy and the desire to continue helping people through her unique abilities.

Shawarma Shack gives help to victims of Taal Eruption

For almost a month now the Taal Volcano in Batangas has been unstable, following a phreatic explosion last January that displaced thousands of families living within the vicinity of the crater lake leaving them with no food, no water, and shelter. And as always aside from the help coming from the National and Local Government, inlfux of help also poured in from private individuals and companies, one of them is popular food store, Shawarma Shack. 

Shawarma Shack has been known for their very affordable buy one, take one shawarma has given relief goods to over 1000 families, particularly in the city of Tanauan. The initiative came from the wife of Shawarma Shack founder Walter Buenavista, Patricia who grew up in Tanuan and has relatives in the city. 

Shawarma Shack visited and gave aid to 170 families relocated to La Consolation College, 70 families at Daughters of Mary Immaculate School, 89 families at Tanauan Local Government Unit Evacuation Center, 120 families at Tapia Elementary School in Barangay Trapiche, 98 families at Jesus is Lord Christian School, 45 families at Tanauan City College, 250 families at Pamahalaang Sentral ng Hilagang Tanauan, 98 families at Ulango Elementary School, and 92 families at Pantay Bata Elementary School. 

#UAAP82 Juniors Basketball Semifinals and Finals Schedule

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With the National U Bullpups sweeping the elimination round a stepladder semi finals will begin this February 12. 

#UAAP82 Juniors Day 14: Baby Tams ends elimination at 12-2, Bullpups goes straight to the finals.

After a valiant run in the fourth quarter, erasing a huge 32 point lead, the FEU Baby Tams still succumbed to the NU Bullpups 73-80.

The Baby Tams were down 40-71 at the end of the third period, but going to the fourth quarter the Baby Tams charged back with a 33-9 run in final period though posting an almost upset they weren't able to mount a complete comeback as time ran out.

Patrick Sleat led the Baby Tams with 17 points, Penny Estacio added 12 points, while Mark Padrones had 11 markers in this game.

With NSNU sweeping the elimination round they now go straight to the finals and establishing a step ladder semi finals with Ateneo and Adamson battling out to face twice to beat FEU.

Sarah Brightman Hymn Tour in Manila

For the first time in more than 15 years, the world’s most successful and best selling soprano Sarah Brightman will bring her Sarah Brightman – HYMN in Concert – World Tour 2020 to Manila on June 10, 2020 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Presented by Wilbros Live and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Of the tour, Brightman says fans should “expect the unexpected!” HYMN in Concert – World Tour has toured five continents throughout 2018 and 2019 with over 125 shows. To enhance her world of enchantment, Sarah Brightman has partnered with Swarovski on her world tour. Her elaborate costumes and dazzling tiaras will be composed of Swarovski crystals.

Sarah Brightman unveiled her much-anticipated fifteenth full-length album, HYMN, on November 9, 2018 (Decca Gold/ Universal Music Group). This marks the multiplatinum GRAMMY® award-nominated classical crossover pioneer’s first new studio recording since she released the international chart-topper Dreamchaser in 2013.

“I’m so excited to share this album with everyone. HYMN is excitingly eclectic, encompassing many different styles, and I'm looking forward to performing the new songs on my world tour. Every project I’ve done has come from an emotional place, and I wanted to make something that sounded very beautiful and uplifting.  To me, ‘hymn,’ suggests joy — a feeling of hope and light, something that is familiar and secure, and I hope that sentiment resonates through the music,” said Sarah Brightman.

Known for her three-octave range and for pioneering the classical-crossover music movement, Sarah Brightman has amassed global sales of more than 30 million units. The only artist to have simultaneously topped Billboard’s dance and classical music charts, Brightman has racked up more than 180 gold and platinum awards in over 40 countries. She is also known for her iconic star turn in The Phantom of the Opera, whose soundtrack has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Her duet with Bocelli, “Time To Say Goodbye,” became an international success selling 12 million copies worldwide. Brightman’s albums Eden, La Luna, Harem, and Symphony were each chart-topping Billboard hits and accompanied by world tours. Additionally, Brightman has performed at such prestigious events as the 2007 Concert for Diana, the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. 

Tickets to Sarah Brightman – HYMN in Concert – World Tour 2020 in Manila goes on-sale on Saturday, February 1 at 10AM via TicketNet.com.ph, TicketNet outlets nationwide or Call 8911-5555 for more information.

#SarahBrightmanMANILA2020Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @WilbrosLive

#UAAP82 Juniors Day 13: Baby Tamaraws repulsed tough Tiger Cubs

The Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws secured their 12th straight victory against the tough Tiger Cubs 81-73.

The Baby Tams had a tough battle with the Cubs as the Cubs kept control early in the game at 18-15. Although the Baby Tams were able to bounce back in the second period tho the half ended tied at 39.

The second half still went tight for both team, but the Baby Tams were able to pull away late in the final period.

Penny Estacio top scored for the Baby Tams with 19 points, Cholo Anonuevo added 13 points and 11 rebounds, Patrick Sleat had 13 points as well, and Jorick Bautista scored 10 points.