A Parent's Love for A Child in the Spectrum in "Love Child" on Cinemalaya XX.

How far can a parent's love for their child will bring them? This Cinemalaya XX, Regal Films and Southern Lantern Studios is proud to bring a film by Jonathan Jurilla entitled "Love Child". 

Starring real life couple, Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing. "Love Child" tackles the story of a young couple, Ayla (Oineza) and Paolo (Bagatsing) their journey in raising their son, Kali (John Tyron Ramos) who is in the autism spectrum. 

Director Jonathan Jurilla dedicates this movie to his son, Oyen, who was also diagnosed to be in the spectrum. The movie raises awareness of how difficult and challenging it is to raise a child with special needs in our society today. 

"Love Child" will premiere on Cinemalay XX on August 2 to 11, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Greenbelt, Trioma, Market! Market! and UP Town Center. 

Watch the trailer here:

Update: "Love Child" is set to have a commercial release this August 28 in cinemas nationwide.

Venezuela's Sergio Azuaga wins Man of the World, PH's Kenneth Cabungcal placed second.

 

Despite the ravaging caused by Typhoon Carina in Metro Manila, the show must go on for the 6th Man of the World Pageant that was held at the Winford Hotel & Casino in Manila last July 26 where Venezuela's Sergio Azuaga was crowned as the newest Man of the World, besting 22 other candidates from different countries. 

Sergio, a 19-year-old model who captured the hearts of Filipino pageant fans early in the competition succeeds last year's winner Jin Wook Kim from South Korea who wasn't able to come at the coronation due to the inclement weather condition. 

PH's Kenneth Cabungcal finished in closely as first runner up, while another crowd favorite Gwen Jegouzo of France placed as second runner up. Puerto Rico's Fernando Padin was named as third runner up and wrapping up the top 5 is Ecuador's Sebastian Mora. 

Sue Ramirez, Barbie Imperial, Battle for Survival in How To Slay A Nepo Baby this July 31.

  

A Nepo Baby usually got a negative connotation for kids of people who got into the same field where their parents excelled, a product of nepotism, always got the advantage, always have the privilege. 

This July 31, Sue Ramirez and Barbie Imperial leads a pack of Nepo Babies in the upcoming suspense-thriller produced by Viva Films and Happy Infinite Production entitled "How to Slay A Nepo Baby". The premise of the movie starts with a group of spoiled nepo babies went to Sagada, the group is led by Ada(Ramirez), her influencer boyfriend, J (Naia Ching), their model friend Bella (Chaye Mog), and their wealthy Spanish twin friends Kel and Sho (Phil and Ralph Gomez), and Cass (Imperial) the newest girl in the group. 

These cool kids are met with their caretaker/tour guide, Gil (Juan Carlos Galano), who caught the eyes of the girls because of his good looks and charm, and last of the main characters is Yayo (Phi Palmos), he is the nanny of Cass and was tasked to look out for her. 

Things seemed perfectly fine for these cool kids until Ada and Cass accidentally pushed Yayo down the cliff and from there things get to start eerie and bloody for these Nepo Babies as they try to survive and get down Sagada ALIVE. 

"How to Slay a Nepo Baby" introduces new breed of actors starring Naia Ching, Chaye Mog, Phil and Ralph Gomez, and Juan Carlos Galano, with Phi Palmos, Sue Prado. Directed by Rod Marmol, the movie is set to premiere in cinemas this July 31. 

Watch the trailer here: 

Baguio City's Krishnah Gravidez is Miss World Philippines 2024

 

She definitely slayed the night away, Baguio City's Krishnah Marie Gravidez came to the MOA Arena last July 19 to win that new blue sapphire and white pearl Oro China Crown of Miss World Philippines. 

23-year-old Krishnah bested 32 other beauties as she walked and slayed it on the runway as she won two of the major awards of the night, namely the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown awards, she was also named as Miss Photogenic, and she also won two fast track events, the Top Model and the Multimedia. Throughout the night, Krishnah has won 13 other special awards. 

She was crowned by 2022-2023 Miss World Philippines Gwendolyne Fourniol and reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyzcova from Czech Republic. 

Placing as Krishnah's 1st Princess is Tarlac's Jasmine Omay and Pampanga's Sophia Santos was named as 2nd Princess. 

It was the Best Miss World Philippines production that pays homage to Original Pinoy Music with performances by The Juans, Johnoy Danao, P-Pop Groups Bilib and Kaia, and with the special participation of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra that made the evening gown more iconic with their performance of some of the most iconic OPM songs from different generation. 

Aside from Krishna, four other ladies were crowned for the ALV Pageant Circle crowns. Leading the 44pack is Dia Mate of Cavite who was named as Reina Hispano Americana Filipinas 2025, Patricia Bianca Tapia of Batangas was named as Miss Tourism Philippines, Pangasinan's Nikki Buenafe was crowned as Miss Multinational Philippines, and Bicol Region's Jeanne Isabel Bilasano was crowned as Face of Beauty Philippines. 

Definitely this year was a strong batch of Miss World Philippines and ALV Pageant Circle winners.      

Bench gears up for "Body of Work" Show Set 2-Day Screening

It has been quite a while since the last time Bench/, has staged their infamous bench body show that gather all of their A-list celebrity endorsers and top models in the country, but that long wait is coming to an end as the biggest apparel brand in the Philippines is set to mount another iconic show this November 8 with the title of "Body of Work". 

And as part of the preparation for the biggest fashion event this year, Bench sets up a two-day open casting happening this coming July 23 for the male category and on the 24th for the female category. The venue will be at The Playground, Bench Tower in BGC. 

 The open screening is open for 18 years old and above only, check out the art cards from Bench for more information and check out the link as well to download the forms. 

https://bit.ly/BENCHShow_Model_Info_Sheet

Miss World Philippines Unveils "Sinag ng Pag-Asa" Crown.

 

Photo from Oro China Jewelry

The Grand Coronation Night of the Miss World Philippines 2024 is fast approaching and to add up to the hype for the sixth Miss World Philippines the organization has unveiled a new crown. 

Dubbed as "Sinag ng Pag-Asa", the new crown embodies elegance and symbolism, designed and handcrafted by Filipino artisans from the Cebu-based jeweler Oro China Jewelry that has been one of the pioneers in the industry for over fifty years. The crown is designed as rays of light that signifies hope and new beginnings. 

"Sinag ng Pag-Asa" is made up of 400 blue sapphires and over 300 freshwater pearls that are encrusted in 268 karats of gold that serves as the rays of light in the crown, with an estimated worth of almost 2 million pesos. this beautifully crafted crown will serve as a beacon of hope to whoever will be wearing it in the coronation.

The Miss World Philippines 2024 Grand Coronation Night is set on the 19th of July, that's on Friday, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets are still available on SMTickets.com and you can also catch it on Cignal TV Pay-per-view. 

Who among the 33 Beauties with a Purpose will become the new Queen!? 

 

Metro Manila Film Festival Celebrates Golden Year with Launch of #MMFF50

 

Started off as Metropolitan Film Festival back in 1975, the Metro Manila Film Festival was a project spearheaded by then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos that was held in September of that year, but was move in the month of December the following year. 

Joseph Estrada was named the first ever Best Actor for the movie "Diligin mo ng hamog ang uhaw na lupa" which also was named as the first ever Best Picture, with Augusto Buenaventura winning the first Best Director Plum. Meanwhile, Charito Solis for Araw Araw, Gabi Gabi has won the first ever Best Actress award for the film festival. 

The MMFF has been the breeding ground of many classic movies such as Himala, Insiang, Burlesk Queen, Magic Temple, Jose Rizal, Tanging Yaman, and more. The festival was also considered as a ground for the best directors such as Celso Ad Castillo, Marilou Dias-Abaya, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal to name a few to showcase their best masterpieces on the silverscreen, and also it has been a breeding ground for the best actors and actresses in the industry such as  Fernando Poe Jr, Dolphy, Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Maricel Soriano, and Vilma Santos who just won her 5th Best Actress trophy for When I Met You in Tokyo. 

50 years later, now the biggest and most prestigious film festival in the country the MMFF continues to evolve and thrive along with the changing times to give its patrons the best movies on every Christmas day.      

This year, the Metro Manila Film Festival is celebrating its 50th edition and to make the festival more special, the Metro Manila Development Authority launched a series of events that will commemorate the fifty year legacy of the festival starting off with the Classic Poster Murals with i-Academy this August. This coming September 50 classic MMFF Movies will be back in cinemas for only fifty pesos it's called "SineSingkwenta". 

A series of masterclasses were also launched wherein selected students will have the chance to learn from the industries finest about directing, acting, writing, and even cinematography. There will also be fund raisers and of course the much awaited Parade of Stars happening in Manila and the Gabi ng Parangal that is set to happen at the Manila Metropolitan Theater on the 27th of December.   

The MMFF Execom this year has decided to make more room in the film festival by making it 10 official entries, the first five entries based on script were announced at the official launch of the #MMFF50 held at the Manila City Hall earlier today, July 16.  

The first entry to be named was "And the Breadwinner is!?" starring Vice Ganda, directed by Jun Robles Lana, and produced by ABS-CBN Film Prodcution Inc and IdeaFirst Company. Next entry is from GMA Picture, starring Dennis Trillo and Sofia Pablo, and directed by Zig Dulay called "Green Bone". 

Suspense-Horror flick "Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital" starring Enrique Gil and Jane De Leon, directed by Kerwin Go, and produced by Reality MM Studios Inc was the third entry, while the Musical version of the classic Nora Aunor starrer "Himala" was the fourth entry this stars Aicelle Santos, directed by Pepe Diokno, and produced by Kapitol Films. 

Last entry of the first batch stars Piolo Pascual and Vic Sotto entitled The Kingdom, directed by Mike Tuviera and produced by APT Entertainment, M Zet, and M Quest. 

The last five entries will be announced on October 15 and will be based on finished films category. 

Experience the Magic of The Bootleg Beatles in Manila This October 2024!

To all the Beatles fans, get ready for an unforgettable musical journey as the worlds No1 Beatles tribute band, The Bootleg Beatles, return to the Philippines for a spectacular concert.

From "Love Me Do" to "Let It Be", and from the Cavern Club, Liverpool to Apple Records rooftop in London, this incredible band will take you on a whirlwind tour through the Swinging Sixties, bringing to life the vibrant and revolutionary decade.

The Bootleg Beatles have become 'an institution' over the past 44 years with their note-perfect recreation of the hits from the world’s most famous songbook. Every tiny detail is meticulously covered from costumes to authentic period instruments; from their witty ‘Liverpudlian’ banter to their ‘inflection perfect’ vocal mimicry will make you feel as if you are experiencing the Beatles in their prime.

This talented quartet, featuring Steve White (Paul McCartney), Stephen Hill (George Harrison), Paul Canning (John Lennon), and Gordon Elsmore (Ringo Starr), not only sounds authentic but also bears an uncanny resemblance to the originals. As one reviewer aptly put it, "It’s not The Beatles… but you simply won’t believe it."

The Bootleg Beatles have previously performed sold out dates in the Philippines during their 2016, 2018 & 2022 tours here. Moreover, they are fresh from performing at this year’s (2024) Glastonbury & Isle of White Festivals held in the UK. 

This is an absolute must-see show for Beatles fans of all ages, singing all your favourite Beatle’s hits & featuring original muti-media images of the Fab Four!

Mark your calendars for this spectacular show:

• The Theatre at Solaire, Manila – Saturday, October 26th, 2024 – 8 PM

Ticket Prices for The Theatre at Solaire, Manila:

• PLATINUM - Reserved Seating – 6,850 PHP
• SVIP - Reserved Seating – 5,850 PHP
• VIP - Reserved Seating – 4,850 PHP
• GOLD - Reserved Seating – 3,850 PHP
• SILVER - Reserved Seating – 2,850 PHP
• BRONZE - Reserved Seating – 1,850 PHP

Ticket prices exclusive of service charges.

Presented by Concert Republic do not miss this chance to witness The Bootleg Beatles live in Manila this October 2024 for a one-of-a-kind live music experience!

Tickets for The Bootleg Beatles' concerts are available at all Ticket World outlets and online at www.ticketworld.com.ph or by calling 891-9999.

For more information. 

www.bootlegbeatles.com 

www.concertrepublic.com

Catch Wi Ha Jun in "A Wively Day" This September in Manila.

Block off the day for the South Korean versatile actor, Wi Ha Jun, as he holds his upcoming fan meet in Manila, “A Wively Day,” on September 15, 2024, at the New Frontier Theater, presented by Ovation Productions and Applewood.

Wi Ha Jun is known for his role as Hwang Jun-ho in the most-watched Netflix series, Squid Game, and he also starred in the films Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, Shark: The Beginning and Midnight, as well as the television series Something in the Rain, Romance Is a Bonus Book, 18 Again, Little Women, and Worst of Evil. Currently, he leads the series “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.”

In May 2023, he visited the country for his first fan meeting, and his fans in the Philippines have welcomed him with open arms, appreciating not only his acting skills but also his charming personality and dedication to his craft.

His fan meeting tour in 2024, “A Wively Day,” will also take place in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok and Jakarta. Tickets for the Manila leg will be available at ticketnet.com.ph. Ticket prices to be announced.

For more details and updates about the concert please check the official website and Facebook Page of Ovation Productions at https://ovation.ph/

and https://www.facebook.com/ovationproductions/ .

Century Tuna awards the Superbods 2024 #BestYouEver Grand Winners

Inspired more than ever, Century Tuna, the no. 1 tuna brand in the Philippines, hails Jether Palomo and Justine Felizarta as the Grand Winners for Century Tuna Superbods 2024 #BestYouEver besting the 36 finalists.

Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Grand Winners  Jether Palomo and Justine Felizarta 

Century Tuna Male Superbod Grand Winner Jether Palomo is a Filipino fitness influencer and Mister Tourism World Philippines who loves to share his travel and wellness journeys. Meanwhile, Century Tuna Female Superbods Grand Winner Justine Felizarta was Miss Tourism World 2022 1st runner-up and an inspiring beauty and fitness enthusiast.

Jether and Justine will take home PHP500,000 tax-free each. Patrick Patawaran and Jessica Marasigan were also named as the Century Tuna Superbods runners-up.

The prime fitness and wellness competition in the country, the Century Tuna Superbods 2024 #BestYouEver celebrated the exceptional stories of the 36 finalists and their journey towards physical transformation and personal growth and their advocacies on self-love and self-improvement. Through the Century Tuna Superbods competition, Century Tuna together with the Superbods embraced the best version of themselves.

Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Ambassador Kathryn Bernardo

Held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, the star-studded Finals Night was headlined by Century Tuna Superbod Kathryn Bernardo who spearheaded the #BestYouEver movement as she brought the heat on with a breathtaking performance with the iconic dance group, GForce. Filipino indie band Lola Amour also performed their viral songs including “Raining in Manila”.

Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Celebrity Judges

Aside from the sizzling performances, the powerhouse lineup of judges included Miss Universe 2015 and Century Tuna Endorser Ms. Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Primetime and Box Office Queen and Supermom Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes, Philippines' Original Heartthrob Mr. Aga Muhlach, and Actor and Public Servant Mr. Richard Gomez. They are joined by PC&V Communications Inc. President Ms. Carol San Pedro, Century Pacific Food Inc. Vice President and General Manager for Branded Tuna Division Mr. Carlo Endaya, and Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Greg Banzon.

The Century Tuna Superbods Finals Night was front-lined by host actor Robi Domingo and Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel.

Featuring their healthy and fit physiques and inspiring #BestYouEver stories, the Superbods finalists showcased their charms and charisma wearing their lifestyle wear, Bench Activewear, swimwear, and resort wear on the runway before the announcement of the Top 8 Male and Top 8 Female Superbods for the Question and Answer portion.

Top 16 Superbods grand finalists were Jether Palomo, Jeff Ong, Aaron Davis, Carlo Adorador, Patrick Patawaran, Naia Ching, Nikko Nackaerts, Michael Ver Comaling, Justine Felizarta, Jessica Marasigan, Imelda Schweighart, Morena Carlos, Inka Magnaye, Julia Sucgang-Bonoan, Brooke Barredo, and Keylyn Trajano.

“You can authentically show who you are as a person. Ultimately, I didn't fall apart but fell into place. Now I wanna be able to use that social platform to continue to inspire others on their fitness journey on becoming their best you ever,” said Jether Palomo during the question-and-answer portion which won the hearts of the judges.

Justine Felizarta also said, “Winning Superbods is more than just a title for me. Even when there are a lot of challenges and obstacles along the way, I strive to be the best version of myself. I want to inspire more people to go out of their comfort zone and chase their dreams no matter how big it is.”

The finalists went through a series of activities and challenges where they got to showcase their wits, physical strength, and advocacies leading up to the Finals Night.

Among the special awards received by the Century Tuna Superbods during the Finals Night were the following: Slay the Runway awarded by Jojo Bragais - Jether Palomo and Jessica Marasigan; Super Stunner (Photogenic) - Aaron Davis and Jessica Marasiga; Perfect Smile Award awarded by Urban Smiles - Jether Palomo and Jessica Marasigan; People’s Choice Award - Jether Palomo and Inka Magnaye; Bench Active Lifestyle Icon Award - Aaron Davis and Hazel Ortiz; Superdad and Supermom Award - Carlo Adorador, Imelda Schweighart, Enzo Bonoan and Julia Sucgang-Bonoan; Unstoppable Award from Anytime Fitness - Carlo Adorador and Jasmin Ariola; Ageless Award - Derick Hibaler and Miaow Ayesa; Flex Like a Superbod awarded by Masflex - Jether Palomo and Brooke Barredo; Best Yesterday awarded by Garmin - Jether Palomo and Inka Magnaye; Fitness Breakthrough Award - Angel Mallari and Keylyn Trajano; Belo Skincare Sensation Award - Aaron Davis and Jessica Marasigan; and E-commerce Superstar Award - Jether Palomo

“We cannot express how proud we are of the Century Tuna Superbods 2024 #BestYouEver finalists. Congratulations to Justine and Jether for leading the pack. We hope that your journey as Superbods will not end tonight and we hope you’ll continue your advocacy of inspiring other to be the best versions of themselves,” said Century Pacific Food Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Greg Banzon.

For more information, please visit https://centurytuna.ph/ or visit Century Tuna on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna or @centurytunasuperbods on Instagram for more updates.

Review: Finding "That Kind of Love"

 

"That Kind of Love" is the debut of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco on the big screen, coming from the success of their television series such as Maria Clara at Ibarra from last year and just recently Maging Sino Ka Man. 

The movie tells the story of Mila and Adam. Mila who is a relationship expert that plays as a match maker for other people but couldn't seem to find her own match. Meanwhile, Adam, a young CEO who seemed to have everything, but in reality, even though some might look at him as Mister Perfect, Adam still couldn't find that perfect partner that will perfectly match his personality as he always ends up clashing with the girls he goes out with. 

Mila and Adam set up a deal that she will work for him as his personal secretary/match maker to help him find the right out, but in the turn of events the Ms. Matchmaker fell in love with Mr. Perfect and vice versa, the two tried to stop and avoid each other's feelings and parted ways, but as to what they say love finds its ways and reconnects Mila and Adam. 

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Undeniably, David Licauco and Barbie Forteza's chemistry has already flourished and that has been very evident in "That Kind of Love", they made a great team up with Barbie as the OA girl and David as the Non Chalant guy in the story and that really did work really well in the movie. 

I had a conversation with their co-star in this movie, Divine, and she shared that working with Barbie and David she felt like they are always working as partners that is ready to support each other in doing every scene specially when they went to South Korea to shoot some scenes in the movie. 

Barbie definitely is one of the best actresses in the industry today, she somehow reminds of a young Maricel Soriano that can and will always deliver her character in the best way she can. Meanwhile, David has really improved his acting skill and has delivered the character of Adam really well. 

Barbie and David can always pull off the Miss Positive and Mister Negative type of stories, they kinda reminds me of Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap in Becareful with My Heart. 

I also want to praise Kaila Estrada, this girl deserves her own movie such a brilliant and sophisticated actress, she can play any role, bida, kontrabida, the good girl, the bad girl, name it and I think she can slay it. 

Also Divine, made this movie fun as well, being the side kick of Barbie has given a punch of laughter in the movie. 

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Director Catherine "CC" Camarillo has been delivering movies that features good stories with great actors delivering the goods for her. I also love the cinematography of this movie it somehow made That Kind of Love different from other romcoms out there. 

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The only cons that I felt in this movie is that it's quite too long, the movie runs for 2 hours and 16 minutes, and I felt there were some scenes that are already unnecessary that made the movie too long, but hey I am not complaining as I really did enjoy the movie, the joy and the kilig it brought made me an instant fan of the two. 

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Overall, That Kind of Love delivered a great love story, Mila and Adam made me want to find the kind of love they found, the more than two hours in the cinema is worth it, I went home buzzing and raving about how good the movie is and how magical David and Barbie's team up. 

That Kind of Love is NOW SHOWING in over 150 cinemas nationwide, produced by Pocket Media Productions Inc., Pocket Media Films, in cooperation with Happy Infinite Production, and distributed by Regal Entertainment Inc. Special thanks to Digital Out of Home, Inc. 

   

Laguna's Marvin Diamante is Mister International Philippines 2024!

 

Laguna's Marvin Diamante was crowned as the successor of last year's Austin Cabatana as the new Mister International Philippines, the 26-year-old Sales Representative and Model bested 41 other candidates at the recently concluded coronation night held last June 30 at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.

"I can be memorable by sharing my story, you know what I joined a lot of pageants yes I won, but mostly lost and one day I realized that in order for us to become a better person we should start to realign ourselves, embrace all the failures, hardships, and disappointments in life. and I do so. And I am here in front of you confidently ready to face all the challenges to become Mister International Philippines 2024. 

And my advice to all people out there, even though it took so long to achieve your dreams, please never stop dreaming, never stop on believing, because one day everything will be worth it and the word soon will be replaced by the word finally and tonight this is my finally, thank you." Marvin's answer to the finally question on what will make him a memorable Mister International Philippines winner. 

Placing second to Marvin Diamante is Eric Gudelano of Rizal Province who was named as Mister Earth Philippines, followed by Sto Tomas City's Marcus Parcon who was named as Mister National Universe Philippines. 

A very emotional Matt Gregorio of Bulacan was crowned as Mister Charm Philippines 2025, Mister International Philippines- World was given to Leyte's Jake Batiancela who is a Medical Doctor by profession, 18-year-old Aimree Pablo of Cagayan Province was named as Mister International Teen, Mister Culture International Philippines was given to San Fernando, La Union's Marc Louise Sarmac, and Runway Model Universe title was given to Charlie Cook of Zambales, while Tanauan City's Brent Jonathan Manalo was named as Mister Tourism Philippines.

Mister National Universe Cebu Island is finally gaining a legit Cebuano as their representative for the next edition of the pageant after Cebu City's RJ Dinolan bagged the title, and to wrap up the winner is 1st runner up, Rosario, Cavite's Dannvie Remulla. 

The coronation night was hosted by Miss Earth 2023-Air Yllana Aduana, Mister Earth Philippines Nathaniel Tiu, and Mister International 2023 1st runner up Austin Cabatana.