It’s no secret that I love local indie movies. That’s why I support Cinemalaya year after year. And for 2014, the eagerly-awaited film festival is turning a decade old – “A Decade of Connecting Dimensions” as the tagline states. And just to widen the reach beyond the Cultural Center of the Philippines, four (4) more cinema venues – Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma and Fairview Terraces – have committed to the simultaneous showing of the entries.
Nora Aunor leads the cast of Joel Lamangan’s “Hustisya” (Justice).
The participating movies are worth looking forward to, especially that a number of our mainstream (read: commercial) actors and actresses have agreed to appear in some of them. For example, there is top comedienne/box-office draw Ai-ai de la Alas who will take her dramatic turn in Nick Olanka’s “Ronda” (Patrol). Superstar Nora Aunor will share the screen with TV performers Sunshine Dizon and Rocco Nacino in Joel Lamangan’s “Hustisya” (Justice). Matinee idol Elmo Magalona will star with former Bb. Pilipinas Universe Joyce Ann Burton-Titular and Slater Young in “#Y” (Hashtag Y) from Gino Santos. Aiko Melendez will topbill Louie Ignacio’s “Asintado” (Between the Eyes). Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman will be part of the ensemble cast of “Separados” by GB Sampedro. And Dennis Trillo with Derek Ramsay and Richard Gomez will take centerstage in “The Janitor” from director Mike Tuviera.
There’s definitely more to come. I will keep you updated on more of the details (including screening times) as the festival dates draw near. In the meantime, you can also visit Cinemalaya’s Facebook page to know more about the other movies in the official roster. 😉
Ben Chan (center) acknowledges the applause (and standing ovation) of the audience.
The fantasy that is Lovi Poe!
The Philippine Volcanoes with rugby balls, sans uniforms!
Hotter than hot Benjamin Alves!
Displaying his swimmer’s body, Enchong Dee sizzles!
Did Jake Cuenca leave the stage just like that? Nah, the yellow undie was ripped apart!
Shirtless and sexy, that’s Rocco Nacino for you!
Does the body paint distract you? Enzo Pineda makes sure you don’t!
Sarah Lahbati shows why she is one of today’s hottest IT girls!
From Century Tuna to Bench, John Spainhour channels his inner knight without the steel armours!
Aljur Knifehands, anyone? This Abrenica hottie shows his body to die for!
The look from behind is scorching hot!
Job well done, Bench!
No need for a lot of words in this post. Let the pictures speak for themselves. Suffice it to say that the Mall of Asia Arena was full of hot bodies for Bench Universe.
All images courtesy of Bruce Casanova. If you want to see more, click HERE. 😉
Enrique Gil (L) and Jake Cuenca (R) led the assault of male eye candy during the Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2011, which included some of the boys in the center.
videos courtesy of tonysaikee
I won’t write about the party of the year – Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2011 – anymore so as not to distract your attention. Just watch the videos above. ‘Nuff said. 😉
Poetry in motion. That’s how I look at the movie “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” (The Dance of Two Left Feet). Just watching the trailer gives me the feeling that everything is alright in the world. But before I get too mushy or profound here, let me say that Director Alvin Yapan has come up with another original work that is definitely a good follow-up to his well-received “Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe” (The Rapture of Fe) last year.
Want to know what the movie’s plot is? According to the Cinemalaya website, here goes…
Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa explores the intersection and divergence between feminist and gay concerns in the third world context, as it features the poetry of Merlinda Bobis, Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Joi Barrios, Rebecca Anonuevo, Benilda Santos and Ophelia Dimalanta. When Marlon, a college student, stalks Karen, his literature professor, he finds out that she moonlights as a choreographer and dance teacher in a dance studio. Frustrated over his performance in her literature class, he plans to impress her instead by learning to poeticize his body movements and enroll in her dance class. He hires his classmate to teach him the basics of dancing. As Dennis, his tutor, teaches him how his body should move, Marlon begins to understand the intersections between the art of poetry and dance. This opens up his world to new insights about the life of Karen as s single woman who chose to live the life of an artist in a third world setting. Marlon begins to understand how the poems being discussed by Karen in class are testaments to her choice to stand by her art. Karen eventually finds out, through Dennis, that Marlon only enrolled in her class to be near her. She confronts Marlon about this and wishes that his interest for dance would survive his infatuation for her. Marlon feels betrayed over Dennis telling Karen. But it is also this sense of betrayal that tells him that he has already become close to Dennis, whom he now considers a friend. Up until then, Marlon and Dennis have become inseparable as they both tackled the complexities of poetry and dance. Sensing the coldness between the two, Karen set them up to help her train a group of dancers for a cotillion dance. Eventually, Karen trains both Marlon and Dennis to star in her dance adaptation of the epic Humadapnon, when she bags a grant. Marlon will play the lead role of Humadapnon, who becomes trapped in a cave full of women. Dennis’ character now has to rescue Marlon from the women, as he plays the role of Sunmasakay, the male incarnation of the goddess Nagmalitong Yawa. On the eve of their performance, in a drunken conversation, Marlon confronts Karen how he could not understand her poetry. Karen, in response, assures Marlon that he does understand her poetry. His mind is just unwilling to, unlike his body which already understands. Karen invites Marlon to dance with her, but in the middle of her dance, she passes him onto Dennis. Their drunken dance culminates with Marlon and Dennis taking on the roles of Humadapnon and Sunmasakay on stage.
The casting of the three main characters is certainly a triumph for Director Yapan. They all fit their roles to a T. Jean Garcia, Paulo Avelino and Rocco Nacino should be able to convincingly portray Karen, Marlon and Dennis, respectively. What’s more, their presence makes the film less of a hard-sell. Paulo and Rocco are two of the most promising showbiz leading men at the moment, while Jean always strikes a commanding aura in all her performances in TV teleseryes. Add to that the special participation of the Company of Dance Artists (CODA) and they all harmonize into a fluid and powerful interpretation of a slice of life through dance.
“Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” (The Dance of Two Left Feet)
directed by Alvin Yapan, starring Jean Garcia, Paulo Avelino and Rocco Nacino
courtesy of VYACProd
“Busong” (Palawan Fate)
directed by Auraeus Solito, starring Alessandra de Rossi and Clifford Banagale
courtesy of cinephiliade
“Patikul“ (the word refers to a poor municipality in Sulu)
directed by Joel Lamangan, starring Marvin Agustin, Glaiza de Castro, Ciara Sotto, Allen Dizon, Angeli Nicole Sanoy
courtesy of drmwvrjohn
“Isda“ (Fable of the Fish)
directed by Adolf Alix Jr., starring Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, Bembol Roco, Evelyn Vargas and Anita Linda
courtesy of bicyclepix
“Immanuel”
directed by Gabriel “Gio” Puyat, starring Ping Medina
courtesy of akosipuyat
Here’s the Official Press Release of Cinemalaya 2011 which will run from July 15-24, 2011:
Thirty one new digital films compete in 2011 Cinemalaya
Thirty one new digital films will compete in the 2011 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in Manila from July 15 to 24, 2011. Now on its seventh year, Cinemalaya is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Film Development Council of the Philippines and Econolink Investments, Inc. It is an all-digital film festival that aims to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. Cinemalaya’s main competition categories are the New Breed full feature category and the Short Feature category featuring works by new directors. The Directors Showcase is a competition for works by established directors.
Nine films will compete in the New Breed full length feature category; ten in the Short feature category and four in the Directors Showcase. Competing in the New Breed category are: Amok (Amok) by Lawrence Fajardo; Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the Septic Tank) by Chris Martinez; Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (The Dance of Two Left Feet) by Alemberg Ang and Alvin Yapan; Baby Factory by Eduardo W. Roy, Jr. and Jerome Zamora; Cuchera by Joseph Israel M. Laban and Janice O’Hara; I-libings: Your Loss, Our Luck (E-funerals) by Rommel Andreo Sales; Ligo na U, Lapit Na Me by Noel Ferrer, Jerry Gracio and Erick Salud; Niño by Loy Arcenas; and Teoriya (Father’s Way) by Alistaire Christian E. Chan.
The nine finalists of the New Breed Full Length Feature category each received a P500,000 seed grant from the Cinemalaya Foundation as investment for the production. The Best Full Length Feature Film will receive a prize of P200,000 and the Balanghai Trophy. The New Breed Full Length feature category is open to Filipino filmmakers who have not yet directed more than three full feature films.
The ten finalists in the Short Feature category are: Oliver’s Apartment by Misha Balangue, Hanapbuhay (Source of Living) by Henry Frejas, Un Diutay Mundo(one Small World) by Ana Carlyn V. Lim, Immanuel by Gabriel “Gio” Puyat, Hazardby Mikhail Red, Walang Katapusang Kwarto (An Endless Room) by Emerson Reyes, Debut by Pamela Llanes Reyes, Samarito (Smaritan) by Rafael L. Santos,Every Other Time by Gino M. Santos, and Nino Bonito by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino. The winner of the Short Feature Category will receive a prize of P100,000.00 and the Balanghai trophy.
The four finalists in the Directors Showcase are: Bisperas (Eve) by Jeffrey Jeturian; Busong (Palawan Fate) by Auraeus Solito; Isda (Fable of the Fish) by Adolfo Alix Jr. and Patikul by Joel C. Lamangan. The finalists of the Directors showcase each received a P500,000 seed grant from the Cinemalaya Foundation. The Best Film in the Directors Showcase will receive a prize of P300,000 and the Balanghai Trophy. The Directors Showcase is open to full length feature works by Filipino directors who have directed at least three full-length commercial feature films.
For the first time, this year’s Cinemalaya Festival will include a section called Focus Asia that will feature eight independent works by Asian directors. Other sections of the Cinemalaya are the NETPAC Philippine Premieres with eight competing films, Ani (a harvest of the best Filipino Indie Films of the past year), Kids Treats (indie films for children) and Midnight Specials (indie films with adult themes). Cinemalaya will also organize the Cinemalaya Film Congress and other film related events such as the Sine Taktakan (forum with 2011 Cinemalaya filmmakers), lectures and exhibits.
The Festival will be held in seven venues at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City. The opening ceremony is slated on July 15, 6:00 pm followed by the festival opening film at the CCP main theater. The Cinemalaya Awards Night will be held on July 24, 7:00 pm at the same venue.
So start saving up some money now for the popularly-priced tickets! Let’s all support the internationally-renowned local indies which have brought honors to the country for many years now. 😉
Tonight is the night for Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2010 at the World Trade Center. Gorgeous hunks. Rock-hard six-pack abs. Half-naked celebrities. What more could a girl (or swooning gay man) wish for? Yes, the annual event is intended for a strictly female audience but who’s to stop the rest when it’s the latter who can make sensational coverages (in print or online) of the same. But the question is, have you already scored tickets for the much-awaited fashion party of the year? Don’t ask me back because I’m still waiting for mine to arrive at the last minute! LOL! 😉
Aside from the image above of hot cover girl Andi Eigenmann with the Cosmomen supplement showing a shirtless Sam Milby with a live tiger from the photoshoot held at Zoobic Safari, here’s a preview of the other celebrities who will grace the catwalk at their sexiest…
Brapanese hunk and co-host of GMA-7's Comedy Bar Fabio Ide
Actor and GMA-7 exclusive artist Carl Guevarra
Kapamilya actor-turned-Kapuso Joross Gamboa
Starstruck alumna and GMA-7 contract artist Rocco Nacino
ABS-CBN hotties: singer Guji Lorenzana ((L) and Pinoy Big Brother alumna Tom Rodriguez.
Fiercer-than-fierce: popular singer Christian Bautista
There’s going to be a lot more from where these guys will be stepping out from. So if you want to catch them in the flesh (pun intended), head over to World Trade Center tonight for Cosmo Bacleor Bash 2010. Just make sure you have tickets in hand! 😉
Images above (except the Cosmo and Cosmomen covers) are courtesy of rddantes.com
Today, at exactly 11:45AM, GMA-7’s new Sunday musical-variety show makes its premiere. Party Pilipinas, which replaces the long-running SOP, has been heavily anticipated for the past few weeks now. Aside from having all the network’s top and upcoming stars hosting and/or appearing in the show, many other artists and performers have been signed up to spice things up.
Here is the OST of Party Pilipinas’ dance theme:
video/audio courtesy of YouTube/djtwoTV
SOP’s original quartet of hosts – Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Jaya and Janno Gibbs – will continue to anchor the show. They will be joined by Richard Gutierrez, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Carla Abellana, Jay-R, Kyla, Carla Abellana, Raymond Gutierrez, new kapuso talent Mark Bautista, Marvin Agustin, Iza Calzado, Rhian Ramos, Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Mark Herras, Kris Lawrence, Ynna Assistio, La Diva, Joshua Dionisio, Barbie Forteza, Jhake Vargas, Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati, Diva Montelaba, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, the Starsruck V Avengers, Miguel Escueta, POP Girls, the newly-formed Party Pilipinas Dance Crew, new Pinoy boyband XLR8 and a lot more. The network even hired internationally-renowned dance choreographer Ruben Monet to handle all the dancers’ moves in the same. Meanwhile, popular Korean boy band U-Kiss will make their first appearance on Philippine TV via Party Pilipinas.
And then there were two. Two winners, that is. The text votes and the Starstruck council members have spoken. During the Final Judgment at the Araneta Coliseum last Sunday night, Steven Silva – a Filipino/Chinese/Portuguese dude who resides in Oceanside, California but representing Davao – and Sarah Lahbati – a Filipino/Moroccan teener who used to live in Geneva, Switzerland and is now based in Cavite – were declared Ultimate Male Survivor and Ultimate Female Survivor, respectively. Although Sarah’s win was almost assured going into the finals, Steven’s was a bit of a surprise since his two competitors – Enzo Pineda and Rocco Nacino – were given the edge to come out victorious.
Steven Silva - Ultimate Male Survivor
Sarah Lahbati - Ultimate Female Survivor
After all scores from the council members and percentages of the text votes were tallied, these two came out on top. Steven got 93.5 total, while Sarah notched 94.6 which gave them relatively comfortable leads over their closest pursuers. Enzo Pineda of QC was named First Prince, while First Princess was Cebuana Diva Montelaba.
Steven and Sarah both win P1.5 million in cash and an exclusive contract with GMA-7 worth a minimum guarantee amount of P3.5 million. The remaining contenders in the Top 5 each received P200,000 in cash plus exclusive GMA-7 contracts. A bit of good news that night was the announcement that the 9 avengers (losers in the Final 14) will also be signed by the network to exclusive contracts, thereby keeping rival stations from pirating the new talents they have painstakingly built in the last four months that the show was on air.
Below is the video higlighting the announcement of winners of Starstruck V last February 21.
video courtesy of YouTube/tirso3rd
This is where the real test begins for the winners and the losers. Let’s see who among them will become big stars in a year or two.
From the initial cast of 7 boys and 7 girls, the Final 5 Survivors for GMA-7’s long-running reality artista search Starstruck V have been revealed and these young showbiz wannabes will try to outshine one another come Final Judgment Night on February 21 at Araneta Coliseum. They are: Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati and Diva Montelaba.
The Starstruck V Final 5 : (top L-R) Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Steven SIlva; (bottom L-R) Diva Montelaba, Sarah Lahbati
It did surprise me a bit that the shy and oft-pensive Steven Silva went into the Top 5 with the highest number of text votes (more than half a mil). He must really have a strong base of supporters who continuously back him up week after week. I would be happy seeing either Enzo or Rocco take it all in the male category. But if Steven pulls the rug from under his competitors, I wouldn’t be shocked.
As for the two ladies, the competition is probably best decided with a toss coin since their text votes and council scores are too close to call an outright winner. If you ask me, my bet would be Sarah Lahbati but gut-feel tells me that the Cebuanos will pour their all-out support to Diva this week going into the final night come Sunday.
For all their fans and supporters, you can still text your votes up until midnight of Saturday, February 20.
ENZO-SARAH for the win!
For now, I’m for an ENZO-SARAH win… 😉
Here are video clips of portions of last Sunday night’s final elimination night going into the Top 5:
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
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It’s no secret that I love local indie movies. That’s why I support Cinemalaya year after year. And for 2014, the eagerly-awaited film festival is turning a decade old – “A Decade of Connecting Dimensions” as the tagline states. And just to widen the reach beyond the Cultural Center of the Philippines, four (4) more cinema venues – Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma and Fairview Terraces – have committed to the simultaneous showing of the entries. 
Tonight is the night for Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2010 at the World Trade Center. Gorgeous hunks. Rock-hard six-pack abs. Half-naked celebrities. What more could a girl (or swooning gay man) wish for? Yes, the annual event is intended for a strictly female audience but who’s to stop the rest when it’s the latter who can make sensational coverages (in print or online) of the same. But the question is, have you already scored tickets for the much-awaited fashion party of the year? Don’t ask me back because I’m still waiting for mine to arrive at the last minute! LOL! 😉
normannorman.com 