Four Sisters and A Wedding

It is so hard to write a review about a movie that made you feel you were one of the casts getting emotional with all the lines thrown by each actor. 'Four Sisters and A Wedding' was so good that it made me want to hug my mother and brother and let them feel how much I love them after getting out of the cinema.

I liked the movie a lot more than I thought I would. It was naturally charming, funny, dramatic and heartwarming.

Vanessa Valdez, You are a genius to come up with a story that laid out all characters and attitudes of a typical family. Your script was so 'relatable' and interesting that I can’t find any lapses.

Direk Cathy Garcia-Molina, You are and as always so brilliant to make a wonderful story come to life. You continually make your actors meet you halfway to make every scene intelligent and sparky.

Ms Coney Reyes, I couldn’t think of anyone else to portray the role of a mother to the 4 sisters. You are the strength of the film. Your presence and delivery were more than enough to make viewers love more their mothers.

Ms. Carmi Martin, You satisfied our senses from your sultry Egyptian look to your Russian Accent. You carried out so well the layered bizarreness of your character. I can't believe you are almost 50. You can be the fifth sister on the movie. You are Star Cinema ‘s Supporting Actress with the most remarkable roles and lines.

Toni Gonzaga, This is by far your best performance despite sharing the limelight with other equally beautiful and talented actresses. You didn’t hold back. You were actually beyond impressive. Only few actors can achieve poignant performance both in comedy and in drama. For sure, you positioned well yourself in there.

Bea Alonzo, You are Incomparable! You always act with class & brilliance! Despite sharing the spotlight with other great actresses, not even an inch you went down from what you have already set; always acting like there is a hurricane raging inside of you. You flawlessly portrayed the strong willed woman and breadwinner.

Angel Locsin. You were exquisitely beautiful and you veraciously acted out the free spirited and adventurous character.  You are always at your best whenever it’s confrontational scene; gripping and passionate making the film more realistic.

Shaina Magdayao. Your character didn’t need to have confrontational scenes to make you stand out on the film. Even without enough powerful lines You still managed to gracefully deliver a touching scene. When your Mom and Sisters thanked you for all your hardwork; Your eyes and reaction were so affecting that it made me cry.

Enchong Dee, I don’t wanna be biased with my review just because I Love You. Hahaha. But seriously, the first time I caught myself crying on this film is when you sat down on the swing. You injected your character with enough emotion and grit making the movie genuine and arresting. You also survived with flying colors that confrontational scene with your sisters.

 ‘Four Sisters and a Wedding’ came out so inspiring and entertaining despite shooting it fleetly. The film was just at its 30% when they started promoting it. Good thing it has the gift of going its own way. A very warm story about understanding and loving your family with plenty of fun light-hearted moments along the way. I thought there was just one moment, one climax but I was wrong. A big moment falls back to another defining moment making this film so smart & so lovable. If this movie doesn't move you then something is wrong with you. I cried 5 times and laugh many times on this movie. ‘Four Sisters and a Wedding’ definitely made it to my TOP 10 Best Filipino Films of all Time.

Now showing in all theaters nationwide!

Happy 20^th Anniversary Star Cinema!

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Guji Lorenzana

Star Magic Artist and Bud Brother Guji Lorenzana or Gregory Lorenzana Jr. in real life made it on The Voice of the Philippines Blind Audition.

Guji who has had 3 albums in the past grabbed the opportunity of showing Filipinos his talent for singing through this #THEVOICEPH.

Guji grew up in Fremont San Francisco and graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communications with mini-minor in Theater Arts. 

His first work after college was as a 1^st grade CCD Teacher (Religious Education). He then became a Sales Representative for a Japanese Conductor Company and a Real Estate Agent.

With background in theatre, he auditioned for plays on Broadway. He also regularly went on gigs with his Bay Area based Band, the Sunday Groove.

In 2004, he auditioned on the 3^rd Season of American Idol. Though he didn’t make it; he still got the needed encouragement from Simon Cowell for him to continue pursuing Music. Simon told Guji that he has the voice to what it takes to make it.

A year after that, he released his 1^st album ‘Five Days More’ under the USA Independent IMMIJ Records.

Then in 2006, Guji went back to Manila and released a self-titled Extended Play album under Ivory Records. Its carrier single ‘I’ll Be Yours Forever’ was written by Ogie Alcasid. He also came out with another album ‘Without Your Love’ under the Indie Label, LuKas Music Philippines, distributed by Synergy Corp. He got a nomination as Best Male Performer at the 2008 AWIT Awards for the album’s carrier single ‘Tagumpay’ which music video was used to feature the giant power generating turbines of Bangui Ilocos Norte.

Other than being in the hit Stage Play West Side Story with Christian Bautista and Karylle, he was also a Dj on Mellow 94.7 and appeared on various television commercials in the Philippines and Asia including ads for Jollibee, Selecta Ice Cream, Nescafe and Globe Telecom. His most recent commercial is with Medicol.

Guji became a household name after being paired with now real life girlfriend Kaye Abad on their successful drama series; Precious Heart Romances. He was last seen on the hit Kapamilya Gold Soap, ‘PHR Paraiso’ and in the films Suddenly Its Magic with Erich Gonzales and Thai Actor Mario Maurer and of Sarah Geronimo ‘s and John Lloyd Cruz’, ‘It Takes A Man and A Woman’.

What I like about Guji other than being talented and good looking is his eagerness to pursue his dreams and to really make it in the entertainment world. I can feel his passion. I really hope you would all get to feel what I’m trying to say as he showcases his singing voice every weekend on #THEVOICEPH.

He is one of the nicest celebrities I’ve met; humble, thoughtful, expressive and appreciative of the people supporting and loving him. Only seldom you can find an artist who has a heart more beautiful that what is already outside. I formally introduced myself to him last week after many years of being his fan. I even have this little tarp with his name on it. I’ve met him few times already, we even have pictures together but never did I have the courage to say ‘Hey I’m Morgan, I’m your fan!’ only after 5 years after having few conversations with him on twitter.

Guji is also the lead vocalist of the band Aminado and plays regularly on Craft, Aracama and 7^th High in The Fort. You can tweet him @GujiLorenzana for gig dates and schedule.

Hopefully, I get to arrange a one on one exclusive interview with him soon. So watch out for that. Here are photos I took last week at Craft Bar in The Fort. (Click on the photo to view larger)

Special Credit to kayji.webs.com/‎ for some of the info I got.

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Linkin Park

I was more than excited for my male straight friends when I got the news that Grammy-Award-winner and Multi-Platinum Alternative Rock Band, LINKIN PARK will be performing for a one night show in Manila. It will be on August 13, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena for their “Linkin Park: Living Things World Tour”. I know a lot of people who are solid fans of this band who imitated the band and band members from their tattoos and piercing to sounding like them; modern rock with hiphop.

The band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Since 2000, when Linkin Park debuted on the Billboard 200 – no other artist has had more top 10 singles on the Alternative chart and, with the release of their latest album, LIVING THINGS (Machine Shop Recordings /Warner Bros), which reached #1 in over 20 countries, no other band has achieved more #1 albums this century.

From day one, Linkin Park built the band upon the premise of fusing all of their favorite styles of music—as disparate as they might be. This makes them having an identifiable and signature sound.

The same six players, comprised of co-lead vocalist Chester Bennington, Drummer & Percussionist Rob Bourdon, Guitarist Brad Delson, Bassist Dave 'Phoenix' Farrell, DJ & Programmer Joe Hahn and co-lead vocalist/keyboards/guitarist Mike Shinoda, released a year ago their latest personal album ‘Living Things’ which centered on human emotions and relationships. It is informed by and built upon all previous Linkin Park albums, while still pushing the band’s sound into new territory. It’s spirited, energetic, daring and unafraid to hybridize the past, present and future. It’s absolute proof to a radical theory six musicians have devoted their lives to testing.

Linkin Park has not only developed new tools to make that philosophy a reality, but they’re finally comfortable embracing—and uniting—every aspect of their career..

In 2005, Linkin Park founded ‘Music for Relief’, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. Since its inception, Music for Relief has raised over 5 million dollars for victims of multiple disasters across four continents. The organization was recently recognized by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for the Download to Donate program to raise funds and awareness in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. In recognition of its humanitarian work, Linkin Park received a Global Leadership Award from the United Nations Foundation.

For every ticket purchased for the Manila concert, 1US$ will be donated to Music for Relief to rebuild homes in Mindanao in partnership with All Hands Volunteers for their long term recovery program following Typhoon Washi, locally known as Typhoon "Sendong".

Ticket Prices: (exclusive of ticketing service charge)

Php 9,880 - VIP Standing, 

Php 9,880 - Patron Center Seated (reserved seating), 

Php 6,880 - Lower Box A (reserved seating), 

Php 5,880 - Lower Box B (reserved seating), 

Php 3,480 - Upper Box (reserved seating), 

Php 880 - General Admission (reserved seating)

For concert ticket inquiries and reservations for the Linkin Park: Living Things World Tour, call SM Tickets at (02) 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets.com.

For further information visit linkinpark.com, facebook.com/scalaevents or twitter.com/scalaeventsph.

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Alden Richards

20-year old Alden Richards or Richard Faulkerson, Jr. in real life is now a recording artist under Universal Records with carrier single ‘Haplos’ originally by Shamrock.

Alden knows he is not a good singer but because of the people supporting him, he now claims he can sing but only limited to non-belting and less powerful songs. Humble enough! This made me love him more other than the dimple he has enough to make thousands of us fans to get his album.

Alden doesn’t consider singing just a side-line. He said  he won't waste this chance and will treat singing the same level as he treats acting.

After a week of its release, May 20-26, the album topped the music charts of Astrovision and Astroplus. The carrier single is now used as a love theme in Alden’s primetime soap ‘Mundo Mo’y Akin’.

Also in the album are covers of Rey Valera’s ‘Naaalala Ka’ and Itwchyworm’s ‘Akin Ka Na Lang’ an original song ‘Sa Aking Tabi’ by Vince Katindoy, composer of hit Ngiti.

 Here is the complete tracklist:

1.     Haplos

2.     Naalala Ka

3.     Cant Find The Reason

4.     ‘Di Na Mababawi

5.     Sa Aking Tabi

6.     Akin Ka Na Lang

7.     Everytime I See you  

 The album is now available in all record bars nationwide and you can also download the album on iTunes and MyMusicStore.com.ph

Alden is one of the most promising and most good-looking actors of GMA-7. He was recently awarded the German Moreno Youth Achievement plaque at the 59^th FAMAS awards. He also won Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actor and Best New Actor at the Golden Screen TV Awards.

Catch Alden Richards every night Monday-Friday  in GMA-7’s primetime soap ‘Mundo Mo’y Akin’ and on MYX; as Celebrity VJ of the Month (Pop MYX - 2am, 8:30am and 2pm, Mellow MYX – 9am, 2:30pm and 11pm)

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Rivermaya

This is a follow up article about the Iconic and Influential OPM Band Rivermaya as they return in the local recording scene with their newest album under Universal Records ‘Panatang Makabanda’.

Iconic because of still being in the industry; rocking for two decades now despite the many times they changed lead vocals. Usually when a lead vocalist leaves the band, it ends up to disbandment. Band members can either be committed to the band or to the music. Only seldom that we see band members being committed to both. If you are committed to the band you stick with them whatever happens and if you are committed to the music, you can leave and grow outside of your comfort zone and do music somewhere else. Influential not just because of the many times their songs have affected the lives of ordinary people but also being an inspiration to starting bands and musicians.

I grew up listening to the songs of Rivermaya, from Ulan, to 214, to KisapMata, to Himala, to You’ll be Safe Here and many more. Their music has evolved from Bamboo Manalac’s peerless voice and delivery to Rico Blanco’s dramatic interpretation to now Mark Escueta’s relax singing style. He used to do back-up vocals for the band and now after many years is finally doing the lead. I listened to all songs in the album. ‘Hey Goodbye’, ‘Can’t Hide It Anymore’ and ‘Song About You’ are few of my favorites. He sounds like a little of Ely Buendia; vibrant and engaging.

Their latest single ‘Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising’ was one of the reasons why Aerosmith chose them to be the opening act of the foreign band's concert in Manila, May of 2013. Who would have thought that 15 years ago, Mark was just wishing for the band to be an opening act for this International Band; now it finally came true!

Rivermaya offered a self-produced album for distribution under Universal Records. The recording label instead offered a contract to not only distribute the new album but also produce it. With that, the band joins an elite list that includes Parokya ni Edgar, Sponge Cola and Calla Lily.

Also in the album is a collaboration with award winning rapper Gloc-9 titled ‘Nasa Sa ‘Yo’ which will most likely be their next single. Rivermaya is now composed of Mark Escueta, Norby David, Mike Elgar and Ryan Peralta. 

Here are the tracks:

1.       Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising?

2.       Malayang Magmahal

3.       Tayo Lang Dalawa

4.       Magic Wand

5.       Tayo

6.       Hey Goodbye

7.       Nasa Sa ‘Yo

8.      Can’t Hide it Anymore

9.       Song About You

10.   The Better One

11.    Perfect Crime

12.    Paalam

‘Panatang Makabanda’ is available in all record bars nationwide for only P350 and you can also download the album on iTunes and MyMusicStore.com.ph

Stay in touch with Rivermaya through their facebook page www.facebook.com/rivermayamusic, Twitter and Instagram: @rivermayaband

 and also check out the bands voice blogs on the Bubbly App for iOS or Android.

 Their official website is www.rivermaya.ph.

Mabuhay ang Pinoy Rock!

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Zsa Zsa Padilla

Right after I got the new album of the divine diva Zsa Zsa Padilla, I quickly played the song she composed ‘All Cried Out’ and compared it with the ‘All Cried Out’ debut single of American Idol season 12 First runner-up Kree Harrison. Kree’s version was praised because of the vocal runs and phrasing. Their version’s lyrics focuses on dwelling in the pain and hurt and finding the strength when you are down and all cried out while Ms ZsaZsa’s composition brings into line the struggling and striving hard of making things work out after letting go of the person  who no longer cares and made you all cried out.

Following the record-breaking success of her first project under PolyEast Records in 2009’s “Unchanging Love”, Zsa Zsa Padilla releases a new album ‘PALAGI’ featuring 10 OPM songs, with 8 original compositions and two covers; ‘Without You’ originally by Joey Albert and ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’ a duet with the Concert King Martin Nievera and now used as a themesong in the ABS-CBN hit Fanta serye ‘Juan Dela Cruz’.

“Palagi” is Zsa Zsa’s newest studio album in over four years, featuring songs written and produced by an array of talented musicians including Louie Ocampo, Rey Valera, Francis Salazar, Diana Dayao-Martin, Keith Martin and PolyEast Records A&R Manager Chito Ilagan.

Zsa Zsa debuted her singing career in 1983, the year I was born.  That’s 3 decades of OPM power ballads. I never even thought that time would come that I would meet her and at times get to have little conversation with her thru twitter. I’m a fan; not just of Ms Zsashing but also of her daughters Karylle and Zia who are equally talented and amazing as her. Ms. ZsaZsa is not just beautiful outside but more so inside. She defines class & elegance in whatever she does. She is also one of the greatest actresses the entertainment industry has. She has not only sustained a long string of hits but has also carried with her timeless beauty and divine voice over the years. She truly lives up to her title as the Divine Diva.

ZsaZsa Padilla’s new album “Palagi” now out in stores released by PolyEast Records for only Php300.00. You can also download them here on iTUNES and MyMusicStore 

CD tracks:

1     Dito Lang

2     Sa Piling Mo

3     Di Ka Na Akin

4     Palagi

5     Without You

6     How Can You Say

6     All Cried Out

7     I Do

9     Ngayon at Magpakailanman

10   Maging Sino Ka Man (Duet with Martin Nievera)

Zsa Zsa, who has had 15 Albums, more or less 15 TV Shows and around 30 films, is regularly seen on ABSCBN’s primetime soap ‘JuanDelaCruz’ from Monday to Friday and every Sunday on ASAP18. (Click on the photo to view larger)

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Chippendales

‘Las Vegas Most Wanted Men’ CHIPPENDALES is in Manila to treat Filipinas into an Ultimate Girls Night Out!

The Chippendales appeared before the press and bloggers last June 10, Monday afternoon at the Garden Room of Marriott Hotel.

“Our show is a ‘Disneyland for women’ and we’re going to bring to life their fantasies,” says Kevin Cornell during the Presscon.

They encouraged those who will watch the show to be crazy on stage and experience their athletic ability and erotic dancing skills with their signature bow ties and toned hard abs.

The group promised to stick to their original Las Vegas program as much as possible like their first performance two years ago.

Chippendales (Bryan Cheatham, Matt Marshall, Michael Lattino, Dylan Ruth, Josh Dubois, Vanja Kapetanoviic, Kris Davis and Kevin Cornell) described their work as “the best job in the world.” being able to travel with friends. Because of the tour they only get to stay in the US for 3-4months a year.

I was fortunate to had the chance of asking them questions about their relationship as a group and activities they do together. Like a normal group they fight and do crazy things together. They also like playing volleyball and they are a fan of football.

Kris Davis said on the Presscon that he finds women attractive when they have a sexy tattoo; It makes them erotic. New member and a Vegetarian, Vanja, said he likes a Latina-Brazilian type of a woman. Matt Marshall who used to live in Subic likes women with intelligence.

Group’s Singer and Choreographer Cheatham on the other hand gave an open invitation for Charice to watch their show.

Chippendales show has earned the "Best of Las Vegas Award" as well as a 5-star rating from Las Vegas Weekly. It was also named one of the "Top 10 Girl Getaways" by MSNBC.

Catch them tomorrow June 13 and June 14 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila and June 15 at the Hotel Stotsenberg, Angeles City, Pampanga.

Ticket Prices:

For Chippendales Live at Resorts World Manila

Price Zone 1 (VIP) – P4,076.80

Price Zone 2 (Deluxe) – P2,912.00

Price Zone 3 (Balcony) – P2,329.60

You can get your tickets www.ticketworld.com.ph/chippendaleslive

Here are photos I took at the Presscon with Video.

                                    Kris Davis & Matt Marshall         Vanja Kapetanoviic

                                            Matt Marshall                        Kevin Cornell

                                             Michael Lattino                        Kris Davis

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