MISS TRES' JOURNEY AT BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT ENDS; ANOTHER FILIPINO GROUP ROCKS AT AMERICA'S GOT TALENT

MISS TRES' JOURNEY AT BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT ENDS

JUNIOR NEW SYSTEM SLAY IN SIX INCH HEELS AT AMERICA'S GOT TALENT

Miss Tres' audition video at BGT became viral online about a month ago, however the trio failed to clinch the semi-finals. They revealed this news on their facebook account a few days ago. But another Filipino group, Junior New System, made it through at America's Got Talent and got 4 nods from the four judges (including Simon Cowell).  The all male Filipino group slay their dance moves performing flip-tops wearing 6 inch heels and impressed the four judges 4. However some people find their background drama (capitalizing poverty back home) a bit scripted but whatever it is, it worked to their advantage and gained sympathy from the judges and the audience but just the same they did an excellent job.    

Just like Miss Tres, Junior New System is an alumni of the the 1st edition of Asia's Got Talent back in 2015 (which was won by another Filipino Group El Gamma Penumbra).  JNS managed to reach the semi-finals.

ANGRY CITIZEN JAKE

The much anticipated Mike de Leon film "Citizen Jake" hit the theaters this week.  This is his first film after 17 long years.  Atom Araulo plays the title role of Jake, a young journalist who's a scion of a powerful political figure.  The film depicts Jake's personal saga and his struggles amidst the political scenarios surrounding his own social class. The movie also stars Max Collins, Nonie Buencamino, Luis Alandy, Gabby Eignemann, Teroy de Guzman and veteran actresses Cherry Gil and Dina Bonnevie.

The theme is obviously political all throughout with emphasis on the corrupt world of the powerful elite running the country.  If you are a Marcos loyalist, you may not want to watch the movie.  The sub-plots may be a bit confusing but you will all figure out later that they were all inter-connected with the story. There was also an intriguing mention of a starlet named Rosemarie linked to a top political figure and the mention of other political personalities like Bong Revillla, Tito Sotto and the "ilusyonadong boksingero" (obviously it's Manny P.). I wonder how will all these named personalities react to this movie (specially the Marcoses).  The dialogues are brave and brutally frank.  The story may be fiction but as Mike de Leon says "It is based on truths we ignore at our own risk." 

I suspect that CJ is more of a reflection of what De Leon tries to convey to his audience (being a hard line critic of the Marcoses) and he just want to expose the dirt and arrogance of traditional politics prevalent in  the country vis-a-vis political dynasty, powerful cronies and even prostitution, murder and gang rape. 

I certainly enjoyed watching the movie. The Mike de Leon touch is still there despite being inactive for nearly 2 decades and just about the film ends and the credits were about to pop-up, the audience gave a well-deserved applause (something that I only see at premier nights).  I hope the movie does well at the box-office.

41st GAWAD URIAN NOMINEES REVEALED

"Respeto," a movie about a struggling rapper who dreams of hip-hop stardom leads the 41st Gawad Urian Awards with 12 nominations including Best Film, Best Director for Treb Motreras II and Best Actor for Abra. 

As expected Indie films dominated the list of nominees, mostly coming from independent film festivals like Cinemalaya, QCinema and One Cinema Originals however many of these films have yet to be released for commercial run.   An ordinary movie fan remarked "It's strange... but I have never heard most of the films nominated."  True enough, only those film enthusiasts who religiously attend local film festivals are well-informed about the nominated films.

Only "Kita Kita" survived among the mainstream movies which incidentally, is the 2nd highest grossing film for 2017, next to Vice Ganda monster hit "Gandarapiddo: The Revenger Squad."  Blockbuster mainstream films like "Unexpectedly Yours," "Love You to the Stars and Back," "Seven Sundays" failed to merit a single nomination.  Urian also snobbed 2017 MMFF Best Director winner Paul Soriano (for "Siargao") and Iza Calzado's performance in "Bliss" where Calzado won the Yakushi Pearl Award for Best Performer at the 12th Osaka Film Festival last year. 

"Balanginga: Howling Wilderness" received 10 nominations including Best Picture and Best Director for Khavn de la Cruz.  The movie, set in Samar in the early 1900 follows the journey of a young boy and his grandfather as they fled Balanginga to escape the horrors of American occupation of the Philippines.

"Birdshot" and "Boy Intsik" received 6 nominations each including best picture.

This year's "Natatanging Gawad Urian" award will be given to Wilson Raval, musical director of "Vanishing Tribe" who has scored 40 feature films to his credit including Lino Brocka's "Jaguar" and most of Ismael Bernal films. Recipient of this award last year was movie icon Vilma Santos-Recto.

I have only watch 3 films among the nominated films.  These are "Birdshot," "Respeto," "Kita-Kita," and "Bagahe."

Here's the full list of Nominees:

BEST FILM: Balangiga: Howling Wilderness Bhoy Intsik The Chanters Respeto Tu Pug Imatuy	BEST DIRECTOR: Arnel Barbarona, Tu Pug Imatuy Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, Kita Kita Khavn de la Cruz, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness Joel Lamangan, Bhoy Intsik James Robin M. Mayo, The Chanters Treb Monteras II, Respeto Mikhail Red, Birdshot
BEST ACTRESS Joanna Ampil, Ang Larawan Angeli Bayani, Bagahe Alessandra de Rossi, Kita Kita Gloria Diaz, Si Chedeng at Si Apple Dexter Doria, Paki Jally Nae Gilbaliga, The Chanters Agot Isidro, Changing Partners Elizabeth Oropesa, Si Chedeng at Si Apple Bela Padilla, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella Angellie Nicholle Sanoy, Bomba Malona Sulatan, Tu Pug Imatuy	BEST ACTOR Abra, Respeto Nonie Buencamino, Smaller and Smaller Circles Timothy Castillo, Neomanila Noel Comia Jr, Kiko Boksingero Allen Dizon, Bomba RS Francisco, Bhoy Intsik Jojit Lorenzo, Changing Partners Empoy Marquez, Kita Kita Sandino Martin, Changing Partners Justine Samson, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR John Arcilla, Birdshot Robert Arevalo, Ang Larawan Romulo Caballero, The Chanters Dido de la Paz, Respeto Pio del Rio, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness Nor Domingo, Respeto Ronwaldo Martin, Bhoy Intsik Jess Mendoza, Sa Gabing Nanahimik ang mga Kuliglig Arnold Reyes, Birdshot	BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Yayo Aguila, Kiko Boksingero Angeli Bayani, Maestra Shamaine Buencamino, Paki Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Siargao Chai Fonacier, Respeto Nathalie Hart, Historiographika Errata Odette Khan, Bar Boys Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Ang Larawan Gloria Sevilla, Maestra
BEST SCREENPLAY Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo, Kita Kita Ronald C. Carballo, Bhoy Intsik Njel de Mesa, Alberto Monteras II, Respeto Christopher Gozum, Dapol Tan Payawar Na Tayug 1931 Jerry Gracio, Khavn de la Cruz, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness Andrian Legaspi, John Bedia, The Chanters Arnel Mardoquio, Tu Pug Imatuy Kip Oebanda, Bar Boys	BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Ike Avellana, Respeto Albert Banzon, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness Mycko David, Birdshot Mycko David, Neomanila Bryan Jimenez, Arbi Barbarona, Tu Pug Imatuy TM Malones, Baconaua JA Tadena, Smaller and Smaller Circles
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Bagwani Ampalayo, Tu Pug Imatuy Popo Diaz, Respeto Gino Gonzales, Ang Larawan Marielle Hizon, Baconaua Ericson Navarro, Smaller and Smaller Circles Daniel Red, Neomanila Thesa Tang, Kita Kita Marija Vicente, Timmy Harn, Zeus Bascon, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness	BEST EDITING Lawrence Ang, Respeto Arnel Barbarona, Tu Pug Imatuy Lawrence Fajardo, Ang Larawan Jay Halili, Smaller and Smaller Circles Marya Ignacio, Kita Kita Marya Ignacio, Changing Partners Carlo Francisco Manatad, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness John Anthony Wong, Bhoy Intsik
BEST MUSIC Arnel Barbarona, Tu Pug Imatuy Ryan Cayabyab, Ang Larawan Vincent de Jesus, Changing Partners Jay Durias, Respeto Erwin Fajardo, The Chanters Khavn de la Cruz, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness Lutgardo Labad and Odoni Pestelos, Smaller and Smaller Circles	BEST SOUND KC Caballero, Ang Larawan Aian Caro, Birdshot Corrine de San Jose, Respeto Stephen Lopez, Balangiga: Howling Wilderness Mikko Quizon, Changing Partners Jeff Sabayle, Tu Pug Imatuy Immanuel Verona, The Chanters
BEST DOCUMENTARY Jose S. Buenconsejo, Seven Dances of Life JL Burgos, Han-Ayan Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat, History of the Underground Ramona Diaz, Motherland Phyllis Grande, Haunted: A Last Visit to the Red House Nawruz Paguidopon, God BLISS Our Home Dempster Samarista, Bundok Banahaw, Sacred and Profane Victor Delotavo Tagaro and Toshihiko Uriu, Yield	BEST SHORT FILM Glenn Barit, Aliens Ata Christian Candelaria, Sa Saiyang Isla Carl Adrian Chavez, Sorry for the Inconvenience Kiri Dalena, Gikan Sa Ngitngit Nga Kinailadman          (From the Dark Depths) Keith Deligero, Babylon Kyle Fermindoza, Manggagarab Dennis Hubag, Empyreus TM Malones, Bawod Carlo Francisco Manatad, Jodilerks Dela Cruz,         Employee of the Month Roanna Mercado, Piko Maje Papin and Ef Orpiada Jr, Lutab Joseph Vincent "Xeph" Suarez, Si Astri Maka Si       Tambulah (Astri And Tambulah) Edmund Telmo, Redempsyon Kim Timan, Caramel Child

"Dahil Sa'Yo" by Inigo Pascual is YouTube's Most Viewed Music Video by Filipino Artist

Inigo Pascual's "Dahil Sa'Yo" has surpassed Yeng Constantino's "Ikaw" as the most viewed music video by Filipino artists on YouTube.  Just about a month ago, "Ikaw" was leading by over 2 million views but Inigo's upbeat and feel-good vibes song now leads with 73,777,286 views against Yeng's "Ikaw" with 73,467,077.   The song which Inigo also wrote, enjoys constant radio airplay and stayed no. 1 on Billboard Philippines for several months.  

On the third spot is Morissette's cover of "Secret Love Song" (performed live on Wish 107.5 Bus) with 68,035,338 views, followed by "Tadhana" by Up Dharma Down, but the biggest mover is Darren Espanto's "Dying Inside To Hold You" which gained over 7 million views since the last update, currently at 57,322,968 views (was 49,810,195 a month ago).

The young divas (Yeng, KZ, Morissette, Moira, Jona and Angeline) are doing consistently well. Sarah Geronimo's "Kilometro" just managed to get over 9 million views and ironically, the new breed of young singers with very minimal exposure on TV have made it to the top 40. I am referring to Jireh Lim ("Magkabilang Mundo"), TJ Monteverde ("Ikaw at Ako") and Marc Carpio ("Hiling").

All figures varies from time to time.  This survey was carried out May 22, 2018. 

FIL-ITALIAN BEAUTY WINS MISS EARTH PHILIPPINES 2018

20 year old Fil-Italian beauty Sylvia Celeste Cortesi was crowned Miss Earth Philippines Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.  She bested out 41 other hopefuls and succeeded Karen Ibasco who also won the Miss Earth 2017 title last year.

Responding to the final question "The deterioration of Boracay left our President with no choice to close the island for six months for rehabilitation, what should be done to make sure that what happens to Boracay will not happen to other tourist destinations?  Cortesi said she agree with the decision of President Duterte and argued that there's a need to uplift the drainage system and better cooperation among owners of business establishments in line with environmental requirements.

Crowd favorite Halimatu Yushawu representing Zamboanga Sibugay, was crowned Miss Eco-Tourism.  Halimatu, who's half-Ghanian half-Filipina, exceeded the 30 second limit to the final Q&A and received 3 or 4 bell warnings to end her answer. She gave a good answer but somewhat struggled in the middle of her deliberation.

Another favorite, Zahra Bianca Saldua representing Las Piñas, was crowned Miss Earth Philippines-Air. Saldua is a practicing Muslim and was the only one wearing a different swimsuit covered with a golden  shawl wrapped around her lower waist and a long white silk robe.  She gave a spontaneous answer to the final Q&A and many thought she was going to win the title but nevertheless the eventual winner Sylvia Cortesi is equally beautiful and both deserves their respective crown.

Here's the list of Final Winners:

Miss Earth Philippins  2018 - Sylvia Celeste Cortesi (Fil-Rome)

Miss Earth Philippines Air: Zahra Bianca Saldua of Las Piñas City

Miss Earth Philippines Water: Berjayneth Chee of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental

Miss Earth Philippines Fire: Jean Nicole de Jesus of San Rafael, Bulacan

Miss Earth Philippines Eco-Tourism: Halimatu Yushawu of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay

The show was hosted by Robbi Domingo and will be aired next Sunday the 27th, before ASAP.  It should have been aired today (Sunday) but the time slot has already been reserved in favor of the live telecast of ongoing NBA games in the U.S.  So NBA games is more important than beauty contest LOL.  

NextFactorPh: CONTROVERSIES HOUNDS THE PROPOSED HOSTING OF THE 2...

NextFactorPh: CONTROVERSIES HOUNDS THE PROPOSED HOSTING OF THE 2...: It has been reported that the Philippines was highly favored by the Miss Universe Organization to host the 67th Miss Universe pageant bu...

CONTROVERSIES HOUNDS THE PROPOSED HOSTING OF THE 2018 MISS UNIVERSE IN THE PHILIPPINES

It has been reported that the Philippines was highly favored by the Miss Universe Organization to host the 67th Miss Universe pageant but with the recent development following the ouster of DOT Secretary Wanda Teo (due to alleged corruption), it looks like it's not bound to happen.  The newly appointed DOT Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat  asserted that it's rather too soon since the country just hosted the pageant two years ago and there are other agendas that should be given priority other than hosting another Miss Universe pageant.  

The Department of Tourism then secretary Mrs. Teo allegedly awarded Php 60M advertising campaign to BMUI, a media firm owned by her brothers.  BUMI is a block-timer on PTV-4 which is a government operated network.  The advert campaign was suppose to air a six-minute DOT advertisement segment and a three-minute DOT spot in "Kilos Pronto," a magazine-news program produced by Mrs. Teo's Brothers.  As reported, COA questioned the award noting that it was not properly documented and the fact the the show is not even a top-rater.

Back to Miss Universe, I agree with the newly appointed DOT Secretary's point to cancel the proposed hosting of the Miss Universe pageant.  It's kinda too soon and lacks excitement.  Observers says that the 65th Miss Universe pageant held two years ago wasn't as grand and spectacular compared to the two previous Miss U pageant held in the country (1974 and 1994) and little did it touch on cultural aspects that promote Philippine tourism.  The production values was inferior and the presentation was not as vibrant as in the past; this is something that Miss Universe organization should look into and possibly re-define it's image other than just a mere orchestrated fashion event showing overly trained beauties in swimwear and evening gown competition.

During the past few decades there has been an upsurge of international beauty pageants with one promoting environmental awareness (Miss Earth) and another one advocating the stop the war sort of thing (Miss Grand International) but Miss Universe remains the ultimate beauty pageant for most pageant enthusiasts, followed by Miss World and Miss International. Besides MU, MW etc. there's also Miss Supranational, Miss Globe and numerous tourism related beauty contests and what have you not to mention the male pageants.  The magic may still be there but somehow the prestige is slowly fading, what with numerous scandals from cheating rumors and gaffes to nude-photos past and present and it is becoming more of a business enterprise global event.  Recently 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo posed in her birthday suit for a men's magazine and not to be outdone, her first runner up Janine Tugonon from the Philippines, stripped and posed fully naked for her photo shoot in the Dominican Republic last year as one of the calendar models of Nu Muses that shocked her followers.  She has not been invited by the Bb. Pilipinas for quite sometime though they say she's busy with her modelling career in the U.S.  Beauty queens are supposed to be role models but if we see them posing nude for magazines and all that stuff - that's another thing.  

There's still no confirmation whether the country will host the pageant or not.  The plan was suppose to hold the pageant in time for the re-opening of the world famous resort island of Boracay to tourists after its closure.  The island is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a period of six months following President Duterte's order to close the island due to environmental issues of what is believed to be the result of unbalanced over development.  RELATED STORY  To comment or react - pls read instructions

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13 SENATORS SIGNED A RESOLUTION URGING SC REVIEW OF SERENO OUSTER

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, 13 Senators have signed a "Resolution" to urge the Supreme Court to review the decision that ousted Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno who was booted out on Friday last week as the country's Chief Justice by her own colleagues in the Supreme Court.  Under the Constitution, the House of Representatives should have the exclusive power to initiate all impeachment cases while the Senate has the "sole" power to try and decide all cases of impeachment. 

But under President Duterte's somewhat authoritarian government, I doubt if this appeal will succeed; anything can happen in his favor.  The President also denied that he's behind the ouster but he later affirmed publicly that Mrs. Sereno is his enemy.

The 13 Senators who signed the resolution includes Senator Koko Pimentel III, who is allied with the current administration.  The others are Senators:  Franklin Drilon, Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Antonio Trillanes IV, Leila de Lima, Ralph Recto, Grace Poe, Sonny Angara, Sherwin Gatchalian, Chiz Escudero and Joel Villanueva.    Senator Ping Lacson is expected to sign as well so the number would increase to 14.

As expected, President Duterte's allies (except for Senator Koko Pimentel III), opposed to the resolution.  They are Senators: Loren Legarda, Manny Pacquiao, Cynthia Villar, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Gregorio Honasan, Richard Gordon and Vicente Sotto III.

With this development, expect viscous rants from President Duterte and I am sure he will threaten again to abolish the Senate. Toink!

2nd EDDY AWARDS LIST OF NOMINEES BARED

The 2nd edition of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) or the Eddy Awards will take place sometime in July.  It is interesting to note that indie films dominates the line up of nominees for best picture this year; this is indeed a welcome change paving the way for independent films to be recognized in mainstream cinema.  Unlike the first edition, we do not see a clean sweep of big stars on the list of nominees in the acting categories, however some notable performances were missed out in favor of bigger stars like Sharon Cuneta for "Unexpectedly Yours" and Bela Padilla for "100 Tula Para kay Stella."  It's not that they weren't good but It is quite difficult to ignore outstanding performance of Angeli Agbayani ("Bagahe") and Iza Calzado ("Bliss") but nonetheless this year's line up is an improvement from last year.

Here's the full List of Nominees:
(note: the highlighted nominees are this blog's choice in respective categories)

BEST FILM
1. “Birdshot”
2. “Deadma Walking”
3. “Respeto”
4. “Smaller And Smaller Circles”
5. “Unexpectedly Yours”

BEST DIRECTOR
1. Julius Alfonso (“Deadma Walking”)
2. Raya Martin (“Smaller And Smaller Circles”)
3. Cathy Garcia-Molina (“Unexpectedly Yours”)
4. Alberto Monteras II (“Respeto”)
5. Mikhail Red (“Birdshot”)

BEST ACTRESS
1. Joanna Ampil (“Ang Larawan”)
2. Mary Joy Apostol (“Birdshot”)
3. Sharon Cuneta (“Unexpectedly Yours”)
4. Bela Padilla (“100 Tula Para kay Stella”)
5. Alessandra de Rossi (“Kita Kita”)

BEST ACTOR
1. Abra (“Respeto”)
2. Joshua Garcia (“Love You To The Stars And Back”)
3. Edgar Allan Guzman (“Deadma Walking”)
4. Aga Muhlach (“Seven Sundays”)
5. Ronaldo Valdez (“Seven Sundays”)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
1. Angeli Bayani (“Maestra”)
2. Alice Dixson (“The Ghost Bride”)
3. Chai Fonacier (“Respeto”)
4. Therese Malvar (“Ilawod”)
5. Jasmine Curtis-Smith (“Siargao”)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
1. Enrique Gil (“Seven Sundays”)
2. Sid Lucero (“Smaller And Smaller Circles”)
3. Dido dela Paz (“Respeto”)
4. Arnold Reyes (“Birdshot”)
5. Dominic Roco (“I’m Drunk, I Love You”)

BEST SCREENPLAY
1. Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (“Kita Kita”)
2. Eric Cabahug (“Deadma Walking”)
3. Jason Paul Laxamana (“100 Tula Para kay Stella”)
4. Njel De Mesa and Alberto Monteras II (“Respeto”)
5. Raymond Lee/ Ria Limjap (“Smaller And Smaller Circles”)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
1. Ike Avellana (“Respeto”)
2. Mycko David (“Birdshot”)
3. Neil Daza (“The Ghost Bride”)
4. Odyssey Flores (“Siargao”)
5. J.A. Tadena (“Smaller And Smaller Circles”)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
1. “Ang Panday”
2. “Bliss”
3. “Gandarrapido: The Revenger Squad”
4. “Ilawod”
5. “The Ghost Bride”

BEST MUSICAL SCORE
1. Ryan Cayabyab (“Ang Larawan”)
2. Jay Durias (“Respeto”)
3. Robbie Factoran and Ricardo Jugo (“Siargao”)
4. Von de Guzman (“Deadma Walking”)
5. Jerrold Tarog (“I’m Drunk, I Love You”)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
1. Popo Diaz (“Respeto”)
2. Michael Español (“Birdshot”)
3. Gino Gonzales (“Ang Larawan”)
4. Ericson Navarro (“Smaller And Smaller Circles”)
5. Mark Christian Sabas (“The Ghost Bride”)

BEST SOUND DESIGN
1. Nicole Amores, Jason Conanan, Mark Locsin, John Michael Perez, Kathrine Ariane Salinas, Mikko Quizon (“Siargao”)
2. K.C. Caballero (“Ang Larawan”)
3. Albert Michael Idioma (“The Ghost Bride”)
4. Albert Michael Idioma (“100 Tula Para Kay Stella”)
5. Corinne De San Jose (“Respeto”)

BEST EDITING
1. Lawrence Ang (“Respeto”)
2. Jay Halili and Mikhail Red (“Birdshot”)
3. Marya Ignacio (“Kita Kita”)
4. Vanessa de Leon (“Deadma Walking”)
5. Mark Victor (“Siargao”)

BEST ORIGINAL THEME SONG

1. “Aking Ligaya” (“Deadma Walking”) – Lyrics by Eric Cabahug, arranged by Khalil Refuerzo, interpreted       by Ahbby Sumaoang Landayan

2. “Basta’t Kasama Kita” (I’m Drunk, I Love You) — Lyrics and arranged by Kai Honasan (and Carlo              Lava), interpreted by Kai Honasan

3. “Kaya Natin ‘Yan” (“100 Tula Para Kay Stella”) Lyrics by Jason Paul Laxamana, arranged by Carl\             Christian Guevarra, interpreted by Bela Padilla

4. “Respeto” (“Respeto”) – Lyrics by Abra and Loonie, music by Jay Durias, beats by B-Boy Garcia,               interpreted by Abra and Loonie

5. “Twelve” (“12”) – Lyrics and interpreted by Alessandra de Rossi, music and arrangement by Marc                Abaya

SPECIAL AWARDS

1) Joe Quirino Award: Mario Hernando (posthumous)
2) Manny Pichel Award: Ricky Lo (entertainment editor, columnist, TV host)
3) Producer of the Year: Vic del Rosario Jr. (Viva Films)
Posthumous Honorees
4) Mario Hernando, Maryo J. delos Reyes, Soxy Topacio, Maning Borlaza, Bernardo Bernardo, Argel Joseph, Isabel Granada

MISS TRES IS BACK!

MISS TRES IS BACK! This time at Britain's Got Talent. They got 4 big "Yeses" from the 4 judges. The judges were stunned with their looks and their voice.  At first, the audience thought they were real women until they started to sing in their own male voice.

The audience burst into laughter when Simon Cowell said "Your were hiding a little secret from us at the beginning." 

Judge Amanda Holden said "Your voices were fantastic; you look amazing, you're just so hot, it's so unfair." 

The transgender group joined Pilipinas Got Talent and managed to clinch to the semi finals. They later joined the first edition of Asia's Got Talent 3 years ago but the trio disbanded a few months after their audition and weren't able to perform for the semi final round. Their audition video at AGT has now reached 20 million views.

The Trio has 2 new members namely Mavy Santos Cleofas and Crissy Marie Rendon;  Joselito or Mariko remains with the group.  Conrado or Angel is out.  One of the original members Mia or "Romeo" passed away in 2016 due to lunch cancer.

Miss Tres got 4 big "Yeses" from the judges :Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden Alesha Dixon and David Walliams 

FOREIGN VLOGGERS ASK: IS THE PHILIPPINES SAFE TO VISIT?

I came across a vlog called "Divert Living" run by a young American traveler and his Thai girlfriend. They have nothing but good words about the Philippines and find the locals extremely friendly and very welcoming. They added that they've never experienced anything of serious safety concerns during their  stay in the country, contrary to what the media says depicting the country as a dangerous place for tourists. They have in fact visited some depressed areas in Metro Manila, mingled with the locals and couldn't hint any danger during their short stay in the capital city. Another vloggers  (Trina and Pierre) says almost the same thing about safety in the Philippines.

But of course this is just one side of the coin. Surely, there have been  reported incidents of kidnapping, drug war related killings in connection with the government's crackdown on illegal drugs, but to straightened the facts out, these are isolated cases and kidnappings happened mostly in the South where the bandits and ISIS inspired extremists are creeping.  The bottom line is, don't go to these places.  The Northern part of Mindanao is safe to visit and the rest of the areas in the country are generally peaceful.  Everything is just overly exaggerated. 

Foreign tourists often says the Philippines has a lot to offer and has all what it takes to be a major tourist destination citing its countless beautiful pristine beaches, breathtaking landscape and diverse culture, but the negative image of the country is certainly taking its toll and hampers the growth of the country's tourism industry.  Recent statistics shows the Philippines is way behind its neighbors in terms of tourist arrivals.  Thailand has exceeded 30 million visitors last year while Malaysia had 28 million compared to the the Philippines with just over 5 million visitors.  While it's true that Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam have the edge being strategically and geographically convenient for travelers to cross-country, still the wide margin of tourist arrivals behind its rivals is a serious concern and an uphill climb to match.  Bear in mind Indonesia is also an archipelago like the Philippines but tourist arrivals is about 3 or 4 times bigger than the Philippines.  What the country needs is strengthen its campaign in rebuilding the country's image as a major tourist destination.  

Recently the government launched its program called "Build, Build" envisaged to boost infrastructure projects nationwide.  The government also ordered the closure of the world famous resort island of Boracay citing its poor maintenance and environmental issues.  The island will undergo a period of 6 months rehabilitation but can be cut short when ready to coincide with the 2018 Miss Universe pageant which might be held in the Philippines.The positive thing about the current government is that they listen and take the initiatives and the people are getting used with President Duterte's own ways of addressing the Filipino people joking around, cussing and swearing "p_ _ _ _ _a" m_ fcuker whatever.   Well...it's still too early to tell and we'll see how the government beat the odds in the next few years. 

So is the Philippines safe to visit?  Just listen to these two couples and find out what they have to say about their journey in the Philippines. 

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Vlog Credits:  Divert Living and Trina and Pierre :)

CITIZEN JAKE TO OPEN ON MAY 23, 2018 IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

The much anticipated Mike de Leon film "Citizen Jake" will hit the theaters on May 23, 2018.  The film premiered in March at Cine Adarna in UP campus and had sporadic screenings at UP Campuses.

Atom Araulo plays the title role of Jake, a young journalist who's a scion of a powerful political figure. The movie depicts Jake's personal saga and his struggles within his own social class amidst the political scenario in the country.  The movie also stars Nonie Buencamino, Luis Alandy, Gabby Eigenmann Teroy Guzman, Max Collins, Tony Fabian and veteran actresses Cherry Gil and Dina Bonnevie.

One wonders why it took the famous film director 17 years to make a comeback film.  Mike de Leon is the director of acclaimed movies such as "Sister Stella L," "Kisapmata," "Itim," "Batch '81" and "Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising."