OFFICIAL TRAILER AND TEASER OF PIA WURTZBACH'S NEW MOVIE "MY PERFECT YOU"

The official teaser of "My Perfect You" has been released by Star Cinema.  The movie stars Pia Wurtzbach and Gerald Anderson directed by Cathy Molina Garcia.

GILAS PILIPINAS QUALIFIES FOR THE SECOND ROUND OF WORLD CUP 2018 ASIAN QUALIFIERS

The Philippines secures a spot for the second round of World Cup Asian Qualifiers after beating Japan in what almost became an upset win had Japan won. Japan pulled off an early lead with as much as 18 points during the first quarter but Gilas managed to offset the lead and continued dominating the game until the last few minutes where Japan was trailing by just 4 points making the 11,000 screaming spectators nervous until Jason Castro pulled a score coupled with insurance free throw from Andray Blatche to finally put away the visitors with just five points, 89-84.

Gilas will face with Chinese Taipei on June 29, 2018 in Taiwan and then Australia on July 2 in Manila for the last stretch of Window 2 of the qualifying games for Group D that comprises Japan, Chinese Taipei, Australia and the Philippines. 

Other countries assured of spots in the second round are: Australia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, New Zealand, Jordan and Lebanon.

Results of other games:

New Zealand beat Korea, 93-84

China beat Hong Kong, 111-58

Lebanon beat India, 90-50

Jordan beat Syria, 87-62.

2018 BB. PILIPINAS FRONTRUNNERS

Who are the frontrunners of this year’s Bb. Pilipinas?

Catriona Gray leads the pack, no doubt but pageant pundits says Catriona needs to work on her figure and shed those extra pounds on her waistline.  Otherwise, she remains a strong contender for the top plum.  Her Miss World experience is definitely a plus factor.  

Another top favorite is Aya Abesamis. who happens to be the daughter of former Bb. Pililipinas Universe 1984 Desiree Verdadero (3rd runner up Miss Universe 1984).  Aya is a model and commands a strong stage presence; this early, people are saying that she is a big threat to Catriona Gray for the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title.  She’s surrounded with an army of advisers including her mom,  her aunts and her mom’s friends who were all former Bb. Pilipinas title holders.  

Other favorites are Eva Pataginjug, Ena Velasco, Vickie Marie Rushton, Michel Gumabao, Muriel Orais, Jehsa Muehlar, Karen Gallman  and Anjame Magbintang.

It is interesting to note that this year we see a lot of candidates with authentic Filipino surnames such as Patalinjug, Buot, Cajandig, Magbintang, Gumabao but of course there’s always foreign sounding names like Gray, Murphy, Ralston, Sturm, Kapeundl and Spanish surnames.

There are six titles at stake namely: Bb. Pilipinas Universe, Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational and Bb. Pilipinas Globe.

 

Photos courtesy of Bb. Pilipinas Official FB https://www.facebook.com/realbbpilipinas/

LIST OF WINNERS FOR THE 34th PMPC AWARDS FOR MOVIES

The 34th PMPC awards for movies was held Sunday night February 18th at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre- Resorts World Manila.

Just asking...

For a newcomer, Pia Wurtzbach was good in  "Gandarapiddo: The Revenger Squad" but was it worth enough to merit an award? I'm sure even Pia herself is surprised with her sudden acting award.   

How about Harlene Bautista winning the Darling of the Press award?  She's been inactive in showbiz and hardly seen in showbiz events and for one, she certainly doesn't look like the darling of the press.  Was she was a sponsor of the show?  Out of the blue an entrepreneur (Raymond Francisco) just won a best actor award, 'never heard about his film until he won. 

Should the merits be classified whether it's an indie or mainstream?  Take a look...there's the indie sound engineer of the year award and the same award is given to a mainstream movie.  Which is which?   The winner of the Movie of the year is "Kita Kita" which was produced by Spring Films, an independent production outfit but PMPC classified it as mainstream. But what really makes an indie or a mainstream movie?  Let's just wait for credible award giving bodies like URIAN and Young Critics Circle.  The Eddy's is way better and  credible than PMPC.

Whatever....here is the complete list of 2018 PMPC awards for movies

Indie Movie of the Year - Changing Partners

Movie of the Year - Kita Kita

Indie Movie Director of the Year - Dan Villegas (Changing Partners)

Movie Director of the Year - Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Kita Kita)

Movie Actor of the Year - Raymond Francisco (Bhoy Intsik)

Movie Actress of the Year - Iza Calzado (Bliss)

Movie Supporting Actor of the Year - Arnold Reyes (Birdshot)

Movie Supporting Actress of the Year - Odette Khan (Bar Boys)

New Movie Actor of the Year - Mccoy de Leon (Instalado) and Matteo San Juan (Magkadugo)

New Movie Actress of the Year - Pia Wurtzbach (Revenger Squad) and Joanna Ampil (Ang Larawan)

Movie Child Performer of the Year - Marco Masa (Tatlong Bibe) and Julio Cesar Sabenorio (Guerrero)

Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Kita Kita)

Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Oydssey Flores (Siargao)

Movie Editor of the Year - Marya Ignacio (Kita Kita)

Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Lilit Reyes and Vincent de Jesus (Changing Partners)

Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Mycko David (Birdshot)

Indie Movie Editor of the Year - Marya Ignacio (Changing Partners)

Indie Movie Musical Scorer for the Year- Vincent de Jesus (Changing Partners)

Indie Movie Sound Engineer of the Year- Mikko Quizon (Bliss)

Movie Sound Engineer of the Year - Albert Micheal Idioma (The Ghost Bride)

Indie Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - "Respeto" (from the movie Respeto) interpreted by Abra and Loonie

Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - "Natapos Tayo" (from the movie All Of You) interpreted by Nar Cabico

Indie Movie Production of the Year - Michael Espanol (Birdshot)

Movie Production Designer of the Year - Benjamin Padero and Carlo Tabije (Siargao)

Movie Love Team of the Year - Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto

Darling of the Press - Harlene Bautista

Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Award - Gina Alajar

Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera - Tikoy Aguiluz

Male Star of the Night - Xian Lim

Female Star of the Night - Kim Chiu and Joyce Pilarsky

Faces of the Night - Joshua Garcia and Celeste Legaspi

The show was hosted by Judy Ann Santos, Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Julia Baretto, Enchong Dee and Iza Calzado.

#34thPMPCawards
#pmpcawardsformovies

BOYGROUP #HASHTAGS LAUNCHES NEW SINGLE

Popular boygroup #Hashtags launched their new single titled "Ako Lang Sana" at "It's Showtime" yesterday.  The single is kind of a tribute to Kpop culture.

Only 15 members showed up at their prod yesterday.   Conspicuously missing were Bugoy Carino and Jon Lucas.  Reports had it that two members have been suspended and slapped with a disciplinary action   Some says one from the first batch and one from the new batch but there's no confirmation yet from the management as to who exactly were suspended from the group.  There are persistent rumors that at least two members will become new dads soon(?).

VIDEO FEATURE - HANDSOMEST AND PRETTIEST PINOY CELEBRITIES U25

To watch the video on another format Please click here

Similar articles can be read on the following link:

Top 10 Prettiest Pinay Celebrities U25

Top 20 Handsomest Filipino Actors/Celebrities U25

TOP 10 PRETTIEST FILIPINA CELEBRITIES U25

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the prettiest of them all?  

There are just too many beautiful actresses and celebrities in the Philippines and it's quite hard to trim down to just ten. One way of selecting is to group them according to age bracket.  The following list covers only celebrities with ages ranging from 15 to 25. These young and beautiful celebrities do not just have their pretty faces to boot but they are confident, sexy, dynamic and have achieved a fair level of celebrity status based on glamour, beauty and success ratios.  The list includes eight TV and movie personalities, one top model and one up-and-coming newbie in showbiz.   

Here's the top 10, in random order:

Liza Soberano, 20

Liza is always on top of everyone's list.  The pretty Filipina-American actress rose to prominence after playing the protagonist Maria Agnes in the popular teleserye "Forevermore" opposite loveteam Enrique Gil and since then her career has leveled up notches ahead of her contemporaries.  Her last film "My Ex and Why's was a certified blockbuster.  Liza has been tapped to play "Darna," a popular Filipino fictional super hero and this might just elevate her to superstar status.

Jessy Mendiola, 25

Kapamilya Actress Jessy Mendiola was voted "2016 sexiest woman" in the Philippines by readers of popular Men's magazine, FHM Philippines.  Jessy starred in about 10 feature films and has appeared in various television series ("Maria Mercedes," "You're My Home)" and gag show "Banana Sunday."

Julia Baretto, 21

Julia is definitely one of the prettiest actresses of her generation.  With 2 blockbusters under her belt ("Vince and Kath and James" and "Love You to the Stars and Back"), Julia has proven that she has what it takes to be a big star and she is here to stay in showbiz just like her well-known aunts Gretchen and Claudine Baretto. 

Julia Montes (22) - the "Going Bulilit" graduate and star of "Mara-Clara" has come a long way.  She is often referred to as the Daytime Drama Queen due to her successive daytime hit teleseryes (such as "Doble Kara," "Walang Hanggan" etc.).  Julia returns to the small screen with another explosive drama titled "Asintado."

Maureen Wroblewitz is a 19 year old Filipino-German fashion model, best known for winning the 5th Cycle of Asia's Next Top Model where she represented the Philippines.  She has graced Asia's top fashion magazines and appeared in local TV commercials and print ads.

Yassi Pressman (22) - Viva Contract star. She is currently in the cast of top rated action tv series "Ang Probinsyano."  Her career has blossomed since she transferred to ABS-CBN.  Yassi is also a top notch dancer.

Janella Salvador, 19, made her breakthrough debut role in "Be Careful with My Heart" and has appeared in about 5 feature films.  Janella was picked by Disney to sing the themesong of "Moana"  ("How Far I'll Go") along with other singers from South East Asian region for their respective country's market.

Kate Valdez (17) is a GMA Artist and has appeared in popular tv series like "Destiny Rose" and "Encantada."  She's one of the most promisng Kapuso star.

Sofia Andres, 19, is currently managed by Star Magic.  Sofia has appeared in various tv series ("Pusong Ligaw," "Forevermore") and a few feature films ("She's Dating a Gangster," "Bloody Crayons") and landed a leading role in Regal Films' "Mama's Girl."  She is also in the cast of a new ABS-CBN tv series "Bagani" topbilled by Liza Soberano. 

And last but not the least is 15 year old Chantal Videla.   Even though her name does not ring a bell, it's hard not to include her.  Her beauty gives a breath of fresh air. This up-and-coming sweetheart will surely be blessed on the A-list in due time.  Chantal is currently managed by Star Magic and sources says she might be co-managed by Liza Soberano's manager Ogie Diaz.  Chantal had a taste of spotlight at the age of 10 being one of the models of SM Kids and she has also done TVC for Eskinol.  She's recently featured in Chalk Magazine.

I might have missed some of the popular celebrities.  The inclusion of Chantal Videla may not please fans but it's hard not to include her and blown away by her pristinely radiant beauty.  

KZ TANDINGAN TAKES THE NO. 1 SPOT AT CHINA'S SINGER 2018

The Philippine's KZ Tandingan outranks British Singer Jessie J at China's reality show Singer 2018 second season.  KZ stunned the audience and the judges with her own rendition of  Adele classic "Rolling in the Deep."  KZ was the winner of X-Factor Philippines back in 2012.

Singer 2018  is a re-branded version of I am a Singer that airs on Hunan Television.  Most of the participants are Chinese singers with a few foreigners including Jessie J of Great Britain and the Philippines' KZ Tandingan.

According to ABS-CBN TV and radio anchor MJ Felipe, the mechanics of the show is different from other reality shows.  There are 500 invited guests who will vote who they think did the best performance.   The invited guests are not just mere audience but people who have background or connected with the music industry,  A performer is safe if she make it to the top 4 and each week they get a new performer to challenge the winner.  On its 5th week, KZ was invited to challenge the top 4 and ranked no. 1 after the 5th round. Details of the ranking is shown on the table below.  Congratulations to KZ Tandingan!
  

PIA STARTS SHOOTING HER NEW MOVIE

Top left:  Pia Wurtzbach with her new leading man Gerald Anderson. Top right: Pia with boyfriend Marlon Stockinger

2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach has started shooting her new movie titled "My Perfect You" with Gerald Anderson and directed Cathy Garcia Molina under Star Cinema.  Details of the story outline has not been revealed yet but both Gerald and Pia are excited about the project.  Pia's first full length movie "Gandarappido: The Revenger's Squad" with Vice Ganda was a huge commercial success.

NEXT FACTORph: "RESPETO" TOPS CRITICS' POLL FOR BEST FEATURE FILM...

NEXT FACTORph: "RESPETO" TOPS CRITICS' POLL FOR BEST FEATURE FILM...: Treb Monterra II's "Respeto," a movie about a young rapper in a Manila slum who dreams of hip-hop greatness tops the...

"RESPETO" TOPS CRITICS' POLL FOR BEST FEATURE FILMS OF 2017

Treb Monterra II's "Respeto," a movie about a young rapper in a Manila slum who dreams of hip-hop greatness tops the poll carried out by authoritative blog Pinoy Rebyu (Filipino film aggregator). 32 respondents (mostly film reviewers and bloggers) were asked to name their top choices for best feature films of 2017. The movie also topped the polls in 6 other categories that includes Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best First Feature, Best Supporting Performance, Best Editing and Best Scene (ending scene).

"Respeto" also won the Best Feature Film in last year's Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Mikhael Red's "Birdshot" which is the Philippine's official entry to the Oscars Best Foreign Language film ranked 7th. On the other hand, 2017 MMFF Best Director award winner Paul Soriano ("Siargao") was literally snubbed by the 32 respondents however "Siargao" received citations in two categories (best cinematography and best supporting performance for Jasmine Curtis-Smith).

Interestingly only one mainstream movie made the cut ("Love You to the Stars and Back" at no. 13) and the rest were produced by independent filmmakers.  It's a pity that a number of these films never get to be screened nationwide due to some constraints specifically in securing playdates and stiff competition with mainstream movies as such, they only get to be shown in local indie film festivals on limited theater run.

Here are the Top 20 Films as voted by 32 respondents: Please click this link to see how the respondents voted 

1 – Respeto 

2 – Kiko Boksingero 

3 – Balangiga: Howling Wilderness

4 – Ang Larawan 

5 – Paki 

6 – Changing Partners 

7 – Birdshot 

8 – The Chanters 

9 – Smaller and Smaller Circles 

10 – Neomanila 

11 – Alipato: The Very Brief Life of an Ember 

12 – Motherland 

13 – Love You to the Stars and Back 

14 – Bliss 

15 – Nervous Translation 

16 – I’m Drunk, I Love You 

17 – Kita Kita 

18 – Haunted: A Last Visit to the Red House 

19 – High Tide 

20 – Patay Na Si Hesus 

Of the 20 films listed above, I have only watched 3 films namely "Respeto," "Birdshot" and "Love You to the Stars and Back".

Joana Ampil  ("Ang Larawan")  and Noel Comia, Jr.  ("Kiko Boksingero") received the highest votes for Best Lead Performance while Dido de la Paz and Yayo Aguila got the highest votes best supporting performances for "Respeto" and "Kiko Boksingero," respectively.  

To see the complete list of winners please visit Pinoy Rebyu blog. 

For those who missed the regular run of the films mentioned above, you may still catch up and watch at '76 Cinema in San Juan.   Just  check  out  the  latest schedule of movies showing on their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/cinema76fs/

BEAUTY PAGEANTS AND TOURISM

FILIPINA BEAUTIES SHINED IN 2017

Except for one, all of the 2017 Bb.Pilipinas winners did pretty well in international pageants last year. Take a look:

    Rachel Peters - Top 10 finish at Miss Universe 2017 (held in Las Vegas, USA)
    Katarina Rodriguez - 1st runner up at Miss Intercontinental 2017 (held in Egypt)
    Nelda Ibe - 1st runner up at Miss Globe 2017 (held in Albania)
    Elizabeth Clenci - 2nd runner up at Miss Grand International 2017 (held in Bangkok, Thailand)
    Channel Olive Thomas - Top 10 finish at Miss Supranational 2017 (held in Poland)

Karen Ibasco bagged the fourth Miss Earth crown for the Philippines, however her victory was met by protests from pageant fans around the world branding Ibasco's win a hometown decision.

Teresita Marquez won the 2017 Reyna Hispanoamericana, a pageant for countries with Spanish roots. Teresita bested out 27 countries and it was the first time the Philippines joined the pageant.

The Philippines bet for Miss World managed to reach top 40 (was top 5 in 2016).  Mariel de Leon did not place in Miss International. There are some more Filipinas who won in some minor pageants  (will update once known).

PASSION FOR PAGEANTS 

Obviously the Philippines is one of the craziest, if not the craziest pageant country in the world. Filipinos are obsessed with beauty pageants and there's always one held in any area or communities anywhere in the country at any time of the year. Some are held on makeshift stage in basketball courts, backstreet and parks. Even schools and universities organize their own pageants; name any pageant, you can find it the Philippines be it for male pageants or gays and lesbians and even pageants for kids. It's likened to Filipinos' passion for basketball which is considered almost like a religion in the country. Expect a big fuzz and bashing if Miss Philippines fail to make it in major international pageants just like when Rachel Peters didn't make it to the top 5 at the recent Miss Universe pageant. The last to compete among the 2017 Bb. Pilipinas winners was Katarina Sonja Rodriguez. Katarina placed 1st runner up at Miss Intercontinental and as expected overzealous fans are saying that Katarina was robbed of the title, accusing the organizers for discriminating against Filipinas and all that crazy stuff. The Philippines has yet to win this minor international pageant.

While beauty pageants have become less popular in industrialized countries, it still remains "a big thing" in most countries in Latin America and Asia specifically in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Thailand, India and the Philippines and not to be outdone, there's also growing interest in Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar. Rich countries like Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Japan, Korea and Singapore just kinda chill out and do not really care that much even if they lose. 

PHILIPPINES TO HOLD 67TH ANNUAL MISS UNIVERSE?

There's brewing rumor that the 67th Miss Universe Pageant will be held in the country and in the event it push through it will be the fourth time the country host the pageant.  Reports had it that it's the Miss Universe Org. who is offering the country to hold the pageant and apparently the Department of Tourism (DOT) is on the final stage of closing the deal.  In an interview by TV Patrol with Miss Universe CEO Paula Shugart,  DOT claims that tourist arrivals posted a 5% increase after Miss Universe was held in the country two years ago. I don't think holding Miss Universe will boost the country's tourism industry and if ever, I guess it's just very minimal. Statistics shows the Philippines lags way behind compared to our neighbors like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Thailand had 29 million visitors last year compared to the Philippines' only 5 million visitors. 

The Department of Tourism should thank foreign backpackers and vloggers who posts their vacation adventure on their vlogs on YouTube.  This has somehow attracted foreign tourists to visit the country. These vloggers often say that the Philippines in fact has more to offer but efforts from the government aren't felt enough. Tourists often complain about bad infrastructure and poor internet connection. Another factor is the bad image of the country but thanks to some foreign vloggers who tell their viewers that it is generally safe to visit the country except for a few places in Mindanao, but the sad part of it is that it's the backpackers themselves who discover some of the potential tourist spots in the country and they even encourage their viewers to visit the Philippines.  DOT should help these guys instead of spending millions on advertising agencies only to realize that they were only copied materials from other countries. On a positive note, foreign tourists are amazed with the genuine hospitality of the Filipino people whom they refer to as the friendliest people on the planet and this somehow compensates whatever shortcomings the country has in other aspects.

WHAT'S NEXT PILIPINAS?

Divisiveness is what best describe the current political scenario in the country. The never ending bickering among politicians become a staple activity that we see and hear everyday; opposing political parties can't seem to agree on what's best for the country with vested interest at the back of their minds (it all depends of which side of the fence you are).   Rising commodity prices, poverty, drug lords, con-ass, cha-cha, tax reforms, press oppression and bullying  continue to pollute our society with uncertainties ahead of us.  Before we shift to federalism, can we just fix first the country's main problems? Is it legal to allow China to conduct research exploration in Benham Rise when China has already slapped us by building a military base in Scarborough Shoal in West Philippine Sea?  It doesn't make sense. What happened to our Foreign Policy?

The Philippines lags behind our neighbors in many aspects whether tourism, infrastructure and trade. While tourist arrivals have increased by around 5%, still it is just like a drop in the ocean if you compare it with statistics of  neighboring countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. The figure above shows 2013 (statistics and yet it was only last year that the Philippines had reached 5 million visitors).  The country has a lot more to offer. If a small city-state Singapore can do it, why not our country too?  But we need a leader who is pro-people, goal-oriented with mission and vision for the country and above all - God fearing.

TOP 20 MOST HANDSOME AND HOTTEST FILIPINO HEARTTHROBS (AGE 18-25)

Local movie, tv and basketball superstars  are very popular in the country and Filipinos are simply crazy for these good looking celebrities who have easily taken the attention of the public.  They are followed by millions on social media and have become popular endorsers of popular commercial brands.

Here are my list of 20 most handsome celebrities under the age bracket 18-25. The list includes two athletes and artists from ABS-CBN and GMA 7 networks, in random order.

Daniel Padilla, James Reid, Enrique Gil, Alden Richards, Jameson Blake, Joshua Garcia, Donny Pangilinan, Ronnie Alonte, McCoy de Leon, Anjo Damiles, Joao Constancia, Tony Labrusca, Ruru Madrid, Jak Roberto, Derrick Monasterio, Kiko Estrada, Ken Chan, Albie Casino and 2 basketball stars Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.  

2018 Bb. Pilipinas Official Candidates

The official Candidates for Bb. Pilipinas 2018 have been revealed last night.  Official candidate number to be announced very soon.  

Among those who made it to the list were Catriona Gray (Miss World 2016 top 5), Aya Verdadero Abesamis (daughter of 1984 Miss Universe 3rd-runner up Desiree Verdadero), celebrities Michelle Gumabao and Vicky Ralshton, Muriel Orais (the girl on PAL ad) and some repeaters like Karen Gallman and Jehza Huelar.  Finals will be held on March 18, 2018.

Jerelleen Rodriguez Jehza Huelar Angelica Corbe Juliana Kapeundl Wynona Buot Rosantonette Mendoza Sigrid Grace Flores Kristie Rose Cequeña Enalouis Velasco Ana Patricia Asturias Muriel Orais Angelie Aubrey Asuncion Karen Gallman Trixia Marie Maraña Edjelyn Joy Gamboa Janette Sturm Sarah Margarette Joson Janice Roman Henna Kaizelle Nicole Cajandig Eva Patalinjug

Anjame Magbitang Samantha Avestruz Loren Artajos Samantha Bernardo Marie Sherry Ann Tormes Katherine Ventura Maria Andrea Verdadero Abesamis Patrizia Garcia Mary Joy de Castro Vickie Marie MIlagrosa Rushton Catriona Gray Samantha Lemonon Analiza Vizcarra Kayesha Chua Ma. Ahtisa Manalo Sophia Baino Agatha Romero Rose Marrie Murphy Stephanie Joy Abellanida Michele Gumabao.