AVENGERS FEVER IS ON

Avengers is already showing in Philippine cinemas ahead of its US debut. Have you watched it already? This one's for sure gonna be one bog movie!

KRISPY KREME CELEBRATES 75 FUN-TASTIC YEARS WITH THE LAUNCH OF SHARE THE GIFT OF JOY CAMPAIGN

Celebrating 75 years of confectionery goodness, Krispy Kreme recently launched its 2012 campaign entitled Share the Gift of Joy. 

 
Aimed at spreading love and putting smiles on the faces of more people, the Share the Gift of Joy Campaign allows everyone to celebrate 75 years of sharing with Krispy Kreme. With every purchase of the brand's specially-designed 75th birthday tin can, Krispy Kreme donates Php 20 to the campaign, whose total generated fund will help the brand's 12 partner charities.  

 Spearheaded by Krispy Kreme board members, Jim Fuentebella and Carlyn Trota, the intimate event, held at the brand's Bonifacio High Street branch, gathered representatives from all 12  charities in one room to celebrate the spirit of sharing.

####

 

Celebrate Krispy Kreme’s 75^th birthday and help spread love by supporting the brand’s Share the Gift of Joy Campaign. With every purchase of Krispy Kreme’s specially-designed 75^th birthday tin can, P20 goes to helping 12 charities, which includes Autism Society Philippines (ASP), ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.-Bantay Kalikasan, Caritas Manila Inc., Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Visual Arts and Museum Division, Development and Accessibility Fund for the Deaf Inc. (DeAF Deaf Inc.), Friends of Hope Inc., ICanServe Foundation Inc., Kythe Inc., Operation Smile Philippines (OSP), Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society Inc. (PNPCSI). For more information, you may become a friend of Krispy Kreme by visiting www.krispykreme.com.ph or by liking Chloe at www.facebook.com/ChloeKrispyKremePH. Spread happiness, share with Krispy Kreme.

MALE HOTTIE: CASPER SMART

One of the hot guys in the Hollywood entertainment arena is dancer/actor Casper Smart. For those who may have not known him by the name, he is the current flame of Jennifer Lopez and has been back-up dancer to her for some of her TV performances and concerts. He recently appeared in J.Lo's most recent video "Dance Again". If you have watched the vid, you can see the heat between J. Lo and Casper. They truly are a great couple - both gorgeous and sexy.

Aside from choreography and seeing with J.Lo, Casper has done dancing parts on TV as well most notably in Glee and So You Think You Can Dance. And his video resume is also already long with appearances in videos like "Papi" (another J.Lo vid), "Where Them Girls At" by David Gueta, "Run The World" and "On The Floor" to name a few.

And need we say more about his hotness? His pictures speak for himself.

ANNE CURTIS FOR FRANCIS LIBIRAN

Super gorgeous beauty Anne Curtis does her photoshoots and modeling chores for Francis Libiran. And this ain't your ordinary modeling job but this one's for Francis' feature in America's Next Top Model. Anne effortlessly donned 4 designs of Francis that will be shown to Tyra and the rest of the ANTM team. This is definitely another feather on the cap for Philippine Fashion. Great job.

Here are some of the other shots of Anne in her usual gorgeous self plus Francis Libiran.

Photo Credits: Facebook, Yahoo

BUTTERFLY

BUTTERFLYby Bluecloud

The caterpillar, nimble and afraid…
Rushes to take cover
Runs away to save itself

As it reaches a place of safety
It slowly wraps thy self
Covering thy body and hides…

Dark but has no choice
As fear embraces
Tears just flow

Strength is gathered slowly
As light brims
Beneath the covers it shines…

Time to shed the wrap
There it goes…
Out goes the caterpillar

Alas, a new one
Uncovered and revealed
Thyself now wings

ABS-CBN SUMMER 2012 STATION ID

ABS-CBN has once again proven that they are really on top in terms of creating station IDs. This summer 2012, they released a new TV plug which shows how wonderful summer and fiestas in the Philippines is. As usual, it showcases the Kapamilya artists from drama, comedy, variety and news & current affairs.

The theme song is sung by Sarah Geronimo with some rapping from Gerald Anderson. As again you can see who are the stars in the network as they have solos and have bigger exposures. Guys like John Lloyd Cruz, Coco Martin and Piolo Pascual were among the hottie Kapamilyas having good air time. Big stars like Anne Curtis, Ai Ai Delas Alas and Vice Ganda also have good moments. Bea Lonzo, Kim Chiu, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Cristine Reyes, Toni Gonzaga and Angel Locsin also proved that the network is full of stars.

Again, the station ID is just full of stars to actually name them all. Another great job from the Kapamilya network. World-class!

Video Credits: ABS-CBN online/youtube

TRAVEL FLASHBACK: MELAKA, MALAYSIA

Another one of my interests is travel and since I started working I have traveled to several local and international destinations already. Starting today, I'll share with you most of them as I try to reminisce the days of those wonderful travel then and now.

One of the places that is similar to that of the Philippines within Southeast Asia would have to be Malaysia. And when you're in Malaysia, you should not miss out on visiting Melaka. Melaka or Malacca is the third smallest state of Malaysia. This historical site has been enlisted by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 2008.

Melaka is home to the Anglican church - Christ Church. This is one of the main architectural wonders of this city. It boasts of its original Dutch architecture and houses some of the best hand crafted benches made for churches. It also has joint ceiling skylights a copper replica of the Bible, a headstone written in the Armenian language, and a replica of "The Last Supper".

Another church that is a landmark of this place is St. Paul's church which pretty much has remains only left at the top of a semi-hill. The structures of old stones can be felt on the walls of the church and really shows how old the structure has been.

All around Melaka, you'll see several ruins, structures and a bountiful set of flowers, trees and greenlife. A lot of history can be told in this relatively small city, from the different churches, museums, colorful streets and even to the souvenirs all abound the place. This place is a rare spot people come. When we say Malaysia, we just usually equate it with the towers but it is great to point out that there are other places in Malaysia that is worth visiting and Melaka is one of those.

MOVIE REVIEW: THE HUNGER GAMES

One of the big event films of 2012 has finally made its impact! And it certainly did create a huge impact! Based on Suzanne Collins' series of novels, "The Hunger Games" did set some great box-office records both in the US and worldwide. And this is definitely a start of new franchise.

So why did "The Hunger Games" hit it big? It boils down to an extensive marketing campaign that features roughly what the film was about. A lot were excited that it is not the normal cheesy love story nor the all-out action caper that normally drives away women viewers. It has both of those elements and it was carefully sewn together by a wonderfully crafted script. Like most of the book to movie adaptations, it is definitely a challenge to incorporate all the elements presented in the novel but this film has made a very good effort on that.

Aside from the great script, another strength of the film was the great presence and on-screen power of its cast. There is a good mixture of young and veteran actors that all did great performances in the movie. The up and rising Jennifer Lawrence did a wonderful job in his portrayal of the loving sister Katniss Everdeen who both showed beauty and grace of a young lady and the fierceness of a young warrior. She was transformed into the character and i'll have to say she has good acting chops. The guys were good and convincing to be really interested in Katniss. Both relatively up and coming stars Liam Hemsworth (Gale) and Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) are perfectly casted for their parts. The support cast were also great with Woody Harrelson as the odd Haymitch, Elizabeth Banks as Effie and Lenny Krawitz as Cinna. Two other tributes also made great impressions - Amanda Stenberg as Rue and the hot Alexander Ludwig as Cato.

The Hunger Games is not presented as a teen caper or a simple movie spectacle. It is one that has great social relevance and meaning. It's pseudo-political atmosphere shows us some of the quirks in our society and how ugly the higher ups sometimes operates. But this was attacked with great subtleness and presented as only a backdrop of the compelling story. It gives out a lot of points to ponder and life values to intake. It pictures how great love is both on one's family and friends. It shows us that challenges may come along the way but it is just a struggle from which one could actually hurdle through will, determination and prayers. Katniss was a picture of a fragile woman who actually triumphed and stood above everyone else. Belief in one's self is also triggered in the film putting into emphasis that anything is possible with self-belief.

This one's not a masterpiece but for sure is one of the better films in the past few years. 5 out of 5 popcorns.

WILLIAM LEVY BURNING HOT WITH DANCING WITH THE STARS

Cuban born actor William Levy has truly made it one interesting season of "Dancing with the Stars". Never mind if audience feel that the latest edition lacked star power. It sure does have the hotness level up this season specially with William burning the dance floor and the TV screens as well. He seems to bring sexiness to a new height. Partnered with Cheryl Burke for this season the pair have been delivering and so far among the top contenders to take the crown this year.

Here's more of William's hot shots for all of you. Happy afternoon!

MY SERENITEA

I have not been an avid fan of tea. I am more like a coffee person but as some of my friends asked me to try one of the best teas in town, I gave in to the temptation and now I am one of those who eternally love milk teas - in all sizes and flavors. That's how my love story with Serenitea began. I only started drinking their brand late last year and has been in love ever since.

What makes Serenitea different is that you can actually tailor-fit your tea according to your preference. You can choose your sugar levels, flavors and your combination of sinkers - two per drink. You should try out mixing and matching several items into one. It makes each drink more personal and up to your own liking.

My faves are Nagoya, Okinawa and Hokkaido. These are the frequent buys I have when I visit their store. My preference is 50% sugar and a combination of 2 sinkers per serving. What I personally like is Pana Cotta and Crystals. Tea experience has never been this surreal. I hope they keep on establishing more branches accross the metro.

BINIBINING PILIPINAS CROWNS 2012 WINNERS

Familiar faces were abound the Binibining Pilipinas 2012 pageant as some of the contestants were part of previous year's competitions. Never mind that because the level of competition was fierce this year and the deserving ones took home the crowns.

Last year's runner-up Janina Tugonon grabbed this year's biggest prize - the Binibining Pilipinas Universe crown. She bested the rest of the girls with her brand of elegance, beauty and wit. It also shows us that if we really want something, we should persevere and never give up. She lost in 2011 and came back this year stronger, more determined. As a result, she came on top.

Binibining Pilipinas - International was awarded to Nicole Schmitz who I think had one of the best answers in the Q&A portion. The Binibining Pilipinas - Tourism crown was given to Katrina Jayne Dimaranan who showed beauty and confidence in the entire show.

Congratulations to the ladies and may they find success in their respective international pageants.

JESSICA SAVED BY JUDGES AT AI

Well, it has been almost a week since the big shocker episode of American Idol happened but I still can't get over it. I was just stunned with the results making Jessica Sanchez, one of the show's frontrunner and favorite placed into the Bottom 3 and actually garnered the least number of votes. And as she was about to sing for her life and seek the judge's save, all the three judges flocked down the stage. J. Lo grabbed her mic and told that they were actually using the "Save" that night.

Who would not? Jessica surely has the vocal chops and talent that could match some of the mainstream divas of today. I am however unsure if that was just a manipulative move from the AI producers. After all, the show has been losing some interest already and a little bit of spice here and there would not hurt. Do you remember Jennifer Hudson? Pia Toscano? But there's also a side to it that perhaps the voters did not turn up and vote for Jessica. I guess they were too complacent that with her abilities, others would vote.

But whatever the reasons are, it just goes to show that each week is a different time for AI, Vote for who you think id the best. This week would be more challenging. No "Save" and 2 contestants will bid farewell as well.

JOHN SPAINHOUR LEADS WINNERS OF CENTURY TUNA SUPERBODS 2012

Hot model John Spainhour beat out 9 other hotties to take the title of Century Tuna Superbods 2012. John, a perennial hot property in the modeling world has shown that he is the top in terms of having a great body and great mind.

Here are the complete list of winners from this year's Century Tuna Superbods.

Winner - John Spainhour

1st Runner-up - June Macasaet

2nd Runner-up - JC Rezabek

People's Choice - JP Yap

Photo Credits: Century Tuna Superbods Facebook Page

MY BB. PILIPINAS 2012 TOP 10 BETS

The Binibining Pilipinas pageant for 2012 is coming really soon and this early I have chosen my favorites for this year's contest. I really have high hopes for this year's batch and really wish that we do well in the international competitions.

1. Mary Jean Lastimosa

2.  Sherlyn Gonzales

3. Karen Gallman

4. Annalie Forbes

5. Patricia Lae Ejercitado

6. Janine Tugonon

7. Anna Czarina Buenviaje

8. Jaine Hidalgo

9. Jillean Camille Orbina

10. Liezl Alcantara

Photo Credits: Bb. Pilipinas 2012 website

SLATER YOUNG IS PBB'S BIG WINNER

Last Saturday, Pinoy Big Brother has proclaimed their latest big winner and this time around it is Cebuano Slater Young. Slater becomes the first male regular season winner of PBB and is sure one of the most talked about. Getting 40%+ votes, he truly ran past the rest of the Big 4.

Though somehow coming from a well-off family, Slater still got the votes of Filipino fans because of his nice personality, good looks and good body. This guy truly has star material and for sure ABS-CBN will put him in their roster of young matinee idols. Again, congratulations Slater!