ZAC EFRON IN SM ARENA

I'm currently having a frenzy right now as I am at the SM Arena to watch the Penshoppe Fan Conference 2012 featuring hearthrob Zac Efron. Although the lines proved to be way difficult and impossible (i guess Zac does have a strong following in the Philippines), this seems to be a good experience.

After all, this is my first time in The Arena. The energy in the whole venue was so exhilirating and infectious. Keep posted for more pics on the event as the night goes on.

VFORT PREPARES TO TAKE OFF

 

After wowing the audience with their performances at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino, and Mall of Asia Arena to open for such international acts as David Cook, Vertical Horizon, New Kids On The Block, and Backstreet Boys, Viva Entertainment’s newest boyband on the rise – VFort - is gearing up for another major-venue project. This time, Kerwin Caballero, Toff Guela and Visam Arenas are making the headlines as they stage their own concert.

Entitled “TAKE OFF: THE REV UP CONCERT,” the boys seem to be psyching up their VFFs (VFort Friends: their affectionate term for their fans) for an edgier approach to their music. Songs from the likes of Michael Jackson, Usher, and Chris Brown suggest that VFort is putting a Filipino flavor to the idea of hot in music. VFort will show as well their invictus prowess through powerhouse production numbers and top-billed vocally challenging songs.

Stronger. Bolder. Hotter.

This tagline preeminently depicts the course that the group will take as they seize for endless improvement, extraordinary packaging and soaring of even greater heights. More so, Take Off signifies more than just a beginning but further steps for greater opportunities to confer their selves for the growing public attached with their music. Whether it’s a provocative move or a significant career breakthrough, the band is ready to unveil their different sides as they give it their all. VFort’s fans are in for an exciting treat on how they will take off on October 6, 2012, 7pm at the SM Mall of Asia Center Stage. This event is presented by Vivre Fort Entertainment and SM Cinema e-PLUS Card.

Tickets to VFort’s TAKE OFF Concert are available in all SM Tickets (located in all SM Cinema branches) for only P 500. Book your tickets online at www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470 2222.

— VFORT IS READY TO TAKE OFF

I SO LOVE ED SHEERAN

 

The past few weeks, one musician has been constantly in my playlist and that is Ed Sheeran. I know of this wonderful talent only because of one song before and that is the wonderful 'Lego House" which has a video with Rupert Grint on it. 21 year-old Sheeran is an English writer, composer and singer and has the music world already noticing him this year.

 

I have been personally glued to his sounds which is more of a mixture of Jason Mraz, John Mayer and James Morrison. Aside from Lego House, I have loved "Kiss Me" so much that I play it tons of times in a day. thanks to that one special person that introduced me to the rest of his music. "This", "Drunk" and "Small Bump" are also few of his notable songs. So what are you waiting for? Go and listen and fall in love.

MOVIE REVIEW: TOTAL RECALL

 

Back in 1990, a film entitled Total Recall became a hit and with big names Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone as part of the cast. In 2012 under the helm of Len Wiseman, the story was revisited and thus a new film. This time around the cast is topbilled by Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel.

 

The film's premise revolves under the 2 territories the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony (Australia). Douglas (Farrell) with lots of nightmares visiting him frequently decides to visit "Rekall" and the story began to unfold. The biggest challenge for Douglas is to decided on what to believe and what is real. There are things that seem real but in reality are not true. The film shows that sometimes, what you see isn't the truth but one should dig deep into his/her innermost self. He is trapped into a world of women wherein Lori (Beckinsale) is shown as his wife while Melina (Biel) seems to be the girl in her nightmares. His decision is tough on which one is the truth.

 

Total Recall successfully grabbed my attention with its effects and cinematography making me believe I am seeing 2 worlds on the opposite. The chase scenes and the battle scenes are wicked and I might say Kate Beckinsale is one heck of a villainess. The way Vietnam was captured adding futuristic flare and concept was a remarkable achievement as it delivered a world of make believe in the future.

 

Aside from that, however, the film was just a rehash of the old one and the story and concepts are same old plots that are either predictable or standard. The film makes a good effort of reliving the hit of the 90's but the old spunk wasn't there. Still a good enough one to watch. 3.5 our of 5 popcorns

THE WOLVERINE

 

And when you thought the first batch of X-men characters are done with the reboot of their franchise, think again. 2013 is slated to be the release date of "The Wolverine" which stars Hugh Jackman. As promo for the film, they have released the movie's first official photo and man it is hot! The film starts at US cinemas on July 26, 2013

Credits: 20th Century Fox

MOVIE REVIEW: BOURNE LEGACY

 

Bourne without Matt Damon was sure one film worth taking a look at. And with Jeremy Renner taking the lead role in the film, it was sure one movie that can be watched. What makes me more interested with this 4th installment is the fact that the film shot some scenes in Manila, Philippines. it is truly intriguing to see how our country is portrayed in the film.

 

So back to the movie itself. As the storyline puts it, it seems Jason Bourne is not the only "project" but is only one of the many ones out there. And in the process of taking down the entire black ops program, one strong "project" by the name of Aaron Cross makes his way and resists to survive. Renner makes well for a good action hero but I guess I was missing the whole Bourne thing with Matt Damon. And even with the inclusion of beautiful Rachel Weisz on the fray, the film could not be saved totally from missing Damon.

 

The film has a good storybase to begin with but did not live much to the hype. There were initial scenes that wer too dragging and tends to put people into possible boredom. And when the action scenes began piling up with the chase scenes in Manila either on foot or in motorcycles, then it just abruptly stopped with people hanging at their seats hoping there was more.Commendable are the chase scenes which were really good and to tell you honestly Manila does not look that bad on film.

In addition to those mentioned above, Renner and Weisz were not really destined for chemistry and the possible love angle in the film could not be used to its fullness. Moreso, the film was more like a prelude rather than a whole movie itself. it seems like it was bordering on the idea of a possible new movie franchise. It was good but not good enough. it could have been better. 3 out of 5 popcorns.

THE X-FACTOR, AMERICAN IDOL OR THE VOICE

Reality singing competitions now have suddenly changed faces as the judges panel on 3 of the top singing competitions in the US are having a big boost on star power. "The X-Factor", "American Idol" and "The Voice" are all induced with all the pop hoopla you could ever get. So let's take a review on who seems to be the better one.

Starting off with "The Voice". This singing competition has just started its 3rd season and it is making waves with critics and viewers alike. While this show has shown great strength with its core of judges it surely lacks the persona of a real star from their winners. The 4-some of Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Cee-lo Green surely makes up a good crop of judges that spreads a wide variety and range of song genres from contemporary pop, alternative, country and traditional r&b.

 

The X-Factor made some serious revamp in 2012 with its judge line-up juicing up the pop portion of it with the inclusion of pop icons Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. Add that to the ever interesting and entertaining Simon Cowell who continues to be the big mouth he is and LA Reid who continues to give great inputs in terms of musicality and all.

 

And while the 2 shows have started wowing audiences, it would still be a surprise if AI hits it big as well. The 2 shows have received favorable reviews and comments and it is still a mystery if American Idol would also do the same. J.Lo and Steven Styler have left and the show decided to put in 3 new judges to join resident judge Randy Jackson on fray. Pop diva Mariah Carey, rapper Nicki Minaj and crooner Keith Urban are the show's newest set of judges.

So happy reality TV viewing everyone.

THE NEW FOLDED AND HUNG FAMOUS SALON

Officially last Monday, September 17, 2012 marked the beginning of a brand new era in beauty and fashion as famous brand Folded and Hung finally opens its first F&H Famous Salon at Robinson's Ermita. Much to the delight of avid F&H enthusiasts and shoppers, now they can show and style like a true F&H aficionado. What makes it different as that the shop does not have a salon only but also has its own cafe with a relatively good range of food and drink choices.

 

The prices are reasonable and the service they provide is really something that is commendable. All the staff from the counter girls, the stylists and even the barista were all smiles and shows how accommodating  they are. Icko who was the one who did my new hair was so nice, bubbly and was really good at his craft. He made my day when he finished my new "do". Add that to the very wonderful personality of their barista "Lorenz" who has a picture below. Overall, they're a whole bunch of good people and here's hoping that Folded and Hung Famous Salon & Cafe just keep doing good business. Congratulations and I would definitely will be back.

ANDY MURRAY HOISTS MAIDEN SLAM

The British community was in fervor recently with their tennis star Andy Murray finally holding a Grand Slam trophy for them after 76 long years of wait. And although it did not come on their home Slam Wimbledon but instead at the hard counts of US Open, it was a remarkable achievement to the nation who was long waiting for that ever elusive trophy.

This was another great cap for wonderful year for Murray who adds this US Open title to the Olympic Gold he has won at London this year. It was truly a wonderful accomplishment for Andy as finally the pressure may be off of his shoulders. He can now concentrate on not just making the expectations of his country but on just plain winning tournaments. To Andy, hope all the success on your career. Now the game is on!

TITO SOTTO TRANSLATES KENNEDY'S SPEECH

Just recently, Tito Sotto was once more part of the headlines as he delivered his privilege speech for the RH bill. The catch, he translated one of the speeches of Robert Kennedy. People bombarded him with criticisms left and right as he was accused of plagiarism. To his defense, Sotto told that he was only translating the speech. Now how does that differ from copying the idea? Does that warrant one to copy and translate other's words and use it for one's self. It might have been different if only Sotto at llest acknowledged that excerpt from Kennedy's speech. We get ideas from all other speeches and words of wisdom but i guess we should at least rephrase them in a manner that it's not direct copying. Or the least recognize the fact that it came from someone or somewhere.

BLUECLOUD'S MUSIC CHARTS (SEPTEMBER 3, 2012)

And after 2 weeks of not posting any music charts (apologies as I have a lot of work), here is the latest for this week. After 4 weeks atop, "Call Me Maybe" finally descends and makes way for grand debutante Ed Sheeran who soared all the way to No.1 with "Lego House".

For more of the other songs, please check the charts below:

MOVIE REVIEW: STEP UP REVOLUTION

The newest addition to the long series of Step Up movies promises to be more engaging and dance-filled than the previous installments and so comes Step Up: Revolution.

This time, the movie focuses on dreams of young dance group called "The Mob" wherein they try to get attention, fame, money and ultimate success. Their leader is Sean aptly played by Bryan Guzman. His acting, voice tone and physique reminds me of the young Channing Tatum back those days. He shows the group that dancing could really make them famous as he leads his mob to several dance appearances all across Miami. And in the process he and some of his gang works for a hotel which happens to be owned by a rich man who has a daughter that is very much into dancing, Emily played by Kathryn McCormick.

The pair has chemistry as it was shown on the entire film where you could feel the warmth of their company. That alone makes it a good springboard to a somewhat standard storybase and familiar territory. But Step Up Revolution really has big points under their sleeves. The dance routines in here are new, freah and wicked. I have seen some moves that are not usually done and shown on free television. The choreography was splendid and the stunts were superb. Add the fact that the music and sound effects were particularly noteworthy immersing you into the emotions of the scenes.

Another strong point of this film was when the old casts from previous installments graced the screens and danced their hearts out. It was particularly nice seeing Moose once again so as with the other great dance acts from previous movies.

Although as already told, the film treads into familiar territory, it still succeeded in bringing what it was intended to deliver and that is mind-tingling stunts and dance routines. It was one great experience and you'll surely think of dancing your hearts out when you're done. This one's 4.5 out of 5 popcorns.

DO I FIT IN?

I don't know why i am feeling this. One time i'm all up in spirits and then the next time i am down. Doubts, fears and anxiety enclose me once anew into this box which seems to have no openings.

Do i fit in your world? Yours is a place of luxury, extravagance and hype.mine is a relatively simpler one. I do have fun but not as how you spell it. Plus i know my past somehow haunts me as i felt u suddenly stayed away. I don't know if your friends like me for you. I felt the cold shoulder but still i am breathing love.

My question however is for how long? Are you willing to welcome me into your world or would it be better if i moved further away. I like you. The moments we were together were surreal. Just not sure if it could last a lifetime....

COSMO BACHELORS 2012 SINGS FOR ALL

It's September again and you all know what it means. It's Cosmo Bachelors time once more. Again. 69 of the hunkiest and hottest guys in the metro make the magazine's sheets and make girls and gays faint and guys mumble in envy. This time around they also released a fun video to the tune of "What Makes You Beautiful". Watch and prepare a lot of water. It's truly getting hot in here!

Need I say more?

ME AND MY NEW BABY - IPHONE 4S

I am so loving my new phone right now and who would not be? Finally I get my hands to one of the best phones there is - the IPhone. I am indeed happy as now I can endlessly be online browsing, networking, writing for my blog, taking pics and a whole lot more. I am still exploring it now and filling it with loads of apps there is. Any suggestions of what to install? Cheers - Jericho