MISS PHILIPPINES GRABS MISS EARTH AIR 2012

 

German-Filipino model Stephany Stefanowitz made the Philippines proud as she bagged the Miss Earth-Air crown or roughly equivalent to the 1st runner-up in the recently concluded Miss Earth 2012 beauty pageant. The pageant which is a Filipino established pageant concentrates on mother nature preservation.

Miss Czech Republic won the top crown and was named Miss Earth 2012.

PRIDE MANILA 2012

Let us culminate this year's Street Parties with a Bang!

From the Producer of WHITE PARTY MANILA 2012 and the Creator of BLACK PARTY MANILA...
MENTORQUE PRODUCTIONS is bringing back the moment it painted Malate; RAINBOW!!!

DRESS CODE:
RED = TAKEN
ORANGE = COMPLICATED
YELLOW = BOTTOM
GREEN = SINGLE
BLUE = TOP
VIOLET = VERSA

For the Benefit of
The Love Yourself Project

Together with
Jose Cuervo Black
Tanduay Ice
Manila Light
EZ Lubricating Jelly
Frenzy Condoms

Present

Pride Manila 2012
The Rainbow Street Party
December 1, 2012
9PM
Saturday
Orosa-Nakpil Streets Malate, Manila

In Cooperation with
Androgyny Productions
Plun.Asia
Rainbow Flag Philippines
JC Undergear
Bem Elite Models
Don Cristobal
Charvin Torne Photography

Sponsored by
San Miguel Brewery Inc
SMDC
Fernbrook Gardens
New Solanie Hotel
SM Cinema
Snacktime
Digipost

Tickets Available at
SM Tickets 02 470 2222

MOVIE REVIEW: THIS GUY'S IN LOVE WITH YOU MARE

Wenn Deramas delivers an unlikely love triangle that deals with a man, a gay and a woman with "This Guy's In Love With You Mare". Dealing with a different kind of twist, this movie provided fun in all directions. Quite surprisingly it deals with a topic that is not yet well received in mainstream cinema but it did click.

The story is the basic plot one could get about a love triangle only without the normal hetero-twist. What actually clicks for this film is the fact that the jokes are nicely done and intelligently written. As usual, the main cast was good in making people laugh. It is given for Toni Gonzaga, Luis Manzano and of course Vice Ganda to be extremely funny and their combination was really exceptional.

However, aside from the good jokes and the nice acting from its stars, the film seems to lack uniqueness. It fails in making a new material out of a good script. Also, the best scenes of the film seems to come on the first few parts where Vice was at his funniest. His revengeful mood showcased his funny evil side. Once he gets better and the film goes to the more serious parts, the tendency is for it to be dragging. You'll still be entertained but will surely look for something more. This one's a 3.5 out of 5 popcorns.

MY TOP 5 BETS FOR THE VOICE SEASON 3

I was kinda shocked with the elimination of Bryan Keith as he missed out in the Top 8 for this season's The Voice. But here is my Top 5 out of the 8 remaining artists.

1. Melanie Martinez

The gap-toothed singer as what the internet fans call her, Melanie is surely one of the more unique voices left in the competition. Her style is a getaway from the usual pop we hear from today's artists. She is generally likeable and really knows who she wants to portray on the stage.

2. Dez Duron

From the start, I believe Dez has all the makings of a star. Although he does not have the best vocal chops in the competition, he truly adds style, charisma and performance that makes him such a winner. With good looks and hot bod to complement his good voice, he can truly win a lot of votes from fans.

3. Nicholas David

Another unique artist in the competition is Nicholas David. In terms of look and marketability to the young audience, we might see a bit of difficulty in making him a star. But then again, it's not just that makes one star successful. With a pleasing personality and a humble outlook, his voice could definitely take him to places.

4. Cody Belew

Cody is different but in a good way much like Adam Lambert is. What i like the most is his use of different vocal ranges and styles - falsetto, natural, vibrato and a lot more. He has spunk and drive that can actually make him push for more.

5. Trevin Hunte

Trevin is definitely one of the best vocalists in the competition with that high range on notes. But aside from that his youthfulness shows a bubbly personality that is easy to like. Although there are some issues on consistencies, arguably he is one vocal behemoth!

BREAKING DAWN PART 2 TOMORROW

 

The penultimate Twilight movie is finally hitting the shores of the Philippines tomorrow, November 15, 2012. The cinemas will once again be packed as we witness the ending to the vampire saga. Breaking Dawn Part 2 is sure to stomp authority in the box-office as we see one final battle that will end it all.

MY X-FACTOR USA 2012 TOP 5 BETS

The X-Factor USA Season 2 is really heating up and the competition and the judges are all toughening up. And as early as now where there are still 12 contestants on board, I am spilling my Top 5 bets on who I think will be doing exceptionally well as the competition goes on.

1. Carly Rose Sonenclar

Thirteen year old Carly Rose may prove to be the one with the strongest vocals in the competition and with her age she is destined to go places. Her vocal range and control is truly impeccable. She commands presence like no one else can. And aside from her wonderful vocal chops, what's likeable about Carly Rose is her personality - no fancies, no heartbreaking story behind her, just pure talent. Her performance of "It Will Rain" was simply amazing.

2. Emblem3

Okay, they may not have the best voices in the competition but this group truly has what it takes to succeed in today's pop world - marketable and relatable. The trio of hunks are actually good stage performers as they try to engage their audience with each performance. Every time they go out on stage, they just embody that great bag of energy which makes people like them. And one more thing to note is that they really enjoy each performance.

3. Vino Alan

I like Vino Alan from the get-go. He is one of the more sincere performers in the competition. It seems like every single performance he does is truly heart-felt and one could feel the emotions he is conveying with his every word. I like how he made "When A Man Loves A Woman" his own.

4. Paige Thomas

Minus her frequent crying, I think Paige is one of the acts that is ready for the real world as shown by her performances. It seems like she has a high level of comfort while performing on stage and that her every move was well executed. Her voice is not that powerful but the sultry feel of it could pass well for some songs that really suit her. She just might be the next R&B/Pop Fusion waiting on the wings.

5. Fifth Harmony

This is the third name for this group which used to be called Lylas and 1432 but they sure showed growth in just a few weeks time. Despite not being a group really and coming from individuals who were just grouped for the show, this quintet of ladies have shown they have what it takes to challenge for the title of X-Factor. They enthralled with their rendition of Christina Perri's A Thousand Years.

KEVIN BALOT WINS MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN 2012

 

Days before June Macasaet made our country proud with his victory at the Manhunt International 2012 pageant in Thailand, one of our country's pride has actually brought home a big prize for all of us he/she won the Miss International Queen 2012.

 

Kevin Balot bested 20 other contestants from different countries in landing the biggest crown of her career. She made the country pride as she strutted her way to victory exemplifying grace, beauty and elegance that outshines all the other transgenders who participated in the pageant.

Congratulations, Kevin!

Photo Credits: Totally Cool Pix.com

BROTHER, CRUSH, FRIEND, SEX, LOVE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

Emotions are practically rolling over me the past few days as 5 people have been in constant interaction with me and all of them form a big part of what I currently feel. Now, I am lost or let's put it into better perspective - lost further.

BROTHER

Being a brother now does not solely relate to relations by blood. Brotherhood now is defined by utter great bond and friendship wherein both parties understand each other and be there always on a non-filial way. Plainly platonic or is it? Maybe it is just a sort of way to hide the real emotions. Or it could be just really a bro. Likeable in most ways but complicated in quite a lot. Puzzled truly I am as sometimes the thin line between brotherhood and romance just seems to vanish into thin air.

CRUSH

From the first time my eyes laid witness to the person, it was plain and utter bliss. Maybe because of the aesthetics - physical attributes that are above par in compared to others. The emotion being felt is much more than a brother but the seemingly good features usually puts one to question if I am for the company only or for the bragging rights of having someone as a trophy. And while clarity as to whether the crush does jump into the "another level" scenario is still vague, the idea of seeing everyday brings utter joy.

FRIEND

A friend really? Or someone waiting for the right time to snag into the situation. The conflicts and complexities make it more mind-buggling. What is the boundary between friendship and relationship? I really don't know. The person being in a current relationship makes me think of the intentions but sometimes the doubts and all are just thrown outside the window. Friendship really or maybe I'm wanting so much more?

SEX

Lust - the plain drive for worldly desires makes me connect with this 4th person. I find joy in exploring territories I have not explored without worrying what happens. Enjoyment and pleasure is the name of the game but as each day pass by, is it really something that could not be developed into something more? But can something that started out from the idea of sex turn into a wonderful fairytale lovestory?

LOVE

Smile in its purest form is what is elicited for every conversation, for every note, for every look and every touch. This may be love or is it? Can i just be trapped into believing that someone could actually give back the emotions I am giving out? Ever since that day when the initial meet-up happened, all I could think of is sharing my life with thy person. Cheesy but true. If falling in love is such a crime then charge me with a million counts.

 

5 different people... bringing spice, conflict and drama.

I need a break...

MOVIE REVIEW: HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA

 

For avid cartoon enthusiasts, you may find Hotel Transylvania all too familiar. Its director after all is Genndy Tartakovsky who is behind such cartoon hits like Samurai Jack and Dexter's Laboratory. Halloween with mixture of love story and comedy sure was one selling point of the film. The combination of these elements were somehow done well to come up with an enjoyable movie experience. And although Sony is still way off the competition with Pixar, Disney and Dreamworks, it showed promise as Hotel Transylvania actually lived to expectations. With a stellar voicing cast that includes Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg and CeeLo Green, it was one that surely tickles interest.

 

The film lets us in the lives of Dracula and his wonderful hotel, Transylvania which he solely created for monsters and for the protection of his loving daughter from humans. On his daughter Mavis' 118th birthday, a huge gathering of friends was held that includes Frankenstein, The Mummy, the Werewolves and a whole bunch of monsters. It was planned to be a very good day of celebration not until a surprise visitor drops by the hotel - a human. Meet Jonathan, a free willy guy who then becomes the object of interest of Mavis and the object of headache of Dracula. And the rollercoaster begins. With Dracula's intent to protect his daughter from Jonathan, secrets were revealed and emotional bonds were built.

 

What makes Hotel Transylvania likeable is the fact that it shows real human emotions of fear, happiness, sadness and love. It takes us to a place where we see that trust is vital for us to let our loved ones really explore the world and see the reality by themselves. The movie does that in a very subtle way by injecting comic relief but overall the message was sent across. Sometimes the things we fear the most are the ones that we should not. Brave the reality and then true happiness might be in store. 4 out of 5 popcorns.

JUNE MACASAET BAGS MANHUNT INTERNATIONAL 2012 TITLE

 

June Macasaet of the Philippines finally wins for the country its first ever Manhunt International title. June bested out several contestants from all across the world to land our country its first trophy in 16 years. The pageant was held in Bangkok, Thailand. June has been one of the favorites during pre-pageant and has really made the country proud with this victory.

 

For avid June Macasaet fans, you may recall that he joined this year's Century Tuna Superbods wherein he was a finalist. That did not deter him from pursuing pageants as later this year he grabbed the Manhunt Philippines 2012. Before competing in Bangkok, he was last seen on the runways of SMX Convention Center for the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013.

EVENT LOOKBACK: MEN'S WEAR COLLECTION PFW SS 2013

Just to give you a teaser of what transpired on the recent Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2013 collection last October held at the SM Mall of Asia SMX Convention Center and Main Atriums, one of the most attended shows was once more the Men;s Wear Collection wherein some of the best designers showcased their wonderful collection of clothes and accessories intended for the homme market. The photo above was the final act for the show and is a teaser of the posts to come in the coming days. Enjoy!

Photo Credits: RedBoi Photography

MOVIE REVIEW: RESIDENT EVIL RETRIBUTION

 

The fifth installment to the Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil: Retribution started with a lot of promise as it seems to follow through the last film Afterlife which was a good hit. The trailers have tickled my interest making me go out and watch this last film.

 

Alice and her quest to overthrow the Umbrella Corporation is again the main selling point of the film. I have to applaud the film for its wonderful cinematography and visuals. The fight scenes were wicked and the same time keeps you on your seats. Another nice thing about the film is that we get to see returning actors from previous films and also some new ones that were great additions to the franchise.

 

But the 5th RE film somehow disappointed me in one way or another. There seems to be confusion with the entire storyline. I find myself jump from one scene to another and it shows lack of cohesiveness. Further to that, there were long spells of boring parts that made the film dragging thus affecting the whole mood for the story.Over all the film seemed like a commercial boat that is created just to earn dollars. Style over substance. This one's a 3 out of 5 popcorns.

STARBUCKS PLANNERS ARE HERE

 

And this is the time of the year once more when all coffee enthusiasts gather and start collecting stickers for the love of a planner - not just an ordinary planner but a Starbucks Planner at it.

Starting today, November 3,  we can all again line up and collect stickers to get our SBX planners. And man. they look sleek this time around - in 3 colors (black, white and green). I think i'll stick with the black one then perhaps the white and the green. Hahahah! In short, I'm thinking of getting them all. :)

Picture courtesy of Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page (posted last Wednesday)

START OF SOMETHING NEW

 

November - the 11th month of the year and yet it seems my new year has started already. Just after my birthday month of October, November comes in with a lot of promise. Changes are abound and hopes are really high as I jump into this new month. I only wish things would go on as what I expect it to be. Work is going on pretty well but the next few days will prove to be a challenge and at the same time a new adventure. With our re-organization effective today, I can only wish for the best with my new team.

 

I am also gonna move out to a new place this month. I am already starting to pack some of my stuff so that I can have them ready for my move-in. I'll surely miss this place that I have been for the past 3 years or so. But as it goes, not everything lasts forever. We need not be stuck at a single thing because by doing so, we would not be able to see the beauty of the rest of the world. I know it would be difficult specifically with the emotional attachments and all but for sure this move is for the betterment of myself.

 

I am also exploring possibilities with my emotions - trying to brave it out and find that special someone anew. It has been quite a while and I think I am ready to try it out once more. I hope that I could find that one really intended for me. The past few days have been happy and wonderful and I hope things would go on like that. My hopes are that he'll see that he's special and hopefully give me chance to show it more.

November, time for change, time for smiles...