Christian Bautista's 'A Special Symphony' tackles plight of special children

Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista's first international film A Special Symphony celebrates music, love, friendship and the inspiration that people can get from special kids.

The movie, set to open nationwide on August 3, will have its Red Carpet Premiere this July 31, Sunday, 8:00 p.m., Robinson's Galleria.

"It is an inspiring movie- honest, simple, but powerful," says Christian. "I hope everyone will be inspired when they watch the movie."

Christian, currently in the thick of taping for the international musical series The Kitchen Musical with Karylle in Singapore, will go home for the day of the movie's Premiere Night.

A Special Symphony follows the journey of Filipino struggling singer Jayden (Christian) towards finding his purpose and happiness.

The movie is bold in tackling the needs of special children in the movie and how music, love, and friendship make life more enjoyable for them. Some members of the cast are, in fact, special kids.

The movie is being endorsed by Autism Society of the Phillipines.

A Special Symphony was inspired by the amazing story of a chorus of special children in Beijing, China, and how their exposure to music stimulated their minds, developed their well-being, and earned them the adulation of many people.

The song I am already King, which topped the MYX Daily Countdown and OPM Countdown for numerous days, is the movie's theme. The single is the carrier track in Universal Records' latest compilation album The Best of OPM Love Songs Vol.1.

A Special Symphony is produced by Nation Pictures Indonesia and is directed by Awi Suryada. It also stars Ira Wibowo, Ira Maya Sopha, and Gista Putri.

The movie will premiere in Indonesia this September.


Posted by Gian Carlo Vizcarra for Mykiru Isyusero

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 now showing in over 250 theaters in the Philippines

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" is now showing today, July 14, 2011, in at least 250 theaters in the Philippines.

The Philippines is actually one of the 37 lucky countries which are screening the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" one day ahead of its official world premiere, which is tomorrow, July 15, 2011.

And you've heard it right, this final Harry Potter film is being screened now in more than 250 theaters in the Philippines, so expect it to break Philippine box-office records, just like "Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon", which had P209.96 million gross revenues on its first 5 days and after 12 days, it now has P341.92 million gross, currently the 3rd all-time top-grossing film in the Philippines.

In Metro Manila alone, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" is showing in 160 theaters. Wow!!!

While it seems favorable for the cinema business in the country, it doesn't sound good for our local producers.

Two Filipino films are also currently being shown, "Temptation Island" which opened last July 6 and "The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles" which only premiered yesterday, July 13, but these two Pinoy films are being shown nationwide in only 80-90 theaters (40+ for each film) as of today, July 14.

Out of almost 300 theaters, Metro Manila is only allotting 20+ cinemas each for "Temptation Island" and "The Adventures of Pureza: Queen of the Riles".

27th PMPC Star Awards for Movies (2011) winners

The 27th PMPC Star Awards for Movies was held Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resors World Manila.

The most nominated film was "Sigwa" with 14 nods and it also turned out to be the biggest winner, winning a total of 7 awards.

Check out the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Movies (2011) winners:

Movie of the Year - Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To (Star Cinema)
Digital Movie of the Year - Sigwa (Beginnings Twenty Plus Production/Sineng Totoo Production/Star Express)
Movie Actress of the Year - Ai-Ai delas Alas (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Movie Actor of the Year - Coco Martin (Noy)
Movie Director of the Year - Wenn Deramas (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Digital Movie Director of the Year - Joel Lamangan (Sigwa)
Movie Supporting Actress of the Year - Eugene Domingo (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Movie Supporting Actor of the Year - Tirso Cruz III (Sigwa)
Movie Child Performer of the Year (tie) - Timothy Chan (Here Comes The Bride) and Xyriel Manabat (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
New Movie Actress of the Year - Carla Abellana (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")
New Movie Actor of the Year - Martin del Rosario (Dagim)
Movie Original Screenplay of the Year - Jerry Gracio (Emir)
Digital Movie Screenplay of the Year - Jerrold Tarog (Senior Year)
Movie Editor of the Year - Marya Ignacio (Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na 'To)
Digital Movie Editor of the Year - Bebs Gothia (Sigwa)
Movie Production Designer of the Year - Joey Luna and Miki Hahn (Rosario)
Digital Movie Production Designer of the Year - Edgar Martin Littaua (Sigwa)
Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Neil Daza (Emir)
Digital Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Monino S. Duque (Sigwa) ;
Movie Musical Scorer of the Year - Josefino Chino Toledo (Emir)
Digital Movie Musical Scorer of the Year - Jerrold Tarog (Senior Year)

Movie Sound Engineer of the Year - Jerrold Tarog (Shake, Rattle & Roll 12 "Punerarya")
Digital Movie Sound Engineer of the Year - Alfredo "Dodoy" Ongleo (Sigwa)
Movie Original Theme Song of the Year
"Bakit Ako Naririto?" (Emir) - Composed by Gary Granada, Interpreted by Frencheska Farr - winner
Digital Movie Original Theme Song of the Year - "Napapagod Din Ang puso" (Tarima) - Composed by Sherwyn Castillo, Interpreted by MJ Ringo

Ulirang Artista (Lifetime Achievement Award) - Christopher de Leon
Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera (Lifetime Achievement Award) - Mother Lily Monteverde

Male Star of the Night - Richard Gomez
Female Star of the Night - Toni Gonzaga
Male Face of the Night - Xian Lim
Female Face of the Night - Vina Morales
Darling of the Press - E.R. Ejercito


The telecast of the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Movies will be this coming Sunday, June 26, 2011, on ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best.


Photo courtesy of Sir Roldan Castro

MMFF 2011 official entries announced

The 8 official entries for the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2011) happening this December were announced today, June 17, 2011, by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

And just like in MMFF 2010, the "Kings" and "Queens" will still be part of MMFF 2011. I'm talking about Vic Sotto, Bong Revilla, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Kris Aquino.

And the excitement doesn't end up there: husband and wife Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos, whose movies "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" and "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo" were the Festival Topgrosser during MMFF 2006 and MMFF 2007 respectively, are very much back in the festival with "My Househusband".

Expect the toughest box-office battle this MMFF 2011!

Here are the eight(8) MMFF 2011 Official Entries:

"Enteng ng Ina Mo" under Star Cinema / M-Zet Films / APT Entertainment
Cast: Vic Sotto and Ai-Ai delas Alas
Director: Tony Y. Reyes

"Hototay" under Regal Entertainment
Cast: John Lapus, Ruffa Gutierrez, Andi Eigenmann, Lovi Poe, and Melai Cantiveros
Director: Joel Lamangan

"Mr. Wong" under RP Productions
Cast: Robin Padilla and Angelica Panganiban
Directors: Trina Dayrit and Rechie del Carmen

"My Househusband" under OctoArts Films
Cast: Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo and Eugene Domingo
Directors: Jose Javier Reyes

"Panday 2" under GMA Films / Imus Productions
Cast: Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr, Phillip Salvador, Marian Rivera and Iza Calzado
Director: Mac Alejandre

"Panday 2" lead stars Bong Revilla as Flavio and Marian Rivera as Arlana with Director Mac Alejandre

"Segunda Mano" under MJM Productions
Cast: Kris Aquino, Dingdong Dantes and Angelica Panganiban

"Shake Rattle & Roll 13" under Regal Entertainment.
Cast: Eugene Domingo, Kathryn Bernardo, Albie Casiño, Maricar Reyes, Paulo Avelino
Directors: Chris Martinez ("Lunod" episode), Richard Somes ("Tamawo" episode), Jerrold Tarog ("Parola" episode)

"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" under Regal Entertainment
Cast: Dennis Trillo, Heart Evangelista, Carla Abellana and Ritz Azul

***

The three (3) scripts which were submitted but unfortunately didn't make it as an official entry are the following:

"Kimmy Dora N D Temple of Kiyeme" under Spring Films
Cast: Eugene Domingo

"Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story"
Cast: George Estregan Jr aka ER Ejercito, Carla Abellana, Bangs Garcia, Sam Pinto, Paloma, Baron Geisler, Robert Arevalo, Perla Bautista, Joko Diaz and Phillip Salvador
Director: Tikoy Aguiluz

"Love Will Lead You Back" under CineMedia
Cast: Judy Ann Santos, Coco Martin, Maja Salvador and Gina Pareño

The 37th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF 2011) will run from December 25, 2011 to January 7, 2012.

Temptation Island: The Goddesses of Beauty talk about their roles in the movie

"The Goddesses of Beauty" Lovi Poe, Solenn Heussaff, Heart Evangelista, Rufa Mae Quinto and Marian Rivera talk about their roles, their favorite scenes and lines in their upcoming movie "Temptation Island".

In the film, Lovi plays Serafina (the brat), Solenn is Pura (the social climber), Heart portrays Virginia (the virgin), Rufa Mae as Nympha (the maid) and Marian is Christina (the crook).

Watch video:

Also starring are Aljur Abrenica, Tom Rodriguez, John Lapus and introducing Mikael Daez, with the special participation of Dennis Trillo.

Written and directed by Chris Martinez, "Temptation Island" will hit theaters on July 6, 2011.

Watch full trailer:


Videos courtesy of Regal Films / Upload by elmobenguan

"Kung Fu Panda 2" showtimes at SM Megamall

Kung Fu Panda 2 has opened in Philippine theaters starting yesterday, May 26, 2011, and according to those who were the first to watch it yesterday, Kung Fu Panda 2 is truly a fun film to watch (especially on 3D).

If you're from Metro Manila and you're planning to watch Po and his Kung Fu friends in this "Kung Fu Panda" sequel, try it out at SM MegaMall where you can watch the film not in 2 or 3 theaters, but in 5 out of its 12 theaters with different showtimes.

That means, if you failed to catch it on a particular showtime in one SM MegaMall Cinema, try it out on other SM MegaMall theaters which have different showtimes of Kung Fu Panda 2.

The movie has been given a GP rating by the MTRCB, meaning everyone in the family could watch this animal adventure animated film.

Here's Kung Fu Panda 2 Showtimes at SM MegaMall for today, May 27, 2011 (courtesy of ClickTheCity.com):

SM Megamall Digital Theater 1 - 3D (12:40 PM | 3:00 PM | 5:20 PM | 7:40 PM | 10:00 PM)
Digital Theater 3 - 3D (11:40 AM | 2:00 PM | 4:20 PM | 6:40 PM | 9:00 PM)
Cinema 6 (11:10 AM | 1:20 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:40 PM | 7:50 PM | 10:00 PM)
Cinema 8 (12:35 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:55 PM | 7:05 PM | 9:15 PM)
Cinema 10 (11:55 AM | 2:05 PM | 4:15 PM | 6:25 PM | 8:35 PM)

Other films currently showing at SM MegaMall are "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" at SM Megamall Digital Theater 2 (3D) and Cinema 4, "Dylan Dog: Dead of Night" at Cinema 5, "Fast & Furious 5" at Cinema 11 and "Thor" at Cinema 12.

But of course, we should not forget to watch and support locally-produced films such as "In The Name Of Love" which is shown at SM Megamall Cinema 9 and the Sam Milby-starring indie film "Third World Happy" at Cinema 7.

As of May 22, "In The Name Of Love" has grossed P89.87 million, so probably as of this writing, the movie has already reached P100-million.

Photo courtesy of SM MegaMall on Facebook

"In The Name Of Love" posts P89.87 million gross revenues in 2 weeks

"In The Name of Love", produced by Star Cinema and stars Aga Muhlach and Angel Locsin, managed to earn P42.56 million during its 2nd week despite facing a "giant" Hollywood movie in the box-office.

According to Box Office Mojo's latest box-office tally, Walt Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" earned a record-breaking P63.14-million gross revenues for its first weekend in the Philippines, an impressive earning in only 3 days (May 20 to 22, 2011).

It's already the highest opening weekend sales for any movie in the country this 2011, beating the previous record by another Hollywood film "Thor" which had 59.74 during its first weekend.

Among local films, Star Cinema's "Catch Me I'm In Love" posted the highest opening weekend with P52.95-million.

Adding P42.56M to its 1st 5-day gross the previous week (May 11-15), "In The Name Of Love" now has an accumulated 12-day total of P89.87M as of May 22, the 2nd highest-grossing Pinoy film so far this 2011, and definitely will pass the P100M mark.

For its 3rd week, "In The Name of Love" is now facing two giants: "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tide" and the new release "Kung Fu Panda 2".

PHILIPPINE BOX-OFFICE 2011
Pinoy films only
(figures courtesy of BoxOfficeMojo.com)

1. Catch Me...I'm In Love P120.21M
2. In The Name Of Love P89.87M (as of May 22)
3. Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! P77.15M
4. Bulong P67.27M
5. Who's That Girl? P58.31M
6. My Valentine Girls P44.26M
7. Tumbok P10.53M (as of May 22)
8. Tum: My Pledge Of Love P5.16M

"Temptation Island" movie poster unveiled

We've been treated already with the awesome teaser trailer and publicity photos of "Temptation Island" early this month and just today, before the month ends in a week from now, "Temptation Island" movie poster has been released by Regal Films.

Have a look!

The official movie trailer of the movie is coming next, probably first week of June, while the movie rolls out in theaters end of June.

Albie Casiño OUT of Kathryn-Julia movie?

Albie Casiño is reportedly OUT of the new Star Cinema movie which stars Mara Clara's Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes.But according to Star Cinema, Albie Casiño, who's well-loved by the viewers as Christian on Mara Clara, will still be Kathryn's leading man in the new movie, as reported tonight on TV Patrol amidst rumors that Albie has been removed from the cast already.

Reportedly, Albie Casiño was removed from the cast because of his recent controversy with ex-girlfriend Andi Eigenmann who Albie described on Formspring as a cheater. (Read: "Andi is a cheater - Albie Casiño via Formspring")

KathBie (Kathryn-Albie) fans will be the "unhappiest" to hear if it's true, but thanks, it's not true at all.

It would be a bad idea to remove Albie from the movie. His loveteam with Kathryn also contributed to why Mara Clara became a top-rating soap on primetime TV and definitely it will continue in the movies.

The said movie, which is directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng replacing Cathy Garcia-Molina, will be Albie's first movie.

AJ Perez, who died last month in a vehicular accident, was supposed to be Julia Montes' leading in the movie. He's fellow Gigger Boys member Sam Concepcion is reportedly taking over the role.

Aga Muhlach-Angel Locsin movie "In The Name Of Love" earns P47.31-million on its first 5 days

Star Cinema's "In The Name Of Love" collected a gross receipts of P47.31M on its first 5 days, May 11-15, 2011, and managed to rule the box-office charts last weekend despite facing strong competitions from Hollywood releases.

"In The Name Of Love" which stars Aga Muhlach, Angel Locsin and Jake Cuenca, and is directed by Olivia M. Lamasan, landed on #1 in the box-office, taking over the top spot from last week's #1 "Fast Five", which went down to #2 and now has a total gross receipts of P93.83million after 2 weekends.

Aside from "Fast Five", two more Hollywood films also did well in the box-office last week.

"Priest" also made a strong debut with P24.69 million on its first 5 days while "Thor" earned P23.44-million on its 3rd weekend and now has a total gross of P159.93M to become the top-grossing film in the Philippines so far this 2011.

Star Cinema and M-Zet co-production "Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak!" meanwhile now has P77.15-million after 4 weekends while Viva Films' "Tumbok" grossed only P9.57-million after 12 days.

"In The Name of Love" first weekend gross receipts of P47.31M is slightly lower than "Catch Me I'm In Love" 1st weekend gross receipts of P52.95M.

As of May 15, 2011, here's the ranking of Pinoy films shown this 2011 based on their box-office gross revenues:

1. Catch Me...I'm In Love P120.21M
2. Pak! Pak! My Dr. Kwak! P77.15M (as of May 15)
3. Bulong P67.27M
4. Who's That Girl? P58.31M
5. In The Name Of Love P47.31M (as of May 15)
6. My Valentine Girls P44.26M
7. Tumbok P9.57M (as of May 15)
8. Tum: My Pledge Of Love P5.16M

34th Gawad Urian Awards (2011) winners

The winners for the 34th Gawad Urian Awards were announced tonight, May 17, 2011, at the Marriott Hotel in Resorts World Manila.

The 34th Gawad Urian Awards has over a hundred nominees competing in only 14 categories.

Rosanna Roces won as Best Supporting Actress for "Presa". It's already her 2nd Urian Award. She previously won as Best Actress for "La Vida Rosa" in 2001.

Joem Bascon got his first Urian award this year as Best Supporting Actor for "Noy".

The Best Actress trophy went to indie film actress Fe GingGing Hyde for the film "Sheika" while Sid Lucero won his 2nd Best Actor award from Urian.

Sid previously won in Urian for the gay-themed indie film "Selda" 3 years ago and he won again this year for another gay indie movie, the Adolf Alix film "Muli".

In "Muli", Sid portrayed a gay role and did some love scenes with Cogie Domingo. Sid posted on Twitter last July 2010 that it's already hist LAST gay role.

Last month, Sid also won for the same gay role during the 8th Enpress Awards.

Sid probably will change his mind now and will accept more gay roles since that's what gives him more acting honors.

Here's the list of winners in the 34th Gawad Urian (2011):

(Live Results)

BEST PICTURE - "Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria" under Creative Programs, Inc. and Panumduman Pictures
BEST DIRECTOR - Remton Siega Zuasola ("Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria")
BEST SCREENPLAY - Arnel Mardoquio ("Sheika")
BEST ACTOR - Sid Lucero ("Muli")
BEST ACTRESS - Fe GingGing Hyde ("Sheika")
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Joem Bascon ("Noy")
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Rosanna Roces ("Presa")
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Christian Linaban ("Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria")
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN - Rodell Cruz ("Amigo")
BEST EDITING - Willie Apa, Jr. and Arthur Ian Garcia ("Sheika")
BEST MUSIC - Jerrold Tarog ("Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria")
BEST SOUND - Dempster Samarista ("Limbunan")
BEST SHORT FILM - "Wag Kang Titingin" by Pam Miras
BEST DOCUMENTARY - "Kano: An American and His Harem" by Monster Jimenez
NATATANGING GAWAD URIAN (Lifetime Achievement Awardee) - Jose "Pete" Lacaba
GAWAD URIAN AKTOR NG DEKADA - Coco Martin
GAWAD URIAN AKTRES NG DEKADA - Gina Pareno and Cherry Pie Picache
PELIKULA NG DEKADA - "Tuhog" (2000), "Batang Westside" (2001), "Babae Sa Breakwater" (2003), "Magnifico" (2003), "Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino" (2004), "Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros" (2005), "Kubrador" (2006), "Serbis" (2008), "Kinatay" (2009), "Lola" (2009)

The 34th Gawad Urian was hosted by Cesar Montano, Ai-Ai delas Alas and Butch Francisco.

Performers included Christian Bautista, Sitti, Jovit Baldivino, Angeline Quinto and Ms. Lea Salonga.

"Temptation Island" Remake publicity photos

Regal Films has released publicity photos of the stars of its 2011 remake of "Temptation Island".

Marian Rivera


Heart Evangelista


Lovi Poe


Solenn Heussaff


Rufa Mae Quinto


Aljur Abrenica


Tom Rodriguez


Mikael Daez

Temptation Island is coming in theaters this June 2011.