New Directors Give Edgier Vision to “UNDERWORLD” Franchise

Press Release:

With “Underworld” series stalwart Len Wiseman unavailable to direct the fourth installment “Underworld Awakening,” the filmmakers launched an extensive search for someone to take the helm of the new production. “We considered a number of young filmmakers who had demonstrated an interest in the Underworld franchise,” says producer Gary Lucchesi. “That group included a team of Swedish directors, Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein. They had co-directed a really interesting film called `Storm,' which seemed to us to have been heavily influenced by `Underworld.'”

“We could see from watching their earlier movie that they understood how the heroine was set up, the way that the film was shot, the camera movements, the color palette, everything,” says co-producer Richard Wright. “Then they gave us a very detailed presentation book that showed us what they thought the movie should look like. It was obvious these guys were going to bring a lot to the party.”

Mårlind and Stein, who have previously directed separately as well as together, have known each other since they were children. They have developed an uncanny connection that allows them to work most effectively in tandem, with each directing on alternate days. “We flip a coin the day before the shoot, says Stein. “Usually Måns wins, which is not necessarily a win. If you win the coin toss, you have to direct the first day, and first day is always chaos.

The directors were well aware of all the work that been done to create the series through the previous three installments and had the utmost respect for the franchise. “The films are based in a strong, interesting and well-developed mythology, which is why we’ve always been fans,” says Mårlind. “Here we are dealing with universal themes like love, survival and death. We take that part of it seriously, but there is so much cool stuff going on that it never becomes pretentious. The series is distinguished by a good mix of performances and visual style, which is something we like. We don’t see ourselves as just visual directors or just acting directors. We love both.”

The pair’s primary concern, says Stein, was being able to bring new, compelling elements to the screen while preserving the best of the past. “We jumped into it because it was such a good script,” says Stein. “The concept of the film itself actually deviates slightly from the earlier movies, so we are walking a fine line. `Underworld Awakening' is not today, it’s not set in our world. That has been challenging because we’ve had to create a new world, while keeping the Underworld stamp on it and staying true to the franchise.

“We talked a lot with Len Wiseman and he was very helpful in setting up guidelines for what’s cool and what’s not cool in terms of the Underworld mythos,” he continues. “All these new situations are presented in a totally different environment, and we had to make a lot of decisions on the fly as well, which was fun.”

The timeless archetypes of werewolves and Vampires remain. “The Vampire is the sexy, dark side of all of us,” says Mårlind. “But we also have the werewolf side which is the destructive force.”

The biggest difference is in the balance of power, according to Stein. “The Vampires are underdogs for the first time, so they become a minority that you root for,” says the director. “They can kill a man easily, but they can’t kill mankind. I think what’s exciting for fans is that we are taking another step deeper into the mythology that will expand the universe.”

Opening across the Philippines in January 2012, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Jude Law Back as Watson in “SHERLOCK HOLMES” Sequel

A hero needs all the help he could get from a sidekick and, in Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law perfectly personifies the famous detective's good friend and loyal ally. Can't wait to watch this movie!

Press Release:

An award-winning, acclaimed actor with a wealth of widely varied film roles to his credit, Jude Law once again stars opposite Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. James Watson in Warner Bros.' new action-adventure “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”

In the film, Sherlock Holmes (Downey) has always been the smartest man in the room…until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris)—and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

Downey reveals, “We see the aftereffects of Holmes having been consumed with Moriarty, to the point that he’s clearly kind of ‘nutting up.’ He’s focused on him to the exclusion of everything else, including, quite possibly, his own sanity,” the actor smiles.

That is the state in which Dr. Watson discovers his old friend when he returns to Baker Street on the eve of his wedding to Mary. Jude Law notes, “Watson arrives looking forward to the stag party that his best man, Holmes, was supposed to arrange. Instead, he finds he has reason to be concerned with Holmes’ obsessive behavior regarding Professor Moriarty. I don’t think he doubts that Holmes is right, and there’s still a bit of the old soldier in Watson who feels a responsibility to see justice done. But he does suspect it will result in the dilemma he always faces: a secure life with his wife or the thrill of the chase. He undoubtedly has great times when he’s on a case with Holmes and wants to help his friend out of the scrapes he gets himself into, so it’s a constant struggle for the poor chap.”

Director Guy Ritchie says, “We’d all love to have the genius of Sherlock Holmes, although we’re much more likely to empathize with Watson. Being a doctor, he is an intellectual in his own right, but to a degree, Watson is your every man who is enticed by a life of action and Holmes is his window of opportunity to that life. It makes for a perfect partnership, and that’s the engine that drives these stories.”

The connection between Holmes and Watson was reflected in the off-screen friendship between the two actors playing them. Downey attests, “I feel about Jude the way Sherlock feels about John: I love the guy like a brother. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

“Developing the interaction between Holmes and Watson was one of the most rewarding parts of the first film, and from the get-go, Robert and I slipped right back into it,” Law recalls. “We benefited this time from the fact that we really knew the characters, having laid the bedrock of their relationship in the first film, so we could trust our instincts and even push it a little further.”

Producer Joel Silver states, “There was a kind of magic that came out of the dynamic between Robert and Jude as Holmes and Watson, and the sequel gave us a chance to take that up a notch. In the first movie, we had to give audiences the time to get to know the foibles of the characters. Coming into this movie, we had already laid the foundation, so we could launch right into the action, which is bigger, funnier and more explosive in every sense of the word.”

Opening across the Philippines on Sunday, Jan. 8, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“DARK KNIGHT RISES” and “THE HOBBIT” Lead Warner’s 2012 Line-Up

Yay! More movies to look forward to in 2012!

Press Release:

Twenty twelve is shaping up to be another banner year for Warner Bros. whose upcoming line-up consists of the formidable tent-pole releases (The Dark Knight Rises, The Hobbit), blockbuster sequels (Wrath of the Titans, Sherlock Holmes 2), potential franchise-starters (Jack and the Giant Killer, Dark Shadows) and prestige titles (Gravity, J. Edgar). With all these surefire bets, what's not to like?

The Dark Knight Rises. The epic conclusion to Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. Christian Bale again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Marion Cotillard, as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes the first of two films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

Wrath of the Titans. A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, Perseus (Sam Worthington) —the demigod son of Zeus (Liam Neeson)—is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. But Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades (Ralph Fiennes) makes a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus.

Jack, the Giant Killer. An ancient war is reignited when a young farmhand (Nicholas Hoult) unwittingly opens a gateway between our world and a fearsome race of giants. X-Men's Bryan Singer directs.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) has always been the smartest man in the room until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris)—and not only is he Holmes' intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may give him an advantage over the renowned detective.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. In this follow-up to the 2008 worldwide hit Journey to the Center of the Earth, the new 3D family adventure begins when young Sean (Josh Hutcherson) receives a coded distress signal from a mysterious island where no island should exist. Unable to stop him from going, Sean's new stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson), joins the quest.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze who's still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter. He is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy from the devil. At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider, but it is the only way to protect the boy - and possibly rid himself of his curse forever.

Dark Shadows. Director Tim Burton brings the cult classic series to the big screen in a film featuring an all-star cast, led by Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter.

Rock of Ages. The film adaptation of the smash hit Broadway musical tells the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more. Tom Cruise leads the powerhouse cast.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name, this drama starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock tells the story of one young boy's journey from heartbreaking loss to the healing power of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the tragic events of September 11.

J. Edgar. During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the FBI for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. The Clint Eastwood film explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it during a life devoted to his own idea of justice, often swayed by the darker side of power.

The Apparition. When frightening events start to occur in their home, young couple Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence. Their last hope is an expert in the supernatural (Tom Felton), but even with his help they may already be too late to save themselves from this terrifying force...

The Lucky One. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive—a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Learning her name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door. Despite her initial mistrust, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

Gangster Squad. A colorful retelling of events surrounding the LAPD's efforts to take back their nascent city from one of the most dangerous mafia bosses of all time. The film stars Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling as the LAPD's Sgt. John O'Mara and Jerry Wooters; Sean Penn as real-life mobster Mickey Cohen and Emma Stone as Grace Faraday, Cohen's moll and the object of Wooters' attention.

Rivals. Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis play rival politicians in a small congressional district in South Carolina.

Argo. Based on true events, the film chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis—the truth of which was unknown by the public for decades. Ben Affleck stars and directs.

Burt Wonderstone. Steve Carell and Jim Carrey star in this comedy that deals with rival stage magician teams in Las Vegas. The titular Wonderstone, is one half of a two-man group who has to rediscover his love of magic after the loss of his partner.

Prisoners. A desperate father (Michael Fassbender) turns vigilante and abducts the man he suspects is behind the disappearance of his eight year old daughter and her best friend, after cops fail to find the little girls.

Gravity. A 3D space film about the leader of a team posted at a remote space station. While he (George Clooney) and a female colleague (Sandra Bullock) are traveling outside the space station, the other team members are decimated by debris from an exploded satellite.

20TH Century Fox Sets Sail for 2012 Lineup

Better get yourselves ready for 2012's new and exciting movies! :)

Press Release: 

20th Century Fox anchors in 2012 with big screen adaptation of classic favorites from television and books, phenomenal movie franchises and a novelty of ideas captured in unparalleled 3D technology employed by the Fox lot.

The returning cast of Alvin and the Chipmunks strikes a third in Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked where Dave (Jason Lee) is on board a luxury cruise liner with the gang for a well-deserved break. Incidentally, they find themselves in a deserted island after going overboard during the trip. Thinking that they have found a tropical paradise, they soon found out that they are not alone.

From the life-affirming bestselling memoir We Bought A Zoo by Benjamin Mee, director Cameron Crowe translates Mee's inspiring journey on screen with much poignancy. Starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johannson, Elle Fanning and Thomas Haden Church, the movie is a story of triumph over adversity to save Dartmoor Zoo in order to save the lives of the exotic animals that were destined to be put down.

Infused with electrifying 3D effects, Darkest Hour director Chris Gorak whose unforgettable art direction includes Fight Club and Minority Report gives the audience anew a movie experience like never before. Starring Emile Hirsch, Max Minghella and Olivia Thirlby, the group is in Moscow when they were suddenly trapped in an alien attack catching all off guard. It soon becomes apparent that the aliens have an impenetrable defense and the humans are left helpless.

Supervised by George Lucas Industrial Light & Magic, Star Wars Episode 1: the Phantom Menace undergoes meticulous technological and artistic conversion for its long-awaited 3D movie release. Navigating within a galaxy far, far away, the movie conversion is set to deliver most of the Saga's amazing scenes from the peaceful planet of Naboo to nearby ally and warring galaxies.

Tom Hardy and Chris Pine face a kind of war that's hard to admit defeat when they both find out that they are battling for Reese Witherspoon's undivided attention in This Means War. Inseparable since they were kids, both became the best CIA operatives (Pine and Hardy) who now turned against each other and start utilizing their technical skills to defeat one another.

Chronicle asks what are you capable of? Directed by Josh Trank, the movie is reminiscent of hit thrillers shot in real time documentary-style such as The Blairwitch Project and Cloverfield. Three high school kids unwittingly took matters into their own hands when they suddenly acquire special powers after being exposed to a mysterious substance from the woods and their darker sides soon begin to take over.

Coinciding with Titanic's centennial year since sailing, James Cameron's Titanic will be re-released in 3D which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Rose DeWitt Bukater (Winslet) is a 17-year-old, upper-class American who falls for a free-spirited young passenger named Jack Dawson (DiCaprio). Once he opens her eyes to the world that lies outside her gilded cage, Rose and Jack's forbidden love begins a powerful mystery that ultimately echoes across the years into the present and not even the sinking of Titanic can come between them.

From television's classic black & white tubes, The Three Stooges' hilarious slapstick goes all color on the big screen brought about by the dynamic filmmaking duo Farrelly Brothers. Starring Will Sasso, Sean Hayes and Chris Diamantopoulos, this is the story of three orphans named Larry, Joe and Moe remotely raised by nuns. But time came when they have go out into the world to save the orphanage from being shut down. Hilarity ensues when the world collides with these three nitwits as they raise money for the orphanage the only way they know how.

Known for his visceral presentation of the future from his movies Alien and Blade Runner, Ridley Scott's latest 3D vision of the future will soon be revealed in Prometheus (3D). Starring Michael Fassbender (X-Men: First Class) and Charlize Theron (Aeon Flux), the film introduces a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest and most dangerous corners of the universe. Testing their physical and mental limits, they soon discover that they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

From the pages of Seth Grahame-Smith's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter stars Benjamin Walker directed by Timur Bekmambetov. Like the pop-novel mash-up on which the movie is based, the movie follows Lincoln from his boyhood on the frontier through his assassination by John Wilkes Booth and beyond. Young Lincoln, having learned that his grandfather and mother were killed by vampires, vows to kill every last blood-sucker in a country that is crawling with them.

From the hugely successful Ice Age franchise, the endearing fun troupe of Manny and Ellie the mammoths along with Diego the saber-toothed tiger, Sid the sloth, Scrat, possums Crash and Eddie are back. In Ice Age: Continental Drift (3D), Scrat's nutty pursuit of the cursed acorn, which he's been after since the dawn of time, has world-changing consequences -- a continental cataclysm that triggers the greatest adventure of all.

Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn reunite in Neighborhood Watch about a man who moves from the big city to the suburbs, and worries that his life will be boring now he's away from the excitement of the metropolis. But after signing up for the local neighborhood watch patrol, he's soon thrust into uncovering a massive conspiracy.

Based on the best-selling kid-friendly book by Jeff Kinney of the same title, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw finds Greg Heffley in a dilemma over his wimpy ways. Having realized that hard habits are hard to break, Greg couldn't just make his father understand that he will never change being wimpy despite efforts to make his son toughen up.

A follow up on Luc Besson's 2008 surprise hard-core action film Taken, Liam Neeson's character Bryan Mills shares more of the action with Maggie Grace's Kim in Taken 2. Mills, having been captured by a nemesis whose son was killed exacts revenge and lays the burden on Kim to save her parents.

Sneak Peek: “THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO”

Press Release:

In Columbia Pictures' eagerly awaited “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Academy Award®-nominated director David Fincher (“The Social Network”) uncoils the world of author Stieg Larsson’s global blockbuster thriller on the screen.

Within the story’s labyrinth lie murder, corruption, family secrets and the inner demons of the two unexpected partners chasing the truth of a 40-year-old mystery. Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a financial reporter determined to restore his honor after being convicted of libel. Engaged by one of Sweden’s wealthiest industrialists, Henrik Vanger (Academy Award® nominee Christopher Plummer), to get to the bottom of the long-ago disappearance of his beloved niece, Harriet – murdered, Vanger believes, by a member of his large family – the journalist heads to a remote island on the frozen Swedish coast, unaware of what awaits him.

At the same time, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an unusual but ingenious investigator with Milton Security, is hired to do a background check on Blomkvist, a job that ultimately leads to her joining Mikael in his investigation of who killed Harriet Vanger. Though Lisbeth shields herself from a world that has repeatedly betrayed her, her hacking skills and single-minded focus become invaluable. While Mikael goes face-to-face with the tight-lipped Vangers, Lisbeth plies the wired shadows. They begin to trace a chain of homicides from the past into the present, forging a fragile strand of trust even as they are pulled into the most savage currents of modern crime.

Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures present a Scott Rudin / Yellow Bird Production of a David Fincher film, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, starring Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgård, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright, Yorick van Wageningen and Joely Richardson.

The film is directed by David Fincher and produced by Scott Rudin, Ole Søndberg, Søren Stærmose and Ceán Chaffin, from a screenplay by Steven Zaillian based on the book by Stieg Larsson originally published by Norstedts.

The film’s crew includes director of photography Jeff Cronenweth, ASC, production designer Donald Graham Burt, editors Kirk Baxter, A.C.E. and Angus Wall, A.C.E., costume designer Trish Summerville and composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like them at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join the fan contests.

Swedish Actress Makes Hollywood Debut in “SHERLOCK HOLMES 2”

Press Release:

Swedish star Noomi Rapace gained global acclaim with her riveting and unnerving portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the original film adaptations of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling Millennium Trilogy, beginning with her 2009 breakout performance in Niels Arden Oplev’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” For her performance in the film, Rapace won several international honors, including a Best Actress nomination at the BAFTA Awards.

Now, she plays her first English-speaking role in Warner Bros.' action-adventure “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” as mysterious Gypsy named Sim, who becomes allied with Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) in his quest to stop criminal mastermind Prof. James Moriarty (Jared Harris).

Sim could provide the link to the final piece of the puzzle, completing the picture of Moriarty’s sinister plot. The cryptic letter that drew Holmes to Sim was from her brother, Rene. Years earlier, Sim and Rene had joined a group of anarchists called the Lapin Vert. When the group became too extreme, Sim and her brother abandoned the cause, but for reasons unknown Rene made his way back and wound up as a pawn in Moriarty’s deadly game. Sim agrees to help Holmes and Watson if they will save her brother.

Director Guy Ritchie says, “We were all big fans of Noomi's, and when we met with her, she was already full of ideas for the character. I loved working with her because she’s ballsy and smart and totally committed— all qualities we were looking for in Sim.”

Rapace says that the nomadic lifestyle of a Gypsy and the attitudes of the time have combined to make Sim tough. “She’s forever on the move and wherever she goes, she’s not treated very well, so she’s had to learn to defend herself. Her people are used to surviving under extreme circumstances and living on the edge, usually in places where they’re not welcome. Sim has seen the darker side of humanity and, in that way, she has something in common with Holmes.”

The actress might also have something in common with her character. “My father was a Flamenco singer from Spain, and I was told he had Gypsy blood in him,” she offers. “I’m not sure if it’s really true or not, but I’ve always had an interest in Gypsy culture and playing Sim gave me a fantastic opportunity to delve into that—the way they live and love and their strong sense of family and loyalty. Guy gave me a lot of freedom to develop her character, which I appreciated.”

“Noomi was incredible…not only a wonderful actress but a lovely person,” producer Joel Silver says. “She’s in most of the movie alongside Robert and Jude Law and really had to hold her own with them, and she was amazing.”

The fight scenes in the film were not confined to the men, which is something Noomi Rapace welcomed. “Sim is a street fighter,” the actress asserts. “She can punch and kick and she’s very good with knives, but when she’s thrown into a situation, she’ll grab whatever is close at hand. She’s scrappy. I like that,” she smiles.

Upcoming, Rapace will next be seen starring in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sci-fi thriller “Prometheus,” with Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba and Guy Pearce.

Opening across the Philippines in Jan. 08, “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Jolly Family Toy Scouts: Starting a New Christmas Tradition with Maaga ang Pasko

Wouldn't it be nice if more families do this every Christmas? 

Press Release:

Jollibee’s Maaga ang Pasko – the country’s longest running toy and book collection drive - provides an avenue this year for more families to share their blessings to others and make giving a part of their Christmas family tradition.

During the 17th Maaga ang Pasko kickoff events held in various SM Malls in Manila, Pampanga, Naga, Cebu and Cagayan De Oro, several families from different cities and municipalities came forward to hang their symbolic pledges on the Maaga Tree. The generous and kind-hearted families – from the kids to the parents – came in full force and shared how they intend to make this Christmas happier for other people.

“I’ve always liked the idea of Maaga ang Pasko because it has made it easy for families to reach out and share their blessings. Jollibee becomes the bridge between those who want to help out and the people who are in need,” shares Patricia Hizon. The Hizon family, one of the model families from Metro Manila, pledged to continue spreading happiness and cheer this Christmas by preparing meals for children and families in need and organizing parties in orphanages and homes for the elderly. They will also organize basketball clinics for children during the Holiday season.

For the Lee family of Sorsogon, Christmas is more meaningful when they get to make it brighter for other kids. The family pledged to invite 200 kids in their barangay for a Christmas dinner treat.

Awardees of the 1st Jollibee Family Values Awards also hung their symbolic pledges in the Maaga ang Pasko Christmas Tree. The Mercado family from Metro Manila vowed to make this Christmas a memorable one for kids living near the family-owned resort in Laguna by organizing a swimming party for the underprivileged children. The Depla family of Pampanga pledged to do a feeding program for malnourished children. The Francisco family of Lucena, Quezon signified their intent to continue their Christmas tradition of feeding less-privileged kids by conducting a Christmas feeding program and donating books to 200 children in Quezon. The Suplido family of Silay City hopes to take their charitable initiatives a step further this year by inviting friends and classmates to join them as they give gifts and sing to children in hospitals. The Cartojano family from Cagayan de Oro promised to start a family values blog, promote it worldwide and support the Maaga ang Pasko in the children’s respective schools.

Jollibee empowers every Filipino family to help in spreading the love this Christmas season. Families can continue to set aside and collecting toys, books, or clothing for donations. Just visit any of the 700 Jollibee stores and drop your donations into the Maaga ang Pasko box. Be part of this nationwide gift-giving program, and together with your family, make this Christmas truly the merriest day of the year.

Top 10 ‘Best Gifts Ever’ at Power Mac Center

What gadgets are still in your wish list this Christmas season? Check out if they are included in Power Mac's Top Ten Best Gifts List!

Press Release:

Furnish your Christmas wish list with the most coveted gadgets and tech accessories of the year as Power Mac Center, a chain of reliable retail shops and service provider of Apple products and premium accessories in the country, gives you the Best Gifts Ever this holiday season!

1) Apple iPad 2 WiFi / 16GB - SRP Php 23,990

Following the great success of the iconic iPad, Apple does more than just impress with the fully upgraded iPad 2. Faster, smoother and thinner, this gadget is most definitely one of the world’s most wanted gadgets.

The Apple iPad 2 has a 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology and boasts of extremely efficient dual-core A5 chips. With such a sleek interface and elegant build, this gadget is surely a must-have for any student or professional who wants a truly fantastic experience for both online and offline entertainment and productivity.

2) Apple MacBook Air 11" / 1.4 GHZ / 128GB - SRP Php 64,990

Perfect for those who want the full functionality of their Mac computers while staying mobile, the MacBook Air amps up your mobile productivity with its incredibly thin, light and sturdy features.

Apple’s most mobile notebook ever, the MacBook Air, is packaged with the latest technology which includes an all-flash storage and multi-touch trackpad that Apple first introduced in its iPhone. Extremely lightweight and portable, the Apple MacBook Air also comes in a 13” size.

3) Angry Birds Docking Speakers - SRP Php 5,950

Nothing says trendy more than vibrant Angry Birds docking speakers for your iPod, iPad or iPhone. Exclusively available at Power Mac Center this Christmas season, these docking speakers are perfect room decorations of appreciators of good music and funky aesthetic designs.

Choose between three lovable and infamous characters such as the Red Bird, the Black Bird and the Helmet Pig. These adorable yet very powerful speakers also have their own individual docking designs.

4) JBL Roxy ‘In Ear’ Headphones 230/250 - SRP Php 1,890/2,690

Technology meets fashion, sound meets design in this first time collaboration between audio powerhouse JBL and hip fashion brand Roxy. The result is a line of superior-quality earphones and headphones for the audiophile fashionista.

Listen to your tunes in style as these earphones come in vibrant blues and greens or pinks and oranges with matching specially designed small zipper pouches for safekeeping. Available exclusively at Power Mac Center, these versatile earphones can also be connected to your phone for easy music and call access through a 3.5mm jack.

5) LunaTik and TikTok Watch Bands for iPod nano - SRP Php 2,350-4850

Designed for those who are always on the go, LunaTik and TikTok are dedicated accessories for those who want to turn their 6th or 7th generation iPod nanos into funky wristwatches.

These stylish watch bands are forged and molded using high-quality materials with straps made of high-grade anti-dust silicone rubber. These accessories make excellent gifts for those who like to utilize all their iPod nano’s technological capabilities, bringing entertainment, leisure, and practicality together in one gadget.

6) Apple iPod Exclusive Promos - SRP (Prices available in store)

This holiday season, Power Mac Center is holding exclusive promos with amazing freebie accessories for those who have been dying to get their hands on an iPod all year long.

Why is the iPod still the best gift ever? Because buying iPods for your loved ones has never been this rewarding. Get discounted prices when buying 4 iPod shuffles for your family, discounts on LunaTik and TikTok when buying an iPod nano, or get 10-15% off any items on the Power Mac Center Gift Guide 2011 when purchasing two iPod classics or iPod touch. There will surely be something for everyone in Power Mac Center’s exclusive Apple iPod discounts and promos.

7) Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Limited Edition Colors - SRP Php 23,500

Lusting for those Studio Headphones the whole year? This is one time you’ll be happy you waited. Spice up your listening experience with the Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio headphones in Limited Edition Colors exclusive only at Power Mac Center. Available in special colors such as Blue, Orange, Purple, Aluminum and Pink, these trendy earpieces will surely make any fellow music lover jealous.

With a crisp audio response made to produce truly extraordinary tunes, Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Studio is a fantastic combination of style and sound quality. Grab your favorite color while they are still available!

8) Bose Sounddock in Limited Edition Red - SRP Php 19,900

The all-time favorite Bose Sounddock comes in a Limited Edition Red color for the Holiday Season.

Find out why the Sounddock has been one of the most loved docking speakers in the market. Bose levels up the game with an iPod/MP3 player-ready sound dock system that will look perfect in any part of your home. With crisp sound quality that only BOSE can provide, this speaker system is compatible with any iPod or music player, be it MP3 players or CD/DVDs.

Not a single thing will interrupt beautiful sounds produced by this sound dock as iPods charge when they are mounted.

9) Bowers & Wilkins Zepellin Air iPod/iPhone Speakers - SRP Php 34,990

One of the first products to have Apple's new AirPlay technology built in, the B&W Zepellin Air speaker dock is definitely a sight, and sound, to behold. Do away with messy cables as this sound system will blow you away with wireless connectivity to your iPod.

Playback is nothing short of majestic as you sit back, command and direct your iPod play list all the way from your living room couch. These attention-grabbing football-shaped speakers will surely be a standout conversation piece on any countertop.

10) iPhone & iPad Accessories/Cases - SRP (Prices available in store)

Power Mac Center holds the most popular and trendiest accessory brands for any of your Apple products. From sturdy protection with OtterBox, to socially-relevant Whatever It Takes celebrity-designed cases for your iPhone 4, to the quirky Twelve South BookBook cover for your iPad 2, there is an entire range of products one can choose from to go with their personal style.

Find the perfect accessory that expresses who you are or choose the best fitted gift for any loved one this Christmas at a Power Mac Center store nearest you.

Power Mac Center branches are located at Greenbelt 3, Rustan's Makati, TriNoma, The Annex at SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM City Marikina, Power Plant Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Festival Supermall, SM City Pampanga, Northeast Square Greenhills and Abreeza in Davao.

For more info on Power Mac Center products and other offers, visit their website at www.powermaccenter.com

Help Mindanao NOW! Attend a Benefit Concert this December 26

The typhoon may be over but rebuilding lives affected by Sendong will take a lot longer. Even if you don't have the means to go to Mindanao to personally help out, there are other channels to send assistance. Here's one way ...

Press Release:

Some of the country’s top artists and musicians have come together for a special fund-raising concert for the victims of typhoon Sendong. The show is set on December 26, Monday, from 6 p.m to 12 midnight, at the Rockwell Tent in Makati.

The entrance fee is P500, but everyone is enjoined to donate as much as they are able. Sagip Kapamilya of the ABS-CBN Foundation will take charge of the funds generated.

More than 20 artists and bands have pledged performances for the night. Among these are The CompanY, Noel Cabangon, True Faith, Aiza Seguerra, AMP Big Band with Skarlet, Luke Mejares, Guarana, Aquarela, Dulce with Jetto Aquino, Ivy Violan, Music Making Company, and more, with David Celdran giving the event introduction.

Rockwell has provided the venue for free, and a good number of sponsors and other volunteers have made the event possible in a very short span of time. All have been moved to do their share to help out the thousands who are suffering from the aftermath of the storm that cut across vast areas of Mindanao last December 16 and 17, particularly Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

The proceeds will be used to help the more than 280,000 individuals being served in and out of evacuation centers, out of 380,000 affected persons in 13 provinces, according to reports. Over a thousand people have been killed and hundreds remain missing, making Sendong the deadliest cyclone to hit the Philippines in the last 12 years. President Benigno Aquino has declared a state of national calamity as a result of the devastation.

In the spirit of Christmas and brotherhood, don’t miss the “Helping Mindanao Now” benefit concert. Bring your family, friends and big hearts to this worthy cause on December 26 at the Rockwell Tent, Makati.

For the complete schedule of performances, please visit The CompanY's Facebook page.

Stay Safe On Social Networks During Christmas Vacation

These are really great tips that we should all read and keep in mind especially this holiday season. Please take time to read.

Press Release:

As you get ready for the holidays, remember, so do the cybercriminals, and their cheer could come at your expense. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have adapted and created scams and malware geared toward Facebook and Twitter users, and these threats become more prevalent (and successful) during the holidays.

Kaspersky Lab has put together a list of holiday threats found on social media networks to keep you, and your readers informed and safe this season. Watch out for these threats, so the only thing that can get burnt this holiday season is the green bean casserole!

Phishing for the holidays: Phishing messages use deceptive information or fake websites in order to get consumers to disclose personal or financial information. On social networks, these ploys can come in many forms:

• Viral videos: Keep an eye out for videos that seem to get reposted/retweeted often with the same message tagged to it. If a message prompts you to “download an update for your media player,” to view the video, two things will probably happen: 1) you’ll be infected with malware, and 2) the fake video will be broadcast to all your friends, encouraging them to fall into the same trap.

• Direct Twitter messages: Messages such as “How to lose that holiday weight fast” or “I found this picture of you from the holiday party” accompanied with a shortened link shouldn’t be opened unless you can confirm your friend intended to send you the message.

• Cloned retailer websites: If you find the Facebook account or Twitter feed for a company’s website, make sure to check the URL before you enter any information. It’s easy to create fake websites and social media pages…so make sure to look for any misspellings; for example it’s the difference between BestBuy.com and BetsBuy.com.

Too good to be true: Scams don’t take a holiday. Cybercriminals know consumers will do just about anything to save a buck during the holidays and they are taking full advantage of it:

• Holiday quizzes: These quizzes usually ask for personal information using tactics such as: “before you can receive your prize you must enter your credit card information for shipping costs.”

• Free/Discounted items: A recent Facebook scam featured a Starbucks gift card, telling Facebook users if they re-posted the fake message, they would receive a $50 gift card. Similar scams have appeared promising cheap or even free iPads.

Social minefields: By trusting a seemingly safe post, game, or even group on Facebook, you could accidently enter into a world of spam or worse:

• Fake clickjack charity program: Celebrities aren’t looking to donate to a charity based on how many “likes” something gets. Clicking on that message will only hijack your account and in trying to help a good cause, you could end up spamming your friends.

• Broadcasting when your house will be empty: You want all your friends to be jealous of your holiday trip to the Virgin Islands, but posting your extended whereabouts on Facebook could used by burglars to plan an unwanted visit to your house.

• Holiday Apps and Games: Exercise caution when the “permissions request” box appears and take a good look at what information the application plans to access. Apps and games that try to access unnecessary information are probably looking to get more than a laugh out of you

So what’s a family to do?? Here are some simple tips for staying safe this holiday season:

• Type in the URL: Instead of clicking a link to your bank or a store, do it the old fashioned way and type in the URL in the address bar. This prevents you from visiting a potentially fake and malicious website.

• Search safely: Tools such as Kaspersky’s URL Advisor ensure that you never enter a malicious website unknowingly.

• Stay updated: Make sure to install updates on your computer and software when prompted, it’s especially important to remain protected during the holidays.

And the best advice? Use your common sense: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The Woman: A Story of Love, Loss, and Style

I had the privilege of watching Love, Loss, and What I Wore during its first Philippine run last July. You can read my full length review at HerWord.com here. The show will have another limited run this coming January and I highly recommend this to women of all ages.

Press Release:

Do you remember.....

Twirling in rainbow skirts during childhood birthday parties?

Feeling embarrassed buying your very first bra?

Buying a pair of killer red heels to get over your ex?

Walking down the aisle in Mom's wedding gown to be with the person you will forever cherish?

Menchu

Each milestone in a woman's life is captured with laughter, tears, and the special piece of clothing she wears during those moments. A woman's clothes and accessories are not only expressions of her unique tastes and amazing personality but are reflections of the memories that define who she is today. Behind each halter top, faded pair of jeans, cocktail dress, painful set of stilettos, and designer handbag, she has a story to tell.

Cathy

The sensational Off-Broadway show Love, Loss, and What I Wore, written by Nora Ephron ( When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle) and Delia Ephron (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Hanging Up), vividly recounts a selection of comic and heartwarming stories from different women who remember key moments in their lives through the clothes they wore. The show is based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman, and has featured notable actresses such as Jane Lynch (Glee); Rosie O'Donell, Brooke Shields (Blue Lagoon, Grease); Betty White (Golden Girls); Rita Wilson, Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray), Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls); Fran Drescher (The Nanny); Alicia Silverstone (Clueless); Jamie Lynn Siegler (The Sopranos and Entourage), to name just a few.

Liza

Since its debut in 2009 at New York's Westside Theater, Love, Loss, and What I Wore has never failed to garner praise from critics and delight audience members who saw themselves or someone they knew in each funny and poignant tale. It has since then been staged in Los Angeles, Toronto, Buenos Aires, Mexico, Australia, and Paris.

After the very successful July 2011 Asian premiere in Manila of Love, Loss, and What I Wore, CTE Productions is proud to bring back the acclaimed off-Broadway hit, still with some of the best female artists in the scene today.

Bituin

The January 2012 cast of Love, Loss, and What I Wore includes theater luminary and current Associate Artistic Director of Repertory Philippines, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, veteran theater actress, writer, and emerging director, Cathy Azanza-Dy, multi-talented actress, acute businesswoman, and current treasurer of Repertory Philippines, Liza Infante-Robinson, thespian and music sensation Bituin Escalante, and acclaimed classical vocalist and theater performer, Jay Valencia-Glorioso. The show is directed by the same tandem behind the hit show Defending The Caveman, Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy.

Jay

Love, Loss, and What I Wore is brought to you in cooperation with BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, and RCBC Plaza. It will be showing on January 20, 21, and 22, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4th Floor, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. Shows are at 8pm on Friday and Saturday with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:30pm.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld at 8919999 or log on to their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph. You may also call 2150788 or 09175378313 or email cteshows@gmail.com to order tickets. Php1,200 for orchestra center, Php1,000 for orchestra side and loge, and Php500 for balcony. Like 'CTE Productions' on Facebook and follow @cteshows on twitter for more updates.

Join us in the theater for one memorable ladies' night filled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of style.