Wednesday, January 29, 2014

2014’s Best Actress Frontrunner Cate Blanchett is the Only Woman Among “The Monuments Men”

Read what Cate Blanchett has to say about her role in this amazing movie!

Press Release:

Cate Blanchett, this year’s Best Actress winner at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (for her role in “Blue Jasmine”) and nominated at the 86th Academy Awards (Oscars) stars in a sweeping true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history where she is the only woman among “The Monuments Men.”


Based on the real history chronicled in the non-fiction book “The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History” by Robert M. Edsel with Bret Witter,  “The Monuments Men” is an action drama focusing on seven over-the-hill, out-of-shape museum directors, artists, architects, curators, and art historians who went to the front lines of WWII to rescue the world’s artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their rightful owners.  The Monuments Men found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind’s greatest achievements.  

The film is directed, co-written, co-produced and starred in by George Clooney with a phenomenal ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville, and Cate Blanchett.  

Cate Blanchett rounds out the cast as Claire Simone, a Frenchwoman in a unique position in Occupied France.  “This story opens up the Second World War in a way that gives you a different perspective on it,” says Cate Blanchett, who plays a key role as Claire Simone, a woman who holds the key to the secret location of thousands of priceless pieces of stolen art.  


“These men were spurred on by a higher ideal.  So many of the works that we take for granted in the great museums of the world were returned by this band of men – it was a near impossible task.  Absurd, in a way: non military men going to the front lines and asking generals to stop bombing a certain church or area to save a window, or a sculpture or mural – you wonder how they were able to save anything at all.  It’s an extraordinary, selfless thing that they did, done to preserve history.”

“Claire Simone is a curator at the Jeu de Paume – once an art museum but became a kind of depot for art looted by the Nazis,” Blanchett explains.  “But her real work goes on at night, when she records the provenance of the works and where they were being taken in an obsessively detailed way. She’s the catalyst for the third act of the movie – the Monuments Men know the works are disappearing but they don’t know where they are going, and they need her information.”

Blanchett says that there was truly something different about the ways the Nazis went about looting art.  “In every war, there’s looting. What was shocking to me was the mathematical, calculated and systematic way the Nazis went about their looting, and the fact that their acquisition of works began as early as 1938.”


The other element that made the Nazi looting different was the so-called Nero Decree.  “When Hitler realized he was going to lose the war, he ordered that everything the Nazis had amassed was going to be destroyed.  He was going to leave nothing in the hands of the victors,” Blanchett explains.  “In relation to the art, what the Nero Decree meant was that everything that they had stolen was to be destroyed.”

“Matt’s character, Granger, must win her trust,” Blanchett continues. “There was an understandable fear on the part of the French that, if the works were recovered by the Allies from the Nazis, they’d simply go to collections or collectors in Russia and the United States. From that standpoint, did it really matter whether it was stolen by the Germans, the Russians or the Americans?”

Ultimately, Granger and Simone forge an unusual bond, Blanchett says.  “I think the love story that exists between them is a mutual love of art, of culture.” Blanchett says. “They are both gripped – passionately gripped – by the importance of saving this work for all time. They believe that no single person can ever truly own a masterpiece. It’s for everyone. So, I think they’re united in the nobility of the cause.”


Blanchett’s character is inspired by Rose Valland, a French woman who bravely and secretly kept track of the Nazis’ systematic tracking, risking her life in the process. “Rose Valland was, at first, a volunteer and then overseer at the Jeu de Paume, which adjoins the Louvre. During the war, it was a depot for looted Jewish art collections and other objects.  Hermann Göring basically used the Jeu de Paume as a shopping mall – the Nazis set it up like an exhibition space for the pilfered art,” Blanchett explains. “Her work singlehandedly saved crate-loads, castle-loads full of works of art that otherwise could have easily been destroyed. The fact that she was working alone was an act of extraordinary bravery. I think she was able to achieve what she did because she didn’t stand out – she was the woman least likely.”

“The Monuments Men” opens February 12 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.


Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Dive Buddies Save the Seas Through Fantastic Photos & Videos

This is a worthwhile advocacy to save our seas! If you are compelled to join the cause, please read on ...

Press Release:

The Philippines is teeming with amazing underwater attractions and thriving aquatic life as it is one of the countries that make up the Coral Triangle, the global center of marine biodiversity. Among the most popular diving sites in the country are the Tubbataha Reef and the Apo Reef, home to myriad species of fish and corals.  These are just some of the wonders that the Network of Underwater Digital Imagers or NUDI hopes to bring to the surface. NUDI is a non-stock and non-profit association founded in 2010 that champions the conservation of magnificent marine life through photos and videos.


Citizens of the sea.  Among the growing number of NUDI members are marketing manager Wowie Wong and seasoned actress Elizabeth Oropesa. Captivated by the Philippines’ underwater treasures, both Elizabeth and Wowie feel strongly about marine life conservation. “We have the most number of sea creatures and corals. That is something we want more people, including the future generations, to discover and revel in,” Elizabeth shared. Wowie related one story of how NUDI became instrumental in raising marine environmental awareness. “In 2010, fellow divers told us that there were a lot of sardines in Pescador Island in Moalboal, Cebu. They weren’t there before,” he shared. The locals were surprised to see divers trooping to the town, because the marine life in the area had suffered from dynamite fishing.

NUDI members documented everything about the sardine run and shared photos on their social network sites. This prompted fellow divers from all over to journey to Pescador Island. “The community was brought back to life as tourists made their way to the island and discovered its wonders,” Wowie said. The group decided to provide the locals with dive guide training which became an alternative source of livelihood and dissuaded them from dynamite fishing. “We made them realize that the water is their treasure—it gives them food and income,” Wowie said.

“Apart from training dive guides, we also have regular coastal and underwater cleanup drives,” Elizabeth adds. “We also mount photography exhibits to raise funds for different causes. Among our recent projects is for the benefit of children who wish to study marine biology,” she added.


United in preserving nature. NUDI hopes that more Filipinos will take advantage of the natural wonders that thrive in their shores. Elizabeth’s love for diving has even brought her traveling to many parts of the world, but her heart still beats for home. “I have traveled to different countries just to dive, but the Philippines has some of the best spots and marine life. Cebu and Davao, for example, are amazing,” Elizabeth shared. While diving and underwater photography can get pricey, enthusiasts now have a variety of choices to keep costs down. Wowie shared that among their biggest expenses are airline baggage fees. “In a single trip, I would carry nearly 50 kilos worth of equipment, from camera lenses to their corresponding metal housing,” he said.

Wowie said that this is one of the things he values most about the country’s leading low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific. “They offer several baggage options that passengers can pre-purchase upon booking, so that they won’t have to shell out extra cash during check-in,” he shared. Known for its year-round low fares and travel options, Cebu Pacific also supports NUDI’s mission to save the Philippines’ underwater wonders. The company was among the private organizations that sponsored the 2013 NUDI Cup in Cebu, which gathered underwater photography enthusiasts from all over the world. 


Moreover, the airline gives passengers an opportunity to fight global warming and help protect the Apo and Tubbataha Reefs, through its Bright Skies for Every Juan climate adaptation program. Guests can help coastal communities by making donations as they book their CEB flights via www.cebupacificair.com. To know more about NUDI and volunteer for its various projects, visit www.nudi.ph.


Monday, January 27, 2014

An Animal Saved My Life: True Stories of Courageous Creatures That Risk Their Lives to Save Ours

Reading the episode descriptions make me want to watch all of them when they start showing. The stories sound really heartwarming!

Press Release:

In times of crisis and need, help can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places. AN ANIMAL SAVED MY LIFE shines the spotlight on some of the most uplifting stories of animal heroes that go beyond their natural instincts, risking their lives to save human beings confronted by dangerous and possibly life-threatening situations. Through re-enactments of the actual events, coupled with interviews with the victims themselves and animal behavioural expert analysis of the unique adaptations these creatures take on when reacting to various calls of distress, AN ANIMAL SAVED MY LIFE pays tribute to these unexpected heroes and their selfless, gallant rescue attempts to protect us from peril. AN ANIMAL SAVED MY LIFE premieres every Wednesday at 11:00 p.m., starting January 29 on Animal Planet. It encores every Thursday at 1:00 p.m. and Saturday at 9:00 p.m.  


In this six-part series, meet the feral and domesticated animals who go all out to protect not just their beloved pet owners, but random individuals who found themselves facing an array of perilous and potentially deadly circumstances. Follow the rescue tale of Grizzly, lead husky of a Canadian dog-racing team, which went head-on with a black bear for seven hours to keep its owner safe after a savage bear attack. Discover how canine Frisky kept its exhausted owner alive by licking his face when trapped in the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina. Also, look into the amazing rescue efforts of Lulu the pig, as it braved traffic in attempts to get help from passing cars, after its owner collapsed from a heart attack.  

Known for their altruistic nature and ability to echolocate, observe a school of dolphins at the aid of an injured surfer who endured a vicious attack by a great white shark. Learn how quick-thinking baby elephant Ning Nong rescued an eight year old girl from the tsunami that hit Phuket, Thailand in 2004, by picking up infrasound. Over in Jersey, unravel the incredible story of Jambo, a silverback gorilla that shielded an unconscious five year old boy – from younger gorillas – after falling 12 feet (3.6 metres) onto the concrete floor of Jersey Zoo’s (now known as Durrell Wildlife Park) gorilla enclosure. 


Catch these awe-inspiring tales of animal heroism in the following episodes of AN ANIMAL SAVED MY LIFE:

Episode Descriptions:

The Dog That Battled The Bear
Paul Guitard was training his husky dog-racing team in the forests of Ontario, Canada, when he was attacked by a black bear. As the bear savaged Paul, all of his dogs ran away except lead husky, Grizzly, who put up a seven hour fight in attempts to fend the bear off and keep Paul safe. 

The Dolphins That Saved The Surfer
A surfer expects to die after enduring a vicious shark attack. But he is able to swim to safety after a school of dolphins form a circle of safety around him, protecting him a from another shark attack. 

The Gorilla That Saved The Boy
Levan Merritt is unconscious after falling 12 feet (3.6 metres) onto the concrete floor of Jersey Zoo’s (now known as Durrell Wildlife Park) gorilla enclosure. His survival now depends on Jambo, the silverback gorilla. But how will Jambo react?

The Elephant That Rescued The Girl
Witness the miraculous rescue tale of eighty-year-old Amber, from the 2004 tsunami that hit Phuket, Thailand, thanks to quick-thinking baby elephant – Ning Nong.

The Pig That Called For Help
Lulu the pig is determined to rescue its owner after she collapsed from a heart attack. 

The Dog That Gave First Aid
Trapped in floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina, 80-year-old George Mitchell is exhausted and close to giving up. But his dog Frisky will do all in its power to keep him alive. 


Sunday, January 26, 2014

The Adventurer : The Curse of Midas Box

The story of King Midas fascinated me very much as a young girl. I'm not sure though how related this film is to the tale I know but I am interested to watch this one! 

Press Release:

Ancient mysteries. Powerful evil. And a fearless hero's quest through a fantastical realm of steam-powered wonders and sinister magic. In The Adventurer : The Curse of the Midas Box, seventeen-year-old Mariah Mundi's life is turned upside down when his parents vanish and his younger brother is kidnapped. 


Following a trail of clues to the darkly majestic Prince Regent Hotel, Mariah discovers a hidden realm of child-stealing monsters, deadly secrets and a long-lost artifact that grants limitless wealth - but also devastating supernatural power. With the fate of his world, and his family at stake, Mariah will risk everything to unravel the Curse of the Midas Box!

‘The Adventurer: The Curse of Midas Box’ released and distributed by Captive Cinema showing soon!


Friday, January 24, 2014

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 Heats Up Starworld In 2014

AsNTM2 is here! Two Filipinas are contestants. Who are you rooting for?

Press Release:

Heating up your TV screens this 2014, the second cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model hits Star World with a new batch of strikingly beautiful hopefuls vying for the title. The show premiered on January 8, 2014, introducing 16 young models from the Asia-Pacific region who feel they’ve got what it takes to be the next Asian fashion ingénue.


Returning this season to host the show is successful model Nadya Hutagalung, and Joey Mead-King, model and host, reprises her role as mentor to the candidates. Joining these beautiful judges are photographer Mike Rosenthal and movement coach Adam Williams to round out the panel. All of them use their combined experience in the fashion industry to train the girls and discern who deserves to become Asia’s Next Top Model.

Sixteen aspiring models undergo various challenges throughout the show -- some testing their skills to navigate socially through the fashion world, others their natural talent in presenting the best image of themselves that will have the industry at their feet. All these challenges are designed to hone the model’s talents and weed out those who can’t make the cut.

In this cycle, two Filipinas, 20-year-old Jodilly Pendre and 21-year-old Katarina Rodriguez number among the sixteen who are hoping to be Asia’s Next Top Model. They both underwent a stringent screening process that included casting calls in five countries: the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. Pendre and Katarina bested hundreds of models to become part of the final cast of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2.


This season, the show takes place takes place in the gorgeous country of Malaysia. Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 was filmed in Singapore, and the winner of the competition was Thailand’s Jessica Amornkuldilok.

The winner of the title of Asia’s Next Top Model in Cycle 2 will receive a three-month contract with Storm Model Management, the chance to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore/Malaysia, a cash prize of 100,000 SGD, a Subaru XV car, and become the face of Canon IXUS and TRESemme.

Cycle 2 will follow the journey of 16 women from 12 countries in Asia over 13 exciting episodes as they compete for the right to be called Asia’s Next Top Model.

Catch Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2 every Wed at 9.40pm and Sat at  8.45pm on Star World!


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

AyosDito Launches Post Share Move On Promo

This is a cool promo! You get to sell stuff you no longer need and you also have a chance of winning nice items! Let's join! :)

Press Release:

If love is like riding a bicycle, then the first few tries must’ve hurt quite a bit. Just like Ramon Bautista of hit web-series Tales from the Friend Zone Zero, maybe you have gone through your share of heartbreaks that made you say “’di na ako naniniwala sa pag-ibig.”

(Welling up with feelings but missed the melo-dramatic launch of #TFTFZero? You can watch the complete series here: http://www.bit.ly/TFTFZero WARNING: masyadong maraming feelings sa TFTFZero)


But don’t lose hope, there’s more to life when you move on. Tama na ang semplang, magmove-on ka na lang. #AyosMagMoveOn

Take it from broken hearted Spanky Rigor-Mortiz (Ramon Bautista) who sold a pre-loved tandem bike on AyosDito.ph to move on from the kilig moments he shared with Zooey de Leon (Nikki Veron Cruz), the girl who broke his heart; now you can Post Share Move On from the pain too! Every time you do, you get the chance to win Instax Mini cameras, to create better memories with; limited edition #TFTFZero shirts and exclusive advice from Ramon Bautista, so you won’t be friend zoned next time you try it again with love.

To join:

1. Post an ad selling an item that reminds you of a feeling, person, or moment in life that you want to move on from: a gift from your ex (para sa mga heartbroken), your old K-Pop collection (kasi professional ka na), a friendship bracelet (more than friends na kayo), and more.

For any type of moving on in life, you can let go of the pre-loved on AyosDito.ph! (For more examples, go here: http://bit.ly/MoveOnSamples)

2. Share your ad on Facebook and Twitter. Use #AyosMagMoveOn when you do. The more you share your ad, and the more your friends click on your ad, the more chances of winning.

3. Win Instax Mini cameras, #TFTFZero shirts and a Ramon Bautista love tip every week from January 9 to February 7, 2013. Five winners will be announced every week!

And what’s more, at the end of the promo, the most viewed ad will win the featured Tandem Bike from the web-series, Tales from the Friend Zone!

Ayos ‘di ba? For more info, visit http://blog.ayosdito.ph


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Floy Quintos’ Ang Nawalang Kapatid Closes DUP’S 38th Season

Here's another interesting stage play to watch next month!

Press Release:

A musical adaptation of India’s greatest epic closes Dulaang UP’s 38th season. Ang Nawalang Kapatid, adapted from The Mahabharata by acclaimed playwright Floy Quintos, with original score by Ceejay Javier, directed and choreographed by Dexter M. Santos, is a re-telling of the epic battle between the Kaurava and Pandava families. The story focuses on the anti-hero Karna, a brave young man who must choose between loyalty to his family or to the state which made him a prince.



ANG NAWALANG KAPATID was originally written as a children’s play for the Ateneo Children’s Theater and was first produced for their 2011 season. This new version allows for many more of the complexities of the original material to be dramatized. New arrangements of the original songs were created by Ceejay Javier, whose original works include “Isang Panaginip na Fili”, “Astig”, “Alex in Wonderland”, “Break Away Antigone”. He is best known as Musical Director for Atlantis Productions’ “Next To Normal”, Disney's “The Little Mermaid”, “Carrie”, “Addams Family”. As expected, the new staging will showcase Dexter Santos’ flair for images and movement as seen in his previous works “Maxie the Musical”, “Collection”, “Orosman at Zafira”.


In adapting the Indian epic, Floy Quintos has chosen to highlight the story of family and blood ties, and the conflicts that these bring about. Karna, who in Indian literature is traditionally the anti-hero, is now a young man searching for his dharma, his truth and destiny, while unaware of his true blood ties. The young and energetic cast is made up of the Dulaang UP Ensemble, with a live band. Krina Cayabyab is vocal director.


Through this production, Dulaang UP seeks to bring the timeless story of The Mahabharata to a wider audience. By filtering the epic through the sensibilities of Filipino artists, the production shows us our Indian roots and its enduring impact on our culture. The production highlights how the epic has shaped strong values like loyalty to family which is so much a part of South East Asian culture.


The formidable artistic staff is completed by Gino Gonzales who designs the costumes, John Batalla who designs the lights, Ohm David who designs the set, with musical arrangement by Louise Ybañez, additional choreography created by Al Garcia, Jeffrey Hernandez, Stephen Viñas, Vincent Pajara, technical direction by Meliton Roxas Jr. and Ohm David, dramaturgy by Teetin Villanueva and Jeffrey Hernandez and poster design and photography by Dino Dimar.


Ang Nawalang Kapatid runs from February 5 to February 23, 2014 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman. For tickets, sponsorships and showbuying inquiries, call Samanta Hannah Clarin or Camille Guevara 9261349, 4337840, 9818500 loc 2449 or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com.


Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Go Exploring and Plunge into the New Year with a Splash

Here are places you may want to see and explore with Nestea RTD this year!

Press Release:

Entering into a new year is always an exciting time. It’s the time when our planners are filled with notes and resolutions that promise to make 2014 the best year ever. One way to do this is by taking more risks and going on adventures you never had the time (or guts) to embark on before. Going on a vacation not only relaxes you but also transforms you into someone better. So why not include more travel destinations to this year’s itinerary? These places will definitely be worth the vacation leave.


Honda Bay, Palawan 

Located in the islands surrounding the South Western part of Palawan, Honda Bay is fast becoming one of the country’s top beaches. Not only will the clear waters make you feel in touch with nature but other exciting activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, and diving make the trip even more enjoyable and adventurous.      
 

Camiguin Island

Camiguin Island has long been considered the country’s “Garden of Eden”. Filled with waterfalls, hot and cold springs, and a beautiful beach, Camiguin is the best place to get away from the city. It’s the best place to unwind, and just recharge from life’s daily grind.


Boracay

If you’ve never been to Boracay, then you’re missing out on much of the fun. The island remains one of the country’s most beautiful and scenic beaches. For the perfect combination of a relaxing vacation with an exciting nightlife, Boracay is still the way to go. The sand and the exciting night life is definitely something every yuppie would enjoy.


Make your 2014 adventures more fun with Nestea Ready to Drink (RTD). Making a comeback from the 90s, Nestea RTD’s three exciting flavors: Lemon, Apple, and Lemon Ice will surely bring a sweet taste to your once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

==
Scenic photos and other info borrowed from SAF Travel World http://www.saftravel.com/17.html


Monday, January 13, 2014

Starworld Premieres American Idol This Thursday!

I've always enjoyed watching American Idol and will sure to be watching the 2014 season starting this week on Star World :) I like the panel of judges this year! You can also read my blog post about Season 12 last year here and the Season 11 finals here.

Press Release:

A new year means another batch of amazing hidden talent coming to the fore as American Idol Season 13 hits TV screens on January 16, 2014, only on Star World! The most successful reality TV show returns for its 13th season for another round of bombastic performances from hundreds of aspiring singers aiming to be American Idol.

Season 13 will kick off on Star World on January 16 at 6 PM, live via satellite, with encores at 8 PM and 11 PM to ensure that all die-hard American Idol fans won’t miss the exciting premiere of the show. 


Thousands of American Idol hopefuls turned out during the nationwide auditions held in different cities around the US: Salt Lake City, Utah; Detroit, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Austin, Texas; and Omaha, Nebraska. The show left no stone unturned in looking for the brightest singing talents in the US, ensuring a diverse mix of backgrounds and personalities for candidates who make it through the auditions to the semi-finals. Expect to see a showcase of mind-blowing talent and an array of colourful personalities throughout the much-anticipated episodes of the screening process.

American Idol Season 13 spells an exciting landmark for the show with a great mix of judges on the panel who will screen this season’s candidates. Country sensation Keith Urban, who was a first-time judge in Season 12, is returning for his second year on the show, while pop superstar Jennifer Lopez is coming back to the judging panel after leaving it at the end of Season 11 – a first in American Idol history! 

Meanwhile, newcomer judge and multi-awarded singer Harry Connick Jr. is joining the team to complete the panel, and Rickey Minor returns to the show as musical director. These four celebrities together comprise a powerhouse of talent and experience in the entertainment industry that will see the show’s contestants through as they sing their way to becoming the next American Idol.


Star World has been the home of American Idol since the very first season aired, and has consistently garnered a strong viewership throughout all 12 completed seasons of the show. Viewers and the most stir-crazy American Idol fans have enjoyed not just Star World’s live broadcasts of the show to keep updated with the latest developments, but also the channel’s locally produced American Idol specials featuring highlights of each season.

Long-time followers of the world’s most successful reality TV series in Asia know that Star World is where it’s at to get your best fix of American Idol. Catch American Idol Season 13 when it premieres on January 16, 2014 at 6 PM, live via satellite, and relive its great moments during its encores at 8 PM and 11 PM – only on Star World!


Sunday, January 12, 2014

Travelife’s Rockwell Travel Fair To Offer Great Deals For Luxury Travel

Plan your 2014 vacations as early as now by availing of good deals from this travel fair!

Press Release:

Gatherings and festivities tend to slow down after the get-togethers of Christmas and the countdown parties of the New Year. It’s time to get that well deserved break after the stress of planning, organizing, and throwing an unforgettable party. This January, Power Plant Mall knows exactly how to recharge, de-stress, and continue celebrating the year 2014. TRAVELIFE MAGAZINE, the Philippines’ leading travel and lifestyle publication, is partnering with Power Plant Mall, to organize the very first travel fair for 2014.


TRAVELIFE Magazine presents ROCKWELL’S TRAVEL FAIR will be held at the Rockwell Tent at the Power Plant Mall from January 17 to 19, 2014. Geared to deliver a unique travel & lifestyle shopping experience, this travel expo will offer a multitude of holiday and travel options at deeply discounted prices for discerning consumers. We anticipate thousands of visitors to visit Rockwell’s Travel Fair.

Major airlines, hotels, resorts, travel agencies, and lifestyle companies will all be participating in offering unique travel and shopping deals. Foreign embassies will also be showcasing their diverse culture via entertaining performances and answering questions regarding visa matters.

Entrance is Php 100 and tickets will be sold at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall concierge from December 15.

For further information, please call the Travelife Magazine office at 813-8400 or e-mail at travelife@travelife.biz.


Friday, January 10, 2014

Solenn Heusaff and Kiko Matos -- Perfect Match in Mumbai Love

I saw the trailer of this movie during the 47 Ronin press preview and found the storyline very interesting. I'd love to watch this when it starts showing!

Press Release:

Capestone Pictures Inc. has joined forces with Solar Entertainment Corporation in the romantic comedy team-up of sexy and beauteous Solenn Heusaff and talented new actor Kiko Matos.   

Mumbai Love is a cross-cultural romantic comedy shot on location in India and the Philippines. The story is centered on the love between Solenn and Kiko from two different worlds who will risk everything even racial differences of age-old traditions because of their love for each other.


Solenn has enjoyed doing the movie Mumbai Love. She has improved her craft, the reason why she has lots of projects both on TV and the movies. Her film titled Status: It’s Complicated is doing well in the box office and her TV series Sa Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas is gaining more followers who love drama and suspense.

How does it feel to be the lead actress of Mumbai Love?

“We really became like a family and there’s rapport of the actors on the screen.The film features breathtaking scenic spots in Mumbai and I learned about their culture and traditions. I admire the kindness of my love interest in the movie, Kiko. He’s a real gentleman. I’m happy to work with such a fabulous director, cast and crew. I’m really proud of this movie,” says Solenn.

Upcoming actor Kiko Matos who first caught our attention in the movie Babagwa said he couldn’t believe that he was to become lead actor when he first auditioned for Mumbai Love. This movie is one big break for Kiko’s acting career where he really learned a lot on acting from multi-awarded director Benito Bautista

He also auditioned for Sonder which took Honorable Mention award in the Short Films Category during the 25th Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibo at Video. The Mumbai Love auditions were announced online and Kiko tried his luck for the lead character of Nandi. Even with his manager’s (Mell Navarro) wish for him to land even a supporting role, Kiko took the bold move and got the lead role of Nandi, an Indian tourist guide.


“I’m proudly Pinoy, although many tell me that I look so much like a native of India, and this propelled me to audition for Mumbai Love,” says Kiko. After two months, Kiko received the good news of him getting the role of Nandi with Solenn Heusaff for leading lady.

“When I first saw Solenn in the auditions, I was star-struck because of her stunning beauty and oozing sex appeal. Later on, I found her to be a really wonderful and beautiful person inside and out. I love her as a person,” Kiko muses.

Kiko also fell in love with the beautiful traditions and culture of India while shooting there, not to mention the scenic and historic places they visited. Kiko Matos was one of the winners of TV Idol, male teen talent search of MTB ang Saya-Saya. He also did fashion modeling and was seen on several TV commercials.  

Mumbai Love also stars Raymond Bagatsing, Martin Escudero and Ronnie Lazaro.


Mumbai Love is directed by multi-awarded director Benito Bautista and is distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation. It stars showing at your favorite theaters on January 22, 2014.

For more details visit the movie's website mumbailovethemovie.com, follow @mumbailovemovie on Twitter and like @mumbailovemovie on Facebook.


Friday, January 3, 2014

20th Century Fox's 2014 Lineup Goes All-Digital

Yey! A list of new movies!

Press Release:

20th Century Fox dominates all timeline this 2014 with its lineup of movies spanning millions of years in the past and into the future utilizing unprecedented tools in moviemaking to tell the most unforgettable stories meant to be seen only in cinemas.


Experience a new kind of real in “Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie” as it transports us back in time in prehistoric Alaska.  Find out what life was really like 70 million years ago when these awe-inspiring, prehistoric dinosaurs roamed the earth.  At the heart of the movie is Patchi (voiced by Justin Long) as he and his family embark on a perilous and exciting journey across Alaska. The movie also features the voice of John Leguizamo ("Ice Age's" Sid) who voices Alex, a prehistoric bird who became Patchi's friend. 


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” stars Ben Stiller, a story of a daydreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies. When his job along with that of his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, Walter takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.  Sean Penn, Shirley McClaine and Kathryn Hahn joins Stiller in this awe-inspiring journey of self-discovery.


George Clooney directs and stars in the action thriller “The Monuments Men” set at the backdrop of World War II  based on the bestselling non-fiction book “The Monuments Men” by Robert Edsel with Bret Witter about an unlikely group of men tasked to retrieve highly regarded art masterpieces stolen by Hitler across the globe.  Clooney pooled an impressive cast that includes Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, Bob Balaban and Dmitri Leonidas.  


Another kind of heist during World War II happens in the humorous drama “The Book Thief” starring Geoffrey Rush, Emma Watson and newcomer Sophie Nielsen in the titular role.  Based on the beloved bestselling novel by Markus Zusak of the same title, the movie tells the inspiring story of a spirited and courageous young girl named Liesel, who transforms the lives of everyone around her when she is sent to live with a foster family in World War II Germany. 


Animation giant DreamWorks is set to take the audience on a wild ride in “Mr. Peabody and Sherman” and “How To Train Your Dragon 2.” In “Mr. Peabody and Sherman,” Mr. Peabody, the world’s smartest talking dog, has invented a time machine he calls the WABAC, which enables Peabody and his adopted human son Sherman to witness world-changing events first hand. But when Sherman breaks the rules of time travel, our two heroes find themselves in a race to repair history – and save the future.  


How To Train Your Dragon 2” comes back after five years since Hiccup and Toothless successfully united dragons and Vikings on the island of Berk.  While Hiccup and Toothless continue to fly away in unknown territories,  they soon encounter a fearsome rider who is building an army of beasts by trapping dragons that will again test their strength and wits to safeguard the peace between man and dragons.   

The most horrifying delivery is a about to take place in “Devil’s Due,” a movie that employs found footage style on the coming of the antichrist.  Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett written by Lindsay Devlin and Zoe Green, the movie stars Zach Gilford and Allison Miller as newlyweds who find themselves dealing with an earlier-than-planned pregnancy right after their honeymoon.  


Rio 2” continues the grandeur of adventure into the heart of the Amazon as we see Blu and Jewel raise their children while unexpectedly meeting relatives in the wild and dodging dangers. Along the way, they rediscover Jewel’s long-lost father Eduardo (voiced by Oscar nominee Andy Garcia) and all kinds of new friends and baddies set to rock the Amazon jungle with laughter and exciting adventure in 3D.

The Grand Budapest Hotel” recounts the adventures of Gustave H., a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The movie is directed by Wes Anderson and stars a grand coup of a cast including Ralph Fiennes, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Jude Law, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Lea Seydoux, Tilda Swinton and Owen Wilson.
The Other Woman” stars a powerhouse cast of women led by Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton and Nicki Minaj.  In the movie, a woman learns that she’s part of a love triangle, so she teams up with the spurned wife in order to exact revenge on the cheating husband.


The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”  The beloved characters from the original “X-Men” film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from “X-Men: First Class,” in an epic battle that must change the past – to save our future.   


Directed by Matt Reeves, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is set 15 years later after “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” previously starred in by James Franco. In "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes," A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.


Based on John Green’s bestselling young-adult romance of the same title, “The Fault in Our Stars” stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort and is the story of Hazel Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two Indianapolis teenagers who meet at a Cancer Kid Support Group.  The two eventually fall in love, decides to see past their prognoses and diagnoses to experience how it is to live full in such short a span of time. 


Non-stop thrills and chills await in "The Maze Runner," based on the first book of the best selling trilogy by James Dashner.  The movie stars Dylan O'Brien as the main protagonist Thomas, brought to a dystopian world where the only memory remains is his name, Thomas along with the rest of other young adults thrive to survive in this world of maze known as the Glade.

Ben Affleck and Gemma Arterton star in “Gone Girl” based on the book by Gillian Flynn.  The movie introduces us to the story of Nick and Amy, a married couple married for five years where Nick suddenly find himself at a loss when Amy had gone missing on the day of their wedding anniversary.    
An animated comedy with a unique visual style, "The Book of Life" is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart.  Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, the movie stars the voices of Channing Tatum and Zoe Saldana.  

"Exodus" takes us on the most unforgettable journey of Moses starring Christian Bale, Sigourney Weaver,  Joel Edgerton and John Turturro.   The movie spans on Moses' time from near death as an infant to his adoption into the Egyptian royal family, his defiance of the Pharaoh and deliverance of the Hebrews from enslavement.   


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