unSAULicited

It was a night to remember as Glorietta 4 cinemas was adorned with stars from the previously concluded premiere of the digitally restored version of the movie “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit” (1991) after 26 years for the second wave of Cinema Classics-Filipino Films in Retrospect at Ayala Malls Cinemas. This is in partnership with ABS-CBN Film Restoration Group for the project Sagip Pelikula. The movie where the famed Char-Dawn love team started were attended by no less than the lead stars themselves Dawn Zulueta and Richard Gomez, together with their director, Carlos Siguion-Reyna and other cast and crew – Eric Quizon, Vangie Labalan, Guila Alvarez, Raquel Villavicencio (writer), Romy Vitug (cinematographer), Jess Navarro (editor) and Richard Reynoso (who sang the movie theme song). Family and friends also watched the premiere as a show of support, Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez and daughter Juliana, Bibeth Orteza, Rafa and Sarah Siguion-Reyna, Audrey Tan-Zubiri, Kaye Tinga, Ben C...

Due to popular demand, Godspell, by multi awarded Steven Schwartz (from the same creators of Wicked) returns to Manila on May 6-7, 12-14 & 19-21 at the RCBC Plaza. "The play is both global and local at the same time…Expect fireworks, unconventional storytelling techniques, improv and boundless creativity"  Toff de Venecia, Philippine Star Godspell is a powerful retelling of the parables of Jesus Christ through music, movement, fun and theatrical poetry, delivered by a powerhouse cast led by Jef Flores as Jesus, Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, Topper Fabregas, Caisa Borromeo, Poppert Bernadas, Abi Sulit, Maronne Cruz, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo and Gab Pangilinan. Joining the cast are Myke Salomon of Peta’s Rak of Aegis and Lorenz Martinez who played the engineer in Miss Saigon in Netherlands. This staging reaches out to audiences in a timely message of peace, love and hope. Presented by MUSICARTES Inc, Godspell is directed by Dr. Anton Juan with musical...

WWE superstar John Cena takes on the form of a friendly bull in Blue Sky Studios’ “Ferdinand.” From blockbuster toonmaker Carlos Saldanha, who also helmed global hits “Ice Age” and “Rio” comes the story of a beast with a big heart in “Ferdinand,” based on the story of a classic children’s book by Munro Leaf illustrated by Robert Lawson. “Ferdinand” (Cena) tells the inspiring and joyful story of a giant gentle bull forced into the dangerous arena of bullfighting. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure. Set in Spain, Ferdinand proves you can’t judge a bull by its cover. Cena, in recent interviews clearly relates to his character – big but hesitant to fight. “He's a peaceful bull, people think he's a fighter because he's a big bull,” said Cena. “Ferdinand” voice cast includes (Jane the Virgin’s) Gina Rodriguez as hedgehog Una, Kate McKin...

The world’s unstoppable spies are back in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle” directed by Matthew Vaughn, who also helmed the phenomenal blockbuster “Kingsman: The Secret Service” that introduced a street kid into the world of espionage. In the latest instalment “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” Taron Egerton reprises his role as Eggsy along with returning powerhouse cast led by Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Michael Caine and Sophie Cookson. This time, the returning Kingsmen are joined by new exciting and award-winning cast members including Sir Elton John, Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry and Julianne Moore. In the recently revealed first trailer of “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and ...

Update: Playdate has been moved to May 3. The attempt to eliminate crime and establish global peace has resulted in the abolishment of basic human freedoms in the futuristic action thriller “Hunting the Phantom.” The latest non-stop action film “Hunting the Phantom” takes place in the near future. The great invention of a global corporation, code-named "Phantom", ensures the crime eradication and security in the world. But this is only a visible side of the "Phantom": the corporation’s sinister plan is hidden in establishing total control over the people’s mind. A hacker in Japan receives a strange message: “The Phantom controls us all. Save me to save yourself.” Several hackers transmit this message to each other, until it reaches Kazakhstan. None of the hackers understand the meaning behind this inexplicable message; only a mysterious stranger from Kazakhstan appears to know something. Their aim is to change the march of history, to turn society into obe...

In anticipation of the year’s most terrifying film by Ridley Scott “Alien: Covenant” that will open on May 10 in Phils. cinemas, fans and enthusiasts are in for a treat dubbed as “Alien Day” on April 26 as the groundbreaking franchise offers 24-hours of fan-focused activities worldwide. “Alien Day” on April 26 is a nod to planet LV-426 from the iconic Alien films, as the countdown continues for the highly anticipated new chapter in Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking sci-fi thriller, “Alien: Covenant,” releasing in theaters worldwide beginning May 10. Cast members from “Alien: Covenant” will join fan-focused festivities including a live streaming event, an interactive trivia challenge, worldwide screenings, all-new product launches, special reveals and more. The worldwide Alien Day fan activities include livestreaming event at Fox Studios in Los Angeles on all Alien social channels and on the newly launched ALIEN Universe Hub ( www.AlienUniverse.com ), fans can interact with the cast...

"The struggle for freedom is the next best thing to actually being free" - Lean Alejandro 27 year-old UP Diliman student and noted "iskolar ng bayan" named Leandro Alejandro was shot and killed in September 19, 1987. As the iconic student activist, Lean fought for national democracy in the university and in the nation. He is one of the unsung heroes who have sacrificed their lives during the turbulent days of the martial law. His life has defined an era of student activism and his work still inspires the youth today. Students of the University of the Philippines, being a state-funded institution, are called “Iskolar ng Bayan” or People’s Scholars. The description gained political weight during the First Quarter Storm (FQS) in the 70s, a time of discontent by a generation of Baby Boomers. The description also carried with it the aphorism “Serve the people.” Described as a Filipino left wing activist and nationalist, UP student leader Lean Alejandro activel...

CHUCK MARBELLA will play ( again... for the nth time ) the role of the Engineer in the forthcoming MISS SAIGON UK TOUR 2017. He will be alternating for this role to be essayed by Red Concepcion. Herewith is Chuck's theater career path.... CHRISTIAN REY MARBELLA Alternate Engineer Dance Background: Queen City Chamber Ballet, Cebu City, Philippines. Theater includes: LunTha in The King and I ( Newport Performing Arts Theater Manila, Philippines and The Village Theater Washington, U.S.A. ) ; Ravana in Ballet Philippines' production of Rama Hari 2012 ( Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila ); Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar ( The Village Theater, Washington U.S.A. ); The Full Monty; Show Boat; Beauty and The Beast ( all for The Village Theater, Washington U.S.A. ) and Cinderella ( Newport Performing Arts Theater Manila, Philippines ) just to name a few. Other work includes: Schonberg and Boublil's :Do You Hear The People Sing (A Benefit Concert at the Ne...

The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s “3 Stars and a Sun,” an original Filipino musical that featured the music of the late rap artist Francis Magalona in a story about youthful hope and rebellion in a dystopian Philippine setting, grabbed 13 nods to lead the 2016 nominations for Gawad Buhay, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts. Following closely with 12 nominations is Ballet Philippines’ “Firebird and Other Ballets,” with new choreography by George Birkadze for the Act 1 “Firebird” section, and a suite of modern works by several Filipino choreographers in Act 2. Another BP production, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko,” which employed the music of the ‘70s band VST & Co in a hybrid dance-musical show, garnered 11 nominations. Sharing 10 nominations each are Red Turnip Theater’s production of Nina Raine’s “Tribes,” a play about a young deaf man and his unconventional family; and Full House Theater Company’s production of the Broadway musical “Annie.” (Full House i...

Director Ridley Scott brings another yet unforgettable cinematic event in “Alien: Covenant” starring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Guy Pearce, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Carmen Ejogo and James Franco. “Alien: Covenant” takes place ten years after the events of Prometheus and follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, which has discovered a promising new planet. Also on board the colony ship Covenant is humanoid Walter (Fassbender) who is in charge of managing the ship’s safe journey until it’s time for the mission crew to wake from years of cryo-slumber. Once awake, the team finds a planet just like earth and soon comes in contact with David (Fassbender), the synthetic survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition. The uncharted world that looks like paradise at first soon turns dark and dangerous when a hostile alien life-form forces the crew into a deadly fight for survival. A visual spectacle, “Alien: Covenant” will bring the audience to an immersive world ...

Philippines’ award-winning advocacy film “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” written and directed by Dominic P. Nuesa is a gripping story of two brothers reunited despite being separated by conflicting beliefs. The movie also tackles the heroism of Filipino soldiers in the thick of a four-decade old war against terrorism starring a talented cast that includes Ping Medina, Bong Cabrera and Mike Liwag. “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo” is Nuesa’s full-length film feature debut and has been nominated in the upcoming prestigious Nice International Awards (2017) in the most coveted categories such as Best Director – Dominic Carlo P. Nuesa, Best Lead Actor – Mike Liwag, Best Supporting Actor – Ping Medina, Best Editing – JavierAbola and Best Sound – Greg Rodriguez III. Produced by Nuesa’s An Earth Below Productions, “Ang Araw sa Likod Mo”has already won five international awards – Best Film in Auckland International Film Festival, Global Award Winner at the Europe-based ARFF (Around Films International Film F...

An impressive ensemble of actors led by Chris Evans along with Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, Lindsay Duncan and Jenny Slate support young multi-talented actress McKenna Grace as she takes on the titular role in director Marc Webb’s “Gifted.” Evans plays Frank Adler, uncle and guardian of Mary (Grace) in “Gifted” who both lead normal lives until Evelyn (Duncan), Frank’s mom and Mary’s grandmother, decides to take custody of her grandchild. Frank’s sister entrusted him to raise Mary after she died for fear that her daughter might also be subjected to the pressures she’s been through as a prodigy. But as soon as Evelyn finds out about Mary’s intellectual state, Frank finds himself in a custody battle to keep Mary under his care. On finding the right child-actor, director Webb insists there was a good reason for the massive search: “I couldn’t have made “Gifted” unless I found the right Mary Adler. It was the biggest hurdle to making the movie. There’s an emotional depth and sop...

Artist Playground proudly announces today the official release of AL GATMAITAN Self-titled 3 tracks - Single CD album which can be downloaded in iTunes and streamed via Spotify. The links are as follows: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/5Q39mmgTqJ5IHnJ7tPDatO ITUNES: https://itun.es/ph/eTW2ib AL GATMAITAN is a Classical Crossover Artist and a 2-time Aliw Awardee for Best Male Classical Singer. Award-winning composer JESSE LUCAS (2016 Aliw Awardee for Best Musical Director) composed, arranged and produced the following: 1. Perché Ringrazio La Vita Poem by Rodolfo Chirico Music Composed and Arranged by Jesse Lucas *” Perché Ringrazio La Vita” which means “Why I Thank Life” is a song about gratitude. The poem is written by Al’s Italian professor, the late Prof. Chirico. 2. Bituing Marikit Lyrics by Servando Angeles Music by Nicanor Abelardo Arranged by Jesse Lucas Guitar: Mark Reese Gelbolingo *A new rendition with an updated arrangement of the popular ...

The Film Development Council of the Philippines recently partnered with SM Cinema in its efforts to strengthen its commitment to support Philippine cinema as well as champion independent films. Cine Lokal, a new cinema line which aims to house award-winning, independent films and FDCP programs in select SM Cinema branches across the country, will be launched this month. FDCP Chair and CEO Liza Diño and SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. (SMLEI) President Edgar Tejerero signed a three-year contract as they formalized the partnership at Cerchio in Tomas Morato last March 24. Diño stressed that Cine Lokal’s goal is two-fold: to provide independent filmmakers with a commercial venue for their films, thereby strengthening their experience and training on film marketing and distribution, and to create a culture of support and viewership among Filipinos nationwide. FDCP and SM Cinema have signified their commitment to work together from booking, licensing, up to marketing of the film...

27 year-old UP Diliman student and noted "Iskolar ng Bayan" named Leandro Alejandro was shot and killed in September 19, 1987. As the iconic student activist, Lean fought for national democracy in the university and in the nation. He is one of the unsung heroes who have sacrificed their lives during the turbulent days of Martial Law. His life has defined an era of student activism and his work still inspires the youth today. Students of the University of the Philippines, being a state-funded institution, are called “Iskolar ng Bayan” or People’s Scholars. The description gained political weight during the First Quarter Storm (FQS) in the 70s, a time of discontent by a generation of Baby Boomers. The description also carried with it the aphorism “Serve the people.” Described as a Filipino left wing activist and nationalist, UP student leader Lean Alejandro actively fought the dictatorship in the 1980s. Lean became a member of the Youth for Nationalism and Democracy i...

Tom Hanks and Emma Watson star in “The Circle,” set in the not-too-distant future where privacy becomes criminal and we are forced to confront ourselves on the price we have to pay for knowledge. In the future, would you be a better version of yourself if you knew you were being watched 24 hours a day? What would the implications be of a transparent society? There are people that we want to be transparent – our celebrities, our criminals – for our own voyeuristic pleasure, or our safety – and others of whom we feel entitled to demand their transparency – our elected officials, our law enforcement. Where is the line? The concept of totalitarianism is historically thought of as a construct that would be forced upon us – but what if we are complicit, even unwittingly, in our own oppression? When Mae (Emma Watson) is hired to work for The Circle, the world’s largest and most powerful tech and social media company, she sees it as the opportunity of a lifetime. As she rises through...