Casino Filipino Celebrates Love Month This February

Pooh, Pokwang, Princess Velasco, Randy Santiago and Ivy Violan headline Casino Filipino performances this February.

February is considered as the "love month" while others regard it as the "lover's  month."

In keeping with the tradition of celebrating the love month, Casino Filipino has lined up shows that combine love, romance, and festive music for its patrons and Casino Filipino habitues.

Ivy Violan, begins the month long celebration on February 5 at CF Malabon. Ivy has created a repertoire of love songs to melt your heart.

Princess Velasco, the acoustic princess whose well-received albums Addicted to Acoustic and Addicted to Acoustic 2, helped create her own niche in the music industry, enlivens the night with shows on February 6 (CF Ronquillo), February 10 (CF Pavilion),
February 12 (CF Madison) and February 13 (CF Mimosa).

A-list actress and comedienne Pokwang will bring the house down with her funny antics on February 12 (CF Cebu Lahug) and in CF Angeles on February 17.

Comedian Pooh will be your funny Valentine as he gives audiences non-stop laughter and sing to your heartbeat on February 13, CF Crown Regency Cebu.

Get ready to fall in love this February with Randy Santiago as he grooves to the beat and spices up the romantic night in CF Davao on February 20.

For inquiries, call the Pagcor Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and 'Like' us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists

Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin find love in "Me Before You" trailer

Based on the critically acclaimed, bestselling novel by Jojo Moyes, New Line Cinema’s and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’ “Me Before You” stars Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”) and Sam Claflin (“The Hunger Games” series), under the direction of Thea Sharrock, making her feature film directorial debut.




Oftentimes you find love where you least expect it. Sometimes it takes you where you never expected to go…

Louisa “Lou” Clark (Clarke) lives in a quaint town in the English countryside. With no clear direction in her life, the quirky and creative 26-year-old goes from one job to the next in order to help her tight-knit family make ends meet. Her normally cheery outlook is put to the test, however, when she faces her newest career challenge.

Taking a job at the local “castle,” she becomes caregiver and companion to Will Traynor (Claflin), a wealthy young banker who became wheelchair bound in an accident two years prior, and whose whole world changed dramatically in the blink of an eye. No longer the adventurous soul he once was, the now cynical Will has all but given up. That is until Lou determines to show him that life is worth living. Embarking together on a series of adventures, both Lou and Will get more than they bargained for, and find their lives—and hearts—changing in ways neither one could have imagined.

The film also stars Charles Dance (TV’s “Game of Thrones”), Jenna Coleman (“Dr. Who”), Matthew Lewis (the “Harry Potter” films), Vanessa Kirby (“About Time”), Stephen Peacocke (“Hercules”), Brendan Coyle (“Downton Abbey”) and Oscar nominee Janet McTeer (“Albert Nobbs,” “Tumbleweeds”).

Sharrock directs from a screenplay by Jojo Moyes and Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber (“The Fault in Our Stars”), based on the book by Moyes.

“Me Before You” is a presentation of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM). Set for release across the Philippines on June 15, 2016, it will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Switch and Save at Watson's and get a Switcher's Surprise!

Did you know that you can actually save thousands of pesos in shopping money, simply by studying those labels and taking note of their prices? Unfortunately, doing that requires a lot of time, not to mention a lot of effort in comparing each brand one by one. But hey if you are really eyeing that new phone, or saving up for that overdue vacation, every peso counts right?

Thankfully, I found a better, and easier way to save money and enjoy my shopping at the same time-- and I discovered that during my regular trips to Watsons!


Before, I was just kind of an occassional  "smart shopper". You know, the time you only consider about trying to save as much when you want to buy something? In my case, its always been bags, so whenever I find a bag I really like that is the only time I become very meticulous (translate: kuripot when shopping)

It was about two years ago, when I first started to become a regular at Watsons SM North. During the first few times I just went there to buy a few things like toiletries and some personal care items  But as I began to spend more time in the store, I discovered that they had a lot of equivalent item for the branded ones that i bought.

So how do you save at watsons?  By making the Switch and Save of course!

First, its all about convenience, since Watsons stores are located strategically whether you are commuting to or from work, or even if you are driving your own car, they have almost 400 stores all over the country so its easy to find one near you, so you dont have to make that extra stop or make an effort to find one.

Second,  Watsons Label products takes out the guesswork when finding quality products. With over a hundred years of pharmacy experience and recognized as one of Asia's leading retailer, you are assured that you get quality products just by their brand.

Third, Watsons label products are priced considerably lower, and you can save as much as 60 to even 80 percent on their items as compared to other brands.  Not to mention their have a lot of buy 1 take one offers.

Last year they even launched their own generics line so I dont need to go to a different pharmacy for my multivitamins and medicines/ antibiotics as well!

This year, Watsons’ further rewards smart shoppers who have made the SWITCH and SAVE with the SWITCHER’S SURPRISE campaign. The Switcher’s Surprise campaign brings to life the idea that by switching to Watsons label, customers are able to save money for things that they really want or that matters the most to them.

Last January 26 and January 28, several shoppers at the SM Mall of Asia had a double surprise waiting for them simply by making the switch and choosing Watsons Label products. These include a wide range of selected products from personal care to generic medicines likeWatsons Glutathione, Watsons Travel Hair Dryer, Watsons Argan Oil Hair Conditioner, Watsons Body Scrub, Watsons Collagen, and Watsons Breath Strips, among others.

During designated hours of the day, shoppers who pick up specially marked Watsons Label products instantly get the chance to win fabulous prizes, such as a flatscreen TV, a Macbook Air, and a trip for 2 to Hong Kong!

The lucky shoppers were guided to a specially designed booth where they get their surprise – a most coveted prize personally handed by celebrity endorsers Lorna Tolentino, Iya Villania, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Patty Laurel-Filart and Christian Bautista!

“On top of the savings they get from purchasing Watsons Label products, our loyal shoppers have also gotten used to receiving cute items and tokens, so this year we decided to raise the stakes and reward them with something truly unforgettable,” says Karen Fabres, Group Marketing Manager of Watsons Philippines

“Could it be a weekend staycation, airline tickets, maybe a shiny new gadget or phone or it could be the luxury item they have long been saving for, that is what makes the Switcher Surprise even more exciting,” adds Fabres.

“Our customers shop at Watsons to save on the things they really want in life, but with the Switcher Surprise promo, they might just bring home that thing they’ve saving up for with but a single purchase!” It’s definitely a lot easier to enjoy what life has to offer when you choose to Switch and Save the Watsons way.”

For Iya and Patty, Watsons has become their go-to place for their beauty and skincare needs as well as toiletries saying they get the same quality as branded ones but at a more affordable price.

Socialite and self-confessed Tessa on the other hand says she realized that she’s saving even more by buying bigger sizes and more quantity, “so the more I shop the more I actually save!”

Even the men are also discovering Watsons as the idea; place to get their personal care needs, just like Christian Bautista, “There’s always a Watsons conveniently located near you and because of its organized store layout you can easily find what you need quicker.”

As the newest addition to the Watson’s family, Lorna advises making the switch to Watsons Generics. “Women at any age need to keep themselves looking and feeling healthy and with Watsons Generics you are guaranteed to get quality medicine and even save as much as 80 percent!”

Watsons Label believes that with more value from hard-earned money spent on quality affordable products, every Filipino gets more savings to enjoy the other important things in life with their loved ones. With a wider variety of products, from personal care items, beauty essentials, and now medicine, Asia’s leading personal care store provides smart shoppers the choice to save as much as 80 percent without compromising on quality.


In addition to Switcher Surprise, Watson also has the ongoing Buy 2 Take 1 Promo on selected Watsons Label Products until March 2016.

Try out the first archery challenge maze at SandBox Alviera

If you are a fan of Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games fame, you should know by now how effective she is as a hunter and how she shoot well, if you want to channel the Katniss in you, a few lessons and tricks from the SandBox outdoor archery in Alviera, wont hurt as I got to try out outdoor archery once again last January 30 together with selected bloggers.

In archery, setup is the act of raising the bow. Katniss raises that bow fast, but then delivers a knockout punch.  Katniss’ setup is a good start. The basic key I guess is your stance, foot position and that your right arm should raised above your shoulder. I guess I need a  little practice to be like Katniss, but Im getting there.

Learning to shoot a bow and arrows is simple when you realize your shot starts from the ground up. From setting your foot position (stance) to releasing the arrow, to focus on your shoot. Consistency is the key to great shooting.


Following the success of SandBox outdoor archery, Alviera presents the first ever archery challenge maze in the country, the Aqtiv Archery.  Nowhere else can archers run through a maze and face moving targets and obstacles, all under time pressure. Survive an infestation of man-eating monsters. Shoot their life source using your bow and arrow. You only have 2 minutes to complete the task. Fail, and feel the wrath of the hungry ones and get to wear the coolest head gear depends on who you want to be on that day. Isnt that exciting already.

Rate for Aqtiv Archery is at P250 per attempt on the challenge maze and a package rate of P400 includes 30-minute target archery.

This new SandBox attraction in Porac, Pampanga has been dubbed Aqtiv Archery and is expected to provide a whole new exciting outdoor experience.

The SandBox outdoor archery range, operated by Oculus Archery, has had over 5,000 visitors since the attraction opened last year. Children as young as 7 years old to some strong seniors, all new to the sport, have found their bliss in this outdoor feature as they learn the basics of archery in a stationery setup consisting of 12 lanes of targets.

With Aqtiv Archery, participants are given a mission that must be completed within 3 to 5 minutes in the maze depending on the mission’s level of difficulty. Unlike target archery, participants must expect turns and twists and moving targets. For the first mission, archers will face off against Monsters of the Wall. They will be on the run, which adds difficulty to the activity. And in keeping with a themed and more fun setting, participants will be wearing costumes and headgear.

“For the recreational archer, it’s the next step to improving their skills and enjoying archery even more at the SandBox,” said Krizia Chu-Tranquilino, General Manager of Oculus Archery. Themed settings will change over time, so if you’re a court jester in this adventure, you may be a witch, a Viking or even a hippie in the next. 

The SandBox offers different archery packages but first-timers can try the 30-minute target archery first. It includes basic lessons, equipment and a stationary target. This is a pre-requisite before guests can try Aqtiv Archery, which requires basic archery knowledge that has to be combined with agility and hand-eye coordination. Archers who beat the set time for the challenge will be granted Archery Elite status and will win some tokens from Oculus Archery. Every end of the month, the top 5 fastest archers that completed the challenge will be showcased.

Alviera and Oculus Archery will look into hosting tournaments in SandBox in the near future, in partnership with academic and sports institutions.

Other SandBox attractions have been bringing families, friends and even corporations to the park regularly in large numbers. The longer and now tougher Aerial Walk takes visitors through an obstacle course above ground. The  Giant Swing keeps riders thrilled 10 meters up, and many are lined up for the Adventure Tower’s offerings:  rappelling, wall climbing and free fall. Other thrill seekers enjoy Avatar One, Asia’s first roller coaster zipline at 180-meters long. The SandBox’s open fields are ready for outdoor activities like camping, kite-flying, field games and other sports.

“The launch of Aqtiv Archery is only the beginning as SandBox continues to expand in size and attractions in 2016,” said John Estacio, General Manager of Alviera. “Other attractions to be launched this year include a 3-hectare Urban Karting, Airsoft, and Paintball facility together with the opening of restaurants.”

Visitors can also watch out for exciting signature events such as the upcoming summer music and camping festival, Brightscape Campfest.

Alviera is a 1,100 hectare masterplanned development by Ayala Land in partnership with Leonio Land. The property will have residential communities, shopping and dining establishments, offices, and academic institutions as it becomes the new regional growth center of Luzon. Upcoming developments include the Alviera Country Club and the Alviera Industrial Park.

For more information on SandBox at Alviera, visit http://www.alviera.ph/ and http://www.facebook.com/AlvieraPH.  For inquiries, email info.alviera@gmail.com or contact 0917-803-3099 / (045) 432-0014.

ASUS ZenFone Go is your budget-friendly, high-value smartphone

Now, more than ever, it is undeniable that smartphones have truly become the centerpiece of our traveling lifestyle. Whether one considers himself to be an adventurous soul, an aimless wanderer, or perhaps simply an explorer-at-heart, every aspect of our travels is made even more fun with our handy smartphone there with us in every step of our journey.

While it seems that choosing the right kind of smartphone may be as challenging as planning your next travel destination, one actuallyneed not look no further than the trailblazing ASUS ZenFone smartphone series, which since its launch last July 2014, has literally taken over the world by storm. And just like the bucket lists and itineraries we are all so accustomed in preparing for a brand new adventure, allow us to list down some of the top reasons why in particular the value-for-moneyASUS ZenFone Go (ZC500TG)would be the perfect smartphone to havewith you during your road trips and vacations this season.

The Price is Right: Your Best Bet for a Budget-Friendly, High-Value Smartphone
For a retail price of just PHP 5,995.00, the ASUS ZenFone Go is a sure hit for millennial travelers who are always on the look-out for items that will not only beuseful to have wherever they go, but will also be  ‘easy on the pocket’ for their budget travels. With its key features and main selling points (read on below), the ZenFone Go will really suit the lifestyles of both road warriors and vacationers alike.

Without a doubt, this smartphone’s very affordable pricing allows you to enjoy new experiences and destinations without having to break the bank.

Every Traveler’s Delight: It’s Compact, Elegant and very Light
They say that the secret to a stress-free travel is to simply pack light, and this could not be any more true for the ZenFone Go. With its light and compact built (weighing only 135 grams), the ZC500TG ensures travelers that you reduce space, weight, and any additional cost for your baggage. Moreover, at is slimmest point, the ZenFone Go is only 5.2mm – ultimately making it comfortable to hold and travel-friendly enough to be placed in your pocket anywhere you go.

And because what is traveling, if not in style, the ZenFone Go also displays the iconic ASUS spin cut-effect, with the concentric lines providing a magnificent visual effect. For added aesthetic, the ZenFone Go comes in three stylish colors of your choice: White, Black or Red.

The Need for Speed: Instant Touching Response
More often than not, nothing says “travel buzzkill” more than having to encounter speed bumps, detours and long waits along the way,most especially if you are in a hurry.

You will definitely not encounter these with the ZenFone Go what with its unmatched instant touching response:TheZC500TG is equipped with a super sensitive and instant 67ms touch response time that keeps up with all your needs even when you are on the go, or in a rush – making this the perfect travel gear for multitaskersand globetrotters.

Loud and Clear: An Audio Experience Like No Other
The ZenFone Go also offers you added entertainment at the palm of your hands as you go about in your travels. The ZC500TG benefits from ASUS-exclusive SonicMaster technology for exceptional mobile-audio experiences. In fact, the smartphone’s ingenuous amplifier design enables the ZC500TG to deliver an output voltage that is up to 25% greater than competing smartphones.

Going the Extra Mile: But Wait, There’s More! 
Photo enthusiasts and social media- savvy travelers can also enjoy the ZenFone Go’s camera functions, what with its two built-in cameras, with the main camera having an 8MP, f/2.0 lens.

On top of these, the ASUS ZenFone Go keeps the fun rolling with a high-capacity battery that provides almost 30 hours of 3G talk time and over 10 days on standby.The ZC500TG also packs a powerful 1.3GHz quad core processor for superior everyday performance, and includes intelligent dual SIM, dual-active technology that lets users both deal with and switch seamlessly between business and personal needs.

Prepare to be terrified in "The Other Side of the Door"

                “The Other Side of the Door” explores on the forbidden in Asian cultures that have existed thousands of years.  In the movie, a family lives an idyllic existence abroad until a tragic accident takes the life of their young son. The inconsolable mother learns of an ancient ritual that will bring him back to say a final goodbye.  She travels to an ancient temple, where a door serves as a mysterious portal between two worlds.  However, when she disobeys a sacred warning about never opening that door, she upsets the balance between life and death.

                Set in India, “The Other Side of the Door” stars Sarah Wayne Callies and Jeremy Sisto, as Maria and Michael who are both devoted to their children in helping them adapt in a foreign land. Writer-director Johannes Roberts, who had been exploring the concept of a spirit that lived on the other side of a foreboding door says that the film is inspired on beliefs growing up,  “I remember being reminded don't go up in the attic, don't feed the gremlins after midnight – when you’re wondering what's going to happen and when is it going to happen,” Roberts recalls.

                Roberts learned of an abandoned Indian village, Bhangarh, which was rumored to have a haunted temple that warned visitors it was illegal to enter at night.  That notion immediately struck a chord with the filmmaker.  “The concept of being warned against opening the door, and a village where the ghosts of the dead walk after sunset, really clicked together for me,” says Roberts, who began working on a script with his longtime writing partner Ernest Riera.

“Johannes came to me with this idea of a woman who lost a son, but who could talk to him through a temple door,” says Riera.  After months of scribbling ideas on napkins and coffee stirrers, they knew they were onto something special.

As a diehard genre fan, Roberts says he “enjoys connecting with my own fears, escaping from everyday life, and experiencing a catharsis.  While writing the screenplay, Roberts and Riera felt immersed in their own ghost story.  “Writing is like watching a horror film – when we start writing we become obsessed, and when we finish it we are possessed by the story,” Roberts notes.

Even before travelling to India, Roberts had decided he wanted audiences to experience the genre through a different cultural lens.  “When I did visit the city of Mumbai in India, I discovered a fascinating, dark city, and not the relaxing ‘Hotel Marigold’ version,” Roberts recalls. “I really liked that.”

Riera continues, “We wanted to find a setting for the film in a faraway country, which would facilitate a suspension of disbelief in ghosts.”

                Alexandre Aja known for his unforgettable thrilling works in “The Hills Have Eyes,” “Horns,” “Piranha 3D is also on board as the film’s producer. Roberts says, “They sent the script to Alex Aja and proposed he come on board, given his experience with the genre as a director and producer.  Alex understood the project right away and his experience was invaluable.  My references and vision resonated with him, and Alex really helped us get to the heart of the story.”

                Aja and Roberts not only added scares and tension throughout the script, but also elevated the family drama.  As a producer, Aja explains he first looks for a story with a real heart because spectacle and action mean little without it.  “I’m interested in stories about human beings, and even though we are operating in the genre, “The Other Side of the Door” is at its core a story about a mother who loves her son so much she can’t bear to lose him, and is willing to destroy her family to get him back.”

                “The Other Side of the Door” opens February 24 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.   Check the movie’s chilling trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGRKF0i18Bo

PNP partners with LBC for road safety and anti-criminality education

Innovation, in the case of the country’s the Philippines' market leader in payments, remittance, courier products, mail, parcels, and cargo logistics, can lend itself to a nation’s capacity building.

A recent partnership between the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and LBC is meant to address the alarming rise of traffic, crime and accidents in Metro Manila—creating a strategic and integrated approach to road safety and efficiency.

Under the agreement, the PNP-HPG will provide continuous education to LBC’s ground fleet to highlight the importance of road safety and courtesy when driving. The police will also provide anti-carnapping and anti-highway robbery seminars for LBC employees.

“With our fleet of 900 motorcycles and 600 vans, it would really help us if all our drivers are informed about the rules of the road and their rights as motorists,” says Gerard Payaoan, LBC Vice President for Global Systems Distribution and Delivery. “That’s why we are so glad with this partnership with the Highway Patrol Group.” 

For its part, LBC agreed to provide PNP-HPG with real-time information on all forms of criminal activity that their drivers may encounter while on the road. Drivers are also asked to be part of the HPG Rider Intelligence Network (RIN) so they can be partners in stopping crime on the road, like carnapping and highway robbery.

“This assistance that LBC is giving us is truly instrumental not only for us in the PNP Highway Patrol Group but also to our stakeholders: the members of the community,” says PC Supt. Arnold Gunnacao, PNP-HPG Director.

LBC has also agreed to adopt one of PNP-HPG’s training rooms in the agency’s Center for Road Safety and Security, and supply it with necessary equipment that will be utilized in conducting programmed and unprogrammed courses.

“Our part is to support the PNP-HPG in its effort to educate the public about the importance of road safety, and this is our contribution. With this, we hope that we can see better and safer roads for everyone,” concludes Payaoan.

For more information on LBC, please visithttp://www.lbcexpress.com; or call the following hotlines: 8585-999 (Metro Manila), 1-800-10-8585-999 (Provincial).
 

Philam Life commends Top Corporate Solutions Producing Advisors

Being recognized for the hard work and sacrifice you put into your goals is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Not only does recognition increase motivation, it also makes you feel appreciated. At Philam Life, one of the country’s leading life insurance companies, exceptional work is highly appreciated and commended.

A number of Philam Life Financial Advisors were recently recognized for attaining the highest generated premium income by gaining the trust of corporate clients.

In addition to being recognized for their achievements, these Top Producers were also made members of Philam Life’s newly-launched incentive program for Producing Advisors - the “Elite Planners Club”.

(From Left:) Philam Life’s Head of Corporate Solutions (CS) Gerry Cariaso, Chief Agency Officer Anagel Ledesma, Top CS Producing Advisor (PA) in Luzon Unit Manager (UM) Cristy Sanchez, Top CS PA in Manila UM Raquel Co, Top CS PA in Visayas and Mindanao Samuel Eliseo, CEO Axel Bromley and Guest Speaker Rex Mendoza.

(From Left:)Philam Life's Head of Corporate Solutions (CS) Gerry Cariaso, Chief Agency Officer Anagel Ledesma, Portia Sto. Domingo, Top CS Agency Manager in Producing Advisors Josefino Sto. Domingo, CEO Axel Bromley, Guest Speaker Rex Mendoza and Unit Manager Michael Manabat.


The event also served as a learning session for those in attendance. Key speakers included Certified Professional Image Consultant Olen Juarez-Lim who focused on leveraging success in the way you present and deal with people, and RAMPVER Financials Director Rex Mendoza who discussed the importance of CS and how they can maximize the corporate market.

(From Left:) Philam Life’s Unit Manager (UM) Michael Manabat for Top Corporate Solutions (CS) Producing Advisor (PA) Peter Teejay Salgado, Head of CS Gerard Cariaso, Chief Agency Officer Anagel Ledesma, Top CS PA Olen Jalandoni, Top CS PA UM Raquel Co, Top CS PA UM Luisito Laudico, Top CS PA Lennart Suelto, CEO Axel Bromley, Guest Speaker Rex Mendoza, Top CS PA Samuel Eliseo and Top CS PA Rafael Franco. 


To find out more about Philam Life’s Group Life, Medical, Accident and Credit Life insurance plans for your employees and members of your organization, please visit http://www.philamlife.com/en/business/products-and-services.

MMK to feature Cong. Leni Robredo

The untold story of Cong. Leni Robredo will be aired this week at Maalala Mo Kaya, Saturday at 8:30 pm.

The video trailer shows Leni as a wife and a mother to her children, her life before and after his husband Jesse Robredo died,  and what she will do if she will be elected  Vice President of the country.






*image courtesy of Ms. Sara Black

Academy Best Actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence stars in the inspiring "Joy"

The 25-year-old star,  Jennifer Lawrence who shot to fame in the Hunger Games series, was recognized in the best actress category for her part in Joy at the  2016 Academy Award.

          Close to home, “Joy” introduces us to a woman who carries it all, played by Jennifer Lawrence in the titular role – being a single mom, caring for her parents, paying the bills and working 24/7 just to make ends meet.

                “Joy” follows on the heels of diretor David O. Russell’s “The Fighter,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle,” which between them garnered 25 Oscar nominations.  Each unleashed an unforgettable array of cinematic characters yet also honed in on a singularly compelling idea:  the allure and trials of re-inventing oneself.  Joy takes that same idea somewhere new – as Russell takes on the question of how one person, confronted with madcap circumstances, endless obstacles and a long road of self-searching, forges a meaningful, joyful life.

                While Joy’s life moves forward, the film’s style hearkens back in time, revisiting and redesigning the craftsmanship and melodrama of classical Hollywood cinema for our image-laden times.  The film stars Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook, The Hunger Games series) as Joy, in a multi-hued portrait that spans from youth to her 40s, from dreams deferred to fighting for her honor to striving for self-fulfillment.

                Says Lawrence: “This is a story about so many things.  It’s not just the story of Joy. It’s about family, imagination, faith in yourself, about the ruthlessness of success and what it means when you find it. I love most of all how much Joy changes.  I loved taking her from vulnerable and self-deprecating to cold and strong, and I loved that she turns into a real matriarch of her family.” 

                Joining Lawrence is a typically wide-ranging Russell ensemble including Robert De Niro as Joy’s hot-tempered yet hopelessly romantic father; Edgar Ramirez as Joy’s ex-husband, a struggling musician living in the basement … with her father; Diane Ladd as Joy’s insightful and influential grandmother; Virginia Madsen as Joy’s soap-opera addicted mother; Isabella Rossellini as her father’s well-off Italian lover; Dascha Polanco as Joy’s life-long friend and confidante,; Elisabeth Rohm as Joy’s rivalrous sister and Bradley Cooper as the mogul-style home shopping executive who becomes both Joy’s ally and adversary.

                “Joy” joins a long legacy of films about chasing dreams of success in business and family -- but it does so in its own comedic, emotional and inventive ways.  The story began with the unlikely but real-life narrative of Joy Mangano, who in the 1990s became a new kind of television star and entrepreneurial powerhouse with a series of household inventions, including the famed, “self-wringing” Miracle Mop, which kicked-off the Long Island single mother’s ongoing business empire.
             

                Says Russell:  “The idea that drew me was how do you tell the story of more than 40 years of a life, from the magic of childhood, through marriage, divorce and single parenthood, to going back to fulfilling on those childhood dreams?  How do you tell the story of a person’s soul – and how that soul is comprised of all the people we love, the ideas we have, the things we cherish?  JOY brings together all these pieces. You have trauma and love.  You have a girl who grows up in her father's metal garage and in her mother’s refuge of soap operas filled with strong women.  You have a dreamer ex-husband in the basement who is still a friend and a loving sister who is an envious rival.  And you have a cable television station in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that becomes a factory of dreams.  In the middle of it all, you see Joy develop a quietly fierce determination that sees her through.” 

                An inspiring, light-hearted film, catch it with family, friends and business partners when “Joy” opens February 17 in cinemas from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Edward Benosa to guest in Lani Misalucha's "Love Catcher" concert

This Valentine’s Day—on February 14 and 15, 2016 singer and recording artist Edward Benosa gets the biggest break of his career when he guests in the show of Lani Misalucha.

The show is titled “Love Catcher” and will be held at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theatre for the benefit of the Cancer Alleviation Network on Care, Education and Rehabilitation (CANCER). It is directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril (who has also worked with and directed Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli in their respective concerts) and will also feature the female trio Baihana with the world-famous Philippine Madrigal Singers. Mamaril directed Edward’s music video for “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam” which was nominated as Music Video of the Year in the Star Awards for Music last year.

Edward will be performing two songs: his hit “Di Man Lang Nagpaalam” and another OPM number. He doesn’t have a duet with Lani, but the mere honor of sharing the same stage with her is already a major thing for an upcoming artist like Edward. For him to be included in the concert lineup is definitely a big break.

“Malaking bagay po talaga,” acknowledges Edward. “Wala akong duet with her, pero sobrang sarap ng feeling na I’ll be on the same stage as The Nightingale. Para sa akin, isa siya sa pinakamagaling na babaeng singer. I’m really honored na makapag-perform sa concert niya. Di ko na-expect na now, sa ganito ka-early na stage ng career ko, na makapag-perform ako sa ganito kalaking singer natin.”

Edward first met Lani, who’s a label-mate in Star Music, when they performed in a show featuring Star Music talents at 19 East. Lani, being the biggest star, was the finale number. Edward recalls how starstruck he was when he met her backstage, in the dressing room. He couldn’t even say anything. All he could manage was to ask to have a picture taken with her.

Edward recalls how that first meeting went. “Starstruck ako. Tulala. Wala akong nasabi,” he laughs. “Na-intimidate at na-overwhelm ako, na ang saya. Isa siya (Lani) sa mga tinitingala ko. Sobrang blessed ako na makita siya, ma-meet at ngayon makasama sa concert. Sa ginagalawan namin na mundo, sobrang na-a-appreciate namin na mga baguhan ang tinitingala namin na artists at ang work na ginagawa nila.”

Newcomers like himself automatically become better artists when they work with people like Lani, which is why he is looking forward to sharing the stage with her this February. In the future, he hopes they will get the chance to do a duet, but until then, he will take what he can get and continue to improve himself so that when that big break comes, he will be ready.

For now, you can catch more of Edward and his music by following him on social media, at facebook.com/realedwardbenosa, @realbenosa on Twitter and realbenosa on Instagram.