More Stars in Heaven

Liza Soberano named world's 6th most beautiful face; Kathryn Bernardo is at number 80

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 01:02:00 +0000

Filipino-American actress and model Liza Soberano is the 6th most beautiful face in the world!

This is the best birthday gift the young actress has received so far! She landed 6th on the TC Handler's “The 26th Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Faces 2015," which was announced in a YouTube video on Dec 26 and has received over two million views so far.

Meanwhile, the only other Filipina to make it to the list is teleserye princess Kathryn Bernardo who landed the 80th spot.

The top slots went to South Korean singer and actress Nana Im Jin-Ah (for the second year running) at number one, Israeli actress and fashion model Gal Gadot at number two (for the second year running) and British fashion model Jourdan Dunn at number three.

Country singer Craig Strickland found dead

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 00:52:00 +0000

Country music singer Craig Strickland was found dead days after he was declared missing, eonline broke the news.

His friend, Chase Morland, was earlier also found dead in Kaw Lake, Oklahoma.

The two went on a hunting trip last weekend. Morland even foretold of his death after posting on Twitter: "In case we don't come back, @BackroadCRAIG and I are going right through Winter Storm Goliath to kill ducks in Oklahoma. #IntoTheStorm."

On Sunday, a search was launched when a boat the two men were reportedly using for the hunting trip north of Tulsa, in Kay County, was found capsized in the early hours of Monday, according to Oklahoma's News9.

"Today we lost our brother, our best friend, our bandmate," wrote the country band Backroad Anthem, comprised of Toby Freeman, Eric Dysart, Josh Bryant, Brandon Robold and Isaac Sentr. "Craig was the most amazing person whose passion for life couldn't be matched."

"We can finally rest knowing that he is at Home in Heaven with his Father," wrote his wife, Helen Strickland, on Instagram.

REST IN PEACE, CRAIG.

Shakespeare's First Folio Goes Out On Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 15:18:00 +0000

by Susan Stamberg
National Public Radio

Title page of William Shakespeare's First

Folio, c. 1623. Wikipedia

One of the world's most precious volumes starts a tour on Monday, in Norman, Okla. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., is sending out William Shakespeare's First Folio to all 50 states, to mark the 400th anniversary of the bard's death. Published seven years after he died, the First Folio is the first printed collection of all of Shakespeare's plays.

The Folger has 82 First Folios — the largest collection in the world. It's located several stairways down, in a rare manuscript vault. To reach them, you first have to get through a fire door ... (if a fire did threaten these priceless objects, it would be extinguished not with water — never water near priceless paper — but with a system that removes oxygen from the room).

A massive safe door comes next — so heavy it takes two burly guards to open it, and then yet another door, which triggers a bell to alert librarians that someone has entered. After that, there's yet another door and an elevator waaaay down to a vault that nearly spans the length of a city block, says Folger director Michael Witmore.

This is where the library stores tens of thousands of pieces of paper — folios, plus half of everything printed in England from 1473 to 1660 and much more. And there, propped open on spongy wedges to protect the binding, is the First Folio.

"If you had to pick one book to represent Shakespeare, this is it," Witmore says.

Two of Shakespeare's pals put it together in 1623, after he died. John Heminges and Henry Condell were fellow actors, who felt the plays should be collected in a single large volume.

They also added in 18 of Shakespeare's plays that had never appeared in print, explains Witmore. "Without this book we probably wouldn't have ... Twelfth Night, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, The Winter's Tale ..."

Day 7 MMFF Update: Total Gross Reaches P640 Million

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 04:30:00 +0000

Based on the latest figure, total box office gross of the Metro Manial Film Festival has already reached P640 million. Here's the official update from the MMFF Official Facebook page:

MMFF 7-Day Gross (December 25-31, 2015)P 640 MillionTop 4 Films (in no particular order)My Bebe LoveBeauty and the BestieHaunted Mansion#WalangForever
Posted by Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Official on Friday, January 1, 2016

Watch: Mark Wahlberg In Hawaii Showing Off His Bod and His Bad Tan!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 03:37:00 +0000

Mark Wahlberg is in Hawaii vacationing with family but the dude needs to work on his tan! Mark has the worst farmers tan we’ve ever seen, according to TMZ.

#ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN trends on Twitter worldwide as Alden Richards celebrates birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 02:46:00 +0000

Alden Richards turns 23 today and fans are just so ecstatic the hashtag #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN is trending on Twitter worldwide at 1.5 million tweets! Here are what AlDub fans have to say on the birthday of the cute hunk.

When you're hugging her and you don't wanna let go. He's gonna protect her at all cost😍 -MJE #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/RldrEV3nOw
— JoseCrackers (@JoseCrackers) January 2, 2016

Fix your eyes on Jesus, chin up,but keep your feet on the ground. #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/rQWBj8lVUN
— Precious Jin (@PreciousJinz) January 2, 2016

Total Fitness Magazine Cover #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN https://t.co/HcUwFDlqG8
— Aldub Princesses (@aldubprincesses) January 2, 2016

So proud & happy coz her dreams for his beloved son is now a reality. #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN https://t.co/dwFKYdjm3R
— Ramona Provido (@ProvidoRamona) January 2, 2016

Game? -Don't forget to use our official hashtag > #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/wuP9OrXhbG
— AD|MD QC SHIPPERS (@ADMDShippersOFC) January 1, 2016

.@EatBulaga's Facebook post: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALDEN! mwah mwah tsup tsup" #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/56h49MtGgv
— ALDENaticsBicol (@ALDENaticsBCL) January 2, 2016

Just continue inspiring other people and be blessing po to all, Kuya @aldenrichards02 / HBD #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/KQE2ACkE8l
— BASTE (@ImBabyBaste) January 2, 2016

My 24 @aldenrichards02 alphabet I - Ideal #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/PztRw25tX2
— Hea®t Tee (@hanychoc) January 2, 2016

Happy Birthday Alden Richards! ❤ BALLOONS PA MORE! 🎈🎈🎈 #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/MRLMgUiQpp
— ALDUB|MAIDEN ROYALS (@aldubmaiden_ryl) January 2, 2016

Happy Birthday Tisoy! 😂 #ALDUBHappyBAEdayALDEN pic.twitter.com/4zkrLHqWl1
— BETTER 1/2 (@JrcAndrsMnzn) January 2, 2016

Music legend Natalie Cole dead at 65, read the reactions of netizens

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 02:29:00 +0000

Natalie Cole

Soul singer Natalie Cole, the daughter of jazz legend Nat 'King' Cole who found success in her own right but struggled with substance abuse, has died at age 65, reports said Friday, AFP reports.

According to celebrity gossip site TMZ, Cole died at a Los Angeles hospital from heart failure. Representatives for the singer could not immediately be reached on New Year's Day.

Cole is the daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole. She carved out her own success with R & B hits like "Our Love" and "This Will Be" before triumphantly intertwining their legacies to make his "Unforgettable" their signature hit together, AP writes.

Her family was devastated over the loss the iconic singer. A statement from her son Robert Yancy, and sisters Timolin and Casey Cole, reads:

"Natalie fought a fierce, courageous battle, dying how she lived ... with dignity, strength and honor. Our beloved Mother and sister will be greatly missed and remain UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever."

Meanwhile, long-time friend and fellow music icon Aretha Franklin was shocked after hearing of Cole's death. In a statement, she said:

"I had to hold back the tears. I know how hard she fought. She fought for so long. She was one of the greatest singers of our time."

Her career success highlighted by soaring achievements, including 9 Grammys and 30 million records sold worldwide, was equally matched by her battle over drug addiction and health issues. She rose to musical success in the mid–1970s as an R&B artist with the hits "This Will Be", "Inseparable", and "Our Love". After a period of failing sales and performances due to a heavy drug addiction, Cole re-emerged as a pop artist with the 1987 album Everlasting and her cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac". In the 1990s, she re-recorded standards by her father, resulting in her biggest success, Unforgettable... with Love, which sold over seven million copies and also won Cole Album and Record of the Year honors at the 1992 Grammys.

Here are some reactions of netizens on Twitter:

@NatalieCole on life, love and loss in a heartrending convo. Watch our @PBS tribute Jan. 4. https://t.co/JyiAL5rGoC
— Tavis Smiley (@tavissmiley) January 2, 2016

From addiction to chart-topping success: Natalie Cole's bright life in the spotlight https://t.co/0QQDH3Ohzm pic.twitter.com/svC0LlJnm4
— People magazine (@people) January 1, 2016

Heaven's choir just got more amazing. Rest peacefully LEGEND! #NatalieCole https://t.co/sDEG7tNBtx
— Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) January 1, 2016

When I was 10 my musical life changed with a Natalie Cole Greatest Hits CD. It taught me soul. RIP #NatalieCole https://t.co/kU0Cdzk15I
— David Archuleta (@DavidArchie) January 1, 2016

Sad... ICYMI: #NatalieCole Dead At 65 -- Celebs React https://t.co/gaXlrKF5BI pic.twitter.com/IppChpnJAZ
— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) January 2, 2016

Her voice and her legacy will always be #Unforgettable . RIP #NatalieCole
— Ricky Paull Goldin (@rickygoldin) January 2, 2016

#NowPlaying La Costa by Natalie Cole my favorite 4 mins in this woman's incredible career #NatalieCole ♫ https://t.co/trFQ8Zr0dr
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) January 2, 2016

My heart is beyond heavy. Rest in Paradise. Rest in His Peace. Rest in Song ❤️ #NatalieCole pic.twitter.com/pUMhu199Bz
— Kim Fields (@KimVFields) January 1, 2016

Rest In Peace, Unforgettable #NatalieCole 💕 https://t.co/priSSqjuY5 pic.twitter.com/VJ5Udxhvcz
— Playbill (@playbill) January 1, 2016

💗 This will be an everlasting love. RIP to the legendary #NatalieCole 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VEyaKP0jZT
— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) January 1, 2016

Today we remember and celebrate the life of the beautiful and soulful #NatalieCole: https://t.co/vsyIUByyyG pic.twitter.com/EJMdIJsKMk
— EBONY MAGAZINE (@EBONYMag) January 1, 2016

RIP to my friend #NatalieCole. You were and will always be special to me and my family! #missyoulikecrazy pic.twitter.com/8mnz7Fw1Og
— Rodney Peete (@RodneyPeete9) January 1, 2016

Very sad to hear that #NatalieCole has died. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. #Unforgettable ❤️
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) January 1, 2016

Sending prayers and condolences to all the loved ones of my friend #NatalieCole! She will be truly missed but her light will shine forever!
— Patti LaBelle (@MsPattiPatti) January 1, 2016

Let me take a minute and teach the babies: The albums #NatalieCole made in the 70s are some of the best ever made... #Inseperable
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) January 1, 2016

Celebrities and fans alike tribute #NatalieCole on social media: https://t.co/3RrF66azaH pic.twitter.com/BHODGxwGXv
— Global Grind (@GlobalGrind) January 1, 2016

Unforgettable In every way, And forever more That's how you'll stay. #NatalieCole pic.twitter.com/0bEA3h2TD7
— New York Theater (@NewYorkTheater) January 1, 2016

R.I.P. Natalie Cole, you are Unforgettable and you will be missed. God speed #NatalieCole #Unforgettable pic.twitter.com/DqKyWV3FtC
— Roma Downey (@RealRomaDowney) January 1, 2016

RIP my friend #NatalieCole You were and are #Unforgettable xo
— Luann de Lesseps (@CountessLuann) January 1, 2016

Words cannot express how I feel about the passing of The Beautiful #NatalieCole. She... https://t.co/uWKqhFBGVF pic.twitter.com/q5C2eM7uxJ
— Yolanda Adams (@YolandaAdams) January 1, 2016

Sweet dreams, #NatalieCole. You were #Unforgetable.
— Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) January 1, 2016

Natalie Cole dead at 65. Family of #NatalieCole tells @etnow she is, "UNFORGETTABLE in our hearts forever.” RIP
— Brad Bessey (@BradBessey) January 1, 2016

Sad to hear of the death of singer #NatalieCole. Fab pic of her with her amazing dad - Nat 'King' Cole pic.twitter.com/G8aK41SwGu
— Antony Tiernan (@AntonyTiernan) January 1, 2016

Song still brings tears to my eyes -->> #NatalieCole & Nat King Cole - Unforgettable (The Grammy Awards) https://t.co/DNQceVQixs #RIP
— Sister Toldjah (@sistertoldjah) January 1, 2016

Watch: Miss Colombia Offered Crown and a Million Dollars to Do Porn

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 16:43:00 +0000

Miss Colombia Ariadna Rodriguez may have not won the title of Miss Universe but she may get something more lucrative – a contract with porn giant, Vivid. According to TMZ, Porn King Steven Hirsch offered to pay her a whopping $1 million to make movies for and represent Vivid Entertainment.

Here's the big winners at the 2015 MMFF awards night

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 01:17:00 +0000

The participating movies at the 2015 MMFF.

Nilalang emerged as the biggest winners at the recently held 41st Metro Manila Film Festival awards night, bagging the honors for best editing, best film editor, best cinematography, best festival sound, and best festival musical score.

Meanwhile, Jericho Rosales and Jennylyn Mercado received the top acting plum for best actor and best actress for their roles in Walang Forever.

The best supporting actress and actor went to Maine Mendoza and Tirso Cruz III, for the films My Bebe Love and Honor Thy Father respectively.

Here is the complete list of winners for the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival.

Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Best Actor: Jericho Rosales ("Walang Forever")
Best Actress: Jennylyn Mercado ("Walang Forever")
Best Picture: "Walang Forever"
Second Best Picture: Buy Now, Die Later
Third Best Picture: “My Bebe Love”
Best Supporting Actress: Maine Mendoza ("My Bebe Love")
Best Supporting Actor: Tirso Cruz III ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Child Performer: Krystal Brimmer ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Director: Erik Matti ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Story: "Walang Forever"
Best Screenplay: Paul Sta. Ana ("Walang Forever")
Best Festival Editing: "Nilalang"
Best Film Editor: Jason Cahapay ("Nilalang")
Best Festival Cinematography: Pao Orendain ("Nilalang")
Best Festival Sound: Ditoy Aguila ("Nilalang")
Best Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten ("Nilalang")
Best Festival Original Theme Song: "Tao" by Armi Millare ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Make-up Artist: Ryan Panaligan ("Honor Thy Father")
Best Visual Effects: "Nilalang"
Best Festival Production Design: "Buy Now Die Later"
Best Float: "Buy Now, Die Later"
FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence: "Walang Forever"
Gatpuno J. Villegas Cultural Award: "My Bebe Love"

Short Film Best Picture: "Mumu"
Best Animation Film: "Momento"
New Wave Animation Special Jury Prize: "Lights Lights"
New Wave Full-Feature Special Jury: "Toto"
New Wave Full-Length Best Supporting Actress: Bibet Orteza ("Toto")
New Wave Full-Length Best Actor: JM De Guzman ("Tandem") & Francisco Quinto ("Ari")
New Wave Full-Length Best Director:John Paul Su ("Toto")

Golden Globes 2014: And the winners are...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 10:17:00 +0000

Here are this year's big winners at the 71st Golden Globe Awards.

Motion Picture (Drama and Comedy)

Best Picture (Drama) - 12 Years a Slave

Best Picture (Comedy/Musical) - American Hustle

Best Actor (Drama) - Matthew McConauhey (Dallas Buyers Club)

Best Actress (Drama) - Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)

Best Actor (Comedy/Musical) - Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)

Best Actress (Musical/Comedy) - Amy Adams (American Hustle)

Best Supporting Actor - Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Supporting Actress - Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle.

Television

When Icons Bid Adieu: Screen Legends Who Died in 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:09:00 +0000

The passing of 2013 also meant good-byes to a number of the already-handful screen legends we have today.

Deanna Durbin (December 4, 1921 – c. April 20, 2013)

Deanna Durbin

Deanna Durbin wowed Depression- and World War II-era moviegoers with her “sweet, soprano voice” and for her depiction of the ideal teenage daughter in films such as Three Smart Girls (1936). In 1938, together with Mickey Rooney, she was honored with a Juvenile performer Academy Award for her “significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth …” Deanna walked out from Hollywood by 1950, still at the height of her career. She remained a recluse until her death.

Esther Williams (August 8, 1921 – June 6, 2013)

Esther Williams

Dubbed as the “Million-Dollar Mermaid,” Esther Williams wasn’t just a popular star of the 1940s, she was also an accomplished swimmer. She was one of the biggest box-office stars of the 1940s, appearing watery MGM extravaganzas, such as Bathing Beauty (1944), Neptune’s Daughter (1949), Million Dollar Mermaid (1952) and Jupiter’s Darling (1955).

Elliott Reid (January 16, 1920 – June 21, 2013)

Elliott Reid (with Pat Conway)

Character actor Elliott Reid had his share of fame after playing the role of Ernie Malone, private detective who spied on Marilyn Monroe's character only to fall in love with Jane Russell’s role in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).

Barbara Lawrence (February 24, 1930 – November 13, 2013)

Barbara Lawrence

Barbara Lawrence is perhaps best-remembered for portraying the role of Gertie Cummins in Oklahoma! (1953) in which she got into a catfight with Gloria Grahame’s role.

Eleanor Parker (June 26, 1922 – December 9, 2013)

Eleanor Parker

Dubbed as the “Woman with the Thousand Faces” for her versatility, Eleanor Parker was hugely praised for her ease in portraying various characters in drama, comedy, or horror. She earned the raves of critics for her Oscar-nominated performances as a prison inmate in Caged (1950), a detective’s wife in Detective Story (1951), and Marjorie Lawrence in the biopic Interrupted Melody (1955). However, her most unforgettable role was a supporting one, as the marriage-minded baroness in The Sound of Music (1965).

Peter O'Toole (August 2, 1932 –December 14, 2013)

Peter O'Toole

Considered one of the best English actors of his generation, Peter O’Toole earned overnight fame with, in the words of New York Times, “a hell-raising streak” of a performance in Lawrence of Arabia. The performance earned him his first Oscar nomination and he continued his career with seven more nominations for the following films: Becket (1964), The Lion in Winter (1968), Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), The Ruling Class (1972), The Stunt Man (1980), My Favorite Year (1982) and Venus (2006). Together with Richard Burton, he held the record of having the most Oscar nomination for best actor without a single win, although he was honored with an Honorary Oscar in 2003.

Joan Fontaine (October 22, 1917 – December 15, 2013)

Joane Fontaine

Throughout the 30s, Joan Fontaine managed to play lackluster parts until her performance in The Women and Gunga Din (both 1939) gave her to opportunity to somewhat showcase her acting prowess. However, her most stellar—and near Oscar-winning moment—came when she played as the haunted second wife in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940). She won the Oscar for another Hitchcock vehicle, Suspicion (1941), and saw her career thrive in Jane Eyre (1944), The Constant Nymph (1943), for which she earned her third Oscar nomination, A Letter From an Unknown Woman (1948), Ivanhoe (1952); and Island in the Sun (1957). Fontaine’s personal spat with her sister, Olivia de Havilland was also the talk of Hollywood to this day. The two never fully reconciled.

Alicia Rhett, Oldest Surviving Gone with the Wind Actress, Diest at 98

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 01:22:00 +0000


Alicia Rhett. Image: Wikimedia

While a lot of damsels-in-distress would go heed to the call of stardom, Alicia Rhett was an exception. Instead, she chose to follow what she wanted most in life: pursue a life in arts and become Charleston's most avid lover. She did not lack the beauty, said Bill Trawick, CEO of the Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community in Charleston, where she has lived since 2002, until she died January 3, 2014. But she had innate passion for privacy, one thing that she could not have had had she become a Hollywood celebrity.

Rhett was born in Savannah, Georgia, on February 1, 1915. Her mother was Isabelle Murdoch, who moved South from Liverpool, England. Her father was Edmund M. Rhett, an American army officer and engineer based in Savannah. Her father died during World War I, prompting Alicia and her mother to move to Charleston, South Carolina, where she worked as a theater actress.

While performing in The Recruiting Officer in 1936, Hollywood director, George Cukor spotted her while scouting for actresses to portray Scarlett O'Hara for the film Gone Wind the Wind. Margaret Mitchell wrote the best-selling novel, but David Selznick bough the film rights. Rhett's beauty and charm was noticed by Cukor. While she failed to grab the role of Melanie, which she auditioned for, she was eventually offered to play the role of India, sister of Ashley Wilkes. This was the first and only motion picture role that Rhett ever played. After Gone with the Wind, she left Hollywood and forevermore turned her back from the movie world.

She eventually worked as an accent coach for aspiring actors and as an announcer at a Charleston radio station. She also showed her talent in sketching and painting. In fact, she used to sketch and draw portraits of her fellow Gone with the Wind actors in between takes. She also illustrated for a number books, including South Carolina Indians (1965), written by Beth Causey and Leila Darby.

On her death, Rhett was inaccurately labeled by the media as the oldest-surviving actor from Gone With the Wind. Actually, it is Shep Houghton, born in 1914, who played a small but uncredited role.

Amy Adams: Hollywood’s Princess Charming

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Amy Adams. Image: Wikimedia

There’s no question that Amy Adams is considered every moviegoer’s darling with her charm and sunny disposition which she imbues both on and off screen.

Born Amy Lou Adams on August 20, 1974 in Vicenza, Italy, Adams got her first taste of performing for a crowd when she joined her school choir during high school while training as a ballerina. After high school, she entered the musical theatre scene.

When she was 18, she was working as a Gap store greeter to support herself while acting on community theatres. She later on worked as a hostess in Hooters before launching a career on stage in dinner theaters. Adams later admitted that only reason why she became an actor was because she "needed a job."

"I graduated high school and I didn’t have a skill set and I didn’t want to go to college. I needed a job. This is what I could do. And I like it, but it can be very painful. You feel so vulnerable all the time on set, so exposed," she explained.

In 1999, she made her screen debut in the 1999 black comedy Drop Dead Gorgeous, which was followed by a slew of guest appearances on TV and small roles in B-movies.

Her first major role came when she grabbed the part of Brenda Strong in Catch Me If You Can (2002). Her breakthrough came next in indie flick Junebug (2005). There, she played the role of the young, gay and garrulous pregnant woman named Ashley Johnsten. Her performance was strong enough to earn her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The pressures of initial success of course had their toll on Adams' life. In an interview with Elle UK, she confesses: "I choked. I felt this pressure to suddenly be this level of actress that I wasn’t confident enough to be. I did a series of really bad auditions, I let the nerves get the best of me."

She eventually managed to pull herself through. Adams then hit her first commercial success after being cast as Princess Giselle in the colossally successful film Enchanted (2007). Her performance grabbed her a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress.

In a press release interview, Adams revealed that we both "flattered" and "well little intimidated" about her character.

"Her [Giselle's] waist is a lot smaller than mine so I thought there'd be no late night Mexican food binges while shooting this. But I thought they did a really good job at capturing some of my quirks and my movements. I run pigeon-toed and she does too. Sometimes you get self-conscious because you know they're looking for what will define this character. I just think they're so wonderful. Like I said, I grew up watching those films and James Baxter's animation so it was a huge compliment to me to be animated by him," she explained.

In 2008, Adams scored her second Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations portraying a young nun, Sister James, in Doubt, opposite Meryl Streep.

Amy Adams is highly regarded and well-lauded for her versatility. Her performances indeed varied from romantic comedies to serious dramas. However, she is still best remembered for her cheerful characters, something that moviegoers are always excited to see on screen.

In 2009, Adams was featured as Amelia Earhart in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. The same year, she was cast once again opposite Meryl Streep in Julie & Julia where she played the role of writer Julie Powell.

2010 was another banner year for her, as her role as Charlene Fleming in The Fighter scored her her her third Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, her second BAFTA nomination, and her fifth Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. The film, as well as Adams’ costars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Melissa Leo (who won the Oscars for best supporting actress) also got critical nods.

In 2012, Adams rendered another Oscar-nominated performance for best supporting actress for her role as Peggy Dodd, Philip Seymour Hoffman’s coldblooded and control-freak wife in The Master.

In 2013, she was landed the role of Lois Lane in the 2013 Superman film Man of Steel.

Lilet Never Happened: The Saga of Child Prostitution in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 01:00:00 +0000

Lilet Never Happened

Lilet Never Happened, a Dutch-Filipino production filmed in 2012, scooped the Best Youth Film honors at the 2013 Copenhagen International Film Festival.

The movie, entirely shot in Manila, centered on the plight of Lilet, a 15-year-old maladjusted Filipino-American street-girl who is prostituted by her mother and stepfather.

“Once upon a time there was a girl in the Philippines named Snow White. But one day, her mother and stepfather made her eat a poisoned apple,” opened the film trailers. Lilet aptly depicts the malady that forces helpless families to drive their family members to unheard-of activities—including prostituting their own children.

International social worker Claire entered the scene on a bid to rescue the young girl to safety but her efforts proved fruitless. Though Lilet was given many opportunities to redeem herself, she stubbornly chose the hard way. The film is based on interviews with Lilet, a little girl, who became Manila’s most famous child prostitute (liletneverhappened.com).

The blog Rheaongyiu.com writes: "It has truly captured the real picture of poverty in the Philippines and how this practice of pimping children to rich men has become a culture that is so sad, yet so real."

In his interview with Philippine Star, the film’s director Jacco Grown was “very happy to see that there are a lot of young people watching the film.”

“Lilet Never Happened is made for the younger audience, you need to reach the new generation who will say enough is enough, we cannot accept this anymore in a society that we call civilized. With this movie we really hope to raise awareness about the sad reality of child prostitutes not only in the Philippines, but all over the world,” he continued.

Sandy Talag convincingly portrayed Lilet’s character. She was already featured in the movies Bahay kubo: A Pinoy mano po! and Seance.

Completing the cast were seasoned actor John Arcilla, Marife Necesito and Dutch actress Johanna Ter Steege.

The film already competed in over 22 international film festivals last 2012, including the Warsaw International Film Festival (Poland), International Film Festival India, Moscow International Film Festival, Zlin Film Festival for Children and Youth (Czech Republic), Zanzibar International Film Festival (Tanzania) and the Kristiansand International Youth Film Festival (Norway), where it also won the prize for Best Youth film 2013.

Lilet Never Happened is set to hit local cinemas this December.

Watch the trailer here:

Breaking Bad, Modern Grab Emmy Top Honors: More Surprises in this Year's Emmys

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 13:40:00 +0000

What could be more surprising in this year's Emmy Awards is the fact that it's so full of surprises! Best actor heavy weight contender Bryan Cranston lost the game, Downtown Abbey went home empty handed, the usual shoo-ins Claire Danes, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and "Modern Family", well, unsurprisingly won, and Breaking Bad finally took the top honors. After all has been said and done, Congratulations to this year's winners!

Breaking Bad, Best Drama Series

Best Drama Series
"Breaking Bad"

Best Drama Actor
Jeff Daniels, "Newsroom"

Best Drama Actress
Claire Danes, "Homeland"

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama
Bobby Cannavale, "Boardwalk Empire"

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama
Anna Gunn, "Breaking Bad"

Modern Family, Best Comedy Series

Best Comedy Series
"Modern Family"

Best Comedy Actor
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"

Best Comedy Actress
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Tony Hale, "Veep"

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Merritt Wever, "Nurse Jackie"

Behind the Candelabra, Best Miniseries or
Made-for-TV Movie

Best Miniseries or Made-for-TV Movie
"Behind the Candelabra"

Best Actor in a miniseries or movie
Michael Douglas, "Behind the Candelabra"

Best Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Laura Linney, "The Big C: Hereafter"

Online Drama Competes with Traditional TV Series for Emmy Top Honors

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 20:00:00 +0000

"House of Cards." Image: Christianpost.com

The Primetime Emmy has never been this much exciting as the online drama "House of Cards" aims to trump traditional TV series for the Emmy top honors this Sunday, September 22.

The Netflix political drama is top-billed by screen veteran Kevin Spacey and is the first and so far the only web series to get a major nod at the 65th annual Primetime Emmy awards, television's match to filmdom's Academy Awards.

While House's nomination was a feat in its own, it does not go without stiff competition. Critically-acclaimed thriller "Breaking Bad," is another Emmy frontrunner as well, after its 5th nomination.

The terrifying thriller "Homeland" and the Emmy-winning "Mad Men" have also been shortlisted for the best drama category, while "American Horror Story: Asylum" is hoping to become this year's runaway winner, after earning 17 nominations.

Of course, the period drama and perennial Emmy favorite "Downton Abbey" once again scored an outstanding drama series nomination.

Among the night's highlight is Elton John's debut appearance as he gives a tribute to piano legend Liberace, who was also the subject of highly-praised biopic "Behind the Candelabra," which scooped 15 nominations. Just last week, "Candelabra" won 8 trophies at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards for its outstanding production.

Here's the list of nominees:

Drama Series

"Breaking Bad"
"Downton Abbey"
"Game of Thrones"
"Homeland"
"House of Cards"
"Mad Men"

Drama Actor:

Hugh Bonneville, "Downton Abbey"
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"
Jeff Daniels, "Newsroom"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Damien Lewis, "Homeland"
Kevin Spacey, "House of Cards"

Drama Actress

Claire Danes, "Homeland"
Vera Farmiga, "Bates Motel"
Michelle Dockery, "Downton Abbey"
Robin Wright, "House of Cards"
Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men"
Connie Britton, "Nashville"
Kerry Washington, "Scandal"

Supporting Actor in a Drama

Bobby Cannavale, "Boardwalk Empire"
Jonathan Banks, "Breaking Bad"
Aaron Paul, "Breaking Bad"
Jim Carter, "Downton Abbey"
Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones"
Mandy Patinkin, "Homeland"

Supporting Actress in a Drama

Anna Gunn, "Breaking Bad"
Maggie Smith, "Downtown Abbey"
Emilia Clark, "Game of Thrones"
Christine Baranski, "The Good Wife"
Morena Baccarin, "Homeland"
Christina Hendricks, "Mad Men"

Comedy Series

"The Big Bang Theory"
"Girls"
"Louie"
"Modern Family"
"30 Rock"
"Veep"

Comedy Actor

Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"
Jason Bateman, "Arrested Development"
Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"
Matt LeBlanc, "Episodes"
Louis C.K, "Louie"
Don Cheadle, "House of Lies"

Comedy Actress

Tina Fey, "30 Rock"
Laura Dern, "Enlightened"
Lena Dunham, "Girls"
Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"

Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Adam Driver, "Girls"
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, "Modern Family"
Ed O'Neill, "Modern Family"
Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"
Bill Hader, "Saturday Night Live"
Tony Hale, "Veep"

Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Mayim Bialik, "The Big Bang Theory"
Jane Lynch, "Glee"
Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"
Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"
Merritt Wever, "Nurse Jackie"
Jane Krakowski, "30 Rock"
Anna Chlumsky, "Veep"

Miniseries or Movie

"American Horror Story: Asylum"
"Behind the Candelabra"
"The Bible"
"Phil Spector"
"Political Animals"
"Top of the Lake"

Actor in a miniseries or movie

Michael Douglas, "Behind the Candelabra"
Matt Damon, "Behind the Candelabra"
Toby Jones, "The Girl"
Benedict Cumberbatch, "Parade's End"
Al Pacino, "Phil Spector"

Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story: Asylum"
Laura Linney, "The Big C: Hereafter"
Helen Mirren, "Phil Spector"
Sigourney Weaver, "Political Animals"
Elisabeth Moss, "Top of the Lake"

Pinoy Screen Legend: Alice Vergel—The Action Queen of Philippine Cinema

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 00:42:00 +0000

Alicia Vergel. Image: Beverly Vergel

It is a rarity among actors and actresses today to possess certain versatility in the way they project themselves in the camera. Some are good in drama, others excel in comedy, many though are simply too good-looking to give a rousing performance. But the same could never be said of Alicia Vergel, the screen thespian who reigned in the 50s and 60s. She was pretty as much as she was talented and versatile as a performer. She proved her mettle in action flicks many times over but more than held her own in a slew of drama and comedy features, too. But among her many performances, it was her stint in the action genre that made her the indelible and unforgettable queen of action movies. She had such an agile physique that she didn’t need to have a double to perform even the riskiest scenes actresses of her days dared not do. Years later, she entered public service and kept her life literally in “action” despite the lack of klieg and glitter that filmdom had to offer. Nevertheless, she sporadically lent her acting prowess to a few but worthwhile pictures in the 70s and 80s. These, she did while staying true to the vow of motherhood, rearing her children, who themselves carved their niches in show business. Indeed, Alicia Vergel is one, true lady for all seasons.

Early Years in Acting

Alicia Vergel started her acting career in Sampaguita Pictures, where she had a cameo role in the Tita Duran-Pancho Magalona starrer Milagro ng Birhen ng mga Rosas, a 1949 film that depicted a real-life miraculous event in Lipa, Batangas. In 1950, she landed a role in a “dream sequence” production number in the musical Huwag Ka Nang Magtampo. The film also saw Paraluman, Linda Estrella, Lillian Leonardo, Maria Corazon, Lita Rio, Norma Vales and Tessie Quintana do the routine performances.

Career Heights

Huling Patak ng Dugo (1950)

Bernardo Carpio (1951)

Berdugo ng mga Anghel (1951)

Basahang Ginto (1952)

Madam X (1952)

Alicia Vergel’s star began to shine after being cast opposite Pancho Magalona in the action flick Huling Patak ng Dugo in 1950. This was when she saw promise as a leading-lady doubled as an action star. She eventually reigned supreme as the country’s Queen of Action Movies, appearing opposite reel and real life romantic partner Cesar Ramirez in such films as Bernardo Carpio (1951), Espada (1952), Diwani (1953), Ukala (1954), and Lupang Hinirang (1955), perhaps their most unforgettable film together.

MN (1954)

Ukala: Ang Walang Suko (1954)

Balisong (1955)

Lupang Kayumanggi (1955)

Mambo-Dyambo (1955)

Vergel was also comfortable in starring with other leading mans, including Fred Montilla in Tenyente Ramirez (1951), Oscar Moreno in Dugong Bughaw (1951) and Ramon Revilla in Balisong (1955). Vergel was equally adept in drama and in comedy, as she was at home in performing feisty and tough characters. For her dramatic outings, she was well-received in Madam x (1952), where her character was based on the life of a millionairess and in MN (1954), where her durability as an actress came face to face with drama queen Carmen Rosales’ own. Her stint in comedy, especially in the film Mambo-Jumbo (1955) opposite Dolphy was also well-received by audience and critics alike.

Taong Putik (1956)

Kahariang Bato (1957)

Maskara (1957)

With the end of her contract in Sampaguita, Vergel decided to freelance. While her status as a top leading lady considerably diminished during this time, Vergel’s acting skills remained evident though in such films as Bicol Express (1957), Day of the Trumpet (1958), Kadenang Putik (1960), NBI (1961) and Viva Caballeras (1961).

The Day of the Trumpet (1957)

Anak ng Lasengga (1958)

Cavalry Command (1958)

Obra Maestra (1958)

Thereafter, Vergel kept herself busy as a public servant after getting elected as barangay captain of Brgy. Santo Domingo in Quezon City, a position she held for 22 years. She occasionally got lured from semiretirement whenever meaty roles came her way, such as starring with her own son Ace Vergel in the film Inay (1977). She also lent her dramatic appeal in such tearjerkers as Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Isusumbong Kita sa Diyos (1998) and Mundo Man Ay Magunaw (1990).

Kadenang Putik (1960)

Inay (1977)

Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987)

Career Achievements

Vergel’s career has been highlighted by many spotlights. In a time when actresses used doubles when doing difficult stunts, Vergel insisted on doing them on her own. She was also the only actress during her generation to enjoy enormous popularity as an action film regular. In the awards department, Vergel was the first actress to grab the Maria Clara Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Mapuputing Kamay (1950). She was also the first actress to win the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) award for Best Actress for her role in Basahang Ginto (1952).

Personal life

Alicia Vergel was born on June 7, 1927. Her real name was Erlinda Gaerlan Asturias. She was married to screen partner Cesar Ramirez and they had two children: Ace Vergel, who went on as the "the Bad Boy of the Philippine Cinema” and Beverly Vergel, an actress, acting coach and director of the ABS-CBN Center for Communication Arts, Inc. Vergel and Ramirez separated; Vergel married another man and they had another child, Mike Vergel. She died in 1992.

Filmography

1990 Mundo man ay magunaw

1989 Bakit iisa lamang ang puso?

1988 Isusumbong kita sa Diyos

1987 Saan nagtatago ang pag-ibig?

1985 Victor Lopez Jr.

1985 Jandro Nakpil: halang ang kaluluwa

1977 Inay

1976 Tatlong kasalanan

1965 Tagani

1961 Konsiyerto ng kamatayan (segment "Noche Azul")

1960 Kadenang putik

1958 Anak ng lasengga

1958 Cavalry Command

1958 Obra Maestra (segment "Macao")

1957 Kahariang bato

1957 Maskara

1956 Taong putik

1955 Mambo-dyambo

1955 Lupang kayumanggi

1955 Balisong

1955 Kuripot

1955 Artista

1954 Aristokrata

1954 MN

1954 Eskandalosa

1954 Ukala: Ang walang suko

1953 Diwani

1952 Basahang ginto

1952 Madame X

1952 Hiram na mukha

1951 Bernardo Carpio

1950 Huling Patak ng Dugo

1950 Mapuputing kamay

1949 Milagro ng birhen ng mga rosas

1949 Teniente Ramirez

Watch Alicia Vergel in this film clip of her 1954 film MN

Megan Young Bags Miss World Philippines 2013 Title

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 12:56:00 +0000

Miss International Philippines 2013 Megan Young (center) is flanked by the other winners.
Image: ABS-CBN News

StarMagic talent and actress Megan Lynn Young snagged the Miss World Philippines 2013 title at the glittering coronation night at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City.

Young, a 23-year-old half-Pinay half-American, is set to fly to Indonesia to represent the country in the Miss World 2013 pageant this September.

Young started out in show business after she joined GMA-7's reality celebrity search StarStruck: Season 2 in 2004. She is however best remembered for her stint at the Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2, as well as for her performances in Betty La Fea (2008), Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Hiyas (2012), A Beautiful Affair (2012) and Misibis Bay (2013).

Young admitted that joining—and winning—in the Miss World Philippines was a dream come true.

"There are many risks in joining this pageant, but it's only something that happens once in a lifetime. It's now or never!" revealed Young in an interview with ABS-CBN.

Aside from bagging the most coveted title, Young also brought home majority of the special awards, including Best in Fashion Runway, Miss Sports by Fila, Miss Reducin, Miss Olay, Miss Laguna World, Miss Bold and Glamorous by Revlon, Miss Figlia and Miss Bench Body.

Meanwhile, Palawan native and former household retainer Janicel Lubina grabbed the First Princess. The 18-year-old is also the reigning Miss Bikini Philippines and she will represent the country in the Miss Bikini International competition later this year. She bagged the Best in Swimwear and Miss Photogenic awards.

Other winners include:

Second Princess - Zahra Saldua

Third Princess - Bianca Paz

Fourth Princess - Omarie Linn Osuna

About the Author

Christian George Acevedo is a book worm, mentor, and scholar of wide-ranging interests. He has authored hundreds of articles for various websites, and his expertise ranges from online marketing and finance to history, entertainment and many more. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Tumblr. Contact Christian at powerwordsonlinewriting@gmail.com.

NBA is National Bieber Association?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 03:32:00 +0000

We've just found out that Kevin Durant and Tyson Chandler were in Justin Bieber's backyard! Why? How? TMZ gives us the full detail.

Yummy Recipe: Torch Marshmallow Icing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 03:21:00 +0000

Craving for something mouthwatering? Enjoy your cooking time with this easy-to-prepare recipe straight from the domestic diva, Martha Stewart.

Hollywood Movie Review: The Conjuring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 02:47:00 +0000

The Conjuring

Everyone on Facebook and Twitter are talking about how they screamed and shouted to their lungs as they got hooked up to the horror flick The Conjuring. Directed by James Wan, the film tells the story of paranormal couple Ed and Lorrain Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) who were asked to help a family that's been under an evil speel in a secluded farmhouse. The couple did not know that they were about to face the most "horrifying case of their lives."

Critics were all praises for the plot and for the film's director.

Cath Clarke of Time Out wrote: "Wan builds mounting dread with silence and suspense, lingering the camera unsettlingly long here, creaking a door there."

Meanwhile, New Yorker's Bruce Diones hailed Wan for building "many bumps in the night into a small Hitchcockian symphony of terror by way of long, eerie tracking shots, dramatic silences, and sudden scares that are frighteningly immersive.

After watching the movie, Ian Buckwalter of The Atlantic wrote "...there were moments where it seemed the entire theater was holding its breath. We were united in one feeling: terror."

Peter Howell of Toronto Star wrote: "This is a horror film where a pair of suddenly clapping hands gives you the heebie-jeebies," praising Wan for not cheating "with his jump scares."

"None of it is particularly bloody or violent, but young Wan and twin screenwriters Chad and Carey Hayes, up to now mostly unheralded in the horror genre, fashion a harrowing montage of thrills from beginning to end," John Urbancich of Sun Newspapers of Cleveland.

Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a "certified fresh" tomatometer of 86 percent, saying: "well-crafted and gleefully creepy, The Conjuring ratchets up dread through a series of effective old-school scares."

Hollywood Box Office: The Butler Grosses $25 million on its opening day, lands top spot

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 02:31:00 +0000

"The Butler" opens at the top of box office: estimates (via AFP)

"The Butler," about an African American who watches civil rights history in the making as a White House butler, debuted at the top of the North American box office, estimates showed Sunday. Directed by Lee Daniels and starring Forrest Whitaker in the…

The Voice of the Philippines Teams Assemble for Live Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 06:03:00 +0000

Weeks of Blind Auditions and Battle Rounds at The Voice of the Philippines have finally led coaches to form their crop of finalists who will battle one another on the program's Live Shows.

Free Willy Star August Schellenberg Dies at 77

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 03:43:00 +0000

'Free Willy' Star August Schellenberg Dies at 77 (via NewsLook)

Video News by NewsLook The Native American actor earned an Emmy nomination for his role in 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.' He had dozens of credits to his name.

Chris Brown gets 1,000 extra hours community service

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 03:34:00 +0000

Chris Brown gets 1,000 extra hours community service (via AFP)

Singer Chris Brown was ordered to perform 1,000 hours community service after his probation stemming from the 2009 assault on his then girlfriend Rihanna was restored, officials said. The 24-year-old R&B star's probation was revoked last month after…