Entertainment News Manila

19/04/2024

Passerby

https://www.facebook.com/MBEntOnline/posts/916959830227487?ref=embed_post

Hot entertainment find, lawyer Oliver Moeller from Cebu, has been spotted for the second time on the set of It’s Showtime. This time, he’s no longer a contestant looking for an ultimate date, but is said to be visiting fellow Cebuano, Kim Chiu.

01/04/2024

Passerby

01/04/2024

PASSERBY



DINING IN A RESTORED OLD HOUSE AT CHITO’S IN LIPA

Discovered this lovely old house along P.L. Katigbak Road in downtown Lipa City, a mere 5-minute walking distance from the San Sebastian Cathedral, during the Holy Week break.
The 2-storey house, originally built by Lantin family, has been preserved and reinvented as Chito’s Restaurant & Cafe, serving excellent Filipino dishes. It sits right next to an older sister restaurant, Sideway Grill.
That Wednesday evening, our family of four had Sizzling Garlic-Chili Bangus on a Platter, Laing, Crispy Pata, and Pancit. Everything was in good taste and reasonably priced.
Chito’s is run and managed by young couple Miguel and Stephanie Mayo, who also look after a coffee shop on the ground level, formerly known as simply silong. It was there where we repaired for coffee and ube cake that uses halaya as main ingredient. Wow!
Chito’s welcomes intimate parties and events for that vintage, homey feel in air-conditioned comfort. Text or call Stephanie, our former entertainment reporter at Manila Bulletin at 0915 9445308 or check out Chito’s Restaurant and Cafe on Facebook.
Because of this not-so-little, delicious discovery, I plan to celebrate my 50th birthday there for the familiar, familial warmth, that good, old look and feel of Lola’s home and cuisine.

MANILA BULLETIN AND TEMPO

17/03/2024

17/03/2024

PASSERBY:

WHY PUREGOLD
CINEPANALO IS A WINNER



A winner.

This, for me, sums up recently held Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival from March to at Gateway Cineplex in Cubao.

As thousands flocked to the theaters screening the 25 short films (by student filmmakers) and 6 full-length features (by professionals), we realized that grocery chain Puregold, through creative genius Chris Cahilig, has just struck upon a magical idea. Here is one film festival that recognizes, rewards and awards amateur film makers side by side professional directors, even lumping them together in one helluva an awards night, March 16.

One can sense the excitement, honor and pride among the young students as their entries were called on stage competing in this and that category. Handing them their trophies were directors who have made their mark in the industry, the likes of Mae Cruz Alviar, Victor Villanueva, actors Boots Anson Roa Rodrigo, Rez Cortez.

What a symbolic gesture such scenes created: Industry veterans recognizing the promise shown by the young film makers with big dreams in their heart and raring to follow in the footsteps of their seniors.

That, to me, is the greatest accomplishment of Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival.

As a new player in the local movie industry, Puregold has invested heavily in the production and promotion of the 25 shorts and 6 full-length features. Each short film was awarded a grant of 100,000 pesos while the full-length features got 2 million pesos each.

MANILA BULLETIN AND TEMPO

15/03/2024

PASSERBY

SINGING UNDER A MASK

Imagine your own teacher, singing out there on stage, competing with seven other talented singers, all of them under the veil of masks.
Such is the concept behind
“Gimme a Break: Teachers Edition,”
a talent search competition featuring teachers only. The groundbreaking contest marks the first collaboration between Dr. Carl Balita of CEB Review Center and box office director Cathy Garcia Sampana of newly formed NICKL Entertainment.

Dr. Carl, of course, is President & CEO of the popular, 200-branches strong Review Center that bears his name. CBRC is the alma mater of board passers including
teachers, nurses, midwives, criminologists, agriculturists.

“Gimme a Break” hopes to put the spotlight on Filipino talent. The eight contestants are currently going through a series of learnings and challenges under the guidance of a team of professionals, namely:
Frenchie Dy, Beverly Salviejo, Rocky Garcia, Joross Gamboa, and Jeffrey Tam.

They will also serve as judges during the final round together with Dr. Carl and Direk Cathy.

Cash prizes, ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 pesos await the three grand winners on The Final Reveal on April 10. They will also sign an exclusive contract with CLINK Artist Management.

MANILA BULLETIN AND TEMPO

14/03/2024

Passerby

PASSERBY

They’re actors worth admiring. They commit to a project no matter the scaled fees as long as they believe in the film’s message, the sorry plight of homeless children. Bravo to Joem Bascon, Nadine Samonte, Michelle Vito, Alex Medina, stars of LAYAS. Now showing in theaters. From Pinoyflix Films.

14/03/2024

PASSERBY

They’re actors worth admiring. They commit to a project no matter the scaled fees as long as they believe in the film’s message, the sorry plight of homeless children. Bravo to Joem Bascon, Nadine Samonte, Michelle Vito, Alex Medina, stars of LAYAS. Now showing in theaters. From Pinoyflix Films.

11/03/2024

PASSERBY

“LAYAS”
Drama
From Pinoyflix Films
A film by Jose “JR” Olinares

In cinemas March 13, 2024 (Wed)

“LAYAS” is an inspirational feature film starring Joem Bascon, Nadine Samonte, Alex Medina, Michelle Vito, and social media influencer Namy Ulengka.

Introducing child actors Alodia Buenio, Kristine Buenio, RG Guinolbay, Gwynn Villamor, James Estrella.

Also starring Dianne Medina, Ping Medina, Dindo Arroyo, Pamela Ortiz, Poppo Lontoc, Trish Bancod, with the special participation of Norida Nakamura.

Based on true-to-life stories, “LAYAS” is the heart-rending story of five homeless children who went through many hardships and trials in life, until they achieve the success they all dreamed of.

Written by Jocelyn Rayton, executive producers are Norida Nakamura, Tricia Bancod, Mary Ann Villamor, line produced by Pinoyflix Films, directed by Jose “JR” Olinares (who helmed “Buy Bust Queen” and “Badge Of Honor”).

“LAYAS” will have its nationwide theatrical showing starting March 13 (Wed.) Rated R-13 by MTRCB.

This film will not be made possible without the support of its PARTNERS: Municipal Social Welfare and Development (Binangonan), Pamahalaang Bayan ng Binangonan, Pamahalaang Bayan ng Tanay, and Team Foundation.

Major sponsors are Angels Pizza, The Bagman/JMB PL, Cherish Beauty, Kansai Group of Companies, Tres Chic Luxury Original, Frappy Bags.ph, Gwynn's Cathering, and 8 Bags Collections.