So I guess you all know who's next. First it was Anne Curtis, then the Gutierrez Clan and now the Philippine's Ultimate Heartrob Piolo Pascual.

E! News certainly is not slowing down in giving us Filipinos the best of our Pop Culture. Here's Piolo during the presscon earlier today at The Loft, at the Manansala, Rockwell.

Triathletes! Get ready!!! Yellow Cab has just partnered up with the Challenge Philippines Triathlon to be held at CamSur next year 2015.  The course for this big international race is designed to be one of the fastest courses in Asia said Mr. David Roth who is the CEO of Leverage Sports Asia and chairman of Challenge Philippines Race.

From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” the third in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Catch the film's teaser trailer which Warner Bros. Pictures has just revealed below.

“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town.

Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain.

As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide – unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

“The Hobbit” Trilogy tells a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson and his team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar®-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is led by Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, with Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, and Orlando Bloom. The film also stars, in alphabetical order, John Bell, Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Billy Connolly, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Dean O’Gorman, Mikael Persbrandt and Aidan Turner.

The film will be released worldwide beginning December 17, 2014, including the Philippines.

Tiramisu Frappucino Retail Price (Tall ‐ ₱180, Grande‐ ₱190, Venti ‐ ₱200)

Tiramisu Frappuccino blended beverage features the delicious blended coffee flavored with Tiramisu sauce then topped with bits of biscuits, cheesecake‐ inspired whipped cream, Tiramisu sauce drizzle and a dusting of cocoa powder.

Tatt Awards 2014 now trims the list down to the top five online mavericks per category as they announce the finalists! The brave, the witty and the bold have made it to the top, and it is now time to pass it on to the rest of the online community as the voting begins. 

QUESTION: How challenging was it to shoot this film?
CROWE: It was very challenging because I was wet most of the time. And it was very, very cold in Iceland.

QUESTION: Is it true that you got sick a lot on the set due to the constant rain?
CROWE: No, I didn’t get sick. But the rain certainly was an ordeal. We had a rainmaking machine on set, and it could flood several football fields within seconds . We stood in the cold rain for 36 days straight. 

QUESTION: Were you surprised then that your new movie is being banned in a lot of Muslim countries?
CROWE: No, I was not surprised. Even though Noah is in the Koran as well. But we knew going into this project that you can’t make stories or render images about the Prophet. But I do believe people are missing out if they don’t have the choice to see this film. 

QUESTION: On the other hand, Pope Francis invited you and some crew members to come to the Vatican. That must have been quite an experience.
CROWE: It was. It truly was. This Pope is a very special man. And it was an absolute privilege to be invited. 

QUESTION: Noah saved animals from the great flood. Do you think the flood really happened, or is it fiction?
CROWE: I never looked at Noah as an animal collector. I always thought of him as an apocalyptic character. I read everything I found about it and was surprised to find that in all religions there is the story of the flood, and that one "hero" saved the world. This proved that Noah and his Ark were not a religious myth,
and evidence that humanity really went through the flood. 

QUESTION: Do you believe in destiny?
CROWE: Yes, in my life there were times when dreams have nothing to do with reality, but obviously it was prophetic dreams. And I know that if I look closely and listen carefully, you can see the supernatural signs that determine our future. We all meet with various everyday difficulties and overcoming them, we grow and develop. 

QUESTION: You’ve been in show business for many years now. What is your secret for longevity?
CROWE: You need to learn to live with your mistakes. And you need to be in a position to say No once in a while. It’s important in life, and it’s important for any career that you want to pursue.

QUESTION: You are about to celebrate your 50th birthday. Are you excited?
CROWE: Thanks for reminding me about my age. Thankfully, I don’t worry so much about my age. It’s the one thing I can’t really influence. I usually don’t celebrate much on my birthday. And it looks as if I will be spending the next one on a set again. It’s just the way I like it. 

QUESTION: Every year we see several films about the end of the world. What do you think will happen after the world ends?
CROWE: I have two kids, so I would not even think about the end of the world and the Apocalypse. I like to think of a happy future of my children. And what lies ahead and what lies ahead of us all. 

About Magnavision, Inc. and Studio World. 

Magnavision, Inc. and Studio World is the exclusive home video distributor of Warner Home Video, Paramount Pictures, Dreamworks, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, and Disney Pictures in the Philippines.

Follow Magnavision on:

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New footwear technology from adidas #BOOST is coming to basketball. A technology that returns more energy than any other cushioning in the game. Boost is filled with thousands of capsules, giving you energy from tip-off to the final buzzer.

Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali has just landed a gig to represent the country's next top clothing brand. BUM Apparel. Last July 24 at 1pm at Annabel’s on Tomas Morato Ave was the contract signing with Miguel and Bianca who are both GMA artists who's also the lead stars of the top-rating teleserye  ‘Niño’which is aired daily on GMA Kapuso Network after 24 Oras.

Rai Lacoste who is BUM's Marketing Officer shared “It is but fitting to have the two join the rosters of our young ambassadors because of the image they have created toward the Filipino televiewers. They consistently project wholesome personas. Apart from that, both Miguel and Bianca are also considered as today’s Teen Prince and Teen Princess of GMA Telebabad.”

I did my best to not let these negativity influence how I would enjoy the film so I went in the cinema with high hopes even after reading some online movie reviews. The film was visually entertaining and stylishly made. Some really good 3D effects and moments where you would go like "Whoa!" especially on the first half of it. 

The wig flippin Dwayne Johnson physically delivers adding his own touch and humor to the title role. If you liked the trailer, I think you would like the film. Easy to digest and indulge even with the cheesy cliches. There are some missed in the story, narration, editing and acting. But this is the kind of film that would be impossible not to enjoy. 

KidZania Manila formally introduced its unique educational entertainment concept to teachers, educators and other members of the Philippine academe during the KidZania Educators’ Pod held at The City Club in Alphaland Makati recently. More than 90 child education experts from over 30 schools and learning institutions across the metro learned about the innovative indoor play city, which aims to help students reach their full potential through interactive role-play. 

“We look forward to supporting and complementing our teachers’ efforts to help Filipino children and their parents discover the amazing power of role-play as well as the fun ways children can explore and discover their gifts,” said Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, President and CEO of Play Innovations Inc. and Governor of the State, Philippines.

Rainy days are here and with the change in season, it would be a great idea to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere for your home, especially your bedroom. A few simple changes can easily transform your room into the perfect rainy day getaway.

Nothing beats spending the cool, wet days than snuggling up in a warm, cozy bed. A simple change in beddings and pillows can do the trick. Out with the light blankets and replace this with something fluffier and warmer. Comforters or fuzzy flannel blankets are your best bet, while body pillows would also make a welcome “bed buddy”. 

Changing the color scheme of your bedroom is another way of adding warmth and comfort to your space. Go for rich, earthy shades like tan, rustic brown and terracotta, or warm colors like mocha or dusty peach and olive green. Highlight these colors with touches of accent colors like muted yellows, ochre or ecru to add a layer of brightness. 

The Eagle has landed! After a year of continuously brining amazing rewards and delights to us, the first Philippine Starbucks Card design is finally here. Perfect design and simply amazing! 

The card is exclusive to the Philippine market and will be available in stores starting July 29, 2014.

Giving a nod to our roots, you can pair your first edition Philippine Starbucks Card with the Philippine Starbucks Card tumbler. Retail price of tumbler is P 565.00

Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment Celebrate Batman’s 75thAnniversary

Being Manila based, there are so much to explore in the south portion of our country and quite a number when we decide to go up North. There are a lot of options there when you decide to go visiting our provinces anytime of the year, rain or shine. So, let me share with you 8 Reasons Why You Should Go North.

A travel fair happening in Glorietta Activity Center which will run on July 25-27, 2014 entitles "NLEX Tara na sa Norte" is showcase the best of North Philippines. Some numerous travel spots and no-miss attractions.

At least 100 exhibitors are expected to gather for this travel and tourism fair mounted by the Manila North Tollways Corp (MNTC) - from the corporate sector, local government units, the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) regional offices, hotels, and restaurants, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and traders, among others. ‘NLEX Tara nasaNorte” will also provide a platform for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to showcase their craft, furniture, fashion accessories, food items and other regional products and make them accessible to Metro Manila residents.

Starbucks Reserve Coffee was launched in the Philippines last May 2014 and it has gained quite a number of regular customers already. I personally like the taste of the different coffee Reserves because of the explosion of delicate notes your mouth. The Starbucks Reserve is Starbucks' new brand of exotic, rare and exquisite coffees that allows customers an opportunity to taste coffee like never before. Read more about it here.

Here she is working the ropes and doing some jump ropes. Photos grabbed from StyleWeekend's Twitter.

Bench's newest endorser has been distracting lots of commuters and drivers who passes by EDSA everyday. Traffic sure is bearable in that area. :)

Arriving on Blu-Ray, 3D Combo Pack, Blu-Ray and 2 Disc DVD from Warner Bros Home Entertainment is the bloody battle of 300: Rise of an Empire

Vengeance is sought when “300: Rise of an Empire” arrives onto Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack, Blu-ray, and DVD this month from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Producer Zack Snyder teams up with Director Noam Murro to create the follow up to the 2007 hit “300” in the same visually stunning style as the original. The stylized epic follows two warring nations that fight for glory amidst a raging sea.

Adapted from a screenplay by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad, and based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel “Xerxes,” Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “300: Rise of an Empire” was directed by Noam Murro. Gianni Nunnari, Mark Canton, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Bernie Goldmann produced the film, with Thomas Tull, Frank Miller, Stephen Jones, Craig J. Flores and Jon Jashni serving as executive producers.

The film stars Sullivan Stapleton (“Gangster Squad”) as Themistokles and Eva Green (“Dark Shadows”) as Artemisia, alongside Lena Headey (“Game of Thrones”) as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; David Wenham (“Better Man”) as Dilios; Andrew Tiernan (“Ripper Street”) as Ephialtes; Andrew Pleavin (“The Borgias”) as Daxos; and Rodrigo Santoro (“The Last Stand”) returns in the role of the Persian God-King, Xerxes. The main cast also includes Hans Matheson (“The Christmas Candle”) as Themistokles’ closest friend and advisor, Aeskylos; Callan Mulvey (“Zero Dark Thirty”) and Jack O’Connell (“Skins”) as father and son soldiers, Scyllias and Calisto; and Igal Naor (“Ambassadors”) as the Persian King Darius.

 

 and DVD for PhP799.

SYNOPSIS

“300: Rise of an Empire,” told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” is a new chapter of the epic saga, which takes the action to a new battlefield—the sea. 

The story pits the Greek general Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces, ruled by the mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and led by Artemisia, the vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

Knowing his only hope of defeating the overwhelming Persian armada will be to unite all of Greece, Themistokles ultimately leads the charge that will change the course of the war.

Inspired by the Spring 2014 Converse All Star sneaker collection, the collection features dynamic color pops and elevated silhouettes to provoke youthful self-expression. The undoubted hero of the collection is the Converse All Star Chuck ’70 – a new take on an American icon.

Timed against the launch of the Spring 2014 Converse All Star sneaker collection, the Sneakers Clash series will be brought to life on Philippine soil through #clashwall. Converse teamed up with 3 local artists to contribute to the creative initiative, uniting these local street artists with clashing styles at unexpected locations – challenging them to unleash their most visceral work against a static wall.

Archie Geotina, a.k.a. Chichimonster, works on the 200-foot mural called #CLASHWALL, the local artistic initiative for Converse’s “Sneakers Clash.” Inspired by the colors of Spring 2014 Converse All Star sneaker collection, this project is meant to offer a visually arresting statement amid the gray of the urban environment.

Since his Graffiti days, Archie or ‘Chi’ has now torpedoed his interests and efforts into changing the perception of Manila’s society into what street art’s identity, ideologies and aesthetics could be. Chi’s mixed media paintings are a play on the abstract and references from pop to baroque history deconstructed by his signature “static” style of paint application.

Chi will be bringing his art to the streets of Cebu this March, and through an online photo contest via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, will give fans the chance to submit images of their best memories wherein the winning entry will be used as inspiration for Chi’s #clashwall piece.