"World of Dance Philippines," No. 1 Show Pag Weekends

Tatlong linggo pa lang umeere ang Ponoy franchise ng pinakamalaking dance competition sa mundo ay namayagpag na ito agad sa national TV ratings ayon sa datos ng Kantar Media. Pumalo ito sa 32.3%, ang pinakamataas nitong rating sa ngayon, noong Enero 13. Nagtetrend din ang mga hashtag nito at nakaabot pa sa worldwide trending lists ng Twitter.

Dalawampung dance acts mula sa iba't-ibang bahagi, hindi lang ng bansa, kundi ng buong mundo ang nagqualify. Iba't-ibang klaseng sayaw na rin ang naipamalas ng mga lumalahok sa show, at iba't-ibang kwento na rin ang naibahagi rito.

Isa na sa mga ito si Jay, isang hiphop dancer na minsan nang nakatikim ng kasikatan dahil sa grupong XB Gensan at nakasama na sa "It's Showtime" stage ang huradong si Billy Crawford. Komento ni Billy na naiyak sa kanyang performance, "Pumunta ka rito para patunayan hindi lang sa amin, patunayan lang sa sarili mo, na kaya mo pa. Nirerespeto kita."

Naging inspirasyon naman ni Tintin ng ballroom duo na Cejrich and Tintin ang judge na si Maja Salvador kaya nagsimula silang magsayaw. "Perfect combination" ang dalawa para sa dance royalty.

Isa pa sa mga nakapasok na grupo ang B2WIN, isang urban dance group na nabuo mula sa mga nag-audition sa Star Hunt. Nagustuhan ni Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano ang malilinis at pulidong galaw ng grupo kahit na sadya itong hindi sabay-sabay. Aniya, "Gusto ko yung pangalan ninyo. Kasi yung salitang win, bagay na bagay s ainyo. At kung BTWIN, as in stars, you did shine like stars."

Hindi rin nagpapahuli sa kulitan ang mga hosts na sina Luis Manzano at Pia Wurtzbach kasama ang mga contestant. Nakirampa chalenge ang Miss Universe 2015 sa urban dance group na Go Figure. Samantala, si Luis naman ay sinubukang sabayan ang ethnic streetdance ng Move to the Groove.

Marami pang dance acts, kulitan, at heartwarming moments na dapat abangan sa "World of Dance Philippines." Panoorin ito tuwing Sabado at Linggo, 7:30pm, sa ABS-CBN. Maaari rin itong panoorin sa iWant. Avilable din ito worldwide sa "World of Dance Online,"

Greg Hawkins Pinagsabihan ang Fans na Huwag Ibash si Ion Perez

Around the third week of this month, January 2019, ay nakuha na niya ang kanyang working visa. Under contract siya sa Viva for 5 years so hindi lang naman siya sa Kapamilya shows open, kundi sa ibang networks. Marami din siyang endorsements na dumating gaya nga nitong sa Prestige International na pagmamay-ari ni Mannix Carancho.  Bagaman kasabay niya sa special event si Ion Perez na pumalit sa kanya sa It's Showtime bilang "Kuya Escort", si Greg ay ang napiling official endorser ng kumpanya.

"Give him a shot," aniya regarding sa pambabatikos ng mga loyalists niya kay Ion. Buong humility na sinabi ni Greg na mas good-looking si Ion sa kanya. Huli silang nagkasamang dalawa sa party ni Vice Ganda. Plano niyang bisitahin ang Meme ng madlang people as suggested by the press people during interview. 

Kasama siya sa The Legal Mistress na teleserye sa Sari-Sari Channel. "I am very fortunate to play the role of Yui, whi is the best friend of Benedict, who is played by Ali Khatibi," chika ni Greg. Kasama rin dito sina Meg Imperial at Cindy Miranda na aminado siyang parehong maganda. Nang tanungin kung may intimate scene siya dito, inamin niyang me boundaries siya sa pagiging daring like stripping down to his underwear though kinlarify niya na never pa naman siyang inask gawin iyon.

Sa May ay babalik siya sa Amerika para maging best man sa wedding ng kaibigan. Inamin rin niyang totoo ang pag-gatecrash ng Russian models sa birthday niyang ginanap sa Revel at the Palace. Pagdating sa babae, wala siyang pake kung aggressive o quiet type ito. "What matters are values. You have to have a compatible set of values," eksplanasyon niya.

For bookings, kontakin lang ang kanyang manager na si Lito de Guzman. 

Bato Biopic the First Pinoy Action Flick of 2019

This early, netizens are all abuzz about the forthcoming biopic of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

After all, it was during his term when the government's war on drugs escalated to unprecedented heights, leading to the long-awaited crackdown on the rampant menace that has long plagued Philippine society for several decades now.

But what lies beneath the facade of the crime-busting enigma? Where does he draw the line between being an officer and a gentleman?

To his enemies --- hard-nosed criminals, drug lords, erring police officers, etc. --- he is the tough, relentless and uncompromising iron hand who is willing to uphold the law at all costs.

But to his friends and family, he can be the sweet and lovable father figure whose fierce loyalty is aptly complemented by his comic demeanor and good-natured humor, as he exuded in some of his candid media interviews.

From the outset, compressing Bato's life story to a mere couple of hours seems like a daunting task. For sure, his heroic exploits as police officer leading to his pivotal role in the controversial anti-drug war will be the movie's full focus.

Given Bato's toughie character, it comes as no surprise how the country's top action icon Robin Padilla has been tapped to play the title role. With his menacing stare and hard-hitting action stunts, Robin fits the role to a T.

Joining the cast are Beauty Gonzalez, Alvin Anson, Archie Alemania, Chanel Morales, Efren Reyes, Gardo Versoza, Gina Alajar, Jess Mendoza, Joko Diaz, Jun Hidalgo, Kiko Estrada, Manuel Chua, Marx Topacio, Menggie Cobarrubias, Mon Confiado, Polo Ravales, and Ricky Davao. This movie is directed by Adolf Alix, Jr.

BATO also marks the debut of ALV Films in the local film industry.

No stranger in the local movie industry, Vegafria has long been involved in the creative and production processes of many local film outfits, particularly Regal films, whose top executives Mother Lily Monteverde and daughter Roselle are close friends and professional colleagues, as well as Star Cinema and GMA Films.

"With our recent ventures in the pageant world (Miss World and Mr. World), sports (Manny Pacquiao and URCC), I felt that it was time to go back to more creative pursuits," Vegafria shares.

"The local movie industry is definitely on an upswing, and what better way to keep it alive than by being at the forefront and being directly involved with the art form from concept to finished product. I have always been, and will always be a movie fan/ And with this new venture of ours, I am very sure that this love and passion for the art form will translate to noteworthy projects," he adds.

Through the years, Vegafria has had the privilege of working closely with some of the prime movers in the movie industry --- producers, directors, cinematographers, musical scorers, and of course, the actors and actresses themselves, some of whom have garnered acclaim in international film festivals.

His past experiences as juror at the annual Soho International Film Festival in New York has also opened his eyes to the diverse talent and wealth of opportunities in the global film industry.

He points out, "Of course, we want to help the local film industry first, but it's never too ambitious to aim for global experience. And I believe that with the world-class talent of our local writers, directors, actors in the industry, it's only a matter of time before we become a formidable force in the global movie industry as well."

Produced by ALV Films and Benchingko Films, and distributed by Regal Entertainment Inc., BATO opens in local cinemas on January 30.

The One 690 Di Lang Pambakla Kundi Para sa Lahat ng Naghahanap ng World Class Spectacle

Inilunsad ng matagumpay na negosyante at Mr. Gay World Philippines 2009 na si Wilbert Tolentino ang evolution ng entertainment bar. Kakaiba ang 24 production number na inihanda na swak sa mga millennial.
Level up na ang mga masasaksihang palabas sa The One 690 na matatagpuan sa 39 Roces Ave., Quezon City infront of Amoranto Sports Complex.
Iba na ang kalidad na mapapanood ngayon sa apat na dekada ng The One 690.

Nagsimula ito noong 1972. Naabutan pa ang martial law na kung saan ay may curfew . Bawal pa pumasok ang mga babae noon. Itinayo ang Club 690 ni Boy Fernandez at pinamahalaan ni Raoul Barbosa. Pansamantala itong nagsara hanggang muling binuksan ni Sir Wilbert katuwang ang co-owner manager na si Mami Genesis Gallios. Tinawag na itong The One 690. Sila rin ang nagkonsepto ng ebolusyon ng show.
“Since 2004 binigyan ako ng basbas na ipagpatuloy ang 690 ni Boy Fernandez sa akin dahil nakita nya ang passion ko sa entertainment industry & the rest is history,” paglalahad ni Sir Wilbert.

Sa pagdaan ng panahon babae na ang nagsusulputan sa ganitong klaseng entertainment bar. Hindi na solo ng mga kabadingan. Puwede na sa lahat ng gender.Hindi na kailangang magdalawang isip pa ang mga babae para pumasok.
So, The One 690 ang ang unang magsi-set ng high standard caliber ang entertainment sa henerasyon ngayon.
Inihain nila ang makabagong production number na pasado sa panlasa ng mga kababaihan at sangkabekihan. Mas fabulous., amazing ang show na pasabog ang costume. Nandiyan ang Las Vegas-type shows, Broadway sa New York at Moulin Rouge sa Paris. Pang-world class talaga.

Of course, hindi pa rin nawawala ang mga seksi at guwapong modelo sa kanilang katakam-takam na performance.
“ ‘Yung 24 production number ay teaser pa lang . Inimbitahan ang mga committee , press, bloggers para makapanood at makapagbigay ng pointers, score at survey para sa unang pasabog ng THE ONE 690 step up 2019 & LEVEL UP Millennials production show. Ang One 690 ay tinatawag na “THE CLUB THAT STARTED IT ALL ng Pilipinas . Siya rin ang kauna-unahang gay bar entertainment bar na may billboard sa EDSA at sa mga highway,” bulalas pa ni Sir Will.
“Ni-level up namin ang The One 690 dahil girls night out na ang trending sa millennials.Maraming ganap na rin gaya ng bridal shower party.

“Open minded na ang society ngayon compare sa 70’s 80’s & 90’s na henerasyon Sumasabay na ang entertainment bar sa makabagong panahon,” sambit pa niya.
Nagpasalamat din siya sa mga taong naniniwala sa kakayahan nila ni Genesis sa entertainment industry at sa suporta nakukuha nila sa mga parokyano.
Bolder. Wiser. Sexier kung isasalarawan ang THE ONE 690 ENTERTAINMENT BAR. May tagline din ito na IT’S QUALITY MEN ENTERTAINMENT . Bisitahin ang kanilang website na www.690manila.com

Bukod dito, nag-decide sina Wilbert at Genesis na magtayo pa rin ng bagong entertainment bar na APOLLO WORLD CLASS MALE ENTERTAINMENT & KTV BAR. Matatagpuan naman ito sa 717-B Roxas Boulevard, Paranaque City (malapit sa Baclaran). Gaya sa The One 690 mapapanood din dito ang mga pasabog na production show.
"’Old school gay bar' no more!," pagtatapos ni Sir Wilbert.

*First 3 photos by JR Noses

“THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER” AIRS THIS JANUARY 21

Generations of stellar actors unite in “The General’s Daughter”

ABS-CBN opens the year with the much-awaited union of generations of grand slam actors in the upcoming primetime series “The General’s Daughter,” which airs this January 21.

The Kapamilya network’s first offering for 2019 features the return to primetime of Angel Locsin, who will play Rhian Bonifacio, the daughter of the respected military general who yearns for the love of her parents. She constantly proves herself to them to get the affection she deserves.

Angel considers her role in the series one of the hardest she has done in a teleserye. She said, “I have done several roles, and I must say this is one of the most complex characters I’ve played. It is hard. But it is also fun because I get to act with great actors, so I draw from them the proper emotions.”

She also added, “I think this is the right time to return to doing teleseryes. I think everyone I dream of working with is here. I am surrounded by my idols and the people I respect in the industry.”

Veteran actor Tirso Cruz III will also amp up the action as Gen. Santiago Guerrero, Rhian’s father who hones her to become their biggest weapon against their mortal enemy. Also part of the cast is Janice De Belen as Amelia, Santiago’s wife, who carries a deep grudge because of the death of their son.

Albert Martinez is also back on primetime as he plays Gen. Marcial De Leon, Santiago’s rival, whom the latter blames for his eldest child’s death. Multi-awarded actress Eula Valdez will also be on television every night as Corazon, the loving wife of Marcial.

Growing up, Rhian was led to believe that her biggest enemy is the De Leons. To please her parents, she enters the military as a spy, and eventually infiltrates Marcial’s personal life. As she gets closer to Marcial and his family, Rhian also inches her way towards the truth that will redefine her life --- her true father is Marcial, and Santiago only made her a pawn to kill his arch nemesis.

Aside from the lies she has to put up with, love will also be one of Rhian’s enemies as Franco (Paulo Avelino) and Ethan (JC De Vera) both fight for her affection. Rhian will also meet her biggest rival Jessie (Ryza Cenon), the ex-girlfriend of Ethan, who will compete with Rhian to bring back her former lover to her arms.

Meanwhile, the highly-anticipated series also marks the return to television of the Diamond Star Maricel Soriano in her role as Isabelle, the woman who will give refuge to Rhian after she gets shot in a mission. With Isabelle’s help, Rhian will discover the truth about identity and find the love she has been fighting for.

Kapamilya star Arjo Atayde, on the other hand, will once again prove his acting prowess as he plays Elai, a special child who will show Rhian that a person’s true character is found in a person’s heart.

Also bringing love to the series are Ronnie Alonte as Ivan and Loisa Andalio as Claire -- two lovers who will let love reign despite the chaos around them.

“The General’s Daughter” also stars Art Acuna, Anne Feo, Cholo Barretto, Kim Molina, Kate Alejandrino, Luz Valdez, and Nico Antonio. It is under the direction of Manny Palo and Mervyn Brondial.

Watch out for the highly-anticipated series “The General’s Daughter” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visitwww.abscbnpr.com.

REP’s Miong is a timely tale of national unity

REP’s 2019 season opener runs from February 15 to March 10, so you’ll want to buy tickets now!

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable show to catch, look no further. Repertory Philippines is bringing back one of its most acclaimed original plays, Miong, to the stage. Opening REP’s 2019 season on February 15 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, the production follows Emilio “Miong” Aguinaldo as he embarks on a mission to unite his people during a time of social division. Tickets are out now, so don’t miss the opportunity to catch a play every Filipino must see!

Written and directed by REP Artistic Director and theater legend Joy Virata, Miong is a compelling drama that brings Philippine history to startling life. Featuring songs by Ian Monsod and additional lyrics by Freddie Santos, this showstopping musical is an ideal choice for anyone seeking world-class live entertainment.

When Spanish colonizers assert their power over Filipinos by turning them against each other, a young Miong understands that the key to freedom lies in unity. Though he wants his countrymen to be liberated from oppression, he is a conflicted leader who is unsure of what course of action to take. Miong digs into this controversial figure’s motivations, giving audiences a fuller idea of his origins, traits, and psyche.

Sure to spark discussions left and right, Miong promises to deliver stellar production and powerhouse performances. Rising actor-musician Tim Pavino makes his debut in the titular role, alongside Noel Rayos as Berong, Cara Barredo as Yayang, Meynard Peñalosa as Father Blas, and Elver Esquivel as Don Carlos. Watch out for great choreography by Dexter Santos, and musical direction by Ejay Yatco.

An ambitious collaboration between fresh talents and respected stalwarts of the stage, Miong is sure to be an unforgettable theatrical experience, telling a story that maintains its relevance in the modern age.

Miong will only be running from February 15 to March 10, with both evening shows and matinees. Kicking off REP’s 2019 season, it will usher in three more anticipated productions: witty comedy Father’s Day, poignant drama The Dresser, and colorful children’s musical The Quest for the Adarna, based on the beloved Ibong Adarna tale.

Purchase your tickets now by calling REP at 451-1474, Ticketworld at 891-9999, or by logging on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

Jackie Chan film 'The Knight of Shadows: Between Yin and Yang' hits Philippine theaters

From ABS-CBN Films' Star Cinema hit releases 'Chinese Zodiac' in 2012 and 'Kung Fu Yoga' in 2017, legendary superstar Jackie Chan is back in action with his new film 'The Knight of Shadows: Between Yin and Yang.'

'The Knight of Shadows' is an action-fantasy epic that revolves around Songling (Chan), a demon hunter defending humanity from an inhuman invasion. When an evil force starts kidnapping village girls to feast on their souls, he sets out to save as he teams up with police detective Fei, played by Austin Lei, and a group of friendly monsters.

Joining the cast of 'The Knight of Shadows' are Elaine Zhong, Lin Peng, and Ethan Juan and it is helmed by up-and-coming filmmaker Jia Lu a.k.a. Vash.

Vash, the director, has been known for his works in the 2010 film 'Batman: Under The Red Hood' with its visual effects and 2014 3D film 'Bugs' as director.

Kiefer Liu, one of the pioneers of 3D in China who created the very successful ‘The Monkey King’, produced ‘The Knight of Shadows’. This new epic movie features exciting action, wild comedy, eternal love, thrilling visual effects, and revelations of a world beyond.

Star Cinema, which has also been releasing Jackie Chan-produced films in recent years--such as 'Reset' in 2017 and 'A Better Tomorrow' last year, brings 'The Knight of Shadows' to Philippine theaters in line with the celebration of the Chinese New Year. 

'The Knight of Shadows' opens February 6 in cinemas nationwide.

Mclisse, Nagbabalik Para Maghatid ng Kilig sa Sakaling Maging Tayo

Sisimulan ng Black Sheep at ABS-CBN Films ang 2019 sa kanilang kauna-unahang release ng 2019: ang coming-of-age romantic comedy na Sakaling Maging Tayo na pinagbibidahan nina McCoy de Leon at Elisse Joson.

Ito ang pangalawang full-length film ni direktor JP Habac matapos ang kanyang 2017 debut na I'm Drunk, I Love You. Ito rin ang big screen reunion nina McCoy at Elisse, kilala bilang McLisse mula sa kanilang mga fans. Matagal nang inaabangan ng mga McLisse fans mula sa buong mundo ang unang starring role ng kanilang mga idolo sa iba't-ibang parte ng mundo kaya naman humakot ng mahigit 1 million views ang trailer ng Sakaling Maging Tayo matapos itong ilabas noong Kapaskuhan.

Sa pelikula, dalawang college freshmen ang aksidenteng pinagtagpo sa gitna ng kanilang huling araw ng pasukan sa Baguio City. Gustong bumalik ni Laya (Elisse Joson) sa Maynila para takasan ang sakit na nararamdaman niya matapos ang hiwalayan niya sa kanyang boyfriend. Si Pol (McCoy de Leon) naman ay handang harapin ang isang gabing puno ng musika at kasiyahan sa isang music festival sa Baguio. Pero nang masaksihan ni Pol ang breakdown ni Laya, niyaya niyang samahan si Laya sa kanyang huling gabi sa Baguio para gawin itong isang gabi na di nila malilimutan. Chance na rin ito para kay Pol na makasama ang babaeng matagal na niyang patagong minamahal. 

Para makadagdag ng excitement. nag-truth or dare ang dalawa: may kakain ng exotic food, may magpapatattoo at aamin ng kani-kanilang sikreto na matagal nang naitatago. Dahil sa mga hamon nila sa isa't-isa, sabay nilang haharapin ang mga isyung matagal na nilang kinatatakutan. At baka ito na rin ang simula ng aminan ng kanilang pagtitinginan sa isa't-isa.

Shinoot ang buong pelikula sa Baguio matapos ma-inspire si Habac ng mga di malilimutang pelikula tulad ng Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising at Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang? Humugot din ng inspirasyon ang batang direktor sa mga kantang magsisilbing gabay sa kwento ng buong gabi nina Pol at Laya. Kasama sa soundtrack ng pelikula ang mga paboritong musikero ng henerasyong ito tulad nina Mora dela Torre, KZ Tandingan, Johnoy Danao at Ang Bandang Shirley.

Ngayong 2019, hinahamon kayong umibig ng McLisse habang tinatahak nila ang pagtaas at pagbaba (at pag-zig-zag) ng kanilang landas patungo sa pagmamahalan. Maglakas-loob ka na at samahan sina Pol at Laya sa isang gabi ng mga hamon at alamin kung ito ang magpapalapit sa kanila o siyang tutuldok sa kanilang relasyon.

Showing ang Sakaling Maging Tayo in cinemas nationwide simula Jan. 19. Kabilang din sa pelikula sina Bembol Roco, Paulo Angeles, Markus Patterson, Milo Elmido Jr., at Chai Fonacier.

Bibeth Orteza Joins the Cast of “Silent Sky”

Reine Productions, in cooperation with Repertory Philippines, brings the critically-acclaimed play “Silent Sky” back to the stage for limited encore performances this February 2019.

“I fell in love with the show the first time I saw it,” says executive producer Ria Pangilinan, “I was invited to catch a rehearsal, and I immediately knew it was a story that every
woman— well, everyone — needs to hear.”

Written by America's most produced playwright, Lauren Gunderson, “Silent Sky”, is a poetic and poignant retelling of the life of Henrietta Leavitt, one of the greatest unsung heroes in the history of science.

Leavitt was among the Harvard Computers: women hired by the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900’s to painstakingly analyze and catalogue every observable star in the heavens.
She, along with Annie Cannon and Williamina Fleming, were among the first women to blaze a trail for themselves in the heavily male-dominated science of astronomy.

Leavitt battled with disability, family tragedy, and tremendous societal pressure to give up
her passion for science. Her grit and fire ultimately paid off when her personal research led to her discovery of a distinct mathematical pattern in the stars — a pattern that would, for the first time, enable humans to measure the very breadth of the universe itself.

Repertory Philippines’ production of “Silent Sky” premiered last March at the Onstage Theater in celebration of International Women’s Day. This re-staging at the Carlos P.
Romulo Auditorium once again brings together the artistic team composed of Philstage Gawad Buhay awardees Joey Mendoza (production design), John Batalla (lighting design),
and Jethro Joaquin (sound design). Original cast members Cathy Azanza-Dy, Caisa Borromeo, Naths Everett, and Topper Fabregas, who also steps in as assistant director, will
be returning to reprise their roles.

The 2019 production will also mark the much-awaited return to the Philippine stage of renowned actor screenwriter, and producer Bibeth Orteza. Ms. Orteza last featured in 2017,
appearing as Roza in W!LD RICE’s “Boeing Boeing” at the Victoria Theatre in Singapore. In “Silent Sky”, Ms. Orteza will be tackling the role of the brilliant and exacting astronomer
Annie Cannon.

“The cast and I are delighted that Bibeth has agreed to join us,” says director Joy Virata, “Like us, she fell in love with script upon first reading, and it will be wonderful to see her
create the character of Annie.”

“The production team and cast have this fantastic generosity,” adds Pangilinan, “It’s going to be great to see them bring that to the stage every night. We’re really hoping to share this gem of a story with anyone who might themselves be inspired to pursue their own passions for art
or science.”

“Silent Sky” runs from February 1-10, 2019 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or ticketworld.com.ph.

For further ticket and block buying inquiries, please contact Ria Pangilinan at 09175378313 or email riapangprojects@gmail.com. Student rates available.

Follow Silent Sky MNL on Facebook and IG for more news.