QCinema 2018 grantees revealed

This 2018, the QCinema International Film Festival (QCinema) carries on with its mission to feature the best of new and seasoned homegrown storytellers.

Set to premiere at the film festival are new independent feature and documentary films whose narratives speak about the intricacies of life, love, and history.

QCinema will run from October 21 to 30, 2018 in different cinemas.

Circle Competition

Samantha Lee’s “Billie and Emma” looks into the depths of a young female friendship. Billie is a 17-year-old rocker girl who is forced to move to the province. She meets Emma, the queen bee, model student, and perfect daughter, who suddenly gets pregnant. Together, they go through the experience of first love and they explore what it means to be a family.

“DOG DAYS: Pinoy Hoop Dreams” by Timmy Harn shows half-black half-Filipino wannabe basketball star Michael Jordan Ulili chase his hoop dreams. The rookie player believes he has special God-given powers to have what it takes. But his power takes him on a journey where he is faced with the weirdness of his destiny.

In Dan Villegas’ “Hintayan ng Langit,” a woman in limbo comes to grips with her past. Lisang has been waiting for two years, but her bad behavior has kept her from moving forward. A new list of eligibles will soon be released and her name is finally being considered, but there's a shortage of rooms in purgatory and she would have to share a room with a man from her past.

In “Masla A Papanok,” Gutierrez Mangansakan II goes back to 1892 when a giant bird mysteriously appears in Maguindanao foretelling the fall and rise of colonial empires.

Set in the idyllic city of Naga in the Bicol region, Jordan Dela Cruz’s “Panata sa Bundok Gulsuk” explores a dark coming-of-age story. A naive teenage boy journeys towards the peak of the mythical Mount Gulsuk to search for a cure for the mysterious, incurable disease that afflicted his pregnant high school girlfriend.

Giancarlo Abrahan’s “Sila-Sila” follows the story of a gay man, who, while at a high school reunion, tries to avoid confrontations with people from his past, especially his drunk ex-boyfriend. And so he escapes through his gay-dating app, meeting "strangers" in the vaguely familiar campus.

DocQC entries

In “All Grown Up,” Wena Sanchez tells a story about what it means to help the people you love the most. After years of nurturing and protecting her younger brother, a filmmaker is forced to question her ability to help the people she loves when her own daughter begins to have troubles of her own. 

Hiyas Baldemor Bagabaldo’s “Pag-ukit sa Paniniwala” shows the journey of a third-generation mastercarver in transforming blocks of wood into a gigantic Jesus crucified on a 12 feet cross. This life passage is juxtaposed to a procession of images including that of a 500-year-old Dead Christ. The contrasting harmony of the sculptors, the sculptures, and the devotees reveal a customary yet surreal portrait of Paete, a small artisanal town in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Shallah Montero looks into the Philippine drug war through the eyes of women in her documentary film, “LUZVIMINDA.”

About QCinema

QCinema is the official film festival of Quezon City, touted as the “City of the Stars.” It was established in 2013 by the Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC) helmed by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Since its humble beginnings in 2013, QCinema has grown bigger, gaining traction in local and international film circuits for its roster of film entries. In 2017, it was recognized as one of the best film festivals in the country.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/QuezonCityFilmFest/.

Virgin Labfest 14 Final Schedule

Set A:
(June 27, July 6, July 11 and July 15 at 3 p.m.; June 27, July 5, July 10 and July 14 at 8 p.m.)

• Dustin Celestino’s "Mga Eksena sa Buhay ng Kontrabida"
• Rolin Migyuel Obina’s "Mga Bata sa Selda 43"
* Anthony Kim Vergara’s "Ang Inyong mga Anak: Si Harold At Napoleon"

Set B:
(June 28, July 1, July 7 and July 12 at 3 p.m.; June 28, July 6, July 11 and July 15 at 8 p.m.)

• Sari Saysay’s "Ang Mga Propesyunal"
• J. Dennis Teodosio’s "Rosas"
• Carlo Vergara’s "Edgar Allan Hemingway"

SET C:
(June 29, July 4, July 8 and July 13 at 3 p.m.; June 29, July 1, July 7 and July 12 at 8 p.m.)

• Ma. Cecilia dela Rosa’s "Labor Room"
• Juan Ekis’ "Ensayo"
• JV Ibesate’s "Tulad ng Dati"

SET D:
(June 30, July 5, July 10 and July 14 at 3 p.m.; June 30, July 4, July 8 and July 13 at 8 p.m.)

• Lino Balmes’ "Amoy Pulbos ang mga Alabok Sa Ilalim ng Riles ng Tren"
• Tyron Casumpang’s "Marawi Musicale"
• Allan Lopez’s "River Lethe"

SET E (VLF 13 Revisited):
(June 30, July 1, July 7, July 8, July 14 and July 15 at 3 p.m.; June 29, June 30, July 6, July 7, July 13, and July 14 at 8 p.m.)

• Rick Patriarca's "Birdcage"
• Adrian Ho's "Sincerity Bikers' Club
• Eljay Castro Deldoc's "Pilipinas Kong Mahal with All the Overcoat"

Sets A to D will be staged at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino, and Set E will be staged at Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

April 2018 FHM Cover Girl Lovely Abella Bares All

How far will she bare? "Actually po, noong may nag-offer po sa akin, tinanong po ako...wala pa pong gitna pero baka pumunta rin po tayo dun."

Lovely Abella is like a morena version of Heart Evangelista. Not only her humor is sexy but her body is. This Ilongga beauty graces the FHM cover this April, which is also her debut for this magazine. She is quite the character --- full of zest for life and a knack for telling stories (in her distinct accent) so expect nothing less in her exclusive interview.

"Yung pagpapaseksi po kasi...hindi naman ako nakilala as sobrang sexy. Pinaghirapan ko po ito. Hindi madaling magpasexy. Akala ng iba madali...siguro dahil may mga derma derma na ngayon, pero, pinaghirapan ko 'to so kung marmaing offer na ganun why not," she unabashedly answered questions regarding accepting sexy roles.

She swears by intermittent fasting which has helped her reach her ideal body as well as consistent everyday exercise for 45 minutes. We've had Kim Domingo, Valeen Montenegro, and Andrea Torres among many other gorgeous Bubble Gang ladies who have had their solo FHM stint. Now, it's Lovely Abella's turn to bare it all and tell her story.

Entering the industry as an "extra" at 15 years old, there's no doubt that this lovely woman will inspire you to have a "never say die" mindset and to put in hard work to anything and everything you do.

She is also an inspiration not only for single ladies but to moms as well since at 31 years old, she has shown that you can still be sexy inside and out not just in your twenties or teens.

Though the magazine is available in newsstands nationwide, digital copies can also be procured vua the FHM app available on Google Play, Apple Store, etc.

Benilde and Taxi Theater Ties Up for Multisensorial Production on Depression

Manila, 2018 --- The Arts Management Students Batch 114 under the Benilde Arts and Culture cluster ties up with the theater group TAXI Theater to present the immersive theatrical production, 'musta, this April 2018.

'musta is a multisensory experiential journey that takes the audience through immersive spaces that unravel the inner workings of depression. Drawing inspiraiton from various sources, consultaiton with mental health experts, and shared experiences from persons suffering from depression, the journey is designed to place the audience at the center of the experience as they encounter interactive installations and devised environments.

The audience follows the journey of Shiloh, a young teenager suffering from depression, who leads them through the various spaces devised to reveal her innermost thoughts and experiences as she answers to her ‘Guide’. The audience are brought deep into her consciousness as they encounter immersive installations and sensorial stimulations that embody her struggles. Throughout the journey, the audiences are given the impetus to confront their notions of depression and how to approach it. As they move towards the latter half of the journey, they are presented opportunities to
reflect and contemplate on life and value of living each moment. This production intends to encourage a greater awareness of the current mental health conditions within our communities and provide a better understanding of depression. But, more importantly, it seeks to interrogate the kind of relationship we form not only with the people around us, and ourselves, but with life itself ‘musta is the second production from TAXI Theater and its first foray under the ITX® (Immersive Theater Experience) project. It is produced by the of Arts Management students batch 114 and co-
presented by TAXI Theater and the Benilde Arts and Culture cluster through the Arts Management.

Program and in collaboration with the Theater Arts and Production Design programs. The immersive experience is designed and directed by Eric Villanueva Dela Cruz. The production is inspired by the words and images by Mypzi Iskander and Mikahari and devised with additional artworks from Benilde faculty, students and alumni.

The production will run from April 6 – 14, 2018. at the SDA Theater, 5/F Benilde School of Design and Arts Campus, 950 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila. For inquiries, contact Angela Juan (092499575118) or taxi.theater@gmail.com. Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/taxitheater for more details.

Never Not Love You Starring Jadine Reminds Us That Compromise is a Component of Real Love

"Kung hindi talaga siya magwowork, meron talagang kailangan isacrifice," said Nadine Lustre, the other half of the loveteam Jadine together with James Reid. On Black Saturday, their romance film, Never Not Love You (NNLY) touted as their most daring to date, will open in cinemas nationwide. The film produced by Viva and Project 8 corner San Joaquin is directed by Antoinette Jadaone and Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board. 

"Sometimes to grow, you need to grow apart," said James in relation to the film characters' journey. He plays Gio, a freelancer into graphic design. Nadine plays Joanne who works as a management trainee up for promotion in an ad agency.

The ultimate test to their relationship comes when each of them tries to cope with having a career and finds that time is not always a friend to people in love.

The theme song of their movie titled Prom, performed by Jadine, is an Ebe Dancel original, and has been uploaded on Youtube a few days ago.

On working with Antoinette Jadaone

"With Direk Tonette, she's really young so we get along pretty well. And, she likes to collaborate with artists. She always asks us what we think about the characters especially dito sa Never Not Love You, so much of the scenes are improv so we really have to collaborate," said James Reid. 

Nadine then added that it's different compared to their work on the teleserye On The Wings of Love since the female director is more meticulous here.

The future of Jadine

James Reid will be doing Pedro Penduko which will also be under Viva Films in partnership with Epik Studios. He also confirmed just a few days ago that Nadine will also have a role in the film. The latter is part of a new suspense-thriller film.

NNLY is their comeback movie.

ADDITIONAL SCREENINGS

SM City Dasmariñas Cinema 5 on April 1 (Sunday 1pm) - Contact 09264961006 and 09164632234

April  29 (Tokyo) and April 30 (Chiba, Japan)

Summer 2018 Begins at The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila

A fun season awaits at The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila for Summer Intensives 2018! The only school with direct links to the Russian Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia opens its doors yet again for another memorable summer with classes that are fun, challenging, and taught only by the best in the country.

At the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila, students will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be taught by the Prima Ballerina and Artistic Director and CEO Lisa Macuja-Elizalde herself alongside Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso and other Vaganova-trained teachers.

Start your journey with Ballet Manila this summer—there are classes for every age and skill level, from the “little ones with big dreams” all the way to the ones who are ready to go pro!

The Creative Movement class (open for ages 3-5) makes ballet engaging and fun for the little ones through the help of props and play materials. To keep the fun going, the Twinkle Toes class (open for ages 5-6) is the perfect introduction for classical ballet for young kids.

It’s all about ballet basics for Level 1B-Beginner (open for ages 6-10). Whether the student has experience or not, this class is the springboard for classical ballet education. For those with previous ballet experience, the Level 1A-Advanced (open for ages 6-10) class will challenge the students to get more serious with their training.

It’s time to take the pointe shoes out for the Level 2B-Beginner class (open for ages 11-14). And for those who already know how to dance in pointe, the Level 2A-Advanced class (open for ages 11-14) will introduce the student to a world of turns, jumps, and balance with combinations.

Students in Level 3 (open for those with previous ballet experience and intermediate pointe work) are those who are preparing for a professional career in ballet. Lessons go beyond ballet technique, as artistic expression is encouraged.   

Plié and pirouette your way to fitness in the Adult Summer Program, open for ages 18 and above. Ballet Manila has created a novel program perfect for those who want to improve their coordination and posture, develop musicality, and strengthen their muscles in a unique way. This class is open for those with or without previous ballet training. Another good fitness alternative is the Yoga-lates class, which is a combination of yoga, mat Pilates, and floor barre.

Ballet Manila offers more than just classical ballet. Prospective students can avail of the Modern Ballet and Street Dance classes that are also being offered.

“We’re looking forward to another fun summer ahead, and we’re excited to impart our knowledge not only of the Vaganova technique, but of our discipline and artistry. We hope to meet a lot of new faces this year, and we promise an unforgettable summer!,” Lisa announces.  

Enrollment for The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila Summer Intensives 2018 is ongoing, and classes will be from April 2 to May 20 at both Pasay and Quezon City branches. For more information, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

MANILA WRESTLING FEDERATION AIMS TO BREAK NEW GROUND IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WITH MWF 1: KASAYSAYAN ON APRIL 8

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Colorful and eye-catching characters in exciting and relatable stories doing impressive athletic feats. This is what the new Pinoy-flavored professional wrestling is all about.

After last month’s highly successful preview and re-launch event MWF Open House: Level UP, the Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF) promises to deliver a full package of
sports-entertainment with its first major offering titled MWF 1: Kasaysayan. The spectacle will be held at Elements at Centris, EDSA Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, on April 8, Sunday, 7 PM.

MWF’s roster of physically gifted entertainers is set to pack the show with family-friendly fun and action, headlined by a main event match of international proportions featuring
Kenneth ‘The Eurasian Dragon’ Thexeira from Singapore Pro Wrestling going against former WWE and NXT competitor Ho Ho Lun of Hong Kong Wrestling Federation, with
MWF flag-bearers Mr. Lucha and Robin Sane as their respective tag team partners.

Fabio Makisig

Embellishing the larger-than- life personas of MWF standouts such as the trash-talking Fabio Makisig, the tortured-soul artist Frankie Thurteen and the dangerous prizefighter Rex Lawin, another highlight to watch out for is the Federation’s sleek live event and multimedia productions, steadily steered by a creative team of professionals from the
country’s TV, film and theatre industries.

"At Level UP, we gave our 'Kapa-feds' just a piece of what fans can expect this coming April at Kasaysayan,” says MWF Co-founder and Commissioner Mike Shannon. “On April 8, we will provide fans- casual and hardcore alike- with a product that every Filipino wrestling fan can enjoy. If you're looking for great wrestling and family-friendly entertainment, MWF Kasaysayan is going to be the show for you- And then some!"

For inquiries and ticket reservations, please send a message to the Manila Wrestling Federation’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManilaWrestlingFederation, or contact +63 9178431194

Ashura

TICKET PRICES
Kids 5 below - Free admission

Kids 6-12 years old - P149

Early bird ticket up to MARCH 26 - P249

Regular ticket price – P299
Paying guests, Senior Citizens, PWD, Army, etc. P249


PROMOS/DISCOUNTS
Tag-team (2 ticket) - P 549

Family package (4 tix) - P 999

Paying guests, Senior Citizens, PWD, Army, etc. 249

Rex Lawin and Coach Gus