Maxene Magalona and Robby Mananquil are engaged

February 14, 2017, 8:13 am

≫ Next: IN PHOTOS: Stars celebrate Valentine's Day 2017

≪ Previous: Goo Goo Dolls thrill PH fans in first ever Manila concert

ENGAGED. Maxene Magalona and Robby Mananquil are now engaged. Screengrab from Instagram/maxenemagalona

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Maxene Magalona is engaged to musician Robby Mananquil.

On Instagram, the couple posted a series photos of Robby proposing on February 14, Valentine's day. The photos were tagged with a location in Japan.

"Roses are red, violets are blue, I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," Maxene wrote on her posts, along with the hashtag "#bestvalentinesdayever."

The same set of photos were posted by Robby, who simply wrote "I love you" in the captions.

Maxene and Robby started dating in 2015. Robby is the son of Philippine Star Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil and brother of Happy Skin founder, model Rissa Mananquil-Trillo.

Maxene, daughter of the late Francis Magalona is the second among her siblings to get engaged. Her sister Saab Magalona married musician Jim Bacarro in 2015. Maxene was last seen in the afternoon drama Doble Kara, starring Julia Montes.– Rappler.com

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IN PHOTOS: Stars celebrate Valentine's Day 2017

February 14, 2017, 7:47 am

≫ Next: Shaina Magdayao on 'exclusively dating' Piolo Pascual: 'It's too soon to label things officially'

≪ Previous: Maxene Magalona and Robby Mananquil are engaged

Screengrab from Instagram/@coleengarcia

MANILA,Philippines – Valentine's Day has come and gone, and our favorite stars took some time off that day to be with their special someones and families. Others posted throwback photos and sweet messages for each other too!

Recently engaged couple Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff posted photos of their past travels together. Erwan wrote, "Happy Valentine's day. This is hoping everyone finds that one person with who you can be silly without ever feeling stupid," on a photo of him and Anne in Budapest in 2011.

Kathryn Bernardo posted a cute black-and-white photo of her and Daniel Padilla on her laptop.

Nadine Lustre and James Reid didn't say much, but the reel-to-real life couple celebrated the day in Japan.

Vicki Belo was treated to a romantic dinner by her boyfriend Hayden Kho – their daughter Scarlet Snow even joined them!

Here's Hayden's photo of their romantic dinner.

Coleen Garcia and Billy Crawford spent time together in Nobu Restaurant.

Miss Universe Philippines 2016 and Top 6 finisher Maxine Medina posted a photo of herself with her boyfriend Marx Topacio out on a date.

Former Binibining Pilipinas International 2014 Bianca Guidotti greeted boyfriend Greggy Santos, who gave her flowers.

Cristine Reyes posted a photo of her outing with daughter Amarah and husband Ali Khatibi.

TV host Iya Villania posted a photo of flowers from husband Drew Arellano.

Dingdong Dantes was with Marian Rivera and their daughter Zia. According to the post, the photo was taken at Sonia's Garden.

Alex Gonzaga greeted her boyfriend Mikee Morada. The couple confirmed their relationship last January.

Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, meanwhile, went on a hiking trip to Mount Pinatubo.

KC Concepcion posted a photo of her and boyfriend Aly Borromeo during an event.

Heart Evangelista, who celebrated her birthday on Valentine's Day, also spent time with husband senator Chiz Escudero, as they marked their second anniversary as husband and wife.

Others like Vice Ganda, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, and Lani Misalucha had their respective concerts for their fans.

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQf4yaeAm83/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">LATE AT NIGHT (by George Benson) Late at night when the feeling gets to hard to fight he reaches for the phone then stops himself afraid that he may find she's not alone Late at night she lies awake and holds her pillow tight and cries his name out loud but she would never ever call the Lady's much to proud two lost and lonely people living apart and belonging together regretting that they let each other go ohhhh two sad and starving people giving up the chance of forever never letting one and other know they still need each other so late at night waiting out the hours till its light they know how wrong they've been but both of them are caught up in believing reaching out means giving in so he hopes that he'll stop hurting and she prays she'll be alright and they both wait for the morning late at night two foolish frightened people giving up a chance at forever never letting one an other know they still want each other so late at night waiting out the hours till its light they know how wrong they've been but both of them are caught up in believing reaching out means giving in and so he settle down to drinking she takes another pill to keep from thinking and neither makes a move to make it right as they both wait for the morning late at night #HappyValentinesDay2017 #Masquerade</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Noel Ferrer (@iamnoelferrer) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-14T16:11:14+00:00">Feb 14, 2017 at 8:11am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Daniel Padilla was also part of Vice Ganda's concert.

– Rappler.com

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Shaina Magdayao on 'exclusively dating' Piolo Pascual: 'It's too soon to label things officially'

February 14, 2017, 6:35 pm

≫ Next: Harrison Ford in near-miss landing private plane

≪ Previous: IN PHOTOS: Stars celebrate Valentine's Day 2017

SHAINA'S REACTION. Shaina Magdayao says she is grateful that Piolo Pascual is present in her life, but says it's still early to label their status. File photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Shaina Magdayao has spoken up about Piolo Pascual saying that he and the actress have been "exclusively dating" for 5 years .

In a statement sent to Tonight With Boy Abundaon Tuesday, February 14, Shaina said: "Yes, it has been years that [Piolo] has been there for me, as a great friend I can always count on. We have become very special to each other. Even his whole family has become dear to me.

"Just for the record – he is free to date anyone he wants the same way I'm free to date anyone I want. Nagkataon lamang siguro (I think it was jus a coincidence) na we're both not dating other people. Kaya nagka-exclusively (That's why there's an exclusively) dating label," she said.

Shaina also said that she appreciates that Piolo has been consistent about not seeing anyone else but her.

"To be honest, Piolo has been very present in my life lately...

"But again, since nagkakaedad na (it is getting old), and we don't take 'commitment' lightly and I pray that my next one would be the right one. So it's too soon to label things officially," she added.

She also reminded everyone not to get excited, saying she is just thankful that Piolo is in her life now.

In an interview after Star Magic's Thanksgiving press conference on Sunday, February 12, Piolo was asked about the relationship status between him and Shaina.

"Whatever it is, I guess we just have to mutually respect everyone involved and not to talk more about it. Kasi ang hirap diba nagkakaedad na (Because it's so hard, right, that it's getting old) I’ve been with her 5 years na, exclusively dating, but I know and she knows that we don’t date out[side] of what we have. So 'yun, nandun kami (so we're there),” he said.

The two have been linked to each other in 2012 when they were spotted together after ASAP's Singapore tour. They also did the movie On The Job. – Rappler.com

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Harrison Ford in near-miss landing private plane

February 14, 2017, 7:09 pm

≫ Next: Alanis Morissette loses millions in burglary – report

≪ Previous: Shaina Magdayao on 'exclusively dating' Piolo Pascual: 'It's too soon to label things officially'

NEAR MISS LANDING. Harrison Ford almost figured in another plane mishap. Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images/AFP

LOS ANGELES, USA – Hollywood star Harrison Ford was involved in a near-miss at a California airport as he was piloting his private plane, officials and US media said on Tuesday, Februay 14.

Ford, a seasoned pilot and vintage plane collector, was approaching John Wayne Airport in Orange County, NBC reported, when he headed towards a taxiway rather than the runway, passing over an Boeing 737 with 110 passengers and six crew.

The 74-year-old Indiana Jones star was captured on air traffic control recordings, according to NBC, asking: "Was that airliner meant to be underneath me?"

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said it did not identify people involved in air incidents but confirmed it was investigating what had caused the misunderstanding.

"Air traffic controllers cleared the pilot of a single-engine Aviat Husky to land on Runway 20L at John Wayne Airport Monday afternoon," spokesman Ian Gregor said in a statement.

"The pilot correctly read back the clearance. The pilot then landed on a taxiway that runs parallel to the runway, overflying a Boeing 737 that was holding short of the runway."

The American Airlines plane managed to depart safely for Dallas just minutes after the incident, according to NBC.

The FAA prohibits aircraft landing on taxiways and sanctions for pilots found at fault range from a warning letter to a suspension of their license.

Ford suffered a broken arm and minor head injuries when he crash-landed a World War II plane on a Santa Monica golf course two years ago, after the carburetor failed.

He also crash-landed a helicopter during a flying lesson in Ventura County, California in 1999 and, a year later, his Beechcraft Bonanza scraped the runway during an emergency landing in Nebraska. (READ: Harrison Ford plane suffers engine failure – investigators)

The actor has been in accidents out of the cockpit too, suffering a broken leg three years ago on the set of the Millennium Falcon spaceship after he was pinned down by the heavy, metal-framed door while reprising his role as Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

A longtime aviation enthusiast, Ford owns several aircraft and claims more than 5,200 hours in his log book. He is certified to fly and land planes, seaplanes and helicopters, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

His representatives refused to comment. – Rappler.com

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Alanis Morissette loses millions in burglary – report

February 14, 2017, 8:49 pm

≫ Next: Anne Curtis recalls Erwan Heussaff's romantic wedding proposal

≪ Previous: Harrison Ford in near-miss landing private plane

BURGLARY. Thieves stole jewelry worth $2 million from Alanis Morissette at her home in Los Angeles. the singer was not present during the incident. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Image North America / AFP

LOS ANGELES, USA – Burglars made off with $2 million in jewelry from singer Alanis Morissette's home in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood, US media reported Tuesday, February 14.

The Canadian-born alternative rock giant was not at home when the thieves struck on Thursday, February 9, celebrity news website TMZ said, although police were not immediately able to confirm the report.

The break-in comes less than two weeks after Morissette's former business manager, who worked for other entertainment and sports figures, admitted embezzling more than $6.5 million from his clients.

Jonathan Schwartz, 48, entered his plea to federal wire and tax fraud charges for failing to disclose the embezzled funds to the Internal Revenue Service.

He is due to be sentenced on May 3, and faces a prison term between four and six years.

He acknowledged that between May 2010 and January 2014, he withdrew about $4.8 million belonging to Morissette without her knowledge or authorization. (READ: Alanis Morissette says manager swindled millions)

Morissette said in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last year that she fired Schwartz after growing suspicious when he could not provide timely information on her finances.

The singer was the voice behind a string of energetic rock anthems in the mid-1990s including "You Oughta Know," "Hand in My Pocket" and "You Learn."

Her 1995 album Jagged Little Pill won the Grammy for Album of the Year, making the then 21-year-old Morissette the youngest winner of the prestigious award until Taylor Swift. – Rappler.com

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Anne Curtis recalls Erwan Heussaff's romantic wedding proposal

February 15, 2017, 4:16 am

≫ Next: 'Love Actually' cast to reunite for short film

≪ Previous: Alanis Morissette loses millions in burglary – report

ANNE CURTIS. The actress says the wedding proposal of fiance Erwan Heussaff was very them, as they love the outdoors. Photo by Alexa Villano/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Two months after getting engaged to Erwan Heussaff, Anne Curtis beamed with joy as she recalled to the press the moment he proposed to her in the US.

At a press conference on Wednesday, February 15, where she was officially named the ambassador of Jolibee's burger steak, Anne said Erwan really knew how to surprise her.

"I couldn't think. Because magaling si Erwan mag-isip (Erwan is good at thinking of a plan), because when I was there, my whole mind was focused on the New York marathon," Anne said.

She also said that the proposal was perfect for them, since it was outdoors.

"That's us. We love to travel. We love going to places that aren't super touristy. So for me, it was just perfect nga kasi (because) it was so charming, like after a hike and setting up for a picnic over a beautiful view of fall, it was... I'm reliving the moment!"

Erwan proposed to Anne while they were on a hike in the US in 2016. The couple announced their proposal with a video that Erwan posted in December. (WATCH: Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff are engaged)

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/annecurtissmith">@annecurtissmith</a> gets kilig as she recalled the proposal. <a href="https://t.co/C7Q7hq73cf">pic.twitter.com/C7Q7hq73cf</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/831848598677524481">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Anne said that her 2017 will definitely be busy, what with her other projects, hosting It's Showtime, and wedding planning.

"It's a bit hectic. Parang (It's like) as soon as you get engaged, you really don't realize kasi na (that), 'Huh, 10 months to go na lang or a year to go na lang.' It keeps going by so fast. So [there is] a little bit of stress, but at the same time, I know it's going to be a love-filled year. "

When asked what her ideal wedding is, Anne simply said, "Secret!"

At the press conference, Anne was also surprised with a birthday greeting from Jollibee – her birthday is on February 17.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy Birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/annecurtissmith">@annecurtissmith</a> <a href="https://t.co/qbIGszdJkr">pic.twitter.com/qbIGszdJkr</a></p>— alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/831821841891106816">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

The year 2017 also marks Anne's 20th year in showbiz. Asked what she plans to do to celebrate, she said: "My gosh, parang ang tagal-tagal na noh? (it's like been so long right?) I actually haven't thought about it yet.

"I don't know, we'll have to do some planning for that, because it's really pretty big, isn't it? Twenty years in the industry. It just went by so fast, but yeah, I'll have to do some planning." – Rappler.com

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'Love Actually' cast to reunite for short film

February 15, 2017, 6:28 pm

≫ Next: Vice Ganda opens up about former partner through spoken word poetry

≪ Previous: Anne Curtis recalls Erwan Heussaff's romantic wedding proposal

'LOVE ACTUALLY.' The original cast of 'Love Actually' is set to reunite for a short film sequel. Screengrab from Facebook/LoveActuallyMovie

MANILA, Philippines – The cast of Love Actually are reuniting for a sequel!

The upcoming short film will be aired on Comic Relief's annual Red Nose Day, a charity event in the UK, on March 24. (READ: What happened to Harry and Karen at the end of 'Love Actually?')

Writer and director Richard Curtis will be returning to tell fans what happened to the characters of Love Actually 14 years after it was released in 2003.

"I would never have dreamt of writing a sequel to Love Actually, but I thought it might be fun to do 10 minutes to see what everyone is now up to," said Richard in a February 15 announcement of the project on the Red Nose Day website.

Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, and Rowan Atkinson will be back, along with Martine McCutcheon, Keira Knightley, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lucia Moniz, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Olivia Olson, Bill Nighy and Marcus Brigstocke. The original movie also starred the late Alan Rickman, who died in 2016. (READ: JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman)

"We’ve been delighted and grateful that so many of the cast are around and able to take part – and it’ll certainly be a nostalgic moment getting back together and recreating their characters 14 years later," Richard said in the announcement.

The original Love Actually film follows 10 different stories about love and is set in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/peiRtkXMYQ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

According to its website, Red Nose Day, which launched in 1988, features a night of comedy on BBC that inspires its viewers to give to charity. All proceeds go to those living in the UK and Africa. – Rappler.com

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Vice Ganda opens up about former partner through spoken word poetry

February 15, 2017, 6:49 pm

≫ Next: Constance Wu to star in 'Crazy Rich Asians' movie

≪ Previous: 'Love Actually' cast to reunite for short film

FAILED RELATIONSHIP. Vice Ganda recalls his painful relationship with a basketball star during a monologue in his concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. File photo by Rob Reyes/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Vice Ganda opened up to his fans about a past relationship during the spoken word poetry segment at his Valentine's Day concert. The concert was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, February 14.

In the almost 8 minute-long segment posted on the ABS-CBN website, Vice became emotional as he talked about his failed relationship with a basketball player. The name of the basketball player was not mentioned.

"Alam kong wala ka dito ngayon. Pero gusto ko malaman mo, makarating sa'yo, lahat ng sasabihin ko. Pero sigurado naman ako na makakarating sa iyo, sa dami ba naman ng chismosa't chimoso. At gusto kong malaman mo na masakit, masakit, masakit yung sakit. Sobrang sakit," Vice said.

(I know you're not here. But I want you to know, this will reach you, everything that I will say. But I'm very sure it will reach you since there are so many people who gossip. And I just want you to know that it hurts, it hurts, pain hurts. It's hurts very much.)

"Alam mo kung bakit? Kasi ikaw ang nagbigay sa akin ng ganitong pakiramdam. Kaya kahit paulit-ulit, ikaw lang ang bibigyan ko ng karaptan na sa akin ay manakit dahil mahal kita. Mahal kita habang buhay at hindi lang isang saglit. Oo, mahal kita, mahal kita, mahal na mahal kita kahit tayo lang ang nakakaalam dahil natatakot ka, natatakot ako, natatakot tayong dalawa na parehong mahusgahan," Vice continued.

(Do you know why? Because you're the only one who gave me these kinds of feelings. That's why no matter how many times it happens, you're the only one to whom I'm giving the right to hurt me, because I love you. I love you for all my life and not just for a moment. Yes, I love you, I love you even if we're the only ones who know because you're afraid, I'm afraid, we're both afraid of being judged.)

Vice hinted at his ex-boyfriend's profession through the use of basketball terminologies such as "3-points" and "crossover." He also said that there was a time he was called "Juliet" by his former partner.

"Sa bawat pelikula ko, sa bawat palabas ko, gusto sana natin magkasama tayong dalawa sa siksikan. Sa bawat laro mo, sa bawat 3-points mo, gusto ko sana nandun ako para mauna ako sa palakpakan at gusto ko isigaw na ‘P***ng*na! Jowa ko 'yan!’ pero hindi natin magawa kasi natatakot tayo parehong na mapag-usapan," he said.

(In every movie, in every show, we both want to be together in the crowd. In every one of your games, for every 3 points you make, I want to be there to be the first one to clap and shout 'Son of a whore, that's my boyfriend!' But we can't do it because we're both afraid of being talked about.)

Vice ended the segment by saying that people don't know how painful it was. Later, when he was asked about the monlogue, he said that it was simply an act that he prepared for the show.

Although he did not mention the name of the guy, many believed he was refering to GlobalPort Batang Pier player Terrence Romeo, to whom he was linked to in the past.

In 2014, the two made headlines when Vice admitted that he broke up with a boyfriend of 5 years with a cryptic message.

Both Terrence and Vice denied that they had a relationship together. – Rappler.com

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Constance Wu to star in 'Crazy Rich Asians' movie

February 15, 2017, 10:58 pm

≫ Next: WATCH: Ashton Kutcher testifies against human trafficking

≪ Previous: Vice Ganda opens up about former partner through spoken word poetry

CONSTANCE WU. The actress is in talks to star in the upcoming 'Crazy Rick Asians' movie. Screengrab from Instagram/@wonstancecoo

MANILA, Philippines – Contance Wu, well known for her role as Jessica Huang in the popular TV series Fresh Off The Boat, is in talks to star in the upcoming film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The report says that the project has not officially been greenlit but is on the "development fast-track," and that Constance is in talks for the lead role, Rachel Chu.

Author Kevin Kwan, who wrote Crazy Rich Asians as well as the sequel, China Rich Girlfriend, is on board as an executive producer.

Constance herself, as well as Kevin, both shared the good news on their social media pages:

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Some very exciting news for y'all so much love and gratitude for this <a href="https://t.co/OVBCgKaNvx">https://t.co/OVBCgKaNvx</a></p>— Constance Wu (@ConstanceWu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ConstanceWu/status/832052912578715649">February 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Crazy Rich Asians gives readers a peek into the world of the powerful Singapore elite. Rachel Chu is a professor living a comfortable life in New York City with her boyfriend Nick. When Nick asks her to go with him to Asia for his friend's wedding, Rachel is shocked to learn that Nick's family is not only affluent, but ridiculously, over-the-top wealthy. She must adjust to her new situation as she finds both allies and enemies over the course of the book.

According to an October 2016 article on Variety, the Crazy Rich Asians movie adaptation will be produced by Warner Bros. The movie will be one of the only big studio movies that will feature an all-Asian cast. – Rappler.com

↧

WATCH: Ashton Kutcher testifies against human trafficking

February 15, 2017, 10:37 pm

≫ Next: [WATCH] Rappler Live Jam: The Moffatts

≪ Previous: Constance Wu to star in 'Crazy Rich Asians' movie

ASHTON KUTCHER. Digital Defenders of Children Founder Ashton Kutcher walks with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Bob Corker before the start of a Senate Foreign Relations Committee examining 'Ending Modern Slavery: Building on Success,' on Capitol Hill on February 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. Photo by Zach Gibson/AFP Photo

MANILA, Philippines – In an emotional speech, Ashton Kutcher testified against human and sex trafficking at a US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, February 15.

The hearing was held to look into the progress that the US is making in ending human trafficking.

Ashton spoke as the chairman of Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, a company that builds software to fight human trafficking. Thorn is a company Ashton co-founded with his former wife Demi Moore in 2010.

"The right to pursue happiness for so many is stripped away, it's raped, it's abused, it's taken by force," Ashton started.

He continued, praising the government's bipartisan effort on ending modern slavery.

"Now, this is about the time I start talking about politics that the internet trolls tell me to stick to my day job. So I'd like to talk about my day job," Ashton said. "My day job is as the chairman and co-founder of Thorn. We build software to fight human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. My other day job is that of a father of two: a 2-month-old and a 2-year-old, and as part of that job that I take very seriously, I believe it is my effort to defend their right to pursue happiness, and to ensure a society and government that defends it as well."

Ashton has two kids with his wife, actress Mila Kunis. Wyatt Isabelle was born in October 2014, while their son Dimitri Portwood was born in November 2016.

Ashton spoke about his experiences in his fight against human trafficking and the technology that Thorn has developed to fight it.

"As part of my anti-trafficking work, I've met victims in Russia, I've met victims in India, I've met victims that have been trafficked from Mexico, victims from New York and New Jersey and all across our country," Ashton said. "I've been on FBI raids where I've seen things that no person should ever see. I've seen video content of a child that's the same age as mine being raped by an American man that was a sex tourist in Cambodia. And this child was so conditioned by her environment that she thought she was engaging in play."

The tool Spotlight, he said, had identified 6,000 trafficking victims – 2,000 of which were minors – in 6 months. The tool is being used by law enforcement officials and has cut investigation time by 60%.

Solis, another tool they are developing, is being used by agencies in its beta form, said Ashton, to investigate trafficking issues on the dark web.

Ashton concluded by speaking about the action they can take from there – funding for technology, fostering private-public partnerships, and support for the foster care system and the mental health system.

Ashton spoke alongside Elisa Massimino, the president and CEO of Human Rights First.

According to APlus, the testimony took place in coordination with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman senator Bob Corker and his efforts on the issue.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thankful for Ashton Kutcher and the work <a href="https://twitter.com/thorn">@thorn</a> is doing to rescue trafficking victims. It was great to have him on the Hill today. <a href="https://t.co/M5FR4m5HNa">pic.twitter.com/M5FR4m5HNa</a></p>— Senator Bob Corker (@SenBobCorker) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenBobCorker/status/831933193309868036">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ITvToNTLUm4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

On Twitter, Ashton said about his testimony: "It's not just my job, it's my duty to the global community. Everyone has the right to pursue happiness."

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's not just my job, it's my duty to the global community. Everyone has the right to pursue happiness. <a href="https://t.co/kMJK1SyN6R">https://t.co/kMJK1SyN6R</a></p>— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/aplusk/status/832030387610152961">February 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

– Rappler.com

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[WATCH] Rappler Live Jam: The Moffatts

February 16, 2017, 4:51 am

≫ Next: Rufa Mae Quinto, Trevor Magallanes welcome baby girl

≪ Previous: WATCH: Ashton Kutcher testifies against human trafficking

MANILA, Philippines – The Moffatts are going to be on Rappler Live Jam!

Brothers Scott, Clint, and Bob Moffatt are on one last tour as the popular '90s band The Moffatts are performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on in Manila on Saturday, February 18.

Known for their catchy pop hits like "Miss You Like Crazy" and "I'll Be There For You," the brothers have now taken on their own music careers, with Clint and Bob performing as the duo Endless Summer, and Clint performing under his own name.

The Moffatts will be at Rappler HQ on Friday, February 17. Catch them live by bookmarking this page or heading over to fb.com/rapplerent to tune in! – Rappler.com

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Rufa Mae Quinto, Trevor Magallanes welcome baby girl

February 17, 2017, 5:44 am

≫ Next: Erwan Heussaff's sweet birthday message to Anne Curtis

≪ Previous: [WATCH] Rappler Live Jam: The Moffatts

CONGRATULATIONS. Rufa Mae Quinto and Trevor Magallanes are now parents to daughter Alexandria Magallanes. Screengrab from Instagram/@rufamaequinto

MANILA, Philippines – Actress and comedian Rufa Mae Quinto announced on Friday, February 17, that she and husband Trevor Magallanes have welcomed their daughter Alexandria Athena Magallanes.

Rufa posted a photo of Alexandria's foot with a pink ID tag and tagged her daughters' Instagram account – @alexandriamagallanes.

Trevor also posted photos of his daughter and wife on Instagram after Rufa giving birth.

"Love at first sight," he captioned in one photo.

In another post, Trevor wrote: "I'm not going to lie, I feel a little dizzy after seeing you come to life. Mabuhay anak (my child), welcome to what is known as life. Enjoy it and I hope you live it by your mother's famous words 'Todo na 'to (Go all out)!'"

Days before giving birth, Rufa Mae and Trevor were thrown a baby shower by family and close friends.

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQccBKbAZBV/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thank you ladies and gentlemen for coming and for making my baby shower possible ! I love you all! Sa lagay na to, surprise pa Ito at di ako nag invite , kasi manganganak na ako anytime , buti nalang sweet mga friends ko, nag planning brunch for me and nag set up and potluck nalang sila para makapag baby shower pa ako, style America . God is good! Showered me and my family so much blessings , happy Valentine's Day to all and I'll dedicate this baby shower not to myself not to my baby @alexandriamagallanes . So much joy in my heart</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Rufa mae Quinto (@rufamaequinto) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-13T08:02:07+00:00">Feb 13, 2017 at 12:02am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Check out some of the photos they posted for Alexandria before she came into the world!

Rufa Mae and Trevor got married last November 25 at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City. – Rappler.com

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Erwan Heussaff's sweet birthday message to Anne Curtis

February 17, 2017, 6:51 am

≫ Next: Donald Glover to play Simba in 'Lion King' live-action remake

≪ Previous: Rufa Mae Quinto, Trevor Magallanes welcome baby girl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MON AMOUR. Erwan Heussaff greets Anne Curtis a happy birthday with a sweet message on social media. Erwan Screengrab from Instagram/annecurtissmith

MANILA, Philippines – It was Anne Curtis' birthday on Friday, February 17, and her fiancé Erwan Heussaff greeted her with a sweet message.

On social media, Erwan posted a photo of Anne and said: "I have always enjoyed taking pictures of you. Even though you are frequently afronted by harsh flashes, I still feel that I can capture pieces that only I seem to witness. Moments of candor, insecurity, joy and reality. At the end of the day I ponder over your puzzle, perplexed as to how things fit together, always learning something new."

Erwan promised Anne that he would always be there for her, continuing his message, "I will consistently be there to help you give context to the world, fill in the blanks, colour in or outside of the lines, demystify crosswords and to simply make sense of the irrational."

He signed off by alluding to their upcoming wedding. The couple announced their engagement in December through a video.

"Happy birthday mon amour, I can't wait to see you in that white dress."

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQmziWVAaRR/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I have always enjoyed taking pictures of you. Even though you are frequently afronted by harsh flashes, I still feel that I can capture pieces that only I seem to witness. Moments of candor, insecurity, joy and reality. At the end of the day I ponder over your puzzle, perplexed as to how things fit together, always learning something new. I will consistently be there to help you give context to the world, fill in the blanks, colour in or outside of the lines, demystify crosswords and to simply make sense of the irrational. Happy birthday mon amour, I can't wait to see you in that white dress.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Erwan Heussaff (@erwanheussaff) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-02-17T08:40:02+00:00">Feb 17, 2017 at 12:40am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Anne, who turned 32, and Erwan, 30, have been dating since 2010. – Rappler.com

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Donald Glover to play Simba in 'Lion King' live-action remake

February 17, 2017, 6:51 pm

≫ Next: 'I'm Drunk, I Love You' Review: An ode to all things intoxicating

≪ Previous: Erwan Heussaff's sweet birthday message to Anne Curtis

DONALD GLOVER. The actor is cast as Simba in 'The Lion King' live-action remake. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America/AFP

MANILA, Philippines – Donald Glover is playing Simba in Disney's upcoming live-action remake of The Lion King!

The news was confirmed on Saturday, February 18, by director John Favreau, who tweeted "I just can’t wait to be king. #Simba" along with a photo of Donald.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I just can’t wait to be king. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Simba?src=hash">#Simba</a> <a href="https://t.co/wUYKixMBJI">pic.twitter.com/wUYKixMBJI</a></p>— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Favreau/status/832747544450998274">February 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

He also tweeted a photo of James Earl Jones, saying, "Looking forward to working with this legend. #Mufasa." James also voiced Mufasa in the original animated movie in 1994.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looking forward to working with this legend. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mufasa?src=hash">#Mufasa</a> <a href="https://t.co/1LszbWrcYT">pic.twitter.com/1LszbWrcYT</a></p>— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jon_Favreau/status/832754734557601792">February 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Aside from this project, we'll also see Donald on the big screen soon in Spider-Man: Homecoming and in the untitled Star Wars film about Han Solo, where he will play Lando Calrissian.

Donald has also had a successful career in music – he performs under the name Childish Gambino.

John directed the live-action remake of The Jungle Book, which was released in 2016.

A release date for The Lion King has not yet been announced. – Rappler.com

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'I'm Drunk, I Love You' Review: An ode to all things intoxicating

February 17, 2017, 6:45 am

≫ Next: Watch: Amazing performance of 'Journey to the Past' from Broadway's 'Anastasia'

≪ Previous: Donald Glover to play Simba in 'Lion King' live-action remake

'I'M DRUNK, I LOVE YOU.' Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino star as Carson and Dio in 'I'm Drunk, I Love You.' Photo courtesy of TBA

In one scene of J.P. Habac’s I’m Drunk, I Love You, Carson (Maja Salvador) finally expresses her feelings for Dio (Paulo Avelino), her classmate and best friend for 7 years. Her words were clear and succinct. Her long overdue declaration was emotional and disarmingly truthful, despite all the alcohol. It was pithy.

Dio, drunken and surprised, did what any man suddenly caught in the middle of a dear friend’s revelation would do. He starts to caress Carson’s face, giving it the passionate kisses he thinks she deserves. Carson however is both wise and sensitive. She is able to sense that Dio’s actions are not motivated by the emotion she wants from him. They weren’t done out of love. They were done out of pity.

Pithy. Pity. It’s funny how a single letter can make a world of a difference and in the case of that pivotal scene, it marks the profound gap that separates two young hearts who are in love, but not with each other. (READ: Cast of 'I'm Drunk, I Love You' give love advice)

Ode to intoxication

Photo courtesy of TBA

The other girl in Carson and Dio’s non-relationship is named Pathy (Jasmine Curtis-Smith). Carson, fueled by guarded jealousy, couldn’t help but poke fun at the letter h that makes her rival’s name different. That’s all she has against her, a single seemingly misplaced letter that makes her all the more unique. She is pretty, dainty, cultured, and has been featured in a weekly magazine that signals a young artist’s having made it in the world.

I’m Drunk, I Love You, however, is more than just a love story. There are no would-be lovers, no third parties whose only purpose is to snatch the guy from the hopelessly romantic girl, and no love triangles to reduce it to just another tediously repetitive romance.

The genius of Habac’s remarkably confident first feature is that while it is shaped as the typical romance that abuses heartaches for connection and realism, it endeavors to do something more, which is to bare an entire generation’s infatuation with feelings that are pronounced but fleeting.

The film is an ode to intoxication, whether with alcohol or silly emotions. It celebrates the pleasures of the present, while poking fun at the idiocies of the past and worrying about the future. Its structure – which frames the culmination of Carson’s admiration for her best friend during a weekend of beach, booze, and music – celebrates moods and attitudes that exemplify youth and its affinity to sudden shifts in temperaments and fears about change.

{source} <iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wS52h2vTQAY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

Speaking a universal language

Photo courtesy of TBA

I’m Drunk, I Love You speaks a significantly universal language, one that covers a collective experience despite the specificity of the film’s period and setting. It does this through its seemingly banal but oftentimes hilarious banter that slowly but surely displays personal doubts and anxieties.

It is told simply. It concentrates not on that gimmicks that most modern love stories veil with their empty musings about relationships, but on portraying its characters as genuinely as possible, warts and all.

The film admirably shuns the need to be novel. Instead, it borrows a lot of its cues from recent romances like Antoinette Jadaone’s That Thing Called Tadhana (2014) or Dan Villegas’ How To Be Yours (2016) that capitalize on heartaches for escapist pleasure.

Habac thankfully still maintains a distinct voice throughout the picture. His film is delightfully mercurial, aptly balancing its frank depiction of heartbreak with humor, verve, and music. He is proud of his film’s excesses. He foolishly fills it with various songs that enunciate already enunciated emotions. Despite the seemingly needless exuberance, it works.

Photo courtesy of TBA

Salvador gives Carson a charmingly hardened edge, one that melts painfully when her vulnerabilities are exposed during her drunken escapades. Avelino amply plays Dio with all the necessary mysteries of a man who is being depicted as the clueless recipient of all the repressed adoration. For the most part, they enjoyably wear facades, but when those facades crack and break to reveal fragilities, it’s almost impossible not to be stirred.

Affecting and somewhat sublime

Photo courtesy of TBA

The film ends with a scene where a simple smile that leads to laughter and other idle conversations marks a genuine coming-of-age, a farewell to childish obsessions and the suffering that accompanies them. The gesture is abrupt but affecting and somewhat sublime, a quiet declaration that what saves the day in the end is not love but growing up.

I’m Drunk, I Love Youworks because of its attention to all the minute details, the hanging and awkward letters that make a world of a difference, the sweet little smiles that break the ice to reveal newfound maturity. Habac’s film, with all its impromptu turns and admissions, makes it very clear – the truest emotions aren’t the ones borne out of logic and caution but the ones that without a warning burst from the unlikeliest of moments. – Rappler.com

Francis Joseph Cruz litigates for a living and writes about cinema for fun. The first Filipino movie he saw in the theaters was Carlo J. Caparas’ 'Tirad Pass.' Since then, he’s been on a mission to find better memories with Philippine cinema.

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Watch: Amazing performance of 'Journey to the Past' from Broadway's 'Anastasia'

February 18, 2017, 4:08 am

≫ Next: 'My Ex and Whys' Review: Stereotypical love

≪ Previous: 'I'm Drunk, I Love You' Review: An ode to all things intoxicating

'JOURNEY TO THE PAST.' Christy Altomare performs 'Journey to the Past,' together with the orchestra of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Christy will take on the role of Anya in the musical adaptation of 'Anastasia' opening this April in the US. Screengrab from YouTube/Anastasia the Musical

MANILA, Philippines – The theater adaptation of Anastasia is set to hit the stage this year in the US. But before that, Christy Altomare, who will play the role of Anya, gave a special performance of the hit song "Journey to the Past," accompanied by an orchestra at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Christy is a graduate of the school.

The video did not reveal any details about the musical, but we see Christy wearing a black and white gown as she perform the song, which was also popularized by the late singer Aaliyah.

Entertainment Weekly reported that aside from "Journey to The Past," other songs from the movie will also be part of the production to be directed by Darko Tresnjak.

The 1997 animated movie tells the story of a young woman named Anya, who tries to rediscover her past with the help of two men and also find her place in the new world around her. The film itself borrowed some elements from a tragic real-life tale – the murder of the family of Tsar Nicholas, his wife, and their family in1918. Following the killings, there were some rumors of Anastasia's survival, and this later became the topic of various entertainment projects, including the animated movie.

The show will have a preview on March 23 at the Broadhurst Theatre, before the official opening this April. – Rappler.com

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'My Ex and Whys' Review: Stereotypical love

February 18, 2017, 4:10 am

≫ Next: Angelina Jolie unveils Khmer Rouge film in 'second home' Cambodia

≪ Previous: Watch: Amazing performance of 'Journey to the Past' from Broadway's 'Anastasia'

Screengrab from ABS-CBN Star Cinema

The message of Cathy Garcia-Molina’s My Ex and Whys is nothing new. It’s the same message that she has been repeating over and over again.

Love conquers all.

Love conquers all

In You Are the One (2006), a romance between Toni Gonzaga’s government worker and Sam Milby’s expat, love conquers differences in cultural upbringing. In A Very Special Love (2008), a romance between Sarah Geronimo’s personal assistant and John Lloyd Cruz’s stoic billionaire, love conquers differences in wealth and social status. In She’s Dating the Gangster (2014), a romance between Kathryn Bernardo’s simple schoolgirl and Daniel Padilla’s school bully, love conquers time.

My Ex and Whys is hardly subtle at all with what it wants love to wage war against this time.

Cali (Liza Soberano) is a blogger whose inspiration for the questions she posts online is her prolonged disdain towards her ex who cheated on her. Gio (Enrique Gil) is that ex. They rekindle communications on social media for all the world to see and participate in. Eventually, the spats and debates the two ex-lovers broadcast online be relationship sparks a debate, a rabid fight between those who favor Cali’s distrust with all men and Gio’s fervent desire to prove her wrong.

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Qe4LOkJi4k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

Garcia-Molina starts the movie by shaping her protagonists’ camps whose being relentlessly at odds with each other is mined for comedy, with Gio and Cali’s ruses to upend each other providing the film some humor.

Cali comes from a household of women scorned by men they loved and continue to love. Gio, on the other hand, is surrounded by kin who brag about their skillful infidelities. Cali capitalizes on gender stereotypes to put down men during her online tirades, while Gio resists the urge to make a mistake that will prove Cali right.

My Ex and Whys capitalizes on gender stereotypes, whether true or not, to separate the two former lovers, allowing love to conquer them.

Cute, commercial and silly

The movie sadly doesn’t explore its possibly lofty themes beyond what is cute, commercial and silly.

It doesn’t delve deep enough to dig whether or not Cali’s preoccupation with stereotyping the opposite sex has merit. It just paints a comical scenario to backdrop its familiar love story with, and nothing more. It is thoroughly entertaining, although at times, its persistence on painting its characters too simply turn them into noxiously close-minded individuals.

It is to Soberano’s credit that she is able to charm her way out of her character’s inexplicable immaturity. Gil, on the other hand, plays the suffering ex-boyfriend with ample enthusiasm. If My Ex and Whys is meant to be a simple showcase of a love team’s power to arouse fantasy and make-believe, then it seems like it is all worth it.

The movie however has a lot of interesting ideas, which it squarely abandons all for the sake of formula. It uses the mechanics of the internet and social media where opinions are pitted against each other as an adjunct of the seemingly irreparable relationship and back-and-forth squabbles of Cali and Gio. It’s all interesting, except that Garcia-Molina only pursues the idea to push her endeavor to champion escapist love.

Love wins again

My Ex and Whys doesn’t really make that indelible mark in a market that is overcrowded with all sorts of love stories. In the end, it is just another romance that mouths the same old motto that love wins, even against the stereotypes it doesn’t try to break and instead it boldly reinforces. – Rappler.com

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Angelina Jolie unveils Khmer Rouge film in 'second home' Cambodia

February 18, 2017, 6:12 pm

≫ Next: WATCH: Erich Gonzales, Daniel Matsunaga perform for fans in U.S.

≪ Previous: 'My Ex and Whys' Review: Stereotypical love

Cambodia's king and survivors of the communist regime were among hundreds of people invited to the debut screening of First They Killed My Father, directed by Jolie and based on the memoirs of Loung Ung.

Loung Ung was 5-years old when Khmer Rouge troops, led by Pol Pot, swept into Phnom Penh plunging her family into a harrowing ordeal that saw them sent to brutal labor camps before her eventual escape to the United States.

In its quest for an agrarian Marxist utopia, the regime killed up to two million Cambodians between 1975-79 through execution, starvation and overwork.

It is the second movie by Jolie to tackle the subject of genocide – in 2011 she made a film about the Bosnian conflict featuring mostly local actors.

But her latest silver screen offering is more personal.

Jolie adopted her first child Maddox from an orphanage in Cambodia's western Battambang province in 2002 and she has been given Cambodian citizenship.

The Hollywood star previously said it was Maddox who pushed her to make the film.

At a press conference in Siem Reap, Jolie described Cambodia as a "second home", adding that she chose Loung Ung's book because she wanted to tell the story of the Khmer Rouge era "through the eyes of a child".

It also brought her closer to her son, she said.

"I wanted to focus not just on the war but on the love of family and on the beauty of the country and in fact I wanted to understand what my son's birth parents may have gone through. And I wanted to know him better and I wanted to know this country better," she said.

Jolie's 6 children, 3 of whom are adopted, accompanied their mother for an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni before the premiere.

Local cast and language

In a tribute to those who survived the brutal regime, Jolie pushed to ensure the film would be both made by Cambodians and accessible to them.

Almost the entire film is in the Khmer language while the cast members and much of the crew were local hires, including the two child protagonists.

The film is also co-produced by Rithy Panh, Cambodia's most acclaimed filmmaker.

He lost almost all his immediate family during the Khmer Rouge years but went on to produce searing documentaries that helped break the silence surrounding the genocide.

Loung Ung, who Jolie described as a "family friend", said that while the film centred on her family's experience, her story would be familiar to all Cambodians.

"I view it as the story of all of us," she told reporters.

Despite the prosecution of a few top Khmer Rouge cadres, the genocide continues to be a controversial subject.

Strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen, who was a former regime cadre before he defected and has run the impoverished country for more than thirty years, is opposed to any new prosecutions of regime leaders.

But the Cambodian government has welcomed Jolie's film so far.

Veteran foreign correspondent Elizabeth Becker, one of a handful of western journalists to visit Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge era, described Jolie's film as "heartrending".

Jolie said she hoped her film would remind viewers of the need to help children escaping war and persecution today.

"There are little Loungs all around the world today in many different countries, many different war zones where we have no access to them and we don't know if they're going to be alright," she said.

The premiere will be followed by screenings across Cambodia, some seven months before the film is released to a global audience on Netflix.

Jolie's arrival in Cambodia marks a rare public appearance since her high-profile split last year from Brad Pitt. – Rappler.com

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WATCH: Erich Gonzales, Daniel Matsunaga perform for fans in U.S.

February 18, 2017, 9:31 pm

≫ Next: ‘Arrival’ Review: Profound, precise, and affecting

≪ Previous: Angelina Jolie unveils Khmer Rouge film in 'second home' Cambodia

DANRICH IN THE US. Daniel Matsunaga gives ex-girlfriend Erich Gonzales a kiss on the forehead during their show in the US. Screengrab from Instagram/@starmagic

MANILA, Philippines – Although they have broken up, Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga set aside their differences to perform for their fans in the US over the weekend.

In a series of Instagram videos posted by Star Magic, the two entertained their fans at the Cache Creek Casino in California. In one video, Daniel even put his arm around Erich and kissed her on the forehead.

Star Magic also posted a behind the scenes clip of the two rehearsing before their performance.

Erich and Daniel were joined by US-based singer Sheryn Regis during their show.

Before flying to the US for their show, the two met at the Star Magic office to iron out their issues. The ex-couple's handler Love Capulong also posted a photo on Thursday, February 16, where the two could be seen smiling while waiting to board the plane.

Last February 9, Erich confirmed that she and Daniel broke up after two years together. While both refused to discuss the reason behind their split, people speculated money was an issue because she said in an interview: "Tungkol sa pera, ayoko na po magdetalye tungkol diyan. (With regard to money, I don't want to talk about it.) Like what I said, I just really wanna move on."

Daniel meanwhile denied the report, saying he has worked all his life to provide for him and his family. His sister Vanessa also defended him in the issue. (READ: Erich Gonzales responds to Vanessa Matsunaga's message for her on Instagram) – Rappler.com

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‘Arrival’ Review: Profound, precise, and affecting

February 19, 2017, 1:03 am

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'ARRIVAL.' Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner star in the movie along with Forest Whitaker. Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Louise (Amy Adams) and Ian (Jeremy Renner) first meet on a helicopter ride to the empty field in Montana where an oval spacecraft has ominously decided to hover for whatever reason. Ian tries to talk to her but the sound of the helicopter engine is preventing her from hearing his words. Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker), the military official who recruited them to figure what has motivated the aliens to suddenly arrive (and the only other passenger in the helicopter), prompts Louise to wear her headpiece.

Linguist Louise and scientist Ian finally communicate.

“Language is the backbone of civilization,” reads Ian from the book Louise wrote. He disagrees. It isn’t language. It’s science.

Resonates emotionally

In a work that astounds with specific scenes that inspire awe and spectacle, it is the seemingly mundane initial conversation between Louise and Ian that first conveys the chaos and beauty of communication.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

The film could have conveniently recruited cinematic and poetic license to do away with the banality of having his characters go through machines just to mouth openers but the effect of the cacophony of procedure and sound is quite profound. In a way, the scene subtly carries with it the film’s pressing concerns about this contemporary world where disagreement is the norm. The scene exemplifies the marriage of science and language just so two individuals from distinct disciplines can understand each other amidst the noise.

Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival is a film of breathtaking precision.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Each scene, whether it is of the characters simply committing to their professions or of the mollusk-like extraterrestrials producing symbols out of their limber limbs, provokes weighty conversation. The film borrows genre conventions and shifts them to define two worlds on its own terms. One which exists within Louise’s life and the other, the turbulent one she lives in. The film is both intimate and vast. Its scope is immense, yet despite such breadth, it also resonates emotionally.

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Hope and imperfect humans

Arrival is an arrestingly handsome film. Each frame is composed elegantly, with an attention to shapes and structures, breathtakingly exact. Sound also plays an essential role, giving the picture an uncanny atmosphere and enunciating the tension borne out of imagination instead of artificial action.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Villeneuve allows Louise to occupy the entire picture. The character pervades the film’s mood.

She is first introduced as a woman in the process of going through a loss, with the arrival of the aliens providing her the chance to be preoccupied by work and the possibility of a romantic connection. She is at first awkward within the military operation where her unique expertise is the only reason why she is around, but her persistence permeates her mostly male workplace. Her hopefulness is the soul of Arrival, and her imperfect humanity is the source of its indelible aches.

Adams is astounding here. She portrays Louise with remarkable clarity, allowing the character to exude both the strengths and vulnerabilities that make her empathetic. She grants Arrivalits palpable heart.

Language and miscommunication

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Arrival shows the world on the cusp of apocalypse, not from a physical invasion that is but a product of collective intolerance to the unknown and to the unintelligible.

It depicts a world brimming with jarring dialects, with governments whose motivations are never aligned, with men and women whose disciplines and protocols urge them to disagreement. While language may not be the backbone of civilization, miscommunication may certainly be its demise and humanity’s ability to transcend differences, its chance at salvation. – Rappler.com

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