MANILA, Philippines – Vice Ganda has always wanted to play the role of a superhero. In Star Cinema and Viva Film’s official entry to Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017, Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad, that dream finally came true.  

“Kapag marami ka nang nagagawang project siyempre gusto mo ‘yung susunod mo palaging pwedeng iconic, ‘yung ganun? ‘Yung matatandaan,” Vice said during the blog conference for the movie on December 7.

 (If you've done many projects, of course, you want the next one to be something that's iconic, right? Something that people will remember.)

“Siyempre gusto ko naman pagkatapos ng pelikulang ito, ‘yung ‘pag matanda na ‘ko, ‘pag wala na ‘ko sa showbiz, ‘yung meron ding magre-remake. Parang Darna, Lastikman. ‘Yung naging bahagi na s’ya ng pop culture, bahagi na s'ya ng kamalayan, at nang paglaki ng bawat bata.”

(Of course, after this movie when I'm older, when I'm no longer in showbiz, I want someone to do a remake. Like Darna, Lastikman, which became part of pop culture, part of people's consciousness, and part of growing up.)

When his entry with Coco Martin, Super Parental Guardians, failed to make the cut in 2016's film festival, Vice admitted that they were disheartened. The rejection, however, did not deter them from trying again this year.

“Kaba, meron, pero hesitation wala… Every year, magpapasok lang kami nang magpapasok ng entry. Nasa kanila naman ‘yun kung papapasukin kami or hindi, kung tatanggapin kami. And we wish, we pray, every year na sana tanggapin kami.” 

(We were nervous, but there was no hesitation. Every year, we'll just keep submitting entries. It's up to them [the committee] whether they accept us or not. And we wish, we pray, every year, that they accept our film.) 

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When asked if they made any significant changes to the movie, knowing that the committee imposed a more stringent selection process the year before, the comedian shared that they still decided to go with his brand of comedy.

“Wala kaming binago, the usual. Masayang masaya lang lagi yung pelikula namin, makulay. Every year iba rin naman ang jury, iba rin naman ang mga tao sa committee, kasi ‘di ba subjective nga ang konsepto… iba-iba ang taste ng mga tao, iba yung taste nila last year, iba yung taste nila ngayon.”

 (We did not change anything, it's the usual. Our films are always fun and colorful. Every year the jury is different, and the people in the committee are different, because concepts are subjective... people's tastes are different. They're taste last year was different, their taste this year is different.)

He has also accepted that his role as Gandara will not win him any Best Actor awards. For Vice, making his fans laugh will always be more important than any acting award. Given the choice between having a blockbuster hit and an acting award, Vice would always prefer the former.  

“Hindi naman ako magaling umarte. Nakakatawa lang siguro ako. Ayoko nang i-claim ‘yun, na magaling akong actor. Mas gusto ko na lang na sinasabi ng tao na nakakatawa ‘yung pelikula ko.”

(I don't think I act well. I guess I'm just funny. I don't want to claim that, that I'm a good actor. I'd rather that people said my movie was funny.)

“Ayoko na rin mag-pretend na sabihin na, ‘Ako ay isang artist. Ako’y isang mahusay na aktor.’ Gusto ko lang magpatawa at masaya na ako na kapag pinapanood nila ‘yung pagpapatawa ko ay tumatawa sila. Nandun sa’kin ‘yung achievement.”

(I also don't want to pretend and say, 'I'm an artist. I'm a great actor.' I just want to make people laugh and it already makes me happy when they watch me being funny, they laugh. That's the achievement for me.  

Feud with Coco Martin 

In the interview, Vice also denied rumors about his alleged feud with Coco Martin. According to him, competition between actors is inevitable. He added that, at the end of the day, they are just doing their jobs as entertainers.

“Kasi kung hindi lang naman si Coco, wala namang pagkakataon na isang pelikula lang ang pinalabas ng [Metro] Manila Film Festival talagang marami kang katapat. Kaysa makatapat mo ‘yung iba at kumita yung iba, mas masaya ka na kung ang katapat mo kaibigan mo at pareho kayong kumikita.”

(Because even if it wasn't Coco, there's no chance that there will only be one movie that will be shown during the [Metro] Manila Film Festival, you really have a lot of competition. So instead of competing with others and they earn more, it's much more fun if you're competing with your friend and both of you are earning money.)

Working with Pia and Daniel 

Vice was all praises for his co-actors Pia Wurtzbach and Daniel Padilla. This is Pia’s first major movie, and the comedian said that the beauty queen gave her all for the role.

“Sabi niya [Pia], ‘O-All out ako kasi first [movie] ko, ate. At siyempre laging bongga yung pelikula mo, gusto ko naman makadagdag. Ayoko namang mapagbitangan na nung sumama ako saka chumarat ang eksena nang pelikula mo.’ Kaya ravan din sya. Lahat nang pinagawa, ginawa, wala talaga syang ka-arte arte. Hindi naging problema si Pia."

(She said, 'I'm going all-out, because this is my first [movie]. And of course, your movies are always hits, I want to contribute to that. I don't want to be accused of making your movie bad.' That's why she also gave her best. Everything that was asked of her to do, she did. She has no qualms about doing any scene. Pia was not a problem.) 

As for Daniel, Vice said that his fans will get to see his personality shine through in the movie.

“Hindi ito ‘yung typical na eksena ni Daniel sa La Luna Sangre at sa mga nakaraang pelikula na serious siya, dramatic actor sya. Makikita n’yo yung character ni Daniel parang si Daniel talaga. Kaya ‘yung mga in-arte n’ya dito, sobrang natural, sobrang normal. Ang cute-cute ni Daniel kasi walang ngawit. Wala s’yang pine-pretend. Relax na relax si Daniel.” 

(This is not your typical Daniel scene, like in La Luna Sangre and his past films, where was a serious actor. In this movie, you'll see Daniel be who he really is. That's why all the acting he did here was natural, very normal. Daniel so cute because he was not pretending. Daniel was totally relaxed.) 

Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squadis Star Cinema and Viva Film’s official entry to the MMFF 2017. It premieres nationwide beginning December 25. – Rappler.com,

MANILA, Philippines - Archie Burnand, son of Georgina Wilson and Arthur Burnand, celebrated his 1st birthday party on Saturday, December 16 at the Manila Polo Club, with a sailor-themed party.

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcwue-qBXWp/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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:62.4537037037037% 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/Bcwue-qBXWp/" 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">Our little Archie boo turned 1 today. Thank you so much @ilovegeorgina and @arthurburnand for trusting us in documenting a wonderful milestone! #cocoonstudioph #firstbirthday #ArchiesFirstSail</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Cocoon Studio</a> (@cocoonstudioph) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T11:25:01+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 3:25am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Among those who came to the party were Isabelle Daza and Adrien Semblat, Liz Uy, Raymond Gutierrez, Martine Cajucom, Jessica Wilson, Rajo Laurel, and more.

Scarlet Snow Belo, Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho's daughter also came to the party.

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcxC_tqDXl1/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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:62.5% 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/BcxC_tqDXl1/" 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">My little sailor </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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Georgina Wilson</a> (@ilovegeorgina) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T14:24:15+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 6:24am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcwiOScBFLq/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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:62.5% 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/BcwiOScBFLq/" 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">Our little sailor Archie shark turns 1!! </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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> isabelledaza</a> (@isabelledaza) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T09:37:52+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 1:37am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcwkrkknWoh/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/BcwkrkknWoh/" 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">It&#39;s our pleasure to be part of this beautiful and intimate gathering to celebrate Baby Archie&#39;s 1st birthday! Thank you @ilovegeorgina @arthurburnand @pabyscreatesevents </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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Spud Buds Philippines</a> (@spudbudsph) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T09:59:21+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 1:59am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcwhTxVneiD/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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:48.75% 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/BcwhTxVneiD/" 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">Hayden and Vicky Kho and Scarlet Snow Belo Only. #spudbudsph #spudbudsbirthdayparty #party #foodie #birthday</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Spud Buds Philippines</a> (@spudbudsph) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T09:29:53+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 1:29am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcwdnronUps/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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:59.62962962962963% 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/BcwdnronUps/" 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 for having us, #theburnands! @ilovegeorgina @arthurburnand Happy 1st birthday, Archie! #spudbudsph #spudbudsbirthdayparty #theburnands</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Spud Buds Philippines</a> (@spudbudsph) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T08:57:39+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 12:57am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcxE55vhCLg/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/BcxE55vhCLg/" 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">Omg Archieboo and Snowybear #babyburnand #scarletsnow @ilovegeorgina @arthurburnand</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> The Burnands</a> (@arthur_georgina_archie) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T14:40:55+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 6:40am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcwfHKhhwtV/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/BcwfHKhhwtV/" 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">Sailor Archie 1st birthday celebration  #babyburnand #sailorarchie #theburnands @ilovegeorgina @arthurburnand</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> The Burnands</a> (@arthur_georgina_archie) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T09:10:41+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 1:10am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcwtjnAl-Pb/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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:62.4537037037037% 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/BcwtjnAl-Pb/" 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">Twinning with @archieboooo  Happiest birthday my boi! </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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Liz Uy </a> (@lizzzuy) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T11:16:54+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 3:16am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source} 

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcxEjgkgArr/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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; 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/BcxEjgkgArr/" 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">Guess whose birthday I went to earlier. It&#39;s my cute friend Archieboo&#39;s! Happy birthday! @ilovegeorgina @cocoonstudioph</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Scarlet Snow Belo</a> (@scarletsnowbelo) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T14:37:52+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 6:37am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Georgina and Arthur got married in a church wedding in 2016 in the UK. - Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Former Sexbomb dancer and Banana Sundae cohost Sunshine Garcia is now engaged to Star Magic singer/actor Alex Castro, after he proposed to her before family and friends on Saturday, December 16.

Alex posted the photo of him and Sunshine showing off the engagement ring.

"SlexRoadtoForever," he captioned the photo.

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcxadZtgTGl/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/BcxadZtgTGl/" 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"> #SlexRoadToForever </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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Alex Castro</a> (@bmalexcastro) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T17:49:16+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 9:49am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

He also thanked their friends and family for helping him with the proposal.

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcxYy-GADjq/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/BcxYy-GADjq/" 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 everyone </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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Alex Castro</a> (@bmalexcastro) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-16T17:34:44+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 9:34am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Sunshine on Sunday, December 17 took to Instagram to thank her fiance for the surprise.

"Thank you for loving me, thank you sa pagtupad ng promise mo.. Thank you at binalik mo ang pangarap ko na muntik ko ng kalimutan... I love you hubby.. I love you so much.)

(Thank you for loving me, thank you for fulfilling your promise. Thank you and you brought back that dream of mine I almost forgot. I love you hubby... I love you so much.)

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcycafxFK4N/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/BcycafxFK4N/" 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">Yung inakala ko na lagi na lang ako magiging audience kada may mag propropose at ikakasal. Yung malapit ko ng tanggapin sa sarili ko na baka hindi para sa akin ang ganitong klaseng love story.. Hanggang sa dumating ka at binago mo yun.. Binigyan mo ako ng isang magandang kwento ng LOVE STORY.. Thank you for loving me, thank you sa pagtupad ng promise mo.. Thank you at binalik mo ang pangarap ko na muntik ko ng kalimutan... I love you hubby.. i love you so much!  @bmalexcastro #yeSStoALEX #SSlexroadtoForever #SLEX</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Sunshine Garcia</a> (@sunshine_garcia) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-17T03:25:36+00:00">Dec 16, 2017 at 7:25pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

The couple have been together for two years. -Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Vice Ganda is back in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and this time, he's teaming up with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Teen King Daniel Padilla in Star Cinema's Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad. (READ: Vice Ganda is making his superhero dreams a reality)

Directed by Joyce Bernal, the movie revolves around Emy (Vice), who is protective of his younger brother Chino (Daniel). As evil forces start invading Earth, Emy remembers he's Gandarra, thanks to his friends. Chino's powers are also activated as he turns 21, giving him super speed and earning him the name Rapiddo. The fun and conflict start when another superhero, Kweenie (Pia), enters their lives.

Here are a few things to know about the movie.

1. The inspiration for the costumes. According to Vice, he wanted his costume in the movie to be very colorful.

"Gusto ko 'yung visually [appealing] siya sa mga bata, visually entertaining....'Yung matutuwa 'yung mga bata, 'yung gusto nila magpabili ng gano'n sa nanay nila," he said.

(I want it to be visually appealing to the kids, visually entertaining. I want the kids to love it and have their moms buy it for them.)

"Tapos inisip ko agad mascot. Gusto ko 'yung mascot na gagawin na Gandarra, kaya first 'yung colors ang kinonsider namin, ano 'yung magaganda sa mga mata... matitingkad na pagsasamahin, 'yung mga powers na manggagaling sa damit," he added.

(I immediately thought of a mascot. I wanted a Gandarra mascot, that's why we took into consideration the colors, what would look visually appealing...what vibrant colors would look good together, and the powers that would come from the costume.)

When they were coming up with the concept, Vice said EverWing was the in thing, so he made sure to incorporate some of it into the costume as well as a touch of Sailor Moon. 

As for Daniel's costume, director Joyce Bernal said they made sure that his costume would reflect his manly character as well as his power of speed.

For Pia, the only requirement Joyce wanted was for it to be in gold, suiting her as a former Miss Universe titleholder. 

2. Daniel gets to work with his mom Karla Estrada. Daniel's mother, actress Karla Estrada, is also in the movie. She plays Barna, one of Gandarra's good friends.

"Nagkaroon kami ng mga eksena na magkakasama kaming lahat at medyo mahirap siya dahil masyadong riot sa set 'pag magkakasama sila ermat (mom), sina Vice. Pero masaya na nakita mo 'yung ermat mo, kasama mo sa trabaho mo," Daniel said.

(We have some scenes together and it was quite hard because it's always a riot on the set when my mom, Vice, and everyone else are together. But it was fun being with my mom at work.)

Daniel also said he welcomed his new superhero role since he's been busy taping his soap La Luna Sangre with Kathryn Bernardo, who he confirmed will make a cameo in the movie.

3. This is Pia Wurtzbach's first starring role in a movie. Although she has been in showbiz for many years and has appeared on several television shows, this is Pia's first major film role.

For Pia, there were many firsts for her in the movie.

"First time ko maging starring role sa pelikula and first time ko makasama sila, 'yung ganitong karaming eksena, ganitong karaming lines pero masaya. Ang saya no'ng feeling na binigay sa iyong responsibility na kailangan mo pangalagaan at patunayan na you deserve 'yung spot na iyon," she said.

(This is my first time in a starring role and my first time to work with them, the first time to have many scenes and lines, but it was fun. It just feels good that they gave me this responsibility that I have to cherish and I have to prove I deserve this role.)

"So tinake ko siya as a challenge and nag-enjoy ako, nag-enjoy talaga ako sa movie na ito at habang palapit na 'yung showing, talagang nagiging excited na ako na mapanood 'yung outcome ng pelikula, mapanood ng buong-buo," she added.

(So I took it as a challenge and I really enjoyed it, I enjoyed doing this film and as the showing approaches, I'm getting excited to see how the movie turned out, to watch it in full.)

4. Vice Ganda's affection for children. Just like in last year's movie with Coco Martin, Vice got to work with kids again. According to him, he never thought he would have affection for children.

"Dati hindi ako masyadong mahilig sa bata. Pero dahil nakapag-host na po ako ng It's Showtime, may mga segments kami na pangbata, napalapit sila sa akin," he said.

(I wasn't too fond of children before. But after hosting It's Showtime segments geared toward children, I've grown fond of them.)

Does he have plans to adopt? Vice said he's not keen on the idea of adopting a child just for someone to take care of him.

"Ang dami kasi nagsasabi na paano iyan, 'pag tumanda ka, walang mag-aalaga sa iyo. I just found it so selfish na iyon 'yung dahilan kaya mag-aanak ka, na gusto mo may mag-alaga sa iyo. Para sa akin, gusto mo magkaanak dahil gusto mo maging magulang, hindi para may mag-alaga sa iyo," he explained.

(Many have told me that no one would take care of me when I get old. I just found it so selfish that you would want to have a child only so someone would take care of you. For me, you should want to have a child because you want to be a parent, not to have someone who would take care of you.)

Vice also said he would not want to put the child in a situation where he or she would be asked about having a gay parent.

"Pakiwari ko ay hindi pa handa ang lipunan sa Pilipinas para doon," he added. (I don't think Philippine society is ready for that.)

5. Vice finds a "mom" in director Joyce Bernal. This is the second time Vice is working with Joyce, after she directed his 2016 movie The Super Parental Guardians.

Asked about their working relationship, Vice said: "Sobra na akong kampante kasi may umanak na rin sa akin, may umampon sa akin." (I'm at ease now because she took me in as one of her children, like someone adopted me.)

"Masaya ako at masaya din si Direk Wenn for sure na nagkatagpo kami ni Direk Joyce," he said of director Wenn Deramas, who died in 2016. (I'm happy and for sure Direk Wenn is also happy that Direk Joyce and I found each other.)

Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad also stars Loisa Andallo, MC Mwah, Lassy, Wacky Kiray, and JJ Quilantang. The movie hits theaters on December 25. – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON DC, USA – Star Wars: The Last Jedi soared to $220 million on its North American opening weekend, data released Sunday, December 17, showed, backing up months of hype and earning critical praise even as early audiences didn't quite feel the Force.

The latest installment of the epic space opera was bettered only by 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the first movie in the saga's sequel trilogy which took $248 million on its debut weekend and a total gross of $937 million.

But despite a "certified fresh" rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and lofty comparisons to The Empire Strikes Back, widely seen as the best film in the franchise, 95,000 movie-goers were less enthused, bestowing it a 56% average that was colder than the ice planet Hoth.

The numbers could still converge, but the discrepancy so far is unusual.

By comparison, The Force Awakens received a 93% critic score and 88% audience rating, while 2016 spin-off Rogue One: A Star Wars Story got 85% and 87% respectively.

The Last Jedi sees the return of the characters introduced in J.J. Abrams's first entry in the rebooted trilogy, and is also the last outing for character Leia Organa, played by Carrie Fisher, who died last December.

Box office figures are a poor measure of a film's popularity compared to older releases because they do not take inflation into account.

The Last Jedi was followed in second place by Ferdinand, a computer-animated comedy about a bull with a big heart often mistaken for a dangerous beast, which took $13 million on what was also its debut weekend.

Last weekend's number one Coco, a colorful Pixar movie set in Mexico, was beat out to third place with $10 million. 

It has now earned $150.8 million in North America since its release four weeks ago, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Feel-good film Wonder starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay slid to fourth, taking $5.4 million.

The movie tells the story of a determined fifth-grade boy with a facial deformity who must deal with rudeness and bullying by schoolmates.

Warner Bros. superhero film Justice League, featuring Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman and Jason Momoa as Aquaman, plus Ciaran Hinds as a supervillain, fell to fifth with $4.2 million.

The figures from Exhibitor Relations are industry projections released prior to the conclusion of the weekend.

Rounding out the top ten were:

• Daddy's Home 2 ($3.8 million)
• Thor: Ragnarok ($2.9 million)
• The Disaster Artist ($2.6 million)
• Murder On The Orient Express ($2.5 million)
• Lady Bird ($2.1 million) 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The music video for Ed Sheeran and Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli's collaboration for "Perferct Symphony" has been released online.

Shot in Tsucany, Italy, where Andrea resides, the video shows the "Shape of You" singer and the Italian star talking and getting know each other as they record the song.

On Instagram, Ed wrote of the collaboration: "Had an amazing experience recording this version of Perfect with [Andrea Bocelli Official]  at his home in Tuscany. "

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bct04MFF3gW/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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:28.10185185185185% 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/Bct04MFF3gW/" 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">Had an amazing experience recording this version of Perfect with @andreabocelliofficial at his home in Tuscany. Track is out now &amp; video of me recording it is up on my YouTube channel x</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Ed Sheeran</a> (@teddysphotos) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-15T08:24:20+00:00">Dec 15, 2017 at 12:24am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Ed, who released his album Divide early this year, confirmed he was releasing another version of the song during an interview on Today last December 8. A version of the song with Beyoncé was released on November 30.

{source} <iframe width="100%" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/817P8W8-mGE" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

-Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Siargao, an island known for surfing, takes the spotlight in a movie of the same name starring Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. Paul Soriano, who is the man behind films such as Kid Kulafu and Dukot, directed the movie.

Jericho plays Diego, a musician who returns to his hometown of Siargao to take a break from the chaotic life in Manila. There, he meets Laura (Erich), a fashion and beauty vlogger nursing a broken heart after her boyfriend dumped her. Along the way, they challenge each other as feelings grow between them. For Diego, returning to Siargao also means facing his past, including ex-flame Abi (Jasmine).

Written by Anj Pessumal and also featuring some of the Philippines' popular surfers, Siargao gives a glimpse of what the surfing capital has to offer. Here are a few facts about the movie.

1. Siargao is a lighter film for director Paul Soriano. Paul, who has done serious films in the past, said he decided to do Siargao because he has been to the island many times.

"I've been going to Siargao 5 or 6 years ago. A couple of my good friends introduced the island to me. And it was one of those things that I went there and fell in love with the whole environment of Siargao," he said in a press conference on December 13.

"And about two years ago, my friends in the island kind of challenged me, 'Hey, you wanna tell a story here, you wanna make a film?' Of course, why not, it was very visual... it allows me to see everything."

According to Paul, the whole cast and crew had so much fun because of Siargao's vibe that the challenge was to work.

He added that he is open to the possibility of doing a comedy film in the future.

2. This is the first time Jericho worked with Jasmine and Erich. Jericho and Erich share the same management, Star Magic, but this is the first time they are working together in a movie.

On working with Erich, Jericho shared that he would often change the lines during their scenes and catch the actress by surprise. The two stars were able to establish a connection with each other.

The movie also serves as a mini-reunion for Jasmine and Paul. Paul was a producer of the movie Transit, for which Jasmine won a Best Supporting Actress award in Cinemalaya.

3. Jericho clarifies he did not pick Siargao over his supposed reunion film with Jennylyn Mercado.

Last June, it was reported that Jericho and Jennylyn were supposed to do their second movie under the direction of Dan Villegas. But after the death of Jericho's dad, he backed out. The role eventually went to Derek Ramsay.

At the press conference, Jericho took the opportunity to clarify the issue. He said that he talked to Jennylyn, Dan, and lawyer Joji Alonso, producer of the movie, about his decision. After declining the movie, he started doing Siargao, and upon learning it was part of the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, he immediately asked Paul if it were okay, to which he got an assurance.

"I'm still going to work with Attorney [Alonso] and Jen and baka maging partner pa kami ni Derek someday (Derek and I might even be paired up someday)," Jericho said in jest.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jericho clarifies the issue he picked Siargao over his movie with Jennylyn Mercado. <a href="https://t.co/aOhiFAccbI">pic.twitter.com/aOhiFAccbI</a></p>&mdash; alexa villano (@alexavillano) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexavillano/status/940838011100639232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

4. The movie has appearances by top surfers and Wil Dasovich. Two of the country's top surfers, Luke Landrigan and Wilmar Melindo, appear in Siargao. The movie also has an appearance by model and YouTube personality Wil Dasovich, who is currently fighting cancer.

According to Paul, he got to know Wil in some TV commercials. He described the model as someone with a positive attitude.

"If you guys go [to Siargao], there's a good mix of Filipinos and foreigners... so we had to have the foreign element and I thought of Wil – he just had to play himself. So I just told Wil when I talked to him, I said that you just need to play yourself and I think he was on the first flight to Siargao," the director said.

"On the set, he was full of energy. Up to this date, very supportive. I think he just blogged about his 3-second cameo in the trailer. So that part was actually nice to watch. With whatever he is going through, we continue to pray for him."

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/BcYtqXbhHBj/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/BcYtqXbhHBj/" 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">Inay!!! Artista na akooo!!!!char The official trailer for @siargaothemovie is out and here is a clip with your boi in it! After seeing 3 seconds of my acting I’ve already considered doing the “Try not to cringe challenge” as i watch myself attempt to act and “be myself” which is actually really hard. My role was literally to be a half drunk partying me and i even wear my chonggo hat the entire movie  I’ll start releasing the BTS vlogs in a couple weeks which contains all the real drama, scandals, chuchu that doesn’t make it to the big screen. Great news as it made it in the Manila Film Festival and will be airing on Christmas Day so be sure to see my movie acting debut and this wonderful piece from the most lit director in the PI, the homie, the goat, the man the myth the legend direk Paul Walwal Soriano @paulsoriano1017! #SiargaoMMFF #TakeMeToSiargao #mmff2017</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Wil Dasovich</a> (@wil_dasovich) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-07T03:54:01+00:00">Dec 6, 2017 at 7:54pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}  

5. It's Erich Gonzales' "cartharsis" film. The movie is somewhat of a catharsis for Erich, who went through a controversial breakup with Brazilian-Japanese model and actor Daniel Matsunaga in February. She found herself working out, doing Siargao, and was announced as the Tanduay calendar girl for 2018.

"Dumating ako sa punto ng buhay ko na kung hindi ko pa gagawin ngayon, kailan pa. I'm ready for it (showing some skin) na. 'Di na tayo bata pa. So iyon po, dumating 'yung project and perfect timing po naman lahat," Erich said.

(I came to the point in my life that if I don't do it now, when will I do it? I'm ready for it. I'm not getting any younger. So that's it, the project came and the timing for everything was really perfect.)

According to Erich, she finished another film before Siargao came. She considered the movie as a blessing since she was going through a rough time then.

"Sobrang nakakarelate ako sa character ko, si Laura. No'ng time po na iyon, ano tayo, 'love yourself' – eat, pray, love... so perfect timing po siya."

(I can relate to my character, Laura. At the time we were filming Siargao, my mantra was, "love yourself" – eat, pray, love... so it was really perfect timing.)

Siargao opens on December 25. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – K-Pop boy group SHINee's lead vocalist Kim Jonghyun was found dead in an apartment in Cheongdam, Gangnam on Monday, December 18.

Korean media outlets, including the Yonhap News Agency, quoted Gangnam police as saying that the singer died in an apparent suicide. He was 27 years old.

According to Yonhap, the police also confirmed that Jonghyun's sister received his suicide note through text message.

The singer reportedly said, "Please let me go. Tell me I did well."

He added, "Final farewell."

Media outlet Instiz reported that an autopsy has been conducted but coroners declined to give a statement after they went out of the hospital.

In a statement, translated by Koreaboo, SHINee's talent agency SM Entertainment confirmed Jonghyun's death.

"Our sadness cannot compare to the pain of his family, who had to say goodbye to a son and a brother. But we have spent a long time with him, and SHINee members and SM Entertainment staff are all in deep mourning and shock," said SM Entertainment.

"Jonghyun loved music more than anybody else and he was an artist who did the best to perform his absolute best on stage. It breaks our heart to have to bring this news to fans who loved Jonghyun so much."

SM Entertainment also appealed for respect and privacy on behalf of the singer's family.

"Please refrain from reporting on rumors and guesswork so the family of the deceased can honor him in peace. As per the wish of the family, the funeral will be held quietly with his relatives and company colleagues," said the talent agency.

Nearly half of Twitter's worldwide trending topics on Monday night were related to Jonghyun, including the Korean phrase for "rest in peace" as well as "Shawols," what SHINee fans are called.

SHINee debuted in 2008 with the song "Noona, You're So Pretty." – Rappler.com 

The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation has a depression and suicide prevention hotline to help those secretly suffering from depression. The numbers to call are ‎804-4673 and ‎0917-558-4673. Globe and TM subscribers may call the toll-free number 2919. More information is available on its website. It's also on Twitter (@NGFoundationPH) and Facebook.

MANILA, Philippines - Big Bang member Taeyang and his girlfriend, actress Min Hyo-rin are engaged. The couple are set to marry early 2018.

Taeyang shared the news on Instagram Monday, December 18.

"Hello everyone, this is Taeyang.  Today, I want to share with you guys about the most important and joyful promise I have made in my life. 
I have pledged to spend the rest of my life with Min Hyorin, the one who has always stuck by me for the past 4 years. Through all the good times and the bad times, she has always believed in me and now I look forward to making a beautiful life together. 

"To all the fans who always treated me as if I was family, to all of my Big Bang members, to all of my YG family, to everyone I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with and meet, I want to say THANK YOU. I will continue to live my life with responsibility and humility. My hope is that you will continue to support us and give your blessings for our future ahead as a couple."

{source} <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc1oT3KgrDj/ data-instgrm-version="8" 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/Bc1oT3KgrDj/" 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">안녕하세요. 태양입니다. 오늘 제 인생에 있어 가장 중요하고 행복한 약속을 여러분들께 알리려고 합니다. 4년이라는 오랜시간동안 늘 한결같이 제 곁을 지켜준 민효린씨와 앞으로의 여생을 함께 하기로 맹세했습니다. 힘들 때나 좋을 때나 언제나 변치않고 저를 믿어준 사람이기에 이제는 그녀와 함께 아름다운 가정을 꾸리고 싶습니다. 그동안 서로 마주보며 다져온 사랑을, 앞으로도 둘이 같이 한곳을 바라보며 걸어가겠습니다. 저를 가족처럼 아껴주신 모든 팬분들과 빅뱅 멤버들 그리고 YG 식구들, 관계자 분들 진심으로 감사드립니다. 앞으로 더욱 책임감있고 겸손한 모습으로 살아가겠습니다. 태양과 민효린 저희 두 사람이 마주할 앞 날을 축복해 주시면 감사하겠습니다. Hello everyone, this is Taeyang. Today, I want to share with you guys about the most important and joyful promise I have made in my life. I have pledged to spend the rest of my life with Min Hyorin, the one who has always stuck by me for the past four years. Through all the good times and the bad times, she has always believed in me and now I look forward to making a beautiful life together. To all the fans who always treated me as if I was family, to all of my Big Bang members, to all of my YG family, to everyone I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with and meet, I want to say THANK YOU. I will continue to live my life with responsibility and humility. My hope is that you will continue to support us and give your blessings for our future ahead as a couple.</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 <a href="http://go.rappler.com/&lt;Macro &#39;profile_link&#39;&gt;" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> TAEYANG</a> (@__youngbae__) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-18T09:07:16+00:00">Dec 18, 2017 at 1:07am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source} 

According to a report from The Korea Herald, Taeyang and Min Hyo-rin are set to marry in February 2018 before the singer's enlistment in the military.

The couple confirmed they were dating back in 2015. Min Hyo-rin appeared in Taeyang's video "1AM."

Taeyang rose to fame as part of Big Bang alongside G-Dragon , TOP, Seungri, and Daesung. The group is known for their songs such as "Fantastic Baby" and "Haru Haru." - Rappler.com 

Did you know that after the first two days of the Metro Manila Film Festival, cinemas assigned to screening a particular entry already have the option to drop that film and choose to show another better performing movie?

I hope that doesn’t happen to our musical/historical/drama film, Ang Larawan.

Ang Larawan can be described as being the most different, most unusual of all the 8 finalists that made it into this year's festival roster. I would even go as far as to say that this type of film has never been done. I will explain the reason for that later.

Our movie is so out-of-the-box that it's easy for some to dismiss it as being "not commercial" despite the star-studded cast.

If you intend to watch Ang Larawan based on what you've already heard about it, God bless your heart. I will stake my reputation on this promise: you will not regret spending P285 and two hours of your life.

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To those still unconvinced, as one of the lead actors and producers of Ang Larawan, do allow me to make a case for why it's an important film for you and your family to experience on Christmas Day, or the very latest, on December 26. 

Here are my top 5 reasons why you shouldn't miss it.

1. Joanna Ampil deserves to win the Best Actress award.

If your reaction to this is, "Joanna who?" and you have not had the chance to catch this well established West End actress in Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, or the local production of Bridges of Madison County, you are in for a pleasant surprise. It’s clear why she continues to be one of the most in demand international Pinay actors today. After working on our film, she was once again called to headline the world tour of Cats, which she has been doing for the past few years.

I play the soft-spoken, old maid Paula Marasigan and Joanna plays my older sister, the outwardly strong and stern, Candida. To say that Candida is no easy role is a huge understatement, but Joanna not only nailed it, her heartbreaking performance was also jaw-dropping. And I had the best view.

In one scene, I was just a few feet away from her as she spoke some of the most painful dialogue, gave me a split-second look of regret – like she was saying sorry and wanted to hug me and take it all back – and then the next second, willed herself to walk away. She said all that with just one look. Damn, Joanna!

2. You’ll get goosebumps with Ryan Cayabyab's music, played by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

What can I say? I have been obsessed with Mr C's music for Ang Larawan since I first heard it when it was staged as a musical at the CCP in the late '90s. When I had to re-learn it for the film, I didn't have to do much of anything. It was all still there – the beautiful words of National Artist Rolando Tinio, and the haunting melodies of Ryan. It was like an intact file in my brain – all I had to do was click on it and it came tumbling out.

A review by Lawrence Harmon, former columnist for the Boston Globe, best describes it: "Lush orchestration accompanies the vocal passages, which are interspersed with spoken dialogue, memorable duets, and choral segments equal to the best of Broadway or London’s West End."

In my humble view, Ang Larawan is not only Ryan's best work, it is BETTER than some of those hit musicals. Don't take my word for it – before we open, get a copy of the OST released by Star Music on Spotify, iTunes, etc, and as a limited edition vinyl record from our website.

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3. You will cry buckets.

Thanks to the masterful direction of award-winning film director and Broadway scenic designer Loy Arcenas, Ang Larawan's plot unfolds seemingly slowly at first, but the drama intensifies and never lets up until the breathtaking finale. Combine excellent storytelling with Gino Gonzales' flawless production design and Boy Yñiguez's cinematography, and every frame of the film is a work of art. In fact, it is the first Filipino film this year to have been rated A unanimously by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Fans of National Artist Nick Joaquin's beloved play Portrait of the Artist as Filipino, on which the film is based, will find that the story is further clarified and the characters fleshed out more in this film adaptation. One of the critics that attended our recent preview even remarked that this was the first time he fully understood the story and its relevance.

Most of our audiences, including the Japanese people who came to watch when we had our world premiere in Tokyo, wept as they cheered for Candida and Paula. As a Filipino, you too will shed tears of pride.

4. It has never been done.

What makes this film so utterly unique is that the dialogue is alternately spoken and sung, so there are no clear lines between speaking and singing. It will strike you as odd at first, but then it will feel completely natural because the melodies fit the words like a glove.

The sound mixing is so good that the spoken and singing parts blend seamlessly. If anything, the melodies enhance the emotion of the dialogue.

We Filipinos are such a musical people that it makes perfect sense to me that one of the best ways we can tell a story is through song.

5. Paula and Paulo's on-screen chemistry. Haha

As mentioned earlier, I am Paula, and the Paulo I'm referring to is Paulo Avelino, who plays Tony Javier, the handsome boarder who further complicates the lives of the Marasigan sisters.

Perhaps I shouldn't be the one saying this (the hubby may kill me), but there is a scene where the innocent Paula is seduced by the ravishing Tony and sparks fly all over the place.

I'd tell you it was difficult for me to look convincing; it took all my acting abilities to make that look real and truthful. But chances are, you've at least seen photos of Paulo and you'd call me a big, fat liar!

And there you have it, folks. Have I at least enticed you to check out Ang Larawan? Perhaps you're one of those planning to sit out MMFF completely, just waiting for the Hollywood films to come back in January. Maybe reading this made you at least curious to come and watch a Tagalog film?

If you are planning to see Ang Larawan, all I ask is that you don't delay. My fervent wish is that you catch us on Christmas Day. – Rappler.com

Rachel Alejandro is a singer-actress-entrepreneur. For more on Ang Larawan, visit www.anglarawan.com or Ang Larawan Movie on Facebook. Follow Rachel Alejandro on Facebook and @racheljalejandro on Instagram. 

MANILA, Philippines – Rachel Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, and Ryan Cayabyab are heading to Rappler HQ for one last Live Jam session this 2017!

Singers and actresses Rachel and Celeste are two of the cast members of the Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Ang Larawan, a historical drama based on Nick Joaquin's A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino.

The two artists will be backed on keys by none other than Mr C himself, who composed the movie's music.

Together, they'll be performing a few songs from the musical and a few Christmas tunes to close the year and ring in 2018. 

Catch them on Tuesday, December 19, by bookmarking this page or by tuning in to fb.com/rapplerdotcom! – Rappler.com

SEOUL, South Korea – A top K-pop star bemoaned feeling "broken from inside" and "engulfed" by depression in a suicide note, it emerged Tuesday, December 19, as his death sent shockwaves among fans worldwide. 

Kim Jonghyun, the 27-year-old lead singer of the massively popular K-pop boyband SHINee, was found in a Seoul hotel room on Monday, December 18, in what police said was suicide. 

Kim's close friend, musician Nain9, released a suicide note on Tuesday on her Instagram account, saying he had asked her to publish the message in the event of his death. 

"I am broken from inside. The depression that gnawed on me slowly has finally engulfed me entirely," it said, adding he "couldn't defeat it anymore".

"I was so alone," he went on. "The act of ending is difficult. I've lived until now because of that difficulty."

"Please tell me I did a good job," he implored, ending the note with: "You've worked hard. You've really gone through a lot. Goodbye." 

Five-member SHINee debuted in 2008 and went on to lead the "Korean Wave" that saw South Korean pop culture develop followings across Asia and beyond.

Known for peppy songs and carefully-choreographed dance numbers performed with military precision, SHINee have become one of the world's best-known K-pop acts.

The band have released 5 albums that swept charts at home and abroad, with some topping the US Billboard World Albums chart. 

The band's agents SM Entertainment – which dominates K-pop and has several other top acts under its wings – said Kim's funeral would be held on Thursday, December 21. 

"Other members of SHINee as well as other artists at our company are all mourning his death amid deep sorrow and shock," it said in a statement. 

Many other K-pop stars at the firm cancelled public appearances to visit the mourning altar at a Seoul hospital where his body lies, with hundreds of tearful fans also in attendance. 

"It looks certain that it was a suicide," police told a briefing. "So we plan to close the case without autopsy as requested by the family."

Ultra-competitive society

Social media was flooded by thousands of messages of mourning, with photos showing throngs of fans sobbing near a makeshift memorial set up outside the Korean embassy in Santiago, Chile.

Kim was pronounced dead shortly after being moved to a hospital. A coal briquette was found burning on a frying pan in the room where he was found – a common method of suicide in South Korea. 

The country – known for its ultra-competitive society – has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with the deaths of public figures and celebrities often making headlines.

K-pop stars go through cutthroat competition and grueling, years-long training by their agents, who dictate everything from the artists' music style to diet regimen and even mobile phone use.

Many are also pressed to maintain squeaky-clean and wholesome images at all times, smiling throughout their public appearances and staying away from "troubles" such as romantic relationships.

Kim earlier sent his sister several text messages saying "This is my last farewell" and "Please let me go and say I did a good job", prompting her to make an emergency phone call to police. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Korean pop superstar Kim Jonghyun of SHINee left a devastated K-Pop scene as the police and its talent agency SM Entertainment confirmed his death on Monday, December 18.

The official account of SHINee posted a statement on both Facebook and Twitter, mourning the loss of its lead vocalist.

According to Yonhap news' translation, "Jonghyun is the best artist who loves music, enjoys the stage and cherishes communicating with fans through music," the statement ended with, "We will remember you forever."

The official social media accounts of the group also changed their display and cover photos to black.

Korean pop stars, whom Jonghyun has worked with for the past 10 years, also demonstrated their grief on their social media accounts.

Former EXO member Huang Zitao wrote a statement in Korean showing his grief over the loss of Jonghyun, whom he considered his senior. He says, in a translation provided by fans, that one of Jonghyun's songs motivated him to work hard.

"The first time I've been to the TV station was also the first time I've heard the song "Hot Times," it left a beautiful memory to me." Huang Zitao also added, "Because of this song and its stage, it made me want to practice more so I could stand on stage as soon as possible."

 

자수없는...그때날씨가 또 참추워서는데 처음 한국갔을때 처음 방송국 갈때 hot times라는 노래가 처음 들었어요 너무아름다운추억이남겼어요 이무대때문에 노래 때문에 너무빨리무대가고싶었어고 연습또빨리하고싶었어요 힘이돼줘서 고마워요 한국에서 처음으로 만나던선배님 형이였어요 지금이시간에 저는 그냥 기분이 그녕 얘기가할수없는기분인거같에....

A post shared by Z.TAO黄子韬 (@hztttao) on Dec 18, 2017 at 7:53am PST

Day6 member Park Jaehyun also expressed his grief on a Twitter post, saying SHINee's Kim Jonghyun was one of his first Korean influences.

As one of my first Korean influences, my heart aches for this tragedy. From the bottom of my heart, may he rest in peace.

— Day6 Jae (@Jae_Day6) December 18, 2017

FT Island's Lee Hongki, whose band debuted around the same time as SHINee, updated his Instagram with a picture of him and Jonghyun, expressing his sadness and wishing that Jonghyun will find happiness at last.

 

너무 슬프다 손이 떨린다 비슷한 시기에 데뷔해서 정말 친하게잘지냈는데 뭐가 널 힘들게 했는지는 몰라도 부디 그곳에선 좋은일만 있길바래 종현아

A post shared by 홍기 이 (@skullhong12) on Dec 18, 2017 at 5:09am PST

Jo Kwon from 2AM posted an image of his performance with Jonghyun on Instagram. His caption says, according to a translation from Soompi, “A shining boy has become a star. May you rest in peace.”

 

2008년 같은 해 데뷔,꿈을 이루기 위해 같은 간절한 마음으로 준비했겠지,그 마음 소중히 간직 한채 이젠 힘들지 않았으면해 .. 반짝이던 아이가 별이 되었다 - 삼가고인의명복을빕니다

A post shared by 조권 JO KWON (@kwon_jo) on Dec 18, 2017 at 8:29am PST

In light of Jonghyun's death, Pledis Entertainment cancelled the airing of their variety show Going Seventeen this week in a tweet notifying fans. Seventeen member Hoshi is known to be a huge fan of SHINee.

This is PLEDIS Entertainment. 'GOING SEVENTEEN EP.28' that was supposed to be released 10:10pm today (18th) will take a pause for a week. We would like to apologize to CARATs who have waited for 'GOING SEVENTEEN' and to ask for your kind understanding.

— pledis17_STAFF (@pledis17_STAFF) December 18, 2017

Fans from all over the world also show their support for SHINee, and express their sadness over the loss of one of its members.

Tearful Korean SHINee fans gather to visit the altar of Kim Jonghyun at a hospital in Seoul, South Korea.

In a vigil organized by Team SHINee Chile, fans are captured in a video singing SHINee's debut song "Replay" or "Noona, You're so Pretty" mourning over the loss of one of the members of their favorite K-pop group.

Filipino SHINee fans, headed by SHINee World Philippines, will be organizing a send-off and vigil for Kim Jonghyun tomorrow, December 20, in Quezon City. A second send-off event and vigil will be held on December 23.

On social media, international fans put up a rose as their display photo to commemmorate Kim Jonghyun.

a shawol made a project, it's called #RosesForJonghyun. Instead of using plain white icons, please use this instead since it has been mentioned that Jonghyun loves red.
I hope everyone participates.
RT TO SPREAD THE PROJECT pic.twitter.com/FStcEzWg5P

— you did well jonghyun (@ultjeonkuk) December 18, 2017

Kim Jonghyun lamented that he felt "broken from inside" and "engulfed" by depression in a suicide note, it emerged Tuesday, December 19, as his death sent shockwaves among fans worldwide. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It is very tempting to simply proclaim Akiyuki Shinbo and Nobuyuki Takeuchi’s Fireworks as slight. 

The film, which unfortunately comes at the heels of Makoto Shinkai’s hugely successful Your Name (2016), and seemingly borrows the overwhelming appeal of the youthful romance of that film’s star-crossed lovers, lacks scope and ambition, somewhat satisfied with the trivial dalliance of teenagers. 

Alternate universes

An adaptation of a 1993 50-minute made-for-TV movie by Shunji Iwai of All About Lily Chou Chou (2001), Fireworks fluently echoes the tender charms of youth by putting the film’s implausible conceit in the background while the rather mundane coming-of-age of very curious youth is up front and center. It is probably this decision to keep the clever fantasy very subdued that ultimately underwhelms viewers who expect the same high from Your Name’s astutely conceived love story.

While Fireworks isn’t convincing as a love story, it is quite lovely as a coming-of-age tale.

Best friends Norimichi (Masaki Suda) and Yusuke (Mamoru Miyano) are both secretly in love with Nazuna (Suzu Hirose). However, Nazuna is about to move out of town because her mom ia getting remarried. During the fireworks ceremony at their seaside town, Norimichi, Yusuke and some of their friends plan a trek to the town’s highest point to finally answer whether or not fireworks are flat or round. Nazuna, on the other hand, is planning on leaving town, taking Norimichi with her.

The magic happens when after a series of miscalculated events, Norimichi ends up witnessing Nazuna be dragged back to her house by her mother, forcing him to wish for a certain event not to happen, resulting in an alternate sequence of events. In a desire for the most perfect ending for Norimichi and Nazuna, alternate universes are piled, eventually blurring the lines that separate imagination from reality.

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Visually sumptuous

One thing is definite: Fireworks is visually sumptuous. 

The film mixes hand-drawn animation with occasional computer-generated effects that add slivers of spectacle to the film’s mostly sober atmosphere. 

What is most intriguing however is the film’s insistence on infusing a certain sensuality to its look and mood. While Fireworks feels like it is preoccupied with carving comedy out of the immaturity of its characters and churning out gags and jokes from their naughty curiosities, it also deals with how such veiled anonymity to the opposite sex is transitioning towards beautiful discovery. 

In fact, the film obsesses over the fickleness of youth, their reckless temperament and their propensity to live in the moment. Its conceit of granting a teenager the ability to escape regret by allowing him to relive the past to cure bad decisions is a fantasy that is apt to describe the peculiarities of growing up.  

Obvious charms 

Fireworks isn’t perfect entertainment, but it has its obvious charms. It really isn’t very hard to fall for its not so mysterious allure. – 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.

WASHINGTON DC, USA – At a time when the media is being accused of peddling "fake news," Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, and Tom Hanks are bringing Hollywood star power to a movie celebrating journalism and the virtues of a free press.

The Post, which comes out in theaters in the United States on Friday, December 22, recounts the nail-biting behind-the-scenes story of the 1971 publication by The Washington Post of the Pentagon Papers, which exposed the lies behind US involvement in the Vietnam War.

Directed by Spielberg, whose long list of credits includes Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List, Jaws and E.T., The Post stars Streep as aristocratic Post publisher Katharine Graham and Hanks as the newspaper's scrappy executive editor Ben Bradlee.

The drama at the heart of the film revolves around Graham's decision to go ahead and publish the Pentagon Papers, a move which could have had potentially fatal consequences for the family newspaper she took over 8 years earlier upon the suicide of her husband.

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The Pentagon Papers, leaked by whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, were a 7,000-page classified report which determined – contrary to the public assertions of US government officials – that the Vietnam conflict was unwinnable.

The New York Times published excerpts until the administration of president Richard Nixon obtained a court injunction barring the newspaper from continuing to do so on national security grounds.

That's where the Post stepped in, braving legal and financial peril to take up the torch.

Spielberg, Streep, and Hanks attended a screening of The Post at the shrine to journalism, the Newseum, in Washington last week, located just a few blocks from the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Not present but looming over the event was President Donald Trump, who has waged a vitriolic campaign against media outlets he believes are unfair to him.

Trump has been particularly scathing about CNN and The New York Times but he has also repeatedly attacked the Post, calling it "dishonest," "phony" and – his favorite – "fake news."

He refers to the newspaper in his tweets as the "Amazon Washington Post," a reference to Jeff Bezos, the owner of online retail giant Amazon who purchased the Post from the Graham family in 2013.

'A movie about patriotism'

Speaking to reporters on the red carpet at the Newseum screening, Spielberg, Hanks, and Streep – once dismissed by Trump as "overrated" – were reluctant to call out the president by name and downplayed suggestions the movie was a shot across the bow of his White House.

"I think it's very, very important that our movie is seen not as a political, partisan play on the part of what they call the liberal media or Hollywood," Spielberg said.

"I see it not as a partisan movie," he said, "but a movie about patriotism and a movie about the courageous media, the Fourth Estate, and what they did to be able to get the Pentagon Papers published, which then led to Watergate."

Watergate, of course, was the subject of a 1976 Hollywood blockbuster in which The Washington Post also played a starring role – "All the President's Men" featuring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

Despite Spielberg's protestations, reviewers are finding parallels inescapable between The Post and its championing of the media and the non-stop vilification of the press by Trump.

"('The Post') takes you back to a time when the outcome was precarious, and the freedoms we thought we took for granted hung in the balance," said Variety. "Just as they do today."

For The New Yorker, The Post is "not a period movie."

"Instead, it is squarely addressed to the present day, striving for the urgency of a headline," it said. "The film is here to warn us of fresh threats to press freedom."– Chris Lefkow, AFP/Rappler.com

PARIS, France – With his suicide, Kim Jong-Hyun, lead singer of South Korean boyband SHINee, joins an ill-fated group of famous rock stars who passed away at 27 – the so-called "27 Club." (READ: SHINee's Jonghyun dead in apparent suicide)

He was found on Monday in a hotel room in the South Korean capital Seoul in what police said was suicide.

Rolling Stones founding member Brian Jones, guitarist Jimi Hendrix, singer Janis Joplin, The Doors singer Jim Morrison, Nirvana singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain, and British soul singer Amy Winehouse are the other major "members" of the notorious club. (READ: K-Pop stars, fans mourn death of SHINee's Jonghyun)

Amy Winehouse

Winehouse, one of Britain most famous soul singers, was found dead in her bed at her London flat on July 23, 2011 after years of drug and alcohol addiction.

The singer of "Back to Black" and "Rehab", won 6 Grammy awards, one of them posthumously. She died of alcohol poisoning.

Kurt Cobain

Cobain, who died on April 5, 1994, had a well-documented struggle with heroin during his brief career with US grunge rockers Nirvana. But it was not drugs that claimed his life, but his own hand.

Just weeks after taking an overdose of tranquilisers in Rome, Cobain, who was married to troubled rocker Courtney Love and best known for the hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit," killed himself with a shotgun at his house in Seattle.

Jim Morrison

On July 3, 1971, the US Doors singer of the hits "Light My Fire" and the brooding masterpiece "The End" died in his bathtub in his Paris flat, alcoholic and obese, after suffering a heart attack.

His grave is one of the most visited at the Pere-Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

Janis Joplin

On October 4, 1970, US singer Joplin, known for her bluesy vocal style, dies of a suspected heroin overdose. Her album "Pearl" was released posthumously and became her biggest seller.

Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix, the pioneering US guitar wizard whose whose hits included "Purple Haze" and "Hey Joe," died on September 18, 1970.

He choked on his own vomit in a hotel in London after swallowing sleeping pills and drinking red wine.

Brian Jones

Jones, who left the Rolling Stones after disagreements with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, had problems with drugs and alcohol.

He drowned in the swimming pool on his estate in Sussex, southern England during the night of July 2 to 3, 1969 and was found by his girlfriend. An inquest recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.– Rappler.com

TOKYO, Japan – Will Smith, Noomi Rapace, Joel Edgerton, and Dawn Olivieri made their way to Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo on December 20 for the Japan red carpet event for the upcoming Netflix film, Bright, which premieres globally on Netflix on Friday, December 22.

The stars made their way down the carpet and greeted their Japanese fans, many of whom stood in freezing temperatures for hours to see their idols.

Bright is a buddy cop movie with a twist. It’s set in a gloomy, gritty version of modern-day Los Angeles, reimagined so that fantasy creatures – orcs, fairies, and elves – coexist with humans. There's a social hierarchy in this LA: elves are at the top of the rung, while orcs are the bottom-feeders. Humans are caught in the middle.

Smith stars as Daryl Ward, a human cop whose partner, Nick Jakoby, played Edgerton, is the first orc to be part of the police force. The two stumble upon a powerful weapon: a magic wand that can only be wielded by rare beings called Brights. On of them, Leilah, played by Rapace, leads a rogue group of elves who are working to bring back the forces of evil at any cost. 

Smith, Edgerton, and Rapace attended the red carpet event, along with Olivieri, who plays Ward's wife in the film. Also at the event were director David Ayer and producers Eric Newman and Bryan Unkeless. 

The film is a reunion of sorts for Ayer and Smith, who worked together for 2016's Suicide Squad. "We're friends now," Ayer quipped, saying that he loves working with Smith because "he's a positive person, a very happy man."

Ayer said that the action sequences were particularly difficult to direct because most of them were real – including the smoke and the explosions.

Rapace, who had to do fight scenes in high heels, said the experience was "very intense," but that playing the villain was fun.

Edgerton described the movie as "weird."

"It's familiar, because it's a buddy cop movie, but it's also very strange," he said, adding that it's something he wants the audience to enjoy. Ultimately, he said, the movie's theme is very simple: that people should not judge others.

Smith took his time on the red carpet, with most Japanese fans losing their characteristic composure when he passed by to greet them. When asked if he would ever go to the Philippines – where many of his movies are blockbuster hits – Will said he should visit for a premiere.  

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – New heist, new crew – the first Ocean's 8 trailer is out and it features a badass group of women.

Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, Sarah Paulson, and Helena Bonham Carter are the stars of this sequel to the Ocean's trilogy.

In the movie, Sandra Bullock plays the Ocean in question – Debbie Ocean, Danny Ocean's (George Clooney) estranged sister.

Fresh out of jail, Debbie puts together a group to steal a necklace worth millions at the annual MET Gala.

Ocean's 8 is directed by Oscar nominee Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, The Hunger Games).

It will be in Philippine cinemas on June 13, 2018. – Rappler.com

TOKYO, Japan – Netflix’s newest original film Bright is set up to be a big Hollywood blockbuster, never mind that it will be viewed widely on small screens. It has the big stars, flashy action sequences, and a fantasy/sci-fi twist. It’s a film that’s been fuelled by a hefty budget, more than Netflix has ever spent for a film that won’t have a theatrical release. (WATCH: Will Smith, Noomi Rapace in Tokyo for 'Bright' red carpet)

But on top of all that, Bright has what producer Eric Newman calls “a social conscience,” as it spreads a message of tolerance and respect for all races to a global audience.

The film stars Will Smith, who takes on the role of Daryl Ward, a cop who, with his partner Nick Jakoby, finds himself needing to protect a powerful artifact: a magic wand.

Yes, there is magic involved in this Netflix film, which puts a twist on the classic buddy cop set-up by throwing in orcs, elves, and the aforementioned wand that is something of a ticking time bomb – when in the wrong hands, it can cause serious damage.

The message of tolerance is hard to miss – aside from scenes of blatant racially-fuelled bullying, and lines like “fairy lives don’t matter today” that refer to real-life anti-racism campaigns, Bright also has a racially diverse cast that includes more people of color than audiences tend to see in a big action film. 

“I’ve always done it in all my movies, before it was fashionable,” director David Ayer said of the casting at a roundtable interview in Tokyo on December 20. “But that’s the world we live in, that’s the world I see, that’s the world I grew up in. I think people tell stories that reflect their experiences.”

Ayer said that the theme of tolerance and unity was written into the story from the start.

“It was in the script, I think I brought it out a bit more because sadly there’s too many divisions in our world and not everybody can follow their dreams because of where they were born, what they look like, and that’s not correct,” he said.

Noomi Rapace, who plays the film’s villain, a dark elf named Leilah, said that the film includes a deeper core message in a fun, entertaining action movie.

“It brings up a lot of subjects, like racial problems, and how we divide people into different groups, depending on your religion or your country and skin color. It’s just, in this movie, it’s orcs and elves. It kind of points out a weakness in our society,” she said in an interview.

Noomi added that she doesn’t support the idea of building walls, saying, “In the time we’re living now, we’re very quick to judge each other… Sometimes we’re just very fast to put a stamp on things and I think that is really dangerous and we should be more tolerant with each other and accept each other and try to find a way to live in harmony and acceptance and not build borders and build walls. I think that is the wrong way of dealing with problems.”

Allegory

The fantasy elements of the film allow it to address racism directly. Orcs represent the bottom rung of society – those that experience discrimination and oppression. On the other end of the spectrum are elves, who are generally more privileged and more celebrated. In the middle of it all are the humans, who are also guilty of being prejudiced against orcs.

“It’s almost like a fairytale or allegory because it has the fantasy elements, you can say more than you can than with a straight drama. If you do that in a regular drama, everyone’s gonna attack you, everyone’s gonna pick you apart, everyone’s gonna find fault,” Ayer said.

“This is just a fun, entertaining movie with action and acting, but there is that message and I think that it’s a safe way to present that message,” he added.

For Smith, playing a human cop gave him a new perspective on race.

“For me, as an African-American police officer in this [Bright's] world, to be racist against orcs, it was a very different social paradigm that in playing I learned a lot, looking at the racial and class divides, looking at it from that angle in a science fiction movie,” Smith said at December 20 press conference.

At the same time, Joel Edgerton, who plays the orc cop Jakoby, said he was hooked on the script early on, and felt that it said a lot about bullying and discrimination.

“When I read the script and I got to page 3, I was very hooked and I then became very much in love of the character of an orc that is bullied by everybody,” he said at the press conference. “I felt like the whole script was saying something about bullying en masse, group bullying, the way we bully each other as cultures, as religions, as racial groups.”

Edgerton’s character in the film is the first orc cop in the police force, and is caught in the crossfire of being discriminated against by his fellow policemen, and being used by politicians to improve their image.

“I love the responsibility of playing the person who represents everybody who is judged and bullied and mistreated when they all they want is to be judged on their actions or merits, not the color of their skin or what group they belong to,” he added.

Racism in Hollywood

Ayer said that at the moment, racism is still a big issue in Hollywood that goes beyond how characters are depicted on screen, but also in how films are made.

“It’s an issue, it’s a big issue… the problem is, there needs to be more work to find talented people of color. The faces of the people you educate today are going to be tomorrow’s leaders, so how do we get people into the educational system? How do we get people off the streets? How do we hear their voices?” Ayer said.

“The interns, the assistants you hire are tomorrow’s leaders in Hollywood, so there definitely needs to be a stronger outreach and so much of it is about class and money. How do you get kids from poor neighborhoods involved? Plus it’s also like, if you’re growing up in Beverly Hills and you dream of, ‘oh I want to be a director, I want to be a writer,’ it’s more possible. If you’re in a tough neighborhood, a poor neighborhood and that’s your dream, how do you get there? A lot more needs to be done,” he said.

That said, perhaps Bright is a step in the right direction, though how audiences receive the film, and how its core message comes across to them remains to be seen. Without box office numbers, it may be a while before the film's true success is measured.

Bright premieres globally on Netflix on December 22. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - After months of keeping mum on reports of her pregnancy, Khloe Kardashian finally confirmed that she is expecting a baby with boyfriend Tristan Thompson.

The celebrity shared a photo of her baby bump on Instagram, saying “My greatest dream realized! We are having a baby!”

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc8PFjuFjlp/" data-instgrm-version="8" 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:38.75% 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/Bc8PFjuFjlp/" 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">My greatest dream realized! We are having a baby! I had been waiting and wondering but God had a plan all along. He knew what He was doing. I simply had to trust in Him and be patient. I still at times can&#39;t believe that our love created life! Tristan, thank you for loving me the way that you do! Thank you for treating me like a Queen! Thank you for making me feel beautiful at all stages! Tristan, most of all, Thank you for making me a MOMMY!!! You have made this experience even more magical than I could have envisioned! I will never forget how wonderful you&#39;ve been to me during this time! Thank you for making me so happy my love! Thank you to everyone for the love and positive vibes! I know we&#39;ve been keeping this quiet but we wanted to enjoy this between our family and close friends as long as we could privately. To enjoy our first precious moments just us  Thank you all for understanding. I am so thankful, excited, nervous, eager, overjoyed and scared all in one! But it&#39;s the best bundle of feelings I&#39;ve ever felt in my life! </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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/khloekardashian/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Khloé</a> (@khloekardashian) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-12-20T22:41:33+00:00">Dec 20, 2017 at 2:41pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

In the caption, Khloe also thanked Tristan for his love and for the way that he treats her: "Tristan, most of all, thank you for making me a MOMMY!!! You have made this experience even more magical than I could have envisioned! I will never forget how wonderful you've been to me during this time! Thank you for making me so happy my love!" 

The couple have been dating since September 2016, and this is their first child together. This is Khloe's first child, while Tristan has a one-year-old son with his ex-girlfriend Jordan Craig.

The pregnancy was first reported in September with an anonymous source confirming the news to People. Khloe said that she kept quiet about the news for so long because she and Tristan wanted to enjoy it with their family and close friends first. – Rappler.com