MIAMI, USA – Backstreet Boys singer Nick Carter was arrested on assault charges after a fight outside a bar in Florida, police said Thursday, January 14.

Carter, 35, was with another person, Michael Papayans, Wednesday evening in a bar called Hog's Breath Saloon in Key West, according to a police report.

It said a bartender realized they were inebriated and refused to serve them.

Carter and Papayans became angry and ignored requests for them to leave, so they were escorted out.

Outside the bar Papayans hit a bouncer and Carter grabbed one by the throat, the report said.

The incident was recorded on film, police said.

Carter will appear before a judge Thursday.

Carter is one of the singers with Backstreet Boys, which achieved worldwide fame in the 1990s with songs like "I want it that way", "Everybody (Backstreet's back)" and "Show me the meaning of being lonely".

He was also on "Dancing with the Stars" last year. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – The following are reactions from some of the nominees for the 2016 Oscars. The list of nominations was revealed Thursday, January 14 ahead of the February 28 ceremony: (FULL LIST: Nominees, Oscars 2016)

Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)

“I am so grateful to the Academy for their recognition of this film. Making The Revenant was one of the most rewarding and collaborative experiences of my life. None of this would have been possible without [director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's] talent, vision, and determination. Our dedicated crew also deserves to share in this moment. Together, they have created a truly unique cinematic experience. Congratulations to all of my fellow nominees this season. Thank you to the Academy," Leo told Us Weekly. Leo was nominated for best actor for The Revenant.

Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)

“I’m incredibly grateful to the Academy for this nomination – particularly in a year with so many brilliant films and performances. This nomination is a testament to the vision of our fearless director Tom Hooper, and the support of my fellow cast members, especially the incandescent Alicia Vikander. Being recognized for The Danish Girl is particularly special to me; if sharing Lili and Gerda's journey and their love story can in any small way be a part of positive social change – then I will be even more grateful.”

Eddie said this to US Weekly, on his nomination for Best Actor for The Danish Girl.

Pete Docter (Inside Out)

“You start out and have such a huge battle in front of you given that the human mind is the most complicated thing in the universe. To put that into an 80-minute project — that was a little tricky. It was a ride there with Fear in my brain while waiting for the nomination but in the end I think Joy won out," Docter told Variety.

Nick Hornby (Brooklyn)

“The novel is beautiful and muted but you can't do that in a movie, you have to get much closer. I felt we could make a successful work of art out of something that was already a successful work of art. I could absolutely imagine (that) with a little bit of tweaking it could be something that really messed people up emotionally," Hornby told Variety. Brooklyn was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Brooklyn was nominated for Best Animated Feature.

Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)

"I am beyond grateful and humbled by this nomination. I feel incredibly honored to be recognized among the other amazing women in this category. Joy is an incredibly inspiring story about an ordinary woman who does extraordinary things. For me, working with David O. Russell has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I share this nomination with him as well as our incredible supporting cast. I could not be more proud to be a part of this film and thankful to the producers and Fox for their unyielding support."

Jennifer was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role Nominee for Joy. She gave this statement to Us Weekly.

Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (The Revenant)

"I am in London and just heard the good news! We gave it our all on this film and this appreciation from the Academy means a lot to me and my colleagues who made it possible. Champagne and Mezcal will run tonight!" 

The Revenant was the leader among all films, with 12 nods.

George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)

"The crew is responsible for making this movie, and I'm glad they're being recognized in this way. (...)  I would never have thought this would have happened. It's really nice to be invited to the party."

George said this to The Hollywood Reporter on his dystopian action movie Mad Max: Fury Road, getting 10 nods, including best picture and best director.

Brie Larson (Room)

"I'm shaking right now. I'm really confused. It's the highest form of flattery in my field. (...) The nominations mean so much because it comes from your peers, it comes from fellow actors."

Brie Larson got a best actress nomination for Room, in which she plays a kidnapped mother living with her child in captivity. She said this to ABC's Good Morning America.

Brie also posted this on Twitter.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy">@TheAcademy</a> for recognizing <a href="https://twitter.com/RoomTheMovie">@RoomTheMovie</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EDonoghueWriter">@EDonoghueWriter</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/lennyabrahamson">@lennyabrahamson</a> and Me! We are overjoyed!!!! <a href="https://t.co/Y0iNZRvAG1">pic.twitter.com/Y0iNZRvAG1</a></p>&mdash; Brie Larson (@brielarson) <a href="https://twitter.com/brielarson/status/687656503805898756">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)

"I was asleep and my mom ran in and she was crying and so it was either good news or bad news and it was great news. I'm going to start crying now, but to get Best Actress and to get Best Picture means the absolute world to us."

Saoirse was nominated for best actress for Brooklyn, about a young Irish immigrant navigating her way in 1950s New York. She said this to Good Morning America.

Sylvester Stallone (Creed)

"It feels like it's come full circle. It's great that this character that has carried me along all these years is getting respect," Sylvester, who was nominated for a best supporting actor award for Creed, toldVariety magazine.

Deniz Gamze Erguven (Mustang)

"You have given our film the strongest of spotlights on a subject matter so crucial for many women across the world today. Thank you to the 5 young actresses of Mustang for their courage and their persistence in defending freedom."
 
Deniz is the Franco-Turkish director of Mustang, which is among the nominees for best foreign language film.

Naji Abu Nawar (Theeb)

"Everyone in Jordan is overjoyed at this historical moment for our film and country. There is a huge celebration and we are very grateful to the Academy for this honor." 

Naji, the writer and director of Jordanian film "Theeb," nominated for best foreign language film, told Agence France-Presse.

Ciro Guerra (Embrace the Serpent)

"It is very significant that Colombia's first Oscar nomination comes from a film spoken in indigenous languages, which for us are also foreign languages. I hope that this wonderful moment becomes an opportunity for us to value and respect the infinite traditional knowledge of the peoples of the Amazon, who are the real stars of this film, and with whom we share the joy," said Director Ciro Guerra, whose film Embrace of the Serpent, was nominated for best foreign language film. 

– Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – The glaring absence of black actors or directors among this year's Oscar nominees has triggered an outpouring of criticism, setting social media abuzz as the list was unveiled on Thursday, January 15. (FULL LIST: Nominees, Oscars 2016)

No sooner had the nominations been announced at a ceremony in Beverly Hills than the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite began trending on Twitter, as was the case last year.

"There was more diversity in the 1936 Berlin Olympics," tweeted one user, named Richard Hine, alongside a picture of African-American athletes at the games.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OscarsSoWhite?src=hash">#OscarsSoWhite</a> There was more diversity at the 1936 Berlin Olympics <a href="https://t.co/3LocJcodPC">pic.twitter.com/3LocJcodPC</a></p>&mdash; Richard Hine (@richardhine) <a href="https://twitter.com/richardhine/status/687724983641071616">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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"The unbearable whiteness of being," was another catchphrase repeated on Twitter.

ThinkProgress, a liberal blog, echoed the sentiment of many who were surprised that black actors and filmmakers were shut out of the race.

"Hollywood sure loves sequels: for the second year in a row, zero actors of color get Oscar nominations," it said in an article on its website.

Among the actors who had been expected to be nominated were Idris Elba, who earned rave reviews for his role as an African warlord in "Beasts of No Nation," Will Smith for the sports drama Concussion,  and Michael B. Jordan for the "Rocky" sequel "Creed."

The director of the critically-acclaimed Straight Outta Compton, a biopic about the rap group N.W.A, was also snubbed.

Some were outraged that Sylvester Stallone – widely seen as a sentimental favorite – was nominated for best supporting actor for Creed instead of Jordan.

Stallone in the movie reprises his iconic role of boxer Rocky Balboa, for which he was nominated but failed to win an Oscar when the original Rocky came out in 1976.

"Classic #OscarsSoWhite tho that Creed, with a black main character and director, only gets award nods for the white characters," one tweet read.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Classic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OscarsSoWhite?src=hash">#OscarsSoWhite</a> tho that Creed, with a black main character and director, only gets award nods for the white characters</p>&mdash; Andrew K. (@prenerk) <a href="https://twitter.com/prenerk/status/687649431240364032">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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'Pushed for more diversity'

Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who is black and who has pushed for more diversity in the Academy's ranks since her election in 2013, acknowledged that more action was needed on that front.

"We have been actively bringing in more diversity into our membership... actions need to be taken to make sure the industry as a whole is more inclusive," she told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

But Tim Gray, awards editor for industry magazine Variety, said critics should perhaps look more towards the studios in denouncing the lack of diversity in Hollywood.

"The Academy people don't vote by race or gender but it's the studios that need to fix this by better reflecting the population," Gray told AFP.

Some 6,000 members of the Academy, all of them who work in the film industry, voted for the films, actors and directors that will be vying for an Oscar on February 28.

Comedian Chris Rock, who is black, is hosting the star-studded ceremony and many are predicting that he will have a "field day" poking fun at the all-white lineup of actors nominated.

The Academy had already come in for heavy criticism for a lack of diversity at last year's Oscars at which all the acting slots went to white performers.

Tom Nunan, an academy-award producer and lecturer at the UCLA School of Theatre Film and Television, said change would only come once the Academy expanded its membership to include more minorities.

"If you don't expand the diversity of that membership – and by extension producers and directors who more fairly reflect society – you get this grotesque imbalance," he told AFP. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As the controversy over the Metro Manila Film Festival continues, Beauty and the Bestie star Coco Martin said that he was saddened by the accusations thrown against the movie, following reports of ticket swapping in cinemas and arguments over which movie is really number one in the box office. 

In an interview with reporters at the thanksgiving party for the movie and his show Ang Probinsyano, Coco said he was aware of the news, especially the exchange of words between Ai-Ai delas Alas and Star Cinema staff. (READ:'Honor Thy Father' producers to MMFF committee: Tell the truth)

"Honestly, kami ni Ate Ai-Ai never po kami nagkawork or nagkasama. Nagkaroon lang po kami ng pagkakataon na may simbahan kami na inaatendan na pareho kami. Nakarating din po sa akin yung isyu na yun at sa akin naman, po definitely sasabihin ko na hindi yung totoo. At kung ano man yung sinasabi nilang ano man yang [ticket switching] huwag po kayo mag-alala kasi paiimbestigahan po natin iyan kay Cardo," he said referring to his character in Ang Probinsyano.

(Honestly, Ate Ai-Ai and I never worked together in a project. It so happens that we've both attended mass in the same church. I was informed of the issue and for me I can assure you that it's not true. And whatever issues they're referring to, don't worry as we will have Cardo investigate it.)

After the press conference, reporters asked Coco if he will continue to do films under the Metro Manila Film Festival despite the issues hounding it. 

"Nakakalungkot lang kasi sabi ko nga may mga bagay-bagay na hindi magagandang nangyayari pero sabi ko nga ayoko siya ilagay sa isip ko. Kasi gumagawa ako ng pelikula sa Film Fest dahil sa mga taong manunood at mapasaya sila at hindi para makipag-away or kung ano mga intriga," he said.

(I'm very sad about it and as I said, there are situations that are happening that should not be, but I said to myself, I don't want to think about it. I'm doing films for the Film Fest because of those people watching and to make them happy, and not to pick a fight or be involved in any intrigue.)

Movie with Angel Locsin and Ang Probinsyano

Meanwhile, it was announced that Coco's show Ang Probinsyano has been extended until July 2016. Coco said he hopes that everyone will continue to support the show. In a recent episode, Coco disguised himself as a woman named Paloma to chase the people who kidnapped Carmen, played by Bella Padilla.

Aside from Ang Probinsyano, Coc said he was hoping that a movie with Angel Locisn will push through soon. The two appeared together in Maalaala Mo Kayain a story honoring one of the 44 elite officers killed in the Mamasapano incident.

"Depende po iyan sa schedule ni Angel, at sana mag-meet po yung schedule namin kasi medyo mahaba pa yung Ang Probinsyano. And then sana after ko matapos ang soap opera ko po, sana magawa po namin ni Angel, dahil pangarap ko talaga makatrabaho si Angel," he said.

(That would depend on Angel's schedule and I hope our schedules will meet, because Ang Probinsyano will still be on air for a while. And then after the soap opera, I'm hoping Angel and I can do the movie, because I really want to work with her.)

Coco is also not closing his doors to the possibility of a sequel to Beauty and The Bestie with Vice Ganda in the near future and a possibility of directing a film soon, which he has been wanting to do.

"Oo naman. Sana sana. Napakalaki ng potential niya (Beauty and the Bestie). Marami pa kaming pwedeng ikuwento at saka maganda yung pelikula – so sana," he said.

(Yes of course. I hope so. There's great potential in the movie [Beauty and the Bestie]. We have so many stories to share and the film is nice – so I hope so.) – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Bob Ong’s Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin just isn't meant to be made into a film. However, it has happened, and as expected, it is quite bad.

The book is designed to read like a screenplay that stitches together almost every imaginable cliché to sum up everything we should detest about Philippine entertainment but we nevertheless chug up and support. It is supposedly written as the influential author’s critique on commercialist media. Ong’s book however ended up more entertaining than cynical, essentially defeating its noble purpose.

The film mines the book for its comic qualities. Its thrust is satire, but in the process of subjecting Ong’s observations, it shrouds what very little that remains of the essential critique with crass hilarity and star power. In the end, the film is nothing more than a collection of abysmal stories that are crafted with very little ingenuity. It really is quite a pity.

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XZYGgi998P4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

Embracing bad filmmaking

The first episode, entitled "Bala sa Bala, Kamao sa Kamao, Satsat sa Satsat," is about a stereotypical Filipino action hero (Benjie Paras), one who, like many other Filipino action heroes, has had his entire family massacred by nameless goons.

He then ends up falling in love with his socialite leading lady (Candy Pangilinan) on his way to exacting vengeance from an overacting mob boss (Rez Cortez).

It goes without saying that the episode attempts to poke fun at Filipino action films by constructing a nonsensical parody out of genre-specific clichés. Directed by Mark Meily, the episode seems to have surrendered to the idea that there is no way out of the self-imposed pit of bad filmmaking but to fully embrace it.

The result is a short that is just so excruciatingly pointless. There is no timing to the comedy. The film simply parades its punchlines in wild abandon that the humor that is supposedly inherent in its self-absorbed wallowing in awfulness becomes absolutely invisible.

Horror mishmash

Director Andoy Ranay takes charge of the next episode, "Shake, Shaker, Shakest," about the Catacutans (Herbert Bautista, Maricel Soriano, Shy Carlos, Andrew Muhlach, and JM Ibanez) who end up stuck in a cursed mansion that is home to various Filipino horror film mainstays like the tiyanak (demon baby), the tikbalang (half horse, half man), and other local monstrosities.

The episode, while as self-aware as Meily’s, works slightly better. Perhaps it is because Ranay has a more familiar canvas to play around with, which opens up to jokes and gags that aren’t as dubious or repetitive.

Moreover, where Paras lazily makes funny faces while mouthing lines with the conviction of someone who knows he’s playing a joke, Bautista, Soriano and the rest of the episode’s cast are at least attempting to perform both as characters and as jokes.

Still, the episode’s a drag. There is too much talking and rationalizing, especially when the satirical humor is already quite obvious.

Mean-spirited elitism

Thankfully, Chris Martinez, who directs the last episode entitled "Ang Asawa ni Marie," is an experienced satirist. He's written Joyce Bernal’s Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme (2009), Marlon Rivera’s Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (2011) and Antoinette Jadaone’s Beauty in a Bottle (2014), and directed Here Comes the Bride (2010) and The Gifted (2014), all of which are films that expertly combine inane humor with a certain sense of reason. Martinez lends some purpose to his parody of the asinine melodramas that Filipinos are so fond of.

"Ang Asawa ni Marie" is essentially Marimar gone gonzo. Marie (Cristine Reyes) is the barrio (small town) lass who predictably improves her lot in life, allowing her to exact vengeance against her wealthy oppressors (Jackie Lou Blanco and Antoinette Taus).

Martinez does not change the mechanics of the exercise. He is as game as Meily and Ranay to succumb to the inherent repulsiveness of Ong’s pseudo-scripts. However, he at least has the intuition to push the material further for the purpose of being more entertaining than simply torturous.

He is not satisfied with simple exaggerations of acknowledged clichés, but adds value to the humor by relishing on the idea that the entire exercise is grounded on mean-spirited elitism. His short is effective because it knows that the core of Ong’s comedy is that it places its readers in a position where they can laugh at all the unfortunate Filipinos who lap up all the lowbrow jokes without any hint of guilt or self-respect.

"Ang Asawa ni Marie" does not need the parade of punchlines of Meily’s episode or the lengthy explanations of Ranay’s episode because it presumes that its audience knows that it is all a game, not a gag reel or a lecture.

That’s not entertainment

There aren’t enough pleasures in Martinez’s episode to take away the bad taste of Meily and Ranay’s failed experiments. The film remains to be torturous. It is a misguided attempt to capitalize on a book whose very intention is to showcase all the wrongs that have stunted the taste of Filipino viewers.

That’s just not good entertainment. – 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. Profile photo by Fatcat Studios

MANILA, Philippines – Many of Alan Rickman's Harry Potterco-stars have shared their stories and fond memories about the late actor, and on Friday, January 15, Evanna Lynch spoke about her own encounters with the veteran actor. (READ: British actor Alan Rickman dies)

Evanna, who played Luna Lovegood in the films, said that she wasn't able to spend much time with Alan at first. On set, she saw him as the mean Potions professor, Severus Snape, and gave him plenty of space. (READ: JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman)

Still, she could tell a little bit of what Alan was like when he wasn't in character, because he would always invite his friends' children to eat with him at their canteen – "It was odd that any of the adult actors would lunch in the canteen, but odder still that Snape would, surrounded by a group of giddy little girls and boys," Evanna commented.

Evanna met Alan again at a charity dinner a few years later. In her tribute to Alan, she recounted that she wanted so much to avoid the awkwardness of sitting beside him that she even offered to switch seats with someone. (READ: Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman)

Alan surprised her though, by greeting her warmly, by name, and talking to her for an hour.

"At the time I was stressing about the pressure I felt to already be a successful actress and that I'd run out of time to make mistakes," said Evanna.

Alan tried to help her out: "He told me he hadn't known what he'd wanted to be out of school, that he'd gone to art school first to be a graphic artist and had come to acting a few years later when he applied for drama school. As an actress, already having to lie about my age at 24, it seems mad that Alan only found his vocation and began his acting journey at 26 and turned out to be... Alan Rickman."

When Evanna said that she was worried that she'd miss out on opportunities if she didn't figure out what she wanted quickly, Alan told her she was focusing on the wrong thing.

"He said not to worry about getting 'there' and instead to focus on feeding my soul and following my heart from place to place," shared Evanna. "And then he gave me the loveliest acting advice I've ever gotten. 'People think that they're watching this' he said waving his hand in front of his face, 'but really they're watching this' and he pounded his fist on his heart center."

It was that advice, said Evanna, that changed her life: "It truly stuck with me and it made me start living differently, being more in tune with my heart, listening and following its rhythms and wishes and surrendering the need to control my life."

After that talk with Alan, Evanna also realized how hard it must have been for Alan to stay in character as Snape. "I so appreciate the fact that he cared that much about his character, that he didn't dismiss Harry Potter as a 'kids film,' a handy job and a sizeable paycheck. He loved and honored Snape the way all beloved characters deserve and he made the Harry Potter world that much more real for us."

"Please honor his memory and what he gave us by talking about and sharing stories and continuing to celebrate his legacy so then he will be here, as we like to say, 'Always,' finished Evanna, referring to one of Snape's famous lines from the Harry Potter series.

{source}<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/evylynchpage/posts/926884150681700:0" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/evylynchpage/posts/926884150681700:0"><p>I don&#039;t have many stories to share about Alan Rickman because, truthfully, I was terrified of him as Snape and...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/evylynchpage/">Evanna Lynch</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/evylynchpage/posts/926884150681700:0">Thursday, 14 January 2016</a></blockquote></div></div>{/source}

Alan Rickman played Snape in all 8 Harry Potter films. News of his death due to cancer was reported Thursday, January 14.

What do you think of Evanna Lynch's tribute to Alan Rickman? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com

More on Alan Rickman:

• British actor Alan Rickman dies
• Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles
• Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman
• JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman
• Stars mourn death of Alan Rickman

LONDON, UK – US actor Leonardo DiCaprio on Friday, January 15 claimed to feel no nerves at the prospect of claiming his first Oscar for his role in The Revenant, saying he had "done the work" and could do no more. (FULL LIST: Nominees, Oscars 2016)

"The one reassuring thing about all this award season stuff is that you have absolutely no control over the outcome," he told BBC radio. (READ: Leonardo DiCaprio may finally get Oscars due with 'The Revenant')

"You've done the work, I do not know why I should be nervous. While you're on the set and you give everything, that's all you can do," he added, after film's British premiere.

The actor has been nominated 4 times for the Best Actor award but has never got his hands on the famous statuette. (READ: All eyes in Hollywood on Oscar nominations)

The Revenant is an odyssey of survival and revenge in which DiCaprio ate raw buffalo liver, climbed snowy mountains and bathed in icy rivers as he played the legendary trapper Hugh Glass.

The film, directed by Alejandro Inarritu, is up for 12 Oscars, it was announced Thursday.

"It feels great, man. It really does," DiCaprio said.

"This is an epic art film. So to have something not only do as good as it's been doing in the box office, but to get having this movie recognized by our peers, it does feel amazing." (READ: 2016 Oscars: Reactions from the nominees)

On his chances of winning, the 41-year-old said: "It's all this crazy blur, because you're so attached to the process of making a movie.

"I'm too attached to the movie to really understand or know what's worthy of awards or not."

DiCaprio is up against Bryan Cranston (Dalton Trumbo), Michael Fassbender (Steve Jobs) and Matt Damon (The Martian). (FULL LIST: Nominees, Oscars 2016)

English actor Eddie Redmayne received his second consecutive nomination, for his interpretation of a transsexual pioneer in The Danish Girl.

The Oscars will be awarded in Los Angeles on February 28.

The Revenant was released in Britain on Friday, after opening in the United States on January 8. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Early on Saturday, January 16, ABS-CBN released a video of director Cathy Garcia-Molina speaking about the verbal abuse and disrespect complaint of former Forevermore talent Alvin Campomanes. (READ: Former 'Forevermore' talent: Director Cathy Garcia-Molina has no respect for extras)

The 17-minute video was an interview with Boy Abunda, and was the first time that Cathy has addressed the matter.

In the video, Cathy first explained that she first found out about Alvin and his girlfriend Rossellyn's open letter through social media, and that by that time, people had already started calling her offensive names. People were attacking her children and family as well.

She then admitted that she really did curse at Alvin on the set of Forevermore, but that his and Rossellyn's story lacked context.

"Hindi rin kasi nakalagay sa letter ilang beses siya nagkamali. Hindi rin naman nakalagay sa letter ilang beses paulit-ulit kunan yun. Hindi nakalagay sa letter anong senaryong bumabalot, kung bakit ako nakarating sa ganoong emosyon. I admit, nagkamali ako. I admit nagmumura po ako... With all good intentions of course, of sana mapaganda yung show, mapaarte yung artista, makuha ang kailangan para maging maganda yung show."

(It didn't say in the letter how many times he made a mistake. It also didn't say in the letter how many times we had to shoot the scene. It didn't say in the letter the scenario, why I reached that level of emotion. I admit, I got mad. I admit I curse... With all good intentions of course that hopefully the show will be better, that the actors will perform, that we shoot what is needed to make the show good.)

Rossellyn posted an open letter to Cathy on January 1, explaining that she could not stand how Cathy treated the extras, and how the staff just smiled at the situation.

She also posted the Alvin's complaint to the ABS-CBN network regarding the matter. Although the ABS-CBN responded, there was no follow-up.

In spite of that, Cathy added that she isn't defending cursing – "Mali, mali ang magmura. Pero sana ilagay natin [ang sitwasyon] sa konteksto." (It's wrong, wrong to curse. But hopefully we put the situation in context.)

According to Cathy, during the shoot for the particular episode where Alvin and Rossellyn were acting, she was far away from the set because the scenes were wide. She was using a microphone and it was the assistant director running the set.

After Alvin couldn't get the scene right even though they had rehearsed and given instructions many times, Cathy said that she spoke up. "Yung sumunod, nagsalita ako. To be exact ang sinabi ko, 'Sino ba kausap mo ba't di ka tumingnin? Tingnan mo, ang kulit mo naman eh. Pakshet ka." (What followed was that I spoke. To be exact, I said, 'Who are you talking to, why can't you look? Look at the person, I've told you so many times. Pakshet ka.')

Cathy explained: "Dito sa industriya natin, hindi ko sinasabing tama ang pagmumura. Pero di, sa atin, may ibang kahulugan ang pagmumura. HIndi na siya mura to degrade or to humiliate, or to insult anyone. Ano na na lang siya, bukang-bibig."

(In our industry, I'm not saying it's right to curse. But for us, cursing means something else. It's not cursing to degrade or humiliate, or to insult anyone. It's just a saying.)

Cathy also echoed ABS-CBN's previous statement that although she was willing to talk after hearing about the incident, the talent coordinator that hired Alvin and Rossellyn later told her that the matter was settled. (READ: ABS-CBN responds to 'Forevermore' talents' complaint of disrespect)

Cathy said that she is still open to talking to Alvin and Rossellyn today.

The director also said that she doesn't deserve to be suspended– an outcome that Alvin has voiced out he wanted – for maltreatment. "Ang tanging alam ko, nagmura ako. 'Yun lang ang tanging alam ko. Hindi ko siya nimaltrato. Hindi pa niya naappreciate na tinawag ko silang mga artista ko, because that's what I believed in. I believed the talents, or the extras if you may call them, they're also actors. Pare-pareho iyan sa akin." (READ: 'Forevermore' extra demands suspension of Cathy Garcia-Molina)

(All I know is that I cursed. That's all I know. I didn't maltreat him. He didn't even appreciate that I called him my artists, because that's what I believed in. I believed the talents, or the extras if you may call them, they're also actors. That's all the same to me.)

On apologizing

Throughout the interview, Cathy did tear up. She started choking up when Boy brought up that Alvin compared her to the villains in Jose Rizal's novels. "Tito Boy, I am not intelligent. I am not as intelligent as him. But I am not heartless. I may have committed mistakes, I have made a lot of mistakes. I have offended people time and again. Hindi ako malinis na tao. 'Di ako masamang tao. Nagmumura ako (I am not faultless. I am not a bad person. I curse,) yes, but I don't think it's the gauge of a good person or bad," she said.

"I will get mad, diba aakyat ang temper ko, magagalit ako, pero sana intindihin nila at isipin nila na lahat yun para sa show, that at the end of the day, lahat bati-bati. And I thought that was what happened. And I thought after cursing, na hindi ko sinasadiyang makasakit – hindi ko alam nasaktan ko siya, had I known, I would have said sorry," she added.

(I will not get mad, right my temper will rise, I'll get mad, but I hope they understand and think that all of that is for the show, that at the end of the day, we are all friends. And I thought that was what happened. And I thought after cursing, that I didn't mean to hurt anyone – I didn't know I hurt him, had I known, I would have said sorry.)

Alvin has also voiced out that he wants a public apology from the director.

Cathy added that she has responsibilities as a director, and that there is a lot of pressure on her with every project she gets. "Lagi sa bawat project, nakataya ang leeg ko. Minsan siguro mahirap lang talaga Tito Boy sa pagtaya ng leeg na yun, mahirap na hindi magalit at magsalita ng masakit. At kung nagawa ko man, I am sorry to all those I have offended."

(Every time for every project, my neck is at stake. Sometimes it's hard, Tito Boy, that when my neck is at stake, it's hard not to get mad and say hurtful things. And if I've done that, I'm sorry to all those I have offended.)

Treatment of extras

When asked whether she looked down on extras, Cathy responded no. "Nagsimula ako sa simulang-simula. Dumating ako sa industriyang ito walang kaalam-alam. (I started at the very start. I came into this industry knowing nothing.) It took these people, these good people to teach me. But I've had my share of those cursing and humilating words."

When asked if she would have treated Alvin differently had she known he was a respected professor, Cathy said, no. "Pero magbabago dahil kung malalaman kong bago siya. Magbabago kung nalaman ko na baguhan siya, kasi maghahaba ang pasensiya ko para sa kanya." (But it would have changed if I had known he was new. It would have changed if I knew he was new because I would have more patience.)

Alvin is a historian and a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Manila.

On her end, Cathy said that she did the interview with Boy, because she wanted to air out her side of the story, as many attacked her and her family without knowing the whole story.

"Namura ko siya, nakapagmura ako, dahil nagkamali siya bilang artista ko. Hanggang doon lang 'yon. Ang natanggap ko beyond what I deserve. Sana after po nito matapos na 'yon. Sana maiwan 'to sa aming dalawa lang ni Alvin at kay Rossellyn. Sana makapagusap kami, magaapologize ako if I need to, I will. I will own up to my mistake kasi nagkamali ako, nakapagmura ako sa mga hindi pala nakakaalam sa industriyang 'to. But beyond that, wala na akong hihingi na sorry Kuya Boy."

(I cursed at him, I cursed, because he made a mistake as my artist. That's all. And what I received is beyond what I deserve. I hope that after this, all that ends. I hope that people will just leave it to me and Alvin and Rossellyn. I hope we can talk, I will apologize if I need to, I will. I will own up to my mistake because I made a mistake, I cursed at someone who doesn't know anything about the industry. But beyond that, there's nothing else to apologize for.)

Cathy also questioned why Alvin and Rossellyn didn't go directly to her instead of social media. She said that she only hurt him, and not his family. She was not even directing the curse words at him, but at his character in the show. "Bakit ako, bitbit lahat? Ba't kailangan masira ako sa maraming tao? Iyon po ang hindi ko maintindihan, and kung ano man po ang dahilan niya, tama si Rossellyn sana magkatawaran kami."

(Why do I carry all the weight? Why do I have to be destroyed in front of so many people? That's what I don't understand, and whatever his reasons, Rossellyn is right and I hope we can forgive each other.)

Alvin and Rossellyn played Makoy and Celia in Forevermore, a now-defunct TV series that starred Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. According to Alvin and Rossellyn, Cathy cursed at Alvin on set, subjecting him to verbal abuse and humiliating him. On the other hand, they said, she treated the other actors with respect.

Alvin's response

Later on January 16, Alvin responded to Cathy's interview with a post on Facebook.

{source}<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/sircamp/posts/10153895165946913" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/sircamp/posts/10153895165946913"><p>Ngayong umaga ko lamang napanood ang interview ni Boy Abunda kay Cathy Garcia Molina. Narito ang aking reaksyon sa...</p>Posted by <a href="#" role="button">Alvin Campomanes</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sircamp/posts/10153895165946913">Friday, 15 January 2016</a></blockquote></div></div>{/source}

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Following Forevermore director Cathy Garcia-Molina's statement about the issue of mistreating former extras on the show, Alvin Campomanes reacted with a post on Facebook. (READ: Director Cathy Garcia-Molina responds to 'Forevermore' talent's complaint)

On Saturday, January 16, Alvin posted a 7-point reaction to the interview Cathy did with Boy Abunda, about Alvin's complaint of her cursing at him, humiliating him, and disrespecting him. (READ: Former 'Forevermore' talent: Director Cathy Garcia-Molina has no respect for extras)

{source}<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/sircamp/posts/10153895165946913" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/sircamp/posts/10153895165946913"><p>Ngayong umaga ko lamang napanood ang interview ni Boy Abunda kay Cathy Garcia Molina. Narito ang aking reaksyon sa...</p>Posted by <a href="#" role="button">Alvin Campomanes</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sircamp/posts/10153895165946913">Friday, 15 January 2016</a></blockquote></div></div>{/source}

Alvin first said that one cannot separate a character in a show from the person acting as that character. Cathy said in the interview that she only cursed at his character, and not Alvin as himself. "Ang pagpapahiya sa isang tao ay tatatak sa kanyang pagkatao, hindi lamang sa ginagampanan niyang papel sa set," said Alvin. "Alam ito ng mga talent at crew na namura na at napahiya. Sabi nga ng isang matandang talent na nagpadala ng mensahe sa akin, dala nila ang sakit hanggang pagtanda dahil hindi nila nagawang tumindig at lumaban."

(The humiliation of a person is a stamp on his being, not only on the role that he played on set. The talents and crew who have been cursed at and humiliated know this. An older talent who gave me a message told me that they bring the pain with them even when they're old, because they didn't stand up and fight.)

He added that Cathy didn't just curse at him, she also humiliated him by saying, "Alam mo, ikaw, inutil ka (You know what, you, you're useless)!" She then let the crew laugh at him. However, she would always get mad at the crew for laughing at the mistakes of the bigger stars.

Alvin added that although Boy's line of questioning was good, there were some questions that weren't asked. He said that it might have been that way because some questions were too difficult to ask due to their implications about the industry. (READ:'Forevermore' extra demands suspension of Cathy Garcia-Molina)

On Cathy saying that she and her family were threatened following his girlfriend Rossellyn's open letter to the director, Alvin said:

"Ang pagpapalitaw ni Cathy Garcia Molina ng anggulo na natatakot siya sa kanyang seguridad, sa aking palagay, ay kalkulado para kunin ang simpatya ng tao.

(Cathy Garcia-Molina's angle that she's scared for her safety, in my opinion, was calulated, to get the sympathy of people.)

"Sa aming dalawa, sino kaya ang mas lantad sa panganib? Ni wala akong kotse at sumasakay lang ako sa jeep sa pagpasok at paglabas sa [University of the Philippines (UP)]. Tahasang sinabi sa akin ng isang prominenteng abogado na mapanganib ang aking ginagawang paglaban, na maari ko itong ikamatay."

(Between the two of us, which is more open to danger? I don't have a car and I ride a jeep to and from UP. A prominent lawyer explicitly told me that my I'm fighting a dangerous battle, and I might die.)

His family, colleagues, and friends were also hurt, he said, by how she treated him.

Alvin answered two of Cathy's questions in his Facebook post: why post about the issue on social media, and why did he only release the open letter after her latest movie, A Second Chance?

It's been more than a year, Alvin said, since he first sent a letter of complaint to ABS-CBN in October 2014, and no action had been taken. "Maari rin nating itanong, kung ito kaya ay hindi naging viral, umaksyon pa kaya ang network? Malamang hindi na."

(We can also ask, if this hadn't become viral, would the network have taken action? Of course not.)

He and Rossellyn have also turned down many offers for interviews from other networks, he said. "Sa kabila ng kaapihang dinanas namin, pinili namin na huwag ilabas ang sulat noong tumatakbo pa ang teleserye at nasa mga sinehan pa ang pelikula upang hindi masabi ng network na ito'y paninira lamang o propaganda."

(In spite of what we've been through, we chose not to release the letter while the series and the movie were still running so that the network won't say we're trying to destroy them, or it's just propaganda.)

On December 30, Alvin's girlfriend Rossellyn sent an open letter to Cathy Garcia-Molina, complaining about verbal abuse and disrespect. The two played minor roles in the show Forevermore, which starred Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano.

Both ABS-CBN and Cathy said that they did receive the letter, but did not take further action because they were assured by the talent coordinator that the issue had been resolved. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – When US mixed martial artist Ronda Rousey spoke about her physique in a viral video last year saying, "I'm not a do nothing b-tch," the phrase caught on.

She's since sold more than 56,000 t-shirts inspired by the phrase, and it's now the title of her upcoming movie with comedian Tina Fey.

According to reports, the movie is set to be under Universal Pictures and written by Sisters screenwriter and longtime Saturday Night Live writer Paula Pell.

For Do Nothing Bitches, Tina will produce with her company Little Stranger Productions, along with Paula. Little Stranger's Eric Gurian will be an excutive producer.

The movie's plot hasn't been revealed, though Deadline reports that the comedy will be about a group of millionaire women who get a rude awakening at a camp where Ronda plays an instructor.

If anything, Ronda's viral clip from UFC's "Embedded" vlog series, which now has more than 3 million views, might give us a taste of what the movie will be like. 

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Ronda has acted before, though mostly in action films like Furious 7 and The Expendables III.

Will you be seeing Do Nothing Bitches in theaters when it's out? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Cristine Reyes was treated to a bridal shower by sister Ara Mina and friends, Friday, January 15.

On Instagram, Cristine and her friends posted some of the photos from the bridal shower. 

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAlttwqmGJV/" 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 guys I love you all!!!@catilacad @realaramina @heidigatmaytan @iamnicholay @victoriaperrr @purpleineveryhue @harveyalumisin @karlailacad @c_a_n_d_i_c_e @foodgoddess18 Thank you REVEL for the warm welcome #aabridetobe</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 photo posted by twitter: @_cristinereyes_ (@queencristinereyes) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-16T06:07:36+00:00">Jan 15, 2016 at 10:07pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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:60.1111111111% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAld24xmNKR/" 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">With @queencristinereyes Made her our signature cake, Violet Velvet Cake and the cake pops are chocolate with chocolate ganache  #AaBrideToBe #gypsygirldesserts #cake #dessert #wedding #bridalshower #food</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 photo posted by Karla Denise Ilacad (@karlailacad) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-16T03:49:03+00:00">Jan 15, 2016 at 7:49pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAldLZpmNI9/" 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">We had a little mix up with the reservation but thanks @revelatthepalace and Pia for fixing everything. &#34;Board of Directors&#34; for the night  #AaBrideToBe</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 photo posted by Karla Denise Ilacad (@karlailacad) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-16T03:43:06+00:00">Jan 15, 2016 at 7:43pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAkHfl4mNEh/" 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">Bridal shower for this gorgeous lady. Let&#39;s enjoy tonight @queencristinereyes Surprised her with a cake tonight  #AaBrideToBe</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 photo posted by Karla Denise Ilacad (@karlailacad) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-15T15:14:23+00:00">Jan 15, 2016 at 7:14am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Cristine, who will star in the upcoming show Tubig at Langis got engaged last September to boyfriend Ali Khatibi, with whom she has a daughter Amarah, born last February. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Adele had fans buzzing when she joined James Corden on his "Carpool Karaoke" segment – not only did the two sing duets of her hits, but Adele also revealed she was a big Spice Girls and Nicki Minaj fan. (WATCH: Adele belts out hits with James Corden in 'Carpool Karaoke')

It turns out the feelings were mutual for some of the Spice Girls and Nicki, who reacted to Adele's covers on social media.

"HUGE Adele fan!! This is GENIUS!!!" tweeted Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice) together with a video of Adele performing the Spice Girls' "Wannabe" from James' passenger seat.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">HUGE Adele fan!! This is GENIUS!!! Thank u <a href="https://twitter.com/Adele">@adele</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JKCorden">@jkcorden</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ilovemyspicegirls?src=hash">#ilovemyspicegirls</a> X posh &#10;<a href="https://t.co/b18tVoQ4qR">https://t.co/b18tVoQ4qR</a></p>&mdash; Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) <a href="https://twitter.com/victoriabeckham/status/687952346442121216">January 15, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Geri Halliwell (aka Ginger Spice) also reacted on Twitter, simply saying, "Adele, we love you." In the episode, Adele told James, "I was always Geri," whenever she and her friends would pretend to be the girl group.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ahh <a href="https://twitter.com/Adele">@Adele</a> we love you <a href="https://t.co/KNV8QfDjtM">https://t.co/KNV8QfDjtM</a></p>&mdash; Geri Horner (@GeriHalliwell) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeriHalliwell/status/687549708244484096">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Emma Bunton (aka Baby Spice), sent out this tweet:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> this! <a href="https://t.co/qmKt6UMPPB">https://t.co/qmKt6UMPPB</a> via youtube</p>&mdash; Emma Bunton (@EmmaBunton) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmaBunton/status/687532182802403328">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Nicki Minaj also praised Adele for her fierce rap of the song "Monster," posting a video on Instagram and saying Adele had "the attitude and fingers to match."

{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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:36.09375% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAgmYafr8Ui/" 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">Pull thru, QUEEN!!!!! #Adele #Monster the attitude &amp; fingers to match. #Oh #Ok #IcoNIC I cried when she waved bye to the careers #Hello #BuhBye </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 video posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-14T06:27:19+00:00">Jan 13, 2016 at 10:27pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adele is mad ratchet. I can&#39;t take her<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UK?src=hash">#UK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WutsGood?src=hash">#WutsGood</a></p>&mdash; NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/687524031046750208">January 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Adele's "Carpool Karaoke" aired on Wednesday, January 13, on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

"Carpool Karaoke" has been one of the show's most popular segments, where James drives around with famous musicians. Other guests James has had on the segment before were Justin Bieber, One Direction, and Mariah Carey.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The late David Bowie, the Starman, was always fascinated by the great beyond of outer space. In a fitting tribute, Belgian music station Studio Brussel and MIRA Public Observatory have registered 7 stars in his honor. (READ: Space bids farewell to David Bowie, one of its own)

The stars take the shape of the iconic lightning bolt emblazoned on the face of his memorable Ziggy Stardust persona, featured in his 1973 album Aladdin Sane.

In a quote from advertising agency DDB Brussels’ report, MIRA astronomer Philippe Mollet said finding the right stars was a challenging effort.

Mollet added, “Studio Brussels asked us to give Bowie a unique place in the galaxy. Referring to his various albums, we chose seven stars - Sigma Librae, Spica, Alpha Virginis, Zeta Centauri, SAA 204 132, and the Beta Sigma Octantis Trianguli Australis,” he continued, adding that these stars are “in the vicinity of mars,” referring to Bowie’s memorable 1971 song, “Life on Mars.” (WATCH: 5 David Bowie covers from movie soundtracks, rock bands)

Studio Brussel and MIRA have also put up Stardust for Bowie, a website for fans to leave their own personal tributes by naming a star within the constellation after their favorite song's title, and writing a note. (READ: Stars mourn David Bowie’s death)

David Bowie passed away at the age of 69 due to cancer last Sunday, January 10 (Monday, January 11 in Manila). His album Blackstar (★) was his swansong, released just 2 days before his death as a "parting gift." – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Some left flowers, others a few heartfelt words. Fans of the Harry Potter saga paid tribute Friday, January 15 to the late actor Alan Rickman at the mythical platform 9 3/4 at London's King's Cross station.

One letter left among the flowers at King's Cross reflected how Rickman had made the character his own.

"Dear Alan, I was so shocked to hear of your death," it read. 

"I feel like a great light has gone out of the world. You have always been part of me for my childhood. You have understood and loved Severus more than any of us and a part of him dies with you."

Rickman, who died of cancer on Thursday, January 15 aged 69, gained legions of young fans with his portrayal of the morally ambiguous teacher Severus Snape in all 8 Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011. (READ: Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles)

Platform 9 3/4 is where Potter departed for Hogwarts via the Hogwarts Express, and is marked by a permanent installation at Kings Cross, comprising a trolley – complete with luggage and birdcage – disappearing into a wall.

"It's really upsetting," said fan Sarah Winfield, 25, speaking next to a shrine by the trolley installation. "He was done with Harry Potter, but he wasn't done making good films, so it's sad."

Potter's creator J. K. Rowling has said she was "shocked and devastated" by Rickman's death, adding that he was "a magnificent actor and a wonderful man". (READ: Stars mourn death of Alan Rickman)

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Potter, said Rickman was "one of the greatest actors I will ever work with... and one of the loyalest and most supportive people I've ever met."

Winfield added: "Severus Snape is Alan Rickman and Alan Rickman is Severus Snape. I don't think anyone else could fill his shoes."

January blues 

At the beginning of the saga, Snape – a teacher at Potter's school Hogwarts – is cold and unkind but develops into a more sympathetic character as his true motives are revealed.

Hordes of international fans took to Twitter to express their sadness, encouraging each other to re-enact the poignant moment during the series when Hogwarts pupils pay tribute to their deceased headmaster Dumbledore.

"Raise your wands for Mr. Alan Rickman aka Professor Severus Snape. You will be missed sir. May you rest in peace," wrote user Miriam Santiago.

Others took to online fan forums.

"I heard of his passing just as my day was winding down," wrote user "Steelsheen" on Potter forum "Snitchseeker".  

"Shock gave way to sadness which gave way to exhaustion. You know news hits you bad when not even sleep could make it better. Onto the next great adventure Alan!"

Rickman is the second major British cultural figure aged 69 to die this week following a private battle with cancer after rock icon David Bowie's death on Monday, January 11.

"I'm a little emotional, it's been a difficult week, with David Bowie and Alan Rickman – they were great idols of mine," said Brazilian Raquel Velho at King's Cross.

"Harry Potter has always been part of my life and when I saw that Severus Snape had died I had to do something for him," she added.

"Clearly we got up on the wrong side of this year," wrote fan "Ameh" on Snitchseeker. "Can we all just agree to go to sleep and start 2016 over again?" – Edouard Guihaire, AFP/Rappler.com

More on Alan Rickman:

• British actor Alan Rickman dies
• Remembering Alan Rickman: 5 unforgettable roles
• Daniel Radcliffe pays tribute to Alan Rickman
• JK Rowling, 'Harry Potter' cast remember Alan Rickman
• Stars mourn death of Alan Rickman
• 'Potter' star Evanna Lynch shares Alan Rickman's life-changing advice in tribute

MONTREAL, Canada  – The funeral for Celine Dion's husband Rene Angelil will take place next Friday, January 22 at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal where the couple married, a family spokesman said.

Angelil, who discovered the Canadian pop diva and managed her career, died Thursday, Janaury 14 at age 73 after a struggle with cancer.

In 1994, when she was 26 and he was twice her age, the couple married in an extravagant wedding ceremony that was televised live in Canada, and splashed all over glossy magazines.

Angelil's funeral will unfold at the spot where, "21 years ago, he chose to marry the one who will remain as the great love of his life, the artist for which he had the most respect, the woman who gave him light and happiness until his very last breath," a statement by the family spokesman read.

Beginning Thursday, January 21 a chapel at the basilica "will be open to the public to pay a last tribute" to the Montreal native, whose body will be displayed, it added.

A large crowd is expected Friday for the funeral, including show business and political figures.

Meanwhile, a commemorative celebration will be held on February 3 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Following Angelil's death, Dion canceled two previously scheduled performances there that had been set for this weekend. – Rappler.com

MONTREAL, Canada – Days after her husband and manager died of cancer, Canadian singer Celine Dion has lost a brother also to cancer, a family spokesman said Saturday, January 16.

Daniel Dion was 59. He was the eighth of 14 Dion siblings.

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The singer's husband, Rene Angelil, died Thursday, January 14 at the age of 73 at the couple's home in Las Vegas.

Both men suffered from throat cancer.

Angelil's funeral will be held Friday, January 22 at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal where the couple married.

The following day a memorial service will be held for her late brother, with a formal funeral a few days after that, the family spokesman said.

In 1994, when Celine Dion was 26 and Angelil was twice her age, the couple married in an extravagant wedding that was televised live in Canada, and splashed all over glossy magazines. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Actor Patrick Garcia is a father for the third time. On Saturday, January 16, Patrick and wife Nikka Martinez posted photos on Instagram of their newborn daughter Nicola Patrice.

"Thank you Lord for this little big blessing of ours! She brings us so much love and joy. Thank you to my lovely wife for giving me another beautiful baby girl. I love you so so much! Welcome to the world baby Patrice! #PrettyPatrice," Patrick wrote.

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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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:38.4722222222% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAldsWbKzYh/" 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 Lord for this little big blessing of ours! She brings us so much love and joy. Thank you to my lovely wife for giving me another beautiful baby girl. I love you so so much! Welcome to the world baby Patrice! #PrettyPatrice</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 photo posted by Patrick Garcia (@onlypatrickgarcia) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-16T03:47:36+00:00">Jan 15, 2016 at 7:47pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAoJddmqzfC/" 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">#PrettyPatrice</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 photo posted by Patrick Garcia (@onlypatrickgarcia) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-17T04:48:32+00:00">Jan 16, 2016 at 8:48pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" 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,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); 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/BAlsKQ1Dlg1/" 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">World, Meet #mycherub2... Our baby #NicolaPatrice  thank you so much Lord! </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 photo posted by Nikka Martinez Garcia  (@nikkamgarcia) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-01-16T05:54:01+00:00">Jan 15, 2016 at 9:54pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Nicola Patrice joins older sister Chelsea. Patrick has a son, Alex Jazz with former girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado. (READ: Jennylyn Mercado meets ex Patrick Garcia’s fiancee

Last March, Patrick and Nikka got married before family and friends. In July, the couple announced they were expecting their second child. – Rappler.com 

In the very crucial scene in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth where Lady Macbeth sleepwalks while muttering about a “damned spot” that won't disappear, director Justin Kurzel brazenly opts for a close-up of the tormented queen’s face.

It’s quite an odd creative decision. The scene speaks volumes about the growing guilt of Macbeth’s wife, who once criticized the nature of the future tyrant of Scotland for having “too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness,” yet Kurzel does away with garish dramatics and instead relies on the strength of Shakespeare’s words that are delivered by Marion Cotillard with such disquieting passion. Kurzel forces the viewer to probe the face of a contrite accomplice who chooses an empty chapel to deliver her heartfelt confession.

It’s a powerful scene, one that allows Lady Macbeth, who is perhaps the most tragic figure in this most famous tragedy, a compelling bid at redemption or at least understanding, notwithstanding her most unforgivable crimes. 

Humanizing the tyrant

Kurzel’s Macbeth, while adamantly loyal to Shakespeare, is littered with scenes like Lady Macbeth’s poignant submission to her disgrace that tweak the original text a certain way to turn the play’s tragic figures into human beings who are acting not out of cruel fate but of emotions. His adaptation is one whose soul is geared more towards despair that brash ambition can only temporarily repair. It is sympathetic to sinners, without necessarily altering the source material.

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Macbeth, played with astounding gravity by Michael Fassbender, is called upon by the King to defend his domain. He wins the battle but in the process, loses his son. He then chances upon mysterious witches who prophesy that he will be rewarded with a new title and will then be crowned king. The witches’ prophecy stirs dark ambitions within the hearts of Macbeth and his wife, resulting into their descent towards madness.

Shakespeare opens his play with the 3 witches, foreshadowing the evil that is to be committed by Macbeth. Kurzel, on the other hand, opens his film with the funeral of Macbeth’s son. By allowing the loss of a loved one to eclipse the role of cruel fate, Kurzel gives Macbeth an emotional ground for which to anchor his depraved acts. He humanizes the much-maligned tyrant, turning him from a pawn of the witches’ malicious designs and into a slave of grief, which is an emotion shared by all humanity and outside the realm of superstition.

Sumptuous visuals

Kurzel’s Macbethis such a savage thing of beauty.

Cinematographer Adam Arkapaw’s camera carefully capturing the brutal thrusts of swords against struggling bodies, all in glorious slow motion which seems to ascribe the brutal scenes a certain grotesque grace. The quieter moments are equally sumptuous, with Kurzel indulging in depicting the untouched landscapes of medieval Scotland with ominous mysticism. Indoors, everything is suffocating under the weight of all the characters’ schemes and machinations.

Accompanied by Jed Kurzel’s sparse but effective musical score which complements the exquisite cadence of Shakespeare’s verses, the film’s arresting visuals are never just empty eye candy. There seems to be an absolute absence of comfort, which ingeniously adds heft to the adaptation’s thematic bleakness. 

Staying close to Shakespeare

Kurzel’s Macbeth is bookended with scenes of unabashed brutality. It is a film that toils in showing men killing men. However, it skirts away from simply delighting in all the cruelty and savagery that it shows with unparalleled elegance. It digs deeper, adorning the unfortunate tale of a man and a woman whose melancholy gave birth to chaos.

Kurzel’s Macbeth does not need to stray far from Shakespeare. It does not need to modernize the language or separate the text from its primal setting. All it needs is a unity of intent, to have all creative forces, from the performers to the craftsmen, assist to realize the seemingly impossible mission of humanizing archetypes of human frailty and ambition. – 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. Profile photo by Fatcat Studios

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American Ronnie del Carmen is an Oscar nominee, earning a nod with Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley in the Best Original Screenplay category for Pixar's 2015 mega hit Inside Out. 

Aside from Best Original Screenplay, the film is also a nominee for Best Animated Feature (director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera are nominated). 

Pete and Ronnie, the film's director and co-director respectively, hold story credits for the film. Pete, Meg, and Josh wrote the screenplay. 

"Lee Unkrich @leeunkrich [Pixar veteran and award-winning filmmaker] gave me advice. He was so happy for me, it showed in his eyes and smile. He’s done this before and he wants me to not miss what’s important. 'Just try to find a way to enjoy it when it is happening.' This is one of those moments I can point to that shows: I work with the best human beings on the planet," wrote Ronnie on Tumblr, along with a screenshot of the nominees for the Screenplay category. 

Inside Out, a critical and commercial hit, examines the goings-on in the mind of Riley, a cheerful 11-year-old girl who goes through major life changes as she makes the move with her parents to a big city. 

The film zeroes in on 5 core emotions in her head, who deal with unexpected changes as Riley goes through a difficult time in her life. Amy Poehler leads the cast as the voice of Joy, who gamely calls the shots in Riley's mind. 

The film, which shows us both the orderly and familiar outside world set in San Francisco, and the chaotic and colorful landscape of Riley's inner thoughts, took about 5 years to make.

Ronnie, who hails from Cavite City, visited the Philippines last August for the film's Manila premiere, with Pete. 

Check out this video of Ronnie drawing a surprise for Filipino Inside Out fans below:

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The awards show will be held February 28 in Los Angeles, California. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – One o’clock has been the most meaningful hour for one of Japan’s most electrifying rock bands today.

Eleven years ago, way before they released "The Beginning," the official theme song of the Rurouni Kenshin live-action movie, ONE OK ROCK had been rehearsing at one in the morning, simply because studio rates were way lower. Even then, vocalist Taka Moriuchi, guitarist Toru Yamashita, bassist Ryota Kohama, and drummer Tomoya Kanki have been breathing life into their first few songs during the first hour. (READ: One OK Rock coming to Manila in 2016)

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It was also during this time of the day that the band was able to develop their own sound, their own take on Japanese rock. And so when they already needed to name themselves, they did not need to look far. ONE OK ROCK simply was one o’clock.

Backed by the recent release of their 7th album, 35xxxv, and their signature adrenaline-pumping live performances, they started to disperse forces in places outside Japan, even using their favorite clock position to invade the world music scene.

Worldwide attack at one o'clock

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“Believe that time is always forever,” said a line from their song "Clock Strikes." And true enough, the clock would forever strike at one, 24 times a day, in different parts of the world. In September 2015, in partnership with Yahoo! Japan, the band released 24 videos, featuring songs from 35xxxv, in a very timely manner.

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The project kicked off at one o’clock in the morning of September 10, with the launch of a short video of the song "Cry Out," which featured places in Japan. By the next hour, it was 1 AM again, in another part of the globe. And so the second video, which was for the song “Decision,” featured the band in attractions in Shanghai. Next, it was Bangkok’s turn to strike one, and a video for the song "Heartache" was released.

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These 3 songs continued to join the rest of the digital world at one o’clock, in different time zones, for the succeeding 21 hours, with videos featuring places like Greenland, Gambier Islands, New Caledonia, Vancouver, and even Antarctica. As a bonus, they also released a 25th video, featuring the song "Memories." The project lasted for almost 4 weeks.

But this Japanese rock band was not just aiming for the world virtual arena. They had dreams of dominating the actual world concert stage.

Far-reaching

September 25, 2015 was written down in history as the day ONE OK ROCK finally reached the Western rock scene through their first-ever US release, under Warner Music. The band has re-recorded the album they launched in Japan into an all-English 35xxxv Deluxe Edition, with two additional songs, including "Last Dance."

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The band continued to earn fans in states like Nevada, California, and Florida through the "Back to the Future Hearts" tour, headlined by the American bands All Time Low and Sleeping with Sirens.

They’ve also visited fans in Russia, Germany, the UK, and the rest of Europe with the American band We Came as Romans as support act.

The way back home

Also released with the 35xxxv Deluxe Edition was the song "The Way Back." And this song truly was a step heading back to the band’s roots.

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The sound featured some of the band’s signature guitar strums, drum hits and powerful high vocals. It also showed some visual elements that were evident in their past music videos like the masked characters, and various locations. The video was also courtesy of Maxilla, the Japanese production outfit who also did the video for "The Beginning."

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This 2016, ONE OK ROCK would be reinforcing their Asian fan bases. The tour would jumpstart at the Asia World Expo in Hong Kong on January 14. They would then rock Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and for the first time ever, the Philippines. On January 19, SM MOA Arena in Pasay City will be shaking with overpowering headbangs and enthusiastic jumps. Co-presented by PULP Live World and 28 Black, tickets have been available exclusively at SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

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Will you be seeing One OK Rock in Manila? Let us know in the comments below. – Rappler.com

Sheen Irerick Seeckts is an avid fan of the Japanese culture and the rock band, ONE OK ROCK. She is also a freelance writer currently exploring the media industry and the world. You can read her blog here.