MANILA, Philippines – Sunshine Cruz said that she was surprised by the decision of the Quezon CIty prosecutor's office to junk the child abuse and violence against women and children complaints she filed against her estranged husband Cesar Montano.

According to a report from Pep Wednesday, February 3, assistant prosecutor Ferdinand Baylon threw out the complaints of Sunshine against Cesar regarding the accusation that Cesar performed lewd acts in front of their children during his visit. (READ: Sunshine Cruz to pursue child abuse case vs Cesar Montano)

In an interview with reporters during the press conference of the upcoming teleserye Dolce Amore Wednesday, Sunshine said that she was already aware of the decision even before it became public. 

"We’ve known about it two or three weeks ago, kaya nga iyon again, it’s just surprising na kung kailan meron (when there's a) presscon ng Dolce Amore, doon lumabas ang (that's where it came out that ) issue at all," Sunshine said.

According to Sunshine, she did not expect the complaint to be junked at all. 

"Kasi pag child abuse case, it’s really impossible to be junked di ba? Parang there’s something na of course dapat prina-prioritize iyon. So whatever it is, nandiyan naman ang lawyer ko to fix it," she said. (If it's a child abuse case, it's really impossible to be junked right? It's like there's something that of course you have to prioritize it. So whatever it is, my lawyer is there to fix it.)

According to Sunshine, she and Cesar have not been talking since they separated 3 years ago. The complaint, she said, is now under appeal.

Despite the legal battle between her and Cesar, Sunshine said she is happy her 3 children are doing well in school and are honor students. She declined to discuss more due to a gag order on the issue.

When asked how her children were coping with the situation, Sunshine said: "I always tell them that their father loves them. Whatever it is mahal pa din naman kayo ng tatay n’yo. Marami lang talaga pinagdadaanan at kailangan ayusin bago maayos ang relationship. (Whatever it is, your dad loves all of you. There are just so many things we went through and that needs to be ironed out befor the relationship is fixed.)"  

In a previous interview, Cesar said that he was longing to visit his daughters. Asked for a comment on it, Sunshine said: "Napapangiti na lang kami ng mga kids. (The kids and I just smile about it)"

As for the ongoing annulment case, Sunshine said that she is hoping that it will end soon. (READ: Sunshine Cruz on Cesar Montano: Everybody deserves to be happy)

"I know that I deserve the freedom and he deserves his freedom para maging masaya man lang bago ako maging 40 and of course maging malaya na (for me to be happy before I turned 40 and of course to be free) from all of this," she said. 

The couple separated in 2013 after Sunshine claimed Cesar was having an affair with an upcoming actress named Krista Miller. –Rappler.com

NORRISTOWN, USA – A US judge paved the way Wednesday, February 3 for disgraced TV legend Bill Cosby to stand trial for the first time on a criminal sexual assault charge, throwing out an attempt by his lawyers to dismiss the case. (READ: Bill Cosby demands US prosecutors drop sexual assault charge)

Dozens of women have come forward to accuse the 78-year-old Cosby of abuse in allegations spanning four decades, but the vast majority have expired under statutes of limitations.

The megastar turned pariah spent two days in court in Norristown, just outside Philadelphia, as his lawyers disputed the legality of the case, which dates back to 2004 and was settled in 2006 by a civil suit.

In a deposition Cosby gave as part of the civil suit, he admitted giving the woman, Andrea Constand, a pill but said all relations with her were consensual and accused her of lying about the assault. (READ: Cosby offered pills, payments and mentorship to women – NYT)

Prosecutors in Montgomery County reopened the case last year, claiming that new evidence came to light in July. Cosby posted bail of $1 million on December 30.

Cosby's legal team argued that violated a 2005 agreement that he would never be prosecuted over the allegation of assault made by Constand, a former employee of Temple University in Philadelphia.

Constand says Cosby forced himself on her at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. Prosecutors say he urged her to take pills and drink wine, leaving her unable to resist as he made his move on her.

If found guilty, Cosby – who has surrendered his passport to the court but has yet to enter a plea to the criminal charge – could face up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

More than 50 women have publicly alleged sexual abuse by the pioneering black comedian, who attained his greatest fame for his role as a lovable obstetrician and family man in the hit 1980s sitcom "The Cosby Show."

But his attorneys repeatedly deny any wrongdoing by the veteran TV actor and say he has since lost his sight.

Statutes of limitations prevent most of the women who have accused the comedian of sexual assault from taking legal action.

New evidence

In the Pennsylvania case, the statute of limitations is set to expire early next year.

Cosby's team called as a witness Bruce Castor, the former district attorney who reached the agreement that the actor would not be prosecuted over the alleged assault if he testified in the civil suit.

Castor told the court on Tuesday that Constand's credibility had been in question and her account inconsistent, arguing that the civil agreement offered the best possible justice.

"The matter was resolved and I am hopeful that I had made Ms Constand a millionaire," the former prosecutor added.

Cosby's lawyers also argued that the 10-year delay since the alleged incident had also "greatly prejudiced" their client.

But Judge Steven O'Neill rejected the defense's arguments.

Prosecutors said the release of court documents in July and the subsequent release of the deposition had in part led to the reopening of the case.

"I think Andrea is a liar and I know she's a liar because I was there," Cosby said in the deposition, cited by The New York Times.

Constand has said she was willing to cooperate with prosecutors, according to prosecutor Kevin Steele.

The avalanche of accusations against Cosby have led television networks to back away from projects connected to him, and several universities have stripped him of honorary degrees.

In December, he filed a defamation suit against 7 of his accusers. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Darren Espanto has been wowing his Filipino fans since he won first runner-up in The Voice Kids Philippines season 1, but in the past few months, the singer has been grabbing the attention of international artists, too. (READ: Lea Salonga on Darren Espanto: He should have won ‘The Voice Kids’)

On Friday, January 29, American Idol season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino praised Darren's cover of her song "I Believe." On Twitter, she said, "This is beautiful... your voice will touch so many people."

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">@Espanto2001_ This is beautiful.. your voice will touch so many people. <a href="https://t.co/bKgHPbPVVY">https://t.co/bKgHPbPVVY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Wish1075">@Wish1075</a></p>&mdash; Fantasia Barrino (@TasiasWord) <a href="https://twitter.com/TasiasWord/status/692756016786771968">January 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Darren covered "I Believe" on Wish 107.5, a mobile radio station that goes around Metro Manila.

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zQBfwW6VyD8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

Aside from the time he covered Fantasia's song, Darren was also on the Wish 107.5 bus in August 2015. That time, he covered Sia's "Chandelier."

{source}<iframe width="100%" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eO71MnQHCCc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source}

That performance caught Nicki Minaj and Ashton Kutcher's attention. Darren posted a screengrab of one of Ashton's posts, where the actor said he was "blown away" by Darren.

{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: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/95qkShC8OJ/" 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">Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!?! This is crazy! Thanks so much Sir @aplusk!</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 Darren Espanto (@darrenespanto1) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-11-10T10:30:44+00:00">Nov 10, 2015 at 2:30am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Darren also posted a screengrab of Nicki's praise on his Instagram account. Nicki said: "So effortless. Incredible voice!"

{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: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/-HGZf8C8AH/" 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">WOOOOAAAAH! BRUUUUUUUUHHH! THANK YOU SO MUCH QUEEN @NICKIMINAJ!</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 Darren Espanto (@darrenespanto1) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-11-15T15:44:03+00:00">Nov 15, 2015 at 7:44am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Both artists found Darren's video through the site A Plus, which Ashton co-founded.

In December 2015, singer Jessie J personally told Darren she liked his "Chandelier" cover when she was in Manila for a concert. Darren shared his conversation with the singer on Instagram. "'I watched your cover of Chandelier! It was amazing!'" Darren remembered Jessie saying. (IN PHOTOS: Jessie J in free concert for PH fans)

{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:33.287037037% 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/_GxcBHi8GV/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I...AM...SPEECHLESS! Jessie: Hi! I watched your cover of Chandelier! It was amazing! Me: Oh thank you! I actually sang &#34;Domino&#34; at the blind auditions during The Voice! Jessie: Oh really! How was the show? Did you like it? Me: It was an amazing experience! (there was a lot more stuff but I was just starstruck)</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 Darren Espanto (@darrenespanto1) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-12-10T09:12:17+00:00">Dec 10, 2015 at 1:12am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}

Are you a Darren Espanto fan like these stars? What do you think of his covers of "Chandelier" and "I Believe?" Let us know in the comments!– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Thirty years after the original Ghostbusters, the movie is getting a reboot, directed by Paul Feig and starring an all-female team.

While Paul has been tweeting sneak-peeks of the movie, not many details have been revealed about the plot. But on Wednesday, Feburary 3, Paul tweeted about the launch of the movie's official website, which includes photos of the cast and the characters they'll be playing.

The only male star announced so far is Chris Hemsworth, who plays Kevin, the Ghostbusters' secretary.

Meanwhile, the team is composed of actresses Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, and Leslie Jones.

Kristen Wiig plays Erin Gilbert, a particle physicist, academic firebrand, and spectral warrior.

Kate McKinnon is Jillian Holtzmann, a nuclear engineer, munitions expert, and proton wrangler.

Melissa McCarthy is Abby Yates, a paranormal researcher, supernatural scientist, and entity trapper.

And Leslie Jones is Patty Tolan, a ghost tracker, municipal historian, and metaphysical commando.

Aside from releasing these photos and descriptions, Paul has been tweeting photos of the production too.

In July 2015, he posted a photo of the girls in uniform, standing in front of their car, the Ecto-1.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whoyougonnacall?src=hash">#whoyougonnacall</a> <a href="http://t.co/hnrSjhCqSl">pic.twitter.com/hnrSjhCqSl</a></p>&mdash; Paul Feig (@paulfeig) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulfeig/status/619591603456491520">July 10, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Plus, photos of green slime and a proton pack.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And ... action! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/slimetimestartstomorrow?src=hash">#slimetimestartstomorrow</a> <a href="http://t.co/FBKCAP5zMs">pic.twitter.com/FBKCAP5zMs</a></p>&mdash; Paul Feig (@paulfeig) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulfeig/status/611302714161668096">June 17, 2015</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whatyougonnashoot?src=hash">#whatyougonnashoot</a> <a href="http://t.co/sGsYSgS1Io">pic.twitter.com/sGsYSgS1Io</a></p>&mdash; Paul Feig (@paulfeig) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulfeig/status/615866469830758400">June 30, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

He also tweeted these posters in December:

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/NmFEl5QTgE">pic.twitter.com/NmFEl5QTgE</a></p>&mdash; Paul Feig (@paulfeig) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulfeig/status/677578778365657088">December 17, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Ghostbusters is set to hit Philippine theaters in July 2016.

Will you be seeing the reboot when it's out? What you think of these sneak-peeks of the movie? Let us know in the comments!– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The movie Heneral Luna has been nominated in 3 categories in the 10th Asian Film Awards to be held at The Venetian Theatre in Macau on March 17. 

Heneral Luna star John Arcilla is a nominee in the Best Actor category. He will go up against Donnie Yen (Ip Man 3), Masatoshi Nagase (An), Feng Xiaogang (Mr Six), and Lee Byung-Hun (Inside Men).

The movie also earned nominations for Best Production Design for Carlo Tabije and Benjamin Padero, and Best Costume Design.

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, Heneral Luna follows the career and death of Antonio Luna, an important figure in the Philippine-American war and one of Philippine history's most prominent figures. Luna is known for being one of the country's most brilliant military men, as well as for his quick temper and fierce demeanor. (READ: John Arcilla on bringing 'Heneral Luna' to life)

The movie has received good reviews and was even selected as the Philippines' official entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 2016 Oscars.

Here is the complete list of nominees:

Best Film

• Mountains May Depart
• The Assassin
• Bajirao Mastani
• Three Stories Of Love
• Mr Six
• Veteran

Best Director

• Jia Zhang-Ke – Mountains May Depart
• Hou Hsiao-Hsien – The Assassin
• Hirokazu Kore-eda – Our Little Sister
• Guan Hu – Mr Six
• Ryoo Seung-wan– Veteran 

Best Actor

• Donnie Yen – Ip Man 3
• Masatoshi Nagase – An
• Feng Xiao-gang – Mr Six
• Lee Byung-Hun – Inside Men
• John Arcilla – Heneral Luna

Best Actress

• Zhao Tao – Mountains May Depart
• Shu Qi – The Assassin
• Ayase Haruka – Our Little Sister
• Kim Hye-soo – Coin Locker Girl
• Karena Lam – Zinnia Flower

Best Supporting Actor

• Max Zhang – Ip Man 3
• Michael Ning – Port of Call
• Asano Tadanobu – Journey to the Shore
• Oh Dal-soo – Assassination
• Cheng Jen Shuo – Thanatos, Drunk

Best Supporting Actress

• Zhuo Yun –The Assassin
• Anna Tsuchiya – Gonin Saga
• Cherry Ngan – Mojin - The Lost Legend
• Juri Ueno – The Beauty Inside
• Park So-dam – The Priests

Best Newcomer

• Vicky Kaushal – Masaan  
• Jessie Li – Port Of Call
• Ryoko Fujino – Solomon’s Perjury, Solomon’s Perjury 2
• Kim Seol-hyun – Gangnam Blues
• Lee Hong-Chi – Thanatos, Drunk
• Waruntorn Paonil – Snap

Best Screenplay

• Jia Zhang-Ke – Mountains May Depart
• Philip Yung – Port Of Call
• Vishal Bhardwaj – Talvar
• Takashi Ujita, Kiyoshi Kurosawa – Journey To The Shore
• Ryoo Seung-wan –Veteran 

Best Editing

• William Chang Suk Ping, Chu Ka Yat, Liao Ching-sung, Wong Hoi Philip Yung – Port Of Call
• Rajesh Pandey – Bajirao Mastani
• Yasuyuki Ozeki – Bakuman 
• Tu Yiran – Jian Bing Man
• Kim Jae-bum, Kim Sang-beom – Veteran

Best Cinematography

• Christopher Doyle – Port Of Call
• Mark Lee Ping-Bing – The Assassin
• Yasushi Sasakibara, Yoshiaki Yamamoto – Gonin Saga
• Luo Pan – Mr Six
• Kim Woo-hyung – Assassination

Best Music

• Lim Giong – The Assassin
• Nihar Ranjan Samal – Bajirao Mastani
• Amit Trivedi – Bombay Velvet
• Yoshihide Otomo – Journey To The Shore
• Bang Joon-seok – The Throne

Best Costume Design

• Hwarng Wern-Ying – The Assassin
• Maxmina Basu, Anju Modi – Bajirao Mastani
• Miyamoto Masae – Kakekomi
• Lee Ji-yeon, Shim Hyun-seob – The Throne
• Carlo Tabije – Heneral Luna

Best Production Deisgn

• Ken Mak – Ip Man 3
• Hwarng Wern-Ying – The Assassin
• Tetsuo Harada – Kakekomi
• Lee Min-su – Inside Men
• Benjamin Padero, Carlo Tabije – Heneral Luna

Best Visual Effects

• Ellen Poon, Jason H Snell, Tang Bingbing – Monster Hunt
• Srinivas Mohan – Baahubali: The Beginning
• Prasad Sutar – Bajirao Mastani
• Katsuro Onoue – Attack On Titan
• Cho Yong Seok, Choi Jae Cheon, Lee Jeon Hyoung – The Tiger 

Best Sound 

• Lee Yiu Keung, Kinson Tsang, George Yiu Chun Hin – Monster Hunt 
• Chu Shih-Yi, Tu Duu-Chih, Wu Shu-Yao – The Assassin
• Shinji Watanabe – Bakuman
• Toru Nishiyama – The Inerasable
• Kim Suk-won, Park Joo-gang – Assassination

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Rihanna and George Clooney recently stopped by Ellen Degeners' show and ended up revealing a little more about themselves via a game of "Never Have I Ever." 

We find out who's sent a nude selfie, seen a rapper naked, been drunk before noon, and strangely, spanked a cat. 

Rihanna just dropped a new album Anti, while George is promoting the film Hail, Caesar!. 

Ellen has made other celebrity guests play the same game before, to hilarious results – including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Johnny Depp, Paul Bettany, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

What do you think of the revelations? Let us know in the comments below – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – About a year and a half after their 2014 wedding, George Clooney shared the sweet story of how he proposed to his wife Amal Alamuddin Clooney, a human rights lawyer.

George, who is promoting the new film Hail, Caesar!, appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' show, where he shared the romantic story – and that it took Amal quite a few minutes to give him an answer. 

"It was I think about 6 months until I actually thought I might pop the question, and it was one of those horrible moments – you know, we didn't talk about it...I plotted the whole thing out. Had the ring hidden behind her, I had music playing," he said. 

George said that Amal came in and suggested ordering in, but George said he'd made dinner. It did take a while for Amal to answer – George said it took about 25 minutes. 

"Finally, I literally said, 'Look, I hope the answer is yes, but I need an answer because I'm 52 and I can throw out my hip pretty soon!" he joked. 

"From the minute we met, we just hit it off. From the minute we met, we sort of felt like we were going to be together," he added later.

George, at one time considered Hollywood's most eligible bachelors, and Amal, a successful trilingual human rights lawyer, wed back in September 2014. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA– Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, whose feel-good funk anthems packed arenas, broke down racial barriers and made him among his generation's best-selling artists, has died. He was 74.

Brought up in Chicago, White saw himself as an heir to the jazz greats but developed a fresh sound of tight pop tunes that brought in elements of R&B, rock, soul and funk.

The band sold close to 100 million albums, ranking among the most successful acts of the 1970s, on the back of hits such as "September," "Shining Star," "After the Love Has Gone," and "Boogie Wonderland."

White's death is the latest among a string of prominent musicians who have passed away since the start of 2016.

White, who suffered for years from Parkinson's disease, forcing him to stop touring, died Wednesday, February 3  at his home in Los Angeles, his brother and a representative for the band said. 

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," his brother and bandmate Verdine White wrote Thursday, February 4 on Facebook.

"While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life-changing transition in our lives."

{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_US/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/EarthWindandFire/posts/10153178392025989:0" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/EarthWindandFire/posts/10153178392025989:0"><p>My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep.  While the world has lost...</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EarthWindandFire/">Earth, Wind &amp; Fire</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/EarthWindandFire/posts/10153178392025989:0">Thursday, February 4, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div> {/source}

The band was one of the early acts to break the color barrier in pop music, winning a white fanbase while remaining favorites within the African-American community. 

In 1979, the band became the first African-American act to sell out New York's Madison Square Garden, then – as now – one of the most prestigious concert venues. 

'Voice of my generation'

Maurice White formed Earth, Wind & Fire in Chicago in 1969 and quickly became known for his skill at songwriting as he crafted readily danceable tunes that borrowed heavily from the city's R&B scene, but kept a concise structure in line with pop.

While never disappearing completely, Earth, Wind &  Fire enjoyed a career resurgence after the election of President Barack Obama, who invited the band as one of the first entertainers when he entered the White House in 2009. 

Attorney General Loretta Lynch mourned the death of White on Twitter, calling him "the voice of my generation."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mourning the loss of <a href="https://twitter.com/EarthWindFire">@EarthWindFire</a>&#39;s Maurice White, the voice of my generation.</p>&mdash; AG Loretta Lynch (@LorettaLynch) <a href="https://twitter.com/LorettaLynch/status/695391215320113156">February 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Basketball legend Magic Johnson on Twitter described Earth, Wind & Fire as "the greatest group in history."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rest In Peace to Maurice White, who founded the greatest group in history, <a href="https://twitter.com/EarthWindFire">@EarthWindFire</a>!</p>&mdash; Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/MagicJohnson/status/695410574042071040">February 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The Recording Academy, which has awarded White 7 Grammys over his career out of 21 nominations, hailed his skills on stage and in the studio. 

"His unerring instincts as a musician and showman helped propel the band to international stardom, influencing countless fellow musicians in the process," it said in a statement.

Earth, Wind & Fire had been due to receive a lifetime achievement Grammy in the coming months.

Coincidentally, this year's honorees include Jefferson Airplane, whose co-founder Paul Kantner died last week, also at 74.

'Channeling positive thoughts'

Earth, Wind & Fire helped bring together the races by leading through example rather than direct activism. 

Unlike contemporary funk greats Sly and the Family Stone, who brought a subtle political edge to their songs, Earth, Wind & Fire had no interest in provocation and often sang simply about dancing – helping the band triumph in the disco era.

White, in a 1985 interview with the Chicago Tribune, said he wanted his music to inspire hope and give people "a positive image of self."

"There are a lot of things wrong on this planet – starvation, poverty, negative thoughts, racism, a lot of weirdness," he said.

"So somebody has to communicate something to try and balance that, if it's possible."

White's desire for positive energy led him on a spiritual quest as he grew interested in ancient Egypt and toured indigenous ruins in the Americas.

The song "Serpentine Fire" references yoga's concept of Kundalini energy. It appears on the 1977 album "All 'n All," which features Brazilian rhythms and cover art from pharaonic Egypt.

Earth, Wind & Fire won acclaim not only for songwriting but for energetic live shows, led by a forceful horn section and featuring a kalimba, an African percussion instrument played by plucking metal tines.

White, a tenor, alternated on vocals with Philip Bailey, who offered a quickly recognizable falsetto.

White also served as a producer for artists including Barbra Streisand, Chaka Khan and The Emotions, a three-woman R&B trio from Chicago. – Shaun Tandon, AFP/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – British rockers Coldplay said Thursday, February 4 they were overjoyed to headline the prestigious Super Bowl halftime show but admitted they knew little about American football.

Frontman Chris Martin said the group – who will perform with Beyonce at Sunday's championship game in San Francisco – had studied past Super Bowl performances and hoped to put on "a show as memorable as some of our favorites." (READ: Lady Gaga to sing at Super Bowl, Grammys)

But while describing their selection for Super Bowl 50 as an honor, the band members admitted they were unlikely to understand the game between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. (LOOK: Pia Wurtzbach starts job as special correspondent for Super Bowl)

"I think we're firmly split down the middle between those of us who know absolutely nothing about football and those of us who know almost absolutely nothing about football," guitarist Jonny Buckland told a news conference.

Martin joked that the band was looking for a good game from Lebron James, who is one of the top US athletes – but in basketball, not in the National Football League.

The Super Bowl is the biggest US television event of the year, with last year's halftime show drawing a record 118.5 million viewers.

But with high viewership comes intense scrutiny and last year's show by Katy Perry was overshadowed by the "left shark" – a backup dancer in a shark outfit who appeared out of synch.

Asked if Coldplay had contingency "shark" plans, Martin quipped that the band had invested time in training sharks and had "a reserve shark in case one of the first sharks has a problem."

"Everything will shut down for two minutes while we replace whichever shark messed up," Martin said, promising a delay on the broadcast "so no viewer at home will have any shark-based trauma."

Thinking further about the issue, Martin said: "It's a difficult question to answer. You're basically saying which part of our show will we f-ck up terribly," a remark that inadvertently was a faux pas in itself as the National Football League frowns on profanity.

Coldplay will be the first non-American act to headline the halftime show since British rock legends The Who in 2010.

Martin voiced excitement about appearing with Beyonce, calling the pop diva "one of our all-time favorites."

The halftime show will also feature Bruno Mars and the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra led by Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel, while Lady Gaga will open the game by singing the national anthem. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – Joe Alaskey, the voice behind some of the most beloved cartoon characters including Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and Tweety Bird, has died at the age of 63.

Alaskey, who had been battling cancer, in the late 1980s was one of the successors to the late cartoon pioneer Mel Blanc, who was known as "The Man of 1,000 Voices."

Daffy Duck proved to be one of Alaskey's best characters and in 2004, the New York-born actor won an Emmy for his performance on Cartoon Network's Duck Dodgers.

Apart from playing Looney Tune characters, he also lent his talent to other roles, playing the voice of Richard Nixon in the Oscar-winning Forrest Gump and Jackie Gleason in King of the World.

Most recently he was the narrator of Murder Comes to Town, a TV series.

Mark Evanier, a television writer who knew Alaskey, paid tribute to the comic actor in a blog, describing him as a man who learned at an early age that "he could overcome great shyness by becoming someone else."

Evanier said that he often invited Alaskey to take part in panel discussions and had worked with him, and the biggest challenge was figuring out which voice he should impersonate.

"The one I liked best was when he sounded like Joe Alaskey," Evanier wrote. "He had a long, long list of voices but that's the one I will miss most." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Seven-year-old John Philip “Balang” Bughaw has caught the attention of foreign celebrities in the past – he's been featured twice on Ellen DeGeneres' show – but this time, his "Sorry" dance video has won Justin Bieber's praise. (WATCH: 6-year-old Pinoy Balang dances on ‘Ellen')

Balang's video was featured on Elle magazine's website, and Justin retweeted their article on Feburary 2, saying, "Kills it." (WATCH: Dancing boy Balang back on 'Ellen,' has dance-off with tWitch)

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kills it <a href="https://t.co/pWsX6PeW8t">https://t.co/pWsX6PeW8t</a></p>&mdash; Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) <a href="https://twitter.com/justinbieber/status/694341624965545986">February 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Since it was published on January 30, Balang's video has garnered more than 15 million views. In it, Balang mimics the moves of the dancers in Justin's music video for the song. 

{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-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="/JPLBalang/videos/vb.844255732284584/1012440148799474/?type=3"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/JPLBalang/videos/1012440148799474/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JPLBalang/videos/1012440148799474/"></a><p>Sorry by Justin Bieber Dance Cover #Sorry</p>Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JPLBalang/">John Phillip Bughaw aka Balang</a> on Saturday, 30 January 2016</blockquote></div></div>{/source}

After seeing his viral dance videos in the past, Ellen invited him to dance and guest on her show in May 2015.

Balang made another Ellen show appearance in November, participating in a dance-off with the show's DJ, tWitch – they danced to Silento's "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)."

During the November episode, he said he has been teaching Zumba classes to stay healthy.

Balang has previously appeared on It's Showtime's "Mini Me" segment.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Channing Tatum made this fan's night by being her Valentine in the February 3 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

Jennifer, a student, was on her commute home, when she was whisked up to the late night show's studio to have Channing whisper Valentine's Day candy messages in her ear.

"Hey, how you doin'?" Channing asked, before draping one leg over Jennifer's lap and wooing her with candy.

The actor growled, "You're mine," before feeding Jennifer the candy heart. That sweet nothing was followed by "'Sup, babe?" "Bling," and "Mah boy!" before Channing eventually realized that the less-than-exciting messages weren't working to his advantage.

Putting his own twist to the Valentine's Day surprise, the actor drew on his Magic Mike dance moves, did a quick spin before reading out, "TTYL."

Watch the video above and let us know what you think of Channing's Valentine's Day stunt in the comments!– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Bubble Gang star Rufa Mae Quinto is engaged. On Instagram Friday, February 5, the sexy comedian posted photos of her and boyfriend Trev Magallanes' engagement dinner in  San Francisco.

"Thanks my new family... For the love and support, for hosting ,from throwing a wonderful , amazing, happy , lovely engagement dinner party. Can't say much coz I'm so overwhelmed, yes to all my friends now in SF , thanks for coming , #mamasteph #papalance #parents #amazingparents #Love wins... A Family!!! #engagementparty #family #engaged #engagedlife – To my New Kuya, @baduncnjunked thanks for coming down to town in Sf once again for your brother @trevvvsilog #cuffedMensclub #mabilis #todonato !! So yeah , I'm engaged #lovewins soon #rufamaequinto," she 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:37.5% 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/BBYt5fJLMpq/" 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">Thanks my new family... For the love and support, for hosting ,from throwing a wonderful , amazing, happy , lovely engagement dinner party. Can&#39;t say much coz I&#39;m so overwhelmed, yes to all my friends now in SF , thanks for coming , #mamasteph #papalance #parents #amazingparents #Love wins... A Family!!! #engagementparty #family #engaged #engagedlife ---- To my New Kuya, @baduncnjunked thanks for coming down to town in Sf once again for your brother @trevvvsilog #cuffedMensclub #mabilis #todonato !! So yeah , I&#39;m engaged  #lovewins soon #rufamaequinto</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 Rufa mae Quinto (@rufamaequinto) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-05T01:30:29+00:00">Feb 4, 2016 at 5:30pm 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/BBX1tQwLMtO/" 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 life has change .. Thank you @trevvvsilog </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 Rufa mae Quinto (@rufamaequinto) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-04T17:19:28+00:00">Feb 4, 2016 at 9:19am 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:62.5352112676% 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/BBX13AerMth/" 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">Love begins with one hello .. So hello !!! Thanks cousin Paola and Tim for coming over and for being our Mom and Dad chos!</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 Rufa mae Quinto (@rufamaequinto) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-04T17:20:48+00:00">Feb 4, 2016 at 9:20am 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:37.5% 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/BBZK5fcrMkp/" 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">@trevvvsilog family ... I love them all !!! How nice ,supporting , fun and loving !!! Thanks for coming and for the good words they shared us.. mahal ko #family #engagedlife #engagementparty #engaged #chinese #asian #filipino #american</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 Rufa mae Quinto (@rufamaequinto) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-05T05:43:53+00:00">Feb 4, 2016 at 9:43pm 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:37.5% 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/BBZM-lIrMnB/" 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"> </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 Rufa mae Quinto (@rufamaequinto) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-05T06:02:03+00:00">Feb 4, 2016 at 10:02pm 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/BBZORGILMop/" 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">Thanks for coming and welcoming me to your family... Todo na to guys!!! Happy engagement party </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 Rufa mae Quinto (@rufamaequinto) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-05T06:13:19+00:00">Feb 4, 2016 at 10:13pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Trey posted this on Instagram.

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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/BBXR_EVCcbG/" 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">Thanks all for coming out to support! #jaket #buri #dab #engaged #lucky #mabilis</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 Trev M. (@trevvvsilog) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-04T12:07:20+00:00">Feb 4, 2016 at 4:07am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Rufa Mae is the latest member of the long time comedy show to get engaged. Last year, actress Gwen Zamora got engaged to former actor Jeremy Marquez, son of Joey Marquez. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Latin classical cross-over quartet, Il Divo, is bringing their Amor & Pasion tour to the Philippines this April.

Urs Buhler, Sebastien Izambard, Carlos Marin and David Miller are performing at the Mall of Asia Arena on April 6.

Tickets for the concert will be sold starting Friday, February 12, through SM tickets.

Il Divo was first formed in 2003 by Simon Cowell, and has since continued to serenade their fans with Spanish covers of classics and originals in Spanish, Italian, English, or French.

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Today, the quartet is still going strong. In November 2015, Il Divo released their 7th studio album, after which their Amor & Pasion tour is named.

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Will you be watching Il Divo in Manila this April? Let us know in the comments! 

NEW YORK, USA – For fans of 1990s-style grunge rock who never quite made it, a dream job is now available – vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots.

The rockers on Friday, February 5 announced an open application process for a new singer after celebrated frontman Scott Weiland died from drug use. (READ:
Grammy-winning 'grunge' singer Scott Weiland dead at 48)

"We've already heard from many talented people, but want to make this an opportunity for many more so we've set up a way for you to do just that," the band wrote on its website.

"If you think you have what it takes to front this band, record with this band, and tour with this band, we would dig hearing from you."

The California-based band did not expand on its criteria or set a deadline.

But its website immediately received numerous submissions from singers who offered their takes on Stone Temple Pilots songs such as "Vasoline," "Interstate Love Song" and "Tripping on a Hole in a Paper Heart."

Since Weiland's death in December, the band has been performing with Chester Bennington of Linkin Park but Stone Temple Pilots said it was not possible for the singer to keep fronting two bands.

"No one will ever 'replace' Scott, that was never the intent. The intent is for Stone Temple Pilots to continue on, to evolve, and to do what we do... make music!" the band wrote.

Weiland, along with the late Kurt Cobain, was one of the iconic singers of the grunge era and became known for his versatile voice that went from steady baritone to raspy and intense.

But he was also notorious for his drug and alcohol use.

He died at age 48 on the band's tour bus in Minnesota, where a medical examination found a mix of drugs in his system. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – With one week to go before Valentine's Day, Daniel Padilla said that he's fixing something special for his leading lady Kathryn Bernardo.

During the press conference for the finale week of Pangako Sa Yo Thursday, February 4, Daniel hinted at what he plans to do on the special day, and the two spoke about their current relationship. 

"Yung plano ko inaayos ko pa kasi may pinag-uusapan pa kami ni Tito Ian (Veneracion)…hindi double date... ngayon inaayos ko pa yung gagawin namin sa 14th pero meron. Innayos ko lang kung saan," he said. 

(I'm still working on the plan because Tito Ian and I are still talking about it...not a double date...I'm still fixing what we will do on the 14th. We're doing something, but I'm still finalizing the place.)

Kathryn meanwhile said that this was the first time that she and Daniel do not have work during Valentine's Day. Last year, the two promoted a movie, Crazy Beautiful You.

When asked if he has a gift for Kathryn, Daniel said that Kathryn was the one who ordered it and he will just pay for it, joking he might just buy her a skull ring.

Although they have yet to admit the real status of their relationship, both Daniel and Kathryn shared that they are very happy with each other.

"Ako sinasabi ko lang naman and mahirap mag-isip ng kasinungalingan," Daniel said. (I just express what needs to be expressed, it's difficult to lie.)  

"Iyan yung iniisip ko, bakit pa ako masisinungaling eh mahihirapan lang ako at baka magbuckle pa ako so 'yung totoo na lang sinabi ko. And feeling ko lang you deserve an answer and you got it thank you," he teased. 

(That's what I thought about, why should I lie if I'll just have a hard time, and I might buckle, so I just said the truth. And I feel you deserve an answer and got it, thank you.)

Kathryn meanwhile said: "Hindi kasi ang hirap... parang hindi naman sa inuuto namin yung mga tao or parang pinaiikot mo silang ganun…basta ang usapan namin ni DJ na on or off cam importante ipakikita natin sa kanila kung ano yung totoo iyon talaga, and iyon kung ano ang nakikita ninyo din ganun po talaga.

(No because it's hard...it's not that we're fooling peopl or making them go in circles...but what's important is that DJ [Daniel's nickname] and I, on and off cam, it's important to show everyone the truth and that's that, and whatever you see is really like that.)

"So maybe grabe talaga yung care namin sa isa’t isa and grabe malaking parte na kami ng isa’t isa …and kung ano yung nakikita ninyo iyon yun lang po talaga ang totoo," she added. 

(So maybe, we just really care for each other and we're a big part of each other...and whatever you see, that's the truth.)

'Pangako Sa' Yo' in final week

After almost one year on primetime, Pangako Sa Yo will end on February 12. In last week's episode, Amor discovers that Yna is her missing daughter Maria Amor, and stops the wedding between Yna and Angelo. (READ:Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla talk about grown-up roles in 'Pangako Sa 'Yo')

For Daniel, he said that they made sure to do a different take on the show that was popularized by Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa. (READ: 'Pangako Sa 'Yo' then and now, through the eyes of a fan)

"S'yempre hindi naman masama kung nakawala man or hindi dahil ang Pangako Sa' Yo dati grabe rin diba?... Nagawan naman ng paraan sobra…Yun naman ang goal namin hindi masyadong maging kamukhang-kamukha nung Pangako dati di ba? Bakit naman natin gagayahin pa?"

(Of course it's not bad if we were or were not able to get out of the shadow of the orginal one because the original Pangako was really good also right? We were able to do something... That was our goal from start, that the show not be a copycat of the Pangako before, right? Why should we copy it to begin with?) 

{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_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-video" data-allowfullscreen="1" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/avvillano/videos/10208446613380014/"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/avvillano/videos/10208446613380014/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avvillano/videos/10208446613380014/"></a><p>Pangako Sa Yo</p>Posted by <a href="#" role="button">Alexa Villano</a> on Thursday, February 4, 2016</blockquote></div></div>{/source}

Kids' Choice

In the same press conference, Kathryn shared her happiness about being nominated in this year's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Fave Pinoy Personality category. She will go up against Enrique Gil, James Reid, and Maine Mendoza.

"Ang saya. Maraming nominated. Masaya ako...Masaya maging parte ng ganyan basta ngayon na nominated ako... kinikilig," Kathryn said.

(I'm so happy. There a lot of people nominated. I'm very happy...happy to be part of something like that and now that I'm nominated, I just feel so giddy.)

Now that the show is about to wrap up, the two were asked what they've promised to each other.

Daniel looking serious said: "Ang ipinapangako ko lang talaga sa kanya ay nandito ako para sa kanya. (What I promised her really is I'll aways be there for her.)

“Hindi ko siya pababayaan hangga’t ako ang kasama niya.” (I won't leave her until I'm by her side.)

Kathryn meanwhile said:  "Pangako sa 'yo na kahit kailan hindi mo mararamdaman na mag-isa ka." (I promise you that there will never be a moment that you'll feel you're alone.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Comedian Vice Ganda called out the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Ali Mall branch for playing a pirated copy of the movie A Second Chance.

On Friday, February 5, Vice retweeted Star Cinema's advertising and promotions manager Mico del Rosario.

Mico's tweet was a photo of the movie being played at the DFA's Ali Mall office captioned, "Dear DFA Ali mall, bakit po kayo nagpapalabas ng pirated copy ng A Second Chance diyan? Blatant na po talaga ang paglabag sa batas? Umm... Government agency po kayo?"

(Dear DFA Ali Mall, why are you showing a pirated copy of A Second Chance? The violation of the law is really so blatant now? Umm... you're a government agency?)

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Dear DFA ALI MALL, bakit po kayo nagpapalabas ng pirated copy ng A Second Chance d.... <a href="https://t.co/U9npMwisGs">https://t.co/U9npMwisGs</a> <a href="https://t.co/flJgOq6RV8">pic.twitter.com/flJgOq6RV8</a></p>&mdash; Mico del Rosario (@micodelrosario) <a href="https://twitter.com/micodelrosario/status/695457651564523520">February 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Vice, on the other hand, captioned his retweet: "This is DISGUSTING!!! Hoy DFA Ali Mall ang garapal nitong ahensya ng gobyerno na ito (Hey DFA Ali Mall, this government agency is so outrageous)!!!"

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">This is DISGUSTING!!! Hoy DFA Ali Mall ang garapal nitong ahensya ng gobyerno na ito!!! <a href="https://t.co/RQCTx3jRCO">https://t.co/RQCTx3jRCO</a></p>&mdash; jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) <a href="https://twitter.com/vicegandako/status/695458240629374979">February 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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It seems the comedian couldn't help but joke about the situation, though, as he tweeted after, "Langya magpalabas ba ng pirated na A Second Chance e meron namang pirated na Beauty and the Bestie (They have no shame for showing a pirated copy of A Second Chance when there's already a pirated copy of Beauty and the Bestie!!!"

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Langya magpalabas ba ng pirated na A Second Chance e meron namang pirated na Beauty and the Bestie!!! Chozzzz! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoToPiracy?src=hash">#NoToPiracy</a></p>&mdash; jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) <a href="https://twitter.com/vicegandako/status/695459798217699329">February 5, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Vice was referencing his most recent movie, Beauty and the Bestie, in which he co-stars with Coco Martin. The movie was an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2015.

As of writing, DFA spokesman Charles Jose told Rappler that they are looking into the situation. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After the success of Forevermore, and their two movies Just The Way You Are and Everyday I Love You, Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano are back on primetime with a new show called Dolce Amore. 

With a star-studded cast also led by Cherie Gil, Matteo Guidicelli, Rio Locsin, Kean Cipriano, and director Bobot Mortiz, there's a lot for fans of LizQuen to look forward to. 

In Dolce Amore, Liza is Serena, a wealthy young lady who grew up in Italy and longs to live a simple life.  Enrique is Tenten, an orphan who grew up in the company of a simple but loving family who tries to make ends meet for them. When their worlds collide, sparks fly – but how will their story end?

Here are some fun facts about the show: 

1. Dolce Amore was shot partly in Italy.  Last year, Liza, Cherie, Matteo, and some of the cast flew to Italy to shoot scenes for the new drama.

Asked what she loved about the experience, Liza, who plays Serena said: "Yung pagkain. Sobrang sarap. Tapos, gusto ko talaga yung mga sites na buildings, the history behind it." (The food. It was so good. And I also like the sites, buildings, the history behind it.)

"I got to go to the Vatican and I got to pass through the Holy Door," Liza added.

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Liza also shared that she, Matteo, Cherie ate in a restaurant in Bologna, Italy and the owner took a photo of them, which is now on the wall of the restaurant. Liza was also featured in an Italian newspaper, as posted on Instagram by Ogie Diaz.

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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/_Vxv1Kler1/" 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">Wow naman! Congrats sa anak ko, kay @lizasoberano, dahil na-feature ang pagte-taping nila ng Star Creatives ng bagong teleserye ng LizQuen, ang #DolceAmore. Hindi ko man naintindihan ang nakasulat dahil Itallian nga, eh parang maganda ang nakasulat. Hahahaha! #Repost</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 Ogie Diaz (@ogie_diaz) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-12-16T05:03:36+00:00">Dec 15, 2015 at 9:03pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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2. Matteo and Enrique are both from Cebu. Matteo and Enrique are both Cebuanos. During the press conference, Enrique shared that his mom’s younger sibling and Matteo’s mom are good friends and also classmates.

“Nagkikita lagi kami (We see each other often),“ Enrique said of Matteo. 

3. Dolce Amore is Cherie Gil’s second project with Enrique. This is not the first time Cherie and Enrique worked together in a teleserye. The two were part of the show Muling Buksan Ang Puso, where they played mother and son.

Asked how it felt to work together again with Enrique, Cherie said: "Here we go… and of course Liza, I haven’t had a chance to meet. It was a fresh name to me in fact."

According to Cherie, prior to the Italy shoot, she had to google Liza’s name, and when she finally met her, Cherie said: "You look astoundingly beautiful." Cherie plays the role of Luciana, Serena's mother.

Aside from Enrique, the project is also Cherie's second time to work with director Cathy Garcia-Molina, whom she worked with in a previous show starring Judy Ann Santos.

4. A Filipino-Italian actor helped the cast out with the language. While many know Matteo to be part Italian on his dad’s side, another actor, Ruben Maria Soriquez, is also half-Italian. In the show, Ruben plays Roberto, Serena’s father and husband to Luciana.

"I'm very happy that I was chosen," Ruben said, who is based in Manila and has done a few films."But I guess there are not so many Italians here that can speak Italian-English and Tagalog..."

Aside from acting, Ruben is also a director.

Matteo said that Ruben has really been helpful, since he speaks the language fluently.

“Si Ruben talaga...he’s the one who’s correcting all of our grammar mistakes.

"He’s there for us talaga, he’s a big help on the whole set and walang problema, sobrang galing (There's no problem, he's very good)." 

5. Dream come true. During the press conference, Matteo said that he was very happy to be acting again on TV. According to Matteo, the project was a blessing because it was one of the wishes of his late grandfather for him to play an Italian role.

"It feels great na kasama ko sila (to have them around)," Matteo said of the cast. "Actually last year, I wanted to focus on my album already with Star Music but lumapit ang Star Creatives and sabi nila (they said) ‘Matteo, we have a project for you. It’s called Dolce Amore, we’re going to shoot in Italy. You’re going to play an Italian character.’ Tapos sabi ko (And I said) wow! You know I lost my lolo (grandfather) last year and his dream for me was to play in a film in Italian in Italy," he said.

“It’s very close to my heart this soap and I’m very blessed to be working with them."

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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:62.5% 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/_eQjBCh9JD/" 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">Ciao Italia. Thanks for this awesome trip. I&#39;ve always believed that everything happens for a reason..</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 Matteo Guidicelli (@mateoguidicelli) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-12-19T12:06:39+00:00">Dec 19, 2015 at 4:06am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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This is the first time Matteo will be working with Liza and Enrique. In the show, he plays Giancarlo, Serena's childhood friend who is secretly in love with her. 

6.  Dolce Amore is the acting comeback for Bobot Mortiz. 

Although he has been in the showbiz industry for a long time, Bobot took a break to focus on directing, including the noontime show It's Showtime. The last time he did a teleserye was 10 years ago.

During the press conference, Bobot shared that the idea to be part of a teleserye started during a talk with one of his good friends, Tirso Cruz III.

"Actually aksidente lang talaga. One time kami ni Pipo... ni Tirso, busy sila sa mga teleserye, nagkabiruan kami parang nakita namin si MNS [Star Cinema head Malou Santos], then sabi namin gawa naman kami ng soap magkasama kami. Tapos sabi ko sige basta loko-lokohan lang sasama ako.

(Actually this was all an accident. One time, Pipo... Tirso, they were all busy with teleseryes and we were kidding around and we saw MNS [Star Cinema head Malou Santos] and we said, what if we could make a soap together. And then I said yes, for the good times.)

"So alam ko magkasama kami ni Pipo…eh biglang nagkaroon naman si Pip ng Pangako Sa' Yoso hindi na niya pwede gawin. Eh nakasagot na ako so nasabit na ako dito …pero natutuwa rin ako na nakasama ako dito na kahit 10 years ago yung huling teleserye ko. Ibang sistema so nung nag-taping ako parang bagong-bago itong mundo ito," Bobot said. 

(So what I know was Pipo and I were supposed to be part of this...but suddenly he had to do Pangako Sa' Yo so he cannot do it anymore. I already said yes to it so I'm involved... but I'm happy that I am part of the show because it has been 10 years since my last teleserye. It was a different system so when I was already taping, it was really all new to me again.) 

7.  Liza and Enrique both play adopted characters, but from different backgrounds.

In the show, Liza's character Serena and Enrique as Tenten are adopted. Sunshine Cruz's character Alice is connected to one of them.

"She's the biggest mystery of the story," Cherie said pertaining to Sunshine's role. Sunshine plays a nurse who, along with her child, is separated from her husband.

8. Dolce Amore is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and May Cruz-Alviar.

The teleserye will be directed by two of the country's popular female directors close to the LizQuen tandem. Director Cathy Garcia-Molina returns fresh from the success of Forevermore and the John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo movie A Second Chance, and Mae Cruz-Alviar, who directed the tandem on the movie Everyday I Love You.

9.Before Dolce Amore, Liza and Enrique will reprise their roles as Xander and Agnes in ABS-CBNmobile's Forever and More.

Before the airing of Dolce Amore, LizQuen fans will have the chance to watch the ever after part of Xander and Agnes' story in the ABS-CBNmobile special Forever and More. The 15-part project, which starts Monday, February 8, shows Xander and Agnes remembering the challenges and triumphs of their love story and what happened to them after last year's finale.

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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:40.831758034% 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/BBZn340vbRP/" 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">LIZA AND ENRIQUE MAKE PEOPLE BELIEVE IN FOREVER ONCE AGAIN VIA “FOREVER AND MORE” Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil reprise their well-loved roles as Agnes and Xander as they topbill &#34;Forever and More,&#34; the first exclusive content offering on iWant TV this year via ABS-CBNmobile starting Monday (Feb 8). For more details, visit abscbnpr.com</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 ABS-CBN PR (@abscbnpr) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-02-05T09:57:04+00:00">Feb 5, 2016 at 1:57am PST</time></p></div></blockquote>
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10. Liza is not closing her doors to beauty pageants.

Liza is often praised for her beauty, and this was also noticed by Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, who said that Liza might just be a potential Miss Universe. (READ: 10 things we learned from Pia Wurtzbach's fun Twitter interview)

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I can think of a lot. But if I had to pick one.. Liza Soberano. She&#39;s beautiful! -Pia <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/askmissuniverse?src=hash">#askmissuniverse</a> <a href="https://t.co/AS5l7dCUns">https://t.co/AS5l7dCUns</a></p>&mdash; Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (@MissUniverse) <a href="https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/692549169727324164">January 28, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Although flattered by the comment, Liza in an interview on TV Patrol said that joining beauty pageants is not something she is interested in right now. 

"To be honest, wala naman akong (I have no) plans on being Miss Universe pero I'm not closing any doors," she said. 

Dolce Amore is scheduled to air on February 15. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Dimples Romana played Liberal Party vice presidential candidate Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo in the Saturday, February 6, episode of the long-running drama series Maalaala Mo Kaya. (READ: 3 days before campaign, MMK to feature Robredo)

The episode featured Leni's life story – her journey from working in the private sector to eventually running for Congress before running for vice president.

Leni was hesitant to enter politics at first. Dimples, as Leni, said that she was scared and that she wanted to be able to spend more time with her family.

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In the episode, Leni was torn between her family and serving others, which was something she was raised to do – "Hindi lahat ng tao kasing-palad natin. Hindi lahat ng tao mayaman, pero nakakatulong tayo sa kapwa kahit sa maliit na paraan," her father said, early in the episode.

(Not everyone is as fortunate as wel are. Not everyone is rich, but we're able to help others even in small ways.)

Leni, it seemed, managed to do both at first. The MMK episode showed scenes of her happy family life with her late husband, Jesse Robredo, as well as her life helping those in need.

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It wasn't until her husband Jesse Robredo's untimely death in a plane crash that Leni was pushed to enter politics. Jesse was interior and local government secretary at the time of his death.

It was clear in MMK that Leni and her 3 daughters, Aika, Patricia, and Jillian, had a difficult time after Jesse's death and that the whole family wasn't sure about her going into politics.

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However, the episode also showed crowds of people chanting, showing their support for her outside her house.

Even after his death, Jesse still made a huge impact on Leni's life. Leni eventually decided to run for Congress, remembering what Jesse said years ago – that it's more important to serve others, fear notwithstanding. She represents Camarines Sur's 3rd district and is the running mate of Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey published on February 6, 2016, Leni ranked 3rd in the vice-presidential race, with 18% of voters' preference.

MMK, the longest-running Philippine drama series in the Philippines, is hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. The series features true stories of Filipinos.

MMK has featured politicians in the past too, including the late president Corazon "Cory" Aquino and Senator Manuel Villar.– Rappler.com

SINGAPORE – There have been sporadic downpours in the sunny old Lion City for the past few weeks, a local shop owner I befriended over a couple of visits told me.

“Great,” I thought to myself. I dreaded yet another episode of muddy lawns and scattered plastic ponchos at this year’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival in Singapore. Many festivalgoers have come to wittily call such this phenomenon “Rainway,” since the notorious sludge baths of the 2011 edition in Fort Canning Park, and even just last year. (IN PHOTOS: 14 highlights, Singapore's Laneway Music Festival 2015)

But the show has always gone on for this rising star of the Southeast Asian live music scene – rain or shine.

My worries proved to be unfounded on that unforgettable Saturday, January 30, at the sprawling Gardens by the Bay. The skies were clear and cerulean, with the triple towers of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer standing majestically in the background. (READ: First time in Singapore? 12 places to visit)

Although the sun was scorching hot, it was indeed a fine day, and certainly a big one for the Philippines’ very own Cheats. (READ: Laneway Festival SG releases 2016 lineup, including PH band Cheats)

Cheats is an eight-piece act consisting of vocalists Jim Bacarro, Saab Magalona-Bacarro, and Candy Gamos; guitarists Ernest Aguila, Mau Torralba, and Jason Caballa; bassist Manny Tanglao; and drummer Enzo Hermosa – plus Kyle Quismundo guesting on keys. They happened to be the first ever Filipino act to play at the Singapore leg of the Australia-based indie music festival, and they were on one of the twin main stages to boot!

They were incredulous at first, as vocalist Saab told writer and photographer Niña Sandejas of music website RosariOko.com, “It’s just that there’s no Filipino band that has played so far so I didn’t know that was even an option.”

“When Jim and I were in Laneway 3 years ago, [which] seems like such a long time ago, we were watching Yuck, [and] we were saying, ‘Sobrang saya kung tumugtog tayo diyan.’ [‘It would be really great if we perform there’] […] When we started Cheats, we were really joking about it. It was our first out-of-the-country festival,” she added in the same interview.

The band was originally set to open the festivities, but they got bumped to the second timeslot of the day, as New York City-based band DIIV had to cancel their appearance. Singapore’s homegrown Riot !n Magenta instead primed the crowd with their electronic-driven but soulful sounds a little past noon.

As Cheats carefully set up, they played a brief snippet from Flying Ipis’ “This Song Is About You.” An impressed local festivalgoer asked me, “Where are these guys from? They’re good.” With pride, I answered, “Cheats. From the Philippines.”

The three stars and a sun were indeed on high, as Cheats played crowd-pleasers that have churned many mosh pits back in Manila’s SaGuijo and Route 196: from the raucous, high-octane “Crash,” to the indelible “Accidents.” The band even dropped new tracks “Glass Mouth” and “Talk.”

"Accidents"

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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cheats playing &quot;Accidents&quot; at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LanewaySG?src=hash">#LanewaySG</a> <a href="https://t.co/sPN1nNXhYg">pic.twitter.com/sPN1nNXhYg</a></p>&mdash; Paolo is Out of Tune (@PaoloJAbad) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaoloJAbad/status/693316364212174849">January 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
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"Talk"

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<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Talk,&quot; a new track from <a href="https://twitter.com/cheatsph">@cheatsph</a> live at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LanewaySG?src=hash">#LanewaySG</a> <a href="https://t.co/XTo9Ri9aHp">pic.twitter.com/XTo9Ri9aHp</a></p>&mdash; Paolo is Out of Tune (@PaoloJAbad) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaoloJAbad/status/696111805966319617">February 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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“You can cheat on me any time!” a young new fan exclaimed, just as Jim introduced the band a few songs into their set.

Knowing that several expats and Filipinos who made the pilgrimage to Singapore were amongst the crowd, Candy called for the Manila delegates. A bunch of festivalgoers up front responded as enthusiastically as the Pinoys had. “You’re obviously not, but we’ll take it anyway,” she joked.

It’s apparent why Cheats has earned a prestigious spot on the bill. From Jim’s gravity-defying leaps, to their overall sound – classic indie rock recalling Arcade Fire, Sleater Kinney, and the like – they’re loads of fun. They’re definitely the kind of exciting, up-and-coming talent Laneway has been championing.

It was mid-afternoon when the audience swelled to the thousands. By the time the festival was in full swing, the crowd was 13,000-strong.

After attending a short media session with Cheats, I managed to catch the prolific bassist, producer, and singer Stephen Bruner a.k.a. Thundercat own the stage. One of the writers behind Kendrick Lamar’s album To Pimp a Butterfly, he even performed a cover of “Complexion (A Zulu Love),” much to the delight of revelers.

The Internet served up some chill urban tunes for the Laneway crowd. Lead vocalist Sydney Bennett, a.k.a. Syd tha Kyd, enchanted the crowd with her sultry singing. Everyone was waving their hands up in the air, just soaking in the suave beats and soulful melodies of tracks like “Under Control,” “Girl,” and “Dontcha.”

Away from the chaos of the main Garden and Bay Stages, Las Vegas native Shamir kept a biggish crowd at the Cloud Stage swaying and dancing. His fabulous, disco-inspired pop was reminiscent of the glory days of Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie, such that it was a joy and somehow nostalgic experience watching him perform.

Aussie duo Hermitude took to the decks late in the afternoon, yet they promptly slayed the crowd with banger after banger like “Ukiyo,” “HyperParadise,” “Searchlight,” and “The Buzz.”

Experimental rock band Battles may have run into some technical problems by the time they had to play “Futura,” but drummer John Stanier – with his indispensable chops – saved the day pounding on his kit to keep everyone transfixed.

The 1975 went on stage just as twilight approached, but throngs of giddy fans couldn’t wait for the boys from Manchester – Matty, Adam, George, and Ross – to come out and play their ‘80s-tinged glam rock anthems.

Even one fan was particularly too excited to hear the band play “Chocolate,” but Matty, being the charismatic frontman that he is, reassured the eager one. “Of course, we’ll play ‘Chocolate,’” he said.

After the sun had long set, a somber, dreamy mood enveloped the festival grounds. The spotlights were dimmed, and a hush gave way to the ethereal soundscape Beach House had conjured. Everyone was spellbound.

Pop maven Grimes put on quite a spectacle awash in bright colors. Armed with new material from her critically acclaimed album, Art Angels, she has certainly widened her horizons from the ghostly tunes of her previous opus, Visions.

The biggest moment of her set, in my opinion, was when she performed “Scream” with guest Taiwanese rapper Aristophanes 貍貓, who killed it rapidly spitting Mandarin verses.

Scotland was also well-represented with Glaswegian acts Hudson Mohawke and CHVRCHES blowing away the spectators at Gardens by the Bay.

Electronic and hip-hop producer Ross Birchard, who goes by the moniker Hudson Mohawke, played a live set that just slayed the Cloud Stage crowd.

Two years ago, CHVRCHES just released their debut album, The Bones of What You Believe, yet they wowed Laneway Singapore with their synth pop anthems.

Fast forward to this year’s edition, the trio of Lauren Mayberry, Martin “Dok” Doherty, and Iain Cook returned with a statement: the first two now equipped with impressive dance moves, plus new material from a stellar sophomore effort, Every Open Eye.

I noticed that some festivalgoers rushed out right before the night’s closing sets to catch the subway train’s last service. They were surely missing a lot from Harley Streten, a.k.a. Flume, who premiered an epic stage setup to replace his breathtaking Infinity Prism shows.

Needless to say, Harley, being the boy genius that he is, dropped fiery-hot tracks one after another, mixing up a set that deserves an A+.

Meanwhile at the Cloud Stage, Purity Ring put on a stunning show of their own. The Canadian duo of Megan James and Corin Roddick were surrounded by a forest of lights that pulsed along with their magical sounds.

Megan was in a flowing white dress, and Corin played a custom instrument that resembles an array of glowing crystals. Their performance was an incredible, otherworldly experience, so it was such a shame that their set time conflicted with Flume’s.

Six years in, Laneway Singapore already has a clear sense of purpose and has stuck to it. Aside from showcasing acts on the cusp of fame and acclaim, it has championed homegrown talent, and even those from neighboring countries.

Far from being just an iteration of the indie music giant of the Pacific region, the Singapore edition has made a name for itself, rising to become a destination that is so worth the short flight out. – Rappler.com

All photos by Paolo Abad/Rappler, unless otherwise stated

Paolo Abad is a film/television editor and motion graphic designer. He is also a self-confessed concert junkie.