Archive for August, 2009

Indepencia and Dinig Sana Kita in 34th Toronto Film Festival

by admin, on Fri, Aug 28 2009 | No Comments
Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said)

Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said)

Two Filipino films is included in the 34th Toronto International Film Festival in Canada which is scheduled for public screening from September 10 to 20.  The two films were, Dinig Sana Kita by Director Mike Sandejas and Independencia by Director Raya Martin.

Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said, international title) was written and produced by Direk Mike.  It stars the deaf actor Romalito Mallari, Robert Seña, Lorenzo Mara, and Zoe Sandejas.  Dinig Sana Kita will be a part of the Contemporary World Cinema.  Contemporary World Cinema is a section in Toronto International Film Festival which is dedicated to the “best of current international filmmaking.”

Dinig Sana Kita won the Audience Choice award in the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival held last July.  It has also been invited to Hawaii International Film Festival in October and the Brussels Independent International Film Festival in November.  Dinig Sana Kita was rated General Patronage (GP) by the Movie and Television Rating and Classification Board.

Independencia

Independencia

Meanwhile, the Independencia by Direk Raya Martin will be screened in the Vision program for its North American premiere.  Vision program, is a section in Toronto International Film Festival which is dedicated to innovative works of newcomers and veteran filmmakers who are pushing the boundaries of contemporary cinema. It spotlights work that challenges our notion of mainstream cinema and explores experimental filmmaking techniques, new territory and technologies.”

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The Soul Siren Released Renditions Of The Soul Album

by admin, on Tue, Aug 25 2009 | 1 Comment

NinaThe Philippine’s Soul Siren Nina had just released her latest album entitled Renditions Of The Soul. Renditions Of The Soul is released under Warner Music Philippines label.  The album includes 17-tracks, which according to Nina is the reflection of who she is at the moment.  According to the soul siren “”I can say that the songs I sing in my albums very much represent who I am… Because when I sing songs, I try to make it my own even if it was done originally by another artist.”

Songs included in the album are mostly melancholic yet powerful expression of feelings in the songs shows her unique talent as a singer.  Her singing perfectly renders the message of every selection: love, longing and the purity of emotional surrender.  The album also includes Nina version of all-male hits.

The first single on the Renditions Of The Soul album is the “She’s Out of My Life” which was originally sung by the late Michael Jackson.  Here’s the other tracks in the album.

1. She’s Out Of My Life
2. Can’t Find the Words to Say Goodbye
3. Cold Summer Nights
4. Half Crazy
5. Home
6. Is There Something
7. One Last Cry
8. Why Can’t It Be
9. Go The Distance
10. 7 Days
11. Never Again
12. Can You Feel The Love Tonight
13. Lost Without You

Watch Nina and the rest of ASAP Sessionistas live in US.

Mar and Korina to Wed on October

by admin, on Wed, Aug 19 2009 | No Comments
Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez

Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez

MANILA – Months after announcing their engagement on television, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and ABS-CBN News chief correspondent Korina Sanchez have finally unveiled the date of their much-anticipated wedding.

The high-profile couple announced on “The Buzz” that they are tying the knot on October 23.

The senator said they chose to get married in October because that month is special to them. Sanchez and his brother, Dinggoy, were both born in October, Roxas explained. Dinggoy passed away after battling cancer. “[Iyong date na] 23 swerte sa amin ‘yan, both in astrology at Chinese calendar. Sa numerology naman sinabi nila 2 at 3 kapag pinagsama, 5, buntis. Maganda iyon,” Roxas said.

“The Buzz” reported that Roxas and Sanchez are still looking for the “perfect church” within Metro Manila. Among the churches being considered are Santo Domingo Church and Manila Cathedral, the entertainment show said.
Event organizer Mike Niñana said the couple wants a big church that will not only accommodate their respective families and friends but the public as well.

“Ang gusto nila invited ang public, magkasya. So ang importante, people’s church. Pangalawa malaki, magkasya lahat, hindi lang iyong mga kaibigan nila. Alam mo naman sila public figures,” Niñana said.

The two have not been spared from speculations ever since they announced their engagement early this year. Rumor has it that Roxas, a possible presidential contender in 2010 elections, was merely using Sanchez for his political ambition.
The popular broadcaster, however, scoffed at insinuation that the two of them are settling down only to boost Roxas’ reported bid for the presidency.

The broadcaster told StarStudio magazine that she and Roxas, her boyfriend of five years, are getting married because they believe now “is the best time for both of us” to do so.

Donaire Brings Home Another Belt

by admin, on Mon, Aug 17 2009 | No Comments

“The Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire Jr. brings home another Championship belt as he takes down the rugged brawler Rafael “El Torito” Concepcion of Panama.  With this success Donaire became the fifth Filipino boxer to become a two-division champion.  He is now the holder IBF Flyweight Division and interim WBA World Super Flyweight title.

The Filipino Flash overpowers the Panamean “El Torito” through a unanimous decision.  Judge Max De Luca scored the fight 117-111, Duane Ford had it 115-113, and Jerry Roth called it 116-112, all for Donaire, who improved to 22-1, 14 by KO.  The event was called the Pinoy Power 2 and was held at Las Vegas, Nevada last August 15.  In the co-main Filipino challenger Bernabe Concepcion lost by disqualification for knocking down world featherweight champion Steven Luevano after the bell had sounded ending the seventh round.

ccording to Donaire, “I’m here to give honor to my country. We are great fighters. I came here to fight with all of my heart.”  Donaire is now a member of an elite group that includes superstar Manny Pacquiao, his trainer Dodie Boy Peñalosa, Gerry Peñalosa and Luisito Espinosa as the only Filipinos to have won more than one world championship belt.
Donaire, who successfully defended his IBF flyweight title three times, is determined to get fights with Fernando Montiel and Jorge Arce, the super flyweight division’s two biggest names, before moving up again, perhaps eventually to lightweight.

“Those are the guys on top of me,” Donaire said. “I want to fight them to prove I belong.”

The Philippine Madrigal Singer is UNESCO’s Artist for Peace

by admin, on Tue, Aug 11 2009 | 1 Comment
The Philippine Madrigal Singer

The Philippine Madrigal Singer

In the ceremony held in the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Headquarter in Paris, France last July 27, 2009. The Philippine Madrigal Singers had received the distinction as being the UNESCO’s Artist for Peace. This recognition is given to a person or group of people who make effort and contribute in extending the message of peace among nations.

The Philippine Madrigal Singer is one of the most successful choir in Asia and the world. The Philippine Madrigal Singer also known as the MADZ, were established in 1963 by Prof. Andrea Veneracion. The MADZ has been responsible for training more than 200 singers and choral music specialist since it was established. It won numerous awards including the prestigious European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in 2007. The Philippine Madrigal Singer had been a strong influence in the Philippine music industry and in Asia. The group usually goes on tour twice a year, not only abroad but also in some remote parts of the Philippines.

The awards given to the Philippine Madrigal Singers is for the recognition of their efforts to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples in Southeast Asia, their contribution to extend Unesco’s message of peace and tolerance, and their dedication to the ideals and aims of the organization. With this prestigious recognition the Philippine Madrigal Singer are are expected to bring their support to UNESCO programs on cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. Specific projects include a series of Concerts for Peace, a Sing for Peace festival, and various choral singing classes, workshops, and educational activities.

Together with the Philippine Madrigal Singers some of the world-famous personalities are given the same recognition. They are Manu Dibango (musician from Cameroon), Patricia Velasquez (actress from Venezuela), Gilberto Gil (musician from Brazil), Miyako Yoshida (dancer from Japan), Sumi Jo (soprano from Republic of Korea), singer and founder of the musical group Gypsy Kings Chico Bouchikhi (France), and conductor Valery Gergiev (Russian Federation).

This coming August 27 and 28, the Philippine Madrigal Singers will share the honor to Filipinos during their MADZ About Love… MADZ About Peace concert which is to be held at the CCP Main Theatre.