Taste Buddies: Fencing Face-Off with Vaness Del Moral

In the show’s three-year run, there is still never a shortage of yummy pleasures and fun adventures! This week, Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania, together with Kapuso Star, Vaness del Moral, engage in an intense “fight”: the Taste Buddies fencing challenge!

But before they go on proving who’s better than the other, the girls must first learn the basics of the sport. The experts of Republic Fencing and Sports Club are ready to give them a hand and to show the Kapuso viewers how it is properly done. Find out who among the three reigns supreme in the faceoff!



The girls also grab a bite at Wingman restaurant in Taguig where Vaness showcases her signature Kontrabida acting. Can Solenn and Iya bring out their inner wicked vibe to match Vaness’ villain chops? See the transformation of Solenn and Iya as your Kapuso Kontrabidas!



Meanwhile, Ruru has planned his own food trip. He tries the modern Filipino comfort food at Hiyas restaurant and sees how their specialty, Beef belly Kare-kare, is done in their kitchen.



This is the special offering of Taste Buddies this Saturday on GMA News TV, 8:40 pm.

Taste Buddies with Heart Evangelista: "Cheese The One"

Three talented and beautiful Kapuso ladies!

Solenn Heussaff! Iya Villania! And Heart Evangelista!

But only one will reign supreme as the Taste Buddies Kitchen Master!

Find out who among these ladies will emerge victorious in their cooking challenge in Manila Culinary and Hospitality Academy (MCHA).

Photo courtesy of Stann Go

This Saturday, there’s no shortage for cheesy goodness! Chef Kat Diploma of MCHA will showcase recipes that are overloaded with cheese!

Photo courtesy of Stann Go

From the Pinoy favorite Adobo… now comes a flavorful twist: Adobo Con Keso! 

See how that’s made!

But that’s not the only one on the menu this week! Look out for Cheese And Beer Soup, Pork Belly And Shrimp, Laing With Cheese, Fish Fingers With Cocktails With Cheese Sauce, Tupig Na Mais With Cheese and Minatamis Na Langka With Cheese Sauce among many others!

Photo courtesy of Jerwin Ubaldo

Catch the girls on Taste Buddies this Saturday, 8:40 p.m. on GMA News TV!

Filipino New Cinema: World Premieres Film Festival Philippines 2015

PRESS RELEASE

8 Films Selected for "Filipino New Cinema" Section of

World Premieres Film Festival Philippines 2015

              Eight films have been selected to vie in the Filipino New Cinema section of the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines (WPFF) 2015, organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).  The festival will take place from June 24 to July 7, 2015, and will screen at SM Cinemas.

              The section will feature new Filipino films from contemporary filmmakers who are looking to premiere their latest works before an international audience in the Philippines.  The section further highlights the high caliber of films produced and made in the country.

              Festival Awards for this section include film grants of varying amounts as well as awards for Best Picture, 2nd Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Musical Score, Best Sound Engineering, Best Production Design, and Best Performances by an Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, and Supporting Actress.  The awards will be given by an international jury comprised of experts in cinema.

             The eight (8) films selected in the Filipino New Cinema competing section of the WPFF (pioneer batch) are:  “Ang Kubo sa Kawayanan” directed by Alvin Yapan, “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” directed by Nestor Abrogena, “Filemon Mamon” directed by Will Fredo, “I Love You. Thank You.” directed by Charliebebs Gohetia, “Maskara” directed by Genesis Nolasco, “Of Sinners and Saints” directed by Ruben Maria Soriquez, “Piring” directed by Carlos Morales, and “Sino Nga Ba Si Pangkoy Ong?” directed by Jonah Lim.

                “Ang Kubo sa Kawayanan” directed by Alvin Yapan, focuses on Michelle (Mercedes Cabral) who lives in her own special world and has special relationship with her house by the bamboo grove.  In Michelle’s world, everything is interconnected, and even the smallest of things has a story to tell.  Also starring in the film are RK Bagatsing and Mark Felix.

                “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” directed by Nestor Abrogena, observes the troubled relationship of Sam (Nicco Manalo) and Isa (Emmanuelle Vera) as they prepare to confront a dilemma that has been brewing and slowly growing.  Also starring in the film is Brian Corella.

                “Filemon Mamon” directed by Will Fredo, is the funny story of FIlemon Mamon (Jerome Ignacio), a high school student who desires two things.  First, to win the heart of the girl he loves and second, to be the lead in a musical play about his Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio.  But he has a problem:  his weight.  Also starring Miles Ocampo, Smokey Manaloto, Rayver Cruz, Christian Bautista, Nanette Inventor, Giselle Sanchez, and Joshua Colet.

                “I Love You. Thank You.” directed by Charliebebs Gohetia, is the story of Paul (Joross Gamboa) a restless twenty-something who cannot get his life together, and to make matters worse, falls into a love triangle between Red, his best friend Ivan’s boyfriend, and Tang (Thai actor Ae Pattawan), whom he meets in his travels to Siem Reap.

                “Maskara” directed by Genesis Nolasco, follows the story of Pia Gorospe (Ina Feleo) as she tries to uncover the truth behind the death of a high level executive at the One Wired Nation company, with her quest taking her all the way to the city of Marinduque as it celebrates the Moriones tradition.  Also starring Ping Medina, Lance Raymundo, Lester Llansang, and Boots Anson-Roa.

                “Of Sinners and Saints” directed by Ruben Maria Soriquez, follows the story of Leonardo Rosselini (Ruben Maria Soriquez), a young Italian priest who is assigned to a parish in Payatas and soon descends into the one of the poorest and violent areas in Metro Manila.  Also starring Polo Ravales, Raymond Bagatsing, Chanel Latorre, Richard Quan, and Sue Prado.

                “Piring” (Blindfold) directed by Carlos Morales is about James (Yussef Esteves), a working student who struggles to keep both ends meet as he provides for his troubled family, amidst the corrupted dealings of the city.  Also starring in the film are Krista Miller, Bembol Roco, and Tessie Tomas.

                “Sino Nga Ba Si Pangkoy Ong?” directed by Jonah Lim, focuses on the adventures and misadventures of three close friends -- Armand (Kiko Matos), Julian (Paulo de Vera), and Paolo (Elston Jimenez), as they embark on writing a manuscript under the pseudonym of an established author, in the hopes of making money.  Also starring Hazel Faith dela Cruz, Coleen Perez, and Lara Villar.

GALA PREMIERES for the Filipino New Cinema entries will be attended by directors and cast from June 25-27 at the SM North EDSA Cinemas (two cinemas): 

For June 25, the films “Sino Nga Ba Si Pangkoy Ong?” (5:00 pm) and “Ang Kubo Sa Kawayanan” (7:00 pm) will premiere.  On June 26, it’s “Masakara” (5:00 pm), “Piring” (7:00 pm),  and “I Love You. Thank You.” (8:00 pm). 

June 27 will have “Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa” (5:00 pm), “Filemon Mamon” (7:00 pm), and “Of Sinners and Saints” (8:00 pm).

The directors will introduce their films, the cast and crew, and will take part in a short Q&A after the screening.  Gala Premieres are strictly invitational.

             

            The WPFF, the international film festival on the rise in South East Asia, derives from the simple concept of bringing together a number of countries for a distinct film festival that amplifies diversity in cinema.  Featured films will vie for top awards and have red carpet gala premiere screenings at the country’s stylish cinemas, with film luminaries and celebrities in attendance.

                Besides the “Filipino New Cinema” section, the WPFF also has its Main Competition, Cine Verde section, and Parallel sections (Euroview, ASEAN Skies, Ibero-America, and Eurasian Cinescape).  Overall, the festival will screen 60 to 70 films from around the world.

                Running in tandem with the WPFF is the International Film Exposition (IFX), one of the premier Film Expositions and Film Markets in South East Asia, which will be held from June 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center.

                Please visit the website at www.wpff.ph for more details for festival news and updates.

Taste Buddies: Flow House with Dennis Trillo

Go with the Flow with Solenn Heussaff and Iya Villania together with Kapuso Hunk Dennis Trillo!

Each one of them will ride the waves at Flowhouse Manila where they try the coolest sport in town: flow boarding!

Their challenge? Learn the sport that is the combination of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding so that they won’t get “wiped out”, aka fall off the board while riding the wave.

Flow boarding experts, who will assess their performance, will also teach us the basics of this exciting activity; you, too, can be a fearless flow rider!

Solenn and Dennis will also taste Flowhouse’s café bestsellers: a perfect refreshment for hungry flow riders!

Meanwhile, Lauren Young raids the kitchen of Sentro 1771 in Capitol Commons to check out how they make their signature dish “Corned Beef Sinigang”. 

It’s time for another fresh, fun and fab weekend with your Taste Buddies! This Saturday, 8:40 p.m.!

#end#

Random Hugot Feels For the Night

Hugot feels for the night. 

Sometimes, you just have to let go of people.
Kumbaga sa Story of Your Life o sa episode ni Mars Shonda, hanggang sa chapter na ito na lang sila. Ganun talaga. In the end, the story gets better without them. Or you will learn, sometime and somewhere along the way, that because of them, you may have uncovered valuable lessons that you would take with you as you go along your journey.

Let go of people who make you doubt your self-worth.
Let go of people who toy with your emotions.
Let go of people who weigh you down.

Let go. And make room for those who are worth holding on to.

Meryl Streep, Mamie Gummer, Kevin Kline New Movie

Get Ready to Rock. Get Ready to Roll. Get Ready for Ricki! Watch and share the brand new trailer for Ricki And the Flash which rolls into theaters on August 7th!

Synopsis:
Meryl Streep takes on a whole new gig – a hard-rocking singer/guitarist – for Oscar®-winning director Jonathan Demme and Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody in Ricki and the Flash. In an original and electrifying film loaded with live musical performances, Streep stars as Ricki Rendazzo, a guitar heroine who made a world of mistakes as she followed her dreams of rock-and-roll stardom. Returning home, Ricki gets a shot at redemption and a chance to make things right as she faces the music with her family. Streep stars opposite her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer; Rick Springfield, portraying a Flash member in love with Ricki; Kevin Kline as Ricki’s ex-husband; and Audra McDonald as Kline’s new wife.

Cast:
Meryl Streep
Kevin Kline
Mamie Gummer
Audra McDonald
Sebastian Stan
and Rick Springfield

Director:
Jonathan Demme

Writer:
Diablo Cody

Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham-Carter new movie

Suffragette opens in theaters on October 23rd, 2015.

Cast: Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep, Helena Bonham Carter, Romola Garai, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Natalie Press, Geoff Bell

The story follows Maud (Mulligan), a working wife and mother who comes to realize that she must fight for her dignity both at home and in her workplace. Realizing she is not alone, she becomes an activist alongside other brave women from all walks of life.

The early efforts at resistance were passive, but as the women faced increasingly aggressive police action, the suffragettes become galvanized - risking their very lives to ensure that women's rights would be recognized and respected.

Suffragette trailer courtesy of Focus Features

Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande Duet

I'm just so in love with this song!
Just thought of sharing with you all :)
So cute and nostalgic at the same time.
90s kids can relate!

Reel Time: Ang Lalake sa Buhay ni Selya by Carlitos Siguion-Reyna

More than just telling a story or highlighting the filmmaker's artistry, a film should be able to connect with its audience. After a long time, unexpectedly, I was again moved to tears in my last trip to the movie house. I saw the restored version of the Carlitos Siguion- Reyna film, "Ang Lalake Sa Buhay Ni Selya" at the UP Cine Adarna.

When this movie was released -- year 1997--- I was just a kid. So this was my first time watching it. Having little appreciation for cinema that time, I'm sure I'd just brush this movie off as a "sexy film."

Taken from the perspective of Rafa Siguion-Reyna, son of Carlitos, who was at the theatre, he confessed that during that time, when he just around 7 years old, his friends were teasing him because his father was making "bomba films." The young Rafa would defend his dad saying, "Hindi bomba film yan! Yan ay freedom of expression!" See? It's not easy to be a filmmaker's progeny.

Fast forward 2015, having taken up film appreciation classes and having seen a variety of movies, plus the fact that I've kinda grown up  (gasps!) and witnessed (and perpetually trying to understand) the dynamics of human relationships, this film, to me now, is more than just showing off flesh and sex scenes. But yes, it does have a lot of "daring" scenes.

At the movie's centre is a simple story that revolves around four central characters, whose need to be accepted, understood and loved is laid out to us right from the beginning. And in the words of the late Princess Diana, it would be difficult if there's "three of us in a marriage." Much so four. In today's Facebook parlance, "it's complicated."

There's a schoolteacher named Selya (Rosanna Roces) whose unrequited 'love' with Bobby (Gardo Versoza), who eventually leaves her, has forced her to run away. She ends up in a town where she meets Piling (Eva Darren), also a schoolteacher, and Ramon (Ricky Davao), a closeted gay man who happens to be a school principal, and is in love with Carding (Allan Paule). Selya and Ramon marries, but she eventually finds out the latter's sexual orientation and true relationship with Carding. Years later, Bobby returns to prove his 'love' for her. With all these happening, they become the talk of the town.

Selya is the lovelorn, whose unrequited love has reduced her to desperation: running away to an unknown place, heeding the advice of a suspicious woman and marrying someone she barely knows. Bobby is the self-centred man, whose primary goal is to meet the needs of the flesh and whose mission is to validate his manhood through his conquests.

Both Ramon and Carding exhibit the idea of a man whose Catholic guilt and moral standards are preventing him from publicly proclaiming an "abnormal" love. Piling is the epitome of the pakialamerang kapamilya, whom we Pinoys are very familiar of.  She's our overly-concerned family member or relative who'd like to take over our lives the moment she thinks we need help. Sort of The Messiah complex.

Writer Bibeth Orteza, wife of Carlitos, penned the screenplay and we can all agree that there's richness to it. Sometimes, we see films and we're told with stories that stand just the way they are. And there are others, like Selya, that's not just a fictitious tale but one that mirrors the society we live in. We see the story unfold but we don't just stop there; we also figure out the metamessages. Also, we see a part of ourselves or someone we know in these characters. And that's why we can all relate to it.

Granted that I find the acting quite hammy, it's all right. The story touches me in great depths, especially on its theme of love, self-worth, acceptance and respect. Anybody who'd like to know Love and its different faces should at least take time to watch this.

Kape't Pelikula at University of the Philippines- Diliman

For a while, it was wonderful to feel like a student again.

Earlier today, I was in the company of film students and movie buffs at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. To be in this crowd, it’s easy to channel the vibe of the undergraduates: ambitious yet happy-go-lucky. It’s infectious.

A seminar that is “Kape’t Pelikula,” it’s unlikely for film enthusiasts like me to pass up this encounter with like-minded individuals over a cup of coffee. Especially if, in this case, visual artist Kiri Dalena, film critic Richard Bolisay and film director and educator Nick Deocampo served as the speakers.

A few days prior, I got an acceptance letter via e-mail saying I was among the chosen few to be part of it. It said registration starts at 9 in the morning. For a night owl like me, this is utter torture, probably like King Sun kissing Dracula. But my desire to attend was so strong, it dragged me there and I was just in time. Did I mention this was all for free? Thanks, UP Cinema Arts Society.

Red Flag. Requiem for M. Memorial for Filipino Journalists. Kiri helmed them all and we were lucky to see snippets of her masterpieces, which backstory she further explained. A self-confessed human rights activist, it is through the arts, including film, where Kiri voices her standpoint. They are all close to home so unsurprisingly, while in the middle of her discussion, she got teary-eyed; a testament of unwavering devotion to her craft and advocacy. This determination, paired with her boldness, is inspiring.

Whereas Kiri catered on experimental documentary filmmaking, Richard’s forte is film criticism mainly accessible through his Lilok Pelikula website. Animated and candid, he got everybody hooked in his discussion on the roles of the critic, filmmaker and the audience as well as the culture of criticism in the country, stressing that Pinoys are mostly balat-sibuyas so to speak.

Recognizing his purpose was to encourage aspiring filmmakers, his best piece of advice is this: Start Somewhere. His best example is fellow UP alumna Antoinette Jadaone who, before making it big in the mainstream movie production, had first exhibited her talent in her earlier short films as a student such as ‘Plano and Saling Pusa. He showed both.

I also witnessed a sneak peek of Nick Deocampo’s 3d documentary on the evolution of Philippine Cinema. That two-minute preview definitely left us hanging. Obviously, his one-hour talk is not enough. I wonder what it would be like to be part of his class, or what if I finally pursue a post-graduate degree on film. By then I could use as a legitimate excuse to devour all those books and documentaries he made, which he was proudly displaying on the table in front of us. “Para akong nagbebenta… mamaya mag-usap tayo,” he quips. And laughter filled the room.

This man is burning with passion. It shows. He confesses, “My main motivation is production of knowledge as well as self-expression.” He adds, “What is the greatest need of this country? Education. Education was my key out of poverty.”

I sat there at a UP auditorium with a touch of wistfulness that takes me back to my student days. How ambitious I had been. How some things changed the moment I had stepped out of the university. But also in that moment, I was filled with hopefulness, rejuvenated that I am not alone in this pursuit. And may be, one day I’ll go back to school and be a student again. Yet if not, I’ll always take pleasure in being a student of Life.