new Philippine Bank Notes

below are the dummies for the new Philippine Bank notes. starting next week, the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) will issue the Php 20 bill. these new bank notes features Philippine tourist spots and natural treasures. more security features are made in the bills to prevent counterfeiting.

1000-peso bills

200-peso bills

100-peso bills

50-peso bills20-peso bills

this is also the first time when a political family is featured in a bank note. notice the 500-Peso bill which features husband and wife, former Sen. Ninoy Aquino and late President Corazon Aquino and their son, current President NoyNoy Aquino signs the bank note.

i think i have to save my current bank notes for they might have additional value since they will be part of the collections.

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ROSARIO review

one of the entries in this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is a must-watch for all movie enthusiasts. first-timer Cinemabuhay and Studio 5 gives a period-film entitled Rosario starring Jennylyn Mercado in the title role. the film will draw lines in cinema houses starting December 25 and expected to win awards on the night of December 26.

award-winning talents are gathered in this film. powerhouse cast includes Yul Servo (Vicente), Dennis Trillo (Alberto) and Sid Lucero (Carding) as the men who loved Rosario. Albert Martinez, who is an award-winning talent himself, directs the movie.

Rosario is based on a true story about a liberated woman who falls on the traps of love of different men. every relationship is a devastating ending which made Rosario dropped her knees into suffering. her story is narrated by his son, Hesus (Dolphy) who comes to meet one of his nephews played by business-icon Manny V. Pangilinan.

i believe that the following should be won by this movie:

Best Cinematography - the movie is primarily set in the tobacco plantation in Isabela where Rosario met her first love, Vicente. it is staged in the early 1900's when the Philippines is under the American influence and transitioning from the Spanish era. we are drawn into that period and this movie helped us feel the provincial atmosphere. we are also drawn in the early Manila setting in the latter part of the movie. Manila is quite spacious yet and there's minimal informal settlers but poverty has it's place.

Best Actress - no doubt that Jennylyn Mercado is a strong contender in the Film Fest. being the title role, her face matches the era where the movie is set. her beauty is regal and she portrayed the other face of liberated women during that time. emotions from a lady and a mother really flowed out of her which made the movie very effective.

Best Musical Score - reflective music compliments the timing and the emotions of Rosario all throughout.

Best Supporting Actress - Isabel Oli as Carmen is a typical provinciana who envies Rosario. when everything turned upside down for Rosario, Carmen laughed it out making her the contrabida in the movie. but all of it has reasons.

Best Supporting Actor/s - Dolphy, Yul, Dennis and Sid played very vital roles in Rosario's life. they are all part of happiness, despair and vanity of Rosario which made it very colorful and how it made Rosario deal with life.

Best Screenplay - the entirety of the movie is very moving. you will pity Rosario on how she moved on every after relationship when all she had is love.

Best Director - there will be no good movies like this until an award-winner puts his craft. kudos to Albert Martinez.

you can also see special clips of the Rosario Channel in PLDT Watchpad. including behind-the-scenes features, interviews of the stars and latest trailers. this is exclusive to all PLDT Watchpad subscribers only.

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CINEMANILA 2010 SCHEDULE

kindly see the schedule of the 12th Cinemanila International Film Festival below. the festival runs from December 1 - 5 at Robinsons Movieworld in Robinsons Galleria.

Opening Film

Pinoy Sunday | Wi Ding Ho (Taiwan / Philippines, 2010)

Closing film

Amigo | John Sayles (USA, 2010)

International Competition:

And Peace On Earth | Matteo Botrugno & Daniele Coluccini (Italy, 2010)

Au Revoir, Taipei | Arvin Chen (Taiwan / USA, 2009)

Eastern Plays | Kamen Kalev (Bulgaria / Sweden, 2009)

Floating Lives | Nguyen Panh Quang Binh (Vietnam, 2010)

Happyland | Jim Libiran (Philippines, 2010)

The Housemaid | Im Sang-soo (South Korea, 2010)

The Piano in a Factory | Zhang Meng, Jae-young Kwak (China, 2010)

Primary! | Ivan Noel (Spain, 2010)

Sketches of Kaitan City | Kazuyoshi Kumakiri (Japan, 2010)

Mabuhay, Mr. Kim!: Focus on Korean Cinema:

Camellia | Joon-Hwan Jang, Wisit Sasanatieng & Isao Yukisada (South Korea / Thailand / Japan, 2010)

The Housemaid | Im Sang-soo (South Korea, 2010)

Mother | Bong Joon-ho (South Korea, 2009)

Secret Sunshine | Lee Chang-dong (South Korea, 2007)

Thirst | Park Chan Wook (South Korea, 2009)

Korean Independents:

Animal Town | Kyu-hwan Jeon (South Korea / USA, 2009)

Breathless | Yang Ik-Joon (South Korea, 2009)

Passerby # 3 | Shin Su-won (South Korea, 2009)

Father is a Dog | Lee Sang Woo (South Korea, 2010)

SEA Cinema:

Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria | Remton Siega Zuasola (Philippines, 2010)

Halaw | Sheron Dayoc (Philippines, 2010)

Red Dragonflies | Liao Jiekai (Singapore, 2010)

Sunday Morning in Victoria Park | Lola Amaria (Indonesia, 2010)

The Tiger Factory | Woo Ming Jin (Japan / Malaysia, 2010)

Year Without A Summer | Tan Chui Mui (Malaysia, 2010)

Taiwan Alternate Currents:

Au Revoir, Taipei | Arvin Chen (USA / Taiwan, 2010)

Fourth Portrait | Chung Mong-Hong (Taiwan, 2010)

Juliets | Yu-Hsun Chen, Hou Ji-Ran & Ko-shang Shen (Taiwan, 2010)

Pinoy Sunday | Wi Ding Ho (Taiwan, 2009)

The Sandwich Man | Hou Hsiao Hsien, Wan Jen & Zhuang Xiang Zeng (Taiwan, 1983)

Taipei Exchanges | Hsiao Ya-chuan (Taiwan, 2010)

World Cinema:

Beyond the Circle | Golam Rabbany Biplob (Bangladesh, 2009)

The Door | Anno Saul (Germany, 2010)

Please Don't Disturb | Moshen Abdolvahab (Iran, 2010)

A Prophet | Jacques Audiard (France / Italy, 2009)

Red Eagle | Wisit Sasanatieng (Thailand, 2010)

Reign of Assasins | Chao-bin Su, John Woo (China, 2010)

Riding The Stallion of The Dream | Girish Kasaravali (India, 2010)

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World | Edgar Wright (USA / UK/ Canada, 2010)

The Wedding Game | Ekachai Uekrongtham (Singapore / Malaysia, 2010)

Thorn in the Heart | Michel Gondry (France, 2009)

Asian American Program:

Bontoc Eulogy | Marlon Fuentes (USA / Philippines, 1995)

Fall of the I-Hotel | Curtis Choy (USA, 1983)

The People I've Slept With | Quentin Lee (USA, 2009)

Cinemanila NETPAC Program:

Animal Town | Kyu-hwan Jeon (South Korea / USA, 2009)

Au Revoir, Taipei | Arvin Chen (USA / Taiwan, 2010)

Divine Intervention | Elia Suleiman (France / Morroco / Germany / Palestine, 2002)

Floating Lives | Nguyen Panh Quang Binh (Vietnam, 2010)

Kaleldo | Brillante Mendoza (Philippines, 2006)

Pila Balde | Jeffrey Jeturian (Philippines, 1999)

Digital Lokal:

Balangay | Sherad Anthony Sanchez and Robin Färdig (Philippines/Sweden, 2010)

‘Di Natatapos Ang Gabi (The Night Infinite) | Ato Bautista (Philippines, 2010)

Mondomanila | Khavn dela Cruz (Philippines, 2010)

Brod | Ray Gibraltar (Philippines, 2010

Chassis | Adolf Alix Jr. (Philippines, 2010)

Young Cinema: Documentaries in Competition

Dekasegi (The Migrants) | Rey Ventura

Diujung Jalan | Tony Trimarsanto (Indonesia, 2010)

Kano | Monster Jimenez (Philippines / USA, 2010)

Memories of A Burning Tree | Sherman Ong (Tanzania / Netherlands / Singapore / Malaysia, 2010)

Ang Panagtagbo sa Akong mga Apohan | Malaya Camporedondo (Philippines, 2010)

Sunday School | Joanna V. Arong (Philippines / China / Zambia, 2010)

Documentaries in Exhibition

The Cove | Louie Psihoyos (USA, 2009)

Eskrimadors | Kerwin Go (Philippines, 2010)

Laughing Star | Werner Schroeter (Germany, 2010)

Machete Maidens Unleashed | Mark Hartley (Australia, 2010)

Return to Manila: Filipino Cinema | Hubert Niogret (France / Philippines, 2010)

Thorn in the Heart | Michel Gondry (France, 2009)

Young Cinema Shorts:

Hazard | Mikhail Red (Philippines, 2010) In Competition

Nilda | Joy Aquino (Philippines, 2010) In Competition

Painted Reality | Henry Burgos (Philippines, 2010) In Competition

Doktora | Christian Linaban (Philippines, 2010) In Competition

Ang Katapusang Bagting | Remton Siega Zuasola (Philippines, 2010)

Ang Larawan ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino | Emmanuel dela Cruz (Philippines, 2010)

April Fools | Trinka Lat (Philippines / Germany, 2009)

Inhalation | Edmund Yeo (Malaysia, 2010)

Ang Sandaling Sadya nina Lire at Isa | John Francis Losaria (Philippines, 2010)

Masala Mama | Michael Kam (Singapore, 2010)

Impeng Negro | Dustin Uy (Philippines, 2010)

Philippine Panorama:

Layang Bilanggo | Michael Dagnalan (Philippines, 2010)

Limbunan | Teng Mangansakan (Philippines, 2010)

Ang Ninanais | John Torres (Philippines, 2010)

Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato | Mes de Guzman (Philippines, 2010)

HIV (Si Heidi, Si Ivy at Si V) | Neal "Buboy" Tan (Philippines, 2010)

Critics’ Picks:

Phil Dy: Endo | Jade Castro (Philippines, 2007)

Oggs Cruz: Wanted: Border | Ray Gibraltar (Philippines, 2009)

Rolando Tolentino: Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato | Mes de Guzman (Philippines, 2010)

Richard Bolisay: Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria | Remton Siega Zuasola (Philippines, 2010)

Nonoy Lauzon: Sheika | Arnel Mardoquio (Philippines, 2010)

Directors in Focus: 10 Years of Ishmael Bernal

Peter Chua | Buwan (Philippines, 2000)

Mes de Guzman | Batang Trapo (Philippines, 2001)

Romeo Candido | Lolo’s Child (Philippines, 2002)

Mariami Tanangco | Binyag (Philippines, 2003)

Raya Martin | Bakasyon (Philippines, 2004)

John Torres | Salat (Philippines, 2005)

Jobin Ballesteros | The Ballad of Mimiong’s Minion (Philippines, 2006)

Ernest Michael Manalastas | Delusions (Philippines, 2007)

Christopher Gozum | Surreal MMS (Philippines, 2008)

Remton Siega Zuasola | To Siomai Love (Philippines, 2009)

click on the photo to see full schedule.

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THE WEDDING SINGER MANILA review

after a long wait, 9 Works Theatrical has finally nailed THE WEDDING SINGER The Musical! the hit movie from 1998 starring Adam Sandler which got to Broadway is now in Philippine theater! it runs today October 23 until November 14 so you don't have to miss it.

starring Gian Magdangal who plays Robbie Hart very effectively. with his preppy look, the 80s isn't so far from his character. Iya Villaña playing Julia is as sweet as Drew Barrymore. Robbie Guevarra and Santi Santamaria knew it right that Iya is perfect for the role. even Nikki Valdez has done well as Holly. i never knew that she could move and sing like that. these three has done excellent in their own fields on television but you have to take a look at what they do in the theater! especially Iya, with her sweet image on TV, being in the musical is somewhat effortless.

get back into the 80's with the colors and the choreography. have a rock musical experience with the songs that can get easily in your head. the moves will really take you to memory lane with 80s icons Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper. this musical will also surprise Filipinos. with just around 2 months preparation of the choreography, they have done it really well.

i also loved the stage and how it transitions from scene to scene. the abstract squares and rectangles are used very well. though it is different from one scene, it always look like another wallpaper.

the only thing that i wished to be improved is the sound system in Meralco Theater. the echoes fill the auditorium so you may not catch clearly the songs.

THE WEDDING SINGER opens today, October 23 at the Meralco Theater. see ticket information here.

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what do you remember from the 80s?

i was born in 1984 that's why i can consider myself as an 80's baby. even now, i'm still a baby (insert thunders and lightnings here). when i was born, the Philippines was having a political crisis. but then as a child, our elders didn't show it to us for us not to create fear.

in spite of the tension in the country, kids enjoy themselves watching TV. 80s is also the revolution of music and arts. the most colorful yet. cute cartoon characters like the Care Bears, Rainbow Brite, Sesame Street, Ghost Busters, action-packed Voltron and Mr. T, and TV sitcoms like Alf, The Wonder Years, all draw children to homes and stay.

the merchandising on businesses is also at its peak. i got toys from food packs and even promo coupons. i really love the 80s.

80s served a great inspiration. also defining love. and from that era, a movie was made and even inspired a theater musical. thank you to Adam Sandler for getting the inspiration that will be on Manila stage starting October 23!

9Works Theatrical brings us the comedy-musical THE WEDDING SINGER. starring Gian Magdangal as Robbie Hart, which was played by Adam Sandler in the movie. Iya Villaña as Julia which was Drew Barrymore in the movie. the other casts are also 80s babies and most of them share the same memories.

THE WEDDING SINGER is set on stage starting October 23 to November 17 at Meralco Theater. you can visit their website for ticket inquiries.

if you've been following them on Facebook, you can find webisodes and take a peek on what's happening on the rehearsals. bonding time, singing clips and more.


here's a glimpse of what to expect in the show. the sound and colors in twisted comedy line round up the hit musical.


Grow Old With You - Gian Magdangal and Iya Villaña

If I Told You - Gian Magdangal and Shiela Valderama-Martinez

It's Your Wedding Day - Cast
to reserve your tickets, you can look it up here.

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THE WEDDING SINGER ticket information

Let’s party like it’s 1985! Thank you to the anonymous commenter for sharing the ticket information about THE WEDDING SINGER! 9Works Theatrical's latest offering starting October 23 to November 17 2010 at Meralco Theater.

[SHOW DETAILS]
Date: November 6, 2010
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Meralco Theater, Pasig

[CAST]
Robbie- Gian Magdangal (Footloose, West Side Story, Rent)
Julia – Iya Villania (Footloose) / Shiela Valderrama (Miss Saigon, Disney)

[TICKET INFORMATION]
Seat plan
Orchestra Center – Php 1,400
Orchestra Side – Php 1,200
Loge Center – Php 1,200
Loge Side – Php 1,100
Balcony Center - Php 700
Balcony Side – Php 600

[TICKET RESERVATIONS]
To reserve online, visit http://bit.ly/weddingsingermanila

or contact:
Romel 0920.903.3262 (Smart)
Erika 0922.837.3233 (Sun)
George 0917.560.0227 (Globe)

or e-mail: WeddingSingerManila@gmail.com

Please include the following details:
Name
Contact number
Email address
Preferred Seat Number(s)
Payment method
Preferred ticket claim method

[PAYMENT AND PICK-UP METHODS]
Payment methods include either cash or through bank deposit (BPI).

Ticket claim methods include meet-ups, courier, or claiming of the tickets on the playdate itself.

Meetups are limited to these locations:
KFC Katipunan
McDonald’s Eastwood
Rockwell
Glorietta / Greenbelt
Markina / Pasig / Cainta
Lower Antipolo
ABS-CBN station
Trinoma
Ermita
Robinson’s Ortigas
Starbucks Banawe

Courier delivery fee within Metro Manila to be shouldered by buyer (additional Php 70).

Those who wish to claim their tickets on the playdate itself would just need to present the confirmation text/email and a valid ID.

So what are you waiting for? Reserve your tickets now!

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MEET THE CAST of THE WEDDING SINGER MUSICAL in Manila!

meet the cast of 9 Works Theatrical's THE WEDDING SINGER which will stage at the Meralco Theater starting this October 23 to November 17.

joining the fun of the 80's are mainstream artists Iya Villaña as Julia Sullivan, Nikki Valdez as Holly (alternate Analyn Bantug) and from RENT, Gian Magdangal as Robbie Hart which is played by Adam Sandler in the movie and Stephen Lynch from the original Broadway rendition.

the sounds of THE WEDDING SINGER include as follows:

Act I

* It's Your Wedding Day - Robbie and Company
* Someday - Julia and Company
* A Note From Linda - Linda
* Pop - Holly, Julia, Glen and Company @
* Somebody Kill Me (Music and Lyrics By Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler) - Robbie
* A Note From Grandma - Grandma Rosie
* Casualty of Love - Robbie, Losers and Company
* Come Out of the Dumpster - Julia and Robbie
* Today You Are a Man - Sammy, George, and Robbie
* George's Prayer - George
* Not That Kind of Thing - Robbie, Julia, Clerk, Crystal, Mookie and Company
* Saturday Night in the City - Holly, Robbie, Julia, Glen, Sammy, George and Full Company

Act II

* All About the Green - Glen, Robbie and Suits
* Someday (Reprise) - Julia
* Right in Front of Your Eyes - Holly, Sammy
* Single - Sammy, George, Ricky, Bum, Robbie and Company
* If I Told You - Robbie and Julia
* Let Me Come Home - Linda
* If I Told You (Reprise) - Robbie and Julia
* Move That Thang - Grandma Rosie, George and Company
* Grow Old With You (Music and Lyrics By Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy) - Robbie and Julia
* It's Your Wedding Day (Finale) - Full Company

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MS. UNIVERSE 2010

Ms. Mexico, Jimena Navarrete is crowned Ms. Universe 2010 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillips - 1st Runner Up.
Miss Australia, Jesena Campbell - 2nd Runner Up.
Miss Ukraine, Anna Poslavskaya - 3rd Runner Up.
Miss Philippines, Venus Raj - 4th Runner Up.

Ms. Mexico and Ms. Australia (photos courtesy of missuniverse.com)

here is the video from the pageant with Ms. Philippines answering Mr. William Baldwin's question:

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PHILIPPINE ELECTIONS 2010: The Ohmski Coverage

today is a very historical date for all Filipinos that will cast their votes for Philippines' fate for the next 6 years. i really made it sure to cast my vote from the start of the day to avoid long lines.

got up by about 7AM and then washed a little before getting into the precinct. it was easy to find. we headed to Saint Gregory Elementary School -- just a walking distance from home. we found the lines starting to build up but this is not a time to leave.

precinct officers and watchers take charge of the lines. senior citizens and handicapped were given first priorities on the lines. but as time gets longer, the line for seniors and handicapped also lengthened so we are a little left behind. we reported this incident so that every batch would have senior citizens and non-senior citizens. then everything went well on the lines.

as i entered the polling precinct, the officer scanned the list and i hate my picture there. is there a way to update that picture? hehehe... it was my voting application ID when i was 18. not a very good sight to me. haha! signed the back of the form and put my thumbmark. then i proceeded to another officer that will hand me the ballot.

the ballot is a porous paper that why the pen ink blots to its back. it has faced the same problem during the dry run of the polls and i was very careful to shade those circles. i still don't know what material did the marking pens have so that other markers don't access the PCOS machines. it's just a plain pentel pen.

getting in front of the PCOS machine is the most exciting part. you will just feed the ballot and then wait for a few seconds. i thought that the machine won't read my ballot because i was so excited to see the message: "CONGRATULATIONS, YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN CAST" on the screen. but after around 5 seconds, the message appeared. and then have your index fingered dropped with indelible ink.

COMELEC, your indelible ink easily gets off. but good for the honest citizens like me, i won't be coming back to the precinct to cast another vote. please improve this next time.

and for all Filipinos out there, let's continue to pray for good outcomes. good luck to all of us.

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CLASH OF THE TITANS movie review

from the legends and written history of Greek mythology, comes another remake of the 1981 Clash of the Titans. to recall the story, here's the sypnosis from Moviefone:

In Clash of the Titans, the ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny.

i think the promotions made us to expect more. though the CG effects were good and also actors have portrayed the roles well, you might be missing some points that were taken out of the story. some of my expectations were also but i think they are placed appropriately in the movie. like Pegasus is a black winged-stallion, although it was not that magical as much people would assume, the movie's strong delivery made Pegasus a very mighty horse.

there's a lot of action but there's not a lot of gore stuff. you can't feel disgust like other movies. you can just sit there and stay fine. you also don't have to worry to watch it on 3D.

casting of leading ladies: great! Io and Andromeda are perfect for the beautiful cast. i think Io can be the next Lara Croft. she looks like Anne Curtis in some angles by the way. :)

CLASH OF THE TITANS will be on Philippine theaters starting April 3. distributed by Warner Bros. Philippines.

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