PETER JACKSON directs THE HOBBIT

Wellington, NZ, March 21, 2011—Production has commenced in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece.

“The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

“The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively. Further casting announcements are expected.

“The Hobbit” is produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, alongside Carolynne Cunningham. Executive producers are Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer. The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson and Walsh, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, “The Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

Among the creative behind-the-scenes team returning to Jackson’s crew are director of photography Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and make-up and hair designer Peter King. Costumes are designed by Ann Maskrey and Richard Taylor.

Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of weaponry, armour and prosthetics which are once again being made by the award winning Weta Workshop. Weta Digital take on the visual effects for both films, led by the film’s visual effects supervisor, Joe Letteri. Post production will take place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

“The Hobbit” films are co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM. The two films are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013, respectively.

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join TOOTS TOLENTINO's writing lifestyle stories workshop

do you have a story to tell? or do you want to share your impressions after trying a hotel, tasting a new and unique cuisine, or just simply how you spend your everyday life. join Toots Tolentino's Art of Writing Lifestyle Stories Workshop this summer!

if you are a highschool or college student who has a lot of stories and / or willing to discover your inner talent in writing lifestyle stories, you are welcome.

register now for the workshop starts on April 4 2011 and shall cover the following subjects: Art & Culture, Health & Wellness, Home & Interiors, Food & Restaurants, Fashion & Beauty, Travel, Family & Personalities.

Joselito "Toots" Tolentino owns the Joselito Tolentino Communication Consultancy and has worked with known personalities like Lea Salonga, the Philippine Opera Company, etc. he is also the PR Consultant of known theater production 9 Works Theatrical and now holds the publicities of Repertory Philippines.

For schedules and further details, call / text: 0917-8604205 or email: tolentino_toots@yahoo.com.

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3D artworks on exhibit at Avida Centera!

a number street artists gather at the Avida Centera location at EDSA corner Reliance St. in Mandaluyong City for the 3D Street Painting Festival on March 18-20 2011. their works are themed Fast-Forward: Life at the Center of the Metropolis.

different groups transform the concrete floor into a canvass and drawn beautiful sketches and strokes of the brush colored the entire lot. painting sessions are in a 24-hour pace started at 8AM of March 18 up to 8AM of the following day, inline with the launch of Avida Towers Centera -- the latest high-rise development of Avida Land Corp.

on the following day, the works will be judged accordingly and winners may bag the following prizes:

Champion: Php 75,000 plus trophy

2nd Place: Php 50,000 plus trophy

3rd Place: Php 30,000 plus trophy

--- UPDATE! here are the winners of the contest ---

1st Prize

Group Name: Guhit Sudlungan (PUP - Manila)

Artwork Title: Greater access to convergence

Members: Neil C. Defeo, Arnold D. Lalongisip, Malanio Balauitan III, Joel Chavez, John Mark Saycon, Justito Fadriquela Jr., Jasper Barba

2nd Prize

Group Name: Stycon Group

Artwork Title: Connected and Green

Members: Alvin Anonuevo, Pars Cea, Jawo Gonzales, Manolette Tizon

3rd Prize

Group Name: 420 (UPD - CFA)

Artwork Title: Metropolis Mania

Members: Anna Leah Aldaba, Kathleen Fallaria, Clarissa Marie Rodriguez, Ralph Louis Barrientos, Clara Herrera

and by liking Avida Land's Facebook page, you can have a peek of the entries and help the image of the most number of likes will get another Php 20,000.00!

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SIMON'S WAY is everybody's way

In this season of Lent, it's time that we reflect on ourselves on what we do, think and say. And face all trials that we encounter as a learning process and everything has a purpose. That's what a new cultural play tries to tell us which is entitled Simon's Way.

Simon's Way tells the story of a Franciscan monk, Simon Vela, whom the Lady has spoken to search for the missing image. In his journey, he meets hardships, joy and Eliza, whom he falls in love with on the fourth year of searching. His trial is when he is made to choose between his emotions or to continue his journey. And as he accepts his task, his journey becomes easier and burdens got lighter. He even produce miracles which are documented and recognized by the Vatican. With his belief and obedience to his purpose, he is well favored.

Simon's Way is an original Filipino cine-musical by Ferdinand Dimadura which he had written for 12 years. The title role is played by renowned theater-actor Cocoy Laurel joined by Jenine Desiderio and Cris Villonco who both plays as Eliza. They will tell the story of Simon Vela and help us understand the adoration of people to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, which is the inspiration of all of this.

A round of other shows will benefit the small chapels and parishes in Caceres in Bicol:

March 24 - 7PM, Unibersidad de Santa Isabel Auditorium, Naga City

March 25 - 130PM and 7PM, Unibersidad de Santa Isabel Auditorium, Naga City

March 26 - 130PM and 6PM, Unibersidad de Santa Isabel Auditorium, Naga City

March 28 - 7PM, University of North Eastern Philippines Auditorium, Iriga City

April 17 - 4PM, SM The Block

May 14 - 7PM, Legaspi Astrodome

Ticket sales will be for the parishes of Caceres to fund for their education and everyday living. Sadly that these small churches only earn Php20 in a week collection--not really enough to sustain those who obeyed to be servants of God.

To know more about Simon's Way, visit www.simonswaythecinemusical.com.

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RED RIDING HOOD top grosses in first weekend!

Warner Bros.’ romantic fantasy thriller “Red Riding Hood” -- about a medieval lass haunted by a werewolf -- howled at the Philippine box-office over the March 11 to 13 weekend for a three-day gross of P16.6-million nationwide. This was announced today by Francis Soliven, general manager of Warner Bros. (F.E.), Inc., the movie’s local distributor.

Directed by “Twilight’s” Catherine Hardwicke, the film marks the first No. 1 opening of the year for Warner. “`Red Riding Hood’s’ successful launch is a great start for us in 2011,” says Soliven. “This certainly augurs well for the rest of the year.”

Warner’s line-up of potential blockbusters still include “Sucker Punch” later this month, “Green Lantern” in June, the penultimate “Harry Potter” movie in July, “Final Destination 5 3D” in August, “Journey to the Center of the Earth 2” in September, “Contagion” in October and “Happy Feet 2” in November.

Trinoma (P1.37-M) posted the biggest opening among theatres overall, followed (in descending order) by SM Mall of Asia (P771,339), Greenbelt 3 (P735,102), Glrorietta 4 (P721,754), Power Plant (P594,461), Eastwood (P558,333), SM Megamall (P519,588), Alabang Town Center (P489,527), SM North EDSA (P458,796) and Gateway Cineplex (P455,722).

Completing the Top 20 cinemas are Shang Cineplex (448,0040), Ayala Cebu (P443,432), SM Cebu (P443,124), Greehills Theatremall (P370,720), Robinsons Ermita (P339,150), Robinsons Galleria (281,038), SM Baguio (P266,384), Gaisano Davao (P244,337), SM Bacolod (P244,056) and Market Market (P239,264).

“Red Riding Hood” features an ensemble cast, led by Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Oscar® nominee Virgina Madsen, and Oscar® winner Julie Christie.

In “Red Riding Hood,” Seyfried plays Valerie, a beautiful young woman torn between two men. She is in love with a brooding outsider, Peter (Fernandez), but her parents have arranged for her to marry the wealthy Henry (Irons). Unwilling to lose each other, Valerie and Peter are planning to run away together when they learn that Valerie’s older sister has been killed by the werewolf that prowls the dark forest surrounding their village.

As the death toll rises with each moon, Valerie begins to suspect that the werewolf could be someone she loves. As panic grips the town, Valerie discovers that she has a unique connection to the beast—one that inexorably draws them together, making her both suspect…and bait.

Still showing across the Philippines, “Red Riding Hood” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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CARS 2: scenes and new trailer!

the gang from Radiator Springs is coming to Japan! Cars 2 takes you on another race adventure as Lightning McQueen joins the World Grand Prix and aim for the title of the world's fastest car!

Lightning McQueen is joined by his buddy tow truck, Mater and discover the modern life away from the western country of Radiator Springs. here, they meet also new friends and frenemies who they come face-to-face also at the World Grand Prix.


see also some still scenes from the movie below:

the film hits the track in the Philippines on August 24, 2011, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX® 3D in select theaters.

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DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 is top grosser for the entire film series!

BURBANK, CA, March 9, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 has become the highest grossing installment in the Harry Potter franchise in international markets. With just months to go before the release of the finale of the record-breaking film series based on the beloved books by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 has earned a staggering $657.24 million and counting, soaring past the previous record-holder, 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which grossed $657 million. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

“It’s tremendously gratifying to reach this benchmark as we enter the final stretch of this remarkable journey,” said Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We share this achievement with Jo Rowling, whose books are the foundation of this rich and vibrant world, as well as the talented people who brought her vision to life on the screen.”

“We are also incredibly proud of our teams around the world who have brought a consistent level of excellence, passion and ingenuity to the campaigns for these films,” said Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures. “And, of course, we’re thrilled that longtime fans and new audiences alike have continued to champion each film, resulting in the huge success of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.”

Kwan-Rubinek added, “These numbers speak to the phenomenal and enduring strength of this property, which has captivated audiences across all borders, regardless of age or culture. We’re looking forward to releasing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 this summer, which will be a fitting way to bring to a close the movie event of a generation.”

With the success of its first six of seven titles, the Harry Potter series had already achieved the distinction of being the top-grossing film franchise of all time, with a combined worldwide gross of $6.37 billion. This benchmark for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1—which has earned $951.8 million worldwide—as well as the anticipation for Part 2, opening globally on July 15, 2011, should ensure its place in film history for years to come.

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LA MESA ECOPARK opens new pool!

the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City has recently inaugurated the new leisure swimming pool inside the facility. two pools for everyone to enjoy in addition to the existing pool near the entrance. the first pool is suited for kids and another pool, more for the pro-type -- a 25-meter long pool with depth ranging from 8ft to 4ft from the starting point.

these pools are funded by Sen. Jamby Madrigal in help of ABS-CBN Foundation's Managing Director, Gina Lopez's advocacy in raising awareness of taking care of the environment. the pools serve as invitation to the public to commune and be with nature and enjoying the abundance of natural resources here in the Philippines. it is also to make us understand the importance of natural system in the country.

Gina Lopez manages the ABS-CBN Foundation and an advocate of natural sustainability. she elaborated more on the importance of forests and clean waters for the creatures of the ecosystem. she also invited us to take part in stopping the mining in Palawan which destroys our natural resources for the benefit of other people. its complications and consequences that affect the Filipino people and our wealth as a country rich in natural resources.

also in the inauguration are distinct people of Quezon City, Mayor Herbert "Bistek" Bautista and Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte. joining them is the new chairman of MWSS, the major stakeholder of La Mesa Ecopark, Chairman Ramon Alikpala.

entrance to the new pool is very affordable. Php 80 for people 3feet above and Php 40 for those who are 3-feet below. you can enjoy other attractions in the La Mesa Ecopark like

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GABAY GURO: educators' well deserved perks!

My mom is retiring next year and i think that she really contributed well in the development of students. She teaches in the elementary department of St. Scholastica's Academy in Marikina and pupils look up to her as a fun teacher and most of the alumni even refer to her as a very understanding and lovable teacher. I think the way that she raised us is how she developed her students. She makes everything easy to understand. Mothers are often thankful with her teaching because their children receive high grades and performs well in school.

My Mom sitting

A good person deserves good things in life. And for a good teacher like my mom, she deserves a GABAY GURO membership from PLDT and SMART Foundation. Gabay-Guro is a social responsibility program for the teachers who are good examples of heroism and dedication to work. And so to pay tribute with the industriousness of our teachers, a membership to Gabay Guro will provide them good perks allowing them to enjoy privileges like pampering, wellness and shopping. They can also enjoy the internet because the foundation is putting up broadband connection in public schools which makes teaching and learning easier and faster. It comes with a Tribute Card which provides access to the teachers in the perks that they are given.

Other perks with Gabay Guro is that they can also have scholarships, educational trainings for improving the learning quality, livelihood programs and there's a big event for teachers during Teacher's Day!

Teachers Day Photos

My mom is already a member and a great thing is the membership is lifetime! She can enjoy these perks and even share it to us. If you know someone that deserves a good treat, have them join the Gabay Guro program. Visit www.gabayguro.com for details.

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SENIOR YEAR movie review

most of us have went through the toughest times in high school. but we all also admit that even though we have the most difficult endeavors with the teachers and even classmates, we can say that we enjoyed that period in our lives.

that's what we can see in SENIOR YEAR - a movie by Jerrold Tarog. it features students in co-ed institution that undergo certain circumstances as an individual. in life, we experience pressure, encounter gossips, bullied, rotting relationships, love and sometimes, confusion. but as we are struggling, we find people who are there to support us, that know how to get out of it, resolve it and move on.

in every aspect, there is a certain attack and will make you realize that you've been in that part. you can certainly relate to what these children portray. actually, the acting is seamless and effortless. sometimes i see myself in the shoes of these kids. and then i realize that i survived high school and i laugh at the instances that i can relate to.

and 10 years after our graduation in high school, i am excited of how people come about with their lives. reunion might be not to far and there are a lot of things happened after that time.

the cast is composed of the students of a school in Alabang with the participation of professional actors like RJ Ledesma, Dimples Romana, LJ Reyes, Arnold Reyes, Che Ramos and Ina Feleo.

SENIOR YEAR starts screening in SM Cinemas nationwide on March 9. and teachers and students who will watch the movie can get a discount. just present your SCHOOL ID and pay only Php 100 in entrance.

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