what we wish should be included in Britney Live in Manila set list

31 days before our Pop Princess Britney Spears comes for a concert here in Manila, here are some songs that are on top of my song list that she should sing on June 15 at SM Mall of Asia Arena. Aside from the fact that we know the words to these Britney hits, we will be dancing to them as well. That's more than 20 years of hits, everyone.

1. I Love Rock & Roll (Released 2001) - The Arena would be screaming when she says from backstage: "Is this thing on?"


2. Toxic (Released 2003) - If not for the AirAsia cabin crew that lived every Britney Spears fans' dream, this might have dropped from our heads a long time. Maybe now every flight attendant is wishing they can do the same thing when planes are parked. LOL


3. Oops!... I did It Again (Released 2000) - We will be looking for die-hard Britney fans wearing a red shiny overall at the concern, waiting to get noticed and dragged onto the stage and dance with Britney's memorable choreography for this song. Jack and Grace of Will & Grace even taught us the dance in this video. People also be will be killing it when they memorized all the spoken words in the interlude.


4. Hit Me Baby One More Time (Released 1998) - Who would forget those iconic school girl outfit and braided pigtails from her first video? We all agree that she also sings this on June 15.


5. Lucky (Released 2000) - Because all previously "teening" millennials were unsure of their paths in life were so relatable to this song.


6. Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know (Released 2000) - When we are all tired and legs hurt of dancing from many of Britney's songs, it's time to chill and have a little cry for this song. While we all remember how sexy this video was made while the lyrics hurt subtly. But I know Britney's hits don't leave us tired, instead asking for more.


7. I'm a Slave 4 U (Released 2001) - the steamiest song even reproduced in Glee, Britney reminded us not to be scared of snakes (literally and figuratively). It will turn up the Arena as a huge belly dancing venue.


8. Slumber Party (Released 2016) - Of course we have to give Britney the chance to promote her latest album. This collab with Tinashe makes us wonder what is Britney's youth secret?


9. Work B**ch (Released 2013) - the B**ch's would be there too slammin' at the Mall of Arena. This has inspired all attending the concert to afford and avail her skyrocketing concert ticket prices.


10. Piece of Me (Released 2005) - Because the lyrics goes, "I'm Miss American Dream since I was seventeen / Don't matter if I step on the scene / Or sneak away to the Philippines." That's #PinoyPride going on, y'all.


Britney is sure to transform SM Mall of Asia Arena into her Las Vegas gig. The list is endless but if you have more songs in mind that should be in her set list, leave it in the comments below.

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Steve Trevor in the latest Wonder Woman poster

Chris Pine as Steve Trevor joins Wonder Woman / Diana in the latest poster of Wonder Woman which will soar in theaters, June 1. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (Philippines)

Joining Gadot in the international cast are Chris Pine (the “Star Trek” films), Robin Wright (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Netflix’s “House of Cards”), Danny Huston (“Clash of the Titans,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”), David Thewlis (the “Harry Potter” films, “The Theory of Everything”), Connie Nielsen (Fox’s “The Following,” “Gladiator”), Elena Anaya (“The Skin I Live In”), Ewen Bremner (“Exodus: Gods and Kings,” “Snowpiercer”), Lucy Davis (“Shaun of the Dead,” FX’s “Better Things”), Lisa Loven Kongsli (upcoming “Ashes in the Snow”), Eugene Brave Rock (AMC’s “Hell on Wheels”) and Saïd Taghmaoui (“American Hustle”).

Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, raised on a sheltered island paradise and trained to be an unconquerable warrior. When an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

Patty Jenkins directs the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs, based on characters from DC. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston.

The film is produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Stephen Jones, Geoff Johns, Jon Berg, Wesley Coller and Rebecca Steel Roven serving as executive producers.

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An old nemesis set to kill Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge

It's time to sail the seas once again as Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) goes for an adventure to escape the murder by old nemesis in Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge. The fifth installment of the Disney - Jerry Bruckheimer hits theaters May 24.

Salazar's Revenge, also titled as Dead Men Tell No Tales in the US, brings Salazar (Javier Bardem) and more deadly ghost pirates that will haunt and kill every pirate at sea including Jack Sparrow. The only way to survive is find Poseidon's Trident that anyone who has it has control with everything at sea. Jack finds himself in an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge also stars Geoffrey Rush and Orlando Bloom. Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (Oscar Best Foreign Language Film nominee Kon-Tiki). Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Philippines. Watch the trailer below:

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King Arthur: Legend of the Sword movie review

It's gonna be a different King Arthur legend and I'm glad to have seen it. This retelling of the legend takes us to another view of King Arthur than just a mere lad who wielded Excalibur from the stone. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a story within a story that made it more interesting.

The back story is so epic that you don't even have to look for Merlin all throughout the movie. Charlie Hunnam's Arthur as a street smart and stronger version of what we knew is something to look forward to. But you will be familiar in some sequences that you will find similar to other Warner Bros and Legendary Films. Remember 300 and Clash of the Titans in the King Arthur plot. David Beckham's appearance would just be one thing to sell the movie. I think not. The musical scoring is good for me.

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may we be blessed (again) with GODSPELL

I was not able to see the first run of MusicArtes' GODSPELL but I am delighted to see it last Saturday on its opening night. I thought it's a bit late for the Lenten season but I realized that revisiting the Gospel should keep us reminded about the Christian spirituality. I felt sorry for myself for ignoring this production before but thankful for having the opportunity to watch it.

The cast comprised of Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Jef Flores, Myke Salomon, Lorenz Martinez, Caisa Borromeo, Poppert Bernadas, Topper Fabregas, Abi Sulit, Maronne Cruz, Gab Pangilinan and Rhenwyn Gabalonzo may come from different theater companies but you see the professionalism and great talent tear down boundaries -- Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

The whole production preaches in many levels: the setting opens up our minds that God blesses the poor and humble (Beatitudes); the execution of the parables are very creative and interactive. You'll find Jesus Christ amusing, aside that Jef Flores can do it like no one can.

It gives the perspective that the Bible is still relevant from the Beginning until now. Issues that are happening in our lifetime is addressed and Godspell help us think of what we can do. This is a very very good reflective theater production, not just locally, but universally.

Godspell plays on the following dates and times. Bring everyone you love, even your enemies.
May 6 8:00 pm
May 7 3:00 pm
May 12 8:00 pm
May 13 8:00 pm
May 14 3:00 pm
May 19 8:00 pm
May 20 8:00 pm
May 21 3:00 pm

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Ex-football star DAVID BECKHAM to cameo in KING ARTHUR: Legend of the Sword

A scar-faced, broken-nosed David Beckham appears in a cameo in Warner Bros. Pictures' King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, in Philippine cinemas May 17, 2017.

The superstar ex-footballer plays one of King Vortigern’s (Jude Law) Blacklegs standing guard over the proceedings around the mystical, powerful sword Excalibur.

While Beckham remains new to the world of acting, he humbly accepted the probability of criticism over his role saying,

“I am very aware that many sportsmen and other celebrities have turned their hand to acting and failed. I know that it is a tough profession, where you need a huge amount of skill and discipline, and I wouldn’t want to push myself forward too soon, without learning more about it, and doing a lot more practice.”

It's no secret that Beckham and British director Guy Ritchie are great friends. The pair has worked together on commercials that promoted the sporting legend's product lines for H&M and Haig Club whiskey, while Beckham also had a cameo in Ritchie's last film, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, King Arthur: Legend of the Swoerd stars Charlie Hunnam, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, Oscar nominee Jude Law, and Eric Bana. Ritchie directs the film from a screenplay by Joby Harold and Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by Joby Harold.

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Teatro Tomasino's KAPITAN SINO

Adapting one of Bob Ong's best selling novel, Teatro Tomasino brings to life the character of Rogelio who gets to become Brgy. Pelaez's unknown superhero because of his electrical abilities and being a community vigilante. This is also John Lapus' return to theater in his home university at University of Santo Tomas. The play runs from May 3 to 6 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium.

I was seated at the second row from the elevated stage. I'm not really used to looking up the actors from other theaters, but where I sit is already a good view of Brgy. Pelaez. Typical barrio set up is already in place: houses standing side by side and the community includes gamblers, bystanders, chismosas, and children running around.

The play starts with Rogelio (Jason Morco) trying to explore and control his power on electrical appliances starts the comic sequence which was made funnier by his sidekick Bokbok (Kim Fababair), alongside with his crush Tessa (Leah Zamoras). Barrio happenings and our hero's adventures and romance transpire, the story of Kapitan Sino is a very common plot with a different twist.

Tessa, Rogelio and Bokbok (c) Teatro Pinas

I am pleased that I was seated at the second row as I was not prepared for the technical difficulties which happened that night. I applaud the actors for trying to modulate their voice for everyone to hear. Mang Ernesto, played by James Vic Allen Pangan, and John Lapuz both acted so well as siblings. The others need to improve their voices as they all sound monotonous -- especially the reporter who could just only deliver a few lines didn't sound engaging.

James Vic Allen Pangan and John Lapuz as Mang Ernesto and Mayor Suico (c) Teatro Pinas

It was slow-paced, and there are some scenes that could have been omitted from the play so you wouldn't get to spend more than 2 hours in the auditorium. The use of an LED screen could have saved the production from special effects, but implying house fire with a smoke machine could have done the trick. Technicals can further be improved and I could wait for another run for this.

Kapitan Sino runs until May 6, with shows 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm at Albertus Magnus auditorium, UST, Manila. Directed by Franny Omampo.

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WONDER WOMAN deflects bullets in new poster

Check out the new poster of Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince in this new poster released by Warner Bros. Pictures which she shields herself from bullets using her powerful wristguards. What can you say about her beautiful armor?

Wonder Woman stars Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, directed by Patty Jenkins. Opens June 1 in theaters nationwide. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines. Watch her fight to end all wars in this trailer:

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WIT theater review

TwinBill theater's new production WIT gave a stronger reason that all of us are just mere basic living things that will some time fall to the ground, no matter how much we strive for greater things and search for superiority of one self than others.

It was a lecture on medical terms. Thanks to Tami Monsod, who plays Ms Vivian Bearing, who gives an elaborate explanation of her ovarian cancer with proper diction despite the consequences of putting this play in an auditorium with less the quality of acoustics to hear the words uttered herein. The story gets more and more interesting as she narrates her childhood and life as a college professor and doctor of literature. It was also very impressive of her to shave her head and immerse into the character, making her perfectly fit for the role.

The woman called Vivian Bearing was a very special individual. Her confrontations with cancer are very inspiring, but nevertheless, her innocence and eagerness to learn about her illness and to face her strong medications are exceptional. It will take you up in happiness and chase your younger years.

Tami Monsod as Vivian Bearing

Mikkie Bradshaw and Bibo Reyes as the nurse and doctor respectively are two of the important roles in Vivian Bearing's life. Two very different characters which stood by her side in her last moments. The nurse, made her comfortable and looked after her as if she is the only family left, and the doctor, in his adrenalized emotions, giving abrupt judgements on the cancer is somehow funny.

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Butt-hurting tour to the North of the Philippines

Last Holy Week, I and a set of bloggers took ourselves unknowing of a very long travel to Cagayan Province. We were supposed to participate in the Ropali-Shell Partakan Festival -- "Partakan" meaning speed in the Ilocano dialect. Almost like an Amazing Race for motorcyclists to the endpoint in Sta. Ana municipality in Cagayan.

It was an estimated 13 hours from Manila but we arrived after 21 painful hours to our accommodation in Cagayan. Passing through different provinces north of Manila. Any wrong turn will take you to another province - might be a good thing as I was longing to go to Baguio which is just at the Western side of Nueva Vizcaya. We all felt that our butts nearly deflated in the long travel. It could have been easier and comfortable if plane tickets were booked for us. Below was an honest story and expect a few rants.

Good thing we managed ourselves along the way with road chats a enjoyed the view of the mountains and valleys of Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela and finally Cagayan. Let me share with you a few stops that you will pass by on the road to the North part of the Philippines.

You can drop by at Malolos, Bulacan where a religious and historical landmark called Barasoain Church sits. We didn't make it here because there were no instructions from the organizer that we have to check in different spots along the way.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel of Barasoain Church, Malolos, Bulacan (c) Pamana.ph

A long 1.5 hours (almost from home to Makati on a regular basis) via MacArthur Highway, we arrived at Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija for the next Ropali Stop. There we learned about the real itinerary from start to finish. Apparently, many of the Ropali and Shell stops didn't comply for the requirements of the Partakan Festival promo. And since we were media outfits who were just invited to cover, we think that we should also do the challenges in the nearby stops. Instead, we just went on and had breakfast on the first okay stop along the way until we found Five Mamas.

Tawisilog and their special Yema Cake here at Five Mamas. #CabanatuanCity #NuevaEcija #perstaym #travel #food #foodie #foodporn #foodstagram

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Apr 12, 2017 at 5:06pm PDT

It's a battery-saving tour when I didn't open my mobile data along the way. Vivo Y55 is efficient for that not to mention that it takes the photos that I want, how the way I like it. The Professiona Camera feature works best for my still-life photos.

The zigzag and elevating road in Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya gave ear pops which I barely noticed because I was light sleeping along the way. We had a few stops for stretching, lunch and number 1 (for Php5) and number 2 (for Php10). And before we enter Isabela province, we stopped at Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park as it is also included in the tour. It's the spot for a new photoshoot while we are looking for tupig.

Our team for the #PartakanFestival2017 A road trip with pit stops and challenges. This is taken from Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park in Nueva Vizcaya. We've been on the road from 2:30 am this morning.

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Apr 13, 2017 at 1:20am PDT

I almost forgot that many establishments are closed since Thursday because it was Holy Week and normal operations resume Easter Sunday so we found it hard to locate dining areas.

We continued the drive, thanks to our very reliable driver, Lito, who remained as cheerfully and patient with us when we are getting grumpy due to the long travel time. Imagine nobody was able to freshen up or had taken a bath that time. We're still on the road at sundown and we're again driving where our headlights is just the source of light. Looking out the window and up is seeing the Milky Way on the ceiling. And your imagination will just invite some stories that you might not want to hear but tolerating it just to keep you awake and support those who have been awake for a while. It's been a past time activity until 10:30pm.

Around 5 arches or so and around 637 km traveled, we arrived at Sta Ana, Cagayan. We're about to meet the Partakan Festival people, but was also a hard time to know where they are. The GPS isn't much of a help but mobile signal is good. Finally we can stretch our bodies which are excruciating with pain. We had our dinner at Nassim Hotel & Restaurant where it also took hours before they served us food. I was told that they do it first come, first serve. So when there are a few people ahead of us, they will partake of it first. They just prepared the meals when we arrived when the order was made 3 hours in advance. The main person who invited us wasn't even too accommodating and she's been enjoying Cagayan more than a day already.

I understand that somehow they want to promote tourism in the area. The place is peaceful, no question, and you'll love the view of the mountains and sea. But in cases that Holy Week is a travel escape for many of us, the hotels in Cagayan (there's a few of them) should have anticipated the number of people coming in so that they have stocks to serve. Displaying good hospitality for tourists is a good business for countries like the Philippines.

Related links:
Earth's VLOG
Ruth's Road Trip to Cagayan
Rhea and Jeff's Summer Vid and Photo Shoot

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