Sing along with The Greatest Showman in SM Cinemas

I am a fan of The Greatest Showman for many three main reasons: THEATRICAL, MUSICAL, and HUGH JACKMAN. But when I saw it, I instantly also became a fan of the songs and especially Keala Settle belting out This is Me. I happen to be streaming the soundtrack featuring songs by Academy Award winning lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul since and I couldn't miss a day without studying and memorizing the lyrics.

But fortunately, we can now all sing with Hugh Jackman, Zack Efron, Zendaya, Keala Settle while watching The Greatest Showman as SM Cinemas bring the sing-along version of the movie starting February 7 in select theaters. Follow the bouncing top hat for every hit song with intricate visuals and dance choreography following the rags to riches life of PT Barnum, the greatest showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the beginning of show business.

The Greatest Showman also features Michelle Williams and her emotional Tightrope song and Rebecca Ferguson's Never Enough, sung by Loren Allred. Be inspired and Rewrite the Stars with Zac Efron and Zendaya.

Listen to the official soundtrack and see you at the movies!

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THE GREATEST SHOWMAN movie review

I expected a theatrical extravaganza in The Greatest Showman and it did not disappoint. Visually appealing and with a strong message of equality it conveys, The Greatest Showman is a must-watch for all -- for a good time, for a dose of musical theater, or something to ponder on.

The inspiration of the movie is a not unfamiliar with all of us. How a visionary made his dreams happen to be able to give a good life to people he loves and P.T. Barnum is an inspiration with his dedication in fulfilling his dreams and how he is as a father and husband, an artist and a businessman. No doubt Hugh Jackman fits perfectly for the role just as he puts on his red coat and top hat.

Songs are very heartfelt as if the cast gives every song message directly to you. The Greatest Show to start with prepared you for a fantastic show indeed. A whole line up of songs goes with the story line very well from start to finish. Never Enough is emotionally-triggering and a very strong This is Me gives high encouragement that you will bring until you go home. This Is Me deserves its Globe award and Oscar nod.

I also applaud the spectacular choreography of our unique characters displayed. Rewrite the Stars is a great sequence if we can see it live but you will enjoy most of the movie.

Zendaya and Zac Efron (Rewrite the Stars)

The Greatest Showman is showing January 31 in cinemas and Imax. Distributed by 20th Century Fox (Philippines).

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We're near the Devil's Sea!

The Philippines may be the first victim of an apocalyptic event unless Lara Croft solves the mystery of the disappearance of her father in the Pacific region. But as the movie puts it, the island is located somewhere off the coast of Japan where she will face a treacherous journey to her father's last destination armed only with her wit, bravery and faith.

An island located in the middle of the Devil's Sea where Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) will solve the puzzle that can also save the human race. A map shows that it is just at the east of the Philippines. Here's a screenshot of the scene in 1:57 of the latest Tomb Raider trailer:

Philippine map shown distinctively while locating the Devil's Sea (1:57)

Watch the latest trailer of Tomb Raider below and also listen clearly to a very familiar tune in the background. Opening March 15 in theaters nationwide, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (PH).


Tomb Raider also stars Dominic West (Money Monster, 300), Walton Goggins (The Hateful Eight, Django Unchained) and Daniel Wu (AMC’s Into the Badlands). Directed by Roar Uthaug (The Wave), with Oscar-winner Graham King (The Departed) producing under his GK Films banner.

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PEABO BRYSON headlines Love Rocks! concert at Resorts World Manila

Don't miss an incredible night with international balladeer Peabo Bryson as he performs his greatest hits and ushers in Valentine's Day at the Love Rocks concert on February 13, 2018, 8pm at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. A fantastic evening of love and songs also featuring Philippines' very own Jenine Desiderio and hosted by J Michaels with a special tribute to Burt Bacharach's music by J Michael's band, directed by Maestro Danny Favis.

Hear once again LIVE our long-time time favorites, Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You, If Ever You're in My Arms Again and more as popularized during the 70s and 80s with duets with Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Melissa Manchester and Lea Salonga. A Grammy-award winner for two of the well-loved songs from Disney classics Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and A Whole New World with Regina Belle, gaining him worldwide popularity and strong fanbase.

The one-night only concert LOVE ROCKS! is a trademarked concept show that has had great international acclaim and success. Each show is hosted by J Michaels and features one or more Multi-Platinum and Grammy® headline artists. The J Michaels Band has served as backup band for the Love Rocks! concert series pairing world-class concert and touring musicians with incredible guest headliners. 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of Love Rocks! concerts, fans can look forward to multiple shows an more great artists in the coming months.

The Love Rocks! Concert is presented in cooperation with Grand Leisure Corporation and Events by WEG Inc.

Tickets are available now at all TicketWorld outlets, Resorts World Manila Box Office, and online at www.ticketworld.com.ph

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Off to a great spectacle with THE GREATEST SHOWMAN posters

When a visionary fulfills his dreams, great things happen. See the character poster of The Greatest Showman released by 20th Century Fox featuring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Zac Efron, and Rebecca Ferguson.

"This is Me" wins Best Original Song in the recent Golden Globes. Song written and composed by Academy Award winners from La La Land.

The Greatest Showman features powerful original music and songs that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

Opens January 31 in Philippine theaters, distributed by 20th Century Fox (Philippines).

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FERDINAND movie review

Though it's the Year of the Dog, FERDINAND the Gentle Bull is the most adorable animal to open 2018. Bring your kids to this funny and family-friendly animated feature that will help them understand that it is not what your environment perceive you to be but it is really what you exude from the inside.

I never knew that John Cena's voice would be as gentle as Ferdinand the bull as it made him perfect to voice out the character. The movie includes a lot of funny moments that the whole family would enjoy. It would take you to a journey of the individual and put you to an emotional roller coaster that is light to the heart.

This is not a boring movie, actually. Let out the child in you and cherish every moment while watching it. I enjoyed most the dance-off between the horses and the bulls that is totally hilarious. Some scenes may be predictable but overall, bringing the kids to watch it is worth it. Don't forget to stay a little longer during the credits as it may hint for a part 2, I hope.

Ferdinand is now showing in cinemas, distributed by 20th Century Fox (Philippines).

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Eugene Domingo is back in theater with 'night, Mother.

TV and movie actress Eugene Domingo comes back to her first love as a theater actress in PETA's 50th anniversary season-ender, 'night, Mother alongside Sherry Lara. 'night, Mother is a play by American playwright Marsha Norman and adapted by Ian Lomongo. Melvin Lee directs the PETA version and will be playing at the PETA Theater from February 2 to March 18, 2018. The play won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

'night, Mother opens up certain issues that were not being discussed within the walls of the family that we had normally forgotten. In a 10-minute excerpt that was presented to the press last December 6, it seems that even mother and daughter Jessie (Eugene Domingo) and Thelma (Sherry Lara) doesn't even know the person they are talking to. A very dangerous and sad reality happening among families not just from the country where the play was adapted but also here in the country.
It talks about different topics like mental health, family issues, and more. Eugene remembers when she first did this play when in Dulaang UP where she played as Thelma. As an open book to every one around her, she makes it sure that she and every one has someone to talk to, to talk about issues in life or even just to let the person know that there's someone beside him or her. Like her, we should also be having deep conversations with the people around us.

A post shared by Omar Itay (@ohmski) on Dec 6, 2017 at 6:46am PST

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Listen to the Pitch Perfect 3 Official Soundtrack

Check out the new songs from the latest Pitch Perfect movie. The Barden Bellas, old and new, present songs that we are going to love when the movie is released January 8, 2018.

Here is the list of songs with tracks by Iggy Azalea, Bomba Estereo, and more.

1. Universal Fanfare – The Bellas
2. Toxic – The Bellas
3. Sit Still, Look Pretty – The New Barden Bellas
4. Riff Off – The Bellas, Evermoist, Saddle Up, Young Sparrow and DJ Drago Nutz & Soldiers
5. You Got It – Young Sparrow and DJ Dragon Nutz
6. Ex's And Oh's – Saddle Up
7. How A Heart Unbreaks – Evermoist
8. Cheap Thrills – The Bellas
9. I Don't Like It, I Love It – The Bellas
10. Cake By The Ocean – The Bellas
11. Freedom! '90 – Beca & The Bellas
12. Soy Yo – Bomba Estéreo
13. Boom Boom – Iggy Azalea feat. Zedd
14. Tribe – Kim Viera
15. Score Suite from Pitch Perfect 3
16. Silent Night – Hana Mae Lee featuring 80Fitz*
17. Baby, It's Cold Outside – Kelley Jakle & Shelley Regner*
18. Feliz Navidad – Chrissie Fit*
19. Freedom! '90 x Cups – The Bellas & The Voice Season 13 Top 12 Contestants*

* Bonus tracks

Click play on the Spotify playlist to listen to the tracks.


Also featuring Freedom with The Voice S13 Top 12 finalists as seen in the video below:

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A Christmas Carol 2017

When Globe Live's Joe Caliro mentioned that we should be making a new Christmas tradition, I thought, what else would be greater than all the family gatherings, carollings, parties, etc? I am pretty satisfied with what already is going on with Filipinos -- but then I saw 9 Works Theatrical's A Christmas Carol, now I believe that there should be more ways to celebrate Christmas.

Seeing it in front of the stage, I can clearly see everything that was happening. And I say, there's quite a lot. Note the special effects when Ebenezer Scrooge (Miguel Faustmann) was haunted by ghosts with Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come is something that I have never seen in previous production of A Christmas Carol.

From waltzes to tap dances and grand ballets, prepare for the spectacular show especially during the Fezziwig Christmas Ball. The grand party has a lot of surprises. But the whole show is a feast to the eyes and ears. The cast, costumes and everything there is in this production will be a constant reminder of Christmas to everyone.

And what is Christmas without the promise of snow inside the theater? Bring back a child in you and experience snow from the theater. A truly magical experience that will touch families and individuals alike.
Watch A Christmas Carol by 9 Works Theatrical and Globe Live until December 27 at the BGC Amphitheater. Also take the opportunity to help the families of fallen heroes in the Marawi Siege by buying a handmade parol for P200 and hang it on the Christmas tree at the theater. A Christmas Carol is

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Pixar's Coco is a tear-jerker

When you enjoy good graphics mixed with some adventure and good laughs, you always forget that Disney Pixar movies will hit you hard and unexpectedly shed a tear. That's what Coco delivered and I am happy that Pixar is back with its trademark in story telling.

Coco's family-oriented theme is no different from the Filipino culture even it is set in Mexico. Strong family ties, love for one another and sometimes holding grudges that would go as far as death is very much familiar to two countries that patronize telenovelas as past time. But most importantly, the Day of the Dead connects all of us in remembering our ancestors and all the good things they've spent while they were alive.

The story really hit me as I remember my grandmother with Mama Coco. I was really close to her and really felt sad about what happened to her by the end of the movie. But I am also happy that she was able to reunite with her parents in the afterlife. For now, I'm worried where to get my ancestors' photos for the ofrenda so we can remember them every year. But they are in my prayers every day.

Coco is a colorful musical filled with heart and you will definitely remember.

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