RAK OF AEGIS review

A very personal story to all Filipinos is the story of the new musical from PETA. Rak of Aegis featuring the novelty songs of my favorite band, Aegis. A guilty pleasure for many Filipinos singing their songs in the videoke and in the showers.

Set in the soaked Villa Venezia, Aileen (Aicelle Santos) hopes for something that can lift her family from the flood. her dreams include fame and fortune when she gets discovered by international media. she is torn between supporters and non-supporters from Villa Venezia. alongside the struggle with the long term flood in their area, are stories of family, love and governance conflicts which all of our characters experience.

the cast portrayed their roles very well and the songs are appropriate with their storylines. you'll never guess what's coming and that makes it even hilarious. most memorable characters are Jewel and Tolits. Mary Jane and Kel's story affects every person trying to move on from a broken relationship but somehow holding back after opening the doors for another chance. their rendition of "Luha" can carry your emotions with the words of it.

Mary Jane, Sinta and Munting Pangarap I think are the most memorable parts of the musical. you definitely feel the words to it. especially Sinta where you'll feel the love magic emanate from the stage with all the special bubbly effects.

this is a highly recommended theatrical experience. combining the jologs and the pa-elite market with the music of Aegis, it is also a wonderful support to Philippine entertainment. 6 out of 5 stars and i'm definitely watching it again.

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GRUDGE MATCH movie review

two iconic actors, Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone star in the BEST BOXING MOVIE to date! i saw GRUDGE MATCH and i never expected it to be funny and i really enjoyed it a lot. the story of two boxing legends that had their own personal issues with each other reflects the story of everyone, and would like to resolve it in a diplomatic way.

when you got Michael Corleone (De Niro) and Rocky Balboa (Stallone) in one screen, you definitely have a good movie. it was presented as how cocky old men will be and it makes everyone think and laugh about their pasts. it was called "Grudge Match" as you will discover why both would have or would have not wanted to fight again. Kid (De Niro) and Razor (Stallone) also had experienced to be looked down upon by other people until they both proved them to be wrong. though simple issues are presented, it's funny on how sometimes what you expect from older men could be so immature.

when i'm watching every scene, i felt a little worried if these actors can still do what they have to do in the scenes. the worries of they can lift weights and punch hard at their age. you will be amazed that they still can.

in this movie, we could also understand that if boxing made them famous and legendary, we can learn for a fact that they are still humans that have the same and experiences as ours. they also learn to rise and enjoy and make their way up when they fall. a very pleasant movie to see for everybody.

GRUDGE MATCH is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and now showing in cinemas. for more updates on upcoming movies, check out their Facebook page.

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BEATLES IN CONCERT at Solaire Resort and Casino

missed the 70's? camp out in Solaire Resort and Casino for a once in a lifetime concert with the BEATLES!

uhm, not the original BEATLES but the Bootleg Beatles, the closest thing that you can get to John, Ringo, Paul and George. so grab Jude and ask him to Drive Your Car and Don't Let Him Down. you'll never know but Across the Universe you will meet a Girl that will Twist and Shout that's been waiting since Yesterday.

to get tickets, you may call Ticketworld at  891-9999 or visit the Solaire Concierge. concert happens on January 19 2014 at the Solaire Grand Ballroom.

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the stages on 2014: Repertory Philippines

it would be a very busy 2014 with a lot of beautiful productions on stage by different theater companies that will take the stage this year.

last month, i was priviledged to witness the launch of Repertory Philippines' productions for this year with a great variety of shows. this January, they will open with a thrilling play about a blind woman entitled WAIT UNTIL DARK. this is written based on the movie where Audrey Hepburn was nominated for an Oscar in 1967. Liesl Batucan does the role of Susy and will be directed by Miguel Faustmann.

following that AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY which will also be playing in cinemas after it's release in theater in February. Merryl Streep does the lead in this Tony-award winning masterpiece with Ewan McGregor and Julia Roberts. but with Repertory Phils. Baby Barredo heads the family and will undergo tough  situations that she has to deal with her children. opening February 21 to March 16.

NOISES OFF sets the tone lighter in this play-within-a-play format. you'll know why when you see it this March 28. and as directed by Miguel Faustmann. you'll see Liesl Batucan, Joel Trinidad and more.

i will be delighted when we approach the second half of the year with two enchanting productions that is best for the whole family, especially the kids. PINOCCHIO and SCROOGE, two of my most-loved tales that has great morals and wonderful set and characters executions. childhood will be coming back and is also a great way to anticipate the festive season of Christmas.

Pinocchio starts August 16 as the Theater for Young Audiences will be presenting the Italian tale directed by Ms. Joy Virata. Scrooge, on the other hand, will be on November with Miguel Faustmann as the title role.

for more information about these productions, follow Repertory Philippines in the following social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/repertoryphilippines
http://twitter.com/repphils
http://www.instagram.com/repphils
www.youtube.com/repphils.

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THE HOBBIT: Desolation of Smaug movie review

moments get more exciting in the sequel of The Hobbit franchise: Desolation of Smaug. whereas Bilbo and his army continues their quest to the Erebor mountain so that Thorin can reclaim what was his and kill the dragon guarding it. but as they get nearer to their destination, an army of orcs are behind them trying to kill Thorin and the gang and the army or darkness are increasing and getting stronger.

the second installment is better to see in IMAX in the newest format HFR 3D. the picture is very much close to reality and even the fine details are seen. just like how it would be seen in video games, and others.

in this movie, there are additional characters whom Bilbo will encounter that may benefit or harm him in a way. a lesson he would learn on who to trust or distrust when he goes along way. Kili, Thorin, Gandalf and others have their moments of their own. the dragon Smaug itself has some trickery insights in store making itself the fiercest. you'll notice a rise and fall on the excitement but there is more exciting parts that will come before you know it.

THE HOBBIT: Desolation of Smaug opens today in theaters, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, directed by Peter Jackson.

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THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE movie review

going on Book 2 of The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire already got me more hooked and really excited. the scenes are gradually getting intense, and Jennifer Lawrence's beauty more flourished here.

the people of Panem starts a rebellion after the win of District 12's Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. President Snow takes a move to contain the rebellion and punish the youngest victors. timing with the 75th Hunger Games, he summons all victors from the districts to join the Quarter Quell. this would be very difficult for Katniss and Peeta and they learn the ways of the Capitol to be accepted, without thinking about what happened during the Games.

there were a lot of very sad scenes in the movie especially when Gale was flogged in public. but there were a lot of amusing things happening like Effie's costume, Katniss' wedding gown, the Quarter Quell arena and the remote coverage of Katniss and Peeta's interview. very well presented.

there really are more things to be expected on the next movie. but i hope they'll just do it in one clip for the conclusion instead of dividing the last part of the trilogy into 2. 

for giving me a chance of watching this, thank you to Solaire Resorts. until next #SolaireSpecialScreening.

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totally GREASED!

it was just another high school musical for some, but 9 Works Theatrical's GREASE is a whole new experience and a wonderful sight to see and sing along with. the cast of Grease with Gian Magdangal, Francheska Farr, Iya Villana and Rafa Siguion-Reyna has all the audience the excitement and fun.

let's start with the set, of course, Mio Infante always does the best job for the stage design. converting the whole set into bleachers, and anything you can imagine, a part of your high school life, is truly amazing. remembering 9WT's last production, you will surely be amazed.

aside from our 4 lead actors, there were more who livened up Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium with their own numbers. Moo'ed by Reb Atadero and Sarah Facuri with their "exposed" song should really take a lot of guts. Vince Lim, a first timer to acting in theater is well-applauded by strumming and stealing the limelight among others. every actor gives a cheer and you'll stay smiling towards the end. more of that, you'll have to watch out who will be the Teen Angel. our eyes widened when we saw Tom Rodriguez popped out of the stage and sang. for the upcoming shows, watch out.

Francheska Farr's performance could be well-commented for another first-timer. but i think Hopelessly Devoted to You should have been sang with more power as audience can be expected to feel the emotions of the song. but to be fair to her, over-all performance is great. i could understand how difficult it is to sing, dance and act at the same time and getting the pressure of being the lead actress. she did very well and hoping for her to continue the career in theater.

for the theater-goers out there, Grease by 9WT is not just another musical from the company but it also returns you to the time that you had so much fun. the 13-show production runs until December. www.9workstheatrical.com.

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