FANTASTIC BEASTS: CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD movie review

Following the Fantastic Beasts franchise is the Crimes of Grindelwald opening today in cinemas.

The movie itself it a visual spectacle and if you see in IMAX, there are some elements that amazingly float from the aspec ratio of the screen. It gives you a larger-than-life visual of than the other films in the universe created by JK Rowling. The imagery and special effects are quite remarkable for Fantastic Beasts 2.

We again meet Newt's friendly beasts and introduced to new ones that made it more magical. The water horse was grand and the Chinese dragon dog was enchanting but dangerous. It is also amazing to know the origins of Nagini and how she came connected to the story and how she is rather good than evil in the Harry Potter movies is quite interesting.

However, the story has a lot of plots which I think made The Crimes of Grindelwald very complicated. I also got confused and need to check all Wizarding World references but following the story while watching it is easy for me. Good thing they provided origin stories that will assist yo us why the characters appear as they are. There are also unexpected rise and fall of emotions makes you think if you want it to be part even.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the second of 5 movies in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Check it in a cinema near you today.

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ALL OUT OF LOVE review

Resorts World Manila brings the music of Air Supply to the theater scene with ALL OUT OF LOVE.

For the generation that grew up with the music, it is pure enjoyment; for me, it was like watching Rock of Ages again with more romance and it encourages you to sing along with the hits including Every Woman in the World To Me, Keeping the Love Alive, Two Less Lonely People in the World and more that the band has been famous for. Titos and titas would be very happy to see it but it is also delightful for millennials who are actually singing these songs from new arrangements. It bridges the two generations with smash hits with new twists.

With a great ensemble lead by Mig Ayesa, Rachel Alejandro, Raymund Concepcion, Tanya Manalang and Jamie Wilson, your inner rock star breaks free and feel the emotions of Air Supply in a feel-good story weaved in achieving your dreams and proving your worth.

Mig Ayesa and Rachel Alejandro in ALL OUT OF LOVE

Aside from the great musical numbers, the colorful and mesmerizing set that magically transforms from uptown to downtown NYC is a must-not miss. I liked the life-sized yellow cab scene which traveled across the stage.

ALL OUT OF LOVE is now playing at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila with a limited run this October. Check out show schedules at www.rwmanila.com or download the RWM mobile app for details. Directed by Darren Yap, co-directed by Jacinta John, songs written by Graham Russell, and produced by Naomi Toohey, Dale Harrison, Barry Siegel with partners Resorts World Manila, Full House Theater Company and Ultimate Shows.

Thank you Resorts World Manila

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THE NUN movie review

Warner Bros. backtracks the story of The Conjuring universe in The Nun, which chronicles the Vatican investigation on the death of a congregation of nuns in a secluded monastery in Romania knowing that a strong evil power breaks free from containment.

The Nun is dominantly dark, evil and a test of faith with lots of jump scares but somehow predictable. Set is amazing and the evil of Valak is really scary but I thought that somehow effects are simpler than The Conjuring movies. Check out the abyss and you won't even dare to take the journey by yourself. It's like there's no higher power can save you from the bad spirit lurking in and you better leave right away as the sisters say.

They injected a few humor to the story which I thought spoiled the who scary experience. But it's nice to see Ed and Lorraine Warren not left out by the end and some familiar faces in The Conjuring universe. Watch The Nun today in theaters near you.

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ANG BABAENG ALLERGIC SA WIFI movie review

So here's the mark Jun Robles Lana's Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa Wifi will leave you when you see it in theaters:

A very Instagrammable and memorable scenery set from the city to the province that raises curiosity on where they are and how to get there. Hence the title Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wifi discusses love story sans technology, it will make us rethink our lives to connect with people important to us. Sue Ramirez and Jameson Blake showed us what would happen when we really like someone until he/she is lost. Millennial cinemaphiles should really see it and reflect. This movie also reminded us who are the type of people that we should appreciate and stay with because they know what matters to us.

Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wifi is one of the entries at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018, produced by Cignal Entertainment, Octobertrain Films and Ideafirst Company. Starring Sue Ramirez, Jameson Blake, with Boots Anson Roa, Yayo Aguila and more.

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Krissha Viaje's journey in I Can Sing in Japanese

Singer Krissha Viaje shares her journey in the Japanese talent show "I Can Sing in Japanese" that will be aired in GEM TV Asia starting this August 12, Sunday, 7:30PM.

Before winning the said talent search, Krissha is a fan of anime like Inu Yasha since she was younger and gained interest in the Japanese language. Opportunities came in and she wants to learn the language to be able to understand and express her feelings through singing Japanese songs. In 2016, she joined I Can Sing in Japanese as a solo artist and captured the hearts of Japanese audience.

Returning to the contest in 2017 with Michael David Bodin and Bernard Palad, they bested other contenders from around the world singing Winding Road by Ayaka x Kobukuro, earning praises as well by Japanese music industry figures Nanase Aikawa, Tokiko Kato, Kosetsu Minami and Shigeru Matsuzaki.

Krissha advises aspiring dreamers in I Can Sing in Japanese to sing from the heart, enjoy and learn proper diction and pronunciation.

I Can Sing In Japanese first aired in 2011 in Nippon TV and joined by contestants from USA, Vietnam, and more. And this year, Filipino audience will be able to watch Krissha's journey through music and Japanese culture. Watch it on GEM starting August 12, Sunday, 7:30PM.

GEM is available on SKYCable Channel 116 in Metro Manila and on Channel 222 in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio as well as other cable operators nationwide.

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why you should not miss Musikal nAPO

It was an original musical production we've been waiting for. Robbie Guevara's first stint as a writer brought us to memory lane featuring the songs of APO Hiking Society and Eto Na! Musikal nAPO is something that will mesmerize and please your eyes and ears.

Practice your theater behavior because the songs will really take you singing along. Tap your feet and be ready to wiggle your hips with the famous OPM sound of the 70s and the bellbottoms and tight shirts and fun college get up. Talk about how our moms and dads lived during the times and I was giggling at how some things almost felt very familiar until the 80s.

📷by Leo Castillo

Musikal nAPO! is like a review of the life lessons that you'll agree on and made me miss the stuff that I had and experienced. Serg's Chocolate and Magnolia Ice Cream for example; how saying "P.I." (explicit) was taboo and someone will call you out for it. There are lots of values weaved in this musical like how each APO song is perfect for each scene. And you'll definitely say to yourself that you miss the old times and hope that you could time travel and experience them again.

Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! is a perfect production that will tackle about life as a child, a parent, a friend, a lover, a student and more so that any walks of life can easily relate to. It is also a celebration of the dynamic Filipino language and culture that will make people think and ask questions.

Catch Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater this August. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999. #9WTMusikalnAPO

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The best things from the 70s relived in Eto na! Musikal nAPO!

It's good to hear stories from the people who lived from the 70s and 9 Works Theatrical will bring us to memory lane as they bring the music of the APO Hiking Society in the upcoming musical, Eto Na! Musikal nAPO this August.

cast of Eto Na! Musikal nAPO

Since this is a major throwback production, I've asked the the musical's creative team about what they miss in the 70s. Sab Jose thought that it was nice when people ought to really talk and meet each other even the absence of technology like how we do it today. Raul Montesa recalls that people were very active and they spend the time outside their homes and nobody gets sick. Director Robbie Guevara adds they would look for a place where they can chat as long as they want and play guitar and have a great time.

Hearing it from one of the APO Hiking Society trio, Mr. Jim Paredes relates that he misses men and women were gentlemen and ladies during the 70s: when seats are offered or help to someone that needs it and gain friends; when people got to talk about about ideas and ideals. Such values are slowly going down the drain and he believes that Eto Na! Musikal nAPO will help people to connect once again and be good to each other.

Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! tells the story of a group of friends in their college days who are joining a music contest and chronicles the things that would go in between. Friendships, relationships, studies and all that would make student life hard but bearable. Featuring the songs of APO Hiking Society, the musical promises to bring audiences, young and all, to sing-along to the tunes of Awit ng Barkada, Pumapatak na Naman ang Ulan, Di Na Natuto and more, and reminisce the period that many of us had.

Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! cast welcomes back actor Mark Bautista, GMA artist Rita Daniella, Jeff Flores, Peachy Atilano-Guevara, Sab Jose, and more.

Eto Na! Musikal nAPO is 9 Works Theatrical's offering on its 9th season and paves the way to 9WT's more of original Pinoy musicals. Runs from August 3-26, 2018 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater. Directed by Robbie Guevara. Get your tickets at Ticketworld or call 891-9999.

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