DANCING LESSONS - A love story of moving misconceptions

Twin Bill Theater's new production Dancing Lessons would move you to an emotional level as you will be given another understanding of a person with autism. The show is already playing at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Theater for a limited time, this show should not be missed.

Written by Mark St. Germain, inspired with his encounter with a couple with an autistic child, we can think that they see the world differently and they are very intuitive that's why they act as such. This story is actually a romcom about Ever Montgomery, a science professor with Asperger's syndrome and hypersensitivity, which I only heard about yesterday as they call it that way - and Senga Quinn, a Broadway dancer who has suffered a major leg injury in a car accident. Ever is played by Randy Villarama and Jill Pena stars as Senga.

Randy Villarama (Ever Montgomery) and Jill Pena (Senga Quinn)

Ever lacks social skills but a very important event would require him to have contact with people, he asks for dancing lessons from Senga so that he could deal with handshaking, hugs and dancing. Through the lessons, a relationship slowly develops that has both of them stepping out of their comfort zones.

What is funny about Dancing Lessons is I remember watching The Big Bang Theory with Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco). The humor injected with Ever's obsessive-compulsive condition would be very similar to that. Thanks to TBBT and of course our understanding about the Asperger's syndrome, we now should have learned that it should not be treated as an abnormality but rather there is a different spectrum of the world for them. It is the availability of these materials that the world may be more colorful for them than what we see. But at the bottom of it, we all deserve to love and be loved. Who knows they can teach us a new universe of knowledge that we are unaware of, and what the world we are in as "neurotypicals" is what they are trying to discover because of its complexity. Dancing Lessons shows us both perspectives and I'm glad that Randy and Jill has given great performance for the eyes and for the heart. A wonderful material for everyone to witness.

Dancing Lessons shows are August 16, 17, 21-24 at 8:30PM at the PowerMac Center Spotlight Theater. Tickets are available at the venue.

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BINONDO: A TSINOY MUSICAL review

As I walk inside the halls of The Theater at Solaire last Thursday for another theatrical preview, I was already prepared for cultural understanding despite of what's happening in the country today. Setting aside my political views and keep myself focused on appreciation of this work.

Joel Lamangan's Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical revolves around the love story of a man of pure Chinese descent and a Chinese-Filipina who embraced the foreign culture in search of love. The opening is expected to be grand and full of color, and delivered almost everything we know about the Chinese and the Chinoys in Binondo: that their network is so common, every one knows everybody and all their actions are based on feng shui mixed with religious faith.

Shiela Valderrama-Martinez plays Lily, a hopeful romantic singer at Lotus Bar makes a wish to the Chinese God of Love and finds Ah Tiong (Arman Ferrer) as he continues a song which she had forgotten a line. From there, things went fast and they both try to get across obstacles. But then there's Carlos (Noel Rayos), Lily's childhood friend who's secretly in love with her and shy to tell what he feels. As long as he sees the two together, he hides his pain. Though the story is about Ah Tiong and Lily, I am for Carlos on this one. If not for the political climate which stole the promise of returning back to China for some unfinished business, Lily will not be with Carlos. However, I think that Carlos has made huge sacrifices and that I think is true love.

That story line might be a huge spoiler for you who haven't seen Binondo. You will still enjoy the songs and production that this musical can offer. There are good laughs, cheesy romantic lines and colorful story. You can still see Binondo: A Tsinoy Musical today July 14, 3PM at the Theater at Solaire. For tickets, call TICKETWORLD at 891 9999.

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SPIDER-MAN FAR FROM HOME movie review

I think this is the best Spider-man movie to date! This contains many spoilers so read at your own risk.

When you're trying to move on from Avengers: Endgame's losses, you'll definitely miss Tony Stark at the first half of the film. Many of the movie's scenes are trying to remind us about the greatness of Iron Man in the MCU. You will surely empathize with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) how he loved Tony Stark as a father he never had.

And they just revived how Peter Parker was a whiz kid to begin with. A close distance from Homecoming, his geeky side flourished again and this makes him official to inherit Iron Man's ingenuity in science. It seems like Tony has groomed him well as the next tech man. Having your own EDITH would be cooler too.

The CGI scene are well-executed, like Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) has played a major part in the post-production of this movie. However, the scene when he acquired EDITH from Parker is a cringey moment. Sorry don't like that part.

This is even more fun than Homecoming. Ned (Jacob Batalon) steps up as new lover boy; Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and Happy (Jon Favreau) had a thing going on, MJ (Zendaya) is more upfront and I like her more here. They all got to have a love life going on and that's a cute thing.

Jake Gyllenhall as Mysterio 

And JK Simmons is back as The Daily Bugle chief! How I missed him as J. Jonah Jameson even in the Tobey Maguire series. No one does it like him.

Spider-Man Far From Home is now showing in cinemas. Don't miss the 2 scenes mid- and post-credits.

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Get updates on Netflix's THE WITCHER

Netflix launched the official social handles for the highly anticipated new series The Witcher, along with first looks at the three lead characters; Geralt (Henry Cavill), Yennefer (Anya Cholatra), and Ciri (Freya Allan). Fans can follow official show news on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Along with the first look imagery of the cast, fans were shown the first look at the series logo along with the teaser poster.
  Based on the best-selling fantasy series of books, The Witcher is an epic tale of fate and family. Geralt of Rivia, a solitary monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. But when destiny hurtles him toward a powerful sorceress, and a young princess with a dangerous secret, the three must learn to navigate the increasingly volatile Continent together.

  

Henry Cavill (Mission Impossible - Fallout, Justice League) leads the cast of The Witcher saga, playing the role of Geralt of Rivia, alongside other main cast members, Anya Chalotra (The ABC Murders, Wanderlust) as Yennefer and Freya Allan (The War of the Worlds, Into The Badlands) as Ciri. Other previously announced cast include Jodhi May (Game of Thrones, Genius) as Calanthe, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson (Fortitude) as Eist, Adam Levy (Knightfall, Snatch) as Mousesack, MyAnna Buring (Ripper Street, Kill List) as Tissaia), Mimi Ndiweni (Black Earth Rising) as Fringilla, Therica Wilson-Read (Profile) as Sabrina, and Emma Appleton (The End of The F**king World) as Renfri, Eamon Farren (The ABC Murders, Twin Peaks) as Cahir, Joey Batey (Knightfall, Strike) as Jaskier, Lars Mikkelsen (House of Cards, Sherlock) as Stregobor, Royce Pierreson (Wanderlust, Judy) as Istredd, Maciej Musiał (1983) as Sir Lazlo, Wilson Radjou-Pujalte (Jamillah & Aladdin, Dickensian) as Dara, and Anna Shaffer (Harry Potter) as Triss.

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ROCKETMAN movie review

Rocketman is Taron Egerton's most phenomenal performance yet!

Portraying the fabulous life of one of the greatest musical acts of all time, Elton John, Rocketman left me smiling and empathizing with the rock and roll legend. Taron will captivate the audience with his strong vocal power and acting versatility that will make you forget his stints as Eggsy in his other movies and Rocketman will mark him as one of the new young actors to date.

You won't be disappointed going out of the cinema without knowing the stories behind Elton John's greatest hits, his eccentric stage presence and costumes. In fact, it was full extravagance seeing this biopic. He teaches us that it's okay to be extraordinary and different. The movie also teaches us that it money and fame can't change who we are and we have to keep grounded and accept and realize ourselves.

Although they might have missed out some accounts which I am familiar with, like Lion King and etc, Elton John's story will be definitely remembered. This shows the full height of Elton John's life and the lowest of lows that makes it very beautiful. Watch Rocketman today!!!

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ALADDIN 2019 movie review

The 2019 remake of the Arabian tale Aladdin is a feast to the eyes and gives pure nostalgia with fresh twist for everyone who've seen it before.

Featuring majority of the cast that makes Hollywood diversity alive, Mena Massoud's portrayal of Aladdin inks in the books. Naomi Scott's Jasmine also gave a more stronger character than the animated movie and puts women empowerment a concrete picture. Will Smith gave a credible Genie that has a hip hop and pop approach to our blue friend and they gave him a love interest! Who says magical creatures can't fall in love? However, the lovable Sultan was very serious and lost the connection to the audience. Marwan Kenzari's Jafar would be a more connection to the audience with his younger features than the animated counterpart.

Mena Massoud and Will Smith in Aladdin

Navid Negahban and Naomi Scott (Sultan and Jasmine)

Marwan Kenzari as Jafar

An ambitious production especially when they sang "Prince Ali" is what gave me the whole theatrical feels. It was so grand, better than "A Whole New World" actually, and all I can say is it's glorious.

Will Smith (Prince Ali)

With new songs from Alan Menken and the team, each of the characters were given quite a deeper meaning of their joys and obstacles. Jasmine's "Speechless" moves us to fight for what is right. We also felt Aladdin's sorrows in "One Jump Ahead." In "Friend Like Me" and "Harvest Dance," Mena Massoud wows us in his dancing skills -- it was also like Bollywood greatness combined with an HSM twist.

Aladdin is still showing in cinemas.

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Seagate levels up data management with new SSDs and data storage devices

Data is a very essential part of my life. I use it almost 24/7 and I need it 24/7 as well to keep track on my job and be productive. So storage and fast systems are very much important to fulfill duties especially in this fast-paced world. Data and device performance matters and it has to be available every time you need them. System performance is also considered especially with gamers to have great gaming experience -- they need really good memory and processing to keep gaming fun and entertaining in the free time.

Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), a manufacturer of SSDs and data storage devices launched a new line of products that will level up the digital life. With more than 5 billion consumers that use digital content, the new line can create, store and protect data efficiently.

The latest innovations from Seagate empowers consumers for data management, including photos, videos, documents, etc. at home, office or even on the go.

The stylish LaCie Mobile Drive is ideal for an ever-growing digital library with its capacity topping out at a massive 5TB. It features a unique, eye-catching diamond-cut design complementing stylish aesthetics like Apple MacBook and includes a 1-month subscription to Adobe Cloud All Apps plan. It has 2 year limited warranty too. Blogger and influencer Laureen Uy and photographer Magic Liwanag can testify to the strength and effectivity of the LaCie Mobile Drive to store their valuable files and memories.

LaCie Mobile Drive

Magic Liwanag and Laureen Uy at the Seagate launch

Another storage solution for your favorite memories when you have limited storage in your computers and laptops are Seagate's Backup Plus - a family of portable external hard drives to help the everyday consumer balance life and provide peace of mind. The Backup Plus Ultra Touch (1TB and 2TB capacities) offers a high-touch sensory experience that feels a little like home with premium features including automatic backup with multi-device folder sync and data protection with hardware encryption. Backup Plus Slim (1TB-2TB capacity) and Backup Plus Portable (4TB and 5TB capacity) are both outfitted with lustrous aluminum finishes available in black, blue and silver and offer automatic backup. They are the latest backup drives to love for a creative individual since they include 2-month subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan.

Backup Plus Ultra Touch

Backup Plus Slim and Backup Plus Portable

Step up your game with new SSDs from Seagate! The FireCuda 510 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD delivers blazing performance with intense read and write speeds for the ultimate gaming experience. You can run multiple simultaneous video streams and programs with its crisp 4K video processing and high IOPS.

 

For next level speed for accelerating applications, the BarraCuda 510 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD is perfect for ultra-thin laptops, mini-PCs and desktops. The BarraCuda 510 and FireCuda 510 features Seagate's SeaTools SSD GUI dashboard for easy data management and a 5-year limited warranty.

Meanwhile, for enterprise-class endurance and reliability, Seagate's IronWolf 110 SATA SSD offers a 24/7 always-on work ethic and up to 3.84TB capacity. Its Network Attached Storage appliances (NAS) enables businesses to access, share and backup files from nearly anywhere - a necessity for many business owners, professionals, creative pros and prosumers. These users can enjoy the IronWolf 110 SATA SSD's tough, ready and scalable drives for top performance and best possible user experience. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty and 2-year data recovery support for free.

 

Seagate crafts the datasphere, helping to maximize humanity's potential by innovating world-class, precision-engineered data management solutions with a focus on sustainable partnerships. Now available in leading cyber stores. Learn more at www.seagate.com.

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