Showbiz Round-Up

By Boy Romero  "I'm Eva Candelaria," she said, her voice steady, though her heart beat with a deep purpose that had been with her all along. What happens when the uninvited chase justice—what price will she pay for the justice she's been waiting for? Revenge is a theme often explored in Philippine cinema, but Uninvited offers a fresh take on it. Instead of following the usual revenge story, it creates a distressing, unpredictable narrative as a mother seeks justice for her daughter’s death at the hands of a powerful, psychopathic man. Dan Villegas has made several notable films (including Hintayan ng Langit and English Only, Please), but Uninvited may be his most ambitious. It begins as a gripping thriller and evolves into something more, pushing the limits of what we expect from the MMFF this year. At the ripe age of 71, Vilma Santos shows why she remains a force in Philippine cinema. As Eva Candelaria, she brings a range of emotions to the role, from qu...

By Boy Romero  Daily lotto draws will soon be accessible nationwide via expanded TV and online platforms starting December 31, 2024. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is set to make lotto draws more accessible than ever through its partnership with IBC-13 and D8TV. Just before the New Year, millions of Filipinos will gain new ways to enjoy the excitement of their favorite lotto games, with broadcasts now spanning analog and digital TV, radio, and online platforms. This collaboration brings games like Ultra Lotto 6/58, Grand Lotto 6/55, and Super Lotto  6/49 close to communities around the country. Daily live draws will air at 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM, ensuring more opportunities for viewers to tune in. IBC-13’s expanding digital reach, supported by new Digital Terrestrial TV (DTT) transmitters, will provide coverage across key regions, including Northern Luzon and Southeastern Mindanao. Meanwhile, D8TV’s state-of-the-art broadcast facilities wil...

By Boy Romero         Marami na ang mga Party list na para sa mahirap ang nakaupo ngayon sa Kongreso. Marami na rin silang mga nagawang batas para sa mahihirap nating mga kababayan pero hanggang ngayon nagdudumilat ang katitohanan na marami pa ring mga Pinoy ang naghihikahos sa kanilang buhay.           Pero iba ang Ahon Mahirap, ang partylist na iaahon at wawakasan ang kahirapan ng mga Pinoy.         Ang Ahon Mahirap ay isang adbokasiyang grupo na nagnanais na mapawi ang kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng katarungang panlipunan, karunungang pinansiyal at pang-ekonomiyang pagpapaunlad.           Ang Ahon Mahirap ay may tatlong pangunahing inisyatiba. Ito ay ang mga Financial Literacy - Ito'y isang mahalagang aspeto ng pamumuhay na dapat taglayin ng bawat mamamayan. Layunin ng programang ito na turuan ang mga Pilipino ng tamang pamamahala ng kanilang pananalapi upang matiyak ang kani...

By Boy Romero  Have you heard about Topakk? If not, you’re in for a treat. This Pinoy action thriller has already wowed local influencers, and now it’s making its way to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Produced by Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Strawdogs, Topakk is a must-see masterpiece you don’t wanna miss this Christmas. Directed by Richard V. Somes, Topakk follows a former special forces operative struggling with PTSD, whose life collides with a brother and sister on the run from dangerous criminals. The film packs a punch with its raw, intense action sequences, while also diving into deeper themes like mental health, redemption, and corruption. It’s the kind of film that keeps you on the edge of your seat but also makes you think long after the credits roll. Arjo Atayde? He’s phenomenal. His performance has already earned him major praise and a lot of buzz, with many calling it one of his career-best roles. This could potentially add to his already jam-pack...

      By Boy Romero     Marami ang nagulat-nagtaka kung bakit sa isang warehouse ginanap ang grand  media launch ng "Topakk" na pinagbibidahan ni Arjo Atayde. Produced ito ng Nathan Studios and an official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival with Richard Somes under the helm.  v         “Yung lahat ng nakikita niyo rito, makikita niyo ‘to sa pelikula. Nagtataka kayo kung bakit nandito tayo, dahil ito po ay set ng ‘Topakk’, lahat po ng nakikita niyo rito” paliwanag ng producer na si Sylvia Sanchez.          Nalaman namin na dalawang ratings ang ibinigay ng MTRCB sa "Topakk."  R-16 at R-18   Hindi kaya maapektuhan ang pelikula?         “Hindi po na-sacrifice ‘yung story. Yung story ng R18, ganoon din sa R16. Ang na- sakripsiyo lang namin ‘yung pagpatay, mga putukan, mga dugo, ayun lang kasi kailangan naming pumasok sa SM. Kasi alam namain n...

            By Boy Romero      Bukod sa pagkapanalo niyang Best Actress for "Deleter," sa just recently concluded 39th Star Awards For Movies, isa pang malaking project ang nagawa ni Nadine Lustre. Ito ang "Uninvited" na kasama niya sina Vilma Santos at Aga Muhlach. “Hindi pa tapos ‘yung page-explain ni Direk sabi ko”Direk tigil mo na” kasi I mean, kailan ko ba masasabi na nakatrabaho ko silang lahat in one film so syempre this an opportunity of a life time. So agad-agad tinanggap ko siya. I think in the beginning, first, siguro ‘yung first shooting day namin syempre dumating ako sa set. Kabado ako kasi nga bigatin ‘yung mga kasama ko and then everyone was so welcoming, everyone is so nice. Kuya Aga and ate V so mawawala talaga ‘yung kaba mo” sabi ni Nadine.          Kakaiba ang role rito ni Nadine,  it's out of the box. She's playing the role of Nicole, na isang masamang anak at may mga eksena p...