Live Blog: Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay for English Only Please

Have you ever felt the world went against you and you just want to vent out? Language barriers, difference in culture, manners, there are lots of things people disagree on things.  We went to Max's in Quezon City to interview hunky Derek Ramsay who plays the role of Julian Parker and Jennylyn Mercado who plays Tere Madlansacay. 

Julian is a troubled man. He has a half pinay ex girlfriend named Megan who went home to the Philippines and he wanted to take the chance and tell her in full Filipino what he feels. He's very angry. So before he traveled to Manila, he sought the help of a Filipino tutor which in this case was the feisty looking Tere Madlansancay. Tere is an accomplished online English tutor, she named several celebrities who learned from her - name dropped to be on her belt. Her new student Julian is good looking, crushed fr her past relationship and is nursing a broken heart. Tere is very single, and when she tries to help the good looking guy, will sparks fly? That remains to be the question. 

Kai Cortez plays the role of Mallows who is Tere's best friend. She's probably sleeping with all the guys in the movie but she is the best friend that would want to help her find that one true love. Isabel Frial plays "Kaykay" who is Mallows' daughter in the movie. She almost spilled the beans on the status of Derek and Jennylyn's relationship during the conference but decided to say they're just "naglalambingan" (showing affection). The director Dan villegas says "It's fun to actually do Romantic Comedies because it's a good feeling to be in-love. That feeling is insurmountable."

Good looking Kean Cipriano plays a douche bag from hell that you'll probably see more of in motel scenes, in restaurants, shopping for shoes, clothes which will all be unfortunately paid for by Tere. He told us he wanted to be a bigger character than what was in the role and the Director gave him the freedom to be close with the persona of Johnny Bravo. Funny, but you are going to be annoyed with his character. He says when you get to enjoy the trailer, keep in mind that they only made that after finishing half of the shoot. So imagine how funny the rest of the movie is because there are several characters you haven't seen yet.

Derek says Jennelyn should "never close her doors" whilst Jen says "With the things I've learned in the past, you should apply that today but remember, the right time will come where you will meet then person you'll spend your life with, in God's time.

This is the only romantic comedy film to be shown in the Metro Manila Film Festival this December but the cast says, this is something light, something fun to watch during the season. They hope their fans would find time to watch when the film comes out Christmas day. I'll watch it, you should too!

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MMFF New Wave 2014 Finalists Announced

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino

 We witnessed the reveal of the Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave Finalists a few days ago at Resorts World Manila. It's a tough year, but from the looks of it the several projects that were able to submit entries had lots of promise. MMFF New Wave makes use of the medium to produce films made by independent and student filmmakers. They are being given the opportunity to participate in the annual exhibition to spark a new breed of men and women that would create some of the best films our country could produce. 

MMFF New Breed accepted entries from around the country in the categories of Animation, Cinephone, Student Short Film and Feature Film. In the event, Mr. Owen Cammayo from Resorts World Manila welcomed everyone by stating "Congratulations to Metro Manila Film Festival New Breed Category on your 5th Anniversary. We believe the Filipino is world class. World class films always has a place in Resorts World Manila and it's an honor to host this event, hopefully amongst many ones in the future."

The outgoing Chairman wishes the next MMFF organizers continue his vision for the film industry.

Chairman Francis Tolentino says "I will definitely leave this year but my wish to have we place to have on big Cinematic Festival, in one spot, together the brightest artists, and in that one booth we'll make the greatest films this country has ever known. Everyone will come out as friends for a more dynamic Filipino movie industry. Even if they are competitors, even if there are many cameras, everyone will shoot in one direction. This is my dream. In every piece of new wave piece they make, it has become an active avenue for film makers to showcase their work. These are timeless reforms and new wave creates change, a change for the better. New wave will continue and it will be part of the Cinema Fair. I hope actors, and everyone behind the camera would mirror life even better and we will start from these independent film makers."

Gemini by Blackswan Pictures stars models Sheena McBride and Brigitte McBride

Maratabat by Blank Pages Productions stars Ping Medina, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer King, Richard Quan, Chanel La Torre and Elizabeth Oropesa

Looks like this is also sort of a comeback project for Arlyn Dela Cruz as a Director and Producer.

Madame Marichu Vera Perez - Maceda, spokesperson of the MMFF Executive Committee

 Marichu Vera Perez - Maceda has been in the industry for years now. Her passion is still to help the people in front or behind the camera and says "There's a lot of opportunities for the youth to use their talents and show it on a platform such as MMFF, their natural creative ability, we Filipinos are known for that. There's a lot of things out there, technology, internet, this is the Chairman's vision and we have supported him over the years. It is bearing fruit, although I don't know most of them, we are seeing a lot of really great people here making new films. Although the money isn't that big, it's enough to help create another project of an even greater one. We are gambling on the new generation, we are going to reap the success when we get to see new films made into mainstream. I am happy to see they've already made indie films released to mainstream and have done quite remarkably well. This is the chance for them to show how creative they are in just a few days."

Ramon Isberto, Public Affairs Head of Smart Communications Inc.

Smart's Mon Isberto says "We are happy to support the new wave category for 3 years now. We would like to congratulate MMFF for making sure Filipinos have access to works like these. Using this technology to spread message for our people is very important and we believe we'll have even greater entries in the coming years which we will also be supporting." whilst MyPhone's representative says "Thank you for having MyPhone to be part of MMFF. Like us, the Filipino brand will be supported by our corporation. Continue to be a legacy to everyone and we will be sternly supporting events like these." 

 This year's MMFF New Wave Full Feature Film Finalists are Gemini, M, Magkakabaung (The Coffin Maker), Maratabat (Pride and Honor) and Mulat. Whilst the MMFF New Wave Student Short Film Finalists are "Kalaw" from Asia Pacific Film Institute, "Kubli" from Far Eastern University, "Siyanawa" from Southern Luzon State University, "Bimyana" from De La Salle College of St. Benilde, "Ang Soltera" from De La Salle Lipa and "Bundok Chubibo" from UP Diliman. These are fully made by students so you can just imagine how we MMFF is believing in young talented individuals. They're hoping to make future masters and believe that is a possibility. Watch the projects and you'll see how bright the future is in this genre. We have Filipino film makers already doing good internationally right? This is the same reason why they want to hone home grown film makers because they're sure about one thing, we have real deal talent.

"We have an Animation category today, even a cellphone based one. There's a lot to look forward to. This is our baby, the film industry's baby. Everything here is sustainable and we all have to recognize that the fame winning here is enough for artistic juices to go on. If I'm looking forward to something, I hope there would be a Film making fair where everyone would meet and pull resources, something like a cinema fair. So if there's a director, aspiring actor, people behind the camera, they can do magic. I am happy to have started something new, it might be enough for some but I want it to be a big help with the support of the private sector. I hope there would be tons of film makers made after this, to break more records in the box office. Although I might not be able to see them, I wish to open doors at least." adds Chairman Tolentino.

Meanwhile, MMFF New Wave Animation 2014 Finalists "An Maogmang Lugar" made by Ateneo De Naga University, "Cherry" by Yawp! Studio, "Gymsnatch" from School of Design and Arts of the College of St. Benilde, "Isip Bata" from Alibata Productions and "Shifter" made by Jerico Fuentes complete the list in that line.

All films will be shown from December 17-24 at Glorietta and SM Megamall. For screening details, please check out the schedules of the individual theaters here and here.

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LG Launches LG G3 Stylus, Beat and G Watch R

We're at te posh NEST Modern Table and Bar for the launch of the newest gadgets in the LG G3 Series, the LG G3 Stylus, the LG G3 Beat and the G Watch R. This actually completes the whole line of lifestyle devices in the G3 line which promises compatible performance and reliability much like the multi-awarded G3 at an affordable price range.

The LG G3 Stylus obviously has its own stylus and uses this pen enabled feature to easily navigate thru menus, write notes, take photos and draw things too. LG also takes advantage of its proprietary Runbberdium stylus pen to slide onto its screen comfortably so you can use QuickMemo and tons of handwriting and drawing apps that's compatible with it.

The LG G3 Beat on the other hand is form fitting, smaller but way more comfortable in the hand. Conpared to the 5.5 inch display on the Stylus, this one for the Beat has HD IPS at 5.0 inches, best in class. Since it's got a pretty rad display, battery life has been addressed with a 2450 mAh battery. It's got very good aesthetics, corners are beveled, curved sides, perfect on the grip for those who want a smaller profile. Mind you, both Stylus and Beat has 8MP front and 13 MP front and back cameras. It also comes in 3 different colors. 

This manly looking timepiece called LG G Watch R looks so good on me. The thing also changes faces so you won't run out of looks even when you change wardrobes. You can use it for fitness applications, location based ones, text, email, music, and a lot more. It can also work with third party android devices (since it's Android Wear) and LG phones released in the market. It's a little hefty though at 13,990. 

Jay Won, VP of LG Philippines Mobile Division says "We want to end 2014 with a bang by introducing these innovations to the Philippine market this last quarter. For us, Simple is the new Smart Experience. It's never too late to have one of tour own this Christmas."

Some lucky raffle winners with Kiefer Ravena and LA Tenorio. 

For those who want to experience the LG G3 Series, please visit their channels on Facebook: LG Mobile Philippines, @LGPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram. I must say, I'm more impressed with the watch, but the stylus is perfect in terms of size.

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Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray and other TennisSuperstars in IPTL Manila: A Success!

Today was an early salvo for my birthday. It's not December yet at the time I'm writing this piece but when someone invited me to come over Mall of Asia Arena, I never thought my Tennis fan dreams would come true. I'm sure you've seen some of the greatest tennis players in the world on TV, but this time we're seeing them live! Yes, the IPTL league is in the country and they've brought along tennis greats such as Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Kiki Mladenovic, Philippousis, Kohlschreiber, Huey, Tsonga and a lot more. I even got word that Serena Williams arrived today. Do we even absorb that? Do we even realize what we're watching? I know, it hasn't really sunk in yet for me either.

OMG World's #1 Serena Williams!

These past few days, I get chills seeing the gorgeous Masha on cable tv. Her gorgeous face, her height, I get confused sometimes because she's way beautiful than some titled queens I know, even if she's not wearing any make up. I sighed a few more seeing her hit those ground strokes that speed faster than cars in EDSA and streets going to the malls. I remember saying expletives while watching her matches with team Manila Mavericks at home and I didn't care there were strangers either. 

Mark Philippoussis wins for Manila Mavericks on Men's Singles

Filipino American Huey and partner Tonga won the Men's Doubles for the Manila Mavericks! 

Arnel Pineda passed by. Yes I missed taking his photo because I was busy watching Murray on the court :) 

Andy Murray and his partner wins on Mixed Singles. Looks like Andrew Garfield no?

Serena Williams is now battling with Kirsten Flipkens but I'm sure you know who will win.

I love Serena but not as much as Masha :) but she sure is a talented player, she doesn't play around when she's inside the court. 

"It was overwhelming when I came out, it was tough but I had fun playing" says world's number one Serena Williams.

Watching here live, was something surreal for me, much like what her fans were feeling in Manila. It was good she felt like a rockstar everytime she had to walk on the court and sidelines, I think every fan had that notion of making her welcome every second she's here. I've seen several guys getting their stuff signed and I too was dying to at least get a load of that. I'd prolly die interviewing her (well almost that is). Today is the last day but I felt these guys went thousands of miles around the world and get here just to make us happy. That fact alone put a smile on my face (a silly grin even) when I don't even smile on photos. Even if the Manila Mavericks didn't win, I was still ecstatic to see Masha winning individual matches, they also were tough to beat in these matches, sort of "giving them a good fight" was totally okay with me and winning was just a bonus! (As if I had a say on that! Haha!)

With what it's worth, seeing these guys play the matches of their life on court was probably one of the ways they say "Thank You" to all of us. You must understand, they only do this a couple of years and they're spending part of it in Manila. At least that'll put us on the map of go to places, and if heaven permits we would learn a couple or two things on hosting or playing the sport. Will Filipinos pick up after this scene? I don't know, nevertheless, I was inspired and I'm sure thousands of kids too. 

Andy Murray saying a few things after he won the Men's Singles for Manila Mavericks

That's when it hit me, IPTL makes dreams come true! Starting here in Manila was but a humongous task but they did it without hesitation because as they were finding answers, the Manila crowd answered with sold out crowds in the 3 whole days they were here. That puts all doubts to rest, and when the event was done I heard they promised that they'll take IPTL back next year! Isn't that awesome news? I might not have been able to see Maria Sharapova today but maybe she'll be back next year. Who knows? I might see her then!

Thank you IPTL for the chance to see these Tennis superstars in the Philippines, thank you for making our tennis wishes come true!

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