Pacific Rim 2 Remains To Be Seen

"I’ll tell you a couple of things. We will have Gipsy 2.0 for sure. Second thing is you’re gonna see a merging of Kaiju and Jaeger. And that is quite special.

Just think about it for a second. We sent Gipsy to the other side, right? It exploded, but whatever remains stays there. We’ve drifted with a Kaiju brain. Well, then start riffing on that and you’ll get to something."

While the future of the franchise is still up in the air, that hasn’t deterred Guillermo del Torro and writer Travis Beachem from planning out the next phase in the man-vs.-Kaiju war. And after reading all the things the duo has in mind for a sequel.

The director recently chatted with MTV, and he revealed some of the things that are going to be part of the next installment – including the biggest reveal of all: there will be a Kaiju/Jaeger hybrid!

Although Pacific Rim has not opened quite as well as Warner Bros. had hoped, a sequel is being talked about by the producers and writers. 

The movie hits #1 spot in box-office overseas.

VoicePH: 4-chair Turners

The Voice of the Philippines is top-trending in social media community. Here are some reasons why Voice Ph tops every time it is being aired.

The Voice PH Blind Auditions' 4-chair Turns.

Thor Dulay, a 32-year-old back-up singer to comedian Vice Ganda, was faced with a tough decision on who to pick among the four superstar-coaches of "The Voice of the Philippines" after impressing them with his rendition of the Whitney Houston hit "I Have Nothing." Thor chooses Team Apl. Watch video during his blind audition below.

Thor Dulay's VoicePH Blind Audition

Michaellen Temporada, a registered nurse, wowed all four coaches on Sunday's episode of "The Voice of the Philippines," with his performance of the classic Broadway number "Summertime" from the musical "Porgy and Bess." Michaellen chooses Team Sarah. Watch video during his blind audition below.

Michaellen Temporada's VoicePH Blind Audition

Don Michael Perez, a 22-year-old former music student from Palawan, got all four coaches of "The Voice of the Philippines" to turn their red chairs in Sunday's episode of the TV talent search. Michael chooses Team Bamboo (Camp Kawayan). Watch video during his blind audition below.

Don Michael Perez' VoicePH Blind Audition

Juvie Pelos, a kundiman singer of Surigao charmed the four superstar-coaches on "The Voice of the Philippines" with a little-known folk ballad from the play "Uwahig" in Saturday's episode of the hit reality talent search. Juvie chooses Team Lea. Watch video during her blind audition below.

Juvie Pelos' VoicePH Blind Audition

Powerhouse singer Janice Javier, who turned four chairs on "The Voice of the Philippines" with an Aretha Franklin hit. Janice chooses Team Apl.

In a show-stopping clash on "The Voice of the Philippines" in its episode aired Saturday, coaches Sarah Geronimo and Allan "apl.de.ap" Pineda made desperate pleas to convince four-chair turner Klarisse de Guzman to join their respective teams. Klarisse chooses Team Sarah.

Mitoy Yonting from Pangasinan was faced with a tough decision from choosing betwen Lea Salonga and Bamboo as his coach. Mitoy's performance on the Voice of the Philippines gone viral. Mitoy chooses Team Lea.

VoicePH: Whose Team is The Best?

Now, each team of VoicePH has completed its respective wolf-pack of singer aspiring to become the best and the very first Voice of the Philippines. Everyone is very excited to watch the Battle Rounds next week. According to some sources the Battle rounds for the Voice of the Philippines will be slightly different from other franchise -- Voice UK and Voice US -- a twist they say.

The Voice of the Philippines is top trending every time it is being aired. It is not surprising because the Philippines has a great pool of singers all over the archipelago. Most of the aspirants who passed the Blind Auditions have been singing in bars and in national stage. So this is the show of the best of the best.

It is premature to say which team will the first the Voice of the Philippines come from; it is really up to the coaches who decide who can move on to the live shows. The Battle rounds will be a painful, heart-breaking stint next week. So you better be ready with your handkerchief.

Whose the best Team for you? Team Lea? Team Sarah? Team Bamboo? Team Apl?

Pacific Rim hits #1 Spot Worldwide

Despicable Me 2 gave way for Pacific Rim as the #1 film internationally over the weekend. It was a surprising news for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures as Pacific Rim (3D sci-fi) managed to hit the number one spot across 50 territories. However, this is not really all that impressive given that it is believed the budget was anything between $180 - 220 million. Pacific Rim brings a worldwide cume of $178.5 million. According to reports, many analysts do not believe that the film will even reach $100 million in the U.S. theatrical sales so there is still a good chance that it will fail to turn a profit. It may not make enough for the studio to confidently move forward with a sequel; after all, a summer tent-pole such as Pacific Rim should ultimately reach at least $500 million.

Movie goers has helped in a way because of their positive feedback and reviews of the film.

Do you think the movie Pacific Rim deserves a sequel?

VoicePH: Meet the Coaches

Meet the interesting coaches of The Voice of the Philippines.

Meet Sarah Geronimo, The Voice that conquered our hearts

The first coach on The Voice of the Philippines was announced last February 6,2013 -- Sarah Geronimo (Popstar). The singer-actress and talk show host Sarah Geronimo was dubbed as "The Voice that captured our hearts. ABS-CBN announced that her weekly show Sarah G. Live, was due to air its final episode on Sunday, February 10. The ABS-CBN Corporate Communications head Bong R. Osorio said that Sarah Geronimo will move on to fulfill other commitments." He added that Sarah will also be busy filming her upcoming Star Cinema movie with John Lloyd Cruz, and is set to go on a Sarah G concert worldwide.

According to Sarah Geronimo, she admitted that she felt intimidated with the three other coaches due much possibly to their caliber in each of their genres. Geronimo further stated that she will just focus on why she became part of the Voice of the Philippines. Also, she said that this is her chance to be part of someone's journey towards pursuing his or her dream. She furthered added that, with her also a product of a singing search, she believes that she can help the artists who will become part of her team. She also said that she will be open to the views and the preferences of her team.

Meet Bamboo Mañalac, The Voice that rocked our World

On February 10, 2013, during an appearance on the last episode of Sarah G. Live, Bamboo Mañalac hinted that he would be working with the talk show host after they both finished performing a production number together. Later on February 14, 2013, ABS-CBN aired a promotional plug during the airtime of the pre-primetime television drama Kahit Konting Pagtingin, confirming Bamboo Mañalac's stint in the show as coach and judge.Mañalac was the former frontman of Rivermaya from 1994 until 1998, and later with Bamboo from 2002 until it got disband in 2011.

In an interview made by ABS-CBN News, Mañalac provided a statement regarding his stint on The Voice of the Philippines, "I'm ready to be a coach in The Voice of the Philippines. There's a time for everything and this is it." When asked on what kind of artist will he would like to coach, he said, “I’ve been listening to rock for a long time but I also listen to other genres from rock to pop to folk to everything. I want someone who is open to all kinds of music; someone who is willing to listen and willing to learn.”

Meet Lea Salonga, The Voice that conquered the world

ABS-CBN aired a plug teaser on February 17, 2013 for the third coach. The coach, who is a female, was tagged as "The voice that conquered the world." The third coach was rumored to be Lea Salonga, a world renowned theater actress who had appeared in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables on Broadway, and was named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her work with Disney on Aladdin, and Mulan movies. The teaser strongly resembles Salonga. Salonga was also been rumored to host the show last October 2012, but was later debunked since Toni Gonzaga was announced as the host along with the show's media correspondent, Robi Domingo.[61]
On the night of February 19, 2013, Lea Salonga confirmed her stint as an official coach in the show via her official Twitter account. In the same night, ABS-CBN later confirmed Salonga's role on the Voice of the Philippines.

“I was very interested in ‘The Voice’s’ format, having seen the show in the US and really enjoying it. I’m a fan,” Salonga told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an interview. As Salonga had some commitments locally and abroad, ABS-CBN was able to do some adjustments and finalize her work schedule in order to include her job in the local version of The Voice.


Meet Apl.de.Ap, The Voice that ruled the worldwide music charts

After Salonga's confirmation, there has been strong rumors that the fourth coach will be Allan Pineda who is more popularly known as Apl.de.Ap. Apl.de.Ap is a Filipino-American rapper and member of the Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas. During an interview made by The Huffington Post on 2012, Apl.de.Ap stated that he has plans on launching his own talent show in the Philippines. "I've been working myself up to do it because I'm not used to being on TV everyday... I've been offered a show for next year," he revealed.

Soon after, on March 1, 2013, ABS-CBN has confirmed that they are in the final stages of negotiating with the management of Apl.de.Ap to become its fourth and last official coach of the show. On March 7, 2013, it was announced through ABS-CBN's entertainment website, Push, that Apl.de.Ap will sit as the fourth coach. On an article posted in the network's official website dated March 20, 2013, Apl.de.Ap is slated to do the initial promotional plug with TFC London and is scheduled to arrive in Manila by April to meet and work with the three other coaches and the rest of the show's team. His promotional television plug was aired on March 27, 2013 right after TV Patrol. He was dubbed as The voice that ruled the worldwide music chart.

In an interview made by ABS-CBN News, Apl admitted that it was will.i.am, Pineda's friend and co-member in The Black Eyed Peas, that encouraged him to accept the coaching stint in The Voice of the Philippines. Will.i.am is also a coach on The Voice UK along with Danny O'Donoghue, Tom Jones, and Jessie J.

Apl further told that press that he will be truthful on coaching his artists, as well giving them constructive criticisms. Apl will also share his life experiences, what he has been through the music industry, and how hard it is to fulfill and reach it.

Source: wikipedia.org

Movie Review: 21 and Over (2013)

Straight-A college student Jeff Chang has always done what he was supposed to do. But when his two best friends Casey and Miller surprise him with a visit for his 21st birthday, Jeff Chang decides to do everything he wants to do for a change, even though his important medical school interview is early the next morning. What was supposed to be one beer becomes a night of humiliation, over indulgence and utter debauchery in this coming-of-drinking-age-comedy, from the writers of THE HANGOVER,about living youth to its fullest.

On my radar:
The writers of The Hangover stick to the same formula which is to provide fun while the beer flows. Unlike Project X, 21 and over had an actual story to it.

Off my radar:
21 and over is not actually a groundbreaking comedy movie; perhaps, writers John Lucas and Scott Moore, who created comedy blockbuster, have ran out of ideas. It is inevitable to compare 21 and over with The Hangover. The Hangover is way better than 21 and over.

My rating:
3 out 5 blipz

Cast:
Miles Teller ... Miller
Skylar Astin ... Casey
Justin Chon ... Jeff Chang
Sarah Wright ... Nicole
Jonathan Keltz ... Randy
François Chau ... Dr. Chang

Watch 21 and Over full movie trailer below.

Movie Review: Pacific Rim (2013)

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)-who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind's last hope against the mounting apocalypse ~ Warner Bros.

On my radar:
Pacific Rim is the movie Transformers should have been. The battle between two-manned gigantic robots and humongous sea creature was balanced with humor spectacles (corny asides). The visuals was awesome and convincing, convincing compared to the effects of Man of Steel the movie.

Off my radar:
A little bit corny.

My rating:
4 out of 5 blipz

Cast:
Charlie Hunnam ... Raleigh Becket
Diego Klattenhoff ... Yancy Becket
Idris Elba ... Stacker Pentecost
Rinko Kikuchi ... Mako Mori
Charlie Day ... Dr. Newton Geiszler

Watch Pacific Rim full movie trailer below.

The Effect of Overpopulation

Overpopulation may be one of the biggest problems around the world. According to some research, the population of the world is increasing exponentially. This is the main topic of the book Inferno by Dan Brown. In the book, the villain, a mad scientist, engineered a new virus that would rewrite human genome to cleanse the world from overpopulation by one third.

I also to happened to watch the movie The Purge and over population was the main reason why the "The Purge" was formed. In the movie, the purge happens once a year, a 12-hour period when crimes are legalized and you can kill anybody; and, emergency services are suspended. In a way, and the government believed that the population would decrease significantly.

Both the book and the movie are thought-provoking. I think there's some truths to it based on my observation. If the premise is explored a little bit more, you may realize that over population could and would destroy the world. How sustainable the Earth as population rises? One thing for sure, the human race will keep on competing and destroying each other for some selfish reasons. And as the number of people like that increases all the more the impact of destruction.

VoicePH: Let the Battle Begin

The blind auditions for the Voice of the Philippines is almost done and the list of singers for Team Lea, Team Apl de Ap, Team Bamboo and Team Sarah is almost complete; the battle will start next week. Everyone is expecting a great battle between the great singers of each team; since the Philippines is dubbed as the capital of great singers of the world. While everyone is eyeing their bets who can pass through and move on to the next level of the competition 4 teams are ready for next week's episode.

Now the list is complete for each team, who's your best bet? Everyone is so anxious to witness the next level, the Battle Rounds.

Team Lea is complete 13 singers.
1. Darryl Shy
2. Chien Berbana
3. Taw Muhammad
4. Radha Tinsay
5. Mitoy Yonting
6. Diday Garcellano
7. Juvie Pelos
8. Marissa Saroca
9. Mel John Podolig
10. Rainier Acosta
11. Japs Mendoza
12. RJ dela Fuente
13. Kim Mainit

Apl de Ap's team is composed of 12 singers.
1. Thor Dulay
2. Corazon dela Cruz
3. Lorenzana Siblings (Guji and Grace)
4. Sir Lord Lumibao
5. Moira dela Torre
6. Cara Manglapus
7. Lance Fabros
8. Tristhan Perfecto
9. Janice Javier
10. Penelope Matanguihan
11. Jessica Corpuz
12. Jessica Reynoso

Kamp Kawayan has 13 singers.
1. Deborah Victa
2. Lee Grane Maranan
3. Isa Fabregas
4. Angelique Alcantara
5. Cordovales Father & Son (Willy and Mark)
6. Don Michael Perez
7. Angelica Prado
8. Paolo Onesa
9. Nicole Parada
10. John Philip Duka
11. Talia Reyes
12. Dennis Sagun
13. Dan Billano

Team Sarah has 11 singers and will be completed in the next episode.
1. Junji Arias
2. Eva delos Santos
3. Morissette Amon
4. Michaellen Temporada
5. Gabriel Ramos
6. Hans Dimayuga
7. Kathreen Castro
8. Hideyuki Ito
9. Lecelle Trinidad
10. Maki Ricafort
11. Klarisse de Guzman
12. To be announced (TBA)

The Voice of the Philippines is a franchise bought by ABS-CBN.

Getting a Kick Start Today

I've been hibernating for three months now. And, it is too painful to realize that being a couch potato is really unproductive. Just watching TV the whole day and always wondering what's next. For some this is enjoyable but I am used to work all day long and getting busy. I don't like the feeling of waiting and worrying what will happen to me (the future) while sitting in front the television set. I know for sure some share the same feeling. You get the habit of getting started and do something and then getting too tired of thinking how to get started -- procrastinating. The "how", "what" and "when" to kick start and go on. 

But then I realize I can do better. I think the sense of empowerment plays a huge part in getting out of the dark and step into the light and get started. I know it is hard to getaway from the shadows having low self-esteem. It crossed my mind that I have my family and friends who believes in me. Since I always wanted everything to be perfect I ended up getting frustrated. I always compare myself to others but I realized I don't have to compete with others but myself. 

I just need to step up and have a kick start, think positive, and enjoy the roller-coaster-ride of life. Not tomorrow, not next year but hit start today.

Revisiting Bulwang Caves in Mabinay

If I were to visit to a cool place again, I would choose Bulwang Cave. Also known as Mabinay Cave, located in Brgy. Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, appeals to spelunking enthusiasts and travelers alike because of its natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Bulwang Cave offers 5 levels of easy to explore caves. As long you permits to camp and to hike, you may explore Bulwang Caves for you are into extreme adventures. This is something, as Negrosanon, to be proud of. The government of Mabinay also built stairs and railings for beginners. If you want to take great pictures of the cave, do not use a flash when taking pictures. There are lights installed in the cave so there will be enough light for your pictures.

Here are some pictures I took when I last visited Bulwang Caves. #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines

 

Box Office: Movies of 2013

Here's a list of top ten high-grossing films in the Philippines as of July 2013. Surprisingly, Star Cinema is on the list -- It Takes A Man and A Woman of Star Cin. beats G.I. Joe: Retaliation distributed by UIP.

Rank	Movie Title	Distributor	Gross	Release
1	Iron Man 3	Disney	$14,949,472	24-Apr
2	It Takes A Man And A Woman	Star Cinema	$9,141,744	30-Mar
3	Man of Steel	Warner Bros.	$8,907,067	12-Jun
4	Fast & Furious 6	United International Pictures	$5,916,627	24-May
5	World War Z	United International Pictures	$4,742,996	19-Jun
6	Despicable Me 2	United International Pictures	$4,646,551	3-Jul
7	G.I. Joe: Retaliation	United International Pictures	$4,560,225	30-Mar
8	Four Sisters and a Wedding	Star Cinema	$3,351,356	26-Jun
9	Jack the Giant Slayer	Warner Bros.	$3,154,259	28-Feb
10	Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters	United International Pictures	$2,744,810	23-Jan

Source: Box Office Mojo

The Voice of the Philippines

The Voice of the Philippines is a Filipino reality television singing competition on ABS-CBN (Philippines). The TV show is a franchise based on the reality singing competition The Voice of Holland, which was originally created by Dutch television.The Voice of the Philippines, also know as The Voice PH, is hosted by Toni Gonzaga, while Robi Domingo, and Alex Gonzaga serve as the show's V-Reporters or the social media correspondents. With an interesting ensemble of coaches - Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo Mañalac, Lea Salonga, and Apl.de.Ap.

The Voice of the Philippines is the fourth national franchise in the Southeast Asian region after Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The first season premiered on June 15, 2013 (ABS-CBN).

Box Office: Movies Opening This Week

According to returns in the US, "The Conjuring" will easily get the No. 1 spot at the box office. Movie goers will enjoy the following films opening this week.

Red 2

Retired C.I.A. agent Frank Moses reunites his unlikely team of elite operatives for a global quest to track down a missing portable nuclear device.

Directed by Dean Parisot

R.I.P.D.

A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.

Directed by Robert Schwentke

Turbo

A freak accident might just help an everyday garden snail achieve his biggest dream: winning the Indy 500.

Directed by Davie Soren

The Conjuring

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives.

Directed by James Wan

Movie Review: The Purge (2013)

If on one night every year, you could commit any crime without facing consequences, what would you do? In The Purge, a speculative thriller that follows one family over the course of a single night, four people will be tested to see how far they will go to protect themselves when the vicious outside world breaks into their home. In an America wracked by crime and overcrowded prisons, the government has sanctioned an annual 12-hour period in which any and all criminal activity-includingmurder-becomes legal. The police can't be called. Hospitals suspend help. It's one night when the citizenry regulates itself without thought of punishment. On this night plagued by violence and an epidemic of crime, one family wrestles with the decision of who they will become when a stranger comes knocking. When an intruder breaks into James Sandin's (Ethan Hawke) gated community during the yearly lockdown, he begins a sequence of events that threatens to tear a family apart. Now, it is up to James, his wife, Mary (Lena Headey), and their kids to make it through the night without turning into the monsters from whom they hide. Directed by James DeMonaco (writer of Assault on Precinct 13 and The Negotiator), The Purge is produced by Jason Blum of Blumhouse (Paranormal Activity, Insidious, Sinister), Platinum Dunes' partners Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (The Amityville Horror, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), as well as Sébastien Kurt Lemercier (Assault on Precinct 13). ~ Universal

On my radar:
Well, the plot is thought-provoking. A workable blueprint for a movie. That's all I can say.

Off my radar:
The Purge could have been great if only they've expanded and explore the plot a little bit more. The film  is an old horror-movie standard. The actors was not that bad but the kid actor lacks charm; not so convincing.

My rating:
3 out of 5 blipz

Cast:
Ethan Hawke ... James Sandin
Lena Headey ... Mary Sandin
Max Burkholder ... Charlie Sandin
Adelaide Kane ... Zoey Sandin
Edwin Hodge ... Bloody Stranger
Rhys Wakefield ... Polite Leader
Tony Oller ... Henry


Watch The Purge full movie trailer below.  

Movie Review: Man of Steel (2013)

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. ~ Warner Bros.

On my radar:
What I like about this movie is that it shows Clark Kent appears to be human at first. The film concentrates on the discovery of Superman's extraordinary powers. The movie tackles the origin of Superman; the letter "S" on Kent's suit. The new film also introduced a new suit for the man of steel (discarding the briefs). I think I saw the suit regenerates by itself. 

Off my radar:
The new Superman movie consists of a long declamation and endless violence. By the way, I slept half of the time as the movie ran. The movie effects was not that effective either; not as good as I have expected.

My rating: 
3 out 5 blipz

Cast:
Henry Cavill ... Clark Kent / Kal-El
Amy Adams ... Lois Lane
Michael Shannon ... General Zod
Diane Lane ... Martha Kent
Russell Crowe ... Jor-El
Kevin Costner ... Jonathan Kent
Laurence Fishburne ... Perry White

Watch Man of Steel full movie trailer below.