David Blaine In Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Is he for real? Or is he a con job? Filipinos can decide for themselves when the world’s most intriguing magician hits Manila for a one-night-only live show. Magician David Blaine, who has been wowing and spooking audiences worldwide with his trailblazing brand of magic for almost two decades, is set to cast a spell on Philippine audiences in a 90-minute live show on Sept. 12 at the Araneta Coliseum, according to promoter Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions.

This is not an entirely new venture into the world of magic by Ovation Productions, having promoted another popular magician also by the name of David in Manila in 1989 — David Copperfield.

Dubbed Real or Magic, Blaine’s first-ever show in the Philippines will feature a slew of tricks that have blown the minds of anyone who has ever seen videos of his “street magic” performances. The 41-year-old magician’s Manila stopover is part of his first Asian tour.

The show’s title references Blaine’s TV special last year in which he performed inexplicable tricks to the stupefaction of celebrities such as Will Smith, Kanye West, Ricky Gervais, Katy Perry and Harrison Ford.

Born in New York to Puerto Rican-Italian and Russian parents, Blaine became an overnight success at 24 when he debuted his Street Magic in 1997. The show, in which he performed minimal yet enigmatic tricks for impromptu audiences on the street, was a success.

Eschewing the glitzy Vegas-style showmanship of magicians like Copperfield, Blaine’s less-is-more approach, lazy Brooklyn drawl and ultra-cool manner — not to mention his dark, brooding looks — won him a great league of fans across the world who just can’t seem to believe what they see.

Later, Blaine expanded his magical repertoire by featuring himself in a series of spectacularly staged death-defying endurance performances, some of which were inspired by his idol Harry Houdini. The endurance performances have seen Blaine: Sealed in a coffin-like box at the bottom of a three-ton tank of water for a week, encased in ice for 63 hours, standing unsecured on top of a 30-meter high narrow pillar for 53 hours and dangled in a plastic cube above the Thames for 44 days with only water to sustain him. He even managed to break a Guinness World Record in 2008 live on The Oprah Winfrey Show when he held his breath underwater for 17 minutes and 44 seconds — the record has since been broken. Meanwhile, the last spectacle saw him being zapped by a million volts of electricity produced by eight Tesla coil towers for 72 hours.

While the magician who’s been called our generation’s greatest probably won’t replicate such endurance tests for his live show, audiences can be assured that they’ll be feted to other head-scratching Blaine specialties — from card tricks to pushing needles through his arm to twisting off a chicken’s head and putting it back on. But is it magic? Is it real? You decide.

David Blaine: Real or Magic Live in Manila on Sept. 12 at the Araneta Coliseum is presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with AXN, The Philippine STAR, Manila Bulletin,BusinessWorld, ABS-CBN, MYX, Philstar.com, Inquirer.net, WhenInManila.com, Rappler.com, Manila Concert Scene, Philippine Concerts, SoundCheckManila, PEP.ph, 105.1 Crossover, 96.3 EasyRock, Retro 105.9, Monster Radio RX 93.1, and Mellow 947. Tickets prices are P6,500, P5,500, P4,500, P3,500, P2,000 and P1,000. They are available at Ticketnet outlets or online via www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555.)

DMAX ENTERTAINS YOUNG MEN WITH SPEED, ADVENTURE AND ADRENALINE-FILLED PROGRAMS

A brand new brotherhood was forged as Discovery Turbo made its transformation to DMAX! Designed for the infotainment junkie’s insatiable appetite for smarts, wit and adrenaline, DMAX offers factual entertainment for men who live life to the absolute fullest. Targeted at young men aged between 18 and 45, the channel showcases a wide range of content from fast cars and combat to extreme antics and enterprise.

 

Fast N' Loud. Photo courtesy of DMAX

DMAX replaced Discovery Turbo which has been on air in the Asia-Pacific region since 2008. Key genres fuelling its content line up include turbo and motoring, transactional reality, the great outdoors, culture, male lifestyle and technology.

Joining the likes of the familiar faces of its signature turbo-charged program titles such as Aaron Kaufmann and Richard Rawlings of FAST N’ LOUD, Mike Brewer and Edd China of WHEELER DEALERS and Ryan Friedlinghaus and his crew of INSIDE WEST COAST CUSTOMS, are money-making geniuses Doug Hopkins and gang of PROPERTY WARS and former pro-wrestler turned modern-day relic hunter Ric Savage of AMERICAN DIGGER. Viewers will also get a chance to peek into life in the “underground” with programs like AMERICAN MUSCLE, THE DEVIL’S RIDE and THE FIGHTERS. The great outdoors genre will feature programs that lead audiences into the thick of wild action in the Appalachia featured in BACKYARD OIL and the rolling hills of Indiana in PORTER RIDGE. “Bros” of DMAX can also kick back with factual entertainment titles like BOUNTY WARS, AMERICA’S WORST TATTOOS and OUTRAGEOUS 911.

DMAX also launched with a focus on a different genre every night from Monday to Thursday:

·         Making Money Mondays feature transactional reality titles.

·         Ultimate Turbo Tuesdays are helmed by motoring programmes.

·         Lifestyle & Culture Wednesdays provide an inside look at extreme behaviours, beliefs and attitudes.

·         Get Outside Thursdays take the great outdoors into living rooms.

No matter what passions or interests men may have, DMAX will unite all who crave adrenaline-filled adventure, are ready to release their inhibitions and have a no-nonsense attitude of living life their way. So, thrill-seekers, motor junkies, gym heads and grill-masters alike, DMAX welcomes you to the brotherhood.

For more information, check out www.dmaxasia.com or www.facebook.com/DMAXSoutheastAsia.

La Revolucion Filipina by Ballet Phils.

This is the first ballet gala I attended. I am not into ballet except if there is a ballet interpretation of the songs I like. But I got interested with this production because it is base on Apolinario Mabini's book.

I was oriented by my sister who has a background in ballet. She is well versed in the ballet world and is no stranger to big names like Agnes Locsin, who choreographed this production. I was able to grasp the ballet acts see Apo's mind in this production.

I also find it interesting in collaborating theatrics because one role is done by an actor. It is probably the first time I witnessed speaking lines in ballet. It just so happens that I watched it during Mabini's 150th birth date.

I look forward to more of BP's future productions. Follow this blog for more updates and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

TANGHALANG ATENEO’S 36TH SEASON ALL SET TO OPEN WITH “ MIDDLE FINGER ” ON AUGUST 1

 Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theater company of the Loyola Schools of the Ateneo de Manila University, celebrates its 36th season with the theme “Navigating Identities”. The company aims to stage plays that center on man’s exploration and need to find himself and his place in the world.

           

            The season opener will feature Han Ong’s ‘MIDDLE FINGER,’ an adaptation of the famous German play ‘Spring Awakening’ by Frank Wedekind.

            Featuring a bilingual script using the original by Han Ong and a Filipino translation by Ronan B. Capinding, MIDDLE FINGER is a coming-of-age story centered on two Filipino teenagers, Jakob Rodriguez and Benjamin Lunga, studying in a Catholic school in America. In a world dominated by adults and social constructs, they attempt to find control and establish themselves as individuals.

           

           

            Guelan  Luarca shall play the role of Jakob Rodriguez, a headstrong and rebellious adolescent boy trying hard to break away from the boundaries set for him by the adults in his life.

            Joe-Nel Garcia shall play the role of Benjamin Lunga, the best friend of Jakob, this average student only wants the good and simple things but is suddenly faced with the hard reality of life.

             The other members of the cast are as follows:

            Brian Ramos plays the role of Yachin, the nerd of the group who tries to figure out a balance between his logical way of thinking and undoubting faith in God.

Gab Tibayan plays artistic Wallace who had had the unfortunate luck of having birds nest in his hair

Avie Alcantara plays Michael, the new American kid in school just trying to fit in with the rest of the boys.

Niki Calma portrays Myrna a prostitute who serves as the ironic authority figure for Jakob, trying to teach him the intricacies of adult life.

            Marjorie Lorico will essay the role of Mrs. Rodriguez, who stands as  mother and moral compass for Jakob.

            Joseph dela Cruz plays the role of Mr. Rodriguez, the unresponsive father figure in the Rodriguez household who seems to have given up with the challenges of life.

            Dolly de Leon will play the role of Mrs. Lunga, the stoic mother of Benjamin Lunga who slowly loses to the world.

            David Bianco will portray the role of the teacher, and Richard Cunanan shall play the pivotal role of the Counselor.

           

            Members of the ensemble include Juella Bautista, who plays Celia, the quirky love interest of Yachin, Aih Mendoza playing Hilda Rodriguez, the older sister of Jakob who has left home, Soc delos Reyes playing the roles of bartender and Jerome Flor playing Mickey, the older brother of Yachin, driven to insanity by his physical appearance.

           

            The artistic team of MIDDLE FINGER is led by Glenn Sevilla Mas (Artistic Director, Tanghalang Ateneo), Ed Lacson Jr. (Director and Production Designer), Teresa Barrozo (Sound Designer) and Meliton Roxas Jr. (Lights Designer).

           

           

            The playdates of MIDDLE FINGER are as follows: August 1-2, 4-9, 11-16 and 18-22,2014. The play starts promptly at 7 p.m. Matinee shows start at 3 p.m. (Saturday).

The press preview is set on July 30 at 6 p.m.

           

            All performances will be held at the Fine Arts Black Box Studio of the Ateneo de Manila University.

           

            For details of the show, please contact Acel Go at 0916-480-2195 or email: ta.mpc78@gmail.com.

            Connect to Tanghalang Ateneo online through the following social media networks:

Website:        www.tanghalangateneo.org

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/TanghalangAteneo

Twitter:          www.twitter.com/TAOfficial_

YouTube:     www.youtube.com/user/tanghalangateneo

Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali: BUM’s Two New Youth Brand Ambassadors

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The country’s next top clothing brand, BUM has found another reason to welcome two young brand ambassadors—Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali. A contract signing is set on Thursday, July 24, 1pm at Annabel’s on Tomas Morato Avenue, Scout Delgado Street. 

Both Tanfelix and Umali are GMA artists and are the youth lead stars of the top-rating teleseries titled ‘Niño’ which is aired daily on GMA Kapuso Network after 24 Oras.

“It is but fitting to have the two join the rosters of our young ambassadors because of the image they have created toward the Filipino televiewers. They consistently project wholesome personas,” Rai Lacoste, BUM’s Marketing Officer said.

“Apart from that, both Miguel and Bianca are also considered as today’s Teen Prince and Teen Princess of GMA Telebabad.”

Tanfelix, now 15 years of age was the Young Pagaspas in Kapuso’s other top-rating fantaserye called ‘Mulawin’ in 2004. While Umali, 14, was a former host and performer in ‘Tropang Potchi’ since 2009 till 2013.

BUM Equipment found Miguel and Bianca not only as talented youngstars, but as inspirations for this new generation. Tanfelix rose to stardom via a talent search as his efforts paid off when he made it as one of the finalists and was named First Prince of StarStruck Kids in 2004. Umali, on the other hand, being an orphan didn’t hinder her to fulfill her late parents’ wishes and even if she lives with her grandmother; she has embraced a life of being responsible and independent. 

Currently, the two are groomed as a pair and are also working together in another show called ‘Ismol Family’ that airs every Sunday.

BUM Equipment as a brand continually seeks to work with endorsers that create an image of positivity and leave a lasting and affirming impact for its patrons and its captive market, which is the Filipino youth. For more information about the brand, visit its official website www.bumequipment.com.ph and follow its social media pages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

adidas Introduces Boost in Basketball with “Boost Changes Everything”

adidas today launches an all-new video introducing Boost coming to basketball, a technology that returns more energy than any other cushioning in the game. Boost is filled with thousands of capsules, giving you energy from tip-off to the final buzzer.

Titled “Boost Changes Everything,” the video portrays steel balls in front of side-by-side Boost cushioning and EVA cushioning. The cameras capture the real energy return as the balls continue to bounce on Boost long after EVA, proving that Boost will change everything on the court. 

Join the conversation at the adidas Basketball Facebook Page and on Twitter and Instagram @adidashoops with #Boost. 

NONITO DONAIRE ATTENDS L.A. PREMIERE OF “GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY”

Press material

  Filipino boxing champion Nonito Donaire attended the Los Angeles red carpet premiere Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy.”  Fellow “kababayan” Dave Bautista is starring in the film as Drax the Destroyer and is seen posing with Donaire (and rapper-actor-director RZA) in the premiere's after-party.

L-R. RZA, Batista and Donaire

            From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team--the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits--Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon; Groot, a tree-like humanoid; the deadly and enigmatic Gamora; and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand--with the galaxy's fate in the balance.

            Directed by James Gunn, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy” stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as the voice of Groot, Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, with John C. Reilly, Glenn Close as Nova Prime Rael and Benicio del Toro as The Collector.

            Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" releases in Philippine theaters on July 31, 2014. 

            In addition to "Guardians of the Galaxy," Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including "Avengers: Age of Ultron" on May 1, 2015; "Ant-Man" on July 17, 2015; and the untitled "Captain America 3" on May 6, 2016.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH 20 FAN-CHOSEN FAVOURITES

– Fan-chosen specials to air between Aug 4 to 15 –

2014 marks Discovery Channel’s 20^th year of being in Asia and there’s no better way to celebrate this colossal occasion with VIEWER’S CHOICE TOP 20, a two-week special that lets fans – the very people who are the reason why the brand has made its home in 224 countries worldwide – decide which iconic favourites and most loved specials they would like to see on air! From June 6 through to July 31 on the Discovery Channel Southeast Asia website (www.discoverychannelasia.com), fans can vote for their favourite top 20 programmes they’d like to catch. Fans’ final top 20 will air daily on VIEWER’S CHOICE TOP 20 from Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., beginning August 4 to 15. Relive #20YearsOfDiscovery and the most mind-bending Discovery Channel moments to date, through the power-packed selection of absolute fan favourites on VIEWER’S CHOICE TOP 20.

 

Manhunt with Joel Lambert. Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel

With VIEWER’S CHOICE TOP 20, fans can cast their top 20 votes on a host of top-rated programmes that span across a variety of categories such as culture, history, science, engineering, natural history, extreme jobs, survival, amongst others. Some of the nominees include: Emmy^®-nominated MYTHBUSTERS (science), landmark series CURIOSITY (science), the dangerous world of Alaskan king crab fishing on DEADLIEST CATCH (extreme jobs), epic-sized COLOSSAL SQUID (natural history), prehistoric frozen BABY MAMMOTH (natural history), harrowing freshwater fish tales on RIVER MONSTERS (natural history), extreme survival adventures on MAN VS. WILD (survival), amongst many others.

Awe-inspiring natural history, scientific breakthroughs, extraordinary world-changing events, revolutionary ideas and innovations, real individuals with genuine stories and adventures; VIEWER’S CHOICE TOP 20 is Discovery’s way of thanking the insatiably curious people who have spurred the channel’s continuous quest to question and comprehend all that makes this great, grand world, turning wow to how for 20 years running. Visit www.discoverychannelasia.com for the full list of the nominees and details on how to vote for Discovery Channel’s VIEWER’S CHOICE TOP 20. Stay tuned to the website and www.facebook.com/DiscoverySEAsia for updates on the final top 20.

Bensimon Redefines the Concept of Casual Footwear

What makes Paris, Paris?

Is it the impressive architecture? The distinctive cuisine? The deep sense of art and culture so inextricably linked into every fiber of the Parisian lifestyle?

Serg and Yves Bensimoncreated Bensimon sneakers in 1975. They took a simple sneaker and turned it into something that reflected the Parisian ideals.

If we take it from the perspective of Patty Laurel who recently took to the streets of Paris, it’s the effortlessness that it exudes. The renowned TV personality and travel writer candidly notes that the city doesn’t have to try to make its mark, it just does.

“I’m a big fan of fashion, but I think what makes Parisians stand out is their style. It’s their understanding of what works for them, without trying too hard. It’s not at all pretentious,” she says as she astutely observes how this is most evident in the city’s famed sartorial inclinations.

The Bensimon style celebrates the different elements that define Parisian culture: diversity, color, elegance, comfort and quality.

The city has solidified its reputation as a fashion capital, after all. But again, it’s the vibe of chic insouciance that made them distinct. This is where the line between dressy and casual began to blur—because somehow, given their distinct and sophisticated style, Parisians found a way to redefine comfortable and utilitarian into stylish and elegant.

Take the humble sneaker for instance—the no-frills, all-functional footwear with historic ties to youth sub-cultures with a penchant for grunge music. As far back as thirty-seven years ago, two brothers decided to reinvent it into something that reflected their passion for the Parisian aesthetic. And with that, Serge and Yves Bensimon introduced the definitive footwear that paralleled the effortless Parisian style and grew it into a symbol for the sartorial elite.

The Bensimon style celebrates the different elements that define Parisian culture: diversity, color, elegance, comfort and quality. It’s a recipe that is equal parts trendy and classic—one that has now found its way onto Philippine shores.

But is the country really ready to redefine their concept of fashionable footwear? Are Filipinos prepared to embrace the antithesis of the age-old idea of deliberate dressing?

If it’s meant to give you the utilitarian comfort of a pair of trusty old kicks with the style quotient of dress shoes, why not?

“We’re challenging the perception behind sneakers with a brand that almost erases the line between casual and sophisticated by virtue of design and function,” explains Ammiel De Leon, Bensimon Philippines’ Brand Director.

For a brand that has built its reputation by tangibly representing the Parisian ideals into something useful and fashionable, there’s no better time to introduce Bensimon to fashion-savvy Filipinos who understand that style doesn’t have to be contrived. Like the city where Bensimon hails from, it represents a fashionable conviction of simplicity, Parisian elegance and perfect imperfections.

As Anne Gonzalez of Terry S.A. (the company that introduced brands like Havaianas, Thread 365, Dupe and Pininho in the country) puts it, “we are constantly on the lookout for brands that have a unique point of view, are optimistic, fun and work well with the Filipino lifestyle.” And what could be more appropriate than a brand that translates its heritage and vision to a pair of shoes that puts the spotlight on chic ease and stylish comfort?

With that said, there’s no better for Bensimon to make its mark here or around the world, for that matter. Sneakers have already broken the barriers between street wear and couture—finding its way onto high fashion runways just as often as you would see it on the streets—proving that when it comes to sneakers, there’s probably nowhere that the right pair cannot go.

Bensimon sneakers are available at CommonThread (Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall), Rustans (Gateway, Makati, Alabang Town Center, Shangrila), Center of Gravity (Burgos Circle and Centris Walk), Shoe Salon (Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Trinoma), and Shoe Thing (Kids styles only: Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Mall, and Greenbelt 5). The price ranges from 2,095 to 2,565 for the men’s and women’s line and 1,295 to 1,795 for the kids’ styles. Visit www.bensimon.com.ph for more information.