The Mall of Asia Arena -- The Rise of The Biggest and Grandest Entertainment Destination in the Philippines!

POTATO ON THE GO:

Seeing our favorite concert performers live on stage or witnessing spectacular events is something very dear to our heart.  If we know something special is in the offing, we make sure that we allocate money for it.  But saving is just a quarter of the sacrifice we face.  Come event time, when we are excited to party with the rest of the crowd, we are often faced with tons of challenges, some may be small, but when put together, don't really make sense.  Poor parking, uncomfortable ventilation, mediocre seats, limited choices of good food, confusing audience flow... they are just some of the things we endure to see the show we saved up for.  Most of the time, seeing our favorite performers is enough and we just accepted the fact that the struggle is part of the package.  But while we spent for it, don't you think we deserve much better?

Then folks, worry no more.  There's a new events or concert hall that will will rise and sweep the nation!  It's much bigger, it's more advanced, it's highly sophisticated, and above all, it's audience and organizer friendly!!!  And you don't have to go elsewhere to get there as the place is just right here in Metro Manila... it's the new Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena!!!

Surviving The Heat

foydi's CATCH:

I know the Philippines is a tropical country and the heat during summer season is something that we expect.  But I'm sure you will agree with me that the heat right now is something that's unbearable, it's as if we are being cooked inside an oven!

Haist, actually, with my work for WWF Philippines, I candidly even said that I won't have a hard time explaining what Global Warming is!  Just imagine experiencing 35++ and 36++ temperature right here in Manila?  Goodness, this heat really will not just drive us crazy, it can actually kill us! 

Anyway, I know Filipinos are very flexible and resourceful people.  We adapt wherever we are, whatever the situation is.  And with this scourging heat, I bet many have adapted, in a way, already. 

For example, I myself treated the situation lightly, (whenever possible!) and joked at it with these pick-up lines:

Manila ka ba?  Ang hot mo kase.

But when the temperature gets hotter the next day, I said:

Manila ka din ba?  Kase, you're getting hotter and hotter each day.

And it was a surefire hit on Twitter and Facebook haha.

But more than that, while everybody go to our captivating beaches and resorts or go to a colder country at this time, some people looked for means how to get through.  

And recently, I found two things that caught my attention and really made me wanting them all the time.  

It's the back-to-back electric fan and the so-called Melona ice cream from Korea!  The former is something I would really love owning!  I know it wouldn't solve the heat but I think it can be of a little help.  And besides, don't you find the fan so cool, that's literally and figuratively speaking! :)

The back-to-back electric fan and Melona ice cream

And the Melona ice cream, goodness, it just tastes so good!  The fruitiness of the flavor just blends very right with the sweetness.  Sorry though I don't know the actual retail price as I buy from my office mate who sells it.  And I get it for only PhP30!  So move over Magnum, Melona is taking your place!  And it's much cheaper!  :)

But aside from that, when you are outside, don't forget to bring water (not bottled as it will add up to our urban waste), wear comfy clothes and sun protection (shades, umbrella, sunblock).  Well, if you don't need to go out and you can avoid it, I suggest you stay inside, and make your surrounding comfortable. 

I know this too shall pass.  We will survive the heat.  And that I guess this has been my 26th Treasure Find!  :)

But while we try to survive the heat, let's be mindful next time of what we do with the environment.  You can log on to www.wwf-org.phils to know more about environmental sustainability.

American Pie : Reunion (Uncut) to drive us crazy starting May 2

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

American Pie has been one of my time's signature movies.  And it's not the usual coming of age film we know.  It shocked the whole world then and it's ready to drive us crazy once more as it holds its upcoming reunion movie!  :)

Welcome to the reunion of the Class of 1999 from East Great Falls High. In the comedy American Reunion, all the American Pie characters we met a little more than a decade ago return for their high-school reunion. In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn’t and that time and distance can’t break the bonds of friendship.

It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the years that have passed, Jim (JASON BIGGS) and Michelle (ALYSON HANNIGAN) married while Kevin (THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS) and Vicky (TARA REID) said goodbye. Oz (CHRIS KLEIN) and Heather (MENA SUVARI) grew apart, but Finch (EDDIE KAY THOMAS) still longs for Stifler’s Mom (JENNIFER COOLIDGE). And Stifler (SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT) remains the same as he ever was. Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about—and get inspired by—the hormonal teens they were.

Pasalubong (and you can get some from foydi's Treasure Hunt!)

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Pasalubong (Homecoming Present).  It's in the blood, vein, heart, soul (and whatever body part you can think of) of every Filipino. So if a Pinoy came from elsewhere, abroad, or a distant province, or a nearby town, it's in his system to bring home something from that place.  

You can win these shirts!  :)

And it need not be expensive.  As what the cliche says, it's the thought that counts!  :)  So back off to those who want to ridicule Pinoys for spending (a little) despite the hard life!  :)

When God Created the World, He Gave His Best in Batanes (Da Best Sa Batanes part 5)

Treasure Find 24:

Two days have been spent... everyone else is tired... but Batanes is not yet through unfolding its mystique.

And on the third day of our exploration, our experience, I could say, reached an optimum high...

Batanes is indeed a living evidence how great God is...it's God's best creation!  And let me quote once more (and use it as this blog post's title) Mandy Navasero: "When God created the world, He gave his best in Batanes."  And I couldn't agree with her more.

John Lloyd Cruz TVC brings AyosDito.ph closer to the masses

POTATO ON THE GO (TV Commercial / Internet):

Have you seen John Lloyd Cruz's latest TV commercial, the one with AyosDito.ph?  It's been running for a couple of weeks now and I heard some good comments about the said TVC.  For me, I think it's wittily done and with John Lloyd as the lead, a lot of people got hooked and curious about what AyosDito.ph actually.

AyosDito.ph General Manager Jon Santico saud that with John Lloyd's popularity, it will spark more interest for Filipinos to indulge in this new online experience offered by the site. 

For online media savvy people like us, AyosDito.ph is no stranger.  But TV is a different arena.  Many if not most are not familiar with what AyosDito.ph actually is.  But TV is the drive-to-site that AyosDito.ph needs.

BREAKING NEWS: Marvel's The Avengers Grosses PhP 101 Million in 2 Days!

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN:

MANILA, April 27, 2012 – “Marvel's The Avengers” grossed a staggering P100.76-million in its first two days of release nationwide, according to Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Philippines.

The film is on track to be the biggest-grossing movie in Philippine history as it marches on to its first weekend when box-office attendance significantly surges.

Warner Bros. unveils never-before-seen footage of The Hobbit shot with new cinema technology

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Warner Bros. Pictures screened approximately 10 minutes of never-before-seen footage from New Line Cinema and MGM’s upcoming epic “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” which showcased the filmmaking innovation of 48 frames-per-second (fps), doubling the typical frame rate of 24 fps. The footage was part of the studio’s presentation at CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO).

The film, slated for worldwide release beginning December 14, 2012, is the first major motion picture to be made using this state-of-the art high-frame-rate technology.

Watch RING KINGS, THE COTTO - MAYWEATHER MATCH Live on May 6 at SM Cinema

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Sports Event):

Manny Pacquiao's past and possible future opponent will further heat up the summer as they clash in the upcoming boxing event RING KINGS, the Cotto - Mayweather match on May 6, 2012!

And you can catch this most awaited sporting event LIVE via satellite on May 6, 9:00 am at SM Cinemas.  You can watch RING KINGS at any of  the following SM Cinema branches: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM Clark, SM Pampanga, SM Tarlac and SM Baguio.  Ticket price is PhP 450 for SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA and PhP 400 for SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM Clark, SM Pampanga, SM Tarlac and SM Baguio.  You can buy your tickets at SM Cinema ticket booths or via online at www.smtickets.com.

So what are you waiting for?  Buy your tickets now and be part of another historical event in the boxing arena!

20th Century Fox Releases the Latest and Coolest Photos from ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

The directors and creative talents behind the hugely popular Ice Age movies set the pack into the most exciting film in the franchise so far, “Ice Age 4: Continental Drift” where they face a perilous adventure on the high seas. This time, Manny, Sid and Diego face formidable foes: a crew of swashbuckling pirates. And one feisty but crochety old sloth: Sid’s own granny.

The drama begins when catastrophe strikes and the earth shifts. Finding themselves adrift, our three intrepid sub-zero heroes are out on the raging seas batting pirates.

Russell Crowe joins Aronofsky's NOAH -- Paramount to release the film in March 2014

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Paramount Pictures and New Regency Productions jointly announced today that Academy Award®-winner Russell Crowe has been cast as Noah in Academy Award®-nominated director Darren Aronofsky’s feature film of the same name. Paramount will release the film on March 28, 2014.

Share your Moment of Celebration through the "Live, Love, Firande! Electrolux Photo Contest”

WEB NEWS FEED:

Do you have a moment worth celebrating... and sharing?  Then don't just keep it to yourself  and your circle!  You can share your moment of celebration and win prizes by joining the Live Love Firande -- Electrolux Photo Contest!

Celebrate with Electrolux Philippines in their 10th Anniversary and get a chance to win an exciting luxury and travel package! Firande means celebration in Sweden where Electrolux traces its roots and to celebrate 10 thoughtful years in the country, it invites everyone to join the Live, Love, Firande! Photo Contest by sharing their unique moment of Firande through photos – from remarkable achievements and important personal milestones to fun family vacations and exciting getaways with friends.

Hollywood Summer Blockbuster Movie Line-up Unveiled; Includes THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, Among Others

 POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Every year, fans around the world await the Hollywood Summer Movie Blockbuster Line-up.  Only in this season that people can expect big-budgeted, well casted and surefire entertaining movies week after week.  And for this reason, TaDi is proud to share with you some of the movies that are lined up for May, June and July 2012! :)

ABS-CBN Wins Bronze World Medal at New York Festivals 2012

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

ABS-CBN continues its winning streak at the New York Festivals (NYF) International TV and Film Awards 2012 after its News and Current Affairs programs bagged awards at the prestigious competition.

“Krusada” bagged a Bronze World Medal in the Social Issues/Current Events category for its report on the condition of elderly and ailing inmates who were expected to be released from prison but were denied parole.

FOREVER AND A DAY Featuring Sam Milby and KC Concepcion Premieres on Cinema One this Sunday

 POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV / Movie):

The Philippines no. 1 cable channel Cinema One proudly presents the Philippine TV premiere of the 2011 hit romantic flick “Forever and a day” starring the country’s most sought after actors Sam Milby and KC Concepcion.

The story of this movie revolves around Eugene (Sam) who goes to Cagayan de Oro with only one intention, to forget his problems at work. But when he meets Raffy (KC) and as they travel and go on ridiculous and death-defying activities together, they start to form a friendship that goes beyond Eugene’s original plan. Raffy helps Eugene appreciate himself more and to look at things in a positive way. With Raffy, Eugene begins to believe in himself again. Soon, against his own expectations, he admits to himself that has fallen in love with this girl. Catch “Forever and a day” on Cinema One this April 22 (Sunday) at 8p.m. For updates, please like http://www.facebook.com/Digitista or follow @tatak_digitista on Twitter.

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid celebrates her birthday in PARTY PILIPINAS

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

GMA’s top-rating noontime party is all set for another combination of show-stopping and unique performances this Sunday with “Fantastic Terrific Wonderful” Party Pilipinas (FTW Party Pilipinas)!

Party Pilipinas gives a royal welcome to the one and only Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, as she celebrates her special day on the Party Pilipinas stage.

Fast-rising star Michael Fassbender plays engineered android in PROMETHEUS 3D

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

One of the fastest-rising stars in the business, the 34 year-old German-born, Irish-raised Fassbender has wowed multiplex and arthouse audiences alike over the past couple of years with searing, indelible turns in the likes of “Hunger,” “X-Men: First Class,” “Inglourious Basterds” and “Shame,” which saw him reunite with Steve McQueen. A passionate, instinctive actor, who better than Fassbender to breathe humanity into David’s cold hard exterior in the highly anticipated sci-fi adventure “Prometheus (3D)”?

From Ian Holm’s duplicitous Ash to Lance Henriksen’s dependable Bishop, androids have played a huge part in the Alien franchise. So it’s not a huge surprise to find that Prometheus also has an artificial humanoid on board its eponymous spaceship, in the blond-haired guise of Michael Fassbender’s David.

KATY PERRY: PART OF ME IN 3D to hit theaters in August

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie / Music):

 This coming August, Katy Perry will captivate the audience anew as United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation presents KATY PERRY: PART OF ME IN 3D!

Katy Perry: Part of Me 3D is a an all-one access to the motion picture event movie -- backstage pass, front row seat and intimate look at the fun, glamorous, heartbreaking, inspiring, crazy, magical, passionate, and honest mad diary of Katy.

Watch out for BIG MIRACLE this coming May

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Inspired by a moving true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure movie BIG MIRACLE (with Everybody Loves Whales as a working title) tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and a Greenpeace volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. 

BIG MIRACLE is based on the 1989 book Freeing the Whales by Tom Rose, which details Operation Breakthrough, the 188 global initiative to rescue gray whales trapped in ice near Point Barrow, Alaska.  

GRIMM fantasy drama on Jack TV

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, The Pied Piper—these are all fairy tales we were told as children. Written by the Brothers Grimm, this collection of classic fairy tales plays inspiration for Jack TV and Chase’s newest fantasy drama, Grimm.

Airing on Fridays @ 9 PM beginning This April, Grimm follows homicide Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) who after his aunt falls ill starts seeing things he cannot explain. Receiving a key that unlocks a trailer holding his family’s secret, Nick learns that he is a descendant of the Grimms, an elite line of criminal profilers charged with keeping the balance between the mythological world and the human world. With his new found outlook on life he is able to identify the mythological beings as they shift to show him their true form.

Treasure Find 23 -- Journey to the "Lost" Island of Sabtang (Da Best Sa Batanes part 4)

BAYANIHAN ISLANDS:

Batanes...blessed or cursed?  Its isolation from the rest of the country preserved its pristine beauty but at the same time somehow kept it away from progress and life's advancement. 

There's no doubt, Batanes is among the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, places on Earth.  The prehistoric violence on Earth's soil and the province's eventual geographic location molded the magnificent beauty it possesses now.  As it's away from the the effects of too much modernization and the wrath of pollution, Batanes was able to keep its natural gifts and the peaceful way of life of its people.

But while they are isolated, some things are left difficult to do.  Going back and forth to Batanes is costly, on the average, one must allocate around PhP 30,000.  Sometimes, one may have the money but the goods are not available in the islands.  If the weather is not good, boats and ships won't dare sail the sea and go to their place to bring the things they need.

Nat Geo's Earth Day Run set on April 22

ACTION & EVENT-URE:

National Geographic Channel's annual Earth Day Run is happening this April 22 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

You can participate at Nat Geo's Earth Day through the following package:  3 km for PhP 650, 5 km for PhP 750, 10 k for PhP 950 and 21 k for PhP 1,150.  Entry fees include a limited edition of Nat Geo Earth Day Run technical shirt.

You're invited to the Promil Pre-School I-Shine Talent Camp this Saturday and Sunday

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

Does your child have what it takes to shine like a Kapamilya superstar? Nurture his talent through the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp workshops this April 21 and 22 at the SM North Edsa Skydome.

Avail of Star Magic workshops, conducted by ABS-CBN's best talent coaches and other fun activities for free. Just bring a proof of purchase of any Promil Pre-School pack size and your child’s valid ID and birth certificate.

Finding and Fighting for Love, Self Worth and What is Right -- THE LUCKY ONE Movie Review

POTATO ON THE GO REVIEW (Movie):

A simple love story told well.  That's how I would define in a phrase Waner Bros. latest romantic offering "THE LUCKY ONE". 

Based on the book of Nicholas Sparks, THE LUCKY ONE tells the story of U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Zac Efron) who returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive—a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. Learning her name is Beth (Taylor Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

GMA News and Public Affairs Bags Three Silver World Medals from the 2012 New York Festivals!

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

GMA News and Public Affairs makes the country proud anew after winning three Silver World Medals and six Finalist Certificates at the highly prestigious 2012 New York Festivals Television and Film Awards held on April 17 at the NAB Show in Las Vegas.

I-Witness’ Lapnos (Burn) episode won the Silver World Medal for the Social Issues and Current Events category, while GMA News TV’s Front Row brought home two Silver World Medals – one for the Social Issues category for its Yaman sa Basura (Child Urban Miners) episode and another one for the Biography/Profiles category for the documentary program’s Bente Dos (Twenty-Two) episode.

ABS-CBN Continues the Tradition, Unveils New Summer Station ID

POTATO ON THE GO (Broadcast Promotion):

One thing that ABS-CBN pioneered is the production of grand station IDs.  And the viewing public started to get excited not just on their favorite TV programs but on these fabulous presentation as well.  Who would be able to forget the very soothing Sukob Na and heart pinching Star ng Pasko?  :)  And in the tradition of those memorable productions, ABS-CBN has finally unveiled its newest station ID, their summer campaign "Pinoy Summer is Da Best Forever"!

Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson literally play good music together as the two sing this year’s theme song for the much-awaited summer station ID of ABS-CBN with the theme “Pinoy Summer, Da Best Forever.

Join the "Cortal SQR Run and Fly Away From Pain" Running Event this May!

ACTION & EVENT-URE:

Cortal SQR, the pain reliever from Pharma-Rex Inc. that gives the safest and quickest relief from body pain through its advanced formulation of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, invites everyone to join the “Cortal SQR Run and Fly Away from Pain” running event.

For the benefit of the academic scholars of the AMY Foundation, the fun run will be held on May 27, 2012 along Roxas Boulevard, stretching from the cities of Manila to Pasay City.

New Poster and Standee Images of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Unveiled!

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

Columbia Pictures recently released the new poster and standee images of The Amazing Spider-Man, opening in Philippine theaters in 3D on July 3, 2012!

One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man™. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field.

ANONYMOUS to be shown at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting April 18

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Columbia Pictures' Oscar-nominated thriller “Anonymous” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma) starting Wednesday, April 18.

Zac Efron, Taylor Schilling Reveal Their Sizzling Sexy Scenes in THE LUCKY ONE

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, stars of Warner Bros.' new romantic drama “The Lucky One” discuss their sizzing love scenes, among other things, in the big-screen adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks bestseller.

In the film, U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive—a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t even know. Discovering her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS opens in IMAX 3D on April 25

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Marvel Studios and The Walt Disney Studios recently announced that the epic super hero adventure “Marvel's The Avengers” will be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX® 3D format and released in IMAX® digital theatres in the Philippines on April 25, simultaneous with Digital 3D and regular cinemas across the country.

“Marvel's The Avengers,” based on the well-known Marvel comic book series, is written and directed by Joss Whedon and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson.

Support the UP Diliman Students Finalists in Indra Future Minds, an International Competition

WEB NEWS FEED:

The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman will represent the Philippines in the final phase of the second edition of Indra Future Minds, an international university competition, sponsored by Indra, the premier IT company in Spain and a leading multinational in Europe and Latin America.

Winners of the competition shall be given the opportunity to join Indra in the subsidiary of the country of the student’s choice upon completion of the student’s degree, with a travel allowance every month for one year. The UP Diliman team consists of Erwin L. Soleta, taking up Bachelors of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering (BS ECE), Maria Katrina E. Volante, also a BS ECE student, and Benedict Ivan A. Andrade, taking up Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering.

In photo are (from left): Benedict Andrade, Maria Katrina Volante and Ivan Andrade

Indra Future Minds started with a virtual phase last February 15, 2012, ending last March 15, 2012. During this period, two teams of different countries worked together using an online platform to come up with a proposal for the challenge assigned to them, and a video showcasing their proposal.

MYX Rocks Boracay with the Hottest Summer Concert

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

The no. 1 music channel MYX will once again hit the country’s summer party capital, Boracay by flying in some of the most sought after OPM artists to perform live at the much-awaited “Summer MYX Fest 2012.”

Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar

Grab those summer gear and head to Club Summerplace, Station 2, Boracay beachfront this April 14 (Saturday) and party from sunset to midnight. Heat up the summer night by watching the fire dance by the beach with booze and great party music, featuring DJ Elmer Dado and Gruppo Tribale, which will prompt the kickoff of the biggest concert this season.

Ogie Alcasid and Michael V. join forces in new talk show PARE & PARE

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

This May, prepare to get loads of laughter and live entertainment on your TV screens as GMA 7 launches its newest comedy-musical-talk-show for the whole family to enjoy with PARE & PARE!

There’s plenty of excitement in this first-of-its-kind program which will be hosted by no less than multi-awarded singer & songwriter Ogie Alcasid and three-time Asian TV Best Comedy Actor Michael V.

Velvet Summer Luau in Boracay this Weekend!

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

Listen to the sound of waves crashing on Boracay’s powdery white shore as Velvet—for the fifth time, will invade the country’s summer party capital with colorful leis and all night long partying as it throws the Velvet Summer Luau, which will be hosted by model, author, and entrepreneur, Sarah Meier, on April 14, 7p.m. at Epic Bar.

ABS-CBN Presents DREAM HIGH Featuring Various K-Pop Stars!

POTATO ON THE GO TV:

Korean pop stars from various singing groups come together for the very first time to portray the story of six aspiring young talents in their quest for stardom in “Dream High” premiering this Monday (Apr 16) in ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Dubbed as the most successful Korean drama of 2011, “Dream High” stars Suzy of Miss A as Kelly, Taecyeon and Wooyoung of 2 PM as Gino and Jason, Ham Eun Jung of T-ara as Angelie, IU as Gelou, and actor Kim Soo Hyun as Marco, who was skyrocketed to fame after this series.

Electrifying, Explosive Performances in PARTY PILIPINAS PRIME!

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

GMA’s top-rating programs and the celebrities who dominate primetime and afternoon prime come together on one stage in a rare and highly anticipated showcase of talent, beauty and glam with Party Pilipinas PRIME!

These stars will make their presence roar and their stardom soar even more as they present an exhilarating line up of performances in the country's number one concert party!

Witness Kapuso Network’s biggest loveteams as they give in to a romantic moment onstage! Your beloved sweethearts...Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, move and groove to a perfect symphony of real love!

Four Blessings and A Smile -- Our Visita Iglesia in Bulacandia

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Every Holy Week, our family and relatives have a tradition -- Pabasa (day long chanting of Jesus Christ's story), Walk to Kapitangan and sometimes Prusisyon (procession of biblical images).  That's why it's a NO NO for me to go elsewhere at that time of the year since our family have a yearly Lenten practice and a reunion as well.  How can I let go of such wonderful tradition and bonding time right?  Anyway, while planning for this year's Holy Week activities, my Tita Elvie and I thought of something different this time around.  And that gave birth to the idea of a day long, Bulacan-wide Visita Iglesia!

Visita Iglesia is a Catholic tradition done every Holy Week to pray and remember Christ's life, death and resurrection.  This is just like the Stations of the Cross where people stop and pray every station (there are 14 stations) that represents a stage in the Passion of the Christ.  In Visita Iglesia on the other hand, each church represents a station.

THE KITCHEN MUSICAL aired on Studio 23 bags two nominations from New York Festivals

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

The smash hit pan-Asian musical-cooking TV series “The Kitchen Musical,” which aired on Philippine free TV via Studio 23, has been nominated for two categories at the prestigious 2012 New York Festivals under the International Television & Film Awards competition for “Best Writing” and “Best Performance.”

In poster are (from left): Rosemary Vandenbroucke, Christian Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Stephen Rahman-Hughes and Arthur Acuña.

On its 55th year, the New York Festivals s World’s Best Television & Films honors the “World’s Best Work™” in news, sports, documentary, information and entertainment programs which mirror today’s global trends and encourage the next generation of story-tellers. The Kitchen Musical was chosen amongst entries from 40 countries worldwide.

THE AVENGERS Fever Continues to Heat Up; Producers Reveal How the Marvel Superheroes Were Cast

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN  (Movie):

Completing the award-winning cast of “ Marvel’s The Avengers” proved to be a breeze for the filmmakers. “One of the great things when you make a film that’s been set up like this is that you start the casting process 80% done,” informs producer Louis D’ Esposito.

Leading the cast are Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Every team has a go-to guy when the chips are down and “The Avengers” is no different as they turn to billionaire, industrialist playboy Tony Stark aka Iron Man. One of the cornerstones and fan favorite of the Marvel Universe, the first two installments of the “Iron Man” franchise, starring Robert Downey Jr. have grossed a combined 1.2 billion at the worldwide box office.

Zac Efron grows up as an actor, plays war hero in Warner Bros.' THE LUCKY ONE

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Zac Efron, after his stint at the phenomenal High School Musical and his well loved performance in New Year's Eve, continues to grow up as an actor and master his craft as he stars in Warner Bros.' new romantic drama “The Lucky One”.  Zac plays the role of U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault on his third tour of duty in Iraq. Almost immediately, he is thrust into a firefight that changes his life forever.

Zac Efron is paired with new actress Taylor Schilling.  In The Lucky One, Zac Efron reinvented himself as an actor and did a lot of things for the first time -- action, heavy drama and love scenes.

Based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestseller “The Lucky One,” Zac Efron stars alongside Taylor Schilling (upcoming “Atlas Shrugged: Part 1”) and Blythe Danner (“Meet the Parents” franchise) in this romantic drama directed by Academy Award®-nominated writer/director Scott Hicks (“Shine,” “No Reservations”).

Universal Pictures presents game-to-film epic BATTLESHIP

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

For a mainstream movie fan, movies about the battle between humans and aliens has been an all-time favorite.  It never stops to sizzle and fascinate the imagination of the viewers.  But when was the last time you saw a movie that features a large scale war between humans and aliens?  It's been a while right?  But Universal Pictures has a  good news for all the movie fans out there!

On April 12 2012, the battle for Earth begins at sea. Peter Berg directs and produces Battleship, an epic-scale action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force. After the blockbuster success of the toys-to-films Transformers and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Hasbro reviewed the catalogue and focused on “Battleship” as its first game-to-film. Still, the company knew it wouldn’t move forward until a crucial dilemma was resolved: how to logically transfigure a beloved property into a cohesive and entertaining motion picture. 

A Sneak Peek at Columbia Pictures' 21 JUMP STREET

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

In Columbia Pictures' action-comedy “21 Jump Street,” Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) were enemies in high school who became unlikely friends in Police Academy. While they may not be the best cops on the beat, they have a chance to turn it around when they join the police department's secret Jump Street unit, run by Captain Dickson (Ice Cube). They trade in their guns and badges for backpacks and use their youthful appearances to go undercover.

Treasure Find 21 -- Breathtaking Batanes (Da Best Sa Batanes part 3)

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Breathtaking.  That's Batanes in one word.  It's been more than a month but I can still smell the cool fresh breeze, see the magnificent view and feel the heavenly blessing at the islands of Batan and Sabtang.  

Vulugan Boulder Beach

On our first day, right after the going through the Japanese tunnel and seeing the sea of hills surrounding the historical spot, we went to the Valugan Boulder Beach.  Instead of sand, the beach is covered with large stones.   Yup it's not the usual sea side we go through but seeing this is something I will cherish for a long time, if not for eternity.  It's just so marvelous!  It's like the photos / images we see in spiritual and inspirational books.

Click here to read full story > Treasure Find 21 -- Breathtaking Batanes (Da Best Sa Batanes part 3)

GMA Films' THE ROAD makes waves among foreign media -- US release set on May 11

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (Movie):

Nothing stands in the way of GMA Film's horror movie The Road as it paves the way for Filipino stars to walk the red carpets of Hollywood. This May, the Yam Laranas thriller will make a debut in cinemas across the United States after GMA Films reached a commercial distribution agreement with international film distribution outfit Freestyle Releasing.

Alden Richards

The US screening of The Road is also already making waves among the foreign media. The Hollywood Reporter, Fangoria.com, AllHorror.net, Bloody-Disgusting.com, FlickDaily.com, Variety.com and other print and online media outfits report that The Road will also be released in digital platforms on the same day of its theatrical debut.

The Warm Welcome of Mount Fuji's Snow (Japan, Naman! part 3)

HELLO WORLD:

Ang ineeeetttt!!!  (It's so hot!!!)  I bet right here in the Philippines, this is the most common line today!  The scourging heat and humidity challenge our chance to play under the sun.  And with this heat, many of us are dying to hit the beach, get wet and play with water.  While many have started with and others are planning to do their water adventure, I on the other hand remembered my recent trip to a cold country.

Mount Fuji!  Photo by (Len Caccam)

For someone born in a tropical island, I am used to the kind of weather we have, rainy from June to November, cold from December to February and summer from March to May.  However the idea of playing with snow is something that has intrigued me.  It's not that I want to let go of our tropical weather but I was just looking forward to experiencing something new, like the winter season.  Although it's a fantasy I kept, I really never dwelled into details and really planned for it.  

But as you have read my Japan Naman post, you could have probably known that the good news I received from the start of the year made me realize this dream.  Yes folks, I got the chance to experience winter, and snow, for the first time.  And it was in Japan!  :)

A Bigger Titanic Returns in Theaters -- Notes on TITANIC 3D

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

You read the title right.  This time, I'm not writing a review but am sharing with you my thoughts and notes on the recent movie I watched.  This is the return of the box-office and award winning epic movie of James Cameron TITANIC but this time in 3D.  So, why not write a review?  I bet most of you, if not all, have seen this gigantic movie already in the past and I think a movie  review will not be necessary.  And with that, you would probably ask, why watch it again in theater?

Well I have 5 points to share why you should watch TITANIC 3D again in cinema.