Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Eric Bana’s Darkest Hour in “Deadfall”


Eric Bana stars in Deadfall, a crime thriller drama. The movie will be showing in the Philippines from December 5, 2012.

A thriller that follows two siblings who decide to fend for themselves in the wake of a botched casino heist, and their unlikely reunion during another family's Thanksgiving celebration. - IMDB


Movie Trailer (from Youtube by Trailer Box)



Here is a press release about the movie.


PRESS RELEASE


Eric Bana  was first introduced to American audiences in the title role of Mark “Chopper” Read in the feature film Chopper, which premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival and was then released in the U.S. to critical notice after its Australian success. Bana earned awards from the Film Critics Circle of Australia and the Australian Film Institute for his portrayal of Chopper.


Bana was seen co-starring in Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down as Delta Sergeant First Class Norm “Hoot” Gibson, one of a group of elite U.S. soldiers, opposite Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor and Tom Sizemore.

Shortly thereafter, Bana starred as the title role of Bruce Banner in Hulk for director Ang Lee and Universal Pictures, based on the Marvel Comics character. He was also featured as Hector the Prince of Troy in Warner Bros.’ Troy. The following year, he starred in Steven Spielberg’s critically acclaimed Munich, about the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics.







In his new film  "Deadfall" marks one of Eric Bana's darkest roles in recent memory. In the film, he plays Addison, a heist man who just robbed a casino with his sister (played by Olivia Wilde) near the Canadian border. But when their car is totalled in a blizzard, the two are forced to split up, leading Addison on a murderous rampage as he tries to make the border.






The role required an actor that could paint in shades of grey, who could bring a subtle approach to a mercurial, brutal character. “We were aware that we needed a brilliant actor,” says director Ruzowitzky, “to show these many layers that are in that character, that it’s not a one layer thing, that it’s all on one tone, but all these different sides we see of him.” 

Fortunately, Eric Bana read the script and immediately took to the challenge: “Initially my agent thought I was going to be interested in playing Jay more than Addison, but it was Addison that drew me in,” explains Bana. “This is a very dangerous character and I was immediately drawn to the complexities of playing him.”

“I don't think it was the dark and twisted part of the character that attracted me, I just think it was a really well written script with really well detailed characters. I don't think I had that many questions for [screenwriter] Zack Dean and [director] Stefan Ruzowitzky after I read the script. Sometimes you read a script and you have a million questions and notes, and I just felt it was so well written that I didn't have any. I think that's the thing that attracted me more so than the fact that it's dark. I know that's always fun, but essentially it was just how good the dialogue was and the structure.”



“He’s a very complicated, screwed-up guy,” Bana continues. “Someone who, on the surface, completely has a handle on himself and his sister. As the story progresses, and as our movie heads towards the final act, we discover that he's someone who's not really in as complete control as he would like to believe.”

“Everything about the film felt cool,” enthuses Bana. “The script was one of the coolest things I’d read in a long, long time – if not the coolest thing I’d ever read. The character was a wonderfully unique opportunity for any actor, so I was very aggressive about clinging on to that opportunity and just doing everything I could to make sure that the film got made.”








‘Deadfall’ is released and distributed by Crystalsky Multimedia.
Showing on December 5. Nationwide.


Credits: Photo and press release provided by Crystalsky Multimedia

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Rise of the Guardians Philippine Red Carpet Premiere at IMAX, SM City North EDSA

Photo Credits

Last November 24, Saturday, my 2 daughters and I attended the Red Carpet Premiere of the animated fantasy adventure movie "Rise of the Guardians" at the IMAX Cinema at SM City North EDSA courtesy of Solar Entertainment Corporation.  It had the atmosphere of fun and excitement with a mix crowd of children, teens, parents and people from the press and fellow bloggers.

"Rise of the Guardians" is an epic and magical adventure that tells the story of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost - legendary characters with previously unknown extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children everywhere. The film features the voices of Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Jude Law.

At the premiere, in addition to the buffet of good food that included pasta, fish fingers, nicely themed cup cakes and desserts, there was cotton candy stalls and traditional ice cream being served to delight the young and the young at heart.

After filling ourselves with food and desserts, we went inside the cinema getting our 3D glasses at the entrance.  Yes, it's in 3D.  Nothing beats 3D + IMAX, unless you are in simulator where the seats move as well.

We enjoyed the movie not only because of the well implemented 3D but the story, the action, the comedy, the drama, the WORKS, as a whole made it a movie not to be missed!  Each of the characters have their own way of entertaining the movie audience and together the summation was greater than all parts combined.

At the end of the movie, everyone had their own favorite "Guardian" for various reasons.

I rate the movie 5/5 for it's entertainment value especially if you will watch it in 3D. It's a movie that can stand the test of time and could be one of the classic animated movies.  Highly recommended!





The Movie

Philippine Release Date: November 28, 2012

Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Adventure

Produced by:  Dreamworks Animatio

Storyline: When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world. - IMDB


Cast:
Chris Pine - Jack Frost (voice)


Alec Baldwin - North / Santa Claus (voice)


Jude Law - Pitch (voice)


Hugh Jackman - Bunny (voice)


Isla Fisher - Tooth (voice)
Photo credit


Since the character of the Sandy (The Sandman) does not speak but communicates through sand images that he conjures above his head, there is no actor/actress credits.  I included his image here because he should not be missed :)




Trailer:







Premiere Coverage Photos



Movie Themed Cupcakes

Cotton Candy and Ice Cream Stands

Kids loves Cotton Candy especially it's FREE

The wacky registration booth

Santa inspired costume

Even Superman attended but the superhero on the right was in a hurry to get his cotton candy to pose for a photo

It's me! Stayed on Santa's Nice side (not naughty this year)

Lots of teens attended and enjoyed the movie




Fans Reaction

Group




Teens




Bloggers






Have you seen or planning to see the movie?  Let us know what you like about it.  Who is your favorite "guardian" and why?


Related Posts:


Credits / Sources: Movie info from IMDB , Wikipedia
                                 Character photos from Solar UIP Press Releases

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Video Blog of the Newest & Yummiest Dimsum in the Metro: Dimsum Break at SM North EDSA


There is a new fastfood restaurant where you can have a Dimsum in a Dash, Dimsum Break located at 3rd Floor of the Annex Wing of SM City North EDSA.

With their success in Cebu, the same delicious dimsums, steamed or fried and their other selection of Chinese food can now be experienced here by the urbanites of the Metro.

Here are the videos of the resto from the walk-through, to the food selections. Enjoy!



Resto Walk-Through






Steamed and Fried Dimsum





Steamed Fried Rice





Salads and Desserts






Halo-Halo





Interview / Invitation




More more info about Dimsum Break, please visit their Facebook Page.



I highly recommend Dimsum Break especially for their Dimsum, steamed or fried. It's so tasty. Quality dimsum compared to your typical kiosk siomai. Great selection and quality food at the right price.


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I'm In For This Year's Canon Photomarathon 2012 - Registration Completed


I'm so happy to received an e-mail today from Canon Marketing Philippines with the subject line:
"You Are Part of this Year's Canon PhotoMarathon 2012"

This is the contents of the e-mail:




CONGRATULATIONS!


Your Registration for the CANON PHOTOMARATHON 2012 –METRO MANILA LEG is successful. You are one of the lucky participants to join in the much awaited On-the-Spot Photography Contest- The 2012 CANON PHOTOMARATHON at FORT SANTIAGO, INTRAMUROS, MANILA in Metro Manila!

Bring your Canon Camera & your skills this coming December 8, Saturday at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila!

Distribution of Photomarathon Kit will begin as early as 6:30 AM.

Show the Country your thematic and creative instincts in a photo contest which will get you sweating under pressure and get to win a Brand New Canon EOS DSLR Camera.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, REGULARLY VISIT the Canon Photomarathon 2012 Registration Website and Canon Digital Cameras Philippines Facebook Fan Page  or you may follow us @Canon_PH

Do’s

  1. Prepare well. Carry fully charged and spare batteries, additional memory cards and sturdy bag for your digital camera gear. Please note that no charging facilities will be provided.
  2. Be creative in interpreting the themes.
  3. Return early so that you have time to select and upload the best pictures – and have refreshments to recharge yourself.
  4. Pre-select your best image so that you can upload quickly.
  5. Sleep early the night before to be fully rested.
  6. Stay hydrated during the marathon.
  7. Make sure that all equipment is kept in a secure place. Do not place them in your cars or other visible areas to avoid theft or loss.
  8. Download and submit your accomplished waiver form on the day of the event.
  9. Read the Photomarathon mechanics/rules and regulations.

Don’ts

  1. Do not trespass into private property.
  2. Do not litter in public places, do no smoke within restricted areas.
  3. Do not be a nuisance in public and do not break the law under any circumstances.
  4. Do not park your vehicles illegally or case any inconvenience to the public.
  5. Do not monopolize the uploading stations.
  6. Do not bring a large group of supporters to the marathon because there is a limit as to how many people the headquarters can accommodate.

Thank you very much!

Sincerely,
CANON PHOTOMARATHON 2012 Secretariat


NOTE: THIS EMAIL WAS SENT BY OUR AUTOMATIC FORWARDING SYSTEM. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY AS YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. FOR INQUIRIES, YOU MAY EMAIL US AT[email protected]GMAIL.COM




Attached with the e-mail is a waiver form that I should print and sign and submit to the registration desk on the day of the event.

After a bumpy registration process, finally I got successfully registered when I received that e-mail.

I have friends who still did not get their final confirmations both for those who bought from authorized dealers and non-authorized dealers.  Anyways, for units bought from authorized dealers, they are priority so there is a big chance that they will get confirmed as well.  However, for units bought from abroad or from the "grey" market, they will get their chance only after confirming the slots for "red" units registration.  Hopefully, Canon will increase the number of participants this year so that every Canon user "red" or "grey" who wants to join will be able to join.  The MORE the MERRIER!  Even my Nikon friends nga, manghihiram ng Canon units from friends/relatives so they can join this event ha ha ha!

For those who have not registered yet or having trouble with the registration, here is a flowchart of the registration process published in their Facebook page:


Registration process from Canon Philippines FB Page

You also can see my previous post as well about the Canon Photomarathon 2012 registration.

If you are having problems with the registration, especially if you have a "red" unit bought from an authorized dealer, email  [email protected]GMAIL.COM immediately and state your Camera model and serial number as per the flowchart published by Canon Philippines.

Good luck to everyone and I wish you a successful registration and hope to see you at the event!



Credits: Poster and Flowchart from Canon Philippines Facebook Page

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Friday, November 23, 2012

The Joys of Christmas Hello Kitty Style at SM City North EDSA




Even after repeated visits to SM City North EDSA, since it's near our office, the "Hello Kitty Christmas" theme of the mall still amazes me how it brings joy and laughter to the young (and the young at heart) shoppers and passer-by crowd.

It started November 10 with the grand opening of the "Hello Kitty, Hello Christmas" event at the Atrium of The Block where the Hello Kitty Christmas Village was setup for display. On that day, there was a fashion show featuring Hello Kitty apparel and accessories. The highlight was the appearance of Hello Kitty entering in style riding a vintage car.

Hello Kitty in the vintage car




HELLO KITTY CHRISTMAS VILLAGE


The spirit of Christmas is strongly felt in the ambiance of the place as you see the young and the old with smile and laughter taking photos at the marvelous Hello Kitty Christmas Village.



Kids just love the village!







Even lovers catch the Hello Kitty bug!












Fellow bloggers at the Christmas Village




HELLO KITTY'S THE LUXE COLLECTION


Another attraction at the mall in line with the theme is The Luxe Collection.  This is an interesting collection of Hello Kitty items and memorabilia from various Hello Kitty fans/collectors.The collection is displayed at the 3rd floor  of The Block. Visit the my other post Hello Kitty Luxe Collection at SM City North EDSA for a more detailed coverage of the collection.


Hello Kitty Microwave Oven in the collection of DJ Nicole


Swarovski Ipad cases of DJ Nicole



HELLO KITTY LANTERNS AT THE SKY GARDEN


Another fave for the crowd is the Christmas tree and lightings at the Sky Garden accented by lots of Hello Kitty Lanterns. At night, the Sky Garden lights up a smile for crowd posing behind the Christmas trees and lights or next to the Hello Kitty lanterns.

Captivating Christmas tree and lighting accented by the Hello Kitty lanterns at Sky Garden

Teens just love Hello Kitty Christmas

My wife and I took our OFW friend from Brunei, Ellen, who was on a short vacation here in the Philippines for a tour of the Sky Garden for some photo souveniers.


My wife posing at the Hello Kitty Lantern

My wife and OFW friend Ellen (on vacation from Brunei) just love the Christmas lights


The Firefly Christmas Tree top portion at the backdrop

OFW friend Ellen enjoyed the Sky Garden photo tour
 
The colorful Sky Garden at night as seen from far away

See the spectacular giant Christmas Tree by Firefly at the waterfalls area.

The Giant Firefly Christmas Tree
Head up to the Skygarden for the brightest and most colorful fireworks display on December 2, and 16, starting at 7pm.



OTHER RELATED EVENTS

  • Hello Kitty Meet and Greet on Nov  23, 24, 25, Dec 1, 8, 14, 15, 22, 23 ,24
    Time: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
    .  For more info, visit SM City North FB Page
  • Santa Meet and Greet at the City Center third floor, on December 9, 16, 24, and 25, from 3pm to 5pm
  • Christmas hymns sang by our grand chorale on December 2 and 16
  • All-4-kids Sale at the City Center third floor from December 10 to 16
  • SM Kid’s Holiday Bazaar at the Skydome on November 30, December 1 & 2.




SM City North EDSA offers a great Christmas ambiance.  Bring a smile and fun to your holiday shopping and enjoy the Joys of Christmas Hello Kitty style!

Merry Christmas! Enjoy!


Related Posts:




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Hello Kitty Luxe Collection at SM City North EDSA


Hello Kitty fans (and even non-fans) is for a treat!  As part of the SM City North EDSA's Christmas motif, the mall have setup events related to the Hello Kitty! theme from November 10, 2012 to January 6, 2013

Continuing my "Hello Kitty, Hello Christmas at SM City North EDSA post" , another attraction at the mall in line with the theme is The Hello Kitty's Luxe Collection.  This is an interesting collection of Hello Kitty items and memorabilia from various Hello Kitty fans/collectors.The collection is displayed at the 3rd floor of The Block.


Video Walk-through

Here is a video walk-through of Luxe collection:



Aside from seeing the stylish and enviable collection, you can also take photos in front of the big Hello Kitty display.

People just love to have photos with Hello Kitty!

Hello Kitty is so adorable! Hugs and kisses from Fellow blogger Krystle Pingol of www.ilovekits.blogspot.com to Hello Kitty!


Hello Kitty is so nice to hug! Fellow blogger Christian Melanie Lee of thewebmagazine.blogspot.com





PHOTOS OF THE COLLECTION

Here are some photos of the collection:
















THE COLLECTORS

Here are the profiles of the collectors:



Nicole Beltran

Denise Lao

Kate Navasero

Agnes Manalo

Dianne Abella

Abigail Dela Rama

DJ Nicole

Jilllian Ward



The collection is both stylish and fun. It's a must see for any Hello Kitty fan!  Don't forget to bring your cameras for a souvenir photo with the giant Hello Kitty!

Enjoy!


Related Posts:

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