Lee Min Ho's City Hunter on ABS-CBN

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ABS-CBN Channel 2 brings the biggest and most expensive Korean drama to the Philippines. City Hunter will start on Monday January 23 starring the most famous Korean superstar Lee Min Ho. 

City Hunter is based on the manga series by Tsukasa Hojo that ran from 1985 to 1991. It had been adapted into an animated TV series in 1987 and three other times after that. The franchise has also had three TV specials, 2 original Video animations, an animated feature film and an action film starring Jackie Chan.

The action drama series was directed by Jin Hyuk and also stars Park Min Young,Lee Joon Hyuk, Hwang Sun Hee, Goo Hara and Lee Kwang Soo.

Synopsis:

Kim Nana is aformer judo athlete who works as the bodyguard at Blue House (Korean president office). She involves in love triangle with Lee Yoon Sung , Blue House’s officer for national communication team and Kim Yoong Su, a prosecutor.

Lee Yoon Sung (Lee Min Ho) works at the Blue House’s National Communication Network Team and received his Ph.D at M.I.T. Kim Na Na (Park Min Young), a former judo athlete who works as a bodyguard for the President’s residence, the Blue House. Kim Na Na will eventually be involved in a love triangle with Lee Yoon Sung and prosecutor Lee Joon Hyuk (Kim Young Joo).

One of my favorite Korean actor is Lee Min Ho,  as I call him before, "Gu Jun Pyo. "

Lee Min Ho is a South Korean actor who is best known for his leading role in 2009 as 'Gu Jun Pyo', the leader of the group of students known as F4, in the South Korean television series Boys Over Flowers. He started his career in small drama roles in 2006, but he came to prominence with his acting role in Boys Over Flowers. He has subsequently appeared in the 2010 romantic comedy drama Personal Taste and the 2011 action drama City Hunter.

Coca-Cola: 100-Year-Old Man Shares the Secret to Happiness

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What’s your secret to happiness?

100-year old man makes a special journey to visit his newborn great granddaughter. His advice: "Find what makes you happy." Find out more about the secret to happiness.

The Secret to Happiness Revealed

Wouldn’t it be enlightening if somebody reveals the secret to happiness? As the year 2012 begins to unfold, a hundred-year old man in the name of Lolo Mario finally did.

This unraveling he does in a heartfelt encounter with his newborn great grandchild, Maya. As he meets her for the first time, their disparate timelines are bridged by the wisdom of Lolo Mario’s advice to Maya.  His words, albeit simple, have the power and depth that 100 years of life and experience can muster.  They are words that reverberate, no matter if merely whispered:

“Hanapin mo kung ano ang magpapasaya sa iyo.

(Go find what makes you happy.)

Napakabilis ng panahon.  Huwag mong sasayangin sa mga walang kabuluhang bagay. 

(Time passes by so quickly.  Don’t waste it on nonsense.)

Sa haba ng buhay ko, nagpapasalamat ako sa bawat sandaling nakasama ang mga kaibigan 

at pamilya.

(Looking back on all my years, what I am most grateful for are all the moments I shared 

with friends and family) 

Lolo Mario’s journey is the journey of every Filipino. It mirrors our unwavering pursuit for true joy shared with no less than the people we cherish the most. It is a testament to our commitment to always rise above life’s hurdles and walk on with an optimistic heart.

And through all these, throughout the last 100 years, there is the refreshing fuel that uplifts our body and spirit,Coca-Cola. Not only has it stood witness to every generation’s unique way of finding happiness in the face of insurmountable challenges, the Filipinos have also chosen it and made it an important part of every mealtime, every home, every occasion, and yes, amazingly, everyday. Truly, there is a heartfelt story of happiness that lies within each of us. And on its 100^th year, Coca-Cola couldn’t be any more grateful.

Through Lolo Mario’s introspective story of a magical encounter between two generations divided by 100 long years, Coca-Cola celebrates a life that looks back at the past and looks ahead to a future that holds so much promise of happiness.  For after all, in Lolo Mario’s own words: Pinanganak ka para maging maligaya.(Happiness is our birthright.) Coca-Cola. Salamat sa 100 Taon ng Saya. Ituloy ang Happiness!

Kate Beckinsale's movie, Underworld Awakening (3D)

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Kate Beckinsale back as Selene in "Underworld 4"

Kate Beckinsale is back as Selene in "Underworld Awakening", the fourth installment in the "Underworld" film series.

Fans of the first two "Underworld" films are sure to be thrilled by the return of actress Kate Beckinsale in the role of the fearsome Vampire huntress Selene, in Columbia Pictures' 3D action-thriller “UnderworldAwakening.” “We really wanted to work with Kate again,” says producer Gary Lucchesi. “Sometimes the stars just align themselves perfectly and this is one of those times.”

Beckinsale admits she thought twice about slipping back into the familiar skintight black latex suit before accepting the part again. “But it was a life-changing role for me, so I feel very affectionate towards it. It’s exciting to be able to follow a character over such a long period of time. It’s rare to get that chance.”

Tom Rosenberg, Lakeshore Entertainment chairman and CEO, says he’s thrilled to have Beckinsale in the film. “She is Selene, and Selene is the heart and soul of 'Underworld.'

Right from that first scene in the first film, she embodied the perfect tone.”

On set, it was clear she had lost none of the edge that made Selene an iconic figure in Underworldlore. “Kate can switch into Selene like that,” says co-director Mårlind, snapping his fingers. “She can be having a laugh, but when action’s called, she has those guns up and she looks like she’s going to kill you. She has a highway into Selene that is fantastic. As a director, it’s marvelous to have someone who is so close to their character.”

Revisiting the character and mythology that helped launch her career as a bona fide movie star was great fun for the actress. “It was exciting to do this together with the people who created the original film in a new environment with a different set of problems for Selene,” she says. “We all wanted a really fresh take and I think we’ve achieved that.”

The most unsettling change for Selene is finding that she has a daughter. “Suddenly being presented with a child who’s almost fully grown is a shock, especially when the girl’s father is gone,” says Beckinsale. “It’s quite a lot to handle. I wouldn’t say Selene is suddenly soft and maternal, but she’s protective in a new and different sort of way.”

After a centuries-long lifetime of being answerable to no one, Selene is only slowly able to embrace her daughter, says co-writer J. Michael Straczynski. “It brings out another side of her,” he notes. “In the previous movies, she was primarily focused on battling the bad guys. She was fighting against them, not fighting for someone, as she is now.”

The child opens up the character of Selene to a host of new possibilities and allows the character some emotional moments unlike anything in the previous films. “For the first time, there is a certain amount of vulnerability in Selene,” says producer Richard Wright. “She has an interplay with Eve that is very un-Selene like. Selene is very cold and nothing gets under her skin. She loves no one, she’s a killing machine—and then she has a daughter.”

Eve’s presence adds a new dimension to an already unique storyline, observes Beckinsale. “There aren’t very many female-led franchises, that work without being deliberately titillating or objectifying the lead character. I think that’s one of the great things about Selene becoming a mother, with all the attendant conflicts.”

Opening across the Philippines on Friday, Jan. 20 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theaters, “Underworld Awakening” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Complete List of the Winners of 69th ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

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Winners of  The 69th ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS were announced last week at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Monday Australian time, hosted  by British comedian Ricky Gervais. 

The Artist who won best Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical, and The Descendants was the one of the big surprises of the night by winning Best Motion Picture – Drama. Martin Scorsese’s love-letter to cinema, Hugo, earned him Best Director, but we already knew that about him. He beat out favourite Michel Hazanavicius forThe Artist.

Significantly, Iran took its first Golden Globe for Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation. Sidney Poitier also presented the Cecil B. DeMille Award to Morgan Freeman. The Adventures of Tintin won best animated feature, which I have to agree, edging out Disney, Pixar and favourite Rango.

On the small screen, Homeland was the biggest winner with a gong for Best Television Series – Drama, and a nod for actress Claire Danes.

Here's the complete list of winners of 69th ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

FILM

Motion Picture, Drama
The Descendants

Best Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
The Artist

Best Animated Feature Film
The Adventures of Tintin

Best Foreign Language Film
A Separation (Iran)

Best Director – Motion Picture
Martin Scorsese - Hugo

Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture  – Drama
Meryl Streep - The Iron Lady

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture – Drama
George Clooney - The Descendants

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Woody Allen - Midnight in Paris

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Masterpiece” — W.E.
Music & Lyrics by: Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

Best Original Score – Motion Picture
Ludovic Bource, The Artist

Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture 
Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Best Performance By An Actor In A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Jean Dujardin - The Artist

Best Performance By An Actress in A Motion Picture – Comedy Or Musical
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture
Octavia Spencer - The Help

TELEVISION

Best Performance By An Actor in A Supporting Role in A Series, Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television 
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones

Best Performance By An Actor In A Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Idris Elba, Luther

Best Television Series – Drama
Homeland, Showtime

Best Performance By An Actor In A Television Series – Drama
Kelsey Grammer, Boss

Best Performance By An Actress In A Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce

Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made For Television
Downton Abbey,  PBS (Masterpiece)

Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Laura Dern, Enlightened

Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series – Drama
Claire Danes – Homeland


Best Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Modern Family

Best Performance By An Actor In A Television Series – Comedy Or Musical
Matt LeBlanc – Episodes

Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Series, Mini-Series, Or Motion Picture Made for Television 
Jessica Lange – American Horror Story

Mental Feng Shui

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All years,  I"ve been receiving beautiful and interesting emails and messages from my family, relatives and friends. I really thank God for giving me loving and caring people around my life. Lately, now new year 2012, a friend sent this. It's true that there's some mighty fine advice in these words, even if you're not superstitious. I really have read this some years ago.  And just want to share this Mental Feng Shui.

This Lotus Touts Mental Feng Shui 21 rules good luck is by Anthony Robbins.  

ONE.                      Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. 

TWO.                     Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational 
                               skills will be as important as any other.  

THREE.                 Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.  

FOUR.                   When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.  

FIVE.                     When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.  

SIX.                        Be engaged at least six months before you get married.  

SEVEN.                 Believe in love at first sight. 

EIGHT.                  Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.  

NINE.                     Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to 
                                live life completely.  


TEN.                      In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.  

ELEVEN.              Don't judge people by their relatives. 

TWELVE.             Talk slowly but think quickly.  

THIRTEEN.         When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 
                              'Why do you want to know?' 

FOURTEEN.        Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.  

FIFTEEN.              Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.  

SIXTEEN.             When you lose, don't lose the lesson. 

SEVENTEEN.       Remember the three R's: 
                                     Respect for self; 
                                     Respect for others; and
                                     Responsibility for all your actions.  

EIGHTEEN.           Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.  

NINETEEN.           When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.  

TWENTY.              Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.  

TWENTY- ONE.   Spend some time alone. 

The Rap Battle Begins! Sunugan: Unfinished Business

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“Whoever loses resigns from rap – for good.” That spells the inevitable doom of whoever loses in the rap battle aptly called SUNUGAN: Unfinished Business. This Filipino rap battle is the much-awaited conclusion to previous rap battles between Abra and Batas, Shehyee and Melvin the Devil, and many other masters of rap. Too many loose ends… but wait until January 28, 2012, when the SUNUGAN: Unfinished Business shall commence.

Mortal enemies in rap battle finally get to the conclusion of their rap drama as they put their careers on the line. The losing party shall never rap again! Loonie versus Zaito, Apekz versus Harlem, Shehyee versus Melvin the Devil, and Abra versus Batas.

For this historic event, Guijo Street in Makati shall be closed off. SUNUGAN: Unfinished Business will be the event to go to this January as rap masters engage in a word fight that millions of rap fans from all over the world will want to witness.

Live streaming shall be available via PinoyTuner on Youtube. And if you want a preview of what’s to come, watch Shehyee and Abra as they engage in a battle rap with comedian-host Stanley Chi on Dig Radio’s Suplado Show. That’s this Monday, January 23, 2012, 9 to 11 p.m.

Also, get the chance to ask Shehyee and Abra any question by calling the Suplado Show during the preview rap battle. Winning caller wins gift certificates from UniSilver Time.

Sunugan: Unfinished Business starts at 8 p.m. at Guijo Street, in front of Dig Radio Studios (7615 Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, Makati) and Saguijo. Come and witness the war. It has been brewing ever since – and we all hold our breaths for the finale.

You may also text JOIN (space) SUNUGAN and send to 2948 to get updates on Sunugan: Unfinished Business. Like the Suplado Show on Facebook for updates on the preview battle with Stanley Chi on January 23. Like Dig Radio to get real-time updates on the Sunugan: Unfinished Business rap battle on January 28.

Robert Alejandro, Asian of the Year

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Robert Alejandro is chosen by Channel News Asia as one of the Asians of the Year - Fighting Poverty.
He shares about his volunteer work with ATD, All Together in Dignity.
All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines is an international non-governmental organization with no religious or political affiliation.
Robert is an exemplary artist,  has inspired and help others. Congratulations Robert Alejandro ! 

The Chinese Lunar Dragon Year starts on January 23, 2012

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On Monday, January 23, Chinese people everywhere will celebrate Chinese New Year, the most important of all Chinese holidays.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013.  The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac which consists of 12 Animal signs.  The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend.  In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and  power. Today, it  is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness.   May the celestial Dragon bring great good luck to everyone.

Those born in the year of the dragon will turn 12, 24, 36, 48 (and so on) years old this year, according to the Chinese zodiac.

"The Dragon is the mightiest of the signs, [symbolizing such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They're driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks, unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled," according to ChineseZodiac.com.

In Sung Dynasty (a Chinese imperial dynasty lasting from AD 960 - 1279) texts, the dragon is described as having the head of an ox, muzzle of a donkey, eyes of a shrimp, horns of a deer, body of a serpent covered with fish scales, and feet of a phoenix.  The dragon usually clutches a pearl symbolic of its super-natural powers.  Invariably accompanied by thunder and rain, dragons move like lightning and whirlwinds - - all powerful yet totally unpredictable.

                       

Here are  signs of the Dragon: 

People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics:  Innovative, enterprising,  self-assured, brave, passionate, conceited, and quick-tempered. The Dragons are the free spirits of the Chinese Zodiac. Restrictions blow out their creative spark that is ready to flame into life.  So, they must be free and uninhibited.  The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant.  An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and  irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas and extreme ambitions.  However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show.  Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. 

Dragons are passionate. They fall in love quickly – and out of love just as quickly. Their charisma and charm is an immense draw to people of the opposite sex whose attention and admiration they crave. Though they have a tendency to treat love like a game, they can settle down when they meet the right partner, someone who’s strong enough not to be bowled over by the Dragon’s flamboyant, independent and stubborn personality.

People born in the Year of the Dragon usually make it to the top.  But, they must be aware of that too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled.  They find pleasure in helping others, and you can always count on their help.  Even though they are willing to assist when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others.  Their generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart.  Their self-sufficiency can mean that they have no need for close bonds with other people.

Dragon people tend to take thrilling risks, and burn the candle at both ends so they are fortunate to be blessed with good health.  However, they can suffer bad health as a result of excess stress.  Symtoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension.  They can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and practice meditation, Tai Chi or Yoga that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body.

The Dragon is not the most domesticated of the Animal signs.  So, people born in the Year of the Dragon  prefer enjoying outdoor activities rather than staying at home.  They are extroverts who have a deep love for nature. Their homes should be as large and majestic as their personalities, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character. They have true and sincere love, which comes from the depths of their hearts.

Dragon people are quite imaginative, always able to see new paths and will take a radical approach.  They have innate explorative spirit and  try to succeed at one stroke. They are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow them to take the limelight. They work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them.  They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.

People born in the Year of the Dragon like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others.  Many Dragon people will take big chances with their finances.  It is very rare that  they remain poor for long.  They will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted. 

Dragon Years: 

02/19/1904 to 02/03/1905 (Wood)

02/03/1916 to 01/22/1917 (Fire)

01/23/1928 to 02/09/1929 (Earth)

02/08/1940 to 01/26/1941 (Metal)

01/27/1952 to 02/13/1953 (Water)

02/13/1964 to 02/01/1965 (Wood)

01/31/1976 to 02/17/1977 (Fire)

02/17/1988 to 02/05/1989 (Earth)

02/05/2000 to 01/23/2001 (Metal)

01/23/2012 to 02/09/2013 (Water)

Famous celebrities born in under the Dragon include John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Al Pacino, Marlene Dietrich and Matt Dillon.  Other famous Dragon are the following: 

Calista Flockhart

Colin Farrell

Courtney Cox

Courtney Love

Dinah Shore

Isabella Rossellini

Julia Ormond

Juliette Binoche

Reese Witherspoon

Roseanne Barr

Sandra Bullock

Wynonna Judd

And one of the Dragon born people, is me!  Happy New Year! Gong Hay Fat Choi!  Kung Hei Fat Choi!