Enjoying Wonderful World

February 21, 2012

New MTRCB TV rating 'SPG' STRONG Parental Guidance

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board implemented the new “SPG” rating for television programs started February 09, 2012 pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 12-2011.

MTRCB Chair Grace Poe-Llamanzares announced last Tuesday that the infomercial is in line with the implementation of a new classification rating called Strong Parental Guidance or “SPG.”The revised ratings, based on a recent memorandum issued by the review board, are General Patronage (“G”), Parental Guidance (“PG”), Strong Parental Guidance (“SPG”) and Disapproved, For Adults Only and (cannot be shown) (“X”).

MTRCB says in a press release that the new SPG rating strives to “balance the interest of the State to protect and promote the development and welfare of the youth with the interest of the broadcast industry to freedom of expression.”

“We’ve agreed not to impose a time slot for the airing of shows with ‘SPG’ classification,” the MTRCB chief said. “As a compromise, the networks will help us air the infomercial, which aims to teach the public what the new rating means. They happily obliged—they will give us a list of airtime soon. They can’t just broadcast the ad when only a few people will get to see it; They have to air it on prime time, too.”

The “infomercial” to further raise public awareness on the revised rating system for television. The infomercial aims to empower parents to exercise caution and vigilance over the viewing habits of their children.

The 30-seconder was directed by Veronica Velasco, with Vic Acedillo as creative director.

The infomercial feature Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi and their children Peter V. Legaspi and Maria Cassandra V. Legaspi. “These are hard-core movie people; they did this at no cost,” Llamanzares said. “Carmina and her family didn’t ask for talent fees, either.”

Explaining the need for a higher classification rating, Llamanzares said programs classified as “SPG” may contain “more serious topics and themes, which may not be advisable for children to watch except under the very vigilant guidance and presence of a parent or adult.”

Llamanzares noted: “The scope of ‘PG’ was so wide—from basketball to [the reality show] ‘Pinoy Big Brother.’ A basketball game is ‘PG’ since fights could break out, but PBB may be considered ‘SPG.’”

She said a dialogue will soon be held about what constitutes the sexualization of a scene.

The Cranberries are back in Manila for “Greatest Hits” concert

THE CRANBERRIES ARE BACK in Manila for their much-awaited “The Greatest Hits Concert” on April 10^th at the Araneta Coliseum. The Irish rock band, one of the world’s biggest rock acts in the 1990s, first staged a concert in the Philippines in 1996. They attained a worldwide fan base after releasing their hit songs, which are now rock and roll classics: “Linger”, “Zombie”, “Ode To My Family”, “Animal Instinct”, “Ridiculous Thoughts”, and a lot more.

Stephanie Uy, President of Karpos Multimedia Inc., the producer of the said concert, shares that they are very excited to bring The Cranberries here in the Philippines.

“The Cranberries are going to tour starting March until July, and we’re very lucky because Philippines is the only country that they’ll visit in Asia. We can’t wait to have them here,” she says.

“So if you love rock and you miss the music of the 90’s, this is an event you shouldn’t pass up,” Uy adds.

Pinoy band Franco will showcase their own brand of rock and roll as the front act for The Cranberries.

Best-selling band

The group—composed of vocalist Dolores O'Riordan, guitarists Noel Hogan and Mike Hogan, as well as drummer Fergal Lawler—was one of the biggest rock bands in the 1990s. Aside from selling more than 15 million albums worldwide, the band has likewise produced four records that were included in the Billboard 200 chart. These are “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?”, “No Need to Argue”, “To the Faithful Departed”, and “Bury the Hatchet’.

The Cranberries started touring in Ireland and the UK in 1992; They had their North American and European Tour a few years later. They included Manila on their "To the Faithful Departed" tour in 1996. The success of their concerts paved way to a world tour in 1999.

In early 2000, however, the group went on a hiatus and its members concentrated on their own solo projects. O'Riordan launched a couple of solo albums titled “Are You Listening?” (2007) and “No Baggage” (2009), while the rest of The Cranberries became active in their other bands and music projects.

Reunion and new album

The Cranberries reunited for a successful North American and European tour in 2009. They also recorded their sixth album, “Roses”, which will be officially released worldwide on February 27^th.

In an interview with Billboard.com, O'Riordan shared that making the newest record was a great experience for every member of the band.

“It really came together really nicely. A lot of the tracks were written without really thinking about it. They just came. I suppose we had more respect for each other and what we were doing.”

The track list for “Roses” includes: "Conduct", "Tomorrow", "Fire & Soul", "Raining In My Heart", "Losing My Mind", "Schizophrenic Playboys", "Waiting In Walthamstow", "Show Me", "Astral Projections", "So Good", and "Roses".

You can get updates as well as pre-order the album by visiting www.cranberries.com.

The lingering is finally over as The Cranberries will be here once again soon. Get your tickets now at TicketNet (911-5555): Patron VIP (First 10 Rows 101 & 103 - Reserved Seating) - P7420; Patron (Reserved Seating) - P5830; Lower Box (Reserved Seating) - P4770; Upper Box A (Reserved Seating) - P2650; Upper Box B (Free Seating) – 1590; and General Admission (Free Seating) - P530.

If you are interested in sponsoring this highly anticipated rock event, you can contact Chris Cahilig by sending him an email at chriscahilig@gmail.com or calling at (02) 664-7213.

February 20, 2012

Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas feat. El Gamma Penumbra

Choose Philippines (Choose PH), a travel website created by ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG) for Filipinos and foreigners looking for the real deal on what to see, where to go, what to eat, and where to stay in the Philippines, has launched a new music video on Sunday, February 19.

Featuring “Pilipinas Got Talent” finalist El Gamma Penumbra, the music video showed the beauty and natural wonders of the Philippines through the group’s famous shadow play.

Choose Philippines collaborated with PGT Finalist and web sensation El Gamma Penumbra to give you a new version of their music video. Using the song Piliin mo Ang Pilipinas, El Gamma Penumbra amazingly showcases popular Philippine destinations through shadow play.

This Music Video is a production of ABS-CBN's CCM Division and Regional Network Group.

"Piliin mo ang Pilipinas" was written by ABS-CBN CCM Vice President Robert Labayen, who also composed the much-lauded station ID song “Bro, Star ng Pasko.” Music composed by Allan Dannug and arranged by Marvin Querido.

The music video was performed by “Star Power” grand winner Angeline Quinto and singer Vincent Bueno.

8th USTv Students’ Choice Awards 2012

The USTv Students’ Choice Awards is an annual awarding ceremony that recognizes excellence and Christian values in local television programs and personalities. Awards are based on students’ preferences survey that accounts for Catholic and humanist values. The Neo-centennial edition of the USTv Students’ Choice Awards have been concluded last Thursday night (February 16) at the UST Medicine Auditorium.

And here are the winners of the 8th USTv Students’ Choice Awards with this year’s theme “Promoting Positive Values in Pop Culture on Television.”

Best Full Animated Program:

Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN)

Best Foreign Soap Opera:

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (ABS-CBN)

Best Documentary Program:

I-Witness (GMA)

Best Magazine Show:

Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA)

Best Game Show:

Who Wants to be a Millionaire (TV5)

Best Reality Show:

Showtime (ABS-CBN 2)

Best Educational Program:

Matanglawin (ABS-CBN)

Best Local Music Video:

Walang Natira (Gloc 9 feat. Sheng Belmonte)

Best Local Video Artist:

Sarah Geronimo

Best Gag Show:

Bubble Gang (GMA 7)

Best Variety Show:

Eat Bulaga (GMA 7)

Best Talk Variety Program:

Gandang Gabi Vice (ABS-CBN)

Best Value Laden Theme/Storyline TV Advertisement:

Lucky Me (Tunay na Lalaki)

Best Sports Show:

Sports Unlimited (ABS-CBN)

Best Male News and Current Affairs Host:

Anthony Taberna (ABS-CBN 2)

Best Female News and Current Affairs Host:

Jessica Soho (GMA News TV)

Best Public Affairs Talk Show:

The Bottomline with Boy Abunda (ABS-CBN)

Best Local News and Current Affairs Program:

24 Oras (GMA 7)

Best Public Service Program:

Wish Ko Lang (GMA 7)

Best Music Channel:

MYX (ABS-CBN 2)

Best Entertainment News Program:

The Buzz (ABS-CBN)

Best Reality TV Program:

Showtime (ABS-CBN)

Best Daily Local Soap Opera:

100 Days to Heaven (ABS-CBN)

Best Drama Program:

Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN)

Best Situational Comedy:

Pepito Manoloto (GMA 7)

Best Daily Local Soap Opera:

100 Days to Heaven (ABS-CBN 2)

Special Citation on a Catholic Program:

100 Days to Heaven (ABS-CBN 2)

Best Supporting Actress in a Daily Local Soap Opera:

Jodi Sta. Maria for “100 Days to Heaven” (ABS-CBN 2)

Best Supporting Actor in a Daily Local Soap Opera:

Jhong Hilario for “Mara Clara” (ABS-CBN 2)

Best Actress in a Daily Local Soap Opera:

Xyriel Manabat for “100 Days to Heaven” (ABS-CBN)

Best Actor in a Daily Local Soap Opera:

Coco Martin for “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” (ABS-CBN)

Special Citation Catholic Program:

Banal (ABS-CBN)

"JACK AND JILL"

Family guy Jack Sadelstein prepares for the annual event he dreads: the Thanksgiving visit of his twin sister, the needy and passive-aggressive Jill, who then refuses to leave. Jack and Jill is a comedy focusing on Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler), a successful advertising executive in Los Angeles with a beautiful wife and kids, who dreads one event each year: the Thanksgiving visit of his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler). Jill’s neediness and passive-aggressiveness is maddening to Jack, turning his normally tranquil life upside down.

Katie Holmes plays Erin, Adam (Jack)Sandler's wife in 'Jack and Jill.' Adam Sandler’s twin sister is coming for the holiday.

This is Columbia Pictures' outrageous comedy “Jack and Jill” from director Dennis Dugan and starring Sandler, Katie Holmes and Al Pacino.

When you get together with your family for the holidays, everybody has that one family member who drives you crazy. They mean well, and you love them, but still.

For Jack (Sandler), that’s his sister, his twin sister , Jill (also played by Sandler). Growing up, their lives were incredibly intertwined. But ever since Jack moved away, they have moved in different directions. Jack has become a highly motivated and successful ad executive in L.A., while Jill was the one who stayed back east and took care of their parents. Now, they see each other only once a year, at Thanksgiving, when Jill comes to L.A. for a visit. Time and distance have taken a toll on their relationship – and now Jack finds himself enduring Jill’s annual visit, rather than enjoying it.

Still, it’s just a couple of days, right? Wrong. Jack and Jill get off on the wrong foot just like always and the only way Jack can make things right is to ask Jill to stay on through Hanukkah, giving her some time to enjoy everything L.A. has to offer, from game shows to horseback riding. Still, Jack isn’t exactly pleased that his sister is extending her trip.

Adding to Jack’s stress is the fact that things aren’t going all that well at his ad agency. His biggest client, Dunkin Donuts, is demanding that Jack deliver Al Pacino to perform in a new Dunkaccino commercial. Jack wonders how in the world he is going to get Pacino His quest is intensified when he finds out that the famous actor is having a nervous breakdown and losing his mind. Having played one too many roles, the actor is starting to confuse reality with the parts he is playing and is acting out in some increasingly erratic ways.

When Jack takes Jill to see the Lakers, he approaches Pacino about the commercial, but is stunned when Pacino is much more interested in talking to Jill. It turns out that Jill reminds Pacino of everything he left behind his boyhood home in the Bronx, his childhood and for Pacino, who is preparing to play Don Quixote on stage, something clicks. Because he’s having trouble with reality, suddenly, Jill isn’t Jack’s wacky sister, she’s Dulcinea, Don Quixote’s idealized romantic love and Pacino must conquer her affections to realize his quest.

Trouble is, Jill isn’t interested. But Pacino will not be brushed aside so easily. Inviting himself to Jack and Jill’s surprise birthday party, he sweeps Jill off her feet and takes her for a private party at his home – but Jill still isn’t biting, which only inflames Pacino’s passion (and insanity). It’s not clear who’s more upset – Jill, from the experience, or Jack, who thinks his chance to get Pacino could be over, or Pacino, who is completely losing it for Jill.

For Jack, now the shoe is on the other foot: he has to try to convince Jill to extend her trip even further and give Pacino one more shot. It’s a move that sets in motion a wild, outrageous series of events that reveals to Jack who the most important people in his life are and have always been.