Richard Yap with "The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin"

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"The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" comes out this Christmas as Star Cinema and ViVa Films offering in the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival. 

Vice Ganda returns as the reluctant soldier-turned-hero Benjie in the sequel to the 2011 box-office hit "The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin."

We had an exclusive interview with Richard in a blog conference yesterday at the Star Cinema office, ELJ Bldg. Abs-Cbn Compound, Quezon CIty.

Richard said that this is the first time he work with Direk Wenn Deramas. "We've never worked together in a movie so this is my first time with most of the stars. With Direk Wenn you have to be very fast, how he works, you really have to pick up the pace. We already talked about making a movie before but that was shelved because of Be Careful With My Heart that we were supposed to do this year. I wasn't apprehensive because I know they were going to help me."

He was asked how did he work with Bimby? (Kris Aquino's son)

"It was also a nice experience working with Bimby. Bimby is like our baby in the set. He did all the things Direk Wenn told him to do."

"I'm excited! This is going to be the most exciting movie you'll watch this Christmas," he said.

"We'll be flying to Vietnam by the way on Monday to meet the fans there," Richard shared. 

Here''s the Synposis of the the story:

After defeating the terrorists led by Billy Aladdin, the once humble Private BENJAMIN (Vice Ganda) has become the Philippine’s unkabogable soldier and a worldwide sensation. Inevitably, he rises from the ranks and in no time becomes the incredible, unbeatable, and unreachable soldier. To prepare him better, Benjamin is assigned under a new general, WILSON CHUA (Richard Yap). However, Private Benjamin committed a BIG mistake. Benjamin is about to be dismissed from service when Gen. Chua saves him by giving him a mission – to be the private security of a brat kid B2 (Bimby Aquino Yap). As he watches over B2, Benjamin finds himself clashing with MISTY, General Chua’s daughter, and the meddlesome housemaid GUNDINA. However, as he gets to know B2 more, he learns that the B2 is a kid deprived of love from family – something that he has ignored in his quest to be on top again. Will he succeed in his new mission?

Joining Vice Ganda in the movie are Alex Gonzaga, Vandolph Quizon, Nikki Valdez, Kean Cipriano, DJ Durano and Ricky Rivero.

"The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin" was directed by Wenn Deramas, who was also behind the original, and co-produced with Viva Films.

It will compete against other movies in the main section of the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival, which will kick off on Christmas Day.

The other entries are: "Feng Shui," "Shake, Rattle & Roll 14," "Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo," "My Big Bossing," "Kubot: The Aswang Chronicles 2," "Magnum Muslim .357," and "English Only, Please."

Biggest recording stars sing for compassion, volunteerism in Red Cross song

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“I Am You,” composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Joey Reyes with the biggest recording celebrities sing for compassion, volunteerism in a project of the Philippine National Red Cross.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda last year, the country’s biggest recording artists decided to dedicate their time and talent to inspire people to help our kababayans by recording the song “I Am You,” composed by Ryan Cayabyab and Joey Reyes. This is a project of the Philippine National Red Cross.

Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Christian Bautista, Karylle, Sam Concepcion,Erik Santos, Tippy Dos Santos, Kuh Ledesma, Ebe Dancel, Yael Yuzon of Sponge Cola, Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar, Verni Varga, Gloc-9 are just some of the singers who lent their voices in “I Am You.”

The music video of this special song will premiere this Sunday, Dec. 21, on “ASAP.” This is a good reminder to every Filipino to keep a giving heart this Holiday Season.

Currently, the Red Cross has almost helped 600,000 families in Yolanda-stricken areas, built hundreds of thousands of houses and almost 200 classrooms.

List of nationwide holidays for 2015

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From the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office

The list of holidays for 2015, declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 831, s. 2014, unless otherwise specified.

January 1, 2015, Thursday – New Year’s Day (Regular holiday)

January 2, 2015, Friday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)

February 19, 2015, Thursday – Chinese New Year (Special non-working day)

February 25, 2015, Wednesday – EDSA Revolution anniversary (Special holiday)

April 2, 2015, Thursday – Maundy Thursday (Regular holiday)

April 3, 2015, Friday – Good Friday (Regular holiday)

April 4, 2015, Saturday – Black Saturday (Special non-working day)

April 9, 2015, Thursday – Araw ng Kagitingan (Regular holiday)

May 1, 2015, Friday – Labor Day (Regular holiday)

June 12, 2015, Friday – Independence Day (Regular holiday)

August 21, 2015, Friday – Ninoy Aquino Day (Special non-working day)

August 31, 2015, last Monday of August – National Heroes Day (Regular holiday)

November 1, 2015, Sunday – All Saints Day (Special non-working day)

November 30, 2015, Monday – Bonifacio Day (Regular holiday)

December 24, 2015, Thursday – Additional special non-working day (Special non-working day)

December 25, 2015, Friday – Christmas Day (Regular holiday)

December 30, 2015, Wednesday – Rizal Day (Regular holiday)

December 31, 2015, Thursday – Last day of the year (Special non-working day)

Read Proclamation No. 831, s. 2014

Baker Entrepreneur Cynthia Patos wins Lifestyle Network's "The Clash"

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Baker entrepreneur Cynthia Patos clinches the coveted Great Dessert Master title in Lifestyle Network’s reality cooking competition show, “The Clash.”

Cynthia shares that “The Clash” was whipped up to test their limits and potential as bakers. Recalling the finale which aired on Lifestyle Network last December 5, Cynthia animatedly describes the experience of being hailed as “The Great Dessert Master.”

“The moment that they called my name, was one of those out-of-body experiences that happen rarely in life, and the funny part was, I could barely hear anything that was being said. All I could hear was the giant heartbeat sound effect that the producers had playing during the announcement,” said Cynthia.

After weeks of intense competition in the kitchen,  Cynthia also says that the best lesson she gained from Lifestyle Network’s “The Clash” was learning to trust her instincts – the lesson she is most grateful above all. Known as the clasher who has a lot of passions, Cynthia had to master the art of balancing her responsibilities as the owner and chief cake designer of her business, Cynfully Sweets while perfecting every challenge in “The Clash.”

Now that Cynthia has added another accomplishment in her achievements, she says that her future is looking bright.

“What is in store for me after? I would say the sky is the limit! I am setting no boundaries! I am seeing the stars, and you’ll just have to wait and see,” remarked The Great Dessert Master.

Lifestyle Network’s “The Clash: Search for the Next Great Dessert Master” finale last December 5 was judged by resident judges Chef Buddy Trinidad and Chef Jill Sandique together with guest judges March Ventosa, Head of ABS-CBN Narrowcast and DTT Channels, Nana Ozaeta, Editor-in-Chief of Food Magazine, Stephanie Benedito, Channel Head of Lifestyle Network, Amyline Ching, Managing Editor of Manila Bulletin, and CJ Juntereal, Columnist of Manila Bulletin.

For updates, visit the Lifestyle Network's official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LifestyleNetwork) and for more details about the show, go to www.lifestylenetwork.com.ph.

Caroling for a Cause at Commercenter Alabang

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What better way to celebrate Christmas than by sharing love and Christmas cheer? Be an instrument of joy through “Caroling for a Cause” at Commercenter Alabang, the newest lifestyle center in the South. 

To be held on December 19, 2014, 6:00 p.m. at the atrium of Commercenter, the event, which is open to the public, will showcase the vocal talents of students from Woodrose Chorale, De La Salle Zobel Chorale and Virgo Maria Vocal Ensemble who will serenade the audience with well-loved Yuletide carols. 

The public is encouraged to share their blessings through the event which will also serve as a platform and opportunity to give donations in cash and in kind for the benefit of the victims of the recent typhoon. All donations and proceeds will be for the benefit of ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya.

In the spirit of giving and as a token of appreciation, Commercenter Alabang will also be raffling off gift certificates and cinema passes to the attendees.

Join us in the South this holiday season. Visit Commercenter Alabang at Commerce Avenue corner East Asia Drive, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Commercenter Alabang is the newest lifestyle center in the South designed to cater to one’s need for a more intimate, warm and cozy leisure experience. Located in the business and commercial district of Alabang, Commercenter Alabang is the go-to place for one to enjoy various dining, wellness and development, hobbies and specialty shop choices for every member of the family.

Stay updated on the latest events, promos and offerings at Commercenter via www.facebook.com/commercenter and follow us on instagram @Commercenter.