TV: E!’S Korean Wave Hits The High Tide With Saturday Night Live Korea & Beauty Crush

Hot on the heels of the success of 2PM Wild Beat, the pop culture powerhouse adds two new Korean series to its slate.

MANILA, 2 May 2017 – E! Philippines – the pop culture powerhouse of NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN) – today announced the premiere of two new Korean series: Saturday Night Live Korea (Season 9) and the launch of Beauty Crush. The announcement comes on the heels of the finale of 2PM Wild Beat, the network’s first acquisition of a Korean series. Both shows will air in Korean and feature English subtitles.

“With 2PM Wild Beat, E! attracted vast legions of K-pop fans and further cemented the network’s position as the home for celebrity-focused content in Asia,” said Scott Mackenzie, Vice President, Channels, Asia, NBCUniversal International Networks. “It was a natural next step for us to build on this success by adding Saturday Night Live Korea and Beauty Crush to E!’s slate of Asian productions.”

Saturday Night Live Korea (Season 9)

Saturday Night Live Korea (Season 9) is a late-night sketch comedy show based on the highly popular Saturday Night Live from NBC in the United States and the Korean format is produced by CJ E&M. The debut of Season 9 on E! Asia now extends the series beyond Korea. Across Asia, clips of SNL have long proven hugely popular on YouTube.

Just like the original, the Korean adaptation features top celebrities as guest hosts and performers. Season 9 gets off to a tremendous start with the premiere episode hosted by Choi Sooyoung of K-pop mega-group Girls Generation. Season 9 will debut on E! Philippines on Saturday, 6 May at 9pm.

Beauty Crush

Beauty Crush is a female-centric variety/talk show which offers a glamorous look at some of the hottest Korean beauty trends and brands that are taking the world by storm.  The 12-episode x 1 hour series will be hosted by sensational actress Kim Min Jung, stylish comedian Jo Seho, Korea’s top makeup artist Seo Sujin, and up-and-coming singer Kim Sohee (from K-pop idol group IBI).

E! Philippines will air the show on 11 May, airing Thursdays at 9pm.

“This is a great example of NBCUniversal International Networks and TVK using their combined distribution to bring the best Korean content to audiences in Asia and the US,” said Eric Yoon, Founder and CEO of TVK. “We are confident the series will resonate with viewers in both markets, since Korean beauty is a strong part of the overall Korean Wave and is gaining momentum in the global fashion scene.”

"Co-broadcasting with MBC every1 in Korea, TVK in the US, and E! Asia from NBCUniversal International Networks will cement Beauty Crush’s positioning as the top Korean beauty program,” said Jang Jaehyuk, Chief Producer of MBC every1.

"The most important factor when producing Beauty Crush was to produce a K-beauty program that can lead the beauty industry in Korea and resonate with viewers from other countries," said Noh Jungwoo, JWN Culture Contents, producer of Beauty Crush.

Premiere Details:
SNL Korea E! Philippines – Saturdays at 9pm beginning 6 May
Beauty Crush E! Philippines – Thursdays at 9pm beginning 11 May

TV: DIVA’S HIT TV SERIES LITTLE BIG SHOTS RETURNS 6 MARCH, MONDAYS AT 7PM WITH FILIPINA SINGING SENSATION ELHA NYMPHA

Family-Friendly Comedy/Variety Series from Executive Producers Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey Is Back with More Talented and Unique Kids From All Over the World

Everyone loves to watch talented kids, every family gathering has a little show of sorts when the nieces and nephews all line up to impress the adults. That's why the hit variety family friendly show "Little Big Shots" is just like a reunion-every time. That's the genuine joy that children give us and with these talented kids sharing their unbelievable talents its bound to be a great new season. 

MANILA, Philippines – DIVA’s hit series Little Big Shots returns for Season Two on Monday, 6 March at 7pm with a fun, entertaining premiere featuring Filipina singing sensation Elha Nympha. Steve Harvey hosts the feel-good, family-friendly series, which is executive produced by Harvey and Ellen DeGeneres. As well as performing, Elha goes toe to toe with Harvey in a hilarious interview.

Paranaque-born, 12-year-old Elha is best known for winning season two of The Voice Kids Philippines in 2015. Recently, she was a guest performer at the grand finale of The Voice Kids Indonesia in December 2016, winning the hearts of many Indonesians. Little Big Shots is Elha’s first appearance on a U.S. TV series.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, DIVA and MCA Music Inc. have partnered to treat the members of the media from the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia with a special live performance by Elha and a sneak preview of her segment on Little Big Shots at a press conference held in Privato Hotel in Manila, Philippines, on Friday, 3 March.

TV NEWS: E! DELIVERS EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE BIGGEST NIGHT IN FILM WHEN LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET: THE 2016 ACADEMY AWARDS AIRS ON MONDAY, 27 FEBRUARY AT 6:30AM (PRIMETIME ENCORE AT 8:05PM)

E! News Covers The Big Event from All Angles: In Real Time on E! Online, Along With Full Coverage The Following Night On E! News on Tuesday, 28 February at 8PM

Fashion Police Co-Hosts Melissa Rivers, Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski and Margaret Cho Take On the Star-Studded Show’s Major Fashion Moments On Wednesday, 1 March at 9pm

MANILA – 23 Feb 2017 – This Monday, the biggest names in film join together to celebrate the 89th annual Academy Awards alongside hosts Ryan Seacrest, Giuliana Rancic and the rest of E!’s Live From the Red Carpet team who will be on-hand to bring the most extensive, multi-platform coverage of the high-profile event.  Kicking off on 27 February at 6:30am (Primetime encore at 8:05pm), E! will deliver the most surprising and memorable celebrity interviews, candid behind-the-scenes moments and unforgettable fashion live on-air, online and on social to pop culture fans around the globe.

Hosts Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic hits this most famous red carpet for fascinating, authentic and always surprising interviews with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood during Live From the Red Carpet.  Giuliana Rancic

E!’s extensive multi-platform coverage boasts the returns of the fan favourite “E! Glambots”, which capture celebrities in all their slow-mo glamour. E!’s Style Collective, which includes some of the biggest names in the beauty industry, will provide instant how-to’s of the hottest celebrity looks of the night. And E!’s engaged, pop culture-loving viewers can also chat about their red carpet experience in real-time with the E! hosts and fellow fans through Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for a chance for their posts to be read on-air or online.

On 28 February at 8PM, continue the Oscars celebrations with a special edition of E! News, followed by Melissa Rivers, Giuliana Rancic, Brad Goreski, Margaret Cho and Tim Gunn hilariously recapping and reviewing all of the night’s fashions and over-the-top ensembles on Fashion Police on 1 March at 9pm.

E! NEWS

Fans around the world have never been this connected to the red carpet as E! News presents 24/7 coverage across all platforms for a 360 degree look and minute-to-minute updates from this highly-anticipated Hollywood event.  Pop culture fans can take part in all of the action at E! Online, on the E! Online mobile app, @eonline across social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope), as well as @stylecollective and @E_News on Snapchat.  E! Online (www.eonline.com) will feature all the up-to-the-minute news, interviews, photos, style and beauty breakdowns, videos and social action from the event as it happens.  Plus, the incredibly popular instagrammers, @girlwithnojob and @betches, give their own hilarious Oscar commentary through Memes on the site.

Additionally E!’s digital content team will bring exclusive behind-the-scenes Oscar show moments that you won’t see on TV.

Across social, catch every moment as the event unfolds and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using the hashtag #Eredcarpet and on Snapchat using the handle @e_news.  E! Style Collective experts will reveal full breakdowns of a celebrity’s most sought after red carpet looks.  Plus, E!’s on-air coverage will feature social content from celebrities, E! talent, and of course, the fans, chatting about the show in real-time.


Live From The Red Carpet: The 89th Annual Academy Awards Airs on Monday, 27 February at 6:30am / 8:05pm

With more cameras than anybody else, the network will once again dominate the red carpet landscape by offering viewers the unparalleled access and a multiplatform viewing experience that fans have come to expect.  As the world watches, E!'s host Ryan Seacrest will go one-on-one with some of the biggest stars in film on the red carpet.  Joined by Giuliana Rancic from the exclusive E! Skybox overlooking the limo drop, E!’s team will bring the true magic of the red carpet to viewers around the world – delivering the most genuine celebrity conversations and buzzworthy interviews and capturing every spontaneous moment of the night.  And E!’s on-screen “Star Stats” are back to provide new information and additional insight about both the fresh faces on the carpet and the veteran red carpet attendees alike.


E! News Airs on Tuesday, 28 February at 8pm 
Following the big event, E! News’ Jason Kennedy, Maria Menounos and team will break down all of the night’s biggest headlines – from the red carpet moments you didn’t see to the backstage interviews, parties, and more!

Fashion Police: The 89th Annual Academy Awards airs on Wednesday, 1 March at 9pm
After all the awards have been handed out, the fun continues when the Fashion Police report for duty.  Co-host and executive producer Melissa Rivers, co-host and consulting producer Giuliana Rancic, and co-host Brad Goreski, along with special co-host Margaret Cho, will hilariously break down all of the glitz, glamour and fashion from the 89th annual Oscars as well as the star-studded after parties.  Fans can weigh in on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #FashionPolice.

Through E!’s camera technology, unmatched second screen viewing on digital, mobile and social, and personal relationships with the stars, Live From the Red Carpet will truly take fans behind the velvet rope for all of the exciting, spontaneous, and headline-making moments as they happen, and bring viewers the unique and authentic interviews that pop culture fans crave.  And catch E! News for the latest newsworthy Oscar headlines on Tuesday, 28 February at 8pm, followed by the laugh-out-loud antics of E!’s Fashion Police on Wednesday, 29 February at 9pm

Nights like these start with E! when Live From The Red Carpet: The 89th Annual Academy Awards airs Monday, 27 February at 6:05am (Primetime Encore 8:05pm)

TV NEWS: HBO AND SKY TO FLY TWO LUCKY VIEWERS TO CHINAWOOD AND HOLLYWOOD

HBO and SKY bring lucky viewers to two of the biggest places in show business, the epicenter of everything showbiz, Hollywood, and the largest production lot in the world, Hengdian World Studios or Chinawood.

As the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood gather for one night to celebrate the art and majesty of filmmaking at the Academy Awards, SKY subscribers who will catch the live airing will have the chance to fly to the 2018 edition of the planet‟s most prestigious entertainment gathering.

The promo is open to all SKY subscribers with One SKY, SKYcable, Destiny Cable, and SKYdirect plans. The subscriber should be at least 21 years of age and should watch the live airing of The Oscars® on HBO on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 8 AM. Look out for the question that will be flashed during the live telecast. Submit your answer via the official promo page, www.mysky.com.ph/oscars. The page will be up from February 27, 2017 to March 19, 2017 and the winner will be drawn on March 31. Check out the promo page for more information.


The winner and a companion will get the chance to win seats at the red carpet of the 2018
Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

The Oscars® is a night of elegance and luxury. It is one of the most prestigious award giving bodies for filmmaking and everything else it entails – from scriptwriting to acting, to musical scoring, production and costume design. The Academy is more than just glamour as it aims to bolster education, innovation, and preservation of materials in the industry.

Another viewer can take a whirlwind tour of China, from the Forbidden City to the Yangtze
River, from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, all in one day as Red by HBO and SKY bring a lucky
viewer and a companion to the Hengdian World Studios in China, the largest film and television production lot in Asia and maybe even the world. Located in the Zhejian Province, „Chinawood,‟ as it is also called, spans 2,500 acres, and is divided into 13 shooting bases.

HBO Asia original movies “Master of the Drunken Fist: Beggar So” and “Master of the
Shadowless Kick: Wong Kei-Ying” were filmed at Hengdian World Studios. Philippines viewers can still catch both movies on RED By HBO in March.

Red by HBO and SKY will bring one lucky SKY subscriber with SKYcable or Destiny Cable
plans and a loved one to the Hengdian World Studios this April! Just fill out an entry form at www.mysky.com.ph/hengdianpromo. There will be 10 consolation winners who will get goodies from Red by HBO. The promo is also open to Destiny Cable subscribers. Contest ends on March 19.

Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive
licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia with six 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels: HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits and Cinemax, as well as Red by HBO, internet streaming platform, HBO GO, subscription video on demand service, HBO On Demand, and in China, 鼎级剧场 (ding ji ju chang). HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel inthe region. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.

SKY continues to offer viewers with diverse options to enjoy TV entertainment with its value and premium service offerings. Only SKYcable provides quality home entertainment with the widest range of standard and high definition channels and other top-of-the-line services such as flexible subscription options via SELECT, iRECORD that records, pauses, and rewinds live TV, as well as real-time coverage of live concerts and sporting events via FREE VIEW and PAY-PERVIEW. To subscribe and to know more about SKYcable, log on to www.mysky.com.ph, text APPLY <space> your name to 23662, or call the 24-hour customer service hotlines at 381-0000 for Metro Manila, CAMANAVA, and Rizal; 484-4701 for Cavite; 534-2814 for Calamba and Binan, Laguna; 520-8560 for San Pedro, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite; 693-5877 for Bulacan; 421-1818 for Cebu; 305-5456 for Davao; 442-4841 for Baguio; 432-0051 for Bacolod; 300-1210for Iloilo;533-6244 for GenSan.

Enjoy over 90 channels in clear digital signal for only P550 per month with Destiny Cable. For inquiries about the services and promos of Destiny Cable call 418-0000. You may also contact Destiny Cable via email address, weserve@destinycable.com.ph.

My Top 10 for 2016

I actually didn't  think I was coming out with my Top 2016 List this year, its this baby, he/she is really making me into one eating-sleeping machine. Like literally all I do is sleep-eat-work, that it seems that there's no energy left to write. 

So thank you to the husband for helping me with this list, he gathered all the pictures for the list, including the links to my reviews to them. Big thanks to Paul! I wouldn't want to put the time and work he spent to waste, so here I am at 5:17 AM, listening to songs form "Sing" on Spotify (full review soon), after eating a bowl of Lomi noodles and now Dunkin Donuts for dessert (yum). 

So here we go! 

Movies are arranged in no particular order. 

Rogue One

Of course! "Rogue One" is in my list! It was the "Star Wars" movie we all needed! (What prequels?!) The movie had my heart aching-(still does).  I really felt the spirit of the rebellion. Will definitely pick up a DVD copy when it comes out! 

Speaking of rebels. I made a personal decision to finish my "Rogue One" review before taking my Pregnancy Test. I was worried, if I did the pregnancy test before writing the review, I would either be too ecstatic if it were positive or too sad if it were negative, that I wouldn't be able to write my Rogue One review. I posted on social media that my baby is definitely a "Rogue One" baby. To which a friend replied that my baby was definitely a "rebel" - hmmm not too sure how to feel about that though. :P  

For a full review on "Rogue One" click here.

Midnight Special

An unexpected Sci-Fi thriller which I enjoyed. I loved the human emotions that they injected into the film. Of course, the visuals were stunning also. Must add this on  the DVD list. 

Must repeat that "the less that you know- the better". 


For a full review click here

Hail, Caesar!

A movie about making movies, in the politically intense 1950's Hollywood. I enjoyed Hail, Caesar's colorful and talented cast. The musical numbers and the interesting twist in the story will have you engaged throughout the film.  


For a full review click here.
    

Room

Still on my to-read list. "Room" is one of those movies that just crushed your heart, even long before you leave the cinema. Of course the award winning performances from Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay definitely helped. 

Full review here. 

10 Cloverfield Lane

"A heart racing and utterly terrifying movie experience" - nuff said.  


For a full review click here.

Star Trek: Beyond

Playing the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" in a deep space fight? - SOLD! 

+ I was a bit sentimental with the sudden passing of Anton Yelchin and this was also the first film without Leonard Nimoy. 

For a full review click here.

The Shallows

As a kid, I was terrified of "Jaws". I'm glad that the new generation can enjoy a thrilling shark-survival movie. 

Kudos to Blake Lively- coz sexy babes in bikinis are not just for shark food. 

For a full review click here.

 Don't Breathe

I loved their play on senses in the film. That sick twist in the end?! Still has me in shivers!

For a full review click here.

Spotlight 


Because some stories are worth telling. No matter the cost.  

For a full review click here.

The Big Short

I hate math but I loved "The Big Short".
For a full review click here.


Animated Movie Film: 

Had to give this special mention to two films, which I just loved. 

Trolls: 

Morbid humor. Amazing songs. Best Cinderella twist. Can't wait to watch this again! 

For a full review click here.

Moana

Disney got their mojo back! Classic songs. A feisty (not princess) -heroine plus, Disney making jokes at their expense. I'd watch it again and again!
For a full review click here. 

Documentary of the Year:

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week. The Touring Years. 

It was like you were in the 60's yourself! + That 30 minute footage of the band's 1965 concert at the Shea stadium, which was remastered by the way, was a treat to see in the big screen! 

Is there a DVD of this? I would definitely get a copy. 

Superhero Movie of the Year: 

Deadpool

Despite the many Superhero movies that came out this year, I would have to give the honor to Deadpool. I loved how they pushed the envelope and stayed true to the character. Plus I'm a big fan of second, (third) chances and redemption stories. 

Way to go Ryan Reynolds! 
TV Series of the Year

Stranger Things

A whole weekend was spent binge watching this surprise Netflix favorite and every minute of it was worth it! The 80's! An ode to Stephen King! Sci-fi at its best! + Breakout stars that had fans screaming.

The kind of series I could watch again and again! Can't wait for the second season! 

Album of the Year: 

"Papunta Pabalik" - Autotelic 

Decided to include my album of the year on the list - because music + #SupportOPM

You should definitely commend a band for being responsible for having kids rush to record bars to get CDs and said CDs actually getting sold out. 

Album Review here: 

No longer just a Top 10 Movie list for 2016, this one went through changes, from having no particular order to including series, music and having a separate category for Superhero and Animation films. 

2016 is the first entire year I spent as a movie blogger and definitely a highlight. You know what they say that I'm happy at work because I have my blog to fall on too, you know just to balance things out? Well, its true. I think I survive the grueling day to day because I have this and I am grateful to be doing this still. Now I don't know how having a baby will change things but I promise to keep going to screenings as long as I can, and writing as long as I can too. My mom has this thing that you're not supposed to look at ugly things (Orcs, monsters) when you're pregnant. You should only look at cute things. So let's see how this pregnancy spices up my 2017 movie list.  

Events: Sky Cable "Lets Be One" Christmas Press Party

We were thrilled when we were invited to Sky Cable's Christmas Party for for the PRESS and Media. We are Sky Cable subscribers (everyone in the compound we live in with Paul's family, that's how many TV sets (6). 

We're pretty much coach potatoes so if we are not binge watching our latest series obsession we are of course, watching cabled TV! 

It could be Jack TV, HBO, Star Movies, History Channel, Crime Investigation or what you, our days start and end with the TV-no kidding. 

So it was definitely a pleasure to be at their Christmas Party, it was nice to feel appreciated by a brand that is basically part of your everyday life. :) 

And what a party it was! There were interactive booths featuring some of today's top shows in pop culture. The Golden Globes and the X-Factor from 
RTL-CBS and Hairspray Live! from Diva. We had fun with the booths! (Check out the first two photos). :) 

After the sumptuous meal that was served there was a little quiz bee for the guests, okay I'll admit that we were a bit competitive since we had the whole geek banner going on. We didn't win though :( For some reason the other tables were just faster, I did get the "Game of Thrones" question, so I'm good. 

In the quiz bee, all the answers had the word "One" in them. 

Example: 

Q: In "Game Of Thrones" Arya Stark is also known as? 
A: "No One" 

This is of course to commemorate the theme of the party #SkyLetsBeOne and I'd definitely love to be one with Sky :) 

During the party, guests were also informed of the different exciting deals that Sky Cable has to offer, we are personally really interested with their One Sky plan which has cable and internet for a really good price!  Unfortunately its not yet available in our area and we've had to be stuck with poor WiFi service (Yes Globe, I'm looking at you). Hopefully One Sky will be available in our area soon! Maybe next year? :) 

Aside from the food and the games, guests were also entertained by Ivy Grace (Paredes) of the X-Factor and Eric Santos. There were also a few words from Sky Cable Chief Operating Officer March Ventosa. 

Of course a Christmas Party would not be complete without RAFFLE PRIZES! Paul won a gift card from Starbucks (will definitely help with my stickers for the 2017 Planner). I was hoping to win the Sony Sound Bar of the 40 inch TV but I didn't, I did win in the Instagram contest (the first photo in this blog post) and got a lot of Sky Cable goodies, including a bottle of wine which was a big treat for Paul :) 

Maybe next year? :) 

Again, thank you so much Sky Cable for having us! Looking forward to a 2017 with more activties, events, new shows and definitely a lot of TV marathons. Who knows, maybe we'll also get that One Sky plan! 

#SkyLetsBeOne  

Ivy Grace belting out impressive ballads.

Sky Cable Corporation chief operating officer March Ventosa.

Eric Santos serenading the crowd. 

TV Review: Westworld Premiere

Westworld has the potential to be your next favorite show. Read more here. 

A take on the 1973 film of the same name, this one putting in the role reversal with the humanoid robots or "hosts" as they are called starting to ask questions about their existence. With the park created to satisfy the desires of clients from sexual fantasies to violent ones, the hosts have had their fair share of abuses, especially Dolores (Evan Rachel Wood) she is after all the oldest host in the park. Can you imagine the horrors she's had to go through?  

Although it's mostly "robot blood" the violence in Westworld is not necessarily like "Game of Thrones" but it's there-head scalping included. I did enjoy the whole blood and milk mixing, that was disturbingly a visual treat for me. 

Set in a rich landscape, there are many stunning shots which just bring out the beauty of the untamed west. Of course, I couldn't expect less from Executive Producer J.J Abrams, along with Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. Yes, did I mention that J.J. Abrams is one of the minds behind the remake? 

"You're one of them aren't you?"
"You're not real." 

Probably my favorite about the premiere episode is Rachel Evan Wood's Dolores, whom I already mentioned, she was created as you r typical damsel in distress, prairie girl and she looks it but what Woods brings to the screen is more than her face value but her impressive acting. In  one scene in the premiere she goes from a hysterical robot, to a robot with no emotion but with a Western accent to a robot who loses the accent and it is chilling. 

Aside from Wood bringing her A-game, we also have Anthony Hopkins Dr. Robert Ford, who is the creator of "Westworld" and he always has a presence in any scene. 

Ed Harris is the mysterious man in black, whose priorities we don't know yet but he is definitely scary. I wouldn't want to run into him in the street whether it is in Westworld or in the real world. Speaking of the real world we also get a look into what goes behind keeping Westworld running, as the saying goes "it takes a village" and this village is made up of, as mentioned earlier the paternal Dr. Ford (Hopkins), the worried programmer Bernard Lowe (Jeffrey Wright) the quick witted Theresa Cullen (Sidse Babett) and the kind behavior engineer Elise Hughes (Shannon Woodard) and probably my favorite (just because I am a 'writer') is Lee Sizemore (Simon Quarterman) Westworld's narrative director. There is also some potential drama among the characters who work in keeping Westworld running. There is some interesting science fiction going on in the creation of the hosts and the other elements in Westworld and it is just stunning and chilling at the same time. 

The first episode delivers with strong performances, you will be thinking a lot of the time, which is what Abrams makes you do, the mysteries start pouring in without providing any answers, obviously since we're still in  the first episode but the important thing is, I want to know what's going on. I'm already invested in Dolores and I want to know what happens next. I'll definitely tune in for episode 2 next week! 

Westworld is on HBO on Mondays (Same time as the US) 9:00 AM with an encore replay at 9:00 PM. 

TV: HBO's Next Hit Could Be "Westworld"

I was actually invited to an advanced screening of "Westworld" but  unfortunately had to decline due to schedule and logistics, you know, the whole "night shift" thing. 

BUT I still wanted to write about it (before the premiere episode) because- well I'm looking forward to seeing it! I first heard about the TV series from Paul's Uncle who came home from the US recently. We were talking about "The Magnificent Seven"  and then he mentions "Westworld" and how he wants to see it. THEN just earlier I was with my cousins and my Tito David Hontiveros (-oh you know the Palanca award winning writer) says that he's also looking forward to the series. So with glowing recommendations (from my Uncles-no less) I was also looking forward to the series. 

No, this is not a review of the first episode as I will be seeing it with the rest of the world during it's premiere in a few hours, but more of a piece where I talk about the series and look into its history. 

Based on the 1973 film of the same title, HBO's "Westworld" is produced by J.J. Abrams, Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy takes place in a "Western theme park" occupied by humanoid robots (Cowboys and Indians-the whole shebang) where guests can get to have that "Wild, Wild West experience" because we've all wanted to be a cowboy (or a cowgirl) once in our lives right? 

The original 1973 film, the story takes a more "Jurassic Park" approach with the robots who goes bersek and starts killing guests but with the 2016 Westworld, the trailer seems to point to a reversal of roles with the androids finding themselves trapped in the world, controlled by the cunning Anthony Hopkins. 

Evan Rachel Woos is the beautiful Dolores, blonde, blue eyed, she is the perfect Western lady, yet she has trouble putting a line between what is real and what is not. 

Could this be the networks next hit? 

Let's all find out when "Westworld" premieres on HBO on Monday October 3 at 9:00 AM

with an encore telecast at 9:00 PM! Check out the trailer above! 

TV + Events: Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown Heads to Manila for APCC 2016!

The boys from "Stranger Things". 

I haven't written about a TV Series in some time, surprisingly movies can be very demanding. There is more than one new movie release in a week and that means one advanced screening in a week (at least) and with work, catching up on sleep and keeping sane that can eat up a lot of your time. I don't how my other colleagues do it. 

So even if I may be the first to get to see movies (ever so grateful) that may not be the case for TV series, especially the ones you need to download or stream in order to see. You see, we have a very unreliable ISP which is funny considering all we do online. So whenever a TV series is out that needs downloading I would have to seek out my suppliers (people in the office, or even my cousin) to get my dose...err..supply. So while the whole world was already going crazy over Netflix's "Stranger Things" I had to patiently bid my time to get my hands on it. 

So, in one rainy August weekend I was finally (all snuggled up in the bed, dressed in sweat pants) ready to binge watch the series, everyone has been raving about.

"Stranger Things" is the good kind of science fiction, borrowing elements from Stephen King's "Dreamcatcher", Steven Spielberg's "E.T." and "Stand By Me". 

The series brings you to a small town in Indiana when a boy disappears (after playing Dungeons and Dragons - for ten hours!) under mysterious circumstances. The series hits all the elements that make a great story right on the head! You will come to care for the well written characters, and the narrative will reel you wright in after just a few minutes of the first episode.

The series definitely brings in the 1980's nostalgia, from the music, the fonts and all the tiny details that you will surely appreciate once you spot them on. There are also many references that will make your geek heart flutter.

Millie Bobby Brown as 'Eleven' in the Netflix hit "Stranger Things". 

The series has been the surprise obsession of 2016 with critics and fans praising the eight episode science fiction, thriller. Aside from the King-Spielberg-Guillermo nods the series has also become well loved due to its fresh cast of children. One of them, the scene stealing, badass Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown. 

Ever since her break out role as Eleven there have been numerous fan art, tattoos, painted murals of the shaven ,Eggo-loving, psychokinetic.

The Spanish-born, British actress has since then been the object of affection for fans all over the world, being invited to conventions left and right. She will soon make her way to Manila as part of Asia Pop Comicon and fans are excited!

Aside from being the darling of the internet and of science fiction fans, Millie also boxes and sings! She recently released the video of when she shaved her long brown locks for the role of Eleven and I must say that she's a real trooper! I've watched models twice her age cry like a baby on America's / Asia's Next Top Model but Millie took it all in stride! 

It gas also been reported that Millie has been getting a number of roles and offers, in what role would you like to see her in next?

Do you have any questions for Millie? Send them over and maybe we can ask her!

Millie Bobby Brown.

TV + Music: "Jack Attack" Brings Local Music Acts to Eastwood

Franco. 

TV and Music -🎶 "these are a few of my favorite things 🎶" and I just love it when they come together and such was the awesome "Jack Attack" -free concert, which was held at my home away from home-Eastwood City! 

Music has always been our first love , it was what first got the blog up with #TeamPCheng covering local gigs, Paul taking photos and myself writing. But because of our nocturnal work schedules it has always been challenging to go to gigs and shows. So wheever there is a show or gig that fits our schedule, you can expect us to be there! 

When Jack TV (a staple TV Channel at home) announced that they would be having a concert featuring my favorite local acts (We follow every act in the lime up) at Eastwood City I was immediately interested. You see, I work at Eastwood so I would just need to wake up early, see the show and run to the office in time for my 11:00PM shift. Easypeasy right? 

Mayonnaise.

Unfortunately Paul wasn't able to come to the show since he was currently on the mid-shift during that time, so it was just me with the camera. When I arrived at Eastwood it was already Jensen and the Flips up on stage (apparently I already missed Autotelic #SoSad) I made a beeline to the front and was lucky enough to get a spot right in front, by the barricade. 

The moment I was settled, I could feel beads of sweat rolling down my back and I suddenly realized there was a steady growing crowd that was breathing down my back and I did the math, if it was around 7pm and I would be there until a little before 11pm, I would be dripping in sweat and not smell so fresh for work. I texted my office mate to bring me an extra shirt, which was a good thing since I also did a lot of jumping and head banging at the show. :p 

The girls behind me were totally going gaga over Jensen and the Flips. It was also nice to hear the crowd to sing to the songs of Indie bands including The Ransom Collective. 

Things got crazy when Mayonnaise got up on stage, with the, performing anthems such as "Bakit" and "Jopay" with the whole crowd singing out loud. 

Mayonnaise covered a couple of OPM classics which included "Ipagpatawad mo" where front man Mont Macalino even asked "Flip" guitarist Sammy Valenia to come up and sing. 

I haven't jumped and head banged in a long time, I think the last one was during Jack Daniel's Future Legends Indie Fest but I was definitely jumping up and down when Mayonnaise covered "Laklak" -the whole crowd went absolutely bonkers. 

Continuing their OPM covers, Paraluman vocalist Madeline Ramboyong Madz) was also asked to come up the stage to sing "Ang Huling El Bimbo" -the lyrics "Kamukha mo si Paraluman" was a nice little touch since Madz's band is called Paraluman :p  

Jensen And The Flips. 

It was so nice to see Mayonnaise after such a long time, we have been following the band for a few years now and it's always a pleasure to catch them in a show! :) 

Seeing Franco perform live, reminded me of this thought that I had years back-that when Franco performs live, it's like he's making love to his guitar. It's that intense! 

Apologies that the photos are not "PCheng quality" as I mentioned Paul wasn't with me and I was also constricted with one kind of lens and being stuck in that one position throughout the night. Hoult next time both Paul and I can enjoy another awesome show :) 

I wasn't able to finish Franco's set though, as I still had to grab food to stuff in my face while working :p 

It really was an awesome way to start my Wednesday workday, despite the leg pains during shift. 

There were some pretty cool posters set up of Jack TV's TV Shows, (The Flash, Constantine, Supergirl and Lucifer) - all shows we watch on Jack TV by the way :P They also gave away prizes to lucky winners! Even Kobe Bryant Funko Pops. 

 I didn't  get to take photos of those though, since it was already dark when I got to the show. The event was up since 10 AM with booths from Nescafe and Advil :) 

Make sure to follow Jack TV on Facebook for more updates on awesome shows and events!

#JackAttack #AllOutJackHeroes #ThisIsHowWePlayIt 

P.S. That extra shirt I requested really came in handy. I was pretty much sweaty after the show and still had to go to work! I pity my seatmates that would have to smell my sweat throughout the shift. 

Thank you to Jill for bringing an extra shirt for me. Mental note. Bring gig paraphernalia. :P  

The Ransom Collective.