It’s Earth Hour 24/7 at GMA Network

 POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN (TV):

On 31 March 2012, between 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the islands of the Philippines are set to go dark – all in the name of saving energy and keeping the planet green.

This, in a nutshell, is what Earth Hour is all about.

Every year, GMA Network aligns with WWF Philippines to help celebrate this global event. The lights of the Network’s headquarters in Quezon City go off during the annual Switch Off event. In 2011, GMA 7 had an expanded participation, so to speak, as its originating stations in various provinces also had their lights turned off for 60 minutes in commemoration of Earth Hour.

Astig Ka Pag Men's Health Ka! -- Enchong Dee on Being the Cover of Men's Health April 2012 issue

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"Astig ka pag Men's Health Ka! "  This is the proud and fulfilled statement of ABS-CBN actor Enchong Dee when I asked him during on what he feels on being a cover for Men's Health the second time around.

In the press launch of Men's Health summer April issue, which he is a cover, Enchong revealed that he once had a chat with another actor and the latter said that it's his dream to pose for the cover of Men's Health.  And with Enchong doing this the second time around, this guy is one lucky young man!  :)  "Parang status symbol na sya pag Men's Health cover ka.  Proud ako na kinuha nila ulit ako (Posing for Men's Health is like a status symbol.  Am proud that they got me again), explained Enchong.

ABS-CBN Prepares Holy Week Programs to Inspire Filipino Viewers

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What's your plan for Holy Week?  Are you going out of town or are you staying home?  As more and more Filipinos go out of town for vacation, I believe many of us still prefer staying at home (or visit our hometown and stay with our folks).  And for the home bound peeps, they look for things to do during idle time.  Some stock DVDs while others look for things to watch on TV.  And gladly, our TV stations have felt this need and year on year, have been providing service to us by providing programs suitable for the season.  And this is what ABS-CBN has prepared again this time to inspire the Filipino viewers during the observance of this coming Holy Week. 

Manila Archbishop Chito Tagle

Reflect and be inspired this Holy Week as ABS-CBN airs some of its heartwarming specials, dramas and Star Cinema movies, and best documentaries beginning on Maundy Thursday (April 25) until Good Friday (April 26).

Child abandonment and military 'abuses' on Reporter's Notebook tonight, March 27

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In the middle of the night, , a security camera captures a disheartening scene: a young woman leaves her child by the doorstep of someone else's home. After some inquiry, authorities tracked down her whereabouts. When asked why she abandoned her child, she said that she did not have the means to raise the child properly adding that if she only had a choice, she would have done otherwise.

This Tuesday, GMA's award-winning documentary program Reporter's Notebook will discuss the problem of child abandonment and what really drives many "unprepared" moms to desert their children. Are poverty and emotional inadequacy the culprits, or are all these just an excuse to evade the responsibility of being a mom?

The Monsters of WRATH OF THE TITANS

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As the title indicates, Warner Bros.' new, 3D fantasy adventure “Wrath of the Titans” called forth some mammoth and mythical adversaries to pit against the demigod Perseus (Sam Worthington).

The Kronos

These include the multi-headed Chimera, three one-eyed Cyclops and an army of double-bodied Makhai. Perseus' most formidable opponent is, of course, Kronos, the gargantuan, heretofore imprisoned Titan and father of Zeus (Liam Neeson), Hades (Ralph Fiennes) and Poseidon (Danny Huston), who is on the verge of breaking free and bringing hell down on the earth.

Velvet Heats Up Summer 2012!

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Hello sunshine! Bring out the sunglasses, slather on some spf, and wear the sunniest smile as Velvet, the only fun and sexy party channel, let’s you in a season that spells HOT HOT HOT!

This summer of 2012 feel the heat with Velvet’s ultimate summer manual that will take you from Hollywood’s warm and luxurious sun to Boracay’s pristine waters as it ignites this exciting time of the year with strings of on-air and on-ground offerings.

Be at the forefront of summer fun with your desired series. Siblings Annie (Shenae Grimes) and Dixon Wilson (Tristan Wilds) together with your much followed West Beverly gang is back with new adventures and intriguing dramas as they say hello to life after high school and cruise through adulthood with big decisions to make and new people to meet. Let the cooling effects of a refreshing pina colada calm your nerves down because anything can happen under the sun at America’s favorite zip code. Catch back to back premieres of the fourth season of “90210” on March 24 at 7PM.

Studio 23's Bida Best Kid campaign kicks off today, March 25!

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Studio 23 is launching its own "Bida Best Kid" station ID featuring its wide array of child-friendly programs this Sunday (Mar 25) at 11:30 AM as part of ABS-CBN's ongoing child-empowerment campaign.

Currently, Studio 23 offers the longest kids programming schedule on free TV with its Have-A-Haba-Toons for younger viewers from 7 AM to 11 AM, and the Anime’To block from 3:30 PM to 6 PM daily.

Are you ready for another HANGOVER?!

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HANGOVER I and II rocked the whole world with its overload of fun and crazy antics but if you are still craving for more, another one for the road, then worry no more as the Wolf pack will be back soon on the big screen via HANGOVER III!

BURBANK, CA, March 22, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures are reteaming with Todd Phillips for “The Hangover Part III,” the third installment in the record-breaking comedy franchise, which is slated for release on May 24, 2013. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President Warner Bros. Pictures Group.

MMA Round Girl Arianny Celeste On Balls Channel

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Sizzling hot mixed martial arts (MMA) round girl Arianny Celeste visited Balls Channel Friday to promote the Hot Import Nights (HIN), one the world’s biggest and most popular car shows, on March 24 to 25 at the World Trade Center. Aryanny was interviewed live on ABS-CBN New Channel’s “Dateline Philippines” by Hard Ball segment anchor Sison. She will also appear in an interview with Balls’ flagship sportscast “Game Day with Boom Gonzales.”

TITANIC Returns in 3D

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“Titanic was called the Ship of Dreams. And it was. It really was...”

In 1997, James Cameron’s TITANIC set sail in theaters -- and one of the world’s most breathtaking and timeless love stories was born. The film’s journey became an international phenomenon as vast as its name, garnering a record number of Academy Award® nominations, 11 Academy Awards® and grossing over $1.8 billion worldwide. On April 6th, 2012, precisely a century after the historic ship’s sinking and 15 years after the film’s initial theatrical release, TITANIC resurfaces in theaters in state-of-the-art 3D.

Upon its original release, TITANIC was celebrated for transporting audiences back in time, right into the belly of the R.M.S Titanic in all her glory and into the heart of a forbidden love affair entwined with the ship’s epic collision with human arrogance, nature and fate. Now, the leading edge of 3D conversion technology has allowed Oscar® winning director James Cameron to bring moviegoers the most visceral and dynamic screen experience of TITANIC yet imagined.

DARK SHADOWS Character Posters Unveiled!

POTG BULLETIN (Movie):

Fresh from revealing the teaser poster of the new Johnny Depp-starrer “Dark Shadows” last week, Warner Bros. has just rolled-out nine character posters for the gothic comedy!

Director Tim Burton brings the cult classic series “Dark Shadows” to the big screen featuring an all-star cast. The individual posters feature the nine major characters Barnabas Collins (Depp), Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green), Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer), Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), Roger Collins (Jonny Lee Miller), Willie Loomis (Jackie Earle Haley), Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Grace Moretz), Bella Heathcote (Victoria Winters) and David Collins (Gully McGrath).

Catch the premiere of PROJECT RUNWAY PHILIPPINES Season 3 on ETC this March 25

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Who has what it takes to be the next big Filipino fashion designer? Project Runway Philippines returns this March 25, Sunday at 8PM on ETC. Ready to launch the careers of up-and-coming designers, host Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez with mentor Jojie Lloren and judges Rajo Laurel and Apples Aberin will use their extensive expertise in the field of fashion to guide fifteen new contestants through weekly challenges set to test their creativity and skills. Vying for a spot at the final runway where they will present their final collection to top industry insiders, the stakes are high and only one can strut away with the prize.

Johnny Cheats Death Once More in CITY HUNTER

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In his quest to expose the wrongdoings of his fourth target Chairman Conrad (Chun Ho Jin), Johnny Lee (Lee Min Ho) risks his life again when the "City Hunter" attempts to obtain evidence of a fatal chemical inside Chairman Conrad Chun’s factory. Will he be caught red-handed by the factor guards? Will he survive the deadly gas that they will release once spotted inside the factory? Will this be the end for Johnny? Who will save him this time?

Juris as the Soothing Voice of Asia

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The singing career of Star Records' ‘Acoustic Pop Sessionista’ Juris continues to blossom after her latest album “Forevermore” recently reached the gold record status. Juris is now set to release her second single “Magkaibang Mundo” which was written by the former Sugarfree vocalist Ebe Dancel.

Aside from launching her latest single, Juris is going to enchant her beloved listeners not only in the Philippines but also in other South East Asian countries as she is set to be positioned to be the “Soothing Voice of Asia" with the launch of her third album this year. Her latest album produced by Singaporean company S2S will be an all-English repertoire that would cater to the wider South East Asian market.

PBB Unlimited Update: After finding out the 'dark' secret, Slater to retaliate against Paco!

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After successfully uncovering wildcard housemate Paco’s supposed homosexuality, a made-up lie he confessed to Tin, Big Brother challenged Slater to turn the tables on Paco and test his patience, a task successfully carried out by Paco as a house player.

Former evictee Paco, who was reconfirmed as an official housemate last weekend in “Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited,” had earlier ‘came out’ to Tin as a part of his house player duty. This week, will Slater prove to be as daring as Paco and be able to infuriate him?

Warner Bros. reveals DARK SHADOWS poster and trailer

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Director Tim Burton brings the cult classic series “Dark Shadows” to the big screen in a gothic comedy featuring an all-star cast, led by Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. Check out the film’s international one-sheet art and first trailer, both recently revealed by Warner Bros.

Synopsis: In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy back in each other's arms in Disney's THE MUPPETS!

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Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are back on the big screen, with the whole Muppet gang, for a brand-new, big-screen adventure in Disney’s “The Muppets.”

“It’s funny, upbeat and full of laughs for everyone…frogs, pigs, bears…even people,” says Kermit. “For new fans, it’s a chance to see the Muppets in action on the big screen. And for old fans it’s a chance to get together with old friends…and get a little crazy together.”

Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton ready to defend WBO title against Argentinean challenger

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Hot off the heels of Johnriel Casimero’s unforgettable post-fight experience in Argentina, reigning IBA and WBO women’s super bantamweight champion Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton defends her WBO belt against Yesica “La Leona” Marcos in the latter’s hometown in San Martin, Argentina on March 16.

GMA Network airs the bout dubbed, "Laban ng Lahi presents Giyera sa Argentina: Ana Julaton vs. Yesica Marcos" on Sunday, March 18, at 11:00 AM.

Marvel releases new posters of THE AVENGERS

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The web is all abuzz with Marvel's big-reveal this week of seven brand-new posters for “The Avengers.”

In keeping with the teamwork theme, the posters did away with solo character features. This time, each superhero is complemented by another “avenger” in the background. Check them out below!

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Disney presents the first look at THE LONE RANGER

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Disney has just released the first-look image of its upcoming blockbuster “The Lone Ranger” starring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaking team behind the blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, comes Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “The Lone Ranger,” a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor, in which the famed masked hero is brought to life through new eyes.

Search for Beginnings Leads to Mankind's End in PROMETHEUS 3D

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“PROMETHEUS 3D” is an original epic mythology from Ridley Scott whose previous works span the reality of futuristic realms such as “Aliens” and “Blade Runner” and whose classic unforgettable works also include “Thelma & Louise,” “Gladiator,” “Black Hawk down,” “American Gangster,” “Body of Lies,” “G.I. Jane,” “Legend” and “Black Rain.”

Acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott brings us to a future not too distant from the present in “PROMETHEUS 3D” with an impressive ensemble cast starring Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba , Guy Pearce and Logan Marshall from a screenplay by Damon Lindelof (creator of tv’s phenomenal series “Lost”).

Falling for the Villain -- MY KONTRABIDA GIRL Movie Review

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In a society where Cinderella stories and characters prevail, trying a different route is a real risk to take. But this is the route that GMA Films bravely took through its newest offering MY KONTRABIDA GIRL starring Rhian Ramos and Aljur Abrenica. And from what I witnessed during its press screening, the audience fell in love with the film's "villain".  :)

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL tells the story of a premier kontrabida in Philippine television Isabel Reyes (Rhian Ramos) who traces the root of her "evil persona" from her bad childhood experience caused by his friend Chris Bernal (Aljur Abrenica).  And with Isabel slowly losing the grip of her character, she went on a mission to get back at her enemies and ruin their lives!

MY KONTRABIDA GIRL is somehow not our usual Pinoy romantic comedy movie.  The story is new and refreshing and does not take the usual route of poor Cinderella girl falling in love with her Prince Charming.  Isabel from the very start is a bida-kontrabida (hero-villain) that spread evil on earth and the people around her! :)  But as she delivers her fierce lines and shocking stunts (slaps, throwing of water etc.), everyone can't help but laugh!  The lines are very catchy, funny and easy to remember and Filipino movie goers will definitely get hooked with it.

JOHN CARTER in IMAX 3D starting March 9!

POTG BULLETIN (Movie):

IMAX Corporation and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures announced that the action-adventure film “John Carter,” from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton, will be released to IMAX 3D theatres simultaneously with the film's worldwide release in Digital 3D and regular theaters on March 9, including the Philippines. “John Carter” is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs and stars Taylor Kitsch, Willem Dafoe and Lynn Collins.

“John Carter,” set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars), tells the story of war-weary former military captain John Carter (Kitsch). He is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions among the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Dafoe), and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

Dashboard Confessional, The Cab, Cobra Starship and The Used team up in SMASH PROJECT 2012 in Manila!

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Dayly Entertainment and Dickies Philippines give you five hours of auditory pleasure as American music heavyweights grace the stage of Smart Araneta Coliseum for one night of rock-infused music fest. Smash Project will definitely be a concert like no other, as American bands Dashboard Confessional, The Cab, Cobra Starship and The Used each performs a full set concert on March 8, 2012.

Smash Project 2012 will feature pop punk band from Utah, The Used. Founded in 2001, this four-piece actrose to fame after the release of their self-titled album in June 2002with such talent that earns them a following globally. Their musical style is composed of raunchy rhythm and powerful riffs made impressive by a solid vocal delivery by Bert McCracken.The Used current band members are Bert McCracken (vocals), Quinn Allman (guitar, backing vocals), Jeph Howard (bass) and Dan Whiteside (drums).

Pave the way for DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX!

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“What was the Lorax? And why was it there? And why was it lifted and taken somewhere from the far end of town where the Grickle-grass grows? The old Once-ler still lives there. Ask him. He knows.” —Dr. Seuss, “The Lorax”

THE AVENGERS' New Official Trailer Unveiled!

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Marvel fans' excitement will continue to heat up with the launch of the new full trailer of MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS!

Here's the new official trailer of MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS:

1st Philippine Popular Music Festival Opens Its Doors to All Filipino Songwriters

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First there was Metropop.  Then Himig Handog followed.  And then there was silence (for original creations).  Covers or revivals somehow dominated the local music scene.  But don't get me wrong, the covers / revivals fill me up, stave off my hunger, but as an avid admirer of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), I crave for new compositions.

That's why I was happy to witness when Metropop was revived and Himig Handog was created several years ago.  But for reasons I am not aware of, they both went off the air.  And as they bid goodbye to their fans, reality competitions emerged.  There are competitions for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, bands, chefs, even children wanting to be chefs but what happened with the search for songwriters?

With a local music scene widely dominated by imported music, the Filipino songwriter has become a stranger in his own land.

But once again, am happy to hear that a new search has been launched!  Prominent names from various industries have come together to spearhead the creation of the Philippine Popular Music Festival or PhilPOP!

Cartoon Network's BEN 10: DESTROY ALL ALIENS premieres on March 11

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This March, Cartoon Network brings us BEN 10: DESTROY ALL ALIENS, the first CGI animated movie for the Ben 10 franchise, which was entirely conceptualized and produced in Asia!