Valentine Birthdays of Your Favorite Celebs

Valentine’s Day is right around. What does it feels to have your birthday fall in Valentine’s Day? For some, it’s almost as bad as having your birthday on Christmas or New Year, but for some it is as romantic as cupid went down to the earth and became human.

To some people who celebrates their birthday during Valentine’s, it could be more wonderful and special for it’s as if you are the living fruit of your parent’s passionate love. February is the official month of love for many people. They reserve this month for a romantic getaway with their special loved ones. Moreover, this is a special intimate moment for loving partners to renew their vows to each other. Did you know that it is estimated that 15% of the women in the United States who receive flowers for Valentine’s Day send them to themselves. There are no figures that tell how many of these women are married, single or in a relationship. That is how important Feb. 14 to them.

This Love month, let us celebrate the famous celebrities celebrating this birth on the day cupid torch his arrow on earth. Let’s greet our favorite celebrity a romantic and lovely birthday.

Let’s start with international pop/rock star Rob Thomas. 

 He is the primary songwriter and lead singer of the band Matchbox Twenty. Thomas also records and performs as a solo artist. He has also earned three Grammy awards for co-writing and singing on the Carlos Santana triple-platinum hit “Smooth", on the album Supernatural in 1999. Today, Rob and his wife Marisol Maldonado have established the Sidewalk Angels Foundation, a non-profit organization created to help needy people in and around America’s big cities by partnering with various charities to assist people who get lost in the system, those who cannot afford medical care and animals that have been abandoned or abused. 

In the local show business, the biggest name who celebrates her birthday on Feb 14 is the Queen of All Media – Kris Aquino.

 This year she will be running almost her 40’s, but looks as young as anybody young celebrities. Kris never fails to surprise everyone with her frank and mark able personality.  Today, Kris has many project line ups including a cameo appearance in GMA7’s My Beloved featuring Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.

Second to the list is 90’s pop singer Donna Cruz Yrastorza-Larrazabal. 

Staying beautiful and young at 35 is not a problem for this very sweet Filipino celebrity. She began her recording career at age 13. She released her first self-titled album containing the hits "Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso", "Rain" and "Boy (I Love You)," in which she won Best New Artist in the 1992 Awit Awards. Prior to signing a recording contract with Viva Records, she joined the singing contest Bulilit Bagong Kampeon where she emerged as the grand champion in 1988. She also became the grand prix champion along with Timothy Villegas of Ryan Cayabyab’s 14K in the Mermaid International Children's Song Festival in Hiroshima, Japan. She was also a grand finalist in the Little Miss Philippines on Eat Bulaga. Donna married an ophthalmologist Yong Larrazabal in 1998. They have two children, namely Belle and Cian. Despite being a busy mom, she successfully finished a computer degree from Cebu Doctors College in 2003. Aside from being a full time mom and wife to her family, she still takes minor roles and show business stint. She was recently seen in GMA7’s Daldalita.

Former love team and ex-real life sweethearts John Prats and Heart Evangelista is also celebrating their birthdays on Valentine’s Day. Heart was born on 1985, a year earlier than John’s. Now, both are happy with their own personal careers and heartstrings. 

John has a blooming career in ABSCBN hosting ASAP2012, Banana Split and now defunct noontime show Happy, Yipee, Yehey. John is having a romantic relationship with former beauty queen Bianca Manalo. Hence, Heart Evangelista has an astonishing career with GMA7 and a very envious lovelife with Brazilian model Daniel Matsunaga. Heart has a current primetime series Legacy and she still manage do philanthropically work with her foundation Heart Can that aims to help children with respiratory diseases and she is also the spokesperson for Philippine Animal Welfare Society or PAWS.

So this valentines, let’s not just greet them Happy Valentines but a very romantic and cheerful birthday too. Happy Birthday !

Filipino Youtube Sensations

Since the beginning of Youtube in 2005, many young social networking and internet savy has been hooked to its entertainment. Filipinos around the globe never fails to participate in this global phenomenon. Videos and music has been uploaded in this social networking site for convenient entertainment in just a click. Music videos, live performances, and lot of nothingness has been uploaded by each user and globally spread out for the sake of fun and leisure. 


Filipino talents wouldn’t pass this severe entertainment line. As a young and entertainment thirsty kid back in the early year of youtube, the first videos I browse were of Regine Velasquez’ and Mariah Carey and Utada Hikaru. Watching their live performances back to back to back would satisfy my cravings for music and amusement. Also, youtube helped me watch concerts of Destinys Child, Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliot and many more.


Now, almost 10 years since the birth of the networking site, Youtube also gave birth to the entertainment industry’s biggest name today, with the likes of Justin Bieber, Marie Digby, Rebecca Black, Jessie J, Greyson Chance, and our very own Maria Aragon and Charice. Youtube is continuously introducing new talents to the world - from singing to dancing to acting to theater to how tos etc.


Now let us celebrate the greatest Filipino Youtube sensations that marked their fame via worldwide world. The simple video uploaded to give us entertainment, love and inspiration. Let’s roll the red carpet and make way to the ‘Famous Filipino Youtube Sensations’.

Singing 

Singing Multitudes of Filipinos know how to sing. Singing has been a passion for everyone in the Philippines. Since the earliest days of radio and television, singing contest are there left and right. These contests gave birth to the names of Donna Cruz, Kyla, Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo and many more. Thousand of hopefuls joins singing contest for fame and living.


But after the birth of Youtube, a twist arrived. Passionate singers went online and uploaded their videos. Some are lucky enough to gain fame and global attentions. And this is the start of Filipinos making mark on the worldwide web. 


 Charice Pempengco 





The kid turned lady, dubbed by Queen of Talk Oprah Winfrey as ‘The Most Talented Girl in the World’. After being third place in a local singing contest in TV, Charice and fans never lose hope. 2007 was the most remarkable year for this young caliber, after performing in Korea’s Star King; she was invited by America’s Most Popular Talk Show host Ellen DeGeneres to perform to the latter’s show.


Charice performed back to back big ballads that made Ellen and her audiences wowed to this kid and even gave her a standing ovation. Since then the rest is history for Charice, concert around the world, guestings, top charting album and singles (first Asian singer in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart) and landed a role in Glee. Charice could have been the female counterpart of Justin Bieber that made it big to the Hollywood, both are children of youtube. 






 Maria Aragon, Darren Criss, Rin on the Rox




Canadian born Filipino kid Maria Aragonpave her way to youtube sensations after her version of ‘Born This Way’ became viral. Entertainment blogger Perez Hilton pitch the video to Lady GaGa and the latter twitted this youtube video to her official twitter account and reached over 11 million views in no less than a week. She was also invited by the pop star to share the stage and sing in GaGa’s Canada leg of her concert tour.She was also invited in Ellen DeGeneres’s show and became a worldwide sensation. Next thing she knew she have an album and back to back specials. 






Darren Criss over a million hits and millions of view earned after his theater performance of ‘A Very Potter Musical’ has been uploaded to youtube. Now, the theater actor, singer and composer became American household name via Glee. This cutie is a product of Filipina mother and European father. 






Rin on the Rox earned hits after hits after hits after singer their covers of popular songs ‘Hush Hush’, ‘Halo’ and many more. Almost 46 million hits have been gathered for this Fil-Am duo that landed an appearance in Ellen’s show. 




 Aj Rafael, Jeremy Passion Manongdo, Gabe Bondoc





 





Aj Rafael is a Filipino American and certified youtube sensations and internet superstar. Arthur Joseph to his family and friends is a simple kid from California that dreamt of making it big and singing it to the world. With God’s perfect timing and superb talent, AJ made it big across the globe, with millions of hits and sold out concert in the key cities in globe including in Manila. Aj continue to inspire young hopefuls to never stop to fulfill their dreams until it come true. 



Jeremy Passion Manongdo is another Fil-Am who makes it big in Youtube land. With over a million of subscribers Jeremy, also known as ‘Passion’ became one of Youtube stellar. The name Passion was chosen by Jeremy for "the passion I had for music and the passion and love I had for my Lord and Savior Jesus. Without Him, I am nothing, and I'm forever thankful for His love and His blessings." His influences, as referred to on his Soundclick site include Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and many more.




Gabe Bondoc is a pop/acoustic singer based in California. He rose to fame through his acoustic sessions covering famous songs in his youtube channel with millions of hits. He gained a lot of attention with his laid-back attitude, smooth voice and amazing guitar skills. Even country pop superstar Taylor Swift became a fan this Fil-Am with his version of ‘Love Story’. 

Dancing 

Justin and Jeremy Garcia, Jabbawockeez









Justin and Jeremy Garcia is Filipino twin toddlers became household names in the US after the viral videos posted by mom and dad caught the attention of The Huffington Post, NYmag.com and CBS news. Currently, they have more than 6 million hits for their dancing video ‘Hey Ya’. Just recently, they were featured in US Entertainment show, The Insider. 




Jabbawockeez is a seven member male hip hop crew bested in America’s Best Dance Crew season 1. Known for their masks and gloves, this crew is composed of Filipino and American members. Their performances in the reality show became viral in youtube and facebook. They have reached million hits in less than a month and still counting. 

Comedy/Parody 

Mikey Bustos, Bekimon, Lady Gagita and Heronce








 


Mikey Bustos is a Fil-Canadian stand-up first took his tricks to the worldwide world in 2006 and became famous for tutorial on Pinoy accent. Up to this very day his Filipino Accent Tutorial weaving 5 million hits. Just recently, a local product gets him for an endorsement here in the Philippines. 


Bern Josep Persia is most popularly known as Bekimon. The mother beki of Gay Lingo rose to fame after his viral self help and feel good videos posted in his youtube account. Speaking the hilarious language and strange word spellings Bekimon language became popular to the Philippines. After his viral videos he landed a role in ABSCBN drama series and many appearances. A


Vinzon Booc a.k.a. Lady Gagita and Harold Palermo a.k.a. Haronce are two friends created a sensation out of boredom. Uploaded their parody of Lady GaGa and Beyonce’s ‘Telephone’, they garnered thousands of views in one sitting. Even acknowledge by Ryan Secreast as one of the biggest and grandest GaGa follower. 






Filipino never fails to surprise the world with lots of entertainment. In less than a year, with this high-tech media streaming, another big name will be born and will show the world how talented a Filipino is. This form of social networking can even replace the watching habit of people. Come that day, lets welcome the new sets of Filipino Youtube Sensations.

Album Review : Wave 89.1 Soul Obsessions, Duets with Thor

I’ll tell you a secret. I have a new addiction or should I say OBSESSION.

I get this secret obsession back when I was in college. Of a music whore like me, I spent my daily extra time listening to music. It feels like more than ecstasy when music filed my ears. I heard this one song from an OPM artist via WAVE 89.1. His voice tickles my withered soul and plant a romantic melody in my heart. The song is – What About Love by Thor. Since then I’ve been an instant fan of this romantic balladeer.

Our second encounter happened last week January 11, 2012. I was passing by the mall in Taguig when I suddenly entered a music record store. I felt like I’m hallucinating when I heard a familiar voice playing inside the store.  As I entered the music store, I can see stars everywhere I go. I suddenly felt sugar rushing my system. I felt in love to that soothing voice. I asked the clerk, what album are they playing. They give me a familiar face that left me speechless. SOUL OBSESSIONS Duets – by Thor. Without thinking twice, I bought the CD.

Upon listening to the album, every song has a majestic approach perfectly fit to Thor’s voice. Every covered song was ground breaking versions. Most of the songs in the album are the soundtrack of my teenage life. It quickly reminded me of my romantic struggles and booboos. Thor’s voice was so addictive that I’ve never skip any of his song.

The album has 12 tracks; all are covered song featuring Thor and other OPM singers. With the like of MYMP – Juris and Chin, Jay Durias, Amber Davis, Nina, Jinky Vidal, Luke Mijares, and many more.

Cut 1 - The first song is a Joe Jackson original – Be My Number Two performed by Thor feat. MYMP. The song was melodramatic approach accompanied by guitar. This version is one of the best cut for the album.

Cut 2 - Second track is What About Love originally performed by Lemar. In this song, he was with former South Border member Luke Mijares. This is my all time favorite song for this album, actually I have all the song as my favorites but this is my most favorite among all. This song was the soundtrack of my heartaches and I’ve shed tons of tears with this song.

Cut 3 -  Spend My Life With You with Amber Davis is the third track. A perfect rendition of Tamia and Eric Bennet with OPM twist. Just as perfect as I expected.

Cut 4 - Fourth covered song was Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight original – Whenever You Call. Soul Siren Nina fits to Thor’s romantic voice. Their harmony perfectly blend for the song. Knowing Mariah’s singing style and Brian’s vocal acrobats – the two indeed is powerful combination.

Cut 5 – Suddenly – duet with Freestyle’s female vocal Jinky Vidal is beyond soulful. This brings me chills and made my night romantically blooming. This old favorite song has a new taste and new sound with Thor’s deep soulful version and Jinky’s sweet and soft voice.

Cut 6 – A Babyface original Everytime I close My Heart is perfect, promise, crossed my heart, Thor (If not beat) at least nailed his version featuring Natural High. The song’s romantically sensual approach has renewed in this version with Natural High’s smooth vocal acrobats.

Cut 7 – The Girl Is Mine with Luke Mijares is one of the feel good songs in the album.  Luke’s vocal techniques blended well with Thor’s. Mind you the end part of the song seems vocal battle between two RNB heart throbs.

Cut 8 – Bozza sweetheart Sofia and Thor’s RNB combination in the song You Don’t Know Me is astonishing, sweet and sensual. This song is perfect for romantic and intimate moments.

Cut 9 – Im Ready with Mr. Cesar Aguas is one of the hard to sing song. Thor’s curly high notes accompanied by Mr. Cesar Aguas’ beautiful guitar strum are so attaching. If Mr. Ramon Jacinto is Philippines’ answer to Elvis Presley, Mr. Cesar Aguas is our very own Santana. His guitar strum sounds identically to the later. In this song, Mr. Cesar’s guitar execution sounds latin – romantically uplifting.

 Cut 10 – Just One Dance with Jerome Nunez on violin sounds very relaxing. A very nice song with very good lyrics, Just One Dance is so relaxing. Jerome’s violin strums made Thor’s vocal rendition very really romantic.

Cut 11 – Home by Brian Mcknight is this album’s finale song. This is the surprise for the listeners, after bunch of romantic and senti tracks, Thor will tour you to his heart of music – RNB royalty. I bet you, you close your eyes .. you are as if listening to Brian Mcknight. The curls, the depth and vocal acrobats are identically the same. Trully, Thor is the Philippines’ answer to Brian Mcknight, R Kelly and Eric Bennet in one name!

To you who want to be in loved over and over again, then be in your favorite record bars and get the copy of Thor’s Wave 89.1 Soul Obsessions Duets with Thor. This is another worth the listen album. No amount of cents is wasted in every song. Serenaded by Philippines’ RNB royalty is worth the while. This one of a kind album can make your girlfriend melt in a second and your boyfriend dance you in a moonlit night. 5 Stars for this album!

Channel V's Red Revolution Music Festival 2012

CHANNEL V Philippines has teamed up with the Red Whistle and other sponsors to organize a concert aimed at raising public awareness on the rising number of AIDS and HIV cases in the country

Channel V Head Romel V. Singson said more than fifty (50) bands and performers will entertain the audience at the all-night musical event dubbed as “RED REVOLUTION Music Festival 2012” which will be held at the Metrowalk Parking Lot on February 9. Singson said the concert will be held for a worthy cause, which is to help raise public awareness on the deadly Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. “Channel V has long been supporting and promoting local talents. For this show, we are showcasing the talents of more than fifty bands,” Singson said.

“For this event, we are not just promoting our local bands but we are also doing public service. Aside from helping raise public awareness on the growing AIDS/HIV menace, the Red Whistle will also be the beneficiary of ticket sales,” he added.

Performers will include the Pepe Smith, Sandwich, Pupil, Callalily, Imago, Franco, Hilera, Moonstar 88, Typecast, Chicosci, Brownman Revival, River Maya, Grin Department, General Luna, Ebe Dancel, Kiss Jane, Mayonnaise, Stonefree, Slapshock, Tanya Markova, Razorback, Someday Dream, Siakol, 6cycle mind, Radioactive Sago Project, Pedicab, Markus Highway, Ney, Silent Sanctuary, Paraluman, Top Junk, Blue Boy Bites Back, Peryodiko, Hijo, Salamin, Humanfolk, Eevee, Kalayo, Gracenote, Ernville, Never the Strangers, Letterday Story, Kaligta, Frio, Duster, Banda ni Kleggy, Ajka, and many more.

          

There will be three stages in the concert area and each stage will have a band set-up. Big screens will be placed on the three stages and there will be more than six satellite screens within the concert area. In between performances, Red White Ambassadors will present audio visual presentations that will provide helpful information about the fight against AIDS/HIV.

After a countdown, all attendees will blow the whistle to symbolize putting a halt to the ballooning number of cases. For his part, Niccolo Cosme founder of the Red Whistle said there is a need to bolster the AIDS/HIV awareness campaign in order to prevent more people from dying of the disease.

“More and more Filipinos are getting AIDS or HIV. The government alone cannot stop the deadly disease from spreading, that’s why we also have to do our part. The musical event will be a big help in raising public awareness,” Cosme said.

“What better way to spread love this February? The audience will not only enjoy music and party all night long but they will also learn more about AIDS/HIV and its prevention,” he added.

The Red Whistle campaign was organized by a group of young individuals in response to the growing number of new HIV cases and AIDS related deaths in the country. Through the campaign, the group empowers and inspires people to come together and be one in helping one another against AIDS and HIV. In November last year, the Department of Health’s National Epidemiology Center has reported that there were 212 new HIV-positive individuals. This was 89 percent higher compared to the same period in 2010.

Most of the cases, or 94 percent, were males and their ages ranged from 17-73. The NEC surveillance reports showed that fifty-eight percent (58%) of the reported cases were from the National Capital Region. The reported mode of transmission was all sexual contact with males having intercourse with other males being the dominant type of sexual transmission.

The data also showed that of the 212 HIV positive cases, three were reported as AIDS cases, one female and two males. Of the AIDS cases, there was one reported death, a 26-year old female.   

Concert tickets are sold at P50. Buy them at these ticket outlets: Astroplus/Astrovision, Odyssey and Metrowalk Pasig.   ###

The AJ Rafael Concert in Music Museum

Dream come true – that is how I could express the feeling I have today. I would like to begin this post thanking the amazing people who are behind this overflowing bliss, Kuya Carlo Camilo Moselina Valenzona and Madam Christian Melanie Lee and to Mr. Chuck Gomez for this ostentatious surprise that that had for me. I woke up having an inbox message to watch AJ Rafael live! It isn’t obvious that I am a huge fan of AJ for in less than a month, I have 3 blog posts for him.

AJ has been an inspiration for many especially for me. He was the soundtrack of my college life alongside with Andrew Garcia and JR Aquino, Gabe Bondoc and bunch full of YouTube sensations. Right then the first time I heard him, I said that he will make it big. But he didn’t – He was even bigger than I expected! Up to this very day ilajil (AJ’s youtube channel) has more than 8 million followers in YouTube alone and I am not yet counting his Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc.

AJ’s story has never been a secret to everyone. Then, a neophyte singer born to be a star, posted videos in his myspace account, then comes hit after hit after hit, Aj became who he is now. But in spite of his huge success and fame in World Wide Web, he never failed to look back to where his roots are. Born from Filipino parents, he inherited his passion and cravings for music to his mother and father. And now that he is in his root country, he is proud to be Filipino – proving to the world that we are extra talented.

His South East Asian concert was started in Indonesia and routed to some neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore and ended in Manila. He is joined by two pretty 

acoustic sensations Krissy and Ericka. And his Manila leg was a super successful concert. Mind you, the line in music museum was as much as any big star could have. 

At any sort, no doubt that AJ is a big star. The venue was so full of young audiences that are mostly teens and teen at hearts. A funny thought came to my mind that today’s young generations are not just hooked with Kpops and all that. 98 percent of the audiences are teens and the other 2 percent could have been parents and guardians.

Krissy and Ericka was the front act when they performed mash ups of Superbass and California King Bed and followed by two of their original compositions and another pop mash up. AJ entered the stage with his opening song Heart of Worship by Hillsong. The crowd goes gaga over him when he first entered the stage. And after the opening/doxology song, the concert has officially started. AJ and his band went to the stage and the audiences are getting exciter, screaming AJ’s name. Wearing a white top and black vest plus his trade mark glasses, AJ and his band started the show. It was roughly an hour and a half of musical extravagant, singing along AJ’s hits over the years. Most of the songs sung were part of AJ Raf’s latest album Red Roses – released worldwide. Songs performed from the album are Emma Watson, Red Roses, We Could Happen, Without You, 500 Days, She Was Mine, Here All Alone and When We Say (JuiceBox). Keana Panganiban Valenciano had a special participation when they had a duet for the song Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang. Before the curtain has rolled down, AJ performed couple of songs more to ignite the cravings of his Filipino fans. The concert ended up with AJ’s encore songs – Showstopper.

I would never forget what he said that when you have a dream, never fail to grasp for opportunity to make them come true. He is living evidence that talent and perseverance plus faith to God and passion for his craft can lead you to where you want to be. He has been an inspiration and will always be. Tonight has been a make dream come true for me. You may find it simple but this simple dream rejoices my soul and ignites my spirit.

I got home with an autograph signed album of AJ and much more important is the memory that I will cherish all my life.

Congratulations to AJ Raf and I will say this .. see you soon.

2012 Spring Film Festival

The Spring Festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Chinese-Filipino community. This is a fitting time to celebrate Chinese. This coming Dragon year is considered the luckiest year by Chinese experts. In line with this, the Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies together with Ateneo-Celadon will stage its 6th Spring Film Festival featuring films that showcase the artistic prowess and the cultural heritage of Mandarin language movies.

For the past 6 years, it aims to share the richness of Chinese culture through the use of films and use this as a medium to bridge the gaps of society. Do not worry if you do not know the Mandarin language; there would be English subtitles for all movies.

Included in the 2012 movie list are: Ocean Heaven, Confucius, Bodyguards and Assassins, Lost on Journey, Country Wedding and King of Mi-lu Deer. The screening will happen on January 20-29,2012 at the Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

Ocean Heaven

Description: Drama

Length: 100 minutes

Origin: Hongkong China, 2010 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Jet Li, Wen Zhang

It has been said that the hardest job is to be a parent. Parenting becomes even more challenging if you’re raising a special child. Ocean Heaven features a father- Sam Wang, who solely took care of his autistic child. Faced with illness, Wang searched for institutions that would accept his son. But no institution was apt for his son’s condition. Thus, Wang needed to train his son by himself and patiently taught him how to be independent for his own survival. As the days went by, Wang and his son got closer to each other which their friends had witnessed. This heart-warming film shows how parents, even on their last days, would do anything just to ensure the safety and happiness of their children. (This movie is also the first to cast Jet Li in a non-kung-fu film where he won the 2010 Wen Zhang Best Actor Award; The movie was also recognized by the Shanghai Media Awards, CCTV Movie Channel Media Awards 2010 and Golden Goblet Award)

Confucius

Description: Biographical Drama

Length: 120 minutes

Origin: China, January 2010 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Zhou Xun,Chen Jianbin

Directed by: Hu Mei

He is the Chinese Philosopher who has been regarded as the “The Great Sage.” Confucius lived during the time when China’s dynasties were in chaos and engulfed by corruption and greed. He strongly believed that ethics and education will put all things to order. His wisdom was sought by different dynasty leaders but only to be abandoned after he dutifully served his purpose. The world knows so much of his teachings, but little is known of his hardships. This biographical drama shows the sufferings and pain Confucius endured and the principles he fervently kept that became the foundation of China’s ethics, morality and law. (Stars Chow Yun-Fat as Confucius, Nominated for Best Actor at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards. Other nominations include Best Cinematography,Art Design,Costume Design and Original Song).

Bodyguards and Assassins

Description: Action Historical Film

Length: 135 minutes

Origin: Hongkong China, 2009 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Wang Xueqi, Hu Jun, Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse, Tony Leung

Directed by: Teddy Chan

In 1905,Hongkong was under the British rule and revolution was on the rise. One man was set to land in Hong Kong to meet and to unify faction leaders to finally take down the corrupt and crumbling Qing Dynasty. Because of this, Dowager Cixi wanted this man assassinated. For the Chinese people who had been clamouring for freedom, they understood that keeping this man alive would mean keeping China’s hope to be liberated. Li Yutang, a businessman, gathered a tofu vendor, rickshaw pullers, a beggar and an orphan to serve as bodyguards. These bodyguards displayed their superb fighting skills as they battle it out with the assassins to protect this man they haven’t even met. Find out who this man was and why did these commoners sacrifice their personal dreams and lives for him.
(This action-historical movie garnered numerous awards from the 4th Asian Film Awards,29th Hongkong Film Awards,16th Hongkong Film Critics Society Awards and 47th Golden Horse Awards.)

Lost on Journey

Description: Comedy, Drama

Length: 95 minutes

Origin: China, 2010 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Wang Baoqiang,Xu Zheng, Li Man

The Chinese New Year is the most important event for every Chinese Family. During this time, everyone goes back to his hometown to celebrate and to greet the New Year in the company of his family. This time also means that all modes of transportation is busy and fully booked. One passenger, Li Chenggong hopped from a plane, to a train, to a bus, and to a boat in the desire to be with his family. And along the way, he met a stranger Niu Geng who helped him discover something important about himself and the goodness of other people. This movie is a funny presentation of how bad luck brought two different worlds together. Find out if Niu Geng and Li Chenggong made it home on the eve of the New Year. 

Country Wedding

Description: Comedy

Length: 90 minutes

Origin: China 

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

Cast: Zhi Jun, Ding Jiali, Yang Lixin, Xie Yuan

Yuanfeng and Mengyan are getting married. As soon as they’ve announced their wedding to their families, excitement filled their respective households. So much the excitement, that their parents started to meddle with the wedding plans. Mengyan’s mother, who is living in Beijing, insists of holding the wedding at the Tiandu Hotel. On the other hand, Yuanfeng’s father, being the director of the cooperative in Kangjiazhuang village, feels indebted to the community, therefore, he wants to share the wedding to the whole village. This film is a funny portrayal of the clash of cultures between the city and country side. Who will convince who? Where will Yuanfeng and Mengyan celebrate their wedding? 

 King of Milu Deer

Description: 3D Animation, Fantasy

Length: 90 minutes

Origin: China, 2009 Release Date

Language: Mandarin, with English Subtitles

King of Milu Deer is the first 3D animation attempt of China aimed to promote environment protection. It is a story of a white deer,Yoyo, who turned into a lady and made friends with Tzan-the prince of Kingdom of Clouds and Dreams. Tzan was ordered by the minister to search the Labyrinth Mountain to hunt for the Milu Deer to use it as a sacrifice to bring rains in the kingdom. But Tzan discovered the beauty of the Labyrinth Mountain and got closer to Yoyo. Together, they fought sea lizard monsters, fire,soldiers, and the evil Minister to save the wildlife and natural resources of the Labyrinth Mountain. (This movie became the highest grossing Chinese Animated film of all time and received the Best Animated Film of the 13th Huabiao Awards).