2013 02/22-02/28

Hollywood Actor Harrison Ford will be honored in San Jose's Cinequest on March 3rd.

HARRISON FORD

COMING TO SAN JOSE

TO-BE SEEN IN THE CITY

(SAN JOSE, CA) – IT’S CONFIRMED – Hollywood A-Lister Harrison Ford will be making an appearance at the San Jose-based 23^rd CineQuest Film Festival to personally receive his Maverick Spirit Award on March 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the California Theater located at 345 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113. He will be honored for “being without question, one of cinema’s most impactful actors, approaching his art with a balance of integrity, commitment, deep charisma, and authority and for creating an iconic character that imprints powerfully upon the generation.” The words came from the official Cinequest Magazine readily available for pick up now, free, at any Peet’s Coffee & Tea location near you.

The “Star Wars Trilogy” actor, in the news very recently as it was confirmed by RollingStone.com through other sources, that he will return as the original space cowboy, Han Solo together with original cast members Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher (who will reprise their roles, Luke Skywalker and Pricess Leia, respectively) in the forthcoming new installments of the Star Wars franchise.

Past Cinequest Film Festival Maverick Spirit Awardees are Alex Baldwin, Benjamin Pratt, Minnie Driver, John Turturro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Michael Keaton, Director Gus Van Sant, Deepak Chopra, Jennifer Beals, Director Spike Lee, William H. Macy, Writer J.J. Abrams, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Walter Murch, among others.

The CineQuest Film Festival meanwhile, will run from February 26, 2013 up to March 10, 2013 as a total 110 films from various countries around the world gets shown. Ticket prices range from $5 for Students, $7 for Matinee screenings and $10 for General Admission. Festival Passes are available also at various levels - $145 for Film Lovers, $250 for Mavericks, $500 for VIP All Access. There’s an Express Line Access available for $100 that accompanies a regular ticket purchase. Special Event tickets include $50 each for both Opening and Closing nights (awards and party) and Maverick Spirit Events.

Bad news - all individual tickets for this event are sold. Now, the good news - Mavericks & VIP All Access Passes are still available that include the Harrison Ford Event. Or, you may opt to cash-only purchase "rush tickets" available the day of, at the event, on first come, first serve basis.

Aside from being Star Wars’ Han Solo, the Chicago-born actor is best known as Rick Deckard in “Blade Runner,” Richard Kimble in “The Fugitive,” Jack Ryan in “Patriot Games”, Indiana Jones in the “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” Officer John Book in “Witness,” and Rusty Sabich in “Presumed Innocent,” among others.

Harrison Ford is married to Calista Flockhart (of “Ally McBeal” fame). No word if the actor is bringing his equally-popular wife to the ceremony.

For more information, check out the festival website: www.CineQuest.org

This article also appears online at www.BradfordAdkins.com, www.ScenesInTheCity.com, www.PinoyEntertainment.us and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 160 countries now (& still counting!) according to the latest Google Analytics report.

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Philippine-born but Bay Area raised and educated The Perkins Twins team up with EDSA Shangri-La to form The Perkins Twins Tennis Academy (PTTA). Those interested can learn more at www.facebook.com/perkinstwinstennisacademy or call +6325118393. You can also sign up for classes at the Edsa Shangri-La, Manila.

Congratulations to Bay Area Based Journalist and Broadcaster Mrs. Charito Benipayo, who was recently honored as an outstanding Educator by Villamor High School Alumni while visiting the Philippines.

Congrats to Bay Area's Nicole Donesa for being selected as one of the 50 official candidates to this year's edition of Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant (now celebrating their 50th year!).

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF) recently held its induction of Officers and Board of Directors last January 2, 2013 at the One Ferry Plaza, San Francisco, CA attended by more than 250 guests from all over the world. Shown in photo, at center, is UPAASF's Humanitarian Service Awardee Mat Caparas, the first & only Filipino to be President of Rotary International. It was under Mat Caparas' leadership that Polio Plus was launched (curing 2 billion people of this crippling & fatally infectious disease). Others in photo are from left, UPAASF past President Gabby Moraleda, newly inducted UPAASF President Letty Quizon, newly inducted board members Joe Santos & Sonia Delen.

Bay Area's Leo Reyes, a CA Licensed Physical Therapist, model and a marathoner, competes for Mr Body Shots 2013 at the Pasadena Hilton in Southern CA on March 3rd.

Belated Happy Birthday to the Filipino Community's dearest "Ate", Lou Concepcion (3rd right; co-owner of PADZKY Filipino Vietnamese Restaurant in Milpitas, CA), who celebrated her very memorable 50th last February 2, 2013 at St John Pavalkis Hall. Among the attendees and well-wishers, is Milpitas Mayor Joe Esteves(rightmost).

Lorna Garcia & Jason de Guzman celebrated the baptismal of their son Jordan Jaysen de Guzman last Febuary 10, 2013 @ Saint Victor's Church in San Jose, CA. The Grand reception was held @ Summit Pointe Golf Club in Milpitas, CA. Among the special guests are (Standing L-R ) Esther C. Martinez, Engineer Jose de Guzman, Dr. Corazon de Guzman, Loretto Garcia, Mayor Jose Esteves, and Jason de Guzman. (Sitting L-R) Dorothy Vitug Alcantara, Fashionista Rhuddee Gaudinez Vitug, Lorna Garcia with Baby Jordan Jaysen de Guzman and Myrna Garcia.

Lilwyn Lucas and Paul Dyer exchanged marriage vows in an intimate Christian Ceremony held at the Canyon Lakes Country Club in San Ramon, CA last Sunday afternoon. Congratulations and Best Wishes, Mr and Mrs Paul Dyer!

Bay Area's bet in the forthcoming search for Mr Bodyshots to be held at the Pasadena Hilton on March 3, 2013, is Leo Reyes, a Physical Therapist by profession and a huge fitness buff. Good luck and bring home the honor, Leo!

THE SEARCH FOR

MR & MISS BODY SHOTS

IS ON

TO-BE SEEN IN THE CITY

(LOS ANGELES) – The Search is on for the Epitome of Fitness and Beauty. The first annual Mr. and Miss Body Shots fitness and modeling competition is set for March 3, 2013 at the Pasadena Hilton. The search for male and female contestants is still ongoing as of press time. Submission deadline ends on February 20. Interested applicants must be 18-30 years old, single and of good moral character.

Bay Area's bet in the forthcoming search for Mr Body Shots 2013 is Leo Reyes, a CA Licensed Physical Therapist by profession and a huge fitness buff.

Mr and Miss Bodyshots competition is presented by M Beauty by Dr. Tess Mauricio and produced by Lou Razon Couture and V8 Productions. The goal of the event is to find the best candidate and representative for Body Shots International, promote fitness, fashion and arts to the community, showcase local businesses and donate part proceeds to Child Watch, a project of ABS-CBN Foundation International.

Be a part of the community’s most exciting event. Go to www.bodyshotsinternational.com to fill up application form or call 818 242 2088 for further inquiries.

This article also appears online at www.BradfordAdkins.com, www.ScenesInTheCity.com, www.PinoyEntertainment.us and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 160 countries now (& still counting!) according to the latest Google Analytics report.

Do you have any personal or community events you want announced or published? Just email them to bradford_adkins@yahoo.com

Add me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jb.adkins

Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bradford_adkins)

KRIS AQUINO, KIM CHIU, AND OTHER KAPAMILYA STARS TO BRIGHTEN UP PANAGBENGA 2013

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino is set to lead the group of ABS-CBN stars who will travel to Baguio City this weekend for the much awaited Panagbenga Floral Float Parade on Sunday (February 24) at 7AM.

ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG) will take part in the grand annual parade through its floral float that will carry on board Kris together with her "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw" co-stars Xyriel Manabat, Marco Gumabao, Miles Ocampo, Karla Estrada, and Smokey Manoloto; and her "Kris TV"co-hosts Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros.

Meanwhile, more Kapamilya stars will brighten up the Summer Capital of the Philippines as Kapamilya Karavan stops over at Melvin Jones Park on March 2 (Saturday) at 4pm.

The Kapamilya Karavan will be graced by the hottest lead stars of several top-rating ABS-CBN shows including Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Enchong Dee and Xian Lim of "Ina Kapatid Anak;" Angeline Quinto, Paulo Avelino and Sam Milby of "Kahit Konting Pagtingin;" and newest Kapamilya child wonders Julia Base and Larah Sabroso the hit afternoon series "May Isang Pangarap."

Don't miss the chance to get up close and personal with ABS-CBN's brightest stars in this year’s Panagbenga Flower Festival. Witness the ABS-CBN RNG floral float in the 2013 Panagbenga Floral Float Parade this Sunday and the star-studded Kapamilya Karavan on March 2.

The ABS-CBN Regional Network Group is the nationwide TV and radio network of ABS-CBN Corporation.

For more Kapamilya stories and happenings in the regions, log on to www.abs-cbnnews.com, www.choosephils.com, andwww.iwantv.com.ph.

Alice Dixson looks pensive after revealing the end of her marriage at the press conference for 'Never Say Goodbye' on Thursday. (Allan Gomez/InterAksyon)

After months of rumors and speculations about her marriage, Alice Dixson finally broke her silence on Thursday and revealed that she and her Canada-based husband had filed for divorce.

The Kapatid actress had the media’s full attention during a conference for TV5′s new primetime drama “Never Say Goodbye” when she opened up about the end of her 13-year marriage to businessman Ronnie Miranda.

“Para wala na rin tsismis and gossip about it,” explained the former beauty queen, a Filipino-American licensed realtor in British Columbia, Canada who resumed her showbiz career in the Philippines when she signed with TV5 in 2011.

Alice confessed that she and her husband had agreed to a divorce as early as January last year, but they only got to file the petition in December in Vancouver, where they had settled for several years. Ironically, she also received her Canadian citizenship on the same month, making her a dual US and Canadian citizen.

She was a picture of sadness when she admitted to News5 that the last quarter of 2012 was a specially trying time for her when the reality of the divorce hit her hard.

“What I want is emotional healing na lang,” she said with a deep sigh.

“Wowowillie” co-host Mariel Rodriguez threw a jealous fit on Twitter and Instagram after the airing of her husband Robin Padilla’s soap opera love scene with Kris Aquino on Tuesday. Not a few netizens gave her no sympathy.

Among her telling tweets and Instagram posts: “Only human”, “Of course I get jealous when they hug you, because in that moment, they have my whole world in their arms”, and “NO, IT’S NOT OK.” Yes, the last one all capitalized.

Despite ample warning from Kris herself, Mariel couldn’t help herself from getting affected by the sight of her husband getting intimate with another woman on national television.

On Thursday, Mariel snapped out of her funk after Robin surprised her by appearing on “Wowowillie” and defending her against her Twitter bashers.

But first, the actor, who is 15 years Mariel’s senior, revealed to “Wowowillie” host Willie Revillame that the controversial love scene with Kris had caused a rift so serious that Mariel gave him back her wedding ring.

And then Robin, chivalrous as ever, launched into a tirade against nosy netizens who had mocked Mariel for being jealous.

“Kung sinuman ‘yung mga naninira na sinasaktan n’yo pa ang asawa ko, pasalamat ka hindi kita makita sa TV. Pasalamat ka kasi social media, ang tatapang ho ng mga tao diyan, kasi hindi kayo nagkikita. Pero para sa isang lalaki, napakasakit na hindi mo maipagtanggol ang asawa mo,” he said.

Robin then returned Mariel’s ring and put in back on her finger, telling her: “Huwag nang mabalik sa akin kasi mahal na mahal kita. Iniibig kita. Tandaan mo ‘yan.”

Robin’s gesture was more than enough to appease Mariel as these two tweets she posted on Thursday afternoon would attest:

Mariel and Robin are clearly way past the honeymoon stage.

This writer was the first to interview the then-controversial couple at Robin’s Fairview home only a few weeks after they were wed in Moslem rites at the romantic Taj Mahal in India August of 2010, following a whirlwind courtship.

Traces of Mariel’s newfound domesticity didn’t escape our gaze. As soon as we got settled on the couch, Mariel brought us glasses of juice that she herself had prepared. She would look at him with adoring eyes, he would regard her with what appeared as sheepish smiles as though he was a 16-year-old on the throes of first love.

Our thought balloon then–mostly about Mariel–was that this was so unlike the public’s perception of the TV host-actress.

“Sumali kasi siya dati sa PBB (Celebrity Edition) at marami ang nagsasabi na maarte raw si Mariel,” Robin himself told us in jest during a lengthy (private) bus ride to his hometown in Camarines Norte several months after that interview.

For almost a year, a special team from a monthly showbiz magazine with which we used to be connected closely followed the developments of Robin and Mariel’s love story.

We were there at the common dressing room of the female co-hosts of “Wowowee” when Mariel was gushing about Robin’s braveness to go public about his admiration for her.

Rumors were rife at that time of the action superstar courting the perky host. That was around May 2010 and Robin had agreed to a short stint as guest host of the erstwhile noontime show ”Wowowee” while main man Willie Revillame was on leave following an on-cam outburst.

It was during those days that Robin swept Mariel off her feet on and off camera.

Nearly two years after that, the real-life romantic drama continues. This time on “Wowowillie” on TV5.

On Wednesday night, this writer sent Mariel a text message: “Hi, Ma (Mariel’s nickname)! What’s with the controversial tweets? Hehe.”

To which she gave a prompt, if terse reply: “Part of maturing on my part ”

“Choose happiness,” I texted back. “Always,” she answered.

Wowowillie airs Monday to Saturday at these times: 6:40pm KSA, 4:45pm UK, 8:30pm Guam, 12:15pm NA (PST), and 3:15pm NA (EST) with replays on primetime only on Kapatid TV5.

CHRIS CONNELLY TO WELCOME

OSCARS® RED CARPET GUESTS

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - Academy Award® nominees, presenters and performers arriving on the red carpet on Oscar® Sunday, February 24, will be greeted by entertainment and sports reporter Chris Connelly, the Academy announced today. This will be Connelly’s first stint as the Academy’s red carpet greeter.

Connelly’s celebrity chats will be streamed live in the Backstage Pass on Oscar.com and the official Oscars App. The interviews will also be audible to the thousands of bleacher fans and arriving guests.

Connelly is a reporter for ESPN and a contributor on pop culture to ABC News, where he frequently interviews filmmakers and actors. From 2000 to 2007, he was a co-host and interviewer for the official Academy Awards pre-show, duties for which he brought the wrong pants to the show only once. He first covered the red carpet at the Oscars in 1989, for MTV, where he was the host of the network’s movie show, “The Big Picture.” From 1987 to 1996, he was an editor and writer for the movie magazine, Premiere.

Stories he has worked on at ESPN have won three Sports Emmys® and six Edward R. Murrow Awards. Since 2006, he’s served as correspondent and host for ESPN’s yearly “My Wish” series, in collaboration with Make-A-Wish. He was a consulting producer for ESPN Films’ documentary series 30 for 30, which won a Peabody Award.

The Oscars Backstage Pass is designed to be the ultimate complement to the live telecast. With more than 20 live cameras strategically placed on the Red Carpet and throughout the backstage area of the Dolby Theatre during the telecast, fans will have insider views into the most memorable moments of the night. The Backstage Pass experience launched in 2011 to much acclaim and has been recognized with an Emmy for Creative Achievement in Interactive Arts and an Industry Star Mobile Excellence Award. It remains unprecedented in terms of live event second screen access. This Backstage Pass is sponsored by Samsung, and is available for the first time on Android, including Samsung’s Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note 10.1 and GSIII.

Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Oscar® Sunday, February 24, at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane. The Oscar presentation will be televised live on the ABC Television Network and in more than 225 countries worldwide. For more information go to Oscar.com or download the official Oscars app.

2013 ACADEMY NICHOLL SCREENWRITING

COMPETITION NOW UNDERWAY

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is now accepting entries for the 2013 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition. As many as five $35,000 fellowships will be awarded in November.

The Nicholl Fellowships competition is open to any individual who has not earned a total of more than $25,000 from the sale or option of screenplays or teleplays, or received fellowships or prizes of more than $25,000 that include a "first look" clause, an option or any other quid pro quo involving the writer's work. To enter, writers must submit a completed application online, upload one PDF copy of their original screenplay in English and pay the entry fee before 11:59 p.m. PT on May 1, 2013.

Entry fee schedule is as follows:

Early deadline: March 1; entry fee US$35

Regular deadline: April 10; entry fee US$50

Final deadline: May 1; entry fee US$65

Online applications, rules and other details are available at www.oscars.org/nicholl.

Fellowships are awarded with the understanding that the recipients will each complete a new feature-length screenplay during the fellowship year. The Academy acquires no rights to the works of Nicholl fellows and does not involve itself commercially in any way with their completed scripts.

Last year's competition drew a record 7,197 entries. Since the program's inception in 1985, 128 fellowships have been awarded.

Several past Nicholl fellows have recently added to their achievements. Destin Cretton directed "Short Term 12" from his fellowship-winning screenplay; the film will premiere in competition at South by Southwest® next month. Creighton Rothenberger co-wrote "Olympus Has Fallen," slated to open in March with Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman and Angela Bassett. Andrew Marlowe is the creator and executive producer of the ABC series "Castle," now in its fifth season. Rebecca Sonnenshine is the executive story editor on the CW series "The Vampire Diaries."

Media Alert

As a reminder, our Oscars® Coverage Planning Calendar includes dates of pre-Academy Awards® events and can be found here:

http://meteor.sparklist.com/t/2663558/4570680/3465/24/

Please note media interested in covering the “Oscar® Celebrates” events at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater must RSVP by Thursday, February 14, at 5 pm PT through our coverage planning calendar.

Tuesday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.

OSCAR CELEBRATES: SHORTS

Hosted by actor Jason Schwartzman

Wednesday, February 20, 7:30 p.m.

OSCAR CELEBRATES: DOCS

Hosted by Documentary Branch governor Michael Moore

Thursday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.

OSCAR CELEBRATES: ANIMATED FEATURES

Hosted by actor Rob Riggle

Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m.

OSCAR CELEBRATES: FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS

Moderated by Oscar-winning producer Mark Johnson

Saturday, February 23, 2:30 p.m.

OSCAR CELEBRATES: MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

Moderated by Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Branch governor Leonard Engelman

For more information, visit http://meteor.sparklist.com/t/2663558/4570680/3510/25/ or contactpublicity@oscars.org.