2013 09/20-09/26

PHILIPPINE NEWS/PHILIPPINES TODAY/INSIDER COMMUNITY

All systems go for Kapamilya Run in Burbank, CA on Oct 5

ABS CBN Foundation International, TFC, AARP, Island Pacific & GoldMed Card team up

for historic multi-city One Run, One Philippines

Redwood City, CA (September 16, 2013) – Joined together by “Mga Kuwento ng Kasiyahan(Stories of Joy): The Grand Kapamilya Weekend” – an event celebrating the 60th anniversary of ABS-CBN, the largest multimedia conglomerate in the Philippines – and by the vision to help create a better future for the Philippines, ABS-CBN Foundation International and ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC), in cooperation with AARP, Island Pacific Supermarket and GoldMed Card, will hold its first ever Kapamilya Run in Burbank, California this October 5, Saturday.

The Kapamilya Run is done in solidarity with other running events in Quezon City, Bacolod, Cebu and Davao, collectively dubbed, “One Run, One Philippines”. Joining the historic run are guest celebrities led by Kapamilya actor Jake Cuenca, and TFC North America’s Michi Valeriano and Lee Robin Salazar of Adobo Nation, with Gelo of Barangay USA.

All the legs under “One Run, One Philippines” will have different beneficiaries: the Kapamilya Run in Burbank will fund Greenfund Philippines, an ABS-CBN Foundation International program which aims to fund the environmental projects adopted by ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation in the Philippines; the Cebu leg will benefit coastal conservation in Daan Paz; theDavao leg will support the ecotourism projects in Marilog Tourist Center; the Bacolod leg will help the mangrove and livelihood projects in Punta Taytay, Sum-ag River rehabilitation and ecotourism projects in Bacolod City Water District Campuestuhan Watershed; and the Quezon City leg will again raise funds for the rehabilitation of the waterways in Metro Manila that contribute to the degradation of the Pasig River.

“The significance of this event is three-fold,” said ABS-CBN Foundation International Managing Director Jo Ann Kyle. “It is historic as it is the first time ABS-CBN Foundation International is co-spearheading a simultaneous advocacy eco-run; it is meaningful as it aims to raise funds for projects that restore and protect our environment which is connected to our nation’s well-being and economy; and it is fun as it brings families together and allows them to enjoy the race, interact with TFC celebrities and take part in other activities organized by our partners and sponsors. It is purposeful enjoyment knowing that you’re having a good time while investing towards a better future for our homeland.”

To learn more about Kapamilya Run on October 5 and to how to register for the 10k, 5k and a 1k Kiddie Run and get involved, visit www.onerunonephilippines.com or call A Runner’s Circle at (323) 661-8977.

Concerts/Theatre

This powerful new documentary investigates one of the greatest mysteries in the modern world...a real-life prophecy unfolding today. Filmed primarily in the heart of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Medjugorie,

In 1981 the Virgin Mary appeared to six small children in the tiny Baltic village of Medjugorje, bringing messages of God’s love to the world. She promised to give each of the six visionaries a total of ten secrets that will occur on earth in the near future. The visionaries have so far revealed only one of the secrets. In the third secret, Our Lady promised to leave a supernatural, indestructible and visible sign on the mountain where she first appeared in Medjugorje.

Director Sean Bloomfield and producer Zaid Jazrawi have devoted the past several years of their lives to The Triumph. Now, the film is nearly complete.

The result? A stunning film that has the power to change the way the audience looks at the world. But we need your help to get The Triumph in front of as many people as possible.

The Triumph investigates a modern-day miracle that has global implications. Once in a rare while, a documentary film comes along that has the power to change the world. Bring your family and friends!

"THE TRIUMPH" the movie is coming soon. Saturday, September 21st, at 9 AM, at the Century 25 theaters at Union Landing, in Union City, California.

For tickets contact :

Marlene Balingit at (510)759-5846

Faye Magpayo at (510) 676-2258

Norma at (510) 396-2955

Variety Magazine gives glowing review of “Ekstra”

After Toronto International Film Festival screening, Vilma Santos-starrer now drawing crowds in 47 theatres in U.S. and Canada

REDWOOD CITY, CA, September 16, 2013 –ABS-CBN Star Cinema and Quantum Films’ acclaimed indie film, Ekstra (The Bit Player), starring Philippine Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos has received glowing international reviews after it screened at the recently concluded, star-studded Toronto International Film Festival. One of the reviews came from Variety Magazine, a weekly American entertainment trade magazine considered as the “bible of showbiz”.

The film is currently playing in 47 theatres in the U.S. and Canada. The review in its entirety below:

Toronto Film Review: “The Bit Player”

By Richard Kuipers

Jeffrey Jeturian pokes good-natured fun at TV soap operas in this appealing dramedy starring Filipino screen queen Vilma Santos

The unshakable optimism of a middle-aged extra is the warm heart driving “The Bit Player,” an appealing dramedy that pokes plenty of good-natured fun at TV soap operas. Anchored by a glowing central performance by Filipino screen queen Vilma Santos as the single mother who smiles her way through work-related indignities in order to pay for her daughter’s education, the pic reps a fine feather in the cap of veteran helmer Jeffrey Jeturian. Winner of the audience award for best film in its category at Cinemalaya and a hit in domestic release in August, this crowdpleaser launches on limited North American screens on Sept. 13.

The wise and witty screenplay by Jeturian, Zigcarlo Dulay and Antoinette Jadaone hits the right mix of humor and compassion from the outset. In a funny pre-credits sequence showing an exasperated production crew hiring and firing a succession of extras for the tiny speaking role of a housemaid, eager-to-please hopeful Loida Malabanan (Santos) is pipped for the job at the last moment.

Very much a modern incarnation of heroines from classic Hollywood melodramas of the 1950s, Loida only strengthens her resolve in the face of such setbacks. Fiercely determined to not ask her (unseen) ex-husband for financial assistance, Loida is driven to survive and succeed because of her adult daughter, Joyce (Ronaline Enriquez), also a divorcee and a college student whose tuition fees are due.

Unhurried opening segments paint a lovely picture of a selfless mother undaunted by being lumped into the category of “nameless wannabees” by fast-talking casting director Josie (Ruby Ruiz, terrific). Loida’s belief that it’s never too late to become a star is one of many character traits that will have audiences rooting for her all the way. With this critical factor firmly in place and Santos in supreme form, Jeturian steers a more overtly comedic path once Loida and her spunky best pal, Venus (Tart Carlos), find work on the set of a soap opera regaling with the title of “You Were Mine First.”

Constant chuckles and a fair supply of big belly laughs are the order of the day as Loida, Venus and a lovable collection of fellow nameless wannabees are herded like cattle by Josie, acid-tongued assistant director Vincent (Vincent de Jesus, hilarious) and the super-stressed-out director (Marlon Rivera) of “You Were Mine First.” As expected, much of the fun derives from scenes being shot for the wildly melodramatic “You Were Mine First.” To that end, Jeturian gets great value from guest appearances by a host of big-name local stars including hunky matinee idol Piolo Pascual as troubled groom-in-waiting Brando, Pilar Pilapil as severe matriarch Dona Esmerelda and a wonderfully over-the-top Cherie Gil as gun-toting super-bitch Dona Beatriz.

For all the merriment on display, the screenplay never loses sight of the economic and emotional imperatives propelling Loida’s uncomplaining acceptance of her place at the bottom of the entertainment-industry food chain. It’s no surprise when Loida finally gets a chance to make a mark with big speaking role in “You Were Mine First,” but the manner in which this plays out is surprising and genuinely touching.

As if inspired by the lightning-fast schedules of teledramas, Jeturian and his team shot this highly entertaining item in just 11 days with tip-top results. Lenser Lee Briones contributes significantly to maintaining the balance of comedy and heartfelt drama with elegant compositions in Loida’s domestic environment, and appropriately brighter, flatter images during her time on the soap set. Vincent de Jesus delivers a delightfully bouncy score to match his thesping input, and production designer Ericson Navarro clearly had a ball creating the delightfully tacky interiors for “You Were Mine First.” Other tech work is on the money.

Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes renews his exclusive contract with GMA Network

Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes remains a full-fledged Kapuso as he inked an exclusive five-year contract with GMA Network, Inc. The contract signing was held last Saturday, September 14, at the Manila Polo Club and was attended by the top officers of the Network.

Present in the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Films President Atty. Annette Gozon-Abrogar, GMA Entertainment TV's Officer-in-Charge Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, GMA Vice President for Program Support Department Regie C. Bautista, GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications Angela Javier-Cruz, Program Manager for ETV Drama Redgynn Alba and Dingdong's manager Perry Lansigan.

Dingdong said he is very happy to renew his contract with GMA 7 which has been his home network for almost two decades. “I’ve been with GMA for 15 years. Ang pinaka-importante throughout the years, which is practically half of my lifetime, is that they were always there to support me noong nag-u-umpisa akong mangarap, noong hindi ko pa alam ang magiging direksyon ko sa buhay, noong mga panahon kung kailan I failed, noong mga panahon na hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko hanggang ngayon, andiyan sila. They were always there in fulfilling my dreams. That support is beyond just being a company, a network and just a house that holds my talent, but a home. I consider this as my home where my heart truly belongs.”

The award-winning actor is currently taping Genesis, the network's primetime drama slated to premiere on October 7 on GMA Telebabad.

Dingdong is recognized as one of the country's top celebrity endorsers, a much-admired youth advocate and one of the most accomplished TV and movie actors of his generation. Dingdong started his career in GMA's top-rating youth-oriented series T.G.I.S. in 1995 and since then, he was given various projects that honed and developed his craft as an actor, host and versatile performer.

During the contract signing, Atty. Gozon said he is pleased that Dingdong continues to affirm his loyalty to the Kapuso Network, “Alam niyo mga 15 taon na si Dingdong sa GMA. Ito ang magpapatunay na marunong makadevelop ng Primetime King ang GMA. He is our exhibit number one kung paano nakaka-develop ng artist ang GMA 7. “

Mr. Duavit shared that he is very proud of Dingdong's achievements and how he has matured and grown as an actor over the years, “We are very, very happy about the signing today. In fact nung nabanggit na 15 years na si Dingdong na Kapuso, parang kailan lang Dong was the very first exclusive contract that I recall signing many, many years ago. This event today somehow gives us that gratification and we’re honored that we’ve grown together, ang GMA at si Dong. At malayong malayo pa ang mararating natin together.”

Rasonable said that the network will continue to provide good projects for Dingdong that will further his career and stature in the showbiz industry and will keep on supporting his endeavors and advocacies.

On the other hand, Perry said he is very contented with the way GMA is handling Dingdong's career and is looking forward to a stronger working relationship with the network, “Nagpapasalamat kami sa GMA sa tiwala nila, panibagong yugto ng another lifetime ni Dingdong. Maraming salamat kila Atty. Gozon, Mr. Duavit, Mr. Yalong, Ma’am Lilybeth. Buong puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa pagtitiwala at pag-aalaga nila kay Dingdong.”

GMA International celebrates eighth year on a winning note

GMA International triumphantly celebrates its 8th anniversary with eight NAMIC Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA) - the most number of awards won by GMA so far in this prestigious global marketing competition, which recognizes excellence in marketing efforts designed to attract and retain culturally diverse audiences and customers among African American, Asian, Hispanic and other market segments in North America.

GMA won alongside some of the world’s biggest pay-television distributors such as Comcast, Rogers and Time Warner Cable and also Network/Industry suppliers like HBO, The Oprah Winfrey Network and Univision.

The meet and greet with the cast of award-winning situational comedy Pepito Manaloto starring three-time Asian TV Awards best comedy actor, Michael V. won first place in the Grassroots category. Drawing a combined crowd of over 1,700 Filipino-Americans in Seafood City Cerritos and Carson, California, the event was conceptualized particularly for Filipino-Americans, who yearn for the classic Filipino brand of comedy.

The Bayani Tour, which gave a group of second-generation Filipino-Americans including YouTube celebrities AJ Rafael, Joseph Vincent, and Jeremy Passion a historical and cultural immersion tour of the Philippines, also received a first place award in the Social Media category. Educating second-generation Fil-Ams about their Filipino heritage, the tour extended its objective not only to the participants but also to AJ, Joseph and Jeremy's nearly 1.4 million combined numbers of subscribers. It is worthy to note that the Bayani Tour also bagged a second place award for Diversity Awareness.

As part of promoting GMA News TV International, GMA International distributed information kits to highlight the 11 million Filipinos overseas' need to be connected to home though the Philippines' number one news channel. This marketing effort won second place in the All Other Media category for it was proven most effective among major carriers in Canada adding GMA News TV to their channel offerings.

GMA's 2013 rendition of the Philippine National Anthem also won second place in the Television category for creatively presenting the Filipino spirit of heroism to Filipinos across the globe and to the rest of the world. The music video echoes in more ways than one GMA International's promise of "Bringing Filipinos Closer To Home."

Winning third place in the Premium Category is the GMA International 6th anniversary milestone shirt, which depicted GMA International as a fast-growing source of superior entertainment and the most credible news from home. The shirts were distributed during the Philippine Independence Day celebrations and among GMA International affiliates all over the world.

Likewise bagging a third place recognition in the Print category is the GMA International 7th anniversary print ad. GMA Pinoy TV first started airing in the United States in August 2005 via COMCAST north California, and to commemorate this milestone GMA International implemented a print campaign as a way of thanking their viewers for their continued patronage over the years. A total of 67,000 copies of the 7th year anniversary ad were printed and circulated in north California.

Rounding off GMA International's success in this year's NAMIC (EMMA) Awards is the Proud to be Pinoy 2012 TV Special that scored third place in the Television Category. The TV special was recognized for re-affirming GMA International's strong presence during the various Philippine Independence Day celebrations that had a record-breaking number of participants reaching 140,000 worldwide. GMA's international business unit successfully celebrated the 114th Philippine Independence day by making it not just a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of their pivotal role in shaping the Filipino people's future.

GMA International has been recognized by NAMIC for almost every year since the launch of GMA Pinoy TV in 2005. Last year, GMA International emerged as one of the most awarded companies in the competition with six awards in total including two first place finishes for its "Support Manny Pacquiao" online marketing campaign (Digital category) and for its international magazine "Kapuso Abroad" (Grassroots category).

“We are honored that GMA International is recognized again, and in a big way, at this year's Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards,” says GMA International Vice President and Head of Operations, Joseph T. Francia. “It is noteworthy that our awards this year cover a wide range of our tactics using both emerging and traditional media. This will inspire us to continue to innovate in creating effective marketing tactics to reach our various audiences abroad,” he adds.

NAMIC is an international organization that recognizes superior multicultural marketing practices in the cable industry. Established as non-profit trade organization in 1980, it has over 2,700 professionals from a network of 16 chapters worldwide.

The awarding of winners will be held on October 9 during the US Cable Diversity Week in New York City.

TV5 International signs distribution agreement with

Canada’s JuanTV

Pilipinas Global Network Limited (PGNL)/TV5 International recently announced its partnership with Juan TV, Inc. for the content distribution of its channels , Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International all over Canada.

PGNL President and CEO, Claro Carmelo “Ito” Ramirez has a good outlook on the partnership. “PGNL is in the forefront of new technologies allowing us to be available in all platforms: satellite, cable , IPTV, and OTT in many different countries around the world”.

Juan TV, Inc. is a Canadian-based Radio, Television, and Talent Management Company, focusing on Filipino demographics in Canada. Juan TV Inc. will be launching its own television channel called Juan TV, which is a mixture of original productions that will include local news, commentaries/talk shows, as well as news and television programs from the country.

“Our entertainment business model is all about providing a wide selection of movie and television programs from the Philippines. The addition of Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International to our roster of channels definitely completes the variety of entertainment options that Juan TV offers “, says Juan TV Network President, Alan Yong.

Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International are currently being viewed by Filipinos all over the world through DISH Network, DishWorld and MyGlobeTV in the United States, OSN in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, DU Mobile and ZAIN in Dubai and Kuwait respectively, MCV in Guam and Pacific Islands, FetchTV in Australia, and Hitron in Papua New Guinea.

DIRECTV AND BRAINSTORM MEDIA LAUNCH NEW SEASON OF THE DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES

“SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT”

ON TV AND IN THEATERS BEGINNING OCTOBER 3

Broadcast Premieres of Five New Acclaimed Documentaries Will Premiere Exclusively on DIRECTV’s Audience Network and In Theaters

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Sept. 18, 2013 - DIRECTV and Brainstorm Media announced today that Something to Talk About, a series of socially and culturally relevant documentaries, will return to Audience Network this fall with the premiere ofHaiti Untold on Thursday, October 3 at 8 p.m.

The new season of Something to Talk About will launch with five acclaimed documentaries this fall. The films will make their exclusive, television debut on Audience Network and will be presented in theaters nationwide, as well as being available for purchase through DIRECTV on Demand, DIRECTV Everywhere, home video and via electronic sell-thru.

The upcoming season covers an array of issues and topics such as Hurricane Sandy, gambling addiction and President Kennedy’s historical term and films include:

• HAITI UNTOLD A FILM BY DAN SHANNON OCTOBER 3

• DRAWING DEAD A FILM BY MIKE WEEKS OCTOBER 10

• SHORED UP A FILM BY BEN KALINA OCTOBER 24

• JFK: A PRESIDENT BETRAYED A FILM BY CORY TAYLOR NOVEMBER 7

• DESERT RUNNERS A FILM BY JENNIFER STEINMAN NOVEMBER 21

“We are excited about this new lineup of great thought provoking documentaries,” said Meyer Shwarzstein, President of Brainstorm Media. “Our first season proved to be very popular with our viewers, and we look forward to sparking even more conversations around the country as we broaden our Something to Talk About audience.”

“Our viewers respond to intelligent, provocative programming and the films presented in the first season of “Something to Talk About” really resonated with them,” said Chris Long, SVP Original Content and Distribution of DIRECTV. “We are thrilled provide our customers with another collection of these diverse films which touch upon some of today’s most relevant issues,

HAITI UNTOLD, directed by Dan Shannon, chronicles the personal journey of a few famous and not-so-famous individuals who have put their heads and hearts to the task of effecting radical change in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake of 2010. The film features Sean Penn, Donna Karan, George Laraque, and a host of other notable individuals whose ongoing efforts in the country are effecting radical change in the country. Haiti Untold will kick off the series on Thursday, October 3 at 8PM ET/PT.

DRAWING DEAD: The Highs and Lows of Online Poker, directed by Mike Weeks, is an insightful look into the highs and lows of online poker from two very different perspectives: a professional poker player worth millions, and a gambling addict. This film will air on Thursday, October 10 at 8PM ET/PT.

When Superstorm Sandy devastated the East Coast, it was a wake up call to a new reality. SHORED UP, directed by Ben Kalina, takes us to the heart of the climate change controversy, following communities in New Jersey and North Carolina where politics, economics and science collide. Beginning 3 years before Hurricane Sandy hit and following the debates over beach replenishment and other attempts to hold back the sea, the film becomes convincing call for action along our coasts. As the oceans rise and storms flood our towns and cities, we have a choice to make: do we continue to develop as we have in the past, ignoring clear risks and danger? Or, do we allow science to guide our policies for the future...before it's too late. The film will premiere on October 24 at 8PM ET/PT.

JFK: A PRESIDENT BETRAYED, directed by Cory Taylor, uncovers new evidence that reveals how John F. Kennedy was determined to get out of Vietnam; open negotiations with Cuba's Fidel Castro; and forge peaceful relations with the Soviet Union. The film brings to light how President Kennedy was subverted by government officials and considers how the world might be different had he lived. The film will premiere on November 7 at 8PM ET/PT.

DESERT RUNNERS, directed by Jennifer Steinman, follows a diverse group of non-professional runners and their attempt to complete the most difficult ultra-marathon race series on Earth. Their dramatic journey takes them across the world’s most picturesque yet brutal landscapes, pushing their bodies, hearts and spirits through a myriad of external and internal obstacles. The film delves deep into the mindset of these ultra-athletes, and the complex ways in which human beings deal with both heartbreak and triumph. The film will premiere on November 21 at 8PM ET/PT.

Laemmle Theatres in Southern California will be joining Something To Talk About to present these films in cinemas. The documentaries will also be available on DIRECTV on Demand, DIRECTV Everywhere, on home video and via electronic sell-thru.

The theatrical screening dates of each of these films is still to be announced. Please go towww.somethingtotalkabout.us for more information on theatrical dates and cities and updates on the series.

About Brainstorm Media:

Brainstorm Media develops, produces and distributes films for all media. Founded in 1995, it is the oldest independent aggregator for VOD, SVOD and TV and continues to push the threshold in independent distribution by integrating digital, TV, DVD and theatrical strategies. Brainstorm is partnered with DIRECTV on the documentary film series Something To Talk Aboutand the company releases movies and curates channels under the Fangoria label.

About Something to Talk About

Presented by Brainstorm Media and DIRECTV's Audience network, Something to Talk About introduces new, socially relevant and critically acclaimed documentary features in a select group of theaters around the US and on Audience. Each film includes a filmmaker interview as final wraparound. In certain venues, the film will also be followed by a live discussion.

About Audience:

Audience is a unique and exclusive television experience available only to DIRECTV subscribers. The channel first made its mark in 2008 (as The 101 Network) by partnering with NBC to produce and air three additional seasons of the Emmy Award-winning series Friday Night Lights and in 2010 it became the exclusive home of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning drama Damages, starring Glenn Close. DIRECTV continues its commitment to original content with series including ROGUE, an exclusive suspense-drama starring award-winning actress Thandie Newton, and Full Circle, the television debut of acclaimed writer Neil LaBute, starring Kate Walsh, Julian McMahon, Minka Kelly and David Boreanaz. The network has become the premier destination for smart, innovative and critically acclaimed TV fare as we search the globe for the best new series such asHit & Miss (United Kingdom), Rake (Australia), Call Me Fitz and Less Than Kind (Canada). The Dan Patrick Show, and its companion series The Box Score, keep sports fans up to date with the latest sports talk. Viewers also enjoy the Guitar Center Sessions series and major events such as the annual DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl. For more info, please visitwww.directv.com/audience

About DIRECTV:

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is one of the world’s leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering a premium video experience through state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming and industry leading customer service to more than 36 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its over 20 million customers access to more than 190 HD channels and Dolby-Digital® 5.1 theater-quality sound, access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET™, Emmy-award winning technology and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for 13 years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, andother Latin American countries, leads the pay TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to more than 16 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include two Regional Sports Networks (Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh), and minority ownership interests in Root Sports Northwest and Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please visit www.directv.com