GMA’s Magpakailanman beats Maalaala Mo Kaya in ratings.

Last Saturday (Jan 19), GMA Network’s award-winning drama anthology Magpakailanman, hosted by multi-awarded TV personality Mel Tiangco, dominated its timeslot with high TV ratings as it featured the real life story of Michelle Perez, a drug addict who turned her life around. This episode was directed by Gina Alajar and written by Aloy Adlawan.



The episode entitled “Pakawalang Anghel: The Michelle Perez Story” portrayed by Joyce Ching as the young Michelle and Ehra Madrigal as the old Michelle was undoubtedly preferred by more viewers, according to data from the industry’s widely trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. 



Based on overnight household ratings data recorded in National Urban Phils for January 19, 2013, Magpakailanman scored an average household rating of 23 percent versus ABS-CBN’s Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) with 19.1 percent. In Urban Luzon, it scored 25.8 percent compared to MMK’s 16 percent while in Mega Manila, Magpakailanman posted an even bigger margin with 26.7 percent against MMK’s 14.5 percent.



Don’t miss this Saturday’s episode as Magpakailanman features the real life story of Kapuso actress Katrina Halili only on GMA 7.

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters- A Rollicking Action-Adventure Movie

The story picks up 15 years after siblings Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) hatched their escape from a child-snatching witch, who changed their lives forever . . . and gave them a taste for blood. Now they have come of age as fierce, formidably skilled bounty hunters 100% dedicated to tracking and terminating witches in every dark forest -- hell-bent on retribution.  But as the notorious Blood Moon approaches and a familiar wooded town faces a nightmare for its innocent children, Hansel & Gretel encounter an evil beyond any witch they’ve ever hunted – an evil that could hold the secret to their frightening past.  

The Mayor of Augsburg, Germany recruits them to rid the town and nearby forests of an evil sorceress Muriel (Famke Janssen) who is planning to sacrifice many local children at the witches' gathering during the upcoming 'Blood Moon' night in two days time. To make things worse, the duo also has to deal with the brutal Sheriff Berringer (Peter Stormare) who has taken power in Augsburg and conducts a very indiscriminate witch-hunt of his own.

Children around the world have long had their bones chilled by the classic fairy tale of Hansel & Gretel, the brother and sister lost in the woods, then ensnared by an icy-hearted witch who cooks and eats children.  At the story’s end, the duo foil the witch’s cannibalistic clutches . . . but what happened to them next?  That’s what writer/director Tommy Wirkola’s Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters dares to imagine, tackling the question in all its scary, funny and suspenseful potential.  Joining their story as the adult siblings emerge as the most lethal witch hunters ever to stalk the woods, the film turns an ancient fable into a no-holds-barred epic of modern action and adventure. 

Immediately, Wirkola saw the makings of a visually ferocious, humor-laced and action-packed experience for 21^st Century audiences raised on the tale. As he began writing, he determined he would stay true to the spirit of the original German folk legend -- first published back in 1812 by the famed unearthly tale-collectors, The Brothers Grimm -- but put no limits on his imagination from there. 

“I wanted the vibe of the original fairy tale but I also wanted to spice it with all the things I love most in movies – comedy, horror and graphic action.” he summarizes.  “A gruesome aura was always there in the original tale, but I brought it to the forefront, while injecting humor.  And the story is still about this really strong bond between brother and sister – the way Hansel & Gretel are driven to stick together, no matter what it takes, as they confront evil.” 

To take Hansel & Gretel out of the annals of legend and into visceral, contemporary action, Tommy Wirkola knew he would need to find two strong personalities who could morph these characters from legend to real life.  The search for a contemporary ideal of how Hansel & Gretel might have turned out – after being raised on dreams of vengeance against the foul wickedness of witches – led to the pairing of Jeremy Renner, Oscar®-nominated for his searing action role as an Iraq War bomb expert in The Hurt Locker and rising British actress Gemma Arterton, whose allure came to the fore when she joined the iconic circle of Bond Girls in Quantum of Solace. 

He also found himself wrapped up in what becomes Hansel’s guiding philosophy.  “He and Gretel have gone through an amazing tragedy,” Renner observes.  “They don’t have parents, witches have tried to eat them and what Hansel has taken away is that you’ve got to take your personal anger and pain and do something good with it.” 

That philosophy has left Hansel with a dry wit and a devastating way with the weapons needed to go after hard-to-kill witches.  For Renner, that meant preparing for some of the most intensive action he’s done yet, and he especially enjoyed Wirkola’s take on how hard-fought and harrowing each of Hansel & Gretel’s battle is against such magically empowered enemies.

“There’s a lot of really arduous action in the film,” Renner notes.  “One of the big difference in this movie is that while usually heroes win all their battles, Hansel & Gretel get their butts kicked numerous times.   So in a way we had to face getting beat up every day!  But we also had a great time.   Tommy brought an incredible tone to the whole thing, a mix of serious and funny that I think gives the film the quality of a real adventure.” 

Arterton, too, was drawn to the twists of the story.  “I love the original fairy tale and this starts there, then makes a real departure,” she says.  “The film joins up with Hansel & Gretel in the midst of their fame as witch hunters.  But it’s also a time when they’re starting to wonder who they are and why these terrible things happened to them – which leads them into a very tense situation.” 

Amid all the snowballing tension, Arterton loved the brother-sister dynamic that always stays at the heart of the action, no matter how extreme things get.  “The sibling relationship is such a great one to explore,” ayes Arterton.  “Hansel & Gretel have this unstoppable bond but they’re also so different from each other.  She’s the brains of the operation.  He’s the brawn.  He’s the joker and the show-off.  She’s more the watcher, the researcher, the one who tries to really understand witchcraft.  They have to each play to their strengths.”

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, written and directed by Tommy Wirkola, is a Paramount Pictures and Metro Goldwyn Mayer presentation by Gary Sanchez production starring Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen and Peter Stormare, Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.  The film is distributed by United International Pictures thru Solar Entertainment Corporation.  Showing on January 23 at your favorite theaters and cinemas..       

GEB SUPERCLUB: Newest Party Hub in the Heart of Q.C.

I used to be a “partyphile” way back in college. I remember me and my friends can’t last a week without going to Decades, our party haven during those days. Oh how I wish I could back and relive those memories. I left those wonderful memories to face a more challenging and fulfilling life of being a wife to my loving husband and fulfilling role of being a mom to the two most kept gems in my life , my kids. I have no regrets. I cannot say that my life is perfect. I also have my flaws as a person but I take every criticism as a step forward to improve and develop myself.

INDIO: The Newest Epic-serye from GMA KAPUSO this year 2013

If you are a big fan of Amaya and Encantadia, be amazed with GMA’s newest salvo for the year 2013, INDIO.

INDIO is the much-awaited epic-serye that incorporates the historical roots of the “earliest” Filipinos to its unexplainable co-existence with the “Diwatas” up to the arrival of the Portuguese to conquer our land.

GMA Network’s newest epic-serye, INDIO is proud to introduced to us it’s powerhouse cast.

The title “Indio” is played here by Vincent Magbanua (as the young Indio),Alden Richards (as the “teener” Indio) and Ramon “Bong” Revillas  Jr. (as Malaya, Simeon and Indio). Indio is the son of a goddess and a mortal, who is equip with strength triple than his normal strength.Her mother, Ynaguiguinid (played by Sarah Lahbati) the Goddess of War.

INDIO marks as Sen.Ramon “Bong” Revilla’s first primetime drama project via the network’s most expensive television drama to date.

Fancy Cakes and Crepes: My Desserts-Haven at Matalino St. Q.C.

If you are looking for a nice quaint little nook where you can peacefully spend an afternoon eating your favorite dessert and say “ Life’s Good”, I suggest that you pay a visit to my newest “dessert” discovery- "FANCY CAKES and CREPES”.

Cakes and Crepes goes well as these two delectable dessert are the prime offerings of Fancy Cakes and Crepes.

First encounter with Fancy Cakes and Crepes was when I attended the The Tang-Galing”  event at Manila Hotel, where Fancy Cakes and Crepes’ yummy Cheesecake was served. I kept the calling card that goes with the CheeseCake served.

I visited Fancy Cakes and Crepes  with my friend-cum-sissy Ann Ville last Tues Night (January 8, 2012). The place is bigger than I thought. Very spacious enough that you can also have your meetings here with a client. They have an al-fresco area.

Now here’s the fab part of my visit, I know I just have to order their cakes because I want to savor that “perfect” Cheesecake taste.

Here’s what I ordered for the first part : CAKES GALORE

Romeo and Juliet

 SMORES

Marshmallow Chocolate Cake Whole Php758 Mini 385

Smores is so good that kids will like them if you want them taste something sweet.

 Nutella Cheesecake 

whole Php 868, mini Php 440

This is my favorite among the 3 not because of the Nutella but because the Chocolatey taste of the Nutella did not overpower the Cheesecake itself.

The 2nd part was when we ordered our CREPES!
Anne Ville ordered the Midnight Sun. She just love anything with Blueberries!

Midnight Sun (blueberry Crepe)Php150

Love how my name was on my Crepe!

BananaNutella Php269

I ordered their bestseller BananaNutella (Crepes oozing Bananas and topped with generous servings of Whipped cream and Nutella Spread. 

The place and its ambiance suggests that I can do my work (do my blogposts) peacefully on a Sunday. The interiors boosts positive and relaxing ambiance which a lot of foodies now look for. What is Fancy Cakes and Crepes for me? It equates delectable desserts + relaxing ambiance= Fancy Cakes and Crepes.

This is how it looks inside, so homey makes me wanna plan my future house!

Feels like you're eating your crepe at the comforts of your home!

This is how their seating looks like outside. If you're always with a group who loves lengthy chit-chats and tons of laughs, then here's the perfect place to go! Can't wait to bring all my friends here.

By the way here’s a list of the other sumptuous cakes that they also offer:

• Romeo and Juliet

Black and white Chocolate Whole Php758 MiniPhp385

• SMORES

Marshmallow Chocolate Cake Whole Php758 Mini 385

• SWEET PRINCE
• Pastillas Cheesecake Whole Php868 Mini Php440
• Mango Cake Whole Php 386  Mini 165
• DECADENT

Caramel Chocolate Cake Whole Php:758, Mini Php385

• CHERRY CHOCLATE CAKE
• Cherry on Chocolate Cake Whole Php868, Mini Php 440

• TALL DARK and NUTTY

Dome Cake whole Php758 Mini Php 440

• Nutella Cheesecake whole Php 868, mini Php 440Butterfinger Cheesecake , Oreo Cheesecake, White Chocolate Cheesecake

 Ddn't know My clothes is too colorful for the ambiance of the place hahaha!

But it's always a nice and fun time going with my sis Anne

This is one of the few things makes me love my own city (Quezon City),gradually more restaurants and desserts places are coming out to serve and satisfy the thirst of foodies for good food. If you hate going to crowded places like malls just to satisfy your craving for cakes and crepes, my best suggestion is visit Fancy Cakes and Crepes.


Their branches:
Fancy Cakes
44-A Magiting St. Teacher’s Vill, Diliman, Q.C
10:30am-10pm

Fancy Crepes
40 Matalino Street cor. kalayaanAve. Diliman Q.C

Bakeshop:
55-D Matahimik St.
Teacher’s Village Diliman, Q.C
Tel#’s: 4331048/ 4330371/ 09178062666
Operating Hours: 7am-4pm

Fancy cakes also come in slices and can also be availed in half and whole cake portions.
Fancy Cakes and Crepes is located at 40 Matalino Street Corner Kalayaan Ave. Diliman Q.C. They can also deliver if you want their yummy cakes delivered right at your doorstep ( but for the meantime they only deliver within the 1Km radius perspective;but they are working out on ways on how they  can maximize their delivery needs).

Service also satisfactory because all their staff are nice and polite.
Like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Fancy-Cakes

Jack Reacher: Tom Cruise Stars In different kind of “Hero” Movie

What’s your idea of a Hero? When I was invited to the advance premier of the movie “Jack Reacher” and read what’s the movie’s gonna be all about, I asked myself what basically is a hero?

For me a Hero should possess courage, sense of dignity and a man of his word. I know a lot of you will agree that some may feel the same way.

If you’re gonna ask if the movie is another “hero” kind of movie, I would say yes but with a different approach.

Jack Reacher is a comeback from  Hollywood’s favorite, Tom Cruise. Incidentally Tom Cruise also co-produced this movie.

Here’s a little info about the movie “JACK REACHER”.

On a mundane morning in an average town, five people are randomly shot dead while going about their everyday lives. All of the evidence points to one man: A sharp-shooting assassin who is also an ex-military, a trained sniper. He is swiftly apprehended and dragged into custody. Despite a marathon interrogation, the prisoner offers up nothing except a cryptic demand he scribbles on a notepad in lieu of a confession: GET JACK REACHER.

By the time Reacher arrives, the accused killer lies in coma, thanks to a brutal beating during transfer, and his defense attorney (played by ROSAMUND PIKE) is loaded with questions for Reacher: What is her clients history with Reacher, and why would he request help from a man convinced of his guilt? Despite some trepidation, she honors her client’s request and hires Reacher to investigate.This is where the pursuit for truth starts. This movie is based on ONE SHOT, the 9th in the series of Reacher novels.

I know for those who read the book will ask why start in the middle of the series?

Producer Granger says,” One Shot is perhaps the most cinematic of all the books. Within the novel are presented several elements that we thought were important in a first movie. First I think it’s got one of the very best introductions for Reacher- it’s a great way to bring him into the plot that’s already in motion. But secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, there’s dilemma for him. He comes into the story believing one thing, and then has to realize that the facts are perhaps pointing in a different direction.

This movie is so far the most-promising one for a come-backing actor-cum producer like TOM CRUISE. As I watch the movie I kept focusing and concentrating on the plot of the movie, but just like I know you'll in suspense as how the movie turns out.

JACK REACHER is will be shown in theaters near you starting January 9,2013. JACK REACHER starsTom Cruise as Jack Reacher, ROSAMUND PIKE (Helen Rodin as the District Attorney's daughter in charged as the counsel-in-charge for the accused JAMES BARR (played by Joseph Sikora), David Oyelowo (Detective Emerson).

The movie is produced by Tom Cruise, Paula Wagner, Gary Levinsohn and Dana Goldberg. It is released by Solar Enetertaintment and United International Pictures.

SM City North Edsa's End of Season Sale on January 4-13,2013

I know you still have those hang-over because of the holidays. And just like me, i felt the holidays before the year 2012 is not enough. I have not met "old " friends that I was supposed to meet over the holidays and most especially I haven't gone out to "shop".

Great thing is, I was informed by a friend that SM City North Edsa will be having their #EndofSeasonSale starting January 4-13, 2013.

There will be items that will be on sale as much as 70% off. Well if that is the case I will be visiting SM City North Edsa the soonest so that I will have more chances on getting a "grab" on fab items!