Much-awaited by horror movie fans is the Star Cinema’s latest offering “T2,” dubbed the official “must-see” summer movie of 2009, and which opens today, Black Saturday, in over 100 theaters nationwide. Why show it on Black Saturday? Because it is recalled that in the past, all of Star Cinema movies shown on Black Saturday have all been box-office hits. And this is also expected of “T2,” to be another huge success for Star Cinema.

“T2” stars Diamond Star Maricel Soriano who reunites with box-office director Chito Roño who was responsible for the two previous Star Cinema horror blockbusters “Feng Shui” (starring Kris Aquino) and “Sukob” (starring Kris Aquino and Claudine Barretto).

The trailer alone of “T2” (from which “psst…” has become the official scary byword) has excited countless televiewers who certainly wouldn’t miss watching the horror flick on the big screen, if only to see what stuff this movie is made of. With engkantos taken to the fore in this film, moviegoers will definitely witness a world never before seen in a movie.

With “T2,” the bankable triumvirate Star Cinema, Chito Roño and Maricel Soriano promise to take moviegoers on the edge of their seats. The rigorous shooting schedules and grueling special effects processes have produced a film that is expected to be long remembered as one of the best horror films this decade.

Because this is not just a horror movie, they say. It is a film that infuses drama and heart to the story, elements that will be much appreciated by Kapamilya audiences here and all over the world.

By the way, “T2” boasts of an impressive cast, meticulously assembled for this project: new child wonder Mika dela Cruz, who Maricel and Direk Chito have been praising to high heavens for being so talented and promising; Derek Ramsay who plays Maricel’s husband; Eric Fructuoso who plays her driver, comebacking Camille Prats, K Brosas in her first serious film, and Tetchie Agbayani who returns to mainstream cinema via “T2.”

“T2’s” international screening schedule is as follows: April 17-23, at the Micronesia Mall in Guam; UA Stonestown Twin in San Francisco; Regal Village Square Stadium in Las Vegas; Parkway Plaza Stadium Cinema in Seattle; Cerritos Stadium Cinema in Los Angeles; and UA Horton Plaza in San Deigo; April 30-May 2 at Al Ghurair in Dubai and Grand Megamall in Sharjah; May 7-9 at the Grand Al Mariah in Abu Dhabi; May 8-14 at Coliseum Scarborough in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada; and Empire Studio 10 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; May 14-16, at Grand Cine Center in Qatar and Seed Cineplex in Bahrain.

“T2” has been rated B by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Charice enjoys new home at Lion’s Park Residences

With her growing popularity here and abroad, Charice Pempengco – or simply, Charice – the world’s newest singing sensation, now shuttles back and forth from the US. Whenever she is home from her sorties abroad, however, she relishes the tranquility offered by her new condo unit at Lion’s Park Residences in Sun Valley, Parañaque City. Her new abode, which is in a mid-rise condominium community developed by CDC Realty, Inc. has a homey ambiance, and is close to her hometown.
“Nagustuhan ko po dito kasi hindi ako masyadong lumayo sa Laguna kung sa’n ako lumaki. Madami pong malapit dito at hindi maingay at crowded tulad sa ibang lugar. Nakakapag-rest po talaga ako kapag andito ako (I like the place because it’s not too far from Laguna, the place where I grew up. It’s accessible to many amenities, and the place is quiet and not too crowded unlike in other places. I am able to rest whenever I’m here),” says Charice.

She was first discovered through “The Little Big Star,” a search for outstanding young local singers on ABS-CBN 2. Charice was later featured by “False Voice” on YouTube, and was brought to the international limelight via the “The Ellen Degeneres Show.” Her stint in the show of Oprah Winfrey opened more doors for her. She was initiated into the world stage and performed with icons such as Celine Dion, and alongside the likes of Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, and Michael Bublé.

In one of her visits to the CDC Holdings headquarters in Makati, Chief Executive Officer Melesa “Elsie” Chua and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Charlene Chua turned over to Charice the keys to her Lion’s Park condo unit.

Lion’s Park Residences is a 1.9 hectare condominium located near premier business centers and leisure destinations. Located in Parañaque City, it is five storeys high and has a cluster of 10 buildings. Lion’s Park has amenities such as a multi-purpose hall, a landscaped park, lap and kiddie pools, playgrounds, a jogging trail, among other things.

Aside from Lion’s Park, CDC Holdings also developed the Manila Rivercity Residences in Sta. Ana, Manila, Crisanta Villas in Pasig-Cainta, and La Joya de Sta. Rosa in Laguna. For more information visit www.cdcresidences.com.

1st Russian filmfest to be held in the Philippines

The first ever Russian Film Festival will be held in the country on Aug. 14-16 and 21-23, 2009. This was an offshoot of a recent meeting between the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), represented by Ms. Marinella Suzara and Ms. Digna Santiago, and Russian Ambassador Vitaly Y. Vorobiev.

The meeting was held at the Russian ambassador’s residence. Also present were Ms. Armi Lopez-Garcia, honorary consul of the Russian Federation in Cebu, Ms. Baby Bunang of the Russian-Philippine Friendship Society, Ms. Tatiana Kalashnikova of the Russian Embassy, Dmitry V. Larionov, Protocol Assistant to the Ambassador, and Ms. Imee Marcos of Cream.

Ambassador Vorobiev talked about inviting three filmmakers from Russia to grace the event, and more specifically to conduct round-table discussions with Filipino filmmakers.

FDCP hopes to support this new and exciting event since Chairman Rolando S. Atienza believes our Filipino audiences should be exposed to as wide a variety of filmmaking viewpoints as possible.

During the projected film festival, six classic films as well as six new films will be shown on two weekends. The film festival can be a way for Filipinos, especially the students, to learn and appreciate more the Russian culture and the talent of Russian filmmakers. Film enthusiasts from the Queen City of the south will also get the chance to watch these films as the festival moves to Cebu on Aug. 28-30.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 11, go to Leah Navarro, JM Rodriguez, Barber Baron, US-based Gloria Papin, Mary Ann W. Nunah, Thelma Exconde Gana, Philip Abadicio, Edwin Principe, Paolo Relucio, Bobby and Rizza Mananquil, former Bb. Pilipinas Maja-International Maria Muriel “Lala” Moral, and young Kapuso star Mart Escudero…