Pandas are generally thought to be kind and gentle creatures, if a little laid-back. These plump, huggable black-and-white animals are usually seen on television screens either sitting or lying down, with the ubiquitous bamboo shoot in their paws and mouths. But what about Po of “Kung Fu Panda,” who longs only to become an expert in kung fu, a martial art that relies on agility, mental prowess and lightning-fast reflexes?

Enthusiastic, big and clumsy, Po is the biggest fan of kung fu in the Valley of Peace, which doesn’t exactly come in handy while working every day in his family’s noodle shop.

Unexpectedly chosen to fulfill a prophecy, Po’s dreams become reality when he gets an opportunity to learn the art of kung fu alongside his idols, the legendary Furious Five – Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey – under the leadership of their guru, Master Shifu. But before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way, and it’s up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat.

This delightful animated feature is voiced by a star-studded cast: Golden Globe® nominee Jack Black (“Year One”) as Po, Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie (“Changeling”) as Tigress, Emmy® nominee Seth Rogen (“Monsters vs. Aliens”) as Mantis, Emmy® and Screen Actors’ Guild Awards nominee Lucy Liu (“Dirty Sexy Money”) as Viper, international action superstar Jackie Chan (“The Forbidden Kingdom”) as Monkey, two-time Academy Award® winner Dustin Hoffman (“Last Chance Harvey”) as Master Shifu, and Golden Globe® winner Ian McShane (“Coraline”) as Tai Lung.

Don’t miss the premiere of “Kung Fu Panda,” on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. on HBO, and encores Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., Dec. 3 at 11:30 p.m., Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more play times.

Christian Bautista’s album No. 1 in Odyssey charts for six weeks

The new Christian Bautista album from Universal Records, “Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan” has been charted No. 1 on Odyssey Top 10 charts, for six weeks now.

Now certified platinum, the new CD will be featured in “MYX Presents: Christian Bautista Sing Jose Mari Chan,” to be premiered on Dec. 3, 9 p.m.

“The Romance Revisited” CD’s special edition, with the bonus minus-one CD, is only available at all Odyssey outlets.

The hit album contains the single “Tell Me Your Name” and duets with Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, Jose Mari Chan and Sarah Geronimo.

The “Christian Bautista: Romance Revisited” mall tour will be at Robinsons-Metro East on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Café de Malate’s announcement

Bobby Velasco announces that Café de Malate at 1888 M.H. Del Pilar, Manila is now accepting reservations for Christmas Parties at very reasonable prices of their hit and well-patronized dishes like Crispy Pata, Buttered Chicken, Lapu Lapu Escabeche, Pinakbet, Pansit Guisado and among others.

They offer the place exclusive for any occasion, Bobby said. They also have nightly performers: Clarise Arenas (Mondays), Margarette Montenegro (Tuesdays and Fridays), Angel Sanchez (Wednesdays), TJ Cuyugan (Thursdays), Pianist Nestor Luis (Mondays and Saturdays), Pianist Domingo Canonigo (Tuesdays to Fridays), and 3-pc band (Teteng, Boy and Freddie) every Friday.

Mrs. Universe 2009 airs on Q 11 Sunday

Witness how Mrs. Philippines Camilla Kim-Galvez wowed everyone in Latvia, Northern Europe, when she was crowned second runner-up of Mrs. Universe 2009, as Q Channel 11 airs the pageant special on Sunday, Nov. 29.

As the winner of the first nationwide search for Mrs. Philippines, Camilla represented the country in the international pageant held last Aug. 9, at the five-star Hotel De Rome in Riga, Latvia. Out of 70 delegates from different countries, Camilla was the only Asian to make it to the top three.

Aside from her 2nd runner-up finish, Mrs. Galvez also bagged the Darling of the Press and Best in Evening Gown awards.

This former TV reporter is a Broadcast Communication graduate from the University of the Philippines, Diliman and is also the Chief Executive Officer of Blue Gardens Weddings and Events Venue. Camilla is a regular telethon host of CBN Asia’s 700 Club.

Catch more of Camilla on the special airing of Mrs. Universe 2009 on Sunday, Nov. 29, from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m., only on Q Channel 11.