‘Batibot’ cast

MANILA, Philippines -- After his successful Bruno Mars concerts, actor-entrepreneur Marvin Agustin will be bringing in next two major foreign acts through his company, Futurement, Inc. in partnership with Rhiza Pascua’s Music Management International (MMI).

The first: Maroon 5 set May 23 at the SMX Convention Center. Maroon 5 will be the biggest summer party, according to Marvin. It will be the Grammy Award winner’s return concert here since their first which was held in 2008. The five-member band is already more than excited to play for their equally excited Pinoy fans their new hits like “Misery” and “If I Never See Your Face Again” along with all-time favorites “Sunday Morning” and “She Will Be Loved.”

Some 8,000 to10,000 people are expected to rock with them at the SMX Convention Center.

Next, Miley Cyrus performs in Manila on June 17 at the Mall of Asia Open Grounds. Miley will be coming from Mexico and after the Philippines, she will be heading for Australia for another series of concerts.

Of the concerts, Marvin said: “Along with this new-found passion of mine for producing and promoting concerts comes challenge too. With this, we are taking this opportunity to promote these most anticipated events to neighboring countries and also to fans in the US.”

Marvin added that the concerts are keys to promoting the Philippines’ beauty and other local businesses. “This is the door that will open and promote tourism in the country! We want the Philippines to be known as the concert destination in Asia,” Marvin stressed.

Another project that Marvin is inspired and excited about is his soon-to-start cooking reality TV show entitled “Kitchen Superstar.” We all know that the actor is also now a successful restaurateur having a chain of well-patronized eateries to which he and partners intend to add some more within the year. Marvin took up Culinary Arts but still has to finish it, he said. Cooking is his passion and now that he has become a successful restaurateur, he would like to help others realize their dream to be chefs through his show. “It’s my way of giving back,” Marvin said.

‘Batibot’s’ 2nd season airs today on TV5

TV5 Kids and Philippine Children’s Television Foundation, Inc. (PCTVF) present an exciting new season of the iconic children show “Batibot” starting today, May 7. Loads of fun and learning await kids as Kuya Fidel (Abner Delina) and Ate Maya (Kakki Teodoro) bring in the freshest and the most interactive “Batibot” along with muppets Kapitan Basa, Manang Bola, Ning Ning, Ging Ging, and Koko Kwik-kwak.

“We at TV5 felt it was high time for today’s children to have a share of the ‘Batibot’ experience their parents enjoyed during their youth. We’re very happy with the show’s successful comeback. For something as intrinsic to Pinoy culture as ‘Batibot,’ it deserves to continue its worthwhile advocacy of teaching good values to our children in the most entertaining way,” shared TV5 EVP and COO Roberto V. Barreiro.

According to Teacher Feny delos Angeles-Bautista, Philippine Children’s Television Foundation Executive Director and Batibot Executive Producer, introducing Batibot to a new generation of Filipino children has been worth all the effort. “The summative research we conducted with children in both public and private schools and their active engagement during the live performances in schools, parks and even at the PGH Cancer Ward reaffirmed our expectation that kids would welcome ‘Batibot’ and make it a part of their lives,” Bautista added.

“Batibot” begins its second season on TV5 on May 7. The show airs every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. with 3-5 minute shorts on weekdays at 9 a.m. and 2:55 p.m.

New John Cusack film,  ‘Saw 7’ now on DVD

The John Cusack starrer “Hot Tub Time Machine” is now out on VCD and DVD.

The package includes theatrical version and unrated version that offers more mature jokes and bares more adult thrills. Meanwhile, the VCD format only offers the theatrical version. Both are exclusive release of C-Interactive Digital Entertainment and are not out in stores nationwide like Astroplus, Astrovision, Odyssey Music & Video, Video City and selected branches of National Book Store and Fully Booked.

Meanwhile, a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw’s brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen (Sean Patrick Flanery) in “Saw: The Final Chapter.”

The DVD features five featurettes including the never before seen deleted and extended scenes to your collections.

Visit www.c-interactive.com.ph for more video releases or “like” us on facebook.com/cinteractiveph for updates.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 7, go to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Mrs. Helen Gamboa-Sotto, Mrs. Nena Jacinto of D’Swan Bakeshop, Corazon Gonzalez, Mary Anne Gutierrez, Princess del Rosario-Bata, Ivy Lily “Mae” F. Mendoza, New York-based Helen B. Martinez, Baby Valencia. Mrs. Doring Quirino, Noli Yamsuan, and Carlo Tadiar… Happy wedding anniversary to Drs. Dodo and Nellie Acosta, and Louie and Mila Limjoco…