I think when it comes to drugs it has been a number problem not only in one country but I think in almost around the globe. With this, one of the stories, an infamous Colombian hailed as the "King of All Narcos", Pablo Escobar hit the big screen. VIVA International Pictures and MVP Entertainment present ESCOBAR (Loving Pablo) this movie chronicles his rise and fall.

Based on the best-selling book “Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar” by Virginia Vallejo, a distinguished journalist with whom Escobar had an affair with, it stars Academy Award winners and real-life husband and wife, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. Several documentaries and feature films have already been done about this son of a farmer who, at one point, became the seventh richest person on the planet, but Bardem (Skyfall, No Country for Old Men) and director Fernando León de Aranoa (Barrio, Mondays in the Sun, A Perfect Day), assure that their movie is nothing like what viewers have seen before.

According to Bardem, “ESCOBAR (Loving Pablo) begins when Pablo Escobar is already an established businessman, but people hadn’t yet figured out how he was making his money. He meets Virginia, and through their relationship and her platform, he soon becomes a powerful public figure with a voice for the people.”


What the people of Colombia didn’t know was that the man they were supporting always had a selfish motive behind his actions, and it was too late when they finally came to realize it.
“That's where the movie starts,” Bardem reveals, “and the story is that of the people around him as they realize what kind of a person he has become.”

As for de Aranoa, he believes that Pablo found a confidant in Virginia, “someone who he could convey his innermost ideas and intentions, which makes her a unique character and gives our story a fresh perspective.”
On how he and Penelope Cruz approached their characters, Bardem says, "Our portrayal of Pablo and Virginia are fully fleshed out human beings rather than stereotypes…We try to understand the motivation behind Pablo’s actions and why Virginia supported him at the beginning…That's why it’s called Loving Pablo - because this movie is through Virginia’s eyes and the eyes of those who loved Pablo the human being.”

Cruz, who had worked with Bardem in Woody Allen’s hit Vicky Cristina Barcelona, for which she won the 2009 Best Supporting Actress Award at the Oscar’s, prepared hard for her role. "I’ve never met her," says Cruz, pertaining to Virginia Vallejo who currently resides in Miami, “but I've studied about 800 hours of various interviews and shows that she did as a journalist and TV presenter. She is the one that trained Escobar how to use the media to communicate, how to deal with the press, how to address the public. In his political career, she became a significant figure in his life.

Playing the significant role of Agent Shepard who is instrumental in the capture of Escobar is celebrated actor Peter Sarsgaard (The Magnificent Seven, Experimenter). It was Bardem who emailed him and offered him the role. “One of the things that Javier baited me with when he was first talking about the movie, is that he said that I had a lot of scenes with Penelope.” He had worked with Cruz in the film Elegy, and he’s a fan of Berdam as well, so he readily said yes to doing this film with them.

Audiences can expect “amazing action moments” from this crime drama. But most of all, Bardem emphasizes, “this story is about relationships – love, hate, greed, ambition, pain, and joy."

I am not a fan of a hardcore action movie, but this one got me hooked because of the story and the actors portraying the characters. The story is very interesting while the actors are really perfect for their roles. For sure our dear father will love this movie even my husband want to watch this, his a historian anyway.
ESCOBAR (Loving Pablo) opens in cinemas nationwide on June 20, 2018.

Another action movie that you should watch, featuring the Padilla Clan that gave their very best to let the movie goers be amaze on what their Family can do.

STAR Cinema offers an explosive, action-packed family drama this 2014 as it teams up with RCP Productions in Sa Ngalan Ng Ama, Ina, At Mga Anak.


For the very first time in one gigantic movie, Sa Ngalan Ng Ama, Ina, At Mga Anak assembles the respected and talented Padilla clan as led by iconic action superstar Robin Padilla along with renowned TV host and actress Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, teleserye stars Kylie and Bella Padilla, young actors RJ and Matt Padilla, and ABS-CBN’s Primetime Teen King Daniel Padilla.

Set in the turbulent decade of the 70s, the film is based on the true-life story of Ongkoy (Robin Padilla) who was once the leader of the infamous anti-vigilante group “Kuratong Baleleng.” Ongkoy is regarded by many as the “Robinhood” of Mindanao and his passionate and powerful views on family and patriotism remains to be the stuff of legend in Filipino culture even to this very day.


Sa Ngalan Ng Ama, Ina, At Mga Anak aims to address the truth and lies that shrouded the “Kuratong Baleleng” controversy. The movie valiantly proves that love of family and for country will always prevail despite troublesome times. The movie also showcases the Padilla clan at its very best: in the action genre that endeared them to the entire nation for so many years.

This action drama will surely touch the hearts of every Filipino saying that each person can be a hero not only to the country but also to friends and family as well; to the universal law that no bad deed shall go unpunished. At the very core of the movie are the undying spirits of both truth and justice that celebrate the transformative power of good deeds done with great passion and good faith.





Sa Ngalan Ng Ama, Ina, At Mga Anak also stars Christopher De Leon, Dina Bonnevie, Rommel Padilla, Karla Estrada, Pen Medina, Lito Pimentel, Dennis Padilla, Aljur Abrenica, and Bugoy Carino among many others. Sa Ngalan Ng Ama, Ina, At Mga Anak shows in cinemas nationwide starting January 29. The film is part of Star Cinema’s on-going 20th anniversary celebration.


So let your family have a bonding moment through watching th movie especially the daddy and brothers in the family. Here is the full trailer:

   

I have been following the teleseryes of Coco Martin and perhaps I could say that I'm a fan of him. I think I have seen most of his teleseryes and his last was the “Walang Hanggang” with Julia Montes which makes every night a kilig factor with their success love team. Now, he's back on primetime but this is something different of his usual teleseryes. This is an action packed TV series with plenty of fight scenes which I don't like much but I find the story interesting.

This teleserye represents a different Coco Martin as he portray the character Juan Dela Cruz.  The TV series is an action series with some slight drama, comedy and of course love story as well, what is action without the leading lady.  I like the love of Erich and Coco here.  It's not the usual but interesting.

The plot of the story is quite is intriguing because you'll be wanting more with how the story will go at the end.   Though the series is action packed it also have moral lessons to learn from.  Another interesting about this teleserye is that it features some of the myths that Filipino Culture have. Aswang or monster is one of the myths that is very well known to Filipinos, it is a flesh-eating creatures. It is compared to the famous night creatures of different countries like the vampires, werewolves, and the likes. The series does not shows any gruesome scenes which is still okay for kids but of course with the guidance of the parents to explain things to them.




The first few episodes are already enticing to watch.

Together with the cast of Juan Dela Cruz, your nights will be as exciting as the journey of Juan.

It's been a decade since I attended one of the activity for children which was sponsored by Unicef, as I recall I think it's all about photography.  They wanted the recipients of the foundation, where I'm with during that time, to develop skills on photography because they believe on the eyes of the children.  Well I think I'm still considered as child back then.   And it was my first time to have some of my work displayed in an exhibit. (reminiscing mode)

I was a recipient of a foundation way way back during my school days and I know the feeling of being one of the sponsored child.  I was really grateful and thankful for those who have sponsored me because I was able to finished my schooling.

Anyway, that was just too much information about me. 

Last September 19, 2012, I attended the launching of Unicef's Auction for Action where they featured some works of different artist who whole heartedly donated the value of their works, and some on a percentage basis.  Well, as long as they join and help this kind of activity, it doesn't matter if it is in full or in partial.   Perhaps what matters most is their willingness to join this kind of advocacy.

As for my part. as a blogger I am willing to spread the word about this kind of activity and  to let people know that there are plenty of children in need.  To have a more detailed knowledge about this auction here's what it say about it.

Unicef Auction for Action

In the Philippines for over sixty years, UNICEF works through partners to reach disadvantaged children and communities to ensure childred are healthy, educated and protected from harm. UNICEF is quick to respond in emergencies to ensure affected communities are reached and provided with services from local governments and other service providers. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.


In celebration of the 20th year of National Children's Month, UNICEF Philippines presents UNICEF Auction for Action, an online auction to benefit children in the Philippines and worldwide.


For the second time, this online auction brings together more than seventy pieces of work from admired artists in design, furniture, art and jewelry for a good cause. Curated and presented by UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Osena Paez, the online auction is a product of UNICEF and Daphne's collaboration to bring the world of art, furniture and design together with her advocacy on children. “Whenever I go to the field with UNICEF, I am heartened to see that we are doing a lot to improve children's lives all over the Philippines. But there is always more to do; that;s why I support UNICEF.


To celebrate the 20th year of Children Month this October – the only annual national celebration that puts children's right ceter stage for all Filipino Children – the theme for this year's auction is the right of children to play. “Playing is a basic right of every child, and its importance to a child's well-being and healthy development cannot be over-emphasized. It also lends itself well as a theme for our premiere artists to work with,” adds Daphne.


UNICEF's Auction for Action offers art lovers and collectors from all over the Philippines, the chance to bid for high quality items at discounts starting at 40% off. Items such as the Bloom from designer Kenneth Cobonpue, Fly Up from artis Michael Cacnio and a golden strand of South Sea Pearls from Jewelmer will offered from October 1-7 only. The highest bidders win the item on offer.


“Buy a beautiful item, ad help childred at the same time, what could be better? Many people don't realize that UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations from individuals, companies and governments and the funds raised from the auction will go towards education, health and nutrition, protection and emergency programs for childred who are the hardest to reach and mos in need,” said UNICEF Country Representative Tomoo Hozumi.

Watch and bid for one-of-a-kind pieces from notable Filipino artists and designers and help make a difference for children. UNICEF Auction for Action goes live at 6p.m on eBay Philippines on October 1. Visit www.unicef.ph for more details.