I watched today’s episode of GMA 7′s MIND MASTER where the host was Dingdong Dantes. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to watch the first two episodes which started last April 30. When I saw the first trailer of this show for their first episode, I was amazed by the mind master himself, NOMER LASALA. He can read other people’s mind, he can stop his pulse from beating, he can transfer his thoughts to another person. I asked my self if his acts are true or they’re just a trick or if there’s a camera trick. Does mentalism really exist?

One of the highlights of today’s episode was using the mind to let other person feel your touch. The subjects were Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. See the YouTube video below by TaImage4DY.

Watching Mind Master is entertaining but I still can’t believe if it is really happening. Is it really possible that a man can read other people’s mind? Is mentalism real?

Just an idea, why not Nomer Lasala play Pinoy Henyo in Eat Bulaga? Yeah, I want to see him play Pinoy Henyo! I want to see him guess every word from this game. To the producer of Eat Bulaga, can you please have a Pinoy Henyo edition featuring the mind master himself?

I just watched this from 24 Oras that Willing Willie show of ABC5 was suspended by Movie and Television Review and Classification Board for one month. However, the suspension will be lifted few days from now and Willing Willie will resume airing on May 9.

According to MTRCB, they credited the voluntary suspension of the show which started on April 11.

Willing Willie was a subject of complaints  after a six-year old boy was prodded to gyrate like a macho dancer in an episode last March in exchange for cash prize. I personally watched the said episode.

Though suspension will be lifted, the program will also be on probation, or on a “per-broadcast permit” status, until MTRCB decides, which means the producers are required to bring recorded videotapes that will be reviewed daily before issuing permits.

This move of MTRCB towards this case makes Willing Willie more responsible in creating show that will pass the former’s broadcasting standards each and every day.

I hope that all concerned have learned and be more responsible next time.

Title: Jam Busters

Filmmaker: Phan Duy Linh

Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, once that quaint city of wide boulevards and bicycles, has in a few short years transformed into a bustling economic engine. Its streets today are jam-packed with scooters, cars and trucks; each contributing to the motorist free-for-all Hanoi has gained infamy for. But some locals are looking to make a change. Tuyen reports for the popular Traffic Channel, educating listeners about traffic rules and encouraging them to report traffic jams live. Since the ‘Voice of Vietnam’ launched the channel 23 years ago, it has become the second most listened to channel in Hanoi. Another local, Dzung, is passionate about redesigning the traffic infrastructure to break the gridlock and create a cleaner and safer environment. And Ha Anh is the leader of a group of university student volunteers who are tired of being knocked off their motorbikes or being late for class. These “Jam Busters” form human chains in the middle of peak traffic to persuade Hanoi motorists to obey road rules.

Premieres on Thursday, May 5 at 2100 hrs (9:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores on Friday, May 6 at 0000 hrs (midnight), 0800 hrs (8:00 am) and 1400 hrs (2:00 pm).

Title: Mr Long’s Travelling Cinema

Filmmaker: Hoang Manh Cuong

For the last 50 years, Mr Long has entertained people on the streets of Hanoi with his own home-made style of storytelling – relying mainly on good old-fashioned ingenuity and some low-tech gadgetry to provide a multi-sensory experience for his audience. Mr Long projects paper cut-out images, then diffuses various aromas, simulates wind and rain with fans and water bottles, even producing sound effects with tin cans and string. But on the occasion of Hanoi’s millennial celebrations, Mr Long wants to tell a story that will reach multiple audiences – using computer animation. The programme reveals the remarkable life story of Hanoi’s charismatic raconteur.

Premieres on Thursday, May 12 at 2100 hrs (9:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores on Friday, May 13 at 0000 hrs (midnight), 0800 hrs (8:00 am) and 1400 hrs (2:00 pm).

Title: City of a Thousand Years

Filmmaker: Nguyen Manh Ha

Hanoi is evolving into a modern-day metropolis and its people are witness to changes taking place all over the city. Architect Quang Van Nguyen has spent the last four years on a mission to develop an ambitious housing plan he calls the “Utopia Project.” His vision is to build a self-sustainable city fuelled by renewable technology. In time, he hopes to pitch it to city planners with the power to decide the future of Hanoi’s changing landscape. A living example of such a change can be found in the East Gate, the last standing gate of ancient Hanoi. For 40 years, Madam Nhan has lived in a tiny opening in its wall. She will soon have to move as authorities begin restoration work on the gate in anticipation of the Hanoi Millennium. Meanwhile, contemporary artist Dao Anh Khanh prepares to stage

a performance that will be his personal tribute to the city. He calls it the ‘Bridge of Sound’ – a large bamboo stage that acts as a physical metaphor for the old and the new. It is his artistic salute to Hanoi, a city frothing at the brim of modernity.

Premieres on Thursday, May 19 at 2100 hrs (9:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores on Friday, May 20 at 0000 hrs (midnight), 0800 hrs (8:00 am) and 1400 hrs (2:00 pm).

Title: Digging Up the Dead

Filmmaker: Dao Thanh Tung

For the Vietnamese, modernization is not only affecting them in life but also in death. Traditionally, people are not just buried once but twice. By digging up the bones of the dead, the Vietnamese believe their loved ones will reach the next world. Three years after her father-in-law’s first burial, Mrs Mai and her family carefully plan his re-burial ceremony in Hanoi’s biggest cemetery: Van Dien. Millions of Vietnamese have been buried here over the past 50 years. It is an emotional time for Mrs Mai as she revisits the pain and loss of death. However, she is committed to fulfilling the deceased’s wishes. Similarly, the men and women who dig the graves take their responsibility to the dead very seriously. But change is afoot as Van Dien Cemetery is set to be closed. Now, grave diggers such as Mr Luong must come to terms with their future as more and more break tradition and instead turn to cremation.

Premieres on Thursday, May 26 at 2100 hrs (9:00 pm SIN/HK). Encores on Friday, May 27 at 0000 hrs (midnight), 0800 hrs (8:00 am) and 1400 hrs (2:00 pm).

The four documentaries by winners of Discovery Channel’s First Time Filmmakers (FTFM) Vietnam initiative premieres this May, providing unique perspectives of a nation that is quickly transforming from a rural-based society into an emerging force in the Asian regional economy. The series comprises four 30-minute documentaries which weave a rich tapestry of the country’s time-honoured traditions and culture, alongside the extraordinary social changes taking place as a result of modernisation.

Commenting on the films and the initiative, Kevin Dickie, senior vice president, content group, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Each of these documentaries reflects the filmmakers’ original ideas and tells a compelling story of Vietnam’s modernization and change, through unique local perspectives. We are excited to bring these fascinating and insightful stories to our viewers, and to provide the world with a window to Vietnam.”

FIRST TIME FILMMAKERS VIETNAM explores the country’s rapid urban transition through the unique visions of each filmmaker. Stories include the efforts of a group of “jam busters” who attempt to battle Hanoi’s notorious traffic congestion, a self-styled storyteller who captures the imagination of his audience with little more than ingenuity and the most basic of tools, the evolution of the urban landscape of Hanoi as the city celebrates its millennium anniversary, and an ancient reburial ritual that is at risk of disappearing. FIRST TIME FILMMAKERS VIETNAM premieres every Thursday at 2100 hrs (9:00 pm SIN/HK) starting May 5. Please refer to the individual programme descriptions for airing details.

Discovery Channel’s popular FTFM initiative was launched for the first time in Vietnam in August 2009. The four filmmakers and their proposed films were chosen based on a number of factors including the originality, quality and strength of the idea submitted, and their relevance to the theme of Vietnam’s urban transition over the past 20 years. This initiative underscores Discovery Channel’s commitment to helping develop the local filmmaking community and showcasing the talent of up-and-coming filmmakers on an international stage.

In continuation of my previous post about First Time Film Makers, here’s the list of FTFM Asia’s award winning films from year  2002 to 2006:

FTFM 2007

Asian Television Awards 2008

China 21: The People’s Dumpling, Winner – Best Documentary, 30 minutes or less

FTFM 2006

Malaysian Film Festival 2008

Making the Cut, Winner – Best Documentary Film

FTFM 2005

Asian Television Awards 2006

China 21: Good Morning Beijing, Winner – Best Director

FTFM 2003

Asian Television Awards 2003

The Weight of Paper, Winner – Best Documentary, 30 minutes or less

Forever Beijing, Runner up – Best Documentary, 30 minutes or less

Beating Tradition, Runner up – Best Documentary, 30 minutes or less

New York Festivals 2003

Surviving Vinegar, Category: TV Programming & Promotion, Finalist Certificate – Promotional

FTFM 2001

Malaysian Film Awards 2003

The Boat Maker & The Sea, Winner – Best Documentary Film

US-ASEAN Film Festival 2003

Moving House, Winner – Best Documentary

Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences Awards 2002

Moving House, Category: Student, Winner – Best Documentary (Gold)

NEXTFRAME, Touring International Film Festival 2002

Moving House, Winner – Best Documentary

Chicago International Film Festival 2002

Moving House, Certificate of Merit

International Documentary Association Award 2002

Moving House, David L. Wolpher Student Film Award Finalist

Los Angeles Asia Pacific Film Festival 2002

Moving House, Golden Reel Award Finalist

Discovery Channel’s First Time Filmmakers (FTFM) first debuted in Europe in 1995 as a series entitled Outlaws, which focused on people in the United Kingdom who live on the fringes of society. In 1996, Discovery Channel commissioned South African Visions, a six-part series produced by emerging filmmakers from South Africa that took a look at contemporary issues in post-apartheid South Africa. In 1998, New Kids on the Bloc saw six young producers from Germany examine issues facing society in post-Berlin Wall Germany. In early 2000 Discovery Channel Europe commissioned Eco Warriors featuring the talents of Dutch producers in a series about environmental activism.

The First Time Filmmakers initiative was first launched in Asia-Pacific in Australia in September 2000. Southern Exposure showcased six films focused on contemporary Australian passions and issues.

In December 2001, Asia First Time Filmmakers: Past Forward featured a spectrum of traditions and cultures of six different Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand) and the impact of modernization and technological advancement.

In 2002, 2004 and 2005, Discovery ran the FTFM initiative in China (including the Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of Hong Kong and Macau), addressing the impact of modernization and technological advancement on Chinese cultures and traditions, illustrating the rich tapestry of stories and creative new talent in China and bringing the filmmakers’ unique visions and perspectives to millions of Discovery Channel viewers. A total of 17 films were produced, each encapsulating the aspirations, challenges, and changes faced by China and her million-strong people, as the country rises to become a 21^st century superpower.

In 2006, Discovery ran the FTFM initiative in China and Malaysia. The theme for China’s FTFM initiative was entitled Portraits China, stories of ordinary but charismatic individuals with extraordinary achievements.  Together these six “Portraits” paint an intimate picture of contemporary China and provide international audiences with insight into the Chinese people and their culture. FTFM Malaysia’s documentaries commemorated 50 years of Malaysian independence and tell the story of the country’s remarkable growth from colony to independent nation over the last 50 years.

The FTFM initiative has already provided a showcase for the talents of filmmakers in Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, Germany, Netherlands, South East Asia and China. These local filmmakers have received recognition on the international stage and their films have won several international awards including “Best Documentary” at the 2008 Asian Television Awards and “Best Director” at the 2006 Asian Television Awards (please see attached list).

And so our dear kababayan, Charice Pempengco will appear today in Glee (April 18 in US time) and she will render All By Myself which was popularized by Celine Dion. It’s been quite a while since Sunshine Corazon, Charice’s name in Glee, last appeared in this musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States.

Here’s the beginning of full version of All By Myself preview posted by vinmancufanclub4 in YouTube:

Here’s another video clip posted by ChariceFansBat still in YouTube:

I am sure her local and international fans will be excited to see Charice in Glee once again.

Mabuhay kababayan! Mabuhay ka Charice!

Here are some facts and words of John Gabriel Pelias, excerpt from SONA’s interview with him:

• Three subjects that he got the lowest grade (lowest?!) of 1.25: Filipino 40, English 1 & Math 1.2.
• “I’m not a born-genius”.
• His motivation to getting high grades: his financial condition and the “love of math”.
• Avoid distractions and practice: the key to mastering the subject or course of mathematics.
• When asked if he’s a nerd, he said he’s not. He’s a normal guy with a social life.

Watch the interview with John Gabriel Pelias below. See how simple this guy is. He’s only wearing t-shirt, maong short and slippers.

Bb. Pilipinas 2011 coronation night has just ended. After Top 15 Semi-Finalists Q&A portion, we waited for quite long due to a number of commercials and TV ads, the winners were finally announced where Binibini # 26 Shamcey Supsup was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas – Universe. She will represent our country to the 2011 Ms. Universe that will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Here are the list of 2011 Bb. Pilipinas winners:

Bb. Pilipinas – Universe: Shamcey Supsup (#26)
Bb. Pilipinas – International: Dianne Necio (#33)
Bb. Pilipinas – Tourism: Isabella Manjon (#25)
1st Runner Up: Janine Tugonon (#27)
2nd Runner Up: Mary Jean Lastimosa (#34)

Congratulations to the winners!

My Dear’s bet (#6) did not make it. Hehe…

I’m currently watching the Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Pageant via live video streaming. Top 15 semi-finalists have just announced and the first one to be called was candidate no. 6 Patricia Tumulak, my Dear Ads’ bet.

Here are the list of the top 15, in no particular order:

TOP 15 SEMI-FINALISTS

1. Binibining #6 - Patricia Tumulak
2. Binibining #8 – Ma. Kristina Marasigan
3. Binibining #11 – Diana Arevalo
4. Binibining #13 – Queenierich Rehman
5. Binibining #16 – Sabrine Al-Tawil
6. Binibining #19 - Wendy Lucas
7. Binibining #23 – Luzelle Felipe
8. Binibining #25 - Isabella Manjon
9. Binibining #26 – Shamcey Supsup
10. Binibining #27 – Janine Tugonon
11. Binibining #30 – Kathleen Subijano
12. Binibining #32 – Jenn Roe Gubat
13. Binibining #33 – Dianne Necio
14. Binibining #34 – Mary Jean Lastimosa
15. Binibining #37 – Sarah Nicole Clenci

Who’s gonna be crowned as Bb. Pilipinas – Universe, Bb. Pilipinas – International, Bb. Pilipinas – Tourism, 1st Runner Up and 2nd Runner Up. Who is your bet?