HBO subscribers are in for a treat on February 20 at 10 PM when a new HBO original series will premiere in the Philippines and all of Asia.

The nine-episode first season of LUCK, starring Oscar® winner Dustin Hoffman and Oscar® nominee Nick Nolte, is spearheaded by acclaimed director Michael Mann and Deadwood creator David Milch.

LUCK is a behind-the-track look at the world of horse racing and gambling’s denizens – owners, trainers, jockeys and gamblers. As the series opens, Chester “Ace” Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) is released from three years in federal prison. He is met by his driver and bodyguard, Gus Demitriou (Dennis Farina), who fronts as the owner of the $2 million Irish Horse that Ace just bought. A brilliant but disreputable trainer, the Peruvian Turo Escalante (John Ortiz), introduces us to their prized Irish thoroughbred, who is being examined by his girlfriend, track veterinarian Jo (Jill Hennessy).

Meanwhile, veteran trainer-turned-owner Walter Smith (Nick Nolte) contains his optimism pinned on his promising “Big Horse” because he is wary. The reason he is wary will be revealed later, but there is a dark history and a shadow of scandal behind the horse.

Four degenerate gamblers, Marcus (Kevin Dunn), Renzo (Ritchie Coster), Jerry (Jason Gedrick), and Lonnie (Ian Hart), meanwhile, are pooling their meager resources to bet Jerry’s hunch on the day’s long shot, a high-stakes Pick Six winners contest.

Michael Mann assembled a brilliant cast led by Hoffman and Nolte when he directed the pilot, written by series creator David Milch. In making the episodes as executive producers, they work collaboratively together, with Milch masterfully overseeing the writing for the series and Mann supervising every aspect of the filmmaking. LUCK was filmed at Santa Anita Park and other Los Angeles locations. Michael Mann talks more about the series in this interview and so with David Milch.

LUCK also stars Richard Kind as jockey agent Joey Rathburn; Tom Payne as a beginner jockey Leon, a.k.a. “Bug Boy”; Kerry Condon as Rosie, an exercise girl with jockey ambitions; and real-life racing Hall of Famer Gary Stevens as Ronnie Jenkins, a talented but boozy veteran jockey.

Continuing guest stars on the series include Patrick J. Adams, Joan Allen, W. Earl Brown, Bruce Davison, Spencer Garrett, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ted Levine, Jurgen Prochnow, Alan Rosenberg, Mercedes Ruehl, Chantal Sutherland and Sir Michael Gambon.

I am sure you will all be tuned in to this brand new HBO Original Series LUCK when it premieres on Monday, February 20 at 10pm on HBO. If you are subscribed to the high-definition on HBO HD , you will catch the series an hour earlier at 9pm.

New episodes are aired every Monday at the same time on HBO and HBO HD.

If you want to know more, just visit HBO Asia on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hboasia or engage them at Twitter at http://twitter.com/hboasia.

For your convenience, see below the episodic synopses, glossary of terms and the cast of LUCK characters. You can download them as a pdf file to your tablet so you can follow through the episodes.

PHilippine HBO LUCK – Episodic Synopses

Philippines HBO LUCK – Characters

Philippine HBO LUCK – Glossary

About HBO Asia
Singapore-based HBO Asia is able to bring the best of Hollywood to Asia first because of its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood studios – Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios and Warner Bros. In addition to the proprietary and award-winning HBO Original programs that are produced exclusively for HBO viewers, HBO Asia works with a large number of major independent production companies to secure exclusive rights to a host of quality movies. HBO Asia offers five subscription movie channels with uninterrupted programming – HBO, HBO SIGNATURE, HBO FAMILY, HBO HITS and MAX (a refresh of CINEMAX) – as well as a subscription video-on-demand service, HBO ON DEMAND, HBO HD, the first regional movie channel to broadcast in high definition in Asia, and HBO HITS HD, which delivers Hollywood blockbuster hits 24-hours a day in 100% true high-definition, available in selected territories. HBO Asia is a joint venture of HBO (a Time Warner company) and Paramount. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information. ————

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New HBO Original Series LUCK premieres February 20 in the Philippines @hboasia is a post from: Shopping Finds

I loved watching ballet performances as a child, and I think taking kids to see a ballet is a great way to stimulate their imagination and spend quality time with the family. Ballet Philippines is holding a limited run of Sleeping Beauty, with their last two shows held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines this weekend. At 8pm on Friday, December 9, the Manila Symphony Orchestra will play live music to accompany the lovely the lovely Katherine Trofeo as Princess Aurora and Jean Marc Cordero as Prince Desire. The last show will be held on December 11.

Get your tickets to this magical performance by calling 551-1003 or 551-0221.
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Last Weekend for Ballet Philippines’ The Sleeping Beauty is a post from: Shopping Finds

One of my goals for the new year is to view more local theater productions, and the latest musical from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) looks like a good show to start off 2011. Called Caredivas, this comedy-drama features five transvestite overseas workers located at Israel in the time of the Intifada (Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation). They care for elderly Jews and spend all day, washing, feeding, and entertaining their employers. Come the evening, however, they slip on sky-high heels and apply makeup to perform as glamorous divas in a Tel-Aviv club. The day after, they go back to playing the role of caregiver to the aged Jews who depend on them for food and human connection.

The creative team behind Care Divas are acclaimed writer Liza Magtoto, multi-awarded composer Vincent De Jesus, prolific director Maribel Legarda, costume designer John Abul, events and theater lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, visual artist and award-winning set designer Leo Abaya and contemporary dancer and choreographer Carlon Matobato.

The cast includes some of the biggest and brightest theater and television actors today: Melvin Lee, Vincent De Jesus, Ricci Chan, Jerald Napoles, Phil Noble, Buddy Caramat, Dudz Teraña, Jason Barcial, Cecilia Garrucho, Paul Holme, Myke Solomon, Angeli Bayani, Eric Dela Cruz and Dom Miclat-Jansen.

Care Divas is showing at the PETA Theater Center every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. from February 4 – March 13, 2011. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at (63.2) 725.6244, (63.2) 410.0821 or (63917) 564.4233, petatheater@gmail.com.

The PETA Theater Center is located at No 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, QC.
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Caredivas: PETA’s Newest Musical Comedy-Drama is a post from: Shopping Finds

Period flicks and historic TV shows don’t always have to be violent, nor are they necessarily better when they make your head spin with unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes it works better when the action takes a backseat to characters playing out their most intimate moments; it pulls you deeper into the plot because you start caring about those who move the show forward. If you like this style of directing and classic mob flicks, you’re going to enjoy HBO’s new show, Boardwalk Empire, whose pilot episode will air on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 9 pm.

Boardwalk Empire is set in 1920s America, possibly one of my favorite historic periods because of the dramatic changes and cultural dynamism that characterized this decade. The Great War was finally over, women finally got he right to vote, broadcast radio was becoming popular, and younger generation started to rule the world. Incidentally, this was also the time when prohibition in the United States took place. Between 1920 and 1933, the sale, manufacture, and transport of alcohol was banned across the United States. While it did reduce alcohol consumption, it also encouraged rampant, organized criminal activity and gave profits to men like Enock “Nucky” Thomspon, the show’s protagonist.

Played by Steve Buscemi, Nucky held Atlantic City’s underworld by the balls, so to speak. He was a treasurer, political fixer, part-gangster and part-politician. Atlantic City’s strategic seaboard location and proximity to Philadelphia, New York, and Philadelphia made it the perfect hub for rum runners, and Nucky took advantage of this. Together with his brother, the town’s sheriff, and a crew of ward bosses and local thugs, Nucky carved out a niche for himself as the man to see for any illegal alcohol.

The pilot episode sets up several plot threads that will be exciting to see throughout the first season. Many of these story arcs take on actual historical events, played out through Nucky’s perspective.

I’m definitely enjoying the costumes of the show, which are designed by John Dunn. He and his team of designers does all the beading, appliques, and handiwork! Simply stunning.

Don’t miss the Asian premiere of Boardwalk empire with two back-to-back episodes on Thursday, January 6 2011 at 9pm on HBO, with two new hourly episodes weekly at the same time. And in case you miss it, there are encores every Saturday at 1pm.

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Have you visited my personal blog, Touched by an Angel, my husband’s blog at The Warrior Lawyer and my other blogs like

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Boardwalk Empire HBO Asia Premiere on January 6, 2011 is a post from: Shopping Finds

Cartoon Network is launching an cool new cartoon series on October! Ben 10 Ultimate Alien follows the exploits of 16-year-old Ben Tennyson as he deals with superstardom after his secret identity is revealed, while fighting all-new villains. With the Omnitrix destroyed, Ben must now learn to master the secrets of the mysterious
Ultimatrix, a new watch-like device that not only allows him to transform into a variety of alien super heroes, but also gives him the ability to activate evolved or “ultimate” versions of some of his most powerful alien entities. And Ben’s going to need all the power he can get to take on the brand new villain and his most formidable adversary yet, Aggregor!

This exciting show will debut on Cartoon Network at 10-10-10 (October 10, 2010, Sunday, at 10 am). To make the series’ debut truly unforgettable, Cartoon Network is going all out with Ben 10 TV marathons, new online games and contests, premiere party kits, an incredible new product range from toy maker Bandai – complete with limited edition aliens, a dedicated Facebook page and website, as well as an exclusive ‘Win the Ultimate Ultimatrix’ contest.

In addition, the Cartoon Network website will be hosting new Ben 10 flash games and a Home Party Kit featuring downloadable Ben 10 party materials (Ben 10 masks, place mats, etc).

The excitement is not just limited to TV and computer screens! Cartoon Network will bring ultimate Ben 10 action to the SM Mall of Asia from October 1 to 9, 2010, as Plumber Security, the Intergalactic Law Enforcement agency from the Ben 10 series, installs a mysterious high-tech containment unit in the mall. Kids can visit the site to check out the unit and snap a photo with it.

Then on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 2:00 pm, The Plumbers will reveal what’s inside the unit during a special event that will also include the unveiling of the brand new line of Ben 10: Ultimate Alien toys. During the event, Cartoon Network will also award the lucky winner of the Cartoon Network-Bandai and Toy Kingdom retail promotion with a limited edition metallic green Ultimatrix.
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Have you visited my personal blog, Touched by an Angel, my husband’s blog at The Warrior Lawyer and my other blogs like

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Ben 10 Ultimate Alien on 10-10-10 is a post from: Shopping Finds

When I was a kid, I watched Batibot religiously. It’s sad that the show got canceled, and I’m not sure if there are good Tagalog kids shows that replaced it. In any case, it turns out that Jollibee has its own TV show, and that just started its third season! Called Jollitown, this multi-awarded hit show stars the loveable Jollibee mascots – Jollibee, Hetty, Yum, Twirlie, and Popo.

The third season was launched at a fun Kiddie Red Carpet Premiere on August 14 at Teatrino, Greenhills. Kids were treated to a dizzying array of colorful cotton candy, lollipops, and popcorn, as well as glitter tattoos and glow-in-the-dark bracelets. The highlight of the day was the exclusive screening of Jollitown Season 3’s pilot episode. Entitled Tunay na Yaman, the episode showed the Jollifriends as they took on another wonderful adventure and encountered a new villain, the wealthy businessman Mr. Q. Rakot.

Catch the rest of Jollibee’s adventures with the gang every Sunday morning, from 8:30 am to 9:00 am on GMA.
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Have you visited my personal blog, Touched by an Angel, my husband’s blog at The Warrior Lawyer and my other blogs like

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Jollitown Kicks Off Season 3 is a post from: Shopping Finds

I love historical movies and TV shows because they allow me to experience a time period I can only picture in my head. Added bonus if the historical movie/TV show in question is action-packed and bloody! So you can just imagine how thrilled I was when the hit TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand finally hit Asia. Produced by Sam Raimi (the Evil Dead series, Spiderman), Robert Tapert (The Grudge), Steven DeKnight (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Joshua Donen (The Quick and the Dead), Spartacus: Blood and Sand is the re-imagined story of the historical figure Spartacus.

According to Wikipedia, Spartacus is the “notable leader of the slaves in the Third Servile War, a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic. Little is known about Spartacus beyond the events of the war, and surviving historical accounts are sometimes contradictory and may not always be reliable.” The TV show will attempt to bridge the gap between historical records by reimagining Spartacus as a man who was betrayed by the Romans and forced to become a gladiator.

Back in the days of the Roman empire, the only form of entertainment was watching gladiators (essentially, slaves) battle it out to the death on the arena. Today, the audience of Spartacus: Blood and Sand will get to experience what it’s like to be a Roman spectator – except of course, nobody actually dies.

Aside from all the blood and action, I’m also drawn by the fashion of this show. I love the vibrant fall colors and the simple patterns on the women’s gowns! They look like they just came straight off a runway.

The gold accessories are to die for, especially the headpiece to the left.

Even the men are wearing such gorgeous tunics.

Don’t miss out on this awesome TV show! Two new episodes of Spartacus: Blood and Sand will be airing every Saturday on MAX at 10 pm, beginning July 10, 2010. Oh, and don’t worry too much about the blood, gore, and sex, if you’re concerned by that sort of thing; the show has been appropriately sanitized for Asian audiences. Check out the schedule below.

July 10
10 pm: S01E01 – The Red Serpent
11 pm: S01E02 – Sacramentum Gladiatorum

July 17
10 pm: S01E03 – Legends
11 pm: S01E04 – The Thing in the Pit

July 24
10 pm: S01E05 – Shadow Games
11 pm: S01E06 – Delicate Things

July 31
10 pm: S01E07 – Great and Unfortunate Things
11 pm: S01E08 – Mark of the Brotherhood

August 7
10 pm: S01E09 – Whore
11 pm: S01E10 – Party Favors

August 14
10 pm: S01E11 – Old Woulds
11 pm: S01E12 – Revelations

August 15
10 pm: S01E13 – Kill Them All————

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Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a post from: Shopping Finds

It’s great to know that so many people are taking an interest in our country’s future. In fact, the social concern is so great that the fever has infiltrated popular culture. Comedian and satirist Jon Santos is bringing his hit show For Voter or For Worse live to Rockwell audiences this April. It’s the best way to poke fun at the characters in Philippine politics – showbiz luminaries turned politicians, dyed-in-the-wool politicos, and naively hopeful newcomers. The show has a rich tapestry of loveable and unforgettable characters like Kris Anino, Aling Dioning, Sherrap, Kuring, and Gluring. Will Mommy Dioning finally confront the below-the-belt issue involving Manny and Krisista? Will Kris Anino give NyoyNyoy a makeover? Or will Jon simply live up to being his adaptable and ever-changing self, and throw in something completely new to his already zany mix?

Each show is unique from the last, so make sure you catch Jon Santos’ For Voter or for Worse! The live show will take place at the Power Plant Mall Cinema 2, 8:30 pm on April 7, 14, 21 and 28. Call 898-1440 or 898-1441 to book your tickets in advance.————

Have you visited my personal blog, Touched by an Angel, my husband’s blog at The Warrior Lawyer and my other blogs like

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For Voter or for Worse: Jon Santos Live at Rockwell is a post from: Shopping Finds

Today at Sofitel, the Byaheng Pinoy Campaign with Apl was finally launched. This new campaign is the fruit of a long-time collaboration with Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap and Tourism Secretary Ace Durano. As a globally successful artist and Pinoy at heart, Apl is the perfect icon to represent the Philippines and promote Philippine tourism to the rest of the world. According to Apl, he’s proud to showcase all the beautiful spots in the Philippines. “I wanted to help out tourism, to inspire others to visit the Philippines; to create jobs for people and help out the country and the community,” he said in an interview.

The campaign started out with the launch of Apl’s new single, Take U to the Philippines. The music video is geared toward the young MTV generations as well as the global traveler and culture connoisseur of all markets. This includes the young at heart like myself. I found myself swaying and rocking to this video even during the soft launch in Singapore where the The Black Eyed Peas performed at the F1 Rocks Concert. Apl himself wrote the lyrics to the song, with some minor suggestions from Ace Durano to highlight local destinations that tourists must check out.

Another highlight of the Byaheng Pinoy campaign is MTV Emerge, Apl’s search for fresh Filipino talent. In collaboration with DOT, MTV, and Apl’s own music label Jeepney Music, MTV Emerge is the new platform for unsigned Pinoy music talent to showcase their work and win a one-year contract with Jeeney Music. MTV Emerge is looking for artists from all genres, be it hip hop, R&B, rock, indie, and DJs. To participate, log on to www.mtvemerge.com and upload all your original music content. The online community will vote for the finalists of the search, and Apl himself will evaluate all submissions. The most talented artists will be announced on November.

Apl.de.ap also kept his promise to help the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng disaster. Tonight, he kicks off the benefit concert at the SM EDSA Sky Dome. I remember how anxious I was in Singapore while my family were stuck in the second floor of our house due to the flood waters rising in the first floor. During my interview, I asked if he had words to the Ondoy Victims. His reply astounded me. I wanted to get Apl.de.Ap to give a message of comfort to Odong victims. Instead he said ” I would like to bring awareness to donate and help out.” He will come back on November 27 to continue in their support for the typhoon victims.

View the rest of my coverage of the event here.

Have you visited my personal blog, Touched by an Angel, my husband’s blog at The Warrior Lawyer and my other blogs like

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Byaheng Pinoy with Apl.de.ap is a post from: Shopping Finds

It’s no Toronto Film Festival (which is happening this month and showing a lot of horrifying films that probably won’t ever reach the Philippines), but the 12 Cine Europa Film Festival has arrived in Manila! From September 11 to September 20, 18 European flicks in their original language will be showing at the Shangri-La mall for free. Above are the movie schedules and at the Facebook Event Page, you’ll find the movie titles and synopses.

If I had only known that the Spanish zombie movie Rec would be showing in the big screen, I wouldn’t have downloaded it and seen it on my PC. Then again, I wouldn’t mind seeing it a second time. Other movies that look promising are Give the Devil His Due, Free to Leave, and The Demons of St. Petersburg.

See you all there!————

Have you visited my personal blog, Touched by an Angel, my husband’s blog at The Warrior Lawyer and my other blogs like

Pinoy Food Photo Blog for Restaurants & Food Events
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Cine Europa 12 Movie Schedule is a post from: Shopping Finds