Manila is a two-part indie film that features Piolo Pascual, who is also a co-producer for this film, and is helmed by critically acclaimed directors Adolf Alix, Jr. and Raya Martin. The film is inspired by Ishmael Bernal’s 1980 movie Manila By Night and Lino Brocka’s 1979 masterpiece Jaguar.

It had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival in France. It’s also the opening film for the 2009 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. It was distributed by Star Cinema in 17 selected theaters, mostly in Mega Manila. And when it comes to promotion, no less than Bench helped with its billboards.

It’s box-office haul was P700,130.64. It grossed only P200,000 on opening day. Some theaters that averaged as low as P5,000, made it a first day, last day opening.

So what went wrong? Perhaps the film is not commercial enough? Perhaps it only caters to the highly intellectual movie-goers? Or perhaps a black and white movie is perceived “boring” by Pinoys.

It may be a flop at the box-office but come awards night next year, it could be one of the contenders. Quality doesn’t always translate to box-office success, you know, and vice versa. Transformers 2 were a critical flop but it became a monster hit. Boys Don’t Cry and Monster’s Ball were box-office flops but they are Oscar winners.

And as for Piolo, as first time producer, we can only say “charge to experience.” At least he had the courage to make an art film rather than a mediocre comedy like Oh My Girl (I’m really frustrated with this movie).

Piolo’s ‘Manila’ Earns P700K originally appeared on Starmometer on August 3, 2009.

Manila is a two-part indie film inspired by Ishmael Bernal‘s 1980 film Manila by Night and Lino Brocka‘s 1979 film Jaguar. It is divided into a “Day” and “Night” episode directed by Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix, Jr., respectively.

Manila was first exhibited at the 61st Cannes Film Festival and the 31st Moscow International Film Festival and it is set to be screened in 6 more international film festivals.

Now, Filipinos will finally have the chance to watch this black-and-white film at the following theaters, released by Star Cinema: SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Fairview, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway, Trinoma, Glorietta 4, Sta. Lucia, SM Davao, SM Cebu, SM Pampanga, and SM Taytay.

An MJM Production and Bicycle Pictures production, Manila also stars Rosanna Roces, Jay Manalo, Alessandra de Rossi, Baron Geisler, Iza Calzado, Angelica Panganiban, Jiro Manio, William Martinez, Anita Linda, Marissa Delgado, Menggie Cobarrubias, John Lapus, Katherine Luna, Aleck Bovick, and Jon Avila.

VIDEO LINK: Manila – Full Trailer

Piolo Pascual’s ‘Manila’ to be Released by Star Cinema originally appeared on Starmometer on July 8, 2009.

The buzz that Brangelina are in Manila started when a US-registered private plane landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Friday afternoon. The passengers reportedly booked a room in Shangrila.

There were speculations that the couple will fly next to Boracay and stay at the newly-opened Shangrila five star international resort hotel in the island. Workers of the said hotel denied the rumors.

However, a source from the resort confirmed that a representative of Brangelina booked a suite this coming lenten season. It’s not confirmed, though, if the famous couple will use it.

Video Link: Brangelina in Manila?

Brad and Angelina are in Manila? originally appeared on Starmometer on April 4, 2009.

The David Cook and David Archuleta one night concert is set to be held on May 16, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia open ground. Both Cook and Archuleta both made video blogs to confirm the highly-anticipated concert their Filipino fans never thought possible.

According to reports, the back-to-back concert of Cook and Archuleta were made possible by Fearless Productions which is co-owned by actor Jomari Yllana and the Singson brothers.

Video Link: David Cook and David Archuleta inviting their Pinoy fans to watch their back-to-back concert

David Cook and David Archuleta Live in Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on March 25, 2009.

“An Evening with Journey” is happening on March 14, 2009, Saturday at 8:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. For details on how to reserve a ticket, contact telephone nos.: 632-468-3623 and Cell Phone no.: 0917-883-1043.

Pineda is currently busy planning his wedding with his long-time partner this year. He said his decision to settle down will not affect his blossoming international career.

Journey’s Asian Tour Starts in RP originally appeared on Starmometer on February 24, 2009.

Boyce Avenue is a Florida-based band consists of three brothers Alejandro, Fabian and Daniel Manzano, and Stephen Hatker. Their music video received a phenomenal 75 million hits.

They will perform live in Metro Manila and Cebu for free courtesy of SM Supermalls.

Here is the schedule of their Philippine tour:

February 12 – SM Cebu, 6:00 p.m.
February 13 – SM Mall of Asia, 7:00 p.m.
February 14 – SM North Edsa, 5:00 p.m.
February 15 – SM Megamall, 7:30 p.m.

More about Boyce Avenue here: http://www.myspace.com/boyceavenue

Video Link: Boyce Avenue Sampler

Boyce Avenue Live in Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on February 8, 2009.

Best known for standing among the top 12 finalists on season 7 of hit TV show American Idol (won by David Cook), musical marvel Michael Johns started out as a keen sportsman who played tennis and the Australian Rules Football. Upon moving to the US from Australia in 1988, he began singing in local bars in Atlanta, Georgia. As a fan of the reality music show American Idol, Johns decided to audition at age 28, the last eligible age to join. Effort and hard work paid off as he got a unanimous vote from all three judges with his rendition of Otis Redding’s I’ve Been Loving You Too Long by Otis Redding, and earned a trip to Hollywood. His high-powered version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in the Hollywood eliminations assured him a place in the Top 12.

Michael Johns Schedule at the Ayala Malls:

TriNoma
Activity Center
November 18, 2008 – 7:00pm

Glorietta
Activity Center
November 19, 2008 – 7:00pm

Alabang Town Center
Activity Center
November 20, 2008 – 6:30pm

Greenbelt
Greenbelt 3, Park
November 21, 2008 – 7:00pm

Michael Johns Live at the Ayala Malls originally appeared on Starmometer on November 13, 2008.

The Grammy nominated praise and worship rock band is gonna have a one-night concert at the Araneta Coliseum on August 15, 2008 at 8 p.m.

For ticket inquiries, please call +632 911-5555.

Sonicflood Live in Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on August 14, 2008.

Daughtry is led by American Idol season 5 4th placer Chris Daughtry who popularized the songs “Home” and “It’s Not Over.” Their self-titled debut album “Daughty” is a monster hit. The group also won Breakthrough Artist of the Year in the American Music Awards 2007.

Daughtry is Now in Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on July 29, 2008.

10-year-old Charlie Green is perhaps best known for making it to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent season 2 together with Madona Decena, a pinay lounge singer working in England.

Charlie arrived in Manila yesterday and he’s set to guest on various ABS-CBN shows like Pinoy Dream Academy’s “Uberture,” ASAP ’08, Wowowee, The Buzz, Boy & Kris and Sharon.

Charlie was hoping to be able to sing together with pinoy international singing sensation Charice who he finds a great singer.

“I would love to sing with her and I will ask her how is it like singing with Andrea Bocelli,” Charlie said.

This is the third time Charlie set foot in the Philippines. He is staying in Manila until August 10. This time, it’s not a vacation because his schedule is filled with television guestings, particularly on the said kapamilya shows.

Video Links:

10-year-old Fil-Brit Wows Britain

Charlie Green on Britain’s Got Talent Semi-finals

Charlie Green is Now in Manila originally appeared on Starmometer on July 25, 2008.

Visit their official website:

Manila Ocean Park

The Manila Ocean Park Opens in December 2007 originally appeared on Starmometer on November 30, 2007.