Bag to School: BUM Shows the Young How to Go Back to School in Style

By BUM

Standing out at school doesn’t mean you have to constantly challenge the rules and break your school’s dress code.

So before you walk down the crowded hallway again, make sure you’re clad in cool pieces and armed with the right accessories that would reflect your no-nonsense rebel attitude.

Taking off from its successful “Teevolution” campaign, which called forth an outpour of vibrant colors, bold prints, and graphic ethnic patterns, innovative brand BUM helps the youngsters today stand out by upping their style quotient and street cred before the school year starts.

Veering away from the normal and the ordinary design concepts of most local clothing labels, BUM comes up with stylish yet functional bags that carry the brand’s style philosophy: the Modern Goth Look with a touch of Glam Rock (think studded pieces, motorcycle jackets, tapered pants, oversized shirts, and the like).

This utilitarian concept was made casual by BUM, turning motorcycle jackets into cropped ones, and with notched collar jackets for boys. They can also go for the “casual cool” look with chino cuffed pants that allow them to swing from schoolwork to play without breaking a sweat.

Daniel Padilla and Bea Binene sporting the BUM look.

Girls, who love pieces that can be mixed and matched with their favorite tops and bottoms, will be delighted to know that BUM has whipped up something new for them, as well. BUM introduces the rayon fabric for girls and exciting new designs such as 2-in-1 tops, casual blazers, and blouses with built-in mini designed to look like tunics.

Skinny jeans and jeggings have also found their way into BUM’s new collection. Stylish yet comfortable, these pants can flatter any shape and can be worn with a baggy top, a comfy cardigan, or a fitted jacket to create proportion. Girls with short legs can pair these with heels (stilettos or knee-high boots), while long-legged girls can opt for comfy flats.

BUM school bags make dressing up every morning for school more fun.

Making a statement, however, is not limited to a person’s wardrobe. BUM has also come up with trendy bags that can complete one’s  getup.

Splashed with catchy, statement patterns, the BUM Tote bag for girls/teens, for instance, are printed with provocative messages that speak volumes about the wearer’s personality or mood for the day.

Made of printed canvas mixed with poly-fine fiber, the BUM Reversible Bag is designed with eye-catching patterns and minimal accent details. Since both sides (inner and outer) have designs, it’s like having two bags in one!

Going back to school has never been this cool and fashionable.

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BUM is available in leading department stores nationwide.
For more information, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bumequip.

Take This Waltz (2011)

So it began on that plane ride home, the spark of interest, that unmistakable chemistry, and the undeniable physical attraction between 28-year-old freelance writer Margot (Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams) and her seatmate, the handsome and brooding stranger, Daniel (Luke Kirby). Sure, Daniel is attractive and very interesting, but Margot's never going to see him again, right? 

Not exactly. Daniel turns out to be Margot's new neighbor in their charming neighborhood in Little Portugal, Toronto-- just a few houses from where Margot and her husband of five years, Lou (Seth Rogen), are residing. And so we wait, with bated breath, if Margot will give in to the temptation.

Written and directed by Sarah Polley, Take This Waltz explores love, desire, marriage and fidelity with such heart and deep understanding that we, for a moment, lose our moralistic judgments; instead, we are pulled into the struggle of Margot and Daniel as they battle with their painful dilemma. Polley, who seems to have mastered the human behavior, as well as the science of love and chemistry, has made use of naturalistic dialogue and subtleties loaded with meaning, which makes Take this Waltz absorbingly believable; will make you forget that you are watching a movie.

Williams, Kirby, and Rogen are perfectly cast in this film and give impressive performances. Williams has great chemistry with Kirby that every scene of them together cackles with tension; and her warm, loving relationship with Rogen is also felt. This is perhaps Williams' most emotional role by far. Although a bit self-conscious, with obvious attempts at being cute in this film, Williams still has managed to bring forth multiple layers of conflicting emotions that she earns our deep sympathy.  Here she is, a complex character in a cozy and extremely playful--almost immature--relationship with her sweet and uncomplicated husband, yet you can strongly sense that her mind is across the street, on Daniel; an irresistible invitation to something new and exciting.  The noticeably slimmed down Rogen is lovable, as always, in this film, and providing comic relief and charm, but it is Canadian actor Luke Kirby who gives the most impressively natural performance in the film that you forget that he's just acting. Comedian Sarah Silverman, as Lou's sister, also gives memorable performance.

Premiered at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival, Take this Waltz is a heartfelt and intelligently written story that will make you fall in love, cry, laugh, and will break your heart. And supported with emotional music, poetic imagery, and wildly eye-candy visuals (think Pinterest images), this movie will stay with you for a long, long time. 

4 out of 5 stars

Watch the trailer:

Rock of Ages (2012)

Maybe you love musical films and you've seen every one of them that has ever been made. Maybe you're a fan of 80's music and you wanna reminisce. Maybe Tom Cruise playing a rock star is a compellingly curious thing. Whatever your reason is, Rock of Ages, based on the 2006 Broadway jukebox musical of the same name, is on your must-see list. 

So, what to expect?

Romance is brewing between two music lovers.

Essentially, the movie is about young love in the midst of a Rock 'n' Roll Era-- but sidetracked by many subplots. With a central story similar to 2010's Burlesque (Christina Aguilera), Rock of Ages is about Sherrie (Julianne Hough), a small-town girl and aspiring singer who arrives in LA and gets a job waitressing at The Bourbon, the most famous nightclub on the strip, with the help of barback Drew (Diego Boneta), who shares her dreams of rock 'n' roll fame. The Bourbon, however, has some problems-- not only is it facing foreclosure due to unpaid taxes, but it's also the object of obsession of the mayor's ultra conservative and intensely anti-rock 'n' roll wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Bourbon owner Dennis (Baldwin) relies on rock n' roll god Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) for a sold-out show to save the club from closing down. Will he succeed? And will Sherrie and Drew live happily ever after and their dreams of becoming famous come true?

She certainly has some issues.

Directed by Adam Shankman, Rock of Ages, which aims to be a fun, nostalgic movie,  feels like a cross between High School Musical and Saturday Night Live-- with Glee-like musical numbers. The pubescent and predictable love story played by virtually unknown actors--Hough and Boneta--gives it a  Disney TV-musical vibe, and the Hollywood A-listers surrounding them belting out 80's songs give off an unsettling sense of SNL parody. 

Tom Cruise, with much relief and amusement, is passable as a rock star. No complete transformation here-- just a funny, odd role that he has managed to pull off just fine and engagingly. Zeta-Jones is winsome as the ridiculously intense evangelist-like antagonist, humorous in her blazing eyes and wildly passionate anti-rock 'n' roll sentiments that you'd wish she had more scenes and dialogue. The rest are blah. 

High School Musical?

Rock of Ages is colorful and glitzy; sometimes funny but never hilarious. It's trying too hard to provide high-energy entertainment but it just lacks the fervor, the passion that comes with rock 'n' roll...no delicious and fresh take on the familiar 80's songs. It's too...contrived. Showy but empty, like a lip-sinc-y Glee, with a mediocre, thin narrative and shallow characters.

Rock of Ages is not the worst musical film ever made, probably not; it is, in fact, watchable, listenable, and tolerable. But totally forgettable. it just doesn't feel like an event. No significant musical experience here. And despite 80's hits in the film from Def Leppard, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and others, Rock of Ages, unfortunately, was unable to revive the rock 'n' roll spirit.

2 out of 5 stars

In Philippine theaters June 13, 2012

Ballet Philippines' 43rd Season: Dragon Song

43^rd Season
Dragon Song


A shared heritage

Of hopes and dreams

In his eye.

Cultures, woven

With magical threads

Singing, birthing moments

Of flight, strength,

Courage, faith,

And love…

The season is composed of four performances and one special performance, namely:

Songs 

(July 6-8, 2012, CCP Main Theater)

A gala of masterworks featuring the work of international and Philippine choreographers—BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales, the legendary Agnes Locsin, BP resident choreographer Alden Lugnasin, former BP artistic director Augustus Damian III and French choreographer Redha Beintefour. 

Neo-Filipino: Anting 

(Sept. 14-16, 2012, CCP Little Theater)

Featuring four noted Filipino choreographers who will bring to life pre-eminent dramatist Tony Perez’s libretto that explores the world of talismans and amulets of Filipino magical traditions.

Rama Hari 

(Nov. 30-Dec. 9, 2012, CCP Main Theater)

BP’s hit ballet musical returns! Choreographed by BP founder Alice Reyes, with music by Ryan Cayabyab and libretto by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera, it is based on the Indian epic The Ramayana. The performance also coincides with the grand theater design retrospective on Rama Hari’s set and costume designer, National Artist for Theater Design Salvador Bernal, also at the CCP. Rama Hari features top Filipino singers and the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream 

(Feb. 2013, CCP Main Theater)

A new production of Shakespeare’s timeless romantic comedy by award-winning Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis.

SEASON SPECIAL: 

Crisostomo Ibarra 

(June 2012)

A special performance of the award-winning contemporary ballet by BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales to close the 150^th birth anniversary celebration of Jose Rizal.

* * *

Subscribers get awesome benefits: the best seats at the best prices, a 20% discount on all tickets, a complimentary souvenir program per show (that’s an additional P600 savings!), and we even give gentle reminders so they don’t miss the show.

“Dragon years are always significant with their great energy and sense of renewal, the beginning of a new cycle,” says Morales. “We encourage all BP friends and supporters to subscribe and empower us to being the company to greater heights. Let’s all rally behind and embrace the company that has brought much pride to the country—after all, it is truly OUR OWN.”

Proceeds from subscriptions go to the enabling of the Philippine dance artist—professional wages, top-notch training for both amateur and professional dancers, and the creation of meaningful dance works among others.

Subscriptions are now available! Please contact Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 551-7919, 624-5701. Or visit Ballet Philippines at the 4^th Floor Cultural Center of the Philippines Bldg., CCP Complex, Pasay City.

www.ballet.ph

Celebrate Rizal in Ballet Philippines' "Crisostomo Ibarra"

Jose Rizal's birthday is just around the corner, and instead of reposting photos and quotes from the National Hero on Facebook, why not peel yourself from the chair, unplug from the cyberworld, go out there in the real world, and experience Rizal's genius through a show incomparable to any YouTube clip?

Transport yourself back in Noli times as Ballet Philippines' Crisostomo Ibarra makes its comeback to CCP for Rizal's sesquicentennial, in two weekends this June. Awarded "Outstanding Dance Production of 2010" by the Gawad Buhay! Awards for the Performing Arts and having had a successul local and international tour, Ibarra returns to the local stage to feed your soul with a performance that garnered praises and standing ovations, and left the audience tear-eyed.

At the recently held Ballet Philippines' press briefing at the Manila Yacht Club, we were given a sneak preview of Ibarra on the deck against a backdrop of gray skies and a misty Manila Bay-- an excerpt titled "Halik," the dramatic farewell scene between Ibarra and Maria Clara. As the narrative was told in pirouettes and other beautiful ballet moves that I cannot name, and Jed Balsamo's original music weaving between the soulful movements of the dancers, evoking grief and passion, and a strong sense of time and place, I was simply swept away. Inspired.  And yearning for more. 

Choreographed by BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales, Ibarra certainly left an impression on me, just the same way it did its past audience:

"Artistic director Paul Alexander Morales’ powerful and imaginative choreography showed off his dancers' versatility and fluid grace against Jed Balsamo's stirring music throughout the eight scenes that made up the 80-minute performance." 

-The Department of Foreign Affairs

"Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales uses ballet steps innovatively and combines them with unusual jumps and leaps. Like the works of Alice Reyes, Edna Vida, Gener Caringal and Agnes Locsin, Crisostomo Ibarra is full of indigenous movements." 

-Honorary President Dr. Chua Soo Pong of the Victoria Dance School Singapore

"The score was very emotive and even haunting at times and the dancing was beautiful. The Philippines is lucky to have such a talented dance company." 

-Dr. Kenneth Chan, Singaporean audience

So, get out of your cyberworld rut and indulge yourself in a memorable and inspiring experience as Ballet Philippines brings to life Rizal's timeless character Ibarra, as well as his ideologies, and proving once again the talent of the Filipino people in the performing arts. 

Crisostomo Ibarra will be held at the CCP Little Theater on the following dates:

June 16, 2012, 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

June 17, 2012, 2:00 p.m.

June 23, 2012,  2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

June 24, 2012,  2:00 p.m.

*Tickets: P600 for Matinees, P1000 for Gala Shows

The two evening performances features the live performance of Jed Balsamo’s noted original score with five leading musicians performing for these special Gala nights. Ballet Philippines’ principal dancer Candice Adea, who won first prize in the Senior Women’s Division at the recently concluded Helsinki International Ballet Competition, will reprise her role as Maria Clara at the last performance on June 24th. 

For more details call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003 or visit www.ballet.ph.

Prometheus (2012)

The most highly anticipated Ridley-Scott-comeback sci-fi summer blockbuster movie of the 21st century, Prometheus feels like The X-Files: Fight the Future meets Alien meets The Tree of Life meets Ebola meets The Abyss. 

In the distant future, in the Isle of Skye in Scotland, after unearthing another cave painting illustrating the same star map discovered in other ancient civilizations, archaeologist sweethearts Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and  Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) feel that they are now just a step closer to the answers to their existential questions. Who created mankind? Are we engineered by a more superior life form? Why was mankind created? So then the couple hops on the spaceship Prometheus, along with a crew that includes a very soulful robot David (Michael Fassbender) and a robot-like woman (Charlize Theron) on a Weyland-funded mission to find answers in space. But, of course, they will encounter monsters first. And some hidden agendas from other crew members.

Prometheus, in all its various teaser featurettes, gives the impression that it's a heart-stopping, edge-of-seat alien horror-suspense--  but it turns out to be essentially a sci-fi drama pondering on Creationism vs Darwinism vs Sumerian Text vs whatever, which might actually disappoint those who are expecting to be rained upon with sheer alien-killer horror. Only expect one or two high-tension scenes that would make you squirm in your cinema seat.

The narrative is engaging albeit a bit thin and loose, with weak character intentions; however, it will still fairly engage and intrigue you in its mystery and mythology. And whatever belief system you subscribe to, and whether or not you are still searching for the truth, the movie provides an ongoing sense of danger and anticipation of discovering what is out there. Rapace gives a riveting performance as the lead; an impressive warrior, her combination of strength, faith, and incredible thirst for answers will make you root for her. Fassbender is, as always, impressive as the sensitive and questionable android. Theron is relegated in the background, her character useless, like an irritating extra baggage on board that you want to eject into space.

"Who is our Maker?" the movie asks.

Spectacular visuals; Prometheus is best watched in IMAX 3D.

But, oh my, Promethous is one devastatingly beautiful piece of cinematography. The elegant and sophisticated visual imagery evokes a very strong and deep sense of wonder, science, and ancient mystery. The lonely, desolate landscapes, the combination of smooth flatlands and craggy mountains, the gigantic natural and artificial structures concealing mysteries and unknown dangers...the impeccable special effects (except for Guy Pearce's crude make-up), it is one glorious artwork, and so far the best IMAX-3D experience I have ever had. 

All in all, Prometheus is one existential, philosophical, visually mesmerizing film, probably inspired by both Terrence Malick and Chris Carter. Thinkers will be mentally tickled, but Alien and action-suspense fans will be shortchanged. I left the cinema still awestruck by the visuals, with a new-found respect for Rapace, and with one gnawing question bothering me that immediately demands an answer-- No, not the beginnings of mankind, but why in Ridley Scott's name did they choose a young Guy Pearce to play the uber old Peter Weyland?!

3 out of 5 stars.

In Philippine cinemas June 6, 2012. Totally created for IMAX-3D.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)

Both fans and non-fans of the Madagascar franchise will be absolutely taken by surprise by the third installment: Europe's Most Wanted, this time helmed by three directors, Eric Darnell,Tom McGrath, and Conrad Vernon,  and leveled-up in 3D.

Left stranded by their conniving penguin friends in the wilderness of Africa, the gang of Alex the Lion (Ben Stiller), Marty the Zebra (Chris Rock), Melman the Giraffe (David Schwimmer), and Gloria the Hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith), are suffering from increasing bouts of homesickness for their Central Park Zoo. Determined to go back home to New York, they decide to flee Africa and catch up first with the penguins in Monte Carlo-- where they unfortunately caught the attention of a psychotic and highly skilled French animal control officer, the hilariously obsessive Captain Chantel DuBois (a riotous cross between Edith Piaf and Cruella De Vil), voiced by Frances McDormand, who would stop at nothing to catch the animal friends. The gang, the penguins, along with King Julian XIII (Sacha Baron Cohen; Borat) and the lemurs, join a traveling circus initially to hide from DuBois, but then it eventually becomes a scheme to get to New York. And thus begins the gang's European invasion, traveling from one country to another, yearning for the Big Apple. But as they are getting to know more about their new-found circus friends (voiced by Jessica Chastain, Martin Short, and Byan Cranstom), they suddenly start wondering if it's all about the "the journey and not the destination."

Circus stowaways? 

La Vie En Rose?

Premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted could be one of the best animated feature films in a long time. With a solid and smooth narrative, richly developed characters on top of the dazzling, breathtaking visuals intensified by the 3D effects, it's a delicious, absorbing, and emotionally engaging animated adventure that the entire family will surely enjoy at the cinema. The film opens like a cannonball shot from a circus tent, immediately sweeping you off with a breakneck-speed action-adventure; soaring into high-energy action, and then sometimes gently flowing into quiet and heart-rendering moments--the scenes all the more made heartfelt by Hans Zimmer's gorgeous film score. Sprinkled with obvious parodies of a popular movie, of Edith Piaf, and of a certain "French-Canadian" traveling circus, it frequently induces  bouts of chuckles, and sometimes even belly laughter, along with a tangible sense of pain, loss, love, and adventure.

With the addition of new characters, is Madagascar 4 a possibility?

Madagascar 3 is indeed an unexpectedly sophisticated and enjoyable romp, succeeding in sustaining your rapt attention until the explosive and colorful last act. It has all the elements of a delicious adventure story: home, journey, friendship, and the exciting lure and mystique of the world of circus. Like diving into a colorful and richly told children's storybook, Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted is an absolute super eye-candy treat that is brimming with heart.

Must-see in 3D.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Showing in Philippine theaters on June 6, 2012