When was the last time we saw Judy Ann Santos lead in a teleserye? Well, I'm not sure but what I remember is the "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala".  So comment if I'm wrong and we will correct this. But so much with her past teleseryes because this year Judy Ann's much-awaited TV comeback is a bit intriguing and because of this time, Judy Ann plays the antagonist, the contrabida.

The much-awaited television comeback of Judy Ann Santos brings another heart-tugging story about hope, love for family, forgiveness, and granting the heart’s deepest wishes in the primetime teleserye “Starla,” which premieres on October 7.
The series follows a father-daughter relationship and a mission to grant people’s wishes – a perfect and timely present for viewers of all ages this Christmas season from Dreamscape Entertainment, which created hit Kapamilya teleseryes filled with values and inspiration such as “May Bukas Pa,” “100 Days to Heaven,” “Honesto,” “Nathaniel,” and “My Dear Heart.”

Joining Juday in “Starla” are Joel Torre, Enzo Pelojero, Jana Agoncillo, Meryl Soriano, Joem Bascon, and Raymart Santiago, with the special participation of Tirso Cruz III and Charo Santos. In “Starla,” Judy Ann is the ruthless Teresa, a successful lawyer who is dedicated to seeking revenge on her despised hometown Baryo Maulap, which she claims is a symbol of her defeat.

Her plans are hindered by her estranged father Greggy (Joel) and his adopted son Buboy (Enzo), after one fateful night, Buboy witnesses a dance of fireflies that is said to bring luck wherever they land. Buboy manages to catch what he thinks is a firefly, named Starla (Jana), who happens to be one of the millions of playful wishing stars from the sky.

Together, Buboy and Starla slowly heal the town by granting wishes, but are fixated on Mang Greggy, whose deepest wish is to reconcile with her now-hostile daughter Teresa.

In truth, Teresa blames her father for abandoning her and the townspeople for not helping her when she and her mother were in dire need—resulting in her mother’s painful demise.

Will Teresa finally get the vengeance that she wants, or does her heart desire something else? Will Buboy and Starla help Greggy and Teresa feel the warmth of home again?

"Starla" is written by Dindo Perez, and directed by Onat Diaz, Darnel Villaflor, and Jerome Pobocan. Its cast members also include Grae Fernandez, Chantal Videla, Janus del Prado, Kathleen Hermosa, Anna Luna, Jordan Herrera, Simon Ibarra, Raikko Matteo, Chunsa Jeung, Myel de Leon, Heaven Peralejo, and many more.

Don’t miss “Starla" on Primetime Bida beginning October 7 (Monday) on ABS-CBN. For updates follow, ABS-CBN PR on Facebook (fb.com/abscbnpr), Twitter (@abscbnpr), and Instagram (@abscbnpr).

One of the entries for the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino under Black Sheep, the movie OPEN, tells about the common problems and resolutions about relationships, much more about the Open Relationship. If you have been watching movies created under Black Sheep you'll understand that most of them are not the usual happy ending but rather a more unconventional open-ended story. A hang in what would be the possible ending in which they are giving their audience the play of mind to create their own end of the story.

OPEN, is starred by two interesting actors, JC Santos and Arci Munoz which play the role of Ethan and Rome, respectively. The story is about a couple who have been together for 14 years and are each other's firsts. Everyone expected of them as the perfect couple but when things went unstable an idea of an open relationship was laid on the table, on which it is something that Ethan wants. The agreement was they are allowed to be intimate with strangers but they are not allowed to fall in love. They went to open relationships with the hope of salvaging their relationship.

The story is interesting as it tells the story about the things that happen in an open relationship. It doesn't tell if it is wrong or not but gives the viewers the bird's eye view of what is happening in an open relationship.

There are just a few things that I find it intriguing that made me wonder and think. So here are my thoughts about the story.

1. Fourteen (14) years of being committed in a relationship, leaving under the same roof and it doesn't end up with a child? This is just questionable for people who are in the heat of their explorative stage and take note that everything is the first time for them, which means they are more explorative and loves to do experiments. And the big question mark is why they didn't end up with a child.  The guy really has some libido issues with him.

2. It's really rare for a guy not to propose to a girl after ten (10) years of commitment. The guy is either scared or just dumb enough not to really care for someone on the other side of the commitment.

3. The character, Ethan, was given a hall pass to do anything and yet he ended up with just one girl? Very unrealistic judging from the character of Ethan.

4. For the character of Rome, there was already a bad incident before, why end up agreeing to do the open relationship thing when you know it could end everything. So, the character of Rome is also longing for something new.

5. For someone as possessive as Rome, why didn't she impose about the marriage or having a baby?
 
So, there you go. These are just a few of the questions that linger in my mind about the movie OPEN.

The movie is not in cinemas anymore but you can find it somewhere else where you can watch and see for yourself.

The movie is directed by Andoy Ranay under Black Productions and T-Rex Entertainment as their theatrical debut and is distributed by Star Cinema.

When you're surrounded with talented kids will definitely give you a good day. Just recently Kwento Ni Toto was able to meet these wonderful kids from Toppstar TV.

Beginning October 5, the fun continues for Kapuso viewers as GMA Network and Rebisco Topps Sarap bring back the musical-variety program, every Saturday morning, Toppstar TV featuring the cute and talented Toppstar Kids.

The second season of the program promises twice the excitement, laughter and performances as the Toppstar batch 1 kids welcome a new breed of kiddie stars on the show.

The kids, who were chosen from Rebisco’s on-ground talent search all over the Philippines, will come together to showcase their skills in singing, dancing and hosting to bring out the “topps” in every kid.

As part of the brand’s commitment to bring out the best in every child, every segment of the show is created to ensure that we deliver this: the Toppstar Performance showcases the kids’ talent in singing and dancing; the Toppstar Games allows the kids to play while learning new skills; the Toppstar Laughs lets kids have fun showing their comedic talents while learning wholesome jokes, and the on-cam conversations in-between that hone the kids’ talents in hosting and interview.

To complement the Saturday morning episodes, Topps Sarap will mount school tours across Metro Manila. Video snippets of these visits will be featured on the show.

Make Saturdays twice as fun with Topps Sarap Toppstar TV Season 2.

Starts October 5, from 9:15 to 9:45 AM on GMA, and with replays every Sunday at 5:00 to 5:30 PM on GMA News TV.

Jollibee UAAP Dolls, did you get yours already? With Season 82 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) underway, fans of the 8 participating schools are all out in cheering for their favorite varsity teams!

For the past years, the UAAP Basketball Season has become one of the most anticipated events in the country, gathering students, alumni, and sports enthusiasts alike to some of the most exciting rivalries in the history of Philippine collegiate basketball.

This season, Jollibee is joining in on the fun competition with a special edition offer that will surely take the UAAP fans’ anticipation to even greater heights.

From now until October 31, fans can go all out in cheering for their teams when they avail of the all-new Jollibee UAAP Dolls! This limited-edition merchandise will surely amp everyone’s excitement as they watch their most-awaited games this season.

The dolls come in 8 varsity jacket designs to represent Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines Diliman, and University of Santo Tomas.

Fans can now show off their school pride as they wave their UAAP Jollibee Dolls during game time to rally behind the Soaring Falcons, support the Blue Eagles’ “One Big Fight”, celebrate the “Animo!” spirit of the Green Archers, and bring out the fierce game of the Tamaraws.

With their Jollibee UAAP Dolls, fans can also cheer on the Bulldogs as they turn back their opponents, fire-up the spirit of the UE Red Warriors, show some love for the Fighting Maroons, and support the Growling Tigers as they claw back into contention.

Go #AllForMore and show your joyful school spirit this UAAP Season 82! Cheer your favorite team to victory with the all-new Jollibee UAAP Dolls for only P299 for every Jollibee value meal purchase. Promo is available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery, in selected Jollibee stores nationwide.

Visit our Facebook page to see where you can get your special edition Jollibee UAAP Dolls: https://bit.ly/2khiYq9

In just a span of one month, I have been to a few events that tackled the issues concerning the environment and more particularly with Climate change. It is a global issue, or rather it is now considered a crisis that everyone needs to react to and do something about it. Environmental organizations today are pushing for immediate solutions.

Just recently, I find myself rushing and coursing through the traffic of EDSA. It's really becoming a problem and one of the causes of carbon emissions. The government should really find ways to control this. Anyway, I was late but still was able to grasp what was Lamudi is pushing through with the talk.

The issue of Climate Change is one that is pushing the Philippines to act upon its weak spots and harness its strengths. “It’s inevitable,” Lamudi CEO Bhavna Suresh says during the media roundtable. This is in partnership weth Holcim Philippines and Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA). Though the country may be facing a dire situation, there is plenty to be done in response to climate change, from big, industrial efforts to small, household changes.

Lamudi's first panel of discussion is about Sustainability Efforts for the Philippines of NGOs and Private Organizations. NGOs, private organizations, and green developers were represented in the discussion, which tackled the roadblocks to green development in the Philippines and determined the efforts already in place to steer the country into a greener future.

Highlighting Resilience

“Most of our coastal municipalities want to be cities eventually. How do we push them towards not just sustainability but also push them to also look at measures that will make them resilient as well?” Atty. Angela Ibay, Head of the Climate and Energy Program of the World Wide Fund for Nature, posed an important question at the roundtable, steering right into the thick of the important topic of sustainability and climate change.

Angela Ibay, Head, Climate and Energy Program of the World Wide Fund for Nature

In a country that is dotted with high-rise mixed-use buildings and humble coastal homes, the effort to save the environment is tightly coupled with the measures developers can take to safeguard the value of their legacy. One solution, something as simple as planting trees, encourages the growth of foliage and relieves some of the urban heat island effects our cities are experiencing right now. However, it is not enough.

“It’s not a question anymore of whether you can control climate change or not. It’s about adapting to the effects of climate change. It’s here. We are experiencing it now,” says Wesley Caballa, Senior Manager for Sustainability of Costa Del Hamilo Inc. According to Caballa, Hamilo is actively pursuing efforts to protect mangrove forests to do their part as a company.

Hamilo is one of many companies that have started making changes in keeping with a more climate-conscious business ethos. Climate change has not spared the Philippines with its onslaught, and with lives at stake, developers cannot sit around and wait.

Wesley Caballa, Senior Manager for Sustainability of Costa Del Hamilo Inc.

“We are already in an area of the world that is highly, highly susceptible to all these natural disasters, and climate change made us more vulnerable to that,” adds Justine Santos-Sugay, Director for Resource Development and Communications of Habitat for Humanity.

Addressing Roadblocks to Sustainability

The Philippines has not been remiss when it comes to sustainable efforts. One of the problems developers and real estate experts face, however, is misinformation or lack of dissemination at the grassroots.

“When you ask a common fisherman, ‘What do you know about climate change?’ Sometimes they say it’s synonymous to disaster without knowing why,” adds Caballa. “It’s really important for them to know what is wrong, what climate change is all about.”

Santos-Sugay weighs in: “When you think about it, when you look at the issue of climate change, climate change seems to exaggerate or re-highlight a lot of the already pre-existing social themes.”

Justine Santos-Sugay, Director for Resource Development and Communications of Habitat for Humanity

One issue all Filipinos will relate to, especially in the Philippine capital, is the water shortage. Despite the typhoons that visit the country and leave damage in low-lying areas, there is water shortage because the rainfall missed the dams that are meant to supply water to the majority of the city. Ferdz dela Cruz, former Chief Executive Officer of Manila Water Company, Inc., emphasizes the urgency of the matter: “It’s up to us to make hard choices for us to be resilient. There are no easy choices at this point. For us to make that, we need to have a constructive dialog and without the misinformation.”

Ferdz dela Cruz, Former Chief Executive Officer of Manila Water Company, Inc.

Dela Cruz also mentions the disparity in the supply and demand for water supply. According to him, “There are two issues on water--there’s the supply side and there’s the demand side. On the supply side, there is a roadmap of what needs to be done, but there are delays in the execution of the roadmap. There’s always opposition to a big water project.”

Long-term solutions to water shortage and climate change are further hampered by the lack of initiative at the individual level. According to Dela Cruz, people forget about the problem once they have water, but it quickly resurfaces when another water shortage is felt.

Sustainability in the Commercial and Industrial Sectors

Much of the effort real estate developers have put into sustainability can be seen in the commercial buildings they have strategically positioned in key cities. Jaime “JJ” Fernandez, Strategic Management Consultant of Menarco Development Corporation, mentions the savings Menarco Tower is able to pass on to its tenants through its sustainable design. According to Fernandez, “There is an estimate that the tenant will save about 20% in terms of energy consumption because the way the building is built is very efficient.”

Fernandez also highlights the human aspect of thinking sustainable. “Prospective tenants would rather pay a little bit more rent” when they know the building will take care of their employees.

This, paired with Dela Cruz’s observation that people will be more responsible if the problem pinches their bill, makes the case for green developments: rather than lose money in inefficient designs, developers, tenants, and residents can save by prioritizing sustainability.

James Buskowitz, Chief Executive Officer of Buskowitz Group

The Philippines, which receives ample sunlight because of its equatorial location, can do more to utilize solar energy, one of the most efficient ways to be sustainable. James Buskowitz, Chief Executive Officer of Buskowitz Group, explains that projects harvesting solar energy come in levels: “Residential scale has always been the goal, but not in the beginning. Typically, when a country starts developing solar projects, it always starts with utility, then it goes to commercial-industrial rooftops, then it goes residential.”

JJ Fernandez, Strategic Management Consultant of Menarco Development Corporation

Ar. Amado de Jesus, Vice Chairman of the Philippine Green Building Initiative

Now, it's really great that even big companies like Lamudi are creating solutions even in simplest ways.

Okay, it's October already and we all know what happens before the end of the month. So if you're in and ready to get spooked? Well, here's one that will turn your dreams into nightmares?

You can watch this at home and save the horror and dreaded traffic in the metro. Plus you can even save some for the rainy days. What's good is that you can enjoy the movie under the cuddle weather, with just a tap or a click on your phones and gadgets at home, you get a full movie experience with iWant’s chilling story of a mother and a son trapped in a life of haunting spirits in the psycho-horror movie “Abandoned,” an iWant original movie that you can stream for free! Flip the switch off and grab bae for this one. It’s gonna be a frightening ride.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Here are seven reasons why “Abandoned” deserves your time and attention:


1. Its short running time For only an hour and 15 minutes, viewers get to witness a story of love and resilience in a horror setting in the Kip Oebanda film where dedicated mother and son look out for each other in the midst of bullies, evil spirits, lurking shadows of the past. Set in an eerie location where one should roam at midnight and 3 in the morning alone, get ready to get spooked with disturbing scenes and ending that will leave you bewildered. Ready your blanket. Expect jumpscares.


2. Beauty takes on her first horror role From her kindhearted mother roles, Beauty expands her acting repertoire as she plays the complex Simone, the single mother of RJ (played by Seth) who is struggling to find a job after a traumatic experience during her previous one. Simone is a far cry from the glamorous Romina Mondragon as Beauty portrays a dedicated yet mentally unstable woman, plagued by the ghosts of an old building.


3. It’s Seth’s first movie project Without his Gold Squad co-members by his side, Seth can stand on his own and is ready to prove his place in the industry with his first movie and leading role. Seth’s RJ in “Abandoned” is amusing and mischievous, adding a charming layer to the otherwise chilling film that draws its scares from unresolved personal traumas.


4. Its symbolisms make it not your typical white lady horror movie The title itself gives meaning to a lot of scenes in the movie. “Abandoned” isn’t just about the haunted building and its supernatural elements, but how her spooky workplace provokes Simone’s deepest and darkest fear – abandonment – which she has dealt with all her life.


5. It depicts how patriarchy trumps women on a daily basis. Simone’s predicament starts when her boss Soliman (another symbolism) “handpicks” her for the unusual job, and all the while their security firm’s logo represents manhood and the fires of hell. Her cocky colleague Renante won’t trade shifts with her, and a loan shark tries to take advantage of her financial instability.

It is also revealed that Simone’s father originally wanted a son, thus, her untypical name and painful childhood.


6. It shows how a mother’s love overcomes all difficulties. Simone’s ex-husband was also a domestic abuser, causing her to leave and raise RJ The film shows a mother’s unconditional love for her son—from borrowing money, looking for jobs she’s incapable of, throwing a birthday celebration, warding off evil spirits, and even literally sacrificing herself in place of her son. A mother’s love never yields.


7. It encourages us to check up on our own moms. Our moms always look like they got it all together, but who takes care of them when they have no one to run to? In the movie, RJ reveals he has been skipping school to secretly help his mom financially by buying and selling things online and even defending her name from bullies in school. It was RJ all along that kept her going. Looking back, he always has been Simone’s source of strength. And although our mothers seem like they can handle everything, it wouldn’t hurt to check up on them and give them a warm hug every once in a while.

Stream “Abandoned” on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or on iwant.ph for free. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial and @dreamscapedigital on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.

Hey there KaToto's! We're sharing some news about Maine Mendoza and the latest fuss about this silhouette of her holding the Vivo V17 Pro. It is not a cover of a magazine or a poster for an upcoming movie. But fans and social media followers of Maine Mendoza will truly be surprised and intrigued on what the young actress is up to when they see a screengrab of her latest video for Vivo.

The image, a silhouette of Maine teasing with what appears to be Vivo’s latest flagship smartphone, the Vivo V17 Pro, has many of her adoring fans already speculating when the new handset would be launched in the country.

Aside from the screengrab, a new video which will soon be up on Vivo’s Facebook page, will also feature the celebrity, garbed in highly-fashionable dresses, completing wacky fan-tweeted 17-second challenges such as eating polvoron while reciting the alphabet, or stuffing marshmallows in her mouth.

Prior to teasing about the V17 Pro, Maine was introduced as Vivo’s brand ambassador and endorser in May following the launch of the Vivo V15 Pro and Blossom Pink special edition smartphones.

Screengrab shows a silhouette of Maine teasing with the Vivo V17 Pro.

Mixed emotions, as the crew, directors, and casts of The General's Daughter bid their farewell to everyone. Right before the last week of the teleserye, a press conference was held in Dolphy Theater in ABS CBN where the directors and casts made a Saber Arch entrance.

Present during the press conference were Director Mervyn Brondial and Manny Palo; Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte (LoiNie); JC Devera and Ryza Cenon; Maricel Soriano and Arjo Atayde; Albert Martinez and Eula Valdez; Janice De Belen and Tirso Cruz III; Paulo Avelino and Angel Locsin. It was a magnificent Finale where the casts shared their experiences and what they will miss.

It was clear that each of the casts has truly developed camaraderie or what they really say that it was a family they had made!

It was also shared during the press conference that the directors and casts were always giving their contributions to make the TV series good, entertaining and a must-watch every night, which they did.

As the show ends this coming October 4, Angel Locsin also shared that she'll be prepping for her wedding that's why she'll be taking some time before getting another project. It was also asked if she will still continue to do teleserye something similar with the TGD and her reply was she's still into it and will continue entertain.

It's the last week of The General's Daughter, catch the ending plus the twists and turns until the very end.

If you're one of those individuals who does Feng Shui, well it's just great because this is going to be the gathering of all Feng Shui experts. This coming November 24 at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center, Feng Shui experts will gather for the 15th Philippine Feng Shui Convention for the 2020 Year of the Metal Rat. As for me, would really like to hear what's in store for the 2020.

According to an invitation of Ms. Marites Alen, it is a definitely a toast to new beginning. That’s what the 2020 Chinese New Year is all about. The Rat is the first animal sign in the Chinese zodiac, and its arrival marks the start of a new 12-year cycle. The good news is that the winning traits of this clever and adventurous animal have indications for a stable and abundant year.

We would like to share with you many important forecasts for the Year of the Metal Rat. Join us on November 24 – a good day for starting important events, and deemed lucky for those who expect superior value for their investments.

Here’s what you gain by being there:

• Insights on lucky/unlucky prospects for your personal/professional life
• Updates on energy types and directions that may work for or against you in 2020
• General forecasts for important life areas (wealth, health, relationships, etc.)
• First dibs at the latest luck enhancers and cures for the Metal Rat Year
• Convention brochure filled with useful takeaway points
• Engaging presentations, excellent food, auspicious company
• Chance to win raffle gifts and lots of other surprises

Don’t miss this chance to learn from international fengshui master Ms. Marites Allen who is also set to launch her 2020 horoscope books and Feng Shui Almanac and Planner.

Get your tickets at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-marites-allen-philippine-feng-shui-convention-tickets-71031468033) or call the following numbers: 0920-9509390 / 8188858/ 7360512 / 4707661.

Take advantage of our Super Saver Rate of PhP3,980 until September 15, 2019.

Angel Locsin is strapping viewers in for a rollercoaster of action scenes, thrilling stunts, and moving moments in “The General’s Daughter” as she scrambles to complete her final mission in the top-rating teleserye’s finale on October 4.

In the last week of the biggest teleserye of 2019, Rhian (Angel) finds herself desperately seeking justice and stopping Tiago (Tirso Cruz III) from gaining absolute political power.

A staunch believer in violence, Tiago intends to kill thousands of innocent lives to fulfill his long-time dream of destroying the army and the government and leading the country. With a detailed and deadly strategy to achieve this, he uses his mole Cinco (Mercedes Cabral), who poses as an aspiring senate president who detests terrorists.

But time is running out for Rhian, Franco (Paulo Avelino), and her father Marcial (Albert Martinez), who are currently at large and being hunted by the authorities.


While Corazon (Eula Valdez) is worrying about the safety of her husband and daughter, Amelia (Janice De Belen) has resolutely decided to leave Tiago to get away and start a new life with their son.

Will Rhian succeed in her mission to end Tiago and clear her name?

Since "The General's Daughter" premiered in January, viewers have unwaveringly watched and supported the series, which has consistently topped nationwide ratings, earned praises for the performances of its all-star cast, and generated discussions on social media.

Some of the most talked-about moments from the series include Angel’s thrilling scenes where she did her own stunts, her character Rhian uncovering the truth about her real identity as Arabella, and the deaths of Elai (Arjo Atayde) and Sabel (Maricel Soriano) in the hands of Tiago.

Watch the final week of “The General’s Daughter” on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.