Salma Hayek returns as Sandler’s wife in “Grown ups 2”

CEBU, Philippines - Mexican beauty Salma Hayek reprises the role of Roxanne, the no-nonsense wife of Adam Sandler’s character, Lenny, in Columbia Pictures’ smash comedy sequel, “Grown Ups 2.”

In the film, this very fashion-conscious woman leaves LA for the small-town, east-coast life. “She’s the only fish out of water,” says Hayek. “The rest of the characters grew up together. So it takes her some time to find her place in her new home town.”

“Grown Ups 2” re-teams Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade for another chapter of small-town shenanigans. After moving his family back to his hometown to be with his friends and their kids, Lenny finds out that between old bullies, new bullies, schizo bus drivers, drunk cops on skis, and 400 costumed party crashers sometimes crazy follows you.

For Hayek, the chance to re-team with the cast of the original “Grown Ups” was the only invitation she needed. “I was so excited to get back together with these wonderful actors and comedians,” she says. “We’ve stayed in touch and I love to work with them – they are so good. I especially love the girls, Maria (Bello) and Maya (Rudolph) – we really bonded last time and we’re more relaxed this time. Maya is one of the best comediennes in America, and she actually gets better, year by year. And Maria just brings it – she was fierce.”

Hayek says that being on the set is an inspiration for all of the actors to do their best comedic work. “I was really impressed by how funny everyone was – even actors that you wouldn’t expect. Shaquille O’Neal was a revelation to me – he’s hilarious, and in this one, he’s the funniest he’s ever been.”

The Academy Award nominated Hayek has proven herself as a prolific actress, producer, and director, in both film and television. She received an Academy Award® nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, a SAG nomination, and a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in the title role in Julie Taymor’s “Frida.”

Hayek recently starred in Oliver Stone’s “Savages,” opposite Blake Lively, John Travolta and Benicio del Toro.

On television, she was last seen guest starring on NBC’s critically acclaimed show “30 Rock.” Hayek won an Emmy for her directorial debut “The Maldonado Miracle,” which she also produced. The film, which starred Peter Fonda, Mare Winningham, and Ruben Blades, premiered at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival and later aired on Showtime. She has directed music videos for both Prince and Jada Pinkett.

Hayek’s other film credits include: The Academy Award®-nominated “Puss In Boots” with Antonio Banderas; Paul Weitz’s “The Vampire’s Assistant,” Robert Towne’s “Ask the Dust,” alongside Colin Farrell and Idina Menzel; Luc Besson’s “Bandidas,” opposite Penelope Cruz; Brett Ratner’s “After the Sunset,” Robert Rodriguez’s “Once Upon a Time in Mexico,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino; and Robert Rodriguez’s “Desperado.”

Now open across the Philippines, “Grown Ups 2” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Mundo Mo’y Akin maintains nationwide ratings dominance

GMA Network’s Mundo Mo’y Akin continues to dominate nationwide primetime viewing according to data of the industry’s widely trusted ratings service provider Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

For the period of July 15-19 (based on overnight data), Mundo Mo’y Akin defeated all its ABS-CBN counterparts in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), Urban Luzon and Mega Manila.

In NUTAM, the program registered an average household rating of 25 percent versus ABS-CBN’s Muling Buksan Ang Puso’s 24.4 percent and Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala’s 20.2 percent.

For the same period in Urban Luzon, it scored an average household rating of 29.7 percent versus Muling Buksan Ang Puso’s 21.8 percent and Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala’s 18.3 percent. In Mega Manila, it got an average household rating of 32.2 percent against Muling Buksan Ang Puso’s 21 percent and Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala’s 18.2 percent.

Mundo Mo’y Akin has currently become one of the favorite primetime programs in the country. Loyal supporters and viewers of the series should expect more intense and exciting episodes as the ugly Marilyn played by Louise delos Reyes transforms into a very beautiful and ravishing lady after undergoing plastic surgery. Also, the tables are turned between Darlene and Marilyn as the former is now a waitress while later affirms herself as the rightful heir of the Carbonel’s riches.

How will Lauren Young as Darlene and Alden Richards as Jerome react with this big revelation on Marilyn’s new look? Now that she is back, will Marilyn give Jerome a second chance at love? How much is Marilyn willing to sacrifice just to take revenge on Darlene?

Mundo Mo’y Akin airs Monday to Friday after Anna Karenina on GMA Telebabad. Get the latest updates about Mundo Mo’y Akin from its official facebook page www.facebook.com/GMAMundoMoyAkin, twitter account www.twitter.com/MundoMoyAkin and the GMA Network website (www.GMANetwork.com).

Cebu Music Festival 2013 at Ayala Center Cebu

Join in the annual gathering of Cebu’s finest musicians when they take center stage this month for Cebu Music Festival on July 26-27 atThe Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu. The Cebu City Government through the Cebu City Tourism Commission and Cebu City Tourism Foundation Inc., in cooperation with Ayala Center Cebu will be bringing in local talent from all over the city such as Prodigo, Abyan Ensemble, Sugbuwanon, Night Rhythms, Pandora, Fly High Michelle, AC/W, Lora Palooza, Powerspoonz, Kingston Blues Project, Blacksmoke, DGT Cebu Music Factory, Cuarenta with special participation by Disco Jammers and The Knapsack Dancers on July 26.

Meanwhile, Frontline, Behind The Scriptures, Flirt, Bruce Conte, Six Counts of Murder, Shepherds Plaid, Overdrive, Stellarskin, Serendipity, Eve’s Garden, Counterpoise Minora and Zubu will be performing on July 27.

From 5-10pm this weekend, enjoy home grown classics and compositions by your favorite local bands, original masterpieces, and music veterans that represent the different music genres.

For more information, contact Ayala Center Cebu Concierge at (032) 516-2035 or (032) 231-5342. You can also visit the website: www.ayalamalls.com.ph or “like” the official Ayala Center Cebu on facebook (www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu) for more details on upcoming shows and events.

Visayan singing group ‘Maasinhon trio’ releases debut album

Star Records recently launched the first ever album of Visayan singing group and “Pilipinas Got Talent Season 3” grand winner Maasinhon Trio.

Hailing from the humble town of Maasin City in Southern Leyte, Maasinhon Trio composed of Andrew Sanchez, Licinio Lolo and Bonifacio Salubre, made history in 2011 as the first act from the Visayas to win the competition following season one’s Jovit Baldivino and season two’s Marcelito Pomoy, who both came from Luzon.

Featured in Maasinhon Trio’s self-titled debut album are classic Pinoy love songs including ‘Kahit Isang Saglit,’ ‘Sana’y Ikaw Na Nga,’ ‘Hanggang,’ a medley of Rey Valera songs (‘Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,’ ‘Kumusta Ka,’ ‘Pangako Sa’ Yo’), and their carrier single ‘Patuloy Ang Pangarap.’

Maasinhon Trio’s first album is now available at all record bars nationwide. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via amazon.com, mymusicstore.com.ph and iTunes. For more information, visit Star Records’ Facebook fan page at facebook.com/starrecordsphil or follow @starrecordsph on Twitter.

“Juan Dela Cruz” launches soundtrack’s second volume

After its first volume reached the gold record status, ABS-CBN’s no.1 superhero drama series “Juan dela Cruz” is set to launch the second volume of its official soundtrack this Sunday.

Released under Star Records, “Juan dela Cruz Official Soundtrack Volume 2” features the theme songs of the exciting adventures and touching moments in the life of Philippine TV’s favorite superhero portrayed by Teleserye King Coco Martin.

The tracklist includes “Maghintay Ka Lamang” by Roel Manlangit, “Sana’y Kapiling Ka” by Angeline Quinto, “Kaibigan Lang Pala” by Liezel Garcia, “Buko” by Jireh Lim, and “Ibong Ligaw” by Juana Cosme. Minus ones of the five songs are also part of the album.

Meanwhile, the plot of “Juan dela Cruz” continues to thicken now that Juan (Coco) has released all the weapons from the cross namely ‘espada ng katapangan,’ ‘pana ng karunungan,’ ‘latigo ng katarungan’ and ‘sibat ng kagitingan.’

How will Juan fulfill his mission as the Tagabantay when he discovers that he is the one destined to be the ‘Anak ng Dilim?’

Don’t miss the exciting adventures of Philippine television’s favorite superhero “Juan dela Cruz” weeknights after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida.

Ogie Alcasid transfers to TV5

After months of speculation, Ogie Alcasid is dead set to move to TV5. Without directly referring to its rival network, GMA Network announced its blessing in their talent’s transfer.

“As Ogie Alcasid moves on to explore new grounds, GMA Network, his home for almost two decades, wishes him all the best. We thank him for being a part of the Network’s success all these years,” GMA corporate communications consultant Butch Raquel said in a statement sent to the media.

“His achievements as a singer, songwriter, comedian, host and actor make Ogie the icon that he is now. And the Kapuso Network is proud to have been with him throughout this journey,” he continued.

Before his contract with GMA expired last June 30, Ogie appeared in the newly-launched “Sunday All Stars” with his wife Regine Velasquez and some of the stable of talents gone jobless from the defunct weekly variety show “Party Pilipinas.”

“Bubble Gang,” GMA’s long-running gag show and Ogie’s first project with the network, will also have one less mainstay. The said program has been on-air as long as Ogie’s tenure with the network.

The singer-songwriter’s reported transfer to TV5 (formerly ABC-5) signals his return to his original home network where he started his TV career in the gag show “Tropang Trumpo.”

Ogie will join his “Trumpo” co-star Gelli De Belen (also an ex-Kapuso) in the Kapatid Network.

In today’s Philippine Star issue, columnist Ricky Lo reported that Ogie has already said his final goodbye with the network bosses.

“Last Friday morning, Atty. (Felipe) Gozon and JRD (Jimmy R. Duavit) and the other (GMA) bosses received me at their office and they wished me well. They have no problem with it and said that I may ask them for support if I need it,” Ogie shared with Lo in a phone interview.

“I was deeply touched by their gesture and I told them that I am truly thankful for the 18 years that I spent with them. Atty. Gozon said that he understood and that he didn’t want to stop me from pursuing other goals. God is good,” he continued. (FREEMAN)