All Roads Lead to Rome is the perfect Valentine’s Day rom-com

Sarah Jessica Parker is back on the big screen, doing what she does best — making moviegoers fall in love.   The Sex and the City actress stars in the romantic comedy All Roads Lead to Rome, a funny romantic ride set in the lovely countryside of Tuscany.

Parker plays Maggie, a harried single mom and college professor from New York City who decides to haul her troubled teenage daughter Summer (Rosie Day of The Seasoning House) to a village in Italy where she spent her own childhood vacations. They bump into her handsome childhood flame, Luca(Raoul Bova of The Tourist and Under the Tuscan Sun), who still lives with his 80-year-old mother, Carmen.

Mayhem ensues as both Summer – who wants to go back to her bad-boy boyfriend in New York and Carmen—who wants to get married to the love of her life, escape to Rome in Luca’s convertible. This forces Luca and Maggie into awkward situations that could lead to a rekindling of their childhood romance.

All Roads Lead to Rome is directed by Ella Lemhagen and written by Cindy Myers and Josh Appignanesi. It is produced by Andrea Iervolino (‘The Merchant of Venice’, ‘Like the Wind’, ‘Gorbaciof’) and Lady Monika Bacardi (‘The Humbling’, ‘Hope Lost’, ‘Three Touches’) of AMBI Pictures, and Silvio Muraglia(‘Reclaim’, ‘Reasonable Doubt’, ‘Prayers for Bobby’) of Paradox Studios.

The rollicking rom-com, which was filmed for 6 weeks on location in Italy, is set to be released in Philippine theaters as a Valentine’s Day presentation by OctoArts Films International on February 10.

source: pop.inquirer.net

‘Fifty Shades’ whips up $81.7 million in US box office

LOS ANGELES, United States — Audiences were more than curious to check out the big-screen adaptation of the racy phenomenon “Fifty Shades of Grey” this weekend. The erotic drama sizzled in its debut, earning an estimated $81.7 million from 3,646 theaters in its first three days, distributor Universal Pictures said on Sunday.

In addition to destroying Valentine’s and Presidents Day weekend records, “Fifty Shades of Grey” has also become the second-highest February debut ever, behind “Passion of the Christ’s” $83.9 million opening in 2004.

The chart-topping film cost a modest $40 million to produce. Starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, it could be on track to earn over $90 million across the four-day holiday weekend.

“Our fondest wishes were realized,” said Universal’s President of Domestic Distribution Nick Carpou. “This is one of those moments where I can speak for the entire studio and say we’re celebrating.”

Carpou was especially pleased that audiences in large, mid-size, and small markets turned out to see the film despite severe weather challenges in the Northeast.

“We had a tremendous amount of interest from small-town exhibitors,” said Carpou, noting strong outings in the South. “That speaks to their patrons really wanting to see the film as soon as possible and be part of what everyone is talking about.”

According to Universal, North American audiences were 68 percent female.

Internationally, director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation of British author E L James’ book earned an estimated $158 million from 9,637 locations in 58 territories. That’s the second biggest international opening for Universal, right behind the $160.3 million debut from “Fast & Furious 6,” and the highest international opening for an R-rated film ever.

“Those are summer-style blockbuster numbers in February,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box office firm Rentrak.

“Controversy, or at least the conversation that’s created by ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’ suddenly infuses this movie into the mainstream conversation,” he added. “They had to very carefully create a movie that was edgy, push the envelope, but without going too far to make it socially unacceptable.”

Director Matthew Vaughn’s “Kingsman: The Secret Service” also exceeded expectations, landing in second place with an estimated $35.6 million from 3,204 locations across the three-day period, according to Rentrak.

The R-rated comic book adaptation starring Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson cost a reported $81 million to produce and should earn around $41 million across the four-day period.

Animated children’s film “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” came in third with $30.5 million in its second weekend in theaters, falling only 45 percent. As one of the few family-friendly options in theaters, Paramount’s PG-rated movie could pass $100 million by the end of the holiday weekend.

Rounding out the top five were holdovers “American Sniper,” with $16.4 million, and “Jupiter Ascending,” with $9.4 million.

The Oscar-nominated “American Sniper,” now in its fifth weekend of wide release, has earned over $300 million in North America to date.

“We should learn in 2015 to not underestimate how well films can do,” Dergarabedian said. “Coming off a 2014 where we were down 5.2 percent, where a lot of movies did not live up to expectations, 2015 is right now running like a freight train toward the first $11 billion year in North America.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Tuesday.

    “Fifty Shades of Grey,” $81.7 million ($158 million international).

    “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” $35.6 million ($23.1 million international).

    “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” $30.5 million ($13.5 million international).

    “American Sniper,” $16.4 million ($3.7 million international).

    “Jupiter Ascending,” $9.4 million ($15.6 million international).

    “Seventh Son,” $4.2 million ($730,000 international).

    “Paddington,” $4.1 million.

    “The Imitation Game,” $3.5 million ($4 million international).

    “The Wedding Ringer,” $3.4 million.

    “Project Almanac,” $2.7 million ($340,000 international).

___

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at international theaters (excluding the U.S. and Canada), according to Rentrak:

    “Fifty Shades of Grey,” $158 million.

    “Somewhere Only We Know,” $30 million.

    “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” $23.1 million.

    “Jupiter Ascending,” $15.6 million.

    “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” $13.5 million.

    “Big Hero 6,” $9.2 million.

    “Taken 3,” $7.1 million.

    “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” $6.7 million.

    “Detective K: The Laborer’s Daughter,” $6.2 million.

    “Penguins of Madagascar,” $4.1 million.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Looking for romance online? Beware of ‘love scams’

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday warned the public anew against so-called online “love scams.”

According to the bureau, it continues to receive reports about the modus operandi of “love scammers” who target single men and women searching for love online.

The scam begins with the suspects befriending the victims online using social networking sites like Facebook, internet chat rooms or other dating sites. Most of the e-mail senders supposedly come from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

After several weeks or months the perpetrators would send a message that they have sent a box containing expensive gifts like designer bags, jewelries, gadgets like laptops and smartphones via international door-to-door parcel complete with tracking number and invoice for the supposed shipment.

The victims would then receive an email, a phone call, or a text allegedly from an officer or an employee of the BOC informing them that package was held in BOC and that it would be sent to them only after they pay customs duties and taxes to be deposited in a designated bank account or money transfer service.

After remitting the money to a bank, however, the package never arrives and their “significant other” never contacts them again.

In July last year, the BOC reported that at least 44 people in Manila reported that they fell for the scam. But this number did not include those residing in the provinces.

Customs Commissioner John Sevilla, in a statement, said they are continuously receiving reports not only here in Manila but also from their provincial collection districts.

However, he said they seldom receive official complaints.

“Just phone calls from the victims that they have been scammed. But they don’t leave information. Maybe they are not comfortable talking about their predicament due to its sensitive nature,” Sevilla said.

“Please be advised that with [regard] to packages, parcels or even balikbayan boxes, the Bureau of Customs deals with the consolidator, forwarder or courier in charge of your package directly so if ever there is a problem with your packages, the BOC will not call, text or email you but will communicate with your consolidator, forwarder or courier,” he said.

“BOC does not also give assessments and computations of duties and taxes by email or text. These are computed and written on official BOC document that are payable only to the Bureau and not through any bank or money transfer service,” he added as he urged the public to be more vigilant against these scams.

Prior to making any payment, recipients of emails purportedly sent by the bureau were advised to inquire first through its public assistance contact channels (+632) 9173201, or email ocompacd@gmail.com, and Twitter: @CustomsPH.

source: technology.inquirer.net

18-treasures feast for Chinese New Year, French féte for Valentine’s Day

Sofitel Philippine Plaza kicks off the Year of the Horse with two important festivities that many Filipinos look forward to—the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

A preview of Sofitel’s celebrations and offerings for the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day was held last Wednesday at Spiral’s Epicure Private Dining Room. Three huge round tables were beautifully set up in the room, each laden with a sumptuous spread of dishes for each occasion.

The dishes for Chinese New Year included Braised Pork Knuckle with Iceberg Lettuce and Oyster Sauce, Steamed King Prawn with Fresh Garlic, Braised Sea Cucumber with Minced Chicken Szechuan Sauce; and for Valentine’s Day, Caviar Pie, Green Salad with Cheese and Edible Flowers and dark and white chocolates in all sizes, shapes and flavors.

The middle table was meant for the ceremony of Yusheng to bring good luck to the whole year. Yusheng is a prosperity toss raw-fish salad consisting of strips of raw fish (tuna and salmon) mixed with shredded vegetables (carrots and green radish) and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients.

The Chinese ceremonial toss was participated in by Sofitel’s Chinese executive chef Mok Chee Wah, food and beverage director Damien Marchenay, sales and marketing director Chanelle Garvey, general manager Adam Laker, resident manager Carl Gagnon and regional executive chef for Asia Pacific Eric Costille.

“Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day have been two of the most celebrated occasions in the Philippines,” said Laker. “And, Sofitel has lined up fabulous ways to observe these momentous events. We’ve prepared an extensive spread for the Lunar feast and the most romantic dinner for Love Day.”





For Chinese New Year, chef Mok Chee Wah has prepared a special 18 treasures-themed menu, ongoing until Feb. 2 at Spiral, from different regions of China (Cantonese, Szechuan, Shanghainese and Peking-style).

In Chinese numerology and phonetics, the number 18 is associated with prosperity. The 18-treasures menu features 18 types of steamed and fried Hong Kong dim sum, 18 main courses, several live cooking stations, including Mongolian with fresh meat, seafood, and 18 kinds of sauces, lobster laksa with 18 kinds of condiments, and 18 desserts.

Dishes include Braised Sea Cucumber with Szechuan-style minced chicken, Shanghai-style fried spicy chicken, Cantonese-style wok-fried pork chop, and Peking-style wok-fried long bean and minced beef. There are more dishes to feast on, such as Spiral’s signature chili crabs, various Hong Kong roast meats, and foie gras siomai.

On Jan. 29, Spiral will hold a 15-piece fashion show with the Shanghai Nights Collection featuring the look and feel of Shanghai as interpreted by renowned designer Albert Andrada.




On Jan. 30, Chinese New Year’s Eve, there’ll be dragon and lion dance performance at 7:30 p.m. plus fireworks display. A Chinese cultural dance will cap the celebrations at 10 p.m.

French-style Valentine’s

For the love month, Spiral French chef Bettina Arguellas will sprinkle flowers on dishes from main courses to desserts to cocktail drinks on Feb. 13-16.





The floral feast starts with barley salad with basil flowers and broccoli, lavender and couscous salad, and glazed spring vegetables with squash flowers. The romantic rendezvous blossoms with peppered lavender beef tenderloin and honey pork loin with plum and lavender relish, deep-fried courgette flowers with basil dip and seared prawns with chamomile beurre blanc.

The French culinary touch is highlighted in other dishes such as Foie Gras and Duck Prosciutto with Compote of Strawberry and Roses and Glazed Iberian Pork Belly with Swiss Chard, Lavender Poached Apples and Grape Mustard Vinaigrette.

On Feb. 14, guests can have a private dinner for two at Sunset Bar. They can indulge in a six-course set menu prepared by Arguellas while being served by a personal butler. The experience will be made even more special with live entertainment by a romantic duo, a bottle of champagne, a box of heart-shaped chocolates, a bouquet of roses and a special gift from Jewelmer.

Singles are not left out on Valentine’s Day. In fact, it’s Black Valentines at Le Bar with no romantic intonations but rather live entertainment and guaranteed lots of fun to help them forget it’s Valentine’s Day.





For reservations and inquiries on Sofitel’s Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day treats, call 8326988, 5515555; or e-mail fbreservations@sofitelmanila.com

source:  lifestyle.inquirer.net

Valentine's Day Google Doodle

Today Google celebrates Saint Valentine's Day with a video that uses Tony Bennett’s 1951 recording of Hank Williams "Cold Cold Heart", that went number one hit on Billboard.

The Valentine's Day Google Doodle features an animated Doodle with a short love story, a young boy trying to impress a girl and give her a valentine gift and goes on to search Google to find out what best he can give to her but the girl is not impressed and continued to play with her jumping rope. Finally the young boy gives up on gifts and went back with his own jumping rope. Now the girl falls in love with him.

After playing it, you will be redirected to "Valentine's Day" Search page.

A gift of song with no time and cyberspace on Valentine’s Day

MANILA, Philippines – Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you’re probably one of the many racking their brains on what to give your special someone.

When flowers, chocolates and stuffed toys have become too unoriginal and passé, why not revive the Filipino tradition of “Harana” or the serenade?

Risingstars.ph, an online karaoke site, allows you to do just that and more.

Using a computer, a microphone, a webcam and Internet connection, you can record yourself singing your favourite love song and send it as a packaged Valentine’s Day gift of songs.

Other websites offer similar services, but what makes RisingStars different is that it has a large collection that people can sing along to.

What this means is that instead of memorizing the lyrics to a song and playing a musical instrument to accompany it, a person can simply select a song from the list, sing along karaoke style, and not worry about the music anymore, since it will be recorded along with the person’s voice.

You can also be very creative and personalize your performance in your video.

Perform a skit, choreograph a dance or dress-up like your favourite singer while belting your favourite tunes, the possibilities are endless with Risingstars.ph. You can even record multiple songs when one song is not enough to tell your beloved how special they are.

What’s even better is that you can send these special Valentine’s gifts to loved ones anywhere around the world.

So start vocalizing and practice those songs, log on to http://www.risingstars.ph, and start singing your heart out.

source: http://technology.inquirer.net/8213/a-gift-of-song-with-no-time-and-cyberspace-on-valentines-day/