Asia Pacific Entertainment

Woo's "Red Cliff" opens strong in Asia

2008-07-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

John Woo's new film "Red Cliff" is playing in theaters across Asia in the first film to recreate the famous Battle of Chibi in 208 A.D. China.

The 140-minute epic will be released in a shortened version in the West.

Costing $80 million, the film spectacular is the most expensive ever for a Chinese language movie.

Tue Jul 8, 3:29 AM ET

From Left to Right, Japanese-Taiwanese actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, Hong Kong director John Woo, Taiwanese actor Chang Chen, Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling, and Hong Kong actor Tony Leung pose for photographs during a press conference for their new film 'Red Cliff' in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

(AP Photo/Wally Santana)

"Love Story 2050": Bollywood in sci-fi

2008-07-04T13:12:00.001-07:00

The $12 million flick "Love Story 2050" will be India's "first real sci-fi film" according to its director.

Although frequently sourced for animation and special effects, India has long preferred melodramas to science fiction action. The new movie starring Priyanka Chopra will feature androids and flying cars.

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Tiger Woods nears $1 billion mark with Gatorade drink

2007-10-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods landed a big $100 million endorsement deal with Gatorade that will produce his own "Gatorade Tiger" drink.

The deal is Tiger's first with a beverage company and his first licensing contract.

Although the exact details of the contract were not known, sources estimate Woods payment would move him closer to the $1 billion mark in career endorsements.

Woods is the world's No. 1 golfer and seeking to break an all-time record set by Jack Nicklaus.

Tiger Woods meets with Kathleen Da Cunha, Gatorade vice president of product development, to test flavor options for the new Gatorade Tiger drink to be launched in 2008. Future sports performance beverages are planned for the future. Woods also underwent sweat analysis testing with scientists from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute to help plan his own hydration and nutrition strategy. PRNewsFoto/Gatorade via Yahoo News.

The Rock rules the box office with Game Plan

2007-10-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's new movie "The Game Plan" won the weekend box office race earning $16.3 million.

The Disney production beat out Ben Stiller and the Farrelly brothers' "The Heartbreak Kid," which pulled in $14 million.

The Rock plays the superstar quarterback of the fictitious Boston Rebels football team, who discovers he has an 8-year-old daughter from a brief marriage in his youth.

Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Kyra Sedgwick, Roselyn Sanchez, and Madison Pettis pose with Tubbs, Spike the bulldog in the movie, at the premiere of The Game Plan. Photo from Yahoo News.

Philippines to lodge protest against "Desperate Housewives"

2007-10-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

The Philippines government is seeking an apology from the producers of the ABC series "Desperate Housewives" after a scene on the show which derided Filipino doctors.

The character on the show played by Teri Hatcher made a comment belittling those who doctors educated in Philippine medical schools. Manila's actions came after a firestorm and petition by Filipino Americans and it was reported by organizer Kevin Nadal last night that ABC issued an apology.

Actress Maggie Q poses beside her new print advertisement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia-Pacific (PETA), encouraging vegetarianism, in Shanghai September 23, 2007. REUTERS/Aly Song (CHINA) via Yahoo News.

Disney ready for Bollywood

2007-09-04T16:51:00.001-07:00

Disney, the $36 billion media conglomerate is excited about expanding operations in India according to a Mumbai report.

The company will be teaming up with Yash Raj Films for its animation movie 'Road Side Romeo."

Bollywood was also part of the team producing the smash hit High School Musical.

Disney reportedly wants to film a number of films in India using mainly the resources found in Bollywood.

Stars of Disney Channel's hit "High School Musical." Yahoo photo.

Tiger Woods pulls within 5 of Nicklaus

2007-08-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods won the PGA Championship Sunday giving him 13 career majors just five shy of Jack Nicklaus record.

The win also marked the third straight season that Tiger has won at least one major.

Woods closed with a 1-under 69 for a two-shot victory over Woody Austin.

Tiger Woods shows off the Wanamaker Trophy after capturing the 89th PGA Golf Championship golf tournament at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma August 12, 2007. REUTERS, Jessica Rinaldi via Yahoo News.

Tiger Woods wins Doral in lead-up to Masters

2007-03-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods finished B 1-over 73 and finished two strokes ahead of Brett Wetterich to win the Doral, his 56th career victory and his second of the year.

Woods will now head for the Masters next month as the number one player in the world.

Tiger Woods holds the Gene Sarazen Cup as he talks with former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula after winning the WGC-CA Championship golf tournament at Doral Golf Resort March 25, 2007. REUTERS/Hans Deryk via Yahoo News.

Rumor on Tiger Woods skipping Nissan denied

2007-02-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Greg McLaughlin, president of the Tiger Woods Foundation, denied reports that Tiger Woods skipped the Nissan Open because of a feud with PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem over the timing of his tournament, the Target World Challenge.

"We've never discussed having the tournament in November with the PGA Tour," McLaughlin said Thursday. "We've had the tournament the first or second week in December since the very beginning. We've been pleased because we've had great success with that.

Rumors have been buzzing as to why Woods missed the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship and the Nissan.

The Nissan gave Woods his first sponsor exemption when he was 16 years old.

Tiger Woods of the U.S. putts on the 6th hole during the fourth round of the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament in Dubai February 4, 2007. Tony Gentile/Reuters photo via Yahoo News.

Shilpa Shetty will meet Britain's Queen and Blair

2007-01-31T20:11:00.000-08:00

Shilpa Shetty, Bollywood bombshell and recent winner of Celebrity Big Brother is not slated to meet Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"It’s a huge honour. I am humbled," said the 31-year-old Shetty who is extending her stay in the country.

Shilpa, who won after allegations of racist bullying against her on the show, is reportedly looking for love in Albion. The actress told the Daily Mirror: "I’m single and I’m ready to mingle," but warned that her suitors would face harsh scrutiny from her parents.

Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty reacts after winning Celebrity Big Brother at the Elstree Studios on the outskirts of London January 28, 2007. Shetty will meet Prime Minister Tony Blair in February and Queen Elizabeth in March according to British news reports. REUTERS / Luke MacGregor via Yahoo News.

Review: The Twelve Kingdoms

2006-12-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Twelve Kingdoms is a series of novels written by Fuyumi Ono and popularized by an anime series of 45 episodes produced in 2002.

Tokyopop is publishing the translated young adult novels and the first volume Sea of Shadow, scheduled for release in March 2007, is the subject of this review.

Sea of Shadow is a gritty epic tale focused around Yoko Nakajima, a typical Japanese high school student who always seeks to please those around her. Suddenly one day, Yoko's life is changed forever when a strange boy named Keiki visits her along with an assortment of strange animal characters.

Suddenly she is taken away to another world across the "Void Sea" where 12 magical kingdoms are located. The fairy lands seem modeled around Japanese legends of Nenokuni and Niraikanai in the distant sea. During storms known as shoko, voyages between the two worlds are possible with some important limitations. However, she finds herself alone in the new land seemingly deserted by Keiki.

In this new world, Yoko undergoes a transformation of self-discovery as she must fight to survive often left completely on her own.

Ono creates a vivid environment, where people read and write using Chinese characters, but look quite different from people in Japan. There are dreaded demons here to threaten the inhabitants. But Yoko soon finds that she has a completely unexpected meeting with destiny in this strange place.

Yoko must grow up quickly as she faces one obstacle after another before discovering the secret hinted to her at the beginning of the tale by the mysterious Keiki. In the end, she is forced to make a difficult decision in which she must weigh various options, all of which demand sacrifice on her part.

In the Twelve Kingdoms, Yoko protects herself with a magical sword and magical stone given to her by Keiki. She manages to wield the sword against demons and other treats through an imaginative device thought up by Ono.

The story is a well-written adventure dealing with unexpected turns of life that can thrust one into strange and trying circumstances that can challenge your belief in yourself. The tale also deals well with a person's learning to trust again after repeated betrayal.

Fuyumi Ono, a Buddhist Studies graduate turned mystery/horror writer, does a good job at exploring the pyschological trials of her young main character Yoko as she tries to find the reasons for her presence in the new world across the sea.

The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Shadow (Vol. 1) by Fuyumi Ono, 352 pages, available March 2005 published by Tokyopop.

Tiger Woods takes lead at Challenge

2006-12-17T11:39:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods made two birdies to take the lead at the Target World Challenge on Friday after the second round of play.

Woods is shooting for his 11th title win this year.

Henrik Stenson of Sweden trails Woods by one shot and leads Geoff Ogilvy and Chris diMarco by one shot.

Tiger Woods strols toward the 18th green during the second round of the Target World Challenge golf tournament in Thousand Oaks, California, December 15, 2006. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith photo via Yahoo News.

Cheryl Burke may be Dancing's MVP

2006-11-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Professional dancer Cheryl Burke helped her partner football legend Emmitt Smith win the highly-popular Dancing with the Stars reality competition -- the second time for her in the last two seasons.

Judge Len Goodman said the Filipino American Burke "should be MVP -- Most Valued Partner" after bringing her partner the trophy for the second straight season.

Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke, celebrate their win and display the mirrorball trophy on 'Dancing with the Stars the Results Show,' in Los Angeles on Wednesday Nov. 15,2006. AP Photo/Adam Larkey-ABC handout via Yahoo News.

Smith, who confessed to having only club dancing experience previously, learned quickly under Burke's tutelage and quickly mastered the required steps.

Sherri Bautista Burke, the mother of the dancing instructor and a dancer herself, served as an early inspiration for her daughter and helped rally support for the dancing couple during the competition.

Ronato Alcano wins world pool championship

2006-11-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Unseeded Ronato "Calamba" Alcano of the Philippines defeated seventh-seed Ralf Souquet in convincing fashion to win the 2006 World Pool Championship (WPC) in Manila.

Alcano led the match most of the way surprising many as Souqet was a big favorite after beating a number of the top seeds in the tournament.

The Laguna native whose previous win in the WPC was the round of 64 in 2005, pocketed the $100,000 top purse, while Souquet earned $40,000.

Ronato Alcano of the Philippines lifts his trophy before a jubilant hometown crowd after winning against Germany's Ralf Souquet during the World Pool Championship final in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006. Alcano beat Souquet 17-10. AP Photo/Aaron Favila via Yahoo News.

Liu, Luat move on to world pool quaterfinals

2006-11-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

Rodolfo Luat of the Philippines and Taiwan's Liu Cheng-chuan secured berths in the world pool championship quaterfinals in Manila on Friday.

Lie defeated Cananda's Tyler Edey, and Luat barely held off Spain's David Alcaide known as "El Matador."

The world's best pool players hold the prize trophy before the start of a news conference for the World Pool Championships at a hotel in Manila November 3, 2006. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco via Yahoo News.

Filipino players have been under pressure to perform before their hometown crowds. The two best-known locals Efren "Bata" Reyes and Francisco "Django" Bustamante have fallen out of the tourney.

Fourteen other players are competing for the remaining six quarterfinal slots leading to a $100,000 check for the tournament winner.

Tiger Woods to take rest

2006-10-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods opted out of next week's Tour Championship in Atalanta ending his PGA Tour for 2006.

Woods said he needed more rest after a tight schedule of playing seven out of the last nine weeks.

'I'm confident that this extended break will help me to recharge my batteries for the 2007 season,' he said.

Woods is next scheduled to compete at the HSBC Champions Tournament in China in two weeks' time.

Tiger Woods in an interview during the launch of the EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07 video game in Los Angeles, October 10, 2006. Chris Pizzello/Reuters photo via Yahoo News.

Zhang Ziyi appointed to film committee

2006-10-19T10:36:00.001-07:00

Chinese film star Zhang Ziyi was appointed vice director of the Chinese Young Film Workers this week.

Zhang will help promote Chinese films on the international market as part of her new position.

The committee is led by actor Zhang Guoli and its goal is to strengthen China's film industry and to expand its influence to worldwide audiences.

Zhang Ziyi appointed to film committee

2006-10-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Bata Reyes waits for half-million from pool championship

2006-10-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

Philippine billiards great Bata Reyes still has not seen his $500,000 prize, the largest in the game, after winning the International Pool Tour World Open 8-Ball championship at the Grand Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada.

Reyes at 52 continues to amaze younger players with his longevity, but he may be losing some of his classic coolness awaiting the big payoff.

Multi-millionaire Kevin Trudeau, founder of the International Pool Tour, has assured Reyes that he will receive his money.

Bata Reyes, 52, with IPT founder Kevin Trudeau. Source: International Pool Tour.

Tiger Woods leads at America Express, eyes sixth straight win

2006-09-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods came back from a bad start to take a six shot lead at the American Express Championship Saturday.

Woods made three straight eagles Saturday to lead after the 54th hole. He is 37-3 on the PGA Tour when he has a 54th hole lead.

U.S. golfer Tiger Woods plays from the 4th hole during the 3rd round of the American Express Golf Championship at The Grove, Chandler's Cross, England, Saturday Sept. 30, 2006. AP Photo/Tom Hevezi via Yahoo News.

No opponent has beaten Woods when he has a lead in the final round by more than one shot, so it looks like the star golfer is on his way to a sixth straight PGA win.

If Woods wins eight titles this year it will match his record of 2000, which many analysts thought he would never reach again.

'Fearless' Jet Li's last martial arts flick?

2006-09-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

According to the distributors, the recently released film Fearless will be Jet Li's last martial arts "epic" although he may make other types of movies.

It seems though that this may only apply to epic-scale costume dramas as Li is already slated to appear in other action films such as one scheduled to shoot next April with Jackie Chan.

Fearless, a saga set in China a century ago, came in second on its opening weekend with $10.6 million at the box office.

In a file photo Chinese superstar Jet Li, sitting next to a promotional banner for his upcoming movie 'Fearless,' speaks during an interview in Beijing Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006. In an interviewed published Sunday Sept. 17, 2006, Li noted that a quarter of a million people committed suicide in China in 2003, and he hopes his latest film, 'Jet Li's Fearless,' can help make a difference. (AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel)

No Filipinos allowed?

2006-09-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Black Eyed Pea Apl.de.Ap and director Patricio Ginelsa are having hard luck with their video Bebot, filmed in the Tagalog language.

Not only MTV but the video's own label is snubbing the video, and Asian/Filipino professors blasted it for its portrayal of Filipino women.

Scene from Bebot. Source: http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=52374

The video partly covers the 1930s Little Manila environment when the law in Caliifornia excluded Asian men from marrying white women.

Filipino immigrant workers, having few women of their own, openly violated the social norms of the time, crossing state lines to marry white women in other states and opening dance clubs which featured the dances with buxom blonds.

In those days, "regular" establishments often displayed signs warning "No Filipinos allowed."

Now, Filipinos in showbiz are finding similar difficulties breaking into the U.S. media industry particularly in film and music.

Tiger scores fifth straight win

2006-09-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods surged past Vijay Singh to take his fifth straight PGA title Monday at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Woods shot a stellar final round, equaling his career best, to take the tournament at the TPC of Boston in Norton, Massachusetts.

If Tiger wins his next championship he will tie his record of six straight wins which he has accomplished twice before.

Tiger Woods holds his trophy in Norton, MA, after rallying against Vijay Singh to seize his fifth straight PGA title in superb style at the Deutsche Bank Championship. AFP/Getty Images/Scott Halleran via Yahoo News.

Chris Tucker ready to film "Rush Hour 3"

2006-09-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

Tuning up with a stand-up comedy tour, Chris Tucker says he's ready and excited about working with Jackie Chan on Rush Hour 3.

Tucker wraps up his tour on Sept. 17 and filming begins in Paris on Sept. 25.

Tucker spent two months working on the last movie in the series, which he described as "culture shock."

Actor Chris Tucker at the Apollo Theater 2006 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony at the Apollo Theater Foundations second annual Spring Benefit, on June 19, 2006 in New York. AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh via Yahoo News.

Jackie Chan says "have a heart for dogs"

2006-08-31T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong martial arts star Jackie Chan called on China to "have a haeart for dogs" after thousands of animals were killed recently to fight a rabies outbreak, the animal rights group PETA said on Thursday.

Chan and PETA are campaigning to stop the mass killing of dogs and urging the use of vaccinations instead.

"With Jackies help, we hope to make dog culling a thing of the past," says PETA Asia-Pacific Director Jason Baker. "Humane rabies prevention programs not only save dogs lives, they also save human lives."

Dog owners take their pets for a morning walk in Beijing in April 2004. Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan has urged China to "have a heart for dogs" after thousands of the animals have been killed to fight rabies outbreaks.(AFP/File/Frederic J. Brown)