It is with great pleasure that we get to tell you about our experience test driving the Ford Escape SE this weekend. Gearing up for our Hollywood trip to attend the An Evening with Canada’s Stars Gala is something we’ve been looking forward to, but with that came a lot of advanced errands.
We also have been putting-off our visit to see A PIC BY MRWILL and after catching wind of her arrival at Woodbine to train, we stopped by to meet the sweet filly named in our honour! More on that here.
The first thing I noticed about the Ford Escape is its spaciousness. The SUV‘s deep seats – adjustable 10 ways – had us cradled in with the heated seating option almost mandatory in these cold conditions. Five sit comfortably and we love that the passengers in the rear also get their own heating/cooling vents!
Its hatchback operates with ease with two taps on the remote key and was it ever spacious, perfect for transporting heavy loads of groceries or household supplies.
Let’s talk about staying connected, which is uber-important to us. With two USB ports we simultaneously were able to keep our phone charged and also listen to our favourite tunes stored on a USB key. The nine-speaker SONY sound system, was focused front and center on the dashboard placing us right into music. Ford‘s SYNC system enabled us to make and take calls via Bluetooth through the car’s speakers, focused on the road.
Performance wise, its 1.6L EcoBoost® I-4 engine had us accelerating quickly, putting us in control of the road. Its front passenger airbags are ready at all times to protect us if ever needed and we loved the tire pressure monitoring system, ourselves having experienced a flat before!
The Ecoboost option is a dream for fuel efficiency. We used less than $40 of gas over four days of far commuting ranging from Mississauga to downtown to Toronto’s east end. Specifically, you get 10.9L/100 km in the city and 7.6L/100 km on the highway.
Despite its no-fuss practicality, the Escape has an element of luxury. Its over-sized moonroof made for ambiance.
Clearly it isn’t just we who agree the Escape is a great value starting at $23,699, we spotted on several occasions others of the like on our highways! Popular ride!
These @FordCanada Escapes are more popular than imagined. Drove alongside at least four of these within an hour! pic.twitter.com/HQQ8duzYx0
— MR. WILL WONG ⛄ (@mrwillw) February 21, 2016
Billaxin’ in the @fordcanada Escape!
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
Learn more about the FORD ESCAPE here.
Stay tuned for our Hollywood adventures! More on that here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto and Montreal to see the eagerly-awaited 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE! Just one month ago we didn’t even know it existed!!! Screenings take place Wednesday, March 9, 2016.
Synopsis:
In this sequel to 2008’s Cloverfield, a young woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) awakes after a car accident to find herself locked in a comfortable, but isolated bunker with two men (John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr.), allegedly protecting them from something terrible outside.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your City. Click “share” on this Post for an extra chance or Tweet out the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/10cloverfieldlane @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #10CLOVERFIELDLANE. Out 3/11!
G’luck.
Paramount Pictures Canada release 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE Friday, March 11, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
Although Saks Fifth Avenue already is performing exceptionally-well at its just-launched Queen Street location, a first-of-its-kind foray into the Canadian market, Suburbanites can soon look forward to the even bigger and more fabulous Sherway Gardens location! The upscale retailer is set to open this Thursday over three shopping levels in the 138,706 square foot space. The top floor alone had 36 dressing rooms!
Balmain, Derek Lam, Thakoon, Marni, Alice + Olivia, Proenza Schouler, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Lanvin. These are just some of the high-end brands featured at Saks Fifth Avenue Sherway and how it is determined to set itself aside in the Canadian fashion landscape are the risks it takes. Above this, Saks also will have offerings from their exclusive SFC Collection available too. Beauty, jewelry, handbags, sunglasses and accessories also are highlighted in addition to apparel and shoes.
Store Manager Michael Armstrong greeted an ultra-exclusive group of influencers today, giving us a chance to see what insiders are calling among the best Saks stores in the world at Sherway Gardens. Formerly of Holt Renfrew, Armstrong knew working for Saks Fifth Avenue was something he absolutely had to pursue after word got out that Saks would be launching in Canada back in 2013. After several rounds of extensive interviews which saw him flying to the U.S., including a car crash in a cab moments before a crucial go-see, he eventually would receive blessing from the President of Saks Fifth Avenue, beating-out almost 150 other candidates for the position.
The retailer makes its expansion north based on exceptional numbers indicating that Canadians are willing to shop Saks when it is the right product. Armstrong asks me, “Did you know that 80% of Canadians hold passports?”. Sales numbers showed that a significant number of Saks consumers were trekking to the U.S. to buy their unique and exclusive fashions.
He reveals what makes Canadian Saks Fifth Avenue stores different from its American counterparts is its intensive focus on service. Saks at your Service, they call it. Throughout the fashion haven, we see sculptures of Bellboys balancing layer upon layer of garment boxes. With 30+ personal shoppers (complete with individual bios) available as part of their Fifth Avenue Club, offering an exquisite and sophisticated private shopping experience to customers, Armstrong says “It doesn’t matter if you shop just once a year, the FAC is available to clientele of all types.”. We are given a tour of the Club’s impressive, spacious and cozy lounge, complete with a pantry. Colour tones are muted, contemporary, elegant, letting the customer shine. Customers also have the potential of getting customized alerts sent straight to them before stock are placed on display.
Let’s talk about dining. Oliver & Bonacini‘s legacy is well established in the City. Beaumont Kitchen, attached to the retail space offers fashionable dining all day long with West Coast flare by District Chef, Michael Hay.
Want something quicker? Pusateri’s Fine Foods have become synonymous with the best in the City. A Food Hall by the top-tier Grocer is almost ready to launch on Saks Sherway’s bottom floor complete with Sushi, Nutella Café, Greenhouse Juice, a Champagne, Prosciutto and Raw Bar … and then some!
Saks Fifth Avenue Sherway opens Thursday, February 25, 2016.
It is located at 25 West Mall in Toronto, operating 10 AM to 9 PM Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 9 PM Saturday and 11 AM TO 6 PM Sunday.
See a little Video of the excitement!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We don’t know about you, but we absolutely can’t wait for BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. To get us into the spirit, NTD Apparel Inc. + Mr. Will want to hook you up with some of the Superhero Swag. We’re giving away these official licensed T-Shirts which will be available exclusively at Walmart late March!
Synopsis:
When some begin to fear Superman (Henry Cavill) because of his great power, Gotham City’s vigilante, Batman (Ben Affleck), decides to take on Metropolis’s superhero. However, the infighting leaves the word exposed to a new threat that puts mankind in greater danger than anyone could have possibly imagined.
BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Diane Lane, Jesse Eisenberg, Laurence Fishburne and Jason Momoa.
See the Shirts:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook! Indicate in the comments if you’re Team Superman or Team Batman! Also state your size request. Canadian Readers only please.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE on Friday, March 25,
2016.
(Photo credit: NTD Apparel Inc./Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)
Umm. There are a lot of asses jiggling and boobs exposed in this brand new 7.5 minute clip for Rihanna and Drake’s WORK, shot right here in our backyard. I admit the Track is growing on us. I just wish I could decipher what Rihanna is singing about. Even with closed caption enabled, I still haven’t a clue.
See the NSFW Video below:
Work is directed by both X and Tim Erem.
The Single is taken from Rihanna‘s new Disc, ANTI, now in stores.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Music Canada)
As long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a horse. As many of you know, my childhood was anything but ordinary. While most kids hung-out at the mall, played video games or road hockey on weekends, I spent my youth at the races with my parents. I’d doodle fantasy stables of horses on scrap paper, complete with imagined offspring of hypothetical matings of my favourites. I came home smelling of the ink on racing programs and forms, cigarette smoke and horses.
You can imagine the shock my Keyboarding teacher experienced when he perused my 5″ floppy disk looking to mark an assignment he gave us, instead finding a Microsoft Word document compiling stakes winners at Woodbine. I failed Keyboarding eventually, quite possibly the easiest course in High School. What I did succeed in was finding a life-long passion that would follow me into adulthood – even after a period where I followed Horse Racing from a distance during my University years.
I had Mr. Van Ryn for Grade 12 Marketing once again and as much as he had a negative impression of me, I proved him wrong, stepping up my scholastic game with a 95% grade. He still didn’t grant me the Marketing Award upon graduation despite having the top mark in the class. Haters gonna hate. Enjoy your trophy, Renee Yeung.
These past few years have been a bit of a whirlwind ride. Never in a million years as a kid who cheered from the grandstand at Woodbine Racetrack, would I have guessed that I’d ever have a place in the Horse Racing community locally. The issue of the industry being tasked with making itself sustainable very much is in public thought throughout the province.
In many ways, the sport is like a childhood friend to me. A friend who needs a bit of help and support right now. How I know that this friendship is a lasting one is that I am happy to do what I can for it without any sense of hesitation or seeking of credit. I am grateful for the racing community and their warm embrace. There isn’t a day that I visit Woodbine and don’t get a friendly smile or a “Hi, Mr. Will!“.
On October 9th last year, I woke up to a text message from Keith McCalmont, a dear friend who has done so much of the sport from the Media offices of Woodbine and also under his online identity, Triple Dead Heat. This text though was odd and maybe even foreshadowing.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
Sure enough I played the 649, needless to say without much success. But this is where the story takes a bit of a turn. A few weeks later I received a message from Cathy Wong (no relation) partner of veteran Owner/Trainer John Ross. I have been following Ross’ career for several years and anyone who follows the sport knows that he has an eye for talent. Top caliber athletes like Brooklynsway, King Corrie, Go Greeley and eventual Horse of the Year Lexie Lou all at one point in their successful careers were under his tutelage.
“I hope you don’t mind”, the message said, attached with it a name registration certificate for a filly they had bought at the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Sale in September. I glanced over at the name, which read A PIC BY MRWILL. Did I mind? DID I MIND?!??!
Quite literally I sat in front of my phone, jaw dropped and unsure who to express my excitement to. I told my unphased Mom and all she cared about was what it would cost. Asian parents. My friends enjoy Woodbine when I bring them, but how many of them got how big a deal this was?
What makes this all the more cosmic is that Keith‘s dream-text came to me on October 9th – the exact same day A PIC BY MRWILL was registered. How is this even possible?
As often is the case, I jinx myself by being overly-passionate about things. I was dying to meet this filly and in my head I conjured-up how our first meeting would go. Would she love me back? Would she bite me (she would! see video below!)? What if she wanted nothing to do with me? I decided to let things flow naturally, remaining non-intrusive. Cathy would keep me posted with tidbits over Facebook, which I would cherish and savour quietly. We nicknamed her Princess, which I was painfully eager to use on her. “Come, Princess!! Another miniature carrot Princess?!”.
The backstretch has opened once again for training at Woodbine, where A PIC BY MRWILL will be based. Although trucks could be seen pulling-in and unloading horses, it generally still is rather sparse and quiet back there.
I made it a mission to see my girl at long last in a hectic week leading-up to my Hollywood visit Thursday. Ford Canada as always was generous and supportive, giving me a chance to test drive the Ford Escape. There literally is no other way I would have been able to make the early Sunday commute without the Escape.
I pulled-out all the stops. I had Scotch Mints, Carrots (thanks Julie!) and a Teddy Bear – all fail-proof ways to make a horse warm-up to you. I had gotten there just as A PIC BY MRWILL was set to do her first ever gallop on Woodbine‘s Training Track after vanning-in only yesterday morning.
Like a hot mess, I walked through the John Ross barn pacing from stall to stall. “Is this her?… Is this her? … Is this her?”, I’d ask as I passed each one. After about five failed guesses, I finally landed on the correct one. Princess was busy getting tacked-up, her hind end in plain view. The wait to see her was becoming a bit agonizing. Moments later I saw Ricky, one of John‘s long-time assistants, come out with her. Princess stopped quickly and I gave her a welcome hug, which thankfully was returned with a nudge back. Such relief.
Sporting a bit of a thick winter coat, there was no denying her beauty. Her father is promising Ontario sire Kentucky Bear, once a Kentucky Derby contender. Her mom Princess G is a half-sister to Canadian champ Bear Now. She also is related to Lexie Lou through her maternal side via popular stallion In Excess. Although not a flashy seven-figure-worth breeding, there is plenty of depth. Despite being only two (a baby still by racing standards), her conformation was outstanding. Her legs give every indication she will grow to be rather tall and I could tell from her hind end she is strong. One thing I noticed on Princess was a couple minor scars, but I didn’t think much of it.
“I have something to tell you, but don’t know if I should”, Cathy told me. My curiosity was piqued, but the timing didn’t seem right at that moment to probe. Was she being sold? What could it have been?
Moments later John walked alongside me, revealing a bit of heartbreaking news about Princess. I learned that after a prolonged fight with a serious sinus infection this winter, requiring multiple emergency visits to the equine hospital, we could well have lost her. My heart broke as I learned about her being connected to an IV, drainage pipes pierced right through her. How is it possible a horse this young already has had to endure this much suffering?
What makes this story even more remarkable is that back in 2006 I also underwent a major health struggle, battling Thyroid Cancer. This too saw me sporting a drainage pipe through my neck and although with Princess, we’ve put the worst parts behind us, together we are bonded not only in name, but also the same battle scars.
John tells me, “I see something in her and as corny as it sounds, seeing how she connected with you for the first time today confirms that”. He never stopped believing in Princess when the situation could have gone awry and this together with her sheer determination to survive and the medical expertise of Milton Equine Hospital, already has Princess winning a major victory even before having won a race.
Knowing this, seeing A PIC BY MRWILL surge to the lead under exercise rider Katy Morrison (who calls her “A filly named Willy“) in her gallop this morning – never letting her workmate pass her – only punctuated the flurry of emotions going through me.
Without further a do, I introduce you to A PIC BY MRWILL.
Katy Morrison + A Pic By MrWill
John Ross, A Pic By MrWill + Cathy Wong
A Pic By MrWill + Ricky
A Pic By MrWill (feeding time!)
A Pic by MrWill + Mr. Will
A wink from Princess!
See A PIC BY MRWILL in video:
Did you know Princess also has a Twitter account? Follow her here.
The 2016 Racing Season begins at Woodbine Racetrack Saturday, April 9, 2016.
Will you be making it out to cheer for Princess when she debuts later this year?
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Julie Wright/Mr. Will Wong)
For a second straight week, DEADPOOL demolishes the competition with a fantastic $56 million from 3,722 theatres for 20th Century Fox. In two weeks it has amassed $236.9 million in earnings already!
KUNG FU PANDA 3 is a distant second but rises back up to second spot with $13.2 million for 20th Century Fox also, now in its fourth week out. It has made $117 million domestically to-date.
RISEN debuts in third with $11.5 million for Sony Pictures from 2,915 theatres. Its A- CinemaScore should help it in coming weeks as the Biblical Drama looks to carry its life into Easter. Critics gave it 58% on the Tomatometer.
THE WITCH debuts in fourth for A24/Elevation Pictures with $8.3 million from 2,046 theatres. Audiences didn’t respond too well with a C- CinemaScore, but Critics know best with an 88% score on the Tomatometer and a Twitter endorsement from King of Horror himself, Stephen King.
HOW TO BE SINGLE slips to fifth spot with $8 million for Warner Bros. this weekend, now in its second week out, making $35 million thus far.
Jesse Owens Biopic RACE debuts in sixth spot with $7 million from 2,369 theatres for eOne Films/Focus Features. Critics gave it a just-passing 61% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an A CinemaScore, which should give it some life in coming weeks.
ZOOLANDER 2 slips to seventh spot in its second week out with $5.3 for Paramount Pictures. It has made $23 million in its run thus far.
Rounding-out the Top Ten is HAIL, CAESAR! with $2.6 million for Universal Pictures. Numerically coincidental, it has made $26 million to date in three weeks.
Burlesque icon Dita Von Teese made her way to Toronto today spreading her signature glamour through the City after some pretty bleak weather. Gracing covers internationally, runways and performing for the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin and Marc Jacobs, the multi-talented star gave Fans a rare chance to connect with her.
Arriving a little past 1 PM, the Von Teese made her way through the front entrance at Bloor West alternative fashion shop, ROSIE THE REBEL as 200+ Fans queued the block. A vision in a rose-print black dress, she gave event management clear, concise instructions before Fans promptly made their way into the store, not only getting copies of her latest Book YOUR BEAUTY MARK signed, but also photos with her too! The HarperCollins release divulges some of her greatest beauty secrets over 400 glossy pages. More here.
Several of her admirers made her influence known, donning outfits inspired by the fashion force herself!
As part of Northbound Leather’s 26th Anniversary Fetish Night, Von Teese also would headline with not one – but two performances at The Phoenix Concert Theatre. The performances mark the first time in almost a decade that she has performed in the City, her last time being for Fashion Cares in 2007. Back then we were just learning who Katy Perry was!
We had the pleasure of meeting Von Teese, and she was absolutely gracious. Although she totally didn’t have to do a Selfie, she was more than nice about accommodating me!
Von Teese next is Montreal-bound, slated for a performance at Olympia tomorrow night.
See some Snaps:
#DitaVonTeese meeting fans today for book, #YourBeautyMark. #The6ix #Toronto @ditavonteese
A video posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to get you elevated! We want Readers across Canada to win copies of LEGEND on Blu-ray Combo Pack!
LEGEND
From Academy Award® winner Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) and Working Title (The Theory of Everything) comes the true story of the rise and fall of London’s most notorious gangsters, Reggie and Ronnie Kray, both portrayed by Tom Hardy in a powerhouse double performance. Together, the Kray Twins take over the city. But as their reign expands, power-struggles, fierce madness,and a woman diminishes their bond; the weak link that could cause their empire to collapse. Legend is a classic crime thriller taking us into the secret history of the 1960s and the extraordinary events that secured the infamy of the Kray Twins.
LEGEND is available on-demand and Blu-ray Combo Pack Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Tom Hardy, Emily Browning and Taron Egerton star.
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Canadian Readers only please.
G’LUCK.
This Giveaway brought to us by Elevation Pictures.
(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)
Willionaire$! I’m thrilled to announce that for a second time, I have the great honour of being invited to Beverly Hills, California to attend AN EVENING WITH CANADA’S STARS! The Gala pays tribute to Canadian accomplishments in Awards Season and Honorees, Winners and Nominees will be in attendance. It is now in its third year, brought to us by Telefilm Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles.
We can all agree that Canada’s had a phenomenal year. Did you know that Academy Award Best Picture Nominees ROOM and BROOKLYN are Co-Canadian productions? Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada points out that this is the first time Canada ever has had two productions in-the-running for Best Picture. ROOM was filmed entirely in our City, also premiering in our City at TIFF ’15 to People’s Choice Award success at the Festival, propelling Writer Emma Donoughue, Director Lenny Abrahamson, Actor Jacob Tremblay and Actress Brie Larson onto a massively-successful Awards Season trail. Let us not forget Toronto’s The Weeknd who is up for Best Original Song for Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey) and also our Rachel McAdams’ Supporting Actress nomination for Toronto-filmed SPOTLIGHT – seen widely as a frontrunner for Best Picture. Canada plays a more pivotal role in Hollywood and the international stage than one might think.
James Villeneuve, Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles says, “Canada’s talent—on screen and behind the scenes—is a sign of the strength of the entire range of Canadian creative industries. It’s a great moment to celebrate our filmmakers’ achievements and keep building on the momentum of our successful partnerships in the US and elsewhere.”
Taking place at the prestigious Four Seasons on Thursday, February 25, 2016 4-7 PM PST, the affair promises to be a star-studded one. Expected this year are the likes of: Amanda Crew, Tricia Helfer, Greyston Holt, Jonathan Keltz, Brett Dier, Amanda Plummer, Sarah Rafferty, Maxim Roy, Jacob Tremblay, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Anna Silk, David Sutcliffe and Laura Vandervoort. Lyriq Bent, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Adam Beach, who will soon be seen in Suicide Squad, will be presenting.
Both Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara will be honoured that night with an Academy Legacy Award.
Past attendees include Eric McCormack, Don McKellar, Sandra Oh, Suzanne Somers, Kathleen Robertson, Wendy Crewson, Lyndie Greenwood, Norm Jewison, Jason Priestley and Academy Award winner Craig Mann (whom I was classmates with in Music Keyboarding back at St. Mary!).
While this is our second time ever visiting Hollywood, we are thrilled to appear on SIRIUS XM as radio veteran Todd Shapiro brings THE TODD SHAPIRO SHOW show to Los Angeles through March, discussing Awards Season. Stay tuned for times as we’d love it if you tuned-in!
An Evening with Canada’s Stars takes place in advance of Canadian Screen Week festivities, running Monday, March 7, culminating in the Canadian Screen Awards Sunday, March 13, 2016. We’ll definitely be there! More here.
Stay tuned for all the Red Carpet excitement!
Mr. Will
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com