What a year it’s been!  The Racing Season at Woodbine ended last weekend and although it’s only been a week, I do miss it!  It brings be so many mixed emotions to see so many of our human and equine friends in the industry ship south to the warmer weathers of Kentucky and Florida this winter, but I know they’re all just a Facebook post away and I can keep a tab on the horses like they are my children.

Over the course of the year I have taken well over 25k photos.  Hence, to narrow them down to 400 even was a great feat on my part. I take so much pride in every photo I take, discarding one literally is like getting rid of a memory for me and I have a hard time letting go.

Bit by bit since last Saturday, I’d paste together pieces in what little spare time I had to compile my annual 2015 Year in Horses Video.  These Snaps span from April through November, my travels taking me to Fort Erie, New Jersey and Lexington.  It was an historic year and no racing fan can deny the sheer delight of witnessing a Triple Crown champion in American Pharoah.  The three-year-old colt not only would become the first horse since 1978 to accomplish the illusive feat, but he’d also go on to be the first ever to sweep a Grand Slam (Triple Crown + Breeders’ Cup Classic) en route to capping his career off with $8.6 million in earnings, making him a likely Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.

Although racing certainly was exciting south of the border, we had plenty to be proud of in Canada with a competitive three-year-old division which saw three separate horses win each leg of our own Triple Crown: Shaman Ghost, Breaking Lucky and Danish Dynaformer respectively.  A Woodbine-based filly named Academic however would travel out west and accomplish some great feats including the Canadian Derby, which could definitely sway voters in Horse of the Year voting in her favour.

To me, the strongest performances came in the two-year-old divisions. For the first time ever a Woodbine-based filly would go south  to win the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in Catch a Glimpse.  Caren also has been a monster, showing great versatility no matter short nor far including a win in the country’s most important race for fillies in her division, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes.  Riker was undefeated in Canada before performing respectably in the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, under Jesse Campbell, who also pilots Caren.  And Conquest Enforcer dropped the jaws of everyone including Woodbine‘s CEO, Jim Lawson, with a powerful display in the $250k Cup and Saucer at Woodbine, leaving us wanting more.  Meanwhile Shakhimat (translation: “check mate”) gave us every reason to believe he well could be the favourite in next year’s Queen’s Plate, to be held Sunday, July 3, 2016.  He crushed a talented field in the $250k Coronation Futurity last month.

Enough words, more pictures.  Enjoy.

Mr. Will

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Although fewer visited the theatres this weekend, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 still reigns supreme at the Box Office in North America for a third consecutive week.  Playing at 4,086 theatres, it pulls-in $18.8 million, a tally of $227.3 for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.

Debuting in second is the Horror KRAMPUS, opening with $15.3 million from 2,902 theatres for Universal Pictures. Starring Adam Scott and Toni Collette, the Film earned a respectable 63% on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR is in third in its second week out with $15.1 million for Disney, grossing $75 million thus far domestically.

CREED is in fourth this weekend with $14.6 million in its second week out for Warner Bros., playing at 3,424 theatres.

SPECTRE places fifth with $5.6 million in its fifth week out for Sony Pictures, now having made $184 million in its North American run.

Oscar Contender SPOTLIGHT is in eighth spot for Open Road/eOne Films with $2.9 million. In five weeks it has made $16.6 million, mostly in limited release.

BROOKLYN is in ninth with $2.7 million for Fox Searchlight/Mongrel Media, playing at 906 theatres. It has made $11.4 million thus far in five weeks, also mostly in limited release.

SECRET IN THEIR EYES rounds-out the Top Ten with $2 million in its third week out for STX/eOne Films.

In honour of TIFF‘s 40th anniversary this year, TIFF Bell Lightbox is hosting an exhibition celebrating love of celebrity.

On the fourth floor of the building is an exhibition which takes place through April 2016. It is comprised of scrapbook collections of German-born Edith Nadajewsky, photographs by Russian-born Jack Pashkovsky and snaps from the Festival’s archives since its modest days to the full-fledged Red Carpet extravaganza it has become.

Long before Celeb Selfies existed, some were more modest and content just to see and admire the greats!

Never intended to be seen by a wider audience, these pieces and photographs now are available for the public to reminisce about and admire.  Snaps of literally everyone from Brad to Cher to Marilyn are displayed throughout the space.

Some Snaps of the Exhibit:

Finally had a chance to check out the “In Love with the Stars” Exhibit, 4th floor @Tiff_net Lightbox! Years of history in scrapbooks and photograps on display from #TIFF Archives, #EdithNadajewsky and #JackPashkovsky. Maybe one day TIFF will do an exhibit of my Selfies? On till April.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 4, 2015 at 9:18am PST

For more, visit here.

It would be a dream to have our thousands of Selfies on display one day at the Lightbox!  We can always dream…

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

As you might know, an obscure little Film is being released called STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. As announced this week, a one-of-its-kind in North America Pop-Up Exhibit opens tomorrow through December 21, 2015 in celebration of what could well be the biggest Film to open in the 2000s.

Situated at 277 Queen Street West, the Exhibit will house life-size replicas from the Blockbuster and you even get a chance to get your photo taken with super-cute BB-8!  Two styles of Toronto-exclusive T-Shirts are available while quantities last. Admission is free.

We had the amazing opportunity of seeing it all first!

See our Snaps:

#TheForceAwakensTO Pop-Up Exhibit runs 12/5 – 12/21 at 277 Queen St West. The only of its kind in North America! #StarWars

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 4, 2015 at 8:05am PST

A life-size replica of #REY, played by #DaisyRidley. See it at #TheForceAwakensTO Exhibit 12/5 – 12/21! #StarWars

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 4, 2015 at 8:07am PST

A life-size replica of #CaptainPhasma played by #GwendolineChristie. See it at #TheForceAwakensTO Exhibit 12/5 – 12/21! #StarWars A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 4, 2015 at 8:13am PST

A life-size replica of First Order #StormTrooper. See it at #TheForceAwakensTO Exhibit 12/5 – 12/21! #StarWars A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 4, 2015 at 8:15am PST

#TheForceAwakensTO Pop-Up Exhibit features two limited edition #Toronto T-Shirts for sale, a bargain $25 each… while supplies last! #StarWars

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 4, 2015 at 8:19am PST

Don’t forget to get your photo taken with adorable #BB8 at #TheForceAwakensTO Pop-Up Exhibit, running 12/5-12/21! #StarWars

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 4, 2015 at 8:21am PST

Learn more here about the Exhibit.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS on Friday, December 18, 2015.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Universal Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see RIDE ALONG 2!  Hot off the record-setting Box Office success of RIDE ALONG, comes this highly-entertaining new Sequel reuniting Kevin Hart and Ice Cube!   Screenings take place Wednesday, January 13, 2016 in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

Synopsis:

Kevin Hart and Ice Cube lead the returning lineup of Ride Along 2, the sequel to the blockbuster action-comedy that gave us the year’s most popular comedy duo.  Joining Hart and Cube for the next chapter of the series are director Tim Story, as well as Cube’s fellow producers—Will Packer, Matt Alvarez and Larry Brezner—who will produce alongside Cube.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your city.  Tell me also one time in your life you got way in over your head!

You may click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet out the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/ridealong2 @MRWILLW wants us to #win an Advance Pass to see #RIDEALONG2! Out 1/15!

Universal Pictures Canada release RIDE ALONG 2 on Friday, January 15, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures)

Quietly filming in Toronto since last year is a tween-geared Series which rapidly is taking the world by storm!  MAKE IT POP since airing on star-making Nickelodeon in the U.S. this past March, quickly catapulted itself to the top of network ratings and  soon after, YTV in Canada would air it.

The Series follows the trials and tribulations of three talented teens – one-part K-Pop Fantasy, one-part Glee, one-part Telenovela.  Sun-Hi (Megan Lee), Corki (Erika Tham) and Jodi (Louriza Tronco) despite their initial differences go-on to form a strong bond of friendship in their time at a boarding school, Mackendrick Prep, after discovering their own musical talents.  They would become known as XO-IQ and joining them is their DJ, Caleb (Dale Whibley).

Although initially we weren’t sure what to make of it when their Publicist reached out to us – okay, we admit we felt a bit old (!) – we’re glad we opened our minds to the spirited EDM-Pop sounds of XO-IQ. Unlike your average TV Series, these girls are balancing schooling with choreography and recording in their schedule above  acting responsibilities.  Fresh off an appearance in which they helped Series Creator Nick Cannon with hosting duties on the Nickelodeon Awards (airing later this month), we visit their Toronto set just one day after season two finished filming.

I walk through the halls of the studio, which shares a space also with famed Degrassi, admiring the attention to detail from teen girl wall decor down to old class photos in purple hallways of the school. I get even a sneak peek of the backlot where a colourful painted school bus sits parked, holding the key to some spoilers for its upcoming second season.  I then am led upstairs to the green rooms where a lovely Tham and her friendly mom come out to hug me.

“I’m not good at being goofy”, soon-to-be-16 Erika Tham admits to us as she poses for a couple snaps in the light on a green room couch.  She is mature beyond her years and tells me on her impending downtime she’ll be catching-up with her Chinese-Malaysian father, following him through Asia as he works. Born in Singapore, she has traveled the world and received the best education at several international schools.  “I’m off to Hong Kong next”, she tells me after her mom learns that I too am from there.  Coincidence.

Despite filming together, getting the Series’ three stars together in a room isn’t always an easy feat with their busy schedules, but fortunately our timing was perfect  in the Make-Up Room as each entered one by one successively.  This day the Trio were filming promos for their upcoming line of dolls modeled after their respective characters.

A pink-haired Lee, who originally had K-Pop aspirations – a perfect fit actually for the Series itself – gushes about how much she loves her doll after we watched her Film a spot where she meets with the creation modeled after her just minutes before.  Winnipeg-born and Vancouver-based Tronco – her hair with blue streaks – chimes in also, excited too.  “I can’t wait to hibernate for a couple weeks!” she tells me after a hectic filming and promo schedule of late.

Together the girls take celebratory Selfie on Tronco‘s phone to mark the occasion.  After all isn’t it everybody’s dream to have a doll made after them?  It is said the dolls are set to hit shelves early 2016.

In case you aren’t caught-up on your MAKE IT POP, know that the girls essentially are taking over your Holidays with a couple marathons on YTV here in Canada and also a new album featuring music from its second season. Click here for more on that.

Although we’re waiting on announcement of a third season, the Series’ popularity has cemented the likelihood of XO-IQ being around for a while.

See some Snaps from our time together with the Girls of MAKE IT POP!

So much fun getting an exclusive set visit with the girls of #MakeitPop, #Nickelodeon’s #1-rated series! Fun photos and scoop to come soon! #XOIQ #MeganLee #ErikaTham #LourizaTronco

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 2, 2015 at 9:29am PST

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Hot off its record-shattering 57.7 million trailer views in its first week, comes a proper poster for ZOOLANDER 2!  We love how serious they take fashion.

See it below:

Paramount Pictures Canada release ZOOLANDER 2 Friday, February 12, 2016.

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Teen Pop Sensation Shawn Mendes continues his massive ascent. The Pickering native after receiving the Allan Slaight Award earlier this month at the Canadian Walk of Fame Awards and touring in support of Taylor Swift‘s 1989 Tour now is set to embark on a series of Holiday shows this month including stops in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Arizona, Washington and more.

Just having re-released his Billboard Chart-topping debut disc Handwritten (Revisited), 17-year-old Mendes has a new single ready to impact airwaves, I Know What You Did Last Summer, featuring Camilla Cabello of Fifth Harmony.

Check it it below:

It was amazing to see fame hasn’t changed Mendes who was kind to stop a few minutes to chat with Fans, accommodating Selfies, Facetimes with Fans’ friends, autographs and hugs.  We ran into Mendes with Billy at Walmart earlier this year  (read here) and had another pleasant experience with the star!

See our Snaps:

With pop superstar and #Toronto’s finest, #ShawnMendes. #MendesArmy #Handwritten

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 30, 2015 at 2:09pm PST

Fresh #ShawnMendes. The nicest. He facetimed, snapped selfies and signed on his own time before heading to a holiday gig in the U.S. #Toronto A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 30, 2015 at 2:11pm PST

Now for the fun stuff!  We want to make one Reader’s Holiday extra-special by winning a signed copy of HANDWRITTEN (Revisited)!  You won’t want to miss this.

We’re giving away a copy of #HANDWRITTEN signed by #ShawnMendes later today. “Like” us on our official Facebook Page for more (link in bio)! #Giveaway #MendesArmy #Win #Contest #Autograph #Autographs

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:31am PST

All you gotta do is click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook! You may click “share” from there for an extra chance!  Let your Friends know how awesome Mr. Will is!

G’luck.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music/Mr. Will Wong)

They’ve already enjoyed the success of a huge fan following online, catapulted further by a much-talked-about appearance on the American Music Awards.

A Capella quintet Pentatonix may have enjoyed a Thanksgiving Weekend with their families this weekend but they were all work tonight performing a private show for contest winners only at KISS Theatre, sponsored by KISS 92.5. Consisting of Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Avi Kaplan, Mitch Grassi and Kevin Ulusola, the group have been to Toronto on multiple occasions over the past couple years including last year for their holiday disc.

Having just released their self-titled disc ths Fall, Pentatonix‘s popularity long has been in-the-making. The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 200.

We caught up with members Avi and Kirstie earlier and they were amazingly nice to accommodating to fans including a mother and daughter duo who skipped work and school to see them arrive!  Other members arrived earlier over the weekend.

Check out Pentatonix‘s single Can’t Sleep Love:

Let’s see that Star Wars Tribute one more time:

See our Snaps:

With Kirstin and Avi of #Pentatonix, here for a private #Toronto show in support of self-titled disc.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 30, 2015 at 2:06pm PST

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music/Mr. Will Wong)

Great news, Star Wars fans! Taking place between Saturday, December 5 through Monday, December 21, 2015, the official STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Pop-Up Exhibit will be taking place at the Bell Media Campus!

Fans will get an exclusive opportunity to see life-size replicas of characters Rey, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, BB-8 and a Stormtrooper. The Exhibit also features a BB-8 photo op and two limited edition exclusive t-shirts that will be available for purchase, while supplies last.

The Exhibit will the be only one of its kind in Canada.

Fans are encouraged to use the Hashtag #TheForceAwakensTO and follow Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada on Facebook here.

The Bell Media Campus is located at 277 Queen Street West in Toronto.

Also, if you’re a fan of SUBWAY Sandwiches, don’t forget this limited time exclusive offer below:

Happy to #fuelyourfandom with @SubwayCanada, the official #StarWars restaurant! Load any Subway Card 11/23 – 1/3 with $25 for a free 6 inch sandwich. 6 collectible cups are available and Kids' Packs get mini #lightsabers! #TheForceAwakens 12/18/16.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 19, 2015 at 8:50am PST

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)