ClickTheCity

Author: Abraham Doctor

  • Pia Wurtzbach’s CloudEats Brand Pia’s Kitchen Delivers Delicious Japanese Fare to Your Doorstep

    Ready your palates for take-off and taste the rich flavors of Japan from the comfort of your own home!

    Pia’s Kitchen, a CloudEats brand created in collaboration with none other than 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, is set to deliver different cuisines from around the world through their traveling menu which changes cuisines every few months. Right now, their menu offers sumptuous dishes from Japan perfected for deliveries and home consumption.

    In case you didn’t know, CloudEats is a restaurant group that operates with cloud kitchens, meaning they are solely available for delivery. Thus, they make sure that their food remains presentable, IG-worthy even, and the quality remains throughout the whole delivery process: from their kitchens to your door!

    Pia Wurtzbach revisits her culinary roots

    Before becoming a beauty queen and the Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach studied culinary arts at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS). At a recent exclusive tasting event for Pia’s Kitchen held at the CloudEats Test Kitchen in BGC, Wurtzbach recalls how she started this business venture.

    “It’s been a while since I got in touch with my culinary roots, but it’s always been at the back of my mind. I love food, hindi na mawawala sa’kin yan. Especially now that I’ve been traveling a lot, I’ve been exposed to so many different cuisines and flavors, and it’s been such a dream. Also now that I’m in a phase in my life where I really wanna have my own businesses, I am really into trying my hands at entrepreneurship. So when the opportunity came to work with CloudEats on a project like this, I said yes right away because it was exactly what I was looking for,” the beauty queen shared.

    Pias Kitchen Pia Wurtzbach

    A trip to Japan through food

    While Pia’s Kitchen is set to deliver different food from different cuisines, each menu is carefully curated by Pia and Chef Carlo Miguel to really tackle your tastebuds with its chosen flavors for the season. Their current Japanese menu, for example, really embraces the food in Japan that carry both quality and convenience.

    During the tasting event, we started with a sampler of their Spam Sando, a filling sandwich that combines the lip-smacking flavors of SPAM, scrambled eggs, spring onions, and their Umami Sauce.

    Pias Kitchen Spam Sando
    A sampler of the Spam Sando

    For sandwich lovers, they also offer other Sandos such as the Beef Sando made with a homemade beef patty, cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, and Umami Sauce; their Kani Sando with Spicy Kani and hardboiled egg; and Quorn Katsu Sando with Quorn Fillet, Teriyaki and Umami Sauce, and fresh cabbage.

    If you’re going for some greens, their Salmon Teriyaki Salad is really a solid choice. Its perfectly seared salmon glazed in Teriyaki Sauce is so soft and rich in flavor while the combination of fresh vegetables and fruits– Romaine, red cabbage, cucumber, mango, red onion, and quinoa– further elevated by their Asian Salad Dressing really freshens up one’s palate.

    Pias Kitchen Salmon Teriyaki Salad
    Salmon Teriyaki Salad

    If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can also try their Spicy Kani Salad made with fresh greens, furikake, ebiko, and ripe mangoes mixed with a salad of Kani with a spicy mayo dressing.

    The love for a hot bowl of rice with some flavorful ulam is something we Filipinos and the Japanese share. At Pia’s Kitchen, you can choose from a tempting roster of donburi meals!

    We got to try their Chicken Katsu Curry, which has a Panko-crusted chicken thigh fillet that has tender meat under its crispy coating, a separate curry sauce you can add to your liking, and pickled red onions, jicama, and carrots to garnish. The striking flavor of the curry really speaks authenticity, beckoning the diner to chow it all down in no time.

    Pias Kitchen Chicken Katsu Curry
    Chicken Katsu Curry

    Another rice meal we got to dig into is their Beef Gyudon. Thinly sliced, its beef is really tender and bursting with flavor. The poached egg also gives this flavor balance while the onions complete the components for every satisfying spoonful.

    Pias Kitchen Beef Gyudon
    Beef Gyudon

    Aside from these two, here are more donburi meals from Pia’s Kitchen: Pork Katsu Curry, Pork Katsudon, Salmon Teriyaki Bowl, and Beef Curry Rice. If you crave something more packed with flavors and ingredients, they also have a Spam Musubi Bake made with sushi rice, Spam cubes, Tebasaki sauce, savory cream cheese, and furikake.

    As for their desserts lineup, we got to try a sampler of their Egg Tart, which has a crisp and flaky tart and a soft custard center that has the right amount of sweetness. They also have the Milk Tea Egg Tarts which are infused with milk tea flavor and topped with boba pearls. Finally, their Original Basque Cheesecake offers a light and rich cheesecake with a deep caramel exterior.

    Pias Kitchen Egg Tart
    A sampler of the Egg Tart

    Pia’s Kitchen is just a few clicks away!

    If you’re ready to dig into these delicious Japanese dishes before Pia’s Kitchen takes us to its next destination, ordering is hassle-free and just a few taps away! Their dishes are available 24/7 via GrabFood with prices ranging from P150 to P300.

    For more information, visit the social media pages of Pia’s Kitchen on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit the CloudEats website.

  • 10 Psychological Thriller Movies to Consider for Your Next Movie Night

    Thriller movies can utilize many tools to thrill viewers, such as terrifying antagonists, heart-stopping chase scenes, and fast-paced action sequences. And then there’s the psychological thriller genre, which is packed with movies that might use the same plot devices, but are mainly targeting the minds of the audiences often by using unhinged and disturbed protagonists, and building up paranoia and unrest before an often unexpected climax.

    If you enjoy disturbing yourself with secondhand anxiety through cinema, here’s a roundup of psychological thriller movies you might want to watch on your next movie night.

    Get Out

    Jordan Peele’s thriller-slash-commentary film begins with Chris, a young black man, who goes on a weekend getaway to meet his white girlfriend’s parents. While he feels uneasy that her parents don’t know about their interracial relationship, Chris would soon learn that there’s so much more he needs to be worried about, like surviving.

    The Lighthouse

    Director Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse stars Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe as two lighthouse keepers who are trying to keep their sanity while being stuck on a remote New England island in the 1890s.

    Watch it on Netflix

    The Invitation

    After being invited to a dinner party by his ex-wife Eden and her new husband David, Will revisits his old home with his girlfriend Kira. But as the night progresses, Will gets the feeling that Eden and David are planning something sinister for all of the guests.

    Parasite

    In the Academy Award-winning film Parasite by Bong Joon-ho, a poor family slowly infiltrates a rich family’s home through a series of clever deceptions. But as more secrets unravel, they will soon find themselves facing unexpected consequences.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Shutter Island

    In 1954, US Marshall Teddy Daniels and his partner take a trip to Ashecliffe Hospital, an institution for the criminally insane located on a remote island, to investigate the escape of a murderer. But as he gets deeper into the case, a shocking conspiracy unfolds.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Memento

    In Memento, a man named Leonard tries to track down the criminal who raped and murdered his wife to finally take his revenge. But this becomes more challenging due to the fact that he suffers from a rare type of memory loss. While he recalls details of his life before the accident, he loses his new memories every fifteen minutes.

    The Silence of the Lambs

    The Silence of the Lambs is the acclaimed thriller that brought Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lecter to the big screen. It follows Clarice Starling, FBI’s top student, who interviews the notorious Lecter for his background in psychology and experience in psychopathy in the hopes that it could help her track down a dangerous serial killer on the loose.

    Gone Girl

    New York-based writer Nick Dunne seems to have the perfect marriage with his wife Amy. But on their fifth anniversary, Amy goes missing. With the public pressure and media frenzy pointing their fingers at Nick, the man’s innocence and the truth behind their marriage are slowly unraveled.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Joker

    The famous Batman villain’s solo film received high acclaim for its grounded story that veered away from the superhero genre. Joaquin Phoenix plays Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who suffers from a disorder that causes him to laugh uncontrollably. As society continues to neglect and degrade him, Arthur soon descends into madness.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Jacob’s Ladder

    Jacob’s Ladder tells the story of Jacob Singer, a postal worker who still struggles to get past his PTSD after being part of the bloody war in Vietnam. During a trip on the subway, Jacob sees a tentacle from under one of the seats and he is soon plagued with visions of nightmarish creatures. Is this all in his head, or is there something more sinister at play here?

    ALSO READ
    15 Films with Plot Twists You Wouldn’t See Coming

    Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • 10 Free Mobile Games Like Wordle, Scrabble, Bookworm, & More!

    Word games have always been part of our pastime through the years. From the crossword puzzles printed in newspapers to the classic board games we loved as kids and now, to their digital counterparts easily accessible on our favorite gadgets.

    If you love word games and can’t get enough of one Wordle a day, this list has you covered. We’ve rounded up free iOS and Android games that will really challenge your vocabulary!

    Games like Wordle

    The most recent word game that rose to popularity is Wordle, available on The New York Times website. Every day, you get to guess a word in six tries using the game’s color indicators as hints: green means you guessed the correct letter, while yellow means the letter is in the word, only misplaced. Wordle was quick to spread on social media as players would post their results as colored squares. Below are some mobile games like Wordle.

    Word Guess Challenge

    If you just want to simply play Wordle, but without limits, then this mobile game is worth checking out. It adopts Wordle’s simple gameplay and lets you play it to your heart’s content.

    Download: Android | iOS

    Wordle!

    Wordle! also allows players to play the game without the one-word-a-day restriction. It also gives the players the option to choose the length of the word ranging from 4 letters to 8 letters.

    Download: Android | iOS

    Games like Scrabble & Boggle

    Scrabble and Boggle are both classic word games that many of us used to play with our family and friends. Nowadays, one doesn’t really need a physical Scrabble board or a Boggle tray to get into the game, as these games have made the jump into the digital space. Here are some mobile games similar to Scrabble and Boggle.

    Scrabble GO

    Scrabble GO is simply Scrabble for people on the go. The mechanics are the same, but you can play against up to three players from around the world. The game also has some bonus features such as new word puzzle games every day so you can further hone your skills.

    Download: Android | iOS

    Word Domination

    If waiting for your opponent’s turn during an online game of Scrabble might feel like a dealbreaker, Word Domination is the game you’d want to download. It makes the game more exciting by making it fast-paced with collectible boosters to take advantage of in the game.

    Download: Android | iOS

    Word Domination
    Photo: Word Domination on the Play Store

    Boggle with Friends

    Boggle is yet another beloved word game that is available on your phone through Zynga’s Boggle with Friends. Just swipe the words you see on the tray before the two-minute time limit, and whoever gets the longest and most number of words, wins the game!

    Download: Android | iOS

    Boggle with Friends
    Photo: Boggle with Friends on the Play Store

    Games like Bookworm Adventures

    Bookworm Adventures is a PC word game from PopCap Games that fused word puzzles with a fantasy adventure. While the original game has been scrubbed off the game stores, there are a few similar titles you could play to somehow recreate the experience. Check them out below.

    Spellspire

    In Spellspire, you play as a wizard who must reach the top of the tower infested by monsters and evil creatures. Defeat the enemies by building words– the longer the word, the more powerful the attack! You can also upgrade your wand, hat, and robe to make more potent spells.

    Download on: Android | iOS

    Letter Quest: Grimm’s Adventure

    Join the adorable grim reapers Grimm and Rose in their quest to defeat monsters, ghosts, evil bunnies, and more by crafting words in this turn-based game. Be on the lookout, as your foes can also affect your letter tiles, limiting your abilities to attack.

    Download: iOS

    More word games to play

    Alphabear: Words Across Time

    Alphabear also has simple mechanics– to pick letters and form words. But what makes this game really addicting is the fact that you can collect cute bears in different outfits as you beat each level.

    Download: Android | iOS

    Words of Wonders: Crossword

    If you want a game that is easy to get into during short breaks or long travels, Words of Wonders is worth checking out. The game is simple, you’re given a set of letters and you just have to find all the words that you can make with those letters. The levels are also designed with vibrant backgrounds that will take you around the world.

    Download: Android | iOS

    Word Lanes: Relaxing Puzzles

    Here’s another beautiful word game to try on your mobile devices. In Word Lanes, you must answer trivia questions, but giving your answer is not as simple as picking it from a list of choices. Instead, you are given a grid of letters and you must swipe the word that answers the question to progress in the game.

    Download: Android | iOS

    ALSO READ
    7 Free Mobile Games That will Challenge Your Brain
    8 Relaxing iOS and Android Games That Will Help You De-stress
    10 Detective Games on PC & Consoles That Will Test Your Sleuthing Skills

    Looking for more video games to play? Check out our latest video game lists. Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • ‘Our Blues’ Cast & Creators Talk About Netflix’s Omnibus K-Drama Set on Jeju Island

    A new K-drama is heading to Netflix, bringing us grounded and comforting stories about people who are in different stages and must face different aspects of their lives. Set on the warm, lively Jeju Island, the omnibus drama Our Blues promises a series of beautiful tales revolving around the island’s inhabitants.

    Before the premiere of its pilot episode this April 9, we got to attend Netflix’s virtual press conference for Our Blues, where the creators and cast of the TV show shared some interesting details on how they formed the series and the characters that live in it. Check out the highlights of the presscon below:

    Different stories tied together by Jeju Island

    A refreshing format for a K-drama, Our Blues tells the stories of fourteen characters whose lives are somehow connected through the Seopseop 5-day Market of the Pureung village– some are friends, neighbors, and relatives. Each episode is told through the eyes of one or two characters, and with every episode, the viewers are given a glimpse of the lives of the other characters who have their own stories to tell in yet another episode.

    Our Blues 5
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    “An omnibus style is something that I wanted to try on a drama series for over ten years,” shared writer Noh Hee-kyung. “I kind of, got sick and tired of just seeing a male lead and a female lead. You know, we are all the main characters in each of our lives, but why is it that everything just revolves around two people in a drama? And that question has led me to choose an omnibus style.”

    As for why the writer of the series chose Jeju Island as the setting for this drama, she answered: “I believe Jeju is a place where the very Korean and local sentiments remain intact. In Jeju, the whole neighborhood could be blood-related, and if not, they’re still very close to one another. And their close-knit culture was something I could really use to portray the Korean culture.”

    Experiencing a series & film in one

    Having a fresh format for a K-drama, Our Blues director Kim Kyu-tae also shared how he approached the direction of the show. According to the director, he saw Our Blues as a hybrid between a film and a series.

    “When we were planning the show and I read the script, it felt like a hybrid of a drama series and a movie. It sat on a fine between the two,” Kyu-tae began. “So I also wanted to make sure that this provided the viewers two experiences– one of watching a film and the other of watching a 20-episode series. That is what I focused on the most.

    “I [told] myself, let’s just get back to the basics. I didn’t want to go overboard to kill two birds with one stone. I got back to the basics, I wanted to go about it the classic way, and in a sophisticated way. So that was my focus. Nowadays we tend to see a lot of fancy video techniques, where we sometimes just go for instant thrills and stimulus. But instead of going down that path, I wanted to focus more on the characters, their stories and their emotions. And I didn’t want to force anything onto the viewers. I just wanted to let them watch and slowly immerse themselves into the emotions and stories in a more natural way. I think that’s what’s most important,” the director added.

    Our Blues 7
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    An exciting ensemble of stars

    To bring the captivating stories of Our Blues to life, the production has gathered an impressive ensemble of actors, including Shin Min-ah (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha), Lee Byung-Hun (Mr. Sunshine, Squid Game), Cha Seung-won (One Ordinary Day, The Greatest Love), and Kim Woo-bin (Uncontrollably Fond). Also joining them are Lee Jung-eun, Han Ji-min, Uhm Jung-hwa, Roh Yoon-seo, Bae Hyun-sung, Kim Hye-Ja, Ko Du-shim, Park Ji-hwan, and Choi Young-joon.

    Shin Min-ah and Lee Byung-hun’s chemistry

    Lee Byung-hun stars as Lee Dong-seok, an innocent truck driver who was born and raised in Jeju Island. Dong-seok stumbles upon romance when his paths crossed with Shin Min-ah’s Min Seon-a, the actress’ first role as a mother, who had to leave her child and move to Jeju Island.

    Our Blues 6
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Asked about his chemistry with Min-ah, Byung-hun shares: “Youthful and energetic was how I always imagined Min-ah, but through filming this drama I got to know that she had a very profound depth to her, and her acting has depth too. I was surprised and impressed, and I think we had very good synergy… She and I had great chemistry while filming, so it was exciting and I felt confident while working with her.”

    Min-ah also shared her experience working with Byung-hun for the third time around in this new series: “This time in Our Blues we met again, and I felt like I had met three different people maybe because we had such different roles before. But I can say that I did feel slightly more comfortable with him, so I think that helped create the chemistry between Dong-seok and Seon-a.”

    Shin Min-ah’s first mother role

    Fresh from the success of last year’s Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Shin Min-ah returns to our screens in Our Blues, this time as a mother. During the press conference, the actress shares her experience acting as a mother for the first time.

    “Min seon-a is a character who is still dwelling in her pain. This is my first role as a mother of a child. There was more pressure for me to depict Seon-a’s emotional changes and how she overcomes her pain rather than the fact that she’s a mother. I thought it would be very difficult. But weirdly, I had an understanding of her character and her mindset. I felt her pain. Her pain and her will to overcome that pain. Those two were I thought, would be exciting for me to depict and I wanted to take on this challenge. I guess you could say, Seon-a’s character was the biggest reason I took on this piece. Her emotions and her personality were relatable for me.”

    Our Blues 2
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Cha Seung-won as the hardworking father Choi Han-soo

    Cha Seung-won who recently starred alongside Kim Soo-hyun in One Ordinary Day, plays the family man Choi Han-soo. “From how I see it, Han-soo works in Korea to support his family abroad and to raise his daughter abroad. Even though I’m not supporting my family abroad personally, I still had a lot of similar feelings with Han-soo as a father. I brought those thoughts into my acting for this drama. There weren’t any particular directions or processes that I focused on. As writer Noh said, just going with the flow is the best direction for her drama. Her words and penmanship really shined through all the acting, so I really enjoyed that process.”

    Our Blues 3
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Kim Woo-bin’s comeback as Park Jeong-jun

    It’s been six years since Kim Woo-bin last appeared in a K-drama, and fans of the actor are surely looking forward to his return, especially with his real-life partner, Shin Min-ah, also playing a part in the series. In Our Blues, Woo-bin plays captain Park Jeong-jun, a romantic man with a busy life, from driving off sea divers who harvest Jeju’s sea life to selling fish at the market.

    “I put emphasis on trying to put myself in Jeong-jun’s shoes,” stated Woo-bin during the press conference. “So to understand how he grew up and the emotions he feels. I just followed through writer Noh’s script. I followed the emotional journey of Jeong-jun. And while I was getting prepared for the role, I wanted to understand the environment that he lives in. So I went over to Jeju earlier than I needed to, to meet and talk with some boat captains and sometimes just follow around haenyeo divers to see how they commute, and also learn how to trim fish. So I put a lot of time into trying to understand him.”

    Our Blues 1
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Where to stream ‘Our Blues’

    More characters, each with their beautiful and fleshed-out stories, are coming to the K-drama Our Blues, which will premiere on Netflix this April 9, 2022. New episodes will be released every Saturday and Sunday at 10 PM, Philippine time. For more information, visit the show’s official page on Netflix.

    ABOUT ‘OUR BLUES’
    Director: Kim Kim Kyu-tae
    Writer: Noh Hee-kyung
    Starring: Shin Min-ah, Lee Byung-Hun, Cha Seung-won, Kim Woo-bin, Lee Jung-eun, Han Ji-min, Uhm Jung-hwa, Roh Yoon-seo, Bae Hyun-sung, Kim Hye-Ja, Ko Du-shim, Park Ji-hwan, and Choi Young-joon.
    Distributed by: Netflix
    Release Date: April 9, 2022 (with new episodes every Saturday and Sunday, 10 PM Philippine time)

  • 8 Shops in Metro Manila That Serve Ice Cream Cakes for your Summer Celebrations

    Who can resist ice cream cakes, especially during this scorching season? Two of the most beloved desserts fused together not only to satisfy our sweet tooth, but also to help us beat the summer heat. Of course, we can’t say no to that! If you’re currently craving this cool confection, we’ve got you covered. Below are some shops in the metro where you can order ice cream cakes and other cool cakes in Metro Manila!

    Bellefleur by Beatrix

    Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Bellefleur by Beatrix currently has three frozen cake mainstays that celebrate and elevate beloved flavors in the Philippines: the Frozen Ube Brazo, Strawberry Tres Leches, and the Mango Tres Leches. In addition to this lineup, the brand has also just announced their limited edition cake for this summer, the Frozen Avocado Brazo.

    Order here
    Location: (outside) Unimart Greenhills, Club Filipino Ave., San Juan

    Carmen’s Best

    Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Carmen’s Best has been around since 2009, serving premium ice cream inspired by both local and international flavors. More recently, the brand has also expanded its menu by adding ice cream cakes, namely their Chocolate Overload Ice Cream Cake, Salted Caramel Macchiato Ice Cream Cake, and Neopolitan Ice Cream Cake.

    Order here

    Cold Stone Creamery

    Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Cold Stone Creamery is another spot to seek for your ice cream cake cravings. Aside from their premium ice cream that’s available in many flavors and limitless combinations, the brand also currently offers three ice cream cake flavors: Cookies and Cream, Cookies and Cream Extreme, and Midnight Delight.

    Order here

    Creamery Catering

    Facebook | Instagram

    The Creamery Catering has so much to offer from savory dishes to delectable desserts. Among these sweets are their ice cream cakes available in flavors such as Avocado Sans Rival, Choco Banoffee, Eskimo CHoco Decadence, and Banana Langka Turon to name a few.

    Order here

    Dairy Queen

    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Locations

    Dairy Queen has always been a popular source of sweet, frozen treats to satisfy one’s cravings. Adding more popularity to the brand is their Blizzard ice cream which can be flipped without falling from the cup. The Blizzard has also been infused in their ice cream cakes, taking the delightful dessert to the next level!

    Order here

    Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cakes
    Photo: Dairy Queen website

    Ice Cake Co.

    Facebook | Instagram

    Ice Cake Co. is a humble brand that brings delightful ice cream cakes to those who wish it. Some of the flavors you can order from them are the Cookie Crumble ice cream cake, Oreo ice cream cake, and the Mango Delight ice cream cake.

    Order here

    Papa Diddi’s

    Facebook | Instagram

    A homegrown and handcrafted ice cream brand, Papa Diddi’s is inspired by how the founder grew up enjoying the ice cream that his lawyer father would often make for him. Today, the ice cream brand is also offering ice cream cakes alongside their ice cream selections, with flavors such as the Brazo de Mercedes, Ube Brazo de Mercedes, and Choco Lovin’.

    Order here

    Sebastian’s Ice Cream

    Website | Facebook | Instagram

    Sebastian’s Ice Cream has been known for serving a wide array of frozen treats and adding interesting spins to its flavors. Of course, the brand also offers a delightful selection of ice cream cakes. Currently, their dreamy lineup includes the Dark Chocolate Decadence ice cream cake, Rainbow ice cream cake, and the Birthday ice cream cake.

    Order here

    ALSO READ
    8 Gelato Shops in Metro Manila to Cool You Down This Summer

    Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    —
    Homestream images from Carmen’s Best, Papa Diddi’s, and Sebastian’s Ice Cream.

  • 10 Detective Games on PC & Consoles That Will Test Your Sleuthing Skills

    One of the tools that could make a story engaging and unforgettable is a good mystery entwined with surprising plot twists. This is why the mystery genre continues to thrive, because we can’t deny that ecstatic feeling of joining a detective in solving a compelling case, being presented with clues, and getting that “Aha!” moment once the truth comes to light.

    Of course, this applies mostly to shows, films, and books. Meanwhile, video games could make the feeling even more enjoyable because it really puts you in the shoes of the character and it’s really up to you if you could solve the mystery! If you want to play such games where you get to solve cases, here are some titles you better check out!

    LA Noire

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    From Rockstar Games, the creator of the Grand Theft Auto series, comes this crime thriller with breathtaking action on top of its interactive detective story. Set during Hollywood’s post-war Golden Age, LA Noire makes you assume the role of LAPD detective Cole Phelps, solve a string of arson attacks, brutal murders, conspiracies, and a secret that could shake the corrupted city at its core.

    The Wolf Among Us

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, and iOS

    TellTale Games’ The Wolf Among Us is a graphic mystery adventure set in Fabletown, where fairy tales and the real world converge. You play as Bigby Wolf, formerly known as the Big Bad Wolf, who is tasked to keep his fellow Fables– magical creatures disguised as humans–in check. When the unstable peace in Fabletown is further disturbed by a murder, Bigby must find out the truth before it’s too late. Like TellTale’s other titles such as The Walking Dead series, this game is packed with choices that will affect how your story progresses.

    Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS

    The first Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney game was released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance and has become available on multiple platforms since its HD remake. In this trilogy, you set off as the rookie attorney Phoenix Wright who must defend your clients from all sorts of accusations. As Wright, you must investigate the crime scenes, gather evidence, and take them to court where you’ll have to bring out the truth from the witnesses by pointing out contradictions in their testimonies and presenting proof of their lies. Despite the court setting, the game is lighthearted with really entertaining dialogues and stories.

    The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

    Available on PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch

    The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles serves as a prequel to the original franchise, where players will follow the story of Wright’s ancestor Ryunosuke Naruhodo. The gameplay formula also follows the main series, but what makes this duology refreshing is that it is set in Victorian-era Japan and Britain. Joining the rookie attorney Ryunosuke in his mission to uphold justice are an ensemble of colorful characters including the English consulting detective Herlock Sholmes.

    Disco Elysium

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Stadia, and Nintendo Switch

    This detective RPG title is designed like an open-world game that gives you a lot of choices and paths to follow. In fact, in this game, you could end up as an honorable detective or take bribes and get rich. Shape your character with 24 wildly different skills, a wide selection of tools, psychoactive substances, and more! Aside from a massive murder case, you can also navigate Disco Elysium’s world and solve side-cases during breaks.

    Return of the Obra Dinn

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    This first-person mystery game offers unique visuals with its minimalist pixel graphics. In 1802, the merchant ship went missing at sea. Five years later, it appears at Falmouth with damaged sails and no visible crew. As an insurance investigator, your mission is to travel to Falmouth, find a way into the ship, and assess the damages. Of course, you might as well discover what really happened to the ship after all these years.

    Discworld Noir

    Discworld Noir has been around since 1999 and it remains worthy of a playthrough for players dedicated to the genre, that is if they’re able to secure a copy. Based on Terry Pratchett’s satirical Discworld universe in the comics, this game follows Discworld’s only private investigator as a mysterious murder drags him into a sinister plot involving the deadly occult in the city.

    Discworld Noir
    Photo: Steam Games website

    Frog Detective 2: The Case of the Invisible Wizard

    Available on PC

    Here’s a whimsical detective game with an estimated 1-hour playthrough for your quick sleuthing satisfaction. Play as the Frog Detective in this sequel where you must find out ‘whodunnit’ when the town’s welcoming celebration for a mysterious invisible wizard ends tragically.

    Gemini Rue

    Available on PC and iOS

    Gemini Rue tells the sci-fi story of two characters whose fates are meant to converge and affect the whole galaxy. Azriel Odin is a former assassin who arrives on the rain-drenched planet of Barracus and must seek the help of the criminals he used to work for. Meanwhile, from across the galaxy, a man called Delta-Six wakes up on a hospital bed with no memory. The two would soon discover a world where life is cheap and identities are bought and sold like consumable products.

    Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    The detective genre may not be as impressive as it is without Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. While the character has been into many video games, one of the recent titles that players would appreciate is Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments. Become the consulting detective and solve six compelling cases involving murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts, and more!

    ALSO READ
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    Looking for more video games to play? Check out our latest video game lists. Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • Lee Kang-Sheng Talks ‘Twisted Strings’, HBO Asia’s Anthology Set in Parallel Worlds

    This March, HBO Asia is bringing us a new anthology thriller from Taiwan titled Twisted Strings which also delivers satirical takes on selfishness, greed, and ignorance.

    Executive-produced by renowned filmmaker Hou Hsiao-Hsien, with the writing and direction of Huang Xi, Twisted Strings also has an award-winning cast ensemble which includes Lee Kang-sheng, Nikki Hsieh, Yo Yang, Yao Yi-Ti, and Sylvia Chang to name a few!

    Check out the trailer and synopsis for the series below:

    Twisted Strings follows a series of bizarre deaths happening in Taiping City. Against an eerie atmosphere, Wu Yuenu witnesses the deaths of people around her. A funeral, a missing body, a dangerous game, a kidnapping; real and unreal, these incidents are woven in Yuenu’s memories, converging in the mysterious Sailing Castle.

    The name of the series is inspired by a popular Taiwanese nursery rhyme, which contains lyrics that tell the story of a monkey’s life over seven days. Each episode is loosely based on a line from the song.

    Before the series premieres on WarnerMedia’s HBO and HBO GO this March 27, we got to virtually sit with its star Lee Kang-sheng for a roundtable interview where the actor talked about his experience working on this thriller. Below are the highlights of the interview:

    Lee Kang-sheng on joining the project

    Lee Kang-sheng has been known for starring in films such as Stray Dogs, Goodbye Dragon Inn, Rebels of the Neon God, and The Hole. “In the past, all of my movies are mostly very artsy,” said Kang-sheng. “In this TV series, hopefully, the Asian audience would get to see a different style of my performance. And because this series’ genre is a bit like dark humor, I think it would be very refreshing for the rest of the Asian audience.”

    The movie star also shared how the script for the series convinced him to join the project. “When I received the full script from the director, I was immediately drawn to it. Typically, reading the full script would take up to two or three days, it only took me one day to finish reading the script.”

    HBO GO Twisted Strings Lee Kang sheng
    Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia

    For Kang-sheng, the series stands out because of its appealing storyline, and the fact that it gathers an exciting ensemble of stars. “I think this is very appealing to me because of the storyline. I think the storyline gets kind of complicated and there are many actors involved in this production, about twenty-plus actors. That attracted me and pulled me to want to be part of it. I think this is a very fresh and unique production, and I’m very excited to be part of it.”

    The parallel worlds of Taiping City

    The setting of Twisted Strings is in a fictional city called Taiping, where bizarre things occur. The show opens with a curious-looking marionette monkey walking around its streets and observing the different stories that unfold in the series. According to Kang-sheng, the viewers must look closely to fully understand the show’s unique storyline.

    “You need to watch it in detail and be very focused as you’re watching it,” said the actor. “Because many actors play more than one role. Sometimes you might be confused about who is playing who, because the story is happening in a parallel universe. It’s all happening in the same town, so you need to focus and make sure that you don’t miss out on any episode or it will be very hard for you to follow the storyline.”

    HBO GO Twisted Strings 4
    Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia

    Tipping toes around taboo themes

    With the series revolving around Chinese traditional funeral customs, Kang-sheng also shared that the cast had to be careful about the taboos surrounding such a topic.

    “Before [shooting], we would brief about the code of conduct. How to conduct ourselves as we enter into all these different places. The actors were briefed by a religious consultant to [point out] what are the taboos. For example, we cannot make a lot of noises as we enter into the funeral setting. And then before and after we enter the scenes, we also need to cleanse our bodies. Even after we return home, the religious consultant will give us a [talisman] for us to burn to make sure that the evil spirits do not follow us back.” Kang-sheng explained.

    “Therefore, all the actors at the scene, we are very respectful, we conduct ourselves properly, solemnly, and carefully following all the rules. Every day, as we are shooting the scenes, we are on the tips of our toes to make sure that we didn’t cross any taboo,” the actor added.

    HBO GO Twisted Strings 1
    Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia

    Asked if there was anything creepy that actually took place during filming, he pointed out an instance when crew members of the production felt weak during their shoot.

    “Personally, my day of birth in Chinese belief, I have a very positive charge– very Yang. My Yang is very strong, therefore, I don’t think I will encounter all these spiritual attacks. But I noticed that during the production, some crew members, they are not as strong as me. They are a bit weak or in Chinese interpretation, their Ying is higher. What I noticed is that the next day, the crew members did not come for work because they encountered a spiritual attack and they need to excuse themselves from work the next day,” shared the actor.

    Why watch ‘Twisted Strings’?

    For Lee Kang-sheng, watching a TV show should be relaxing and entertaining instead of getting too serious about things. He also cites two things that viewers can look out for when the series finally drops.

    “As you watch this series, in one way you get to observe Taiwanese culture and how they conduct certain rituals. Another way you can enjoy this is how the director, being very professional and serious about the script, [has] a very unique way of handling this kind of topic. It’s supposed to be a thriller mystery because the show is really out of the ordinary, out of the box, and there’s a lot of room for imagination. So if you watch this, I would just advice you to relax, chill, and get entertained instead of perceiving it too seriously,” explained the actor.

    HBO GO Twisted Strings 3
    Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia

    Twisted Strings premieres with its first two episodes this March 27. You can watch the anthology series on TV via HBO, or via online streaming on HBO GO. Subscribe to www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as P99.70 per month.

  • 8 Gelato Shops in Metro Manila to Cool You Down This Summer

    The sun is definitely shining bright these days, reminding us why we want to just stay at home or take a dip in water every summer. Of course, this strong heat also makes us want to bite onto our favorite cool snacks. One of the most popular desserts for beating the heat is gelato— the Italian version of the all-time favorite ice cream that’s denser and more flavorful!

    If you’re craving gelato right now, we’ve got a list for you! We’ve rounded up some of the places in Metro Manila where you can order this delicious frozen treat!

    Afters Espresso & Desserts

    Facebook | Instagram | Website

    The cafe and dessert shop in Tomas Morato delivers their beloved gelato that now comes in vegan variants! With 16 flavors for their dairy treats and 12 vegan flavors, both vegan and non-vegan gelato lovers will have a wide selection to choose from!

    Order online

    Cara Mia Cakes & Gelato

    Facebook | Website | Locations

    Aside from their lineup of delectable cakes, Cara Mia also has a good reputation for gelato lovers with their luscious take on the Italian cooler. Enjoy their roster of gelato flavors that include the Turtle Pie, Strawberry Supreme, Cookies & Cream, and Blueberry Cheesecake to name a few.

    Order online

    Cara Mia
    Photo: Cara Mia Cakes and Gelato on Facebook

    Crem Gelato

    Facebook | Instagram | Website | Locations

    Crem Gelato takes pride in its velvety smooth offerings. Its owners are backed by the knowledge they received from Carpigiani, an internationally-renowned Italian gelato university, as well as a masterclass under an Italian gelato master.

    Order online

    Gelatissimo

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    Gelatissimo has been serving its sweet coolers for almost two decades now, starting from Sydney before they expanded to six more countries including the Philippines. The brand boasts of their fresh gelato made with the best ingredients that do not contain any artificial flavors or colors!

    Location: Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

    Gelato Manila

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    Another source of satisfying gelato in the city is Gelato Manila, which also offers an exciting lineup of flavors that lovers of the Italian dessert would surely enjoy. Some of these flavors include the Taho Gelato, Polvorones, Pistachio, Mango Passion Fruit, and Ginumis to name a few.

    Order online

    Hail Chocolate

    Facebook | Instagram

    Hail Chocolate’s artisanal gelato offerings are also a must-try for the sweet-toothed crowd who hail gelato. Aside from their rich chocolate gelato flavors such as Creamy Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Mint, and Vegan Dark Chocolate, customers can also opt for other flavors such as Cappucino, Cookies & Cream, Creamy Strawberry, and Salted Caramel.

    Order online

    Manila Creamery

    Facebook | Instagram | Website | Locations

    Manila Creamery’s mission is to “dominate every fridge in the Philippines with the best and coolest gelato”, further expanding the reach of their brand through community resellers. Among their rich lineup of flavors are delectable gelato takes on Filipino delights such as Mangga’t Suman, Tablea Lava Cake, Davao Chocolate, Chocnut Crumble, and even Tinutong na Kanin!

    Order online

    Morelli’s Gelato

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    Morelli’s Gelato began in 1907 with Giuseppe Morelli and his son Mario selling cool desserts in Scotland just on their bicycles. Soon, the first Morelli’s Ice Cream Parlour was opened which will become the Mecca for gelato in the UK. Filipinos can also enjoy the brand’s beloved gelato now that it’s available in the metro!

    Order online
    Locations: Ground Floor, Power Plant Mall and the new East Wing of Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

    Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    —
    Homestream images from Gelatissimo and Morelli’s Gelato.

  • 8 Video Games That Will Question Your Morality

    Many of us grew up playing video games with the simplest storylines– the good guy must defeat the bad guy, like Super Mario saving Princess Peach from the evil Bowser or Link fighting against the destructive Ganon. But as time passed by, these iconic franchises and more video games have delivered intricate stories and concepts deviating from this formula. Some of these games have even further blurred the line between good and evil, forcing players to make the hard decisions that somehow, question their morality.

    If you like playing this kind of games, we’ve got a list for you! Here are some video games that will pit you against hard choices, most of which will ultimately affect the outcome of your game’s story!

    The Walking Dead Series

    Available on PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead series is as gripping as the TV show. While it is set during a zombie apocalypse, the selling point of the game is also its interesting story which you affect with your character’s choices. You play Lee Everett, a convicted criminal who is being taken to prison when the zombie outbreak happened. During the confusion Lee gets to escape and stumbles upon a young girl named Clementine. Lee then makes it his mission to help Clementine survive in this world plagued by the undead, but doing so will force him to make dangerous choices.

    Life is Strange Series

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    Life is Strange also delivers narrative adventures, this time with a supernatural spin. Each game follows individuals with superhuman abilities, but with very human and grounded stories that are also shaped by the player’s decisions. The first game follows Max and Chloe as they rewind time to determine the future of Arcadia Bay; the second game focuses on two brothers’ journey to seek safety in their father’s hometown; and the thrid game revolves around Alex Chen who must use her powers to find out the truth behind her brother’s death.

    Papers, Please

    Available on PC, iOS, and PS Vita

    Papers, Please is an indie video game with simple but eye-catching pixel graphics, and unique gameplay that will touch your empathy, emotions, and principles. The communist state of Arstotzka has just ended a 6-year war with its neighbor state and reclaimed its rightful half of the border town, Grestin. Your job as an immigration inspector is to control the flow of immigrants entering the country, and filter out suspicious individuals who could be smugglers, spies, and terrorists. The concept may sound simple enough but its reflection of poor citizens and a corrupt government will definitely manipulate your decisions, even if you just want to do the right thing within the game.

    Undertale

    Available on PC, PlayStation, PS Vita, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    Despite its retro look and simple mechanics, Undertale rose in popularity thanks to its innovative concept for a game. The game takes you to the Underworld where you must face and defeat various kinds of monsters. What makes this title different is that the player can choose to converse with the enemies instead of killing them. This adds more depth to the game and you get to know more about your foes, reminding you that there is another way than just violence.

    The Last of Us Series

    Available on the PlayStation

    Much like The Walking Dead, this popular video game franchise follows a man and a young girl as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world. Set in the United States where a fungus has turned human hosts into hostile creatures, The Last of Us tells the story of the smuggler Joel who is tasked to escort a girl named Ellie across the ruins of the country. While the game has a linear story with no alternate outcomes, there are moments in the game that will still make you wonder if what your character does is right or wrong, considering that you’ve been thrown into a world where your chances of survival are slim.

    Bioshock

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    Bioshock is a popular first-person shooter game that has an interesting story concept imbued in its rich, biopunk world. The game tells the story of Jack, the sole survivor of a plane crash in the middle of Atlantic ocean. Here, he discovers an underwater world called Rapture, left in ruins after a civil war. As you play the role of Jack, you are faced with a huge moral decision involving the Little Sisters–genetically altered young girls who you might perceive as threats or mere victims in this game’s twisted world. Why this has a great bearing on the game is up to you to find out!

    Fallout 4

    PC, PlayStation, and Xbox

    There are plenty of moral choices in each game from the Fallout franchise, but for this list, the fourth title takes the cake as it spotlights the Synths– machines embedded with human DNA. While the Institute, the creator of Synths, thinks that the creatures must only be used as tools, you as a player must wrestle with the moral dilemma of sharing that perspective or seeing the Synths as equal to humans.

    The Outer Worlds

    Available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

    This vibrant game, much like the Fallout franchise, is a first-person shooter with a captivating story that gives the players the ability to make choices. While The Outer Worlds mixes funny decisions to keep the atmosphere light at certain parts of the game, it does not shy away from tackling themes about greed and other social class issues, and it drags the player into these issues by putting them into fictional but grounded circumstances and letting them choose if they will play hero or choose the easier path of greed.

    ALSO READ
    8 Video Games That Deal with Loss, Grief, & Depression
    These 10 Sad Video Games Will Break Your Heart

    Looking for more video games to play? Check out our latest video game lists. Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • 10 of the Best Comedy Anime Series for Your Dose of Good Vibes

    Need a break from all the stress and stale days? Then what you need are hilarious shows that can deliver your much-needed dose of good vibes! When it comes to Japanese anime, comedy also thrives with titles that could be relatably funny, comical with their weirdness, or just hit the right spots to tickle us! If you’re looking for such shows to check out, then this list is for you! We’ve rounded up some of the funniest anime series out there if you need a good laugh!

    Gintama

    In an alternate feudal Japan where the city of Edo has become overrun by aliens, an eccentric, jack-of-all-trades samurai named Gintoki goes around accepting odd jobs with a young man named Shinpachi, the strong girl Kagura, and their big puppy Sadaharu. Together, the gang is given all kinds of tasks and would encounter all kinds of strange challenges that would take viewers on a hilarious ride. Gintama also makes parodies of other popular anime that will surely be appreciated by anime fans.

    Gintama
    Photo: VIZ website

    The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

    This comedy series follows the odd life of Kusuo Saiki who has the powers of telekinesis and psychokinesis. Despite having these unique abilities, Kusuo tries to hide them from everyone and only uses them when no one’s looking. Aside from the funny cameos of characters from other anime shows, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. also delivers a myriad of strange yet interesting characters of its own– from his weird parents to his troublesome schoolmates– making the series more entertaining.

    Watch it on Netflix

    One-Punch Man

    One-Punch Man has truly become an icon in the realm of powerful anime characters. In a world of superheroes and monstrous villains, a wacky-looking figure named Saitama turns out to be the strongest. As a superhero, Saitama can defeat any foe with a single punch, but his powerful strength has become too boring for him. He then soon becomes a reluctant mentor to Genos, a cyborg who is seeking revenge on another cyborg who killed his family.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Kaguya-Sama: Love is War

    This romantic comedy follows the complicated relationship between school geniuses Shirogane and Kaguya who treat their romantic feelings for each other as a war, where the first person to confess is the loser. What makes this anime series funny is how the main protagonists overthink everything and go to extreme lengths to tempt a confession out of the other person. Also joining Shirogane and Kaguya’s crazy high school life are the energetic Fujiwara and reclusive Ishigami.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Komi Can’t Communicate

    At her elite school, the beautiful and elegant Komi is perceived to be cold and intimidating, but only Hitohito Tadano– the average schoolboy sitting next to her– knows the truth: Komi really suffers from extreme social anxiety. The two would then get into a comical journey as they try to win Komi 100 friends before their graduation.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Grand Blue Dreaming

    This anime series tells the story of Iori Kitahara and his adventures on the beach and underwater. This coming-of-age story begins when Iori decides to live at his uncle’s scuba diving shop named Grand Blue, just before he heads off to college. Here, he finds himself surrounded by the carefree members of the Diving Club who drags him into all kinds of beach party antics.

    Grand Blue Dreaming
    Photo: Amazon website

    The Devil is a Part-Timer!

    When the Demon Lord Satan’s plans to conquer the land of Ente Isla are thwarted by the hero Emilia, he is forced to retreat and enter a dimensional portal only to find himself in the human world. Stranded in Tokyo, Satan takes the form of a human named Sadao Maou and must live a mundane life as he finds a way back to his realm. But to survive, the powerless Demon Lord will have to take a part-time job at the fast-food restaurant MgRonald’s.

    Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-Kun

    Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun follows the riotous story of high school students Chiyo Sakura and Umetarou Nozaki. When Chiyo confesses to Nozaki that she has a crush on him, he mistakes her for a fan and signs her an autograph. And when Chiyo tells him that she wants to be with him, Nozaki invites her to his home and turns her into an assistant for his popular manga.

    Watch it on Netflix soon

    Ouran High School Host Club

    This anime series revolves around Haruhi Fujioka and her accidental involvement with the Host Club of the prestigious Ouran High. After entering a seemingly empty music room, Haruhi is greeted by the handsome men of the Host Club, and in the process, she accidentally breaks an expensive vase. To pay for the vase, Haruhi is asked to work on the club where, as a girl who is often mistaken for a boy, she will have to amuse girls with her charms.

    Ouran High School Host Club
    Photo: Netflix website

    One Piece

    One Piece is one of the most popular and beloved anime series out there, and for good reason. Not only does it inspire with its emotional moments and draw awe with its action-packed sequences, the anime also delivers a lot of laughs with its wisecracking dialogue and slapstick humor. For the uninitiated, One Piece follows Luffy as he sails the seas to become the next Pirate King and find the fabled treasure of One Piece. Alongside his crew, Luffy faces the most dangerous foes and gets in all sorts of trouble partly due to his childish personality.

    One Piece
    Photo: Netflix website

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    Which of these titles would you watch first? Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.