In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.
“When Po steps into the shoes of Spiritual Leader, you get to see his whole internal struggle,” says Black, who himself steps back into Po’s shoes almost a decade after the third film. “He has the Staff of Wisdom, but he’s scratching his head wondering if he knows anything about wisdom at all. This chapter is like Po’s mid-kung fu-life crisis. More wisdom, fewer dumplings, but the same lovable Po.”
It’s the same lovable Po but in an entirely new adventure. “The Kung Fu Panda world continually evolves and expands,” DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn says. “Of all the journeys Po has been on, this story is his most emotional and exciting. As Po faces new challenges and characters like Zhen [played by Awkwafina], and the most menacing opponent the Valley of Peace has ever seen in The Chameleon, this film takes him, and in turn the audience, on a fantastical new adventure.”
Ensuring the continued success of this monumental franchise required the expertise of a director deeply immersed in its essence. Enter Mike Mitchell, a seasoned director with an impressive repertoire that includes iconic franchises Shrek and Trolls, and contributions to all the previous Kung Fu Panda films.
“My goal in any franchise, especially my favorites, is to remind everyone of what made the first film great,” Mitchell says. “Kung Fu Panda has a timeless quality, and we wanted to emphasize that. We wanted to infuse even more action, pushing boundaries with new camera techniques not explored in animation before. Think of cool GoPro-style action, typically seen in live-action films. We aimed to bring that dynamic energy into the animated world, and what better canvas than a Kung Fu Panda film? Our aim was to create the biggest and best installment of this franchise, with a grander scale, more humor and the best action yet.”
A spark in all of us
A lot of that action is thanks to all the trouble caused by this installment’s formidable new villain Chameleon, voiced by Oscar winner Viola Davis, who attributes the franchise’s enduring popularity to its characters being reluctant heroes. “I think that sparks something in all of us,” Davis says. “Po doesn’t necessarily look like a warrior, but it sparks the imagination and allows the viewer to envision what they can become. It feels great to be part of this group now. I’ve always wanted to do an animated movie, and with this film, I felt like the right character and the right group of people found me, and I’m just happy to be in their company.”
For Awkwafina (voice of Zhen), another newcomer to the franchise, joining the Kung Fu Panda family holds personal significance. “It means a lot to me because this isn’t just an animated franchise, it’s a beloved world that’s resonated with audiences for so many years. And being able to contribute to a film that pays homage to the beauty of Chinese culture adds an extra layer of personal significance.”
A must-watch for the entire family, Kung Fu Panda 4, also featuring the voices of Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan and distributed by Universal Pictures International, opens in Philippine cinemas March 6. #KungFuPanda4Ph
When it came to picking who would embody the role of his father Bob Marley for the movie Bob Marley: One Love, Ziggy Marley only had this to say about Kingsley Ben-Adir. “He was the best, simple,” Ziggy says. “But it was also about, ‘Who can hold this?’ Because it’s a very heavy burden. When I met Kingsley, I knew this was a man who could. He had the right spirit, energy, ability, respect and commitment.”
Undertaking the role was going to be a feat. “It was not an easy task, capturing the essence of Bob,” Ziggy says, “because Bob is not just a normal, everyday guy,” Ziggy admits. “He was somebody who was unique. We were making a Hollywood movie, but Bob is not a Hollywood person.” In turn, Kingsley Ben-Adir took the blessing of the Marley family very seriously. He was firmly against auditioning for the role if the family wasn’t part of the production. “Because it wouldn’t have felt right,” explains the actor.
Not only did Ben-Adir get the approval of the Marley family, but in preparing for the role, he got to hang out with them numerous times. On one occasion, as would be expected of someone who would play a notable football fan like Bob Marley, Ben-Adir watched a football match with Ziggy — a memory the actor says he will cherish forever.
For the role, Kingsley Ben-Adir would completely transform himself to fit the image of the legendary musician. He learned to play the guitar, and studied how to move and speak like Bob Marley. The greatest challenge was the voice, according to director Reinaldo Marcus Green. “There is patois [the dialect of a specific region; in this case Marley’s hometown of Nine Mile, Jamaica] and then there’s what Bob did,” Green says. “There are the intonations, the nuance of the language, how Bob arranged certain words and sentences. Kingsley spent eight months just listening to Bob Marley, like a record in his head.”
The team enlisted the help of another Jamaican icon to help with the complexities of the Marley patois: Fae E. Ellington. Her first-hand knowledge of the nuances of her country’s culture and the musician would be vital to the film. “My job was to make sure everyone in the movie talked with heart and authenticity,” Ellington says, who worked with Ben-Adir over months to coach the actor about the Marley patois. “Bob is a cultural icon, so we worked assiduously on it. In every language there are nuances, but I’m convinced that the Jamaican language has more nuances than any other. I really believe that. And I am so impressed with Kingsley. In Jamaica, we are very, very critical. But I think people are going to be very pleased when they see and hear him.”
For Bob Marley’s unique movement and posture, Ben-Adir was coached by choreographer and head of movement Polly Bennett. From Rami Malek’s Freddie Mercury (in Bohemian Rhapsody) to Austin Butler’s Elvis (in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis), to Naomi Ackie’s Whitney Houston (in I Wanna Dance With Somebody), Bennett has been teaching actors how to move like icons. “Everything Kingsley does is coming from an authentic place,” Bennett says of her and Ben-Adir’s process here. “It’s about excavating why Bob Marley moves the way he does, which means we can help the character development that comes from the physical side.”
Along with movement and voice, comes playing the guitar like Marley, and Ben Martinez was tasked on teaching Ben-Adir on how to play the guitar not only just like the musician would, but in his own words, “understand the role that Bob has within the band when he plays.”
As a result, Ben-Adir embodied Bob Marley in a way that captured his essence, without being just a copy. “We searched every corner of the world. What you’re looking for is someone to embody Bob Marley. You can never recreate him. You can’t bring him back. But you can bring his essence back. What Kingsley did was interpret Bob. An actor acting, not mimicking. It was masterful,” director Green says.
Watch the making of a worldwide icon as Bob Marley: One Love opens in Philippine cinemas on March 13.
About Bob Marley: One Love
Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita, BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE is in theatres March 13,, 2024.
Paramount Pictures Presents
A Plan B Entertainment / State Street Pictures / Tuff Gong Pictures Production
Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton, Tosin Cole, Umi Myers, Anthony Welsh, Nia Ashi, Aston Barrett Jr., Anna-Sharé Blake, Gawaine “J-Summa” Campbell, Naomi Cowan, Alexx A-Game, Michael Gandolfini, Quan-Dajai Henriques, David Kerr, Hector Roots Lewis, Abijah “Naki Wailer” Livingston, Nadine Marshall, Sheldon Shepherd, Andrae Simpson, Stefan A.D Wade
In Philippine cinemas starting March 13, Bob Marley: One Love is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #BobMarleyMovie #OneLoveMovie and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
An exciting gustatory collaboration between two exceptional Spanish chefs will be held at Tomatito on March 6 (Estancia) and 7 (BGC). The Four-Hands Dinner, billed “Flamenco Flavor,” will be headlined by Willy Trullas Moreno and Alfredo Rodriguez. The March 6 event is a celebration of the opening of Tomatito’s new branch at the ground floor of Estancia at Capitol Commons, Pasig City
Chef Willy is the founder of Tomatito which was first introduced in Shanghai in 2014. It then expanded to the Philippines and in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam serving its signature sexy tapas. This maverick and jovial culinary wiz is known to have popularized Spanish cuisine in China after taking the position of “Culinary Operations” in Greater China for Torres wine company, organizing gastronomic events in order to promote Spanish wine & food in Asia. In 2008, he opened his first co-owned Spanish restaurant “El Willy” in Shanghai. He was trained in some of the world´s great restaurants such as 3-star Michelin Georges Blanc in France, Aquavit restaurant in New York & several others in Barcelona.
Chef Alfredo, a native of Madrid, is the Corporate Executive Chef of Bistronomia, a collection of Spanish concepts by The Bistro Group. With years of experience working abroad, he considers the Philippines his second home sharing his expertise with lovers of Spanish cuisine. He is the creative genius behind Bistronomia’s Las Flores, BCN by Las Flores, Rambla, Rumba and Tomatito.
Expect nothing short of spectacular the dishes (from appetizers to mains and desserts) that will be served in this upcoming four-hands 7-course fiesta by two incredible chefs. To spice up the evening, there will be a lively flamenco performance by Centro Flamenco Philippines.
Tomatito’s cuisine is focused on family-style tapas dining that is bold, colorful and funky! The food menu is home to many Spanish classics, like croquetas, patatas bravas and paellas but also creative and sexy tapas best enjoyed with sangria, hand-crafted cocktails, a wide selection of Spanish wines.
Price per person is P 2995 and an additional P 1000 for wine pairing. Seats are limited so reservations are recommended. Contact (63 915) 9612694 (Estancia) and (63 915) 5884803 (BGC).
Customers are in for a whole new Japanese dining experience at Go Bento. Sporting a fresh look, it re-opened this February after months of renovation in its original location at The Spa Building in Bonifacio High Street, BGC. This fast casual 90-seater restaurant offers delicious and authentic Japanese food served mostly in bento boxes with a more vibrant, “Tokyo-Metro” vibe.
“When we were planning on how to redesign Go Bento, I explored Japan to study Japanese restaurants and discovered that they either imbibe a traditional restaurant concept or focus on the J-Pop, Manga genre,” said Scott Tan, the managing Director of Scottland Food Group, Inc., the same company that successfully launched Bonchon in the Philippines.
“One day, I was in a Tokyo train station and I realized that our Go Bento concept would work well with a metro train station vibe,” Tan explained. This prompted him to adapt the feel of Tokyo’s train station – the red tiles, the signages, the railings and other design aspects as the main features of the restaurant. “This blueprint goes well with our bento boxes, bentos being a huge part of Japanese people’s culture and heritage, just as train stations are. “They are imbedded in the culinary DNA of the working people. They grab a bento box before going to work, on their way home and anytime they want to eat a quick and complete meal. I really wanted to create that feeling and the value that Japanese people have when it comes to their food.”
Thus, once customers step into Go Bento, especially those who have been to Japan, they would sense the perfect synergy between the interiors and the dishes.
What’s in the box?
Bento boxes are a cultural icon of Japanese food. Go Bento takes this much-loved way of serving dishes to the Philippines that offer much in terms of value.
If you are a Go Bento newbie, the Bento boxes (with miso soup, vegetables and a drink) are a must-try. Choose from these sets- Beef Misono, Chicken/Pork Katsu, Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki, Yakitori, Ebi Katsu, Karaage, and Chicken/Pork Katsu Curry.Then there’s the one-piece and two-piece Chicken Bento and Salmon Teriyaki.
Customize your meals and go big with the Big Bento which consists of two mains, miso soup, a side dish, veggies and Japanese rice. Start by choosing your first main (Beef Misono, Chicken or Pork Katsu, Karaage or Mixed Tempura); your second main (Beef Misono, Chicken Teriyaki, or Chicken Yakitori) and your side dish (Gyoza or California Maki) . Now, you’re all set to post your personalized #BOTD (Bento of the Day) and enjoy.
The selections don’t end there as Go Bento boasts of their Donburi as well (Oyakodon, Yakitoridon, Gyudon,, Ebi Katsudonand Beef Misono). A la carte dishes include crowd favorites- Umami Fried Chicken, Karaage-style Chicken, Chicken or Pork Tonkotsu, Spicy Karaage Ramen and Sukiyaki. Other items worth trying are Chicken Mango Salad, Japanese Hambagu, Potato Takoyaki and Matcha Soft Serve. Go Bento also has Party Platters to Go.
“Quality and authenticity are important to us. That’s why we attach a lot of importance on small things. Customers are more discerning now. For example, we want our shrimp to have the perfect texture, we use fresh breading for our katsu and I insist on serving only Japanese rice. We found the sweet spot between very good quality and price so that our food remains value for money. We want that our bento box to be at par with Japanese casual dining restaurants, but always at pocket-friendly prices,” Tan explained.
In leading and in growing Go Bento, he draws from his years of experience with Bonchon, his first food venture, and from listening to the pulse of his customers.
“While we saw the local market’s growing love for authentic Japanese food at great value, there were not too many Japanese restaurants offering these. We adjusted and tailored-fit Go Bento’s concept to make them of high-quality, complete and affordable,” he expounded.
On the right track
After spending 10 years in the USA working in finance, Tan came home to pursue his love for food. “I particularly love Korean and Japanese cuisines because of their umami flavor- the amazing balance of sweet, spicy, salty,” he shared.
Go Bento is ready to expand their footprint in the Philippines with plans to open 10 company-operated branches in Metro Manila this year. Franchising is in the drawing board and will be launched at the appropriate time.
As he works closely with the company’s R&D, Tan brings to Go Bento his passion for food and his personal mantra, “If I don’t eat it, I won’t serve it. I serve only what I love to eat”.
Rediscover a new and more enjoyable dining experience at Go Bento, anchored on authentic and value for money Japanese food amidst a Japanese train station flair.
Kathryn Bernardo shows no signs of slowing down. The beloved actress has been on almost every Filipino’s screens since she was a young girl. Now, she has a long list of successful teleseryes and blockbuster hits under her belt. She also started her own business and delved into other projects in between.
Actress Kathryn Bernardo’s go-to coffee is Great Taste White, a brand that she grew up with. She loves how this coffee mix has the right amount of everything – tamang tapang ng kape, tamang tamis, and tamang creaminess
Kathryn has been active in the industry for over 20 years, but she’s still so excited about trying new things, both in her work and personal life. Last year, she starred in A Very Good Girl, a movie which she earned many praises for because of her remarkable performance.
This year, Kathryn has a lot of plans. One of them is taking the role of Great Taste White’s newest celebrity endorser. “I’m excited for 2024. [I’m excited] for my new family, new beginnings, and my new partnership with Great Taste White,” she says.
Having the right balance
Kathryn is just like many of us: she always starts her day with a good cup of coffee to give her the “pampagana” she needs, especially during early shoots. Great Taste White allows her to get that “tamang timpla” caffeine fix at home or on set.
“Great Taste White has the right amount of everything – tamang timpla ng coffee, tamis and cream. ‘Yun ‘yung hinahanap ko sa coffee. May satisfaction na you’re ready to start your day,” Kathryn says.
Kathryn Bernardo starts the year with her very first TV commercial shoot as the endorser of Great Taste White
Kathryn prefers to have a “tamang” balance not just in her coffee, but also in her lifestyle. She believes in the value of having work-life balance. She tries to achieve this by setting boundaries between being an actress and being a normal person. “I always remind myself, ‘You have to be a normal person as well. Hindi ka artista every day,’” Kathryn says. “It’s about knowing your limitations – ‘di sosobra, ‘di din magkukuluang. Mahirap siya, pero surrounding yourself with the right people can help pag na-overwhelm ka sa lahat ng nangyayari.”The actress also plans on continuing honing her tennis and dance skills, and taking swimming and scuba diving lessons seriously this year. Despite having a busy schedule, she’s determined to find time for her new hobbies.
Kathryn considers her close friends and family, and hobbies as her “pampagana.” They motivate her to do well and be the best version of herself in everything she does. It’s safe to say that she’s found the right blend to keep her going.
Growing with Great Taste White
From a child actress to becoming a versatile performer, Kathryn can be proof that people can evolve and strive to be better. Now, she’s looking forward to continue growing with Great Taste White, a staple brand in her home because of its “tamang timpla” coffee mix.
“Great Taste White is a brand I grew up with and I never thought that I would be part of this family,” Kathryn says. “Kilalang kilala ko ‘yung brand. Sa bahay, ‘yan din ‘yung iniinom namin lahat.”
Experience Great Taste White’s tamang tapang ng kape, tamang tamis, and tamang creaminess, and get your daily stash of this well-loved coffee at leading supermarkets and convenience stores; and via online shops such as Lazada.
Great Taste White is one of the leading White coffee mixes in the Philippines. It’s a product of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), the company behind well-loved, delightful snack and beverage brands such as C2 Cool and Clean, Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Nova, Magic Crackers, Maxx, Cloud 9, and many others.
Enjoy the soothing melody of the yesteryears as Ortigas Malls presents The Platters live in concert at GH Mall on March 10, 4pm. Get ready to go on a trip down memory lane and be serenaded with their hits that include “Smoke Gets in your Eyes,” “The Great Pretender,” “Remember When,” “Hello Everybody,” and “Twilight Time.”
The much-awaited golden concert also comes with CD selling, signing, and photo opportunity. Admission is free for all Ortigas Community Card members on a first come, first serve basis. Come and watch The Platters live at the East Wing Atrium of the GH Mall Mall at 4pm on March 10.
To avail of an Ortigas Community Card and to stay update on the latest Ortigas Malls events, visit the GreenhillsOfficial Faceook page or click @GreenhillsPH on Instagram.
Garmin recently announced the launch of its Forerunner® 165 Series, the affordable and easy-to-use GPS running smartwatch that helps athletes of all skill levels meet their goals with personalized adaptive training plans plus popular health and fitness metrics—all on a bright AMOLED display.
Available in two models, Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music, the latest additions to Garmin’s pace-setting lineup of running smartwatches boast easy-to-read full-color displays, responsive touchscreens and a traditional 5-button design. With fast and easy access to everyday health features, advanced training metrics, recovery insights, smart notifications and more, runners can track their progress without sacrificing battery life; both models get up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode.
“Whether you’re looking to complete your first 5K or set a new PR, the Forerunner 165 Series is here to help you through every step of your running journey. With personalized training plans, advanced running, and recovery metrics, and 24/7 wellness monitoring, these user-friendly smartwatches include impressive tools to help you cross the finish line,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales.
Features to love on the Forerunner 165 Series
Packed with Garmin’s signature health, fitness, and connected features, the Forerunner 165 Series is ready to take training to the next level, monitor health, and integrate seamlessly into the daily life of athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike:
AMOLED Display: View training stats, recovery insights, smart notifications and more on a vibrant, 1.2-inch AMOLED display.
Race Adaptive Training Plans: Receive training tips, personalized daily suggested workouts and completion time predictions based on race details entered into the Garmin Connect™ app.
Wrist-Based Running Power and Dynamics: View real-time power andmeasure crucial running metrics, like cadence, stride length and ground contact time – all from the wrist – to help improve running form.
Training Effect: See how workouts are affecting fitness and understand benefits from training runs and workouts.
Courses: Create or find existing courses in the Garmin Connect app and from third-party platforms, then sync them directly to the watch.
Additional Activity Profiles and Workouts: Stay active with more than 25 activity profiles, including trail running, open water swimming, pickleball, tennis and more, plus new workouts for strength, HIIT, cardio, yoga and Pilates.
Morning Report: Start the day off right with a customizable report that provides an overview of last night’s sleep1and the day’s training outlook, alongside HRV (heart rate variability) status and weather.
Pulse Ox: Track blood oxygen saturation while awake or asleep2.
Sleep Monitoring and Sleep Score: Every morning, receive a personalized score for last night’s sleep, view the different sleep stages and gain insights for improved sleep quality.
Nap Detection: Automatically track or log naps to see how they may benefit the body and the suggested time and duration they should be.
Music Storage: Download songs and playlists from Spotify®, Deezer or Amazon Music accounts3 for phone-free listening with wireless headphones4 (available only on Forerunner 165 Music).
Audio Prompts: Follow guided workouts or hear performance alerts with wireless headphones connected to the watch (available only on Forerunner 165 Music).
Garmin Pay™ Contactless Payments: Breeze through select checkout lines and transit systems through participating providers5.
No matter the distance, the Forerunner 165 Series has the tools to help runners crush their next PR by monitoring pace, distance, wrist-based heart rate1, VO2 max and more. Those training for their next race can take advantage of several different adaptive training plan options: Either enter the race information into the Garmin Connect calendar and receive race training plans that adapt after every run to match performance and recovery, or use free Garmin Coach 5K, 10K and half-marathon plans created by expert coaches. Runners can also take advantage of personalized daily suggested workouts that adapt after every run to match performance and recovery. And to prepare for their ideal race day strategy, PacePro™ provides runners with grade-adjusted pacing guidance based on course elevation and personal pacing preferences.
Around-the-clock wellness tracking
Before, during and after a workout, the Forerunner 165 Series is designed to track overall well-being 24/7. Keep track of heart rate right from the wrist, plus sleep and stress tracking, and more. Body Battery™ energy monitoring can help track the body’s energy levels to find the best times for activity and rest, and even provide insights on how sleep, naps, activities and stress impact energy levels. Fitness age can estimate how fit runners are compared to their actual age—acting as a helpful reminder to stay active and make healthy choices. The Forerunner 165 Series also includes women’s health tracking features, letting users track their menstrual cycle and pregnancy while also getting exercise and nutrition education.
Stay connected
For life on the go, the Forerunner 165 Series lets users receive emails, texts and alerts when paired with their compatible iPhone® or Android™ smartphone. Safety and tracking features can help provide peace of mind; for example, when the watch is paired to the Garmin Connect smartphone app, a message with the user’s name and location (if available) can be sent to pre-selected emergency contacts if an incident is detected6. Users can also download apps, watch faces and more from the Connect IQ™ Store right on the watch, or find more options in the smartphone app.
The all-new Forerunner 165 Series is now available in all official Garmin Brand Stores, online through the official stores of Garmin on Lazada and Shopee, and Kinetic. The standard Forerunner 165 is available at Php15,690 while the Forerunner 165 Music is sold at Php18,790.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin outdoor recreation products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.
Get ready to mark your calendars because Prime Video has just unveiled its lineup for March 2024, and it’s packed with an exciting array of TV shows and movies that are sure to keep you entertained all month long. From gripping TV shows to blockbuster movies, this month promises to be an exciting ride for viewers of all tastes.
Ricky Stanicky March 07, 2024
When three childhood best friends pull a prank gone wrong, they invent the imaginary Ricky Stanicky to get them out of trouble! Twenty years after creating this ‘friend,’ Dean, JT, and Wes (Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler) still use the nonexistent Ricky as a handy alibi for their immature behavior. When their spouses and partners get suspicious and demand to finally meet the fabled Mr. Stanicky, the guilty trio decide to hire washed-up actor and raunchy celebrity impersonator “Rock Hard” Rod (John Cena) to bring him to life. But when Rod takes his role of a lifetime too far, they begin to wish they’d never invented Ricky in the first place. From director Peter Farrelly and featuring additional cast members including William H. Macy, Lex Scott Davis, and Anja Savcic.
Frida March 14, 2024
An intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, FRIDA is told through her own words for the very first time, drawn from her famed illustrated diary, revealing letters, essays, and candid print interviews — and brought vividly to life by lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork. The feature film directorial debut of acclaimed editor Carla Gutiérrez (RBG, La Corona), FRIDA posits a striking context as to why the artist – and her art — remains as powerful as ever.
Invincible Season 2, Part 2 March 15, 2024
Based on the groundbreaking comic book by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, Invincible revolves around 18-year-old Mark Grayson, who’s just like every other guy his age—except his father is (or was) the most powerful superhero on the planet. Still reeling from Nolan’s betrayal in Season One, Mark struggles to rebuild his life as he faces a host of new threats, all while battling his greatest fear – that he might become his father without even knowing it.
Road House March 21, 2024
Road House stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Dalton, an ex-UFC fighter trying to escape his dark past and his penchant for violence, in this adrenaline-fueled actioner. Dalton is barely scraping by on the reputation that still precedes him when he is spotted by Frankie (Jessica Williams), owner of a roadhouse in the Florida Keys. She hires him to be her new bouncer in hopes of stopping a violent gang, working for crime boss Brandt (Billy Magnussen), from destroying her beloved bar. Even five to one, Brandt’s crew is no match for Dalton’s skills. But the stakes get higher with the arrival of ruthless gun-for-hire, Knox (Conor McGregor). As the brutal brawls and bloodshed escalate, the tropical Keys prove more dangerous than anything Dalton ever faced in the Octagon. Also starring Daniela Melchior, Joaquim De Almeida, Lukas Gage.
Hope on the Street March 28, 2024
Hope on the Street is a 6-episode docuseries that highlights j-hope’s story and love for dancing as he begins a new journey in his 12th year since debut, returning to his dancer roots. Accompanied by his former instructor, the popping champion Boogaloo Kin, j-hope explores the streets of Osaka, Seoul, Paris, New York, and Gwangju, meeting inspiring street dancers along the way. Follow j-hope as he pursues a dream connecting his past, present, and future. The documentary will also feature songs from j-hope’s special album HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1.
With such a diverse and compelling lineup, March 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting month for Prime Video subscribers. Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling new series or a classic film, Prime Video has you covered. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to dive into a month of unforgettable entertainment.
Stay tuned to Prime Video on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates and surprises. February 2024 on Prime Video is not just about entertainment; it’s an exploration of diverse stories and experiences. Don’t miss out on this captivating lineup!
For the latest on what’s streaming, follow Prime Video on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This February, get ready for a whirlwind of emotions, excitement, and entertainment, exclusively on Prime Video.
“Dune: Part Two” takes the audiences back to the desert as the action-epic directed by Denis Villeneuve takes the story to greater heights. Timothée Chalamet returns as the hero Paul Atreides, the son of a Duke born into a destiny greater than his royal title. Paul is now fully entrenched in the epic adventure that has taken him across the galaxy to the barren and inhospitable Planet Arrakis, where even greater danger awaits at every turn. With his father dead, his mother on a journey of her own and Chani by his side, Paul must earn the respect of the skeptical local population, the Fremen, face his fears and, ultimately, face his most brutal enemies, in order to defend Arrakis and exact revenge upon the people who destroyed his family.
Timothée has received various accolades throughout his career, including nominations for an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and three BAFTA Film Awards. He rose to fame in his role in Luca Guadagnino‘s Call Me By Your Name, and recently starred in the musical film Wonka.
In the following interview, he talks about his thoughts on returning to the world of Dune, working with Zendaya once more and Paul’s relationship with Chani, and training for his action scenes, including his battle sequence with Austin Butler.
On returning to the world of “Dune” for “Dune: Part Two”… Timothee Chalamet: “It was a dream to return to the world of ‘Dune,’ not only returning to castmates I had a beautiful working experience with the first time, but also getting to see their characters expand, like Chani. And getting to work with new, super-talented actors, like Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh, who I’d done a film with before. And of course getting to see Denis bring his full vision to life.”
On Paul’s journey within the story… TC: “This part of the story, for Paul Atreides, is about a young man not wanting to accept his destiny, or fate, that’s unfolding before him—a duty, a responsibility to lead that feels greater than what he’s capable of, and what he wants to do. It will require so much of him that his immediate preoccupation, his immediate desire to love and be loved by Chani, will be superseded by this responsibility. And because of what happened in the first movie, he’s struggling with what it is to become a man without a father or father figure, without his friends and family, who have been obliterated by the Harkonnen. Also, what it means as an outsider to be chosen, whether by destiny or by people, to lead.”
On Paul’s evolution within the Fremen… TC: “Paul is meant to go down a path that he’s reluctant to. He still has visions, which are not entirely clear to him, but which are destructive; he doesn’t want to go anywhere near them. As he becomes more a part of the Fremen, he becomes the Muad’Dib—a namesake he chooses for the desert mouse that lives on Arrakis. This is actually one of my favorite parts of the book and of the film because often we see the lion or tiger or cheetah as the animalistic metaphor for our leaders, our heroes. And there’s something apt about this small desert mouse that moves in the cracks and is self-sustaining with its moisture— barely—that works for this young man whose circumstance is so beyond him, whose life story is something of a tragedy, having lost his father and his people, but he has to persevere. It’s not Paul the Braveheart or Paul the Lionheart, it’s Paul the Muad’Dib. There’s something that I always found powerful about that.”
On connecting to Paul having to accept his destiny… TC: “Paul is reluctant. He’s not a person who has delusions of grandeur and power. So, I had to think, what would that actually mean, if that was your fate? What would that actually feel like? What would it be like to stand in the middle of a room and declare yourself a leader, and be entirely within your rights doing so? And what would that entail?”
On Paul’s changing relationship with Chani… TC: “Chani is sort of Paul’s moral compass. Her strong ethics add to her great character, and Paul feels that he’s similar to her, that he’s worthy, ethically, and he’s trying to become a partner to her, the man he wants to be to her, and they grow incredibly close. Chani’s so sure of herself, so on her heels. She knows who she is, her heart’s in the right place.”
On working with Zendaya again… TC: “Zendaya is strong, like Chani, in many ways. We only had a couple of days working together on the first film, but we became quite close and good friends after that. But I think the friendship that had grown between the films helped us grow Paul and Chani for this one. It was a wonderful experience to get to work with the actor she’s become—she’s firing on all cylinders! She was a real partner in crime and I’m grateful we had such a great experience.”
On working with Florence Pugh again… TC: “Florence Pugh is amazing in this movie. She brought a steeliness, a fierceness, to this role that is just incredible. It was inspiring to be working with her.”
On training for his fight scene with Austin Butler in the film… TC: “Training started from day one. I started learning the fight choreography in Los Angeles, I think Austin was already in Budapest. So, as soon as I got there, we were working on the fight. He was a dedicated scene partner and fight partner. Not only is he an incredible actor, he’s a super hard worker, he really cares about the work. And that whole sequence was just epic—no other way to put it.”
On the sandworm riding sequence and its significance in the film… TC: “The sandworm sequence—scene 62!—was shot over the course of three months. There was an entire worm unit dedicated to it that our producer Tanya Lapointe, who was also our second unit director, directed, and she was hugely passionate about it. It’s such an important moment in Paul’s entry to the Fremen world, his acceptance by them—other than Chani and Stilgar, of course—and it was so important to get it right. It was incredibly complex. Paul learning how to ride the sandworm is akin to coming of age. It’s a rite of passage and one of the main reason Paul is accepted amongst the Fremen, because someone who wasn’t one with Shai-Hulud, which is the Fremen word for the sandworm, would have died in that predicament, and Paul doesn’t. He rides the worm.”
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, Dune: Part Two is now showing in Philippine cinemas
About “Dune: Part Two”
“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Denis Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Frank Herbert’s novel. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is again on hand to create the score.
Here’s a fact– brushing alone is not enough. This is backed by years of scientific research and studies conducted by oral health experts in their mission to protect millions of mouths around the world. Studies show that brushing alone only cleans up to 25% of the mouth. In 2018, results from the National Survey on Oral Health showed 72% of Filipinos have dental caries while 43% have gum diseases.
The panel behind the Powerful Science Behind #CompleteMouthProtection Event held by Listerine Philippines (L-R: MacoyDubs, Listerine brand ambassador; Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager, Kenvue Philippines; Dr. Ashita Bhatia, associate director and head of Scientific Engagement, Kenvue APAC; Penn Policarpio, managing director, Kenvue Philippines; Dr. Tess Villarico, oral care practitioner; Mikee Reyes, Listerine brand ambassador)
Periodontal (gum) disease affects the tissues that surround and support the tooth, and is often characterized by bleeding or swollen gums, pain, and sometimes bad breath. When left untreated, gum disease could lead to tooth loss. In the Philippines, 7.5% of adults aged 20 and above have total tooth loss. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that a complete oral hygiene routine is essential for maintaining a healthy mouth. While brushing is a fundamental and necessary component, it primarily targets the surfaces of teeth, leaving gaps in the overall protection against various oral health issues.
On the other hand, studies have also consistently shown that incorporating a mouthwash like Listerine Total Care into one’s daily routine, along with brushing and flossing, significantly enhances the effectiveness of oral care– up to 99.9% germ kill when used twice daily. This was the main takeaway from the recent event of Listerine Philippines, held last February 28, 2024.
The event gathered dental and oral care experts, Dr. Tess Villarico and Dr. Ashita Bhatia, who illustrated the importance of completing one’s oral care routine and demonstrated the efficacy of Listerine in being able to provide #CompleteMouthProtection for its users.
Dr. Tess Villarico explains the importance of completing one’s oral hygiene routine.
Dr. Tess Villarico, an esteemed dental practitioner, stressed the importance of being able to do more than just brushing [teeth], “It is necessary that one habitually complements their brushing with flossing and using a mouthwash to maintain good oral health and hygiene. Brushing cleans accessible surfaces of the teeth that the toothbrush is able to reach, and flossing gets in between the teeth. The role of a good mouthwash is as an adjunct providing anti-microbial action against certain bacteria while reinforcing fluoride exposure, that’s why it’s important to be able to do all three regularly to ensure a clean whole mouth.”
Kenvue Asia-Pacific’s associate director and head of Scientific Engagement, Dr. Ashita Bhatia, conducted brief demonstrations that show the germ-kill power of Listerine Total Care, including the use of different instruments such as Q-Scanner and Milkin Microscope.
Dr. Ashita Bhatia demonstrates the Power of Science of #CompleteMouthProtection through various experiments
“Listerine proves to be a highly effective antibacterial mouth rinse. Through the experiments we’ve shown, it is clear that Listerine Total Care is able to get rid of germs that cause plaque build-up, cavities, and gum problems,” Dr. Ashita ultimately noted.
Experiment 01: Plaque Detector shows how much germs are left in one’s mouth.
Experiment 02: Glo Germ Demo showed that there are traces of germs left, proving that brushing alone is not enough!
Experiment 03: Listerine contains fluoride that protects the teeth from decays.
Listerine rolls out its #CompleteMouthProtection campaign, stressing the importance of completing the oral hygiene routine to protect oneself from the common causes of oral health issues. Miggy Gamboa, marketing manager for Oral Care, reminded the audience, “This is why we want to remind everyone, not just the people in this room, but the general public to prioritize their oral health, complete the oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using a mouthwash like Listerine to get #CompleteMouthProtection.”
Borne out of superior science, Listerine Total Care provides up to 24-hour germ defense against plaque, cavities, and gum problems when used twice a day because brushing alone is not enough.
Listerine Total Care is available in leading drugstores, supermarkets, and on the official Listerine Lazada and Shopee shops online. To know more about Listerine, visit its official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ListerinePhilippines.
