Author: Press Release

  • Run to show your support for children’s literacy through McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023: Run for Reading

    Calling families, friends, and…even furry friends! McDonald’s is set to mount its well-loved Stripes Run: a fun, advocacy-driven running event that brings together families and friends to support Filipino children’s literacy.

    To be held on December 10 at the SM MOA Concert Grounds, McDonald’s Stripes Run continues to raise one million pesos for Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (RMHC) Read to Learn program which aims to elevate the literary skills of Grades 1 and 2 public school students. RMHC is McDonald’s Charity of Choice, committed to improving the well-being of Filipino children and Families.

    McDonalds Stripes Run 2023 on December 10

    Now on its 12th year, Stripes Run 2023 invites more Filipinos to run for reading as it welcomes not only families and friends, but fur babies as well! Through the new 1K Fur Stripes category, pets can now participate alongside their fur moms and dads, letting them enjoy the run’s festivities, too. Fur Stripes will be available as a category for interested participants upon registering, alongside a wide variety of other categories for different distances and age groups: 1K Kiddie Stripes, 3K Stripes, 3K Family Stripes, 5K Stripes, 5K Squad Stripes, and 10K Stripes.

    Here’s how to register for the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023:

    • Step 1: Click the website for McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023 – Link: https://bit.ly/StripesRun2023
    • Step 2: Register in your desired category and fill up all the details required. Registrants will be given the option to choose delivery or pick-up of race kits. Pick-up of race kits will be available in select McDonald’s stores from November 13 to December 3.
    • Step 3: Check your confirmation email indicating a successful registration.
    • Step 4: Claim your race kit on your chosen date of pick-up or wait for the delivery of your race kit.

    Show your support for Filipino children’s literacy and run for reading at the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023! For more information on registration costs, participating stores for kit claiming, and race kit inclusions, follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Stripes Run 2023 website at https://bit.ly/StripesRun2023

  • Revolutionizing Travel Experiences Worldwide via Travereel – Book, Travel, Connect, and Earn!

    Today marks a remarkable occasion in the world of travel with the official launch of Travereel, a groundbreaking and revolutionary travel mobile application that promises to transform how people explore and experience the world. 

    Selcouth’s Travereel mobile app is set to change the way you plan and enjoy your travel experiences, providing a seamless, one-stop solution for all your travel needs.

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    This game-changing travel app lets you book your stay or destination seamlessly by just clicking and watching the reels shared by fellow travelers. Travel offers you an incredible variety of options, whether you wish to stay in a stylish metropolitan apartment, an opulent beach resort, or a cozy B&B in the countryside. “Travereel was born out of a passion for exploring the world and the belief that travel should be accessible, personalized, and unforgettable for everyone,” said Debbie Nebaya, Travereel CEO. “Our team has poured their hearts into creating this app, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to life and empower travelers to embark on journeys that leave a lasting imprint on their hearts.”

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    Enjoy a fun, engaging, reliable display of hotel properties through short vertical videos from our travel community, and imagine how your next day’s vacation will look like.

    Travereel is more than just a travel app; it’s your personalized travel concierge, offering a wide range of features to enhance your journeys. Here are some notable key features of the app:

    Discover Hidden Gems: Find off-the-beaten-path attractions, local eateries, and cultural experiences with our curated recommendations and user-generated content. Get a taste of authentic travel with Travereel.

    Travel Social Network: Connect with fellow travelers, share your experiences, and get real-time advice from the Travereel community. Discover travel buddies and create lasting memories through your own travel experiences.

    Seamless booking: Book your preferred hotel in just click and tap. Travereel gives you seamless booking experience by clicking the ‘Book’ button on the reel.

    Flexible payment terms: Payment convenience via different payment options from Paymonggo: Debit and Credit Card, GCash, Maya, and Billease. Users can also opt for the Buy Now, Pay Later payment terms.

    Earn Commission: Be a content creator and post your own travel experiences. Post videos and receive an affiliate commission for bookings from your shared travel reels and vlogs.

    Safety Features: Stay informed about travel advisories and emergency contact information, and receive safety tips to ensure your well-being while exploring new destinations.

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    Travereel is now available  for both iOS and Android, ensuring that no matter your device, you can experience the world at your fingertips. Our commitment to providing a user-friendly, accessible platform is at the heart of Travereel’s development.

    For more information, visit Traveleers’ website www.traveleer.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/TRAVEREEL2022), (Instagram.com/travereel.app), TikTok (TikTok.com/@travereel), and YouTube (YouTube.com/@Travereel).

  • The Mo’ Cookies Birthday Cookie Makes a Sweet Return

    The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived! Mo’ Cookies is celebrating another trip around the sun, and this special occasion calls for a sweet treat that captures the essence of joy. That’s right, it’s time for The Birthday Cookie to shine.

    The Birthday Cookie by Mo Cookies

    The Birthday Cookie, a delightful creation that embodies the very spirit of a birthday celebration, is back. This delightful treat features a delectable combination of buttery, crunchy-chewy lemon-and-orange-flavored dough, adorned with a generous sprinkle of white and milk chocolate chips, and of course, birthday sprinkles. Each bite is a celebration in itself, a burst of child-like happiness that reminds us of the simple joy of birthdays.

    Mo Cookies
    Image Source: FB mocookiesforyou

    The Birthday Cookie by Mo’ Cookies is back, and it’s here to make your day a little sweeter. But remember, this is a limited-time engagement, so mark your calendar, and don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in this nostalgic burst of joy.

    Want to get your hands on this sweet delight? It’s easy. Head over to any of Mo’ Cookies‘ nine shops spread across the metro. Don’t feel like stepping out? No problem. You can also place an order for a box of happiness through their delivery partners on mo.momentfood.com. Choose from GrabFood, Pick-A-Roo, or foodpanda – your Birthday Cookie is just a few clicks away.

  • From School to Script to Stage: Meet The Writing Fellows Of VLF Writing Fellowship Program in The Visayas Year 2

    Theater is life happening right before the eyes. As such, well-written scripts and stage directions are the backbone of all successful plays and arguably the most important tools in effective storytelling. 

    This coming November 7 to 18, 2023, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Artist Training Division, will embark on yet another quest to help local playwrights improve their craft through the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program in the Visayas Year 2, a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage, organized in partnership with The Writer’s Bloc and The Performance Laboratory, Inc.

    Following the basic curriculum observed by the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program in Manila, eight writing fellows from the regions will be trained by multi-award-winning playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas through hybrid (online and onsite) sessions at the Negros Museum in Bacolod.

    Andy Moleno Abellar

    Andy Abellar, Ursula David, Jalene Dumancas, and Kym Gelvero are among this year’s budding playwrights accepted into the program. All based in the Visayas region, these upcoming fellows submitted promising works that demonstrated their talent in bringing stories to life using their regional dialects.

    For Abellar, whose relationship with theater “is like a childhood friend of mine” that developed into something more during his high school years, playwriting is a meaningful and powerful art form able to tackle social issues that need to be addressed. As an active member of the Kanlaon Theater Guild, Abellar understands “how much power a storyteller could hold in advocating for their cause.” He shared: “To be honest, the technicalities of writing drain me. I have to gather a lot of energy to finish a script. But the idea of delivering my cause through this medium drives me to write more. As a theater artist, having a script that holds a powerful message surpasses the tiresome trainings and productions. At the end of every performance, it is always a satisfaction knowing that you have inspired even just one or two people.”

    Ursula David

    David, the co-founder of the independent non-profit production team DuLaab, likewise believes that “arts and theater are not merely a design or performance” but rather means “to touch the lives of many” through eye-opening masterpieces that carry value and deeper meaning. She acknowledges that the performing arts, and by virtue, playwriting, “has a longstanding impact on our culture, for the art itself of an artist is a reflection of their identity and their own unique perspective towards the world.”

    Jalene Isabel Dumancas

    Dumancas agreed: “[The arts and theater] is not only about entertainment, but a creative way of sharing your message or voice to the world, a way to vent out your emotions and mind. Arts are the embodiments of human nature, and its beauty is what keeps us alive and breathing.” She cites her membership at the Kanlaon Theater Guild as a catalyst for helping her tap into her passion for creative writing. “The beauty of creating a reality or what I think is reality for me is what made me want to be a playwright. It creates a story on what is untold for most other people.”

    For Gelvero, a recent education graduate with a penchant for writing poems in candlelit rooms, “it’s the strong feeling that I have so many stories to tell, so many experiences to share, and so many imaginations to bring to life” that encouraged her to pursue the art of playwriting. She shared that while she believes “society is reflected in art,” only “the artist makes it personal.”

    Kym Lance Gelvero

    These four Writing Fellows regard their acceptance into the writing fellowship program as an opportunity to explore greater horizons outside of their usual domains. Abellar shared that “the writing fellowship program is a great platform to give voice to aspiring writers like me in delivering our work and cause in a broader space.” This sentiment is echoed by Ursula, who hopes that “[the program] will become our arena to grow as playwrights and for us to have a harmonious and fruitful experience.”

    Besides sharing the above idealistic expectations with the other fellows, Dumancas and Gelvero are also looking forward to learning more about the technical aspects of playwriting during the upcoming program. “[The program will] hopefully help me create a bigger mindset and imagination on how to create and build a world when it comes to writing pieces,” said Dumancas. 

    Being accepted into the program, Gelvero hopes to “establish in me the core foundations of writing plays, the points to consider, what to do, what to avoid. It will also be a good practice and application.”

    In line with this, the fellows are looking forward to seeing their works performed in a staged reading at the end of the program, on November 18, 5pm, at the Negros Museum in Bacolod. But until then, the four fellows are currently preparing to face new challenges in their careers as aspiring writers.

  • Legendary Jim Henson’s creature shop creates animatronics in “Five Nights at Freddy’s” starring Josh Hutcherson

    From the global box-office hit “Hunger Games,” Josh Hutcherson stars in Five Nights at Freddy’s, a thrilling survival movie as he takes on the role of Mike, an unemployed security guard with a checkered past who has stepped up to become the guardian to his young sister. 

    Foxy Chica Freddy Fazbear and Bonnie in Five Nights at Freddys

    From the horror game, the film now introduces the audience to a seemingly harmless set of animatronic stage performers in an abandoned amusement park that comes to life when darkness strikes.

    With a lot on his plate, Mike accepts an overnight watchman gig at a shuttered Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, where the animatronic stage performers have a strange habit of moving about in the night.  When Mike was 12, his younger brother Garrett (Lucas Grant) was taken by an unknown man from a park while Mike and his parents were only yards away. Mike has been haunted by that event—and searching for his brother and his brother’s kidnapper—ever since. Even in his dreams. “Mike’s a guy with the weight of the world on his shoulders,” Hutcherson says. “He’s acting as this father figure, while at the same time dealing with his own deeply personal trauma.”

    Chika Five Nights at Freddys

    Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the world’s premiere creature effects house, created the animatronic and puppet effects for the film. They are the iconic creators behind such cultural touchstones as Sesame Street, Dark Crystal, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Babe. 

    As for performing with the animatronic creations from the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Hutcherson says the experience was nothing less than jaw-dropping. “Watching them come to life was incredible,” Hutcherson says. “They have this texture and quality that only Henson can do. As an actor you actually get something physical and real to interact with. My character is supposed to be haunted by these things, and now I have a creature in front of me that, in the right light, is terrifying.”

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    Although the film has plenty of fantastical moments, Hutcherson focused on the humanity inside the story. “Because the world of Five Nights is larger-than-life, we wanted to find a way to ground these characters,” Hutcherson says.

    Game creator and film producer Scott Cawthon was wowed. “Josh Hutcherson brought such a grounded realness to his role,” Cawthon says. “When I watch him, I really believe that this is a guy just doing his best to take care of his little sister. He is immediately likeable and relatable, and you want him to be successful in what he is setting out to do.”

    From Universal Pictures (Ph),  Five Nights at Freddy’s opens November 1 in cinemas nationwide.

  • Drama, Comedy, and Adventure on HBO GO, HBO, Warner TV, Cartoon Network, and Cartoonito this November

    This November, embark on a line-up of heart-rending movies and series such as melodrama, Land of Gold, biographical sports drama about basketball legend LeBron James in Shooting Stars, HBO Asia Originals’ Scent of Time, and more onHBO GO. Catch new episodes of The Gilded Age Season 2, along with the premiere of a psychological thriller The Infernal Machine. More drama on Warner TV with a riveting list of shows, including Found, Grudge Match and A Man Apart. Entertain the entire family with a schedule of exciting series available on Cartoon Network and CARTOONITO – from The Powerpuff Girls 25th Anniversary, Teen Titans Go!, to Mini Beat Power Rockers. Expect many more exciting programmes, all happening this November!

    Drama and Crime on HBO GO

    Scent of Time
    Stream now on HBO GO

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    Set in ancient China, Scent of Time follows a shrewd young woman, Hua Qian who is obsessed with the heir to a Chinese incense empire, Zhong Yelan. Hua Qian schemes to steal Zhong Yelan’s heart, but Yelan’s heart belongs to Mu Yao, the daughter of Butler Mu, a rival of the Hua family. Stars Zhou Ye, Wang Xingyue, Peng Chuyue, Zhang Yijie, Zhao Qing and Xu Fan.

    The Nun II
    Stream now on HBO GO

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    The sequel to the worldwide smash hit, The Nun follows Sister Irene as she once again comes face-to-face with Valak, the demon nun in The Nun ll set in 1956, France. Stars Taissa Farmiga, Storm Reid, Jonas Bloquet and more.

    Land of Gold
    Premieres Saturday, November 4 on HBO GO

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    Punjabi truck driver Kiran is about to become a father, but his irresponsibility is alienating everyone close to him. When he hears pounding on a shipping container at work and discovers an undocumented girl named Elena inside, everything changes as he sets out on a cross-country road-trip in search of her family. Over the arduous journey, the pair evade the police while feuding and bonding over music, paint swatches, and what it means to be seen as “other” in white America. Stars Nardeep Khurmi and Caroline Valencia.

    Praise This
    Premieres Saturday, November 18 on HBO GO

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    (from left) Aaron (Druski), KiKi (Jekayln Carr), Jackie (Kiara Iman Heffner), Jess (Anjelika Washington), Jermaine (Ilario Grant) and Sam (Chloe Bailey) in Praise This, directed by Tina Gordon.

    Sam, an aspiring young singer who dreams of breaking into the music industry, is thwarted when her father moves them from Los Angeles to Atlanta to live with Sam’s cousin Jess. Forced to join her cousin’s struggling youth choir praise team in the run-up to a national championship competition, Sam seizes the chance to kickstart her own musical career and soon discovers the true meaning of praise as she begins to find her voice. Stars Chloe Bailey, Crystal Hayslett, Loren Lott and more.

    Shooting Stars
    Premieres Saturday, November 25 on HBO GO

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    SHOOTING STARS — Pictured: Mookie Cook as LeBron James — (Photo by: Oluwaseye Olusa/Universal Pictures)

    Shooting Stars tells the inspirational origin story of global basketball icon LeBron James and reveals how young LeBron and his childhood friends – Lil Dru, Willie McGee and Sian Cotton – teamed up to become the top high school team in America, kickstarting LeBron’s storied career as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Stars Marquis Cook, Caleb McLaughlin, Avery Serell Wills Jr. and Khalil Everage.

    True crime on HBO GO

    True Crime

    Go on a crime-gripping journey through real-life crime stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat with The Ringleader: The Case of the Bling Ring and Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty on Thursday, November 9. Continue diving into the thrilling underbelly of the criminal world with Mind Over Murder and American Pain on Thursday, November 16 before completing this adventure with The Vow Season 2 on Thursday, November 30, only on HBO GO. 

    New Series on HBO GO

    Rap Sh!t Season 2
    Premieres Thursday, November 9 on HBO GO

    Rap Sht S2 1 Credit Erin Simkin and HBO GO

    Rap Sh!t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna and Mia, who reunite to form a rap group. In their rise to fame, Shawna and Mia find themselves at a pivotal moment in their rap career as they are forced to decide if they will stay true to themselves or conform to the demands of the music industry. Stars Aida Osman, KaMillion, Jonica Booth, RJ Cyler and Daniel Augustin.

    Julia Season 2
    Premieres Thursday, November 16 on HBO GO

    Julia S2 2 Credit Sebastein Gonon and HBO GO

    With her trailblazing cooking show up and running on the air, Julia grapples with her rising celebrity and what that means for her, her colleagues and her show. In season two of the Max Original series, Julia and her devoted husband Paul return from Simca’s home in France to find that her success has changed everything. Through her singular joie de vivre, she and her team must navigate WGBH, the White House and a threat from their past, while continuing to spearhead female-driven public television and confront social issues still prevalent today. Returning series regulars include Sarah Lancashire, David Hyde Pierce, Bebe Neuwirth, Brittany Bradford, Fran Kranz, Fiona Glascott, and Robert Joy.

    Series finale and new on HBO GO

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    Catch Season 4 finale of Doom Patrol on Thursday, November 9. Get ready to catch new episodes of the reimagined 1990s sci-fi classic series in Quantum Leap Season 2 every Thursday, the award-winning hit comedy series Rick and Morty Season 7, as well as the new episodes of The Gilded Age Season 2 every Monday in November.

    Be sure not to miss Ready Player One, Miss Congeniality 1 and 2, Argo, Inception and many more on HBO GO. 

    Drama on HBO and HBO GO

    The Infernal Machine
    Premieres Saturday, November 11 at 9pm on HBO and HBO GO

    HBO and HBO GO The Infernal Machine

    Reclusive and controversial author Bruce Cogburn is drawn out of hiding by an obsessive fan, forcing the novelist to confront a past that he thought he could escape and to account for events set in motion by his bestseller decades earlier. Cogburn’s search for who is behind the manipulation and mental torment he encounters leads to an emotional roller-coaster ride full of fear and danger, where things are not always as clear as they seem to be, and where past deeds can have dire consequences. Stars Guy Pearce, Alice Eve and Alex Pettyfer.

    Drama and Comedy on Warner TV

    Movies and Series Premiere on Warner TV
    ●      Shanghai 
    Premieres Sunday, November 5 at 9pm
    ●      Hack My Life Season 1 and Season 2
    Premieres Monday, November 6 at 8.35pm, with new episodes every Monday to Friday
    ●      Tomb Raider
    Premieres Saturday, November 11 at 9pm
    ●      Miracle Workers Season 3
    Premieres Wednesday, November 15 at 9.50pm
    Movember Movies in celebration of International Men’s Day
    ●      Grudge Match
    Premieres Sunday, November 12 at 9pm
    ●      We Are Marshall
    Premieres Sunday, November 19 at 9pm
    ●      A Man Apart
    Premieres Sunday, November 26 at 9pm
    Deepavali 
    Sunday and Monday, November 12 and November 13, from 7pm
    ●      Music & Lyrics
    ●      Grudge Match
    ●      10,000 BC
    ● We’re The Millers

    Cartoon Network and CARTOONITO 

    Builders Weekend
    Weekends, November 4 to November 26, from 8.30am on CARTOONITO

    Bugs Bunny Builders

    Catch brand new episodes of Bugs Bunny Builders – watch as the crew try to redesign the final hole of ACME Acres Mini Golf Course, as well as build a log cabin and a skate park for the kids. 

    Followed by Mecha Builder, Mecha Elmo, Mecha Cookie Monster, and Mecha Abby Cadabby who are here to save the day by using their signature mechanized, robo skills. 

    LEGO Ninjago Dragons Rising Back-To-Back Specials
    Daily, November 6 to November 10, from 1.30pm on Cartoon Network

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    Catch up on all episodes of LEGO Ninjago Dragons Rising as Cartoon Network brings to you back-to-back specials followed by brand new episodes starting from 11 November.

    While the Empress plots her revenge, the Ninjas follow clues to the Temple of Dragon Cores in hopes of ending MergeQuakes for good.

    Mini Beat Power Rockers
    Daily, November 6 onwards, from 8.25am on Weekdays and from 5pm on Weekends on Cartoon Network

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    Mini Beat Power Rockers is a brand-new show that focuses on the musical adventures of four babies, FUZ, WAT, MYO and CARLOS, during the time they are under the care of Dolores, the babysitter in charge of the daycare.

    The Powerpuff Girls 25th Anniversary
    Saturday and Sunday, November 18 and November 19, from 8am on Cartoon Network

    The Powerpuff Girls

    Celebrate 25 years of The Powerpuff Girls with Cartoon Network! Catch Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup fighting the baddies in the Powerpuff Girls movies, the original series from 1998 & the re-created series from 2016. 

    Channel numbers for your reference:

    • HBO – Cignal: Ch. 53 (SD), Ch. 210 (HD), Sky Cable: Ch. 54 (SD) and Ch. 168 (HD) 
    • CARTOONITO – Cignal: Ch. 76, Sky Cable: Ch. 42 
    • Cartoon Network – Cignal: Ch. 74 (SD), Ch. 220 (HD), Sky Cable: Ch. 43 (SD), Ch. 178 (HD) 
    • Warner TV – Cignal Ch. 235 and Sky Cable Ch. 34 (SD) and Ch. 197 (HD)

    Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for only ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality. 

  • 5 iconic Horror Scenes to Scare You Sleepless this Halloween

    Horror stories certainly have a way of impacting people — especially when they’re in a medium as visual as film or television.

    PLDT Home x HBO GO The Nun II banner

    As kids, we avoided them as much as possible. After taking in a horrifying scene or two on screen, no one really wanted to see a ghost or a murderous doll in the dark. The experience may be different for us as adults, who can watch these films for entertainment. But there will always be those traumatizing scenes that we won’t forget that easily.

    After all, it isn’t a good horror movie if there’s no scary scene that lingers with us beyond childhood. Who could forget a classic like the shower murder with the violins screeching in Psycho, or Sadako infamously crawling creepily out of the TV in The Ring? The classics all have a particular sequence we know them by, and every horror film that comes out attempts to bring us viewers a memorable one.

    This Halloween season is the perfect time to binge-watch our favorite horror movies and shows as we relive the terrifying scenes that kept us up at night as children. PLDT Home has all the titles everyone needs for a proper scare-a-thon — there are so many to choose from across HBO GO, Lionsgate Play, and Viu, all of which are accessible at a better deal via a PLDT Home subscription.

    Ready for some major trauma throwback? This long weekend, add these five horrific-turned-iconic moments to your Halloween 2023 watchlist!

    1. That moment when you can’t seem to escape a stare… (The Nun II)

    Set in 1956 France, The Nun 2 follows Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga, American Horror Story, The Bling Ring) as she investigates the mysterious death of a priest and comes face-to-face with the demon nun Valak. It also takes place in a boarding school, where young students also encounter Valak and other horrors.

    PLDT Home x HBO GO The Nun II

    Just like the first movie and other films in the The Conjuring universe, Valak is a terrifying presence that often startles viewers with her dark, ghoulish appearance. One scene in The Nun 2 shows Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey, The Princess) running through the school’s dark corridors, where she witnesses Valak watching her at the end of each hallway. The scene creates a tense atmosphere as viewers watch Sophie try to escape the hallways and Valak’s deathly gaze, making them feel like they’re running away with her.

    2. That moment when your home suddenly feels unsafe… (The Grudge)

    The Grudge centers around an American nurse (Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) living in Tokyo, who becomes the target of an angry spirit terrorizing her home. She later finds out that she’s living at the site of a deadly curse that claims the lives of those that encounter it.

    PLDT Home x HBO GO The Grudge

    The film is mostly remembered for the spine-chilling appearances of ghosts Kayako and Toshio. A scene that’s haunted many viewers to this day is the staircase encounter, where Kayako chases the protagonist while crab-walking down the steps. What truly makes this so terrifying is the croaking noise of the death rattle that comes out of her mouth. It was an unexpected scene that shocked even the most dedicated horror fans.

    3. That moment when gore becomes the name of the game… (Saw)

    For slasher film buffs, Saw is a definite must-watch. The entire franchise is centered around mastermind Jigsaw (Tobin Bell, Malice, The Road to El Dorado), and how he tests humanity’s resolve through deadly “games.” The first Saw movie sets the tone, introducing viewers to the types of “games” victims are forced to participate in. Most of the time, they have to hurt themselves to avoid getting killed.

    PLDT Home x Lionsgate Play Saw

    Saw isn’t for the faint of heart as it shows a lot of gruesome scenes. Probably the most iconic was the film’s final segment, where Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes, The Princess Bride) cuts off his own leg using a saw to get out of his chains. Even with one’s eyes closed, Lawrence’s painful screams are very much heard.

    4. That moment when you realize your misadventure is no fun at all… (The Cabin in the Woods)

    Horror fans love The Cabin in the Woods because of how it satirizes the genre while still maintaining the spooks. It follows a group of teenagers going on a camping trip — and as they spend the night in the namesake cabin, they witness disturbing horrors that are trying to kill them.

    PLDT Home x Lionsgate Play The Cabin in the Woods

    The Cabin in the Woods’ scares are inspired by other iconic horror movies, which can sometimes be comedic. But one of the most haunting moments in the film is when Dana (Kristen Connolly, House of Cards) and Marty (Fran Kranz, Dollhouse) discover a secret lab that houses all the horrors that are meant to torment and murder humans. They are later released in the lab, attacking all the defenseless scientists and workers. The entire scene is bloody and brutal, which has left a lasting impression on many viewers.

    5. That moment when aliens don’t seem as friendly as those seen in cartoons … (Duty After School)

    Korean series Duty After School tells the story of Seongjin High students who are recruited by the government to fight against man-eating alien creatures hailing from the sky. It’s the perfect series to binge-watch for people who love the sci-fi dystopia genre.

    PLDT Home x VIU Strange School Tales

    There are some, err, stressful scenes with the students trying to defend themselves from the creatures – something fans of gore and monsters will enjoy. One gruesome scene shows a group of students running away from an alien attack as the camera pans across a street filled with dismembered bodies. A female student who tries to shoot the alien also gets stabbed in front of her peers. That’s the worst one can ever experience during a deadly invasion, and with wild rumors of aliens swirling about nowadays, it’s something people wouldn’t want to think about if extraterrestrial guests ever come knocking.

    This Halloween weekend, catch these terrifying titles and more on some of the world’s biggest entertainment platforms HBO GO, Lionsgate Play, and Viu – best streamed with PLDT Home. Unlock unli-entertainment and more when you apply for Fiber Unli All Plan 1799 at 200 Mbps! Visit a PLDT Store near you or go to pldthome.com/fiber-unli-all to apply now.

  • Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice” Will Head Back Exclusively to Ayala Malls Cinemas’ “Thrill Fest” for it’s 35th Anniversary

    Celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, the remastered version of Beetlejuice will span an audience who grew up in the 80s and 90s eager to see the film again in theaters, to an all-new moviegoing audience who are about to experience a beloved classic prepped to match today’s visual and sound technology (Dolby) that can be best experienced at Ayala Malls Cinemas.

    Beetlejuice Poster

    The fantasy dark comedy stars Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis as the Maitlands, a young couple who try to haunt the pretentious humans who have moved into their New England farmhouse by eliciting the help of a demonic wraith (Michael Keaton) they cannot control. This comic fantasy, which mixes the quick and the dead with a laugh and a fright, launched the careers of major household names such as Keaton, Baldwin, Davis, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder.

    The special cinematic treat is part of this year’s AMC Thrill Fest, a month-long Halloween special by Ayala Malls Cinemas. Beetlejuice, which grossed nearly $75 million worldwide against a budget of $15 million, was an early success for Burton and the movie’s make-up team (Academy Award) who would go on to work on other beloved films and franchises such as “Batman,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Big Fish,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and many more.

    Michael Keaton in Beetlejuice

    Thirty-five years after the film’s release, Beetlejuice remains popular, with merchandise and decorations in stores every Halloween. There is also a Broadway musical based on the film, and the film’s re-release is ahead of its long-awaited sequel set to open in 2024 starring the original cast, with Tim Burton returning to direct. The sequel also welcomes new additions to the cast such as Jenna Ortega (from Netflix’s “Wednesday”), Willem Dafoe and Monica Belluci.

    With Ayala Malls Cinemas’ exclusive release of Beetlejuice, today’s moviegoers can relive and experience the thrill of watching it inside a cinema, just like when it became a dominant part of pop culture back when it was shown in theaters for the first time.  

    Geena Davis Michael Keaton Alex Baldwin in Beetlejuice

    Besides the remastered Beetlejuice, horror enthusiasts can also watch “The Exorcist: 50th Anniversary Director’s Cut” as part of the Thrill Fest. Every year during the Halloween season, Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusively brings back iconic and classic films that redefined the genre and gave audiences an unforgettable and unique experience in theaters and are guaranteed to continue to thrill moviegoers today. After all, these classics are best seen in theaters with a crowd of fellow horror movie fans.

    This year’s Thrill Fest lineup must-see horror-thrillers also included the successful screen return of “The Exorcist”, followed by “The Exorcist: Believer” and “The Forbidden Play”.  Currently playing as part of the Thrill Fest is the Korean film “Target”, and “Five Nights at Freddy’s” will soon haunt audience on November 1.

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    These remastered films are back in cinemas for a limited time only. Have a frighteningly good time at Ayala Malls Cinemas this Halloween, be quick and book your tickets at www.sureseats.com

    Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to treat its patrons this Halloween season with a free movie ticket for those who have watched five out of the six movies in the Thrill Fest lineup.  You may fill-up your Thrill Fest card until November 7.  So head your way now to the cinemas to get this movie perk.

    Watch all these Halloween thrillers only at Ayala Malls Cinemas. Follow @ayalamallscinemas IG and FB.

  • Hard Rock Café Movie Fright Fest and Spooky Halloween Fun

    Hard Rock Café Manila and Makati are conjuring up a frightful extravaganza for this Halloween season. Prepare to be thrilled by their eerie-sistible gigs, chilling drinks, and a spine-tingling Movie Fright Fest. If you’re ready for a hair-raising Halloween, step right in, but beware; it’s not for the faint-hearted. Your Halloween nights will be spooktacular so come in your scariest costume and win prizes!

    Hard Rock

    The real scream-fest begins with the Movie Fright Fest, a horror movie marathon to haunt your dreams. From October 23 to November 1, Hard Rock Café will showcase a blood-curdling selection of creepy flicks that will have you sleeping with the lights on for days. From classic horror films to contemporary Halloween favorites, it’s a macabre movie buffet that’s bound to leave you screaming for more. Don’t watch alone – bring the rest of your fearless crew for a chilling cinematic adventure.

    And just in case you haven’t heard, Halloween is a spooktacular affair at Hard Rock Café. It’s a time for ghostly gatherings, eerie encounters, and thrilling tunes. As the clock strikes the witching hour, you’ll find yourself amidst an electrifying crowd, sharing spine-tingling stories and dancing to a beat that’s sure to send shivers down your spine.

    Don’t miss out on this Halloween bash like no other. Hard Rock Café Manila and Makati invite you to become part of a spine-tingling Halloween saga that’s bound to keep you up at night. Mark your calendars for the Movie Fright Fest and get those costumes ready. It’s going to be a monster mashup of epic proportions.

    For inquiries and reservations, contact the branches below:

    • Hard Rock Cafe Manila (632) 89909809
    • Hard Rock Cafe Makati (632) 79003353 or (632) 79003310

    To ensure a ghostly good time, there’s a P395 door charge from 7 PM onwards. Your entry fee includes a chillingly delightful beverage. Sip on your choice of poison as you revel in the Halloween spirit.

    Prepare for the scare of a lifetime at Hard Rock Café Manila and Makati this Halloween season. Whether you’re there for the music, the movies, or to showcase your devilish costume, this is the place to be. It’s not just a celebration; it’s a spooktacular journey into the heart of Halloween.

  • Hilton Manila Celebrates Five Years of Exceptional Hospitality

    Hilton Manila, nestled in the heart of the Newport World Resorts’ complex, is marking its fifth anniversary on October 25, 2023. Since its opening, the hotel has consistently delivered outstanding service and memorable dining experiences, earning its reputation as a symbol of elegance and hospitality.

    Guest Room Pool View King 1

    In honor of this significant milestone, Hilton Manila is introducing its new E-Store, accessible through the EatDrinkHilton website. This virtual haven invites guests to explore a world of culinary delights and exclusive vouchers with just a click, enhancing their overall experience.

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    To celebrate this occasion, Hilton Manila is offering special room rate vouchers at PHP 5,555 nett for stays on October 15 and 25, 2023, providing a luxurious staycation opportunity without the hefty price tag. Additionally, guests making a minimum purchase of PHP 2,000 during the E-Store launch will receive a PHP 500 voucher, valid for one year and redeemable on their next EatDrinkHilton E-Store purchase. On October 25th, guests can enjoy a 50% discount on Kusina Sea Kitchens’ Dinner Buffet and Hua Yuan’s
    unlimited authentic Yum Cha at Hilton Manila’s signature Shanghainese restaurant for one day only.

    Huayuan Yumcha 1

    In addition to these offerings, Hilton Manila invites guests to savor a diverse culinary experience throughout October:

     Kusina Sea Kitchens: Indulge in a buffet featuring Filipino, Indian, Western, and global cuisines, showcasing the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings.

     Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise: Enjoy lively Chinese entertainment and Unlimited Yum Cha for Sunday lunch.

    Hilton Manila Anniversary Cake 1

     Madison Lounge and Bar: Delight in an assortment of anniversary cakes, including the exquisite avocado cake, available both at the lounge and the E-Store. Experience High Tea with unlimited prosecco and a variety of sweet and savory treats for PHP 2,500++, offered every Friday and Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00PM.

     Freestyle Pool Bar: Unleash your inner mixologist during the unique cocktail-making experience on Fridays and Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Craft your own signature cocktails for PHP 650++ per drink.

    Hilton Manila Delivery Burger 1

    Reflecting on this milestone, General Manager John Lucas expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are thrilled to celebrate five years of exceptional service and extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed patrons. It has been our privilege to introduce new and captivating experiences for our cherished guests to enjoy.”

    Hilton Manila Delivery 2

    Join Hilton Manila in celebrating five years of exceptional hospitality and embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories through these special anniversary offerings. For inquiries and reservations, please call (63 2) 7239-7788, email MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com, or visit Hilton Manila. Stay updated by following @hiltonmanila on Facebook and Instagram.