Author: Press Release

ASICS AW 2023 Collection: A Fusion of Style, Performance, and Eco-Consciousness in Bangkok Showcase

While globally recognized for their sports shoes, ASICS’ launch at Urban Yard, Bangkok, showcased its grandeur in all its categories – Performance Running, Core Performance Sports, and ASICS SPORTSTYLE and Apparel. The event layout resonated with the brand’s multifaceted image, engaging attendees with four unique thematic spaces.

A Gathering of Icons and Influencers

Southeast Asia’s prominent media figures, brand partners, and celebs graced the launch. Philippines’ pride, Miss Universe Philippine 2019, Gazini Ganados, influencers Bea Benedicto, Marline Capones, and actor Gab Lagman were among the illustrious attendees. Global icons, from Tay Tawan, Pon Nawasch, Toey Pongsakorn, and Neng Sarun to marathon sensation Natalie Dau, underscored the collection’s global appeal.

“ASICS is firmly rooted in the founding philosophy of “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body” in a bid to improve both the body and mind through movement in sports and exercises. The new Autumn Winter 2023 collection aims to inspire all within the community to move their bodies to positively impact their mental and physical health.” – Yogesh Gandhi, Managing Director of ASICS Southeast Asia.

Embracing Sustainability with Art

The event emphasized sustainability, with ASICS joining hands with Thai artist WISHULADA. Their collaboration birthed art installations crafted from repurposed ASICS products, symbolized aptly by the upcycled ASICS logo. This sustainable theme highlighted their eco-conscious ASICS GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 shoe.

Performance Running: A Legacy Continues

Guests explored ASICS’ groundbreaking running innovations, from the GEL-CUMULUS 25 to the 30th-anniversary special, GEL-KAYANO™ 30. An interactive GEL-KAYANO™ 30 Running Clinic offered a tactile experience, spotlighting the shoe’s three-decade-long evolution. Most notably, guests were introduced to the latest 30^th anniversary iteration of the ASICS GEL-KAYANO™ series – the GEL-KAYANO™ 30 – that is designed for a more comfortable and stable ride with the 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™. To put the shoe to the test, regional guests had the first-hand opportunity to participate in the GEL-KAYANO™ 30 Running Clinic held earlier in the day, that has been designed with stability-centric workouts while having the opportunity to learn about the shoe’s illustrious 30-year legacy.

Fashion Meets Function: Core Performance Sports

Guests got a glimpse of the GEL-RESOLUTION 9 Tennis Shoe, a majestic collaboration with fashion giant BOSS. ASICS’ ACTIBREEZE AW23 and NAGINO Collection emphasized comfort and body confidence. Complementing the launch, ASICS initiated the ‘Move Every Mind‘ study, highlighting movement’s mental health benefits.

ASICS SPORTSTYLE Café: Where Fashion Meets Comfort

The SPORTSTYLE Café showcased trendsetting designs from the AW23 Collection. Trailblazing in the SPORTSTYLE category, the ASICS AW23 Collection combines form, function and fashion to put forth reimagined models of the GT-2160, JAPAN S ST and EX89. Through the eyes of fashion house Cecile Bahnsen, the ASICS GT-2160 harmonises everyday couture intricacies of hyper feminine form and embellishments fused with ASICS’ technical expertise. The JAPAN S ST model amps the iconic basketball silhouette with improved cushioning and modern properties, while the latest iteration of the EX89 flashes new colourways on top of the inaugural introduction last year.

Embrace the Autumn Winter 2023 ASICS collection available at key ASICS outlets, premium department stores, and online at ASICS.COM.

For the latest on ASICS, connect online:

Website: ASICS.COM
Facebook: ASICSPhilippines / ASICS Sporstyle PH
Instagram: ASICS Philippines / ASICS Sportstyle Philippines

August 17, 2023
Shangri-La Plaza sends K-fans over the moon with HallyUniverse Fair

Shangri-La Plaza dives into the dynamic world of K-culture with HallyUniverse KFair on August 19-21 at the Red Carpet Cinema.

The free fair blasts off with Hello Future: Hallyu Fest Opening on August 19, 11am at the Red Carpet Cinema Lobby.

It’s followed by back-to-back afternoon sessions on academic opportunities in South Korea starting 1PMat the Red Carpet Cinema Premier. Check out Go na sa Korea to Study (GKS): A Brief Talk on Academic Opportunities organized by Global Korea Scholarship Philippines Alumni Association, Following the K-Dream: Fan’s Journey for Academic Pursuit by UP Korea Research Center and UP Department of Linguistics.

Get the fun started with Zimzalabim: Fanzone and Games by 3PM at the Red Carpet Cinema Lobby! Hosted by singer and YouTuber Jinho Bae, Zimzalabim is where fans can join entertaining games and karaoke sessions, and win exciting prizes from Max’s, Puma, Globe Kmmunity PH and Viu Philippines. They can even shop for their merch must-haves at the booths run by trusted merchants like Shopparkjimin, Catherine Ong, KAJ Designs, Coolbreeze Charlie and Hangang Friends. Local fanbases such as BTS PH, ONCE HQ, Carat Land Philippines, Cha Eun Woo PH, NewJeans Philippines, Korean Drama Society PH, Red Velvet Philippines, ONE DREAM TXT Philippines, Enhypen Philippines, and ZB1 Philippines are also organizing booths and activities for Filipino fans at Hallyuniverse.

Brands like Dunkin Donuts that’s already brought Korean stars Cha Eunwoo and Kim Soohyun to the Philippines are also putting up booths to delight more fans. Others joining in are Korean grocery store No Brand, BT21 goodies seller Kosneyland, and online video streaming service provider Viu Philippines that’s loved for its diverse catalog of K-drama and K-films.

Explore more K-fun as the fanzone also features, mouth-wateringly delicious K-street food, and a spot to try on and take photos with the traditional hanbok. Keep the energy up at Polaroid Love: Meet Me Korean Photobooth and Blue Hour: K-booths and Fanclubs throughout the fair.

Dance The Night Away: A K-POP Random Play Dance led by Big Crown Productions completes the first day of HallyUniverse with energetic K-pop fans dancing to contagious K-pop earworms by 4PM at the Red Carpet Cinema Lobby.

On August 20 and 21, fanbase DOrKyungsoo Philippines is indulging EXO-Ls, Dandanies, and K-cinephiles with multiple screenings of the space survival drama The Moon starring the main vocalist of legendary K-pop group EXO and actor Doh Kyungsoo. Also featuring respected Korean actors Sol Kyung-gu known for acclaimed films like Peppermint Candy and The Merciless and Kim Hee-ae from the popular The World of the Married series, the highly anticipated Korean film by Along With the Gods film series director Kim Yonghwa is a riveting tale on what it takes for one man to survive in the cold depths of space.

Time to go over the moon with your ults and biases and have a jolly good Hallyu-filled time at Shangri-La Plaza!

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

August 17, 2023
Davao Aurora Music Festival 2023: A Spectacular Fusion of Finest OPM Acts and Hot Air Balloon Extravaganza

Brace yourselves for an unprecedented extravaganza that is set to make history as the first-ever Davao Aurora Music Festival and Hot Air Balloon Display takes flight this coming October 28, 2023.

This groundbreaking event promises to captivate audiences of all ages with a mesmerizing fusion of live music from the country’s top acts, artistry, and a stunning hot air balloon display that will leave you in awe.

Dubbed as a monumental celebration of music, culture, and artistic expression, the Davao Aurora Music Festival will bring all the fun while highlighting Davao City’s vibrant cultural landscape. Organized by EPIC EVENTS in collaboration with Eggstop and Mr. Machiatto, this festival is the culmination of a vision to create an experience like no other, embracing the finest local talents of today.

Prepare for electrifying performances from some of the Philippines’ most beloved musical acts as the Davao Aurora Music Festival brings together an enchanting lineup headlined by none other than Ben&Ben, Zack Tabudlo, and Adie. Music aficionados of all ages will groove to the heartwarming melodies and soulful tunes that have captivated the nation.

Furthermore, The Davao Aurora Music Festival is a family-friendly affair, open to music enthusiasts of all ages, with the condition that children under 3 years old are accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio. This ensures that everyone can revel in the joy of music and creativity, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and togetherness.

That’s not all. The festival will proudly bring amazing hot air balloon displays for everyone! The festival is expected to transcend the auditory senses, extending to the visual realm with a breathtaking hot air balloon display.

Embark on an adventure in the sky as majestic balloons adorned with special characters for AURORA Mode transform the atmosphere into a magical wonderland, making this event truly unforgettable.

Mark your calendars for October 28, 2023 at Crocodile Park Concert Grounds Davao Riverfront which will provide the perfect backdrop for a day of musical euphoria and awe-inspiring visuals.

Festival ticket prices are P1,000 for Gold & P3,000 for SVIP.

Tickets are expected to sell out fast! First come, first serve basis!

Tickets go on sale starting August 16, 2023.

Visit our website for tickets https://ticket.epiceventsph.com/ and www.smtickets.com

August 17, 2023
Binge-Watch This Thrilling Drama Now: ‘Manhattan’ Is a Must-Watch After Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’

Still can’t get over Oppenheimer? Christopher Nolan’s newest masterpiece hasn’t just captivated audiences around the globe, but has also sparked renewed interest in the historical events surrounding the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. If you want to delve even deeper into the subject, you’re in luck — the critically-acclaimed period drama Manhattan Season 1 and 2 is now streaming exclusively on Lionsgate Play.

A fictionalized retelling of the events surrounding the Manhattan Project, Manhattan is a gripping drama set in Los Alamos, New Mexico during the height of World War II. The series follows the brilliant yet flawed scientists and their families in Los Alamos as they navigate a world saturated with intrigue and tension. Though the series isn’t intended to be historically accurate, history buffs will enjoy the attention to detail and comparing the fiction against the facts. For instance, J. Robert Oppenheimer (Daniel London) makes recurring appearances.

With a stellar cast that includes John Benjamin Hickey, Olivia Williams, Rachel Brosnahan, Ashley Zukerman, and David Harbour, Manhattan was met with positive reviews when it first aired in 2014. Its first season got a 90% “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and its second had an even higher score of 92%. Manhattan also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards and Excellence in Title Design at the 2015 SXSW Festival.

Creator and Executive Producer Sam Shaw, on how at the heart of it, the show is about secrets and their impact on relationships and society: “At a fundamental level, this is a show about secrets. As a person and as a writer, I’m really interested in the things we choose not to tell each other. I think a lot of the time, the things we conceal are more revealing than the things we choose to share with the people we love, with our friends, with strangers… So fundamentally, that’s what the show is about, it’s a show about secrecy and secrets, what secrets do to a marriage, what they do to families, to friendships, what they do to a community, what they do to a country. Part of it, for me, I think we’re living in a moment where we as a country are grappling with the question of how many secrets we keep, how we keep them, what level of secrecy is acceptable in a democracy. Really, I think this story is a story of the beginning of that conversation. It’s the moment when as a country, we began to keep the biggest secret of all, which is that we had this weapon with the capability of wiping all human life off the face of the planet.”

You can now watch all episodes of Manhattan on Lionsgate Play.

August 17, 2023
Lifelong “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” fans Seth Rogen and director Jeff Rowe talk about their vision for “Mutant Mayhem”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made a big impression on Seth Rogen at a very early age. “The animated series came out in 1987, when I was five. The first movie came out in 1990, when I was eight,” he says. “It was perfectly geared toward someone my age and I loved it. They were funny. They were referential. I started taking karate probably because of the Turtles. I was just kind of obsessed.”

So when Brian Robbins, President and CEO of Paramount and Nickelodeon, called Rogen to ask him if he’d like to discuss making a new Turtles movie, Rogen already knew exactly what he wanted to do.

“It’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Rogen says. “Of all those words, the teenage part was the most under-explored, and the most interesting to me.” And that is how Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem began. Rogen saw in it a Turtles movie made with a genuine teen spirit – breaking all the rules, ripping up the playbook and doing everything on its own terms.

To help shape a Turtles movie with the wit and verve they wanted, Rogen, his producing partner Evan Goldberg, and Mutant Mayhem producer James Weaver needed a director who could tell a story full of heart and humor, but who was also not afraid to break the rules. They were pointed in the direction – by Phil Lord and Chris Miller no less – of one man: Jeff Rowe, co-writer and co-director of The Mitchells Vs. The Machines.

Rowe admits that he didn’t need all that much in the way of persuading. As a professed lifelong Turtles fan, when he heard there was a search on for a director for a new version of them, his head started spinning. “I thought, ‘That sounds like a dream project. I would kill to do that,’” Rowe says.

Rowe and his producers all agreed on the direction for the story, which would consider the siblings teenagers first, turtles second. But then Rowe wanted to push the concept even further. What if the movie about teenagers looked like it was made by teenagers? “When he first pitched it,” laughs Goldberg, “we said, ‘Maybe… I don’t know, man. It sounds a little crazy.’”

It probably was a little crazy, at least at first. Rowe’s idea was that he wanted to make a movie that looked not slick and polished – like most CG movies – but as messy, fun and unpredictable as the story’s heroes. “We just wanted it to look like teenage drawings,” says Rowe. “You know, the kind of drawings you did when you were in high school that have weird shapes and bad perspective but are lovingly rendered in places. And were always sincere.”

As the Turtles co-creator and a man who has seen them transform so many times over the years, Kevin Eastman couldn’t be more happy with what everyone has achieved with Mutant Mayhem. “It’s big and loud and proud,” he says. “These guys nailed it.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem opens in Philippine cinemas August 23. Cowabunga!

**The interviews with Rogen and Rowe were done before the writers’ and actors’ strikes.**

About Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

In Philippine cinemas starting August 23, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #MutantMayhem #TMNTMovie and tag paramountpicsph

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”}

August 16, 2023
ARTablado Presents Dream Line by Arturo Arsega, Jr.

The line drawings of artist Arturo Arsega, Jr. call to mind art class projects where one had to draw faces and figures without lifting the pen or brush from the paper. The end result may look deceptively simple but getting there takes practice and a lot of trial and error.

Arsega makes it look easy even if the journey he took to get to where he is now was not exactly a walk in the park. By his own admission, he wandered into the art scene just three years ago after working for close to a decade in the Middle East.

“I worked as a sales representative in Saudi Arabia until our company closed down. I returned to the Philippines where I got sick and had to be hospitalized and operated on. Sobrang down ako,” Arsega narrated.

Few people know about this chapter in his life. It was during this low point that he turned his attention to the arts. “My only concession to my health predicament then was the time I spent drawing on my own.”

Arsega had long been interested in drawing. As a child of seven, he would draw on whatever he could get his hands on including cartons and paper packaging. Drawing comics was his way of expressing his creativity and letting his imagination run free. The images he would draw often consisted of human faces showing a range of emotions—ecstatic, despondent, frightened, and expectant.

He would return and focus on this decades later after experimenting with landscapes and abstract art. Arsega counts Vincent Van Gogh as a major inspiration not just because of the works of art he would go on to create and belatedly earn recognition for, but also because of his troubled journey as an artist.

His favorite artwork? Spoliarium by Juan Luna.

Arsega’s line drawings may not be as detailed or belabored like Van Gogh’s and Luna’s but he has made them his own. With the addition of a few strokes of paint or a background in a watercolor-like wash, he has come up with his own distinct style.

“My style is a combination of continuous line art emotions and abstract art. I find that I’m able to connect with viewers with this type of artwork,” he said.

Despite no formal training whatsoever, Arsega was able to find his style that resonates with viewers. He said he researched on how best to showcase his talent. In 2020, with the help of an online gallery, he was able to sell his first artwork. It signaled his entry into the art scene.

Since then, Arsega has gone on to hold a solo exhibit with his second solo show opening at ARTablado, Robinsons Galleria this August 16 – 31. He chose to title it “Dream Line” because this has been his dream since he was a kid. “All the lines I drew as a child have led me to this moment, a moment I only used to dream about.”

Visitors will get to see Arsega’s line drawings as well as some of the new artistic styles he has been experimenting on.

“I’m very thankful for being given the chance to exhibit my work at ARTablado, and become a part of their family especially since I’m a fairly new artist,” he said.

Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 300 artists.

August 16, 2023
DF Art Agency at Art Moments Jakarta 2023

DF Art Agency is proud to announce its participation as the sole exhibitor from the Philippines in this year’s Art Moments Jakarta, one of the most important art events in Southeast Asia. The event will be held from August 18 to 20 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Demi Padua_Jestress_48 x 36 inches_2023

The annual international art fair is set to feature 25 galleries from 8 countries for this year’s edition. DF Art Agency’s inclusion in this prestigious event underscores its commitment to promoting and celebrating the unique artistic vision of the Philippines on a global stage.

DF Art Agency is thrilled to showcase a collection of works by Filipino contemporary visual artists including Anna Bautista, Cedrick Dela Paz, Demi Padua, Ian Anderson, Liliana Manahan, Marrie Saplad, Pongbayog, Sean Go, Yanna Guillermo and Taichi Kondo. Each artist brings their distinctive voice and perspective to the forefront, contributing to the rich cultural mosaic of Philippine contemporary art.

Sean Go_Disco Bolt Dragon_24 x 24 inches_acrylic, leather, spray paing and grease pencil on canvas_2023

“I’m excited to be a part of Art Moments Jakarta,” says Filipino pop artist Sean Go. “By participating in global platforms, we are able to foster cross-cultural exchange and enhance the appreciation of Philippine creativity.”

Sean Go is known for his cheeky pop art style that takes inspiration from childhood icons and playfully infuses them with modern pop culture.

Anna Bautista_Of One’s Fruits and their Labor_2023_36 x 48 inches_ acrylic on canvas

“Visitors to Art Moments Jakarta are invited to explore DF Art Agency’s booth to experience firsthand the captivating works that reflect the agency’s commitment to artistic excellence,” says Derek Flores, founder of DF Art Agency. “Our exhibit serves as a testament to the burgeoning creativity within the Philippines and the dynamic role that DF Art Agency plays in nurturing and showcasing these talents.”

For more information about DF Art Agency and its participation in Art Moments Jakarta, please visit https://www.df-artagency.com/ or contact [contact information].

August 16, 2023
New Dishes Alert! Introducing Olive Garden’s Latest Classic Entrees (Never-Ending Soup, Salad and Breadsticks)

Get your palates ready when you visit Olive Garden. There are newly-launched classic entrees to amplify its mouth-watering menu.

Introducing three chicken dishes served with a choice of mashed potato or steamed rice. These are hearty, flavorful and filling on their own and more so, since an order comes with the signature Never-Ending Soup, Salad and Breadsticks!

First up is the MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN. The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon and the savory taste of capers and peppers are infused into the chicken as an ode to the rich, vibrant food and culture of the Mediterranean.

Another new dish was inspired by the Tuscan region, CHICKEN TUSCANY. Golden fried boneless leg quarter chicken is complemented by a mix of sundried tomatoes, creamy mushroom spinach sauce, and parmesan cheese.

Then there’s the perfectly herby ROASTED HERB CHICKEN. Half-a-chicken is roasted with a mixture of various herbs and spices and served with , marbled potatoes, carrots and a mushroom gravy.

For those who fancy beef, try the ITALIAN BRAISED SHORT RIBS (fork-tender braised short beef, Italian herbs and carrots)

ITALIAN-AMERICAN FEAST
If you must, browse the menu and you’ll see Olive Garden’s topselling Italian-American dishes which are strongly recommended. The restaurant is popular worldwide for its generosity and hospitality, from the food to the ambiance and Bistro’s trademark service. Specifically, it’s known for its never-ending servings of freshly-baked garlic breadsticks, garden-fresh salads and homemade soups. Signature items include “Tour of Italy”, a platter made up of three classics -Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and Fettuccine Alfredo. There are other delicious dishes, so be sure that you personally peruse the menu to know more about them.

Olive Garden has branches at the Mall of Asia and Glorietta 3. It will open a 3rd store this September at The Verve, BGC.

Follow @olivegardenphilippines.

August 16, 2023
LORE by Chef Tatung presents new heirloom dishes.

Balbacua de Davao, Pork Kinamatisan, My Lola’s Adobo, Bicol’s Pininyahang Gising-Gising, Pritong Itik, these are just some of the new heirloom dishes that are being offered at LORE by Chef Tatung Sarthou. They are traditional dishes, cooked with much respect to the ones cooked by the nanays (mothers) and olas (grandmothers) in their respective provinces, but presented in a fresh, contemporary manner. In a way, LORE spotlights customary regional dishes, making one feel like dining back at their hometown; it’s like exploring new flavors from another province or discovering the different ways a certain dish is cooked in different places in the country.

Chef Tatung says “In the Visayan region, their Pork Kinamatisan is the same as the Pork Binagoongan in the Luzon provinces. Wala naman bagoong noon. This version is more tomato forward but cooked almost in the same manner.” Chef Tatung, who has strong familial ties to the Bicol region, also presents the Bicol version of Gising-Gising (creamy string beans, finger chilies and chicken chunks in coconut sauce) which has pineapple chunks on it. The pineapple cuts the creaminess of the coconut thus deepening the flavors and giving it a sweet surprise.

Lore’s Balbacua de Davao, tender and collagen-rich ox tail, trotter, and tendon, slow-cooked, is slightly different from the Balbacua served in Cebu. Pritong Itik is twice-cooked Peking duck and prepared Pateros-style. Pateros braises the duck in a bath of aromatic Asian spices until it is tender and then deep-fried until crispy. It comes with spicy vinegar sauce and a playful “Haw-flakes” dipping sauce.

After almost a year in operation, LORE also transitioned their menu offering from degustacion to family-style and ala carte. Chef Tatung’s Fried Rice, for example, loaded with shrimp, vegetables, peanuts, eggs and spring onion, is good for 2-3 persons.

With 7,641 islands and close to 195 languages spoken in the country, the diversity of our dishes is a culinary enthusiasts dream. LORE by Chef Tatung hopes to honor this diversity and culinary-rich heritage by presenting hometown favorite dishes to their diners and customers.

LORE is located at the 3rd floor of One Bonifacio Hight Street Mall, 3rd Ave., Taguig, MM For reservations, call (63 977) 804-9888 / www.loremanila.com Follow: https://www.instagram.com/lore.manila/

August 16, 2023
“Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story” to hold sneak previews August 21 & 22

An underdog sports story based on the life of a real gamer-turned-racecar driver, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story will have sneak preview screenings at regular run admission prices in cinemas nationwide on Monday August 21, and Tuesday August 22. Be among the first to catch the film – watch it a week before it begins its regular run on August 30.

Orlando Bloom and David Harbour

The film, which tells the story of Jann Mardenborough, a Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver, stars David Harbour, Orlando Bloom and Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough.

Early fan screenings in the U.S. have led to tremendously positive responses from moviegoers, with many saying how surprised they were to love the film so much (even those who are not into the games or racing), and with many applauding the high-octane theatrical experience, imploring friends to see the movie on the big screen in a packed theater.

“#GranTurismoMovie was absolutely fantastic! The whole theater screamed and cheered the whole film,” raved fan Darrell Fair on Twitter/X.

Posted Cristy Velasquez, “#GranTurismoMovie just finished watching gran turismo and OMG it was AMAZING!! I was at the edge of my seat. I will definitely be watching this again.”

Director Neill Blomkamp (center) directing the racers, including the real Jann Mardenborough (foreground, right)

Grant Skoog lauded almost every aspect of the film in his post: “Blomkamp’s #GranTurismo is inspirational, emotional, thrilling, & riveting. Incredible Action! Phenomenal Acting, The moving Score, fast paced Editing, & gorgeous Cinematography, made this one of the best theater experiences. I was on the edge of my seat. 9/10 #GranTurismoMovie”

Some critics were also impressed with the film. Said Variety, “‘Gran Turismo,’ Blomkamp’s first major feature in eight years, is easily his best. It’s made with a spontaneous humanistic grace, and the racing sequences, which dominate the movie because they’re truly the story it’s telling, are dazzlingly directed and edited.”

Indiewire raves that Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story “is a thrilling retelling of one of the craziest stories in recent sports history, shot with the level of skillful spectacle that the source material demands. Blomkamp might have directed the best 90-minute sports movie of the decade.”

ComingSoon.net is all praises as well, describing the film as “the heart-pounding crowd-pleaser of the year with [a] classic underdog story that knocks it out of the park.”

Archie Madekwe (in car) and the real Jann Mardenborough

About Gran Turismo

Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver.

Directed by Neill Blomkamp, screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, based on the PLAYSTATION STUDIOS video game.

Produced by Doug Belgrad, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Dana Brunetti. The executive producers are Kazunori Yamauchi, Herman Hulst, Jason Hall, Matthew Hirsch.

The cast is led by David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner and Djimon Hounsou.

In Philippine cinemas August 30, Gran Turismo is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #GranTurismoMovie

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

August 15, 2023