Author: Press Release

CCP Bulwagang Roberto Chabet Explores ‘Space/Place’ with PinoyPrintMakers

The CCP Bulwagang Roberto Chabet (CCP TIG Gallery) will officially open to the public on May 16, 6pm, with the exhibition by the Association of Pinoyprintmakers (AP), titled “Space/Place.”

On exhibit until June 18, the exhibit features 37 printmakers who respond to the prompt of space by utilizing a limited printable surface of 20×20 inches with their interpretation of the idea of a place.

The featured artists are: Marz Aglipay, Leonardo Aguinaldo, Psalm Astejada, Jose Santos Ardivilla, Melai Arguzon, Diana Aviado, Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado, Luigi Azura, Mars Bugaoan, Elmer Borlongan, Benjie Torrado Cabrera, Kristen Cain, Jandy Carvajal, Salvador Ching, Joey Cobcobo, Salvador Convocar, Noell El Farol, Jess Flores, Annatha Lilo Gutierrez, Tish Hautea, Eugene Jarque, Villia Jefremovas, Carmel Lim Torres, Little Wing Luna, Angelo Magno, Hershey Malinis, Fara Manuel-Nolasco, Gabi Nazareno, Jamel Obnamia, Samm Occeno, KR Rodgers, Angela Silva, Jone Sibugan, Jun-Jun Sta. Ana, Suchin Teoh, Wesley Valenzuela, and Anton Villaruel.

Space/Place takes inspiration from Michel Foucault’s Heterotopia or his musings on the concept of space and how individuals best understand them. The common understanding of space is often associated with people, things, and environments, while Foucault argues that our understanding of it has changed or rather, is constantly changing.

Construction 1, Artist Proof by Kr Rodgers, Relief, 2023

Fundamentally, the printmakers’ response to working with a predetermined printing surface puts into play the dynamics of working within a collective.

The exhibition hopes to investigate how printmaking can be utilized to represent our personal narratives and each artist’s process in place-making. Technique-wise, the prints are products of a variety of hand-pull printmaking techniques which include, but are not limited to relief, intaglio, serigraphy, and lithography.

Defining Territory, 1_1 by Benjamin Torrado Cabrera, Relief Engraving and Monotype Lithograph, 2023

The exhibition highlights how printmaking can be expanded through the exploration of various creative methods and hopefully encourages discussions on the significance of the medium in contemporary art practice.

Formerly known as the Philippine Association of Printmakers, AP is the CCP’s artist-in-residence group for the visual arts. The group has been founded in 1968 at their first studio-workshop at the Philippine Women’s University, through the initiative of artist Manuel Rodriguez Sr., along with its first board members Ivi Avellana, Mila Enage, Lamberto Hechanova, Imelda Nakpil, and Adiel Arevalo who became its first president.

For Joel, 11_25 by Virgilio Pandy Aviado, Relief, 2004

In 1972, the group moved to Jorge Bocobo St., Ermita after raising funds for the construction of a new studio. Through the years, the printmaker group transferred from studio to studio until they finally found a home at the back of the Tanghalang Francisco Balagtas (Folk Arts Theater) in the CCP Complex in 1997. Through the CCP Resident Companies and Associates Program, the studio continues to be AP’s creative space for members and visiting artists.

Through the years, AP has been on top of promoting the art of printmaking in the Philippines, offering workshops on the different techniques of printmaking not just in their studio, but also in the regions.

Every year, AP holds annual shows at the CCP, as well as exhibitions in different galleries and art spaces here and abroad. The group also organizes “Art by the Bay,” an open house event where visitors can chat with the printmakers, participate in printmaking demos, buy artworks, and join print raffles while enjoying good wine and the excellent view of Manila Bay.

For updates, follow the Association of Pinoyprintmakers on Facebook and Instagram. For other inquiries, call the CCP Box Office: 8832-3704/8832-1125 local 1409. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more information. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.

May 31, 2023
Director and lead stars offer a fresh perspective in “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”

“Steven basically grew up on Michael’s movies, and we’ve never had somebody like that step into the director role before now,” says Mark Vahradian, one of the producers of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, in cinemas June 7. “He had a very different view of the Transformers characters and what was special about them, so to hand this movie over to somebody like him, who’s younger and has a fresh perspective, was a way for us to make sure the film felt different from all the others in the series, particularly in terms of the emotional quality of the story.”

Caple recalls how much he loved the original Beast Wars: Transformers animated series as a child and as a special treat for fellow fans Caple purposefully included several fun Easter eggs and sly visual nods throughout the movie. “I dropped them in specifically for true Beast Wars fans, and I think they’ll be very happy with what we’ve come up with,” he says.

To play Noah, the former Army private struggling to support his mother and his ailing younger brother, the filmmakers knew they needed an actor charismatic enough to stand toe-to-steel-toe with his towering robotic co-stars. After getting an advance look at the award-winning 2021 musical In the Heights, the clear choice, says producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, was Anthony Ramos.

Portraying Noah in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts was the culmination of a boyhood dream for Ramos, who grew up watching the Beast Wars animated TV series in his Brooklyn home.

Describing the film as an ensemble piece about characters from different worlds who learn to rely on each other, Ramos says he believes the movie’s underlying message will resonate strongly with viewers from all walks of life. “The connection Noah develops with these massive robots is what makes this film interesting, and it’s an important message for the whole world. It says, whoever you are, and wherever you’re from, there’s a common ground between everyone, and I think there’s something beautiful in that.”

When casting the role of Elena Wallace, the dedicated museum researcher whose curiosity leads her to discover an alien secret hidden within a winged statuette, the filmmakers set out to find someone who could convincingly portray a young Brooklyn-born anthropologist with a taste for adventure. Their search led them to award-winning actress Dominique Fishback.

Caple says he responded to Fishback’s innate sense of strength, stability and poise in nearly every situation. “Dominique brings a level of groundedness to whatever she does, and when you’re creating a world filled with imaginary robots and aliens, you need somebody to help ground things in reality, and Dominique does that completely.”

One of Fishback’s goals in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts was to show the audience, once and for all, that the series is every bit as much about people as it is about Autobots and Maximals. “Some fans just love the robots and they don’t care about the human characters as much, so I told Steven that I wanted to prove why the humans are important,” she says. “Because the way I see it, this is really a movie about humanity. It’s about heart and feelings.”

About Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Returning to the action and spectacle that have captured moviegoers around the world, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will take audiences on a ’90s globetrotting adventure with the Autobots and introduce a whole new breed of Transformer – the Maximals – to join them as allies in the existing battle for earth. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the film arrives in theaters June 7.

The screenplay is by Joby Harold and Darnell Metayer & Josh Peters and Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber, story by Joby Harold, based on Hasbro’s Transformers™ Action Figures.

Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto & Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, Duncan Henderson.

The film stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Tobe Nwigwe, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Liza Koshy, John DiMaggio, David Sobolov, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, Cristo Fernández.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #Transformers #RiseOfTheBeasts and tag @paramountpicsph

Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”

May 31, 2023
Rediscover the Taste of Comfort with Max’s Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken

Filipinos love to eat with friends and family, and one of the best places to do that is Max’s Restaurant – a Pinoy favorite since 1945. It serves classic Filipino dishes including its famous Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g62sql92w1c

Max’s Fried Chicken is flavorful from the first bite to the last, and that’s where it gets its famous Sarap-to-the-Bones® reputation. It’s the classic, no-frills kind of chicken sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s not just about the gold-popping skin — the meat is flavorful and juicy too. From the initial aroma of the chicken, you start to salivate. Don’t forget to dip it in its trademark accompaniment of banana ketchup, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Before you know it, you’ve devoured the whole thing.

Good service and sumptuous chicken, that has always been what Max’s is about. The story of Max’s Restaurant started right after World War II. A Stanford-educated teacher named Maximo Gimenez opened a restaurant to feed soldiers. His niece, Ruby, came up with a unique recipe for fried chicken. News about it spread and people came. Little by little, Max’s Restaurant grew.

Over the years, Max’s has built an empire around its one-of-a-kind fried chicken made from a 78-year-old recipe. Its distinctive flavor keeps customers coming back for more. Max’s Fried Chicken doesn’t just taste good, it tastes like summer afternoons with family, it tastes like long discussions over drumsticks, and “5 more minutes” with friends.

No wonder Max’s Restaurant has been a Pinoy family favorite for decades and its signature Fried Chicken will surely continue to be loved by many in the years to come. Come visit the store and re-discover the taste of Max’s Fried Chicken. Orders can also be made through delivery.maxchicken.com or (63 2) 888-79000 (Metro Manila).

May 31, 2023
Shangri-La Launches Global “Find Your Shangri-La” Campaign

Shangri-La announces the launch of its new “Find Your Shangri-La” global campaign, created to help guests find their personal moments of joy at the luxury hotel chain renowned for its delivery of Asian hospitality.

The initial part of the campaign is centred around a whimsical brand film that celebrates Shangri-La’s commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences, showcased through unexpected moments of personalised and authentic service. “At Shangri-La, we understand that each guest has a unique version of what it means to “Find Your Shangri-La”, says Shangri-La Chairman Hui Kuok. “We have a rich legacy of more than 50 years in delighting customers and wanted to take this opportunity to highlight something that has always been part of us — bringing joyful moments to the people we host.

“The new brand film captures the unique way in which we delight our guests with special moments and treats through our warm, authentic hospitality. We are excited to debut our campaign with this film, alongside an array of immersive experiences that elevate our brand experience.”

The film was developed in partnership with GRAMMY® award-winning director Dave Meyers. To illustrate how guests can find their own Shangri-La, he brought to life fanciful characters that represent different guest personas and chronicled how they found their happiness in various Shangri-La properties, showcasing the delightful, personalised hospitality experiences offered at each hotel.

“Shangri-La is more than a physical place”, said Meyers. “It is a state of mind – a magical world that you can get lost in. Making this film has been a wonderful and inspiring experience for me to explore what ‘Shangri-La’ means to modern travellers”.

“Find Your Shangri-La” themed experiences at 13 hotels globally

Exclusive at Summer Palace, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong: “The Epicure’s Shangri-La” 6-course tasting menu

For guests with epicurean tastes, Shangri-La has curated exclusive “Find Your Shangri-La” menus, inspired by Chinese and regional Asian cuisines and interpreted through the hotels’ local culinary cultures. While each menu is unique to the hotel, all menus celebrate unexpected flavours and presentations that offer diners the chance to experience a moment of joy. The menus will be available from today until 13 August 2023.

#FindYourShangriLa Cocktails: Daydreamer, Taste of Eden, and the Sky is the Limit (from left to right)

Shangri-La has also created a collection of imaginative cocktails and mocktails inspired by the “Find Your Shangri-La” campaign theme. Available from today through 31 December 2023, the three #FindYourShangriLa cocktails include the Daydreamer, Taste of Eden, and the Sky is the Limit. Guests can enjoy these cocktails while being serenaded by the brand film’s theme song, “Over the Rainbow”. Members of Shangri-La Circle, the brand’s contemporary travel and lifestyle platform, can also enjoy a complimentary #FindYourShangriLa cocktail on Members’ Day, on the sixth of each month.

The “Find your Shangri-La” menus and special drinks are available at selected Shangri-La hotels in the Philippines, Singapore, China, Thailand, France, and the United Kingdom.

In the months ahead, Shangri-La looks forward to offering more memorable experiences and heartfelt hospitality. These are expected to delight leisure, family and business travellers alike. Stay tuned for updates!

May 30, 2023
ASUS Business Raises the Bar: Unveiling the Durable 11-inch Chromebook Series for Education

ASUS Philippines steps up its game in the educational arena with the launch of the new 11.6-inch ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Chromebook Flip CR1 – versatile clamshell and convertible laptops tailored for education.

Designed with a commitment to military-grade reliability, the new ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series promises to outlast the rigors of daily life. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle at home, school, or outdoors, these laptops have been meticulously tested to the highest industry-leading MIL-STD-810H durability standards. They come equipped with clever protective features including an all-round rubber bumper and a spill-resistant keyboard.

Adding to the list of impressive features, the ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 offer an outstanding 12-hour battery life with fast charging support. No more battery woes for full-day learning or even longer! The convertible ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 stands out with its optional garaged stylus and world-facing camera, opening the doors to innovative learning and optimal flexibility.

Educational Reliability: Ruggedized Laptop Design

ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 laptops are built to withstand everyday knocks, bumps, drops and spills without damage. These two Chromebook laptops went through rigorous testing and passed the U.S. military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability standards. From a 120cm Drop Test to a Panel Pressure Test, the ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 guarantees students and educators quality of reliability to keep on going. The display hinge and I/O ports are also exhaustively tested to endure the stresses and strains of everyday use.

ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1’s four exterior edges and corners are also protected by a sturdy rubber bummer, which reduces the impact of all physical shocks, ensuring all critical laptop components are always unharmed. These models also feature a rubber safety grip on the base. This provides sturdy support for the laptop and makes it easier to grip when carrying, reducing the risk of fumbles and slips.

But the protection does not end there. These Chromebook laptops are built-in with a spill-resistant keyboard for any accidental spilling, which can repel 330cc without harm — so minor splashes are easily drained, cleaned, and dried. The keyboard is also designed to resist tampering, with a minimal gap between the edges of the keycaps and the keyboard surround to prevent the keys from being pried out. The laptops even have a tough, micro-dimpled finish that can brush off fingerprints and minor scuffs and scratches.To ensure reliability, ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 also include a 3-year on-site warranty that secures students and teachers from any worry. These two Chromebooks are also covered with ASUS Platinum Protection, which covers accidental damage such as drops, liquid damage, and other acts of nature. This program is designed to offer additional protection beyond the standard warranty.

Essential Learning Features: New Ways to Learn

The possibilities are limitless with ASUS Chromebook CR1 series. The versatile and flippable ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 features a garaged stylus that enables quick, precise movements for creativity and productivity tasks. This ensures students can easily take notes, sketch, or jot ideas down. The stylus also quickly and automatically charges when garaged, keeping it ready for use and providing a safe place to store it.

For further learning experiences, ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 also includes an 8MP world-facing camera positioned just above the keyboard. This empowers students to explore and learn in totally new ways, allowing them to capture photos and videos in tablet mode.

The ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series can also last up to 12 hours of battery lifeon a single charge with its 47Wh battery. ASUS Chromebook CR1 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 are able to last for a full day of classes and more — empowering students to enjoy both uninterrupted learning and entertainment.

Safety first: Antibacterial protection and low blue-light emissions

To secure and protect Educators, ASUS treated these laptops with the ASUS Antibacterial Guard, which is applied to the keyboard area of ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1. This has been scientifically shown to prevent the growth of bacteria by over 99% over a 24-hour period, keeping the laptop surfaces clean and sanitary.

Additional features to promote user well-being include screens certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue-light emissions, potentially helping to protect students’ eyes from damage during prolonged study sessions. For further enhancing eye care, ASUS Chromebook CR1 Series features an anti-glare display that reduces reflections to provide comfortable viewing in any lighting.

Less Downtime, More Learning time: Easier Maintenance

To keep maintenance costs to a minimum for schools, parents, and students, ASUS Chromebook CR1 and ASUS Chromebook Flip CR1 are designed for easy servicing and reduced downtime. Both benefit from a modular construction that allows key components — such as the keyboard, touchpad, and panel — to be replaced in minutes using simple tools.

As a final easy-maintenance touch, the underside is securely attached using captive screws, eliminating worries about losing these little parts during repairs.

The Best of Google for Education

To further empower education, ASUS Chromebook CR1 series laptops unlock the best of Google for Education, including access to Google Play. Chrome OS, paired with the full power of Google Workspace for Education, including productivity apps such as Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar, Meet, and more, allows users to collaborate quickly and seamlessly stay in sync with their favorite apps. This also allows users to easily access school-related files from anywhere with an internet connection. Plus, the Google Admin console allows school IT staff to remotely manage a wide range of policies and settings.

Automatic updates and built-in virus protection seamlessly keep ASUS Chromebook CR1 series laptops safe, secure, and always up to date. The laptops are also built around the rock-solid security of a personal Google account, so all private documents, emails, photos, and confidential data are kept safe at all times.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

The ASUS Chromebook CR1 and Flip CR1 are the perfect tools for Blended Learning. These Chromebooks shine bright for Young Educators. The ruggedized construction endures the stresses and strains of everyday use in the classroom or outdoors. You can Talk to our Experts here to know more about these new ASUS Chromebook series laptops.

Stay tuned for more news on the incredible ASUS for Business products on the ASUS Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/ASUSph/) and the ASUS for Business website (http://asus.com/ph/Business). For inquiries, message us on the ASUS for Business Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/asusforbusinessph/).

May 30, 2023
On World Hunger Day, Globe kicks off its culinary crusade against hunger with Longest Hapag Food Festival Series

This initiative is part of the Globe-led Hapag Movement, which aims to help address the staggering problem of involuntary hunger among 13.5 million Filipinos. The advocacy raises funds and spreads awareness about the problem while empowering communities to create sustainable livelihood.

“Involuntary hunger is one of the critical societal challenges of our time. With the Longest Hapag, we are leveraging strategic partnerships and collective effort to confront the hunger problem that continues to affect our nation,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

The campaign calls on restaurants, food chains, chefs, commercial centers, brands and civic organizations to mount fundraising efforts through their food offerings to support the Hapag Movement. This united front will create a ripple effect of change, reflecting the campaign’s core message: Be part of the Longest Hapag and help make a difference.

The Longest Hapag will also align with local food festivals across the country, ultimately culminating on World Food Day on October 16, 2023.

Chef Jessie Sincioco is the first culinary expert turned advocate who supported the Hapag Movement. She launched a special Hapag menu where half of proceeds go to the implementing partners and their family beneficiaries. The Longest Hapag campaign was inspired by Sincioco’s project Chefs Unite, which seeks to encourage chefs from around the world to support the Hapag Movement. Chefs Sau del Rosario and Kay Carreon have signed up to support the movement.

With successful fundraising activities such as the recent Hapag ni LuzViMinda fund-raising dinner, and Chef Kay’s generous contribution of her book proceeds, Chefs Unite exemplifies the profound impact that the culinary industry can have on the cause.

Despite a slight decrease in food insecurity to 9.8%, hunger remains higher than pre-pandemic levels in the Philippines. It ranks 67th out of 113 countries in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, falling below the global average. As such, Globe’s efforts aim not just to alleviate immediate hunger but also to address these long-term challenges.

“We invite everyone to be a part of the Longest Hapag and make a tangible difference. By working together, we can help families conquer the problem of involuntary hunger and help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Crisanto added.

The Hapag Movement brings life-enabling support through supplemental feeding and livelihood opportunities to hunger-afflicted communities through its mobilization partners Ayala Foundation Inc., Caritas Philippines, Scholar of Sustenance, Tzu Chi Foundation and World Vision.

For more information about the Longest Hapag movement and how to get involved, email us at globeofgood@globe .com.ph or visit the Hapag Movement website. #UniteForHapag.

May 29, 2023
“Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” first reactions hail the squel as an “Awe-inspiring Masterpiece,” even better than the original

Reactions for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse are in and they couldn’t be more positive, with critics raving about the follow-up film, calling it a masterpiece not just because of its animation, but also because of its story.

See what critics are saying here:

“The moment SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE ended, I knew I’d experienced a cinematic moment I’d cherish forever,” says Fox-TV’s Jake Hamilton, who further describes the sequel as an “awe-inspiring masterpiece” and “the best Spider-Man film ever made.”

Drew Taylor of the New York Times says, “#SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse is a stunning achievement. Yes, it’s visually dazzling, with expansive, expressive new realms (Gwen’s world is my favorite). But the movie’s real superpower is its emotional depth and its beautiful, melancholic tone. I love this movie so, so much ”

Tessa Smith, who writes for Rotten Tomatoes, raves that Across the Spider-Verse has achieved the rare feat of a sequel topping its predecessor. “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse raised the bar with its unique animation style & way of storytelling,” she writes. “Minds were blown when it was released & fans thought there was no way it could be topped. Think again. #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse raises its own bar which seemed impossible.”

Steven Weintraub of Collider can’t wait to see the film again. “Absolutely loved #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse. Wanted to push pause about a hundred times to study the incredible artistry on display,” he shares. “Cannot recommend this film enough and already looking forward to seeing it again. Next time in @IMAX!”

Screenrant’s Joseph Deckelmeier can’t contain his excitement as he writes, “The hype is real! Every frame of #SpiderMan #AcrossTheSpiderVerse is gorgeous. I didn’t want to blink because I didn’t want to miss anything. You can watch this film over & over & find something new to enjoy.”

Goggler, a popular website and podcast from Malaysia, shares their enthusiasm as well. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an absolute monument to the power of cinema to affect, and inspire, and to bring joy,” they write. “We didn’t think it was possible but everything about this is better than the first.”

Finally, Erik Davis from Fandango raves about the film, too, describing it as “visually breathtaking” and “unlike anything you will see in a movie theater.”

In Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man reunites with Gwen Stacy and they are catapulted across the Multiverse, where they encounter the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse’s very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most. Anyone can wear the mask – it’s how you wear it that makes you a hero. The next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga opens in Philippine cinemas May 31.

Watch the film’s final trailer:

About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, the screenplay for the film is by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham, based on the MARVEL Comic Books.

Produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Christina Steinberg.

The film’s cast is led by Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham and Oscar Isaac.

Opening in Philippine cinemas May 31, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #SpiderVerse

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

May 29, 2023
Get a chance to see Chris Hemsworth Live in Manila at NETFLIX ‘Extraction 2’ Red Carpet Screening via Smart Postpaid

The word is out: Chris Hemsworth is headed to Manila for the Asia Pacific red carpet screening of Netflix’s “Extraction 2” on June 5, 2023 at the SM Mall of Asia, and Smart Postpaid is giving subscribers the chance to see him live through an exclusive raffle promo.

To join, new and existing Smart Postpaid customers simply have to activate their complimentary Netflix subscription, which comes with their Smart Signature SIM-Only Plans+ 999, 1499, 1999 and 2499 or Smart Signature Plan 599 with Netflix, then sign up for the promo at https://smrt.ph/NetflixExtraction2 until May 31, 2023.

Customers who wish to activate or upgrade their Netflix subscriptions with their Smart Signature SIM-Only Plans+ may do so via https://smrt.ph/activate-Netflix.

Aside from access to the Asia Pacific premiere tickets, the chosen Smart Signature customers may also win Premium items from NETFLIX. All the winners will be notified by an official Smart representative.

High-stakes, action-packed mission

In this much anticipated sequel, highly skilled commando Tyler Rake is back from the brink of death to take on another dangerous mission: saving the imprisoned family of a ruthless gangster.

Smart Signature subscribers have all they need to binge-watch “Extraction 2” and “Extraction,” along with other award-winning shows and series on Netflix, with their Smart Signature Plans+ 999, which comes with Netflix Mobile Subscription on Us, Unlimited 5G for 12 months, Unlimited All-Net Calls (including Landline Calls) and 20 GB Open-Access Data .

Smart Postpaid is powered by the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To get this rare and prestigious citation, Smart won both the Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage awards within the same reporting periods of Ookla in Q1-Q2 2022 and Q3-Q4 2022.

For more information, visit https://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/signature to know more.

May 29, 2023
Korean Vampire Rom-Com Series “HeartBeat” Coming Exclusively to Prime Video

Prime Video today announced that fantasy rom-com series HeartBeat, producedby Korean broadcaster KBS, will be available on Prime Video in the Philippines and more than 240 countries and territories worldwide starting Monday, June 26. New episodes of the 16-episode series will be available weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Starring multitalented actor and artist Ok Taec-yeon, who previously starred in Let’s Fight Ghost, Vincenzo, and Blind, HeartBeat features a thrilling romance between a vampire who desires to experience heart-throbbing love, and a cold-blooded woman who doesn’t have time for romance.

With an unwavering desire to become human and experience love, Seon U-hyeol sleeps in a coffin for 100 years. That goal was painstakingly cut short by only one day, as he was awakened by Joo In-hae, a cold-blooded-yet-mesmerizing woman, played by Won Ji-an. Having to fend for herself at an early age, she developed defense mechanisms, making her become hard and resilient in the process. Her encounter with the mysterious man asleep in the coffin slowly loosens her inhibitions, and an unexpected relationship between Seon U-hyeol and Joo In-hae ensues. Won Ji-an has starred in Hope or Dope, If You Wish Upon Me, and D.P.

“We’re absolutely delighted to be in partnership with one of Korea’s leading national broadcasters,” said David Simonsen, director of Prime Video, Southeast Asia. “The opportunity to work with creators from KBS marks a significant milestone for us, and we’re excited that a title such as HeartBeat, which spans multiple genres, will satisfy our audiences’ thirst for Korean content of the highest caliber. This announcement truly reaffirms our commitment to expanding our ever-growing slate of premium Korean titles on Prime Video.”

“It is with great pleasure to embark on this relationship with Prime Video, with its presence across the globe,” said Lee Hyun-suk, the director of HeartBeat. “HeartBeat explores vampires who are completely drained by humans. What would the lives of Korean vampires be like in the 21st century? This story, born from such an imagination, is expected to garner amusement, laughter, and touch the audience’s hearts. Stay tuned to see how the love between Seon U-hyeol, a vampire yearning to become human, and Joo In-hae, who is cold-blooded like a vampire, unfolds within unexpected plot twists.”

May 29, 2023
High-Octane series “A Shop For Killers” coming 2024 exclusively on Disney+

After her uncle’s unexpected death, college student Jeong Jian finds out about a mysterious online shopping mall and goes on the run from a medley of murderers and assassins in A Shop For Killers – a new Korean Original series coming exclusively to Disney+ in 2024.

Kim Hyejun

Shortly after entering college, Jian receives a call from local police informing her of her uncle’s “suicide”. Her carer since the death of her parents, uncle Jeong Jinman had always been quiet and mysterious but never suicidal. But before Jian has a chance to think, her life is turned upside down by a flurry of gunfire, murder drones and more, as a medley of highly skilled assassins inexplicably turn their focus to killing her. Pinned down in her uncle’s home, Jian will be forced to revisit some of the bizarre training her uncle gave her throughout her formative years if she hopes to survive long enough to discover what is going on.

Starring Lee Dongwook (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Tale of the Nine Tailed) as Jeong Jinman, Jian’s mysterious uncle; and Kim Hyejun (Connect, Kingdom) as Jeong Jian, a college student on the run from some of the planet’s deadliest assassins, A Shop For Killers is based on the popular original novel by Kang Jiyoung, written by Ji Hojin and Lee Kwon, and directed by Lee Kwon (Door Lock, Save Me 2).

Lee Dongwook

A Shop For Killers is the latest Korean Original series to be announced as part of the ever-expanding library of content available on Disney+. Fans of Korean dramas can subscribe today to enjoy access to hit titles including Big Mouth, about a lawyer who is arrested as part of the murder case he is investigating; as well as other global tentpole titles from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, and more!

Stream A Shop For Killers in 2024only on Disney+.

May 29, 2023