“This felt like a fantastic opportunity to tell a classic, romantic story that was hugely relevant,” says “Love Again” producer Erica Lee. “I loved the idea that for these characters, these text messages sent into the ether become the magical thing that brings them together.”
In Love Again, Mira Ray (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), a talented children’s book author and illustrator, deals with the loss of her fiancé by sending a series of romantic texts to his old cell phone number. What Mira doesn’t know is that those texts are being received by Rob Burns (played by Sam Heughan), whose new work phone has inherited that old number. Rob, a music journalist, is skeptical about love – it comes with the territory when you are left at the altar. He is struck by the emotional honesty of the texts, which begin just as he is trying to wrap his cynical mind around the heartfelt, emotional music of Celine Dion for a profile he’s been assigned. He finds that the legendary singer just might hold the key to all the answers he’s been looking for.
The filmmakers built the film around the pairing of Chopra Jonas, an international superstar who has commanded screens around the world, as Mira, and Sam Heughan, whose performance on Outlander has inspired a generation of fans, as Rob.
But perhaps the biggest casting coup for the filmmakers was in landing Celine Dion to play the role of Celine Dion in the songstress’s first big-screen acting role.
“I wanted to find a real artist to embody the character,” says Strouse. “When I thought about Celine’s songs – the content of them and then Celine the person – it was so perfect, because this is a film about overcoming loss and the power of love. She was the first and only choice.”
Dion’s involvement in the movie brought an infectious joy to the entire cast and crew. “It was so much fun,” says producer Esther Hornstein. “We’d play a little bit of one of her songs for a scene, and then all day, we’d all be sitting at the monitors singing Celine. For one scene, Rob is in the shower, so excited about life that he’s singing ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’ – and when Sam would come off the set, he’d still be singing – a sing-along party all day long.”
Love Again is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #LoveAgainMovie
“Fast X”, the tenth film in the Fast & Furious Saga’s two-part conclusion, launches the final chapters of one of cinema’s most storied and popular global franchises, now in its third decade and still going strong with the same core cast and characters as when it began.
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.
In 2011’s Fast Five, Dom and his crew took out nefarious Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes and decimated his empire on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro. What they didn’t know was that Reyes’ son, Dante (Aquaman’s Jason Momoa), witnessed it all and has spent the last 12 years masterminding a plan to make Dom pay the ultimate price.
Dante’s plot will scatter Dom’s family from Los Angeles to the catacombs of Rome, from Brazil to London and from Portugal to Antarctica. New allies will be forged and old enemies will resurface. But everything changes when Dom discovers that his own 8-year-old son (Leo Abelo Perry, Black-ish) is the ultimate target of Dante’s vengeance.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (Clash of the Titans, The Incredible Hulk), Fast X stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena and Scott Eastwood, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron.
The film also features an extraordinary new cast including Oscar® winner Brie Larson (Captain Marvel, Room) as Tess, a rogue representative from the Agency; Alan Richston (Reacher, Titans) as Aimes, the new head of the Agency who doesn’t hold the same fondness for Dom’s crew as his predecessor, Mr. Nobody; Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) as Isabel, a Brazilian street racer with a powerful tie to Dom’s past; and legendary Oscar® winner Rita Moreno as Dom and Mia’s Abuelita Toretto.
Fast X is produced by Neal H. Moritz p.g.a., Vin Diesel p.g.a., Jeff Kirschenbaum p.g.a., Samantha Vincent p.g.a. and Justin Lin and is based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson. The film is written by Lin & Dan Mazeau.
RE-introducing Bayang Barrios, the Katutubong D.I.V.A. — Driven, Inspired, Victorious, and Authentic — through her first solo concert at the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (Black Box Theater) on May 6, 2023 at 7:30pm.
Joining Bayang on stage will be legends Joey Ayala, Gary Granada, Lolita Carbon, Cooky Chua and Poppert Bernadas, friends and collaborators over three decades in show business. The anniversary concert, BAYANG BARRIOS Katutubong DIVA, will be directed by Floy Quintos.
Bayang Barrios is the exquisite voice on the songs “Malayo Man, Malapit din,” “Bagong Umaga,” “Pag Nanalo ang Ginebra,” and Encantadia’s theme song. Bayang is a multi-awarded singer and songwriter who’s been in the industry for 35 years. She’s also a teacher, mother, theater artist, designer, and peace advocate. She has a band named Naliyagan, and is married to another award-winning musician-producer, Mike Villegas.
She is a proud Manobo from Agusan del Sur, but she once downplayed her ethnic origins.
She had in fact turned her back on her indigenous roots after the trauma of discrimination in childhood. She studied hard, became a teacher, and rarely mentioned her native background.
Then in Davao, she met a songwriter and performer who celebrated native cultures in his music – Joey Ayala.
She joined Ayala’s iconic band Ang Bagong Lumad, which pioneered in giving native themes and music a contemporary beat and vibe. For nearly 20 years, they traveled the country and the world introducing indigenous music, instruments, and dance to mainstream audiences, especially youths hungry for a deeper connection to their Filipino identity.
When Bayang went solo, she continued her journey of celebrating her native origins, and began a chapter in her life of standing up for indigenous rights and other causes close to her heart.
Looking back on a storied career, she says her proudest moments were winning the Metropop Music Festival in 2003 for her song “Malayo Man, Malapit Din” and receiving the Lorenzo Ruiz Award for Music by the Catholic Mass Media Awards in 1997, where she was personally awarded by the late Cardinal Jaime Sin for her song “Bayang Makulay.”
The widespread awareness and acceptance today of indigenous cultures can be credited partly to the courageous efforts of artists like Bayang, who have sought to make native roots a badge of honor.
Her upcoming concert Katutubong DIVA is her first as a solo artist, but only the latest version of Bayang Barrios as an influencer of pop culture and avatar of native pride.
Produced by Manila Media Inc, Bayang Barrios: Katutubong DIVA will be held at the CCP Black Box Theater on May 6.
Tickets are available at TicketWorld. For other inquiries, please contact Manila Media Inc at +632-83511483 or +63977-1154586.
Prepare for a trip down memory lane as the original Tagalog-dubbed Marimar, the Mexican telenovela that launched Thalia into Filipino hearts and ignited the ’90s telenovela craze, returns to streaming. Jungo Pinoy, a Los Angeles-based media company’s entertainment app specifically designed and curated for Filipinos, proudly presents Marimar, unseen in the country for over two decades!
Long before the Korean wave swept the Philippine shores, telenovelas like Marimar were all the rage. Fans tuned in religiously to witness Marimar’s rise from her humble beginnings to her triumphant vengeance (take that, Angelica!), with the help of her adorable talking dog sidekick, Fulgoso. Marimar also paved the way for a slew of Mexican soaps starring Thalia and other celebrities, capturing the hearts of Filipino audiences.
For the first time ever, the original Tagalog-dubbed version of Marimar will be available on-demand on a streaming platform, thanks to Jungo Pinoy. This app boasts the largest Tagalog-dubbed content library and is the exclusive home of Marimar on-demand.
Get ready to relive the enthralling drama of Marimar starting April 21! As a special treat, Jungo Pinoy is offering the first 10 episodes of this wildly popular telenovela for free.
Jungo Pinoy’s leading streaming app will also launch more exclusive Tagalog-dubbed series through its content partnership with Latin America media giant TelevisaUnivision, giving Jungokada members even more to look forward to.
Experience a streaming platform tailored specifically for Filipinos. Download the Jungo Pinoy app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and catch Marimar starting April 21 exclusively on-demand on Jungo Pinoy.
Unlock even more content and access all of Jungo Pinoy’s incredible titles, series, and shows with affordable monthly subscription packages on both iPhone and Android.
In Insidious: The Red Door, the horror franchise’s original cast returns for the final chapter of the Lambert family’s terrifying saga. To put their demons to rest once and for all, Josh (Patrick Wilson) and a college-aged Dalton (Ty Simpkins) must go deeper into The Further than ever before, facing their family’s dark past and a host of new and more horrifying terrors that lurk behind the red door.
The original cast from Insidious is back with Patrick Wilson (also making his directorial debut), Ty Simpkins, Rose Byrne, Andrew Astor and Lin Shaye. Also starring Sinclair Daniel and Hiam Abbass. Produced by Jason Blum, Oren Peli, James Wan and Leigh Whannell. The screenplay is written by Scott Teems from a story by Leigh Whannell, based on characters created by Leigh Whannell.
Insidious: The Red Door is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #InsidiousMovie
These premium offerings showcase the best of the brand’s latest cooling technologies that are ‘designed to stay cool’ and become great sources of uplifting comfort.
Coming in three fantastic luxe colors – Midnight Black, Morning Blue, and Metallic Silver – these sought-after Bespoke Windfree air conditioners are stylishly and purposefully created to fit the theme of any space.
For instance, the Midnight Black variant significantly elevates a room’s look and feel.
Midnight Black
It evokes a sense of upscale design and exclusivity, all while retaining a beautiful simplicity that can complement any interior. It perfectly matches the preferences of discerning people who dare to stand out and make their mark.
On the other hand, the Morning Blue option transforms a room to look cool and classy – its fine bold features invite special moments of imagination and inspiration, helping to upgrade indoor layouts and make them more inviting. This color suits creative thinkers or passionate individuals who seek tranquility in their space.
Morning Blue
The Metallic Silver AC, another top-quality choice, also vastly improves the aesthetics of any area. Its sophisticated, refined, and graceful mood can infuse glamor and prestige into lifestyles – turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. This unit ups the ante for those unafraid to aspire and get the best out of their lives.
Metallic Silver
Designed to stay cool – in every way
With cool aesthetics and features, Samsung’s Bespoke WindFree line is designed to promote a comfortable indoor setting using the company’s industry-leading technology to introduce experiences that have never been seen before in the local market.
These ACs use Samsung’s WindFree Technology that disperses air through micro holes at an extremely high speed, allowing them to cool bigger rooms swiftly without the harsh blow of air and the noise one can get from a typical air conditioning unit.
Besides its superior cooling ability that casts a still-air environment, Bespoke WindFree also features an automatic self-cleaning capability, an intelligent control function, and an excellent sleep mode that makes it a definite must-have.
The entire Samsung WindFree AC lineup, including the Bespoke ACs, has a 5-star rating on Energy Efficiency from the Philippine Department of Energy. This rating means users can increase their electricity bill savings using Samsung ACs.
Adding to the line’s overall value, the Bespoke WindFree ACs also integrate the full functionality of SmartThings – Samsung’s official app that can simplify the connected experience within homes. The technology allows users to control their home devices easily; in this case, their aircon units – and optimize according to their lifestyle wherever they are, with just several convenient taps.
According to Jan Martinez-Dolalas, Samsung’s Marketing Communication Lead for Air Solutions, now, more than ever, is the time to consider getting or upgrading to Bespoke WindFree.
“Our newest AC line gives customers the best of both worlds: premium comfort and exceptional style. Whatever their preferences are and the look they’re going for, Bespoke WindFree gives them the freedom to choose; it empowers them to improve and upgrade any space and lifestyle. We’re proud and happy that our technology leads to more comfortable and meaningful home experiences.”
Earth Week, which takes place every 3rd Week of April every year, is a chance to raise more awareness on issues that have an impact on the planet. This year, Earth Week is a way to call for urgent help to address climate change, which has affected everything from our supply of water to the quality of marine life. This week is also a time to celebrate the individuals, organizations, and businesses aiming to make a difference for the planet and the people by being sustainability advocates.
Leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer Watsons remains committed to offering sustainably sourced ingredients plus ocean-safe ingredients and reused, recyclable, or refillable packaging for its products at over 1,000 stores nationwide and all its e-commerce platforms.
As a retailer, Watsons advocates for responsible consumption by encouraging customers to use less plastic and carry their own shopping bags, reuse and refill their favorite personal care products at Watsons’ Refill Stations for Natural by Watsons, and go for Sustainable Choices products. These products contain no harmful ingredients (Clean Beauty), are made from responsibly sourced palm oil and FSC-certified paper, use better packaging materials, and support refilling through refill packs.
Through its sustainability efforts, Watsons hopes to educate customers about the impact of plastic on the environment and provide more sustainable choices to customers by promoting refills and products with eco-friendly packaging in stores. Watsons’ collaboration with Plastic Bank has helped reduce the amount of plastic that goes into the ocean and also provided a means of livelihood for people in disadvantaged communities. By purchasing Sustainable Choices products, you help prevent 2.5 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean!
Watsons, in partnership with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, also gave their customers access to exclusive discounts in exchange for their empty packaging of health and beauty products through SM’s Trash to Cash recycling market.
Do Good for the Planet and score good deals on your favorite sustainable health, wellness, and beauty products as Watsons holds the Earth Week Sale from April 18-25 as part of its efforts for the community and the planet. Go green with sustainable choices that are up to 50% off plus earn 2x points if you’re a Watsons club member!
At Watsons, health, wellness, beauty, and sustainability go hand in hand because doing good and taking care of yourself can make you feel beautiful and confident.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2023, with a series of public art installations in collaboration with several visual artists to be held at various locations in the CCP Complex starting April 20, 2023. The conceptual installations will showcase a diverse array of natural, indigenous, and found objects and materials transformed into public art, with the aim of promoting public consciousness about environmental issues.
For this year, one solo and one group of visual artists will exhibit their artworks: “Tanod-Lupa” (Nature Guardians) by Abdulmari “Toym” De Leon-Imao, a multimedia artist in both classical and contemporary styles; and “Surogpon Kita” by Kintab Artists Group, Inc., a Bicol-based non-profit group of visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creative talents, dedicated to expressing diverse identities through their unique artworks.
In “Tanod-Lupa” (Nature Guardians) by De Leon-Imao, various illuminated Philippine mythical creatures will be showcased. The installation incorporates elements of Philippine folklore’s mythical creatures and uses illuminated lanterns to enhance their otherworldliness in the installation site. The designs draw inspiration from pre-colonial patterns and iconography to portray these creatures as essential parts of the natural ecosystem rather than just evil or demonic. The figurative lanterns, made of welded steel, fibers, and fiberglass, are larger than life and internally illuminated by LED lights. The whimsical design ensures that the creatures do not appear frightening or stereotypical. The public can view the installation at the CCP Liwasang Kalikasan beginning April 20, 2023. In September, the reinvented “panolong” of Maranao Torogan houses of the south will also be displayed. The “panolong” is an architectural element representing the “naga”- a serpent or dragon protecting the perimeter of the nobleman’s Torogan house. The “panolong” also visually elevates the Torogan above the ground, showing that the structure is unique and has an essential status in society.
Meanwhile, the Earth Day theme “Invest in our planet” is reflected in this year’s installation of Kintab Artists Group, Inc., (KAGI)’s “Surogpon Kita” (We are Connected). The installation features papier-mâché masks and assemblages made from natural and indigenous materials sourced from local artisans in the province of Bicol. These materials, such as abaca ropes, coco coir, palaspas, cogon grass, and local vines known as balagon, highlight the importance of connectivity and self-identification with our planet in an organic and grounded manner. KAGI advocates for taking action as stewards of the earth, emphasizing the need for protection and cultivation of our planet’s resources.
During the launch of “Surogpon Kita,” a performance art, entitled “Harmony” is also slated to run. Seven performance artists will use the SUROGPON KITA installation by Kintab Artists Group Inc. as inspiration for engaging with passers-by through creative physical conversations. Each artist will draw on their personal experiences to unpredictably respond to the expansive structure made of indigenous materials, particularly bamboo. Bamboo has been suggested as a symbolic material representing unity in diversity, promoting brotherhood and harmony within the installation art. The theme of the performance art group, inspired by the British archaic word “ANON” in KAWAYANON, conveys the idea of being present in the moment, fostering connection and promoting the concept of “being connected” as members of one human family. “Surogpon Kita” can be viewed until May 28, 2023.
The CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media will also showcase curated selection of films that pay tribute to the lives of patriotic Filipino environmentalists and earth warriors, including those from the distant future with the installation of CCP Cinema Under the Stars and CCP Arthouse Cinema. Catch these Gawad Alternatibo films for free: “Himig Himbing,” “Balitok” by She Andes, and “Walang Hanggang Buhay ni Leonardo Co” by Nannette Matilac on April 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm at CCP Liwasang Kalikasan. The documentary “Balitok” portrays the economic survival strategies of the Kalanguya and Kankana-ey indigenous tribes in Nueva Vizcaya, who engage in artisanal or small-scale mining. The film follows the perspectives of Ongan, a 13-year-old small-scale miner, and Mona, an artisanal miner with decades of experience in the industry. It provides insights into the laborious mining processes and can serve as a case study on the state of small-scale mining in the Philippines. Meanwhile, in “Walang Hanggang Buhay ni Leonardo Co,” the documentary, narrated by the late ethnobotanist Leonardo Co’s daughter and only child, offers a unique perspective on human rights and environmental activism. It sheds light on the tragic event of the government’s shooting of Leonardo Co, which sparked a national tragedy and impacted the realms of human rights and environmental campaigning.
At 8:00 pm, watch “Ani,” a Cinemalaya film by Kim Zuñiga & Sandro Del Rosario. Set in the year 2050, in the Federal State of Bicol, “Ani” tells the story of a young boy who goes to live with his estranged grandfather on a farm after he recently lost his parents. When his grandfather falls ill and the crops on their farm start failing, the boy, named Mithi, sets out on a quest with his malfunctioning robot to find magical grains that he believes can save his grandfather’s life.
From April 20 to 30, 2023, the CCP main building will also light up with earth colors which the public may view from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Top global TV brand Samsung is set to change the game with the arrival of their latest TVs. This year, the electronics giant is bringing more WOW to entertainment lovers with its newest generation of flagship Neo QLED screens and an exciting new addition – the Samsung OLED.
With exceptional features, unrivaled performance, and an improved, intuitive user experience, these stellar TVs are truly set to take your viewing and gaming experiences to the next level and bring more wow into life. Moreover, their arrival sets a new standard of premium viewing that is inherently designed to delight, making Samsung’s flagship TV the top-of-mind choice of consumers all over the world.
Top-of-the-line premium entertainment with Neo QLED
The Neo QLED TV combines brilliant picture and design with dynamic Dolby Atmos audio and seamless connectivity. Images look incredibly lifelike thanks to Samsung’s Quantum Mini LED technology that delivers up to a billion colors with ultra-fine precision and contrast. Samsung’s flagship screen returns new and improved for top-of-the-line entertainment.
Both Neo QLED 8K and 4K models deliver brighter highlights and a wider range of colors validated by the experts at Pantone. Plus, there’s not a bad seat in the house with Anti-Glare and Ultra Viewing Angle technology that displays content clearly at virtually any angle or light, with pristine detail across the screen guaranteed to take your breath away.
Introducing a new addition to the premium TV portfolio
Samsung is officially bringing OLED screens to the Philippines. Available in two models, the S95C and S90C will come in various sizes ranging from 55-inches to a whopping 77-inches. The S95C features Samsung’s signature Infinity One design and One Connect Box, and the LaserSlim design of the S90C model add a touch of sophisticated metal finish.
Samsung OLED comes with an AI-powered Neural Quantum processor that delivers brighter whites and pure blacks along with 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels. Equipped with up to 144Hz refresh rate, low input lag, HDMI 2.1 ports, and a range of gaming features, the Samsung OLED is sure to delight both casual and pro-gamers alike.
Get a chance to win the 2023 Neo QLED and Samsung OLED TV
Ready to level up and experience more wow than ever with the 2023 Neo QLED and Samsung OLED TV? Two lucky draw winners will get the most awesome opportunity to own a 65” QN85C Neo QLED or 55” S90C OLED TV. How to join? Simply visit samsung.com/ph/firstlook from April 17 to 30, 2023 and register your interest.
Those who register during this period will also get additional premium items, ranging from The Freestyle to the new MX-ST50B Sound Tower, if they Early Order in the coming weeks. So hurry and sign up while you can!
For more information on the 2023 Neo QLED and Samsung OLED TV, visit samsung.com/ph.
One of the best ways to understand a country and its cultural nuances is through its food. On 28-30 April 2023, take an epicurean adventure of Asia and discover its diverse and delightful cuisines in Asian Eats at the Grand Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City!
The weekend food fest is a collaboration between Asia Society Philippines and various Asian embassies in Manila who put together a curated mix of merchants. Find out the latest food venture of award-winning chef, best-selling author and culinary heritage advocate, Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, at his TinDeli. Be transported to the streets of Bangkok at The Thai Plate and ChaTruMue. Discover aromatic spices that are the essence of Indian cuisine at Flavours Indian and Mediterranean Cuisine. Get your fix of kimchi fried rice and kalbi jjim at Kaya. Sample Laotian dishes that are hard to find in the metro as prepared by the ladies of the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Savor a bowl of laksa and a plate of nasi lemak from PappaRam Malaysian Kitchen and the ladies of Perwakilan. Enjoy a beloved Japanese classic, the okonomiyaki, at Botejyu. Pair a hearty pho with a crunchy bahn mi at Em Ha Noi. Enjoy the different layers of flavor of Indonesian comfort dishes at Bakmi Nyonya and at Rumah Makan Padang Huang Jia. Pick up some bottles of Australian wine, cheese and gourmet products for a wine and cheese party from Unitetris and Silverwave Corporation.
Grab your choice of Vietnamese coffee and pastries from Highlands Coffee’s pop-up cart. Peruse the shelves of well-loved sauces and condiments at NutriAsia’s booth. For HSBC cardholders and credit card applicants, get a chance to pick a prize at the HSBC booth. Over at the NOM booth, share your cooking, dining and culinary travel experiences in the country’s first-ever food community platform.
At the Main Stage, learn how cooking can be made simple from Chef Tatung on April 29, Saturday, at 4:30 p.m. The Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, and Prof. Carlito Camahalan Amalla with the Tinampuso will take centerstage on April 28-30, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with cultural performances that give a glimpse of the culture and tradition of South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines, respectively.
Asian Eats is presented by Asia Society Philippines in cooperation with HSBC, NutriAsia and Shangri-La Plaza. Visit Asia Society Philippines’ website (https://asiasociety.org/philippines), Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages at @AsiaSocietyPH or visit the official hashtag #AsianEats2023 for details and updates.
