The Last 10 Years (Yomei Junen) Premieres Friday, April 21 on HBO GO
Twenty-year-old Matsuri Takabayashi learns that she only has ten years to live due to an incurable disease. She decides to not dwell on her life and to not fall in love, but she meets Kazuto Manabe at a school reunion. Stars Nana Komatsu, Kentarô Sakaguchi, Yûki Yamada, Nao Honda, Lily Franky and Hideko Hara.
Love & Death Premieres Thursday, April 27 on HBO GO
This limited series tells the true story of Candy and Pat Montgomery and Betty and Allan Gore – two churchgoing couples enjoying their smalltown Texas life… until an extramarital affair leads somebody to pick up an axe. Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons star in this riveting drama written by David E. Kelley and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
Catch the finale of The Bachelor Indonesia on Friday, April 7, Quantum Leap Season 1 on Tuesday, April 4 and new episodes of Succession Season 4 every Monday and Sesame Street Season 53 every Thursday. Also available is Making of The Last of Us only on HBO GO.
From award-winning director Ben Affleck and starring Matt Damon, “AIR” reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division, which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand.
“AIR” also stars Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, with Chris Tucker and Viola Davis in a moving story that follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time.
Affleck directed from a screenplay by Alex Convery. “AIR” is produced by Peter Guber, Jason Michael Berman, David Ellison, Jeff Robinov, Madison Ainley, Damon and Affleck.
In Philippine cinemas April 19, “AIR” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #AIRMovie
“Just some old demons,” Detective Jake Doyle (Martin Lawrence) says as he grimly looks over a murder victim found inside a church, who’s made to appear like a statue of an archangel with golden wings. It’s rather artistic and beautiful, one might say, as Doyle recognizes the signature of a previous serial killer called “The Artist.”
There is only one problem in this murder case: The Artist is currently serving his sentence in a psychiatric institution and could not have committed the murder.
So, who could this new killer be?
That’s how Lionsgate’s Mindcage begins, a psychological thriller that PLDT Home subscribers can now stream on Lionsgate Play just by activating their complimentary voucher for a free subscription.
Detective Mary Kelly (Melissa Roxburgh, Star Trek Beyond, Manifest) is tasked to assist the lead investigator Doyle (Martin Lawrence, Bad Boys). She finds out that five years ago, The Artist (John Malkovich, RED, Space Force) kidnapped and murdered six prostitutes. The Artist preserved their bodies, decorated, and arranged them in metal frames to be found in various places in the city. He called them his “Masterpieces.”
Doyle caught The Artist and has been haunted by the case since, as a copycat emerges not long after. The copycat, with intimate knowledge of The Artist’s MO poses the body of a second victim — in a more public space and with elaborate decoration, then poses a third.
Kelly has no choice but to talk to The Artist for help. His condition: his execution, which is scheduled in two weeks, be commuted to life in prison — and for him to have his art supplies back. When they discover pieces of evidence hidden in the victims as suggested by The Artist, the stakes get higher and the pursuit more personal.
Mindcage is a cat and mouse game that’ll have you on the edge of your seat as the two detectives get close to catching the killer with The Artist’s help. The film mixes the psychological thriller genre with a little of the supernatural — all conducted by The Artist. Viewers, especially fans of thrillers and crime stories, will be totally shocked at the twists and turns that director Mauro Borrelli has in store.
PLDT Home customers can watch Martin Lawrence’s comeback thriller Mindcage plus more premium content through Lionsgate Play, exclusively powered by their broadband subscription. By activating their free Lionsgate Play voucher on https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay, customers get to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience at home thanks to PLDT Home’s fast internet speed.
Krispy Kreme is making the summer season more delightful with two creations that will bring happiness to you. To celebrate the joyous and festive period, Krispy Kreme is introducing their new Easter Doughnuts which are best paired with a refreshing sip of their Frozen Lemonades.
A basket full of happiness is coming up with the new Easter Doughnuts and Minis collection. Inspired by Easter’s famous icons, put these little doughs of happiness in your basket starting off with Blue Easter Chick, White Easter Chick, and Pink Rabbit. The Blue Easter Chick is an egg shell doughnut filled with dark choco, dipped in yellow colored choco and white choco, decorated with choco icing and pink chocolate.
The White Easter Chick is an egg shell doughnut filled with custard creme, dipped in yellow colored choco and white choco, decorated with chocolate and pink chocolate.The Pink Rabbit is an unglazed ring doughnut dipped in pastel pink colored chocolate, topped with white sprinkles and marshmallow, decorated with chocolate icing, pink chocolate and vanilla kreme. Get these boxes right in time for Easter starting at P65.
They might look mini in shape, but the wonderful pieces of Easter Minis will surely fill your day with sunshine. The Mini Easter Eggs is an unglazed mini ring doughnut dipped in dark chocolate and decorated with chocolate kreme and jelly belly candies. The Mini Easter Sprinkles is an unglazed mini ring doughnut dipped in yellow chocolate and pastel sprinkles. Go for these mini treats starting at P370.
Pair these adorable doughnuts with a refreshing cup of Frozen Lemonades that’s perfect for the summer season. Starting at P95, enjoy the Frozen Original Lemonade, an iced-blended zesty lemonade drink, or the Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, an iced-blended fruity drink made with lemon and strawberry, or lastly, the Frozen Lemonade Iced Tea, an iced-blended drink made with a mix of house blend tea and lemonade.
“As we dive into the summer season, we have whipped up new treats that will make us Spot Happy. We hope that the Easter Doughnuts and Frozen Lemonades will give you smiles as we go into one of our most favorite seasons. . Share it with your family and friends, and let’s spot happy with Krispy Kreme,” said Ysabel Cruz, Marketing Manager of Krispy Kreme.
Go to any Krispy Kreme stores nationwide to check out these specials. Visit your nearest store today, or have it delivered to your doorstep by calling (632) 888-79000 or ordering online through now.krispykreme.com.ph, GrabFood, Foodpanda, Pick.a.Roo, Mangan, OrderMo, and Groover.
Prepare for a fun-filled easter as Rizal Park Hotel once again opens its ballroom doors on April 09 to celebrate a Feaster: A Fun Easter at Rizal Park Hotel. For only P800, kids and kids at heart can enjoy a day of exciting activities other than the usual easter egg hunt. The ticket covers 1 kid ages 0-12 and 1 adult companion, inclusive of a lootbag and access to the program, which starts at 2 PM until 6 PM. Expect an array of easter-themed games, a magic show, bubble show, ventriloquism, face painting, a photobooth, and child-safe inflatables.
Of course, it would not be an easter event without the easter egg hunt and to make it more fun, attendees are given a chance to win an overnight stay with breakfast by joining the ‘Golden Easter Egg Hunt’.
In addition to the Feaster event, Rizal Park Hotel is also offering a hard to resist room promo. From April 06 to 10 and for only PHP 8,000, enjoy an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room (Queen, King, or Twin) with buffet breakfast for (2) two and a choice of buffet lunch or dinner for (2) two at Café Rizal plus one (1) pass to the Feaster event.
Rizal Park Hotel’s rooms and suites feature turn-of-the-century interior decors with modern amenities. Each room is colored in neutral tones of gray, beige, and off-white, with shades of yellow that give off warm feelings of home. Machuca tiles, classic woodwork, and crystal chandeliers provide a taste of style during the Army Navy Club’s heydays.
Rooms and suites are available in both the Main and Club wings of the hotel, providing exceptional views of the city, the park, or the famed Manila Bay. The suites feature its own living areas and extensive bathroom amenities, including a bathtub.
For Feaster tickets, text or call (63 927) 668-7839 / (63 909) 143-1591.
The Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. announced it is now accepting entries to the 71st Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (CPMA), open to all Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages.
Logo and Photo: Palanca Awards
Like last year, all submissions must be DONE ONLINE. The Carlos Palanca Foundation WILL NOT ACCEPT PRINTED AND EMAIL submissions for all categories. Authors who wish to join may submit only one (1) entry per category, as follows:
● English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play;
● Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tula Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;
● Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.
The special Kabataan Division for young writers below 18 years old is also now open for entries in its two categories: Kabataan Essay (English) and Kabataan Sanaysay (Filipino). Submissions must be informal (personal) essays on the theme: “Emerging out of the Pandemic, what are the most pressing issues surrounding mental health among youth and how can Society and Government help in addressing these concerns for the growth and well-being of our younger generations?” for Kabataan Essay and “Sa pagsulong mula sa Pandemya, ano ang mga pinakamabibigat na isyung pumapalibot sa kalusugan ng isip ng mga kabataan, at paano makatutulong ang Lipunan at Pamahalaan na tugunan ang mga ito para sa ikauunlad at ikabubuti ng ating mga nakababatang henerasyon?” for Kabataan Sanaysay.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES IS ON 31 MAY 2023.
For other inquiries and concerns, email info@palancaawards.com.ph or call (632) 8843-8277 / (632) 8478-7996. Look for Ms. Leslie Layoso or Ms. Susan Castillo.
Famed for her work as Letty in the Fast & Furious films, Rodriguez possessed the charisma and the athleticism to play an unstoppable warrior who is supremely skilled in combat. On the battlefield, Holga’s inner rage takes over, giving her almost superhuman strength and resilience. “Michelle has this inherent toughness that she brings to the table,” Latcham says. “She’s just a badass.”
Although Holga is formidable, lethal, and intimidating, above all, she is deeply loyal to those she loves. When the film opens, Holga and her best friend, the bard Edgin (played by Chris Pine) are locked away in the notorious prison Revel’s End. Although the duo had once been the leaders of a merry band of well-meaning thieves, their circumstances changed dramatically after a heist gone wrong.
“He’s like her brother in a sense,” says Rodriguez of her character’s relationship with Edgin. “She’d never admit it, but when you’re shunned by the world and you find acceptance somewhere, it’s a beautiful thing.”
The two lead a scrappy band of unlikely heroes – including a paladin (Regé-Jean Page), a sorcerer (Justice Smith) and a Druid (Sophia Lillis). Together, they undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.
SOPHIA LILLIS (DORIC THE DRUID)
As a Tiefling, Lillis’ character Doric has curved horns that sprout from her skull and as a Druid wields magic derived from nature. “Her go-to forms of combat are her slingshot gauntlet and turning into different animals,” explains Lillis.
She’s also the group’s truth-telling shapeshifter. “With all these people who blow things up and make horrible plans, you really need one person there who’s just completely deadpan, saying, ‘This makes no sense,’” Lillis says. “Doric, the way she was written, she’s a really fun character to work with because I got to be that deadpan person.”
Although Tieflings are typically loners, Doric was taken in as a young child by a group of wood elves, a race now under threat by Edgin and Holga’s nemesis Forge (played by Hugh Grant). And that is the thing that ultimately motivates her to sign up with Edgin, Holga and the rest of the gang. “She would do whatever she can to protect them because they helped her when she was a kid,” says Lillis, herself an experienced D&D player. “Tieflings usually are independent, but she really wants a family. She wants a home. So when these bunch of idiots come to her and say, ‘We want to take down Forge,’ she goes along with them, and it ends up being something more.”
THE HEART OF IT ALL
Pine, who is also one of the film’s executive producers, has nothing but high praise for the characters and cast of the film. At the heart of it all, Pine notes, is the camaraderie and comedy that develops among a memorable group of characters who truly come to care about one another as the eclectic members of a found family. “You have a story about a ragtag group of people that are going up against immense odds and immense nemeses and very much looks like they’re not going to be able to succeed,” he says. “This is a fun film. This is big, emotive great old-fashioned moviemaking.”
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures, opens nationwide March 29. Connect with #DnDMovie and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Assaggio in Italian means “taste” in English, and on March 28, 2023 lovers of alta cucina Italiana will definitely want a taste of the degustation menu that Old Manila’s Chef de Cuisine Domenico Nicolino is preparing for his Assaggio Italiano Wine Dinner.
The first Italian to be appointed Chef de Cuisine of Old Manila, Calabrian-born Chef Nicolino promises to take dinner guests on a journey through five unique Italian wineries whose wines he will be pairing with a delicious five-course degustation menu – or menudegustazione as he calls it – that will highlight the varieties of flavours and textures that Italian cuisine is famous for.
ASSAGIO ITALIANO WINE DINNER Amuse Bouche Tartare di Tonno ai Capperi e Olive Tuna Tartare, kalamata olives, caperberries Ruggeri ‘Giall’Oro’ Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry, Veneto NV
Vitello Tonnato Italian-style milk-fed and slow-cooked veal, “tonnato sauce,” cured egg yolk Bastianich ‘Refosco,’ Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2012
Tortelli di Ossobuco allo Zafferano Slow-braised ossobuco tortelli, Parmesan fondue, saffron Giacomo Fenocchio Freisa, Langhe, Piemonte 2014
Filetto di Sgombro con Fregola e Frutti di Mare Pan-seared mackerel, sardinian fregola, lobster bisque shellfish Alois Lageder Gewürztraminer, Südtirol – Alto Adige, Trentino-Alto Adige 2014
Old Manila’s Chef de Cuisine Domenico Nicolino five-course Assaggio Italiano Wine Dinnermenu degustazione is P8,000 per person (inclusive of taxes).
For more information and table reservations, please call The Peninsula Manila at +63 2 8887 2888 (ext. 6691 or 6694 for Restaurant Reservations) or email diningpmn@peninsula.com.
In just seven years, COMCO Southeast Asia, from being a trailblazing and disruptive PR Agency start-up, has transformed into COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, a global award-winning powerhouse group of communication companies and is now marking its seventh year with the official launch of TARO AOX Digital + Integrated Communications.
TARO AOX Rises
TARO AOX Digital + Integrated Communications is the newest addition to the COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, alongside COMCO Southeast Asia (SEA), COMCO Middle East and Africa (MEA), and SEA Wave Pop Culture Studio, among others, and it specializes on digital marketing, integrated communications, and technology and digital PR. It also offers social media management, influencer marketing, content marketing, digital activation, media planning and buying, video storytelling, multimedia arts, virtual event staging, and website and platform development.
TARO AOX is already in full swing and has been servicing clients such as Samsung Mobile, Sun Life Asia Service Center Philippines, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz Anti Head Lice Shampoo, and APLGO.
COMCO Southeast Asia’s Epic 7th Year
COMCO SEA, the PR and events company of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, continues to champion New PR and Smart Social and also offers services such as Events and Activation, Branding, and Special Advertising Executions. The multi-awarded agency continues to make waves in the region as it recently won inter-agency pitches and acquired accounts such as Sony Philippines, Uratex Mattress, Uratex Monoblock, Alaxan, Century Tuna, and LaLiga. COMCO SEA also continues to manage a portfolio of highly regarded brands and organizations like Jobstreet, Remy Martin, Teleperformance, AXA, European Union, Eastern Communications, ASEANA City, Philusa Corporation, Babyflo Cotton, RHEA Generics, RHEA Vitamins, World Vision, and WWF-Philippines.
COMCO Southeast Asia is also gearing up for the prestigious and much coveted PRCA APAC (Public Relation and Communications Association Asia-Pacific) Awards as it has been cited as a regional finalist for the Medium Consultancy of the Year Award; the PR / Communications Leader Award for Ferdinand L. Bondoy, the COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder; the Media Relations Award for the Agency’s Meaningful Storytelling with COMCOmigos initiative; and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award for COMCO’s long-time client/brand partner Teleperformance.
The Growth of the COMCO Brand in Middle East and Africa
Established in 2021, COMCO Middle East and Africa led by its Managing Director / Partner and Co-Founder, Tricia Cusi-Jimenea, has successfully brought the COMCO brand into this market and has been regarded as among the major players in the region’s PR and marketing industry.
In a span of two years, the Agency has serviced a total of 30 brands which includes Empire Entertainment, Middle East Film & Comic Con, Metacon, Central Park, Dubai London Hospital, Shop Electric Pawn, Ezra, Hyde and The Wizarding World in the Mall of Emirates, to name a few.
An Industry Leader
COMCO has a major role in the PR and Communications industry here in the Philippines, in Asia-Pacific and across the globe. COMCO Mundo’s Ferdinand L. Bondoy is currently serving as the Corporate Secretary and PR and Digital Committee Head of the International Association of Business Communications (IABC) Philippines, Regional Board Member as well as Workplace and Culture Committee Member of the Public Relations & Communications Association Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC) based in Singapore, and Online Events Head and Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) International headquartered in the United Kingdom.
“In just 7 years, we have already garnered 100 brands and 150 metals and have produced 110 graduates from our long-running and award-winning Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. We thought we’ve already done it all, but as they say, we’re just getting ready for the most exciting part. We are empowered to do more and bigger things for the industry and with my great team beside me, we are definitely up for the challenge. Our 10-year master plan is just in its second phase and there’s still a lot of bigger things in the pipeline, to be unveiled very soon,” stated Ferdinand L. Bondoy, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder.
“As COMCO grows exponentially in its seventh year, its success also means the growth of its people, a value that inspired the company to create a benefits and compensation program upgrading for its team which includes health benefits extended to dependents, wellness allowance, leave conversion and acquired leaves for critical illness or long-term hospitalization, group insurance, retirement fund, overseas team travel, stock options, and partnership leadership opportunities, among others, which can be considered as the most comprehensive in the industry,” shared Joan Icotanim-Maslang, COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises Corporate Services Director and Comptroller / Partner.
To learn more about COMCO Southeast Asia, visit comcosea.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comco.southeastasia on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcosea, and @comco_sea on both Instagram and Twitter.
To learn more about COMCO Mundo, go to comcomundo.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/COMCOmundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo, and @comco_mundo on Instagram.
Papet Pasyon 2023, a kid-friendly puppet show on the Passion of Christ, will be held for at the historic Metropolitan Theater (MET) on Friday, March 31, 2023. Admission is free.
The hour-long production was written by the late Philippine National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio, also known as the Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater. It is directed by her daughter Prof. Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, former College of Arts and Letters Dean of the University of the Philippines Diliman.
First mounted at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in 1985, it introduces the events in the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a manner that can be easily understood by the young audience.
To make it children-friendly, it utilizes Pinoy-looking puppets specially designed by visual artists Bernadette Solina-Wolf and Maurice Carvajal and carved by globally-known local artisans from Paete, Laguna. Some of the original puppets are still being used to this day.
Papet Pasyon was first written when the late award-winning playwright and puppeteer missed her chance to watch a live Passion play in Germany. It has since become an act of devotion as well as an advocacy to foster the Filipino puppetry tradition.
“Puppetry is an effective instrument of storytelling,” visual artist and Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas senior puppeteer and puppet maker Carlito Camahalan Amalla stated.
Amalla, who has been with the organization for approximately 20 years under the tutelage of Lapeña-Bonifacio, likewise reiterated the important role of the art form in teaching Filipino art and heritage.
“As Filipinos, our culture is our soul. It fosters nation-building and unity among the community,” added the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Design Foundation educator.
Amalla likewise highlighted the diverse initiatives of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, a theater group which the award-winning playwright founded in 1977. They awaken the children to the wonders and richness of Philippine and Asian folktales and tradition through puppetry. Their outreach includes puppetry workshops and programs in different communities across the Philippines.
“Teaching puppetry helps foster critical thinking and encourage creative solutions among children,” he expounded. “It is also a form of therapy and healing.”
Produced by Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas, Papet Pasyon is free and open to the public. It is scheduled on Friday, March 31, 2023 with shows at 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.
It will likewise be available via livestream on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023, 8 p.m. via Teatrong Mulat’s Facebook page.
The Metropolitan Theater is located in Plaza Lawton along Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita Manila. To reserve tickets, visit The Metropolitan Theater Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/METphOfficial.
