Author: Press Release

  • New Pinoy Wrestling Champion To Be Crowned in Annual Live Extravaganza at PETA Theater Center

    The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), the country’s prime professional wrestling brand, will crown its new MWF Pinoy Wrestling Champion on September 11, Sunday, 5 PM at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City. Its annual live extravaganza titled MWF Road To Fate 2022is set to be headlined by an elimination-style match to determine the Philippines’ top athlete-entertainer, who will represent the country in the burgeoning Southeast Asian pro wrestling scene. 

    MWF Road To Fate 2022

    Pinoy-Flavored World-Class Talent

    The four contenders for the prestigious MWF title are the best of the best in the Pinoy wrestling scene today. 

    CRYSTAL

    ●      Crystal –The undisputed “Queen of Philippine Wrestling”, Crystal put women’s wrestling in the country under the international spotlight by competing against some of the world’s toughest female wrestlers, which include Japanese Joshi legend Emi Sakura, and in the 2019 WWE tryouts in China. In addition to her in-ring achievements, international media was also drawn to Crystal’s indelible allure when she was featured in an episode of Netflix’s “Midnight Asia”.  

    NIGEL SAN JOSE

    ●      Nigel “Suplex” San Jose – MWF’s ultimate everyman underdog, Nigel San Jose has always risen above all odds armed with his unwavering determination and passion. Debuting in 2018 as an MWF trainee, San Jose had immediately impressed the whole Pinoy wrestling scene with his high-impact moves, holds and throws that allowed him to rise up the ranks early in his wrestling career. While this is his first high-profile match and his first exposure to media attention, Nigel San Jose guarantees to leave fans breathless with his undeniable fighting skills. 

    JAKE DE LEON

    ●      Jake De Leon – Dubbed as “Mr. Philippine Wrestling”, De Leon is already a multi-time Philippine wrestling champion and has represented the country in numerous matches internationally, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and most notably in mainland China – where he participated in the WWE tryouts in 2019. A Philippine wrestling pioneer with almost a decade of in-ring experience, Jake De Leon is one of the most respected and accomplished Filipino athletes in the genre. 

    FABIO MAKISIG

    ●      Fabio Makisig – Fashioning himself as a modern Pinoy folk anti-hero, Fabio Makisig has captured the attention of MWF fans with his no-nonsense, street-smart bravado and spectacular athleticism. Having survived living in a tough Batasan neighborhood all his life, the “Walang Kasing Lupit, Walang Kasing Astig” Fabio has etched his name in Pinoy wrestling history by facing – and defeating – multi-time WWE titleholder TAJIRI. He was also featured in an episode of the ABSCBN News Channel documentary series “Mukha” in 2018. 

    A Uniquely Filipino Championship Belt

    MWF CHAMPIONSHIP BELT

    Designed by artist Manuel Mesina III, the MWF Pinoy Wrestling Championship’s design celebrates the Filipino spirit just like the Philippines’ King of the Road – the Jeepney. Colorful, vigorous, attention-grabbing and always action-packed, the MWF Championship perfectly encapsulates Pinoy wrestling’s heart and soul. 

    It was first held by Robin Sane, another international-level Pinoy wrestler, in 2018, and Ho Ho Lun from Hong Kong, one of Southeast Asian wrestling’s most significant and pioneering figures, in 2019, before being vacated early in 2022 due to the pandemic. 

    MWF Road to Fate 2022 marks the uniquely Filipino championship belt’s homecoming. 

    Tickets are now available online via Ticket2Me. For more details, visit www.manilawrestling.com. 

  • Soprano Stefanie Quintin Kicks Off The CCP Special Concert on Sept. 7

    The inaugural performance in the CCP Special Concert Series feaures soprano Stefanie Quintin on September 7, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (Black Box Theater).

    Stefanie Quintin Soprano

    Quintin has premiered and performed works by such composers as National Artist for Music Dr. Ramon P. Santos and the American composer Eli Marshall.  She has given solo performances at the Asia Europe New Music Festival in Vietnam, the Yilan International Arts Festival in Taiwan, the soundSCAPE Festival in Italy, the Baroque Festival in Singapore, and the International Bamboo Organ Festival in the United States (Philippines).

    Aside from the Trovillo-Graham Award for Voice and the Rey Paguio Scholarship, Quintin also won the Delphic Lyra Award for Traditional Music at the Third International Junior Delphic Games, and the PGMA Presidential Award for Culture and the Arts.  She has garnered awards in a number of vocal contests, including the Hawk Vocal Awards Competition, the Musical Merit Foundation Competition, the La Jolla Symphony Young Artists Competition, and the Singapore Lyric Opera – ASEAN Vocal Competition (Opera-Professional Category).

    Stefanie Quintin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of the Philippines in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance (cum laude), as well as a Master of Arts in Contemporary Music Performance from the University of California, San Diego. Please check the health and safety protocols at https://bit.ly/staysafeatCCP.

    For more information about the event, please follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    Stefanie will also be holding a voice masterclass on September 8, 2022 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm via ZOOM.  For those who want to be part of the Masterclass, please call the CCP Artist Training Division at 8832-1125 loc. 1605 or email artist.training@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

  • Check Out Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day

    Shopee has officially launched the start of its year-end shopping season, and this year, the e-commerce platform is giving Filipinos even more reasons to check out. From Mas Mura Sa Shopee* offers, to an exciting new game that will surely thrill shoppers and not-to-miss entertainment, here are what users can expect this 9.9 Super Shopping Day: 

    9.9 Calendar

    1. Discover Mas Mura Sa Shopee deals from August 26 to September 11 

    Grab a wide range of ₱1 deals on your daily essentials and trending products by visiting the “₱1 Deals” page. Enjoy even bigger discounts when you claim free shipping with no minimum spend that you can use on your 9.9 Super Shopping Day buys.

    Shopee is also the perfect place to score your favorite brand products at irresistible deals, with thousands of brands offering exclusive discounts up to 90%. Shoppers can look forward to  special offers and storewide discounts from leading brands such as P&G, Olay, OPPO, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Pedigree, Garnier, Huawei, Adidas, Xiaomi, POCO, Ace Hardware, Uni-Care, Abbott, GameXtreme, Belo, INSPI, and more.

    The countdown to one of Shopee’s biggest sale events starts as early as August 30, where users can look forward to daily deals on featured categories. Mark your calendars to score irresistible discounts during these sale days: 

    ●      August 30 Payday Sale for your end of the month shopping with free shipping with no minimum spend, 10% off vouchers, and earn 120 coins cashback per bill payment when you use ShopeePay

    ●      Discover trending gadgets at Shopee-exclusive prices from well-loved brands such as Philips, 70mai & Han River at the Gadget Zone Day & Home Tech Day

    ●      Spruce up your personal space at the Home & Living Day

    ●      Enjoy huge savings on your parenting needs at the Babies & Kids Day

    ●      Stock up on your home essentials at the Grocery Bestsellers Day

    ●      Update your wardrobe like a true fashionista at the Bags & Accessories Day and Apparel & Shoes Day 

    Beyond unbeatable deals on essential items and trending products, the 9.9 Super Shopping Day offers Filipinos greater value for money when they use ShopeePay. This September 9, enjoy even more rewards and mas mura perks when you pay bills, buy load, and buy from offline merchants using Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet:

    ●      Activate and verify your ShopeePay for a chance to get free ₱70

    ●      Settle your bills from Meralco, Maynilad, Converge, and more to earn up to 120 coins cashback per bill category

    ●      For only ₱1, get 1GB all-access data to your favorite sites and apps, available on all networks

    ●      For as low as ₱1, get up to 20% discount vouchers that you can use to pay at ShopeePay’s partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Gong Cha and Wendy’s on September 9

    Shop and Win

    2. Win up to ₱1 million with 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win and more

    Until September 9, get a chance to win ₱1 million with the all-new 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win. To join, you need to purchase on the Shopee app and claim the code from September 1 to 9 to be eligible for the draw. Viewers of the draws leading up to September 9 also stand a chance to win exciting prizes with Guess to Win, a daily in-app game that rewards one lucky viewer with ₱10,000 cash via ShopeePay. 

    Start testing your luck when you tune in to the 9.9 Shopee Budol Live, happening until September 4, for a chance to win up to ₱50,000 when you play the Shopee Live version of the 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win game. 

    3. Watch the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special and bring home exciting prizes 

    Main KV

    Be treated to an evening of entertaining performances from local stars such as Shopee’s own Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, Primetime King Ding Dong Dantes, Michael V, Carla Abellana, Bianca Umali, Victor Anastacio, Luane Dy, Ken Chan, Tuesday Vargas, Sanya Lopez, Rodjun Cruz, Sef Cadayona, Zack Tabudlo, Zephanie, Jessica Villarubin, and more during the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special this September 9, 9:35 PM on GMA 7 and Shopee Live.

    Exciting prizes are up for grabs, as lucky viewers who play Shopee Shake during the TV Special stand a chance to win up to ₱50,000 and a House & Lot from Lumina Homes. A total of ₱1 million cash from Shopee and Uratex, ₱500,000 worth of Uratex products, and a brand new MG ZS Crossover SUV also await the winners of 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win during the show.

    Visit the 9.9 Super Shopping Day for more information. 

    *Kantar Nationwide-Urban Quanti-Survey of Online Shoppers using Shopping Apps, June 2022.

  • A balance of Class and Performance in the latest Lenovo IdeaPad Devices 

    With the purpose to challenge conventions and transform the way people live, work, and play, Lenovo today launched its latest generation of IdeaPad devices, combining stylish design with intensified performance to provide consumers with the ultimate device capable of supporting users’ personal and professional lives on-the-go as they are adapting to a hybrid lifestyle.

    Designed for high-quality performance and classy portability to deliver an intuitive consumer experience, users can look forward to the new Lenovo IdeaPad Gen 7 lineup featuring the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i, IdeaPad Slim 5i and IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro.

    IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i

    Lenovo IdeaPad Slim
    (Left) IdeaPad Slim 3 in Abyss Blue, (Right) IdeaPad Slim 3i with 15.6-inch display

    Built for purposeful performance and perfect for students looking for a device upgrade, the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i are powered by the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series and 12th Gen Intel Core processors to guarantee users the perfect laptop for multitasking. The IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i also come in two kinds of models: 14-inch and 15.6-inch with FHD IPS screens, and has a high AAR design with up to 88% active display area, allowing users to see more on their screens.

    Both laptops also feature up to 16GB DDR4 of memory and 512GB G3 of storage to ensure enough space for work and personal files. The devices have also been engineered with a full function USB Type C port that includes power and display to provide innovative features that are beneficial for users. 

    To further enhance user experience, the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i are equipped with a biometric power button, HD Camera with privacy shutter and smart learning features. Students can also expect the latest Windows 11 OS, Dolby Audio speakers, and an array microphone, proving the IdeaPad Slim 3 and 3i to be a reliable work and personal device equipped with the latest technology.

    The IdeaPad Slim 3 is available in the color Abyss Blue, starting at PHP 45,995.00 for the AMD Ryzen 5 models and the IdeaPad Slim 3i comes in the colors Arctic Grey, Abyss Blue, and Misty Blue, starting at PHP 47,495.00 for the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 models. Both variants come with a Lifetime Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 license.

    IdeaPad Slim 5i

    15 Ideapad 5i Gen 7 Hero Family

    Built for users who want beauty, performance and the best bang for their buck, the IdeaPad Slim 5i comes in a full-metal aluminum design, 16.9mm thickness, and CNC diamond-cut edges. Equipped with up to an Intel® CoreTM i7-1255U processor and Windows 11 OS, it is the kind of laptop that guarantees users improved productivity and exceptional performance. The IdeaPad Slim 5i also comes with either a 14-inch and 15.6-inch FHD screen that provides for a power efficient and color accurate display. 

    With its two full function USB Type C ports that come with a Type C charger, on-the-go users who heavily rely on their device are gifted with a faster recharge. The IdeaPad Slim 5i also features up to 16GB DDR4 of memory and 512GB PCIe Gen3 SSD for storage. Users will also experience innovative functionality with the following special features: FHD 1080p camera with privacy shutter, and Dolby-audio user facing speakers.

    Crafted with guaranteed durability and portability, the IdeaPad Slim 5i is MIL-STD certified, assuring users that the device can withstand bumps and drops. In the unlikely case of damages due to accidental reasons, users can benefit from the bundled 3-Year Accidental Damage Protection, free of charge. Together with the standard 3-Year Premium Care Warranty and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 Lifetime license, users are given Lenovo’s best-in-class service with the IdeaPad Slim 5i.

    The IdeaPad Slim 5i is available in Storm Grey Metal, starting at PHP 51,995.00.

    IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro

    12 Ideapad 5 Pro Hero Front Tilted

    Designed to provide ultimate and intensified performance, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro is focused on addressing the needs of professionals who wish to achieve a high level of productivity. Equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen R7-6800HS processor, Windows 11 OS, and the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro provides users with the high quality performance of up to 85W TDP. It also comes  in a 16-inch WQXGA model  andfeaturesa 16:10 aspect ratio display, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a high AAR design with up to 91% active display area.

    With its full metal design, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro strikes the perfect balance of power and beauty. It also features up to 16GB DDR5 4800 of memory and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD for storage to ensure users have enough space on their device, and includes a cutting edge cooling system, perfect for long hours of use.

    The IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro also comes equipped with a Smart Login with FHD camera, array microphone, and Dolby Atmos speaker system. As an additional gift to customers, the laptop is bundled with the 3-Year Accidental Damage Protection for free. Combined with the standard 3-Year Premium Care Warranty and Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 Lifetime license, users are guaranteed to receive top-notch service with the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro.

    Available in a sleek Storm Grey color, perfect for that minimalist design, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Pro starts at PHP 86,995.00.

    The 2022 models of the IdeaPad devices will be available in all Lenovo Exclusive Stores and authorized resellers nationwide. For more information, follow Lenovo Philippines on Facebook.

  • New World Makati Hotel Welcomes The Mid-Autumn Festival with Handcrafted Mooncakes from Jasmine Restaurant

    As part of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Jasmine at New World Makati Hotel celebrates the auspicious occasion with a delectable assortment of mooncakes perfect for gifts to loved ones and friends. These mooncakes come in four flavors – Red Bean with Double Yolk, Red Lotus with Double Yolk, White Lotus with Double Yolk, and Five Kernel (watermelon seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and peanuts) – encased in gold, yellow, and brown packaging with an embossed gold stamping. These come in a box of two at Php1,488 and a box of four at Php2,488 nett. 

    Jasmine at New World Makati Hotels handcrafted mooncakes Large

    Mooncakes represent not only a cultural but a historical significance for the Chinese, particularly the country’s victory over the Mongols. After many attempts to invade China, the Mongols succeeded in the 13th Century, with Kublai Khan establishing the Yuan dynasty. A rebel leader’s confidant, Liu Bowen, suggested a rebellion coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival and he secured permission for mooncakes to be distributed to each of the Chinese residents as a blessing to the longevity of the Mongol emperor. Within each cake was a piece of paper saying “kill the Mongols on the 15th day of the eighth month.” As Mongols didn’t eat mooncakes, their plan succeeded and the Mongols were overthrown.

    Jasmines mooncakes come in four flavors red and white lotus red bean and five kernels Large

    For more information or to place an order, tap on the online order form link: https://bit.ly/NWMJasmineMooncakes, call +63 2 811 6888 ext. 3679 or message on the Viber app at +639178884194. Stay updated and follow New World Makati Hotel on Facebook (New World Makati Hotel), Instagram (@newworldmakati) or visit www.manila.newworldhotels.com. 

  • Adult Swim unleashes Global ‘Rick and Morty’ Fan Experience: #Wormageddon!

    WORMAGEDDON has arrived!

    Leading into the season six premiere of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty on HBO GO, fans around the world are invited to participate in an immersive adventure that brings to life the two-time Emmy® Award-winning animated hit comedy series. #WORMAGEDDON is a global “living episode” and treasure hunt that features 14 unique and immersive scenes that bridge the events from the season five finale episode with the recently announced season six premiere.

    RAM KEY ART HBO GO

    Reaching every continent except Antarctica, spectacular new custom scenes will unfold nearly every day until #WORMAGEDDON concludes with the season six global premiere of Rick and Morty on Monday, September 5 – only on HBO GO – the same time as the US. Fans in the Philippines can also stream Seasons 1-5.

    main shot final

    Facing a threat of complete global destruction, the heroes and anti-heroes of Rick and Morty will team up against #WORMAGEDDON. Between the destruction of the Citadel of Ricks at the end of season five and the beginning of season six, a new threat lands on Earth in the form of a mysterious alien worm that aims to take over the planet.

    Featuring 14 custom scenes that showcase the worm’s destructive path and featuring fan-favorite Rick and Morty characters, starting on Monday fans are invited to join the hunt and unlock clues to discoverthe nine hidden locations in countries around the world. The first fan to find each hidden location in person will be rewarded on the spot with a life-size golden “Rick” head. Fans can get details and rules on how to participate in the global treasure hunt here.

    Golden Rick head

    “To celebrate the new season, we are inviting fans around the globe to take part in an immersive experience that allows them to go on a real-life Rick and Morty adventure,” said Tricia Melton, chief marketing officer for Warner Bros. Discovery Kids, Young Adults and Classics group. “Our world is being invaded by alien space worms so menacing that #WORMAGEDDON has been declared on nearly every continent. The first fan to find the hidden battle scenes around the world will nab a golden Rick head, clearly one of the most collectible items in the universe.”

    To set the stage for this new adventure, Adult Swim debuted a series of custom animated shorts about the origins of this dangerous alien invasion. [A Citadel Secret] premiered at the Rick and Morty panel at the Adult Swim Festival Block Party on August 6, followed by [A Journey to Earth] on August 17. The two shorts have received a combined total of 6MM+ global views and counting. Then came the debut of [Threat Level: Wormageddon] in which Rick is alerted about #WORMAGEDDON and enlists others to join him in the battle against the massive alien monster.

    Fans can follow along as the beloved characters from Rick and Morty battle to save Earth from #WORMAGEDDON by visiting the show’s official social channels and on RickandMorty.com.

    Rick and Morty was the #1 comedy across all US cable in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Since launch, Rick and Morty ranks as one of the top series for HBO Max, and HBO GO in Southeast Asia. Lifetime to date, Rick and Morty has been viewed over 10B times globally, across linear, digital, and streaming.

  • Murder Mystery “Where the Crawdads Sing” Holds Sneak Previews Sept 5 & 6

    Trailer Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    Fans may check with their favorite theaters for ticket prices and screening schedule.

    Based on the best-selling novel by Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. “Delia created a classic, timeless story with this book,” says the film’s director, Olivia Newman. “A romance, an underdog story, a murder mystery, a criminal trial, with a distinctive setting that lends to the drama and scope. We wanted to honor that with a faithful adaptation.”

    Today’s announcement of the sneaks by Columbia Pictures coincides with the milestone that Where the Crawdads Sing has just achieved last week — the film has crossed the $100 million benchmark globally.  The gripping drama has now amassed $78.8M domestic (US) and $21.5M from the international box office (Australia, New Zealand and Europe).

    cra RT Audience Score
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    It has also been embraced by fans and critics alike with an Audience Score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.  “This is a movie about fighting back against male intransigence that has the courage of its outsider spirit,” says the review in Variety, while The Chicago Sun Times writes “Daisy Edgar-Jones’ performance and the gorgeous imagery redeem the book adaptation.”

    Underscoring the film’s rich literary origins, The Washington Post likens the film to “a Southern-fried `The Blue Lagoon’ meets `Murder, She Wrote’ — and topped off with a sprinkling of `To Kill a Mockingbird.’”

    cra 100 M
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    Finally, Coming Soon attests that “a captivating lead performance and a powerful ending ultimately keep this movie watchable for any fans of Delia Owens’s fascinating novel,” while National Post concludes, “over its two-plus hours I sat spellbound and intrigued. If a film can be described as a page-turner, Where the Crawdads Sing is that.”

    3000 Pictures presents in association with HarperCollins Publishers a Hello Sunshine production, Where the Crawdads Sing. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer, Jr., and David Strathairn. Directed by Olivia Newman. Produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter. Screenplay by Lucy Alibar. Based upon the novel by Delia Owens. The executive producers are Rhonda Fehr and Betsy Danbury. The director of photography is Polly Morgan, ASC. The production designer is Sue Chan. The editor is Alan Edward Bell, ACE. The costume designer is Mirren Gordon-Crozier. The music is by Mychael Danna.

    Where the Crawdads Sing is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Connect with the hashtag #CrawdadsMovie

  • ‘Emergency Declaration’ is coming to Philippine Cinemas This August 31

    “Emergency Declaration”, which now sits comfortably at the number 5 spot in the Highest Grossing South Korean films of 2022, is about to hit Philippine cinemas come August 31st. 

    1 1

    Written and directed by the multi-awarded writer-director Han Jae-Rim (The King, The Face Reader, The Show Must Go On), this aviation disaster action thriller brings together some of the biggest actors that reign in Korean moviedom. 

    Song Kang-Ho (Parasite, The Drug King, Broker) portrays a veteran cop named In-ho who cancels a trip to Hawaii because of work.  His wife, however, pushes through with the planned vacation.  Alas, the flight that’s supposed to lead to a Hawaiian escapade suddenly becomes a flight of terror as a fellow passenger starts coughing up blood and then meets a gruesome death, the reason unknown.  Unable to escape from a plane that has already taken off, not only the passengers but also the flight crew are unable to avoid the slowly impending disaster. 

    3

    On the ground, In-ho receives a tip about a man threatening a terrorist attack against a plane.  Realizing that the man and his wife boarded the same flight, and becoming aware that the plane is being refused to land anywhere, In-ho devotes everything he has to solving the crisis. 

    Lee Byung-Hun (The Man Standing Next, Ashfall, Keys to the Heart) plays Jae-hyuk, a man who has aerophobia, but flies anyway for the sake of his daughter who needs medical treatment.  And now that their lives are all in danger, Jae-hyuk’s courage will be put to the test.

    5

    Jeon Do-yeon (Beasts Clawing at Straws, Ashfall, A Man and A Woman) is Sook-hee, the Transport Minister who has the overwhelming responsibility of ensuring the safety of Flight KI501 that is currently travelling between countries.

    Kim Nam-gil (The Closet, The Odd Family: Zombie on Sale, Memoire of a Murderer) plays Hyun-soo, the co-pilot who must land the plane safely at all cost.  Keeping in close contact with the crisis management center on the ground, he tries his best to keep the plane aloft, but with no solution in sight he finds himself having to make an ‘emergency declaration’.

    7

    Yim Si-wan (The Merciless, One-Line, A Melody to Remember) plays Jin-seok, the cause of all the chaos.   After loitering about Incheon International Airport and asking for a flight with the most number of passengers, Jin-seok boards Flight KI501.  With his innocent-looking face, nobody would have guessed what evil deed he’s capable of. 

    Kim So-jin (Escape from Mogadishu, Spring Song, The Man Standing Next) plays Hee-jin, the head flight attendant.  She’s been thinking of wrapping up her career in the sky after this flight.  But will she even live past this?  Would she be able to save lives if this would be the last flight of her life? 

    4

    Park Hae-joon (The 8th Night, Bring Me Home, Believer) plays Tae-Su, the head of the presidential crisis management center who is expected to make the most realistic decisions to protect the nation during this unprecedented disaster.  As the news about the bioterrorism on the plane leaves the general public in shock, Tae-su is forced to choose between the safety of the passengers and the crew or the safety of the people on the ground.  So many lives depend on him.      

    Director Han Jae-Rim wrote the screenplay back in 2019, before the Corona virus pandemic.   In a statement that he released, he said, “I couldn’t help but be shocked to see the events which I had imagined in my mind become reality. Disasters always strike when we least expect them. Those of us living in this era are already accustomed to the way in which people easily lose strength and become self-centered in the midst of a disaster or crisis. But despite the turmoil faced by humanity during this pandemic, the situation is slowly improving. I hope that this film can provide a small measure of comfort and hope to those who suffered in this tragedy, to those who bravely fought against it, and to all of us who at this moment are exhausted from dealing with the pandemic.”

    “Emergency Declaration” premiered at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021 in the non-competing section of the event. 

    Catch it on August 31 in cinemas nationwide.  From Viva International Pictures and MVP Entertainment. 

  • German Club Manila’s 82nd Oktoberfest is Back at Solaire

    Solaire and German Club Manila return with the much-awaited and most authentic Oktoberfest in Manila happening on October 14 and 15 at The Tent at Solaire. Members of the media were invited to experience a preview of what to expect in this year’s celebration.

    To officially start the program, German Club’s Oktoberfest Michael Scheile and Eiffelene Salvador return as masters of ceremonies to add more authentic flavor to the preview event. Solaire’s Vice President of Food & Beverage Bastian Breuer shares, “Following a very successful back-to-back Oktoberfest celebration two years ago, we are thrilled to return as the venue of choice for German Club Manila’s Oktoberfest celebrations and we look forward to continuing this partnership.” 

    Solaire GCM Oktoberfest Press Launch 2
    German Club Manila and Solaire executives with Oktoberfest media preview masters of ceremonies Michael Scheile and Eiffelene Salvador pose for the ceremonial toast.

    Michael Ducke, German Club Manila’s President stated, “The German Club Manila is excited to welcome everyone to experience the most authentic Oktoberfest again here in the Philippines! For the past two years, we have been looking forward to celebrating the next Oktoberfest, and now we’re back and ready to create great memories with everyone. We look forward to seeing all of you at the 82nd Oktoberfest.”

    Solaire’s Vice President of Culinary Michael Dinges shared what really sets this Oktoberfest apart from the rest of the similar celebrations across the metro, “The German Club Manila and Solaire’s Oktoberfest partnership to bring the traditional German tradition underscores authenticity. From the beer, entertainment, to the homemade German sausages and delicacies, all elements of the celebration rooted in German culture. Guests will receive an overflowing selection of Germany’s best tastes and flavors, surrounded by the finest Filipino hospitality.”

    Per Oktoberfest traditions, Solaire Vice President of Food & Beverage Bastian Breuer, German Club Manila President Michael Ducke, German Club Manila Oktoberfest Chairman Tobias Rast, and Solaire Vice President for Culinary Michael Dinges were invited up the stage for the ceremonial toast followed by the ever-familiar tune that signals the beginning of the increasingly speedy tempo of the Fliegerlied, an Oktoberfest classic that brings the crowd on their feet and to the dance floor. Apart from this celebration staple, the Oktoberfest main event days will again hear the electrifying music of the Bavarian Sound Express.

    Solaire German Club Oktoberfest Homemade Sausage Sampler with Roasted Potatoes and Weihenstephan Beers
    Weihenstephan beer with a variety of homemade sausages and roasted potatoes.
    Solaire German Club Oktoberfest Weisswurst and Pretzels
    Weisswurst and pretzels.

    Lederhosen clad gents and dirndl wearing ladies emerged with Bavarian delicacies offering appetizers such as a basket of oven-fresh German breads and pretzels, Munich-style sausage salad, and a German cold cuts and cheese platter. Next comes a variety of sausages like the Weisswurst, a Munich-style poached veal and pork sausage dish; a Bavarian meat platter that consists of crispy pork knuckle, pork schnitzel, meat loaf, rotisserie chicken and bread dumpling; a sausage sampler which has grilled coarse pork sausage, frankfurter sausage, veal bratwurst with sauerkraut and roasted potatoes; and the Spaetzle pan made of homemade noodles with cream, mountain cheese and crispy onions. The desserts remain filled with staples like the classic apple and walnut strudel with vanilla sauce and ice cream, the Kaiserschmarrn, a dish made of shredded rum raisin pancakes with berry compote and vanilla sauce, and a beer mug with apricot jelly and yoghurt foam were the perfect neutralizer after a hearty dose of German goodness. 

    Solaire German Club Oktoberfest German Cold Cuts and Cheese Platter
    An assortment of German cold cuts and various types of cheeses.
    Solaire German Club Oktoberfest Apple and Walnut Strudel Vanilla Sauce Ice Cream
    Apple and walnut strudel with vanilla sauce and ice cream, and “Kaiserschmarrn”, shredded rum raising pancakes with berry compote and vanilla sauce.

    To show the kind of fun to be expected on the 82nd Oktoberfest, guests were asked to participate in various activities. A stein hoisting tested endurance and will power, the beer drinking game challenged each player’s speed and drinking tricks, and the hammer striking showcased physical strength and brawn. For those who couldn’t participate, an exciting raffle draw was in store offering the chance to win much-awaited prizes.

    The 82nd Oktoberfest will definitely satisfy the authentic German fun and excitement you’ve missed with its knockout roster of the best German dishes, plus an astonishing program filled with blockbuster entertainment. Buy your tickets for this year’s Oktoberfest celebration in Manila. For more information visit https://www.solaireresort.com/oktoberfest.

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  • Vans Returns to the Upside Down  with an all new “Vans x Stranger Things 4” Collaboration

    Vans, the original action sports brand, celebrates creative self-expression and youth culture in a collection of footwear, apparel and accessories inspired by the antics and adventures of the characters of Netflix’s “Stranger Things”, on the heels of its 4th season.  

    Vans x Stranger Things HFC JEAN JACKET

    For the upcoming collection, Vans x Stranger Things 4 introduces classics reworked with graphics and design accents lifted from the nostalgia of the show.

    FA22 StrangerThings Footwear Collection Elevated2
    SK8-HI REISSUE – Php 8,998 (left); AUTHENTIC – Php 6,498 (middle); STYLE 36 – Php 7,498 (right)

    The footwear assortment is led by the Sk8-Hi Reissue that dives into the Upside Down, with hairy suede uppers, high density Vine prints, and a reflective Demogorgon screen print and crystal outsole, “chewed through” by the creature’s sharp teeth. 

    FA22 StrangerThings KidsSK8 HiZip VN0A5ELFY09 BlkRed Pair Elevated 3

    The Hellfire Club Style 36 is for club initiates only, featuring a Black and Red all over crackle print canvas upper and embellished with skulls, axes, and throwing stars from Dungeons & Dragons across a distressed and doodled-on outsole. 

    FA22 StrangerThings Style36 VN0A3DZ3Y09 BlkRed Elevated 2
    FA22 StrangerThings Authentic VN0A5JMPBO5 MltiMrsh Elevated 2

    Surfer Boy Pizza makes an appearance on the Vans Authentic in contrasting black-and-white and red-and-white checkerboard, decorated with doodles of pizza and cartoons.    

    Vans x Stranger Things Denim Jacket
    HFC JEAN JACKET – Php 9,998; I NEED VANS REV. SS TEE – Php 3,198; SKETCH PILL BOX HAT – Php 2,498

    In addition to footwear, Vans x Stranger Things comes to life across a range of apparel and accessories, led by the Hellfire Club Jean Jacket in rigid black over-dye denim. Graphic tees mash-up Vans’ heritage through a Stranger Things lens, seen in a vintage surf poster graphic with Demogorgons on the shore and a reversible play on the classic “Man, I Need Vans” slogan. The Sketch Pill Box Hat that has the classic Vans checkerboard with Stranger Things Upside Down text decorated with doodles.

    The Vans x Stranger Things S4 collection is now available in the following Vans stores:
    VANS GREENBELT 3
    VANS TRINOMA
    VANS GLORIETTA 3
    VANS ERMITA
    VANS AYALA CEBU
    VANS ATC
    VANS FESTIVAL
    VANS UP TOWN CENTER
    VANS SM MEGAMALL
    VANS SM NORTH EDSA
    VANS SM FAIRVIEW

    For more information, please visit @vansphilippines on Instagram.