Author: Press Release

  • Score up to P12,000 Off on iPhone 13 & Enjoy More Deals at Power Mac Center This Father’s Day

    Buying gifts for mom can be a bit tricky, but we’re sure you’ll agree that picking gifts for dad is an unmatched kind of difficulty. Father’s Day is just around the corner and we are sure you are still struggling with what to get him. We know this, he basically claims to want nothing when asked.

    Power Mac Center’s Don’t Skip Dad’s Day campaign offers the most exciting deals specially made for our loving fathers. We have rounded up the best tech gifts that he will surely use. Side note, all of these practical finds come with a discount!

    So whether you’re looking for a gift for your all-around dad, your hardworking father who deserves a break, or your dad on the go who loves adventures, we have just the right gift idea for you!

    Power Mac Center Fathers Day Promo

    For the all-around dad

    All-around dads deserve all-around gifts! Present and active in all respects of work, house, and fatherly duties, surely your multifaceted dad is an incredibly dependable person. On his special day, what he needs is an equally reliable device that he can count on whenever he performs his tasks.

    Get your hands on these Apple products with up to a big discount! Power Mac Center offers up to P12,000 off on iPhone 13 and up to P8,490 off on iPad Pro M1. These exciting gifts that reflect how much you support all his ventures will definitely surprise him on Father’s Day.

    Wait, there’s more! You can also enjoy up to P3,000 off on AirPods Pro and up to P1,500 discount on select Apple Watch series.

    These promos are available in Power Mac Center and The Loop stores nationwide, Web Store, Viber Store, and The Loop by Power Mac Center official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

    For the hardworking dad

    Dads are like superheroes we can always count on to protect the family. On his special day, why not return the favor even with just a simple gesture? Give him the essential accessories so his day-to-day devices are protected, too. With a strong focus on his work, a perfectly functioning charging cord and an undamaged iPhone case are not at the top of his priority list. Nothing screams thoughtfulness more than recognizing the little things and understanding his needs. 

    Power Mac Center gives you up to 95% discount on accessories like cases, charging cables, connectors, storage, audio, and car accessories. And if you’re feeling a little extra, get the rest of the family too to purchase gifts for dad to get free shipping when you purchase a minimum of P2,500 worth of accessories on Power Mac Center online stores from June 15 to June 19, 2022.

    These offers are available at Power Mac Center and The Loop stores nationwide, Web Store, and The Loop by Power Mac Center official stores on Lazada and Shopee.

    For the dad-on-the-go

    Still confused about what to get your gym buff dad? If he doesn’t skip leg day, then you definitely shouldn’t skip dad’s day. You can allow him to try new Saddle Row classes for a change. It can be the next fun activity he can enjoy with you or your mom. Plus, with its health and fitness benefits, it will be well worth it, too!

    In collaboration with Saddle Row, Power Mac Center gives you the exclusive opportunity to try out the best fitness classes, like indoor cycling and indoor rowing. Purchase a minimum of P30,000 worth of items at Power Mac Center and The Loop stores to be one of the five lucky winners of a whopping P10,000 gift certificate from Saddle Row, where your dad can engage in a holistic level of fitness that will benefit his health and mental well-being.

    Launched in 2015, Saddle Row is a boutique fitness concept creating tailor-fit indoor workouts for cycling and rowing. If you’re looking for a safe and smart fitness experience in the shortest possible time for your dad, let him try Saddle Row’s indoor workout programs.

    Take advantage of the week-long promos of generous discounts from June 14, 2022 (Tuesday) to June 19, 2022 (Sunday). Sale activities are available at all Power Mac Center and The Loop stores nationwide, web store, Viber store, and Power Mac Center official Lazada and Shopee stores.For more information on the amazing deals, click here and follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Subscribe to the PMC Viber community for any inquiries or to learn the updates about the latest Apple offerings.

  • Check out these great Father’s Day gifts with exclusive discounts from Maya 

    All set for Father’s Day weekend? If you haven’t quite decided on how to celebrate yet, all-in-one money app, Maya, offers great gift ideas which will make the man of your home feel extra special. What makes it even better is that they come with Tipid Hits and Feel-Good Deals exclusively for Maya users. 

    Maya Fathers Day

    Whether it’s a staycation, office gear, or a food favorite, you can be sure that your dad will truly appreciate any of these thoughtful gifts—some of which can also be enjoyed by the rest of the family. 

    Family vacation 

    Dads work hard for the family so a staycation in a nice hotel or resort will give them that much-needed break from the daily grind.  

    Agoda

    If you book through Agoda between June 15 to July 14, 2022, you can get PHP 260.00 off for a minimum spend of PHP 3,000.00. Just make sure to pay with your Maya mobile number and use the promo code MAYA260JUN. The stay period is from June 15, 2022 to June 30, 2023, giving you a lot of time to plan the trip.

    A Lake View Family Suite in Splendido-Lily Vacation, Tagaytay averages for around PHP 3,500.00 per night— now less PHP 260.00 with Agoda and Maya! 

    Office support seat 

    For dads who spend most of their days sitting in front of their computers, BackJoy posture seats would be perfect for them. Its well-designed structure, pressure-relieving foam, and soft fabric promote comfortable sitting, back pain relief, and proper posture throughout the day.  

    Backjoy

    From March 15 to June 30, 2022, you can get 15% off on any two regular-priced items and 5% off on marked-down items, no discount cap if you simply pay with Maya QR.  

    You can purchase a Posture Core Sit which currently retails for PHP 3,647.00, marked down from PHP 4,290.00 – for your dad and yourself!  

    Masculine bag 

    If you’re looking to splurge on your dad as a special treat on Father’s Day, why not let him work or travel in style? Tumi offers world-class business and travel products such as luggage, backpacks, bags, briefcases, and more.  

    Tumi

    From March 15 to June 30, 2022, you can get 15% off on any two regular-priced items and 5% off on marked-down items with no discount cap if you simply pay with Maya QR.  

    The Just In Case® backpack (PHP 7,990.00) and the Packable Rain Cover (PHP 5,990.00) can cumulatively go from PHP 13,980.00 all the way down to PHP 11,883.00, allowing a huge 15% worth of savings!  

    Pizza party 

    When it comes to a fun family bonding sesh, you can’t go wrong with the classic Pizza Hut. From June 1 to July 31, 2022, you can get 30% off on the Regular or Large a la carte Pan Pizzas and Stuffed Crust Pizzas (cheese stuffed and sausage stuffed).  

    Pizza Hut 1

    The promo is available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery via 8911-1111 when you scan to pay with Maya QR. Try out the 12-inch Cheese Pimiento Stuffed Crust Pizza—from PHP 729.00, you can get it for less at only PHP 510.30! 

    Self-care products 

    Yes, dads need to invest in their self-care too. The Body Shop offers a range of quality products for men from facial cleanser (Guarana and Coffee Energizing Cleanser, PHP 556.00) to shaving cream (Maca Root and Aloe Softening Shaving Cream, PHP 556.00) to perfume (White Musk for Men Eau de Toilette, PHP 1,516.00).  

    The Body Shop

    From June 1 to 30, 2022, you can get your dad a free 60ml Tea Tree toner for every minimum spend of PHP 1,000.00, which you pay with Maya QR code in stores! 

    Choose any of these products to warm your dad’s heart and to give you the rewards you deserve only with Maya. For more information, promos, and updates from the country’s all-in-one money app, visit maya.ph and follow Maya on Facebook. 

  • Here’s How Papaya Can Help You Achieve the Glow up That You Want!

    The secret to smoother, brighter skin has always been right under our noses: the humble Papaya.

    Avon 2

    The fruit is not only delicious, but it is also a good source of fiber, Vitamins C, and Vitamin A, as well as antioxidants that help prevent chronic diseases, reduce cancer risk, or even slow down cancer progression. In addition to keeping the body healthy, it is also best known for keeping the skin at its best: reducing wrinkles, sagging, and of course, promoting brighter and smoother skin. For decades, Papaya has been a beauty cult favorite and has become one of the most prominent natural ingredients in personal care products. That is all thanks to an enzyme called Papain, which can act as a strong skin exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, making the skin brighter and more supple.

    Avon

    Now, through the no. 1 Lotion brand in the Philippines, you can get naturally brighter and smoother skin in just 5 days with the new and improved Avon Naturals Papaya & Soy Collection—made from 100% Papaya fruit!

    “Avon Naturals has always been nature-inspired, and with Papaya, you can’t go wrong especially if you want smooth, glowing skin,” says Dione Cotoco, Head of Beauty, Avon Philippines.

    The Avon Naturals Papaya & Soy Hand & Body Lotion provides 4x more Papaya extracts which when applied, can moisturize your skin for 30 hours leaving skin soft, smooth, and looking healthy. Dermatologically tested, each application is lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky and quick absorbing! Nourish and brighten your skin now and avail in 200mL, 400mL, and 750mL variants.

    The mild and cleansing Avon Naturals Papaya & Soy Shower Gel will leave your skin soft and smooth with each cleanse with 4x Papaya extract as the Hand and Body Lotion. Meanwhile, the Avon Naturals Papaya & Soy Bar Soap will make you fresh from head to toe with every wash with 2x Papaya extract.

    The Avon Naturals Papaya & Soy Collection is free from Parabens, Triclosan, Lanolin, Phthalates, Benzophenone, Mineral Oil and Silicon – all of which are proven to be harmful to the body over time.

    Cotoco continues, “Everything in this collection is expertly formulated without these harmful chemicals and ingredients. Every time you wash, lather, moisturize, you will get a burst of joy, feel you will get closer to nature, and ultimately achieve brighter and smoother skin.”

    Naturally brighter, smoother skin in as fast as 5 days? Yes! Feel a burst of joy daily with the new and improved Avon Naturals Papaya & Soy Collection!

    Shop via an Avon representative or online through avonshop.ph, or like, follow, and check out Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to find out how you can shop your favorite Avon products!

  • ‘Always Proud’ this Pride Month with discovery+

    In honor of the legacy, triumphs, and challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community, discovery+ today announced the addition of the “Always Proud” content hub to the streaming service. The year-round, regularly updated hub celebrates what it means to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering meaningful stories that showcase the joy and creativity of self-expression through authentic and relatable moments.

    Titles featured in the collection include: 

    Generation Drag (available from June 1) Generation Drag follows five teen and tween drag performers from across the USA as they prepare for the ‘Dragutante’ a first-of-its-kind drag ball event for teens and tweens. This heartwarming celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community gives us an intimate look into the lives of these fabulous teens, tweens, and their families. 

    Generation Drag 2

    Book of Queer (available from June 2) A five-episode docu-series highlighting some of history’s most fabulous “queeroes”, whose stories and contributions have been erased, marginalized, or straightwashed throughout the years. The series, narrated by Margaret Cho (“The Flight Attendant”, “Fire Island”), Dominique Jackson (“Pose”), Leslie Jordan (“American Horror Story”, “Will & Grace”), Ross Matthews (“The Drew Barrymore Show”, “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), and Alex Newell (“Glee”) – will pull back the curtain and take a deep dive telling the LGBTQIA+ story of the past, through interviews with revered queer historians and experts who are as colorful as the rainbow flag. 

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    Trixie Motel (available from June 3) Drag queen superstar Trixie Mattel, who has taken the world by storm with her outrageous sense of humor and vivacious, retro-kitschy style, is venturing into uncharted waters in this new discovery+ series.

    Trixie Motel 1

    Also in June, discovery+ has a special treat for music fans with the launch of An Audience with Adele (available from June 4). One of the biggest artists of all time, Adele performs at the London Palladium in front of an audience of family, friends, fans, and celebrities in an unforgettable night of music.

    An Audience with Adele

    The exciting things don’t stop there. The 7-day free trial for new discovery+  subscribers is extended until June 30th. Don’t miss out on nearly 30,000 episodes of exclusives, Originals, plus so much  more.  With discovery+, there’s  something for everyone.

    Download and subscribe to discovery+, available across multiple platforms including connected TVs, web, mobile, and tablets. For the latest updates and promos, follow discovery+ on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

    discovery+ Promo: 7-DAYS FREE FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS, THEN P129/MTH. VISIT DISCOVERYPLUS.COM/PH FOR MORE DETAILS. PROMO RUNS FROM APRIL 27, 2022 TO MAY 31, 2022, EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30, 2022 AS APPROVED BY DTI-FTEB. DTI FAIR TRADE PERMIT NO. FTEB-141516 SERIES OF 2022.

  • Crunchyroll Announces Global Theatrical Release Dates for “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero”

    Today, Crunchyroll and Toei Animation unveiled additional details for the global theatrical release of Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO, the newest film in the worldwide anime blockbuster franchise, including a new trailer, and new English voice cast.

    The film will be available in both English dub and subtitled and will arrive in more than 2300 theaters in the United States and Canada on August 19 with tickets on sale starting July 22.  The film will also be released in select U.S. based IMAX® theaters. For more information on the film visit http://2022dbs-global.com/.

    Crunchyroll also announced the English Voice Cast for the film:

    Son Gohan – Kyle Hebert
    Son Goku – Sean Schemmel
    Piccolo – Christopher R. Sabat
    Bulma – Monica Rial
    Vegeta – Christopher R. Sabat
    Krillin – Sonny Strait
    Trunks – Eric Vale
    Videl – Kara Edwards
    Pan – Jeannie Tirado

    New English Voice Cast:
    Dr. Hedo – Zach Aguilar
    Gamma 1 – Aleks Le
    Gamma 2 – Zeno Robinson
    Magenta – Charles Martinet
    Carmine – Jason Marnocha

    DBSSH 2

    Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO, the second film in the Dragon Ball Super franchise, opens in theaters across the globe in all continents. The film arrives on the following dates in the following regions and territories:

    ● August 18 in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Central America, Ecuador, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay

    ● August 19 in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Zambia, Vietnam

    ● August 26 in India, Indonesia

    ● August 30 in Malaysia, Brunei

    ● August 31 in the Philippines

    ● September 1 in Singapore

    ● September 8  in Taiwan

    ● September 15 in South Korea

    ● September 29 in Thailand, Hong Kong, Macao

    ● Additional global release dates for the film will be announced soon.  

    This is the first truly globally-distributed theatrical release for Crunchyroll and is distributed in North America by Crunchyroll. Internationally, the film will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

    Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO Official Synopsis:

    The Red Ribbon Army was once destroyed by Son Goku. Individuals, who carry on its spirit, have created the ultimate Androids, Gamma 1 and Gamma 2. These two Androids call themselves “Super Heroes”. They start attacking Piccolo and Gohan… What is the New Red Ribbon Army’s objective? In the face of approaching danger, it is time to awaken, Super Hero!

    feature 17

    The film, with full commitment and deep involvement from Dragon Ball’s original creator Akira Toriyama, has the legendary manga creator behind the film’s original story, screenplay and character design.

    Additionally, the film will be directed by Tetsuro Kodama and the Japanese voice actors for the film include Masako Nozawa (Son Goku, Son Gohan, and Son Goten), Toshio Furukawa (Piccolo), Aya Hisakawa (Bulma), Ryō Horikawa (Vegeta), Mayumi Tanaka (Krillin),  Takeshi Kusao (Trunks), Yūko Minaguchi (Videl),  Yūko Minaguchi (Pan), Miyu Irino (Dr. Hedo), Hiroshi Kamiya (Gamma 1), Mamoru Miyano (Gamma 2),  Volcano Ota (Magenta), and Ryota Takeuchi (Carmine).

    The Dragon Ball phenomena began in 1984 when Japan’s well-known manga from Akira Toriyama premiered in Shueisha’s “Weekly Shonen Jump” – becoming a top ranked title throughout its 10 and a half years of publication. Since then, the manga’s popularity has continued to grow with an astonishing record of 260 million copies sold worldwide and counting. And with Dragon Ball’s ever-increasing popularity, it has expanded beyond manga to include TV animation, movies, games and merchandising. Now 38 years after the launch of the original manga, Dragon Ball continues to evolve and will reach new heights starting with this new large-scale movie.

  • A Real-Life ‘Squid Game’ Competition is Coming to Netflix with $4.56M Cash Prize

    Netflix is bringing the global phenomenon Squid Game to life with the biggest reality competition series ever, “Squid Game: The Challenge“.

    With both the largest cast and lump sum cash prize in reality TV history, 456 real players will enter the game in pursuit of a life-changing reward of $4.56 million. As they compete through a series of games inspired by the original show – plus surprising new additions – their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while competitors are eliminated around them. The stakes are high, but in this game the worst fate is going home empty-handed.

    Recruitment is open now at SquidGameCasting.com. For this round, the Front Man is in search of English-language speakers from any part of the world.

    “Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang’s captivating story and iconic imagery. We’re grateful for his support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment,” said Brandon Riegg, Netflix VP of Unscripted and Documentary Series. “Fans of the drama series are in for a fascinating and unpredictable journey as our 456 real world contestants navigate the biggest competition series ever, full of tension and twists, with the biggest ever cash prize at the end.”

    Recruitment of participants is now open!

    Squid Game: The Challenge, the 10-episode competition series is a co-production between Studio Lambert (The Circle) and The Garden (24 Hours in A&E), part of ITV Studios, and it will be filmed in the UK. Stephen Lambert, Tim Harcourt, and Toni Ireland from Studio Lambert and John Hay, Nicola Hill, and Nicola Brown from The Garden will serve as executive producers.

    The scripted drama Squid Game holds the record as Netflix’s most popular series of all time, with over 1.65 billion view hours in the first 28 days after its September 2021 premiere.

    On June 12, 2022, Squid Game was officially renewed for season 2 as Netflix and Director Hwang confirmed they will once again team up for a whole new round.

  • Netflix Renews Series “Sweet Home” for Two More Seasons

    Sweet Home beloved stars Song Kang and Lee Jin-uk, along with the original cast members, Lee Si-young, Ko Min-si and Park Kyu-young will be returning. They will reunite with hit director Lee Eung-bok, to tell the unfinished story of the survivors of Green Home. Newly confirmed cast members Yoo Oh-seong, Oh Jung-se, Kim Moo-yeol, and Jung Jin-young round up the ensemble.

    “Season 2 will include a new setting, and the technical details that we couldn’t refine in Season 1 will be further honed in Season 2,” said the director, hinting at a wider franchise universe and even more stunning visuals.

    SweetHome Casting Layout

    When Season 1 landed on Netflix in 2020, its terrifying monsters and clever storytelling set a new benchmark in the creature feature genre, winning rave reviews from fans. The series went on to win international awards such as the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) and the 3rd Asia Contents Awards.

    About Season 1

    Hyun-soo, a life-loathing 18-year-old social recluse, moves into an old apartment complex called Green Home after the tragic death of his family. Feeling hopeless to his own, he decides that suicide is his only option. He schedules his suicide for the end of the month and goes to bed — only to wake up in a world full of hopelessness where floating monsters are about to sweep away humanity.

    The other Green Home residents realize they are trapped, surrounded by monsters in various forms of distorted human desires that are dangerously invincible. Meanwhile, the “monsterization” of people begins to emerge amongst the survivors, including Hyun-soo.

    Now they have to find the answers to survive while questioning what is “right vs. wrong”, “us vs. foe”, and whether to keep Hyun-soo alive.

  • Hilton Manila Celebrates Father’s Day with Hearty, Gastronomic Offerings

    Hilton Manila welcomes all Dads with hearty, gastronomic offerings throughout its award-winning restaurants and bar this coming Father’s Day Sunday, June 19, 2022.

    Hilton Manila Fathers Day

    “We look forward to welcoming all Dads and their loved ones to celebrate their special day. Following the challenges of the previous years, Dad truly deserves a ‘day off’ where they can simply enjoy worry-free dining and stays here at Hilton Manila,” shares John Lucas, Hotel General Manager.

    Hilton Manila Kusina Sea Kitchens Dampa Seafood Station

    At Kusina Sea Kitchens, diners are invited to show their appreciation to the “Man of the House” by treating the whole family to an indulgent Father’s Day buffet specially curated by Hilton Manila’s culinary artisans. The mouth-watering spread includes highlights such as Surf and Turf, Dampa-style Paluto, Filipino and Korean BBQ, and a Premium Ceviche Bar, among others. As an added treat, Dad is treated to a live musical entertainment for a most enjoyable dining experience with loved ones. Available for lunch and dinner, this Father’s Day special buffet is priced at Php 3,500 per person.

    Hilton Manila Kusina Sea Kitchens Korean Offerings

    Dads can also enjoy a complimentary bottle of beer this Father’s Day at the Port Bar with any order from the menu offerings: pizza, pasta, burger or Aussie favorites.

    Patrons who wish to celebrate in the comfort of their homes may simply leave the cooking to Hilton Manila’s culinary team and ‘Bring Hilton Home.’ This June, the hotel is showcasing a sumptuous Signature Steak Platter highlighted by a Dry-aged ribeye steak paired with sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes and complemented by a Father’s Day themed cake, priced at Php 5,000. Delicately crafted, themed signature cakes are also on sale at Madison with prices starting at Php 1,500.

    Hilton Manila Madison Fathers Day Cakes and Steak

    Hilton Manila observes stringent health and safety measures in line with local government guidelines and Hilton’s own CleanStay initiative and holds the Department of Tourism “Safety Seal”.

    For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 917 826 6442, send an email to MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com or visit https://www.hiltonmanila.com. Follow @hiltonmanila on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

  • Celebrate Dad with  A Craft Beer + Chocolate Cigar Bundle From Nipa Brew and Theo & Pilo Artisan Chocolates

    Celebrate dad this Father’s Day by gifting him with the perfect gift that he’s sure to love:  the Beer + Chocolate Cigar Bundle brought to you by Nipa Brew Craft Beer and Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates.  He deserves to kick back and indulge, after all.   Each chocolate cigar is filled with a coffee and peanut praline and encased in single origin dark chocolate. The flavors of the chocolate cigar are paired beautifully with two of Nipa Brew’s Craft Beers: Drop Zone (India Brown Ale, ABV 6%) and Take Me To Your Leader  (Scotch Heavy Ale, ABV 9.1%)   2  gorgeous pairings for 2 undeniably delicious experiences. 

    Nipa Brew TP Photo 1

    Each Father’s Day Bundle bundle includes:

    • 3 Chocolate Cigars by Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates
    • 1 bottle Take Me To your Leader (Scotch Heavy Ale, ABV 9.1%)*
    • 1 bottle Drop Zone (India Brown Ale, ABV 6%)
    • 1 330 ml Nipa Brew Pilsner Glass

    *Each bundle comes with a gift box and gift bag, ribbon-necktie, and a gift tag
    * Available for Metro Manila delivery only.

    The Father’s Day Bundle is available from June 11-30, 2022 via www.nipabrew.com,  www.theoandphilo.com, or at Nipa Brew Tap Room #9639 Kamagong Street, San Antonio Village 1203 Makati, Philippines (or call 0917 893 0486 to order)

  • Tom Hanks Plays the Shady Manager of “Elvis” Presley

    Oscar-winner Tom Hanks stars as Elvis Presley’s enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker in Warner Bros.’  “Elvis,” an epic, big-screen spectacle from visionary, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler).   

    Watch the new “Elvis” spot below:

    As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. 

    AButler BLuhrmann THanks

    “While this story is called ‘Elvis,’ it’s also Colonel Tom Parker’s story—the telling of it at least; he’s our way in, our narrator, and an unreliable one at that,” states writer/director/producer Baz Luhrmann, whose extensive research into the music icon Elvis aided in his discovery of the strange partnership behind the artist’s public success and personal struggles.  “As I like to say, Colonel Tom Parker was never a colonel, never a Tom, never a Parker, but a fascinating character all the same.  He was a carnival barker dedicated to finding that one great act.

    Tom Hanks 01 1

    “Nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley had lived for a period of time in one of the few white-designated houses in a Black section of Tupelo, Mississippi,” the filmmaker continues, “where, along with a group of neighborhood friends, he absorbed the music of both the local juke joints and the Pentecostal revival tents.  As he grew up, he fused this with his love of country music.  Parker had no ear for music whatsoever, but he was absolutely struck by the effect Elvis’s whole package had on young audiences.  As the Colonel says in the film, ‘It was the greatest carnival act I had ever seen.’”

    ELVIS CANNES THanks AButler 1

    Lurhmann further adds that, “In the mid-1950s in parts of America, carnivals were transitioning into music, mainly country and western.  But Parker was always looking for the extraordinary—the one that made the most money, had a great costume, excited the audience, had a strange twist… Just something special, like Elvis.”

    Luhrmann recruited Tom Hanks to play the role of Parker, stating, “I’d never worked with Tom previously, but I just told him the story and before I even got to the video I’d brought along to show him what I had in mind, he said, ‘Well, if you want me I’m your guy.’  What a gift!”

    rev 1 201106 ONSET 1141Nov 08 2020r

    Hanks has said of the real-life Parker, “He was both a genius and a scoundrel.  He was a very disciplined man, a wicked smart businessman and a dime-squeezing skinflint, but also a pioneer in a big type of show business that did not exist until Elvis Presley came along.  He knew instantaneously that Elvis was a unique artist, he saw his grand potential and knew that if he didn’t make a ton of money off him, somebody else would.”

    As Luhrmann reveals in the film, money was a key motivator and, as such, Parker was also possibly the first person to see the financial potential beyond the music: merchandising.  “He sees how this boy, Elvis, has an effect on an audience, an effect like he’s never seen before and certainly beyond anything he’s seen on the carnival circuit,” the filmmaker notes.  “To Tom Parker, it’s the greatest carnival act he’s ever witnessed, and he must have it.”

    In cinemas across the Philippines starting June 22, “Elvis” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

    Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #ElvisMovie

    Photo and Video Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures