(L-R) Angus MacLane, Galyn Susman, Producer and Chris Evans
Stars, filmmakers and special guests came together tonight at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre to celebrate Pixar Animation Studios’ 26th feature film, “Lightyear.” Members of the voice cast in attendance include Chris Evans (Buzz Lightyear), Keke Palmer (Izzy Hawthorne), Peter Sohn (Sox), Dale Soules (Darby Steel), James Brolin (Zurg), Uzo Aduba (Alisha Hawthorne), Mary McDonald-Lewis (I.V.A.N.), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Commander Burnside) and Efren Ramirez (Airman Díaz). Joining them were filmmakers Angus MacLane (directed by/story by/screenplay by), Galyn Susman, p.g.a. (produced by), Jason Headley (story by/screenplay by) and Michael Giacchino (music by). Special guests in attendance include Jabari Banks, Yvette Nicole Brown, Sherry Cola, Matt Cornett, Denise Crosby, Patrick Fabian, Xochitl Gomez, Jack Dylan Grazer, Tiffany Haddish, Skai Jackson, De Andre Jordan, Nathan Kress, Tom Marshburn, Griffin Matthews, Aaron Paul, Kristen Schaal, Iman Shumpert, Patrick Starr, Andre Swilley, Jon Voight, Ramona Young and Idara Victor.
“Lightyear” opens in Philippine cinemas this Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.
The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” opens Philippine in cinemas on June 15, 2022.
Smart recently unveiled their latest campaign featuring Ben&Ben as the group headlines Apple Music’s Spatial Audio, which allows subscribers to listen in surround sound with the use of compatible headphones and earphones. The service delivers an out-of-this-world listening experience apart from the Lossless Audio feature that upgrades the listening experience to a whole new level.
After expanding themselves from a folk pop songwriting duo composed of twin brothers Miguel and Paolo Benjamin into a full band, Ben&Ben released their debut LP, Limasawa Street, in 2019. The album became a triple platinum hit in the Philippines selling over 45,000 copies.
Since then the group has won several awards including multiple Awit Awards, Myx Awards, Wish Awards and has been ranked as the most streamed Filipino artist in the country.
Apple Music now boasts a library of over 90 million songs—and counting—from all your favorite musical artists and acts spanning every genre you can think of, whether it’s Western pop, Kpop, Pinoy Pop, and more. And what’s even better is that this extensive catalogue of tracks is all in high-quality Lossless Audio, capturing every note and element, delivering them in a crisp, clear sound that elevates your listening experience.
It’s now easier for Smart subscribers to avail of a six-month trial subscription to Apple Music. All users have to do is to download the GigaLife App and activate the Apple Music offer on the app’s home screen. Once successfully signed up for an Apple Music account, subscribers can use it on all their devices, not just on their smartphones.
For an immersive listening experience, it’s time to make the switch to Smart and claim the FREE six months’ worth of Apple Music subscription via the Smart GigaLife App.
Hold onto your butts. You’ll be fighting like these cats and dog(s) to see Paramount Pictures’ new comedy adventure Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank. Check out the new trailer now and watch the film in Philippine cinemas August 10.
Trailer from Paramount Pictures International
A hard-on-his-luck hound Hank (Michael Cera) finds himself in a town full of cats who need a hero to defend them from a ruthless villain’s (Ricky Gervais) evil plot to wipe their village off the map. With help from a reluctant teacher (Samuel L. Jackson) to train him, our underdog must assume the role of town samurai and team up with the villagers to save the day. The only problem… cats hate dogs! Also starring Mel Brooks, George Takei, Aasif Mandvi, Gabriel Iglesias, Djimon Hounsou, Michelle Yeoh, Kylie Kuioka, and Cathy Shim, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank pounces into cinemas across the Philippines August 10.
Netflix has teased the second season of their hit Korean survival series Squid Game. Through a short teaser and a brief letter from director Hwang Dong-hyuk, it was confirmed that the characters of Gi-hun and the Front Man will be returning next season. Moreover, the director also teased the arrival of Cheol-su, the boyfriend of the show’s iconic doll Young-hee.
Check out this exclusive letter from Director Hwang Dong-hyuk
Poster from Netflix
Squid Gameis a 9-episode series starring Lee Jung-Jae (New World, Assassination) and Park Hae-Soo (Time to Hunt, Prison Playbook).
A mysterious invitation to join the game is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. 456 participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games in order to win 45.6 billion won. Every game is a Korean traditional children’s game such as Red Light, Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death.
You can watch the first season of Squid Game, only on Netflix.
Get ready to shop to your heart’s content and stock up on the trendiest finds at the Hallyu Market, a one-day bazaar featuring all things Korea and K-Culture! Hallyu Market’s first stop is at the SM Skydome this August 20, 2022. Hallyu Market is also coming to a city near you as it plans to hold more Hallyu Market bazaars in Pasay, Cebu, Pampanga and Davao towards the latter part of the year, with an aim to make Hallyu reachable to fans all over the Philippines.
Snag the hottest K-merch, update your K-beauty routine, and shop til you drop while sipping on an iced Americano from our K-Cafe selections. What’s more, K-collectors can visit the designated Photocard Station where they can trade, auction, buy, and sell all-day, nonstop!
More exciting activities and swag await, so make sure to be at the Skydome at SM North EDSA on August 20th, 2022! Entrance to the 2022 Hallyu Market is P150 and includes a free Mini Deco Kit & More. Fans and bazaar goers can pre-book their entrance tickets at www.hallyumarket.live
Hallyu Market is an original production of MAKEITLIVE, with special thanks to SM City North Edsa and SM Skydome.
Download the Watsons App and enjoy Buy 1 Take 1, Buy 2 Take 1 and Buy More, Save More offers on your favorite products, including Vie En Vie Ascorbic Acid, Rexona Roll On, Watsons Cream Hand Soap, Watsons COQ100 Softgel Capsules, Xanthone Plus Gold and Nutrabliss by Watsons Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
For amazing deals, Sa Watsons Ako
Get up to 50% off on Nutrabliss by Watsons Collagen Sachet, Nutrabliss by Watsons, Vitamin B-Complex + Vitamin E, Nutrabliss by Watsons Multivitamin Chewable, Nutribliss by Watsons Calcium Vitamin D3 Chewable and many more. You also get more discounts if you’re a Watsons Card or Watsons Elite member!
For a wide variety of brands, Sa Watsons Ako
Watsons has over 10,000 products from different brands. Offering discounts at the Mega Wellness Sale are Berocca, Centrum Advance, Ceetab, Conzace, Enervon Active, Enervon C Bitbit, Fern C Gold, Fern C Gold, Fern C Kids, Fortima, Fern C Plus, Fern C Kiddimin, Neurogen E, Poten-Cee Advance, Poten-Cee Vitamin C Plus Zinc, Poten-Cee Syrup, Revicon Flex, Lactaflow, Genacol, Dreamwell, Diamaxin, Alanerv, Barley Max, Vicks Immune Defense Capsules, Sovit Cee, Sovit Max, ATC Livermarin, Natal Plus Capsule, Sleepasil, Sleepwell, Tolak Angin, Xanthone Plus and ZZZQuil Gummies.
For OTC medications, Sa Watsons Ako
Watsons’ well-trained and friendly pharmacists are always there to guide you when it comes to buying your prescription and OTC medications, including Alaxan, Allerta, Bioflu, Biogesic, Claritin, Decolgen Forte, Neozep Forte, Skelan, Solmux Advance and Tuseran Night.
For wellness supplements, Sa Watsons Ako
No other wellness retailer offers the variety of supplements that Watsons has. Among the wellness supplements on its shelves are Watsons Bilberry Complex Capsules, Watsons Flaxseed Oil Capsules, Watsons Cinnamon Bark Capsules, Watsons Evening Primrose Capsules, Liverguard Silymarin Capsules, Watsons Luyang Dilaw and and Watsons VitC-Vit E-Glutathione Effervescent Tablets.
For shopping convenience, Sa Watsons Ako
The unique Watsons proposition is ease of shopping, whether in its stores or online channels. You can visit any of Watsons 900+ stores nationwide, download the Watsons app http://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp or go to www.watsons.com.ph.
Watsons also offers Home Express Delivery, which allows you to get your orders in four hours or less. This service is available in Metro Manila and selected areas in Cavite, Rizal, Laguna and Bulacan only.
For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like /WatsonsPH on Facebook and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.
Vans and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon team up for a special collaboration inspired by the beloved tales of love and friendship from the legendary anime. The action-packed collection of footwear, apparel, and accessories capture the stories of Sailor Moon and the Sailor Guardians across iconic Vans styles.
OLD SKOOL PATCHWORK SRP: 5,998
The footwear range includes various designs across women’s, men’s, and kid’s categories. The Sk8-Hi Stacked infuses textiles with satin quarters and smooth leather overlays decorated with Sailor Moon’s transformation brooch and bow. Designs feature a printed gradient sidewall with translucent heels and toe bumpers dressed with Sailor Guardian planet symbols. The Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask make an appearance on the Authentic as a tribute to the notable characters from the series. Slip into comfort with the Women’s La Costa Slide-On made with a synthetic nubuck strap featuring the Sailor Guardians.
AUTHENTIC (LEFTMOST) SRP 5,298 SK8-HI STACKED (MIDDLE)SRP: 8,998 LA COSTA SLIDE-ON (RIGHTMOST)SPR: 3,498
The Old Skool Patchwork boasts an artful patch print that highlights the great anime. Vans’ iconic Checkerboard print is sported across the style in signature colorways tied back to each Sailor Guardian. Next, the Sailor Guardian planet symbols pop up again in a starry nighttime-inspired design on another rendition of the Old Skool. The adult footwear assortment rounds out with a Sailor Guardians and Dark Kingdom-filled ComfyCush Slip-On.
OLD SKOOL PATCHWORK (LEFTMOST) SRP: 5,998 OLD SKOOL (MIDDLE)SRP: 5,998 COMFYCUSH SLIP-ON (RIGHTMOST)SPR: 4,998
With the collection’s apparel line, fans will find an assortment of women’s, men’s, and kid’s styles. The Got This Mini Backpack features a close-up of Sailor Moon’s partner, Luna, surrounded by a circling Checkerboard pattern and finished with branded logo patches for adventures on the go. The backpack comes in a Luna-inspired purple with adjustable shoulder straps and an exterior zip pocket. Available soon.
GOT THIS MINI BACKPACK
The Vans x Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon collaboration will be available beginning June 15, 2022, at the following locations: VANS GREENBELT 3 VANS TRINOMA VANS SM MEGAMALL VANS GLORIETTA 3 VANS ROBINSONS PLACE MANILA VANS AYALA CENTER CEBU VANS ALABANG TOWN CENTER VANS MARKET MARKET VANS FESTIVAL MALL VANS UP TOWN CENTER VANS SM NORTH EDSA VANS SM FAIRVIEW VANS ROBINSONS GALLERIA
The Vans x Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon partnership is set to release a second capsule featuring Vans team rider and Olympic skateboarder Lizzie Armanto. For more information, please visit vans.com/sailormoon.
Ayala Malls welcomed film lovers to its impressive A-Giant Screen cinema in Ayala Malls Manila Bay at the special advance screening of Jurassic World Dominion, the last and final chapter of the epic saga. With wide viewing angles, high contrast, bright pictures, and excellent color temperature, audiences gasped at the A-Giant Screen’s lifelike projection of action-packed scenes. Viewers were found catching goose bumps at every cry of creature and man, thanks to the theater’s superior surround sound experience.
Lazaro and LA Revilla, as well as families of Feliz and Jay Jay Lucas, Joy and Gian Sotto, Derek Ramsey and Ellen Adarna, Marie Field-Faith, and Jun Sunga.
“So cool to see Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill and Laura Dern back in action as they conclude the action-packed franchise featuring never-before-seen dinosaurs and astonishing visual effects on the giant screen, which is four times bigger than those in regular cinemas!” mused Marie Field-Faith on social media.
“The experience was so overwhelming in a good way. A giant screen, a movie about giants and a giant movie franchise! Some things are just meant to be. I’m happy we opted to see Jurassic World in a giant screen, it couldn’t have been better. The experience was perfect!” shared Jun Sunga, who brought his two children and nephew along.
The film moved many viewers for its nostalgic value. Adding to their special experience was the premium screening on a bigger and better screen.
“Almost the same age as Ethan when the first Jurassic Park was on screen! Now after 28 years we get to watch the Epic ending of this franchise!! Best watched in the BIG screen!” shared Feliz Lucas.
The A-Giant Screen cinema has regular and private Skybox seating. The latter is equipped with luxurious reclining seats for a more cozy viewing. Available with popcorn and drinks for P450 (for regular seating) and P520 (for Skybox seating), everyone can savor a full cinematic experience.
“We are very excited to reintroduce the A-Giant Screen to movie lovers around the metro,” says Charmaine Bauzon, Head of Ayala Malls Cinemas. “After a long pause from movie theaters, there is no better way to bounce back than indulge in a full cinematic experience by going bigger and better. In fact, the A-Giant Screen lets audiences experience it best–it projects the most stunning and vibrant visuals, matched by enhanced audio definition, giving everyone greater immersive viewing bliss.”
Soon to come at Ayala Malls’ A-Giant Screen Cinemas The premiere of Jurassic World Dominion will be followed by many more family blockbuster movies.
On June 15th, the beloved action figure, Buzz Lightyear, will grace the giant screen to tell the tale of his early beginnings and his adventures to infinity and beyond.
On June 29th, ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru,’ will unravel the story of a young Gru in the 70s, who discovers through a series of events that even bad guys need a little help from their friends. On July 6th, Marvel Studio’s ‘Thor Love and Thunder’ will rock superhero fans as they witness the God of Thunder battle against Gorr the God Butcher, a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods.
With everything lined up plus the outstanding quality of Ayala Malls’ A-Giant Screen, film lovers can finally immerse in bigger adventures, greater action, and bolder cinematic experiences. Ayala Malls invites everyone to #ExperienceItBest at the A-Giant Screen cinema, currently available in Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Ayala Malls Vertis North. For more information on upcoming movies, visit Sureseats.com or follow @AyalaMallsCinemas on Facebook and Instagram.
For exclusive rental of the Skyboxes, please call (63 2) 7759-8000 loc. 5069-5082 for Ayala Malls Manila Bay and 0917-861-7061 for Ayala Malls Vertis North.
With the return to the live stage of the well-loved CCP Virgin Labfest this June, the Playwrights Fair, a staple in the Festival, goes onstage and online for a lively round of panel discussions from June 17 – July 3, 2022.
Here is the schedule of the onsite sessions that will be held at the CCP’s Tanghalang Manuel Conde:
On JUNE 17, 5pm, in Critics’ Choice, two critics, Gibbs Cadiz and Chunchi Cabasaan, share their list of the top ten plays of VLF from its inception in 2005 to the present.
On JUNE 18, 5pm, in Playwrights in the Academe, writers Guelan Luarca, Vladimeir Gonzalez and Urie Clamor share their thought and processes on writing plays in university theatres.
On JUNE 24, 5pm, in Adapting Literature/Fiction to Stage, playwrights Alvin Dacanay, Eljay Deldoc, and May Cardoso share their experiences/creative process in adapting fiction to the stage.
On JUNE 25, 5pm, in Scriptwork: Directors Take on New Work by Playwrights, directors Tuxqs Rutaquio, Roobak Valle, Issa Manalo Lopez talk about their processes and approaches to directing new works by playwrights.
On JUNE 29, 7pm, in Hango sa Totoong Buhay with playwrights Dustin Celestino, Layeta Bucoy and Nicolas Pichay. At 8:30 pm, in Folklore in Playwriting, playwrights Jerry Respeto and Carlo Vergara share their experiences, processes, and insights in writing folklore plays.
On JUNE 30, 7pm, in Playwriting for Children and Young People, writers Luna Inocian and Christine Bellen share their wonderful journey in writing plays for children and young people. At 8:30 pm, you can watch the live recorded session of Critic’s Choice by Gibbs Cadiz and Chunchi Cabasaan.
On JULY 1, 7 pm, in Remembering Rene Villanueva, writers Luna Sicat-Cleto and Jun Lana reminisce about their memories of Rene Villanueva and how he inspired and influenced them. At 8:30 pm, online streaming of Playwright in the Academe with playwrights Guelan Luarca, Vladimeir Gonzalez and Urie Clamor.
On JULY 2, in Writing Musicals, musical director Ejay Yatco talks about his ideas and inspirations in writing music for theater musicals. At 8:30, you can watch the online stream of Adapting Literature/Fiction to the stage with playwrights Alvin Dacanay, Eljay Deldoc and May Cardoso.
On JULY 3, in Teaching Playwriting, playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas discussed the approaches to teaching playwriting both in academe and non-academe settings. At 8:30 pm, online streaming of Scriptwork: Directors Take on New Work by Playwrights with directors Tuxqs Rutaquio, Roobak Valle and Issa Manalo Lopez.
The Playwrights Fair is held under the direction of Rody Vera and coordination by the CCP Intertextual Division.
The Playwrights Fair is one of the components of the VLF, the festival of untried, untested and unstaged plays, established in 2005. It is free and open to public. The online sessions of the PW Fair will be streamed for the entire duration of the VLF.
For its 17th edition, after two years of the pandemic, VLF returns to live stage with 12 new works slated on June 16 to 26, at Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater).
For this year, VLF follows the theme “Hinga” to “underline the need to breathe, to be present and feel alive.”
VLF also brings back the VLF Fellowship Program, with mentor Glenn Sevilla Mas and director Dennis Marasigan and introduces the new Theater Talks, a curated forum series on theater and creative processes.
For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for latest updates.
In the 2nd edition of Lazada Talks, a quarterly business program that aims to establish trust and build thought leadership in the eCommerce industry, Lazada Philippines Deputy CEO Carlos Barrera shared the growth and goals of Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform. Moderated by Issa Litton, other purveyors of the digital economy: Synagie Philippines General Manager Lester Cuneta and Digits Trading, Inc. Assistant Vice President Howard Paw also joined Carlos in the roundtable discussion.
“We’re still evolving,” Barrera said. “What seemed very disruptive and very innovative 10 years ago just doesn’t cut it today, so we need to have a growth mindset and we are constantly improving.”
Blazing the trail in eCommerce in the last decade
Introducing innovations and driving transformations is nothing new for Lazada. As the pioneering eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the brand has always remained steadfast in its pursuit of constant end-to-end improvements.
Lazada continues to develop new strategies and tools on a regular basis, according to Barrera. Of the countless innovations the brand has created over the past decade, Barrera named a few game-changers in particular. This includes the development of a marketplace model that connects sellers and customers, as well as the launch of the LazMall platform, guaranteeing 100% authentic items from more than 10,000 local and international brands.
Barrera also highlighted innovations around logistics, having have had to build an efficient and effective network from scratch. Today, Lazada Philippines has sorting centers that automatically dispatch tons of items every day around the country. The brand has likewise launched a Same-Day Delivery service that promises to hand orders to customers within 24 hours.
Payment is another facet where Lazada continues to drive growth. The brand introduced cash-on-delivery payment terms that democratized customer access to eCommerce.
“There are so many changes around different areas, but always with one core thing in mind: that sellers and brands are always the biggest priority,” Barrera said. “We want to give them the best resources so they can grow their business online and have a seamless online experience.”
Empowering entrepreneurs to succeed
Barrera views Lazada’s functions as tantamount to nation-building, being a group with a core vision of building businesses. Opening up the platform to microentrepreneurs, he said, revolutionized eCommerce.
Featured in a segment on Lazada Talks was Kyla Canete, the young founder of accessories brand Tala by Kyla. She shared how Lazada helped her business grow, from providing important data to streamlining order placements and deliveries.
Supporting sellers to succeed while ensuring consumers are always satisfied are hard-earned results of Lazada’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve. Barrera said the work continues by adapting to new sets of emerging trends in eCommerce.
Shoppertainment and the next evolution
One of the biggest movements sweeping the digital economy is Shoppertainment, or the blend of experiential shopping and entertainment that redefines the eCommerce consumer shopping experience.
Barrera said Lazada has been working extensively on its Shoppertainment strategy. This includes mounting new live streams with social sellers, optimizing promotions, and updating the app interface to make it easier for sellers to engage with customers.
According to Howard Paw of Digits Trading, Inc., a lifestyle product distributor with brands like Digital Walker available on Lazada, Shoppertainment has taken over physical retail in past years. He said it is imperative now to set up demo units out of glass cages to allow customers to interact with the products.
“With the climate right now, it’s not enough that the product is available,” Paw said. “The customer has to be entertained. The customer has to be interested to look at your store.”
Meanwhile, Lester Cuneta of Synagie Philippines, an eCommerce enablement partner company that works with Lazada, relates the rise of Shoppertainment to the growth of customers who, today, “are smarter than ever.”
“They are more involved and they tend to demand more information from brands and sellers,” Cuneta said. “They gravitate toward brands where they can relate to, both in terms of brand narrative and brand values.”
As the market matures and grows more discerning, Barrera also expects customers to have higher demand in terms of refunds and returns, quality of items and convenience. He quickly adds that Lazada is ready to deliver.
“We use a lot of the buyer insights, a lot of trend recommendations to build strategies around trust,” he said. “We’ve been developing our Lazada warranty program, making it easier to position a store in Lazada, and we also improved Lazada University, where we train everyone and explain to them how to run an online business.”
With regards to the future of the digital economy, all three agreed that eCommerce is here to stay and will only continue to evolve.
Paw and Cuneta expect online shopping to develop a more symbiotic relationship with the physical retail experience. They said the focus now turns to creating a seamless ecosystem online and offline, and combining both spaces into one.
“ECommerce will continue to be a necessity moving forward,” Barrera said, adding he expects the platform to grow more social and customers to embrace the convenience it provides. “We believe that together with our improvements in logistics and payments improvements, plus some of the artificial intelligence or more virtual reality adjustments to amplify these areas, people will continue to invest more into and purchase more often through eCommerce.”
To know more about the milestones and trends covered in the discussion, watch Lazada Talks: ‘Emerging Opportunities for eCommerce’ in full on Facebook and Youtube.
