Author: Press Release

Coast Boracay Beckons You to Make Fun Memories on the Island

With travel and health restrictions finally easing out, it’s time we mark our revenge on the pandemic and recapture all the lost time, travel, and memories. Feel the fine white sand dancing between your toes, revel in the picturesque colors of the sun setting on the azure horizon, taste the freshness of the ocean and the salty air licking your skin, hum and relax to the gentle but beckoning melody of the sea. Let the fun shine and create your best Boracay #FunShineMoments at Coast Boracay, your safe and vibin’ nest on the most exciting island in the country.

#FunShine Moments

Coast’s iconic marketing campaign “Let The Fun Shine” is given a “new normal” update as it entices the public to begin living their best lives again and relive their funshine moments. Create fun new memories with your family and friends in stylish, Wi-Fi-equipped suites furnished with luxurious beds, toilet and bath, and Smart TV with free Netflix access. Start your mornings with the sunshine in your face at Coast’s famous courtyard pool just a step away from your doors.

All these are at your fingertips with Coast Boracay’s enticingly discounted rates for the months of March to September with room rates that start at P 6,000 ++ for Deluxe accommodations, P 7,000++ for Premier, P11,500++ for a One Bedroom suite, and very spacious Loft suites at P 12,500++.

All rooms come with daily breakfast for two (2) persons, and roundtrip land and boat transfers to and from Caticlan airport. Book early to enjoy the best rates for peak Ber months and Yuletide Season 2022, starting at P8,500++.

Coast Boracay’s room packages are inclusive of roundtrip land and boat transfers

While Coast puts you directly at the heart of the exciting beach life, they also have a more tranquil option for those who want some quiet private time. Four minutes away from Coast is Blue Marina Hotel, which shares the same contemporary island vibe as Coast and gives you access to all of Coast’s facilities and amenities. Rates at Blue Marina start at P3,250++.

It’s Delicious At Coast

Relish in Station 2’s bohemian vibe as you lounge with your barkada at one of the trendiest hangout places for food and cocktails on the island – Cha Cha’s. Drop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner for gustatory and Instagram-ready savories including their baked garlic cheese and butter scallops and seafood tower—jewels from the sea and bursting with freshness. For something to nibble on while getting high on the beautiful sunset, fill up on carne asada, carnitas, and crispy sisig. Wake up to your best breakfast yet with Coast’s iconic The Hangover—a plate full of crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, potatoes O’Brien, eggs, roasted parmesan tomato, homemade toast, butter, jam, and fresh fruit.

There’s More To Coast

While the property is a relaxation haven in itself, you can make more #FunShine moments from the menu of Boracay activities that Coast’s guest relations officer can arrange for you: Go snorkeling or diving with the best instructors on the island. Drag your crew to an exhilarating ride on a banana boat or a jet ski. Become as free as the wind and learn to kitesurf alongside pros at Bulabog Beach.

When you’re ready to head back to Coast, you’ll be greeted with a pampering date at Ta’La Tropical Nail and Foot Spa. Relax to the magic of a Tala Signature Massage, a 90-minute relaxing therapy that uses Reiki energy healing for only P1,500. For something quick to get you back on your feet, get a Foot & Leg Massage, which partners perfectly with their manicure and pedicure services.

This Summer, we are ready to travel again and regain the lives the pandemic took from us. As Boracay beckons, Coast Boracay answers the call. #LetTheFunShine with new moments that will finally tick all our post-quarantine goals. Book your next Boracay trip atwww.coastboracay.com. Check what others are seeing and saying about Coast on their Instagram page at @coastboracay. Coast Boracay is located at the Station 2 beachfront of Boracay, Aklan.

March 25, 2022
Develop Your Kids’ Talents at Power Mac Center’s Summer Art Camp
If you constantly find your kid drawing in a corner or creating visual designs on their iPad, you know it’s time to take it to the next level. Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) is opening this year’s summer art camp to welcome kids to a whole world of digital wilderness where they can develop their talent and pursue what they like through Apple technology.

From April 19 to August 30, 2022, PMC’s official training arm – PMC Business Systems, Inc. (PBSI) – will be offering “Design Trail for Kids” with six special courses covering comics creation, 2D animation, game design using various software, and building trendy filters and 3D effects. Sessions will be conducted online for kids aged 7 to 15 years old.

“Children have an active imagination, and it’s important to provide them creative outlets while also prioritizing their safety and well-being amid the pandemic. This summer, Power Mac Center goes all out in creating opportunities for kids to explore ideas and enhance their digital creative and coding skills. Should they decide to pursue graphic design, visual communication, or even coding in the future, parents are assured they have a good foundation,” said Maleng Raysag, Training Head, PMC Business Systems Inc.

Let your kids design the future with their imagination today! The available courses are as follows:
1. The Art of Comics (7 to 10 years old)
Showcase your child’s ideas. Let them create their own comics with doodles, basic lines, shapes, and colors. This course will teach your kids how to maximize their iPad for art.
1. 2D Animation using iPad (7 to 10 years old)
Improve your child’s visual communication and digital drawing skills. With this course, your kids will surely learn how to turn their ideas into a motion picture.
1. Roblox Game Design (8 to 12 years old)
Let your child build and publish their own Roblox game through the Roblox Studio.
1. Web Game Creation using Scratch (8 to 12 years old)
Develop your child’s logical thinking skills through coding. This course will also teach your kids how to create interactive games using Scratch—the world’s largest programming language and online community.
1. 2D Game Design with Stencyl (12 to 15 years old)
Allow your kids to dive deeper into 2D game development and coding. This course will also teach your kids how to create computer games with HTML5 and build games for iOS and Android using the Stencyl software.
1. Building AR Face Filters and 3D effects (12 to 15 years old)
Let your kids experience an interesting way of combining the real world with technology and art. This course will also teach young minds how to create customized social media face filters and 3D Portal.

Each online session lasts for 1.5 hours, conducted over four days (Tuesday-Friday). Classes can be availed at PHP 2,500 per student per course, which can be paid via Power Mac Center’s Web Store. Limited slots are available to maintain instruction efficiency, and reservation is on a first come, first served basis.

PBSI offers a wide range of creative and technical courses conducted by Apple Certified Trainers to help groups and individuals leverage Apple technology for productivity and skills enhancement. For inquiries, contact PBSI at (632) 8553 6399 and +63 908 885 6277.
March 25, 2022
Inspiring Filipina content creators share how they break the bias online and beyond on Women’s Month

As a concluding celebration for Women’s Month, YouTube will be holding a virtual gathering of inspiring Filipina content creators to celebrate their stories of breaking the bias online and beyond. The free public event will be streamed live on March 30, 2022, 8:00 PM via Google’s YouTube and Facebook pages, hosted by artist and television host Nikki Gil-Albert.

Explaining the wisdom behind the event’s local theme #AskHerFirst, Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario shares: “We believe that in order for us #BreakTheBias, one of the steps we have to take is to #AskHerFirst. Through this, we emphasize the value of asking women first–as a sign of respect and acknowledgment and to stop assumptions and preconceived notions. The simple habit of asking, rather than assuming, can lead more women to realizing their full potential and succeeding in what they choose to do.”

Staying true to its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, YouTube gathers a range of Filipina content creators from across walks of life who will tackle the different struggles women experience because of gender-based biases. They will also share how the recognition of women’s abilities and capabilities can help them succeed and make a difference in the community.

Joining the discussion are Maranao-Muslim digital creator and filmmaker Egypa Balindong; beauty vlogger and body positivity champion Helen On Fleek; entrepreneur, mentor, and PWD advocate Jozelle Tech; and work-from-home businesswoman and momfluencer Rookie Mommy PH.

Catch “Breaking the bias online and beyond” on March 30, 2022, 8:00 PM via Google’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Join the conversation by using the hashtags #AskHerFirst #BreakTheBias.

March 25, 2022
Bagong Araw, Bagong Awra with Silka!

That feeling of being cooped up. We all had it, and not one of us liked it. We were kinda deprived all this time; of the great outdoors, of the sun, of having the freedom to just step out and bask in the glow of friendships, family, the world!

After all, we remember how going out was just so easy. Bathe, pamper your skin with Silka, choose your OOTD, then your rampa-ready self- steps out to paint the town and soak up life!

Until… the pandemic. We had no choice but to press pause on our lives.

We’ve been stuck at home for so long. Meds and food runs were the only things allowed. School was virtual. WFH was the norm. Since we stayed in, we kinda let things go – correction, we let ourselves go, as we haven’t been feeling or looking our best. Haggard is a word that comes to mind – and woah, who wants that, right?

But now, things are looking up! The malls, the beaches, the schools and offices are open, the world is ready again for us! But! how ready will you be for the world?

Bagong Araw, Bagong Awra! Whip out your Silka Papaya Lotion and be Awra ready, Girls!

Step up, step out! Silka, the makers of the #1 beauty soap in the Philippines, has just the thing for you, as it’s your time to awra! With Silka Papaya Lotion achieve na achieve ang best self mo, and success is just your thing!

They say confidence starts when you’re comfortable in your own skin, but we also say, confidence is indeed skin deep with Silka Papaya Lotion with Papaya Enzyme and Nutriblend complex with 5 Vitamins (Vitamin B3/Niacinamide,Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C and Vitamin E) that keeps our skin healthy. It also lightens, moisturizes and protects your skin from the sun with SPF-6. Thanks to its Vita-absorb technology, it’s not sticky at all on your skin, and in this tropical country, that’s a big plus!

And feel free to love that delicate fruity Papaya scent! Use it regularly and find yourself getting fairer, smoother, with healthier-looking skin. But most of all, splurge without straining your pockets, as it’s so affordable!

There’s a Silka Papaya lotion to fit your vibe and style! Always on the run or on the go – then reach out for the 10mL and 50mL options at 7 Pesos and 35 Pesos SRP. The 100mL for 60 Pesos or 200mL for 107 Pesos SRP, definitely a keeper, always ready! While there’s just more of SILKA PAPAYA LOTION to love with the 300mL option at 148 Pesos and 500mL option at 215 Pesos SRP – sure to last you longer.

Silka has been providing affordable yet highly effective skincare products since 2001. Lighter and smoother skin naturally. Silka harnesses its over 20 years of experience to bring you another quality product at the best price for you!

Silka Papaya Lotion: your bestie in this new era of awra! As the world opens itself again, feel your best, look your best and be rampa ready for it because success is waiting! It’s time – nothing can stop you!

March 25, 2022
Send Gentle Vibes and Win Prizes with Tic Tac

The past few years have highlighted the importance of our connection with friends and loved ones; they have made our lives so much brighter and easier. Mints brand Tic Tac gives us a unique and special way to send love and good vibes to our lives with its newest campaign “Good MoMints with Tic Tac Gentle Vibes,” which was launched via a fun online event last Saturday, March 19.

Tic Tac Gentle Vibes

The Tic Tac Gentle Vibes livestream event was hosted by Sarah Carlos and featured singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose, actor-director Fifth Solomon, and YouTuber Joselle Alandy.

“The real goal of the campaign is to help us connect with our loved ones, especially at this time of the pandemic. Nakakakilig naman kasi talaga when we receive unexpected gifts from our loved ones, or even words of affirmation that we’re doing great and we’re appreciated. Di ba, it’s one of the five love languages!” Sarah said.

The guests demonstrated how connecting with friends and loved ones can make life gentler and happier while playing games with each other. Julie, Fifth, and Joselle participated in the Summer Vibes Challenge with Tic Tac Gentle Vibes, where they were asked to guess items commonly associated with summer beach essentials such as buko juice, swimsuit, sunglasses, beach volleyball, and Tic Tac Fresh Mints.

In the “Guess the MoMints” game, the guests, together with host Sarah, guessed gentle messages from Tic Tac as one player mouths it out with his or her microphone off. The Tic Tac Gentle Messages such as “There’s always a positive side”, “You are my hero”, “The best moments are with you” and even the playful pun “You are always in my mint” prove that simple words of affirmation and love can mean the world to those we send it to.

“Natouch ako dun,” Fifth quipped.

“I think this campaign is really perfect kasi yun talaga yung kailangan natin ngayon, to basically just spend good vibes to everyone no matter how challenging yung mga pinagdadaanan natin,” Julie Anne said.

She added, “Marami tayong mga happenings na out of our control. But we do have control over how we see things and kung paano natin idedeal yung mga bagay na yun and how to take it possible.”

How to Join the Tic Tac Promo

You too can send personalized Gentle Vibes messages using the Tic Tac Gentle Messenger—and win amazing prizes from doing so!

Tic Tac is giving away four 3 days-2 nights all-inclusive trip for two to El Nido, Palawan, each worth 85,000 PHP (2 winners per 4-week period), as well as eight (1 weekly winner) Apple iPhone 13 units, and 320 (40 winners per week) 1000 PHP Shopee vouchers every week from March 1 to April 24, 2022.

To join, purchase Tic Tac Orange or Tic Tac Mint Flavored GV Packs. Visit Tictac.com and send gentle vibes through the Tic Tac Gentle Messenger, where you can compose #TTGV messages and create cute, personalized animation of Tic Tac mints.

Send your Gentle Vibes messages to your loved ones and friends. Complete your entry by typing in your personal details and the unique code that can be found in your Tic Tac GV Packs.

Post your Gentle Messenger messages on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #TTGV to make your loved ones’ day even more special.

Winners are announced at the end of each week through https://tictacmessage.net/ph/en/xp/promotion/winners.

Learn more about the #TTGC campaign by visiting Tic Tac’s Official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tictacpilipinas or its official website TicTac.com.

March 25, 2022
Docufilm ‘Backstage Pass: Life Behind the Curtains’ to Screen at the CCP

The Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with Southern Lantern Studios and Daluyong Studios, presents a short feature documentary on the backstage work of the Center’s Theater Crew on March 30, 2022 at 3:00PM at the CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

Billed as “Backstage Pass: Life Behind the Curtains”, the 30-minute feature documentary directed by award-winning indie filmmaker Joseph Mangat covers the back-of-house activities of the CCP Theater Crew in lights, fly, and stage areas. Featured crew members likewise share their unique backstage stories in the film.

Since the CCP raised its curtains on September 8, 1969, various local, regional, and international productions, events, activities in dance, music, theater, visual arts, film, television, radio, and literature were staged in its hallowed halls. People from all walks of life have set foot in this iconic structure to include Presidents, High Ranking Officials, and Royalties. Artists of local and international caliber have performed and have graced performances, events, launches, screenings, exhibits in the main performance spaces, exhibition spaces, and screening rooms.

The pandemic caused booked and scheduled performances from March 16, 2020 up to October 2021 to postpone, cancel or reschedule; bringing theater activities to a halt. It displaced a significant number of artists, theater workers/technicians, carpenters, painters, seamstresses and several other skilled craftsmen.

With the imposed dark theater lull extended indefinitely, the theater crew were re-assigned to an intensive maintenance program; with some, doing research and skills development, as well as design and fabrication of a few work implements.

The situation lent itself for capturing life happening behind the curtains in a short film documentary. The feature pays tribute to the unsung heroes who tirelessly work behind the curtains, people who create a seamless event spectacle, unseen by the audience, garbed in standard-issue black, weaving their way through huge sets and high voltage dimmers, as well as grids and catwalks in dizzying heights.

For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

March 24, 2022
Xiaomi 12 & Xiaomi 12 Pro Launches Here in PH

Xiaomi today announced the launch of the all-new flagship Xiaomi 12 Series for the Philippine market – the Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.

Designed to empower users around the world with a cutting-edge videography studio and entertainment powerhouse, Xiaomi 12 Series delivers impressive advancements in Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, flagship processing power, and an all-round elevated experience.

Market Availability

Xiaomi 12 Pro 12+256GB will retail at PHP 48,999 and Xiaomi 12 8+256GB will available for PHP 39,999 as early as March 24.

Those who pre-order in Xiaomi’s official online and authorized retail stores from March 24 to April 1 can also score amazing deals. Xiaomi 12 Pro 12+256GB buyers will be getting a free Mi TV P1 43” while those who purchase a Xiaomi 12 8+256GB will receive a free Mi TV P1 32”. Freebies are subject to stock availability.

Also launched with the Xiaomi 12 Series are the new Xiaomi Watch S1 and Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, Xiaomi Buds 3 and 3T Pro, and the Xiaomi Handheld Vacuum G11, which will come with their own deals and freebies from March 24 to 25 on Shopee and March 27 to 28 on Lazada.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 will be available at an early bird price of PHP 9,999 from its SRP of PHP 10,999 and will come with a free Mi Body Composition Scale 2 worth PHP 1,499 while you can get the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active at a discounted price of PHP 7,499 and will come with a free Xiaomi Sports Fanny Pack.

The Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro will be selling for only PHP 5,999 from its original price of PHP 6,999, while the Xiaomi Buds 3 will also be available for a discounted price from PHP 4,999 to PHP 3,999. Both will also come with a free Xiaomi Sports Fanny Pack.

Lastly, the Xiaomi Handheld Vacuum G11 will also be on sale for only PHP 15,999 from its SRP of PHP 17,999.

Capture cinematic shots at any time

Xiaomi 12 Series enables users to record studio-quality shots no matter the scenario, be it challenging lighting conditions or moving objects. Both phones boast a pro-grade triple camera array for versatile shooting, starring a massive 50MP main wide angle camera, with 8K recording capabilities on both Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12.

Xiaomi 12 Pro stands out with its state-of-the-art triple 50MP array, which features a cutting-edge Sony IMX707 ultra-large main sensor. This sensor is capable of catching large amounts of light and empowers advanced imaging capabilities with faster focus speeds and increased color accuracy. Xiaomi 12 features a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, along with a 5MP telemacro camera, for filming life from different perspectives.

Beyond impressive hardware, Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also advance Xiaomi’s proprietary AI algorithms. These innovations make it easier than ever for users to record every moment the way they want to, even in low-light or moving subjects. Xiaomi ProFocus intelligently identifies and tracks objects, preventing blurring or out-of-focus shots of moving or veiled subjects. These advancements also include eye and face auto focus capabilities. Ultra Night Video uses Xiaomi’s proprietary algorithms to record video even under extreme low-light, meaning moody, atmospheric shots are clearer than ever.

Available on both devices, One-click AI Cinema offers numerous creative options for show-stopping video editing, such as Parallel World, Freeze Frame Video, and Magic Zoom modes.

Flagship processing, unprecedented performance and power-efficiency

Flagship experience requires flagship performance. Xiaomi 12 Series features advanced Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM mobile platforms. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 boast a Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor – Qualcomm’s most advanced mobile platform. Built on a 4nm process, this processor also boosts GPU graphic rendering capabilities by 30% and energy efficiency by 25% when compared to the previous generation1. Both devices come with UFS 3.1 exceptional loading and data transfer speeds, along with LPDDR5 RAM for memory speeds up to 6,400Mbps.

For optimal product experience, Xiaomi 12 Series packs high-performing cooling systems, bolstered by a super-large vapor chamber and multiple layers of graphite to offer a leading-cooling capability.

All-around elevated entertainment experiences

Xiaomi 12 Series not only lets users capture every moment in exquisite detail, but also allows them to relive those moments in astonishing detail via an exceptional entertainment experience.

All devices offer vivid viewing on an AMOLED Dot Display rated A+ by DisplayMate, and with TrueColor support. For added peace of mind, the display features scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®, and supports Dolby Vision®, industry’s leading imaging technology that brings your content to life with vibrant color and details. Xiaomi 12 Series also supports HDR 10+. Xiaomi 12 Pro is SGS Eye Care Display Certified, showing care for users’ long-term visual health during marathon sessions.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12 Pro redefines flagship display with incredibly smooth viewing, scrolling, swiping, and sliding. The device’s highly power-efficient 6.73-inch WQHD+ display leverages AdaptiveSync Pro to intelligently adjust dynamic LTPO display between 1Hz and 120Hz based on content.

Xiaomi 12 delivers Xiaomi’s most colorful smartphone display to date, with more than 68 billion colors on 6.28-inch full-HD+ displays. Both feature 120Hz AdaptiveSync, for an impressively high-definition, vibrant, and flicker-free display that conveys every detail.

No cinematic experience is truly complete without pro-grade audio. Xiaomi 12 Series features SOUND BY Harmon Kardon, and creates an immersive audio experience powered by Dolby Atmos®, delivering spatial sound with rich detail, clarity, and realism across all your favorite entertainment. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s quad speakers – in the form of two tweeters and two woofers – deliver clear details and cover an astounding range of sound, while Xiaomi 12 delivers balanced stereo sound ideal for immersive gaming or video.

To optimize core user experience further, Xiaomi 12 Series incorporates MIUI 13, released globally earlier this year. The update includes faster storage, higher background process efficiency, smarter processing, and longer battery life. New features in the upgraded experience include Xiaomi’s proprietary Liquid Storage, Atomized Memory, Focused Algorithms, and Smart Balance.

Next-generation charging

To ensure Xiaomi 12 Series delivers pro-grade cinematic and entertainment experiences all day, the devices deliver next-level charging speed and safety.

Xiaomi 12 Pro features the incredibly fast 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge. With a 4,600mAh battery fully charged in just 18 minutes using Boost mode, Xiaomi 12 Pro delivers next-generation charging capabilities that keep up with user demands2.

Xiaomi 12 fits 4,500mAh batteries into compact body designs. Both devices support 67W wired turbo charging for speedy power-up. Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 also support 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging.

Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 both leverage Xiaomi AdaptiveCharge, a smart charging algorithm that learns and adapts to charging habits, which prolongs battery life.

Flagship capabilities packaged in an iconic design

These portable pocket-sized studios fit comfortably in the palm of your hand thanks to Xiaomi 12 Series’ iconic and user-centered design. Slimmer high-capacity batteries and a narrower ridge gap save precious space within the device. Xiaomi 12 Pro’s 6.73-inch display is encased in a sleek middle frame with sophisticated 3D curves. Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12’s 6.28-inch display measures just 69.9mm in width and is accented by smooth curves for a perfect fit3. Both devices are available in Gray, Purple, and Blue.

March 24, 2022
The Fifth at Rockwell Events Hall Re-Opens, Welcoming Celebrations Anew

The Fifth at Rockwell excitedly opens its doors once again to celebrate momentous occasions in its spacious halls, after much anticipation. Rockwell’s premier events hall is situated on the fifth floor of Power Plant Mall—right at the heart of Rockwell Center—and exudes the brand’s signature of elegance and exclusivity, providing the ideal venue to hold weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, company functions, bazaars, and the like.

For its reopening, The Fifth is offering welcome rates for bookings made until April 30, 2022 and bookings within this promo period are valid until 2023. It has likewise partnered with Aruga Apartments to offer soon-to-be wed couples an exclusive accommodation offer.

Assured of safety and comfort within its space, The Fifth at Rockwell is 1,380sqm large and can comfortably accommodate approximately 500 guests in its main hall for a banquet set-up. It features the largest indoor panoramic LED screen in Southeast Asia, creating stunning visuals that add to the ambience and is complemented by an in-house lights and sounds system. With an exceptional pool of accredited caterers, the venue also includes a fully-equipped kitchen that provides convenient preparation for a large number of guests. The Fifth also has two VIP rooms and a Secretariat Room for celebrants to prepare in prior to their event.

For any occasion or cause for celebration, Rockwell’s sophisticated events space is versatile enough to accommodate one’s needs. As The Fifth at Rockwell once again welcomes guests back to its halls, and is ready to bring life to the picture-perfect moments one envisions.

Please visit The Fifth at Rockwell’s website for more information. To inquire, please call 0917 55-FIFTH or e-mail reginav@rockwell.com.ph.

March 24, 2022
Jericho Shares Excitement on His Dream Internatioal Project ‘SellBlock’

Kapamilya star Jericho Rosales couldn’t hide his excitement to begin working on his challenging role in “Sellblock,” the international prison action series of ABS-CBN International Production and Co-Production division, BlackOps Studios Asia, Psyops8, Story Arch Pictures, and Agog Film Productions, which he will headline.

According to Jericho, “Sellblock” was presented to him three years ago and he immediately loved the project.

“It’s always very exciting to do new things, especially groundbreaking projects and I felt that ‘Sellblock’ is one of those. It was presented to me at the time when I was looking for projects with more grit, projects that would push me, motivate me to try out new things, out of the box stuff, even character roles.”

“Sellblock” will serve as Jericho’s Kapamilya comeback after his 2018 drama series “Halik,” making the actor go into full research and training mode for his role with a New York-based acting coach.

“Working on this kind of project would push me to prepare in ways that I haven’t done before so I kind of love that fresh experience. There’s a little nervousness on my part and when I get nervous about something it means that it’s a good thing,” he explained.

Jericho also said that it has always been his dream to ‘work with the best in the world’ that’s why he didn’t let “Sellblock” slip away.

“My dream has always been to work with the best in the world. The best actors, best directors, best people in production, best scripts, the best locations. Who doesn’t want that, right? When an opportunity like this comes, you don’t sleep on it. You respond right away. When it was presented to me, I really liked it. Unfortunately, COVID-19 happened, but I’m really glad that ‘Sellblock’ is back. And I hope this opportunity will open new doors in the international scene, not just for me, but for all the great Filipino talent behind this project.”

It was announced earlier this week that Jericho will be joined by acclaimed actors Tirso Cruz III, Cherry Pie Picache, Ronnie Lazaro, Rosanna Roces, Mon Confiado, RK Bagatsing, and Pepe Herrera that pushed him to do his best for the project. Adding to his motivation are the support of the fans for “Sellblock” that he read online.

The Kapamilya star is also thrilled with ABS-CBN’s push to produce more international content for global audiences.

He remarked, “I’m excited that ABS-CBN is focusing on international projects and bringing talents, helping them get discovered and be seen not just in the Philippines, but all over the world.”

“Sellblock” was announced on Variety during this year’s Hong Kong Filmart.

The country’s leading content provider, ABS-CBN continues to forge new partnerships to promote Filipino stories and talent all over the world. Entertainment website Deadline revealed recently that ABS-CBN is also collaborating with Filipino-American actor Reggie Lee and Filipino-American film producer Jeremiah Abraham for “Concepcion,” a crime drama about a Filipino family’s rule in a Los Angeles town.

Earlier this year, ABS-CBN announced the all-star cast of “Cattleya Killer,” a thriller series produced for global audiences that will be shown later in 2022. It is also behind “Almost Paradise,” the first American TV series filmed entirely in the Philippines, which it co-produced with Hollywood’s Electric Entertainment. For updates, follow @abscbninternationalprod on Facebook and Instagram.

For other news, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

March 24, 2022
‘Morbius’ Expands Sony’s Universe of Marvel Characters

One of the most compelling and conflicted characters in Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters comes to the big screen in the action-thriller Morbius as Oscar® winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius.

Watch Morbius’ Universe Vignette below:

Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?

“Morbius is searching for goodness – the cure for a disease. He’s going to find it, disregarding the cost on himself or on society,” says director Daniel Espinosa. “And in his search for goodness, he transforms into something he detests. He has to accept the ugliness he has within him, and that there’s something beautiful about it. It will be his strength, what makes him unique.”

Dr. Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) in Columbia Pictures’ MORBIUS.
Photo: Columbia Pictures

Morbius’s increasingly desperate research leads him to combine human DNA with that of the vampire bat – the only mammal that survives solely on blood – which has evolved to develop anticoagulants… a genetic mutation that Morbius is convinced will cure him and others with his disease. Not only does the treatment cure him, but gives him superhuman strength, the agility of an Olympic athlete, even the echolocation powers of the bat – to “see” objects in space by harnessing the sounds around him. But the cure also transforms Morbius into a (literally) bloodthirsty monster – a hideous creature with cravings that he is only somewhat able to control.

Morbius (Jared Leto) in Columbia Pictures’ MORBIUS.
Photo: Columbia Pictures

According to Espinosa, it’s the character’s inner humanity, his duality between virtuous man and brutal creature, that makes him so compelling. “Michael Morbius is one of the most altruistic characters of the Marvel Universe,” he says. “He’s one of the few that really believes in good. This good man has a horrible disease, and in his trials to save himself and the people that he cares for, he turns into a monster.”

Photo: Columbia Pictures

As a man who has spent countless hours reading and thinking about comic books, Espinosa says that it isn’t so surprising that Morbius’s duality has earned him a following. “Most great heroes are antiheroes,” he says. “Most of us are resistant to accept that we are the chosen one, and Morbius is the same. The most interesting characters in the Marvel universe have always been those that have had one foot on each side: Magneto, Rogue, Wolverine, in his own way, Venom. All of these characters are the ones that are fundamentally the most fascinating for us as moviegoers and comic book readers.”

Columbia Pictures presents in association with MARVEL, an Avi Arad / Matt Tolmach production, Morbius. Starring Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal, and Tyrese Gibson. Directed by Daniel Espinosa. Produced by Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Lucas Foster. Screen Story and Screenplay by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless. Based on the MARVEL Comics.

Exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines on March 30, Morbius is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #Morbius

March 24, 2022