Author: Press Release

Lady Gaga’s Award-Winning Portrayal of Italy’s Black Widow in ‘House of Gucci’ is Worth Seeing in Cinemas

Lady Gaga’s latest work in House of Gucci earned her the Best Actress Award in the latest New York Film Critics Circle ceremony as Patrizia Reggiani, also known to Italian press as the Black Widow who plotted the murder of her husband Mauricio Gucci (played by Adam Driver).

Lady Gaga and the film are also currently nominated for various major categories in this year’s Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Awards, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards and Satellite Awards. With the buzz on Lady Gaga’s transformation as one of the major highlights of the movie utilizing hair, make-up and fashion, Vietnamese-Filipino Frederic Aspiras (who’s been Lady Gaga’s personal hairstylist for more than 13 years), according to an article from Variety, could make Oscar history since he would be the second Asian American to be nominated in the category, should the film finally land a nomination in makeup and hairstyle awards category.

House of Gucci is from visionary director/producer Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, The Martian), a true-life dynastic saga and a riveting tale of ambition, greed, betrayal and murder set against the glamorous backdrop of high fashion and high finance.

The visually stylish film, which spans three turbulent decades in the Gucci family empire boasts a star-studded ensemble cast headed by Oscar® nominees Lady Gaga (A Star is Born) and Adam Driver (Marriage Story), Oscar® winners Al Pacino (The Godfather, Scent of a Woman), Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) and Jeremy Irons (Reversal of Fortune). Oscar® nominee Salma Hayek (Frida) and Jack Huston (American Hustle) round out the powerhouse cast.

Among the elements that attracted Lady Gaga to the project was the complexity of Patrizia Reggiani, a fallible and, at times, morally compromised woman who is, at the same time, sincerely in love with Maurizio Gucci and eager to help him forge his way ahead in the family’s fashion business. “Before they see the film, some people might think Patrizia is a gold digger,” says Lady Gaga. “But when they got married, his family had turned their back on him. So, she didn’t marry for money, she married for love.”

And while Patrizia’s retaliation proved to be tragic, the actress found a way to love the character for all her imperfections. “I believe that trying to better her situation in life came from an innocent place, not a guilty place. Tragically, by the end, not only did she not achieve her goal, she wound up way below where she was when she started.”

She has nothing but praise for the director with whom she embarked on this journey. She describes Scott as an “architectural visionary. He’s painterly in the way that he approaches his films. He also understands the emotional quotient of a script and how to work with the actors and navigate what they’re trying to say.”

Lady Gaga’s grasp of the role and level of commitment were evident to everyone on the production. Co-star Jared Leto remarks that Lady Gaga brought a certain bravery and dedication to playing Patrizia. “She owned that character,” adds co-star Al Pacino. “It’s so different from what she did in ‘A Star is Born.’ It’s a total revelation.”

“Part of the secret of her talent is that she is special in everything she does,” says co-star Salma Hayek. “It’s what makes her a true artist. She goes beyond just being a singer, or just being an actor. There’s a level of commitment and passion and strength. She throws herself completely into everything she does.”

House of Gucci opens January 19 in Philippine theaters from Universal Pictures International.

January 14, 2022
Reach Your Savings Goal This Year with Komo’s Digital Banking Analytics Tool
The pandemic has drastically changed the way of life for most people all over the world. In the Philippines, the steady increase in safety and health measures resulted in a radical adoption of e-commerce, and subsequently, online and digital banking.

In many ways, the Filipino community is largely conservative, doubting how new technology can actually make daily life more practical, more efficient, and, of course, more economical down the line.

The answer to this? Komo, EastWest Bank’s digital banking service. Launched in August 2020, Komo stands for “Kontrol Mo Ang Pera Mo,” and is the first digital banking service that is proudly established by a local bank.

The beauty of it is that it is an exclusively digital banking experience using a dedicated smartphone app. Users can enjoy services, such as securely opening a savings account, transferring funds, settling bills, requesting for on-demand bank documents, and even availing of a customizable insurance plan with Troo Flex — all done from the safety of your home and never having to visit a physical branch.

While one of the main reasons for opening a digital account is the convenience of never having to venture out and still enjoy the perks of retail therapy, Komo takes it a step further to help you keep your finances in check. This year, Komo is proud to introduce the app’s newest feature: Analytics, the country’s first Analytics tool in a digital banking service.

This feature is designed to make budget management simple, letting you take control of your spending instead of the other way around. It’s here to help you gain a better idea of your financial habits, in order to manage your money more efficiently.

The Komo Analytics tool comes with an easy-to-navigate tracker that shows the movement of your transactions in real time and allows you to set and reach your savings goal. Here are some ways on how it can help you make better personal financial decisions.

Set Your (Savings) Target

The Analytics tool is integrated with a Savings Calculator that allows you to set your targeted savings goal. Based on the budget that you can set aside, it can calculate and provide you with a workable timeline on when you can meet it. It not only monitors your savings, but also helps to determine how much more you need to save to meet your goal and deadline.
Track Your Expenses

Tracking your spending in your head is not the same as listing it down and seeing it in a full picture. With Komo’s Analytics, you will be able to see how your expenses fare against your actual savings, showing you a breakdown of your expenses for a more accurate view of where your money is going. With this, you can recalibrate your spending habits and move forward to making better financial decisions.

Set Your (Realistic) Budget

Oftentimes, the reason that people fall short of keeping to their budget goals is because the set target may simply not be realistic. Because the Komo Analytics tool is built for monitoring the movement of your finances, the dashboard shows insights and trends. This will help you set a more realistic budget that you can work with in making smarter decisions when it comes to that extra splurge.

The Komo app is available for download on the Apple iOS AppStore, Android PlayStore, and the Huawei AppGallery. All it takes is the advantage of technology and a little discipline. Learn more about Komo, the Analytics tool, and other services at https://www.komo.ph/.
January 14, 2022
Enjoy ease and convenience of voice control with the Venu 2 Plus health and fitness GPS smartwatch by Garmin
Train effectively and move stylishly with Garmin’s Venu 2 Plus that boasts an all-new streamlined case and built-in intelligent voice control.

Garmin Philippines announced the arrival of Venu 2 Plus GPS smartwatch in the country. Garmin’s latest offering lets users take calls, access their compatible smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, control compatible smart home devices and more. These voice-controlled functionalities join the robust suite of health, wellness and fitness features of Garmin’s Venu 2 Series. With a bright AMOLED display and battery life of up to nine days, the Venu 2 Plus is a direct line to wellbeing for active Filipinos.

“To support Filipinos’ drive to have a more active lifestyle where multi-tasking is crucial, Garmin presents a smartwatch that can give users the ability to answer calls or send texts without digging through their pocket or bag,” said Garmin Asia Director Scoppen Lin. “Garmin lets its user focus on their workout with the Venu 2 Plus’ on-device voice capabilities, on top of the signature features that the popular Venu 2 series is known for.”

Here’s what’s new for the Venu 2 Plus:
- Phone calls from the wrist: Users can make and take phone calls with the press of a button.
- Voice assistant control: Compatible with Siri, Google Assistant or Bixby, users can utilize their smartphone’s voice assistant to send texts, ask questions, control compatible smart home devices and more.
All-day health monitoring

The Venu 2 Plus dials into wellbeing with the broadest range of 24/7 health monitoring features available, including: heart rate (with user-configurable alerts for high or low readings²), advanced sleep with sleep score and insights by Firstbeat Analytics^TM, breathwork activities, fitness age, respiration, Pulse Ox, all-day stress, hydration, and women’s health (menstrual cycle tracking and pregnancy tracking). Body Battery^TM energy monitoring shows users how “charged” their body is, as well as the draining effects of stress and exercise. Health Snapshot^TM logs a two-minute window of key health stats and generates a report users can share with a health care provider; a great tool for capturing physiological data anytime you’re feeling off your baseline.

The Venu 2 Plus lets one focus on their workout as the device handles the rest – intelligent voice control support, multiple professional training programs and 9-day battery life.

Customized fitness

The Venu 2 Plus pulls in all of the latest fitness features recently introduced on the Venu 2 series including over 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps with favorites that include walking, running, HIIT, cycling, pool swimming, Pilates, yoga, indoor climbing, hiking, advanced strength training with muscle map DC

Preloaded workouts can also be found on the watch and preset workouts are available for download from Garmin Connect^TM app on user’s smartphone. Customizable workouts may be created by choosing from over 1,400 exercises. The Venu 2 Plus has more than 75 preset animated workouts that demonstrate proper form and technique in Garmin Connect and on the wrist. Whether training for a 5K or longer, the device is compatible with Garmin Coach free adaptive training plans.

Safety and tracking

The Venu 2 Plus also includes Garmin’s safety and tracking features such as automatic incident detection (during outdoor walks, runs or rides)³ and manually triggered assistance alerts, both of which send a message with the user’s location to their emergency contacts. LiveTrack lets friends and family track the user’s outdoor activity³. Users can also assign a designated emergency contact that the Venu 2 Plus can call, such as local emergency services.

Smart features on the wrist

The Venu 2 Plus keeps the essentials on the wrist with built-in music (download up to 650 songs including playlists from Spotify^®, Amazon Music, and Deezer⁴), and smart notifications for calls, texts, calendar reminders, social media updates, breaking news stories and more³. Users may personalize the Venu 2 Plus with apps, watch faces and more available to download from the Connect IQ^TM store. Unlike many other smartwatches, the Venu 2 Plus can be used with either Android or Apple^® smartphones.

Designed for all-day wear
- The Venu 2 Plus has a 43mm watch case, stainless steel bezel and hardware, and a comfortable, 20mm industry-standard quick release silicone band. Mix and match bands and bezels.
- It boasts a durable Corning^®Gorilla^®Glass 3 touchscreen AMOLED display with optional, always-on mode.
- The Venu 2 Plus is powered by an impressive battery life that lasts up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and up to 8 hours in GPS + Music mode.
- It is capable of rapid battery recharge with 10 minutes of charging which adds up to one day of smartwatch mode battery life or one hour of GPS + music battery life. Users may extend the time further with battery saver mode.
The Venu 2 Plus is now available in the Philippines for only PHP 25,695 in Black, Ivory and Powder Gray color variants.

Don’t miss out on Garmin’s special promotion! The first 75 customers can get a free Garmin Tote Bag for every purchase of Garmin Venu 2 Plus watch for only PHP 25,695. The device is available in Black, Ivory and Powder Gray at Garmin Brand Stores, kinetic.com.ph, Lazada, Shopee and Garmin PH Viber Community.

The Venu 2 Plus was recognized at the recently concluded CES 2022 global tech-event as an Innovation Awards honoree. Find out more information about this new product through its minisite. Visit the Garmin’s virtual pressroom for updates and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and subscribe to us on YouTube .

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the wellness industry. Committed to developing wearables and health measurement tools that help people of all activity levels lead healthier lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

¹This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox not available in all countries.
²See Garmin.com/ataccuracy
³When paired with a compatible smartphone. For safety and tracking features requirements and limitations, see Garmin.com/safety.
⁴May require premium subscription by a third-party music provider
⁵ View current supported country, payment network and issuing bank information.
January 14, 2022
Sperry and John Legend Team Up to Design a New Capsule Collection
Sperry and John Legend have partnered to design and introduce a new capsule collection of men’s footwear for Holiday 2021. Legend has served as Sperry’s Global Brand Ambassador since 2020. This will be the first time that Sperry and Legend will collaborate on product design.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sperry Philippines (@sperryph)

The two styles, the Signature Boat Shoe and the Commodore Boot, are an evolution of the classic Sperry silhouette. Each is designed to complement and reflect John Legend’s personal style, featuring luxe suedes and leathers, soft lambskin linings, and Vibram soles. Design details inspired by John Legend such as a keyboard-print on the footbed, quotes by the musician printed on the inside of the tongue and subtle hand-stitched JL branding can be found throughout the collection.
Left: John Legend wears the Sperry x John Legend Signature Boat Shoe in Blue (P5995); Clockwise from Left: Sperry x John Legend Signature Boat Shoe in Blue, Sand, Gunmetal, and Rust (P5995)
“It’s been such a pleasure working with Sperry over the past couple years,” Legend said of the collection. “I had been curating my favorite shoe styles from Sperry’s current assortment, and it’s so exciting to embark on this next chapter: designing my first capsule collection with Sperry. The styles are based on some of my favorite classic silhouettes from Sperry’s wonderful heritage, infused with my own personal style and sensibilities. They’re the kinds of shoes that will add a touch of freshness and sophistication to your look. I look forward to wearing these shoes myself, and I am so proud to present them to the world.”

Clockwise from Left: Sperry x John Legend Signature Boat Shoe in Blue, Sand, Gunmetal, and Rust (P5995)

Sperry x John Legend Signature Boat Shoe

The Sperry x John Legend Signature Boat Shoe takes Sperry’s iconic Authentic Original to the next level. Part loafer, part boat shoe, this sleek deconstructed style comes in butter-soft suede and offers a pared-down aesthetic with no hardware or shoelace eyelets. Instead, laser cut details suggest the traditional 360 lacing which is a signature element of Sperry’s classic boat shoes. A fixed lace detail on the tongue allows for easy slip on and off.
Left: John Legend wears the Sperry x John Legend Commodore Boot in Rust (P9995); Clockwise from Left: Sperry x John Legend Commodore Boot in Oxblood, Rust, and Bone (P9995)
Sperry x John Legend Commodore Boot

The Sperry x John Legend Commodore Boot plays off of Sperry’s best-selling chukka and raises the height to complement Mr. Legend’s weekend wear. This style is made with Sperry’s PLUSHWAVE technology, and the shoe is extremely light and extra comfortable. A clear outsole reveals a holiday-themed red and green tartan, inspired Legend’s holiday album and features the word “Legendary” in the pattern.

The Sperry x John Legend Collection will be available on Sperry.com.ph on January 10 and select Sperry retail stores in TriNoMa, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia on January 16.

Follow Sperry on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Viber Community.
January 13, 2022
WATCH: ‘Scream’ Final Trailer Features Early Rave Reviews

“Horror fan or not, this movie is just awesome.” Watch the final trailer for Paramount Pictures’ all-new Scream and see what critics are screaming about!

Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past. Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”), Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) and David Arquette (“Dewey Riley”) return to their iconic roles in “Scream” alongside Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Dylan Minnette, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Sonia Ammar.

Scream is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett of the filmmaking group Radio Silence (Ready or Not, V/H/S), executive produced by Kevin Williamson, Chad Villella, Gary Barber, Peter Oillataguerre, Ron Lynch, Cathy Konrad, Marianne Maddalena; produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein.

The film is written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, based on the characters created by Kevin Williamson.

Scream is a long-running genre-busting horror franchise that generated four feature films including Scream (1996), Scream 2 (1997), Scream 3 (2000), and Scream 4 (2011). Directed by famed “maestro of horror,” the late Wes Craven, the films went on to gross more than $600 million in worldwide box office receipts. Williamson wrote the original film as well as Scream 2 and Scream 4.

In Philippine cinemas February 2, Scream is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. Connect with #ScreamMovie and tag @paramountpicsph.

January 13, 2022
EROC Philippines Launches Its New Affordable M1 Air Fryer for Millennials Living Independently

EROC Philippines, an e-commerce smart home appliance brand, brings a new and affordable must-have kitchen commodity to the local market – the EROC M1 Air Fryer. This new air fryer from EROC features One Spin smart temperature control and a pressurized cooking environment that makes cooking easier and more efficient.

EROC’s newest smart kitchen appliance makes cooking easier for all the members of your household. With its capacity of 5.5 liters, you can cater meals for as many as 8 people!

The EROC M1 Air Fryer will be available on the brand’s official flagship store on Lazada and Shopee starting 19^th January with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of PHP 3,999.00. But as part of the brand’s grand launch, it will be initially available for only Php 1,999.00 from 19^th to 21^st of January! Furthermore, EROC will be holding a weekly Facebook lucky draw on EROC Philippines starting on 17^th January where customers get the chance to win an EROC M1 Air Fryer for FREE.

More Filipino millennials are now keen on having their own homes. In fact, experts forecast that the real estate industry will be driven by millennials this and the coming years. And for every newbie homeowner, furnishing the house is just as exciting as buying it. This is the reason why EROC ensures that Filipino millennials have viable options for appliances that don’t drive up their moving costs further. But besides attainable pricing, using air fryers like EROC’s M1 comes with other benefits perfect for Millennials living independently.

One-Spin Air Fryer

Fast-paced millennials establishing independent lives in the metro need kitchenware that can ease them into their new homes. This entails the need for smarter appliances that don’t come with hefty instruction manuals that are difficult to digest.

Get a kitchen tool that’s easy to use with EROC’s single central knob that operates the M1’s intelligent temperature control technology. This appliance’s overall ergonomic design makes navigation simple.

The EROC M1 Air Fryer has an ergonomic design that makes control and navigation quick to understand. It has a singular central knob used to manage the M1’s smart temperature control. After one spin, users can leave the air fryer and work on other items on their checklist.

Smart Temperature Control

Users of the EROC M1 Air Fryer need not worry about over or undercooking. This smart kitchenware comes with a nifty function called smart temperature control which monitors temperature in real-time. Multiple temperature sensors are placed strategically inside of the air fryer cavity which enables the smart appliance to heat up faster with small temperature increments, hence cooking the food evenly at a quicker pace.

No experience in the kitchen? The EROC’s M1 Air Fryer is a great starter smart kitchen appliance with its smart temperature control that lessens the possibility of over or undercooking your dishes.

What also sets the EROC M1 Air Fryer apart is its simulation of a pressurized cooking environment made possible by its well-sealed cavity. Once the user pushes the frying basket and closes the air fryer, its 1400W high heating power is optimized to concentrate on the food being cooked, frying it to perfection.

It is also a plus that the EROC M1 Air Fryer comes with recipes on its top cover thereby ridding the need to review cookbooks and tutorial videos prior to cooking. Very efficient.

Healthier Option

Air Fryers come with many benefits that have catapulted them to the top of preferred kitchen appliances by Millennials and even Gen Zs. But what made Air Fryers popular among the younger generations is their main proposition – they use way less oil compared to traditional cookware yet are still able to seal in the flavor.

Good food doesn’t have to come with bad health consequences. With EROC’s M1 Air Fryer, get the full flavor in any dish without the grease.

Decreasing oil use for cooking reduces calorie and fat intake significantly. This helps users cut off unhealthy oils to better manage their weight. And in a country where hypertension-related diseases continue to be among the top causes of mortality, avoiding deep-fried food is highly recommended.

Small Yet Very Capable

Real estate in central business districts does not come with a lot of space. Because of this, millennials buying new homes are in need of appliances that do not take up much space yet can still do the job. The EROC M1 Air Fryer is only one-fifth in size of a traditional wall oven. Its size also allows it to cook faster with no pre-heating thus cushioning electrical usage. It also has a 5.5L capacity, which can accommodate food for a party for five to eight people.

Water-Based Paint Rinse and Clean

Everybody loves eating but almost nobody likes cleaning after – and that’s the gospel truth. So those living a fast-paced lifestyle, like millennial corporate gladiators, require appliances that are very easy to clean – and the EROC M1 Air Fryer is exactly this.

Thanks to its application of patented “Water-Based Paint” on the frying basket and tray, the EROC M1 Air Fryer does not come with all the cleaning hassle. The water-based paint prevents the oil and other ingredients from sticking to the contacting surface of the frying basket and tray – very easy to rinse and clean.

Sturdy Enough for the Years to Come

Millennials are very conscious about their finances. They carefully select which items to invest in and which ones can benefit them most in the long run. This has challenged brands from the world over to come up with products that provide bang for buck value and longevity of usage.

The build of the entire EROC M1 Air Fryer, for instance, has been designed meticulously to stand the test of time. It has a matte-finish exterior that was molded from premium plastic and its power cord is thicker and longer compared to that of competitors’. Lastly, the M1 Air Fryer’s frying basket is made of heavy-duty steel. The EROC M1 Air Fryer has been tested by international standardization agencies, earning certificates from the European Union (EU) Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation; and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

The kitchen is the heart of every home. It is where celebrations and special occasions start. To have a smart-functioning kitchen is heaven-sent for any newbie ‘chef’ establishing a life of their own in their new home, hence efficient and affordable cooking buddies like the EROC M1 Air Fryer are an essential addition to the countertop.

For more information on the EROC M1 Air Fryer, customers may visit EROC Philippines on Facebook.

January 12, 2022
‘You are the best mom for your own baby’: Johnson’s Celebrity Mombassador Anne Curtis shares her greatest realization as a first-time mother

Every mom ventures through her unique motherhood journey. For most first-time moms, these start out with them constantly worrying over the smallest of things–including our very own Johnson’s Celebrity Mombassador Anne Curtis. She shared how she was once a praning mom to her baby Dahlia as she gets anxious about her daughter’s overall welfare and safety, so much so that even Dahlia’s bath time daunted her. “Bath time, as a first-time mom, is really one of the scariest things, especially with a newborn. You have to learn about the proper way of holding a baby, securing them [under the arm]…and it only becomes easier as you get used to it over time.”

With practice and familiarity, she was able to manage her concerns and slowly eased herself into being a more laidback mom, especially now that Dahlia has entered her age and stage of exploration. Anne noted that day and night bath time had evolved into their mom-and-baby bonding activity as Dahlia grew into her toddler stage. Bubble baths and stories before bed have become the mom and daughter’s way of sharing time together.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anne Curtis (@annecurtissmith)

Anne is thankful to have had her mother and husband Erwan as her own pillars in the early stages of her motherhood journey. Erwan and her were a team in figuring out how to raise an infant as new parents. They would research on how to go about parenting tasks or be on the lookout for what is best for Dahlia. Occasionally, when her mom was around, Anne would ask her for know-how and advice. She shared the best piece of advice she received from her mother: it was to trust her own [maternal] instincts because she knows her child best.

And trust her instincts she did. She is always looking for more ways to protect Dahlia. For instance, she needed to protect Dahlia’s skin since she began exploring her surroundings as an active toddler. She saw this as an opportunity to give Dahlia the gentle protection she needs while doing their favorite bonding activities with the help of the upgraded Johnson’s Milk+Rice Bath and Lotion. The newly reformulated Johnson’s Milk+Rice Bath and Lotion contain 100% more milk proteins that provide nourishment and real rice extracts that can protect a growing toddler’s skin.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Johnson's Philippines (@johnsonsbabyph)

The same can be said with the hundreds of moms that Johnson’s Baby partners with under the brand’s Mombassador Program. These moms have chronicled their experiences raising their kulit-likot toddlers and growing kids through content partnership, postings, and testimonials, imparting their insights with each piece. Ultimately, moms instinctively know their children best, making them the best mothers for their babies.

The upgraded JOHNSON’S® Milk+Rice Bath and Lotion are available in J&J PH Chat & Shop, all leading supermarkets, and official Johnson & Johnson Shopee and Lazada accounts. To know more about the new JOHNSON’S® Milk+Rice formula and to get more tips on toddlers’ skincare, visit https://johnsonsbaby.com.ph, like JOHNSON’S® Baby PH on Facebook, and follow JOHNSON’S® Instagram account @johnsonsbabyph.

January 12, 2022
Is EDSA in the Matrix? ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ Billboards Tell Motorists to Follow the White Rabbit

Is Manila inside The Matrix? Motorists could have asked that question last January 5 when major billboards along EDSA flashed “Return to the Source” and “Follow the White Rabbit” and iconic green digital rain for a literal Matrix takeover. This “roadblock” activation is in celebration of The Matrix Resurrections which opens in Philippines today.

The EDSA billboards that participated in the “roadblock” are strategically located in Magallanes, Boni, Guadalupe Bridge, Shrine (Ortigas) and Cubao. Check out the The Matrix – EDSA Takeover vignette below.

From visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski comes “The Matrix Resurrections,” the long-awaited next chapter in the groundbreaking franchise that redefined a genre. The new film reunites original stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in the iconic roles they made famous, Neo and Trinity.

In “The Matrix Resurrections,” return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. And if Thomas…Neo…has learned anything, it’s that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of—or into—the Matrix. Of course, Neo already knows what he has to do. But what he doesn’t yet know is the Matrix is stronger, more secure and more dangerous than ever before. Déjà vu.

Reeves reprises the dual roles of Thomas Anderson/Neo, the man once saved from the Matrix to become the savior of humankind, who will once again have to choose which path to follow.

Moss portrays the iconic warrior Trinity… or is she Tiffany, a suburban wife and mother of three with a penchant for superpowered motorcycles?

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (the “Aquaman” franchise) plays the wise and worldly Morpheus who, as always, serves as a guide to Neo while also fulfilling his own greater purpose on a very singular journey of self-discovery.

Jessica Henwick (TV’s “Iron Fist,” “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens”) plays the hacker Bugs, the proverbial white rabbit on a mission to discover the one who sacrificed himself for humankind–and willing to take any risk necessary in search of the legend she idolizes.

Jonathan Groff (“Hamilton,” TV’s “Mindhunter”), plays Thomas Anderson’s business partner, a slick, confident corporate type with insouciant charm, a disarming smile and an eye on the bottom line–everything Mr. Anderson is not.

Neil Patrick Harris (“Gone Girl”) plays Thomas’ therapist, working closely with his patient to understand the meaning behind his dreams and to distinguish them from reality.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas (TV’s “Quantico”) plays a young woman with a wisdom that belies her years and an ability to see the truth, no matter how murky the waters.

And Jada Pinkett Smith (“Angel Has Fallen,” TV’s “Gotham”) returns as Niobe, the fierce General who once fought for the survival of Zion and who now sees to the welfare of her people with a familiar fire in her eyes, despite a sense of disbelief and suspicion upon Neo’s return.

Lana Wachowski directed from a screenplay by Wachowski & David Mitchell & Aleksandar Hemon, based on characters created by The Wachowskis.

In Philippine cinemas January 12, “The Matrix Resurrections” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a WarnerMedia company. Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #TheMatrix

January 12, 2022
Here’s Where You Can Stream the ‘Peacemaker’ Series this January 13
Peacemaker, starring John Cena as the eponymous character, debuts on Thursday, January 13 only on HBO GO. Below are the official trailer and key art for the DC series written and directed by James Gunn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_ZcUbbduh0

Peacemaker will explore the origins of the character that Cena first portrayed in James Gunn’s 2021 film, The Suicide Squad, currently available on HBO GO. Peacemaker is a compellingly vainglorious man who believes in peace at any cost, no matter how many people he has to kill to get it.
The series also stars Danielle Brooks as Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Vigilante, Jennifer Holland as Harcourt, Steve Agee as Economos, Chukwudi Iwuji as Murn, and Robert Patrick as Auggie Smith.

Gunn wrote all eight episodes of Peacemaker and directed five episodes. Gunn, Peter Safran and Matt Miller serve as executive producers on the series, with Cena as co-executive producer. Based on characters from DC, Peacemaker is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Stream or download Peacemaker from January 13 but get introduced to the character first in Gunn’s 2021 film, The Suicide Squad, now available on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at http://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for as low as ₱99.70/month. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV, and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.
January 11, 2022
You Can Now Mix and Match Your Solo Meals at Max’s Restaurant!
Max’s Restaurant, the iconic Filipino restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken is encouraging guests to make 2022 their year by doing things their way, every day with the new Max’s My Way solo meals. Customers can begin choosing their own combos by mixing and matching different chicken meals with both classic and new side dishes.

There are numerous varieties to satisfy anyone’s palates, so fans will definitely not run out of choices. In fact, there are more than 365 possible combinations for each day of the year. Just follow these three simple steps:

Step 1: Choose your Solo Meal
1. One-Piece Chicken: Classic One-Piece Fried Chicken served with Java Rice and crispy Tamarind Chicken Skin that has an irresistible savory-sour kick. It also comes with Max’s signature sweet, nutty Caramel Bar®. (P239 for dine-in)
2. Chicken Quarter: All-time favorite 1/4 Chicken served with Java Rice and topped with crunchy and delectable Tamarind Chicken Skin that gives the right hit of salty- tangy goodness. It’s also served with a soft and chewy Caramel Bar®. (P269 for dine-in)
3. Giant Chicken Meatball: A juicy oversized Chicken Meatball drizzled with savory BBQ sauce. It’s tender on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside for delight in every bite. It’s served with Java Rice, Tamarind Chicken Skin, and a Sunny Side Up egg. (P199 for dine-in)
4. Chicken Chorizo: Max’s version of Chicken Chorizo seasoned just the right way for satisfying all-day dining. It’s packed with flavor and drizzled with rich sisig sauce. Each order comes with Java Rice, Tamarind Chicken Skin, and one Sunny Side Up egg. (P199 for dine-in)
Step 2: Choose your side (P69 each for dine-in)
1. Max’s Tofu – Fried tofu cubes sautéed with peppers in our very own Tofu Sauce.
2. Corn Sisig – A mix of corn and carrots tossed in our special sisig sauce.
3. Eggplant & Tofu – Breaded tofu cubes and fried eggplant mixed in a savory sauce.
4. Mushroom Salpicao – Button mushroom sautéed with lots of garlic and butter in salpicao seasoning.
5. Sweet and Spicy Tofu – Breaded tofu cubes tossed in our Sweet and Spicy Sauce.
6. Chicken Pancit Canton – Max’s famous Pancit Canton with sautéed vegetables mixed with our special sauce.
7. Mini Fried Ubod – Max’s Fried Ubod served with spiced vinegar.
8. Mini Fresh Ubod – Max’s Fresh Ubod served with a nutty ubod sauce.
9. Chicken Sisig Salad – A mix of fresh vegetables topped with Max’s Chicken Sisig drizzled with our own sisig sauce.
10. Max’s Coleslaw – Max’s Coleslaw topped with chicken floss, giving it more texture and flavor.
Step 3: Choose your beverage (P59 each for dine-in)
1. Sago’t Gulaman
2. Iced Tea
3. Soda
Aside from the new solo meals, all-time fan favorites like Best Plate, Fiesta Plate, and Platter Meal got even better. Best Meal consists of all of Max’s classic hits—one piece of Fried Chicken, Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit Canton, Max’s Tofu, and Caramel Bar®, but now with additional Corn Sisig, Tamarind Chicken Skin, and Java Rice priced at only 399 for dine-in.

The best-selling Platter Meal is served with a Quarter Chicken, Java Rice, Pancit Canton, Tamarind Chicken Skin, and still complete with a Caramel Bar®. For those who prefer a lighter side dish, the Fiesta Plate has the same delicious inclusions but with Fresh Lumpiang Ubod on the side instead of Pancit Canton. These two classic combos are priced at only P338 for dine-in orders. With all these choices, there’s definitely a dish for everybody.

Max’s new My Way solo meals are available for dine-in, delivery, and take-out in all stores nationwide. Customers can also order via the Metro Manila hotline at (632) 888-79000 or online at delivery.maxschicken.com.

Everyone is invited to share their personal combinations to family and friends on social using the hashtag #MaxsMyWayMyDay. For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant.
January 11, 2022