Author: Press Release

Disney Honors 14 New Disney Legends in Star-Studded Ceremony Closing Out Historic D23 Fan Event
During an over-the-top ceremony that capped off a historic D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event weekend, The Walt Disney Company honored 14 new Disney Legends who have left an indelible mark on the company’s historic legacy. The 2024 honorees included Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, Joe Rohde, and John Williams.

This year’s ceremony, hosted by Ryan Seacrest, was the largest in the 37 years since the first Disney Legend was honored, with a Hollywood-level production that brought the magic of this historic event to even greater heights. And for the first time ever, the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning Monday, August 12 at 2pm PT/5pm ET (August 13, 5AM PHT).

Disney CEO Bob Iger welcomed guests to the ceremony and highlighted the historical significance of the award.

“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor our company bestows,” Iger said. “It’s presented as a celebration of talent, a recognition of achievement, and, above all, a sincere expression of our deep gratitude. Disney Legends are bound by the special place they have earned in our history for their tremendous contributions in service of entertaining and delighting fans around the globe.”

Each Disney Legend was honored by a special video tribute and surprise guest appearances, including popular film, television, and music stars, devoted Disney cast members, and major musical ensemble performances.

2024 Disney Legends Award Presentations

Harrison Ford, with a special presentation from Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger.
- Speaking to Ford’s immense range and the iconic characters he originated, Iger noted, “He is the definition of the leading man, who stands alone in a category all his own.”
- A tribute video honoring Ford featured commentary from Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Karen Allen, Adam Driver, Anthony Mackie, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Daisy Ridley, Ke Huy Quan, and Disney Legend George Lucas.
Jamie Lee Curtis, with a special on-stage presentation from best friend Jodie Foster and Freakier Friday co-star Lindsay Lohan.
- From the stage, Lohan said, “Every character she plays is different, and she always brings something unique to the role.” Foster added, “She is inventive, fearless, and full of surprises.”
- A tribute video honoring Curtis featured commentary from fellow Disney Legend James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Kelly Ripa, with a special on-stage presentation from Ryan Seacrest.
- While presenting the award to his longtime friend and former “Live” co-host, Seacrest said, “You truly are the definition of a Legend.”
- Seacrest was also featured in a tribute video for Ripa, alongside her “Live with Kelly and Mark” co-host Mark Consuelos.
Martha Blanding, with a special on-stage presentation from Derek Hough and a performance of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Disneyland Resort’s The Dapper Dans and the Disneyland Band.
- From the stage, Hough spoke to Blanding’s profound impact on every Disneyland guest she encounters: “She is a part of the foundation that makes Disneyland the happiest place on Earth.”
- A tribute video honoring Blanding featured commentary from Dwayne Johnson, Heidi Klum, Tim O’Day, Noah Elias, and Walt Disney Company colleagues and cast members Jada Young, Clark Jones, Chris Sheppard, and Michelle Harker.
James L. Brooks, with a special animated video from The Simpsons characters and an on-stage presentation from Danny DeVito.
- From the stage, DeVito said, “Jim is a genius. He creates moments that are so funny, sad, and eloquent — unique windows into the human condition.”
- A tribute video honoring Brooks featured commentary from the stars who voice the beloved The Simpsons characters: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith.
Colleen Atwood, with a special on-stage presentation from director Rob Marshall.
- Marshall commented that Atwood is the first costume designer to be honored as a Disney Legend, saying, “Simply put, there is just no one like her.”
- A tribute video honoring Atwood featured commentary from Marshall, Colin Farrell, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Melissa McCarthy, James Bobin, Jonah Hauer-King, Halle Bailey, and Eva Green.
Frank Oz, with a special on-stage presentation from Pixar Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter.
- Speaking about his friend, Docter commented on Oz’s incredible career from the stage, “Frank has truly created some of the best characters in the history of entertainment.”
- A tribute video honoring Oz featured commentary from Disney Legend Mark Hamill, Robert De Niro, and Disney Legend Steve Martin.
Miley Cyrus, with a special on-stage presentation and performance from Lainey Wilson. Wilson performed “Best of Both Worlds,” the iconic song made famous by Cyrus from Hannah Montana.
- A tribute video honoring Cyrus featured commentary from John Travolta, Bret Michaels, and Chappell Roan.
Steve Ditko, with a special on-stage presentation from Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige. Feige presented the award posthumously to Ditko’s nephew, Mark Ditko.
- On Steve Ditko’s impact, Feige said, “Steve Ditko was an incredible artist and creator, and one of the original architects of the Marvel Universe.”
- A tribute video honoring Ditko featured commentary from Feige, Disney Legend Stan Lee, and creative storytellers from Marvel, including C.B. Cebulski, Tom DeFalco, Ralph Macchio, David Bogart, and Ryan Meinerding.
Mark Henn, with a special on-stage presentation from fellow Disney Legends Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Linda Larkin, Ming-Na Wen, and Anika Noni Rose. For over 40 years, Henn helped create or animate some of the most timeless characters in Walt Disney Animation Studios history, including Tiana, Mulan, Young Simba, Jasmine, Belle, Ariel, and Mickey Mouse.
- A tribute video honoring Henn’s work featured commentary from Tony Bancroft, John Musker, David Block, and Rachel Bibb.
Joe Rohde, with a special video message from Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE and an on-stage performance from Walt Disney World Resort’s Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe.
- In her video, Goodall said of Rohde, “You’ve contributed so much to the success and reputation of Disney’s theme parks over the years and given so many people an exciting and wonderful day.”
- A tribute video honoring Rohde featured commentary from Goodall, fellow Disney Legend James Cameron, Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn, and creative partners from Walt Disney Imagineering including Jeanette Lomboy, Carmen Smith, Zsolt Hormay, Emily O’Brien, Jennifer Gerstin, and Mark LaVine.
- Originally from the Congo, in Central Africa, the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe set the rhythm at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Band member Amadou Ndaw presented Rohde with his award.
James Cameron, with a special video message from Kate Winslet and an on-stage presentation of the award from Zoë Saldaña.
- Winslet said in her video to Cameron, “You’ve revolutionized the filmmaking process too many times to count, developing cutting-edge technology to create an immersive realistic experience for the audience.”
- Saldaña, who will have worked with Cameron for over 16 years when Avatar 3 releases in 2025, said, “Working with you has been a wild ride. Your passion, your dedication, and your eye for detail are truly unmatched.”
- A tribute video honoring Cameron featured commentary from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet
Angela Bassett, with a special on-stage presentation from Ryan Coogler and the Dora Milaje from Marvel’s Black Panther.
- Coogler praised Bassett’s profound legacy, saying, “She [has] always given these incredible larger-than-life performances that somehow still feel incredibly real and tangent. What she does is truly a gift.”
- A tribute video honoring Bassett featured commentary from Coogler and Courtney B. Vance.
John Williams, with a special on-stage presentation from fellow Disney Legend Harrison Ford and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, followed by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra’s performance of some of Williams’ most iconic film scores.
- Ford said, “For over half a century, each and every time John Williams composes a new score, he finds a way to imbue the films’ stories and characters with a timeless and essential quality. That’s because John is a storyteller.”
- Kennedy added: “It’s no exaggeration to say that John Williams is the greatest film composer of all time. His music has transcended cinema and become a part of our global culture, touching the hearts of billions, both young and old.
- A tribute video honoring Williams featured commentary from Ford, Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall, Disney Legend Mark Hamill, Ke Huy Quan, Daisy Ridley, and George Lucas.
The Disney Legends Awards is a 37-year tradition of The Walt Disney Company, which began when Fred MacMurray (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, The Happiest Millionaire) was honored in 1987. Including this year’s honorees, a total of 318 Disney Legends have been named. Past Disney Legends include Tim Allen, Dame Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Kristen Bell, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Funicello, Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Elton John, Dame Angela Lansbury, George Lucas, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Ellen Pompeo, Robin Roberts, Robert and Richard Sherman, Marty Sklar, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, Ming-Na Wen, Betty White, and Robin Williams among many others.

The Sunday festivities followed two nights of marquee showcases with exciting performances and announcements from Disney Entertainment and Disney Experiences. Throughout the weekend, tens of thousands of fans from around the globe were treated to a back-to-back, specially curated slate of programming and experiences from across the worlds of Disney, including star-studded appearances, headline-grabbing announcements, and the largest show floor in D23 history. This unique and historic event allowed fans to engage with the Disney stories, characters, and brands they love on an even larger scale than ever before in a way that only Disney can.

To catch up on all the announcements from the weekend, visit D23Press.com and follow DisneyD23 on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23.
August 13, 2024
Channing Tatum Was the Only Choice for Slater King, Says Director Zoë Kravitz in “Blink Twice,” Premiering August 21

To play tech billionaire Slater King in her feature film directorial debut “Blink Twice,” Zoë Kravitz immediately wanted Channing Tatum. At the time she didn’t know him, but she wanted to see him do something unlike anything he had ever done before, and thought he would be a perfect match for Slater. His naturally good-natured demeanor would lure the audience – and Frida (played by Naomi Ackie) – onto the film’s mysterious island.

In the psychological thriller “Blink Twice,” when tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Ackie) at his fundraising gala, sparks immediately fly. He then invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. But as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.

When the script got into Tatum’s hands he found it both “exciting” and “terrifying.” Slater offered up a new challenge for him in that he would have to inhabit a person who was nothing like him. “Almost every dude I’ve ever played I’ve had some sort of connection to them,” he says. “There’s nothing really to love about Slater. There just isn’t, he’s a full psychopath.”

But Tatum was also intrigued by the possibility of doing something daring, and in Kravitz he found an eager collaborator in challenging himself. “We’ve talked about lots of different versions of Slater,” he says. “The one thing that we both agreed upon is that we didn’t want to do the, the very stereotypical movie moment in a thriller where you reveal the bad guy.”

Finding her Frida was a “whole other journey” for Kravitz. “It’s a hard part,” Kravitz says. “She’s many things at once. You kind of never really get a real handle on who she is. How manipulative is she? How unaware? Is she the villain? Is she the victim? There’s so many different elements to that character.” Casting director Carmen Cuba offered up an option: Naomi Ackie, star of films like “Lady Macbeth” and “Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Kravitz was not as familiar with Ackie’s work, but once she watched her projects like “Master of None” and “The End of the F***ing World” she was blown away. “I was like, ‘What a beast!’” Kravitz says. “And also her face is like so cinematic.”

Ackie remembers that what was supposed to be an initial chat with Kravitz turned into a two-hour conversation around the ideas of the film. “There was a lot that conversation brought up for me around the idea of the pursuit of power, about sexual assault, but also about Frida’s want for something more,” Ackie says. “Her relationship with the symbol of power that is Slater, how that affects her and that gives her blind spots to certain things. There’s many different things going on at the same time about how people are interacting with each other when it comes to these ideas of status and money, and they’re all abusing it in one way or another. We talked about Frida as quite an interesting, imperfect character, and how that made her a really interesting victim.”

In Tatum, Ackie found a supportive partner to play off. “I think there was an awareness for both of us that we were tapping into some really hard sht,” Ackie says. “His character as this awful guy who does really f**ing awful things, and my character as someone who is suffering from those awful things. Those aren’t easy, so we had to balance it with silliness and goofiness and making sure that everyone felt safe.”

Of Ackie, Tatum says she’s “probably one of the more talented people I’ve worked with.” He adds: “You walk into a scene and you’re like, man, this is kind of a hard scene. And she’ll just walk right through it. Like, not a problem at all.”

Don’t miss “Blink Twice,” distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company, opening only in cinemas August 21. #BlinkTwiceMovie

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

August 12, 2024
Meet Fujino and Kyomoto, the unlikely artist pair in Tatsuki Fujimoto’s emotional anime film “Look Back”

Look Back found the voices for the main characters, Fujino and Kyomoto, in Plan 75’s Yuumi Kawai and Mizuki Yoshida from Alice in Borderland, respectively. Look Back is the anime film adaptation of a one shot manga from Tatsuki Fujimoto, creator of Chainsaw Man. The film is helmed by Kitoyaka Oshiyama, with animation coming from Studio Durian.

Look Back tells the tale of two girls who couldn’t be more different, as Fujino is confident and Kyomoto is a shut-in who doesn’t leave the house. Their mutual love for drawing manga brings them together in a story of growing up and moving forward.

Yuumi Kawai lends her voice to the confident artist Fujino, who worked hard to embody her character. “Look Back” is a manga that touched the hearts of many people. This time, Director Oshiyama and the rest of the production team created an animation, and I added breath and voice to the story in an attempt to add new color to the time that Fujino and Kyomoto lived. This was the first time I had the opportunity to participate in the world of anime, and I did my best to convey the earnest voice that goes along with Fujino’s body, which moves wonderfully in the drawings,” she says.

Playing the role of the shy Kyomoto is Mizuki Yoshida, who recalls reading the manga for the first time, saying, “When I first read Look Back, I was shocked by the realistic world that Tatsuki Fujimoto had drawn, and I was really curious to see how this work would be turned into a movie. I was looking forward to it.”

Yoshida was ecstatic to be part of the world creator Fujimoto has built. “When I auditioned for the role of Kyomoto and saw the video for the first time, I was so moved that even though it was an unfinished picture, I said, ‘Wow! That world is alive!’ and I burst into tears during the recording, even more so when I saw the footage of Fujino and Kyomoto. I fell in love with the book. It was my first time working as a voice actor, but I put my heart and soul into my role,” she says.

Go on an emotional journey as Look Back opens in Philippine cinemas on August 28. Follow Encore Films PH on Facebook and @encorefilmsph on Instagram for the latest updates.

August 12, 2024
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Begins Streaming Exclusively on HBO Go, August 16

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in Academy Award^®-winning mastermind George Miller’s iconic dystopian world he created more than 40 years ago with the seminal Mad Max films. Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that reveals the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Academy Award^®-winning global smash Mad Max: Fury Road.

jasinboland@gmail.com

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

jasinboland@gmail.com

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Kennedy Miller Mitchell Production. Directed by George Miller, produced by George Miller and Academy Award^®-nominated Doug Mitchell, co-written by Nico Lathouris. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will be available to streamfrom August 16 on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for only ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. Or access HBO GO via Cignal and Globe. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

About HBO GO

Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO GO is a regional streaming service in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Programming includes award-winning HBO Original series, movies and documentaries, Max Originals which tell compelling stories from around the region and beyond. This is supplemented by exclusive, first-run content from major Hollywood and independent studios that offers a mix of originals and acquired content – including kids and family content from Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. – available to download or stream anytime, anywhere. Log on to www.hbogoasia.com for more information.

Photo Credits: HBO Go

August 12, 2024
Are You Ready For Spine-Tingling Thrills? “Alien: Romulus” Out in Cinemas Next Week, August 14

Brace yourselves for an unparalleled, spine-tingling thrill as the classic “Alien” franchise returns with 20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus,” set to premiere in theaters nationwide next week, August 14. Helmed by renowned director Fede Alvarez who is known for his masterful horror and jump scares, this latest installment promises to deliver an out-of-this-world film best experienced on the big screen.

(L-R): Xenomorph and Cailee Spaeny as Rain Carradine in 20th Century Studios’ ALIEN: ROMULUS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Producer Michael Pruss expressed his excitement, saying, “the evolution of the franchise is fascinating, but it has been crying out for a new, modern film.” The filmmakers delved deep into the franchise’s mythology, aiming to understand not just the lore but also how to recapture the unforgettable horror and suspense that have defined the series. Legendary filmmaker James Cameron, who wrote and directed the classic 1986 film “Aliens,” collaborated with Alvarez early in the writing process, providing invaluable insights and suggestions on everything from character arcs to the design of the frightening aliens.

Xenomorph in 20th Century Studios’ ALIEN: ROMULUS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Creating fear on screen through world-building

Incorporating practical effects and state-of-the-art production techniques, “Alien: Romulus” offers a visually stunning and immersive experience. With the blessing of producer Ridley Scott– who also directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant”– Alvarez decided to go back to the basics when shooting the film. “I knew that I wanted to take this chapter back to the beginning, not only story-wise but in terms of visual style,” explained Alvarez.

Director Fede Alvarez on the set of 20th Century Studios’ ALIEN: ROMULUS. Photo by Murray Close. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Executive producer Tom Moran added, “Ridley’s approach in 1979 was very practical in terms of visual effects and style. Fede decided to honor that and go back to basics.”

As a result, every set was originally constructed: every corner of the spaceships, the space station, the colony, the hallways, and the docking bay. Even the Endo parasitoid extraterrestrial species, the Xenomorph, and the iconic facehuggers were created as fully-functional animatronics. The scenes with the Xeno and the spider-like alien creature, the facehugger, are sure to give the audience heart-pounding tension as they’re transported once again to the vacuum of space and all of its horrifying unknowns.

Watch the official trailer of Alien: Romulus below:

“Alien: Romulus” stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. The film opens in theaters nationwide next week, August 14. Don’t miss the chance to witness this epic survival journey into the unknown.

August 10, 2024
Cinemalaya and Ayala Malls Cinema Making Dreams Come True

In 2005, the Philippine film industry seemed to be on a decline. The cost of producing films was too high, while digital technology and new methods of filmmaking were on the rise.

The Philippine cinema could not keep up with the changing times. Stories that were not commercially viable were sidelined.

Seeing this gap, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) along with other stakeholders looked for new ways to revive the film industry and help Filipino filmmakers have a platform for their truthful and socially relevant storytelling

And thus, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival was born.

“Our vision was to support filmmakers, give them an initial grant in order to help them produce it,” said Cinemalaya XX deputy festival director Teresa Rances.

The organizing committee wanted to give the filmmakers a chance to tell stories with no restrictions; give them a playground to explore other possibilities in film-making.

In its fifth year, the Cinemalaya gained traction and even attracted mainstream directors.

The following years, Cinemalaya expanded its reach and brought its competing films to commercial cinemas.

Bringing Cinemalaya to the cinemas was really a dream come true of the filmmakers.

“Not everybody gets a chance to be seen in cinemas, which is always their dream,” said Rances. It opened opportunities for the filmmakers to be invited as well to international film festivals.

Starting on its 7th edition, Cinemalaya found good partnership with Ayala Malls. Through its expansive cinema system, Ayala Malls has been providing a space of exploration for the filmmakers and helping in bringing the indie film movement to the forefront.

It started out with two cinemas – one in Makati and the other in Quezon City. Then, it expanded to more Ayala Malls such as UP Town Center and Ayala Malls Solenad.

At one point, there were screenings at the Ayala Malls Cebu. It has been the hope of CCP and Cinemalaya Foundation Inc to bring the country’s pioneering film festival to the regions.

This year, Ayala Malls hosted the 20th edition of Cinemalaya, right at their newest mall – Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

What makes the partnership even more perfect – Ayala Malls Cinemas provides space for inspiring cinematic experience, while the festival brings in traffic to the mall. Together, they create an economic synergy that would help the film industry, as well as in the national economy.

“We want our audiences to be able to relate to the filmmakers, for them to be able to hear the voices of the filmmakers, their vision for the film and struggles and challenges they had in creating the film.” shared Rances.

The festival also brings informative documentary films and brings back some films from last year’s Cinemalaya. Being its 20^th year, Cinemalaya XX wants give AMC’s audience an experience they will never forget. And they also want to give the filmmakers a chance to make their dreams into a reality.

August 9, 2024
‘Colorful Narratives’ at ARTablado weaves vibrant tapestry of stories

An artists’ group formed only this year is holding its first exhibit featuring works by its members at ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo this month. Uswag—an interchangeable Bisaya verb that means to progress, to develop, to advance or to prosper—was formed when a number of visionary artists came together earlier this year with a shared mission.

Their goal? To explore the words of desire to promote traditional artistic techniques amidst new and advanced technology. It also aims to challenge conventional artistic norms and explore the intersection of art through traditional techniques.

“The group was formed with the intention of uniting all the artists we had met in our past exhibits. We believe that this platform is a good avenue for us artists to know each other more and to share [what we’ve learned],” recounted Jhon Paul “Juan El Pintor” Sto. Domingo, one of the group’s founding members.

He said Uswag is unique aside from their different art styles is their drive to make things possible. “We hope to achieve this by helping each other become better artists and by training the spotlight on artists we think are deserving of attention,” he added.

Aside from Jhon, the group’s other founding members come from all across the Philippines with a shared fascination for the arts and in promoting diverse cultural heritage and talents. Through their art, outreach efforts, exhibitions, and collaborations, the Uswag art group aims “to ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity about expanding visual interpretation through art, and inspiring people of all ages to look up and dream of the possibilities beyond our God-given talents.” For their first-ever exhibit as members of Uswag, they chose the theme “Colorful Narratives,” on view at ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo until August 15. The immersive art exhibit invites visitors to explore a vibrant tapestry of stories told through the language of color, and features a diverse array of artworks that celebrates the expressive power of color.

“Since we have different stories, and backgrounds when it comes to art, we thought the theme of ‘Colorful Narratives’ captures what we have to offer as individuals—our uniqueness, and our humble beginnings,” Jhon Paul said. The exhibit features a mix of mediums in each art piece and were carefully selected to highlight the versatility and impact of color in visual art. Bold, primary colors command attention, while subtle gradients and blends invite closer inspection, revealing layers of meaning and symbolism. Visitors are encouraged to engage not only with the visual spectacle before them but also with the stories embedded within each artwork. Artist statements and interactive displays provide insights into the creative processes behind the pieces, offering a deeper understanding of how color serves as a universal language of expression.

Menchie Alunan Vitente, one of the participating artist, recounted how preparing for the exhibit took much of the participating artists’ time since all of them wanted to meet the deadlines that had been set. “Everything turned out well and we were all able to meet our deadlines,” she said, adding that they viewed ARTablado as a great venue for them to showcase their talents. “We know that opportunities to spotlight the different artists’ talents that’s why we’re blessed that ARTablado is here to cater to Filipino artists,” Menchie said.

Aside from Jhon and Menchie, the other participating artists from Uswag Art Group are: Aldrin Rivera, Anna Nga Koks-Dinh, Anna Tungul, Dinna de los Reyes, Dexter Cinco, Joyce Britanico, Rab Cedric Menguito, RN, MD, Rosie Castel and Vanessa Bautista.

“Colorful Narratives” is not just an exhibition of art. It is a celebration of the power of color to illuminate, inspire, and tell stories that transcend language and culture.

August 7, 2024
Get Your Zing On at the Del Monte Fruity Zing Tunnel at Hydro Manila on August 24!

Hey friends! Ready to ditch the daily grind and dive into an experience that’ll totally boost your mood? Swing by the Del Monte Fruity Zing Tunnel at the Hydro Manila Music Festival on August 24, 2024 to escape the daily grind and get an instant mood-lifter with loads of freebies and fun activities.

This will be staged after the successful run at C1 Park, Bonifacio High Street Central (right in front of Shake Shack) last August 2-4.

The Del Monte Fruity Zing Tunnel is the ultimate escape from life’s little annoyances—whether it’s being ghosted by your crush, dealing with office drama, or facing that cringe-worthy credit card bill.

Here’s What’s Poppin’ Inside the Tunnel:

Refresh-Zing Area: Kick off with FREE ice-cold samples of Fruity Zing’s bomb Apple-Lychee and Calamansi-Lemon flavors. Perfect for a sweet pick-me-up or a zesty burst!

Zing Zone: Dive into epic games and interactive experiences that’ll lift your vibe. Show off your zest at the Just Zing corner—say “Ziiiing” in 25 seconds and win free Fruity Zing bottles! Plus, flex those memory skills at the MemoriZing activity to score more Fruity Zing freebies!

Gen Zing Photo Booth: Capture your refreshed and ZING-ed self with a free printed photo and share your Zing-tastic moments!

Cool Vibes: Chill out with strategically placed fans and misters keeping things cool and comfy while you explore.

Fruity Zing: Not just a drink, it’s your go-to mood booster! With real fruit juices and only PHP 25 SRP, enjoy the epic Apple-Lychee and Calamansi-Lemon flavors that keep you fresh and motivated to crush your goals.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Share your adventure on social media with #FruityZing and #ExperienZINGnow to spread the good vibes. If you can’t make it, catch!

Find the Del Monte Fruity Zing at nearby convenience stores and supermarkets! No time to shop? No problem—grab it online on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop! Ditch the boring and level up your vibe with Del Monte Fruity Zing!

August 6, 2024
First Ever Modified Eco-Friendly Tourist Rest Area to rise in Bicol Region

The Department of Tourism (DOT) marked a significant advancement for Bicol’s tourism sector with the groundbreaking and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the region’s inaugural Tourist Rest Area (TRA), led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman.

This was the first TRA in the Philippines to receive the modifications of the flagshiptourist facility being constructed by the DOT, through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) across strategic locations, with features of solar panel roofing, a rainwater harvesting system, among other eco-friendly features.

The ceremonies took place on Wednesday (July 31) at the picturesque Hiraya Manawari Nature Park, which boasts stunning views of the iconic Mayon Volcano.

This pioneering TRA in the region will serve as a comprehensive service center, providing an array of amenities designed to ensure visitor comfort and convenience. Key features will include clean restrooms, charging stations, a relaxing lounge, a lactation room, and an information hub. The facility will also cater to the needs of differently abled individuals and senior citizens, promoting accessibility for all.

Commitment to Sustainability

Secretary Frasco emphasized that the establishment of the TRA reflects the Department’s dedication to enhancing the tourist experience while prioritizing sustainability.

“Tabaco City is a symbol of sustainable tourism, in line with the National Tourism Development Plan which underscores the importance of preserving our destinations and empowering local communities through tourism,” she stated.

“Tabaco City represents sustainable tourism, which very well resonates with the National Tourism Development Plan of the national government, kung saan binibigyan po natin ng kahalagahan ‘yong preservation ng ating mga destinations, and of course, binibigyan natin ang ating mga komunidad ng opportunities para naman po mag improve ‘yong kanilang buhay sa pamamagitan ng turismo,” the tourism chief shared.

Apart from the enhanced interiors, the TRA incorporates modified sustainable features like the rainwater harvesting system, which is fitting to Bicol region, one of the country’s regions that receives a high amount of rainfall due to its geographical location and other factors.

The TRA is part of a broader national strategy led by the Marcos administration to bolster tourism infrastructure and enhance visitor convenience throughout the Philippines.

“We are hopeful that the presence of the Tourist Rest Area will enhance the vibrancy of your city and the already successful tourism programs led by your mayor. We find that through tourism, communities are transformed, lives are uplifted, and love of country is engendered in each and every single Filipino,” the tourism chief added.

The TRA in Tabaco City marks the second facility to be broken ground this year, with plans to put up at over 20 additional locations funded by TIEZA.

The location, Hiraya Manawari Nature Park, also exemplifies Tabaco City’s commitment to environmental conservation, with many of its structures constructed from upcycled materials.

Partnership for a Sustainable Tourist Rest Area

Alongside the groundbreaking, the DOT and the City Government of Tabaco formalized their partnership through the signing of a MOA for the TRA’s construction.

Fully funded by the DOT through TIEZA, the TRA will be managed and operated by the City Government of Tabaco.

The MOA was signed by Secretary Frasco, Mayor Lagman, and TIEZA OIC Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jeoffrey Macalalad, with Albay Vice Governor Glenda Ong Bongao, and DOT Regional Office V Director Herbie Aguas as witnesses.

The DOT has also devised guidelines for the TRA’s maintenance and operation, offering incentives to LGUs that meet the outlined standards. These incentives may include support for additional infrastructure projects or financial rewards.

A scale model of the TRA, featuring its distinctive flat roof and clean lines, was presented by Secretary Frasco and to Mayor Lagman and Vice Mayor Bongao.

Recently, the TRA project was honored as the Infrastructure Project of the Year in the Tourism category at the esteemed GovMedia Conference and Awards 2024 held in Singapore.

August 6, 2024
The Script ‘Satellites World Tour’ in Manila on February 11

With over 10 billion streams, 12 million album sales, six UK #1 albums and two Platinum-certified US singles, the multi-awarded and platinum-selling Irish band, THE SCRIPT is coming back to Manila and bringing their SATELLITES WORLD TOUR on February 11, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. Presented by Midas Promotions and Wilbros Live. Tickets go on-sale on August 10, 10AM via TicketNet.com.ph and TicketNet outlets nationwide.

After reuniting for select shows with The Script family in 2023, the band is ready to hit the road and head out to big stages of their own. This will see them play to over 2 million fans around the world this year and more next year. The Script will be performing their biggest hits and fan favourites from their six studio albums like “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, “Breakeven”, “For The First Time”, “Hall of Fame”, “Superheroes”, and songs from their highly anticipated new album ‘Satellites’ featuring the new hit song “Both Ways”.

Glen Power says, “.. we’re The Script, and now we have something to prove: that there is life and light after the darkness.” Vowing to pay tribute to their friend (Mark Sheehan) by continuing the band they had built together, vocalist Danny O’Donoghuereturned to the studio and experimented in a number of ways. What emerged is ‘Satellites’, an utterly uplifting collection of songs that forges a new future for The Scriptwhile remembering that although Mark may no longer be here, he remains a vital part of everything that they do.

Danny explains, “The album cover is silhouettes of me, Glen and Ben Sargeant, our bassist.. Then we have a hooded silhouette, because the air of Mark is still there. He always will be, but it’s also giving a tip of the hat to the future. It’ll never be the same Script. We’re just trying to get on and do what it is that we all feel is the next right thing to do and that’s to keep making more great music.”

August 1, 2024