Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder is the direct sequel to the 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok and the 29th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unlike Doctor Strange 2 which was released prior this film, Thor’s fourth standalone movie in the MCU is filled with dance sequences, enchanted weapons, and ’80s rock.
Watch the Thor: Love and Thunder trailer below:
In a global press conference, Thor: Love and Thunder cast members Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Natalie Portman (Jane Foster/The Mighty Thor), Tessa Thompson (King Valkyrie), and Christian Bale (Gorr the God Butcher) are joined by director Taika Waititi and producer and president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige talk about how this fourth standalone movie for Thor happened, the aesthetic behind the song choices, and more.
The press conference began with Chris Hemsworth who plays Thor shares that when Taika Waititi got involved, he brought out his immature, young, and adolescent quality that Thor now has, which he didn’t have in the original films. “Embodying this space as a child would and enjoying all of it and being caught up in the wonder and the fascination of all of it,” Hemsworth adds.
When asked why Thor is the only character in the MCU to have four solo films in his journey, Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige says that the viewers respond well to Chris Hemsworth and to everything that he does. He also says that Taika Waititi brings another dimension that was always there with Chris. “For so long, we were thinking on how to make Thor more relatable and more connected to the audience and now that they are with him now, we realized we could go to a part four,” he adds.
Natalie Portman is back in this film as Doctor Jane Foster and as we have seen in the trailers, as Mighty Thor. She recalls what it was like wearing Chris’ costume which she has seen him wear all these years. “Trying the version on myself and getting fitted for all the arm cuffs, boots, and everything else was pretty surreal for the first time.”
Moving on to Gorr The God Butcher, Christian Bale shares that what everyone was looking for in Chris Hemsworth, they looked for the polar opposite for his character. “Someone not relatable, a bit of a loner, creepy, and someone no one wants to be around,” he shares. He also says that it’s a lot easier to play a villain than it is a hero. “The beauty of it is that Taika [Waititi] can make it bloody hilarious and then really moving in this story. I don’t know if it’s pushing it too much to say sympathy, but you sort of understand why this guy is making awful decisions.”
Valkyrie began his journey as a scavenger and now she is the King of New Asgard. Tessa Thompson looks back at what Stan Lee talked a lot about before that whether it’s a villain or a hero, there’s something that connects them to their power. “It was really fun to both try to inhabit the spirit and the kind of physicality that it takes to be a hero.” Valkyrie was a professional soldier for thousands of years and now finds herself kind of stuck in bureaucracy. “She’s really missing being on the battlefield and missing her sisters, so it’s been great to get to have that again with Natalie in particular as Mighty Thor,” she adds.
Soundtrack-wise, there are plenty of Guns N’ Roses in the film. Director Taika Waititi reveals that it has always been a dream of his and jokes that they wanted to spend as much money as they possibly could on some songs. “The whole aesthetic around the film was for it to be this bombastic, loud, colorful palette, which kind of reflected, like, spray painted panel vans in the eighties and rock album covers.” And boy, did they deliver. “Even the title treatment for the film, it’s the kind of thing I would’ve drawn on my school book in class when I wasn’t listening,” he quips.
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Thor: Love and Thunder opens in Philippine cinemas on July 6, 2022. Buy your tickets here.
Just when we thought we have enough coffee shops in Manila, PICKUP COFFEE comes into the picture. This newly founded start-up in the Philippines aims to make espresso and milk-based beverages more accessible by offering drinks from P50 to P100 only.
They’ve always been a cloud kitchen since it started three months ago in locations like Rockwell, Julia Vargas, Alabang, Banawe, UP Town Center, Mall of Asia, Ayala Malls Vertis North, San Juan, and Nuvali. With nine kitchens already in operation, they’ve decided they wanted more. And with the goal of being closer to their customers, they finally opened their first branch in BGC, Uptown Bonifacio.
To celebrate their first branch, on June 3 and 4, they have exclusive launch perks for customers. Ten lucky customers get a chance to win one year’s worth of coffee and all you have to do is sign up upon purchase! Other launch perks include free UPsize for drinks, and free drinks between 5 to 7pm.
Must-try drinks at PICKUP COFFEE
Drinks at PICKUP COFFEE may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean quality is compromised. They’ve developed value for money beverages that uses locally and internationally sourced beans Mt. Apo and Brazil, and use only top-of-the-line espresso machines to ensure quality and consistency.
If you like it simple, there’s the Americano and Latte priced at P50 and P70, respectively. Their Kape Kastila (P75) is their version of a Spanish Latte, it has leche condensada, creamy milk, and a shot of espresso; and then there’s this unique Avo Latte (P85) which has a dollop of fresh avocado with creamy milk and espresso. For caffeine-free drinks, choose from the Matcha Latte, Golden Turmeric Latte, Chai Latte, or the Classic Chocolate, priced from P70 to P80.
Other than making their drinks accessible, they have partnered with homegrown businesses like Claudia’s Cookies, Hola Empanadas, Butterboy, and Malia Home Bakery, all of which you can nibble on with their coffee.
PICKUP COFFEE is at Uptown Bonifacio, 36th Street, 9th Avenue, Taguig. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more details.
The much-awaited sequel to the 2016 Doctor Strange is finally here. And it’s not for the faint-hearted. “Someone once told me, that the reality I thought I knew, was just one of the many,” Dr. Stephen Strange in the final trailer.
Watch the trailer below:
In a global press conference, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness screenwriter Michael Waldron, director Sam Raimi, producer and president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige, are joined by stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Wong, and newcomer Xochitl Gomez to talk about the movie’s last minute script changes, Doctor Strange’s character shift, and more.
The press conference begun with Marvel Studios producer and president Kevin Feige talking about his 20-year moment. “I was a young producer who just felt lucky to be in the same room with director Sam Raimi, and now I’m an old producer that just feels lucky to be in the same room with him.”
Sam Raimi who is dubbed as “the godfather of modern superhero filmmaking” shares that making Doctor Strange now has become a lot easier technology-wise compared to when he was working on the Spider-Man trilogy. He emphasizes though that the thing that didn’t change is having great actors and them knowing that the most important thing they can do is within themselves. “These are great actors and they know what it’s like to be a human being. They have a vast set of experiences that they are not afraid to pull into their performances, and they know their characters very well.”
Benedict Cumberbatch on his favorite part of exploring other sides of Doctor Strange
A sequel we’ve all been waiting for, Cumberbatch shares that this multiversal narrative structure is like it is in our own lives. He explains by saying that we have multiple roles and have an incredible capacity and imaginative space in our subconscious to imagine ourselves into different circumstances in our dream scape. “Conversations not just with me as an actor with my character, but with the character and other versions of the character.”
“To shift the attitude or the mannerisms or the abilities and show same but different. And it’s a fine balance where we pushed it on some levels and less so on others and just very much, the finessing skill that Sam has to hold all this complexity and go with what makes most sense for our hero, for the story.”
Fresh from WandaVision, Elizabeth Olsen who plays Scarlet Witch talks about her approach to her character after the miniseries. “I feel like in the previous films before WandaVision, I took up a lane for storytelling that was more grounded in sincerity, love, loss, and grief.” She also shares that she was able to become anything and everything in WandaVision, and have grown her into a woman. “I hope that in this film, people see the continuation of her acceptance of who she is and the journey that she has taken to this moment. I feel like she has way more clarity now than ever.”
On showcasing Scarlet Witch’s greatest strength, Sam Raimi says that Wanda is the classic character that loved not too wisely but too well. “I think that’s a source of many of her aspirations in the film, and sometimes leads to less happy moments for her.” Raimi emphasizes that Lizzie [Elizabeth Olsen] did a great job summing up her approach.
The newest member of the cast, Xochitl Gomez joins the MCU [Marvel Cinematic Universe] as America Chavez who has the ability to jump through different universes. When asked on who she had taken the biggest cue from being able to perform alongside MCU veterans, she says “all these people are great but in particular, I looked at Lizzie [Olsen] especially while she’s acting and getting ready to do the scene.” She also shares that she learned so much from her and she doesn’t even know it.
Sam Raimi on last-minute script changes and bringing his beloved horror elements into the MCU
Believe it or not, there were some last-minute script changes according to Sam Raimi. “They know their characters better than anybody so they’ll recognize in playing of the scene that this is untrue — this feels like a manipulation or it could be more real.” He also adds that when you have a great team, you want to pull the best of their ideas together and make something better than you could have made on your own.
“Great actors, great ideas, a script that constantly changing. But it was a very lively process.” Viewers must also take note that they had other movies that they have storylines from that should be taken into consideration. WandaVision had just finished or Spider-Man: No Way Home was also shooting, and Doctor Strange referenced those films. They had to have meetings with the director to know what Doctor Strange knows by the end of No Way Home, or if he remembers the multiverse and screenwriter Michael Waldron had to take the changes in the moment and ripple through their movie. “It’s probably for a writer like improv is for an actor. These movies are reacting, making up, changing things, and you have to be in the moment and take it in and go with it.”
When asked about bringing his horror elements into the MCU, Sam Raimi shares “it was great. When Kevin announced that this movie would be the first entry into Marvel putting their toe into the world of horror, I was thrilled that he called me to talk about the possibility of directing the picture.” He shares that he was able to take those horror films that he has made in his youth and what he had learned from them building suspense sequences and titillating the audience.
Kevin Feige on keeping all of the twists, the secret, and the surprises for MCU
Before the press conference ended, Kevin Feige was asked about keeping all of the twists, the secrets, and the surprises for MCU and he answers with “the unfortunate truth is, you don’t, and therefore you need to make sure that the experience itself works regardless of what has been spoiled or not.” He is hopeful that when somebody steals something, they don’t spread it around because it just potentially lessens the experience. Unfazed by these, he adds “but in a lot of ways, No Way Home showed that it did not lessen the experience so we will continue to do the best that we can, but the most important thing is, delivering the movie or the show that delivers regardless of what you know going in.”
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Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madnessis now showing in Philippine cinemas. Buy your tickets here.
KathNiel fans are surely excited for the TV comeback of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla! Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, 2 Good 2 Be True is set to air on May 16, 2022 on free TV but, get this, it is the first Pinoy teleserye that will air on the streaming platform Netflix before its local TV release. The real-life couple expresses how grateful and excited they are for this project, truly a too good to be true moment!
2 Good 2 Be True marks KathNiel’s first project since The House Arrest of Us and their first teleserye aired on free TV in years. It follows Eloy played by Daniel Padilla and Ali played by Kathryn Bernardo who are both broken by the complications of love in their parents’ lives. They find their way into each other but are constantly being pulled back because of the doubts in their hearts until they find out that their lives are more connected than they realize.
Watch the full trailer of 2 Good 2 Be True:
In a virtual roundtable interview with friends from the media, we were able to have a quick chat with Director Mae Cruz-Alviar, and real-life couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Kathryn shares what urged them to push through with this project, Daniel talks about how different this is from their other projects, and Director Mae Cruz-Alviar spills what it’s like working with the couple over the years. Read the interview below:
What excited you the most when you first read the script?
Kathryn Bernardo: I got excited when they told us na if ever Tito Ronaldo Valdez will accept this project, siya yung magiging Lolo Hugo. Nung sinabi yun, I wanna do this. Kasi it’s not just a love story, ang maganda sa 2 Good 2 Be True is very relevant rin yung story.
Maraming mata-tackle na hindi natin alam yung nangyayari sa ibang tao so nung nalaman namin na in-accept na ni Tito Ron, parang sign na samin ng universe na we should do this. Gusto namin rom-com, binigay na rom-com. We wanted Direk Mae, binigay si Direk Mae. And then si Tito Ron, nag-yes siya so walang reason to say no to this. So when they told us about it, sabi na namin na this is the project for us and it’s really worth the wait.
Image: 2 GOOD 2 BE TRUE (ABS-CBN)
What makes 2 Good 2 Be True different from other rom-coms that you and Kathryn have done?
Daniel Padilla: Sa dami naming nagawa ni Kathryn, ano nga ba ang bagong ibigay namin. Hindi ba? I think mas marami kaming nagawa na rom-com na films. Yung isa naming nagawa na serye is Got 2 Believe so parang pangalawa pa lang namin ito. Marami pang pwedeng abangan na bago. Siyempre unang una, iba naman yung kwento, iba rin yung characters namin dito, at first time din namin ni Direk Mae magse-serye from simula hanggang dulo. So yeah, marami pa kaming pwedeng ma offer na bago dito. Siyempre kasama rin dun yung casting nitong show — malaking bagay rin yun.
How do you maintain the kilig after all these years?
Kathryn Bernardo: Yan yung sobrang challenging kasi siyempre, di ko sinasabi na nawawala yung kilig. Of course the love is there and it gets deeper and nagma-mature, pero iba siyempre yung kilig namin 9 or 10 years ago sa nararamdaman namin ngayon. So yan ang challenge every scene especially kay Direk Mae and sa writer. Ano pa yung hindi namin nagawa na kilig na pwede namin ma-offer dito.
As a real-life couple, nag-iiba lahat but hindi ibig sabihin na nababawasan na yung love. It’s just that ang hirap ihiwalay yung personal kapag makikita mo sa characters namin na on screen. So siguro, dyan pumapasok si Direk Mae kasi siya talaga yung nahihirapan kung pano siya baliin. And pati rin kami ni DJ, kung ano pa yung bago namin na mao-offer. So hopefully, nabigyan naman ng bagong flavor dito since iba naman yung dynamics ng characters namin ni DJ.
Image: 2 GOOD 2 BE TRUE (ABS-CBN)
Since this isn’t the first time working with KathNiel, can you share what they were like for this project?
Director Mae Cruz-Alviar: Their usual selves because hindi naman sila nag-bago kung paano sila as people, but there is maturity. Mas independent na sila ngayon kasi siyempre nakita ko sila nung kasama pa si Mama Min, when they were kids. That’s how they are now. It’s still them, alam mong hindi nag-bago, unfazed by the proportions of their popularity now and the prestige of the loveteam. But they are still the same Kath and DJ from before, only more mature and wiser, with more experience as actors.
Without spoiling anything, what is the message you hope to impart to fans?
Director Mae Cruz-Alviar: It’s important to not be just too good to be true. To be honest, because that’s very important.
At what point did you think it was too good to be true?
Kathryn Bernardo: Actually, just last month when Tita Cory [Vidanes] talked to us and then sinabi niya na samin na mapapanuod nga ng tao not just on free tv but also on Netflix, yun pa lang, that was a first for us. It’s very special and we are very grateful na nabigyan kami ng ganitong platform para mas marami pang makapanuod with everything that’s happened last year. We’re very grateful to Netflix for giving us this opportunity to share this beautiful project with everyone.
Image: 2 GOOD 2 BE TRUE (ABS-CBN)
What’s an advice you’d want to give your characters Eloy and Ali?
Kathryn Bernardo: Siguro my advice to Ali would be, not to be scared to trust people and to give chance. Kasi si Ali, she’s very protective and guarded. With her experience especially with her mom, may tendancy talaga na may trust issues siya sa guys. Maybe if kausap ko siya ngayon, sasabihin ko sakanya na just give chance kasi hindi naman lahat ng tao ay masama. There’s still goodness in this world and you just have to give that chance.
Daniel Padilla: Una, siguro wag magpapa apekto sa mga nakaraan. We should learn to move on. And wag mong paghahawakan ang mga grudges mo sa buhay dahil hindi yun maganda para sayo.
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2 Good 2 Be True will be available on Netflix on May 13, 2022, 72 hours before it airs on free / pay TV.
Established in 1975, Kashmir is the first-ever Indian restaurant in Manila and the longest-running one at that. The 47-year-old family-run restaurant which first opened in Ermita has now opened in BGC under the new stewardship of Leon Araneta. What started as a means to pass the three sisters’ time has become a well-loved institution in the F&B industry.
Since then and over a long and colorful past, Kashmir has held on to the idea of “Introducing Indian Hospitality to Filipinos by turning Mystique into Magic.” For 47 years, they’ve been serving traditional North Indian dishes using high quality ingredients including curries, dried nuts and fruits, yogurt, ghee, paneer, fresh vegetables, and premium cuts of meats.
What to order at Kashmir?
One of the original founders, Sita Advani, created the recipes in Kashmir. “Having inherited such a wealth of decades-tested recipes from Sita were the greatest gift,” shares Leon Araneta, Kashmir’s new owner. “These recipes are the heart of the restaurant. Her food continues to charm our guests to this very day.”
At the new Kashmir, classic favorites like the Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutton Seekh Kebab, Palak Paneer, and Rogan Josh are still on the menu. But innovative dishes like Mutton Seekh Burger or the vegetarian-friendly Paneer Burger are also available.
In keeping with its North Indian roots, Kashmir is bringing its vegetarian and vegan offerings to the forefront. “After my own travels to India, I realized that we haven’t even scratched the surface of the wealth of plant- based dishes,” shares Leon. Vegan and vegetarian dishes like the Organic Mushroom Tandoori, Dhal Chana, Okra Curry, and Kashmir Organic Green Salad will make any meat-loving guest happily reconsider their opinions on meatless eating.
Their delectable food and drink offerings are just a few things that you will swoon over when you visit. At the new Kashmir, design is what will complete your dining experience. They’ve commissioned a Bangalore and Delhi-based graphic designer, Smruthi Gargi Eswar, to share her India. Her art honors her culture’s historical and artistic past but is portrayed from a more contemporary perspective.
While most of the furnishings are new, Kashmir remains grounded, honoring its past. They have kept wall molding from the original restaurant, forty-year-old chairs from the founders’ homes, and have reused them at the new Kashmir. “These are small details. But they are part of our history that we should care for,” Leon adds.
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Kashmir is located at Level 3, One Bonifacio High Street, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For reservations or inquiries, visit kashmir.ph or call +639175316023. Follow Kashmir on Facebook and Instagram.
Have you ever tried Sampinit Berry? Now is your chance to try this local berry grown at the foot of the mountains of Mount Cristobal in Laguna and Mount Banahaw in Quezon.
For summer (until the crops last), local ice cream shop Sebastian’s Ice Cream is featuring the raspberry-lookalike Sampinit in the spotlight with their collection. Flavor and texture-wise, it is less tart than locally grown strawberries and has small seeds that have a crunch exterior. These berries are extremely seasonal with their availability only from January to April, so you better have a taste while you can.
Sampinit Berry Ice Cream Collection
The Sampinit Season is a dairy-based ice cream made with fresh sampinit berries. It reminds me so much of Sebastian’s strawberry flavor but has a much lighter and delicately tart taste, and is garnished with more whole Sampinit berries to munch on. If you’re looking for something dairy-free and vegan-friendly, try the Sampinit Sorbet which is a fruit sorbet made with fresh sampinit berries, filtered water, cane sugar, and a bit of glucose for texture. Both are priced at P155 per scoop and P465 per pint.
Sampinit SeasonSampinit SorbetSampinit Ice Pops
Lastly, the perfect treat for this Manila heat is the Sampinit Ice Pops which is a simple and purest way to enjoy the natural flavor of the sampinit. “I want to give as many people as possible the chance to experience this wonderful ingredient so this ice pop is our way of doing so,” shares Ian Carandang, owner and head sorbetero at Sebastian’s Ice Cream. It is priced at P75 per piece.
The Samipinit Collection is available in scoops at Sebastian’s Ice Cream’s branch in Podium and in pints at sebastiansicecream.com.
When you hear Bicol, you instantly think it’s a place where almost all people love food that are spicy, laced with coconut milk, or both. While it’s almost true, there’s more to this region than just that. For your first stop, you might want to visit the charming Naga City where cultural attractions like old churches from the Spanish era and the beautiful Mt. Isarog are found.
After you’re done with your adventure in and around the pilgrimage city, it’s time to check out the many food offerings you can devour. From specialty dishes in restaurants to the bustling streets where you can sample a wide variety of eats, food is what makes a trip to Naga City worthwhile. There are plenty of must-try restaurants but in this list, we’re highlighting popular eats and treats in the local food scene that will make your trip even memorable:
Kinalas
It would be a sin if you miss out on Kinalas which is Naga City’s version of mami. It is a bowl of noodles in flavorful broth topped with strips of beef or pork meat, gravy made out of brain, and calamansi on the side. If you prefer something less daring, get the Log-Log instead which is everything you can ask for in a kinalas without the meat.
Puto Bukayo
Other provinces in the Philippines have this too, but Naga’s Puto Bukayo is a great merienda option while you’re there. It is made of rice flour, shredded coconut, and muscovado, steamed for a bit and wrapped in fragrant banana leaves before ready to be eaten.
Toasted Siopao
Most people grew up with the classic siopao that has a fluffy white bun, but Naga City has its very own toasted siopao. It has a beautiful toasted bread that’s thicker and has a different texture compared to the steamed one. Bite into it and get a taste of the juicy meatballs and slices of hard boiled egg!
We’re certain you’ve never tasted Halo-Halo like this one before. One look, you would notice it’s the usual Filipino dessert with all the works — sweetened saba, langka, ube, leche flan, nata de coco, kaong, sago, leche flan, and evaporated milk. What makes this extra special is the cheese that’s shredded on top, and a unique way they prepare the ice. It’s fluffy, fine, and almost melts in your mouth!
Bicol Express
Some know Bicol Express as the actual dish that’s served with warm rice, but Bicolanos know it as a side dish to fried dishes, grilled fares, and hearty soups. Add as much chilies you like for the ultimate experience!
Sure, you’ve already had Bicol Express, but have you tried Gulay na Santol the Bicolano way? Gulay na Santol or Sinantolan as what locals call it is made with grated santol rinds, aromatics, siling haba, gata, and dinailan which is a kind of shrimp paste that has a powerful taste and smell. This goes well with anything grilled or your favorite Filipino soup like Bulalo and Sinigang.
Other side dishes worth checking out: Tinumtuman or Gulay na Lambo, Laing, Tabagwang
Pinangat
Laing is a popular Bicolano side dish, but have you tried Pinangat? This one is a mix of taro leaves, river shrimps, and young coconut simmered in mildly spicy coconut milk wrapped in gabi leaves.
Binutong
If you’re a fan of anything kakanin, Binutong will be a new addition to your favorites. This Bicol delicacy is made with glutinous rice and coconut cream wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to cook. It may sound simple but the sweet flavor and chewy texture is just delectable! Dust it off with some brown sugar and pair it with your favorite coffee.
In case you missed it, there’s a new season of Bridgerton and if you haven’t seen the first season yet, what are you doing??? The show is based on the romance novel series by Julia Quinn and produced by Shonda Rhimes a.k.a. Shondaland. *SPOILER ALERT* In the season finale, it is revealed that Penelope Featherington played by Nicola Coughlan is Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). Who is Lady Whistledown, you ask? She’s the town’s anonymous gossip-monger who shakes up the ton with her scandal sheet. Juicy, indeed!
In a roundtable interview with select media from the Philippines, we sat down with Nicola Coughlan who shares her journey as Penelope Featherington, Lady Whistledown’s reveal, her friendship with Eloise, and more. Read the full interview below:
What do you think that of all the characters to be Lady Whistledown, it had to be Penelope? What pushed her to write on the subject of the ‘ton and in a manner that she does?
Nicola Coughlan: I think there are a lot of reasons why she writes Lady Whistledown. She is someone who feels like she doesn’t belong with her family. She is quite shy so she doesn’t express herself in person because that gets in her way. She was used to going around her family that would constantly snipe at one another, and she couldn’t do that. So she internalized it and brought it into her words because she loves to read. And then I think, because the ‘ton loves it so much, that pushes her forward even more.
What are your thoughts on Penelope’s journey this season?
Nicola Coughlan: I was really excited to go back and play her because her being revealed as Lady Whistledown at the end of Season 1 really opened up her whole world and opened it up to the audience. I was excited to see how she got away with everything and how she collected all the information, got it to the printers, and all that stuff. Coming back in and knowing I was going to get to play that, was really exciting.
How different it was to play Penelope now that her identity as Lady Whistledown was revealed?
Nicola Coughlan: It’s different in a certain way but because I always knew she was Lady Whistledown, that was always in my mind. A lot of season one was about keeping it under the surface and keeping it a lot in her head. It created new challenges which was so much fun for her — being clever and tricking people, moving around London in the nighttime, and all that stuff.
How has Eloise and Penelope’s friendship evolved in this season?
Nicola Coughlan: I think their friendship evolves a lot because Eloise enters into society and Penelope hasn’t had a friend by her side before. I think she likes that she’s there as a friend but then it also creates issues. She needs to collect information at these balls in order to write Lady Whistledown so having Eloise constantly attached to her, creates a bit of tension. And also, there’s an element of her that she really needs Eloise’s praise.
The first season focused on Daphne and the Duke, the second season Antony and Kate, whose story would you want to see more for the next season? Would we see Collin and Penelope?
Nicola Coughlan: Who knows? I guess that’s a question for Shondaland. We’re lucky enough that we know were commissioned for four seasons which is such a rare and lucky thing to have. So I do know Collin and Penelope’s love story is coming within that.
What are your thoughts on gossip culture? Do you think it’s helpful or are you against it?
Nicola Coughlan: I think it’s a thing that we pretend we don’t like, but everyone loves to indulge in a little bit of gossip. It’s something about this time in history that women had so little agency over what they could do in their lives, that this was one thing they could really have control of and be the queens of this domain of gossip. So I totally get why it was such a thing but also, I think nobody’s immune to a good, juicy piece of gossip.
This season explores feminism deeply, especially Eloise. If you could share a piece of advice to women, what would it be?
Nicola Coughlan: I think you’ve got to put yourself first because women have a habit of thinking of everybody else before themselves. But ultimately, when they say on a plane, you’ve got to put your own oxygen mask on before anybody else’s? Apply that to your life because when you’re taking care of yourself, you’re better to be able to serve everyone and everything you’re doing. But you got to put yourself first.
What onset secrets can you share with us?
Nicola Coughlan: I’m always trying to be as comfortable as possible because the costumes are not terribly comfortable. So at any scene where I’m sitting down for a prolonged period of time, I will always try and wear Ugg boots underneath the dress. So you’ve got this beautiful Regency ballgown
Nicola Coughlan: We got given a gigantic bag with a “B” on it. I think if we tried to steal one of those costumes, I’d get in a lot of trouble. They’re not the most inconspicuous so by leaving with a giant yellow gown, I think they’d be like “no, no, no!”
Bridgerton Season 2 premieres today, March 25, on Netflix. Stream here.
ABOUT BRIDGERTON RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2022 EPISODES: 8 episodes x 1 hour PRODUCTION COMPANY: Shondaland CREATOR/SHOWRUNNER: Chris Van Dusen DIRECTORS: Tricia Brock (201, 202), Alex Pillai (203, 204), Tom Verica (205, 206), Cheryl Dunye (207, 208) EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Chris Van Dusen, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica STARRING: Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Charithra Chandran, Shelley Conn, Nicola Coughlan, Phoebe Dynevor, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Claudia Jessie, Calam Lynch, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Luke Thompson, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Rupert Young, and Julie Andrews
After almost two years, Bridgertonis back for another season! A period drama that was compared to Gossip Girl, the Shondaland and Chris Van Dusen series took the world by storm with its storyline and steamy scenes. Set in the 19th century, Julia Quinn’s series is a collection of eight novels based on the eight Bridgerton children. The first season was based on Daphne and the Duke of Hastings, but it will be all about Lord Anthony for the second season.
Watch the official trailer of Bridgerton Season 2 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYNCws-a6CQ
In a roundtable interview with select press from the Philippines, we had a chat with Jonathan Bailey who reprises his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley, and Charithra Chandran who plays the new characters, Kate Sharma and Edwina Sharma. They talk about the lessons viewers can learn from their characters, what it was like wearing costumes, and if they got to keep anything from the show. Read the interview below:
For Simone and Charithra, what was it like joining the cast? For Jonathan, what was it like slipping back into the role and welcoming new cast members?
Simone Ashley: Oh gosh, it was so exciting. It happened to me really quickly so I didn’t really have a second to fully process it. I remember my first week of filming, we were all together filming a scene at the races and it was the perfect way to kickstart it all. The scenes we were playing with were just a lot of fun, I just came out of my shell and get to know everyone. They were super welcoming and warm, I wouldn’t have asked for a better start.
Charithra Chandran: It’s such a big show and it can be a bit intimidating at first but everyone was so welcoming. Even though there are hundreds of people on set, it feels actually really intimate on a day-to-day basis. It feels quite close and familial — so easy to get comfortable.
Jonathan Bailey: I was really looking forward to it. I think we were all excited to come back through the pandemic and also celebrate the show and what we had to experience when it came out the first time around.
What’s your favorite part in shooting Bridgerton season 2?
Simone Ashley: I love the days when we’re all together. So if we’re filming the balls or a certain scene where everyone’s in. I think we just have such a laugh and the best time. I think that’s a massive factor to this job in general, just all of us getting on and making the most of this.
Jonathan Bailey: And those ball days feel like Bridgerton at its absolute best. Not only for the viewers to watch it but it’s where all the departments are on set and everyone’s presence is huge.
Charithra Chandran: Everything is at its peak, isn’t it? The design, the costumes. Everyone’s there!
Simone Ashley: We always anticipate that week.
Jonathan Bailey: Yeah, they take a long time and they require a lot of stamina. It’s obviously brilliant to be involved in this production, but mainly you get to see the best people at the top of their game.
Lord Anthony and Kate’s chemistry is palpable in the show. How do you think that translated well on the screen?
Jonathan Bailey: I think the chemistry between Kate and Anthony is something that everyone has loved so much in the books. It’s so important for the romance genre, for the chemistry to be the underlying thing that carries these amazing love and sweeping stories. But I think what’s really interesting about these two characters is that they have so much to overcome. It’s the enemies to lovers trope which is tried and tested. It’s fascinating to me because it’s entrenched in something psychological, and the enemies to lovers show that there’s a big journey.
And so I think we were both equally matched in our enthusiasm for telling a story that is about yearning, it’s about withholding, and it’s complicated. The moment we met, it was a click. It’s also a testament to the show and the creative values that they can edit and elevate, and performance is only part of it. Every department is working at its absolute maximum to ensure the chemistry comes through. I’m glad you could sense the sizzle.
What do you think that people say this story of Anthony is the best of the series?
Jonathan Bailey: Obviously, I completely agree. I read the Viscount Who Loved Me before accepting the role and I always knew that this book was going to come second, much like in the same way that it does in the literary canon. I think Anthony has experienced a lot and that’s probably a reason why I’m drawn to him. What’s brilliant about Simone is that I think we would fight tooth and nail to prove that we are the biggest fans of Kate and Anthony, more than anyone who’s read the book. You feel really protected with the character and especially the characters that are so well loved. But you have to bring your own part, your own element to it, and hope that it also inspires in the same way the books did.
What are your thoughts on the Queen’s standard when choosing the season’s Diamond? Should women, in the Bridgerton set up, seek this much approval from her?
Charithra Chandran: I think the standards are kind of unattainable and ever-changing which is sort of the point of the Diamond. Perfection is expected yet perfection isn’t actually set or explicitly stated. And then the risk of that is that any woman can be tainted so easily by lies or by preferences. Certainly, the way the Queen uses these kind of expectations function in society can be a way to yield power over young women, by expecting us to uphold the standards whatever they may be. I think it’s controlling and it’s difficult for young women to find their independence and uniqueness within that. So I say, set your own standards and follow that.
Jonathan Bailey: And also with your performance. Because the arc of Edwina is so striking that is also another element of representation — seeing a female story within a world where gender roles are so specific and the outward affirmation is what drives all the young women to see Charitra’s character take agency, hopefully, will inspire as well.
What is the greatest lesson people could learn from your character?
Charithra Chandran: With Edwina, self-love is arguably the most important love. Often when you’re a woman, specifically a woman of color, your life can be determined a lot by obligation and sacrifice. And it takes a lot of courage to step out and choose yourself. So, choosing yourself takes courage — I’d say that’s the biggest lesson.
Simone Ashley: Follow your heart. Go and get your love. I think that was something Kate was afraid to do and do something for herself.
Simone Ashley: Wearing the costume was incredible. Just absolutely amazing color, design, the hand tailoring, everything!
Charithra Chandran: And it never gets old. You’d think after eight months, you wouldn’t be amazed by these dresses and then each time they smash it and keep raising the bar. So we’re very lucky. And they’re all couture so they’re all handmade perfectly for our measurements!
Jonathan Bailey: The character progression is also expertly reflected in design choices. We were filming in the pandemic and the supply change completely disintegrated, so it puts so much pressure on the costume department. And yet, they were so resourceful and they managed to get materials all over the world.
Charithra Chandran: All the jewelry is handmade for use. Some of the lace is from a specific mill in France and they create the design and get it done. It’s craftsmanship across the world that’s utilized for the show.
Speaking about wardrobe, did you get to keep anything from the show?
Simone Ashley: I’m gonna be really honest. Netflix kindly provided a taco truck on our last week and I think I had eight beef tacos. And then I had to do a scene where Kate is running around, panicking. Great time though!
Jonathan Bailey: I nearly got a plinth. All of the plinths were sculpted and there was one that was a sort of bust and there was a moment where I was like “I’m about to take it” but it’s quite a hard thing to sneak into. But I got given the watch. I felt connected with Anthony but there was just the gorgeous detail of the watch and I got it in a box.
Charithra Chandran: I did not take anything. Not because I didn’t want to or I have a thing against taking it but I was too afraid of getting caught. So if I knew I would get away with it, I 100% would have taken many things. But there are a few things that I hope I can ask for once the show comes out.
Chef Chele Gonzales takes diners on a personal journey with his new tasting menu at Gallery by Chele.
Eleven years since leaving home, Chele Gonzalez decided it was time to revisit his roots in Cantabria, Spain. After many years, he was able to reunite with his family, home, heritage, and what he grew up to know as comfort food. This inspired his newest tasting menu called Re-encounters, a culinary journey from the mountains and sea of Northern Spain.
Diners get a choice of a six- or ten-course for the Re-Encounters tasting menu. We started our journey to Cantabria, San Sebastian, and Bilbao, with our first stop at the restaurants’ bar counter with Chef Chele’s photograph of the Cantabrian Sea. Here, we enjoyed some tapas — tortilla de patatas, crisp callamari in brioche, gambas al ajillo, pulpo a la gallega, and croquetas with cebu lechon.
These tapas are served with a refreshing welcome drink called Calimocho that’s equal parts red wine and cola, a taste that’s actually quite similar to kombucha. We were then brought to a different room with a wall covered by a photograph taken by Chef Chele again. While there, we had some pastrami pintxos and crab canapé, a crab mixture on top of a light meringue and topped with a grated hard-boiled egg.
After the tapas, we walked to our designated table for the night where “The Journey,” which is the six- or ten-course, begins. The first part consisted of seafood dishes — from raw tuna with a gazpacho sorbet, bangus belly pil pil with collagen emulsion, and a white snapper with sayote. Next is the Huevos con Jamon which features a perfectly cooked egg topped with generous truffle shavings. We then moved to meatier territory with the Cocido Montañes, melt-in-your-mouth stew meat wrapped in kale, and the Txuleta which uses Wagyu tenderloin served with potatoes and bell pepper confit. Both were hearty and are definitely a favorite from the tasting menu.
At this point, we were already full but of course, we still had room for dessert. We were introduced to the Spanish delicacy Sobao which is a dense sponge cake soaked in milk, served with berry compote and milk ice cream. Next is Chef Chele’s famous Burnt Basque Cheesecake topped with chantilly and truffle shavings, an experience that I didn’t want to end. The Journey ended with a trio of desserts — Corte de Leche Flan, Quesada, and Sago con Leche, served with a beautiful photo of Gonzalez’ family from his last trip.
Re-Encounters is available until June 2022. Guests can choose between a 10-course tasting menu for PhP4,400+ 10% service charge or a 6-course tasting menu for PhP 3,400+ 10% service charge. Wine, cocktail and non-alcoholic beverage pairing options are available.
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Gallery by Chele is located at 5/F Clipp Center, 11th Ave corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For reservations or inquiries, visit gallerybychele.com, call +639175461673; follow Gallery by Chele on Facebook and Instagram.
