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“Jesus Christ Superstar” to Open In Manila This May 2026

One of the world’s most influential rock operas is coming to the Philippines. The Olivier Award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar is set to make its Manila debut at The Theatre at Solaire from May 2 to 24, 2026, as part of its international tour. Tickets go on sale November 8 exclusively via TicketWorld. UnionBank cardholders can access the pre-sale from November 3 to 7.

A Bold Reimagining of A Global Classic

With music and lyrics by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar, and Tony winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar has remained a cultural touchstone for more than 50 years This production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where it originated, and is helmed by director Timothy Sheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster, and music supervision by Tom Deering.

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a timeless work that explores the biblical portrayal of the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. Originally released as a concept album, the iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, and ‘Gethsemane’.

Jesus Christ Superstar The North American Tour company of Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production opened at the Palace Theatre on 9 August 1972 and ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut.

Producer David Ian said, “After incredible success in Australia and the UK, we’re delighted to be bringing Jesus Christ Superstar to Manila. This Olivier Award-winning production has amazed audiences around the world with its raw energy and breathtaking performances. Whether you’ve loved the show for decades or are discovering it for the first time, this will be an unforgettable experience.”

Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, said: “We’re beyond thrilled to bring one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic and influential musicals of all time to Manila. Jesus Christ Superstar is a show that transcends generations. Its music and story continue to inspire audiences, and we can’t wait for Filipino fans to experience this powerful production live.

This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020, followed by a universally acclaimed UK tour in 2023/24.

Casting will be announced soon.

Tickets and Pre-sale Access

Jesus Christ Superstar runs May 2–24, 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire. The pre-sale period runs from November 3 to 7. The Manila season will run from May 2 to 24, 2026, at the Theatre at Solaire. Tickets will officially go on sale on November 8 exclusively via TicketWorld. Theatre fans can also enjoy early access through UnionBank of the Philippines, GMG Productions’ official 2025 season bank sponsor and pre-sale partner or join the GMG JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com.

About the Production

The 2026 international tour of Jesus Christ Superstar is produced by GMG Productions and David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. The original staging was developed at London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where the revival first gained widespread acclaim.

Stay updated on upcoming productions by visiting www.gmg-productions.com or following @gmg.productions on social media. For additional information about this production, please visit www.jesuschristsuperstar.com

With its pioneering rock score, emotional storytelling, and award-winning reimagining, Jesus Christ Superstar has shaped modern musical theatre for more than five decades. Fans across generations continue to discover and celebrate its music, making this Manila engagement one of the most awaited theater events of 2026. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or curious first-timer, this staging promises striking performances and a powerful theatrical experience. Mark your calendars for November 8 and prepare to welcome this global classic to Manila.

October 30, 2025
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEK: G-Dragon In Cinema: Ubermensch, No Other Choice, Shelby Oaks, Halloween Specials, and More!

October is wrapping up with four fresh titles ready to crank up the excitement. This week’s movie lineup is turning the big screen into a full-blown Halloween celebration. Music icons take center stage in G-Dragon In Cinema: Übermensch and Depeche Mode: M, while No Other Choice delivers a sharp mix of comedy, crime, and chaos. For those craving chills, Shelby Oaks brings bone-deep horror to cap off spooky season. And if that’s not enough, cinemas across the city are rolling out Harry Potter marathons, The Conjuring Universe scares, local horror classics through A-Rewind, and the spine-tingling Sine Sindak series. Whether you’re in the mood for epic music, sharp laughs, or pure terror, the cinemas are ready to keep your Halloween week thrilling.

Here’s your guide to everything hitting the big screen this week:

Depeche Mode: M

2025 • PG • 1h 39m
Documentary, Music
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Legendary synth-rock icons Depeche Mode take center stage in this immersive concert documentary that chronicles their electrifying 2023 Mexico City shows. The film blends stunning live performances with intimate visual storytelling, reflecting on music, mortality, and Mexico’s enduring cultural connection with death.

G-Dragon In Cinema: Übermensch

2025 • PG • 1h 45m
Concert, Music
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After eight long years, G-Dragon returns to the stage in ÜBERMENSCH, a massive world tour experience captured for the big screen. From the explosive beats of Crooked and Heartbreaker to a star-studded lineup featuring TAEYANG, DAESUNG, CL, and more, this cinematic event brings every electrifying moment straight to fans through SCREENX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX. Feel the fire, the charisma, and the legend reborn.

No Other Choice

2025 • R-13 • 2h 19m
Comedy, Crime, Thriller
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Life is good. Until it isn’t. After 25 years as a paper specialist, Man-su (Lee Byung-hun) is let go without warning, forcing him to scramble for a new job to support his wife (Son Ye-jin), kids, and dogs. As he scrambles to find work and keep his family afloat, desperation leads him down an unexpected path filled with suspense, wit, and surprising heart. With Son Ye-jin and Park Hee-soon joining the cast, this film blends humor and tension in a story about survival and self-worth.

Shelby Oaks

2025 • R-16 • 1h 30m
Horror, Mystery
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In Shelby Oaks, a woman’s search for her missing sister turns into a descent into terror when she uncovers disturbing evidence that the demon from their childhood may have been real. Tense, haunting, and visually chilling, this film blurs the line between grief and the supernatural, keeping you guessing until the last frame.

Halloween Specials and Exclusive Screenings

If you can’t get enough of spooky season, cinemas across the metro are rolling out their biggest lineups of horror throwbacks and classics. Check these out:

All seven Harry Potter films at Ayala Malls Cinemas
A-Rewind: Filipino horror favorites T2 and Wag Kang Lilingon (select Ayala Malls Cinemas)
The Conjuring Universe at Robinsons Movieworld featuring:
• The Conjuring
• The Conjuring 2
• Annabelle Comes Home
• The Devil Made Me Do It

SINE SINDAK: Ika-6 na Kabanata at SM Cinemas with six terrifying films
Sinners exclusively at IMAX Cinemas
Halloween Ends at Vista Cinemas

A perfect way to get spooky before the month ends.

FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING

Missed last week’s releases? No worries, these crowd-pleasers are still packing theaters with action, laughs, and heart. Here’s what’s holding strong:

Regretting You

2025 • PG • 1h 55m
Drama, Romance
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Quezon

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 15 mins
DRAMA, HISTORY
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Dracula: A True Tale

2025 • R-16 • 2h 8m
Fantasy, Horror, Romance
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Black Phone 2

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 53 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
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TRON: Ares

2025 • PG • 1 hr 58 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
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Good Boy

2025 • PG • 1 hr 11 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
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One Battle After Another

2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 42 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
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Whether you’re gearing up for Halloween scares or craving the rush of live music on the big screen, this week’s movie lineup has your perfect pick. Keep ClickTheCity Movies bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is a click away. Tag your crew, grab some extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-see movies, your midweek just got a major upgrade!

October 29, 2025
The Horsemen Return in “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” — In Cinemas November 12
Magic is in the air once more! After nearly a decade away from the spotlight, the world’s most notorious illusionists are set to take center stage again. The third chapter in the hit franchise, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, is officially making its big-screen debut this November 12, 2025 — and it’s bigger, bolder, and more mind-bending than ever.

From Sleight of Hand to Global Phenomenon

Back in 2013, Now You See Me pulled off the ultimate trick: transforming a heist movie into a magic-fueled blockbuster. With an ensemble cast and dazzling illusions, the film grossed over $350 million worldwide and carved out a unique niche in the genre.

Its 2016 sequel, Now You See Me 2, raised the stakes with globe-trotting action and clever new cons. Fans were left spellbound — and eager for more. Fast forward to 2025, and the curtain is finally lifting again.

Lights, Camera, Illusion!

Directed by Ruben Fleischer (Venom, Zombieland) and penned by a powerhouse writing team including Michael Lesslie, Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese, and Seth Grahame-Smith, this newest installment reunites us with our favorite magicians — with a twist.

The Horsemen are back for their most high-risk performance yet, and they’re not going solo.

The Cast: Old Favorites Meet New Faces

The iconic Four Horsemen ride again, portrayed by:
But this time, they’re teaming up with a fresh crew of illusionists for a new generation of magic. Meet the franchise newcomers:
Also returning to cast his spell? None other than Morgan Freeman, reprising his role with gravitas and mystery in equal measure.

The Plot: Illusions Within Illusions

In Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the Horsemen come out of hiding to take on a new nemesis — one with tricks and secrets of their own. As they dive deeper into a dangerous web of deception, they discover that not everything is what it seems… not even their own allies.

Expect theatrical schemes, epic sleights of hand, and a suspenseful ride packed with clever twists and blink-or-you’ll-miss-it misdirection.

Mark Your Calendars, Philippines!

Filipino fans are in for a treat — Now You See Me: Now You Don’t opens in the Philippines on November 12, 2025, two days ahead of the U.S. release. The film will be distributed exclusively by Pioneer Films.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer drawn by the buzz, this is your chance to catch the franchise’s most electrifying chapter yet — on the big screen where the magic truly belongs.

Ready to Believe Again?

Prepare to question everything you see — because Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is set to deliver jaw-dropping illusions, slick storytelling, and a cinematic experience like no other. With new talent, familiar faces, and a plot full of tricks, this is more than just a sequel — it’s a spectacular return to form.

Don’t blink. Don’t trust what you think you know. And above all, remember: the closer you look, the less you see.
October 29, 2025
Edgar Wright Directs. Glen Powell Stars. Stephen King Approves. “The Running Man” Hits Cinemas November 12

Why The Running Man is the Action-Thriller You Can’t Miss This November

Lights. Camera. Mayhem. The Running Man is racing into Philippine cinemas on November 12, and it’s not just another remake—it’s a bold, bloody, and brilliant reimagining of Stephen King’s high-stakes survival story. With an all-star cast, a visionary director, and a chillingly familiar world, this movie has everything you want in an edge-of-your-seat blockbuster.

Glen Powell is Ben Richards in The Running Man

Here are the top reasons you’ll want to book your tickets early.

It’s Based on a Stephen King Novel—Yes, THAT One

Published in 1982 under King’s pen name Richard Bachman, The Running Man imagines a dystopian future where a crumbling America turns its desperation into deadly entertainment. Set in a brutal, media-obsessed 2025, the film follows Ben Richards (played by Glen Powell), a working-class father forced to enter a horrifying game show where contestants—called “Runners”—are hunted by assassins on live TV.

With every passing day, the cash prize grows. So does the body count. But Ben isn’t just running for money—he’s running for his daughter, his dignity, and the truth.

And yes—Stephen King himself co-executive produces the film.

Director Edgar Wright on the set of Paramount Pictures’ “The Running Man,” starring Glen Powell.

Edgar Wright Brings His Signature Style—and the King’s Blessing

When it comes to directors with flair, Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) is in a league of his own. For The Running Man, Wright teamed up with co-writer Michael Bacall to stay truer to King’s novel than the 1987 Schwarzenegger version.

At the recent New York Comic Con, Wright joked that filming a faithful movie adaptation to The Running Man, where main protagonist Ben Richards plays the world’s deadliest game of hide-and-seek, running from city to city to escape his hunters, was exhausting. “But I’m proud of it,” he said. “It’s an expansive movie that was ambitious.”

Even better? Stephen King gave the film his personal stamp of approval. ‘It’s more faithful to the book to keep the fans happy, but different enough to keep me on my toes and excited.’”

Talk about a glowing review.

Watch the Trailer Here:

Glen Powell Is Your New Favorite Action Hero

Glen Powell may have flown high in Top Gun: Maverick, but here, he’s in full beast mode. As Ben Richards, Powell is gritty, grounded, and surprisingly funny. He’s angry, sure—but also deeply human. The kind of hero you can root for, not just watch.

And when it comes to running? Powell had a little help from the best.

““I will say that all of my running technique did come straight from Tom [Cruise],” he shared at CinemaCon, recalling training with his Top Gun co-star. Add to that his stint with the all-star cast of The Expendables 3, and you’ve got an action star forged by legends.

The Villains? Deliciously Evil

What’s a great hero without some unforgettable villains?

Josh Brolin leads the dark side as Dan Killian, a charismatic TV executive who manipulates Richards into playing the game. Colman Domingo oozes showmanship as Bobby Thompson, the over-the-top host who turns murder into ratings gold. And Lee Pace? Absolutely chilling as McCone, the masked hunter who’s always a step ahead.

Josh Brolin is Dan Killian in The Running Man

It’s a rogue’s gallery you’ll love to hate.

Surprise Stars Steal the Scene

Look out for two scene-stealing cameos from Michael Cera and William H. Macy. They may not be on screen for long, but their roles are vital to Ben’s journey—and may just become instant fan favorites. (Bonus: Cera reunites with Edgar Wright from Scott Pilgrim, bringing a fun easter egg for longtime fans.)

Director Edgar Wright, left, and Micahel Cera on the set of Paramount Pictures’ “THE RUNNING MAN.”

A World That’s Eerily Close to Home

The movie’s setting is technically futuristic, but it feels disturbingly now. Think: media spectacles, corporate greed, and a society obsessed with watching others fall. Wright describes it as “retro-futuristic”—like the 1980s imagined the future, and then it happened anyway.

From neon-drenched cities to high-stakes chases through broken streets, the world-building is both fascinating and terrifyingly real.

Katy O’Brian plays one of the Runners in The Running Man

Final Countdown: The Game Begins November 12

If you’re craving a movie that thrills, shocks, and maybe even makes you think, The Running Man delivers it all. With big performances, big questions, and even bigger action, this is one ride you don’t want to miss.

The Running Man opens only in cinemas nationwide this November 12.
Get ready to run. #RunningManMovie @paramountpicsph

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}

October 28, 2025
MOVIE REVIEW: If Not Taken Seriously, ‘Shell’ Can Be a Campy, Crazy Trip

Despite a weak script by Jack Stanley, ‘Shell’ manages to be playful, silly, and also downright creepy as director Max Minghella leans towards a campy tone that saves it from failing as a horror film. The fact that its two stars, Elisabeth Moss and Kate Hudson, understood that the film lacks gravitas, plays it a little over-the-top, synching in with its silly atmosphere and bringing it to camp.

‘Shell’ is set in a not-too-distant future filled with a lot of self-driving cars and a beauty and cosmetic industry that ensures everyone can look good. So, when Samantha Lake (Elisabeth Moss), an actress with a hit TV sitcom, attends auditions surrounded by flawless women who are stick-thin. She has a healthy figure, with curves in all the right places and by all accounts, she is a beautiful girl, as is Moss. But the film positions her as someone who isn’t trying hard enough. It doesn’t help that she has psoriasis that adds to her insecurities. Her agency just signed a contract with a leading cosmetic treatment facility called Shell, run by Zoe Shannon (Kate Hudson), who is playing a senior citizen but the treatments at Shell have kept her youthful. Samantha’s agency suggests she takes treatments to further her career.

Samantha goes through with the treatment, which implants crustacean genes into her body. This allows her cellular processes to shed old cells and regrow new ones, keeping her young forever, much like Zoe. But based on the film’s opening, a prologue where a woman (a cameo by Elizabeth Berkley) is suffering from strange growths coming out of her skin. Zoe befriends Samantha and forces the meek and insecure Samantha to come out of her shell, pun intended and fully embrace her femininity and power. But Samantha begins showing signs of the same growth and the film swiftly shifts from a creepy suspense film into body horror.

Stanley’s script is bit on the nose and has a tendency to write in scenes and narrative points that don’t really lead anywhere and slows down the film’s pace. But Minghella allows his two lead actresses to act up a storm, letting them play that leans into the silliness of the narrative and brings it into the realm of camp. Unfortunately, camp also needs to have big ambitions and failing at them and ‘Shell’ isn’t as ambitious as it should be to really settle into that mold. So, while the film fun and enjoyable, it lacks the spark that made a similar movie like ‘The Substance’ truly memorable.

Minghella is pretty good at creating creepy moments and managing the tension, allowing it to build and build so that when the film enters into the genre of a creature feature, complete with a giant monster, we are already prepared. The film goes off the rails and into absurdist territory by the last 20 minutes, with Kate Hudson veering into crazy villain mode that you can’t help but laugh.

Both Moss and Hudson are exceptional actors, and the way by which they lay it on thick makes ‘Shell’ enjoyable to watch. Moss excellently shifts Samantha from the meek and insecure girl into the self-confident, empowered actress post-treatment but the character that was there at the beginning is still there, underneath, and manages to pop up when things go crazy. It’s a wonderful juggling act that elevates the film. Hudson, on the other hand, is completely committed to the craziness of the film’s premise. She sells it by being so dedicated to Zoe’s villain arc.

What I did love about ‘Shell’, though, is how it empowers Samantha without turning her into another thin or flawless like the other women in the film. The film is steadfast in that a woman who isn’t svelte or model stereotype is still desirable and can be a star. While failing to reach the satirical heights of ‘The Substance,’ there’s a quiet charm to ‘Shell’ that manages to present this thesis that feels very progressive, authentic and true.

My Rating:

October 27, 2025
Celebrate A Christmas of Wonders with Rustan’s

The most enchanting time of the year arrives once again! This 2025, Rustan’s invites everyone on a holiday journey that promises to inspire joy from the very first glimpse.

On October 17, the spirit of celebration extends across all Rustan’s branches nationwide where everyone will witness a festive gathering filled with meaningful moments and enchantment to officially mark the start of the season.

Embrace the familiar warmth of the holidays and delight in the twinkling lights, magical details and vibrant experiences that’s designed to spark awe through a celebration that embodies Rustan’s signature artistry and attention to detail—a testament to its legacy of bringing wonder to Filipino homes for generations.

A Spectacle of Windows and Wonder

At the heart of this year’s celebration are the Rustan’s Christmas Windows, a beloved tradition reimagined through the theme of a grand holiday carnival. Each window will feature enchanting scenes filled with playful motion, festive red and gold accents, and charming characters such as toy soldiers, ballerinas, and magical creatures. Oversized ornaments, twinkling marquees, and delicate metallic details evoke the splendor of a vintage fairground. With its golden lights and dreamlike storytelling, it evokes both nostalgia and whimsy that will capture everyone’s imagination inviting them to pause and rediscover childlike wonder in the heart of the city.

The grand launch at Rustan’s Makati promises an afternoon brimming with wonder and spectacle. Guests will be welcomed by breathtaking décor in hues of red, silver, and gold, with festive details adorning the grand staircase and entryway. Upon arrival, guests will receive a Christmas map highlighting the games, treats, and surprises throughout the store. As they step in further, guests will encounter charming pocket performances from Christmas elf jugglers and toy soldiers on stilts to unicycling Santas, and pantomimes. Captivating performances by Markki Stroem, The Opera Belles, Axis PH, and a lively afterparty performance by The Naughty Pandas also await the guests. Truly an immersive holiday experience to celebrate Rustan’s timeless tradition of elegance, artistry, and heartfelt cheer.

A Spark of Holiday Magic and Merriment in Every Corner

As the celebration unfolds across all floors, Rustan’s invites guests to indulge in delightful activities and exclusive offers designed to make every visit memorable. From thoughtful treats to immersive experiences, each department brings its own touch of joy, turning every shopping moment into a celebration of the season.

At Rustan’s Beauty Source, guests can create their own ornaments with any beauty purchase, enjoy complimentary scalp treatments courtesy of Skalp Head Spa, and take part in exclusive beauty experiences with refreshments and pampering. In Women’s Fashion, popcorn giveaways for a minimum purchase and festive tarot readings under Tarots & Tinsels add a touch of magic, while Men’s Fashion brings cheer with playful mini-games, prizes, and bottles of butterbeer for every qualifying purchase.

The little ones will find their own joy at Rustan’s Kids, where activities like face painting, gingerbread cookie decorating, and an assortment of sweet treats make the celebration even more delightful. Meanwhile, Rustan’s Home invites families to enjoy Christmas cocktails and bubblies, customization corners, hairstyling sessions by Dyson and Shark Ninja, and mini carnival games filled with surprises.

The celebration continues in Rustan’s Shangri-La, Alabang, Gateway, and Cebu, each offering its own spin on A Christmas of Wonders. Guests can enjoy festive music, creative installations, and indulgent bites from partners like Venchi (available only Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La), Auro Chocolate, Bizu Catering, Laguna Catering, and La Petite Fromagerie.

Rustan’s welcomes the holidays with a line-up of exclusive offers that make gift-giving even more delightful. On October 17 only, shoppers can enjoy a straight ₱1,000 discount with a minimum spend of ₱15,000 and earn 5x FSP points on regular-priced items with no required minimum spend. From October 18 to November 2, customers can continue to earn 3x FSP multipliers, for every ₱5,000 purchase, both in-store and online, while those who prefer flexible payment options can enjoy 0% installment plans for up to 12 months with partner banks including BPI, BDO, Metrobank, UnionBank, HSBC, RCBC, PNB, Bank of Commerce, and EastWest.

For those who love collectible holiday keepsakes, Rustan’s is also bringing back its Rustan’s Christmas Bear, available from October 17 to November 16 with a minimum purchase of ₱20,000. On launch day, customers can also take home a 20g Auro Chocolate Barand a complimentary scoop of Venchi gelato from Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-la for every ₱1,000 single-receipt purchase—a sweet start to a season of wonder.

The celebration doesn’t end after the launch. Festive Flavors will treat FSP members to gourmet popcorn or warm pretzels for every ₱1,000 purchase, while Magical Toasts offers a whimsical holiday brew to enjoy during the launch in Makati and the Thanksgiving celebration in Shangri-La. Children can also share their creativity through The Art of Christmas in partnership with Crayola and Ogalala, turning their artwork into heartfelt greeting cards and digital messages for loved ones.

From November 15 to December 31, Beauty Addict members who spend ₱5,000 or more at Rustan’s Beauty Source Makati can enjoy a complimentary latte or cappuccino with a croissant from My Happy Home Café, while selected stores will have Sweet Wishes with Venchi offers personalized Christmas cards with treats for members presenting their FSP card and receipt. Throughout the season, Santa Claus will make appearances across all stores—spreading joy, laughter, and the kind of magic only Rustan’s can bring to life.

This holiday season, let Rustan’s transform every visit into a story worth remembering. Experience timeless traditions, meaningful gifts, and magical moments that come together under the brilliance of #AChristmasofWonders.

October 27, 2025
Filipino Director Richard Soriano Legaspi Takes Center Stage at Egypt’s CAM International Festival
It’s an exciting time for Filipino cinema as writer‑director Richard Soriano Legaspi lifts local storytelling to global heights. His short film Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan? (Moon Under My Feet) has been officially selected to compete at the esteemed CAM International Festival for Documentary and Short Films in Egypt, running from December 1 to 4.

Ahlex Leyva remembers the past in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

Revisiting Dreams—and a Life That Went On

In “Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan?”, we follow a man (portrayed by Jemuel Satumba) who returns to his hometown after years of working abroad, hoping to reclaim lost dreams and restore what was taken from him. But as he revisits his past, he finds that life moved on without him—filled with uncertainty, longing, and the weight of time gone by.

Jemuel Satumba as Lino with his carabao in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

More Than One Story to Tell

Also competing at the CAM festival is Legaspi’s short documentary Maliliit na Hakbang (Small Steps). This film follows the inspiring journey of the You‑Kalele Kids Zambales, a group of children from San Felipe, Zambales, who dream of a future in music despite personal limitations and external challenges.

Production manager Kristin Joy Bactad-Jor in a cameo role with child actor Jayden Zachary Sanchez in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

A Track Record of International Success

“Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan?” is no stranger to success:
- Winner of Best Quest Film at the Family Film Festival in Canada.
- Nominated for Best Short Movie and Best Short Movie Director for Legaspi at the 38th Philippine Movie Press Club, Inc. (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies.
- Screened at an impressive roster of international film festivals including: the Lumina Film Festival (Thailand), Ahmedabad International Film Festival (India), Jaffna International Cinema Festival (Sri Lanka), FerFILM International Film Festival (Kosovo), Fankeena Film Festival (Somalia), Festival del Cinema di Cefalù (Italy), Edo State International Film Festival (Nigeria), Filipino Independent Film Festival (Netherlands), 100 Persen Manusia Film Festival (Indonesia), International Film Festival of Crete & Awards (Greece), the 5th European Philippines International Film Festival (Italy) and the Festiwal Filmów Przeciw Wojnie (Poland).
Meanwhile, “Maliliit na Hakbang” has also racked up honours: a Special Mention at the Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (Malaysia), a Three Acts of Goodness award at the Three Acts of Goodness Micro Film Festival (Taiwan), and Special Citation for Children at the 33rd Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video.

Collaboration, Craft & Teamwork

The production of “Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan?” was achieved through the combined efforts of:
- Production house Red Room Media Productions under the Sine Halaga Film Festival and Educational Resources project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in partnership with Negros Cultural Foundation, Inc..
- Cinematographer Albert Banzon, editor John Lanbert Rafols, production designer Elvin Jay Macanlalay, art director Jane Legaspi, musical scorer Jay‑R Tabar, sound recordist Andrew Topacio, line producer Eloisa Espino‑Sanchez, production manager Kristin Joy Bactad‑Jor, assistant PM Cheyenne Dane Bellen, assistant cinematographer Rosendo Davad, assistant director Ryan Rudolf Valerio, production coordinators Ruston Banal and Gia Hasegawa, voice talent Ronwell Jason Bacani, and creative consultant Seymour Barros Sanchez.
Riya Miranda and Jemuel Satumba in an emotional moment in Bakit Ako Sinusundan ng Buwan

On the documentary side, “Maliliit na Hakbang” was supported by production manager Karr Cotamora, videographer Angeline Tabilog, musical scorer Nityaila Saulo, and the efforts of Valerio, Espino‑Sanchez and Sanchez.

What the CAM International Festival Means

The CAM International Festival (organized by the Egyptian Arab Society for Culture, Media and Arts) was established to use cinema as a tool to combat ignorance, terrorism and poverty. The fact that Legaspi’s films will be showcased in this kind of platform underscores how Filipino voices are resonating on truly international, socially relevant platforms.

A Filipino Story, A Global Platform

Legaspi’s journey is a powerful example of how rooted local narratives—whether about the returning overseas worker or the aspiring children of Zambales—can find global relevance and acclaim. It’s exciting to see how these films bridge personal, local experience with broader human themes.
October 27, 2025
THEATER REVIEW — Grappling the Existential: A Review of Scene Change’s Production of ‘3 Upuan’

While the premise of ‘3 Upuan’ is relatively simple, three siblings reunite at their father’s deathbed in a hospital, and as they reconnect, their lives begin to unfurl. But what is incredible about the play, written and directed by Guelan Verela-Luarca is that the unfurling spans the vast expanse of time and really goes deep into the existential questions the characters must face when one is confronted by how brief life can be. It doesn’t help that the three characters are intelligent, articulate individuals, children of college professors. The eldest, Jers, is a professor himself; Jack is an artist; and Jai, the youngest, is a journalist. When faced with their mortality – and the mortality of their loved ones – they dodge and evade the hard conversations before they get deep into it, and then would sometimes go into a soliloquy, trying to grasp the abstract nature of death and grief out loud for the audience to hear.

Sc. : Scene Change 3 Upuan

This is the fourth staging of the play in just a year, first performed last September in the dressing room of Hyundai Hall of Areté, followed by another run in February also at Arete, and then in August at Archivo 1984 in Makati. For this Sc. : Scene Change production, it is held once again at the Areté, but at the museum lobby, surrounded by an exhibition of kite paintings.

There’s only about 50 chairs set on a space formed as a thrust stage, with the three actors seated on three chairs before a large projector screen. And the intimacy of the setup places the audience front and center in an immense exploration of philosophy, language, time, and grief.

With the audience seated so close, and only three chairs and a video projection as props, the three actors have nowhere to hide. The play runs for roughly 100 minutes without intermission so it’s you and them and the journey they take you through these characters’ inner world and their wealth of emotions on this very challenging time. But Paolo O’Hara as Jers, Jasmine Curtis-Smith as Jai, and Cris Pasturan as Jack are more than capable of taking on that challenge.

While each actor in their own right brings to life all the nuances and layers of their characters, what’s incredible is how believable and tangible their relationship is as siblings. There’s a shorthand in their gestures and their subtle chuckles that indicate a shared history, an ongoing dynamic that really sells the story to the audience. As they face the impending passing of their father, and later, deal with the aftermath of that loss and all that it entails, what remains is the love between the siblings that needs to process that pain.

Complicating all of this is the fact that Jai lives abroad. She returns home to find Jack unable to paint again, no longer able to afford his child support payments for his daughter, and has strained his relationship with his Kuya Jers. Jai has her own life in New York that appears to be crumbling and, interspersed are Jers’ lectures in class about language, philosophy, and anthropology.

From here, the work goes further than the story of the siblings, memory, philosophy, and language breaks the barriers of time that allows Jai and other characters to breach the metaphysical and allows us a peek into the siblings’ past, present, and future through soliloquy, a changing of the arrangements of chairs, and a gorgeous video projection.

Of the many amazing works by Guelan Varela-Luarca, 3 Upon stands out as my favourite – both in writing and direction – and the heaviness of the play’s narrative is matched by the intellectual density of its themes and scope that he manages to make comprehensible by framing it into the dynamic of these three characters. The intimacy, the song choices, the sparseness of the staging, and the way the actors have been primed to really act and feel like a family allows us to take all of what Varela-Luarca offers in the writing and allows us to chew on it. This is a triumph of theater. ‘3 Upuan’ captures the dense existential ruminations of three people in the face of their mortality and makes it an emotional journey without the need for spectacle. It’s performed wonderfully and I was tears through the last half of the show.

My Rating:

October 27, 2025
ENHYPEN VR Concert : Immersion – First Ever VR Concert Coming To Manila

Exciting news for ENGENEs! K-pop’s unrivaled storytellers ENHYPEN, who have showcased their solid live performances and powerful stages to establish a unique presence on the global scene, are set to meet fans worldwide in a whole new way through their first-ever VR concert, “ENHYPEN VR CONCERT : IMMERSION”, which is confirmed to be shown in Manila exclusively at Gateway Cineplex from 20 November to 6 December, 2025. Tickets will be available starting 8 November at 12PM via GatewayImmersive.com.ph . Presented by Wilbros Live.

“ENHYPEN VR CONCERT: IMMERSION” begins with a mysterious invitation from ENHYPEN to their fans, ENGENEs. As whispers from the members echo through an unfamiliar hallway, the line between reality and fantasy starts to blur. The audience is then transported into ever-changing spaces: a vast office, an abandoned factory, and a rooftop where a pink moon and red moon coexist coming face-to-face with a whole new side of ENHYPEN never seen before. Moreover, fans can experience ENHYPEN’s visuals and performances vividly brought to life right before their eyes, closer than ever at a 0cm distance.

This VR concert was produced using AMAZE’s cutting-edge technology. It features innovative interactive elements such as a heart effect appearing on screen when the viewer makes a hand-heart gesture, and a branching scene that allows fans to choose one of the seven members and watch the concert from their favorite’s point of view. These new experiential features deliver an unprecedented level of immersion never seen in previous VR concerts.

The VR concert “IMMERSION” is the first-ever VR concert project to simultaneously announce and confirm its release in advance across about 40 major cities worldwide, including Korea, the United States, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Through this, ENHYPEN has once again proven their stature as a global artist. As the largest project of its kind, spanning from North and Central America to Europe, it not only demonstrates ENHYPEN’s explosive global popularity but also highlights the expanding global distribution network and technological excellence of AMAZE making this achievement all the more significant.

“ENHYPEN VR CONCERT: IMMERSION” brings together AMAZE’s proprietary technologies including ultra-high-definition 12K live-action filming, Unreal Engine-based VFX, and AI super-resolution to deliver a level of immersion and emotion beyond that of any previous VR concert. Viewers will feel as if they are standing right in front of a real stage, fully experiencing ENHYPEN’s performance and emotional depth in the most vivid way possible.

October 27, 2025
Local Streaming Service BlastTV is now ‘Legit Libre’ for Everyone

BlastTV, a local streaming service owned and operated by Tap Digital Media Ventures (TapDMV), announced that the app is now ‘Legit Libre,’ promising to deliver world-class and exclusive entertainment that is free for every Filipino.

The streaming service offers blockbuster movies, binge-worthy TV shows including US series, anime, and K-dramas, TV channels, and action packed live sports. Boasting a vast library of premium content from globally renowned partners such as Paramount+, Ani-One, Muse Asia, WWE, UFC, NFL, and WTA, BlastTV takes ‘free streaming’ to the next level.

BlastTV’s free entertainment lineup features hit US series like From, Ghosts, Elsbeth, Matlock, Nancy Drew, and Survivor; Korean dramas like Pyramid Game, Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale, Bargain, A Bloody Lucky Day, and Yonder; animated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, Blue’s Clues & You, The Loud House, and The Casagrandes; animes like Jujutsu Kaisen, Solo Leveling, Kaiju No. 8, Haikyu!!, My Hero Academia, SpyxFamily, DanDaDan, and Frieren, among others.

Sports fans can also stream their favorite events live and on-demand for free, including WWE SmackDown and WWE Raw (World Wrestling Entertainment), UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), NFL (National Football League), NHL(National Hockey League), and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), where Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala competes. BlastTV also brings combat sports like BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, partly owned by MMA legend Conor McGregor) and Cage Warriors, along with football from the National Women’s Soccer League, as well as one of Europe’s top basketball leagues that produced talents like Luka Dončić, Arvydas Sabonis, and Marc Gasol, the Liga ACB.

“This is our gift to every hardworking Filipino. We’re hoping that BlastTV, being free with some of the best movies, TV shows, and live sports in the world, can somehow make their days better. And, with the app available on every device, we wish to be their companion from their early morning commutes to being part of their homes when they finally end a long day with their loved ones,” said BlastTV President and CEO Celinda De Guia.

Some of BlastTV’s international titles are dubbed in Filipino, or what the platform calls “Pinoy Dub,” allowing Filipinos to connect more deeply with the global stories. The streaming service aims to localize a wider library of Pinoy-dubbed titles in the future.

Celinda de Guia also expressed TapDMV’s plan to produce original local content as part of their long-term vision. “Filipino stories are at the heart of why we do what we do, so we also want to serve them with narratives that actually reflect their experiences,” the president and CEO added.

Building on its efforts to expand local content, BlastTV announced last August the addition of two local news channels, Bilyonaryo News Channel and Abante, to its live TV lineup. They are also committed to supporting local Filipino sports leagues, providing a platform for homegrown talent to shine on a national stage. This commitment extends to the rising popularity of Philippine volleyball, where they proudly serve as the home of the V-League, one of the country’s top volleyball developmental leagues.

BlastTV is available on mobiles, tablets, desktops, and Android TVs. Download the BlastTV app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or go to blasttv.ph for more information. Follow BlastTV on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X(@blasttvph) for the latest shows, updates, and announcements.

October 27, 2025