What if your survival was entertainment? What if your life was a ratings game? Edgar Wright’s The Running Man isn’t just a movie—it’s a blood-pumping, genre-bending ride into the future of reality TV taken to the extreme.
The brand-new trailer just dropped, and it’s everything fans of suspense, action, and dark satire could hope for. With Glen Powell leading the charge and Wright’s signature style pulsing through every frame, The Running Man is shaping up to be the must-watch thrill ride of the year.
Philippine cinemas, brace yourselves: the game begins November 12.
The Plot: Survive or Be Silenced
In a dystopian near-future, The Running Man is the highest-rated show on television. But this isn’t just a competition—it’s a televised deathmatch. Contestants, known as Runners, have 30 days to survive while being hunted by professional killers. Every moment is broadcast live, feeding a nation obsessed with bloodlust and spectacle.
Enter Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a desperate father pushed to the edge. His daughter is sick, and the medical bills are mounting. With no options left, Ben signs up for the game.
The show’s slick but cutthroat producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), promises riches… if he lives. But Ben’s unshakable will to survive, his sharp instincts, and quiet rebellion make him an unexpected crowd favorite. The more the nation roots for him, the more dangerous the game becomes—for him and the system that depends on people like him losing.
Behind the Scenes: A Killer Lineup
The Running Man is directed by Edgar Wright, the visionary behind Baby Driver and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Co-written by Wright and Michael Bacall, and based on Stephen King’s gripping novel, this adaptation reimagines the story for a new generation of viewers—and thrill-seekers.
Cast Highlights:
Glen Powell as Ben Richards
Josh Brolin as Dan Killian
Colman Domingo, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, and Katy O’Brian round out this powerhouse ensemble.
Presented by Paramount Pictures in association with Domain Entertainment, this Kinberg Genre / Complete Fiction Production is executive produced by George Linder, James Biddle, Rachael Prior, Audrey Chon, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, and Andrew Lary. Produced by Simon Kinberg, Nira Park, and Edgar Wright.
The Countdown Is On
Will Ben escape the hunters? Will the audience turn on him—or join his rebellion? And what does it say about a society that cheers for blood?
There’s only one way to find out.
Catch The Running Man in Philippine cinemas starting November 12. Watch the trailer now and get ready for a jaw-dropping, adrenaline-charged cinematic event.
Now on its sixth iteration, FIFTH WALL returns with its annual flagship event in the form of “Muscle Memory”, where movements are revisited, and time and space are reframed. From October 25 to 26, 2025, the much-anticipated creative gathering takes place in the heart of Makati, on the 28th floor, Tower II, of RCBC Plaza, reframing the city itself as a makeshift stage.
One purchased ticket allows you to “move through the fifth wall” and explore how memory lives within the body, and how instinctive gestures can become sites of rediscovery.
Launched in 2020 as an “at-home” festival for dance films, FIFTH WALL has since evolved into a year-round cultural force that continues to blur the boundaries between dance and its surrounding disciplines. Six editions on, its ethos remains constant: to reimagine movement, and to invite its audience to do the same.
A choreography of memory and motion
Entitled “Muscle Memory”, to understand the relationship between architecture and dance, is what the festival aims for this year. We investigate how repetition, rhythm, and recall shape our understanding of self and space. Everyday gestures such as walking, reaching, dressing, sitting, and more, are recontextualized into new patterns, revealing how the body archives memory and meaning through motion.
As FIFTH WALL enters the central business district it finds new ways for the inhabitants to move within the space. City dwellers become the active participants in a performance that unfolds into a living choreography. The audience this time around is invited to participate, wander, pause, notice, and interact with the installations. Each gesture, however small, becomes part of the evolving composition of people.
“I’ve had a deep yearning for the analog form over the past year, ever since I began conceptualising Edition VI. That’s why, for this iteration, blending the principles of architecture and dance with the concept of movement notation, made the most sense. The objective is for audiences to have a more tactile experience when engaging with the artworks and the space. The whole event is choreographed to a tee, and the added layer of transforming the spectator into a performer is especially exciting. And in true FIFTH WALL form, we always leave room for fun and spontaneity. This year’s format speaks to both kids and kids-at-heart—and perhaps even awakens the dormant, playful movement in everyone.”– Madge Reyes, founder of FIFTH WALL
Collaborations and Highlights
Featuring new works in collaborations with ES SE, Marco Ortiga, Lando Cusi, Novel, and WHYNoT, FIFTH WALL VI continues to dissolve the line between artist and audience. Each collaborator is producing a large-scale installation that will invite festival goers to interact with. Installations will be a prompt for movement in and of itself, with hopes to push new perspectives onto everyday physical acts. Select works are available for purchase.
Also new to the festival this year are participatory guided tours. FIFTH WALL taps friends of the platform to share their personal approaches to understanding and perceiving movement as they lead participants through the floor. Expected then is a unique experience for each tour group. The same installations but a different journey for each!
The Day 1 tours on October 25th, will be led by Anna Buqid (fashion). Tarzeer Pictures (film and visual arts), Jer Dee (visual arts), Studio Jan (architecture), Raco Ruiz (visual art), Ayni Nuyda (visual art), Apa Agbayani (film), Elijah Canlas (film and theater), Jodinand Aguillon (fashion and theater).
While Day 2 tours on October 26th, will be led by Jim Ferrer (theater and dance), Jerms (music), Jon Santos (film and theater), One Zero (architecture), Andre Chan (visual arts), PJ Rebullida (dance), Bea Constantino (fashion), EM Enriquez (fashion) and a special tour in collaboration with Rolling Stone.
At the end of each tour, participants will be invited to partake in a culminating activity in the form of a video installation done in collaboration with Timothy Axibal.
Visitors can also look forward to live art sessions with darlingkink and Giostrina, as well as evening DJ performances to close each day, with Aries and Papa Jawnz performing on Days 1 and 2, respectively. Lighting of the entire floor venue will be done in collaboration with cinematographer Ian Guevara.
Enhancing the experience, exclusive merchandise and a curated selection of food and beverage items will be onsite, offering visitors a chance to pause, refuel, and reflect between activities.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available via https://fifthwall.helixpay.ph. Early bird phase runs from October 12-18. Regular phase from October 19-24. Walk-ins phase during festival dates of October 25-26.
General Admission grants access to the main floor, F&B and merch areas, and evening DJ performances. This ticket provides whole-day entry (on your selected date) to the exhibition floor, where guests can move freely throughout the installations. General Admission does not include participation in guided tours, and ticket holders may be asked to briefly step aside from specific areas as the tours pass through.
Tour Tickets include all General Admission privileges, plus a guided floor tour led by one of FIFTH WALL’s featured guides, culminating in a unique group activity exclusive to tour guests.
Practical Information
FIFTH WALL VI runs from October 25–26, 2025, at RCBC Plaza, 28/F Tower II, Makati City, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Tickets & Entry: Children ages 6 and below may enter free of charge, with a valid ID for verification. Walk-ins are welcome throughout the event. Visitors may explore the exhibition freely with a General Admission ticket, while guided tours are optional. All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable; the name on the ticket must match the valid ID presented at entry. Please refrain from sharing your QR code with others. The event is fully cashless, with only digital payments accepted both online and onsite.
Guests joining guided tours are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled slot. They may enter the venue earlier or stay after their tour to continue exploring. Re-entry is permitted on the same date as the purchased ticket, provided guests present their wristband and QR code. PWD and Senior Citizen discounts are available upon verification. For inquiries, guests may contact @fifthwall.ph on Instagram or email info@fifthwall.ph.
Event Details: The festival program features scheduled tours and DJ sets across both days. General Admission guests may enter at any time within event hours. Designed to be family-friendly, the event welcomes guests of all ages. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, though a selection of curated vendors will be available inside. Photography for personal use is permitted, but professional equipment is prohibited unless authorized. Flash photography near sensitive works should be avoided, and guests are reminded to be considerate of others’ viewing experiences. Most installations invite close interaction, though visitors are asked to refrain from touching ES SE’s Out-of-Body Experience, as contact may damage the work. Please observe all signage and safety reminders throughout the venue, maintaining a respectful distance from artworks and avoiding leaning or placing objects on installations. Select works will be available for purchase.
Venue Information:Pay parking is available at the RCBC Plaza basement, with additional parking at Ayala North Exchange Basement, Dela Rosa Road 3 Parking, and nearby street options. Restrooms and elevator access are available within the venue, which is fully equipped with PWD accommodations.
Community & Environment: Pets are not permitted inside the venue. Guests are asked to avoid bringing large bags or bulky items. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the building. Please keep food and waste within designated areas and dispose of trash responsibly.
FIFTH WALL VI: Muscle Memory is supported by Search Mindscape Foundation. With special thanks to Art Impresario, Aputure Philippines, Amaran, and RS Concepts, and media partner Rolling Stone Philippines.
Bonifacio High Street just scored a major win for shoe lovers, ABC-MART Grand Stage has officially opened its doors, marking the brand’s grand arrival in the Philippines. Spanning two floors and 750 square meters, this flagship store is every sneakerhead’s dream, offering a stylish mix offootwear and accessories from top global brands.
ABC-MART Grand Stage store is located at C1, Bonifacio High Street Central, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street
The grand opening was nothing short of spectacular, blending fashion, music, and Japanese culture in a lively in-store celebration that introduced the iconic retail brand to Manila’s sneaker community.
A Grand Opening Worth Lacing Up For
To kick things off, ABC-MART went all out with an immersive celebration that showcased everything the brand stands for: high style, quality craftsmanship, and cultural flair.
Early shoppers were treated to exclusive goodie bags a fitting warm-up for the brand’s exciting debut. The festivities didn’t stop there. Guests enjoyed an energetic program featuring Taiko drummers, live DJ sets, Gachapon games, and fun in-store activities that captured the vibrant energy of Japan’s retail scene
Executives from SONAK Retail Group and ABC-MART Philippines during the ceremonial shoelace untying to mark the store opening (L-R: Koji Higashimae, Chief Executive Officer of ABC-MART SONAK Philippines, Mariana Zobel, SVP & Head of Leasing and Hospitality Group, Ayala Land Inc., Kiichiro Hattori, Senior Vice President of ABC-MART Japan, Anil Buxani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SONAK Retail Group, Hon. Jomil Bryan Serna, Councilor of 2nd District of Taguig, Kabir Buxani, Incoming Chief Executive Officer and Director of SONAK Retail Group, Rajan Sakhrani, Senior Director, ABC-MART SONAK Philippines Inc.)
The symbolic “shoelace untying” ceremony, done with oversized laces stretched across the entrance, set the tone for a grand and memorable launch.
Introducing ABC-MART’s 4.0 Store Concept
“We’ve made sure to prepare a truly memorable shopping experience for customers,” shares Kabir Buxani, Director of SONAK Retail Group. “With this store, we’re introducing not only a wide selection of top footwear brands but also the spirit of Japanese service and retail innovation that has made ABC-MART Grand Stage a trusted brand. After successful expansions in Korea and Vietnam, ABC-MART Grand Stage in the Philippines represents the next chapter of the brand’s presence in Southeast Asia. From the store design to the curated selections and exclusive offerings, every detail was thoughtfully considered to create a destination that goes beyond just shopping for shoes. It’s an experience in itself just being in ABC-MART Grand Stage.”
The Manila flagship also debuts as a 4.0 store, one of the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Koji Higashimae, Chief Executive Officer of ABC-MART SONAK Philippines, explains, “We’re very excited to finally welcome everyone to ABC-MART Grand Stage Manila, which opens as a 4.0 store, one of the first in Southeast Asia. Here, customers will find a dedicated Wellness Corner with a special running area, where both entry-level running shoes and fashionable running shoes for everyday use are available.”
Limited Editions, Exclusive Drops, and More
Sneaker fans have plenty to be excited about. The BGC store houses limited-edition collections and exclusive releases from the world’s biggest footwear brands including Nike, Adidas, Puma, ASICS, Vans, New Balance, Saucony, Salomon, Patrick, Crocs, and more.
And it’s not just about what’s on the shelves, the new ABCLUB loyalty program sweetens the deal for repeat shoppers. Members enjoy special perks such as cashback, free shipping, early access to exclusive drops, birthday discounts, and more.
Adding even more convenience, ABC-MART Philippines has launched its official online store, giving shoppers access to their favorite brands anytime, anywhere.
A Global Brand with a Local Touch
With successful stores across Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, ABC-MART Grand Stage has become synonymous with quality, variety, and thoughtful service. Its entry into the Philippine market signals an exciting new chapter for local sneaker culture—combining Japanese innovation with the Filipino passion for fashion and lifestyle.
Visit the Store
Step into a world of sneakers and style at ABC-MART Grand Stage, located at C1, Bonifacio High Street Central, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City. Whether you’re a collector chasing rare drops or a runner searching for your perfect fit, this new flagship offers something for everyone.
It’s official! After a whirlwind of vocal talent, friendship goals, and powerful performances, the winners of “Awiting Wicked: For Good” have been revealed — and the judges were no less than Wicked: For Good director Jon M. Chu and stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Out of hundreds of heartfelt entries, three best-friend duos from the Philippines stood out and are now about to live the dream of a lifetime.
Meet the Winning Duos
These six shining stars impressed with their soulful renditions and undeniable chemistry:
“And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend.”
After enchanting audiences around the globe and earning a dazzling 10 Academy Award® nominations, the cinematic saga of Wicked returns with its emotional final chapter: Wicked: For Good.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, and bringing back the powerhouse performances of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this sequel delves into the aftermath of their estranged paths — a story of consequences, courage, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.
The original film, Wicked (2024), grossed USD 750 million worldwide, winning Oscars® for Costume Design and Production Design — cementing itself as the most successful Broadway-to-screen adaptation to date.
The wait is nearly over! Wicked: For Good opens in theaters across the Philippines starting November 19.
Get ready for a story that will tug at your heartstrings, sweep you into the land of Oz, and remind us all why friendship is the most magical force of all.
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams announces the Asia leg of his newest tour ‘Roll With The Punches’ with a concert in MANILA on January 31, 2026 (Saturday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets go on-sale on October 18 Saturday, 12PM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.
Bryan Adams has been touring the world for nearly four decades. His music has achieved #1 status in over 40 countries and is the recipient of numerous awards including a Grammy, American Music Awards and 3 Academy Award, 5 Golden Globe nominations and is a Companion of the Order of Canada.
He is one of the most exciting live musicians in the world and his energetic performance, effortless stage presence and incredible vocals are guaranteed to thrill and entertain. His classic hits include Summer of 69, Heaven, Straight from the Heart, Cuts Like a Knife, Run To You, Please Forgive Me, All For Love, Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman, I Finally Found Someone, and (Everything I Do) I Do It For You.
In 2018, Bryan ventured into the world of musical theatre, co-writing the songs for ‘Pretty Woman: The Musical’ and released his 16th studio album, ‘So Happy It Hurts’ in 2022. He also followed Taylor Swift in re-recording some of his biggest songs with a double album of “Classics” in 2023, and has released a three album box set from his residency at The Royal Albert Hall shortly afterwards. In August 2024, Bryan launched Bad Records, his own independent label, with a limited edition 7”, digital single and video of two songs “Rock And Roll Hell” and “War Machine”. “Roll With The Punches” tour started in May 2025 and the album out now!
Today, South Korean superstar singer, actress, and international style icon JISOO unites with multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, producer, and philanthropist ZAYN to release the epic new collaborative single “EYES CLOSED.” Set to expansive, genre-swirling production, the duet captures the nervous anticipation and thrilling freefall of diving into new love without looking back. Listen to “EYES CLOSED” HERE via Warner Records.
The momentous team-up arrives as JISOO continues to delight audiences on BLACKPINK’s DeadlineWorld Tour, which has sold out stadiums on multiple continents already — check out the full, ongoing itinerary below and find more info HERE. Meanwhile, ZAYN is set to kick off 2026 with his first-ever Las Vegas residency, marking the beginning of what will be a massive year as he gears up for his next chapter. Tickets are on sale now — go HERE for details.
“EYES CLOSED” opens on a tender moment. “Time is standing still and I don’t want to leave your lips / Tracing my body with your fingertips,” sings JISOO, and ZAYN replies, “I know what you’re feeling and I know you want to say it / I do too, but we gotta be patient.” Their cinematic story unfolds as the soundtrack deepens — warm keys and raw acoustic guitar mix with throbbing bass synth, and loads of gravity-free atmosphere. Together, their soulful vocals make a vow as they build into the huge chorus: “Say, oh, we should fall in love with our eyes closed / Better if we keep it where we don’t know / The beds we been in, the names and the faces of who we were with / And oh, ain’t nobody perfect but it’s all good / The past can’t hurt us if we don’t look / Let’s let it go, better if we fall in love with our eyes closed.”
Earlier this year, JISOO released her highly anticipated debut mini album AMORTAGE led by the singles “earthquake” and “Your Love,” which she’s been performing during her solo set on tour with BLACKPINK. AMORTAGE is JISOO’s most comprehensive solo work yet and marked a “rebirth” of the global superstar. Taking its name from a fusion of “amor” and “montage,” the four-song set explores the emotional stages of love and the many vivid moments of a relationship. The release debuted at #1 on the South Korea Albums Chart and also spawned the dancefloor-shaking Sam Feldt remix of “earthquake.” Listen to AMORTAGE in full HERE.
AMORTAGE has also solidified JISOO as a bona fide solo force of nature. Beyond generating nearly half a billion streams in less than 6 months, the set earned widespread acclaim. NYLON hailed it as “big, euphoric bubblegum pop that falls somewhere between Kylie Minogue and Carly Rae Jepsen,” and hypebae applauded how “the EP explores the different waves of love — from passion to heartbreak.”EUPHORIA. gave the mini album 4/5 stars, highlighting the way “the record speaks of the flaming nature of that oft-referenced and sung-about emotion we call love. In one, her love is so strong it could produce an earthquake and in another, cosmic laws are broken just because they’re together.” Plus, Billboard raved, “The BLACKPINK superstar delivers sonic surprises, confident vocals and radio-ready tracks to prove her global pop star status,” while NME proclaimed, “It’s refreshing to see JISOO make music as playful as her personality.”
ZAYN, known for his skyscraping vocals and hybrid style of pop and R&B, has left an indelible mark on pop culture.He made history with his debut solo album Mind of Mine, becoming the first UK male solo artist to debut at No. 1 on both the UK and US album charts in its first week of release. The album’s lead single, “PILLOWTALK,” hit #1 in 68 countries around the world and has since been certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. In 2024, he released his raw and revealing fourth studio album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS, via Mercury Records to critical acclaim, and embarked on his first-ever solo tour across the US, UK, and Mexico. Most recently, ZAYN collaborated with Borderlands 4 to release “Break Free,” an original song created for the latest installment in the popular video game franchise.
Attracting over 79 million Instagram followers and generating billions of streams, JISOO launched her meteoric solo rise in 2023. She earned accolades and made history with her debut single album, ME, which immediately became the best-selling album by a solo female artist in South Korea and the first to sell more than 1 million copies. With her breakout single “꽃 (FLOWER),”JISOOalso became the first female K-pop solo artist to achieve 1 million preorders — before tallying the highest first-week sales by afemale solo artist to date and the highest 24-hour viewership of any K-pop music video in all of 2023.The song also broke records for the highest-charting hit by a solo Korean female on the Canadian Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. Stateside, it catapulted to #2 on the Billboard Global 200 and #1 on the Global Excl. U.S. Chart.
Along the way, JISOO’s influence has also spread across fashion and culture. She has served as a global ambassador for Dior, Cartier, and Dyson in addition to being named the face of ALO Yoga in 2024. That same year, she made waves as “the most-mentioned celebrity during New York Fashion Week” on social media. Plus, she stars in the K-Drama series Newtopia, streaming now on Prime Video. And, of course, she launched her career as part of global girl group BLACKPINK, selling out stadiums, winning numerous awards, and captivating millions of fans worldwide.
BLACKPINK Deadline World Tour
10/18 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan @ Kaohsiung National Stadium 10/19 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan @ Kaohsiung National Stadium 10/24 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium 10/25 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium 10/26 – Bangkok, Thailand @ Rajmangala National Stadium 11/1 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Gelora Bung Karno Stadium 11/2 – Jakarta, Indonesia @ Gelora Bung Karno Stadium 11/22 – Bocaue, Philippines @ Philippine Arena 11/23 – Bocaue, Philippines @ Philippine Arena 11/28 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium 11/29 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium 11/30 – Kallang, Singapore @ Singapore National Stadium 1/16 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome 1/17 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome 1/18 – Tokyo, Japan @ Tokyo Dome 1/24 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium 1/25 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium 1/26 – Kowloon, Hong Kong @ Kai Tak Stadium
Get ready for an extraordinary night of music and emotion as The Fray and December Avenue share the spotlight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 12, 2025!
For the first time ever, the multi-platinum American band The Fray, known for global hits like “How to Save a Life” and “You Found Me”, and one of the Philippines’ most beloved OPM acts, December Avenue, famed for their heart-wrenching anthems “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” and “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-Ibig” will be in ONE SHOW!
This unprecedented collaboration promises a night where heartfelt lyrics meet soaring melodies — a celebration of stories, emotions, and the shared power of music that transcends borders. Fans can expect a breathtaking lineup of both international and local favorites, performed live at the iconic Big Dome.
The conceptual conceit of Sari Dalena’s ‘Cinemartyrs’ creates a fantastic moment of catharsis at her film’s end that sort of rewards the audience from being able to muster the labyrinthine first half of her film. It’s a personal essay, a narrative historical rumination, and an artist’s statement about the power of film, all rolled into one experimental movie. The film meanders and strays from its plot, building a world that picks up all the elements it juggles into the air and creates a collision that can leave you breathless. It wasn’t an easy film for its first hour but once we reach the point of intersection, the film becomes a celebration of all that is wonderful about film and filmmaking.
‘Cinemartyrs’ follows Shirin (Nour Houshmand), a young filmmaker shooting a documentary that reenacts massacres from the Philippine-American war. When she shows her progress to the grant-giving body, they belittle her and the footage she has presented calling it incomplete.
She is then asked to include historical events that happened in Mindanao and Shirin takes her small crew to Jolo to document and revisit an American surprise attack on a Tausug village during a wedding. But as she begins filming on site, she touches upon something profound and metaphysical.
‘Cinemartyrs’ is an experimental film that uses the medium to remember fragments of history that is lost, to comment on them, and at the same time, make a commentary on the medium itself as a convergence point of history, geography, and culture.
Time operates differently in the film, such as a wonderful scene showing Shirin’s mom (Raquel Villavicencio) working on research about Filipina directors and screenwriters from the early days of the Philippine film industry.
She is rediscovering them, engaging with them and their contributions to Philippine cinema and thus is able to bring back their spirit and have a conversation with them. This scene occurs within the first hour and diverts the narrative plot but becomes an essential element that plays on hard later on in the film.
But there are many digressions such as these in the film that can make the viewing of it a bit strained. It starts and stops and sometimes it works marvelously, like the scene of Villavicencio, but it can also appear indulgent and unnecessary as when Shirin and her husband, Kevin (Cedrick Juan) meet and have a sit down with Kidlat Tahimik (playing himself) talking about the duende, which Tahimik has discussed in many venues. Its repetition in the film feels out of place, so ordinary in a film that’s operating in the realm of the metaphysical.
Things don’t fully come together until the third act, when Shirin and her small team arrive at the Tausug village to reenact the massacre, and that’s when the film’s thesis finally comes into play. All the disparate subplots and digressions start to come together to create a climax that’s as visually stunning as it is profoundly moving.
The past is thrust into the present, the present is engaging with the past in a way that may be impossible and in the final scene of the film, the future is made clear. At the center of all of this is the medium of film as a gateway for this intersection.
The film is definitely a personal one, with certain character interactions and dynamics feeling less universal and more distinct and unique; an inside joke we are made privy to but not included in. But what Dalena ends up creating is a love letter to Filipino women filmmakers who have paved the way in the industry and the way that they continue to break boundaries. Their very existence – and in the process of remembering them – is an opposition to the patriarchal hold of oppression our colonial past has left us. This is an immense work that requires a lot from its audience but also gives back tenfold.
Cinemartyrs is showing on the big screen. Check cinema showtimes near you and grab your tickets today.
This year, don’t miss Cinemalaya 21: LAYAG sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos happening from October 3-12, 2025! Witness another stellar lineup of stories that will move you and showcase the brilliance of Philippine cinema. Follow the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Cinemalaya for updates.
Set in an unspecified near future where tech companies now have the technology to transfer programs from a virtual, computerized world and give it physical form in the real world, ‘Tron: Ares’ creates many reasons for and against the future of AI technology but never really saying any one thing conclusive about it. It opens a lot of questions and points of discussion, but seems more interested with its gorgeous visual effects and a tedious, overcomplicated plot revolving around an errant AI program and a tech CEO determined to save the world.
The film is billed as a “standalone sequel” to ‘Tron: Legacy,’ which came out 15 years ago. You don’t have to see the last film (or the first) to pick up what’s going on. I’ve seen both ‘Tron’ and ‘Tron: Legacy’ and barely remember much of both but didn’t really need that info to follow ‘Tron: Ares.’ What’s established is that there is a virtual world called The Grid, which a human was able to enter in the first two movies.
But in the third installment, two rival tech companies are competing to find a code that can make programs they laser-printed from The Grid into the real world permanent.
Eve Kim (Greta Lee), CEO of ENCOM, wants to use the code improve human civilization while Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters), CEO of Dillinger Systems, wants to transfer programs from The Grid to make weapons and soldiers to sell for defense contracts with the government.
In the midst of this rivalry, Julian creates a program, Ares (Jared Leto), and trains it to be the best and sends it to follow and capture Eve Kim as she seems the closest to finding the permanence code. But in the process of research about Eve, Ares develop sentience and veers off his programming, setting out on his own agenda.
The permanence code becomes the film’s McGuffin, the object everybody wants and needs to complete their task and goal. It’s what brings Ares and Eve cross paths and join forces while the maniacal Julian sends more and more programs after the two even against the wishes of his mother, Elisabeth Dillinger (Gillian Anderson).
Almost all the characters here feel incomplete and one-dimensional. Eve wants to fix the world through this technology because of a promise she had with her sister, Julian is taken straight out of the evil villain trope, acting loud and proud for the work his programs do (not for anything he did in particular), while Ares wants permanence to continue his curiosity about living. None of these storylines ever fully develop, as the film moves from chase sequence after the next, showing off one gorgeous special effect after another.
While the story is paper thin, what makes ‘Tron: Ares’ watchable is the gorgeous CGI effects that bring these programs into the real world. There’s a bike chase sequence that’s high-speed and high-stakes.
The bikes from The Grid leaves a trail that takes physical shape and the choreography that director Joachim Ronning employs allows for excellent visuals. Later on in the film, they introduce planes and drones with a similar effect, and on 3D IMAX, the imagery is gorgeous. Amplified by a thrilling soundtrack of Nine Inch Nails, and there are some moments in the cinema that feel quite lovely to watch.
But the story is so thin that even some of the best actors in the movie don’t seem to know what to do with their characters. I love Lee since ‘Past Lives’ and ‘The Morning Show,’ but she feels so out of place here, working with a character without any real depth.
Evans is chewing scenery and looks like he’s having fun, while Anderson is able to create some level of layer in Elisabeth but even, she seems lost in all of this. I’m not a fan of Leto or his offscreen persona and identity, so it was hard to watch the film with him as the lead knowing this but even his acting talents (he did win an Oscar, after all) couldn’t do much to make Ares an interesting character.
Leto looks unsure about how sentient Ares could be. He tried stoicism, but the script forces him to try and attempt at humor. He seems interested in Eve Kim but is struggling to find out how that appears on a program turned real. Leto’s uncertainty makes Ares the least interesting character in the film, and this is strongly noted when his character finds himself separated from the main plot and you realise you’re not interested in his side quest.
The film tries to balance out both sides of the vision of future technology. Eve Kim wants to use this tech to create food, housing and cure diseases, but Julian wants it to build weapons and soldiers he can sell. We already know how damaging AI technology can be to the environment and we can’t imagine the cost to laser-print into existence all the things the film is showing us the future could hold. All that we see in the movie uses up a massive power, but the film takes it for granted, as it is more involved in its plot. It never really makes any sort of stand for whether any of this is good or bad. It gives a “good” AI (Ares) and a “bad” AI (Athena, played by Jodie Turner-Smith) but doesn’t say anything about this other than it seems to push for us to appreciate Ares’ bid for humanity. It feels like a platitude and an attempt to inject some humanity into what maybe an action thriller.
My Rating:
Experience the future like never before. Catch TRON: Ares on the big screen and get lost in its stunning visuals, electrifying soundtrack, and high-speed action. See it now in cinemas and feel the Grid come alive in 3D IMAX!
It’s not a typo, it’s a birthday treat! To celebrate its 9th year in the Philippines, Denny’s is giving everyone a reason to feast with its P9 Slam Deal happening only on October 16, 2025. Here’s the deal: when you buy any entrée, you can enjoy any Slam of your choice for just P9. That’s your favorite fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, eggs, sausages, and all your Denny’s Slam staples for less than the price of your morning coffee! And the good news doesn’t stop there, you can even get up to two (2) P9 Slams per transaction. Now that’s a slammin’ celebration worth lining up for.
How to Get the Deal
Unlocking this special offer is easy, just tell your server the secret code:“HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNYS.” While Denny’s officially marked its 9th anniversary on October 7, the team is bringing the party to payday, October 16, so more guests can join the fun. It’s a thoughtful thank-you treat inspired by fans who’ve supported Denny’s since day one.
All-New Slams Served All Day
This anniversary is extra special because Denny’s is also rolling out new Slam dishes that you can enjoy all day long breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even late-night merienda.
At Denny’s, great food and good times never follow a schedule, so whether you’re craving pancakes at midnight or eggs and bacon for brunch, your Slam is ready when you are.
After the big P9 Slam Day, Denny’s isn’t slowing down. Keep your eyes on their social media pages for more birthday surprises and online activities you might just win FREE Slams and other exciting prizes! Follow Denny’s on Facebook and IG to stay updated on all the surprises in store.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect reason to treat yourself and your friends, this is it. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and make October 16 your Denny’s day. The P9 Slam Offer is sponsored by Aguila Gourmet Meats, making this anniversary extra flavorful.
Because at Denny’s, every meal is a reason to celebrate, especially when it’s just P9!
