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Raising Batang Matatag: The Power of Safe Water and Gut Health

Erceflora, together with the Manila Water Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Pasig City Government, is expanding the Batang Matatag child health initiative across 44 schools in Pasig as the program marks its fifth year.

The initiative will bring refrigerated drinking water fountains and health education on gut health and everyday hygiene—including toothbrushing, handwashing, and sanitation—to school communities. The expansion is part of Batang Matatag’s broader effort to promote healthier school environments through sustained community partnerships.

“Batang Matatag has always been about creating healthier environments where children can grow and thrive. As we enter our fifth year, we are looking beyond immediate needs to help communities build the knowledge and habits that can support children’s health in the long term. Through our partnerships, we hope to make these healthy practices more accessible and sustainable for the communities we serve,” Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Brand Zone Lead said.

Five Years of Batang Matatag: It Takes a Village

Since its launch, Batang Matatag has grown from a program focused on essential water access, sanitation and hygiene or WASH facilities into a broader child health initiative, reaching 150,000 students and healthcare professionals by 2026, up from 9,494 students in 2023.

In July and August, Erceflora brings Batang Matatag to De Castro Elementary School, Nagpayong High School, Pinagbuhatan High School, Manggahan High School, and San Miguel Elementary School to bring health education closer to school communities. Through the WASH paaralan sessions, select student attendees are challenged to be lead and role models of hygiene on campus.

The Pasig rollout began with a ceremonial turnover of WASH facilities and refrigerated drinking water stations at De Castro Elementary School, where more than 100 students, teachers, and parents participated in a gut health lecture.

“Access to safe, clean, and cold drinking water can make a real difference in encouraging our learners to drink more water and stay healthy. When children are healthy, they are better able to attend school, participate, and learn. That is why partnerships like this are important—not only in improving our school facilities, but also in supporting the health and learning of our students,” said Lailani Lucero, De Castro Elementary School Principal.

The program’s expanded focus reflects the growing recognition that child health requires more than access to safe water. Nutrition, gut health, and consistent hygiene practices also play an important role in supporting children’s immunity, development, and ability to learn.

“Providing access to safe water is an important first step, but children also need good nutrition, proper hygiene, and healthy habits to support their overall health. These practices should start at home and be reinforced in school, where children can learn how simple, consistent habits can help protect them from illnesses like diarrhea,” said Dr. Jo-Anne De Castro, Pediatric Infectious Disease expert.

Batang Matatag therefore continues to equip children, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals with practical knowledge on gut health and everyday hygiene.

“Healthy habits need to be consistent. It’s not enough to have access to clean water or practice proper hygiene only sometimes. Children need an environment where these practices are maintained every day, because consistency is what helps turn good health practices into lasting habits,” Dr. Jo-Anne added.

Why Gut Health Deserves a Seat at the Table

The program’s growth reflects the scale of its expanding impact.“Seeing Batang Matatag grow from reaching just over 9,000 students in 2023 to 150,000 students and healthcare professionals in 2026 is a meaningful milestone for us. More importantly, these numbers represent more children and communities gaining access to healthier practices and resources. The program’s continued expansion shows what can be achieved when we sustain our commitment to child health and work closely with schools and communities,” Mateo noted.

For Manila Water Foundation, the collaboration highlights the importance of bringing together different sectors to create healthier learning environments. “Building healthier learning environments cannot be done by one organization alone. It requires the combined efforts of partners providing safe and reliable water, health resources, education, and support. When these efforts come together, we can give our learners the healthy and conducive environment they need to stay in school, stay well, and learn better,” the Manila Water Foundation Executive Director, Reginald Andal, emphasized.

As Batang Matatag enters its fifth year, Erceflora sees the milestone as a foundation for its next phase and its broader commitment to ensuring no child suffers needlessly from preventable and curable gut health issues. “Year 5 is an important milestone, but we see it as a foundation for what comes next. In Year 6, we hope to build on what we have learned and expand beyond Luzon and BARMM to reach more children in need of WASH facilities and gut health education.

Our goal is to keep evolving Batang Matatag and strengthen our efforts to help prevent childhood mortality caused by diarrhea,” Mateo concluded.

September 28, 2026
THEATER REVIEW: Love and Other Drugs: A Review of CAST’s “The Effect” by Lucy Prebble

At the Doreen Black Box Theater in Arete, Ateneo, the stage design for Lucy Prebble’s The Effect, as imagined by director Sarah Facuri and set designer D. Cortezano places the stage right at the center, completely surrounded by the audience. On the raised platform sit two chairs, tucked into opposite corners of each other. The moment I saw it, I thought of a boxing ring sans ropes. I knew nothing coming into this play, having missed the successful staged reading of CAST which was the reason it was mounted as a full production. But the armbands handed to us with our tickets were fashioned like the hospital identification tags, which already prompted us for what was to follow.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Myra Ho

The Effect follows Connie and Tristan, played by Sue Ramirez and Brian Sy, two volunteers who have joined a clinical trial for a new antidepressant. They have to stay in a facility throughout the experiment with no contact with the outside world. They are monitored by Dr. Lorna James (Cathy Azanza-Dy), who reports her findings to Dr. Toby Sealy (Dean Daniel Rosen). As the trial runs, Connie and Tristan begin developing feelings for each other, which threatens to compromise the findings and results of the experiment. And as Dr. Lorna is trying to keep the integrity of the process intact, her personal history with Dr. Toby gets in the way.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Ynah Garcia

The Effect is a very modern examination of mental health and human connection. It tries to reduce the concepts of love and attachment to a scientific process that the body undergoes but the play understands that the whole thing is much messier than that. The science sounds believable but that’s not important, it helps dissect the trouble that is brewing between the characters. We see each rule of the clinical trial being broken one rule at a time, Connie and Tristan getting more and more entangled romantically, but also questioning if this is really love or just a side effect of the new drug. Meanwhile, Dr. Lorna has her own issues that are highlighted by the juxtaposition of Dr. Toby’s own success in the scientific community, of which she feels may be unearned.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Myra Ho

Director Sarah Facuri keeps the play casual and energetic. Everything feels spontaneous as Facuri and her cast steadily build emotions, pushing towards the play’s rather unexpected finale. Through the use of lights (designed by Jethro Nibaten) to play out scenes of the experiments to create a sort of order and then blacking out the stage during Connie and Tristan’s intimate – and forbidden – encounters. We get the feeling that we are losing control, much like the characters feel like they are losing control of their own emotions or rationality. The effect is arresting.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Ynah Garcia

The cast is completely committed to the performances. Sue Ramirez’s Connie is a bundle of nerves, hiding anxiety behind a tough exterior that questions everything in order to have some measure of control. Brian Sy’s Tristan is the total opposite: carefree, reckless, and aimless, he takes action regardless of the consequence. The dynamic is electric on stage, and you never question that they are falling in love right in front of you, despite the possibility it is all a chemical reaction. Dean Daniel Rosen embodies the smugness of a successful man who believes he knows better than everyone else. But there’s a charm to him that makes you believe how he got to where he is.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Ynah Garcia

It is Cathy Azanza-Dy’s Dr. Lorna, however, who proves to be a true force of nature. In the first act, she is all business, more like a guide for Connie and Tristan, but there are aspects to her character’s dark side just rumbling beneath the surface. But come Act II, Azanza-Dy’s character has a moment and steals the show. She owns her pivotal moment with a monologue so effectively delivered, it turns the entire play upside down.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Myra Ho

Facuri does not tone down the play’s distinct British sensibilities, recognizing that the themes that are tackled in The Effect are deeply universal regardless of culture. It is a hard-hitting piece that can make you laugh and tickle your romantic bone before it hits you with the cold, hard truths in its second act.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

And that’s a wrap! The Effect by Lucy Prebble officially closed its run at Areté, Ateneo tonight. Missed the show or want to keep up with CAST’s next production? Stay tuned for more theater reviews, coverage, and upcoming show announcements!

September 27, 2026
Conrad Manila Introduces ORKIDÉA, a Limited-Edition Signature Craft Gin

As part of the hotel’s 10th anniversary celebrations, Conrad Manila proudly introduces ORKIDÉA, its signature craft gin exclusively available at C Lounge starting 25 September 2026. Inspired by the Philippine orchid and, this bespoke spirit is crafted with indigenous botanicals, reflecting the richness of local craftsmanship and the diverse flavors of the Philippine archipelago.

“Marking our 10th anniversary gave us an opportunity to create something that is distinctly Conrad Manila and deeply connected to the Philippines,” said Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila. “ORKIDÉA brings together local ingredients, craftsmanship, and creativity in a way that feels both celebratory and personal. Whether guests discover it in a cocktail at C Lounge or take a bottle home, we wanted it to reflect the richness of Philippine botanicals and the artistry behind local craft distilling.”

Distilled in partnership with Full Circle Craft Distillers Co. Inc. in Calamba, Laguna, ORKIDÉA is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, including calamansi from Pangasinan, pandan from Laguna, sampaguita from Antipolo, and other carefully selected botanicals. Delicate floral notes are balanced by layers of lemongrass from Cavite and Benguet pine from Sagada, resulting in a refined and contemporary spirit that captures the vibrant character of the Philippines. Created as a tribute to Conrad Manila’s decade of exceptional guest experiences, ORKIDÉA reflects the property’s enduring pursuit of excellence, attention to detail, and deep appreciation for local culture.

ORKIDÉA is available in two selections: a 200ml bottle priced at PHP 3,100 nett and a 700ml bottle at PHP 8,500 nett. Guests may also discover its distinctive profile through Conrad Manila’s curated collection of 10th anniversary cocktails at C Lounge, where the spirit lends depth, complexity, and a uniquely local identity to select creations.

The launch was marked by a special bar takeover featuring Alvin Lee of The Old Man Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most celebrated cocktail destinations. Crafting a series of innovative concoctions made with ORKIDÉA, the guest shift highlighted the versatility and refined character of this signature craft gin, bringing fresh life to classic gin cocktails and original serves alike.

As Conrad Manila celebrates its 10th anniversary this 2026, the hotel continues to introduce thoughtfully curated experiences that inspire meaningful connections and memorable celebrations by the bay. For more information on ORKIDÉA and Conrad Manila’s latest offerings, guests may call (63 2) 8833 9999 or (63 917) 650 3747, or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.

September 26, 2026
She Looks Like Mom, But She Isn’t: James Wan and Rob Savage Unleash a New Nightmare in ‘Other Mommy,’ in Cinemas October 7

Horror has been on a thrilling run in 2026, ushering in a fresh era of scares and introducing audiences to bold new nightmares. For producer James Wan, the genre’s evolution is something worth celebrating, especially as a new generation of filmmakers finds inventive ways to frighten moviegoers.

We’re at a very exciting inflection point in the horror genre, but also in cinema in general,” Wan says. “With successes like Obsession and Backrooms you are seeing the next wave of filmmaking—and the next wave of filmmakers—who are making movies and telling stories that are connecting to a whole new generation. I am so excited about where we are going because horror is such a great commentary on societal fears and societal anxieties that we can do a lot of fun things that most other genres cannot.

Meet the Terrifying Other Mommy

Enter Other Mommy, an adaptation of Josh Malerman’s bestselling horror novel, Incidents Around the House. At the center of the chilling story is Bela (Arabella Olivia Clark), a young girl who befriends a sinister entity capable of taking on the appearance of Bela’s mother, played by Jessica Chastain.

For Wan, the unsettling relationship between the mysterious presence and the child it seeks to manipulate made the story particularly compelling.

I was interested in the concept of an entity that mimics someone and uses that ability to get into a child’s heart, get into her mindset, and take over,” Wan says. “I thought it was an interesting way to portray what a demonic presence wants by appealing to a child’s innermost love, innocence and emotion.

Watch the first trailer of Other Mommy:

Rob Savage Embraces the Story’s Darkness

Director Rob Savage was equally determined to explore the unsettling material without stripping away the qualities that made Malerman’s novel so disturbing.

It was non-negotiable for me to preserve the darkness, contradictions, and emotional complexity of the novel,” Savage says. “I did not want to make a softened or sanitized version of this story. When I first came in with my take, I wanted to make sure we were really making the book, and Blumhouse Atomic Monster were completely aligned with that.

And Savage had another ambitious goal. He wanted to turn Other Mommy into the kind of unforgettable horror villain audiences could instantly recognize.

He describes the entity as “something in the tradition of Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers, and there are not many of those in modern horror cinema.”

A Nightmare That Keeps Changing

Rather than simply showing audiences what Other Mommy is capable of, Savage wanted viewers to experience the same uncertainty, fear, and mounting dread that Bela encounters throughout the film.

Whenever she appears, or whenever her presence is felt, you learn something new about what she can do, how she can manipulate Bela, and how she can manipulate the audience, Savage says. The goal was to make sure viewers never felt they had seen the entirety of her.

That unpredictable nature gave Wan and Savage plenty of room to transform the entity into something especially unnerving for the big screen.

The sweetness of Other Mommy is almost too sweet, but underneath it, you feel something coiled and furious,” Savage says. “As she becomes more monstrous, that control starts to slip and the thing underneath begins to come through.

Sweet, familiar, and hiding something horrifying beneath the surface, Other Mommy may look like someone Bela can trust. But appearances can be terrifyingly deceiving.

Other Mommy haunts Philippine cinemas starting October 7.

Follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok for the latest news and updates.

September 25, 2026
“Heart of the Beast” Turns a Dreamlike Wilderness Into a Survival Nightmare, Now Showing Nationwide

What begins as a peaceful escape into the wilderness slowly becomes something far more terrifying in Heart of the Beast, the emotional survival adventure thriller starring Brad Pitt.

Now showing in cinemas nationwide, the film follows retired Special Forces soldier James Belmont, played by Pitt, and his combat dog Odin, portrayed by real German Shepherd Uber. The pair travel to the Alaskan wilderness in search of peace and quiet, only for their journey to take a devastating turn when their plane crashes.

Suddenly stranded in an unforgiving landscape, James must rely on years of military experience and the unwavering loyalty of Odin to survive.

When the Wilderness Becomes the Enemy

The environment becomes the antagonist,” says director David Ayer. “It’s still stunning, but now the glaciers and the ice fields and the trees make it difficult to navigate. But James is an experienced Special Forces operator, so he knows how to move through rough terrain with only a map, a compass and a pencil to guide him.

Filmed both on location and in studio in New Zealand, Heart of the Beast transforms the country’s soaring mountains and deep valleys into an almost otherworldly setting.

Ayer and Academy Award-winning director of photography Mauro Fiore approached the landscapes with a visual style filled with beauty, mystery and hints of magical realism.

Mauro has old-school craftsmanship, artistry and a creative soul,” says Ayer. “His work here is all the more impressive because conditions were physically arduous. We were wet, cold, tired and miserable most of the time. There was something about being embedded in that way that comes across in the photography and brings truth to it.

From an Impressionist Dream to an Expressionist Nightmare

For Fiore and Ayer, creating the film’s visual language meant finding a balance between reality and James’ increasingly uncertain perception of the world around him.

We spoke a bit about the beginning of the film being like an impressionist dream that gradually transforms into an expressionist nightmare,” explains Fiore. “By the end of the film, they are in purgatory. David wants the audience to be unsure of how much of what they’re watching is James’ subjective perception, almost dream imagery, and how much is reality.

That evolving visual atmosphere gives Heart of the Beast more than the thrills of a traditional survival story. As the journey grows increasingly dangerous, the wilderness takes on an emotional and psychological weight of its own.

Brad Pitt, Four Dogs and an Intense Filmmaking Challenge

After a career filled with ambitious action projects, Ayer considers Heart of the Beast one of his most demanding films yet.

I’ve done a lot of action movies with big casts and witty dialogue, but I’ve never felt more exposed as a director,” he admits. “It’s just Brad Pitt and four incredibly talented dogs. The focus and intensity were unparalleled. Every camera choice, every shot, the flow, the visuals, it was all critical.

With much of the film resting on James and Odin, their bond becomes the emotional center of the story.

Ayer points to an early scene in which Watkins, played by J. K. Simmons, describes the region as “the heart of the beast.”

And that’s part of where the title comes from,” the director says. But it also refers to Odin. He has an incredibly powerful heart. And so does James. For 30 years, all he’s known is war. War isn’t always military action. Everybody in their own life has their own struggles. So it’s about Odin’s heart and James’ heart and the beating heart of the environment they’re trying to survive in.

A Story About Taking One More Step

Beyond its action and breathtaking scenery, Ayer hopes audiences connect with the film’s message of perseverance.

It’s about always being able to take one more step and never feeling sorry for yourself,” says Ayer. “There’s something aspirational in that. It’ll take audiences to a place they’ve only imagined and make them feel things they haven’t felt before.

He adds: It hits hard. It shakes you up emotionally and within that emotional journey there’s action, there’s adventure, and there’s fun. At a certain point it grabs you and the next thing you know, it’s over and the credits are rolling, and you have tears in your eyes.

The film has also earned a positive response from critics, with an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing.

Deadline Hollywood praised its emotional core, writing:

As pretty as the natural landscape is to watch, it is still the gut-wrenching emotional reach of this simple story of humanity at its finest, loyalty and friendship at its most meaningful, and above all the heart of a ‘beast’ and the man standing at his side. There will not be a dry eye in the house. If this one doesn’t move you, there is no hope, wrote Deadline Hollywood in their review.

Part survival adventure, part emotional character study, Heart of the Beast puts loyalty, resilience and the bond between a man and his dog against one of nature’s most punishing backdrops.

Heart of the Beast is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Distributed locally by Paramount Pictures PH.

#HeartOfTheBeast

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

September 24, 2026
TicketNet, Gateway Cineplex 18 now accepting Apple Pay for onsite payments

A great night out in the city is all about unwinding, meaning time spent at the ticket counter should feel like a breezy pitstop rather than a time-consuming chore. And now, reclaiming that pre-show excitement just became much easier for fans of film and live entertainment as TicketNet and Gateway Cineplex 18 have officially rolled out support for Apple Pay for onsite, over-the-counter payments, transforming how customers secure their tickets at physical booth windows.

With the integration of Apple Pay, TicketNet customers now have access to even more onsite payment options, offering an alternative to traditional cash or physical credit cards and giving them the flexibility to tailor transactions to their lifestyles. Whether they like to travel light or simply want a highly secure way to check out, they now have the freedom to walk up to the counter and pay using the digital cards already stored on their personal devices.

The integration of Apple Pay is part of TicketNet’s continuous efforts to make the pre-show prep completely effortless for customers. By adopting fast contactless technology, the platform addresses the common pain points of standard lines, like fumbling through bags or waiting for card terminals to finish printing paper receipts. Transactions authorize in a fraction of a second with a quick Face ID scan, allowing physical ticket queues to move significantly faster for spontaneous moviegoers and organized event planners alike.

“At TicketNet, our goal has always been to modernize the local entertainment infrastructure by meeting our patrons exactly where they are digitally. Integrating Apple Pay at our physical box offices removes unnecessary friction, ensuring that securing a ticket is just as swift and enjoyable as the show itself,” said Irene L. Jose, Chief Operating Officer of Uniprom, the entertainment arm of the Araneta Group.

Now is the perfect time to head over to the box office to experience this seamless upgrade for yourself! Visit your nearest TicketNet outlet to secure your tickets so you can enjoy the latest blockbusters on the big screen or see your favorite artists live on stage with ease!

For the complete list of TicketNet outlets, visit https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/ticket-outlets. You can also plan your onsite purchases ahead of time by viewing the full list of the latest titles and live events at https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/.

Don’t miss out by following and giving TicketNet a like on Facebook, and Instagram!

September 24, 2026
Disney+ Unveils Special Look at “The Remarried Empress” After Trailer Tops 13 Million Views

Anticipation for The Remarried Empress is reaching new heights.

With just over a month to go before the highly awaited Korean series arrives on Disney+, its latest official trailer has already amassed more than 13 million views across YouTube and social media platforms within its first 48 hours.

To celebrate the impressive milestone, Disney+ Philippines is giving fans an even closer look at the Eastern Empire with an all-new special look featurette premiering exclusively on the streaming platform later today.

A Closer Look at the Stars and Story

Set to premiere on Disney+ at 3:00 PM Philippine Time, the featurette includes never-before-seen footage and fresh interviews with stars Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young.

The cast opens up about what first attracted them to The Remarried Empress and how they approached bringing the webtoon’s widely known characters to life on screen.

Behind the scenes, series director Cho Suwon, screenwriter Yeoh Geena, and members of the production team also offer viewers a fascinating glimpse at the series’ elaborate sets and costumes.

Among the production’s biggest challenges was finding locations that could capture the grandeur of the beloved source material. According to the team, 16 real-world castles across France, Germany, and the Czech Republic were scouted in search of a setting that could convincingly reflect the majesty of the original webtoon.

A Disney+ First for a Korean Original

The featurette also marks a notable milestone for Disney+.

Its release will be the first time a Korean Original has premiered a special look exclusively on the platform, highlighting the strong interest surrounding The Remarried Empress ahead of its November 4 debut.

And that excitement comes with good reason.

Based on the hit NAVER WEBTOON of the same name, which has accumulated close to three billion views to date, The Remarried Empress brings its sweeping tale of romance, betrayal, ambition, and power to live action.

Love, Power, and a Royal Marriage in Crisis

At the heart of the story is Empress Navier, a beloved ruler whose marriage to Emperor Sovieshu of the Eastern Empire begins to unravel.

As tensions rise throughout the kingdom, Sovieshu falls in love with a runaway slave and becomes determined to win her heart. Refusing to sacrifice her dignity, Navier agrees to the emperor’s request under one extraordinary condition: she must be allowed to remarry Heinrey, the rival Crown Prince of the Western Kingdom.

What follows is a dramatic story of love, desire, regret, and political intrigue, with the fate of an empire hanging in the balance as Navier fights to reclaim her power.

When Does The Remarried Empress Premiere?

The Remarried Empress premieres November 4 exclusively on Disney+ Philippines with its first four episodes.

Following the premiere, two new episodes will be released every Wednesday until the series finale on November 25.

Fans can catch the The Remarried Empress special look later today on Disney+ Philippines, then stream the first four episodes beginning November 4.

September 24, 2026
Aaron Sorkin’s ‘The Social Reckoning’ Returns to Facebook, Opens in PH Cinemas October 7

Facebook has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a university dorm room. Today, it is a global corporate titan whose influence reaches into personal lives, public conversations, and international affairs.

That transformation becomes the heart of writer-director Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Reckoning, a high-stakes biographical thriller that revisits the world explored in The Social Network, this time from a dramatically different point in Facebook’s history.

The film centers on the unprecedented Facebook leak by whistleblower Frances Haugen, which exposed internal evidence about the social media platform’s algorithms and their potential effects on mental health, perceptions of reality, and democratic discourse.

The story was investigated by The Wall Street Journal reporter Jeff Horwitz and became widely known as The Facebook Files.

The Social Network was about how Facebook was invented. The Social Reckoning is about what social media has become, Sorkin says

Rather than serving as a direct sequel, The Social Reckoning works as a companion piece and a stand-alone story. This time, Facebook is no longer an ambitious startup finding its footing. It is a massive corporate institution making decisions capable of affecting millions of people.

Watch the trailer:

The real-life investigation behind “The Social Reckoning”

Sorkin found the inspiration for his new film after reading Frances Haugen’s The Power of One and Jeff Horwitz’s Broken Code, two books that examine the events surrounding one of Facebook’s biggest controversies.

The work of Haugen and Horwitz brought the company’s internal practices into public view, fueling investigations and conversations whose effects continue to be felt today.

When I came across those two books, suddenly there was a very dramatic story, says Sorkin.

I spent hours with Jeff and Frances, at first unsure of exactly what I was looking for. But as the script’s focus began to take shape, I was able to use my time with them more and more productively, looking for very specific answers to how they took on this investigation.

Their experiences gave Sorkin the foundation for a thriller built around information, risk, power, and two people willing to challenge one of the world’s most influential technology companies.

Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White take on Facebook

At the center of The Social Reckoning is the relationship between Haugen, played by Mikey Madison, and Horwitz, portrayed by Jeremy Allen White.

Together, the two find themselves confronting a corporation with extraordinary resources and global reach.

What interested me most about Frances is that so many people like her found a new lease on life from social media, a place where they could fully be who they are. She knows its potential first-hand, says Sorkin.

And then I saw Jeff as a stand-in for the audience, this guy who doesn’t get this world or its language and is learning what is happening inside it as he goes along.

That contrast gives audiences two different perspectives on an increasingly complicated digital world: one from someone who understands social media’s possibilities from within, and another from someone gradually discovering how the machinery works.

David Fincher remains connected to the story

While The Social Network director David Fincher is not behind the camera for The Social Reckoning, Sorkin says his former collaborator remained involved and supportive.

David read it right away and a couple of hours later, sent me an email that said, ‘This is nitroglycerin.’ He has been very supportive throughout and a real cheerleader of the movie, says Sorkin.

The new film therefore carries a connection to its acclaimed predecessor while allowing Sorkin to approach the material through his own directorial perspective.

A puzzle built across different timelines

For Sorkin, part of the excitement comes from gradually allowing audiences to understand how each piece of the story connects.

The movie has what I hope is a fun structure for the audience,” reflects Sorkin.

The different timelines put you on the edge of your seat and become a puzzle until you see all the connections. Then, in the third act you see Facebook with its hands on the levers and dials of public conversation at a crucial moment.

With its combination of corporate intrigue, journalism, technology, and real-world consequences, The Social Reckoningexplores how dramatically the social media landscape has changed since audiences first watched Facebook take shape in The Social Network.

This time, the question is no longer simply how Facebook began, but what happened after it became powerful enough to reshape the way the world communicates.

The Social Reckoning arrives in Philippine cinemas on October 7. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

September 24, 2026
NEW MOVIES THIS WEEK: Avengers: Endgame Encore, Forgotten Island, Heart of the Beast, and More!

Ready for your weekly big screen fix? This week, theaters are serving up an exciting lineup that swings from superhero blockbusters and magical animated journeys to wilderness survival thrillers and palace romances. Whether you are looking for new Marvel footage in Avengers: Endgame Encore, local mythical adventures in Forgotten Island, rugged outdoor survival in Heart of the Beast, or sweet ancient court drama in Plump Blossom, this week’s lineup offers a fantastic mix for every moviegoer.

Here are the new movies opening in cinemas this week to add to your cinema plans:

Avengers: Endgame Encore

2026 • PG • 3h 5m
ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
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Marvel Studios brings the massive crossover event back to theaters for a special theatrical engagement. Set five years after Thanos wiped out half of all life, the remaining heroes pull off a risky time-travel mission to restore the universe. This special re-release features exclusive extra footage and an exciting new teaser connecting directly to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, making it a must-watch for dedicated MCU fans.

Forgotten Island

2026 • PG • 1h 48m
ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY, FANTASY
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Liza Soberano, H.E.R., and Dave Franco star in this vibrant animated feature celebrating Filipino folklore. During a farewell celebration, best friends Jo and Raissa step through a hidden portal onto Nakali, a realm filled with legendary creatures. To return home, they must defeat the fearsome Manananggal, voiced by Broadway legend Lea Salonga. However, escaping requires sacrificing their shared memories, pushing the pair into a race to save their home without forgetting each other.

(from left) Bungi (Manny Jacinto), Raww (Dave Franco), Raissa (Liza Soberano), Jo (H.E.R.) and Prince Mermahn (Kevin McCann) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

Heart of the Beast

2026 • R-13 • 1h 41m
ADVENTURE, THRILLER
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Brad Pitt and J.K. Simmons lead this intense survival thriller set against a punishing wilderness. After a sudden plane crash leaves Special Forces officer James Belmont stranded in the frozen Alaskan backcountry, he must rely on his tactical training and his loyal combat dog, Odin. Together, the pair battle extreme weather and dangerous predators in a unrelenting fight to reach civilization.

Plump Blossom

2026 • G • 1h 25m
ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, MUSIC
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This charming animated feature blends culinary arts, hidden romance, and ancient royal traditions. Princess Ruo Hua dreams of a life beyond rigid court rules, secretly sneaking into the palace kitchens every night to master traditional cooking techniques. Her quiet life changes dramatically when she shelters a wounded general hiding within the complex. Through late-night meals and shared secrets, a powerful bond develops between the gentle princess and the brave warrior.

Puregold CinePanalo Brings Homegrown Stories to the Big Screen

There’s another reason to make a cinema trip this week, especially if you want to catch more local stories.

Image Source: Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 FB Page

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival runs from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!

The festival is making homegrown Pinoy cinema more accessible, with regular tickets priced at only P250.

That makes this a good time to add a local film or two to your movie plans while discovering stories from Filipino filmmakers and creators.

What’s On Your Movie List This Week?

From Marvel superheroes and magical creatures to an Alaskan survival story and an animated royal adventure, this week’s new releases cover quite a range. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s a new movie ready for your next cinema run. Grab your favorite snacks, round up your barkadas, and secure your tickets for your next big-screen fix.

Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is a click away!

September 23, 2026
Texas Roadhouse Philippines Crowns Meat Cutting Champions for 2026

Texas Roadhouse’s tagline “We do great steaks”, but it is not merely a tagline but a promise. Before it is seasoned, grilled to perfection and served to the table, every Texas Roadhouse Hand-Cut steak begins with a Meat Cutter who knows the craft by heart.

It takes skill to be a meat cutter. One needs a trained eye to recognize the right cut, a steady hand to shape it, and the experience to make every piece count. This craft was demonstrated as Texas Roadhouse Philippines brought together it’s top 8 Meat Cutter finalists for the 2026 Meat Cutter Challenge, deciding the Philippine’s champion that will compete for the International Meat Cutter’s Competition for all Texas Roadhouse locations worldwide.

Gimel Siasico of Texas Roadhouse Venice Grand Canal Mall emerged as the 2026 Texas Roadhouse Philippines Meat Cutter Champion after going head-to-head with Meat Cutters from Texas Roadhouse locations across the country.

Held at the Venice Grand Canal Mall branch, the competition put the finalists’ skills to the test in the same 35°F walk-in cooler where Meat Cutters spend much of their days preparing steaks for guests. Each competitor was given approximately 30 to 40 pounds of beef—including sirloin, New York strip, and ribeye—and one hour to turn them into quality steaks according to Texas Roadhouse training specifications.

From there, it was a race against the clock.

Competitors were evaluated in three things: Quality of the Steak, Yield Ratio, and Speed, with the champion determined by the steaks they could produce within the one-hour time limit. Every cut mattered, and every gram counted.

Siasico took the top spot, with Samuel Bagdoc, also from Texas Roadhouse Venice Grand Canal Mall, named First Runner-Up, and Rannie Villanueva of Texas Roadhouse Clark taking Second Runner-Up.

For his win, Siasico took home the coveted Texas Roadhouse Championship Belt and a P20,000 cash prize, recognizing the skill, precision, and dedication behind the craft.

“Meat-cutting is truly a lost art,” says Chad Parker, Texas Roadhouse Manager, International Culinary & Supply Chain. “Our Challenge celebrates the success of our professional Meat Cutters. Our Meat Cutter Challenges are one way we show appreciation and reward their hard work and dedication to cutting legendary Hand-Cut Steaks for our guests.”

Created in 2001, the Texas Roadhouse Meat Cutter Challenge was established to recognize the people behind one of the brand’s most important signatures: its Hand-Cut Steaks. Every day, Meat Cutters hand-cut the steaks served at Texas Roadhouse restaurants, bringing skill and consistency to every cut.

Their work is also part of the guest experience. At Texas Roadhouse, steak cuts are displayed in the restaurant lobby, giving guests a chance to see the different cuts and choose their favorite before being seated.

The challenge became an international competition in 2020, with the finals held in Taipei, Taiwan, bringing together Meat Cutters from Texas Roadhouse locations around the world.

Today, Texas Roadhouse has 25 locations across the Philippines, with more to come. The brand is known for its Hand-Cut Steaks, Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs, Made-From-Scratch Sides, Fresh-Baked Bread, and a fun, lively atmosphere filled with birthday celebrations, line dancing, and plenty of Texas-sized energy.

Because at Texas Roadhouse, the steak doesn’t just start on the grill.

Every great steak starts with the cut.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Texas Roadhouse was founded by Kent Taylor and opened its doors in 1993. Today, the brand has more than 700 locations across 49 states and 11 foreign countries. In 2025, Texas Roadhouse was named one of Newsweek’s “Most Loved Brands.” The brand was also recognized as Nation’s Restaurant News’ “2024 Brand Icon Award Winner” and USA Today’s “2024 America’s Customer Service Champion.”

For more Texas Roadhouse Philippines news and updates, follow @texasroadhouseph on Instagram and Texas Roadhouse Philippines on Facebook.

About The Bistro Group

Founded in 1994, The Bistro Group (TBG) is one of the Philippines’ leading restaurant groups, bringing together internationally recognized brands and homegrown concepts that have helped shape the country’s dining landscape.

Its portfolio includes Texas Roadhouse, TGI Fridays, Italianni’s, Denny’s, Fogo de Chão, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Dave & Buster’s, Hard Rock Café, LongHorn Steakhouse, Randy’s Donuts, and several other local and international restaurant concepts.

In 2025, The Bistro Group was acquired by Inoza Business Holdings Inc., bringing together TBG’s established expertise in the Philippine food and beverage industry with Inoza’s strategic resources and capabilities to support the Group’s continued growth.

September 23, 2026