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ASUS Vivobook S AI Laptops Arrive in PH with Slim Design, AI Features, and Long Battery Life

If you’ve been eyeing a new laptop that keeps up with your busy life and doesn’t weigh you down, ASUS just made things interesting. The tech brand has officially launched its 2025 Vivobook S AI laptops in the Philippines, combining sleek design, AI-powered features, and impressive battery life in a package built for work, play, and everything in between. This month marks the official launch of the ASUS Vivobook S16 (S3607QA), designed for the modern multitasker. This value-packed Copilot+ PC is powered by the latest Snapdragon X processor, which also boasts up to 45 TOPS NPU^[1] – for faster and more seamless AI performance. Moreover, with up to 32 hours of long battery life, this AI laptop promises nonstop productive performance. All, while easily packed inside a premium and compact Matte Gray, 1.59cm thin and 1.74kg light military grade design. Whether for work, study, or leisure, the Vivobook S16 provides an immersive and smooth visual experience. Its 16-inch WQXGA 2.5K 16:10 144Hz display provides vivid detail, making content creation, sharing, and streaming a feast for the eyes. Paired with the Snapdragon Sound^[2] and Dolby Atmos audio, sound experiences with the Vivobook S16 are rich and cinematic.

VIVOBOOK S16: 32 Hours Non-Stop AI Performance

“We want to continue this [ASUS AI Laptop] legacy,” said Mr. Harrison Cheng, Business Development Manager of ASUS Philippines, “not just as the first brand to bring the Copilot+ PCs here, but also as the first brand to bring it into the mainstream.”

By capturing an impressive 66% of the Philippine Copilot+PC Market Share in the first quarter of 2025, ASUS continues to solidify its position as a leading choice for AI computing. This quarter, the brand aims to expand the reach of ASUS AI laptops by making it more accessible to other market segments through the Vivobook S series.

Powered by the Snapdragon X processor and an NPU of up to 45 TOPs, the Vivobook S16 is a Copilot+ PC that can quickly learn, do, and finish any task heading its way. Readily available features are the Copilot, for real-time AI assistance, Click-to-Do for improved multitasking, and – finally – Recall, for smart timekeeping and file management. Moreover, the inclusion of a dedicated Copilot key makes unlocking endless AI possibilities just one click away.

ASUS Vivobook S models — *(Left to Right: CPM Lead Joe Huang, BDM Harrison Cheng, and Product Marketer Rachelle Lozares stand between Vivobook S models for a closing shot)*

The Vivobook S16 also comes equipped with ASUS AI Apps, such as StoryCube, Adaptive Dimming, and AI Noise Cancellation. These tools make daily work smarter and simpler by algorithmic organization and spatial recognition.

Touting a 70Wh battery with up to 32 hours long battery life, the Vivobook S16 also assures unplugged multiday productivity. Backed with 16GB of ultrafast LPPDR5X memory and 512TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, the performance of this AI laptop is expected to be seamless across workloads.

The Vivobook S16 also offers a complete suite of features for all kinds of usages anytime and anywhere.

ASUS Vivobok S AI Powered by the Snapdragon X Processor

Its 16-inch 2.5K 144Hz display with a 180-degree ErgoLift hinge delivers immersive and flexible viewing while its Dolby Atmos audio enriches sound quality from any content.

A full set of Input and Output ports and WiFi 6E support maximum wireless connectivity and reduce reliance on dongles. Meanwhile, Snapdragon Seamless and Microsoft Phone Link allow cross-device integration for multitasking and collaboration.

Vivobook S16 comes with de security features: a physical webcam privacy shield, support for Windows Hello, ASUS Adaptive Lock, and Microsoft Pluton security processor. These inclusions ensure data privacy, protection, and user peace of mind anytime and anywhere.

With premium specifications and intelligent integrations housed in a sleek Matte Gray, 1.59cm and 1.74kg thin and light, military grade two-part metal chassis, the ASUS Vivobook S16 is a Copilot+ PC meant for all kinds of nonstop AI productivity – all at an Always Incredible value for money!

Product	Specifications	Inclusions	SRP
Vivobook S16 S3607QA-PL003WSM	Snapdragon X X126100 / 45 TOPS NPU / 16GB LPDDR5X / 512GB PCIe 4.0 / 16-inch WQXGA 2.5K 16:10 144Hz Display / Matte Gray	ASUS Backpack, Lifetime Office Home 2024 Subscription, 1-Year Microsoft Basic Subscription, ASUS Service Package	PHP 50,995

Intelligence Made Accessible

ASUS continues to make AI accessible with expanded options in the 2025 Vivobook S lineup of AI laptops. The Vivobook S16 (S3607CA) is also available with up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor. This 16-inch variant features a Matte Gray finish while retaining a thin and light frame of 1.59cm and 1.7kg.

ASUS Vivobook S Series — Modern scandinavian living room interior with yellow sofa, wooden table and plants around. Cozy home decor, comfort studio in real estate architecture indoors.

For users who prefer an even more thin and light frame, the Vivobook S14 (S3407CA) is also available in the Philippines. With a thinness of 1.59cm and lightness of 1.39kg, in Cool Silver, this 14-inch Vivobook is powered by up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) CPU as well.

Both Intel-powered Vivobooks have up to 20 hours of long battery life, for everyday productivity.

Product	Specifications	Inclusions	SRP
Vivobook S16 S3607CA-RP049WSM	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H / 13 TOPS NPU / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB PCIe 4.0 / 16-inch WUXGA 16:10 144Hz Display / Matte Gray	ASUS Backpack, Lifetime Office Home 2024 Subcription, 1-Year Microsoft Basic Subscription, ASUS Service Package	PHP 65,995
Vivobook S16 S3607VA-RP001WSM	13th Gen Intel Core i5 / 16GB DDR5 / 512GB PCIe 4.0/ 16-inch WUXGA 16:10 144Hz Display / Matte Gray	ASUS Backpack, Lifetime Office Home 2024 Subscription, 1-Year Microsoft Basic Subscription, ASUS Service Package	PHP 45,995

Product	Specifications	Inclusions	SRP
Vivobook S14 S3407CA-LY058WSM	Intel Core Ultra 7 255H / 13 TOPS NPU / 16GB DDR5 / 1TB PCIe 4.0 / 14-inch WUXGA 16:10 Display / Cool Silver	ASUS Backpack, Lifetime Office Home 2024 Subscription, 1-Year Microsoft Basic Subscription, ASUS Service Package	PHP 59,995
Vivobook S14 S3407CA-LY066WSM	Intel Core Ultra 5 255H / 13 TOPS NPU / 16GB DDR5 / 512GB PCIe 4.0/ 14-inch WUXGA 16:10 Display / Cool Silver	ASUS Backpack, Lifetime Office Home 2024 Subscription, 1-Year Microsoft Basic Subscription, ASUS Service Package	PHP 52,995
Vivobook S14 S3407VA-LY031WSM	13th Gen Intel Core i5 / 16GB DDR5 / 512GB PCIe 4.0/ 14-inch WUXGA 16:10 Display / Cool Silver	ASUS Backpack, Lifetime Office Home 2024 Subscription, 1-Year Microsoft Basic Subscription, ASUS Service Package	PHP 45,995

The Vivobook S16 (M3607HA) also comes with the AMD Ryzen 7 260 CPU, for daily-driving performance. The AMD-powered AI PC delivers up to 19 hours of battery life, while maintaining the same dimensions and color as the other Vivobook S16s.

Product	Specifications	Inclusions	SRP
Vivobook S16 M3607HA-RP005WSM	AMD Ryzen 7 260 / 16 TOPS NPU / 16GB DDR5 / 512GB PCIe 4.0/ 16-inch WUXGA 16:10 144Hz Display / Matte Gray	ASUS Backpack, Lifetime Office Home 2024 Subcription, 1-Year Microsoft Basic Subscription, ASUS Service Package	PHP 55,995

Where to Get the ASUS Vivobook S AI Series

The 2025 ASUS Vivobook S AI laptops are available nationwide at ASUS Stores and official partners. All 2025 Vivobook S AI laptops purchases come with an ASUS backpack, lifetime Office Home 2024, a 1-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription, and ASUS Service Package, which includes 2 years of international coverage and a 1-year accidental damage warranty. Ready to upgrade your tech? Whether you want a smarter work companion or a reliable everyday laptop, the ASUS Vivobook S series is now ready to help you work, stream, and stay connected with ease. For full specs, pricing, and updates, visit the official ASUS website and ASUS Philippines Facebook page.

June 26, 2025

New Movies This Week: M3GAN 2.0, F1 The Movie, The Ritual, Something Beautiful, and More!

It’s New Movie Wednesday, and the cinemas are absolutely stacked this week! From M3GAN 2.0’s high-tech terror to F1 The Movie’s racing rush, Song of the Fireflies’ heartfelt harmony, The Ritual’s spooky showdown, Unconditional’s tender romance, and Something Beautiful’s surreal musical vibe, there’s a story for every mood. Ready to plan your big-screen escape?

Now, let’s take a closer look at the four new films you can catch this week:

M3GAN 2.0

2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 59 mins
ACTION, HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION
BUY TICKETS

She’s back, and she’s deadlier than ever! In M3GAN 2.0, the creepy-cute android faces off against Amelia, a military-grade weapon built from stolen tech. Creator Gemma (Allison Williams) soups up M3GAN with next-level speed and strength to stop the chaos. Expect pulse-pounding action and spine-chilling scares. Is M3GAN humanity’s savior or its worst nightmare? Hit the theater to find out!

F1 The Movie

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 35 mins
ACTION, DRAMA
BUY TICKETS

Hollywood meets the high-speed world of Formula 1! Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a retired racing legend called back to lead a struggling F1 team and mentor their newest hotshot driver. With adrenaline-pumping action and dramatic rivalries, this one’s built for speed.

Song of the Fireflies

2025 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins
DRAMA, MUSIC
BUY TICKETS

Get ready to feel proud! This inspiring drama tells the true story of the Loboc Children’s Choir and their journey from a small Bohol town to stages across the world. Their magical voices, and the teacher who believed in them, prove how far talent and determination can go.

The Ritual

2025 • R-16 • 1 hr 38 mins
HORROR
BUY TICKETS

How do you face pure evil? The Ritual follows two priests (Al Pacino and Dan Stevens) battling personal demons to perform a dangerous exorcism. Ashley Greene adds depth to this gripping horror. It’s a tense, chilling clash of doubt and courage. Can they banish the darkness?

Unconditional

2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 56 mins
DRAMA, ROMANCE
BUY TICKETS

What does true love look like? In Unconditional, Anna (Rhian Ramos) flees to Siargao and meets Greg (Allen Dizon), a kind local. Their romance challenges her beliefs when she learns he’s trans. This drama-romance explores identity and connection. Will Anna embrace love’s truth?

Something Beautiful (Opening Date: June 27 – Saturday)

2025 • PG • 54 mins
MUSIC
BUY TICKETS

Want a musical escape? Something Beautiful, hitting theaters June 27, pairs Miley Cyrus’ ninth album with a surreal visual journey. Featuring Naomi Campbell and Maxx Morando, it weaves music, fashion, and emotion into a hypnotic spectacle. Can Cyrus’ vision captivate you?

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:

Elio

2025 • PG • 1 hr 37 mins
ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY, SCIENCE FICTION
BUY TICKETS

28 Years Later

2025 • R-18 • 1 hr 54 mins
HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

How to Train Your Dragon

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 7 mins
ACTION, FAMILY, FANTASY
GET SHOWTIMES

Only We Know

2025 • PG • 1 hr 41 mins
DRAMA, ROMANCE
GET SHOWTIMES

Ballerina

2025 • R-16 • 2 hrs 4 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

Lilo & Stitch

2025 • G • 1 hr 48 mins
COMEDY, FAMILY
GET SHOWTIMES

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

2025 • PG • 2 hrs 49 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

This week’s lineup is a thrilling mix of heart-pounding action, chilling horror, and soulful drama, ready to captivate any moviegoer. Whether you’re craving high-stakes thrills, emotional romances, or musical journeys, these new films deliver. Planning a movie night? From M3GAN 2.0’s high-tech horrors to the soulful notes of Song of the Fireflies, this week’s lineup is a cinematic feast. Craving action? F1 The Movie races to the finish line. Want to feel inspired? Unconditional and Song of the Fireflies tug at the heartstrings. Horror fan? The Ritual will haunt your dreams. And if you’re after a dazzling musical spectacle, Something Beautiful is your ticket. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity bookmarked for the latest schedules, your next movie is a click away!

June 25, 2025
Danny and Michael Philippou Unleash Terrifying New A24 Horror “Bring Her Back” — In PH Cinemas July 16

The masters of modern horror are back, and this time, it’s personal.

Filmmaking duo and real-life brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, celebrated for their 2022 breakout Talk to Me, return to the big screen with their latest nerve-wracking project, Bring Her Back, arriving in Philippine cinemas on July 16, 2025.

Known for blending raw emotion with spine-tingling scares, the Philippou brothers promise a terrifying yet heartfelt cinematic ride.

“With the movies that we make, whether it’s horror or any other genre, we really want our stories to have a strong emotional core. The stuff we want to create, we want it to work on multiple levels,” said Michael.”

Danny agrees wholeheartedly.

“We don’t want to be scared of something that’s a horror movie. We want to embrace that it’s a horror film, and be proud of making a horror film.”

Watch the Official Trailer Here:

A Sinister Tale Rooted in Emotion

Bring Her Back follows the unsettling story of teenage siblings Andy (played by rising star Billy Barratt) and his low-vision sister Piper (portrayed by newcomer Sora Wong) as they are placed under the care of a new foster mother in an isolated home. But what begins as a fresh start quickly spirals into a waking nightmare when the siblings uncover a disturbing ritual hidden within their new environment.

More than just supernatural thrills, the film draws inspiration from a deeply personal place.

Danny Philippou reveals, “Our“Our friend’s little sister is non-sighted, and there was a situation with her family where she really wanted to go and catch the bus by herself, but her parents wouldn’t let her do it,” Danny says. “She was trying to communicate with them that she’s going to have to learn to navigate the world without everyone babying her all the time, that she needs to have her own independence.” friend’s little sister is visually impaired, and there was this moment where she wanted to catch the bus by herself, but her parents were hesitant. She kept telling them she needed to face the world on her own terms.”

This theme of independence, resilience, and the fight to be seen echoes powerfully through Piper’s character arc.

The result? A horror film that hits on emotional and psychological levels, building a connection with audiences far beyond jump scares.

A More Intimate Horror Experience

While Talk to Me became known for its frenetic, party-horror energy, Bring Her Back takes a different, more introspective turn.

“Talk to Me feels like a party horror film, but this film is more character-driven,” Danny says. “We liked the challenge of a contained story about these three characters, focusing on their relationships.”

Early buzz suggests fans of atmospheric horror, psychological tension, and elevated storytelling won’t want to miss this.

Get Ready for the Fear-Fueled Ride — July 16, PH Cinemas

With A24 backing another bold entry into the horror genre and the Philippou brothers at the helm, Bring Her Back promises to deliver goosebumps, emotional depth, and a haunting story that lingers long after the credits roll.

Mark your calendars — Bring Her Back opens in Philippine cinemas on July 16, 2025 and distributed by Columbia Pictures PH.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

June 25, 2025
“It’s Funny, Aggressive, Driving, and Surprisingly Heartwarming”—Brad Pitt on “F1 The Movie,” Now Roaring in Cinemas!

Hollywood icon Brad Pitt calls it “the most visceral driving experience that’s ever been put on film.”—and it’s finally here. F1 The Movie is now showing in cinemas, delivering high-speed action, big heart, and pure adrenaline on the big screen.

“I Still Don’t Know How We Got Away With It,” Says Brad Pitt

Oscar winner Brad Pitt still sounds amazed when he talks about how he and his team pulled off F1 The Movie. Teaming up with legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer and visionary director Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), Pitt reveals they did something few believed possible: put real actors in real Formula 1 race cars—and filmed them at full-throttle speeds.

“The forces in these cars – the high-speed corners – the physics of it all want to rip your head from your shoulders. It’s shocking what these cars can do – and it’s a high unlike any high I’ve ever experienced before. We just couldn’t capture it any other way.”

A Comeback Story on the Fastest Stage in the World

In F1 The Movie, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, once dubbed “the greatest that never was.” A promising Formula 1 star of the 1990s, Sonny’s dream career nearly ended after a devastating accident on the track. Thirty years later, Sonny lives as a nomadic racer-for-hire—until fate, and an old friend, call him back to the sport that once defined him.

That friend? Ruben Cervantes, played by Oscar winner Javier Bardem, owner of a struggling Formula 1 team teetering on collapse. With no other options, Ruben convinces Sonny to return to the high-octane world of F1 for one last shot at redemption—and to help save the team from disappearing entirely.

But Sonny’s not alone on the grid. Enter Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie determined to carve out his own legacy. As engines roar and rivalries heat up, Sonny must confront his past, his fiercest competition—and the idea that in Formula 1, your teammate might just be your biggest threat.

Watch the F1 The Movie Trailer:

For Die-Hard Fans… and Total Newbies Alike

What makes F1 The Movie so gripping? According to Pitt, it strikes a rare balance:

“Threading that needle was the biggest challenge, but I think we’ve done that – made it enlightening enough and understandable for newcomers without dumbing it down for ultra fans. It’s funny, it’s aggressive, it’s driving, and it’s surprisingly heartwarming. I love all these characters. I think this film is so damn entertaining on so many levels.”

The Origins: When Top Gun: Maverick Met Formula 1

The high-speed magic of F1 The Movie started with two things: the global success of Drive to Survive, Netflix’s F1 docuseries, and an unexpected email to a living racing legend.

Director Joseph Kosinski recalls, “I was hooked on Drive to Survive, but what struck me most was the story of the teams fighting at the back of the pack—the underdogs trying just to survive. That’s where I knew there was a film.”

Kosinski also had a connection: Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion and global icon. “I happen to have the email of Lewis Hamilton,” he says. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, a legendary figure who inspires on the track and off, had briefly considered taking a role in “Top Gun: Maverick.” “I sent an email to Lewis just saying, ‘I want to make a film in this world. I want it to be the most authentic racing film ever. Would you be interested in helping me to do that?’ And he said yes.”

Lewis Hamilton: Driving the Film’s Authenticity

For Hamilton, it was all about keeping it real. “From the beginning, Joe and Jerry talked about how important the authenticity is,” recalls Hamilton, “not only for the new fans that we’ll gain from this movie, but for old fans, like myself, who have grown up with it since we were walking. The focus has been to make sure that it is as authentic a racing movie has ever been.”

With Hamilton’s seal of approval—and guidance—the production team was literally off to the races, embedding themselves into the global F1 circuit to film at actual events, with real cars, at heart-pounding speeds.

Buckle Up—F1 The Movie is Now Showing!

Experience the speed, the heart, and the unfiltered adrenaline of Formula 1 like never before. Feel the roar of the engines, the grit of the track, and the raw human drama behind every lap.

F1 The Movie is now showing in cinemas and distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures PH. Don’t miss the most entertaining, high-speed film event of the year. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

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

June 25, 2025
It’s a Smurfin’ Celebration! Meet the All-Star “Smurfs” Cast and See the New Character Posters
Who’s your favorite Smurf? The countdown to one of this year’s most anticipated animated blockbusters has begun! Get ready to experience pure Smurf-tastic fun as Smurfs lands in cinemas nationwide on July 16, and the newly released character posters are here to crank up the excitement!

Directed by Chris Miller (Shrek the Third, Puss in Boots) and packed with an unbelievably epic voice cast, Smurfs promises to sprinkle magic, humor, and action into your movie calendar.

Meet the Smurfin’ Star-Studded Cast:
- Rihanna as Smurfette
- James Corden
- Nick Offerman
- Dan Levy
- Amy Sedaris
- Natasha Lyonne
- Sandra Oh
- Octavia Spencer
- Nick Kroll
- Hannah Wadding ham
- Alex Winter
- Maya Erskine
- Billie Lourd
- Xolo Maridueña
- Kurt Russ ell
- John Goodman as Papa Smurf
Watch the Magical Trailer:

About the Film:

When the wise and beloved Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman) is mysteriously captured by the devious wizards Razamel and Gargamel, it’s up to Smurfette (voiced by global icon Rihanna) to lead her blue friends on their most daring adventure yet—into the real world!

Along the way, they’ll meet unexpected allies, face off with magical enemies, and unlock the secrets of their destiny—all to save their leader and the entire universe. ✨

With laughter, heart, and breathtaking animation, Smurfs is a thrilling new chapter for fans old and new.

Mark your calendars! Smurfs hits cinemas July 16—only on the big screen. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

#SmurfsMovie | @paramountpicsph

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”}
June 25, 2025
“28 Years Later” Breaks Franchise Records with Highest Rotten Tomatoes Score — Now Showing in PH Cinemas!

Horror fans, rejoice! The wait is finally over as 28 Years Later storms into Philippine cinemas, smashing records and redefining the zombie genre.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Danny Boyle and penned by visionary writer Alex Garland, the third installment of the iconic 28 Days Later franchise has not only thrilled audiences but also wowed critics worldwide. Garnering an impressive 89% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, 28 Years Later holds the highest rating in the franchise’s chilling legacy.

Adding to the excitement, the film scored a jaw-dropping $60 million global box office debut, the franchise’s most successful opening weekend yet.

Watch the Official Trailer Here:

A Bold New Chapter in a Post-Apocalyptic World

Nearly three decades after the rage virus first devastated humanity, 28 Years Later plunges us back into a world teetering on the brink of collapse. The remaining survivors have carved out a fragile sanctuary on Holy Island, an isolated landmass cut off from the mainland by a causeway that floods daily — a natural defense against the infected.

At the heart of the film is the family of Jamie (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), his resilient wife Isla (Jodie Comer), and their curious son Spike (newcomer Alfie Williams). Their journey beyond the island’s safe borders unravels terrifying truths — and new, evolved horrors lurking in the shadows.

Critics Applaud: Grit, Gore, and Unexpected Heart

The film has been praised for pushing genre boundaries while delivering both gore and gripping emotional depth:

Hollywood Insider raves:

Although this film is extremely gruesome and bloody, there are still quite a few moments where we sit with the characters at their most vulnerable, and they play out in such beautiful ways, some that are rarely seen in big, studio movies anymore.”

Collider highlights a haunting evolution:

“While it technically isn’t considered canon anymore, Weeks Later provides some necessary context for this development, which we saw 28 Years Later take to another level as it showed how the infected had evolved, with one creation sticking out as perhaps the most frightening portrayal of a zombie/undead creature seen in a very long time.”

IGN celebrates the standout performances:

“Newcomer Alfie Williams ably shoulders the harrowing plot, flanked on either side by similarly strong performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer.”

Now Showing in Philippine Cinemas

Don’t miss this electrifying horror epic that critics and fans can’t stop talking about! 28 Years Later is now screening nationwide, distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

Join the conversation with #28YearsLater and tag @columbiapicph to share your reactions — if you can handle the fear.

28 Years Later is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

June 24, 2025
Brace Yourself: Spine-Tingling Trailer for “Weapons” by Barbarian Director Zach Cregger Unleashed!
Horror fans, brace yourselves—there’s a new cinematic nightmare on the horizon. From the unsettling imagination of Barbarian director Zach Cregger comes “Weapons”, an all-new horror/thriller that promises to keep you guessing…and trembling.

Julia Garner

The freshly released, pulse-racing trailer offers a chilling glimpse into the mystery that’s set to unfold, and it’s already igniting buzz among genre lovers.

A Vanishing That Defies Explanation

The eerie plot centers on a horrifying event: all but one child from the same class inexplicably disappear on the same night, at the exact same moment. As fear grips the community, the pressing question echoes—who, or what, is behind their disappearance?

Josh Brolin

With its haunting premise and unnerving tension, Weapons is shaping up to be one of 2025’s must-watch thrillers.

Watch the Official Trailer Now—If You Dare…

The chilling trailer for Weapons is available to watch now. Prepare for unsettling twists, eerie suspense, and a storyline that will haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll.

A Star-Studded Cast and Creative Powerhouse

Leading the stellar ensemble is Academy Award nominee Josh Brolin, alongside Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna), Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan.

Zach Cregger doesn’t just direct—he pens the screenplay and produces, continuing his reputation for bold, original storytelling that leaves audiences breathless.

The powerhouse production team includes Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz, and Raphael Margules, with Michelle Morrissey and Josh Brolin serving as executive producers.

Behind the scenes, the film boasts a dynamic creative crew:
- Larkin Seiple as Director of Photography
- Tom Hammock on Production Design
- Joe Murphy handling Editing
- Trish Summerville crafting Costume Design
- A spine-tingling score from Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay, and Zach Cregger himself.
Mark Your Calendars for August 2025

Presented by New Line Cinema, and produced by Subconscious, Vertigo Entertainment, and BoulderLight Pictures, Weapons promises a gripping cinematic experience.

The film premieres in theaters and IMAX nationwide on August 8, 2025 and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, with an international release kicking off August 6, 2025.

Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just love a thrilling mystery, Weapons will leave you on the edge of your seat.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}
June 24, 2025
Repertory Philippines opens limited run of Yasmina Reza’s Tony & Olivier award-winning comedy ‘ART’

Repertory Philippines (REP) has raised the curtain on Yasmina Reza’s Olivier & Tony award-winning comedy, ART, with a translation by Christopher Hampton and directed by Victor Lirio. The 88th season’s play will have a limited run only until June 29, with performances scheduled on Friday and Saturday at 8PM, and matinee performances on Sunday at 3:30PM at REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City.

REP’s production of ART is comprised of New York, London, and Manila-based creatives. The international cast features London-based Filipino-British actor Martin Sarreal, who appeared in Season 3 of the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton; award-winning Manila-based actor Brian Sy, who was recently seen in The Sandbox Collective’s Tiny Beautiful Things and in Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (CAST) PH’s Othello as Cassio; and British stage, film, and television actor Freddy Sawyer, a Bristol Old Vic alum and who appeared in Apple TV’s hit series, Trying.

Directed by Victor Lirio, ART’s creative and production teams include Miguel Urbino (scenic and costume design), Miriam Crowe(lighting design), Fabian Obispo (original music and sound design), Maisie Carter (fight director), Zoe Littleton (voice coach), Uriel Villar (assistant director), Julia Pacificador (associate scenic designer), Hazel Gutierrez Marges (production manager), and Jayvee Carreon (production stage manager).

Written by French playwright Yasmina Reza and translated by British playwright Christopher Hampton, this witty and sharp one-act play features three long-time friends Serge (Sarreal), Marc (Sawyer), and Yvan (Sy).  While it explores the subjective nature of art with an  Antrios painting —an all-white piece  tinged with the faintest off-white stripes worth 200,000 francs—becoming a source of tension, the play also cleverly and hilariously dives deep into the complexity of friendships and how easy it is for personal beliefs to strain relationships.

Also sharing the stage are artworks by members of the HOPE Project, an initiative made up of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Lipa City, Batangas. Founded by jail warden Aris Villaester, HOPE Project (or Help One Person Deprived of Liberty Every Day) supports the release of qualified and deserving PDLs who are ill, in their senior years, and have no financial means to pay for legal fees.

Apart from supporting the creations of PDLs, REP’s ART is also part of the Bridge Project 2025 Season, made possible with a partnership with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and MINT College.  The skills exchange program focuses on classical work with week-long workshops on Shakespeare Rhetoric, Voice & Alexander Technique, Movement and Stage Combat led by visiting tutors from New York and the United Kingdom. With a generous funding from the Community Investment arm of JTI Philippines andthe Mercedes Zobel Foundation, the Bridge Project also offers production arts workshops on scenic design and lighting for theaterperformance.

Don’t miss the limited run of REP’s take on the internationally acclaimed comedy ART only until June 29 at REP Eastwood Theater.

Tickets to ART are available through Ticketworld at tinyurl.com/REPArtTW and Ticketmelon at tinyurl.com/REPArtTM. For direct ticket inquiries and showbuying opportunities,  message REP  social media pages @repertoryphilippines, call 09626918540 or 09669054013, or email info@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.

For more information on the Bridge Project 2025 Season and how to register for the workshops, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph.

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

June 23, 2025
Theater Review: Dissecting Friendship A Review of Repertory Philippines’ ‘Art’

The multi-awarded French play ‘Art’ by Yasmina Reza, translated into English by Christopher Hampton, has opened in Manila through Repertory Philippines under the direction of Victor Lirio. A comedy that unfolds in one act with no intermission and runs for nearly 90 minutes, the play centers on three friends whose friendship goes under intense scrutiny when one buys an odd, very expensive piece of artwork.

Serge (played by Martin Sarreal), Marc (Freddy Sawyer), and Yvan (Brian Sy) have been friends for 15 years. Trouble begins when Serge buys an “Antrios painting” for 200,000 francs, a white painting with some shades of off-white, which Marc considers a complete waste of money. Marc and Serge argue about the purchase, buttons are pushed, and sharp words are exchanged. Both friends turn to Yvan, hoping he will mediate, but Yvan prefers to take a softer approach, telling each one what they want to hear. After all, Yvan is about to get married and he’s got troubles of his own that’s brewing.

Yvan (played by Brian Sy) and Serge (played by Martin Sarreal) | Photo by: Joel H. Garcia

Without an intermission, the play runs through several scenes: duets, monologues, and a final extended gathering of the three characters, where they finally confront each other head-on. At first, the conflict seems to be about the painting, a debate over classicism versus post-modernism but beneath the surface, it’s way more than that. In order to truly address the issue, their relationship is placed under a microscope. What we witness is a friendship being renegotiated. Fifteen years is a long time. They’ve changed. Dynamics have shifted, but they haven’t been honest with themselves about it.

Written by French playwright Yasmina Reza and translated by British playwright Christopher Hampton, this witty and sharp one-act play features three long-time friends Marc (Sawyer), Yvan (Sy), and Serge (Sarreal)
| Photo by: Joel H. Garcia

The play in itself is funny. There’s a lot of use of repetition – characters repeating what the other is saying as a means to heighten tension and humour – and the three friends can be very catty, using their personal history to make barbed remarks at the other’s expense. I don’t know why I want to say it’s very French, even though I’ve only seen three French plays (translated into English) but it has that appeal and charm.

Yvan (played by Brian Sy) and Marc (played by Freddy Sawyer) | Photo by: Joel H. Garcia

But watching the opening night of the show, I was having a hard time connecting with the piece. Martin Sarreal, a Filipino British actor who is living in Britain, and the Brit actor Freddy Sawyer have a very English attack on the characters. Their accents are on full display while Brian Sy speaks naturally without an English inflection. The delivery of Sarreal and Sawyer are razor-sharp but dry. It’s cold while Sy has the Filipino warmth to his Yvan. Because of these tonal differences, I had such a hard-time seeing the three as friends for 15-years.

Yvan (played by Brian Sy) and Serge (played by Martin Sarreal) | Photo by: Joel H. Garcia

Because of the brutality of each one’s verbal attack, and the coldness to which the two more active characters take their offensive, it felt like they hadn’t been friends for a long while now and this approach feels like it loses some of the play’s charm. It’s so vicious that I wonder how they even made it to this point. When I imagine it as French – I’ve never been to France and have only spoken to very few French people, but I am basing it on a lot of French cinema I’ve seen and the caricatures that are presented on comedy shows – and I imagine that the snobbish and aloof stereotype of the French could get away with such stinging remarks of a friend. But Sy has so much warmth that it amplifies the cold British dry humour of Sarrel and Sawyer that I felt the play’s exploration of friendship wasn’t hitting the right cues.

Freddy Sawyer plays Marc | Photo by: Joel H. Garcia

There are other aspects of the show that confused me, like how the play begins with a movement piece between the three friends that interpret as an imagery of their friendship over time. It’s such a strange place to start when the play in itself is so verbose and articulate. Most of the time, the characters stay on set, and listen to each other’s monologues, which removes the privacy and intimacy of some of what is being said.

I really love Sarreal’s laser-sharp focus and Sawyer’s ability to portray Marc’s posturing. I’ve also always been a fan of everything Sy has done, both on stage and in film. However, I didn’t really see the connection on the opening night. The play in itself is funny and surprising, and I’m hoping that later shows will flesh out their relationship more.

My Rating:

See this acclaimed production brought to life by a powerhouse cast and a globally seasoned creative team. Art runs exclusively at REP’s Eastwood Theater until June 29. Catch it before the final curtain call. Buy tickets at Ticketworld or Ticketmelon.

June 23, 2025
Ayala Malls Cinemas Launches an Out-of-This-World Family Movie Experience with Disney-Pixar’s “Elio” — Watch It in 4DX and A-Giant Cinemas!

Looking for an epic movie adventure the whole family can enjoy? Get ready to blast off! Ayala Malls Cinemas invites you to experience Disney-Pixar’s newest cosmic misadventure Elio, showing now in cinemas — with ultra-immersive 4DX and giant-screen thrills at A-Giant Cinemas!

From the brilliant creators of Inside Out 2, Elio features an all-star voice cast, including Academy Award-winner Zoe Saldaña (Guardians of the Galaxy), Brad Garrett (Finding Nemo), Jameela Jamil (The Good Place), and rising star Yonas Kibreab as Elio himself.

Feel the Universe Come to Life in 4DX

Watching Elio in 4DX isn’t your typical movie night — it’s an electrifying, multisensory ride! Moviegoers will feel gravity shift, the wind brush past as characters zoom through space, and atmospheric lights flash as if you’re aboard a starship.

With motion seats and immersive special effects, audiences can join Elio as he meets quirky alien life forms, explores colorful new planets, and unravels the mystery of his identity — all without leaving their seats.

Catch Elio in 4DX exclusively at Bonifacio High Street and U.P. Town Center.

What’s Elio All About?

For generations, humanity has gazed at the stars in search of answers. But in Disney-Pixar’s Elio, the universe finally calls back!

Meet Elio — a young space enthusiast with an imagination as vast as the cosmos and an obsession with all things alien. But when he’s unexpectedly transported to the Communiverse, an intergalactic hub teeming with alien delegates, Elio faces his wildest mission yet.

Mistaken for Earth’s leader, Elio must navigate a galactic-sized identity crisis, forge connections with eccentric extraterrestrials, and discover where he truly belongs — all while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Watch The Trailer Here:

A-Giant Cinemas: Where Adventures Feel Larger Than Life

Ayala Malls’ A-Giant Cinemas promise a cinematic spectacle like no other. With a massive screen four times largerthan standard theaters, every surreal frame of Elio bursts into life, making viewers feel like part of the galactic action.

Director of Photography Jordan Rempel describes the movie’s space scenes:

“In the Communiverse, everything is moving around – things are pulsing. There’s always movement in every frame,” says Jordan Rempel. “Sometimes it’s literal movement – discs are orbiting, star fields shift and rotate – they’re never static.”

Perfect for families, A-Giant Cinemas transform ordinary movie nights into unforgettable events.

Fun Extras for the Kids and the Young-at-Heart

Before or after the movie, families can snap photos and unleash their creativity with the exclusive Elio-themed doodle walls, located in Ayala Malls Cinemas lobbies. It’s the perfect way to create fun, cosmic memories with your little explorers!

More Movie Magic with Ayala Malls Specialty Cinemas

Besides 4DX and A-Giant, Ayala Malls Cinemas offer premium Specialty Cinemas like ATMOS and A-Luxe, designed for ultimate comfort and superior viewing. Enjoy:

✔️ Plush seats with extra legroom
✔️ Crystal-clear laser projections
✔️ Immersive Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos technology

Of course, no movie experience is complete without snacks! Grab popcorn, sandwiches, and ice-cold drinks from The Movie Snackbar, your go-to for movie munchies.

Ready for Lift-Off? Book Your Elio Tickets Today!

Elio is now showing across Ayala Malls Cinemas. Don’t miss this must-see family movie event!

Book your tickets at SureSeats or at ClickTheCity.

Follow Ayala Malls Cinemas on Facebook and Instagram for more updates!

June 23, 2025