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MOVIE REVIEW: A Friendship That Feels Filipino: A Review of Forgotten Island

There are some animated features nowadays that seem tailor-made for the idea that younger audiences have shorter attention spans, so the film is directed loud and frenetic. Something is always happening, a gag or an action sequence, anything to grab the focus of an audience that might get bored if things slow down even a little bit. Maybe it’s my age, but I find it exhausting. Forgotten Island, the new animated feature from DreamWorks Animation directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, fits that exact mold. Centered around two teenage Filipina girls who find a portal to a mystical island inhabited by engkantos, all that energy and fast-paced storytelling can sometimes overshadow the film’s biggest asset: the friendship story of the two leads.

Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano) live in an island province in the Philippines during the ’90s. They become instant best friends over a shared love of Philippine lower mythology, especially the manananggal.

(from left) Little Jo (Kailey Crawford), Lola (Dolly De Leon) and Little Raissa (Kayla Teruel) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

They grow up inseparable, finding themselves a bit like outcasts in the typical Filipino world they have known all their lives. But as graduation approaches, Raissa gets an offer to study abroad, putting their friendship to the ultimate test. When they discover a portal to bring them to Nakali, the mythical island of the engkantos, they jump in for one last adventure.

(from center left) Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

There, they encounter all kinds of supernatural creatures and find themselves running from a manananggal whose wings they accidentally stole during a night of drinking. Through all the chaos, will Jo and Raissa be able to save their friendship when they get back home… and if they can even get back at all?

Manang (Lea Salonga) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

The best parts of the film really revolve around the relationship between Jo and Raissa. The two characters could not be any more opposite. Jo is literally incendiary, with a love for firecrackers and explosives, and she has a strong tendency to act spontaneously and recklessly. Raissa, on the other hand, is more cautious and book- smart, with little doubt that she will make her dreams come true with an American education.

Forgotten Island | Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Yet there is something in the way they are written that makes you truly believe these two girls are best of friends. A wonderful first-act setup cements that friendship, and H.E.R. and Soberano do an excellent job bringing these two characters to life with their voice acting.

Forgotten Island | Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

We see how their friendship gets tested as Nakali becomes an unexpected place for them to finally tell each other things they have kept hidden, whether out of fear of hurting each other or looking and acting foolish. It is the core of a great coming-of-age story, and against the backdrop of a fantastical land, the potential is endless.

Forgotten Island | Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

I am not personally a fan of the film’s fast-paced narrative pacing, but that comes down to a matter of taste. Crawford and Mercado do a great job of keeping things moving while directing their animation team through some truly gorgeous set pieces and artistic designs. The manananggal, voiced by Lea Salonga no less, is rendered in a way that is so different and delightfully twisted that it feels refreshing and new. As a viewer and someone who has deeply studied the lore of this specific aswang, seeing such a unique take was genuinely exciting.

Forgotten Island | Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

What holds me back is how westernized a lot of the other lore has become, for what maybe accessibility for a western audience or for not scaring little children. The kapres do not smoke, the duendes and the tiyanak are sanitized into cute mascots, and they even introdued a were-dog named Raww (voiced by Dave Franco), a creature I am not familiar with in all my studies of Philippine lower mythology. There are sigbins, sure, but they do not shape-shift into human.

Forgotten Island | Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

For a film set in the Philippines in the 1990s, much of the Filipino culture feels more like an aesthetic accessory than something that really pushes the story forward. The culture elements can be interchangeable with any other setting, and core story would still stand. There is no question that the movie is exceptionally well-made, but I am wary of turning our heritage into a surface-level commodity rather than treating it as something integral to the narrative’s themes.

(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.

That is why the story of the two protagonists is the one that truly grounds this film, because that’s truly cultural with us: losing a friend or even a family member due to distance. Whether it is moving from the province to Manila or migrating from the Philippines to another country for education or work, this separation is a genuine concern for many relationships here. That is the part of the culture that feels so powerfully Filipino in this story, whereas everything else could easily be substituted.

(from left) Little Jo (Kailey Crawford) and Little Raissa (Kayla Teruel) in DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.

Maybe I am just being territorial or possessive. I hope the film does well, but I have my serious reservations for the Filipino-American point-of-view for a story set entirely in the country. The two leads and all the engkantos speak with a westernized English accent, while every other local characters speaks English with a thick Filipino accent. What is with that othering? It is the exact question that kept popping into my head as I watched this work unfold.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Ready to watch Liza Soberano and H.E.R. trigger total mythical chaos while Lea Salonga unleashes her dark side? Round up your best friends, check showtimes, and get your tickets to Forgotten Island today, just try not to lose your wings on the way in!

September 23, 2026
What’s Really In the Bowl? Why Pet Parents Deserve More than an Ingredients List

What if pet parents could feel as confident about their pets’ food as they do about the food they choose for themselves?

With shelves crowded with products promising everything from “natural” ingredients to better digestion and healthier coats, making an informed choice can feel overwhelming. According to the 2025 ADM Pet Insights Report, pet parents are looking beyond the growing front-of-pack claims and becoming more discerning about the information behind the products they choose, making ingredient visibility an increasingly important part of premium pet nutrition.

“True transparency goes beyond simply listing ingredients. Pet parents are increasingly interested in understanding where those ingredients come from, how they are sourced, and the standards behind the food they give their pets,” said Romy Sia, Managing Director of Bow & Wow Philippines. “The more information pet parents have, the better they can make choices that are right for their pets and aligned with their values.”

What Real Transparency Looks Like

For Open Farm founders Jacqueline Prehogan and Isaac Langleben, the journey began after rescuing their first pugs, Maddie and Bella, and struggling to find pet food that met their standards for nutrition, animal welfare, sustainability, and transparency. This led them to build Open Farm around three core commitments: premium nutrition, animal welfare, and sustainability.

Today, Open Farm brings these commitments to life through every aspect of its products, from the ingredients it selects to the standards behind their sourcing and production.

Available at all Bow & Wow Stores and the Bow & Wow Online Store, Open Farm’s recipes feature ethically sourced meats as the first ingredient, alongside non-GMO fruits and vegetables, naturally occurring prebiotic fiber, and natural superfoods. Its animal proteins are also sourced according to specific welfare and sustainability standards, including pasture-raised lamb from New Zealand, crate-free pork, pasture-raised beef, and sustainably sourced, wild-caught fish.

Open Farm takes these commitments a step further through traceability, empowering pet parents to understand exactly where their ingredients come from and hold the brand accountable for delivering on its promises.

Through Open Farm’s own transparency platform, pet parents can enter the lot code found on the back of each bag to access information about where the ingredients in that specific batch came from. With this greater visibility into the supply chain, pet parents can see how the brand’s standards are carried through every step of the process, from sourcing and raising ingredients to their final production.

“Pet nutrition is becoming a more holistic conversation,” Sia added. “Pet parents are looking not only at whether it meets their pets’ nutritional needs, but also at the practices behind it. Understanding sourcing, animal welfare, and sustainability gives them a fuller picture of what they are choosing for their companions.”

Making Transparency Easier for Pet Parents

For Bow & Wow, this emphasis on transparency reflects a broader commitment to helping pet parents make more informed choices. As the pet care market continues to expand, the company puts standards first when curating its portfolio, considering ingredient quality, sourcing, nutritional standards, and transparency. By bringing in brands like Open Farm that align with these values, Bow & Wow aims to give pet parents access to better options and greater visibility into what they feed their pets.

Transparency is also the heart of Bow & Wow’s approach to pet care advice. Rather than simply recommending the most expensive options, its trained Pet Care Advisors work closely with pet parents to understand each pet’s individual needs and tailor recommendations based on formulation, ingredients, sourcing, and production practices, helping pet parents make informed decisions with confidence.

“Every pet is different, so choosing food should go beyond simply picking the product with the most appealing claims,” Sia concluded. “Our role is to help pet parents understand their options, ask the right questions, and find a food that fits their pet’s individual needs.”

For those who want to experience the products before committing, Bow & Wow also offers free in-store samples of Open Farm’s Wild-Caught Salmon and Homestead Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Kibble recipes. Pet parents can also browse Bow & Wow’s full Open Farm Collection online to explore recipes tailored to their pets’ needs. to explore recipes tailored to their pets’ needs.

Ultimately, the evolution of pet nutrition isreshaping what “premium” means. Today, pet parents increasingly want to understand the story behind the bowl—from the ingredients and how they are sourced to the standards and practices behind them.

For Open Farm, that means traceable ingredients, responsible sourcing, and animal welfare standards. For Bow & Wow, it means making better options and the information behind them more accessible. For pet parents, it means greater visibility and confidence in every choice they make for the companions they love.

September 23, 2026
THEATER REVIEW: Inadvertently, the Enjoyable ‘Muli’ Became The Kakki Teodoro Show

I deeply miss original Filipino musical theater. While some jukebox musicals do good work, nothing beats new and original songs made composed specifically for the show. It’s one of the many good things about Muli, directed by Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, written by Charissa Pammit and Jose Paolo dela Cruz, and featuring songs by Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang. The songs are catchy and fresh. As the play travels back through time and explores dreams and “what-ifs,” the score plays skillfully with nostalgia. Certain tracks can sound very contemporary and very now while others can carry the sound of the ’90s. Hearing new original music by talented Filipino songwriters with a production that is vibrant and energetic is a pure delight.

Image Source: MULI An OPM Musical FB Page

Muli follows the story of Anita (Kakki Teodoro), a single mother whose dreams of becoming a pop star quickly ended when her daughter, Kath (Janine Teñoso), was born. As Kath urges her to declutter her home overflowing with decades of accumulated belongings (Kath calls her a “hoarder”), every single object brings back memories of a era when anything was still possible for Anita. With Kath preparing to move out, Anita has vivid dreams, alternate “what-if” realities, and just plain old trips down memory lane via a camcorder footage, all of which are acted out throughout most of the play. Yet beneath this nostalgia lies something being alluded to. Something that is amiss. Something fractured in the past has left Anita completely frozen in time and trapped in her dreams.

Photo Courtesy of MULI, An OPM Musical

Firstly, Andrei Pamintuan’s vision for the piece is genuinely thrilling. The stage, designed by D Cortezano (who also serves as the lighting director), features a wall of shelves filled with things that signal Anita’s hoarder tendencies. It doubles as an interactive space where actors retrieve props for every flashback, a dream sequence, or a fantasy. The shelves even swing open to reveal unexpected entrances and exits that manage to keep things surprising. At times, stagehands step in to roll out furniture pieces like desks and platforms, while other times, the actors and the ensemble handle the transitions themselves. This clever choreography creates a flow that allows the play to shift scenes seamlessly across time and memory.

Photo Courtesy of MULI, An OPM Musical

Essentially, the play functions as an intemate two-hander between a mother and her daughter. Yet, there’s a bigger cast that is present, bringing to life figures from Anita’s past that sometimes call or exist within her dreams, fantasies, and flashbacks. This setup paves the way for big song numbers complete with energetic choreography by Julian Abuda, or bustling crowd scenes whenever Anita envisions alternate paths her life might have taken had she made different choices in high school.

Photo Courtesy of MULI, An OPM Musical

While everyone is fully committed to the madcap tone and feel of these alternate narratives or flashbacks – Baus Rufo, Marvin Ong, and Vien King are excellent at their roles, fitting them to a tee – there is no question that this is the Kakki Teodoro show. Not only must she embody the role of an exhausted single mother grappling with the prospect of an empty nest, but she also has to figuring out what to do with the rest of her life as her daughter leaves home. She has to play all the different facets of her. She turns into a full-pledged pop star, a sketchy CEO, a high schooler with crushes and big dreams. It is a mercurial, demanding lead role performance loaded with quick costume changes (and the costumes! Santi Obcena, take a bow!) and belting powerhouse songs across different genres and styles. Even performing while under the weather during the show I saw her in, Teodoro pulled out every single stop. She delivered every ounce of raw emotion needed for each number, and even if she was struggling with her condition, she carried through like the true veteran powerhouse she is. It’s what great performers are all about. I’m so happy to see her as a lead. It’s about time and well deserved.

Photo Courtesy of MULI, An OPM Musical

The production’s big secret is fairly easy to piece together if you pay close attention to the narrative clues along the way, something one can figure out if they ask the right questions as they are watching the show. I spotted it quickly, and while proven right, the reveal did not did not diminish the show’s ending. What it does, however, is raise valid questions about why certain choices of some fantasies and dreams were included in the first place. The diva pop star and the evil CEO personas feel strangely out of place for a character like Anita’s. In the real world, she has no malicious intent nor a dark side that foul for her to dream up of these characters. The CEO has the best song, though, one perfect for Teodoro, and a real highlight in terms of music and performance and direction, but it feels so off because it doesn’t come off as inherent in the character.

Photo Courtesy of MULI, An OPM Musical

Several of these dreams and fantasies are great when taken as is, without the rest of the narrative, but when included within the full context of the narrative, they inadvertently makes Anita appear that there’s a darker side of her that doesn’t quite fit her character at all. These moments feel disjointed, thrust into the story without real dramaturgical sense. While the political commentary related to the scene about the CEO is very much welcomed but doesn’t feel fully intrinsic to the core journey of the play.

Photo Courtesy of MULI, An OPM Musical

At its core, Muli bursts with immense energy, vibrant creativity, a lot of great songs and exceptional performances. Hopefully, with a bit of fine-tuning in future runs, the play could be revisited so that all the dreams and fantasies could really integrate well with the play’s overall arching themes. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable show and a great showcase for Kakki Teodoro.

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Catch Muli, An OPM Musical live at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater for its final weekend run this September 25 to 27! Check showtimes and get your tickets at TicketWorld before this extraordinary show takes its final bow!

September 23, 2026
Max Verstappen Passes 100 Karts in Just 14 Laps in Red Bull’s Max vs 100
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen started 101st on the grid and passed every driver ahead of him in just 35 minutes, streamed live from Disney+ and the ESPN App.

Max Verstappen in Red Bull’s Max cs 100

Max Verstappen has overtaken all 100 of his challengers in Red Bull’s Max vs 100, the largest go-kart race ever staged, completing the task on lap 14 of 30 at Silverstone tonight. Starting 101st on a grid built specifically for the event, the four-time Formula 1 world champion cleared the field in just 35 minutes, in front of a live global audience on Disney+ and the ESPN App.

Here is all you need to know:
- “When I went to the grid and I saw where I had to start, with 100 karts in front of me, I was a little bit worried,” Max said. “After my first lap, with all the carnage, I did think ‘Okay, we have got this under control!’ It started to become really fun and once I started getting into a rhythm, was able to overtake them one-by-one and saw the gap closing, that was really exciting.
- “It was great to just be back in a go-kart again and go back to basics, it reminded me of racing back in the day. It’s a really beautiful track and well designed, and it was a nice touch to be able to get all the data fed through the radio too. I had a great day and it was good to come out with the win!”
- The scale of it was clear from the moment the grid formed up. Seen from above, 101 karts stretched back along the Silverstone asphalt in rows, with Max in the very last one. Ahead of him were Red Bull athletes, Red Bull players, content creators, streamers, journalists and fans selected from around the world – most of them driving the track only for the second time after Tuesday’s practice and a single qualifying lap earlier in the day
- The opening lap decided half the race. With 101 karts funneling into the first corners, Max had passed more than 10 drivers before he even reached the start/ finish line and at the hairpin the field folded in on itself, karts running into each other and facing the wrong way. “I have no idea what’s going on – it’s carnage,” he said over the radio. Two minutes in, he was 37th. 63 drivers had been eliminated without completing a lap – more than half the field – and when the number was relayed to him, the reply came back: “Not a bad first lap then!”
- Under the rules, a driver was out of the race the moment the rear of Max’s kart drew level with the front of theirs, so every pass was final and the onboard microphones caught the field coming to terms with that one by one. On Lap 7, motorsport YouTuber Paky TWC, running sixth at the time, could be heard asking Max over the radio not to overtake him. He was passed shortly afterwards.
- By then the race had settled into a chase. Pole-sitter Jacky Martens, YouTuber Zac Alsop and Red Bull Ford Powertrains technician Lewis Osler had built a lead of around 12 seconds while the chaos unfolded behind them, and Max was taking three seconds a lap out of it.
- With 54 minutes still on the clock, the Race Director handed the leading group an extra fast lap. The three of them used their shortcuts together on Lap 12, then stopped fighting for the top sport and started driving defensively. It bought them a little time. On the next lap Max arrived, cleared Alsop and Osler in one corner and then passed Martens to finish the job with 35 minutes still on the clock.
- Martens, a Dutch Formula 1 journalist, had led for most of the race. He and Osler joined Max on the podium, the champion’s own team technician standing one step below him. Very few people have ever stood on a podium alongside Max Verstappen and tonight two everyday racers joined that list. Behind Alsop in fourth, renowned off-road motorcyclist Pol Tarrés was fifth. Livestreamer RDJavi, photographer Larry Chen, mountain biker Bernard Kerr and actor Neo Yau completed the top 10.
- With onboard cameras and microphones on every kart, Max’s exchanges with his challengers went out live on Disney+, presented by BAFTA Award-winning comedian Mo Gilligan. Max’s fastest lap of the race was 2m
- 20.673s, while the next best was Martens’s 2m 23.327s, over 2.6s slower. Across the full 35 minutes, Max passed a driver every 21 seconds on average.
- The circuit, designed by Race Director and track designer David Terrien to accommodate a 100-kart field, was laid out on a temporary configuration at Silverstone for the event. Asked on his victory lap where the win ranks among his others, Max’s answer came with a grin: “I think this is the best one yet!”
- Red Bull’s Max vs 100 is available to watch again on Disney+ globally and on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers in the U.S., with a broadcast on ESPN2 at 19.00 ET.
QUOTES
- Max Verstappen: “When I went to the grid and I saw where I had to start, with 100 karts in front of me, I was a little bit worried. After my first lap with all the carnage, I did think okay we have got this under control! It started to become really fun and once I started getting into a rhythm and was able to overtake them one by one and saw the gap closing, that was really exciting. It was great to just be back in a go-kart again and go back to basics, it reminded me of racing back in the day. It’s a really beautiful track and well designed and it was a nice touch to be able to get all the data fed through the radio too. I had a great day and it was good to come out with the win!
- “It’s something very unique and you never know how it’s gonna go, but the first time went really well. So from there on, I could really have a lot of fun trying to hunt them all down. There was a lot of effort going into it and it was nice that they all had a lot of fun as well, like preparing and participating.”
- David Terrien, track designer and race director: “Going through the traffic of such a big field, no one has done it. There’s never been a karting race with so many karts. So even Max was questioning himself just before the start, how he could go through the traffic. When you look at the replay, he picked the right spots. Every time there was a gap, he went for it. He was on the right side of the track when there was a crash going on the other side. We gave them more fast laps to allow them to compete longer and stay in the game longer. But he was just much faster.
- “I think that’s what makes the difference with Max – his starts, and his reaction time. Even if it’s a fun race, he showed his skills in all aspects. I was talking to Max’s race engineer and we were looking at the replay of the start. And he sees something we don’t see. He sees a gap that’s going to open and it’s not open yet. So I think that’s a race vision, that’s something he has that most of the drivers don’t have.”
- Jacky Martens, F1 journalist and last driver caught: “I tried to stay out of the chaos at the beginning of the race, and luckily enough, three or four of us managed to pull away. You think if we’re gonna tussle in the beginning of the race, he will catch us within a minute. So we tried to collaborate a little bit, but as soon as Max catches you guys, it’s all for one. We all fought to be there as long as possible.”
- “It was so much fun, honestly. I can’t stop smiling. It feels like living in a dream or something. It’s not something that I ever dreamed about, because it’s so surreal to race against Max, and then finishing P2 right behind him, it’s unbelievable, really. We’re both from Limburg, so I don’t know what it is in the water over there. Must be something special. As soon as there’s four wheels involved, we’re just quick with everything. It’s a Limburg thing, I guess!”
- Richard Cooke, Oracle Red Bull Racing Engineer: “Everyone fancies themselves a bit of a driver and thinks that they can maybe compete with these guys. But I think he’s shown today that professional racing drivers, they operate on a completely different level! I think he would have always expected to win it, for sure, but I don’t think we expected so much time left on the board. I think even that shocked him. The nicest thing to see is that he’s really enjoyed it today. He’s just had a smile on his face the whole time.”
- Jack Harington, Partnerships Group Lead, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and one of the 100: “Oracle have been running the simulations for how long it would take Max to overtake everybody, and in the simulations we ran we thought it would take about 40 minutes. Now as I understand it was closer to 30 minutes, so you can have all the data in the world, the best
- Technology in Oracle to predict it, but sometimes you’ve got a Max Verstappen who’s just going to beat the data. I thought maybe I’d challenge Max and show that I should have been a Formula One driver, but I didn’t even expect him to pass me where he did it was like lap four he overtook me on. Although it was earlier than I wanted, the image of Max overtaking me will live in my memory forever. It was a crazy race and to be part of it was just something I’m probably going to talk about to every single person I meet for the next 20 years.”
Media can download a wide variety of moving and still images, which is free of charge for editorial usage at redbullcontentpool.com.
September 22, 2026
Anne Hathaway Holds the Key to a Dark Mystery in ‘Verity,’ Opens September 30

Anne Hathaway steps into one of her most unsettling roles yet in Verity, the big-screen adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling psychological thriller. The film opens in Philippine cinemas on September 30.

Hathaway plays acclaimed author Verity Crawford, an enigmatic woman whose secrets pull a struggling writer into a dangerous web of ambition, attraction, and deception.

From Romance to Psychological Suspense

Director Michael Showalter previously worked with Hathaway on the film adaptation of The Idea of You. When it was time to cast the mysterious author at the heart of Verity, the Oscar-winning actress immediately came to mind.

Hathaway also serves as a producer on the film. She said she quickly understood the novel’s appeal after experiencing its page-turning momentum herself.

There’s so much propulsive energy to [Hoover’s] books, it’s like eating something really delicious and you can’t quite stop yourself. You just can’t, you want to get to the next page,” she explains. “When I came up for air at the end of it I thought, ‘Oh, I completely understand why people went crazy for this book.’

Watch the official trailer:

A Manuscript Filled With Disturbing Secrets

Verity follows Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), a struggling writer hired to complete the unfinished books of celebrated author Verity Crawford.

Lowen moves into the Crawford family estate, where she discovers a collection of disturbing autobiographical notes written by Verity. The pages contain troubling claims involving Verity’s husband, Jeremy Crawford (Josh Hartnett), and raise questions about what truly happened inside their home.

As Lowen searches for answers, the boundaries between truth and fiction begin to disappear. She must determine who is manipulating whom while confronting her growing attraction to Jeremy and the career opportunity that brought her into the Crawfords’ lives.

Anne Hathaway Embraces Verity’s Complexity

Hartnett praised Hathaway’s thoughtful approach to playing his onscreen wife.

Annie is one of the most professional actors I’ve ever worked with, she’s very cerebral,” he says. “I find it comforting to be with someone who has a really clear idea of what they want to create with the character, but then she’s also fun, she wants to play as well.

Johnson was equally enthusiastic about working with Hathaway, both as a co-star and producer.

I’ve always been such a fan of hers and I loved working with her so much,” says Dakota Johnson. “We don’t really say much to each other onscreen, but in between takes we were always laughing and joking and having deep life talks. Or eating hot dogs – she had a hot dog cart brought to set one day, it was great.

Johnson added that Hathaway was committed to finding the strongest version of every scene.

She’s an incredible producer, and she’s always game to make sure we get the best version of the scene possible, she said.

Colleen Hoover Approves of the Casting

For Colleen Hoover, seeing Hathaway transform into Verity was a surreal experience.

She nailed it. Seeing all the different roles she’s playing and her range, I feel like this is a great movie to cap off the year of Anne Hathaway,” she says.

Hoover also revealed a personal connection to the actress.

The Princess Diaries is my husband’s favorite movie. He loves Anne Hathaway. I was so excited to tell him when she signed on, he and I still just feel like we pinch ourselves every day. It still feels surreal.

With Hathaway, Johnson, and Hartnett leading its tangled story of desire and deception, Verity invites audiences to question every confession and suspect every character.

Verity opens in Philippine cinemas on September 30. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

September 22, 2026
Global Superstar Jackson Wang Releases New Single “Thank You”

Today, global superstar Jackson Wang released his new single “Thank You” – listen here. The official music video, directed by Ojun Kwon was shot on the new iPhone 18 Pro, and features real life Jackson Wang fans from all around the world. Watch the official video here. “Thank You” is Jackson’s first new music release since signing with powerhouse entertainment company Roc Nation.

“We’re excited to have Jackson Wang join our family here at Roc Nation,” says founder Jay-Z. “He’s an incredible artist with a very special drive, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.”

Shot in black and white, the “Thank You” music video sees Jackson stripped-back, moving through different stages of his life, thanking his fans and those who have always championed him for their unwavering support. For Jackson, sharing this song with his biggest supporters is the ultimate celebration of all the eras in his career leading up to this moment. “Thank You” closes a chapter, but paves the way for more new music and creativity.

Jackson invited fans from all around the world to be a part of the project, with applicants from more than 80 countries, selecting 30 individuals from China, the U.S., Australia, Mexico, the UK, and more to join him on set. Every character, outfit and circle in the music video represents an important person, memory or chapter that has shaped Jackson into the person he is today. From his early start in gymnastics and fencing to memories with childhood friends, through to his astounding music career and now signing with Roc Nation, Jackson is grateful for every part of it.

The new single follows an incredible year so far for Jackson. This spring, Jackson continued his MAGICMAN 2 World Tour across North America and Latin America, including sold-out shows at Los Angeles’s Kia Forum, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, and a milestone first-ever MAGICMAN Tour stop in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum last November 2025. The album, MAGICMAN 2, debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart and landed Jackson in the Top 15 of the Billboard Artist 100. This July, Jackson was also announced as the first ever global ambassador for the International Fencing Federation (FIE), shining a light on the sport he excelled at before starting his music career. Up next, Jackson will continue his MAGICMAN 2 World Tour with a run of mainland China dates beginning this October.

Wang’s connection with the Philippines has only deepened this year. His Manila stop for the MAGICMAN 2 Tour marked his first time bringing it to the country, where he closed the night with a personal message of gratitude for his fans. Wang told fans that he hoped they’d take away more than a performance — a reminder to hold onto hope and encouragement — a sentiment that echoes directly into the spirit of ‘Thank You.’ Reflecting on the experience afterward, Jackson called the stop “insane” and said he’d finally learned what “Manila vibe” means.

About Jackson Wang

Jackson Wang’s rise from Hong Kong, China, to global stardom reads like an unlikely script—a chart-breaker with the dreams and discipline to go where few Chinese artists had ventured. When he dropped “Papillon” in 2017, it was more than a solo career debut; it was the start of what would define him as a global tastemaker—shattering norms, setting new standards, and reshaping what global culture could be. Two years later, his debut album MIRRORS shattered expectations, becoming the first album by a solo Chinese artist to hit the Billboard 200. He followed up by making history again: “100 Ways” established him as the first Chinese singer-songwriter to enter Mediabase’s U.S. Top 40, while “LMLY” accumulated over 103 million streams on Spotify and debuted on the Global Viral 50 Chart.

But Wang wasn’t born to just stay in one lane. He built bridges between continents and genres by collaborating with Ciara, Swae Lee, Major Lazer, Galantis, Gucci Mane, Joji, GoldLink and more —seamlessly pulling Eastern and Western markets together in ways that felt both natural and groundbreaking.

In 2022, his critically acclaimed sophomore album MAGIC MAN launched his first solo world tour, hitting 24 cities across four continents. Then came the historic Coachella run—where he shattered barriers as the first Chinese solo artist to claim the main stage, then made history again by returning for three consecutive years. During his landmark set, he brought out Ciara as a surprise guest to debut their collaboration “Slow.”

His third album, MAGICMAN 2, arrived in 2025 with serious momentum: debuting at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and landing him in the Top 15 of the Billboard Artist 100. The album launched another world tour with sold-out runs at Los Angeles’s Kia Forum, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and more.

Off-stage, Wang is a studious builder of legacy. Developing partnerships with Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Armani, Nike and Air Jordan. These relationships extend far beyond traditional endorsements—they’ve evolved into genuine creative collaborations, including work with Louis Vuitton Creative Director Pharrell Williams. Wang has proven equally adept at taking this artistic talent to build his own entrepreneurial empires, founding TEAM WANG Records and TEAM WANG Design, a success that earned him a Forbes China 30 Under 30 spot in 2023. Before all this, Wang was a Junior Olympic-level saber fencer, and that competitive fire still burns through everything he touches. It’s the spirit of someone who refuses categories: athlete, artist, entrepreneur, creative director. And there’s no indication he’s stopping anytime soon.

Follow Jackson Wang

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September 21, 2026
National Cinema Day 2026 Brings Filipino Moviegoers Back to the Big Screen

September 12, 2026 marked a milestone for Philippine cinema as the country celebrated its first-ever National Cinema Day (NCD), welcoming moviegoers back to theaters and highlighting the enduring appeal of watching films on the big screen.

More than a day of discounted tickets, National Cinema Day was the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines’ (CEAP) way of giving back to the audiences who remain at the heart of the local cinema industry.

These are the moviegoers who continue to support theatrical releases, choose cinemas as a place to experience stories, and keep the shared tradition of moviegoing alive.

At its core, National Cinema Day was a celebration of cinema itself, along with the excitement, connection, and collective emotions that come with seeing a film inside a theater.

More Than 100 Cinemas Join the Nationwide Celebration

Spearheaded by CEAP, National Cinema Day brought together more than 100 participating cinemas across the Philippines.

CEAP also expressed its sincere appreciation to its government and industry partners, including the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) through the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Their support played an important role in making the nationwide initiative possible.

For just ₱100, audiences had the opportunity to watch films on the big screen, including current releases as well as selected previous and re-run titles.

Beyond making moviegoing more affordable, the celebration encouraged Filipinos to return to cinemas, reconnect with family and friends, and rediscover the simple joy of experiencing stories together.

A Strong Turnout Shows That Cinema Lives On

The strong turnout and public engagement throughout National Cinema Day served as an encouraging reminder of the continuing place of cinemas in Filipino entertainment and culture.

From the anticipation before the lights dim to the laughter, excitement, and emotions shared during a film, the celebration showed that audiences still value the communal experience that theaters uniquely provide.

The incredible response to National Cinema Day shows that cinema remains a vital part of Filipino culture. Seeing packed theaters, families and friends enjoying films together, and audiences embracing the big-screen experience reaffirmed the enduring appeal of moviegoing. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success, and CEAP remains committed to developing more initiatives that support our industry and enrich the moviegoing experience, said Ms. Irene Jose, President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP).

The celebration also arrived at an important time for the theatrical industry.

After facing major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, cinemas have continued to navigate an entertainment landscape reshaped by changing viewing habits and the rapid growth of streaming services.

National Cinema Day offered a powerful reminder that the theatrical experience remains meaningful to Filipino audiences, and that people are still willing to come together to support films, cinemas, and the individuals who bring stories to the screen.

Industry and Artists Rally Behind National Cinema Day

The success of National Cinema Day also highlighted the importance of collaboration across the film and entertainment industry.

Cinema exhibitors, producers, distributors, government agencies, artists, media organizations, content creators, and other industry partners came together to support the celebration.

Among the personalities who showed their support were Anne Curtis, Bela Padilla, Barbie Forteza, Karylle, Sassa Gurl, Michael Sager, Anton Vinzon, and Mon Confiado, alongside other artists and cinema advocates who encouraged Filipinos to take part in National Cinema Day.

On the day of the celebration, Bela Padilla also joined moviegoers at different cinemas to show her support for the nationwide initiative.

More Than a Celebration of Movies

National Cinema Day was more than a celebration of films.

It was also a celebration of the people who make cinema possible, from the audiences who continue to fill theater seats to the many individuals working behind the scenes to keep the industry moving forward.

With the strong response to its inaugural edition, National Cinema Day opens new possibilities for initiatives that can bring audiences back to theaters and create more opportunities to celebrate the country’s love for movies.

And if its first year is any indication, Filipinos still know there is something special about watching a story unfold on a giant screen, surrounded by a community experiencing every laugh, thrill, gasp, and heartfelt moment together.

Here’s to more National Cinema Days and more unforgettable moments at the movies.

As CEAP put it:

Together, we celebrated cinema. Together, we strengthened the future of moviegoing in the Philippines.

September 21, 2026
“Resident Evil” Scores Franchise-Best PHP 77-M Opening Weekend in the Philippines

Resident Evil is making its mark at the Philippine box office, closing its opening weekend at No. 1 and setting a new local record for the long-running horror franchise.

Zach Cregger’s reinvention of the beloved video game property earned more than PHP 77 million during its opening weekend, making it the biggest Resident Evil opening weekend in the Philippines.

“Resident Evil” dominates the Philippine box office

The horror film commanded cinemas over the weekend, capturing 72% of the market share.

Fans of the original Resident Evil video games, followers of Cregger’s work, and horror enthusiasts flocked to theaters to catch the filmmaker’s latest offering. Cregger previously directed the acclaimed horror films Barbarian and Weapons.

Adding to its strong debut, Resident Evil has earned a 96% Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a 91% audience score.

With its mix of survival horror, action, and a fresh story set within the Resident Evil universe, the film offers moviegoers a new nightmare built for the big screen.

Watch the official trailer here:

A terrifying new take on “Resident Evil”

From visionary filmmaker Zach Cregger comes a thrilling and terrifying reinvention of the Resident Evil franchise.

The all-new story follows Bryan, played by Austin Abrams, a medical courier who unwittingly finds himself trapped in an action-packed race for survival. What begins as another night quickly descends into horrifying chaos, forcing Bryan to fight his way through an increasingly dangerous ordeal.

The cast also includes Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser.

Produced by TriStar Pictures, Constantin Film, and Davis Films, Resident Evil opened in theaters on September 18, 2026. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

Now showing in Philippine cinemas

Resident Evil is now showing in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX and 4DX.

Directed by: Zach Cregger

Written by: Zach Cregger and Shay Hatten

Produced by: Robert Kulzer, Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, Victor Hadida, Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan

Executive Producers: Oliver Berben, Richard Wright, and Robert Bernacchi

Cast: Austin Abrams, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser

September 21, 2026
Slow-Braised Beef, Ribs & Chowder: LongHorn Steakhouse Serves Up a P595 Build-Your-Own Lunch Feast

Let’s be honest: weekday lunches can feel a little routine. Whether you’re stuck in a desk-lunch slump, running errands around the city, or meeting up for a casual midday catch-up, standard takeaway rarely feels like an occasion. If you are looking to trade the ordinary for a hearty, customizable Western feast, LongHorn Steakhouse is giving you a solid reason to sit down, unwind, and treat yourself.

LongHorn Steakhouse

LongHorn Steakhouse’s all-new Wild West Steakhouse Plates are turning the midday slump into a full-on feast and it starts at just P595. Available Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, this multi-course lineup gives you total freedom to build your own lunch spread without needing a weekend budget.

LongHorn Steakhouse Wildwest Steakhouse Plates

How to Build Your Wild West Plate

The highlight of this offer is total customization. Instead of a rigid set menu, you get to curate your plate step-by-step based on what you are craving:

Step 1: Start with an Appetizer

LongHorn Steakhouse | Mixed Greens Salad | Shrimp and Lobster Chowder | Loaded Potato Soup

LongHorn Steakhouse | Buffalo Chicken Bites | Wild West Shrimp

Kick things off light with a crisp Mixed Greens Salad tossed in vibrant house dressing, or indulge in rich comfort food with their Shrimp and Lobster Chowder, loaded with tender lobster bites and juicy shrimp. You can also upgrade to a creamy Loaded Potato Soup (+P50) topped with bacon and melted cheese, crisp Buffalo Chicken Bites (+P125) in a fiery glaze, or breaded Wild West Shrimp (+P145)with cool ranch.

LongHorn Steakhouse Wild West Steakhouse Plates

Step 2: Choose Your Hero Entrée

LongHorn Steakhouse

Whether you are in the mood for tender pork, slow-braised beef, or a lighter seafood option, there is a main for every appetite. Stick with classics like the Garlic Herb Pork Cutlet, Oak-Smoked Barbecue Pork, or crispy Wrangler Fried Chicken. Want something extra decadent?

LongHorn Steakhouse

Upgrade your plate with a Smokey Glazed Bacon Steak (+P140), flaky Wild Golden Barramundi (+P150), fall-off-the-bone Pork Spare Ribs (+P160), or low-and-slow Braised Beef Shortplate (+P160) that melts in your mouth.

LongHorn Steakhouse

Step 3: Pair with a Signature Side & Drink

Every plate comes balanced with your choice of flavor-packed sides like Sautéed French Beans & Onions, charred Corn Riblets, or glossy Glazed Carrots and Baby Corn. Each set also includes a refreshing glass of Iced Tea or Lemonade, with the option to switch to any of LongHorn Steakhouse’s signature hand-crafted beverages for an additional P115.

End on a Sweet Note

If you want to cap off your midday break with something sweet, you can add a dessert for P275. Choose between the light, fruity Strawberry Shortcake or go big with the decadent, chocolate-loaded Chocolate Stampede.

Worth the Midday Break

Finding a sit-down weekday lunch in Metro Manila that balances generous portion sizes, quality cuts, and solid value isn’t always easy. LongHorn Steakhouse hits that sweet spot effortlessly, delivering a proper, restaurant-quality feast tailored to your exact craving, whether you’re taking a well-deserved breather from work or lingering over a long lunch with friends.

Just keep in mind that the Wild West Steakhouse Plates cannot be combined with other discounts or promos (including Senior Citizen and BFF discounts), so bring your appetite and plan your midday trail accordingly.

For branch updates, menu drops, and news, follow @LonghornSteakhousePH on Facebook and Instagram.

September 21, 2026
Pickleball World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters Headlines Franklin Sports Asia Showcase in Manila This October

Global pickleball giant Franklin Sports has officially named the Philippines as the first stop for its highly anticipated Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase this October 2026.

The landmark multi-nation showcase will kick off in Manila before continuing in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

The Manila leg centers on an exclusive appearance by Franklin’s star athlete, Anna Leigh Waters (ALW), the undisputed World No. 1 player and most dominant athlete in professional pickleball. Local fans and the fast-growing Filipino pickleball community will get a rare opportunity to see ALW showcase her high-octane skills that has dominated the global tour.

Images from the Anna Leigh Waters athlete photo shoot for Franklin Sports on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Pickleball Court in Boca Raton, FL. [Photo: Matt Pendleton Photography for Franklin Sports]

The selection of the Philippines as a primary destination reflects the country’s emergence as a global phenomenon in racket sports. With a staggering 1,213% year-over-year growth rate, the Philippines currently stands as the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world, topping Franklin Sports’ global expansion priorities.

“We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines,” said Jared Franklin, Head of International at Franklin Sports. “The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the no. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila.”

Images from the Anna Leigh Waters athlete photo shoot for Franklin Sports on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Pickleball Court in Boca Raton, FL. [Photo: Matt Pendleton Photography for Franklin Sports]

“As a world leader in pickleball, Franklin is committed to developing the sport and bringing players the very best products and innovation. It’s even more special to have Anna Leigh, the game’s greatest player, competing with and showcasing Franklin products that she trusts at the highest level. This visit reflects Franklin’s commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball on a global scale. We’re thrilled to connect with the incredible pickleball community in the Philippines and to play a part in the continued growth of this amazing sport.”

As an industry pioneer, Franklin Sports delivers premium equipment trusted by elite global professionals that have won 105 medals year to date on the PPA and APP Pro Tours, including Hayden Patriquin, Paris Todd, Will Howells, Jimmy Liong, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart among others.

Images from the Anna Leigh Waters athlete photo shoot for Franklin Sports on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Pickleball Court in Boca Raton, FL. [Photo: Matt Pendleton Photography for Franklin Sports]

During the Showcase, Filipino fans will get an up-close look at Franklin’s latest innovations. The showcase directly follows ALW’s viral September 2 Instagram post in front of her Times Square LED billboard in New York City, where she posed holding an all-black paddle featuring a bold white “?” graphic.

The mystery paddle serves as a global teaser for Franklin’s upcoming paddle launch and was the paddle Anna Leigh Waters won Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals with.

Attendees will also see in action the legendary Franklin X-40 ball, universally regarded as the global gold standard for the sport. Holding over 75% market share in North America, the X-40 serves as the Official Ball of Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, the APP Tour, the Pickleball Slam, USA Pickleball, and over 1,000 additional tournaments worldwide.

Franklin also revealed plans to introduce an all-new, faster-playing ball endorsed by ALW near the turn of the year called the X-44.

Filipino players can access Franklin’s full range of paddles, balls, bags, footwear, and accessories nationwide through leading local retail partners, including Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports, and Juego PH among several others.

Full details regarding local Showcase venues, schedule of play, and fan interaction opportunities for the Manila leg will be released in the coming weeks via Franklin Pickleball on Facebook and Instagram @franklinpickleball.

September 21, 2026