A spy film like no other, ‘Black Bag’ veers away from other espionage thrillers by focusing on the interpersonal relationships of spies working together in one office. While the main plot involves uncovering the leak of a top-secret software program called Severus, the method of discovering the leak delves into the personal lives of six operatives of the British Intelligence. Unlike the tongue-in-cheek professionalism of James Bond or tight-camaraderie displayed in the Mission Impossible franchise, the Steven Soderbergh-directed movie is unafraid to show the massive dysfunction in the world of spies when no one is expected to tell the truth and lying is as easy as breathing.
George (Michael Fassbender) is tasked by his boss to find the leak within the British Intelligence office, and one of the five suspects is his wife, Kathryn (Cate Blanchett). George is cold, almost sociopathic is his cleanliness and his stoic demeanor but what is evident is his love for his wife. It’s a rarity in the office, it seems, of a healthy, loving relationship in an office where cheating among partners is almost expected.
Goerge invites to dinner at home the five suspects including his wife: Clarissa (Marisa Abela), her boyfriend Freddie (Tom Burke), James (Rege-Jean Page), and the agency’s psychiatrist Zoe (Naomie Harris), who is also the partner of James. What begins is a game of cat-and-mouse as George plays an intricate game to discover who amongst the five leaked the information and what unravels is a hilarious exploration of messy relationships and an abuse of power.
Yes, the main plot is that of the spy thriller but what is really at play here is how Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp untangles the complications of such characters whose very jobs is to keep secrets. To keep work separate from their personal lives, agents just say “Black Bag” – a code that signals they can’t answer any question because it involves a mission or classified operation. It puts to test the bonds of the only two characters who seem to not have an issue with keeping secrets from each other: Kathryn and George. But when Kathryn is implicated, George must figure out whether she really is involved, and the audience is left to wonder if he will try to protect her or will he expose her.
This isn’t your typical spy thriller that’s action-packed and explosive (though there is one explosion in the whole film). But it’s explosive and action-packed in the way that it reveals how these characters work and interact. In fact, it even borders into comedy by how messed up they have become living the lives that they do. Marisa Abela’s Clarissa is one of the funniest as the youngest person in the room, so she’s a little more brazen, a little more adventurous and not realizing how high the stakes can be.
And the movie is funny, but Soderbergh downplays it and doesn’t direct for the comedy, which makes it even more pronounced. It’s from the wonderful performances of the whole cast that keeps it from getting bogged down by all the jargon. Because ‘Black Bag’ can get dense. It never bothers to explain itself or contextualize things and you have to just keep up and understand the basics to be able to follow.
This is not a movie where you can pick up your phone in the middle of it to text someone (not that you should anyway). It’s a film that requires your full attention because when you do, you can see all the ways by which it plays with us.
I miss these small and intimate movies in the cinema. I don’t want to call it a small movie because it doesn’t have big scenes and large set ups but it’s big in how it makes the most ordinary things – problems in relationships, for example – seem so large and impactful in the larger scheme of things. It’s compact but it packs a large punch.
My Rating:
Secrets, spies, and suspense await. Grab your spy gear and catch Black Bag in cinemas on May 7. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
The Philippines’ biggest folk-pop band Ben&Ben will be bringing their music to Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao for the Philippine leg of their The Traveller Across Dimensions World Tour. Overseas performances will also take place in Singapore and different parts of the United States later in the year.
Tickets are already available for the May 24 show at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, with announcements for the June 8show at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod and the June 22 performance at the SMX Convention Center in Davao to come in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, tickets for the Singapore show at the Arena@Expo on December 14, as well as those for the performance at theThunder Valley Casino inLincoln, California on July 12 are also available for purchase. Additional show dates and venues will be announced as they become final.
For the tour, the nine-piece band will perform tracks from their third studio album, mixed with some of their past hits. The Traveller Across Dimensions album was released on November 29, 2024, and has produced hits like Could Be Something and Tomorrow with You.
The concept album follows the story of Liwanag, the Traveller, as she journeys through three Dimensions: Light, depicting innocence; Energy, depicting struggle; and Feel, depicting maturity. She writes 12 songs along the way, which relate her experiences in each of the Dimensions.
The songs reflect the various experiences of the band members over the past several years and showcase their growth as people, as songwriters, and as musicians. While their signature indie folk sound remains, the group dishes out city pop and electric beats not present in their previous songs. As the group evolves, so do their stories and their music.
“We are excited to bring the songs from The Traveller Across Dimensions to various stages all over the Philippines and the world. It is a privilege to be able to perform for our Liwanag community in different parts of the country, as well as in Singapore and the US,” Ben&Ben said. “We are also grateful for the support of our tour promotions team for paving the way for us to spread light and love to music lovers beyond Philippine shores through our songs. We look forward to seeing all of you in our shows.”
Leading tour and concert promotions companies AEG Presents Asia (Singapore leg), NY Entourage Productions (US leg), and Ovation Productions (Philippines and Singapore legs) have teamed up to bring to life The Traveller Across Dimensions on stage.
AEG Presents has promoted global tours for big-name artists such as Katy Perry, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and Taylor Swift. NY Entourage, through exclusive partnerships with major resort casinos in North America, has brought local artists such as Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, Piolo Pascual, Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, Nonoy Zuñiga, Marco Sison, and Rey Valera to stages across the US and Canada. Ovation Productions is one of the Philippines’ most respected concert producers, having staged successful events for a diverse group of artists including Ed Sheeran, Toto, Air Supply, The Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Tears for Fears, Sting, Celine Dion, Paul Anka, Alanis Morissette, Boyz II Men, and hallyu stars NCT DoJaeJung, Choi Minho, Hwang In Youp, and Park Bo Gum as well as Japanese artists XG, Fujii Kaze, and Ado.
Bogie de Guia, Director at Ovation Productions, said: “It is truly a joy and an honor to again work with the band for their world tour. Having worked with them in their past events, we can truly say that their world-class talent deserves to be heard by more people outside the Philippines. We promise to stage a great show for their fans in Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, and Singapore.”
For his part, Bryan Mosko, Director at AEG Presents Asia, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Ben&Ben! They have such a huge following, and we are glad to be able to help bring their music to people outside their home country.”
NYE President and CEO Nancy Yang added: “Ben&Ben is one of the hottest Philippine bands today. We are happy to be their partner in bringing their music to the US. We believe they are wonderful representatives of Filipino music and their generation.”
Ben&Ben is a multi-awarded Filipino band known for their anthemic sound and electrifying live performances. With critically acclaimed albums that set records in streaming and sales, the nine-piece collective explores personal, emotional, and socio-political themes with underlying messages of human connection, courage, hope, and vulnerability. In less than a decade, they’ve managed to shape an entire generation’s cultural awakening through music that uplifts, inspires, and invites introspection. The band’s songs also serve as both a mirror and a compass, which guide listeners on a journey of self-discovery.
About AEG Presents Asia
Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across four continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside American Express Presents BST Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, and Firefly — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Justin Bieber, Kenny Chesney, Paul McCartney, and Katy Perry, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theaters, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as Goldenvoice, Messina Touring Group, Concerts West, The Bowery Presents, PromoWest Productions, Marshall Arts, Madison House Presents, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at www.aegpresents.com.
About Ovation Productions
A leading concert promotions company in the Philippines, Ovation Productions has been operating since the 1970s and has promoted some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Awarded for its trailblazing work, the company expanded the concert market for international artists in the Philippines by breaking into and developing provincial markets outside Metro Manila. In 2017, Ovation Productions established a presence in Singapore to expand the reach of OPM talents to a global audience. The company also recently established Tap Digital Media Ventures, a media and entertainment company which oversees the operations of eight linear television channels and an over-the-top (OTT) media streaming service, Blast TV. For more information, visit www.ovation.ph
About NY Entourage Productions
NYE is a premier concert tour promotions company based in the Philippines. Since 2007, its dedicated team has been committed to delivering top-tier entertainment and concert productions to audiences at home and abroad. NYE has proudly collaborated with some of the most prestigious corporate clients in the Philippines, providing entertainment for a wide range of business events. It also brings world-class performances to provincial areas, offering communities outside urban centers the rare opportunity to experience live shows by top artists.
Pioneering the international expansion of Filipino entertainment, NYE is the first Filipino promotions company to successfully bring Manila-based acts to the United States and Canadian casino circuits. It has secured exclusive partnerships with major resort casinos across North America. In 2024, NYE was honored with the Concert of the Year award from the PMPC Star Awards, in recognition of its outstanding production of Dear Heart, featuring Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion. For more information, follow NY Entourage Productions @nsyshows on all social media platforms.
Completely sung-through, ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ by Drew Gasparini is more of a patchwork quilt of a play, exploring the feelings of doubt and uncertainty that comes with growing up. There’s a very loose narrative hare, implied upon by the quiet moments between songs as the five players interact with each other without dialogue, as directed by Rem Zamora. These interactions between the actors suggests relationships and histories that are never quite explored and so it leaves a lot to the imagination. What we get, instead, is a musical that puts to song the hopes and dreams and fears and anxieties of people who are no longer children, who are facing the realities of adulting, and wondering if they are who they wanted to be.
Barefoot Theatre Collaborative puts together five incredible performers – Myke Salomon, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and the incredible Gab Pangilinan – to play these characters that can be us or people we know. They sing songs of heartbreak, of living on the edge, of reaching rock bottom, or of reconciling one’s youth to try and make sense with where they are going. Written by Drew Gasparini and featuring a poem by Keith White, ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ is less a story than it is a mood, a moment of interrogation, and sometimes, it’s a declaration.
Photo by CJ Ochoa
The stage is set in the round, with the audience on all four corners of the PowerMac Center Spotlight Blackbox theater. At the center is an elevated stage with a pit in the middle for the band. The stage is cordoned off by a bench that surrounds all sides. Each player comes up, does their quiet interactions hinting at connections, before jumping into songs. The lack of a clear narrative can be jarring, especially if you are unaware of the play’s structure like I was, and you are looking for hints of a story and it wasn’t until the third song that I realized there wasn’t one.
Photo by CJ Ochoa
This is actually a tricky play to perform because each player has got to sing each song and create a character for that song and imbue it with history and a future in the span of the opening verse to the end note. It was extremely difficult for Luigi Quesada who sang the hell out of his solo, but the song is a torch song about love and it felt like a song that would be sung after a lot of stories has already happened. We don’t have access to that story so Quesada is singing his heart out, but the story was missing. But Quesada gets to recite the poem by Keith White that helps frame the whole play and sings the stirring showstopper.
Photo by CJ Ochoa
Myke Salomon had the role where his character was singing songs about other people – mostly family – and so it was in the storytelling form. He was creating the story for us to follow. Cruz had the character with the most radio friendly songs, in my opinion. She has so much personality and verve as an actress that these were easily some of my favorite parts. But that ones who really managed to instill a story in their moments were Gio Gahol, who has a stirring song about hitting rock bottom, and Gab Pangilinan, who filled up the whole PowerMac Center Spotlight that evening but made each song feel like the stand-alone story that it is.
We have such incredible and talented actors in the theater world and these five are wonderful examples of that. With barely a narrative to hold things together, their interactions are authentic and honest, though opaque, and the way that they harmonize through the songs creates a complete picture.
Photo by Kyle Venturillo
As a person who comes into a play looking for a story to chew on, I feel like I’m wanting more, but I was very much full of the incredible performances of these hard-hitting songs. As someone who is going through something right now, on a personal level, this show is a bit of a big group hug that tells us we aren’t alone. If you’re feeling lost, unsure of your path, unsure of the choices you’ve made leading up to the today, Barefoot’s ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ will help you feel like you’re not alone.
It is sometimes useful to withhold information in a film’s story to create a sense of mystery; that would get the audience invested into the narrative and capture their attention. The big reveal would create the “Aha!’ moment in the film’s third act that can create an emotional response that can make cinema fun. From the title alone, the horror film directed by Derick Cabrido and written by Enrico Santos ‘Untold’ attempts to use this structure but ends up undermining its film’s relatability making it a difficult watch. After all, ‘Untold’ is a horror film and by withholding important information at the first act of the film, it becomes harder for us to invest in the protagonist Vivian Vera, played by Jodi Sta. Maria.
The movie is about a reporter, Vivian Vera, who is being haunted by her past. Her latest scoops have not been doing as well as a landmark reportage she did in previous years about a massacre that happened at a real estate development property. That story put three people in jail, three of the culprits and the guard that let them in the property to kill the informal settlers whose homes were being vacated for the project. But now the guard has been set free, and Vivian is seeing the ghosts of the victims, and they are terrorizing her.
There are several things that aren’t working well in this film, the most significant one is the structural issue I stated above. As we enter the film, Vivian is the star reporter of the news program Untold and she’s unpleasant to work with, she comes off as two-faced to her boss and to the people around her, and she seems more concerned about her career than anything else. It’s a tough person to like, even when played by Jodi Sta Maria. Her character’s vulnerable side is her relationship with her mother (Gloria Diaz). The film, though, never takes a moment to really cement their dynamic. The nuances and textures of their relationship, much like the big mystery about why Vivian is being haunted, is left as a big exposition scene at the third act. This means that throughout the first two acts, Vivian is a character that we do not like and so it is hard for us to care about her and the fact that these spirits are haunting her.
For a horror film to succeed, we need to be able to care about the safety of the protagonist or at least someone good but this film has a huge absence of innocents. Almost everyone has a dark side or secret. Even the most innocent of the characters, Juan Karlos’ Jasper Torres, who works with Vivian and has an intense crush on her. He is the closest to good with have in the film but when you realize that he is blind to Vivian’s dark side that he would support her even after he discovers who she is do we see that he can’t be all that good. Without someone to root for, the hauntings become less scary.
And this is where it also fails. They say, “less is more” and ‘Untold’ could have used a bit more of this adage because the film is just chock-full of these scary moments. Vivian is constantly entering into a trance and being grabbed and groped and choked by these spirits, but she also ends up alive after every attack. No actual physical harm comes to her. After a certain point, they stop being scary because there’s no real apparent danger. The more we see – and we see the make-up, the special effects, and we get used to loud sound design that comes with everything haunting – we become desensitized and at some point, the people behind me at the cinema just started laughing.The film has a lot to say about not taking everything we see on media at face value. It asks us to interrogate what we see, ask questions, verify information and challenges everyone in that field to hold on to their integrity. It is quick to punish those that have stepped out of line but offers no counterpoint or comparison, so it comes off cynical and jaded. It’s not an easy watch. Even in films like these, we still need someone to root for.
My Rating:
Untold is now showing in cinemas! Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
I’m not that familiar with the Norwegian playwright and “the father of modern drama” other than having read ‘A Doll’s House’ back in college. So coming into CAST’s staging of an adaptation of his ‘An Enemy of the People’ was refreshing as I had nothing to compare it with. The adaptation, written and directed for the stage by Nelsito Gomez takes on the title ‘In the Eyes of the People’ and Gomez brings a heart serving of Filipino-ness in his reworking of the play. Set in modern times in the fictional Visayan town of Sta Christina, the play is a battleground for truth, politics, science, and the good of the people.
The play opens with a press conference about the grand opening of a hot spring resort in the town of Sta Christina. It is the project of Mayor Peter Lopez (Ron Capinding), who hopes the resort will make the town a tourist destination that would “rival Boracay” and brings thousands of jobs and tourism money to his small town. He invites his sister, Dr. Tricia Lopez-Ramos (Jenny Jamora), to talk about the benefits of the hot springs as she is the head scientist in charge of the project. From the get-go, we can see that the mayor is charming and has a way with words while Tricia isn’t comfortable in the spotlight but the brother-sister tandem is resolute that this project would be good for the town until Tricia discovers there’s an unknown bacteria growing in the waters and as she calls on her brother to delay the opening to ensure the safety of the people, Peter weights in on the loss of income and jobs that a delay would cause. Complicating the issue is Triccia’s daughter, Pauline (Jam Binay), who works in a local paper with her boyfriend Enzo (Zoe De Ocampo), who are deadset in revealing the truth. Rounding up the cast are Nor Domingo as Triccia’s husband Alvin and Katskie Flores as Ruby Ganpon, Peter’s competition for mayor in the upcoming election.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
The play is practically a face-off between brother and sister as they weight in on what is truly good for the people. The jobs and economic security versus their health over a bacteria that may or may not be the cause of the sickness a young girl has caught after swimming in the hot springs. The younger members of the play, Pauline and Enzo, represent a tug-of-war between the ethics of responsible journalism while Alvin is the bystander who wants none of the trouble.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
What’s amazing about this staging and the writing of the adaptation is how real this whole play feels. The relationship of brother and sister complicates the arguments and the filial ties being torn up by this debate is what makes this show so remarkable. There’s an added layer of the Visayan-ness of the characters. At some point, the dialogue shifts for a brief moment to Bisaya when Ruby and Triccia share some words about the issue and it strikes home. The way the play figures in politics, greed, and ignorance plays so close to the hilt in some real-world issues that are troubling us today.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
As someone whose family is from the Visayas, there’s aspects of the characterizations that feels so real to me. The stars of the show, Jamora and Capinding, are what sells this fiction and presents it as a relevant allegory for our time. Jamora’s Triccia is such a great example of an educated Visayan woman (in the play, she’s finished her PhD in Harvard), learned and unaware of her own power. This is amplified by the way she deals with her brother. Capinding’s Peter is a pitch perfect portrayal of the grounded, jolly Visayan man who grew up with money but downplays it as he tries to portray himself as an everyman. There’s a posture and a sway about him that reminds me a lot of people that I know from Bacolod. Jamora and Capinding’s performances are so visceral and authentic that they completely take full command of that stage. It’s electrifying to see them at work and because the Mirror Studios is such small, intimate performance space, you see everything up close. The two never miss a beat.
The play teeters into the milieu of upper class problems, with all the characters so highly educated and sophisticated, but it is completely tempered by the arrival of Ruby Ganpon. Katskie Flores is a force of nature as she delivers a powerful take down that grounds the play and reminds us about the people who are not so privileged and who are the ones whose lives are really at stake. This exchange can sometimes feel pedantic and a little on-the-nose but the message is so necessary, especially in these times when everyone is out just for themselves and not thinking about society as a whole.
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Chua
The stage design is simple, with the characters coming in to change the set and furniture to move into a new scene but the narrative is supported by the backdrop turning into a full on projector screen. The projection designs by GA Fallarme helps situate us in each moment – the press conference, a public debate, and the outside world in the form of social media content – the simplicity of the set allows for the projections to fill in the gaps to amplify the spectacle of this battle of wits.
It’s fast-paced and funny but ‘In the Eyes of the People’ is also through-provoking and leads us into a call to action. I’m mostly amazed at how Fiipino this production is originating from an Ibsen play.
‘In the Eyes of the People’ is down to its last weekend at the Mirror Studios.
Arctic Action Unleashed: Tom Cruise on Location in Svalbard
In a brand-new behind-the-scenes featurette for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Tom Cruise transports fans to one of the most stunning and remote filming locations ever used in the franchise—Svalbard, a pristine Arctic wilderness. Calling it “a privilege,” Cruise shares how the raw beauty and extreme conditions of the region helped elevate the intensity and realism of the scenes.
“Svalbard is just breathtakingly beautiful.. It’s a unique experience,” Cruise says in the exclusive behind-the-scenes.
Go Behind the Scenes With the Cast and Crew
Directed by long-time collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, this latest chapter in the Mission: Impossible saga invites fans behind the curtain as the cast and crew navigate icy terrains, helicopter stunts, and the chilling silence of the Arctic to bring Ethan Hunt’s next adventure to life.
With Tom Cruise leading the charge, supported by a stellar cast including Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Esai Morales, The Final Reckoning promises high-stakes thrills, heart-pounding visuals, and groundbreaking cinematography—all captured in breathtaking formats including IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema.
Mark Your Calendars: May 17
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning opens exclusively in theatres this Saturday, May 17. Experience the adrenaline-pumping action the way it was meant to be seen—on the biggest screens with the most immersive technology available. Book your cinema seats here.
Follow @TomCruise for more exclusive content and never-before-seen glimpses from the Arctic.
May’s scorching heat is no match for Netflix’s sizzling lineup of new shows and films hitting your screens in 2025! As Manila swelters, it’s the perfect excuse to stay indoors, kick back, cozy up with a cold drink and binge the latest streaming shows and films. From The Devil’s Plan’s brainy battles to Fear Street: Prom Queen’s creepy thrills and Tastefully Yours’ sweet sparks, there’s a story for every Pinoy binge-watcher. Ready to plan your watch party? Here’s your ClickTheCity guide to Netflix’s must-see picks this month. What’s topping your list?
The Devil’s Plan pits a Go legend, poker pro, Hollywood actor, news anchor, and lawyer against each other in a high-stakes battle of wits. Who’ll outsmart the rest? Perfect for fans of Squid Game’s strategic chaos.
Why Watch? Mind-bending fun that’ll keep you guessing.
Shadyside High’s 1988 prom is a bloodbath! Underdog Lori battles cutthroat rivals for prom queen, but a killer’s picking off candidates. Starring Fina Strazza and Ariana Greenblatt, this Fear Street chapter is peak retro horror.
Why Watch? Creepy vibes for your late-night binge.
Our Unwritten Seoul (Series) Launch Date: May 24
Twin sisters—one from Seoul, one from the countryside—swap lives in this fun, fish-out-of-water drama. Chaos and heart ensue!
Why Watch? A light, bingeable gem.
F1: The Academy (Sports Series) Launch Date: May 28
Reunited as teens, two childhood friends fall deeply in love, experiencing the joy and heartache of a first romance that will change their lives forever.
Tastefully Yours (Series) Launch Date: May 12
Sparks–and maybe love–fly in Jeonju’s tiny little restaurant. A food conglomerate heir obsessed with finding the best recipes finds them, and love, in a one-table restaurant.
Dear Hongrang (Series) Launch Date: May 16
When a long-missing heir returns with lost memories, love and suspicion entwine. Is he truly Hongrang, or a stranger disturbing hearts and family ties?
MarJo is back! Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin ignite ‘90s nostalgia in this kilig-packed rom-com. Joy (Jolina) jets to Valletta, Malta, to convince her ex, Ced (Marvin), to walk their daughter, SC (Loisa Andalio), downthe aisle. Their plan to delay SC’s wedding to Joey (Juan Karlos Labajo) sparks old flames. Directed by JP Habac, it’s a heartfelt nod to Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang? fans. Manila’s rom-com lovers, get ready!
Why Watch? A funny, heartfelt nostalgia fest. #ExExLovers
GRIPPING THRILLERS
Love, Death & Robots: Volume 4 (Series) Launch Date: May 15
Dinosaur gladiators, messianic cats, string-puppet rock stars — it can only be Love, Death + Robots. The fourth volume, presented by Tim Miller (Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate) and David Fincher (Mindhunter, The Killer), sees Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 2, Season 3’s “Kill Team Kill” return as supervising director for ten startling shorts showcasing the series’ signature, award-winning style of bleeding-edge animation, horror, sci-fi, and humor. Buckle up.
Devon thinks her sister Simone has a really creepy relationship with her new boss, the enigmatic socialite Michaela Kell. Michaela’s cult-ish life of luxury is like a drug to Simone, and Devon has decided it’s time for an intervention, but she has no idea what a formidable opponent Michaela will be. Told over the course of one explosive weekend at The Kells’ lavish beach estate, Sirens is an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class.
Dept. Q (Series) Launch Date: May 29
A brash but brilliant detective (Matthew Goode) leads a cold case unit in this Edinburgh-based drama by the writer and director of “The Queen’s Gambit”.
MORE FOR YOUR MUST-WATCH LIST
Unseen: Season 2 (Series) Launch Date: May 2
In the wake of tragedy, Zenzi is forced to trust those who put her behind bars. Will her newfound desire for freedom finally put her grief to rest?
Full Speed: Season 2 (Sports Series) Launch Date: May 7
In the race for the 2024 NASCAR championship, this high-octane documentary series gets closer than ever to the drama on and off the track.
Blood of Zeus: Season 3 (Series) Launch Date: May 8
An ambitious but overlooked teacher wants to be head of a prestigious school, but must climb a slippery ladder of lies and corruption to reach the top.
At a private school where gambling determines social status, a skillful new student with a mysterious past is shaking things up — and betting on revenge.
When a neighbor’s au pair vanishes from her wealthy suburb, Cecilie seeks answers — and unravels secrets that shatter her seemingly perfect world.
Tyler Perry’s She The People (Series) Launch Date: May 22
As she tries to shine in politics, Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor must manage her zany family and overcome a boss who’s stuck in the past.
Lost in Starlight (Film) Launch Date: COMING SOON
When an astronaut leaves Earth for Mars, the vast infinite space divides star-crossed lovers in this animated romance that crosses the cosmos.
With temperatures continuing to soar across the country, Netflix’s May 2025 lineup is a welcome escape from the scorching outdoors. From explosive mysteries and twisted love stories to high-speed sports drama and animated cosmic adventures, it’s the perfect time to chill—literally and figuratively—with your next favorite binge. So stay cool, stay hydrated, and let Netflix take care of the entertainment.
The remarkable true story that has touched the hearts of audiences worldwide is finally opening in Manila. GMG Productions and Stages have confirmed today that they will be staging their own fresh take on the multi-award-winning hit musical, Come From Away. Showcasing a new creative vision for the production and the talents of a Filipino-led cast and creatives, this production is a milestone in GMG Production’s dedication to celebrating and elevating the Philippine theatre industry. Come From Away will be staged at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT) for a strictly limited season from June 6 to 29, 2025.
“With Come From Away, GMG Productions is proud to embark on this exciting new chapter, workingwith a Filipino-led cast and crew for the first time,” shares Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions. “This production is a celebration of the incredible talent in the Philippines, and wecannot wait to share this powerful story with audiences.”
Audie Gemora founder of Stages Productions adds “I along with Butch Jimenez and Jaeger Tancohave had the privilege to work with GMG in the past. We’re thrilled to reveal that Stages will beco-producing Come From Away with GMG. Our collective desire has always been to produce a showchampioning Filipino talent with them. We all believe this is the perfect show to do just that!”
A Musical That Inspires in Challenging Times
Set in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers unexpectedly grounded in Gander, Newfoundland. The extraordinary generosity of the town’s residents highlights the power of kindness and unity in times of crisis. Premiering on Broadway in 2013, the musical garnered widespread acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling, powerful music, and its portrayal of the human spirit. The Chicago Tribune called it “ashow you should see right now, for the benefit of your own spirit,” while Time Out described it as “atotally, soul-feedingly wonderful musical.” The Daily Beast hailed the show as “a celebration of thebest of humankind and an uplifting piece of art for our times.”
ComeFromAway has received well-deserved recognition in the industry, including winning the Tony Award for Best Direction and being nominated for Best Musical. It has also won multiple Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Theatre Choreography, Best Sound Design, Outstanding Achievement in Music, and the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Book of a Musical.
“This show offers more than just a night at the theatre; it’s an inspiring celebration of humanity andpeople coming together,” says Candal. “It’s a story that Manila audiences will not only relate to butwill also find profoundly uplifting, especially in today’s unpredictable times.”
A Legendary Ensemble and Visionary Creatives
Come From Away brings together an all-star cast of Philippine theatre legends, whose collective achievements have left a mark on the local and international stages. The cast of 15 performers includes Cathy Azanza-Dy, Caisa Borromeo, Garrett Bolden, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Becca Coates, Steven Cadd, Mayen Cadd, Rycharde Everly, Topper Fabregas, Sheila Francisco, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Gian Magdangal, George Schulze, and Chino Veguillas.
“Come From Away is the perfect vehicle to showcase home-grown talent as the musical requiresversatile actors to play different characters,” says Gemora. “Let me tell you, we have assembled thebest of the best Philippine theater has to offer. The energy surrounding this production is through theroof! This is going to be epic.”
Michael Williams is set to direct Come From Away, with Rony Fortich as musical director. “Thisshow is a testament to the power of community—how kindness, resilience, and human connectionbring hope even in the darkest times. I’m thrilled to work with some of the most talented artists inPhilippine theater to bring our passion and storytelling to this incredible production,” says Williams.
They are joined by Delphine Buencamino (Choreography), Harry Tabner (Lighting Designer), Luke Swaffield (Sound Designer), Kayla Teodoro (Production Designer), Myrene Santos (Hair and Makeup Designer), Hershee Tatiado (Costume Designer), and Joel Goldes the dialect coach from the original Broadway production of Come From Away. Together, this world-class creative team blends Filipino and West End talents, staying true to the show’s spirit while highlighting Filipino artistry.
Be Part of the Journey
Come From Away will run from June 6 to 29 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (S-PAT), with tickets officially available on February 22 through TicketWorld, starting at PHP900. Theatre fans can also enjoy early access through UnionBank of the Philippines, GMG Productions’ official 2025 season bank sponsor and pre-sale partner, or join the GMG Come From Away waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com. The pre-sale period runs from February 18 to 21.
Stay updated on upcoming productions by visiting www.gmg-productions.com or following @gmg.productions on social media.
*Come From Away is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International(MTI), New York, NU, USA. All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI.www.mtishows.com
When you drink something good, it shows—inside and out. This summer, Del Monte Juice Drinks is turning up the feel-good factor with real fruit goodness that nourishes from within so that it unmistakenly shows outwards. Every sip is packed with antioxidant Vitamin C, giving you that natural glow-up you can feel good about.
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Catch the thrilling return of Death’s deadly design—five days before the official release!
Horror fans, get ready for an early scare! Final Destination: Bloodlines—the long-awaited next chapter in the blood-curdling horror franchise—is offering exclusive sneak previews on May 9 and 10, ahead of its official theatrical release on May 14, 2025.
This early viewing opportunity gives fans a thrilling head start before the franchise’s return shocks theaters worldwide.
A Terrifying Twist Back to the Beginning
Starring rising star Kaitlyn Santa Juana, whose Filipina heritage adds a layer of pride for local audiences, Bloodlinesrewinds the clock to reveal the chilling origin story behind Death’s twisted sense of justice.
Santa Juana plays Stefanie, a college student haunted by violent nightmares that send her home in search of answers. What she finds, however, is far more sinister: a deadly curse with her family’s fate hanging in the balance.
This latest installment lands as the Final Destination series marks 25 years of spine-tingling success. The anticipation is real—after Warner Bros. dropped the trailer on March 25, fans responded in droves, racking up over 25 million views in just 24 hours.
Official Philippine Release: May 14, 2025 (IMAX & theaters)
International Release: May 16, 2025
Don’t wait for fate to catch up. Be among the first to experience the beginning of Death’s deadly game. Book your seats now—because in Final Destination: Bloodlines, being early might just save your life.
