A two-act romantic musical comedy set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis and the ever-present glow of dating apps and social media.
This fresh take on a timeless tale explores the highs and lows of love in today’s fast-paced world. Played by four actors in twenty vignettes, it covers “everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.”
From awkward first dates to courtship, marriage and the complexities of commitment, each vignette captures the essence of contemporary romance, reminding us that amidst the chaos, love and genuine connections still prevail.
𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐘𝐎𝐔, 𝐘𝐎𝐔’𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓, 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄
FEB. 20 to MAR. 9, 2025
REP Eastwood Theater 4th Floor Eastwood Citywalk 2 Eastwood City
Because it is based on a 1980 short story by Stephen King and directed and written by Osgood Perkins who gave us such frightening movies like ‘Longlegs,’ I was quite pleasantly surprised that ‘The Monkey’ is as hilarious as it is creepy. The film takes great joy in the irony and the gruesome nature of the deaths that happen in the story. It takes a comic approach to make large-scale set ups that maximizes brutal scenes of accidental murder. Unlike ‘Longlegs’ where Perkins disturbs us with a slow build-up of tension and dread, ‘The Monkey’ is in-you-face with the violence. You know it’s coming, and the outrageousness of its execution and the extremity of its bloody effects are what makes you laugh. The horror is the idea of how and why it is happening.
At the heart of the story is the relationship of twin brothers, Hal and Bill Shelburn. The two couldn’t be more opposite of each other. Bill is a horrible bully and takes pride in torturing his younger brother. Hal is kinder, softer, and does not know how to fight back. Their father is missing all their lives and their mother takes a more care-free, free-spirited approach to raising her two boys. The twins do enjoy going over their father’s stuff as he happens to have been a hoarder and a collector of an eclectic items from all over the world. This includes a toy monkey that never goes away and, if you wind it up, ends up killing someone randomly in the most horrible of ways possible.
Traumatized by the first accidental killing, Hal realises the monkey is to blame somehow. He then tries to use the monkey to kill Bill but the monkey “doesn’t take requests.” The death sends the twins into a tragedy that forces them to throw away the toy down a well and have been estranged ever since.
BTS THE MONKEY Osgood Perkins and Theo James Courtesy of NEON
Now grown-up, Hal trying to live a quiet, peaceful life. The trauma of his experience with the monkey has left him isolated and introverted and will only see his son once a year, for his son’s safety. But on their visit, he is told his aunt is dead and he must reclaim her things and one of them is the monkey. Suddenly, Hal’s old hometown is experiencing a slew of outrageous accidental deaths, and he knows the monkey is loose and someone is winding him up.
THE MONKEY Courtesy of NEON
Through the narration of Hal, the film takes on a cynical and jaded look at the world that gives a world view that everyone is essentially mean and cruel. It seems that Hal is the only person who is trying to protect people, and this even puts a wedge between him and his son, Petey. Despite how bad things get, and how awful people turn out to be, Hal is desperately trying to stay sane and good.
THE MONKEY Courtesy of NEON
It’s quite an interesting little dark fable that is a refreshing take on the demonic toy narrative. By leaning into its humor, it finds a new one to be enjoyable. It’s still creepy – just the design of the toy monkey is enough to send shivers down your spine – and the way Perkins shoots the toy creates enough horror to amplify the terrifying thought that the world is filled with bad people.
THE MONKEY Courtesy of NEON
I’ve never been a big fan of Theo James as an actor, but he fits so well playing the double role of Hal and Bill, the older versions. Both characters are so different from each other and James manages to create a texture for both that suits the tone of the film so well. Playing the younger version, Christian Convery does an excellent job playing Hal but doesn’t let his Bill because as scary and as sinister as he could be. It’s such a joy to see Tatiana Maslany on the big screen. I’m a huge fan of her because of her work in ‘Orphan Black’ and playing the role of the twins’ mother allows a special place for both warmth and recklessness. She’s a bitter woman who is trying her best to save whatever love she still has for her kids. It’s such a nuanced performance that it helps ground the film despite its strangeness.
‘The Monkey’ is a fun little twist that I could use a bit more of these days. It’s nice to see a horror film have a lot of fun with its audience and its own self.
My Rating:
The Monkey is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
From the visionary mind behind Parasite comes Mickey 17, Bong Joon Ho’s much-anticipated return to the director’s chair. Starring Robert Pattinson in a mind-bending sci-fi thriller, the film hits Philippine cinemas on March 5, 2025.
Bong Joon Ho on the Novel That Captivated Him
The Oscar-winning director was immediately drawn to Mickey 7, Edward Ashton’s novel on which the film is based. Bong described the concept of human printing—a unique twist on cloning—as instantly fascinating.
“I thought that it had such a unique concept, which is human printing, and that’s very different from human cloning,” says the filmmaker. “It’s like you’re printing out humans as if human beings are just pieces of paper, documents to be printed out. And I thought that human printing – even in the expression itself – we could sense the tragedy of that condition and that profession. And so, I started thinking about what it would be like to actually be that person being printed out. All these thoughts came to me and I was completely in that world instantly.”
“Even in the original novel, Mickey is quite an average person… but I wanted to make him even more average, even lower class, even more of a loser,” says Bong. “And so, all these ideas for adapting the story came to me instantly. I was fascinated by the concept of human printing and just captivated by the character of Mickey, who is not a superhero, who is this everyman, normal, average man going through this crazy journey.”
Robert Pattinson on Working With Bong Joon Ho
For Pattinson, taking on the role of Mickey was an easy decision. He praised Bong’s filmmaking prowess, calling him “a filmmaker every actor dreams of working with.”
On reading the script, Pattinson recalls, “It’s one of those scripts where I haven’t read anything like it in a long time, and I don’t think I’ll ever read anything like it again. Then to know that it’s someone with his level of pedigree coming to this script which, in some ways, is also like a sci-fi farce.”
“Actually, I have no idea how to describe it to people at all. Even just the beginning: ‘So, it’s about a pastry chef in the future. He has a macaron shop. And he takes out a very risky loan with loan sharks and then he gets onto a mission to space, where he gets reprinted over and over again.’ [Laughs] You go off the rails almost immediately trying to describe it. At first, I thought it was a risk, but as soon as I started doing it, it didn’t feel like a risk at all. Bong just has such extreme certainty about what he wants to shoot and so much confidence that you get into his rhythms really quickly.”
A Mind-Bending Sci-Fi Experience
Mickey 17 follows unlikely hero Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), a disposable employee on a deep-space mission where dying is just part of the job. Each time he perishes, his employer simply prints out a new version of him. But when Mickey realizes he doesn’t want to be replaced, things spiral into chaos.
The film boasts a powerhouse cast, including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. Produced by the award-winning team behind Moonlight and 12 Years a Slave, Mickey 17 promises a gripping, visually stunning, and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Catch Mickey 17 in Cinemas on March 5!
Get ready for a sci-fi journey unlike any other! Don’t miss Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho, and starring Robert Pattinson, in Philippine cinemas on March 5, 2025. Join the conversation! Use the hashtag #Mickey17
In celebration of women’s month, Bridgetowne Destination Estate will be hosting a series of Yoga Sessions in partnership with Movement in Play, BreatheLearnThrive and Yoga-and-life. The combination of yoga and the peaceful setting of Bridgetowne Central Park seems like the perfect way to celebrate and unwind for Women’s Month.
Beginners and art enthusiasts can indulge in sessions led by BreatheLearnThrive. “Rooted in Art”, a painting workshop will be held on March 16 at 4 pm. Beginners and Sundown Yoga for 2 will be held on March 29, while another art “Thoughts in a Tote” workshop will be held on March 30. Vina Oca, a certified yoga teacher will teach vinsaya yoga which combines yoga /movement/breathing with music and choreography. This will be on March 15 at 4:30 pm. The series of sessions hosted by Movement in Play will be a great way for participants to immerse themselves in yoga and experience the health benefits it offers, especially in terms of stress relief. Sessions will be held at the Bridgetowne Central Park on all Saturdays of March: 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 7:00 am.
Interested individuals are encouraged to be part of all 4 sessions to learn more on the benefits of Yoga. Yoga uses physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation to improve overall health. In today’s lifestyle, yoga has proven provide long term relief from daily stressors.
For more details follow bridgetownedestinationestate at IG/FB to know more.
For fans of gripping high school dramas packed with mystery, action, and heartfelt moments, this year brings an exciting lineup of K-dramas that promise to keep you at the edge of your seat. Whether you love intense fight scenes, undercover missions, or thought- provoking narratives, Study Group, The Witch, and Undercover High School each bring something fresh to the screen. Here’s why these dramas should be on your must-watch list.
Study Group: When Studying is a Battle Cast: Hwang Min Young, Han Ji Eun
For anyone who has ever struggled to ace their exams, Study Group offers a story that resonates—but with a thrilling twist. Yun Ga Min, a hardworking student at one of the worst schools in South Korea, dreams of getting into college. The problem? He’s only good at fighting, not studying. Despite his dedication, his grades never seem to improve. But when bullies start targeting his study group, Ga Min doesn’t hesitate to use his fists to protect his friends.
Viu Original, The Witch: A Tale of Misunderstood Love and Redemption Cast: Park Jin Young, Roh Jeong Eui
Have you ever wanted to change the past? The Witch dives deep into the weight of unspoken feelings, regrets, and the power of redemption. The story follows Dong-jin, who never confessed his feelings for Mi-jeong, a girl excluded by their classmates and unfairly labeled as a witch after a tragic incident in high school. Haunted by guilt, he dedicates his life to statistical studies in a desperate attempt to rewrite her story.
Viu Original, Undercover High School: Action, Espionage, and Second Chances? Cast: Seo Kang Joon, Jin Ki Joo, Kim Shin Rok
If you enjoy K-dramas with undercover agents, secret missions, and unexpected romance, then Undercover High School is the perfect pick. Jung Hae Seong, a demoted NIS agent, is sent on an unusual mission—he must pose as a high school student at Byeongmoon High School to recover a missing national treasure. But things get complicated when his homeroom teacher, Oh Soo A, starts to notice something eerily familiar about him. Could he be connected to her painful past?
Which one are you adding to your watchlist? Don’t miss out—catch these new K-dramas and experience the best of Korean entertainment!
This week’s new movie lineup is all about music, romance, and spine-chilling thrills! Timothée Chalamet steps into the shoes of a music icon in A Complete Unknown, while Everything About My Wife brings the laughs with Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, and Sam Milby. Gothic horror takes center stage in Nosferatu, delivering eerie chills, while Secret: Untold Melody blends romance, fantasy, and music for a magical love story. Drama unfolds in Sing Sing, a powerful tale of resilience starring Colman Domingo. And for eco-horror fans, Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana face off in The Caretakers. Ready to plan your cinema trip? Grab your movie squad, load up on extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-watch films at a theater near you!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2025 • PG • 2 hrs 20 mins DRAMA, MUSIC BUY TICKETS
Set in the early 1960s, this biopic chronicles the journey of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Chalamet) as he arrives in New York’s West Village. With his guitar in hand and revolutionary talent, Dylan forges relationships with musical icons, setting the stage to transform American music forever. Directed by James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown” has garnered critical acclaim, earning eight Academy Award nominations. Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan has been particularly lauded, with critics highlighting his magnetic performance. The film offers an intimate look into the life of a musical legend, making it a must-watch for both fans and newcomers alike.
In this delightful romantic comedy, an unhappily married man (Trillo) devises a plan to end his marriage by hiring a charming Casanova (Milby) to seduce his wife (Mercado). However, as he witnesses his wife’s interactions, he begins to see her in a new light, realizing the depth of his feelings and the gravity of his mistake. “Everything About My Wife” offers a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of love, marriage, and the complexities of relationships. The chemistry between the lead actors brings authenticity to the narrative, making it a relatable watch for many.
This gothic horror tale centers on a haunted young woman (Depp) and her terrifying entanglement with a mysterious vampire (Skarsgård). As their obsession grows, it unleashes untold horrors upon their world. Directed by Robert Eggers, “Nosferatu” is a reimagining of the classic vampire story, blending atmospheric tension with compelling performances. The film delves deep into themes of obsession and the supernatural, offering a fresh take on a timeless legend.
2025 • G • 1 hr 44 mins DRAMA, FANTASY, MUSIC, ROMANCE BUY TICKETS
A talented pianist (Kyung-soo) facing a creative slump encounters a mysterious woman (Jin-ah) playing an enigmatic melody. This chance meeting propels him into a journey of self-discovery, forcing him to make life-altering decisions. “Secret: Untold Melody” intertwines elements of fantasy and romance, underscored by a captivating musical score. The film explores the transformative power of music and love, resonating with those who have ever faced crossroads in their creative pursuits.
Divine G (Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, discovers purpose by joining a theater group composed of fellow inmates. Through the transformative power of art, they navigate the challenges of incarceration, finding resilience and humanity. “Sing Sing” is a poignant narrative that sheds light on the redemptive power of creativity within the confines of prison walls. The film offers a raw and authentic portrayal of life behind bars, emphasizing the importance of hope and artistic expression.
This eco-horror film centers on a fierce battle between two mothers, Audrey (Calzado) and Lydia (Romana), over the ownership of a piece of land. Audrey, from the city, arrives to claim the land her husband’s family owns, while Lydia, the caretaker, fiercely protects the land her family has occupied for years. “The Caretakers” delves into themes of heritage, environmentalism, and the supernatural. The intense performances by Calzado and Romana bring depth to this chilling tale, making it a standout in the horror genre.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
2025 • PG • 1 hr 50 mins ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY GET SHOWTIMES
So, there you have it – six exciting new movies hitting theaters this week! From action-packed thrillers to chilling horror flicks, heartwarming documentaries, and captivating animated adventures, there’s a film for every taste. Don’t miss out—check our Movie Section for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!
Established in 2022, PICKUP COFFEE is redefining the coffee experience in the Philippine coffee scene. With over 300 branches nationwide and 20 million cups sold—including 3 million cups of its iconic Kape Kastila—PICKUP COFFEE has cemented its role as a key player in delivering premium yet surprisingly affordable coffee to Filipinos.
On February 5, PICKUP COFFEE celebrated a milestone moment during its Welcoming Event at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, where the brand unveiled its newest endorser, Donny Pangilinan, and showcased its signature handcrafted beverages. During the event, Francis Flores, PICKUP COFFEE’s Country CEO, highlighted the company’s mission:
“Since we launched in February 2022, our team has remained steadfast in achieving our mission—to UPlift everyone through delicious, high-quality, and surprisingly affordable beverages, everywhere, one PICKUP at a time.”
Donny Pangilinan’s introduction was a major highlight of the program, complete with a playful backstage search that built excitement among fans in attendance. Sharing the stage with PICKUP COFFEE’s iconic beverages, Donny expressed his enthusiasm: “Saying yes to joining the PICKUP COFFEE family was easy. They’ve perfected the balance of premium quality and affordability—it’s something you don’t see every day. It’s become my go-to because it just hits the spot every time.”
Known for its bean-to-cup promise, PICKUP COFFEE espresso-based beverages are made with 100% Arabica beans and a double shot of espresso, ensuring bold, rich flavor in every sip. Fans got to witness this firsthand during a live demo, where Donny prepared perfect espresso shots and served Kape Kastilas to lucky audience members.
At the heart of the celebration were PICKUP COFFEE’s renowned PICKUP Signatures: the rich and velvety Kape Kastila, the smooth and indulgent White Mocha, the sweet and bold Caramel Macchiato, and the creamy PICKUP Crème Latte. These crowd favorites underscore the brand’s dedication to serving beverages that cater to every coffee lover’s palate.
PICKUP COFFEE continues to make premium coffee experiences accessible to all, proving that quality doesn’t have to break the bank. From its beverages to its latest partnership with Donny Pangilinan, PICKUP COFFEE continues to prove why #ItsBetterEspresso
As part of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to MEGreen sustainability initiatives, Belmont Hotel Manila and Savoy Hotel Manila are excited to announce their partnership for an innovative sustainable initiative designed to enhance sustainability in their shared spaces. This collaborative effort will unite dedicated teams from both hotels, fostering teamwork and creativity to improve communal areas and gardens.
As part of this initiative, the two hotels will engage in a unique seed exchange, promoting collaboration and the sharing of resources. The Savoy Hotel Manila (SHM) team plant Romaine Lettuce seeds at the Belmont Hotel Manila’s (BHM) property, while BHM will cultivate Chinese Kale and Red Amarante seeds at SHM’s rooftop garden. This exchange not only enriches the diversity of their gardens but also strengthens the bond between the teams as they work together towards a common goal.
The produce harvested from this initiative will be utilized as fresh ingredients in the hotels’ culinary offerings, enhancing the farm-to-table experience for guests and showcasing their commitment to local sourcing.
By working together, both hotels aim to create vibrant, eco-friendly environments that enhance the aesthetic appeal of their spaces while promoting sustainable practices. This initiative not only reflects their dedication to environmental stewardship but also serves as an inspiration for guests and the local community to embrace responsible, eco-conscious behaviors.
As a corporate crime suspense thriller, ‘Buried Hearts’ takes an interesting approach to its narrative structure. The show opens with a flash-forward, a man’s body is discovered in the sea, dead, with an emphasis on his watch. We go back in time, to see Seo Dong-Joo (Park Hyung-Sik) attending a government hearing where Heo Il-do (Lee Hae-Young) is being grilled over the possibility of corruption in an energy collaboration between Heo Il-do’s company and the government. Seo Dong-Joo then sends a signal to an assemblyman, who incites chaos into the proceeding. Already, we are told that Dae-san, the company of Heo Il-do and Seo Dong-Joo are not to be trifled with.
The set up shows us the dirty dealings of a chaebol and how you’d never want to mess with their people. Seo Dong-Joo is one of those people, the right-hand man of Cha Gang-Cheon (Woo Hyeon), the CEO of Daesan and the father-in-law of Heo Il-do. In fact, the first episode is quick to show us that Cha Gang-Cheon is much closer to Seo Dong-Joo than Heo Il-do and Heo Il-do is not happy about it, neither is his wife, Cha Deok-Hee (Kim Jung Nam). But Seo Dong-Joo is loyal and is working hard playing the politics of business to try and get a promotion for himself. Keeping him grounded is his lover, Yeo Eunnam (Hong Hwa-Yeon), who is also working at Daesan.
Photo courtesy of Disney+ | Buried Hearts (Park Hyung-sik, Seo Dongju)
From the get-go, the series feels like it’s primarily a suspense thriller set in the messy world of conglomerates. Seo Dong-Joo’s goal seems to be how he’ll navigate raising in the ranks, especially when he’s not part of the family; as chaebol families have a tendency of keeping the highest positions in the business only to family. Seo Dong-Joo had already given up dating Cha Gang-Cheon’s granddaughter for Yeo Eunnam.
But the big twist is that this thriller’s fulcrum, the surprise at the end of episode one, is that this is a love story, and Seo Dong-Joo must contend with Eunnam in ways that was predictable but still shocking when it unfolds.
What makes ‘Buried Hearts’ so interesting is the narrative approach to the story. Director Jin Chang-Gyu (‘Military Prosecutor Doberman’) and writer Lee Myung-hee allows the story to begin right in the middle without taking too much time establishing characters and relationships. The show does that while the plot is unraveling before our eyes. It’s a hit-the-ground-running sort of approach that gives ‘Buried Hearts’ a different energy and pace. It’s exciting because there’s so much, we still don’t know but we are already at the heat of it, most especially by the end of episode one, that there’s very little room to breathe.
While Heo Il-do and his family seem to be an obvious obstacle for Seo Dong-Joo, the big mystery is how Heo Jun-Ho’s Yeom Jang-Sun plays into it. A former prosecutor and what seems like a current-day fixer is trying to create a relationship between himself and the Daesan group. He also has a connection with Seo Dong-Joo (is he Dong-Joo’s mentor?) but the show is setting him up to be the main adversary. This is where the politics and intrigue of the chaebol world will come to play, and I hope it’s as exciting as the first two episodes is making it out to be.
The show is slick and has a distinct and fresh energy that makes it an intriguing watch. It may be bogged down if it leans too heavily on the romance aspect but if it handles it the same way it handles all the other narrative aspects of the first two episodes, this might be a very enjoyable watch.
Over the years, Jollibee has established itself as a beloved global icon. With jolly favorites being staples on families’ dining tables and the loveable mascot turning into one of the most recognizable figures, the brand has become a symbol of joy for many people. This has led to many fun and exciting collaborations with notable brands and artists, further cementing Jollibee’s position as a top-of-mind icon in pop culture, both in the Philippines and beyond.
To kick off 2025 with a dose of excitement, Jollibee is thrilled to announce its latest brand collaboration, this time with Japanese hobby products manufacturer Good Smile Company (GSC). Called Nendoroid Jollibee, the new collectible is part of GSC’s famous Nendoroid line—cute, chibi-style figures around 10cm in size that come with swappable parts and accessories.
As the first ever Filipino brand to have its own Nendoroid figure, Jollibee joins the ranks of popular global brands and characters from famous movies, shows and games. This partnership aims to add more joy to the collections of Jollibee fans and toy collectors alike, as it features a unique style inspired by Japanese culture, while simultaneously celebrating a Filipino icon.
The Nendoroid Jollibee can do a variety of poses, thanks to its exchangeable parts and accessories which include the Chickenjoy bucket and Jolly Spaghetti, making it not only serve looks but also one’s favorite food! The figure also comes with a base and support arm, so collectors can securely place the item on their shelf, desk, or anywhere they want.
Like with other Nendoroid releases, getting your hands on the Nendoroid Jollibee is through pre-order basis, with the actual figures ready to be shipped by the third quarter of the year.
Don’t miss this newest collectible and pre-order the new Nendoroid Jollibee starting February 19, 2025 until April 2, 2025. Pre-orders can be placed at the Good Smile Company Online Store and through GSC’s official partner shops. You can also check out GSC’s website for more details, including pricing and shipping.
For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.
