The day of hearts is rolling in early at Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila with a Pre-Valentine’s event not to be missed.
On February 13, swoon and sigh to a sentimental serenade over a romantic 5-course dinner at A Night with Juris: Pre-Valentine’s Dinner Show. Showcasing the timeless vocals of “The Soothing Voice of Asia” Juris and featuring Piwee Polintan and Froilan Calixto of JEREMIAH, this is the ultimate Valentine’s date for any couple or group yearning for an evening of much-loved tunes.
The Diamond Hotel culinary team has also prepared a divine 5-course set dinner for this pre-Valentine’s special. For starters, four succulent bounties of the sea will liven up your senses, followed by a mushroom soup infused with an interesting ingredient: charcoal oil. Dive into your main course of choice – certified Angus beef with foie gras, pan-seared salmon fillet, or chicken roulade with sundried tomatoes – before capping the meal with a luscious strawberry-chocolate dessert and flavor-infused pralines.
Want to take your Valentine’s Day milestone to the next level? Turn a night of romance into a getaway by the bay with the Serenade & Stay room package. Book a stay for February 12-14, 2025 and get tickets for two to A Night with Juris: Pre-Valentines Dinner Show on February 13, 2025. For room reservations, visit www.diamondhotel.com or email reservations@diamondhotel.com
“A Night with Juris: Pre-Valentine’s Dinner Show” will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at the Diamond Ballroom, Diamond Hotel Philippines. Dinner starts at 7PM and the show starts at 8PM. Tickets are priced at Php 11,880 net for 2 persons, inclusive of a 5-course set menu.
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping on the shore or sipping coffee with a panoramic view of the sea. Discovery hotels and resorts is set to make your dream vacation a reality for stays of up to 62% savings at the 32nd Travel Tour Expo 2025, happening from February 7 to 9 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and continuing online from February 10 to 16.
Discover the Islands and Beyond
Picture yourself lounging by the shores of Boracay—a crowd-favorite destination where world-class comfort meets the Philippines’ natural charm. Elevate your luxury island experience at Discovery Boracay with stays starting at PHP 14,000 nett, inclusive of a PHP 2,000 resort credits per night.
Refreshing shades of blue, serving you a slice of paradise and more. Unlock the best of a private island getaway experience at Discovery Coron. A night’s stay in a Garden Suite starts at PHP 12,000 nett, which comes with a dinner for two (2) per night for bookings from December 1 to 15, 2025. This is in addition to the PHP 2,000 resort credits per night.
For those craving adventure, Discovery Samal is ready to offer unforgettable moments, from watersports to in-room spa treatments, ensuring relaxation after every thrilling escapade. Enjoy a room with a view of the Davao Gulf when you stay in a Junior Suite at PHP 25,221 nett for a two-night stay. Spend one night swimming under the stars, and the other having a relaxing spa treatment with your 10% savings in Samal Escape Spa.
Bookings in these resorts come with daily breakfast and complimentary roundtrip land and boat transfers.
Discover the City and Beyond
For those who want a luxurious stay without leaving the city, Discovery Primea’s doors are open to welcome you. Room rates begin at PHP 9,500 nett for the Business Flat, inclusive of breakfast at Restaurant Tapenade.
At Discovery Suites, you can finally set a date or two to relax with the family without the hassle of hauling everyone together and driving out of town. Room rates for two (2) start at PHP 4,800 nett, while bigger suites for the group go at PHP 11,000 nett for a Two-Bedroom Suite, all with daily breakfast.
Discover Destinations and Beyond
Nothing gives complete serenity other than the exclusivity in nature at Manami Resort, a
nature resort nestled in the heart of Sipalay where you can wake up to breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and gardens from your villas and suites.
Those who seek to experience this can choose to stay at starting at PHP 15,000 nett for an Oceanview Suite. Enjoy this time of bliss with inclusions such as daily breakfast at Lingaw Restaurant for two (2) and PHP 1,000 F&B credit.
Lounge and enjoy paradise at Chema’s By the Sea. Choose from stays in cottages and cabanas, all surrounded by lush foliage and a few steps away from the resort’s private shores. Booking in this garden resort already comes with boat transfers from Davao City and complimentary breakfast.
For My Discovery Elite members
To add an extra sparkle to your getaway plans, Discovery’s My Discovery Elite Loyalty Program offers guests a chance to win a three-day, two-night stay at one of the five properties. With just a single purchase during the expo, and a sign-up to the program, participants are automatically entered into the e-raffle, where winners will be announced on February 18, 2025.
Plan ahead as these offers come with limited booking periods and blackout dates. The Travel Tour Expo 2025 is your ticket to unforgettable memories with Discovery hotels and resorts.
Even Melai Cantiveros, everyone’s favorite comedian, knows the importance of starting her day with a healthy poop. As the newest Dulcolax endorser, she recently guested on The Comfort Room Podcast with Jerald Napoles and Kim Molina to kick off the new year. While discussing various topics, Melai emphasized the importance of her morning routine, with a quick bathroom break mid-interview, serving as a lighthearted reminder that ignoring nature’s call is never a good idea for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
But for most of us, prioritizing our health (and bowel movements) is easier said than done. While poop may not be the most common topic of conversation, starting your mornings with a healthy bathroom routine not only provides physical comfort but also helps you feel more grounded and in control as you face the day. If you still can’t imagine how pooping can make a difference, here are many ways that it ensures a Good Morning:
It increases your physical comfort and energy levels throughout the day.
Regular bowel movements effectively remove waste and toxins from the body, leading to a sense of physical lightness and comfort. When your digestive system is working well, you’re less likely to suffer from discomfort, bloating, or cramps. Overall physical comfort boosts your energy levels, enabling you to be more productive and focused throughout the day.
It enhances your mental health.
The link between gut health and mental well-being is undeniable, but it’s not often talked about. Gut health issues can cause anxiety, stress, or depression. Regular bowel movements can alleviate physical discomfort, which in turn can lead to a more positive mood. When you feel good physically, you’re less likely to experience stress and anxiety. Maintaining a healthy digestive routine benefits both your physical and mental health, fostering emotional balance.
It improves nutrient absorption.
A well-functioning digestive system is crucial for effectively breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. When bowel movements are regular, they prevent waste buildup and help your body efficiently process what you eat, signaling that your digestive system is working as it should. You’ll be more likely to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, which are vital for energy, immunity, and overall health.
It reduces the risk of constipation.
Constipation usually means having fewer than three bowel movements a week. It can be caused by dietary changes, certain medications, or underlying health issues. The general assumption is that constipation is just about not being able to poop, but early signs include feeling heavy, bloated, and gassy.
In fact, 75% of individuals frequently suffer from constipation, with 64% of them relying on lifestyle and diet as the first step for relief. To relieve constipation, many typically turn to fiber, but it is often misused when they concentrate only on fiber intake without taking their overall diet into account. Moreover, 74% of those who regularly experience constipation turn to laxatives only as a last resort.
Constipated? Get rid of your Poop Block.
Starting your day with a healthy bowel movement is vital for setting a positive tone and enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, regular bowel movements promote a healthier digestive system and reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions over time. However, there are times when it’s more difficult to go, and if you haven’t had a bowel movement in over three days, you could be experiencing constipation.
(Bisacodyl) Dulcolax can help you establish the perfect morning routine, even during days when your bowels need a little extra help, by offering an easy, predictable, and reliable way to manage your bowel movements. It works naturally with your body to stimulate your gut, restoring your natural rhythm for consistent relief.
Not all laxatives are created the same—clinical studies show that (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax and its active ingredient, Bisacodyl, are gentle and non-habit forming, so you can use them without the worry of dependency. Ideal for nighttime use, (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax delivers predictable relief within 6-12 hours, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to seize the day.
Poop may not be everyone’s favorite topic, but establishing a routine that supports a healthy gut builds healthy habits that help people live better, lighter days. (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax empowers individuals to flush their way to a better day by providing comfortable relief from constipation and ensure that every morning is a good morning. To learn more about your digestive health and how to take charge of your mornings with (Bisacodyl) Dulcolax, visit https://www.dulcolax.com/en-ph
In 1994, the first TGIFridays opened in Glorietta, Makati City, a breakthrough restaurant that opened the floodgates for the casual dining experience in the Philippines. The man behind this forerunner concept was The Bistro Group’s Chairman and CEO, William Stelton. It was a trailblazing move that led to other similar restaurant concepts in the F & B industry.
Stelton was very impressed with his first visit to a TGIFridays store in the US, saying he felt the energy and the excitement right away. “That was why I decided to bring the concept to the Philippines,” he says. Its maiden store at Glorietta Mall was the biggest branch in the world at that time. “We had hundreds of people queueing when we launched it. The market’s enthusiastic acceptance of the brand was amazing!” Today, TGIFridays is thriving and expanding in the Philippines.
Soon after, Bistro successfully launched an ensemble of other American brands such as Italianni’s, Denny’s,Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, Randy’s Donuts, Olive Garden, Hard Rock Café and El Pollo Loco. Asian concepts also thrived within the company’s portfolio … Watami, Modern Shang, Red Lotus, Bulgogi Brothers, Secret Recipe, and Fish & Co as well as homegrown restaurants like Krazy Garlik and Siklab+. There are also Spanish concepts like Las Flores, Tomatito, Rambla and Rumba as well as Bistro Elite which includes Helm, Ember, Savage and The Test Kitchen. And only last December, it launched the luxurious brand, Morton’s The Steakhouse.
Conclusively, The Bistro Group is an acknowledged leader in the casual dining category in the Philippines. It has a presence in major malls and stand-alone locations within Metro Manila and in the provinces of Pampanga and Bataan. It has also enhanced its F&B footprint by making its mark in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, opening stores in Cebu and Bacolod to satisfy the ever-evolving demands (and cravings) of Filipino foodies.
New brands revealed
The Bistro Group kickstarts its 30th year by launching much-awaited international concepts including Dave & Buster’s, the ultimate destination for food, drink and entertainment (eatertainment) where guests can dine, drink , play interactive games, or simply watch sports shows at the bar; Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned experiential restaurant from Brazil known for the culinary art of churrasco; Longhorn Steakhouse that serves high quality steaks, ribs, chops, chicken and more and Dessert 129 from Korea. From Bistro’s Corporate Executive Chef Josh Boutwood comes another innovative concept, Juniper. Located at the
Shangri-la Plaza Mall and scheduled to open this February, it offers a large selection of gins, botanicals and tonics with a beautifully crafted menu that was developed to complement the drinking experience.
All these are aligned with Bistro’s aggressive expansion strategy, looking into opening 100+stores in the next 5 years.
A story of people. culture. Service
“Ours is a story of people. Our human resource is an essential contributor towards our growth and profitability. Our personnel are key assets to our company. They are the bedrock of our success and sustainability,” says Jean Paul Manuud, president of The Bistro Group. It also puts a premium on its signature kind of service, a testimony to its commitment to deliver good food resulting in an exceptional dining experience for guests, every time. The consistency of their food, genuine brand of service, resiliency and genuine hospitality lay at the heart of the company and continues to sustain them.
So, where is it going from here? The Bistro Group will keep innovating and developing new concepts, keeping a finger on the pulse of its customers and remaining constantly attuned with the latest industry trends and ever-evolving technology that impacts the F & B industry.
Bistro also lives by what they call the triangle balance, giving equal value to three vital considerations- employees, suppliers and customers. It’s all about these that keeps them going.
Moving forward, the company will continue to celebrate its leadership, incessantly setting the bar high in the Philippines’ casual dining landscape which it has pioneered for 30 years. For The Bistro Group, things have never looked this promising.
Follow @thebistrogroup
About The Bistro Group
Founded in 1994, The Bistro Group is one of the Philippines’ most progressive restaurant chains that popularized the casual dining concept with the entry of TGIFridays in the country 30 years ago. Its success led to the launch of other world-class brands such as Morton’s The Steakhouse, Italianni’s, Denny’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, Randy’s Donuts and Hard Rock Café among others as well as Asian concepts like Watami, Modern Shang, Bulgogi Brothers and Fish & Co. Also part of its portfolio is TBG Elite by corporate executive chef, Josh Boutwood. Its premier restaurants, highlighted by quality ingredients, seasonality and unique cooking methods are Helm, The Test Kitchen and Ember. The Bistro Group is driven by a people-focused philosophy that is the backbone of its success. Passion and commitment propel its operations…in every restaurant, behind every dish and with every service rendered with generous hospitality. For restaurant concepts and more information about The Bistro Group, visit https://www.bistro.com.ph/
The queen of chaos is back—and she’s deadlier than ever. Blumhouse has just unveiled the teaser trailer for “M3GAN 2.0,” the highly anticipated sequel to the 2023 horror hit that turned a robotic companion into a murderous icon.
A brand-new “M3GAN 2.0” is set to launch in Philippine cinemas on June 25—and if the teaser is anything to go by, this chilling upgrade is going to be bigger, bolder, and bloodier. Want the latest updates? Follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
The pop culture sensation that took over 2023 is back, but she’s not alone this time. Reuniting the brilliant creative minds that first brought M3GAN to life, horror masters James Wan (Atomic Monster), Jason Blum (Blumhouse), and director Gerard Johnstone are ready to unleash another chaotic chapter in AI horror.
Returning & New Cast Members
M3GAN 2.0 sees the return of Brian Jordan Alvarez and Jen Van Epps as tech experts Cole and Tess, along with new cast members: Aristotle Athari (Saturday Night Live, Hacks) Timm Sharp (Apples Never Fall, Percy Jackson and the Olympians) Jemaine Clement (Avatar: The Way of Water, What We Do in the Shadows)—a Grammy winner and 11-time Emmy nominee!
Another Spider-man on the screen? Sure, it’s not a movie, but we’ve already had three in the last two and half decades (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland) on the big screen and we even have Miles Morales in the two brilliant, animated films ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.’ There are probably even more on streaming networks for series that I’m not aware of. But with Disney+ spending quite a bit on the marketing of their latest release, ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’, there was something about the animation style and the innocence of the trailer that got to me.
Luckily, I was able to catch the first 6 episodes of the first season and I was very much charmed by the whole alternate timeline.
Not set in the “sacred timeline” of the MCU, ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ shares a different origin story for Peter Parker and how he becomes the web-slinger. As young high school freshman, the show really emphasizes his youth and innocence. The relationships he builds in school and the way that he juggles classes, his internship at Oscorp, and crime-fighting are what makes Peter such an interesting character. Oftentimes, you could get annoyed at how someone so young could put so much unto his plate, but you forget that that is power of youth: the idealism and hope that pervades into their every being. This Peter is the epitome of that.
But all versions of Spider-Man reflect different approaches to this idealism and explores different ways by which Peter Parker is a hero. What is refreshing in this presentation is how Peter Parker is not suffering alone, not completely. As the episodes unfold, we see a surprising number of people who figures out his identity early on – and they are really surprising bunch – and all of sudden, Peter Parker has the support that he needs; something he never really got from the different versions of the story except Tom Holland’s. But while Holland’s support and mentor comes from Iron Man himself, this iteration has him mentored by someone whose story is being rewritten by this alternate timeline. It’s just as complex as Tony Stark but adds a new layer and sheen to the show.
Also, the support cast is quite engaging: from his best friend Nico Minoru and his crush Pearl Pangan (yes, she’s Filipina!) to his surprisingly refreshing jock-lab partner Lonnie Lincoln. The Osborns are definitely in the show – both Harry and Norman – but the way their characters are written here are completely out of type (or so it appears).
The whole DNA of Spider-Man, at least when I was collecting comics back in the 80s and 90s, was that Spider-Man was always the hero who had to support himself. He worked at a job that despised his alter ego (J Jonah Jameson of The Daily Bugle) and he always had to juggle work and surviving while being so powerful and funny and carefree as the Spider-Man. Some of that changed with the MCU version, with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man being given support from Iron Man. But here, seeing the support that Peter Parker gets from his friends and the people who end up knowing about him is quite a different variation that feels more aligned with the times.
The world is so crazy now and the younger generation seem more adaptable to change and to strangeness. The way that Spider-Man seems to interact with this world feels so at pace with where things are now on a social spectrum. Before, Spider-Man was easily defamed by J Jonah Jameson. Here, Jameson is nowhere in sight and Spider-Man seems loved by the people. Again, this feels right up this world’s alley.
I’m excited to see how all of this unfolds, especially knowing how some of these characters are going to be in the future. From their names alone, you know who they are going to end up, if you are savvy with the comic book world. I was expecting to question why the need for another Spider-Man show or movie but this one, much like Miles Morales in the ‘Into the Spider-verse’ Spider-Man, justifies its own existence by showing us what it is that this character can be representative of. That young man who wants to do so much to fix the world that really isn’t his problem to fix.
February is bringing a fresh lineup of must-watch films and series to Netflix, with an exciting mix of romance, drama, action, and intrigue. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming love stories, gripping thrillers, or high-stakes adventures, this month’s selections have something for everyone. From the scam-filled antics of Sosyal Climbers to the long-awaited reunion in Hello, Love, Again and the thrilling cyber crisis in Zero Day, these new titles promise to keep you entertained all month long. Ready to update your watchlist? Here’s what’s new on Netflix this February!
When Lainy’s plans to settle down and start a family fizzle, she puts on a fake baby bump, tells a huge lie — and unexpectedly falls for her dream guy.
After a meet-cute ends in a whirlwind romance, a couple must learn to navigate the messy reality of married life that’s nothing like a fairy tale ending.
After moving to Bogotá for a chance at a better life, a young Korean man rises through the Colombian black market — risking peril for a shot at success.
Two young women advocate for wellness remedies to cure deadly illnesses, unraveling their lives as they unknowingly — and knowingly — mislead the world.
A family moves into a vintage smart home and discovers that it’s under the control of a virtual assistant — who will stop at nothing to keep them there.
With two map pieces secured, Sugimoto and Asirpa continue their hunt for the remaining 22 tattooed convicts whose bodies hold the key to hidden treasure.
Monster hunter Geralt of Rivia gets drawn into an epic conflict between land and sea in this animated film from “The Witcher” universe.
Demon City (Film) Launch date: February 27
Framed for his family’s murder and left for dead, an ex-hitman will stop at nothing to exact revenge on the masked “demons” who have taken over his city.
MORE FOR YOUR MUST-WATCH LIST
Celebrity Bear Hunt (Series) Launch date: February 5
Holly Willoughby hosts this competition show set in the Costa Rican jungle, where 12 celebrities become prey for that fearsome hunter — Bear Grylls.
Envious: Season 2 (Series) Launch date: February 5
Vicky finds herself torn between two possible paths: marrying and building a family project with Dani, or allowing herself to explore a relationship with Matías. At times, that country club life she once dreamed of no longer seems so appealing, but the desire sparked by the possibility of a new love terrifies her. More neurotic and frazzled than ever, she begins to go back and forth between both worlds, unwilling to let go of either. Desperate, she will have to make a decision and face the consequences.
A Stockholm detective under internal investigation heads to a ski resort to unwind, until a young girl’s disappearance compels her back to work.
A Different World: Seasons 1 to 6 (Series) Launch date: February 7
Season 1: Follow Denise Huxtable and the students of Hillman College as they adjust to campus life in this landmark sitcom, spun off from “The Cosby Show.”
Season 2: With Denise returning home to her family, Whitley and her friends at Hillman College face a brand new school year full of adventures and headaches.
Season 3: Dwayne gets a makeover that catches Whitley’s eye, Jaleesa and Walter reevaluate their relationship, and Ron falls for a single mom.
Season 4: Whitley pursues Dwayne, but he’s moved on. Meanwhile, Col. Taylor’s son enrolls at school, and Ron’s in danger of not graduating.
Season 5: Romance blooms when Col. Taylor and Jaleesa get married and Dwayne proposes to Whitley, but Dwayne’s new job isn’t going as well as his love life.
Season 6: Newlyweds Dwayne and Whitley try to adjust to living together. Meanwhile, Ron is torn between Kim and Freddie, and Lena Horne visits Hillman.
Dog Days Out (K&F Series) Launch date: February 13
When their humans are away, cute and curious pup Holm and his dog pals love to play with their best friends — their favorite toys!
When his daughter decides to buy a crumbling Tuscan villa, Eric rushes to Italy to talk her out of it — and instead finds beauty, romance and new purpose.
The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Film) Launch date: February 14
A playboy stages a dating show to earn his inheritance by granting his father’s last wish: for his son to marry the most beautiful girl in the world.
On their wedding night, a timid momma’s boy and a daring wild child find themselves on the run from ruthless goons, finding love and chaos in a night of crazy adventures— all while searching for the elusive Charlie!
Toxic Town (Series) Launch date: February 27
Brave mothers fight for justice in a drama based on the true story of the Corby poisonings, featuring Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood and Claudia Jessie.
With such a diverse selection of new releases, February is shaping up to be an exciting month for Netflix viewers. Whether you’re drawn to romantic dramas, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, or action-packed adventures, there’s no shortage of must-watch content. From the nostalgic charm of A Different World to the intense revenge tale of Demon City, this month’s lineup guarantees endless entertainment. So grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and get ready for a streaming marathon—you won’t want to miss these top picks!
February 2025 brings an exciting array of new content to Prime Video, offering something for everyone—from thrilling action and gripping drama to heartwarming romance and mind-bending sci-fi. With highly anticipated original series and blockbuster movies making their streaming debut, this month is packed with must-watch entertainment that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Invincible Season 3 Premiere Date: February 6, 2025
Based on Robert Kirkman’s award-winning comic book series, Invincible follows 17-year-old Mark Grayson, as he inherits his father’s superpowers and sets out to become Earth’s greatest defender, only to discover the job is more challenging than he could have ever imagined. Everything changes as Mark is forced to face his past, and his future, while discovering how much further he’ll need to go to protect the people he loves.
Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons, Seth Rogen, Walton Goggins, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Mantzoukas, Zazie Beetz, Grey DeLisle, Zachary Quinto, Chris Diamantopoulos, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ben Schwartz, Clancy Brown, Jay Pharoah, Mark Hamill, and Melise Jow form the cast of this animated series.
Having started his mandatory military conscription at a later age, Jae-yoon (Park Jeong-min) faces anxiety about his future. Due to challenges from being apart from his girlfriend Young-joo (Jisoo), they have a sudden break-up after an argument. However, a zombie outbreak spreads across the city, forcing Jae-yoon to step up as leader of his squad. Meanwhile, Young-joo experiences her own difficulties as a rookie in the workforce. She is frustrated with Jae-yoon due to him misunderstanding her heart. While on her way to see him, she witnesses the zombie rampage and adapts in order to survive. Thinking of each other first as boyfriend and girlfriend, the pair run across a zombie-laid city to be together again.
Set in London, this is the British adaptation of the successful Amazon Studios Spanish Original Movie Culpa Mia based on the first book of Mercedes Ron’s bestselling Culpables trilogy. When Noah’s mother, Ella, falls in love with the very wealthy William, the two move from America to London to live with William and his son Nick. Upon arrival, the 18-year-old Noah meets bad boy Nick, and there is an immediate attraction between the two. Noah spends the summer adjusting to her new life, making new friends from Nick’s various circles, and navigating a complicated relationship with him while they fight to keep the attraction at bay. But unbeknownst to Noah, her estranged father has been released from prison and starts tracking her every move. Noah will ultimately be forced to deal with her devastating past while falling in love for the first time.
Broken Rage follows a hitman, Nezumi (played by Takeshi Kitano), fighting for his survival when he’s caught between the police and yakuza. But in the second half, the gritty crime-action thriller takes an unexpected turn, evolving into a self-parodying comedy that retells the same story with a captivatingly humorous touch.
It is directed, written, and starring Kitano himself (Beat Kitano) alongside his Zatoichi star Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini-series or Television movie (for Shogun) Tadanobu Asano among others.
Based on Lee Child’s novel Persuader, in the third season of the action-packed series, Reacher hurtles into the dark heart of a vast criminal enterprise when trying to rescue an undercover DEA informant whose time is running out. There he finds a world of secrecy and violence—and confronts some unfinished business from his own past.
Reacher Season Three stars Alan Ritchson in the titular role of “Jack Reacher” with Maria Sten reprising her role as “Frances Neagley.” New to the cast this season are Anthony Michael Hall as “Zachary Beck,” Sonya Cassidy as “Susan Duffy,” Brian Tee as “Quinn,” Johnny Berchtold as “Richard Beck,” Robert Montesinos as “Guillermo Villanueva,” Olivier Richters as “Paulie,” and Daniel David Stewart as “Steven Elliot.”
With such a diverse selection of new content arriving on Prime Video in February 2025, there’s no shortage of binge-worthy entertainment to enjoy. Whether you’re catching up on the latest hit series or diving into a newly released film, Prime Video has something to suit every taste. Be sure to mark your calendars and get ready for a month filled with unforgettable stories and exciting premieres!
Considering its stellar cast – Song Hye-kyo, Jeon Yeo-been, Lee Jin-wook, and a breakthrough performance from young star Moon Woo-jin – there’s a lot that feels missing in the horror film ‘Dark Nuns’ by director Kwon Hyeok-jae. The filmmaking is flashy: lots of extreme close-ups, quick cuts, loud sound design, and imagery that’s meant to be dark, vague, and disturbing. All this is great in the first twenty minutes of the film but as the film unfolds, it cannot substitute the lack of genuine scares or the absence of a stronger, compelling story.
Song Hye-kyo plays Sister Junia, an unordained nun who performs exorcisms for a sect within the Catholic Church. She is known as the “dark nun,” who is knowledgeable in all matters of demonic possession. It opens with her arriving at a home where a priest is struggling to exorcise a demon possessing a young boy named Hee-joon (Moon Woo-jin). We know she’s tough and experienced because she doesn’t go straight to the scene on her arrival. She first has a cigarette and bides her time before she makes her move. There she battles the demon and while she rescues the priest, she only manages to force the demon back into hiding. Hee-joon is transferred to a hospital where Sister Junia finds opposition from Father Paolo (Lee Jin-wook), a priest who is also a doctor, and he frowns upon exorcisms, insisting that these are psychological issues that can be fixed medically. Caught in-between is Father Paolo’s protege, Sister Michela (Jeon Yeo-been). Sister Michela is also a doctor and a nun, but she also has visions and has the potential to be a shaman
The two sisters must find common ground to save Hee-joon from the demon inside of him before… well, this is where the film becomes sketchy because it never really underlines the stakes. Yes, we know the child must be free of the possessing spirit, but the film muddles the cost. Will the child die? Will the demon – a personification of something called “the 12 manifestations,” an idea that is never really explored in depth – become more powerful after a certain point? What is this “12 manifestations” and does it have any effect on the world outside of this child?
The film skirts through most of the story elements. We know Sister Junia is not well, but we don’t know of her life before this. Sister Michela has an implied history with the supernatural, which seems to have caused someone’s suicide. But this is not fully explored either. Aside from saving the boy’s life, we don’t really know what this exorcism means for the two women, and it sort of diminishes the sense of accomplishment one may feel from this whole exercise.
The whole film, from the very opening scene, until it’s conclusion, is completely centered on this one possession. What is wonderful is how, on the orders to save this boy by “any means necessary,” Sister Junia employs shamans and include shamanistic rites to aid in the exorcism creates a wonderful intersection of cultures. Western prayers spoken in Latin (or is it Italian, I’m not sure) while the colorful, energetic rituals of Korean shamanism are playing in the foreground and in the background is such an exciting imagery that is at work.
But the film has no genuine scares. The boy is restrained, he’s shouting expletives and saying vulgar and disgusting things – with an excellent performance by Moon Woo-jin who delivers this with such commitment – while the two sisters are praying over him and demanding him to leave the body. It’s dramatic for the first 20 minutes or so but as the film progresses (and the film is almost two-hours long) it starts to get repetitive. And you start to realise that there’s no inherent danger here.
Despite it being a horror film that isn’t horrifying and with characters that I feel distant and indifferent towards, I do appreciate director Kwon Hyeok-jae’s approach to filming this religious aspect of the film. There’s no reverence or mystery to how he captures the Catholic faith. In fact, he’s not afraid to show the in-fighting within the sects and battles of ideology that is happening inside the church. All of the religious aspects of the film are really just decoration here, juxtaposed side-by-side with Korean shamanism, not favoring one over the other in an imagery sense, Kwon Hyeok-jae creates a battle not between a demon and religion but that of a demon and a human being, who just happened to be a nun. Sister Junia could have been a plain doctor or a shaman or a Filipina witch doctor and it would have been the same movie. The de-mystification of the Catholic faith feels refreshing and new. I wished the film just took less time trying to impress us with its mood shots and dramatics and explored a bit more of the characters to give us something to chew on.
My Rating:
Dark Nuns is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
“In the books, on the screen, it feels like you’re having a reunion with your friend” That’s how two-time Academy Award® winner Renée Zellweger describes stepping back into the beloved role of Bridget Jones after all these years.
Bridget’s journey has always resonated deeply with fans, evolving alongside them through life’s ups and downs. And now, in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, we get to catch up with her once more—this time as a single mother, navigating love, loss, and laughter.
With a star-studded cast and a heartfelt story, this film is the perfect Valentine’s treat. Catch Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy in Philippine cinemas on February 12!
A Story That Grows With Its Audience
For director Michael Morris, Zellweger’s return is nothing short of magical.
“Renée is one of these people who is absolutely herself,” Morris says. “She’s wildly friendly and bursts through any preconception you may have about what a Hollywood star is like. This woman has been in all my favorite films. For as long as I can remember, character after character—from comedies and dramas to musicals, there’s nothing that she doesn’t do. But when you’re talking to her, she’s completely present. I think that’s why she’s so wonderful in this role.”
The film explores Bridget’s life after heartbreak, as she raises her two children while adjusting to a world without Mark Darcy (played by Oscar® winner Colin Firth). Though life has taken unexpected turns, Bridget’s charm, humor, and resilience remain stronger than ever.
Zellweger on Why Bridget Still Matters
For Zellweger, playing Bridget is more than just a role—it’s a personal and emotional journey.
“It’s funny, I can chronicle my own decades and life experiences around making these films with the extended Bridget family,” Zellweger says. “It’s always very emotional when we get back together with true friends, and more so when we leave. There is a correlation between Bridget and me that is strongest with people who love her…but it’s within themselves. We had the opportunity to create Bridget on screen, but people were already in love with her. Bridget reminds us that it’s okay to be imperfect. You can still get the guy, still succeed and be happy when you’re just yourself. You’re okay being imperfect.”
This sentiment has made Bridget Jones an icon of modern romance, proving that even with all her awkward moments and mishaps, she is endlessly relatable.
What to Expect in Mad About the Boy
In this new chapter, Bridget is facing a whole new set of challenges—raising her 9-year-old son Billy and 4-year-old daughter Mabel while grappling with the loss of Mark. But she’s not alone. Her loyal friends and even her former flame Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) are by her side.
Bridget’s journey takes her through the chaotic world of modern dating, juggling motherhood and rediscovering herself in the process. Expect laughter, romance, and the signature heartwarming moments that make Bridget Jones films so special.
Produced by Working Title Films, the movie brings together the brilliant team behind hits like Les Misérables, The Danish Girl, and The Theory of Everything.
Zellweger is joined by an all-star cast, ensuring that this installment delivers the perfect mix of nostalgia, romance, and humor.
Are you ready to reunite with Bridget Jones? Mark your calendars and get your tissues (and laughs) ready!
