For two decades and across 16 countries, Nicole Asensio has inhabited many stages and many genres — Rock, Jazz, Classical, Soul, Blues — earning her place as a multi-awarded performer and recording artist.
But beneath the lights and glamour, there is another Nicole.
This is an invitation to meet her, to peel away the personas. Strip the music down to its bones — find a space somewhere between pen, paper, and soul.
Over one intimate evening, Nicole opens a collection of 20 songs, chosen from hundreds written through the years.
The first set, “Pen to Performance,” traces ten compositions that have been released over the last decade, replaced and reimagined in a mire intimate form.
The second set, “Unspoken and Unseen,” ventures into spoken word, unfinished compositions, fragments of ideas, and a few reimagined songs you may never have known Nicole wrote.
Some songs might be familiar.
Some will be hearing themselves aloud for the first time.
And perhaps, in the spaces between them, we might remember something of our own unfinished selves.
This intimate gathering of spirits — for those longing to rekindle the embers of creativity within — takes place at the official opening weekend of the brand-new second-floor space at 78 Salcedo. A larger room for larger-than-life performances, designed without sacrificing what matters most: intimacy, presence, and the rare luxury of truly listening.
On September 19 – 7pm at 78-45-33 San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village Makati — Come closer.
Austin Abrams is heading straight into Raccoon City, and his character is having what may be the worst work shift imaginable.
In director Zach Cregger’s new take on Resident Evil, Abrams plays Bryan, an ordinary medical courier whose routine delivery turns into a terrifying fight for survival. Tasked with transporting coolers, Bryan soon finds himself navigating a night filled with infected humans, mutated creatures, and escalating danger.
Unlike the highly trained heroes often associated with survival horror, Bryan enters the nightmare with no combat experience and no special skills. That vulnerability places audiences directly in his shoes as he tries to stay alive long enough to complete his journey.
Austin Abrams as Bryan in Resident Evil
Resident Evil opens in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX, on September 16. Tickets are available now.
Zach Cregger Found the Right Everyman in Austin Abrams
For Cregger, casting Abrams was an easy decision.
The two previously worked together on Weapons, and that collaboration gave the director confidence that Abrams could bring the right balance of humor, fear, and relatability to Bryan.
Austin is so well-suited for this part, says Cregger. We had an amazing experience together on Weapons and we really connected creatively. So, when it was time to get Resident Evil going, I didn’t have to think too hard about casting Austin.
Cregger also wanted audiences to experience the chaos through someone who feels believable and grounded.
Before everything goes sideways,” Cregger explains. “Bryan has no training and no backup. He’s just a guy whose shift has turned into a survival horror story that he had no way to prepare for. He’s sucked into a nightmare and burdened with this sacred mission that’s going to take him into the true heart of darkness.
That setup makes Bryan less of an action hero and more of a stand-in for the audience. Every threat becomes more intense because he is figuring things out as he goes.
Watch the official trailer:
Austin Abrams Embraces Cregger’s Mix of Horror and Humor
Abrams was equally enthusiastic about working with Cregger again.
For the actor, part of the appeal came from the filmmaker’s ability to shift between fear and comedy without losing momentum.
Zach’s humor makes me laugh because it’s so sharp,” says the actor. “I really love his work because in one moment Zach can freak you out, and a second later, make you laugh. It’s his kind of flavoring.
That contrast between tension and humor could give this version of Resident Evil a distinctive personality while still delivering the mayhem and horror fans expect from the franchise.
Bryan Is Someone Audiences Can Easily Root For
Executive producer Miri Yoon also points to Abrams’ natural performance as one of Bryan’s biggest strengths.
Austin’s portrayal is very natural and honest. He’s so wonderful at playing the everyman, who stands in for all of us who have never handled a weapon and have no fighting or survival skills. Bryan is just a guy trying to get through a really bad day full of mayhem and gore.
Austin Abrams as Bryan in Resident Evil
For Bryan, surviving the night is not about being the strongest person in the room. It is about adapting quickly, pushing through fear, and finding a way forward even when the odds keep getting worse.
Executive producer Roy Lee believes that sense of resilience is exactly what will keep audiences invested in the character.
Austin brings a real sense of resilience to the role. He has the physical presence to handle the intense action, but he also gives the character heart and hope, so that you’re constantly rooting for him to survive the night.
With infected humans, mutated creatures, and Raccoon City standing in his path, Bryan has plenty to survive.
Catch Austin Abrams in Resident Evil when the film arrives in Philippine cinemas, including IMAX, on September 16. Distibuted locally by Columbia Pictures PH. Tickets are available now.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) proudly stages their highly anticipated 42nd Concert Season, titled MODULATIO, running from September 2026 through April 2027. The new season brings together world‑renowned soloists and exceptional Filipino talents for a series of breathtaking orchestral performances, with the anticipated return to the newly-rehabilitated Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for its finale concert.
While celebrating the orchestra’s 53 years, Modulatio presents the PPO as a musical chameleon traversing through centuries. Led by Maestro Nowak, the PPO also cements its reputation of being the nation’s premier orchestra in its 42nd concert season.
The season kicks off on September 25, 2026 with CONCERT I – DA CAPO in a program blending beloved classics and sweeping orchestral masterpieces, setting a high‑energy tone for the months ahead. Featured works are Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s “What Happens in Every Classical Piece Explained in 15 Minutes” (Sinfoniettina on G-C for Mozart Orchestra) and the Asian premiere of Austrian composer Carl Czerny’s Symphony No. 6. Spanish virtuoso Martin Garcia Garcia showcases his dynamic artistry in performing German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no.5, op. 73, E flat Major “Emperor.”
Come October 16, the next concert installment, billed as CONCERT II – ELEGANCE, will feature Filipino composer Redentor Romero’s Philippine Portraits and Polish composer Zygmunt Noskowski’s The Steppe. Filipino classical pedal harpist Vien Ignacio takes center stage, bringing refined Asian flair to British-German composer Georg Friedrich Händel’s Harp Concerto in B-flat Major.
CONCERT III – BOLERO on November 6 will feature French composer Claude Debussy’s Prelude a l’apres-midi d’un faune, and French composer Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso and Bolero. Filipino violinist Kaycee Galano returns to perform classical string selections, showcasing the richness and versatility of Filipino artistry alongside full orchestral accompaniment with French composer Camille Saint-Saens’ Violin Concerto no.3, op.61, B minor.
The PPO will perform German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Symphony no.3, op. 55, E flat Major “Eroica” in CONCERT IV – DESTINY on December 4. Acclaimed Italian concert pianist Mario Galeani delivers festive favorites and timeless concertos with German composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 4, op.58, G Major, wrapping the year in warmth and virtuosity.
Ushering the New Year on January 15, 2027, the PPO will premiere Filipino composer Jerry Dadap’s Symphony no. 5 in CONCERT V – GENESIS and Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s Journey to the Alps and Victor’s Meditation from the Opera Frankenstein. Internationally renowned Russian-American pianist Natasha Paremski graces Manila with her signature intensity and precision, performing Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 3, op.30, D minor.
The PPO will take on Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich in CONCERT VI – RESILIENCE on February 12, featuring Festive Overture, op.96 and Symphony no. 5, op.47. Home-grown violin luminary Diomedes Saraza Jr. performs iconic violin concertos, bridging local pride with world-class excellence with Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto no. 1, op.99.
CONCERT VII – VISIONS on March 12 will present the Philippine premiere orchestra in a performance of German composer Robert Schumann’s Manfred Overture and French composer Cesar Franck’s Symphony in D minor. Korean violin sensation Ju-Young Baek brings lyrical depth and technical brilliance, presenting works from the Romantic and modern eras through Polish composer Karol Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto no. 1, op.35.
Capping the concert season, the PPO will come home to Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), following the rehabilitation of the center’s Main Building. The grand finale, CONCERT VIII – AL FINE, on April 16, 2027 will feature soloists and chorus in Filipino composer Jeffrey Ching’s completion of the Lacrimosa, Sanctus, Benedictus and Osanna fragments from Mozart’s unfinished Requiem, K626 (Sussmayr version) and French composer Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, op.14. Ukrainian violinist Dmytro Udovychenko closes the season with electrifying virtuosity, promising a memorable conclusion to the concert season with English composer Edward Elgar’s Violin Concerto, op.61, B minor.
A Season of Unity and Excellence
“Our 42nd season is a celebration of Filipino talent, global artistry, and the power of music to connect us. Through the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, we bring the world to Manila and Filipino artistry to the forefront of the international stage,” said Kaye C. Tinga, the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the country’s premier symphony orchestra under the Cultural Center of the Philippines, has been advancing orchestral music since 1973, performing locally and touring internationally to critical acclaim.
Concerts I, III, IV, and V will take place at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, while Concerts II, VI and VII will be held at The Metropolitan Theater. The season finale, Concert VIII, will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).
For more updates on PPO’s 42nd concert season, visit the CCP’s official website (culturalcenter.gov.ph) or follow the CCP’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube) for more information.
Seven films from the 21st edition of Cinemalaya have earned a total of 29 nominations at the Gawad Urian Awards, recognizing the filmmakers, artists, and creatives behind some of the festival’s most compelling works. The nominations span major categories from Best Film and Best Director to acting, screenplay, cinematography, editing, music and sound, reaffirming the strength of the country’s indie filmmaking scene.
The nominated films are Bloom Where You Are Planted, Cinemartyrs, Republika ng Pipolipinas, Paglilitis, Raging, Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan, and Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana. All seven were part of the full-length category of Cinemalaya 21 (2025).
Leading the nominations is Cinemartyrs by Sari Dalena, with eight nods, including Best Film for Kino Arts, Best Director for Sari Dalena, Best Screenplay for Sari Dalena and Keith Sicat, Best Actress for Nour Hooshmand, Best Production Design for Toym Imao, Best Cinematography for Neil Daza and Kiri Dalena, Best Editing for Keith Sicat, and Best Sound for Emilio Bien Sparks. The film follows a young filmmaker who sets out to recreate forgotten massacres from Philippine history, only to awaken the spirits of those who were killed at one of the massacre sites.
By Noni Abao earned six nominations, including Best Film and Best Documentary for Alex Poblete, Taripnong Cagayan Valley, and Noni Abao, Best Director for Noni Abao, Best Editing for Che Tagyamon, Best Music for Glenn Barit, and Best Sound for Mikko Quizon and John Michael Perez. The documentary follows three land rights activists in Cagayan Valley as they confront threats, displacement, and the struggle to find a secure place to call home.
Received three nominations, including Best Screenplay for Renei Dimla, Best Actress for Geraldine Villamil, and Best Supporting Actress for Alessandra de Rossi. The mockumentary follows Cora Vitug, a disillusioned farmer who, after facing eviction from her land, renounces her Filipino citizenship and establishes her own micronation.
Earned two acting nominations, for Best Actress for Rissey Reyes-Robinson and Best Supporting Actress for Eula Valdez. The drama explores the aftermath of workplace sexual harassment and the complicated pursuit of justice in an age when social media can turn a personal grievance into a public trial.
Directed by Ryan Machado, garnered three nominations, including Best Actor for Elijah Canlas, Best Cinematography for Theo Lozada, and Best Sound for Lamberto Casas. Set in 1990s Sibuyan Island, the film follows a young man traumatized by abuse whose discovery of a crashed plane draws him into a dangerous mystery and a quest for truth and justice.
Received four nominations, including Best Actor for Jojit Lorenzo, Best Supporting Actress for Dolly de Leon, Best Supporting Actor for Nanding Josef, and Best Music for Paulo Protacio. The existential drama follows four Filipinos grappling with the aftermath of a painful political defeat as they confront disinformation, fading memories, and questions of purpose, truth, and hope.
Received three nominations: Best Supporting Actress for Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Best Editing for Vanessa Ubas De Leon, and Best Sound for Alex Tomboc. The fantasy-comedy drama follows Max, a young man who sets out to prove he is the 82nd child of a legendary action star in the hope of seeing his recently deceased father one last time, only to confront the complicated truth about his family and his own identity.
Since its inception in 2005, Cinemalaya has become a vital platform for showcasing the unique voices in Philippine independent cinema. It has launched the careers of numerous acclaimed filmmakers and actors, fostering a vibrant community that challenges mainstream narratives and pushes creative boundaries. Beyond awards, Cinemalaya’s influence extends to sparking important conversations about society, culture, and identity, making it not just a film festival, but a powerful movement that continues to shape and redefine Philippine storytelling on both local and international stages.
The Gawad Urian Awards is one of the most prestigious film award-giving bodies in the Philippines, organized by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Known for its critical and discerning approach, Gawad Urian has long been regarded as a benchmark for artistic and cinematic quality in the country’s film industry since its inception in 1977.
To date, Cinemalaya has nurtured over 200 Filipino filmmakers and showcased over 1,000 of their works, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.
With the recent conclusion of its 22nd edition, Cinemalaya will surely continue to uphold its vision to discover, encourage, support, train and recognize gifted Filipino independent filmmakers.
Filipino K-drama fans have plenty of reasons to get excited as Disney+ Philippines launches “Deserve Mo Ng K!”, a new campaign celebrating the wide range of Korean stories available on the platform.
Leading the fun is Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, whose signature humor and expressive personality perfectly capture the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with watching a gripping K-drama.
Melai Brings Every K-Drama Mood to Life
In a new campaign video, Melai takes viewers through the familiar emotions K-entertainment fans know all too well.
There is kilig for scenes that make hearts flutter, kulit for the playful and hilarious moments, and kaba for those tense sequences that keep audiences guessing until the very end.
Bringing her unmistakable energy to the campaign, Melai shows how one Korean series can make viewers laugh, swoon, worry, and cheer, sometimes all in a single episode.
With “Deserve Mo Ng K!,” Disney+ Philippines invites fans to find a story that matches their mood.
Exciting Korean Titles Take Center Stage
The campaign also puts the spotlight on a strong lineup of Korean content coming to and available on Disney+.
Also part of the lineup is Flex X Cop Season 2, giving fans another series to look forward to, while the acclaimed Moving continues to stand out as one of the platform’s fan-favorite Korean titles.
From romance and comedy to action and suspense, the collection offers something for viewers looking for different kinds of stories and emotions.
Find Your Next K-Drama Obsession on Disney+
Whether the mood calls for a sweet romance, a laugh-out-loud comedy, a gripping thriller, or an action-packed adventure, Disney+ Philippines is giving K-drama fans even more ways to enjoy the stories they love.
And with Melai bringing the campaign to life, “Deserve Mo Ng K!” turns every kilig, kulit, and kaba moment into a celebration of the Filipino love for Korean entertainment.
Whatever K-feel you are craving, there is a story waiting on Disney+.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the rainy season.
A warm bowl of lugaw, a steaming cup of coffee, crispy merienda, and the perfect excuse to stay indoors—it’s weather that invites us to slow down and indulge. But while we’re embracing these little comforts, our gut may be facing a different reality. Heavy rains, flooding, and increased humidity can raise the risk of food and water contamination, creating conditions that make digestive illnesses more common.
“Studies have linked periods of heavy rainfall and flooding with increased cases of diarrheal diseases and foodborne infections, making gut health an often-overlooked part of staying well during the season,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead.
The Philippine National Nutrition Council likewise reminds Filipinos that rainy months are associated with a higher risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever, underscoring the importance of food safety and proper hygiene during this time.
The rainy season doesn’t just increase environmental health risks—it also influences our eating habits. Comfort foods, fried snacks, irregular meals, and street food indulgences can put added stress on the digestive system, especially when food safety risks are heightened. Since a large portion of the body’s immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria is essential for supporting overall immunity.
When this balance is disrupted by poor diet or exposure to contaminated food and water, the risk of digestive issues increases, making gut health an important priority throughout the rainy season.
Listen to Your Gut: Your Body Often Gives Warning Signs
Your gut is often one of the first parts of your body to tell you when something isn’t right. Research from the US National Institutes of Health cites frequent stomach discomfort, loose stools, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and mild abdominal cramps as common symptoms that may indicate an underlying digestive issue or an imbalance in the gut that should not be ignored.
“Our bodies often give us early warning signs when something isn’t right, and it’s important not to ignore them—especially during the rainy season,” Mateo added. “Persistent stomach discomfort, bloating, loose stools, or changes in bowel habits may signal that your gut needs attention. Addressing these symptoms early through proper hydration, good food hygiene, and appropriate care can help prevent more serious digestive issues.”
Give Your Gut an Umbrella: Why Probiotics Matter This Rainy Season
Beyond practicing good hygiene, drinking safe water, and eating well, you can give your gut an extra layer of support during the rainy season through probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that help restore and maintain the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut, supporting healthy digestion and the body’s natural defenses—especially when that balance is disrupted by changes in diet, illness, or exposure to contaminated food and water.
Probiotics such as Erceflora Probiotics contain billions of INTELLI-SPORES® and are for all ages above 6 months old. It aids in the enhancement of natural resistance to intestinal infections, the enhancement of intestinal ecology, the improvement of digestion, and the improvement of lactose malabsorption with proper diet and exercise—making it a helpful addition to everyday gut care, especially during the rainy season.
Rainy days are meant to be enjoyed—from sharing comforting meals with loved ones to embracing the slower pace of the season. By listening to your body’s signals, practicing good hygiene, making mindful food choices, and giving your gut the support it needs, you can better protect your digestive health and make the most of everything the tag-ulan has to offer.
“Rainy weather shouldn’t keep Filipinos from enjoying the season—it should simply remind us to be more intentional about caring for our health,” Mateo concluded. “Small, proactive habits, from choosing safe food and water to supporting gut health with probiotics like Erceflora, can go a long way in helping keep our digestive system resilient. After all, a healthy gut is the foundation for enjoying life’s everyday moments, rain or shine.”
Filipino sociopolitical thriller “Silenced Nights” will next vie for awards in the Bangkok International Film Festival from September 15 to 27, following its historic selection as the first Filipino title in the Toronto International Film Festival’s juried Platform program.
Nico Antonio in ‘Silenced Nights’
Executive producer Atty. Joji Villanueva Alonso confirmed the film’s upcoming selection in the Bangkok filmfest main competition, where it will contend for a $15,000 USD cash prize. Alonso also shared that the project is locked in for two additional European festival stops later this year.
Written by Troy Espiritu and directed by Lawrence Fajardo, “Silenced Nights” tells the story of an ordinary gadget repairman (Nico Antonio) living in a Manila slum. His life turns upside down after witnessing police officers commit an extrajudicial killing of a teenager during anti-drug operations. Driven by conscience, he decides to help the victim’s grieving mother fight for the truth.
Director – Lawrence Fajardo
The cast also includes Lotlot De Leon, Ina Feleo, Joel Saracho, Tanya Gomez, Dylan Ray Talon, Jorrybell Agoto, Simon Ibarra, Mario Magallona, Rom Factolerin, Soliman Cruz, Hector Macaso, Raul Morit, Bombi Plata, Apollo Abraham, DMs Boongaling, Mae Paner, Tess Jamias, Timothy Castillo, Kenken Nuyad, Micko Laurente, Enzo Osorio, and Aquisha Tombiga.
The narrative draws inspiration from the real-life 2017 death of teenager Kian delos Santos during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Framing its central theme under the tagline “Where fear prevails, justice is silenced,” the film examines systemic violence, institutional fear, and moral courage.
Ina Feleo in ‘Silenced Nights’
Fajardo, a seasoned figure in Philippine independent cinema, has built a reputation for gritty, fast-paced storytelling rooted in working-class struggles and social realities. First breaking through at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival with the short film “Kultado” (2005) and later receiving acclaim for films like “Amok” (2011) and “Posas” (2012), Fajardo brings a documentary-style urgency to his project narratives.
Atty. Alonso, a practicing attorney and veteran film producer, leads Quantum Films. Known for balancing commercial hits with daring arthouse passion projects, she has been a major force in elevating Philippine cinema on international festival circuits.
Lotlot De Leon in ‘Silenced Nights’
Shot entirely on location in Happyland, Tondo, utilizing a cinema vérité style, the film is co-produced by Quantum Films, House on Fire (France), and House on Fire International (Taiwan), supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
Before kicking off its Bangkok screenings, “Silenced Nights” will make its world premiere in Toronto on September 13, competing for TIFF’s $20,000 Platform Prize.
‘Silenced Nights’ cast and crew
Shortly after its Canadian debut, the film will return home for its Philippine theatrical premiere on September 16, carrying an R-16 classification from the MTRCB due to its realistic depictions of violence, drug context, strong language, and heavy social themes.
What happens when the master of suspense teams up with one of romance fiction’s biggest names? Audiences are about to find out.
Warner Bros. Pictures has released the teaser trailer for “Remain,” an intriguing new romantic thriller born from an unprecedented collaboration between visionary filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan and best-selling author Nicholas Sparks.
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor, best known for Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” the film blends romance, mystery, and an unsettling supernatural atmosphere into a story where attraction may lead somewhere far more dangerous than expected.
Gyllenhaal stars as Tate Gordon, a reclusive architect who relocates to a small coastal town to complete his latest project. Keeping mostly to himself, Tate soon encounters an alluring young woman who begins pulling him out of his shell.
But their growing connection comes with a darker complication.
Before long, Tate finds himself drawn into the heart of a deadly mystery looming over the town, raising questions about the woman he has met and the secrets surrounding them both.
With Shyamalan’s signature taste for suspense and Sparks’ reputation for emotionally charged love stories, “Remain” promises an unusual combination of heartfelt romance and chilling intrigue.
Watch the teaser trailer here:
Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor lead the cast
Joining Gyllenhaal and Dynevor in the film are Ashley Walters, Julie Hagerty, and Jay O. Sanders.
Shyamalan directs “Remain” from his own screenplay, based on a story created by Shyamalan and Sparks.
The film is produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan, Marc Bienstock, and Theresa Park, with Sparks serving as executive producer.
Behind the camera, Shyamalan is joined by director of photography Adolpho Veloso, production designer Sam Lisenco, editor Noëmi Preiswerk, costume designer Caroline Duncan, casting director Douglas Aibel, music supervisor Gabe Hilfer, and composer James Newton Howard.
When does “Remain” open in cinemas?
Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Blinding Edge Pictures production, an M. Night Shyamalan film.
“Remain” opens in theaters across North America on February 5, 2027, while its international rollout begins February 3, 2027.
With two celebrated storytellers bringing their distinct creative strengths together, “Remain” is shaping up to be one of 2027’s most fascinating romantic thrillers.
I have never read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, but I have seen Nick Cassavetes’ film adaptation starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. Surprisingly, I have watched a lot of movie adaptations of books written by Sparks; while I cannot say I enjoy them all, there is a distinct formula to them that I find comforting and somehow appeals to my closet-romantic nature. So I was excited to catch Theater Group Asia’s production of The Notebook The Musical, even without knowing much about the stage version itself. The songs were written by Ingrid Michaelson, a singer-songwriter whose music career I have been a fan of during her early record.
The musical’s book, written by Bekah Brunstetter, follows a non-linear storyline depicting the main characters, Allie and Noah, across three distinct timelines. The story opens in a nursing home, where an elderly Allie lives with dementia while Noah refuses to leave her side.
Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie, Rody Vera as Older Noah | Photo: Jyllan Bitalac & Sherie Bolo | Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia’s The Notebook The Musical (Artistic Director: Clint Ramos; Executive Director: Christopher Mohnani)
As he reads to her from her handwritten notebook, a diary she kept, the and this thrusts us into the past, where two different versions of Noah and Allie act out their youth. Young Noah and Young Allie portray their first meeting and their falling in love. While middle Noah and Middle Allie, after years of not having seen each other; Noah has returned from the war to fulfill a promise, while Allie finds herself engaged to be married to another man just as their paths cross once again.
Photo: Jyllan Bitalac & Sherie Bolo | Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia’s The Notebook The Musical (Artistic Director: Clint Ramos; Executive Director: Christopher Mohnani)
At its core, The Notebook is a classic love story about two lovers who meet each other and fall in love but their circumstances try to keep them apart, who nevertheless defy all odds and refuse to let each other go.
Photo: Jyllan Bitalac & Sherie Bolo | Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia’s The Notebook The Musical (Artistic Director: Clint Ramos; Executive Director: Christopher Mohnani)
Directed by Nicholas Polonio, The Notebook The Musical emerges as a very polished staging that showcases some really good vocal performances from its cast, most notably from Morissette, who bring incredible depth and vocal power to Middle Allie and a set design that’s dynamic and inventive. There’s a massive dropdown screen frames that allows Older Noah and Older Allie to have their scenes upstage in the nursing home and as they journey into memory of the past, the screen lifts up to give us some gorgeous set designs by Miguel Urbino.
The stage transitions between a dock, complete with a rowboat, a frame representing the “haunted house” (that carries a promise with immense story implications), a bedroom with a huge bed, and a two-story house with stairs and a balcony. These sets are incredible to look at and Polonio’s use of the dropdown projection screen and some additional sliding screens at the side allows him total cinematic command over the show’s overall imagery of each scene. It’s almost cinematic.
Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah, Jillian Ita-as as Georgie | Photo: Jyllan Bitalac & Sherie Bolo | Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia’s The Notebook The Musical (Artistic Director: Clint Ramos; Executive Director: Christopher Mohnani)
Positioned behind the stage, the orchestra delivers a rich, lush soundscape that far surpasses the arrangements of earlier productions. Musical director Farley Asuncion brings out all the emotions from his arrangement. Later, the orchestra is revealed along with another set change at the height of one of the musical’s most emotional moments for full effect. It’s quite strong.
Morissette as Middle Allie, Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah | Photo: Jyllan Bitalac & Sherie Bolo | Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia’s The Notebook The Musical (Artistic Director: Clint Ramos; Executive Director: Christopher Mohnani)
Without highlighting the root cause of their break-up, overshadowed by all the montages of Noah and Allie falling in love, the musical renders its central conflict feels manufactured rather than rooted in a relatable, universal truth. Hidden by all the romantic parts, the conflict (or lack of it) doesn’t really give the musical the tension to reach its emotional zenith. Yes, Older Allie has dementia but that’s also a conflict that cannot be won over by choice.
Sheena Belarmino as Younger Allie, Benedix Ramos as Younger Noah | Photo: Jyllan Bitalac & Sherie Bolo | Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia’s The Notebook The Musical (Artistic Director: Clint Ramos; Executive Director: Christopher Mohnani)
Yet despite its technical flourishes and a powerhouse performance from Morissette, I found the play to lack a certain tension that would amplify the narrative’s conflict. I feel the problem is in the book. Benedix Ramos, Laurence Mossman, and Rody Vera, playing Young Noah, Middle Noah, and Older Noah, respectively, do a great job at portraying the charming romantic lead. Their collective Noah is a bundle of goodness and devoted to his love for Allie. Because of the way he’s written and then performed, there seems to be no real reason why Allie’s parents would be against him other than class discrimination. There are no rough edges in this Noah; no brusque temper, and no underlying danger. Noah is simply a good man. It doesn’t help that Ingrid Michaelson’s songs give him a lot of high notes (which each actor sings well) to sing and he’s always longing for her that there seems to be no real reason for them to be apart except for this discrimination that doesn’t get enough moments to be fully realised.
Morissette as Middle Allie, Sheena Belarmino as Younger Allie, Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie | Photo: Jyllan Bitalac & Sherie Bolo | Courtesy of Theatre Group Asia’s The Notebook The Musical (Artistic Director: Clint Ramos; Executive Director: Christopher Mohnani)
The cast members, led by Sheena Belarmino, Morissette, and Celeste Legazpi, who embody the three versions of Allie, young, middle, and old, respectively – are also giving it their all but it’s a show that doesn’t fully maximize the elements of its story, especially its conflict.
It still hit home for the ladies beside me when I watched; each one holding back tears and swooning at every romantic milestone. The Notebook The Musical is an impeccably polished production with a lot of great technical work involved and standout vocal performances. There is no question about that. Yet the material itself has its issues that hinder a good show from becoming a truly great one.
My Rating: 3 Stars
A story loved around the world, proudly built in the Philippines by Filipino artists, for Filipino audiences: Theatre Group Asia’s production of The Notebook The Musical must close on September 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Experience the music and stellar performances for yourself before the run ends. Grab your tickets now via TicketWorld.
The Owens witches are casting their spell once again.
Stockard Channing returns as Aunt Franny in “Practical Magic 2,” reuniting with Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and Dianne Wiest for another chapter filled with family, sisterhood, and supernatural trouble.
And judging by Channing’s recollection, the reunion was anything but quiet.
We all screamed a lot when we saw each other, she shares.
It was that kind of thing. Shrieking,” the actress adds with a chuckle. “And it was very easy, I think. Saves a lot of time when you’ve worked together, because there’s a shorthand to everything and a trust. It really works.
Familiar Faces, New Magic
More than two decades after the original film introduced audiences to the Owens family, the beloved witches are back.
Sandra Bullock once again plays Sally Owens, while Nicole Kidman returns as her sister Gillian. Channing and Wiest reprise their roles as the unforgettable Aunt Franny and Aunt Jet.
This time, however, the family faces a new and dangerous threat. In “Practical Magic 2,” the Owens sisters must confront a dark curse that could tear their family apart for good.
Directed by Susanne Bier, whose credits include “Bird Box” and “The Night Manager,” the sequel also brings Sally’s daughters back into the story, now grown up.
Joey King, known for “Bullet Train” and “A Family Affair,” and Maisie Williams of “Game of Thrones” and “The New Mutants” join the cast alongside Lee Pace, Xolo Maridueña, and Solly McLeod.
Watch the trailer:
Dianne Wiest Calls the Reunion “Extraordinary”
For Dianne Wiest, returning to “Practical Magic” offered something she had never experienced before.
It’s extraordinary to be asked to come back and not repeat something, but expand it, something that you’ve done twenty-five years ago and with the same people. I haven’t experienced that before, she shares.
That sense of continuity also extends to Aunt Jet and Aunt Franny.
In the first movie, the two women became known for helping those in need with potions, remedies, and a little Owens magic. Years later, they are still doing what they do best.
Absolutely, absolutely. Anyone who has arthritis or gout or a broken heart, anyone who has lost their lover, they come to Jet and my sister Franny, played by Stockard Channing, shares Weist.
They come to them at night and we give them remedies to ease their pain, whatever type of pain it might be.
Some things, thankfully, never change.
“Sisterhood Is Powerful”
Beyond the magic and family drama, one of the most enduring themes of “Practical Magic” has always been the strength of women supporting one another.
For Channing, that message is deeply personal.
Well, given my advanced age, it means a lot to me, because I’m of that generation – sisterhood is powerful, says Channing.
The actress also reflects proudly on the feminist movement that shaped her generation.
I’m proud of my feminist background. I am of a generation that was about equality. It was about equal rights.
Channing remembers growing up during a period when opportunities for women were far more limited, making the progress that followed especially meaningful to her.
But I was born at a time when it was rough. It was really rough. I hope people remember and respect the gains that my generation made, and try to hold onto them.
It is a fitting message for the Owens women, whose story continues to revolve around family, resilience, love, and the power of standing together.
With the original cast returning and a new generation stepping into the story, “Practical Magic 2” brings the Owens family legacy back to the big screen with fresh danger, powerful bonds, and plenty of magic.
Summon your coven and catch “Practical Magic 2” in cinemas starting September 9.
#PracticalMagic2
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, In Association with Alcon Entertainment, A Di Novi Pictures / A Fortis Films / A Blossom Films Production, A Susanne Bier Film: Practical Magic 2. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, only in theaters in North America on September 11, 2026, and internationally beginning September 9, 2026.
