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Stress-Free Holiday Feasts with TGI Fridays and Watami Platters
The holiday season is here, and while it brings joy and reunions, it also comes with the inevitable hustle and bustle of preparations. But this year can be different—stress-free, fuss-free, and filled with delicious moments. Thanks to TGI Fridays and Watami, hosting your Christmas parties, reunions, and Noche Buena gatherings just got a whole lot easier!

Celebrate with TGI Fridays’ Hearty To-Go Platters

TGI Fridays has created a lineup of festive platters that combine their signature flavors with the convenience of ready-to-serve dishes. Perfect for potlucks, office parties, or family feasts, these platters are hearty enough to serve 5-6 people each. Here’s what’s on the menu:

Starters and Salads
- Oriental Sesame Salad (₱1,090): A refreshing mix of romaine, red radish, cashews, mandarin oranges, and crispy vermicelli, tossed in roasted sesame dressing.
- Classic Caesar Salad (₱1,325): A timeless favorite with romaine, parmesan, bacon, and croutons, drizzled with creamy Caesar dressing.
Appetizers
- Fridays Mozzarella (₱1,535): Indulge in gooey, melty mozzarella coated in golden crispiness—a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Pasta
- Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta (₱1,590): Spaghetti in a spicy Alfredo sauce, paired with tender chicken, shrimp, and red bell peppers, topped with parmesan cheese.
Main Dishes
- Baby Back Ribs (₱3,495): Fall-off-the-bone goodness with a sweet and tangy glaze—perfect for meat lovers.
- Filipino Pork Liempo (₱2,135): A sweet-savory delight cooked to perfection.
Kid-Friendly Favorites
- Chicken Fingers Platter (₱1,835): Hand-battered, fried to a crisp, and served with honey mustard dressing, potato chips, or fries—loved by kids and adults alike.
TGI Fridays’ platters are just a click away via Grab or Bistro Delivers. Perfect for last-minute party prep. Just order, serve, and enjoy the festivities! Follow tgifridaysph for updates.

Add a Japanese Flair with Watami’s Party Platters

If you’re looking for a Japanese twist this holiday season, Watami’s Party Platters are here to elevate your celebrations. Infused with authentic umami flavors, these dishes are perfect for potluck socials or Christmas feasts. With options good for 5-6 people, these dishes are perfect for potluck socials or year-end celebrations. Here’s what Watami has in store:

Appetizers
- Watami Salad (₱1,175): A fresh, healthy mix of greens that’s a perfect starter.
- Shrimp Tempura Platter (₱1,475): Crispy, light-battered shrimp tempura that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Main Courses
- Chicken Teriyaki (₱1,320): Sweet and savory perfection that’s a staple of any Japanese spread.
- Assorted Chicken Skewers Party Platter (₱1,325): Skewered delights with bold flavors, grilled to perfection.
Rice and Noodle Dishes
- Pepper Beef Rice Party Platter (₱1,375): A hearty dish filled with tender beef and peppery goodness.
- Chahan Rice Party Platter (₱1,045): Classic fried rice with a flavorful twist.
- Yakisoba Platter (₱1,705): Stir-fried noodles bursting with umami flavor.
- Stir-Fried Udon Platter (₱1,425): Thick, chewy noodles coated in a savory sauce.
Sushi Selections
- Sushi Platter (₱1,425 small, ₱1,995 large): Assorted sushi rolls for every taste.
- Sushi in a Box (₱1,295 small, ₱2,095 large): Convenient, delicious, and perfect for sharing.
- Nigiri Platter (₱1,295): A variety of fresh nigiri for sushi lovers.
Watami’s platters are available for a limited time. Bring the essence of Japanese cuisine to your celebrations by ordering now! Follow watamiph for more updates.

With TGI Fridays and Watami taking care of the cooking, holiday hosting becomes a breeze. These platters ensure that your celebrations are not just stress-free but filled with flavors everyone will love. Whether you’re craving hearty classics or a Japanese-inspired feast, these offerings are guaranteed to make your holiday season even more special.
November 25, 2024
Have Tickets, Will Travel: Filipino Concert Tourism Takes Flight with Seamless Travel Tools

From Swifties who flocked to The Eras Tour to KPop stans chasing their biases, Filipinos are increasingly willing to travel overseas to see their favorite music acts.

Many combine these trips with vacations to fuel the growing trend of music tourism. A study by Expedia notes that 44% of the respondents would travel to take in a concert as an excuse to visit a new destination.

However, music tourism is an investment in itself. The costs of flights, accommodations, tickets, merchandise, and daily expenses add up, and concertgoers save for months, even years, to make it happen.

To protect this investment and allow Pinoys to focus on the experience of watching their idols live, finance superapp GCash offers a one-stop shop for Filipino travelers to simplify their journey. Within a single app, GCash enables users to purchase comprehensive and affordable travel insurance through GInsure and enables seamless overseas payments using the GCash card and Scan to Pay with Alipay+.

“Concerts are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and scoring tickets already takes a huge amount of effort and a significant budget,” said Wilfrido de Ocampo, General Manager of GInsure. “With comprehensive travel insurance and convenient payment options available in one app, we hope we can enhance their music journey by enabling them to focus on the experience, and not on worries.”

More Music, Less Mayhem

The influx of tourists at popular music venues and destinations can lead to challenges like jam packed flights and operational delays. GCash has partnered with trusted insurance providers Oona and Standard Insurance to protect unexpected travel expenses resulting from trip delays and cancellations, loss and damage to baggage, accidents, and illnesses.

“While securing tickets, flights, and accommodations are the top priorities, insurance might be an afterthought for some, until they run into issues and they end up regretting not having insurance to cover for all these hiccups,” said de Ocampo. “We’ve made it easy for Filipinos to purchase travel insurance in as little as 5 minutes, even 2 hours before your flight, through GInsure.”

Oona Smart Flight Delay Insurance offers instant lounge access for international flights delayed by more than 60 minutes, starting at just PHP 149. Standard Insurance Travel Protect International provides coverage for accidents, emergencies, and travel inconveniences for both domestic and international travel, starting at PHP 350.

As international artists fly to the Philippines, this is also replicated domestically, with Filipinos from all regions traveling to Metro Manila and other major cities. With premiums starting at PHP 103 for local travel, Standard Insurance Travel Protect Saver Plus provides coverage for accidents, emergencies, and travel inconveniences.

“Unlike the painstaking experience of having to score a ticket for an in-demand show, purchasing insurance on GCash can be done with just a few taps” de Ocampo added. Users can buy their travel insurance on GCash by accessing GInsure on the GCash dashboard and tapping ‘Travel.’ They can then choose their insurance product, read through the benefits and coverage, fill in the questionnaire and traveler details, and complete the payment using their GCash account – no need for physical documents.

Going Cashless for the Concert Craze

Concertgoers also deal with payments during the day of the event and their extended vacation. Long lines at concession stands, food establishments, and merchandise booths can be frustrating, especially when fumbling for cash, particularly foreign currency.

GCash makes this seamless as travelers can use GCash’s Scan-to-Pay feature in over 10 million stores powered by Alipay+, including retail stores, food establishments, groceries and convenience stores. One can scan the QR code or generate a code for the merchant to scan and once paid, have the option to view, download, and share the receipt, which shows the amount in both the Philippine Peso and the local currency.

Even without internet access, users can use GCash to tap and pay at groceries, restaurants, retail stores, and transportation. The GCash Visa card, connected to the user’s GCash wallet, doubles as a prepaid debit card, enabling concertgoers to pay at all 100 million merchants that accept Visa in the Philippines and overseas. The GCash Visa card can also be used to withdraw money from any Visa or BancNet ATM across 200 countries and territories.

To empower travelers to be on top of their expenses, GCash shows a user’s wallet balance in the local currency of their current country. Users will also receive real-time alerts after their transactions.

“We design our services to provide budget-conscious travelers with transparency and real-time updates about their transactions. On top of that, our zero service fee and low foreign exchange rate helps ensure one’s travel budget goes directly to their experience.” noted de Ocampo.

Unforgettable concerts, no matter the destination, are a combination of thorough preparation, excitement, and a financial app that offers peace of mind. GCash aims to be every Filipino’s travel buddy, so they can forget the concert bumps and fully embrace the moment.

Ready to go on your next concert trip? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

About GCash

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

November 25, 2024
Learn, Play, Win: GCash Brings Fun, Prizes, and Financial Access to Malls Near You

Navigating the ins and outs of finances can be tricky and overwhelming. Barangay GCash is bringing financial opportunities closer to Filipinos, so you can access the different lending options that can help manage your day-to-day funds, prepare for unexpected costs, and achieve financial goals – through fun games and prizes. If you’re in Quezon City, Manila City, and Davao City, fun games, prizes, and financial access are in store at Barangay GCash!

Prizes and Fun Games Await!

Interactive booth activities will show the many ways GCash can help you with your everyday needs, emergencies, and future plans and goals.

Start with the Ipit-Credit booth, where you enter a box with flying bills and catch as many gold cards as possible. Get tips on how to get out of tight financial situations using GCredit, an always-ready credit line powered by CIMB, or get lucky and win points to redeem prizes at Barangay GCash’s tindahan.

At the Salo Sa-Loan, test your salo skills by catching as many sticks as you can. Learn about the many ways instant cash loan GLoan can help you with sabay-sabay na gastos.

You can then proceed to Hati-Untian, where you’ll need to slice as many price tags as possible to win up to 100 points, showing you how installment payments made through GGives can enable you to purchase big-ticket items with zero downpayment and flexible payment terms.

At the Kaya Today tindahan, explore the many ways you can manage your finances with GCash: Scan to Pay at select merchants, buy or borrow load, and pay bills with just a few taps. And if you don’t have a GCash card yet, you can also get yours on the same day starting in December.

Lastly, aim for your target goal, catch prizes, and learn more about how GCash can help you borrow on the spot at Goal Mo Na Yan, because no matter what your needs are for education, medical, travel, or home, GCash Lending has got you covered!

All lucky players will get a chance to win premium items from GCash after playing!

Borrow with GCash

Through its different lending solutions, GCash aims to provide convenient and accessible borrowing options to meet every Filipino’s needs – whether it be for every day, emergencies or long-term goals.

When you visit the Barangay GCash booths, get to know various GCash products, including GLoan, an instant and easy cash loan solution where you can borrow up to PHP 125,000 straight to your e-wallet; GGives, an installment loan service that eases the payment of large expenses up to PHP 125,000 with a flexible installment plan of up to 24 months; and GCredit, which offers a flexible credit line of up to PHP 50,000 to cover daily expenses, including purchases and select billers. GLoan, GGives, and GCredit are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.

GLoan Sakto also allows eligible users to borrow as low as PHP 100 directly from GCash as a small expense allowance for urgent needs. Beyond cash, Borrow Load allows you to get prepaid load promos for mobile or broadband instantly even when there’s no balance left, payable within 14 days. GLoan Sakto and Borrow Load are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.

The Barangay GCash mall activation comes as Barangay GCash has visited multiple barangays across Metro Manila. Now expanding to selected malls, GCash aims to reach even more Filipinos and continue to provide easy access to their services. Offering a helping hand in the moments you need it the most, GCash aims to enable inclusive finance for all.

Be ready to catch these fun booths and prizes at your nearest mall and play to learn more about how GCash can streamline your finances from every day to a rainy day and for that dream one day. Borrow with GCash!

Be on the lookout for Barangay GCash in December and win exclusive prizes at a mall near you in Quezon City, Manila City, and Davao City. For more updates, tune in to the official pages of GCash.

Users can access GCredit, GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto, and Borrow Load on the GCash dashboard or click the “Borrow” button. GCredit, GGives, GLoan, GLoan Sakto and Borrow Load are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply.

Still don’t have GCash? Download the GCash App from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

_{^{About GCash}^{GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. Its mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines.}}

_{^{GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.}}

_{^{About Fuse Lending, Inc.
Fuse Lending, Inc. is a company that offers simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. Its primary goal is to enable individuals and small businesses to achieve financial security and growth through various digital lending products. Fuse Lending is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion unicorn in the Philippines. It’s also regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).}}

_{^{Mynt, through its fintech operations, is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.}}

November 23, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: Bigger and Better Than the Musical, ‘Wicked’ Hits All the Right Notes

I’ll be honest and say that I was not expecting to like ‘Wicked.’ As I kept hearing news after news about it – the film being part one of two, the total running time of the film is longer than the stage musical (roughly two hours and forty minutes), and others – I was becoming more and more apprehensive about it. The only thing that I was excited about was the casting of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Erivo is a fantastic actress and a damn good singer. If anyone can bring that character to the screen, it’s her. It doesn’t help that other than ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘Good,’ I’m not a fan of the musical as well.

So it was to my utter surprise that as ‘Wicked’ part 1 ended, I found myself in tears.

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

L to R: Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

With director Jon M. Chu at the helm, ‘Wicked’ manages to find its heart despite the overindulgent (not a bad thing) design of the world that leans a lot towards the psychedelic and the absurd. By not being grounded visually, it allows for the film to take very whimsical approaches to character reactions and makes it believable. In a world as colorful and extraordinary as Oz, how is a baby being born green such an affront to everyone’s taste? But it works because the world in itself feels off-kilter and kooky.

L to R: Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

‘Wicked’ follows the first act of the musical of the same name (which is based on the book by Gregory Maguire). With an extended running time, the film takes it time to really establish the characters and their complex dynamic, which is the heart and soul of the film. It’s the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a woman who was born with green skin. Shunned by her family and society, she has lived quietly, taking it all in and never letting any of it out. Deep within her is a power that she cannot understand, and it gets her a seat at Shiz University where her sister is enrolled. There she meets Galinda (Ariana Grande), and they quickly become enemies but as they get to know each other better, they become the best of friends.

L to R: Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

The bulk of ‘Wicked’ comes from the shift in the dynamic of Elphaba and Galinda’s (who later becomes Glinda) relationship. Gravitating around their friendship are stories about how the talking animals are slowly being persecuted and a handsome prince, Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) also comes into the picture to become the love interest of both women. These subplots serve to push and pull on the two girls as they begin to realise something about each other and themselves that forces them to make massive decisions by the end of the film that will change the course of their lives forever.

Ariana Granda is Glinda in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

At the heart of it, ‘Wicked’ is a story about discrimination. Elphaba is shunned and ridiculed for the color of the skin and Cynthia Erivo embodies this so magnificently. Unlike iterations of this I’ve seen on YouTube or when I saw the play at the CCP by the Australian touring cast, Erivo’s Elphaba is a young woman who is forced to be mature by her oppression. She is wound up and tense. She’s guarded. But deep inside that hard exterior, is a young girl looking for acceptance and belonging.

Peter Dinklage voices Dr. Dillamond in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

It’s why when she becomes close with one of her professors who is a talking goat (Peter Dinklage), she softens, and the effect is palpable on screen. When her and Galinda’s relationship turns towards friendship, that vulnerability suddenly becomes visible. And when the plot brings her to a point when she discovers the power that is deep within her, leading up to the showstopping ‘Defying Gravity,’ Erivo becomes a raging storm. The performance is one-of-a-kind, and it helps that she can really sing like the best of them.

Ariana Granda is Glinda in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

Grande is a natural comedienne. She has great timing and a sincerity that makes her Galinda feel as genuine as she is oblivious to the larger things that are at play. It’s her chemistry with Erivo that helps secure the film’s narrative into stable ground that allows the film to take flight at its finale. But while Grande’s performance is strong and a definite crowd-pleaser, it really feels like a reverent interpretation of Kristen Chenoweth’s portrayal of Galinda. It’s no secret that Grande has been in love with this show since she first saw it at ten years old. I feel that her attack on the character was to do the best version of Chenoweth’s Galinda rather than doing something uniquely her own. It’s not a fault, really, because she did a great job, but I was hoping for something different.

Bailey is obviously having a lot of fun, showing off his range and managing to turn his Prince Fiyero into a bisexual sex symbol. He brings a wave of teen-filled desire into this PG-13 movie and makes it a little dangerous, which is always fun. Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage are always reliable and help create a fully realised psychedelic world that has a great big heart and a strong message to finding your own voice and taking a stand.

L to R: Bronwyn James is Shenshen and Bowen Yang is Pfannee in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu

The almost-three hour running time goes by so fast and you never really feel it. I am absolutely shocked that ‘Wicked’ is as good as it is with my only fear that Part Two will not be able to match the narrative highs that this film manages to attain.

My Rating:

Wicked is now casting its spell in cinemas! Check showtimes and buy your tickets here for a magical movie experience.

November 23, 2024
“Kraven the Hunter” – A Vicious Journey to Vengeance Unfolds on December 11

Marvel fans, prepare for a gripping origin story like no other. Kraven the Hunter, opening in Philippine cinemas on December 11, delivers an intense, action-packed saga that redefines what it means to be a villain. This is not your typical superhero tale—Kraven is no hero. He’s human, raw, and dangerously flawed.

A Villain Forged by Family Tragedy

At its heart, Kraven the Hunter is a tale of family, betrayal, and a descent into vengeance. Sergei Kravinoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is a man caught in the toxic web of his father’s corruption. Director J.C. Chandor calls it “a family tragedy,” one that explores deep relationships and the price of stepping outside moral boundaries.

“Kraven believes that he can make the world a better place through breaking basic tenets of society and fundamental rules of decency,” director J. C. Chandor says. “But he believes he’s doing that to serve the greater good. He absolutely does.”

Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Transformation into Kraven

Taylor-Johnson brings a layered portrayal of Kraven, a man desperate to escape his father’s criminal influence and protect his younger brother Dmitri (Fred Hechinger). However, Kraven’s promise to safeguard his brother becomes his undoing. “Sergei’s younger brother, Dmitri, has been shunned from the beginning as the inferior sibling,” explains Taylor-Johnson. “Dmitri has been living under his father’s disapproval and abuse, and Kraven decides he’s had enough. He can’t tolerate his father’s corruption anymore—he’s going to go on his own path and make things right. Kraven promises his brother that he’s going to protect him.”

This moral conflict, paired with Kraven’s deadly skill as a hunter, sets him apart. “This is like no other Marvel superhero movie, because Kraven isn’t a superhero,” Taylor-Johnson says. “He’s not an alien. He’s not a monster. He’s a man who has been trained as a skilled hunter and killer.”

A Stellar Cast and Powerful Direction

The film is anchored by an exceptional cast. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars alongside Russell Crowe, Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, and Christopher Abbott. J.C. Chandor’s direction ensures a visceral experience, while the screenplay by Richard Wenk, Art Marcum, and Matt Holloway delves into the psyche of this complex character.

Save the Date: December 11

Feel the thrill of the hunt as Kraven the Hunter unfolds in Philippine cinemas. Distributed by Columbia Pictures, the film promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience. Follow the conversation online using the hashtag #KravenTheHunter.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}

November 22, 2024
Unlock Next-Level Perks with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya

Ready to take your shopping game to the next-level? Say hello to the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines. In just three months, over 50,000 Filipinos have already snagged this card, enjoying a high-tech credit experience with unbeatable cashback rewards. It’s officially one of the fastest-growing credit cards around, and for many, it’s even their very first!

If you’re looking to make your shopping trips more rewarding, this is the card you don’t want to miss. Here’s why you’d want in:

More Bang for Your Buck

Every spend with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card enhances your shopping experience, letting you earn up to ₱200,000 in cashback annually, redeemable at Landers. Enjoy up to 5% cashback at Landers Superstore, 2% on dining, and 1% on nearly everything else. The best part? There are no annual fees, so you can maximize your savings. Plus, the Maya app makes it a breeze to track your cashback earnings and redeem vouchers, keeping your rewards always within reach!

Next-level Tech to Keep You in Control

Tired of managing your card like a chore? Not anymore! Now, you can effortlessly track your spending, set limits, and even choose your billing date—all within the Maya app.

Need to change your PIN? Done. Want to set daily spending limits? Easy. You can even turn foreign transactions on or off with just a tap—no bank calls necessary! And with its dynamic CVV (aka fresh security every time), your online shopping is more secure than ever.

Getting Started? Too Easy!

Wave goodbye to lengthy applications! Once you’re approved, your virtual card is instantly available in the app for immediate online shopping. When your physical card arrives, activating it takes just a tap, and you’ll be ready to shop at over 130 million merchants worldwide, thanks to Visa’s extensive network.

“With this card, we’re giving Filipinos the power to control their credit and enjoy the rich rewards they earn, in an intuitive way. It’s designed to make managing your money seamless and take your credit card experience to the next level,” shared Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Maya Bank Co-Founder.

Lowell Yu, Chairman of SoutheastAsia Retail, added, “Our members deserve more from their shopping experience, and this card maximizes the premium perks of their membership. The cashback rewards combined with Maya’s digital banking platform enhances every shopping experience.”

“Visa is excited to support this innovative credit card, bringing new ways to make everyday payments even more rewarding. It’s a game-changer for daily transactions, big or small,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

So, whether you’re diving into your first credit card or seeking a powerful upgrade, this is it! For more details, visit https://www.mayabank.ph/creditcard/landers/. Stay updated by following @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and @mayaofficialph on Twitter for more details.

November 22, 2024
Step Into Opus Mall’s VIP Cinema for a Luxe “Wicked” Viewing Experience

Watching movies on the big screen is always a treat, especially when it’s a blockbuster like Wicked. The much-awaited adaptation of the beloved musical, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is now in cinemas, and there’s no better place to experience its magic than at the VIP Cinema in Opus Mall. This isn’t just another movie house—it’s a destination where cinema luxury takes center stage. With its state-of-the-art technology, plush amenities, and exclusive lounge, the VIP Cinema at Opus Mall offers an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

An Unmatched Cinematic Experience

Opus Mall’s VIP Cinema sets the standard for luxury movie viewing in the Philippines. Featuring the largest screen among VIP cinemas in the country, every scene of “Wicked” unfolds with cinematic grandeur. The VIP Cinema boasts the largest screen among VIP cinemas in the Philippines—a jaw-dropping 15 meters—ensuring every scene from Wicked is larger than life. Pair that with Dolby Atmos sound and Laser Projection Technology, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a truly immersive experience. Hear every note of Grande and Erivo’s duets, every laugh from Michelle Yeoh, and every witty line from Peter Dinklage as if you were right there in Oz.

Luxury Redefined: Comfort and Elegance

Sink into one of only 56 plush leather reclining seats, each nestled within a private cocoon designed for maximum comfort and privacy. Equipped with USB charging ports and a service tablet at your fingertips, these seats offer convenience alongside luxury, creating an ideal environment to lose yourself in the magic of “Wicked.”

Before the show begins, indulge in the VIP cinema lounge adorned with artworks by Filipino artists. Exclusively available to VIP ticket holders, this serene space provides a perfect retreat to unwind and prepare for the cinematic journey ahead.

A Stellar Cast, A Legendary Story

Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked” brings to life the beloved tale of Elphaba and Galinda in the mystical Land of Oz. Supported by an ensemble cast including Jonathan Bailey, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, the film promises captivating performances and memorable moments that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

More Than Just a Movie Time

Beyond its exceptional cinema experience, Opus Mall offers a complete upscale destination featuring premium dining and exclusive shopping. Make the most of your visit by exploring the mall’s curated selection of culinary delights and luxury brands, ensuring your day is as memorable as your cinematic adventure.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness “Wicked” in unparalleled luxury at Opus Mall’s VIP Cinema. For reservations and more information, contact movieworld@robinsonsland.com and prepare to be transported into a world where magic meets luxury.

November 22, 2024
Experience the Magic: Live-Action “How to Train Your Dragon” Teaser Trailer Unveiled!
The enchanting world of Hiccup and Toothless is back—and this time, it’s reimagined in stunning live-action! Prepare to embark on a Viking adventure like never before when How to Train Your Dragon hits Philippine cinemas on June 11, 2025.

From the creative genius of Dean DeBlois, the visionary behind the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, this live-action adaptation is set to reignite the magic of dragons and Vikings with breathtaking realism.

A Fresh Yet Familiar Tale

Set on the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been mortal enemies for generations, the story follows the inventive yet underestimated Hiccup (Mason Thames, The Black Phone, For All Mankind). As the son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his iconic role), Hiccup dares to forge an unthinkable bond with Toothless, a mysterious Night Fury dragon. This act of bravery challenges centuries-old traditions, reshaping the Viking world forever.

A Stellar Cast and Creative Team

Cast Highlights:
- Mason Thames as Hiccup
- Gerard Butler as Stoick
- Nico Parker as Astrid
- Nick Frost as Gobber
- Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, and more in supporting roles
Behind the Scenes:

Written and directed by three-time Oscar® nominee and Golden Globe winner Dean DeBlois, the film is produced by Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, and Adam Siegel. Fans can expect cutting-edge visuals and heartfelt storytelling that honor the spirit of the original films.

Why Fans Should Be Excited

The animated How to Train Your Dragon franchise captured hearts worldwide, earning more than $1.6 billion at the global box office. Now, with advanced visual effects, the bond between Hiccup and Toothless takes on breathtaking new dimensions. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this reimagining promises to deliver the ultimate cinematic experience.

Mark your calendars— How to Train Your Dragon lands in cinemas on June 11, 2025. Are you ready to discover the true meaning of courage, destiny, and friendship?
November 21, 2024
Meet the Characters Shaping Rome’s Fate in “Gladiator II”, in Cinemas December 4

Director Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II is set to reignite the grandeur of ancient Rome with an explosive continuation of the saga. Slated for release on December 4, the highly anticipated sequel shifts the narrative from Maximus’ story to that of a new hero, Lucius, portrayed by Paul Mescal.

_{Paul Mescal is Lucius in Gladiator II.}

Paul Mescal as Lucius: A New Kind of Gladiator

Screenwriter David Scarpa reveals that Lucius’ story is a stark contrast to Maximus’. “Maximus started as a leader in the Roman military who is facing off with an army of barbarians. Lucius is a barbarian defending his home from the invading Romans. Maximus was loyal to the emperor. Lucius hates Rome and everything to do with it. And yet both end up forced to kill or be killed for the amusement of the mob.” Scarpa shares.

Lucius, now a grown man, faces a life-changing ordeal when the Roman army invades his homeland in Numidia. Paul Mescal describes his character as a man driven by rage and vengeance:

“He is taken prisoner and dragged into Rome. He has an intense anger towards everything Roman that will grow as the film progresses,” Mescal says about his character. “When he enters the arena for the first time, he sees Acacius [Pedro Pascal], the general who led the siege of his city. He sees him sitting there with his wife and he vows to himself to kill them or be killed.”

_{(From left) Fred Hechinger is Emperor Caracalla, Pedro Pascal is Roman General Marcus Acacius, and Joseph Quinn is Emperor Geta Gladiator II.}

Pedro Pascal as Acacius: A General Torn Between Duty and Love

Pedro Pascal, who plays the conflicted Roman general Acacius, brings depth to a character navigating loyalty, love, and survival. “You have to pay attention to the where and why of his allegiances,” the actor says. “Because he is leading the Roman army, you’ll think he’s a villain. But Acacius loves Lucilla, a beloved character from the first movie. So, then he’s a good guy. And the movie plays those tricks on us continually.”

_{Connie Nielsen is back as Lucilla in Gladiator II.}

Connie Nielsen as Lucilla: The Survivor’s Dilemma

Fifteen years after the events of the original Gladiator, Lucilla remains one of Rome’s most formidable figures. Connie Nielsen reflects on her character’s resilience:

“Lucilla has had to be a survivor all of her life,” Nielsen says. “She immediately understood what the death of her brother meant for her and those she cares about. When this movie begins, she’s been through 15 years of upheaval and countless pretenders to the throne.”

As political tides shift, Lucilla must navigate the chaos unleashed by Rome’s new emperors—Geta and Caracalla.

Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger as The Twin Emperors: Chaos on the Throne

Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger step into the roles of Geta and Caracalla, historical figures infamous for their shared rule and volatile reign. Scott describes them, “They are already a bit insane when we meet them,” he adds. “Their father succeeded Commodus, and they inherited the throne. They ran Rome a little off the rails. What better way to surpass the dastardly legacy of Commodus than to double down on the malevolence?”

_{Denzel Washington is Macrinus in Gladiator II.}

Denzel Washington as Macrinus: Power at Any Cost

Two-time Oscar® winner Denzel Washington portrays Macrinus, a shrewd businessman-turned-kingmaker whose thirst for power knows no bounds. Ridley Scott hints at Macrinus’ shadowy rise:

“I think Macrinus was probably a soldier from North Africa who arrived in Rome as a young man,” says director Ridley Scott. “He worked his way up to being a major supplier of food and other goods to the armies and turned that into an empire of steel foundries, shields, swords, and spears.”

Washington adds, “And power is an addictive drug. Once you have it, you can’t live without it. Once he had a taste for taking, he had to have more. He doesn’t really care about anyone. He uses them. If people can’t make him more powerful, he has no interest in them.”

_{Derek Jacobi is back as Senator Gracchus in Gladiator II.}

Derek Jacobi as Gracchus: A Voice of Courage

Veteran actor Derek Jacobi reprises his role as the loyal senator Gracchus. A trusted ally to Lucilla, Gracchus remains steadfast in his principles, even as Rome teeters on the edge of chaos.

Jacobi reveals, “He hasn’t changed much at all. He still loves a bit of adventure. He’s a great character — a brave man who is eager to test fate and welcomes a challenge.”

A Legacy of Excellence

The sequel also brings Ridley Scott’s signature attention to detail and grandeur. From the vibrant chaos of Numidia to the blood-soaked Colosseum, Gladiator II promises a spectacle unlike any other.

Mark your calendars: December 4 is the date to return to the arena. Follow the journey on social media with #GladiatorII and tag @paramountpicsph to join the conversation.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}

November 21, 2024
THEATER REVIEW: Made for Children, ‘Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad’ is a Ballet Filled with Joy

Alice Reyes Dance Philippines held a one-day performance of a new ballet, ‘Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad’ early this month at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Circuit Makati. It was a wonderful, joyous celebration of dance that was specifically targeting the younger audience. With book, direction, and choreography by Erl Sorilla, ‘Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad’ was an hour-long performance that was funny and romantic and full of gorgeous Filipino imagery. It was light and fast-paced and showed off the wonders of ballet with a little hint of contemporary, modern dance to keep the target audience glued to the stage.

Image from Alice Reyes Dance Philippines FB

It’s a simple enough story about how Buwaya stole a golden coconut, which brought good fortune to a village. Juan Tamad goes by his dad being lazy until he meets Maria Masipag, the daughter of the village elder who held the golden coconut for the village. While Juan and Maria fell in love, her parents won’t let her be with someone so lazy. To dissuade him, they task him to find the missing golden coconut. If he brings it back to the village, he can be with Maria. Despite his name, Juan Tamad goes off with his animal companion, Matsing, in search for the prize. On the way, he meets other animal companions until his big battle with the Buwaya.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

Sorilla’s choreography is fun and big and clean. He makes full use of his ensemble of seven dancers that the village feels like a full village, and he incorporates Loy Arcenas’ inventive and ingenious costume designs into the performance. The villagers look like they are straight off an Amorsolo painting but when he gets to the animals, they are complete with tails and headpieces. The crocodile has a huge tail that swings around when he spins and it’s to the company’s skill and handwork (and Sorilla’s blocking and direction) that no one ever gets hit (unless intended). Loy Arcenas also designed the set and makes clever use of three wheeled panels that look like coconut trees, and they are wheeled around to show Juan Tamad and Matsing searching through the forest for Buwaya and it feels like they are really moving from place to place despite it still being the same stage.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

It’s fun and ingenious ideas like this that makes the play so enjoyable, and it was such a treat for all the young people in the audience, some of them as young as Grade 3 or Grade 4. I was also happy to see two whole blocks of children from two different schools who were present, and they were squealing with joy, especially from the antics of Matsing.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

While Renzen Arboleda was terrific as Juan Tamad. He was charming and his movements were precise, his jumps were impressive. On his duet with Maria, performed beautifully by Karla Santos. But it was Dan Dayo as Matsing who really stole the show. Matsing’s choreography was more hyper. It allowed him to be playful and silly and required more jumps and cartwheels. It was a showier character. While not as showy as Matsing, Ejay Arisola had a much harder time as Buwaya. His costume was detailed with a maw and a long tail that he incorporated fully into his performance. The fact that he was able to do all of the amazing things he did on stage speaks so much of his skill. The other two standouts were Monica Gana as Kuneho and Krislynne Buri as Paboreal. Gana, as Kuneho, was funny and spritely. She really looked like a rabbit on stage while Buri had the unenviable task of dancing in Paboreal’s costume, a full-on skirt of shiny material to serve as her peacock feathers. Luckily, she and Buwaya performed a ballroom-inspired duet that was so interesting to watch with their tail and skirt flying with their precise shifts in movement.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

Knowing that it’s ballet for children, I could understand that the choreography had to be big and fun and playful. I even welcomed some of the movements almost resembling modern urban dance before it returns to its ballet roots. It keeps it familiar for the kids. I do have a bit of issue at the start when the ballet attempts to establish Juan Tamad as lazy. We see the villagers asking him to do things for him and instead of doing them, he just lies down and sleeps. More than lazy, it paints him more as unreliable or irresponsible. And on the other hand, Maria Masipag is meant to be hardworking and we see her do a lovely solo dance sweeping around her house and other chores and this gives off responsible and diligent. These are abstractions, of course, but something I wish was given a little more thought to in the process.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

But other than that, what a wonderful show and I hope Alice Reyes Dance Philippines continues to produce more shows like this because dance is such a wonderful avenue for kids, both as entertainment and something that they might want to try out for themselves.

My Rating:

Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, an all-original production choreographed by Erl Sorilla, premiered last November 10 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

November 21, 2024