Music has always been a recurring theme in Naoko Yamada’s works, from her directorial debut K-On! and now her latest work The Colors Within. “Music allows people to communicate without words,” Yamada tells The Japan Times. “It gives you a way to share your feelings. It crosses borders. Through sound, through music, you can share what you like.”
Embarking on this new journey with Yamada is writer Reiko Yoshida. They’ve collaborated since K-On!, and Yoshida has many more anime and live-action series and films in her belt, including the Violet Evergarden movie, and A Silent Voice.
“I give her some key words and phrases, and she weaves them into a complete story,” Yamada says. “When it comes to turning the idea into text, I leave everything to her, and when it comes to turning that text into animation, she leaves everything to me. It’s a relationship of complete trust.”
The film follows three teens, Totsuko, Kumi, and Rui, as they navigate school, being a teenager, and making decisions that conflict with either their personal beliefs, or familial tradition. Coming together to form a band challenges their everyday routine, and helps them form bonds that give them strength to find acceptance within themselves.
As for the heart of the story, Yamada wanted to go with a theme that resonates with everyone. “I wanted to depict the strength that comes from accepting things within others that you don’t have within yourself,” says Yamada. “For me, the most important thing when making a film, the core element, is love.”
Yamada also wanted to find joy and happiness in the mundane. “In shaping a narrative, some people might expect those kinds of ups and downs, but in that case, the story feels ‘constructed,’” says Yamada. “I wanted to avoid that. I wanted to carefully depict very normal things, the things that are near us every day. Rather than surface-level accidents, I wanted to dig deeper into everyday moments.”
Bring a friend and see a world of light and brilliance as “The Colors Within” is out in Philippine cinemas! Follow Encore Films PH on Facebook and @encorefilmsph on Instagram for the latest updates.
Holiday season excitement is about to skyrocket as Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans team up in the festive action-comedy Red One, hitting cinemas on November 6. In this globe-trotting adventure, Johnson stars as the North Pole’s Head of Security, while Evans plays a notorious bounty hunter. Together, they embark on a mission to save Christmas after Santa himself is kidnapped!
Johnson and Evans on Their On-Screen Chemistry
The charm of Red One isn’t only in the action-packed storyline but also in the effortless chemistry between its stars. According to Evans, working with Johnson felt natural and fun: “It’s so easy to have chemistry with Dwayne,” he says. “He’s an incredibly giving actor.” Johnson returns the praise, “Chris – he’s got the talent, got the looks, the sense of humor. And we had a great time on this movie.” Director Jake Kasdan describes their dynamic, “These two characters have a fun, electric friction between them.”
Red One promises an immersive Christmas experience that combines family-friendly action with witty dialogue, making it a perfect seasonal treat. Whether you’re a fan of holiday films or action comedies, Red One has something for everyone!
Get Your Tickets Now!
Don’t miss the chance to kick off the holidays with Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans in Red One. Tickets are now available, so book early! Red One, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, opens in Philippine cinemas on November 6. Visit www.redonemovie.com.ph or check out your favorite cinema websites.
Red One is showing on November 6! Check showtimes and buy advance tickets here.
Trick or Treat! The Halloween season is here and Randy’s is all for it. Enjoy the new Halloween-themed drinks and donuts from October 17 to November 10!
Spooky Sweetness
Randy’s is offering their world-famous donuts made spooky! Three new donuts are available: Pumpkin Raised (Orange Flavored Chocolate), Oreo Bat Raised (White Chocolate topped with Oreo cookies), and Franky Raised (White Chocolate Matcha). These Halloween-designed donuts are fun and delicious.
Aside from this, you’ll definitely love the latest Oreo Spidey Frappe, a Cookies and Cream flavored beverage that’s perfect for the hauntingly mysterious season! Pair it with the Halloween Donuts and you have a real treat!
Halloween Promo
From October 28-30, an order of the Oreo Spidey Frappe will come with a Halloween Donut of your choice. The Frappe and Donut pairing will be bundled for only P 140.
Brighten up your days with awesome savings, and score exclusive deals with our October Cheat Sheet only with foodpanda! This handy guide is perfect for new and regular users looking for vouchers to save on their favorite food orders. So hurry, and make sure to take advantage of this month’s vouchers before time runs out—because, as they say, “basta deals, panda!”
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For the Celebration Planners: Unlock Exciting Seasonal Deals:
Take advantage of up to P200 OFF on food delivery, pick-up, and groceries with PASKONA for selected restaurants, pandamart, and shops. Plus, with payday just around the corner, make sure to use code PAYDAY from October 29-31 for a fantastic P500 cashback!
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This November 2024, Tiny Beautiful Things: A Play About Life – In Letters makes its much-anticipated Philippine premiere, bringing heartfelt stories and human connections to the stage. Presented by The Sandbox Collective, this production wraps up the company’s 10th-year anniversary season, celebrating a decade of innovative theater. Directed by Gawad Buhay awardee Jenny Jamora, the play is set to deliver a powerful emotional experience for audiences of all ages.
Adapted from Cheryl Strayed’s book, Tiny Beautiful Things brings to life the stories from Strayed’s time as an anonymous advice columnist. The play draws from real-life letters, reflecting the highs and lows of human emotions, and offers thoughtful advice that touches the soul.
A Story of Life, Love, and Letters
At the heart of Tiny Beautiful Things is the character of “Sugar,” who writes under a pseudonym while responding to deeply personal letters from readers. The questions she receives range from heartbreak and grief to love, relationships, and self-doubt. Sugar’s responses are raw, real, and full of wisdom, making this play a poignant reminder of the power of empathy and understanding.
Director Jenny Jamora leads the artistic team in crafting a play that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. She shares that the set design—Sugar’s apartment—mirrors the journey of the characters, particularly the relationship between Sugar and the letter writers. “How much Sugar shares of herself is reflected in how she and the letter writers share the physical space,” Jamora explains, “The space is physically the same, but toward the end of the play the way they use it should also reflect the community this group of people has become.” Showcasing the importance of connection and community in navigating life’s challenges.
Iza Calzado Takes on the Role of Sugar
Stepping into the role of Sugar is none other than the acclaimed actress Iza Calzado. Known for her strong screen presence, Iza is sure to bring depth and emotional gravitas to this layered role. Sugar isn’t just an advice columnist—she is a guide, a friend, and a mirror for those who are searching for answers in life.
Photo courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
Calzado will be joined on stage by Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla, and Ketchup Eusebio, who will portray various letter writers seeking advice from Sugar. These letter writers remain anonymous, but their stories—covering the full spectrum of human emotions—will feel relatable to everyone in the audience. Additionally, Regina De Vera and Brian Sy will take on the roles of letter writers in select performances.
Photo courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
Together, the ensemble cast will bring these letters to life, creating a dialogue between the audience and the characters that speaks to universal experiences of love, loss, and everything in between.
Photo courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
An Artistic Collaboration for the Ages
Behind the scenes, Tiny Beautiful Things boasts an impressive roster of talents in its artistic team. With Jenny Jamora directing, audiences can expect a fresh and engaging take on the material. Marcel David serves as assistant director, while Kayla Teodoro handles set design, and Kiefer Sison takes charge as lighting and technical director. Arvy Dimaculangan manages the sound design, with Krystal Kane as costume stylist, and JV Rabano behind the lens as the production’s photographer.
Each member of the team has played a vital role in building the world of Tiny Beautiful Things, ensuring the play is both visually stunning and emotionally moving.
The People Behind The Sandbox Collective
The Sandbox Collective has long been a key player in the local theater scene, known for bringing innovative and thought-provoking productions to Filipino audiences. For Tiny Beautiful Things, Toff De Venecia serves as Managing Artistic Director, alongside Anna Santamaria as Finance and Operations Director, Sab Jose as Marketing and PR Director, and Maine Manalansan as Design Director. This powerhouse team has worked tirelessly to ensure that this play resonates with Filipino theatergoers.
Photo courtesy of The Sandbox Collective/@TheSandboxCo
Rounding out the production crew are Charyl De Guzman as Production Manager, Pachot Festejo as Head Stage Manager, Loreta Arroyo as Marketing and PR Manager, and Marielle Filoteo as Social Media Manager. Together, this dedicated team has shaped a production that not only entertains but also touches hearts.
Catch Tiny Beautiful Things This November
Tiny Beautiful Things will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024, at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati. The intimate venue is the perfect setting for a play that thrives on human connection and emotional vulnerability.
Showtimes:
Fridays: 8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Tickets are available through Ticket2Me at bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl. Given the buzz surrounding this production, tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!
The production is presented by The Sandbox Collective in partnership with Concord Theatricals and Samuel French, Inc., and is made possible with the support of MAC Cosmetics (official makeup partner), Privato Hotel (official hotel partner), and Pitchworks (official billboard partner).
For more updates, behind-the-scenes content, and ticket information, be sure to follow The Sandbox Collective on their social media channels:
In a world where we often feel isolated in our struggles, Tiny Beautiful Things serves as a reminder that we are never truly alone. Whether you’ve experienced heartbreak, loss, or even the highs of love, there’s a letter in this play that will speak to you. And with a powerhouse cast led by Iza Calzado, supported by a talented creative team, this production is bound to be one of the most memorable theater experiences of the year.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to be moved by the stories, emotions, and insights shared in Tiny Beautiful Things. Whether you’re a long-time theater lover or someone who’s simply looking for an evening of reflection and inspiration, this play is a must-see.
Get ready for a spine-chilling cinematic experience as the latest horror film, “SANA: Let Me Hear,” directed by Takashi Shimizu (the visionary behind “Ju-On”), hits Philippine cinemas this November 13. This eerie tale intertwines tragedy and terror, following a group of people caught in the clutches of a deadly curse that has resurfaced after decades. Starring Nagisa Shibuya, Ikoi Hayase, and Soma Santoki, “SANA: Let Me Hear” will leave you questioning the thin line between reality and nightmare.
The Curse Awakens
In 1992, a middle school student plunged to her death in front of her classmates, creating a curse that has lain dormant ever since. But during the summer of 2024, this dark history reawakens, targeting those linked to that fateful day. Will they survive long enough to uncover the truth?
Let’s meet the key characters fighting to escape their tragic fate:
Honoka, the film’s protagonist, is a newly hired summer school teacher at the same middle school where tragedy struck decades ago. History repeats itself when she witnesses a student’s untimely fall, eerily reminiscent of the events from 1992. Desperate to uncover the mystery, she teams up with her students, Hitomi and Takeru, to chase the horror that’s now chasing them.
Nagisa Shibuya, an idol and captain of NMB48’s Team M, takes on the role of Honoka. Shibuya is known for her performances in sub-units Queentet and Tentoumu Chu!, and was formerly a member of AKB48’s Team 4.
Hitomi is one of Honoka’s students and a witness to the tragedy that unfolds during their summer classes. She’s also among the first to encounter Sana, a mysterious yet seemingly friendly new classmate. As strange events begin to unravel, Hitomi takes it upon herself to investigate the death and its eerie connection to the incident 32 years ago.
Played by Ikoi Hayase, Hitomi’s character will resonate with fans who enjoyed Hayase’s previous work in the lead role of Takumi Asa in “Worlds Apart” and the romantic comedy series “Teasing Master Takagi-san.”
Takeru, another of Honoka’s students, is drawn into the unfolding nightmare after witnessing the horrific accident. Alongside Hitomi, he dives deeper into the past, uncovering shocking connections between the tragedy and their own lives. Will their search for answers save them, or lead them further into the curse?
Soma Santoki, who recently voiced the lead in Studio Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron,” steps into the role of Takeru, bringing intensity and emotion to this chilling horror tale.
Sana
Sana: The Mystery
Sana is the enigmatic figure at the center of it all. While she appears to be an ordinary student, the curse seems to orbit around her presence. As terrifying events begin to escalate, Sana’s true nature becomes a haunting question that Honoka, Hitomi, and Takeru must answer before it’s too late.
Experience the Nightmare
Prepare yourself for a pulse-pounding ride into fear when “SANA: Let Me Hear” opens in Philippine theaters on November 13. With Takashi Shimizu’s signature horror style and a talented cast, this film promises to deliver relentless suspense, shocking twists, and a lingering sense of dread.
Follow Encore Films PH on Facebook and @encorefilmsph on Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest news about this highly anticipated horror film.
After their first foray into the AI PC territory just a few months back, ASUS already rolls out an exciting follow-up, this time from their prestigious Zenbook lineup.
The ASUSZenbook S14 (UX5406) is the newest ultra lightweight laptop that the brand has to offer. Staying true to the Zenbook S tradition, this device is another slim and stunning powerhouse of a laptop— a harmony of design and performance.
Yet this machine also transcends tradition with superior AI features joining the exciting power-ups in its form and internals.
We recently got our hands on the Zenbook S 14and we’re excited to share with you our experience. Here are our thoughts on this new Copilot+ PC from ASUS.
Out of The Box
Pulling the mint Zenbook S 14 out of the box, it’s unmistakable that ASUS went extra-premium with this gorgeous laptop.
For starters, this 14-inch Zenbook impressed me right away with its compact size and lightweight body.
It’s just 1.2 kg in weight and 1.1 cm thin so in true Zenbook fashion, it already aces the portability department. And yet the laptop feels sturdy enough and still boasts of military-grade durability.
As for its style, I really like its balance of simplicity and character. The Zumaia Gray color looks great and is complemented by Zenbook’s stylish kintsugi-inspired lines.
But what really makes the design feel even more special is the use of ASUS’ Ceraluminum material. Described as a special aluminum material with ceramic’s rich texture and lightweight nature, it gives the laptop a smudge-free, paper-like feel which I’ve become an instant fan of.
It also comes with the compact 65w USB-C charger and a light gray soft case, ready for on-the-go use fresh from its box.
So if we’re talking style and portability, the Zenbook S 14 easily shines as one of the best-looking lightweight laptops out there.
Stunning Display & Immersive Sound
Opening this slim notebook, the Zenbook S 14 also packs a punch with its 3K ASUS Lumina OLED touch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate.
The ASUS Lumina OLED display’s peak features already make it a stunner, providing crisp details, vivid colors, and deep blacks.
Add the 120Hz refresh rate and the Zenbook S 14 gave me a super smooth and snappy viewing experience.
It’s an immersive Dolby Vision display with 16:10 aspect ratio, 87% screen-to-body ratio, and up to 400 nits SDR and 500 nits HDR peak brightness. It has 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, VESA-certified DisplayHDR 500 True Black, and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
The display looks perfect in indoor settings even under bright lighting. Outdoors, the glossy screen didn’t have much glare when under enough shade, but I did have to push the brightness level up for the best experience.
As a touch display, it is also very responsive and offers stylus support. It isn’t a hybrid laptop though so a stylus would mostly just be handy for quick and precise gestures or in signing documents.
Even with just your finger, the touch screen is still very convenient and can boost your productivity especially if multitasking.
To complement this top-notch display, the Zenbook S 14 is also equipped with four Harman-Kardon certified Dolby Atmos speakers.
The volume and quality of this quad speaker setup is really good for a laptop this compact. In a quiet home office, it’s already clear and loud at 30% volume. Maxing it out and the sound travels far across the room without losing much crispness.
Overall, watching videos, playing casual games, creating content, and simply working with this device is a delight thanks to its impressive display and speakers.
Larger Touchpad, Comfortable Keyboard
The other half of this ultraportable offers a backlit keyboard paired with a large touchpad.
Typing feels comfortable with its 1.1mm key travel while the clicking is very muffled, even when I’m typing away in a flow state. You wouldn’t be bothering anyone when working in a cafe or co-working space.
Keyboard backlight has three levels of brightness in a cool white color, which makes working in darker environments much easier.
You’ll also see the dedicated Copilot Key next to the left arrow key. This will instantly pull up the Copilot AI chatbot for easy AI access.
Onto the touchpad, it offers a sizable room of 5×3” for your fingers to move around.
This works great with the laptop’s gesture controls. Simply swiping on its sides can control volume, brightness, and video playback. It’s a nice touch for added convenience.
Ports & Connectivity
As laptops get slimmer and lighter, the ports are often compromised, but not with the Zenbook S 14.
On the left side are two Thunderbolt 4 ports with display and power support, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the right is a USB Type-A port with up to 10GBPS speed. Along with these ports, the Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 complete the laptop’s connectivity specs.
With the Zenbook S 14, you’ll have no problem with compatibility and speed on both wired peripherals and wireless connections.
Superior Power & Performance
Another thing to love about the Zenbook S 14 is the internal power-up tailored to maximize its AI capabilities and overall performance.
It’s equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V, 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM, and 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. With up to 47 TOPS NPU performance, generative AI computing is efficient and lightning fast.
With this chipset, you don’t have to worry about app compatibility issues that often limit ARM-based devices. Casual gaming is also an excellent experience, thanks to the laptop’s Intel Arc Graphics.
To test its power, I played games like Valorant, Hades, Little Nightmares, and Honkai Star Rail. Under Performance Mode, they all ran smoothly even when set to their max quality.
That’s already impressive for a laptop this size. As you can imagine, lighter tasks such as browsing and using productivity tools are a breeze with this machine. Not to mention, the AI capabilities, smart gestures, and touch display can really accelerate your working process.
For cooling, it has dual fans with an ultra-slim vapor chamber and geometric thermal grills between the hinge and the keyboard.
Working for long hours with this device didn’t give me any significant heat-up nor did I get fan noise. Just don’t play heavy games for extended periods of time and the laptop temperature remains generally cool.
The 72Wh battery life also supports long working hours. Doing simple productivity tasks like surfing the internet and typing on Docs, the battery went down by 7% to 8% per hour. The same decrease happened when I was streaming videos (Balanced Mode, 70% brightness, 80% sound).
Meanwhile, playing fast-paced and graphics-heavy games in Performance Mode slashed the battery life by 17% to 18% every 30 minutes.
If you need to save more power when using this laptop, you can also switch to Best Power Efficiency Mode.
Charging it up, the 65w USB-C charger juiced up the laptop by about 43% after 30 minutes, completing the full charge in about 2 hours when not in use. When I was using the device, it was already able to charge about 30% on the 30-minute mark.
The Zenbook S 14 isn’t just any ultra-slim charmer, it also matches form with power and performance. Do your daily tasks and play casual games smoothly while enjoying the benefits of its AI features.
The AI Experience
With Intel’s upgraded chipset and 47 TOPS NPU, the Zenbook S 14 has plenty of power for generative AI tasks. As a Copilot+ PC packed with the bells and whistles of a flagship laptop, it didn’t disappoint.
Opening the built-in AI chatbot with the dedicated Copilot button is quick and convenient. Its responses are snappy, direct to the point, up to date, and in my experience were factually correct.
It also cites sources in its claims. I asked it to list links to articles I can read and videos I can watch, and it delivered without issues. It also works in other languages, Filipino included.
As you can expect, there are limits as to how absurd or NSFW your queries can be so the technology will not be abused.
AI image generation is also fast and efficient, whether it’s a realistic image or in a specific style. I also uploaded my own image, and the AI was able to recognize and explain what was depicted in the photo.
Expect further improvements to this service as Microsoft rolls out updates for Copilot+ starting late November this year.
There are also other built-in AI-powered tools that will make your professional and casual use of this device even more convenient.
The Live Captions feature shows real-time captions on your screen, making calls easier to keep up with and note-taking a breeze. This is also complemented by the laptop’s AI Noise Canceling capability for those dealing with disruptive environments.
The Windows Studio Effects, which can be accessed in the Quick Settings of your Taskbar, also prepares you for video calls anytime. It can blur your background and improve your lighting straight from your laptop, and the changes will automatically apply across different platforms such as Zoom, Teams, and Skype.
If you deal with a lot of photos and videos on your laptop, the ASUS StoryCube app offers a more seamless way to organize these files.
It’s a hub that compiles the files from your cloud and devices, helping you manage them with the help of AI recognition. To ensure that your files remain private, StoryCube’s privacy policy states that your photos and videos will stay on your laptop and will not be uploaded to ASUS or any servers.
Another nifty feature I like is how the Zenbook S 14 detects my presence. Whenever I leave the laptop, it goes into Sleep Mode and then wakes up when I get back, even before I touch the device. The FHD Camera’s IR Function will then let me in with its Windows Hello Support.
So, for the sophisticated users wanting to harness the power of AI in a laptop, the Zenbook S 14 delivers what you’re looking for and more.
Our Verdict: The Muse of Today’s AI PCs
The ASUS Zenbook S 14 brings together all the things one could want in a modern laptop: a luxurious look, peak portability, outstanding OLED display, and Intel’s latest chip supercharging its AI capabilities.
Some may find the price steep but for the creatives and professionals who seek the best that money can get in both design and performance, I can see why this ultraportable laptop is a worthy investment and the superior choice.
You can now get the ASUS Zenbook S 14 for P109,995 bundled with a lifetime Office Home 2024, 1-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription, and 1-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
Your purchase also provides peace of mind with the free ASUS 4A Quality and Service Package, which includes a 2-year international warranty.
If you’re ready for the ASUS Zenbook S 14 experience, you can get your hands on one today through these stores.
Quick Specs
Display
3K ASUS Lumina OLED touch display
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 258V
Graphics
Intel Arc Graphics
Neural Processor
Intel AI Boost NPU
Memory
32GB LPDDR5X
Storage
1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Battery
72WHrs, 2S2P, 4-cell Li-ion
Dimensions
31.03 x 21.47 x 1.19 ~ 1.29 cm
Weight
1.2 kg
Ports
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (up to 10 Gbps data speed) 2x Thunderbolt 4 with display and power support (up to 40 Gbps data speed) 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS 1x 3.5mm combo audio jack
Material
All-metal chassis with ASUS’ Ceraluminum material
Bundle
Laptop sleeve Office Home 2024 (lifetime) 1-year Microsoft 365 Basic 1-month Adobe CC ASUS 4A Quality and Service Package (2-year international warranty)
Director Mikhail Red is back with a fresh, electrifying tale in his latest film, Friendly Fire, starring Coleen Garcia, Loisa Andalio, Yves Flores, Jan Bautista, Harvey Silverio, and Bob Jbeili. This film promises to take viewers on an action-packed ride into the world of esports—a rising phenomenon in the Philippines—while exploring themes of ambition, perseverance, and family.
A Story of Triumph in the Esports Arena
Produced by Black Cap Pictures, Friendly Fire introduces a gripping narrative centered on an underdog team in the high-stakes world of esports. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when the team’s star player quits, tempted by bigger offers. However, their fortunes change dramatically during an intense in-game matchup in the popular shooter game, PROJECT: XANDATA.
Hazel, played by Loisa Andalio, is the story’s central character. Known by her in-game alias, Kaya, Hazel unexpectedly becomes a viral sensation after a single spectacular sniper shot that decimates half of the enemy team. This one-in-a-million moment not only launches her into esports fame but also catches the attention of Sonya Wilson (Coleen Garcia), the founder and visionary behind Team ISLA, the Philippines’ national esports team.
Rising from Humble Beginnings
Hazel’s character embodies resilience. Born into a modest background, her dreams of lifting her family out of poverty rest on her gaming abilities. Despite facing limitations like outdated hardware and minimal gaming time, she relentlessly pursues her goal. Her life takes a pivotal turn when Sonya offers her a spot in Team ISLA, giving her the opportunity to become a professional esports athlete and train in their gaming house.
Hazel’s journey is not without personal struggles. Her brother’s incarceration further plunges her family into financial ruin, intensifying her resolve to succeed. Still, she faces challenges from every angle—from her home life to her growing responsibilities in the gaming world.
A Team That Plays to Win
Team ISLA is not just a collection of players; they are a tight-knit family, each with their own stories and motivations. Von (Yves Flores), the intense team captain, demands perfection from his teammates. He, like Hazel, grapples with family expectations, as his parents disapprove of his career in esports, preferring he pursue a medical degree.
Meanwhile, Ryan (Harvey Bautista) brings a different energy to the team as the heartthrob of the group. His charisma off-screen doesn’t take away from his role as a formidable player in-game, where he leads from the front as a “Juggernaut,” protecting his teammates in battle.
Adding depth and comic relief is Kuya Ong (Bob Jbeili), the team’s tech support and unofficial older brother figure, offering guidance and occasional gaming wisdom. His presence keeps the team grounded through their training and intense competitions.
A Shift in Genre for Mikhail Red
Known for his darker, thriller-driven films, such as Eerie and Dead Kids, Mikhail Red steps into new territory with Friendly Fire. This film not only captures the excitement and tension of esports but also highlights the personal stories that lie behind the screens. Red masterfully explores the fast-growing world of professional gaming while grounding the narrative in heartfelt, relatable themes of family, ambition, and self-discovery.
As the world of esports continues to surge in popularity, Friendly Fire stands poised to capture the imagination of both gaming enthusiasts and mainstream audiences. With its vibrant cast, emotionally charged storyline, and thrilling game sequences, this film is set to blaze its way into the hearts of Filipino viewers when it premieres in theaters nationwide on October 23.
Early reactions are in, and “Venom: The Last Dance,” the much-anticipated final installment of the Venom trilogy, has fans buzzing! After its world premiere in New York, moviegoers are calling it the best of the series, praising Tom Hardy’s portrayal as both Eddie Brock and Venom. The film is being hailed for its mix of heart, humor, and thrilling action, setting the stage for a memorable final showdown.
A Promising Final Chapter
Tom Hardy returns for one last tango as Eddie Brock and his symbiotic alter ego in Venom: The Last Dance. This road-trip-style film balances outlandish action with heartfelt moments, delivering a finale that seems to have captured the attention of fans and critics alike.
Ian Sandwell of Digital Spy shared his excitement, calling it “the most entertaining in the trilogy.” “It’s largely a funny and sweet road trip with Eddie and Venom living their Thelma & Louise fugitive dreams, including car karaoke and dog rescuing. You might even find yourself getting emotional.”
A Crazy, Action-Packed Ride
According to journalist Simon Thompson, “Venom: The Last Dance sees Tom Hardy go all in for a fun finale befitting the franchise. With stacks of set pieces ranging from kooky to crazy, this doesn’t hold back with the Venomenal action. Take it for what it is. Grab some popcorn and go with the flow of this raging road movie.”
Drew Taylor from The Wrap echoes these sentiments, claiming it is “Venom The Last Dance is the best of the “Venom” movies — the insanity has been ramped up significantly but so has the heart. It’s not perfect but it’s super entertaining and there’s a giant monster that chews people up and sprays blood out of the back of its head. Pretty nuts.”
“Monumental” and “Bonkers”
Critic Josh Wilding also shared his enthusiasm, declaring it “I’ve seen #VenomTheLastDance and it’s the most cinematic, monumental #Venom movie to date. Eddie Brock and Venom’s dynamic is at its strongest in this one and the stakes are so much higher. I had a LOT of fun with this one…the final act is BONKERS!”
Don’t Miss the Epic Finale
Venom: The Last Dance brings Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Venom to an epic conclusion, a saga that has spanned three action-packed films. With the net closing in on both Eddie and Venom, their final chapter is poised to be as dramatic and intense as fans have hoped. Don’t miss your chance to witness the end of this incredible journey.
Get your tickets now! Venom: The Last Dance is currently showing in Philippine cinemas. Check your local listings and reserve your seats for what’s sure to be a crowd-pleasing finale.
About Venom: The Last Dance
In Venom: The Last Dance, Eddie and Venom are fugitives, hunted by both of their worlds. As the duo faces impossible choices, the film delivers a heart-racing conclusion to the trilogy. Directed by Kelly Marcel and starring Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, and more, this action-packed thriller is the final chapter fans have been waiting for.
Distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, the film is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Stay updated with #Venom and follow @columbiapicph on social media.
Ready to add some excitement to your midweek plans? This week’s new movie lineup is packed with action, adventure, horror, and even heartwarming moments! Get ready for the high-stakes finale in Venom: The Last Dance, where Eddie and Venom face their ultimate showdown, or delve into the futuristic thriller Alice, where AI takes a deadly turn. Gaming fans will love the adventure in Friendly Fire, while Panda Plan brings Jackie Chan back with thrilling action and comedy. For horror lovers, Talahib offers paranormal chills, and The Fix delivers sci-fi thrills. Don’t miss the animated journey of friendship in The Colors Within or the supernatural crime mystery Vina: Before 7 Days. With something for everyone, this week’s releases offers a wild ride. Which one will you see first? Don’t miss out—tag your movie squad, grab that extra-buttered popcorn, and enjoy the films hitting theaters near you!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
The long-awaited Venom: The Last Dance is finally here, and it is set to deliver action, adventure, and high-stakes drama. In this third installment of the Venom franchise, Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his symbiotic counterpart, Venom, are on the run. Hunted by forces from both their worlds, the duo faces their greatest challenge yet. As the net tightens around them, Eddie and Venom are forced to make a life-altering decision that could bring an end to their chaotic partnership.
Expect stunning visual effects, epic action sequences, and the signature dark humor that fans of the franchise have come to love. Will this be the end of Venom and Eddie? You’ll have to watch to find out.
Megan Fox stars in the intense thriller Alice, where a father buys a domestic SIM to help manage his home. Little does he know, the AI-powered helper gains self-awareness and turns deadly. As Alice becomes increasingly uncontrollable, the family’s world unravels into chaos and terror.
With its mix of futuristic technology and psychological tension, Alice taps into fears of artificial intelligence gone wrong. If you’re in the mood for a nerve-wracking thriller, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat.
2024 • PG • 1 hr 45 mins ADVENTURE, DRAMA BUY TICKETS
Gaming fans will love Friendly Fire, a film that celebrates the world of esports. Hazel, an internet cafe employee with a passion for Project Xandata, a Filipino-made first-person shooter, becomes an overnight sensation after single-handedly defeating a pro team. Her impressive gameplay goes viral, capturing the attention of a professional team founder who offers her the chance of a lifetime.
With a unique storyline centered around the gaming community, Friendly Fire blends adventure, drama, and the thrills of competitive gaming. It’s a fun, feel-good film for anyone who’s ever dreamed of leveling up their skills.
Action superstar Jackie Chan is back in Panda Plan, an action-packed comedy that will have audiences laughing and cheering. Chan plays an international action star who, along with his assistant, becomes embroiled in a high-stakes rescue operation to save the mysterious “P,” a top international superstar.
With Chan’s signature blend of martial arts, humor, and heartfelt moments, Panda Plan offers a fun, fast-paced ride for fans of action-comedy films. Expect thrilling stunts and lighthearted humor that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Talahib is the perfect pick for those who crave spine-chilling horror. Set in the eerie talahib grass fields, police officers Bong and Roman investigate a series of paranormal killings that have terrorized the area. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover something far more sinister lurking in the shadows.
With its atmospheric setting and gripping plot, Talahib offers a hair-raising experience that will leave you sleeping with the lights on. If you’re a fan of supernatural horror, this movie should be on your must-watch list.
2024 • PG • 1 hr 41 mins ANIMATION, DRAMA, MUSIC BUY TICKETS
The Colors Within is an animated musical drama that takes viewers on a journey of friendship, music, and self-discovery. The story follows Totsuko, a high school student who can see the “colors” of others, reflecting their emotions. When she meets Kimi, a classmate who exudes the most beautiful colors she’s ever seen, the two form a band with another music enthusiast, Rui.
As they practice together on a remote island, the trio forms deep bonds through their shared love of music. Filled with beautiful animation and touching moments, The Colors Within is a heartwarming film about friendship, emotions, and the power of music to connect us all.
In The Fix, we follow a wild party girl who takes a strange new drug, only to find herself undergoing a shocking transformation. As she desperately searches for a way to reverse the drug’s effects, she learns that her transformation is more than just physical—she’s become the key to saving humanity.
This action-packed sci-fi thriller offers a gripping story with plenty of twists and turns. With its blend of science fiction and action, The Fix will keep you guessing until the very end.
2024 • R-16 • 1 hrs 39 mins CRIME, DRAMA, HORROR, MYSTERY, THRILLER GET SHOWTIMES
Vina: Before 7 Days combines elements of crime, horror, and mystery in a gripping supernatural tale. After a deadly encounter with motorbike gangs, Vina’s spirit refuses to accept her death as an accident. Determined to reveal the truth, her spirit begins to uncover what really happened before the 7-day mark.
With its eerie atmosphere and chilling suspense, Vina: Before 7 Days is a thrilling exploration of justice from beyond the grave. Fans of supernatural mysteries will be drawn to this dark, gripping tale.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
Horror fans are in for a treat with the much-anticipated release of Smile 2. In this gripping sequel, global pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) is gearing up for her world tour when she begins to experience terrifying and inexplicable events. As the horrors intensify, Skye is forced to confront her dark past while juggling the pressures of fame.
With intense performances from Kyle Gallner and Rosemarie DeWitt, Smile 2 offers a mix of mystery, psychological horror, and pulse-pounding suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoyed the first Smile, this sequel is a must-see!
2024 • PG • 1 hr 43 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, FAMILY, SCIENCE FICTION GET SHOWTIMES
This week’s movies offer a little bit of everything—from thrills, chills, and heartfelt moments that will keep you talking long after the credits roll. Whether you’re in the mood for a pulse-pounding action flick or a thought-provoking animated tale, grab your friends, snag those popcorn buckets, and get ready to experience the magic of the movies. Which film will you be watching first? Grab your popcorn and get ready for an exciting week at the movies!
