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Movie Review: A Straightforward Horror Film, “Other Mommy” Shines Through the Performances of Jessica Chastain and Arabella Olivia Clark

From the very first ten minutes of Other Mommy, we are immediately thrust into the terror. It’s a straightforward horror film that spends no time establishing the first act. Right from the get-go, we meet the titular Other Mommy, and the thrills and frights begin. It’s a really novel way to start a scary movie, wasting no time and going straight into the action. Director Rob Savage and screenwriter Nathan Elston (adapting Josh Malerman’s novel Incidents Around the House) get everything moving right away and it’s a wildly entertaining ride.

The story centers on seven-year-old Bela (Arabella Olivia Clark), who can tell something is not right with her mom and dad, Ursula (Jessica Chastain) and Russell (Jay Duplass). Ursula seems to be the more career-oriented parent, while Russell is the carefree, fun-loving stay-at-home dad. Luckily, or perhaps unfortunately, for Bela, she has a friend: a supernatural entity she calls Other Mommy. Other Mommy wants something from Bela; she wants permission to “be in her heart.” Within the first ten minutes of the film, the entity commits her first violent act and from then on, forcing Ursula and Russell to do whatever it takes to protect their daughter while guarding a dark secret of their own.

Arabella Olivia Clark (Bela) and Jessica Chastain (Ursula) in ‘Other Mommy’. (Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

This film cuts away from many traditional narrative beats seen in movies involving hauntings and children. Ursula and Russell immediately believe Bela. They never question what it is that they see, nor is there a plotline where the parents refuse to believe Bela or what they see. In fact, they remain quite level-headed about it considering they just experienced a paranormal event. It feels deeply refreshing to watch a horror film where the main characters make practical, sensible decisions.

But how do you stop an entity that can shape-shift and move matter at will?

Savage, alongside cinematographer Lowell A. Meyer and editor John Cutler, manipulates the mise-en-scene and mise-en-shot so that every camera movement and every jump cut becomes a potentially frightening moment. The film is not afraid to use jump scares, but they never feel cheap or unwarranted. Other Mommy is a playful demon. Surprise is part of its strategy. For the audience, though, it keeps you firmly on the edge of your seat.

Jessica Chastain (Ursula) in ‘Other Mommy’. (Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

While Chastain gets top billing – playing both Ursula and the primary form of Other Mommy – she earns every bit of it. She keeps the two characters distinctly separate, but when the music turns up and you realize you are looking at Other Mommy rather than Ursula, Chastain uses her entire physicality to embody the strain required for the entity to assume this human form. As Bela says early in the film, “she’s still new” at this. Chastain uses this raw physical tension to fully show this and it is remarkable to watch.

Arabella Olivia Clark (Bela) in ‘Other Mommy’. (Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

But this film ultimately belongs to Clark. The young actress carries the movie with her delicate portrayal of childhood innocence and being overwhelmed by all that is happening. When she observes her surroundings, she knows exactly the full context of what she is seeing. We understand the entire story through her eyes. It’s an incredible performance from such a young actor and it helps ground the film and gives the audience someone truly worth rooting for.

My only issue is the usual classic American approach to horror. The protagonists feel compelled to fight back, and American exceptionalism comes into play, and it undercuts the fear that is established. It is such an American response that if something is in your way, you have to get rid of it – kill it, even – regardless of what it is. Having watched plenty of Asian horror, where characters simply focus on surviving, Americans have to fight back, and it comes off as arrogant. At the same time, as good as the CGI can be, the overuse of it takes us away from the fear. Fortunately, Cutler is good at keeping the visuals very brief, cutting away quickly before the audience can linger on the CGI effects. Still, by the second half, some of the initial magic established at the beginning is gone.

There is a lot to enjoy in Other Mommy, and it will get the crowd screaming in fright. While it grows a little bit corny by the end, the film delivers enough suspense and thrills to make it well worth the price of the ticket.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Ready to meet Other Mommy? Catch Other Mommy in theaters now, just make sure you know who’s really tucked in at night. Click here for showtimes.

October 9, 2026
Film Concerts Philippines Presents ‘Film Music Legends’, A New Orchestral Concert Series

Film Concerts Philippines, the country’s leading producer of live-to-film concerts, announces Film Music Legends, a new concert series presenting film music in a standalone orchestral format, without film projection.

Each installment will explore a composer’s wider body of work, featuring well-known scores alongside pieces rarely performed live. Selected programs will also bring together works by multiple composers connected by a shared theme, genre, or period in film history.

The series is curated by Maestro Gerard Salonga, founder and musical director of the Filharmonika Orchestra, who developed the programming in collaboration with Mikhail Schemm, founder and CEO of Third Culture Entertainment Inc., the company behind Film Concerts Philippines. Salonga has conducted an extensive repertoire of film scores throughout his career, both in the Philippines and internationally.

“This is an exciting new series of concerts dedicated to celebrating the music of these composers,” Salonga says. “Yes, the music was originally composed for film, but as you will hear, these pieces can stand up very well on their own as concert pieces. I’m convinced that many of these works will become part of the ‘classical’ symphonic repertoire, and in fact, over the course of music history, many pieces originally intended for a different purpose, such as opera overtures by Rossini and incidental music composed as scoring for plays by the likes of Beethoven and Mendelssohn, and even Korngold’s film music, have become part of the symphonic concert repertoire.

“One of the things I look forward to most is presenting these pieces in the world-class acoustical environment of the Proscenium, which is the proper setting for symphonic music. No microphones or amplification, just great natural acoustics to share these works with the audience in the best possible light: great music with a fantastic orchestra, in a fabulous-sounding concert hall designed for classical music. This combination makes for a complete experience. It was a delight to curate these programmes with Mikhail.”

Film Music Legends will be presented at the Proscenium Theater, an intimate 776-seat performing arts venue at Rockwell Center in Makati. Designed with the acoustic expertise of Müller-BBM, the theater’s main hall allows the full depth and detail of orchestral music to be heard through its natural acoustics, without microphones or amplification.

“At Proscenium, we designed our theater to be a home for great music, because great music deserves a space where it can be truly heard and appreciated,” says Tracey Castillo, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Rockwell Land Corporation.

“The Film Music Legends series is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. We are grateful to be the venue for a thoughtfully selected repertoire that brings some of the most iconic compositions written for cinema into an intimate concert setting. We’re delighted to welcome Film Concerts Philippines and the Filharmonika Orchestra to Proscenium, and to bring this exceptional music to our community.”

Three concerts will be presented throughout 2027. The series opens in January with The Music of John Williams: 95th Birthday Tribute, honoring the legendary “Maestro of the Movies” and his enduring contribution to cinema. The program will feature music from Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Superman, StarWars, Amistad, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Fiddler on the Roof.

In May, Italian Film Music Legends will celebrate the works of Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, and Nicola Piovani—composers behind the music of such films as Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and The Godfather, among many others.

The series concludes in September with a program featuring heroic and villainous scores from across film history, spanning horror, thrillers, Westerns, and superhero films.

Mikhail Schemm shares his vision for giving audiences the opportunity to experience and appreciate film music independently of the films for which it was composed:“It was a pleasure developing the program with Gerard. We’re both excited to take a more curated approach to presenting film music. The popular films and soundtracks featured in our concerts are audience favourites, but it has long been our goal to introduce audiences here to a broader repertoire, including deeper cuts from film music. Being able to do this through our own original concert series makes it all the more exciting.”

An exclusive Film Concerts Philippines pre-sale for the first installment, The Music of John Williams: 95th Birthday Tribute, will begin on October 12 at 10:00 AM. Audiences may subscribe at filmconcerts.ph/community to receive early access.

A separate pre-sale for Rockwell employees, residents, and tenants will open on October 15.

Public ticket sales begin on October 20 via Ticketmelon.com

October 9, 2026
Filipino-American Stunt Choreographer Jon Valera Brings Iconic Moves to “Street Fighter,” Opening October 14

Bringing Street Fighter to the big screen meant more than recreating familiar characters. For director Kitao Sakurai, it meant honoring the legendary fighting moves that generations of gamers know by heart, while giving them a cinematic edge.

To pull it off, Sakurai assembled a creative team filled with fellow fans of the beloved video game franchise, including Filipino-American stunt choreographer Jon Valera and VFX supervisor Sandra Balej.

In the same way that the actors were all super involved with how they thought about their characters, Jon Valera, our stunt choreographer, Sandra Balej, our VFX supervisor, are also huge fans of the game, so they were super passionate about bringing all the iconic moves from the game to life, says Sakurai. I think audiences are going to be totally blown away by how many of the signature moves we were able to put in the movie.

Watch the trailer:

Jon Valera takes on a legendary fighting franchise

When Valera was first approached to design the stunts and direct second unit for Street Fighter, he felt both excitement and pressure.

There was a lot of pressure behind this movie, Valera shares, very high profile, one of the most iconic video games out there. I call it ‘the Bruce Lee effect.’ As martial artists, we always say you never want to touch a Bruce Lee film because it’s almost sacred to us.

For Valera, that same reverence applied to Street Fighter.

Street Fighter ranks up there, but if I’m not afraid of a job, then it doesn’t make me work.

The Filipino-American stunt professional is renowned in Hollywood for his work across major action franchises, including the John Wick films, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the DC universe.

Valera has also frequently collaborated with Jason Momoa, who plays Blanka in Street Fighter and serves as one of the film’s producers.

Bringing classic martial arts back to the screen

Sakurai and producer Cale Boyter wanted the movie’s fight sequences to stay faithful to the video game while still feeling spectacular on the big screen.

For Valera, that meant looking back at the clean, visually striking martial arts style associated with action movies of the 1990s.

In the beginning I wanted to go a little more clean martial arts because it’s been a while since we’ve seen a clean martial arts movie like The Matrix, adds Valera. A lot of the fight styles now have gone more John Wick style. Brutal, gritty, messy. Street Fighter takes place in the 1990s, and ’90s action movies were cheesy, clean martial arts. I didn’t want to make it the cheesy, campy, clean martial arts, but to capture the beauty of it.

Each Street Fighter character gets a distinct fighting style

A trained martial artist himself, Valera also wanted the choreography to reflect the franchise’s Japanese roots.

Most of my team are also martial artists. We studied Goju-ryu, Shotokan and Judo. We wanted to take a lot of the moves in the game – Japanese based with a little flare – to stay true to the Japanese martial arts and show off the beauty of it.

That approach also helped give each fighter a distinct physical identity.

Chun-Li draws from Chinese martial arts such as Wushu, Tai Chi, and Kung Fu. Blanka fights with a wild, animalistic approach mixed with capoeira flair, while Guile relies on a military-inspired style filled with powerful, hard-hitting attacks.

Dhalsim has a unique style – we built his character on a yoga style break dancing movement, explains Valera. If yogis were throwing punches, that’s how you get the feel of it.

For Balrog, Valera looked to two famously powerful boxers.

Mike Tyson was a good model for Balrog, as well as one of my favorite characters in boxing, ‘Clubber Lang’ from the Rocky films because his style was all power hits.

An international stunt team pushes the action further

Valera assembled an international stunt team with specialists from the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Japan.

Their wide range of skills helped the filmmakers recreate some of the franchise’s most memorable moves.

One of our guys who helped with the spinning bird kick was a Cirque du Soleil performer, who has all kinds of special harnesses and rigs. With them, a character could be suspended in the air, with a little bit of an assist so they could stay up just a little longer than a normal human. Most of these characters are not superheroes, they’re just above a regular human.

Pre-visualizations also became an essential part of production, allowing cast members to understand complicated action sequences before cameras started rolling.

David Dastmalchian, who plays M. Bison, explains that the process helped actors prepare for elaborate scenes involving wires, breakaway walls, and intricate fight choreography.

The stunt team and VFX created these fully acted out, fully blocked, fully choreographed fights, so we could watch and get the complete sense of how this goes from beginning to end, all the little beats.

Practical stunts, VFX, and explosive action

While the production leaned heavily on practical stunt work, visual and special effects teams stepped in whenever safety or logistics demanded it.

We worked with SFX on explosions and breakaways, with everything safety tested, Valera says. Plus, there’s always situations where we can’t do everything with a real human, it’s either a safety issue or highly time consuming, so the VFX team was amazing too. This was one of the most collaborative efforts I’ve been on with those two departments.

One of the movie’s biggest sequences took nearly two weeks to film.

Known as the “burlesque scene,” the massive set piece features dozens of extras, fighters flying through the air, and precisely timed pyrotechnics.

The burlesque scene is insane, it’s the longest fight sequence in the movie, says Orville Peck (Vega). It’s pretty much every fighter. We were all really looking forward to it because it’s the moment where all of us are together in one massive explosion of action.

A Street Fighter movie made with genuine love

Andrew Koji, who plays Ryu, says the dedication behind the production could be felt throughout the entire shoot.

There was so much love put into Street Fighter, from so many people – Cale, all the producers, the writers, from Kitao, from the stunt team trying to find every little technique, from all the crew and cast. The level of care and love put into this film is unlike the making of any big film that I’ve heard of or been involved with.

Sakurai shares the same sentiment.

There was a special energy on the set that goes beyond words. A lightning in a bottle feeling of this group of people together creating something special. I think that also comes across on screen. That special energy is something that people can experience in the theater when they see Street Fighter.

He adds that he hopes audiences will feel that same energy when the movie hits theaters.

Get ready for Street Fighter on the big screen

Ready, fighters?

Street Fighter also stars Noah Centineo, Callina Liang, WWE superstar Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i, and Cody Rhodes.

Catch the epic and thrilling action when Street Fighter opens in Philippine cinemas on October 14. Distributed locally by Paramount Pictures PH.

Get your tickets now.

#StreetFighterMovie

October 8, 2026
Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna takes flight anew at the Areté stage in Ateneo

A magical story that generations of Filipinos love and know by heart is once again set to come alive in a completely different and enchanting way.

This October, Ballet Manila brings Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna back to the stage, transforming the beloved Filipino tale of an enchanted bird, royal brothers, forbidden love, and a quest for healing into a spectacle of music, movement, and dance.

One of the company’s most beloved and performed productions, Ibong Adarna will be staged at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m.

“Ibong Adarna is one of Ballet Manila’s most requested offsite performances. This year, it already had two shows at Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna, and now the production is bound to return to Areté in Ateneo before continuing its way to Iloilo,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director.

Ibong Adarna tells the story of a mythical bird whose magical song has the power to heal the sick. When King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya falls ill with an incurable disease, his three sons — Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan — set out on a quest to find the legendary Adarna and bring it back to save their father. The prince who succeeds in capturing the bird will inherit the throne.

The Areté run will feature a new set of leads from Ballet Manila’s powerhouse lineup. Performing as Ibong Adarna is Shaira Comeros, alongside Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego. The alternate cast is led by Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna, with Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego.

Ibong Adarna is fast becoming a Filipino ballet classic. Although Ballet Manila has staged the production numerous times in various venues, each re-staging brings something new, shaped in large part by its evolving cast of dancers.

“Every time we bring Ibong Adarna to a new audience, we discover something new about the story and the characters. That is what makes it special. It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story in a different way,” Macuja Elizalde said.

Staging Ibong Adarna at the Areté is part of Ballet Manila’s broader mission of bringing people to ballet and ballet to the people. By taking the production beyond the traditional theater setting and into communities or cities, the company opens more opportunities for audiences to experience live ballet and discover this art form through stories already part of Filipino culture.

For those who may have encountered the classic tale in school, books, or childhood, Ballet Manila offers an exciting way to see the story as it combines a well-loved narrative with music, movement, complex characters, and the artistry of its dancers.

Don’t miss Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on October 9 and 10 only. For tickets, visit Ticketworld at www.premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting www.balletmanila.com.ph.

October 8, 2026
5 Reasons the ASUS Zenbook 14 Fits the Way We Work, Create, and Live

These days, our laptop has to do a lot of things aside from just work. It has to handle answering emails remotely, juggling deadlines, streaming content, and basically just getting things done wherever the day takes us. For us, having a device that can move with us makes all the difference.

That’s where the new ASUS Zenbook 14 comes in. The latest addition to ASUS’ Zenbook lineup, the device is designed to be more than just thin and light. It combines an ultraportable design with an immersive OLED display, long-lasting battery, and AI-powered performance – all in one premium device that is fit for those who live life on the go.

Ahead of its local release in the Philippines, we got the chance to try out the new ASUS Zenbook 14 (UX380QA) for a week. After spending some time with it, here are five things that stood out to us:

1. It’s lightweight

At just around 1.3cm thin and 1.1kg light, the Zenbook 14 is designed to be lightweight and portable. After carrying it around for a week, its size quickly became one of the things we appreciated most. Whether you’re heading to the office, working from a cafe, or simply moving from one room to another, it’s a device that you can easily bring with you wherever you go.

A big part of that comes from its Ceraluminum™ top lid, an ASUS-exclusive material that combines the lightness of aluminum with the rich texture of ceramic. The build is paired with an all-metal chassis, giving the device a polished and premium feel that is also durable for everyday use.

Ceraluminum is also designed to be smudge-free, shock-resistant, and scratch-resistant, so you can bring it with you without constantly worrying about it picking up marks and scratches along the way.

2. It’s made for content

The Zenbook 14’s 14-inch FHD OLED display delivers deep blacks, as well as vivid and accurate colors, making even the most ordinary viewing experience feel a little more extraordinary.

This is especially useful for those who spend a lot of time creating and consuming content. Whether you’re editing photos, working on a presentation, or simply watching your favorite show, the OLED display makes everything more engaging.

Aside from the visuals, the Zenbook 14 also delivers fuller and more dimensional sound through its Dolby Atmos and dual speakers. This makes the device a solid one for movie nights or casual days when you simply want to enjoy listening to music.

Put all of these together, and you get a device that works just as well for the creative who cares about color, the music lover who wants fuller sound, and the movie geek who wants a more immersive viewing experience.

3. It’s reliable

For the people who are always out and about, battery life is just as important as portability. Besides, there’s really no point in having a lightweight laptop if you constantly have to look for a power outlet wherever you go.

With the Zenbook 14, you get up to 30 hours of battery life from its 50Wh battery, so you can work, browse, and stream without needing to stay plugged in. For days when you’re moving between places, that extra flexibility can make a big difference.

If you do need to charge, though, the device also has a fast charging feature that lets you go from 0% to 60% in just 49 minutes. So even when you do find yourself running low on battery, you don’t necessarily have to stay plugged in for long before getting back to what you were doing.

4. It’s effortlessly efficient

Built with multitaskers in mind, the Zenbook 14 is powered by the Snapdragon X platform and a dedicated 45 TOPS NPU. This gives it the performance needed to handle multiple tasks while keeping everyday processes running smoothly.

Whether you’re browsing across multiple tabs, studying, working on documents, attending a video call, or creating content, the Zenbook 14 is built to keep up with the things you need to get done.

With the Zenbook 14 being a Copilot+ PC, you also get access to Copilot, giving you an AI assistant that can help with everyday and work-related queries and prompts.

With these AI features integrated into the device, everyday tasks feel a little more manageable, giving you another tool to work with whether you’re studying, working, or simply trying to get more done in a day.

5. It’s uniquely you

Your laptop doesn’t just have to be something that boosts your productivity. It can also be an extension of your personality.

ASUS offers three nature-inspired colorways, each with its own distinct look, so you can pick the one that feels most like you. From its lid and chassis to the keyboard and logo, the device has a cohesive overall look that makes it feel as much like a personal accessory as a productivity tool.

Komodo Coral captures the vibrant pink tones of Indonesia’s famous pink sand beach, while Arctic Blue takes inspiration from the crisp and pristine serenity of glacial landscapes. Meanwhile, Zabriskie Beige channels the warm, neutral tones of the sun-baked badland rock formations.

For the Snapdragon configuration featured here, Komodo Coral is the available color, while Zabriskie Beige is coming soon. Arctic Blue is available on AMD and Intel configurations, giving the wider Zenbook 14 lineup even more room for personal expression.

Complete the set-up

If you’re someone who likes their setup to feel a little more complete, there’s also the ZenMouse, which extends the Ceraluminum design beyond the Zenbook laptop series. It’s a natural addition to a setup made for productivity, especially for those looking for a dedicated mouse they can use for everyday work and life tasks.

The ZenMouse features the same Ceraluminum build as the Zenbook 14, a track-on-glass sensor and full-round PTFE feet for smooth control, as well as Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz dual-mode wireless connectivity that lets you connect up to four devices.

More than just a laptop

The Zenbook 14 also comes with a few extras designed to make the experience complete right out of the box. This includes an ASUS-exclusive laptop sleeve, an Office Home 2024 lifetime license, one year of Microsoft 365 Basic with 100GB of cloud storage, up to 700GB ASUS Cloud Storage, and a three-month Google AI Pro Bundle.

It also comes with ASUS’ Quality No. 1 and Service Program, giving users additional support for cleaning and warranty services.

With its lightweight design, OLED display, long battery life, AI-powered performance, and distinctive Ceraluminum finish, the ASUS Zenbook 14 is built for more than just getting work done. It’s made to move with you through the different things that make up your day.

For more information on the ASUS Zenbook 14, visit the official ASUS product page.

Get your own Zenbook 14 from authorized ASUS stores near you.

October 8, 2026
Movie Review: Blowing the Whistle: A Review of “The Social Reckoning”

A lot has happened since director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin released The Social Network 16 years ago. The social media landscape has shifted dramatically, and Sorkin was right to feel that there was more than enough material for a sequel. Written and directed by Sorkin, The Social Reckoning functions as a standalone sequel defined as a legal thriller. It follows a whistleblower exposing Facebook’s internal policies, detailing how they pose a danger to its users, and leading up to the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

We follow real-life whistleblower Frances Haugen (played by Mikey Madison) as she is contacted by investigative reporter Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allan White), for an interview. Frances, a data engineer who is part of a team that is tasked to create safeguards for Facebook’s social and community interactions, has made several concerning observations. She has been trying to alert management, but no one seems willing to listen. So, she turns to Jeff so her voice can finally be heard. This leads to the discovery that the algorithm of the social media site with over 1.2 billion users has led to the radicalization of many of its users. Running parallel to her story, set three years later, Mark Zuckerberg (Jeremy Strong) prepares for a tense congressional inquiry as the reports begin to surface.

The Social Reckoning | Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

The film jumps between two separate timelines. One is independent of the other. Mark Zuckerberg seems unaware of what is happening in the past – where a loyal employee who loves the goal and ambition of Facebook, is talking to a reporter because the management doesn’t seem to care that the company is radicalizing its users. The use of the timeline jump emphasizes the coldness with which Zuckerberg runs his company and that the people above have no idea or care about what is happening on the ground. From the way Zuckerberg is failing the inquiry preparations, we can tell that all he cares about is the bottom line: profit.

The Social Reckoning | Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

It also helps that Jeremy Strong plays the older Zuckerberg almost like a robot: emotionless, cold, and guarded. He trusts no one. He is used to getting his way and treats everyone around him like they are there as subordinates. It is a calculated portrayal meant to make him feel culpable of all the things the film is blaming him for, and it does its job of creating a frightening villain for this take on the narrative.

The Social Reckoning | Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

While Jeremy Allen White does an amazing job as Jeff Horwitz, cool and composed as he goes about his job; he’s a real pro, not investing in the people and keeping his distance because he knows this can get ugly. But the few moments that he can show that he cares, it’s so evident. But the real heavy lifting comes from Academy Award winner Mikey Madison, who is at the center of all of this. She’s the spark that changes everything. Portraying Haugen as socially awkward and without a filter, Madison embodies someone who is accidentally funny yet completely relatable. She serves as the heart and soul of this film, and she carries it without breaking a sweat.

The Social Reckoning | Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

These great performances ground the film. True to Aaron Sorkin’s signature style, the dialogue comes packed with rapid-fire technical jargon line delivery, but you have to take it on faith that it will all make sense later. His world is real because he doesn’t dumb it down for the audience, he never sacrifices his world building for the audience who doesn’t pay attention. Instead, he writes his scripts in a way that allows a moment for everything to be explained and to be clear. Halfway through the movie, we understand what is at stake and there’s a lot that is at stake here.

The Social Reckoning | Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

This is a movie that encourages us to start asking questions about what we are exactly seeing online, how much of it is random and how much of it is intentional. It informs us that these social media sites are designed to keep us engaged, regardless of the negative effects they may have on our lives. Their goal is to make a profit out of this at the expense of our mental health and the integrity of our social fabric.

The Social Reckoning | Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

I really hope people get to see this film. If not to truly understand how insidious these social media platforms are doing to our society, then at least to witness the fantastic performances from its cast. Mikey Madison delivers a standout lead performance, and Betty Gilpin makes full use of her limited scenes to stand out in every scene as the editor of The Wall Street Journal. It’s a well-crafted film that hits all the right notes and delivers a hopeful ending, that is only undercut by the reality of what continues to happen today.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Powerful, timely, and driven by incredible performances from Mikey Madison and Jeremy Allen White, The Social Reckoning is a sharp, necessary piece of cinema that demands to be seen, not just for its outstanding lead performances, but for the essential questions it forces us to ask about the digital world we live in. Don’t skip this one. Check showtimes here.

October 8, 2026
Theater Review: Baring It All in “Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad”

It seems fitting that Jojo Urquico’s brand new play, “Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad,” would run at a club in Poblacion. Halxyon Club in Poblacion, Makati transforms into a theater with a stage in thrust format for this story about male go-go dancers at a drag club. When a raid stops the show right as it begins, five male dancers share their stories with the newest member of the team. Halxyon Club gives an authentic sense of realism to the setting, though it is suggested to come prepared and wear something warm as the air conditioning is really cold and to get a seat near the front as the seats are monoblocs and you might not see what’s happening on stage if taller audience are sitting in front of you.

Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad | Image Source: Halxyon Club FB Page

And while the play opens with a drag performance, Fewsha Umb and Lexi Era perform in amazing outfits, the five actors takes the stage: Gerald Magallanes as Ace, Paolo Domingo as Jay, John Segui as Dodong, Kriszan Manipon as Mark, and Robbie Padilla as Rafa (with alternates Ysmael Suarez for Dodong and Lance Cabradilla for Ace). They deliver a striptease and provocative dance in Greek-inspired togas, later shedding them for nothing but black briefs and harnesses. When the raid happens, the men rush to their dressing room, where Mama Lou (played by Jem-jem Ria Lopez) assures them that it was a false alarm, though it would be prudent to close for the night.

Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad | Photos courtesy of the JAPSCollectives Photo Team

Left with nothing to do, the men begin to dress while questioning Jay, the youngest and newest member of the group.

Running approximately 90 minutes, the play takes “baring it all” to the next level. While catching their breath, the five actors are practically naked, with only their briefs keeping them from full nudity. But it is the stories they share that renders them vulnerable. The advice and insights woven into their individual stories expose each character naked in an emotional way. Every story paints a picture of desperate need, revealing this job as the only way out for these characters.

Throughout their sharing, they truly bare it all, dressing down and then going into casual clothes. The night on stage is over, but for some of these characters, it has just begun.

Of the cast, Magallanes is the only one with solid theatrical experience, and it shows. There’s a natural delivery of Ace’s rough and prickly exterior. His story is one of abandonment and a tough armor, one that is gruff and grim, serving as a safety mechanism. Yet Magallanes also subtly reveals Ace’s softer side in quiet moments. While others are deliver their stories, his expressions betray his character’s empathy. While others are doing their monologues, he’s still in character, reacting, keeping busy. He’s making it all feel real along with Manipon, whose portrayal of Mark has a job, but it isn’t enough to pay the bills and so he does this to provide for his family. There’s a sincerity to his portrayal that works well alongside Magallanes’.

Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad | Photos courtesy of the JAPSCollectives Photo Team

The rest of the ensemble is still finding its balance. Domingo captures Jay’s exuberance and innocence, but his performance feels timed. It feels forcibly pushed out rather than coming from a genuine place. There’s an old school theater style emanating from his line delivery that feels off when matched with the others who take a more naturalistic approach. Segui and Padilla are hitting their cues, but Sequi often feels rehearsed, while Padilla still needs to work on projection. He’s in the moment but his voice and emotions fail to carry beyond the edge of the stage.

I thought it was quite clever, to have the characters begin practically unclothed, only to dress in front of the audience as they prepare to head home, while sharing their personal stories that leave them even more vulnerable than being naked. The play asks us to truly see them – not just their bodies, but their humanity. This marks Jojo Urquico’s first foray into playwriting, and it shows in places. Some of the stories could be further fleshed out, and the dialogue could be drawn out a little further so the characters can build to their emotional peaks gradually rather than abruptly. Yet there is a cleverness in the direction, evident in how seamlessly the stage transforms from a club into a dressing room in a quick blackout. The blocking within that tiny space, as the actors shift seats, move toward lockers to change while one actor delivers a monologue feels entirely organic and natural.

Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad | Image Source: JAPSCollectives FB Page

This is not a new story, but it is one that will continue to be told until we can fix the system so that no one has to do this out of desperation, or at the very least, until we can afford to give them dignity in the profession. After all, people do come to watch these kinds of shows. They are entertainers, and this is a profession. “Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad” pulls back the curtain, revealing what lies behind the stage.

My Rating: 3 Stars

Five men. Five secrets. One last dance. Don’t miss Jojo Urquico’s Last Dance – Hubo’t Hubad as it transforms Halxyon Club in Poblacion, Makati into a stage for raw human vulnerability. The show runs through October 29, tickets available at Ticket2Me.

October 7, 2026
PETA brings Lola Basyang to New Generation

The Philippine Educational Theater Association is currently restaging “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…” at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City, ahead of an extended run in February 2027 and a national tour.

Severino Reyes introduced Lola Basyang in Liwayway Magazine back in 1925. Over a century later, her famous rocking chair returns to the stage. First adapted for PETA by Christine Bellen in 2005, this revival is a lively, interactive response to a modern world dominated by short attention spans, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.

The lineup features two of Reyes’ classic tales adapted by Bellen, “Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong” (which touches on self-worth beyond physical appearance and standing up to bullying) and “Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari” (a story showing how wit and intellect can challenge arbitrary authority). Joining them is a third piece by PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag entitled “Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan.”

Katanyag introduces Uriel, a curious young girl living in a world filled with smartphones, vlogs, and constant online noise. When Uriel encounters Lola Basyang, ancient myth collides directly with digital culture, tackling media literacy, misinformation, fake news, and the mythic Bakunawa through a lens of critical thinking and community action.

“The children who first encountered PETA’s Lola Basyang in 2005 have grown up. Some may now be parents, teachers, artists, and storytellers themselves. The children encountering her today are growing up in a slightly different world, where stories arrive through screens, feeds, memes, videos, and algorithms,” Katanyag revealed.

For director Phil Noble, who helmed earlier iterations of the production, staging Lola Basyang for today’s young audience presents a distinct creative challenge. “Today’s children live in a world of vlogging, AI, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and so much more. They can create their own worlds with just a screen. This time, I want them to discover another kind of world – the world of live theatre. I want them to open themselves to other possibilities, to immerse themselves in the stories, and to become part of the magical world of Lola B,” he explained.

Noble’s team, including associate director and choreographer Gio Gahol, set designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Carlo Pagunaling, musical director Kabaitan Bautista, composer Noel Cabangon, and lighting designer Satya Edilo, has revitalized the production. The performance builds on fresh choreography, updated visual elements, and expanded musical arrangements crafted specifically to hold the attention of kids used to fast-paced digital media.

The production breaks down the distance between the stage and the seats. Lola Basyang directly speaks to the kids in the audience, asking questions and drawing them into key decisions throughout the show.

Maribel Legarda, director of the show’s mobile excerpt version with designers Boni Juan, Siglo, and Ian Torqueza, considered this direct audience participation as vital for development. “Reviving a classic does not mean reproducing it exactly as it was. Stories live because they are able to speak to changing generations. As PETA always does, we take the time to finesse certain elements so they can speak more meaningfully and responsibly to children and audiences today,” she shared.

As PETA approaches its 60th year, “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…” proves that folklore is a live, dynamic space where generations can gather, question assumptions, and imagine new possibilities together.

Kiki Baento stars as Lola Basyang with CB Garrucho, Yhuan Gatbunton, Belle Mendoza, Leo Lapitan, Thor Ganchero, Nyla Festejo, Roi Calilong, Ayla Garcia, Mico Esquivel, and JC Sunto providing support as cast members. Yhuan Gatbunton, Ericka Peralejo, Carlon Matobato, James Pe Lim, and Icee Po are part of the excerpt cast.

For inquiries and bookings, contact King Joshua Nalupa via Viber at 09936436018 or email kingjoshuanalupa@petatheater.com.

October 7, 2026
Get Up to P22,000 in Guaranteed Freebies with iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Order
Apple enthusiasts can officially secure the all-new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as pre-orders go live across all Beyond the Box and Digital Walker retail branches and online store platforms.

Renowned for their industry-leading customer experience, Beyond the Box and Digital Walker are elevating this year’s iPhone launch with unprecedented perks, complete transparency, and unmatched payment flexibility.

Guaranteed Freebies Worth ₱22,000

You’ll score ₱22,000 in freebies when you pre-order the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max. The P22,000 includes:
- iPhone 18 Pro Momax Gift Set worth P2,670
- Momax 1-Vibe Bottle Magnetic Wireless Speaker Flask – P3,490
- Bellroy Lite Tech Kit – P3,190
- Function 101 Magsafe Ring Stand + Grip Holder – P990
- Urbanista Malibu Solar-powered Bluetooth Speakers – P8,990
- Exclusive Native Union Tote Bag – P1,790 (Unboxing incentive)
What makes Beyond the Box and Digital Walker stand out is how simple they keep it: every freebie item is listed with its SRP, taking out the guesswork so you know the exact value you’re getting.

Double Tech Bites Rewards Points

To add further value, every pre-order earns Double Tech Bites Loyalty Points. Under the standard reward structure of ₱300 = 1 point, a purchase of ₱100,000 earns over 600 Tech Bites points which will be credited upon unit pick-up. Customers can redeem these points on their next transaction to purchase premium tech accessories or enjoy dining at any restaurant under the popular Tasteless Food Group.

Unbeatable Financing & Lower-Than-Cash Payment Deals

Upgrading to the latest flagship is more accessible than ever with flexible financing options:
- 0% Interest Installment Plans: Available from 24 up to 36 months through partner credit cards.
- Exclusive Rates: Select payment terms offer promotional such as LOWER THAN CASH PRICE, providing maximum savings for customers.
Flexible Reservation Option

For customers still deciding on their final specifications, unit reservations can be secured with a ₱5,000 downpayment. To guarantee unit allocation, the remaining balance must be settled on or before October 16.

Secure Preferred Units Early

Due to high global demand, customers are strongly advised to place their pre-orders early to ensure availability for their preferred color and storage capacity.

Pre-orders can be placed today at all physical Beyond the Box and Digital Walker stores nationwide, as well as their respective online store channels.
October 7, 2026
Why the GLP-1 Conversation Is Changing the Way Filipinos Shop for Food

If there was one wellness conversation that defined the past two years, it was the rise of GLP-1 medications. From Hollywood celebrities to everyday patients, prescription treatments have reshaped conversations around weight management, nutrition, and long-term health. While the trend first gained widespread attention in the United States, GLP-1 therapies are also becoming more accessible in the Philippines through licensed hospitals, clinics, and telehealth providers, bringing with them a growing interest in healthier, more intentional eating habits.

While GLP-1 medications can help regulate appetite and blood sugar, they don’t replace the need for a balanced diet. In fact, The American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care emphasizes that these medications work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes individualized nutrition and other lifestyle interventions. Choosing nutrient-dense foods and being more mindful of added sugars can help support overall health and complement broader lifestyle changes.

One of the simplest places to start is learning how to read sugar labels.

Decoding the label is a challenge in itself

Reducing sugar isn’t always as straightforward as choosing products labeled “healthy.” Terms like “sugar-free,” “no added sugar,” and “naturally sweetened” each mean different things, while added sugars can appear under a variety of names in ingredient lists.

Recognizing the growing demand for greater transparency around nutrition, Healthy Options curates a wide selection of products with clearly labeled nutritional information and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, making it easier for shoppers to compare products, understand sugar claims, and find options that suit different dietary preferences and wellness goals.

“We’re seeing more customers ask questions about ingredients and nutrition—not only because they want to eat healthier, but because they’re looking for products that fit their individual wellness goals,” said Romy Sia, Managing Director of Healthy Options. “Whether someone is simply cutting back on sugar or following a nutrition plan recommended by their healthcare professional, we want to make it easier for them to shop with confidence.”

Understanding sugar claims

Food packaging often highlights sugar-related claims, but understanding what these labels actually mean can help you make more informed grocery choices.

Sugar-Free products contain only minimal amounts of sugar per serving and often use alternative sweeteners to provide sweetness.

No Added Sugar means no sugars or sugar-containing ingredients were added during production, although naturally occurring sugars from ingredients such as fruit or milk may still be present.

Naturally Sweetened indicates that sweetness comes from naturally derived ingredients instead of refined sugar. While this is not a standardized regulatory claim, checking the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list remains the best way to understand what’s inside.

Beyond front-of-pack claims, reviewing the serving size, total sugar, fiber, protein, and ingredient list provides a more complete picture of how a product fits into your overall eating plan.

Better Choices for a Lower-Sugar Lifestyle

Understanding labels is only the first step. The next is choosing products that support your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Healthy Options offers a variety of alternatives, from Healthy Options Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies for an afternoon snack, to St. Amour Triples Cookies, which are sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan for sharing with family and friends. For those craving something sweet, Amberlyn’s Sugar-Free Belgian Chocolates offer portion-friendly treats, while other snacks like Pip’s Heirloom Sea Salt Mini Popcorn and Sweet Switch’s sugar-free gummies and mints provide convenient snack options for movie nights, commutes, or travel.

Customers can also turn to the Healthy Options store team for guidance while shopping. They can help shoppers navigate product labels and explore options based on their dietary preferences and needs, providing added support in making more informed choices in-store.

“There isn’t one definition of healthy because every person’s journey is different,” added Sia. “Our goal is to give customers the information, transparency, and product choices they need to make choices that work for their lifestyle. When people understand what’s on the label, they’re better equipped to choose foods that support their long-term wellness.” that work for their lifestyle. When people understand what’s on the label, they’re better equipped to choose foods that support their long-term wellness.”

As conversations around GLP-1 therapies continue to encourage more intentional eating, one habit stands out regardless of whether someone is taking medication: understanding what’s inside the food we buy. By making nutrition information easier to navigate and offering carefully selected products that support a variety of dietary preferences, Healthy Options helps empower consumers to turn healthier intentions into smarter, everyday grocery decisions.

October 7, 2026