Prepare for an exhilarating journey as “Chasing in the Wild,” the latest adaptation of Gwy Saludes’ beloved Wattpad University Series, premieres on Viva One this August. With over 650 million total reads across six books, this series promises to capture your heart and imagination. Following the successful transitions of “The Rain in España” and “Safe Skies, Archer,” fans are eagerly anticipating the new love story of Sevi and Elyse, brought to life by Gab Lagman and Hyacinth Callado, under the expert direction of Thop Nazareno.
A Love Story Like No Other
Sevi, the dedicated basketball team captain, finds himself nursing a broken heart after his best friend shatters his world. Enter Elyse, the charming and spoiled cheerleader who unexpectedly leaps into Sevi’s life at her debut party. When Sevi steps in as one of the 18 Roses, a series of not-so-friendly banters ensue, eventually blossoming into endearing breakfast dates and a budding romance.
But as Sevi and Elyse navigate the tumultuous waters of young love, they face numerous challenges that threaten to tear them apart. Family drama, personal growth, and the inevitable trials of life test their bond. Will their love endure the harsh realities they must confront? With the unwavering support of their friends, the UNIVERKADA, they might just stand a chance.
Meet the Newest Member
The excitement doesn’t stop there! “Chasing in the Wild” welcomes Wilbert Ross to the cast, who will portray Arkin, adding fresh dynamics and new adventures to the story. As the barkada grows, so does the anticipation for what’s next in their journey.
Mark Your Calendars
Don’t miss the premiere of “Chasing in the Wild” on Viva One on August 16, 2024. Tune in every Friday for new episodes that will keep you hooked and rooting for Sevi and Elyse. Subscribe to Viva One for only 99 Pesos a month and be part of this thrilling adventure.
Imagine being invited by a charming British family you met on vacation to spend a weekend at their idyllic country estate. Sounds like a dream holiday, right? But what if this dream morphs into a psychological nightmare? In “Speak No Evil,” that’s precisely what happens.
A Suspense Thriller to Remember
From the renowned Blumhouse Productions, known for their knack for intense and gripping films, comes a new thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. “Speak No Evil” promises to haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll.
Stellar Cast
Starring the brilliant James McAvoy, alongside Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, this film dives deep into the unsettling dynamics between two families. McAvoy’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, ensuring that every twist and turn is felt viscerally by the audience.
Plot Overview
The story follows an American family who, after a delightful vacation encounter, accepts an invitation from their newfound British friends. The promise of a peaceful weekend soon unravels as sinister secrets and psychological games come to the forefront. What starts as a simple gathering turns into a gripping fight for survival.
Release Details
Mark your calendars! “Speak No Evil” will be haunting Philippine cinemas starting September 11, thanks to Universal Pictures International.
A gripping tale of deception and unexpected bonds is set to captivate audiences worldwide. “Lolo and The Kid,” starring the esteemed award-winning actor Joel Torre, the talented Euwenn Mikaell Aleta, and featuring a special appearance by Juan Karlos Labajo, is making its highly anticipated debut on Netflix on August 7, 2024.
The Plot
“Lolo and The Kid” revolves around a seasoned hustler and the young boy he takes under his wing. Together, they skillfully con the affluent, mastering the art of deception. However, when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself, it threatens to sever their close-knit relationship forever.
Stellar Cast
Joel Torre: Bringing his award-winning prowess to the screen, Joel Torre leads the cast with a performance that is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Euwenn Mikaell Aleta: This rising star delivers a compelling portrayal of the young boy, adding depth and innocence to the film’s dynamic duo.
Juan Karlos Labajo: Making a special appearance, Juan Karlos Labajo adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the film.
Behind the Scenes
Directed by the visionary Benedict Mique, “Lolo and The Kid” promises a narrative rich in emotion, suspense, and heart. Mique’s direction ensures that the film is not just a story of cons and hustles but also a poignant exploration of human relationships and the ties that bind us.
Mark Your Calendars!
Don’t miss out on this captivating drama that explores the delicate balance between loyalty and ambition. “Lolo and The Kid” is set to premiere globally on Netflix on August 7, 2024. Make sure to add it to your watchlist for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The fate of the world is at stake when the stunning new entry into the Planet of the Apes franchise makes its streaming debut on Disney+ on August 2.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is Certified-Fresh on Rotten TomatoesTM and has thrilled audiences worldwide, becoming one of the biggest global box office successes of the year and marking the beginning of a new era for the epic Planet of the Apes franchise.
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise with this action-adventure spectacle from 20th Century Studios. Set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, apes are living harmoniously as the dominant species — and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
Get ready for the highly anticipated blockbuster Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes by taking a deep dive into the sci-fi cult classic franchise. All nine prior films are now streaming on Disney+ so fans can binge watch the entire Planet of the Apes franchise!
The Planet of the Apes complete franchise streaming now on Disney+:
HABI: The Philippine Textile Council invites piña and abaca weavers to showcase their skills in its two flagship competitions—the 7th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 3rd Eloisa Hizon-Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition.
The competitions, which are part of HABI’s mission to preserve, promote, celebrate, and develop Philippine textiles and the country’s weaving culture, are among the highlights of the council’s annual Likhang Habi Fair which will be held from October 18 to 20, 2024 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.
Artisans from all over the Philippines are welcome to join.
Last year, Marilyn Almero of La Herminia Piña Weaving won two prizes at the 6th Lourdes Montinola Piña Competition for the excellence and innovation of her piece called “Peacock.” Aklan weavers Raquel Eliserio and Anna India Legazpi were first and second runner-up, respectively.
Winners of last year’s Eloisa Hizon-Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition were Anna India Legazpi,Agustin Tawi Sudaw of Bulacan, and Edgar Cornito, a T’Boli from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
This is the 7th edition of the Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition, the Philippines’ premier piña weaving contest, named after the chair emeritus of the Far Eastern University and author who is a champion of indigenous textiles. She has written several books including “Piña,” a landmark book about the origins, the history, and the artistry of piña cloth.
Artists and artisans who want to join the competition may work on their own or collaborate in creating extraordinary piña cloth.
Entries will be evaluated based on quality of making—excellence of the range of processes used including the knotting of the fiber, control over weaving tension, balance between the tensile strengths of piña and other fibers woven with the pineapple fiber, dyeing or other form of coloring, the physical relationship of the embellishments to the woven cloth and more—and quality of innovation and use of imagination.
The judges will be looking for freshness and excellence in the way they handle piña as a material. Blending with other natural fibers is allowed, as long as piña makes up more than 50% of the body of the cloth.
Participants are encouraged to explore new possibilities for couture and experiment with new procedures in the making of pineapple fiber cloth.
Submissions need to be at least two meters long. There is no regulation on the width.
Three winners will be chosen and ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd. But that’s not all. “There will be special awards for young weavers under 30 years old and for outstanding innovation,” said Adelaida Lim, President Emeritus of HABI.
Abaca weavers get their chance to shine in the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition. Lim shared, “The abaca competition was initiated by the former fashion designer Gang Gomez, now Don Martin, OSB, and his siblings, to honor the memory of their mother who championed the wearing of native attires and use of local textiles.”
For the 3rd Eloisa Hizon-Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition, participants may also work on their own or collaborate with other artists in creating extraordinary abaca cloth. Submissions must be at least three meters long and woven exclusively using abaca fiber. The width is up to the contestants.
Entries will be judged based on excellence in execution, skill and technique, including knotting and control of weaving tension, design and weaving qualities specific to the culture of the weaving community, aesthetics, dyeing or other forms of coloring, and quality of innovation, if any.
Three exceptional pieces will be chosen and awarded equal prizes.
Entries must be packed with care and submitted to HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, Inc. Office at No. 962 May Street, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Include a signed application form with the following details: title of work, name of weaver, age of weaver, Indigenous group, mentor, address, weaving experience, how long it took to make the piece, description of the process, and date. The deadline for submissions is on September 16, 2024.
Interested parties may find out more about the competition mechanics by checking the council’s website habiphilippinetextilecouncil.com, and its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram (@HABIcouncil).
The winners of both competitions will get to exhibit and sell their work at the forthcoming Likhang Habi Market Fair slated for October 18-20, 2024 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.
The winning works will remain the property of their makers after HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, Inc. fully documents them. HABI will also assist them in selling their creations.
Rain or shine, the big screen is calling! This week’s fresh lineup of films is guaranteed to entertain. Ready for some adrenaline-pumping action? Deadpool & Wolverine is your go-to. Craving a good scare? All My Friends Are Dead will keep you on the edge of your seat. Or, if you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking drama, dive into the mysterious world of Sagrada Luna. Don’t miss out on some fan favorites still playing in theaters – catch them before they’re gone! Grab your movie squad, score that extra-buttered popcorn, and enjoy the latest hits. And with the nonstop rain, don’t forget to bring a jacket – it’s typhoon season!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
The merc with a mouth is back, and this time, he’s not alone! Wade Wilson, a.k.a. Deadpool, finds the monotony of civilian life disrupted when a new threat emerges. Teaming up with a gruff Wolverine, the duo is set for a series of misadventures filled with snark, action, and unexpected camaraderie. Expect a blend of relentless humor, thrilling fight sequences, and the kind of chemistry only Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman can deliver.
What starts as an ideal escape to a seemingly perfect Airbnb during the biggest music festival of the year turns into a nightmarish ordeal for a group of college friends. As they party into the night, the celebration soon morphs into horror when they begin to die one by one, each death mirroring the gruesome themes of the seven deadly sins. This thriller will keep you guessing and gasping, perfect for those who love a mix of suspense and old-fashioned horror tropes.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a secluded cult community, “Sagrada Luna” explores the lives of its enigmatic leaders and devoted followers. The film delves deep into themes of love, betrayal, and the sacrifices one must make in the face of overpowering allure. With its haunting narrative and powerful performances, this drama offers a compelling look at the human condition and the lengths to which people will go to belong and believe.
This week’s selection of movies provides a perfect blend of escapism and engagement. Each film not only offers a way to avoid the gloomy weather but also presents unique stories that resonate on various emotional levels. Whether you’re laughing at Deadpool’s antics, biting your nails during the horror of “All My Friends Are Dead,” or pondering the profound dilemmas in “Sagrada Luna,” these films offers to deliver memorable cinematic experiences.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
Imagine the most extreme weather events colliding in one epic showdown. “Twisters” brings together former storm chaser Kate Carter and thrill-seeking influencer Tyler Owens as they navigate through the deadliest storm season recorded. With lives and legacies at stake, the race against nature’s clock is nothing short of breathtaking. Will they outmaneuver the cataclysmic weather, or will the storms rewrite their fates?
2024 • R-16 • 1 hr 40 mins CRIME, HORROR, MYSTERY GET SHOWTIMES
“Longlegs” spins a web of terror and mystery as an FBI agent (Maika Monroe) tracks a menacing serial killer using occult clues. Joining forces with seasoned actors Nicolas Cage and Blair Underwood, Monroe delves into a dark world that’s as intriguing as it is frightening. This thriller will not only challenge your mind but also spike your adrenaline.
2024 • PG • 1 hr 35 mins ACTION, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY GET SHOWTIMES
The world’s favorite reformed supervillain, Gru, returns with his delightful brood and a new addition, Gru Jr., who seems to have taken up the family business of causing mischief. Packed with action, laughs, and heartwarming family moments, “Despicable Me 4” is perfect for a family outing. Expect chaos, laughter, and a fresh villainous duo that promises to keep Gru—and you—on your toes!
2024 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION, THRILLER GET SHOWTIMES
The Abbott family’s fight for survival in “A Quiet Place” left audiences on the edge of their seats. Now, “A Quiet Place: Day One” rewinds the clock, taking us right back to the moment the world went silent. Witness the initial chaos unfold in New York City as Evelyn Abbott (Lupita Nyong’o) fiercely protects her family from the arrival of blind, sound-hunting creatures. This sci-fi horror prequel promises heart-stopping suspense and a deeper understanding of the terrifying threat humanity faces.
2024 • PG • 1 hr 36 mins ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, DRAMA, FAMILY GET SHOWTIMES
Check out the showtimes, grab your tickets online to avoid the downpour, and enjoy a cozy, thrilling, or dramatic night out. Whether you’re planning a solo venture, a date night, or an outing with friends, the cinema this week offers worlds away from the stormy blues. Whether you’re in for the action, the scares, or the drama, these films are sure to provide an engaging respite from the rainy day blues. See you at the cinema!
From acclaimed writer, director, and producer Todd Phillips comes “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the eagerly awaited sequel to 2019’s Academy Award-winning “Joker.” The original film captivated audiences worldwide, earning over $1 billion at the global box office and securing its place as the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. The new installment stars Joaquin Phoenix, reprising his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck/Joker, alongside the multi-talented Lady Gaga, known for her sensational performance in “A Star Is Born.” Mark your calendars for October 2, as “Joker: Folie à Deux” hits cinemas and IMAX exclusively.
Official Synopsis
“Joker: Folie à Deux” finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. Struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love but also discovers the music that’s always been inside him.
About “Joker: Folie à Deux”
Todd Phillips, who garnered Oscar nominations for directing, writing, and producing “Joker,” returns to helm “Joker: Folie à Deux.” The screenplay, crafted by Phillips and fellow Oscar nominee Scott Silver, is based on characters from DC Comics. Phillips produces alongside Oscar nominee Emma Tillinger Koskoff and Joseph Garner, with Lady Gaga serving as the music consultant. The film’s executive producers include Michael E. Uslan, Georgia Kacandes, Scott Silver, Mark Friedberg, and Jason Ruder.
In cinemas October 2, “Joker: Folie à Deux” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company. Don’t miss this cinematic event that promises to be as groundbreaking and captivating as its predecessor.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will hold the first-ever Film Education Convention (FilmEC) from September 17 to 18 at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila.
The FilmEC is a two-day convention which brings together film creatives from the academe and in the industry, in line with the FDCP’s continuous efforts to champion film education in the country.
The convention features screenings of selected student short films, panel discussions, plenary talks, film book sales, and networking opportunities for film students and educators.
FDCP Chair and Chief Executive Officer Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes explained that the activity-filled event aims “to gather both teachers and students of film to converge, get to know one another and engage in conversations that will break barriers of language or institutional representation.”
The Academic Film Society has created an organizing committee, comprised of nine members from various AFS-registered universities and colleges to assist in preparing for and promoting the event.
They consist of Alec Berame, DLS-CSB; Patrick Campos, University of the Philippines Film Institute; David Corpuz, Mapúa University; Hector Barretto Calma, iACADEMY; Catherine Cequeña, Adamson University; Kareen Gancio, West Visayas State University; Maricon Montajes, UP Mindanao; Stanley Rovira, University of Makati; and Christina Stella Ustaris, Far Eastern University.
FDCP Project Development Officers Korina Dela Cruz, Jen-Lopez Marcos, and Marie Ira, Education Head Rica Arevalo, and Education Consultant Seymour Sanchez also attended the AFS meeting.
The FDCP will also host a series of pocket events, which includes student film screenings, talkback sessions, and film workshops in universities and Cinematheque Centres nationwide, to promote the convention.
AFS has curated a selection of student short films followed by talkback sessions with the filmmakers at Cinematheque Centre Manila last July 19 and at University of Makati on August 27, with more locations to be announced before the convention.
FDCP and the Filipino Screenwriters Guild (FSG) will also continue their regional screenwriting workshop for beginners. Five slots per region are open to AFS members in Iloilo, Negros, and Davao, aged 18 years old and above, with no professional screenwriting experience.
“We’re here to learn, immerse, and understand film education in the Philippines, exposing newcomers to real-world filmmaking,” Direk Joey stressed.
AFS member-schools have access to the FDCP’s Student Film Assistance Program (SFAP) and Film School workshops and specialized training programs, references, artifacts, and films available under its media library, mentors and resource persons for film education component, film exhibition platforms including Cinematheque Centres nationwide and JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel, FDCP ratings and permits, school event promotions, and other benefits.
“Trap,” the latest thriller from the brilliant mind of director M. Night Shyamalan, tells the riveting story of a father and daughter who attend a pop concert only to realize they’re at the center of a dark and sinister event. How did this thriller about a serial killer trapped in a concert venue come to life?
A Family Collaboration
“‘Trap’ was created by me and my daughter Saleka from our conversations together about music and movies,” Shyamalan proudly shares. Saleka, who plays Lady Raven in the film, also wrote the fictional artist’s songs featured in the concert. This unique father-daughter collaboration brings a fresh and personal touch to the film’s narrative.
Saleka’s Insight
Saleka, a professional singer-songwriter, reflects on her father’s passion for filmmaking. “What’s interesting to me is that he tells such dark stories because I think he is such a positive person,” she says. “You see that positivity in the context of these dark situations, and you know that he thinks the universe is good. It’s a key throughline in a lot of his movies. And I think this is another example of that. It’s beautiful to watch. That makes me feel safe on set, and it makes a lot of people feel happy and joyous to be here. It’s like we’re living the dream. He feels that and so we remember that every day.”
Josh Hartnett’s Stellar Performance
Josh Hartnett, who plays Cooper, holds great respect for Shyamalan, especially because of the director’s meticulous approach. “I was given a big ream of the storyboards, which is basically the film,” shares Hartnett. “You could flip through it and you could see every shot… for someone to come that prepared and then show up and actually live within it… I think he does that because he feels what the actors are going through. You can see him behind the camera, really experiencing it, wanting to be there 100%, to see how it will be experienced by the audience. Later, he can then put it together in a way that’s going to be most effective for the audience. It just shows what a master he is of this craft. And I think because of all that, he really enjoys the process.”
Shyamalan’s Praise for Hartnett
Shyamalan is equally impressed with Hartnett’s dedication. For the role of Cooper, Shyamalan wanted an actor who is a big risk-taker. “When I met Josh, he looked me in the eye, and I just knew he was ready to do anything – there was an energy, an electricity coming off of him,” says the director. “I think for audiences, one of the great reasons to come to this movie is seeing the amazing performance that Josh gives.”
Don’t Miss “Trap”
“Trap,” distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company, opens in cinemas July 31. Be sure to catch this captivating thriller and witness Josh Hartnett’s stellar performance. #TrapMovie
Nature’s fury rocked the global box office as “Twisters” stormed into North American and Philippine theaters, claiming the No. 1 spot and nabbing the third-biggest opening of 2024 in the US with a sensational $80.5 million.
The Current-Day Chapter of a Classic
“Twisters,” the modern-day chapter to the 1996 hit disaster blockbuster, is directed by Oscar nominee Lee Isaac Chung. The film stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Anthony Ramos as storm chasers who come together to try to predict, and possibly tame, one of nature’s most destructive forces.
A Hit with Critics and Moviegoers
The film has become a bona fide hit with both critics and audiences, earning a high score of 92% Audience Score and a certified 78% Fresh Rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Empire Magazine commends the action and thrill that “Twisters” brings to audiences. “Simply put, ‘Twisters’ wears its Big Summer Movie heart on its sleeve. The score is rousing and righteous, the star power at times overwhelming to look at directly (to clarify, Powell walking through a downpour in a white T-shirt serves absolutely no narrative purpose). Powell being reunited with Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski — here on story-writing duty — feels like no coincidence; Cruise may be absent, but ‘Twisters’ effectively throws every other adrenaline-pumping cinematic tool in its bolted-down wheelhouse at you. At one point, our heroes are quite literally ushering crowds into a movie theatre for shelter. And you’d do well to join them.”
Screenrant highlights the magnetic chemistry between Powell and Edgar-Jones as Kate and Tyler, saying, “Edgar-Jones and Powell’s chemistry is a highlight of ‘Twisters,’ and their dynamic had me questioning my belief that not every action movie needs a romance between its leads.”
Entertainment Weekly praises the performances of the “Twisters” cast, noting, “There’s a ton of technobabble that you have to take on faith, but Jones and Powell do more than sell it; they make it compelling.”
The New York Times points out the timeliness of a film focused on the devastating effects of worsening extreme weather conditions, stating, “If we can’t fix climate change, can we fight it? And if so, who benefits? Who will take advantage of our weather in the future, and who will suffer from it? The apocalyptic element of ‘Twisters’ hits a little closer to home. The idea of a tornado as a monster is a metaphor. But the tornado itself, and the havoc it wreaks, is very, very literal.”
Catch the Storm of a Lifetime
Don’t miss out on the storm of a lifetime as “Twisters” is now showing in Philippine cinemas.
