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A Celebration of True Luxury at Banyan Tree Manila Bay

Exemplifying exclusivity, elegance, and excellence, Banyan Tree Manila Bay showed guests true luxury through a grand party celebrating its upcoming hotel and residences.

Nestled in the vibrant Manila Bay area, known for its premier entertainment, retail, hospitality, and residential developments, Banyan Tree Manila Bay is a sanctuary for the senses amidst the excitement and energy. The hotel will offer a mix of rooms and suites catering to discerning travelers seeking a rejuvenating retreat with facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, signature restaurant and bar, and other facilities available in a Banyan Tree hotel and resort, alongside the Podium Area featuring the meeting facilities and Banyan Tree Spa and Gallery. Meanwhile, Banyan Tree Residences Manila Bay will provide spacious ultra-luxury units ranging from Penthouses (900m²), Bi-Level Units (700m²), Prime Units (400m²), and 2- and 3-Bedroom Units (140-260m²), complemented by luxurious external amenities offering stunning views of the city and Manila Bay’s renowned reddish-golden sunsets.

Martin Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Banyan Tree Manila Bay said, “It is definitely a very exciting time for the luxury real estate market right now in the Philippines. Investors are always looking for the next big thing. Hence, there’s high expectation for Banyan Tree Manila Bay and this is something that we aim to satisfy. Banyan Tree Manila Bay is a mixed use, multiple tower development. It will reflect all the features that every Banyan Tree property is known for like sustainability practices, while ensuring that we also pay homage to Philippine culture. Given the scope of this project, Nest Seekers International is the perfect partner for us to best market our residential towers to a wider international network. We look forward to having a fruitful partnership with them.”

“Nest Seekers International being the brokerage to represent the property globally are excited to work with Banyan Tree Manila Bay to launch this development in Philippines. As Manila has become the hottest market globally for prime residential properties, it’s high time that a project like this rises in the city. Not only will it satisfy our clients’ demand for true luxury, such a project will also pave the way for more branded luxury properties to invest in the Philippines, making for a more vibrant luxury real estate market,.” shared Andy Regalado, Nest Seekers International Chief Marketing Officer and Regional Director – Asia.

Banyan Tree Manila Bay is set to become a landmark in Manila, offering a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling city. For more information about the residences, visit www.banyantreeresidencesmanilabay.com or contact info@banyantreeresidencesmanilabay.com

June 28, 2024
New ARTablado exhibit is sister act

Growing up in an artistically-inclined family helped develop sisters Bettina Marie and Maita Hagad into the promising young artists they are today. Their parents Felix and Catherine Hagad are both seasoned architects, and their maternal grandmother Estrella H. Hagad is an accomplished artist as well.

Eight years ago, Maita exhibited some of her works alongside that of her Lola but this time—at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria—it’s a sister act that is not one of sibling rivalry but a dual display of creativity.

The sisters hail from Bacolod City and are multi-disciplinary artists whose combined skills include painting, sketching, sculpture, fashion design, fashion styling, photography, videography, print making, textiles and installation art.

Both are graduates of De La Salle College of St. Benilde. Bettina has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising while Maita graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design, major in Landscape Design.

In 2019, Bettina developed the fashion line Downtown Lavish with a partner that continues to do well. Last year, Maita studied Landscape Architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Design Discovery Program.

Although Bettina sees fashion as her “true north,” she returned to painting during the pandemic and began creating lively, abstract canvases that depict activities that require the use of touch: playing dice, mazes, tic-tac-toe, abacuses and even old-school glass marbles with swirls of color in the center.

She found an audience that appreciated her works and was able to successfully sell her paintings through trade shows and by accepting commission-based work. To hone her skills in pencil work, Bettina took sketching courses at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts in August 2023.

“I can’t pinpoint when I discovered my love for art but I was drawn to it an early age. I can still vividly recall taking art classes and drawing whenever and wherever I could as a young child,” she recalled.

Initially enthralled by fishes, landscapes and seascapes, she moved on to doodling fashionably dressed girls as her interest in fashion grew. “I think my art journey has not been the most linear and is an experience that is quite unique to me, given that I’ve decided to pursue both arts and fashion,” Bettina said.

Today, she works as a freelance artist and fashion designer who takes on different roles needed in her family’s business. Bettina is also gearing up for the opening of her new arts studio in Bacolod City.

Her sister Maita is an award-winning designer, artist and dancer who “seeks to intersect concepts of ecology, memory, and movement through forms of visual and spatial experiences.”

Maita’s creations, which range from clay pottery and paintings to print and tapestry, were influenced by her early years in Bacolod and her adult life in Metro Manila.

One of her showcased items is a hand-stitched tapestry entitled “Tutod” that took her nine months to complete. Set in a grid-like pattern, it’s an aerial view of Negros Occidental’s sugarcane plantations.

On her Instagram account, Maita said the piece, dyed brown and black, “recalls the ‘tutod’ practice of burning sugarcane fields after harvest—an enduring image from growing up in Bacolod City.”

“Growing up surrounded by artists and designers, I was introduced to the arts at a very young age. When I was just four years old, I began classical ballet training. This was the beginning of my love for the arts, as it was within these creative environments where I found my most expressive and inspired self,” Maita recalled.

“My artistic journey started within the realm of performing arts. Dance, inherently intertwined with the notion of space, instigated my fascination with the movement of bodies within spatial contexts. This led me to delve into the study of interior and landscape design. Since then, my artistic endeavors have served a means to intertwine these diverse interests and inquiries.”

The sisters’ shared love for so many branches of the arts is unique and tightly binds them.

“I think having a sister who is also into the arts benefits us both in so many ways. Not only are we able to feed off of each other’s ideas, but we are also able to have interesting and deep conversations as sisters,” Bettina said.

“We learn together and from each other,” Maita added.

Both said they were grateful to have been invited to present their works at ARTablado. “This opportunity to exhibit my work to the public is significant to me,” Maita said.

“Both Maita and I have not exhibited in a long time. Given that Robinson’s advocacy will greatly help me as a young artist starting out, I could not refuse the offer,” Bettina added.

“These Objects Walk, Not Run,” the two-woman exhibit of Bettina Marie S. Hagad and Maita S. Hagad runs until July 15 at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria.

June 28, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: Highlighting the Need to Scream: a review of ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’

I really felt that ‘A Quiet Place’ was a complete movie all on its own so when the sequel came out, I was very resistant to it. When I saw it, it was enjoyable but it’s been four years since its release and I barely remember anything about it. I still remember how ‘A Quiet Place’ made me feel, though, and quite a number of sequences from that movie. So, when I saw the trailer for ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ I wasn’t sure how to feel. Casting Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn and Alex Wolff definitely help but how does a prequel to the movie really help the lore? What new thing can they say about these aliens and this invasion that the first film didn’t tackle so beautifully already? I was very resistant to this movie.

To my utter surprise, the film directed and written by Michael Sarnoski (on a story by Sarnoski and John Krasinksi) finds completely new ground and takes the setting into a completely different direction. Set in the same universe as ‘A Quiet Place,’ the film happens at the time of when the hearing-dependent aliens arrive on Earth, with the film’s focus on what it calls “one of the noisiest cities in the world,” which is New York City.

Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

In this movie, we follow Lupita Nyong’o, who plays a cancer patient Sam, who is staying at a hospice. She has a service cat (named Frodo) and she is generally very bitter about life and her condition. She’s constantly lashing out, even at her nurse (Alex Wolff). On a trip to the city with other patients at the hospice, Sam finds herself in the middle of an alien invasion. As the world meets the horrors of this vicious, brutal alien species, the terminally ill Sam decides a different path than that of safety.

Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

Surprisingly, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ ends up becoming a character study. What is a terminally ill person supposed to feel or strive for in an apocalyptic setting? Her outlook in life is already poor, and things just got worse. Nyong’o imbues Sam with a strong determination despite her calm and clear mind about her present reality. It makes her character so compelling, considering she’s not the nicest person in the world. Sam is in so much pain that she struggles even to walk without her medication. Her outlook is dim but now she’s being forced to keep quiet or else she’ll meet a violent end at the gaping maw of the alien species.

Alex Wolff as “Reuben” and Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

It’s from her perspective and that of Eric (Joseph Quinn), a man with anxiety, who follows her because of his attachment to Frodo. Together, they navigate the ruined city streets of New York – find their way underground and in empty buildings in an effort for Sam to reconnect with the things she’s lost because of her condition. Throughout this odyssey, the film highlights our own need for release, for catharsis. It is so wonderful dramatized in one scene that involves the rain. The ways by which Nyong’o and Quinn manage that scene completely removed all my hesitation for this prequel. Somehow, ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ managed to contextualize the noise and the silence and our very own need for catharsis and release.

Djimon Hounsou as “Henri”, Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Alex Wolff as “Reuben” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

While the film has its beautiful, tender moments and a wonderful existential exploration of one’s mortality, the movie isn’t without its thrills and spills. There’s a lot of destruction here as the aliens rampage through the city and ravage most of the people onscreen. Part of the film’s DNA are the scenes when the scene goes completely silent and there’s only live sound of what is happening onscreen and the whole cinema just slips into silent attention. Our breaths are all held hoping that our silence will help the characters on screen. Tension is created as we see potential objects that can cause noise appear in sight. It’s a magical back and forth created by the film for the audience and it’s lovely.

Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

The film has one unnecessary jump scare, though, but other than that, everything else works marvelously for the narrative.While the film isn’t particularly profound, it is surprisingly touching and heart-warming. ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ carves a space for itself to be a lovely story about one woman’s determination to taking charge of her life in a time of doom. It’s inspiring. It’s hopeful. It’s realistic. It’s a good time in the cinema.

My Rating:

A Quiet Place: Day One is now showing! Check showtimes and buy tickets here.

June 28, 2024
“It just felt right,” producer Scarlett Johansson on playing the “strong woman character” lead in “Fly Me to the Moon,” in cinemas July 10

Scarlett Johansson, who developed the idea for Fly Me to the Moon with fellow creatives in her production company These Pictures, was originally going to just be a producer, not an actor, in the film.

But because of how well the script was written, Johansson eventually became a leader not only behind the camera as a producer, but also in front of the camera as marketing genius Kelly.

Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

Set on the brink of the greatest triumph of the Space Age, Johansson’s Madison Avenue marketing virtuoso Kelly rockets slam-bang into Channing Tatum’s Apollo 11 launch director Cole – and if America is going to get to the moon, they’re going to have to start by looking at each other differently. “All of these people were working so hard to do the impossible; for Cole, who’s really an optimist, that should be enough,” says Johansson. “Kelly, who’s a pessimist, realizes people are more cynical than that. The world is a very complicated place. So, Cole’s reluctance is met by her determination to do whatever is necessary. Kelly is very much all about the ends justify the means, while for Cole, the means matters. And therein lies the conflict.”

But, continues Scarlett, even though Kelly and Cole clash, they may have more in common than they think. “They’re both very passionate people, and when they get behind something, it’s a winner,” she says. “They find the common ground there and reach for the stars – or the moon, I guess, in this case.”

Watch the trailer below:

The original idea for the film began with These Pictures’ Head of Film Keenan Flynn: what if everything that millions of people heard on July 20, 1969, was the true audio of people walking on the moon – but the images they saw had been faked, Hollywood-style? Johansson liked the idea enough to develop it, with Flynn and writer Bill Kirstein working on the story before turning it over to screenwriter Rose Gilroy.

Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

At the time, Johansson was strictly intending to produce the film and was not developing it as “a Scarlett Johansson vehicle” – but all that changed when Gilroy turned in her draft. “I never intended on playing Kelly,” says Johansson, “but when the script came in, it was so great. It was such a wonderful read and the dialogue was so strong. And as a woman producer, working with a woman writer, who had created a strong woman character – well, it felt right.” Johansson knew she had to play the role.

Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) and Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) in FLY ME TO THE MOON.

To direct, Johansson chose, pursued, and ultimately convinced Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon; TV’s You, Riverdale [as a producer for the latter]) to take the helm. One of television’s most prolific writer-producers, Berlanti rarely chooses to direct, especially feature films, even though his 2018 film Love, Simon received rave reviews and became a fan favorite. In reaching out, the production team realized that Berlanti is incredibly busy and that his most recent feature film came six years earlier. Would he be available, and even if he were, would any feature film be something he’d want to do?

“Greg very rarely raises his hand for a project,” says Johansson’s producing partner Jonathan Lia, “but he understood this script from the first moment he read it and felt strongly that he knew how to tell this story. And he was right. He had a great vision for this film that elevated all the work that we did, from the page to the set design to working with the actors – and he’s as big of a space nerd as we are.”

“I was a real space nut as a kid,” says Berlanti, who admits that he was immediately charmed by the idea of an Apollo 11 movie. “When we had a son eight years ago, the first thing we bought for his room was a life-size shot of Neil Armstrong’s suit.”

Will they make it or fake it? Find out when Fly Me to the Moon, also starring Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano and Jim Rash, opens in cinemas July 10. Fly Me to the Moon is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, #FlyMeToTheMoon @columbiapicph

June 26, 2024
WATCH : “Unveiling ‘Red One’ Trailer Featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, Arriving in Cinemas November 13!”

It’s never too early to get jacked for Christmas. Watch the trailer for “Red One” now, starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, and see the film only in cinemas November 13.

After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

Directed by Chris Morgan, from a screenplay by Hiram Garcia. Produced by Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar and Chris Morgan.

The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Liu, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju and J. K. Simmons and Bonnie Hunt.

In cinemas November 13, “Red One” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #RedOneMovie

June 26, 2024
New Movies This Week: ‘A Quiet Place: Day One,’ ‘Horizon: An American Saga,’ ‘Tarot,’ and more!

Get ready for an exciting movie-filled Wednesday! And you know what that means – a fresh batch of movies are ready to light up your week! This week’s new movie releases offer a diverse range of genres and stories, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to be inspired by historical figures, thrilled by intense action, or spooked by supernatural horrors, the lineup of “A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” “A Thousand Forests,” “My Boo,” and “Tarot (Korean Drama)” has you covered. Don’t forget, some fan favorites are still playing in theaters – catch them before they’re gone! Grab your movie squad, score that extra-buttered popcorn, and watch the movies hitting theaters near you!

Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:

A Quiet Place: Day One

2024 • PG • 1 hr 40 mins
HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

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.

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (Opening Date: Friday, 28 Jun 2024)

2024 • R-13 • 3 hrs 1 min
DRAMA
BUY TICKETS

“Horizon: An American Saga (Chapter 1)” is a historical epic led by the iconic Kevin Costner. This miniseries tackles the turbulent period of the American Civil War (1861-1865). We see the conflict unfold through the eyes of families, friends,and even former enemies, exploring the struggle for national identity and the sacrifices made on both sides. Get ready for a sprawling and emotional journey in “Horizon” as it delves into the complexities of a nation divided.

A Thousand Forests

2024 • PG • 1 hr 57 mins
MUSIC
BUY TICKETS

“A Thousand Forests” follows the aspirations of five talented teenagers as they vie for a life-changing opportunity – a coveted spot at the prestigious Forest Camp, a gateway to international musical stardom. But this isn’t your typical competition show. As they train and compete, these teenagers discover hidden talents within themselves and forge friendships that will resonate long after the final note is played. “A Thousand Forests” is an uplifting celebration of music, ambition, and the power of connection.

My Boo

2024 • PG • 2 hrs 4 mins
COMEDY, HORROR, ROMANCE
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Craving a unique blend of comedy, horror, and a dash of romance? Then “My Boo” is your perfect cinematic match! Joe,a down-on-his-luck gamer, inherits a house with a rather unexpected resident: the ghost of the previous owner, Anong.Instead of fleeing in terror, Joe and Anong strike a deal. They transform the house into a one-of-a-kind haunted attraction,offering a spooky experience for thrill-seekers. But will their unlikely partnership survive the challenges of the ghost-busting business? “My Boo” is a heartwarming story about finding companionship in the most unexpected places, served with a side of laughter and spooky fun.

Tarot (Korean Drama)

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 33 mins
HORROR, MYSTERY, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

The story follows a group of seemingly ordinary people whose lives take a terrifying turn after receiving tarot cards. Each episode delves into a different tarot card and its corresponding curse, weaving a suspenseful narrative that explores the unpredictable nature of fate. Will they be able to break free from the grip of the cards or are their destinies sealed? “Tarot” is a perfect choice for fans of Korean horror who enjoy a suspenseful mystery with a unique twist.

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:

The Exorcism

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 35 mins
HORROR, THRILLER
BUY TICKETS

If you enjoy a good scare, then “The Exorcism” is a must-watch. This chilling horror-thriller centers on a troubled actor struggling to maintain his sanity while filming a supernatural horror film. As the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur, his estranged daughter starts to question if her father is succumbing to his past demons or if something more sinister is at play. “The Exorcism” is a suspenseful exploration of the power of suggestion and the lingering effects of past trauma.

Inside Out 2

2024 • PG • 1 hr 36 mins
ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, DRAMA, FAMILY
BUY TICKETS

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

2024 • R-13 • 1 hr 57 mins
ACTION, CRIME, THRILLER
GET SHOWTIMES

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies

2024 • G • 2 hrs 6 mins
DRAMA
GET SHOWTIMES

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

2024 • PG • 2 hrs 24 mins
ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
GET SHOWTIMES

Get ready to elevate your movie-watching experience! With a diverse lineup of genres hitting theaters this week, there’s definitely a film (or two!) that will pique your interest. Whether you’re in the mood for adrenaline-pumping action, gripping suspense, or heartwarming romance, the selection of new releases and fan favorites currently showing promises something for every movie buff. So don’t miss out—grab your popcorn, round up your crew, and head to your nearest cinema to catch these must-watch films in action!

June 26, 2024

Pre-Order the ASUS Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ PC in the Philippines

ASUS Philippines forefronts innovation with the introduction of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507), the first Copilot+ PC in the Philippines powered by Snapdragon X Elite processor, is available for pre-order from July 2 to July 10, 2024.

The Vivobook S 15 is a sleek AI-powered laptop designed for multi-faceted lifestyle consumers who will be able to maximize their requirements with the new Copilot+ features. Leading the new device is the highly efficient power of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Processor, letting you enjoy up to 18 hours of battery life for uninterrupted entertainment and productivity. The 3K 120 Hz ultra-large OLED display and immersive audio system are encased in a premium all-metal 1.47 cm-thin, 1.42 kg-light body, making it easy for it to be packed into a bag for the daily commute or travel. Featuring a mood-setting single-zone RGB keyboard with a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI assistance, Vivobook S 15 (S5507) revolutionizes your work and play.

The Vivobook S 15 (S5507) is backed up with the company’s ASUS 4A Quality & Service – a two-year international warranty, a free Office Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, and a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription.

YOUR FIRST ASUS COPILOT+ PC

With an integrated AI engine for optimized computing, Copilot+ in Windows for personalized assistance, and a suite of powerful ASUS AI applications, your PC is now your ultimate companion. With Copilot+ PC experiences, you can accelerate your productivity and creativity.

Easily find and remember what you have seen in your ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507) with Recall, generate and refine AI images in near real-time directly on the device using Cocreator, and bridge language barriers with Live Captions, translating audio from 40+ languages into English.

Aside from these Copilot+ PC features, Vivobook S 15 also includes ASUS-exclusive AI features such as Noise Cancellation for clear calls, Adaptive Dimming for improved privacy, and StoryCube for organizing your media files. Learn more about Copilot+ and other integrated AI experiences by visiting the ASUS Copilot+ PC website.

PRE-ORDER MECHANICS

Pre-order the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507) from July 2 to July 10, 2024, and get a free Delsey Lagos Luggage worth PHP 10,990.00. This early bird freebie is limited only to customers who placed pre-orders from select ASUS Exclusive Stores nationwide. Moreover, customers purchasing the Vivobook S 15 (S5507) during the pre-order period will also be eligible to receive the Cool for School bundles worth PHP 15,990.00 alongside the early bird freebie by completing the registration process.

Once the pre-order period has concluded, customers are still eligible to receive the Cool for School bundles if they purchase the Vivobook S 15 (S5507) from July 11 to August 15, 2024. Terms and conditions apply.

SKU	Specifications	Price
Vivobook S 15 S5507QA-MA032WSM	Snapdragon X Elite X1E 78 100 Processor 3.4GHz / 3K (2880 x 1620) OLED 16:9 aspect ratio / 16GB LPDDR5X on board / 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD / Qualcomm Adreno GPU / Qualcomm Hexagon NPU 45TOPs / Windows 11 Home / Microsoft Office Home & Student 2021 + Microsoft 365 Basic One-Year Subscription / Cool Silver	PHP 84,995.00

Get the latest news on the new Vivobook series, Zenbook series, and other remarkable ASUS devices via the official ASUS Philippines Facebook page.

June 25, 2024

Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn fight for survival as Samira and Eric in “A Quiet Place: Day One”

Lupita Nyong’o was fascinated hearing writer-director Michael Sarnoski’s vision for the newest installment in the A Quiet Place film series, as she prepared to play Samira, one of the main survivors in A Quiet Place: Day One. “Like [the previous A Quiet Place films]them, the new story is character-driven and there are scary creatures. The difference is the setting and how these people choose to deal with this catastrophe.”

Joseph Quinn as “Eric” and Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

Watch the Lupita Nyong’o Micro Featurette below:

Samira was formerly a successful published poet, when life threw a wrench in the works and left her bitter and angry, according to Sarnoski. Her character was developed from his initial pitch for A Quiet Place: Day One, which was a woman going through the city in the middle of the apocalypse, to get pizza from a childhood restaurant. “She suddenly finds herself confronting the violent end of everything she knows,” says Sarnoski. “It forces her to face her memories. Lupita does a spectacular job of embodying her.”

Nyong’o recalls the intensity in embodying this role. “It was such a meal to play Samira,” she continues. “When the creatures land, she blacks out. When she awakes, it’s an entirely new world where no one will allow her to speak and she has no idea what happened. How many popular films ask an audience to sit and witness silence? It ends up speaking volumes.”

Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” and Joseph Quinn as “Eric” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

In the middle of the chaos and horror, Samira and her cat Frodo finds companionship in the form of Eric, played by Joseph Quinn. In Quinn’s portrayal, writer John Krasinski saw real potential, along with his chemistry with co-star Nyong’o. “Joe’s wildly talented,” says Krasinski. “In Day One, he walks the razor’s edge of fight or flight on what is the worst day of his character’s life. He and Samira are trying to survive under harrowing circumstances that force them together. That relationship makes them the heartbeat of the movie.”

Watch the Joseph Quinn Micro Featurette below:

Quinn is fascinated in the nuance of both Samira and Eric, and how their personalities don’t really fit the traditional archetype of film protagonists. “She[Samira] lacks compassion and wonders what’s worth saving in this world anyway. Her apathy is intriguing to Eric. She doesn’t seem to be as rattled by all of this. But that’s where Michael’s writing is so subtle. He’s so good with the unsaid.”

Joseph Quinn as “Eric” and Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

Quinn also observes the compelling and unusual set of circumstances that brought the two characters together. “He is in love with a New York that doesn’t exist anymore. He’s got no family or friends there, so Samira may be his best chance at getting out of this alive. All she wants is a slice of pizza, which is very funny and very human, but within the narrative there are some beautiful moments about grief, mortality, and loss. All they have is each other really, and if that goes away, what are they left with?”

Joseph Quinn as “Eric” and Lupita Nyong’o as “Samira” in A Quiet Place: Day One from Paramount Pictures.

Watch them navigate the massive city of New York as it falls apart as A Quiet Place: Day One arrives in Philippine cinemas on June 26.

June 25, 2024
Red Velvet <Happiness: My Dear, ReVe1uv> Fan Con Tour Coming to Manila

Manila will be thrilled with anticipation, as global KPOP group Red Velvet is coming for their first-ever fan-con tour, 2024 Red Velvet FANCON TOUR <HAPPINESS : My Dear, ReVe1uv>, happening in MANILA on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. This is a must-see and surely an unforgettable night between Red Velvet and their ReVeluv.

This fan-con is more than just a show — it’s a celebration of the deep bond between Red Velvet and their loving fans. Fans of Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri can anticipate an evening filled with live performances of their well-loved hits and exciting interactions with the group. Adding to the excitement, Red Velvet will be making a comeback with their recently announced album, ‘Cosmic’ that’s set to launch soon. The group will also be performing songs from their highly awaited new album.

Since their debut under SM Entertainment in 2014, Red Velvet has garnered international acclaim for their dynamic performances, versatile music style and mesmerizing vocals. This 2024 will be a celebration of their 10^th year from their debut. Since their humble beginnings, Red Velvet has captivated audiences worldwide with their chart-topping hits “Psycho”, “Bad Boy”, “Russian Roulette”, “Red Flavor”, “Feel My Rythm” and many more.

Tickets to 2024 Red Velvet FANCON TOUR <HAPPINESS : My Dear, ReVe1uv> in MANILA will go on-sale on Saturday, July 27 at 12PM via SMTickets.com and all SM Tickets outletsnationwide. Presented by Applewood and Wilbros Live.

June 25, 2024
ANIMA Studios Debuts Long Awaited Queer Series’Marahuyo Project’ This Pride Month

ANIMA Studios proudly announces the debut of the long-awaited queer barkada series, “Marahuyo Project,” premiering this June 24. Launching just in time for Pride Month, this series is a celebration of queer stories, highlighting ANIMA Studios’ commitment to empowering diversity and inclusivity in Philippine mainstream media.

The Filipino QueerKada Series of 2024

Inspired by the nostalgia from the 90s barkada shows that accompanied the adolescence of this current generation, ANIMA Studios presents the first Filipino barkada series that places multi-faceted queer narratives front and center. The series presents layers of relevant themes about the community’s fight for representation, equality, and safe spaces enveloped in relatable and heart-warming story plots that underscore the importance of forming connections, embracing our true selves, and understanding that life becomes more bearable when we let people in.

“We’re overjoyed to finally unveil Marahuyo Project during Pride Month, after two years of anticipation since its announcement. It’s truly an honor to bring this series to the world, as it aligns perfectly with ANIMA’s mission to champion queer narratives and ensure they’re shared far and wide. By releasing it on YouTube, we can reach our intended audience, including those seeking community but who might not have the means or live far away from places where they can find it. Making the series freely accessible ensures everyone has the opportunity to experience and connect with these stories,” said Bianca Balbuena, general manager of ANIMA. ANIMA Studios, the entertainment production studio under Kroma Entertainment, has been bringing Filipino talent to the global stage since 2016. ANIMA is dedicated to telling elevated yet relatable stories that reflect the regular Filipino audience who is resilient in this ever-changing world across various mediums – films, television, series, and podcasts.

The series features an amazing cast, led by Adrian Lindayag, who recently finished his acclaimed performance as Angel in the musical Rent. The story of Marahuyo Project, set in the eponymous traditional town of Marahuyo, follows the journey of King, a vocal and feisty transferee, who lobbies to create the first LGBTQIA+ org in their campus. As he champions his mission, he will be supported by his newly-formed barkada, while encountering friction from faculty and students alike, including student council president Ino, played by Neo France Garcia. Rounding out the cast are Nour Hooshmand, content creator Yani Villarosa, AJ Sison, and Ian Villa.

Director JP Habac shared, “Bilang isang millennial na lumaki sa mga youth oriented shows tulad ng Gimik, TGIS, G-mik, Click, Tabing Ilog, at marami pang iba, sobrang laking bagay for a filmmaker like me ang makagawa ng isang barkada series na makaka-relate ang mga kabataang hinahanap pa ang kanilang truth and identity. Sabi nga namin nung dine-develop pa lang namin itong project na ito, Marahuyo Project ‘yung palabas na sana meron kami nung lumalaki kami. So sana, makatulong ang barkada ng Marahuyo Project sa pagtuklas ng kanilang mga sarili.

Hindi naging madali ang process ng paggawa ng Marahuyo Project — from development hanggang sa paghahanap ng platform kung saan ito maipapalabas. Dahil dito, mas minahal pa namin lalo ang project na ito. Hopefully, mahalin niyo ang buong pamilya ng Marahuyo Project tulad ng pagmamahal namin sa kanila!” Marahuyo Project consists of eight episodes, each running for 30 minutes. Episodes will be released on the ANIMA Studios YouTube channel following this schedule:

June 24 – Episodes 1 and 2
June 26 – Episodes 3 and 4
June 28 – Episodes 5 and 6
June 30 – Episodes 7 and 8

Stay tuned and subscribe to ANIMA Studios’ official Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ANIMAStudiosPH .

June 25, 2024

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