Imagine a world where every childhood imaginary friend is not just a figment of creativity but a living, breathing character. This is the enchanting reality of “IF,” the latest fantasy comedy directed by John Krasinski. With an impressive ensemble cast lending their voices, including the likes of George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, and Steve Carell, this film promises to be a delightful adventure for audiences of all ages.
About the Film: “IF” – A Journey of Imagination and Discovery
“IF” tells the captivating story of a young girl with the unique ability to see everyone’s imaginary friends. This extraordinary power leads her on a whimsical journey to reunite these forgotten creatures with the children who once imagined them. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, and Cailey Fleming, with additional voice performances from Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Louis Gossett Jr., creating a vivid palette of characters that celebrate the limitless creativity of the mind.
Stellar Cast Bringing Fantasy to Life
The voice cast of “IF” is a veritable who’s who of Hollywood talent, bringing depth and charm to their animated counterparts. George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, and Steve Carell join Blake Lively and Matt Damon in bringing a touch of magic to the silver screen. Supported by the talents of Ryan Reynolds, Fiona Shaw, and an adorable turn by Alan Kim, “IF” showcases the dynamic possibilities when imagination is given free rein.
Experience “IF” in Theaters
Mark your calendars for May 15, as “IF” makes its Philippine debut, distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into this fantastical world where dreams come alive. Stay connected with updates and sneak peeks by following the hashtag #IFMovie and tagging @paramountpicsph on your social media platforms.
This delightful film invites viewers of all ages to rediscover the joys of childhood through the eyes of its vibrant characters. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, fantasy, or just stellar storytelling, “IF” is a must-see that will leave you believing in the magic of imagination. Join us in theaters and let your own imagination soar!
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Get set for a fantastic week at the cinemas! Whether you’re drawn to the historical espionage of “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” the chilling twists of “Abigail,” the apocalyptic tension in “Arcadian,” the romantic mysteries of “Under Parallel Skies,” the emotional discoveries in “X & Y,” or the motivational tale of “Yolo,” there’s a film ready to capture your imagination. Each film brings its unique flavor to the big screen, featuring dynamic casts and gripping storylines that promise a well-rounded movie-going experience. Make sure to catch these new releases that span genres from action and comedy to drama and horror—there’s truly a movie for everyone this week!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2024 • PG • 1 hr 59 mins ACTION, COMEDY, HISTORY, THRILLER, WAR BUY TICKETS
Kicking off with a bang, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” promises to be a rollicking ride through the lesser-known corridors of World War II history. Starring Henry Cavill, Eiza González, and Alan Ritchson, this film brings together action, comedy, and a dash of historical intrigue. Directed by the skilled hands that once crafted iconic spy thrillers, this film explores how Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming birthed a clandestine combat group that would redefine modern warfare. Expect a blend of gritty action sequences and a thrilling plot that’s as strategic as it is explosive.
Switching gears to something darker, “Abigail” presents a horror-thriller that turns the tables on a group of hapless criminals. The storyline twists around a seemingly simple kidnapping that goes horrifyingly wrong. Featuring Alisha Weir, Melissa Barrera, and Dan Stevens, this film is set in an eerie, isolated mansion where nothing is as it seems. As the night progresses, each captor’s nightmare comes to life, making “Abigail” a gripping watch filled with suspense and unexpected frights.
For those who lean towards sci-fi mixed with horror, “Arcadian” offers a bleak glimpse into a post-apocalyptic future. Starring Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, and Maxwell Jenkins, this film paints a grim picture of a family’s daily struggle against a mysterious evil that hunts them every night. The intensity escalates when a desperate search for a missing family member leads to a night filled with terror and a fight for survival. This film is perfect for those who crave heart-pounding action and nerve-wracking suspense.
In the realm of drama and romance, “Under Parallel Skies” tells a story of painful pasts and mysterious connections. Starring Metawin Opas-iamkajorn and Janella Salvador, this film explores the serendipitous link between two seemingly unrelated lives. As the layers of their past unfold, the characters find themselves entangled in a love story that is as enchanting as it is heartbreaking. This movie is a must-watch for those who love a good cry and a romance that promises more than just fleeting butterflies.
Another romantic drama hitting the screens is “X & Y,” where chance encounters lead to unexpected journeys. Featuring Ina Raymundo and Will Ashley, this film combines the charm of road trips with the discovery of new love. As the characters travel together, their pasts and presents intertwine, making for a compelling narrative about forgiveness, family, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
2024 • R-13 • 2 hrs 9 mins ACTION, COMEDY, DRAMA BUY TICKETS
Rounding out this week’s releases, “YOLO” returns to offer more of Leying’s inspiring journey from solitude to self-discovery. Jia Ling not only directs but stars in this action-comedy-drama that follows Leying as she finds new purpose in life through boxing. This film is a testament to the power of second chances and personal transformation, making it a perfect pick for those who enjoy uplifting stories with a hearty dose of humor and drama.
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:
This week’s array of movies offers a mix of laughter, tears, thrills, and chills. Whether you’re planning a solo movie night or a cinema outing with friends or family, there’s a film on offer that will meet your mood. So, grab your popcorn and head to your nearest cinema to catch these captivating movies that promise to entertain, inspire, and perhaps even change the way you see the world. Happy watching!
I know nothing about the video game ‘Fallout,’ which is the basis for the new 8-episode series on Amazon Prime with the same name, created by Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet. Not knowing the source material meant coming in completely blank and was very much pleasantly surprised at what I saw. ‘Fallout’ is a post-apocalyptic satire in a world driven mad by the destruction of the planet. Resources are limited, the powerful exercise authority by strength and fear, while those with available supplies keep it to themselves. The nuclear fallout (probably where the show gets its name) means that the world is irradiated; mutants abound, food is scarce, and no one can be trusted.
https://youtu.be/V-mugKDQDlg?si=4TgXarYYCERAPTgY
The show follows the lives of three main characters: Lucy (Ella Purnell), Maximus (Aaron Moten), and The Ghoul (Walton Goggins). Lucy comes from the vault, a portion of the human race who were able to escape the ravages of the nuclear war that has kept them safe and well fed in the huge underground bunkers prepared way before the war broke out. But the population is thinning and living in the bunker has kept them safe but naive and sheltered. Maximus lives above ground, a trainee who is training to be a squire for one of the knights of The Brotherhood. The knights wear powerful suits of armor and while they are poised to be a sort of protective authority they’ve devolved into bullies. The Ghoul is a bounty hunter, and due to the effects of radiation poisoning (and whatever else), he regenerates quickly and has lived over 200 years.
Brotherhood of Steel and Vertibirds in “Fallout”Ella Purnell (Lucy) in “Fallout”
The three lead characters are all crazy in their own way and through their lens, we see how satire of ‘Fallout’ plays out in the ways it questions authority, kindness (in a soulless world), hope, and civilization when everything has been torn apart.
Ella Purnell (Lucy) in “Fallout”Power Suit and Aaron Moten (Maximus) in “Fallout”Walton Goggins (The Ghoul) in “Fallout”
The show is violent and gory, and it revels in that imagery. It is constantly reminding you that this idea of the world is an ugly one and a brutal one and it is not afraid to show it. Luckily, the film is scarce on gratuitous sex and nudity. When it has (and it’s very few) it used for its full effect and is never seen or felt as objectifying its characters. It’s a welcome change from other shows.
The satire comments on the way the world’s harshness and how one must act to survive in such a world is a mirror to the world we live in today. As the show’s reality is situated with the nuclear disaster happening in the 60s or 70s, it means the technology is from that time – clunky, heavy, analog – which creates interesting visual textures that helps highlight the overall conservative moral values of the people at The Vault (Lucy’s world) and how that counterpoints with the values of the tattered world above the ground. The old school vibe amplifies the way the world has gone bonkers and the low-tech, lo-fi way by which technology is presented gives us a feel that the world has never gone to a level of sophistication that can afford better values. In Maximus’ world, The Brotherhood have metal armor, high powered weapons, and futuristic helicopters, but everyone is aggressive and a bully. There are tradeoffs here and it helps show the rich world building of the show.
Power Armor Suits in “Fallout”
The plot is exciting and thrilling but it’s the world-building of ‘Fallout’ that really hooks you in. You want to see how this world deals with situations. It’s cynical and jadedness that when Lucy brings in her naivety and innocence to a predicament, it really shines bright and how it reflects and bounces off Maximus or The Ghoul. I’d like to see more of this should the show be greenlit for a second season.
Walton Goggins (The Ghoul) in “Fallout”
One of my only gripes is the show is over scored. It likes to violate every scene with a classic song from the 60s (maybe even older) and while it is charming in the first few episodes, by episode 5, it’s overdone. It can get annoying and distracting pretty quickly.
There’s a lot that this show can cover, and I love the twists and turns of this first season. Yes, it’s jaded and cynical, but it surprisingly offers a lot of hope too (as it reaches the finale of the first season). And it has an interesting enough cliff-hanger of an ending that makes me want to see more and more of this world. A world destroyed by nuclear war is nothing new so it may have to rehash certain situations that we may have seen in other platforms and media but the characters it has introduced are engaging and its subversive anti-corporation messages are read loud and clear.
I want a second season. I want to see how much crazier this show can get.
My Rating:
Fallout is now streaming on Prime Video, watch it here!
Viva One, in collaboration with Studio Viva, is thrilled to announce the premiere of “Sem Break“, a spine-tingling addition to the beloved University Series. Following the immense success of “Safe Skies, Archer”, this fresh six-part series is set to captivate horror enthusiasts and drama fans alike, starting May 10, 2024, with new episodes unraveling every Friday.
Jerome Ponce and Krissha Viaje
A Haunting Getaway Turns Deadly “Sem Break” plunges into the supernatural beliefs deep-rooted in Filipino culture, where an innocent vacation can spiral into a terrifying ordeal. The series follows a group of university friends, fondly known as the Univerkada, who decide to spend their semester break at a secluded beach house, unaware of the horrors that await.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast The ensemble features Krissha Viaje as Mich, the doting girlfriend to Jerome Ponce‘s character, Arlo. Aubrey Caraan and Keann Johnson portray Cora and Timmy, whose tumultuous relationship adds an exciting dynamic to the group. Hyacinth Callado shines as Jessie, the hardworking student balancing academics and survival, while Gab Lagman‘s portrayal of Pipo, the brainy scholar whose family owns the vacation home, rounds out the crew.
Krissha Viaje and Aubrey Caraan
The Lighthouse Mystery The serenity of their getaway is disrupted when curiosity leads them to a forbidden lighthouse, setting off a chain of chilling events that will test their friendship and bravery. Directed by Roni S. Benaid, known for his work on hit horror films “Mary Cherry Chua” and “Marita”, this series promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Tune in for a Terrifying Adventure Don’t miss the premiere of “Sem Break” on Viva One. Join the Univerkada as they navigate the eerie twists and turns of their haunted holiday. Will they escape the sinister spirits that follow them back to Manila? Tune in for a thrilling ride that explores the supernatural in a way that’s uniquely Filipino.
The Univerkada
Catch the first episode of “Sem Break” on May 10, 2024, and follow every fright-filled Friday exclusively on Viva One.
Universal Pictures is thrilled to announce the midnight screenings of the anticipated heist-turned-horror film, “Abigail,” set to hit theaters nationwide on April 17. Directed by the visionary team behind the “Scream” series, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, “Abigail” promises to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience combining high stakes, unexpected twists, and a sinister supernatural element.
Plot Overview: A Bloody Twist on the Heist Genre
“Abigail” starts with a daring heist orchestrated by six strangers, each with a unique skill set, aiming to steal $50 million from a reclusive kingpin. The plot thickens when the crew kidnaps the kingpin’s daughter, Abigail, a seemingly innocent ballerina, only to discover she’s a centuries-old vampire with a thirst for blood. As the night progresses in a remote mansion, the team members are hunted down one by one, turning their mission into a fight for survival.
Meet the Stellar Cast
Alisha Weir as Abigail: Playing the dual role of a kidnapped ballerina and a terrifying vampire, Weir brings a chilling depth to her character.
Melissa Barrera as Joey: The team’s medic, whose empathy and combat skills are crucial to the story’s dynamic.
Dan Stevens as Frank: The ethically complex leader, Stevens portrays a character caught between greed and survival.
Kathryn Newton as Sammy: A hacker in it for the thrills, Newton adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the ensemble.
Kevin Durand as Peter: The muscle of the group, Durand explores the moral dilemmas of a man on the edge.
Will Catlett as Rickles: A skilled sniper with a strong moral code, Catlett’s character senses the underlying danger early on.
Angus Cloud as Dean: One of his final roles, Cloud’s portrayal of the talented wheelman adds a poignant layer to the film.
Giancarlo Esposito as Lambert: The mastermind behind the scenes, Esposito’s character orchestrates the complex heist with a mix of charm and menace.
Melissa Barrera’s Joey in a bloody mess in “Abigail”
A Tribute to Angus Cloud
“Abigail” serves as one of the final screen appearances of Angus Cloud, who passed away in July 2023. His performance is not only pivotal but also a testament to his irreplaceable talent and charismatic presence. Producer William Sherak reflects, “Angus was a beacon of joy on set, and while we celebrate his incredible performance, we also honor his memory.”
The heist crew (from left): Dean (Angus Cloud), Sammy (Kathryn Newton), Peter (Kevin Durand) carrying a sedated Abigail (Alisha Weir), Frank (Dan Stevens), Joey (Melissa Barrera), Rickles (Will Catlett) in “Abigail.”
Experience the Horror in Theaters
Co-director Tyler Gillett shares, “We crafted ‘Abigail‘ to be an experience that combines the thrill of a heist with the terror of horror. We want audiences to leave the theater both terrified and exhilarated.” The film invites audiences to experience this unique blend at the special midnight screenings, ensuring a communal cathartic experience of fear and excitement.
Kathryn Newton’s Sammy in creepy darkness in “Abigail”
Booking and Social Media Details
Tickets for “Abigail” are available now. Fans are encouraged to book early to secure their seats for the midnight screenings on April 17. For more updates, follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Fangs out and fear ready – “Abigail” is your ticket to a bloody, unforgettable night at the cinema!
Photo and Trailer Credit: Universal Pictures International
GFOXX International President David Tan, Dr. Eloisa Tulayba and Climar Catorce, assistant manager for product training, recently presented EXO Celestial Skin Care to the media, the secret to ageless beauty.
The skin care regimen is the first and only product line and non-invasive treatment with microsurgical effect that combines the power of Exosomes and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN).
Regeneration with Exosomes
The latest Innovation for skin cell regeneration, Exosomes are like ‘avatars’ that facilitate intracellular communication by merging with other cells. The process allows old cells to regenerate, improve and rejuvenate. Exosomes contain growth factors. Like anti-inflammatory cytokines and genetic materials that aid tissue repair and immune modulation. This is important because as we age, our skin loses the ability to maintain collagen synthesis and repair damaged cells.
Reverse Aging by NMN
The skin care line combines Exosomes with Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), also known as the holy grail of reverse aging. NMN is a molecule that boosts the skin’s energy making it healthy and youthful. It supports the natural repair process that reduce the signs of aging.
Safe for all skin types
EXO Celestial is clinically proven to be safe and effective for any type of skin. It is the ideal treatment for problems like acne, dryness, dark pigmentations, large pores, dullness, saggy, sensitive, and chronically stressed skin.
Reverse aging in 4 steps
The regimen follows a four-step process. It begins with the Anti-pollution Amino Acid cleansing cream, followed by Advanced Nano exosome repairing essence and the Nano exosome peptide revival cream to activate skin healing and repair. The final step involves protection via UV expert sunscreen SPF30 PA++.
Overall radiance
When regularly used EXO Celestial can reduce fine lines and wrinkles even minimize pores, improve texture and elasticity, enhance hydration and resilience, improve skin tone, and reduce pigmentation and increase firmness and suppleness resulting in overall radiance and rejuvenation.
EXO Celestial is distributed by GFOXX INTERNATIONAL the EXO CELESTIAL SKIN CARE CENTER at Unit 516 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Avenue corner Garnet rd. Ortigas Center Pasig.
Get ready to tap your feet to the catchy beats of Keith Urban and Snoop Dogg’s latest hit, “Let It Roll”. This lead single from the highly anticipated official soundtrack of The Garfield Movie promises to be your new favorite earworm. Accompanied by a vibrant lyric video, the track sets the perfect mood for the film’s release. With Chris Pratt lending his voice to the iconic Garfield, and Samuel L. Jackson as his dad, this movie is packed with star power and is set to hit Philippine cinemas on May 29, 2024.
Garfield, the lasagna-loving cat who famously detests Mondays, finds himself whisked away from his comfortable life for an uproarious outdoor adventure. Voiced by the charismatic Chris Pratt, Garfield encounters his father, Vic, a street-smart stray voiced by the legendary Samuel L. Jackson. This unexpected family reunion kicks off a thrilling escapade filled with humor and mischief, as they pull off a high-stakes heist.
Directed by the talented Mark Dindal and written by Paul A. Kaplan, Mark Torgove, and David Reynolds, The Garfield Movie brings together a dynamic ensemble cast. Alongside Pratt and Jackson, the film features voices from Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, and Snoop Dogg, enhancing the animated journey with their unique charisma.
Production Excellence: A Creative Collaboration
Produced by an impressive team including John Cohen, Broderick Johnson, and more, with Jim Davis himself as an executive producer, this film is a testament to creative storytelling and cinematic excellence.
Mark Your Calendars: Catch the Fun This May
Don’t miss out on this captivating blend of comedy, adventure, and heartwarming moments. The Garfield Movie is distributed by Columbia Pictures, a local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Join the excitement and connect with fans using the hashtag #GarfieldMovie.
Let’s roll into the theaters and enjoy the laughter and thrills that only Garfield can bring! Get your tickets early and be part of this unforgettable movie experience.
With a bloated cast and a hackneyed rebellious teen narrative at the center of it, ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ feels more like a by-the-numbers franchise movie than an actual standalone narrative with interesting, dynamic characters. Set three years after its predecessor, ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife,’ the story follows the family of Callie Spengler (an underutilized Carrie Coon) as they have taken on the mantle of the Ghostbusters and are doing exactly that in the streets of New York. Funnily enough, I remember liking ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ but I remember nothing about the movie at all (except that Carrie Coon and Paul Rudd where in it). Coming into this movie, the film does nothing to try and bring back any affection for these characters. Callie’s kids – Trevor and Phoebe (played by Finn Wolfhard and McKenna Grace, respectively) – have typical teenage behaviour in these kinds of films and do not stand out at all in any way.
Trevor is constantly complaining about everything while Phoebe, a genius who seems to take after her grandfather, is at that precarious stage where she is angry about everything and is looking to start a fight. It’s the central relationship story at the center of ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ and it’s also the least interesting thing about the film.
Garraka in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.Slimer in a trash pile in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.
In the usual hijinks of a Ghostbusters movie, a powerful spirit – this time, in the form of an elder god – is freed (due to the recklessness of Phoebe and her lashing out at the world) and the Ghostbusters – both new and old – must come together to stop it and save the world.
Sewer Dragon Ghost being chased through New York in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard on the set of Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.
Directed by Gil Kenan with a script by Kenan and Jason Reitman, the issue with the film is that there are too many characters at play to tell any sort of real cohesive story well. They try to give everyone something to do – from Coon to Rudd to Wolfhard and McKenna and including characters that also appeared in the last film, Logan Kim’s Podcast and Celeste O’Connor’s Lucky Domingo, and the old Ghostbusters, who must make an appearance like Dan Aykroyd’s Ray Stanz, Ernie Hudson’s Winston, Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman, and Annie Potts’ Janine Melnitz. But if that’s not enough, they’ve also added Kumail Nanjiani as Nadeen, a man whose heirloom holds the elder god, Emily Alyn Lind, a ghost who befriends Phoebe, James Acaster’s Lars, who is an engineer working for the Ghostbusters, and Patton Oswalt’s librarian.
Lucky (Celeste O’Connor), Nadeem Razmaadi (Kumail Nanjiani), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Lars Pinfield (James Acaster) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.
With all these characters, each one is given something to do that it takes away from the time that it needs to properly tell Phoebe’s story. So, without the scenes needed to flesh out her character, Phoebe ends up acting like a spoiled brat who unwittingly brings about the coming of a new ice age and endangers everyone in the process. It’s hilarious because she’s identified as a certifiable genius, capable of understanding quantum physics and the like. She is angry because she is removed from Ghostbusting because she’s actually just 15. It doesn’t help that she disrespects her mom and her mom’s boyfriend, Gary (Paul Rudd) and she thinks she is better than everyone. Early in the film, she causes massive property damage while trying to catch a ghost and doesn’t see why she is considered a danger and should not be fighting undead spirits.
Lucky (Celeste O’Connor), Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), Lars Pinfield (James Acaster), Podcast (Logan Kim) and Ray (Dan Aykroyd) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.
This is a classic 80s and 90s storyline for family adventure films. One member of the family is young but brilliant and special, much like Phoebe is, and they lash out (as kids do) and caused problems, which they themselves end up having to fix and by the end of the film, they are forgiven for everything and they are reminded about how special they are.
There’s a moment in the film that it feels like it will go against this – Callie and Greg clash with the rebellious teen and even call her selfish at one point, which I applaud greatly. I felt that this storyline needed a modern update and that the entitlement that is at display here from Phoebe would be rectified. But to my disappointment, the film backtracks and returns to form.
Janine (Annie Potts), Peter (Bill Murray), Ray (Dan Aykroyd) and Winston (Ernie Hudson) in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.
As the central storyline in ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ it makes the film feel so old and outdated. There’s a hefty dose of nostalgia here, especially with the care they take to ensure that the senior Ghostbusters have a good amount of screentime (and some gags that call back to the original 1984 film) that the film feels redundant. I have to agree with my friends when he said that this film is inoffensively bland. It does nothing new to the franchise and checks all its boxes to ensure that it hits all the right notes for family-friendly, mass market affair.
The firehouse freezes over in New York City in Columbia Pictures’ GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE.
While I kept checking the time, to my surprise, the cinema around me was full of people enjoying themselves. They cheered when the old Ghostbusters showed up and they laughed when a gag comes through (especially if it somehow relates to the original group). The nostalgia is strong in this one but that’s what it seems to be. It’s a relic of a time when things were simpler, when stakes weren’t high, and life wasn’t so complicated. It’s a light-hearted movie with no real weight or substance. It does nothing new but appeals to nostalgia, which it does well. The people enjoyed it. But I’m not a sentimental person.
Watsons has been conducting Alagang Pangkalusugan initiatives since 2013 in the country’s various regions, doing good for others by helping to provide free diagnostic tests and medications to areas in need through these medical missions.
As the country’s leading health retailer, Watsons remains committed to its sustainability goals of helping to uplift the health and well-being of the community by bringing healthcare closer and more accessible through such initiatives like the Alagang Pangkalusugan medical missions. The initiative that started in 2013 has been servicing numerous communities in quest of bringing together a healthier nation. To start the year off, the initiative has started strong with two Alagang Pangkalusugan medical missions.
Alagang Pangkalusugan heads to Visayas in the first quarter of the year. Medical missions kicked-off last February 21, 2024 in CEO Gym in Tacloban, Leyte. The initiative helped 725 beneficiaries where they were given free services like medical consultation, BP monitoring, ECG, blood glucose monitoring, uric/hemoglobin/cholesterol tests, chest X-ray. Watsons also gave the patients free medicines and vitamins.
The second Medical Mission was held in one of the biggest gyms in the province in Calape, Bohol. The largest Watsons medical mission to date, 948 total beneficiaries were served with additional services like tooth extraction, hearing tests, bone screening along with eye exams with free reading glasses, thanks to the brand sponsors and LGU partners.
SM Foundation, LGUs from the Province of Bohol and Tacloban along with partner brands were present in joining Watsons’ commitment to provide free health check-ups for underserved communities.
In the past year, Watsons has seen a spike in employee volunteers who have devoted their time to give back to our local communities around the country. Opportunities of volunteering are always taken by employees to embody doing good as mentioned in the retailer’s tagline of “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great”.
“Since 2013, Alagang Pangkalusugan has benefited over 7,000 Filipinos. We are very proud to be a partner of Filipino families in their journey to good health and to help those who have little or no access to medical consultations and services. This is part of the Watsons sustainability program’s commitment under the community pillar,” said Belle Pesayco, People – Supporting Communities Pillar Lead for Watsons PH.
With such a great turnout to start the year, Watsons is set to bring the Alagang Pangkalusugan initiative to even more areas and communities in different parts around the country.
There is a cinematic quality to the way the narrative of ‘Blood Free,’ the new Korean science fiction/mystery Kdrama at Disney+ unfolds, and this is not necessarily a good thing. Director Park Cheol-Hwan can get a little indulgent with his use of big scenes and CGI and special effects. The new show is futuristic, set in a cosmopolitan 2025 with a slightly dreary edge as a biotech company markets its latest product of “blood free” food. Han Hyo Joo, of ‘Moving’ and ‘Happiness,’ plays Yun Jayu, the head of BF, which is the leader in cultured meat products that promises to end hunger in an ecologically friendly way.
But not everyone is happy with BF and their biotech. Yoon Ja-Yoo is constantly attacked at all sides as farmers and other groups seem hell-bent in taking her and her company down. Right after BF’s latest product launch, which branches the BF product line from beef and pork to seafood, another attempt at Yun Jayu’s life is made and hackers have put ransomware into their computer system.
Enter Woo Chae-won (Ju Ji Hoon of ‘Kingdom’ and ‘Jirisan’). Woo Chae-won is a former military man turned bodyguard who is given a mission to become Yun Jayu’s bodyguard and find out if she’s actually a terrorist hiding as a biotech corporation.
There’s a lot of plots moving in all directions in the first two episodes of ‘Blood Free.’ Coupled with director Park Cheol Hwan’s penchant for big dramatic scenes, it is a visual treat with a great emphasis on the show’s mystery/suspense tone but it leaves the audience quite cold because it fails to really take its time to get to know the characters on an intimate level.
Han Hyo Joo and Ju Ji Hoon are both incredible actors who have shown great range and dynamism in their previous roles. But in the first episode of ‘Blood Free,’ the show is more set towards its world building, Yun Jayu is stoic, betraying no emotions when another attack on her person is carried out or when a hack promises to ruin her company. By the time the show has started, she’s already used to it. She’s unperturbed and while it promises a strong, cool character to follow – it leaves us cold with how to feel about her. We don’t know what she’s passionate about or what drives her other than the need to make the world better.
Maybe we could get that from Ju Ji Hoon’s military man, but Woo Chae-Won seems more caught up in the trauma of past missions and is too much of a good soldier to do anything other than follow orders. He’s just as stoic, keeping his emotions really close to his chest that also makes him guarded and reserved.
Luckily, there are members of the supporting cast who are much livelier and energetic such as the lawyer and head of planning, Jeong Hae-deun (played by a mesmerizing Park Ji Yeon). She is a great counterpoint for Yun Jayu’s stillness. As of now, she’s the one I’m watching.
Outside of the fact that the show seems more interested in the conspiracies – who is hacking the BF group? Is there a traitor in their midst? Will Yun Jayu realise Woo Chae-Won has his own agenda? Is Yun Jayu a terrorist? – than building its characters and creating dynamic personalities for the actors to inhabit, there is also an interesting push the show is doing in presenting us a world where technology may solve one of the world’s biggest problems: hunger. But the whole idea of cultured meat, synthetic meat grown in a lab, is a truly profound concept to play with. The economic and ecological ramifications of such technology, if the show explores this and its effects on the people, then the show will definitely be a lot more profound than the first two episodes hint at.
By and far, the first two episodes of ‘Blood Free’ is all set up and while it promises big things, it doesn’t give us enough hooks yet to know if we want to go all-in or not, unlike a show like ‘Moving’ where the first episode is so strong already that you are onboard from the very start. If the themes presented are explored while enriching the characterizations of its two leads happen, then the show can be great. But until then, I’ll give it until episode 4, as one should do any show, before I go all in.
My Rating:
Blood Free is now streaming on Disney+. Watch it here.
