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A Stroke of Luck: Winning the Jolly Claro Cooking Oil’s Raffle Promo and the Joy it Brings

Winning a raffle promo is akin to finding a hidden treasure chest—it’s unexpected, thrilling, and fills you with an overwhelming sense of joy.

I hope Jolly Claro Cooking Oil held a Nationwide Raffle Promo, “Mas Claro, Mas Panalo” starting September 2023 up to January of this year. A total of over ₱2 million worth of cash prizes were given away as a reward for the consumers’ loyalty to Jolly Claro. The grand raffle winners were picked in January, hailing from different parts of the country and the story of each winner is unparalleled.

Aside from the Oilinis, Oilinaw and Oilinamnam experience that come from being solid fans of Jolly Claro Cooking Oil, three lucky grand prize winners proved that this once in a lifetime experience is one of the most heartwarming moments of their lives.

An unexpected blessing for a new user

One of the three winners is a native of Tarlac, who recently switched to Jolly Claro Cooking Oil for her Takoyaki business. This Japanese street food requires profuse usage of a good quality cooking oil to give it a crunchy exterior and well-cooked batter. Once a buyer of ‘takal mantika’ in a public market, she became a loyal user of Jolly Claro Cooking Oil after she got to try it and now swears that there’s no looking back. “Gumagamit kami ng takal cooking oil nuon para makatipid. Pero nung nakita ko po yung ads ng Jolly Claro sa grocery at sa Facebook, sinubukan ko po sumali. Maganda po yung quality ng Jolly Claro lalo na sa food business owners kagaya namin. Hindi na kami babalik sa takal-takal. Okay ang quality ng Claro at ang presyo.” For this food business owner, this is not a stroke of luck but also a welcome discovery that paved the way for what she considers an unexpected blessing.

From takal cooking oil user to a Jolly Claro Cooking oil winner

When loyalty reaps a reward

The other lucky raffle winner is Bryan, a Gen Z from Batangas. He and his family have been loyal users of Jolly Claro for years, and with their loyalty came an amazing opportunity. “Ang family po namin gumagamit na talaga ng Jolly Claro noon pa man, mas okay po kasi ang price at quality nito. Napag-utusan po ako ng Auntie ko na bumili ng Jolly Claro Cooking Oil noong araw na iyon. Pagpunta ko po sa grocery, doon ko nakita ‘yung promo, pati po sa Facebook, kaya sumali ako agad. Nagpapa-salamat po talaga ako sa Jolly Claro sa biyaya na ito. Plano ko po na sorpresahin ang buong pamilya namin, lalo na ang Auntie ko, sa prize na napanalunan ko.”

“Ang family po namin gumagamit na talaga ng Jolly Claro noon pa man, mas okay po kasi ang price at quality nito.”

Bryan, a Gen Z loyal user of Jolly Claro Cooking Oil, now a raffle prize winner

From OFW to a food business owner, now a grand winner

The grand winner from the Greater Manila Area was a former OFW. However, during the pandemic crisis, she was one of those who unfortunately lost a job. To be able to make ends meet, she decided to venture into a food business with her husband. “Nagluluto yung asawa ko at nagbebenta kami ng mga lutong pagkain. Nagustuhan namin yung quality ng Jolly Claro kasi walang amoy at hindi mabilis mangitim. Okay talaga ang quality. Yung dati naming ginagamit mabilis mangitim.” When she saw the Facebook ad, she did not hesitate to try her luck. “Naka-apat na entries din po kami sa promo. Tinyaga po namin ang pag sali at siyempre, nag dasal din po na palarin na manalo.” And when she received the call declaring that she was one of the grand raffle winners, she had nothing but a grateful heart and strengthened loyalty for the brand. As a former user of another cooking oil brand, discovering Jolly Claro in 2022 not only helped both her and her husband in improving the quality of the food for their business, it has also given them a life changing blessing which will enable them to grow their business further and recover from the after-effects of the pandemic. Nasunog po kasi yung paupahan ng Nanay ko recently na tanging pinagkukuhanan niya ng ikabubuhay. Sa tulong po ng Jolly Claro, mapapagawa ko na ang paupahan niya para hindi na sya malungkot. Lagi ko pong susuportahan ang Jolly Claro at talagang malaking tulong po sa amin ang blessing na ito.”

“Tinyaga po namin ang pag sali at siyempre, nag dasal din po na palarin na manalo. Ang saya po talaga namin dahil blessing po itong panalo namin.Malaking tulong po ito hindi lang sa aming mag asawa, pati rin sa aking Nanay. Lagi ko pong susuportahan ang Jolly Claro.”

The clear choice of homemakers

Jolly Claro Cooking Oil is not only a household staple, the brand is also a clear and superior choice for everyday cooking. Distinguishing itself through quality and versatility, Jolly Claro boasts a high smoke point, allowing it to withstand high heat frying without burning or smoking. Its clear and smooth appearance, resistant to cloudiness or thickening, further sets it apart. Undergoing a unique 5-step process (3x refined, 2x filtered), Jolly Claro attains this clarity and top-notch quality, positioning it as the perfect partner for your everyday cooking.

With Jolly Claro, enjoying a good, quality cooking oil for your everyday dishes doesn’t have to strain your finances. Choosing Jolly Claro Cooking Oil is a wise move for your kitchen and your wallet. It’s the perfect choice for budget-conscious homemakers and cooks who refuse to compromise on taste and quality.

Jolly Claro Cooking Oil is distributed by Fly Ace Corporation and is available at all leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide and online via AceMarket.ph, Lazada, Shopee and TikTok Shop. For more information, follow its Facebook Page and visit www.flyacecorp.com.

April 3, 2024
Crunch into Happiness with Jollibee’s New Chicken On-The-Go Nuggets

Jollibee, the beloved Filipino fast-food chain, has done it again! With the launch of their latest offering, the Crispy, Juicy, Chicken On-The-Go, Jollibee Chicken Nuggets, they’ve created a snack sensation that’s bound to capture hearts and taste buds alike. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for these delectable bites.

It’s crispy. Prepare yourself for pure joy as you sink your teeth into these nuggets, with a crunch on the skin as well as a satisfying texture found in each bite. Jollibee has mastered the art of achieving the top-notch crispiness.

It’s juicy. Beyond the crisp exterior lies the juicy and succulent chicken which promises a burst of flavor. Each indulgent bite will have you reaching for more.

It’s on-the-go. The Jollibee Chicken Nuggets are the ideal snack to take with you on-the-go. This delectable finger food is designed to conveniently fit into any activity, allowing you to savor its goodness anytime, anywhere—as seen in Jollibee’s new TVC!

This ad captures the essence of the Jollibee Chicken Nuggets experience. Whether you’re driving to a meeting, working in the office, or hanging out with your buddies, these nuggets make a great companion for your everyday activities. It also comes with a choice of dip—BBQ ketchup, ranch, or sriracha mayo, making it all the more enjoyable.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Jollibee Chicken Nuggets—a delicious snack that combines crispiness, juiciness, and convenience in every bite. We are confident that these nuggets will not only win over the hearts and tastebuds of our customers, but also become their new on-the-go snack companion,” said Luis Berba, Marketing Director of Jollibee Philippines.

The Jollibee Chicken Nuggets are now available nationwide, being offered in 6-pc. for P99 and 10-pc. for P175. Drop by yournearest Jollibee branch and indulge in its crispy, juicy goodness via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda.

April 3, 2024
FDCP to meet AFS school reps on April 5

The Film Development Council of the Philippines will reconvene with representatives of Academic Film Society member schools this week “to discuss the current trends and happenings concerning film education in the country.”

FDCP Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz shared that the AFS, a nationwide association of schools, colleges, and universities involved in film education, “has grown over the past few months since its launch last March 2023.” The agency’s Education Division has invited registered members to meet to further “promote the incorporation of film in institutional academic activities as well as training for teachers on how to use film in the classroom and in 21st century learning.”

Also expected to attend the meeting are FDCP Officer-in-Charge Rica Arevalo, Technical Consultant Jose Javier Reyes, Education Consultant Seymour Sanchez, and more than 30 program chairs, film professors, and reps of accredited academic institutions offering film, communication, visual arts, and other related courses, as well as teachers from senior high schools with arts-related programs.

The discussion aims to tackle “the different needs of the schools, including suggestions on how FDCP may serve their respective institutions” and “the proposal of a first-ever Film Education Convention to be held in September 2024,” among other related matters.

Among the registered AFS members from Metro Manila are Adamson University, Asia Pacific Film Institute, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, DLSU Manila, Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Media Arts Senior High School, FEU Alabang, FEU Manila, iACADEMY, La Consolacion College Manila, LPU Manila, Manila Tytana Colleges, Manuel A. Roxas High School, Mapúa University, Meridian International Business and Arts Inc. (MINT), Miriam College, Olivarez College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Beda College Alabang, St. Scholastica’s College, STI Ortigas, Treston International College, Universidad de Manila, University of Makati, University of the East Caloocan, UP Diliman, and UP Manila.

AFS members outside Metro Manila include Alaminos City National High School, Benilde Antipolo, Bicol University College of Arts and Letters, Biliran Province State University, Bulacan State University, DLSU-Dasmariñas, Francisco E. Barzaga Integrated High School, Laguna University, LPU Cavite, National University – Laguna, St. Dominic College of Asia, Partido State University (Camarines Sur), STI College Balagtas, The Manila Times College of Subic, UP Baguio, UP Mindanao, UP Visayas, University of San Agustin, University of San Carlos, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and West Visayas State University.

AFS-registered 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.

Through the AFS, the FDCP also encourages educational institutions and student organizations in the country “to mount their own student film festival to provide an avenue for student filmmakers to showcase their works and motivate them to produce more original projects.” The national agency has “existing programs for festival development which the members can apply to and utilize.”

April 3, 2024
Be among the first to see “YOLO”! Catch sneak previews of the global box office sensation on April 8 and 9

The global box-office sensation, YOLO, is punching its way to Philippine cinemas! See it first in sneak previews on April 8 and 9, and find out why YOLO is highly rated. Regular cinema run starts April 17.

YOLO tells the story of Le Ying who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life.

The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.

Says Cui Ting, a reviewer in China, “While directing the film, Jia Ling also needed to be ‘in character’ with all she can, to ignite the character and emotional empathy with the audience. This film truly ignites the passion from the audience, you can tell it from the standing ovation at the end of the film. Jia Ling wins at this film.”

You only live once. Laugh and cry along with YOLO’s international movie audience. YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO @columbiapicph

April 3, 2024
Emotive florals that catch the discerning eye

The lush, floral paintings currently on exhibit at ARTablado are by two young artists who used what they learned at school and in their line of work to come up with impressive pieces. Interior designer Summer Pasana and graphic designer Rica Cena are now full-time visual artists who have teamed up for their first two-woman show.

The two consider themselves as sisters who have an affinity for flowers and, interestingly, music. “We spend most of our time listening to music when we paint. It can range from musicals to love songs,” they said in a joint statement.

One album they both listened to and were able to connect with while painting was “Nurture” by Porter Robinson. The album which follows an artist’s struggles to find beauty in daily life and in the natural world struck a chord with both of them. It was thus a natural progression to choose “Nurture” as the title their exhibit which runs from April 1 to 15 at ARTablado, Robinsons Galleria.

Summer’s pieces range from large-scale paintings to smaller ones that measure 12” x 12”. Her depictions of irises, poppies, dogwood blooms, phalaenopsis and tulips show an attention to detail but always with a romantic touch as seen in the curvy, wavy lines.

The artist said that when she paints, she pours her heart into each piece. “I paint because it is where I get to express myself wholeheartedly, without any rules,” Summer said.

She started painting a decade ago when she was still at university and recalled how seeing her father paint as a child, inspired her to do the same. “I remember vividly seeing my Dad painting green leaves on a canvas using his palette knife, and mixing oil paints on a glass palette. I found this truly inspiring.”

Summer expressed her desire and was gifted with the materials. Her first painting was a landscape of mountains.

Rica’s interest in the visual arts started when she was only four years old. She was inspired by sketches made by her mother but only tried her hand at painting when she was in high school.

“My parents bought me my first set of oil paints and a bottle of linseed oil. I painted a landscape with a blue sky and a shining sun, lots of trees and a green meadow in the middle. I only knew how to draw and sketch portraits of women before and I thought I should learn how to put colors on my drawings,” Rica recalled.

Both artists initially experimented with portraits with Summer drawing inspiration from Elly

Smallwood and Sarah Graham while Rica admires the evocative work of German artist Valerie Lin.

The Filipino artists Summer looks up to include Lydia Velasco for her studied use of color, and Gerry Joquico because of the way “he portrays distinctive emotions.”

For “Nurture,” however, flowers reign supreme. “When I decided to become a full-time artist in 2022, I grew fond of flowers or botanicals, and created my own style… using bold colors and undulating lines,” Summer said.

Rica’s style has an almost sculptural quality. Her white florals, layered peonies, and liquid-like fabrics appear to be caught in a moment—crystallized.

She “adores” flowers and finds their fragility enchanting. “I feel happy inside whenever I create something that is beautiful and meaningful. What I love the most about painting florals is that I get to use different color palettes. I love mixing my own colors as it helps me improve my color matching,” Rica said.

The two learned about ARTablado through social media. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to exhibit our pieces together as they coexist and show a kind of mutual connection,” they said in a joint statement.

“We hope we are able to connect with every passerby and form a connection with every piece that captures their eye. We want our viewers to stay a while then leave with a part of our emotions that we expressed through our artworks.”

April 3, 2024
Joker: Folie à Deux Unveils Haunting Poster with Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga

The streets of Gotham are buzzing with anticipation once more as Joaquin Phoenix dons the iconic makeup of the Clown Prince of Crime in the upcoming “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Adding to the fervor, Lady Gaga is set to star alongside him as the enigmatic Harley Quinn, marking a new chapter in the notorious villain’s saga. The recent release of the teaser poster has fans and cinephiles alike on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the trailer set to drop on April 10.

A Sequel Steeped in Madness and Melody

Following the staggering success of 2019’s “Joker,” which carved its name into cinematic history by breaking box office records and garnering a slew of awards, expectations are sky-high for its sequel. “Joker: Folie à Deux” promises to delve deeper into Arthur Fleck’s chaotic journey, this time with the addition of his equally complex counterpart, Harley Quinn.

The poster itself is a minimalist yet evocative composition. Phoenix’s Joker, his signature smeared makeup toned down in favor of a more sophisticated tuxedo, dips a crimson-lipped Lady Gaga into a slow dance. A single spotlight illuminates the pair, casting the rest of the scene in an unsettling darkness. The tagline, “The world is a stage,” hangs ominously above, hinting at a potential theatricality that may define this new chapter in Joker’s descent into madness.

The Unlikely Duo

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Arthur Fleck brought a raw, unnerving depth to the character of Joker, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor among other accolades. The addition of Lady Gaga, known for her chameleonic talent in both music and acting, as Harley Quinn introduces a fascinating dynamic to the narrative. Her previous performances, which blend intensity with vulnerability, seem tailor-made for the role of the psychiatrist turned partner-in-crime.

From Gritty Realism to Grandiose Delusions

“Joker: Folie à Deux” follows the immense success of 2019’s Joker, its predecessor, which garnered critical acclaim and became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time and the first R-rated film to gross over $1 billion worldwide. Joker was nominated for 11 Academy awards, including Best Picture, with the film winning Best Original Score and Phoenix winning for Best Actor. Other notable accolades include Best Score and Best Actor at the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. It received the Golden Lion award during the film’s Venice Film Festival premiere. While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the title itself offers a clue. “Folie à Deux,” a French term that translates to “madness of two” in English, hints at a potentially twisted codependency between Joker and Harley Quinn.

With a first trailer set to be released on April 10 and a Philippine release date of October 2, anticipation for “Joker: Folie à Deux” is steadily rising. Whether the sequel can match the groundbreaking success of the first film remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: “Joker: Folie à Deux” promises a chilling and potentially operatic exploration of duality and descent, taking audiences deeper into the darkest corners of Gotham City.

Joker: Folie à Deux will make its way to Philippine cinemas on October 2.

April 3, 2024
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”: A Colossal Success with a $194 Million Global Debut

The cinematic universe trembled as “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” made a gargantuan entrance, amassing an earth-shattering $194 million globally during its opening weekend. This monumental achievement positions the film as the year’s second-largest debut and the third highest-grossing movie of 2024 to date. Fans have spoken, awarding the film a stellar 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its widespread acclaim and appeal.

An Unprecedented Alliance Against a New Foe

In an unparalleled cinematic event, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” showcases the iconic Titans, Godzilla and Kong, uniting against the nefarious Skar King—a threat emerging from the depths of Hollow Earth. Directed by the acclaimed Adam Wingard, who returns after the success of “Godzilla vs. Kong,” the film stars a dynamic cast including Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Dan Stevens.

Critical Acclaim for Action and Visuals

Critics are raving about the film’s breathtaking action sequences and visual mastery. IGN celebrates Director Wingard’s creative prowess in delivering “the over-the-top monster action fans crave,” complemented by a visually imposing new villain. The Verge lauds the film’s fight scenes for their ingenuity and the expressive nature of the Titans, particularly Kong, whose thoughtfulness adds an emotional depth to the action. Empire extols the film’s visual effects, crediting Weta’s visual-effects work for the beautifully rendered power struggle between Kong and Skar King, which captivates audiences sans dialogue.

Now Showing Across the Philippines

“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” has officially premiered in Philippine cinemas, inviting moviegoers to join in the epic journey of these legendary Titans.

About “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”

Continuing the saga of Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” explores new depths in the lore of Godzilla, Kong, and the mysteries of Skull Island. Directed by Adam Wingard, with a screenplay by a team of renowned writers, the film delves into the mythic battles that define these Titans and their bond with humanity. Starring an ensemble cast, the film promises an unparalleled adventure that explores the origins and destinies of these formidable beings.

Don’t miss the action-packed thrill ride that is “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” now playing in theaters nationwide. Join the global conversation with #GodzillaxKong and witness the legendary battle that will decide the fate of the world.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

April 2, 2024
Join Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon for a Chilling “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” Experience!

There’s something undeniably special about catching a movie on the big screen. The booming sounds, the crystal-clear visuals – it’s an immersive experience that can’t be replicated at home. And according to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire stars Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, their latest supernatural adventure is a prime example of a film that deserves the theatrical treatment. It would be very cool to see Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in a movie theater, says Paul Rudd, who plays Gary Grooberson in the film.

The Big Screen Advantage

“Seeing any movie in a movie theater is the way to do it, you can’t beat it,” says Rudd. “There is so much that goes into sound and design and everything. To be able to see it on a massive screen and hear it, you know, you hear things in theaters that you don’t hear at home. It’s an immersive experience. So if you’re going to check it out, go for the best way of checking it out.”

Coon, who plays the whip-smart Callie Spengler in the film, chimes in to add another benefit of the big screen experience: the special effects. “And you can feel the special effects, so many of our special effects are practical, just like in the original film.”

“You’ll really be able to tell when it’s blown up in front of you this big,” adds Rudd.

Ghosts, Gadgets, and Generations

But Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire isn’t just about impressive visuals and bone-rattling sound effects. The film also boasts a team-up for the ages, with Rudd and Coon joining forces with the beloved original Ghostbusters – Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts – was one of the highlights of filming the movie. “It’s very exciting for us as actors to, first of all, put on a flight suit and a proton pack, but to get to do it alongside the original Ghostbusters was really the thrill of a lifetime,” says Rudd. “By the end of the movie, there are a lot of flight suits flying around, ghosts flying around, extremes from proton packs.”

“Critical mass of ghostbusting,” adds Coon, laughing.

A Spooktacular Story with Heart

While the action sequences promise to be epic, Coon assures us that Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire also packs a punch when it comes to scares. “I know our director Gil Kenan set out to make a really scary Ghostbusters sequel, and I think he was successful,” says Coon. “I think the idea of the death chill is really a great opener for the film – the fact that you can be frozen and then shatter into a million tiny pieces – very scary.”

Bill Murray and Paul Rudd in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

But Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is about more than just ghosts and ghouls. At its core, the film is a story about family.

“Thematically, all the Ghostbusters films seem to revolve around some kind of family, a group of people that need each other, who are stronger when they work together,” says Rudd. “In this one, in particular, we now have kids and parents. Family is central to the story.”

Family being central to the story is one of the things Coon loves about the film. “What I love about this one in particular is that the family is still the center of the story, there’s still the question of how outsiders and misfits can save the world, which I think most of us, at some point in our lives feel like we are on the outside of something and I think everybody relates to that,” she says.

Ready to Bust Some Ghosts?

Other than the family theme, Coon shares more reasons to watch Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. “It’s funny, because we have these amazing comedians as well as the original Ghostbusters,” she says. “It’s scary, we have some really terrifying ghosts and also some charming ghosts that the original fans will enjoy but the new fans will also appreciate because you haven’t seen them before. This movie is just a really nice mix of comedy and horror and irreverence just like the original film.”

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. Besides Rudd, Coon and the original Ghostbusters, the film also stars Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor and Logan Kim.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire hits theaters on April 10. Distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International Grab your proton packs and get ready for a spooktacular adventure! #Ghostbusters @columbiapicph

_{Photo & Video credit: Columbia Pictures}

April 2, 2024
MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ is way over the top and we like it that way

The first twenty minutes of ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire‘ was a struggle for me. The movie – set later in the future after the events of ‘Godzilla versus Kong’ and explores the lore that was established by the Apple TV series ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’ – departs from the previously established characteristics of both monsters and works to humanize King Kong even further. He is now living in the Hallow Earth but will go back to our world as he is suffering from something as mundane as an infected tooth. This large-scale sequence of King Kong having his tooth removed by the humans is big, outrageous, and so silly that it was jarring for me at the start. This was all necessary set up to let us know the full shift in tone of this film.

Once I was able to finally align myself with the movie did I start to enjoy how unserious it was about everything. This iteration of the world manages to create futuristic technology despite having huge monsters destroy cities in mere minutes. Monster attacks are commonplace, and Godzilla always comes to fight them. But the world is in shambles, but it also isn’t? Okay. All the power and majesty that both King Kong and Godzilla possessed in previous films have all gone as the humanization of them has just turned them into loveable spectacles of power. When they fight, it gets crazy enough that there are some wrestling moves that get sneaked in and they come from the weirdest characters to boot. When one monsters manages to do a suplex, it’s so left of center that the whole cinema I was watching in went insane (and so did I) and I just knew that I had to throw everything out the window. This movie, directed by Adam Wingard and written by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater, were going for the spills and thrills.

After all, after the first two movies and we were faced with Mechagodzilla, where else can you go? How serious can you get?

So all the human stuff – played by Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle – is just context to help us understand why the big fight scenes are coming. They attempt to create a mother-daughter story between Hall’s Dr. Ilene Andrews and Hottle’s Jia, the last survivor of the Iwi tribe of Skull Island, but it never really flies because it has no real connection between the upcoming battle between King Kong and the film’s main antagonist, Skar King.

To heighten the film’s over-the-top nature, the fight scenes between King Kong and Skar King almost look like clips of a Tekken match. It’s fast paced and brutal. It’s acrobatic. They use sophisticated weapons. And there’s one scene that manages to defy gravity (literally) and on the big screen, it’s a blast.

In a way, all the human stuff is dispensable. It’s just needed for us to be able to follow through with the story, to have people explain things out loud what we are seeing – thankfully, King Kong, Godzilla, Skar King, and a younger ape don’t talk because that would be too much – so that we can properly contextualize all the big fight scenes that we’re waiting for and so that we can see how King Kong ends up with a mechanical arm (as seen on the trailer).

The fight scenes are cinematic. They are loud and big and brutal. It’s bloody and gruesome and it’s what you come to the cinema to see. It leans into the silliness of the exercise so that it can utilize all possibilities for large-scale monster fighting that we have come to expect in a movie like this.

After all, we’ve seen Godzilla fight monsters on different cities already in the first installments and we’ve even seen Godzilla and King Kong duke it out against each other and then Mechagodzilla in the last one. Where else can they go? They went silly and we are all the happier for it.

My Rating:

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is now showing. Check screening times and buy tickets here.

April 2, 2024
The wait is over! Get your tickets to Araneta City’s BTS B★VERSE exhibition

The time is now, ARMY! Get ready to see the brightest stars in your universe, because Araneta City’s B★VERSE “BTS, Singing the Stars” Immersive Exhibition General Sale has begun!

Fans of the beloved supergroup BTS will be treated to an immersive virtual reality experience, which includes vivid recreations of BTS’ iconic The Fact Music Awards performances, a Seven Planets showcase that feature each member in unique and personal themed rooms, a dazzling mapping show, and more.

With B★VERSE Manila’s general ticket selling under way, ARMYs can choose between two types of passes for the exhibit. Regular passes, which will allow entry only during their chosen date and time, are priced at Php1,500.

For ARMYs with schedules as crazy as the boys, a Flexi-Pass is also available. At Php1,900, fans with the Flexi-Pass can come in at any time during their chosen date. Don’t waste time, though – slots for the Flexi-Pass are limited!

B★VERSE Manila is set to run starting May 17 to August 15, at Level 4 of the New Gateway Mall 2.

Shine, dream and smile with other ARMYs at B★VERSE Manila by booking your tickets on Ticketnet Online now! Check B★VERSE Manila’s official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok for more information.

To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

April 2, 2024