The cinematic universe trembles once more as the colossal legends, Godzilla and Kong, emerge from the depths and shadows to grace the silver screen in “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.” Set to premiere in Philippine cinemas on March 30, this monumental sequel promises an unparalleled IMAX adventure, offering fans a front-row seat to the most breathtaking Titan battle yet. Secure your tickets now and witness these iconic behemoths like never before at www.godzillaxkong.com.ph.
A New Threat Rises
In the heart of Hollow Earth, a sinister challenge brews, threatening not just the Titans’ reign but the very fabric of humanity. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” finds our revered monsters in an unprecedented alliance, battling against the shadows of an enigmatic new foe. Filmed exclusively for IMAX, this epic saga brings the awe-inspiring action and the captivating world of the Monsterverse to life in jaw-dropping detail and scale.
Behind the Scenes with the Stars
The dynamic duo, Rebecca Hall and Brian Tyree Henry, return with electrifying performances under the visionary direction of Adam Wingard. His boundless enthusiasm and deep reverence for the Titan lore have infused the set with an infectious spirit of discovery and wonder.
Brian Tyree Henry, embodying Bermie Hayes, shares, âI saw brand new stuff every day. It makes a huge difference when your leader is a fan of this kind of universe, and is excited by the discoveries of what could possibly be, what could unfold. I donât want to spoil anything, but I think the fans are going to be very excited.â
Rebecca Hall, our Dr. Ilene Andrews, echoes this sentiment, âYou get this belief that he has a sense of what the filmâs going to be, but you also get to have a really good time on set, because he has this exuberance that is just intoxicating. He does have an inner 10-year-old, and heâs there all the time watching everything. He directs with that enthusiasm, and you know youâve done well, because you can hear him chuckling.â
The Monsterverse Expands
Kaylee Hottle returns as Jia Andrews, diving deeper into the rich tapestry of the Monsterverse. âFor me to be back in the Monsterverse, itâs really, really nice to be back. Itâs really exciting. Audiences will see even more action and more adventures. On this film, we went to the Daintree Rainforest. There were leeches, crocodiles, snakes, cassowaries. But it was beautiful,â she says.
About the Film
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” elevates the saga, introducing us to unseen depths of these ancient beings’ lore, exploring their origins, and the mystical Skull Island. Directed by Adam Wingard, with a stellar script by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater, this chapter promises to bind these Titans and humanity closer than ever.
The ensemble cast, featuring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, and Fala Chen, brings this tale to vivid life. Produced by a renowned team and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the Philippines, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is set to become a cinematic landmark.
Mark your calendars for March 30, 2024, and prepare for an IMAX journey into the heart of the Monsterverse. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is not just a film; it’s an experience that promises to redefine the boundaries of cinematic storytelling and spectacle. Tickets are on sale now; secure yours today and be part of history.
The threat of global warming on our lives has been growing more and more every day. To combat this, more people are stepping up and taking action with green initiatives and campaigns such as Earth Hour — an annual global movement that aims to challenge participants to turn off their lights for 60 minutes as a way to stand united for our planet.Â
Araneta City has always been actively participating in this annual event. On March 23, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm, the City of Firsts will once again join the global Lights Off activity. Araneta City’s iconic landmarks and structures will be dimming their lights to remind visitors, residents, and businesses of the importance of conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions to protect the planet.
âWe are switching off lights in Araneta City to inspire action to save our planet and make a difference in all of our futures. By making substantive changes in the way we live, we can ensure that we minimize the impact of climate change on our country and our people,â Marjorie Go, Assistant Vice President for Marketing of Araneta City, said.
Aside from the lights off event, there are other activities in the City of Firsts to promote sustainability and holistic well-being. At Ali Mall, you can Give Life & Love by donating pre-loved items or sharing the gift of life through a blood donation drive on March 23. These activities are for the benefit of Caritas Manila and the Red Cross Quezon City Chapter. As a bonus, every donor gets a chance to join a special raffle where 10 lucky winners will be selected to receive a special gift!
At Gateway Mall 1, two activities will happen from March 18 to 20. There’s an Eco Park that will showcase sustainable practices through exciting eco-friendly games and installations. There’s also the Trade Your Plastic to Plant booth where shoppers can trade their plastic bags or bottles for cute potted plants together with a P300 minimum single receipt.
And at Farmers Plaza, the POP QC: Eco Bazaar in partnership with the Quezon City local government will happen from March 20 to 23. Twenty small and medium enterprises will be selling sustainable products during the four-day bazaar, plus a special program with earth-related talks and performances will take place on the last day.
âWe are bringing together various sustainable efforts to make our Earth Hour participation more impactful. We know that we all need to do more to mitigate the effects of climate change and stem the irreversible damage that may be caused to the environment by climbing temperatures. At the City of Firsts, we are enabling people to do their part and be more active in this fight against global warming,â Go concluded.
Robinsons Malls cheers women all over the archipelago this Women’s Month and beyond with its “Celebrate Her” campaign. An exciting program, âCelebrate Herâ lets women enjoy exclusive deals, special treats, and other surprises from their favorite Robinsons Malls.Â
The celebration starts with winning instant prizes at Robinsons Mallsâ âHer Nookâ from March 22 to 24.  To joins simply present a valid purchase receipt, and win instant prizes. Up to 60% discount at the Women’s Special Sale are up for grabs only happening at Robinsons Department Stores chainwide until April 15.  A special gift for a minimum spend of P2,500 awaits lucky female shoppers.
The fun continues at Robinsons Malls  with the Pink Party Zumba that takes place every Tuesday of March at Robinsons Santiago on March  19, and 26 and at Robinsons Ilocos on March  22, and 25. Â
Fun fact: Robinsons Ilocos is hosting a Uniformed Women Fashion Show on March 20 featuring the remarkable women of Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, RESCOM, and Philippine Army. At Robinsons Santiago, they can shop for local products and support women entrepreneurs in the Tiangge ni Juana, which is now in its 3rd year in partnership with PESO and DTI.
Adding self-care and self-love  to Robinsons Mallsâ celebration is the partnership between World Vision for the âGirls Can empowerment sessionsâ which kicked off at Robinsons Antipolo last  March 7. It has also initiated livelihood projects in select malls through its partnership with Robinsons Land Foundations’ RSikap program and Universal Robina Corporation. The project aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalized women and empower them to become self-sufficient through skills training and start-up resources.
Love, Bonito, a leading Southeast Asian womenswear brand, is shaking things up with a brand refresh that celebrates the multifaceted lives of Asian women. With a fresh brand identity and revamped assortment strategy, they aim to challenge stereotypes and empower women to embrace their uniqueness. Gone are the days of stereotypical one-dimensional portrayals. Fronting the campaign is a powerhouse line-up of Asian and Asian-American women, specifically chosen for their personal stories and outlook that strays from what a stereotypical Asian woman should be or look like. This isn’t just a new logo and tagline; it’s a full-fledged commitment to redefine what it means to dress for the modern Asian woman.
From Left to Right: Featuring a powerhouse line-up Arden Cho, mother-daughter duo Gym Tan & Mya Miller, Yuna and Chanel Miller
“This milestone represents a heartfelt tribute to our Asian women community,” says Rachel Lim, co-founder of Love, Bonito. The brand’s mission? To honor Asian heritage while simultaneously dismantling tired stereotypes. This philosophy extends beyond marketing and right into the design process itself. Love, Bonito prioritizes perfecting the Asian fit, ensuring each piece is not only stylish but also functional, confidence-boosting, and versatile. From school runs to boardroom meetings to date nights, their designs empower women to embrace every aspect of their lives with both style and grace.
Ready-to-live, not just ready-to-wear
Love, Bonito understands that clothes aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re an extension of ourselves. That’s why they focus on designing for the real lives of Asian women. With flattering cuts, comfortable palettes, and fits perfected through real-world testing, customers can rely on Love, Bonito pieces to see them through life’s big moments and everyday adventures alike. To curate a more focused assortment for its community, Love, Bonito has leveraged over ten years of Asian women customer data combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence to launch bestselling styles in three key lines: Signatures, Staples and capsule collections. The momentous revamp will provide apparel for work, weekend, casual, holiday and dressy occasions, while starkly reducing the total number of styles produced by 60%.
From Left to Right: Arden Cho in Ling Belted Tailored Vest (Ivory), Arden Tweed Jacket (Oat) and Yuna Tailored High Rise Pants (Oat); Yuna in Rachel Ruched-ready Blazer (Ivory), Ivy Satin Button Down Shirt (Oat), and Yuna Tailored High Rise Pants (White); Chanel Miller in Ivy Satin Button Down Shirt (Olive), Natalia Scoop Neck Fitted Top (Ivory) and Anh Pleated Straight Leg Pants (Olive)
Rooted in timeless elegance, the Signatures are sophisticated modern looks for effortless transitions from feminine dressing to power suiting at accessible price points. Its first launch from 11 March onwards include 30 pieces that have been functionally crafted in crease-ease fabrics and flattering colours for work, weekend and dressy occasions. Beyond the brandâs dedication to designing clothes for the real lives of women, it also strives to represent the Asian women community with raw, impactful women stories.
Starring Korean American actress and singer Arden Cho in the Ling Belted Tailored Vest paired with the Yuna Tailored High Rise Pants, these pieces wereconstructed for that huge confidence boost as she fiercely advocates for Asian women representation in Hollywood while being her true authentic self with a cup of boba. Ling comes with a bloat-friendly silhouette with its roomier hem, which perfectly complements the leg-lengthening Yuna that is guaranteed to give you instant length.
Another way to style Yuna is with the Rachel Ruched-ready Blazer and Ivy Satin Button Down Shirt. Taking a candid mirror selfie, Malaysian singer Yuna is definitely no stranger to those who love great music. Whether sheâs creating the next big hit in the studio or spearheading Southeast-Asian women representation on the international stage, Yuna oozes confidence with her modest-friendly picks.
The carefree Chanel Miller is completely at ease with herself in the Natalia Scoop Neck Fitted Top and luxurious Anh Pleated Straight Leg Pants. She may exude an effortless confidence now, but has come a long way in shedding her shame and courageously living a fulfilling life as a sexual assault survivor. The padded and body-hugging Natalia offers the best support through thick and thin, while Anhâs crease-ease plisse material, bloat-friendly design and functional pockets will get you ready for all of lifeâs moments.
From Left to RIght: Gym Tan in Simone Pleated Padded Twist Back Jumpsuit (Black); Mya Miller in Dez Pleated Boat Neck Crop Top (Dusty Citron) and Gym Pleated Column Midi Skirt (Dusty Citron)
Embracing our Asian roots, Love, Bonito has also thoughtfully designed looks that make filial piety and mother-daughter bonding look effortless. 63-year-old Asian TikTok influencer Gym Tan defies stereotypes around ageing as she dons the off-shoulder Simone Pleated Padded Twist Back Jumpsuit. Her daughter Mya is wearing the matching Dez Pleated Boat Neck Crop Top and Gym Pleated Column Midi Skirt in Dusty Citron – the perfect colour to bring out a healthy glow for dressy or weekend occasions.
Through the Seasons
Apart from Signatures, customers can also look forward to Staples from April onwards. True to its name, Staples consists of versatile wardrobe builders available at entry price points. Customers can look forward to evergreen pieces such as chart toppers with improved fabrics and never out-of-stock essentials like denims, which can be easily incorporated into weekend or work fits.
Additionally Love, Bonito will also launch capsule collections, which are catered to spice up her wardrobe through the seasons, and provide offerings for key festive celebrations such as Lunar New Year. These collections are inspired by Asian culture and heritage, with modern interpretations of traditional styles and will drop on a monthly basis at a range of price points.
Love, Bonito: Where Style Meets Substance
Love, Bonito is more than just a clothing brand; it’s a movement. They’re not just shattering stereotypes; they’re creating a space where Asian women can see themselves reflected in style and empowered to embrace their unique identities.
Love, Bonitoâs Signatures Collection ranges from PHP1,459 to PHP4,190 and is now live on its website and all stores globally. Love, Bonito also ships to 20 countries worldwide (free shipping threshold applies). Staples will launch from April onwards while capsule collections will launch on a monthly basis at a range of price points. For more information, follow us on @lovebonito and @lovebonitoph and check out our hashtag #readytolive.Â
Nicole Laurel Asensio is all set to release a new original composition for International Womenâs Month in tandem with fellow empowered and multi talented women in music â Saxdiva, Vanessa Celestial (trombone), Yanni Diola (backup vocals) and Yuna Reguerra (bass).
Be the first to listen LIVE at the pre-launch party at 12 Monkeys, Estancia Mall on March 19 with renowned women acts Jika Marie and Keiko Necesario.
The digital launch will be on March 29 in all digital platforms under Warner Music Philippines.
âI wrote this song during the pandemic without the usual jam-sessions with co-writers, but instead by using samples and loops. It was during that time that I also first met a brilliant artist, composer and producer Sam Akins online. We clicked immediately and went on to writing a few songs even without meeting each other in person yet. It was only three years later that I let him listen to the initial rough demo for âI Know My Worthâ  in a studio session. I sang it for him, Samâs eyes seemed to light up at that moment. I had always wanted to work with him! Heâs prolific! â the moment seemed right.  So we decided to pursue the rest of the production then and there. Samâs pop sensibilities and prowess in singing, composing and playing several instruments instantly swayed me to partner up with him for this production, and a number more in the near future.â –Â Nicole Asensio
âI first met Nicole online during the pandemic. She is a marvel of an artist and definitely one of a kind, to be candid. Writing with her is easy because not only is she a great collaborator, she is also in tune with herself and knows what she wants. She isnât afraid to test the waters and try new things, which to me are the markings of longevity in the entertainment industry. I can see her climbing to the top of her game and doing this for many years to come. I have so much love and admiration for her.â – Sam Akins (Producer)
âI met Nicole Reluya (Saxdiva) and Vanessa Celestial about 8 years ago during one of my first shows with the AMP bigband. Witnessing their sheer talent playing the saxophone and trombone was unbelievable, plus they are such skilled singers as well. Yuna Reguerra and I met over a decade ago and I have always admired her skill and style, but this is the first time I had the chance to work with her. As she was recording I kept thinking to myself âwhy havenât we worked together sooner? sheâs amazing!â Gabe Dandan also recorded multiple guitar parts for the track under the direction of Sam Akins, it was a nice dynamic seeing two producers work together and Gabe who is usually a musical director, sit back and play under the direction of Sam. Gabe took over most of the backup vocal arrangement duties this time. Gabeâs good friend Yanni Diola from the band âMorning Goodnessâ spent an afternoon with us to add her touches to the vocal stacks. We then sent the track to in-demand Engineer and Producer Joseph Gregory for Mixing and Abbey Road UK for mastering. This team coming together is a real blessing and one that I am thoroughly grateful for. I am grateful to have met each artist involved at different points in this musical path.â – Nicole Asensio
âThis song is very powerful, and Nicole Asensio did an exceptional job with it. This inspired us greatly to create and collaborate with her. It felt like more of a party than workâŚVanessa and I incorporated a lot of funky phrases and improvised parts of the song. I also added a number of solo saxophone lines.â – Saxdiva
âTypically, as a producer, I am used to playing most if not all the instruments on the track, but for this song I got to collaborate with incredible musicians. I enjoyed letting their musical inclinations and ideas run wild. I think collaboration is something we all can afford to explore more as artists, it oftentimes takes a project to a whole new level. I am immensely honoured to have the opportunity to work on this incredible piece of music.â – Sam Akins
During our recording sessions, conversations would spark here and there about the challenges of being a woman working non stop in the music industry.
âBeing a woman in the music industry is difficult. Regardless of how well you perform or how skilled you are, there will always be people who attribute your success to your gender. However, I no longer let these circumstances affect me.â – Saxdiva
âI agree, it can be very challenging considering that the many corners of the music industry are still somehow dominated by male artists and music business personalities. I also feel like my instrument, the trombone is not commonly used by women, at least not here. Despite the challenges, I find it very inspiring whenever I get to perform with other high caliber female artistsâ it motivates me even further to work hard and excel in my chosen craft.â – Vanessa Celestial
âI am not a woman, but I look around me and see a whole lot of pressure on women and a lot less appreciation for their skill and hard work. I have been opportune to work with some incredible women in the industry, and they do inspire me, but I also canât help but notice the disparity. For example when I glance at the current 10 most streamed artists in the Philippines at the moment, there is currently only one woman on the list, I feel like more women need recognition.â –Sam Akins
âI canât count how many times I have been degraded on and off stage simply because of my genderâ catcalls, lewd gestures awful chauvinistic comments online⌠all because I am a woman⌠I am sure many other owmen in the industry have similar stories. The funny thing isâ usually the negativity has nothing to do with the music or the story behind the song⌠itâs all a power-trip sometimes, and that is why I felt like writing these very simple straightforward lyrics to remind fellow women to know our worthâwe are vessels of our creatorâs love and power and that should be celebrated. We must know our worth, we must tell our stories and we must never let anyone put us in a box because of gender, race, age, appearance or social status, music transcends all of that and more.â – Nicole Asensio
âDo your work with great pride and passion in order to raise the bar of the quality of female artists in the music industry. And trust me, Itâs not easy but it will always be worth it. Know your worthâ – Vanessa Celestial
âI Know My Worthâ is a fierce and fiery anthem for the modern bond-girl who wonât take B.S. from anyone who makes her feel like less than her worth. With Big, bold brass and string arrangements, upright bass and cinematic nuances resting upon a modern backbeat, the track is a perfect blend of old and new, classic and modern- a true trademark of Nicole Asensioâs signature style for several years now. The vocals range from slick and smooth to textured and feisty highlighting the persona behind the intention of the trackâa woman who knows her worth.
In an exquisite fusion of cultures and artistic prowess, the beloved hit track “The Way You Look At Me” by Christian Bautista is poised to capture hearts anew, courtesy of a vibrant reinterpretation by Indonesia’s rising pop star, Nyoman Paul. This fresh rendition is now hitting all leading digital music platforms, offering listeners a captivating twist crafted by the renowned Indonesian composer, Andi Rianto.(LISTEN HERE)
Behind the scenes, Andi Rianto, celebrated for his contributions to Indonesia’s cinematic landscape, brings his seasoned expertise to the table. With a rich portfolio of film scores and leadership of the esteemed Magenta Orchestra, Rianto’s collaboration ensures a dynamic reimagination of Bautista’s timeless melody.
At the forefront of this musical transformation stands Nyoman Paul Fernando Aro, affectionately known as Paul to his growing legion of fans. Despite being a newcomer to the music scene, Paul’s journey traces back to his roots in Bali, where he was born on June 23, 2001. Drawing from his diverse Indonesian and Swedish heritage, Paul infuses his performances with a unique cultural resonance that resonates with audiences far and wide.
Paul’s rise to prominence traces back to his captivating stint as a contestant on Indonesian Idol Season XII, where his raw talent and magnetic stage presence captured the hearts of viewers across the nation. Since then, he has embarked on a remarkable musical journey, garnering acclaim for his soulful vocals and charismatic persona.
Now, as he takes on the challenge of reinterpreting Bautista’s beloved ballad, Paul approaches the task with reverence and creativity. His rendition promises to honor the essence of the original while infusing it with his own distinctive style and flair. With the guidance of Andi Rianto’s masterful arrangement, Paul’s rendition of “The Way You Look At Me” is poised to captivate audiences anew, inviting listeners on a melodic journey filled with emotion and nostalgia. The original version of âThe Way You Look At Meâ has over 102 million streams on Spotify.
With Christian Bautista’s timeless melody serving as the foundation, Nyoman Paul Fernando Aro and Andi Rianto embark on a musical voyage that transcends borders, uniting listeners in a shared appreciation for the power of music to connect hearts and souls.
In a world where music knows no boundaries, this harmonious fusion of cultures and creativity reminds us of the universal language that binds us allâthe language of melody, rhythm, and the way it makes us feel.
As horror films go, Jang Jae-hyunâs âExhumaâ takes a different approach to frightening its audience. At a 134 minutes, director and screenwriter Jang Jae-hyun takes his time to unravel his rather simple story of an exorcism gone horribly wrong. He presents his characters â the charming and very competent young shamans Hwa-rim (Kim Go Eun) and Bong-gil (Lee Do Hyun) â as confident, maybe even cocky, as they take a case involving a rich Korean-American client living in Los Angeles, whose baby seems haunted by an evil spirit. In their initial inspection, they discover that the haunting spirit is an old one, one that is passed from generation to generation and that the ancestral spirit may be back in Korea. This powerful spirit, one they call âA Graveâs Call,â requires a bigger team and they employ a veteran geomancer, Sang-duk (Choi Min-sik) and his partner Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae Jin) to join the ritual. It’s only when the four spiritualists arrive at an unmarked grave atop a deserted mountain that they realize this is far more sinister and evil than they could have imagined.
This whole set up takes over half an hour to put things in motion. What makes it so riveting and fascinating to watch is the way that tension and dread pervades each scene without spilling out into cheesy cheap scares. Director Jang allows his characters â Hwa-rim and company â to be so serious about the work and yet calm and casual outside of it. It shows off their familiarity with each other and uses their relationship dynamics to establish them as human beings that we come to like as an audience. We know something bad is coming and now, 40 minutes into the movie, we like these characters a lot that we donât want anything bad to happen to them.
Without any huge frightening scenes, director Jang builds the tension using very detailed, very precise dramatization of the shamanistic rituals for cleansing spirits and for exhuming the buried dead to transfer to more auspicious grave sites. Those familiar with these rituals from watching Kdrama will know thereâs a lot of music, chanting, and dancing and the film isnât shy of showing the whole process and captures it for its full cinematic appeal. Kim Go Eun and Lee Do Hyun are exquisite and all they are doing is dancing or dancing with knives (Kim) or drumming and chanting (Lee) but they do it with such conviction and the camera work, quick editing, and exquisite sound designs turns each into such a spectacle that you are overwhelmed by the severity of the rite. It underscores the seriousness of the undertaking. Without showing a single scary image, the ritual alone in full display is enough to create this feeling of dread and fear. Somehow it manages to impress upon you that âdamn, I hope it worksâ and you are actually more attuned to the outcome of all of this.
And when things go south, it takes an unexpected turn. Past the one-hour mark, you realise the story is much deeper, much richer in its exploration of South Koreaâs history. This is not just some simple exorcism movie. Itâs about past trauma that has yet to be resolved.
It is in the simplicity and the straightforward execution of the narrative that makes âExhumaâ such a joy to watch. It is frightening but it does not rely on jump scares for it. It does so by creating set ups, allowing us to recognize the danger and see it unfold within the story. It does not try to surprise us. Instead, it allows us to follow it as it compounds and compounds.
Unfortunately, the final act feels drawn out and over-extended. Everything leading up to it is so strong, so exciting. When the grand finale happens, thereâs a lot of unnecessary talking, actions are repeated, and the pacing suffers immensely. It could have been fast and quick but Jang Jae-hyun is having too much fun with his elements all coming together. But the final image still makes it landing and does not undermine all the fantastic work that set everything up.
âExhumaâ is an intelligent horror film that takes its time to build its horror and dresses it up in the full effects of Korean shamanism. Itâs culturally and historically rich and steeped in its folklore. The cast, especially Kim Go Eun, is terrific and it can be surprising in its narrative turns.Â
My Rating:
Exhuma premieres this March 20. Check screening times and buy tickets here.
Exhuma, directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, The Priests), tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave â and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath. Â
A box office record breaker in Korea, Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas March 20. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
About Exhuma
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called âGrave Calling.â In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Sik,) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.
Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to bring world-class, critically acclaimed films for movie enthusiasts with this yearâs most-anticipated film White Bird: A Wonder Story, a follow-up to 2017âs Wonder, the beloved coming-of-age drama based on R.J. Palacioâs bestseller novel of the same name. Directed by Marc Forster (A Man Called Otto, Finding Neverland), White Bird opens exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas on March 20, months ahead of the filmâs U.S. release in October.Â
White Bird: A Wonder Story is based on the critically acclaimed, beloved graphic novel of the same name by R.J. Palacio, the author of Wonder. This fictional film is the creative companion piece drawn from the universe of Lionsgateâs 2017 box office hit Wonder, starring Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson and Julia Roberts. For millions of readers and moviegoers, Wonder is the captivating, inspiring, and uplifting story of the power of kindness â how it can build bridges and change hearts. In White Bird, kindness even has the power to save lives, as Julian Albans (Bryce Gheisar, reprising his role from the previous film), the bully who left Beecher Prep, is visited by his Grandmère (Academy Award winner Helen Mirren) from Paris and is transformed by her remarkable story of compassion and courage. As a girl in Nazi-occupied France during WWII, the young Grandmère goes into hiding with the help of a schoolmate, a young man who risks everything to give her the chance to survive. Together, they find beauty and love in the secret world of their own creation.Â
From Marc Forster, director of Finding Neverland and Christopher Robin, White Bird â just like its predecessor Wonder â is an emotional story about the ways that even in the most harrowing circumstances, an act of kindness for others can make every difference in the world.Â
Gillian Anderson & Ariella Glaser in White Bird: A Wonder Story
Elaborating on his creative process, Forster offers, âwe like to choose stories that have the ability to raise consciousness in the world and Wonder definitely did that.â As the graphic novel White Bird also offered Forster and executive producer RenĂŠe Wolfe a similar opportunity, albeit on an even wider spectrum, they became deeply interested in further exploring Julian Albansâ redemptive journey and bringing it to the screen.
Helen Mirren, who plays Grandmère, elaborates on Julianâs predicament: âAs many young teenagers do, heâs going through a difficult time when he canât quite find his place in the world and heâs lashing out as a reaction to that.â Adds Gheisar, who plays Julian, âJulian in this film has changed in many ways since Wonder. Heâs realized that what he did was wrong, but he doesnât really understand why.â By sharing her extraordinary tale of survival and her memories of the harrowing times she experienced at exactly his age, Grandmère hopes to help Julian understand that the world is a complicated and, sometimes, dark place. âBut as Martin Luther King says, you have to find the light within yourself. Darkness will never drive out darkness. So that is the lesson that she is trying to teach him, simply through telling him her life story,â adds Mirren.Â
Helen Mirren and Bryce Gheisar in White Bird: A Wonder Story
White Bird: A Wonder Story was screened at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in July 2023, and premiered in Italy January this year. Writes Variety in their review: âPalacioâs book is fairly on-the-nose in messaging, symbolism and imagery. Forster brings a more refined visual sensibility that is inviting without being over-glamorized, opening up a potentially claustrophobic tale in ways that enhance its impact. Shot in the Czech Republic, the rural environs have a slight storybook quality in Matthias Konigswieserâs very attractive widescreen cinematography.â
Take your cinema experience to the next level
Ayala Malls Cinemas are designed to ensure that viewers experience the utmost comfort and enjoyment. Featuring plush seating and generous legroom, coupled with cutting-edge laser projections for sharper images, and top-notch Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos technologies to enhance audio depth, moviegoers are in for an exceptional cinematic experience. Cinema patrons can also enjoy a variety of delicious treats, such as popcorn, hotdog sandwiches, burgers and ice-cold beverages, from The Movie Snackbar. Explore the world of critically acclaimed films exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas, where every detail is crafted to elevate your time at the movies.
Julien Beaumier and Ariella Glaser in White Bird: A Wonder Story
Ayala Malls Zing Plus members can get extra perks as they can earn double Zing points when they use their Zing-linked credit card or GCash to purchase movie tickets at the Ayala Malls Cinema ticket booth or at www.sureseats.com with a minimum spend of P600. Promo runs until June 30, 2024.Â
Watch White Bird: A Wonder Story starting March 20 only at Ayala Malls Cinemas. Keep updated and all of the latest cinema experiences from Ayala Malls Cinemas by following the official Ayala Malls Cinemas FB and IG pages.Â
Compassion fatigue, a silent struggle faced by many women, takes center stage at Glorietta’s Women’s Month campaign, “How She Blooms: A Tribute to Thriving Women.” Learn how Glorietta’s initiatives aim to empower women’s well-being through nurturing activities and retail surprises that cater to heart, body, and mind.
Join the dialogue on March 16, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, at the Palm Drive Activity Center, where Glorietta partners with leading mental health app, Mind You, to host a free coffee and therapy group session. Featuring Mind You’s resident psychologist, Rea Celine Villa, the session offers insights and support for combating compassion fatigue. The session is complimentary and includes coffee and pastries, emphasizing Glorietta and Mind You’s shared goal to reach and create a supportive and safe space for women. Seats are limited and registration for the coffee and therapy group session will be at the Palm Drive Activity Center starting on March 15.
Avail yourself of 10% discount vouchers for Mind You app sessions and 10 complimentary sessions to 100 customers for sessions booked through the Mind You app. Drop by the Mind You wellness lounge at the Palm Drive Activity Center from March 15 to 17. Ensure registration on both Zing and Mind You apps to unlock these valuable mental health resources.
Apart from mental health, physical and emotional health are also integral facets of a womanâs overall wellness. Join Pound workout sessions at 10 AM on March 15, 16, and 17. Slots fill up fast, so secure your spot early to experience the invigorating blend of exercise and rhythm.
For those seeking a creative outlet, Glorietta is hosting art sessions with Art Nook, requiring only a single receipt worth P1500 from any Glorietta merchant (excluding groceries) for participation. From March 16 to 17, between 1:00 to 7:00 PM, attendees can express themselves on canvas and alleviate stress through artistic expression.
In addition, a special workshop on Young Living essential oils will take place on March 17 at 4:00 PM. Delve into the natural and holistic approach to self-care, and learn about various essential oils, their application, and their therapeutic benefits.
A woman can thrive and bloom wherever she is planted, truly, and Glorietta hopes to help every woman flourish by nourishing her mind, heart, and body.
To find out more, follow @iloveglorietta on Instagram. For mental health services, and activities or to connect to a certified mental health practitioner, you may download the Mind You app for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You may also find out more, by following @mindyoumhs on Instagram.
