Gear up for full battle action as Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween- Destinyarrives in Philippine cinemas on January 17. Based on the best-selling manga, âTokyo Revengersâ by Ken Wakui, this action-packed film takes us once again to a time traveling quest with Takemichi to prevent the current timeline as he failed to prevent Hinata being killed.
The much awaited sequel sees the cast reprise their roles as the battle continues. Takumi Kitamura plays the protagonist Takemichi Hanagaki. Formerly adrift and purposeless, he travels to the past to what he claims is his peak era, to a violent event known as Bloody Halloween, to prevent the sequence of events that lead to the future murder of his beloved Hinata Tachibana, played by Imada Mio.
Celebrate the new year with a delightful musical time-travel experience! Spotifyâs Playlist in a Bottle is back, and listeners can now go on a nostalgic journey by revisiting the tunes that captured their hearts a year ago.
Back in January 2023, Spotify invited listeners to create their musical time capsules by choosing songs that resonated with them at that moment in time. And starting today, January 4, fans will get those long-awaited capsules to look back on the music they loved and reflect on how their listening evolved through the year. Hereâs how it works:
Choose âClaim Your Playlistâ where you can look back at what songs were sealed in your musical time capsule.
Save and listen to your complete 2023 Playlist in a Bottle!
And thatâs not all, users can also create an all-new Playlist in a Bottle that canât be opened until 2025. Users will answer questions like âWhat song brings out my alter-ego?â and âWhat song describes my relationship status?â to help curate their playlist. This year, theyâll also be able to write a note for their future selves. Hereâs how to do it:
Select where you want to store your playlist â it could be an actual bottle, a snowglobe, a flip phone, a tiny birdâs nest or a rice cooker⌠Even a dumpster!
Complete a series of song-inspired prompts like âA song that reminds you of your favorite person,â âA song your great-grandkids will be confused about,ââA song you put your friends on to,â and more!
Draw a note for your future self, capturing something you want to remember about this moment when your capsule is delivered next year.
Finally, âsealâ your musical time capsule and post your #PlaylistInABottle sharecard to your favorite social channels!
Spotify transformed music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity by giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by these creators. Everything we do is driven by our love for music.
Discover, manage, and share over 100 million tracks and 5 million podcast titles, for free, or upgrade to Spotify Premium to access exclusive features including improved sound quality and an on-demand, offline, and ad-free music listening experience.
Today, we are the worldâs most popular audio streaming subscription service with a community of more than 551 million users, including 220 million Spotify Premium subscribers, across more than 180 markets. We are also the largest driver of revenue to the music business today. https://newsroom.spotify.com/
That warm and fuzzy feeling we get when a loved one unexpectedly says “Libre ko na!” over meal times is a pleasant surprise that makes us feel special and cared for.
Fortunately, McDonaldâs has us covered with McSavers Mix & Match â now with NEW sulit options to delight not just our cravings, but of those we hold dear, too! Anyone anywhere can treat their friends and family to McDonaldâs without breaking the bank.
Starting at P 79, customers can choose among the craveable crowd-favorites – Regular Fries, McSpaghetti, Burger McDo, McCrispy Chicken Sandwich, McCrispy Chicken Fillet with Rice and the much loved 1-pc Mushroom Pepper Steak.
To complete the Mix & Match order, they can also select from a range of improved side options â NEW 12 oz Iced Coffee, NEW 16oz Iced Tea, NEW 16 oz Coke, Sundae, Apple Pie and Coke McFloat.
Indeed, there’s an excitement bubbling up inside at the thought of bonding moments over snack time without having to worry about the bill. So when you feel like spending feel-good moments with your inner circle, McDonald’s McSavers Mix & Match lets you say “Tara, libre ko na!” without hesitation.Â
Make snack times with family and friends more delightful with NEW and affordable sulit snack options. Get your pairings now from any McDonaldâs branch near you!
For more information about prices and combinations, follow McDonaldâs Philippines on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all McDonaldâs announcements.
Kick off 2024 with thought-provoking programmes from documentary, January 6th on Discovery Channel, to extreme confectionary challenges on TLCâs Candy Land. Tune in to HGTVâs Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa Season 3 for home improvement ideas and tease your taste buds on AFN with the premiere of Heart 2 Heart KitchenSeason 5 and A Taste of Festival.Catch some of natureâs most impressive predators in Animal Attack Rate on Animal Planet and much more!
Discovery Channel
January 6th Premieres Saturday, January 6 at 9pm
Experience a first-hand look at the events that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, featuring interviews with members of Congress and exclusive accounts from police officers and first responders.
Gold Rush Season 14 Premieres Monday, February 26 at 9pm
The ambitious gold miners from the hit series Gold Rush are in for a make-or-break season that shifts the balance of power forever. After 10 years working in the Klondike, 28-year-old mining prodigy Parker Schnabel is at a crossroads. He must decide whether to play it safe and scale back his operation or risk it all on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire historically gold-rich virgin ground. Itâs a massive gamble that could bankrupt him or deliver hundreds of millions in profit and cement his place as one of the most powerful miners in the region.
TLC
90 Day: The Last Resort Premieres Thursday, January 11 at 10.50pm
90 Day couples who have reached their relationship breaking points head to a paradise resort for a group couples retreat. With everything on the line, each couple will have to decide if they will stay together or move on alone.
Candy Land Wednesday, February 7 at 9pm
Host Kristin Chenoweth challenges teams to create eye-popping and heavenly confectionary showpieces for judges Nacho Aguirre and Aarti Sequeira as they vie for the grand prize of $25,000.
HGTV
Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa Season 3 PremieredTuesday, January 2 at 10pm
Flip or Flop‘s Tarek El Moussa draws upon his enormous success from flipping over 300 homes to help novice renovators get in the game. He provides beginners hungry to make it big with a foundation for creating profitable flips and avoid bank-breaking flops.
Celebrity IOU Season 4 Premieres Friday, February 2 at 10pm
Hollywood A-listers express their deep gratitude to people who have impacted their lives by surprising them with home renovations. The celebrities get hands-on with Drew and Jonathan Scott to imagine a design plan and create beautifully customized spaces.
AFN
Luke Nguyenâs India Premieres Thursday, January 25 at 9pm
In his next adventure Luke navigates Southern India discovering the cuisines, sounds, smells, and colours creating the perfect stage for this exceptional series of exploration. With breath-taking mountain backdrops to small towns, hectic cities and sacred waterways, Luke ventures into the diverse and colourful society that is India.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with AFN
Monday to Friday, February 5 to February 23 at 7pm
Titles include:
Heart 2 Heart Kitchen Season 5(premiere)
A Taste of Festival (premiere)
Eat China Season 2
Mean Street Gourmet
Axian Small Town Foodcation
Animal Planet
Animal Attack Rate Premieres Monday, February 26 at 8pm
Animal Attack Rate is the ultimate countdown of natureâs most successful killers. Whether for defense, mating rivalry, food, or for survival; thereâs a long list of animals that will attack. But which is the most dangerous? This archive series travels the world searching for and calculating the risk of a deadly assault by our gnarliest predators, ambushers, and defenders.
April 2024 will mark the return of a horror legend to the silver screen. 20th Century Studios proudly presents “The First Omen“, an exclusive cinematic event set to redefine psychological horror.
A Sinister Journey Begins
The prequel to the revered horror franchise invites audiences into a haunting narrative. “The First Omen” follows a young American woman’s journey to Rome for a life dedicated to the church. However, she’s quickly engulfed in a shroud of darkness, her faith shaken to its core. What she discovers is a bone-chilling conspiracy, a plot to herald the birth of malevolence itself.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Darkness to Life
This chilling tale is brought to life by a stellar ensemble. Nell Tiger Free, known for her gripping role in “Servant”, leads the cast. She’s joined by Tawfeek Barhom, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, and Bill Nighy, each bringing their unique intensity to this harrowing story.
Visionary Direction and Creative Minds
Arkasha Stevenson, celebrated for her distinctive directorial style, helms this project, drawing from characters created by David Seltzer. The screenplay, a collaborative masterpiece by Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, and Keith Thomas, promises a fresh yet faithful take on the iconic series.
A Production Woven with Talent
David S. Goyer and Keith Levine, names synonymous with cinematic horror, produce this anticipated film. The executive production team, comprising Tim Smith, Whitney Brown, and Gracie Wheelan, ensures a seamless blend of horror and storytelling excellence.
Prepare to immerse yourself in “The First Omen“, a journey of faith, fear, and the unforeseen. Exclusively in cinemas this April 2024.
After a two-week break from most local cinemas during the Metro Manila Film Festival, âAquaman and the Lost Kingdomâ will return to the big screen on January 8.Â
The James Wan-directed superhero sequel, which also stars Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman and Amber Heard, has so far grossed more than $255 million at the global box office.
Producer Rob Cowan encourages fans to watch the movie on the big screen, for the best experience. âWe were incredibly lucky on âAquaman and the Lost Kingdom,â being able to continue the story we began in a film that the world embraced,â says Cowan. âAnd on the page, we really had a super-sized project, pulling out all the stops, making everything as big as we could, charting a journey as varying and different as possible through multiple worlds we were visiting for the first time⌠This film really is something you need to experience inside a big theater with a huge screen⌠because thereâs just so much to look at.â
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his fatherâs death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquamanâs family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, now balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquamanâs half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brotherâs reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantisâ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his fatherâs death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
Directed by James Wan, âAquaman and the Lost Kingdomâ is produced by Peter Safran, Wan and Rob Cowan. The executive producers are Galen Vaisman and Walter Hamada.
The screenplay is by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, from a story by James Wan & David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jason Momoa & Thomas Paâa Sibbett, based on characters from DC, Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents An Atomic Monster / A Peter Safran Production of A James Wan Film, âAquaman and the Lost Kingdom,â is now showing in cinemas.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Aquaman
Anyone But You, which opened in the United States just before Christmas, opened in several overseas markets over the weekend, including in the United Kingdom and Australia, where the film is primarily set. Anyone But You has earned a total of $33.5 million dollars, with a few markets still lined up for the filmâs opening, including Spain, France, Italy and the Philippines, where it opens in cinemas January 17, 2024.
âI think audiences want to see movies that are relevant, authentic, and cinematic â but most of all, fun,â says Gluck, a fan favorite in the genre, thanks to previous works including Easy A and Friends With Benefits.Â
In Anyone But You, Sweeney (Euphoria) and Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) play romantic enemies who have to put aside their personal vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple in order to keep the peace at a wedding theyâre both attending. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.Â
About Anyone But You
In the edgy comedy Anyone But You, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold â until they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.
Directed by Will Gluck, co-written by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert. Produced by Gluck, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth, and executive-produced by Sweeney.
Cast includes Sweeney, Powell, Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.
Opening in Philippine cinemas January 17, Anyone But You is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #AnyoneButYou
Jason Momoa, the formidable King of Atlantis, storms back into cinemas, reigniting the cinematic wave in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Following a brief hiatus during the Metro Manila Film Festival, the superhero sequel is set to make a triumphant return to the big screen on January 8. Directed by the visionary James Wan and featuring a stellar cast including Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman, and Amber Heard, the film has already made waves, amassing over $255 million in global box office earnings. As the film continues to captivate audiences, let’s delve into 5 fascinating facets that illuminate the world beneath the waves and unravel the cinematic brilliance of this aquatic epic. Get ready to plunge into the depths of Atlantis and beyond, discovering the secrets that make this aquatic adventure a must-watch cinematic experience.
1. Sequel Triumph: What Sets “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” Apart?
Director James Wan and the stellar cast, including Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Nicole Kidman, reunite in the much-anticipated sequel to the highest-grossing DC film of all time. In “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” the stakes are higher as Aquaman faces a more formidable foeâBlack Manta. Fueled by the need to avenge his father’s death, Black Manta wields the mythical Black Trident, unleashing an ancient and malevolent force. Aquaman’s only hope lies in an unlikely alliance with his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis. This dynamic duo must set aside differences to save the kingdom, Aquaman’s family, and the world from irreversible destruction.
Returning to their iconic roles, the cast brings depth and intensity to the characters, with Jason Momoa navigating the dual responsibilities of being the King of Atlantis and a new father. Patrick Wilson steps into a new role as Aquaman’s reluctant ally, while Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Nicole Kidman infuse vitality into their characters. Behind the scenes, Director James Wan leads a talented crew, including cinematographer Don Burgess, production designer Bill Brzeski, and editor Kirk Morri, creating a visual spectacle. With a compelling storyline, a stellar cast, and a creative team at the helm, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” promises an immersive cinematic experience that surpasses expectations.
2. Crafting Aquatic Marvels: The Ingenious Octobots
Ever wondered how the mesmerizing Octobots came to life in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom”? A dedicated team of 12 skilled crew members invested four months constructing these extraordinary creatures. Comprising 45 meticulously molded parts supported by an internal metal frame, each Octobot is a marvel of engineering. Remarkably, there are three real-world Octobots, each designed with a specific purpose. One boasts a fully functional interior, while the second, tailored for underwater sequences, features a partly soft interior for stunt work. The third Octobot is reserved for background shots, with an exclusively dressed exterior. Maneuvered on six-axis motion bases, providing a wide range of movement, the Octobots delivered an immersive experience for the cast. Lead by First AD Lee Grummet, actors Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Jani Zhao, and Dolph Lundgren embarked on Octobot adventures, describing the jolting motion as akin to a thrilling fairground ride. The result? A visually stunning and technically impressive spectacle that adds a layer of intrigue to the cinematic world of Aquaman.
3. Chasing Frost: Wax Shortage and Explosive Artistry
In the icy landscapes of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” even replicating ice proved to be an adventure. Unravel a cool film fact that involves a surprising twist. A nationwide wax shortage in the UK threw a frosty challenge to the Special Effects (SFX) team during filming. To authentically recreate the glacial scenes, the resourceful team had to think on their feet. When faced with a lack of wax, they embarked on an unconventional solution. Picture this: the SFX crew raided a local Swedish superstore, procuring hundreds of white candles. These candles became the unexpected heroes, providing the needed material to craft the illusion of ice in key scenes.
Adding an explosive touch to the movie, the SFX team conjured four large explosions for dramatic effect. Notably, the ice crevasse explosion in the Antarctica sequence stands out for its cinematic prowess. What’s even more impressive? The entire sequence was captured flawlessly in just one take, showcasing the skill and precision of the filmmaking team.
4. Crafting the Aquaman Universe Wardrobe
Costume designer Richard Sale took on the monumental task of updating Arthur’s iconic Aquaman costume for the sequel. Staying true to the original design, Sale and his team embraced innovation, incorporating lighter materials and constructing panels with a focus on practicality for Jason Momoa during stunt and fight sequences. The hero gold and green suit, adorned with countless scales, became a labor of loveâthree people spent three months individually crafting and placing each scale to perfection.
But the regal wardrobe extravaganza doesn’t end there. When it comes to Atlantis Council scenes, both Mera and Atlanna step into costumes fit for royalty. Atlanna’s bodice, a dazzling spectacle, boasts over 1,100 iridescent scales, meticulously hand-beaded by the wardrobe team. Meanwhile, Mera’s regal bolero showcases shells crafted in polyurethane, painted, and gold-leafed by hand, mirroring real-life counterparts. The attention to detail extends to every corner of the Aquaman universe. King Nereus’s gold under-suit, featuring a built-up screen print with 30 layers of printed gold, radiates majestic splendor. For the formidable Kordax, a blacksmith toiled for weeks, working with brass, hand-hammering it on a medieval anvil. The result? Impeccable armor, molded and made in polyurethane for comfort and reduced battle noise. Inspired by the pirarucu fish from Brazil, the costume team crafted scales from molded pirarucu leather, adding a touch of authenticity to the Ancient Atlantean soldiers’ attire. The costumes in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” are more than garments; they’re works of art that bring the characters to life in a regal tapestry of craftsmanship and creativity.
5. Crafting the Weaponry of Aquaman’s Realm
Enter the arsenal of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” where the tridents are more than mere propsâthey’re feats of craftsmanship and ingenuity. Prop makers embarked on a monumental task, creating a total of 15 versions of Aquaman’s golden trident, 26 of Black Manta/Kordax’s dark trident, and five of King Nereus’ trident. Each trident, a work of art, was meticulously crafted with hero versions composed of fiberglass, rubber, and soft foam for stunts, all featuring a robust carbon fiber core for strength. Even with the super-strong core, some tridents met their match, snapping under the force of actors and stunt performers during the intense filming sequences.
The attention to detail reached new heights with a fully machined aluminum hero version of Arthur and Black Manta’s tridents. Notably, Black Manta’s trident showcased a unique featureâa deliberate break in half, concealing a bespoke bayonet fitting that revealed a hidden blade inside, adding an element of surprise to the character’s weaponry.
King Nereus’ trident took on an illuminating role, designed to light up. Prop makers seamlessly integrated this practical light feature into the trident, ensuring that actors had authentic lighting in the props, eliminating the need for post-production effects. The commitment to realism extended to other weapons in the movie, such as the Manta laser gun, the Necrusian spears, and Orm’s axe, all equipped with practical working lights.
Behind the scenes, a team of skilled craftspeople, including 3D designers, 3D printers, mold makers, prop modelers, and painters, collaborated to bring the tridents to life. A completed trident passed through the hands of at least ten pairs of skilled craftsmen, each contributing their expertise to create the iconic weapons wielded by heroes and villains alike in the immersive world of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is more than just a superhero movie; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the importance of environmental consciousness. With its blend of action, emotion, and cutting-edge technology, the film is poised to make a significant splash in the world of entertainment. Keep an eye out for these elements, and you’re sure to enjoy a richer viewing experience. Are you ready to witness the wonders of Atlantis once again?
It is all systems go for the highly anticipated Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on January 13 and 14. Twenty-six (26) teams from across the Asia Pacific region will compete in Dota 2 and VALORANT for the coveted Predator Shield and their share of the $200,000 prize pool.
The question is: How will Filipino teams fare in the tournament?
For Dota 2, iconic teams Blacklist International, Execration, and defending Asia Pacific Predator League champions Polaris Esports will be joined by the winners of the Philippine qualifiers, Made in Philippines.
For VALORANT, Team Secret, one of the most renowned teams in the VCT Pacific League, will be alongside Oasis Gaming and ZOL Esports, who both qualified during the Philippine Finals.
âIt will be anybodyâs game. Predator League is the stomping ground of the regionâs up-and-coming esports talents. We are excited to see who is hungry enough for the victory to overcome the competition and win the Predator Shield,â said Sue Ong Lim, General Manager at Acer Philippines.
The two-day event will be filled with action-packed gaming, meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors, and performances by top Filipino artists, including Acer ambassadors Sarah Geronimo and SB19.
âJanuary 13 and 14 will be an esports and entertainment spectacle like no other. We have prepared so many exciting activities and awesome surprises that everyone will surely enjoy,â said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager at Acer Philippines.
For more information and updates about Predator League, visit www.facebookcom/PredatorGamingPhilippines  or the official website www.predator-league.com. Â
About Acer
Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top ICT companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. As Acer evolves with the industry and changing lifestyles, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another, creating ecosystems and opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. Acer’s 7,700 employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.
When a procedural mix-up sees the son of a wealthy Korean conglomerate owner get parachuted into a new role with the policeâs Violent Crimes Unit, the heir will use his vast fortune and unique skills to solve some of the cityâs biggest crimes in Flex X Cop, a new Korean crime drama coming January 26 to Disney+.
After years of spending his familyâs fortune on whatever his heart desired, a mistaken arrest sees Jin Isoo get thrust into a new position at Gangha Police Stationâs Violent Crimes Unit 1. Used to getting whatever he wants, Isoo initially butts heads with the departmentâs leader Lee Ganghyun, but as the weight of his new responsibility begins to set in, Isoo will rise to the occasion, using his unique skill set and vast wealth to bulldoze through departmental bottlenecks, helping the team solve cases and bring offenders to justice.
Starring Ahn Bohyun (Yumiâs Cells, Itaewon Class) as conglomerate heir and new police inspector Jin Isoo and Park Jihyun (Reborn Rich, Do You Like Brahms?) as team leader Lee Ganghyun, Flex X Cop is written by Kim Bada (My Name, Life Risking Romance).
Stream Flex X Cop starting January 26 on Disney+.
