In the midst of 2020’s global lockdown, renowned filmmaker Matthew Vaughn, known for his work on “The Kingsman” series, “Kick-Ass,” and “Stardust,” found inspiration in an unlikely setting. Cocooned at his London residence, Vaughn, alongside his wife Claudia Vaughn and their two daughters, embarked on a cinematic journey, delving into classics such as Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest.” This family film appreciation class led Vaughn to a pivotal realization.
A Spark of Inspiration
Vaughn’s daughters’ fascination with Hitchcock’s masterpiece ignited his aspiration to craft a similar adventure. This quest for a unique cinematic creation was fulfilled with the discovery of Elly Conway’s unpublished spy novel, “Argylle.” Vaughn found himself enthralled by the novel’s narrative, though it was the potential for a creative transformation that truly captivated him.
Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elly Conway in ‘Argylle’
Transforming the Traditional
Known for his innovative approach, Vaughn envisioned “Argylle” not as a straightforward adaptation but as a canvas for imaginative storytelling. This vision led to a partnership with screenwriter Jason Fuchs, resulting in a screenplay with an intriguing meta-shift. The story now centered around Elly Conway, the novel’s author, thrust into a world mirroring her own fictional espionage.
John Cena and Henry Cavill in ‘Argylle’
Challenging Spy Thriller Clichés
Vaughn’s ambition extended beyond crafting a compelling narrative; his goal was to redefine the spy thriller genre. Drawing from his lockdown experiences, he sought to blend great storytelling with escapism, aiming to bring joy and excitement to the post-COVID world.
Bryce Dallas Howard: Bringing Elly Conway to Life
Bryce Dallas Howard, portraying Elly Conway, expressed her awe at the screenplay’s uniqueness. Her admiration extended to the film’s action sequences, which she described as an innovative fusion of dance and martial arts.
Dua Lipa in ‘Argylle’
A Star-Studded Ensemble
“Argylle” boasts an impressive cast, including Oscar® winner Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, John Cena, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Ariana DeBose, and Dua Lipa, each bringing their unique flair to the film.
The Cinematic Experience: A Call to the Audience
Vaughn passionately advocates for the communal experience of cinema, emphasizing the shared emotional journey it offers. He describes “Argylle” as a film crafted for the big screen, promising a grand and unpredictable adventure.
A Glimpse into ‘Argylle’
“Argylle,” presented by Apple Original Films and distributed by Universal Pictures, is set to open in cinemas on January 31. Audiences are invited to immerse themselves in this thrilling, heart-pounding adventure, a testament to Vaughn’s visionary filmmaking. #ArgylleMoviePH
On February 1-4, Watsons holds the biggest Watsons Health Expo 2024 at the SM Megatrade Halls, bringing Watsons brand of caring to more Filipinos. This event is brought by Watsons Club, which is the brand’s customer loyalty program wherein members can enjoy exclusive benefits and promos at Watsons.
As early as now, you can already become a Watsons Club member by simply downloading the Watsons app from the Google Play Store and App Store or through this link https://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp and registering with your mobile number to enjoy more perks and services from Watsons!
Among the services available during the four-day expo are the range of health and beauty products that are up to 70% off, brand booths and activities, free health consultations, informative and educational talks, raffle draws and prizes, wellness sessions, and pharmacy services under Click and Collect Express.
The participating brands in the Watsons Health Expo 2024 are Watsons Generics, Watsons Brands, Unilab, Belo, Puritan’s Pride, Goli, Reckitt, P&G, UL Skin Sciences, Berocca, Orahex, Cetaphil, Sanofi, Trianon, QuickFX, NOW, Mosbeau, Thiocell, Bestshape, Sleepasil, Snow, Biofitea, Sole Pharma, Health Fusion, NuWhite, Inmed, Regroe, Trust, Premiere, EZ, Sawaday, Koolfever, Ammeltz, Mead Johnsons, Salonpas, Difflam, Dequadin, Valda, Bactidol, Buscopan, Dulcolax, Mucosolvan, Claritin, Elica, Bewell-C, Cherifer, Propan, Fern-C, Poten-Cee, PNKids, Centrum Kids, Pharmaton Energy, Sangobion, Neurobion, Glucerna, Ensure, Nestle, Lipton, Emco, Skinny Mamas, Sofy, and many more.
You can now start your journey to health and wellness by downloading the Watsons app. Enjoy P100 off when you download the Watsons app through this link https://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp. Terms and conditions apply.
You can also visit any of 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide or pick up your orders at the nearest Watsons store in 30 minutes or less via Click & Collect or have them delivered to you in 3 hours through Express Delivery*.
For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.
Are you ready for your weekly dose of cinematic excitement? As a new week begins, get ready to indulge in a set of cinematic wonders set to unfold on the big screen. Embark on a thrilling cinematic adventure with this week’s diverse lineup of new releases. From high-stakes action in ‘The Beekeeper,’ to the enchanting tale of ‘The Boy and the Heron,’ and the zombified romance in ‘My Zombabe,’ to the adrenaline-pumping espionage in ‘The Bricklayer‘ – we’ve got your entertainment cravings covered. Get ready for a week of thrills, laughter, and heartwarming adventures at your favorite theaters.
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of vengeance and national intrigue in “The Beekeeper.” Imagine one man’s quest for retribution transforming into a high-stakes battle involving a secretive organization known as Beekeepers. Unravel the enigma, and prepare for heart-pounding action sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to discover the buzz behind the buzz!
Travel back in time to the Second World War and immerse yourself in the poignant tale of “The Boy and the Heron.” Follow Mahito’s journey as he navigates the serenity of rural life, haunted by his mother’s tragic demise. A mysterious gray heron enters the scene, dubbing him the “long-awaited one.” Join Mahito in this heartwarming adventure that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, offering a cinematic experience like no other.
Love in the time of a zombie apocalypse? Strap in for the laugh-out-loud journey of Pong, the loneliest man on the planet, and Yasmin, a stunning woman in the process of zombification. “My Zombabe” is a unique blend of comedy, horror, and romance that will tickle your funny bone while pulling at your heartstrings. Get ready for a date night with a twist!
In the heart-pounding thriller “The Bricklayer,” the CIA faces a crisis as someone blackmails them by framing the agency for assassinations. As the world unites against the U.S., the CIA must call upon its most brilliant and rebellious operative. Dive into a world of espionage, suspense, and a race against time in this action-packed thriller that will leave you breathless.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still captivating audiences in theaters. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
That’s a wrap for this week’s new movie releases. So, don’t wait! Secure your tickets, grab your popcorn, and immerse yourself in the excitement of these new releases. As always, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on these must-see releases. Stay tuned for next week’s movie updates, and happy watching!
HBO takes suspense and mystery to new heights with its original drama series, True Detective: Night Country. Premiering on January 15, the series promises to be a captivating blend of intrigue and drama.
Stellar Cast: Academy Award® Excellence Meets Dynamic New Talent
The series boasts an impressive cast, headlined by the talented Jodie Foster and the dynamic Kali Reis. Their characters, Detectives Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro, delve into a chilling case set in the remote reaches of Alaska.
The Enigmatic Plot: A Mystery as Cold as Ice
In Ennis, Alaska, the eerie disappearance of eight men from the Tsalal Arctic Research Station sets the stage for this gripping narrative. The detectives’ journey is not just about solving the case but also confronting their inner demons and the haunting truths of their past.
A Blend of Familiar Faces and Rising Stars
Joining Foster and Reis are Finn Bennett, Fiona Shaw, Christopher Eccleston, Isabella Star LaBlanc, and John Hawkes, among others. The series is helmed by Issa López, who brings her unique vision as the showrunner, writer, and director.
A Collaborative Endeavor of Industry Giants
The show’s production team includes notable names like Mari Jo Winkler; Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, and Mark Ceryak for PASTEL, Chris Mundy, Alan Page Arriaga, Steve Golin, Richard Brown, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Cary Joji Fukunaga and Nic Pizzolatto. Producers include Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Cathy Tagnak Rexford and Sam Breckman.
Where and How to Watch
True Detective: Night Country will be available on HBO and HBO GO starting January 15. Viewers can subscribe to HBO GO through various platforms, including the official website, App Store, Play Store, and through partners like Cignal, Globe, and Skycable. The series will also be accessible on multiple smart TV platforms.
A Must-Watch for Drama Aficionados
This series is a thrilling addition to HBO’s roster, offering a deep, character-driven story. Mark your calendars for January 15 and prepare to be engrossed in the world of True Detective: Night Country.
Get ready for an exhilarating start to 2024 as Disney+ Philippines unveils an exciting lineup of movies and series this January. From gripping dramas to thrilling adventures, there’s something for every viewer to enjoy on Disney+Philippines this month.
A Shop For Killers Starring: Lee Dongwook , Kim Hyejun
Premiering on January 17
Set in modern-day Korea, A Shop For Killers sees college student Jeong Jian diving for cover in her childhood home after a series of highly skilled assassins get her in their sites. Desperately fighting to survive, Jian will begin to remember invaluable lessons her uncle taught her before his apparent suicide, drawing on them to help her stay alive. Confused and cornered, Jian will have to work fast to uncover her uncle’s hidden past and figure out why so many people are desperate to gain access to the house and the extensive arsenal hidden inside.
Echo Starring: Alaqua Cox, Chaske Spencer, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Cody Lightning, Graham Greene, Zahn McClarnon, Vincent D’Onofrio
Five-episode premiere on January 10
This series spotlights Maya Lopez as she is pursued by Wilson Fisk’s criminal empire. When the journey brings her home, she must confront her own family and legacy.
Death and Other Details Season 1 Starring: Violett Beane, Mandy Patinkin, Lauren Patten, Rahul Kohli, Angela Zhou, Hugo Diego Garcia, Pardis Saremi and Linda Emond
Premiering on January 16
Set amidst the glamor of the global elite, Death and Other Details centers on the brilliant and restless Imogene Scott (played by God Friended Me‘s Violett Beane), who finds herself in the wrong place/wrong time (okay, it was kinda her fault) and becomes the prime suspect in a locked room murder mystery. The setting? A lavishly restored Mediterranean ocean liner. Suspects? Every pampered guest and every exhausted crew member. The problem? To prove her innocence, she must partner with a man she despises: Rufus Cotesworth (Homeland‘s Patinkin), the world’s greatest detective.
COMING Soon
Flex X Cop Starring: Ahn Bohyun (Yumi’s Cells, Itaewon Class) as conglomerate heir and new police inspector Jin Isoo and Park Jihyun
Premiering on January 26
A chaebol cop joins forces with a gritty detective to take down criminals with a touch of wealth and a whole lot of wit.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Finale Starring: Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri
Premiering on January 31
Based on Disney Hyperion’s best-selling book series by award-winning author Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a Disney+ Original series that tells the fantastical story of a 12-year-old modern demigod, Percy Jackson, who’s just coming to terms with his newfound divine powers when the sky god Zeus accuses him of stealing his master lightning bolt. With help from his friends Grover and Annabeth, Percy must embark on an adventure of a lifetime to find it and restore order to Olympus.
Fresh Beginnings
There’s something for anyone on this platform.
BTS Monuments Beyond the Star Finale
Last 2 episodes premiering January 10
2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Now Available
The Last Repair Shop
January 23
WWE Royal Rumble (Live)
January 28
Start the Year Right
New Year, new shows to binge-watch.
Ishura
Now Available
Synduality Noir Season 1 Part 2
January 8
A Real Bug’s Life Season 1
January 24
Lost Cities Revealed withAlbert Lin Season 1
January 24
Get ready to kick off the year with unforgettable entertainment on Disney+ in the Philippines. With a lineup that promises to captivate audiences of all ages, January 2024 is set to be a month filled with wonder and delight. Don’t miss out on the magic – start streaming on Disney+ Philippines today.
Film is, first and foremost, a visual medium. For this alone, writer and director Emerald Fennell’s second full-length feature ‘Saltburn’ is a delectable banquet for the eyes. It’s luscious cinematography and production design fill each frame with something gorgeous to look at: if not the extravagant excess of the British mansion Saltburn, for which the film takes its name, than the beautiful faces and bodies of its characters, most notably that of its lead stars Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. Fennell pushes for a lot of earth tones and through the lens of cinematographer Linus Sandgren, manages to turn the skin tone of all the actors into exquisite textures. Every freckle, every strand of body hair, every drop of sweat that trickle down on any of the performer’s skin becomes a tantalizing, arousing spectacle that highlights this tale of obsession and of excess.
I wonder what ‘Saltburn’ would look like in the cinema – the luscious cinematography and production design projected in a giant cinema screen – rather than my little iPad screen as I stream the film on Amazon Prime Video. The delicious excess and indulgences that Fennell delivers in her 131-minute psychological drama feels like it is bursting out of the tiny screen of my iPad. There’s a bigness in the world that Fennell creates in ‘Saltburn’ that feels claustrophobic when seen in such a small screen. The effect in the big screen must be so different.
While there’s a masterful use of visual language, the story that inhabits this visual treat is a bit harder to swallow. It’s a tale of obsession, for sure, as Barry Keoghan’s Oliver finds himself alone in Oxford in 2006. Feeling like an outcast, he manages to befriend Jacob Elordi’s Felix Catton, a popular boy in school. He’s handsome and rich and everyone flocks around him. The less privileged Oliver feels invisible but by Felix’s side, a bond is formed.
It’s so strong that Felix invites him to his British mansion Saltburn for the summer. And it is here that the mind games begin. Felix’s sister, Virginia, is outed as a sexual misfit and Oliver catches her walking just under his window of his room late at night in a see-through lingerie. Felix’s cousin, Farleigh never stops putting Oliver in his place, reminding him constantly that he does not belong in that world. Felix’s parents attempt at being cool and progressive but are unable to hide their elitist prejudices and fragile fears.
All of this proves to be too tempting for Oliver, who begins to entrench himself into the Catton household and the schemes and plans start to unfold.
As a social commentary, ‘Saltburn’ seems to have a lot to say about the British class divide, but there’s a fantastical, almost fanfiction like approach to how Fennell depicts British aristocracy. There’s no grounding element here – what is present is an idea of upper-class excess and indulgences. The Catton parents – played by Rosamund Pike and Richard E Grant – are the type of people who’ll throw a 200-guest party for their son’s friend, whom they only met that week. They live in a castle that replaces a broken mirror the very next day that it is destroyed. Each character living in that house is broken and are either in denial that they are ruined to the core or completely oblivious to it.
This is the sort of innocence that makes the upper class in ‘Saltburn’ so despicable and somehow allows you to keep your eyes glued to the screen as Oliver twists and turns this family inside and out. The family is unaware of their effect on the world around them and even with all their good intentions, they seem unaware of the damage that they do and Fennell understands our need to sympathise with these people, because in truth, Fennell posits that, like Oliver, we want their level of excess. It makes us curious. It arouses us. We hate them. We hate this world, but we are also very much fascinated by it.
It’s what makes ‘Saltburn’ not an easy film to digest. It’s a visual treat but it’s also overwritten but it connects with all our basic desires – whether it is wealth, power, or beauty – which is represented by the Cattons. It’s why sex becomes a focal point of the film, it’s primal and without reason. It’s infused in the film’s visual language, and in the way the camera is obsessed with the physicality’s of its characters. So, while the story and even lines of dialogue is meant to shock you – sometimes even in ways that are so obviously scripted or staged and not at all organic – it is still something you cannot take your eyes off of.
Unfortunately, there is a big narrative twist at the end, one that is clunkily handled. The reveal is on-the-nose, and its lack of cleverness finishes the film on a sour note (though saved by its visually stunning final image). ‘Saltburn’ is bold and daring and brave; a true scintillating visual treat that serves as a mirror of our ugliest desires in relation to beauty and wealth and power. It’s not an easy film to watch but it is spellbinding in its allure.
My Rating:
‘Saltburn’ is now streaming on Prime Video, watch it here!
Riot Games and Fortiche Productions proudly announce the much-anticipated return of the groundbreaking animated series, Arcane, with its second season set to premiere on Netflix this November. After a dazzling first season that set new standards in animated storytelling, Arcane Season 2 is poised to mesmerize audiences once again.
The Stellar Cast Returns
Reprising their acclaimed voice roles are the talented Hailee Steinfeld as Vi, Ella Purnell lending her voice to the enigmatic Jinx, and Katie Leung as Caitlyn Kiramman. Fans can also look forward to exciting new additions to the voice cast, which will be revealed soon.
A Legacy of Excellence
Season One of Arcane made history by clinching four Primetime Emmy Awards, including the prestigious title of Outstanding Animated Program – a first for any streaming series. The show’s unparalleled artistry was further recognized with three additional Emmy Awards for individual achievements in animation, spanning color, background design, and production design.
Moreover, Arcane dominated the ANNIE Awards, sweeping all nine categories it was nominated in. This remarkable feat includes accolades for Best TV/Media – General Audience, Best FX, Best Character Design, and Best Direction, among others. The series also triumphed at The Game Awards, winning the inaugural Best Adaptation category, underscoring its unique blend of gaming and cinematic storytelling.
What Lies Ahead
As anticipation builds, fans are eagerly awaiting what Arcane Season 2 will unveil. With its proven track record of stunning visuals, compelling characters, and immersive storytelling, the upcoming season promises to be an unforgettable journey. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of this animated masterpiece’s continuing saga.
Remember to mark your calendars for November and prepare for a visual feast with Arcane Season 2 on Netflix.
For director Will Gluck, Anyone But You was a chance to make a romantic comedy that was as funny as any in recent memory. “Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell are simply two of the funniest people I’ve ever worked with,” says Gluck. “You put them on the big screen together, and magic happens.”
In Anyone But You, Sweeney (Euphoria) and Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) play romantic enemies Bea and Ben, respectively, who have to put aside their personal vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple in order to keep the peace at Bea’s sister’s wedding. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.
“As much as Bea hates Ben, and vice versa, it’s important to Bea not to wreck her sister’s wedding. So, she hatches her plan: these two people who actually hate each other will pretend to like each other,” says Sweeney. “But as she and Ben are drawn together, they start to actually love each other, but can’t admit it to themselves.”
Of course, it’s not long before they get in over their heads. “Sometimes, I wonder if Will was just rubbing his hands together, thinking about all of the messed-up situations and crazy stuff he could make Glen and me do,” Sweeney continues. “On the other hand, it was all incredibly funny. So we did it. You’re welcome, Will.”
“I am really excited for the world to see Sydney in this movie,” says Powell. “She’s obviously proven herself to be a powerhouse dramatic actress, but being the female lead in a romantic comedy is not an easy task. You are the audience surrogate so the world has to really root for you to fall in love. There is something vulnerable and honest about Sydney that makes this movie come to life. Without that current of humanity running through this genre, it would fall flat. But this movie sings (literally and figuratively) because Sydney can stand in front of a camera and offer up her heart in a way that feels heroic.”
Sweeney has nothing but great things to say about her costar as well. “Glen is handsome, charming, funny, talented, and thoughtful. He’s also an incredibly loyal friend and a true pro,” says the actress. “That’s everything you could possibly ask for from an acting partner playing your fake boyfriend.”
Sweeney, who is also the film’s executive producer, gives credit to the movie’s writers for making it relatable for audiences. “You see it all the time – people are so afraid of being vulnerable, of opening themselves up to another person, that they sabotage the best relationships they’ve ever had,” says Sweeney. “Bea and Ben have a connection that is so real, deep, and immediate that they are going to do everything they can to deny it – until they can’t anymore.”
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 – 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
Gyeongseong Creature returns with an enthralling second season, extending its narrative from the tumultuous spring of 1945 to the bustling streets of 2024 Seoul. This continuation, set against the backdrop of monstrous creations born from human greed, further entwines the fates of Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok.
Season 2 takes a dramatic leap through time, as revealed in the intriguing post-credit footage of Season 1. In this pivotal scene, a character called “Ho-jae”, bearing a striking resemblance to Jang Tae-sang, turns to reveal a mysterious scar, igniting a flurry of questions about his identity and the scar’s origin. This moment is a gateway to the series’ time travel element, transitioning the setting to Seoul of 2024. The released stills amplify the mystery, capturing Chae-ok at a critical juncture and suggesting a season brimming with enigmatic events and connections. Director Chung Dong-yoon shares his vision for this new chapter, stating, “Season 2 presents a story with a completely different charm. The change in space and time period will provide a clear distinction, offering an expanded universe feel.”
Season 1 captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of period drama and fantastical elements, earning high praise from international media. CNN hailed it as “[it] deserves to be a monster hit,” while TIME magazine noted, “it is also about the world we live in today.” Just 3 days after release, Season 1 gained a spot in the Global TOP 10(Non-English) to rise up to the third place and appear in the TOP 10 list of 69 countries across the globe including Brazil, Japan, Singapore, France, and Australia.
The suspense around the series is further fueled by the cliffhanger from Season 1’s finale and the anticipation of how the characters’ narratives will evolve. Actors, including Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee, have hinted at the deeper character developments and emotional depth of the upcoming season, continuing its legacy as a global sensation and delving into the mysteries of time travel and destiny.
Gyeongseong Creature Season 2, set to premiere exclusively on Netflix, is all poised to reveal a larger, more dynamic story.
As we step into 2024, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) embraces its mission with renewed vigor, presenting a bold and compelling collection of new theater performances. Under the banner of “CONTROL + SHIFT: Changing Narratives,” PETA sets out to redefine stories, challenge assumptions, and transform toxic narratives, ultimately reclaiming and reshaping the stories of the Filipino people.
The Visionaries Behind the Revolution
PETA artists, in collaboration with creative partners and collaborators, have passionately crafted eight new works, blending devised performances with the re-staging of the acclaimed “KUMPRONTASYON.” This groundbreaking collection will grace the stage at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14 and 19-21, 2024.
CONTROL + SHIFT : Changing Narratives features eight new works, devised performances, and the re-staging of KUMPRONTASYON at the PETA Theater Center from January 12-14, 19-21, 2024.
Unveiling the Narrative Alchemy
Momsilogues: A Savory Journey of Life and Love
Zoe Damag, Julia Enriquez, Pia Viola, and Gold Villar-Lim’s “Momsilogues,” directed by Gold Villar-Lim.
Directed by Gold Villar-Lim, “Momsilogues” takes center stage, unraveling the intricate tales of single mom foodie vloggers. In this interactive vlog about tapsilog, the audience is invited on a savory journey delving into the realms of career, love, and motherhood.
Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z: Rethinking Monster Myths
Directed by Norbs Portales, Sabrina Basillo’s “Ang Mga Halimaw sa Compound Z” weaves a gripping narrative. A journalist interviews recovering “halimaw” as they reintegrate into society, uncovering shocking revelations that could reshape humanity’s destiny. This play explores the construction of monster myths and their impact on young Filipinos.
Albularyo: A Movement Journey into Folk Healing
Direction, concept, and choreography by Carlon Matobato, dramaturgy by Ian Segarra
Carlon Matobato’s creation, “Albularyo,” is a mesmerizing movement performance delving into the world of Filipino folk healing. It aims to heal not only the ills of the body but also the nation, offering a unique exploration of our cultural roots.
Children of the Algo: Navigating Gen Z Realities
Directed by John Moran, Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo” explores the hidden realities of Gen Z content creators in the digital age. With wit and vulnerability, the play challenges viewers to see beyond the algorithm, unveiling deeper truths.
Kislap at Fuego: A Fairytale Amidst Revolution
Directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu
Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego” transports audiences to an unexpected fairytale set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The play seeks to reshape conversations about love, rebirth, and revolution.
/ (Slash): Navigating Influencer Culture
Directed by Meann Espinosa
Liza Magtoto’s “/ (Slash),” directed by Meann Espinosa, delves into the complex world of influencer culture. As an influencer’s best friend faces cancellation, the play explores loyalty, righteousness, and branding in the industry.
Ang Parangal: A Humorous Take on Inept Governance
Direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario
Directed by Eric dela Cruz, “Ang Parangal” adapts Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball. The play unfolds as a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration, showcasing the dire ineptitude in governance, proving that spectacles and good intentions aren’t enough.
Nakatala Sa Tubig: Women’s Roles in Times of War
Direction & concept by Eric dela Cruz, adaptation & co-conceptualized with Michelle Ngu-Nario
Glecy Atienza’s “Nakatala Sa Tubig” (Staged Reading) collaborates with Anthony Cruz & Bobet Mendoza to present a performance discourse on water and the lives and roles of women in times of war. In this adaptation of Miloš Forman’s 1967 comedy film, The Fireman’s Ball, a group of barangay tanod organizes a community celebration in tribute for their retired barangay captain but crumbles in the face of their dire ineptitude. Spectacles and good intentions are not enough to make up for incompetence in governance.
Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?: Dark Twists in Childhood Games
Directed by Kovi Billones with directing guidance from Ian Segarra
In this devised performance by Umalohokan, Inc., directed by Kovi Billones with guiding insight from Ian Segarra, Kyle Saldonido’s “Pilipinas, Geym Ka Na Ba?” explores the dark twists in childhood games that the residents of Barangay Pinapili must conquer to leave an obscure playground.
KUMPRONTASYON: Theater as a Platform for Difficult Conversations
Melvin Lee’s “KUMPRONTASYON” presents three plays – Allan Palileo’s “Lakambini,” Guelan Luarca’s “The Impossible Dream,” and Joshua Lim So’s “A Color for Tomorrow.” This production serves as a powerful platform for difficult but necessary conversations on unresolved historical and political events.
The Power of Theater
These thought-provoking performances aim to use the power of theater as a platform for collective meaning-making and social transformation. PETA invites everyone to join this theatrical revolution and witness the empowering stories come to life! For more information and ticket reservations, visit tinyurl.com/PETAControlShift. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a narrative transformation that might just change the world.
