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  • Heartwarming Tearjerker Date Movie “The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes”

    Wishes granted come with a price in the award-winning and highly-acclaimed YA romantic drama anime film The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes. 

    The Tunnel to Summer The Exit of Goodbyes

    The film’s main characters Kaoru and Anzu are voiced by  Ouji Suzuka and Marie Iitoyo respectively.  Supporting characters are voiced by Tasuku Hatanaka as Shouhei Kaga, Arisa Komiya as Koharu Kawasaki, Haruka Terui as Mr. Hamamoto, Rikiya Koyama as Kaoru’s Father, and Seiran Kobayashi as Karen Touno.

    This year’s recipient of the highly coveted Paul Grimault Prize at the Annecy International Animation Festival, the film is inspired by the award-winning novel of the same name by Mei Hachimoku and illustrated by Kukka. With CLAP in charge of the animation production, the movie is directed by Tomohisa Taguchi with Tomomi Yabuki as character designer and chief animation director.

    Ouji Suzuka as Kaoru The Tunnel to Summer The Exit of Goodbyes

    The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes is a reality-defying coming-of-age romantic drama that follows teenagers Kaoru and Anzu as they discover about the rumored fantastical Urashima Tunnel. Rumor has it that laws of space and time mean nothing to the Urashima Tunnel where wishes come true once you’ve walked through it.  One night, after an argument with his father, Kaoru walks away and is fatefully led in front of a tunnel that has been described in the rumors. Finally standing in front of the tunnel, he finds himself thinking of his sister Karen whom he lost in an accident five years ago.

    Yearning for his sister, Kaoru returns to the tunnel only to find out that he’s been followed by his classmate, Anzu.  A newcomer in their school, Kaoru’s first awkward meeting with Anzu at the town’s train station blossoms into friendship as they try to discover the secrets that the time-twisting tunnel holds.  As they continue to explore the tunnel and realize that time moves faster inside the tunnel, the two unconsciously develop a deeper bond while healing their pain from the past. With Kaoru wishing to undo the untimely death of his sister and Anzu seeking to escape the pain that’s plagued her growing up, together they must resolve whether their wishes are worth the cost of the sacrifice they have to make.

    The Tunnel to Summer The Exit of Goodbyes

    A stunning, beautiful story of one’s first love set at the backdrop of a fantastical tale, The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes has received rave reviews and is currently rated 100%  fresh at Rotten Tomatoes.  Critics and audiences alike (from Japan and other international territories) are pleasantly surprised with its incredible stylish visuals, voice acting and sound design, well-written story and moving soundtrack among others.  

    Enter The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes when it opens November 1 – exclusive at SM Cinemas, from Encore Films distributed by Warner Bros.   

    Check your favorite SM Cinemas for online ticket purchase. 

  • Are you made to win? Join adiClub’s Adizero Challenge for a chance to win race kits to international marathons this 2024

    adidas’ membership program adiClub invites all to unlock the very best with adidas with this Members Only Challenge, giving members a chance to win race kits to upcoming international marathons, including the 2024 Seoul Marathon.

    adidas and its running community adidas Runners Manila have partnered with EZ Run Club and Red Light Run Club to bring the Adizero Challenge to adiClub members. Through Adizero, the world’s fastest running shoe franchise, it aims to push runners not only to be at their best – but to be made to win.

    Are you made to win Join adiClubs Adizero Challenge for a chance to win race kits to international marathons this 2024

    All who take on the challenge will be a step closer to facing even bigger wins with winners to bag slots at international marathons, including the 2024 Seoul Marathon and 2024 Berlin Marathon. See how you can be made to win with Adizero below:

    1. Join adiClub, either through the adidas website or adidas app.
    2. Task 1: Once a member, sign up to the Adizero Challenge form and include your adiClub ID and QR code to be officially part of the Adizero challenge.
    3. Task 2: Go the distance and take on the challenge! Don’t forget to log your runs on the adidas Running app and take a screenshot of each run, and register these through this form.
      1. Start easy and run 5km.
      2. Level it up and take on a 10km run.
      3. Push your limits and finish that 21km!
    4. Task 3: Lace it up some more and join a total of six adidas Runners Manila sessions, which you can join via their Facebook group. The running sessions you complete will be validated through the stickers you earn from the aRM captains, as well as registering your runs through this form.
    5. Task 4: Push your ambition to a higher level by joining three running sessions with EZ Run Club and Red Light Run Club. You will also be earning stickers from the communities’ running leads in order to validate your run. Make sure to register your runs through this form as well!
    6. Task 5: Share your runs with the world! Whether through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, share  post that expresses your goals for the Adizero Challenge and use the hashtag #adizero and #MadeToWin and upload your post screenshots through this form.

    Stand a chance to win an international marathon race kit by successfully completing all tasks and submitting proof to the designated task links! Submissions will be accepted until November 29; and by December, there will be a culminating event wherein winners will be chosen among all qualified entries.

    Bronze, Silver, and Gold members of adidas Runners Manila also get exclusive access to win a unique race experience, getting a chance to run an international marathon of their choice upon joining the challenge.

    Ready to be made to win? Join the Adizero Challenge and unlock the best of adidas by joining adiClub, and follow adidas Philippines on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest updates.

  • Brewing Connections: The 2024 Starbucks Traditions Collection is Here

    With the holiday season drawing near, Starbucks Philippines keeps the tradition alive by uniting people through the 2024 Starbucks Traditions Collection. The excitement begins on November 2, allowing you to earn a sticker. In this year’s theme, “Connection Starts Here,” the doors open to a world of human connections and shared moments with Starbucks Philippines.

    2024 Starbucks Traditions Collection 1

    The Much-Awaited 2024 Starbucks Traditions Collection

    Eager for some festive treats from Starbucks? Starting November 2, the annual Starbucks Traditions Collection is back with even more flair and finesse. Grab your favorite handcrafted beverage and earn a sticker, then count them up on the Starbucks App’s e-Promo Card! Collect 19, and a plethora of iconic rewards await:

    The 2024 Starbucks Traditions Planner with Organizer emerges as a beacon of organization and creativity. Showcasing the Siren’s tale in exquisite dotted detail, this 9x7x1.3-inch planner, available in Rose Gold and Abalone Gray, is a symphony of functionality and style.

    The 2024 Starbucks Traditions Warm Gray Mug and Polka Tote Set redefines coffee chic. This tandem of a tote bag, with a dedicated compartment for the snug 12 oz. mug, promises both style and practicality.

    The 2024 Pearl Cold Cup dazzles with its starry straw stopper, a charming companion for the on-the-go coffee aficionado.

    The 2024 Ebony Stainless Steel Tumbler stands out in sleek sophistication, adorned with the enigmatic dotted Siren design. This 18 oz. tumbler isn’t just a visual treat; it’s engineered for perfect beverage temperature control.

    Connecting through Music

    For years, Starbucks has masterfully blended the richness of coffee with the magic of music, creating an atmosphere where conversations thrive, friendships deepen, and communities flourish.

    This holiday season, Starbucks Philippines partners with local artists to curate a coffeehouse playlist on Spotify. The tracks, carefully selected by DJ Nix and DJ Rammy Bitong, transcend genres and generations, underscoring the influence of music and coffee in nurturing human connections. Follow Starbucks Philippines on Spotify and anticipate the playlist on November 2, 2023.

    Starbucks 22Connection Starts Here22

    “Connection Starts Here” – The Heart of Starbucks

    “Connection has always been at the heart of Starbucks. The visual representation of connections through dots in this year’s campaign is not just creative; it’s a testament to the relationships we build within our communities,” highlights Jamie Silva, Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience & Loyalty. “Starbucks continues to reimagine the essence of connection and reminds us all of the beauty found in shared moments and relationships this holiday season.”

    Experience the 2024 Starbucks Traditions

    Embrace the symphony of connections with the 2024 Starbucks Traditions Collection, available from November 2, 2023, to January 2, 2024. Rediscover the joy of connections this holiday season with Starbucks Philippines, where every cup weaves a story of friendship and community. Head over to starbuckstraditions.ph now!

  • Run to show your support for children’s literacy through McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023: Run for Reading

    Calling families, friends, and…even furry friends! McDonald’s is set to mount its well-loved Stripes Run: a fun, advocacy-driven running event that brings together families and friends to support Filipino children’s literacy.

    To be held on December 10 at the SM MOA Concert Grounds, McDonald’s Stripes Run continues to raise one million pesos for Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (RMHC) Read to Learn program which aims to elevate the literary skills of Grades 1 and 2 public school students. RMHC is McDonald’s Charity of Choice, committed to improving the well-being of Filipino children and Families.

    McDonalds Stripes Run 2023 on December 10

    Now on its 12th year, Stripes Run 2023 invites more Filipinos to run for reading as it welcomes not only families and friends, but fur babies as well! Through the new 1K Fur Stripes category, pets can now participate alongside their fur moms and dads, letting them enjoy the run’s festivities, too. Fur Stripes will be available as a category for interested participants upon registering, alongside a wide variety of other categories for different distances and age groups: 1K Kiddie Stripes, 3K Stripes, 3K Family Stripes, 5K Stripes, 5K Squad Stripes, and 10K Stripes.

    Here’s how to register for the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023:

    • Step 1: Click the website for McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023 – Link: https://bit.ly/StripesRun2023
    • Step 2: Register in your desired category and fill up all the details required. Registrants will be given the option to choose delivery or pick-up of race kits. Pick-up of race kits will be available in select McDonald’s stores from November 13 to December 3.
    • Step 3: Check your confirmation email indicating a successful registration.
    • Step 4: Claim your race kit on your chosen date of pick-up or wait for the delivery of your race kit.

    Show your support for Filipino children’s literacy and run for reading at the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2023! For more information on registration costs, participating stores for kit claiming, and race kit inclusions, follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Stripes Run 2023 website at https://bit.ly/StripesRun2023

  • Revolutionizing Travel Experiences Worldwide via Travereel – Book, Travel, Connect, and Earn!

    Today marks a remarkable occasion in the world of travel with the official launch of Travereel, a groundbreaking and revolutionary travel mobile application that promises to transform how people explore and experience the world. 

    Selcouth’s Travereel mobile app is set to change the way you plan and enjoy your travel experiences, providing a seamless, one-stop solution for all your travel needs.

    PR Main KV

    This game-changing travel app lets you book your stay or destination seamlessly by just clicking and watching the reels shared by fellow travelers. Travel offers you an incredible variety of options, whether you wish to stay in a stylish metropolitan apartment, an opulent beach resort, or a cozy B&B in the countryside. “Travereel was born out of a passion for exploring the world and the belief that travel should be accessible, personalized, and unforgettable for everyone,” said Debbie Nebaya, Travereel CEO. “Our team has poured their hearts into creating this app, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to life and empower travelers to embark on journeys that leave a lasting imprint on their hearts.”

    DSC04356 1

    Enjoy a fun, engaging, reliable display of hotel properties through short vertical videos from our travel community, and imagine how your next day’s vacation will look like.

    Travereel is more than just a travel app; it’s your personalized travel concierge, offering a wide range of features to enhance your journeys. Here are some notable key features of the app:

    Discover Hidden Gems: Find off-the-beaten-path attractions, local eateries, and cultural experiences with our curated recommendations and user-generated content. Get a taste of authentic travel with Travereel.

    Travel Social Network: Connect with fellow travelers, share your experiences, and get real-time advice from the Travereel community. Discover travel buddies and create lasting memories through your own travel experiences.

    Seamless booking: Book your preferred hotel in just click and tap. Travereel gives you seamless booking experience by clicking the ‘Book’ button on the reel.

    Flexible payment terms: Payment convenience via different payment options from Paymonggo: Debit and Credit Card, GCash, Maya, and Billease. Users can also opt for the Buy Now, Pay Later payment terms.

    Earn Commission: Be a content creator and post your own travel experiences. Post videos and receive an affiliate commission for bookings from your shared travel reels and vlogs.

    Safety Features: Stay informed about travel advisories and emergency contact information, and receive safety tips to ensure your well-being while exploring new destinations.

    TR PR Key Visual 1

    Travereel is now available  for both iOS and Android, ensuring that no matter your device, you can experience the world at your fingertips. Our commitment to providing a user-friendly, accessible platform is at the heart of Travereel’s development.

    For more information, visit Traveleers’ website www.traveleer.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/TRAVEREEL2022), (Instagram.com/travereel.app), TikTok (TikTok.com/@travereel), and YouTube (YouTube.com/@Travereel).

  • The Mo’ Cookies Birthday Cookie Makes a Sweet Return

    The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived! Mo’ Cookies is celebrating another trip around the sun, and this special occasion calls for a sweet treat that captures the essence of joy. That’s right, it’s time for The Birthday Cookie to shine.

    The Birthday Cookie by Mo Cookies

    The Birthday Cookie, a delightful creation that embodies the very spirit of a birthday celebration, is back. This delightful treat features a delectable combination of buttery, crunchy-chewy lemon-and-orange-flavored dough, adorned with a generous sprinkle of white and milk chocolate chips, and of course, birthday sprinkles. Each bite is a celebration in itself, a burst of child-like happiness that reminds us of the simple joy of birthdays.

    Mo Cookies
    Image Source: FB mocookiesforyou

    The Birthday Cookie by Mo’ Cookies is back, and it’s here to make your day a little sweeter. But remember, this is a limited-time engagement, so mark your calendar, and don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in this nostalgic burst of joy.

    Want to get your hands on this sweet delight? It’s easy. Head over to any of Mo’ Cookies‘ nine shops spread across the metro. Don’t feel like stepping out? No problem. You can also place an order for a box of happiness through their delivery partners on mo.momentfood.com. Choose from GrabFood, Pick-A-Roo, or foodpanda – your Birthday Cookie is just a few clicks away.

  • What’s Coming to Netflix This November 2023

    Netflix has been continuously bringing us great content to stream on our favorite devices. Whether it’s a compelling drama with interesting characters, a thrilling title that keeps us at the edge of our seats, comedies that give us our much-needed dose of laughter, or just anything that keeps us entertained on the couch or on the go, we surely can count on the streaming service’s rich library of shows and movies.

    If you’re the kind who needs to plot your binge-watching schedules for the month, worry not, because we’re giving you a rundown of the most awaited shows and films on Netflix Philippines this month. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey with these must-watch titles arriving on Netflix this November 2023!

    Top Pick This Month

    Replacing Chef Chico (Series)
    Coming Soon

    Replacing Chef Chico

    When a head chef falls into a coma, it’s up to his devoted sous-chef to keep their Filipino fine dining restaurant from closing down.

    Emotional Watch

    All the Light We Cannot See (Series)
    Launch date: November 2

    All the Light We Cannot See
    All the Light We Cannot See. Aria Mia Loberti as Marie-Laure in episode 101 of All the Light We Cannot See. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    In the final days of WWII, the paths of a blind French girl and a German soldier collide. Based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller.

    Daily Dose of Sunshine (Series)
    Launch date: November 3

    Daily Dose of Sunshine

    A kind-hearted nurse working in psychiatry goes above and beyond to be a ray of light for those under her care, despite the challenges coming her way.

    The Crown: Season 6: Part 1 (Series)
    Launch date: November 16

    The Crown Season 6 Part 1
    TheCrown_220923_Ep601_Stills_DanielEscale_0234.ARW

    Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her legacy and lineage as Diana dazzles the public in the final weeks of her life and the monarchy faces a reckoning.

    Rustin (Film)
    Launch date: November 17

    Rustin
    Rustin. (L to R) Jeffrey Mackenzie Jordan as Courtney and Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin. Cr. Parrish Lewis/Netflix © 2023

    Activist Bayard Rustin faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington.

    Thrill Ride

    Cigarette Girl (Series)
    Launch date: November 2

    Cigarette Girl
    Gadis Kretek. Ario Bayu as Raja in Gadis Kretek. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    A gifted artisan’s journey of love and self-discovery unfolds as she defies tradition within Indonesia’s clove cigarette industry in the 1960s.

    The Killer (Film)
    Launch date: November 10

    The Killer
    The Killer. Michael Fassbender as an assassin in The Killer. Cr. Netflix ©2023

    After a fateful near miss, an assassin battles his employers — and himself — on an international hunt for retribution he insists isn’t personal.

    Believer 2 (Film)
    Launch date: November 17

    Believer 2
    Believer 2 Han Hyo-joo as Big knife in Believer 2 Cr. Jung Jaegu/Netflix © 2023

    A determined detective continues his search for the truth behind Asia’s largest drug organization and its elusive boss he has unfinished business with.

    Squid Game: The Challenge (Series)
    Launch date: November 22

    Squid Game The Challenge
    Squid Game: The Challenge. Cr. Pete Dadds/Netflix © 2023

    456 players. $4.56 million. One winner. The global phenomenon comes to life with games inspired by the original series and all new challenges.

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

    At the Moment (Series)
    Launch date: November 10

    At the Moment
    At The Moment. (L to R) Tseng Jing-hua (曾敬驊), Alyssa Chia (賈靜雯) in At The Moment. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    This anthology series set during the pandemic follows 10 unique love stories of passion and heartache.

    In Love and Deep Water (Film)
    Launch date: November 16

    In Love and Deep Water
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    Romance, mystery and mayhem unfolds aboard a luxury liner heading for the Aegean Sea when a butler and a passenger try to solve a baffling murder.

    My Demon (Series)
    Launch date: November 24

    My Demon

    Chaebol heiress Do Do Hee is an adversary to many, and Jung Koo Won is a powerful entity superior to humans. However, one day, Jung Koo Won loses his powers. Forced to collaborate with Do Do Hee to regain them, sparks of romance begin to fly between them as they embark on this journey together.

    ANIME CORNER

    BLUE EYE SAMURAI (Series)
    Launch date: November 3

    BLUE EYE SAMURAI
    Blue Eye Samurai. Maya Erskine as Mizu in Blue Eye Samurai. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023

    Driven by a dream of revenge against the white father who made her an outcast in Edo-period Japan, a young warrior cuts a bloody path toward her destiny.

    Akuma Kun (Series)
    Launch date: November 9

    Akuma Kun

    Akuma Kun, a boy raised by a demon, works with his half-human partner Mephisto III as paranormal investigators to solve various murder and mysteries.

    Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (Series)
    Launch date: November 17

    Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
    Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (L to R) Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ramona Flowers in Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023

    Scott Pilgrim meets the girl of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, but learns he must defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her. Then things get even more complicated.

    MORE FOR YOUR MUST-WATCH LIST

    Nuovo Olimpo (Film)
    Launch date: November 1

    Nuovo Olimpo
    Nuovo Olimpo. (L to R) Damiano Gavino as Emea, Andrea De Luigi as Pietro in Nuovo Olimpo. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    In 1970s Rome, a casual encounter between Enea and Pietro at a movie theater turns into an unforgettable romance — until destiny pulls them apart.

    Wingwomen (Film)
    Launch date: November 1

    Wingwomen
    Wingwomen. Mélanie Laurent as Carloe and Adèle Exarchopoulosas Alex in Wingwomen .Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    Tired of life on the run, a pro thief decides to retire — but not before one easy last job with her partner in crime and a feisty new getaway driver.

    Erin & Aaron (Kids & Family)
    Launch date: November 3

    Erin Aaron
    Erin & Aaron. (L to R) Ava Ro as Erin and Jensen Gering as Aaron in Erin & Aaron. Cr. NETFLIX © 2023

    Erin and Aaron’s names may sound similar, but they couldn’t be more opposite — and through music these new stepsiblings are learning to live in harmony.

    The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (Film)
    Launch date: November 4

    Author Mark Manson explores the human condition and his counterintuitive approach to finding true joy in this documentary based on his bestselling book.

    Feedback (Series)
    Launch date: November 15

    Feedback
    Feedback: Season 1. Arkadiusz Jakubik as Marcin Kania. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    A former rock star with a faulty memory and a family in shambles, all due to his addiction problem, sets off on a frantic search to find his missing son.

    A Nearly Normal Family (Series)
    Launch date: November 24

    A Nearly Normal Family
    A Nearly Normal Family. Alexandra Karlsson Tyrefors as Stella Sandell in A Nearly Normal Family. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    The world of a seemingly perfect family shatters when a shocking murder proves that they’re willing to make desperate moves to protect each other.

    DOI BOY (Film)
    Launch date: November 24

    DOI BOY

    A refugee builds a new identity as a sex worker in Thailand and gets caught up in a client’s risky scheme that might lead to a better life.

    Love Like a K-Drama (Series)
    Launch date: November 28

    Love Like a K Drama

    Four actresses from Japan go to South Korea to audition and act alongside Korean actors for roles ina series of love stories. Will true romance follow?

    The Bay Guys: A Very Bad Holiday (Kids & Family)
    Launch date: November 30

    The Bad Guys A Very Bad Holiday
    The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday. (L to R) Ezekiel Ajeigbe as Shark, Chris Diamantopoulos as Snake, Mallory Low as Tarantula, Raul Ceballos as Piranha, and Michael Godere as Wolf in The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday. Cr. NETFLIX © 2023

    Mr. Wolf and his crew of animal outlaws realize they’ll need to restore the city’s Christmas spirit to keep their annual holiday heist afloat.

    The Railway Men (Series)
    Launch date: COMING SOON

    The Railway Men

    After a deadly gas leaks from a factory in Bhopal, brave railway workers risk their lives to save others in the face of an unspeakable disaster.

    With this fantastic lineup of new movies and series, Netflix is sure to keep you entertained throughout November 2023. So, grab your popcorn, snuggle up on the couch, and get ready to indulge in these binge-worthy titles. Happy streaming!

  • From School to Script to Stage: Meet The Writing Fellows Of VLF Writing Fellowship Program in The Visayas Year 2

    Theater is life happening right before the eyes. As such, well-written scripts and stage directions are the backbone of all successful plays and arguably the most important tools in effective storytelling. 

    This coming November 7 to 18, 2023, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Artist Training Division, will embark on yet another quest to help local playwrights improve their craft through the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program in the Visayas Year 2, a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage, organized in partnership with The Writer’s Bloc and The Performance Laboratory, Inc.

    Following the basic curriculum observed by the Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program in Manila, eight writing fellows from the regions will be trained by multi-award-winning playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas through hybrid (online and onsite) sessions at the Negros Museum in Bacolod.

    Andy Moleno Abellar

    Andy Abellar, Ursula David, Jalene Dumancas, and Kym Gelvero are among this year’s budding playwrights accepted into the program. All based in the Visayas region, these upcoming fellows submitted promising works that demonstrated their talent in bringing stories to life using their regional dialects.

    For Abellar, whose relationship with theater “is like a childhood friend of mine” that developed into something more during his high school years, playwriting is a meaningful and powerful art form able to tackle social issues that need to be addressed. As an active member of the Kanlaon Theater Guild, Abellar understands “how much power a storyteller could hold in advocating for their cause.” He shared: “To be honest, the technicalities of writing drain me. I have to gather a lot of energy to finish a script. But the idea of delivering my cause through this medium drives me to write more. As a theater artist, having a script that holds a powerful message surpasses the tiresome trainings and productions. At the end of every performance, it is always a satisfaction knowing that you have inspired even just one or two people.”

    Ursula David

    David, the co-founder of the independent non-profit production team DuLaab, likewise believes that “arts and theater are not merely a design or performance” but rather means “to touch the lives of many” through eye-opening masterpieces that carry value and deeper meaning. She acknowledges that the performing arts, and by virtue, playwriting, “has a longstanding impact on our culture, for the art itself of an artist is a reflection of their identity and their own unique perspective towards the world.”

    Jalene Isabel Dumancas

    Dumancas agreed: “[The arts and theater] is not only about entertainment, but a creative way of sharing your message or voice to the world, a way to vent out your emotions and mind. Arts are the embodiments of human nature, and its beauty is what keeps us alive and breathing.” She cites her membership at the Kanlaon Theater Guild as a catalyst for helping her tap into her passion for creative writing. “The beauty of creating a reality or what I think is reality for me is what made me want to be a playwright. It creates a story on what is untold for most other people.”

    For Gelvero, a recent education graduate with a penchant for writing poems in candlelit rooms, “it’s the strong feeling that I have so many stories to tell, so many experiences to share, and so many imaginations to bring to life” that encouraged her to pursue the art of playwriting. She shared that while she believes “society is reflected in art,” only “the artist makes it personal.”

    Kym Lance Gelvero

    These four Writing Fellows regard their acceptance into the writing fellowship program as an opportunity to explore greater horizons outside of their usual domains. Abellar shared that “the writing fellowship program is a great platform to give voice to aspiring writers like me in delivering our work and cause in a broader space.” This sentiment is echoed by Ursula, who hopes that “[the program] will become our arena to grow as playwrights and for us to have a harmonious and fruitful experience.”

    Besides sharing the above idealistic expectations with the other fellows, Dumancas and Gelvero are also looking forward to learning more about the technical aspects of playwriting during the upcoming program. “[The program will] hopefully help me create a bigger mindset and imagination on how to create and build a world when it comes to writing pieces,” said Dumancas. 

    Being accepted into the program, Gelvero hopes to “establish in me the core foundations of writing plays, the points to consider, what to do, what to avoid. It will also be a good practice and application.”

    In line with this, the fellows are looking forward to seeing their works performed in a staged reading at the end of the program, on November 18, 5pm, at the Negros Museum in Bacolod. But until then, the four fellows are currently preparing to face new challenges in their careers as aspiring writers.

  • ‘Replacing Chef Chico’: Netflix’s Debut Filipino Series Blends Romance & Culinary Drama

    A Delectable Mélange of Passion and Cuisine

    Where love simmers and food reigns supreme. Combine these, and you’ve got a recipe for a captivating series. Presenting, the very first local Netflix production in series form, that brings love and gourmet cooking together on one plate: Replacing Chef Chico.

    Screenshot 2023 10 27 at 11.19.26 PM

    Star-Studded Culinary Drama

    Helmed by the talented troika: Director Dan Villegas, Assistant Director Joi Bayan, and Showrunner Antoinette Jadaone, this series boasts an impressive cast. Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, and Sam Milby bring their A-game, portraying characters whose lives entangle in the heart of a top-tier restaurant, Hain.

    Whipping up the Plot

    Set in the ritzy confines of “Hain,” an avant-garde restaurant, the story revolves around its signature style: dishes crafted to reflect diners’ personal tales. However, chaos ensues when the head honcho, Chef Chico (portrayed by the charismatic Sam Milby), is sidelined due to a mishap. Now, the restaurant’s destiny dangles between the seasoned hands of sous chef Chef Ella (a brilliant Alessandra de Rossi) and the intriguing new consultant Raymond (played by the suave Piolo Pascual). Ahem, there’s a dash of romance in the air, if you hadn’t guessed!

    During the “See What’s Next” event, Showrunner Antoinette Jadaone, known for hits like “Fan Girl” and “That Thing Called Tadhana,” gushed about her fondness for culinary shows shaping this series. She quipped, “I think it’s perfect for the Christmas season because, at its core, it’s about love, friendship, and acceptance. Each episode tells a story of family, friendship, and love, all celebrated over food.”

    The duo, Jadaone and Villegas, also shared their enthusiasm about the revolutionizing world of streaming and its impact on Filipino viewership. Produced in collaboration with CS Studios and Project8, Replacing Chef Chico is an ode to Filipino flavors in more ways than one.

    Screenshot 2023 10 27 at 11.19.43 PM

    Ready to Feast?

    Mark those calendars, folks! November 24 is when you let the flavors of Replacing Chef Chico tantalize your cinematic taste buds, exclusively on Netflix. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, garnished with a touch of love, drama, and a whole lot of cooking!

  • Disney+’s Hallowstream: Your Ultimate Guide to a Spooktacular Family Halloween

    Halloween is not just about dressing up and trick-or-treating; it’s a season of spine-tingling fun and thrilling adventures, especially with Disney+’s Hallowstream! Embrace the spooky spirit as Disney+ rolls out a cauldron bubbling with both family-friendly scares and heart-pounding thrillers.

    As the Halloween long weekend arrives, Disney fans of all ages can relish a blend of light-hearted and comedy horror, or plunge into a world filled with the wildest frights and thrills. So, gather your loved ones, dim the lights, and get ready for an unforgettable Halloween adventure with Disney+ Hallowstream.

    Thrills and chills for the family

    The Halloween season is a great way to spend quality family time and enjoy some light-hearted horror. Enter the Haunted Mansion and witness a century’s worth of frights in a single night, or uncover supernatural mysteries with Goosebumps. You can also have a mystical Halloween with Hocus Pocus, or have the most heartwarming Halloween with the family in Coco. And don’t forget to include the fun whimsical yet frightful film, Nightmare Before Christmas, which follows Jack Skellington, the king of Halloweentown. Looking to find new places to fright, he enters the world of Christmastown, leading to an adventure filled with music, discovery, and love. Whichever you choose, have a chilling and thrilling long weekend Hallowstream ahead!

    Classic horror nights

    Why not revisit some of the classics with your family? Snuggle up and introduce the younger generation to the iconic tales that shaped your childhood Halloweens. Every family member, young and old, will find something to enjoy.

    For a more serious hardcore horror experience, you can catch some of the scariest suspense and thriller content on Disney+ Hallowstream. Discover horrors that lie closer to home with The Boogeyman, or uncover the mystery behind disturbing phenomena in Revenant. Experience a multitude of frights from the horror anthology American Horror Story, or escape an invasion from the unknown in “No One Will Save You.” In a season of frights, experience the biggest ones only on Disney+.

    Join the Hallowstream Community

    This Halloween, make memories that last. Whether you’re snuggling under blankets with family or gripping the edge of your seat in fear, Disney+’s Hallowstream has something for everyone. Don’t forget to share your spooky experiences and join the online community with the hashtags #DisneyPlusPH and #Hallowstream.

    So, are you ready to embark on this hair-raising journey? Turn on Disney+ Hallowstream, and let the frights, fun, and family memories begin. Happy Halloween!