The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) formally welcomes the country’s Multimedia Superstar, Anne Curtis, as the Bank’s newest brand partner.
As a long-time BPI client, Anne is excited to share her own experiences with the Bank and to introduce its new products and services.
“BPI has always been a reliable bank throughout my journey. It has allowed me to do more and be more, which is why I want to share my experience with others,” Anne says.
Do More with BPI
Anne’s journey with BPI serves as the springboard of the “Do More with BPI” campaign, wherein the Bank enables Filipinos to do more in life and fulfill their dreams. With its 172-year history of banking excellence, BPI offers services that transcend financial solutions and empower people to go further and achieve greater pursuits.
“BPI is the Filipinos’ partner at every point in their lives. The Bank shares their values and anticipates their needs by coming up with the best solutions crafted from years of experience. With a comprehensive line-up of products and services, BPI is able to help Filipinos realize their dreams,” says BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.
As of June this year, BPI had 6.2 million clients enrolled in its digital channels, with an open banking infrastructure providing access to 2,200 products and services by over 100 partners.
Among the Bank’s latest digital innovations are the new BPI App, where retail customers can transact in seconds and avail new products and services in just minutes. Soon, they will be able to get AI-powered financial insights on their spending and saving habits. For SME clients, meanwhile, BPI recently launched the Ka-Negosyo online loan application portal — a one-stop shop that allows entrepreneurs to learn about and avail of the Bank’s SME loan products.
On top of its digitalization efforts, BPI has embarked on an internal customer obsession program. Under the program, the Bank assigned customer delight officers to help empower frontliners and created agile teams to address common customer pain points. With these measures in place, BPI looks forward to serving more customers and process more transactions.
“Do More with BPI” elevates financial inclusion through digitalization and customer obsession. In the words of BPI’s President and CEO, TG Limcaoco, “This demonstrates our unwavering dedication to maintain the deep trust our clients have in us and build a better Philippines—one family, one community at a time.”
Director and screenwriter Kim Yong-hwa is no stranger to the big budget, special effects heavy narratives with a strong emotional core. He did ‘Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds’ and ‘Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days,’ which features both aspects of his strengths. He capitalizes on these qualities again on his latest film ‘The Moon’ with Do Kyung-soo (more famously known as D.O. of EXO), Sol Kyung Gu, and Kim Hee-Ae. Very reminiscent of similar trapped-in-space stories like ‘Gravity’ or ‘The Martian,’ Do Kyung-soo plays Hwang Sun-woo, a former Navy Seal turned astronaut, who is one of the three Korean men sent to the moon. When an incident leaves Hwang Sun-woo stranded and alone in space, the ground command of the Korean Space program must find a way to help him back to Earth.
While the film has its share of exciting thrills and spills – it features quite a number of amazing set ups involving meteor showers and exploding space crafts – it also has its fair share of touching emotional moments and some exciting suspense plot in terms of the inner workings of competing space programs.
While one can find a lot of fun with just the survival aspect of the movie alone; Kim Yong-hwa adds more to the plate by adding a dramatic layer for Do Kyung-soo’s character to chew on. Hwang Sun-woo has a personal tie to the mission and it informs on his drive to complete the mission despite everything going against him. The same with Sol Kyung Gu’s Jae Kook, who also has a personal relationship with the whole endeavour. After all, he was the first director the Korean space program where the astronauts who were sent to moon did not make it alive.
From these events comes a story that contextualizes the power that it gives any country that manages a successful space program. ‘The Moon’ manages to give us insight over a country’s determination to be considered at par with the superpowers around them. As Filipinos, we’ve already succumbed to the soft power of South Korea. We help sell-out their Kpop concerts and fan meets with their actors. We’ve helped push their media into the top 10 of any streaming site and we’ve become familiar with their food, some famous phrases, and such. The world is starting to see South Korea in a separate light but ‘The Moon’ helps us contextualize things that I’ve also seen in other Korean dramas and movies and read in some articles: that South Korea also has a form of colonial mentality of their own. Much like how a number of Kpop acts look to America for recognition (like The Grammy awards) or appearance in music festivals like Coachella or how the Academy Award win for ‘Parasite’ was such a big thing for them, there seems to be an underlying message that is familiar to us Filipinos: that the west (and recognition from the west) is a powerful thing.
What’s great about ‘The Moon’ is that the film aspires to go beyond that and that it sends a clear message that South Korea has the capacity to do it on their own. From the strong images and the narrative choices that the film makes: how NASA is a competitor, not an ally (and in some ways, they are the bad guys, which is a welcome change); how politicians can still be a hindrance to the growth of any country (as played by Jo Han Chul, who is excellent in these kinds of roles); and how South Korea can come together and save one man trapped in the moon.
The film is so tonally precise that it employs great epic music to really push the emotions of the viewers to where it wants it to go, it can be manipulative the way commercial films always are and can promise a great time. I do have issues with certain emotional scenes that were not set-up properly. There is a third act subplot that is introduced, which may have benefitted from an earlier set up as well as a story point that becomes morally objectionable that isn’t resolve in a satisfying manner (in my opinion).
But overall, ‘The Moon’ is a film that is easy to enjoy and appreciate with a dedicated call for its viewers to dream bigger and to unite for humanity’s sake.
My Rating:
THE MOON will be shown in cinemas nationwide starting August 16. Buy your tickets here.
Over the years, mobile data has truly become essential in the daily life of Filipinos. Many rely on their phone’s mobile data connection for work, education, livelihood, and entertainment. In this era of countless apps and data-heavy activities, understanding your data consumption can empower you to save and maximize your usage.
Mobile leader Globe shares tips on how you can conserve your data so you can make the most of your browsing experience!
1. Choose the best data promo
Globe has the best data promos for your needs, regardless of your budget. If you are budget-conscious and want to make the best of your data for streaming, learning, earning and other activities, try Go50 with 5GB data for all sites and unlimited all-net texts for P50, valid for 3 days. If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, go for Super Xclusive Go+99 with up to 10GB for all sites, 8GB for your choice of apps, and unlimited all-net texts for P99, valid for up to 8 days. Both promos are available on the GlobeOne app.
2. Check how you use your mobile data
Data usage is largely behavioral. If you are a heavy streamer, whether it be videos, music, or games, your data consumption will inevitably be higher than a recreational or casual user. Make sure you keep yourself in check when browsing.
3. Be conscious of usage while video-streaming
High-resolution videos in applications may lead to more data consumed. The higher the quality of the video, the more data it would likely require. Make sure to adjust the video quality in apps like Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, Tiktok, and Zoom to conserve data. To get a sulit deal for streaming sites, you can register to Go+99 with GoWATCH to get 8GB for all sites, plus 8GB for video apps, and unlimited all-net texts, valid for 7 days.
4. Control app updates
Automatic app updates and other app activities may consume a significant amount of data. Turn on your phone’s Low Data Mode (Android) or Data Saver (iOS) to stop automatic app updates and other activities from using your mobile data.
5. Know your data limit
Keep in mind that it’s possible to exhaust all your data before the end of your promo period depending on usage. Some customers might think that their data, such as 5GB under Go50 on GlobeOne, will last for 3 days, and are surprised when it gets fully consumed before the validity ends. You may keep track of your data usage using the GlobeOne app.
6. Know where to get help
If you have concerns about data, you may access GlobeOne app and go to the Help section. GlobeOne is your digital life companion!
“Putting our customers first, we recognize the importance of every megabyte of data, and more so, the value of the money they spend on it. We believe every byte matters! Actively listening to their browsing experiences forms a vital part of our service improvement. We hope that this information serves as a valuable tool for our customers, enabling them to make the most out of their data without any worries,” said Aileen Burgos, head of Customer Experience.
Stay connected, stay informed, and enjoy your browsing experience with Globe and TM! Visit https://www.globe.com.ph/ to know more.
Seda Hotels is celebrating the opening of their 12th property in the Philippines, Seda Manila Bay, marking another milestone in the continuous expansion of the brand and solidifying its position as a key player in the local hospitality industry.
Seda Manila Bay is located in Paranaque’s Entertainment City and offers 350 thoughtfully designed rooms from Deluxe Rooms to Suites, ideal for both business and family travel.
Javier Hernandez, President and CEO of owning company AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts, expresses his enthusiasm on the newest property, stating, “We are proud to see Seda Hotels flourish and continue to expand its footprint in the Philippines. Seda Manila Bay will carry on the brand’s commitment to providing unparalleled Filipino hospitality combined with service at par with global standards.”
The hotel’s unique design incorporates various leisure amenities that will delight all ages. These include a sprawling water playground with pool fountains and other fun features in the kids’ area; a Children’s Playroom with developmental toys, arts and crafts, and learning activities for young ones; and a Game Room outfitted with gaming consoles.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Seda Spa is a wellness retreat with private massage rooms, while the gym provides cutting-edge fitness equipment. Opening soon is a mini-golf area, providing even more ways for guests to unwind and have fun during their stay.
General Manager Jeffrey Enriquez adds that Seda Manila Bay features a ballroom for up to 350 attendees and smaller meeting rooms capable of offering flexible and creative solutions to suit different event needs in the city. “Guests can also expect a diverse and flavorful dining experience at Seda’s signature outlets, Misto restaurant, which serves a medley of international and local dishes, and very soon, Straight Up rooftop bar — perfect for catching the world-famous Manila Bay sunset,” Enriquez says.
Seda Manila Bay boasts of exceptional positioning in the area, offering a unique combination of business and recreational facilities and amenities ideal for corporate, leisure, or family travel.
The hotel’s location is also conveniently accessible, being only 15 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a short 30-minute drive to the bustling CBDs of Makati and BGC.
Hernandez adds that for Seda, the benchmark for success is not about the brand’s aggressive expansion in terms of room inventory, but rather, a focus on product quality. He says, “It is for this reason that the brand has been consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence, winning the “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” award in the UK-based World Travel Awards for nine consecutive years, owing to its dedication to providing superior products and services.”
Seda Manila Bay presents an all-encompassing haven, setting a new standard for remarkable stays in Paranaque’s Entertainment City.
The iconic skate footwear brand, Vans is back with a bang in the heart of Muntinlupa City. With its signature blend of Southern Cali-cool vibes and the rebellious ‘Off the Wall’ aesthetic, this reopening in its 2,000+ strong roster of international retail establishments is set to leave sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-forward folks alike buzzing with anticipation.
A Fresh Take on Classic Elegance
The 130.64 square-foot Vans Festival Mall store goes all out in ensuring you’re surrounded by everything authentically Vans. Featuring their signature checkerboard design amalgamated with rustic wood furnishings, the store captures that modern, youthful energy perfectly. Stepping into this space, you’re not just walking into a store, but an embodiment of the brand’s essence, making it “Off The Wall” in a modern and youthful way.
Exclusive Surprises Await
First 100 alert! If you’re among the initial century of shoppers at Vans Festival Mall and manage to snag products worth PHP 8,000 in a single receipt, brace yourself for a treat. You’ll be walking away with an exclusive limited-edition Vans laundry bag. Talk about a shopping bonus!
The store has a stylish assortment of footwear, apparel, and accessories, including the new Vans Authentic Bolt in Chekeredboard, Black Yellow, and Fired Brick colorways. The shoes have an iconic rubber waffle outsole and a classic low-top design with thunderbolt details emerging from the front bumper, creating a bold update that makes each step a statement. The Vans Authentic Bolt is priced at Php5,498.00.
Since 1966, Vans has been committed to forwarding its advocacy for creative self- expression. With over 57 years of the classic side stripe, the sneaker company continues to promote youth and diversity, as well as rally for action sports while recognizing how its famous “Off The Wall” philosophy has connected the brand to action sports, music, arts and design.
To keep your fashion game strong and be in-the-know about the latest from the brand, don’t forget to follow VansPH on Facebook and Instagram. For those who can’t resist an online spree, explore the freshest drops on VansPH’s Online Shop. Head to the Vans Festival Mall branch located at the Upper Ground Level West Wing.
With the back-to-school season nearing, Philippine youth groups are questioning the impending tuition increase in select state universities, colleges, and private schools nationwide. This fee hike looms even while the country’s inflation rate remains high at 6.1%, as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported in June 2023.
As more and more Filipino families feel the weight of the tuition hike, the Philippines’ #1 e-wallet app, GCash, offers several solutions to make paying for schooling-related fees more affordable and less stressful.
“We understand that with the upcoming school year’s tuition hike paired in parallel with the country’s high inflation rates, Filipino families are starting to view back-to-school expenses as an added struggle. It is exactly why we continue to maintain our lending solutions to be as accessible as possible,” Zo Canaria, Head of Growth Marketing at FUSE Lending Inc. underscored. “The more solutions we can offer to ease Filipinos of financial burden, the more lives we can help elevate.”
The Philippines has been accustomed to the stigma that comes with borrowing money. In fact, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2021 Financial Inclusion Report found that 50% of Filipino adults perceive borrowing from formal institutions to be “difficult” due to income and documentation requirements upon application.
GCash is working to change this belief by offering readily-available lending solutions for different financial needs, allowing users to view loans as an effective tool in achieving their goals while staying within their means.
As of the first quarter of 2023, 2.8 million Filipino users have loaned via GCash, 35% of which are business owners who use the loan to grow their businesses. Still, it remains to be a little-known fact that aspiring borrowers may also apply for a loan to fund their or their children’s education.
Here are some of the ways that GCash’s borrowing solutions, may be used for schooling-related purposes:
Affording tuition and school-related fees via GLoan
With the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) expecting a tuition hike average of 3-4% in some private schools this year, parents and sponsors might opt to secure a loan to continue funding their child’s education.
With GLoan, eligible borrowers may loan up to Php 125,000, instantly sent to their e-wallet within 24 hours. Canaria emphasized, “Education is essential, and people loan for it all the time — whether through friends and family, banks, or even academic offerings. What makes GLoan superior to all other options is its ease of access and flexibility upon application, while still leveraging on the credibility and the security of the GCash app.”
Embracing hybrid learning with the right tools via GGives
To keep up with the times, many schools have also transitioned to a more modern way of learning. In fact, the Department of Education in a recent statement said that they are in search of ways to promote the use of technology in education, suggesting the long-term implementation of digital or hybrid learning arrangements. Through GGives, borrowers may acquire new laptops and tablets in over 110,000 merchants, and pay for it in installments. Canaria shared, “Materials that can effectively support students’ schooling experience have transformed. We understand that this is a costly shift for most Filipinos and funds for gadgets are hard to come by, and this is one of the reasons why GGives specifically allows partial payments of up to 24 months with zero down payments.”
Paying for supplies and day-to-day essentials via GCredit
Even as the inflation rate eased as reported by PSA, Filipinos are still experiencing the effects of the Philippine peso weakening at a concerning rate. This has made careful budgeting for school supplies, snacks, allowance, and daily commute fees more difficult.
GCredit, Powered by CIMB, has a readily available credit line built to support eligible users in times like these, enabling borrowers with a limit of up to Php 50,000 at a pro-rated interest rate. Canaria said, “Because of price hikes everywhere, the feeling of ‘being stuck in a tight spot’ is becoming more and more pronounced nowadays. With classes either back to face-to-face or transitioning to hybrid, GCredit can help users manage daily expenses more confidently. It has a wide range of merchants for every need, from lifestyle and food to transportation and groceries.”
“We at GCash have always believed that education is a right for all Filipinos, not just a privilege, and these lending solutions are our way of making this right more apparent for our fellow countrymen. As the leading e-wallet app in the market, providing easy access to extra funds and empowering users with resources that bolster their growth is our duty to the 70 million users we serve,” Canaria concluded.
To be eligible for GLoan, GGives, and GCredit, users must have a fully verified GCash profile and must continue using GCash and its services, such as maintaining a high wallet balance, regularly cashing in and paying your dues early or on time.
Access GCredit through your GCash dashboard or find it under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery! Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
With Cinemalaya 19 drawing to a close, the Philippine Independent Film Festival etches an unforgettable legacy in the minds of film enthusiasts. This year’s gala has proven to be more than just a showcase of films — it’s been a testament to unparalleled creativity, profound narratives, and compelling performances. Journey with us as we shine a light on the cinematic masterpieces and show-stopping talents that made this season truly unforgettable.
Explore award-winning films, standout performances, and behind-the-scenes talent that defined this year’s festival.
Animated film Iti Mapukpukaw made history as it brought home the Balanghai trophy for Best Film in the Full-Length Category of the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
The film directed by Carl Joseph Papa was cited for “for boldly taking on the challenges of technology in crafting a very engaging narrative of a young man confronting the demons of his past, and for its overall cinematic excellence.”
Meanwhile, Januar Yap’s Sibuyas ni Perfecto won the Best Film in the Short Film Category for its “quiet but coruscating take on social iniquity and how the poor’s exploitation by the rich is driven by their own denigration and self-abasement.”
Best Director Balanghai trophies go to filmmakers Ryan Espinosa Machado and Mike Cabarles. For his film Huling Palabas, director Machado has effectively summoned “the resources of art to come up with a deeply personal film that evokes fond memories of pre-digital cinema while paying homage to one’s small-town roots, and how all of this contributes to fashioning self-respect and self-identity.”
(Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
Director Mike Cabarles, on the other hand, employed “the resources of cinema in effectively evoking the loneliness of two brothers missing their mother whom they have lost to the sea” in his film Makoko sa Baybay.
Jopy Arnaldo’s Gitling and Arvin Belarmino’s Hinakdal received the Best Screenplay awards. The film Gitling was cited for “its very tender tale of two persons bridging the divide between races and cultures and, through constructed language and through silence and even evasion, coming to a poignant understanding of the heart.”
(Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
Hinakdal, co-written by Belarmino and Kyla Romero, won the award for the “very striking narrative that remakes the horror genre while humanizing zombies and endowing them with heart and soul.”
NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific) Awards went to Iti Mapupukaw and Hinakdal. The full-length film by Papa was praised for “its finely nuanced, masterfully crafted, tale of healing, friendships and young love, effectively utilizing state-of-the-art technology that is integral to its storytelling.” Citation for the short film Hinakdal mentioned “its pithy, layered and strong social commentary laced with dollops of humor.”
Mikoy Morales and Pat Tingjuy (Photos by Kiko Cabuena)
Actor Mikoy Morales and actress Pat Tingjuy were cited for their Best Performance of An Actor and An Actress, respectively. Morales won the jury’s nod for “his compelling performance of a charming but predatory womanizer who gets his just desserts” in the film Tether; while Tingjuy won the award for “her refreshing portrayal of a young girl coming to terms with her sexual identity as she comes of age in the exciting world of volleyball.”
Dolly de Leon (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
Actres Dolly de Leon and actor Bon Andrew Lentejas won the Best Performance of a Supporting Actress and Actor, respectively. Dolly de Leon, who starred in the film Iti Mapukpukaw, was recognized for her “pellucid performance of an affectionate mother helping her son confront the demons of his past.” Meanwhile, Lentejas got the award for his “engaging portrayal of a young man trying to understand his best friend’s difficult ways as the latter comes of age” in Huling Palabas.
(Photo by Kiko Cabuena)
Technical awards include:
BEST EDITING – Ilsa Malsi (Rookie), for “effective splicing and intercutting that unravels a girl’s coming-of-age in the exciting world of volleyball.”
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – Martika Escobar (When This Is All Over), for her “effective camera work and lighting to depict the world of drugs and the lifestyle that sustains it.”
BEST ORIGINAL MUSICAL SCORE – Kindred, composed of Justin Punzalan, Vince Dalida, Luis Montales, Jaime San Juan, Moses Webb, Fern Tan, Jorge Juan Wieneke V, Othello Intia, (When This Is All Over), for “its original musical soundtrack that helps propel its depiction of the drug subculture obtaining in high condominium living.”
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN – KAYE BANAAG (When This Is All Over), “for successfully conjuring the contrasting worlds of affluence and want in condominium living.”
BEST SOUND – Gian Arre (Tether), “for its effective sound design in which both noise and silence are melded well together to heighten psychological realism.”
Special Jury Prize winners were: Dustin Celestino’s Ang Duyan ng Magiting, cited for “its trenchant portrait of the wages of political violence, for its highly discursive and dialectical take on the culture of impunity that seems to have entrenched itself in Philippine politics, and for arousing among audiences awareness on the need to come to grips with the country’s escalating political violence”; and Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan’s Hm Hm Mhm, for “its boldly experimental verve to depict a woman revisiting the darker aspects of her childhood.”
Special Award was given to Ang Duyan ng Magiting for Best Ensemble Acting, for its actors “powerful acting that credibly renders the opposing viewpoints in the history of political violence and culture of impunity that seem to have bedevilled the Philippines since the turn of the new century.”
Hinakdal and Rookie won the hearts of the Cinemalaya theater goers and audiences, receiving the Audience Choice Award for Short Film and Full-Length categories, respectively.
As Cinemalaya 19 wraps up, we’re left with a richer appreciation for the depth and diversity of Philippine cinema. The stories told, the talents unveiled, and the conversations ignited are a testament to the ever-evolving film landscape. Here’s to another year of groundbreaking films, awe-inspiring artists, and avid film lovers uniting in their passion. Until we gather once more for the magic of Cinemalaya, keep the spirit of independent cinema alive in your hearts.
Exciting August Lineup revealed for Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. Channels! Get ready for a month filled with laughter, learning, and adventure as Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. unveil their captivating lineup of shows and specials. From beloved animated classics to brand-new episodes, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Remember the action, the camaraderie and most importantly, the pizza? Relive the high-octane moments of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and watch the turtles kick butt and save the city from Shredder!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles airs every weekend in August at 12:15pm.
Based on the best-selling children’s books and comic strips, Big Nate is an Emmy-nominated original animated series that follows Nate Wright and his misfit group of friends as they tackle new adventures, face epic challenges and unleash their boundless imaginations at P.S. 38.
In the new episodes, Nate is ready to be treated like an adult, so when Martin and Ellen head out of town, he insists he can hold down the fort alone. But when zombies strike, Nate questions his ability to take on life by himself.
Big Nate airsweekdays at 3:45pm, starting from August 21. Also available on demand, please check with local operators for more information.
From husband and wife team David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim (UglyDolls), and based on the popular book series by Horvath, the series follows Bossy Bear, an overly-enthusiastic extrovert, and Turtle, a thoughtful introvert–unlikely besties who make the perfect team for navigating silly childhood adventures in their Koreatown-inspired city of Pleasantburg.
In the new episodes, Bossy and Turtle go camping and learn the story of the magical
Yeti. They also take a bestie quiz but fail to get a perfect score. What does this mean for their friendship?Bossy Bear airs daily on the Nick Jr. channel at 10:35am, starting from August 14. Also available on demand, please check with local operators for more information.
Special Put on your construction hat and grab your toolbox – it’s time to wreck and roll with Rubble! Catch your favourite PAW Patrol episodes, featuring Rubble on the double saving the day with his construction skills and can-do attitude!
Gear up for even more of the lovable pup – set to star in his own spin-off series Rubble & Crew, premiering on the Nick Jr. channel in September.The special airs daily on the Nick Jr. channel at 11am, starting from Aug 21. Also available on demand, please check with local operators for more information.
“It’s a dream, surreal is really the only word I can use for it,” says Xolo Maridueña, who plays Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle in the all-new Super Hero movie from Warner Bros. Pictures, “Blue Beetle.”
“For as long as I can remember, Jaime Reyes is the biggest Latin Super Hero in the DC Universe,” says the actor. “Growing up, my mom was a huge fan of comics and I think she passed down that liking to me, and it was always a dream to play this role and to get into this character.”
For Maridueña, family is what sets “Blue Beetle” apart from other Super Hero movies. “The family aspect is one that this movie really hits right on the head,” he shares. “Getting to work alongside phenomenal actors that are playing my family – Elpidia (Carillo, plays Jaime’s mother), Damían (Alcázar, father), Adriana (Barraza, grandmother), Belissa (Escobedo, sister) – the whole core family, I look at them and I speak with them and I’m like, ‘whoa,’ from the get-go we were bonded for life, and we are now. I haven’t seen that in a Super Hero movie before, so I think the audience is really gonna relate to that.”
Unlike in most Super Hero movies where the protagonist hides their identity from family to keep them safe, in “Blue Beetle,” Jaime discovers his superpowers right in front of his family, making them all privy to his secret. “This family, really, for better or for worse, is the driving force of everything that Jaime does,” says Maridueña. “You see that, and it’s really just due in part to how much he cares about them, and that is an experience that I relate to and that I can connect with so easily.
“My family is also so integral in everything that I do, and sometimes it feels like we’re on top of each other all the time, but those are the best types of relationships. I think they really provided a support system for Jaime to excel in everything that he wanted to do, and maybe now that he has the Scarab the plans are a little bit different, but they’re ride-or-dies, they see him for who is he and they’re gonna support him, and that really is such an important part of the story.”
In “Blue Beetle,” recent college grad Jaime Reyes (Maridueña) returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.
“Blue Beetle” opens exclusively in cinemas August 16.
**The interview with Xolo Maridueña was done before the strike.**
From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Angel Manuel Soto, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes.
Starring alongside Maridueña (“Cobra Kai”) are Adriana Barraza (“Rambo: Last Blood,” “Thor”), Damían Alcázar (“Narcos,” “Narcos: Mexico”), Elpidia Carrillo (“Mayans M.C.,” the “Predator” films), Bruna Marquezine (“Maldivas,” “God Save the King”), Raoul Max Trujillo (the “Sicario” films, “Mayans M.C.”), with Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (“Monarch,” “Dead Man Walking”), and George Lopez (the “Rio and “Smurf” franchises). The film also stars Belissa Escobedo (“American Horror Stories,” “Hocus Pocus 2”) and Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”). Soto (“Charm City Kings,” “The Farm”) directs from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer (“Miss Bala”), based on characters from DC. John Rickard and Zev Foreman are producing, with Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Garrett Grant serving as executive producers.
A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, A Safran Company Production, “Blue Beetle,” in cinemas starting August 16, is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #BlueBeetle
The trailer, unveiled alongside the teaser poster, marks the beginning of the time-slip romance. Jun-hee (Jeon Yeo Been), missing her late boyfriend (Ahn Hyo Seop) who tragically passed away, plays a mysterious cassette tape that transports her to 1998. Waking up to find Si-heon, who looks exactly like Yeon-jun, Jun-hee’s desperate wish to see him one last time had somewhat come true. All the while, the teaser offers a glimpse into the budding romance surrounding an enthralling love triangle as well as some mystery.
Jun hee (played by Jeon Yeo-been), who lost the love of her life named Yeon-jun (portrayed by Ahn Hyo-seop), travels back to 1998 and encounters an 18-year-old boy called Si-hun (also played by Ahn Hyo-seop) with an uncanny resemblance to Yeon-jun and his friend, In-Gyu (Kang Hoon). When she travels to 1998, she also becomes an 18-year-old teenager called Min-joo, who has a completely different personality. As she unravels the secrets behind her journey, she realizes that fate has a lot more in store for her.
