‘Gran Turismo’ is not just another racing movie; it is the inspiring true story of Jann Mardenborough. He dreamed the impossible to become an elite racer. As a teenager, his gaming skills won him a series of Nissan competitions, propelling him into the realm of professional racecar driving. Now that’s what you call leveling up!
Under the deft direction of Neill Blomkamp and the sharp screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, “Gran Turismo” promises an immersive cinematic experience. It is based on the popular video game by PLAYSTATION STUDIOS, thus promising an engaging mix of reality and thrilling virtual elements.
Behind the scenes, the film is backed by a strong production team, including Doug Belgrad, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Dana Brunetti. Serving as the executive producers are Kazunori Yamauchi, Herman Hulst, Jason Hall, and Matthew Hirsch.
Featuring an ensemble cast including David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou, the film brings together an eclectic mix of talent.
“Gran Turismo” will premiere in Philippine cinemas in August 2023, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Join the conversation online with the hashtag #GranTurismoMovie, and gear up for an inspiring ride this August!
Get set for another thrilling week at the cinema! This week brings an exciting lineup of new releases that promises something for everyone. Prepare to be enchanted by Disney’s live-action reimagining of ‘The Little Mermaid‘, relive the superhero nostalgia with the remastered ‘Superman: The Movie‘, and more comedy, suspense, and touching stories await you in the lineup of films coming to cinemas this week. Here’s a quick guide to the mix of films everyone is looking forward to.
2023 • G • 2 hrs 15 mins ADVENTURE, FAMILY, FANTASY, ROMANCE BUY TICKET
Making a splash onto the big screen this week is Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved classic, ‘The Little Mermaid.’ With a star-studded cast and enchanting musical score, this underwater adventure promises a heartwarming and visually stunning journey. Ready to go ‘under the sea’ once again?
PG • 2 hrs 23 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, SCIENCE FICTION
In celebration of Warner Bros. 100 years, take flight back in time with the remastered edition of “Superman The Movie,” starring the iconic Christopher Reeve. This special release promises a viewing experience that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge cinematic enhancements. Witness the Man of Steel in a refreshed light as we relive Clark Kent’s extraordinary double life as an ordinary journalist by day and a superhero by night. This iconic narrative, balancing every day relationships and Kryptonian responsibilities, is set to enchant audiences anew. In the heart of a superhero movie renaissance, it’s invigorating to return to the roots of our superhero love.
A gripping Indonesian psychological thriller, it grapples with the grittiest aspects of human nature, pushing boundaries and leaving you on the edge of your seat. The title, translating to “You Deserve to Die,” sets a chilling tone for the narrative. It’s a story of vengeance and justice, where morality becomes blurred, and the characters are tested to their limits. Tread carefully, for as the plot thickens, you may find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about right and wrong. Are you brave enough to face the darkness within a tainted soul? This suspenseful thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Are you ready to embark on this hair-raising journey?
Based on the true-to-life story of Sammy Romero, a stuntman who returned to riding a tricycle because there was no shooting in the movie industry. He got into a fight with an angry tricycle driver who refused to keep in line. They were both jailed and knowing that he was the most wanted criminal, he was left in jail. Since then, good things have been done in the town because of all the tricycle drivers, so the vice mayor who was also a tricycle driver decided to establish the mayor’s Squad Task Force and the members are tricycle drivers, so they have become partners. Due to the amount of their help to the people in the province, the leaders of the town became popular, and they all got an award from the province.
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
If you missed them the first time around, fear not! You can still catch some of the most popular films of recent weeks. Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still playing in theaters:
The latest adrenaline-fueled chapter of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, plunges the audience into an international whirlwind of high-speed races and perilous missions. As Dominic Toretto, Brian O’Conner, and their team face daunting challenges and formidable adversaries, they redefine the limits of loyalty, family, and freedom. Get ready to strap in and rev up for this unstoppable, action-packed ride.
This delightful dramedy hits all the right notes, serving a slice of life with a side of laughter and a dash of drama. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Richardson, Reggie and Melvin have have been friends for many years despite working in different fields. They decided to go on a vacation, finding themselves in hilarious situations, but at the same time, they are able to address some family issues. Everything’s going perfectly well until the night Reggie collapses. And then it all comes crashing down.
The cult classic horror franchise returns with “Evil Dead Rise,” ready to unleash a new wave of terror upon unsuspecting audiences. This bone-chilling installment promises even more gore, suspense, and the iconic blend of humor and horror that fans have come to love. Will you be able to withstand the rise of the Evil Dead? Two sisters find an ancient vinyl that gives birth to bloodthirsty demons that run amok in a Los Angeles apartment building and thrusts them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.
Get ready for an intergalactic adventure with the highly anticipated finale to the epic Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy! Helmed by James Gunn, our favorite motley crew of heroes, including Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), Kraglin (Sean Gunn), High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), and Cosmo (voiced by Maria Bakalova) return to protect the galaxy one last time. With a toe-tapping soundtrack, breathtaking visuals, and a perfect blend of humor and heart, this Marvel masterpiece promises to be an out-of-this-world cinematic experience.
2023 • PG • 1 hr 32 min ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, COMEDY, FAMILY, FANTASY BUY TICKET
Join Mario, Luigi, and the whole Mushroom Kingdom gang in The Super Mario Bros. Movie! This animated adventure, featuring the voices of Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy, brings your favorite video game characters to life on the big screen.
Get ready for a spine-tingling horror movie as a Vatican exorcist is tasked with battling demonic possession. Starring Russell Crowe, this movie is not for the faint-hearted.
That’s a wrap for this week’s movie guide. Stay tuned for next week’s round-up of the new releases. Have a great time at the movies!
Featuring an upgraded AI 2.0 that sets a series of increasingly difficult challenges, THE ZONE: Survival Mission 2 will see Jaeseok, Kwangsoo and Yuri travel to some of Korea’s most unique destinations as they fight to survive.
Spread across eight episodes, season two will throw the hosts into a variety of hilarious situations as they search for life-saving water in a haunted hospital; desperately play golf in an attempt to escape a rapidly sinking island in the middle of the ocean; recreate a series of childhood games on a shaking suspension bridge; try to escape a waterpark full of zombies; and attempt to survive on a traveling bed that’s been hijacked by a rogue AI, that drives the trio through a university campus, venturing into classrooms, crashing them through walls, driving them into a lake, and more.
Slated to launch with a three episode premiere on June 14, followed by a new episode released every week, THE ZONE: Survival Mission 2 is produced by Studio Gaon, directed by Cho Hyojin and Kim Dongjin, and is created by the original team behind the wildly popular Running Man franchise.
Stream THE ZONE: Survival Mission 2 from June 14, only on Disney+.
In this digital era, technology is often seen as a tool for convenience– you can shop, travel, and get what you need in a jiffy just by tapping your screens.
But beyond our daily transactions, technology also continues to strengthen our connections and foster our relationships– making those taps and clicks more meaningful for us and the people who matter the most.
This is what the heartwarming short film from Antoinette Jadaone, “Alma”, is all about. Watch the full film below:
Alma is the latest installment of #GCashStories, a collection of inspirational stories that highlights real Filipinos who have been empowered and enabled by GCash to stay hopeful and pursue progress.
In this film, we discover the story of Alma Fermano, a photocopy operator and family breadwinner who has become a familiar and friendly face at the Ateneo de Manila campus.
Known for her warm and cordial personality, Alma spends her day in front of a humming photocopy machine, greeting students with a smile and an endearing “pangga” (love)– making meaningful interactions as they go about their daily school errands.
Alma shares her story during GCash’s media launch for the short film Alma.
It was when Alma lost her home to a typhoon flooding that she discovered how meaningful those connections were– when university students and alumni alike came together and sent donations to her through GCash’s Send Money feature to help rebuild her home.
And the noble cause was a success.
“Sa totoo lang napakalaking tulong sa akin ng GCash talaga. Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi first time lang nangyari sa akin. Thank you talaga sa GCash,” shares Alma.
“Sobrang nagulat ako, hindi ko akalain na ganoon karami agad ang dumating. Isipin mo naging 100,000 agad ang dumating sa GCash ko. Talagang patuloy silang naghulog sa GCash hanggang nabuo yung bahay namin,” she adds.
Alma with former Ateneo students (Photo: GCash)
81 Million GCash Users, 81 Million Stories To Tell
The #1 Finance Super App GCash has now become a household name in providing everyone a convenient and safe way to send money, making it easier to provide support and financial assistance when needed– all you need is the GCash app and the person’s GCash number or QR code.
The app now has 81 million users and has distributed over USD 320 million of financial aid. And through its #GCashStories campaign, GCash aims to turn its users’ relevant moments into long-lasting movements by sharing them as short films meant to inspire. Because the GCash Story is not just their story, it’s our story together.
To take things further, the e-wallet has partnered with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation and Caritas Manila, where proceeds will go to families in need of disaster relief, much like Alma’s.
Before Alma, GCash also featured the story of Cocoy Rubio, who lost his job during the pandemic but found success as a small business owner with the help of GLoan.
GCash knows we all have our inspiring stories to tell. What’s yours? Follow and contribute through #GCashStories on social media. Learn more about it here.
The Araneta Group signed a contract with Wolfgang’s Steakhouse for the opening of an upcoming branch at the new Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.
Present during the contract signing were (from left to right) Elena Zwiener, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse President Raymund Magdaluyo, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Co-founder and Director Wolfgang Zwiener, Araneta Group CEO and Chairman Jorge Araneta, Peter Zwiener, Araneta City SVP for Operations Antonio Mardo, and Araneta City VP for Leasing Lorna Fabian.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse at Araneta City will be the 5th branch of the US-based steakhouse in Metro Manila, and the second to open in the metro with a grill concept.
The long-anticipated live-action reimagining of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” a fresh take on the Oscar®-winning animated musical classic and is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Don’t miss out! Check the showtimes and buy your tickets now!
Inspired by the timeless tale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen in 1837, it is the quintessential story of an outsider, and a story that speaks to everyone. The enchanting world of Disney is set to come alive once again with the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the beloved classic, “The Little Mermaid.” The story of Ariel, a beautiful mermaid who’s the youngest of King Triton’s daughters. A spirited and defiant girl with a thirst for adventure, she dreams of exploring and knowing more about the vast world above the sea. Upon visiting the surface, she comes across the dashing Prince Eric and falls for him. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart and make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula. This gives her a chance to be a part of the world on land but ultimately places her life and the fate of her father’s crown in jeopardy.
The film features an outstanding cast, including the talented Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Tony Award®-winner Daveed Diggs voicing Sebastian, Awkwafina voicing Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, Academy Award®-winner Javier Bardem as King Triton, and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.
Brought to life by esteemed director Rob Marshall, an Oscar® nominee himself, “The Little Mermaid” production team includes an impressive lineup. Producers include Marc Platt, a two-time Emmy® winner, Lin-Manuel Miranda, a triple Tony Award® winner, John DeLuca, an Emmy winner, and Rob Marshall. Executive producer duties are helmed by Jeffrey Silver.
The musical elements are the work of renowned composer Alan Menken, a multi-time Academy Award winner, with lyrics penned by Howard Ashman, another celebrated Academy Award recipient, and production by Miranda. Tune into Ariel’s universe and immerse yourself in the full soundtrack on Spotify.
An under-the-sea adventure welcomed kids and kids-at-heart at Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” immersive LED tunnel at SM Mall of Asia, Main Atrium last May 21
The local debut of this Disney classic was truly a sight to behold.
Do not let this wave of enchantment pass you by. Dive into the adventure and witness Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at a cinema near you.
For the latest updates, follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Engage in the online buzz by using the hashtag #TheLittleMermaidPH.
Popular convenience store chain Uncle John’s is now available to order online via MetroMart, the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines.
Customers may now avail quick pantry restocking from Uncle John’s with MetroMart Express, with minimal order volume and delivered within the hour.
The first 10 Uncle John’s convenience store locations available with MetroMart include Mayhaligue Street in Tondo, Manila City, Greenpark Cainta in Rizal, Western Bicutan in Parañaque City, Vergonville in Las Piñas City, Fatima Main along McArthur Highway in Valenzuela City, Montojo and Malibay branches in Pasay City, Jose Abello Street in BF Resort, Las Piñas City, Robinsons Novaliches along Quirino Highway in Quezon City, and Blue Sapphire in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) in Taguig City.
Get FREE Delivery when you order from Uncle John’s with a minimum spend of ₱1,000.
This promo is valid for ALL Users, within May 22 until June 4, 2023, terms and conditions apply.
Try convenient, time-saving online shopping for a wide selection of groceries and essentials with MetroMart. Download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM
Mark your calendars as OctoArts Entertainment brings a collection of K-POP super acts THE SUPER STAGE BY K-POP IN MANILA! The highly awaited K-pop show featuring an all-female ensemble of K-POP groups MAMAMOO+, KEP1ER and LAPILLUS is happening LIVE at the Mall of Asia Arena on August 11, 2023.
MAMAMOO+ is the first sub-unit of the girl group MAMAMOO, composed of MAMAMOO’s leader and vocalist Solar and rapper Moonbyul. In 2022, the powerhouse duo released their debut single “Better” featuring South Korean rapper Big Naughty. In March this year, MAMAMOO+ made their comeback with their first single album “Act 1, Scene 1” with title track “GGBB”. The single album surpassed 100,000 copies sold on Circle Chart.Moomoos will be sure not to miss the sub-unit’s first ever performance in the country!
Buckle up and brace for the “First Impact” as the 9-member multinational project girl group KEP1ER comes to Manila for the first time. Kep1er was formed through Mnet’s reality survival show Girls Planet 999 – in search for top female trainees from China, Japan, and South Korea. The group made their debut on January 3, 2022 with their first mini album, First Impact. The carrier single “Wa Da Da” debuted at #84 at the Billboard Hot 100 on the week of its release.
Their name combines ‘Kep’, which means catching dreams, and the number 1, which means the nine girls coming together as one to be the best. It is also a reference to the planet ‘Kepler‘, named by German astronomer Johannes Kepler. They will be active for roughly two and a half years on a special contract before it ends sometime in June 2024.
Be ready to shine bright as LAPILLUS returns for their first-ever Manila concert. The six-member girl group LAPILLUS is a multinational group, composed of Chanty, a Filipino-Argentinian; Shana, Japanese; Yue, Chinese-American; and Bessie, Seowon and Haeun, Koreans. The K-pop group undoubtedly has good ties with the Philippines after being appointed as ambassadors of the province of Ilocos Sur. In September of the previous year, the group released its first mini album titled “GIRL’s ROUND Part. 1” with 5 tracks dabbling in the pop and dance genres.
“BETTER be ready to BURN WITH LOVE on the LVLY and SUPER K-POP experience we prepared for you! #THESUPERSTAGEBYKPOPINMANILA at the Mall of Asia Arena!”
TICKET PRICES
VIP STANDING P11,800
VIP SEATED P10,500
LOWER BOX P9,000
UPPER BOX A P7,000
UPPER BOX B P5,500
GEN AD A 3,250
GEN AD B P2,750
The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila is on August 11, 2023, 7pm at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Tickets are available starting 11am of June 3, 2023 via SM Tickets Outlets nationwide or thru www.smtickets.com
For more updates on THE SUPER STAGE BY K-POP IN MANILA, check out the official social media of SUPER STAGE on Facebook & Instagram: @octoartsentertainment; Twitter: @OctoArtsEnt.
In “The Wandering Earth II,” a prequel to the 2019 hit, one of Hong Kong’s biggest artists, Andy Lau (“As Tears Go By,” “House of Flying Daggers,” “Infernal Affairs”), is playing a scientist. Just as the film’s creative team is happy to have Lau on board, Lau couldn’t be more elated. “My sci-fi dream is fulfilled,” Lau shared at the press conference for “The Wandering Earth II,” in Philippine cinemas May 31. “And I still feel immersed in the character today and don’t want to wake up.”
As exciting as it was to star in the prequel to the groundbreaking Chinese science fiction film, it also had its challenges, particularly when it came to wearing his spacesuit costume. “Putting on the suit makes it difficult to turn around or even twist (my body),” he also shared at the press conference. “The most unbearable part is I have no way to scratch where it itches. I stuck duct tape on the inside of my helmet, so I could relieve the urges by rubbing my face against the tape.”
Spacesuits, Earth engines, and mind-blowing science aside, the film’s set had an easy and friendly family atmosphere. “During the filming, I could feel the extraordinary cohesion of the crew. All of us are exploring and climbing this peak called science fiction film,” veteran Chinese actor Li Xuejian said.
In “The Wandering Earth II,” after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth. The film, to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures exclusively in cinemas in the Philippines, also stars global action icon Wu Jing, who headlined the first film.
“With my wife’s support, I starred in the first ‘The Wandering Earth,’ trying to plant a seed of imagination for children,” said Jing. “This time in the film, many things have upgraded. The seed we planted has grown big and is actively sprouting. I feel so accomplished.”
“The Wandering Earth II,” released in China and the U.S. in January in time for the Chinese New Year, has earned USD 604 million, making it so far the third highest-grossing movie of the year in terms of box-office numbers.
About “The Wandering Earth II”
Directed by Frant Gwo, with a screenplay by Frant Gwo and Gong Ge’er, “The Wandering Earth II” (a prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth”) is based on the book by Liu Cixin.
The film stars Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi and Zhu Yanmanzi.
In cinemas May 31, “The Wandering Earth II” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
All’s in bloom this summer as modern roadside burger stand Shake Shack brings its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, shakes, and fries to hungry fans in Quezon City when it opened in SM North Edsa (SMNE).
Early birds joined in the Shack’s summer spectacle for limited-edition swags designed by Young Guns 19 awardee Raxenne Maniquiz and were entertained by buskers and dancers plus whimsical performances from various circus acts.
Shack in Bloom
Shake Shack brings in the beauty of the outdoors with its in-Shack artwork created by the brilliant local graphic designer and illustrator Raxenne Maniquiz. The artist behind Shack SM North’s vibrant hoarding, Raxenne paints a statement mural piece on the Shack’s facade punctuated by the playful Shack icons, setting a fun background for selfies. Inside the Shack, she visually translates her Philippine flora and fauna piece into 73 polygon diagrams spanning the outlet’s long dining space, providing pops of color in the interiors natural finish.
Stand and Star in Something Good
Find more stars in the making with a sweet line up of desserts available in Shack SM North. The Berry Bituin concrete, a playful take on Quezon City’s City of Stars moniker and the tagalog word for star (bituin), winningly combines sweet and tart featuring vanilla frozen custard blended with strawberry sauce and Auro chocolate chunks, topped with freeze-dried strawberries. Shine with delight with the popular Apple Pie Oh My concrete – vanilla frozen custard blended with Tilde Bakery and Kitchen’s French Apple Pie.
As part of its mission to Stand For Something Good®, Shake Shack is committed to supporting its local communities and sourcing real, premium ingredients. A treat for a cause, 5% of sales from any Pie Oh My concrete support CENTEX, Ayala Foundation’s holistic education program that promotes student parent & teacher development from underserved Filipino communities. What’s sweeter? The concrete’s frozen custard is made with real sugar, no corn syrup and milk from dairy farmers who pledge never to use artificial growth hormones.
