Lights, camera, action! Are you ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the movies? This week, we’ve got a fantastic selection of films to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling adventure, horror, mix of action-packed film, heartfelt romances or thought-provoking dramas, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive right into the new movies opening this week!
Choose which of these movies you’ll watch on the big screen first.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie Get ready to jump into the world of Mario and Luigi in this highly anticipated animated movie. With an all-star voice cast, including Chris Pratt and Anya Taylor-Joy, this movie promises to bring the beloved video game characters to life like never before.
Ride On Join Jackie Chan on an adrenaline-pumping adventure in “Ride On”. With breathtaking stunts and action-packed sequences, this movie is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss out on this thrilling ride.
Adik Sa ‘Yo A rehabilitating love story starring Meg Imperial, JM De Guzman, and Cindy Miranda. From the tandem that brought you ‘MIRACLE IN CELL NO.7’ and ‘FAMILY MATTERS’, Written by Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario and Directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval, this romantic-comedy is a must-watch for anyone looking for a feel-good movie.
Air In this sports drama, Matt Damon steps into the shoes of a visionary sports executive who is determined to revolutionize the world of basketball. With a stellar cast, including Ben Affleck and Jodie Comer, this movie is sure to be a slam dunk.
One True Loves Based on the bestselling novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, this romantic drama tells the story of a woman who must choose between her past love and her new fiancé. Starring Phillipa Soo, Simu Liu, and Luke Bracey. Directed by Andy Fickman, this movie is a beautiful portrayal of love and loss.
The Pope’s Exorcist 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.
Voltes V Legacy: The Cinematic Experience Based on the classic anime, “Voltes V Legacy” brings the iconic mecha to life in a thrilling live-action adaptation. Join the fight against the Boazanians in this epic adventure.
That’s it for this week’s new movie releases. So gather your friends, grab your popcorn and get ready for a fantastic cinematic experience.
Prepare for a trip down memory lane as the original Tagalog-dubbed Marimar, the Mexican telenovela that launched Thalia into Filipino hearts and ignited the ’90s telenovela craze, returns to streaming. Jungo Pinoy, a Los Angeles-based media company’s entertainment app specifically designed and curated for Filipinos, proudly presents Marimar, unseen in the country for over two decades!
Long before the Korean wave swept the Philippine shores, telenovelas like Marimar were all the rage. Fans tuned in religiously to witness Marimar’s rise from her humble beginnings to her triumphant vengeance (take that, Angelica!), with the help of her adorable talking dog sidekick, Fulgoso. Marimar also paved the way for a slew of Mexican soaps starring Thalia and other celebrities, capturing the hearts of Filipino audiences.
For the first time ever, the original Tagalog-dubbed version of Marimar will be available on-demand on a streaming platform, thanks to Jungo Pinoy. This app boasts the largest Tagalog-dubbed content library and is the exclusive home of Marimar on-demand.
Get ready to relive the enthralling drama of Marimar starting April 21! As a special treat, Jungo Pinoy is offering the first 10 episodes of this wildly popular telenovela for free.
Jungo Pinoy’s leading streaming app will also launch more exclusive Tagalog-dubbed series through its content partnership with Latin America media giant TelevisaUnivision, giving Jungokada members even more to look forward to.
Experience a streaming platform tailored specifically for Filipinos. Download the Jungo Pinoy app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and catch Marimar starting April 21 exclusively on-demand on Jungo Pinoy.
Unlock even more content and access all of Jungo Pinoy’s incredible titles, series, and shows with affordable monthly subscription packages on both iPhone and Android.
Grab your mushrooms and fire flowers, gamers—it’s time to level up with The Super Mario Bros. Movie! This action-packed film brings our favorite Nintendo characters to life in a way we’ve never seen before. Before you grab your popcorn and settle in for the ultimate gaming adventure, check out these 5 fascinating facts about “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” that you definitely don’t want to miss!
(from left) Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), Mario (Chris Pratt), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
1. A Stellar Voice Cast
Familiar Faces Behind Iconic Characters
The “Super Mario Bros. Movie” boasts an incredible lineup of talented actors lending their voices to our beloved characters. Chris Pratt brings Mario to life, while Anya Taylor-Joy portrays Princess Peach. Charlie Day voices Luigi, Jack Black takes on Bowser, and Keegan-Michael Key lends his voice to Toad. Donkey Kong is voiced by Seth Rogen, with Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong. Additionally, Sebastian Maniscalco plays Spike, and Kevin Michael Richardson stars as Kamek. The voice cast members are all fans of the franchise and have worked closely with the filmmakers to create authentic, memorable performances for their characters.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
2. A Long-Awaited Reboot
A Gaming Classic’s Second Chance
Die-hard fans might remember the 1993 live-action “Super Mario Bros.” movie, which didn’t quite hit the mark for audiences and critics. However, the 2023 animated adaptation promises to be a game-changer (pun intended). Produced by Illumination, the studio behind global blockbusters like “Despicable Me,” “Minions,” “Sing,” and “The Secret Life of Pets,” and co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo, this reboot is the result of over six years of collaboration between Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario. With the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the duo aims to redefine Mario and Luigi’s cinematic legacy, and captivate audiences worldwide.
(from left) Kamek (Kevin Michael Richardson) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
3. Gaming Easter Eggs Galore
A Treasure Trove for Fans
What’s a video game movie without Easter eggs? “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is filled with subtle nods to the beloved franchise, from familiar power-ups to iconic sound effects. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open as you venture through the Mushroom Kingdom—you never know what gaming gems you might find along the way!
4. Brian Tyler’s Musical Magic
Orchestrating a New Chapter in Mario Music
For the score of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” the filmmakers enlisted the talents of renowned composer Brian Tyler. Known for his work on films like “F9,” “Transformers: Prime,” “Iron Man 3,” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” Tyler’s passion for Nintendo games and experience in video game scoring made him the perfect choice.
Drawing inspiration from the grand-sized orchestra at the heart of many classic films, Tyler masterfully blended traditional orchestral elements with the iconic 8-bit sounds from the original Mario games. Collaborating closely with Nintendo’s Koji Kondo and producer Shigeru Miyamoto, Tyler crafted a score that pays homage to the original themes while introducing new melodies to represent Mario in this fresh cinematic adaptation.
5. A Platform for Future Nintendo Films?
Leveling Up the Cinematic Landscape
With the release of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” one can’t help but wonder if this could pave the way for more Nintendo properties to hit the silver screen. If Mario and Luigi’s cinematic adventure proves to be a box office hit, we might see other beloved characters like Zelda, Donkey Kong, or even Samus Aran from “Metroid” making their way to theaters in the future. Fingers crossed for a Nintendo cinematic universe!
(from left) Luigi (Charlie Day) and Bowser (Jack Black) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Bonus Film Fact: Bowser’s Unexpected Musical Background
Jack Black Sings as Bowser
Jack Black voices Bowser, the ultimate power-hungry villain and King of the Koopas, in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” The film reveals a vulnerable, silly side to Bowser by giving him a musical background. Bowser sings a piano ballad about his love for Princess Peach called “Peaches.” The idea was conceived by the film’s writers and directors, who wanted to convey Bowser’s feelings in a fun, sweet, and humorous way.
Black, an accomplished singer and musician, collaborated with the writers and his longtime collaborator, John Spiker, to create the song. Black’s favorite scenes in the movie are those with his character alongside his trusty assistant, Kamek, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson.
This bonus film fact showcases the creative collaboration and the multi-dimensional characters that make “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” a unique and entertaining experience.
Ready to warp into the world of The Super Mario Bros. Movie? These 5 facts offer an enticing preview of the thrill awaiting fans of the iconic gaming franchise. With its star-studded cast, fresh take on a classic story, and loving attention to detail, this film promises to be a must-watch for gamers and movie lovers alike. So gear up, grab your popcorn, and dive into the Mushroom Kingdom’s latest cinematic adventure!
The Super Mario Bros. Movieis now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
In Insidious: The Red Door, the horror franchise’s original cast returns for the final chapter of the Lambert family’s terrifying saga. To put their demons to rest once and for all, Josh (Patrick Wilson) and a college-aged Dalton (Ty Simpkins) must go deeper into The Further than ever before, facing their family’s dark past and a host of new and more horrifying terrors that lurk behind the red door.
The original cast from Insidious is back with Patrick Wilson (also making his directorial debut), Ty Simpkins, Rose Byrne, Andrew Astor and Lin Shaye. Also starring Sinclair Daniel and Hiam Abbass. Produced by Jason Blum, Oren Peli, James Wan and Leigh Whannell. The screenplay is written by Scott Teems from a story by Leigh Whannell, based on characters created by Leigh Whannell.
Insidious: The Red Door is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #InsidiousMovie
I remember, back in the 80s, when my parents gave my siblings and I our first Nintendo gaming console. At the time, we only had one cartridge and that was the original Super Mario Bros. game. I wasn’t good at it but I kept trying anyway. My brothers were getting further and further into the game and I was stuck in the earlier levels, still making mistakes but still playing and giving it a shot. It’s that feeling that directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, with scriptwriter Matthew Fogel, wanted to portray in their animated feature film ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie.’ There are a lot of references to the various kingdoms and worlds of the game and a lot of references to the puzzles and moves that you do in all the games. And as someone who still plays Mario Kart until now, the reference to that was enjoyable to see as well.
It’s these connections to the games that makes ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ enjoyable to watch. The game is loved by so many generations that when there is a clever use of any call back to the games, it’s very much appreciated. The whole idea of the game in itself – two New York City plumbers saving a princess from a fire breathing turtle (who looks like a dragon to me) – is so out of the box that I wish it stayed that way throughout the whole movie.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
In fact, as enjoyable as seeing all the game references in the movie played out in cinematic form, they even upped the ante with their portrayal of Bowser, the aforementioned fire breathing turtle. Voiced impeccably by Jack Black, Bowser’s character is so surprising to me and so left of center that I was cracking up any time he was on screen. The menacing villain who is taking down kingdom after kingdom is really just a lovesick tyrant who just wants to rule the kingdoms with Princess Peach. It’s surprising and it’s hilarious as it creates character textures for which Jack Black can make full use of his versatility.
(from left) Luigi (Charlie Day) and Bowser (Jack Black) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
And because that film can delve into this level of craziness that I found the overall film to feel disjointed and uneven. Because while I’m having so much fun watching Bowser and even Donkey Kong, I don’t feel as excited watching Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. Donkey Kong and Bowser seem fit into this crazy, fun, and irreverent world but our three leads feel like they belong in a different movie. Worse, they feel like they belong in a live action film.
Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ serves as an origin story for the two Italian American brothers. So their story begins in Brooklyn and they have all the foundations of a typical hero’s story. They are looked down upon by their former boss and by their father. There is a real-world angst here that doesn’t quite fit with the craziness. It’s a little too serious for what is about to happen in the rest of the movie (and doesn’t really serve the plot in any way).
When Mario and Luigi (voiced by Chris Pratt and Charlie Day, respectively) find themselves transported to the mushroom kingdom, the brothers are separated and Mario, the more courageous and unrelenting brother, must find Luigi, the more cowardly and insecure brother, who happens to find himself transported into Bowser’s land. It’s a nice twist that instead of Princess Peach (voiced by Anna Taylor-Joy) being the damsel in distress, she teams up with Mario to stop Bowser, save the mushroom kingdom, and save Luigi.
(from left) Mario (Chris Pratt) and Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
Except there is nothing in the story that would make Princess Peach accept any help from Mario, who by all means is a stranger to their lands. And, in efforts to be progressive and feminist, they wrote Princess Peach as being very formidable. She is, afterall, a player character in later versions of the game. But by making her very capable, they removed any sense of humanity in her. She is perfect in every way. She has no character arc or growth, and worse, she’s so capable that you could do the whole movie without Mario and she could still save the mushroom kingdom on her own.
Luigi (Charlie Day) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
This is the disjointedness of the film. Everything related to the lead characters is flat, predictable, and too serious for a film that has mushrooms, when eaten, gives you special abilities. This film has turtles that you can step on and kick their shells to explosive effect. It’s as irreverent as they come. The groundedness that they put on Mario’s character and in the portrayal of Peach didn’t serve them well. In fact, they are the least enjoyable aspect of the film.
(from left) Donkey Kong (Seth Rogen), Mario (Chris Pratt), Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Cranky Kong (Fred Armisen) in Nintendo and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic.
I was expecting to not like this movie. The trailer alone didn’t excite me but seeing it on screen and watching the hilarious antics of Jack Black as Bowser and even Seth Rogen’s portrayal of Donkey Kong made the movie for me. There were stunts that resembled the games I’ve played that put a smile on my face. There were some animated textures that were incredible to see in 3D. For a family film, it’s quite violent but it’s loud and funny and visually stunning that the kids will enjoy it and the child inside every grown up who has played Super Mario Bros will get tingling somewhere inside.
I just wish they forgo the groundedness in the future sequels (because there will be) and just go all out.
My Rating:
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
There is a confidence in director and screenwriter Jun Lana’s ‘About Us But Not About Us’ that permeates through the whole film’s concept. I’ve heard people describe it as an exercise in “minimalist filmmaking,” of which they also state that it is done excellently. And while I agree that the film shows great craftsmanship in all aspects – direction, acting, cinematography, editing, sound and music – I have to disagree that it’s minimalist in nature. Sure, the whole movie is set in one location and primarily played out by two people having a conversation over lunch: it’s as minimalist as it can get for a full-length feature. But by going down to the bare minimum – a story of two people having a conversation – the film becomes maximalist in terms of the little details in both performance by the actors and how the plot unfolds through the dialogue.
Romnick Sarmenta plays Eric, a teacher, who joins his student for lunch at a restaurant, played by Elijah Canlas. In the midst of the pandemic (the story seems set at the easing of an ECQ and there’s hardly anyone in the restaurant), everything looks innocent enough though something just isn’t right. While Eric seems like a caring older brother or maybe even paternal towards the student but should he be? Isn’t there some boundary that’s being crossed here?
And throughout their conversation, all of this and so much more is unraveled. Yes, Eric is a 40-year old gay university instructor and was Lance’s teacher at some point. Their friendship was the cause of some disturbance at school and may or may not have had an effect on why Eric’s boyfriend for seventeen years, Marcus, may have killed himself.
This conversation and where it leads (and it goes into some dark and twisted turns) becomes a playground for both Sarmenta and Canlas to do some brilliant acting work. And, despite ‘About Us But Not About Us’ being a two-man piece, it’s really a three character movie because Marcus is such an important character in this narrative. They talk about him so much that his specter is present in their conversation. It’s so present that there are two scenes wherein Sarmenta and Canlas both take on the role of Marcus as the other recounts an encounter with him. What is most amazing about these two flashback scenes is how both Sarmenta and Canlas evoke the same character but with shades of how Eric and Lance see Marcus. There’s so much range here and so much precision. Sarmenta’s Eric is well-intentioned. He believes he is a good person and, in the process of this conversation, is brought down to his most vulnerable and fragile and his inner desires are starting to surface but Sarmenta holds it in and just keeps it right behind the eyes for us to see. Canlas, on the other hand, has to work with subtext all throughout because his Lance is not all that he seems to be.
This is when the film becomes maximalist because that camera is moving so diligently trying to capture all the little gestures and looks that shift and flow as the story unfolds. After every new revelation is brought to the surface, Eric or Lance adjust, their facial expressions betrays a sudden realisation or an opportunity for an attack – this movie is about the little details and how it makes these things fill up a movie theater screen with context – and you realise that this isn’t a friendly conversation. It’s a battleground.
Lana and company manage to tackle so many different large themes – the power dynamics between students and teachers, the relationship troubles within queer couples, the secret lives of young queer men, and the power of eloquence and the written word – but encapsulates it all within one conversation in one restaurant. He takes a small, private, intimate moment and turns it into a cinematic feast as he accentuates the smallest details and enlarges its scope through the camera. It’s a magnificent feat.
It’s an engaging 90 minutes, a thriller done completely in one conversation. Each revelation done through dialogue and its ramifications are felt by how fully the characters react to the discoveries. In a cinematic landscape that is plagued by too many big budget blockbusters, it’s so refreshing to see something so intimate and so personal turned enormous through the medium of film.
These premium offerings showcase the best of the brand’s latest cooling technologies that are ‘designed to stay cool’ and become great sources of uplifting comfort.
Coming in three fantastic luxe colors – Midnight Black, Morning Blue, and Metallic Silver – these sought-after Bespoke Windfree air conditioners are stylishly and purposefully created to fit the theme of any space.
For instance, the Midnight Black variant significantly elevates a room’s look and feel.
Midnight Black
It evokes a sense of upscale design and exclusivity, all while retaining a beautiful simplicity that can complement any interior. It perfectly matches the preferences of discerning people who dare to stand out and make their mark.
On the other hand, the Morning Blue option transforms a room to look cool and classy – its fine bold features invite special moments of imagination and inspiration, helping to upgrade indoor layouts and make them more inviting. This color suits creative thinkers or passionate individuals who seek tranquility in their space.
Morning Blue
The Metallic Silver AC, another top-quality choice, also vastly improves the aesthetics of any area. Its sophisticated, refined, and graceful mood can infuse glamor and prestige into lifestyles – turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. This unit ups the ante for those unafraid to aspire and get the best out of their lives.
Metallic Silver
Designed to stay cool – in every way
With cool aesthetics and features, Samsung’s Bespoke WindFree line is designed to promote a comfortable indoor setting using the company’s industry-leading technology to introduce experiences that have never been seen before in the local market.
These ACs use Samsung’s WindFree Technology that disperses air through micro holes at an extremely high speed, allowing them to cool bigger rooms swiftly without the harsh blow of air and the noise one can get from a typical air conditioning unit.
Besides its superior cooling ability that casts a still-air environment, Bespoke WindFree also features an automatic self-cleaning capability, an intelligent control function, and an excellent sleep mode that makes it a definite must-have.
The entire Samsung WindFree AC lineup, including the Bespoke ACs, has a 5-star rating on Energy Efficiency from the Philippine Department of Energy. This rating means users can increase their electricity bill savings using Samsung ACs.
Adding to the line’s overall value, the Bespoke WindFree ACs also integrate the full functionality of SmartThings – Samsung’s official app that can simplify the connected experience within homes. The technology allows users to control their home devices easily; in this case, their aircon units – and optimize according to their lifestyle wherever they are, with just several convenient taps.
According to Jan Martinez-Dolalas, Samsung’s Marketing Communication Lead for Air Solutions, now, more than ever, is the time to consider getting or upgrading to Bespoke WindFree.
“Our newest AC line gives customers the best of both worlds: premium comfort and exceptional style. Whatever their preferences are and the look they’re going for, Bespoke WindFree gives them the freedom to choose; it empowers them to improve and upgrade any space and lifestyle. We’re proud and happy that our technology leads to more comfortable and meaningful home experiences.”
Earth Week, which takes place every 3rd Week of April every year, is a chance to raise more awareness on issues that have an impact on the planet. This year, Earth Week is a way to call for urgent help to address climate change, which has affected everything from our supply of water to the quality of marine life. This week is also a time to celebrate the individuals, organizations, and businesses aiming to make a difference for the planet and the people by being sustainability advocates.
Leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer Watsons remains committed to offering sustainably sourced ingredients plus ocean-safe ingredients and reused, recyclable, or refillable packaging for its products at over 1,000 stores nationwide and all its e-commerce platforms.
As a retailer, Watsons advocates for responsible consumption by encouraging customers to use less plastic and carry their own shopping bags, reuse and refill their favorite personal care products at Watsons’ Refill Stations for Natural by Watsons, and go for Sustainable Choices products. These products contain no harmful ingredients (Clean Beauty), are made from responsibly sourced palm oil and FSC-certified paper, use better packaging materials, and support refilling through refill packs.
Through its sustainability efforts, Watsons hopes to educate customers about the impact of plastic on the environment and provide more sustainable choices to customers by promoting refills and products with eco-friendly packaging in stores. Watsons’ collaboration with Plastic Bank has helped reduce the amount of plastic that goes into the ocean and also provided a means of livelihood for people in disadvantaged communities. By purchasing Sustainable Choices products, you help prevent 2.5 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean!
Watsons, in partnership with SM Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, also gave their customers access to exclusive discounts in exchange for their empty packaging of health and beauty products through SM’s Trash to Cash recycling market.
Do Good for the Planet and score good deals on your favorite sustainable health, wellness, and beauty products as Watsons holds the Earth Week Sale from April 18-25 as part of its efforts for the community and the planet. Go green with sustainable choices that are up to 50% off plus earn 2x points if you’re a Watsons club member!
At Watsons, health, wellness, beauty, and sustainability go hand in hand because doing good and taking care of yourself can make you feel beautiful and confident.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2023, with a series of public art installations in collaboration with several visual artists to be held at various locations in the CCP Complex starting April 20, 2023. The conceptual installations will showcase a diverse array of natural, indigenous, and found objects and materials transformed into public art, with the aim of promoting public consciousness about environmental issues.
For this year, one solo and one group of visual artists will exhibit their artworks: “Tanod-Lupa” (Nature Guardians) by Abdulmari “Toym” De Leon-Imao, a multimedia artist in both classical and contemporary styles; and “Surogpon Kita” by Kintab Artists Group, Inc., a Bicol-based non-profit group of visual artists, writers, musicians, and other creative talents, dedicated to expressing diverse identities through their unique artworks.
In “Tanod-Lupa” (Nature Guardians) by De Leon-Imao, various illuminated Philippine mythical creatures will be showcased. The installation incorporates elements of Philippine folklore’s mythical creatures and uses illuminated lanterns to enhance their otherworldliness in the installation site. The designs draw inspiration from pre-colonial patterns and iconography to portray these creatures as essential parts of the natural ecosystem rather than just evil or demonic. The figurative lanterns, made of welded steel, fibers, and fiberglass, are larger than life and internally illuminated by LED lights. The whimsical design ensures that the creatures do not appear frightening or stereotypical. The public can view the installation at the CCP Liwasang Kalikasan beginning April 20, 2023. In September, the reinvented “panolong” of Maranao Torogan houses of the south will also be displayed. The “panolong” is an architectural element representing the “naga”- a serpent or dragon protecting the perimeter of the nobleman’s Torogan house. The “panolong” also visually elevates the Torogan above the ground, showing that the structure is unique and has an essential status in society.
Meanwhile, the Earth Day theme “Invest in our planet” is reflected in this year’s installation of Kintab Artists Group, Inc., (KAGI)’s “Surogpon Kita” (We are Connected). The installation features papier-mâché masks and assemblages made from natural and indigenous materials sourced from local artisans in the province of Bicol. These materials, such as abaca ropes, coco coir, palaspas, cogon grass, and local vines known as balagon, highlight the importance of connectivity and self-identification with our planet in an organic and grounded manner. KAGI advocates for taking action as stewards of the earth, emphasizing the need for protection and cultivation of our planet’s resources.
During the launch of “Surogpon Kita,” a performance art, entitled “Harmony” is also slated to run. Seven performance artists will use the SUROGPON KITA installation by Kintab Artists Group Inc. as inspiration for engaging with passers-by through creative physical conversations. Each artist will draw on their personal experiences to unpredictably respond to the expansive structure made of indigenous materials, particularly bamboo. Bamboo has been suggested as a symbolic material representing unity in diversity, promoting brotherhood and harmony within the installation art. The theme of the performance art group, inspired by the British archaic word “ANON” in KAWAYANON, conveys the idea of being present in the moment, fostering connection and promoting the concept of “being connected” as members of one human family. “Surogpon Kita” can be viewed until May 28, 2023.
The CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media will also showcase curated selection of films that pay tribute to the lives of patriotic Filipino environmentalists and earth warriors, including those from the distant future with the installation of CCP Cinema Under the Stars and CCP Arthouse Cinema. Catch these Gawad Alternatibo films for free: “Himig Himbing,” “Balitok” by She Andes, and “Walang Hanggang Buhay ni Leonardo Co” by Nannette Matilac on April 20, 2023 at 3:00 pm at CCP Liwasang Kalikasan. The documentary “Balitok” portrays the economic survival strategies of the Kalanguya and Kankana-ey indigenous tribes in Nueva Vizcaya, who engage in artisanal or small-scale mining. The film follows the perspectives of Ongan, a 13-year-old small-scale miner, and Mona, an artisanal miner with decades of experience in the industry. It provides insights into the laborious mining processes and can serve as a case study on the state of small-scale mining in the Philippines. Meanwhile, in “Walang Hanggang Buhay ni Leonardo Co,” the documentary, narrated by the late ethnobotanist Leonardo Co’s daughter and only child, offers a unique perspective on human rights and environmental activism. It sheds light on the tragic event of the government’s shooting of Leonardo Co, which sparked a national tragedy and impacted the realms of human rights and environmental campaigning.
At 8:00 pm, watch “Ani,” a Cinemalaya film by Kim Zuñiga & Sandro Del Rosario. Set in the year 2050, in the Federal State of Bicol, “Ani” tells the story of a young boy who goes to live with his estranged grandfather on a farm after he recently lost his parents. When his grandfather falls ill and the crops on their farm start failing, the boy, named Mithi, sets out on a quest with his malfunctioning robot to find magical grains that he believes can save his grandfather’s life.
From April 20 to 30, 2023, the CCP main building will also light up with earth colors which the public may view from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Top global TV brand Samsung is set to change the game with the arrival of their latest TVs. This year, the electronics giant is bringing more WOW to entertainment lovers with its newest generation of flagship Neo QLED screens and an exciting new addition – the Samsung OLED.
With exceptional features, unrivaled performance, and an improved, intuitive user experience, these stellar TVs are truly set to take your viewing and gaming experiences to the next level and bring more wow into life. Moreover, their arrival sets a new standard of premium viewing that is inherently designed to delight, making Samsung’s flagship TV the top-of-mind choice of consumers all over the world.
Top-of-the-line premium entertainment with Neo QLED
The Neo QLED TV combines brilliant picture and design with dynamic Dolby Atmos audio and seamless connectivity. Images look incredibly lifelike thanks to Samsung’s Quantum Mini LED technology that delivers up to a billion colors with ultra-fine precision and contrast. Samsung’s flagship screen returns new and improved for top-of-the-line entertainment.
Both Neo QLED 8K and 4K models deliver brighter highlights and a wider range of colors validated by the experts at Pantone. Plus, there’s not a bad seat in the house with Anti-Glare and Ultra Viewing Angle technology that displays content clearly at virtually any angle or light, with pristine detail across the screen guaranteed to take your breath away.
Introducing a new addition to the premium TV portfolio
Samsung is officially bringing OLED screens to the Philippines. Available in two models, the S95C and S90C will come in various sizes ranging from 55-inches to a whopping 77-inches. The S95C features Samsung’s signature Infinity One design and One Connect Box, and the LaserSlim design of the S90C model add a touch of sophisticated metal finish.
Samsung OLED comes with an AI-powered Neural Quantum processor that delivers brighter whites and pure blacks along with 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels. Equipped with up to 144Hz refresh rate, low input lag, HDMI 2.1 ports, and a range of gaming features, the Samsung OLED is sure to delight both casual and pro-gamers alike.
Get a chance to win the 2023 Neo QLED and Samsung OLED TV
Ready to level up and experience more wow than ever with the 2023 Neo QLED and Samsung OLED TV? Two lucky draw winners will get the most awesome opportunity to own a 65” QN85C Neo QLED or 55” S90C OLED TV. How to join? Simply visit samsung.com/ph/firstlook from April 17 to 30, 2023 and register your interest.
Those who register during this period will also get additional premium items, ranging from The Freestyle to the new MX-ST50B Sound Tower, if they Early Order in the coming weeks. So hurry and sign up while you can!
For more information on the 2023 Neo QLED and Samsung OLED TV, visit samsung.com/ph.
