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  • A World Without Air: ‘Black Knight’ Emerges as Savior for Last 1% of Humanity

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    When the first-look still of Kim Woo-bin portraying the legendary deliveryman ‘5-8’ was released in January, it sparked a wave of excitement among fans. In “a world without air”, the deliverymen, also known as the black knights, deliver oxygen and necessities to the 1% of the population who lived through the extreme desertification. 

    The first teaser poster for Black Knight offers a glimpse into the series’s setting, a world completely engulfed in sand. A used oxygen mask lies discarded on a barren landscape, where the ruins of collapsed high-rise buildings loom in the distance with no signs of life. A figure resembling the legendary deliveryman 5-8 walks away from a massive truck, leaving viewers with a sense of intrigue for the story to unfold.

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    The bar is set high, as all eyes are on the fantastic ensemble of seasoned actors. Kim Woo-bin plays the legendary deliveryman, a.k.a ‘5-8’, Song Seung-heon as the only heir to the powerful Cheonmyeong Group, Kang You-seok as a boy who dreams of becoming a deliveryman and Esom as the Defense Intelligence Command major. These characters bring depth and complexity to the narrative, each with unique perspectives and motivations.

    Director Cho Ui-Seok, known for his tightly-knit narrative and cathartic action sequences, spearheads the production.

    Black Knight is set to premiere in the  second quarter of 2023 only on Netflix.

  • Bloodiest-Ever “Scream VI” Gets R-18 Rating for Graphic Horror, Violence

    This means horror fans are guaranteed to watch Scream VI in its integral, original version, as the filmmakers intended it to be seen when it opens nationwide on March 8.

    The MTRCB reached an R-18 decision as “the film contains graphic but non-gratuitous depiction of horror, frightening scenes, violence and gore, that may not be suitable for viewers below eighteen (18) years of age.”

    Scream VI castmember Melissa Barrera recently told Collider that the upcoming sequel has the potential to be 100 times gorier than any previous entry in the long-running horror franchise. According to the actor, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett were always asking to increase the amount of blood on set.

    “With the last ‘Scream,’ they were tip-toeing and trying to be very respectful of what the franchise had been, up until that point, and keeping their inner gory dreams at bay,” Barrera added. “But with this one, they were like, ‘We’re going all out.’ It’s potentially a hundred times gorier.”

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    About Scream VI

    Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. In Scream VI, Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”), Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Mindy Meeks-Martin”), Mason Gooding (“Chad Meeks-Martin”), Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), Hayden Panettiere (“Kirby Reed”) and Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.

    Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett, produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein, written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, based on characters created by Kevin Williamson.

    Scream VI is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #Scream6 and tag @paramountpicsph

    Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”

  • WATCH: “Suzume” Unveils Official Trailer Ahead of March 8 Opening in PH

    In one week, Suzume’s journey begins. Don’t miss the NEW #15 All-Time Film in Japan from Makoto Shinkai, the director of your name. and Weathering With You.  Doors have started opening for advance screening with limited edition Suzume premium items so get your tickets before the doors close.

    About “Suzume”

    On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—

    “Suzume” is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation. 

    PH Suzume Teaser Poster With Release Date

    Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.

    —The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.

    Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…

    Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts. 

    Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.

    Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”

  • A Woman Unboxed: Shangri-La Plaza Hosts Book Launch and Exhibit

    Marking International Women’s Day on March 8—a day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women everywhere—Shangri-La Plaza spotlights Filipina creatives banding together and showcasing their experiences, stories, and creations with A Woman Unboxed at the East Atrium at 5PM. 

    The anticipated book launch and art exhibit is a powerful collaboration between writer and publisher Gayle Certeza who is launching her book, A Woman Unboxed and Other Stories of Growing Up, which chronicles the joys and challenges of growing up in a small town in Mindanao; and mixed media artist Mimi Tecson whose own A Woman Unboxed pieces explore the complexities of motherhood, dreams, and aspirations through the mediums of assemblage and collage. 

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    “This book is my homage to my roots. It celebrates my grandmother, my parents, and my siblings—all the sacrifices made to make it this far. The book journeys through woundings and hurts and comes out on the other side powered by hopes, dreams, and love,” says Certeza. 

    “Through my art, I aim to explore the idea of female identity and the challenges that come with being a mother, such as balancing career, family, and personal goals. By using a variety of textures, color, and form, I want to create an environment that encourages viewers to think more deeply about the roles and expectations of women,” Tecson explains. 

    The event also features female writers Carissa Singson, Dina Pecaña, Edlyn Ng Cha, Gina Verdolaga, Kat Gomez-Limchoc, Maureen Sandejas, Rose Marie Yenko, Sonia Roco, and Tweet Sering who are leading talks about inspiration, creativity, and storytelling. 

    Discover the many ways women continue to positively impact lives with A Woman Unboxed at Shangri-La Plaza East Atrium on March 8, 5PM. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

  • The Barkada Pizza Party Starts Now with Greenwich’s Overload Summer Bundle

    Hello, summer! Got plans for the season of fun? Ready for the beach, for more bonding moments with friends? Traveling out of the country? Or all set for more food trips? Why not include this Overload Summer Bundle to your awesome itinerary, then?

    Greenwich—the number one pizza chain in the country—is making your barkada summer bonding more delicious with its Overload® Summer Bundle! For only Php 699, the bundle already includes their best-selling 9” Hawaiian Overload® Pizza, 9” Cheeseburger Classic Pizza, Lasagna Supreme® Small Pan, and Potato Waves with Dip. You’ll also get a FREE Overload® Rewards Card with every purchase!

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    Greenwich’s bestseller Hawaiian Overload® Pizza is all about that summer feels, with sweet pineapples, ham, bacon, mozzarella, and cheddar. For that fuller, tasty adventure, Greenwich is adding its all-time pasta favorite, Lasagna Supreme® to the deal, for that extra beefy filling, saucy layers, and creamy cheese. 

    Also included are its Cheeseburger Classic Pizza, which is topped with burger crumbles, mushrooms, and melted cheese; and Potato Waves® with Dip. 

    “Our Overload® Summer Bundle showcases sweet and salty flavors that taste like your best beach days with friends: Chill and refreshing. And that’s what Greenwich hopes to bring Filipinos—an awesome food trip that is best for all seasons, especially during summer,” said Ali de Torres, Greenwich’s Head of Marketing. 

    This early, plan your pizza party with the barkada with Greenwich’s Overload® Summer Bundle. This deal will be exclusively available on the Greenwich website, www.greenwichdelivery.com, from March 1 to 15, 2023, only.

    To get updates and more information about Greenwich bundles, dial #5-55-55 or message Greenwich Barkada on Facebook Messenger and Instagram.

  • NAMCYA Celebrates its Golden Milestone with ‘Gintong Pamana’

    Celebrating 50 years of discovering and nurturing the best, young musicians in the Philippines, the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) presents Gintong Pamana: The 2023 NAMCYA Festivals and Competitions, featuring a myriad of performances and other musical activities starting this March.

    The NAMCYA was formally organized in 1973, under Presidential Proclamation 1173, and amended in November 1988.  Through PP 1173, which designated the last week of November of each year as National Music Week, the NAMCYA Competitions became the main highlights of the celebration.  In 2001 Presidential Proclamation No. 80 affirms the mission of NAMCYA for the nation’s young artists.

    Republic Act 11915 designates the NAMCYA as the Philippine National Youth Development Program for Music which will serve as the conduit for the discovery of outstanding musical talents in the country; the development of musicians; the preservation, development, and promotion of Philippine music as an art form; and the undertaking of a continuing program of research, documentation, and publication of Philippine music for dissemination to schools and the general public.

    Starting March 1, NAMCYA is accepting entries for its various competition categories including Choir (Children’s and Senior), Guitar (Senior), Piano (Senior), Rondalla (Children’s Solo and Junior), Strings (Violins and Lower Strings: Viola, Cello, Contrabass), Traditional Music, Voice (Senior), Woodwinds (Open), and Composition, which is this year’s special category. Deadline for submission is June 30, 2023.  Application forms may be accessed from the NAMCYA website.

    Eliminations will happen starting in July, through hybrid (on-site and online) adjudication; followed by the semifinals in six regional center clusters, namely South-Central Mindanao (General Santos City), Northern Mindanao, Central Visayas (Bogo City, Cebu), Northern Luzon (Alcala, Cagayan), Southern Luzon, and the National Capital Region.  The National Final Round will be on November 21 to 26, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

    With the mission to ensuring the future of Philippine music, the competition will be led by distinguished chairpersons, including Dr. Arwin Tan (Choir – Children’s and Senior), Nathan Manimtim (Guitar – Senior), Dr. Michelle Nicolasora (Piano – Senior), Mariefrance Ballester (Rondalla – Children’s Solo Rondalla Instrument and Junior Rondalla), Diomedes Saraza Jr. (Strings – Violins and Lower Strings: Viola, Cello, Contrabass), Dr. Felicidad Prudente (Traditional Music), Ma. Austregelina Alfornon aka Nenen Espina (Voice – Senior), Antonio Maigue (Woodwinds –Open), and Mary Katherine Trangco (Composition).

    Aside from the main competition, NAMCYA presents its series of concerts, kicking off with “Bata Ang Bukas (The Children, Our Future): Children’s Choirs in Focus” slated on April 29, 4pm, at Ayala Museum.  The concert will feature UP Cherubims and Seraphims, Balon Dagupan Children’s Choir, and the Loboc Children’s Choir.

    The next concert, Tumutubong Katutubo (Evolving Traditional Music Expressions), put the spotlight on traditional music performed by the San Nicolas High School Cultural Ensemble, the Massalingga Dacalan Ensemble, the Puljus Udliwang Ethnic Ensemble, the Antonio D. Pendatun Elementary School and Upper Labay High School Music Ensemble, and Fataldao Banisil Colot IP Implementing Schools Music Ensemble.  It will happen on May 6, 4pm, at the CCP Liwasang Kalikasan.

    Galing Namcya, Balik Namcya! Concert of Winners gives the stage to the former winners of various categories on August 12, 7pm; while NAMCYA Extravaganza (Noon, Ngayon at Bukas): The Closing Ceremonies will feature some of the best solo and group competition winners on November 26, 3pm. Both concerts will be held at the Metropolitan Theater.

    For its golden anniversary, the NAMCYA will also hold concerts in both local and international festivals, music camps, seminar-workshops, and publications. Venue partners are the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the Ayala Museum, the Manila Pianos Inc., the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, and other venues provided by local government units.

    NAMCYA thanks the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission On Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the National Youth Commission (NYC).

    For more information and application requirements, visit the NAMCYA website. Follow the official NAMCYA social media accounts in Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest updates.

  • CCP, RMMCMI & KSS Mindanao Open PANAGHIUSA IP-Moro Arts Fest and Forum February in Koronadal City

    PANAGHIUSA (unity/oneness): Indigenous Peoples-Moro Arts Fest and Forum opened recently in Koronadal City.  It was jointly undertaken by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) and the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Marbel Inc. (RMMCMI).

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    Panaghiusa is one of the CCP Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) Mindanao Collaborative projects for 2023 which was planned during the KSS Regional Caucus and Dialogue held last June 11–13, 2022 in Koronadal City. The key representatives of the KSS Mindanao crafted action plans to prioritize and implement attainable cultural and artistic programs and projects that would benefit the community. 

    Panaghiusa highlights the various experiences, voices, and expressions through exchanges of ideas and knowledge, performances, and interactions.  It is in the purview of the Mindanao IPs and the Moros themselves, so settlers understand and appreciate IP – Moro’s right to self-determination and sovereignty.

    As advocates of IP-Moro culture, Mindanaoan artists and cultural formators converge to let their voices be heard and take the necessary actions to make an impact in the lives and future of the IP-Moros in Mindanao.  Datu Victorino Saway of the Talaandig community, Nestor Horfilla of Davao City and other prominent leaders of various cultural communities and organizations led in the open discussions and strategic planning on priority concerns of the IPs and Moros to include food security, women leadership, disaster risk reduction, resiliency building, and cultural appropriation, among other activities.

    The activities were aptly titled as Kastulen (conversations), Hegefan (performances), Pagana (traditional cooking), Kalyak (valuable material)).  A total of 20 cultural communities were represented in the 2-day fest and forum:  Manobo, Talaandig, Daraghuyan, Tagolwanen, Blaan, Iranun, Tboli, Arumanen, Sama, Tausug, Sangir, Maguindanao, Teduray, Maranaw, Subanen, Yakan, Kagan, Higaonon and Mamanwa.  Special performances were also lined up and showcased the rich and colorful dances, music and rituals of some of the groups with special participation of the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe, Bayang Barrios, Carlito Amalla, Helobung Cultural Dance Troupe and the Marbel Youth Choir.

    The Pagana cooking demos featured traditional cuisine of the Maranaws, Sama, Tboli and Subanen.  A General Santos City artist, educator and curator built an exhibition titled Tawid: Shifts in Gender Roles in Traditional Visual Arts.  The exhibit featured the Iranun Art of Binalodan Inaul, an enduring expression but threatened as there was only a small community of weavers who produce these Cultural Resources.  It is Ikat (resist dyeing technique) on weft thread.  Works by Moamar A. Garcia and Jala Daudl were exhibited and had a balod (tieying of the patterns) demonstration.

  • Airbnb: Philippines is the second-largest women-powered Host community in the world, women make up two thirds of all Hosts

    Airbnb today revealed that its Host community in the Philippines is its second-largest women-powered Host community in the world after New Zealand. Women make up for two-thirds of all Airbnb Hosts* in the country — proof that Filipinas are powering the local tourism industry now more than ever.

    Known for their iconic warmth and hospitality, Filipinos – and especially Filipinas – are increasingly contributing to the country’s tourism economy by welcoming travelers into their homes, and employing fellow women to support them in their daily operations. Hosting is also providing a significant financial opportunity amidst rising costs of living, with Filipina Hosts collectively earning over Php 2.5 billion in 2022*.

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    Featuring Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Mich Goh, Mayor of Quezon City Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative Anne Jeaneth Casalme, Philippine Coast Guard officer and renowned mountaineer Noelle Wenceslao, Airbnb Host and content creator Colleen Vidal, and Airbnb Senior Communications Manager for Southeast Asia Cheryl Tay (Photo: Airbnb)

    Women are a cornerstone in Airbnb’s guest and Host community and comprise 55% of all Hosts globally.* They also comprise 40% of Airbnb’s 1 million Superhosts**, who provide guests with outstanding hospitality in more than 200 countries and territories. Solo travel is also gaining momentum in the Philippines. In the Philippines, 56% of all solo traveler nights in 2022 were booked by women.

    Timed to International Women’s Month this year, Airbnb is celebrating the growing role of women in driving greater equity in the Philippines travel and tourism industry. The global hospitality platform today launched its inaugural #WomenInTravel industry dialogue discussing how travel is challenging stereotypes and breaking boundaries, as more Filipinas take action to uplift and empower new generations of Filipinas in the travel and tourism industry.

    Speakers included Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City; Anne Jeaneth Casalme, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative; Noelle Wenceslao, Philippine Coast Guard officer, mountaineer, and the first Filipina to summit Mount Everest; and Colleen Vidal, tourism entrepreneur, Airbnb Host, and Filipina content creator. 

    Highlighting the importance of Airbnb’s women-powered Host community in the Philippines, Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan said, “Women Hosts are playing an increasingly pivotal role in the travel and tourism sector, and especially in the Philippines. We are heartened to see more and more women open their homes to travelers and provide the authentic hospitality that Filipinos are renowned for. As more Pinays step up to lead our Host communities and share hosting tips with one another, we remain committed to supporting and growing our Pinay Host community and ensuring that their roles in contributing to the industry are recognized.”

    Honorable Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, Mayor of Quezon City shared, “Quezon City is committed to ensuring that every woman is recognized, empowered and celebrated through various initiatives that promote economic empowerment, equality in business and livelihood opportunities for all genders, including women tourism entrepreneurs. We will continue to be a leader and model of local governance to create a society that is inclusive and unbiased. We look forward to industry players such as Airbnb supporting our goal to make Quezon City and the Philippines a go-to destination, with women at the forefront of tourism development.”

    Echoing the need to drive more visibility of Filipinas in the tourism industry, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative Anne Jeaneth Casalme added, “The Philippine Commission on Women fully supports initiatives to empower Filipinas in the tourism sector. We are excited to see companies like Airbnb showcasing their expertise in tourism development and promotion of women entrepreneurship in the country while advocating the safety of women tourism travelers. We look forward to more discussions on women’s sector development with the private sector in the country.”

    Philippine Coast Guard officer and renowned mountaineer Noelle Wenceslao added, “Throughout my years in the Coast Guard, I’ve worked alongside so many diverse and strong women, including a two-time Olympian, a world champion dragon boat paddler, women rescue divers and bomb squad members. To top it off, they are mothers – proving that stereotypes exist only if we allow them to.” On being the first Filipino to summit Everest, Noelle shared that she drew strength by looking at the journey as her ‘highest’ goal, “I believe everyone has their own Mount Everest, an ultimate goal we want to achieve. It took me three years of preparation and three months on expedition to spend just thirty minutes on the summit, but it meant so much that the long preparation was nothing compared to what I felt when I conquered it.”

    Colleen Vidal, Airbnb Host, and content creator, shared her journey from content creator to travel entrepreneur, “When I first started creating travel content, I wanted to share tips to guide my followers on how best to plan their vacations. Along the way, I realised that I could provide these very accommodations and activities – and that’s how my journey as a tourism entrepreneur came about. Throughout the years that I have called Siargao my home, I have learned that us locals make up its very soul. Promoting the island’s travel offerings has meant giving back more economic opportunities to local communities, while also helping tourists experience what Siargao is all about.”

    *Based on internal Airbnb data from January to December 2022
    **Refers to Hosts who held Superhosts status and identified themselves as women as of September 30, 2022

  • WATCH: Meet the Creatures of ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ in New Featurette

    Dragons, a mimic… intellect devourers? Creature Week is in full swing! Watch the “Meet the Creatures” featurette below for Paramount Pictures’ Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and see the film only in Philippine cinemas starting March 29.

    A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.  Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.

    Paramount Pictures Presents In Association with eOne A Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley Film

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    Directed by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley, screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley and Michael Gilio. Story by Chris McKay & Michael Gilio, based on HASBRO’S DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

    The film stars Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Chloe Coleman, Daisy Head and Hugh Grant.

    Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  Connect with #DnDMovie and tag @paramountpicsph

    Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”

  • WATCH: ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ Trailer Takes Us Back to Neverland

    Disney+ has unveiled the trailer for the new film Peter Pan & Wendy. The movie offers a new live-action adaptation of the timeless tale of Peter Pan, Wendy, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and the dangerous Captain Hook. Check out the trailer below:

    Based on J.M. Barrie’s classic novel and the 1953 animated classic, this new movie follows the story of Wendy and her siblings who were brought to the magical Neverland by a mysterious boy named Peter Pan. There, they must help a group of young boys and the fairy Tinker Bell fight the evil pirates led by Captain Hook.

    Peter Pan & Wendy is directed by David Lowery from a screenplay by Lowery and Toby Halbrooks. It stars Jude Law, Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Yara Shahidi, Alyssa Wapanatâhk, Joshua Pickering, Jacobi Jupe, Molly Parker, Alan Tudyk, and Jim Gaffigan. The movie arrives on Disney+ this April 28.