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WATCH: ‘The Power’ Sparks a Revolution in Trailer for the New Sci-fi Thriller Starring Toni Colette

Toni Colette (Hereditary) and Auli’I Cravalho (Moana) star in Prime Video’s new sci-fi thriller The Power, where young women suddenly developed the power to electrify anyone or anything they want. Watch the trailer for The Power below:

Based on Naomi Alderman’s award-winning novel of the same name, The Power revolves around a mysterious phenomenon where teenage girls were suddenly able to generate electricity with their bodies. The trailer opens with Toni Colette, who plays the mayor, holding a press conference and announcing that the phenomenon is no hoax. We then get to see glimpses of how the teenagers begin to harness their newfound ability, sparking a revolution and tipping the scale of power in the world.

The Prime Video series also stars John Leguizamo, Toheeb Jimoh, Josh Charles, Eddie Marsan, Ria Zmitrowicz, Zrinka Cvitešić, Halle Bush, and more. The series is set to be released on Prime Video this March 31.

February 1, 2023
REVIEW: Queer Representation is Front and Center of ‘Knock at the Cabin’

There’s an old-school simplicity to M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin, a film he co-wrote with Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman (and based on the novel of the same name by Paul Tremblay). Even at the opening credits, he uses the old logo of Universal Pictures and uses an old-style font and presentation of the opening credits. With further reading, he even used 90s-era lenses to give the film “an old-school thriller look.” And what you see in the trailer is exactly what this movie is about: a family is taken hostage by four strangers in a cabin in the woods, with the hopes that the family will choose one member to sacrifice to stop the apocalypse.

It’s as simple as it sounds, with a bit of dipping into the psychological thriller genre as it questions the veracity of the four strangers’ claim that the fate of the world rests upon the sacrifice of this one family. Most of the 110-minute running time is spent on that premise. While the film’s plot revolves around this conundrum – does the family believe them or not and can they escape from this situation unharmed or not? – it does go into flashbacks to create an emotional throughline for the family that serves to complicate things.

Because what contrasts that old-school simplicity of this simple narrative is the fact that the family is that of queer parents (two gay dads) and is multi-racial, as their daughter was adopted in Asia.

And it is in this character design setup where the film finds its profundity.

Photo: Knock at the Cabin trailer

It’s not often that we see the main characters of a commercial psychological thriller to be led by gay parents. There was even an impulse that I had to fight back to question the sincerity of the choice. “Was it a checklist for progressive identity politics?” This is what happens when there’s not enough positive representation for the queer community that anything of the sort done in such a mainstream release is met with suspicion. Why can’t gay parents be the protagonists of any movie – regardless of genre?

And that the issues surrounding gay people and gay parents are at the crux of ‘Knock at the Cabin.’ As the film shifts to flashbacks to round out the history of this couple – Andrew and Eric played by Ben Aldridge and Jonathan Groff – we see the cruelty of asking any member of such a persecuted minority like the queer community to sacrifice a member of their chosen family for the sake of the world.

Photo: Knock at the Cabin trailer

What makes it even more cruel is the fact that the apocalypse might not even hinge on their sacrifice and that these four strangers – led by the gentle giant Leonard, played by a transformed Dave Bautista – may just be psychotic or part of some strange and dangerous cult.

The film never goes into the easy scares and all the tension is predicated upon that premise: does the fate of the world hang in their sacrifice? Are these four strangers really telling the truth about their visions or are they crazy and out of their minds? And if it is the former, how does one even begin to make that decision?

Photo: Knock at the Cabin trailer

There’s a lot of earnestness in the performances with incredible performances by Bautista, Groff, Aldridge and Kristen Cui, who plays the young daughter Wen, and Nikki Amuka-Bird, who plays one of Leonard’s associates. Always, there are very human moments presented by the four strangers that push the boundaries of what you can believe and then you must bear witness to what they are able to do for the family to make that choice.

Within this whole narrative, the issues of the queer community are really put into an emotional grinder (pun intended). For all the persecution and hate that they have taken for years, if the fate of the world was left to us having to make another sacrifice, would we do it? Would Andrew and Eric and Wen?

Photo: Knock at the Cabin trailer

Shyamalan is in fine form here with his camera going in really close to his actor’s faces as if their humanity (and maybe even their sanity) is in full view. He focuses on the little details of each moment while at the same time moving the camera away from all the gruesome acts of violence. It’s all implied rather than the focus. It’s as if he doesn’t want us to get distracted by the choice, whether it is real or not.

There are no surprise twists here as one would expect from a Shyamalan film. The story reaches its resolution as best as it could but one thing is certain: it’s so wonderful to see gay parents at the center of this story and how their love is depicted as universal. The film never questions it and this movie is out there.

I hope more movies present queer characters as smoothly as this so that I’ll never have to be suspicious again.

My Rating:

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Knock at the Cabin is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.

February 1, 2023
HBO Renews ‘The Last Of Us’ For A Second Season

HBO drama The Last of Us has been renewed for a second season. The series is co-created by Craig Mazin (Emmy® Award-winning creator of HBO’s Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmann (creator and writer of the award-winning The Last of Us franchise and Naughty Dog Co-President).

(Photo credits: HBO GO)

The Last of Us was also a hit on social media, with the series trending #1 worldwide on Twitter during its series debut. To date, season one teasers and trailers have amassed more than 100 million views globally.

“Craig and Neil, alongside EP Carolyn Strauss, and the rest of our phenomenal cast and crew, have defined a genre with their masterful debut season of The Last of Us,” said Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. “After pulling off this unforgettable first season, I can’t wait to watch this team outshine themselves again with season 2.”

“I’m humbled, honoured, and frankly overwhelmed that so many people have tuned in and connected with our retelling of Joel and Ellie’s journey. The collaboration with Craig Mazin, our incredible cast & crew, and HBO exceeded my already high expectations,” said Neil Druckmann, Executive Producer. “Now we have the absolute pleasure of being able to do it again with season two! On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog & PlayStation, thank you!”

“I’m so grateful to Neil Druckmann and HBO for our partnership, and I’m even more grateful to the millions of people who have joined us on this journey,” said Craig Mazin, Executive Producer. “The audience has given us the chance to continue, and as a fan of the characters and world Neil and Naughty Dog created, I couldn’t be more ready to dive back in.”

The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.

Season one stars Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Anna Torv as Tess, Nico Parker as Sarah, Murray Bartlett as Frank, Nick Offerman as Bill, Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen, Storm Reid as Riley, Merle Dandridge as Marlene, Jeffrey Pierce as Perry, Lamar Johnson as Henry, Keivonn Woodard as Sam, Graham Greene as Marlon, and Elaine Miles as Florence. Ashley Johnson and Troy Baker also star.

New episodes of the series debut Mondays on HBO and HBO GO, leading up to the finale on March 13. Fans can also tune in to The Last of Us Podcast, the series’ official companion podcast where host Troy Baker, who plays Joel in the video game, sits down with series creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for a scene-by-scene deep dive of each episode.

The Last of Us, based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name developed by Naughty Dog for the PlayStation® platforms, is written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. The series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television and is executive produced by Carolyn Strauss, Evan Wells, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Rose Lam. Production companies: PlayStation Productions, Word Games, The Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.

Stream or download The Last of Us on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for only ₱1,190 on the new 12-month plan. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

February 1, 2023
vivo Launches X90 Series Flagship Smartphones Internationally

vivo announced the global launch of X90 and X90 Pro, the company’s latest X90 series flagship smartphones. The series delivers a whole new set of advanced camera features and all-around performance upgrades powered by a state-of-the-art dual flagship chip technology featuring vivo’s exclusive V2 chip, in addition to the company’s continuous collaboration with ZEISS in terms of imaging and camera system innovation, including optics, anti-reflective coating, software, and system integrations.

“The new X90 series combines our in-house innovation with some of the industry’s leading imaging technologies to bring consumers a smartphone lineup equipped to tackle some of the most challenging scenarios, such as night photography and videography,” said Spark Ni, Senior Vice President and CMO of vivo. “I’m proud of our progress towards making the flagship X series the industry’s go-to flagship line for all-around superb performance.”

Powerful Imaging Specs, a Big Leap Forward

Honed over the course of more than two years, this generation of the vivo ZEISS co-engineered imaging system brings forward a blend of hardware upgrades and software breakthroughs to offer an unparalleled experience. It boasts improved light sensitivity, aperture, natural color processing, and stabilization for an easy and intuitive point-and-shoot camera experience. X90 and X90 Pro feature triple rear camera systems, each with certified compliance with ZEISS T* Coating.

X90 Pro pushes the limits of smartphone imaging with a 50MP ZEISS 1-inch Main Camera, 50MP Portrait Camera with a Large Sensor, and a 12MP Wide-Angle Camera. The main camera on X90 Pro uses a 1-inch IMX989 sensor, the industry’s largest to date. Compared with other models with a 1-inch sensor, the f/1.75 large aperture and 3.2 μm large pixel (4-in-1) size of X90 Pro increase the light intake per pixel, allowing for brighter, purer night images. Compared to the GNV sensor used in the previous X generation, the new IMX989 sensor’s photosensitive area has increased by 77%, with its light intake capacity going up by 43%.

The 50MP Portrait Camera features an ultra-sensing portrait lens, with an IMX758 sensor that helps to achieve an aperture of f/1.6. With the support of the stabilization system, an exclusive large-aperture lens, and 4-in-1 sensor technology, it delivers subtly detailed portraits, even in low light.

X90 Pro introduces independent optical image stabilization (OIS) technology, developed by vivo, allowing for more intelligent and precise stabilization correction compared to standard OIS. It also supports Active Centering OIS System, significantly reducing smears between frames and motion blur.

X90 boasts a 50MP VCS True Color Main Camera, a 12MP Professional Portrait Camera, and a 12MP Wide-Angle Camera. The VCS True Color Main Camera optimizes the sensor spectrum to achieve the target RGB colors better, improving native image colors, ensuring color consistency, and lowering the noise level.

Pro-level Camera Features to Capture Life’s Moments, Day or Night

The upgraded sensors, vivo’s exclusive V2 imaging chip, the in-house developed AI algorithms, and ZEISS Optics with T* Coating work together to further enhance the capability of night photography and astrophotography, making the new X90 series the perfect stargazing companion. New tools for unique and professional-grade content creation are also introduced.

4K Ultra-Sensing Night Video is now made effortless with vivo’s Super Night Video 3.0 algorithm, supporting exceptional photosensitivity in extremely dark environments. What’s more, the V2 chip ensures clarity even at high ISO settings with its noise reduction algorithm.

X90 Pro comes with an overhauled Handheld Astro mode to capture the starry sky with greater clarity without the need of a tripod in a matter of seconds. This feature is supported by the device’s enhanced light sensitivity, upgraded stabilization technology and a new AI PD Extreme Night focus technology, that improves focus accuracy. Furthermore, taking landscape moon photos is made possible with the Super Moon mode, available on both X90 and X90 Pro, which combines the hardware upgrades and the new Super Night 3.0 algorithm. At blue hour, the period right after the sun sets, vivo’s sky-segmentation technology optimizes blue-tone colors while its Double Exposure algorithm integrates the landscape and the moon into one stunning image.

AI Night View tackles the challenge of getting the tone just right in night photos. Powered by AI network learning, AI Night View can shoot up to 10 frames in RAW while maintaining a high dynamic range. It recognizes elements such as the sky and human faces in night scenes and carries out segmentation to fine-tune the tone and color of each segment. It processes HDR tones with a color depth of up to 22 bits for more subtle color transitions.

ZEISS Natural Color 2.0 in the new X90 series has been further calibrated to present colors with more authenticity and accuracy, bringing captured images closer to what is seen with the naked eye.

For the first time, a new ZEISS Natural Color Display is now added to screen color style settings, to ensure the captured colors are not affected by the display. Now every individual display of vivo X90 and X90 Pro gets calibrated to guarantee that the color rendition of the display is close to perfect.

Another powerful creation feature is the Zero-Shutter-Lag Motion Snapshot, which makes capturing motion easier than ever before. The zero-second delay means what you see is what you get in key moments, even in low light. In Sports mode and Night Sports mode, the combination of the high-speed shutter and motion detection algorithm can instantly freeze frames, keeping any fast-moving subject clear.

The series also brings new creative effects jointly developed by vivo and ZEISS. The new ZEISS Cine-flare Portrait style simulates the flare effect seen in many classic films. Users can also capture unique miniature landscapes using the ZEISS Miniature Effect. This effect only keeps a small part of a landscape image sharp to generate the illusion of a miniature scene with no post-editing needed.

Powerful Device for All-Around Performance and Gaming

X90 and X90 Pro are equipped for high performance, featuring powerful processing capabilities, a large battery, fast charging technology, and a stunning display, ideal for work or gaming. The dual-chip setup of the new X90 series includes MediaTek Dimensity 9200 and vivo V2 Chip. With Dimensity 9200, X90 Pro and X90 have ultrahigh AnTuTu Benchmark scores of 1.26 million and 1.22 million, respectively, representing a massive leap in performance. X90 and X90 Pro come with LPDDR5X (X90 Pro)/ Enhanced LPDDR5 (X90), Extended RAM 3.0, which adds up to 8 GB of extended memory, as well as UFS 4.0 + MCQ and UFS Deep Defragmentation, offering smooth processing and supporting more active apps.

The new X90 series supports 120W Dual-Cell FlashCharge which, combined with an equivalent 4870 mAh (X90 Pro)/ 4810 mAh (X90) large battery, improves both the charging speed and the battery life. X90 Pro also supports 50W Wireless FlashCharge.

The new X90 series offers two charging modes: fast charging mode and balanced mode. In fast charging mode, X90 Pro can be charged to 50% in 8 minutes and 10 seconds while X90 can be charged to 50% in only 8 minutes. The balanced mode is ideal for everyday charging, taking only 29 minutes for both X90 and X90 Pro to get the battery charged to 100%.^[1] Moreover, the devices have 24-Dimension Security Protection and TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification for guaranteed charging safety.

X90 Pro has an Ultra Large Vapor Chamber Liquid Cooling System made with a 24-layer cooling structure and the largest vapor chamber among X Pro models covering an area of 4,002 mm², for more efficient heat dissipation and insulation. Additionally, an innovative frame design reduces the heat transfer from the CPU to the frame, thus allowing for the key areas where the users’ hands touch the phone when held horizontally to remain up to 2℃ cooler in heavy-load scenarios.

X90 and X90 Pro have a 6.78-inch Ultra Vision Eye Protection Screen, bringing cinema-like display effects and professional-grade eye protection. The 3D curved screen features a larger viewing area, 1.07 billion colors and a 100% DCI-P3 wide color gamut, delivering rich and natural colors. To top it all off, the display boasts HDR10+ and SGS low blue light, low motion blur, low flicker, AI low blue light certifications, as well as a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, ideal for gaming. The X90 series smartphones offer chip-level Smart Eye Protection Mode, developed by vivo and MediaTek to intelligently monitor and control the proportion of blue light in real time while balancing the colors for added eye care. The display is made of a new Q9 luminescent material, which also effectively reduces blue light. High-frequency Pulse-width modulation (PWM) at a high frequency of up to 2,160Hz is used to reduce screen flickering, while 16,000-level smooth dimming helps adjust the screen brightness based on the light conditions, ensuring eye comfort.

The X90 series smartphones also boast a Dual Stereo Speaker and an X-Axis Linear Motor for a more immersive audiovisual experience and rich tactile feedback for top-notch mobile gaming. In X90 Pro, a SpeakerBoost 4.0 algorithm expands the sound field and extends low-frequency range for a more immersive experience, while the X-Axis Linear Motor provides vibration feedback for over 200 different scenarios. 4D Game Vibration is also supported.

Authentic New Design, Premium Experience

The new X90 series comes with a bold new design inspired by the Fibonacci spiral to deliver a balanced and unique look. A horizontal band, or a Skyline, is introduced on the back cover to divide the functional zones clearly. The sectional design balances the visual focus, making the camera module look less protruding.

Drawing on the design of professional cameras, the new X90 series integrates the three rear cameras into one “Big Eye” to create an integrated overall look, representing the powerful camera system inside. Coated with Corning’s Gorilla Glass and ultra-hard, anti-reflective coating on the surface, the overall hardness of the glass lens reaches 6 on the Mohs scale. It is tougher and resistant to drops and scratches and has higher light transmission. In addition, the Big Eye is enclosed within a decorative surgical-grade, stainless steel Halo Ring for lens protection.

X90 Pro comes in a timeless Legend Black color. The back is covered with luxurious pebbled vegan leather, which is environmentally friendly, stain-resistant, and durable. X90 Pro has a rating of IP68^[2] for water and dust resistance. X90 comes in Breeze Blue and Asteroid Black, both featuring an exquisite fluorite AG glass back, which is smooth to the touch, and keeps fingerprints and dirt away.

January 31, 2023
WATCH: Stephen King’s ‘The Boogeyman’ Film Adaptation Unveils Terrifying Trailer

The Boogeyman is real in the new horror-thriller movie from the mind of best-selling horror author Stephen King! 20th Century Studios has just revealed the trailer for the upcoming film from the producers of Stranger Things, featuring the spooky monster that stalks the children.

Watch the trailer for The Boogeyman below:

The new film follows the siblings Sadie and Sawyer whose mother just died, and are not getting much support from their therapist father who is dealing with his own pain. When a patient visits their home seeking help, a terrifying supernatural entity is left behind, preying on the suffering of its victims.

Based on the short story by Stephen King, The Boogeyman is directed by Rob Savage (Host) with a screenplay by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place) and Mark Heyman (Black Swan). It stars Sophie Thatcher, Chris Messina, Vivien Lyra Blair, Marin Ireland, Madison Hu, LisaGay Hamilton, and David Dastmalchian. The Boogeyman is set for release in June 2023.

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January 31, 2023
Hop-On, Hop-Off Museum Tours at Paseo Museo

Get ready for two days of unique museum experience with the CCP PASINAYA’s Paseo Museo, slated on February 4 and 5, 2023, at 13 participating museums and galleries in Pasay and Manila.

One of the festival’s main components, CCP partnered with various galleries, museums, and art spaces around the Paseo Museo Loop to put the spotlight on communal artistic spirit and collaborations. This year, the CCP has five new partners – AIMS Museo Maritimo, GSIS Museum, the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) School of Fine Arts & Design (SFAD) Jose Conrado Benitez (JCB) Gallery, Adamson University Art Gallery, and the Manila Clock Tower Museum.

Located at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) Lighthouse along Roxas Boulevard corner Arnaiz Avenue, Pasay City, AIMS Museo Maritimo put the spotlight on Philippine maritime history, maritime trade routes and the contributions of Filipino seafarers in the global seafaring industry.

Launched in 2012, the maritime-themed museum is dedicated to Filipino seafarers and pays homage to their contribution to nation-building from the distant past to the present; utilizing imaginative exhibitions and displays to illustrate what the Philippine seafaring, training, and manning history is and who its pioneers and leaders are. Furthermore, it serves as a repository for valuable collections of marine art, ship models, and nautical artifacts.

Established in 1996, the GSIS Museo ng Sining is home to some of the best artwork collections in the country. In 2012, however, GSIS turned over the management of the GSIS Art Collection to the National Museum, with around 100 pieces, majority of which were done by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, Bencab, and Federico Alcuaz. They also have pieces by visual artists Diosdado Lorenzo, Jose Blanco, Juvenal Sanso, and Rodolfo Ragodon. The collection is currently on display at the 3/F National Art Gallery. Filipino painter Juan Luna’s “Parisian Life” is also entrusted to the management of the National Museum.

On display for the weekend at the GSIS are some of the retained works of other renowned artists as well as the winning entries of the annual GSIS Art Competition. These pieces are now on display at the GSIS Art Gallery, including the largest mural publicly on display done by Amorsolo entitled “History of Music” that used to adorn the Metropolitan Theater Lobby wall. The Museum still conducts its regular activities like exhibits for new and established groups of artists, lectures and seminars, special tours, concerts and other performances, among others.

Commemorating its 75th anniversary last year, GSIS put on display some of their memorabilia items on view at the museum entrance hallway. These items are now re-displayed and re-exhibited at the lower gallery of the museum. The space allocated for these items is renamed the GSIS Gallery of Institutional Memory.

The GSIS Museo ng Sining also handles other artworks and artifacts (antiques, decorative items, pieces of furniture, etc.) from foreclosed and important properties of GSIS such as Puerto Azul, Coconut Palace, and the Metropolitan Theater. Some of these items are also put on display.

First opened in 2012, the PWU’s SFAD JCB gallery has mounted visual art exhibitions featuring the works of PWU SFAD alumni, students, and faculty, as well as visiting artists. Managed under the Office of the University President, with the supervision of the Dean of SFAD, the gallery provides the confident affirmation of PWU as an avenue for art, culture and heritage that contributes to the expansion of the visual art language. It enjoins other schools within the university, and visiting cultural producers to engage with the gallery to avail its facilities for exhibitions and scholarly discourse related to art, culture and heritage.

Located at the left side of the AdU Theater, the Adamson University Art Gallery first opened in September 27, 2005, but was renovated in 2013 following the brutalist design with modernists and de-constructivist elements, by Arch. Sylvester Seño, a faculty member of the AdU College of Architecture. From being a part of the St. Theresa’s Auditorium and its surroundings, the art gallery has mounted several arts and photo exhibits and serves as holding area for special guests of the theater.

The Manila Clock Tower Museum features a variety of multi-sensory exhibits of the historical Battle of Manila highlighted by the Wall of Heroes. Launched in 2022, the museum initiated the adaptive reuse of the Manila City Hall’s clock/watch tower. Under the management of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of the Vity of Manila, the museum has five levels, designed and curated by Ohm David and Elba Cruz, with light design by Meliton Roxas, Jr.

Other participating museums and galleries, who have been PASINAYA’s regulars, include: National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Museo Pambata.

Paseo Museo, formerly Museum Mile, is in partnership with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, who provided shuttles that enables audiences to visit the participating museums and galleries. This year, there will be 15 vehicles that will ferry the PASINAYA Paseo Museo viewers to Routes A, B and C* (*Saturday only).

Paseo Museo is part of the PASINAYA 2023: The CCP Open House Festival, the largest annual multi-arts festival in the country, featuring a wide variety of exciting activities. Audiences can experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can with over a hundred shows, workshops, and other various activities in music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.

Following the theme “Piglas Sining,” the biggest multi-arts festival returns live with five components; aside from Paseo Museo: Pagtitipon, a gathering of regional partners to share plans and programs; Palihan or workshop-all-you-can in all the art forms to be conducted by experts in their field, Palabas, see-all-you-can performances and film screenings featuring the CCP resident companies, professional, amateur and community-based artists and arts organizations in all the art genres; and Palitan, arts market where artists and art groups can pitch to prospective producers and content buyers.

With four outdoor venues at the CCP Complex and at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, this will surely be the biggest comeback to live events after the pandemic.

Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates on CCP Pasinaya 2023.

January 31, 2023
‘Buklod’ artists explore the positivity and possibilities of abstract art at ARTablado

In this world full of negativities, all we need is to help each other, show love, and unite to create peace and harmony. There are challenges but nothing is impossible! Like in art, putting together the colors, space, shapes, texture, value, and a line can form a rhythm, a balance that can emphasize a movement. Each of the 11 artists featured in the “Buklod” exhibition – From Feb. 1 to 15 at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria – amalgamated their creative minds to create a show that can inspire every Filipino artist from newbies to experience.

Bionicface on Hand by Meyo de Jesus

Composition No 38 by Ross Del Rosario

“We see art as an escape from reality,” says the group spokesperson. “Whenever we create our art, we feel na nasa safe haven kami.” They make their own rules and spin their own ambitious abstract worlds — despite day jobs, mind you.

“Buklod” features the abstract works of 11 artists: Jas Agbunag, Anton Aguas, Richard Apostol, MarPolo Cabrera, Meyo de Jesus, Rolly delos Santos, Ross del Rosario, Danny Encabo, Veejay Palcunan, Patrice Palisoc and Ronald “Doods” Pena.

Jas Agbunag is a freelance graphic designer. Richard Apostol is a senior associate designer in a BPO firm. MarPolo Cabrera is at present an online writer and businessman. The rest are either freelance artists or have bitten the bullet and have become full-time art practitioners.

The word itself, buklod, has a comforting resonance. “Nagpapakita ito ng pagkakaisa ng mga Filipino artists — iba’t-iba man ’yung styles namin, we are united at nag-buklod kami to celebrate art and our passion.”

Fly by Anton Aguas

Paano Kung Ito Na Ang Iyong Pagkakataon by MarPolo Cabrera

“Buklod Para sa Sining,” is Robinsons Land ARTablado’s opening salvo for National Arts Month. Not only has ARTablado become a platform for artists from all walks of life (including artists both upcoming as well as the more senior ones) to showcase their artworks, it also encourages artists to give a free rein to their creativity and give in to that thirst for exploration and experimentation, to be the best in what they do.

Resonance of Nature by Doods Pena

“ARTablado is a perfect venue to showcase our passion sa art. We believe na ARTablado can give Filipino artists a space where they can show the world na ‘Ito ’yung sining ko at proud ako dito!’ ARTablado is a bridge between artists and the viewing public. Nakakatulong ang ARTablado na mas ma-promote pa lalo ang mga sining na gawa ng Pinoy!”

Meyo de Jesus, Danny Encabo and Rolly de Jesus have mounted or participated in exhibitions at ARTablado in the past. MarPolo Cabrera is one of the very first artists featured in the Robinsons Land venue.

“ARTablado opens so many possibilities and opportunities sa bawat artists. Some of the artists participating in ‘Buklod’ who’ve already exhibited in ARTablado can prove that.” The spokesperson shares how ARTablado is not just an exhibition space; the people behind ARTablado help artists promote their art, engage with art collectors and introduce them to the featured individual or group, and offer pieces of advice to artists on how to navigate that often tempestuous waters of the art scene.

“With ARTablado, the artists are in good hands. Blessing ang ARTablado.”

The group spokesperson said that they are 11 artists with different approaches and takes on what constitutes abstract art and how to give a semblance of form to the non-figurative.

“We have different perspectives sa sining namin. ’Yung iba sa musika humuhugot ng inspiration sa pagpinta. ’Yung iba sa emotions or experiences nila sa buhay. Dun palang each of us has his own identity.” Thus, viewers can differentiate which piece is by a particular artist.

“Magkakaiba man kami ng styles, naglalayon naman kami na magbuklod para sa sining.”

And — this may very well be the driving philosophy of the artists in “Buklod” — all are united in upliftment.

January 31, 2023
Discover the inspiring story of ‘Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend’ only on Lionsgate Play powered by PLDT Home

Almost every car enthusiast has dreamt of driving a Lamborghini at least once in their life.

But little did we know that winemaker Ferruccio Lamborghini – the inventor, mechanic, and car designer who created Automobili Lamborghini in 1963 – had a Cinderella-like story: he was a young Italian, born to grape farmers, with huge ambitions of competing with the already established supercar maker Ferrari. In fact, Lamborghini didn’t always make supercars; Ferruccio made tractors in the beginning — yes, big lumbering tractors, for farms.

Lamborghini’s fascinating story was recently made into the biographical drama Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend. Produced by Ambi Pictures, Grindstone Entertainment Group, and Iervolino & Lady Bacardi Entertainment and written and directed by Robert Moresco (Crash), the movie was released in select theaters in the United States back in November 2022. It stars Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Billions) as the Italian industrialist Ferruccio Lamborghini.

For the Philippine premiere of Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend, streaming platform Lionsgate Play is giving PLDT Home customers exclusive access to the movie as it drops on January 28, 2023.

The film is set after World War II, when Lamborghini began making tractors from reconfigured surplus military machines. He later went into manufacturing air-conditioning and heating systems, contributing to his eventual success and wealth. His dream, however, was always to make a sports car that could compete with Ferrari, whose 250 GT coupe he bought in 1958. (He owned Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jaguar and Mercedes Benz cars among others prior to his first Ferrari.)

In the movie, when Ferruccio offers Enzo Ferrari a partnership to make the best car in the world (and a solution to Ferrari’s problematic clutch), Ferrari tells him, “Go back to your tractors, farmer.” Adding insult to injury, the older man says, “Do you know what they say about Lamborghini? He is too uneducated to understand what he doesn’t know.”

In real life, Ferruccio tells the story of what Ferrari also said: “’Lamborghini, you may be able to drive a tractor but you will never be able to handle a Ferrari properly.’ This was the point when I finally decided to make a perfect car.”

Once Ferruccio visited Eduardo Miura’s ranch in Seville where the latter raised bulls for bullfighting, he had an emblem for his supercar. He also named a lot of them after famous fighting bulls like the Lamborghini Gallardo (2003-2013), which was named after one of the five Spanish bull breed castes, and Huracan (2014 to present), after a famous bull that fought in 1879.

One of the earliest cars Lamborghini made was the Miura, which he named after his friend with whom he shared a fascination for bullfighting. Lamborghini manufactured fewer than 800 Miuras between 1966 and 1973. Today, the car costs around $1.6 million (P87 million). The last scene of the film shows Ferruccio driving a classic yellow Miura and the end credit text reading, “When the Museum of Modern Art in New York exhibited the Lamborghini Miura, they declared it to be ‘the most beautiful car ever made.’”

PLDT Home customers get front row seats to Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend plus more premium content through Lionsgate Play, exclusively powered by their broadband subscription. By activating their free Lionsgate Play voucher on https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay, subscribers get to enjoy the ultimate entertainment experience at home thanks to PLDT Home’s fast internet speed.

January 31, 2023
Love at Second Sight: Time to rekindle the love for these returning Netflix series

Have you ever felt such an empty feeling in the pit of your stomach after watching the last episode of a favorite series? Some shows are sooo good that we become obsessed (hiya Joe Goldberg!). Of course with Netflix we can always revisit the titles we can’t live without, but there’s still something special about watching new episodes.

*If you haven’t seen these titles, needless to say, spoilers, right ahead!*

YOU: SEASON 4 PART 1
Part 1 of the new season premieres February 9. Part 2 premieres March 9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0AfKViiVq4&t=24s

When we last saw Joe Goldberg, he was on his way to Paris to search for Marienne. But as we’ve seen in the trailer, the main setting for the new season is London, and our favorite love-to-hate / hate-to-love stalker is now… Professor Jonathan Moore. While we will certainly miss season 3 scene stealers Theo, the Conrads, and of course Love, we can’t wait to find out more about Joe / Jonathan’s exploits in London. It looks like it’s going to be a new season = new obsession – and not just for Joe.

LOVE IS BLIND: AFTER THE ALTAR SEASON 3
The new episodes will premiere February 10

Are you still reeling from the revelations and confrontations in the reunion special? Regardless, it’s time to find out how the latest pod squad members have been doing since then. Is anyone in the family way? Rumor has it that fan-favorite couple Alexa and Brennon are trying their very best. Brennon even asked Netflix for a baby bottle version of the reality show’s very famous golden goblets, in an interview with Tudum. Speaking of reality show-famous, check out Perfect Match, too, an upcoming dating show that will feature alumni from Netflix’s dating competitions including The Circle, Too Hot to Handle, and of course, Love is Blind. Episodes will drop on February 14, 21 and 28. Hosted by, obviously, Nick Lachey. Happy Love Month!

OUTER BANKS: SEASON 3
The new season premieres February 23

Wasn’t Season 2 of Outer Banks such a wild ride? So full of twists and turns! Of course, we would love to check back in with our beloved Pogues, especially now that, as seen in the teaser, they seem to be living the (island) life in a piece of paradise they’ve nicknamed Poguelandia. Six people with shared trauma, triumphs and adventures isolated on a beautiful but mysterious island. Are there to be other couples besides John B and Sarah? More than this mystery though, we are dying to know more about the series’ biggest reveal so far: Big John is alive?!?! February 23 can’t come soon enough.

VIKINGS: VALHALLA: SEASON 2
Now streaming (premiered January 12)

A newly returned series in its sophomore year, Vikings: Valhalla: Season 2 is currently enjoying a cozy spot on the global Top 10 TV list by Netflix. As seen in the trailer, Leif, Freydís, and Harald are now on the run, having recently lost the Battle for Kattegat. Unfortunately for our main protagonist, Leif, he lost so much more at the battle: his love, Liv, died in his arms. How is this going to affect their survival and fight against Olaf in the new season?

SKY ROJO: SEASON 3
Now streaming (premiered January 13)

Coral, Wendy and Gina have done it; they’ve escaped from their pimp Romeo and his henchmen, and can finally live peacefully and lavishly, thanks to the four million euros they have in tow. But can they really? The third season of Sky Rojo, a popular Spanish series from the geniuses behind La Casa de Papel, premiered a few weeks ago on January 13, but if you haven’t seen it, check out the jampacked trailer. The women do seem like they’re having the time of their lives, partying with friends on a boat – until Moises, fueled by hatred and hellbent on revenge – catches up to them and puts into action his boss Romeo’s plan of a “massacre at sea.” Por favor, TV gods, let Coral, Wendy and Gina finally live the happy and peaceful life they deserve.

Stream, download, and enjoy these films and series anytime, anywhere on Netflix.

January 31, 2023
Hop-On, Hop-Off Museum Tours At Paseo Museo

GET ready for two days of unique museum experience with the CCP PASINAYA’s Paseo Museo, slated on February 4 and 5, 2023, at 13 participating museums and galleries in Pasay and Manila.

AIMS Museo Maritimo (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)

One of the festival’s main components, CCP partnered with various galleries, museums and art spaces around the Paseo Museo Loop to put the spotlight on communal artistic spirit and collaborations. This year, the CCP has five new partners – AIMS Museo Maritimo, GSIS Museum, the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) School of Fine Arts & Design (SFAD) Jose Conrado Benitez (JCB) Gallery, Adamson University Art Gallery, and the Manila Clock Tower Museum.

Located at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) Lighthouse along Roxas Boulevard corner Arnaiz Avenue, Pasay City, AIMS Museo Maritimo put the spotlight on Philippine maritime history, maritime trade routes and the contributions of Filipino seafarers in the global seafaring industry.

Launched in 2012, the maritime-themed museum is dedicated to Filipino seafarers and pays homage to their contribution to nation-building from the distant past to the present; utilizing imaginative exhibitions and displays to illustrate what the Philippine seafaring, training, and manning history is and who its pioneers and leaders are. Furthermore, it serves as a repository for valuable collections of marine art, ship models, and nautical artifacts.

GSIS Museo ng Sining (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)

Established in 1996, the GSIS Museo ng Sining is home to some of the best artwork collections in the country. In 2012, however, GSIS turned over the management of the GSIS Art Collection to the National Museum, with around 100 pieces, majority of which were done by National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok, Bencab, and Federico Alcuaz. They also have pieces by visual artists Diosdado Lorenzo, Jose Blanco, Juvenal Sanso, and Rodolfo Ragodon. The collection is currently on display at the 3/F National Art Gallery. Filipino painter Juan Luna’s “Parisian Life” is also entrusted to the management of the National Museum.

On display for the weekend at the GSIS are some of the retained works of other renowned artists as well as the winning entries of the annual GSIS Art Competition. These pieces are now on display at the GSIS Art Gallery, including the largest mural publicly on display done by Amorsolo entitled “History of Music” that used to adorn the Metropolitan Theater Lobby wall. The Museum still conducts its regular activities like exhibits for new and established groups of artists, lectures and seminars, special tours, concerts and other performances, among others.

Commemorating its 75th anniversary last year, GSIS put on display some of their memorabilia items on view at the museum entrance hallway. These items are now re-displayed and re-exhibited at the lower gallery of the museum. The space allocated for these items is renamed the GSIS Gallery of Institutional Memory.

The GSIS Museo ng Sining also handles other artworks and artifacts (antiques, decorative items, pieces of furniture, etc.) from foreclosed and important properties of GSIS such as Puerto Azul, Coconut Palace, and the Metropolitan Theater. Some of these items are also put on display.

First opened in 2012, the PWU’s SFAD JCB gallery has mounted visual art exhibitions featuring the works of PWU SFAD alumni, students, and faculty, as well as visiting artists. Managed under the Office of the University President, with the supervision of the Dean of SFAD, the gallery provides the confident affirmation of PWU as an avenue for art, culture and heritage that contributes to the expansion of the visual art language. It enjoins other schools within the university, and visiting cultural producers to engage with the gallery to avail its facilities for exhibitions and scholarly discourse related to art, culture and heritage.

PWU-SFAD Jose Conrado Benitez Gallery (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)

Located at the left side of the AdU Theater, the Adamson University Art Gallery first opened in September 27, 2005, but was renovated in 2013 following the brutalist design with modernists and de-constructivist elements, by Arch. Sylvester Seño, a faculty member of the AdU College of Architecture. From being a part of the St. Theresa’s Auditorium and its surroundings, the art gallery has mounted several arts and photo exhibits and serves as holding area for special guests of the theater.

The Manila Clock Tower Museum features a variety of multi-sensory exhibits of the historical Battle of Manila highlighted by the Wall of Heroes. Launched in 2022, the museum initiated the adaptive reuse of the Manila City Hall’s clock/watch tower. Under the management of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Arts of the Vity of Manila, the museum has five levels, designed and curated by Ohm David and Elba Cruz, with light design by Meliton Roxas, Jr.

Manila Clock Tower Museum (Photo by Kiko Cabuena)

Other participating museums and galleries, who have been PASINAYA’s regulars, include: National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Casa Manila, Museo de Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and Museo Pambata.

Paseo Museo, formerly Museum Mile, is in partnership with the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, who provided shuttles that enables audiences to visit the participating museums and galleries. This year, there will be 15 vehicles that will ferry the PASINAYA Paseo Museo viewers to Routes A, B and C* (*Saturday only).

Paseo Museo is part of the PASINAYA 2023: The CCP Open House Festival, the largest annual multi-arts festival in the country, featuring a wide variety of exciting activities. Audiences can experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can with over a hundred shows, workshops, and other various activities in music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.

Following the theme “Piglas Sining,” the biggest multi-arts festival returns live with five components; aside from Paseo Museo: Pagtitipon, a gathering of regional partners to share plans and programs; Palihan or workshop-all-you-can in all the art forms to be conducted by experts in their field, Palabas, see-all-you-can performances and film screenings featuring the CCP resident companies, professional, amateur and community-based artists and arts organizations in all the art genres; and Palitan, arts market where artists and art groups can pitch to prospective producers and content buyers.

With four outdoor venues at the CCP Complex and at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, this will surely be the biggest comeback to live events after the pandemic.

Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates on CCP Pasinaya 2023.

January 31, 2023