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 heart-breaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.
The cast includes 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.
The Last of Us, based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name developed by Naughty Dog exclusively 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.
From Damien Chazelle, Babylon is an original epic set in 1920s Los Angeles led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva, with an ensemble cast including Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo and Li Jun Li. A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.
Babylon is the result of 15 years of research and world-building that started in Chazelle’s head long before he typed the first draft of the script and stepped behind the camera to bring his long-gestating epic to life.
“I wanted to look under the microscope at the early days of an art form and an industry, when both were still finding their footing,” says Chazelle, “and, on a deeper level, I liked the idea of looking at a society in change.”
“There was an incredibly diverse group of pioneers building an industry from scratch combined with a manic pace of creativity that created a strange brew of sex, drugs and music that may never be duplicated,” Chazelle continues. “It’s that alchemy that attracted so many fascinating characters to the edge of the desert to create a new industry and turn motion pictures into a new art form that was still really in its infancy when the movie begins.”
“That’s what I wanted to explore — the madness and the ambition and the drive of the people who were first in line in creating this art form and this industry, because through all the pain and the heartbreak, the highs and lows of their crazed lives, all that they gained and all that they lost, what they pioneered still lives on today,” concludes Chazelle.
In Philippine cinemas starting February 1, Babylon is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #BabylonMovie and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
The trailer and poster for the 25th Anniversary Re-Release of James Cameron’s Academy Award® winning “Titanic” are available now. The film remastered in 3D opens in Philippine theaters on Wednesday, February 8.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, a remastered version of James Cameron’s multi-Academy Award®-winning “Titanic” will be re-released to theaters in a remastered 3D version. With a cast headed by Oscar® winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, the film is an epic, action-packed romance set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the “unsinkable” Titanic, at the time, the largest moving object ever built.
“Titanic” won a record 11 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction-Set Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Original Dramatic Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Visual Effects. Upon its initial release in 1997, the film became the #1 all-time global box office champ and is currently the third highest grossing film worldwide.
Paramount Pictures and 20th Century Studios present A Lightstorm Entertainment Production, “Titanic,” starringLeonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Bernard Hill, Jonathan Hyde, Danny Nucci, Gloria Stuart, David Warner, Victor Garber and Bill Paxton. James Cameron. Written and Directed by James Cameron, the film was Produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, with Rae Sanchini serving as Executive Producer.
After two online editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Japan Foundation, Manila brings back the on-site screenings of its beloved film festival, the Japanese Film Festival (JFF), featuring 10 award-winning and must-see full-length films, on January 20 to February 22, 2023 in various venues in the Philippines.
One of the largest and most popular film festivals in the country attracting over 25,000 audiences every year, the Japan Film Festival kicks off its on-site screenings on January 22 to February 3, at the Shangri-la Plaza in Mandaluyong City.
It will have simultaneous screenings at SM City Baguio, SM Seaside Cebu, SM City Davao from January 27 to 31, 2023; followed by Cinematheque Manila, Cinematheque Negros, Cinematheque Iloilo, Cinematheque Davao, Cinematheque Nabunturan from January 28 to 29.; and UP Cine Adarna (Quezon City) from February 17 to 22.
The festival opens with Belle (竜とそばかすの姫), a film by director HOSODA Mamoru, starring the voices of NAKAMURA Kaho and SATOH Takeru. The 2021 animated film tells the story of a high school girl Suzu (Nakamura Kaho) who lost the ability to sing when her mother died in an accident when she was young. One day, a friend invited Suzu to join the virtual world known as “U” which has over 50 million members. There, she created her own alter-ego and became popular throughout the world as the singer Belle.
Intolerance (空白), by director Keisuke Yoshida, follows the story of a junior high school girl who figured in an accident after allegedly trying to shoplift, then eventually died. The father, wanting to prove her innocence, doggedly goes after the manager, but then turns into a terrifying monster and chases down everyone involved. The drama film stars Arata Furuta and Tori Matsuzaka.
InBlue (ブルー), directed by Keisuke Yoshida, Urita loves boxing more than anyone, but continues to lose. Meanwhile, his younger rival Ogawa is close to becoming the Japan champion and is preparing to marry Urita’s childhood friend Chika. Though everything he ever wanted is within Ogawa’s grasp, Urita continues to work toward his dream. Actor Kenichi Matsuyama plays the titular role.
And So The Baton Is Passed (そして、バトンは渡さ れた) narrates about Yuko (Nagano Mei) who has been raised by parents unrelated to her and has changed her last name four times. She currently lives with her father-in-law Morimiya (Tanaka Kei), but things are not going well. Meanwhile, the freewheeling Rika (Ishihara Satomi) has been showering her daughter with love, but one day suddenly disappears. And then Yuko receives a letter. This is a film by director MAEDA Tetsu.
In ANIME SUPREMACY! (ハケンアニメ!), Hitomi Saito works for a major animation production company. After giving up her stable career as a public servant, she joins the anime industry and has at last been given her first chance to direct a series called “Soundback: The Kanade Stone.” Despite her eagerness to make the most of the opportunity, storm clouds soon gather over the production floor. Yukishiro, the producer who handpicked Hitomi for the job, is also a tricky character who’ll go to ruthless lengths to ensure his “product” sells. Sure enough, he frequently clashes with Hitomi, who is determined not to compromise her creative vision. Directed by YOSHINO Kohei, the film stars YOSHIOKA Riho, NAKAMURA Tomoya, EMOTO Tasuku, ONO Machiko.
BLUE THERMAL (ブルーサーマル), a film by director TACHIBANA Masaki, is about Tamaki (Hotta Mayu) who wants nothing more than an ordinary life in college. Unfortunately, she damages a glider shortly after school starts and ends up taking a gofer position with the aviation club to pay back the damages. Tamaki becomes fascinated with the world of the skies from the moment she takes flight in the glider operated by club captain Kuramochi (Shimazaki Nobunaga).
Directed by ZEZE Takahisa,IN THE WAKE (護られなかった者たち へ) follows a series of baffling serial killings where the victims were tied up and left to starve. Tone (Satoh Takeru) who was just released from prison after serving his sentence surfaces as a suspect but detective Tomashiro (Abe Hiroshi) cannot nail down a conclusive proof.
InLesson in Murder (死刑にいたる病), Masaya Kakei attends a low-ranked university, a situation he finds depressing. One day, he receives a letter from Yamato Haimura, a high-profile serial murderer convicted and sentenced to death for nine of the 24 killings he had been accused of. Before his capture, Yamato ran a local bakery, which Masaya frequented while attending junior high school. Reaching out to Masaya, Yamato freely admits his guilt but insists the ninth conviction was a frameup and implores him to find the true killer. As Masaya delves into the case, the truth proves to be cruel beyond imagination. The film is directed by SHIRAISHI Kazuya and starred ABE Sadawo and OKADA Kenshi.
INU-OH (犬王), a 2022 historical animated film by YUASA Masaaki, is about an encounter between Inu-Oh who was born with an unusual appearance and Tomona who is a young biwa (lute) minstrel. The two become inseparable friends. As they mutually foster one another’s talents, they release successive hit songs and gradually rise to stardom.
InEvery Day A Good Day (日日是好日), 20-year-old Noriko (Kuroki) and her cousin Michiko (Tabe Mikako) start taking tea ceremony lessons with Takeda, who has a reputation for being an extraordinary teacher. At first, Noriko is confused by the intricate rules, but after two years she comes to realize the profundity of the tea ceremony. Director OMORI Tatsushi casts YOSHIMURA Tomomi, KANAI Takaharu, and KONDO Takahiko in the film.
Tickets are priced at Php100 per screening. Follow Japanese Film Festival on its official Facebook accounts (facebook.com/japanesefilmfestPH) for more information and complete screening schedule.
Launched in 1997, the Japanese Film Festival (JFF), formerly known and appreciated in the Philippines as EIGASAI, is presented and run by the Japan Foundation, Manila. Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest film festivals featuring a wide variety of cinematic delights from drama, anime, and mystery to recently released films. JFF also brings guests from Japan for special talks and discussions.
While we await his return in Joker: Folie à deux, Academy Award winner Joaquin Phoenix is set to star in the upcoming Ari Aster film Beau is Afraid. Known for telling the terrifying tales of Hereditary and Midsommar, it seems that Aster’s latest movie is a horror comedy, taking us on a trippy journey in its first trailer.
Watch the trailer for Beau is Afraid below:
According to A24’s synopsis of the film, Beau is Afraid follows a “paranoid man who embarks on an epic odyssey to get home to his mother.” Alongside Phoenix, the film also stars Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zoe Lister-Jones, Armen Nahapetian, Parker Posey, and Patti LuPone.
Beau is Afraid is set for release in US theaters this April.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines collaborates with TikTok through a partnership to pursue opportunities to champion the best of Filipino arts and culture.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding, both CCP and TikTok aim to create a digital innovation for audience reach, interaction, and appreciation in keeping up with the times, as well as pave the way for CCP to become relatable to the youth, and serve as a medium in flourishing the youth in preserving Filipino arts and culture.
TikTok is a video-sharing app that allows users to create and share short-form videos on any topic. It is mainly mobile-based, although one can still watch TikTok videos using the web app. The platform allows users to get creative with their content using filters, stickers, voiceovers, sound effects, and background music.
Present at the MOU signing held on December 14, 2022 at the CCP were (Seated, left): CCP Board Trustee and Vice Chair Michelle Nikki Junia, Ms. Alexis Soon (Community Operations Manager for Entertainment, TikTok Philippines), Mr. Kristoffer “Toff” Rada (Head of Public Policy, TikTok Philippines), CCP President Margie Moran-Floirendo, CCP Board Trustee Junie del Mundo, Atty. Lorna Kapunan (CCP Board Trustee); Standing, left: Atty. Krischelle Matas (CCP Legal Office), Alexander Cortez (CCP Technical Advisor for Artistic Matters), CCP Board Trustee Benedict Carandang, CCP Board Trustee Marivic del Pilar, CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan.
Another Chinese New Year is upon us, ushering in the Year of the Water Rabbit. Of course, this event is best welcomed with a festive celebration and a bountiful feast to go with it! If you’re still making plans for your Chinese New Year celebration, here’s a list to assist you. Below are some of the hotel dining deals you can find around the metro this CNY 2023!
Check out their Chinese New Year set menu here and order their sweet confections here. For reservations, call +632 8838 1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com.
Grab their Nian Gao Treasure Boxes here and Chinese New Year hampers here. For more information, contact eats.slfm@shangri-la.com or 091SLFMEATS (09175363287).
For more information, visit the New World Makati Hotel website. For orders and reservations, contact them via their mobile number: 09178884194; landline: +632-88116888 ext. 3679; or e-mail: fbreservations.manila@newworldhotels.com.
Indulge in a sumptuous Chinese buffet section specially curated with free-flowing champagne to welcome the new year with abundance, prosperity, and good health.
Available from 12 PM to 3 PM, with prices of P4,500 for adults; P2,250 for children (ages 6 to 12); and P7,000 with free-flow of champagne.
Crystal DragonLunar New Year Menu for Lunch and Dinner January 16 to 29 | Good for five persons per serving (P1,600++) For the traditional dinner table yu sheng (or yee sang) toss ritual, the salad is offered with a twist: Prosperity Roasted Duck in lieu of herring or salmon, with jellyfish, crispy vegetables, and plum dressing.
TungLok Signatures’ Yu Sheng January 16 to 24 | Good for six to eight persons (P2,888) Tung Lok’s salad is prepared with salmon, a medley of fresh vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients, each representing a wish during the toss while huat ah! or lo hei! is being recited. For direct reservations, call +63 917 7024024.
Red Ginger’s Festive Lunar Menu January 17 to February 5 The ala carte dishes are: Fortune Lao Sheng, a chicken salad with plum dressing; Longevity Noodles consisting of egg noodles with crispy pork belly, and quail eggs; braised Prosperity Pork Knuckle with king mushrooms; Happiness Prawn and Squid, a medley stir-fried in curry XO sauce; and for dessert, Harmony Coconut, a mix of coconut jelly and ice cream
For inquiries and reservations in Crystal Dragon and Red Ginger, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com
What Park Yoonjo lacks in qualifications and experience, she more than makes up for in tenacity and drive, but when she discovers that she was only hired for diversity reasons at her firm where her best friend Ryu Jaemin works, all hell will break loose as she sets to prove everyone wrong in RACE, a new Korean office drama coming exclusively to Disney+ this year.
In RACE, audiences can follow along as Park Yoonjo does whatever it takes to prove that she belongs in her role. Determined to succeed, Yoonjo seeks out the help of the agency’s pride and joy – the incomparable star of PR, Koo Yijung, in the hope of learning from the country’s very best.
Starring Lee Yeon Hee (New Year Blues, Welcome to Wedding Hell) as “diversity hire” Park Yoonjo; Hong Jonghyun (Moon Lovers) as Ryu Jaemin, Yoonjo’s best friend who cares about his personal life as much as work, Moon Sori (The Handmaiden, Seoul Vibe) as Koo Yijung, the leading voice in the PR industry, and Chung Yunho (Dating On Earth) as CEO Seo Donghoon, RACE is written by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Roori (Hyena, The Ace) and directed by Lee Dongyoon (She Would Never Know, 20th Century Boy and Girl).
First announced last month as part of an expanded slate of local APAC content at the Disney Content Showcase in Singapore, RACE joins a whole host of other eagerly anticipated Korean titles coming to Disney+ in the coming months, including the sequel to Soundtrack #1, Soundtrack #2; Call It Love; Shadow Detective Season 2 and BTS MONUMENTS: BEYOND THE STAR as well as a slew of other exciting Korean and regional titles.
With the New Year comes opportunities to take a step in the right direction. It’s also a good reason to buy new shoes! We’ve picked out some pairs from your favorite brands to help you stride confidently into 2023 with a fresh look.
Keds Womens’ Kickstart Leather CNY 2023
The Keds Kickstart Leather CNY 2023 (P4195).
Classic ladies’ sneaker brand Keds is celebrating the Lunar new year with its special edition CNY Kickstart in Leather. The shoe not only comes with one set of laces, but three: classic white, red, and glittery gold. Change them up whenever you feel like it for your shoes to match pretty much any outfit in 2023! Shop this pair and the rest of Keds Bounce in Keds stores nationwide and online at www.keds.com.ph.
Merrell Alverstone 2 and Bravada Edge
The Merrell Men’s Alverstone 2 Gore-Tex® in Boulder/Brindle (P6995) and Women’s Bravada Edge in Falcon (P4195).
If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby this year or just go for a quick refresh, try going on a hike or a walk through nature. Merrell, the leader in outdoor lifestyle has just released their newest hiking shoes: the men’s Alverstone 2 and women’s Bravada Edge. Best of all, each shoe comes in a multitude of colorways so there’s plenty to choose from. Check out Merrell’s hiking collection at www.merrell.com.ph and Merrell concept stores nationwide.
Sperry Outer Banks 2-Eye and Bahama 2.0 Platform
The Sperry Men’s Outer Banks 2-Eye Canvas Boat Shoe in Navy (P4590) and Women’s Bahama 2.0 Platform in Black (P4295).
If you’re looking for a comfy new take on the iconic Sperry topsider, look no further than their newest releases: the men’s Outerbanks 2-Eye and women’s Bahama 2.0 Platform. Each are unique in their own spin on the classic boat shoe silhouette, but updated in new materials and relaxed construction. Shop the these and more at their official webstore www.sperry.com.ph and Sperry retail stores nationwide.
Dress in something bold yet still relaxed and sophisticated with Polo Ralph Lauren’s Theron II sneaker. The shoe features an embroidered Polo logotype that matches its retro tennis vibe. Navy and red accents add a nice touch to these vintage-inspired kicks. Check out these and more at www.complexlifestylestore.com and Complex Lifestyle Store nationwide.
PONY Men’s Fulton II in Grey
The PONY Fulton II in Grey (P3195).
Go back to basics for the new year with PONY’s ever-versatile Fulton II sneaker. You simply cannot go wrong with its minimalist skate silhouette that pairs well with most bottoms, be it skinny jeans, baggy pants, or cargo shorts. Check out these and more in PONY’s first concept store at TriNoMa, their official webstore www.pony.com.ph, and department stores nationwide.
There’s nothing worse than the pull or pinch of uncomfortable underwear no matter what poise, elegance, and composure you may have. These traits make Queens stand out from the rest. But back then, even Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe herself, had days she’d honestly rather forget—all because of bad fitting panties. Little did she know that undies can be pretty, practical, comfortable and functional so you feel no pressure at all — pun intended.
The former Ms. Universe recalls that during her early days as a model and actress, she became more aware of what most women don’t realize: that bad fitting underwear can really make a difference. Pia shares “There were a lot of times during fittings at work where I was told I was not wearing the right panties for my body type. I mean, they’re just panties! You put it on, and just go on with your day!”
Pia reveals one of her best realizations. “This one time, I was told, ‘Girl, why are you wearing those panties? That does not complement your body at all.’ Of course, I was surprised because I learned there were other silhouettes that can really make a difference.”
With a natural hourglass figure, Pia was told it was better to wear hi-leg or bikini panties. And so she did, and she actually felt different when she got used to it. “Imagine, for years I didn’t really care much about this one thing that I wear on a daily basis.” When she managed to make the change, suddenly she felt more in tune with her body. “There’s a big difference when what you’re wearing fits so perfectly that you become less conscious about how others look at you, because you’ll be comfortable in your own skin.”
These days, Pia feels more confident as she has found the perfect panties for herself, and hopefully other women can follow suit. “It was Avon who made the difference in what I feel.” says the beauty queen. “Not only do they have the right silhouette—each one is also made with quality materials that does not wear-and-tear easily,” she shares.
Avon, the number 1 intimate apparel brand in the country, offers up to seven panty silhouettes for every shape and size, helping more women find the best one for their body type. All seven silhouettes include hi-legs, bikinis, hipsters, mini’s, maxi’s, full briefs—with each one offering maximum comfort for every shape.
Pia continues, “I think my advice for all other queens reading is that YOU don’t need to adjust to your underwear, it should be the other way around! Because if one thing isn’t working for you, the next step should be changing it to what you have and need. It should be like that in all aspects.”
Just like Pia, you can also find the perfect panties by visiting www.avonshop.ph or contacting your local Avon representative. Don’t forget to like and follow Avon Philippines via Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
