Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. was honored with the Halal Champion Excellence Award at the Prime Group Stakeholders Recognition and Gala Night held on January 29, 2026, at SO/Uptown Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The award was presented by Prime Group, a UAE-headquartered quality, compliance, and Halal certifying body operating across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The distinction recognizes organizations that demonstrate sustained commitment to Halal integrity, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
Goldilocks was cited for maintaining strong quality assurance systems and consistently meeting internationally recognized Halal standards. The company recorded three consecutive years of achieving the highest compliance ratings under current standards governing Halal certification and food safety protocols.
The recognition places Goldilocks alongside other distinguished Philippine companies, reflecting the Philippines’ continued presence among regional leaders in Halal compliance.
The Prime Group Stakeholders Recognition and Gala Night gathers partners across industries to recognize leadership in quality management, compliance, and Halal governance.
For Goldilocks, the award underscores the role of disciplined compliance systems and continuous improvement in supporting responsible growth and expanding access to diverse markets.
Enduring heartthrob and multi faceted award winning performing artist Ian Veneracion returns to the live stage in an intimate, one-night-only concert at CenterPlay, City of Dreams Manila on May 20, Wednesday, at 9:30 p.m.
He is set to serenade fans with timeless ballads, along with songs from his freshly released extended play album, “Searching for Stephn,” under his new musical persona, Stephn.
This return to City of Dreams, follows Veneracion’s sold-out performance last year as part of the luxury resort’s 10th anniversary events, when he headlined a Valentine’s concert at Wave, the poolside outdoor venue of Nobu Hotel Manila.
Veneracion’s appeal as a live performer resonates across generations, with his artistic evolution defined by constant reinvention. He began as a child actor in the 1980s, and gradually expanding into a multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans music, film, and television. His journey reflects a sustained pursuit of creative expression shaped by both discipline and instinct.
Music sojourn
At the core of his artistic journey is music, an increasingly personal creative space where he explores songwriting, emotion, and self-expression beyond performance. In April 2026, he marked a new creative chapter with his latest EP under the moniker Stephn, a deliberate artistic shift derived from his first name and designed to allow listeners to engage with the music free from preconceived notions. The four-track project comprised of songs “I Walk Alone,” “Searching for Stephn,” “Tryin’,” and “Lights On”, presents an introspective, meditative, and highly personal sonic direction rooted in self-reflection and storytelling.
His musical sojourn includes contributions to the 2018 soundtrack “Paglisan (The Leaving)”, the EP series “Beyond Bullsh#!t” (2024), and singles such as “Chasing a Firefly” (2020) and “Ninuno” (2021).
Veneracion describes his current musical approach as deeply intentional and emotionally grounded, prioritizing songwriting over performance-driven vocal display. This phase of his artistry embraces a stripped-back sensibility, where music becomes a space for honesty, reflection, and connection.
Film and Television
While music anchors his current creative identity, Veneracion also holds a long-standing and distinguished career in television and film. On television, he has starred in landmark series such as “Pangako Sa’Yo” (2015), “Walang Hanggan” (2012), and “A Love to Last” (2017), and continues to appear in recent action-driven projects including “The Iron Heart” (2022–2024) and “Incognito” (2024–2025), maintaining a strong presence in contemporary primetime shows.
In film, Veneracion has built a wide-ranging body of work spanning multiple genres, highlighted by his participation in award-winning and critically acclaimed films, most notably “Ilawod” (2017) and “Nanahimik ang Gabi” (2022), the latter earning him the Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor award. His filmography also includes “Feng Shui 2” (2014), “The Achy Breaky Hearts” (2016), and “Block Z” (2020), reflecting his versatility across drama, romance, thriller, and action.
Across both screen and music, Veneracion’s work reflects a balance of discipline and instinct, shaped by a lifelong immersion in the arts. As the son of renowned painter Roy Veneracion, he brings a distinct creative sensibility that informs his storytelling across disciplines.
His upcoming performance at CenterPlay continues this dual artistic journey, blending familiar favorites with reinterpretations drawn from his evolving musical catalogue in an intimate venue designed for close audience connection.
Ian Veneracion Live at CenterPlay, follows the successful concert of balladeer Ice Seguerra, timeless matinee idol Gabby Concepcion, diamond soul siren Nina, and other OPM stars featured at CenterPlay’s Concert Series, which spotlights the country’s top performers to a full house each month. Veneracion’s much-awaited concert also highlights performances from bands Jamais Vu, Main Band and Highschool Playlist, who are set to perform alternately from 6 pm to 3 am.
Music enthusiasts can reserve a seat or a table starting at P4,000 per person, with consumables comprising of bar nosh, burgers, fries, and beverages. VIP couch seats for a party of eight and four are also available. Designed for the ultimate entertainment experience, CenterPlay is a cool snack and cocktail lounge at the focal point of the resort’s main gaming area and opens at 6 pm, offering light meals, signature cocktail concoctions, beers, wines, and other beverages, and is built around the circular stage at the center of the main gaming floor.
For reservations, call (+632) 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit the resort’s website: https://qrco.de/CODxIanVeneracion. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.
Director Timothy Sheader’s concept for the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar is an interesting interplay of 1970s rock opera with a lot of modern sensibilities, reimagining Jesus Christ as a sort of disinterested celebrity. The stage design is sparse and foreboding: on stage right stands a two-story structure made to look like wood, while on the left, a massive platform in the shape of a cross serves as a makeshift table or an elevated stage for other characters to come through. While lighting designer Lee Curran does wonders in shaping the atmosphere, it is Tom Scutt’s set design that truly makes you feel like something bad is about to happen.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Ricardo Afonso and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography
The play pulls from Gospel passages to explore – entirely through rock music – Jesus’s relationships with his disciples and followers as his rising influence begins to frighten the Pharisees and priests. Told primarily from the point of view of Judas, who remains faithful yet deeply wary that Jesus is rocking the boat too much, it tracks his eventual betrayal leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Luke Street, Ricardo Afonos, and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography
Completely sung-through, the musical relies on clarity of words and and the power of the emotions as told through song so the story and its emotional weight relies heavily on the performers and the way they interpret each song. Some treat the show like a concert – singing beautifully but losing out on the narrativity of the music – while others successfully carry the story through.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Javon King and Grant Hodges | Photo by Vitt Salvador
On the gala night, Javon King’s Judas was an instant standout , singing magnificently while still breathing into the songs Judas’ anger, resentment, guilt, and pathos into the role. Meanwhile, Joshua Bess’ Jesus Christ struggled through the first act but found his voice in the second; however, he was ultimately outshined by many of his co-stars, tilting the production even more towards Judas’ story.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Joshua Bess, Gab Pangilinan, and the Jesus Chris Superstar International Tour Company | Photo by Vitt Salvador
The imagery of Sheader’s revival places Jesus and his disciples in gray sweatpants and hoodies – making them look like Millennials or even Gen Zers – evoking the vibe of social media radicals changing the world through Jesus’ progressive teachings. Bess’ Jesus has a tendency to mope and cast his anxiety onto his disciples, frequently reproaching them and complaining that none of them truly care for him. He comes off as a popular influencer who has grown exhausted by fame and the burden of leading his flock.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila | Jesus Christ Superstar International Tour Company | Photo by Vitt Salvador
On the other hand, Judas constantly pushes Jesus to be less radical, aware of how he is ruffling feathers, especially among the Pharisees and the priests. Dressed as they are, singing to rock music against a bleak, bare stage design, the production feels like a direct commentary on today’s society: the way that the youth are trying to bring down the old ways while the old guard does whatever it takes to stay in power.
I really appreciated this tone and imagery. Drew McOnie’s demanding choreography is very hard-hitting and intensely physical, using ripple-effect movements that begin with a single dancer and then copied by one performer to the next. This creates a visual metaphor, making the energy of Jesus’ words feel infectious, moving from one person to the next.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Gab Pangilinan | Photo by Vitt Salvador
Other standouts included Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene, who managed to find the right balance between the production’s message and the music’s over-the-topness.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Luke Street & Gab Pangilinan | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography
She just melded quite well into Sheader’s vision and sang my favourite songs from the musical.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Gab Pangilinan and Joshua Bess | Photo by Vitt Salvador
The other stand out is Erick W. Schleck as King Herod. His lone number was a show-stopper with Herod in spectacular gold frock that feels very much like a drag queen, performed with such bravura that it rightfully deserved the thunderous applause that followed.
Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Ricardo Afonso and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography
On a personal level, Jesus Christ Superstar is not my favourite of musicals. Having grown up on the music of Neil Young, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and other 1970s rock bands, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brand of 1970s rock doesn’t quite hit the mark for me – though I have always loved all of Mary Magdalene’s numbers. Because the show is entirely sung-through, the musical is dependent on the performers really carrying the story through the singing and if someone doesn’t do their part, the show struggles.
But it is a spectacular show. With King, Pangilinan, and Schleck on stage alongside a powerhouse ensemble – there’s a lot to see and enjoy. Sheader’s direction, especially of his striking treatment of Judas’ suicide and how he blocks and envisions the ending, is quite a theatrical feat. Ultimately, listen to the music and if 1970s rock opera is your jam, then this is a show you will enjoy.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Catch Jesus Christ Superstar on stage until May 31! Don’t miss this sleek, hard-hitting reinvention of a theater classic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the rock opera or looking to experience its brilliant modern staging for the first time, this production is a must-watch spectacle. Don’t miss the phenomenon, grab your tickets now at Ticketworld.
The Hard Rock Cafe Makati stage is no longer just a mere stage. It’s a launchpad, a launchpad for rising artists chasing their breakthrough…. A space where music, creativity, and passion come alive. … a venue where local talent gets the spotlight he/she deserves.
As part of its growing Support Local campaign, Hard Rock Cafe Makati proudly kicks off Universiteen 2.0, an electrifying live music event happening from 4PM to 8PM this May 21, 2026, bringing together some of the most exciting names in the local music scene for one unforgettable day of entertainment, food, and community.
Taking over the Hard Rock stage are seven exciting bands ready to make waves:
Waki & The Winstons
The Sonnets
25 Abbey
Next One
Hey June
Better Days
Gracenote
Plus special appearances from beloved OPM acts:
Kenaniah
Imago
A Launchpad for Local Talent
For years, Hard Rock Cafe Makati has been known as a home for great music, unforgettable experiences, and authentic band culture. Through the Support Local campaign, the brand strengthens its commitment to becoming a true launchpad for Filipino artists who want their voices heard and their talents seen.
More than just bands, Hard Rock Cafe Makati welcomes all forms of performers and creatives to take center stage — from solo artists, acoustic acts, DJs, rappers, spoken word artists, drag performers, dancers, instrumentalists, content creators, and emerging entertainers across every genre and style.
The goal is simple: create a space where local artistry thrives, communities connect, and audiences discover the next big names in entertainment.
Entertainment Meets Everyday Cravings
As the music keeps the energy alive throughout the day, Hard Rock Cafe Makati is also turning up the flavor with the launch of its new Everyday Cravings offerings — designed for guests looking for delicious value without compromising the full Hard Rock experience.
Available daily from 11AM to 6PM, guests can enjoy:
1 Appetizer + 1 Entree + 1 Drink starting at just P395
Whether you’re catching live performances, hanging out with friends after class, taking a break from work, or simply craving good food with great music, Everyday Cravings delivers affordable dining paired with world-class entertainment — all in one iconic venue.
Because at Hard Rock Cafe Makati, every meal deserves a soundtrack.
Wear Local
The Support Local movement goes beyond the stage through exclusive Hard Rock merchandise featuring the iconic city logo — allowing fans to proudly represent both music culture and local pride wherever they go.
And the perks don’t stop there.
Guests who wear their Hard Rock merchandise when visiting the cafe can unlock exciting in-store benefits such as:
Free drinks
Priority song requests
VIP seating perks
Exclusive surprises and rewards
Interested artists who wish to perform and become part of the growing Hard Rock community may sign up here: https://forms.gle/EaZ69vSaWS3rZpmy7
It’s Hard Rock’s way of giving back to the community that continues to support live music, local culture, and authentic experiences.
Where Music, Food, and Community Come Together
With Universiteen 2.0 kicking off the campaign, Hard Rock Cafe Makati continues to prove that it’s more than just a restaurant — it’s a stage for dreamers, a home for artists, and a destination where entertainment, food, and culture collide.
From 4PM to 8PM, guests can expect an unforgettable day of music, memories, flavors, and Filipino talent all under one roof.
One day. Nine incredible acts. Endless local talent.
Of all of the films in Irene Emma Villamor’s filmography, Midnight Girls is the film that feels completely different, a heavy departure from her usual movies about the complex nature of love. This is a different kind of love story, one that explores what is at the core of friendships amongst Filipina entertainers in Nagoya, Japan. It is an ensemble film, featuring four strong performances from its lead cast: Jodi Sta. Maria, Sanya Lopez, Jane Oineza, and Loisa Andalio.
Almost plotless, Midnight Girls follows four women working in a hostess bar in Japan. Vicki (Sta. Maria) the most mature of the group, sending money to a son with whom she no longer has any real relationship after being gone for so long. She is practical and rational, but years in the working abroad have left her cold, despite her role as “older sister” to the others.
Paris (Lopez) is the explosive one, wearing her heart on her sleeve and carries the story of falling in love with a local man.
Saki (Oineza) faces an identity crisis, while the work forces her to be intimate with men, she finds herself gravitating to Paris. Finally, Wanna (Andalio) is the newcomer who left home and a boyfriend, to earn a living to send money back home.
Each woman becomes representative of the specific struggles hostesses face in this industry. Villamor takes a very interesting approach, investigating each character’s emotional struggle without delving into the inherent exploitation of the work involved. This is not an exploitation film, nor does this film attempts to paint these women as victims. Instead, Villamor is more deadset on navigating their emotional space, detailing their highs and lows, and humanizing them.
The exploitation is implied – though never spoken about – and is always at the periphery but never made present. This is not that kind of movie, and while there are other films tackle that aspect of these women’s lives head on. Instead, Midnight Girls centers its characters as people with hopes, dreams, fears, and regrets. The human aspect is front and center.
Villamor intersperses the film with actual interviews of women who are later revealed to be the inspirations for these characters. By merging the real people behind the fictional characters, the film sidesteps the need for melodrama. While the narrative occasionally skirts toward that territory, Villamor is too sophisticated a director to let go of her restraint.
What I do miss is the director’s signature capacity for capturing the full complexity of her characters on screen. With four main characters – though Sta. Maria serves as the film’s foundation and really holds it all together – Villamor can only really touch the surface of each character, rushing certain narrative beats in order to give everyone their due within just under two-hour runtime. Had the film focused on a single character, Villamor’s trademark writing and directing style would have undoubtedly unearthed the best and worst of these people and would do it incredibly well but as an ensemble piece, we only get fragments of the bigger story. This is still a style and structure that Villamor has yet to continue to practice getting better at it.
Ultimately, the film as a whole is a gorgeous love letter to these women. Elevated by incredible performances all around – especially by Sta. Maria and Oineza – Midnight Girls has moments that will make you both laugh and cry. As the film just flows steadily on, allowing time to pass and letting the women grow within their profession and all its challenges.
My Rating: 4 Stars
Curious to see Irene Emma Villamor’s new direction? Experience the heart and sisterhood of Midnight Girls on the big screen. Find showtimes here.
Movie fans also get special screenings worth checking out, including the Top Gun 40th Anniversary return of Top Gun: Maverick and Ayala Malls Cinemas’ throwback presentation of the Filipino classic Bagets alongside the Vietnamese horror-fantasy film The Demon Prince.
From sharks and sea monsters to high-octane action and emotional drama, this week’s releases bring plenty of reasons to book that movie ticket. So what’s first on your watchlist?
Here’s your guide to the new movies and special screenings showing in cinemas this week.
Imagine being stuck on a sinking plane in the middle of the ocean. Now, add a frenzy of hungry sharks. After an international flight from LA makes an emergency landing, passengers must work together to escape the wreckage and the predators lurking below. Can they overcome their differences before the plane goes under? Aaron Eckhart, Molly Belle Wright, and Kelly Gale lead the cast in this horror-thriller.
A covert team of elite operatives emerges from the shadows when a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune. Their mission to recover it spirals into a dangerous contest of strategy, deception, and survival. Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Rosamund Pike star in this intense thriller.
Marine biologist Johanne arrives at a fish farm in Norway’s rural Vangsnes community by the fjord, where strange events and the brutal deaths of two teenagers suggest something far more terrifying hides in the depths. A colossal mythical creature with powerful arms awaits at the bottom in this action-horror-thriller starring Sara Khorami, Mikkel Bratt Silset, and Ingvild Holthe Bygdnes.
Set in Nagoya, Japan, the film follows four Filipina entertainers who form a close bond while navigating the realities of working far from home. Grounded and emotional, Midnight Girls explores friendship, sacrifice, and survival through deeply human stories. Jodi Sta. Maria, Jane Oineza, and Loisa Andalio star in this drama.
A film crew visits a reservoir to update road views and captures an unidentified figure on camera. What they encounter in the dark waters turns their simple task into a frightening ordeal. Kim Hye-yoon, Lee Jong-won, and Kim Jun-han lead the South Korean thriller.
SEVENTEEN’s Tokyo Dome fan meeting heads to cinemas for a live viewing event that captures the excitement, performances, and fan interactions on the big screen. It’s a chance to experience the energy of the event alongside fellow fans in an immersive cinema setting. Ready for a concert experience without leaving the city?
When a vintage Jack-in-the-box is opened, its sinister clown figure begins displaying terrifying signs of life. Simple premise, unsettling atmosphere, and nightmare fuel for horror fans? That’s a dangerous combination. Would you open the box?
As part of the Top Gun 40th Anniversary, Top Gun: Maverick returns exclusively to SM Cinemas, giving fans another chance to experience Maverick’s high-speed aerial missions in theaters. Still one of the most thrilling big-screen experiences in recent years, this return is built for cinema sound and giant screens. Ready to feel the need for speed again?
Meanwhile, Ayala Malls Cinemas, together with Viva Films, offers a nostalgic double feature today featuring the classic Philippine film Bagets paired with the Vietnamese horror-fantasy The Demon Prince (Hoàng Tử Quỷ). Inspired by the Ly Dynasty and folklore, the latter brings ghosts, dark magic, court secrets, and human obsessions to life, starring Anh Tú Atus, Lương Thế Thành, and Hoàng Linh Chi.
Your Midweek Movie Fix Starts Here
Whether you’re after pulse-pounding action, emotional drama, horror scares, anime fun, or concert experiences, this week’s lineup delivers something for every movie mood.
Stay tuned for next week’s fresh batch of releases and updates. Keep ClickTheCity.com bookmarked for the latest showtimes, your next movie is just a click away!
Steven Spielberg is heading back to the genre that helped shape modern cinema as he unveils his newest science fiction epic, Disclosure Day, arriving in Philippine cinemas on June 10.
Written and directed by Spielberg, the film reunites the acclaimed filmmaker with screenwriter David Koepp, his longtime creative partner behind unforgettable blockbusters including Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Leading the star-studded cast are Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo, all set to bring Spielberg’s latest vision of mystery and discovery to life on the big screen.
Watch the Trailer for Disclosure Day:
A Return to the Wonders of the Unknown
For Spielberg, Disclosure Day marks a meaningful return to themes he first explored in his 1977 classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. While the new film stands on its own, it revisits humanity’s endless fascination with life beyond Earth and the questions that continue to haunt us decades later.
“During Close Encounters of the Third Kind, I would say to myself: “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of this turned out to be true?’” Spielberg says. ”Almost 50 years later, I’m now thinking: ‘Wouldn’t be it be wonderful for us to actually know that all of this is true?’”
That curiosity has been with Spielberg since childhood. Recalling a formative memory, the director shares how a meteor shower sparked his lifelong obsession with the cosmos.
“I remember one summer, my dad took me out to look at the annual Perseid meteor shower when we were living in New Jersey,” Spielberg shares. “Overnight, I developed a real curiosity about what is happening up there in the stars, on some planet orbiting in any number of countless solar systems, and if one of them might have a civilization that was advanced enough to travel the universe.”
Truth, Secrecy, and the Modern World
Though packed with large-scale sci-fi spectacle, Disclosure Day also reflects many of today’s real-world anxieties. The film examines misinformation, hidden agendas, and society’s struggle to separate truth from manipulation.
“Disclosure Day is a movie about misinformation and the challenge of finding truth in a culture when powerful people have tools to blur the lines of fact and fiction, of what is real and unreal, in service of protecting and advancing their agendas,” Spielberg says. “It’s a movie that also asks questions about what we do with truth that expands our understanding of the universe in a way that challenges the beliefs that give us meaning, including religion.
The director also points to the lasting influence of classic conspiracy storytelling.
“The X-Files taught us that the truth is out there, but what happens when we find it? Can we accept it? Do we reject it? Will it bring us together or divide us further?”
At its emotional core, however, Spielberg says the film is ultimately about empathy and shared understanding.
I think Disclosure Day is a story about empathy as an extraordinary resource, and how it needs to be shared globally, with the entire world, not hoarded for self-interest or reserved for those closest to us.”
An All-Star Cast Powers the Sci-Fi Thriller
Academy Award-nominated actress Emily Blunt leads the ensemble cast alongside Josh O’Connor and Oscar winner Colin Firth. Joining them are Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo, adding even more depth to the highly anticipated film.
Combining emotional storytelling, timely themes, and Spielberg’s signature cinematic scale, Disclosure Day is poised to become one of the year’s most talked-about movie events.
Discover the truth when Disclosure Day opens in Philippine cinemas on June 10.
Movie lovers can look forward to an exciting cinematic lineup this May as Ayala Malls Cinemas, together with Viva Films, presents two standout films that offer completely different but equally memorable experiences, the beloved Filipino youth classic “Bagets” and the exclusive Vietnamese horror-fantasy feature “The Demon Prince.”
Launched on May 13, the pair of films gives audiences the chance to revisit an iconic local favorite while discovering a chilling new supernatural story on the big screen.
“Bagets” Returns to the Big Screen Through “A Rewind”
Bringing back the magic of classic Filipino cinema, Ayala Malls Cinemas continues its “A Rewind” initiative with Viva Films through the highly anticipated return of “Bagets.”
The iconic coming-of-age film stars Aga Muhlach, William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin, and Raymond Lauchengco, actors who became household names during the height of the 80s movie era. Decades after its original release, “Bagets” continues to resonate with audiences through its relatable themes of friendship, young love, growing pains, and self-discovery.
Filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable barkada adventures, the film remains a nostalgic favorite for longtime fans while introducing a new generation of moviegoers to one of Philippine cinema’s most enduring classics.
Starting May 13, “Bagets” will be shown in select Ayala Malls Cinemas branches nationwide. Tickets are priced at ₱180, with select cinemas such as Ayala Malls Legazpi and Ayala Malls Harbor Point offering rates as low as ₱99.
Moviegoers can also take advantage of the Red Carpet Mondays Buy 1 Get 1 promo available for both “Bagets” and “The Demon Prince.”
“The Demon Prince” Brings Supernatural Horror to Ayala Malls Cinemas
For audiences craving suspense and dark fantasy, “The Demon Prince” offers a thrilling cinematic escape filled with mystery and supernatural terror.
Directed by Tran Huu Tan, the Vietnamese horror-fantasy film stars Anh Tu Atus, Luong The Thanh, Hoang Linh Chi, and Rima Thanh Vy. Produced by CJ HK Entertainment in partnership with ProductionQ and distributed by Viva Films, the film will screen exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas from May 13 to 19.
Set in a secluded village haunted by fear and secrets, “The Demon Prince” follows Prince Thân Đức, a mysterious man born through forbidden sorcery. Arriving under the disguise of a healer, he slowly reveals a darker mission tied to the resurrection of a powerful demon and the fate of the villagers around him.
Combining eerie visuals, folklore-inspired storytelling, and intense suspense, the film delivers a gripping horror experience for fans of supernatural thrillers.
A Curated Big-Screen Experience for Every Movie Fan
Ayala Malls Cinemas continues to elevate moviegoing experiences by offering a thoughtfully curated mix of timeless Filipino classics and exciting international releases.
Beyond the films themselves, patrons can enjoy premium seating, spacious legroom, immersive audio-visual quality, and convenient digital booking through Ayala All Access at www.ayalaallaccess.com.
Whether viewers are revisiting the unforgettable barkada moments of “Bagets” or preparing for the chilling twists of “The Demon Prince,” Ayala Malls Cinemas promises an entertaining and comfortable cinema experience for all.
Catch “Bagets” in participating cinemas nationwide and “The Demon Prince” exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas beginning May 13.
Remember the first song you ever played on Spotify? Starting today, listeners can look back at the songs, artists, and moments that shaped their listening journey over the years.
As Spotify marks 20 years of music discovery, it is giving listeners something more personal than a celebration: “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s),” a new global in-app experience that brings together each user’s listening milestones, from the day they first joined Spotify to the tracks that defined different moments of their lives.
The campaign celebrates the people who made Spotify part of their everyday moments—from heartbreak playlists and late-night soundtracks to road trip anthems, first loves, and favorite artists. Over the last two decades, Spotify has become part of how listeners discover, remember, express themselves, and connect through music.
Through the experience, users can unlock never-before-shared personal listening milestones and insights, including:
The exact date they joined Spotify
Their very first song streamed on the platform
Their all-time most-streamed artist
The total number of unique songs they’ve listened to across their entire Spotify history
Listeners will also receive a personalized All-Time Top Songs playlist featuring their 120 most-played tracks, complete with play counts and ready to be saved, revisited, and shared.
Designed to spark nostalgia and reflection, the experience also includes shareable social cards, allowing fans to celebrate their listening milestones with friends and communities online.
To mark the celebration, Spotify’s app icon will also temporarily transform into a limited-edition green disco ball on users’ home screens, a playful nod to the millions of listening journeys built on the platform over the last 20 years.
Start exploring your Spotify journey today by opening your Spotify app and searching “Spotify 20” or “Party of the Year(s),” or by heading to spotify.com/20 on mobile.
I don’t even remember the 2021 film Mortal Kombat, which Mortal Kombat II is the sequel. However, this latest release from the franchise leans so heavily into its video game lore and mode that you don’t need to have seen the first film (or even remember it) to follow the story. It’s not completely bonkers that it shifts gears into the level of camp; Mortal Kombat II is not taking itself too seriously, either. It knows its selling points: it has characters to present, action sequences to highlight, and brutal kills to show off that is reminiscent of the video game the whole IP is based on.
The story begins in the past, detailing how Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen) and Kitara (Adeline Rudolph) joined the side of the Outworld, led by Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford). This piece of history explains how Outworld conquered the realm of Edenia. A decade later, Outworld is after Earthrealm, and Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) gathers his champions to prepare for Mortal Kombat to protect the planet. His champions include returning characters Sonya (Jessica McNamee), Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Jax (Mehcad Brooks), and Cole Young (Lewis Tan). They travel to Earth to recruit a new champion: washed-up action star Johnny Cage (Karl Urban). While the tournament will decide the fate of Earthrealm, but there are things happening underneath the surface that threaten to change the outcome of the game.
(From left) Ludi Lin as Liu Kang, Mehcad Brooks as Jax, Jessica McNamee as Sonya Blade, and Karl Urban as Johnny Cage in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Mortal Kombat II is a fast-paced fantasy and action-adventure film that feels thin on story, largely because it works too hard to give every character a chance to have their moment. Kitara begins the story and has the character with the clearest goal, yet she lacks a true character arc. Those arcs belongs to Johnny Cage and Kitara’s bodyguard and friend, Jade (Tati Gabrielle). However, the narrative is crowded: Liu Kang gets his moment, Kano (Josh Lawson) is resurrected and he gets a lot of screen time because his character is so fun and there’s a lot of plot going on in Shao Kahn’s group involving Quan Chi (Damon Herriman) and Shang Tsung (Chi Han). Consequently, the film never really feels grounded; Johnny Cage’s character development is often glossed over with a punchline, while Jade’s story is the most developed but her character is relegated to a supporting cast.
Adeline Rudolph as Kitana in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
And because this is Mortal Kombat, we see the return of Sub Zero/Bi Han (Joe Taslim) and Scorpion/Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada). Of course, they too have to have their moment.
Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Since the movie is really meant for entertainment and to deliver fan service, there’s quite a number of logical inconsistencies that I’m willing to forgive. However, what I’m expecting, though, is really good fight scenes which the film delivers inconsistently. I’m not that sure of Karl Urban’s ability to fight but his fight scenes are the ones that are the most heavily edited to try and hide the switching of a stunt double. Many of Rudolph’s fights (except the one with Johnny Cage) and that of Gabrielle were fun to watch but the real gem is the fight scene between Liu Kang and Kung Lao (Max Huang). It is fast, the choreography is stunning, the editing allows the viewer to still see the action, and it was dynamic without being overshadowed by the special effects. It’s this kind of fight scene that I hoped to see more of, yet there wasn’t a lot of it.
Martyn Ford as Shao Kahn in “Mortal Kombat II” Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Because the film felt like it was intended for fun and fan service, the finale dragged on for quite a bit as two different storylines. In the form of two different fight scenes, The constant cutting back and forth between these two battles extends the action beyond what feels comfortable. But as one-character bows out, another takes their place, and the scene extends some more. It gets a little out of hand. Ultimately, Mortal Kombat II is chaotic, messy, has a lot of story inconsistencies or easy plot fixes, and the fight scenes are not at all balanced out. However, for serious fans of the lore, there is still a lot here to enjoy. The audience at my screening were obviously fans, taking the time to ask questions about where this character showed up and if what’s mentioned is part of the official story canon or not.
My Rating: 2.5 Stars
The tournament has begun! Grab your popcorn and catch the chaos at a theater near you. Check out the latest Mortal Kombat II showtimes here.
