Max’s Restaurant, the iconic restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones Fried Chicken is making mornings more delightful with an indulgent Breakfast Buffet. Jumpstarting the day gets easier when one’s first meal is made up of an abundant selection of dishes.
The Max’s Breakfast Buffet consists of all-time breakfast favorites such as tapa, tocino, corned beef, Vigan longganisa, and crispy bacon chips. There is also an egg station where a cook prepares the dish depending on the customer’s preference. This can either be sunny side up, scrambled, or omelette with various tasty fillings. Guests can also enjoy Pinoy morning meal staples like a warm bowl of hearty and filling congee or sweet champorado.
Since eating bread has always been part of morning routines, there is also a variety of fresh baked goods from Max’s Corner Bakery that will give everyone the energy for the day. The buffet also includes drink options such as Brewed Coffee, Juice, Hot Chocolate, and Iced Tea.
Get unlimited refills of all the dishes and drinks for only P699. Guests can get a special sneak peek of this new breakfast experience at select stores around the metro starting December 14.
This exclusive offer is available for dine-in in the following Max’s stores from 7AM to 10AM:
Max’s Sucat – Saturdays and Sundays
Max’s Antipolo – Saturdays and Sundays
Max’s Tagaytay – Saturdays and Sundays
Max’s Malate – Saturdays and Sundays
Max’s Matalino – Thursdays and Fridays
For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant.
In a city of millions, no one hears you scream. Check out the official teaser trailer for Paramount Pictures’ “Scream VI”, in Philippine theaters March 8, 2023.
Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. In Scream VI, Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”), Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Mindy Meeks-Martin”), Mason Gooding (“Chad Meeks-Martin”), Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), Hayden Panettiere (“Kirby Reed”) and Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.
Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group Present A Project X Entertainment Production, A Radio Silence Film, Scream VI.
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett, produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein, written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, based on characters created by Kevin Williamson.
Scream VI is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #Scream6 and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
There is no question that James Cameron can deliver a truly cinematic experience. From the first two films of the ‘Terminator’ franchise, to his installment of ‘Aliens,’ the massively epic ‘Titanic,’ or even the lesser-known ‘Abyss’ (which has to be seen with the director’s cut), James Cameron knows how to tell a story with a camera. His pacing, choice of narrative beats, attention to detail, and the way he fills each shot with such care for the story all amount to a very satisfying time in the cinema. It doesn’t matter if he can get cheesy (like in ‘Titanic’) or even basic and by-the-numbers (like the inescapable comparisons of the first ‘Avatar’ to films like ‘Pocahontas’ or even the animated movie ‘Fern Gully’), when you are in that cinema and watching his movies, you will be beguiled and entranced by what he puts on screen.
And that’s exactly what you get with Avatar: The Way of Water. His sequel to his 2009 massive hit ‘Avatar,’ expands the world of Pandora and follows the story of Jake Sully and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and their growing family. In the 6-minute opening sequence, we catch up on the events that happened after the first film as Sam Worthington narrates as Jake Sully, the former soldier who, in the body of a Na’vi, has become the Toruk Makto, a war leader for the Na’vi. We discover that Jake’s family has grown with the addition of four children (one is an adopted daughter from a ‘miraculous birth’) and that the life of a Na’vi seems very much in agreement with Jake.
Except, the humans come back, with a larger force and an even more insidious means by which to oppose the native forces that fight against them. In an attempt to protect the forest and their tribe, Jake takes his whole family and brings them to the south to the lands of the reef people. The reef people are Na’vi (with a light green skin color) and biology more suited to living in the water. But Jake left because the marines are after him and, of course, they come looking for him and Jake must fight to protect his family (and newfound tribe) from the human forces.
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ is a 193-minute immersive science fiction epic that truly brings us deeper into the world of Pandora and shows us what lies beneath the crashing waves of Pandora’s seas. We were first made to experience the joy of flight in the first movie as Jake discovers the joys of flying with his winged beast. In ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ James Cameron explores the beauty of the ocean depths of his fictional world through Jake Sully’s children.
He takes his bloody time to show us the lush fauna and flora of this new aspect of Pandora while building upon the new characters he has brought into the sequel. His children become friends with the chief of the reef Na’vi and all the kids take a familiar archetype – there’s the dutiful eldest son, the troubled middle child, the special adopted child, and the innocent youngest – but because we spend so much time with them and get to explore this gorgeous world together, we begin to forgive them for their annoying habits (they are typical children after all) and we cheer them on when they do achieve something.
There’s a clean, old-school storytelling that James Cameron employs in his film structure that no matter how much he dawdles plot-wise, we are constantly filled with wonder, character work, and narrative placement that when the climax happens, we are excited, invested, and completely spellbound to the whole ride. Even at 3 hours, I did not once see someone stand up to rush to the bathroom. We were all transfixed to the screen and followed the story tightly.
And we followed it even if, at some point, we start to see the hollowness of the script. There’s a one-dimensional quality to the film: the humans are capitalist monsters who would destroy everything in their path to get what they want while the Na’vi are the locals, steeped in faux spiritualism that is completely in touch and in tune with nature and the planet. It’s all great on paper but it never becomes a real representation of real-world ideologies. In the end, what is Cameron really saying? That Capitalism is bad and that we have to return to nature? But he doesn’t say how? And, while it is a science fiction film and an adventure, it never really presents the nuances of a possible solution except direct opposition. The film culminates into a huge battle (you can see this in the trailer) and while we can’t wait to see it because we know it’s going to look great, it sort of reduces this whole film into saying that war is the only recourse.
Is Cameron saying that all cultures ravaged by imperialism should fight back? The Na’vi have all manners of cultural traits of our reality’s non-white races. The Na’vi have dreadlocks or braids, speak with an accent, and use spiritualism akin to Asian and African beliefs. The humans are primarily white and have an ideology like the imperialist west. Is ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ a denouncement of western imperialism and a call to action from all oppressed and colonized countries to push back and fight back?
And it doesn’t help that Jake Sully seems to not have grown since the first movie as a person. He begins completely in thrall to his new life as a Na’vi father and a part of a true community but the moment he returns to soldier mode on the return of the humans, we see him quickly return to warrior mode and become a questionable father figure. While Zoe Saldana, as Neytiri, spends most of the movie angry at him or her children. She becomes the stereotypical angry, fierce mother. Where are the two characters who have gone through so much in the first movie?
No, this film is for their children, and interestingly enough, the human child that was born and raised in Pandora. Spider, as he is called, has all the imagery of Tarzan but by way of Pandora and he has his own very interesting character arc to follow.
While I do have a lot of things to say about the story and the ideologies behind the film, I will still stand by the fact that everything about the way this movie appears on screen is just gorgeous. Cameron has used technology in such a way to give us a truly immersive cinematic experience that one of my friends called “like watching a sophisticated video game” and it is like actually being there. In an IMAX 3D cinema, you will be completely overwhelmed (in a good way) about how intricate this world is. I’ve never seen anything like it before. At first, my eyes were not used to seeing a film in such a manner. It looked off and unrealistic but after the first half hour, I was completely drawn into the world.
There are camera angles and movements that I’ve never seen before and as Cameron uses it to explore the gorgeous world beneath the surface of the Pandoran sea, it’s magical. It’s why we go to the movies. You are actually transported into an alien world. It’s the same feeling as watching Cuaron’s ‘Gravity.’ You’re in that moment and you can’t let go.
You have to see it in 3D and, if possible, 3D IMAX to get the full experience of this film. It’s what cinemas were made for.
When it comes to basketball, there’s no other place like the Smart Araneta Coliseum. And as many of our favorite basketball leagues are winding down their respective seasons, nothing can beat the Big Dome in bringing you right at the center of the action.
This December, the Big Dome is the place to be for the biggest games of your favorite collegiate leagues. Just recently, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) held the second game of the Finals of Season 98 between the Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, with Benilde besting Letran and forcing a third game to decide the winner once and for all.
Meanwhile, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ (UAAP) Men’s Basketball Finals between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the UP Fighting Maroons will be held at the Big Dome on December 14. UP could go home as the season’s champ, or Ateneo could get even to make way for Game 3, serving up a pre-Christmas slugfest for lovers of the sport.
Now, onto the professional league! The PBA finals will also be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum starting December 28. Whoever ends up in the finals of this much-anticipated final games will take home the Commissioner’s Cup.
“The Smart Araneta Coliseum has always been the home of basketball here in the Philippines. Since it opened its doors in 1960, the Big Dome has always welcomed fans from far and wide to celebrate the sport that many of us Filipinos love,” Irene L. Jose, COO of Uniprom said.
Smart Araneta Coliseum, is regarded as one of the premier entertainment and sports venues in the country. To date, the Coliseum has hosted over 6,000 world-class shows viewed by 35 million people since it opened in 1960. Over the years it has hosted sporting greats like Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant, and Joe Frazier.
“We are proud of the heritage of the Big Dome as the country’s premier sporting venue in the country, and we remain committed to delivering the best experience to both athletes and fans alike. So for basketball fans, make sure to book your tickets early because Smart Araneta Coliseum is the place to be when it comes to the biggest basketball face-offs,” Jose added.
To learn more about the Smart Araneta Coliseum, please visit www.smartaranetacoliseum.com. To purchase tickets for the games of the NCAA, UAAP, and the PBA, you may visit https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/. And to see all the upcoming events at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and book tickets for these upcoming games. You may also like and follow them on https://www.facebook.com/TicketNetPH/.
Experience the amazing world of Pandora like never before as “Avatar: The Way of Water” arrives in cinemas nationwide today. The film makes stunning use of cutting-edge technology that allows viewers to feel as if they are in the blue world itself, showing why it is best seen in 3D, 4D, or IMAX formats!
“Avatar: The Way of Water” is the long-awaited second installment to James Cameron’s Academy Award-winning 2009 epic adventure ‘Avatar,’ the highest grossing film of all time.
Set more than a decade after the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” follows the story of the Sully family as they continue to live – Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their children–within the blue world of Pandora. After an old enemy returns and threatens the existence of their world, the Sullies must not only fight to protect their home but also each other. With the Na’vi army on their side, can the Sully family survive not only the battles but also the tragedies that come their way?
Directed by James Cameron, “Avatar: The Way of Water” features a stellar ensemble of new and returning cast members including Sigourney Weaver (“Kiri”), Stephen Lang (“Miles Quaritch”), Cliff Curtis (“Tonowari”), Joel David Moore (“Norm Spellman”), CCH Pounder (“Mo’at”), Edie Falco (“General Frances Ardmore”), Jemaine Clement (“ Dr. Ian Garvin”), Giovanni Ribisi (“Parker Selfridge”), and Kate Winslet (“Ronal”).
The screenplay and story are written by James Cameron, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver, with co-writers Josh Friedman and Shane Salerno. The film is produced by James Cameron and Jon Landau, with David Valdes and Richard Baneham serving as the executive producers.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” is a must-watch spectacle and is definitely the perfect movie for the holidays. Grab your tickets now and get ready for an action-packed adventure in the world of Pandora!
For more information on showtimes, visit this link. For block and corporate screenings, click here.
Join the conversations online using #AvatarTheWayOfWaterPH. You can also follow 20th Century Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTubefor more updates.
K-drama fans, here’s a new thrilling Netflix title starring Song Hye-kyo and Lee Do-hyun! A trailer for the upcoming series The Glory has been revealed, teasing an intriguing tale filled with revenge, childhood trauma, and confrontations.
Watch the trailer for The Glory below:
In this new K-drama, Song Hye-kyo (Descendants of the Sun) stars as Dong-eun, who harbors the painful memories of her being bullied and subjected to violence in her school. Now, 18 years later, she begins to take her revenge by driving all of the perpetrators and the people around them to the brink of ruin.
She encounters Yeo-Jung, played by Lee Do-Hyun (Sweet Home), who is another victim of a miserable tragedy. Circumstances will bring the two together, becoming co-conspirators in their own paths to exact revenge on the guilty.
The Glory is an 8-episode drama directed by An Gil-ho (Stranger) with a story written by Kim Eun-sook (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Mr. Sunshine). The series premieres on Netflix this December 30.
After a catastrophic crash on an unknown planet, pilot Mills (Adam Driver) quickly discovers he’s actually stranded on Earth…65 million years ago. Now, with only one chance at rescue, Mills and the only other survivor, Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), must make their way across an unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures in an epic fight to survive.
From the writers of A Quiet Place and producer Sam Raimi comes 65, a sci-fi thriller starring Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, and Chloe Coleman. Written and directed by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods and produced by Sam Raimi, Deborah Liebling and Zainab Azizi. Also produced by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
65 is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #65movie
This year, Spotify Wrapped is injecting more fun into its annual year-end traditions with its creators. With never-before-heard conversations with leading Filipino podcasters, these special spin-offs will give you the ultimate download to 2022’s highlights, challenges, and learnings from various vantage points.
From life’s hugots to digital marites-ing and self-care 101s, Spotify Wrapped 2022 also revealed that podcasts spanning Love & Relationships, Pop Culture, and Self-Help genres resonated the most with Pinoy listeners.
“With Wrapped this year, we are proud to say that podcast has been diving into the hearts of Spotify listeners. Evidently, we’re seeing that the most-streamed podcasts are from local creators and across various genres. Moving forward, we believe that the podcast industry in the Philippines has huge potential and we’re excited to be here for our listeners and creators to drive that growth,” said Carl Zuzarte, Head of Studios for Spotify, Southeast Asia.
Ang Ganda Academy Awards (Wake Up with Jim & Saab): Oscars is *shaking* because the Ang Ganda Academy Awards are back! Join Jim & Saab as they recognize the worst and the best pop culture content and moments of 2022 — from TV shows to home budols, and WATDASPRAK moments. Episode 1 will look into the dance trends of the year — from Tu Tu to Na Na Na — with gorgeous girl Nana Silayro as one of the first guests!
The Rewind (Adulting with Joyce Pring): Join Joyce Pring and her slate of incredible guests to ring in the new year by looking back at 2022’s highlights. In the first episode, Joyce is joined by actor-slash-beauty queen tandem Mikael Diaz and Megan Young as they discuss a timeless topic: What does true love really mean? From haranas to kundimans and video calls to dating amidst “social distancing” — the three navigate Pinoys’ ever-changing pursuit for love and soulmates.
Happy Ending (Punchline with Alex Calleja): End 2022 with a bang and a good laugh with Alex Calleja’s Happy Ending podcast. Self-proclaimed “Internet Action Star” Ramon Bautista joins Alex for the first episode as they find answers to “Ano ang nagpapasaya sayo, ngayong patapos na ang 2022?” On the theme of his year-end special, Alex Calleja shares, “Through the stories shared by my guests in the Happy Ending podcast, I hope to give inspiration and convey a message of hope that regardless of the hardships they’ve experienced this 2022, there’s always a reason to be happy and end the year on a good note.”
Don’t Go There (KoolPals): Stand-up comedians from Comedy Manila GB Labrador, Nonong Ballinan, Muman Reyes, Ryan Rems and James Caraan come together for a KoolPals special that turns absolutely any topic into extra comedic banters — from controversies, plot twists, and unexpected revelations. Episode 1 reveals memorable jokes for the five that ~almost~ stripped them of their ‘comedian’ badges.
C’Mon Guys, it’s 2022 (Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast): JP Habac and Antoinette Jadaone count down the best and the worst of 2022 with their correspondents Milo Elmido, Jr, Yani Villarosa, Hyro Aguinaldo, and Inah Evans. Tune in to the first episode as they talk through 2022’s breaking breaking news!
skydive (skypodcast): The end of the year is a special time to reflect, celebrate and look forward to better days ahead. Reflect with the internet’s favorite couple, Slater and Kryz, as they deep dive into their top 2022 topics — from marriage to parenthood, and memorable misadventures in between. Their first episode is dedicated to budding families as they share lessons they picked up throughout their journey from being girlfriend and boyfriend to being married and having kids — and ultimately becoming better partners.
The Year-End Originals are now available for streaming for free on Spotify. For more information about this special podcast series and other exciting content from Spotify, visit www.spotify.com or follow Spotify on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
With the season of giving in full swing, Shopee recently wrapped up one of its biggest sales of the year, the 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale by delivering more deals and rewards for shoppers, and enabling success for all kinds of businesses. Both sellers and shoppers had much to look forward to during this year’s sale — local sellers saw a 4 times uplift in orders versus a normal day, while local shoppers were able to enjoy over ₱64 Million in savings on 12 December alone.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines shared, “We are incredibly grateful to be closing the year with the support of our shoppers and sellers at Shopee’s 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale. Through our campaigns, we aim to help more Filipinos experience the benefits of e-commerce by connecting them with brands and businesses to support their needs. With 2023 quickly approaching, we look forward to maximizing our platform to deliver even more opportunities for growth for all our stakeholders.”
Setting local businesses up for success amidst 12.12 celebrations
Shopee is committed to helping Filipino entrepreneurs drive their businesses forward in the digital space. The 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale enabled sellers and brands to maximize Shopee’s platform, with the following results.
One local seller saw a 7 times uplift in sales on 12.12. Other Filipino sellers that saw the highest uplifts were fashion shops Mumu, Willet, and Abubot PH as Filipinos looked to treat themselves and their loved ones to stylish clothes for the holidays.
Local brands on Shopee Mall also enjoyed higher sales during the campaign. This is especially so for Filipino beauty and personal care brands, including VIYLine Cosmetics and Uni-Care Hygienic Products.
Catering to the needs of Filipino shoppers in time for Christmas
With the busiest time of the year just around the corner, Shopee continues to support Filipinos and their needs. During the 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale, Filipinos turned to Shopee’s exciting deals and discounts to shop for meaningful gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
Home & Living, Mobiles & Gadgets, and Health & Personal Care were the leading categories as Filipinos flocked to Shopee to improve their homes and shop for Christmas gifts for their loved ones.
Around the region, more users enjoyed the ease and convenience of cashless transactions as there was a 4 times uplift in the total number of shoppers who checked out using ShopeePay versus a normal day.
Dresses, sandals for women, and dresses for women were the most-searched keywords during the sale, which shows that shoppers were eager to prepare for their looks for the holiday festivities.
Spreading the holiday cheer with more rewards for shoppers all over the country
Shopee continues to maximize its platform and reach to make e-commerce accessible for everyone, wherever they are in the country. Filipinos from the Visayas and Mindanao region were able to take advantage of Shopee’s Christmas deals and contests during the 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale.
Filipinos got very excited for the 12.12 Shop to Win Gold promo with over 6.2 million entries recorded, which is almost thrice as much as the 11.11 run. With Christmas fast approaching, users took their chance on winning gold bars, or a year’s supply of groceries or electricity.
Shoppers nationwide also enjoyed all of Shopee’s special holiday deals, with the increase in orders from the areas of Davao, Cebu, Bulacan, and Rizal, on 12.12 emerging as the cities with the most orders outside of Metro Manila.
Make your Christmas shopping even merrier when you shop at Shopee! You can still check out more holiday deals at the Extended 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale, and more offers at the December 15 Payday Sale. Download the Shopee app from leading app stores and follow Shopee Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
SM Cares and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) recently led the turnover ceremony of bike food carts to the pioneer beneficiaries of the SM PadyaKabuhayan Program, an initiative that aims to provide sustainable sources of income to those in need with a focus on sustainable mobility.
The ceremony was held last Dec. 5 at Pasay City Hall and was graced by representatives from SM Cares, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the City’s local government unit, and Kalye Negosyo.
Among the attendees were Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Pasay City Social Welfare Development Head Angelica Yu, Pasay City Social Welfare Development Officer Evelyn Marquez, DTI Chief of Trade and Industry Development and Area Director Olivia Rivera, Think Bizz Trading Corp. President Neil Sicat (for Kalye Negosyo) and SM Supermalls Senior Vice President & SM Cares Director for Bicycle-Friendly SM Bien Mateo.
PadyaKabuhayan is a livelihood program for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries that provides a means of earning for families in need, highlights the economic benefit of environment-friendly bikes, and enables the private sector to extend resources for the greater good.
During the ceremony, a total of six beneficiaries from Pasay City were each awarded with PadyaKabuhayan Carts, which are bike food carts outfitted with food storage and cooking equipment. They were also given cash assistance from the DTI amounting to P10,000 per recipient. The beneficiaries were selected in partnership with the Pasay City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Prior to the turnover, the beneficiaries were provided with free technical training through a three-day Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, where they were taught how to think like an entrepreneur, how to do product development, product costing, and food preparation, and how to do accounting and marketing while understanding financial literacy, among other topics.
“SM Cares is about ‘Supporting Communities’ and this project aligns perfectly to our advocacies for the Environment and a Bicycle-Friendly SM as we promote the use of bikes as eco-friendly means to improve the quality of life of Filipinos. Isang padyak ng bisikleta; Isang padyak patungo sa kaunlaran,” said Mr. Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President and SM Cares Program Director.
“For our beneficiaries, we hope to plant the seed of entrepreneurship, perseverance and hard work, as inspired by the story of our Founder, Mr. Henry Sy Sr. As he famously said, ‘You have to have a dream, whether big or small. Then plan well, focus, work hard, and be very determined to achieve your goals.’”
The SM PadyaKabuhayan Program is in line with SM Cares’ Programs for the Environment and the Bike-friendly SM initiative, and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, particularly “SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth,” and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.”
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, responsible for initiatives focused on sustainability and community development. Aside from its Program on Environment and Bike-Friendly SM initiative, its other Programs include those on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth.
