Magical and special can best describe what Christmas is all about to people from all over the world. Celebrations, parties and reunions bring families and friends together, feasting on delicious and comforting food. One such cuisine that ties people together is that of Spain’s – it’s rich, soulful and familiar to us Filipinos.
At LAS FLORES & RAMBLA, the Holiday specials are Lamb Shank with mashed potatoes and Huevos Rotos (gulas, shrimps, broken eggs, potatoes, garlic oil). Meanwhile, BCN & TOMATITO offer Roast Beef with mashed potatoes & gravy and Baked Lapu Lapu with Bilbaina sauce & patatas panaderas while RUMBA is proud to serve their Mussels in Marinara with fries and Herb Roasted Porchetta.
These Cócteles de Navidad (Holiday Cocktails) are perfect accompaniment to a Spanish meal: Eggsy Bitsy (Sherry wine, Bailey’s, Vanilla, Cream, Cinnamon, Egg White); Santa’s Spritz Aperol (Watermelon, Mixed Berries Compote, Cava) and Citrus Lantern Gin (Limoncello, Passionfruit, Citrus, Egg White).
Guests can also bring home a taste of Spain by ordering their Charcuterie To-Go, a selection of quesos & embutidos and comes with pan con tomate, grapes, walnuts & mango jam.
Feliz Navidad!
Follow Las Flores, Rambla, Tomatito, BCN by Las Flores & Rumba on Facebook and Instagram.
Ovation Productions, promoter in the Philippines of the ROAD TO ULTRA electronic music festival presents world famous DJ Alesso on December 17, 2022 at the SMDC Festival Grounds. Also featured is Acraze.
Alesso (Alessandro Renato Rodolfo Lindblad) is a Swedish DJ and music producer who has worked with numerous artists, Including Tove Lo, Hailee Steinfeld, Calvin Harris, Katy Perry, Usher, David Guetta, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Liam Payne, among others. He has performed at numerous music festivals including Coachella, ULTRA, Electric Daisy Carnival, Creamfields, and Tomorrowland. In 2012, MTV named Alesso one of the “EDM Rookies to Watch” and has since gotten to be one of the world’s top DJs.
Hailing from Stockholm, Alesso won over his country from the very start of his career. His single Calling (Losing My Mind) with the legendary Swedish House Mafia’s Sebastian Ingrosso and Grammy award-winning OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, was certified 2x Platinum in Sweden while also reaching no. 1 on Billboard’s US Hot Dance Club Songs.
Alesso’s ascension was sped up with the success of 2014’s Heroes (We Could Be) featuring Tove Lo which was certified platinum in the U.S. With his production genius and honest songwriting on full display, the track became a worldwide hit. Again, he reached no. 1 on Billboard’s US Dance Club Songs and was certified Platinum.
Alesso’s other hits include Remedy reaching no. 1 on the US Dance Airplay chart, When I’m Gone, Only You, If I Lose Myself, Under Control, In The Middle, Let Me Go, Is That For Me, among others.
With his music and visuals, Alesso creates experiences that have made him one of the genre’s most celebrated performers. In 2012, he joined Madonna as the opener during her MDNA tour. Alesso performs in Manila on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the SMDC Festival Grounds also featuring Acraze. Support Acts are Ace Ramos, Martin Pulgar, Marc Marasigan, Rico Arce, KATDJ, Deuce, Katsy Lee, and David Ardiente,
The much anticipated event is sponsored by ONE 2 SHOP, ANGKAS, TAPGO TV, and BUSINESS MIRROR. Radio partners are Wish 107.5, Magic 89.9, 99.5 Play FM, RX 93.1, Wave 89.1, Neo Retro 105.9, Home Radio 97.9. Produced by Ovation Productions. Tickets available via OVATIONTICKETS.COM and TICKETNET.COM.PH.
In Variety’s year-ender story, “The Best Films of 2022,” resident film critic Owen Gleiberman described I Wanna Dance with Somebody as “the kind of lavish impassioned all-stops-out pop-music biopic you either give in to or you don’t — and if you do, you may find yourself getting so emotional, baby.”
Gleiberman continues, “As Whitney Houston, Naomi Ackie is far from the singer’s physical double, yet she nails the hard part: channeling her incandescence. She shows you the freedom that made Houston tick and the self-doubt that ate away at her, until she fell from the mountaintop she’d scaled.”
The film’s director, Kasi Lemmons, is also cited for creating “a portrait of Houston’s dilemmas and demons that’s bracingly authentic, from the drugs to the family backstabbing to the love relationship with Robin Crawford (Nafessa Williams) that a homophobic society made her feel compelled to repress, from the attacks she weathered for her music being “not Black enough” to the self-destructive refuge she sought in her relationship with the sexy scurrilous lightweight Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders). As Clive Davis, Stanley Tucci captures the Arista mogul’s bone-dry dictator-mensch savoir faire.”
The citation concludes with the ravishing acclaim — “Whitney gets dragged down by forces both in and outside her. Yet through it all, her voice, her songs, her artistry of faith shines like a rapturous light.”
I Wanna Dance with Somebody opens exclusively in cinemas across the Philippines on Sunday, January 08, 2023.
About I Wanna Dance With Somebody
I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Academy Award® nominee Anthony McCarten, produced by legendary music executive Clive Davis and starring BAFTA Award® winner Naomi Ackie, the film is a no-holds-barred portrait of the complex and multifaceted woman behind The Voice. From New Jersey choir girl to one of the best-selling and most awarded recording artists of all time, audiences are taken on an inspirational, poignant—and so emotional—journey through Houston’s trailblazing life and career, with show-stopping performances and a soundtrack of the icon’s most beloved hits as you’ve never heard them before. Don’t you wanna dance?
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Anthony McCarten, produced by Anthony McCarten, Pat Houston, Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri, Matt Jackson, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill, Matt Salloway, Christina Papagjika.
The film stars Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams and Clarke Peters.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #IWannaDanceMovie
Christmas is coming early this year for fans of “The Simpsons!” Today, Disney+ announced that the new short “The Simpsons meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’” will launch December 15 exclusively on the streaming service. In the upcoming short from “The Simpsons,” Homer surprises Marge with the ultimate gift: an unforgettable performance from Italian opera superstar Andrea Bocelli and his 25-year-old son Matteo and 10-year-old daughter Virginia. New key art featuring a first look at the Bocelli family in “The Simpsons”.
The festivities continue December 17 as “The Simpsons” celebrates 33 years since its first episode aired in 1989. The first 33 seasons of “The Simpsons” are currently available to stream on Disney+.
“The Simpsons meet the Bocellis in ‘Feliz Navidad’” is the latest in a collection of shorts from “The Simpsons” created exclusively for Disney+. The previously released shorts “Welcome to the Club,” “When Billie Met Lisa” (Emmy® nominated), “Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap’” (Emmy® nominated), “The Good, The Bart, and The Loki” and “The Simpsons in Plusaversary” are currently available on Disney+. All of these and more can be found in “The Simpsons” collection on the streaming service here: https://www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-simpsons
The holidays are just a few days away and with it comes our much-awaited and much-deserved celebrations, surrounded by our beloved friends and family. Of course, these moments are even merrier with a sumptuous feast on our dining tables come Christmas time.
But if you’re not the type to spend hours preparing dishes and cooking for your Noche Buena, you can always rely on hotels’ dining concepts that offer fantastic deals and promos. And if you’re on the lookout for such deals this season, then this list is for you!
Below, we’re listing down some of the hotel food promos that you can avail of just in time for the holiday festivities. Check them out below:
Devour a delicious a la carte menu curated by their creative culinary team. December 24, 7PM – 11PM (P2,500 net per person) | December 25, 7 PM – 10 PM (P2,500 net per person)
The Grand Kitchen
Enjoy a lavish feast of international and traditional Filipino dishes at the hotel’s interactive all-day dining restaurant. December 24 – 6PM – 10PM (P4,000 net per person) | 11PM – 1:30 AM (P3,000 net per person) December 25 – 12PM – 2:30PM (P4,000 net per person) | 6PM – 10PM (P4,000 net per person) December 31 – 6PM – 10PM with free-flow of red & white wines (P5,200 net per person) January 1 – 12PM – 2:30PM (P4,000 net per person) | 6PM – 10PM (P4,000 net per person)
The Cellar
Cherish the holiday moments over their 4-course menu with soulful rhythms from their live entertainment. December 24, 5PM – 11PM (P4,500 net per person) | December 25, 5PM – 11PM (P4,500 net per person) | December 31, 5PM – 11PM (P5,000 net per person)
No. 8 China House
Dive into festive set menus created by their Chinese chefs, which include their bestselling Peking Duck and other specialties. December 24, 25, 31, & January 1 – 11:30AM – 2:30PM (Price starts at P10,880 net for 4 persons) | 5PM – 10PM (Price starts at P12,880 net for 4 persons)
Pool House
Enjoy a 4-course meal featuring fresh-grilled specialties and cocktails December 24 & 25, 5PM – 11PM (P3,300 net per person) | December 31, 5PM – 11PM (P3,700 net per person)
The Peak
Experience The Peak’s exquisite 5-course menu with a breathtaking view. December 24 & 25, 5PM – 11PM (P5,500 net per person) | December 31, 5PM – 11PM (P6,200 net per person)
You can also check out their take-out holiday offerings here. Contact them through these numbers: +632 8527 0011, +632 5301 5500, or their mobile number, +63 998 950 1912 and email: restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
Cafe 1228 Enjoy all-you-can-eat dishes, a glass of sparkling, white, or red wine, free-flow of softdrinks, juices, and iced tea. December 24 & 25, 6PM – 10PM | December 25, 11AM – 2:30PM | December 31, 6PM – 10PM (P3,000 for adults, P1,500 for kids) January 1, 11AM – 2:30PM | January 1, 6PM – 10PM (P2,023 for adults, P1,500 for kids)
Jasmine Check out their 8-course set menu priced per guest, for a minimum of 2 guests. Christmas & New Year Set Menu – Set Menu 1 (P2,588) | Set Menu 2 (P2,888) Vegetarian Set Menu – Set 1 (P1,888) | Set 2 (P2,288)
See their full digital brochure here. Contact them via +632-88116888 ext. 3679 or 09178884194, and email them via fbreservations.manila@newworldhotels.com.
Oori December 24-25, Korean Christmas Set A (P2,500 net per person) | Korean Christmas Set B (P2,800 net per person) December 31, New Year’s Eve Menu (P3,000) | January 1, New Year’s Day Menu (P1,600)
S Kitchen Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet, 6PM-8PM, 8:30PM-10:30PM (P3,900 net) New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet, 6PM-8PM, 8:30PM-10:30PM (P3,900 net)
Vubble Festive Set Menu (P7,000 net per person)
Check out their full digital holiday brochure here. You can also contact them at +63 2 790 21800 or m.me/sheratonmanila.
In the spirit of giving, home internet service provider SKY Fiber boosts the speed promos of select Super Speed Plans while keeping the same monthly subscription fee so that new and existing subscribers can instantly enjoy faster and seamless connection during the holiday festivities this December until May 31, 2023.
Starting December 9, customers can avail the 50Mbps Plan priced at P1,699 per month and get up to 150Mbps speed for free. This is an increase of more than 70% from the previous speed boost promo of only up to 85Mbps.
Moreover, the 30Mbps Plan for P1,299 a month can now provide up to 45Mbps speed while the 100Mbps Plan for P2,299 a month provides up to 200Mbps within the promo period.
With such high-speed connectivity, families can conveniently stream shows together, connect with their loved ones through video calls, or join in virtual Christmas parties without interruption.
Further elevate the yuletide fun at home by getting a SKY Fiber Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV Plan. Aside from faster speed boosts, these plans can provide access to over 190 cable channels and hundreds of apps and games via the SKY Evo digibox included in the bundle.
The 40Mbps Unli Broadband + HD Cable TV Plan which costs P1,699 per month can now give up to 100Mbps speed compared to the 80Mbps free speed boost before. The 80Mbps cable-bundled plan priced at P2,499 per month also treats subscribers with speeds up to 170Mbps versus the former offer of up to 135Mbps only.
This December is the perfect time to switch to SKY Fiber because new subscribers of select plans who submit their application online can get an added treat of up to P400 free Jollibee e-GCs until December 31.
Brace yourself for Xiaomi’s 12-12 sale, which kicks off from December 12 to December 14, 2022. Christmas has indeed come early as you can get up to 66% off on a wide variety of Xiaomi products via Shopee and Lazada.
The flagship Xiaomi 12 Pro will be up for grabs for only Php 44,799 – a significant price drop from its regular price of Php 48,999. The regular Xiaomi 12 is also heavily discounted at only Php 35,799.
Smartphone Sale via Shopee & Lazada
The new Xiaomi 12T Pro, boasting a professional-level 200-megapixel primary camera, will be offered at Php 37,999, while the Xiaomi 12T is available for only Php 26,999.
Xiaomi’s budget smartphones have been discounted further for 12.12, with the Redmi 10A (3+64GB) now available for just Php 4,999, the Redmi 9C (3+64GB) priced at Php 4.590, the Redmi Note 11 (6+128GB) at Php 7,999 and the Redmi Note 10 Pro (6+128GB) discounted to Php 9,490.
Here’s a list of participating Xiaomi smartphones and their 12.12 prices via Shopee and Lazada:
Product
Exclusive 12.12 Price via Shopee & Lazada
Redmi 10A (3+64GB)
Php 4,999
Redmi 10C (4+64GB)
Php 5,399
Redmi 10C (4+128GB)
Php 6,599
Redmi 9C (3+64GB)
Php 4,590
Redmi 9C (4+128GB)
Php 5,790
Redmi Note 10 Pro (6+128GB)
Php 9,490
Redmi Note 10 Pro (8+128GB)
Php 11,490
Redmi Note 11 (4+64GB)
Php 5,990
Redmi Note 11 (6+128GB)
Php 7,999
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (8+128GB)
Php 16,999
Redmi Note 11S (6+64GB)
Php 7,999
Xiaomi 12 (8+256GB)
Php 35,799
Xiaomi 12 Lite (8+128GB)
Php 21,999
Xiaomi 12 Lite (6+128GB)
Php 20,999
Xiaomi 12 Pro (12+256GB)
Php 44,799
Xiaomi 12T (8+256GB)
Php 26,999
Xiaomi 12T Pro (12+256GB)
Php 37,999
Redmi Pad (4+128GB)
Php 10,999
Redmi Pad (6+128GB)
Php 12,999
Xiaomi AIoT products on sale via Lazada
Xiaomi’s amazing AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) products are also available in the 12.12 Sale. Gift your loved ones the best wearables, smart home appliances, entertainment gadgets, and more!
The Xiaomi Mi TV P1E 65″ Smart TV will be available for only Php 29,999, from its regular price of Php 33,999.
Other fantastic deals include the RedmiBook15 Laptop 11th Gen Intel® Core™. Sporting a beautiful 15.6-inch Full HD screen powered by up to Core i5-11300H processor, it will be available for only Php 34,999.
The Xiaomi Mi TV P1 32″ Android TV is priced at only Php 8290, while the stylish Xiaomi Smartwatch S1 Active is going for only Php 7,499.
Here’s a list of available AIoT products during the 12.12 Sale via Lazada:
Product
Exclusive 12.12 Price via Lazada
RedmiBook15 Laptop 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-11300H
Php 34,999
Xiaomi Smart Band 7
Php 2,199
Xiaomi Mi Wireless Outdoor Security Camera 1080p Set (Outdoor Camera & Indoor Receiver)
Php 4,199
Xiaomi Mi TV P1 32″ Android TV
Php 8,290
Xiaomi Mi TV P1 43″ Android TV
Php 14,990
Xiaomi Mi TV P1 50″ Android TV
Php 19,990
Xiaomi Mi TV P1 55″ Android TV
Php 21,990
Xiaomi Smart Watch S1 Active
Php 7,499
Xiaomi Smart Watch S1
Php 9,499
Xiaomi Router 4C (White)
Php 369
Redmi Buds 3 Pro
Php 2,399
Xiaomi Mi Motion Activated Night Light 2
Php 449
Xiaomi Mi Ionic Hair Dryer
Php 1,709
Xiaomi Mi 1.5L Electric Smart Kettle Pro – Fast Boiling Stainless Steel with LED Digital Screen and App Control via Bluetooth
Php 1,699
Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Mop Pro 2100Pa suction rate Sweep & Mo with LDS Laser Navigation
Php 13,599
Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router 4A Giga Version – Up to 128 Devices
Php 1,349
Xiaomi Mi Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Light
Php 6,799
Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor 34″
Php 20,999
Xiaomi Desktop Monitor 27″
Php 8,999
Xiaomi Desktop Monitor 1C 23.8″
Php 6,799
Redmi Watch 2 Lite Smart Watch (Blue)
Php 2,299
Xiaomi Mi Camera 2K (Magnetic Mount)
Php 1,259
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Pro
Php 10,599
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite
Php 5,599
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4
Php 7,899
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Pro
Php 15,999
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2
Php 11,399
Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2 Lite
Php 7,899
Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner Mini
Php 1,499
Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro
Php 5,999
Don’t miss out on Xiaomi’s 12.12 Sale from December 12-14, 2022. Here’s a link to the participating Xiaomi smartphones onShopee andLazada. Meanwhile, Xiaomi’s participating AIoT products can be directly accessed via these links inShopee andLazada.
For more exclusive updates, follow Xiaomi’sFacebook page and visit the website for details.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) weaves distinct culture bound by colorful textile patterns and motifs to usher in the Yuletide season, to be launched on December 15, 5:30pm, with a holiday extravaganza featuring the hottest artists and performers in the country.
Dubbed “Binurda,” the CCP façade décors explore the embroidery heritage in the Philippines, highlighting the warp of cultural traditions interwoven with the weft of the Filipino people’s stories.
Conceptualized by CCP Production Design and Technical Division chief Ricardo Eric Cruz and his team, the Christmas façade décor features callado, the intricate embroidery and needlework detailing on piña jusi textile.
Through creative metalwork characterizing the pulling and tying of the warp and weft, the CCP travertine façade turns into a fabric embroidered with a distinct Sampaguita motif, complemented with other Philippine flora and fauna patterns and indigenous geometry designs.
Indigenous to the Philippines, and considered as one of its national flowers, sampaguita is often offered to welcome, send off, and show appreciation to family, friends and guests. For CCP, it is a fitting “grand facade” gesture of appreciation to our audiences who have supported the premiere arts institution for the past 53 years.
The tone-on-tone design of the CCP holiday decoration provides an understated elegance to the façade during the day, and seamlessly transitions to a dazzling light spectacle at night.
As the Main Building closes for renovation and restoration in the coming years, Binurda symbolizes the people’s anticipation and the artistic promise of fresh blossoming of a new culture and arts institution.
In one festive tapestry, the façade decoration will be sewn together with a grand concert, featuring performances by Bayanihan, The National Dance Company of the Philippines, the Nightingales, the Male Ensemble of the Philippines (MEP), and surprise performers.
Directed by Dexter Santos, the concert is divided into different suites that bind Filipinos – the Tanglaw Ng Hiraya, Pagmamapa sa Padron at Pinagmulan, Pagtatahi ng Ugnayan, Pagbubuhol at Pagbibigkis, and Paglaladlad at Pagdiriwang.
Each suite features varying music genres that encompass different periods and milieu. First suite brings audiences to a journey to the land of the dream weavers in the Southern Philippines; stitching the second suite, focusing on Muslim Filipino culture, music and dance.
Third suite highlights universality of faith, highlighting ecumenical elements; while the fourth suite puts the spotlight on familial ties and relationships. The concert culminates with communal celebrations.
Binurda concert and lighting event is open to the public. The façade decorations will run until January 2023.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the new normal protocol of the CCP will still be implemented. Everyone is advised to wear a facemask upon entering the premises and bring a vaccination card/certificate (e-copies are allowed). Find out more about CCP’s new normal protocol here: https://bit.ly/CCPNewNormalProtocol2022.
Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for the latest updates.
Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, caps off the year with another #CEBSuperSeatFest on December 12 as it gifts everyJuan with a ChristMAS SULIT sale for everyJuan who wishes to travel to domestic and select international destinations.
For as low as PHP 12 one-way base fare (exclusive of fees, surcharges), Cebu Pacific’s three-day offer will run from December 12-14. Travel period is from June 1 to November 30, 2023.
“We want to inspire everyJuan to fly so we’re holding our final seat sale for the year. Do not miss out and grab the chance to book your dream trips for you and your loved ones,” said Carmina Romero, Cebu Pacific Corporate Communications Director.
The 12.12 #CEBSuperSeatFest allows everyJuan to experience the best of the Philippines – whether that’s a food adventure in General Santos, Zamboanga, Manila, Davao, or Iloilo; or a beach getaway in Palawan, Siargao, Bohol, Cebu, or Boracay.
CEB also made it easier for passengers to book those much-awaited international trips of their dreams to Dubai, Bali and Jakarta in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi in Vietnam, and Singapore.
Passengers with existing travel funds may use these to pay for flights and add-ons during CEB’s seat sales. Apart from Travel Fund, other payment options may also be used, such as payment centers, credit/debit cards, and e-wallets.
To date, CEB flies to a total of 34 domestic and 19 international destinations. The airline continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 98% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure everyJuan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.
This December, get pulled back into the immersive world of Pandora which has just become more expansive in the upcoming film Avatar: The Way of Water.
James Cameron’s sequel to his record-breaking blockbuster is hitting Philippine cinemas this December 14. As the trailer reveals, we’ll get to see Jake Sully and Neytiri as they raise their family in Pandora, but when a new threat looms close, their tribe must once again band together to protect their precious home.
Before the film arrives in cinemas this week, we’ve rounded up some interesting facts about the movie that you might want to know about! Check them out below:
1. It took thirteen years for the second film to come out, but with three more sequels in tow.
The first Avatar film came out in December 2009, so it took about 13 years for its follow-up to arrive in cinemas. But while it took that long, fans of the first movie are also promised three more sequels, with each sequel releasing every two years, expanding the franchise into a five-part film series.
However, director Cameron also noted that they might cut off this five-part film franchise into a trilogy if the sequel underperforms. “The market could be telling us we’re done in three months, or we might be semi-done, meaning: ‘OK, let’s complete the story within movie three, and not go on endlessly,’ if it’s just not profitable,” Cameron told TOTAL FILM.
Photo: Avatar: The Way of Water trailer
2. A new clan and a human kid in Pandora.
Two interesting details have been unveiled about The Way of Water. One is that there will be a new clan to be introduced, the Metkayina Clan who are reef-dwellers and are distinguishable with their slightly different skin colors.
Photo: Avatar: The Way of Water trailer
Another interesting detail is that there’s a human child running around Pandora alongside the Na’vi. In an interview between Empire Magazine and Cameron, it was revealed that the boy’s name is Spider, a human orphan that Jake and Neytiri had taken in to join their family.
3. Familiar faces and new characters.
The sequel has brought back many of the lead cast, such as Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang. Also joining them are new members of the cast such as Cliff Curtis who plays Metkayina’s leader Tonowari; Kate Winslet as Tonowari’s wife Ronal; Michelle Yeoh as Dr. Karina Mogue; Edie Falco as General Frances Ardmore; Jemain Clement as Dr. Ian Garvin; and Brendan Cowell as Mick Scoresby.
Meanwhile, the young cast includes Jack Champion as Spider, Jamie Flatters as Neteyam, Britain Dalton as Lo’ak, Trinity Bliss as Tukterey, Bailey Bass as Tsireya, and Filip Geljo as Aonung.
Photo: Avatar: The Way of Water trailer
4. Stephen Lang Sigourney Weaver have returned.
Those who can clearly remember the first film might have some questions about Stephen Lang and Sigourney Weaver’s return since they were supposed to be dead by the end of Avatar. Lang explains the return of his character, now inside an Avatar, and how the film addresses his resurrection.
“He’s a genetically-engineered autonomous avatar,” Lang told Empire Magazine. “He has been downloaded with the mind, the emotions, and even more interestingly, possibly the spirit of Quaritch. Now, that’s all pretty esoteric stuff. He comes with a full memory bank up until the time he actually undergoes the DNA transfer. So there are certain things that he doesn’t have any memory of at all. He has no memory of his death.”
Photo: Avatar: The Way of Water trailer
Meanwhile, Weaver who played Dr. Grace Augustine in the first film is back as Jake and Neytiri’s adopted teenage daughter Kiri, who was born of Grace’s Avatar and has a continued connection with her.
“There’s definitely a transfer of the curiosity and the love of nature,” Weaver told Screen Rant. “Grace much prefers to be in Avatar form and be out in the forest and studying things, and I think Kiri has a different way of expressing all that. She is just one with nature. And where that comes from, I’m not sure. But it’s very much in the script, and luckily in the movie, you will get to see her try to make more of a connection with Grace.”
5. The cast had to train in free diving, and Kate Winslet lasted the longest underwater.
It has been revealed that while filming The Way of Water, the cast had to perform inside giant water tanks frequently to make the underwater scenes appear more realistic on the big screen. As director Cameron told The New York Times, they hired the world’s best breath-hold specialists to help the cast learn how to “free dive” and stay underwater during takes.
And the cast delivered. Kate Winslet, particularly, held her breath for seven minutes underwater, beating Tom Cruise’s six-minute breath-hold stunt when filming Mission: Impossible– Rogue Nation.
Avatar: The Way of Wateropens in cinemas nationwide this Wednesday, December 14. Book your seats in advance and buy your tickets here.
