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  • 10 Award-Winning Filipino Movies on Netflix You Should Have Watched by Now

    Through recent years, Netflix‘s library of Filipino movies has grown significantly, with the streaming giant even helping local filmmakers to produce and put out their films for audiences in the Philippines and beyond. As such, the platform now has a great selection of movies across different genres. But if your choice of what films to watch is highly influenced by their awards and critics’ reviews, then this list is for you!

    We’ve rounded up the Filipino movies on Netflix that have received positive praises and recognition from award-giving bodies. Check them out below:

    Pan De Salawal (The Sweet Taste of Salted Bread and Undies)

    Aside from winning four awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2018, Pan De Salawal also won the Best Film and Best Screenplay awards in the Low Budget Category of Spain’s Calella Film Festival. It tells the story of the homeless girl Aguy who wears underwear over her head, and her newfound friend, the baker Sal who suffers from a kidney ailment. Watch Pan De Salawal on Netflix.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XNSWSK1ZuA

    Fan Girl

    Antoinette Jadaone’s Fan Girl swept 9 awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020, including the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, and Best Lead Actress awards. Starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino, the film revolves around a teenage girl who gets to spend a night with her celebrity crush, but would soon discover the dark reality behind the revered star. Watch Fan Girl on Netflix.

    Lola Igna

    Lola Igna bagged four awards at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019, including Best Film and Best Screenplay. The movie tells the story of the 118-year-old, grumpy old woman Igna who suddenly becomes a celebrity when she becomes eligible for the record of being “The Oldest Living Grandmother in the World.” This also brings her closer to her great-great-grandchild, softening her grumpy facade. Watch Lola Igna on Netflix.

    Pamilya Ordinaryo (Ordinary People)

    Aside from bagging multiple awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2016, including Best Film, Best Actress, and Best Director, the film also went on to receive a Gawad Urian Award as well as more prizes overseas. The film follows a dirt-poor, teenage couple in Manila who desperately scours the gritty city to find their kidnapped baby. Watch Pamilya Ordinary on Netflix.

    BuyBust

    BuyBust won Best Picture and three more prizes at the 2019 Gawad Urian Awards. Erik Matti’s action flick with social commentary follows the PDEA agent Nina Manigan and her squad as they go on a mission to infiltrate the heart of Manila’s dangerous slums and capture a high-profile drug lord. But the mission goes south and Nina finds herself in a bloody fight for survival against brutal drug gangs and bloodthirsty citizens seeking for vengeance. Watch BuyBust on Netflix.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33XZIrH2Hk8

    Birdshot

    Mikhail Red’s Birdshot won the Critics’ Choice Award at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2017, and also took home prizes from the Tokyo International Film Festival and ASEAN Film Awards. The film follows the teenage farm girl who mistakenly shoots down an endangered Philippine Eagle. As authorities investigate the incident, a more horrific crime comes to light. Watch Birdshot on Netflix.

    Hintayan Ng Langit (Heaven’s Waiting)

    Taking home two awards at the QCinema International Film Festival back in 2018, Hintayan ng Langit stars the late Eddie Garcia opposite Gina Pareño. Set in purgatory which looks just like a hotel, the film follows Lisang who had been overstaying there for years because of her bad behavior. Soon, her ex-boyfriend finally arrives, annoying her as they were forced to share a room together. Watch Hintayan ng Langit on Netflix.

    Kalel, 15

    This film bagged awards from the Asian Film Festival 2020, Gawad Urian Awards 2020, FAMAS Awards 2019, and more. It tells the story of Kalel, a teenage Catholic boy who has a troubled parentage. When he is diagnosed with HIV, Kalel’s world proceeds to fall apart when his mother leaves him while his sister stays with her junkie boyfriend. He then meets with his father, who gives him money so he could live on his own, but Kalel had other plans. Watch Kalel, 15 on Netflix.

    Iska

    Iska bagged awards at the 2019 Cinemalaya festival, as well as prizes from multiple local and international award-giving bodies. The film follows Iska, an employee at one of UP’s photocopying centers, who faces the challenges of life head-on to provide for her autistic grandson. Watch Iska on Netflix.

    Kung Paano Hinihintay and Dapithapon (Waiting for Sunset)

    This film swept five awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2018 including Best Film and Best Screenplay. The movie is about an old unmarried couple, whose monotonous lives are shaken when the woman’s estranged husband reaches out, asking for forgiveness and reconciliation. Watch Kung Paano Hinihintay and Dapithapon on Netflix.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLZ07NWc2rs

    ALSO READ
    35 Pinoy Movies You Can Stream for Free Right Now

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  • “The Greatest Showman” Songwriters Create New Song for “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile”

    Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, starring Academy Award® winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, and Shawn Mendes, is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.

    Pasek and Paul are among the most successful songwriters of their generation. They were immediately captured by the magic of the project and the fact that they felt it was perfect material for a musical.

    “All of these characters collide on their paths and change each other,” says Paul. “This crocodile brings their lives so much joy, and color, and vibrancy, and they also change him in unexpected ways – ways he’s needing. And it’s all done through music – it’s music that Lyle brings to their lives, literally and figuratively. It’s how they connect, how they open up to feel vulnerable, to feel celebratory, to feel understood by someone. For us as songwriters, it’s a total joy to write songs where you’re unlocking a character’s true, human heart.”

    GDD 0510 comp v174

    But when that character is a singing crocodile? That’s perfect too, says Pasek. “Any time you hear a person bursting out into song in a musical, you’re leaving the world of reality behind,” says Pasek. “When you’re watching a crocodile with a voice and a heart of gold – a crocodile who can literally only express himself through song – you suddenly have permission to untether from reality.”

    In pitching the project to the songwriting duo, the directors Speck and Gordon were able to offer Pasek and Paul a chance to become involved much earlier in the process than they usually are – and to help shape the story of the musical comedy around the songs that they would write.

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    With Pasek and Paul involved very early in the script stage, they got a sense of what the directors were aiming for with the story. “A song should not be an arbitrary choice. A song shouldn’t appear out of nowhere, with nothing leading up to it,” says Speck. “What Benj and Justin were able to do, as storytellers, was seamlessly thread into the narrative why somebody has to sing at that moment. What is it about this song that’s going to influence and change the characters?”

    For Paul, having an unabashedly earnest movie that he could share with his young children was an extra pleasure. “As cheesy as it sounds, we believe in corny things like hope and optimism,” Paul says. “There’s a lot of joy running through our music and the pieces we gravitate toward. There’s a lot of cynicism in the world right now, so it’s exciting to have songs out in the world that are infused with Lyle’s joy and his desire to live life vulnerable and honest and open – and does it via a singing crocodile on screen.”

    LLC INTL 1SHT FNL Bathtub LYRD

    To ensure that the songs would weave together a wide range of experiences and emotional threads, Pasek and Paul recruited top songwriters Joriah Kwamé, Emily Gardner Xu Hall, Mark Sonnenblick, and Arianna Asfar to collaborate with them on each of the songs. “Getting the opportunity to work with other songwriters is one of the best parts of our job.  We learn so much from these new experiences and relationships. Plus, we’re just huge fans of each of them. It was a thrill to work together, to bang ideas back and forth, and to come out with songs that feel truly unique and truly Lyle,” say Pasek and Paul.

    In cinemas across the Philippines starting October 12, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Connect with the hashtag #LyleLyleCrocodile

  • Korea’s Friendship with the Philippines Showcased Through Art at CCP’s Media Art Show

    The Cultural Center of the Philippines joins the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as they present a media art show billed as Donghaeng: Gunita at Pag-asa from October 6 to October 21, 2022, 6PM to 9PM at the CCP Front Lawn.

    Specially curated with the origin, exchange, development, and prosperity of Philippine-Korean friendship with the graceful gestures and music of Korean and Filipino artists, the media art show is part of the celebration of the 73-year friendship of the Philippines and Korea.

    The 8-minute-long spectacle will be projected at the CCP Main Building façade and will be shown to the public for free.  Guests can also have the chance to win different prizes when visiting by joining contests in KCC’s official social media accounts.

    The continuous people-to-people exchange between the Philippines and Korea has rendered immense expectation and need for the experience of Korean culture, and KCC prepared this media art show so that Filipinos can experience Korea even here in the Philippines.

    “I hope that the constant appearance of national symbols of two countries and their harmonious movements in the video would serve as an opportunity to better understand each other,” said KCC director IM Young A.

    Media art shows are public displays of art projected on the exterior of buildings using them as large screens.  Due to the pandemic, a lot of Filipinos are unable to go outside and enjoy art to unwind.  This media art show is specifically made to be enjoyed by everyone, for free, without worry as the venue is outside.  Anyone can marvel at the intricate design, art, lights and sounds from the CCP grounds with the company of their friends or family.

    The media art show is divided into three parts: the cultural origins and growth, the communication of both the beautiful rich cultures and lastly, the celebration and harmony of friendship between the Philippines and Korea.

    The media art show is a collaboration of Korean cutting-edge technology and Filipino arts.  To exhibit the authentic Filipino and Korean culture, the movements of both Filipino and Korean dancers were recorded through motion capture and AI technology.  They perform traditional dances such as Pandanggo and Buchaechum (Korean fan dance) with an ethnic score.  At the end of the show, there is a festive collaboration of the traditional dances of each country.

    These fluid movements are also integrated in the features of different symbols of each country.

    The graceful and fluid movements were created by celebrated choreographer SHIN Chang-Ho, while the music is a collaborative effort between Korean music director PARK Woong-Seo and Filipino music director Josenic France Juanite. The overall art was created by the genius of director CHO Chung-Yean.

    From watching it from their phone screens, Filipinos can now see live media art shows that are popular in Korea in one of the celebrated architectures in Manila.

    Donghaeng: Gunita at Pag-asa is an event under the theme“Kita Kita Korea” where Filipinos can experience Korean culture in the Philippines without traveling to Korea.  Other KCC events include the Philippine-Korean Hats Exhibition with The M on October 21, 2022.

    Experience the exquisite and artistic representations of Philippine and Korean friendship and hopeful future embroidered in the Manila sky like the Christmas lights.

  • Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas celebrates its 10th year with Two New Songs

    Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas is celebrating its 10th year in the music industry with two new songs, Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na, both digitally released in time for their month-long anniversary celebration this October.

    Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas is a 10-piece, sometimes 11 to 12-piece, big band that plays an eclectic mix of different music genres. Their music ranges from Jazz, Swing, Blues to Soul Disco-Funk to Modern/Contemporary groove music.

    BPPPP 10th Anniversary show Oct 8 poster

    According to Mike Luis, “Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk is a party song that pays homage to classic funk bands from the seventies, such as Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic, Earth Wind & Fire, Bootsy Collins, etc.”

    Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na are composed by BPPPP vocalist Mike Luis and arranged by bassist and musical director Francis De Veyra. Both songs were recorded, mixed and mastered at Wombworks Audio Productions by Jean-Paul Verona.

    Brass Pas Pas

    Francis De Veyra, on the other hand, describes Disko Naas a modern-day disco song with retro and Manila Sound vibes, a tribute to the band’s musical influences Hotdog, The Boyfriends, VST & Co., and the likes.

    Released under Funkybeat Entertainment, Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na are available on all major music streaming apps including Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube, Amazon Music, and Anghami.

    Behind the scenes photo from the Disko Na music video shoot

    Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas will also hold an anniversary show on October 8, at 123 Block in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City, where they will debut the music videos for Tayo Na’t Mag-Funk and Disko Na. The band also worked with Backspacer Records for a vinyl record, a collection of their “Greatest HITS” as remastered by Shinji Tanaka of Kodama Studio, set to be released also on the show.

    Photo of Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas during a gig

    The anniversary event will also feature sets by Zsaris, Basically Saturday Night, Leanne & Naara, and Ang Bandang Shirley. Singers Bing Austria and Faye Yupano will also perform with the band.

    For more information, follow Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas on Facebook, @brass_paspaspaspas on Instagram, and @BrassPasPas on Twitter.

  • Merrell Opens It’s Newest Concept Store In Trinoma

    Merrell, a brand synonymous with the outdoors, reopens with a whole new look and location in TriNoMa. Located on the 2nd floor, the new store features the brand’s signature footwear, including their Moab line which has sold 28 million pairs worldwide and their newest fan-favorite, the Hydro Moc.

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    From left: Merrell’s iconic Moab boots. Merrell’s selection of Men’s Performance shoes.

    New Look

    The brand’s passion for the outdoors is evident in its clean and organic design with nature-inspired elements and textures. The new store carries a wide array of footwear, apparel, and accessories designed to take you places.

    Merrell 2
    From left: Merrell’s selection of bags. The Merrell Hydro Moc. Merrell’s selection of Women’s Lifestyle footwear.

    Fan Favorites

    Outdoor enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike will rejoice at the store’s selection of performance hikers like their signature Moabs and streetwear-ready shoes like the Hydro Moc and Hydro Runners. You can likewise shop their vast selection of trail runners, after-sport shoes, and sandals.

    Merrel 3

    Merrell TriNoMa is located at the 2nd floor near Starbucks. For more styles, check out Merrell’s official webstore www.merrell.com.ph.

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    Merrell’s latest gear for all kinds of adventures are available at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta3, TriNoma, SM North Annex, Market! Market!,  Robinson’s Place Manila, Festival Mall Alabang, SM Southmall, SM City Baguio, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Harbor Point Subic, SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Iloilo, SM City Davao, SM Lanang, Abreeza Mall Davao, Gaisano Mall Davao, Limketkai Mall, Centrio Mall, and selected specialty stores and department stores nationwide.

    Visit Merrell online at merrell.com.ph, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MerrellPhilippines and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @Merrell_PH.

  • WATCH: The Next Black Panther Revealed in New ‘Wakanda Forever’ Trailer

    Marvel Studios has finally given us a good look at the next Black Panther in the new trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

    After the passing of lead actor Chadwick Boseman back in 2020, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said that they will not recast or use CGI to bring T’Challa back on the big screen. In the first teaser for the sequel, it was then hinted that a new hero dons the Black Panther cowl, and it has now been fully confirmed in the new trailer.

    Check it out below:

    The new trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever not only gave us a closer look at the film’s villain Namor and the Talocan people, as well as the debut of Ironheart’s suit, but it also gave the fans a complete look at the new, female Black Panther.

    While the trailer didn’t really disclose who it was under the mask, fans were quick to assume that it was Shuri inside the new suit. Not only is she next in line as the ruler of Wakanda, it is also comic book canon that T’Challa’s younger sister took the mantle of the Black Panther when her brother was in a coma.

    Letitia Wright reprises her role as Shuri, alongside Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, and Martin Freeman. Also joining the cast are Tenoch Huerta as Namor and Dominique Thorne debuting as Ironheart.

    Director Ryan Coogler also returned to direct the sequel. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is coming to Philippine cinemas on November 9.

    ALSO READ
    Beyond Black Panther: 7 Must-Watch Chadwick Boseman Films

  • Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival

    Today, 88rising, the pioneering and internationally-renowned music and media company amplifying Asian talent and culture, and Live MNL, are thrilled to announce the 2022 Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival lineup in Manila, Philippines. Head In The Clouds Manila will take place on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, 2022 at SM Festival Grounds Parañaque City. Ticket sales begin Wednesday, October 5 at 10am Manila time (purchase passes HERE).

    HITC MNL LINEUP

    88rising’s Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival will be coming to the city of Manila with an impressive range of curated talent including headliners Joji, Jackson Wang, NIKI, Rich Brian, eaJ, and YOASOBI. The festival will also include live performances from BIBI, MANILA GREY, Warren Hue, Ylona Garcia, GUAPDAD 4000, ATARASHII GAKKO!, MILLI, Zack Tabudlo and many more; plus special guest Grammy-winning hitmaker and  electronic producer ZEDD.

    “I am so excited to perform at the inaugural Head in the Clouds Manila. I missed y’all and it’s time to bring it to the Philippines.” says headliner Rich Brian. PARADISE RISING’s own Ylona Garcia noted, “I’m so glad 88rising is bringing the Head In The Clouds Festival to the Philippines and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of it! It’s been a while since I’ve seen my fans back home. Can’t wait to see each and every one of them!”

    Last month, Head In The Clouds hosted 70,000 people over two days at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in its fourth year in Los Angeles, California. 88rising earlier announced Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival will travel to Indonesia later this year, marking the debut of the festival in both Indonesia and the Philippines.

    Head in the Clouds Manila is presented by Globe, with major sponsor GCash.

    2-day GA passes are priced at Php 12,888 and 2-day VIP passes are Php 15,888. For more information, please visit mnl.hitcfestival.com.

    Full Line Up:

    • Joji
    • Jackson Wang
    • NIKI
    • Rich Brian
    • eaJ
    • YOASOBI
    • Adawa
    • Akini Jing
    • Atarashii Gakko!
    • BIBI
    • Elephante
    • GUAPDAD 4000
    • JinxZhou
    • MANILA GREY
    • MILLI
    • Spence Lee
    • Stephanie Poetri
    • Warren Hue
    • Ylona Garcia
    • Zack Tabudlo

    Very Special Guest

    • ZEDD

    About 88rising:

    88rising is the pioneering global music & media company representing the best of Asian talent. 88rising was the first company to launch an Asian-centric music festival in the United States (Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival – now in its fourth year), the first to have an Asian artist top the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts and Spotify’s Weekly Global Albums chart, and the first to launch an all-Asian radio channel reaching all of North America. In 2021, 88rising executive produced and curated the soundtrack to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Marvel Studios’ first Asian-American superhero. In 2019, they were awarded Label of the Year by NetEase, one of the largest music streaming platforms in China. With over 160 million followers across global social media platforms and over 40 billion total streams and views, 88rising’s global influence is undeniable.

    About LiveMNL

    LiveMNL is KROMA Entertainment’s event and activation agency that curates and creates on-strat, on-time, and on-budget world-class events and productions in the Philippines – on-ground, online or hybrid.


  • Can I Get an ‘Eme’: Q&A with Jiggly Caliente and Rajo Laurel of ‘Drag Race Philippines’ 

    Drag Race Philippines has been my source of joy and a way for me to connect to the Philippines while I am overseas. It’s a wonder why it is only now that we are getting a local version of Ru Paul’s award-winning drag queen competition franchise because with every new episode being aired it just feels right at home with our local queens!

    ALSO READ:
    Drag Race Philippines! New Filipino version of the global phenomenon drops on discovery+, HBO GO and WOW Presents Plus
    Twelve Queens Sashay Their Way to “Drag Race Philippines” Superstardom!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWiqRIONjp0

    The season 1 finale is nearing as the contestants are now whittled down to these fabulous five: Eva Le Quen, Marina Summers, Minty Fresh, Precious Paula Nicole, and Xilhouette. But today’s tea is not about the queens–we get cozy with a couple of judges as they share their thoughts about being part of the first-ever Drag Race Philippines! Here’s our exclusive Q&A with American singer, actress, and drag performer, Jiggly Caliente and renowned Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel:

    Question: How do you feel being a part of the very first season of Drag Race Philippines?

    Jiggly Caliente: It is an honor to be asked and even be a part of it. So, yeah. An honor and a privilege, definitely. 

    Rajo Laurel: RuPaul’s Drag Race is my favorite show in the world! I am a superfan of the show and I have been watching it since the very first season aired more than 15 years ago.  To be part of the cast of Drag Race Philippines is more than a dream coming true.  It’s like pure joy.  I am so proud and deeply honored to be part of the show.

    Drag Race PH Magic Liwanag 169
    Jiggy Caliente
    [Photo by Magic Liwanag, courtesy of Perceptions, Inc.]

    The Drag Race franchise already has many international versions – from Canada, UK, Down Under, and Thailand (the first Asian country to have a local RPDR). What do you think will set Drag Race PH apart from the rest that will make it a must-watch around the world?

    Jiggly: We’re the prettiest f*cking franchise, period. The judges alone are the prettiest, the contestants are pretty, and on top of that, we’re super, super talented. And [Kalad]Karen is so f*cking smart. I was sitting next to her and I would think parang shunga next to her, kainis.

    Rajo: What sets Drag Race Philippines apart from the rest of the world is our Queens.  We have so much heart and soul.  Every Filipino can sing and dance and perform but when you put the art of Drag in the equation then this becomes a completely different aspect altogether.  The production also remains very Filipino at the core however the execution is truly world-class.  We have been a constant presence on all Drag Race platforms since the very first season of the international franchise and now the rest of the world will realize why.  We are an incredibly talented race and the Season One Queens are a testament to this. 

    Let’s talk about the other judges in the panel. What was it like working with all of them?

    Can I Get an 'Eme': Q&A with Jiggly Caliente and Rajo Laurael of 'Drag Race Philippines' 
    Rajo Laurel, Jiggly Caliente, Paolo Ballesteros, and KaladKaren
    Image courtesy of HBO GO

    Jiggly: I mean like these – like the panel of men, let’s start with them. BJ Pascual is a known international fashion photographer. He has taken photographs of Miss Universe. He’s taken photographs of Pia Wurtzbach – who is like my ultimate idol, and then, of course, Anne Curtis and other top celebrities of Asia. Then Rajo Laurel, who’s a known international fashion designer as well. And then, of course, Jon Santos is a comedy legend in the Philippines. That is crazy! And lastly, [Kalad]Karen, who’s so smart, so quick, so witty, and I was just in awe. It was really a nice balance of having [Kalad]Karen there, and it was also really cool that the two main judges are two trans women, and that’s a first also for Drag Race herstory.

    Rajo: It was truly a riot! I loved working with all the judges. Each one of us brings a unique perspective to the judging panel.  It was really very difficult to judge the Queens because you get so emotionally attached to them. As you continue to watch the show you will understand why. However, it was truly a life highlight getting to know all of them.  All I remember is the laughter and the joy of working with my co-judges, cast, and crew.

    Drag Race PH Magic Liwanag 29
    Rajo Laurel
    [Photo by Magic Liwanag, courtesy of Perceptions, Inc.]

    There are many Filipino fans that love Ru Paul’s Drag Race but still are yet to discover the local drag scene. Can you share with us what makes Filipino Drag unique?

    Jiggly: Their work ethic and their drive are crazy and this is a part of our culture that I think the other franchises will hopefully get to understand, that a lot of these queens are the breadwinner of their families. They make money to help their family, to put their little sisters and brothers to school, or to help their mom and dad with the house bills. That in itself is the story of a hard-working immigrant anywhere. I feel like that should speak volumes to people worldwide.

    Rajo: What makes Filipino drag unique is our sense of CAMP.  It has been there since the very beginning as we as a nation and as a culture find light and comedy in the most dire situations. This attitude translates so perfectly in drag and you end up on your knees roaring with laughter.  We also have a unique way of cross-referencing various cultures as we adapt so effortlessly. You feel this in our local gay lingo and how our diaspora has influenced most of our lives.  This global perspective definitely sets us apart.

    Can you describe Drag Race Philippines in just three words?

    Jiggly: World-Class Entertainment.

    Rajo: INCREDIBLE, HILARIOUS, EMOTIONAL!  

    If you found yourself on the Drag Race stage, what song would you want to have played in a lip sync for your life, and which RPDR queen would you want to lip sync against?

    Jiggly: As much as l hope that I would never have to do it again, if I had to lip sync and it was my choice, I would want it to be Janet Jackson’s “If,” and you could put any bitch next to me coz’ I’m going to destroy them.

    Rajo: OMG! I love this question. I would definitely want to lip sync Total Eclipse Of The Heart and I want to lip sync this song with my favorite drag queen, Alaska Thunderf*ck. LOL!  

    —

    The final episode of Drag Race Philippines happens on Wednesday, October 12. Find out which of the finalists will be crowned as the next drag superstar by streaming the show on HBO GO and  discovery+.

  • Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About the Star-Studded ‘Amsterdam’ Movie

    This week, the mystery comedy thriller Amsterdam, starring Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington, is coming to Philippine cinemas!

    The star-studded movie follows three friends– a doctor, a nurse, and a lawyer– from the 1930s who become the prime suspects in a murder. As they try to track down the real culprit of the crime to clear their names, their investigation will lead them to uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history!

    Watch the trailer for Amsterdam below:

    Before Amsterdam hits theaters this week, we’ve rounded up a few facts about the movie that you might want to know. Check them out below.

    1. David O. Russell and Christian Bale reunite for Amsterdam.

    Director David O. Russell has worked with actor Christian Bale in his films The Fighter and American Hustle. In a report from Reuters, it was revealed that the director worked closely with Bale over the years to develop the story of Amsterdam.

    “He had no script. He just had a couple of ideas. We started trading music that we would listen to, bits of history that we would learn about. David would scribble all this down. And then, over years and years, came up with this story,” Bale told Reuters.

    Amsterdam 8
    Photo: 20th Century Studios

    2. The story is mixed with real historical events.

    Director Russell’s screenplay mixes fact and fiction to deliver an exciting mystery caper to viewers. As for its conspiracy plot, the script takes bits of historical events from when a fascist group tried to overthrow the US government. As the film’s synopsis described it, Amsterdam is “a fascinating and richly intricate tale that brilliantly weaves historical fact with fiction for a timely, cinematic experience.”

    Amsterdam 3
    Photo: 20th Century Studios

    3. The film is packed with big stars.

    While the film already has an intriguing premise, movie buffs are sure excited to see its star-studded cast on the big screen. Aside from Bale, Robbie, and Washington, Amsterdam also has Robert De Niro, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rami Malek, Zoe Saldaña, Chris Rock, Mike Myers, Michael Shannon, Timothy Olyphant, Andrea Riseborough, Matthias Schoenaerts, and Alessandro Nivola.

    Amsterdam 6
    Photo: 20th Century Studios

    4. Taylor Swift returns to acting, and sings with Bale.

    Following her appearance in the highly-criticized movie adaptation of Cats, Taylor Swift is returning to the big screen through Amsterdam. According to Variety, the famous singer-songwriter is set to play a mourning daughter in the film, most likely the victim of the murder in which the lead trio has been wrongfully implicated.

    Amsterdam Movie Taylor Swift
    Photo: ‘Amsterdam’ trailer

    Bale also told The Hollywood Reporter that he got to sing with Taylor Swift during filming. “I went to my daughter and said, ‘You know who I sang with today? Taylor Swift.’ And she was like, ‘Wait, what? Why would you be doing that?’ Our pitch was all over the place … and then all of a sudden, David just goes, ‘How about Christian and J.D. [Washington] just shut up for this one and let Taylor do it?’ And it was like we had been drowning out an angel’s voice all day long with our cacophony and our rough, terrible voices.”

    5. Bale loved the friendship between the film’s main characters.

    In the film, Christian Bale’s Doctor Burt, Robbie’s Nurse Valerie, and Washington’s lawyer Woodsman crossed paths during the war and formed a pact that they will protect each other no matter what. While the film intrigues with a historical conspiracy and social commentary that stays relevant today, Bale told THR that the reason he loves the film so much is because of the friendship in the core of the movie.

    “They have all suffered absolutely crushing circumstances in their life, but they refuse to be beaten by it or defined by it. So David and I just loved those characters. We want to be around them, and we want to watch them. We want to see these friends take care of each other no matter what. Oh man, that’s a friendship that I want to have in my life,” said Bale.

    Amsterdam 5
    Photo: 20th Century Studios

    —
    Amsterdam opens in cinemas nationwide this Thursday, October 6.  Book your seats in advance and buy your tickets here.

  • SeedIn Technology is Making the Finance Game Accessible for Everybody

    SeedIn Technology is a mobile app, a web-based financial platform that matches Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with potential investors. Or Executive Director Edison Tsai likes to joke, “It’s essentially Tinder for SMEs —and you don’t even have to swipe right!” The easy-to-use app has taken the world of finance by storm, making the stuffily perceived industry accessible for everybody. The model has been so successful that SeedIn Technology is now the biggest P2B (person to business) crowd lending platform in the region and has put over $200 million in SMEs across Asia. 

    Seedin PH 2

    SeedIn Technology was brought to the Philippines by Edison Tsai, a successful entrepreneur who founded his first company, Sigmasouth Technologies, at only 21 years old. After selling the software business, Tsai looked for the next big thing. He saw the potential in SeedIn’s inclusive model and the benefits it would give SMEs and investors in the country. He tirelessly worked to bring the company here from Taiwan and Singapore, eventually launching operations in 2017. 

    Planting the Seed for SMEs

    SeedIn Technology has changed the game of finance by tapping into SMEs, a sector that is often overlooked by banks due to their heavy risk portfolios or low credit scores. The company’s crowdfunding model has found a decentralized solution to financing. While banks are centralized (meaning their money comes from one place), SeedIn pulls together the resources of the thousands of people who use their app. Tsai calls crowdfunding “The People’s Bank.” As a result, many small businesses are flourishing and helping the economy grow. 

    The process to be a “listed business” on SeedIn’s app is smooth and easy. SMEs need to apply for inclusion. SeedIn then takes over, doing the necessary due diligence by analyzing the company’s financials and business plans. Once approved, they go live on the app, where their loan requests become visible to a vast network of investors. These investors need to press a button to loan money to deserving SMEs looking for capital. With SeedIn’s stamp of approval, the possibilities for SMEs and investors are endless.  

    Financial Inclusion 

    The Fin-Tech company is also trying to make the finance sector more inclusive by allowing anybody to be an investor. What was once a job reserved for high net worth individuals has now become accessible to anyone over 18 years old, as long as they have a Philippine bank account. The process is easy: download the app on the Google or Apple store, upload your ID, register, and done within 15 minutes. Now the fun begins to the fascinating and prosperous world of finance. SeedIn also provides investors with the proper information that shows how the SMEs plan to use the loan and how/when they will get payment back. They offer an average of 10% per annum returns, and you can invest for as low as PHP 1,000. 

    While SeedIn is relatively new in the Philippines, Tsai is optimistic that it will leave a positive social and economic impact on the country. “It’s really about connecting people and allowing them to invest in an easy, convenient way,” he says with a hopeful disposition. “We’re not lending [to the big conglomerates] because they don’t need us. We’re thinking about the other 99%. That’s our mission—our social purpose.”  The company encourages “social lending” by providing local businesses with impact investment capital to aid their growth.   

    Serve the Deserving 

    Now operating in the Philippines for five years, SeedIn Technology has continued serving deserving SMEs and discerning investors. Today they have over 80,000 investors across 80 countries around the world. Local companies that have benefited from the model include: Ellena Mineral Cosmetics, Vida Nutriscience Inc. (which produces popular Glutathione Capsules Snow Caps), natural foods corporation Multifresh, and account software enterprise Xirrus, amongst many others. As the only P2B SME crowd lending platform in Asia, SeedIn plans to further educate SMEs and investors on alternative financing and investment by branching out to other regions in the near future.  

    For more information, visit https://www.seedinph.tech.