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Disney+ and Hulu to Livestream Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits Worldwide

Music fans around the globe are in for an exciting experience as Disney+ and Hulu officially team up to livestream major music festivals, including Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. For the first time, audiences worldwide will be able to tune in live through both streaming platforms and enjoy some of the biggest performances of the year in real time.

The move marks another major step in Hulu’s long-running partnership with Live Nation. Now in its sixth year of streaming live festival content, Hulu continues to expand its reach, while Disney+ adds an even larger global audience to the mix. Together, the platforms are turning music festivals into shared international events that fans can enjoy from virtually anywhere.

“Music festivals are among the most electric, can’t-miss moments in culture, and now Disney+ and Hulu subscribers around the world can experience the excitement,” said Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company. “As we continue to extend our live offerings, we remain committed to bringing fans the biggest, most iconic moments right as they happen, and are thrilled to bring that vision to life with Live Nation.”

Live Music Goes Global

As live entertainment continues to evolve, streaming has become an essential way for fans to stay connected to their favorite artists and events. Disney+ and Hulu are leaning further into live programming, offering audiences a steady stream of cultural moments, sports, news, and now even more live music experiences.

The growing demand for international music content is impossible to ignore. According to the 2025 Live Nation Living for Live Global Study, 73% of music fans say they are listening to more international artists than ever before. Meanwhile, 85% believe live music now connects people beyond language and geography.

Kevin Chernett, EVP and Head of Global Media Partnerships at Live Nation, emphasized how livestreaming is reshaping the festival experience.

“Music festivals used to be experiences reserved for the people who could physically be there,” said Kevin Chernett, EVP, Head of Global Media Partnerships at Live Nation. “Now they’re becoming global live moments that fans want to experience together in real time, no matter where they are in the world. Expanding this partnership with Disney+ and Hulu allows these festivals to reach music fans at an entirely different scale.”

Festival Dates to Watch

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is set to take place from June 12 to 15, while Lollapalooza returns from July 31 to August 3. More information about the livestream schedules and featured performances will be announced closer to each event.

With streaming platforms continuing to invest in live entertainment, fans can expect even more unforgettable festival moments delivered straight to their screens.

_{Source: Live Nation Living for Live Global Study 2025. Findings are based on responses from 42,000 participants aged 18 to 54 across 15 countries.}

May 20, 2026
Chicosci to Celebrate 20 Years of Landmark Album With Anniversary Show, Vinyl Release

Influential Filipino rock band Chicosci is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its self-titled album with a special live show on June 6, alongside the record’s first official vinyl release.

Titled A Toast to All Our Crimes, the anniversary concert will spotlight the band’s acclaimed 2006 release — a seminal record widely regarded as a turning point not only in Chicosci’s career, but also in the evolution of the local rock scene during a transitional era for original Filipino music.

Released at a time when OPM was shifting between acoustic pop, “pogi rock,” and the fading wave of early nu metal, the album introduced a tighter, more aggressive sound that helped expand the band’s reach. Its tracks soon became staples of packed live shows across the country, cementing Chicosci’s crossover appeal and influence on a new generation of rock acts.

“This album was a test for the band,” guitarist Mong Alcaraz said. “In 2006, it was a strange time in OPM. For the first time, we decided to do everything ourselves — writing, recording, production, marketing, packaging, and distribution. It was our first step as an independent band, and we’ve remained that band since.”

For the upcoming show, the band will perform the album in full, revisiting the material that defined its mid-2000s era while reintroducing it to a new generation of listeners.

“We’ll be playing the White Album in its entirety, along with a few more songs,” vocalist Miggy Chavez said. “We’ve been rehearsing a lot for this show, and we’re excited for people to experience it — even our soundcheck, if they’re into that.”

The anniversary also coincides with the album’s long-awaited vinyl release, answering years of demand from longtime fans while offering younger listeners a new way to experience the band’s catalog.

“I think it’s important for us to celebrate this album because it resonated with so many people,” Chavez added. “It means a lot to us, and it’s mind-blowing that it continues to mean a lot to others as well.”

Two decades later, Chicosci’s influence continues to resonate across the local music scene, with many newer acts drawing from the same blend of melody, heaviness, and emotional intensity that defined the band’s sound.

“The album was a massive turning point for the band,” Chavez said. “Celebrating it 20 years later is a testament to how far we’ve come — and we couldn’t have done it without everyone who’s been with us along the way.”

A Toast to All Our Crimes: 20 Years of the Chicosci Album takes place on June 6 at Soundcheck Inc., with fellow OPM rock band Kamikazee joining the lineup.

Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/CHICOSCI20years.

May 20, 2026
From “Make It With You” to “Everything I Own”, TOAST Brings Bread Back

TOAST is The Best of BREAD!

TOAST The Best of BREAD will be performing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on August 12 and at The Waterfront Cebu City Hotel on August 15, 2026. With a surprising fidelity rarely heard from a live tribute band, TOAST is often described as “spot on” to Bread’s original recordings. Audiences everywhere rave about how closely their live performances sound like the cherished records they listened to back in the day.

Bread virtually invented soft rock in the early Seventies, and the group’s biggest hits – “Make It With You”, “If”, “Baby I’m-A-Want-You” and “Everything I Own” – remain staples on lite-rock radio.

People’s comments to TOAST’s concerts were like “I’ve had a lot of exposure to Bread’s music and I’m telling you, what an awesome show these guys put on! Truly amazing!”, “It was as if it was Bread themselves performing! Over the top amazing! Brought back so many memories”, “I loved how they paid tribute to David Gates and Bread. Really classy show”, “We sang, we laughed, we cried, we loved every minute! Can’t wait to see them again”.

Other Bread hits to be performed by TOAST include “Aubrey”, “Sweet Surrender”, “It Don’t Matter To Me”, “Clouds”, “Mother Freedom”, “Everything I Own”, “Guitar Man”, “Games Of Magic”, “Lost Without Your Love”, “Goodbye Girl”, among many other Filipino favorites.

Tickets prices to TOAST’s “feel-good” concerts that are sure to bring all the memories flooding back are P5800, 4800, 3800, 2800, 2300, 1800 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and P4500, 4000, 3,500, 2500, 1500, 1000 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. Special guest is Noel Cabangon. Tickets available through ovationtickets.com. Presented by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Blast TV.

May 20, 2026
DISNEY+ STREAMING REVIEW: Jon Bernthal Adds Depth and Duality to ‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’

As the second season of Daredevil: Born Again comes to a close, Disney+ has released a one-shot special, The Punisher: One Last Kill. The special is co-written by Jon Bernthal, who reprises his role as Frank Castle, alongside co-writer and director Reinaldo Marcus Green. Having last seen Frank Castle in the first season of Daredevil: Born Again and we have seen him in trailers for the upcoming Spider-Man movie, it is clear he remains essential to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This special interweaves itself seamlessly into the chaotic, borderline-dystopian world of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 (though, to be honest, it’s not that far off from what we see in the news sans superpowered vigilantes).

In this 51-minute special, we see Frank Castle struggling under the weight of his post-traumatic stress disorder. Having killed all the criminal families responsible for the death of his wife and children, Castle is left aimless and without purpose. He hides out in New York’s Little Sicily, which has turned into a chaotic battleground; without the mobsters running the streets, gangs roam free and attack without consequence. Castle contemplates suicide until he is confronted by Ma Gnucci (a spectacular Judith Light), the last surviving member of the Gnucci family, one of those families Frank was taking revenge on. Having tracked him down, she puts a bounty on his head and exposes his location. From there, the episode turns from a quiet, dramatic exploration of one man’s trauma and its effects into a no-holds barred, violent bloodbath with explosive action sequences and a grim renewal of Frank Castle’s sense of purpose.

Frank Castle / The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) in Marvel’s THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

The first twenty minutes are all atmosphere and mood, we really get into the mind of Frank Castle. Bernthal is so good at creating vulnerability from an otherwise terrifying very powerful man. As an intensely physical actor, he expresses the full spectrum of character’s interiority through hi body language. Seeing that he co-wrote the script, he is able to show off restraint with the dialogue, clearly knowing exactly which parts he could show through body language and his eyes. It is a riveting performance that reaffirms why Bernthal is such an excellent choice for the character.

(L-R): Curtis Hoyle (Jason R. Moore), Frank Castle / The Punisher (Jon Bernthal), Nick (Nick Koumalatsos), and Colton (Colton Hill) in Marvel’s THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

Taking off from Daredevil: Born Again, this special puts a spotlight on lawlessness, serving as a bleak commentary on how our civilization seems to be crumbling down. Unrestrained violence and a brazen capacity to do harm take center stage here, yet The Punisher: One Last Kill also shows us how hope still flourishes even in the most violent of storms.

Frank Castle / The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) in Marvel’s THE PUNISHER: ONE LAST KILL, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel. © 2026 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.

The special starts off slow, a good twenty minutes is there to set up the world and establishing Frank’s unwillingness to engage with it. His mission is done, his hope is depleted, and the narrative can occasionally get dragging. However, Bernthal remains such a compelling presence that he makes it bearable but you can also see that this is just a set up for an explosive final thirty minutes. What follows is a bloodbath that moves from one unit in an apartment complex down into the streets. It’s bloody, brutal, gory and relentless.

Ultimately, the special serves up the dual halves of Frank Castle’s psyche, as a character, and shows us how he continues to move on in the MCU. It will be interesting to see how this character would appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a film bound to have a more family-friendly rating. What is most important, however, is that Frank Castle is officially back as The Punisher, and One Last Kill is a great special to bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

An absolute must-watch for MCU fans looking for real grit. Stream The Punisher: One Last Kill is now on Disney+.

May 19, 2026
Meet the Warriors Fighting Beside He-Man in “Masters of the Universe”

Far from the kingdom he was born to protect, Prince Adam has spent most of his life on Earth, unaware of the destiny waiting for him. In Masters of the Universe, Nicholas Galitzine stars as the young royal who is called back to Eternia to embrace his true identity as He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe.

But He-Man’s journey is not one he faces alone.

As the threat of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto, grows stronger, a team of loyal warriors rises to stand beside Eternia’s greatest hero. From fierce fighters to battle-tested protectors, these legendary allies are ready to defend their world at all costs.

Watch the “Heroes of Eternia” vignette here:

Teela Steps Forward as a Fearless Warrior

Camila Mendes takes on the role of Teela, a skilled warrior with a deep understanding of the secrets surrounding Grayskull. Strong-willed and fiercely independent, Teela has spent years surviving under Skeletor’s oppressive rule while helping protect Eternia alongside her father, Man-At-Arms.

Mendes describes Teela as someone shaped by hardship and responsibility.

“Teela is independent and self-sufficient. She had to grow up fast after her father sort of gave up on life a little bit,” Mendes says. “She had to toughen up and look after herself, in addition to looking after her father. I think she’s been hardened by that experience. But deep down, she has this inner sensitivity and really deep empathy.”

Despite her hardened exterior, Teela still carries compassion and empathy that make her one of Eternia’s strongest heroes.

Idris Elba Brings Man-At-Arms to Life

Idris Elba portrays Duncan, also known as Man-At-Arms, one of Eternia’s most respected warriors and a trusted ally of King Randor. As the battle against Skeletor intensifies, he continues to lead the resistance while helping guide Prince Adam toward his destiny.

For Elba, joining Masters of the Universe was both exciting and nostalgic.

“Everyone wanted to be He-Man,” he recalls. “It’s a massive slice of nostalgia and just being a part of it as an actor feels like an honor. I’ve got my son who’s young and into it as well. So passing that on, and being in a film that he might want to see feels good.”

The actor also shared how meaningful it is to introduce the franchise to a younger generation, especially his own son.

Ram Man Charges Into Battle

Played by Jon Xue Zhang, Ram Man delivers power and pure force on the battlefield. Famous for using his head, literally, to solve problems, the character is known for his spring-powered legs and unstoppable attacks.

“Ram Man is often described as the human battering ram,” Zhang says. “He’s got springs for legs. He’s very strong and he has a propensity for using his head to resolve problems. It may not be in the most intelligent way, but it’s certainly the most direct way.”

Direct, fearless, and always ready for action, Ram Man brings explosive energy to the fight for Eternia.

Mekaneck Turns Pain Into Purpose

James Wilkinson stars as Mekaneck, a towering warrior whose extendable neck gives him a unique advantage in battle. After surviving a devastating neck injury, Mekaneck received life-changing enhancements from Man-At-Arms and transformed his tragedy into strength.

“He had this crazy-bad injury with his neck,” Wilkinson explains. “Man-At-Arms did a bunch of work on him and he then got this superpower of an extendable neck. Now he uses it to protect other people. So he had this tragic accident and then decided to help people.”

His resilience and loyalty make him one of He-Man’s most dependable allies.

Fisto Fights with Strength and Honor

Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson plays Fisto, a fierce warrior known for his powerful iron hand. According to the actor, the character earned his nickname after sacrificing his arm to save Man-At-Arms during battle.

“Fisto and Man-At-Arms, they’re brothers. And my character saved his life in battle, but lost an arm in the process. So, Man-At-Arms builds him this fist,” explains Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, who plays Fisto.

Bound by loyalty and brotherhood, Fisto and Man-At-Arms continue to fight side by side against the forces threatening Eternia.

A New Battle for Eternia Begins

Packed with iconic characters, thrilling action, and emotional stakes, Masters of the Universe introduces a new generation to the legendary world of He-Man.

Catch He-Man and the heroes of Eternia when Masters of the Universe opens in Philippine cinemas on June 3. Distributed locally by Columbia Pictures PH.

May 19, 2026
Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc. earns Halal Champion Excellence Recognition at Prime Group Gala Night

Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. was honored with the Halal Champion Excellence Award at the Prime Group Stakeholders Recognition and Gala Night held on January 29, 2026, at SO/Uptown Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The award was presented by Prime Group, a UAE-headquartered quality, compliance, and Halal certifying body operating across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The distinction recognizes organizations that demonstrate sustained commitment to Halal integrity, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

Goldilocks was cited for maintaining strong quality assurance systems and consistently meeting internationally recognized Halal standards. The company recorded three consecutive years of achieving the highest compliance ratings under current standards governing Halal certification and food safety protocols.

The recognition places Goldilocks alongside other distinguished Philippine companies, reflecting the Philippines’ continued presence among regional leaders in Halal compliance.

The Prime Group Stakeholders Recognition and Gala Night gathers partners across industries to recognize leadership in quality management, compliance, and Halal governance.

For Goldilocks, the award underscores the role of disciplined compliance systems and continuous improvement in supporting responsible growth and expanding access to diverse markets.

May 19, 2026
Ian Veneracion Serenades Fans in His Live Stage Comeback at CenterPlay

Enduring heartthrob and multi faceted award winning performing artist Ian Veneracion returns to the live stage in an intimate, one-night-only concert at CenterPlay, City of Dreams Manila on May 20, Wednesday,  at 9:30 p.m.

He is set to serenade fans with timeless ballads, along with songs from his freshly released extended play album, “Searching for Stephn,” under his new musical persona, Stephn.

This return to City of Dreams, follows Veneracion’s sold-out performance last year  as part of  the luxury resort’s 10th anniversary events, when he headlined a Valentine’s concert at Wave, the poolside outdoor venue of Nobu Hotel Manila.

Veneracion’s appeal as a live performer resonates across generations, with his artistic evolution defined by constant reinvention. He began as a child actor in the 1980s, and gradually expanding into a multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans music, film, and television. His journey reflects a sustained pursuit of creative expression shaped by both discipline and instinct.

Music sojourn

At the core of his artistic journey is music, an increasingly personal creative space where he explores songwriting, emotion, and self-expression beyond performance. In April 2026, he marked a new creative chapter with his latest EP under the moniker Stephn, a deliberate artistic shift derived from his first name and designed to allow listeners to engage with the music free from preconceived notions. The four-track project comprised of songs “I Walk Alone,” “Searching for Stephn,” “Tryin’,” and “Lights On”, presents an introspective, meditative, and highly personal sonic direction rooted in self-reflection and storytelling.

His musical sojourn includes contributions to the 2018 soundtrack “Paglisan (The Leaving)”, the EP series “Beyond Bullsh#!t” (2024), and singles such as “Chasing a Firefly” (2020) and “Ninuno” (2021).

Veneracion describes his current musical approach as deeply intentional and emotionally grounded, prioritizing songwriting over performance-driven vocal display. This phase of his artistry embraces a stripped-back sensibility, where music becomes a space for honesty, reflection, and connection.

Film and Television

While music anchors his current creative identity, Veneracion also holds a long-standing and distinguished career in television and film. On television, he has starred in landmark series such as “Pangako Sa’Yo” (2015), “Walang Hanggan” (2012), and “A Love to Last” (2017), and continues to appear in recent action-driven projects including “The Iron Heart” (2022–2024) and “Incognito” (2024–2025), maintaining a strong presence in contemporary primetime shows.

In film, Veneracion has built a wide-ranging body of work spanning multiple genres, highlighted by his participation in award-winning and critically acclaimed films, most notably “Ilawod” (2017) and “Nanahimik ang Gabi” (2022), the latter earning him the Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor award. His filmography also includes “Feng Shui 2” (2014), “The Achy Breaky Hearts” (2016), and “Block Z” (2020), reflecting his versatility across drama, romance, thriller, and action.

Across both screen and music, Veneracion’s work reflects a balance of discipline and instinct, shaped by a lifelong immersion in the arts. As the son of renowned painter Roy Veneracion, he brings a distinct creative sensibility that informs his storytelling across disciplines.

His upcoming performance at CenterPlay continues this dual artistic journey, blending familiar favorites with reinterpretations drawn from his evolving musical catalogue in an intimate venue designed for close audience connection.

Ian Veneracion Live at CenterPlay, follows the successful concert of balladeer Ice Seguerra, timeless matinee idol Gabby Concepcion, diamond soul siren Nina, and other OPM stars featured at CenterPlay’s Concert Series, which spotlights the country’s top performers to a full house each month. Veneracion’s much-awaited concert also highlights performances from bands Jamais Vu, Main Band and Highschool Playlist, who are set to perform alternately from 6 pm to 3 am.

Music enthusiasts can reserve a seat or a table starting at P4,000 per person, with consumables comprising of bar nosh, burgers, fries, and beverages. VIP couch seats for a party of eight and four are also available. Designed for the ultimate entertainment experience, CenterPlay is a cool snack and cocktail lounge at the focal point of the resort’s main gaming area and opens at 6 pm, offering light meals, signature cocktail concoctions, beers, wines, and other beverages, and is built around the circular stage at the center of the main gaming floor.

For reservations, call (+632) 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit the resort’s website: https://qrco.de/CODxIanVeneracion. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

May 17, 2026
THEATER REVIEW: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’: A Very Modern Superstar

Director Timothy Sheader’s concept for the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar is an interesting interplay of 1970s rock opera with a lot of modern sensibilities, reimagining Jesus Christ as a sort of disinterested celebrity. The stage design is sparse and foreboding: on stage right stands a two-story structure made to look like wood, while on the left, a massive platform in the shape of a cross serves as a makeshift table or an elevated stage for other characters to come through. While lighting designer Lee Curran does wonders in shaping the atmosphere, it is Tom Scutt’s set design that truly makes you feel like something bad is about to happen.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Ricardo Afonso and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography

The play pulls from Gospel passages to explore – entirely through rock music – Jesus’s relationships with his disciples and followers as his rising influence begins to frighten the Pharisees and priests. Told primarily from the point of view of Judas, who remains faithful yet deeply wary that Jesus is rocking the boat too much, it tracks his eventual betrayal leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Luke Street, Ricardo Afonos, and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography

Completely sung-through, the musical relies on clarity of words and and the power of the emotions as told through song so the story and its emotional weight relies heavily on the performers and the way they interpret each song. Some treat the show like a concert – singing beautifully but losing out on the narrativity of the music – while others successfully carry the story through.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Javon King and Grant Hodges | Photo by Vitt Salvador

On the gala night, Javon King’s Judas was an instant standout , singing magnificently while still breathing into the songs Judas’ anger, resentment, guilt, and pathos into the role. Meanwhile, Joshua Bess’ Jesus Christ struggled through the first act but found his voice in the second; however, he was ultimately outshined by many of his co-stars, tilting the production even more towards Judas’ story.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Joshua Bess, Gab Pangilinan, and the Jesus Chris Superstar International Tour Company | Photo by Vitt Salvador

The imagery of Sheader’s revival places Jesus and his disciples in gray sweatpants and hoodies – making them look like Millennials or even Gen Zers – evoking the vibe of social media radicals changing the world through Jesus’ progressive teachings. Bess’ Jesus has a tendency to mope and cast his anxiety onto his disciples, frequently reproaching them and complaining that none of them truly care for him. He comes off as a popular influencer who has grown exhausted by fame and the burden of leading his flock.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila | Jesus Christ Superstar International Tour Company | Photo by Vitt Salvador

On the other hand, Judas constantly pushes Jesus to be less radical, aware of how he is ruffling feathers, especially among the Pharisees and the priests. Dressed as they are, singing to rock music against a bleak, bare stage design, the production feels like a direct commentary on today’s society: the way that the youth are trying to bring down the old ways while the old guard does whatever it takes to stay in power.

I really appreciated this tone and imagery. Drew McOnie’s demanding choreography is very hard-hitting and intensely physical, using ripple-effect movements that begin with a single dancer and then copied by one performer to the next. This creates a visual metaphor, making the energy of Jesus’ words feel infectious, moving from one person to the next.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Gab Pangilinan | Photo by Vitt Salvador

Other standouts included Gab Pangilinan as Mary Magdalene, who managed to find the right balance between the production’s message and the music’s over-the-topness.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Luke Street & Gab Pangilinan | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography

She just melded quite well into Sheader’s vision and sang my favourite songs from the musical.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Gab Pangilinan and Joshua Bess | Photo by Vitt Salvador

The other stand out is Erick W. Schleck as King Herod. His lone number was a show-stopper with Herod in spectacular gold frock that feels very much like a drag queen, performed with such bravura that it rightfully deserved the thunderous applause that followed.

Jesus Christ Superstar Manila Production | Ricardo Afonso and the Jesus Christ Superstar Company | Photo by Zeus Martinez Photography

On a personal level, Jesus Christ Superstar is not my favourite of musicals. Having grown up on the music of Neil Young, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and other 1970s rock bands, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brand of 1970s rock doesn’t quite hit the mark for me – though I have always loved all of Mary Magdalene’s numbers. Because the show is entirely sung-through, the musical is dependent on the performers really carrying the story through the singing and if someone doesn’t do their part, the show struggles.

But it is a spectacular show. With King, Pangilinan, and Schleck on stage alongside a powerhouse ensemble – there’s a lot to see and enjoy. Sheader’s direction, especially of his striking treatment of Judas’ suicide and how he blocks and envisions the ending, is quite a theatrical feat. Ultimately, listen to the music and if 1970s rock opera is your jam, then this is a show you will enjoy.

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Catch Jesus Christ Superstar on stage until May 31! Don’t miss this sleek, hard-hitting reinvention of a theater classic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the rock opera or looking to experience its brilliant modern staging for the first time, this production is a must-watch spectacle. Don’t miss the phenomenon, grab your tickets now at Ticketworld.

May 17, 2026
A Launchpad for Local Talent: Hard Rock Cafe Makati Launches “Universiteen 2.0” on May 21
The Hard Rock Cafe Makati stage is no longer just a mere stage. It’s a launchpad, a launchpad for rising artists chasing their breakthrough…. A space where music, creativity, and passion come alive. … a venue where local talent gets the spotlight he/she deserves.

As part of its growing Support Local campaign, Hard Rock Cafe Makati proudly kicks off Universiteen 2.0, an electrifying live music event happening from 4PM to 8PM this May 21, 2026, bringing together some of the most exciting names in the local music scene for one unforgettable day of entertainment, food, and community.

Taking over the Hard Rock stage are seven exciting bands ready to make waves:
- Waki & The Winstons
- The Sonnets
- 25 Abbey
- Next One
- Hey June
- Better Days
- Gracenote
Plus special appearances from beloved OPM acts:
- Kenaniah
- Imago
A Launchpad for Local Talent

For years, Hard Rock Cafe Makati has been known as a home for great music, unforgettable experiences, and authentic band culture. Through the Support Local campaign, the brand strengthens its commitment to becoming a true launchpad for Filipino artists who want their voices heard and their talents seen.

More than just bands, Hard Rock Cafe Makati welcomes all forms of performers and creatives to take center stage — from solo artists, acoustic acts, DJs, rappers, spoken word artists, drag performers, dancers, instrumentalists, content creators, and emerging entertainers across every genre and style.

The goal is simple: create a space where local artistry thrives, communities connect, and audiences discover the next big names in entertainment.

Entertainment Meets Everyday Cravings

As the music keeps the energy alive throughout the day, Hard Rock Cafe Makati is also turning up the flavor with the launch of its new Everyday Cravings offerings — designed for guests looking for delicious value without compromising the full Hard Rock experience.

Available daily from 11AM to 6PM, guests can enjoy:

1 Appetizer + 1 Entree + 1 Drink starting at just P395

Whether you’re catching live performances, hanging out with friends after class, taking a break from work, or simply craving good food with great music, Everyday Cravings delivers affordable dining paired with world-class entertainment — all in one iconic venue.

Because at Hard Rock Cafe Makati, every meal deserves a soundtrack.

Wear Local

The Support Local movement goes beyond the stage through exclusive Hard Rock merchandise featuring the iconic city logo — allowing fans to proudly represent both music culture and local pride wherever they go.

And the perks don’t stop there.

Guests who wear their Hard Rock merchandise when visiting the cafe can unlock exciting in-store benefits such as:
- Free drinks
- Priority song requests
- VIP seating perks
- Exclusive surprises and rewards
Interested artists who wish to perform and become part of the growing Hard Rock community may sign up here: https://forms.gle/EaZ69vSaWS3rZpmy7

It’s Hard Rock’s way of giving back to the community that continues to support live music, local culture, and authentic experiences.

Where Music, Food, and Community Come Together

With Universiteen 2.0 kicking off the campaign, Hard Rock Cafe Makati continues to prove that it’s more than just a restaurant — it’s a stage for dreamers, a home for artists, and a destination where entertainment, food, and culture collide.

From 4PM to 8PM, guests can expect an unforgettable day of music, memories, flavors, and Filipino talent all under one roof.

One day. Nine incredible acts. Endless local talent.
May 15, 2026
MOVIE REVIEW: Departing From Her Usual Style, Director Irene Emma Villamor Presents ‘Midnight Girls’ as a Film About the Strength of Women in an Exploitative Industry

Of all of the films in Irene Emma Villamor’s filmography, Midnight Girls is the film that feels completely different, a heavy departure from her usual movies about the complex nature of love. This is a different kind of love story, one that explores what is at the core of friendships amongst Filipina entertainers in Nagoya, Japan. It is an ensemble film, featuring four strong performances from its lead cast: Jodi Sta. Maria, Sanya Lopez, Jane Oineza, and Loisa Andalio.

Almost plotless, Midnight Girls follows four women working in a hostess bar in Japan. Vicki (Sta. Maria) the most mature of the group, sending money to a son with whom she no longer has any real relationship after being gone for so long. She is practical and rational, but years in the working abroad have left her cold, despite her role as “older sister” to the others.

Paris (Lopez) is the explosive one, wearing her heart on her sleeve and carries the story of falling in love with a local man.

Saki (Oineza) faces an identity crisis, while the work forces her to be intimate with men, she finds herself gravitating to Paris. Finally, Wanna (Andalio) is the newcomer who left home and a boyfriend, to earn a living to send money back home.

Each woman becomes representative of the specific struggles hostesses face in this industry. Villamor takes a very interesting approach, investigating each character’s emotional struggle without delving into the inherent exploitation of the work involved. This is not an exploitation film, nor does this film attempts to paint these women as victims. Instead, Villamor is more deadset on navigating their emotional space, detailing their highs and lows, and humanizing them.

The exploitation is implied – though never spoken about – and is always at the periphery but never made present. This is not that kind of movie, and while there are other films tackle that aspect of these women’s lives head on. Instead, Midnight Girls centers its characters as people with hopes, dreams, fears, and regrets. The human aspect is front and center.

Villamor intersperses the film with actual interviews of women who are later revealed to be the inspirations for these characters. By merging the real people behind the fictional characters, the film sidesteps the need for melodrama. While the narrative occasionally skirts toward that territory, Villamor is too sophisticated a director to let go of her restraint.

What I do miss is the director’s signature capacity for capturing the full complexity of her characters on screen. With four main characters – though Sta. Maria serves as the film’s foundation and really holds it all together – Villamor can only really touch the surface of each character, rushing certain narrative beats in order to give everyone their due within just under two-hour runtime. Had the film focused on a single character, Villamor’s trademark writing and directing style would have undoubtedly unearthed the best and worst of these people and would do it incredibly well but as an ensemble piece, we only get fragments of the bigger story. This is still a style and structure that Villamor has yet to continue to practice getting better at it.

Ultimately, the film as a whole is a gorgeous love letter to these women. Elevated by incredible performances all around – especially by Sta. Maria and Oineza – Midnight Girls has moments that will make you both laugh and cry. As the film just flows steadily on, allowing time to pass and letting the women grow within their profession and all its challenges.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Curious to see Irene Emma Villamor’s new direction? Experience the heart and sisterhood of Midnight Girls on the big screen. Find showtimes here.

May 14, 2026