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‘Mars Ravelo’s Darna’: A Modern-Day Retelling Of Darna’s Heroism Premieres This August 15

Today’s generation of viewers will finally witness Darna come alive to manifest her superpowers, bare her humanity and love for family, and empower audiences with her bravery in ABS-CBN Entertainment’s “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” series that is set to premiere on Monday (August 15), 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5.

“Ito na po ang pagkakataon namin para ipakita sa buong mundo ang pinaghirapan ng production, lahat ng cast, mapa-staff and directors. Matagal na rin po itong hinintay ng sambayanang Pilipino,” said lead star Jane de Leon who plays Narda Custodio and her superhuman alter-ego Darna.

“Maraming-marami po kayong aabangan pagdating sa effects, costumes, villains, at syempre sa bagong istorya ng ‘Darna,’” she promised at the Darna Grand Media Conference held last Monday (August 8).

The Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos gave a surprise video message at the event. “Yung pagiging Darna, relevant yan, lalo na ngayon na napupuno tayo ng challenges sa buhay. Ang karakter niya ay nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa mga tao,” the multi-awarded actress, who starred in four Darna movies, said. “Jane, na sa’yo na ang bato! Pangalaan mo yang mabuti. Maging ehemplo ka ng henerasyon ngayon.”

The series will chronicle the life of Narda, an emergency medical technician (EMT) and a loving breadwinner to the Custodio family, who is destined to become the next protector of the powerful stone that enables her to transform into a superhero who has special abilities to help those in danger.

Joining Jane in this year’s most awaited program are Iza Calzado who plays Narda’s mother Leonor, the first Darna; Janella Salvador as vlogger and lawyer Regina and Darna’s mortal enemy Valentina; Joshua Garcia as a police officer named Brian; Zaijian Jaranilla as Narda’s geeky younger brother Ding.

Also part of the series are Paolo Gumabao, Rio Locsin, Richard Quan, Simon Ibarra, Jeffrey Santos, Eric Fructuoso, Levy Ignacio, and many more.

Darna’s modern-day TV adaptation, based on the creation of Pinoy comics legend Mars Ravelo, is directed by the Master Director Chito S. Roño, Avel Sunpongco, and Benedict Mique and produced by ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production unit.

Direk Chito shared good words about this generation’s Darna. “I’m very pleased not only that [Jane] she focused, not only that she concentrated, she has done very well as an actress for ‘Darna,’” complimenting Jane for how she has portrayed the role of the iconic superhero.

Viewers are eagerly awaiting the show’s premiere following several sightings of Darna’s character in various places culminating in the “DarnaCon” event last Saturday at Robinsons malls where the show’s cast got to meet and greet their fans. Its trailer, launched just last month, already earned almost 10 million views across ABS-CBN Entertainment’s social media platforms.

P-pop boy group BGYO was also announced to sing the official soundtrack of “Darna” titled “Patuloy Lang Ang Lipad” to be launched very soon.

The new series will air from Monday to Friday beginning August 15 at 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Jeepney TV, and TV5 and will also be available on Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and The Filipino Channel.

Don’t miss “Darna’s” maiden flight, follow JRB Creative Production on Facebook and Twitter @JRBcreativeprod and on Instagram @ JRBcreativeproduction. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

August 9, 2022
WATCH: Netflix Drops Trailer for ‘The Next 365 Days’

Netflix has dropped a new trailer for The Next 365 Days, the latest title in the erotic film franchise 365 Days.

Based on the books by Blanka Lipińska, the films follow the steamy encounters and complicated relationships of Laura and Massimo, a member of a Sicilian Mafia family. In the latest film, more drama ensues as the tenacious Nacho tries to pull the couple apart.

Watch the trailer for The Next 365 Days below:

Barbara Białowąs and Tomasz Mandes return to direct the third installment of the franchise. The film stars Anna-Maria Sieklucka, Michele Morrone, Magdalena Lamparska, Simone Susinna, and Otar Saralidze. The Next 365 Days is set to be released on Netflix this August 19.

You can stream the first two films, 365 Days and 365 Days: This Day, on Netflix. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

August 9, 2022
WATCH: ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ Date Teaser Trailer

A new teaser trailer for Marvel’s upcoming series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law has been released! In this new teaser, we get to see the struggles of the super-lawyer in the dating department.

Watch the She-Hulk: Attorney at Law “Date” teaser trailer below:

She-Hulk is the next spinoff series from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It follows the story of Jennifer Walters, a single, 30-something lawyer who discovers that she has the powers of the Hulk. Walters then becomes the go-to attorney for legal cases involving superpowered humans in the MCU.

The series is set for release on Disney+ this August 18. It is yet to be revealed whether the streaming platform will be available in the Philippines soon. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is joining Marvel’s slate of upcoming Disney+ series which includes Secret Invasion, What If…? season 2, and Echo.

ALSO READ
Marvel Studios’ MCU Phase 5 & 6 Movies Announced at the San Diego Comic-Con 2022

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

August 9, 2022
Cinemalaya 2022 Main Jury & NETPAC Jurors Unveiled

A distinguished jury of prominent personalities comprises this year’s jury panel for Cinemalaya 2022. They will determine who among the competing films—11 full-length films and 12 short films—will top the 2022 Cinemalaya lineup.

Main Jury

On its 18th edition, Cinemalaya’s main jury panel is composed of renowned directors Frédéric Auburtin and Jeffrey Jeturian, actor and film producer Piolo Pascual, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UXS Inc. (Unitel/StraightShooters) Maria Madonna Tarrayo, and coordinator of New Asian Currents Makiko Wakai.

Frédéric Auburtin leads the main competition jury. His participation as a Jury Chairman at the festival is part of the celebration of the 75th Philippines-France diplomatic relations.

Auburtin initially studied music and literature before pursuing a career in film. He made his debut as an assistant director with renowned directors—Claude Berri, Francis Veber, Maurice Pialat, Luigi Comencini, Bertrand Blier, Jean-Jacques Annaud, Jean-Paul Rappeneau, and Randall Wallace for The Man in the Iron Mask.

In 1998, he co-directed and composed the score for his first feature film, The Bridge, alongside Gérard Depardieu.

From then on, he was able to demonstrate his versatility as a film director for cinema and television, including Special Correspondents, The Worst Week of My Life, Volpone, as well as singular projects such as the collective film Paris, Je t’aime, for which he also supervised transitions and editing, and United Passions, a complex and adventurous film whose international cast retraces the sulfurous FIFA’s 100-year history.

Currently, Auburtin is working on two feature films and a mini-series and is interested in discovering new works by Filipino filmmakers.

Jeffrey Jeturian joins Auburtin on the jury panel. He has directed feature films that foreshadowed a thriving independent cinema in the Philippines. He succeeded in attracting viewers outside of the arthouse aficionados by making timely social topics and concerns appealing.

Three of his films, Pila Balde (1999), Tuhog (2001), and Kubrador (2006), were listed among the top 20 Filipino films of the previous 20 years by The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Pila Balde won various accolades overseas, while Tuhog participated in the 58th Venice International Film Festival in 2001. Kubrador—with over 40 national and international honors—is often regarded as Jeturian’s most successful film—was screened at over a hundred international cinema festivals, including a U.S. debut at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Locally, Tuhog and Kubrador won the Urian Best Picture award, while the Young Critics Circle and the Golden Screen Awards picked Minsan Pa (2004) as the best picture of the year. The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival awarded Bisperas (Best Film, 2011) and Ekstra (Jury Prize and Audience Award, 2013) with awards.

Jeturian has also done several TV series, particularly the popular Be Careful with My Heart (2012) and his most recent works Encounter (2021) and What We Could Be (2022). For a docu-drama, he collaborated with Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, and co-produced and co-directed footage for Ang Pagbabalik Ni Gregoria de Jesus (2022) which tells the story of de Jesus, the wife of Andres Bonifacio. The aforementioned is Jeturian’s first attempt in the historical genre.

Piolo Pascual is also part of the jury. Pascual is regarded as the “Philippines’ Ultimate Heartthrob” in the showbiz industry.

Pascual has starred in arthouse films such as Lav Diaz’s Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery) in 2016, which won The Alfred Bauer Prize at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival, and Ang Hupa (The Halt) that had its debut premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival Directors’ Fortnight. He also appeared as one of the main characters in Erik Matti’s On The Job which received a standing ovation at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Pascual also produced award-winning films such as Kita Kita and the hit Kimmy Dora franchise through Spring Films, a production company he founded alongside Joyce Bernal and Erickson Raymundo. Kuya Wes, which competed in the full-length film category at the 2018 Cinemalaya, was also created by Spring Films.

Another member of the jury is Maria Madonna Tarrayo, the head of Commercial Production Houses Group (CPHG) and is the Chairman of the Advertising Suppliers Association of the Philippines (ASAP).

Whilst managing several teams in ads and entertainment projects, she has created award-winning advertisements, films, and television programs. For Cinemalaya, she worked on Chris Martinez’s 100 and Marlon Rivera’s The Woman in The Septic Tank; for Unitel, she worked on Chris Martinez’s I Do Bidoo Bidoo, Yam Laranas’ Abomination, and Adolf Alix’s Whistleblower. Tarrayo also served as the Executive Producer for the Coke Studio series, Batang Poz for IWant and Dreamscape, Adventure Your Way for AXN, Hot Ones for IFlix, Trese for Base Entertainment, and other TV5/Cignal shows. She is presently in charge of film and television series development and production.

Completing the jury is Makiko Wakai, who works as the coordinator/programmer of the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, which strives to highlight and bring together young filmmakers from East Asia to the Middle East. She also organizes the Feminist Active Documentary Video Festa, where she distributes and screens independent films. Currently, Wakai is in the New Asian Currents program that showcases and promotes the work of emerging Asian documentaries, regardless of format or duration.

NETPAC Jury

Cinemalaya is among the film festivals where The Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC) prize is awarded. The award is meant to promote Asian cinema and recognize the works of young Asian filmmakers.

For this year’s Cinemalaya, the NETPAC Award jury members are cinema scholar Patrick F. Campos, director Ida Anita del Mundo, and film critic and historian Max Tessier.

Patrick F. Campos is the author of several essays and books on Philippine and Southeast Asian cinema, including The End of National Cinema (2016). He curated the exhibit Scenes Reclaimed: CCP 50 x Cinemalaya 15 (2019) and co-wrote the subsequent book (2020), as well as editing Pelikula: A Journal of Philippine Cinema. He has also programmed, juried, or served on the selection committee for the Guanajuato International Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival, QCinema International Film Festival, Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival, Cinema One Originals, Image Forum, Minikino, Asian Film Archive, SeaShorts, Cinema Rehiyon, and Gawad Urian, and he curates the annual TINGIN Southeast Asian Film Festival in Manila.

Another juror is Ida Anita del Mundo, an active NETPAC member, and screenwriting and directing instructor at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in Manila, Philippines. Her first film K’na, the Dreamweaver, premiered at the 2014 Cinemalaya Film Festival where it received the Special Jury Prize. It was named Best of Show at the 2015 Female Eye Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, and was honored with an Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Winners) award by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2015. K’na, the Dreamweaver is the first feature film about the T’boli people of South Cotabato, Mindanao, and the first film in the T’boli language. She went on to direct documentaries and music videos after that.

Founding member of NETPAC France, Max Tessier, is the third on the jury panel. He has been a film critic for several newspapers and magazines since 1963, particularly Jeune Cinéma (1965 to 1971), Ecran (1972 to 1979), La Revue du Cinéma, and other publications including Le Monde and Le Mondec diplomatique. He also contributed to magazines abroad, notably Cinemaya in New Delhi and Les Voix in Kyoto and Paris.

Tessier served as an artistic consultant for several festivals, primarily for the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival (1980–2000), and has served on juries in European and Asian festivals in San Sebastian, Vesoul, Cairo, Tokyo, Pusan, Gwanju, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Delhi, Trivandrum, Colombo, Vladivostok, and CineManila, Cinemalaya, CineFilipino, QCinema, among others.

Cinemalaya 2022 will take place at the various venues of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) from August 5 to 14, 2022. Aside from CCP, there will also be nationwide screenings in select partner Ayala cinemas and SM Cinemas from August 10 to 16, 2022.

For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and Cinemalaya (https://cinemalaya.org/) websites. Follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.

August 9, 2022
Cinemalaya 18 Reviews: ‘Blue Room,’ ‘The Baseball Player,’ and opening film ‘Leonor Will Never Die’

Blue Room

Directed by Ma-an Asuncion-Dagnalan
Cast: Elijah Canlas, juan Karlos, Harvey Bautista, Nourijune, Keoni Jin, and Soliman Cruz
My Rating:
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Showcasing great direction, a strong and tight screenplay, and fantastic performances, Ma-an Asuncion-Dagnalan’s ‘Blue Room’ feels like the polished work of a filmmaker who is in control of their craft. The film begins with a long introduction of its characters, a band called Rebel Rebel, as they perform at a gig.

This extended introduction revels in the nuances of the band’s interpersonal dynamics and, unapologetically, privileged backgrounds. Majority of these characters are middle class or upper middle class and for a while, the film feels like it’s not about anything but a band right at the precipice of something big.

But after what feels like a good 20 minutes into the film, they get caught making a traffic violation at a police checkpoint and the whole film turns over its head and everything that was established in the first act – including intrusive snapshots of the band interacting with their fans in social media at some indiscriminate time frame – is put to the test in the gripping second and third act.

The first act reeks of privilege and the succeeding acts underscore how none of that matter in the face of corrupt police but at the same time how it can also make all the difference. Elijah Canlas and Soliman Cruz are established actors, who do wonders with their parts but I was also very much impressed by Harvey Bautista’s and Nourijune’s performances that really jump out from the screen.

Asuncion-Dagnalan has a confident hand in her storytelling that the film moves along at a steady pace and brings its audience into a swirl of emotions that had the whole audience at the CCP stunned in silence and then fear and finally into loud cheers. Everything feels in place from the claustrophobic second and third act, the honest performances, the musical score, and the gorgeous songs played in the film.

In terms of its execution, ‘Blue Room’ is an exquisite feast compounded by a strong story that is grounded by characters that feel familiar and authentic and a social issue that we are all afraid of but can’t imagine. ‘Blue Room’ dramatizes a very probable horrific situation for us to experience and the effect is absolutely thrilling.

The Baseball Player

Directed by Carlo Obispo
Cast: Tommy Alejandrino and JM San Jose
My Rating:
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Set in the rural backdrop of an unnamed area in Mindanao (though Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato are mentioned in the peripherals), ‘The Baseball Player’ takes us into an almost-idyllic presentation of provincial life except there is a lingering presence of danger at any moment.

Director Carlo Obispo fills the camera with gorgeous scenery of rolling hills, lush greenery, and vibrant springs and takes it time to wrestle with the growing bonds of a young boy, who is taken in by a new family as a survivor of an armed conflict.

Khalid (San Jose) is a young boy who has lost his family through the war in Mindanao. He is taken in by “the closest he’s got to a family” and goes under the wing of Amir, a teenager with dreams of becoming a baseball player but who has to train as a soldier for the Moro rebels. Without digging deep into Khalid’s past, Obispo manages to visualise the trauma that Khalid faces and how the presence of his new “older brother” begins the path to healing.

But there’s always the presence of danger looming right outside the frame.

‘The Baseball Player’ makes a case for artistic restraint, holding back so much in terms of filmmaking and even the story just for the audience to really take in the very lovely countryside and the growing trust and friendship between the two young leads. This quiet, almost slice-of-life story is merely an illusion for the armed conflict that threatens to tear away the lives and hopes, and dreams of the children caught in the crossfire. Using the less-is-more technique in filmmaking, when something does happen it feels explosive and in the first real display of heavy emotions, I found myself crying, not realising I was brought to that emotional space.

As lovely as Pepe Manikan’s musical score is, there are times when I would have preferred for the film to be still and quiet. The music sort of feels counter the subtlety of the other aspects of the filmmaking but the core of this film is Obispo’s handling of the narrative elements and Tommy Alejandrino’s and JM San Jose’s very strong performances. San Jose carries the weight of that character’s trauma with him and never plays for sympathy while Alejandrino is such an intelligent and mature actor that he can convey so much with just the smallest of gestures and the intensity of a look or a smile.

While those who are not a fan of slow cinema may get a bit restless with this film, it hits so hard in its finale that it’s worth every second of your patience.

Leonor Will Never Die

Directed by Martika Escobar
Cast: Sheila Francisco, Bong Cabrera, Rocky Salumbides, Anthony Falcon
My Rating:

Cinemalaya 18 opening film, ‘Leonor Will Never Die’ is a refreshing love letter to Filipino movies, especially the 80s action flicks of Fernando Poe Jr. and Philip Salvador and others of that genre. Quirky and whimsical, director Martika Escobar fills the screen with moments of surprising humanity at the most unsuspecting of moments.

In its 99-minute running time, she manages to pay homage to all the stereotypes and tropes of 80s action films through the acting out of the script of the main character, Leonor, who happens to be an aging director of these action films, everything from the over-the-top acting, the flimsy love stories, the melodramatic plotlines but in the process of these reenactments, we also explore the relationship of Leonor and her two sons.

Nothing is what it seems in this film. It’s so out-of-the-box that the cast includes the ghost of Leonor’s other son, Leonor entering the world of her script, and her living son’s last-ditch attempt to reconnect with his aging mother. It’s funny and surprising. It breaks away from traditional narrative storytelling techniques and at some point, the homage consumes the film entirely and it becomes a chaotic meta-film that adds another layer as it also becomes a movie about making movies and the artistic process.

While ‘Leonor Will Never Die’ often feels untethered, it never loses Escobar’s voice and it’s that vision that connects it to its most surprising finale that comes out of nowhere but feels like it can’t end in any other way. This is counter cinema at its best, showing how crazy and illogical the mainstream films were in the 80s that the film can’t help but follow suit and take it a notch further. There’s a lot of joy and fun within the filmmaking that it infects the audience as well.

—

The Cultural Center of the Philippines and Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. are holding on-site screenings for Cinemalaya 18 from August 5 to 14, 2022.

ALSO READ:
Cinemalaya 2022 Unveils Lineup of Full-Length Films & Short Films
‘Riding the Waves: 15 Years of Cinemalaya’ and More Books to Be Launched During the Film Festival
Award-Winning Documentaries to Close This Year’s Cinemalaya 18

August 9, 2022
Cinemalaya 18 Goes Nationwide Through SM and Ayala Malls Cinemas

Bringing the nation’s largest independent film festival closer to cinephiles and a wider audience—the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Cinemalaya Foundation have partnered with Ayala Malls Cinemas and SM Cinema to present special screenings of the Cinemalaya 18 competition films from August 10 to August 16, 2022.

Glorietta, TriNoma, Manila Bay, Capitol Central Bacolod, and CDO Centrio comprise the Ayala Malls Cinemas. Megamall, SM City Baguio, SM City Clark, SM City Dasmariñas, and SM City Legazpi, on the other hand, comprise the theater chain under SM Cinema.

With this year’s theme “Breaking Through The Noise”, the 2022 Cinemalaya offers a diverse lineup in both the full-length and short film categories.

The 11 full-length films include: Angkas (The Backride) by Rainerio C. Yamson II; Bakit ‘Di Mo Sabihin? (Tell Her) by Real S. Florido; Batsoy by Ronald Espinosa Batallones; Blue Room by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan; Bula sa Langit (Trigger) by Sheenly Gener; Ginhawa (Solace) by Christian Paolo Lat; Kaluskos (Rustles) by Roman S. Perez, Jr.; Kargo (Cargo) by TM Malones; Retirada (The Retiree) by Milo Alto Paz and Cynthia Cruz-Paz; The Baseball Player by Carlo Obispo; and 12 Weeks by Anna Isabelle Matutina.

Meanwhile, 12 entries of short films are split into two sets. Shorts A consists of six films: Roundtrip to Happiness by Claudia Fernando; Mata Kang Busay (Vision of The Falls) by Niño B. Maldecir, Ampangabagat Nin Talakba Ha Likol (It’s Raining Frogs Outside) by Maria Estela Paiso, Kwits (Quits) by Raz de la Torre, Mga Handum Nga Nasulat sa Baras (The Dreams That Are Written On The Sand) by Arlie Sweet Sumagsay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico, and City of Flowers by Xeph Suarez.

Shorts B, on the other hand, is composed of: Si Oddie by Maria Kydlee Torato, Duwa-Duwa (The Play) by Nena Jane Achacoso, Distance by Dexter Paul De Jesus, Dikit by Gabriela Serrano, See You, George! by Mark Moneda, and Black Rainbow by Zig Dulay.

Additionally, screenings on August 10, 2022 will be followed by talkbacks for films Ginhawa and Kargo at Megamall and Glorietta, respectively. The talkback for Retirada is set to take place at TriNoma on August 11, 2022. The Cinemalaya Talkback Sessions are designed for audience members to interact with the filmmakers, cast, creative and production teams face-to-face by giving their feedback on the film or asking questions about it.

For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and Cinemalaya (https://cinemalaya.org/) websites. Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for latest updates. For ticket inquiries, you may call the CCP Box Office at 8832-3704 or SM tickets 8470-2222.

August 9, 2022
Afternoon Tea of Classic Chinese Dishes at Modern Shanghai

While most people are familiar with English afternoon tea with those dainty sandwiches and scones, there is one with an Asian twist over at Modern Shanghai.

Available 3 pm to 6 pm Mondays to Fridays, the different selections are good for two to four persons priced from P598. These mid-afternoon treats are perfect after shopping, before watching your favorite movies or for the when you just want to satisfy your craving for classic Chinese dishes.

Modern Shanghai Afternoon Tea sets include these choices: Xia Long Bao, Crispy Dumplings, Pan-fried Mantau and Shanghai Mien (P598); Vegetable with Mushroom Dumplings, Pan-fried Mantau, Chili Wanton and Birthday Noodles (P598; and Premium Steamed Shrimp and Pork Siumai, Pan-Fried Shanghai Pork Buns, Xiao Long Bao and Cripy Fried Noodles (P698).

All sets are served with Chinese tea. For these prices, these dishes can be quite filling so make sure you bring your family and friends along.

August 9, 2022
Smart Launches New Partnership with Animated BTS Characters TinyTAN

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is launching today a new partnership with TinyTAN, the group of animated characters created from the seven members of 21st century pop icons BTS, to bring a new line of special licensed products, including 5G-ready SIM packs and load cards exclusive for subscribers.

TinyTAN was first launched in 2019 and is currently licensed by BigHit Music under multinational entertainment company Hybe Co., Ltd. The name comes from Bangtan Sonyeondan, the transliteration of BTS’ Korean name. Each TinyTAN character projects a personality representative of each BTS member but follows a unique narrative in the TinyTAN universe.

Under this exciting team up, subscribers can experience Smart’s fastest mobile network with their Smart SIM TinyTAN Edition that comes with one character card in each pack. Fans can collect a total of eight special edition TinyTAN character cards by simply purchasing a 5G-ready SIM pack.

Subscribers can also access Smart Prepaid’s data, call and text promos using their Smart Load Card TinyTAN collectibles.

“In the same way that we enable fans to connect with their favorite idols through mobile technology, we always go the extra mile in empowering our subscribers to live more and make the most of their passions,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group– Individual at Smart.

“Our special collaboration with TinyTAN is in line with our efforts to go beyond providing our subscribers with world-class connectivity but also delighting them with special lifestyle experiences and rewards,” he added.

Step into the Smart Universe with TinyTAN licensed products

Smart Prepaid subscribers can get one TinyTAN character card with every purchase of the 5G-ready Smart SIM TinyTAN Edition, which comes with up to 11 GB open access data for all sites and apps, plus calls and texts to other networks for only P45.

Subscribers can also enjoy more calls, text, and data using their Smart Load Card TinyTAN Edition, which are available in denominations of P100, P300, and P500.

All Smart TinyTAN licensed products will be available online at https://store1.smart.com.ph/ at Smart Stores nationwide, accredited retailers, and Smart’s flagship stores on Lazada and Shopee.

Smart’s collaboration with TinyTAN is part of the all new “Smart Universe” experience aimed at giving subscribers special and exclusive treats, rewards, and offers attuned to their various passions.

Know more about the campaign by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok using the official hashtag #SmartTinyTAN.

August 9, 2022
Pelicula Spanish Film Festival is back!

From October 5 to 16, 2022, the 21st edition of PELÍCULA-Spanish Film Festival will return to face-to-face screenings. After two years of having a virtual festival, PELÍCULA will screen around twenty movies in three venues of Metro-Manila -–Shangri-La Plaza, Cine Adarna at UP Diliman, and Instituto Cervantes Intramuros branch.

Since its creation in 2002 by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, PELíCULA has been an annual attraction in Philippine theatres. After the Covid-19 crisis, which forced cinemas to close worldwide and caused audiences of PELíCULA to migrate online, the festival returns to the big screen, on a first-come, first-served free admission basis. Furthermore, the Festival will also host face-to-face online screenings in Malaysia and Australia.

In the Philippines, the Festival will open on October 5 with El buen patrón (Fernando León de Aranoa, 2021), a comedy starring Javier Bardem. Other comedies in the line-up include El test (Dani de la Orden, 2022), Con quién viajas (Martín Cuervo, 2021). The official entries also include documentaries such as A las mujeres de España. María Lejárraga (Laura Hojman, 2022), dramas such as Maixabel (Icíar Bollaín, 2021) or El olvido que seremos (Fernando Trueba, 2020), and thrillers like La hija (Manuel Martín Cuenca, 2021).

PELÍCULA will also feature Latin American films such as the Colombian documentary Jinetes del Paraíso (Talia Osorio Cardona, 2020), the Panamenian comedy Algo azul (Mariel García Spooner, 2021), and Competencia oficial, a Spanish-Argentinean comedy directed in 2021 by Gastón Duprat and Mariano Cohn, and featuring Penélope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, and Oscar Martínez.

To celebrate the 21st edition of the cinematographic showcase, there will be a special selection of clasic Spanish films. These films are Esa pareja feliz (Juan Antonio Bardem & Luis García Berlanga, 1951), Muerte de un ciclista (Juan Antonio Bardem, 1953), Mamá cumple cien años (Carlos Saura, 1979) and El sur (Víctor Erice, 1983).

PELíCULA 2022 is an initiative of Instituto Cervantes in Manila and Sydney, the Embassies of Spain in the Philippines, Malaysia and Australia, and the AECID, in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, ICAA, the Embassy of Colombia in the Philippines, the Embassy of Panama in the Philippines, the UP Film Institute, the University of the Philippines and Intramuros Administration.

All the movies are in Spanish (or their original language) with English subtitles. For updates on the Festival, please visit the Facebook page of Instituto Cervantes: www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.

August 9, 2022
#GlowWithGoodness: All the Ways Human Nature’s Newest Face Bars Will Work Wonders for Your Skin
Say it with me: great skin starts with clean skin.

Without proper cleansing, your face would be left with traces of dirt, oil and makeup, leading to dull skin, clogged pores, and breakouts. Worse, it makes it harder for your skin to absorb whatever product you’ll be putting on next, whether that’s skincare or makeup. You know that feeling when your moisturizer just… sits on top of your face and your makeup just simply refuses to blend? Ugh! But don’t worry, we might have just what you need.

A fresh take on face cleansing

The practicality of bar soaps meets the functionality of face cleansers.
Introducing Human Nature’s Sunflower and Balancing Face Bars

Don’t let dead skin cells dull your glow. Get rid of gunk and reveal your radiance with Human Nature’s latest skincare innovation: vitamin-rich Sunflower Face Bar (₱179.75) and Balancing Face Bar (₱179.75) packed with skin-loving goodness that will surely make every wash feel like a treat.

Specially formulated to care as it cleans,they come with a myriad of benefits your skin (and the planet) will definitely thank you for:
1. It’s formulated to fit your skin type
Not all bars are created equal, and thankfully so. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to know what type of cleanser your skin needs.

If you’re after that next level natural glow, your best bet is our fan-favorite 96.26% Natural Sunflower Face Bar.

Made with nutrient-rich moringa and infused with our bestselling Sunflower Beauty Oil (more on that later!) that helps brighten and moisturize, this hydration powerhouse is perfect for those who have normal and dry skin types looking for that extra moisture boost.

Need something more mattifying? Don’t worry, our Balancing Face Bar is made just for you. (And yes, to answer the question on your mind, it’s the bar-version of our well-loved Balancing Facial Wash!)

Made for combination to oily skin, 95.76% Natural Balancing Face Bar is formulated to keep your face fresh and free from shine as it helps balance skin oils and lifts away impurities by exfoliating your skin gently. Enjoy non-drying cleansing and keep excess oil in check for up to 4 hours!

Both bars are pH-balanced within the recommended level of 4.5 to 5.5, so you don’t have to worry about it messing up your skin barrier and acid mantle.

2. It’s packed with vitamins… and more

Bar soaps often get a bad rap for being overly drying to the skin, but with miracle moisturizer Sunflower Beauty Oil as our Sunflower Face Bar‘s main ingredient, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Rich in Vitamins A, C, and D, Sunflower Beauty Oil helps nourish, hydrate, and brighten skin to keep it glowing and healthy-looking. It also helps increase skin barrier strength to decrease skin dryness, darkening, and irritations. And it doesn’t stop there!

Our Sunflower Face Bar also has cocoa butter that replenishes skin’s moisture, antioxidant Vitamin E that helps protect against free radicals, and of course, as mentioned earlier, nutrient-rich moringa that not only helps stimulate skin collagen but also deeply conditions the skin to help you stay fresh and glowing with every wash.

Meanwhile, our Balancing Face Bar boasts of its oil-controlling and purifying properties, with zinc lactate that helps reduce skin sebum levels, aloe vera that helps soothe skin, glycerin that ensures non-drying cleansing, and coconut butter which is rich in lauric acid that has natural antibacterial properties. Truly, it’s an oily girl’s dream come true!

3. It targets clogged pores

Made with loofah and bamboo scrubs, the Balancing Face Bar gently exfoliates skin to help remove dead skin and unclog pores, while the Sunflower Face Bar contains the well-known pore purifier kaolin clay to remove excess oil and impurities. The result? Clean pores and clear skin!

4. It’s genuinely natural and absolutely free from harmful chemicals

While many regular bar soaps contain harmful chemicals such as SLS/SLES, PEGs, and parabens that are linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and hormone imbalance, our face bars are at least 95% natural, made with no harmful chemicals, vegan, and cruelty-free–never testing on animals and never including animal ingredients.

5. And we ditched the plastic bottle!

Not only are these bars good for your skin, they’re easy on the environment, too!

The amount of plastic in the ocean is expected to double in the next 15 years. If we don’t do anything about it, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050.* Our planet needs all the help we can get, which is why our face bars are especially made to reduce plastic by 98.9%**. And good news! As of June 2022, Human Nature has been able to prevent 23.89 tons of plastic waste from going to landfills, beaches, and the ocean—all thanks to our customers who have made the switch to sustainable. Now you can do your part too when you switch from bottle to bar!

Truly, the best things in life are plastic bottle-free!

Goodness that grows

Human Nature remains committed to making it easier for Filipinos to shift to a less-waste lifestyle by continually expanding our selection of waterless formulas and sustainable choices.

Stay tuned for more exciting innovations and more bars that battle the bottle! #ShopGoodness now and #SwitchToNatural one bar at a time!

*Source: bit.ly/PlasticAndFishes
**vs. 200ml Facial Wash
August 9, 2022