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  • Family is Everything This May on HBO GO, HBO, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang!

    Family relationships come in all shapes and sizes, from sibling rivalry to fiercely protective bonds of love this May on HBO GO, HBO, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang, brought to life by movie premieres and special programming stunts.

    On HBO GO and HBO, The Boss Baby: Family Business presents a fresh challenge for brothers who have grown apart while A Quiet Place Part II demonstrates humanity’s greatest strength – the determination to survive. Marriages are complicated by time travel in HBO’s new Original series The Time Traveler’s Wife as well as the film Needle In A Timestack.

    On Cartoon Network, Redraw Your Summer offers a curated weekly selection featuring fan favourites, from the ever-popular Looney Tunes Cartoons and The Tom and Jerry Show to new series Mechamato in which young Amato and his new friend Mechabot must battle evil robots.

    Especially for the little ones, the recently-launched Cartoonito programming block for pre-schoolers is now also available on Boomerang, with new series Brave Bunnies premiering this month.

    Fight for Your Family on HBO GO and HBO

    When family is at stake, it’s up to plucky individuals to save the day.

    Needle in a Timestack
    Premieres Saturday, May 14 on HBO GO and Thursday, May 19 at 9pm on HBO

    HBO GO Needle In A Timestack Cynthia Erivo and Leslie Odom Jr.

    In this gripping love story, Nick and Janine live in marital bliss, until Janine’s ex-husband warps time in an attempt to tear them apart. As Nick’s memories and reality disappear, he must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in order to hold onto – or let go of – everything he loves. Stars Oscar® nominee Leslie Odom, Jr., with Cynthia Erivo, Orlando Bloom and Frieda Pinto.

    The Time Traveler’s Wife
    Premieres Monday, May 16 at 9am on HBO and HBO GO

    HBO GO The Time Travelers Wife Theo James and Rose Leslie 2

    Adapted by Steven Moffat from the bestselling novel of the same name, this HBO Original Series tells the story of Clare and Henry, whose beautiful and magical relationship is plagued by a unique problem – time travel. Can their love overcome this challenging obstacle? Tune in to find out in this six-episode series, directed by Emmy® Award winner David Nutter. Stars Rose Leslie and Theo James.

    The Boss Baby: Family Business
    Premieres Saturday, May 21 at 9pm on HBO and HBO GO

    HBO GO The Boss Baby Family Business 4

    Years after The Boss Baby, this sequel film reunites brothers Tim and Ted. Now adults, they have taken different paths in life and drifted apart, with Tim as a married, stay-at-home dad and Ted as a hedge fund CEO. However, a new boss baby with a cutting-edge approach and a can-do attitude will bring them together again… and inspire a new family business. Stars the voice talents of Alec Baldwin, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Greenblatt, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, Eva Longoria, James Marsden and Amy Sedaris.

    A Quiet Place Part II
    Premieres Saturday, May 28 at 9pm on HBO and HBO GO

    HBO GO A Quiet Place Part ll
    L-r, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe and Emily Blunt star in Paramount Pictures’ “A Quiet Place 2.”

    Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Now forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. Stars Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe and Cillian Murphy.

    HBO GO A Quiet Place Part ll Emily Blunt
    Evelyn (Emily Blunt) braves the unknown in “A Quiet Place Part II.”

    Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Now forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. Stars Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe and Cillian Murphy.

    Cartoonito
    Available for streaming on HBO GO, Cartoon Network from 6am-9am daily, and on Boomerang from May 2 from 12-2pm.

    HBO GO Esme Roy S2 3

    Tune in to Cartoonito for a daily dose of preschool learning programmes, with Brave Bunnies premiering this May on Cartoon Network and Boomerang, and in June on HBO GO. Brave Bunnies and their friends introduce young kids to topics like diversity and helps teach communication skills. Also, catch new episodes of Esme & Roy as they ‘monstersit’,the outdoor adventures of Ranger Rob, and the ever-inquisitive Lucas The Spider. Stream Cartoonito on HBO GO and Cartoon Network daily from 6am-9am, now also available on Boomerang from Monday, May 2 from 12pm-2pm and 5pm-8pm.

    Redraw Your Summer
    From Monday, May 2, daily from 9am-1pm on Cartoon Network

    HBO GO Mechamato S1 6

    Redraw Your Summer with the best of Cartoon Network, featuring 4 hours of entertainment every day. Enjoy beloved characters and favourite franchises in weekly collections, beginning with brand-new episodes of Teen Titans Go! and their many escapades, and the adventures of Amato and Mechabot in Mechamato as they battle evil robots. This is followed by the best of Looney Tunes Cartoons to celebrate Tweety Bird’s 80th anniversary, and Krypto The Superdog which chronicles the comedic canine adventures of a superdog from Planet Krypton. The month draws to a close with We Bare Bears and the adorable antics of siblings Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear, and The Tom and Jerry Show, the most iconic cat and mouse duo of all time.

    Ekans – Snakes Awake!
    New episodes weekdays at 4.30pm on Cartoon Network

    HBO GO Ekans Snake Awake 2

    Catch fresh new adventures as young Ekans continues to wield the Naagmani, entrusted to him to keep humanity safe. With it, he is able to harness extraordinary powers such as heightened sensory perception, camouflage, flexibility and strength, making him an ideal protector of humanity. 

    Channel numbers for your reference:

    • Cartoon Network: Cignal: Ch. 74 (SD), Ch. 220 (HD), Sky Cable: Ch. 43 (SD), Ch. 178 (HD)
    • Boomerang: Cignal: Ch. 76, Sky Cable: Ch. 42
    • Warner TV: Cignal Ch. 235 and Sky Cable Ch. 34 (SD) and Ch. 197 (HD)
    • HBO: Cignal: Ch. 53 (SD), Ch. 210 (HD), Sky Cable: Ch. 54 (SD) and Ch. 168 (HD)
  • Mother’s Day 2022: Where to Buy Flowers in Metro Manila for Your Mom

    The second Sunday of May is nearing, and if you celebrate Mother’s Day, we’re giving you a list of florists and flower shops to make your flower arrangement shopping easier! Plan ahead and order your blooms before May 8, so you can express your love to all the special moms in your life!

    Mother's Day 2022: Where to Buy Flowers in Metro Manila for Your Mom

    Brighten up your mom’s special day with beautiful blooms and creative floral arrangments from these shops:

    1. Aesthetic Flowers 

    Instagram | Facebook | Shopee

    2. Blooms By Agi

    Instagram | Order Form

    3. Designer Blooms

    Instagram | Facebook | Mother’s Day 2022 Collection

    4. Fiori di Marghi

    Instagram | Facebook

    5. FlowerStore.ph

    Instagram | Facebook | Mother’s Day Flowers and Gifts

    6. House of Roses

    Instagram | Facebook | Website

    7. Te Amo Floristeria Manila

    Instagram | Facebook | Mother’s Day Catalogue

    8. The Glass House Flowers

    Instagram | Facebook | Mother’s Day Collection

    ALSO READ:
    Mother’s Day 2021: Where to Get Floral Arrangements and Bouquets for Your Mom
    Valentine’s Day 2022: Where to Order Flowers Online in Metro Manila
    GUIDE: Where to Order Pretty Dried and Preserved Flowers in Manila for Your Homes

  • 10 Sports Anime That Are Inspiring & Entertaining to Watch

    Sports anime may be a niche genre, but titles from this part of the genre spectrum could really stir one’s emotions and motivation. After all, sports are surrounded by stories of perseverance, teamwork, and confidence in one’s own skills– attributes that we long for not only in sports, but in many aspects of our lives.

    If you’re on the lookout for anime series that will inspire you through its characters that never give up, we’ve got the list for you! Below are some sports anime series that are packed with tales of friendship, competitive rivalries, and players who push themselves to the limit!

    Haikyu!!

    Despite his small stature, Shoyo Hinata is determined to become a volleyball player and joins the volleyball team of Karasuno High. Here, he gets teamed up with the prodigy setter Tobio Kageyama, who he considers a rival. Despite their differences, Shoyo and Kageyama would soon become a promising duo that could help Karasuno redeem its reputation as a powerhouse school for aspiring volleyball players.

    Watch it on Netflix

    Kuroko’s Basketball

    Taiga Kagami is a promising new player for the Seirin High basketball team who aims to take his school to the top. But to do so, Kagami must take on the most talented players that were once part of a single team dubbed as the Generation of Miracles. Little did Taiga know, Kuroko– his team member who appears to have no talent in basketball, is actually a former member of the Generation of Miracles, and his sheer lack of presence in court becomes a total gamechanger for Seirin.

    Kuroko no Basket
    Photo: Kuroko’s Basketball on Netflix

    Yuri!!! on Ice

    Yuri!! on Ice is an anime about figure skating that also doubles as a romantic BL series. It tells the story of figure skater Yuri Katsuki who strays away from his career after losing at the Grand Prix Final. While doing the advanced skating routine of his idol, the Russian figure skating champion Victor Nikiforov, Yuri is recorded on video and the clip is uploaded on the internet. This catches Victor’s attention who travels to Yuri’s hometown to help him get back on track. By doing so, romance also buds between the two skaters.

    Yuri on Ice 1
    Photo: Disney+ Japan on Twitter

    Hajime no Ippo

    Hajime no Ippo is a Japanese boxing anime that follows the many ups and downs of the boxing career of Makunouchi Ippo. A constant victim of bullying, Ippo gets saved by the boxer Takamura Mamoru after his classmates brutally beat him up. As Ippo recovers at Mamoru’s gym, he is amazed by its atmosphere, and soon asks Mamoru to train him to become a boxer– a journey that will test his limits and take him places.

    Hajime no Ippo
    Photo: Crunchyroll website

    Slam Dunk

    Slam Dunk is a basketball anime that has become a classic and is soon to have a new movie after two decades since its last episode aired. It follows the high school delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi who joins his school’s basketball team hoping to get the attention of his crush, Haruko, who loves the sport. As part of the Shohoku High School team, Sakuragi also forms a rivalry with the rookie superstar Kaeda Rukawa.

    Slam Dunk
    Photo: Netflix

    Free!

    Free! follows the four friends Haruka, Rin, Nagisa, and Makoto, who won a swimming relay race shortly before their graduation from elementary school. Years later, they reunite as high school students, but Rin is only intent on proving that he’s a better swimmer than Haruka. The three friends then decide to form the Iwatobi High School Swim Club, recruiting a former track team member named Rei.

    Watch it soon on Netflix

    Free Anime
    Photo: Free! The Final Stroke Part 2 trailer

    Ping Pong The Animation

    This anime follows the powerful friendship and partnership of the two boys Makoto and Yutaka, nicknamed Smile and Peco. While Peco is filled with confidence and aspirations to become the best table tennis player in the world, Smile shows little ambition. But their mutual love for ping pong drives them to continue persevering while having each other’s back.

    The Prince of Tennis

    This anime that aired in the early 2000s tells the story of the 12-year-old tennis prodigy Ryoma Echizen. After joining the Seishun Boys’ Tennis Team, Ryoma and his newfound teammates will have to face a plethora of strong schools as they aim to be champions at the National Tournament.

    Prince of Tennis
    Photo: Crunchyroll website

    Big Windup

    In this anime series that features baseball, a young pitcher rises from the ashes of defeats and shame. Ren Mihashi has been blamed by his baseball middle school team after suffering from a series of losses, causing Ren to have low self-esteem and transfer to another school. In his new school, a baseball team is being formed, and despite the fear, Ren pushes himself to join as their Ace Pitcher.

    Yowamushi Pedal

    Yowamushi Pedal follows a cheerful otaku who is about to join his new school’s anime club. But upon learning that the club has been disbanded, Onoda makes it his mission to revive it by finding new members. During this quest, he meets the determined cyclist Shunsuke Imaizumi who challenges him to a bicycle race. If Onoda wins, Imaizumi will join the anime club, but the challenge will kick off Onoda’s dive into the world of bicycle racing.

    Watch it on Netflix

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  • POCO Launches Flagship POCO F4 GT, Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition, & First POCO Watch

    POCO, a popular technology brand among the world’s young techies, is announcing the global launch of its latest flagship POCO F4 GT smartphone, heralding the apex of power, along with POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition and POCO Watch – the brand’s first-ever AIoT products.

    Living up to its potential, POCO F4 GT delivers an impressively apex performance with a flagship 4nm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor, backed by a sophisticated LiquidCool Technology 3.0, a flat AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, magnetic pop-up triggers, and topped off by 120W HyperCharge. Meanwhile, POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition offers the most immersive listening experience for smartphone users – especially mobile gamers and Genshin Impact fans – with an all-new design, AI self-adaptive noise cancellation and 28-hour ultra-long battery life. In addition, the new POCO Watch, which has more than 100 fitness modes built in, a 24-hour heart rate tracker and a battery life of up to 14 days, is designed for fitness lovers who care about their personal health and well-being.

    POCO F4 GT KV

    “We are thrilled to unveil POCO F4 GT today. With such an uncompromising user experience at a surprisingly affordable price, we believe that POCO F4 GT will be the daily essential for all young tech enthusiasts, especially gamers,” said Angus Ng, Head of Product Marketing at POCO Global. “We are also very excited to launch POCO’s first expansion of its lineup of AIoT products starting with POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition and POCO Watch. It is always our top priority to fulfill different consumers’ needs by expanding into different product offerings.”

    POCO F4 GT: Apex flagship smartphone that offers unsurpassed performance 

    With a flagship 4nm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor and an octa-core processor running at 3.0 GHz, POCO F4 GT is sure to win over the tech savvy youth, especially hardcore gamers. The mighty Android chipset increases CPU performance by 20% and GPU performance by up to 50%. Meanwhile, POCO F4 GT offers a fully fledged LPDDR5 RAM with up to 6400Mbps for shorter load times, along with an upgraded UFS 3.1 ROM.

    The true test for a mobile gaming smartphone is heat management. Requiring a small device to run for extended periods can lead to poor performance. For this reason, POCO F4 GT is equipped with the latest LiquidCool Technology 3.0, one of the most advanced cooling systems in the industry. The 4,860mm² dual VC cooling system manages to bring down high temperatures, culminating from a powerful machine optimized to run intense gaming sessions.

    To feed the power, POCO F4 GT boasts POCO’s first 120W HyperCharge and a 4,700mAh big battery, which can be fully charged in 17 minutes. And if gamers need more juice in mid-game, POCO F4 GT can replenish its battery to 100% in only 27 minutes. Not only does POCO F4 GT sport rapid recharge times, the battery’s lifespan can be optimally preserved as a benefit of its AdaptiveCharge feature. This feature prevents the battery from overcharging in the critical 80% to 100% charge range throughout the night.

    POCO F4 GT KV 1

    Magnetic triggers pop up, standing tall in preparation for battle. The setup has surpassed expectations. The unique levitating magnetic pop-up triggers, able to handle 1.5 million times press, have been tested on more than 100 popular games[6]. This ensures unbeatable stability, responsiveness and durability. To attain a more premium gaming experience, the CyberEngine, one of the best linear motor available on Android smartphone, offers more ranges of vibration. POCO F4 GT is ready for whatever users may throw at it, not only for the extended sessions of mobile gaming also in daily use. When out of gaming mode, the triggers can also be used as a shortcut for quick access on the go, such as a shortcut to activate camera, screen recording or flashlight.

    At the press of a button, users can turn on the screen to be floored by POCO’s latest 6.67-inch flat AMOLED and 10-bit TrueColor display, which when combined with the responsive 480Hz touch sampling rate and the up to 120Hz refresh rate, makes the screen come to life. Whether gaming or streaming shows, the true-to-life color spectrum leaps from the screen. POCO F4 GT also works to simultaneously maintain color accuracy in low-light settings while using high-frequency PWM dimming to protect its users’ eyes during marathon screen time sessions. POCO F4 GT’s display has set and matched 15 display performance records from Display Mate and is rated as A+ screen.

    True to its nature as an apex of power, POCO is adding one more service to its list of inaugural features for the latest device. Users can enjoy the premium after-sales service, which offering one-time free screen repair service during the first 6 months after purchase. In addition, YouTube’s subscription service, YouTube Premium, will come pre-installed on POCO F4 GT. To sweeten the deal, customers can enjoy YouTube Premium for up to two months free. That means two months of ad-free, offline viewing, and uninterrupted access to video and music content across the Youtube platform.

    First POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition: Providing the most immersive listening experience

    POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition are specially designed for Genshin Impact fans. From the moment the earbuds are turned on, fans will hear familiar voice notifications from the iconic character, Klee. Just pull them from their carrying case inspired by Klee’s backpack, slip them on, and become immersed as if you’ve already fired up the game.

    POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition

    As one of POCO’s first AIoT products, POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition use artificial intelligence to automatically adjust noise cancellation settings based on the surrounding noise level and the user’s daily routine. Whether it’s for enjoying music, having a good time catching up with friends, or a hectic meeting, POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition deliver the best sound quality and the most appropriate ANC mode for the user. During calls, each earbud can provide crisp and clear audio even in the most noisy of environments with advanced AI algorithm.

    For a more hardcore audio performance, every sound that is delivered has been tweaked and perfected by audio professionals to create a dynamic experience. Everything from an audiobook to a rock opera is presented with sharp and clear sound. The 9mm composite dynamic driver guarantee that the user gets access to both sound processing at the most professional level, and the most authentic and detailed sound. And to never miss a beat, the earbuds’ in-ear detection feature pauses audio when they are taken out. The device is also IPX4 water resistant, preventing damage from rain, sweat and splashes.

    POCO Buds Pro Genshin Impact Edition are made to create an uninterrupted listening experience. The charging case can last up to 28 hours[7], and the buds can be charged within 10 minutes. And the charging case, which can also be charged wirelessly, while the earbuds are able to do the same in about an hour. The earbuds can also connect to two devices, allowing users to seamlessly transition between sources. This means switching between a smartphone and a laptop to join a meeting has never been easier.

    First POCO Watch: The omnipotent daily fitness companion with a fashion focus

    POCO Watch is the go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts looking to bring out their style and personality. With a variety of distinct colors available, POCO Watch is a cool, yet effective way to track their health. The 1.6-inch AMOLED touch display and an ultra-slim bezel lights up the screen in stunning clarity. Wearers can also stand out with more than 100 customizable watch faces. POCO Watch is more than just a fashion statement, however; it’s all about health and fitness.

    POCO Watch

    To better track your fitness progress, for example, your vitals on trail runs or capturing the moment you summit a mountain, the Multi-system GPS offers greater accuracy while using one of the more than 100 exercise modes that come installed on POCO Watch. It can also detect when a user is doing a variety of activities from running on a treadmill to taking a walk outside. In conjunction with sleep monitoring function, POCO Watch monitors blood oxygen levels during sleep. Along with these functions, users can learn how best to adjust their routine for their lifestyle by POCO Watch.

    POCO Watch does all this, powered by a battery that can last up to 14 days. That means it can handle all the box jumps, laps around the park, or afternoon naps. When POCO Watch’s battery runs low, simply plug it into the easy-to-carry magnetic charger and be ready for the next adventure.

    Product Availability

    Comes in three colors: Stealth Black, Knight Silver, and Cyber Yellow, the POCO F4 GT will be available in two storage variants starting May 13. The 8GB + 128GB variant retails at PHP 27,590 while the 12GB + 256GB can be purchased at PHP 30,990 via Lazada and Shopee.

    Starting April 28 to May 12, the POCO F4 GT will be open for purchase at an early bird price of PHP 24,390 and PHP 27,990 for the two storage variants respectively. A FREE Mi True Wireless Earphones 2S valued at Php 3,499 await the first 80 buyers during this period.

    POCO Watch will be available for purchase at an early bird price of PHP 3,599 instead of the regular price of PHP 3,999 during the same period on Lazada and Shopee.

    Please refer to po.co for product availability and more sales information.

  • Taco Bell Introduces Quesarito, A Controversial Combination of Quesadillas & Burritos

    Most of us have our own favorite food pairings. Some even have those that are uncommon they wouldn’t admit it openly. But have you heard of a food pairing so controversial it will literally change the way you look at your favorite dishes? Well, prepare to do just that as Taco Bell has just unleashed a new creation that combines everything we love about burritos and quesadillas into one meaty, cheesy package!

    Explore a new world of flavor like never before with the new Quesarito, featuring a generous dollop of perfectly seasoned ground beef mixed with Mexican-style rice, made even more special with nacho cheese sauce and creamy jalapeno sauce—all wrapped in a grilled quesadilla that’s oozing with melted real cheddar cheese!

    Quesarito

    Enjoy the Quesarito a la carte for only P189. You can also make it a full meal with a serving of Nachos Sprinkle and a 12oz serving of soda for an additional P70. Or, if you’re really hungry, you can also go for the Quesarito Big Bell Box, available starting at P369!

    The Quesarito Big Bell Box comes with one Quesarito, one Crunchy Beef Taco, one serving each of Nachos Sprinkle and Cinnamon Twists, and a 12oz serving of soda. It’s the best way to enjoy the new Quesarito together with other fan-favorite treats from Taco Bell!

    Taco Bell’s Quesarito is available for dine-in, take-out and delivery. Visit your nearest Taco Bell store or have this and your other favorites delivered straight to your doorstep by calling the 8911-1111 hotline. You may also order through Taco Bell’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, Pickaroo! Prices may vary.

    For the latest updates, offers, and deals from Taco Bell, follow and give the brand a like on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • Brownies Unlimited: Bigger, Fudgier Premium Brownies

    Just when you thought you’ve already had the best brownies in town, Brownies Unlimited’s Premium  Brownies are here to change your mind.  

    Their classic, regular-sized brownies in various flavors have always been a crowd favorite among Filipino families. And now with a bigger and fudgier premium brownie selection, it becomes the perfect sweet treat for gifting to family or friends — and even for yourself. 

    Brownies Unlimited

    The Premium Brownies are double the size of the regular brownies and use a more premium brownie base.  It comes in four (4) delectable flavors and real ingredients including the bestseller Strawberry Sherbet, a  delicious brownie topped with strawberry-infused chocolate icing and swirls of strawberry jam.  

    They also have Caramel Pecan which is an indulgent brownie topped with delicious whole pecan nuts drizzled with caramel sauce, as well as the Cookies and Cream flavor, their chewy brownie base layered with Oreo cookies and topped with a mix of chocolate cream and crushed Oreo bits. 

    To complete the premium collection, they also have Ultimate Fudge which is another, more delicious take on a chocolate brownie. This time, with chocolate filling and chocolate ganache topping and drizzled with dark and white chocolate sauces. 

    You can get all flavors in a Premium Sampler Box of 4 for P280. You can also choose to “Pick Your  Favorites” and build a customized PYF Premium Box of 2 or 3 starting at P150 to give to your special someone or PYF Premium Box of 4 or 5 if you want a gift that can be shared by friends or family. 

    Whatever type of celebration it may be — birthday, anniversary, promotion, or even a simple treat-someone kind of day, a box of Brownies Unlimited’s Premium Brownies is the perfect gift. It’s delicious, affordable,  and accessible at the different Brownies Unlimited branches in SM malls nationwide.

    Order now online at www.browniesunlimited.com/shop or follow @browniesunlimited on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the new delicious treats and promos.

  • HBO’s New Thriller ‘Irma Vep’ to Arrive This June

    Written and directed by Emmy® nominee Olivier Assayas (Carlos), starring Academy Award® Winner Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl) and produced in partnership with A24, HBO limited series Irma Vep premieres same time as the U.S. on Tuesday, June 7 at 9am on HBO and HBO GO, with a same day encore at 10pm on HBO. The eight-episode thriller will debut a new episode every following Monday.

    HBO GO Irma Vep Alicia Vikander 02

    Irma Vep will make its world premiere as an Official Selection at the Festival De Cannes 2022.

    Based on the 1996 movie of the same name, Irma Vep stars Alicia Vikander as Mira, an American movie star disillusioned by her career and a recent breakup, who comes to France to star as “Irma Vep” in a remake of the French silent film classic, “Les Vampires.” Set against the backdrop of a lurid crime thriller, Mira struggles as the distinctions between herself and the character she plays begin to blur and merge. Irma Vep reveals to us the uncertain ground that lies at the border of fiction and reality, artifice and authenticity, art and life. 

    HBO GO Irma Vep Alicia Vikander 03

    The cast also includes Vincent Macaigne as René Vidal, Jeanne Balibar as Zoe, Devon Ross as Regina, Lars Eidinger as Gottfried, Vincent Lacoste as Edmond Lagrange, Nora Hamzawi as Carla, Adria Arjona as Laurie, Carrie Brownstein as Zelda, Tom Sturridge as Eamonn, Byron Bowers as Herman, Fala Chen as Cynthia Keng, Hippolyte Girardot as Robert Danjou, Alex Descas as Gregory Desormeaux, Antoine Reinartz as Jeremie.

    HBO GO Irma Vep Alicia Vikander 01

    Irma Vep is directed by award-winning French filmmaker Olivier Assayas, who has become a major voice in international contemporary cinema. He started his career as a painter and graphic designer. Later, he began making his own short films while pursuing his interest in globalizing culture and technology as an editor of Cahiers du Cinema (1980-1985). Since his first feature film, Désordre (1986), which was awarded the Critic’s Week Prize at the Venice Biennale, he has consistently delivered a rich and diverse body of work that has brought him international recognition. Among his most celebrated films are: Irma Vep (1996); Summer Hours (2008), named one of the “Best Films of the 21st Century So Far” by The New York Times; Demonlover (2002); Clean (2004); Carlos (2010), which won a Golden Globe® for Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television and garnered two Emmy® nominations including Outstanding Direction for a Mini-Series, Movie or Dramatic Special; Clouds of Sils Maria (2014), for which Kristen Stewart won the Cesar for Best Supporting Actress; Personal Shopper (2016), which won the Directing Prize at Cannes; Something in the Air (2012), which won Best Screenplay at Venice; and most recently Non-Fiction (2018) and Wasp Network (2019).

    The series is executive produced by Olivier Assayas, Alicia Vikander, Sylvie Barthet, Daniel Delume, Ravi Nandan, Hallie Sekoff, Kevin Turen, Stuart Manashil, Sam Levinson, Ashley Levinson.

    Stream or download Irma Vep fromTuesday, June 7 on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as ₱99.70/month. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

  • Enjoy Up to 40% off on Your McDo Favorites with the McDonald’s App Crave & Claim Fest!

    With McDonald’s stores once again opening up its doors to dine-in customers, barkadas and families now have their staple hangout place to enjoy good times and even better food. From hohols, study sessions, midnight cravings, and even road trip stopovers, McDonald’s makes all these moments more enjoyable with great discounts on the food that customers know and love!

    This April 30 to May 10, 2022, the McDonald’s App launches its newest Crave & Claim Fest where customers can redeem crowd-favorite products with discounts of up to 40% off through deals made for sharing! During the McDonald’s App Crave & Claim Fest, customers will get double the deliciousness with even bigger discounts. 

    Choose your McDo faves from the Crave Claim Fest deals up to 40 off

    Whatever time or moment of the day, the McDonald’s App Crave & Claim Fest will have a variety of great deals of up to 40% OFF that customers can choose from:

    • Two Double Cheeseburger Solo deal for ₱130
    • Two 6-pc McNuggets Solo deal for ₱130
    • Two 2-pc Mushroom Pepper Steak w/ Coke Meal deal for ₱130
    • Two 1-pc Chicken McDo w/ Coke Meal deal for ₱120
    • Two Sausage McMuffin w/ Egg Solo deal for ₱120
    • Two Crispy Chicken Fillet Ala King w/ Coke Meal for ₱99
    • Two McCrispy Chicken Sandwich Solo deal for ₱70
    • Two 2-pc Hotcakes Solo deal for ₱70
    • Two McSpaghetti Solo deal for ₱70

    For whenever or wherever the cravings hit, all roads lead to McDonald’s for barkadas to get together and grab McDonald’s App deals worth the budol! So don’t get FOMO from missing out on great deals of up to 40% OFF — download the McDonald’s App and kita-kits sa McDo to take part in McDonald’s first Crave & Claim Fest!

    Click here to download the McDonald’s App on Google Play Store or Apple App Store now! 

    To catch all the freshest updates from McDonald’s, follow McDonald’s Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

  • Walt Disney Studios Excites with Movie Lineup at CinemaCon in Las Vegas

    During the recent CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Walt Disney Studio provided exciting details for its 2022 theatrical release slate from Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, and 20th Century Studios, including a first look at the “Avatar” sequel!

    The title of the “Avatar” sequel, which will open in theaters December, is “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive,  and the tragedies they endure. Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement, Giovanni Ribisi, and Kate Winslet. To whet audiences’ appetites, the studio will re-release “Avatar” in theaters in September. 

    The teaser trailer drew highly enthusiastic responses from the CinemaCon audience. In addition, Zoe Saldana, who stars in both “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Amsterdam,” will be receiving the CinemaCon “Star of the Year” award at the “Big Screen Achievement Award” Ceremony on Thursday evening, April 28. 

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    From Marvel Studios: 

    Marvel Studios took the CinemaCon audience on a thrill ride through the Multiverse with footage from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which opens in Philippine theaters next week, May 4. With the film, the MCU unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Fans will journey into the unknown with Doctor Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.         

    “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, with Michael Stühlbarg, and Rachel McAdams. The film is directed by Sam Raimi, and Kevin Feige is the producer. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Eric Hauserman Carroll, Scott Derrickson and Jamie Christopher serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Michael Waldron. 

    From Pixar Animation Studios: 

    CinemaCon attendees were treated to footage from Disney and Pixar’s upcoming feature film “Lightyear,” which opens in Philippine theaters on June 15. A sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.  

    The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne, and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison, and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Diaz, and Keira Hairston as Young Izzy. The film is directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”), and features a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”).

  • Nüwa Manila and Nüwa Spa Receives Five-Star Ratings in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2022 Star Awards

    A testament to its consistent brand of hospitality service beyond compare, Nüwa at City of Dreams Manila achieves two Five Stars in the 2022 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG) Awards for the hotel and its spa for the fifth and third consecutive years, respectively since 2018. 

    Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, said, “As one of the world’s most admired and celebrated travel standards, we are honored to once again receive the top Five-Star Rating in Forbes Travel Guide for Nüwa at City of Dreams Manila’s hotel and spa. The accolades testify to our relentless dedication to service quality and contribution to pushing boundaries, especially during such a challenging time for the industry – continuing to provide memorable and world-class services for guests with a collective total of 97 Stars across our global portfolio. We thank our team for their unwavering dedication – for their exceptional role in facilitating Melco’s sustained status as the leading integrated resort operator in Asia.”

    “Travel has come back strongly, and the resilient hospitality industry is creatively rallying to accommodate the increased occupancy demand for most regions,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “While the industry faces some lingering issues, the 2022 award winners proved ready for those challenges and more, demonstrating the best that luxury hospitality has to offer.” 

    Nüwa Manila’s recognition contributes to the collective total of 97 Stars achieved by Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Melco)’s portfolio of integrated resort properties in Macau and Manila, continuing Melco’s leadership position among integrated resort operators in Asia. 

    NÜWA Manila

    Geoff Andres, City of Dreams Manila Property President stated, “Nüwa Manila and Nüwa Spa being recognized with the coveted FTG Five-star rating reflects our consistent commitment to provide five-star service amid the challenges posed by changing times. We are proud of our colleagues who continue to constantly provide our guests with the luxury and signature experiences the Melco brand has been known for.”

    FTG created the original Five-Star rating system, and is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. The world-renowned authority in genuine Five-Star service, FTG also recognized City of Dreams Manila’s two other hotels: Hyatt Regency Manila and Nobu Hotel Manila with a Four-Star award for five years running. 

    For more information on Nüwa Manila, call 8800-8080 or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com or www.nuwamanila.com. To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.