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  • Fun Family Movie ‘The Bad Guys’ Screens in Philippine Cinemas this April 27

    Meet The Bad Guys in the new heist caper comedy from DreamWorks Animation that will open in Philippine cinemas this April 27. Packed with high-octane energy and sharp cultural references, the film represents a bold, stylish, new artistic direction for DreamWorks Animation.

    “The Bad Guys successfully tweaks the heist genre for families and commits to it with energy and cool embedded in everything,” DreamWorks Animation’s Margie Cohn says. “The nonstop energetic pace; innovative, gorgeous production design; cartoony elements in pristine CG animation; lighting; score; our perfect cast—it adds up to an immersive experience with a tone unlike any other animated movie.” 

    shark piranha snake fox tarantula THE BAD GUYS

    The Bad Guys brings together actors whose distinct voices brought to life the latest animated endearing crackerjack crew of animal outlaws about to attempt their most challenging con yet—becoming model citizens.  Leading The Bad Guys pack is Sam Rockwell as Mr. Wolf along with Marc Maron as Mr. Snake, Craig Robinson as Mr. Shark, Anthony Ramos as Mr. Piranha and Awkwafina at Ms. Tarantula.  Initially, The Bad Guys set out to fool the world that they’ve been transformed. Along the way, though, Mr. Wolf begins to suspect that doing good for real may give him what he’s always secretly longed for: acceptance. So, when a new villain threatens the city, can Mr. Wolf persuade the rest of the gang to become…The Good Guys?

    Mr. Wolf

    wolf THE BAD GUYS
    Mr. Wolf

    Charismatic, impulsive leader of the gang and gentleman thief, Mr. Wolf oozes coolness and charm. But deep, deep down he holds out hope that the world will one day accept him and The Bad Guys.  ‘He’s a con man, but cool and charming, with a crew. They do some bad stuff, but he’s soulful; he loves his crew, and ultimately, they all have a revelation about being good,’” Rockwell says.

    Mr. Snake

    the bad guys 1

    Expert safe cracker, and Mr. Wolf’s cynical best friend, Mr. Snake always has his guard up. When you’re born a snake, friends don’t exactly grow on trees, so Mr. Snake is prepared to do whatever possible to preserve and protect his “Bad Guy family.” Marc Maron agreed to tackle the role of Mr. Snake, he tapped into the worldview of someone who has been misunderstood since the day that he hatched. Maron says, “He’s a guy that’s got all the answers and gets things done. He doesn’t take crap from anyone.”

    Mr. Piranha

    mr piranha THE BAD GUYS
    Mr. Piranha

    Frenzied fish, and the “muscle” of the gang, Mr. Piranha is loyal, passionate, quick-tempered and wildly naive.  Ramos developed a deep affection for his hot-headed character. “It’s hilarious to play a character who is so short-tempered but so in touch with his emotions that he’ll start crying if he feels like something is wrong,” Ramos says.

    Mr. Shark

    mr shark THE BAD GUYS
    Mr. Shark

    Gentle giant and master of disguise. Mr. Shark is an apex predator of a thousand faces.  The film, Robinson says, has something for everyone: “Action, heists, giant meteorites that look like butts, car chases, disguises, laughter, therapy…and push pops.”

    Ms. Tarantula

    shark piranha wolf THE BAD GUYS

    As the gang’s only female member, she doesn’t cut the “Guys” any slack. When she encounters an un-hackable code, she goes into “beast mode”—employing her eight legs to achieve super-cyber decrypting speeds.  Awkwafina says. “It is symbolic of how we, as humans, see ourselves, how society does and how we embody that—until we realize that we don’t have to be defined by certain things. I like the way that The Bad Guys plays with aspects of good and bad. Those are two terms that we see misconstrued all the time. We see people that look bad but aren’t, as well as people who look good but aren’t.”

    A DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures International film, catch The Bad Guys on April 27 in cinemas nationwide.

    ALSO READ
    Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About Dreamworks’ ‘The Bad Guys’

  • The 3rd Edition of Ternocon Kicks Off with a Lecture Series

    Inspired by the successful outcome of the 1st and 2nd TERNOCON, a terno making convention and competition held last November 2018 and January 2020 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the CCP through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) and Bench/Suyen Corporation join efforts again to pursue its mission of preserving and promoting the Philippine dress with the implementation of TERNOCON 3.

    The 3rd edition aims to encourage the use of the terno / balintawak as a popular form of dress; to inspire and motivate emerging designers to create ternos that are at par with the construction skills of professional designers; to encourage dialogue and scholarly discussion of issues concerning the Philippine dress; and to sustain the growing awareness and interest in the Philippine dress.  The competition is open to practicing Filipino designers or fashion design students who are at least 20 years of age.  A total of 12 finalists will be chosen from the open applications, and they are expected to create one balintawak each.

    To help the finalists understand the historical and social context of the balintawak and the Philippine dress in general, a series of lectures was conducted via zoom on April 23-24, 2022.  

    The lecture topics included The Balintawak: Evolution, Context, & Components; A Designer’s Creative Process;  Filipinas Who Wear the Terno; Wearing One’s Heart On One’s Sleeve.  The lecturers are some of the country’s foremost artists and experts in design and history, led by Ternocon artistic director Gino Gonzales with social historian Isidra Reyes, fashion designer Lesley Mobo and writer and historian Felice Sta. Maria.  Ternocon Chief Mentor Inno Sotto will also deliver a special message for all participants.

    All applicants to Ternocon 3 were asked to attend the two-day zoom lectures while the finalists from Ternocon 1 & 2, those who attended the regional workshops of Fashioning the Terno and the former mentors were invited to attend as well. 

    After the lectures, the screening and selection of the 12 finalists will follow and then a week-long workshop and mentoring for the 12 finalists are set for July and October 2022.  The final competition and cultural show are slated for January 28, 2023.

    For more information, visit the CCP website, FB pages of Ternocon, CCP Cultural Exchange Department and Bench or email at ccp.ced2014@gmail.com.

  • What to Watch on Netflix PH, HBO GO, & More This Week of April 25 to May 1, 2022

    Streaming services have really redefined entertainment for everyone, and with more viewers exploring more shows across different platforms, the demand and competition between these streaming sites have resulted in a vast pool of content one can watch from their own TVs and gadgets.

    If you’re always on the lookout for the latest releases on Netflix, HBO GO, and other streaming services here in the Philippines, we’ve got you covered! On this list, we round up new movies and series that are heading to your favorite streamers from April 25 to May 1, 2022!

    Netflix

    Komi Can’t Communicate, Season 2 (Series)

    April 27 | Watch it here

    Komi returns to make new friends with the help of Tadano and the gang. At the same time, her relationship with Tadano also continues to develop.

    The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes (Film)

    April 27 | Watch it here

    This documentary film focuses on the tragic death of Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe, detailing the conspiracies and rumors surrounding the mysterious incident.

    Bubble (Film)

    April 28 | Watch it here

    From the director of Attack on Titan comes this anime film that is set in Tokyo where mysterious bubbles broke the laws of gravity. When a young man plummets into a gravity-bending sea, he is saved by a girl with powers, not knowing that their encounter is fated to change the world.


    HBO GO

    Gentleman Jack, Season 2 (Series)

    April 25 | Watch it here

    In Yorkshire, 1834, Anne Lister and Ann Walker set up their home together at Shibden Hall as wife and wife, determined to combine their estates and become a power couple.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by2Yea4aERM

    We Own This City (Series)

    April 26 | Watch it here

    This new series chronicles the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force, and the corruption and moral collapse that came with it.

    Made for Love, Season 2 (Series)

    April 28 | Watch it here

    In order to save her father’s life, Hazel returns to her husband’s high-tech palace the Hub. But once inside, they both become ensnared by Gogol’s newest revolutionary technology.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIuxY6c91cA

    Worth (Film)

    April 30 | Watch it here

    This film follows Ken Feinberg, a powerful insider Washington D.C. lawyer put in charge of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, as he faces different challenges and discovers life’s true worth.


    Apple TV+

    Shining Girls (Series)

    April 29 | Watch it here

    Kirby Mazrachi suffers from a constantly shifting reality after falling victim to a brutal attack years ago. When she discovers that a recent murder is linked to her assault, Kirby joins forces with a reporter to find out the truth about her past.

    Make or Break (Series)

    April 29 | Watch it here

    Follow pro surfers as they travel the globe to compete for the World Championship title.

    —
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  • Back to the Theaters with Ayala Malls

    From the latest installment of Fantastic Beasts in April to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in May and Lightyear in June, movie lovers are in for amazing experiences at Ayala Malls Cinemas. The lineup is packed with blockbuster titles fit for both the young and old. At 100% capacity under Alert Level 1, families and barkadas can marvel at the big screen once again with popcorn and drinks in hand. Groups can also block out cinemas for private watch parties or rent the venue for intimate live concerts, recitals, workshops, and other events.

    Back to the Theaters with Ayala Malls Cinemas

    What to expect at Ayala Malls Cinemas

    In compliance with the guidelines under Alert Level 1, vaccinated visitors may access the cinemas while observing the minimum safety protocols at all times. Guests 18 years old and above must present proof of complete vaccination upon entry to the theaters. On the other hand, minors are not required to show proof of their full vaccination status. Guests may bring snacks and drinks inside. All are required to wear face masks throughout the screening but may be removed only when eating.

    Back to the Theaters with Ayala Malls

    Customers may also host a safe movie screening for family and friends by booking a Private Watch Party at Ayala Malls Cinemas. Group rates start at P10,000 for the exclusive use of the theater and ticket admission for 25pax. Additional guests cost P400 per head. Furthermore, special food packages are available for an enjoyable movie experience that’s one for the books!

    Back to the Theaters with Ayala Malls

    Movie lineup: Get ready to book tickets!

    The second quarter of the year begins with two star-studded movies to catch this April. Currently playing in cinemas, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore stars Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore, and Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald—the powerful, dark wizard who is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Meanwhile, the action-comedy film, The Lost City, follows the unexpected adventures of author Loretta Sage, played by Sandra Bullock, along with her handsome cover model Alan, played by Channing Tatum. It also stars Daniel Radcliffe and Brad Pitt.

    Back to the Theaters with Ayala Malls

    May is the month of action-packed adventure, starting with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It is scheduled to screen on May 4, two (2) days ahead of the U.S. release. It headlines Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange, who casts a forbidden spell that opens a portal to the multiverse. Another exciting movie to look out for is Downton Abbey: A New Era in May. The much-anticipated sequel to the global phenomenon 2019 film Downton Abbey will be released exclusively at selected Ayala Malls Cinemas on May 18, 2022, two (2) days before its U.S. release. Next to screen on May 25 is Top Gun: Maverick starring Tom Cruise, an action-adventure sequel to 1986’s Top Gun and follows the life of a Navy’s top aviator as he confronts the ghosts of his past and deepest fears culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate. Top Gun will screen at the Cannes Festival on the eve of its worldwide theatrical.

    Back to the Theaters with Ayala Malls

    Finally, June 8 welcomes audiences to catch Jurassic World Dominion. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are joined by Oscar®-winner Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, and Sam Neill in this epic conclusion of the Jurassic era. Screening on June 15 is Lightyear, the origin story of the beloved action figure Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) and his adventures to infinity and beyond. Also, a kid’s favorite is Minions with its latest installment, The Rise of Gru, screening on June 29. The story, set in the 70s, begins with a young Gru who discovers through a series of events that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.

  • The Joys of Pinoy Breakfast with Nutella

    Breakfast is considered as one of the most important parts of one’s day. 

    As the first meal of the day, eating breakfast helps kickstart your body and your mood. It has always been an integral part of Philippine culture. Local cuisine is not complete without the Filipino breakfast, with the simple but versatile pandesal as its most iconic staple.

    The Joys of Pinoy Breakfast with Nutella

    A breakfast prepared by family or a loved one is a sign of love and care. This is because a satisfying Filipino breakfast not only fills your tummy; it can also put a smile on your face and put you in good spirits.   

    Unfortunately, Filipinos are also recently more inclined to skip breakfast, either due to the heavy demands of day-to-day life or the misconception that a good breakfast is fuzzy and difficult to prepare. 

    Preparing a full meal at the start of the day can seem like a task daunting for many, given the responsibilities an average Filipino has to accomplish on a daily basis. This isn’t surprising. A 2021 study has named Manila as one of the most stressful cities in the world, for instance.  

    Ironically, this is also the reason why a good breakfast is a necessity for Filipinos. A satisfying breakfast can give you the boost to turn your dreary morning into a light and positive event, something to look forward to every day.  Filipinos deserve better, sweeter mornings.

    The Joys of Pinoy Breakfast with Nutella

    Nutella, the popular hazelnut cocoa spread, has always aimed to help Filipinos start their day with Happiness. For the month of April to May, Nutella launches a series of new Good Morning label jars.

    The new, limited-edition Nutella Good Morning packs are Nutella jars with its label replaced with positive and joyful messages to help remind Filipinos to start the day better. 

    The Joys of Pinoy Breakfast with Nutella

    The Nutella Good Morning pack phrases—namely, “Tara, Breakfast!”, “Good Morning!”, “Musta?”, and “Gandang Umaga!”—are good reminders for you and your loved ones to start the day on a sweet note.  

    The limited-edition Nutella jars are also a good way to greet and express your love, a way to share the gift of a good morning with a good breakfast. It is a perfect gift to friends and loved ones!

    Of course, more than the jar, what makes Nutella a good part of any Filipino breakfast is its high-quality cocoa and hazelnut flavor with a chocolate taste that delivers intense satisfaction with just a small amount.

    Its signature smooth, creamy texture makes it a great breakfast companion as it is easy to pair with many readily available bread products and baked goods to make them sweeter and tastier effortlessly. 

    A jar of Nutella can make any breakfast into an exciting meal, without the need for elaborate, time-consuming preparation.

    With Nutella, mornings are better not just for individuals or busy professionals but also for families who want to make their first meal of the day sweeter.  

    The Joys of Pinoy Breakfast with Nutella

    To make your mornings even more exciting, Nutella is launching a limited edition Bread box in collaboration with Wildflour Café + Bakery. The box is designed in the shape of a Nutella jar and contains Nutella copetta packs, a Nutella bread spreader, and a number of popular Widlflour Café + Bakery baked goods to help turn your breakfast into a special meal. Sending the bread box to your friends or your loved ones is also a subtle way to let them know you care for them.

    The Nutella and Wildflour Café + Bakery box will be available starting April 23 at Widlflour Café + Bakery or via online at www.wildflourtogo.com.

    Nutella’s special Good Morning jars are available in most grocery chain stores nationwide.

  • TV Guide: Movies Showing From April 25 to May 1, 2022

    Isn’t it a bummer when you see your favorite movie already playing halfway through when you turn on the TV? Fret not! From rom-com and action to horror and thriller, we’re giving you a heads up on all the must-watch movies on TV from April 25 to May 1, 2022.

    April 25, Monday

    Mr. & Mrs. Smith
    (10:30am, HBO)
    John and Jane Smith, a couple in a stagnating marriage, live a deceptively mundane existence. However, each has been hiding a secret from the other: they are assassins working for adversarial agencies. When they are both assigned to kill the same target, Benjamin Danz, the truth comes to the surface. Finally free from their cover stories, they discover that they have been assigned to kill each other, sparking a series of explosive attacks.

    Must Be Love
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    A young woman develops romantic feelings for her best friend, but problems arise when another gal enters the picture.

    Final Destination 2
    (10pm, Cinemax)
    Kimberly has a premonition of a horrible highway accident killing multiple people — including her and her friends. She blocks the cars behind her on the ramp from joining traffic — and as a police trooper arrives, the accident actually happens. Now, Death is stalking this group of mistaken survivors — and one by one they are dying as they were supposed to on the highway.

    Final Destination 3
    (11:30pm, Cinemax)
    Six years after a group of high-school students first cheated death, another teen has a premonition that she and her friends will be involved in a horrifying roller-coaster accident. When the vision proves true, the student and her fellow survivors must deal with the repercussions of cheating the Grim Reaper.

    April 26, Tuesday

    Through Night and Day
    (3pm, PBO)
    An engaged couple whose relationship is tested while on a prenup trip to Iceland.

    The Lovely Bones
    (3pm, Cinemax)
    After being brutally murdered, 14-year-old Susie Salmon watches from heaven over her grief-stricken family — and her killer. As she observes their daily lives, she must balance her thirst for revenge with her desire for her family to heal.

    24/7 In Love
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    Jane wants to win tickets to Billy Fernandez’s concert. She interviews several people and hears their love stories to figure out what she would do if the world were about to end.

    Suicide Squad
    (11pm, HBO)
    Figuring they’re all expendable, a U.S. intelligence officer decides to assemble a team of dangerous, incarcerated supervillains for a top-secret mission. Now armed with government weapons, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc and other despicable inmates must learn to work together. Dubbed Task Force X, the criminals unite to battle a mysterious and powerful entity, while the diabolical Joker launches an evil agenda of his own.

    April 27, Wednesday

    Sisterakas
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    Bernardo hires his half-sister Bernadette as an assistant and she has no idea who he really is. Bernardo plans to make her life hell until a rival tries to lure Bernadette away and he has to fight to keep her.

    April 28, Thursday

    Crazy Beautiful You
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    Troubled 19-year-old Jackie is sent on a medical mission in hopes of calming her wild-child antics, and finds herself falling for handsome politician’s son Kiko.

    Meet Me in St. Gallen
    (7:30pm, PBO)
    An aspiring painter and a frustrated musician meet and become instant friends, but decide to end and leave everything as is, just like complete strangers.

    Fight Club
    (10pm, Cinemax)
    A depressed man suffering from insomnia meets a strange soap salesman named Tyler Durden and soon finds himself living in his squalid house after his perfect apartment is destroyed. The two bored men form an underground club with strict rules and fight other men who are fed up with their mundane lives. Their perfect partnership frays when Marla, a fellow support group crasher, attracts Tyler’s attention.

    Baby Driver
    (10:40pm, HBO)
    Baby, a music-loving orphan also happens to be the prodigiously talented go-to getaway driver for heist mastermind Doc. With the perfect soundtrack picked out for each and every job, Baby ensures Doc’s violent, bank-robbing cronies – including Buddy, Bats and Darling – get in and out of Dodge before it’s too late. He’s not in it for the long haul though, hoping to nail one last job before riding off into the sunset with beautiful diner waitress Debora. Easier said than done.

    April 29, Friday

    Elizabethtown
    (3:35pm, HBO)
    Aspiring young shoe designer Drew Baylor gets fired from his high-profile job after the failure of his latest project. To make matters worse, his girlfriend, Ellen, leaves him, and he becomes suicidal. Drew’s morbid plans are interrupted by the news of his father’s death, and he is called back to his Kentucky hometown. On his flight home, he meets the lovely Claire, a sunny flight attendant who tries to help him embrace life once again.

    The Hows of Us
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    A young couple dream of growing old together as they deal with the struggles of being in a long-term relationship.

    April 30, Saturday

    Charlie’s Angels
    (12:45pm, Cinemax)
    Elena Houghlin is a scientist, engineer and inventor of Calisto — a sustainable energy source that will revolutionize the way people use power. But when the cutting edge technology falls into the wrong hands, Elena turns to the Townsend Agency for help. Now, it’s up to the Angels — Jane, Sabina and the newly recruited Elena — to retrieve Calisto before it can be transformed into a weapon of mass destruction.

    Never Not Love You
    (5pm, PBO)
    Two young lovers meet and fall in love. Together they build a life until career opportunities bring them out of the country. Out of the comforts of home and with individual careers going different directions. Will their love survive?

    Clarita
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    A young woman is held against her will when police suspect she has been possessed by a demon.

    The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift
    (7:20pm, HBO)
    Sean Boswell always feels like an outsider, but he defines himself through his victories as a street racer. His hobby makes him unpopular with the authorities, so he goes to live with his father in Japan. Once there and even more alienated, he learns about an exciting, but dangerous, new style of the sport. The stakes are high when Sean takes on the local champion and falls for the man’s girlfriend.

    F9: The Fast Saga
    (9pm, HBO)
    Dom Toretto is living the quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, but they know that danger always lurks just over the peaceful horizon. This time, that threat forces Dom to confront the sins of his past to save those he loves most. His crew soon comes together to stop a world-shattering plot by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered — Dom’s forsaken brother.

    May 1, Sunday

  • Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About Dreamworks’ ‘The Bad Guys’

    DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind beloved franchises such as Shrek, The Boss Baby, How to Train Your Dragon, and many more is set to release another exciting animated film this April 27 titled The Bad Guys.

    The upcoming movie revolves around a gang of animal outlaws–Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark, and Ms. Tarantula– who are notorious for pulling off legendary heists. When they finally got caught, they are given the chance to avoid prison sentence, but only if they transform themselves into model citizens.

    Pumped up to see the film this Wednesday? Here are a few facts about the movie that you might want to know about!

    1. The film is based on a book series.

    The Bad Guys is based on the popular Scholastic book series of the same name that’s written and illustrated by Aaron Blabey. He is also known for the books Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn, with the latter being adapted by Netflix into an animated musical.

    The Bad Guys
    Photo: Scholastic website

    2. A cast of ‘bad guys’.

    The voice cast members of The Bad Guys aren’t new to being the bad guys on films and TV. Sam Rockwell who voices Mr. Wolf played the villain Justin Hammer in Iron Man 2; Ms. Tarantula, Awkwafina was part of the team of thieves in Ocean’s 8; Craig Robinson who voices Mr. Shark is the Pontiac Bandit Doug Judy in Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Mr. Piranha’s voice actor, Anthony Ramos, is a corrupt FBI Agent in Liam Neeson’s The Honest Thief; while Marc Maron who voices Mr. Snake is also set to voice Lex Luthor in DC League of Super Pets.

    The Bad Guys 3
    Photo: DreamWorks Animation

    3. The film is director Pierre Perifel’s feature directorial debut.

    The Bad Guys is the first feature film from director Pierre Perifel. Prior to the upcoming film, he has worked as an animator on DreamWorks Animation films such as Monsters Vs. Aliens, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek Forever After. He has also directed the short films Bilby and Le Building.

    Shrek Forever After
    Photo: Shrek The Third trailer

    4. The author wrote ‘The Bad Guys’ because his kids were made to read “boring books.”

    In an interview with Bianca Schulze for The Children’s Book Review, Aaron Babley shared the reason why he came up with The Bad Guys: “Predominately I have got two sons and they are 14 and 16 now but when they were young, when they were six and eight, my six-year-old had a series of unforgivably boring books sent home with him from school… Some of them were just so boring that they would make him cry and I thought you know what I just I could see every night I could see his will to read draining from him. So, I thought I’m going to write him something cooler than this.”

    The Bad Guys - Movie Review
    Photo: DreamWorks Animation

    5. Aaron Babley’s favorite character to write is Mr. Snake

    In the same interview, the author of the original book series also shared who his favorite character is: ” They are all my children obviously,” Aaron Babley began. “I love them so much but look if pressed if I had to choose, I would have to say Mr. Snake has always been—he’s my favorite to write because he’s the most complicated and he’s the most challenged by what they are trying to do. And it’s funny I have always in my head I have always thought of snake as being almost like a recovering alcoholic. He’s trying to stay on the path of being good, but he really struggles with it, and he keeps falling off and I think that it makes him so much fun to write.”

    The Bad Guys 4
    Photo: DreamWorks Animation

    Don’t miss The Bad Guys on the big screen! Buy your tickets here and enjoy a more convenient cinema experience on your next trip to the movie theaters.

  • MarkeTalks and Things: The Marketing Mindset

    Want to bridge the gap between Marketers and Customers? Brace yourselves this coming April 30, 2022, 2:00-4:00 PM and tune in to MarkeTalks and Things: The Marketing Mindset.

    MarkeTalks Things

    Together, let’s get to know the marketer and consumer within ourselves!

    Sponsored by University Pad Residences. In partnership with USC Advertising Arts Association, DLSU Management of Financial Institutions Association, University of San Carlos Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, University of the East – Junior Marketing Association, Carthal Manila, ASTIG.PH, ClickTheCity, CHiNOY TV, RX93.1, Adobo Magazine, UST Stem Society, Society of Operations Management Students, PLM Hospitality Management Guild, Gadgets Magazine, PLM-HMG, DLSUD-CBAASG, Asia Pacific Junior Marketing Association, PUP ADPROS, Ateneo Business Review, Management and Entrepreneurship Society (ManSoc), DLSU SCALE, FEU Diliman Junior Marketing Association, MoViR Engineering Society, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Mapúa University Student Chapter (PICE-MUSC), DLSUD Accounting Enrichment Society, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel

  • Revisiting a classic genre, ‘The Lost City’ is an enjoyable break from superhero movies in the cinema

    Back in the 80s, the success of the 1984 film ‘Romancing the Stone’ with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, started a fun genre known as the adventure/romance genre. It was an enjoyable movie that had all the genre conventions of both kinds of movies and appealed to women. It had the thrills and spills of the action genre, a heavy dose of comedy, and a love story grounding the film at the center. That film is also about a romance novelist, who ends up on an adventure much like her own books, and meets a dashing smuggler, who helps her through her quest. I actually saw the movie and its sequel and it was a lot of fun.

    ‘The Lost City’ takes a generous amount of story elements from the 1984 film but ramps up the comedy for an enjoyable revisit to this classic genre that I didn’t realize was sorely missed. The film exchanges the original film’s dashing bird smuggler for the romance novelist’s cover model and hilarity ensues. While the premise of ‘Romancing the Stone’ is steeped in real danger and real issues (her sister is kidnapped, people are killed), ‘The Lost City’ leans on the hyper-real and is unafraid to be goofy and wacky.

    The genre covers a lot of bases – romance, action, and comedy – which makes it perfect for a date or for watching movies with your close friends. It’s the kind of light, feel-good and enjoyable time in the theater that has been lacking in recent years with either films loaded with special effects or award-bait movies that can leave you in a spiral of heavy thoughts.

    The Lost City movie review

    While the first five or eight minutes of ‘The Lost City’ have some tired and expected jokes – involving Channing Tatum’s cover model being not very bright and Sandra Bullock’s reclusive, grieving author being forced out of her comfort zones to promote her latest book – the film really starts to take flight when Bullock’s Loretta Sage is kidnapped by billionaire Abigail Fairfax (played by Daniel Radcliffe) as her background in archeology and ancient languages may help find the missing resting place of a priestess and her treasure. The same priestess who is written about in Loretta Sage’s books.

    Witnessing the kidnapping, Alan, the cover model, insists on trying to save her because he wants her to see him as more than just a pretty face.

    ‘The Lost City’ is unafraid to be over the top and unrealistic. As seen in the trailer, Fairfax takes her on an airplane landing on the top floor of a building, a fantastic scene that feels a little too much so quickly. But this is the charm of the film. It doesn’t take itself so seriously so you can really just sit back and relax and just have fun with all the hilarious gags.

    daniel radcliffe the lost city

    Because this is exactly in Bullock and Tatum’s wheelhouse. They get to do physical comedy (both have impeccable timing), Bullock gets to show off her wit and eloquence while Tatum gets to make fun of himself but still find the beating heart and warmth of his character that makes him so endearing. There’s also a healthy dose of Tatum showing off his amazing body so that’s always a plus.

    Radcliffe is having a ball playing the billionaire with manners who gets more and more unhinged as the film unfolds. It’s the steady build up from elegant and posh to diabolically evil. It’s just so much fun. And the Brad Pitt cameo is as funny in the movie as it is in the trailer.

    The Lost City movie review

    In a cinematic landscape that is heavily populated by big event movies, comic book fare, or serious, heavy dramas that are gunning for awards, it’s so refreshing to have a film that is just all about having a good time. It hints at some criticism against corporate takeovers of smaller countries – Abigail Fairfax buys half an island in search of the actual lost city of D – and the sort of destruction they do to the natural surroundings but it never hits too hard or makes any real statement against it.

    It’s not that kind of film. And after the 112-minute running time of the film, I realized that that was okay too. ‘The Lost City’ is not going to change my life or the way I see the world but for almost two hours, I got lost in the laughs and the fun chemistry between Bullock and Tatum. I forgot that movies can be like this in the cinema too. It’s not just for streaming and I’m glad that it’s doing well at the box office. It’s nice to just have fun again in the theater.

    My Rating:

    5 stars - Don't Look Up review

    ALSO READ:
    Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About ‘The Lost City’
    LOOTBOX: Click here for your chance to win limited edition goodies from The Lost City!


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    ‘The Lost City‘ is now in cinemas nationwide. Find a cinema near you and book your tickets here.

  • Shop For A Cause: ‘Metro Benefit Sale’ To Help Survivors Of Typhoon Odette

    SpeciaSpecial deals for a Rajo Laurel wedding gown, a four-day stay in Boracay, dining in Tagaytay, and many more great lifestyle finds and steals for a good cause are up for grabs on “Metro Benefit Sale,” the 8-day online shopping event for the benefit of Typhoon Odette survivors that is going live from April 23-30.

    Metro Benefit Sale 3

    A part of the sustaining efforts for ABS-CBN Foundation’s 100-day fund drive dubbed “Tulong-Tulong sa Pag-ahon: Isang Daan sa Pagtutulungan,” Metro has partnered with Vantage, Inc. for this benefit sale featuring partner brands. The shopping exclusive will showcase a curated list of fashion, beauty, home, and travel finds all on sale via metrobenefitsale.com. One hundred percent of the sale proceeds will be used to fund home repair kits that affected families—most of them still in evacuation centers—can use to rebuild their houses destroyed by the super typhoon.

    Tulong Tulong Sa Pag Ahon donation update as of April 17 1

    Shoppers can also tune in to Metro Shoplive on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (@metrodotstyle) on Sunday (April 24) at 4 pm. The program will be hosted by David Celdran and co-hosted by Metro personalities Geolette Esguerra, Ferdie Salvador, and Anton Barretto.

    As of April 17, 207,649 families have already received food packs while 584 families have accepted home repair kits from ABS-CBN Foundation and its partners and donors. The ongoing fund drive has reached over P105.86 million in cash donations and P16.5 million worth of in-kind donations.

    Donors and Kapamilyas can also help by availing Tulong Vouchers on Lazada and Shopee that will be added to funds for home repair kits. For more information on how to donate, visit the website of ABS-CBN Foundation and its Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. This campaign is under ABS-CBN Foundation DSWD Authority/Solicitation Permit, DSWD-SB-SP-00026-21, valid nationwide until May 28, 2022.

    Shop for a cause on metrobenefitsale.com from April 23 to 30. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, or visitwww.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.