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‘Forgotten Island’ Makes History With P97.2 Million Opening Weekend in the Philippines

Filipino moviegoers have found their way to Forgotten Island.

DreamWorks Animation’s Filipino-inspired adventure debuted at No. 1 at the Philippine box office, earning P97,236,533 during its opening weekend. The impressive haul marks Universal Pictures’ biggest opening weekend in the country for 2026 and the biggest opening for a non-franchise animated film in the Philippines.

For a story rooted in friendship, Filipino culture, and the creatures many Filipinos grew up hearing about, the milestone makes its arrival on the big screen even sweeter.

And there is plenty of Pinoy talent helping bring the island of Nakali to life.

Filipino Stories Take Center Stage

Forgotten Island follows lifelong best friends Raissa and Jo, voiced by Liza Soberano and H.E.R., as they reach a turning point in their friendship.

Having been inseparable since grade school, the two are preparing to head down different paths after high school graduation. But before they can say goodbye to this chapter of their lives, one final night together takes an unexpected turn.

They stumble upon a mysterious portal and are transported to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with magical beings and creatures inspired by the stories they heard growing up in Filipino families.

Some of the island’s inhabitants are friendly. Others definitely are not.

Among the dangers waiting for them is the fearsome Dreaded Manananggal, voiced by Tony Award-winning Filipino icon Lea Salonga.

As if being stranded on a mysterious island were not enough, Raissa and Jo soon discover that their memories are disappearing.

Suddenly, their adventure becomes something much more personal.

If they cannot find their way home, they risk losing the memories of the friendship that has defined much of their lives. Worse, escaping Nakali may come with a price neither of them is ready to pay.

A Pinoy-Powered Cast and Soundtrack

Adding to the film’s distinctly Filipino spirit is a stacked voice cast featuring Filipino and Filipino-American stars.

Alongside Soberano, H.E.R., and Salonga are Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, and Jo Koy.

The larger ensemble includes Dave Franco as the well-meaning but hapless weredog Raww, Emmy nominee Jenny Slate, and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng.

The Filipino representation does not stop with the cast.

Homegrown music acts BINI and SB19 are also among the artists featured on the film’s soundtrack, adding another Pinoy connection to the DreamWorks Animation original.

Critics and Audiences Are Feeling the Magic

The movie’s strong Philippine debut arrives alongside an enthusiastic response from moviegoers and critics.

Forgotten Island received a 95% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while its audience score stands at 97%.

Behind the film is the creative team responsible for one of DreamWorks Animation’s acclaimed recent adventures.

Forgotten Island is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Academy Award nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

DreamWorks Animation is, of course, no stranger to stories about unforgettable friendships. The studio has given audiences the unlikely partnership of Shrek and Donkey in Shrek, the bond between Hiccup and Toothless in How to Train Your Dragon, and the touching relationship at the center of The Wild Robot.

This time, the friendship worth fighting for belongs to two young women standing at the uncertain point between growing up together and growing apart.

Watch the trailer here:

Welcome to Nakali

Fantasy may send Raissa and Jo into another world, but there is something wonderfully familiar at the heart of Forgotten Island.

It is about reaching that moment when life begins pulling two friends in different directions. It is about the memories that turn a friendship into something irreplaceable. And, wrapped around that emotional story, it is a colorful adventure filled with creatures inspired by Filipino mythology.

Now, with P97.2 million at the Philippine box office during its opening weekend, audiences have given the film another milestone to celebrate.

So, ready to take a trip to Nakali?

Forgotten Island is now showing in Philippine cinemas.

For more updates, follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok.

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures.

September 28, 2026
Disney+ Korean Medical Thriller “Hyper Knife” Nominated at the 2026 International Emmy® Awards

The scalpel-sharp tension of Hyper Knife is getting international recognition.

The Korean medical thriller has been nominated in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category at the 2026 International Emmy® Awards, marking a major international nod for the Disney+ Korea Original.

Premiering in March 2025, Hyper Knife drew audiences into a dangerous world of medical obsession, fractured mentorship, revenge, and morally questionable surgeries. Led by Park Eun-bin and Sul Kyung-gu, the eight-episode series turns the familiar medical drama into something darker and far more unpredictable.

“Hyper Knife” Joins Disney+’s International Emmy® Nominees

Hyper Knife is among several international Disney+ titles recognized at the 2026 International Emmy® Awards.

The United Kingdom series A Thousand Blows is nominated in the Drama Series category, while Mexico’s La Peor Vuelta Al Mundo (The Worst Trip Around The World) received a nomination for Non-Scripted Entertainment.

For Hyper Knife, the TV Movie/Mini-Series nomination puts the spotlight on a Korean thriller that pairs the precision of neurosurgery with an increasingly dangerous battle between two gifted doctors.

A Brilliant Surgeon With Everything to Lose

At the center of Hyper Knife is Jeong Seok, a visionary neurosurgeon with exceptional surgical skills and an intense obsession with becoming even better at her craft.

Her promising career takes a devastating turn when she uncovers a shocking truth and clashes with her mentor, Choi Deokhe. Soon, Seok finds herself cast out of the medical profession and stripped of her license.

But losing her credentials does not stop her from operating.

Determined to continue the work that consumes her, Seok enters the shadows of the medical world, secretly performing illegal surgeries for people who have nowhere else to turn.

Then, the man connected to the destruction of her career comes back into her life.

Her former mentor needs her help.

Suddenly, Seok is faced with an irresistible opportunity: attempt an operation few surgeons could hope to perform or seize the chance to settle the score with the man who took away the future she had worked for.

That volatile reunion becomes the beating heart of Hyper Knife, where every decision can carry consequences far beyond the operating room.

Park Eunbin and Sul Kyunggu Face Off

Bringing Jeong Seok to life is Park Eun-bin, whose acclaimed credits include Extraordinary Attorney Woo and The King’s Affection.

She stars opposite veteran actor Sul Kyung-gu, known for films including Memoir of a Murderer and Oasis. He plays Choi Deokhe, Seok’s former mentor and a formidable neurosurgeon in his own right.

Rather than relying solely on life-or-death medical emergencies, Hyper Knife builds much of its suspense around the complicated relationship between Seok and Deokhe. Their shared brilliance is accompanied by resentment, ambition, betrayal, and a history neither can easily leave behind.

As their paths collide once again, the question is not simply whether they can pull off the impossible. It is whether either of them can trust the other long enough to do it.

The Creative Team Behind “Hyper Knife”

Behind the intense medical thriller is writer Kim Sunhee, whose previous work includes Quiz From God: Reboot.

The series is directed by Kim Junghyun, known for After the Rain and My Fellow Citizens!

Together, the creative team combines intricate medical scenarios with psychological tension, turning Seok and Deokhe’s complicated relationship into a high-stakes story about talent, obsession, revenge, and the price of pursuing greatness.

Now, with its 2026 International Emmy® Awards nomination, Hyper Knife has another reason for viewers to put the Korean thriller on their watchlist.

All eight episodes of Hyper Knife are streaming exclusively on Disney+.

September 28, 2026
My Favorite Works from the CinePanalo Student Short Films

With 19 entries in a competition alone, a huge number of short films in any festival plus a separate Panoramal section, CinePanalo Film Festival is making a big move to champion new voices in Philippine filmmaking landscape. The lineup was selected by a committee reviewing the screenplays before selecting the entries who would receive sizable production grants to their works. While a few films fell short of their scripts’ full potential, many were able to bring their visions to life.

But even if some of the films didn’t fully achieve the vision laid out during conceptualization, the mere fact that they finished and premiered their works in a major festival like CinePanalo is a wonderful opportunity for them to grow as filmmakers and do even better in their next outing.

While some films are still figuring out their voices, certain talents shine through instantly, like Jonalyn Mateo’s lead turn in “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan,” Kaleb Ong’s supporting role in “When Heaven Inched Towards the Earth,” or the VFX team of “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!”

Of the 19 entries, these are the ones that stood out to me:

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

The Sound of K

Directed by Jay Gabriel Canada (Visayas State University)

Raw in its execution, there is poetry in the script that plays out while the actor (who is also the director) showcases a wonderfully nuanced performance that truly captures the anxieties and fears of someone with a speech impediment. There is a strong indie feel to the whole production that amplifies the sincerity of the piece, making it stand out to me.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Alumahan

Directed by Christian Melvin Arejola (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

A dark, very quiet coming-of-age story about a young boy searching for belonging in a seaside town. There is a constant state of danger that lies just underneath as the young boy joins a gang. It is a tight narrative that packs a punch and features some strong performances from its cast.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Pulis Dunggab

Directed by Maxine Dela Bajan (iAcademy – Cebu)

I was so involved with the direction, editing, and writing of this story about a kid’s game that turns frighteningly real. There is genuine love and respect for the locale and the milieu, and the characters really shine with strong performances by the two leads, Van Jordan Gacayan and Elj Seth Tababa. There is such good control here of the film elements that the whole movie felt truly polished.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Limlim

Directed by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje (St. Dominic College of Asia)

Another example of a strong short film where the director had full control of the film elements, “Limlim” is a haunting story of a young girl with a dark history. The film tackles a challenging and very relevant issue with quiet grace and careful restraint.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Miss Intrams

Directed by Henri Marie Belimac (University of the Philippines – Mindanao)

Though a bit overwritten, Belimac’s “Miss Intrams” is an insightful exploration of a queer trans man’s understanding of hisself through joining a pageant. Belimac’s direction shows a good grasp of mainstream aesthetics and filmmaking, with strong performances from its cast and a great use of music.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Nang Matakasan Ang Tagay

Directed by Giancarlo Santiago (University of the Philippines – Diliman)

Santiago’s film navigates the inner struggles of a marino who is about to leave for another deployment while he spends time with his son and attends drinking sessions with his friends. The film explores toxic masculinity and the layers underneath. It is another entry where the rawness of the filmmaking amplifies the sincerity of the piece, and its almost-cliched ending brought me to tears with just the right amount of heart.

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026

Kun Hain, Bisan Diin

Directed by Jomarie Reyes (University of the Philippines – Diliman)

A very polished work about a woman who embarks on a journey to find her activist mother in Samar before her wedding, the film makes excellent use of editing to convey the intense history of the complex relationship between mother and daughter. It is a smart film that shows great restraint from Reyes, who pulls back from the drama to let the story speak for itself.

September 28, 2026
Raising Batang Matatag: The Power of Safe Water and Gut Health

Erceflora, together with the Manila Water Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Pasig City Government, is expanding the Batang Matatag child health initiative across 44 schools in Pasig as the program marks its fifth year.

The initiative will bring refrigerated drinking water fountains and health education on gut health and everyday hygiene—including toothbrushing, handwashing, and sanitation—to school communities. The expansion is part of Batang Matatag’s broader effort to promote healthier school environments through sustained community partnerships.

“Batang Matatag has always been about creating healthier environments where children can grow and thrive. As we enter our fifth year, we are looking beyond immediate needs to help communities build the knowledge and habits that can support children’s health in the long term. Through our partnerships, we hope to make these healthy practices more accessible and sustainable for the communities we serve,” Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Brand Zone Lead said.

Five Years of Batang Matatag: It Takes a Village

Since its launch, Batang Matatag has grown from a program focused on essential water access, sanitation and hygiene or WASH facilities into a broader child health initiative, reaching 150,000 students and healthcare professionals by 2026, up from 9,494 students in 2023.

In July and August, Erceflora brings Batang Matatag to De Castro Elementary School, Nagpayong High School, Pinagbuhatan High School, Manggahan High School, and San Miguel Elementary School to bring health education closer to school communities. Through the WASH paaralan sessions, select student attendees are challenged to be lead and role models of hygiene on campus.

The Pasig rollout began with a ceremonial turnover of WASH facilities and refrigerated drinking water stations at De Castro Elementary School, where more than 100 students, teachers, and parents participated in a gut health lecture.

“Access to safe, clean, and cold drinking water can make a real difference in encouraging our learners to drink more water and stay healthy. When children are healthy, they are better able to attend school, participate, and learn. That is why partnerships like this are important—not only in improving our school facilities, but also in supporting the health and learning of our students,” said Lailani Lucero, De Castro Elementary School Principal.

The program’s expanded focus reflects the growing recognition that child health requires more than access to safe water. Nutrition, gut health, and consistent hygiene practices also play an important role in supporting children’s immunity, development, and ability to learn.

“Providing access to safe water is an important first step, but children also need good nutrition, proper hygiene, and healthy habits to support their overall health. These practices should start at home and be reinforced in school, where children can learn how simple, consistent habits can help protect them from illnesses like diarrhea,” said Dr. Jo-Anne De Castro, Pediatric Infectious Disease expert.

Batang Matatag therefore continues to equip children, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals with practical knowledge on gut health and everyday hygiene.

“Healthy habits need to be consistent. It’s not enough to have access to clean water or practice proper hygiene only sometimes. Children need an environment where these practices are maintained every day, because consistency is what helps turn good health practices into lasting habits,” Dr. Jo-Anne added.

Why Gut Health Deserves a Seat at the Table

The program’s growth reflects the scale of its expanding impact.“Seeing Batang Matatag grow from reaching just over 9,000 students in 2023 to 150,000 students and healthcare professionals in 2026 is a meaningful milestone for us. More importantly, these numbers represent more children and communities gaining access to healthier practices and resources. The program’s continued expansion shows what can be achieved when we sustain our commitment to child health and work closely with schools and communities,” Mateo noted.

For Manila Water Foundation, the collaboration highlights the importance of bringing together different sectors to create healthier learning environments. “Building healthier learning environments cannot be done by one organization alone. It requires the combined efforts of partners providing safe and reliable water, health resources, education, and support. When these efforts come together, we can give our learners the healthy and conducive environment they need to stay in school, stay well, and learn better,” the Manila Water Foundation Executive Director, Reginald Andal, emphasized.

As Batang Matatag enters its fifth year, Erceflora sees the milestone as a foundation for its next phase and its broader commitment to ensuring no child suffers needlessly from preventable and curable gut health issues. “Year 5 is an important milestone, but we see it as a foundation for what comes next. In Year 6, we hope to build on what we have learned and expand beyond Luzon and BARMM to reach more children in need of WASH facilities and gut health education.

Our goal is to keep evolving Batang Matatag and strengthen our efforts to help prevent childhood mortality caused by diarrhea,” Mateo concluded.

September 28, 2026
THEATER REVIEW: Love and Other Drugs: A Review of CAST’s “The Effect” by Lucy Prebble

At the Doreen Black Box Theater in Arete, Ateneo, the stage design for Lucy Prebble’s The Effect, as imagined by director Sarah Facuri and set designer D. Cortezano places the stage right at the center, completely surrounded by the audience. On the raised platform sit two chairs, tucked into opposite corners of each other. The moment I saw it, I thought of a boxing ring sans ropes. I knew nothing coming into this play, having missed the successful staged reading of CAST which was the reason it was mounted as a full production. But the armbands handed to us with our tickets were fashioned like the hospital identification tags, which already prompted us for what was to follow.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Myra Ho

The Effect follows Connie and Tristan, played by Sue Ramirez and Brian Sy, two volunteers who have joined a clinical trial for a new antidepressant. They have to stay in a facility throughout the experiment with no contact with the outside world. They are monitored by Dr. Lorna James (Cathy Azanza-Dy), who reports her findings to Dr. Toby Sealy (Dean Daniel Rosen). As the trial runs, Connie and Tristan begin developing feelings for each other, which threatens to compromise the findings and results of the experiment. And as Dr. Lorna is trying to keep the integrity of the process intact, her personal history with Dr. Toby gets in the way.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Ynah Garcia

The Effect is a very modern examination of mental health and human connection. It tries to reduce the concepts of love and attachment to a scientific process that the body undergoes but the play understands that the whole thing is much messier than that. The science sounds believable but that’s not important, it helps dissect the trouble that is brewing between the characters. We see each rule of the clinical trial being broken one rule at a time, Connie and Tristan getting more and more entangled romantically, but also questioning if this is really love or just a side effect of the new drug. Meanwhile, Dr. Lorna has her own issues that are highlighted by the juxtaposition of Dr. Toby’s own success in the scientific community, of which she feels may be unearned.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Myra Ho

Director Sarah Facuri keeps the play casual and energetic. Everything feels spontaneous as Facuri and her cast steadily build emotions, pushing towards the play’s rather unexpected finale. Through the use of lights (designed by Jethro Nibaten) to play out scenes of the experiments to create a sort of order and then blacking out the stage during Connie and Tristan’s intimate – and forbidden – encounters. We get the feeling that we are losing control, much like the characters feel like they are losing control of their own emotions or rationality. The effect is arresting.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Ynah Garcia

The cast is completely committed to the performances. Sue Ramirez’s Connie is a bundle of nerves, hiding anxiety behind a tough exterior that questions everything in order to have some measure of control. Brian Sy’s Tristan is the total opposite: carefree, reckless, and aimless, he takes action regardless of the consequence. The dynamic is electric on stage, and you never question that they are falling in love right in front of you, despite the possibility it is all a chemical reaction. Dean Daniel Rosen embodies the smugness of a successful man who believes he knows better than everyone else. But there’s a charm to him that makes you believe how he got to where he is.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Ynah Garcia

It is Cathy Azanza-Dy’s Dr. Lorna, however, who proves to be a true force of nature. In the first act, she is all business, more like a guide for Connie and Tristan, but there are aspects to her character’s dark side just rumbling beneath the surface. But come Act II, Azanza-Dy’s character has a moment and steals the show. She owns her pivotal moment with a monologue so effectively delivered, it turns the entire play upside down.

The Effect | Photos Courtesy of CAST PH by Myra Ho

Facuri does not tone down the play’s distinct British sensibilities, recognizing that the themes that are tackled in The Effect are deeply universal regardless of culture. It is a hard-hitting piece that can make you laugh and tickle your romantic bone before it hits you with the cold, hard truths in its second act.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

And that’s a wrap! The Effect by Lucy Prebble officially closed its run at Areté, Ateneo tonight. Missed the show or want to keep up with CAST’s next production? Stay tuned for more theater reviews, coverage, and upcoming show announcements!

September 27, 2026
Conrad Manila Introduces ORKIDÉA, a Limited-Edition Signature Craft Gin

As part of the hotel’s 10th anniversary celebrations, Conrad Manila proudly introduces ORKIDÉA, its signature craft gin exclusively available at C Lounge starting 25 September 2026. Inspired by the Philippine orchid and, this bespoke spirit is crafted with indigenous botanicals, reflecting the richness of local craftsmanship and the diverse flavors of the Philippine archipelago.

“Marking our 10th anniversary gave us an opportunity to create something that is distinctly Conrad Manila and deeply connected to the Philippines,” said Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila. “ORKIDÉA brings together local ingredients, craftsmanship, and creativity in a way that feels both celebratory and personal. Whether guests discover it in a cocktail at C Lounge or take a bottle home, we wanted it to reflect the richness of Philippine botanicals and the artistry behind local craft distilling.”

Distilled in partnership with Full Circle Craft Distillers Co. Inc. in Calamba, Laguna, ORKIDÉA is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, including calamansi from Pangasinan, pandan from Laguna, sampaguita from Antipolo, and other carefully selected botanicals. Delicate floral notes are balanced by layers of lemongrass from Cavite and Benguet pine from Sagada, resulting in a refined and contemporary spirit that captures the vibrant character of the Philippines. Created as a tribute to Conrad Manila’s decade of exceptional guest experiences, ORKIDÉA reflects the property’s enduring pursuit of excellence, attention to detail, and deep appreciation for local culture.

ORKIDÉA is available in two selections: a 200ml bottle priced at PHP 3,100 nett and a 700ml bottle at PHP 8,500 nett. Guests may also discover its distinctive profile through Conrad Manila’s curated collection of 10th anniversary cocktails at C Lounge, where the spirit lends depth, complexity, and a uniquely local identity to select creations.

The launch was marked by a special bar takeover featuring Alvin Lee of The Old Man Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most celebrated cocktail destinations. Crafting a series of innovative concoctions made with ORKIDÉA, the guest shift highlighted the versatility and refined character of this signature craft gin, bringing fresh life to classic gin cocktails and original serves alike.

As Conrad Manila celebrates its 10th anniversary this 2026, the hotel continues to introduce thoughtfully curated experiences that inspire meaningful connections and memorable celebrations by the bay. For more information on ORKIDÉA and Conrad Manila’s latest offerings, guests may call (63 2) 8833 9999 or (63 917) 650 3747, or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.

September 26, 2026
She Looks Like Mom, But She Isn’t: James Wan and Rob Savage Unleash a New Nightmare in ‘Other Mommy,’ in Cinemas October 7

Horror has been on a thrilling run in 2026, ushering in a fresh era of scares and introducing audiences to bold new nightmares. For producer James Wan, the genre’s evolution is something worth celebrating, especially as a new generation of filmmakers finds inventive ways to frighten moviegoers.

We’re at a very exciting inflection point in the horror genre, but also in cinema in general,” Wan says. “With successes like Obsession and Backrooms you are seeing the next wave of filmmaking—and the next wave of filmmakers—who are making movies and telling stories that are connecting to a whole new generation. I am so excited about where we are going because horror is such a great commentary on societal fears and societal anxieties that we can do a lot of fun things that most other genres cannot.

Meet the Terrifying Other Mommy

Enter Other Mommy, an adaptation of Josh Malerman’s bestselling horror novel, Incidents Around the House. At the center of the chilling story is Bela (Arabella Olivia Clark), a young girl who befriends a sinister entity capable of taking on the appearance of Bela’s mother, played by Jessica Chastain.

For Wan, the unsettling relationship between the mysterious presence and the child it seeks to manipulate made the story particularly compelling.

I was interested in the concept of an entity that mimics someone and uses that ability to get into a child’s heart, get into her mindset, and take over,” Wan says. “I thought it was an interesting way to portray what a demonic presence wants by appealing to a child’s innermost love, innocence and emotion.

Watch the first trailer of Other Mommy:

Rob Savage Embraces the Story’s Darkness

Director Rob Savage was equally determined to explore the unsettling material without stripping away the qualities that made Malerman’s novel so disturbing.

It was non-negotiable for me to preserve the darkness, contradictions, and emotional complexity of the novel,” Savage says. “I did not want to make a softened or sanitized version of this story. When I first came in with my take, I wanted to make sure we were really making the book, and Blumhouse Atomic Monster were completely aligned with that.

And Savage had another ambitious goal. He wanted to turn Other Mommy into the kind of unforgettable horror villain audiences could instantly recognize.

He describes the entity as “something in the tradition of Freddy Krueger or Michael Myers, and there are not many of those in modern horror cinema.”

A Nightmare That Keeps Changing

Rather than simply showing audiences what Other Mommy is capable of, Savage wanted viewers to experience the same uncertainty, fear, and mounting dread that Bela encounters throughout the film.

Whenever she appears, or whenever her presence is felt, you learn something new about what she can do, how she can manipulate Bela, and how she can manipulate the audience, Savage says. The goal was to make sure viewers never felt they had seen the entirety of her.

That unpredictable nature gave Wan and Savage plenty of room to transform the entity into something especially unnerving for the big screen.

The sweetness of Other Mommy is almost too sweet, but underneath it, you feel something coiled and furious,” Savage says. “As she becomes more monstrous, that control starts to slip and the thing underneath begins to come through.

Sweet, familiar, and hiding something horrifying beneath the surface, Other Mommy may look like someone Bela can trust. But appearances can be terrifyingly deceiving.

Other Mommy haunts Philippine cinemas starting October 7.

Follow Universal Pictures PH on Facebook, UniversalPicturesPH on Instagram, and UniversalPicsPH on TikTok for the latest news and updates.

September 25, 2026
“Heart of the Beast” Turns a Dreamlike Wilderness Into a Survival Nightmare, Now Showing Nationwide

What begins as a peaceful escape into the wilderness slowly becomes something far more terrifying in Heart of the Beast, the emotional survival adventure thriller starring Brad Pitt.

Now showing in cinemas nationwide, the film follows retired Special Forces soldier James Belmont, played by Pitt, and his combat dog Odin, portrayed by real German Shepherd Uber. The pair travel to the Alaskan wilderness in search of peace and quiet, only for their journey to take a devastating turn when their plane crashes.

Suddenly stranded in an unforgiving landscape, James must rely on years of military experience and the unwavering loyalty of Odin to survive.

When the Wilderness Becomes the Enemy

The environment becomes the antagonist,” says director David Ayer. “It’s still stunning, but now the glaciers and the ice fields and the trees make it difficult to navigate. But James is an experienced Special Forces operator, so he knows how to move through rough terrain with only a map, a compass and a pencil to guide him.

Filmed both on location and in studio in New Zealand, Heart of the Beast transforms the country’s soaring mountains and deep valleys into an almost otherworldly setting.

Ayer and Academy Award-winning director of photography Mauro Fiore approached the landscapes with a visual style filled with beauty, mystery and hints of magical realism.

Mauro has old-school craftsmanship, artistry and a creative soul,” says Ayer. “His work here is all the more impressive because conditions were physically arduous. We were wet, cold, tired and miserable most of the time. There was something about being embedded in that way that comes across in the photography and brings truth to it.

From an Impressionist Dream to an Expressionist Nightmare

For Fiore and Ayer, creating the film’s visual language meant finding a balance between reality and James’ increasingly uncertain perception of the world around him.

We spoke a bit about the beginning of the film being like an impressionist dream that gradually transforms into an expressionist nightmare,” explains Fiore. “By the end of the film, they are in purgatory. David wants the audience to be unsure of how much of what they’re watching is James’ subjective perception, almost dream imagery, and how much is reality.

That evolving visual atmosphere gives Heart of the Beast more than the thrills of a traditional survival story. As the journey grows increasingly dangerous, the wilderness takes on an emotional and psychological weight of its own.

Brad Pitt, Four Dogs and an Intense Filmmaking Challenge

After a career filled with ambitious action projects, Ayer considers Heart of the Beast one of his most demanding films yet.

I’ve done a lot of action movies with big casts and witty dialogue, but I’ve never felt more exposed as a director,” he admits. “It’s just Brad Pitt and four incredibly talented dogs. The focus and intensity were unparalleled. Every camera choice, every shot, the flow, the visuals, it was all critical.

With much of the film resting on James and Odin, their bond becomes the emotional center of the story.

Ayer points to an early scene in which Watkins, played by J. K. Simmons, describes the region as “the heart of the beast.”

And that’s part of where the title comes from,” the director says. But it also refers to Odin. He has an incredibly powerful heart. And so does James. For 30 years, all he’s known is war. War isn’t always military action. Everybody in their own life has their own struggles. So it’s about Odin’s heart and James’ heart and the beating heart of the environment they’re trying to survive in.

A Story About Taking One More Step

Beyond its action and breathtaking scenery, Ayer hopes audiences connect with the film’s message of perseverance.

It’s about always being able to take one more step and never feeling sorry for yourself,” says Ayer. “There’s something aspirational in that. It’ll take audiences to a place they’ve only imagined and make them feel things they haven’t felt before.

He adds: It hits hard. It shakes you up emotionally and within that emotional journey there’s action, there’s adventure, and there’s fun. At a certain point it grabs you and the next thing you know, it’s over and the credits are rolling, and you have tears in your eyes.

The film has also earned a positive response from critics, with an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing.

Deadline Hollywood praised its emotional core, writing:

As pretty as the natural landscape is to watch, it is still the gut-wrenching emotional reach of this simple story of humanity at its finest, loyalty and friendship at its most meaningful, and above all the heart of a ‘beast’ and the man standing at his side. There will not be a dry eye in the house. If this one doesn’t move you, there is no hope, wrote Deadline Hollywood in their review.

Part survival adventure, part emotional character study, Heart of the Beast puts loyalty, resilience and the bond between a man and his dog against one of nature’s most punishing backdrops.

Heart of the Beast is now showing in cinemas nationwide. Distributed locally by Paramount Pictures PH.

#HeartOfTheBeast

_{Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures”}

September 24, 2026
TicketNet, Gateway Cineplex 18 now accepting Apple Pay for onsite payments

A great night out in the city is all about unwinding, meaning time spent at the ticket counter should feel like a breezy pitstop rather than a time-consuming chore. And now, reclaiming that pre-show excitement just became much easier for fans of film and live entertainment as TicketNet and Gateway Cineplex 18 have officially rolled out support for Apple Pay for onsite, over-the-counter payments, transforming how customers secure their tickets at physical booth windows.

With the integration of Apple Pay, TicketNet customers now have access to even more onsite payment options, offering an alternative to traditional cash or physical credit cards and giving them the flexibility to tailor transactions to their lifestyles. Whether they like to travel light or simply want a highly secure way to check out, they now have the freedom to walk up to the counter and pay using the digital cards already stored on their personal devices.

The integration of Apple Pay is part of TicketNet’s continuous efforts to make the pre-show prep completely effortless for customers. By adopting fast contactless technology, the platform addresses the common pain points of standard lines, like fumbling through bags or waiting for card terminals to finish printing paper receipts. Transactions authorize in a fraction of a second with a quick Face ID scan, allowing physical ticket queues to move significantly faster for spontaneous moviegoers and organized event planners alike.

“At TicketNet, our goal has always been to modernize the local entertainment infrastructure by meeting our patrons exactly where they are digitally. Integrating Apple Pay at our physical box offices removes unnecessary friction, ensuring that securing a ticket is just as swift and enjoyable as the show itself,” said Irene L. Jose, Chief Operating Officer of Uniprom, the entertainment arm of the Araneta Group.

Now is the perfect time to head over to the box office to experience this seamless upgrade for yourself! Visit your nearest TicketNet outlet to secure your tickets so you can enjoy the latest blockbusters on the big screen or see your favorite artists live on stage with ease!

For the complete list of TicketNet outlets, visit https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/ticket-outlets. You can also plan your onsite purchases ahead of time by viewing the full list of the latest titles and live events at https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/.

Don’t miss out by following and giving TicketNet a like on Facebook, and Instagram!

September 24, 2026
Disney+ Unveils Special Look at “The Remarried Empress” After Trailer Tops 13 Million Views

Anticipation for The Remarried Empress is reaching new heights.

With just over a month to go before the highly awaited Korean series arrives on Disney+, its latest official trailer has already amassed more than 13 million views across YouTube and social media platforms within its first 48 hours.

To celebrate the impressive milestone, Disney+ Philippines is giving fans an even closer look at the Eastern Empire with an all-new special look featurette premiering exclusively on the streaming platform later today.

A Closer Look at the Stars and Story

Set to premiere on Disney+ at 3:00 PM Philippine Time, the featurette includes never-before-seen footage and fresh interviews with stars Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young.

The cast opens up about what first attracted them to The Remarried Empress and how they approached bringing the webtoon’s widely known characters to life on screen.

Behind the scenes, series director Cho Suwon, screenwriter Yeoh Geena, and members of the production team also offer viewers a fascinating glimpse at the series’ elaborate sets and costumes.

Among the production’s biggest challenges was finding locations that could capture the grandeur of the beloved source material. According to the team, 16 real-world castles across France, Germany, and the Czech Republic were scouted in search of a setting that could convincingly reflect the majesty of the original webtoon.

A Disney+ First for a Korean Original

The featurette also marks a notable milestone for Disney+.

Its release will be the first time a Korean Original has premiered a special look exclusively on the platform, highlighting the strong interest surrounding The Remarried Empress ahead of its November 4 debut.

And that excitement comes with good reason.

Based on the hit NAVER WEBTOON of the same name, which has accumulated close to three billion views to date, The Remarried Empress brings its sweeping tale of romance, betrayal, ambition, and power to live action.

Love, Power, and a Royal Marriage in Crisis

At the heart of the story is Empress Navier, a beloved ruler whose marriage to Emperor Sovieshu of the Eastern Empire begins to unravel.

As tensions rise throughout the kingdom, Sovieshu falls in love with a runaway slave and becomes determined to win her heart. Refusing to sacrifice her dignity, Navier agrees to the emperor’s request under one extraordinary condition: she must be allowed to remarry Heinrey, the rival Crown Prince of the Western Kingdom.

What follows is a dramatic story of love, desire, regret, and political intrigue, with the fate of an empire hanging in the balance as Navier fights to reclaim her power.

When Does The Remarried Empress Premiere?

The Remarried Empress premieres November 4 exclusively on Disney+ Philippines with its first four episodes.

Following the premiere, two new episodes will be released every Wednesday until the series finale on November 25.

Fans can catch the The Remarried Empress special look later today on Disney+ Philippines, then stream the first four episodes beginning November 4.

September 24, 2026