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  • Everything You Need to Know About the Netflix K-Drama ‘Forecasting Love and Weather’

    Love is in the air as weather forecasters fall for each other in Netflix’s new K-drama Forecasting Love and Weather. The series directed by Cha Young Hun of When the Camellia Blooms and starring Park Min-young and Song Kang is heading to the streaming platform this February 12, 2022, with two episodes to be released per week.

    Watch the trailer of Forecasting Love and Weather below:

    Before the pilot episode of this series drops tomorrow, we had the chance to virtually attend a press conference for the show which included director Cha Young-hun, and the main cast: Park Min Young, Song Kang, Yoon Bak, and Yura. During the presscon, they talked more about the series, its characters, and how it all came together.

    Synopsis

    This 16-episode rom-com series follows the “cheerful romance drama” of people at the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The story centers on Jin Ha-Kyung who decides not to commit to an office romance ever again after a brutal breakup. But when the new team member Lee Si-woo arrives, she can’t help but fall for him.

    As actress Park Min-young described the series, “It has elements of romance, it has elements of work, growth, and ambition. So it has a diverse array of emotions and elements, and I think this makes the story even more interesting.”

    Forecasting Love and Weather 1
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Forecasting Love and Weather is heading to Netflix on Saturday, February 12, 2022, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Two episodes will be released every week on Saturdays and Sundays with a total of 16 episodes.

    The Cast and Characters

    Forecasting Love and Weather has a star-studded cast K-drama fans would want to watch out for. Park Min-young of What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Her Private Life, and City Hunter plays Jin Ha-Kyung, the youngest chief forecaster in KMA’s Forecasters’ Division 2.

    Forecasting Love and Weather Park Min young
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    “I think for the first time, we’re going to get some cold wind from Siberia,” said Min-young, comparing Jin Ha-Kyung with the bubbly characters she played in the past. “She is very cold-headed, she is a stickler to the principles and rules, and she’s not really a very popular character. Work is always first for her, and I think that’s one of the reasons she was dumped by her boyfriend, she’s always about work.”

    Meanwhile, Song Kang of Navillera, Love Alarm, Nevertheless, and Sweet Home, stars as the special reporter Lee Si-woo. Kang described his character as “an innocent and very funny guy, but he is down to business about the weather.”

    Forecasting Love and Weather Song Kang
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Yoon Bak who starred in You Are My Spring and Itaewon Class will play Ha-kyung’s ex-boyfriend Han Ki-joon, who is the KMA spokesperson director. According to actor Bak, the character “cares a lot about what people think of him,” and is “the worst person.”

    Forecasting Love and Weather Yoon Bak
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Lastly, Yura of Now We Are Breaking Up stars as the daily weather reporter Chae Yoo-jin. “Yoo-jin wants to become successful,” shared Yura. “She is in her 20s, and she has a lot of ambitions, but not everything goes her way so she struggles really hard.”

    Forecasting Love and Weather Yura
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Getting the Cast Onboard

    The series has an exciting roster of stars but what attracted them to join the project? The cast members also answered this question during the press conference. For Park Min-young, it was the uniqueness of the story that got her saying yes.

    Forecasting Love and Weather 2
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    “I never really knew much about the weather service and I don’t think there’s a series that really delved into this area so I thought that was really crisp-fresh,” said Min-young. But she also shared some of the challenges of doing this series: “If there’s like a medical drama or a legal drama, there are a lot of them so I can learn from the other dramas and series. And I kinda know how they speak and what terminologies they use. But for the weather service, I really had no idea how they spoke and what terminologies there are so it was really difficult to look up the terminologies. So I had to look up documentaries in order to familiarize myself with the service.

    “So it was like a big, difficult homework for me. At first, I didn’t think it was too difficult, but now I think this series was one of the most challenging for me. But because it was challenging, I really enjoyed it, and I’m really proud that I pulled it off,” the actress added.

    Forecasting Love and Weather 3
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Meanwhile, Song Kang highlighted the humor of the story and how he relates to his character when answering why he got on board for the project. “First I thought the premise of the KMA is very interesting, and while I was reading the script, I think it was very humorous. It was very funny in some parts, so that is why it was really attractive for me. And my character Si-woo is really innocent, naive, and kind of dorky so I think that he resembles me to some extent that’s why I chose this series,” he explained.

    ALSO READ
    ‘Forecasting Love and Weather’: Interview with Song Kang and Park Min-young

    Yura also loved the humor, as well as the heart-fluttering parts of the script. “I auditioned twice for Forecasting Love and Weather,” shared the actress. “When I read the script, I was just like an audience reading the script, right? So I read the [first through fourth episodes] in the script and I found myself bursting out in laughter and sometimes my heart would flutter. And then I went to see the director, director Cha is such a nice person. I was really touched by his good heart so I was sure that I wanted to be in this series.”

    Forecasting Love and Weather 4
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Yoon Bak, unlike his co-stars actually wanted to say no to the project because of his character. Here’s why he pushed through with the role:

    “I have to be frank, right? I don’t want to lie,” the actor began. “The three actors said that the script was fun and that applied to me too. Everyone was so nice except for my character, Han Ki-Joon. He’s like the worst person ever so I really didn’t like him, but they offered me this character. So I had a meeting, and I was going to say no, and I went to see the director, but then the director persuaded me that I should take this part, so that’s why I became a part of this series. But you know, filming was fun and exciting and I could find the evil inside of me coming out, so it’s a very meaningful experience for me as well.

    Life and the Weather Side by Side

    Asked how the story of Forecasting Love and Weather took shape, director Cha Young-hun explained that it has been in the head of creator and writer Sun Young for a very long time before it was finally brought to life on TV.

    “I think it took her about two years to do all the research and for about eight months, she practically lived at the KMA,” revealed Young-hun. “She worked overnight with them for two months, to really get a grasp of what’s happening there and when I talked to her, I felt like the weather and life of people, I think there are many similarities and I found that very interesting.”

    “We are not able to know what is going to happen next in our life and that is the same for the weather. Then I put myself in the shoes of the people who have to forecast this unpredictable weather, and I think that was the trigger that interested both the writer and myself to this story. We cannot predict what is going to happen next in our lives, or what’s going to happen in the weather. We sometimes get the wrong gut feeling but we don’t give up. Weather forecasters need to continue to make the weather forecast and people need to continue with their everyday life. And I thought that was very intriguing,” the director added.


    Watch Forecasting Love and Weather when it starts streaming on Netflix this February 12, 2022.

    About ‘Forecasting Love and Weather’
    Directed by: Cha Young Hun
    Writer: Sun Young
    Premiere date: February 12th
    Episodes: 16 episodes (Every Sat & Sun 2 episodes per week)
    Starring: Park Min Young, Song Kang, Yoon Bak, and Yura
    Distributed by: Netflix
    Logline: Inside a national weather service, love proves just as difficult to predict as rain or shine for a diligent forecaster and her free-spirited co-worker.
    Release Date: February 12, 2022

  • Score These Treats for Singles and Couples at Cinema ‘76 Café This Valentine Weekend

    Whether you’re single or coupled up, Cinema ‘76 Café in Anonas, Quezon City got you covered this Valentine’s Weekend. The movie-themed al fresco café annexed to a state-of-the-art microcinema is the perfect dining and dating spot this love month.

    Singles Happy Hour 

    Single Awareness Day does not have to be all that gloomy. You and your friends can celebrate with unlimited cocktails on Friday, February 11 starting at 6 pm until midnight. For only Php 499, you can enjoy glasses of Tequila Sunrise, Zombie, Daiquiri, Screw Driver, and Amaretto Sour. Consume responsibly so you won’t end up having an “I’m drunk, I love you.” confession that you would regret.

    Singles Hour FA

    Valentine’s Package

    Keep your love stronger with Cinema ‘76 Café’s Couple’s Valentine’s Packages available on Feb. 12 – 13 from 5 pm until midnight. Both come with a charcuterie board of sumptuous snacks, Package A is partnered with two glasses of red wine while Package B includes two cocktail drinks, either Vodka Cranberry or Tequila Sunrise. Each cost Php 1,299. For continuous enjoyment, add Php 200 to upgrade to bottomless drinks.
    Reserve your spot this Valentine Weekend by filling out the form here: https://bit.ly/C76CafeValentine.

    Valentines Package A

    Package A: Charcuterie Board + 2 Glasses Red Wine Php 1299

    Valentines Package B

    Package B: Charcuterie Board + 2 Glasses Cocktails (Choose from Vodka Cranberry or Tequila Sunrise) Php 1299

    Enjoy our Valentine Drink – Red Velvet Latte

    February might as well be red velvet month.  For some alcohol-free Valentine’s treat, immerse in the romantic vibe with the café’s featured drink of the month, Red Velvet Latte for only Php 130.

    Valentine Drink

    Movie Dates at Cinema ‘76

    Why stop at just dining when you can also enjoy a movie or two? Nothing beats old-fashioned movie dates during Hearts’ Day at Cinema ‘76 micro-cinema. You can watch Marry Me, a kilig story between a math teacher and a pop star played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Lopez. Find out how love ties two people from different worlds.

    If you’d rather solve a mystery together with your S.O., then take your deductive sweetheart to the screening of Murder on The Nile, which stars Gal Gadot, Kenneth Branagh, and Emma Mackey. Learn what happens when you try to steal your friend’s boyfriend in this thrilling detective story. Book tickets now at Cinema ‘76 via bit.ly/c76tickets.

    Indeed, movies, coffee, romance – and even self-love – make a good mix at Cinema ‘76 Café.

    Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cinema ‘76 Cafe are located at Anonas LRT City Center, Aurora Blvd., Quezon City. For more updates, follow Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cinema ‘76 Café.

  • The Rockwell Valentine Playbook: A Valentine’s Celebration for Rockwellists!

    Rockwell shows patrons how they can safely express their love in different ways, even through the little things, this Valentine’s season. From February 4 to 14, 2022, exciting flower fairs, gifts, rewards, and more, await Rockwellists. 

    The Rockwellist Valentine Confections Promo Art

    Flower and Gift Fair 

    Lush and vibrant arrangements from Petalier, The Glasshouse Flowers, Designer Blooms, Roger Acierda Flowershop, and Fleur Creatif are showcased at the Flower and Gift Fair, at the North Court and Lifestyle Hallway at the R1 Level. Exquisite jewelry pieces from Heart Factory Accessories and Paul Raymond Studio, and local artisanal bags and novelty items from Touch of Craft, can be found at The Gift Fair. 

    Those who have been craving for their favorite home-baked pastries can catch Baker’s Dozen at the P1 Level, with its latest addition, The Manila Baker. 

    Gift Bundle

    The Rockwellist Valentine Confections 

    Valentine’s this year is even more special as Rockwell has curated chocolates, which shoppers can get for free when they earn at least 750 rewards points on The Rockwellist mobile app from Feb. 4 to 14, 2022. This set can be purchased as well on shop.TheRockwellist.com. 

    Exclusive gift bundles are available only on Rockwell’s e-commerce website. Customers can pair the chocolates with bouquets from The Glasshouse Flowers to create the ideal gift set for their loved ones. 

    Rockwell Goes Streetside 

    This year’s occasion can be more enjoyable as Rockwellists can dine safely outdoors at Lopez and Plaza Drive, One Rockwell, Joya Lofts & Towers, Edades, and 8 Rockwell. Bar Pintxos, Marudori, and Ramen Ron are just some of the few of the restaurants where customers can spend their Valentine’s celebration, with a relaxed atmosphere. 

    Learn more at Power Plant Mall’s Facebook and Instagram pages. 

  • Savor 16-Hour Ribs This Valentine’s at Nosh Market

    While most are scrambling on what to get their loved ones, sometimes the easiest choice is right in front of you. There’s a bearing when people say food is the way to a man’s heart. That’s why the good people of Nosh Market came out with Bae-by Back Ribs for February.

    Nosh Market

    For only Php 1,500 you get a dozen Ribs! Yes, it’s Bae-by Back Ribs Season. The rib dozen is a mix of Nosh Market’s best sellers, General Tso’s Ribs, NY Buffalo Ribs & the Ultimate Ribosado. These 16-hour ribs are super tender and luscious. The Dozen of Ribs Sampler comes with Picnic fried rice, buttered corn discs and their special Guava Coleslaw. 

    Nosh Market Ribosado

    To order you may call or text 0917-116-3693, (632) 8740-6550. For more info visit their FB & IG pages @NoshMarketPH 

  • Panda Express to Open its First Delivery and Take-out Store in Quezon City

    Welcoming the new year with a new store, Panda Express®—the world’s largest American Chinese dining concept—is set to open its first Delivery and Take-out store in Quezon City on February 14, 2022. 

    Panda Express

    Located in Don Antonio, Brgy. Holy Spirit, Commonwealth, Quezon City, the new Panda Express Delivery and Take-out store will focus solely on cooking and fulfilling online and take-out orders, providing more convenient access to guests across Metro Manila’s most populous city while maintaining the same food safety and quality standards that the restaurant is known for.

    “We have seen the evolving needs of our customers during the pandemic, and strengthening our Delivery and Take-out channels is the first step in providing speedy dining solutions to serve the increasing demand for off-premise consumption,” said Allan Tan, Marketing Head of Jollibee Group Foreign Franchised Brands.

    The Delivery and Take-out restaurant is optimized with new efficient equipment that will help Panda Express associates prepare freshly made, delicious American Chinese dishes more quickly and improve the brand’s delivery coverage, resulting in shorter delivery times and better customer experience. The delivery coverage includes select areas of Valenzuela, Marikina, Caloocan and Quezon City.

    Panda Express 2

    Celebrate the new year with Panda’s Family and Party Trays! 

    Panda Express makes it easy to celebrate and share meaningful moments with family and friends through the Family and Party Trays.  Order all of your Panda favorites, including its bestselling The Original Orange Chicken®, a crispy chicken dish wok-tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce; crowd favorite Honey Walnut Shrimp, made with large, crispy tempura-battered shrimp, wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts; and Black Pepper Steak, a delicious and comforting entree, made with tender steak slices and freshly chopped vegetables like string beans, onions, red bell peppers, and mushrooms in a flavorful black pepper sauce.

    What are you waiting for? Celebrate with Panda Express and enjoy a delicious feast via take-out or delivery through order.pandaexpress.com.ph, GrabFood, or foodpanda.

    Aside from the Panda Express store in Don Antonio Quezon City, Panda Express also has other locations in SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Grand Central, and in Double Dragon Meridian Park in Pasay City.To get more information about Panda Express, visit www.facebook.com/PandaExpressPH/ (Facebook) and @PandaExpressPH (Instagram).

  • WATCH: Bullock & Tatum’s Comedy Adventure ‘The Lost City’ Drops Big Game Spot & Poster

    Bullock. Tatum. Are they taken? Are they took-en? Find out in Paramount Pictures’ new comedy adventure The Lost City, starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum & Daniel Radcliffe. Check out the film’s newly launched Big Game Spot and main poster below.  The Lost City opens exclusively in Philippine cinemas April 22.

    Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.

    poster

    The Lost City is directed by Adam Nee and Aaron Nee, with screenplay by Oren Uziel and Dana Fox and Adam Nee & Aaron Nee, story by Seth Gordon.  The film is produced by Liza Chasin, Sandra Bullock, Seth Gordon; executive produced by JJ Hook, Dana Fox, Julia Gunn, Margaret Chernin.

    The cast is led by Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nuñez, Patti Harrison, Bowen Yang.

    The Lost City is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram  and Youtube. Connect with #TheLostCity and tag paramountpicsph.

  • WATCH: ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ Unveils Epic Trailer

    Experience the epic conclusion to the Jurassic era as two generations unite for the first time in Jurassic World Dominion when it opens in Philippine cinemas this June.

    In Jurassic World Dominion, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are joined by Oscar®-winner Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill in Jurassic World Dominion, a bold, timely and breathtaking new adventure that spans the globe.  From Jurassic World architect and director Colin Trevorrow, Dominion takes place four years after Isla Nublar has been destroyed. Dinosaurs now live—and hunt—alongside humans all over the world. This fragile balance will reshape the future and determine, once and for all, whether human beings are to remain the apex predators on a planet they now share with history’s most fearsome creatures.

    JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION Chris Pratt

    Jurassic World Dominion, from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, propels the more than $5 billion franchise into daring, uncharted territory, featuring never-seen dinosaurs, breakneck action and astonishing new visual effects.

    The film features new cast members DeWanda Wise (She’s Gotta Have It), Emmy nominee Mamoudou Athie (Archive 81), Dichen Lachman (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Scott Haze (Minari) and Campbell Scott (The Amazing Spider-Man 2). The film’s returning cast includes BD Wong as Dr. Henry Wu, Justice Smith as Franklin Webb, Daniella Pineda as Dr. Zia Rodriguez and Omar Sy as Barry Sembenè. 

    Chirs Pratt in JURASSIC WORLD DOMINION

    Jurassic World Dominion is directed by Colin Trevorrow, who steered 2015’s Jurassic World to a record-shattering $1.7 billion global box office. The screenplay is by Emily Carmichael (Battle at Big Rock) & Colin Trevorrow from a story by Derek Connolly (Jurassic World) & Trevorrow, based on characters created by Michael Crichton. Jurassic World Dominion is produced by acclaimed franchise producers Frank Marshall p.g.a. and Patrick Crowley p.g.a. and is executive produced by legendary, Oscar®-winning franchise creator Steven Spielberg, Alexandra Derbyshire and Colin Trevorrow.

  • ‘The Broken Marriage Vow’ is the Most Watched Show on iWantTFC, Most Viewed Asian Drama on VIU

    More and more viewers all over the country are hooked on Jill’s (Jodi Sta. Maria)’s saga in the Kapamilya drama series “The Broken Marriage Vow,” which is currently the most watched show on iWantTFC and the most viewed Asian drama on Viu in the Philippines.

    Jill Jodi Sta. Maria 1

    Jill’s ongoing investigation into her husband David’s (Zanjoe Marudo) extramarital affair is seen in the series’ new episodes, which are available on both streaming platforms 48 hours before their TV broadcast.  

    Jill is quickly running out of patience after David flatly denied to her face that he has another woman. She also found out from Marina (Susan Africa), David’s mother, that David and Lexy (Sue Ramirez) have been having an affair for two years now, and not three months, as previously told to Jill.

    As Jill continues to act normal around David, she is working out a game plan with Atty. Dante (Franco Laurel), who advised her to look into her husband’s financial records before filing for an annulment. To uncover the truth, Jill will seduce and blackmail Charlie (Ketchup Eusebio), David’s philandering friend who is secretly attracted to her.

    David and Lexy Zanjoe Marudo and Sue Ramirez 3

    Jill will also instruct Diane (Jane Oineza) to befriend Lexy and keep her up-to-date about Lexy’s relationship with David.

    Lexy, meanwhile, has decided to keep her baby, clinging to David’s promise that he will be responsible for the child and that he will leave Jill eventually.

    David Zanjoe Marudo 2

    Aside from iWantTFC and Viu, “The Broken Marriage Vow” can also be seen on weeknights at 8:40 PM on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Viewers who use any digital TV box at home such as the TVplus box only need to rescan their device to be able to watch “The Broken Marriage Vow” on TV5 and A2Z. The series is also available to viewers out of the Philippines on iWantTFC and The Filipino Channel (TFC) on cable and IPTV.

    For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day The Spanish Way at Las Flores, Rambla, Tomatito & BCN by Las Flores

    Ignite your date with hearty, soulful dishes in Las Flores’ Valentine’s Degustacion Menu. Start with these specialty tapas: Salmon & Salmon and Chorizo Frito. What is Spanish dining like without the paella? Incomplete. Las Flores’ menu includes its famous Paella Negra. For a sweet treat, there are Churros dipped in warm chocolate.

    Bistronomia’s Valentine’s Degustacion Menu is available from February 11-28  at P 1,495/person

    Las Flores Valentine menu

    Over at Rambla, the Valentine’s Degustacion Menu is a filling feast that starts with Salmon & Salmon Air Baguettes and Chorizo Al Vino. They also have Paella Negra and Churros for dessert.

    Rambla Valentines Menu

    Another Spanish restaurant where you can spend a romantic date is Tomatito. Their Degustacion Menu is comprised of Iberian Ham Croquettes and Gambas Al Ajillo for starters.  Mar Y Montana is the featured paella while Churros with Warm Chocolate is a fitting ending to a special meal. 

    Tomatito Valentine Menu

    Indulge in a romantic dinner at BCN by Las Flores with their Degustacion Menu and start off with Mushroom Iberian Ham Croquettes and Gambas. It also includes Paella Mar y Montanya and Churros for a sweet ending.

    Bistronomia’s Valentine’s Degustacion Menu is available from February 11-28  at P 1,495/person. To book a table, please visit bit.ly/bistronomia-ph .For more details, visit Facebook.com/lasfloresph; Facebook.com/ramblaph; Facebook.com/tomatitomanila; and Facebook.com/bcnbylasflores.

  • WATCH: Reboot Film of Stephen King’s ‘Firestarter’ Unveils Trailer

    Another Stephen King thriller is being revived on the big screen!

    Stephen King’s Firestarter which was adapted into a film in the 80s is getting revamped for another big-screen treatment this year. The first trailer for the new movie has just been revealed, featuring a fiery pyrokinetic kid trying to control her inhuman powers.

    Watch it below:

    From Blumhouse comes Firestarter which tells the extraordinary story of Charlie. For more than a decade, the young girl’s parents have been on the run, trying to keep Charlie’s pyrokinetic powers hidden as a shadowy federal agency wants to harness it and use it as a weapon of mass destruction. When a mysterious operative is deployed to hunt her down, the girl must learn how to use her power and fight fire with fire.

    Firestarter Poster
    Photo: Firestarter Movie website

    The film stars Zac Efron, Sydney Lemmon, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Michael Greyeyes, Kurtwood Smith, John Beasley, and Gloria Reuben. It is directed by Keith Thomas from a screenplay by Scott Teems. Firestarter premieres in theaters and streaming via Peacock this May 13.