Blog

  • ‘Scream’ Rated R-16 Without Cuts to Hold Sneak Previews at Select PH Cinemas

    Paramount Pictures has just announced that its US No.1 box-office hit Scream will hold special sneak previews in selected cinemas nationwide on Tuesday, February 1.  Horror fans are advised to check with their favorite theaters for the screening hours and ticket prices.  

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnUeWdf3T6I

    Scream, which opens wide in Philippine cinemas on February 2, has been rated R-16 Without Cuts by the Movie & Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB).  Fans are guaranteed to see the film in its integral, original version, complete with all the “strong language, gore, and graphic depiction of murders.”  As Ben Travis of Empire Magazine writes, “In an era of elevated horror, it’s a gloriously gory basement party.”

    Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past. Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”), Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) and David Arquette (“Dewey Riley”) return to their iconic roles in “Scream” alongside Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Dylan Minnette, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Sonia Ammar.

    scr14527r

    Scream is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett of the filmmaking group Radio Silence (Ready or Not, V/H/S).  The film is written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, based on the characters created by Kevin Williamson.

    Scream is a long-running genre-busting horror franchise which generated four feature films including Scream (1996), Scream 2 (1997), Scream 3 (2000) and Scream 4 (2011). Directed by famed “maestro of horror,” the late Wes Craven, the films went on to gross more than $600 million in worldwide box office receipts.  Williamson wrote the original film as well as Scream 2 and Scream 4. 

    scr01431r

    In Philippine cinemas February 2, Scream is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. Connect with #ScreamMovie and tag paramountpicsph.

  • Learn More About the Academic & Artistic Practices Around Shakespeare in this Webinar Series

    Academics, artists, and everyone interested in the great William Shakespeare must not miss the upcoming webinar series titled To Double Business Bound: Shakespeare as Academic and Artistic Practice.

    Happening every 5 PM from January 26 to 28 via Zoom, this webinar series is set to explore the intersections between academic and artistic practices around Shakespeare, and asks how these might work in a Philippine context. Contrary to seeing the work of Shakespeare scholars and theater practitioners as separate spheres, the series will interrogate and capitalize upon the synergies between them.

    The webinar series also features speakers from leading academic and theatrical institutions in both the Philippines and the UK, including the Shakespeare Institute at Stratford-Upon-Avon of the University of Birmingham, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Check out the speakers and their schedules below:

    To Double Business Bound Webinar Series

    This 3-day webinar series invites all teachers, students, playwrights, and actors interested in Shakespeare. Whether they engage with the plays in the classroom or the theater, on the page or in performance, they can benefit from the insight of both academics and/or practicing artists who can speak to the affordances and challenges of being “to double business bound.”

    For more details, visit the event’s page on Facebook. Click here to register for the webinar series.

  • Usher in the Year of the Water Tiger with Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Lung Hin

    Beginning the year with a generous heart and well-meaning intentions sets the stage for one to fully enjoy and embrace the days to come. At Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila, holiday celebrations continue with the coming Lunar New Year on 1 February 2022. The Year of the Water Tiger, as celestial traditions indicate, is a time of self-reflection and insight which can bring about positive change and stronger relationships. It is for this reason that Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila encourages guests to start 2022 with the traditional symbol of prosperity and good luck, the nian gao (tikoy). These glutinous rice cakes are best shared and enjoyed with friends and loved ones as part of their Lunar New Year festivities.  

    Lung Hin’s premium Signature Nian Gao are available in the following flavors and sizes: The Double Gold Bar Nian Gao (800 grams) is available at PHP 2,268, and may be enjoyed in either Red Dates Sugar flavor or a combination of Red Dates Sugar and Fortune Orange flavors;  while both the Red Dates Sugar Round Nian Gao and the Fortune Orange Round Nian Gao are priced at PHP 1,658 for every 600-gram set. Prices indicated are inclusive of local taxes and applicable charges.  

    Aside from placing direct orders at Lung Hin on Level 44 of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, guests may also reserve their Signature Nian Gao via this link.  

    Guests who wish to feast on Lung Hin’s authentic Cantonese specialties may also look forward to enjoying culinary classics befitting this joyous season. Among the a la carte dishes available for Lunar New Year include the Prosperity Toss with Salmon Yu Sheng, Dong Po-style Braised Pork, and Baked King Prawns with Cheese in Supreme Broth. Set menus are also available for guests dining in the restaurant, as well as for takeaway (with three days minimum notice). More details about Lung Hin’s culinary selections via this link.  

    For more information about Lung Hin’s Signature Nian Gao and its, please call (+632) 7720 7777 or email restaurant.mnl@marcopolohotels.com. Please log-on to marcopolohotels.com for more details on the Hotel’s ongoing promotions. Subscribe to updates via social media through the Hotel’s official social media accounts: facebook.com/MarcoPoloOrtigasManila and @MarcoPoloManila on Twitter and Instagram. 

  • TV Guide: Movies Showing From January 24 to 30, 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 January 24 to 30, 2022.

    January 24, Monday

    Miss Granny
    (5pm, PBO)
    An elderly woman finds a second chance at youth after a life-altering experience at a mysterious photo studio.

    The Equalizer 2
    (6:25pm, HBO)
    If you have a problem and there is nowhere else to turn, the mysterious and elusive Robert McCall will deliver the vigilante justice you seek. This time, however, McCall’s past cuts especially close to home when thugs kill Susan Plummer — his best friend and former colleague. Now out for revenge, McCall must take on a crew of highly trained assassins who’ll stop at nothing to destroy him.

    Must Be Love
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    A tomboyish young girl is distraught when her male best friend starts courting another girl. She must consider changing herself in order to win him over. Will her plan work?

    January 25, Tuesday

    The Great Gatsby
    (10:20pm, HBO)
    Midwest native Nick Carraway arrives in 1922 New York in search of the American dream. Nick, a would-be writer, moves in next-door to millionaire Jay Gatsby and across the bay from his cousin Daisy and her philandering husband, Tom. Thus, Nick becomes drawn into the captivating world of the wealthy and — as he bears witness to their illusions and deceits — pens a tale of impossible love, dreams, and tragedy.

    She’s Dating The Gangster
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    It all started when 17-year-old Athena Dizon unwittingly plays a trick on resident heartthrob and bad boy, Kenji de los Reyes. All of a sudden, she finds herself pretending—unwillingly at that—to be his girlfriend to make his ex jealous. Now, not only does she have to deal with dirty looks from the girls in school who want Kenji for themselves, but her supposed boyfriend is getting on her nerves. He’s hotheaded, never seems to agree with her on anything—and everything about him screams gangster. Has Athena gotten herself into more trouble than she can handle? Or has she actually found herself a boy she can call hers—gangster be damned?

    January 26, Wednesday

    Scooby-Doo
    (5:45pm, HBO)
    Two years after a clash of egos forced Mystery Inc. to close its doors, Scooby-Doo and his clever crime-solving cohorts Fred, Daphne, Shaggy and Velma are individually summoned to Spooky Island to investigate a series of paranormal incidents at the ultra-hip Spring Break hot spot.

    Crazy Beautiful You
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    Sometimes, though we don’t expect to find love, it’s the one that finds us. In “Crazy Beautiful You,” we are introduced to Jackie, whose rebellious spirit forces her mother to take her in a medical mission in Tarlac in hopes that she’d turn for the better. There, Jackie meets a jolly lad named Kiko, who will make sure she gets all her tasks done. In the middle of his mission, he and Jackie will discover something crazy… and beautiful.

    A Secret Affair
    (9:30pm, PBO)
    Rafi, happy with her partner, Mark, is respected for her beauty and personality. Then a major life decision changes everyone’s opinion about her, and a happy-go-lucky woman captures Mark’s attention.

    January 27, Thursday

    Jowable
    (3:30pm, PBO)
    Despite being surrounded and supported by friends, Elsa still feels miserable and envious of every couple she sees. Finally, Lady Luck smiles upon her and she meets a guy, and the attraction is instantly mutual.

    The Hows of Us
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    The Hows Of Us follows the story of couple Primo and George who are in a long-term relationship and are already building and planning their future together. Their love will be put to the test as their relationship faces hurdles – from misunderstandings to different career paths, among others. How will they save their “us”?

    January 28, Friday

    Can’t Help Falling In Love
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    “Can’t Help Falling In Love” will show us how fate will bring together two strangers, named Gab and Dos, who accidentally got married. How? Why? When? Where? And… what?! Will Dos heed Gab’s request of agreeing to an annulment (as soon as possible, take note!)? Will the process be that easy or something will get in the way?

    Inception
    (7:35pm, HBO)
    Dom Cobb is a thief with the rare ability to enter people’s dreams and steal their secrets from their subconscious. His skill has made him a hot commodity in the world of corporate espionage but has also cost him everything he loves. Cobb gets a chance at redemption when he is offered a seemingly impossible task: Plant an idea in someone’s mind. If he succeeds, it will be the perfect crime, but a dangerous enemy anticipates Cobb’s every move.

    Do-Re-Mi
    (9:30pm, PBO)
    Three girls divided by personalities, cultural backgrounds and principles have one thing in common, their love for music.

    January 29, Saturday

    To Love Somebuddy
    (3pm, Cinema One)
    After over a decade, college classmates FAITH and JULIUS meet again, and from a seemingly awkward reunion, a friendship blooms. As their friendship gets deeper, so does their feelings for each other – leading them to try being a couple. But their friendship will be tested by the expectations and problems that come with a relationship. Faith and Julius would journey to understanding that sometimes, choosing to commit to someone is also choosing to grow. This story is an anatomy of how friends turn into lovers-the mistakes that we do and the lessons we learn from it.

    Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
    (4:05pm, HBO)
    The monster family boards a luxury cruise ship so Dracula can take a summer vacation from the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for the pack as they indulge in all of the fun things the cruise has to offer, including monster volleyball, exotic excursions and catching up on their moon tans. However, the dream vacation soon turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy them all.

    Ex With Benefits
    (7pm, PBO)
    Ten years ago, Adam and Arki both dreamed of becoming doctors, but then the couple get into their first major fight, causing Arki to suddenly disappear.

    January 30, Sunday

    Alone/Together
    (7pm, Cinema One)
    College sweethearts Christine and Raf meet again for the first time eight years after their breakup. Once an overachieving art student, Christine has become a failure, whereas Raf, a guy nobody thought, would be a great.

    Maybe This Time
    (7:15pm, PBO)
    Steph learns to be tough and sets her sights on bigger dreams after Tonio ends their relationship without saying goodbye.

    Fast & Furious 6
    (11:20pm, HBO)
    Since Dom and Brian’s heist in Rio left them and their crew very rich people, they’ve scattered across the globe; however, they must still live as fugitives, unable to return home to their families. Meanwhile, Agent Hobbs has been tracking a gang of lethally skilled mercenary drivers whose second-in-command is someone Dom knows. Unable to take them down himself, Hobbs asks Dom and his crew for help in exchange for full pardons for everyone.

  • 10 Shows and Films Coming to Netflix This February 2022

    Since its arrival here in the Philippines, Netflix has been continuously bringing us great content to stream on our favorite devices. Whether it’s a kilig K-drama with characters to fall in love with, a thrilling title that keeps us at the edge of our seats, comedies that give us our much-needed dose of laughter, or just anything that keeps us entertained on the couch or on the go, we surely can count on the streaming service’s rich library of shows and movies.

    If you’re always on the lookout for Netflix’s latest releases, then look no further! We’ve listed down ten shows and films to anticipate and add to your watchlist this month of February!

    Murderville (Series)

    February 3 | Watch it here

    This improvisational comedy series follows the eccentric detective Terry Seattle, who must team up with clueless celebrity guest stars to solve murder cases.

    Murderville
    Photo: Netflix

    Child of Kamiari Month (Film)

    February 8 | Watch it here

    This anime movie follows a young girl who, a year after losing her mother, must journey across Japan and get to the sacred land of Izumo where the annual gathering of gods takes place.

    Love Vs. Stars (Series)

    February 9 | Watch it here

    This Filipino rom-com stars Miles Ocampo as Luna who always believes what the stars tell her. When her best friend, played by Khalil Ramos, confesses his love for her, he gets rejected because astrology deems them incompatible.

    Love and Leashes (Film)

    February 11 | Watch it here

    This naughty South Korean flick stars Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun who finds herself becoming a dominatrix after she starts an office romance with a submissive co-worker played by Lee Jun-Young.

    Inventing Anna

    February 11 | Watch it here

    From Shonda Rhimes comes this limited series based on a New York article. It follows a journalist who tracks down the story of Anna Delvey, who was able to convince New York’s elite that she was a German heiress.

    Forecasting Love and Weather

    February 12 | Watch it here

    This new K-drama starring Park Min Young, Song Kang, Yoon Bak, and Yura centers on the people working at the  Korea Meteorological Administration. Jin Ha-kyung, who just suffered from a brutal break-up, decides not to participate in an office romance again, but that is before the attractive newcomer Lee Si-woo joins the team.

    Twenty Five Twenty One (Series)

    February 12 | Watch it here

    Another new K-drama, Twenty Five Twenty One stars Nam Joo-hyuk of Start-Up and Kim Tae-ri of Space Sweepers. Set during the peak of the East Asian Financial crisis in 1998, the series mainly revolves around an 18-year-old fencer who meets a 22-year-old man trying to rebuild his life– and how their relationship evolves in the span of three years.

    One of Us is Lying (Series)

    February 18 | Watch it here

    After five high school students share a time in detention together, their secrets and a mysterious killing would continue to tie them together outside detention.

    Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Film)

    February 18 | Watch it here

    This sequel is set in the modern day where a bunch of influencers who want to revive a ghost town in Texas becomes the target of the infamous killer Leatherface.

    Space Force, Season 2 (Series)

    February 18 | Watch it here

    The workplace comedy series headlined by Steve Carell resumes its operations as they try to prove their worth under the new administration.

    Space Force Season 2
    Photo: Netflix

    Want weekly updates on your favorite streaming services? Check out our weekly list of online releases on Netflix, HBO GO, and other streaming platforms in the Philippines.

    ALSO READ
    Netflix Films and Shows We Can’t Wait to Stream This 2022
    24 K-Dramas & Movies Coming to Netflix This 2022

  • What to Watch on Netflix PH, HBO GO, & More This Week of Jan. 24 to 30, 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 January 24 to 30, 2022!

    Netflix

    Snowpiercer, Season 3 (Series)

    January 25 | Watch it here

    This season, viewers can expect more infighting between the passengers of the Snowpiercer as Layton continues his war against the train’s inventor Mr. Wilson. A mysterious persona also appears, claiming that she has survived the cold outside world for eight years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBkA4sNY-uI

    Chosen (Series)

    January 27 | Watch it here

    In this sci-fi series, a teenage girl and her friends’ lives are turned upside down when they uncover a secret lurking in their peaceful Danish town.

    All of Us Are Dead (Series)

    January 28 | Watch it here

    In this Korean horror series, a group of students must survive with only their skills and limited resources after getting trapped in their school during a zombie outbreak.

    The Woman in The House Across The Street From The Girl in The Window (Series)

    January 28 | Watch it here

    Kristen Bell stars as Anna in this parody of The Woman in The Window, and other similar thrillers. While obsessing on her hunky neighbor across the street, Anna seems to have witnessed a murder… or did she?

    The Orbital Children (Series)

    January 28 | Watch it here

    This anime is set in 2045 where two children born on the moon and three kids from Earth must survive together after a space station accident left them stranded.

    HBO GO

    The Gilded Age (Series)

    January 25 | Watch it here

    From the creator of Downton Abbey comes this historical drama set in 1882, during the American Gilded Age. It follows the young woman Marian Brook as she stars a new life in New York during a great economic change and rising conflicts.

    Mortal Kombat (Film)

    January 29 | Watch it here

    In the latest movie adaptation of the hit video game franchise of the same name, the MMA fighter Cole Young who bears the dragon mark, must train with experienced warriors to be able to defeat Sub-Zero and take down the strongest enemies of Outworld.

    Upstream

    Dear Evan Hansen (Film)

    January 25 | Watch it here

    The Broadway phenomenon turned movie features Ben Platt as he reprises his role as an awkward and isolated high schooler who must live through the cruelty of the social media age.

    The Green Knight (Film)

    January 28 | Watch it here

    Based on the timeless Arthurian legend, this epic fantasy film from A24 follows King Arthur’s headstrong nephew, Sir Gawain, who embarks on a journey to face the gigantic, emerald-skinned stranger known as the Green Knight.

    —
    Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

    ALSO READ
    35 Pinoy Movies You Can Stream for Free Right Now

  • Historical Drama ‘The Gilded Age’ from ‘Downton Abbey’ Creator Streams on HBO GO and HBO

    From the creator of Downton Abbey, the upcoming new HBO original series The Gilded Age transports you back to New York City in the 1880s, where the fantastically rich individuals get embroiled in a social war during a period of immense economic change.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR6BBun8bNM

    The Gilded Age premieres Tuesday, January 25 at 10am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, with a same day encore at 10pm on HBO. Subsequent episodes will debut every Tuesday.

  • Christian Bautista and Julie Anne San Jose’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ is a Message of Positivity & Hope

    That’s right, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista and Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose continue to expand their repertoire with the release of their brand new collab track, “Everybody Hurts” under Universal Records. 

    The very special song is a perfectly blended mix of pensive harmonies and cathartic vocals from the two multi-awarded OPM icons. The collab track was immaculately produced by a Swedish production company who also managed to work with acts like BTS, Icono Pop, Red Velvet, The Veronicas, TWICE, and many others.

    everybody hurts 2

    “Everybody Hurts” features the theme of perseverance and positivity – something that the world needs more than ever right now. The song lays bare the struggles of people who face harsh realities each and every day. While today’s society really needs heroes and some of us are given a great gift of persistence, resilience, and fortitude, we’re not totally invincible. Even the strongest and most capable person gets hurt and needs saving. 

    The song provides listeners a dose of inspiration and reassurance that everybody may feel hurt and down sometimes, but you’ll surely find better days if you keep your head up high. It’s a great tune to remind you of your worth and when you need to pick yourself up.

    This latest release is not the first collab track from Christian and Julie Anne. Back in 2015, they teamed up for their rendition of “Cruisin”, which got nominated for Favorite Remake at the MYX Music Awards 2016. Likewise, the two worked together in their major concert titled “The Sweetheart and The Balladeer” and headlined an online musical narrative series called “Still” last year.

    everybody hurts

    “Everybody Hurts” is available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms starting January 21, 2022 under Universal Records.

  • Godzilla and the Titans to Return in a New Live-Action Series

    About a year after the ultimate face-off between monsters happened in Godzilla Vs. Kong, an update on Legendary’s next move for the MonsterVerse is finally here! According to a report from Deadline, Apple TV+ has ordered a live-action series that will feature Godzilla and the Titans.

    The project that is yet to be titled is set after the Earth-shaking battle between Godzilla and the Titans in San Francisco, and will follow one family’s journey to uncover the secrets of these monsters and a legacy that links them to the secret organization known as Monarch. Chris Black will serve as the showrunner, while other details about the series are yet to revealed.

    The MonsterVerse kicked off in 2014 with the reboot film Godzilla, followed by Kong: Skull Island in 2017, Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 2019, and Godzilla vs. Kong last year. An anime series titled Skull Island, which is also tied to the MonsterVerse is also in the works and is set to stream on Netflix.

    ALSO READ
    ‘Godzilla Vs. Kong’: 5 Facts You Might Not Know About The Two Titans

    For the latest updates, follow Legendary on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

    —
    Homestream image from Godzilla vs. Kong on Twitter.

  • 3 Brother products that can help you start the year inspired to create

    It’s a new year, and along with it comes a brand-new opportunity to seize the moment and do even better than the year before.

    Whether you want to organize your life in the new year or start creating more out of your inspirations, Brother has your back to help you kick 2022 off in the right way.

    1. Brother Creative Center

    2022 is a good time as any to let your creative juices flow, and if you’re looking for a place to get started, why not try the Brother Creative Center? The Creative Center is a free online portal that has hundreds of ready-made templates for various occasions and purposes, all editable to your heart’s delight. Explore the different categories and try out different printables from planners, organizers, lists, calendars, to even games and educational activities. 

    2. Brother Ink Tank printers

    Brother DCP-T420W Ink Tank Printer
    DCP-T420W Ink Tank Printer

    Whether you’re printing your own creative work or making use of Brother’s ready-to-print designs, bring them to life with your trusted Brother printer. A great model for home use is the DCP-T420W, which easily print everything you create with dazzling vividness and clarity while keeping maintenance costs down. Its wireless feature means you can print anywhere at home with your desktop or mobile devices! It’s not hard to be in the mood to be productive when you’ve got a reliable printer at your side! Explore more of Brother’s Ink tank printers at https://www.brother.com.ph/en/contents/refillinktankprinter. 

    3. Brother SDX1200 Scan N’ Cut machine

    Ready to take your creations to the next level? The Brother SDX1200 Scan N’ Cut is the perfect hobby machine that rounds out your craft. Scan anything with its built-in scanner that captures up to 300 DPI, and cuts paper to these designs with its blade sensor technology. You’ll be amazed at what it can do! The Brother Creative Center is also filled with decors and displays that you can DIY, and with the help of the Scan N’ Cut, there’s no limit to what you can create to make it a fun, inspired year.

    With all of these tools you can use, it won’t be hard to get started on a creative 2022! Head to your nearest authorized Brother dealer to get your own Brother machine today!

    For more details, visit the Brother official website (https://www.brother.com.ph), and follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside, Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brotherphils/), and LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/BrotherPHLinkedIn). Join the Viber Community at https://bit.ly/BrotherShopatHomeViber