Tag: HBO GO

Catch Explosive Action, Familiar Favourites and a Special Batman Day Line-up on HBO Go, Warner TV and Cartoon Network this September
This month, HBO premieres two thrillers, The Protégé and Last Night in Soho, while all-new seasons of The Cleaning Lady, DC’s Stargirl and Young Sheldon return on Warner TV. Cartoon Network presents two brand-new series premiere – Monkie Kid brings us MK, a young boy who discovers the Monkey King’s staff and finds himself on a mission to defeat evil, and Mumfie, a young elephant with the best intentions. To top it off, celebrate Batman Day with the best of the Caped Crusader’s films and animated series on HBO, HBO GO and Cartoon Network!

Killer instincts and mystery on HBO and HBO GO

The Protégé

Premieres Saturday, September 10 on HBO and HBO GO

The Protégé – Maggie Q and Samuel L. Jackson

Rescued as a child by the legendary assassin Moody and trained in the family business, Anna is the world’s most skilled contract killer. But when Moody the man who was like a father to her and taught her everything she needs to know about trust and survival is brutally killed, Anna vows revenge. As she becomes entangled with an enigmatic killer whose attraction to her goes way beyond cat and mouse, their confrontation turns deadly and the loose ends of a life spent killing will weave themselves ever tighter. Stars Samuel L. Jackson, Maggie Q and Michael Keaton.

Last Night in Soho

Premieres Saturday, September 24 on HBO and HBO GO

Last Night in Soho – Anya Taylor-Joy

In this psychological thriller by acclaimed director Edgar Wright, Eloise an aspiring fashion designer, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer, Sandie. But the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker. Stars Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor Joy.

DC’s Stargirl Season 3

Premieres Thursday, September 1 on Warner TV

DCs Stargirl S3 – Brec Bassinger

Follow high school sophomore Courtney Whitmore as she inspires an unlikely group of young heroes to stop the villains of the past. This new drama reimagines Stargirl and the very first superhero team, the Justice Society of America, in an unpredictable series that focuses on the character that started creator Geoff Johns’ career as a comic book writer when he created her in 1999. Stars Brec Bassinger, Luke Wilson, Amy Smart, Yvette Monreal, and Anjelika Washington.

The Cleaning Lady Season 2

Premieres Tuesday, September 20 on Warner TV

The Cleaning Lady – Elodie Yung

A whip-smart Cambodian doctor comes to the U.S. for medical treatment to save her ailing son, but when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she refuses to be beaten down and marginalized. Instead, she becomes a cleaning lady for organized crime, using her cunning and intelligence to forge her own path in the criminal underworld. Stars Elodie Yung, Adan Canto, Oliver Hudson, Martha Millan and Sean Lew.

Young Sheldon Season 6

Premieres Friday, September 30 on Warner TV

Young Sheldon S6 – Raegan Revord and Iain Armitage

It isn’t easy growing up in East Texas when you’re a once-in-a-generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science in a land where church and football are king. As a vulnerable, gifted and somewhat naïve Sheldon deals with the world, his very normal family must find a way to deal with him. His father struggles with a son he doesn’t understand while his mother fiercely protects and nurtures her son in a town where he just doesn’t fit in. Sheldon’s older brother, Georgie, does the best he can in high school, but it’s tough to be cool when you’re in the same classes with your odd 9-year-old brother. Finally, there’s Sheldon’s twin sister, Missy, who sometimes resents all the attention Sheldon gets, but also remains the one person who can reliably tell Sheldon the truth. Stars Iain Armitage, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Annie Potts, Montana Jordan and Raegan Revord.

Fun adventures and escapades on Cartoon Network

Monkie Kid

Premieres Saturday, September 3 on Cartoon Network

HBO GO – Monkie Kid

A young boy named MK, who is obsessed with the old legends, discovers Monkey King’s staff that was left on top of a hill to imprison the Demon Bull King. When the Demon Bull King is released, MK must go on a journey of self-discovery to become the hero this generation needs. Through trials and tribulations, MK will discover new powers, responsibilities, and ways of defeating the villains in this futuristic world.

Mumfie

Premieres Saturday, September 24 on Cartoon Network

HBO GO – Mumfie

Meet Cartoonito’s Mumfie, a beautifully optimistic young elephant, and his best friends Pinkey and Jelly Bean! In the intriguing episode ‘The Three Promises’, Mumfie is sure he can keep all three promises to his friends, but for how long? Then in ‘Incredible Jelly Bean’, Jelly Bean tells everyone that he can speak every language in the world. Also check out ‘A Little Joke’ where it is Neighbours Day and Mumfie and his friends are busy preparing the festivities, but they are plagued by a mysterious joker who has decided to disrupt the preparations.

Celebrate Batman Day on HBO, HBO GO and Cartoon Network

The Batman

Premieres Saturday, September 17 on HBO

The Batman – Robert Pattinson

Set in his second year of fighting crime, Batman uncovers corruption in Gotham City while facing a serial killer known as the Riddler. The star-studded ensemble of Gotham’s famous and infamous cast of characters includes Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell. Stream The Batman on HBO GO.

Batman Day Programming Stunt

From Saturday-Sunday, September 16 – 17 on HBO GO

Zack Snyders Justice League – Ray Fisher and Ben Affleck

Grab some popcorn and spend your weekend with the Caped Crusader through Seasons 1 and 2 of Batman: The Animated Series on September 16. Not to be missed are also some of the very best crime-fighting action from The Batman, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and The Dark Knight on September 17, all streaming on HBO GO.

Animated Action

On Saturday, September 17 on Cartoon Network

HBO GO – Batman The Brave and The Bold

Enjoy an epic Batman marathon of LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite, Lego DC Batman: Family Matters, Batman: The Brave And The Bold, and Justice League Action.

Channel numbers for your reference:
- Cartoon Network: Cignal: Ch. 74 (SD), Ch. 220 (HD), Sky Cable: Ch. 43 (SD), Ch. 178 (HD)
- Boomerang: Cignal: Ch. 76, Sky Cable: Ch. 42
- Warner TV: Cignal Ch. 235 and Sky Cable Ch. 34 (SD) and Ch. 197 (HD)
- HBO: Cignal: Ch. 53 (SD), Ch. 210 (HD), Sky Cable: Ch. 54 (SD) and Ch. 168 (HD)
Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.
September 1, 2022
Stream New Seasons of Captivating Series on HBO GO this September

Enter the dystopian world of Gilead in the critically-acclaimed series, The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5 and follow the struggles of survivors in La Brea Season 2. Return for animated adventures with Rick and Morty Season 6 and enjoy new episodes of We Baby Bears. Catch the highly anticipated series, House of the Dragon, an HBO Original series and more on HBO GO.

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5

Premieres Thursday, September 15 on HBO GO

The Handmaid’s Tale

Adapted from the classic novel by Margaret Atwood, this award-winning series tells the story of life in the dystopian land of Gilead, a totalitarian society in what was formerly the United States, where women are oppressed and only valued for their ability to produce offspring. Season 5 cast members include Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, Bradley Whitford, Samira Wiley and Ann Dowd. Over its past four seasons, the series received a total of 75 Emmy® nominations with 15 Emmy® wins including for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actress (Elisabeth Moss) and Outstanding Supporting Actress (Ann Dowd). Catch-up on seasons 1 to 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale on HBO GO.

La Brea Season 2

Premieres Wednesday, September 28 on HBO GO

LA BREA

This sci-fi mystery series centres on a group of Los Angelenos after a massive sinkhole opens in Los Angeles, pulling people and buildings into a mysterious and dangerous primeval land where they have no choice but to band together to survive. In season two, the Harris family remains separated as Eve is reeling from her son, Josh, having mistakenly gone through a portal to 1988. What she doesn’t know yet is that her ex-husband, Gavin, and their daughter, Izzy, have landed in prehistoric Seattle and now must brave the elements and animals to make their way to L.A. Relive the first season of La Brea on HBO GO.

Rick and Morty Season 6

Premieres Monday, September 5 on HBO GO

Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty are back! This award-winning animated hit comedy series follows a sociopathic genius scientist who drags his inherently timid grandson on insanely dangerous adventures across the universe. Rick Sanchez is living with his daughter Beth’s family and constantly bringing her, his son-in-law Jerry, granddaughter Summer, and grandson Morty into intergalactic escapades. Stream all seasons of Rick and Morty on HBO GO.

New Episodes of We Baby Bears

From Saturday, September 10 on HBO GO

We Baby Bears

Don’t miss the fresh expansion of the beloved We Baby Bearsfranchiseas Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear takes fans through spectacular landscapes and musical inspirations to go on unforgettable journeys in their magic box. Each episode transports them into vibrant and colourful worlds where they befriend legions of familiar fairy tale faces and faced with the decision to stay or to continue their journey, looking for a permanent abode they can call home. Stream past episodes of We Baby Bears and all seasons of We Bare Bears on HBO GO.

Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

September 1, 2022
Adult Swim unleashes Global ‘Rick and Morty’ Fan Experience: #Wormageddon!

WORMAGEDDON has arrived!

Leading into the season six premiere of Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty on HBO GO, fans around the world are invited to participate in an immersive adventure that brings to life the two-time Emmy® Award-winning animated hit comedy series. #WORMAGEDDON is a global “living episode” and treasure hunt that features 14 unique and immersive scenes that bridge the events from the season five finale episode with the recently announced season six premiere.

Reaching every continent except Antarctica, spectacular new custom scenes will unfold nearly every day until #WORMAGEDDON concludes with the season six global premiere of Rick and Morty on Monday, September 5 – only on HBO GO – the same time as the US. Fans in the Philippines can also stream Seasons 1-5.

Facing a threat of complete global destruction, the heroes and anti-heroes of Rick and Morty will team up against #WORMAGEDDON. Between the destruction of the Citadel of Ricks at the end of season five and the beginning of season six, a new threat lands on Earth in the form of a mysterious alien worm that aims to take over the planet.

Featuring 14 custom scenes that showcase the worm’s destructive path and featuring fan-favorite Rick and Morty characters, starting on Monday fans are invited to join the hunt and unlock clues to discoverthe nine hidden locations in countries around the world. The first fan to find each hidden location in person will be rewarded on the spot with a life-size golden “Rick” head. Fans can get details and rules on how to participate in the global treasure hunt here.

“To celebrate the new season, we are inviting fans around the globe to take part in an immersive experience that allows them to go on a real-life Rick and Morty adventure,” said Tricia Melton, chief marketing officer for Warner Bros. Discovery Kids, Young Adults and Classics group. “Our world is being invaded by alien space worms so menacing that #WORMAGEDDON has been declared on nearly every continent. The first fan to find the hidden battle scenes around the world will nab a golden Rick head, clearly one of the most collectible items in the universe.”

To set the stage for this new adventure, Adult Swim debuted a series of custom animated shorts about the origins of this dangerous alien invasion. [A Citadel Secret] premiered at the Rick and Morty panel at the Adult Swim Festival Block Party on August 6, followed by [A Journey to Earth] on August 17. The two shorts have received a combined total of 6MM+ global views and counting. Then came the debut of [Threat Level: Wormageddon] in which Rick is alerted about #WORMAGEDDON and enlists others to join him in the battle against the massive alien monster.

Fans can follow along as the beloved characters from Rick and Morty battle to save Earth from #WORMAGEDDON by visiting the show’s official social channels and on RickandMorty.com.

Rick and Morty was the #1 comedy across all US cable in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Since launch, Rick and Morty ranks as one of the top series for HBO Max, and HBO GO in Southeast Asia. Lifetime to date, Rick and Morty has been viewed over 10B times globally, across linear, digital, and streaming.

August 31, 2022
On the Shoulders of Dragons: a review HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’ Pilot Episode

There’s no question about the impact that ‘Game of Thrones’ has made globally. It can be argued that it was one of the most impactful and most successful television series of its time with many publications saying it is one of the most ambitious and probably one of the best series ever made for the medium. Despite the backlash it had received over its final season, there are still a lot of people who are searching for the next series that they can invest in as much as they did with ‘Game of Thrones.’

HBO hopes to deliver this was the spin-off ‘House of the Dragon,’ which is set almost two hundred years before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’ during a time when the Targaryens sat on the Iron Throne of Westeros, dragons were not an uncommon sight, and there was a reign of peace over the land. Fans of the world that ‘Game of Thrones’ built may want to return and see its history. The events of this series dramatize what is referred to in ‘Game of Thrones’ when they talk about that world’s past. It promises the same level of intrigue and violence that the first series delivered in droves.

But the expectations are high. After 8 seasons of ‘Game of Thrones,’ the show is now going to ask its viewers to fall in love with a whole new set of characters and reacclimate themselves to a different Westeros. As prefaced in the pilot episode’s opening, the Targaryens have ruled the land with the power of their mighty dragons (I believed ten was mentioned) and peace had reigned over their kingdom.

From the production design alone, everything looks different. While, in the ‘Game of Thrones,’ Westeros just came from a civil war, in ‘House of the Dragon’ it is peacetime. While the architecture looks less refined, it’s brighter and cleaner and there’s less debris. It’s that significant little textures that make this show visually appealing.

And within the first fifteen minutes of the show, you already get to see a dragon or two, which is always going to be a highlight of this show. So that’s crossing out some important items off of the checklist. The hour and fifteen-minute pilot goes straight into the action, comfortable that we already are aware of this setting and the milieu that it seldom slows down for us to really get to know the characters. In a way, the pilot feels more like a movie than an immersive fantasy show and that worries me.

^{Photo Courtesy of HBO}

We are introduced to the royal family – King Viserys (played by Paddy Considine), his daughter Princess Rhaenyra (played by Emma D’Arcy), the king’s brother Prince Daemon (played by Matt Smith), and the King’s cousin Princess Rhaenys (played by Eve Best) – and the dynamics of their relationships with each other. Through a prologue, the politics are already a play and the show takes no time to set things in motion. The Iron Throne is still the prize but as the first episode unfolds, it seems this one is fighting for the legitimacy of rulership.

This is a family affair and all signs point to a bloody and messy business in the succeeding episodes.

And while all the elements are there – production design, a strong cast, stunning visuals, and a healthy dose of politics and dragons – the pilot never really stops to settle down and allows us to get to know these characters well. Unfortunately, ‘House of the Dragon’ will be compared to its predecessor and because the first season of ‘Game of Thrones’ didn’t have the budget it did in later seasons, it really focused on character development and world-building. By the time Sean Bean’s Ned Stark brought his wife and children to King’s Landing, we had our favourites and we knew and felt the world fully that the surprise violence (and even deaths) had a powerful effect on us.

^{Photo Courtesy of HBO}

By the end of the episode, I’m still unsure of how I feel about these characters. No matter how good the acting is – and I love the casting of Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra – I don’t feel attached yet to anyone. I’m following the plot more than I am the characters and, for a television series, that’s a dangerous thing. It’s the characters that get you through to the next episode and the next season.

There are some things that stand out. In a negative way, there’s the gratuitous nudity and objectification of women (and men as well, and while the misogyny is part of the world and it is addressed narratively) it just feels like it’s there because it’s a ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off. At the same time, one of the lords of the court, Lord Corlys (played by Steve Toussaint), is a black man with white hair. Is he a Targaryen? I’m not sure.

It’s so glaring because in ‘Game of Thrones’ there were no people of color in Westeros (though Dorn was inhabited primarily by Hispanic actors) though there were many in Mereen and Pentos and the lands East of Westeros. While I’m all for diversity, it just stood out so much in the first episode. Maybe it will be addressed? Maybe I’ll just let it go after a few episodes? I don’t know but it’s there.

^{Photo Courtesy of HBO}

On the other hand, the ‘House of the Dragon’ pilot episode reaches a fever pitch in a wonderfully edited scene during a jousting match and a birth – these two simultaneous events are the catalyst for the main conflict that is hinted at in the preview of the season at the end of the episode – there’s cinematic genius here as the juxtaposing images of violence and childbirth underscores the dangers of this world and that this period of peace is hanging by a thread.

And with regards to the misogyny, it seems that Princess Rhaenyra’s story would center around her own battle for independence and liberation. There’s talk about a woman’s place in the kingdom and she will have none of that. If the show pursues this and even begins to subvert the gratuitous nudity and sex in the succeeding episodes, then it will start to really veer away from the shadow of its predecessor.

Because ‘Game of Thrones’ has left a big impact upon the world, everyone will be critical of ‘House of the Dragon.’ It’s got tough shoes to fill and can’t afford any mistakes in its first season. The promise is there and it’s off to a shaky start. But if ‘House of the Dragon’ manages to give us characters we can invest in, then it will probably help fill the ‘Game of Thrones’ shaped hole in our regular television viewing habits.

My Rating:

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House of the Dragon premieres on HBO GO this August 22.

ALSO READ:
Here’s Your First Look at the Cast of ‘Game of Thrones’ Prequel ‘House of the Dragon’
WATCH: ‘Game of Thrones’ Spinoff ‘House of the Dragon’ Drops Trailer

August 22, 2022
Lea Salonga & Malia Pyles Talk Filipino Representation and More in HBO’s ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’

New lies are made, new secrets surface, and a new generation of Liars must uncover the truth behind the bloody murders committed by the new A in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, streaming on HBO GO this July 28.

Instead of a full reboot, Original Sin is set in the universe of the original Pretty Little Liars series, with the events taking place in the town of Millwood where new characters face a mysterious menace familiar to fans. This time, the teens are pursued by a new killer taking the alias of A, for the secrets that their mothers have kept since they were teens themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnXgKHt—w

What’s no longer a secret about Original Sin is that our very own Lea Salonga stars in the show as Elodie, the mother of one of the latest Liars, Minnie “Mouse” Honrada. Elodie is described as an overbearing mother who is trying to keep her daughter safe from past trauma.

Salonga’s on-screen daughter Mouse is played by Filipino-American actress Malia Pyles. The cast also includes Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, Zaria, Maia Reficco, Mallory Bechtel, Sharon Leal, Elena Goode, Eric Johnson, and Alex Aiono.

We recently had a chat with Salonga and Pyles in a virtual roundtable interview where the two stars shared details about the show, their characters, and more. Check out the highlights of the interview below:

Malia, how excited were you when you heard that Lea was playing your mother in the series?

Malia: I’ve been gushing about her in all of these interviews. But seriously, you can go back on my Instagram– I don’t know if I’ve shared this with you, Lea– I made a post for International Women’s Day, I would say in 2016 or 2017. And in that post, where I was posting pictures about the women that inspire me, one of those photos was of you.

Courtesy of HBO GO / HBO Max

I definitely didn’t have to have a lesson about who Lea was. First of all, I’m a huge Disney princess fan. Also, [Les Miserables] was the soundtrack of my childhood. My parents didn’t raise me on normal music, they raised me on [theater music]. So Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, those two roles, they meant everything to me. And to get to a point in my career where I had the opportunity to work with her, especially to work so intimately with her, it’s just a dream come true, really.

Lea, were you able to inject your own parenting style into the role of Elodie?

Lea: It’s not so much that I have a lot of the freedom to do whatever I wanted, because the character is the character. I think her parenting is a result of this character’s circumstances and what she has been through as a younger person. So all of that will be made much more clear, and I think then we will understand why all of these characters are the way that they are, as a result of things that happened in their lives as younger people[…] But I think there will always be some sort of instinctive maternal thing anyway that will just kick in regardless of whatever this character is doing.

Malia, how did it feel to transition into the thriller or horror genre?

Malia: I am a huge fan of horror and slasher, and so I was so ready to sink my teeth into this. And I felt so supported by our creative team. We came into rehearsals and our director for episodes 1 and 2, she had a storyboard for us and it depicted a lot of different elements of horror as well as different references to horror films, and so it was clear to me that this was a very visual medium that I was getting myself into.

Courtesy of HBO GO / HBO Max

In tandem with the delicate and nuanced issues that we cover, there’s also this huge external horror that follows and terrorizes these girls and their families, and so it’s really lovely to find the balance of that. I think when exploring trauma so intimately, it’s been helpful to have the horror medium as the backdrop because it almost makes that internal horror that these girls are experiencing more tangible.

I know growing up and coming of age in high school, everything feels so big and impossible at times, and so it was just a testament to how smart our creative team was, exploring this known IP with a different lens. I think it just heightened all the drama so much so in a really beautiful way. And it’s really fun as an actor, and also just as a viewer of drama and horror.

Lea, what made you decide to join the project and how did you get the role of Elodie?

Lea: In this case, I had to actually audition, so it was not like ‘Would you like to take this role?’ It wasn’t like served on a plate. I don’t know how many actors were up for this, but I know it was the beginning of September, I auditioned for it, and sent everything to my manager who then sent everything to the creative team to see if I would be the right person for it.

Courtesy of HBO GO / HBO Max

There might have been something that I did [when I was a teenager] that had some mystery and some detective work and some horror in it, but that was so long ago. Certainly nothing like this, for something like HBO. This is something, I guess, new, and I don’t think I’m an actor that’s necessarily associated with scary things? As I’m normally associated with things made for families or for children, or big musicals where there is a tragedy but not necessarily something like this. I think it’s just one of those things that I just totally left out when I auditioned for it.

And I’m somebody that tends not to choose horror as an audience because I watched The Ring, and that kept me up for so many nights that it ruined the horror genre for me. So it’s kind of karmic, that I ended up on an HBO show that’s horror, slasher, and frightening. It just happened that way, and I just feel very very fortunate.

Lea, aside from the original series, and you and Malia’s involvement in the series, what do you think will make the show appeal to Filipino viewers?

Lea: First of all, there are four of us Filipinos in the show. Besides myself and Malia, we have Emily Bautista and Sharon Leal who is actually one of the mothers– she’s not playing Filipino but she is Filipino. She’s really Filipino, and in our conversations on set, it’s very obvious that she’s Filipino, at least it’s obvious to me.

Second, even though this is a horror-slasher show, at the center of it, there are these five young women, and how their own families figure in this show. We see mother-daughter dynamics from all of them, from all of these young women, and their mothers are very much involved.

Courtesy of HBO GO / HBO Max

We see that there’s dysfunction within families. That there are secrets that mothers keep from their children and vice versa. You know when you’re growing up and you’re a teenager, I remember thinking there are things that I have to keep from my mom. And as I get older and as I’m having conversations with my mother, I’m like ‘How on Earth did I not know this?’

So I think what’s going to appeal to us Filipinos, is watching how these families and how the members of each of these families interact with one another. And how one member of the family affects another, and how trauma affects one generation versus another, and how each of these families deals with this common enemy, that they have to figure out how to combat[…] We love family drama, and there’s an abundance of that here.

Malia, were you able to watch the original series, and did you pick up any pointers when working on this new show?

Malia: I was a big fan, it came out when I was 10. So I was definitely at an age where maybe I should not have been watching it? But I think what the original show does really well is that it does deliver truth and adult themes among these teen girls who are discovering things about themselves and there’s something deeply relatable about that for all ages.

So I remember growing up and watching it, and just thinking how beautiful and iconic these girls were. Also for me in particular, I’m queer and I’m also Filipino, so Shay Mitchell had a huge impact on me, being a Filipina and also playing a queer character. I think it resonated so deeply with me and so it’s been incredible to be able to fill those shoes, in one way or another– continue that Filipina representation in this show, in this universe in particular. And now it’s not [like before when] Shay was the only person of color onscreen in that show. We have such a diverse cast, and we’re representing so many different stories, and it’s been really lovely to not only be able to be something for my people but then also learn from these other girls, and their backgrounds, and where they come from.

It’s really cool, and also just getting to call myself a Liar, it’s just been a dream of a lifetime.

Courtesy of HBO GO / HBO Max

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Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin streams on HBO GO this July 28. All seven seasons of the original series are also available for streaming on the platform. Subscribe to HBO GO now at www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as P99.70 per month.

July 27, 2022
10 Workplace Sitcoms to Stream If You’re Missing the Office

As adults, we spend most of our days at the workplace surrounded by colleagues we treat as a community or even family, while we do our part and stay productive. But then the pandemic happened and we found ourselves separated by a remote work setup. While working from home has its many advantages, part of us also miss the office, its convenience, and the people that breathe life into it.

If you’re still working at home and are missing the workplace setup, then maybe you need to binge a show that will give you some laughs while recreating that office atmosphere! On this list, we’ve rounded up such shows for your much-needed dose of workplace humor.

The Office

The American remake of The Office is deemed one of the best comedy shows out there and for good reason. The series is presented as a mockumentary featuring the day-to-day shenanigans of the office workers at a paper company. The team includes the likable Jim, the shy receptionist Pam, the competitive salesman Dwight, and their high-energy boss Michael Scott. Stream The Office on Amazon Prime Video.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s workplace is a precinct and it follows a team of cops, each with their own colorful personality. The series’ main characters include the talented but childish detective Jake Peralta, his loyal friend Charles Boyle, the competitive Amy Santiago, and the seemingly cold captain Ray Holt. Stream Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix.

The IT Crowd

The IT Crowd, as its title suggests, follows folks working in IT with the show poking fun at the knowledge gap between the IT crowd and people who can’t handle their computers. The show begins with Jen Barber who lied her way into being employed in the IT department of a business giant in London, despite knowing nothing about computers. She finds her office in the company building’s dingy basement, where she is joined by two socially-challenged computer “nerds” working as the company’s IT support. Stream The IT Crowd on Netflix.

Parks & Recreation

This series follows government employees at the Indiana Parks and Recreation department. The show mainly revolves around Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat who is trying to beautify her town by turning an abandoned construction site into a community park. But the simple mission is made complicated by her colleagues such as the selfish Tom Haverford and her anti-government bureaucrat boss Ron Swanson.

Scrubs

Scrubs is set in a hospital and follows a group of medical students in their internship. Most of the show is told through the unique point of view of the main character John Michael “J.D.” Dorian. Throughout the show, JD alongside his fellow interns Elliott Reid and Christopher Turk, as well as their colleagues at the Sacred Heart Hospital encounter challenging cases while navigating their relationships. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

2 Broke Girls

This show follows two broke girls Max and Caroline who are trying to find their ticket to success together. Max is a streetwise waitress working in a Brooklyn diner while Caroline used to be a rich girl who must now work as a waitress to make ends meet. When Max discovers that Caroline can bake delicious cupcakes, the two team up to kick off a cupcake business. Also part of the diner’s friendly faces are their boss Han Lee, the upbeat cook Oleg, and the old cashier Earl.

Abbott Elementary

Presented in a mockumentary format, Abbott Elementary follows the lives of teachers working in the underfunded, predominantly Black public school, Willard R. Abbott Elementary School. The staff includes second grade teacher Janine Teagues, history teacher Jacob Hill, substitute teacher Gregory Eddie, kindergarten’s Barbara Howard, and the tone-deaf school principal Ava Coleman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO-_7oi-61Y

Superstore

Superstore follows the megastore Cloud 9 employees and their daily grind filled with annoying bargainers, riotous sales, and boring training sessions. Hardworking Cloud 9 employee Amy is trying to juggle her responsibilities alongside her clueless manager Glen, the tough assistant Dina, the new hire Jonah, the sarcastic Garrett, and the sweet Cheyenne.

Mythic Quest

This series focuses on the office workers of the video game studio that produces the fictional MMORPG Mythic Quest. While building the fantasy world and sustaining the video game for the players seem quite the challenge, the minds behind Mythic Quest actually face bigger challenges within the office. The show’s roster of characters includes creator Ian Grimm, lead engineer Poppy Li, monetization head Brad Bakshi, and head writer C.W. Longbottom. Stream Mythic Quest on Apple TV+.

Space Force

Space Force is another series from the team-up of Steve Carell and writer Greg Daniels of The Office. In this Netflix sitcom, Carell plays General Mark Naird who was just tasked to helm the sixth branch of the US Armed Forces. As the head of the US Space Force, Naird must manage a chaotic team to bring the military to the moon by 2024. Stream Space Force on Netflix.

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July 20, 2022
Drag Race Philippines! New Filipino version of the global phenomenon drops on discovery+, HBO GO and WOW Presents Plus

It’s the Filipino’s time to shine, henny… as discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus brings audiences the first-ever Drag Race Philippines on August 17, 2022. In this hotly awaited version of the worldwide hit, 12 iconic queens slay and race to the finish line to be crowned the first Drag Race Superstar from the Philippines.

Following the launch, new episodes of Drag Race Philippines will drop every Wednesday on discovery+ and HBO GO.

On the starting line is this season’s host, Paolo Ballesteros. Known as the face of one of the longest-running noontime shows in the Philippines, the multi-awarded actor, model, and drag artist well-known for his stunning makeup transformations will steer our contestants as they battle it out to the end.

Coming from a family of artists, including his great-grandfather, Philippines’ first national artist and painter Fernando Amorsolo, it’s no surprise that Paolo is a talented artist himself. Paolo shows his creativity by posting on Instagram his makeup transformations to Mariah Carey, Julia Roberts, and other international artists. This gave him attention not only locally but internationally as well and played a pivotal role in his first award-winning lead film Die Beautiful which garnered local and international acclaim, where he expressed his creativity through the art of drag.

A stellar lineup of judges joins Ballesteros for the new series, including American singer, actress, and drag performer, Jiggly Caliente, best known for competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 & RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 6. Second is writer, presenter, and producer, and Karen Davila impersonator, KaladKaren.

Jiggly Caliente was born in Laguna, Philippines, and moved to America at the age of 10. Jiggly also appeared in several films and TV shows including Broad City and as Veronica Ferocity in Pose.

KaladKaren rose to fame after she impersonated broadcast journalist Karen Davila in a satirical UP show. Since then she has hosted shows on ABS-CBN, such as Philippine versions of The Voice and I Can See Your Voice.

More star-studded guest judge appearances will also be featured this season and will be announced soon.

Who has what it takes to reach new heights, impress the judges, and race to the very top? Keep on the lookout these coming weeks as we reveal the queens battling it out for the title of Drag Race Superstar!

Drag Race Philippines is produced in the Philippines by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc in conjunction with World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles serve as executive producers on the series.

Download and subscribe to discovery+ available across multiple platforms, including connected TVs, web, mobile, and tablets. For the latest updates and promos, follow discovery+ on Facebook., Instagram, and Twitter. Drag Race Philippines will also be available on HBO GO from August 17. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. Follow HBO GO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

July 20, 2022
10 Most Nominated Shows at Emmys 2022 & Where to Stream Them

The list of Emmy nominees this year is out, giving us a roundup of the most promising programs that blessed our TVs and streaming platforms in the past year. If you’re on the lookout for the next bingeable series to add to your watchlist, then the Emmy nominations could be a handy guide!

On this list, we’ve rounded up the most nominated TV shows at this year’s Emmys and where you can stream them here in the Philippines!

1. Succession

25 Nominations | Stream it on HBO GO

The satirical series Succession follows the dysfunctional Roy family, who own the global media and entertainment conglomerate Waystar RoyCo. When the health of their patriarch Logan Roy begins to deteriorate, the family members fight for control over the company. Filled with tensions between billionaires trying to find their own place in the world and the Roy’s family legacy, Succession finds success in its rich writing and interesting roster of characters.

2. Ted Lasso

20 Nominations | Stream it on Apple TV+

This comedy-drama from Apple TV+ follows the story of Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who was hired to coach the English Premier League soccer team AFC Richmond. The team’s owner, Rebecca Welton, hopes that Lasso’s lack of knowledge and experience will make the team fail as part of Rebecca’s revenge plan on her unfaithful ex-husband. But through Ted’s charm and amiable personality, he might just pull it off.

3. The White Lotus

20 Nominations | Stream it on HBO GO

Part murder mystery, part social satire, The White Lotus revolves around the guests and employees at an exclusive Hawaiian resort. The show follows a number of rich and privileged tourists enjoying a piece of paradise in Hawaii. While facing their individual troubles, the vacationers’ days begin to grow grim which ultimately leads to a mysterious murder.

4. Hacks

17 Nominations | Stream it on HBO GO

Another dramedy from HBO, Hacks serves as a critique of the comedy world while telling a heartfelt tale. The show follows the legendary Las Vegas comedian Deborah Vance, who needs to reinvent her aging quips to keep her job at the Palmetto Casino. Deborah’s manager then sends her a new head writer, Ava, a young comedy writer who has trouble finding work due to her arrogance. The unlikely team-up soon becomes a mentorship where Ava helps Deborah revive her act, while Deborah helps Ava work out her attitude and personal problems.

5. Only Murders in the Building

17 Nominations | Streaming on HULU (Not yet available in PH)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V1rQdXXXyI

In Only Murders in the Building, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short play three strangers obsessed with true crime. Little did they know, they would find themselves wrapped up in one after a murder happens at their Upper West Side apartment building. The trio then uses their combined knowledge of true crime to find the culprit, but they would soon realize that they could become the killer’s next target.

6. Euphoria

16 Nominations | Stream it on HBO GO

Starring Zendaya, the HBO drama Euphoria follows a group of young adults navigating their life in high school, experiencing struggles involving their identity, traumas, self-harm, drugs, family, love, and sex. The show’s main protagonist is Zendaya’s Rue Bennett, a recovering drug addict who just went out of rehab, facing many challenges as she tries to find her place in the world.

7. Barry

14 Nominations | Stream it on HBO GO

This black comedy series follows the titular character, Barry Berkman, who finds himself at a crossroads in his life. A US Marine and Afghanistan veteran from Cleveland, Barry now works as a hitman and goes on a trip to Los Angeles to take down his next target. But when he joins a class of aspiring actors, Barry finds a new sense of purpose, and he ends up juggling his criminal life and acting life.

8. Dopesick

14 Nominations | Streaming on HULU (Not yet available in PH)

This 8-part drama series is based on the non-fiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy. It focuses on America’s “epicenter” of opioid addiction, involving Purdue Pharma, the Food and Drug Administration, the United States Department of Justice, and the affected individuals and families. It details the legal case against Purdue Pharma and their development, testing, and marketing of the drug OxyContin.

9. Severance

14 Nominations | Stream it on Apple TV+

This sci-fi, psychological thriller offers an interesting premise: technology can now separate your memories within the workplace and outside of work. The series follows Mark, an employee of the technology corporation Lumon Industries, who agrees to be part of what is called the “severance” program, dividing his memories into two parts. But soon, Mark begins to uncover a dangerous conspiracy from both sides.

10. Squid Game

14 Nominations | Stream it on Netflix

Netflix’s hit survival thriller from Korea, Squid Game, made waves around the world with its quick rise to fame. The series revolves around a deadly competition orchestrated for the entertainment of the wealthy. It follows the story of Seong Gi-hun, a man drowning in debt who gets invited to join a mysterious tournament for a chance to win 45.6 billion won. However, the whopping prize also meant higher stakes, as the challenges eliminate the players by killing them off.

The Emmy Awards will be airing on September 12, 8 AM (Philippine time) on NBC and Peacock. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

July 14, 2022
Local Stars Spill the Hottest HBO GO Shows to Binge this Rainy Season!

Viewers today have a lot of entertainment content choices, to the point that it can sometimes be overwhelming. With an extensive library of shows like that of HBO GO, it’s good to get recommendations for shows that are really worth your time.

To help you discover the best watch lists especially as you spend more time at home in this bed weather, PLDT Home ambassadors Gigi de Lana, Gretchen Ho, Jairus Aquino and more are sharing their personal recommendations and favorites — which you just might get to enjoy, too.

Catch all these shows and more on HBO GO powered by PLDT Home, the Philippines’ fastest and most reliable broadband connection. Subscribe to HBO GO using your PLDT Home account to avail of the service at an affordable rate of P299/3 months — all charged conveniently to your fiber bill!.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Currently making waves in the local music scene, singer-songwriter and actress Gigi de Lana is known for her soaring high notes and soulful voice. She picked up her musical passion at a very young age, with the legendary rock band Queen as one of her biggest influences.

No wonder one of her favorite films is Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), an enthralling celebration of Queen — their music and extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and convention to become one of history’s most beloved entertainers.

“Bohemian Rhapsody is a personal favorite because throughout the film, it was like watching history being made – I saw how they composed some of their biggest hits, their struggles as a band and as individuals, how they used their life experiences to write their songs,” Gigi said. “And the recreation of the Live Aid performance was nothing short of amazing! It felt like I was there and the total euphoria of hearing them sing ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ still gives me the chills after several rewatches!”

Stream Bohemian Rhapsody on HBO GO now.

See Gigi de Lana’s HBO GO watch list here.

Barry

Like actor Jairus Aquino, most of us have a couple of go-to genres. Jairus is partial to comedy with long-running reality show (Impractical) Jokers and action-comedy-drama like the film Catch Me if You Can (2001). One of his newest discoveries is Barry, a dark comedy series created by and starring Bill Hader.

“What I love about Barry is its premise — it’s a show about a depressed hitman who wants to change his life and become an actor instead–and how they mixed violence and comedy in the script,” Jairus shared. “Not only that, but they also created this crazy combination of characters that will always get a chuckle out of you even when they are trying to kill each other. Bill Hader is great as the emotionless and often awkward hitman Barry but, personally, NoHo Hank (Anthony Carrigan) with all his oddball shenanigans will always be my personal favorite.”

Stream all three seasons of Barry on HBO GO now.

See Jairus Aquino’s HBO GO watch list here.

The Batman (2022)

Health and fitness guru Jacq Yu has had a long-standing fascination with DC superheroes, especially Batman.

“Superheroes are human, too, they have their own issues to deal with while they fight crime and save the world. Their humanity is what makes them relatable,” she said.

It’s a no-brainer then that her favorite movie so far this year is Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022), starring Robert Pattinson in the dual role of Gotham City’s vigilante detective and his alter ego, reclusive billionaire Bruce Wayne. Two years of stalking the streets as the Batman, striking fear into the hearts of criminals, has led Bruce Wayne deep into the shadows of Gotham City. With only a few trusted allies — Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis), Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) — amongst the city’s corrupt network of officials and high-profile figures, the lone vigilante has established himself as the sole embodiment of vengeance amongst his fellow citizens.

When a killer targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic machinations, a trail of cryptic clues sends the World’s Greatest Detective on an investigation into the underworld, where he encounters such characters as Selina Kyle/aka Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot aka the Penguin (Colin Farrell), Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), and Edward Nashton aka the Riddler (Paul Dano). As the evidence begins to lead closer to home and the scale of the perpetrator’s plans becomes clear, Batman must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power and corruption that has long plagued Gotham City.

“I love this movie so much because one, it’s a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the Riddler (Paul Dano), Batman, and Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), and two, it shows Bruce Wayne making a decision between using justice as a way for self-destruction or actually moving past his traumas and find his true purpose in protecting the people of Gotham,” she added.

Stream The Batman on HBO GO now.

See Jacq Yu’s HBO GO watch list here.

Tokyo Vice

Actor Troy Montero has always been a fan of Japan, charmed by its culture where the traditional and the modern often intersect. This fascination led him to discover his new favorite series, Tokyo Vice.

Tokyo Vice is loosely inspired by American journalist Jake Adelstein’s non-fiction first-hand account of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police beat. Filmed on location in Tokyo, the crime drama series captures Adelstein’s (Ansel Elgort) daily descent into the neon-soaked underbelly of Tokyo in the late ‘90s, where nothing and no one is truly what or who they seem.

“Tokyo Vice is an interesting look into Japan — where organized crime (yakuza) and the police work together to form this tenuous balance,” he said. “The series is the perfect neo-noir thriller for when you want to have your mind blown by plot twists. The best part? It has amazingly crafted characters, and Ken Watanabe as senior detective Hiroto Katagiri is both complex and badass. He is easily my favorite.”

Stream Tokyo Vice on HBO GO now.

See Troy Montero’s HBO GO watch list here.

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty

In the world of basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers have built an almost-mythical reputation. This is the team of NBA greats that includes Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kobe Bryant, to name a few.

But what made them such basketball heavyweights in the first place? Find out in Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, a fast break series about the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports’ most revered and dominant dynasties — a team that defined an era, both on and off the court. TV presenter and athlete Gretchen Ho has this series firmly in her favorites list.

“Basketball fans should catch Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty as it charts the lives of the Lakers in the 1980s, right in the thick of their Showtime, run-and-gun era where they became the behemoth of the league. It also shows us how players like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and more created the blueprint of their success,” Gretchen said.“It’s a great series if you want to learn more about your favorite purple and gold players.”

Stream Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty on HBO GO now.

See Gretchen Ho’s HBO GO watch list here.

On The Job

Erik Matti is a Filipino director known for using his films as undisguised social commentaries. And in this hotly anticipated neo-noir thriller On The Job, he didn’t hold back. This six-part series inspired by true events centers around crime syndicates that temporarily release contracted prison inmates to carry out political assassinations for those in power, except that the crime syndicates are run by politicians. On The Job also puts a spotlight on the real-world predicament concerning fake news and how easily truth can be manufactured and disseminated to the public in today’s age of information.

Host-mompreneur Roxanne Montealegre recommends the show not only because she stars in it as journalist Pam Sarmiento, but because it’s a timely film about what’s happening in the country.

“Direk Erik has a masterful way of delivering hard truths on what’s happening in the Philippines and what we’re letting happen,” she said. “On The Job forces us to re-examine our values and what we need to do to create a better Philippines for Filipinos — do we stay silent, or do we stand up against injustice?”

Stream On The Job on HBO GO now.

See Roxanne Montealegre’s HBO GO watch list here.

Catch Bohemian Rhapsody, Barry, The Batman (2022), Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, and On The Job, and more on HBO GO. To learn more about HBO GO and PLDT Home, visit pldthome.com/hbogo. #

July 13, 2022
Max Original Comedy Series ‘Rap Sh!t’ Premieres July 22 on HBO GO

Get ready to party with Max Original comedy series Rap Sh!t, from Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominee Issa Rae (HBO’s Insecure). The eight-episode season will debut with two episodes same time as the U.S. on Friday, July 22 on HBO GO, and continues with one episode each week.

Rap Sh!t follows two estranged high school friends from Miami, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who reunite to form a rap group. The series also stars Jonica Booth, Devon Terrell and RJ Cyler.

Rap Sh!t is executive produced by Issa Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton, as well as Montrel McKay for HOORAE, Jonathan Berry and Dave Becky for 3 Arts Entertainment, and Deniese Davis. Rae also wrote the premiere episode and co-wrote the finale episode with Singleton.

Hip hop duo Yung Miami and JT of City Girls serve as co-executive producers, along with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas for Quality Control Films and Sara Rastogi for HOORAE. Rae’s audio content company Raedio handles music supervision for the series.

Stream or download Rap Sh!t from July 22on HBO GO. All five seasons of Issa Rae’s acclaimed series Insecure are also available on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for as low as ₱99.70/month. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

July 7, 2022