Prime Video Philippines announced today that it will launch the brand new heart-warming and healing K-drama May I Help You on October 19. Starring Lee Hye-ri (Reply 1988, My Roommate Is A Gumiho and Moonshine) and Lee Jun-young (D.P. and Let Me Be Your Knight). The new TV series follows the encounter of two butlers, one for the dead, Baek Dong-joo, and the other for the living, Kim Jib-sa, and takes the audience through how they deal with the life and death situation and at the same time are gradually drawn to each other.
May I Help You will be available exclusively on Prime Video in the Philippines with weekly episodes every Wednesday and Thursday.
Production information
● Director : Sim So-yeon (Here’s My Plan, Welcome 2 Life)
● Writer : Lee Sun-hye (Reply 1997)
● Genre : Drama, Romantic
● Episodes : 16 (every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50pm KST/ 11:00 pm Philippine standard time)
● Synopsis : A funeral director who has a special ability that allows her to see and talk to the dead meets an employee at an errand running service “Ildangbaek,” which provides service for pretty much anything clients ask for as low as 100 Korean won. The two butlers, one for the dead and the other for the living, join hands and team up to carry out the wishes of the terrifying, warm-hearted, eccentric, heart-numbing dead people. They figure out that death and life are two sides of a coin, and that the requests of the dead are messages to the living.
Edgar “ChooxTV” Dumali, the nation’s largest gaming creator with nearly 30 million social followers, has joined Minana Esports, Ampverse Esports arm, as investor and brand ambassador.
This major deal comes as part of Ampverse’s growth strategy, following its commitment to invest more than P100 million to drive and accelerate the local gaming industry.
Alongside him, other notable gaming talents such as Eric Eruption, Hybebits, Lhea Bernadino, King Jasro, and Elanorm will also become brand ambassadors for Minana – totaling up to 55 million followers for all combined creators.
Streamer and content creator ChooxTV is known for his ingenious off-meta picks and wacky antics on his livestream and was named MVP of the Year in the 2021 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Awards Gala.
“Excited akong mag-invest sa Minana dahil sa pagbibigay daan nito na magkaroon ng isang panibagong ‘youth lifestyle brand’ na magpapakita ng galing ng mga Pinoy,” Dumali said.
(I’m excited to invest in Minana as I really share their vision of creating a next generation youth lifestyle brand that celebrates the very best of Filipino talent.)
The newly formed Minana Esports are the current champions of the Philippine National Esports League in Mobile Legends. Prior to that, the team has won 11 straight championships and aims to be the most successful esports team.
In line with becoming the fastest-growing esports and Web3 company in Asia, Ampverse aims to build Minana into a leading Filipino youth lifestyle brand that spans entertainment, fashion, music, and lifestyle.
“We are incredibly proud to kick off Minana with a successful run and an official championship title under our belt. We will continue to build our success in competition, but at the same time create inspiration for the Filipino youth,” Minana Team Lead and Ampverse’s Regional Expansion Manager Julius “Banoobs” Mariano said.
A streamer with over 100,000 followers and named the “godfather of esports and gaming in the Philippines,” Mr. Mariano previously worked as country manager for Twitch, an Amazon-owned video live streaming service platform.
“Our vision is bigger than just competitive gaming, it’s about igniting the passion in every generation and building Minana as the leading youth culture hub for all gamers, creators, and anybody to fulfill their dreams,” Mariano added.
According to market analytics firm Straits Research, Asia-Pacific will command the largest esports market share, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 21.92% by 2030.
Soon to join Netflix’s Pinoy gems such as Through Night and Day and My Amanda is a new heartwarming film from director Marla Ancheta titled Doll House.
Starring Baron Geisler and the young Althea Ruedas, this new flick from the Finding Agnes director tells the story of a rock band singer Rustin, who has a troubled past. Due to drug addiction, Rustin abandoned his wife Sheena, and their baby Yumi. Years later in the Netherlands, Rustin finds the opportunity to become Yumi’s babysitter without her knowing about their blood ties, and tries to rekindle their long-lost relationship.
In a recent roundtable interview with the press, director Marla Ancheta, Baron Geisler, and Althea Ruedas talked about how the film took shape.
When the trailer dropped, viewers quickly saw Baron Geisler as fit for his role in the film, having been cast as an antagonist in many shows and films, but it was the hint of a dramatic redemption that really pumped the viewers. According to director Ancheta, the film’s producer suggested that Baron play Rustin, and she was on board with the idea immediately.
“I really want to touch the story of a family, relationship, and of course, since we have these good actors, kailangan maging believable ito na mag-ama kayo… Basically, dun ako mas naka-focus. It’s really more of how to deliver the characters at the same time, nasusundan mo kung paano nagde-develop yung relationship nilang mag-ama,” explained the director.
Geisler also talked about accepting the role: “What’s not to say ‘yes’ to? It’s a big project with Netflix, it’s a worldwide movie, it’s a big-budget film, and it’s a good role,” said Baron. “Now I’m on my knees, praying that I get to sustain this and get more substantial roles like this.”
Photo courtesy of Netflix
Furthermore, Baron Geisler also shared how the role came at the right time, just a few months after he promised his wife that he’d be in his own Netflix film.
“One time, me and my wife were watching Netflix, A Faraway Land,” says Baron. “I’m a good friend, best friend ko si Paolo Contis. Nagustuhan namin yung pelikula, and then my wife, nakita kong na-sad siya, na parang she wanted something like that for me. And then I said, you know what, one day I’m gonna have a film like that.
“And then I called up Paolo, I said ‘Pao, angganda ng pelikula mo pang-Hollywood! I love you! Congratulations! Walang jealousy to, punong-puno ng gratitude. Then simula nun, dun ako nagkaroon ng revelation na if you have this authentic appreciation for another actor, another film, and I want the same na mangyari sa akin, then God will give it to me, and wala pa yatang dalawang buwan biglang tinawagan akofor this film,” the actor added.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
As for Baron’s young co-star Althea, she shares that the atmosphere on set was fun, but at first, she also got nervous when she got the role. “Super nervous and excited po ako nung nalaman ko po na nakuha ko po yung role. Nervous because they’re all big stars na po, mga kasama ko po, pero excited po kasi it’s my first movie in Netflix po kaya thankful po ako kay Papa Jesus na binigay Nya po sakin ‘to,”
Asked about their favorite parts on the film and during the shoot, Althea tells the press: “Ang favorite scenes ko po talaga, yung mga bonding time po nila Yumi and Rusty, kasi talagang hindi po kami nag-aacting nun. Talagang nag-eenjoy lang po kami.”
Baron adds, “One of the best things that really got to me was the father-daughter love story. Me reconnecting with my daughter and the realization that I have a lot of unfinished business in life. And also, masasabi ko na heart and soul din ng movie na ‘to, malaking part si Direk Marla, because she has guided Althea and I all through out.”
Photo: Netflix
The film also stars Mary Joy Apostol, Phi Palmos, Katreena Beron, Izah Hankammer, Alwyn Uytingo, and Ricardo Cepeda. Doll House is now streaming on Netflix.
Rock Entertainment Holdings, an international content distributor and channel operator is set to launch a new 24/7 action movie channel, ROCK Action, in December 2022. ROCK Action will be a new addition to the Rock bouquet of content brands that includes ROCK Entertainment, Global Trekker, ZooMoo, Love Nature 4K, Outdoor Channel and more.
ROCK Action will be the ultimate movie destination for movie buffs and audiences who are seeking non-stop high adrenaline content. The channel will be packed with movies from the action, horror, crime, disaster, sci-fi and suspense genres. The audience will find nothing on Rock Action other than movies that make their heart pump faster and keep them on the edge of their seat!
“We are working very closely with partners and listening to their needs and wants. The team at Rock Entertainment is constantly exploring and pushing our limits to bring in the best entertainment we could to our audience and partners. We are both excited and invested to make ROCK Action a success.” said Beatrice Lee, CEO of Rock Entertainment Holdings. At launch, the channel’s lineup will include a slew recent as well as library action films from Paramount and Sony. In addition, the channel will have a steady supply of new Hollywood films never seen before in the region from leading independent Hollywood film distributors that specialize in the action genre. For many of the films, additional rights such as TVOD and branded SVOD will be on offer as well for platforms carrying ROCK Action. Audiences can look forward to movies that are First on linear TV just short time after initial global release of the film and also be spoiled with more choices as the Rock team is on a never-ending quest to seek the best entertainment from all studios.
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ABOUT
Rock Entertainment Holdings distributes content via Linear Pay-TV channels, branded and unbranded basis across the globe. Our content offering includes natural history, lifestyle, factual, entertainment, short-form digital and pre-school kids programming.
We have a catalog of 2,000+ hours of content, including the largest 4K natural history offering on the market. Rock Entertainment’s channel business offers a portfolio of media brands such as Love Nature 4K, ZooMoo Networks (International), Smithsonian Channel (Asia, Middle East & Africa + Turkey), ROCK Entertainment (Asia), ROCK Extreme (Asia), Makeful (Asia), Global Trekker (Asia) and Outdoor Channel.
We engage audiences worldwide across multiple platforms, including television, digital, OTT and live events. The company is headquartered in Singapore, with distribution globally.
For more information about Rock Entertainment holdings and the brands visit: www.rockentertainment.com
ROCK Action is the ultimate movie destination for non-stop action-packed movies from thrillers to adventure, indie films to box office hits, and more! Action fans get ready for 24/7 adrenaline pumping that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Global video streaming service Prime Video today announced Island, the one of a kind fantasy action Korean TV series coming to Prime Video in Southeast Asia and more than 240 countries and territories outside of South Korea this December. This underlines Prime Video’s continuous effort in building up Korean content offerings for its customers in the region and globally following the launch of romantic comedy Love in Contract in September.
Island is a fantasy action series based on the comic/webtoon of the same name by Yoon In-wan and Yang Kyung-il. Set in Jeju island, it depicts the journey of the characters fighting the evil force that is trying to destroy the world. Produced by YLab Flex, Studio Dragon and Gilstory Ent, Island assembles one of the best on and off screen teams, including director Bae Jong (Welcome to Dongmakgol, Fabricated City), writer Oh Bo-hyin and an A list cast including Kim Nam-gil, Lee Da-hee, Cha Eun-woo, and Sung-joon in lead roles. Set in the most famous and beautiful Korean island of Jeju, Island taps into the legends and folklore of the well known tourist destination through which the audience gets to experience its natural beauty. The show will be available on TVING in South Korea, and on Prime Video globally.
“Southeast Asian audiences love Korean content, and we can’t wait to bring Island and many more Korean series and films to our customers in the region and worldwide,” said David Simonsen, Director Prime Video, Southeast Asia. “Island will complement our growing selection of content tailored to the region, which consists of local series and movies, anime and Korean content, alongside our amazing global content on Prime Video. Stay tuned for more information on Island exclusively on Prime Video in the coming weeks.”
First published 25 years ago in 1997, Island was a collaboration between two legendary Korean comic artists, Yoon In-wan and Yang Kyung-il, and became an immediate smash hit. In 2016, exactly 19 years after its debut, Island was uploaded to Naver Webtoon and gained instant popularity attracting another generation of comic fans. In 2022, the hit comic/webtoon was adapted as a live action TV series so that the fans of all generations can go on this journey with the protagonists.
Chae Soo-bin plays the role of Pyo Ji-eun, a manager at a PR agency for luxury brands, and portrays a bold woman filled with passion and pride for her work. Choi Min-ho plays the role of a freelance retoucher Ji Woo-min, who has always been indifferent but starts to grow as he learns more about his dreams and love.
The released teaser poster shows a glimpse of Pyo Ji-eun and Ji Woo-min shining brightly with passion under the spotlight. The palpable chemistry flowing between the two arouses curiosity about their relationship.
More of Chae Soo-bin and Choi Min-ho’s characters, as well as their close friends, can be seen in the released trailer which shows a glimpse of their lives amidst the glitz and glamor of the fashion industry. Lee Sang-woon, who has acted in The Good Detective and many musicals including Grease, plays the role of designer Joseph who has his own brand called Mr. Joseph. Real-life top model Park Hee-jung who has graced many runways for famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Balmain, and Burberry, portrays supermodel Ye Seon-ho, marking her first acting role yet.
Capturing the fast-paced and exciting side of the fashion world, the trailer reveals the hard work taking place behind the scenes in order to pull off a gorgeous runway. The friends comfort and encourage one another while dealing with all the ups and downs of the fashion industry that is written as fashion and read as passion.
Directed by Kim Jeong-hyeon of Hotel Del Luna, Legal High,A Korean Odyssey,The Fabulous, which embodies the vibrant and impassioned lives of young and fabulous friends, will be released on November 4th, only on Netflix.
Just in time for the season of scares, Netflix is set to release the third installment of the gripping docuseries Unsolved Mysteries. Check out the trailer for the show’s third season below, which teases more disturbing crimes, bizarre disappearances, and even paranormal cases.
Unsolved Mysteries will release its three episodes every week starting from October 18. The first three episodes are titled Mystery at Mile Marker 45, Something in the Sky, and Body in Bags. On October 25, the next three episodes will drop: Death in a Vegas Motel, Paranormal Rangers, and What Happened to Josh?. Wrapping up the season on November 1 are the final three episodes: Body in the Bay, The Ghost in Apartment 14, and Abducted by a Parent.
Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries is a reboot of the original show from the late ’80s. The reboot also comes from creators of the original docuseries, Cosgrove/Meurer Productions, alongside 21 Laps Entertainment, the producers of Stranger Things.
Watch the first two seasons of Unsolved Mysteries now on Netflix. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!
Through recent years, Netflix‘s library of Filipino movies has grown significantly, with the streaming giant even helping local filmmakers to produce and put out their films for audiences in the Philippines and beyond. As such, the platform now has a great selection of movies across different genres. But if your choice of what films to watch is highly influenced by their awards and critics’ reviews, then this list is for you!
We’ve rounded up the Filipino movies on Netflix that have received positive praises and recognition from award-giving bodies. Check them out below:
Pan De Salawal (The Sweet Taste of Salted Bread and Undies)
Aside from winning four awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2018, Pan De Salawal also won the Best Film and Best Screenplay awards in the Low Budget Category of Spain’s Calella Film Festival. It tells the story of the homeless girl Aguy who wears underwear over her head, and her newfound friend, the baker Sal who suffers from a kidney ailment.Watch Pan De Salawal on Netflix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XNSWSK1ZuA
Fan Girl
Antoinette Jadaone’s Fan Girl swept 9 awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2020, including the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, and Best Lead Actress awards. Starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino, the film revolves around a teenage girl who gets to spend a night with her celebrity crush, but would soon discover the dark reality behind the revered star. Watch Fan Girl on Netflix.
Lola Igna
Lola Igna bagged four awards at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2019, including Best Film and Best Screenplay. The movie tells the story of the 118-year-old, grumpy old woman Igna who suddenly becomes a celebrity when she becomes eligible for the record of being “The Oldest Living Grandmother in the World.” This also brings her closer to her great-great-grandchild, softening her grumpy facade. Watch Lola Igna on Netflix.
Pamilya Ordinaryo (Ordinary People)
Aside from bagging multiple awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival 2016, including Best Film, Best Actress, and Best Director, the film also went on to receive a Gawad Urian Award as well as more prizes overseas. The film follows a dirt-poor, teenage couple in Manila who desperately scours the gritty city to find their kidnapped baby. Watch Pamilya Ordinary on Netflix.
BuyBust
BuyBust won Best Picture and three more prizes at the 2019 Gawad Urian Awards. Erik Matti’s action flick with social commentary follows the PDEA agent Nina Manigan and her squad as they go on a mission to infiltrate the heart of Manila’s dangerous slums and capture a high-profile drug lord. But the mission goes south and Nina finds herself in a bloody fight for survival against brutal drug gangs and bloodthirsty citizens seeking for vengeance. Watch BuyBust on Netflix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33XZIrH2Hk8
Birdshot
Mikhail Red’s Birdshot won the Critics’ Choice Award at the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2017, and also took home prizes from the Tokyo International Film Festival and ASEAN Film Awards. The film follows the teenage farm girl who mistakenly shoots down an endangered Philippine Eagle. As authorities investigate the incident, a more horrific crime comes to light. Watch Birdshot on Netflix.
Hintayan Ng Langit (Heaven’s Waiting)
Taking home two awards at the QCinema International Film Festival back in 2018, Hintayan ng Langit stars the late Eddie Garcia opposite Gina Pareño. Set in purgatory which looks just like a hotel, the film follows Lisang who had been overstaying there for years because of her bad behavior. Soon, her ex-boyfriend finally arrives, annoying her as they were forced to share a room together. Watch Hintayan ng Langit on Netflix.
Kalel, 15
This film bagged awards from the Asian Film Festival 2020, Gawad Urian Awards 2020, FAMAS Awards 2019, and more. It tells the story of Kalel, a teenage Catholic boy who has a troubled parentage. When he is diagnosed with HIV, Kalel’s world proceeds to fall apart when his mother leaves him while his sister stays with her junkie boyfriend. He then meets with his father, who gives him money so he could live on his own, but Kalel had other plans. Watch Kalel, 15 on Netflix.
Iska
Iska bagged awards at the 2019 Cinemalaya festival, as well as prizes from multiple local and international award-giving bodies. The film follows Iska, an employee at one of UP’s photocopying centers, who faces the challenges of life head-on to provide for her autistic grandson. Watch Iska on Netflix.
Kung Paano Hinihintay and Dapithapon (Waiting for Sunset)
This film swept five awards at the Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2018 including Best Film and Best Screenplay. The movie is about an old unmarried couple, whose monotonous lives are shaken when the woman’s estranged husband reaches out, asking for forgiveness and reconciliation. Watch Kung Paano Hinihintay and Dapithapon on Netflix.
Drag Race Philippines has been my source of joy and a way for me to connect to the Philippines while I am overseas. It’s a wonder why it is only now that we are getting a local version of Ru Paul’s award-winning drag queen competition franchise because with every new episode being aired it just feels right at home with our local queens!
The season 1 finale is nearing as the contestants are now whittled down to these fabulous five: Eva Le Quen, Marina Summers, Minty Fresh, Precious Paula Nicole, and Xilhouette. But today’s tea is not about the queens–we get cozy with a couple of judges as they share their thoughts about being part of the first-ever Drag Race Philippines! Here’s our exclusive Q&A with American singer, actress, and drag performer, Jiggly Caliente and renowned Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel:
Question: How do you feel being a part of the very first season of Drag Race Philippines?
Jiggly Caliente: It is an honor to be asked and even be a part of it. So, yeah. An honor and a privilege, definitely.
Rajo Laurel: RuPaul’s Drag Race is my favorite show in the world! I am a superfan of the show and I have been watching it since the very first season aired more than 15 years ago. To be part of the cast of Drag Race Philippines is more than a dream coming true. It’s like pure joy. I am so proud and deeply honored to be part of the show.
Jiggy Caliente [Photo by Magic Liwanag, courtesy of Perceptions, Inc.]
The Drag Race franchise already has many international versions – from Canada, UK, Down Under, and Thailand (the first Asian country to have a local RPDR). What do you think will set Drag Race PH apart from the rest that will make it a must-watch around the world?
Jiggly: We’re the prettiest f*cking franchise, period. The judges alone are the prettiest, the contestants are pretty, and on top of that, we’re super, super talented. And [Kalad]Karen is so f*cking smart. I was sitting next to her and I would think parang shunga next to her, kainis.
Rajo: What sets Drag Race Philippines apart from the rest of the world is our Queens. We have so much heart and soul. Every Filipino can sing and dance and perform but when you put the art of Drag in the equation then this becomes a completely different aspect altogether. The production also remains very Filipino at the core however the execution is truly world-class. We have been a constant presence on all Drag Race platforms since the very first season of the international franchise and now the rest of the world will realize why. We are an incredibly talented race and the Season One Queens are a testament to this.
Let’s talk about the other judges in the panel. What was it like working with all of them?
Rajo Laurel, Jiggly Caliente, Paolo Ballesteros, and KaladKaren Image courtesy of HBO GO
Jiggly: I mean like these – like the panel of men, let’s start with them. BJ Pascual is a known international fashion photographer. He has taken photographs of Miss Universe. He’s taken photographs of Pia Wurtzbach – who is like my ultimate idol, and then, of course, Anne Curtis and other top celebrities of Asia. Then Rajo Laurel, who’s a known international fashion designer as well. And then, of course, Jon Santos is a comedy legend in the Philippines. That is crazy! And lastly, [Kalad]Karen, who’s so smart, so quick, so witty, and I was just in awe. It was really a nice balance of having [Kalad]Karen there, and it was also really cool that the two main judges are two trans women, and that’s a first also for Drag Race herstory.
Rajo: It was truly a riot! I loved working with all the judges. Each one of us brings a unique perspective to the judging panel. It was really very difficult to judge the Queens because you get so emotionally attached to them. As you continue to watch the show you will understand why. However, it was truly a life highlight getting to know all of them. All I remember is the laughter and the joy of working with my co-judges, cast, and crew.
Rajo Laurel [Photo by Magic Liwanag, courtesy of Perceptions, Inc.]
There are many Filipino fans that love Ru Paul’s Drag Race but still are yet to discover the local drag scene. Can you share with us what makes Filipino Drag unique?
Jiggly: Their work ethic and their drive are crazy and this is a part of our culture that I think the other franchises will hopefully get to understand, that a lot of these queens are the breadwinner of their families. They make money to help their family, to put their little sisters and brothers to school, or to help their mom and dad with the house bills. That in itself is the story of a hard-working immigrant anywhere. I feel like that should speak volumes to people worldwide.
Rajo: What makes Filipino drag unique is our sense of CAMP. It has been there since the very beginning as we as a nation and as a culture find light and comedy in the most dire situations. This attitude translates so perfectly in drag and you end up on your knees roaring with laughter. We also have a unique way of cross-referencing various cultures as we adapt so effortlessly. You feel this in our local gay lingo and how our diaspora has influenced most of our lives. This global perspective definitely sets us apart.
If you found yourself on the Drag Race stage, what song would you want to have played in a lip sync for your life, and which RPDR queen would you want to lip sync against?
Jiggly: As much as l hope that I would never have to do it again, if I had to lip sync and it was my choice, I would want it to be Janet Jackson’s “If,” and you could put any bitch next to me coz’ I’m going to destroy them.
Rajo: OMG! I love this question. I would definitely want to lip sync Total Eclipse Of The Heart and I want to lip sync this song with my favorite drag queen, Alaska Thunderf*ck. LOL!
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The final episode of Drag Race Philippines happens on Wednesday, October 12. Find out which of the finalists will be crowned as the next drag superstar by streaming the show on HBO GO and discovery+.
Netflix has revealed the full trailer for their latest horror anthology Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities! In the new show, the director of Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water presents eight sinister stories from today’s revered horror creators.
Watch the trailer for Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities below:
The episode titles and their respective directors have earlier been revealed through the show’s teaser. It includes The Autopsy directed by David Prior, The Outside by Ana Lily Amirpour, The Viewing by Panos Cosmatos, Dreams in the Witch House by Catherine Hardwicke, Lot 36 by Guillermo Navarro, Pickman’s Model by Keith Thomas, Graveyard Rats by Vincenzo Natali, and The Murmuring by Jennifer Kent.
Del Toro’s collection of terrifying tales is dropping on Netflix this Halloween season, October 25. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!
