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 March 28 to April 3, 2022!
Mari Yamazaki’s award-winning manga continues its story in this new anime series, where the Roman architect Lucius travels through time and finds himself in modern Japan and the Edo period, inspiring him to build a bathhouse in ancient Rome.
A group of investors investigates the suspicious death of cryptocurrency multimillionaire Gerry Cotten and the missing $250 million that they believe he stole from them.
This animated film follows Richard Linklater as a 10-year-old as he recounts nostalgic tales and a fantastical account of a journey to the moon and back.
In a future where Mars has become habitable and is colonized by the best of humanity, two college students scheme together to get to the red planet and unite with their significant others.
In a bleak future where the human race struggles for its existence, 30 young men and women are bred to embark on a mission to colonise a distant planet. But as soon as their primitive instincts kick in, the mission descends into chaos.
This film follows the story of the 30-year-old climber Tom Ballard who went missing in 2019 while climbing the so-called killer mountain, Nanga Parbat.
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 March 28 to April 3, 2022.
March 28, Monday
The Bucket List (5:10pm, Cinemax) Billionaire Edward Cole and car mechanic Carter Chambers are complete strangers, until fate lands them in the same hospital room. The men find they have two things in common: a need to come to terms with who they are and what they have done with their lives, and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. Against their doctor’s advice, the men leave the hospital and set out on the adventure of a lifetime.
No Other Woman (7pm, Cinema One) A woman discovers that her husband is having an affair with a customer’s daughter.
Pitch Perfect 2 (8:05pm, PBO) It’s been three years since the Barden Bellas became the first all-female group to win a national title. All seems well until a botched Lincoln Center performance for the president leads to a scandal that strips them of their performing duties, causing internal tension and strife. With the world championships on the horizon in Copenhagen, Denmark, the women must get their act together for their one and only shot at redemption.
March 29, Tuesday
The Notebook (3pm, HBO) In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun and rich girl Allie are desperately in love. But her parents don’t approve. When Noah goes off to serve in World War II, it seems to mark the end of their love affair. In the interim, Allie becomes involved with another man. But when Noah returns to their small town years later, on the cusp of Allie’s marriage, it soon becomes clear that their romance is anything but over.
One More Try (7pm, Cinema One) Grace is a single mum who is forced to reconnect with her son’s biological father Edward to save the boy from a worsening rare blood condition. The source of the cure: a biological sibling to Grace’s son, who must be naturally conceived.
Contagion (8:10pm, Cinemax) When Beth Emhoff returns to Minnesota from a Hong Kong business trip, she attributes the malaise she feels to a jet lag. However, two days later, Beth is dead, and doctors tell her shocked husband that they have no idea what killed her. Soon, many others start to exhibit the same symptoms, and a global pandemic explodes. Doctors try to contain the lethal microbe, but society begins to collapse as a blogger fans the flames of paranoia.
March 30, Wednesday
Alone/Together (5pm, Cinema One) College sweethearts Christine and Raf meet again eight years after their breakup for the first time. Once an overachieving art student, Christine has become a failure, whereas Raf, a guy nobody thought, would be great.
Never Not Love You (7:30pm, PBO) Two young lovers meet and fall in love. Together they build a life until career opportunities bring them out of the country. Out of the comforts of home and with individual careers going in different directions. Will their love survive?
Gravity (7:30pm, HBO) Dr. Ryan Stone is a medical engineer on her first shuttle mission. Her commander is veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky, helming his last flight before retirement. Then, during a routine space walk by the pair, disaster strikes: The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Ryan and Matt stranded in deep space with no link to Earth and no hope of rescue. As fear turns to panic, they realize that the only way home may be to venture further into space.
March 31, Thursday
Miss Granny (9:15am, PBO) An elderly woman finds a second chance at youth after a life-altering experience at a mysterious photo studio.
Gone Girl (11:15am, Cinemax) In Carthage, Mo., former New York-based writer Nick Dunne and his glamorous wife Amy present a portrait of a blissful marriage to the public. However, when Amy goes missing on the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary, Nick becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. The resulting police pressure and media frenzy cause the Dunnes’ image of a happy union to crumble, leading to tantalizing questions about who Nick and Amy truly are.
Dune (1:10pm, HBO) Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence, only those who can conquer their own fear will survive.
Cuddle Weather (11pm, Cinema One) Two sex workers form a strictly physical relationship as cuddle partners, only to realize that they both want something more.
April 1, Friday
I Love You, Goodbye (7pm, Cinema One) Lizelle Jimenez is a simple woman from a poor family. She then meets a very wealthy, good-looking, and loving man in the person of Dr. Adrian Benitez. They become lovers and start living together as a happy couple.
April 2, Saturday
Block Z (7pm, Cinema One) A group of university students must band together in order to survive a deadly viral disease outbreak.
April 3, Sunday
Siargao (5pm, Cinema One) A love triangle plays out between a rock singer and two women on the island of Siargao.
Aurora (9:30pm, PBO) Leana and her younger sister Rita look for missing bodies in the wreckage after a passenger ship runs aground on rocks off an island.
And just like that, the month of April is here! If you feel like spending some of your free time this month on the couch, watching films, PBO Channel has you covered with their lineup of Pinoy movies. And to make it even easier for you, we’ve rounded up eight movies from their lineup that you might want to catch on your TV!
Check them out below:
MIA
Starring Coleen Garcia and Edgar Allan Guzman April 3, 5:15 PM | April 8, 11:45 PM | April 12, 11:15 AM | April 21, 7:30 PM
Hindi Tayo Pwede
Starring Lovi Poe, Marco Gumabao, and Tony Labrusca April 3, 11:30 PM | April 15, 9 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–aQSO_NjYw
Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B
Starring Ryza Cenon and Martin del Rosario April 9, 6:30 AM | April 14, 11:45 PM | April 18, 7:15 AM | April 29, 1 PM
Unforgettable
Starring Sarah Geronimo April 9, 9:30 PM | April 10, 11 AM | April 13, 3:15 PM | April 15, 7:30 PM | April 19, 1 PM | April 21, 9:15 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iggIFDFczwA
The Day After Valentine’s
Starring Bela Padilla and JC Santos April 16, 1 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8xRYwnYRBA
Double Barrel
Starring AJ Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, and Jeric Raval April 21, 11:30 PM | April 30, 5:15 AM
Seven Sundays
Starring Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Cristine Reyes, Enrique Gil, and Ronaldo Valdez April 4, 5 PM | April 15, 11 AM | April 24, 7:15 PM
Nightshift
Starring Yam Concepcion, Cha Seung-won, and Levy Tran April 23, 9:30 PM | April 24, 11 AM | April 27, 3:30 PM | April 29, 9 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrnVV-cVrq0
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For more Movies on PBO Channel this April and for the daily schedules of PBO, click here.
[Note: schedules are subject to change without prior notice]
This April, Cinema One amps up romance. comedy, and drama with their lineup of popular and must-watch films. Staying home for a TV marathon? From blockbuster faves, lighthearted comedy, to kilig romcoms, here are ten films to check out on Cinema One Channel for the month of April!
Starring Eugene Domingo, Jake Cuenca, Paulo Avelino, Solenn Heussaff, Maja Salvador April 5
Two roommates with opposing views on relationships decide to trade lifestyles: the more conservative of the two will try playing the field, and the playboy will try to commit to a more serious relationship.
Mika goes on a road trip in search of aliens, and accidentally bumps into a Caloy whom she gives a free ride to until he reaches his destination. Mika discovers that Caloy has cancer and that he has learned to accept his fate.
S.P.A.R.K.
Starring Andrea Brillantes, Grae Fernandez April 24
A love story blossoming between two teens one summertime in Vigan. When campus crush Drei is sent by his mother to Ilocos to his grandfather as a punishment for his prankster ways, he accidentally meets a simple province girl named Beth.
An overworked young man goes thrill-seeking in Bukidnon, and unexpectedly befriends a girl trying to overcome her fears. Their friendship brings out the best of both of them, but the girl can’t quite overcome her greatest fear: falling in love.
Dear esteemed member of the Ton, it’s time to return to the British Regency Era with Netflix and Ivana Alawi!
Photo credit: Netflix Philippines
In a new video from Netflix Philippines, the newest member of the Bridgerton family plays the gracious host of Villa Bridgerton, giving excited Filipino fans a glimpse into the glamorous Bridgerton experience in Manila.
Here’s a look at Villa Bridgerton:
Decked in the season’s finest frocks and shimmering jewels, Ivana highlights the various amenities that Villa Bridgerton has to offer, including: a regal ride aboard a horse-driven carriage fit for the season’s diamond, a fun game of croquet, a full English culinary experience, and finally, the gorgeous and intricate interiors of the London Regency era.
Photo credit: Netflix Philippines
Villa Bridgerton, located at 35 Broadway Avenue, Corner 9th Street, New Manila, Quezon City (Google Maps here) is open to the public from March 25, 2022 to April 3, 2022. For more information and to book your free tour of the villa, visit villabridgerton.com. Slots are currently full, but keep checking as Netflix may open new slots soon!
Bridgerton: Season 2 is now streaming, only on Netflix.
About Bridgerton From Shondaland and Creator Chris Van Dusen, the second season of Bridgerton follows Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the eldest Bridgerton sibling and Viscount, as he sets out to find a suitable wife. Driven by his duty to uphold the family name, Anthony’s search for a debutante who meets his impossible standards seems ill-fated until Kate (Simone Ashley) and her younger sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) Sharma arrive from India. When Anthony begins to court Edwina, Kate discovers the true nature of his intentions — a true love match is not high on his priority list — and decides to do everything in her power to stop the union. But in doing so, Kate and Anthony’s verbal sparring matches only bring them closer together, complicating matters on both sides. Across Grosvenor Square, the Featheringtons must welcome the newest heir to their estate while Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) continues to navigate the ton whilst keeping her deepest secret from the people closest to her.
Bridgerton is a romantic, scandalous, and clever series that celebrates the timelessness of enduring friendships, families finding their way, and the search for a love that conquers all. The series also stars Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Harriet Cains (Philipa Featherington), Bessie Carter (Prudence Featherington), Shelley Conn (Mary Sharma), Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Basset), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Calam Lynch (Theo Sharpe), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Portia Featherington), Rupert Young (Jack), and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown. The series is inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels.
In case you missed it, there’s a new season of Bridgerton and if you haven’t seen the first season yet, what are you doing??? The show is based on the romance novel series by Julia Quinn and produced by Shonda Rhimes a.k.a. Shondaland. *SPOILER ALERT* In the season finale, it is revealed that Penelope Featherington played by Nicola Coughlan is Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews). Who is Lady Whistledown, you ask? She’s the town’s anonymous gossip-monger who shakes up the ton with her scandal sheet. Juicy, indeed!
In a roundtable interview with select media from the Philippines, we sat down with Nicola Coughlan who shares her journey as Penelope Featherington, Lady Whistledown’s reveal, her friendship with Eloise, and more. Read the full interview below:
What do you think that of all the characters to be Lady Whistledown, it had to be Penelope? What pushed her to write on the subject of the ‘ton and in a manner that she does?
Nicola Coughlan: I think there are a lot of reasons why she writes Lady Whistledown. She is someone who feels like she doesn’t belong with her family. She is quite shy so she doesn’t express herself in person because that gets in her way. She was used to going around her family that would constantly snipe at one another, and she couldn’t do that. So she internalized it and brought it into her words because she loves to read. And then I think, because the ‘ton loves it so much, that pushes her forward even more.
What are your thoughts on Penelope’s journey this season?
Nicola Coughlan: I was really excited to go back and play her because her being revealed as Lady Whistledown at the end of Season 1 really opened up her whole world and opened it up to the audience. I was excited to see how she got away with everything and how she collected all the information, got it to the printers, and all that stuff. Coming back in and knowing I was going to get to play that, was really exciting.
How different it was to play Penelope now that her identity as Lady Whistledown was revealed?
Nicola Coughlan: It’s different in a certain way but because I always knew she was Lady Whistledown, that was always in my mind. A lot of season one was about keeping it under the surface and keeping it a lot in her head. It created new challenges which was so much fun for her — being clever and tricking people, moving around London in the nighttime, and all that stuff.
How has Eloise and Penelope’s friendship evolved in this season?
Nicola Coughlan: I think their friendship evolves a lot because Eloise enters into society and Penelope hasn’t had a friend by her side before. I think she likes that she’s there as a friend but then it also creates issues. She needs to collect information at these balls in order to write Lady Whistledown so having Eloise constantly attached to her, creates a bit of tension. And also, there’s an element of her that she really needs Eloise’s praise.
The first season focused on Daphne and the Duke, the second season Antony and Kate, whose story would you want to see more for the next season? Would we see Collin and Penelope?
Nicola Coughlan: Who knows? I guess that’s a question for Shondaland. We’re lucky enough that we know were commissioned for four seasons which is such a rare and lucky thing to have. So I do know Collin and Penelope’s love story is coming within that.
What are your thoughts on gossip culture? Do you think it’s helpful or are you against it?
Nicola Coughlan: I think it’s a thing that we pretend we don’t like, but everyone loves to indulge in a little bit of gossip. It’s something about this time in history that women had so little agency over what they could do in their lives, that this was one thing they could really have control of and be the queens of this domain of gossip. So I totally get why it was such a thing but also, I think nobody’s immune to a good, juicy piece of gossip.
This season explores feminism deeply, especially Eloise. If you could share a piece of advice to women, what would it be?
Nicola Coughlan: I think you’ve got to put yourself first because women have a habit of thinking of everybody else before themselves. But ultimately, when they say on a plane, you’ve got to put your own oxygen mask on before anybody else’s? Apply that to your life because when you’re taking care of yourself, you’re better to be able to serve everyone and everything you’re doing. But you got to put yourself first.
What onset secrets can you share with us?
Nicola Coughlan: I’m always trying to be as comfortable as possible because the costumes are not terribly comfortable. So at any scene where I’m sitting down for a prolonged period of time, I will always try and wear Ugg boots underneath the dress. So you’ve got this beautiful Regency ballgown
Nicola Coughlan: We got given a gigantic bag with a “B” on it. I think if we tried to steal one of those costumes, I’d get in a lot of trouble. They’re not the most inconspicuous so by leaving with a giant yellow gown, I think they’d be like “no, no, no!”
Bridgerton Season 2 premieres today, March 25, on Netflix. Stream here.
ABOUT BRIDGERTON RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2022 EPISODES: 8 episodes x 1 hour PRODUCTION COMPANY: Shondaland CREATOR/SHOWRUNNER: Chris Van Dusen DIRECTORS: Tricia Brock (201, 202), Alex Pillai (203, 204), Tom Verica (205, 206), Cheryl Dunye (207, 208) EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Chris Van Dusen, Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Tom Verica STARRING: Adjoa Andoh, Lorraine Ashbourne, Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Charithra Chandran, Shelley Conn, Nicola Coughlan, Phoebe Dynevor, Ruth Gemmell, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Claudia Jessie, Calam Lynch, Luke Newton, Golda Rosheuvel, Luke Thompson, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Rupert Young, and Julie Andrews
After almost two years, Bridgertonis back for another season! A period drama that was compared to Gossip Girl, the Shondaland and Chris Van Dusen series took the world by storm with its storyline and steamy scenes. Set in the 19th century, Julia Quinn’s series is a collection of eight novels based on the eight Bridgerton children. The first season was based on Daphne and the Duke of Hastings, but it will be all about Lord Anthony for the second season.
Watch the official trailer of Bridgerton Season 2 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYNCws-a6CQ
In a roundtable interview with select press from the Philippines, we had a chat with Jonathan Bailey who reprises his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley, and Charithra Chandran who plays the new characters, Kate Sharma and Edwina Sharma. They talk about the lessons viewers can learn from their characters, what it was like wearing costumes, and if they got to keep anything from the show. Read the interview below:
For Simone and Charithra, what was it like joining the cast? For Jonathan, what was it like slipping back into the role and welcoming new cast members?
Simone Ashley: Oh gosh, it was so exciting. It happened to me really quickly so I didn’t really have a second to fully process it. I remember my first week of filming, we were all together filming a scene at the races and it was the perfect way to kickstart it all. The scenes we were playing with were just a lot of fun, I just came out of my shell and get to know everyone. They were super welcoming and warm, I wouldn’t have asked for a better start.
Charithra Chandran: It’s such a big show and it can be a bit intimidating at first but everyone was so welcoming. Even though there are hundreds of people on set, it feels actually really intimate on a day-to-day basis. It feels quite close and familial — so easy to get comfortable.
Jonathan Bailey: I was really looking forward to it. I think we were all excited to come back through the pandemic and also celebrate the show and what we had to experience when it came out the first time around.
What’s your favorite part in shooting Bridgerton season 2?
Simone Ashley: I love the days when we’re all together. So if we’re filming the balls or a certain scene where everyone’s in. I think we just have such a laugh and the best time. I think that’s a massive factor to this job in general, just all of us getting on and making the most of this.
Jonathan Bailey: And those ball days feel like Bridgerton at its absolute best. Not only for the viewers to watch it but it’s where all the departments are on set and everyone’s presence is huge.
Charithra Chandran: Everything is at its peak, isn’t it? The design, the costumes. Everyone’s there!
Simone Ashley: We always anticipate that week.
Jonathan Bailey: Yeah, they take a long time and they require a lot of stamina. It’s obviously brilliant to be involved in this production, but mainly you get to see the best people at the top of their game.
Lord Anthony and Kate’s chemistry is palpable in the show. How do you think that translated well on the screen?
Jonathan Bailey: I think the chemistry between Kate and Anthony is something that everyone has loved so much in the books. It’s so important for the romance genre, for the chemistry to be the underlying thing that carries these amazing love and sweeping stories. But I think what’s really interesting about these two characters is that they have so much to overcome. It’s the enemies to lovers trope which is tried and tested. It’s fascinating to me because it’s entrenched in something psychological, and the enemies to lovers show that there’s a big journey.
And so I think we were both equally matched in our enthusiasm for telling a story that is about yearning, it’s about withholding, and it’s complicated. The moment we met, it was a click. It’s also a testament to the show and the creative values that they can edit and elevate, and performance is only part of it. Every department is working at its absolute maximum to ensure the chemistry comes through. I’m glad you could sense the sizzle.
What do you think that people say this story of Anthony is the best of the series?
Jonathan Bailey: Obviously, I completely agree. I read the Viscount Who Loved Me before accepting the role and I always knew that this book was going to come second, much like in the same way that it does in the literary canon. I think Anthony has experienced a lot and that’s probably a reason why I’m drawn to him. What’s brilliant about Simone is that I think we would fight tooth and nail to prove that we are the biggest fans of Kate and Anthony, more than anyone who’s read the book. You feel really protected with the character and especially the characters that are so well loved. But you have to bring your own part, your own element to it, and hope that it also inspires in the same way the books did.
What are your thoughts on the Queen’s standard when choosing the season’s Diamond? Should women, in the Bridgerton set up, seek this much approval from her?
Charithra Chandran: I think the standards are kind of unattainable and ever-changing which is sort of the point of the Diamond. Perfection is expected yet perfection isn’t actually set or explicitly stated. And then the risk of that is that any woman can be tainted so easily by lies or by preferences. Certainly, the way the Queen uses these kind of expectations function in society can be a way to yield power over young women, by expecting us to uphold the standards whatever they may be. I think it’s controlling and it’s difficult for young women to find their independence and uniqueness within that. So I say, set your own standards and follow that.
Jonathan Bailey: And also with your performance. Because the arc of Edwina is so striking that is also another element of representation — seeing a female story within a world where gender roles are so specific and the outward affirmation is what drives all the young women to see Charitra’s character take agency, hopefully, will inspire as well.
What is the greatest lesson people could learn from your character?
Charithra Chandran: With Edwina, self-love is arguably the most important love. Often when you’re a woman, specifically a woman of color, your life can be determined a lot by obligation and sacrifice. And it takes a lot of courage to step out and choose yourself. So, choosing yourself takes courage — I’d say that’s the biggest lesson.
Simone Ashley: Follow your heart. Go and get your love. I think that was something Kate was afraid to do and do something for herself.
Simone Ashley: Wearing the costume was incredible. Just absolutely amazing color, design, the hand tailoring, everything!
Charithra Chandran: And it never gets old. You’d think after eight months, you wouldn’t be amazed by these dresses and then each time they smash it and keep raising the bar. So we’re very lucky. And they’re all couture so they’re all handmade perfectly for our measurements!
Jonathan Bailey: The character progression is also expertly reflected in design choices. We were filming in the pandemic and the supply change completely disintegrated, so it puts so much pressure on the costume department. And yet, they were so resourceful and they managed to get materials all over the world.
Charithra Chandran: All the jewelry is handmade for use. Some of the lace is from a specific mill in France and they create the design and get it done. It’s craftsmanship across the world that’s utilized for the show.
Speaking about wardrobe, did you get to keep anything from the show?
Simone Ashley: I’m gonna be really honest. Netflix kindly provided a taco truck on our last week and I think I had eight beef tacos. And then I had to do a scene where Kate is running around, panicking. Great time though!
Jonathan Bailey: I nearly got a plinth. All of the plinths were sculpted and there was one that was a sort of bust and there was a moment where I was like “I’m about to take it” but it’s quite a hard thing to sneak into. But I got given the watch. I felt connected with Anthony but there was just the gorgeous detail of the watch and I got it in a box.
Charithra Chandran: I did not take anything. Not because I didn’t want to or I have a thing against taking it but I was too afraid of getting caught. So if I knew I would get away with it, I 100% would have taken many things. But there are a few things that I hope I can ask for once the show comes out.
This March, HBO Asia is bringing us a new anthology thriller from Taiwan titled Twisted Strings which also delivers satirical takes on selfishness, greed, and ignorance.
Executive-produced by renowned filmmaker Hou Hsiao-Hsien, with the writing and direction of Huang Xi, Twisted Strings also has an award-winning cast ensemble which includes Lee Kang-sheng, Nikki Hsieh, Yo Yang, Yao Yi-Ti, and Sylvia Chang to name a few!
Check out the trailer and synopsis for the series below:
Twisted Strings follows a series of bizarre deaths happening in Taiping City. Against an eerie atmosphere, Wu Yuenu witnesses the deaths of people around her. A funeral, a missing body, a dangerous game, a kidnapping; real and unreal, these incidents are woven in Yuenu’s memories, converging in the mysterious Sailing Castle.
The name of the series is inspired by a popular Taiwanese nursery rhyme, which contains lyrics that tell the story of a monkey’s life over seven days. Each episode is loosely based on a line from the song.
Before the series premieres on WarnerMedia’s HBO and HBO GO this March 27, we got to virtually sit with its star Lee Kang-sheng for a roundtable interview where the actor talked about his experience working on this thriller. Below are the highlights of the interview:
Lee Kang-sheng on joining the project
Lee Kang-sheng has been known for starring in films such as Stray Dogs, Goodbye Dragon Inn, Rebels of the Neon God, and The Hole. “In the past, all of my movies are mostly very artsy,” said Kang-sheng. “In this TV series, hopefully, the Asian audience would get to see a different style of my performance. And because this series’ genre is a bit like dark humor, I think it would be very refreshing for the rest of the Asian audience.”
The movie star also shared how the script for the series convinced him to join the project. “When I received the full script from the director, I was immediately drawn to it. Typically, reading the full script would take up to two or three days, it only took me one day to finish reading the script.”
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
For Kang-sheng, the series stands out because of its appealing storyline, and the fact that it gathers an exciting ensemble of stars. “I think this is very appealing to me because of the storyline. I think the storyline gets kind of complicated and there are many actors involved in this production, about twenty-plus actors. That attracted me and pulled me to want to be part of it. I think this is a very fresh and unique production, and I’m very excited to be part of it.”
The parallel worlds of Taiping City
The setting of Twisted Strings is in a fictional city called Taiping, where bizarre things occur. The show opens with a curious-looking marionette monkey walking around its streets and observing the different stories that unfold in the series. According to Kang-sheng, the viewers must look closely to fully understand the show’s unique storyline.
“You need to watch it in detail and be very focused as you’re watching it,” said the actor. “Because many actors play more than one role. Sometimes you might be confused about who is playing who, because the story is happening in a parallel universe. It’s all happening in the same town, so you need to focus and make sure that you don’t miss out on any episode or it will be very hard for you to follow the storyline.”
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
Tipping toes around taboo themes
With the series revolving around Chinese traditional funeral customs, Kang-sheng also shared that the cast had to be careful about the taboos surrounding such a topic.
“Before [shooting], we would brief about the code of conduct. How to conduct ourselves as we enter into all these different places. The actors were briefed by a religious consultant to [point out] what are the taboos. For example, we cannot make a lot of noises as we enter into the funeral setting. And then before and after we enter the scenes, we also need to cleanse our bodies. Even after we return home, the religious consultant will give us a [talisman] for us to burn to make sure that the evil spirits do not follow us back.” Kang-sheng explained.
“Therefore, all the actors at the scene, we are very respectful, we conduct ourselves properly, solemnly, and carefully following all the rules. Every day, as we are shooting the scenes, we are on the tips of our toes to make sure that we didn’t cross any taboo,” the actor added.
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
Asked if there was anything creepy that actually took place during filming, he pointed out an instance when crew members of the production felt weak during their shoot.
“Personally, my day of birth in Chinese belief, I have a very positive charge– very Yang. My Yang is very strong, therefore, I don’t think I will encounter all these spiritual attacks. But I noticed that during the production, some crew members, they are not as strong as me. They are a bit weak or in Chinese interpretation, their Ying is higher. What I noticed is that the next day, the crew members did not come for work because they encountered a spiritual attack and they need to excuse themselves from work the next day,” shared the actor.
Why watch ‘Twisted Strings’?
For Lee Kang-sheng, watching a TV show should be relaxing and entertaining instead of getting too serious about things. He also cites two things that viewers can look out for when the series finally drops.
“As you watch this series, in one way you get to observe Taiwanese culture and how they conduct certain rituals. Another way you can enjoy this is how the director, being very professional and serious about the script, [has] a very unique way of handling this kind of topic. It’s supposed to be a thriller mystery because the show is really out of the ordinary, out of the box, and there’s a lot of room for imagination. So if you watch this, I would just advice you to relax, chill, and get entertained instead of perceiving it too seriously,” explained the actor.
Photo: WarnerMedia & HBO Asia
Twisted Strings premieres with its first two episodes this March 27. You can watch the anthology series on TV via HBO, or via online streaming on HBO GO. Subscribe to 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.
Kapamilya star Jericho Rosales couldn’t hide his excitement to begin working on his challenging role in “Sellblock,” the international prison action series of ABS-CBN International Production and Co-Production division, BlackOps Studios Asia, Psyops8, Story Arch Pictures, and Agog Film Productions, which he will headline.
According to Jericho, “Sellblock” was presented to him three years ago and he immediately loved the project.
“It’s always very exciting to do new things, especially groundbreaking projects and I felt that ‘Sellblock’ is one of those. It was presented to me at the time when I was looking for projects with more grit, projects that would push me, motivate me to try out new things, out of the box stuff, even character roles.”
“Sellblock” will serve as Jericho’s Kapamilya comeback after his 2018 drama series “Halik,” making the actor go into full research and training mode for his role with a New York-based acting coach.
“Working on this kind of project would push me to prepare in ways that I haven’t done before so I kind of love that fresh experience. There’s a little nervousness on my part and when I get nervous about something it means that it’s a good thing,” he explained.
Jericho also said that it has always been his dream to ‘work with the best in the world’ that’s why he didn’t let “Sellblock” slip away.
“My dream has always been to work with the best in the world. The best actors, best directors, best people in production, best scripts, the best locations. Who doesn’t want that, right? When an opportunity like this comes, you don’t sleep on it. You respond right away. When it was presented to me, I really liked it. Unfortunately, COVID-19 happened, but I’m really glad that ‘Sellblock’ is back. And I hope this opportunity will open new doors in the international scene, not just for me, but for all the great Filipino talent behind this project.”
It was announced earlier this week that Jericho will be joined by acclaimed actors Tirso Cruz III, Cherry Pie Picache, Ronnie Lazaro, Rosanna Roces, Mon Confiado, RK Bagatsing, and Pepe Herrera that pushed him to do his best for the project. Adding to his motivation are the support of the fans for “Sellblock” that he read online.
The Kapamilya star is also thrilled with ABS-CBN’s push to produce more international content for global audiences.
He remarked, “I’m excited that ABS-CBN is focusing on international projects and bringing talents, helping them get discovered and be seen not just in the Philippines, but all over the world.”
“Sellblock” was announced on Variety during this year’s Hong Kong Filmart.
The country’s leading content provider, ABS-CBN continues to forge new partnerships to promote Filipino stories and talent all over the world. Entertainment website Deadline revealed recently that ABS-CBN is also collaborating with Filipino-American actor Reggie Lee and Filipino-American film producer Jeremiah Abraham for “Concepcion,” a crime drama about a Filipino family’s rule in a Los Angeles town.
Earlier this year, ABS-CBN announced the all-star cast of “Cattleya Killer,” a thriller series produced for global audiences that will be shown later in 2022. It is also behind “Almost Paradise,” the first American TV series filmed entirely in the Philippines, which it co-produced with Hollywood’s Electric Entertainment. For updates, follow @abscbninternationalprod on Facebook and Instagram.
DreamWorks’ legendary panda is set to return in a new animated series from Netflix titled Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, Varietyreports. Also returning to give life to its main protagonist Po is Jack Black, who voiced the character in the films.
The plot follows Po in his globe-trotting quest alongside an English knight named Wandering Blade, as they try to collect four powerful weapons before a mysterious pair of weasels could use them for evil.
The Kung Fu Panda film from 2008 has spawned two sequels and two TV series prior to Netflix’s new title. Nickelodeon’s Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness ran for three seasons while Amazon’s Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny ran for one season. Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight is slated for release in July this year.
