February 17, 2019
Robi Domingo is #ABSCBNLifestyleInspo Love Guru
Saab Magalona and Husband Jim Bacarro Take on Blue Ant Entertainment’s “Game of Firsts”
January 28, 2019
Jennifer Lopez Proves that Everyone Deserves Another Chance in “Second Act,” Showing January 30 in PH Theaters
January 23, 2019
Patrick Stewart as Merlin in Action Fantasy Family Movie “The Kid Who Would Be King”
AksyonTV Redefines Action As "5 Plus"
Donny Pangilinan Charms the Cast and Director of “Mary Poppins Returns”
Tales of Extraordinary Beings Take Spotlight on M. Night Shyamalan’s “Glass”
The renowned writer-director returns to the big screen with the much-anticipated conclusion of his original cinematic universe that started 19 years ago with Unbreakable. Shyamalan brilliantly weaves the stories of his extraordinary beings together in one mind-blowing film that offers a fresh, contemporary alternative to today's superhero epics.
"I've never done anything like this. It was really different for me to kind of bring characters from two different movies that I had invented earlier and then create a third version," Shyamalan shares. The visionary director wanted to create a trilogy that was unlike any other, and what took years in the making finally gets a riveting culmination in Glass.
Film buffs who have followed David Dunn, Kevin Wendell Crumb, and Elijah Price in the last two movies of the Unbreakable series can find closure about their broken identities in Glass. Shyamalan admits, "The movie is really about marginalized characters and them coming to find a place in this world that they feel important, and that they are very important even though the world has told them otherwise."
Glass follows where Split took off and finds Dunn's vigilante hero persona, The Overseer, in pursuit of Crumb's destructive superhuman figure, The Beast. In a series of thrilling encounters, the two men are captured and detained in Raven Hill Memorial Psychiatric Research Hospital under the care of Dr. Staple, where Price has been living for the past 16 years.
Bringing to life these powerful characters, Bruce Willis reprises his role as David Dunn, Samuel L. Jackson as Elijah Price or Mr. Glass, and James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb and his multiple identities. Joining the all-star cast are Spencer Treat Clark and Charlayne Woodard who reprise their roles as Dunn's son and Price's mother, with newcomer Sarah Paulson as Dr. Ellie Staple.
Willis expresses his excitement on being able to return as the standout invulnerable David Dunn in Glass. He shares, "Night creates characters that are unique and memorable and feel personal. I was just as thrilled to play David Dunn as I was the first time I played him."
Meanwhile, McAvoy shares his sentiment on what makes Shyamalan's trilogy different from other superhero franchises. "Unbreakable and Split were both, in a way, deconstructionist superhero movies. What was great when I got the script for Glass was that it was taking super people, super hero, and super villain archetype and putting them in a very different kind of movie, and I think that's exciting."
Comic-book thriller fans can expect the epic finale of an original trilogy and modern cinematic universe that is trademarked Shyamalan. While Unbreakable and Split focus on two men discovering their strengths, Glass hinges on the root of identity and challenges the idea whether the mind can shape and influence one's physical realities.
A Blinding Edge Pictures and Blumhouse production, Glass is released by Buena Vista International and is now showing in Philippine cinemas. Use #GlassMovie to join the conversations online.
Toprating Korean Series Meteor Garden, Weightlifting Fairy, A Love So Beautiful, and Hwayugi Hit TVplus’ Asianovela Channel
2019 is off to a great start for avid viewers of Asianovela Channel because it is unloading four big titles this month, including the original "Meteor Garden" series that once took the country by storm.
TVplus users can look forward to uncut episodes of "Meteor Garden" featuring the original F4 and Shan Cai, the equal parts fantasy and comedy series "Hwayugi," and returning titles due to popular demand, "Weightlifting Fairy" and "A Love So Beautiful."
Fans must keep their eyes peeled on January 21 on Asianovela Channel, the ultimate 'fan bayan' on free TV, as it drops "Meteor Garden," "Weightlifting Fairy," and "A Love So Beautiful."
Avid "Meteor Garden" fans can relive the nostalgia as they witness the F4 and Shan Cai clash and eventually become allies in the end on weekdaysat 10 AM/3 PM/12 MN and weekends at 9 AM/11 PM.
Viewers who are looking for a tender coming-of-age story will enjoy "Weightlifting Fairy," airing on weekdays at 6 AM/6 PM/9 PM and a weekend airing at 5 AM, as it that revolves on college athletes who are navigating adulthood.
For hopeless romantics, there's "A Love So Beautiful," a rom-com on two 17-year-olds who have a budding affection for each other while they experience the crazy journey of high school. TVplus users can catch it on weekdaysat 7 AM/ 5 PM/10 PM and weekends at 7 AM.
Meanwhile, "Hwayugi," which airs on weekdays at 7AM/12 NN/8 PM and weekends at 7 PM, is a movie adaptation of the Chinese classic novel "Journey to the West," that follows the paths of an immortal and powerful man (Seung-Gi) and a woman who can see spirits and other peculiar forces.
Don't miss the best of Asian dramas only on ABS-CBN TVplus' Asianovela Channel. For more information, follow Asianovela Channel on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AsianovelaChannel/), Twitter (@AsianovelaC), and Instagram (@asianovelachannel).
Xian Lim and Louise Delos Reyes Team-up in Viva Films’ Pre-Valentine Movie “Hanggang Kailan?”
What if you had one last trip to be with the person you love before you end your relationship? How do you say goodbye?
VIVA Films, the producer of 100 Tula Para Kay Stella and Sid & Aya (Not a Love Story), in cooperation with BluArt Productions and XL8, continues to redefine the romance genre in Philippine cinema with its special pre-Valentine offering, "HANGGANG KAILAN?"
Xian Lim and Louise Delos Reyes star as Donnie and Kath, a couple who's celebrating their second anniversary. But instead of looking forward to more years together, they agree that this is going to be their last even though they are still very much in love.
Before they totally go their separate ways, Donnie and Kath take a 4-day/3-night vacation in Saga, Japan. Amidst picturesque landscapes, new memories will be made, hearts will break. And they've always known that this is bound to happen.
Bona Fajardo, the man behind noteworthy films such as I Found My Heart in Santa Fe, Kahit Ayaw Mo Na, and Iliw, is the director that brings this screenplay by Onay Sales to life. In a past interview, director Fajardo had encouraged audiences to keep watching movies to discover stories to your liking. "'Pag nagustuhan mo ang sine ituloy-tuloy mo na yan… kung ano 'yong hinahanap mong ganda, kung anong istorya, nandiyan naman lahat 'yan, makikita mo 'yan."
This is the first time for Xian and Louise to work together.
Aiming for longevity in show business, the Kapuso-turned-Kapamilya actress says she's willing to try different roles to keep honing her craft. On TV, Louise was last seen in Asintado. Her last movie project was Para sa Broken Hearted (October 2018). It's interesting to see how her team-up with the Chinito Heartthrob will bring out a side to her that her fans haven't seen.
Meanwhile, Xian's involvement in this movie goes beyond acting. The XL8 mentioned above is his new venture. Like Louise, Xian is not afraid to try new things. Last year, he started his basketball career, playing for Mandaluyong El Tigre in MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League). Around that time, he was also part of the box-office hit movie Miss Granny.
"HANGGANG KAILAN?" opens in cinemas on February 6.
January 5, 2019
Peri-Peri Store Now Open at McKinley Venice Grand Canal
December 28, 2018
ABS-CBN Unveils Sound Stages as Part of 65th Year of TV Celebrations
ABS-CBN Corporation marked its 65th founding anniversary with the inauguration of its brand new sound stages in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan last December 12.
ABS-CBN president and chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak said the two sound stages were built to support the company's efforts towards expanding its audience and content output beyond the Philippines and to foreign audiences.
"We want to bring ABS-CBN content to the international stage, and having a state-of-the-art facility and a world-class production team is a big step for us towards that direction and dream," Katigbak said.
ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez added, "What I'm most proud of about this project is that we're creating Hollywood-level sound stages which puts us at par with the rest of the world."
This project was the brainchild of ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III, who saw that building the studios is the best way to keep in step with the world's top entertainment companies, which shoot bigger percentages of their programs and films in sound stages and not in remote locations. Moreover, the sound stages also enable the company to manage production costs more efficiently.
"Completing the sound stages represents a very major step for ABS-CBN in terms of our ability to create much better production. Through this we can show the world the best of the Filipino," said Lopez III.
Present at the inauguration of the sound stages along with Lopez III, Lopez, and Katigbak were ABS-CBN board member and former President and COO Freddie Garcia, ABS-CBN board adviser, former president and CEO, and current chief creative officer Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN COO of broadcast Cory Vidanes, and ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. managing director Olive Lamasan, together with Rep. Rida Robes, Mayor Art Robes, and some members of the ABS-CBN community.
The sound stages represent the beginning of a plan to establish a production hub that include sound stages, backlots, production and post production facilities and offices that will allow both ABS-CBN and Philippine-based productions to match production facilities found elsewhere in the world.
In parallel with the construction work, the production and support teams for both TV and Feature Films began a three-year training program for the stages both in Hollywood and in the Philippines designed by Manhattan Beach Studios together with ABS-CBN Studios Inc. and ABS-CBN University. Covering all aspects of production, the courses involved over 150 people and were designed to ensure that production processes mirror the best practices in the world.
Following the intensive training camp for production staff and crew, the studios will host the productions of upcoming teleserye "The Faithful Wife" and the much-anticipated "Darna" film in the second quarter of 2019.
Phase 1 of the production hub includes two 1,500 sq. m. (16,000 sq. ft.) sound stages with a floor to grid height of 30 feet, a breezeway with dressing rooms and various support rooms and the technical facilities in aid of production. Sitting on 7.7 hectares, the facility includes a visitor's center, parking facilities and various support buildings. The sound stages also boast of solar panels that help support the energy requirements of the whole facility.
Inaugurated in time to celebrate not only its 65th anniversary but also Star Cinema's 25th year anniversary, the stages will enhance the production output for both TV and film in the years to come.
Designed by California-based architecture firm Bastien and Associates together with Filipino firm AIDEA and consultants from Hollywood-based Manhattan Beach Studios, these represent a new wave of sound stage design customized for the Philippine climate.
Coincidentally, the sound stages are being inaugurated a few days shy of 50 years after the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center in Quezon City was inaugurated. Considered the most advanced facility in Asia at that time, the center opened on December 18, 1968.
Work on the sound stages started as early as 2010 with various members of the executive and production teams visiting facilities in South Korea, Mexico, North America, Europe and Asia to understand the nuances of sound stage work. The project proper started in Q1 of 2014 with construction commencing May 2017.
For updates, follow @ABSCBNpr on facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and visit abscbnpr.com.
Discover the Origins of “Bumblebee” on Earth in New Adventure Film #BumblebeeMovie
In the more than 12 years since the first Transformers film commenced shooting in White Sands, New Mexico, the straightforward idea of turning a popular toy into a movie has surprised even its creators by growing into a worldwide phenomenon with box office receipts totaling $4.3 billion. With Paramount Pictures' new action-adventure Bumblebee, the saga enters new territory with a story as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed.
Check out a new Spot below and watch Bumblebee in Philippine cinemas Tuesday, January 8.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/wfPqGaHp_fw
As the film begins, audiences get their first glimpse of the Bumblebee of Cybertron lore. Known as B-127, the bright yellow transformer is a fierce warrior who has fought in a centuries-long conflict between the Autobots and the Decepticons. When all seems lost for the Autobots, B-127 is dispatched to Earth with a mission: Protect the planet and its inhabitants in the hope of establishing a refuge for his comrades.
His arrival is complicated when two Decepticons, Shatter and Dropkick, follow him and launch an attack that endangers Earth's inhabitants, and an American military team decides, understandably, that the alien species is a threat to mankind. Bumblebee attempts to hide from his pursuers disguised as a dilapidated yellow Volkswagen Beetle, but when a teenaged girl named Charlie decides to restore the vehicle, she inadvertently discovers his true identity.
Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura describes the film as an origin story. "This is Bumblebee's origin story on earth. Since the movie predates the Bay chronology we had the opportunity to do a deeper dive into his character, giving the audience even more reason to fall in love with him. He effectively creates a brand new story through his relationship with Charlie. It becomes a rite of passage story for both of them," he explains.
When Screenwriter Christina Hodson first fleshed out her original take on Bumblebee, the filmmakers were attracted by her vision, Hodson envisioned a smaller, more family-friendly Transformers film with an emotional story at its core.
The producers were intrigued by the concept of a "kinder, gentler" Transformers story that incorporates a more emotional, humanized version of the bots. Christina convinced us to take a leap of faith and make a different kind of film than we had before," says di Bonaventura. "The audience has always wanted to know more about who the Transformers are, and her story allowed us to develop the characters and tell a more intimate story. We let the audience get to know a Transformer in a way they never have before."
Hodson's first draft, completed in the fall of 2016, was an emotionally centered story around Hailee Steinfeld's character Charlie and Bumblebee, "I love seeing girls going on adventures," Hodson says. "And I wanted to create a female character who didn't fit into typical boxes. I think one of the things that makes Charlie feel like an outsider is that she isn't just one thing. She's a bit nerd, a bit tomboy and a bit athlete. It is absolutely full of Transformers-style thrills and adrenaline and adventure and fun, but has a lot of heart, too."
The idea of focusing on one specific character was also greeted enthusiastically at Hasbro, creators of the original Transformers. Brian Goldner, the company's CEO and an executive producer of the film, was delighted to read a script that addressed the "inner life" of Bumblebee.
"We at Hasbro are guardians of the Transformers lore, so we particularly appreciate the way Charlie brings him to life in a whole new way that still connects directly to what fans know and love about Bumblebee."
"Bumblebee was the perfect choice, he is a fan favorite and probably the most human-like autobot. Bumblebee is heartfelt, has a youthful exuberance and is a multi-layered character," explains di Bonaventura.
Goldner also endorses the idea of setting the film in the 1980s, when the first Transformers toy line, animated television series and comic books took the world by storm. "Setting the story within that vibrant decade is a wonderful tip of the hat to the talented creators of those characters," he concudes.
Bumblebee is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uipmoviesph/ and use the hashtag #BumblebeeMovie.