SBNLifestyle

April 21, 2019

Global K-Pop Sensation ‘BTS’ Joins Forces with ‘Halsey’ for WorldTV Premiere Performance on the “2019 Billboard Music Awards”

dick clark productions announced today that global superstars BTS will take the stage with chart-topping singer/songwriter Halsey for the worldwide collaborative debut of their brand-new track "Boy With Luv" at the "2019 Billboard Music Awards." BTS and Halsey join previously announced performers Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Daigle, Khalid, Panic! At The Disco and Sam Smith & Normani, plus a special performance by 2019 ICON Award recipient Mariah Carey. The "2019 Billboard Music Awards," with returning host Kelly Clarkson, will broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand GardenArena in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 2 at 8:00AM on Blue Ant Entertainment available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channel 37, and will feature this year's hottest musical acts, unexpected collaborations and buzzworthy moments.

Two-time Billboard Music Award winners BTS last performed at the "2018 Billboard Music Awards" with their top 10 Billboard Hot 100 single "Fake Love." They also walked away with the Top Social Artist trophy in both 2017 and 2018, and are nominated in the Top Duo/Group and Top Social Artist categories this year. Three-time Billboard Music Award winner Halsey took the Billboard Music Awards stage in both 2017 and 2018, first performing her hit "Now or Never" and then joining The Chainsmokers the following year to pay tribute to Avicii. Halsey is nominated this year for Top Female Artist and Top Selling Song for "Without Me."

Billboard Chart Facts:

BTS
In the past year, BTS scored its first two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart with Love Yourself: Tear and Love Yourself: Answer. The act also claimed their first top 10 hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with "Fake Love." So far, the South Korean pop phenom has seen its catalog of albums earn 2.6 million equivalent album units in the U.S., according to Nielsen Music, while their collected songs have tallied over 4.2 billion on-demand streams. Additionally, BTS remains an incredible force on social media thanks to their fans ARMY, as reflected on Billboard's Social 50 chart. The group has racked up over 100 weeks at No. 1 on tally, which ranks the most popular music acts on social media.

Halsey
In 2015, Halsey launched at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with her debut studio album Badlands. A year later, she scored her first No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 single, as featured on The Chainsmokers' "Closer." She tallied her first Billboard 200 leader, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, in 2017, while 2019 brought her first Hot 100 No. 1 as a lead artist, "Without Me." She has earned four No. 1s on the Pop Songs chart, with her latest, "Eastside," with Benny Blanco and Khalid, replacing "Without Me" directly at the summit.

"Billboard Music Awards" nominees and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the chart period of March 23, 2018 through March 7, 2019. Since 1940, the Billboard charts have been the go-to guide for ranking the popularity of artists, songs and albums, and are the ultimate measure of success in music.

The "2019 Billboard Music Awards" is produced by dick clark productions. Mark Bracco, Barry Adelman, Kelly Clarkson and Robert Deaton are executive producers.

For the latest news on the Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), exclusive content and more, be sure to follow Blue Ant Entertainment on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram and @BlueAntEnt on Twitter.

By: JENG On 4/21/2019 01:53:00 AM

“X-Men: Dark Phoenix” Reveals Final Trailer

"X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX" FINAL TRAILER REVEAL

With Jean Grey aka Phoenix (played by Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner) out of control in the final trailer reveal of "X-Men: Dark Phoenix", her fellow mutants unite to save her from wreaking havoc on earth and to the rest of the X-men force. "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" is adapted from the classic storyline during the 1980s when the X-men were on a rescue mission in space and when Jean was struck by a powerful solar flare and returned to earth unknowingly transformed into the most dangerous lethal weapon. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite -- not only to save Jean's soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

""X-Men: Dark Phoenix" also stars Michael Fassbender as Magneto, James McAvoy as Professor X, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Evan Peters as Quicksilver, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Andrew Stehlin as Red Lotus, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler and Kota Eberhardt as Selene with Jessica Chastain in a mysterious role.

"X-Men: Dark Phoenix" opens in Philippine cinemas on June 5 from 20^th Century Fox.

Follow 20^th Century Fox to check out latest trailer reveal - Youtube - 20thcenturyfoxph , Facebook - 20th Century Fox (PH)

By: JENG On 4/21/2019 01:50:00 AM

“The Curse of La Llorona” Holds Sneak Previews in PH Cinemas on April 22 and 23

The curse comes to life sooner than you think as New Line Cinema and producer James Wan's "The Curse of La Llorona" holds special, whole-day sneak previews on Monday & Tuesday, April 22 & 23 in selected cinemas nationwide.

This gives horror fans an early treat as the suspense thriller is due to open wide across the Philippines on May 1^st yet.

Tickets to the sneaks will be at regular admission prices. Moviegoers are advised to check the social pages of their favorite cinemas for the screening schedule.

"The Curse of La Llorona" is rated R-13 by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The film contains depictions of horror, frightening scenes and occasional gore, that may not be suitable for children below thirteen (13) years of age.

"The Curse of La Llorona" is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a WarnerMedia Company. Use the hashtag #LaLlorona

About "The Curse of La Llorona"

From New Line Cinema and producer James Wan, "The Curse of La Llorona" brings the iconic Latin American legend to terrifying life in an original horror film, marking the feature directorial debut of Michael Chaves, the innovative filmmaker behind the award-winning short "The Maiden."

In 1970s Los Angeles, La Llorona is stalking the night—and the children. Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. Their only hope to survive La Llorona's deadly wrath may be a disillusioned priest and the mysticism he practices to keep evil at bay, on the fringes where fear and faith collide.

Produced by James Wan ("Aquaman"), Gary Dauberman (screenwriter "IT" and "Annabelle" franchises) and Emile Gladstone ("Army of One"), "The Curse of La Llorona" stars Linda Cardellini (the Oscar-winning "Green Book," Netflix's "Bloodline"), Raymond Cruz (TV's "Breaking Bad," "Training Day") and Patricia Velasquez (TV's "Arrested Development," "The Mummy" films), along with Marisol Ramirez (TV's "NCIS: Los Angeles"), Sean Patrick Thomas (the "Barbershop" films, "Halloween: Resurrection"), Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen ("Selfless") and newcomer Roman Christou.

By: JENG On 4/21/2019 01:48:00 AM

One Music Brings Back “One Paradise” to La Union

One Music PH teams up with ABS-CBN Lifestyle, MYX, and L.U. Soul and returns to La Union for "One Paradise," a gig for a cause happening along San Juan beach this April 26 (Friday).

A movement to inspire the youth to save and protect the environment through music, "One Paradise" brings together artists from different genres—Sue Ramirez, AC Bonifacio,Cane City, brwn, Quacid, Tanakuta. Jason Fernandez, Miro Valero, Dotty's World,Agsunta, Migz Haleco, and Parokya ni Edgar—all on one stage.

Don't miss the ABS- CBN Lifestyle Hotshots of 2019, this year's batch of hunky actors and heartthrobs who will add heat to the event.

Also joining are MYX VJ Samm and Sports and Action host Vince Velasco who will serve as hosts of the benefit gig, which is now on its second year.

The "One Paradise" movement aims to help educate La Union locals and Metro Manila's urbanites on the perils of single-use plastics and promote responsible beach partying. Aside from the show, it includes a eco-brick teaching session spearheaded by L. U. Soul, a community-driven ecotourism movement that promotes sustainability of the world's fifth longest shoreline, the La Union coastline.

Last year, the movement brought together more than 3,500 attendees to the gig and also encouraged participants to support the clean-up drive that was done, which was replaced by the eco-brick this coming year.

One Music PH is ABS-CBN's music portal that offers Filipinos the total music experience with audio and video streaming, music news, and exclusive digital concerts featuring the brightest Filipino talents. It also allows aspiring musicians a crack at stardom by allowing them to upload their work on the website.

Head out to La Union this April 26 (Friday) and support the "One Paradise" cause. For updates follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

By: JENG On 4/21/2019 01:43:00 AM

Jollibee welcomes Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray as its Newest Ambassador

Jollibee, the country's number one fast-food brand, has added no less than the most beautiful woman in the universe to its stellar roster of endorsers: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

The fast-food brand officially welcomed Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and endless servings of the new and improved Jolly Twirl.

An iconic queen for an iconic brand

"I feel incredibly honored to be part of the Jollibee family and this successful homegrown brand that makes me proud to be a Filipino," shared the 25-year-old reigning queen. "Being able to associate the new and improved slow-melt Jolly Twirl with my own slow-mo twirl makes this opportunity a great fit, and it's a bonus that I absolutely love this dessert!

Catriona also shared how excited she was for the experience of having filmed the commercial with Twirlie, one of Jollibee's friends who gracefully mimicked her famous lava walk right after her victory. In a twirling showdown, Miss Universe even graciously commended Twirlie's moves.

"Twirlie and I have our own special twirls, but I must say—the best twirl ever is now the Jolly Twirl!" Catriona said.

"We at Jollibee feel very honored to have Catrionajoin our family," said Francis Flores, Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer. "She has shown incredible grace, empathy, and Filipino excellence in the world stage, brought home the most coveted crown, and continues to help and inspire Filipino children through her advocacies. She called us iconic, but she's an equally iconic figure—an iconic queen that captured our nation's heart."

'The best twirl ever'

Catriona shares that she has simple tastes and her favorite menu item when she has a sweet tooth is the Chocolate Sundae Twirl.

"I like to enjoy Chocolate Sundae Twirl whenever I can. Whether you're craving for something indulgentor having a celebration, its perfect for all occasions talaga," she said. "This new and improved Jolly Twirl is the best twirl ever, because it's now thicker, creamier, and slower to melt so we can enjoy it longer – together!"

Like Miss Universe 2018 herself, give yourself the joyful twirl of the Jolly Twirl, available in four variants.Go for the timeless classic Vanilla Cone Twirl (PHP 10.00*), with the thicker, creamier vanilla soft-serve ice cream twirled perfectly into and on top of a crispy cone. Indulge your chocolate cravings with the Chocolate Cone Twirl (PHP 15.00*), with the chocolate-dipped soft-serve giving a new dimension of deliciousness. Go all out with the Chocolate Sundae Twirl (PHP 30.00*) or Mini Chocolate Sundae Twirl (PHP 24.00) and revel in the irresistible combination of thick, creamy vanilla ice cream and generous drizzling of glossy, sweet chocolate syrup.

Try out the new and improved Jolly Twirl in any Jollibee branch nearest you!

*Prices may vary across different locations

By: JENG On 4/21/2019 01:41:00 AM

Gabbi Garcia Launches Her Own Line of Perfume Called ‘HKT Fragrances’

From the creative and entrepreneural minds behind Something Cool, Inc. come HKT Fragrances, a new generation of sensational scents inspired by modern style and the clean, fresh vibe that comes with it. HKT Fragrances is out to disrupt the fragrance industry with quality products offered at budget-friendly prices.

Dreaming of being part of the "IT" crowd? Let Hookt usher you into a world of exclusively where confidence is unleashed. Make a statement with fragrance must-haves that punctuate your personal style. Choose from a variety of scents for men and women that range from light, clean and musky to fruity, floral and woody. With Hookt, all it takes is a spritz to make an impression that lasts.

Hookt caters to the youth of today and understands their need to stand out and express their individuality. The brand believes that a fragrance embodies choice, style, and expression. Hookt fragrances do not overpower. They call attention to themselves through subtle sophistication. Each scent was carefully curated with the modern millennial in mind. A HKT signature

fragrance fits a unique persona and sets the stage for an urban expression that is in a class of its own.

Kicking off the year with its nationwide launch in April 10, 2019, Hookt promises to be a game changer aimed at boosting one's confidence, promoting beauty, and offering olfactory style. With young actresses Andrea Brillantes and Gabbi Garcia serving as its endorsers, the brand goes beyond offering just fragrances. It offers a state of mind where style, class, and good vibes rule. Get ready to get hooked on HKT Fragrances. Experience the brand by visiting www.hookt.ph and exploring our products on Lazada, Instagram @hooktph and Facebook official page www.fb.com/hooktphilippines.

By: JENG On 4/21/2019 01:37:00 AM

April 4, 2019

Liza Soberano Bids “Darna” Goodbye

A teary-eyed Liza Soberano announced on Thursday that she has withdrawn from the titular role of Pinay Superheroine "Darna" citing an injury as the reason behind her decision to quit the role.

According to Liza, she fractured the bones of her right finger in an accident on the set of the now-defunct fantaserye "Bagani" in August of last year. While she has undergone two surgeries to address the fracture, Liza is still unable to move her finger as normally as the others, given that its joint was also damaged.

Liza is set to undergo a third surgery to remove the metal plates that had been inserted to heal the fracture, saying she is hopeful that she can regain the full function her finger through time and more therapy sessions.

ABS-CBN and Star Cinema, in a statement, said they "understand Liza's condition, respect her decision, and wish her well on her recovery." The film outfit also clarified that the "Darna" movie will push through, and that it has started the selection process for a new actress.

By: JENG On 4/04/2019 10:53:00 PM

March 25, 2019

“It’s Showtime” First International Franchise Airs Starting March 25 in Indonesia

The country's number one noontime show "It's Showtime" is spreading good vibes to more viewers not just in the Philippines but across the world by landing its first international franchise in Indonesia.

Starting Monday (March 25), Indonesian viewers will get to watch their own version of the program on the TV station MNCTV. The groundbreaking milestone also marks ABS-CBN's first non-narrative format franchise buy, solidifying the company's position as a reliable content provider in the international arena.

"It's Showtime" hosts Jugs Jugueta and Teddy Corpuz will also be flying to Indonesia this weekend to observe and support the launch of the show on MNCTV. Jugs and Teddy are considered pioneers of "It's Showtime," having hosted it since 2009 when it was still airing in the morning timeslot.

"From introducing XB Gensan, Rachel Gabreza, and international sensation TNT Boys to the world, 'It's Showtime' and ABS-CBN are committed to discovering world-class talent and providing high-quality Filipino content and entertainment that would appeal to the global market. This a massive achievement and honor for the whole team as we celebrate the 10^th anniversary of 'It's Showtime' this year," said Peter Dizon, business unit head of "It's Showtime."

"While are proud that 'It's Showtime' will have its own version in Indonesia, it's really about sharing the happiness with the viewers and extending the experience not just here in the Philippines but also in another country," he added.

MNCTV's version of "It's Showtime" will carry popular segments that have brought happiness to many Filipinos, including "Sine Mo 'To," "Cash-Ya! Kaya!" "Ansabe," "Copy Cut," and "Bida Kapamilya."

As "It's Showtime" continues its year-long countdown to its 10^th anniversary in October, it has introduced new segments that draw viewers whether on TV or online, such as the compatibility game "KapareWho" and the search for the next leading man, "Bida Man." Outstanding singers will once again pull out all the stops in the week-long Quarter 3 semifinals of "Tawag ng Tanghalan," which kicks off on April 1.

"It's Showtime," meanwhile, remains as the most watched noontime show in the country, having recorded a national TV rating of 20.1%, almost double that of "Eat Bulaga's" 10.4%, based on data from Kantar Media last Thursday (March 21).

Like the Philippine version of the show, Indonesia's "It's Showtime" also enlisted its the brightest stars, including singer-comedian-actor Raffi Ahmad, model-turned-actress Luna Maya, renowned host Indra Herlambang, host-actress Chika Jessica, Filipino TV host and recording artist Leo Consul, and rockstar twins Musbrother.

"It's Showtime," which continues its countdown to its tenth anniversary celebration, airs Mondays to Saturdays on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (Sky Cable ch 167). For the program's past episode, login to iWant (iwant.ph) or on skyondemand.com.ph for Sky subscribers.

By: JENG On 3/25/2019 01:58:00 PM

March 24, 2019

Kathryn Bernardo Wins Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Trending Artist 2019

Kathryn Bernardo bested Liza Soberano, Julia Barretto and Yassi Pressman in this year's Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards.

The Kapamilya blockbuster actress was voted the Favorite Trending Pinoy artist after garnering the most number of fan votes which were cast using a special hashtag.

Held annually, the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards brings together top celebrities in the United States for a fun-filled show that honors the biggest acts and programs of the past year.

By: JENG On 3/24/2019 04:23:00 PM

March 20, 2019

Zachary Levi Brims with Hope, Enthusiasm as “Shazam!”

Zachary Levi ("Thor: The Dark World," TV's "Chuck," "Heroes Reborn") stars as the titular DC Super Hero of New Line Cinema's origin story "SHAZAM!"

Director David F. Sandberg says Levi's passion and youthful nature were vital in his casting. "It was important to find someone who could feel like a kid in a grownup's body. I think a mistake a lot of people make when grownups try to play kids is that they just sort of lower the IQ, just play it dumber. And kids aren't dumber, they're just inexperienced, and more enthusiastic about life. And they don't have the filter that a lot of adults have. So that's what we were looking for and what we absolutely found in Zachary Levi."

In the film, streetwise 14-year-old foster kid Billy Batson (Asher Angel) can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Levi), by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!— courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers.

Levi was thrilled with the opportunity to tap into the 14-year-old in him. "I don't want to say I'm a man-child," he jokes, "but I happen to be an enthusiastic, hopeful, energy-filled type of person. So, to show up on set and get to play this character, Shazam, and fly around and fight bad guys? I was totally in! I was so eager to shoot every scene of this film, to be able to bring not just a really badass Super Hero to life, but one who has so much heart and charm and humor."

The actor surmises that growing up reading comic books and playing video games probably set him on a particular trajectory, but still, "the scene where the Wizard first transforms Billy into Shazam and he hears his voice for the first time—and it's my voice! I couldn't wait for that moment, I knew it was going to be so much fun." Or, to act out the moments "when he sees his reflection for the first time, the whole montage of him learning what his powers are…" Levi adds. So, really, everything.

Levi says that to play a boy in a grown man's body was really about straddling the two sides of himself. "Kids don't get bogged down with life the way adults do. They're not dealing with 401ks or mortgages; they're just going to school and thinking, 'I really don't wanna go to math right now.' They haven't built the catalogue of experiences in their journey to adult wisdom yet to understand why things are the way they are.

"But even as an adult, and especially as an actor," he continues, "I've always tried to maintain a lust for life, along with enthusiasm and sincerity, which I think is what most kids just exude naturally. Up to a point, they have a purity of heart, and I think that's what's so great about this story and what's unique about Billy specifically. He is pure of heart, and that's why the Wizard endows him with this power. And that's a big gamble—giving this 14-year-old kid the power of the gods."

Along with the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the endurance of Atlas, the power of Zeus, the fighting abilities of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury, "He's also got the ability to wield lightning, which is very much in tune with his Zeusitude, if I can be so bold as to call it Zeusitude. I'm coining that phrase right now," Levi quips.

On set, the actor had as much fun with the discovery of Shazam's powers as the character did. "One of the moments that just delighted me was the scene when he's stopping the robbery, and he figures out he has bullet immunity. Basically, he just starts giggling because the bullets literally tickle him." Long before production began, just reading the scene, Levi confesses, "I just lost it, I started laughing out loud, legitimately LOL-ing by myself in my living room. Because it's the joy of that moment. You don't get to see Batman or Superman being tickled by their abilities. Those guys are dudes who've had a lot on their shoulders for a long time, while Billy's just stepping into this world. You get to experience his delight, and I just loved it."

Speaking of Shazam's fellow Super Heroes' attributes, director Sandberg offers, "Shazam has the best secret identity of all. He becomes a totally different person, a young boy. So, if he needs to blend in or get away, he can say 'Shazam!' and turn into Billy, just a normal kid."

In Philippine cinemas April 3, "Shazam!" is a New Line Cinema production, and distributed by Warner Bros., a WarnerMedia Company.

By: JENG On 3/20/2019 09:37:00 AM

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray Shows Off the ‘Best Twirl Ever’

Jollibee—the country's number one fast-food brand—brought another stellar member to its growing family of iconic celebrity endorsers: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

In her first-ever commercial for the proudly homegrown brand, Catriona shows off the twirl that sent waves on- and offline, all over the world: the iconic slow-motion twirl.

Clad in white, Catriona talks about how the universe has spoken, referring to a new twirl that is set to win everyone's hearts. For the 25-year-old beauty queen and singer, the "best twirl ever" is not her crown-winning move—it's the new and improved Jolly Twirl!

Her face—lit up in desire and anticipation—and her elegant, seamless movements are in perfect sync with the irresistible twirls of the soft-serve ice cream.

"We are honored to have none other than Miss Universe 2018 herself join the Jollibee family in bringing more joy and pride to our customers," said Francis E. Flores, Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head. "Having her show off her world-famous twirl alongside her love for both the Jolly Twirl and Jollibee is an incredible opportunity for a proudly Filipino brand."

The new and improved Jolly Twirl comes with a thicker, creamier texture and a special formulation that makes it slow-melt so that everyone can enjoy it longer. It's still the same delightful vanilla soft-serve ice cream generations of Filipinos have grown to love, but with improved characteristics to make for a better dining experience. Whether you're looking for a sweet way to cap off your favorite Jollibee meals or an indulgent treat to enjoy "just because," the Jolly Twirl is indeed the best twirl for you!

The Jolly Twirl comes in the following variants: the Chocolate Sundae Twirl (PHP 30.00), with the vanilla soft-serve ice cream complemented by a drizzling of rich chocolate syrup; the classic Vanilla Cone Twirl (PHP 10.00), with the thicker, creamier vanilla soft-serve ice cream twirled into a crispy cone; the Chocolate Cone Twirl (PHP 15.00), with the vanilla soft-serve dipped in chocolate; and the Mini Chocolate Sundae Twirl (PHP 24.00).

For more information on Jollibee's products and promotions, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

*Prices may vary across locations.

By: JENG On 3/20/2019 09:34:00 AM

Koreanovela “That Man Oh Soo” Premieres in PH via TVplus’ Asianovela Channel

Korean superstars Lee Jong-hyun and Kim So-eun are teaming up to unload kilig and spread love through their fantasy rom-com series "That Man Oh Soo" that will hit TV screens in the Philippines via TVplus' Asianovela Channel starting March 18 (Monday).

Lee Jong-hyun plays Oh Soo, an attractive and smart IT engineer who serves as Cupid for people looking for love using a magic pollen. Despite Oh Soo's incredible matchmaking skills, his heart does not belong to anyone. But all this is about to change when Oh Soo meets Seo Yoo Ri (Kim So-eun), a policewoman who will capture his heart.

"That Man Oh Soo" first premiered in South Korea in 2018 and immediately became the talk of the town because of the undeniable chemistry of its two lead actors and the romantic story. In the Philippines, "That Man Oh Soo" will air on weekdays at 10:00 AM with same-day replays at 3:00 PM and 12:00 midnight.

Meanwhile, Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young will return to TV as their hit Korean romcom "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" airs on TVplus' Asianovela Channel on March 18 before "That Man Oh Soo."

More and more TVplus users are also watching programs on Asianovela Channel that is now the eighth most watched channel among DTT households based on Kantar Media's Q4 2018 report that covers DTT households nationwide.

Other programs that will surely entertain TVplus viewers are the medical romance drama "Doctor Crush," the romance fantasy "Tomorrow with You," and the iconic series "Meteor Garden."

For more details, visit Asianovela Channel on Facebook (fb.com/AsianovelaChannel).

By: JENG On 3/20/2019 09:30:00 AM

Thriller “Us” Puts Lupita Nyong’o Front and Center of Shocking Tale

Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o stars in Universal Pictures' new horror thriller Us, playing the film's central character is Adelaide Wilson, a woman hiding an inexplicable childhood trauma from her past. She discovers that her attempts to push down and suppress the incident now threatens to destroy not only herself, but her husband and her children.

For such an expansive and complex dual role, director-writer Jordan Peele and his fellow filmmakers quickly turned to Nyong'o.

"We've admired Lupita for so long, and as we were thinking about casting, we were shocked to realize that she's never been the star of a film, but has instead always played these amazing supporting roles," producer Ian Cooper says. "So we were excited at the opportunity to have her as the anchor at the center of this film. Lupita is someone audiences feel they can access and have an identification with; she's someone you want to spend time with, but she's also so good at turning the screw a bit and making you feel suddenly alienated from her as well. That duality in her performance was perfect for this film, on multiple levels."

Nyong'o has vivid memories of her first meetings with Peele about the roles.

"At first, every time I spoke to Jordan about these roles, I felt like I needed to sign up for philosophy, psychology and sociology courses at a university to be able to play them," Nyong'o says, laughing. "He's so detailed and, in my first reading of the script, I knew there was more significance to it than I had caught onto. It wasn't until I spoke to him that I realized how much he was investigating and trying to unpack in this one story within the horror genre."

Nyong'o continues, "Early on, I asked Jordan which films were influencing this story or had inspired his imagination. He created a list for me of films to go through that ranged from Dead Again to A Tale of Two Sisters, The Shining, Alien, The Birds. That was very informative, not just for how he was framing this world, but also for specific moments in those films that he pays homage to in Us."

"One of the themes Jordan said he was interested in exploring was the sense that one of America's biggest flaws is being unable to recognize its own demons," Nyong'o says. "That is a powerful thing to be able to do, because it's what real self-acceptance is: the ability to recognize both your most noble and your most destructive sides." The idea intrigued her. "We cast judgment on people," Nyong'o says. "We decide who is good and who is bad. But the truth is that we all possess that duality. That's a really powerful statement to make, for us to recognize that evil is not an external force but is very much part and parcel of our experience as human beings."

Peele also gave her a warning before she agreed to take on the film. "One of the first things Jordan said to me was, 'Lupita, you're going to be very tired,'" she says, laughing. "And he delivered on that promise! I feel like I've made five films, and we've only just made one. This was a really intense and all-consuming film to be a part of."

In Philippine cinemas March 20, Us is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/uipmoviesph/ ; Twitter at https://twitter.com/uipmoviesph and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/uipmoviesph/.

By: JENG On 3/20/2019 09:25:00 AM