SBNLifestyle

February 17, 2019

VIVA International Pictures Releases “Serenity” Starring Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey

VIVA International Pictures and MVP Entertainment proudly present "Serenity", a film filled with thought-provoking scenes that will give its viewers more sense of mystery than serenity.

Matthew McConaughey (Academy Award Best Actor for Dallas Buyers Club) plays Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain leading a quiet life in Plymouth Island until his ex-wife Karen shows up with what Matthew has described in an interview as "a very indecent proposal" .

Karen, played by Anne Hathaway (Academy Award Best Supporting Actress for Les Miserables), is now married to a multi-millionaire named Frank, played by Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty, Terminator Genisys).

Talking about her character, Hathaway says that she's "in a desperate situation" because she is "trapped in a toxic and abusive marriage". She wants Baker to get rid of Frank by taking him out on a fishing tour and dropping him in the ocean for the sharks.

Hathaway reveals that she and Baker "got together when Karen was quite young". They had a child, but he went to war and it tore their family apart. "And so she has to figure out what she's gonna do, being a single mom. She finds this guy (Frank) who kinda reminds her of Dill. He likes to fish. She starts to think like maybe she can build a life with him, and then he turns out to be her worst nightmare come true."

Baker, who is now romancing Constance, a moneyed beauty of Plymouth Island, played by Diane Lane (Academy Award nominee for Unfaithful), is still trying to move on from his troubled past. But can he truly turn his back on his ex-wife? What will it take for him to forget about his conscience and help her out?

Director Steven Knight (Lock, Redemption), who also wrote the screenplay, attests that "Matthew is the best there is" when it comes to playing Baker Dill. He explains that the character "doesn't give of himself too readily, someone who's closed in and I thought that was Matthew. Because of the nature of the twist I want beautiful people…and he's also beautiful." As a writer, two of Knight's best known works are Seventh Son andThe Girl in the Spider's Web.

Serenity is McConaughey and Hathaway's second movie together. The first was Interstellar in 2014.

Asked what drew them to do this movie, Matthew replies, "I saw a character that I could be very personal with, really find an identity that I can understand." It's also a well-written story, plus Knight is a writer/director that he trusts.

Hathaway agrees with McConaughey about the story being creative and extraordinary. "I got half-way through (reading) and I have no idea what's going on, but I'm completely in and I just let it carry me away. And I wind up in a place that was very different than I thought it was going to, but it was a place of feeling and intelligence and soulfulness."

Serenity was filmed in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa. It opens in cinemas on February 13.

By: JENG On 2/17/2019 05:51:00 PM

Robi Domingo is #ABSCBNLifestyleInspo Love Guru

It is a love and laughter filled month on ABS-CBN Lifestyle as the leading celebrity lifestyle website onboards "Pinoy Big Brother: Otso" host and MYX VJ Robi Domingo as its first ever male guest editor.

Robi gets to share his helpful insights on all matters of the heart—from love for family to love of career to the most important, self-love. It is also a month of revelations in the love department as he admitted to ABS-CBN Lifestyle, "I'm happy, really happy. No, seriously, I'm happy!"

Two celebrity couples who have stood the test of time also impart their inspiring love stories on the site. Kyla and Rich Alvarez and Gladys Reyes and Christopher Roxas, who are now married for 14 and 26 years, respectively, revealed their firsts and lasts as a couple in a series of honest, tear-jerking videos.

In line with the "Love Month" theme, ABS-CBN Lifestyle is set to launch the following original and in-depth visual stories on the stuff close to each Kapamilya star's heart.

"Homes We Love" will showcase celebs and their spaces with cheat sheets on how to emulate their aesthetics; "I Love My Job" will center on personalities and their exciting sidelines and passions; and last but not the least, "Pet Mah Love" will feature these stars and their dearest pet animals inspiring them everyday.

Check out the exciting reads and videos with Robi, February's ABSCBNLifestyleInspo. Catch more Inspiring Stellar Stories on ABS-CBN Lifestyle by logging on to Lifestyle.ABS-CBN.com and following the site through its social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter @abscbnlifestyle.

By: JENG On 2/17/2019 05:45:00 PM

Saab Magalona and Husband Jim Bacarro Take on Blue Ant Entertainment’s “Game of Firsts”

In time for the love month, Saab Magalona-Bacarro and Jim Bacarro took on on Blue Ant Entertainment's Game of Firsts. The couple, who are now married for four years and together for a total of eight, shared further details about their "firsts" as a couple. Taking their fans to their trip down memory lane, they opened up about their relationship through a fun game, which later on revealed that their first date was the start of their love story. More fun facts about the duo were shared in a light and funny video released on Blue Ant Entertainment's Facebook and Instagram pages.

The game started with a question about their first anniversary where they revealed that in the first two years of being together, they did not have an anniversary, they were even unsure of the exact date of their first date. Not knowing what the next question will be, Saab and Jim's reactions were captured raw and questions were answered on the spot.

The Game of Firsts' is a test to know how much a couple remember about their "firsts". The set of questions vary from the color each of them were wearing on their first date, their reaction the first time their partner farted in front of them, to their families' first impression of each other.

Enjoy the Game of Firsts with Saab and Jim on Blue Ant Entertainment's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/videos/602389050208210/ and on Instagram @BlueAntEntertainment.

If you are looking for more romantic, funny, and awkward real life first date moments, catch First Dates every Monday to Wednesday, 8:50 PM on Blue Ant Entertainment available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channel 37.

By: JENG On 2/17/2019 05:41:00 PM

January 28, 2019

Jennifer Lopez Proves that Everyone Deserves Another Chance in “Second Act,” Showing January 30 in PH Theaters

Jennifer Lopez (Maid in Manhattan, Monster-in-Law) ignites a new fire of girl power and inspires women to dream and believe in themselves and take second chances in her new movie, SECOND ACT.

SECOND ACT is the story of Maya (Lopez), a 40-year-old woman struggling with frustrations stemming from her unfulfilled dreams. Until she gets the chance to prove to Madison Avenue, Manhattan's Advertising Industry center, that street smarts are as valuable as a college degree, and that it is never too late for a second chance. But in the midst of her career's continuing success, she wants to come clean with something, risking everything she has built up to now.

Also starring in the movie is Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical, Netflix's The Princess Switch) as Zoe, Maya's officemate who idolizes her. Milo Ventimiglia (Creed II, Heroes) as Trey, Maya's husband who always encourages her to believe in herself more, and Leah Remini (CBS' The King of Queens) as Joan, Maya's ever-supportive bestfriend.

SECOND ACT is full of quick, witty comic lines that will tickle your funny bone and heartwarming moments that will touch your heart, some of Director Peter Segal's (50 First Dates, Get Smart) film trademarks.

The movie is pumped up with great music such as the ageless hits "Dreams" by The Cranberries, "Push It" by Salt-n-Pepa and the original song "Limitless" which was composed by Sia and performed by none other than Jennifer Lopez.

Catch SECOND ACT when it hits Philippine cinemas nationwide on January 30.

Presented by VIVA International Pictures.

By: JENG On 1/28/2019 08:58:00 PM

January 23, 2019

Patrick Stewart as Merlin in Action Fantasy Family Movie “The Kid Who Would Be King”

Best known globally for his role in the blockbuster X-Men franchise as the powerful Professor Charles Xavier aka Professor X, Patrick Stewart takes on another mighty role from literature and children's favorite as the wizard Merlin in the family movie "The Kid Who Would Be King."

Based on one of the most famous myths of all time, "The Kid Who Would Be King" approaches the legend of King Arthur and his knights in a completely new way, bringing it into the modern world and making it relevant for contemporary audiences. The thrilling family adventure starts when average school kid Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) draws Excalibur, the magical sword of King Arthur, from a building site and go on a magical quest — with pals old and new — to save Britain from the forces of darkness.

Arthur's teacher, the wizard Merlin, is among the most famous characters in literature and the prototype for many characters in popular culture, including Obi-Wan Kenobi as well as Dumbledore and Gandalf. Like the legendary Merlin, the film's Merlin is a combination of energies — he's incredibly wise and mystical but also playful and a little bit subversive, capable of lying, manipulating and tricking you.

Merlin has been represented on screen many times, and as director Joe Cornish explains: "We wanted to do something different with him, and one of the interesting elements in the myth is the fact that he lives backwards in time. That has been interpreted in different ways, but the way I wanted to approach it was literal – that the older he becomes, the younger he physically is."

Stewart recalls, "When I was sent the script, I was immediately intrigued by the whole notion of transferring what is usually looked on as a medieval piece, into modern day, and that the great legendary heroes of the Arthurian stories were children, who are tasked by the young Merlin to take over and challenge the powers of darkness, which are threatening to wreck the United Kingdom."

Stewart continues, "One of the big attractions of this project was that I would be working with another actor who was playing the same role, alternating with me as the younger Merlin, which I don't think I've ever done before. I was fascinated with that, so early on I did some work with Angus. We met, and we had a few little experiments that we tried. We both found a passage of Shakespeare that we knew by heart, and so we spoke it in unison, with each one of us trying to imitate the other's voice. I'd never done anything like that before, and it was a fascinating exercise."

A thrilling adventure movie for the whole family, "The Kid Who Would Be King"opens January 23 in cinemas nationwide from 20^th Century Fox.

By: JENG On 1/23/2019 11:13:00 AM

AksyonTV Redefines Action As "5 Plus"

5 Plus will act as a secondary channel to 5, primarily serving atypical sports and sports-related content and showcasing action geared towards a younger, more adventurous audience. Vincent P. Reyes, President andCEO of TV5, has this to say: "We are excited to start the new year with the launch of 5 Plus. The intent was to create a home for what we call atypical sports – titles with a highly engaged audience base that don't typically receive visibility of this scale. Expanding our sports coverage also enables us to attract a new audience: the younger sports fan. 5 Plus aims to serve content that resonates with the pace of their active lifestyle, and is in line with their varied interests. The combination of both 5 and 5 Plus allows us to cement and expand further our foothold in sports."

For extreme sports enthusiasts, 5 Plus will cover the X Games, featuring sports like freestyle BMX and skateboarding. For esports buffs, 5 Plus will air some of the biggest international esports tournaments, along with the highly-anticipated The Nationals, featuring games such as Dota 2, Mobile Legends, and Tekken. For college sports fans, 5 Plus will broadcast the National Basketball Training Center League (NBTC), the National Cheerleading Championship (NCC), and more. Meanwhile, the simulcast of Radyo5 news programs airing on AksyonTV will be transferred to its new home on CIGNAL.

The rebrand also sees a complete overhaul of the channel's look, aimed at visually communicating its new identity. A young, dynamic design language was developed to represent the new programming and target audience. Music identity and sonic branding were also created to complement the visual changes of the channel.

With its expanded repertoire, 5 Plus aims to complement 5's main channel; as the latter will continue to promote more established sports like basketball, volleyball, and boxing, among others. A selection of 5 Plus' atypical sports coverage will also be made available online via www.tv5.com.ph and on 5's various social media platforms.

By: JENG On 1/23/2019 11:01:00 AM

Donny Pangilinan Charms the Cast and Director of “Mary Poppins Returns”

At the world premiere of Mary Poppins Returns in Los Angeles, Donny Pangilinan alongside his mom, Maricel, and sister and vlogger, Hannah, met the cast and director of Mary Poppins Returns. "It was surreal walking the red carpet and witnessing everything. Still can't believe I was able to interview the people behind this wonderful film," Donny shared.

Donny was able to meet and interview Emily Blunt (Mary Poppins), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Jack), Ben Whishaw (Michael Banks), Emily Mortimer (Jane Banks), and director Rob Marshall during the trip.

Complimenting Donny were Blunt and Marshall themselves. He was wearing a Mickey Mouse sweater, which Blunt took as a sign that he's a big Disney fan. "I knew it from the sweater!" she gushes.Meanwhile, Marshall praises Donny about his interview saying, "You're so good. You know why you're so good? Because you listen. A lot of people have questions already planned, but you listen to what I'm saying and go with it. That's a rare quality."

In his vlog, Pangilinan said, "That moment really touched my heart. It meant a lot coming from a director who made so many amazing films… I was so nervous, I didn't know if what I was saying made sense. I tried my best to be calm and to stay in the moment."

Watch Donny's interview with the cast Donny Pangilinan Interviews Cast & Filmmaker of Mary Poppins Returns and their family's red carpet experience on Hannah's vlog Hannah Pangilinan at the Red Carpet of Mary Poppins Returns Premiere.

"Mary Poppins Returns" is still showing in Philippine cinemas. To join the conversations online, use #MaryPoppinsReturns.

By: JENG On 1/23/2019 10:56:00 AM

Tales of Extraordinary Beings Take Spotlight on M. Night Shyamalan’s “Glass”

In 2000, the world got hooked on M. Night Shyamalan's intriguing story of security guard-turned-protector David Dunn in Unbreakable. In 2016, he took the cinemas by storm with the thrilling sinister personalities of Kevin Wendell Crumb in Split. Now, the genius filmmaker connects both of his supernatural narratives in an all-new comic-book thriller, 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.

By: JENG On 1/23/2019 10:53:00 AM

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).

By: JENG On 1/23/2019 10:50:00 AM

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.

By: JENG On 1/23/2019 10:47:00 AM

January 5, 2019

Peri-Peri Store Now Open at McKinley Venice Grand Canal

Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar, known for their succulent charcoal-grilled chicken, premium fall-off-the-bone BBQ back ribs, and the widest selection of sauces, is set to excite more palates with its trademark flavours as it opens its newly-relocated store in McKinley, BGC.

Finding a new home at the Venice Grand Canal Mall, the homegrown restaurant will add some much-needed zing and sizzle to the upscale area.

The brainchild of innovator and visionary Bryan Tiu, Peri-Peri has brought the vibrant taste of South America and melded it to the local appetite. Tiu has also been responsible for bringing a wide range of cuisines all over the world here through the iFoods Group, Inc.

According to Tiu, 2018 has been tremendous year for the brand as more branches of Peri-Peri will be opening soon.

"Right now, we are 23 and growing. We have grown so much as a brand, and we will only keep growing in the coming years. Our success story is a strong testament to the trust and love the public has for Peri-Peri," Tiu said.

Since opening its doors in 2005, the restaurant has enjoyed consistent growth as it established itself as the go-to place for Charcoal Grilled Chicken, BBQ Back Ribs, and unique, character-filled sauces.

Adding to the festivity of the opening is the presence of the brand's endorser, Enchong Dee.

Enchong's love for the brand truly runs deep as the actor is also a Peri-Peri Happy Franchisee of UP Town Center, Market Market, and SM Megamall branches.

As the server of the day, the actor is more than happy to share the awesome exPERIence to more and more people.

"Peri-Peri is such an easy place to get lost in. There's the satisfaction of eating great-tasting food, the upbeat energy that grabs you the moment you step inside, and the passionate colours that entice you – these things create such a distinct atmosphere," he said.

"I hope that in the coming years, we will continue to grow and excite more tastebuds, the way only Peri-Peri can," Enchong added.

Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken and Sauce Bar currently has branches in Nuvali Solenad 3; Alabang Town Center; Uptown Mall BGC; Greenbelt 3; Eastwood Mall; Capitol Commons; Megamall B; Promenade Greenhills; Evia Lifestyle Center, Las Piñas; Gateway Araneta Center; UP Town Center; Trinoma Mall; SM City Bacolod; Meerea High Street Mandaue, Cebu; Robinsons Manila, Brittany Square, Fairview; Ayala Feliz, Marikina; SM Marikina; Festival Mall, Alabang; Market Market, BGC; Banaue, Quezon City; and Resorts World Manila.

For Franchising inquiries, contact Peri-Peri's marketing arm, BrandAction Inc., at 09055158463 or 807-0399. For more updates, follow Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken on facebook.com/peripericharcoalchicken and instagram.com/pericharcoalph.

By: JENG On 1/05/2019 11:22:00 AM

December 28, 2018

ABS-CBN Unveils Sound Stages as Part of 65th Year of TV Celebrations

ABS-CBN Corporation marked its 65^th 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.

By: JENG On 12/28/2018 12:24:00 PM