Friday, August 31, 2018

Performed To Perfection

Finn Jones, Jessica Henwick, and stunt coordinator Clayton Barber (‘Marvel Studios’ Black Panther,’ ‘Creed’) give an inside look at the ground-breaking fight sequences in the new season of ‘Marvel’s Iron Fist’ 

Go behind the action scenes with Finn Jones in the new featurette “Building an Epic Fight Sequence.”

“The fighting style on this season of Iron Fist is just wicked,” says Finn Jones, who plays the titular character in Marvel’s Iron Fist. 

“It’s so much fun,” adds Jessica Henwick, who plays Colleen Wing. “And just badass.”
 
Both Jones and Henwick are all praises for the upcoming season’s new stunt coordinator, Clayton Barber (Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, Creed). Hear more from Jones, Henwick, and Barber himself, as they talk about season 2’s action sequences in this new featurette, “Building an Epic Fight Sequence.”

Marvel’s Iron Fist season 2 stunt coordinator Clayton Barber (Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, Creed)
In another new video, “Violent Ballet,” Barber shares his secret to making the action the star in any action sequence.

Watch the video HERE

Season 2 of Marvel’s Iron Fist launches on Netflix on September 7, 2018.

 

About Marvel's Iron Fist Season 2 

Iron Fist Season 2 features Danny Rand (Finn Jones) as he fights against the criminal element corrupting New York City with his kung-fu mastery and ability to summon the awesome power of the fiery Iron Fist.

Season 2 furthers the transformation of Danny, a character with a fish out of water coming of age story making his way in a harsh new world, battling to work out who he is. This season, Danny has promised that with Matt Murdock gone, he will step up and protect his city. But a sinister plot twist threatens his very identity and he must conquer his villains to protect the town and people he holds close to his heart.

The highly anticipated second season launches September 7, 2018.

 

About Netflix

Netflix is the world's leading internet entertainment service with 130 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Sony Philippines’ Wedding Workshop Series take over Manila, Cebu, and Davao

(Manila Philippines, August 2018) – Sony’s Wedding Workshop Series had a successful run which took place in key cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao. A total of 590 in attendance, Sony Philippines gathered novice and professional wedding photographers and videographers.

Sony Philippines tackled useful tips for Destination Weddings photography, Beauty and Elegance, and shooting beyond ambient lighting. Through these efforts, the participants were able to get a better picture of different wedding photography techniques that were designed to build and strengthen their skills; enabled to help them mold their passion and improve their business.

Ryan Ortega, Jiggie Alejandrino and Jay Palmares during the Wedding Workshop in Davao.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Album Review: All My Friends


The thought of writing a review for a post-rock/math rock or 'instrumental rock' album can be overwhelming, especially when a portion of my album reviews focus on lyrics. 

So that's immediately scratched off. 

Its also daunting as I am in no way a musician and lack the background and technical know how to have the credibility to actually talk about music (I have a Nursing degree and don't play any sort of musical instrument whatsoever and have been working in the BPO industry for more than ten years) let alone one which relies on music-alone. 

I just like to listen to a lot of different kinds of music and like everything else am really, really passionate about it. 

Then I realized music isn't always about the technical details, sure being educated about genres will help you navigate through the many material out there and having general knowledge about musical terms is essential so your audience knows what you're talking about but in truth, its actually how the music makes you feel that really matters. 

And tide/edit's "All my friends" made me feel a lot of things. 


"All My Friends" is a positive and inspiring musical experience that doesn't even require words or lyrics to express this. I was actually working on another album review when I gave the album a quick listen and I immediately went on "writer mode" scribbling away on an open notebook in my chicken scrawl of a handwriting. 



You can check out the band's video for "Twelve" which is also part of "All my friends". 

Paul and I influence each other when it comes to music (he's actually sleeping when I listened to the album and I can't wait to share this with him when he wakes up) -our love for post rock / math rock definitely comes from him. If you have no idea what "instrumental rock" is all about - tide / edit 's "All my friends" is a great introduction to the genre. 

The album is made up of 12 tracks and once you listen to the first track "Pelagic" it just keeps on going from one track to the next with its steady drum rolls, sensual bass lines, harmonic guitars; playing and teasing, soothing and calling- it calls to you to move, to sway, to dance, to feel, (or in my case to write) -its the music that is the star. 

"Lakeshore" highlights an acoustic guitar with some subtle percussion and its just glorious and its abrupt end will leave you wanting for more.

"White Flag" which features the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Dee Cruz is the only track in the album with lyrics and as if by some sort of genius is the last track and makes you realize you did not miss the traditional lyrics with music accompaniment and it is as if the entire album is a prologue to this satisfying end. It creates this unique experience that you have to listen to the entire album that all of its tracks are pieces that make up one beautiful puzzle. 

4/5. "All My Friends" is now streaming on Spotify and is available for pre-order on the Spur of the Moment website. Click here


Movies: Urban Legend “Slender Man” Terrifyingly Real In New Horror Thriller


In a small town in Massachusetts, a group of friends perform a ritual in an attempt to debunk the lore of Slender Man. When one of them goes mysteriously missing, they begin to suspect that she is, in fact, HIS latest victim.

Columbia Pictures’ new horror-thriller Slender Man stars Joey King (The Conjuring), Julia Goldani Telles (The Affair), Jaz Sinclair (Paper Towns), Annalise Basso (Ouija: Origin of Evil), Alex Fitzalan (Season and I Miss You), Taylor Richardson (A Most Violent Year) and Javier Botet (The Conjuring, Insidious 4, IT).

Movies: “Moonlight” Actor Ashton Sanders Mentored By Denzel In “The Equalizer 2”


The New Yorker said of his performance in the 2016 Oscar Best Picture Moonlight, “There is no accounting for talent like this.”

Now, young actor Ashton Sanders stars opposite Denzel Washington in Columbia Pictures’ nail-biting action-thriller The Equalizer 2 (in Philippine cinemas August 29).

In the film, vigilante Robert McCall forges a mentorship with a teenager named Miles, who lives with his single mother in the same apartment complex as McCall’s.

Movies: Wolf Dogs Lend Genuine Emotional Weight To Epic Adventure “ALPHA”


Wolf Dogs Lend Genuine Emotional Weight To Epic Adventure “ALPHA”

Central to moving Columbia Pictures’ new epic adventure ALPHA forward, long before actors could be cast was figuring out how to portray the animals, and particularly Alpha the wolf that Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) befriends on his arduous journey home.

Director Albert Hughes wanted to film as much as possible in live, real terms, with genuine animals and on actual locations. The emotional weight of the movie’s central relationship depended on it.

Movies: Oscar Nominee Demian Bichir Investigates The Paranormal In “The Nun”


In New Line Cinema’s horror-thriller The Nun, a young nun at an abbey in Transylvania has committed the ultimate sin: taking her own life.  Now it is imperative that the church determine if the ground is still holy, or if evil has compromised the Abbey of St. Carta. 

To address the dire situation, the Vatican enlists the expertise of Father Burke, a clergyman from Philadelphia and one of only a few skilled in testing the validity of miracles and darker phenomenon. 

You're Expected... ‘The Haunting of Hill House’

Launches Friday, October 12, on Netflix


Home is where the horror is...

The Haunting of Hill House will officially open its doors Friday, October 12th, launching globally on Netflix.

Carla Gugino in The Haunting of Hill House
Violet McGraw and Henry Thomas in The Haunting of Hill House
Michiel Huisman and Timothy Hutton in The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House
A modern reimagining of Shirley Jackson's iconic novel, The Haunting of Hill House explores a group of siblings who, as children, grew up in what would go on to become the most famous haunted house in the country. Now adults, and forced back together in the face of tragedy, the family must finally confront the ghosts of their past -- some of which still lurk in their minds while others may actually be stalking the shadows of Hill House. Created, directed and executive-produced by horror mastermind Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, Gerald’s Game), The Haunting of Hill House is a complex family drama wrapped in a chilling horror story. Trevor Macy serves as executive producer alongside Flanagan. Meredith Averill acts as co-showrunner and executive producer. Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank executive produce as well.

Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel and Victoria Pedretti star, as well as Lulu Wilson, McKenna Grace, Paxton Singleton, Violet McGraw and Julian Hilliard.

The Haunting of Hill House is produced for Netflix by Amblin TV and Paramount Television.

For more on The Haunting of Hill House, visit Netflix Media Center or the following social channels:

Twitter: @haunting

Instagram: @_haunting


About Netflix

Netflix is the world's leading internet entertainment service with 130 million memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Movies: “Searching” Anchored By Dramatic Mystery, Unpredictable Twists



Columbia Pictures’ new critically acclaimed film SEARCHING began when two young filmmakers (writer/director Aneesh Chaganty and writer/producer Sev Ohanian along with veteran producer Timur Bekmambetov) sought to tell a hyper-modern thriller told exclusively via gadget screens.

Winner of the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, SEARCHING tells the story of David Kim (John Cho) whose 16-year-old daughter goes missing.  A local investigation is opened and a detective (Debra Messing) is assigned to the case. But 37 hours later and without a single lead, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop. In a hyper-modern thriller told via the technology devices we use every day to communicate, David must trace his daughter’s digital footprints before she disappears forever.

Power Up your Party with Sony’s Shake Series!


(MANILA – PHILIPPINES, 28th August 2018) – Filipinos sure love to celebrate and get together. As festivals are celebrated all year round in different parts of the archipelago – one thing remains true – the community bonds better because of Filipinos shared love and passion for singing and dancing and these experiences can truly be memorable with Sony’s Shake Series!

So, this is the best time to put your mad dancing and singing skills to test, win awesome prizes, and join the fun only with Sony Philippines’ Power Up your Party! Join the party by signing up for free Zumba dance lessons, sing your hearts out with the Karaoke contest, or be the next local singing sensation through the Acoustic band showdown, and then shake it off at the Power up dance contest all happening in one full day of fun!   

Now what are you waiting for? Gather up your family and friends as Sony Philippines’ Power Up your Party kicks off this coming September 1, 2018 at the Nueva Ecija Day in the City of Cabanatuan, and on September 15, 2018 at the Karansa Festival in Danao, Cebu.

Keep the music alive with the Sony Shake series and start rehearsing your winning piece for the Karaoke Contest which is open to all ages and winners will get a chance to win exciting premium Sony items and cash prizes!

From solo singers to aspiring band performers, an Acoustic Band Showdown is open to amateur local bands who will showcase their talents that depicts the brand’s message of, “Power Up Your party” and the perfect “Ultimate Barkada Bonding Activity”.

No talent for singing? No problem! A Dance Contest awaits for those who can move to the groove! So, join in the craze with the entire barangay and show them what it’s like to have a modern bayanihan with Sony’s Power Up Your Party!


The Sony SHAKE Series

The Sony Home Audio System line up will you a memorable festival experience with the exciting features it has to offer. It comes complete Sound Pressure Horn, Bluetooth streaming with LDAC, LED speaker lights for a party atmosphere, Guitar and Karaoke input, and DJ effects. Shake -X70D is priced at PHP 49,999, Shake-X30D at PHP 34,999, and Shake-X10D at PHP 26,999. Available in all Sony Centres nationwide.

For more information, visit www.sony.com.ph, like facebook.com/SonyPhilippines, or follow twitter.com/SonyPHinc and Instagram.com/sonyPHInc.


About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, imaging, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $76 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/

Movies: Crazy Rich Asians' Lead Henry Golding Stars Opposite Blake Lively & Anna Kendrick In “A Simple Favor”

Henry Golding in A Simple Favor
Fresh from his phenomenal blockbuster hit “Crazy Rich Asians,” Henry Golding stars in the latest love triangle thriller “A Simple Favor” with Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick.   A Simple Favor”” is a stylish post-modern suburban noir directed by Paul Feig that centers around Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick), a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily Nelson's (Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town. Stephanie is joined by Emily's husband Sean (Golding) in this modern-day thriller filled with twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, love and loyalty, murder and revenge.

Movies: Up & Coming Actor Myles Truitt Stars As Unlikely Hero Destined For Greatness In “Kin”


14-year-old African-American Eli (Myles Truitt) lives in Detroit with his adoptive father Hal (Dennis Quaid), a compassionate yet strict construction site supervisor and widower who senses Eli falling into delinquency. While exploring an abandoned building site looking for materials to scrap for extra money, Eli happens upon the aftermath of an otherworldly shoot-out. In the debris, he finds an unusual-looking metallic box and takes it home. He doesn’t know what it is, but holding it seems to activate it, and Eli decides to guard it preciously.

Movies: Iron Man 3 Director Shane Black Helms Lates “The Predator” Movie

The Predator director Shane Black
The hunt has evolved in the latest action-thriller “The Predator” where a young child named Rory (Jacob Tremblay, “Room”) unknowingly triggers alien technology in their basement sneaked out by his estranged father, Quinn McKenna (Boyd Holbrook) from a military mission in Mexico. 


Monday, August 27, 2018

Movie News: PH BOX-OFFICE “CRAZY” FOR “RICH ASIANS” AS MILESTONE FILM OPENS AT NO.1


Earns P82.7-M in Five Days, Marks the Biggest Opening Ever for a Foreign Rom-Com

MANILA, August 27, 2018 -- The Philippine box-office laid out the red carpet for Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Crazy Rich Asians” as Filipino movie fans rushed to the cinemas and gave the romantic comedy a record-breaking P82.7-M gross in five days, victoriously opening at No.1.

This was announced today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Philippines.

The contemporary love story based on the global bestseller by Kevin Kwan broke two box-office records, namely the All-Time Biggest Opening Weekend for a Foreign Romantic Comedy (surpassing 2002’s “Maid in Manhattan” with P24-M), and the Biggest Opening of the Year for a Warner Bros. Title (outgrossing “The Meg” with P63.4-M).  

The most talked-about film in the country for the past several weeks, “Crazy Rich Asians” rode a tidal wave of goodwill and positive anticipation from fans, resulting to Warner’s biggest opening weekend of the year, as well as the biggest opening weekend for a romantic comedy.

Reviews for the Jon M. Chu were phenomenal and audiences have been spreading emotional word-of-mouth which has been key in getting a broader audience in.  

The inclusion of Filipino actress Kris Aquino and US-based Pinoy comedian Nico Santos to the film’s cast also drove upbeat interest and curiosity.  And based on post-screening reactions, both stars did their countrymen proud.

In North America, “Crazy Rich Asians” had a crazy good second weekend at the box office.

Warner Bros. acclaimed romantic comedy generated another $25 million in 3,526 locations, meaning it made almost as much during its second outing as it did its first weekend. Jon M. Chu’s movie, which has been lauded as the first studio film in over 25 years with a predominately Asian-American cast, dropped just 6% — marking one of the best holds in recent history for a wide release in any genre. In two weeks, its domestic total sits at $76.8 million.

Rated PG by the MTRCB, “Crazy Rich Asians” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.

You can click here for my "Crazy Rich Asians" movie review. 


About “Crazy Rich Asians”

 “Crazy Rich Asians” is a contemporary romantic comedy based on the acclaimed worldwide bestseller by Kevin Kwan.  

The story follows New Yorker Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore.  Excited about visiting Asia for the first time but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life.  Not only is he the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families, but also one of its most sought-after bachelors.  Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother (Michelle Yeoh) taking aim.  


It soon becomes clear that the only thing crazier than love is family, in this funny and romantic story sure to ring true for audiences everywhere.  

Directed by Jon M. Chu, “Crazy Rich Asians” features an international cast of stars, led by Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Lisa Lu, and Awkwafina, with Ken Jeong and Michelle Yeoh. The large starring ensemble also includes Sonoya Mizuno, Chris Pang, Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Remi Hii, and Nico Santos. 

Events: Sony Party-oke Sta. Lucia East Stop

A Karaoke hopeful belting out his favorite song at Sony's Party-oke Caravan.
(c) PCheng Photography

Filipinos love to sing. It's an undisputed fact. Celebrations and get togethers always have some form of singing involved, whether it is by having a old big ass karaoke machine, a lone guitar or just plain drunk singing. Which is why its no surprise that there was a steady crowd of viewers and onlookers as amateur singers got up on stage as they sang their favorite karaoke hits with the hopes of making it to the next stage of Sony's Party-oke Caravan

Sony's Party-oke Caravan is making its way all over the Philippines as it seeks to find the best karaoke singers out there! Its open to all ages and anyone can join! All you have to do is to visit the Party-oke booth, pick your go-to Karaoke song (make sure you have the lyrics memorized) get up on stage and give the performance of your life. 

You stand the chance to become the ultimate Sony Partyoke champion and take home Php 5,000 worth of cash prize and your very own Karaoke Set (43”TV, MHC-V41D & a Sony Microphone) and exciting consolation prizes wait as well.  

(c) Pcheng Photography

It was nice to see everyone from your blind masahista to grocery bag boys and your amateur singers go up on stage and sing their hearts out to the audience. We had Luke with us and I was really happy to see him watching the contestants and even clapping at some of his favorites. 

Aside from the ongoing Party-oke contest there was also an impressive display of different Sony products and as audiophiles we just love Sony. Its a long and trusted brand and its exciting that they are sharing their technology with our love for singing with their new-Sony V Series  

With the Sony V series you can now level up your Karaoke session. It comes complete with flashy 360 degrees party lights, LIVE SOUND feature for high quality music output, and two mic inputs.

You can read more about Sony's V Series here

If you want to join the Sony Party-Oke Caravan you can check out their schedule below! 

You can click here for more photos from the Sta. Lucia East stop here

#PartyokeWithSony




Saturday, August 25, 2018

Movie News: “POKEMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU” MOVIE REVEALS OFFICIAL TITLE LOGO


At the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Pokémon World Championships, The Pokémon Company, along with its partners from Legendary Entertainment, unveiled the official title and logo for the first-ever live action Pokémon movie, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu.

Mr. Tsunekazu Ishihara, president of The Pokémon Company, welcomed the movie’s director, Rob Letterman, and actors Justice Smith and Kathryn Newton to the stage for the surprise reveal.

The stars also engaged the room full of the world’s best Pokémon players in a chant of “Pikachu!” which was recorded for use in the upcoming film.

For official assets unveiled at the event as well as photos of the cast’s appearance, please visit the link below:  https://mediapass.warnerbros.com 


In Philippine cinemas June 12, 2019,  POKÉMON Detective Pikachu is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a WarnerMedia Company. 

Album Review: JCON Mixtape


R&B has never really been considered mainstream in the local music scene but Filipino-Irish singer/songwriter Jess Connelly is changing that and redefining the genre with her impressive 13 track album "JCON Mixtape". Her sophomore effort after an EP release in 2015 entitled "How I Love". 

Connelly has been building up to this release, dropping tracks like “Turn Me Down,” “deep + involved,” “Mine,” and “On My Way Up”before leading up to "Call Me" which she released last week. This is my favorite from the album, from the moment I first heard it. I was in love and listened to it on loop. 

She sings: 

“Call me when you’re lonely / I need someone to hold me 
 Call me when you’re lonely / I could make you want me” 

-and you know that she means it, in a subtle confidence where she knows she's going to get that call. Now, I'm pretty much your punk-rock chick but there's just something about Connelly's sensual vocal tone that draws me to her and besides, good music is good music no matter the genre. 


JCON opens with "Awake" which quickly sets the tone and mood for the entire album with the smooth beats and perfectly timed keys, making you just want to kick back in your most comfortable ensemble. 

"Turn Me Down" follows, I remember when the MV of this was released my admiration for Connelly was cemented. She was an artist to watch out for sure. Giving any pretty teen pop act with their godforsaken covers a run for their money. 

You know she is the real deal

Check out her video for "Turn Me Down" which feature a unique look and aesthetic that Connelly owns and in translates for the perfect audiovisual experience. 



Throughout the album, Connelly works with local producers such as Eyedress, Similarobjects and CRWN her tracks also feature collaborations with artists such as Awhich and P.Lo, further strengthening the growing hold of RnB in the local scene. 

In "deep + involved" she paints a picture of a love that wasn't supposed to happen but she now finds herself too "deep and involved" she says: 

Never planned to get personal
Never meant to stay now I wanna put you first and all
Now you taking up my day, never knew I'd be the first to fall
Don't know what to say cos you the only one that I wait for

"Process" (feat. Awhich) is a fun danceable track with a touch of Janet Jackson here and there and we also get to see her rap skills, where she drops rhyme and beat effortlessly. You know that she's in her element, she's not even trying, its all natural for her.  

Prior to the release of JCON, Connelly also opened for Chance the Rapper and hosted an intimate listening party for JCON. (Would have loved to have been there). I have yet to see her perform live and its definitely on my list of things to do and I know that there will definitely be more opportunities for that, you get the sense that Connelly is serious about her craft and that she is only beginning. (5/5). 

JCON Mixtape is now available on all streaming platforms. 

Level-Up your Karaoke session with the Ultimate Party Machine

Sony’s Party-Oke Challenge kicks off first out of 6 series 

(Manila, Philippines, 3rd August 2018) – Karaoke, without a doubt, is an essential part of Filipino culture of celebrations. Whether it be at your own home, garage, or even out in the streets, it is part of the Filipino culture and personality to be musically inclined. We treasure our time with families and friends, and one of the best ways to spend quality time with them is through singing our hearts out during Karaoke sessions. 



Experience Sony’s Ultimate Party Machine by joining the Sony Party-oke Challenge, open to all ages young and old alike! To join, simply visit the Party-oke booth, register, pick a song of your liking, and show them what you’ve got. Exciting prizes are in-store for everyone. Aside from bragging rights, the overall champion will take home Php 5,000 worth of cash prize and your very own Karaoke Set (43”TV, MHC-V41D & a Sony Microphone)! So gather up your friends, your fambam, and your neighbors and show them what you’ve got. Now is the time to release your inhibitions and sing your hearts out by joining Sony’s Party-oke Challenge! 

Friday, August 24, 2018

Movie Review: Hotel Transylvania 3

(c) Columbia Pictures.


Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation takes our favorite monsters away from their beloved hotel as they go on to open waters for the ultimate monster cruise. The story is ambitious as it introduces a pivotal character in the story in the form of Ericka Van Helsing (Kathryn Hahn) as the cruise's captain and the descendant of Drac's archnemesis; Abraham Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan). 

In case you didn't know Abraham Van Helsing in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (which I read and led to many sleepness nights) is the doctor who leads the group that defeats Count Dracula. Because of course in the original story its Dracula who is the bad guy.   

Things get complicated when Drac "zings" with Erika! 

Now I know that Zing's are supposed to be a 'once-in-a-lifetime' thing and I was disappointed (again) that apparently they can happen twice. I know its a bit too ideal and I want Drac to be happy and all (Yes I take these things very seriously) and this is coming from.someone who also lost a parent (my Dad) at an early age. So I totally get why Mavis (Selena Gomez) was a bit suspicious of "Captain Erika". 

This is true, especially when your dad's prospective date is the great granddaughter of his mortal enemy and is trying to kill him in between appetizers. 

(c) Columbia Pictures



Its an ambitious storyline as it takes Drac (Adam Sandler) and the gang out of their element and comfort zone. You can say that its a good thing because its something new but I felt the humor went down a notch, along with Drac himself who I thought was a bit "too silly in love". Johnny (Andy Samberg) and Mavis were at least able to hold themselves together. 

There were some plot holes for me too, like some of the characters were literally locked in a closet for the entire duration of the cruise. Also, if Drac's father is supposedly really strong were was he when the big battle went down?  Of course your kids won't mind these plot holes and are not exactly looking for character development. So that's just me and maybe a few adults. 

I also missed the more intimate focus on the family that was in the previous films. Buuut I did like the animation! The improvement in technology can easily be seen on the details and the characters movements and to see that on the big screen was a big delight. Plus points for the story introducing the value of accepting differences, hopefully the parents reinforce this to their kids. Favorite part was the ultimate music match at the end which featured Joe Jonas as an easily influenced kraken. 5/10. Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Adventure is now showing! 

Looking for the ultimate monster staycation with your family? Look no further! Novotel Manila Center in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc., is offering fans of the movie the chance to stay Superior themed-rooms branded with the “Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation” from now until October 31, 2018. You can read more about it here

Must-Have Disney Toys At Toy Kingdom’s Toy EXPO 2018


Calling all kids and kids-at-heart: Get ready to shop for your favorite Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters at Toy Kingdom’s Toy Expo on August 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Be the first to see – and own – the newest Disney toys, debuting exclusively at the much-awaited annual event.

Read on for the top must-have Disney toys at the Toy Kingdom Toy Expo 2018:
  • Vampirina: It’s an early Halloween treat with the all-new toy collection from Disney Junior’s Vampirina! Have a bat-tastic Vampirina time with the talking Vee doll and her pet, Wolfie. You can also get creative with your own friendly vampire adventures using the Scare B&B playset. 


Vampirina Bat-tastic Talking Vee & Friend
(Php 3, 099.75)
Vampirina Scare B&B (Php 5,699.75)

  • Puppy Dog Pals: When Bob’s away, the pups will play! Get your hands on these new toys from Disney Junior’s Puppy Dog Pals.Join Bingo, Rolly, and their friends on a playdate mission in the doghouse or get cuddly with your favorite pet pals by hugging the Puppy Dog Pals plush toys. 

Puppy Dog Pals Plush (Php 1, 999.75)   
Puppy Dog Pals Doghouse Playset (Php 2, 799.75)
Catch Vampirina and Puppy Dog Pals on Disney Junior.

  • Marvel Studios - The First Ten Years: Legends Series: Complete Marvel Studios’ Legends Series by Hasbro in celebrating Marvel Cinematic Universe’s successful first ten years. 

Iron Man Mark L /// Thanos /// Doctor Strange, PHP 5, 999.75 (From Avengers: Infinity War, 2018)
Thor /// Sif, PHP 2, 799.75 (From Thor: The Dark World, 2013)
Ant-man /// YellowJacket, PHP 2, 799.75 (From Ant-man, 2015)

  • Disney Princess Dolls: Always a girl’s best friend, continue the magic and live out your own fairy tale with the latest and widest selection of Disney Princess collection from Hasbro. 

Cinderella (Php 500.00)  
Belle (Php 500.00)
Mulan (Php 500.00)    

  • Star Wars Lightsabers:  Unleash the inner Jedi in you with these Star Wars Electronic and Extendable Lightsabers!    
Star Wars Electronic Lightsaber (Php 500.00)
Star Wars Extendable Lightsaber (Php 200.00)
Besides these must-have toys, there are also fun booths with games, themed areas with life-sized character statues, and exciting activities where kids can explore and play with their family and friends at the Toy Kingdom Toy Expo. So head on over to the SMX Convention Center on August 24 to 26 for the perfect weekend treat! 

The Walt Disney Company Philippines

The Walt Disney Company (TWDC), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise with four business segments: Studio Entertainment, Parks and Resorts, Media Networks, and Consumer Products and Interactive Media.  The Company first launched Disney Channel in the Philippines in 2000, and has since expanded with an office in the capital Manila with businesses spanning Studio Entertainment and Distribution, TV Networks, Interactive Media, Mobile Content, Consumer Products and Publishing.  Building around core brands Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars, the organization is dedicated to creating high quality branded entertainment experiences for consumers in the region.   In October 2017, TWDC Philippines merged under a South Asian hub integrating TWDC Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and India.  In 2015, The Walt Disney Company was ranked #1 in the category of effectiveness in conducting a global business in Fortune Magazine’s Annual World’s Most Admired Companies survey– a testament to the Company’s strategy to successfully expand the brand and its franchises beyond North America.  For more information about The Walt Disney Company please visit: https://thewaltdisneycompany.com

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Movies: “Hotel Transylvania 3” Introduces The Van Helsings To The Monster Mash


Two new pivotal characters are introduced in Columbia Pictures’ adventure comedy Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation (now playing in Philippine cinemas).

They are Ericka (voiced by Kathryn Hahn) and Abraham Van Helsing (Jim Gaffigan).

The human captain of the ship, Ericka, is smart, adventurous and holds a secret that threatens to send Drac’s monster vacation off course.  She runs this “hotel on the water” and has no problem butting heads with Drac.

Movies: New Actor Y’lan Noel Headlines Exciting Cast Of “The First Purge”


Thrillers, horror and action films help audiences explore the darkest sides of our world in a safe manner—surrounded by friends and like-minded strangers up for a good scare.  In Universal Pictures’ new suspense thriller The First Purge, it was critical to cast friends and foes that take us back to the very beginning—complex characters who run the gamut of emotions as they deal with pain, vengeance, love and compassion.  They ask themselves “Should we Purge?  Should we stop this madness?  How hard do we fight to protect what we love?”

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Movies: Death Masks, Ghosts Of Soldiers And Other Intriguing Trivia On “The Nun” Set


New Line Cinema’s The Nun is the newest – and darkest – chapter in the Conjuring Universe of films.  It precedes the events of the previous films: Annabelle: Creation, Annabelle, The Conjuring and The Conjuring 2.

Check out the following interesting trivia about the making of The Nun.

The Nun was filmed entirely in Romania. Although the film is set in 1950s, most of the action takes place in 14th century buildings.