Events: Disney Life Launch

Launch of Disney Life at the Glorietta Activity Center 

I'm one of those kids who literally grew up with Disney movies. I remember my preschool teachers admiring my "Beauty and the Beast" monologues, I "performed" scenes from  the movie because I had memorized all the lines and the songs, from watching it again and again on VHS tape. I remember dancing to the music of "The Little Mermaid" with my cousins, from a cassette tape which we played over and over again. And I think that there's an embarrassing memory of performing songs from "Aladdin"  with my neighborhood friends. So 'yes' in short I had the Disney childhood and as an adult I guess I'm just so lucky that Disney has also 'grown' with me, it has amassed popular properties and has continued to spread its Disney magic so that those of us who grew up with it can enjoy the classics and future generations can fall in love with them as well. Of course its a bonus that so many can also enjoy the new material they are coming out with as well. 

And now to make it even easier to access these, Disney and Globe have joined together to bring all the Disney content we can enjoy in one magic app! 

You can read more on the launch of Disney Life below! :) 

Dressed in the traditional Barong taglog and Baro't saya, Mickey and Minnie are joined by Disney and Globe executives at the launch. 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 May 2018 – Disney fans in the Philippines can now enjoy their favorite Disney content everywhere they go. Globe Telecom, together with The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia, today introduced DisneyLife: The World of Disney in One App.

Through Globe Telecom, DisneyLife makes its first release in Asia. Disney fans can enjoy over 350 movies from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars; more than 5,000 kids’ TV episodes; and over 6,000 music tracks, all in one app. Fans of all ages can access the best of Disney’s world-class stories at their fingertips and enjoy shorts, behind the scenes and other exclusive content on-the-go. In addition, all content on DisneyLife can be downloaded and enjoyed for offline viewing and listening.

"In the three years we’ve been working with Disney we’ve provided our audiences many unique and innovative entertainment experiences. Today we are launching the first complete entertainment app in Philippines that carries movies, TV series, and music from the world’s biggest family entertainment company. The DisneyLife app will super-serve Filipinos with entertainment when they want it, where they want it,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe.

“DisneyLife is a unique digital content offering for fans of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars in the Philippines. Globe Telecom has been a valuable partner in our endeavor to be a part of the everyday lives of Filipino kids and families,” said Mahesh Samat, EVP and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company South Asia.

DisneyLife offers fan-favorite stories, characters and music from memorable Disney movies and television shows over the decades. Fans can look forward to heartwarming moments from classic Disney animation films like The Lion King, Disney•Pixar classics like The Incredibles, and Star Wars journeys like Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi whether they are at home or on the go. In its first year, DisneyLife will also carry the top grossing movies of all time in the Philippines – Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Avengers, and Iron Man 3.

Kids and families can enjoy new episodes of their favorite Disney television series first on DisneyLife. These episodes and the classics can be streamed from the biggest library of Disney Kids’ TV series including favorites such as Disney Channel’s Big Hero 6 and Tangled; Disney Junior’s Mickey and the Roadster Racers; and Disney XD’s Spider-Man and Star Wars Rebels.

 DisneyLife users will have access to an extensive library of soundtracks from Disney movies’ and TV series’. Through the magic of music, fans of all ages can wander the seas with Moana, feel empowered with Frozen, and enjoy family moments with Coco.

Guests were treated to a performance of Frozen's "Let It Go"

Globe customers can also look forward to DisneyLife promotions:

●       All existing Globe Postpaid customers and new or recontracting customers on ThePLAN or ThePLAN PLUS 999 and above get a free 6-month subscription to DisneyLife. DisneyLife offers are coming soon with GoWATCH for Prepaid mobile customers. In the meantime, they can watch out for wonderful surprises from Disney and Globe. Stay tuned to the Globe Facebook and Twitter pages!

●       New and existing Globe At Home Postpaid customers who applied or upgraded to Plan 1,299/up, will get a free 6-month subscription to DisneyLife. An additional free 3-month subscription to DisneyLife will be given to customers who purchase Globe Streamwatch Roku Powered. Enjoy unlimited DisneyLife movie nights with Globe At Home's Go Unli Plans with speeds up to 100Mbps and unlimited data.

Apart from mobile and broadband offerings, Globe now offers consumers DisneyLife for a monthly subscription of P149. With each subscription, consumers can create 6 accounts, register up to 10 gadgets, and use the DisneyLife app simultaneously across four devices.

The DisneyLife app is compatible with iOS and Android devices and is also available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. To learn more about DisneyLife promos, visit a Globe Store now or go to www.disneylife.ph or www.globe.com/content/disneylife for more details.

Click HERE for More Photos! 

Movie Review: Moana

I grew up watching Disney movies, I was obsessed with "The Little Mermaid", "Aladin", "Beauty and the Beast", "Mulan", you name it.  I grew up watching these films, memorizing the lines and songs, having all kinds of merchandise from lunchboxes, sleeping bags. I can also break out into song from any of these films (with hand gestures) much to the discomfort of my office seat mate. 

So you can say that with Disney such a big part of my life, I was excited to meet a new Disney Princess and this is "Moana". Which is refreshing as the 56th Disney animated feature film based on an original idea about Moana Waialiki (Auli'i Cravalho), the daughter of a Village Chief from a Polynesian tribe, who sets out with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to save her home. 

The film starts out with similar Disney themes, Moana is too adventurous for her island, where the people are forbidden to sail beyond the reef. Just like Ariel (The Little Mermaid) before her, who was curious about the humans on the shore. The heroine's first hurdle is to listen to that "voice inside" who is telling her who she really is. In Moana's case, she is to inherit being village chief and the responsibilities that come with it, when all she really wants is to sail out into the ocean. 

As I was watching the film, I thought of this recurring theme which has been the same throughout the years and I felt that it was because there is always a new generation of children who can definitely use this empowering messaging and I'm glad that I got to see the film with two of my nieces. :) 

While the film may begin with these timeless themes, which is no surprise given that Ron Clements and John Musker, the directing team behind Oscar-winning classics The Little Mermaid and Aladdin are behind the film.

 "Moana" takes on its own adventure and for me the film takes on its own feel from that scene when they meet the "Kakamora", for a little added information, that scene which includes these cute-err-terrifying coconuts is actually inspired from Mad Max: Fury Road and I actually thought of it when I saw it, without knowing about it first.  Also one of the Kakamora has the face of Baymax (Big Hero 6) painted on it. (I want a Kakamora!) 

Oh and I also have to commend the music! For the longest time, I have been looking for memorable songs in the recent Disney films but they didn't seem to have that "magic" like the old films did but "Moana" did and with a team made up of “Hamilton” composer-lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda, Disney music master Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa’i, the lead singer of South Pacific fusion band Te Vaka, I was had high expectations which is met. The result is a fun, authentic soundtrack, which will be your newest last song syndrome.   

I'll go ahead and say it "Let It Go" (Frozen) was overrated but in "Moana" it's not only the heroine's song which is memorable but all of the songs! (I kid you not) I was even impressed by Dwayne Johnson's Maui's catchy "You're Welcome" song, "The Rock" had an amazing singing voice (who would have thought right?) and we also enjoyed Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement) Prince inspired "Shiny". The songs reminded me of the older Disney movies where all the songs were good.

 *Currently listening to the soundtrack as I am writing this* 

There is a scene in the film that made me go "Whoah!" (I never thought I'd have that reaction in a Disney movie) and this was when Moana comes face to face with Te Ka, it is a breathtaking moment and seeing that in 3D is just spectacular. 

10/10! (My Nieces gave perfect scores too! And yes, even Paul gave a perfect score! Which is as rare as it sounds.) 

I also personally enjoyed making jokes at Disney's own expense: 

Case in point: 

On top of a high mountain, Maui tells Moana: "If you start singing, I'm going to throw up." This of course is a shot at Disney Princesses bursting into song. 

Disney has even starting making pee jokes and that was just hilarious! 

A fresh new Disney adventure featuring stunning 3D animation (just makes you want to go to the Beach) the story, while maintaining classic themes finds its own lessons to share. Plus a colorful look into the Polynesian culture, which is always a plus for me. 

Moana is the Disney Princess for a new generation. Without an exaggerated tiny waistline, the studio finally leaves the 'love interest' plot behind, focusing on a more important adventure, well for a young wayfinder at least. 


*By the way, there's a post-credits scene, if you guys want to stick around for that*

               

At the Philippine Premiere of "Moana" with my nieces Jasmine and Jillian. 

I rarely post personal photos with my movie reviews but I think I will make an exception for this one. Moana is in cinemas Nov. 30. 

Use the hashtags #MoanaPH #FindYourWay for your Moana posts!

 Photos (c) Walt Disney Studios. 

Movies: MEET THE OTHER GIANTS IN DISNEY'S “THE BFG”

Not all giants in Disney's “The BFG” are friendly. Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, the film tells the imaginative story of a young girl named Sophie and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. But Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of nine fearsome giants – the brothers of the BFG himself -- who have become increasingly more bothersome.

The cannybull and murderful motley group of mythical beasts who roam the earth gobbling up human beans provided all kinds of opportunities for invention, creativity and frightening fun for Steven Spielberg, his actors and his creative team.

Of all the evil giants who inhabit Giant Country, the BFG’s nine brothers are the worst. Substantially larger in size, they treat the BFG with cruelty and disdain, but in typical Roald Dahl fashion, they are also there to make us laugh. Dahl was somewhat of a giant in real life himself, standing 6-feet, 6-inches-tall.

Fleshlumpeater, who is played by the multi-talented actor, comedian and musical artist Jemaine Clement (“The Flight of the Conchords”), is 52-feet-tall with a big ego and a very small head. While he is the leader of the pack, the alpha male, in truth he is just a bully and a coward and not the brightest of the bunch. “My character is just a pile of muscles,” says Clement. “The BFG describes him as a cannibal, which is pretty accurate as he finds humans – especially children – delicious.”

Actor and comedian Bill Hader (“Trainwreck,” “Inside Out”) is Bloodbottler, the real brains of the pack. He is 43-feet-tall with a big beard and can always be found at Fleshlumpeater’s side telling him what to do. “In reality, Bloodbottler wants nothing to do with any of the other giants…he just wants to be left alone,” says Hader. “He does not like the BFG and he has created his own set of rules that the BFG is somehow breaking by just being himself.”

British actor Adam Godley (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) is Manhugger, the thin and slowest moving giant. He does the least of anyone and thinks only of himself. At 39-feet-tall, Gizzardgulper is the shortest of the nine giants. As played by Chris Gibbs (TV’s “Reign”), he is also the peacekeeper of the group and idolizes Fleshlumpeater. Bonecruncher is played by Michael David Adamthwaite (“Final Destination 5”) and is the youngest of the group and a troublemaker who often puts the others in danger.

Meatdripper, who is played by Canadian actor Paul Moniz de Sa (TV’s “The Flash”), is the jokester of the group and loves to go hunting for children. Jonathan Holmes (TV’s “Descendants”) plays Childchewer, Meatdripper’s best friend. He is the best looking of the group, and as a result, is always concerned with his appearance. Icelandic actor Ólafur Ólafsson (“The Last Witch Hunter”) is Maidmasher, who is the most stylish of the group. While masculine in his demeanor and appearance, 

he is also very in touch with his feminine side.

Finally, Butcherboy, who is played by Daniel Bacon (“The Day the Earth Stood Still”), walks with a limp, the result of a fight with Meatdripper which left him partially paralyzed. He would love to someday be top dog but knows it will never happen, and he has a chip on his shoulder as a result.

Opening across the Philippines on Aug. 10, “The BFG” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Like us on Facebook, WaltDisneyStudiosPH; follow us on Twitter, @disney_phil; follow us on Instagram, @disney.ph and use the hashtag #TheBFGPH.

Movie Review: "Finding Dory"

It was thirteen years ago when "Finding Nemo" broke box office records, earned critical acclaim and captured the hearts of kids and adults alike. I was in High School when the film came out and I remember how amazed I was at the incredible and beautiful graphics and animation in the film. Of course, the powerful story itself had everyone crying buckets. 

The film has established cult lines such as "Just Keep Swimming" and even the hilarious mantra "Fish are friends, not food." 

Part of what made "Finding Nemo" a success was the cheerful and optimistic, blue tang, who suffers from memory loss, Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) audiences loved her and soon after the commercial success of the film, DeGeneres has been campaigning for a sequel (at least through jokes on her talk show). 

Nevertheless, the long awaited sequel has finally been released and here are my thoughts on the film. 

It's been a year since the events of the first film. Dory now lives with Nemo and Marlin, everything seems to be calm and nice (much to Marlin's content) but Dory has been having dreams of her old life (before she met Nemo and Marlin) and for someone who suffers from short term memory loss, it would be hard to remember who your family is, let alone where to find them. 

Dory convinces Nemo and Marlin to help her find her family (Marlin needed more persuading) so the three set off on a journey which all largely depends on Dory's memory recall. 

Paul and I felt that Marlin (Albert Brooks) is a more believable anchor to a story. An overprotective father who will cross the ocean for his lost son seems to have more tugs on the heartstrings, rather than a fish with short term memory loss in search for her parents.

Of course there will still be that magic-Pixar-punch-in-the-gut, tears-in-your-eyes moment which you cannot miss.

Mind you, the film was still enjoyable, mostly because of the new characters Hank (Ed O'Neil) a cranky but sweet octopus-err--septopus and Bailey (Ty Burrel), a beluga whale. I honestly wasn't a fan of Destiny, a near sighted whale shark, I found her voice (Kaitlin Olson) to be a little annoying, which is sad since our waters are home to whale sharks. You probably know someone who knows someone who has swam with or at least have seen these gentle giants.

Pull out a P 100.00 bill, there's a whale shark right at the back of it.

I would love to watch film again because of Hank, which in case you didn't know, the technology to create Hank was not yet available ten years ago. Hank is an accomplished escape artist and/or 'octopus-ninja' who slithers everywhere and there was one scene which took the animators two years to make and you should see that in the glory of the cinema.

Aside from just the ground breaking animation and technology to create Hank, you shouldn't miss this sweetheart on screen. He tries to be a toughie but you know that he's all cotton candy inside.

Dory and Hank. 

I loved Ty Burrell's Bailey, who uses his sonar abilities to help Dory on her adventure, he's so hilarious he was like a fish with powers. 

There's this hilarious "They're consuming her!" scene which we just super LOL'd at. 

Another thing that sets "Finding Dory" apart is this action packed sequence, which I would never thought I'd see in a film about fish. 

Bailey. Destiny and Dory. 

The film teaches us to celebrate our flaws, which even leads to Marlin and Nemo asking "What Would Dory Do?" and that despite Dory's short term memory loss and in retrospect inability to go on her own adventure, the cheerful blue tang has actually been a much bigger help than the father and son realized. The movie is a great way to teach these to kids, as Destiny is near-sighted and Bailey thinks that his sonar is off, Hank is lacking one tentacle. Yet despite these setbacks, these colorful sea creatures save the day. 

8 out of 10 stars. Finding Dory may not surpass it's predecessor but it is still a colorful, ambitious and hilarious addition to Pixar classics. 

"Finding Dory" swims into Philippine theaters on Thursday, June 16th, 

“Finding Dory" is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #FindingDoryPH.

Big Hero 6 Party + Blu-Ray and DVD sale!

Fresh off their Oscar - Best Animatation Feature win, Big Hero 6 is throwing a PARTY! And what better way to party with the Big Hero 6 gang than to bring them home to relive their laughs, tears and adventures through your very own Bug Hero 6 Blu-Ray or DVD - at a sale price! (DVD is for P550.00).

The DVD also features Feast which also won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film - Wow! That is definitely one DVD to have (features two Academy award winning works) ^_^ 

Not only can you get to bring home the DVD (at a very good price- I might add) but you also get to enjoy Big Hero 6 activities and games! The party isn't just for the kids though since Dads and Moms (probably mostly Dads) will also get to enjoy looking through Blu-Ray and DVDs at discounted prices! Moms and Big Brothers and Big Sisters can enjoy the activities with the kids :)

This little cutie is having fun at one of the activities

NERDS WELCOME :) 

With everyone enjoying it is a great way to spend some quality family time :) 

Enjoy the Big Hero with an even Bigger Heart by coming to the Big Hero 6 Party at the Eastwood Mall Atrium from February 27 - March 3 ^_^ 

Did I mention you can also come in as your favorite Big Hero 6 character ? :)