Korean films on hope and love
FOLLOWING the success of the first online venture of the 2020 Korean Film Festival comes another set of films that center on love, upliftment, and healing. The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines has carefully selected three heart-warming films about love and life to be part of the special event titled “Harmony: A Special Screening on Hope and Love.” The films are The Queen of Walking featuring Shim Eun-Kyung, Park Joo-Hee, Kim Sae-Byuk, Like for Likes starring Lee Mi-Yeon, Yoo Ah-In, Choi Ji-Woo, and My Love, My Bride headlined by Cho Jung-Seok, Shin Min-A. The movies are being screened for free until Nov. 27 through the KCC website http://phil.korean-culture.org/. Viewers residing in the Philippines may catch all the films for free on their Android or iOS devices. KCC has also teamed up with Adarna House, Inc. for a special Film Pop Quiz, wherein participants can get the chance to win the locally translated version of the Korean bestselling title I Decided to Live as Me by Kim Soo-Hyun published by Woods of Mind Books straight from the publication’s Apop collection.
Jason Derulo teams up with Nuka
AFTER topping the charts and going viral with the infectious song “Savage Love,” Jason Derulo joins forces with Nuka on brand new single “Love Not War (The Tampa Beat),” out now on Robots + Humans/Columbia Records. The siren-infused instrumental finds Derulo in his element, singing over tropical beats and pulsating rhythms. With 40 million followers across TikTok, Derulo is the biggest musician across the platform. Meanwhile, the catchy yet enigmatic instrumental from 19-year-old New Caledonian producer Nuka captured the attention of many and amassed over 200 billion impressions worldwide. “Love Not War (The Tampa Beat)” follows on from a string of anthemic singles released by Derulo over the past year, with “Savage Love” being his fifth UK No. 1 with over 550 million global streams and the latter “Take You Dancing” amassing over 205 million global streams and counting.
PhilPop’s Metro Manila entries
THE MUSIC entries from the National Capital Region to the nationwide songwriting competition PhilPop are a diverse showcase of sounds spanning R&B, contemporary pop and folk-influenced, catchy, radio-friendly songs about romance, forgiveness, and regret with precision and sensitivity. Produced by PhilPop and distributed by Warner Music Philippines, the entries include two compositions by rapper and singer-songwriter Aikee Aplacador — “Bestiny,” which has Kevin Yadao and Jr. Crown trading verses about navigating the harsh realities of dealing with unrequited love and friendship atop upbeat melodies and warm R&B beats; and “Mapa,” featuring newcomer Chloe Redondo, which is a pop/R&B ballad that serves as a tribute to parents that served as guiding light in difficult times. The other entry is Kian Dionisio’s heartfelt anthem of regrets and what ifs, “Huling Sayaw,” performed by acoustic pop balladeer Nyoy Volante. “Bestiny,” “Mapa,” and “Huling Sayaw” are now available on streaming and digital platforms worldwide via PhilPop and Warner Music Philippines.
Wovensound, Ihasamic!, and Joey Maker collaborate
HIP-HOP producer Wovensound has brought together Singapore rapper Ihasamic! and Vietnamese-Australian hip hop artist Joey Maker for his latest single, “No Road Home,” an eclectic blend of old school hip-hop beats, haunting piano chords, conscious rapping, and a guitar solo. In terms of creative inspiration, Wovensound cited Immortal Technique’s “Dance With The Devil” as the track responsible for laying the preliminary touches of his latest collaborative song. The lyrics of “No Road Home” tell a cautionary tale of flexing and lying for short-lived clout, and suffering the consequences. “No Road Home” is the second single of Wovensound’s six-track debut EP Vertigos Fulfilled, dropping in June 2021. Wovensound and Ihasamic! will also release their four-track collaborative EP REPACK in early 2021.
Space Sweepers to premiere worldwide on Netflix
NETFLIX has confirmed the exclusive global release of a new Korean sci-fi thriller film Space Sweepers, starring Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Sun-kyu and Yoo Hai-jin. Space Sweepers, directed by Jo Sung-hee (A Werewolf Boy, Phantom Detective) and produced by Bidangil Pictures, depicts in vivid detail the crew of a cosmic waste management spacecraft who discover a humanlike robot, named Dorothy, wanted by UTS Space Guards, and decide to demand ransom in exchange.
HK Disneyland Resort unveils Castle of Magical Dreams
HONG KONG Disneyland Resort has begun the celebration of its 15th anniversary with the launch of the Castle of Magical Dreams. The re-imagined centerpiece of the theme park takes its inspiration from 13 stories of Disney princesses and queens, the architectural design embraces their unique characteristics through the interpretation of color, icons, symbols, patterns and cultural features. Brand-new experiences await guests in the castle — from meeting their favorite princesses and queens at The Royal Reception Hall, to visiting Enchanted Treasures Chow Tai Fook Jewelry which has been appointed as Royal Jeweler for all of the kingdom’s keepsakes and treasures. Guests can explore the story behind this new castle by visiting the “Building a Dream: The Magic Behind a Disney Castle” exhibit. Also available is the first-of-its-kind “Glimpse into the Magic” tour, which offers guests a new perspective of appreciating the castle. Guided by an audio narration from actress Karena Lam, guests will visit eight different checkpoints using their mobile phones and earphones, where they will learn all about ins and outs of the castle’s design. Guests visiting the park will receive a 15th anniversary themed ticket and a 15th anniversary themed button (while supplies last). They can also learn how to draw the Castle of Magical Dreams at the Animation Academy. The popular “Mickey and Friends Christmastime Ball” will be presented in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams for the first time. There are now three special 15th anniversary collections made up of more than 200 items — Grand Celebrations, Crystal Dreams, and the Black & Gold Series. A number of co-branded exclusive merchandise items will also be available to celebrate the occasion, including drinkware and tote bags by Starbucks, a silver and gold charm by Pandora, and a limited-edition watch by Citizen. Selected restaurants will feature themed dining experiences with special 15th anniversary offerings, themed décor and souvenirs. Guests can also enjoy a 15th anniversary seasonal flavor soft serve at Midtown Delights and 15th anniversary award-winning dishes at hotel dining venues. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s hotels also have 15th anniversary touches. Those who book to stay in the Deluxe Room type or above will receive limited-edition amenity boxes, themed giveaways that include magnet cards and postcards for guests who join paid DIY classes of making leather card holders and eco-bags, along with daily 15th anniversary and Christmas-themed arts and crafts activities. Guests can enjoy a limited time Black Friday hotel flash sale from now to Dec. 4. Guests can get as much as 45% off on the Standard Rooms and Sea View Rooms for staying two-nights or above at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney Explorers Lodge, travel window from Jan. 3 to Sept. 29, 2021. Because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) considerations, guests must purchase their tickets in advance and reserve a visit up to seven days in advance of their visit online via the Hong Kong Disneyland reservation website. Magic Access members must also make a reservation prior to visiting, but can enjoy the benefit of reserving eight days in advance. Make a required health declaration as part of the Hong Kong Disneyland reservation process. Undergo temperature screening procedures upon arrival. Guests with elevated temperatures cannot be admitted. Wear a mask during their visit, except when enjoying food and beverage at catering premises.
