Robinsons Galleria celebrates Eid Mubarak
ROBINSONS GALLERIA is set to host “Mubarak, Hari Raya: A Celebration of Islamic Heritage in the Philippines and Beyond,” a special event that invites the public to experience Islamic traditions. The event kicks off with an opening ceremony today at 2 p.m., and runs until April 25. Located at Level 3, EDSA Wing, the event will feature a halal food bazaar offering a unique selection of traditional dishes, artisanal crafts, and exhibits from the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Iran, and Malaysia. This initiative is organized in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and made possible through the participation of various foreign diplomatic missions in Manila.
VIVA signs e-commerce MoU vs piracy
VIVA HOLDINGS, Inc., has signed an e-commerce memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen protection of its content and retail products across digital platforms. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines facilitated the making of the MoU, which aims to encourage more creatives to protect their intellectual property rights. Vicente “Vic” del Rosario, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Viva Communications, said the move will help protect the company’s content assets against piracy which he estimates is threatening 80% of its potential revenue.
FDCP launches Behind the Reel series
THE Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), supported by CineGang, Inc., has launched a YouTube series that gives an inside look at the film industry through roundtable discussions. The first episode was a discussion among “next generation” actors Elijah Canlas, Gabby Padilla, Paul Cedrick Juan, and Kakki Teodoro. The recently launched second episode showcased a conversation among five award-winning filmmakers: Antoinette Jadaone, Dwein Baltazar, Petersen Vargas, and Pepe Diokno. A new episode will be out on April 25.
Gary Valenciano, RJ Dela Fuente team up for a cover
POP BALLADEER RJ Dela Fuente has joined forces with Gary Valenciano on a heartfelt cover of Laura Story’s song “Blessings.” The duet offers a fresh take on the Christian ballad, which is a reminder of hope, healing, and unwavering faith in God amid life’s trials. The track was produced and arranged by Mon Faustino, Mr. Valenciano’s musical director for more than 35 years, in collaboration with recording consultant Mike Jamir. Considered by both as one of their favorite Christian songs, “Blessings” is a personal anthem for both singers. It is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.
Women docu filmmakers headline free screening
THE Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) will be offering a free public screening of a collection of socio-political documentaries which highlight the crucial role of women filmmakers. The selection was curated by feminist scholar Eloisa May Hernandez, PhD of the Department of Art Studies of the University of the Philippines College of Arts and Letters. The films to be screened are Walang Rape sa Bontok (2014) written by Carla Pulido Ocampo and directed by Lester Valle; Aswang (2019) by Alyx Ayn Arumpac; and Maria (2023) by She Andes, each screening on April 23, 24, and 25, respectively. The screenings are free and open to the public and will be held at noon on the scheduled dates at the M320 Case Room of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Taft Campus in Malate, Manila.
PLDT Home Fiber offers Squid Game experience
THOSE who apply for any PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plan can get the opportunity to enjoy an immersive playground inspired by the hit Netflix series Squid Game in Seoul, South Korea. Visitors will be able to test their skills in games — minus the real danger. PLDT Home, in collaboration with Netflix, will take five winners and their plus ones, all chosen via electronic raffle, to “Squid Game: The Experience.” It includes free round-trip airfare for two, three-day/two-night hotel accommodation in Seoul, and travel allowance. The promo runs until May 15, and is open to all new subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Netflix plans 1599, 2499, and 3199. The travel period is from June 23 to 25.
Korean series Good Boy to stream on Prime Video
STARRING Park Bo-gum, Kim So-hyun, and Lee Sang-yi, the upcoming Korean series Good Boy is set to premiere on Prime Video in the Philippines on May 31. It blends comedy, action, crime investigation, and romance in a story of former medal-winning athletes who become police officers and fight in a world full of criminals. The team is played by Park Bo-gum, Kim So-hyun, Kim Jong-hyeon, Ko Man-sik, and Shin Jae-hong.
HBO Original Harry Potter series reveals cast
REGULAR MEMBERS of the cast of the upcoming Harry Potter TV series have been announced. These are John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid. Guest or recurring cast members include Luke Thallon as Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse as Argus Filch. The series aims to be a faithful adaptation of the popular Harry Potter book series by author and executive producer J.K. Rowling. It will stream exclusively on Max globally, executive produced by Francesca Gardiner and with episodes directed by Mark Mylod.
Hong Kong Disneyland to celebrate 20th anniversary
STARTING June 28, Hong Kong Disneyland is marking its 20th anniversary with a year-long celebration across the resort titled “The Most Magical Party of All.” One of the showcases will be the Disney Friends live show with the theme “Party at the Castle!” and the newest “Friendtastic!” Parade. There will also be a special anniversary version of the Momentous nighttime light projection and fireworks show.
