Mazinger Z-inspired film opens Japanese Film Festival

THE JAPAN Foundation, Manila kicks off its first digital edition of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) with an drive-in cinema experience at the SM Mall of Asia with a ode to a manga and anime classic. Based on a true story, the opening film, Project Dreams – How to Build Mazinger Z’s Hangar (2020, 115 mins), follows Maeda Corp.’s fantasy marketing department to challenge the boundaries between reality and fiction, appease the fans and hit their business goals at the same time. The special screenings of this workplace comedy will be on Nov. 20 and 22, 6 p.m., at the SM CINEMA Drive-in at the Mall of Asia complex, Pasay City. Tickets are P100 each via SM Tickets’ portal https://smtickets.com/sm-drive-in-cinema.  This screening is part of the JFF Plus: Online Festival. Visit the newly-launched JFF Plus website https://watch.jff.jpf.go.jp to watch the rest of the films in the festival, which runs from Nov. 20 to 29 Follow the official Japan Foundation, Manila website and social media pages for updates and full screening schedules.

Cine Europa goes Italian

BECAUSE of the ongoing pandemic, Cine Europa Philippines presents Virtual Cine Europa 23, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 29. The Philippine Italian Association in partnership with Cine Europa Philippines, will present an Italian movie on Nov. 18 and 25, 8 p.m., via Festival Scope. The film, directed by Edoardo De Angelis, is Il Vizio Della Speranza (Vice of Hope), featuring Pina Turco and scored by Enzo Avitabile. To watch this and other Cin Europa 23 films, register at Cine Europa PH https://cineeuropaph.com/ and at Festival Scope https://www.festivalscope.com/page/euff-the-philippines/.

Rocksteddy drops latest single ‘Wag Mo Akong Iiwan’

BEING stuck at home for months has not stopped four-piece alternative rock outfit Rocksteddy from creating music. “Isolation has been a challenge,” guitarist Juven Pelingon said. “Through video platform, live streaming is the best way to connect with other artists and fans. Everyone was forced to write and record their new material separately, but we’ve made the most of what we have.” The result is “Wag Mo Akong Iiwan,” the band’s latest offering talks about the challenges of maintaining a love that’s slowly dimming in the process. Vocalist Teddy Corpuz said, “[M]ost importantly it talks about hope and not giving up on each other. Feeling ko sakto rin ‘yung song sa panahon ngayon na maraming relationships ang nasisira at nasusubukan because of the pandemic (I feel this song is perfect for the times as many relationships are breaking or challenged because of the pandemic).” “Wag Mo Akong Iiwan” is now available on all digital platforms worldwide.

Stream Aegis, Ogie Alcasid concerts this December

SPEND consecutive weekends in December enjoying back-to-back concerts, Aegis na Aegis: A Story of Us and Ogie and the Hurados 1, in the comfort home via the online streaming platform www.ktx.ph. The iconic OPM band Aegis take audiences on a rock journey down memory lane in the concert they performed at the RWM’s Newport Performing Arts Theater back in 2017. The show also features The Draybers frontman and The Voice of the Philippines season 1 winner, Mitoy Yonting. Presented by Resorts World Manila (RWM) in cooperation with Full House Theater Company and Ultimate Shows, Inc., Aegis na Aegis: A Story of Us will be available via online streaming Dec. 4, 8 p.m.; Dec. 5, at 5, 8, and 11 p.m.; and Dec. 6, at 3, 8, and 11 a.m. Meanwhile, the 2019 concert at RWM’s Newport Performing Arts Theater, Ogie and the Hurados 1, highlights the many accomplishments of pop star Ogie Alcasid, and the Hurados —  the judges in Showtime’s reality talent search portion Tawag ng Tanghalan, namely pop stars Zsa Zsa Padilla, Randy Santiago, K. Brosas, Karylle, Jed Madela, and Rey Valera. Ogie and the Hurados 1 will be available online Dec. 11, 8 p.m.; Dec. 12, at 5, 8, and 11 p.m.; and Dec. 13, at 3, 8, and 11 a.m. Tickets for both shows are now available via www.ktx.ph. An early bird rate of P600 for Aegis na Aegis: A Story of Us is available until Nov. 26, and for Ogie and the Hurados 1 until Dec. 3 only. The regular ticket price is P750. To know more about RWM concerts and events, visit www.rwmanila.com or download the RWM Mobile App for free on the AppStore or GooglePlay.

Flict-G and Dello join Dionela on ‘Agaw’ remix

SINGER-songwriter Dionela teams up with rappers Flict-G and Dello on the remix of his smash hit, “Agaw.” The original version, which has racked up more than a million streams on Spotify, recounts the pop persona’s devastating experience of being left behind in a breakup. With Flic-G and Dello hopping on the remix, “Agaw” delivers the punch with a more in-your-face approach. Both hip-hop acts aid in dropping verses that swing between despair and helplessness, complementing the track’s skittering, atmospheric beats and cinematic production. According to Dionela, the “Agaw” remix is far more emotionally tugging than its previous iteration, and owes its magic to the contributions of his collaborators. The “Agaw” remix is now available on all digital platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

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