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| (Image Source: iMDB/Warner Bros. Pictures) |
Eager to see the first standalone movie about the DCEU’s fastest man alive, moviegoers from all over the world flocked to theaters to watch “The Flash” on its opening weekend, leading to a huge US$139 million global box office take. In the Philippines, the film debuted at No.1 with a smash Php45 million gross on its five-day opening weekend (June 14–18, 2023) which marks Warner Bros.’ biggest opening for 2023, after another superhero blockbuster, “Shazam: Fury of the Gods”, shown last March. “The Flash", starring Ezra Miller as the titular superhero, Sasha Calle as Supergirl, and Michael Keaton as Batman, has scored well with audiences and currently holds an 85% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics here and abroad have also lauded the film which director James Gunn earlier this year described as “one of the best superhero movies I’ve ever seen.” Empire magazine agrees, stating, “Set to be one of the final entries in what we know as the DCEU, this is also one of the best, a witty and warm buddy comedy that deserves to be more than just a Flash in the pan.” According to CNN US, “The Flash” is “a movie that wears its love for the comics that inspired it on its crimson-streaked sleeve. Funny, action-packed and effectively touching, anyone familiar with the DC stable of heroes should run, not walk, to see it.” Popular Australian website News.com.au commends “The Flash” too, calling it “a movie that surprisingly balances the outsized action thrills with emotional heft.”
Locally, major national broadsheet Manila Bulletin raves, “‘The Flash’ is a worthy entry to the DC pantheon. That it took so many years for Flash to finally get his own starring film may be a mind-puzzler to most observers, plus the fact that in itself, this film is four years in the making. But now that it’s here, it’s good to be able to say that it was well worth the wait!” Rappler summed it up well, saying of the film, “All in all, for all the challenges in its way, it’s a fun, sometimes silly, sometimes effectively dramatic and affecting movie that tells a good, if all too familiar story, very well.”
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Christian Bautista's Greatest Hits Reimagined In New 20th Anniversary Tribute Album
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Universal Records Philippines) |
Celebrating two decades of exceptional music, Universal Records released a remarkable tribute album entitled The Way You Look At Me: The Songs Of Christian Bautista to honor the one and only Asia’s Romantic Balladeer himself. The album came to full bloom this 2023 which comprises amazing renditions from OPM artists such as Ben&Ben (The Way You Look At Me), Julie Anne San Jose & Rayver Cruz (Pag-Ibig Na Kaya), I Belong To The Zoo (Hands To Heaven), Morissette (Everywhere), KZ Tandingan (Kailan Pa Ma’y Ikaw), Sam Concepcion (Kapit), Zephanie (Since I Found You), and Kyle Julian (Everything You Do).
The first drop was IBTTZ’s “Hands To Heaven” back in October 2022 followed by Mori’s “Colour Everywhere”. A first-ever mini-series was also produced by UR to further hype up Christian 20th anniversary. Julie Anne and Rayver starred in the two-episode “Pag-ibig Na Kaya: The Mini-series”, in promotion of their own version of the hit song. And of course, Ben&Ben’s “The Way You Look At Me” became a much-talked-about topic online especially when its official music video was released which starred the immensely popular BarDa (Barbie Forteza and David Licauco) love team. Overwhelmed by this amazing project, Christian Baustista says, "Thankful and grateful for these wonderful artists and friends who did amazing renditions of songs that I have released through the years. Thank you for your generosity and artistry. Thank you also to Universal Records Philippines for this magnanimous project. It is truly one of a kind. Cheers to more music!!”
He further thanked UR for making this “monumental” tribute album possible. “Thank you Universal Records Philippines for this monumental album. It is truly something very special to me. Thank you for the love. I wish you more and more blessings as the company continues to grow and expand its talents and horizons,” he adds. This tribute album not only pays homage to Christian Bautista’s impressive career but also showcases the vibrancy and diversity of Filipino music. It serves as a testament to the incredible talent and creativity within the Philippine music industry. You can now stream The Way You Look At Me: The Songs Of Christian Bautista in its entirety on your favorite digital streaming platforms.
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NET25 Makes Cinema Debut With "Monday First Screening" Starring Ricky Davao And Gina Alajar
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| (Image Source: Daily Tribune/Eagle Broadcasting Corporation) |
As Eagle Broadcasting Corporation's NET25 continues its expansion, the network has entered the realm of film production with the launch of NET25 Films. This significant milestone showcases the talents of seasoned and multi-awarded actors Ricky Davao and Gina Alajar in their latest film "Monday First Screening". The movie, known as a “senior citizen rom-com", tells the story of two elderly individuals who find love while attending the first screening of free movies every Monday, a practice observed in some Metro Manila malls. Audiences will be introduced to Gina's character Lydia, a recently retired high school principal who discovers a newfound connection with a group of fellow senior citizens through their shared love of movies.
The film’s premiere was held through an invitational screening on June 12, 2023 at the Eduardo V. Manalo (EVM) Convention Center in Central Avenue, Quezon City. The event not only marks NET25’s debut film production but also served as an opportunity to provide free medical services to senior citizens. Guests who attended the premiere were given access to complimentary medical and eye check-ups. Additionally, there was free distribution of medicines, vitamins, reading glasses, hearing aids, and a limited number of wheelchairs for participants of the program. Joining Ricky and Gina in the cast are acclaimed actors Ruby Ruiz, Soliman Cruz, Che Ramos, and David Shouder. The film also introduces the new love team of Allen Abrenica and Reign Parani. Directed by Benedict Mique, Monday First Screening features a screenplay co-written by Aya Anunciacion with Owen Berico serving as the director of photography.
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GMA Integrated News Honored At Rotary Club Of Manila's 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/GMA Network) |
GMA Integrated News further reinforces its position as the “News Authority ng Filipino" after winning the 'Journalism of the Year for TV News Reporting' distinction at the Rotary Club of Manila’s 2023 Pro Patria Journalism Awards. The Rotary Club of Manila lauded GMA Integrated News for its "relevant and timely content" as well as its "truthful, unbalanced, and interesting style of collaborative reporting." Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso accepted the award on behalf of GMA Network and GMA Integrated News Group at the ceremony held last June 15, 2023 at the New World Hotel in Makati.
“This moment fills us with immense joy and pride as we receive affirmation for the unwavering dedication and hard work we have poured into GMA Integrated News for the past eight months. Our journey has been nothing short of consequential,” Amoroso said in his speech. The Rotary Club of Manila also recognized GMA Integrated News’ integration and collaboration of its different platforms in delivering news. “We embarked on a transformative path by integrating GMA News Manila, GMA Regional TV, GMA News Online, and Radio GMA – creating a dynamic multi-platform, mega news organization,” Amoroso added.
Earlier this month, GMA Integrated News officially launched the GMA Integrated News Weather Center and introduced its new set of weather presenters comprising of Maureen Schrijvers, Anjo Pertierra, Katrina Son and Amor Larrosa, broadening its scope in delivering credible weather news and updates. Meanwhile, GMA Network continues to have the highest trust score among news brands in the Philippines for the third straight year, according to the 2023 Digital News Report (DNR) by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.
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ABS-CBN Shows Now Available Live And On-Demand In Japan, Singapore And Hong Kong Via Kapamilya Online Live On YouTube
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
More Filipinos around the world now have access to ABS-CBN’s currently airing shows as its livestreaming service Kapamilya Online Live is now available live and on-demand in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel. ABS-CBN announced the free offering to thank its viewers for their continued support after it achieved a digital milestone on Kapamilya Online Live when its three Kapamilya primetime shows amassed over 251 million total views last May.
Viewers in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore will now be able to keep up with the latest episodes of their favorite Kapamilya shows live as it airs in the Philippines. Access to on-demand streaming can also be enjoyed for hit programs such as “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo", “The Iron Heart", "Dirty Linen" and “It’s Showtime". Also providing binge-worthy entertainment to viewers is the weekly variety show “ASAP Natin ‘To", musical game shows “I Can See Your Voice" and "Everybody, Sing!" as well as well-loved and classic Kapamilya teleseryes such as "Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin", "Be Careful with My Heart", "Since I Found You", "La Luna Sangre" and "Home Along Da Riles". Kapamilya Online Live provides live and on-demand streaming of shows to ABS-CBN Entertainment’s 44 million subscribers – the highest among all YouTube channels in Southeast Asia.
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Martial Arts U.S. Open ISKA World Championships Goes Global With FITE
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| (Image Source: FITE) |
Global online sports and entertainment streaming service FITE by Triller announced that it will stream the U.S. Open ISKA World Sport Karate Championship live from Orlando, Florida, USA on July 1, 2023. The sport's showcase event will draw the martial art's elite athletes and teams from all over the world as they attempt to dethrone the existing World Champions in a multitude of disciplines including weapons forms.
Individual open-weight and team sparring, and various types of board and concrete breaking. The renowned three-day event is in its 39th year and attracts pre-qualified national champions from six continents. Previously seen on cable stream and linear broadcast primarily in the United States, for the first time the epic event will be available worldwide on the FITE platform featuring both the Saturday morning/midday ISKA World Breaking Championships, beginning at 10:00 am ET/9:00 am CT/7:00 am PT (Saturday night at 10:00 pm PHT/HKT/SGT, 11:00 pm JST, 12:00 mn in Australia), and the evening Sport Martial Arts World Championships in the most-followed World Title divisions, beginning at 7:00 pm ET/6:00 pm CT/4:00 pm PT (Sunday at 7:00 am PHT/HKT/SGT, 8:00 am JST, 9:00 am in Australia). A World Record Breaking attempt will also grace the evening session.
"It's estimated that 100 million people practice Karate worldwide. In the U.S. people are surprised to hear that more people practice martial arts than football, basketball or baseball – add to that families, friends and fans, and you have a massive audience to whom we are proud to present the most renowned practitioners vying for the most coveted World Titles of the art and sport of Martial Arts," said FITE Chief Marketing Officer and Shotokan Karate Black Belt holder Kim Hurwitz. The U.S. Open ISKA World Championships joins a vast range of martial arts programming available on FITE via PPV including MMA, Muay Thai and Grappling/BJJ. In addition, FITE carries the world's top promotions in Boxing and Pro Wrestling and other sports, both live events and thousands of hours of archival fights.
