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| Lumpia Queen Abi Marquez (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/NYMA) |
Lumpia Queen Abi Marquez is nominated in the social media account category of the prestigious James Beard 2024 Media Awards. This recognition comes at the heels of her recent People’s Voice win at the 28th Annual Webby Awards. The James Beard Awards is one among the highest honors in the culinary and food media industries, recognizing leaders and innovators throughout the food system. Included in its roster of previous winners are world-famous chefs such as Massimo Bottura and David Chang and media works such as Dominique Ansel’s MasterClass and Salt Fat Acid Heat.
With over 3.3 million followers on TikTok, the 23-year-old NYMA talent Marquez is one of the leading food content creators from the Philippines. She shot to fame with her take on the lumpia or Filipino spring roll, creating iterations inspired by popular fast food desserts, savory delicacies, and global food favorites. As she grew in following, she would forge creative collaborations with brands and global culinary superstars for the world to see. Marquez shares, “Growing up watching cooking contests on TV, I was always curious that the judges typically had a James Beard award in their credentials. That stirred up a dream in me to have a James Beard award, too. And for the nomination to happen this year, at this time in my career as a content creator? It feels like a dream.” Marquez is temporarily in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., collaborating with other creators, making new content, and enjoying some downtime between her recent Webby award acceptance in New York City and the James Beard event in Chicago, Illinois on June 8, 2024. Earlier this month, she shared a real-time reaction video of her finding out about the prestigious nomination.
NYMA'S Head of Talent Kat Bautista enthuses, “We are thrilled to be working with Abi whose talent has been paying off in many ways. ended 2023 winning Foodie Content Creator of the Year at Tiktok and this year, won at the Hashtag Asia and Webby Awards and was inducted to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Her nomination by the James Beard Foundation is a true career highlight. She makes us proud at NYMA and Kroma Entertainment — and we’re glad to see how fellow Filipinos have been supportive of her, too.” In this year’s James Beard Media Awards, Marquez is competing with KJ Kearney’s Black Food Fridays and Randy Lau’s Made With Lau for Social Media Account honors. She tells her fans and followers, “It’s my honor to make the Philippines proud. Maraming salamat po sa suporta ninyo. I will be home soon!”
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Witness The Birth Of Evil: 20th Century Studios' "The First Omen" Streams On Disney+ Beginning May 30, 2024
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| (Image Source: Disney Philippines/20th Century Studios) |
Prepare for a spine-chilling journey into the origins of darkness as 20th Century Studios’ “The First Omen” premieres on Disney+ on May 30, 2024. Directed by the acclaimed Arkasha Stevenson and boasting a Certified-Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes™, this prequel to the classic horror franchise promises an experience that’s “death-fully intense” (Witney Seibold, Slash Film) and “truly petrifying” (Daisy Phillipson, Dexerto) and eventually hailed as “the best horror movie of the year” (Witney Seibold, Slash Film).
Set in 1971, “The First Omen” stars Nell Tiger Free (Game of Thrones) as Margaret, an American nun-to-be journeying to Rome to take her vows. The film unveils the horrifying events leading to the inception of Damien, the infamous anti-Christ. As Margaret delves deeper into the shadows, she confronts a sinister force that shakes her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy to bring evil incarnate into the world. “The First Omen” boasts an impressive ensemble cast which includes Tawfeek Barhom (Mary Magdalene), Sonia Braga (Kiss of the Spider Woman), Ralph Ineson (The Northman), and Bill Nighy (Living). The film is based on characters created by David Seltzer (The Omen), with a story by Ben Jacoby (Bleed) and a screenplay by Tim Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, and Keith Thomas (Firestarter).
For die-hard fans and newcomers alike, Disney+ offers a chance to relive the terror with all five Omen films available for streaming. Experience the complete saga and witness the evolution of one of horror’s most iconic franchises. "The First Omen" on Disney+ also comes with bonus features including the following:
• The Mystery of Margaret: Join director Arkasha Stevenson and stars Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy, and Maria Caballero as they delve into the character of Margaret. Explore her relationships, the manipulations she endures, and her role in unraveling the film’s horrifying mystery.
• The Director’s Vision: Arkasha Stevenson discusses her passion for horror, the privilege of expanding The Omen legacy, and her unique approach to crafting “The First Omen” through a female perspective. The cast also shares their experiences working with Arkasha and filming in Rome.
• Signs Of The First Omen: Discover the hidden symbolism within the set designs and costumes with insights from the director and artists. Learn how practical effects blur the line between reality and the supernatural in the film’s terrifying world.
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Spanish Original Film Culpa Tuya (Your Fault), The Second Part Of The Cultables Trilogy, To Stream On Prime Video On December 2024
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| (Image Source: FilmAffinity/Prime Video Spain) |
Prime Video has announced that the Spanish Original film Culpa Tuya (Your Fault) will be released on December 2024 following the success of Culpa Mía (My Fault) which was launched last June 8, 2024 and achieved unprecedented success in the service worldwide. The film, based on Mercedes Ron’s best-selling Culpables book trilogy, was in the Top 10 most-watched titles in over 190 countries including the U.S., UK, Australia, India, Argentina, and France. The sequel Culpa Tuya (Your Fault) aims to achieve the same level of success as the first production and will be available on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Culpa Tuya (Your Fault) brings back Nicole Wallace (Skam España, Parot) and Gabriel Guevara (Mañana es hoy, Hit) in the roles of Noah and Nick. Also continuing in their roles the actors Marta Hazas (Días mejores, Pequeñas coincidencias), Iván Sánchez (Bosé, Hospital Central), Victor Varona (Cielo Grande, Dani Who?) and Eva Ruiz. Also, joining the cast for this sequel are the well-known actress Goya Toledo (Amores perros, Veneno) as Anabel, Gabriela Andrada (Los protegidos ADN, Los herederos de la tierra) as Sofía, Álex Béjar (Élite, Al fondo hay sitio) as Briar, Javier Morgade (Desaparecidos, Delfines de plata) as Michael, Felipe Londoño (Entrevías, Perfil falso) as Luca, and Fran Morcillo (La casa de papel, Explota explota) as Simón.
The love between Noah and Nick seems unbreakable, despite the manoeuvres of their parents to break them up. But his job and her entry into college open their lives to new relationships. The appearance of a revenge-seeking ex-girlfriend and Nick’s mother with unclear intentions will shake the foundations not only of their relationship, but of the Leister family itself. When so many people are out to destroy a love story, can it really end well? Culpa Tuya (Your Fault) is directed by Domingo González (Culpa Mia, El Bar) who also repeats as writer alongside Sofía Cuenca and produced by Pokeepsie Films (Banijay Iberia) (Veneciafrenia, 30 monedas, El bar) with Álex de la Iglesia and Carolina Bang as producers.
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Jungee Marcelo Bares Upcoming New Album "Anniverseries"
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Renowned songwriter and producer Jungee Marcelo has released a reimagined version of “Kung Saan Ka Masaya” featuring Sponge Cola as the first single of his upcoming album “Anniverseries". The pop-rock track was composed by Jungee and produced by Sponge Cola and Joey Santos of Love One Another Sound Production. It was first recorded by Yeng Constantino in 2012 and Daniel Padilla in 2013. “Giving God the full control doon sa gusto mong mangyari sa buhay mo. Kung saan masaya si Lord placing you, doon ka. Kailangan ng pop-rock feel yung song na ito kaya naisip ko perfect dito ang Sponge Cola. Noong kinausap ko si Yael, game din siya agad na i-reimagine yung song,” said Jungee.
“Kung Saan Ka Masaya” is one of the tracks from his upcoming album under Star Music which will feature a collection of his reimagined hits to be performed by various OPM artists such as Sunkissed Lola, Ben&Ben, and more. He said the project is inspired by a lot of anniversaries and milestones in his life, sharing, “I always love coining words, putting two words together. So I figured I’m celebrating a lot of anniversaries, anniversary of songs like ‘Hataw Na’ and ‘Sa Yaweh ang Sayaw’ which I wrote for Gary V is celebrating 30 years, ‘Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat’ is celebrating almost 15 years. Most of these songs are anniversaries of my life and I thought it’s like a series of anniversaries and then put them together in ‘Anniverseries'." The album was launched during his 60th birthday concert with the same name which was held last May 9, 2024 at the Greenhills Christian Fellowship auditorium.
As a veteran songwriter, Jungee has composed numerous hits such as Zia Quizon’s “Ako Na Lang", Gary Valenciano’s “Hataw Na” and “Sa Yaweh Ang Sayaw", KZ Tandingan’s “Labo", Daniel Padilla’s “Nasa Iyo Na Ang Lahat", Darren Espanto’s “Alam", Kyla & Reese Lansangan’s “Salbabida", Morissette Amon’s “Diamante", Kris Lawrence and Kyla’s “Monumento", Marion Aunor and Janella Salvador’s “Pumapag-ibig", Jolina Magdangal’s “Super Pinoy", Sitti Navarro and Julianne Tarroja’s “Pansamantagal" and Sarah Geronimo’s “Bida". He has also won in songwriting festivals locally such as the Metropop, Himig Handog, PhilPop, and internationally such as the Asia Songfest, Shanghai Songfest, and Musika Manila International Songfest. Jungee also garnered multiple recognitions from the Awit Awards and Katha Awards in major categories such as song of the year, producer of the year, and record of the year. He was also awarded the Office of the President DepEd Gawad Liriko for advocacy in the Filipino songwriting craftsmanship.
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Darren To Fire Up The Smart Araneta Coliseum Stage With "D10" Anniversary Concert
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren is excited to bring his all-out performances and have a momentous and star-studded 10th anniversary celebration in “D10” concert happening on June 1, 2024 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Joining him in this milestone are some of the amazing talents who have been part of his journey as a singer including Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Lyca Gairanod, Ogie Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo, and Vice Ganda.
Recounting his “The Voice Kids” journey, the singer-actor expressed his gratitude for the opportunities it opened for him and how it fulfilled his dreams of being a performer. “I feel like it's been such a long time since The Voice Kids but at the same time, it feels like it's been such a quick journey as well. But when I look back on everything I’ve done, parang grabe, ang dami na nangyari sa buhay ko, sa career ko and I’m just very grateful for everything that has happened in the past 10 years,” said Darren. Two weeks before the concert, Darren also released the music video for his latest single “Hanggang Kailan” which stars Belle Mariano.
Darren shares, “This one’s a lot more laid back because it’s more on the storytelling and asking the universe hanggang kailan ako maghihintay for the right person." Tickets to Darren’s “D10” concert are available in Ticketnet outlets and ticketnet.com.ph priced at Php8,004 (Platinum), Php6,404 (VIP), Php4,269 (Patron A), Php2,668 (Patron B), Php2,135 (Lower box), Php1,068 (Upper box), and Php427 (General admission).
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KAIA Chronicles Personal Journey To Stardom In "You Did It" Music Video
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| (Image Source: PARCINQ Magazine/YouTube/KAIA) |
KAIA has officially released the music video (MV) of their new single “You Did It", out now on digital streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment Philippines. Helmed by Raymond “Pabi” Fabian and Francis “Kiko” Magundayao, the visuals mark the five-member group’s transformation from their debut years to their more confident and refined phase. It also features the origin story of the dragonfly, a metaphorical symbol of their journey as a Filipino girl group trying to make it in the competitive music industry landscape. As the MV puts it, KAIA, with their wings spread, is now on a journey to explore greater distances.
The P-Pop group reveals that they’re also more involved in the concept of the music video, even going as far as embracing darker themes and injecting ideas inspired by their personal experiences. In a press statement, the Dalawa act shares, “We like being involved because it helps us interpret our songs better and perform with more passion. We made sure that everything, from outfits to the set design and even our facial expressions, aligned with the music’s theme. The goal was really to elevate the message of the song through visuals, so we put in extra effort for this MV.” KAIA also credited their two MV directors “Pabi” and “Kiko" for bringing immense creativity to the project and being highly collaborative with the visual storytelling.
The acclaimed pop act explains, “They were able to translate what we envisioned, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. Their direction made us feel comfortable and confident on the set. Because of this experience, we were able to focus on our performances while they take care of the bigger picture. Overall, it was a collaborative effort that we are very proud of.” “You Did It” is a dance-pop track that brims with Persian-style instrumentation and modern pop sensibilities. The song was produced by Oh-won Lee, Michael James Down, Will Taylor, and Primoz Poglajen, with lyrics by Jonell “J.O” Sarmiento, a former Z2Z member. KAIA also contributed to the overall concept and narrative of the track. Through this song, KAIA aspires to be the voice or instrument of people who can’t speak up and who don’t have the courage to stand up for themselves. “So that when they listen to the song, they’ll feel more confident and empowered,” adds the feisty five-piece collective.
