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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Nathan Studios) |
The internationally acclaimed action thriller Topakk (international title: Triggered) is set to premiere in Philippine theaters on December 25, 2024 as an official entry to the prestigious Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Produced by Nathan Studios, Strawdogs Studio Production, and Fusee, Topakk has already been making waves on the global stage. After a successful premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, the film captivated audiences in Cannes, France, and Austin, Texas. Directed by the talented Richard V. Somes, “Topakk” tells the story of a former special forces soldier grappling with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). His life unexpectedly turns when he encounters a brother and sister desperately fleeing from a dangerous criminal organization.
“Topakk” is not just about high-octane action sequences. It’s a film that delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of redemption, mental health, and the struggle against corruption. The film’s intense action is balanced with emotional depth, keeping viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats. It showcases powerhouse performances from lead stars Arjo Atayde, who brings the character of the special forces soldier to life, and Julia Montes. Atayde, in particular, has garnered international acclaim for his captivating portrayal. Beyond the lead actors, “Topakk” boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Sid Lucero, Enchong Dee, and Kokoy de Santos who bring the film’s complex characters to life, breathing life into Director Somes’ vision. Completing the cast are Levy Ignacio, Bernard Palanca, Paolo Paraiso, Vin Abrenica, Cholo Barretto, Julio De Leon, Ivan Carapiet, Jeffrey Tam, Gerard Acao, Michael Roy, Maureen Mauricio, Elora Espano, Claire Ruiz, Anne Feo, Bong Cabrera, Manu Respall, Rosh Barman, Victor Medina, Ivan Rivera, Ian Lee, Nico Dans, Yian Gabriel, Raquel Pareno, Precious Laingo, Kayley Carrigan, and Geli Bulaong.
Early international screenings of Topakk have left audiences and critics alike in awe. The film’s unique blend of action and psychological drama, coupled with the lead cast’s raw intensity and powerful performances, is a cinematic experience not to be missed. While Atayde’s portrayal of the troubled protagonist captivated audiences worldwide, Montes takes on a groundbreaking role. Unlike anything she did before, she showcases her versatility and emotional depth in an action-packed performance. Additionally, cinematographer Louie Quirino delivers breathtaking visuals that heighten the film’s tension and drama. Jose Antonio Buencamino’s evocative score perfectly complements the on-screen action. Get ready to experience raw intensity, powerful performances, and world-class Filipino filmmaking when Topakk hits Philippine theaters this December 25th! For updates on Topakk, follow Nathan Studios on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok or visit their official Linktree at linktr.ee/nathanstudios.
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Vic Sotto And Piolo Pascual's "The Kingdom" Reimagines An Uncolonized Philippines
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/MQuest Ventures Inc.) |
Prepare to see The Philippines “that might have been” with The Kingdom, one of the most-awaited Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries this year. This bold new film reimagines the nation as a land untouched by colonization where a powerful monarchy still rules. Directed by Mike Tuviera, DGPI (Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc.) and produced by MQuest Ventures Inc., M-ZET TV Productions, and APT Entertainment Inc., the film tells an intense family drama set against the backdrop of the Kingdom of Kalayaan — a realm filled with tradition, secrets, and a fierce struggle for the throne. At the heart of the story is Lakan Makisig, a ruler wrestling with his own legacy while his kingdom faces upheaval, portrayed by Vic Sotto. As tensions rise within the royal family, Sotto’s portrayal of the aging monarch reveals a man caught between tradition and the hope for a better future. Joining him is Piolo Pascual as Sulo, an outcast farmer who is shunned by society but becomes an unlikely hero in the kingdom’s quest for change.
The film’s powerful cast ensemble includes Cristine Reyes and Sue Ramirez as the strong-willed princesses Dayang Matimyas and Dayang Lualhati, respectively, alongside Sid Lucero as their brother Magat Bagwis, whose struggle with expectations ignites tensions within the family. Ruby Ruiz takes on the role of the Babaylan, the kingdom’s spiritual priestess, while Cedrick Juan plays a young Lakan in flashbacks that unveil the history of the royal family. Zion Cruz stars as Lakan Makisig’s grandson, bringing another layer of complexity to the family saga. Other notable cast members include Iza Calzado, Art Acuña, Giovanni Baldisseri, and Nico Antonio, each delivering compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to this reimagined world. With stunning visuals that bring to life an alternate history of the Philippines, The Kingdom is poised to be one of the most talked-about films at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.
This is a story of family ties, betrayal, and the struggle for power — one that will captivate audiences and leave them questioning what might have been. Catch The Kingdom as it premieres in cinemas nationwide this December 25, 2024 as part of the MMFF's 50th year anniversary. Don’t miss this unique blend of family drama and a reimagined Philippines brought to life on the big screen.
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Vice Ganda Leads Heartwarming MMFF 2024 Family Movie "And The Breadwinner Is..."
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
A heartwarming family story unfolds this Christmas season in “And The Breadwinner Is…,” an official entry in this year’s 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) starring Vice Ganda. Helmed by director Jun Robles Lana and co-produced by Star Cinema (ABS-CBN Films) and The IdeaFirst Company, the drama-comedy movie is a story for and about breadwinners as it explores their joys, pains, struggles, and realizations. Viewers will get to see Vice in her usual comedic self plus so much more heartfelt moments with her co-stars. One of which viewers can look forward to is the tandem of Vice and award-winning actress and comedian Eugene Domingo whose on-screen chemistry touched the hearts of many in their previous work.
At the movie's grand kick-off and poster reveal event, Vice shared, "Ang storya niya masyadong personal. Kaya 'yung iyak, sigaw, at hagulgol, hindi ko na inarte. Naisigaw ko para sa breadwinners, naiiyak ko 'yung matagal nilang kinimkim." “And The Breadwinner Is…” revolves around a selfless and confidently beautiful breadwinner named Bambi (Vice) who has committed her entire life as an OFW in Taiwan in order to provide for her dysfunctional family. When Bambi returns home to reunite with her family after many years, she is greeted with an underwhelming welcome by her loved ones who are burdened with problems and in debt. In the hopes of finally turning their dream life into reality, Bambi gambles on a promising opportunity for a chance to claim Php10M (ten million pesos) – but it comes with a life-changing price.
The movie also stars Malou De Guzman, Joel Torre, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kokoy De Santos, Lassy Marquez, MC Muah, Via Antonio, Kiko Matos, Argus Aspiras, and Kulot Caponpon. Get the whole family together and catch “And The Breadwinner Is…” in the 50th MMFF in cinemas nationwide beginning December 25, 2024.
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The Itchyworms Returns To Japan For Akin Ka Na Lang Tour
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/The Itchyworms) |
Award-winning Filipino band The Itchyworms are set to return to Japan for another run of their critically acclaimed Akin Ka Na Lang… Japan! Tour in early 2025. Following the success of their 2023 tour, the band will perform three shows from January 17 to 19, 2025, on iconic venues across Tokyo, including Mr. Back in Saitama, Heaven’s Door in Sangenjaya, and Gamuso in Asagaya. “We’ve been fortunate to build a loyal fanbase in Japan over the years. It’s truly humbling to see fans traveling hours from all over Japan just to watch us perform. What makes the Japanese audience so special is their deep appreciation not only for our hits but also for the more obscure tracks. To them, it’s all good music,” said the band's lead vocalist Jugs Jugueta.
The Itchyworms, known for their blend of rock, pop, and humor, have long cultivated an international following. For this upcoming tour, the band promises a fresh setlist that includes more English-language songs from their early catalog, along with some unexpected surprises. “We used to have a lot of songs in English when we were starting out, and we also experimented with odd time signatures. We’re bringing some of those songs back for this tour, and I’m excited to see how the Japanese audience responds to this experiment,” says Jugueta. Drummer and co-lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas also shares his admiration for the Japanese fans, noting that despite language barriers, music remains a universal connector. “Even if the audience doesn’t understand every word, the connection is still there. It’s the music that binds us.”
Nicolas also reflects on a memorable moment from a previous Japan tour, saying, “One time, I decided to surprise my bandmates by crawling on the floor and making weird noises behind a wall, just to startle them. To my surprise, it wasn’t my bandmates who walked in — it was the venue owner. He just smiled and said, ‘Aha! Crawling on the ground. Itchyworms.’ That moment has stayed with me ever since.” Next year, The Itchyworms are set to expand their reach even further with more venues abroad. In addition to their Japanese dates, the band is planning tours in Europe with a special focus on the UK and new dates in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
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A1 Expands Valentines' Tour In The Philippines With Bacolod And Cagayan De Oro Shows
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| A1 (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Concert Republic) |
With the intent of reaching a wider audience through their music, Beloved British-Norwegian boy band A1, known for their timeless hits and captivating performances, is bringing their Valentine’s Tour to more Filipino fans. The iconic pop group has added Bacolod City and Cagayan De Oro City to their highly anticipated Valentine’s Tour in February 2025. The group announced that it will also perform live at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on February 12, 2025 at 8:00 pm and at Limketkai Center's The Atrium in Cagayan De Oro City on February 13, 2025, promising a Pre-Valentine’s Day to remember for their fans in Mindanao. This is in addition to its shows in Cebu on February 14, 2025 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino in Cebu City aside from the Manila leg of its Valentine’s Tour 2025 on February 15, 2025 at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta Center, Quezon City.
Following the success of its TWENTY FIVE concert tour in 2023 which celebrated its 25th anniversary in the music industry, A1 is once again ready to serenade Filipino fans with their chart-topping classics and crowd favorites. Expect to hear unforgettable hits such as Like A Rose, Everytime, Same Old Brand New You, Caught in the Middle, and many more. A1, comprising of Paul Marazzi, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read, and Ben Adams, remains committed to creating memorable experiences for their audience. “The Philippines has always held a special place in our hearts. We are thrilled to expand our Valentines tour to reach even more fans in Bacolod and Cagayan De Oro,” says Read.
Tickets for A1 Valentines' Tour 2025 in Bacolod City and Cagayan De Oro City as well as in Cebu City are now available at SM Tickets via its outlets nationwide or online at www.smtickets.com. For more details, contact the SM Tickets hotline at 8470-2222. Meanwhile, tickets for the Quezon City leg can be availed at all TicketNet outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketnet.com.ph. For more details, contact the TicketNet hotline at (02) 911-5555. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats early as demand is expected to be high. Don’t miss the chance to relive the magic of A1 and create new memories with their music this Valentine’s season.
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Jollibee Brings The Pasko-est Holiday Season Nationwide With The Returning Joyful Christmas Stores
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| Jollibee's "Joyful Christmas Store" in España Don Quixote branch (Image Source: ClickTheCity.com/Jollibee) |
This holiday season, Jollibee is once again going all-out in spreading Christmas cheer across the Philippines by transforming select branches into “Joyful Christmas Stores”. For the second year in a row, the quick service restaurant chain is inviting families and friends to visit their brightly lit and merrily decorated stores as they celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. True to the brand’s goal of making this the “Pasko-est” season for Filipinos, the Joyful Christmas Stores leveled up by going from just a hundred stores last year to over 240 participating stores nationwide this year, ready to welcome customers and serve them their jolly favorites this Holiday season.
Store teams went all out with their decorations, adding a touch of local flavor and using designs elements unique to each province or location. To make it easier for customers to find these Joyful Christmas Stores, and maybe even encourage them to visit as many stores as they can, Jollibee will soon be launching the Jolly Christmas Tours — a digital map powered by Google that showcases all Jollibee stores that feature unique Christmas displays. Select stores will also have activations like the JoyZone, an innovative interactive experience that transforms smiles into delightful rewards, and the Coke Christmas Trucks, done in partnership with Coca Cola Philippines. “Christmas is more than just a holiday for Filipinos — it’s a time when people go the extra mile to make joyful memories and create meaningful connections with loved ones. From festive reunions to thoughtful gifts, everything about Christmas in the Philippines is all-out. This is why we at Jollibee also went all-out in helping make this season the 'Pasko-est' for our customers through our Joyful Christmas Stores,” said Jollibee Philippines Vice President of Marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching.
In an event held last November 28, 2024 at Jollibee España Don Quijote, Jollibee celebrated and showcased its Pasko-est initiatives alongside media and other distinguished guests. Jollibee celebrity endorsers Maja Salvador, Joshua Garcia, and Belle Mariano, plus TV personality and host Robi Domingo, all made the evening more enjoyable with their Christmas stories. Content creators like the Blackman Family and Kitty and Kakai Almeda also joined the festivities and enjoyed the bright lights and colorful displays of the store. From delicious food, jolly mascots, and the overall experience in its stores, Jollibee enables Pinoys to make each moment the Pasko-est it can be this season, bringing not only the best in taste, but also the best in joy. For more updates and news on exciting Christmas promos, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
