Friday, December 31, 2021

GMA Artist Center Stars are Set to #Sparkle Even Brighter this 2022


GMA Artist Center continues its promise of housing the country’s biggest stars and honing its up-and-coming artists and they start the new year with a new look and name: #Sparkle

With Sparkle, GMA aims to light a fun and exciting spark in the entertainment industry all while evolving to fit the ever-changing new media and digital landscape. Spearheaded by Mr. Johnny Manahan together with Ms. Gigi Santiago-Lara, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions, Sparkle is here to propel GMA Artist Center to even greater heights.

As Mr. M aptly puts it, “Only the brightest stars sparkle. Our aim is to leave a little Sparkle wherever we go.

Stay updated with your favorite Kapuso stars by following Sparkle GMA Artist Center on social media:

Drag-Themed Comedy Series ‘My Delivery Gurl’ Now Streams on Cignal Play


Cignal Play, the linear streaming platform and video-on-demand service of Cignal TV, is welcoming 2022 with pride as it premieres its first drag-themed drama comedy, My Delivery Gurl.

Produced by Cignal Entertainment and Epic Media, under the direction of Carlo Enciso Catu, My Delivery Gurl follows the lives of a ragtag family of misfits forced to relocate from Manila to the countryside after an economic recession. Cignal Play’s newest series also depicts a spirited individual, leader, mother, and founder known as Bianca D., who nurtured a drag family out of youth members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Portrayed by talented theater actor Markki Stroem, Bianca D. ushers the group through a tough yet uproarious journey as they add color and glitz for a “pak na pak” delivery service. As she becomes the town’s most glamorous “delivery gurl,” she unexpectedly delivers hope to the lives of the people she encounters, too.

Starring alongside Markki Stroem are Victor Basa as Boss Sam and Rocky Salumbides as Jakoy, Bianca D’s love interests in the series, with the support of Madeleine Nicolas, Pipay Kipay, Iyah Mina, Lui Manansala, Sky Teotico, EJ Panganiban, Allison Piñeda, Brian Black, Andre Miguel, Carlos Dala, Liya Sarmiento, Kakki Teodoro, Juliana Parizcova Segovia, EJ Jallorina, Lady Gagita, and Maria Christina.

Find your Saturday nights at the intersection of fun, hope, and glamour with My Delivery Gurl, arriving this January 1, 2022 on Cignal Play, the home of Cignal Entertainment.


Register on www.cignalplay.com and download the app for free via App Store or Google Play. Upgrade to premium for only 75 from GCASH, Lazada, Shopee and more to watch #MyDeliveryGurl. For updates, follow Cignal Play on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Youtube.

Start 2022 Strong and Enjoy All the Best Deals and Biggest Discounts in Shopee’s 1.1 New Year Sale


Shopee starts 2022 in a spectacular fashion with its first sale of the year, the 1.1 New Year Sale

At Shopee’s 1.1 New Year Sale, get a head start on your shopping as early as January 1 and enjoy a wide selection of products and exciting promos such as ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 11% off vouchers. 

Enjoy themed days, new games, and Shopee’s latest TV commercial 

Leading up to January 1, look forward to themed sales such as Fashion Sale on December 27, Electronics Sale on December 28, Home Sale on December 29, Payday Sale on December 30, and Countdown Sale on December 31.

When you’re not shopping, you can also play Shopee Throw - a fun new game perfect for the holidays where you can earn points and redeem prizes by throwing sparklers at a rotating turntable. Check out the brand-new Fortune Forecast as well and stand a chance to win a new Caffino Espresso Machine by simply discovering your fortune for 2022.

To brighten up your new year festivities, join international superstar Jackie Chan as he welcomes 2022 with his latest, must-see commercial, which you can watch here: https://shp.ee/xhc7e5r

Shop the best products of 2021

Get exclusive deals on the highest rated and most sought-after products at Shopee’s Best of 2021 Awards. Check out a few of these amazing products below:


If you want to look your best this 2022, slip on these classy Peculiar Eyewear CLUBMASTER glasses. This accessory won’t just give you a sleek look for the new year with its fashionable frames, but also protect your eyes from blue light with UV400 and BlueLight blocking technology.


Ladies, claim 2022 as your year! Flaunt your confidence with Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick’s bold shades. Choose between striking red, orange, and pink shades that’ll certainly make you the center of attention at all your New Year festivities and enjoy a flawless, longwearing matte finish.


If you have “get fit” listed as one of your New Year’s resolutions, the Huawei Band 6 will help you follow through with your goal. This nifty smart band has 96 workout modes to keep you on your toes, sleep monitoring to help you get better rest, and heart rate monitoring to ensure you’re in top health.


This year, take the opportunity to go on new adventures. Whether you're planning to take on the urban jungle or the great outdoors, the MACCE Mountain Bike is a must-have companion. This bike comes in several colors and features a carbon steel 26-inch frame for a smooth ride and a 7-speed chain to get you to your destination in no time.


If you’ve had the same phone for the past couple of years and desperately need an upgrade, check out Oppo A15s. Experience power at the palm of your hands with its 4GB storage and 64GB memory and capture all your best memories this year with its AI triple rear camera. 

Find all the irresistible deals in one place to start your year-round shopping with Shopee this 1.1 New Year Sale: https://shopee.ph/m/1-1-sale.

To enjoy more discounts on your purchases, use ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet where you can buy load, pay bills and scan to pay at thousands of partner merchants nationwide. This 1.1 New Year Sale, enjoy all-day free shipping with no minimum spend and discounts up to 11% off exclusively with ShopeePay.

This January 1, you can also get up to 50% cashback on your monthly bills from participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Manila Water, and Converge. If you need to stock up on groceries or go on a much-needed food-trip, get big savings with ShopeePay ₱1 Deals. Redeem your discounts by paying with ShopeePay at partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Bonchon, Papa John’s, Wendy’s, Shawarma Shack, Dunkin Donuts, Moonleaf, and Go! Salads.

If you’re going on a getaway this New Year, you can also book hotels with ShopeePay. Get 30% cashback on all your hotel bookings, including EstacioUno Boracay, Sea Wind Resort Boracay, White House Beach Resort Boracay, Mithi Resort and Spa Bohol, and White Breeze Palawan. 

Get a chance to win extra cash for your shopping sprees with ShopeePay as well. Send at least ₱1 to any ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱100,000, or send money to a new ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱50 each. Plus, you can also get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee when you cash in with ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Race Against Time in this Money Heist-Themed Escape Room with Smart Signature and Mystery Manila


To extend the thrill of the epic season finale of Netflix’s hit original series Money Heist (La Casa De Papel), mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and game organizer Mystery Manila have teamed up once again to bring the themed virtual escape room called “The Professor’s Puzzle” for all fans of the show.

Experience the excitement and fun as you race against time in solving puzzles, answering riddles, and figuring out the clues left by The Professor to escape the heist in this virtual escape room. To make it more exciting, players who have the fastest time in solving the escape room can get a chance to win a 5G handset from Smart Signature.

Join the resistance in the Professor’s Puzzle escape room experience by visiting https://smart.com.ph/Pages/prof-puzzles.

Get a Netflix mobile subscription with Signature Plans+

Watch the final season of Money Heist on Netflix with Smart Signature Plans+, the first and only postpaid line-up in the country that features Unli 5G access for subscribers.

Smart Signature Plans+ also come with a Netflix mobile plan subscription for unlimited enjoyment of thousands of award-winning shows, series, and more. The plans also include Unli Calls & Texts to All Networks, and Unli Calls to All Landline Numbers

Smart Signature Plans + starts at 999 per month. Customers who are looking for a lite version may also avail Smart Signature Lite Plan 599 that also comes with a Netflix subscription.

Powered by the country’s fastest 5G mobile network

Smart Signature Plans+ is powered by the country’s fastest and most reliable 5G mobile network as reported by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. To date, Smart has already fired up around 6,400 5G base stations nationwide making it the country's first, fastest, and widest 5G network.

Smart has also reasserted its dominance as the Philippines' fastest mobile network for the fourth year in a row, based on analysis by Ookla of tests taken with Speedtest® covering the first half of 2021.

Moreover, independent mobile analytics firm Opensignal recently gave Smart seven awards in its first 5G Experience Report for the Philippines.

To know the Smart Signature Plan the suits your lifestyle, visit https://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/signature.

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Look: “The Matrix Resurrections” Premiere in San Francisco, Opens in PH on January 12, 2022


Check out the filmmaker and cast of “The Matrix Resurrections” celebrate the US premiere in San Francisco. See the film in Philippine cinemas January 12, 2022.

Watch the film’s latest trailer at http://youtu.be/ZwcZxA9rfoU

From visionary filmmaker Lana Wachowski comes “The Matrix Resurrections,” the long-awaited next chapter in the groundbreaking franchise that redefined a genre. The new film reunites original stars Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss in the iconic roles they made famous, Neo and Trinity.

In “The Matrix Resurrections,” return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. And if Thomas…Neo…has learned anything, it’s that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of - or into - the Matrix. Of course, Neo already knows what he has to do. But what he doesn’t yet know is the Matrix is stronger, more secure and more dangerous than ever before. Déjà vu.

Reeves reprises the dual roles of Thomas Anderson/Neo, the man once saved from the Matrix to become the savior of humankind, who will once again have to choose which path to follow.

Moss portrays the iconic warrior Trinity… or is she Tiffany, a suburban wife and mother of three with a penchant for superpowered motorcycles?


Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (the “Aquaman” franchise) plays the wise and worldly Morpheus who, as always, serves as a guide to Neo while also fulfilling his own greater purpose on a very singular journey of self-discovery.

Jessica Henwick (TV’s “Iron Fist,” “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens”) plays the hacker Bugs, the proverbial white rabbit on a mission to discover the one who sacrificed himself for humankind--and willing to take any risk necessary in search of the legend she idolizes.


Jonathan Groff (“Hamilton,” TV’s “Mindhunter”), plays Thomas Anderson’s business partner, a slick, confident corporate type with insouciant charm, a disarming smile and an eye on the bottom line--everything Mr. Anderson is not.


Neil Patrick Harris (“Gone Girl”) plays Thomas’ therapist, working closely with his patient to understand the meaning behind his dreams and to distinguish them from reality.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas (TV’s “Quantico”) plays a young woman with a wisdom that belies her years and an ability to see the truth, no matter how murky the waters.


And Jada Pinkett Smith (“Angel Has Fallen,” TV’s “Gotham”) returns as Niobe, the fierce General who once fought for the survival of Zion and who now sees to the welfare of her people with a familiar fire in her eyes, despite a sense of disbelief and suspicion upon Neo’s return.

Lana Wachowski directed from a screenplay by Wachowski & David Mitchell & Aleksandar Hemon, based on characters created by The Wachowskis. The film was produced by James McTeigue, Lana Wachowski and Grant Hill. The executive producers were Garrett Grant, Terry Needham, Michael Salven, Karin Wachowski, Jesse Ehrman and Bruce Berman.

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, In Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, In Association with Venus Castina Productions, “The Matrix Resurrections.” 

The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will be in Philippine theaters on 12 January 2022.

OPM Singers Salute Frontliners Through the Song “Bayaning Tunay”


Twenty-five Filipino artists have come together for a special song called “Bayaning Tunay” dedicated to the many frontliners who have become today’s real-life heroes.

Performed by Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Lea Salonga, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Lani Misalucha, Noel Cabangon, Piolo Pascual, Bamboo, Ely Buendia, Rico Blanco, Erik Santos, Christian Bautista, Jed Madela, Nyoy Volante, Angeline Quinto, KZ Tandingan, Morissette, Klarisse, Janine Berdin, Jason Dy, Sam Concepcion and Lara Maigue, “Bayaning Tunay” is meant to honor the frontliners’ courage and commitment during the pandemic.

The cases of COVID-19 are going down. Praise the Lord! Let us not forget the unsung heroes who helped us during the most difficult moments in our hospitals during the pandemic - the frontliners,” shared Ogie who composed the song as a year-end gift for them.

This initiative was relayed to Dr. Tony Leachon who is the chairman of Kilusang Kontra Covid (KilKoVid), a civil society group formed in Quezon City to help the QC government with its COVID-19 pandemic efforts. KilKovid then connected with the health care workers sector through Dr. Maricar Limpin of the Philippine College of Physicians to apprise them of this forthcoming support.

Released by Star Music, “Bayaning Tunay” is arranged by Homer Flores, mastered by Tim Recla, and overall produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo, with Ogie and Gary V as production consultants.

The song was formally launched on “ASAP Natin ‘To” last Sunday and is now available on music streaming services worldwide.

For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

"Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo 2" Starring Andrew E, Dennis Padilla, and Janno Gibbs Now Streaming on Vivamax


Laugh your troubles away this New Year as Vivamax brings us the sequel to the hit comedy movie "Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo," still written and directed by Al Tantay, starring the LODI’s of Pinoy Comedy: Janno Gibbs, Dennis Padilla and Andrew E. With its catchy theme song, Aussie! Aussie! O sige! by Andrew E., which is now a hit Tiktok trend.

In "Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo: Aussie! Aussie! O Sige!" we follow the misadventures of Johnny (Janno), Dondon (Dennis) and Andy (Andrew) as managers of the newly-opened resort owned by their long-time friend, Rico (Julianna Parizcova Segovia).

Now working at Bonggacious Resort, the three are surprised to welcome their former workmates (Rose Van Ginkel, Stephanie Raz, Ali Forbes, Angela Morena) as their first clients. It could have been the best time for them and their sexy guests. But Sir Gustavo (Pepe Herrera), the naughty boss, is present too. They will have to deal with him first before they can have their chance with the ladies.

Catch our men having a great time with their special resort guests in this Vivamax Original movie. Stream Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo 2: Aussie! Aussie! O Sige! on Vivamax starting December 31, 2021.

For local subscriptions, you can download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery and App Store. Watch all you can on Vivamax for only P149/month and P399 for 3months for bigger savings. Now, there is a more affordable option available, for only P29, you can already watch all you can for 3days!

You can pay using the website by choosing from EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. You may also pay using the app choosing from Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard. Or you can pay using Ecommerce, choosing from Lazada, Shopee, Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. Or settle your payment using authorized outlets, select from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central.

Vivamax is also available in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, and New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America. Vivamax, atin ‘to!

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Top 10 Items To Help You Fulfill Your New Year’s 2022 Resolutions


Have you listed your new year’s resolutions yet? 

A fresh year brings chances for us to ditch old habits and replace them with better ones. If you’ve gotten all caught up with the holiday rush and haven’t had the time to map out your goals for next year, don’t worry. You’ve still got a few more days to plan before we officially welcome 2022! 

Get started with the doable goals below. We’ve also got discounted items to help you stick to your resolutions at Shopee’s first sale of the year, the 1.1 New Year Sale. Enjoy more discounts with promos such as ₱1 Deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and 11% off vouchers.



Aiming for that 2022 glow-up? Focus on taking care of your health first with these Goli Nutrition Gummies. These gummies will help improve your skin and make sure your body stays in tip-top shape with nutrients such as antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin B9, and Vitamin B12. 

Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day with Hydro Flask 32oz. Its unique double wall vacuum insulation protects your drink’s temperature for hours. 

Bring out your inner glow with The Ordinary Lactic Acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and removes blackheads to brighten the complexion. Don’t forget to take better care of your mental health by taking the time to relax as well.


If you keep putting off exercising, ease into it by going for less intense workouts. Try out yoga with this KeepFit Yoga Mat, a high-density foam material that comfortably cushions spine, hips, knees, and elbows on hard floors. 

If you want a more toned physique, try pilates with these 100% natural latex TRY Resistance Bands, which come in colors such as dark green, orange, gray, and blue. 

Tone your arms with a pair of Liveup Studio Dumbbells, which feature a bonehead shape to allow for the best comfort and grip. 

Lastly, Xiaomi Smart Weight Scale will help you keep track of your progress. Connect this smart scale to your Mi Fit app to keep tabs on your fitness journey.


They say you get to know yourself better when you try new things. This year, try out journaling to keep your thoughts organized and improve your productivity. Jot down ideas and goals and keep track of your to-do lists with a Plain Notebook

Meanwhile, this Transparent Sticky Note Set is perfect for journaling on the go. This set comes with weekly plans, memo pads, and stick- it notes. 

Then lend your notes a bit of color with a set of affordable Retro Gel Pens. Organize your notes by color, or freely express yourself with doodles and drawings.

Join the countdown to the 1.1 New Year Sale here: https://shopee.ph/m/1-1-countdown.

Find all the irresistible deals in one place and start your year-round shopping with Shopee this 1.1 New Year Sale. Discover massive price drops from your favorite brands as well: https://shopee.ph/m/1-1-sale.

To enjoy more discounts on your purchases, use ShopeePay, Shopee’s all-in-one e-wallet where you can buy load, pay bills and scan to pay at thousands of partner merchants nationwide. This 1.1 New Year Sale, enjoy all-day free shipping with no minimum spend and discounts up to 11% off exclusively with ShopeePay.

This January 1, you can also get up to 50% cashback on your monthly bills from participating billers such as Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, Globe, Smart, Manila Water, and Converge. If you need to stock up on groceries or go on a much-needed food-trip, get big savings with ShopeePay ₱1 Deals. Redeem your discounts by paying with ShopeePay at partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Bonchon, Papa John’s, Wendy’s, Shawarma Shack, Dunkin Donuts, Moonleaf, and Go! Salads.

If you’re going on a getaway this New Year, you can also book hotels with ShopeePay. Get 30% cashback on all your hotel bookings, including EstacioUno Boracay, Sea Wind Resort Boracay, White House Beach Resort Boracay, Mithi Resort and Spa Bohol, and White Breeze Palawan. Get a chance to win extra cash for your shopping sprees with ShopeePay as well. Send at least ₱1 to any ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱100,000, or send money to a new ShopeePay user for a chance to win ₱50 each. Plus, you can also get up to ₱25 cashback on your InstaPay fee when you cash in with ShopeePay.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

(Movie Trailer and Poster) "The Lost City" Starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum and Daniel Radcliffe


The adventure is real. The heroes are not. 

Check out the newly launched official trailer and poster of Paramount Pictures’ new comedy adventure The Lost City, starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum & Daniel Radcliffe. Only in Philippine cinemas 2022.



Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.

The Lost City is directed by Adam Nee and Aaron Nee, with screenplay by Oren Uziel and Dana Fox and Adam Nee & Aaron Nee, story by Seth Gordon. The film is produced by Liza Chasin, Sandra Bullock, Seth Gordon; executive produced by JJ Hook, Dana Fox, Julia Gunn, Margaret Chernin.

The cast is led by Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nuñez, Patti Harrison, Bowen Yang.

The Lost City is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. 

SB19, Jayda Bring Release Inspiring Track “No Stopping You," an OST of “Love At First Stream”


Josh, Justin, Ken, Pablo, and Stell of the P-Pop boy group SB19 have lent their voices for the inspiring track “No Stopping You,” the theme song of the Star Cinema and kumu film “Love At First Stream.”

“No Stopping You” encourages the idea of being unstoppable in pursuing dreams, keeping the fire burning to achieve goals, and never letting mistakes define who someone is. It marks the first project of the trailblazing quintet with ABS-CBN Music.

Aside from SB19’s solo version, a remix version of “No Stopping You” also dropped last December 17, which features Kapamilya singer-songwriter Jayda.

The positive track was written and composed by Richard “Putito Chief” Salazar, arranged, mixed, and mastered by Theo Martel, and produced by ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.

With its inspiring message, “No Stopping You” will surely delight not only the fans of SB19 and Jayda but also the supporters of Daniela Stranner, Anthony Jennings, Kaori Oinuma, and Jeremiah Lisbo—the main cast of “Love At First Stream” directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, which will start showing on Christmas (December 25) as an official entry of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

Prove that there is “No Stopping You” by streaming SB19’s solo version and its remix with Jayda on various digital music platforms. For more details, like Star Music on Facebook (www.facebook.com/starmusicph) and follow it on Twitter and Instagram (@StarMusicPH).

"Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" Showing on HBO Go via SKY Starting New Year's Day 2022


SKY continues to bring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Pinoy fans with a grand reunion of its cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and more in its highly-anticipated retrospective special "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts" streaming on New Year's Day 2022 on HBO GO.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the film that started it all, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the film's star-studded cast, alongside its director Chris Columbus, come together to take viewers much closer to how the sought-after movie franchise breathed life into Harry's bizarre adventure and how it made an impact to the lives of its fans worldwide.

The exclusive reunion special, which takes us back inside the iconic Hogwarts castle, will feature more in-depth stories, mind-boggling trivia, heartfelt catch-ups among the cast, and many more.

Joining the trio of Daniel, Rupert, and Emma are their co-stars Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Ian Hart, among others.

Don't miss the exclusive premiere of "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts," streaming on-demand beginning January 1, 2022 (Saturday) on HBO GO, available via SKY subscription for as low as P99 a month.

Plus, as a special treat to Pinoy fans, SKY brings more Harry Potter content in time for its 20th movie anniversary, from streaming its bracket-style quiz competition for hardcore fans "Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses" with new episodes every Monday to catching up to all of its eight movies anytime and anywhere on HBO GO.

For more SKY updates, follow its official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts on @myskyupdates.

Shopee is The Most Tweeted E-Commerce Brand in the Philippines this 2021


With its string of successful campaigns and relatable social media content, Shopee is the most tweeted e-commerce brand in the country according to Twitter for 2021.

The leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan took the second spot overall in Twitter’s ten most tweeted brands list in the Philippines, which was released as part of the latter’s “Best of Tweets 2021” awards announced on December 14, 2021. The annual rundown aims to celebrate and recognize outstanding brands for their groundbreaking campaigns and engaging digital content.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are pleased to be recognized as one of the most talked-about brands in the country by Twitter. As we welcome a new year, Shopee will push for excellence and increase engagement satisfaction not only in-app but on other platforms as well. This coming 2022, we will continue to improve our services to better tend to the needs of our consumers, sellers, and brand partners.

As a platform that prioritizes making online shopping safe, fun, and engaging for everyone, Shopee regularly engages with its users on social media through relatable posts with timely content. During big campaigns, Shopee dominated the Twitter world with the appearance and performance of K-pop idols, which resulted in being in the top trending hashtags locally and nationwide.

This year, Shopee takes the second spot for the most talked-about brand in the country with topics such as Shopee’s K-pop acts and mega campaigns garnering the most buzz

Shopee also drives online conversations with the anticipation that comes with its big campaigns, TV commercials with Shopee brand ambassadors, and TV specials where users can win big raffle prizes, watch performances from their favorite celebrities or K-pop idols, and get the best deals and promos they can instantly ‘add to cart’ and check out during the show.

Successful Campaigns such as 9.9 Super Shopping Day and 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

Shopee continues to provide convenience and greater cost savings for its consumers with its yearly anticipated double-digit campaigns. The recent Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day and 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale achieved multiple milestones, including 9.5 million items sold in the first hour of 9.9 in Metro Manila alone, over 270 million plays on Shopee Prize last 11.11, and a 14x surge in Shopee Mall orders during 12.12. More and more consumers also made Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet ShopeePay their preferred payment method with over 1.5 million top-ups for 12.12 alone.

With its continuous efforts to tailor and adapt to users’ shopping needs, Shopee now also ranks 3rd on YouGov’s Global Best Brand 2021 list in the Philippines, the only e-commerce platform to make it to the list.

Tarsier Records Presents a Year-End Online Concert Called "TY 2021"Featuring Artists from All Over the World


Tarsier Records’ Class of 2021 signs off with a gift to music fans worldwide, showcasing live performances as they spread gratitude and say thank you to the year that has passed.

TY 2021” - which references the label’s Class of 2021 execution earlier this year (Tarsier Yearbook 2021) as well as simply being a way of saying “Thank You 2021” - is streaming live on December 29 (Wednesday), 8PM on the YouTube channels of Tarsier Records, ABS-CBN Star Music, and One Music PH.

The line-up is top billed by legends such as Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan, Bugoy Drilon, and Sam Concepcion and completed with fresh performances from this year’s new signees: TikTok sensation Zion Aguirre; Spotify RADAR Philippines artist allen&elle; a poppin’ new girl group New Flame; and former “The X Factor UK” contestant and member of United Vibe, Jon Guelas, to name a few. Fans can also look out for a special treat from “Monarch’ star and Tarsier artist, Inigo Pascual.

The live online concert will run for a full hour and will feature never-before-heard live versions of Tarsier’s original releases. Viewers can join the celebrations for free in the comfort of their own homes.

To find out more about “TY 2021,” follow Tarsier Records on its social media accounts @tarsierrecords.

Tarsier Records was established in 2017 as the international arm of ABS-CBN Music with a roster of eight artists and a goal of connecting the local scene with the global market. Four years later and as the curtains close on 2021, that number has grown to over 25 artists with nearly 200 songs in their catalog. Keep an eye out because this family has big plans in 2022.

Thursday, December 23, 2021

A Guide to the MMFF 2021 Official 8 Movie Entries


The annual gathering of the biggest, high caliber Filipino films happens again this Christmas Day as the official 8 movie entries to the highly-anticipated Metro Manila Film Festival open in theaters nationwide.

This year, MMFF 2021 will showcase a diverse line-up of eight movies, ranging from social drama, horror, action, suspense, romance, to comedy horror.

They are (in no particular order):

1.“Big Night” 
Starring Christian Bables, directed by Jun Robles Lana 
Production: Cignal Entertainment, Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films

2. “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether The Weather Is Fine)” 
Starring Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad

3. "Love At First Stream
Starring Anthony Jennings, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, Kaori Oinuma 
Production: ABS CBN Films Productions, Kwentolabs, Inc.

4. “A Hard Day” 
Starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla, directed by Lawrence Fajardo 
Production: Viva Films

5. "Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw
Starring Ken Chan and Rita Daniela directed by Louie Ignacio 
Production: Heaven's Best Entertainment

6. “Huwag Kang Lalabas” 
Starring Kim Chiu, Beauty Gonzales, Aiko Melendes, directed by Adolf Alix Jr.

7. "Nelia
Starring WynWyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing, directed by Lester Dimaranan 
Production: A and Q Production Films

8. "The Exorsis
Starring Toni and Alex Gonzaga directed by Fifth Solomon 
Production: TinCan

The eight official entries have been selected out of 19 finished films that were evaluated. The entries were chosen based on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence – 40%; Commercial Appeal – 40%; Filipino Sensibility – 10% and Global Appeal – 10%.

MMDA and MMFF concurrent Chairman Benhur Abalos urged the public to be one with the Filipino entertainment industry and the other stakeholders to make MMFF 2021 and the reopening of theaters a success.

"The long wait is over. There is no stopping the Metro Manila Film Festival. We are bringing back the MMFF to the silver screens that have been shut down for almost two years due to the coronavirus pandemic." he said.

Abalos added that the Inter-Agency Task Force and Department of Trade and Industry have set guidelines to ensure that cinemas adhere to all the safety protocols as "we are still facing threats of COVID-19 despite the easing of restrictions."

The MMFF is an annual event held every Christmas organized primarily to promote and enhance the preservation of the Philippine cinema. Proceeds from the film festival go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry.

Nadine Lustre and Boyfriend Christophe Bariou Donate Solar Panel to Victims of Typhoon Odette


Actress Nadine Lustre and her boyfriend Christophe Bariou set up a solar-powered charging station for the victims of Typhoon Odette in Brgy. Malinao, Siargao.

In a series of photos posted on Christophe's Facebook, Nadine was was seen busy helping two guys to install a solar panel and distributing relief goods.

"We've installed a solar panel here that locals can use or charge anything that needs power, since there's still no power and no one really knows when its gonna come back. I'm just really happy that everyone's helping each other. And there's a lot of people outside the island who wants to help as well." Nadine, who considered Siargao as her second home, said in a video circulating online.


Christophe, founder and managing director of a luxury resort in Siargao called Maison Bukana, meanwhile, encouraged the public to donate for the victims of the typhoon.

"If you want to help specifically these places, you can send donations on my account. But for general help and purchasing goods from the mainland. Please send to Bastien del Isle, info I already shared earlier on my feed.

"Greenpeace is helping a lot on installing and distribution of power stations and lights. It’s ant work here in the island. I see everybody trying to help their own area of responsibility. Thing are finally improving but we need all the help possible," he said on his Facebook post.

Donate to Typhoon Odette Victims via Shopee App and Shopee Will Match is Up to ₱1M


To help the thousands of devastated Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao grappling with the aftermath of super typhoon Odette, Shopee launches its Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support initiative wherein users can buy donation vouchers through the app, with the commitment to match up to ₱1,000,000 worth of total donations made to Shopee’s partner charities for this initiative.

From December 23, 2021, to January 4, 2022, Shopee users can purchase the donation e-vouchers that will be used for water kits, health, and sanitation stations, and other essentials such as food and clothes from partner charities UNICEF, World Vision, and GMA Kapuso Foundation. 


Users can view and purchase these Typhoon Odette Support vouchers through https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support via Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, ShopeePay.

1. Head to the microsite https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support. 
2. Choose the e-voucher of your preferred charity. 
3. Click “Buy Now” to purchase the donation vouchers using ShopeePay.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are saddened to see the devastation brought by Typhoon Odette to our kababayans in Visayas and Mindanao. As we are committed to using our platform to serve and give back to communities, we are working to provide immediate assistance to aid the speedy recovery of those affected by this natural disaster. We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected and we will help as much as we can.

Shopee remains steadfast in its commitment to be a force for good especially in times when Filipinos need help the most. Typhoon Odette is the 15th and strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this 2021 and has wreaked havoc in major areas in Visayas and Mindanao including Surigao, Cebu, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Bohol, and the CARAGA region. Through this initiative, Shopee hopes to be able to give help to the affected communities who are reeling from the aftermath as part of its Shopee Bayanihan program.

To know more about Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support, visit https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

How Digital Events Brightened the Spirits of Filipinos this 2021


The pandemic continued to keep Filipinos confined to their homes in 2021, especially with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants. Thankfully, many amazing digital events have brightened their moods and given them new experiences through platforms like KTX.ph

For producers and artists who want to communicate with their fans during these difficult times, KTX.PH has been a collaborator since the pandemic began.

Check out the information and activities that KTX.PH brought to Filipinos this year.

Digital concerts with top OPM artists

Various production companies continued to stream their events on KTX.PH. Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Maymay Entrata, SB19, BGYO, BINI, Ben&Ben, Regine Velasquez had successful digital concerts in 2021. Provinces and Filipinos abroad were thrilled to watch their favorite artists.

Fan Meets

Fans loved being able to interact with their celebrities after seeing them perform live. Their idols allow them to play games, ask questions about the show and make new friends in online fan meetings for a minimal fee. KTX. PH also cleared the path for corporations to produce worldwide idol fan meetups like Hyun Bin and BrightWin's. In this way, Filipino fans could see their idols and meet other admirers without having to travel abroad.

New Films & Classics Restored

Even when cinemas were closed, film production companies continued to work. Thankfully, KTX.PH provided a platform for them. "Love is Colorblind," "Hello Stranger: The Movie," "Gameboys The Movie," and other new films were well received by Filipinos. This included "Ang Pulubi at Prinsesa", "Paano Kita Iibigin" and "Radio Romance" as well as "Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin".

Festivals

Cinema festivals were also missed by film buffs during the pandemic. But KTX.PH has a solution, bringing in popular film festivals like Cinemalaya, Cinema One Originals and QCinema. With the pandemic, the film business flourished and Filipinos enjoyed these flicks.

Theater/Festivals

Since the start of the pandemic, KTX.PH gave the theater industry an alternative platform. KTX has worked with these companies – PETA, STAGES, Philstagers, and even university-based theater groups like Ateneo Entablado, Tanghalang Ateneo, and Dulaang UP.

Beauty Pageants

KTX also became home to the country’s most established beauty pageants like Miss Universe Philippines, Miss World Philippines, Miss Earth Philippines, even male pageants found its way to the platform with Misters of Filipinas. Even international pageants have been hosted by KTX – Miss Earth, Miss and Mister Supranational.

Corporate and independent events

KTX.PH provides not just big-name and established producers a digital platform to reach their fans, but also private individuals and businesses. "Happy Birthday,Ned! (Sino Siya?!?)" is a docu-comedy show produced by KTX.PH. A fundraiser for ABS-CBN Foundation International scholars, it got a second run after a successful November debut on KTX.PH.

It's not too late to attend KTX.PH this year. Explore KTX.PH's Christmas concerts, films, and shows. Also, keep an eye out for KTX's exciting announcements for 2022.

Ninongs and Ninangs Alert: Level Up Your Christmas Aguinaldo-Giving with These Surprisingly Better Features from PayMaya


This holiday season, PayMaya lets you easily send aguinaldo to your loved ones anytime, anywhere, and in any way you like with surprisingly better features than the e-wallet you’re used to.

Whether you’re sending funds to your inaanak’s PayMaya or bank account – or even those without any financial account, PayMaya is here to make your Christmas gift-giving more convenient and fun!

Here are just some of the ways PayMaya can bring ease to your aguinaldo-sending this Christmas:

Spice up your digital aguinaldo with a GIF!

Be the coolest ninong or ninang this Christmas by personalizing your digital aguinaldo to your inaanak with a fun GIF! PayMaya’s Send money feature allows you to include a GIF and a personalized message whenever you send money to another PayMaya user.

To send virtual aguinaldo complete with a GIF, you simply have to tap Send Money on the PayMaya homepage, input the PayMaya mobile number of your recipient and the amount, tap the ‘Personalize your message’ toggle and choose the GIF or theme you’d like to add. Once everything is confirmed, hit Send. You can also add this transaction to your favorites, if you’re planning to send more aguinaldo to this particular loved one soon.

Get a cashback on your transfer fee to other banks!

If you’re transferring funds to a bank account, PayMaya is your best option. With PayMaya, you get to enjoy a cashback of P15 on your transfer fee via Instapay until December 31, 2021 – so you don’t have to worry about additional expenses on top of your aguinaldo budget.

To do this, simply tap the Bank Transfer icon on your PayMaya app homepage, choose the bank you’d like to transfer to, input the account details and amount, and hit confirm.

Transfer aguinaldo to those without a bank account in a few taps!

You can also send money even to those without a financial account. All you have to do is transfer the money from your PayMaya app straight to the trusted Smart Padala agent of your recipient.

Because there’s always a Smart Padala agent 6 minutes away from customers, SENDali na rin ang pag-claim because your recipient can easily receive the funds without having to travel far.

To transfer funds, just tap Send Money on your PayMaya app, input the 16-digit account number of your recipient’s trusted Smart Padala agent, key in the amount for sending, and confirm your transaction. Once sent, you’ll receive a reference number which you’ll have to share with your recipient so they can claim the funds instantly.

With these convenient and fun ways to send money, sharing aguinaldo to your inaanaks will definitely be a breeze with PayMaya. To make your cashless experience even more fun, PayMaya is also giving YOU aguinaldo for simply using the PayMaya app this Christmas season!

If you're a new PayMaya user, you'll get a 100% cashback when you purchase load and gaming pins right after you sign up and cash in at least P100! You can enjoy a cashback reward of up to P100 if you're a basic user, and up to P200 if you're an upgraded user until the end of the year. On top of this, all PayMaya users can also get a chance to be one of the 5 winners of a brand new iPhone 13 ProMax - all you have to do is buy any load item in your PayMaya app.

For the ultimate aguinaldo this Christmas, you can also get a chance to win P1,000,000 by simply logging in and using your PayMaya app for your everyday transactions! Every time you log in to your PayMaya app, you'll receive an instant random reward of up to P1,000. And when you use your PayMaya app to send money, pay bills, or buy load/gaming pins, you get to earn a raffle entry - giving you a chance to win P1,000,000 until December 31!

Enjoy these rewards and a surprisingly better cashless experience with PayMaya's free cash in, widest biller and load product offerings, hundreds of legit brands and sellers via Maya Mall and PayMaya Verified sellers, real-time transaction history updates, 99.9% up-time rate, and so much more! Register an account now and discover what makes PayMaya #TooGoodToBeNo2. You can even earn P50 every time you refer a friend using your code, and get them to upgrade their account!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. It provides more than 41 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Smart Padala by visiting www.smartpadala.ph.

Fashion's Powerhouse Film "The House of Gucci" Starring Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, and Adam River Opens in PH Theaters on January 19


Inspired by the shocking true story behind the Italian fashion house of Gucci and based on Sara Gay Forden’s “The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed”, published in 2001, and with a screenplay by Becky Johnston and Roberto Bentivegna, the latest Ridley Scott film “House of Gucci” brings together a powerhouse of iconic and talented actors and crew that tells the story of the real-life family drama set at the critical era of the famed Italian fashion empire’s history.

Ridley Scott, best known for his works in classic films such as Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator and Thelma & Louise, brings his latest “House of Gucci” to cinemas around the globe - a thrilling exploration of three decades in the tangled history of the multi-generational Gucci family, a tale of ambition, greed, betrayal and murder. 

Oscar® nominees Adam Driver and Lady Gaga take on the roles of Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani respectively, along with Oscar® winners Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci, Jeremy Irons as Rodolfo Gucci and Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci while Oscar® nominee Salma Hayek plays Pina Auriemma.


House of Gucci is the latest in Ridley Scott’s unforgettable lineup of films for having his unique touch of visual sense meant for the big screen experience. From his classics and now, House of Gucci – call to mind indelible images in the minds of viewers, each film unique and distinctive. The reason, according to producer Walsh, is that “he hand-draws every single frame of the movie. By the time he gets to the set he’s done months of preparation and everyone knows exactly what they’re doing on any given day. The attention to detail is mind-blowing.”

It’s almost as though the cast were all different musical instruments,” says Lady Gaga, “like an orchestra – everything from the drums to the bass to the brass to the woodwinds and strings. And because we’re all so different as actors, Ridley is the one conducting a symphony of all these different orchestral elements.”

House of Gucci not only depicts the end of the Gucci family’s control over its vast fashion empire, but the waning days of privately-owned fashion labels and the onset of conglomerate control of the industry. In that regard, says production designer Arthur Max, the film is a “rollicking romp with all the sounds and looks of the period and the world in which the main characters lived and played. As the story unfolds, however, you witness how these characters interact and how off-kilter their lives become. A sad tale really, but told in a very entertaining way.

The care and attention that went into the film should provide the viewing public with pleasure on multiple levels, according to producer Kevin Walsh. “I hope audiences will take away a sense of enjoyment in the artistry of this film, which allows us to appreciate the work of a great troupe of filmmakers who take their work really seriously, but also have fun in trying to create a piece of entertainment. Story wise, I think they'll take away the moral that money isn't everything.

But first and foremost, says Lady Gaga, “this movie is a genuinely good time. A wild ride and every second is entertaining. Part of Ridley’s magic is that, with all his artistic ways, ultimately, he wants the audience to enjoy themselves.”

House of Gucci opens January 19 in Philippine theaters from Universal Pictures International.

Typhoon Odette Victims Feel the Love from ABS-CBN Foundation, PBB Kumunity, Vice Ganda, and Other Kapamilya Stars


ABS-CBN Foundation has started to give aid to the families affected by typhoon Odette who are in dire need of help as it launched its Tulong-Tulong Sa Pag-Ahon Operation Odette.

The Civil Military Operations of the 72nd Marine Battalion and the 7th Marine Brigade joined forces with ABS-CBN Foundation in packing relief good that will be distributed in Palawan.


The Foundation’s relief operations has also reached Kapamilyas in Southern Leyte after its relief hub was built in Palo, Leyte with the help of Radnet 5.


Around 600 individuals who evacuated in Surigao State College of Technology evacuation center were also given meals in coordination with St. Paul University Surigao. Five hundred families in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental received food packs in relief operations initiated by ABS-CBN News Public Service.

Kapamilya stars also helped raised awareness about ABS-CBN Foundation’s relief operations. Some of the celebrities who used their social media platforms to amplify the call for donations include Coco Martin, Kathryn Bernardo, Ria Atayde, Robi Domingo, and Toni Gonzaga, among others.

Vice Ganda also announced on "It's Showtime" on Tuesday (December 21) that she'll donate her talent fee that day to ABS-CBN Foundation.

Meanwhile, the “PBB Kumunity Celebrity Edition” housemates were also able to raise funds for the benefit of typhoon Odette victims through their jam for a cause livestream on Kumu, which gathered 2.677 million diamonds that they will give to ABS-CBN Foundation.


The proceeds of the “PBB Kumunity” Kumu voting during the last eviction night (December 18) will also go to ABS-CBN Foundation for the affected families of typhoon Odette.

More Kapamilyas need love and support during this difficult time. ABS-CBN Foundation is accepting cash donations through their BDO (0039302-14711), BPI (4221-0000-27), PNB (1263-7000-4128), Gcash, Paymaya, and Paypal accounts.


For international donations, visit abscbnfoundation.org or text HELP4PH to 24365 (US only). For in-kind donations, call 34114995 to facilitate the drop-off. ABS-CBN Foundation is accepting canned goods, rice, water, blankets, and hygiene kits. 


For other news, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

 
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