Saturday, March 30, 2024

APRIL 2024 MOVIES

 


Don't miss these movies, opening in cinemas in April!


April 10 - Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (Columbia Pictures) 

Trailer 




In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age. 


April 17 - YOLO (Columbia Pictures) 

Trailer 




YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach (played by Lei Jiayin ) who just may change her life. Directed, written by and starring Jia Ling.


April 17 - Abigail (Universal Pictures International) 

Trailer 




In Abigail, after a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.


April 24 - Challengers (Warner Bros.) 

Trailer 





From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, “Challengers” stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win?


*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.*

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Titans are emerging from Hollow Earth as “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” exhibit at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, open to the public from March 25 to April 6




A portal has opened, and the Titans of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire have arrived. Mall-goers can get to meet the legendary Kong and the fearsome Godzilla in the “Titans Emerge” exhibit at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, which opens to the public from the evening of March 25 until April 6.


Watch the trailer for the movie here: https://youtu.be/nWzEFE0KqRI


Fans can snap a photo with the iconic Titan Godzilla in front of the Roman Colosseum, and the massive Kong amongst the Great Pyramids, as featured in the film. Giant tic-tac-toe sets are also available where players can stand with either Titan.


Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire sees the epic Titans work together as a mysterious new villain threatens Hollow Earth and humankind. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire opens in Philippine cinemas on Black Saturday, March 30. Tickets are available for pre-order for selected cinemas at www.godzillaxkong.com.ph


About “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”


The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.


Once again at the helm is director Adam Wingard. The screenplay is by Terry Rossio (“Godzilla vs. Kong” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series) and Simon Barrett (“You’re Next”) and Jeremy Slater (“Moon Knight”), from a story by Rossio & Wingard & Barrett, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO Co., Ltd. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric Mcleod, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Brian Rogers. The executive producers are Wingard, Jen Conroy, Jay Ashenfelter, Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira.


The film stars Rebecca Hall (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” The Night House”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” “Bullet Train”), Dan Stevens (“Gaslit,” “Legion,” “Beauty and the Beast”), Kaylee Hottle (“Godzilla vs. Kong”), Alex Ferns (“The Batman,” “Wrath of Man,” “Chernobyl”) and Fala Chen (“Irma Vep,” “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”).


In cinemas March 30, 2024, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.


Join the conversation using #GodzillaxKong



Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

EXHUMA” NO. 1 IN KOREA FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE WEEKEND, NOW SHOWING IN PHILIPPINE CINEMAS


Exhuma, the new mystery thriller directed by Jang Jae-Hyun (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, The Priests), has topped the box office in Korea for the fourth consecutive weekend. Boasting a stellar cast led by Choi Min-sik, Kim Go-eun, Yoo Hai-jin and Lee Do-hyun, Exhuma is now showing in Philippine cinemas. 


Watch the trailer: http://youtu.be/j_6_wLF1pDg 



Kim Go-Eun in Exhuma

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures


Since its release in Korea on February 22, Exhuma has grossed $68 million (USD) and is currently the highest-grossing Korean film of 2024. According to data from KoBiz, a box office tracking service operated by the Korean Film Council (Kofic), the film has had 9.5 million admissions as of March 19. 





Choi Min-Sik in Exhuma

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures




Yoo Hai-Jin in Exhuma

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures



Exhuma tells the story of two talented shamans, a geomancer and a mortician tasked to find a mysterious grave – and unknowingly unleash a malevolent force buried underneath.  





Lee Do-Hyun in Exhuma

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures


Find out what lies beneath the grave in Exhuma, now showing in Philippine cinemas. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma @columbiapicph


About Exhuma


After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim (Kim Go-Eun) and Bong Gil (Lee Do-Hyun) to save the newborn of the family. Once they arrive, Hwa Rim senses a dark shadow of their ancestor has latched on the family in a so-called “Grave Calling.” In order to exhume the grave and relieve the ancestor, Hwa Rim seeks help from top-notch geomancer Sang Deok (Choi Min-Shik) and mortician Yeong Geun (Yoo Hae-Jin). To their dismay, the four find the grave at a shady location in a remote village in Korea. Unaware of the consequences, the exhumation is carried out, unleashing a malevolent force buried underneath.


Directed by: Jang Jae-Hyun


Starring: Choi Min-Sik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hai-Jin, Lee Do-Hyun


Exhuma is now showing in Philippine cinemas, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. #ExhumaMoviePH #Exhuma @columbiapicph


Photo and Video Credit: Columbia Pictures











Tuesday, March 19, 2024

COMCO Mundo names Managing Directors for its companies in Southeast Asia and the Middle East & Africa markets

As it enters its 8th year in the industry, powerhouse and global award-winning communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises reinforces its leadership as it names the new Managing Directors for its companies in COMCO Southeast Asia and the Middle East & Africa markets. They are Joyce Yu for COMCO Southeast Asia, Rachel Syfargo for TARO AOX Inc., and Tricia Cusi-Jimenea for COMCO Middle East & Africa. 


Reinforcing Leadership

A seasoned PR practitioner, COMCO SEA’s newest Managing Director Joyce Yu has close to two decades of solid experience in Public Relations, Advertising, Events and Activation, and Branding and Brand Communications. Part of her new role is to reinforce the group's flagship brand New PR and Smart Social and grow COMCO’s Experience+ division, the Agency’s service dedicated to Events, Advertising, Branding, and Special Media Executions.


One of COMCO’s senior partners, pioneers and communications experts, Rachel Syfargo will now lead as Managing Director for TARO AOX Inc., the group’s specialist agency that offers Digital Max for Digital, Social and Emerging Platforms, Technologies and Innovations; ICOM for Integrated  Communications and Digital PR; and Story Lab for Communications Audit, Research and Planning as well as Editorial and Publication Services. Rachel’s leadership in the practice encompasses more than two decades of experience in Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Marketing, Branding and Communications Research. 


Bringing meaningful storytelling beyond Southeast Asia, COMCO’s senior partner and co-founder Tricia Jimenea continues as COMCO Middle East & Africa’s Managing Director opening more opportunities for COMCO in the region. Tricia is an award-winning PR professional with almost two decades of extensive experience in Media and Influencer Relations, Celebrity Marketing, Strategy Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Events Management, and Content Development.


Rising from the Ranks

As part of COMCO Mundo’s mission to Ignite Talent, numerous high-performing employees from the group’s various companies and units are also promoted. A homegrown talent from the Camp COMCO Mentorship Program Cycle 5 in 2017, Jam Bufi has demonstrated her leadership potential over the years and is now the Integrated Communications Manager of TARO AOX Inc. One of the first employees of COMCO Middle East & Africa, Rabia Yousuf has also given valuable contribution to the organization is now promoted to Account Manager. 


Showing their excellence, potential and commitment to their craft, Narah Faigal and Hiacynth Ablanez of SEA Wave & Spice Multimedia Content Studio are both appointed to Senior Officers while Jaderick Buhay from TARO AOX Inc. is now promoted to Officer. With their excellent performance and unwavering dedication, COMCO Southeast Asia’s Hendrich Namoca and COMCO Mundo’s Ronette Tibay as well as TARO AOX Inc’s Joana de Guzman and Chloe Manalac are all promoted to Senior Associates. SEA Wave & Spice’s Multimedia Arts Associate Nicole Bamba is now the company’s newest regularized employee. All of them are graduates of the group’s industry acclaimed Camp COMCO Mentorship Program. 



Mission 2024: COMCO in a Different League

Reinforcing its long-time commitment to excellence and unique brand of meaningful storytelling, COMCO marks another milestone in igniting brand love, social change, talent growth, and borderless collaboration as it celebrates its 8th anniversary. 


Founded from the dreams of individuals to build a communications firm with a great team and unique agency culture, COMCO Mundo together with its more than 55 strong COMCOys creates collaborative experiences, attains shared goals together, and invests in inclusive growth. This unique agency culture is propagated across the group, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East & Africa, providing more opportunities for COMCOys to grow as individuals and as a team with a sense of mission. 


Embarking on this milestone, COMCO Mundo is excited to announce the line-up of its flagship  projects and activities prepared for 2024 including the COMCO Badminton Club, Camp COMCO Alumni Society Homecoming Cup, SEA Wave Contrbutors’ Assembly, Camp COMCO Kids, COMCO Mundo Away Days 2024, Movie Night with COMCOmigos, and COMCOlidays with Kids. 



“My aim and passion to building a great team turned to a relentless goal to building a unique company that any amazing talent would dream to be part of – a creativity playground, a safe zone with a team that got your back, a craftsmanship vessel that will push forward our dreams and bring us to places, figuratively and literally.  And for you to have a great team, you need to have the right company, like a second home, for these talents to thrive and grow," said Ferdinand L. Bondoy, COMCO Mundo’s Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder .


He added, “And as we enter our 8th year, we uphold our Mission 2024 battle cry and reinforce our unparalleled practice in a different league. We won't be constrained by the norms of the traditional practice or pressures of the dogmatic society as there's a bigger world out there and there are more compelling issues to dissect; there is a more progressive, complicated but necessary playing field to navigate, where we have a bigger mission to fulfill.”



COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, together with its companies, is now ready to fulfill #Mission2024 in a different league. To know more about COMCO Mundo and its initiatives, visit comcomundo.com. Follow them on social media: facebook.com/comcomundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo, and @comco_mundo on Instagram.


The Ultimate Lionsgate Play Lineup to Binge at Your Next Girl Gang Marathon

 

Strong female leads take center stage with these titles on Lionsgate Play.

 



March celebrates International Women’s Day, a.k.a. the perfect time of the year to gather the girl gang and hit play on any of these films and series on Lionsgate Play featuring fierce heroines in their own right. From hilarious squads navigating careers and love to skilled female agents in high-stakes espionage, these picks offer something for every woman. So, grab your popcorn, settle in with your besties, and celebrate the awesomeness of women on screen.

 

 

P-Valley (2020) - Series

 

The American drama television series P-Valley tells the kaleidoscopic story of a “little strip club that could.” Down deep in the Mississippi Delta, the bright, neon lights of The Pynk shine. The strip club features a diverse cast of characters, women from all walks of life grappling with their ambitions, traumas, and desires. Two seasons in, the show continues to pull viewers in as it tackles themes of race, gender, class, religion, and more.

 


Mama’s Affair (2022) - Movie

 

Hong Kong drama film Mama’s Affair is a heartfelt story about Mei-fung, a former talent manager and housewife who discovers a new star, reigniting her passion for the entertainment world. But balancing her career and family life isn’t easy, especially since her newfound appreciation for her job sparks jealousy in her teenage son. Mama’s Affair dives into the challenges of a single mother and the choices she has to make for her career, family, and personal fulfillment.

 

 

Little Women (2017) - Series

 

Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1869 novel Little Women is a universal coming-of-age story so well-loved by generations worldwide, that it’s been made into multiple stage and screen adaptations. The 2017 BBC adaptation is a three-part miniseries that follows the lives of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges and trials of journeying from childhood to adulthood. It stars Maya Hawke, Jonah Hauer-King, Emily Watson, Angela Lansbury, and Michael Gambon.

 

 

Atomic Blonde (2017) - Movie

 

This action-packed thriller throws Charlize Theron into the heart of Cold War Berlin as Lorraine Broughton, a top MI6 agent known for her ruthlessness and skill. Tasked with investigating a fellow agent's murder and retrieving a critical list of double agents, Lorraine navigates a treacherous world dominated by men. Atomic Blonde is a high-octane adventure that portrays female strength and resilience. Here, Theron portrays a complex and powerful protagonist who proves she can more than hold her own in a brutal environment.

 

 

Run the World (2021) - Series

 

In Run the World, four ambitious and glamorous best friends in their 30s spend a life-altering summer in Harlem, New York, in pursuit of world domination. Or at least a version of it in their everyday lives. This vibrant American comedy series perfectly captures friendship and the growing pains of navigating love, careers, and self-discovery in the dynamic city that never sleeps.

 

 

Killing Eve (2018) - Series

 

In this captivating spy thriller, Sandra Oh stars as Eve, a brilliant MI6 investigator tasked to capturing Villanelle, an assassin played by Jodie Comer. As the ruthless cat-and-mouse progresses, the two women find themselves strangely drawn to each other. Eve and Villanelle form a complex and twisted bond over four seasons of psychological warfare, often blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. Killing Eve isn’t a typical spy narrative. It explores female power, obsession, and, like both women, soon finds out how we can be drawn to the darkness we mirror in others.

 

Tune into Lionsgate Play for more titles featuring bold heroines and stories celebrating female empowerment!

 


Monday, March 18, 2024

EXPERIENCE THE WIN OF A LIFETIME. WATCH THE TRAILER FOR GLOBAL BOX OFFICE HIT “YOLO,” IN CINEMAS APRIL 17


Breaking the limits. Rising from the ashes. A fiery soul. YOLO, the inspirational comedy drama by director/writer/actress Jia Ling, opens in Philippine cinemas April 17. 


Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/DMN7iPSsB6I 



Jia Ling in YOLO

Photo credit: Columbia Pictures 



YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life.


The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.  


YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO




  


About YOLO


YOLO follows Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), an unemployed woman in her 30s who still lives with her parents until one day, she meets a boxing coach (played by Lei Jiayin ) who just may change her life. 


Directed and written by: Jia Ling


Starring: Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin


Opening on April 17, 2024, YOLO is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #YOLO @columbiapicph


Photo and Video Credit: Columbia Pictures 




Titans are smashing through the big screen as “Godzilla x Kong,” filmed for IMAX, arrives on March 30. Tickets available now !

 



The fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong are back in action as Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire sees the legendary Titans work together to defeat a mysterious new threat that challenges the existence of Hollow Earth and humanity. Filmed for IMAX, see the larger-than-life creatures lead the fight for this world on the big screen.


Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWzEFE0KqRI


For actors Rebecca Hall and Bryan Tyree Henry, working with director Adam Wingard and his infectious enthusiasm for the film made them feel excitement for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, especially for the fans. “I saw brand new stuff every day. It makes a huge difference when your leader is a fan of this kind of universe, and is excited by the discoveries of what could possibly be, what could unfold. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I think the fans are going to be very excited,” Henry, who plays the character Bermie Hayes, explains.





Rebecca Hall, playing the role of Dr. Ilene Andrews in the film, also shares about director Wingard’s attitude towards filming, “You get this belief that he has a sense of what the film’s going to be, but you also get to have a really good time on set, because he has this exuberance that is just intoxicating. He does have an inner 10-year-old, and he’s there all the time watching everything. He directs with that enthusiasm, and you know you’ve done well, because you can hear him chuckling.”


The film also boasts beautiful on-location scenes that took the cast members’ breath away. Rebecca Hall talks about how she channeled her character while filming with the wildlife in the Australian forests. “The wildlife on it is really astonishing. I didn’t think we could get much better than that, and then we went to the Daintree Rainforest, which is one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. I’m a bit of a plant nerd. I really like plants and I do a lot of gardening in my spare time. That makes me sound a little bit tragic, but it’s in keeping with Dr. Ilene Andrews, and it’s the truth. So, when I saw some of these plants in the Daintree Rainforest, I really nerded out,” she shares. 


Kaylee Hottle, who’s back as Jia Andrews, shares her excitement about being back in the Monsterverse for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. “For me to be back in the Monsterverse, it’s really, really nice to be back. It’s really exciting. Audiences will see even more action and more adventures. On this film, we went to the Daintree Rainforest. There were leeches, crocodiles, snakes, cassowaries. But it was beautiful,” she says.


Tickets are available for pre-order for selected cinemas at www.godzillaxkong.com.ph. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire opens in Philippine cinemas on Black Saturday, March 30.


About “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”


The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.


Once again at the helm is director Adam Wingard. The screenplay is by Terry Rossio (“Godzilla vs. Kong” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series) and Simon Barrett (“You’re Next”) and Jeremy Slater (“Moon Knight”), from a story by Rossio & Wingard & Barrett, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO Co., Ltd. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric Mcleod, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Brian Rogers. The executive producers are Wingard, Jen Conroy, Jay Ashenfelter, Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira.


The film stars Rebecca Hall (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” The Night House”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Godzilla vs. Kong,” “Bullet Train”), Dan Stevens (“Gaslit,” “Legion,” “Beauty and the Beast”), Kaylee Hottle (“Godzilla vs. Kong”), Alex Ferns (“The Batman,” “Wrath of Man,” “Chernobyl”) and Fala Chen (“Irma Vep,” “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”).


In cinemas March 30, 2024, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.


Join the conversation using #GodzillaxKong



Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”


Embrace Pumpkin Spice Latte Season in the Philippines with These Autumn Vibes Movies

  Sure, we live in the tropics, but who says we can't enjoy the cozy vibes of autumn? With the weather cooling down, it's the perfec...