James Gunn's The Suicide Squad releases trailer, posters

From 2016's Suicide Squad, Warner Bros and DC Comics reboots the antihero movie The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn. The new trailer is a lot more brighter and colorful compared to its predecessor.

Reprising their roles are Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag, Jai Courtney as Boomerang and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller. Now joined by Idris Elba as Bloodsport, Michael Rooker as Savant, Alice Braga as SolSoria, David Dastmalchian as the Polka-Dot Man, John Cena as Peacemaker, Sean Gunn as Weasel and Sylvester Stallone voicing Shark King. Yes, we're having some familiar Marvel names here and it's all good. Check out their character posters below. 

 

Super-Villains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X where they are heavily-armed and dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Watch the newly-released red band trailer below.

James Gunn's The Suicide Squad will play in theaters and on HBO Max for streaming this August 2021. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Zack Snyder's Justice League Movie Review

Sitting for 4 hours is unnoticeable while watching Zack Snyder's Justice League. This run redeems the 2017 movie that makes it a better version than Joss Whedon's. We don't hate Joss Whedon, but this movie is really JUST GREAT!

Picking up from the death of Superman in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Bruce Wayne (Batman) and Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) assembles a group of superhumans namely Arthur Curry (Aquaman), Barry Allen (The Flash) and Victor Stone (Cyborg) to take on an alien invasion lead by Steppenwolf. Aside from this invasion, the world is in the verge of extinction by the unity of the mother boxes.

From history, the unity of mother boxes was defeated by the powers of world defenders, including the participation of Green Lanterns - which was a great sequence by the way. The three mother boxes where hidden and protected from the return of Steppenwolf who is up for his revenge after thousands of years.

Earth defenders in the first invasion of Steppenwolf 

I can say that this is a good origin storytelling, as we were able to deeply understand more of the characters of Aquaman, the Flash and Cyborg. They each take credit on their contributions to the team and showing equal importance. It is so action-packed, no boring moments, and as I've said, you can't notice the 4-hours while watching it. The Flash got his role more relevant in the Justice League and his contribution is very essential unlike from 2017's just a mere childish lad.

The Justice League (Cyborg, The Flash, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman) 

The 6-part movie includes an epilogue that makes us look forward to another movie. For many people like me who does know more characters from the comics, I think we better start asking and read. DC is now establishing a more exciting future for their own movie universe.

Zack Snyder's Justice League casts Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa and Ray Fisher. Also with Diane Lane, Amy Adams and more. Now streaming only on HBO Go. 

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Jon Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda team up for IN THE HEIGHTS

Crazy Rich Asians director Jon Chu and the artistic talent of Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton) join in the movie adaptation of a Broadway musical coming this summer of 2021.

In The Heights, featuring a bodega owner who has mixed feelings of closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic after inheriting his grandmother's fortune will be a story of making small dreams big. Shot in New York City where there is a kaleidoscope of stories and dreams makes this movie event a universal experience.

The movie stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films). 

Chu directed the film from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes, based on the musical stage play, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and concept by Miranda. Miranda, Hudes, Scott Sanders, Anthony Bregman and Mara Jacobs produced the film, with David Nicksay and Kevin McCormick serving as executive producers.

Watch the latest trailer below.    

In The Heights opens in theaters June 18, 2021 and can also be streamed on HBO Max.

 

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Promote wellness by making the switch to Watsons Vitamins and Supplements

Now that we're reaching all-time high of 4000-5000 new cases of COVID-19, it is better to look out of our health. Aside from boosting your immunity against diseases, you also have to protect your body from lifestyle illnesses which causes hypertension, poor eyesight, weak bones, teeth and muscles, and more.

Support healthy eating and regular exercise with vitamins and supplements that are available in Watsons. Their newest range of over 64 new products in various formats – tablets, capsules, softgels, and effervescent tablets for overall wellness, immunity building as well as beauty supplements. These quality yet affordable vitamins and supplements go through the meticulous Watsons Quality Assurance  Process to meet FDA standards, making your daily health routines more convenient and enjoyable.

For those always on the go, Watsons offers 4 new variants of effervescent tablets that are fit for individuals who are always on the go. Just drop a tablet to a glass of water and leave it to dissolve so you can enjoy a refreshing and fizzy way of taking your vitamins. Apart from Vitamin C + Zinc + Vitamin D and B Complex which we mentioned earlier, there is the Calcium + Vitamin D3 variant supports bone and joint health, and Watsons Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Glutathione which whitens, nourishes, and protects skin from UV damage.

There are other essential Watsons vitamins and supplements that might be helpful during this time. We earlier mentioned Evening Primrose for women’s health and Bilberry Complex for eye health support. It might also be good to stock up on Glucosamine for joint health, B Complex Plus for nerve health and increased energy level, Omega-3 capsules which reduce risks of heart diseases, and MGX+ by Watsons, which has the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of mangosteen.

It’s now time to make the switch. Support your immune health and boost overall wellness with Watsons vitamins and supplements available at all Watsons stores. To know more about these products, visit https://www.facebook.com/WatsonsPH/

Never miss out on superb perks and discounts with your Watsons Card and Watsons Elite. Head on to your nearest Watsons branch, shop online at www.watsons.com.ph or try Watsons’ Call & Delivery to get your orders within 24 hours.

You can download the Watsons App through the following: Google Playstore: https://bit.ly/2yX2Elj; App Store: https://apple.co/2WjJH49; and the Huawei App Gallery: https://bit.ly/WatsonsAppHuawei

 

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Raya and the Last Dragon Movie Review

Disney's latest princess animation marks different from its predecessors and it adds the South East Asian culture in Raya and The Lost Dragon. It follows the footsteps of warrior princesses Mulan and Merida but Raya is an epic adventure who is able to live in a myth to be able to save a dying race and unite them all in unity. A perfect welcome for the Women's Month this March.

The movie displays familiar elements in the South East Asian culture. First, she was trained in Filipino weaponry, rides on a pet giant armadillo named Tuktuk which is the same name for transportation in Thailand, and she dons a hat that looks like the one from Vietnam. More representation of the SEA culture are they eat rice, the busy floating market like Bangkok and rice terraces.

It is a familiar story of different countries battling for supremacy but one was willing to unite them altogether to fight one common enemy. They did not have to depend on a written legend on who will save them, it all comes down to initiative and everything will just have to follow. Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) just went for a quest to revive that was lost and she did not have to outstand the others, but she became the leader. Accidentally forming an unlikely group of heroes, she has a very good trait of listening to others and responsibly utilizing her companions' strengths to achieve their goal. For me, Raya can be a great model for leadership if we put it in a larger perspective.

Awkwafina voicing the dragon Sisu gave the comedic element in Raya's adventure. She was the humble symbol in Raya's legends, and she was the instrument that bound the severed race in unity.

Raya and the Last Dragon basically is a movie about trust and unity and makes it relevant in today's world. It is now streaming on Disney+ and perfect to watch with the whole family.

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Zen-inspired homes officially launched in Amiya Raya

Amiya Raya, a premier community development by Community Creators, Inc. in San Mateo, Rizal, expands their vision in resort living by launching homes inspired by the Zen way of life, an environment that offers simplicity, naturalness, asymmetry, and stillness in the midst of one’s busy life. 

Their recent launch took place in October 31, 2020 and was attended by key Community Creators, Inc. executives including Ms. Ma. Charina Garcia (President, CCI), Mr. Jose Dalida (President, EXCORE), Ms. Rowena Ignacio (Vice-President for Sales), and Ms. Mary Ann Yangco (Director for Business Development).

Ms. Mary Ann Yangco (Director for Business Development), Ms. Ma. Charina Garcia (President, CCI), Mr. Jose Dalida (President, EXCORE), Ms. Rowena Ignacio (Vice-President for Sales)

Their newest house models, Anya (265-sqm) and Azumi (211-sqm), are characterized by minimalist elegance and clean lines. The units are both aesthetically pleasing and inviting, combining elements of nature with modern design. Homebuyers may choose any of the three facades offered for each house model, while Anya provides an additional option for one with a traditional enclosed roof or one with a roof deck for extra recreational space and to enjoy the 270-degree scenic views that Amiya Raya is known for.

Situated 240 meters above sea-level and enveloped by its natural environs, Amiya Raya offers resort-like living that is only a 15-minute drive from the city. It is located in San Mateo, Rizal, which makes it close to places of interests such as schools, churches, malls, and government offices. 

For inquiries, please contact 0917520955 or 89386288 or visit their website www.amiyaraya.com.ph or @AmiyaRayaOfficialPage on Facebook for more information on this highland development.

 

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REVIEW: Tanghalang Ateneo's password: 03d1pu5_R3x

Marian Rivera-Dantes' first theater production with Tanghalang Ateneo is a modern Filipino adaptation of one of Sophocle's greatest plays, Oedipus Rex. With the challenges we're facing in the new normal due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the production does not disappoint in portraying the current political set up which we are facing today.

The setting gives obvious similarities from Sophocle's times to our current status. The ensemble, played by Ateneo students who are in the Zoom setting, tells us that they are living in a quarantine set up which tells us that there's a great danger outside. Like them, we are praying for something to stop the danger so that we can be able to live normally again. 

Then here's Gabe Mercado, playing Lysanias, who pacifies the wails of the people for us to hope for the best. Edipo, or the local version of Oedipus, played by Yan Yuzon, portrays a strong man and cannot be fazed by his opponents and well followed by his supporters. Marian Rivera, as the VP, and Katski Flores as the modern-day oracle gave their in-dept dramatic impressions of their roles strongly based on Sophocle's characters.

The adaptation in Filipino contains a lot of very deep Filipino words, which Marian Rivera  admits that she had some difficulty into. But with the direction of Ronan Capinding and translation from Jopie Sanchez, it gave good context on the story and we should be thankful that the preservation of the Filipino language is rich on this production.

The Zoom setting gives editor a creative liberty to play on the frames of each character depending on the situation but it still makes us look forward as a live theater audience like we've used to. Tanghalang Ateneo's adaptation to technology has allowed us to continue to enjoy theater even at home.

You can watch password: 03d1pu5_R3x online, now streaming. You may get your digital tickets via Ticket2me at ticket2me.net/e/33027 starting at P100. 

 

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Marian Rivera's first theater role in a Greek literary classic

Fans of GMA royalty Marian Rivera-Dantes should watch out for her first role in a theater piece that deals on a political climate in Tanghalang Ateneo's second production this season entitled - password: 03d1pu5_R3x. This is based on a Greek literary classic written by Sophocles more than 2500 years ago which is still relevant in today's times.

password: 03d1pu5_R3x is a Filipino adaptation in the modern times from Oedipus Rex (King Oedipus / Oedipus Tyrranus) and Marian plays a political figure, the Vice President that is, named Kreon in this play. As a beginner in theater productions, she narrates how she was persuaded by her husband, Dingdong Dantes, to do the role. She was able to accept realizing the relevance of the plot in today's climate and how it would help students and viewers in the education process as her contribution despite the pandemic. 

She was lauded by her co-actor Yan Yuzon stating he had learned a lot from Marian with her experience in show business and acting in front of the camera. Director Ron Capinding also commended Marian in her dedication to deliver the role, from understanding the piece and even the deep Filipino terms to give the necessary character for Kreon.

Right now, we're congratulating Marian Rivera and looking forward for more roles and to even experience live theater as an actress.

password: 03d1pu5_R3x streams online on February 22, 25 and 27. You may buy tickets at Ticket2Me here https://ticket2me.net/e/33027 starting at P100.

 

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Brilliant. Bad. A little bit mad. - Emma Stone dons iconic black and white hair as Cruella in first trailer

As announced previously in D23, Emma Stone gives her take on the iconic 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella De Vil in Disney's spin-off film, Cruella, that will soon hit theaters and streaming this 2021.

In this movie, Stone delivers the origins of the famous antagonist maybe before she meets the Dearlys and maybe we'll see how her fascinations with the spotted dogs came to about. The trailer gives a hint on what happened on her younger years, it may be a case of society's disapproval or inacceptance.

 

I think the trailer gives Harley Quinn / Birds of Prey feels in the first impression, starting with innocent looks transforming to the eccentric make ups and fashion. Detaching itself from the usual comedy 101 Dalmatian movies, Cruella gives a darker approach. See the car chases and heist. What do you think? Discuss in the comments below.

For us Disney fans, it will still be an interesting movie and something we can look forward to. It will also be a time to revisit our 101 Dalmatians films, animated or live action. We hope we'll be able to see it in the theaters when all things are okay.

Cruella also casts Mark Strong, Emma Thompson and more. Coming May 2021, directed by Craig Gillespie.

 

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Zack Snyder's Justice League builds excitement in first trailer

Warner Bros. Pictures, DC and HBO Max are giving fans the SnyderCut soon streaming only on HBO Max. It's the movie-on-demand after Zack Snyder left the production of the film in 2017 for some personal reasons and now fans are having their wish.

Justice League: The Snyder Cut brings back Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Batman (Ben Affleck), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and the Flash (Ezra Miller) teaming up against the villain Steppenwolf. More surprises await in the trailer. Check it out below:

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A post shared by Zack Snyder’s Justice League (@snydercut)

Jared Leto's Joker also joins the movie. We're not still sure how and why but it would be a double burden to Batman. What's your theory? Let's see when it streams March 18 on HBO Max. 

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