New shows to binge this April on Netflix

We'll have a lot of time to binge because a long holiday period during the Holy Week this April. Don't forget to catch up on Netflix's new series and movies including Our Blues, starring Shin Min-ah and Kim Woo-bin; Tomorrow starring Ro Woon; the anime film Bubble; Richard Linklater's Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood (starring Jack Black, Zachary Levi and Glen Powell); sci-fi romance The In Between starring Joey King; Elite Season 5; Choose or Die with Asa Butterfield; Anatomy of a Scandal with Sienna Miller; the final season (part 1) of Better Call Saul; and final episodes of Ozark.

Apollo 10 1/2 A Space Childhood

Elite

The In Between

Also returning for their second season are Russian Doll, Pacific Rim: The Black, Ultraman and Green Eggs and Ham. And don't miss Our Great National Parks, a documentary narrated by Barack Obama.

 

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Dumbledore's first army

Weeks before we dive into the darker Wizarding World, let's meet the good guys who will fights against Gellert Gindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) to protect the worlds of wizards and muggles. The new featurette narrates how Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and Dumbledore (Jude Law) forms their army of light before we finally see Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore on Black Saturday, April 16.

The launch of the featurette also coincides with the release of character posters of the cast.

More character posters here

Featuring the images of Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Katherine Waterston, and Mads Mikkelsen.

Watch the featurette here and I'm also getting quite excited with the action and effects.

Fantastic Beasts The Secrets of Dumbledore is directed by David Yates based on the screenplay of JK Rowling. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines, only in theaters and select IMAX theaters nationwide.

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SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 Movie Review

The young and the young-at-heart are about to get "ringed" in the Sonic the Hedgehog 2, a sequel from the 2020 movie based on the SEGA video game. And it's not just a family movie that's a perfect bonding activity, it gives a special message of family and unity despite differences.

In this sequel, Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey) makes his way back to earth with the help of Knuckles  (voiced by Idris Elba), an echidna from another tribe who's off to kill our hero. On earth, Sonic tries to become a hero in the wrong ways but still gets the love of Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) while living peacefully in Green Hills. Doctor Robotnik's return puts a new threat to Sonic and a new mission and destiny was revealed that sends him and a new found friend, Tails, to a globe-throttling adventure.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sends off a good start with Doctor Robotnik's exile location in Mushroom Planet. It starts to build curiosity and a satisfying feast for the eyes. The abrupt appearance of Knuckles immediately sets an upcoming danger for our hero on earth. Although a continuation of the previous movie, this sequel separates itself with an independent plot.

As we expect more humor from Doctor Robotnik, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 injects more references in different familiar movies that somehow made it to the cut and would be bearable to the kids and what adults would let pass. Expect good giggles with the other cast that are a good breath of air in the action distributed entirely in the movie.

Speaking of action, Sonic and Knuckles gave an epic fight scene for your memory. The battle of red and blue radiated light and showed how powerful our heroes are. If again I'm going to discuss Doctor Robotnik, his powers is also to watch out for. I would not give much of details but you have to stay up to the credits because it ushers a new exciting premise.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 opens in Philippine theaters TOMORROW, March 30, distributed by Paramount Pictures Philippines through Columbia Pictures PH.

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Hooray for Toy Kingdom's Top 10 Summer Toys

Explore the great outdoors and say Hooray for Summer fun with amazing play-mates from Toy Kingdom. Here are Toy Kingdom’s 10 Top Toys that will make this summer exciting and memorable.

Topping the list are new toys from Batman and Barbie that have brought happiness to kids for many generations. This summer, the incredibly detailed McFarlane DC Comics Multiverse Batman Figure and Barbie’s Color Reveal Mermaid sets will be delightful additions to their collection.

Toys that allow kids to discover outdoor fun come next. With eased restrictions, this is the best time for kids to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. They make a splash in your own backyard with cool inflatable pools, floaters and bubble blasters. Create your own exciting water adventure with a Giant rectangular pool or Waterslide with Gator sprinkler pool.

Or they can have a blast biking around the neighborhood or in the park. There are Disney-inspired bikes, foldable e-Scooters, and protection sets for active kids on the go; as well as motorized Motor Trucks and Go Karts by Rux and Segway. These will make your kids love cycling and electronic mobility as they explore the outdoors.

Rounding up the list are portable playsets from Frozen and Barbie; and Play-Doh sets where kids can explore their creative side.

Check out the Toy Kingdom’s Hooray for Play Collection in-store or on their website at www.toykingdom.com.ph and order now thru their Call to Deliver services at 0917.5578797 and have a personal shopper assist you.

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Ivana Alawi tours us to Villa Bridgerton

Like what we've experienced last week at 35 Broadway St in New Manila, vlogger Ivana Alawi takes us into a detailed tour of Villa Bridgerton. Experiencing the grand British regency era, Ivana had it all by herself (envy!)

But it is a delight to see our diamond Ivana decked in the season’s finest frocks and shimmering jewels. She highlights the various amenities that Villa Bridgerton has to offer, including: a regal ride aboard a horse-driven carriage fit for the season’s diamond, a fun game of croquet, a full English culinary experience, and finally, the gorgeous and intricate interiors of the London Regency era. Watch the video below.

    

Villa Bridgerton is now open to the public until April 3, 2022. For more information and to book your free tour of the villa, visit villabridgerton.com. Slots are currently full, but keep checking as Netflix may open new slots soon!

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Dr. Robotnik returns in Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Fire is turning up in the last and final trailer of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Dr. Robotnik returns. The fast Sega character turns to be a hero as he saves the world from destruction if a precious gemstone lands in the wrong hands.

In the trailer, Dr. Robotnik gets a new partner Knuckles who gets equal with Sonic and his sidekick Tails. Watch the trailer below.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles, and Colleen O'Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.

Directed by Jeff Fowler. Screenplay by Pat Casey & Josh Miller and John Whittington. Story by Pat Casey & Josh Miller, based on the SEGA Video Game.

Opens March 30 in theaters, distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures Philippines.

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PETA streams A Game of Trolls to combat fake news and history revisionism

The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) upcoming 55th anniversary coincides with an important event in society: the upcoming national elections.

To celebrate this significant milestone, PETA aptly streams Liza Magtoto’s martial law musical for millennials, A Game of Trolls, directed by Maribel Legarda, with lyrics, composition, arrangement and musical direction by Vincent de Jesus via ktx.ph on April 8, 22, and 23.

“PETA remains steadfast in our mission to use the arts to reflect people’s stories and examine the past and present. Now even more, is a critical time to use theater as a vehicle for introspection and truth-telling, to use theater as a beacon of truth!” PETA Executive Director Beng Cabangon asserts.

“In our 50-year history, we have always stood for democracy. Every election is an opportunity to remind every Filipino of each one’s power to choose the leaders who will chart the path of our future,” she adds.

Through this effort, PETA hopes to reach 8,000 youth who comprise the 56% of the 67 million registered voters who are expected to troop to the polling stations. PETA President CB Garrucho passionately expresses the urgency to stream A Game of Trolls, “We would like to make a solid contribution to combat the flood of disinformation and historical revisionism. We want to tell a powerful and engaging story about the abuses of the Marcos years. As artists, we owe it to the next generation to tell these narratives so that the lessons learned are ingrained in their hearts and so that all Filipinos, especially the young, will join the chorus: NEVER AGAIN.”

As the oppressors of the past continue their attempts to gain power, A Game of Trolls remains relevant, especially today.

Support PETA’s emerald year as the company solidifies its mission to keep the torch of conscience alive as Filipinos aim to rise to the challenge of evolving, changing, and expanding during these transformative times.

Watch A Game of Trolls from April 8, 22, and 23 on www.ktx.ph with tickets at Php150 for video on demand viewing. For ticket and bulk inquiries, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112.

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A tour in Villa Bridgerton

Dearest Reader,

It is a bright sunny day for the invited guests on this exclusive rendezvous, and the venue of Villa Bridgerton is completely set up and adorned with splendid trinkets and ornaments for this special occasion.

In this grand mansion in Broadway Ave, New Manila. We are treated as lords and ladies, welcomed with a refreshing beverage with scrumptious flavors to cool down from the scorching heat. We also tried to ride the carriage that is parked before the entrance and had a moment for some photographs taken. The friendly footmen were on standby and ready to open the doors to the opulent world inside the mansion.

Upon entering, we saw the grandiose interiors and glistening chandeliers at the living room where a quartet plays a unique arrangement of a familiar tune. The couches are neat and spotless, that the host really did well on the preparations for his guests.

The host is no other than Justine Luzares, a Tiktok influencer who earned his fame for his Marites skits online. To his delight, he welcomed all of us to have a tour around the mansion and appreciate and feel the lavish surroundings that we're witnessing. All the preparations usher to the newest exciting thing that will happen this Friday, March 25, the premiere of Bridgerton Season 2 only on Netflix.

Justine Luzares

As we explore the chambers of the mansion, the dining room also a feast, to the eyes and to the palate. Cakes, scones, macarons with fruits and more desserts are for appreciation. It will be an ideal place for guests to have a chat over candlelit feast whilst enjoying the comfortable life.

Going upstairs is a gallery of portraits of the Bridgertons, Featheringtons and the new family to know which are the Sharmas. It leads to the spacious Bridgerton bedroom wherein a queen-size bed awaits. A small closet that contains the Bridgertons' gowns can also be seen. The Duke of Hastings would love a collection of books available to read.

After we enjoyed the indoors, we were invited to the garden for some refreshments and entertainment. The buffet spread is something that many of the guests missed. It was a peaceful lunch under the trees and breeze and also a great opportunity to meet new acquaintances. In the end, this experience at Villa Bridgerton is something that will be most cherished, also a fantasy that you don't want to end.

Dear reader, Netflix also invites everyone to take their steps inside Villa Bridgerton. Online reservation is free at www.villabridgerton.com until slots last. The host also suggested that you check out the premiere of Bridgerton Season 2 starting this Friday, March 25, only on Netflix.

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Spoken Word Poet Mark Ghosn performs alongside Aicelle Santos in GMA Election theme

GMA News and Public Affairs has announced that they have chosen Filipino spoken word poet Mark Ghosn as one of the performers of the official theme song of their 2022 Election advocacy.
Mark Ghosn renders the spoken word poetry on the iconic theme song entitled 'Panata sa Bayan' sang by Aicelle Santos.

Last November 2021, GMA proudly unveiled its election advocacy campaign “Dapat Totoo,” which is also the main content of the spoken word piece.

Aside from being a spoken word artist, Mark Ghosn is also known as the creator of the hit show 'Ampalaya Monologues' which was also adapted into a book and a TV series.

Videos of his performances went viral several times including that of a monologue about trolls and fake news entitled 'Trolling in the Deep.'

According to Ghosn, more than endorsing a candidate, he chose to continue fighting for a bigger advocacy, and that is to fight the spread of fake news.

The collaboration of Mark Ghosn and Aicelle Santos is currently playing on the official social media accounts, radio stations and TV channels of the Kapuso Network.

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How Confident are Women in Asia nowadays?

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Watsons released results from a regional ‘Women’s

Confidence Survey in Asia’.

According to Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe), “Watsons has had a deep connection with women for over 180 years. We believe that the best version of you and your real beauty should radiate from within. Confidence is an important part of inner beauty and is what makes you feel good and positively impacts your mental well-being.

“That’s why Watsons has recently appointed WISE – Watson Insight on Shopper’s Experience - to conduct a survey about women’s confidence in Asia to find out what kind of support women need to feel more confident and help them become a better version of themselves.”

‘Women’s Confidence Survey in Asia’ has been conducted with over 3,100 women aged 20-29 across six markets including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The respondents were asked to rate their confidence levels and what are the things that can help to boost their confidence.

The findings show that almost half of all women in Asia are not confident about themselves at work and in life. Women’s confidence levels are lowest in Hong Kong, closely followed by Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Mainland China. The survey further reveals that staying healthy inside out, as well as gaining recognition from coworkers are key to helping women gain confidence.

Equitable, Supportive, and Family-friendly Workplace is Key

Notably for the Philippines, 70% are satisfied with their career progression and almost all believe that it’s possible for women to excel in their career. Here, women believe that they will be more confident if they are staying health (70%), doing a purposeful job (65%), and doing something good for the environment (56%).

Ngai continues, “The findings show that an equitable, supportive and family friendly workplace is exactly what women need nowadays and we are keen to lead by example. With operations in 11 markets in Asia, women make up 77% of our 63,000 workforce. Therefore, it is Watsons’ ongoing commitment to create a culture that makes everyone feel welcomed, valued, appreciated and encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, and each of them is given equal career development opportunity.

“As a family-friendly company, we encourage more companies to join us in formulating policies to support and empower women, especially helping those working mothers to strike a balance between work and family.”

What is Beautiful? Inner Beauty Becomes Increasingly Important

In another recent survey Watsons commissioned titled ‘What is Beautiful’, more than 11,000 women aged under 45 in 12 markets across Asia and Europe were interviewed about how they value things around them and how they define beautiful after going through a pandemic. On average, 75% of women agree that inner beauty has become more important than ever, especially in the Philippines (96%), followed by Malaysia (91%), Thailand (86%), Hong Kong (83%) and Taiwan (82%).

When being asked about the definition of ‘beautiful’, taking care of your health inside out tops the list, with feeling confident and feeling happy in the second and third. What’s the most beautiful thing in life?’ The survey continues. Almost half the respondents feel that the most beautiful thing in life is doing good to the people around them, communities and even the planet we live in.

“These findings are consistent with those in our ‘Women’s Confidence Survey in Asia’ that reveals staying healthy inside out is important to boost confidence which is important for both physical and mental wellness,” Ngai adds.

With this insight, Watsons Philippines offers up to 30% off on Women’s essentials like vitamins, supplements and personal care products for the whole month of March to help ensure Filipinas feel beautiful and health inside and out, thus boosting their confidence “As such, Watsons is launching ‘The New Beautiful’ campaign to encourage women to empower themselves to Look Good. Do Good. Feel Great. Featuring a series of activities across Asia, it will have three overarching themes – Go Green, Go Smile, and Go Empower, which aims to actively involve our community of over 100 million loyalty

members in Asia.”

In the Philippines, Watsons also has partnered with SM Supermalls for a special event titled “Women Now & the Future”, a summit on Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Tomorrow at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall. The conversation revolves around mentoring Womenprenuers and empowering the next generation of Women. Another program that is being planned later this year in partnership with Operations Smile is the launch of ‘Women in Medicine’ programme which aims to empower women in the field of medical science.

“At Watsons, we believe in The New Beautiful, a new kind of beauty that’s good for everyone. To us, beautiful glows from the inside. It’s how we treat ourselves and each other. It’s how we live, who we are, and who we can be. The beautiful is in us all, and for us all,” Ngai concludes.

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