lifestyle and culture

November 30, 2021

Unwrap Netflix's offerings this December

More and more films to releasing on the number 1 streaming app in the world, Netflix, especially on Christmas Eve. With the finale of La Casa De Papel (Part 5, Vol 2) this December 3, many star-studded films and series await for bingers while you enjoy your Noche Buena or popping some wine in your home party.

La Casa De Papel Part 5 Volume 2

Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence make an astounding discovery a comet that is in direct collision with Earth and nobody seems to care with the apocalyptic experience and time is running out. Don't Look Up includes Jonah Hill, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett and more in this planet-killing satire film. To be released on December 24.

Don't Look Up

Man depends on survival in the depletion of the Earth's resources and a team of astronauts explore the nearest habitat, the moon. The Silent Sea is a Korean mystery thriller series with our favorite actors Gong Yoo (Goblin, Squid Game), Kim Sun-young (Reply 1988, Crash Landing On You), Bae Doona (Kingdom series) as the elite team that will search for possibilities of survival on the earth's satellite. Coming to Netflix also on December 24.


More series are making a comeback this December as Lily Collins reprises her role as you take a sip of wine for Emily in Paris Season 2 on December 22. Geralt (Henry Cavill) finds more monsters and witches in the fantasy The Witcher Season 2, arriving to Netflix in December 17. Men should look extra good this Christmas with the help of the Fab 5 in Queer Eye Season 6, coming December 31, and the heroes of Gotham are back to fight crime in Titans Season 3 that starts streaming December 8.

The Witcher

Emily in Paris

Christmas is best spent with family and Netflix has your back during the cold nights. Enjoy more family shows, or any genre you like on Netflix. Check out the schedule of releases here
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Back-to-Back Music Experience of 1MX Dubai 2021 and 1MX Manila 2021

The countdown is on to the first ever live event to be staged by ABS-CBN since the pandemic forced the world to a standstill from March 2020, and there is a shared excitement felt worldwide, as global audiences get ready for “1MX Dubai” and “1MX Manila” happening on December 3, 2021.


At the recent global media conference held for the back-to-back music extravaganza, press and bloggers from different regions around the world had a very spirited exchange during the Q&A, a sign that the public has been yearning for a live show from their longtime favorite artists and from the fast-rising new performers.

Nino Llanera of MYX (top right) with AC Bonifacio (top left) and (bottom L-R) Edward Barber and BGYO.

Moira dela Torre shares that there was so much fear since the pandemic. She adds that “We didn’t even know if this day was going to come, but here we are, elevated and filled with hope. And I am so excited to see our Kapamilyas in Dubai.”

For many of the artists, the past 20 months have given them much to reflect on, to be grateful for, and time to hone their craft further.

Bamboo (right) shares with Lambert Parong of Balitang New York (left) lessons from the pandemic and how he continues to create music.

Pinoy rock icon, Bamboo, says that the pandemic has made him more appreciative of a lot of things in life. Right now, he wants to “reclaim what we have lost. It’s been a couple of years and I think it’s time we got back on track as a people and as a country, as well. So, game on.”

Music is also an important way to convey the realities of life. According to rapper-composer Kritiko, “Pag gumagawa ako ng kanta, gusto ko maiba ako sa lahat. Gusto ko sabihin yung totoong nangyayari pero hindi kaya sabihin ng iba. Ako po yung nagiging boses nila.” (When I write songs, I want to be different. I want to show what is happening in real life that others cannot express. I get to be their voice.)

Filipino American rapper EZ Mil asserts that one must cultivate new ideas all the time. He says, “Everybody is scrolling through their phones trying to look for something new. So, if you have an idea that is so out of the box or NBD – never been done – go for it.”

Albert Bataclan of TFC News (top left) asks AC Bonifacio (top right) and EZ Mil (bottom) about the mentoring process among the veteran musicians towards the younger performers in preparation for the show.

Filipino artists continue to innovate, not just for Filipino audiences, but for the rest of the world. Bamboo underlines the importance of bringing Filipino music through 1MX Dubai and 1MX Manila to feel that sense of community in the world. “We’re going to give a piece of ourselves for this show. We are trying to boost spirits up, especially in this time of the holidays. It’s time to get people ready again, our hearts pumping again.”

Catch Bamboo, Moira dela Torre, EZ Mil, Gigi de Lana, BINI, and BGYO at 1MX Dubai 2021.

Featured artists for 1MX Manila 2021 are: AC Bonifacio, Angela Ken, Carlo Bautista, Fana, Jayda, Jeremy G, Kritiko, Lian Kyla, Nameless Kids, Sab, and Trisha Denise.

Do not miss this back-to-back music fest: 1MX Dubai 2021 happening at the Trade Centre Arena in Dubai World Trade Centre; and 1MX Manila 2021 streaming LIVE worldwide (except UAE) via ktx.ph.

1MX Dubai 2021 and 1MX Manila 2021 are brought to you by TFC, ABS-CBN Music, One Music PH, and Myx, together with DJMC Events, Camella Homes, and Philippine Airlines.

Tickets are still available at ktx.ph. Click here to watch the full global media conference.
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November 29, 2021

PhilStagers goes to the movies with Katips

In a very appropriate time while the Philippines is nearing its national elections in 2022, we are constantly reminded to check a candidate's personal, educational and political background so that we can choose wisely in the polls. We are also being fed with lots of information from history to check if we have learned something, whether it's a mistake or an achievement that made us who we are today.


Vince Tanada and the ensemble of Katips Movie

PhilStager's Films and director Vince Tañada gives us the movie version of Katips -- a musical play that narrates the life of students and activists during Martial Law. Students have displayed their strong will fighting for human rights and against tyranny during the Marcos era. They also have been the subject to military oppression and torture that is unimaginable to this day. If today's generations speaks about being woke, Vince Tañada and the rest of the cast who have experienced that era are all willing to testify and oppose what might undesirable thing would happen in the future if an unfit candidate will be declared in the position.


Katips' storyline is a mixture of emotions at the same time trying to inform audiences about history. And the creative team of Katips and PhilStagers ensured that the story reaches out the right audience to understand the message. While it was a depressing time for the students during Martial Law, it also gives a message of hope, truth and a call for unity and justice.

Katips is 2016 Best Musical Performance in the Aliw Awards that year. This year, it is joined by actors and displaced artists who have the same objective and have put great efforts to give a strong message in protection of freedom. Cast includes Jerome Ponce, Vince Tañada, Mon Confiado, Johnrey Rivas, Lou Veloso, Nicole Laurel Asensio, Adelle Ibarrientos, Sachzna Laparan, Joshua Bulot, Vean Olmedo, Carla Lim, Patricia Ismael, Dexter Doria, Afi Africa, OJ Arci, Ricky Brioso, and Liam Tanare. With guests Dindo Arroyo, JP Lopez, Bernard Laxa and Nelson Mendoza.
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November 26, 2021

First Pinoy-original musical STILL now on Viu

Stuck in a camp while the world is being shut down by the pandemic, a group of artists explore their creativity through music and art. That's what the new all-original Pinoy-series STILL offers that's now streaming on Viu.


Leading the campers are estranged best friends Laura, always the relentless dreamer who fights for herself, for the people she loves and for the limelight (played by Julie Anne San Jose, Asia’s limitless star), and Sab, the voiceless writer who wants to follow her dreams but can’t (played by Gab Pangilinan, Philippine theater princess). The two instantly become friends with veteran camper Iggy (Mike Shimamoto), always ‘the happy pill’ Tugs (Abe Autea) and tired-but-still-a-fighter Leigh (Lance Reblando). Along with their mentors Nikolas (Christian Bautista, Asia’s romantic balladeer) and Annette (Bituin Escalante, veteran stage and concert singer), the campers’ lives and stories intertwine through powerful and poignant music. Through song and stage, they hope and rage to prove to the world that they still have a voice – that they still matter.


STILL was created by Palanca-awardee Pat Valera, who is known for award-winning shows Dekada ‘70 the Musical and Mula Sa Buwan. Theater industry greats Giancarlo Abrahan and Nicco Manalo co-created the series with Valera. On the director’s chair is Treb Monteras II of the internationally-acclaimed rap musical Respeto. Multi-awarded screenwriter, director, producer and editor Monster Jimenez produced the series.

We can also listen to the show’s 13 original songs performed by the country’s best talents via Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Tidal.

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“Christmas Without You” lyrics - Nicole Laurel-Asensio

When was the last time 
I saw you? 
Was it April? 
Or June? Or May? 
I can’t believe a year went by
and not a single day 
I don’t think about you 
by my side. 
It’s getting cold outside 


Waiting for a sign 
on the darkest night
A single star burns bright
I’ll light another candle coz it’s 
Christmas time 
I hear the sleighbells chime 
And it reminds me  
Of your misty eyes 
When you waved goodbye
and you told me: 
“Baby it ain’t Christmas time without you.”
Pulling out the tinsel 
and wrappers
Hanging stockings up 
the way you like 
I’m thinking of you tonight 
Have you been 
naughty or nice? 
Should i wait up 
by the fireside? 
On the busy streets  
Where midnight lovers meet 
Wherever you may be 
Know that your heart’s with me 
I’ll leave the mistletoe up coz 
It’s Christmas time 
I hear the sleighbells chime 
And it reminds me  
Of your misty eyes 
When you waved goodbye
and you told me: 
“Baby it ain’t Christmas time without you.”
Baby it ain’t Christmas time without you! 
baby, it ain’t Christmas time without you! 
And I’ve been really tryin’ to 
Shake off all the blues
And I still do some things the way we used to do, ooh oooh 
‘coz I miss you—I miss the way we used to kiss forever, 
Mix & Match our Sweaters
All I really wish for is to see you once again
Baby, you know it ain’t Christmas without you
Baby ah, it ain’t Christmas without you 
Baby, Oh I Can’t imagine Christmas without you.

MUSIC: Nicole Laurel Asensio
LYRICS: Nicole Laurel Asensio and Sam Akins

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November 25, 2021

Get your Christmas baskets from Netflix

Don't we all just love the holidays? From November 25 - December 6, Netflix gives away special gift baskets themed with your favorite Netflix shows this year. It comes with different goodies and merch that you can enjoy during the holidays.

Available Nov 25-26 - The Gganbu Basket inspired from Squid Game

Nov 27-28 - I Louvre Basket from Emily in Paris

Nov 29-30 - Bentesingko Basket inspired from Trese

December 1-2 - Merry Christmas (As a Friend) from My Amanda

December 3-4 - Bili Ciao from La Casa De Papel

December 5-6 - Most Wanted from Red Notice

For a chance to get one, just log in to www.netflixnochebuena.com and click on the Learn More button in every slide. Fill up the form. There are limited baskets up for grabs sot it is a game of luck. Always check your e-mail if you've been part of Santa's list.

Terms & Conditions:
  1. The Netflix Noche Buena website is open from 1:00 to 6:00PM until December 6, 2021.\

  2. Complete the order form correctly. (Mahirap na, baka mapunta sa iba.)

  3. Only one basket per address and mobile number. (Sharing is caring!)

  4. The baskets are not for resale.

  5. One hundred fifty (150) baskets are available for order each day.

  6. The delivery of the baskets will begin on December 13.

  7. The baskets may contain perishable items. Please refrigerate them upon receipt.

  8. All personal information you provide is kept confidential and is protected under the Data Privacy Act.

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WATCH: Creating the horror in Malignant

Check out the 2 featurettes as James Wan creates this new hell-raising world in Malignant now showing in cinemas.


In the film, Madison is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities.



New Line Cinema Presents, In Association With Starlight Media Inc. and My Entertainment Inc., An Atomic Monster Production, a James Wan Film, “Malignant,” is now showing in Philippine cinemas and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
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