Cast of Top Gun: Maverick's intense pilot training

After more than thirty years, the producers of Top Gun: Maverick including Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer felt the need for a sequel. The best aerial movie that inspired a generation is getting a part 2 that will speed to the theaters and IMAX on May 25.

In this behind the scenes featurette of Top Gun: Maverick, cast Tom Cruise (Maverick) suits back up and reviewed his piloting skills together with Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Lewis Pullman, Charles Parnell, Bashir Salahuddin, Monica Barbaro, Jay Ellis, Danny Ramirez, Greg Tarzan Davis with Ed Harris. Assisted by the US Navy and Air Force, the cast went through gruesome aviation training and even a crash course on cinematography. They had experienced flying on the L39s, F18 Super Hornet to give them a feel of flying an aircraft. Watch the video below.

The film is written by Ehren Kruger and Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie, based the characters created by Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie and David Ellison.

Top Gun: Maverick is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/paramountpicsph/

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Viu is the number 1 premium video on demand service in Greater Southeast Asia

With the highest Monthly Active Users in 2021  according to MPA’s AMPD report

-PRESS RELEASE-

Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional OTT video streaming service, announced today that the platform was the number 1 premium video on demand platform in terms of the number of Monthly Average Users (MAUs) in Greater Southeast Asia*, following the latest Media Partners Asia (MPA) AMPD Research report for Q4 2021*, released on March 28. The report revealed that Viu’s MAUs is once again ahead of other major streaming platforms in Greater Southeast Asia and continued to be the highest for all quarters of 2021. The platform also ranked second in both paid subscribers and premium video streaming minutes amongst major video streaming platforms in Greater Southeast Asia in Q4 2021*.

Ms. Helen Sou, Chief Business Officer, Asia, Viu, said, “Viu’s consistent performance in a very competitive region, coupled with our significant growth in monetization in 2021, firmly entrenched Viu as a leading player in this part of the world. Our content has clearly resonated with our Asian audience, and our freemium business model has consistently proven popular with both consumers and ecosystem partners. As the destination of premium Asian content, we will continue to invest in stories that are relevant, from both our expanding content partnerships as well as with Viu Original productions.”

Expanding the focus on original content
In 2021, the Viu Original production strategy proved to be successful in providing differentiation in the markets. Compared to 2020, the top 10 Viu Original titles showed stellar growth of over 94% in video views and an exponential increase of over 200% in video minutes. This helped drive subscriptions by 58% from 5.3 million in 2020, to 8.4 million in 2021.

With the focus on delivering content that has an international appeal and yet is rooted in what is familiar culturally in Asia, Viu Original productions paved the way for newer monetization avenues in non-Viu territories like the Americas and Europe, stretching over 20 platforms worldwide. In addition, within Viu markets, these productions also provide a great opportunity for working with brands on product placements and sponsorships.

Positive reception for local original content in markets such as the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia will see production increase dramatically, with 30 titles slated for release across six languages. Titles that will be released in April and May as part of this plan include the second season of titles Pretty Little Liars and Assalamualaikum Calon Imam, whose respective first seasons were well received not only in Indonesia and Malaysia but also around the region as well.

Thailand will have two highly anticipated titles released in the coming months, including rap musical Wannabe featuring Thailand National Film Association Award winner “Nonkul” Chanon Santinatornkul and veteran Thai Hip Hop artist “Tan” Jawpraya Tanyuk. Close Friend was extremely well received in Thailand too during its first season and returns for a second season at a time where online buzz for the title and the genre is at an all-time high in the country.

Following the success of the Korean Viu Original titles in 2021 such as Now We Are Breaking Up, two Korean Viu Originals are set for release in the upcoming months.

Based on a web novel of the same title, Again My Life will premiere in April starring multiple award-winning actor Lee Joon Gi. Also slated for release in the same month is the romantic comedy From Now On, Showtime! casting award winner Park Hae Jin and is directed by the man behind one of the classic fantasy romantic comedies, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

Viu continues to invest in working with top creative talents in the industry to produce original titles that continue to appeal across the region, cementing its reputation as the hub of the best Korean and Asian content.

Viu-ers can catch these new titles and Viu’s extensive library of fan favourites, First-on-Viu and exclusive titles on the Viu app, which can be downloaded for free on App Store, Google Play, and selected smart TVs, as well as on the web at www.viu.com.

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Amiya Raya homeowners enjoy the fun of Easter Egghunting

A celebration of fun and exciting egg hunting matched with entertaining puppetry, magic and bubble shows, games and egg painting were prepared for the kids and kids at heart at Amiya Raya's Club Vihara. The Easter eggs were hidden in varyings nooks and crannies of the spacious club. While each egg contained a surprise, a number earned the guests egg-stra special prizes.

Club Vihara is Amiya Raya’s amenity center. It offers the perfect venue for private functions and gatherings with its spacious and elegant event halls and expansive balconies with views of the city skyline and Manila Bay sunsets. Also available for those who want to engage in physical activities are the  following: indoor badminton courts, a gym, a boxing ring, a wall climb. The club also features a members’ lounge and game area with billiards, darts, card tables, and a kids’ playroom. Its most breathtaking element, however, is its swimming pool that has a kiddie pool, adult infinity pool, and a pool bar just beside the club’s own Café Vihara.

Be part of the growing community enjoying Amiya Raya's one of  a kind location rising above San Mateo, Rizal. Only a 15-minute drive from the city, making it close to places of interest such as schools, churches, malls, and government offices. It also boasts a 180-degree overlooking view of Metro Manila skyline, breezy atmosphere and zen surroundings that's why owning a unit equates peaceful living at the top.

For inquiries, visit their website www.amiyaraya.com.ph or @AmiyaRayaOfficialPage on Facebook.

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Thor: Love and Thunder teaser trailer released

Something to look forward to in July is the next chapter in the Asgardian god's life in Thor: Love and Thunder. We're still in the Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and I'm getting hyped for this release.

After Avengers: Endgame, Thor wanders around the universe with the Guardians of the Galaxy. He thinks that it may be time to move on from his superhero days and take on a different path. What would you think his purpose in the coming days? Will he leave it and give the responsibility to somebody or stay in power? There is a big character development revealed at the end of this teaser trailer. Watch this.

Jane Foster wields the Mjolnir! We remember that it was destroyed by Hela in Thor: Ragnarok and the scientist makes herself worthy by wielding the power of the hammer and becomes the Mighty Thor herself..

Chris Hemsworth returns as the mighty Thor, getting back in shape, together with the Guardians: Chris Pratt (Starlord), Dave Bautista (Drax), Pom Klementieff (Mantis), Bradley Cooper (Rocket Raccoon), Karen Gillan (Nebula), Tessa Thompson (Valkyrie) and Natalie Portman (Jane Foster). Christian Bale joins the cast as Gorr the God Butcher.

Thor Love And Thunder is a special summer offering of Marvel Studios, directed by Taika Waititi. Coming to theaters, July 8, 2022.

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Kultura's uniquely Filipino summer collection

Whether you're going to the beach, to a picnic or just to relax around the city, Kultura lets you go out in style. This summer, step in to Kultura for fun, stylish and fashionable items that are uniquely Filipino!

Add a touch of the exotic and the elegant to your summer wardrobe with cool caftans and tunics as well as pretty summer dresses. There are also ethnic inspired sarongs and ruffle skirts worn with halter tops that make stylish statements.

Accessorize with Kultura’s statement bracelets and neck pieces to complete your look. There are also beautifully textured unique handmade totes and hats perfect for fun in the sun and beyond.

For men, there are linen tops and tropical print shirts that will keep them cool and casual during sizzling summer days.

Find everything you need for a stylish summer at Kultura. Don’t miss Kultura’s weekly special offers on summer must-haves! The Summer Collection is available at Kultura Stores. You can also shop thru our website: www.kulturafilipino.com or thru Call to Deliver 0917-5174096 / 09676093407. Kultura ships here and abroad.

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Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness character posters

In this 6-poster series of Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, we'll see that our characters are being enclosed in a smoke of the dark magic being unleashed by Wanda (?). Doctor Strange In the Multiverse of Madness opens in Philippine theaters, May 4th - the first from the rest of the world.

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A meaningful Lent and joyful Easter at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel revives pre-pandemic traditions in observance of Lent and to celebrate Easter. With an array of activities for its staycation, dining, and walk-in guests, and even those staying at home, the iconic hotel gives city folk and those who prefer to stay in Metro Manila options for the coming week.

Visita Iglesia 2022
Lenten tradition of Visita Iglesia is a time to commemorate and solemnly celebrate Christ’s passion in prayer and sacrifice. With a stay at the hotel on April 13 and 14, 2022 for a minimum deluxe room rate of only P7,000 nett and suite room rate of only P10,000 nett, guests can register 2 adults and 2 children 12 years old and below to join the Visita Iglesia tour. Walk-in rate for adults is P1,500 nett and 50% off on walk-in rate for children 5 to 12 years old.

Stopping at seven churches, namely:

• Manila Cathedral
• San Agustin Church
• St. Vincent de Paul Church
• Pope Pius XII Church
• St. Pancratius Church
• Malate Catholic Church
• Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guidance

The tour includes round-trip shuttle service, in-vehicle guides, bottled water, and a scheduled snack stop at Marcelino Street Café at The Manila Prince Hotel.

Registration for the Visita Iglesia guided tour is coursed through the hotel’s Front Desk/Reception upon room booking or for walk-in guests. For inquiries and reservation please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

A Bear-y Happy Easter
The popular Easter Egg Hunt is back this year. The Manila Hotel’s in-house guests and those having Easter lunch at Café Ilang-Ilang can register their kids 12 years old and below for the hotel’s Easter activity at the Fiesta Pavilion on April 17, 2022.

Let your kids complete the activities listed in our “A Bear-y Happy Easter” Kiddie Passport on this super fun Easter quest. Let them experience the thrill of finding Easter Eggs at our play area, and even win exciting prizes from the eggs find! Let them join activities like Arts & Crafts, Groovebeats Kiddie Dance workshop, and kiddie ballet; and watch a magic show. The whole family can also get one photo for free at the Family Easter Photo Booth.

To join the Easter Kid Activities, every P5,000 worth of single receipt food bill in Café Ilang-Ilang on Easter Sunday lunch entitles a guest to one (1) complimentary pass (good for one kid with one adult). Additional kid walk-in rate is at P1,500 nett (for one kid with one adult). Discounts are not applicable to the walk-in rate.

For a room bundled with 2 complimentary passes (1 child and 1 adult each pass) to the Easter event, rates start at only P6,000 nett for a deluxe room, which accommodates 2 adults and 2 children ages 12 and below. Overnight package is inclusive of buffet breakfast (for two adults), use of swimming pool and gym facilities.

The Manila Hotel’s A Bear-y Happy Easter event is co-presented by Little Georgia Academy with Kinder City.

Participating major sponsors are Make Believe Productions, Wonder Lab, Royal Artisans, Baby Fourth’s Couture, Star Baby Toy Store, Rhyme Lab Learning Center, S’mores Kit PH and Museo Pambata. Minor sponsors are Absolute Sales, DBE Fruits Trading (distributor of DOLE Fruits), ESV International Corporation, Globalinens Worldwide, Inc., RGL33 Fruits & Vegetable Dealer, SLC Agri Farm Ventures, Inc., Trisha’s Cakes and Pastries, and Werdenberg International.

For more information and reservation, please call 85270011 or email resvn@themanilahotel.com for room bookings, and restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com for dining reservations.

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