Director Adam Wingard Returns to Helm and Raises the Stakes in "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

See the combined forces of Kong and Godzilla like never before in the ultimate titan team-up, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Kong’s journey to find his family leads to an undiscovered layer of Hollow Earth, and with it, the most dangerous threat to mankind yet.

Given the success of the previous film, the epic monster mash Godzilla vs. Kong, director, story writer and executive producer Adam Wingard decided to go another route for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. “I remember even as we were completing the last movie, that was the thing in the back of my mind. ‘Where do you go from here?’,” he says. “The characters—now that they’ve fought together, they’ve been in movies together—it’s pretty hard to imagine doing another movie without them. Once you put Godzilla and Kong together you can’t take them apart, but they’re never gonna get along really all that well. They both have too big of egos, and so what’s fun about them is that even when they do team-up, there’s always gonna be this sort of uneasy truce to it all,” he explains further, talking about what kind of relationship audiences will expect between the Titans.

As their relationship changes, audiences can look forward to Godzilla and Kong going through their own evolution as well. “In Godzilla vs. Kong, it was really important to me to make sure that there was continuity between the other movies—that Godzilla felt like the Godzilla that we had established in the Monsterverse, and Kong also felt like the same character. But for me, I was looking forward to having my opportunity to update the character, to give him a new look, and I didn’t want it to just be something that was just a random thing,” Wingard says, explaining his vision for the Titans’ updated look. “I wanted it to be driven by the story, and so I knew even at the early development phases, that I wanted to give Godzilla a new look, but I wanted to make sure that it was also motivated by something going on in the movie and that we would actually see the evolution happen within the film.”

The reason for the legendary team-up between the two Titans? A mysterious, powerful new villain: Skar King. “When you have a movie called Godzilla x Kong, you can’t just have another run-of-the-mill kind of situation for them to be in. You have to come up with something that is going to require a team to take it down,” says Wingard about how Skar King is going to shake things up for the duo. “Because of the humanity within Kong’s character, we were able to come up with a villain like the Skar King—it opened the door where we could tell that same ‘evil side of humanity’ story, but from the monster perspective, and that means creating an even bigger threat that the Skar King is in control of. In the way that humans have armies and weapons of mass destruction, the Skar King’s got his version of that, and it’s gonna take all the hero monsters in the world to band together to be able to stop him.”

Finally, Wingard talks about what people can expect in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, being inspired by the monster movies of old. “[Because] ultimately, I wanted to make not just another Monsterverse film, but a thrill ride like you’ve never seen before. I wanted it to be a mic drop moment for monster movies. Whatever kind of movies I make in the future, as far as monsters go, I want this to say everything, and I want to be able to walk away knowing that we did everything… and the kitchen sink!”

Get ready for the ultimate monster movie as Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire storms into Philippine cinemas on March 30.

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A bellycious adventure awaits Po in Kung Fu Panda 4

Po the Dragon Warrior is back with a new adventure!

In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

“When Po steps into the shoes of Spiritual Leader, you get to see his whole internal struggle,” says Black, who himself steps back into Po’s shoes almost a decade after the third film. “He has the Staff of Wisdom, but he’s scratching his head wondering if he knows anything about wisdom at all. This chapter is like Po’s mid-kung fu-life crisis. More wisdom, fewer dumplings, but the same lovable Po.”

It’s the same lovable Po but in an entirely new adventure. “The Kung Fu Panda world continually evolves and expands,” DreamWorks Animation President Margie Cohn says. “Of all the journeys Po has been on, this story is his most emotional and exciting. As Po faces new challenges and characters like Zhen [played by Awkwafina], and the most menacing opponent the Valley of Peace has ever seen in The Chameleon, this film takes him, and in turn the audience, on a fantastical new adventure.”

Ensuring the continued success of this monumental franchise required the expertise of a director deeply immersed in its essence. Enter Mike Mitchell, a seasoned director with an impressive repertoire that includes iconic franchises Shrek and Trolls, and contributions to all the previous Kung Fu Panda films.

“My goal in any franchise, especially my favorites, is to remind everyone of what made the first film great,” Mitchell says. “Kung Fu Panda has a timeless quality, and we wanted to emphasize that. We wanted to infuse even more action, pushing boundaries with new camera techniques not explored in animation before. Think of cool GoPro-style action, typically seen in live-action films. We aimed to bring that dynamic energy into the animated world, and what better canvas than a Kung Fu Panda film? Our aim was to create the biggest and best installment of this franchise, with a grander scale, more humor and the best action yet.”

A spark in all of us
A lot of that action is thanks to all the trouble caused by this installment’s formidable new villain Chameleon, voiced by Oscar winner Viola Davis, who attributes the franchise’s enduring popularity to its characters being reluctant heroes. “I think that sparks something in all of us,” Davis says. “Po doesn’t necessarily look like a warrior, but it sparks the imagination and allows the viewer to envision what they can become. It feels great to be part of this group now. I’ve always wanted to do an animated movie, and with this film, I felt like the right character and the right group of people found me, and I’m just happy to be in their company.”

For Awkwafina (voice of Zhen), another newcomer to the franchise, joining the Kung Fu Panda family holds personal significance. “It means a lot to me because this isn’t just an animated franchise, it’s a beloved world that’s resonated with audiences for so many years. And being able to contribute to a film that pays homage to the beauty of Chinese culture adds an extra layer of personal significance.”

A must-watch for the entire family, Kung Fu Panda 4, also featuring the voices of Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan and distributed by Universal Pictures International, now in cinemas.

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Korean thriller Exhuma unveils new trailer

What lies beneath the grave? Find out when Exhuma, the hit thriller that broke box office records in Korea on its opening weekend, opens in Philippine cinemas March 20. 

Exhuma, starring Choi Min-Shik, Kim Go-Eun, Yoo Hae-Jin and Lee Do-Hyun, 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. Watch the new trailer.

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.

Exhuma opens in Philippine cinemas on March 20, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

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Cinema Under the Stars by Club Vihara: A Magical Evening of Film and Nature

Amiya Raya, nestled amidst the tranquil hills of San Mateo, Rizal, is set to host a truly enchanting event on March 9, 2024, at 3 PM - "Cinema Under the Stars" by Club Vihara. What makes this event even more remarkable is that it's open to the public, offering a unique fusion of film and nature free of charge.

As the sun begins its descent, attendees can gather atop the scenic grounds of Amiya Raya to enjoy a curated selection of films that celebrate the beauty of the outdoors. From timeless classics to contemporary gems, the lineup promises something for everyone to savor, without any admission fee.

Surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the soothing melody of nature, guests are transported into a realm where the boundaries between reel and reality blur. Families and friends are encouraged to come together, share laughter, and revel in the simple joys of being in each other's company, all while enjoying the magic of cinema under the vast expanse of the night sky.

Amiya Raya, with its panoramic views and lush landscapes, provides the perfect backdrop for this cinematic experience. Attendees can lounge on blankets or recline in chairs, soaking in the beauty of their surroundings as they indulge in the magic of the silver screen. It's a celebration of film, nature, and the power of community, open to all who wish to partake in this unforgettable evening under the stars.

Register by emailing sales@amiyaraya.com.ph or message Club Vihara and Amiya Raya through their official social media pages.

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Get hired on the spot at the SM Job Fair 2024 at SM Cherry Antipolo

SM Cherry Antipolo is gearing up to host the highly anticipated SM Job Fair on March 4, 2024, by providing a platform for job seekers to connect with potential employers and explore exciting career opportunities.

This one-day event at the 3 rd level of SM Cherry Antipolo, organized in collaboration with the Antipolo Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Antipolo City Government, will see the participation of 22 companies across various industries. With over 1000 job openings available, the job fair seeks to equip individuals seeking employment to improve their livelihood and personal success as well as companies scouting the best fit of candidates.

Jobseekers can expect to find openings in various fields, including retail, food and beverage, business process outsourcing (BPO), customer service, sales and marketing, construction, housekeeping, finance, logistics, and many more.

So, come prepared, be prompt, and apply for job opportunities available at the SM Job Fair 2024 at SM Cherry Antipolo.

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March 2024 movies

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

March 6 - Kung Fu Panda 4 (Universal Pictures International)
After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. But first, Po needs to learn more about the position, find and train his replacement, and stop the wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Viola Davis) from re-summoning all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. In the quest to protect the Valley of Peace, Po and his new ally, a crafty, quick-witted corsac fox named Zhen (Awkwafina), Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.

March 13 - Spy x Family Code: White (Encore Films)
After learning that his cover as a family man for Operation Strix is at risk, Loid Forger, AKA Agent Twilight, tries to prevent his impending replacement by helping Anya win a cooking competition at Eden Academy. This sets them on a journey to find the recipe of the school principal’s favorite meal, and on the path of a dangerous series of events that could potentially threaten world peace. Along with Yor Forger, a wonderful wife and mother by day, and renowned assassin Thorn Princess by night, and their faithful family dog Bond, the Forgers try their best to save the world and win Anya’s school contest.

March 13 - Bob Marley: One Love (Paramount Pictures)
BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.

March 20 - Exhuma (Columbia Pictures)
After suffering from serial paranormal events, a wealthy family living in LA summons a young rising shaman duo Hwa Rim and Bong Gil 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 and mortician Yeong Geun. 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. Starring Choi Min-Shik, Yoo Hae-Jin, Kim Go-Eun, and Lee Do-Hyun

March 30 - Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Warner Bros. Pictures)
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. Starring Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Dan Stevens.

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.*

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LG TV Elevates Art Fair Philippines 2024 with Cutting-Edge Display Technology

This February, Art Fair Philippines, the country's most esteemed showcase for modern and contemporary Filipino art, once again transformed The Link in Makati City into a beacon of artistic innovation. Celebrated for spotlighting the vibrant creativity of the Philippine visual arts scene, the 2024 edition of the fair extended its reach beyond borders, that welcomed an eclectic mix of local and international galleries. In this setting of artistic excellence, LG Electronics, celebrated at CES® 2024 for its innovations in display technology, plays a pivotal role through strategic collaborations, showcasing its dedication to the arts.

From February 16 to 18, attendees of Art Fair Philippines 2024 had an immersive experience where technology and creativity intersect. Art enthusiasts saw artworks by Eugenio Ampudia and Alvin Zafra mounted on LG's state-of-the-art QNED and OLED screens that offered unparalleled visual fidelity. This collaboration underscored LG's role in bridging the gap between traditional art forms and the digital age, ensuring every nuance and color envisioned by the artists is faithfully reproduced. Both LG QNED and OLED screens have been awarded as Best TVs of CES 2024.

LG's QNED and OLED technologies redefined the art viewing experience. The QNED screens, with their blend of Quantum Dot and NanoCell technology, feature Mini LED backlighting for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and stunning contrast, enhanced by Precision Dimming Pro+ for unparalleled clarity. Each tiny LED packs into the screen for an explosion of detail and brightness, powered by the α9 Gen5 AI Processor 8K for sharp, lifelike images.

The LG OLED evo screens take visuals to the next level with self-lit pixels that deliver perfect blacks and infinite contrast, ensuring every artwork was shown in its true colors. Brightness Booster, alongside the α9 Gen 5 AI processor, amplifies luminance by up to 20%, while Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro adjusts thousands of screen blocks for more vivid, accurate HDR. Together, LG's QNED and OLED screens offered an immersive, detailed, and vibrant viewing experience that brought digital art to life like never before.

Further elevating the digital art experience, the 7th floor of the fair played host to a dynamic showcase of digital, crypto, and new media artworks, displayed on massive LG QNED and OLED screens. “ArtFairPH/Projects will be located on the 7th floor. The layout will immediately feel different from the gallery floors, and will encourage a sense of discovery. For the first time, we will have quite a few foreign artists presenting for Projects,” Art Fair Philippines’ Lisa Periquet shared. This initiative not only amplified the visibility of digital artists but also illustrated LG's dedication to supporting innovative art mediums that resonate with the tech-savvy and crypto-curious audience. LG's innovative screens also boast the versatility to be installed vertically, catering perfectly to the unique aspect ratios and orientations that contemporary digital artworks often require.

In addition to supporting visual art displays, LG's cutting-edge OLED screens played a crucial role in the fair's educational and cinematic endeavors. The Talks section, an integral part of Art Fair Philippines’ mission to expand art audiences, featured LG OLED screens, which enhanced presentations and discussions with their superior picture quality. Among the projects using LG screens was from Data, an online commissioning platform for artists working with digital media founded by David Gryn. Another work was Be a Tree Now!, a participatory movement that responds to the call for climate justice. The project’s result was a moving multiple-exposure image that resembled a tree’s canopy. Similarly, the “speakeasy” area on the roof deck utilized LG OLED TVs, which provided an exceptional viewing experience that complemented the artistic and narrative depth of the discussions. The space, named NO SHOWING and spearheaded by filmmaker Moira Lang, served as a hangout and breathing space for guests at the fair.

LG's involvement in Art Fair Philippines 2024 was a testament to the brand's belief in the power of art and technology to inspire and engage. "Our partnership with Art Fair Philippines is rooted in a shared vision to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation," stated by LG PH Managing Director Nakhyun Seong. "By integrating our advanced display technologies into this celebrated event, we aim to create unforgettable experiences for art enthusiasts and introduce new dimensions to viewing and appreciating art."

As Art Fair Philippines 2024 showcased the best in Philippine modern and contemporary art, LG Electronics stood at the forefront of this artistic endeavor, bridging the gap between technology and creativity. Visitors to the fair witnessed a fusion of artistic brilliance and technological excellence, marking another milestone in the country's flourishing art scene.

Life’s about more than having the latest technology, rather, it’s about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers consumer electronics through top-of-the-line home entertainment, home appliances, and air solution products that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring “Innovation for a Better Life” nationwide – from Luzon, to Visayas, and Mindanao. For more details, follow LG Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok. LG products are available in all authorized dealers nationwide both in-store and online. Visit lg.com/ph for a complete list of our retail partners. You can also visit LG’s Official Flagship Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

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