Sonic the Hedgehog 3 gets 96% Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Plus, two Robotniks are better than one! Watch Jim Carrey play two roles in the “Two Robotniks” featurette

Jim Carrey and Jim Carrey in Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Moviegoers have spoken, and they love Sonic the Hedgehog 3!

The latest big-screen adventure of Team Sonic has earned a 96% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which opened in the US December 20, has so far earned upwards of $230 million at the global box office. It opens in Philippine cinemas January 15.

Reviews from critics have also been mostly positive. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” currently holds a Fresh 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, higher than its two predecessors.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is way better than it has a right to be: as a video game adaptation, as a threequel, as a family-friendly movie coming out [on Christmas season],” wrote RogerEbert.com, which also praised Jim Carrey for “giving not one but two gleefully deranged performances that harken to his rubber-faced comedic greatness of three decades ago.”

Find out more about Jim Carrey’s evil genius performance of the two Robotniks in this “Double Your Villain” featurette:
Forbes magazine also enjoyed the film, saying “it’s fun, it’s silly, it’s visually different enough and interesting enough to look good on a big screen, and most important of all it has Jim Carrey providing not one but two performances inspired enough and funny enough to make it worth watching the whole movie.”

“Clever jokes, a noticeable reverence for the source material, and some fantastic antagonists make the Blue Blur’s latest race an entertaining ride from start to finish,” raved Collider.com.

Variety was also impressed. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is wired-up synthetic fun,” they wrote. “It’s a trivial kiddie flick that moves at the speed of your mind playing video games. Video-game films seldom have that quality – they tend to be overproduced and lugubrious. But Sonic 3 gives hyperactivity a good name. Jeff Fowler, who directed all three of these movies, is a quicker and wittier flimflam magician of energy than he was when he made the first Sonic in 2020.”

Jim Carrey with director Jeff Powler on the set of Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen in his most thrilling adventure yet in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opens in Philippine cinemas January 15, 2025.

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Our 5 favorite things at Fantasy World in SM City Masinag

When you have a toddler, it’s important to give them opportunities to play and socialize with other kids. This is why interactive and educational playrooms are a blessing—they provide children with a space to move, explore, and satisfy their curiosity about the world around them.

We were recently invited to check out the newly opened Fantasy World Playground at SM City Masinag. I brought my niece along to experience it firsthand and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and activities. Located on the 3rd floor near SM Cinemas, this playground is designed for kids and even adults to create memorable bonding moments. Let me share the top five areas where my niece spent most of her time:

1. Ball Pit
Who doesn’t love a pool filled with colorful balls? This area is covered in soft plastic balls, creating a fun and safe space for kids to dive into, roll around, and swim through. It’s a classic favorite that never fails to bring joy.

2. Slides
Fantasy World offers a variety of slides to suit different preferences. There’s a swirling slide, a wide slide, and the tallest one—a wavy slide that ends with a splash into the ball pit. I even tried the wavy slide myself, and the speed makes it an exhilarating experience.

3. Inside Out Core Memory Machine
This area reminds me of the "core memory" machine from the movie Inside Out. Kids can grab balls from the ball pit, drop them into the machine, and watch as they are pushed through different pipes by air, only to emerge at another point. It’s mesmerizing and endlessly entertaining—I found myself spending a lot of time here too!

4. Market
The market setup is a mini world of fruits, vegetables, and desserts where kids can pretend to shop and prepare food. It’s a clever way to introduce concepts of food hygiene and basic cooking skills in a playful and engaging manner.

5. Sandcastles and Lego
This area encourages kids to unleash their creativity by building mini worlds with colorful bricks and synthetic sand. It’s a great activity to foster their imagination and fine motor skills.

Other Features
Fantasy World also offers a trampoline, a robot arena, a zombie attack VR game, obstacle courses, and more. If you get hungry or thirsty after all the exploring, there’s an on-site Momoyo stand that sells refreshments such as coffee and fruit-based beverages.

The staff and guides are always attentive, ensuring the safety of the children. For instance, in the pebble area, they place cotton in kids’ ears to prevent any small objects from getting in. Anti-slip socks are also provided to minimize the risk of slipping or injuries.

Entrance Fees
Here are the entrance fees for Fantasy World Playground:

• Php 300 per kid with a guardian - 1.5 hours on weekdays (Php 350 on weekends and holidays)
• Php 400 per kid with a guardian - 3 hours on weekdays (Php 450 on weekends and holidays)
• Php 100 for each additional guardian
• Php 100 per hour for extensions
• Php 50 for socks
• Php 35 for water

Fantasy World Playground is an excellent place for kids to have fun, learn, and socialize in a safe and stimulating environment. It’s also a great spot for families to spend quality time together. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit!

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This Holiday Season, GO NATURAL With PascualLab’s PELARGO!

One of the pioneers in herbal medicine unveils its newest natural health product this colds season.

Say goodbye to sniffles and hello to wellness! Pascual Laboratories, one of the Philippines’ top pharmaceutical companies, introduces PELARGO—a natural solution to help ease common cold symptoms and keep you feeling your best this holiday season.

PascualLab, one of the pioneers in phyto or plant-based medicines in the Philippines​ and home of the no. 1 natural cough remedy Ascof Lagundi,¹ C-Lium Fibre and other natural-based offerings now comes PELARGO, derived from the Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root.

For centuries, the root of Pelargonium sidoides DC. or South African geranium has been used for the treatment of common colds in South Africa and in Europe.²

It helps relieve cold symptoms such as: Nasal Congestion Runny Nose Sneezing Headache

Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root (PELARGO) works as a natural decongestant that loosens mucus and hastens its flow.²

Research results from 5 clinical trials involving 833 adults show that Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root extract consistently demonstrated efficacy, lessening the severity and shortening the duration of cold symptoms.²

So for relief from common cold symptoms especially this holiday season, #GoNaturalWithPelarGo! #BTS #BreakTheSipon

PelarGo is available in Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Rose Pharmacy outlets nationwide and at PascualLab’s official Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok stores. 

Shopee: https://tinyurl.com/shopeepelargo
Lazada: https://tinyurl.com/pelargo-lazada
TiktokShop:https://tinyurl.com/tiktokpelargo

IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.

Sources:
1 IQVIA data as of 2024
2. Moyo, Mack and Van Staden, Johannes. Medicinal properties and conservation of Pelargonium sidoides DC. In https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7127097/ Accessed October 2024.

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James Gunn's "Superman," starring David Corenswet, teaser trailer is up! Opens in cinemas July 9, 2025

On July 9, it begins. “Superman,” from director James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, only in cinemas 2025.

“Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.

DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).

David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent

Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner

Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl

Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific

“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with editors Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”), Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Flash”) and William Hoy (“The Batman”).

“Superman” will be in theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 9, 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Theater Luminaries and Rising Stars collide in The Sandbox Collective’s NEXT TO NORMAL

On the heels of its 10th Anniversary season, The Sandbox Collective opens its 2nd decade with the Tony Award-winning musical NEXT TO NORMAL in February 2025. The show explores themes of love, loss, illness, grief, and the intricacies of the family dynamics.

The cast will feature Shiela Valderrama and Nikki Valdez alternating in the role of the matriarch Diana Goodman. A singer and an artist, Nikki makes her return to theater with Next To Normal. She is known for her iconic roles in ‘Ang Tanging Ina’ film franchise and was recently awarded a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the film ‘Family Matters.’ She also makes her theater return after her acclaimed performance in 9Works Theatrical’s ‘The Wedding Singer.’ Actress, singer and host Shiela was last seen on stage as Erzulie in 9WT’s ‘Once On This Island’. A Gawad Buhay and Aliw Award winner, she has played countless roles spanning over three decades, most recently being Sita in ‘Rama Hari,’ and Fosca in ‘Passion.’

Nikki Valdez and Shiela Valderrama

Alternating in the role of the husband Dan are OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena. A multimedia artist, Floyd’s resume boasts a wealth of work in theater, television and film. He is a Philstage Gawad Buhay nominee for his featured performance in ‘Sandosenang Sapatos.’ OJ is the resident tenor of the country's premiere vocal group, The Company. An Awit Award recipient for Best New Male Recording Artist with several albums under his belt, OJ is also a Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee for his performance in ‘Rama Hari.’

OJ Mariano and Floyd Tena

Playing the perfect daughter Natalie Goodman are Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay. Jam is a singer-songwriter and multi-faceted theater artist whose recent credits include ‘Bar Boys: A New Musical,’ ‘Virgin Labfest 19: Pintog’s Sa Babaeng Lahat,’ ‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal,’ ‘Ardor,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo.’ Sheena is a singer, dancer, actress and Star Magic. She has appeared in the various shows such as Lyric and Beat, ASAP Natin ‘To, and It’s Showtime, of which she served as a host in the Showtime Online Universe. Sheena’s recent theater credits include the musicals ‘One More Chance’ and ‘Tabing Ilog.’

Sheena Belarmino and Jam Binay

The elusive Gabe Goodman will be played by Vino Mabalot and Benedix Ramos. Vino is an up-and-coming theater actor and talent under Star Magic, renowned for his compelling performances. A graduate of the Ateneo De Manila University, his recent projects include ‘Batang Rizal,’ ‘Dekada 70,’ and ‘Tabing Ilog,’ among others. Benedix is an actor, singer-songwriter, commercial model, host, and content creator managed by Star Hunt/Star Magic ABS-CBN. A vibrant talent in theater, his recent theater credits include ‘Bar Boys,’ ‘Tabing Ilog,’ and ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo,’ to name a few.

Benedix Ramos and Vino Mabalot

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso will share the role of Henry, the boy who falls in love with Natalie. Omar, a distinguished actor and singer under Star Magic, has graced both the stage and screen with his versatile talent. Celebrated for his roles in musicals like ‘Mula sa Buwan’ and ‘Ibong Adarna,’ he also shone in ‘Bar Boys.’ A sought after theater actor, Davy’s credits for 2024 include: ‘Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical,’ ‘I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change,’ (male swing) and ‘Othello.’ In 2022, he was a soloist and member of the ensemble in Musikal II, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 53rd Anniversary Gala.

Omar Uddin and Davy Narciso

Playing the role of the psychiatrist Dr. Madden is Jef Flores. An award-winning actor and musician, Jef is known for his nuanced performances in theater and independent films. His theater credits include 9WT’s ‘Musikal nAPO’, The Sandbox Collective’s ‘Himala: Isang Musikal,’ ‘This Is Our Youth,’ and most recently, 9WT’s ‘Once On This Island.’

Jef Flores

At the helm of the production and directing the show is The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director, Toff De Venecia, Joining him are Ejay Yatco as musical director, Stephen Viñas as choreographer, Mark Daniel Dalacat as Production Designer/Associate Director, Elliza Dawn Aurelio as Hair & Make Up Designer, Jonas Garcia as dramaturg, Serena Magiliw as Intimacy Coach, Gabo Tolentino as Lighting Designer, Aji Manalo as Sound Designer/Engineer, and Francisco Miguel Yabut as Technical Director.

The Sandbox Collective’s Next to Normal will open in February 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater. The musical will be directed by Sandbox’s managing artistic director Toff de Venecia, with musical direction by Ejay Yatco, music by Tom Kitt, and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.

Making its Broadway debut in 2009, Next to Normal has been credited with launching the discussion of mental health in mainstream theater, winning three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). New York, NY, USA. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and our social media platforms below:

www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective
www.instagram.com/thesandboxco
www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

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LG brings Amazon MGM Studio's holiday blockbuster Red One, now streaming on Prime Video, to LG customers

Gifting customers the ultimate cinematic experience right at home

LG Electronics (LG) announced that LG customers will now be able to stream the action-packed film of the 2024 Christmas season – Red One. Red One will be available to all customers with a Prime membership, streaming on LG Smart TVs in over 200 countries. Red One is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Seven Bucks Productions, The Detective Agency and Chris Morgan Productions.

Available exclusively on Prime Video from today and starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, and J.K Simmons, Red One brings new levels of holiday entertainment, best experienced on LG TVs.

After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

To celebrate the Red One release, LG and Prime Video are offering a first look at Red One through a series of jointly developed visuals presented on the LG.com website, in addition to online and offline sales outlets and the company’s digital billboards in London’s Piccadilly Circus and New York City’s Times Square, the latter featuring an anamorphic, three-dimensional teaser that gives passers by a taste of the film’s fast-paced thrills.

As part of this partnership, LG sponsored Red One’s US premiere, which was held at New York City’s iconic Lincoln Center in November. The premiere featured LG TVs displayed throughout the grand venue to give attendees and celebrities the opportunity to immerse themselves in the ultimate viewing experience.

The latest LG TV models deliver a cinematic, immersive experience at home, powered by industry-leading technologies. Dolby Vision® brings scenes to life in detail and clarity, while Dolby Atmos® creates a multidimensional audio experience, with sound that moves around the viewer to make them feel at the centre of the action. LG TVs also feature FILMMAKER MODETM , which helps to preserve creative integrity by presenting films the way the director intended, allowing viewers to experience Red One just as director Jake Kasdan envisioned.

Reinforcing the company's Life's Good promise, LG customers will enjoy a premium viewing experience on LG TVs, including the company's market leading OLED display , which delivers realistic and immersive viewing thanks to self-lit pixel technology.

“At LG, we’re inspired by how innovation can enrich everyday life, creating meaningful moments at home” said Chris Jo, senior vice president of the platform business at LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. “Our commitment is to help people find joy in the everyday and make lasting memories with family and friends, all while enjoying an exceptional viewing experience.

Our collaboration with Prime Video is essential to delivering the latest and best in entertainment, allowing LG customers to experience premium content directly through our TVs. We’re thrilled for LG customers to enjoy this season’s must-see Christmas blockbuster, Red One, thanks to our valued content partnership.”

“At Prime Video, we are constantly seeking out new and innovative ways to showcase our content to our global customers” said Sandhya Iyer, Global Head of Distribution and Partnerships for Prime Video.

"Thanks to our long-standing relationship with LG, we can continue to delight our mutual customers by creating immersive experiences off-screen through our marketing partnerships and on screen through the Prime Video app on LG Smart TVs.”

Following the theatrical launch of Red One in cinemas, the blockbuster film is now available to stream on Prime Video.

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Festive Celebrations at The Manila Hotel

This holiday season The Manila Hotel invites guests to embrace a festive experience that blends cherished traditions with modern flair. This year, the hotel presents a delightful array of holiday offers designed to spread joy and create lasting memories.

Café Ilang-Ilang’s Festive Buffet
Celebrate the season with an indulgent international buffet at Café Ilang-Ilang. Whether it’s Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day, diners can enjoy a culinary experience befitting the festive spirit. Prices start at Php 5,000 nett per person for lunch or dinner buffet.

Chic Celebration at the Champagne Room
Savor the holidays with an exquisite culinary experience. Indulge in a special lunch and dinner set menu on December 24 and 25, 2025, priced at Php 5,500 nett per person, featuring a choice of Oven Roasted Gindara Fillet, Grilled U.S. Beef Tenderloin, or Sous Vide Turkey Breast in Truffle Cream as the main course. On New Year’s Eve, delight in a lavish dinner buffet for Php 7,850 nett per person. On January 1, 2025, celebrate the New Year with a luxurious set menu priced at Php 6,000 nett per person, offering main course option like Oven Roasted Sea Bass, Roast Lamb Rack in Herb Crumble, Grilled Angus Rib Eye, or Grilled Kurobuta Pork Cutlet.

Red Jade’s Joyful Feast
Guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic journey through the rich flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine at Red Jade. This holiday offering features a sumptuous set menu, ideal for sharing with family and friends. Available for lunch and dinner on December 24, 25, 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025, the festive set menus, are priced atPhp 3,888 nett per person, with a minimum of four diners per table.

Festive Merrymaking at Tap Room and Lobby Lounge
Bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with a Tapas Buffet and Beer celebration. Guests can enjoy unlimited tapas paired with two glasses of local beers or non-alcoholic drinks for Php 3,550 nett per person.Tapas selection includes a spread of assorted cold cuts, cocktail sausages, cheese board, ceviche shooters, Italian mortadella sliders, Spanish croquetas with jamon, Swedish meatballs in mushroom sauce, and crema catalana, among others. Available at Tap Room on December 31, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Special Festive Menu at Lobby Lounge
From December 1, 2024 to January 6, 2025, excluding New Year’s Eve, the Lobby Lounge unveils its special festive menu featuring a selection of holiday-inspired a la carte dishes such as Turkey Fricassee in Mushroom Cream Sauce, Smoked Ham-Turkey Breast-Edam Cheese, Filipino-Style Christmas Ham, and Gingerbread Blondie Cookies. Available from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, the menu offers something for everyone, making it an ideal venue for gatherings with family, friends, or colleagues.

Delicatessen Holiday Treats
The Delicatassen offers a tempting assortment of festive goodies, including wreath-shaped macarons, fruitcake, stolen bread, pralines, and Santa Claus themed chocolates. Perfect as gifts or personal indulgences, these treats add a touch of sweetness to the season. Available until January 5, 2025.

Sip into the Season
Raise a toast to the holidays with specialty drinks crafted to evoke the spirit of the season: Lotus Biscoff Frappe, a creamy blend of spiced Lotus Biscoff and smooth frappe; White Chocolate with Mocha, perfect for those seeking something sweet and luxurious; Frozen Spiced Chai, a creamy, spiced brew with gentle vanilla notes; and Christmas S’mores Cocktail, a mix of chocolatey marshmallow flavors of s’mores reminiscent of campfire memories. Available at Tap Room, Lobby Lounge, and Pool Bar until January 31, 2025, holiday beverages are priced at Php 320 each.

In-Room Dining Menu
For a more intimate celebration, The Manila Hotel’s In-Room Dining service offers specially curated holiday menus available from December 20, 2024 to January 2, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For Php 2,650 nett, guests can choose between two delectable options—a menu that includes all-time favorite Roast Turkey and Pork Barbecue Ribs, or a menu including Filipino staples Chicken Inasal and Lechon Baboy. Each order is good for 2 persons.

Countdown to 2025
Revel in live entertainment, a dazzling ambiance, and festive décor that set the stage for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. The Manila Hotel’s countdown party at the Grand Lobby promises an evening filled with vibrant performances by Manileños and the company of loved ones as guests welcome 2025 in style.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500 local 1261-1264, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. For more information, visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

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