Killer Monkey Mayhem: Primate Wins Over Horror Fans with Gnarly Practical Effects

The horror world is going wild for Primate — a blood-soaked, old-school creature feature that made a ferocious splash at Fantastic Fest this September. Directed by Johannes Roberts and starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, the film thrilled horror fans with its gnarly kills and impressive use of practical effects. It opens in Philippine cinemas this January 2026.

Watch the trailer here:

Early festival reactions have been electric. Fans at Fantastic Fest and Beyond Fest raved about the film’s unapologetically brutal approach and its commitment to practical FX over CGI. “Primate does for monkeys what Jaws did for sharks—only with more fur, sharper teeth, and a far greater sense of blood and guts,” wrote Bryan Kluger of Boomstick. The Holo Files called it “Cujo for chimpanzees,” praising its “gnarly kills balanced with hilarious moments.”

Audience reactions echoed the same energy, calling it a wild, crowd-pleasing ride that had entire theaters screaming, laughing, and squirming in their seats. JoBlo highlighted its “shocking kills and crowd-inciting moments,” while According to Seth described it as “pure carnage” and “a reminder never to have a pet monkey.” Cody Leach called it “the most fun I’ve had with an animal attack movie since Lake Placid.”

Primate follows a group of friends whose tropical getaway turns into a primal nightmare when their pet chimpanzee unleashes chaos. What starts as fun in the sun spirals into a bloodbath of survival as the group fights for their lives.

Produced by Walter Hamada and written by Johannes Roberts & Ernest Riera, the film combines old-school monster movie thrills with a wicked sense of humor, making it a standout in the creature feature genre.

Get ready to go bananas when Primate swings into Philippine cinemas in January 2026.

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The Manila Hotel named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards anew

The Manila Hotel once again earns international recognition as it is named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel 2025 at the 32nd World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony, held on October 13, 2025, at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong.

Following its 2024 win, this consecutive victory reaffirms The Manila Hotel’s enduring excellence and its stature as the country’s premier luxury landmark. The World Travel Awards—often regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry”—honor organizations that set new standards of excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality worldwide.

Grand Lobby

Champagne Room

Cafe Ylang-ylang

Accepting the award was Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., President of The Manila Hotel, who expressed deep gratitude for the international recognition.

“To be named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel once is already a distinct honor, but to receive this award for the second consecutive year is truly humbling,” said Atty. Lina. “This recognition belongs to our people—the heart and soul of The Manila Hotel—whose passion and dedication continue to define Filipino hospitality at its finest. For 113 years, The Manila Hotel has stood as a symbol of heritage and excellence, and this honor further inspires us to uphold that legacy as we continue to elevate the experience of our guests.”

A Legacy That Looks Ahead
With this back-to-back win, The Manila Hotel further cements its place as a national icon of heritage and prestige. As it continues to evolve, the hotel remains committed to enhancing every guest experience. Rooted in history, thriving in the present, and focused on the future, The Manila Hotel stands as a living symbol of Filipino pride.

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The Running Man releases new trailer and posters

The stakes are higher than ever in The Running Man — the explosive new thriller from director Edgar Wright, the visionary filmmaker behind Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Shaun of the Dead. Starring Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters), this high-octane adaptation of The Running Man hits Philippine cinemas on November 12, 2025. Check out the posters and latest trailer:

 

Set in a near-future dystopia, The Running Man revolves around the most-watched TV show on the planet—a brutal competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. Every moment is broadcast live to a bloodthirsty public, with each passing day raising the stakes and the prize money. Watch the trailer below:

Powell plays Ben Richards, a working-class man driven to desperation by his daughter’s illness. He’s lured into the deadly game by its charming but ruthless producer Dan Killian, played by Josh Brolin. What begins as a last resort quickly turns into a rebellion: Ben’s defiance and grit turn him into an unlikely hero and a threat to the entire system. As ratings soar, the danger escalates, and Ben must outsmart both the Hunters and a nation addicted to watching him fall.

The film also stars William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Katy O’Brian, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin.

Produced by Simon Kinberg, Nira Park, and Edgar Wright, The Running Man is based on the novel by Stephen King. It’s a gripping, adrenaline-fueled story about survival, spectacle, and the price of entertainment in a world that’s forgotten its humanity.

The Running Man opens exclusively in Philippine cinemas on November 12, 2025. Watch the trailer now and get ready for the game of your life.

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Love on the Clock: Six singles race against time for romance in Hong Kong

Love is in the air and on the clock! tvN Asia, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, proudly presents Love on the Clock, a brand-new dating reality series filmed entirely in Hong Kong, designed to showcase the city’s most vibrant attractions while bringing together six singles in search of romance. The first ever Pinoy reality dating show set in Hong Kong premiers on tvN and TV5 Philippines this October.

Hosted by Filipino stars Juancho Triviño and Dawn Chang, the eight-episode series premiered October 11 on TV5 and airs on tvN Asia beginning October 17 (Fridays, 4:00 PM).

Hosts Juancho Triviño and Dawn Chang

“We’re thrilled to partner with tvN Asia on Love on the Clock, a series that beautifully captures the essence of Hong Kong as a city of love, energy, and vibrant experiences,” said Ms Liew Chian Jia, Regional Director of Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board. “From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the show offers audiences a fresh perspective on Hong Kong's captivating appeal — whether you're visiting for the first time or rediscovering it with someone special.”

A Game of Hearts Across Hong Kong
Set against the city’s iconic skyline and energetic lifestyle, Love on the Clock brings together six daters — three men and three women — who compete in unique challenges to earn “Love Points”. Three women bring charm and confidence: Pupa Dadivas, a singer-songwriter and visual artist; Victoria Fabella, a painter and creative soul; and Dani Buenvenida, self-proclaimed “Landi Tip Queen”, puts her dating game to the test. The male cast combines charisma and a little mischief: Jomari Angeles, actor-turned-content creator known for dating-themed videos; Ron Angeles, an indie and mainstream film actor as seen in Uninvited and Mallari; and Polo Laurel, commercial model and actor who first captured hearts as a “Bidaman” on It’s Showtime.

Throughout the show, the six daters reside in Social House, a stylish co-living space by Weave Living, where friendships deepen, sparks fly, and connections grow beyond the daily missions. Guided by the hosts, the daters must complete exciting missions and games across Hong Kong’s iconic attractions to test their chemistry, teamwork, and sense of adventure.

From the romantic “Love Locks” mission at The Peak, to treasure hunt-style photo missions in Central Market, the participants also experience water sports at Go Park Aqua, indoor games at Joypolis Sports Hong Kong, and roller skating at Buns 2020. Other picture-perfect backdrops include Victoria Harbour, Aqua Luna, and Hutong restaurant, offering both breathtaking views and heartfelt moments.

Love, Laughter, and Lessons Along the Way
While the daters chase both points and connection, hosts Juancho and Dawn play cupid and counselor sharing dating insights, relationship advice, and personal reflections. The clock is always ticking, but every challenge is a chance for sparks to fly in the city that never sleeps.

“Love on the Clock captures the excitement of discovering both a new destination and a new connection,” said Michael Jung, Managing Director of CJ ENM Hong Kong. “Through this series, we hope to inspire audiences to see Hong Kong not just as a travel destination, but as a city where love and adventure come alive.”

Don’t forget to catch Love on the Clock on tvN Asia, TV5 linear channel and YouTube channel @TV5Philippines to find out how couples will be successfully paired at the end of the series!

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Mas Pina-Easy ang Negosyo: 3 Filipino MSME Owners Share How To Enter Your Easy Era of Business

Many of today’s MSMEs are born from a passion: a recipe that's been passed down for generations, a love of coffee and pastries, or a vision to showcase local fashion and design to the global stage. But turning that passion into a sustainable business is another thing on its own. Day-to-day challenges like managing orders and keeping payments on track can be overwhelming.

As businesses grow, so does the need for better tools. While there’s no shortage of tech in the market, many MSMEs often steer away due to cost and complexity. However, when presented with the opportunity to use solutions from GCash for Business, more business owners are discovering the advantages of adopting new tech innovations — especially when it comes to payments.

One innovation is GCash SoundPay. This device provides instant voice confirmation for every successful QR payment made. It’s easy to carry, affordable, and simple to use – requiring only a fully verified GCash account of at least 12 months to get started.

For Nikko Mendoza of Smthn Smthn Cafe in Davao, Michael Chan of Mom Rose Chicken Lechon in Bacolod, and Emgee Po of Get Spotted in Bacolod, embracing digital tools has helped them grow their brands while allowing them to enter a new era of ease.

Here’s what they’ve learned:

1. Faster checkouts make everyday transactions feel hassle-free – Michael Chan, Mom Rose Chicken Lechon

Mom Rose Chicken Lechon was born from both necessity and memory. When the pandemic shut down their carinderia in 2021, the Chan family shifted to making their signature Spicy Chicken Lechon, a dish inspired by their late mother, Rosemarie.

 

To this day, the business honors her wish for “a happy family,” and GCash SoundPay helps them keep that promise by ensuring this joy extends to their customers by making everyday payments stress-free.

“Most of our customers prefer GCash now. With GCash SoundPay, payments are faster and more reliable, so we can focus on serving food that makes people happy,” Michael shares.

In store, each team member carries their own GCash SoundPay device, worn with a lanyard and ready to use. This allows them to accept and confirm payments anytime, anywhere. No need for long waiting lines and just one payment acceptance device at the counter. Because of the real-time audio alerts, transactions move quicker, and the team can focus fully on serving their customers more efficiently.

2. Tech is a driver of growth. – Emgee Po, EMGEE by Get Spotted

A thesis project in 2011, EMGEE by Get Spotted is a local fashion brand from Bacolod that is now making waves internationally. Its founder, Emgee Po, partners with Negros weavers and Angono seamstresses to create one-off designs that are proudly Filipino. From a mall location in Ayala Malls Capitol Central to pop-ups in Paris and soon New York, EMGEE continues to expand its reach.

GCash played a role in how Emgee connected with customers. She first used her personal GCash account for payments, where cashless transactions made it easier to keep up with multiple customers paying at the same time.

“Most [of] our sales for the shop would be [through] credit cards and GCash. It's very easy and it's very convenient [to go cashless],” Emgee shares. But as the business grew, the confusion of mixing personal and business transactions and manually checking her phones to confirm payments started becoming a challenge.

 

That’s why she moved to GCash for Business. With GCash for Business, she now has everything to confidently grow her business such as an easy-to-use business wallet, no limits, no transaction fees. Now, there’s no more mixing personal and business payments.

3. Businesses benefit from an easy-to-use platform – Nikko Mendoza, Smthn Smthn Cafe

What started as seasonal pastries grew into a full-fledged garden café in 2024. Since day one, Smthn Smthn Cafe in Davao has accepted GCash payments to serve its customers better. But as the café expanded, owner Nikko Mendoza realized he needed more than just a way to receive payments.

 

With the new GCash for Business Portal, businesses get access to an easy-to-use platform to track and manage all online transactions in one place. It includes a simple, , easy-to-use payments tracker and management system, no wallet limit when receiving cashless payments from customers, and no transaction fees when paying suppliers through GCash. Additionally, the portal allows merchants to pay their suppliers directly through bank transfer or even to their GCash accounts with no fees, reducing the need to use multiple platforms and pay multiple fees.

For Nikko and his team, utilizing a system like the GCash for Business Portal means more time to focus on running the café, and less time worrying about payment limits, fees, or keeping track of scattered transactions.

Tech Made for Business’ Easy Era
From Manila to Bacolod to Davao, these small business owners show how digital solutions are helping them experience ease everyday in their operations. With GCash SoundPay and an upcoming new device that enables merchants to accept credit card payments through their phone, GCash for Business continues to provide MSMEs a selection of tools tailored to their specific needs per industry.

Utilizing these solutions also comes with a dedicated business account in the new GCash for Business Portal, providing a dedicated dashboard where business owners can order devices and manage their business transactions in a simple, easy-to-use business portal with no limits and no fees.

Learn more about how GCash for Business can empower your business and sign up today with just a GCash verified account of at least 12 months.

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11 Winners of the 2025 Manila Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition to Perform at the GSIS Theater on October 15

The stage is set for a spectacular evening of music as 11 outstanding young Filipino musicians—winners of the 2025 Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Concerto Competition—take the spotlight in a Concert of Winners on October 15, 2025, 7:30 PM at the GSIS Theater.

These young artists were chosen from among 48 talented participants who auditioned nationwide, showcasing exceptional skill and artistry in classical performance.

The winning soloists are:

LEVEL A: 12 years old and below

  

Eliana Jimenez Mariano, Andrei Johann B. Lagda, Lois Quitane

• Eliana Jimenez Mariano, 10 – Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, 3rd Movement

• Andrei Johann B. Lagda, 10 – Carl Stamitz: Flute Concerto in G Major, 1st Movement

• Lois Quitane, 11 – Lalo: Symphonie Espagnole, 1st Movement

LEVEL B: 13–18 years old

  

Megan Phuan Zhiyan, Maura Mikaela Medina, Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V

  

Zildjian Zachary N. Viray, William Hsu, Agung Dayaw A. Sicam

• Megan Phuan Zhiyan, 13 – Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 13 in C Major, 1st Movement

• Maura Mikaela Medina, 18 – Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor

• Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V, 16 – Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, 1st Movement

• Zildjian Zachary N. Viray, 18 – Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, 1st Movement

• William Hsu, 18 – Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 6 in D Major, 1st Movement

• Agung Dayaw A. Sicam, 18 – Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez, 2nd Movement

LEVEL C: 19–25 years old

 

Joshua Agapito, Rey John C. Flores

• Joshua Agapito, 25 – Mozart: Flute Concerto in G Major, K313, 1st Movement

• Rey John C. Flores, 22 – Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major, 1st Movement

The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges: Prof. Alessio Benvenuti, Ms. Mariel Ilusorio, Prof. Arnold Josue, Mr. Marc Ramirez, Mr. Angelo Mateo, Mr. Adrian Sison, and Prof. Ramoncito Carpio—all accomplished musicians and educators from the MSO and the Philippine classical music community.

The MSO Concerto Competition has a storied history dating back to the 1960s. Its past winners include legendary Filipino artists such as Cecile Licad, Raul Sunico, Corazon Pineda-Kabayao, and Cecilia Basilio-Roxas. The 2025 revival of this tradition is part of MSO’s year-long celebration leading up to its 100th Anniversary in 2026.

The concert will feature the winners performing with the MSO under the baton of Jeffrey Solares, Executive Director and Associate Conductor.

Tickets:

• Orchestra Center – ₱2,000

• Orchestra Sides – ₱1,000

• Balcony – ₱500
  50% discount for students; 20% discount for seniors and PWDs

Tickets are available at TicketWorld.

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'Echoes of Croatia in the Philippines' concert all set on October 14

The Far Eastern University Center for the Arts and the FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS), in partnership with the soon to open Embassy of Croatia in Manila, proudly present ECHOES OF CROATIA in the Philippines.

Set your eyes and ears on Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old Filipina prodigy and Croatia’s Got Talent 2023 winner, as she captivates you with her stunning voice alongside internationally acclaimed Croatian artists — Blanka Tkalčić (mezzo-soprano) and Danijel Oto (pianist, educator, and chamber musician).

Experience an afternoon filled with harmony that bridges nations on October 14, 3:00 pm at the FEU Auditorium.

Chriztel Renae Aceveda, a 14-year-old soprano originally from Pampanga, Philippines, has been living in Sveti Martin na Muri, Croatia since 2020. She first captured the hearts of the public with her interpretation of a traditional Međimurje folk song on Supertalent, and has continued to delight audiences across Croatia ever since. From the age of five, she showed a passion for music, singing karaoke with her mother. In Croatia, she quickly embraced the local culture, especially the region’s musical heritage and traditional attire. Chriztel is an 8th-grade student at Primary School Sveti Martin na Muri, a member of the school choir and part of the local cultural and artistic society HKUU Sveti Martin. She studies voice in the preparatory program of the Varaždin Music School under the guidance of Blanka Tkalčić. Her performances of authentic Međimurje folk songs have been compared to the legendary "Aunt Liza", and her emotional expressiveness leaves audiences breathless. She has performed at numerous traditional music events, charity concerts, and public festivals, including collaborations with Croatia's folk music icon Lidija Bajuk. She won the Supertalent show, the Prvi glas Zagorja contest, the Mali MEF Grand Prix, and first prize at the Brežice Festival in Slovenia. Through her singing, Chriztel celebrates her second homeland—Croatia—while remaining proudly connected to her Filipino roots.

 
Chriztel Renae Aceveda

Blanka Tkalčić, mezzo-soprano, was born in Čakovec in 1978. She attended the Varaždin Music School and studied voice with Darija Hreljanović, later continuing at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz under Ulf Bästlein. She holds both a diploma and master’s degree in lied and oratorio and specialized further under renowned mentors such as Silvia Bazzoni-Bartoli and Lidija Horvat-Dunjko. Blanka has performed widely in Croatia and abroad (Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Estonia, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.), with prestigious orchestras such as the Zagreb Philharmonic, Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Wiener Johann Strauss Capelle, and Paris Chamber Orchestra. Her repertoire spans oratorios, masses, and operas—from Mozart’s Requiem to roles in operettas like The Merry Widow, Countess Maritza, and Die Fledermaus. She is also an acclaimed pedagogue, teaching voice at the Varaždin Music School and working with Opera BB under maestro Vladimir Kranjčević, with whom she has sung roles in operas by Pergolesi, Menotti, Rossini, Donizetti, and others. She is a member of the Europeisches Musik Zentrum Wien.

Blanka Tkalčić

Danijel Oto, pianist, began his piano studies at the age of 12 and entered the Zagreb Music Academy at 18 under the tutelage of Vladimir Krpan. He graduated in 2009 with top honors and has continued his development through masterclasses with renowned pedagogues such as Franco Scala, Peter Eicher, and Konstantin Krasnitsky. He has performed in prestigious venues across Europe (Vienna, Paris, Rome, Zurich, Zagreb, Belgrade), recorded for Croatian Radio and Television, and collaborated with prominent artists. A sought-after chamber musician and official accompanist at international competitions, Danijel is regularly invited as a jury member in piano competitions across Europe. Since 2008, he has been working as an accompanist and piano teacher at the Varaždin School of Music, and he is currently also an assistant at University North (Department of Music and Media). His students have won over 200 awards at national and international competitions. He is also a regular faculty member at the Grožnjan International Summer Piano School.

Danijel Oto

Admission is FREE!

Secure your seats by registering through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/yx6wzkkxvn

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