Entertainment News (11/05/2024)

Warner Bros. Discovery to launch MAX in November

WARNER BROS. Discovery has announced that its streaming service Max will launch on Nov. 19 in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong. Max will carry blockbuster movies, series, reality shows, and more from brands like HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Max Originals, plus Hollywood movies and TV programs from Discovery, TLC, AFN, and Food Network. Subscribers can create up to five unique profiles, each customizable with favorite characters as avatars, receive content picks based on viewing habits and customize profiles for children, curated with age-appropriate content and parental controls.

 

BGC lights grand Christmas tree

BONIFACIO Global City (BGC) will be lighting its Grand Christmas Tree at the Fifth Avenue on Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Alongside this is the launch of Southeast Asia’s first sky projection experience with Magic at the 5th. It will take place at the BGC High Street Central, BGC, Taguig. Special guest performances will also be revealed on the day itself.

 

Viva, MQuest sign content joint venture

VIVA Communications and MQuest Ventures have announced the signing of a joint venture agreement to produce high-quality entertainment content for Filipino audiences on free-to-air and other media platforms. Beginning 2025, the new joint venture will air several new entertainment shows across various timeslots on TV5’s grid, featuring some of the biggest stars in Philippine showbiz.

 

Wicked to premiere in November

ON Nov. 20, Universal Pictures is bringing the movie version of the hit musical Wicked to the Philippines. The musical fantasy stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Peter Dinklage, with Jon M. Chu directing. It follows two witches of Oz, who meet as students at Shiz University: Elphaba (Erivo), who stands out because of her green skin, and Glinda (Grande), a popular and ambitious woman. They form an unlikely friendship and journey across the land of Oz, where the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Goldblum) tests their friendship.

 

Jonathan Roumie of The Chosen comes to Manila

JONATHAN Roumie, the actor known for his portrayal of Jesus in the series The Chosen, is set to visit Manila for a fan screening on Nov. 22. The event will showcase the Christmas special Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night, a retelling of the birth of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of Mary and Joseph.

 

Bullet Dumas, The Ridleys, Munimuni, Ena Mori and more to headline GNN Year-End Party

GABI NA NAMAN (GNN) Productions, an events and multimedia company, will be wrapping up 2024 with an party that celebrates a festive year in live music. Titled Gabi Na Naman Year-End Party, the annual mini music fest will take place at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City on Nov. 29, 5 p.m. onwards. OPM performers Shirebound (formerly known as Shirebound & Busking), Bullet Dumas, and Dicta License will be the headlining, along with indie favorites Ena Mori, Munimuni, The Ridleys, and DJ Jiggawho. The lineup will also feature newcomers Pinkmen, Ysanygo, (e)motion engine, Amateurish, and ALYSON. The show will be part of JDOS Playlist LIVE, a music initiative by Jack Daniel’s Philippines. Tickets are available via bit.ly/gnnyep24 for P600 (early bird price) and come with a free Jack Coke.

 

Linya-Linya Land returns with music, comedy, drag

The performance festival Linya-Linya Land returns on Nov. 30, 2 p.m. onwards, at 123 Block, Mandala Park in Mandaluyong City, with an extensive line-up of local talent. Filipino singer-songwriters, bands, and rappers Lola Amour, Over October, Unique Salonga, Cheats, Oh! Flamingo, KJah, Mhot, and Apoc will represent the music scene. Improvisational theater performers and stand-up comedians are also set to take the stage, including SPIT Manila; GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan, Ryan Rems, and Muman Reyes of The KoolPals, and Comedy Manila’s Victor Anastacio and Issa Villaverde. Drag performance art will also be represented by Ru Paul’s Drag Race Philippines Season 3 superstar, Tita Baby. The event has partnered with non-profit organizations and communities like the Angat Buhay Foundation, AHA! Learning Center, The Learning Lab, and PANTAY. Tickets are available at P1,200 (early bird price) and P1,500 (regular admission) via bit.ly/linyalinyaland24.

 

Ogie Alcasid, BINI perform at Newport World Resorts

Returning to the Newport World Resorts is Ogie Alcasid, for another round of his fan-favorite sing-along concert dubbed OGIEOKE 2 Reimagined. This time, the King of OPM is sharing the mic with special guests BINI, JM Dela Cerna, and Marielle Montellano. These OPM artists will perform their greatest hits karaoke-style on Nov. 30 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. It will feature a mix of classic OPM and new generation pop. Tickets, ranging from P1,500 to P8,000, are now available at all TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets.

 

Viu Original series wins at Cannes TV Awards

THE VIU original series Secret Ingredient, a production that brought together characters from Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea, has received a Silver Dolphin trophy for Branded Content Videos and a Black Dolphin trophy for Best Cast/On-Camera Talent at the recently concluded Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards 2024. The series also emerged as the National Winner of the Philippines for Best Branded Program and Best Original Production by a Streamer (Fiction) at this year’s Asian Academy Creative Awards.

 

Bianca Del Rio brings tour to Manila

Bianca Del Rio, the “Queen of Mean” and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6, is bringing her Dead Inside tour to Manila. The show, presented by LA Comedy Live, will be at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Queon City, on Jan. 17, 2025, at 8 p.m. It will feature fresh material that aims to push boundaries. Tickets are now on sale, with VIP packages and meet-and-greet options available. Prices range from P3,202 to P10,672 via TicketNet.

 

Phantom Siita world tour in Manila

JAPANESE five-piece idol group Phantom Siita, known for their retro-horror concept produced by singer Ado, has announced their world tour, Moth to a flame. Set just six months after their debut, the group’s first tour will kick off in Taipei in January 2025, and span 15 cities. Promoted by AEG Presents Asia and Ovation Productions, the Moth to a flame stop in Manila will be held on Jan. 18, 2025, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig. Tickets will be available starting Nov. 8, 10 a.m., via SM Tickets.

 

Balota enters 3rd week

NOW on its third week, cinemagoers continue to patronize Balota, whose eye-opening story shines a light on the dedication of teachers and their role in safeguarding the public’s votes during elections. Marian Rivera released a statement thanking fans for their support. The majority of Balota’s audience is made up of teachers and students, and the film is now being used in the classroom as a springboard to discuss good citizenship, democracy, and elections. It is still available in cinemas nationwide.

 

STAYC releases new single

K-POP girl group STAYC, made up of Sumin, Sieun, ISA, Seeun, Yoon, and J, has returned with the release of their new digital single, “…ㅣ (Dot Dot Dot)”, their first autumn confessional song. It delves into the growth and vulnerability of young love, telling the story of a “failed crush.” It is their first release since their full-length album Metamorphic in July. The song is out now on all digital music streaming platforms.

 

Lolong will be back for Season 2

THE Philippines’ biggest primetime action-adventure series of 2022, Lolong, bannered by Ruru Madrid, will return to primetime television for a second season. Now titled Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan, it features Madrid, who will once again be joined by Shaira Diaz, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Mikoy Morales, Alma Concepcion, Maui Taylor, Jean Garcia, John Arcilla, Rocco Nacino, Martin del Rosario, Klea Pineda, and Tetchie Agbayani. The crocodile-themed action-adventure drama series will continue telling the story of the people of Tumahan and the mysterious Atubaws. Directing the series are King Mark Baco and Rommel Penesa. It will premiere in 2025.