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Feel the Cyber Thrill this August!
Looking for the best deals on everything tech? Ready to play at the largest nationwide sports area? Now is the best time to visit SM Supermalls and unleash the gamer within as it celebrates the latest tech innovations and gadget trends, with exclusive deals and promos this Cyber Month! From 1 to 31 August, a celebration of e-sports and all things tech that make our lives easier and more convenient will take place at SM Supermalls. Essential gadgets, thrilling activities, and new discoveries are waiting to be made and will welcome every individual with various needs. Get ready as SM transforms its malls into a larger-than-life e-sports arena. Gamers and e-sports fans are in for a treat at the CyberMonth celebration, at over 60 malls nationwide, as community tournaments and an immersive gaming environment take center stage. Tag along with your friends and watch some intense and epic battles as players try to outplay each other at the community matches. Gaming that never goes out of style. If you are a gamer who loves classic video games, the Retroverse is for you. Select malls every Saturday will be setting up Retro Gaming Stations featuring classic consoles and games from the past. Relive the magic of iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, Tetris, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Venture into different worlds with AweSM Kids. Kids and kids at heart can have some fun at the Kids Zone–-an interactive area featuring popular games like SM Kids Roblox and Minecraft every weekend for the whole month of August. The GeekCon is on! SM celebrates all things geek this Cyber Month including a Cosplay Competition. Every Sunday, bring your favorite anime, manga, games, TV, series, and comic book characters to life through elaborate costumes and performances that will wow the crowd. The GeekCon will also feature activities that geeks will love such as collectible toy displays, visual arts masterclasses, meet-and-greets with popular streamers, and Collectible Card Game Tournament. Techtopia for all your tech needs. SM malls nationwide will have multiple activity areas bringing together a wide range of gadgets, interactive installations, and displays at Techtopia. Get your hands on the newest and trendiest gadgets, devices, and even smart home appliances at SM. Plus, at the Techtopia zone, you can check, test, and ensure the product’s quality before making that big purchase. Discover the hottest tech deals. Gear up and get your baskets ready for SM Supermalls’ month-long nationwide tech and gadget sale. Whether you shop at your favorite SM mall or scroll through your go-to SM Online and SM Deals apps, there are a lot of great gadget deals all for you. Avail of these special promos, special offerings, and bundles on select items with up to 50% off in participating stores this August. Mark your calendars! August is geek-out month with these fun-filled activities and deals in store for you this Cyber Month at an SM mall near you. Game on and shop #TechAssured gadgets and get exciting deals when you #CheckCyberzone. For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com/cyberzone or follow @SMSupermalls and @smcyberzone on social media. [caption id="attachment_167231" align="aligncenter" width="843"] The 2023 Cyber Month Launch at SM North EDSA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_167232" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] SM City Marikina[/caption] [caption id="attachment_167234" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] SM City Cauayan[/caption] The post Feel the Cyber Thrill this August! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Katya Angara – The journey of a woman and artist
The promising artist that Katya is today is the latest phase in a lifelong journey that began at an early age when she began drawing characters from cartoon comics. All the while she was growing up in a home that nurtured her interest in the arts, as much as it prepared her for rigorous academic training. She read early in life, in a house filled with books. In this second part of our interview, Katya shares with us how she made a number of choices that would lead to where she is today. But once upon a time, for all that had been given to her on a silver platter, she was in a quandary as to what to do with her life. But when she finally decided on what she wanted, there was no stopping the talented and smart girl who, it turned out, possessed an intellectual prowess not unlike those of her parents, the lawyer, and senator Edgardo Angara, whose affinity for the land had been impressed on his daughter, and the lady educator Gloria Manalang Angara, who opened up her daughter’s eyes and minds to the wonders of world literature and the other arts. And it was in art that the young girl did not only find solace but also healing. Here is the final part of our interview: DT: After high school, did you immediately leave for London? KA: To be honest, and I don’t want filters here, I had mental health issues at that time. I was severely depressed. Before I went to London, I went through a tumultuous period of deciding where to go with my education. So, after Poveda, I went to Woldingham (boarding school). then I did half of my BA Psychology degree at UP Diliman from late 2000 to 2002. I loved my time at Diliman but it was a tumultuous transitional period for me, so I decided to revisit pursuing university in London. Central Saint Martins, to be precise, is one of the most prestigious and distinguished art and design schools in the world DT: Around what time was this? KA: It was in 2002. I was bouncing around like I couldn’t anchor myself to one thing. Like, okay, I’m here in London already. And then, okay I’m going to study Psychology in UP. So, what’s with the leap, the sudden jump, the sudden shift? I couldn’t make up my mind. And I think that frustrated my parents for the longest time. I was also being hard on myself because I ended up causing a lot of frustration for myself. And I think that depressed me. So, you know, I’ve been diagnosed with different things. I’m bipolar. And then, I had the hallmarks of ADHD. Let’s just say that my brain works differently DT: Well, one can never be sure about oneself. KA: No, you can never be sure about yourself. And I was questioning myself. For the longest time, all those years I thought, what’s wrong with me? Why am I making all these strange decisions? Why am I behaving this way? Why do I react to people this way?”. You know, parang I shouldn’t be talking or reacting to people like this in this kind of situation. And I’m not just saying with family or what. But with my classmates in school. What drew me to art was it being a place that has its own language e. It’s a place where I can express myself. Art is also a way of healing your own wounds. It’s also a way of revealing those aspects of yourself that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. It really was a way of healing for me. And I didn’t even know that I needed it. Because again, I was a very quiet and introverted kid. I don’t know why. I couldn’t rely on people, talk to people the way I thought, or maybe people thought I should. So, you know, I kept to myself. I’d hide away in the library every recess or lunch. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. So, that carried on until my university years. Daily Tribune (DT): What did you finally take up in college? Katya Angara: Well, first I just wanted to do a purely art course. So, my foundation course to get me a degree was an Art and Design course. My first choice for this was Central Saint Martins, which continues to be ranked as one of the best art and design schools in the world. I was over the moon when I made it in. DT: What did you have to show to qualify? KA: I needed to show my work. I had some already since I was drawing a lot in my childhood and teenage years. DT: Your works are not the usual ones that use oil, watercolor, acrylic, and all that. KA: I was drawing mostly. And for some reason, I have always been more of a draftsman eh. I’m always more into drawing. I have more illustrating tendencies. DT: Like pen and paper? KA: Yes, pen and paper. Pencil, charcoal. I’ve always had a thing for dry media and pen and ink. It’s more about the control and the precision. That’s my personality. DT: That’s not easy ah. KA: It’s not easy. But you have an affinity for it. And your hands have to be steady. Which is unlikely for someone with pasmado hands like me. But that’s where I find my control eh. That’s why I like it so much. DT: So, what was it like when you showed your drawings at Central Saint Martin? KA: So, I showed my drawings because that was required during the interview. And so I went through the ropes. They asked questions like, "why do you want to do this course here?" DT: Your work must have been good to get you accepted. KA: They were fine. I think it was good enough. But there was a lot I had to improve on. I only knew that once I got into the school. Then, you told yourself, Ah, oo nga pala. There was so much I had to learn. That I could be taught. DT: How was your learning experience? KA: From the beginning, as a child, I always copied from cartoons. And they didn’t like that. They didn’t want to see any cartoons or anything like that. They wanted to see me. They wanted to see my work. My drawing from life. DT: So, how did you do that? It must have been challenging KA: So, I gave them the best of my life drawings. But when I showed them my other works, they weren’t happy with them. So, I learned from that. Being young, you got a bit crushed. But then, you realize it’s a different way of thinking. It’s a different way of doing things. Okay, there’s still so much to learn in terms of art. And it’s not the be-all and end of it all. And then, they said, “This is where you should be learning from.” And they showed me art books. They said, “Go to this gallery or this museum.” DT: How was it like living abroad? Back home, you were the daughter of a senator. KA: Which means nothing when you’re abroad. It meant nothing. Which I actually loved. It was something that I was looking for. Because I lived in a bubble back home. To my parents’ credit naman there’s a reason for that. I was very protected. They wanted to keep me safe and secure given my father’s position. So, I’d always lived in a bubble. I’d always have bodyguards and drivers and all that. And it just felt at times a little restrictive. DT: So, it was a welcome thing? KA: It was a welcome thing. Really, I felt different. I felt normal na parang my family name didn’t mean a thing. And that was refreshing. I could be anything I wanted to be. I could experiment and nobody would judge. Because in schools like that and abroad, especially in Europe, they’re so open-minded. They’re so liberal. DT: How were the teachers? KA: Oh, wonderful. Of course, you always have your favorites, right? Very varied. Depending also on what course you were taking up, whether industrial design or sculpture which I was horrible at when I tried it. I didn’t really get close to my tutors until I moved on to my actual degree. Funny enough, instead of ending up in a practical course. Which would have been like Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or even Illustration because I love drawing. You would think that I would end up in a more practical course like Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or even Illustration, I did a complete shift and I did a theoretical course. I did Curation, Art Criticism, and Art History. So, my training is as a curator and an art critic. DT: Wow, that was very intellectual. It’s good that you always read a lot. KA: Yes, I think that helped because you have to read a lot. You have to love reading. You have to like doing the research. And that served me well. Who would have known, right? But if you think about it, as long as you follow what you want to do in life, it just opens up even if you don’t intentionally seek it. Somehow it just finds you It just fell into place for me in that sense. This is not what I initially set out to do. But I think you have to allow yourself to change your mind. Parang whatever happens at the time, you change with it. You adjust to it. And it worked out beautifully for me. DT: So, were the teachers terrors? KA: Mabait naman sila. But they have very different personalities. My course leader was a lovely older lady who was really into Victorian arts and culture. As in, Victoriana lahat. She would tell you everything about English Victorian history. And she was very passionate about it. And you know, it involved a lot of writing and research. But my favorite tutor was someone who was writing about comic books. Comic books and Pop culture. So, for me, that was a revelation because I didn’t think you could take comics books and put them in the academe. You know, academic level like intellectual. Pwede pala e. Because he showed me a way. He took me under his wing and he showed me his work and from there I learned to write. And because I love comic books. I’m actually a huge geek. I’m a nerd, I’m a dork. DT: What was your thesis? [caption id="attachment_165427" align="aligncenter" width="463"] Roger Sabin was Katya's pop culture mentor at Central Saint Martins in London.[/caption] KA: Because I wanted Roger Sabin, my pop culture tutor, as my professor for my thesis, it was about a 1990s Japanese animated film called Ghost in the Shell 101. It was an animated film based on a very heavy graphic novel, a manga or Japanese comics, by Masamune Shirow. And for me, his work is revelatory. It wasn’t just the style of the Ghost in the Shell. And to think just one man could draw like this. I mean it was a very thick graphic novel. He could draw like that. And he wrote the story too. And to think you had the mental stamina to be able to write something like that and to draw. DT: You must enjoy doing comics. KA: Since I was a kid, I’ve made my own comic books. You know, I would sell my own comic books and people would actually buy them. I taught myself to draw in the comic book style. I learned them all. You know, there’s like Stan Lee of Marvel. DT: You really had it in you. KA: I had it in me. My love for comic books started by reading the ones my brother had collected over the years. He had a stash of them, so, I just devoured them. It was all very amazing to me. Kasi the drawings, the stories, these are worlds written by someone else. So, you have Marvel comics, DC comics, Dark Horse comics. [caption id="attachment_165417" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] With brother, Senator Sonny Angara, whose comic books she devoured for their cartoon figures.[/caption] Q: You didn’t idolize anybody? A: Well, I wasn’t particularly huge on the American comics. I think it was until I stumbled upon the Japanese comics or manga. That really piqued my interest to a degree I never felt before. Kasi it wasn’t just the style, which at first for me was very girly. I mean, I love the romantic comics. But I also felt myself leaning toward the darker stuff. DT: What did you like about Ghost in the Shell? KA: It’s a cyberpunk graphic novel. So, ang galing, ang ganda ng style. It was like, wow. You know, the sheer amount of detail that he puts into the drawings. I said I want to draw like this. I want to tell a story like this. But I don’t know if I was capable of telling if I had the stamina to tell something so intricate and complex. DT: When did you graduate? KA: In 2008. The BA in the UK is only three years. That’s why you take a foundation course. There’s a BA in Curation, and Communication, and criticism in Arts and Design. DT: I am told that you graduated at the top of your class. But you’re not telling me. KA: It sounds so funny kasi eh. Anyway, I graduated with first-class honors for my degree. So, basically, I was Suma Cum Laude in my batch in my year. So, that was what sealed the deal for me and my dad. Kasi for the longest time, I was kind of meandering. I was kind of flip-flopping. My mom knows this eh She goes, “You know Katya you have a tendency to be whimsical.” I am an artist eh, what can I do? Besides, I was young and I wasn’t sure. I knew what I wanted to do, which was to be in the arts but not where I wanted to go. I was asking myself if I had the stamina, the commitment, the fortitude to see it through. [caption id="attachment_165415" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Katya and mom Gloria Angara, who first ignited her interest in the arts.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_165419" align="aligncenter" width="854"] Katya with her dad, the late Senate President Edgardo Angara from whom she learned to apply the principles of nature to her art[/caption] DT: College made you really bloom. KA: Yes. It was the environment. it was the people I was with. Because I was able to go into something I really enjoyed. I wasn’t just doing homework because I was told to do homework. I loved what I was doing. I was invested in it. DT: What did you do after you graduated? KA: Apart from community work, I also worked for some small galleries. I did some work for the Victoria and Albert Museum. I tried to have experiences in bigger institutions, bigger museums, and small independent galleries. I thought that experience would hone me and make me well-rounded. With the smaller galleries, I was able to practice my curatorial background. I was able to help a lot of young artists. They don’t know how to talk about their work or they’re not confident enough to do so. So anyhow, apart from helping them put together shows, I help them speak about their work. Or offer them a perspective they have never seen or thought about. And I feel that that was helping them and I think that’s where I have been able to engage with them. It was fulfilling to help them find their voice as an artist. DT: All the while, you were all alone in London? KA: I was married actually. To a Filipino who was born in the UK, in London. He’s an Englishman, for all purposes. It didn’t work out. We have a daughter. I had a beautiful little girl with him. She lives in London with her father. She’s been here. She lived here in her early years. After she was born in 2010, I decided to move back here. Then, after four years, we went back to London because it was what my husband wanted. He and my dad had a falling out. DT: When was your first exhibit? KA: Last year. Earlier, I did a group show at the Lethaby Gallery at Central Saint Martins. So, I did it with other emerging artists. My next group show was at The Crucible. But it was for a book that Sari Ortiga had commissioned me to do. He wanted to do a series of children’s books about Philippine artists. I did mine. Mine was about Anita Magsaysay-Ho. I did the illustration. It wasn’t new to me because I had been making my own books. I would staple them myself. Although up until that point I didn’t know how to really do it professionally. I found out it could be lucrative and fulfilling. This was in 2008 when I didn’t have a daughter yet. DT: Tell me about your forthcoming show. (The current show had yet to be opened). What paintings are you showing? KA: They’re not paintings, they’re not just drawings. They’re an amalgamation. They’re what you call a compendium of everything I’ve ever done as an artist. The book illustration, and then I dabbled a bit in black-and-white photography. I like the look of black and white photography. So, I do it with my phone or a simple camera. It’s also good for taking reference photos for my work. Because if you can’t sit in the park drawing people or objects, or subjects, the next best thing is you take pictures. And you can draw from those pictures. Kaya maganda siya for reference. So, my work is that, actually. DT: So, what about your subjects? KA: Well, I’m a very central person. We live in a very conservative culture. And I have subjects that would make people say ay, you know, you shouldn’t talk about that. So, there’s no filter, it’s very raw, very natural. In London, I was able to talk to people about things like BDSM or Bondage Sado-Masochism. And you know, that can get a bad rap. Because if you do it wrong, it would look strange to anyone who is not familiar with it. Among the Japanese, there is a subculture that does that. DT: Do they consider BDSM an art form? KA: There’s a particular Japanese artist whose work I used to admire. He’s a photographer. And his subject is BDSM. There were pictures of women tied up and then there were flowers and reptiles. So it was very sexual. I found myself drawn to that because there’s the element of the dark side. Carl Jung, the psychoanalyst, talked about how we have to make our unconscious conscious. The darkness in us is unconscious. And if you don’t make your darkness conscious, it’s going to come out in other ways at some point. Meaning to say, you shouldn’t repress those sides of you. I think it is a side that’s intertwined with the creative side of me. I can’t be an artist without being sensual. Without that aspect, all that would be macabre. Which brings me to my mom again. She used to chide me for reading Stephen King when I was a kid. I’m a huge Stephen King fan. She was like, “It’s so macabre, so dark.” And I’m like, “I like it, I like his work.” He’s such a skilled writer. And I like how he could take something so mundane and make it terrifying and frightening on all levels. Stephen King said that he writes two thousand words every morning. I’m not sure if I can do that. I wanted to write na rin eh because the natural partner of my art is my writing. Because as a curator, I didn’t just read. I had to write a lot. And that’s where I honed my skills. Kasi siyempre, it’s a sword that you have to sharpen every now and then. So, for the show. I did a lot of writing. I did my own writing. DT: While we're on the talk of artists, what about the Filipino artists? Who among them do you admire? Do you have any mentors and idols? KA: Among Philippine artists, Junyee is my second father and my first artistic mentor. He is my OG sage and shaman of Philippine art, the Father of Philippine Installation Art. I'm actively lobbying for him to become National Artist soon, as no one deserves it more than he does, with his magnificent oeuvre. I'll always remember how, in a fleeing moment of impostor syndrome, he consoled me by saying that making art for myself always comes first. Love the process and the rest follows. The maverick attitude is very Junyee! And yet, he lives a modest life in the forest-like setting of his home in Los Banos, echoing the nature-loving ethos of our favorite Japanese animator, Hayao Miyazaki, creator of Toroto, Nausicaa, Spirited Away, among many other magical films. Since I was a child, Junyee saw my potential and continued to push me to have my own gallery shows, as did his longtime friend and one of my other mentors, Sari Ortiga. Sari's daughter Yasmin is a good friend and batchmate of mine from Poveda. Sari owns and runs the distinguished Crucible Gallery, and he hired me to illustrate one of the children's books for his series "Growing up with Philippine art" in 2009. It's thanks to Sari that I pushed myself to evolve as an artist, to grow outside of my comfort zone. The acclaimed visual artist and sculptor Jinggoy Buensuceso is something of a bad boy du jour of the Philippine art scene, and his dissident attitude is something I can identify with. I love the unorthodox, the sensual, the macabre, the dark stuff that delves deep into the psyche. I'm so bored of the "covers" or "riffs" of the countless Amorsolo, Basquiat, Picasso, or Rothko-type artworks that I see so much of in the local art scene. As wtih Junyee and Sari, Jinggoy has taught me how to navigate the perilous seas of art and life, echoing Junyee's advice to remain myself, in a world that often pushes us to be someone else. My three mentors, by example, taught me how to be original. DT: How many are you exhibiting? How many works? KA: Now, I have 9 complete pieces. I’d like to add another one. Honestly, medyo cramming ito because I only had two months to do the show. Normally for this kind of work - especially with the big piece I am doing - it’s a seven-foot piece. I would need, preferably to be comfortable, at least four to six months to do all this work. Kasi, there is so much nicer when you give it time to compost. To come together, to become fertile. DT: Is there enough time for one more work? A: Yes. I have one more work that I want. Because I feel that it rounds it up eh. If I do ten, I love the work that I’ve already done. Again, it’s not a painting, it’s a collage. So, I’d call it a photographic collage with paper cuttings on canvas. I wanted to treat canvas in a way that is not painting DT: Shouldn’t someone curate for you? KA: For now, I’m happy to have to do it myself. Because I feel that I’m the only one who can portray myself in a way that I feel I should be portrayed. Kasi it’s art eh. You’re trying not so much to explain yourself as you’re trying to convey who you are to somebody without being obvious. That’s art. DT: Where does Stephen, your partner, come in? [caption id="attachment_165418" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] With her partner and anchor, Stephen Lu.[/caption] KA: Stephen is somewhat of an anchor for me. So, I feel comfortable, I feel more confident when he’s around. But I guess I’m okay. DT: Now, as we wind up, let’s talk about how you are like your parents and not like them. You said that your interest in the arts came from the exposure that you received from your mother, and of course, the presence of books at home. Tell me more about your father’s role in your becoming the person that you are. KA: One of my fondest memories of my father was his love of nature, gardening, and farming, which I learned from him. He was at his best and calmest when he was at his farm in Nasugbu and Baler. Whilst my father was a “man of the soil”, I learned to be an “artist of the soil”, a gardener who applies the principles of nature to my art. Hence the overlying themes of nature in my oeuvre of artwork. And the most resonant themes of philosophy (which my father also studied and applied in his life) are the themes relating to lessons learned from nature: patience, fortitude, temperance. From this I’ve become more acutely aware of life’s transience, making our time all the more precious, being grateful for small and simple pleasures, and the opportunities that come my way. The naïveté of my younger years meant that I didn’t have a complete grasp of the opportunities presented to me by my father, I took much for granted. Now I see why he did what he did, he gave me the tools to be able to achieve my full potential. Only now that I’m embracing that fire and heading in a direction that makes the most of my talents. I had impostor syndrome for the longest time. Always questioning and doubting myself. Now I can fully embrace who I am and it is cathartic. DT: In what way are you like them? KA: I have the different strengths of my parents. I’ve inherited their academic minds and cultured tastes, with an eye for detail and beauty. I have many mannerisms and behavious in common with my mum, in terms of poise and self-possession. But, she is like Audrey Hepburn and I am infinitely more of a Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn was also a very private person and something of a poet and writer. I guess it’s no surprise that I am drawn to art and writing; I am highly introspective, painfully self-aware and attuned to my moods and to the moods of others; like my Dad, I’m intuitive and know how to read people. DT: My last question is, how has art influenced you in your direction in life? And where are you going from here? KA: Being an introvert, I don’t always translate into easy social interactions with most people. So I channel it all into my art. It’s a language that best expresses my psyche, thoughts, and emotions. Working with my hands is healing and consolation for the isolation, depression, and anxiety attacks that grip me on bad days. That’s why as an artist of the soil, gardening and art go hand in hand. In the future, I can see myself tending to the land and becoming a farmer as my father was. It’s like coming home. The post Katya Angara – The journey of a woman and artist appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan court jails man for 23 years over Joker train attack
A Japanese court on Monday sentenced a man to 23 years in jail after finding him guilty of attempted murder and starting a fire on a train in Tokyo while dressed as comic book villain the Joker. The verdict for the 2021 Halloween attack was handed down by the Tokyo District Court's Tachikawa branch, a spokeswoman for the court told AFP. Kyota Hattori, 26, was convicted of stabbing a male passenger in his 70s and trying to kill 12 others by starting a fire inside a train, Jiji Press and other local media said. Hattori had reportedly told investigators that he wanted to kill people and be given the death penalty. He also told them he had spread lighter fluid in the train. Violent crime is rare in Japan, but there are occasional stabbings and even shootings, including the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe last year. In August 2021, nine people were wounded, one of them seriously, in a stabbing attack on a commuter train in Tokyo, with the suspect later handing himself in after fleeing the scene. In a separate attack that same month, two people suffered burns in an acid attack at a Tokyo subway station. The post Japan court jails man for 23 years over Joker train attack appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tito Sotto blasts TAPE, ‘Eat Bulaga!’: ‘They’re deceiving the people’
Tito Sotto, one-third of the iconic comic trio Tito, Vic and Joey that had recently decamped from their 44-year-old noontime show "Eat Bulaga!" at GMA 7 in a huff over changes being made by the show's producer TAPE Inc., appeared in court on Thursday for the first hearing on the case they had lodged against TAPE Inc. The trio brought suit against their former producer and GMA 7 for alleged copyright infringement, specifically the use of the name "Eat Bulaga!" TVJ maintain that they own the rights to the name and the theme music of the show, since it was supposedly Joey De Leon who coined the name and Vic Sotto who composed the music. Tito, who along with Vic and Joey now host the new show "E.A.T." on TV5, said the GMA7 show was engaging in "deception" by continuing to brand itself as "Eat Bulaga!" when it supposedly has no right to the name, and is no longer the original show either. "They're deceiving the people by saying na sila 'yung Eat Bulaga!," said Tito. "Puwede naman nila ituloy ang programa kung gusto nila, pero palitan nila yung pangalan nila. 'Yun lang naman ang punto namin... Pinipilit ninyo sa tao, sa publiko, na kayo ang Eat Bulaga, e hindi naman kayo," he added. The post Tito Sotto blasts TAPE, ‘Eat Bulaga!’: ‘They’re deceiving the people’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘He’s just Ken’: Will Ryan Gosling snag an Oscar nom for ‘Barbie’?
She’s everything. He’s just Ken.” In Barbie’s world, Ken is designed as an accessory, a sidekick. He is the textbook definition of a muscular and masculine man with blonde hair and compelling blue eyes, but his role is just to be Barbie’s companion. However, Ryan Gosling’s stellar performance in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie has transformed Ken. He’s no longer just a disposable sidekick or accessory, but a funny and charming personality in his own right capable of stealing the show. With Barbie getting generally positive reviews from critics and smashing box office records this year, moviegoers can’t help but anticipate what’s in store for the entire crew: Who will bring home awards? Director Greta Gerwig seems a shoo-in at this point for her screenplay and possibly direction. Another buzzy question: Will Ryan Gosling get nominated for his turn as Ken? Several film critics have singled out Gosling’s performance. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, for instance, described his turn as “plastic fantastic” in a “ragged doll comedy” where his character has “all the best lines” and “is allowed to steal the whole film.” Beth Webb of Empire, meanwhile, raved: “Gosling submerges wholeheartedly into Ken’s insecure psyche as he moves from Barbie’s sidepiece to patriarchal poster boy. Every muscle flex, every hair flick, every guitar strum lands perfectly. There are moments where he will rob you of breath.” With Barbie’s commercial and international success, will Gosling secure his third Academy nomination and finally win his first Oscar? In Oscar history, it is uncommon for a comedy to win Best Picture, especially when pitted against “serious” movies. Barbie is classified as a fantasy-comedy movie, so the chances of it getting a Best Picture nomination, let alone winning, is slim — but who knows? Comedies like It Happened One Night (1934) and Annie Hall (1977) had once gone on to win Best Picture. Gosling has a chance at securing a third Oscar nod (and perhaps winning the trophy) because the Academy seems to look more favorably on comic performances. Respected American Actor Kevin Kline secured an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the heist comedy film A Fish Called Wanda (1988). The late actor George Burns became the oldest recipient of the Best Supporting Actor award for The Sunshine Boys (1976), until Christopher Plummer won in 2011 for his role in the romantic comedy-drama film Beginners. While he has yet to win an Oscar, Gosling is a two-time nominee. He first landed an Oscar Best Actor nomination in 2007 as a drug-addict history teacher in Half Nelson and bagged another Best Actor nod in 2017 as a jazz pianist in La La Land. Barbie is currently showing in cinemas nationwide. The post ‘He’s just Ken’: Will Ryan Gosling snag an Oscar nom for ‘Barbie’? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Two artists tackle human struggles
[caption id="attachment_159378" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Beautiful Scars’ by Ray Defante Gibraltar (acrylic on canvas).[/caption] To be human is to be always in the state of under construction. We build and rebuild ourselves because our desires and memories are fragile under the gaze of the universe. To be alive is to be open to construction, deconstruction and reconstruction. We should embrace change no matter how unsettling it is for in the end it will give us agency and perhaps lead us to a meaningful life. We must trust the process of change. We must trust life itself. This is the philosophical intent of “Under Construction: A Two-Man Exhibit” by Jom Vega and Ray Defante Gibraltar at the Gateway Gallery in Cubao, Quezon City, which runs from 5 to 12. The opening of the exhibit is on 5 August at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Vega is a freelance comic creator. In 1998, he joined the Philippine Educational Theater Associate as a production designer and his stint became partly a training as a script writer for the stage and film. A graduate of Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Painting of the University of Santo Tomas, Vega was trained in using oil, watercolor and ink. On the other hand, Gibraltar is a film and TV director, and graphic designer. He has been painting since he was a Bachelor of Arts major in Philosophy student at University of Saint La Salle. His film, Wanted Border, won the Best Film Award at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival. He used to direct teleserye for GMA 7. The exhibit will feature recent works by Vega and Gibraltar that are mostly abstract and surreal, articulating the internal human struggles in the realm that are psychological, emotional, spiritual and intellectual. Demonstrating their competence in the use of acrylic on canvas, acrylic on paper, ink on vellum board and mixed media, the two artists will transport the consciousness of the audience to the aesthetic realm that lies somewhere in between dystopia and utopia. The post Two artists tackle human struggles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Animals become healing companions in Mexico hospital
Nine-year-old Alessia Ramos gently pets a hamster at a Mexican hospital where animals ranging from Australian parakeets to a Siberian Husky are being used to provide mental health therapy. "It helps me to relieve my anxiety, to control my emotions, to relax and be more focused," said Ramos, who has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Eight dogs are also among the furry therapists at the National Center for Mental Health and Palliative Care in Mexico City. Harley, a five-year-old Pug, lost his eye in an accident but made a quick recovery, said doctor Lucia Ledesma, head of mental health services at the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers, the agency of which the hospital is a part. "We follow that example of resilience in the face of adversity. He's a dog that does everything, without impediments," she said. The facility is the only public hospital in Mexico using animals to treat mental illnesses, though such therapy is also practiced in other countries. "Contact with animals generates powerful neuropsychological changes that contribute to lowering states of stress and anxiety, as well as benefiting other cognitive processes," Ledesma said. Harley became famous in Mexico when he entered Covid-19 wards wearing a protective suit, booties and glasses to boost the morale of medical personnel working long hours away from their families. "It was the only animal-assisted intervention in the world within a Covid area," Ledesma said. "There were dogs in hospitals in other countries, but they never entered the Covid zone. We've received international recognition." Silvia Hernandez first met Harley when she was working as a nurse during the pandemic, which left her with mental health issues for which she is still undergoing therapy. "He came straight to me, as if he knew me, as if we were great friends," she said. "We could see colleagues becoming emotional and feeling that love, that gesture of Harley to release their tension. Some of them cried," Hernandez recalled. There is now a "Harley and his friends" self-care and mental health program and even a comic distributed in public schools. It seeks to promote mental health, prevent or detect complications and intervene in already diagnosed problems, Ledesma said. The most important attribute for a therapy dog is a calm temperament and willingness to interact with humans, she explained. Harley's fame led to food and canine accessories firms offering him their products for free and seeking to benefit from his high profile. "Harley, in that incomparable doggy personality, rejected all the offers. He told them: 'my work is totally humanitarian,'" Ledesma joked. sem/dr/mlm © Agence France-Presse The post Animals become healing companions in Mexico hospital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Voltes V: Legacy’ goes to San Diego Comic-Con 2023
GMA Network’s primetime masterpiece Voltes V: Legacy continues to dominate the entertainment world as it becomes the first-ever Philippine TV program to participate in the San Diego Comic-Con 2023. GMA has been invited by Dogu Publishing for the biggest annual comics convention in California, USA. According to Dogu Publishing CEO Jerry Blank, they aim to expand the reach of international panels from around the globe, driving the way for a more diverse comic book industry. SDCC 2023 will take place 20 to 23 July and will be attended by GMA senior vice president Lilybeth G. Rasonable, assistant vice president for drama Helen Rose S. Sese, assistant vice president for post operations Vincent C. Gealogo and Telesuccess Productions executive producer Larson Chan. The event will also not be complete without the cast of Voltes V: Legacy including Miguel Tanfelix (Steve Armstrong), Ysabel Ortega (Jamie Robinson) and Gabby Eigenmann (Commander Robinson), and the show’s esteemed director Mark Reyes. GMA will formally make its Comic-Con debut on 22 July from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Afterward, the cast will be signing a limited-edition poster on the convention floor. Attendees are encouraged to stop by Dogu Publishing’s Booth (#4807) at the SDCC for details on how to participate in the signing. Since the opportunity is extremely limited, fans are advised to secure their place early so they don’t miss out. Meanwhile, the groundbreaking live-action adaptation still airs weeknights at 8 p.m. on GMA Telebabad and at 9:40 p.m. on GTV. Global Pinoys can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. Voltes V: Legacy is produced by GMA Network in collaboration with Telesuccess Productions and Toei Company. The post ‘Voltes V: Legacy’ goes to San Diego Comic-Con 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hollywood set for first shutdown strike since 1960
Hollywood actors were poised to go on strike Thursday, joining writers in the first industry-wide shutdown in 63 years after last-ditch talks failed, with nearly all film and television production likely to grind to a halt. The Screen Actors Guild, which represents 160,000 performers including A-list stars, said negotiations late Wednesday had ended without a deal on their demands over dwindling pay and the threat posed by artificial intelligence. Its negotiators have unanimously recommended a strike to its national committee, they are expected to vote on Thursday morning. The vote opens the door to a "double strike" with writers, who have already spent 11 weeks on the picket line -- which would trigger the first Hollywood shutdown since 1960. Popular series set to return to television this year would face lengthy delays. And, if strikes continue, future blockbuster films would be postponed too. Actors, like writers, are demanding better pay, and protections against the future use of AI in television and films. "As you know, over the past decade, your compensation has been severely eroded by the rise of the streaming ecosystem. Furthermore, artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to creative professions," a SAG-AFRTA statement said after the talks fell through. Industry executives have "refused to acknowledge that enormous shifts in the industry and economy have had a detrimental impact on those who perform labor for the studios," it continued. "We are deeply disappointed that SAG-AFTRA has decided to walk away from negotiations. This is the Union's choice, not ours," the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers said early Thursday. Hollywood studios had called in federal mediators to help resolve the deadlock -- a move described by SAG-AFTRA as a "cynical ploy." SAG-AFTRA represents A-list stars such as Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, and Glenn Close. All members have pre-approved industrial action if a deal was not struck. The last time the union went on strike, in 1980, it lasted more than three months. Premieres and parties A strike would immediately prevent stars from promoting some of the year's biggest releases, right at the peak of the movie industry's summer blockbuster season. In London, a premiere Wednesday night for Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" was brought forward by an hour, so that cast including Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Emily Blunt could attend without breaking union rules, Variety reported. But a strike would derail the much-hyped film's US premiere, due to take place in New York on Monday, as well as a red-carpet launch this weekend at Disneyland for the new "Haunted Mansion" movie. And the annual Comic-Con pop culture gathering in San Diego next week could be stripped of its stars. Even the Emmy Awards, television's version of the Oscars, which is due to take place on September 18, is reportedly mulling a delay to November or even next year. Swift resolution While the writers' strike has already dramatically reduced the number of movies and shows in production, an actors' walkout would shutter almost everything. Some reality TV, animation, and talk shows could continue. On Wednesday, Hollywood unions representing directors, behind-the-scenes film workers, and writers issued a statement of "unwavering support and solidarity" with the actors. "While the studios have a collective worth of trillions of dollars, billions of viewers globally, and sky-high profits, this fight is not about actors against the studios," it said. Workers "across all crafts and departments" stand together "to prevent mega-corporations from eroding the conditions we fought decades to achieve." Actors and writers are demanding higher pay to counteract inflation, and guarantees for their future livelihoods. In addition to salaries when they are actively working, actors earn payments called "residuals" every time a film or show they starred in is aired on network or cable -- helpful when performers are between projects. But today, streamers like Netflix and Disney+ do not disclose viewing figures for their shows, and offer the same flat rate for everything on their platforms, regardless of its popularity. Muddying the waters further is the issue of AI. Both actors and writers want guarantees to regulate its future use, but studios have so far refused to budge. The post Hollywood set for first shutdown strike since 1960 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hollywood actors poised for strike after studio talks end without deal
The union representing Hollywood actors said Thursday that crunch talks with studios to avert a major industry shutdown had ended without a deal, paving the way for a vote on the first actors strike in more than four decades. The Screen Actors Guild, which represents 160,000 performers including A-list stars, said last-ditch talks had failed to resolve their demands over dwindling pay and the threat posed by artificial intelligence. The union's negotiators had unanimously recommended a strike to its national committee, which was set to vote Thursday morning on whether to carry out industrial action, it said in a statement. A "double strike" of actors and writers, not seen in Hollywood since 1960, would bring nearly all US film and television productions to a halt. Popular series set to return to television this year would face lengthy delays. And, if strikes continue, future blockbuster films would be postponed too. Actors are demanding better pay, and protections against the future use of AI in television and films. "We are deeply disappointed that SAG-AFTRA has decided to walk away from negotiations. This is the Union's choice, not ours," the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers said in a statement early Thursday. Hollywood studios had called in federal mediators to help resolve the deadlock -- a last-minute move described by SAG-AFTRA as a "cynical ploy." SAG-AFTRA represents A-list stars such as Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence, Glenn Close and all members have pre-approved industrial action if a deal is not struck. Premieres and parties A strike would immediately prevent stars from promoting some of the year's biggest releases, right at the peak of the movie industry's summer blockbuster season. In London, a premiere Wednesday night for Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" was brought forward by an hour, so that cast including Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon and Emily Blunt could attend without breaking union rules, Variety reported. But a strike would derail the much-hyped film's US premiere, due to take place in New York on Monday, as well as a scheduled red-carpet launch this weekend at Disneyland for the new "Haunted Mansion" movie. And the massive annual Comic-Con pop culture gathering in San Diego next week could be stripped of its stars. Even the Emmy Awards, television's version of the Oscars, which is due to take place on September 18, is reportedly mulling a delay to November or even next year. "We hope the ongoing guild negotiations can come to an equitable and swift resolution," said Television Academy chairman Frank Scherma, as the Emmy nominations were announced Wednesday. 'Swift resolution' While the writers' strike has already dramatically reduced the number of movies and shows in production, an actors' walkout would shutter almost everything. Some reality TV, animation and talk shows could continue. Earlier on Wednesday, Hollywood unions representing directors, behind-the-scenes film workers and writers issued a statement of "unwavering support and solidarity" with the actors. "While the studios have collective worth of trillions of dollars, billions of viewers globally, and sky-high profits, this fight is not about actors against the studios," it said. Workers "across all crafts and departments" stand together "to prevent mega-corporations from eroding the conditions we fought decades to achieve," it said. Pay and AI Like the writers, who have already spent 11 weeks on the picket lines, actors are demanding higher pay to counteract inflation, and guarantees for their future livelihoods. In addition to salaries when they are actively working, actors earn payments called "residuals" every time a film or show they starred in is aired on network or cable -- particularly helpful when performers are between projects. But today, streamers like Netflix and Disney+ do not disclose viewing figures for their shows, and offer the same flat rate for everything on their platforms, regardless of its popularity. Muddying the waters further is the issue of AI. Both actors and writers want guarantees to regulate its future use, but studios have so far refused to budge. The post Hollywood actors poised for strike after studio talks end without deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Voltes V: Legacy to join San Diego Comic-Con 2023
Director Mark V. Reyes and some members of the cast of "Voltes V: Legacy" are expected to grace their panel at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con 2023 (SDCC) from July 20 to 23 in San Diego, California. .....»»
The blue plaques of London: An overlooked embellishment
Ask any visitor to London or a resident of the United Kingdom, they all have their all-time treasured landmarks or favored activities. From the regal Buckingham Palace to the historic Tower of London, to the dramatic Changing of the Guard Ceremony and the revered British Museum with a collection of over 8 million works, they form a core part or a nucleus of London’s history and heritage. Not to mention the vibrant West End plays and musicals, the exhibits and concerts in opulent palaces and well-attended halls, or even the red double decker buses and the Hackney carriages, fondly known as the London black cabs, which spice up the truly UK experience. For foodies, they often bring up English Roast Beef, Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips, which are go-to must-have dishes while in town. Despite these hallmarks of culture and tradition — either permanent, mobile or edible — somehow, I wonder why my thoughts keep on wondering and wandering back to the Blue Plaques of London! Each 20-inch round badge of recognition with blue background and white lettering, features the name, the year of birth and death, plus their relationship with the abode where it is erected. These are commemorations which invite the passersby to delve into the lives of its illustrious past inhabitants. Affixed to the facades of buildings, it whispers fascinating tales of extraordinary individuals who have shaped London’s identity over the centuries. Meticulously administered by the charity English Heritage, the plaques have since become synonymous with historical preservation. The origins of this iconic tradition can be traced back to 1866 when the Society of Arts, now known as the Royal Society of Arts, initiated the concept of memorial plaques. The idea fully took off in 1867, when the first Blue Plaque was installed at the birthplace of English Poet Lord Byron, at 24 Holles Street. This inaugural plaque set the stage for an enduring legacy of remembrance. These more-than-just-nameplates signify stories of exceptional individuals who have contributed to various fields of human endeavor. From renowned artists and writers to groundbreaking scientists and social reformers, the Blue Plaques celebrate the diverse accomplishments that have shaped London’s cultural, scientific, and intellectual landscapes. The process of awarding is rigorous and impartial. A committee of historians, experts, and representatives from English Heritage carefully considers nominations, ensuring that the candidates recognized have made a significant impact on society. The concerned individual must have been dead for 20 years or passed the centenary of their birth, be esteemed by peers of their field or have greatly aided humanity, plus have worked or lived in the pertinent building. Foreigners and overseas visitors are likewise included in the selection process. To be honored is akin to a major laurel, being immortalized in history. Though major names are always a standout, the council remembers lesser-known figures who have made a significant impact in their respective arenas, to include suffragettes and social reformers to musicians and architects. While residing in the city for more than a decade, I played a self-made game where I challenged myself to know more about the personalities whose plates I usually passed by. Walk with me through some notable figures who have been engraved on these memorial medallions: [caption id="attachment_155031" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of creative commons/Simon Harriyott (CC BY 2.0)Charles Babbage’s plaque.[/caption] Charles Babbage (1791 — 1871) A mathematician and astronomer, he is considered by some as the father of the computer. The plaque is located at Dorset Street, Corner of Larcom Street and Walworth Road. Harold Bride (1890 —1956) He was the wireless operator aboard the RMS Titanic during her ill-fated maiden voyage. He relayed messages to ships in the vicinity which allowed survivors to be rescued. He remained at his post until the vessel lost power. His is situated at 58 Ravensbourne Avenue, Shortlands, Bromley. Anne Brontë (1820 — 1849) She was an English novelist and poet and the youngest member of the Brontë literary family. She authored The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, considered one of the first feminist novels. Hers is positioned at Grand Hotel, Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Charlie Chaplin (1889 — 1977) A comic actor and filmmaker, he is one of the masters of silent film and is treated as one of the most important figures in the industry’s history. His medal is posted at 39 Methley Street, Kennington, London. Sir Henry Cooper OBE KSG (1934 — 2011) Undefeated in the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles for three years, he is the only boxer to have been awarded a knighthood. Spot his at 4 Ealing Road, Wembley. [caption id="attachment_155033" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of creative commons/Simon Harriyott (CC BY 2.0)SIR Arthur Conan Doyle’s plaque.[/caption] Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 — 1930) A writer and physician, he is more popularly known as the creator of the pop culture character Sherlock Holmes, who has impacted the crime fiction scene since his conception. Sir Doyle’s green plaque — an updated color scheme — is found at 2 Upper Wimpole Street. John F. Kennedy (1917 — 1963) Better known as JFK, he served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his untimely assassination. His tribute is on 14 Princes Gate, London, where the family lived when the patriarch served as the American Ambassador to the Court of Saint James. Karl Marx (1818 — 1883) The German-born philosopher is behind the 1848 pamphlet The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, which are defining pieces in the school of socialism and communism. His recollection is on 101-8 Maitland Park Road. [caption id="attachment_155035" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photograph courtesy of creative commons/JOHN YUGIN (CC BY 4.0)KARL Marx plaque.[/caption] Sir Joseph Paxton (1803–1865) He is the architect behind The Crystal Palace, which housed the Great Exhibition of 1851. He likewise cultivated the Cavendish banana, the most consumed banana in the Western world. His memento is on Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire. J. R. R. Tolkien (1892–1973) The one and only man behind the wildly popular Lord of the Rings books, which revitalized the fantasy genre and inspired many a writer to pick up a pen. His one of four — that’s right, he has a total of five — souvenirs may be seen at Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham. Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864) An American novelist and short story writer, he is most known for the groundbreaking novel The Scarlet Letter. You can find him on 4 Pond Road, Blackheath. [caption id="attachment_155034" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of creative commons/Spudgun67 (CC BY SA-4.0)NATHANIEL Hawthorne plaque.[/caption] Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) A Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is respected as one of the most influential figures in the history of art. His token may be seen at 87 Hackford Road, South Lambeth. [caption id="attachment_155028" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS/Spudgun67 (CC BY-SA 4.0)Vincent Van Gogh’s plaque.[/caption] Jose Rizal (1861-1896) How could we ever forget the Philippine National Hero’s very own recognition? His acknowledgment may be explored at Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire, 37 Chalcot Crescent, Belsize Park, London, where he lived as he fended off criticisms on his character and the revolutionary Noli Me Tangere. [caption id="attachment_155027" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS/Spudgun67 (CC BY-SA 4.0)Jose Rizal’s plaque.[/caption] The post The blue plaques of London: An overlooked embellishment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jennifer Garner returning as Elektra in Deadpool 3 — reports
Actress Jennifer Garner is expected to portray once more her role of Elektra in the upcoming comic book movie "Deadpool 3," almost 20 years since she last played the character in her solo film......»»
Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories
Cinema is one of the most engaging artforms and creative expressions through which the LGBTQ+ community documents their lived experiences, conveys their desires and struggles, celebrates their identities and advocates for reforms and deeper understanding. Thus, film screenings are popular activities during LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This year, several institutions, streaming service companies and film groups are mounting screenings, giving these works more opportunities to reach more audiences. Here is a rundown: FDCP’s Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival The Film Development Council of the Philippines brings back the Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival this year with the theme “Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya” (Liberating Stories), and the aim is training the spotlight “on underrepresented members of the LGBTQIA+ community to promote a better understanding of inclusivity, diversity and equality.” According to Tirso Cruz III, FDCP chairman and chief executive officer, Pelikulaya “aims to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues. We believe that by using the power of film, we can do our part in showcasing films that celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories. Hoping to create understanding of the lives, perspectives and advocacies shown in each film.” “With that, the FDCP sends our love and gratitude to you all for being with us, and we hope you’ll have a memorable experience in all of our Cinematheque Centres across the Philippines,” he added. To be held from 23 to 30 June, Pelikulaya will screen titles at the Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Nabunturan and Bacolod, and several theaters in Metro Manila including Cinema ‘76 and UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna/Videotheque. Some of the titles will also be available for streaming on JuanFlix (www.juanflix.com.ph) starting 30 June with a subscription fee. A special screening of a digitally restored and remastered version of Wong Kar Wai’s Happy Together will kick off the festival on 23 June at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City. Aside from Happy Together, films that will be screened at the Cinematheque Centres are Girl (directed by Lukas Dhont); Portrait of a Lady on Fire (directed by Celine Sciamma); Women Do Cry (directed by Vesela Kazako and Mina Mileva); Billie and Emma (directed by Samantha Lee); Mamu, and a Mother Too (directed by Rod Singh); Metamorphosis (directed by J.E. Tiglao); and The Boy Foretold by the Stars (directed by Dolly Dulu). Ishmael Bernal’s Manila by Night will have a free screening. Priced from P100 to P200, tickets to Manila screenings may be purchased through bit.ly/CCManilaTickets. [caption id="attachment_146567" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Lukas Dhont’s ‘Girl’ is inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina.[/caption] Short films will be screened for free at the Cinematheque Centres, and the lineup includes Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (directed by Vahn Leinard Pascual); Love in the Ungodly Hour (directed by Bradley Jason Pantajo); Dikit (directed by Gabriela Serrano); Gulis (directed by Kyle Jumayne Francisco); Noontime Drama (directed by Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real); and Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag (directed by Kukay Zinampan). [caption id="attachment_146563" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Dikit,’ a short film by Gabriela Serrano.[/caption] To be available for streaming on JuanFlix are Sila-Sila (directed by Giancarlo Abrahan); Metamorphosis; Mamu, and a Mother Too; Rome and Juliet (directed by Connie Macatuno); How to Die Young in Manila (directed by Petersen Vargas); Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag; and This is Not A Coming Out Story (directed by Mark Felix Ebreo). Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Women Do Cry will be also be available on a pay-per-view basis. At Cinema ’76 Cinema ’76 Film Society is bringing in acclaimed movies this Pride Month. Headlining is Happy Together, the 1997 Cannes-winning romantic drama directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai and featuring Tony Leung and the late Leslie Cheung as two lovers caught in a turbulent affair. Aside from Happy Together, two films featuring transgender experiences will also be shown. Girl is the debut film of Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont and won the Camera d’Or for Best Feature Film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The film was inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina. On the other hand, Fanny: The Right to Rock is a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart about Fanny, the legendary Filipina-American-fronted rock band whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history. The film touches on the place of women, women of color, queers and older women in a straight male-dominated industry. [caption id="attachment_146564" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Fanny The Right to Rock,’ a documentary about a forgotten queer band.[/caption] The three films will have a limited run from 21 to 27 June at Cinema ’76 on Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. On iWantTFC A streaming platform with international reach, iWantTFC celebrates all types of love with a special selection of movies and series called Love is Love that includes Drag You and Me, iWantTFC’s latest original series that tackles drag culture and stars Andrea Brillantes, JC Alcantara and Christian Bables. Other iWantTFC originals that viewers may stream are the Girls’ Love series Sleep with Me, starring Janine Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, and Fluid, Boys’ Love (BL) rom-com Oh, Mando! and advocacy series Mga Batang Poz. [caption id="attachment_146566" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of Dreamscape Entetainment | ‘Drag You and Me’ is an iWantTFC original series that tackles drag culture.[/caption] There are also empowering movies and series about loving freely and living authentically, such as The Boy Foretold by the Stars and its sequel series Love Beneath the Stars, Black Sheep’s hit series Hello Stranger starring Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, and the Star Cinema film My Lockdown Romance, starring Jameson Blake and Joao Constancia. Stories on learning how to embrace one’s sexuality and being true to oneself are told by The Panti Sisters, Die Beautiful, The Third Party and Baka Bukas. Thai BL series, such as 2gether the Series, Still 2gether, A Tale of a Thousand Stars and Bad Buddy are also available to stream as well as well-loved and classic LGBTQ-themed movies, such as T-Bird at Ako, Si Chedeng at si Apple and In My Life. These can be viewed on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com). In other select countries, watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia) and VIDAA. On Jungo Pinoy New Filipino streaming app Jungo Pinoy, which boasts of having the largest Filipino-dubbed movie library in the world, as well as original films and TV series, also has a selection of LGBTQ-themed and queer-created films and series, which can be viewed either for free or through a subscription plan. Recommended watch includes: eCupid (exclusive Filipino-dubbed), a romantic comedy directed by JC Calciano and starring Morgan Fairchild, Houston Rhines and Noah Schuffman, tells the story of a gay man nearing 30 years old tapping into an otherworldly internet advertisement that begins to control his life. Hoping to end his seven-year romance rut, he uses the site to get everything he wants until he discovers that what he thought he wanted wasn’t the thing that would ultimately make him happy. Ten Year Plan (exclusive Filipino-dubbed) is another romantic comedy directed by Calciano and starring Jack Turner and Michael Adam Hamilton. In the film, two best friends make a pact to be together in a decade if neither finds love. With two months left until their deadline, they both scramble to find someone to avoid being each other’s last resort. [caption id="attachment_146565" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘TEN Year Plan,’ directed by JC Calciano.[/caption] Adan is a Filipino lesbian mystery and romance movie starring Cindy Miranda, Rhen Escano and Ruby Ruiz. In the movie, a naive provincial girl finds a way to be independent through the help of her girl best friend, but their actions have consequences. [caption id="attachment_146562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photographs Courtesy oF JUNGO PINOY | ‘ADAN’ tells about a lesbian story.[/caption] Daddy Issues, starring Jo Ashe and Rachel Barry, is a comedy about loss and starting over. In the film, when her emotionally distant father dies and leaves her his company, a hapless stand-up comic moves to Los Angeles to take over the family business. Tucked is about an aging drag queen who forms an unlikely friendship with a younger queen. As they discover more about each other, they realize how to truly be themselves. Starring Derren Nesbit and Jordan Stephens, this film is about love, loss and friendship. Lady Gaga: iTunes Festival features the pop star’s performance at the Itunes Music Festival, which also marked the world premiere of tracks from her album ARTPOP. [caption id="attachment_146570" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JUNGO PINOY | WATCH pop star Lady Gaga perform in ‘Lady Gaga iTunes Festival.’[/caption] Sam Smith: Austin City Limits features the non-binary English singer and songwriter performing their greatest hits, such as “Nirvana” and “I Know I’m Not the Only One” on the stage at Austin City Limits. [caption id="attachment_146569" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Sam Smith: Austin City Limits.’[/caption] At the Quezon City Public Library A weekly film screening is part of the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month of one of the country’s most active public libraries, the Quezon City Public Library (QCPL). With the theme, “Equality for All,” their celebration aims “to highlight the unique contributions and lived experiences of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community through various library activities and informational resources.” “This celebration also forwards an aspiration: that one day, we will be able to genuinely acknowledge the existence of our fellow LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters as equally valuable as everyone. And that they too deserve equal opportunity in any given situation and honest representation in all of its forms, shapes and sizes,” the library explained. The film screenings started with Love, Simon and Everything Everywhere All at Once on 9 June and All My Life and Bekikang on 16 June. Other films to be shown are Perks of Being A Wall Flower and Boys in the Band on 23 June, and Eternals and Imitation Game on 30 June. Screenings are from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Conference Room of QCPL. Contact the library to reserve slots. At the UPFI Film Center The University of the Philippines Film Institute also had screenings of LGBTQ+ films on 17 June, in partnership with the UP Diliman Gender Office. Shown were short films Gutab, Dory, Niknik, Kurozetto, Bakit, Papa? and Nang Maglublob Ako sa isang Mangkok ng Liwanag. The post Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘The Flash’ dashes to box office win but stumbles short of estimates
Warner Bros.' "The Flash" sprinted to the top of North American box offices in its opening weekend, in a Friday-to-Sunday run dominated by spin-offs and sequels. But the live-action take on the DC Comics superhero only brought in $55.1 million, according to figures released Sunday by Exhibitor Relations -- earnings that analysts said were "far below estimates" for its debut. Ezra Miller stars as the speedy protagonist, joined by other DC characters including Supergirl and Batman. It dethroned the latest "Transformers" installment, from Paramount, which was last weekend's top earner. Notching the number two spot this weekend was "Elemental," an animated immigrant fable from Pixar, which earned $29.5 million in what was also its opening weekend. Pixar's first totally original new film to hit theaters since the start of the pandemic is set in the fantastical Element City -- where residents made out of fire, water, earth, and air must learn to live in close proximity, despite their highly combustible differences. Out of the top five highest-earning films this weekend, the rest were rounded out by movies with characters already familiar to generations of audiences. Sony's "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" picked up $27.8 million, bringing its cumulative domestic total to more than $280 million so far, with an additional $209 million internationally. The film, a sequel to 2018's "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and the latest spin on the Marvel Comics superhero, picks up the story of half-Black, half-Latino Miles Morales, using an eye-popping blend of decades-old 2D comic book drawing techniques with the latest computer-generated visual effects. Dropping to fourth place was "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," which earned $20 million, part of a $103.6 million haul so far. Disney's "The Little Mermaid," a live-action remake of its 1989 animated tale of an underwater princess who gives up her voice in pursuit of true love, brought in $11.6 million. It has now earned some $253.5 million. Rounding out the top 10 were "The Blackening" ($6 million), "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" ($5 million), "The Boogeyman" ($3.8 million), "Fast X" ($1.6 million), and "Asteroid City" (limited release, $790,000). The post ‘The Flash’ dashes to box office win but stumbles short of estimates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Latest Spider-Man spins silver screen gold
"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," Sony's newest chapter in the web-slinger series, soared to North American box office domination in its weekend debut, Sunday estimates showed, cementing the resilience of one of Hollywood's biggest superhero juggernauts. The animated offering featuring the voices of Shameik Moore, Haille Steinfeld, and Issa Rae netted a cool $120 million domestically for the Friday-through-Sunday period, and another $88 million internationally, according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations. "This is an exceptionally good opening for an animation follow-up sequel," said analyst David A. Gross, adding the sequel has an "entirely fresh" look and is an example of "inspired commercial filmmaking." The film picks up the story of half-Black, half-Latino Miles Morales, using an eye-popping blend of decades-old 2D comic book drawing techniques with the latest computer-generated visual effects. Spidey dethroned Disney's live-action version of "The Little Mermaid," which raked in a similar amount in its debut the previous weekend and followed up with $40.6 million. The remake of the 1989 animated tale of an underwater princess who gives up her voice in pursuit of true love on land stars pop singer Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, and Melissa McCarthy as the villainous Ursula. "The Boogeyman" debuted in third with $12.3 million. The 20th Century Studios horror/mystery feature is the latest in a long line of films adapted from a Stephen King book, and one of its producers shepherded the hit show "Stranger Things" onto the small screen. Slipping one spot to fourth was Disney's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" which added $10 million to its cumulative worldwide total of some $780 million. Universal's action film "Fast X," part of the "Fast & Furious" franchise, held the fifth spot, earning $9.2 million. Rounding out the top 10 were "The Super Mario Bros Movie" ($3.3 million), "About My Father" ($2.1 million), "The Machine" ($1.7 million), "You Hurt My Feelings" ($770,000). and "Kandahar" ($765,000) The post Latest Spider-Man spins silver screen gold appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lana Condor gives voice to new Dreamworks heroine Ruby Gillman
It’s krakens versus mermaids in DreamWorks’ latest action-adventure and coming-of-age animated film, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, starring a stellar voice cast that includes Lana Condor, known for the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise, in the titular character. Directed by Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Kirk DeMicco (The Croods), Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a sweet, awkward 16-year-old who is desperate to fit in at Oceanside High, but mostly just feels invisible. She’s math-tutoring her skater-boy crush (Jaboukie Young-White from Ralph Breaks the Internet), who only seems to admire her for her fractals, and she’s prevented from hanging out with the cool kids at the beach because her over-protective supermom and has forbade Ruby from ever getting in the water. But when she breaks her mom’s number one rule, Ruby will discover that she is a direct descendant of the warrior kraken queen and is destined to inherit the throne from her commanding grandmother, the Warrior Queen of the Seven Seas. The krakens are sworn to protect the oceans of the world against the vain, power-hungry mermaids who have been battling with the kraken for eons. There’s one major, and immediate, problem with that: the school’s beautiful, popular new girl, Chelsea, just happens to be a mermaid. Ruby will ultimately need to embrace who she is and go big to protect those she loves most. “As a filmmaker, I’ve always been interested in subverting expectations in my storytelling,” DeMicco says. “When it came to Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, one of the things that excited me most was the opportunity to do just that with the mythology of the krakens and mermaids. Traditionally, the kraken has been portrayed as a monstrous creature, something to be feared and avoided at all costs. But in this film, we wanted to explore the idea of krakens as powerful and benevolent protectors of the sea. Similarly, we wanted to take the traditional image of mermaids and turn it on its head, creating a more complex and nuanced mythology that challenged audience expectations.” The result is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant — and very funny — aquatic coming-of-age tale about a girl searching for a sense of belonging in the world and learning more than she could have ever imagined. “DreamWorks Animation has a long, comic tradition of subverting the hero’s journey, whether it’s an ogre who saves a princess, a panda that becomes a warrior, or a progressive Viking teen and his injured dragon who change the course of their community,” says DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn. “Ruby Gillman represents a new chapter to that tradition: a teen girl with unexpected and extraordinary powers.” Joining Condor in the voice cast are Oscar® nominee Toni Collette (as Ruby’s mom), Academy Award® winner Jane Fonda (as Ruby’s grandmother) and Emmy winner Annie Murphy as Chelsea. The movie also stars an extraordinary supporting cast that includes Emmy winner Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead) as Ruby’s supportive dad; Emmy nominee Sam Richardson (Veep) as Ruby’s enthusiastic uncle; and Blue Chapman (Council of Dads) as Ruby’s cool little brother. A DreamWorks film and Universal Pictures presentation, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken swims in Philippine cinemas on 28 June. The post Lana Condor gives voice to new Dreamworks heroine Ruby Gillman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Comic troupe of Lassy, MC & Chad goes from stage to screen
It’s not easy to tell what comedy exactly means, but we know it when we see or hear it, especially from people who have the talent to bring that feeling of happiness and make us leave our worries behind......»»
British writer Martin Amis dies aged 73
Renowned and influential British writer Martin Amis has died aged 73 at his home in Lake Worth, Florida, the Booker Prizes said Saturday. Amis was "one of the most acclaimed and discussed writers of the past 50 years and the author of 14 novels," said the website of Booker Prizes, the leading literary awards for fiction in the United Kingdom. His wife, Isabel Fonseca, told media that the author of searing and insightful works such as "Money: A Suicide Note," "London Fields" and "Time's Arrow" died on Friday after a bout with esophageal cancer. His death was announced on the same day as the Cannes Festival showing of a film based on his 2014 book "The Zone of Interest". Set in Auschwitz, the novel tells the story of a Nazi officer who fell in love with the wife of the extermination camp commander. Amis, the son of renowned comic novelist Kingsley Amis, equaled and even surpassed his father in fame with novels filled with savage humor. "The novel is an incredibly intimate portrait of a writer," the younger Amis once told the BBC, reflecting on his career. "Although I don't write an autobiography, I am everywhere in my books." In 2008, the Times of London named him one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Born in 1949 in Wales, Amis rose to literary celebrity amid the hip 1980s British fiction boom that included fellow novelists Salman Rushdie, Julian Barnes, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Ian McEwan. Amis graduated from Oxford University in 1971 with a degree in English and worked as an editor before publishing his first novel, "The Rachel Papers," in 1973. It was with "Money," published in 1984 with a comic take on consumerism, that Amis burst more broadly onto the literary scene. In addition to his novels, Amis published two collections of stories and eight works of nonfiction. His book on the September 11, 2001 attacks, titled "The Second Plane," includes articles, short stories, and essays. In recent decades, Amis became a public intellectual, frequently appearing on television, sometimes alongside his long-time friend Christopher Hitchens, a British-American writer and renowned atheist who died in 2011. He was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1991 and long-listed in 2003, the website noted. The 1990s marked the peak of his literary career, even though he was accused of misogyny and, later, Islamophobia -- accusations he firmly rejected. Publisher Vintage Books said it was "devastated" by the death of Amis. "He leaves a towering legacy and an indelible mark on the British cultural landscape, and will be missed enormously," Vintage said on its Twitter account. The post British writer Martin Amis dies aged 73 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Harry Styles now has his own comic book
The life and steady rise of British singer Harry Styles have been chronicled in a comic book by TidalWave Comics called "Fame: Harry Styles.".....»»