Long weekend movies, shows to watch

MANILA, Philippines — Whether you are stying on the coach or looking for something to kill time on your way to a travel destination, here are some movies and shows to keep you company this coming long weekend and beyond.

A new season of "A Taste of Hong Kong" 

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), in collaboration with TLC, presents yet another showcase of the many exciting adventures one can have in Hong Kong in a new season of "A Taste of Hong Kong" premiering this August, on TLC, which features Philippines very own fashion and travel blogger Kryz Uy, where she experienced a mix of rustic and modern oriental glamour in Asia's World City.

Singer-actress and "A Taste of Hong Kong" host Josie Ho, invited well-followed travelers from around the region to spend ‘a-day-in-her-life’ on an insider tour of the city, one of whom is Kryz Uy, a Cebu-based travel and lifestyle blogger who travels around the world to meet new people and gain new experiences. In their episode, Josie and Kryz are also joined by Daphne Charice, upcoming singer and a party and lifestyle Malaysian blogger who shares her adventures with her family, best friends, daily events and special encounters. The group went on a unique 24-hour tour of Hong Kong, with stops in the city’s most iconic and Instagram-worthy destinations, and visits to its most interesting food haunts. 

Kryz shared her unforgettable experience with the crew, “Being able to work with Josie Ho was such an incredible opportunity.” She added, “Getting to explore Hong Kong from a local’s perspective was so refreshing, and definitely makes me want discover more hidden gems in the city.”

In this season of "A Taste of Hong Kong," viewers will get a glimpse of Hong Kong’s visually stimulating locations such as Old Town Central, a contrasting neighborhood and amazing landmark destination revealing over 100 years of Hong Kong history. Kryz expressed, “If Old Town Central alone already has so many things to offer, I can’t imagine what else the rest of Hong Kong awaits me.” While exploring Old Town Central Kryz also met fellow bag designer Cecilia Ma, one of the Vogue Talents in 2015. Upon meeting Hong Kong-based bag designer Cecilia, Kryz felt that sudden connection, “We instantly clicked because I myself is also a bag designer and when I saw Cecilia’s bags and their quirky designs, I was just like, that is so my aesthetic,” says Kryz.

Like a local, Kryz explores Old Town Central where her stops have taken shopping, dining, and partying to a whole new level! She also had taken wearing the traditional Chinese dress,Qipao to a very modern and hip manner. Take a glimpse of what it’s like to explore Hong Kong in 24 hours and join the ATHK crew as they explore one of the city’s many sides in A Taste of Hong Kong.

Get to know Malang

"CNN Presents: Malang" posthumously surveys his life and his iconic contributions to local art, as told by members of Malang’s close circle. Hear never-before-heard narratives on the artist from his children Soler and Sarah, his grandchildren, Malang’s trusted staff, and renowned art patrons who have faithfully recognized Malang’s remarkable works of art.

Art patron Sari Ortiga, who owns The Crucible Gallery where Malang’s art is often displayed, says at one point in the special: “I think [Malang] was the most controversial artist of his time... He lived it, he breathed it, he created it. He was controversial in his crusade against the authenticity of the art… [It’s his one] legacy that we will never forget.”

"CNN Presents: Malang" will premiere on August 19, Saturday, 8 p.m. and with replays on August 20, Sunday, 10 a.m. and August 21, Monday, 9:30 a.m. 

New anime series

Enter two different worlds of duels and friendships in new anime series “The Asterisk Wars” and “Keijo!! Hip Whip Girl” as they make their mark on Hero TV this August.

Set in an imperfect anime world, “The Asterisk Wars” tells the story of Ayato Amagiri, who transfers to the elite Seidoukan Academy where students with superpowers called Genestella learn to control their abilities and duel against each other. While Ayato tries to conceal the real reason for his transfer – to investigate the disappearance of someone close to his heart – he meets Julis, one of the academy’s leading fighters, and develops a special friendship with her.

Meanwhile, in the competitive sports series “Keijo!! Hip Whip Girl,” a gifted gymnast named Nozomi Kaminashi gives up her dream to compete in the Olympics to play Keijo – a game where players fight atop floating platforms, intending to incapacitate their opponents or push them out to the water. As she enters the world of a new sport to get herself and her sibling out of poverty, Nozomi discovers friends and rivals as she face both glory and challenges that she has never imagined.

Catch “The Asterisk Wars” Mondays to Fridays at 6:30 p.m. starting August 18, and “Keijo!! Hip Whip Girl” Mondays to Fridays at 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. starting August 24 on Hero TV (SKYcable ch. 44).

Cannes Best Director holds exclusive ‘Cinemansanas’ Masterclass

Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza began the first round of Masterclass sessions for Pixelworx: Cinemansanas 2017 last August 12 and 13. The 23 selected filmmakers embarked on a journey with the award-winning director who lent his expertise on acting, directing, and cinematography.

The exclusive sessions were held at the Power Mac Center Apple Authorized Training Provider in Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. Participants underwent extensive training and experienced hands-on activities during the sessions, which aim to help them bring film ideas to life.

“We selected a wonderful mix of 23 idealistic students, professionals, and enthusiasts representing the 23 amazing years of Power Mac Center. We are grateful to Direk Dante Mendoza for sharing his time and knowledge and helping us nurture the next generation of Filipino filmmakers,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

The last Masterclass session will be held on August 26. After which, participants are required to submit their short films for a chance to win a MacBook Pro Retina or up to P40,000 worth of Power Mac Center gift cards.

‘Do you have a minute?’ film competition, still open

Filmmakers and enthusiasts who missed the Masterclass sessions can still participate in Cinemansanas by sending their 1-minute film entries to the short film competition. Entry is free and open to all residents of the Philippines, provided they are 18 years old and above.

“‘Do you have a minute?’ aims to provide a perspective on how people can share compelling stories through social media, where everything has a shelf life of just 60 seconds. We want to challenge everyone, can you tell an amazing story in one minute?” Alvarez said.

Film entries must be shot using an iPhone and made specifically for this competition. Films may be in any language or have no dialogue at all, whereas foreign language audio or important on-screen text must have English subtitles.

Up to P30,000 worth of Power Mac Center gift cards, full training on Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro X, and an iPad Pro are up for grabs.

The deadline of submission of entries is on August 25, 2017.

“MMK” looking for stories from the regions 

Do you have a story to share? A story that will not only inspire but also empower and lives of many? Have you ever imagined having your own life story aired on national television? Now is the chance for you share your story to Asia’s longest running TV drama anthology, “MMK,” in its regional story gathering event happening this week in Romblon, Siquijor, and Negros Occidental.

Head out to the Odiongan Covered Court in Odiongan, Romblon; SB Session Hall in Siquijor Municipal Building in Siquijor, or in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental from Friday to Sunday (Aug 18-20), 10AM  to 9PM. The show’s staff will be there for three consecutive days to personally read your letters or listen to your stories.

Created in 2006, the regional story gathering program aims to get more stories from Kapamilyas in far flung areas in the regions. Through this, the letter senders who don’t have access to the internet or those who don’t know how to read or write can also have the chance to share what they went through in life.

“MMK” has been a part of every Filipino home since it launched in 1991. For the past 25 years, the show already made more than 2,000 letters come to life, giving viewers hope, inspiration, and learnings.  In every letter that Ms. Charo Santos reads, it tells the different struggles and experiences of our fellow Kapamilya, that is why it is close to the hearts and lives of the Filipinos.

“My Ex and Whys” on Cinema One 

 “My Ex and Whys,” the highest earning local movie for the first half of 2017 with P400 million sales worldwide starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, makes its Cinema One premiere this Sunday (August 20).

 Released in February of this year, this Star Cinema mega blockbuster film directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina is LizQuen’s third movie in a leading role and their most successful big screen project to date.

 Blogger Cali (Liza) shares her painful experience in love to her followers with her “Bakit List” rants. Her former boyfriend, Gio (Enrique), answers back with his “Dahil List,” aiming to win over the trust of the girl he once hurt by explaining his side of the story. In an unexpected twist, the two are forced to work with each other and will be entangled in their exciting pursuit of payback and forgiveness.

Aside from the fun and romance that the film delivers, viewers also get to see scenic spots in South Korea, meaningful sites in Cali and Gio’s journey, as a bonus treat. 

Cinema One is available on SkyCable and Destiny Cable Digital Channel 56, and Destiny Analog Ch. 37.

Award-winning Marvel Creative Day Out to stage its second year in the Philippines

The award-winning Marvel Creative Day Out is back! In partnership with the National Commission of Culture and the Arts, this one-day Marvel creative and inspirational event, planned for September 25 at College of Saint Benilde, will take you closer to your favorite epic stories of Marvel Super Heroes. This year's event will not only showcase the world of Marvel comics but also fashion and other product designs for the first time.

Whether you are a fan, an artist, or a designer (fashion/product), Marvel invites you to be a part of this ultimate celebration by expressing your love for the brand in the form of your creative work, which will be showcased in the event's exhibition. Get creative with your Marvel submissions - anything from sketches, paintings, sculpture, installation, digital art, fashion designs in clothing and accessories or products designs. Submissions are open from August 15 to September 15. See you on September 25 for yet another celebration of Marvel creativity!

 "Alyas Robin Hood" is back and more exciting than ever

 After its undeniably successful first season, GMA Network proudly brings back the hit primetime series Alyas Robin Hood in a much more exciting second season this August.

 Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes returns as Pepe de Jesus, a former vigilante known as Robin Hood and is now a full-fledged lawyer that mostly takes on pro bono cases to help the poor and the oppressed.   

Dingdong shares that they are doubling all their efforts to create a good show. “Kapag sinabi mong part two, whatever you saw last season kailangan mag double up in terms of the drama, the action, sa comedy, total look, production value, double up lahat. Biyaya sa amin na nabigyan kami ng second season kaya dodoblehin namin ‘yung saya na maaaring i-expect nila at gagawin talaga namin ‘yan.”

More than the unexpected kidnapping of his mother, Pepe must now face new battles. A powerful evil force threatens the city, secrets from his past will be revealed, relationships will be torn apart, and shocking revelations will be made. Now more than ever, Pepe must dig up his past and revive his alter ego—Alyas Robin Hood.

"Alyas Robin Hood" also stars Andrea Torres as Venus, the love of Pepe’s life and his faithful ally in helping those who are seeking justice; Ruru Madrid as Andres Silang, the geeky adopted son of Emilio (Edu Manzano) who has a secret persona as ‘The Marbleman’; and as one of the leading ladies of Dingdong Dantes, Solenn Heussaff as Iris Lizeralde, the rich high-society ‘it’ girl who will also fall in love with Robin Hood.

Returning for the second season is respected and multi-awarded TV and movie actress Ms. Jaclyn Jose as Judy, Pepe and Caloy’s loving mother. Playing a very special role in the series is seasoned actor Edu Manzano as Emilio Albano, a famous and charismatic real estate agent, but underneath that exterior, is a manipulative man with an insatiable desire for power.

Bringing more action and excitement to Pepe's life are original and new cast members: Gary Estrada as Caloy, Pepe’s older brother and father of Lizzy; Paolo Contis as Daniel Acosta, a principled police officer; Jay Manalo as Pablo, the leader of the Kadugo Brotherhood and Emilio’s top assassin; Rey “PJ” Abellana as Leandro, Venus’ father; Gio Alvarez as Jekjek, Pepe’s confidante and best friend; KC Montero as Rigor, a cocky and mean police officer who is also Emilio’s ally; Lindsay De Vera as Lizzy De Jesus, Pepe’s niece and a supporter of Marbleman; Dave Bornea as Julian Balbuena, a crucial supporter of Marbleman; Rob Moya as Alex Cruz, Daniel’s assistant police officer; Antonette Garcia as Frida, Venus’ snooty yaya; Luri Nalus as Junjun, the odd but endearing man in Venus’ household.

"Alyas Robin Hood" is under the helm once again of esteemed director Dominic Zapata, with the creative team composed of creative director Roy Iglesias; creative head Dode Cruz; creative consultant  Suzette Doctolero; headwriter Aloy Adlawan; writers Glaiza Ramirez and Lobert Villela; and brainstormers Libay Trinidad and Patrick Ilagan.

This original drama series is created by the GMA ETV Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment TV Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Redgie A. Magno, Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Cathy Ochoa-Perez and Senior Executive Producer Mona Mayuga.

"Alyas Robin Hood" Season 2 is all set to bring viewers twice the action, drama, romance and comedy. And with the much-anticipated sequel comes a new battle cry: That even heroes fall, but only those who rise from the ashes are the ones that are able to make a difference and save the world. Catch the return of "Alyas Robin Hood" weeknights on GMA Telebabad.

International kiddie talent-talk show  

Viewers nationwide watched the first batch of charming kids show off their extraordinary talents in the hit international kiddie talent-talk show “Little Big Shots,” which premiered to high ratings last weekend.

 According to data from Kantar Media, the show garnered a national TV rating of 36 percent across urban and rural homes, compared to rival program “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kwento,” which only scored 20.7 percent.

 “Little Big Shots” also scored 36.9% last Sunday (August 13) versus “Hay Bahay!” which only got 14.9 percent.

Charming viewers and gaining praises online last weekend were pole dancer Allyza, fish deboning expert Janice, geography master Klyde, three-year-old charmer Rodzen, hiphop dancer JM, acrobatic duo Andrei and Alfonso, junior archers Basti and Kat, six-year-old kid with six-pack abs Kent, and skateboarder Jayden.

Billy himself has received compliments for his entertaining banter and chemistry with the kids featured on the show. According to him, hosting “Little Big Shots" is a big opportunity so he goes out of his way to give viewers a great show. “Being a part of ‘It’s Showtime' is a huge help because the kids already see me on TV. Before the taping starts, I go to the kids and talk to them so when they come on stage, everything comes out more naturally,” shared Billy.

Do not miss the talented, witty, and charming kids of “Little Big Shots,” Saturdays and Sundays on ABS-CBN and on ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). 

Kabataang Gitarista

Kabataang Gitarista (KG), a classical guitar training program for public high school students in Manila, Pasay and Paranaque will celebrate its 5th Anniversary through a concert at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 3 p.m. Performing in the concert are the different batches of the Kabataang Gitarista currently receiving training: the 2016 and 2015 Batches, and the Core Group composed of Batches from 2014 and earlier. Their trainors are Maestro Jose Valdez, and his assistant Daniel Lopez.

The highlight of the concert will be the performance of the KG five-member all-male Performing Ensemble composed of two alumni majoring in classical guitar who are currently enrolled in colleges of music, and selected outstanding members of the 2014 Batch currently in high school. The group is composed of Christian Mercader, Fernando Sy-Changco III, David Tiongson, Andrei Fernandez and Edel Mark Bitao.

KG was organized by the CCP Artist Training Division in August 2012 to promote appreciation for, and interest in classical guitar performance among public high school students; to provide the highest level of guitar training free of charge; and to develop a performing classical guitar ensemble.

The KG has given performances in selected public and private schools, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines besides many other venues. The group has also given lecture-demonstrations, workshops and outreach concerts to promote classical guitar among the youth.

The current high school members continue to create an impact in their respective public high schools by performing as soloists in school activities and winning in solo instrument competitions. Many of them have improved their performance skills, academic standing and self-confidence through their participation in the program.

GMovies partners with Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino

In line with the partnership between Globe Telecom and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for the first Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, more Filipinos will now be able to purchase tickets for their chosen participating movies via the GMovies app. By downloading the GMovies app for free on Google Playstore or on the App Store, first time GMovies users get ?50 off their movie ticket/s to any Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) film by using the promo code PELIKULA.

 “We fully support FDCP in their major initiative of giving Filipinos this ground breaking movie festival. Through accessibility of tickets on the GMovies app, we hope to encourage moviegoers to catch all PPP films, and movies in general, through legitimate sources whether in movie houses or in authorized streaming platforms,” says Glenn Estrella, Vice President for Digital Ventures, the innovator of GMovies.

This effort forms part of the company’s #PlayItRight campaign that sheds light to piracy and legitimate content consumption to provide an opportunity for local movies and film-makers to grow their business and expand to more audiences.

Movie fans can easily book and buy their top PPP movie picks in just these easy steps: pick the movie on the app, select the cinema, time, date and preferred seat/s, and finally choose the payment method. Users can choose among various payment options such as via credit card, claim code, GCash, bank payment, or M-Pass for Ayala Cinemas.

GMovies is the Philippines' only movie ticketing app that aggregates over 100 cinemas nationwide. Its partner cinemas include Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinema, Robinsons Movieworld, Theatre Mall & Promenade Greenhills Cinemas, and Power Plant Cinema. It provides notifications on ticket availabilities with exclusive movie promos and ticket discounts. It also showcases the movie trailers and reviews.

Customers can also get ?50 off their first ticket to Birdshot through SMS via Globe Rewards and Globe Stores. They may avail of the discount using the promo code HARIBON through Globe Rewards and the promo code BIRDSHOT through Globe Stores.

All promos are valid for a minimum of two tickets at SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, Theater Mall and Promenade Greenhills, Power Plant Cinemas, and participating Ayala Malls Cinemas (Abreeza, Ayala Center Cebu, Bonifacio High Street, Centrio, Glorietta, Greenbelt 1 and 3, Harbor Point, Market! Market!, MarQuee, and TriNoma). Promos are from August 14 to 22.

From August 16 to 22, Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino will screen 12 chosen local films in over 790 theaters nationwide. The 12 participating films include Hamog, Pauwi Na, Bar Boys, Patay na si Hesus, Star na si Van Damme Stallone, Triptiko, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, Paglipay, AWOL, Birdshot, Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B and Salvage.

"Birdshot," top-billed by John Arcilla is also supported by Globe Studios, the original productions arm of Globe, through a co-marketing partnership with TBA Studios.

Korean thriller  “Signal”

A detective from the past and a cold case profiler in present time found themselves communicating through a mysterious walkie-talkie and help each other solve murder cases in South Korea’s award-winning and top-rating rating police drama in 2016, “Signal,” which can now be viewed online via ABS-CBN’s video-on-demand service iWant TV.

 Written by Kim Eun-Hee, “Signal” bagged three awards at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards including best drama and best screenplay.  It also won three tvN10 Awards, namely Grand Excellence Award for Acting for Cho Jin-woong, Actress’s Award for Kim Hye Soon, Content Award for Drama, among others.

 “Signal” follows the story of Harry Park (Lee Je-hoon), a profiler who joins a newly formed cold case squad after solving a 15-year-old murder case through the help of Jomar Lee (Cho Jin-woong), a detective from the past. Through a walkie-talkie, Harry and Jomar communicate with each other to prevent murders from happening and to capture the suspects of unsolved cases in present time. Also joining the crime-busting adventures is detective Cyril Cha (Kim Hye-soo), a woman who knows Jomar from way back.

 How will they solve cold cases that happened decades back? What will the consequences be as they change the course of things in present time?

 iWant TV, an over-the-top content platform, is among the growing digital properties of ABS-CBN as it fast transitions into an agile digital company as it delivers content online to meet the new viewing habits of Filipinos.

“Signal” captivated Korean viewers with its riveting plot that featured cases based on real unsolved crimes that happened in Korea such as the infamous Hwaseong serial murders. The award-winning Koreanovela also airs on digital television via ABS-CBN TV plus’ Cine Mo (ch 3), Sundays at 1 p.m.

HBO renews "Ballers" and  "Insecure" 

With both series seeing record viewership this season, HBO has renewed the comedy series "Ballers" for a fourth season and  "Insecure" for a third season, it was announced this week by Amy Gravitt, executive vice president, HBO Programming.

Looking at the whirlwind lifestyles and real-life problems of former and current football players, "Ballers" stars Dwayne Johnson as ex-superstar Spencer Strasmore, who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for today’s players in sun-soaked Miami. Created by Stephen Levinson (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”), the hit comedy series returned for its ten-episode third season same time as the U.S. every Monday at 10 a.m., with a same day primetime encore at 10 p.m., exclusively on HBO. The latest episodes and past seasons of the series are also streaming on HBO Go.  

Other cast regulars for the current season include: Rob Corddry, John David Washington, Omar Benson Miller, Donovan Carter, Troy Garity, London Brown, Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill.

Korean rom-coms on Jeepney TV

Get into a romantic Koreanovela frenzy as love-and-music-themed “My Lovely Girl” and wacky “Marriage Not Dating” mark their cable television debuts to spice up weekend nights on Jeepney TV this August.

Reminisce over both love and pain in a two-hour serving every Saturday night of “My Lovely Girl” starring Korean superstar Rain and girl group f(x) member Krystal Jung. Still guilty for the death of his girlfriend Stella, talent scout and CEO Henry (Rain) searches for Stella’s sister, Celine (Krystal), an aspiring singer and songwriter. In the midst of healing through music, the two develop feelings for each other. Henry, however, faces restraint as he remembers his painful past. 

Meanwhile, weekend evenings liven up with a whirlwind of backfired plans and a crazy search for love in “Marriage Not Dating.” Wealthy plastic surgeon Gong Gi-tae has no interest in getting married, while marriage is all shop girl Joo Jang-mi dreams about. In order to stop the blind dates set up by his parents, Gi-tae introduces Jang-mi as his girlfriend, certain that they would never approve of her.  But plans go awry, and the two get tangled in both pretend and real feelings.

Kapamilya actor and “Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin” star Gerald Anderson is also the “JTV Icon of the Month.” Catch his performance special on “JTV Star Showcase” on August 6, 13 and 20 (Sundays) at 7:30PM; and off-camera special “BTS: Gerald Anderson” on August 27 (Sunday) at 7:30PM.

Jeepney TV is iconic Pinoy television reimagined, bridging generations of Filipino viewers by bringing back good memories and celebrating the best of Pinoy pop culture.

Starting August 12, catch romantic Koreanovelas “Marriage Not Dating” every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and “My Lovely Girl,” Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 p.m. on Jeepney TV, available on SkyCable channel 9, Destiny Cable Analog 41 and Digital 9. 

HBO Asia’s first comedy drama series

HBO Asia’s first comedy drama series, "Sent," will be making its debut across Asia on Sunday, September 17, exclusively on HBO. The eight-episode half-hour series will premiere with double back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. (SIN) with two new episodes premiering on subsequent Sundays at the same time, culminating with two back-to-back episodes on October 8. 

Filmed entirely on location and set in Singapore, "Sent,"  tells the story of Jay Bunani (played by Haresh Tilani), an unremarkable and meek financial compliance officer whose only way of coping with the stresses of life is to draft searing and eye-wateringly honest emails to anyone who aggravates him. This backfires one fateful day and his drafts folder full of hundreds of these “hot letters” are accidentally sent out, turning Jay into an Internet sensation overnight – and not the good kind. While also juggling the pressures of a failed engagement and keeping everything a secret from his parents, Jay has no choice but to turn to an old college friend, Max Wong (played by Alan Wong) for help, the only person who sees Jay’s predicament as an opportunity for Jay to dream a little bigger. Set in the world of memes, GIFs and hashtags, Jay’s journey of self-discovery is further set in motion when an unexpected job opportunity with the country’s leading restauranteur and slightly-shady business man, Zacheus Lee (played by Adrian Pang), leads him down an unexpected road to finally turning his life around.

 Developed by HBO Asia and produced by local production house Very Tay, "Sent,"  will feature an ensemble cast of actors who are based in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Hong Kong. They include Haresh Tilani (Ministry of Funny), Alan Wong (Tanglin), Adrian Pang (The Blue Mansion), Carla Dunareanu (The Kitchen Musical), David Asavanond (HBO Asia’s Halfworlds Season 2), Rosalind (Roz) Pho (Light Years), Dhanya Nambiar (Rojak), Indi Nadarajah (Setem), Anuradha Chandan (Kapoor & Sons), Laanya Asogan (On the Rocks), Emil Marwa (East is East), Mike Leeder (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), Nikki Muller (High Class), Stephanie Carrington (The Pupil) and Crispian Chan (Apprentice). Singaporean comedian Alaric Tay directed and co-produced the series.

"Sent" is produced in partnership with the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) as part of a two-year collaboration to develop the drama production capabilities of Singapore’s media industry and talent. Under this partnership, HBO Asia will work with local talent and companies, and train them to develop and produce compelling content for international audiences.

Rising RnB artist from Sydney

Lara Andallo is a 17-year-old rising RnB artist from Sydney, Australia. A singer/song-writer, dancer, actor and multi-instrumentalist, currently completing a Certificate IV in dance on a scholarship at Australia's leading studio, 'Brent Street' who, last month, released her debut EP "Parallel Trigger."

Primarily being a dedicated dancer, at the end of 2015, Lara unfortunately had to undergo ankle surgery, as a result she had to learn how to walk again and her focus got put onto her music. She then started making singing covers on social media, while releasing some original singles at the same time, from her recently released Debut EP. Lara has gained high praise from Triple J producers, hosts, & directors (Australian Leading Music Station). 

Lara recently launched her EP, Parallel Trigger, and is set to perform at BU Day 2017 for Beautiful Minds along side Australian national stars such as Jai Waetford. A few days ago, Lara premiered her debut music video with 'Off The Clef' Hip Hop Music blog. 

PREMIERE: Lara Andallo – Wanted (Official Video) | OFF THE CLEF

Yael Yuzon and Karylle on "University Town"

Celebrity couple Yael Yuzon of the band Sponge Cola and “It’s Showtime” host Karylle will join fellow Ateneans Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho, alongside beauty queen Kylie Versoza and “Pinoy Big Brother” host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal, in going up the hills of Loyola once more as ABS-CBN S+A’s “University Town” goes to Katipunan where the bright Blue Eagles fly this Sunday (August 20) at 1pm on S+A and S+A HD.

The Yuzons will reminisce about the best spots inside the sprawling campus of Ateneo, which includes the buildings were they used to have classes and made some of the best memories in their lives, as well as the iconic old Rizal Library that younger batches did not have the chance to see. Yael and Karylle will also reveal how their Atenean education has helped them create beautiful music up to this day.

Kylie, the 2016 Miss International, also gets to relish the good old days of being a college student, living in the university dorm, and stretching her wings after graduating from high school in Baguio. Bianca, on the other hand, talks about her natural interest on social issues and being of service, and how her alma mater has shaped her into a vocal advocate for positive change.

Robi and Gretchen will also share their memories when they both represented Ateneo in the UAAP. Gretchen was part of the popular Fab Five batch of the Ateneo Women’s Volleyball Team that included Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer, and Ailysee Nacachi, while Robi was a member of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets’ baseball team before going to showbiz.

The duo will get to catch up with fellow Atenean student-athletes like four-time UAAP Men’s Volleyball MVP Marck Espejo and the “Aquaman” of Ateneo’s Swimming Team, as well as UAAP MVP and Athlete of the Year, Aldo Batungbacal. Marck and Aldo will share how they juggle academics in one of the country’s best academic institutions with performing at a high level in their respective disciplines.

Ateneo’s famous alumni may have different interests but they all agree that what sets the Ateneo apart from every other school is the institution’s drive to form young minds to be of value to society through the virtues of their patron saint, St. Ignatius de Loyola. The Saint’s values of service, social justice, solidarity, simplicity, and spirituality are evident in their schoolmates Rainey Dolarte and Janie Padua from the Jesuit Volunteers of the Philippines (JVP), who have shown how it is to be a man and a woman for others.

This is the seventh campus that "University Town" gets to explore this season, on its second year of featuring the eight schools competing in the country’s premier collegiate league, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). “U-Town” airs every Sunday at 1pm with replays on Mondays at 8pm.

Do not miss the chance to get to know more about the Katipunan-based school as Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho, along with Karylle, Yael Yuzon, and Kylie Versoza, visit their old stomping grounds and take viewers on a tour in “University Town” this Sunday (August 20) on S+A and S+A HD at 1pmwith a replay on Monday (August 21) at 8 p.m.