Long weekend watch list

MANILA, Philippines — Staying at home for the long weekend?

Here are some movies and TV shows you can watch from June 24 and beyond.

"The Giver"

Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges clash in “The Giver” 

Surge into an age of injections and structured living in the soft sci-fi drama “The Giver,” starring Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges together with Australian actor Brendon Thwaites, on Tag TV’s “Movie Blowout” this Saturday (June 24).

The 2014 American star-studded title includes cast members Alexander Skarsgård, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush, Cameron Monaghan, and Taylor Swift.

Set in a seemingly picturesque world without war, suffering, differences or choice, “The Giver” tells the story of young Jonas (Brendon) who stumbles upon the Giver (Jeff), the sole keeper of the community's memories. Through him, Jonas discovers the true pains and pleasures of the "real" world. However, when he learns that the baby he loves as a brother will be eliminated, he comes to a decision—that to free his world, he has to defy it. He must do this against the Chief Elder (Meryl) who will do anything to stop him.

The social science fiction film, directed by Phillip Noyce, is adapted from the award-winning bestseller novel of the same name. It also received a People's Choice Award nomination for Favorite Dramatic Movie.

Haley Goldberg of LA Times compared “The Giver” to other dystopian novels-turned-movies such as “Hunger Games and “Divergent” as she reviewed both film and book novels.

“"The Giver" offers a more cerebral dystopia. Romance and violence exist only as undertones, with the driving force being the introspection of the main character, Jonas, as he takes on the work of the Giver and learns what his society left behind.”

Film critic Amy Nicholson also attested to this in her critique in the Houston Press. “The Giver is more simple and raw than the rest of today's teen dystopias that try to cram in unnecessary backstory and love triangles.”

She also praised Director Phillip Noyce’s creative montages in the film that distinctly depict the weight of what Jonas has learned, and voiced the film’s relatability to youth.

Tag TV brings Filipino-dubbed foreign films showcasing a collection of rom-coms, dramas, action-packed movies, thrillers, comedies, and the freshest Hollywood and Asian titles. It features “Movie Blowout” every Saturday night, offering exciting flicks for the whole family.

Catch the mind-boggling story in “The Giver” on Tag TV this Saturday at 8PM. The film also airs on June 25 at 10AM,June 27 at 12AM, and June 30 at 8PM.  Tag TV is available on Skycable Channel 77. 

 

“To Steal from a Thief”

Witness a supposedly clear-cut bank heist that turned awry in the enraging Spanish-Argentine crime thriller “To Steal from a Thief” (Cien Años de Perdón), Cinema One’s blockbuster treat this Sunday (June 25).

The suspenseful robbery movie, dubbed in Filipino, is about six armed bandits who has one specific mission: to attack a bank in Valencia, Spain.

Nothing goes as planned that day, and with no back-up plan for a way out, mistrust haunts the gang leaders. Tensions also arise among security forces who respond, with orders becoming contradictory, leading to the shocker that the bank’s safe deposit boxes have something else besides gems and bills.

The film has received positive reviews from critics. “The first Spanish blockbuster of 2016, Daniel Calparsoro’s well-dressed, high-energy heist thriller blends action with a timely critique of contemporary political corruption,” says The Hollywood Reporter.

This action-packed movie stars Spanish actors Luis Tosar, Raúl Arévalo, and Jose Coronado, and Argentine actor Rodrigo de la Serna. It received two nominations in the 31st Goya Awards of the Spanish Academy of Cinema, one for best new actor for de la Serna and another for best screenplay for Jorge Guerricaechevarría.  

Cinema One is the leading cable channel in the Philippines. Its programming includes a line-up of mainstream and independent local and foreign films, film related programming, and original content for television.

Catch the thrilling heist in “To Steal from a Thief” on Cinema One this “Blockbuster Sunday” (June 25) at 8pm. Cinema One is available on SkyCable and Destiny Cable Digital Channel 56, and Destiny Analog Ch. 37.

Hero TV

Sports, romcom and heroic animes 

Hero TV brings in slice-of-life sports series “Haikyuu! Season 3,” light teen romance “Nogizaka Haruka No Himitsu – Purezza,” and more adventures of the wandering swordsman in “Samurai X OVA 3: Shin Kyoto-Hen” to perk up the anime cable channel this June.

The battle between Karasuno Koko versus Shiratorizawa Gakuen Kok begins in “Haikyuu! Season 3.” This time, the stakes are higher, and the odds are much more difficult. Which volleyball team will reign supreme in this nerve cracking battle?

Meanwhile, the story of young love continues in “Nogizaka Haruka No Himitsu – Purezza,” where Yuuto still conceals his dear friend Haruka’s manga and anime hobby. However, when Yuuto’s other female friend starts to feel attracted towards him and leads to a feeling of jealousy, war among friends begins.

Kenshin Himura continues his quest of stopping the evil Makoto Shishio and his plot to take over Japan in “Samurai X OVA 3: Shin Kyoto-Hen.” Told from the perspective of teenage kunoichi Misao Makimachi, the third “Samurai X OVA” installment is an alternate retelling of the Kyoto Arc Chronicles.

Hero TV is the only 24-hour Filipino-dubbed anime cable channel, home to international anime hits. The channel also provides the best localized anime experience of adventure and self-discovery through local productions such as My Hero Nation, I-Animate, Comics On Cam, Hero We Go and Hero In Tunes.

Catch “Samurai X OVA 3: Shin Kyoto-Hen” in Hero Theatrixx on Sunday (June 25), “Haikyuu! Season 3” starting June 26, and “Nogizaka Haruka No Himitsu – Purezza” starting June 29. 

Catch Hero TV on SKYcable Channel 44. For updates, visit and like Hero TV on Facebook Catch “Samurai X OVA 3: Shin Kyoto-Hen” in Hero Theatrixx on Sunday (June 25), “Haikyuu! Season 3” starting June 26, and “Nogizaka Haruka No Himitsu – Purezza” starting June 29. Catch Hero TV on SKYcable Channel 44.

"Slumber Party"

Relive the misadventures of three gay BFFs on their crazy sleepover fun in the 2012 Cinema One Originals riotous comedy film “Slumber Party” as it hits Cine Lokal in selected SM Cinemas nationwide starting June 23, 2017.

The humorous flick is among the featured presentation of Cine Lokal in support to the LGBT Pride Month celebration this June. Cine Lokal is a project of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in partnership with SM Cinema aiming to give filmmakers a venue to showcase more entertaining yet relevant titles to the mainstream audience.

Set in 2010, the movie is about long-time friends on a sleepover vigil to watch a much-awaited international beauty pageant, and who are about to be challenged with their greatest adventure yet.

Markki Stroem, RK Bagatsing, Archie Alemania, Sef Cadayona and Nino Muhlach star in this feel-good film written and directed by Emmanuel Dela Cruz.

Don’t miss this special Cine Lokal program presentation by FDCP and SM Cinema. Make your way to the “Slumber Party” from June 23-29 at SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Bacoor, SM Iloilo and SM Cebu with the following schedule:  1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6 and 8:30 p.m.

James Reid and Nadine Lustre in "On the Wings of Love"

JaDine's "OTWOL" on Jeepney TV

The show that became a hit among Filipino viewers worldwide, “On the Wings of Love” topbilled by James Reid and Nadine Lustre, is set to bring back kilig and excitement as it makes its journey to cable channel Jeepney TV starting June 26.

The 2015 ABS-CBN romantic comedy primetime series directed by Antoinette Jadaone and Jojo Saguin consistently obtained high TV ratings all throughout its run. Filipino viewers here and abroad became certified Otwolistas. Its finale scored an all-time high national TV rating of 27.8% according to data from Kantar Media, and garnered almost four million posts on Twitter. 

Critics, celebrities, and fans alike also commended how the hit show properly captured and depicted OFW issues and made them relatable.

Viewers and fans caught up with missed episodes went on marathons which hurled the show into iWant TV’s list of most watched programs.

The story is about simple but determined Leah (Nadine) whose dream is to continue her late mother’s “American dream” and lonesome but hardworking Clark (James) who grew up in America after his mother died when he was little. The unlikely two marry in order to legally stay and continue working in the United States.

Aside from the JaDine tandem, the show’s cast includes Cherry Pie Picache, Joel Torre, Nanette Inventor, Albie Casiño, Bianca Manalo, Nico Antonio and Paulo Avenilo.

Relive Clark and Leah’s story in “On the Wings of Love,” airing Mondays to Fridays, 6:30PM beginning June 26. Jeepney TV is on SkyCable channel 9, Destiny Cable Analog 41 and Digital 9.

Jeepney TV is the only local variety cable channel that offers the most extensive and well preserved archived programs that bridge generations of Filipino viewers by bringing back good memories and celebrating the best of Pinoy pop culture. 

In 1982, during a dark and fictitious time in cycling history, the sport’s most venerable, time-honored race was marred by the doping of virtually all of its competitors. Riddled with nefarious characters, that year’s competition was a hornet’s nest of moral depravity. Through the perspective of five riders, TOUR DE PHARMACY gives an inside look into the grim realities of the darkest event in a sport notoriously tainted by controversy.

"Tour de Pharmacy"

Starring and executive produced by Andy Samberg (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”; HBO’s “7 Days In Hell”), and written and executive produced by Murray Miller (“King of the Hill”; HBO’s “Girls”), this fictional, none-too-serious look at that sordid event debuts Sunday, July 9 at 10pm (SIN), exclusively on HBO. 

Among the notables making appearances in "Tour de Pharmacy" are: John Cena, Daveed Diggs, Orlando Bloom, Freddie Highmore, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Julia Ormond, Dolph Lundgren, James Marsden, Kevin Bacon, Nathan Fielder, Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Joe Buck, Mike Tyson, J.J. Abrams, Phylicia Rashad, Chris Webber, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Lance Armstrong.

"Tour de Pharmacy"  marks Samberg and Miller’s second collaboration for HBO under their Legends of Sport banner, following the 2015 mockumentary “7 Days In Hell,” which was called a “bawdy, outlandish skewering of tennis” by the New York Times, and “strange and splendid” by the Los Angeles Times.

The special is helmed by returning director Jake Szymanski; written by Murray Miller; executive producers, Andy Samberg, Murray Miller, David Bernad; produced by M. Elizabeth Hughes; co-executive producer, Jake Szymanski.

Inside stories on Cinema One

Cinema One uncovers inside stories of the film “Can We Still Be Friends?,” Star Magic’s 25^th anniversary, radio drama “Dear MOR,” and more in “C1 BTS,” its newest entertainment magazine show featuring ‘behind the scene’ details of today’s hottest movies, personalities, and events.

Go behind the scenes with Direk Prime Cruz and his crew on his first mainstream and Star Cinema film about the complexities of friendship after a very intimate relationship. “Can We Still Be Friends,” starring Arci Munoz and Gerald Anderson, is the must-see local film hitting the theaters this month.

“C1 BTS” also explores the process behind the top-rating radio drama program, “Dear MOR,” to prove that video did not kill the radio star, and that radio is still alive and kicking.

Take an inside look in Star Magic as the segment “Behind the Scene” not only commemorates its 25th year big concert celebration, but also the philosophies behind the talent center that made it one of the most enduring forces in the showbiz world.

This new show also gets close to power couple and directors Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone or “Dantoinette” in the segment “Be the Story.” Most known for their ‘hugot’ films such as “That Thing Called Tadhana,” “The Breakup Playlist,” and “English Only, Please,” the creator-couple indulges us with their history, method and dreams. As a bonus, the show turns tables on them and exposes their ‘hugot’ sides.

Hosted by multi-talented artist Gio Gahol, the episode also features “Gio’s Top 5 Pride Films” honoring five queer movies in the local scene that promote LGBTQ pride.

Catch “C1 BTS” every Tuesday at 7PM, Saturday at 2AM and 12PM, and Sundays at 10PM. Cinema One is available on Skycable Channel 56, Destiny Cable Analog 37, and Digital 57. 

Gerald Anderson and Arci Munoz

Virgin Labfest 2017: Wagas continues to champion experimental, unpublished plays

The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in partnership with its resident theater company Tanghalang Pilipino and the playwright group Writer's Bloc Inc., will host the 13th Virgin Labfest, an annual theater festival that is dedicated to providing an opportunity for aspiring playwrights to create new works for the stage, from June 28 to July 16 at various venues of the CCP.

The three-week festival promises to be a spectacular one offering twelve unpublished and unstaged plays and five new staged readings, written by 21 virgin playwrights, and three revisited plays all performed by 76 theater thespians and stalwarts and directed by 20 upcoming and established directors.

With overall theme "Wagas," the festival of untried, unstaged and untested one-act plays offers a chance for new writers to see their creative skills taken from script to the stage. Now on its 13th year, the annual theater festival has picked 12 new featured one-act works, out of more than 190 manuscripts submitted, with each expresses the complexity of human experience, create dialogues on social issues, and engage the audience to reflect.

The new plays are divided into four sets. Set A includes: "Loveteam," written by Oggie Arcenas and directed by veteran actor-director Michael Williams; "Pilipinas Kong Mahal with All The Overcoat," written by Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Roobak Valle; and "Birdcage," written by Rick Patriarca and directed by Ian Segarra.

For Set B, audience can look forward to "Ang Mga Puyong," penned by Ryan Machado and directed by Ricardo Magno, "Hindi Ako Si Darna" by playwrights Maynard Manansala and U Eliserio, directed by Andoy Ranay, and "Boses ng Masa" by Joshua Lim So and directed by Guelan Luarca. Meanwhile, Set C is comprised of "Si Dr. Dolly Dalisay at Ang Mga Ladybugs" by Layeta Bucoy, directed by Jonathan Tadioan, "Ang Bata Sa Bus Stop" by Sari Saysay and directed by Topper Fabregas, and "Dear and Unhappy" by Carlo Vergara and directed by Ricky Villabona.

"Sincerity Biker’s Club" by playwright Adrian Ho and director Jenny Jamora, "Nothing But Dreams" by playwright Dingdong Novenario and director Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, and "Ang Bahay sa Gitna ng Kawalan" by playwright Eliza A. Victoria and director George de Jesus complete the list.

Three plays in the 2016 edition of the VLF will be mounted again this year. The revisited plays include: "Ang Sugilanon ng Kabiguan ni Epefania" written by May Cardoso and directed by Charles Yee; "Ang Bata sa Drum" by Dominique La Victoria and directed by Dudz Teraña; and "Mula sa Kulimliman" by Carlo Vergara and directed by Hazel Gutierrez.

The Staged Readings will feature "Point and Click" by playwright Jamie Bautista, directed by Mara Marasigan; "Vertigo' by playwright Nicko Manipis de Guzman, directed by Yong Tapang; "Walang Forever Virus" by playwright Fatrick Tabada, directed by Elmer Rufo; "Ang Pag-uulyanin ni Olivia Mendoza" by playwright Rolin Migyuel Cadallo Obina, directed by Emmanuel dela Cruz; and "Andiyan Lang" by playwright Kevin Tabora, directed by Dennis Marasigan.

The main play features will be staged at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), while the VLF Revisited will be performed at Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater), and the Staged Readings will be at Tanghalang Amado V. Hernandez.

The much-awaited 3rd Virgin Labfest Anthology, composed of selected plays featured in the latest editions of the festival, will be unveiled during the festival. The Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship Program, a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage, will also be held as part of the festival. The fellowship program aims to train young aspiring playwrights through a series of lectures, script critiquing, writing sessions and interactions with known playwrights, directors and selected actors.

Come and experience this one-of-a-kind festival. Tickets are for sale at the CCP and all TicketWorld outlets. 

CCP Arthouse Cinema presents taboo films and award-winning animation this June

There will be a back-to-back screening of the past winners of Animahenasyon, a competition organized by the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), and the animation category winners of the Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video on June 29, at 2p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.

Established in 1987, the Gawad Alternatibo is considered the longest-running independent film and video competition of its kind in the ASEAN/Asian region. Gawad Alternatibo annually cites the best efforts of Pinoy filmmakers in four categories – Animation, Experimental, Documentary and Short Feature. Many of today’s outstanding filmmakers and media practitioners are alumni of Gawad Alternatibo.

Not to be missed is the celebratory screenings for the Centennial of Philippine Cinema, headed by the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA). The film archivists organization undertakes a three-year celebration, beginning 2017 until 2019, featuring various film screenings, forums, poster exhibits, workshops, silent film contest and other related events. 

The celebration hopes to mark the start of Philippine Cinema as an art form in the country. Some historians, including the late Hammy Sotto who was the CCP’s first director of its Coordinating Center for Film, declared in the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art that it was 1919 when a full-fledged Filipino film was screened, while others such as archivist Ernie de Pedro argued that it was in 1917. However, Presidential Proclamation 448 stated that “Philippine cinema’s advent dates back to 1919 when the first full-length, 100 percent Filipino-capitalized and produced, 35mm film 'Dalagang Bukid' was exhibited in the country.” 

Admission to all screenings is free on a first-come, first-served basis. 

A new prime time for binge watchers

When Netflix introduced its shows with all episodes at once, it not only broke the industry mold, but changed the course for how viewers interact with TV. From the characters we choose to wake up with, to what we binge in bed, to the shows we devour after dark, when consumers have the power to program their own day watching does not look like it used to.

“For years our lives had to fit around television, now it’s the other way around,” said Cindy Holland, Vice President of Original Content. “We’ve given consumers control and it’s interesting to see the behaviors that emerge when viewers aren’t stuck to a schedule. And even more so to see that these patterns are replicated the world over.”

A new primetime for Pinoy binge-watchers. Viewers fit TV watching around their daily lives, rather than the other way around, so we see peak streaming at 9PM for Filipino viewers, while it extends even later at 10PM for viewers in Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia.

In a world where news is stranger than fiction, we’re having comedy for breakfast. While you might not expect popular parodies to premiere bright and early, that’s exactly what viewers are choosing. Around 7AM, comedy sees a 34% increase in watching worldwide as viewers balance out the morning news bulletin and kopo with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Fuller House and Jane the Virgin.

Dramarama is best enjoyed at lunchtime. Across the world, drama accounts for nearly half (47%) of global viewing between noon and 2PM (an increase of 5% compared to the rest of the day) as viewers keep the binge alive with titles like Narcos, House of Cards and Sherlock. Mid-day streaming is especially prevalent in Brazil where members are 25% more likely to watch during this time compared to the rest of the world. Their streaming lunch of choice, 3% and The Vampire Diaries.

We maximize our time by squeezing a binge session to and from work. Workers in India are kicking off the daily grind with the likes of Harvey and Mike from Suits and Piper, Alex and Taystee from Orange is the New Black. Compared to the rest of the world, India is 82% more likely to stream at 9AM. A behaviour that continues on the5PM ride home too with the same binge-worthy drama titles.

We like to keep our hearts racing in the evening, but can’t go to bed without a good laugh at night. It’s no surprise thrillers like Breaking Bad and Stranger Things are being devoured in the evening - the genre sees a 27% increase in global viewing come 9PM. But viewers are kicking Walter White and The Demogorgon out of bed and restoring balance with partners like Grace Hanson (Grace and Frankie) and Bojack Horseman before they hit the hay.

Late nights are for learning: Globally, 15% of streaming happens between midnight and 6AM and even rises as high as 21% in Japan and South Korea. What these night owl members are watching is not what you think. Documentaries, like Chef’s Table, Making a Murderer and Planet Earth see a 24% increase in watching during this time.

When it comes to defining the new ‘rules’ of TV watching, Frank Underwood said it best: “If you don’t like how the table is set, turn over the table.”

"Tangled"

“Tangled: the Series"

Rapunzel lets down her hair in Disney Channel’s brand new animated series “Tangled: The Series”! Premiering Sunday, May 21 at 11:30AM (Mal/Phil), the series is set between the stories told in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ acclaimed 2010 film “Tangled” and its short film “Tangled Ever After”. The series will see Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi reprising their roles as Rapunzel and Eugene respectively.

With a new visually vibrant animation style inspired by Rapunzel’s drawings in the original film, the show follows Rapunzel on her adventures as she acquaints herself with her parents, her kingdom, and the people of Corona. Along the way, her irrepressible spirit and natural curiosity about the world lead her to realize that there is so much more she needs to learn before she can accept her royal destiny as Princess of Corona.

At the heart of the series is Rapunzel’s relationship with her friends and family. Beloved characters from the feature film accompany Rapunzel on her journey, including love interest Eugene Fitzherbert (aka Flynn Rider); her loyal chameleon sidekick, Pascal; her no-nonsense, dutiful horse, Maximus; and the Snuggly Duckling Pub Thugs. The series will introduce Cassandra (voiced by Eden Espinosa), a tough-as-nails lady-in-waiting who becomes Rapunzel's confidante; and builds on her relationship with her parents, King Frederic (Clancy Brown) and Queen Arianna (Julie Bowen).

Rapunzel's relatable, heartfelt and comedic stories model the importance of building and nurturing relationships, and of exploration and self-discovery. With her strength, confidence, positive disposition and creativity, she is a role model for young viewers who are learning to take on new responsibilities just as she is.

The series features songs produced by Academy Award-winning Disney Legend Alan Menken, who also composed the songs from the feature film.