Challengers to screen in Ayala Malls Cinemas
THE film Challengers will be in Philippine cinemas this month. The film is helmed by filmmaker Luca Guadagdnino, known for his works Call Me By Your Name and Bones and All, and features a powerhouse cast in Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. It follows Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a former tennis prodigy turned coach who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to Art (Faist), a champion on a losing streak, Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (O’Connor), who happens to be Art’s former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. Challengers opens on April 24 exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas.
Chinese pop star Xin Liu releases 1st English song
CHINESE singer, dancer, and producer Xin Liu has recently made her first English-language song, “Reality,” out via 88rising. She debuted the song live onstage at Coachella during the 88rising Futures set, with Chinese street dancers wearing the traditional clothing of her hometown of Guiyang, China. The single comes with a music video, filmed in a vintage store in Los Angeles, directed by Daniel “Cloud” Campos, and featuring choreography by award-winning dancer Jillian Meyers. “Reality” is out now on all streaming platforms.
Viu’s Fil-Indo series Secret Ingredient set to launch
STREAMING platform Viu, in partnership with Unilever Nutrition SEA and Indonesia, is hosting an event to launch its upcoming show, Secret Ingredient. A blend of Korean, Filipino, and Indonesian flavors will be served on April 28, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig, while the romance drama premieres on Viu. The center will be filled with Unilever Nutrition booths and lit up by activities open to the public.
Musical icons perform in Cayabyab tribute
STARS will be gathering for National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s 70th birthday in May this year for a musical tribute titled Gen C. Mr. Cayabyab will be performing with Aicelle Santos, Arman Ferrer, the Ateneo Chamber Singers, Basil Valdez, Belle Mariano, Bituin Escalante, Dilaw, Jed Madela, John Arcilla, Kakai Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, Nonie Buencamino, Nyoy Volante, Phi Palmos, Regine Velasquez, Sheila Valderrama-Martinez, Stell of SB19, The CompanY, The Ryan Cayabyab Singers, Ben & Ben, Bini, Janella Salvador, Juan Karlos, Julie Anne San Jose, and Vice Ganda, all accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The two-day event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on May 11 and 12 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati. Tickets are available via TIcketWorld.
Lay Zhang unveils new single
IN THE wake of the global success of “Run Back to You” with Lauv, Asian star Lay Zhang has once again released a single, “Psychic,” via Warner Music China. It will be the second lead single from his English album which is set to debut this year. The track has English, Chinese, and Korean versions. It is produced with Rykeyz, Sean Douglas, JHart, and Kyle Reynolds, infused with garage and bass rhythms and R&B chords. The music video, filmed in Dubai, features a cast and crew from more than 20 countries, directed by Los Angeles-based Andrew Donoho. “Psychic” is out now on all streaming platforms.
Muhlach family to star in TV5 sitcom Da Pers Family
THE MUHLACH family will soon star together for the first time in TV5’s newest family sitcom Da Pers Family. Aga Muhlach and his wife, Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach, first met on the set of the 1990s sitcom Oki Doki Doc and married in 2001. Their children are twins Andres and Atasha, who are both in show business. “We had a very normal childhood. They made sure to make us experience a normal life, going to school, playing sports. Even my friends and the people around me, they never treated me as such,” said Atasha. Da Pers Family will premiere on TV5 in May.
2024 World Music Fest opens call for artists
FOR its 8th edition, the World Music Festival @ Taiwan (WMFT) has officially opened its Showcase applications, accepting submissions until May 25. Scheduled to unfold from Oct. 11 to 13 across three stages in Taipei, this year’s event hopes to attract emerging artists to perform and show the Taiwanese audiences their very best. Artists from last year’s festival were invited to perform at showcase festivals worldwide this year, including Colours of Ostrava in the Czech Republic, Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, and Seoul Music Week in South Korea. This year’s theme is “Groove to Your Addiction.” For more information on applications, visit the festival’s website and social media pages.
Vedo releases second single
THE MULTI-PLATINUM R&B talent VEDO has released his second single, “Your Love is All I Need,” from his forthcoming album Next Chapter. The track, an ode to unconditional love and authenticity, is produced by Amadeus and Buda. It follows up his recent viral Valentine’s Day wedding to his best friend Shanice, showing how his love-filled life inspires his latest music. “Your Love is All I Need” is now available on all major streaming platforms.