BTS is Back! Here’s What to Expect for BTS FESTA 2025

Southeast Asia’s blind box craze is just getting started, and Lazada’s LazMall, the international e-commerce company, is at the heart of it. 

Since joining LazMall in 2023, POP MART has grown 5x, achieving the status of the fastest-growing toy brand on the platform.

This month, POP MART is launching two globally exclusive figures, MOLLY and Zsiga, plus the second-gen SKULLPANDA Winter Symphony plush toys, decked out in fuzzy winter coats and ready to melt your heart. 

On Lazada, fans can discover their favorites using AI-powered recommendations and region-specific insights. Statistics show that SKULLPANDA is already a favorite in Thailand, while DIMOO rules in Malaysia — and these coveted collectibles will land on LazMall starting June 2025.  

Collectors can expect a speedy delivery of their orders, with 85% of orders arriving within 48 hours in major cities like Bangkok and Manila.

POP MART's goal is to build a complete experience beyond shopping. POP MART’s Southeast Asian fanbase is fueled by the passion of its people, and more than a third of its Lazada sales now come from live-streamers, unboxers, and reviewers.

POP MART will take this community building to a new level on Oct. 12, 2025, when fans in Malaysia can lace up for the Lazada X POP MART 5KM Run — a high-energy, pop culture playground that fuses fitness, fandom, and music. Prepare for exclusive merch, meet-and-greets with iconic characters, and a whole lot of nostalgic joy. 

For more information, visit POP MART on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Everyone, at least, some of us have daydreamed about getting abducted by aliens. In “Elio,” we get a glimpse of what could happen if we did. 

Directed by “Coco” director Adrian Molina and rounded up by “Turning Red” director Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafan, “Elio” is a space adventure and coming-of-age story following an 11-year-old Elio Solis, whose love for space and aliens leads him to becoming the accidental ambassador of Earth and forming bonds with alien lifeforms. 

The cast of ”Elio” included Yonas Kibreab as Elio Solis, Zoe Saldaña as Olga Solis, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brandon Moon as Helix, Brad Garett as Lord Grigon, and Jameela Jamil as Questa. 

The Beat Manila was able to get first dibs in watching “Elio” as soon as it premiered in Manila last June 18, 2025, where kids and kids at heart witnessed Elio’s grand intergalactic adventure on the big screen. 

Our verdict? It’s definitely at par with Disney-Pixar’s past films, and their magic hits the same way that they did all those years ago, as if we never really grew up. 

Lessons on Loneliness, Heart, and Finding Where You Belong

If there was one thing Disney-Pixar’s recent films have mastered, it’s tapping into the emotional core of today’s youth. “Inside Out” and its sequel gave a glimpse into the feelings and emotions we didn’t even know about. “Soul” reminded us that it’s okay to feel lost and that finding our purpose isn’t something we chase, but something we live. “Turning Red” transformed the cringey-ness of puberty and growing pains into something oddly empowering.

Now, “Elio” presents a quieter, yet profound feeling into the forefront: loneliness. 

Right off the bat, we meet 11-year-old Elio — a boy obsessed with space and who doesn’t quite fit in. But this movie isn’t your typical “I have to save the world so people will accept me!” kind of adventure trope. Instead, it’s a story that shows what it means to feel isolated, and how loneliness can sometimes feel like you’re stuck in space with no way out.

But “Elio” isn’t just about a sad kid seeking validation or about cliques. It still has those whimsical, funny, and heartfelt parts that are unmistakably Pixar. The cosmic visuals were stunningly beautiful, but that isn’t the highlight of the film. It’s the quiet moments, silent yearning, and pain masked behind the self-depreciating humor that hit the hardest.

When Elio is misunderstood by his Aunt Olga and the entire Communiverse, it mirrors the pain that many kids feel here on Earth — when the people closest to them don’t get them. Like Elio, they hide their pain behind jokes, pranks, or silence, and search for validation elsewhere. 

But surprisingly, that’s where the magic of the film comes from. 

There’s also a tenderness to the film’s pacing, echoing the way we try to approach those who seem unreachable. It begins like a quiet adagio, slowly unfolding, then swelling into a crescendo as Elio does everything to make things right, even when things start to look bleak. The film lands its punches softly but surely, ending on a hopeful note — with Elio finally finding his place on Earth. 

Some lines, too, cut deeper than expected, delivering punches to the places you thought you’ve already left behind. This owes to the cast’s amazing and emotional delivery. Yonas Kibreab, as Elio, channels the misunderstood yet deeply sentimental child with raw sincerity; there weren’t any faults in his delivery. Zoe Saldaña brings such heart to Olga, Elio’s frazzled and doting aunt, embodying that “I’m trying my best!” kind of chaos that every parent feels. Jameela Jamil’s calm and cosmic authority as Questa adds a stable presence in the already chaotic series of events, balancing everything in the film. 

Final Verdict

“Elio” is one of those films that earns a place in your list of “comfort movies” almost immediately, taking viewers into an adventure through space and the unknown — both literally and metaphorically. If you grew up watching Disney-Pixar films, then it would be a no-brainer: this one carries the same emotional weight just like the others, but it’s quieter, and more introspective. 

It’s not a film that demands big actions or loud exclamations. Instead, it tugs into your heartstrings just a bit. If you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water, misunderstood, or looking for a place to belong out in the universe just like Elio, this movie holds your hand tenderly and reassuringly. 

In the end, we are never truly alone, and “Elio” reminds us that even if we’re not always understood and unique, there will always be someone out there who sees us and loves us, for who we are. 

Okay, bye, I love you!

Follow Disney Studios PH on Facebook and Instagram. 

If you remember the thrill of spotting your name on a Coke bottle, get excited, because that beloved moment is back! 

After 10 years, Coca-Cola’s iconic Share A Coke campaign is making a major comeback, this time targeting Gen Z, with the reminder of how powerful a simple, personal connection can be in today’s digital world. 

Now, you can find bottles and cans with more than 5000 Gen Z-relevant names and nicknames on shelves in supermarkets and convenience stores across more than 120 countries globally.

The campaign first sparked joy down under in Australia in 2011 and reached Singapore in 2015, replacing the classic Coca-Cola logo with popular names and fun titles. 

In the ASEAN and South Pacific region, it’s already lighting up hearts from Thailand to New Zealand, with Myanmar next in line to join the party. This time, Coca-Cola is inviting fans to jump into the fun via their mobile app and QR codes on packaging. 

These links lead to a digital hub where you can customize your own Coke packaging or dive into the “Share a Coke Memory Maker,” a playful tool that helps you craft personalized videos and memes to celebrate friendship and share special moments.

As Islam ElDessouky, Global VP of Creative at Coca-Cola, puts it, “Share a Coke is back and supercharged, celebrating the pure magic when people connect.”

Keep an eye out for ‘The Magic of Sharing’ film, influencer collaborations, and “Share a Meal” bundles at select McDonald’s locations. 

Click here to get started on customization, whether it's for a gift, a celebration, or just for fun!

For more information, visit Coca-Cola on their website, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

The very first time Hiccup rode the elusive Night Fury across the skies in the original 2010 animated feature, lives were changed. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be a dragon rider. We all wanted our own Toothless with his adorable grin and incredible firepower. 

When the live-action“How To Train Your Dragon” was announced in 2023, we were a little skeptical — worried even, considering the numerous pitfalls of these remakes. But with Dean DeBlois returning to write and direct, John Powell, who worked on the score of the original animated trilogy, returning to compose the music, and Gerard Butler reprising his role as the mighty Stoick the Vast, anxiety easily turned into excitement. Because let’s face it, there is no way this film could be bad with most of its original creators producing it.

Safe to say, we were right. The Beat Manila caught the premiere screening in Manila last June 7, where Vikings of all ages got together at SM Mall of Asia to witness the new movie on the IMAX screen — in 3D! And the verdict? From the story down to the casting and CGI effects, this live-action feature captures the magic and heartfelt moments that made the original film so special, and then takes it to another level!

An Epic Adventure For All Ages

We like to believe that one of a film studio’s deciding factors in doing a live-action remake is a film’s timeless quality — and by timeless, we mean a movie that embodies a relevant story no matter the season. 

For those who haven’t see the original 2010 animation, “How to Train Your Dragon” is set on the isle of Berk where dragons run amok and have battled Vikings for generations. The story follows Hiccup, the son of the village chief, Stoick, and how he defies the Viking tradition of dragon slaying when he saves an injured Night Fury dragon, whom he eventually befriends and names, Toothless. 

Beyond its lovable characters and visually stunning animation, the movie carries meaningful themes and messages such as practicing empathy over fear, challenging traditions, courage, and loyalty, which makes it a story worth watching over and over. 

The live-action remake was loyal to the animated version and included all the iconic scenes, dialogues, and heartfelt moments, which, for us long-time fans, made it a remake done right as it provided us with that dose of nostalgia while also allowing us to see the film with new eyes through its incredible visuals. And yes, we’re talking about the dragons, which somehow became ten times more impressive, more life-like, and fluffy. We know they’re basically giant reptiles, but Toothless is giving Stitch a run for his money! 

Although the dragons looked as vicious as the dragons we’ve seen in the “Harry Potter” franchise or “Game of Thrones,” the remake still captured their vibrant colors and amazing shapes, all the while retaining all their fascinating details from their dog-like grins to their eyes that seem to communicate something deep in their souls. 

It’s been a while since we’ve seen a live-action feature with an incredibly accurate casting that it almost felt like they came out of the animated movie. Mason Thames’ Hiccup was incredible! He gave life to this beloved character with much ease. From his mannerisms to his voice acting, it was like animated Hiccup manifested on the live-action screen. Gerard Butler also did a wonderful job portraying Stoick on the big screen, whom he also voiced in the animation. How lucky that he had the build and stance for a massive Viking, and we got the best voice and visual actor for the character?

Nico Parker played the role of Astrid, Hiccup’s rival and love interest. Although the live-action Astrid didn’t have blonde hair, she had her grit and her fire. One comment we had, however, was that we had hoped for her to have been more expressive, as her facial expressions looked a little flat in some scenes. 

Other standout supporting roles include Nick Frost as Gobber, Julian Dennison as the dragon expert Fishlegs, Bronwyn James and Harry Trevaldwyn playing the hilarious twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, and Gabriel Howell rounding up the young contenders in the Trial of Flames as Snotlout.

Despite its amazing cast and visuals, we do have to say that the movie lacked in bringing something new to the table, as almost all the important scenes were unchanged. You’d be able to see the adorable montage of Toothless warming up to Hiccup from the way he perched upside down on a tree branch like a bat to how he looked expectedly at Hiccup as the latter struggled to swallow a bite of that raw fish. There were also the little details, like when Hiccup took Astrid flying for the first time, and she was airborne for a moment and spun against the clouds, which was every bit as romantic and thrilling in the animated version. 

It may feel redundant for those who have seen the original, a similar feeling to Disney’s “The Lion King” live-action remake, but staying true to the source material gives new viewers a chance to appreciate the story for what it was. Then again, for the fans, was there anything we wanted to change in the original? We think the answer is pretty obvious. 

Final Verdict

“How To Train Your Dragon” is a gift for the fans of the animated version and a wonderful adventure for the new generation of dragon riders, as it takes viewers on an epic thrill ride, packed with top-notch storytelling, stunning visuals, and epic battle sequences. There’s just something about seeing these animated films in real life that makes them feel closer to us, like seeing movies in your head come to life. Additionally, being shot for IMAX 3D gave the film a new dimension, making it extra thrilling and more life-like, so we highly recommend watching it in theaters for the complete experience. 

Dragons may just be a fantasy, but being brave enough to step up and do what’s right or befriending an innocent animal are things that are part of our reality, and this film beautifully captures that magic. Although it didn’t change much in terms of story, it enhanced and enriched the world-building to new heights, making this more than just a cartoon but an epic fantasy adventure for people of all ages. It just goes to show that no matter how old you get, dragons will always be cool, and we will always want to ride one. We’re giving this movie 4.5 stars for hitting the trifecta for a perfect live-action remake: loyalty, heart, and dragons — well, magic, but same thing!  

“How To Train Your Dragon” officially soars into theatres in Manila on June 11, 2025 and the rest of the world on June 13. Watch the trailer here.

For updates, follow Universal Pictures on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. 

2025 concerts are just piling up, and just when we think it couldn’t get any better, another massive K-Pop group announced the dates and stops for their upcoming world tour!

ONCEs get ready! TWICE just revealed the dates to their 2025 World Tour, “This Is For,” which will take the group across cities in Asia and Australia. The tour coincides with the release of their fourth studio album of the same name, which is expected to drop in July. 

The K-Pop superstars will kick off the tour with a two-night concert at Inspire Arena in Incheon, which will be followed by Japan, where the group is scheduled to play five cities. They will then stop at Macao, the Philippines, Singapore, Sydney, and more. Here are the cities they’ll be playing at for the first leg set to happen from July through December:

TWICE “This Is For” World Tour Part 1

• Incheon, South Korea (Inspire Arena): July 19 and 20
• Osaka, Japan (Kyocera Dome Osaka): July 26 and 27
• Aichi, Japan (Vantelin Dome Nagoya): Aug. 23 and 24
• Fukuoka, Japan (Mizuho Paypay Dome Fukuoka): Aug. 30 and 31
• Tokyo, Japan (Tokyo Dome): Sept. 16 and 17
• Macao, China (The Venetian Arena): Sept. 27 and 28
• Bulacan, Philippines (Philippine Arena): Oct. 4
• Singapore (Singapore Indoor Stadium): Oct. 11 and 12
• Sydney, Australia (Qudos Bank Arena): Nov. 1 and 2
• Melbourne, Australia (Rod Laver Arena): Nov. 8 and 9
• Kaohsiung, Taiwan (Kaohsiung National Stadium): Nov. 22
• Hong Kong SAR (Kai Tak Stadium): Dec. 6
• Bangkok, Thailand (Impact Arena): Dec. 13 and 14

The official poster mentioned that more dates will be announced soon, so we’re expecting more cities to be added to the list for early 2026. 

TWICE debuted in 2015 under JYP Entertainment and consists of nine members: Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu. They are known for their hits “Cheer Up,” “TT,” and “What Is Love?” 

With over 14 EPs (Extended Play), three full albums, and an array of major music awards, including the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) where they were the first group to win Song of the Year for three consecutive years, TWICE is beloved by fans in Korea and around the globe, earning them the title “The Nation’s Girl Group.” This upcoming tour marks the fourth international tour and the sixth overall concert series headlined by the group. They’ll be joining a lineup of other K-Pop idols going on tour in the second half of the year, such as BLACKPINK, Highlight, and RIIZE.

For tour updates, follow TWICE on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for updates. 

Fresh from his recent win at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 for Best Original Anime, renowned director Sunghoo Park returns with his long-awaited Original anime series “BULLET/BULLET,” airing exclusively on Disney+. 

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where people are forced to repurpose junk from the Old World to survive, “BULLET/BULLET” follows Gear, a junk dealer with a secret. Working as a thief by night, he partners with Qu-0213, a robot with multiple personalities, and Shirokuma, a polar bear with a gambling problem, to steal whatever their clients require. Known as some of the best in the business, things take a turn for the team when they save a girl from a group of assassins, setting them on a path that puts them in direct conflict with the top ranks of their broken society. 

The anime was reported to have been ten years in the making, and features an all-star voice cast including Marina Inoue (“Attack on Titan” and “Smile PreCure!”) as Gear, Kazuhiro Yamaji (“PSYCHO-PASS” and “One-Punch Man”) as polar bear Shirokuma, Rie Kugimiya (“Gintama” and  “Fullmetal Alchemist”) as Nosa-Nee, and Kana Hanazawa (“Quintessential Quintuplets” and “PSYCHO-PASS”) as Kaw-Nee.

“BULLET/BULLET” will have 16 episodes in total that will air in two parts on July 16 and Aug. 13.

Anime series are known for their fantastic soundtracks, and this one boasts an all-new opening track by famed rapper Chanmina called “Work Hard,” while Tokyo-based rock band Newspeak lends their song “Glass Door” as its ending theme. 

The high-stakes series is directed by Sunghoo Park, the mastermind behind the Season 1 and Movie of the popular anime franchise “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “The God of High School.”  It’s written by Aki Kindaichi (“Uma Musume: Cinderella Grey”), with character design by Chief Animation Director Takahiro Yoshimatsu (“Future GPX Cyber Formula” and “Hunter x Hunter”) and concept and mechanical designs by Hidetaka Tenjin (“Mobile Suit Gundam” and “Macross”). 

It’s set to join the streaming platform’s growing list of APAC originals, which includes popular anime series “Tokyo Revengers,” “Murai in Love,” “Phoenix: Eden17,” “Medalist,” and the two-season live adaptation of the webtoon “Gannibal,” which follows the story about a newly assigned police officer who uncovers a horrifying truth about the residents of his Japanese village. 

Don’t miss the exciting new adventure only at Disney+! Watch the trailer here. 

Stay tuned for more magical releases by following Disney+ on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.