Award-Winning Inspirational Films to Watch This Women's History Month

Say it with us, Demigods… Thank the gods! “The Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series just got renewed for season 3. 

The Disney+ Original series was first released in 2023 and was treated by its fanbase as the saving grace of the book series after the film starring Logan Lerman and directed by Chris Columbus in 2010 diverted from the original story. This time around, bestselling author Rick Riordan personally produced the film and wrote the script for the show, which resulted in a massive success as seen from its impressive ratings and accolades. 

Last Mar. 14, 2025, the author shared some good news on his website alongside the official press release from Disney. Not only does it say that the series has been greenlit for another season, but it also casually dropped the release month for season 2! We haven’t heard much about it since that teaser from D23 last year, but we’re telling you now that you can return to the world of Camp Half-Blood and Greek Gods this December when it officially premieres on the streaming platform! The original cast will be returning including Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, and Daniel Diemer. 

The second season will also be based on the bestselling series’ sophomore title, “Sea of Monsters” while the recently confirmed season 3 will bring to life the events in the third book, “Titan’s Curse.”

“From the moment ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ debuted, it was clear this series had struck a chord with fans of all ages,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “With season two set to premiere this December, we’re thrilled to announce that Percy’s journey will continue with a third season. Huge thanks to our incredible cast and creative team, our partners at 20th Television, and our visionary and talented producers who continue to bring Rick Riordan’s world to life with such depth and imagination.” 

The PJO series was the most-watched show on Disney+ in 2024 with over three billion minutes viewed according to Deadline, and was able to accumulate 4.6 million followers on its social media handles. 

The highly acclaimed series also earned a remarkable 16 nominations at the Children’s and Family Emmy® Awards and won Best Young Teen Series and Directing for a Single Camera Live-Action series. 

“Congratulations to the cast and crew who have worked so hard on this project,” said Rick Riordan in his blog post. “Also, what a testament to you, the fans, and the enthusiasm you’ve brought to the show. We could not have done it without you. I am eternally grateful, and I’m confident that if you liked season one, you will LOVE what is to come.” 

Are you ready to go on another quest, Demigods? Follow the Percy Jackson series on Instagram and TikTok for updates.  

Get your tissues ready because the 2000s classic coming-of-age romantic drama, “A Walk To Remember,” is officially getting a reboot!

Deadline reported that Monarch Media, known for producing the Netflix films “Hitman” with Glen Powell and the faith-friendly “A Week Away,” secured the rights to the 1999 romance by bestselling author Nicholas Sparks with plans to develop a reboot with the film’s original producers, Denise Di Novi and Hunt Lowry.

The 2002 film was an adaptation of the enduringly popular 1999 novel about a rebellious high school boy who fell in love with the quiet and kind daughter of their local pastor after being forced to participate in a school play, realizing the transformative power of love and forgiveness, and how one should never take each day for granted. Shayne West and Mandy Moore played the roles of Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan, respectively. They charmed audiences worldwide with their wholesome chemistry and made everyone weep with their portrayal of this heartbreaking yet hopeful love story. 

The movie is still considered a fan favorite among hopeless romantics everywhere, even over two decades since its release. It continues to be Shaye and Mandy’s most beloved work, having also given us classic love songs like “Only Hope” and “Someday We’ll Know.” Although the Adam Shankman film made less than $48 million at the box office, it remains one of Warner Bros.’ most popular titles in the modern romance genre. 

In fact, the actress told People during the film’s 20th anniversary in 2022 how much she would love to see a reboot, and when asked who she would like to see play Jamie’s role:

“I don't know, Olivia Rodrigo or something like that," she said. "Someone could redo this film. I would love to see it. It's been long enough that, yeah, I feel like we've earned our place in cinematic history for a reboot at this point.”

Producers for the reboot include Steve Barnett, Alan Powell, and Vicky Patel for Monarch Media; Di Novi and Margaret French-Isaac for Di Novi Pictures; and Lowry and Patty Reed for Roserock Films. Steve Barnett is a returning producer, having contributed to the original film while working for Di Novi twenty years ago. 

“‘A Walk to Remember’ has endured as a beloved coming-of-age drama, captivating audiences with its heartfelt story of young love, personal growth, and the power of faith for decades,” Steve told Deadline. “We could not be more excited to bring a new version of Nicholas Sparks’ timeless story to audiences and are particularly thrilled to work alongside the original film’s producers, Denise and Hunt.”

Di Novi also added, “I am so grateful to Steve and Monarch Media for giving all of us the opportunity to bring this enduring and inspirational story of faith, hope, and love to a new generation, all qualities we need now more than ever.”

Are you looking forward to this reboot? Stay tuned on Monarch Media’s official website for updates.

The United States has Coachella, Burning Man, and Lollapalooza, while Europe also boasts Barcelona’s Primavera Sound, England’s Glastonbury, Belgium’s Tomorrowland, and Budapest’s Sziget Festival. Asia’s music festivals, however, are not to be missed. Just within the last two months of 2024, Hong Kong’s Clockenflap and Rolling Loud in Pattaya, Thailand rocked music lovers and festivalgoers alike.

No matter which festival, everyone can agree that one of the most important parts that make – or break – a festival is its lineup of artists. And for emerging artists and bands, landing a spot at a major music festival can feel like catching lightning in a bottle.

But what exactly are festival organizers looking for?

The Beat Asia got the lowdown from leading Asian festival organizers themselves. The panel discussion, moderated by Jim Bacarro of Puddy Rock, brought together powerhouses in the Asian music festival scene: Cora Chan of Clockenflap, Johnnie Moylett of Fuji Rock Festival, Dewi Gontha of Java Jazz Festival, and Sarun “Top” Pinyarat of Maho Rasop Festival. They shared insider tips on how up-and-coming artists can increase their chances of making it to the festival stage.

Thanks to ASIYA Festival, these industry leaders got together and shared their insights for bands and artists looking to entertain tens – even hundreds – of thousands of festivalgoers. Take notes, everyone!

It’s All About the Live Performance

While streaming numbers and social media followings might seem important, festival organizers unanimously agree – nothing beats a compelling live performance. “It’s all about live performance, if they can entertain the audience,” Johnnie revealed. He added that when they evaluate artists, they weigh performance capability (60%) more heavily than musical content (40%).

For artists looking to catch their attention, the Fuji Rock organizer emphasized the importance of video content: “[Send us a] YouTube video of your live performance; [we’re looking for] something about the band that can grab attention.”

Well, what makes a performance stand out then? Johnnie noted that there are a lot of key factors, but he graciously provided two: “Are they good songwriters? Does the lead singer have charisma?”

Do Your Homework

One common mistake that emerging artists make is submitting applications without understanding the festival’s identity. “We get these submissions that feel like they don’t know our festival at all,” Top revealed. “Do your research, go through the past lineups [of the festivals].”

Cora of Clockenflap echoed this sentiment, adding that while they receive submissions from artists who are talented, sometimes “Clockenflap is just not the right home for them, but they’re really good.” Understanding a festival’s programming, ethos, and brand helps artists target the right opportunities and tailor their submissions accordingly.

Art of the Elevator Pitch

No, it’s not just for business opportunities. Organizers receive hundreds of pitches each week and while it might be tempting to compile everything you’ve got and send it to them in an attempt to show them your entire career, the experts say otherwise. Less is more.

“Sending 10 emails with the same material will not get you anywhere,” Dewi warned. Cora put it succinctly: “If Bill Gates could fit his whole career in one page, then so can you.”

Here are some key tips for crafting your submission:

1. Keep it concise and focused
2. “Pick your best performance video, just pick one,” advised Top.
3. Cora suggested including footage of audience reactions
4. Demonstrate your understanding of the festival
5. Highlight any relevant experience or recommendations

Start Small, Think Big

For artists without management or significant streaming numbers, the path to festival stages starts closer to home. “Conquer your own turf first, get club shows, start small, even just a 50 to 100 pax gig,” Top recommended.

Dewi emphasized the importance of professional representation: “Get a representative. If you think it’s an instant business, then you’re totally wrong.”

Cora, however, encouraged persistence, “The worst response you can get is ‘No’ or no reply.” So why not try anyway, right?

Still, the organizers agreed that getting representation can open a lot of doors. As with most industries, ‘what’ you know is just one part, and more often than not, it’s about ‘who’ you know that counts. Having people who can promote and make connections for you helps a lot, especially since it allows you to focus on your craft.

Making the Most of Festival Opportunities

Festivals, if you don’t already know, have dedicated spaces for up-and-coming talent. “We have ‘Showcase,’ for the newer artists, not the ‘money-makers,’ as they call it,” Top shared, which Dewi echoed as she said Java Jazz features “smaller stages for new talents.”

If you do land a festival gig, however, maximizing the opportunity is crucial. Johnnie advised: “Get good at the performance, play as often as you can everywhere. Get on social media, social networking [during the festival]. The main thing is to be a good live performer.”

Top stressed the networking potential of festivals: “If you get a chance to go to these international festivals, you’ll be in the bill with all these artists [from] all over the world, try to connect [with them].” He also underscored the importance of “learning from other artists, see the show, see the vibe.”

Understanding the Business

Festival programming involves multiple considerations. For Fuji Rock, the top two factors are financial viability and musical taste, with an emphasis on stylistic variety. Clockenflap’s planning strategy starts with securing headliners before filling out the rest of the lineup.

For newer artists, understanding this business aspect is crucial. Cora noted, “It’s a big investment for a band that’s starting out.” This reality check helps artists approach festivals with realistic expectations and proper preparation. As these organizers take a chance on you, so should you deliver. After all, thousands will be watching and listening – you better be ready!

The Festival Philosophy

At their core, music festivals are about creating memorable experiences. As one panelist noted, “Festivals [are] an entertainment business, success is based on the audience’s happiness. Best ambassadors are the players, the audience.”

This understanding should guide artists in their festival journey. Remember: it’s not just about getting on stage and performing your heart out – it’s also about contributing to the festival’s overall mission of delivering exceptional entertainment and fostering a music-loving community.

Key Takeaways You Should Keep in Mind

1. Perfect Your Live Show: Focus on putting on a compelling live performance with strong audience engagement. Haven’t you noticed how artists often have scripted sentences that “seemingly” transition them seamlessly from one song to another while also engaging the audience? Yeah, it’s scripted, but hey, it works! Don’t people scream their lungs out when they say this crowd’s the loudest they’ve heard in the entire tour?
2. Document Everything: Capture high-quality videos of your best performances, and don’t forget to include audience reactions.
3. Research Thoroughly: Study the festival’s past lineups, philosophy, branding, and identity before submitting your pitch. And make sure your pitches are concise!
4. Start Local: Build your following through small venues and local shows before targeting major festivals. Everyone’s got to start somewhere, right?
5. Network Effectively: Make meaningful connections within the industry and with fellow artists. It’s a tough industry to break into, like they said it’s not an instant business, but you might just make friends along the way.
6. Be Professional: Present yourself professionally in all communications with festival organizers.
7. Stay Persistent: Don’t be discouraged by rejections – use them as learning opportunities.

For budding artists, the path to festival stages is an uphill climb. It requires patience, preparation, and persistence. By understanding what festival organizers are looking for and approaching the opportunity professionally, bands can increase their chances of finally making it into the lineup.

But keep in mind that making it to the stage is just the start – how well you do from there may just determine the trajectory of your career.

Follow ASIYA Festival, Clockenflap Festival, Fuji Rock Festival, Java Jazz Festival, and Maho Rasop Festival on Instagram.

ICYMI: Jisoo and Seo In-guk were spotted filming something in Cebu earlier this February!

Netflix officially announced the production of upcoming romantic comedy series, “Boyfriend on Demand” (Working Title) on Feb. 20, 2025. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Seo In-guk will star in the drama together, which will be directed by Kim Jung-sik, who is known for his dramas “Work Later, Drink Now (2021),” “Strong Girl Namsoon (2023),” and “No Gain No Love (2024).” 

“Boyfriend on Demand” is set in a virtual reality, where people go through a subscription-based virtual dating simulation program, which continues in real life. 

Jisoo is set to play exhausted webtoon producer Seo Mi-rae, who longs for a second chance at love and suddenly receives a “Monthly Boyfriend” device that allows her to enter a virtual reality. There, she meets the boyfriends of her dreams and shakes up her world. 

Seo In-guk will play the role of Park Kyeong-nam, Mi-rae’s co-worker and rival. He’s capable and competent at work, but Mi-rae feels uneasy around him. He’s a character with surprising secrets, where despite his indifferent and cold demeanor, is sure to stir up emotions in Mi-rae. 

“Boyfriend on Demand” is set to stream on Netflix. More details about the drama will be revealed in the future.

For more information and updates on Netflix’s K-Content, follow their Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram pages!

WNBA star and Nike signature athlete Sabrina Ionescu is about to make history with her first-ever Asia tour, bringing her message of empowerment and strength to the next generation of basketball players. 

The New York Liberty Guard will be visiting the Philippines, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong starting Mar. 10, 2025, to connect with young hoopers and expand her influence within the global basketball community.

A trailblazer in her own right, Ionescu has redefined what’s possible for female athletes, becoming a role model and paving the way for young girls to follow their dreams in sports, and creating spaces where future stars can thrive, on and off the court.

In Manila, Sabrina’s tour kicks off with two youth basketball clinics, where she will share her expertise and inspire the next wave of Filipino players. She will also host a Nike retail takeover and debut her latest collaboration, the Nike Sabrina 2. 

The event culminates with an exciting evening of hoops at the iconic Araneta Coliseum, bringing basketball fans together for an unforgettable celebration of the sport.

Next, Sabrina will head to Guangzhou, China, where she will meet local athletes, visit some of the city’s most revered courts, host a community basketball camp for girls, and advise athletes on finding the right products at a Nike Rise retail store. 

Her tour will close in Hong Kong on Mar. 16, where she will immerse herself in the vibrant street basketball culture, visit schools, and motivate young female players at the Nike All Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Basketball Tournament, a key event for aspiring athletes in the region.

For updates on the tour, visit Nike’s website, or follow Sabrina on Instagram and Facebook.