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Deadpool 3 is finally here! Set to hit cinemas worldwide in July, “Deadpool and Wolverine” will be the title of the most-awaited Marvel film of the year.
The excitement of Marvel fans bounced right off the roof as the official teaser gained 365 million viewers within 24 hours, as reported by Variety after it was flashed during the live telecast of the Super Bowl.
Offering a sneak peek into the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the teaser of “Deadpool and Wolverine” presents a classic Deadpool action moment, followed by the sudden appearance of a mysterious figure with his claws out, hinting Hugh Jackman's return as Wolverine.
After years of waiting, Marvel Studios has finally announced the release date following the release of the official teaser. Fans and curious minds can mark their calendars for the film's premiere on July 26.
The highly anticipated threequel, set to captivate millions of MCU fans with its riveting storyline, will feature Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds in lead roles.
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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?
Instagram/ASIYA Festival
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?”
Instagram/ASIYA Festival
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.
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:
Keep it concise and focused
“Pick your best performance video, just pick one,” advised Top.
Cora suggested including footage of audience reactions
Demonstrate your understanding of the festival
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.
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?
Document Everything: Capture high-quality videos of your best performances, and don’t forget to include audience reactions.
Research Thoroughly: Study the festival’s past lineups, philosophy, branding, and identity before submitting your pitch. And make sure your pitches are concise!
Start Local: Build your following through small venues and local shows before targeting major festivals. Everyone’s got to start somewhere, right?
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.
Be Professional: Present yourself professionally in all communications with festival organizers.
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.
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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 SeoMi-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.
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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.
Courtesy of NIKE
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.
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In case you haven’t heard already, music icon Taylor Swift is re-recording her first six albums to own her masters. In other words, to own the original recordings of her beloved creations.
When fans first heard about this in 2019, they expected to get an updated version of the albums with some minor changes. But the artist gifted us with an explosive B-side by including several unreleased tracks that didn’t make the final cut during its original recording sessions. These so-called songs “From The Vault” gave us further insight into her mindset while she was recording these albums all the while taking us down memory lane as we revisit the songs we grew up with — from her country days with “Fearless” down to her 80’s influenced pop record “1989.”
Additionally, Taylor invited collaborators on these revamped albums, featuring pop and country artists like Keith Urban on “Fearless,” Ed Sheeran on “Red,” and Fall Out Boy and Paramore’s Hayley Williams on “SpeakNow.” These tracks gave the albums new life, catapulting Taylor to the top of the music industry and proving that her music is timeless and will always have a place in everyone’s hearts and playlists.
With four Taylor’s Version albums already released, we’re listing down some of the standout vault tracks that rounded out the stories of each of these albums and showcased the icon’s impressive songwriting talent. Although we believe every vault track deserves to be pored over, here are ten of our favorites ranked:
#10 “Foolish One” (Speak Now)
We’re calling this track the rational sister of “Sparks Fly” and “Enchanted” because while the latter tracks sing about falling in love with reckless abandon and painting love as this wonderous, magical thing, “Foolish One” is that friend who tells you to wake up and face reality because the man you want doesn’t want you back. Ouch!
“I’ll get your longing glances, but she’ll get your ring” really hits hard for a country track written by a 19-year-old. Might even be more scathing than “Dear John.”
#9 “Message In A Bottle” (Red)
It was reported that this was one of the first songs Taylor wrote for the “Red” album which proves that she was ready to crossover to pop since the early beginnings of this era.
It’s a love song with a catchy chorus and vocal shifts and rifts. It’s giving “Starlight” and “22” vibes, and we think it would’ve perfectly fit in the original record. But oh well, at least we have it now. Better late than never, right?
#8 “Now That We Don’t Talk” (1989)
This electro-pop bop truly embodies the “1989” sound. In the song, Taylor calls out an ex-boyfriend after their split, and how he seems to have changed so much she barely recognizes him anymore.
This track would’ve been ranked higher on this list if it was longer. It’s pretty short, just under two and a half minutes. And just when you’re getting into it, the song abruptly ends, leaving you wanting more!
#7 “Is It Over Now?” (1989)
This track was co-written with Jack Antonoff who is known to have worked the magic on some of the best Taylor Swift songs ever like “Getaway Car,” “Cruel Summer,” and “Out of The Woods.”
Taylor recalls a messy split on this track — rumored to be from Harry Styles. There are quite a few references on this song that confirm that rumor such as “blue dress on a boat,” which refers to that viral boat photo of her in the British Virgin Islands, and “your new girl is my clone,” which may be referencing Kimberly Stewart, who has quite the resemblance with the pop star and whom Harry dated shortly after their split. The tea is definitely piping hot with this one, but more importantly, it’s a fantastic pop track!
#6 “I Bet You Think About Me feat. Chris Stapleton” (Red)
We always thought “Red” was a transition album where Taylor began to experiment with genres and slowly brought out a more pop sound which eventually gave birth to “1989” two years later. But “I Bet You Think About Me” is as country as country gets!
It’s not surprising that it got left in the vault, most likely to make room for her more experimental tracks like “State of Grace” and “I Knew You Were Trouble” but this brutally honest and biting song calling out a former flame for letting go of the best thing that has ever happened to him is honestly so good it’s impossible to leave it out of this list.
The music video marked the directorial debut of actress Blake Lively, who is a close friend of the singer, and featured “Whiplash” actor Miles Teller. The MV is a comical interpretation of the song as Taylor tries to sabotage the wedding of her ex-boyfriend.
#5 “Timeless” (Speak Now)
This “Speak Now” vault track concluded the re-recorded album where Taylor sings about the type of constant love everyone hopes for. It’s a little reminiscent of “Mary’s Song Oh My My My” from her debut album, which narrates the story of childhood lovers and features that melancholic sound of country guitars and horns that was a signature in her songs during her country days.
In “Timeless,” Taylor was inspired by her late grandparents’ story and yearned for the same kind of love — the love that never ages and only grows deeper as the years go by. It’s a hopeful track that beautifully concludes the album, and we dare say, a good counterpart to “Long Live,” which was the last track on the original record.
#4 “Better Man” (Red)
“Better Man” is undoubtedly one of the best breakup tracks she has ever written, but it was a song sung from the perspective of someone much older than her age back when she was recording “Red,” which made sense as to why she gave the song to the country band “Little Big Town.” The song was unsurprisingly a hit, even winning Best Country Dup/Group Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2018.
Taylor’s vocals and lyrical talent shine through in this, highlighting her emotional intelligence and how wise she was beyond her years. Taylor collaborated with Aaron Dessner on this track, whom she also worked with on “Cardigan.” Aaron added some strings into the song that elevated that classic country music storytelling.
#3 “Slut!” (1989)
Taylor has been infamous for writing songs about her exes and turning them into mega hits. The media loved following and criticizing her relationships which she made fun of with her “1989” single “Blank Space” — a satirical take on her public image as a so-called “serial dater.”
When she announced “Slut!” as one of the “1989” vault tracks, Swifties expected a revenge song for critics who slut-shamed her back in that era, but instead, we got a vulnerable, synthy slow jam that took Instagram and TikTok reels by storm.
“In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman” is practically every girl’s theme song now.
#2 “Mr. Perfectly Fine” (Fearless)
We’re not sure why this was cut from the album in the first place when it would’ve been a sure radio pop hit following her sophomore album’s successful singles “Love Story” and “You Belong with Me.” It’s almost criminal how she kept this song from us for this long. Not to mention, how iconic it would’ve been if she had released this song while the wounds were still fresh from her controversial breakup with singer Joe Jonas — who, rumor has it, is “Mr. Perfectly Fine.”
This song embodies Taylor’s signature witty lyrics and country-pop sound and checks all the marks on what makes her songs so catchy and popular.It’s also honestly brutal as Tayor drags her former flame for acting superior after the split and always wanting to come out on top to maintain his image. We love it so much and we can’t stop singing it!
#1 “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” (Red)
It may not have been a single on the album, but it had been a favorite among fans even before the ten-minute version was released. The original recording was already longer than most of her tracks, but since Taylor mentioned that she had to cut down half of the song in an earlier interview, fans have been clamoring for the full version, which she generously gave them in the re-recording of “Red.”
And safe to say, nobody was prepared for this mammoth of a heartbreak song that expanded a heartbreaking story of love and betrayal. Taylor used her songwriting skills to tell a reckoning tale through heartfelt lyrics that put you in the moment these scenes happened. We especially loved the vivid variations of the chorus, which took listeners on a journey and tangled them inside the emotional turmoil Taylor was feeling at the time she penned the track.
Lyrics like “You kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath” and “So casually cruel in the name of being honest” really put Taylor’s feelings into perspective and how that almost cathartic fade-out ending told us a lot about how she felt in the aftermath: how broken and lost she had been. Taylor even wrote and directed a short film about it, which starred Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien.
Although many may argue, we believe this version is the artist’s best song yet.
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Four years after mini series “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier," was released Anthony Mackie’s Captain America returns in a brand-new Marvel film that bridges the old and the new, ushering in a new era of superhero action.
The Beat Asia attended the Philippine premiere of “Captain America: Brave New World” last Feb. 11, a day before it hits local theatres, making us one of the first in the world to witness Sam Wilson kick ass on the IMAX screen. Let’s face it, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become more like a complex web than a timeline with all the Disney Plus series stacking up like pancakes. So, when the time came to return to the big screen, some fans may be taking their time to find their footing when navigating all the new information and characters expanded through these series.
For this film, it’s better to have watched the mini series, but if you’re like some of us who last saw Sam Wilson way back in “Avengers: End Game” when Steve Rogers handed over the mantle of Captain America to him, that’s okay too! Marvel stalwarts might even appreciate this film for the fact that it follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, making it feel almost old-school.
Keep reading to find out why.
Captain America 4: What Went Down
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
The movie starts with a newly-elected president Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford), whose office mantra centers on “togetherness,” promising to unite its citizens with the rest of the world. Cut scene to Mexico and we are at the center of a rescue mission led by Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), who has officially taken the mantle of Captain America, and is now working alongside the government to retrieve a stolen package and hostages.
Sam takes cues from his Air Force liaison, Joaquín Torres (Danny Ramirez), who guides him through the mission. Somewhere in the middle of the squabble, we also discover that Joaquín is preparing to step up as the new Falcon.
After a successful mission, Sam visits Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly), an African-American Korean War veteran and super soldier, to help train Joaquín. He also invites him to come to the White House as the president’s guest of honor but the ex-solider is reluctant, unable to understand why Sam is working for Ross in the first place knowing his dark past. Sam reasons that the people need to see Captain America as a symbol of hope, and his partnership with the government supports that.
Come the night of the gala, President Ross talks to Sam about restarting the Avengers. He’s somewhat thrilled about the idea, but also curious as to why the president suggested it after tearing the Avengers down all those years ago. We are then brought to the main hall where Ross addresses the world leaders about a treaty regarding Celestial Island, where they found a new type of metal: Adamantium, which is reportedly stronger than Vibranium. We also learned that this was the content of the package Sam retrieved in Mexico. During his speech, Isaiah suddenly shoots at the president and chaos ensues. When Sam chases down Isaiah, the man is confused and unaware of himself going rogue.
Sam gets in the middle of this international incident, which turns out to be part of a nefarious global plot that aims to pit two countries into going to war. While Ross seems to be struggling with his health, as shown through the mysterious white pills he’s been taking, Sam discovers a strange prisoner in Camp Echo One during his investigation: Dr. Samuel Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson), a serpent-like biologist who accidentally cross-contaminated with the blood of Bruce Banner (a.k.a. The Incredible Hulk) which gained him superhuman intelligence. Sam discovers that Sterns has been manipulating the minds of the people around them, using mind control through advanced brain study that is triggered through a song. The worst part is that Sterns was initially working for Ross but went rogue to get his revenge.
Two countries’ fleets faced each other in the Indian Ocean after the Japanese prime minister discovered that the US had initially set up the theft of the Adamantium. Ross is blindsided, realizing that Sterns has been plotting against him all this time. Chaos ensues as pilots are mind-controlled to attack the Japanese fleets. Luckily, Sam and Joaquín were able to smooth things over, but the latter suffers severe injuries when he plummeted into the ocean.
After Sterns’ plot failed, he had but one thing left in his arsenal which was President Ross and his inevitable transformation as we discovered his pills were infused with Gamma. After being bombarded by the press, Ross transforms into the Red Hulk and it’s up to Captain America to stop him.
Old-School Marvel Returns: Action-Packed and Heartfelt
It’s been a long time coming for Sam Wilson to have his own movie. Anthony expressed his excitement during the press tour about stepping up as the new Captain America.
“They told me I’d be Captain America five years ago, so I’ve just been biding my time waiting for this moment!” He shared in an interview with Game Rant.
And we totally agree! We’re all aware of how much time, effort, and money goes into making a Marvel cinematic masterpiece, and the fourth Captain America franchise showed us that it is worth the wait. It embodies everything a Marvel movie should be: entertaining, fun, and heartfelt. In fact, we might even say it’s reminiscent of “old-school Marvel”—the movies from Phase One like “Iron Man,” “The Avengers,” and the inaugural Captain America film with Chris Evans.
Photo from Website/Disney.ph
For loyal fans, this was a nostalgic experience considering the format of the film was exactly how a traditional Marvel film would be. There’s the set-up—the opening action scene, which in this case was the Adamantium rescue mission. Then it leads us deeper into the plot, building up the conflict until we reach an emotional climax, and then more fighting occurs before the hero finally prevails. It’s simple and direct, which Marvel has gotten down to a Science with its early films back when there were no aliens, no multiple timelines, and no expository backstories that dragged over several minutes of the film. You were simply given a tangible conflict that was solved through a series of investigations, epic battles, and yes, a sprinkle of scientific whatnot that gave this hero movie a supernatural kick.
However, it does take away its unique aspect as there were no narrative risks or plot twists. It’s not a showstopper feature like “Avengers: Endgame” or “Black Panther,” but we believe the film made up for it with its concept and character, and how it explored a regular man stepping into a role that was once held up by a “super solider”—or someone who had taken the serum that made Steve Rogers, well, practically superhuman.
One of our favorite moments was when Sam and Bucky had a little heart-to-heart talk as the former was brooding over Joaquín’s injury and how he felt like he could never live up to Steve, someone who led well and made sure nobody got hurt.We believe the film explored Sam’s character quite well, and succeeded in describing the struggles and pressure of transitioning from someone who had supported Captain America to becoming a leader himself. We felt for Sam when he opened up about his regrets about not taking the serum, and his belief that he’s somewhat a weaker version of Captain America, but Bucky said something to him that truly stuck with us:
“Steve gave them something to believe in. You gave them something to aspire to.”
Photo from Website/Disney.ph
This is where we thought the story came full-circle, and described Sam’s character and role in the franchise. It showed us that Sam Wilson is just a regular man who fell into great situation, who was given a chance to save people. He has no super strength nor is he indestructible, so he never relied on brute force in his battles. We believe that makes him a smarter and better fighter. It’s only logical that they gave him an antagonist that made use of intellectual science. Sam was simply a good man who thinks first before punching someone's face.
Visually, the movie is spectacular as expected of a film produced by a massive studio. Marvel gets the best in the industry from the visual and sound effects down to camera and production people. There’s no doubt the film deserves high marks in the technical category. Those action sequences? Absolutely mind blowing! We love a good hand-to-hand combat scene that keeps us on the edge of our seats, and the film was generous in that department.
Anthony Mackie had always been amazing as the Falcon, but him being Captain America was downright brilliant. He gave this character more humor, and his chemistry with Joaquín Torres was endearing. It reminded us of a mentor-student relationship akin to Tony Stark and Tom Holland’s Spiderman.
Photo from Website/Marvel.comPhoto from Website/Disney.ph
We also thought Harrison Ford made a great antagonist as he made his MCU debut as “Thunderbolt” a.k.a. The Red Hulk. It was fitting considering the character isn’t someone who is downright evil, but also human and very much driven by emotions. The film needed a man who could be a president, a monster, and also a father—as Ross was very much clear on his intent to change his ways throughout the film in the hopes of reconciling with his estranged daughter, Betty Ross. And yes, Liv Tyler returned for a short cameo which got everyone excited!
We also have to note how diverse this cast was, and especially loved seeing more women step up into action roles. We met Ruth Bat-Seraph played by Shira Haas, a former black widow and the president’s security advisor, as well as secret service agent Leila Taylor whose also Cap’s eyes in the White House played by Xosha Roquemore.
Final Verdict
Although it failed to give us a unique conflict, “Captain America: Brave New World” was meant to serve as a bridge between the old and the new. It’s meant to embody that familiar Marvel formula in order to introduce new characters, new antagonists, and new worlds.
If you’re a fan of Marvel's Phase One and Two films, you’re going to love this. It’s definitely a great addition to the roster, one that humanizes both heroes and villains, upping its relatability factor and making it a more enjoyable and grounding experience for audiences. It’s been confirmed that Captain America will be back in the MCU, so we can’t wait to see how Anthony Mackie plans to develop his character in later films.
So, yes. Suit up and watch it at a cinema near you! “Captain America: Brave New World” is now showing in the Philippines, and the rest of the world on Valentine’s Day!
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WeTV has taken things up a notch with the release ofCHUANG Asia Season 2, the sixth installment to the CHUANG franchise, the idol survival series originally based in China, and the second to the CHUANG Asia series, following CHUANG Asia Thailand.
If you’re into idol survival shows, this one’s definitely on your radar. On Dec. 30, 2025, a teaser trailer for the new season dropped, and the trainees of CHUANG Asia: Season 2 performed at the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2025 event at Iconsiam in Bangkok.
Facebook/ CHUANG Asia
This season, the stakes are even higher, boasting an impressive lineup of mentors, including Xu Minghao (THE 8), BamBam, Jeff Satur, Tia Ray, and beloved Thai actress Yaya Urassaya Sperbund.
Together, they will guide the trainees in singing, dancing, rapping, and acting, shaping them into a debut-ready international boy group poised to make waves in the Asian entertainment industry.
Facebook/ CHUANG Asia
The show’s previous success underscores its growing influence, with the Grand Debut Night of Season 1 achieving over 2.5 billion views and 500 million votes on the WeTV app. And let’s not forget Gen1es, the girl group that debuted after Season 1, whose popularity continues to thrive under RYCE Entertainment.
CHUANG Asia Season 2 is airing every Sunday at 4:50 PM. Viewers can watch the TV version on Channel 3 and the full version via the WeTV app here.
For more information, visit CHUANG Asia on their Facebook and Instagram.
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It’s confirmed! Hit reality datingshow “Single’s Inferno” will continue to sizzle our screens with some aura and chemistry with a fifth season.
Netflix announced the news on Feb. 13, 2025, shortly after the finale episodes of the reality show’s fourth season, saying that production is already well underway.
“The first season made history as the first Korean unscripted show to break into the Global Top 10. Building on this momentum, Season 2 amassed over 65 million viewing hours, staying in the Top 10 for four weeks. Season 3 took the show’s popularity to new heights with groundbreaking twists, holding its place in the charts for five consecutive weeks. Season 4 continued the trend, offering a raw and honest look at the singles, achieving the highest first-week viewership in the franchise, and sparking lively discussions online.”
“Single’s Inferno” is a South Korean reality datingshow that takes inspiration from survival shows and mixes it with the “idea of fighting for their intended love interest.” Participants, consisting of 12 singles (six men and women), are left on an island (Inferno) to find their love through challenges, with the mission to leave with their love interest to spend a romantic night in Paradise.
Contestants can only go to Paradise if the person they choose also chooses them.
“Single’s Inferno” is hosted by model Hong Jin-kyung, actress Lee Da-hee, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, rapper Hanhae, and YouTuber/S2 Cast Member Dex. “Their sharp-witted commentary and enjoyable chemistry add another layer of entertainment,” said Netflix.
Producers Kim Jae-won, Kim Jung-hyun, and Park Suji all expressed their gratitude to viewers: “We’ve made it to Season 5 thanks to the immense love and support from our viewers,” and teased that the new season will be “filled with new excitement and romance.”
The fourth season of “Single’s Inferno” premiered on Jan. 14, 2025, with its final episode airing on Feb. 11, 2025. Watch "Single's Inferno" on Netflix.
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