HBO GO shares 2021’s biggest hits

2021 was a solid year for HBO GO. From Hollywood blockbusters such as Tenet and The Suicide Squad to critically acclaimed original shows and specials such as Sucession and FRIENDS: The Reunion, HBO GO made it possible for Filipinos to enjoy all of these hits and more in the comforts of their own homes.

Recognized as one of the most respected and innovative entertainment brands in the world, through its power to connect with all types of audiences, storytelling has always been at the heart of HBO.

Driven by the desire to develop the best shows and films that illustrate the incredible power of storytelling, this year, a number of HBO Asia Original Series and Movies showcasing Filipino talent earned recognition on the international front.

On The Job won big in Venice

Diving further into the world Erik Matti created in his award-winning 2013 movie of the same name, the engrossing six-part hour-long crime thriller series On The Job premiered globally and exclusively on HBO GO on September 16.

On The Job The Missing 8

Inspired by true events, On the Job centers around crime syndicates that temporarily release contracted prison inmates to carry out political assassinations for those in power. The series also puts a spotlight on the real-world issue of fake news and how easily the truth can be spun, manufactured, and disseminated to the public in an age where information spreads faster than ever.

Select episodes from the series were screened in competition at the prestigious 78th Venice International Film Festival, and John Arcilla’s portrayal of the character “Sisoy Salas” won him the festival’s Volpi Cup (Best Actor) award. On the Job was also the only film from Asia among 21 international films that screened during the competition.

Gensan Punch scored a knockout win in Busan

Inspired by a true story and led by visionary director Brillante Mendoza, HBO Asia Original Film Gensan Punch entered the ring exclusively on HBO GO on December 16, 2021.

The film centers around Nao, a Japanese man who dreams of becoming a professional boxer. While his skills may be undeniable, his use of a prosthetic leg leads him to fail “physical condition regulations” – rendering him unable to fight professionally.

This leads him on a journey to the Philippines, where the road to chasing his dream takes him to the so-called Gensan Quarter of General Santos City – a place long renowned for producing athletes including legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Gensan Punch was one of two winners of the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award handed out at the 26th Busan International Film Festival held in October. The award was given to films that reflect the contemporary standing of Asian cinema. The film was also screened at the “Gala Selection (Non-Competition) of the 34th Tokyo International Film Festival which ran from October 30 to November 8, 2021.

Folklore Season 2 served up scares with a unique Filipino flavor

Envisioned as a horror anthology, HBO Asia Original series  Folklore shines a light on deeply-rooted superstitions and myths from  Asia. To the delight of horror fans across the country, The Philippines was one of six Asian territories featured on Folklore Season 2 which premiered exclusively on both HBO GO and HBO on November 14.

The episode titled Folklore S2: 7 Days Of Hell was directed by Erik Matti who infused his unique perspective on this small town horror tale. The story focuses on a righteous policewoman’s race against time to save her son when he falls dangerously ill from an unknown cause.

When her son is given only a few weeks to live, she discovers that his illness is of supernatural origin and that a powerful sorcerer has cursed him. The only way for her son to survive is for him to apologize and make amends to the sorcerer. As the clock ticks, she is sent on a desperate quest to save her son.

Immerse in the horror of FOLKLORE S2 on HBO GO now.

For those interested, you may subscribe to HBO GO online at www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as PhP 99.70/month. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe, and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV, and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

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The Kia Stonic and its special “5S Formula”

03/10/2021

An instantaneous wave of “oohs” and “ahhs” followed the unveiling of Kia Philippines’ perfect urban drive, the Stonic, in October last year. It was love at first sight for the comely crossover’s fan base, and thoroughly whetted the appetites of motoring enthusiasts.

Following the success of this virtual “catwalk” staged by Ayala-backed distributor Kia Philippines, the Stonic thus leapt out of the screens and into the hands of the motoring media for a quick spin in the outskirts of Metro Manila to showcase the “5S Formula” (Style, Space, Shift, Sounds, and Service) that the Stonic will be known for.

Throughout the activities, proper health protocols such as swab tests and social distancing measures were applied to participants and vehicles to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Despite the stringent procedures, participants thoroughly enjoyed the road trip via the Stonic’s nifty offerings.

Style

Known for the Style That’s Iconic, the Stonic is bound to turn heads and become everyone’s center of attention, starting with the youthful colors complementing the overall award-winning design, the Tiger Nose Grille, Fin Type Antenna, Roof Rails, LED Daytime Running Lamps for the EX, Rear Combination Lamps, Rear Spoiler Garnish, and Projector Headlamps.

In navigating city streets, winding roads, and expressways on the way to Tagaytay, the Stonic warranted confidence among the driver participants, thanks to the 185mm ground clearance on 16-inch alloy wheels. Further, the overall design would certainly match the unique character of the driver.

Space

Participants straightaway enjoyed the top-notch coziness with the Stonic’s 2,570-millimeter wheelbase, which guarantees excellent seating positions for its size.

Also, its versatility enables the driver to carry massive cargo. With the rear seats folded flat, luggage space instantaneously grows up to 325 liters, to make sure you can transport everything you need for work and play.

Shift

On the road to a sumptuous lunch, the Stonic also proved its mastery in fuel efficiency—even in heavy traffic—with the 1.4 dual CVVT petrol engine matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission being one of the powertrain options. The Stonic solidifies its position as a reliable ride during weekdays when traffic conditions in the city can be a nightmare.

Aside from being fuel-efficient in all types of road and traffic conditions, the Stonic’s powertrain can also provide up to 100 PS and 132 Nm torque. Injecting heaps more fun and control on the daily drive is the tiptronic shifter that is also made available in this sprightly crossover.

The Stonic is such a fun drive, parking it is even a happy chore. Like child’s play, pulling up at the parking area is made easier with the help of a rearview camera. The need for keys when turning the engine or simply locking the door is now a thing of the past, as the Stonic is engineered future-proof with Smart Entry and Push Start system for the EX variant.

Sounds

The Stonic is as fun to drive as it is to ride, with it being generous with technological features—beginning with the 8-inch touchscreen audio system that easily connects one’s mobile device via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the six speakers that go with it for that joy-jamming while joy-riding, a USB port, and a 12V socket to ensure that every mobile device is always juiced up.

Service

Just as how Kia Philippines prioritizes building customer relationships through countless delightful means, the Kia Stonic also offers a host of safety features so occupants can focus on enjoying the trip, no matter what. Among them are Hill Start Assist and Electronic Stability Control for the EX grade for assured smooth navigation.

The nimble Kia Stonic is served up with the customer-centric five-year or 160,000-km warranty, as well as with a 24/7 Roadside Assistance FREE for five years which covers Emergency Towing, Personal Assistance, Minor Onsite Repair, Medical Assistance and Information Service for a secured, enjoyable, and worry-free ownership.

With such one-of-a-kind design, features and amenities that’ll inspire you to move, and a fuel-efficient powertrain that’ll drive your day, the Stonic becomes your daily statement of style on the street.

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