Rory Kinnear To Play Tom Bombadil In The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Today, Prime Video revealed that Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor Rory Kinnear (James Bond films, The Imitation Game), who, as previously announced, joined the Season Two cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, will portray the fan-favorite J.R.R. Tolkien character Tom Bombadil. The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on August 29, 2024.

This announcement comes after much online speculation, as the timeless, mysterious, and jovial Tom Bombadil has been beloved by Tolkien fans for decades. Given his hand in so many key moments of the larger story, the character’s absence from other on-screen depictions of Middle-earth has often been the topic of robust conversation. The news was revealed through brand-new images from the series, and an interview in Vanity Fair that was released online earlier today.

The series’ showrunners J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay are excited to bring this new element to the story, and are thrilled that the gifted Kinnear is bringing this iconic character to life. “He’s whimsical and magical, and almost verging on silly. But also has the wisdom of the ages and the music of the spheres and deep emotional wells of ancient history and myth, and his conception and function are tied to Norse myths and have deep roots in European fairy tale,” McKay says. “So weirdly, he’s kind of the most Lord of the Rings thing in Lord of the Rings.” Payne adds, “Tom is sort of a curiosity within that structure because while it is darker, Tom Bombadil is singing and saying lines that could be nursery rhymes from children’s poems. So, he sort of defies the tonal shift of the rest of the season and is a real point of light amidst an otherwise sea of darkness.”

‘Lumpia Queen’ Abi Marquez Wins People's Voice Award at The 28th Annual Webby Awards, Dedicates Win to the Philippines

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK—In a historic victory for Filipino talent, Abi Marquez clinched the People's Voice Award for Social - Food and Drink at The 28th Annual Webby Awards, making her the first Filipino independent content creator to win the prestigious accolade. 

This momentous occasion is not only a personal milestone for Marquez but also a significant cultural achievement, being the first time an individual entry from the Philippines has secured this category.

Dressed in a custom terno by Filipino designer Santi Obcena and styled by Pam Ricarte, Marquez took the stage at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, where she accepted her award. In her poignant 5-word acceptance speech, she dedicated her victory to her homeland: "Philippines, this is for you!"

Rainy Day Binge: Stay Cozy with Lionsgate Play’s June Releases

We might be halfway through 2024, but Lionsgate Play’s June releases are anything but mid.

As the monsoon rains start to pour, it’s the perfect time to cozy up in your living room and binge-watch some of the latest releases on Lionsgate Play. This June, the streaming platform is taking us on an emotional rollercoaster. From action-packed thrillers to heart-wrenching dramas, here are some of the top picks that you won’t want to miss.

Top picks for the month

Talk to Me (Film) - Release date: June 7

Talk to Me is a 2022 Australian supernatural horror film about a group of teenagers who discover a thrilling and horrifying way to contact the dead – through a severed, embalmed hand. After enjoying the novelty of contacting the spirit world for thrills, one goes too far, unleashing supernatural forces. This thriller is currently A24's highest-grossing horror film, making it a must-watch for horror fans.

dwta yearns for the comfort of someone she calls home on new single “Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)”

The catchy, stripped-down track showcases the best of both Filipino and Bicolano language, lovingly combined to express her authentic storytelling style

Dwta (stylistically spelled as dwta), or Jhasmine Villanueva in real life, has released her new single “Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)” via Sony Music Entertainment.

The upbeat pop track expresses the breakthrough star’s excitement of going back home and experiencing a love filled with comfort and security. Written as a paean to her hometown and as a love letter to the person she considers her greatest confidante, “Pauwi Na 'Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)” showcases dwta’s earnest songwriting style, which combines Filipino and Bicolano language to convey a narrative that is both inclusive and personal.

Keiko Necesario opens up about overcoming challenges in married life on “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari”

Filipino indie singer-songwriter Keiko Necesario finds renewed strength in love and spirituality amidst unjust social conditions on her new single “Kahit Pa Anong Mangyari,” out on all digital streaming platforms worldwide this Friday, May 31, 2024.

The irresistible pop-rock confessional shows Keiko’s resilience and vulnerability in disarmingly bold ways as she chronicles her story of overcoming a challenging season in her married life—thanks to God and her husband, who never left her side during a tumultuous ordeal. 

According to Keiko, she penned the track at a time when she and her partner struggled to make ends meet while reflecting on what truly matters for her and between them.

Munimuni to stage “Alegorya” concert at the UP Theater this July!

The experimental folk quintet will be performing at the UP Theater for the first time, following the release of their sophomore album

Filipino indie-folk collective Munimuni celebrates the release of their second full-length album, Alegorya with a major concert happening on July 20, 2024 (Saturday) at the prestigious UP Theater.

Aptly titled ALEGORYA: A Munimuni Concert, the highly anticipated show promises to deliver an audio-visual treat for the senses. The title of the concert is named after their latest release, which, according to the five-piece act, carries many strikingly different emotions and thoughts that don't normally belong to a single collection of songs.

Philippine Ballet theater Presents 'Sarimanok'

Philippine Ballet Theatre, with the generous support of Philippine Airlines and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, will showcase the rich ethnic glory and diversity of the Philippines through a fusion of classical ballet, regional dances, and mythology.

The goal of the Philippine Ballet Theatre is to share the captivating tale of Sarimanok, a bird from Filipino Mindanao mythology. This mythical creature, known for its vibrant feathers and enchanting presence, takes center stage in a ballet that transcends time and culture. The ballet tells the love story between a mortal and a moon goddess, revolving around the majestic Sarimanok.

Sarimanok symbolizes hope and abundant blessings, and Philippine Ballet Theatre sees the ballet as a divine gift. Through this performance, they aim to generate interest in our cultural heritage and showcase the talent of our current artists. Sarimanok is the artistic vision of Ronilo Jaynario, the Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer, set to the original music composed by Paulo Zarate, a highly acclaimed composer. Jaynario and Zarate aspire for ballet, like Sarimanok, to become a symbol of hope and an investment in the Filipino people.

Jaynario explained, "Ibalon made a powerful impact on both the audience and the performers. It received excellent reviews and accolades that any dance company would aspire to have. Therefore, our challenge is achieving the same impact level as Sarimanok. Creating such an impact is vital to us as a company”

Inspiration for the ballet comes from the story itself, the dancers' response to my movement that enhances the process, and the music that moves me in creating the choreography. I am incredibly grateful that Paulo Zarate is composing for PBT's Sarimanok."

Jessa Tangalin and Gladys Baybayin will share the role of the mythical Sarimanok.  Alternating as the romantic couple of  Indarapatra and Moon Goddess will be Matthew Davo and Gabrielle Jaynario and Jimmy Lumba and Joni Galeste. 

With Sarimanok being the second Full-length Filipino ballet in a row, PBT hopes to send out a strong message that their commitment to creating a national influence through their art is ablaze.

Sarimanok will be showing at Samsung Performing Arts Theater on   July 6 and 7 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketworld or reserved now through Philippine Ballet Theatre by emailing secretariat@pbt.org.ph or messaging  09688708887.