‘Dog Man’ bites off $36 million, taking No. 1 at box office

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Feb 3, 2025 10:40 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• One of the early year’s standout successes has been Sony Pictures’ “One of Them Days,” the R-rated comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA.

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A scene from 'Dog Man' (Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Animation via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — DreamWorks Animation’s “Dog Man” fetched $36 million in ticket sales at the weekend box office, according to studio estimates Sunday, making it the biggest debut yet in 2025.

It was a big opening for the Universal Pictures release adapted from the popular graphic novel series by author Dav Pilkey. The big-screen launch for the cartoon canine was produced for a modest $40 million, meaning it will easily coast through a profitable run. Audiences gave it an “A” CinemaScore.

Only one animated film before has had a better January launch: 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3.” “Dog Man,” though, was soft overseas, collecting $4.2 million from 29 international markets. The voice cast of the Peter Hastings-directed movie is led by Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery and Isla Fisher. 

Family movies last year buoyed the box office, with PG-rated films accounting for $2.9 billion, or 33 percent of all ticket revenue, according to data firm Comscore. So far, they’re lifting 2025, too. The Walt Disney Co.’s December release “Mufasa: The Lion King” topped the weekend box office three times in January. In its seventh week of release, “Mufasa” held in third place with another $6.1 million, bringing its global tally to $653 million.

“The PG animation family film wave that was so prevalent in ’24 continues in ’25,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore.

The horror comedy “Companion,” from Warner Bros. and New Line, also opened well, with $9.5 million in 3,285 locations. Drew Hancock’s sci-fi tinged film set in the near future is about a group of friends on a weekend lakeside getaway.

“Companion,” starring Sophie Thatcher ( “Heretic” ), was lightly marketed and made for just $10 million. It will depend on glowing reviews (94 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and strong word of mouth (a “B+” CinemaScore) to keep drawing moviegoers in the coming weeks.

Last week’s top film, Mel Gibson’s “Flight Risk,” dropped steeply in its second weekend. The action thriller starring Mark Wahlberg fell to fifth place with $5.6 million. Domestically, it has collected $20.9 million for Lionsgate.

One of the early year’s standout successes has been Sony Pictures’ “One of Them Days,” the R-rated comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA. Though comedies have had a hard time in theaters in recent years, “One of Them Days” has proven a exception. The well-reviewed movie earned $5.6 million over the weekend, bringing its three-week total to $34.5 million – a stellar result for a movie that cost $14 million to make.

Final domestic figures will be released Monday. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Dog Man,” $36 million.

2. “Companion,” $9.5 million.

3. “Mufasa,” $6.1 million. 

4. “One of Them Days,” $6 million.

5. “Flight Risk” $5.6 million.

6. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” $3.2 million.

7. “Moana 2,” $2.8 million.

8. “A Complete Unknown,” $2.2 million.

9. “The Brutalist,” $1.9 million.

10. “Den of Thieves: Pantera,” $1.6 million.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Senti-core

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Feb 3, 2025 10:23 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “U-Belt” by Jan Roberts definitely fits the bill with the soothing and relaxed sounds of this acoustic guitar driven tune.

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Sugarcane (Images courtesy of Facebook)

What is the world coming to? One doesn't have to look far to know that social media is friggin' messed up or rather, messed us all up. But this is not about that, contrary, this is about some senti music to slow down to.

“U-Belt” by Jan Roberts definitely fits the bill with the soothing and relaxed sounds of this acoustic guitar driven tune. We know little about Jan Roberts except that this 23-year-old singer-songwriter hails from Albay and that he’s been quietly releasing his songs since 2021. 

So far, JR has put out six singles from 2021’s “Binibini” to his latest (actually seven including his recent yule themed song). There’s a sense of quiet beauty in the singer’s minimalist approach. It’s usually just his acoustic guitar and smidgen of synths to add some melancholy atmosphere about his songs. Jan Roberts’ voice is not even exceptional but that’s not a put down mind you. Because what he lacks in vocal flash he makes up for in the overall vibe that his songs deliver. 

And his songs “Sagip” and “Hirap Kalimutan” are definitely singer-songwriter tunes that make you want to slow down and listen to what he’s crooning about, which in this case, is about sticking by your person and of precarious relations respectively. So far his listeners have responded handsomely to his music. These two in particular have so far garnered about 20 million streams on one platform alone.

Then there’s Jan Roberts’ lyrics. Here’s a sample in “Hirap Kalimutan” where he writes: “Dapithapon, naglalakad ako mag-isa / ‘Di upang makatipid, ngunit para ako’y makapag-isip-isip / Inihagis ang bato at panooring lumubog ito hanggang sa pinakailalim / Habang hinayaan ang sariling malunod sa lungkot.” Quiet beauty indeed. Besides the new single “U-belt” other hotspots in Jan Roberts’ catalog include the excellent “Escolta” which features the equally superb voice of a certain singer called Tangi.

Amiel Sol

Just recently, we featured singer-songwriter Amiel Sol and his latest single “Sa Bawat Sandali” in this column. Since then, “Bawat Sandali” has racked up the streams and has so far, more than 8 million listens (in one platform alone) since it was released more than a month ago. Just like Jan Roberts, Amiel Sol has been connecting with wistful sounding, acoustic guitar-flavored minimalist tunes. The more than 8 million stream surge by Amiel Sol with “Sa Bawat Sandali” is his best performing moment at the streaming platforms so far. His 2023 song “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan” has racked up more than 11 million streams but spread over more than a year.

With Amiel Sol and Jan Roberts enjoying significant streams that go beyond tens of millions, it’s safe to say that there’s a surging senti-core movement currently happening in Pinoy pop. Other movers include Arthur Miguel, EJ De Perio, Dana Paulene and Liel to name a few. The more the merrier as they say, or should it be the more the senti-er? 

Other hotspots from this past weekend’s releases include Sugarcane with “Tanging Ikaw.” The self-described folk-pop sextet makes for a swinging mid-tempo tune that’s equal parts yearning and playful. Sugarcane includes Cedric Angeles on vocals and guitars, Carl Guerzon on bass, Ronamae Tiñola on flute, Frain Reyes on lead guitars, Luis Beato on keyboards and Froilan Bautista on drums.

Modern-day troubadour Johnoy Danao returns with a playful new song in “Magkasama.” Lively, whimsical or just call it what you want, this upbeat and jazzy tune that features Project Yazz – the Pinoy jazz group that includes Faye Yupano, Bergan Nuñez, Ken Castillo, Lui Tan and Jacques Dufourt- brings some spot-on but playful musicianship (those brass and lead guitar) to Danao’s musings and ‘swabe’ delivery.  

One last thing, remember that when the noise gets to be too much. you always have the option of turning it off. 

Organizers defend Ben&Ben from allegations of being difficult to work with: 'I don't think that's fair'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Feb 1, 2025 08:29 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Founded in 2015 as the country’s first-ever Philippine Music Festival, Fusion was created with a vision: to unite all forms of OPM—across genres, generations, and managements—into one grand celebration.

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Ben&Ben (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Organizers of an upcoming Filipino music festival have come to the defense of OPM band Ben&Ben in response to allegations that the band is difficult to work with.

"I want to defend Ben&Ben from allegations that the group is a diva when it comes to dealing with them. Pero para sabihin na sila ay unreasonable and hard to work with, I don't think that's fair. (But to say they are unreasonable and hard to work with, I don't think that's fair)," said Gladys Basinillo, founder of Fusion, during an interview for the Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival, which will be held at the CCP Open Grounds on March 15.

Gladys added: "The group is very detailed regarding their requirements and technical aspects of the show. They work with the supplier and budget we have. They are reasonable; that's why I cannot call them a diva." 

"Just because ma-detalye sila, demanding na. No. You have to understand the group is a nine-piece band. Hindi talaga sila madaling isalang. But they are very prepared. (Just because they're detailed, they're demanding. No. You have to understand the group is a nine-piece band. They're not really easy to put together)," she said.

Ben&Ben

Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival

The festival is back for another go, bringing together icons, rising stars, and a world-class production.
 
Get ready for an electrifying night of OPM as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival brings together some of the biggest names in the industry at the CCP Open Grounds on March 15.

Headlined by Ben&Ben, December Avenue, and Zack Tabudlo, the festival promises an unforgettable experience with powerhouse acts like The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, Maki, Jan Francis and ALLMO$T, alongside an exciting lineup of rising stars and dynamic DJs. 

Directed by Paul Basinillo and powered by Nestea, Nescafé, Bear Brand Sterilized, Hapee, Dazz, and Fudgee Barr, Fusion is set to be more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of Filipino music at its finest.

Founded in 2015 as the country’s first-ever Philippine Music Festival, Fusion was created with a vision: to unite all forms of OPM—across genres, generations, and managements—into one grand celebration. 

From the start, it stood as a testament to OPM’s power, bringing the nation together while delivering top-tier production value to showcase and support Filipino talent.

More than just a concert, Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival is a celebration of unity through Original Pinoy Music (OPM). Music is the heartbeat of the Filipino spirit, bridging generations and connecting the nation through a universal language. 

Over the years, Fusion has evolved into a cultural movement—a rallying cry for Filipinos to take pride in their artistry. More than just a festival, it serves as a platform that elevates homegrown talent, uniting legacy icons, global Filipino musicians, and emerging artists in a one-of-a-kind OPM experience.

"Now is the time to put OPM in the spotlight," said Gladys. "While international acts continuously fill arenas and festivals across the country, our own artists and music deserve the same level of support. Fusion is here to make that happen—to give Filipino music the recognition it deserves." 

“Looking back at the very first Fusion concert in 2015, our goal was simple: to unite artists from different genres and showcase the strength of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). 

Now, 10 years later, we’re taking things to the next level—not just by gathering the best and biggest artists, but by redefining what it means to go to a concert," shared Paul.

"If we can create top-tier productions for international artists, why shouldn’t we do the same—if not more—for our own? We want to bring back the thrill of live music—to make concert-going a must-do experience again, especially for the younger generation. Fusion 2025 is designed to be more than just a show—it’s an all-day, immersive festival that goes beyond the main stage.”

Fusion 2025 carries the powerful theme “Musika Natin ‘To!”—a call to embrace and uplift OPM with pride. This milestone event will bring together the best of Filipino music in an immersive experience that goes beyond performances, featuring interactive art, cultural exhibits, and a showcase of local flavors.

More than a festival, it is a declaration that OPM is not just music—it is our identity, our pride, and our story as a nation.

"This 10th year of Fusion is a milestone for OPM, proving that Filipino music continues to evolve, grow, and inspire. But more than that, it’s a milestone for live entertainment in the Philippines. This is our chance to set the standard for what a modern Filipino music festival can be—something that rivals international festivals, with our own unique identity.” said Paul.

“This isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. This is about the next generation of Filipino music artists and fans. This is about bringing people back to live events, making concerts an experience they will always want to be part of.”

"As we showcase to the country and the world our passion for OPM, we hope to inspire more institutions, organizations, and every Filipino to join us in this journey of putting our OPM as front and center in our music scene,” added Gladys.

Wetlands: Protecting nature’s vital ecosystems

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 1, 2025 00:02 AM

  

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The Senate’s approval on third and final reading, of Senate Bill No. 1536, seeking to strengthen the protection of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), has brought attention to the critical role wetlands play in the global village.

Wetlands sustain biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and support livelihoods. Despite covering only six percent of Earth’s surface, wetlands harbor 40 percent of all plant and animal species and provide essential services, such as flood control, water purification, and food security for over a billion people. 

Unfortunately, wetlands are among the Earth’s most threatened ecosystem, disappearing three times faster than forests due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change. “In just 50 years — since 1970 — 35 percent of the world’s wetlands have been lost. Human activities that lead to loss of wetlands include drainage and infilling for agriculture and construction, pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of resources, invasive species and climate change,” according to a United Nations statement.

Every year on Feb. 2, the United Nations leads the commemoration of World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the significant role of the wetlands.

In the Philippines, there are eight internationally recognized wetlands under the Ramsar Convention – the LPPWP, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary; Naujan Lake National Park; Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary; Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park; Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area; and Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands.

These Ramsar sites highlight the nation’s critical role in global biodiversity conservation. 

The LPPWP, located in Metro Manila, is a unique ecosystem comprising tidal marshes, mudflats, mangroves, and shallow waters. It provides habitat to at least 5,000 birds of 159 species, including the endangered Philippine Duck and Chinese Egret. Beyond its ecological significance, the park serves as a buffer against flooding and storms for Metro Manila residents and supports the livelihoods of 300,000 fisherfolk in Manila Bay.

Senate Bill No. 1536, authored by Senator Cynthia Villar, proposes a three-kilometer seaward expansion from the current shoreline boundary to preserve the park’s ecological integrity and safeguard its biodiversity from the pressures of development activities. This measure will be a significant amendment to Republic Act 11038, the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (ENIPAS), which already designates the LPPWP as a protected area.

By establishing a buffer zone, the bill aims to protect the park’s ecosystems and ensure the free flow of water from interconnected rivers, such as the Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Zapote Rivers. The mangrove forests within the park act as natural shields against disasters, while also supporting fisheries crucial for food security in Metro Manila.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, said that with the bill’s approval, senators take on their patriotic as well as their global duty to ensure that all steps were taken to fulfill international commitments under the Ramsar Convention, the World Heritage Convention, the Convention on Migratory Species, and the ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, among others.

Governments and private sectors must collaborate to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Enforcing existing environmental laws, expanding protected areas, and investing in green infrastructure are crucial steps. Community engagement and education are also essential to change the perception of wetlands from wastelands to invaluable resources.

As the Philippines takes pride in its Ramsar-designated sites, the approval of the LPPWP Protection Act sets a precedent for future conservation initiatives. It reminds us that wetlands are not just ecological treasures but vital to our survival and well-being. 

On World Wetlands Day, may we renew our commitment to safeguarding these lifegiving ecosystems for generations to come.

Jamie Rivera delivers message of hope in PH's 2025 jubilee song 'Ningas ng Pag-Asa'

To release entrance song for Jubilee celebration

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jan 31, 2025 05:33 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• When asked what “Ningas ng Pag-asa” means to her, the Inspirational Diva highlighted its message of hope.

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Jamie Rivera

After 25 years, Jamie Rivera returns as the voice of the 2025 Philippine Jubilee hymn “Ningas ng Pag-asa” featuring the group 92AD. 

The OPM icon, together with 92 AD, also served as the voice behind the “Jubilee Song (The Great Jubilee)” composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo which served as the theme song of the 2000 Jubilee celebration.

“I’m very grateful that I’m still given trust by the Catholic Church and yung faith nila is not fading, and I’m also blessed that 92AD is still there to help and wiling to join me,” she said. 

When asked what “Ningas ng Pag-asa” means to her, the Inspirational Diva highlighted its message of hope.

“This is a message of hope. Flame of hope. Tayo yun, we have to tell the people that there is hope in mankind,” she said. “Yun ang responsibility natin as Christians, as Catholics, as followers of Christ to send this message because it is our mission.”

Jamie Rivera and 92AD

92AD also stressed the valuable message of the song. The group said, “The song is really a message of hope for everyone. Sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyayari sa mundo atin, hindi tayo dapat mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtiwala lang tayo sa Diyos. At yun ang mensahe na gusto nating iparating sa lahat.”

“Ningas ng Pag-asa” was adapted into Filipino by Jamie based on the official 2025 Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Filipino version was released under ABS-CBN's Inspire Music label. 

Incidentally, both Jamie and 92AD are also collaborating anew for the entrance song for the Jubilee celebration in the country titled “Welcome! Mabuhay! O Pilgrims of Hope" also composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo. 

The year of Jubilee is traditionally celebrated by the Catholic Church every 25 years.

The official music video of “Ningas ng Pag-asa" is now available on Star Music YouTube channel. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

How men won women’s hearts at the turn of the century

A century-old love: The timeless tale of Lolo Andoy’s devotion and the test that won Lola Tina’s heart

BY SOL VANZI

Jan 31, 2025 08:38 AM

  

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GENTLEMAN FARMER Lolo Andoy helped in the rice field and drove a calesa for extra income between planting and harvesting seasons

The love story of Lolo Andoy and Lola Tina, typical of their time at the start of the 20th century, could inspire today’s young men and women to be good, honest, brave, and faithful. It is a tale worth retelling.

My grandfather, son of a farmer-tenant, grew up in Imus, Cavite. He helped in the rice field and drove a calesa (horse-drawn cart) for extra income between planting and harvesting seasons. Sakate made trips to gather grass for his horse, which took him to Barrio Salinas in the adjacent Bacoor town. The southern edge of Salinas was thick with tall bamboo, which protected the homes and little children from falling into the Binakayan–Bacoor River that snakes through Imus, Bacoor, and Kawit.

The prettiest and most sought-after lass in Salinas was Florentina, a shy 15-year-old orphan with dark, ankle-length hair, ebony eyes, and a very light complexion. She cooked well, made the finest embroidery, and was the top village modista (dressmaker). She planted and harvested palay as well as any man, yet looked every inch the real dalagang Pilipina of every young man’s dream. 

With all these attributes, she could have chosen any of the landed, moneyed poblacion suitors who trekked to her village to win her hand. Lolo knew his chances were slim; he was a poor farmer’s son with nothing to his name. But he was the most persistent of the many swains who wooed Lola.

For a year, he helped plow, harrow, plant, and harvest the rice fields of Lola’s aunts and uncles. He bathed and fed her family’s carabao daily. He fetched water from a well one kilometer away for Lola’s cooking and washing chores. He carried Lola’s washing to and from the river.

Finally, Lola was convinced he was it. But the family that raised her wanted one last test: he had to gift Lola with "isang palayok ng atay ng biya" (a clay pot of fresh goby liver), to be stewed in fresh tamarind and served for what would be their engagement dinner. It was a tough challenge; Lolo and Lola prayed hard for success.

Lolo was told of the test after the rice harvest and took it like a man. With quiet dignity, he continued to serve Lola’s family until the first rains of May fell when he announced that he would soon leave for Laguna to fish. After weeks of preparation, he left with a carabao, a cart, several banga (clay water jars), a salok (small fish net with handle), salakab (hand-held bamboo fish trap), bingwit (hook and line), rice, and a palayok (covered clay cooking pot) to cook rice in.
It rained for many, many days while he was gone. When the rains stopped, Lola began to worry. One starless night, he showed up at the foot of her nipa hut’s three-step bamboo stairs. 

In one hand, he held aloft strings of gutted, salted, and kippered daing na biya (salted split goby). The other arm cradled, like a chest of precious jewels, a simple clay pot brimming with tiny morsels the color of Lolo’s burnished skin. He had done it! He passed the test.

So, big deal, you’d say. That’s easy to do these days, with air-conditioned supermarkets selling all kinds of frozen and chilled fish. To accomplish Lolo’s task, all one has to do these days is purchase several kilos of biya and ask the fish vendor or the maid to cut out all the livers. But remember, this all happened more than a hundred years ago.

There was no refrigeration, there were no modern paved roads, and no South Luzon Expressway. There was no electricity, and no bags of tube ice from 7-Eleven to keep food fresh for days. Imus was half a day away, on foot or on the back of a carabao, from Laguna de Bay, the closest source of biya.

THE TEST Lolo Andoy's Fishing skills, combined with an already proven farming ability, would serve his family well

Salakab fishing
The fish had to be caught by hand, with hook and line, salok or salakab. Each fish he caught had to be pabiyay (kept alive in clay jars) until he had caught enough to fill a clay pot with livers. And then he had to rush home, many hours away, with the fresh livers.

As Lola explained during kitchen lessons when I was six, Lolo’s feat proved many positive things about his character.

1. Lolo was a good provider. His fishing skills, combined with an already proven farming ability, would serve his family well.
2. He was intelligent. He devised a system of keeping the biya fresh for the duration of the expedition. Nothing could be fresher than live fish.
3. He was patient. Very few men, even in those good old days, would go through the process of catching thousands of biya without using a net, which could damage, kill, or weaken the fish.
4. He was thrifty. Although the test only called for the fish liver, he patiently cleaned and kippered the fish bodies, then salted and dried them so they would be kept during the rainy season. Other men would have simply thrown away the fish bodies after taking the livers.
5. He was a good homemaker. He gutted, scaled, and kippered the fish neatly, and not a single liver had any trace of bile. Had he been sloppy, a single drop of bile would have turned the entire pot of liver into a vile, bitter, and inedible mess.
6. He truly loved her. Why else would anyone go through such a test? 

To make the long story short, Alejandro and Florentina got married, had five children and thirty-something grandchildren, and lived happily together for 60 years. They were an ideal couple; he was hardworking, and she was the perfect wife, mother, and grandma.
I grew up looking forward to Sundays when she would serve paksiw na biya (stewed in vinegar), pinangat sa sampalok (simmered in young tamarind fruit), or isinapaw (cooked by the steam of boiling rice). Whatever the recipe, the biya livers were always cooked wrapped in banana leaves and served separately, exclusively, for Lolo Andoy, who never tired of retelling how he captured Lola Tina’s heart.