Entertainment News (05/26/26)

CreaZion launches Backrooms Breakout experience

AHEAD of the Philippine release of the horror film Backrooms, CreaZion Studios has launched “The Backrooms Breakout Immersive Experience,” a real-world horror escape room inspired by the viral phenomenon that terrified millions online. Running until June 7 at Shangri-La Plaza mall, the experience invites guests to navigate eerie yellow corridors, unsettling liminal spaces, and the psychological terror of being trapped inside the Backrooms. Guests may access the “Backrooms Breakout” by presenting a pre-purchased Backrooms movie ticket from Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinemas. Tickets may be purchased online or directly through the cinema box office. Guests may reserve slots in advance through the official booking website. Directed by Kane Parsons and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve, Backrooms opens exclusively in Philippine cinemas on June 3.

Ayala Malls Cinemas to exclusively release Obsession

THE movie Obsession, directed by Curry Barker, is a story of a hopeless romantic who makes a wish on a kitschy “One Wish Willow” toy to capture the heart of the girl he likes. He finds himself getting exactly what he wants, but soon discovers that wishes can come with a dark, sinister price. Tickets to Obsession can now be booked with Ayala Malls Cinemas’ revamped ticketing site, Ayala All Access, ahead of the film’s May 27 premiere in the Philippines.

Comic Alex Calleja performs at Uptown Cinema

MEGAWORLD CINEMAS is bringing a fresh live entertainment experience to Uptown Cinema with A Night of Unfiltered Comedy, featuring stand-up comedian Alex Calleja and The Comedy Crew on May 29 at Uptown Cinema 2. Known for his quick wit, relatable humor, and viral comedy performances, Mr. Calleja is one of the most recognizable names in the local stand-up scene. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at P1,600, available via megaworldcinemas.com or at the Uptown Cinema ticket booth.

Chinese film Resurrection screens at Cinematheques

FOLLOWING its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the Prix Spécial, the film Resurrection, directed by Bi Gan, will be shown at FDCP Cinematheque Centers in Manila on May 27, 2 p.m., and June 6, 4:15 p.m.; Iloilo on May 27, 2 p.m., June 3 and 5, 5 p.m.; and Davao on May 30, noon. In a society where people stop dreaming to extend their lifespan, some dangerous individuals still dream, warping the fabric of time. The film follows “Big Other” (Shu Qi), who is tasked with hunting one of them (Jackson Yee).

GMA Pictures brings remastered Muro-Ami to theaters

THIS JUNE, the digitally restored and remastered version of Muro-Ami, the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture, will be screened in select SM Cinemas, introducing the acclaimed film to a new generation of moviegoers. Directed by the late Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by National Artist for Film Ricky Lee and filmmaker Jun Robles Lana, Muro-Ami remains one of Philippine cinema’s most powerful social dramas. The film, starring Cesar Montano, Pen Medina, Jhong Hilario, and Amy Austria, follows an embittered fisherman, grieving the loss of his wife and child at sea, as he leads a crew of orphaned children in the dangerous illegal practice of muro-ami. The movie returns to cinemas on June 3. Seats for Muro-Ami can be secured via the SM Cinema App and website. Meanwhile, GMA Pictures’ restored version of Jose Rizal is currently streaming on Netflix.

Chicosci marks 20 years with concert, vinyl release

FILIPINO rock band Chicosci is set to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of its self-titled album with a special live show on June 6, alongside the record’s first official vinyl release. Titled A Toast to All Our Crimes, the concert will spotlight the band’s 2006 release, widely regarded as a turning point in Chicosci’s career and in the evolution of the local rock scene. A Toast to All Our Crimes: 20 Years of the Chicosci Album will take place on June 6 at Soundcheck Inc., with fellow OPM rock band Kamikazee joining the lineup. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/CHICOSCI20years.

Mastercard brings Artist Accelerator to SEA

MASTERCARD is bringing its Artist Accelerator platform to Southeast Asia (SEA) for the first time. Launched in partnership with SoundOn, TikTok’s music distribution and promotion platform, the initiative will support emerging artists through mentorship, live showcases, and digital music education. The Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA will be supported by a regional content plan across TikTok and social channels, tracking each artist’s journey. Fans can follow the artists’ progress, behind-the-scenes moments, and key milestones throughout the program on Mastercard Artist Accelerator SEA TikTok page @artistacceleratorsea.

ABS-CBN Music reimagines OPM classics

ABS-CBN MUSIC has officially launched CAT Records, a record label dedicated to breathing new life into ABS-CBN’s catalog of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Led by ABS-CBN’s music publishing group, the label will serve as a platform for fresh, reimagined versions of iconic songs written by Filipino composers that are part of ABS-CBN Music’s catalog. Among the artists who will release their own interpretations of classic and contemporary Filipino songs under CAT Records are Cifra, Gab Tagadtad, Gino Nazal, Jeri Violago, JM Yosures, and SAGA. One of CAT Records’ first projects is a collection of smooth jazz instrumental versions of 1970’s Manila Sound icon, VST & Co., produced by arranger Sunny Ilacad and performed by saxophonist Jun Figueroa. The collection includes “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” and other well-loved tracks. It is now out on music streaming platforms.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War now on Prime Video

PRIME VIDEO has premiered Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, with John Krasinski returning as Jack Ryan alongside Wendell Pierce, Michael Kelly, and Sienna Miller. The new film marks Jack Ryan’s most personal and highstakes mission yet, blending explosive action with emotional depth. It showcases breathtaking sequences shot in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and London’s Parliament Square. It is only available on Prime Video.

ABS-CBN wants stories for iWant horror anthology

HORROR fans, aspiring writers, and storytellers across the country are invited to bring their terrifying tales to life as ABS-CBN and CreaZion Studios solicit submissions for the upcoming six-episode iWant horror anthology True Manila Encounters. The team is searching for original horror stories inspired by true experiences. Writers and horror enthusiasts are encouraged to submit stories involving ghosts, urban legends, local myths, folklore, unexplained events, and encounters with supernatural beings such as aswangs, kapres, diwatas, and more. Stories based on real-life hauntings and unexplained experiences are also welcome. Those who submit the shortlisted stories will be contacted, and the submission later posted on the ABS-CBN website for public voting. Final selections will be determined through both audience votes and internal evaluation. Participants may submit their stories through the form at http://www.abs-cbn.com/truemanilaencounters.