In a virtual thanksgiving party to celebrate the successful of the digital release of Dito at Doon, lead cast members Janine Gutierrez and JC Santos shared a fun night with the members of the press to thank them for their support.
The movie, which is internationally released as Here and There, has been made available in over 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, and select territories in the Middle East, and North Africa via TBA Play, TBA Studio’s streaming platform. TBA Play is also partnered with international distribution and sales company, TVCO to bring TBA Play contents to key markets in Europe.
“We’re so proud to be part of this film. Hearing what people say about our project makes me feel proud that I was given an opportunity to share a story with them through my character,” JC told Manila Standard Entertainment during the virtual event.
“Our effort paid off when a lot of people started messaging us and talking about how they resonate with the story and the characters in it. Like JC, the feedback from the audience means a lot,” Janine said in turn.
Joining Janine and JC in the virtual celebration were actors Victor Anastacio, Yesh Burce, Ms. Lotlot de Leon, and director JP Habac. Together with TBA Studios producers, they thanked the outpouring support from the public, press, bloggers, and distribution partners.
“We are grateful to everyone who watched Dito at Doon. More than providing entertainment, we wanted the viewers to also find solace in these challenging times by experiencing the story of Dito at Doon,” the director said of the movie that is enjoying an extended run on KTX, Cinema '76 @Home, iWantTFC, Ticket2Me, and Upstream.
TBA Studios’ first pandemic production, Dito at Doon enjoyed a lot of firsts — it is the first local film released during the pandemic, the first to be released on five major streaming platforms, extended due to public demand with a simultaneous international release.
It has been receiving rave reviews from critics and the public alike since its domestic online release on March 31, with the film being called a “touching and timely romantic tale” with “stellar performances from its lead cast Janine and JC.”
Also during the event, TBA Studios shared exciting news to look out for. Quezon, the final installment of Jerrold Tarog’s historical trilogy, will begin pre-production in June with Tarog still helming the much-anticipated biopic.
Meanwhile, JP Habac and Crisanto Aquino of Write About Love are already preparing for their respective follow up projects. The Hollywood action comedy The Comeback Trail top-billed by Robert de Niro and Morgan Freeman will also be released soon on TBA Play.
International viewers will also enjoy new award-winning titles via TBA Play which include crime drama Boundary, starring Ronnie Lazaro and Raymond Bagatsing and directed by Benito Bautista, the documentary A is for Agustin by Grace Simbulan, and short films Life Is What You Make It by Jhett Tolentino, The Interpreter by Benito Bautista, and Angelito by Jerrold Tarog.
TBA Studios’ domestic digital platform Cinema ‘76 @ Home is set to release foreign titles like the dark comedy Devil Has A Name and award-winning arthouse film Show Me What You Got. Cinema ‘76 will also launch its eponymous café in Anonas, Quezon City, conveniently located right next to Cinema ’76 microcinema. Cinema ’76 Café will soon be open for delivery with the upcoming e-commerce launch of its appetizing selection of drinks and snacks.
TBA Studios is likewise amping up its Youtube channel with a new series Sing Out Loud that features indie OPM artists.
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From Kitchen to car
Winford Manila Resort & Casino (WMRC) continues to delight loyal patrons and guests with affordable gourmet cuisine available for delivery through Winford on Wheels and now via the new hassle-free takeout service, Curbside Pickup.
These new dining concepts were inspired by WMRC’s unwavering commitment to safety during these difficult times, while complying with directives issued by health authorities that prohibit mass gatherings in line with the government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Until given the green light to fully reopen its doors to leisure guests, WMRC continues to accommodate only front-liners and OFWs to fulfill its role as a “quarantine and essential stay” hotel, a distinction it was awarded by the Department of Health (DOH).
Launched last year, Winford on Wheels is WMRC’s food delivery service that began with a limited offering featuring the hotel’s bestselling dishes. Following its success, the menu has since evolved into a smorgasbord of authentic Chinese rice toppings, comfort food favorites bannered by the popular Winfredo’s Pizza, and an array of sweet treats freshly prepared every morning in The Bakery at Winford Manila.
“Due to strong demand, we have once again tapped the expertise of our F&B team and expanded our culinary offerings so that both members and the general public may continue to enjoy more food options while we remain temporarily closed,” said Jeff Evora, President & Chief Operating Officer, WMRC. “More than just providing them with exciting new items on our menu, we went the extra mile and launched Curbside Pickup as an alternative way for them to safely and conveniently enjoy their favorite Winford on Wheels dishes.”
Through Curbside Pickup, guests who live in the vicinity of WMRC or happen to be in the area may now opt to takeout their orders without having to enter the premises or meet minimum delivery requirements. Orders are placed via WMRC’s official Facebook Messenger, where the hotel’s F&B reps are ready to assist from 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. daily. Once scheduled, customers simply proceed to the designated meeting place by the curb in front of WMRC, where their orders are served to them in their vehicle by a dedicated Curbside Pickup team.
This month of May, WMRC is offering a 4+1 deal on Chinese rice toppings, wherein guests who order any four rice toppings get another one for free. To know more, call the WMRC hotline at (02) 8528 3600, or send a text message to (0917) 878 8670 or (0917) 872 8583.