Lifestyle

9 live action adaptations to watch right now

Let’s look back at those that have come and gone

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With the release of the live action adaptations of Aladdin and Mulan, among others coming in 2019, we wanted to look back at some of the best live action adaptations out there already. Below are nine titles from across the years that you should check out (if you haven’t already).

Casper (1995)

This movie takes the beloved 1945 character and puts him in a movie that’s both really funny and amusing, but also incredibly heartwarming and dramatic. It’s one of those titles that adapts a classic cartoon, but creates a new story that stands on its own. It’s definitely worth watching, plus human Casper is also one of the dreamiest characters ever, and when he whispers “Can I keep you?” I melt every time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBJD-lxh078

101 Dalmatians (1996)

Cruella de Vil is one of the best villains in the Disney-verse, and Glenn Close’s performance in the live action adaptation is forever etched in my memory. I remember feeling really bad for the puppies and scared of the lady that wanted to skin them. This is one of those features that is bound to give you nostalgic vibes.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

This is one of those movies that pops in my head when I hear the word “Christmas,” and I don’t think a year passes by when I watch it at least once during the holidays. This is the classic Dr. Seuss tale brought to life in a way that still stays true to its origins. It screams Whobilation and celebration, and watching it is bound to give you warm fuzzies and laughs.

Scooby Doo (2002)

This one’s admittedly a weird one. It’s the live action storytelling of the classic Hanna Barbera cartoon, and the execution of it is so close that it’s like you pulled the characters out of the cartoon and made them 3D. The plot was also reminiscent of the cartoon, but with twists that you might not expect. It’s pretty interesting and worth watching at least once.

Transformers (2007)

2007 gave us the first of a long string of movies based off of a cartoon series (and popular toy line) in the late 90s. Transformers explores the time-old conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons, and Michael Bay executed it with a huge bang — literally. This movie, with its great sound design, action sequences, and use of practical effects, is definitely a treat to watch.

Speed Racer (2008)

Speed Racer may not have been the most well-received of movies but when you compare it to the 1967 show, you’ll be amused by the resemblance. All the cheesiness of the show — the megalomaniacal villain, the overly dramatic storylines, the kooky transitions — makes for a fun watching experience. On top of that, this is probably one of the trippiest movies out there which adds to the overall experience.

Paddington (2014)

Paddington is one of the most critically acclaimed adaptations out there (with a 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes), and it really captures the essence of what made the books and animated series so popular. Much like the character himself, the 2014 movie is full of charm and fun with family at the core of it all. It’s a blast to watch and is bound to be a good time for all ages!

The Jungle Book (2016)

The Jungle Book is nothing short of an achievement in filmmaking. Adapting a classic is hard enough as it is, but to do it almost entirely with CGI is a miracle. The visuals may be great but the acting in the movie was nothing to scoff at either. Aside from the star-studded voice cast, child actor Neel Sethi did a phenomenal job considering it was his first time acting and he had to act against a mostly blue set.

Christopher Robin (2018)

Watching the trailer for this film will give you chills from nostalgia, and some of the original Disney voice cast being on board only adds to this. This film pulls you back to childhood as you once again spend time with these Hundred Acre Woods characters who are as lovable as ever. This take is more serious and mature, but it also somehow retains the carefree-ness of the original story.

There you go! Nine movies to add to your binge list, just in time to plan pajama nights with your loved ones. It would be nice to look back at some of the greats before plunging deeper into the new generation of live action films.

Entertainment

Dune and Dune: Part Two return to cinemas ahead of Dune: Part Three

Return to Arrakis.

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The journey to Arrakis isn’t over just yet. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures are bringing back Dune and Dune: Part Two to select cinemas and IMAX in the Philippines for a limited one-week run starting November 11.

The re-release gives audiences a chance to revisit Denis Villeneuve’s award-winning sci-fi films before the highly anticipated conclusion to his Dune trilogy. Moviegoers will also get an exclusive sneak peek at Dune: Part Three.

The first film, Dune, follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), a gifted young man destined for something greater than himself. When his family becomes entangled in a conflict over Arrakis and its valuable spice, Paul must confront his fears and discover his place in the universe.

In Dune: Part Two, Paul continues his journey alongside Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen. Seeking revenge against those responsible for his family’s downfall, he faces a difficult choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe.

Dune: Part Three arrives in December

The story continues in Dune: Part Three, which takes place nearly two decades after Paul Atreides seizes control of the Imperium. Now ruling as Emperor, Paul must deal with the consequences of his reign as old allies return, new threats emerge, and a conspiracy threatens everything he holds dear.

The film sees the return of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Javier Bardem. They are joined by Charlotte Rampling, Isaach de Bankolé, and Robert Pattinson.

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune: Part Three opens exclusively in cinemas and IMAX on December 16, 2026, with sneak previews on December 15.

Tickets for the upcoming film are now on sale. For showtimes and ticket information, visit dunepart3.com.ph.

Meanwhile, Dune and Dune: Part Two return to select cinemas and IMAX starting November 11 for one week only.

Watch the trailer:

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Her GadgetMatch

4 new nutribullet kitchen essentials to make holiday hosting easier

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There are two kinds of people during Christmas: those who arrive at the party carrying a bottle of wine, and those who have been in the kitchen since eight in the morning making sure everyone has something to eat.

If you belong to the second group, you probably already know that hosting can be equal parts enjoyable and exhausting.

Between preparing Noche Buena, accommodating everyone’s food preferences, and making sure the drinks keep coming, even a relatively small gathering can turn into a considerable production.

Fortunately, a few well-chosen kitchen appliances can make things easier. And with more Filipinos paying attention to what they eat, versatility has become just as important as convenience.

That was the idea behind nutribullet’s recent launch of four kitchen appliances in the Philippines, introducing everything from compact personal blenders to a full-sized machine and an ice cream maker.

Celebrity chef Ylyt demonstrated the appliances during the event, which also brought together content creators, lifestyle enthusiasts, and members of the Tita Run Club.

The new lineup caters to different kitchen needs, whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast before work, experimenting with healthier recipes, or entertaining the entire family.

Here’s what each machine brings to the table.

nutribullet 700: For small kitchens and everyday smoothies

Not everyone has the luxury of a spacious kitchen, especially if you’re living in a condominium where every inch of counter space matters.

The nutribullet 700 keeps the brand’s familiar compact design while introducing a 700-watt motor intended for everyday blending.

It’s particularly suited to people who want to prepare smoothies, protein shakes, and other single-serving drinks without bringing out a full-sized blender.

And while it’s easy to associate personal blenders with breakfast, they can be useful for other things, too.

Think homemade salad dressings, small batches of sauces, or a quick dip for your holiday appetizers.

Its relatively small footprint also makes it a practical option for anyone who prefers keeping kitchen appliances within easy reach rather than storing them away after every use.

nutribullet Turbo: For busy mornings and more demanding blends

If smoothies are already part of your daily routine, the nutribullet Turbo offers a step up in power.

Equipped with a 1,000-watt motor, this personal blender is designed to handle a wider variety of ingredients while maintaining the convenience of a compact machine.

It’s an option for anyone who regularly blends fruit, vegetables, ice, and other smoothie ingredients, particularly when mornings are too busy for elaborate meal preparation.

During the holidays, that same versatility can come in handy for preparing fruit-based drinks, sauces, and other blended ingredients.

The appeal is straightforward: enough power for everyday blending without requiring the space of a traditional countertop blender.

For people trying to maintain their usual routines amid the inevitable Christmas indulgence, it could be one of the more useful appliances to have around.

nutribullet Power Core: For the family that comes over hungry

There comes a point during holiday preparations when making everything in individual portions simply stops being practical.

Especially when the entire extended family is coming over.

For larger households and people who regularly entertain, the nutribullet Power Core offers a full-sized alternative to the brand’s personal blenders.

The machine features a 1,200-watt motor, according to the product materials, and is designed for preparing larger quantities of blended ingredients.

That makes it useful for everything from smoothies and fruit drinks to soups, sauces, and other recipes that benefit from a more generous blending capacity.

Imagine preparing a batch of pumpkin soup for Christmas dinner, blending a sauce for the main course, or making enough frozen fruit drinks for several guests.

A larger blender also means fewer batches, which is particularly helpful when you’re already juggling several dishes.

And unlike personal blenders designed primarily for individual servings, the Power Core is better suited to households where cooking and entertaining regularly involve more than one or two people.

nutribullet Chill: For anyone who takes dessert seriously

Now, this is where things get particularly interesting.

The nutribullet Chill is an ice cream maker designed for preparing frozen desserts at home, giving users more control over the flavors and ingredients they want to use.

It comes with five preset programs for ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and smoothie bowls.

The process involves preparing a dessert base, freezing it in the included pint container, and using the machine to process it into a frozen dessert.

According to nutribullet, its 360DoubleCream Blade Technology uses dual-direction rotation to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

For Christmas, the possibilities are particularly appealing.

You could prepare mango sorbet, chocolate ice cream, strawberry frozen yogurt, or a dessert inspired by Filipino holiday favorites.

It’s also an opportunity to experiment with ingredients and sweetness levels, particularly if you’re preparing desserts for people with different preferences.

And if you’re hosting, being able to offer several homemade flavors feels considerably more personal than simply opening another tub of store-bought ice cream.

Making room for better everyday habits

Although the holidays provide a good excuse to upgrade kitchen equipment, the more practical consideration is how often you’ll use these appliances once the decorations have been packed away.

A compact blender makes sense for someone preparing breakfast before work. A larger machine is more useful for families who regularly cook together. And an ice cream maker may appeal to people who enjoy experimenting with homemade desserts.

The best choice ultimately depends on your kitchen space, cooking habits, and the kinds of food you actually prepare.

Because while a new appliance can make cooking more convenient, the real value comes from finding one that earns its place on your countertop long after Christmas.

The new nutribullet lineup is available at the brand’s stores on Level 4 of Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, and Level 2 of Glorietta 2, as well as online at nutribullet.ph.

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Inside Infinix’s first global concept store in Bali

Infinix’s first global concept store pairs gadgets with a coffee bar and a robotic arm.

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Bali is an island people visit to slow down. It makes sense that Infinix picked it for a store that wants you to stay awhile.

The brand unveiled its first global Flagship Concept Store there. It’s also the first store of this format within parent company Transsion Holdings’ brand portfolio.

Coffee break, Infinix style

The experience begins before you step inside. The store’s futuristic design and digital visuals are meant to catch your eye from the outside.

Once you’re in, a robotic-arm installation anchors the space, which looks like a technological imagination turned into a bold visual statement.

The store’s other signature element is n_x, Infinix’s locally developed coffee brand. For Infinix, a simple coffee break here is an invitation to slow down and enjoy a laid-back moment in the middle of a busy day.

You can catch up with a friend over a cup or take a few minutes for yourself. Together with the robotic arm, n_x gives the store a more relaxed and imaginative side.

The tech hasn’t gone anywhere, though. The smartphone lineup includes the NOTE 60 and HOT 70 series along with the GT 50 Pro.

Infinix’s broader AIoT ecosystem is on display as well, with recent products like the ZCLIP 2 Pro clip-on earbuds and SPACE Max wireless headphones.

The XEnergy portable power stations are also part of the lineup.

Making Sense of “1+2+X”

Infinix calls the format its “1+2+X” retail concept. The “1” is the full technology experience, and the “2” refers to the two signature elements, n_x and the robotic arm.

The “X” is the open-ended part. Infinix plans on bringing gaming, music, sports, creative partnerships, interactive content, and community activities over time.

The brand wants to work with artists, musicians, and other creative talents on original content and experiences, rather than only featuring established names or one-off partnerships.

Visitors can also take part through shared experiences, content creation, and feedback. The plan is for the store to keep introducing new collaborations, creative displays, and lifestyle activities after opening, so regulars have fresh reasons to return.

Beyond Bali

Looking ahead, Infinix hopes the Bali store develops a recognizable identity of its own and becomes a destination people return to for its atmosphere and community as much as its products.

The brand also says this opening is the start of a broader retail push, with five more flagship stores planned across Indonesia this year.

Similar concept-led stores are also being explored in other markets. Infinix states that future locations won’t copy the Bali format and will be adapted to local cultures and lifestyles.

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