HOOQ celebrates 2nd anniversary with new partners

HOOQ – the largest Video on Demand service in South-East Asia—celebrates its 2nd anniversary on April 19. The event was attended by HOOQ executives, celebrity guests headed by Xian Lim and hosted by Celebrity TV and Radio Host Tim Yap.

HOOQ has had a productive and successful two years since its inception, delivering the best of both Asian and Hollywood entertainment to homes across Asia.

HOOQ has subscribers in the millions, all of whom can enjoy over 30,000 hours of quality entertainment, and this will be increased with new partnerships from Paramount Pictures, BBC Worldwide and Endamol Shine.

Further to this, HOOQ today announced a new service that delivers movies fresh from the cinema to your home – Transactional VOD (TVOD).  This allows blockbuster movies to hit the service within three months of their theatrical release.  To top it all off, customers subscribing to the current Subscription VOD (SVOD) service will be able to enjoy one movie from the TVOD library each month as part of their SVOD subscription at no additional cost!

“Securing new partners such as Paramount pictures, BBC and Endemol Shine are a testament to the fact that HOOQ has the right formula to deliver quality entertainment to Asian homes, with a balance of the best Asian films and dramas alongside solid Hollywood blockbusters and series.  We have never been more elated and will continue to push boundaries to evolve and stay committed to delivering the best entertainment to our customers with new services such as TVOD that bring movies to your homes quicker than ever before – even as part of your SVOD subscription,” said Chief Executive Officer of HOOQ, Mr Peter Bithos.

A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Built in Asia for Asia, HOOQ’s formula has been to be a subscription video-on-demand service, which continuously innovates and delivers the best quality entertainment.  Whether it is HOOQ’s world first download capability for Hollywood, its weekly pricing or its ad-free freemium model, HOOQ has continue to evolve its business model for Asia.  This has proven successful, with the platform securing millions of subscribers across Asia.  This success comes from HOOQ’s strategy of combining the best Asian and Hollywood content with a solid distribution partner network of the top telcos and broadband providers in the region including AIS, Airtel, Globe Telecom, Telkom, and Telkomsel, just to name a few.

“In the Philippines, we made sure to put together the best Filipino content for our subscribers with a combination of the top local studios and independent filmmakers. This combined with HOOQ’s strategy of serving premium Hollywood content, as well as our key distribution partnership with Globe has contributed to making HOOQ the regional leader,” says Ms. Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.

LATEST MOVIES FROM THE CINEMAS NOW FOR RENT ON HOOQ
HOOQ’s new TVOD service not only gives access to movies from the cinemas to your home, HOOQ subscribers will get access to watch any 1 TVOD movie per month as part of their current subscription, while additional movies can be rented for just P125.00 each.  There will be new movies uploaded each month from studios such as Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Disney, Dreamworks and Pixar with titles such as Arrival, Underworld: Blood Wars, Fantastic Beasts and How to Find Them, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, just to name a few.  With this  new feature, HOOQ customers can now enjoy the largest library of Hollywood and Asian hits, TV series same day as the US, as well as the latest movies fresh off the cinemas!

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO ON HOOQ
In the Philippines, HOOQ has inked exclusive deals with Regal Entertainment and Viva Communications for digital rights to their new movies within 3 months of theatrical release.  Recent hits such as Camp Sawi, Bakit Lahat ng Guapo May Boyfriend & I Love You to Death have already debuted on HOOQ and are consistently in the top 10 list of most watched content by subscribers.  Mano Po 7, Die Beautiful, The Escort, and My Rebound Girl will be on HOOQ within the next quarter, with newly released movies to follow throughout the year.

In addition, HOOQ is bolstering its line-up of Hollywood studio partnerships consisting of Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Disney, Dreamworks, Lionsgate, Miramax, Starz and over a hundred Asian studios. New hit series are now available from Endamol Shine and BBC including Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Mistresses and Wolf Hall.  The full catalog of DC shows are now also on HOOQ, including Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow and Gotham.  Meanwhile Supergirl, Lucifer and Powerless are available to stream within 24 hours of US airing.

HOW TO GET HOOQ
It’s easy to get HOOQ’d.  Customers can simply download the HOOQ app from Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or log in, to access HOOQ’s library of top Hollywood and Asian hits anytime, anywhere and on any device include computers, smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and all Apple devices.

Globe At Home customers can get up to 6 months access to HOOQ with plans P1,299 and up, while Globe mobile customers can also get up to 6 months trial on selected prepaid and postpaid plans.   You may also visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial.

HOOQ supports the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 Awards Night

Prior to HOOQ's MMFF 2016 Awards Night, we have managed to watch one entry which is Die Beautiful at Gateway Cinema. I love the movie, it was entertaining and never boring and swear that Paolo Ballesteros' side kick, Christian Bables should bag an award for his role as the ever loyal BFF/Make Up Artist, Beaucon partner.

After the movie, I roamed around Araneta Center's Gateway and window shopped for an hour.  At exactly, 6:00 pm, I proceeded to Kia Theatre and got my media pass from Ed Uy and had the nicest seat of the night together with the Entertainment bloggers and HOOQ officers. We were seated in front of  the Vince & Kath & James lead stars.  So I had an opportunity to get a selfie from Ronnie Alonte who was as always cute and dapper in his suit.

We finished the awards night and was surprised that Erik Matti’s Seklusyon proved to be the big winner at the 42ND METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL GABI NG PARANGAL held December 29, 2016 at the Kia Theater, Araneta Center Cubao Quezon City.

The movie brought home eight awards including Best Director for Erik Matti; Best Supporting Actress  Phoebe Walker; Special Jury Prize Rhed Bustamante;  Best Screenplay; Best Sound; Best Production Design; Best Cinematography and Best Theme Song for Dominus Miserere.

Best Supporting Actress  Phoebe Walker;

Special Jury Prize Rhed Bustamante

I was just aiming for the Best in Cinematography and Best in Production Design in Seklusyon.. It was their night indeed.

Here is the complete list of winners of the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night co-presented by HOOQ.


Best Picture - Sunday Beauty Queen
Best Director - Erik Matti (Seklusyon)
Best Actress - Irma Adlawan (Oro)
Best Actor - Paolo Ballesteros (Die Beautiful)
Best Supporting Actress - Phoebe Walker (Seklusyon)
Best Supporting Actor - Christian Bables (Die Beautiful)
Children's Choice - Saving Sally, Sunday Beauty Queen and Vince & Kath & James
People's Choice - (voted online) Die Beautiful
Best Cast Ensemble - Oro
Special Jury Prize - Rhed Bustamante (Seklusyon)
Best Screenplay - Seklusyon
Best Sound - Seklusyon
Best Musical Score - Saving Sally
Best Theme Song – Dominus Miserere (Francis De Veyra) Seklusyon
Best Production Design - Seklusyon
Best Editing - Sunday Beauty Queen
Best Cinematography - Seklusyon
FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence - Oro
Gatpuno Antonio J Villegas Cultural Award - Sunday Beauty Queen
Best Float - Die Beautiful 


HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, furthers its commitment in uplifting the quality of Filipino movies as it remained the exclusive presenter of the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave category.

“In a year marked by big changes in the MMFF, we are proud to say that our full support for the biggest movie festival in the country has remained the same" says Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.

 “We welcome another year of partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival, and we are proud to be part of the festival as it takes brave new steps in focusing on quality films, fresh casting choices and new approaches to filmmaking,” she added.

“With HOOQ and the MMFF working together, we’ve answered the call of movie fans who want to enjoy watching their favorite films and TV shows wherever and whenever they want; through streaming and downloading of award-winning and quality locally-produced films.”

  In his speech Metro Manila Development Authority Tim Orbos said, “We are gathered here together not only to seek change but also to look back to the original theme of the MMFF which is to be a festival that celebrates Filipino artistic excellence.”

Change is never easy, it is a difficult path, but thanks to the MMFF Executive Committee we are here today amidst change. We believe that what we did with the MMFF this year may not be recognized now, but it will be appreciated by future generations. It is not about the money, it is about what we can give to our children later on by promoting quality films in the Philippines.”

WINNERS AND STARS OF THE NIGHT

Sunday Beauty Queen, the very first documentary to be included in the annual festival was chosen as Best Picture.

Irma Adlawan won the coveted Best Actress category for the movie Oro, while Paolo Ballesteros  was chosen as Best Actor for his performance in ­Die Beautiful. Newcomer Christian Bables got the most cheers after being named Best Supporting Actor for his role as Barbs in Die Beautiful.

Christian Bables, Best Supporting Actor for Die Beautiful

HOOQ likewise gave out its own set of awards for the Short Films category including Best Screenplay: Mitatang; Best Director: Jarell Serencio Mga Bituin sa Siyudad; Special Jury Prize for Manila Scream; and Best Picture for EJK.

Ronnie Alonte and Rhiann Ramos meanwhile, were recognized as the HOOQ Male and Female Celebrities of the Night for their stunning looks at the red carpet.

HOME OF THE MMFF WINNERS
HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Muro Ami”, “Imortal”, the beloved franchises such as “Mano Po”, “Tanging Ina” “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and many more. New additions on HOOQ from the MMFF past entries include 2013’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay”, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” as well as the 2015 finalist “Haunted Mansion”.

According to Jeffrey Remigio, Content and Programming Head of HOOQ Philippines, they are also working on adding more past MMFF winners to HOOQ’s carefully curated library of Filipino titles.

NEW PLATFORM FOR THE NEXT GEN FILMMAKERS
The partnership with the MMFF led to the creation of a new category called “HOOQ Short Films”. With HOOQ the MMFF has found the perfect platform to showcase the films of these new breed of movie makers and at the same time address the growing needs of the digital natives through streaming and download of the finalists’ short film entries and watch them at their own time.

Each HOOQ Short Film was partnered with a long-form finalist and were screened during the MMFF regular theater run from December 25 to January 3.  Each short film runs under 5 minutes and will be available on HOOQ shortly after conclusion of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Last year, we saw a lot of very interesting entries that surprised us with their quick narratives and creative storytelling techniques,” said Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content. “HOOQ believes in nurturing these next generation of film makers by providing them a platform where more audiences can view their movies.”

“The world has began to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer, by supporting these young filmmakers, HOOQ is also investing in the future of entertainment,” he adds Remigio.

PARADE OF STARS
The festival kicked off with the annual Parade of Stars on December 23 which began at the Manila City Hall at Nicanor Lopez Street and ended at Plaza Miranda—the original route used in the very first MMFF Float Parade.

Among the stars that participated in the Grand Parade of Stars  were Nora Aunor, Eugene Domingo, Paolo Ballesteros, Kean Cipriano, Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Ronnie Alonte, Dominic Roque, Mercedes Cabral and many others.

Bela Padilla also joined the parade aboard HOOQ’s OTJ float. Padilla is one of the lead stars of the upcoming series OTJ: The Missing 8, the very first original local content produced exclusively for the video on demand service.

HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television content, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and now also on Airplay and mobile web.

How to get HOOQ
It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.

HOOQ holds a celebrity-studded premiere of Erik Matti’s SEKLUSYON

The cast of Seklusyon

HOOQ holds its Seklusyon presscon at the Sarsa Restaurant SM Megamall on December 22, before its premiere screening of Seklusyon, 3 days before its final showing. The Seklusyon cast headed by director Erik Matti, Phoebe Walker, Rhed Bustamante, Ronnie Alonte, Dominique Roque, Johnvic de Guzman, J.R. Versales, Lou Veloso and Elora Espano were present except for Ryan Neil Sese. Hooq Marketing Head, Shiela Paul hosts the presscon with the question and answer from the media.

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, and co-presenter of the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival, concludes 2016 with a special HOOQ HANGOUTS as it holds a celebrity-studded premiere of Erik Matti’s SEKLUSYON days before it’s regular run at theaters throughout the country as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

“We started HOOQ HANGOUTS a few months ago to provide a forum to showcase the vast library of HOOQ, particularly our local content which spans almost five decades. That is why we are ending the year with this HOOQ HANGOUTS featuring an exclusive screening of Seklusyon, produced by Reality Entertainment, which incidentally is also our partner in creating OTJ: The Series,” says Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.

Jeff Remigio, HOOQ Content and Programming Head

Sheila Paul, HOOQ Marketing Head

The movie stars Ronnie Alonte Neil Ryan Sese, Lou Veloso, Rhed Bustamante, Phoebe Walker, Elora Espano, Dominique Roque, John Vic De Guzman and JR Versales.  Set in the 1940s, the movie follows a young deacon (Alonte) who hides from the devil in a sacred sanctuary seven days before he is ordained as a priest.

SEKLUSYON has become one of the most anticipated entries since the announcement of its inclusion in the festival and is the only horror themed film in this year’s MMFF.  The movie has also been getting positive reviews since it made its international premiere at the recent Macau International Film Festival.

Erik Matti

HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Mulawin the Movie, “Muro-Ami” and many more.

Ronnie Alonte

Phoebe Walker

Dominique Roque

HOOQ continues its collaboration with the Metro Manila Film Festival, major local studios, as well as a slew of independent film-makers in order to bring more of the MMFF entries onboard HOOQ.  MMFF entries from recent years, such as Regal Entertainment’s “Haunted Mansion”, ABS-CBN’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay” and “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” were made available on HOOQ.

HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television content, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and now also on Airplay and mobile web.

How to get HOOQ
It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.

HOOQ co-presents the 42nd MMFF exclusively for the second year

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, remains the sole presenter for the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival, a partnership, which aims to improve and uplift the quality of Philippine entertainment.

HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Muro Ami”, “Imortal”, the beloved franchises such as “Mano Po”, “Tanging Ina” “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and many more. New additions on HOOQ from the MMFF past entries include 2013’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay”, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” as well as the 2015 finalist “Haunted Mansion”.

“We welcome another year of partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival, as we see the expansion of the selection with fresh casting, unique stories and formats.  It’s certainly major development in the history of the MMFF.” shares Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.  The 2016 finalist announcement created buzz in the industry as it stepped outside the usual selection of movies commonly expected in the annual festival. 

HOOQ further strengthens its partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival by showcasing the new set of shorts under the new category “HOOQ Short Films”. With HOOQ the MMFF has found the perfect platform to showcase these new breed of movie makers and at the same time address the growing needs of the digital natives through streaming and download of the finalists’ short film entries and watch them at their own time.

The finalists for the HOOQ Short Film include: Birds (Christian Paolo Lat), EJK, Manila Scream (Roque Lee & Blair Camilo), Mga Bituin sa Siyudad (Jarell Serencio), Mitatang (Arvin Gagui), Momo (Avid Liongoren), Passage of Life (Renz Cruz), Sitsiritsit (Brian Spencer Reyes).

In a new move by the MMFF Executive Committee, each HOOQ Short Film will be partnered with a long-form finalist and to be screened during the MMFF regular theater run from December 25 to January 3.  Each short film runs under 5 minutes and will be available on HOOQ shortly after conclusion of the Metro Manila Film Festival.  “Last year, we saw a lot of very interesting entries that surprised us with their quick narratives and creative storytelling techniques,” said Jeffrey Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content. “HOOQ believes in nurturing these next generation of film makers by providing them a platform where more audiences can view their movies.”

HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television content, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and now also on Airplay and mobile web.

How to get HOOQ
It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.