Experience HOOQ like never before with “A SEA of Stories”

HOOQ, Southeast Asia’s leading video-on-demand service, embraces regional diversity by kicking off new commercial partnerships and ground-breaking diversification of content and pricing models in a mega event in Jakarta, Indonesia.

HOOQ explores content geared towards the evolving taste of Filipino audiences, with stories of love and romance, victories, and other untold authentic stories of Asia – created by Asians for Asians. 

Jennifer Batty, HOOQ chief content officer, said, “We are very excited to bring new content to our viewers. HOOQ will offer never-before-seen stories of what makes Asia tick and will give a glimpse of the pulse of the people who live here. These are very exciting times for our viewers."

Nadine Lustre

A SUPPORTER OF FILIPINO CREATIVITY

In the last six months, HOOQ Philippines has embarked on adventurous co-productions with indie and big production outfits to bring some of the most provocative and timely stories ever told in Philippine entertainment. HOOQ launched four HOOQ Originals in a row, starting with the smash-hit movie ULAN, a co-production with Viva Entertainment.

HOOQ PH Country Manager Sheila Paul with Nadine Lustre and Donnalyn Bartolome

Another HOOQ Original co-produced with Ninja Dog, Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes Season 1, launched on the platform in July. Sex Talks is a 10-episode series which dramatizes the ‘taboo’ subject of sex in a provocatively engaging and light-hearted way. In as short as one month, Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes has shot to HOOQ’s top 5 most watched list and reinforced Dr. Margie Holmes’ reputation as the country’s foremost expert on sex.

In its pursuit of creativity and the celebration of Filipino film artisans, HOOQ braved the highly challenging world of independent filmmaking. HOOQ proudly launched two original movies that won critics over at the Cinemalaya 2019 Festival.  The first offering is ISKA, a co-production with Firestarters Productions under the direction of Theodore Borobol, and HOOQ’s official competition piece. Touted a masterpiece by film critics, Iska bagged awards in Best Sound Design, Best Screenplay and Best Actress for veteran Ruby Ruiz.  Next is the highly-acclaimed finale feature film – MINA ANUD – co- produced with Regal Entertainment and Epic Media, and helmed by Kerwin Go in his directorial debut.  Mina Anud is a true-to-life story about drugs and how it ravages lives and corrupts the human spirit.  It stars some of today’s hottest talents like Dennis Trillo, Jerald Napoles and Mateo Gudicelli and veteran Lou Veloso in their most offbeat roles to date.  Both Iska and Mina Anud are slated to join international competitions this year before they land on the HOOQ platform.

ONLINE IS THE NEW TV

HOOQ Philippines has some of the best TV shows for Filipinos to binge on, from Hollywood’s The Flash, Supergirl,The Arrow and Desperate Housewives to classic Tagalog shows like OTWOL, Pangako Sa ‘Yo and Sino Ang May Sala.  With wall-to-wall sports and variety shows on broadcast TV, Filipinos fancy a break by following these shows on HOOQ whether on throw-back or catch-up mode. 

HOOQ has added to this roster new shows that are racking up the TV viewership ratings, such as The Good Doctor Seasons 1 & 2 and Emmy-winning Killing Eve Seasons 1 & 2. Killing Eve Season 1 can be streamed on HOOQ FREE without the need to sign up.  And finally this month, HOOQ launched the much-awaited GMA 7 drama series THE GIFT which features Kapuso prime star Alden Richards.  The Gift is HOOQ’s latest catch-up show which viewers can watch within 24 hours from its live TV broadcast.

ALL KINDS OF ENTERTAINMENT IN THE HOUSE OF HOOQ

HOOQ’s mission is to serve all types of audiences by bringing all forms of video entertainment – from movies to TV shows to online celebrity vlogs – in one place.  This month, HOOQ is all set to launch celebrity Youtube channels on a wide range of subjects. From Nadia Montenegro and Pokwang Lee vlogs about home-style cooking ideas, or Joyce Pring and Jing Monis’ beauty, lifestyle and fashion inspirations to Mikhael Daez’s road trips for the adventurous at heart. 

MORE WAYS TO ENJOY HOOQ

This month marks the launch of Google Play and GCash as  new payment avenues for subscribers who are unbanked and prefer the flexibility of paying in cash. This gives HOOQ access to over 30 million Android users and 20 million GCash users. Also, to be announced later this year are exciting HOOQ offers for Globe At Home Prepaid Wifi subscribers.

With a region-wide partnership with Grab, HOOQ Philippines will eventually tap into the super app’s growing subscriber base. According to Sheila Paul. HOOQ Philippines Country Manager, "This will allow HOOQ subscribers and Grab users to enjoy fully integrated and connected experiences within Grab's platform. The ambition is to let Grab users enjoy and pay for their HOOQ content from within the app. We see this lighting up early next year.”  

To further expand its footprint in the Philippines and accessibility to the budget-conscious “tingi” market, HOOQ Philippines has partnered with market leader 7-Eleven Philippines, Gate Distribution  Enterprise, Inc., Shop4Fun and Load Central, to bring HOOQ VIPiso Deals to physical trade level, allowing Filipinos to purchase their HOOQ subscriptions in the same places where buy personal products, pay for their utilities and buy pre-paid load - the malls, payment centers, internet cafes, and neighborhood convenience stores. Under the HOOQ VIPiso Deals are affordable plans that start at daily, weekly, all the way to annual subscriptions.  HOOQ VIPiso Deals are now available in over 30,000 Load Central outlets across the country.  

On October 23, 2019, 7-day, 30-day, 3-month and 12-month VIPiso Deals will be launched in nearly 2,800 7-Eleven stores nationwide.  Exclusive to 7-Eleven is the annual subscription plan worth only P500 which gives 7-Eleven buyers a whopping 70% discount.

HOOQ partners with Viva for "Ulan" block screening

I became a fan of Nadine Lustre when I got to watch  "Never Not Love You"  with real life partner James Reid last year. It was my first time to a  #Jadine movie. Judging from that alone, Nadine Lustre, has the making of a good actress. She can act, no doubt. That's why, when I learned that she leads the cast of "Ulan", I got excited at the thought of seeing her again in the big screen this time with the other leading man Carlo Aquino.

HOOQ recently had a block screening of Ulan in partnership with Viva Films last March 13 at The Podium Mall. The event was attended by HOOQ executives and leading star Ms. Nadine Lustre. The movie is still showing at your favorite theatre.

The launch of Ulan marks HOOQ’s fourth anniversary in the Philippines with a major collaboration with Viva Films


HOOQ, the largest Video-on-Demand service in Southeast Asia, has announced its first foray into Filipino originals with Ulan, a romantic drama starring this generation’s biggest and brightest stars in Filipino cinema – Nadine Lustre and Carlo Aquino.

Ulan is HOOQ’s first Original Movie from the Philippines, in partnership with one of the country’s most renowned and respected production companies, Viva Films.

Ulan will be playing in all major cinemas nationwide from March 13.



Speaking about the upcoming HOOQ Original Movie, Jennifer Batty, Chief Content Officer of HOOQ, said, “This is a significant milestone for HOOQ and HOOQ Originals. We are continiuing with our promise to bring the very best content from the most promising and talented actors, scriptwriters and directors in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. Ulan is already one of the most highly anticipated titles of the year, and the first of many more HOOQ Original Movies to come.  To partner with Viva on our 1st HOOQ OriginaI film is super exciting.  Viva is a power house here and we look forward to doing more with them in the future. ”

Nadine Lustre, one of the country’s most promising actors, takes on a more challenging role as she embarks on a unique and mysterious tale of love. She plays Maya, a woman fascinated with rain and has the ability to see and interact with mythical (half-horse, half-human-like) creatures called “tikbalang”.

The part of Maya in Ulan marks a breakout for Lustre as she pairs with Carlo Aquino—showcasing her depth and versatility as a leading lady. Aquino, on the other hand, plays Peter, a volunteer for a non-government organization and Maya’s love interest, wants to unearth the mysteries behind Maya’s fascination with rain- alongside co-stars Marco Gumabao and AJ Muhlach.

Sheila Paul, Country Manager of HOOQ Philippines, said, “The Philippines has an abundance of talented filmmakers that are really pushing the boundaries of the medium – in terms of storytelling, format and style. We see great promise in the market, and will continue to invest in original content in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. Not only do we want to support local content creators, we want to encourage them to challenge conventions and develop engaging, high-quality Filipino content that we can all be proud of.”

Ulan is the fourth feature film from highly regarded Filipino Director, Irene Villamor, who continues to make waves in the local film industry with her unique style. Irene’s vision of an unconventional love story with a supernatural twist has all the makings of a future classic. She also directed Sid & Aya, Camp Sawi, and Meet Me in St. Gallen.

HOOQ’s extensive library of Filipino movies and shows include Irene’s complete catalogue of films as well as Nadine Lustre’s hits; Never Not Love You, This Time, Diary Ng Panget, On The Wings of Love, Sisterakas and Beauty and the Bestie.

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 extensive library of Hollywood and Asian hits. Smart users can enjoy a 30-day free trial. Globe mobile users can enjoy a 45-day free trial; and Globe broadband users can enjoy six months free trial. Find out more and sign up today for a complimentary trial at www.hooq.tv.

HOOQ ushers in Arrowverse: The Next Wave this October to DC Comics fans with the launch of the latest seasons of The Flash and Supergirl

If youre a fan of The Flash and Supergirl then its time to watch and catch the latest season on HOOQ the largest video on-demand service in Southeast Asia. You can watch it anytime anywhere you want through your mobile phone. Just download the HOOQ app and youre good to go. As HOOQ is the only streaming service in the Philippines to offer these DC Comic series same day as the U.S. release and customers can kick start their action-packed October with the complete seasons.

HOOQ – the largest video on-demand service in Southeast Asia, ushers in Arrowverse: The Next Wave this October to DC Comics fans with the launch of the latest seasons of top-rated U.S. TV series The Flash and Supergirl packed with complete box sets available to fuel your binge-watch experience on multiple devices – anytime, anywhere.

“Fans of Hollywood can always count on HOOQ to deliver the latest Hollywood entertainment!  Our customers get a bang for their buck as they enjoy blockbuster movies and exclusive day-and-date series releases direct from Hollywood.  We are all very excited to catch the latest seasons and have been counting down to them!” said Jennifer Batty, Chief Content Officer of HOOQ.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the latest seasons of these two shows to our viewers.  The Flash and Supergirl have garnered a strong and loyal following in the Philippines and both of these shows are constantly in the Top 20 most watched titles on HOOQ.  We hope you are as excited as we are to catch the latest seasons and find out what epic challenges await Barry and Kara!” said Sheila Paul, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.

The Flash
Based on the popular DC Comics character Barry Allen/Flash (Grant Gustin), this popular superhero needs no introduction.  Bestowed with superhuman speed, The Flash takes crime scene investigation and crime fighting to a whole new level! The fifth season of The Flash will play heavily on Nora's (Jessica Parker Kennedy) big mistake at the end of season four.  Fans can also expect a new super villain to go head on with Flash and his friends as hinted by showrunners.  Catch all 5 seasons of this People’s Choice Award and new episodes of latest season winning series exclusively on HOOQ from 10 October onward.

Supergirl
Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, Supergirl comes back for a fourth season starring Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers aka Kara Zor-El (Supergirl)!  Joining the main cast in Season 4 will be Jesse Rath as Brainiac 5/Brainy, April Parker Jones as new character Colonel Haley and Sam Witwer as Agent Liberty.  The last season closed with Supergirl emerging from the woods somewhere in Siberia after defeating the Worldkiller Reign (Odette Annable) to save the world.  This season, our favorite female superhero will continue to take on evil forces as she saves the world from impending dangers.  Except not all evil are colored the same.  So how will Supergirl conquer her fears and bring hope to the world again?  Stay tuned as viewers can definitely expect massive plot twists and developments in the new season starting this October 15.

“Fans of The Flash and Supergirl will not be disappointed by the latest seasons – it is the most exciting season by far!  In addition, October’s content line up promises new and exciting movies and TV series from both Hollywood and Pinoy cinema for a truly binge-worthy month ahead!” said Jeff Remigio, Content and Programming Head of HOOQ Philippines.

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 extensive library of Hollywood and Asian hits.  Watch shows on HOOQ via Chromecast, Roku, and Android TV. Smart, TNT and Sun users can enjoy a 30-day free trial. Globe mobile users can enjoy a 45-day free trial. Globe customers can get to try HOOQ for up to 60 days on selected mobile and broadband plans.  Find out more and sign up today for a complimentary trial at www.hooq.tv.

Marking HOOQ’s First Hollywood Original Series, The Oath, Tackles Tough Issues of Gang Culture and Corruption in The L.A. Police Force

HOOQ – the largest Video On Demand service in South East Asia – is proud to announce its first foray into Hollywood Originals with Crackle’s The Oath. Debuting with all 10 episodes on March 8, 2018 in the US, the series will be fully available on HOOQ 24 hours later.

Chief Content Officer of HOOQ, Jennifer Batty said, “This marks a truly significant milestone for HOOQ Originals. While we continue to blaze a trail for homegrown Asian content and talent, we are now proud to strengthen our offering and bring in the best original content that Hollywood has to offer. With established producers of gritty visual stories like Joe Halpin and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson on the team and not to mention hard hitters like Ryan Kwanten and Sean Bean, we’re confident that we’ve got a winner here. I can’t wait for you all to see it!”

Set in Los Angeles, this hard-hitting crime drama dives deep into a world of gangs made up of those sworn to protect and defend. The Oath chooses to tread where most cop dramas don’t, shedding light on corruption and “police gang” culture by examining secret societies that are nearly impossible to join. Only a select few make the cut but, once inside, members will do what they must to protect each other from enemies not only on the outside but also from within.
Created by Joe Halpin (“Hawaii Five-O”, “Secrets and Lies”), the characters and relationships in The Oath are informed by his first-hand experience working as a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy in South Central for 18 years, 12 of which was as an undercover officer.

Chief Executive Officer of HOOQ, Peter Bithos said, “At HOOQ, we have always dedicated ourselves to bringing our subscribers the best that Asia and Hollywood have to offer. With The Oath now joining our family of HOOQ Originals, we’re proud to continue bringing the kind of stories that our customers love and continue to expect from us. This is the first of many to come.”

The Oath stars Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Cory Hardrict(“American Sniper”, “Gran Torino”), Katrina Law (“Training Day”), Arlen Escarpeta (“The Magicians”), J.J Soria (“Animal Kingdom”, “The Fosters”) and “Game Of Thrones” alum, Sean Bean.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (“Power”) and his G-Unit Film & Television Inc., Todd Hoffman and Dennis Kim of Storied Media Group, Anne Clements (“StartUp”) and Halpin are the producers. The series is directed by Jeff T. Thomas (“Blindspot,” “Wayward Pines”) and Luis Prieto (Kidnap, “StartUp”). The Oath is distributed by Sony Pictures Television.

MORE ON HOOQ

There is truly something for everybody this March on HOOQ’s TVOD service. Lovers of animated films can enjoy Pixar’s Coco and comic book fans can rejoice as HOOQ brings you the absolute best that the Marvel and DC Cinematic Universe has to offer with Thor: Ragnarok and Justice League. Those looking to make a trip to a galaxy far, far away can eagerly await the arrival of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi and, finally, for the nostalgic lovers of 90s cinema, the highly successful Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle would be a winning choice.

Country Manager of HOOQ Philippines, Sheila Paul, said: “It will be a very exciting month for movie buffs at HOOQ! We are very excited to bring these movies fresh from the cinema that the whole family will enjoy. They’re perfect viewing on road trips this summer and when you’re just chilling at home.”