#IpanemaSelfeet swept us off our feet

Mr. Patxi Elizalde, Ipanema managing director

Ipanema launched the campaign #IpanemaSelfeet last September 17, 2014 at its fourth store at the ground floor of the SM North EDSA Annex. The store offers the latest collection from Ipanema with fashionable designs inspired by the vivid and colorful Brazilian lifestyle and its signature buttery soft sole. Mr. Patxi Elizalde , Ipanema managing director and Ms. Cecille Loretizo  the Sales and Marketing Manager graced the event.

Flip flops with all the styles, colors, and designs that are available in the mall, is  the most photographed thing in the instagram nowadays. Ipanema the premium Brazilian flip flop brand dares you to take pictures of your favorite pair and post that in the social network with the official hashtag #IpanemaSelfeet. You can choose from these fresh and colorful design, just click and post right away.

Ipanema flip flops are the perfect companion -- whether it is to an adventure in a dream destination or just a leisurely stroll within the city. No matter where you go, your feet will definitely take you farther in comfort and style. Ipanema flip-flops and slippers are available at Ipanema stores in SM City Lucena, SM Clark in Pampanga, Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro, Bambu, Shoe Salon, and leading department stores like SM Department Store, Robinsons Department Store, Rustan’s Makati and Landmark.

For more information about #IpanemaSelfeet, visit www.facebook.com/IpanemaPhilippines.

Patxi Elizalde, Anton del Rosario and Cecille Loretizo

To kick start the #IpanemaSelfeet campaign is a series of mall events called IpanemaSelfeet Sunday in key cities like Manila, Cebu and Davao. If you’re in the mall where the event is happening, just take your Ipanemaselfeet, upload your photo on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #IpanemaSelfeet and present it to the Bambu or Ipanema Store to get discounts.

The Ipanema Selfeet Sunday events will have stations complete with Ipanema flip flops and fun backgrounds worthy of even the most demanding selfie aficionado. Open to the public, the event will also feature the latest collection of Ipanema, celebrity appearances and entertainment, games and a chance to win free Ipanema flip flops, as well as discounts from the Ipanema store.

The Ipanema Selfeet Sunday events will start at Robinsons Ermita in Manila on September 21, Ayala Center in Cebu on October 12 and Abreeza Mall on November 16.

The fun continues online with the #IpanemaSelfeet contest on Facebook and Instagram. Simply upload your Ipanemaselfeet on Instagram or on the Ipanema Philippines Facebook page with the official hashtag, #IpanemaSelfeet and get a chance to win discounts on Ipanema flipflops!


Ipanema flip-flops and slippers are available at Ipanema stores in SM City Lucena, SM Clark in Pampanga, Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro, Bambu, Shoe Salon, and leading department stores like SM Department Store, Robinsons Department Store, Rustan’s Makati and Landmark.

“THE BOOK OF LIFE” FLIPS THROUGH THE PAGES OF FRIENDSHIP, TRUE LOVE AND STRONG FAMILY VALUES

                Reel FX Animation and Reel FX Animationopen the pages of “The Book of Life” and present a grand mythology set in visually spectacular worlds never seen before. The film brings together director Jorge R. Gutierrez’s unique visual style and a crowd-pleasing mix of adventure, action, comedy, romance and music with a voice cast as lively as their animated characters – Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Christina Applegate, Diego Luna,  Ice Cube, Ron Perlman and Hector Elizondo.

“The Book of Life,” a vibrant animated fantasy-adventure, tells the legend of Manolo (Luna), a conflicted hero and dreamer who sets off on an epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to reunite with his one true love Maria (Saldana) and defend his village.   But Manolo and his equally courageous best friend Joaquin (Tatum)are not your typical Prince Charmings; the object of their affections is far from being your average princess; and “The Book of Life” is a fairy tale that doesn’t go by the book.

Its journey to the big screen began with, appropriately enough, a friendship.  Producer Brad Booker, a Reel FX development executive, had known Gutierrez (known for the multiple Emmy and Annie winning series “El Tigre, The Adventures of Manny Rivera” for Nickelodeon which he created with his wife) for over a decade, and after hearing of the project, Booker believed Reel FX would be a great home for it.  The independent animation studio knew that the film needed the perfect creative partner to help guide its path and development.  Gutierrez’s first choice: legendary director, producer and author Guillermo del Toro, who like Gutierrez hails from Mexico.  Gutierrez felt del Toro’s authentic perspective and unique aesthetic sensibility were a perfect match for the film.

Del Toro was equally impressed by Gutierrez’s passion for what would become “The Book of Life.”  “Jorge is his movie,” he says, “and the movie is an imprint of his personality.  Jorge’s ideas for “The Book of Life” started with his connection to his homeland of Mexico, and presenting an exciting, never-before-experienced depiction of that country, its people and its traditions – all in a way that would be accessible to audiences around the world.”

Adds producer Brad Booker:  “Guillermo brings an authenticity and passion for this world and story.  He’s a visionary filmmaker and has been tremendously supportive of Jorge’s ideas.”  “The Book of Life” brings together Gutierrez’s perspective of his native country with a story to which everyone can relate.  He explains:  “This is a very personal movie. The inspiration comes from my family history and childhood experiences.”

Still, Gutierrez admits he embellished some elements.  “My grandfather Luis used to tell me, ‘Jorgito, don’t ever let the truth get in the way of a good story!’  And that was the moment I fell in love with storytelling.”  Gutierrez’s passion for the story, characters and their world points to the film’s broad appeal.  “If you’re telling a story and want it be universal, then you have to be specific,” del Toro explains.  “If the filmmaker loves the story and characters, then audiences will love it.  And if a filmmaker feels it’s powerful, more people will love the story he or she is telling because it’s powerful.  And that’s exactly what Jorge has done with “The Book of Life.”

“The Book of Life” opens October 16 in cinemas (2D and 3D) nationwide from 20th Century Fox thru Warner Bros.

Wattpad – Redefining How Stories are Read and Shared

As CEO and Co-founder of Wattpad, Allen Lau leads the company's efforts to transform the reading and writing experience of millions of people around the world. Prior to Wattpad, Allen was the co-founder of FeedM8, a mobile advertising company that was acquired in 2008. In 2001, he co-founded Tira Wireless where he helped leading brands optimize content for mobile delivery.

Allen received his Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Toronto’s Electrical Engineering program.

More than 35 million people have joined Wattpad making it the world’s largest community of readers and writers. Wattpad is a new storytelling experience focused on mobile and social interactions. On Wattpad no one stands between the reader and writer. Both are free to connect and collaborate in real-time so that everyone participates in storytelling, whether it’s through comments, messages, or art. Wattpad stories are available in more than 50 languages and can be read or written from any phone, tablet, or computer. The company is based in Toronto, Canada. www.wattpad.com

Quick Facts

● More than 35 million people use Wattpad
● People spend 9 billion minutes a month on Wattpad
● More than 70 million uploads have been shared on Wattpad

WATTPAD IN THE PHILIPPINES 

● Wattpad is one of the most popular social platforms in the Philippines
● More than 5.5 million people in the Philippines use Wattpad
● In August, people in the Philippines spent close to 1 billion minutes on Wattpad
● About 100 published books are based on Wattpad stories
● Eleven movies based on Wattpad stories have been released, are in production, or have been confirmed for production in the Philippines

WATTPAD @ the MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR

● Wattpad Co-founder and CEO Allen Lau will present on a panel called: Wattpad: Redefining what it means to be a reader. Several popular Filipino Wattpad writers, readers, and official Wattpad Ambassadors will also join the panel.

○ Date/Time: Sunday, September 21 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
○ Location: SMX Stage Area

● Wattpad will host its 2nd Annual Meetup where members of the Wattpad Filipino community will be able to connect with each other in person, meet favorite writers, and celebrate their shared love of reading and writing.

○ Date/Time: Sunday, September 21 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
○ Location: Function Room 1, SMX Convention Center

Win a trip to Paris for The Electrolux Design Lab competition 2014

The Electrolux Design Lab competition is now on its final stages of selection. After nearly 1,700 entries submitted, the judges have selected the top entries among the innovative ideas of design students across the globe.

To make things more exciting, Electrolux is giving the audience the power to vote for their favorite entries. The idea with the most votes will be named People’s Choice Award and two lucky voters will win a trip to Paris for two nights to witness the Design Lab event gala in November!

Joining is easy. Simply choose your favorite entry by visiting www.electroluxdesignlab.com and answer the question “What is a healthy home to you?” Voting period is until October 14, 2014 at 12:00PM CEST (6:00PM, Manila time). Know more about the trip to Paris in the Design Lab website.

On its 12th year, under the theme Creating Healthy Homes, the prestigious competition aims to address issues of health and sustainability. The competition is now on its third stage where the semi-finalists will be narrowed down to the top 6 and eventually the top 3. The grand winner will receive €5,000 and a six-month paid internship in an Electrolux global design center while the People’s Choice Award winner will receive €1,000.

To know more about the Electrolux Design Lab competition, visit www.electroluxdesignlab.com

Timber Creek Collection available only in the PH by Wrangler

Being in a  tropical weather country like ours, Wrangler has created lighter and breathable pants for  laid-back days. Although Timber Creek collection was created for men,  I would have loved to try this because of its relaxed fit, and would be best to partner in a black fitted top, and a platform sandals. Its a great addition to my no-denim wardrobe.

Wrangler launched the Timber Creek collection,  the non-denim wear for men last Sept. 16, 2014 at Chef Jessie, Rockwell Manila. Wrangler proudly announced that this collection is only available here in the Phils. Sam YG hosted the event and presented the non-denim mini fashion show.

Timber Creek equips men with khakis that boast a fabric technology no other pair can offer. They provide an extensive variety of non-denim pants, with more than sixty (60) SKUs available. Timber Creek is a diverse selection that marks limitless possibilities of comfort, style and functionality, a definite must-have for any active quest this season.

The ‘IT’ pieces from the Timber Creek line are Weekender and Wrancher which exhibit an appealing outdoor style with its W stitched risers, clean finish belt loop, slant front pocket and single welt pocket. The sharp casual khakis feature a hidden flexible waist and stain proof material encouraging worry-free explorations.

The Timber Creek collection by Wrangler is exclusive to the Philippine market, offering the widest selection of non-denim pants that will surely match any of your ensembles. Timber Creek guarantees you confidence every time you wear them.

Don’t miss your chance to experience a different kind of indoor quest, where style meets adventure and limits go beyond ordinary. Mark your calendars and join the launch of Timber Creek by Wrangler launch on October 13 to 19, 2014 at the Atrium of Robinsons Place Manila.

Here are the activities in store for you:

>Stretch your strongest grip as you ramble into Timber Creek’s wall climbing activity and get a chance to win special prizes from Wrangler.

>Enjoy great privileges and gain access in Timber Creek’s VIP lounge when you present your Wrangler VIP Card or Robinsons Rewards Card.

>The first thirty (30) Wrangler buyers, with a minimum purchase of 2,000.00 pesos on any Wrangler products will take home a pair of Timber Creek pants for free.



Wrangler is distributed in the Philippines by Magnifico Jeans Inc. Visit Wrangler stores in TriNoma, Gateway, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Market! Market!, Glorietta 2, Harbor Point - Subic, Abreeza - Davao, Gaisano Mall - Tagum, Centrio - Cagayan de Oro, Mindoro, Zamboanga, and all other leading department stores nationwide.

For more information, please visit www.Wrangler-AP.com, www.facebook.com/WranglerPH, and follow @WranglerPH on Instragram and Twitter.

Buon Giorno for Repertory Theater for Young Audiences for staging Pinocchio

Nurturing the imaginative minds of young audiences

Theater has an undeniable charm that has transcended eras. It has withstood wars and famines, it has documented the rise and fall of empires and regimes. It is a powerful cultural treasure that has been an important part of humanity’s development. In the past few years, theater has enjoyed a resurgence and more and more people troop to Broadway and West End to watch the best musicals and plays. But with the advent of modern technology, some of us seem to forget the beauty and mystique of the stage.

This year, Repertory Theater for Young Audiences (RTYA) artistic director, Joy Virata aims to enrich the lives and imagination of children with the restaging of the award-winning musical, Pinocchio, which premiered on August 16 and will continue to show until the end of the year at the OnStage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati.

“I am very happy that Pinocchio has had such a good response—not only by the sale of tickets and the reviews, but with the way the children react when they watch the show,” said Virata.  “Even the littlest ones are quiet and mesmerized. I hear them singing ‘Buon Giorno’ when they leave the theater.”

Pinocchio features several segments of audience participation where everyone is encouraged to learn the Italian words and songs. Theater, in general, develops a deep appreciation for the arts—music, dance, visual arts and literature—and creates an atmosphere of connectedness between the artists and audience like no other medium. As it exercises the creative ability to suspend disbelief, demanding one to overlook the limitations of the medium, theater also improves language comprehension and listening skills, and promotes the value of culture and people.

Pinocchio is not only a wonderful learning experience for children, it is also a visual marvel. One of Virata’s favorite things about the play is the beautiful set design of the Land of the Toys by Oliver Roxas and the light design of John Batalla. She also adores the costume designs of Liz Batoctoy and Ogie Reonal. Virata always manages to insert a bit of classical dance in her shows. “The dancing of the ballerina and the acrobatic moves of the clown are quite spectacular,” she said. “I also like the movement of Pinocchio when he is still a puppet on strings.”

Beginnings of Repertory Theater for Young Audiences

Aside from Pinocchio, RTYA has staged many plays since its establishment in the early nineties, including Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Seussical, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Snow White, Mulan, Annabel Broom the Unhappy Witch, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Alice in Wonderland. Pinocchio was picked this year because it was a RTYA favorite that hasn’t been done in a decade.

“One day, I saw some children waiting outside the theater for their parents who were watching an ‘adults only’ production,” explained Virata of the beginnings of RTYA. “I thought to myself why not provide children with their own theatre?”

Virata surfed the internet for plays and found one written by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy, the same writers of this theatrical adaptation of Pinocchio, for their company The Prince Street Players Ltd.  “I was particularly struck that their productions were of the same quality as professional, adult productions, and by their belief that this was what children deserved,” she said. The play was Sleeping Beauty, which had simple, catchy tunes, and was funny and short—the principles which have guided Virata’s choice of plays ever since.

“To make a long story short, the enthusiasm from the actors, artistic staff, and friends, that greeted RTYA was so great, I got carried away and ended up with a great set and marvelous costumes which ran way over my budget,” shared Virata. “But, the opening performance was a sell-out.  We had more walk-in sales than any production we have ever had. With only around 16 performances, I was able to recoup all the costs and more. And that’s how it started.  And it has been going on ever since.”

AXN Asia adds Blacklist, The Voice, Amazing Race to its Day and Date lineup

AXN  announces day-and-date with the U.S. of hit crime thriller The Blacklist (S2) and the Emmy-winning singing talent search show The Voice (S7).

“By airing The Blacklist and The Voice day-and-date with the U.S., we provide our viewers with quicker access to these highly popular series while at the same time leveraging the shows’ real-time buzz across social media,” said Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television.

The two shows join popular adventure reality competition The Amazing Race (S25), which AXN has offered day-and-date since its second season.

The Blacklist (S2)
Premiering on Tuesday 23 September, The Blacklist returns to follow the exploits of James Spader’s (Boston Legal) criminal mastermind Raymond ‘Red’ Reddington. Last season, he turned himself in and began helping the FBI eradicate his ‘blacklist’ of politicians, mobsters, spies and international terrorists, under the condition that he works only with rookie FBI agent Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Keen (Megan Boone, Law & Order: Los Angeles).The Blacklis

In the new season, Red lives with the threat that enigmatic antagonist Berlin (Peter Stormare, Fargo) remains at large. The relationship between Red and Liz continues to grow, although their actual ties remain a question, while Liz moves on from her unravelling relationship with husband Tom Keen (Ryan Eggold, 90210) whose fate remains a mystery. Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds) joins the cast as Naomi Highland, a character inextricably linked to Red.

The Voice (S7)

Premiering on 23 and 24 September is The Voice, which this year earned 10 Emmy nominations after last year becoming the first talent search show to win the Emmy for “Outstanding Reality-Competition Program”. The Voice will feature Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams as celebrity musician coaches for the first time, joining Adam Levine and Blake Shelton in search of America’s next Voice.

The Amazing Race (S25)

Premiering on 27 September is the 25th season of the 14-time Emmy-winning The Amazing Race. Hosted by Phil Keoghan, the adventure reality competition will see 11 pairs, including surfers, urban bike racers, food scientists, realtors, fire fighters, professional wrestlers, and dentists, race each other around the world for the US$1 million prize money.

The Blacklist Season 2 premieres on 23 Sep 2014, airing on Tuesdays at 10pm.
The Voice Season 7 premieres on 23 and 24 Sep, airing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8.10pm.
The Amazing Race Season 25 premieres on 27 Sep, airing on Saturdays at 8.10pm.

On the days of the US telecast, first and exclusively on AXN

AXN ASIA to Premiere Asia's Got Talent

Kicking off the search for a new generation of stars, AXN has commissioned the pan-regional version of the global hit ‘Got Talent’ format, which is co-owned by FremantleMedia and Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment. ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ will premiere on AXN in early 2015 across 20 territories including South East Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Asia’s aspiring individual and group acts of all ages are invited to share their amazing skills on ‘Asia’s Got Talent’, for their chance-in-a-lifetime to make it big in front of millions of AXN viewers and take home the ultimate winning crown.

Budding stars can log on to www.axn-asia.com/AsiasGotTalent for registration and audition details.

The ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ team will be talent scouting in 13 countries across Asia.

“Talent has a thrilling new home on AXN and we’re excited to provide the ideal platform for contestants to showcase their skills in front of our huge regional fan base. Asia is an incredible melting pot of exceptional talent so we look forward to discovering the next generation of Asia-based stars on AXN,” said Ang Hui Keng, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Networks, Asia, Sony Pictures Television.

The semi-finals and grand final shows will yet announced the place to be broadcast.

Earlier this year, ‘Got Talent’ won the Guinness World Records title for being the world’s ‘Most Successful Reality TV Format’. With the addition of ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ an impressive 63 versions of the international ratings phenomenon have now been commissioned worldwide across Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle-East.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including four seasons of the international Emmy-nominated ‘The Amazing Race Asia’; the Asian Television Award-winning ‘Cash Cab Asia’; ‘The Apprentice Asia’; ‘Cyril: Rio Magic’; ‘Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition’; and the Asian Television Award-nominated ‘Cyril: Simply Magic’.

Ten New Adventures. Ten New Destinations. AXN brings back TEN with Jason Godfrey

Conceived from bright ideas translated into cool concepts, AXN’s original travel lifestyle show Ten is a creative factory of seemingly never-ending engaging themes applied to the most intriguing places around the Philippines.

The first season was a hit as Jason Godfrey, Ten’s host and designated guide, accomplished a mission with each of his trips. The six-part series opened with a road trip from Manila to Northern Luzon. It went on to explore the Queen City of the South, Cebu by cleverly taking the local dialect as its guide. Jason then made friends with the locals of Negros, relived the old charm of the country’s capital, gained new skills as souvenirs from his trip to Panay, and reveled at the breathtaking sights of Busuanga.

All good things of course lead to a new season so the show’s avid fans can look forward once again to ten more good doses of Jason’s must-do’s and must see’s. It is sure to gain new viewers as well with the contagious vibe that one cannot help but get into.

In this new season, which is co-produced by Culture Shock Productions and Magnetic Sphere Productions Inc. in partnership with Shell, each episode of Ten promises to be a fun mix of culture and adventure. Jason’s destinations this season are: Bicol, Batangas-Mindoro, Ifugao and Kalinga, Davao, Quezon, Puerto Princesa, Bukidnon, Marinduque, Surigao and Negros Oriental – Siquijor. And as to what exactly will be explored in each place, one has to stay tuned and it will be worth the wait.

As always, Jason’s travels are filled with fun and laughter, and each episode concludes with a sense of accomplishment. Ten believes that worthy travel has direction and requires the traveller to not only witness, but to experience each place he visits and connect with the people he meets.
Appreciate the fantastic experiences that the Philippines have to offer on Ten.

Ten Season 2 premieres September 26, Friday, 8.05pm

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

Under Armour supports The Pink Run, D' Feeting Breast Cancer

The Philippine Society of General Surgeons partners with Under Armour, an elite athletic performance brand for The Pink Run.  A campaign for the breast cancer awareness, held its presscon last Sept 15, 2014 at Packo's Grill and Restaurant, Sgt Esguerra QC. Jeremy Callegher, the marketing manager of Grupo Athletica  (Under Armour's local distributor)  graced the event together with The Pink Run ambassadors, Gretchen Ho, Natasha Alquiros, Emmanulle Ada, and Mia Cabalfin.

The Pink Run has been helping raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatments. Throughout its existence, the Pink Run has attracted thousands of runners to support the cause. The funds raised are utilized by the Philippine Society of General Surgeons (PSGS) to subsidize research activities and treatments for indigent sufferers of the disease.

Gretchen Ho

Emmanuelle Ada

Natasha Alquiros

This year, The Pink Run was supported by Under Armour, an elite athletic performance brand. Jeremy Callegher, Marketing Manager of Grupo Athletica (UA’s local distributor), felt that the purpose of the Pink Run is in perfect alignment with the brand’s core values. “Many people think that being on the defensive is the only way to deal with breast cancer,” Jeremy said. “But [the Pink Run and Under Armour] choose to defy and challenge that notion. We also have to be on the attack by finding ways to remedy and, ultimately, eliminate the disease,” he continued.

Jeremy Callegher

To support the Pink Run, Under Armour will donate 10% of all their sales from the Under Armour Power In Pink women’s performance line to the PSGS.

Under Armour has also been globally active in promoting the “I Will What I Want” campaign. A movement that pushes forward a new standard of beauty that goes beyond face value – a standard that regards a woman for her strength, tenacity, and toughness amid insurmountable odds. A description that perfectly fits those who are fighting against breast cancer.

The 2014 Pink Run will be held at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig City. Runners may grab their three-, five-, ten-, and fifteen-kilometer category race kits at the Under Armour Store in Bonifacio High Street and many other locations.

Pink Run 2014 D’Feeting Breast Cancer
October 5, 2014
McKinley Hill, Taguig
3K/5K/10K/15K

Registration Fees:
3K/5K – P600
10K/15K – P700

*** FREE Clinical Breast Examination and Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Gun start:
16K – 5:30AM
10k – 5:40AM
5K – 5:50AM
3K – 6:00AM

Registration Venues:
1. PSGS Secretariat – 2/F PCS Building 992 EDSA Quezon City (0918-9081795)
2. Under Armour – BHS
3. 100 Miles Cafe – BGC
4. A Runners Circle – Quirino Avenue

For more information on how to register, please visit The Pink Run’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ThePinkRun

DON’T BE LEFT BEHIND: “THE MAZE RUNNER” NOW IN CINEMAS

                Can W.C.K.D. be good? Find out in the thrilling and out-of-your-breath action adventure film “The Maze Runner” starring a group of amaze-ing young boys and a girl – headed by Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Will Poulter, Aml Ameen, Blake Cooper and Kaya Scodelario.

                Directed by Wes Ball, the movie opened in Philippine cinemas (last September 17) with fever-pitch anticipation from movie enthusiasts especially from the young adult crowd from whom the book has enjoyed immense success catapulting it to one of YA bestselling series of all time.

                In the movie, Thomas (O’Brien) wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, they call it the Glade, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D.  Within the glade stands a massive series of walls that forms a dangerous maze where their only hope to escape lies at the end of each cluster, but the walls change every single day, as such they assign runners, the fastest of the bunch to track and take mental notes of the maze’s secrets.

                “The Maze Runner” also brims with a cast full of talent within its action-packed and visually stunning production, director Ball and producer Wyck Godfrey assembled an impressive cast to form a highly functional society as they perform their daily jobs, look out for each other and engage in power struggles as they try to solve the mystery of the Maze. Godfrey says, “The casting was one of the most exciting things about the project.  The actors really believed in this world, and we went far afield to find them.”  

Thomas, played by Dylan O’Brien is the boy who takes that step forward when everybody else takes a step back.  He’s curious and comes to learn that he is just one of many who have come up on that elevator once a month over a three year period.

The leader of these Gladers is Alby, who’s the closest thing to a father figure.  “Alby is the main dude,” says Ball.  “He was the first Glader, the first boy sent up the elevator, and he had to survive an entire month by himself not knowing where he was and without any help.  Then the next guy showed up.  Alby figured out that order and discipline were necessary to survive in this world.  He’s very protective of it.”

Thomas’s nemesis in the Glade is Gally.  Smart and intimidating, Gally wants to maintain the status quo and clashes with the new arrival.  “But Gally and Thomas are really two sides of the same coin,” notes Ball.  “Thomas fully embraces and charges into the unknown and Gally is all about self-preservation and keeping things safe and normal.”

Alby’s lieutenant, Newt, is played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster (voice of Ferb in “Phineas and Ferb”), who appears in the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones” and first gained attention for his performance in “Love, Actually.”  Newt walks with a limp that’s not fully explained because it’s something he’d prefer not to talk about.  Nevertheless, Brodie-Sangster says the character is “the fun one of the group, the one that everyone gets along with.  The Gladers come to Newt with their problems because they like and trust him.”



British actress Kaya Scodelario plays the only young woman among the Gladers, Teresa, who has a mysterious connection with Thomas. Having made her name with the UK TV series Skins, Scodelario impressed the filmmakers by being “one of the guys,” as Godfrey puts it. “She’s badass, which is what you need to be if you’re going to be thrust into the world of the Glade with all these young men.”

The elite among the Gladers are called Runners, whose athleticism propels them through the Maze each day, which helps them compile a map of the foreboding structure and, maybe, figure out a way to escape.  Their captain is Minho, played by Ki Hong Lee.  The young actor grew to understand his position of leadership among the Gladers in a very individual way.  “I looked at the Marines and the Army and, and I consider Minho like a general of the Gladers,” Lee explains, “It’s his job to rally the troops.”

“The Maze Runner” is now playing in cinemas across the Phils. from 20th Century Fox distributed by Warner Bros.