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Here’s a pop quiz: what has been the most requested gift in the U.S. across all income levels for eight consecutive years till 2015?  If you think it’s a video game console or a versatile doll with around 150 careers, you got it wrong.  The answer is GIFT CARD, according to surveys by the National Retail Federation and Statista.

Yes, the much-maligned gift card which has been described as the ultimate in thoughtless, lazy gift-giving has become so popular and entrenched as a go-to gift for holidays and special occasions.  Moreover, this growing preference by the consumer market for physical gift cards is accompanied by a precipitous rise in the popularity of digital/electronic gift cards or EGCs. In fact, a 2015 consumer survey by InComm in the U.S. showed that nearly 90% of survey respondents between 18-25 years old are more interested in purchasing digital gift cards now than they were two to three years ago.

Watch the First International TV Spot from "Blade Runner 2049"

Check out new footage of Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford in the first international TV spot for Columbia Pictures' Blade Runner 2049 now at https://youtu.be/1aSrhePfyew.

The highly awaited sequel to Ridley Scott's 1980S original classic, Blade Runner 2049 is directed by Academy Award-nominee Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Arrival) and opens in Philippine cinemas on Friday, October 6, 2017.

Idris Elba is the Last Gunslinger in "The Dark Tower"

Idris Elba (Thor, Beasts of No Nation) plays the towering character Roland Deschain, AKA the Gunslinger in the big screen adaptation of the epic Stephen King novels, The Dark Tower (in Philippine cinemas August 30).

In the film, the last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (Elba), has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter O’Dim, also known as the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.

REEL DEAL: Annabelle Creation

Behold, The Conjuring 'universe' is expanding to more movies and more screen time for the sinister spirits. Annabelle: Creation brings the very dark past of the infamous doll.

Before it brings chaos and evil to the world, Annabelle had a simple life, and everyone is happy. Then fast forward to years after, the evil is said to come back and is back to the home where it manifested. But this time, they have a nun and orphan girls in it. 

It was perfect timing for it to lure them into Annabelle's ploy. And from there, everything goes downhill and f--ksh*t crazy. Also expect someone to drop by as well to bring more spooks. 

For an origin story it did fair enough and hopefully, they can now move on to another story as Annebelle timeline comes to a full circle. Although there is a potential new spirit that can be made into a new story. For horror fans, it is indeed worth it. 

REEL DEAL: A Family Man (A Headhunter's Calling) REVIEW

Who knew that Gerald Butler can do a little heavy drama? Knowing him in 300, Olympus Has Fallen, and The Bounty Hunter, his image is drawn into action and/or comedy which makes it hard to imagine that he would do emotional scenes. Well that is what he did in  A Family Man (working title "A Headhunter's Calling") which calls him to tap into this unusual role.

Here he is Dane Jensen, a headhunter who faces a fierce competition to reach his goals and be a good provider for his family. But being very busy eventually takes a toll with his family. This brings tribulations to the strong and confident headhunter who will face his breaking point.

I don't know why they have to change the original title which is actually more appealing than "A Family Man". It seems so generic and already gave away the premise that he is a provider for the family. The original title seems poetic, but oh well, the actual is more important than the title right?

Two Orphan Girls at the Forefront of "Annabelle: Creation"

Two young ladies, Talitha Bateman and Lulu Wilson, play orphaned girls at the heart of the story of New Line Cinema's horror-thriller Annabelle: Creation (in Philippine cinemas August 23).

In the film, several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.

Say Annyeong To "My Korean Jagiya" on GMA

Tonight, GMA Network will be airing their newest series which will combine the fantasies of many right now, Kroean TV series, and the charm and wit of Filipino prime time with MY KOREAN JAGIYA. Headlining this innovative series are Heart Evangelista, and Korean Actor Alexander Lee.

Heart Evangelista plays Gia (Guadalupe Immaculada Asuncion), a K-Series fan who wanted to see her favorite actor Jun Ho which is played by Alexander Lee. The Series will take place in the Philippines and South Korea which will make the experience more authentic.

Night Of Nostalgia And Great Music Guaranteed With Russel Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics One Night Only Concert

Audiences are definitely in for a musical treat like no other as Grand Leisure Corporation bring Russel Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, in a one-night only concert this 7th of September, 8pm at the world class Theatre at Solaire.

Thompkins, together with Raymond Johnson and Jonathan Buckson, the singing trio is committed and dedicated to the mission of providing quality representation of the group’s original recordings.

Expect endearing and fresh takes to the iconic hit songs and the unmatched showmanship and stage wonder that the trio brings.

Be ready to be enthralled, and yes, even a little teary eyed even as their vocal harmonies and emotional commitment enliven their most popular hits, such as “Betcha By Gmalolly Wow,” “You’ll Never Get To Heaven If You Beak My Heart,” “Stop, Look, Listen, ‘We Can Make It Happen,” “Miracle” and others.

Ably supported by their piano man and musical director, Kenny Thompson, 2017 marks the 14th year of the talented threesome. They will and shall continue with their tradition of delivering quality performances to their dedicated and supportive fans.

Let's Go Behind The Scenes of "Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag The Musical"

As it was initially revealed, the cast of the upcoming stage play "Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag The Musical" were posted and rehearsals are on going for this epic theater production. Based on the novel by Edgardo Reyes and brought to film by the late Lino Brocka, Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag has made a mark in Philippine entertainment and now will be given a new light as it will played live on stage.

Playing the roles of Julio Madiaga and Ligaya Paraiso are Arman Ferrer, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Lara Maigue. In preparation for the musical, we went to their rehearsals and photoshoot to meet with the cast and crew and what is in store for the viewers. More details will be revealed soon as the play continues it rehearsals, and we are also excited for the posters and promotional photo. For now let's get to know more about the lead stars.

4-Minute Footage from "IT" to Play in Front of "Annabelle: Creation"

Warner Bros. Philippines has just confirmed that an exclusive four-minute footage from the upcoming horror thriller IT has been attached to play before Annabelle: Creation when the latter opens in cinemas across the country on Wednesday, August 23.

The fresh footage will only be seen in theaters and won't be officially released online.

Audiences of Annabelle: Creation are likewise advised to stay in their seats after the end-credits.