GET READY TO BE CHARMED! The iconic series returns with a whole new set of enchanting sisters

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The Power of Three is summoned back to television screens with the all-new Charmed on Blue Ant Entertainment. But while it still has all the witchy elements that held viewers spellbound to the show’s previous incarnation, the up-and-coming series reveals a few new things that are sure to enchant audiences all over again. 

Here are just some of them : 

Fresh Faces against Evil

The show’s reboot introduces three new sisters fated to vanquish demonic forces through magic. Social justice warrior Melanie “Mel” Vera (Melonie Diaz) and her younger sister, the fun-loving Maggie (Sarah Jeffery) live together before meeting their long-lost older half-sister, Macy (Madeleine Mantock), who was kept a secret by their single mom for many years.

Mel is a graduate student at the women’s studies department headed by her mom at Hilltowne University, while Maggie is a freshman looking to join a sorority—much to her sister’s dismay. Macy, on the other hand, happens to be a brilliant geneticist. The reimagined series brings the Charmed Ones together after a mysterious incident at home leaves their mother dead.

New Magical Awakenings

At the wake of their mother’s unexplainable demise, the sisters begin exhibiting strange supernatural abilities. Mel, the second of the three, can suddenly freeze time, while the youngest, Maggie, freaks out when she starts hearing the thoughts of anyone she comes in contact with. Macy, too, is left baffled after somehow throwing and breaking an object with just her mind. The sisters learn later on that their magical abilities grow by tenfold when they join together to invoke the Power of Three.

Darker Twist to Sisterhood

Women empowerment takes a more sinister turn in the new Charmed when Mel and Maggie receive a text from their mom to rush back home—only to discover her lifeless body at the bottom of a broken attic window. The sisters are distraught, but Mel becomes consumed by it and starts shutting Maggie out. What’s more, Macy appears out of nowhere claiming to be their sister, and also gets shut out.

As their latent powers begin to unravel and demons start appearing at their doorstep, the Vera sisters soon realize that to uncover the truth behind their mother’s death, they must accept their destiny and act as one.

Will the Charmed Ones learn to find strength not just in their differences but also in the bond of their sisterhood? Charmed premieres on October 16, Tuesday, at 9:45PM (8:45PM JKT/BKK) on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Find out what the Vera sisters are brewing next by following Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram.

POWERHOUSE SINGER MARIA LAROCO GETS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL ON HER X FACTOR UK JOURNEY

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The X Factor UK teen contestant recounts her best moments at her homecoming celebration

Young power singer Maria Laroco comes home following week after week of sensational acts on The X Factor UK Season 15 airing exclusively on Blue Ant Entertainment. The budding superstar shared some of her biggest moments at a press event held at the Brickyard, Quezon City, where she also gave a special homecoming performance of her winning songs. 

“My entire experience has been overwhelming,” Laroco said. “I’ve always wanted to sing at the X Factor UK. It’s my biggest dream, and being able to join the contest is already a huge achievement for me. I’m very happy to be given a chance to perform in front of the British audience, and especially Simon Cowell.” 

The 17-year-old first made headlines when she wowed all four judges and the audience at the Wembley Stadium with her stunning rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain” during the live auditions. “I still couldn’t believe that I got four yeses from the judges. It was very surreal! I never expected to get a standing ovation from these really big people,” Laroco said about her audition. 

Laroco won a spot in the Six Chair Challenge with Whitney Houston’s “Queen of the Night” that left international star maker Cowell wide-eyed with excitement. She almost lost her seat to another contestant, but was called back amidst popular demand from the crowd. The teen singer had to fight for her place once again when Cowell asked her to do a sing-off with another contender. It was a tough moment, but she managed to pull through by singing her audition piece, “Purple Rain.” 

“That, vocally, was just like a different class,” The X Factor UK judge and One Direction member Louis Tomlinson couldn’t help but exclaim afterwards. Cowell was convinced and decided to keep her among the final six contenders under the “Girls” category. 

The X Factor UK contestant shared how proud she was to be one of the many Filipino participants who won hearts from fans both in the UK and around the globe: “It feels incredible to represent our country,” Laroco said. “This contest really gave me an opportunity to raise our flag and show how talented Filipinos are.” 

She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all her supporters at the X Factor UK. “I wouldn’t make it this far without everyone who cheered for me. Thank you so much for believing in me,” the young talent said. “I’ve learned a lot from the competition, and I’ll continue to work hard to make my dreams come true. Please continue to support me. I promise to have more in store for all of you in the future.” 

The X Factor UK S15 continues every Sunday and Monday, 7:55PM (6:55PM JKT/BKK), same day as the UK, first and exclusive on Blue Ant Entertainment, available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD). 

Blue Ant Entertainment 

Blue Ant Entertainment is a general entertainment channel with the best mix of reality, drama, comedy, and daily programmes. Featuring hit series and late-night television, airing day-and-date with the U.S. and U.K. markets, including: competition series The X Factor UK; dailies Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden. The channel also ‘LIVE’ broadcasts some biggest award shows in the world, including The Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

Filipina singer Maria Laroco impresses The X Factor UK judges, gets a standing ovation from Simon Cowell, Louis Tomlinson, Ayda and Robbie Williams

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Maria Laroco, 17, from the Philippines, wowed all four judges of The X Factor UK with her rendition of Purple Rain sung by Prince on the second week of the competition. Maria flew to UK all the way from the Philippines, sharing it was just her third time to get on a plane.

Before her performance, Judge Simon Cowell asked Maria what gives her the strength to come all the way from where she lives to perform in front of them. The young lady immediately answered “Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be an international superstar and I want to be big! That’s why I’m doing this because I love to do this, and this is my dream!”

Deep into Maria’s performance, as she hit on the high notes, the crowd started cheering loudly and were on their feet, the judges then followed one by one started by Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams and Louis Tomlinson. Simon Cowell was also on his feet at the end of her song.

Host Dermot O’leary expressed his awe by asking Maria’s companions “Is there anyone in the Philippines who can’t sing?”

“That was absolutely incredible, incredible.” Former One Direction member and Judge Louis said. “To do what you’ve just done at 17, vocally, you absolutely, blew me away! Well done!” He added.

Judge Ayda gushed “O.M.G! You just bossed that stage, well done!”

Judge Simon asked “Was there ever one moment where you doubted this?”

Teary eyed Maria responded “No, I never gave up on my dreams, a lot of times people tell me that I can’t do it, that I’m not good enough.”

“Look what you did to the audience, that hasn’t happened a lot!” said Judge Robbie. “You’re amazing! I’m going to kick this off, and I’m going to give you a massive yes!” He added.

Judge Ayda followed saying “I’m gonna give you all the yeses I can possibly give you, Yes!”

“Maria, thank you so much for auditioning for this show, it’s a yes!” said Judge Louis.

“So you are 17 years old, and you’ve flown all the way [from the Philippines], which is a long trip, you’ve taken on probably one of the biggest songs in the world, I’m gonna go beyond the billion yeses, I’m gonna give you infinity yeses!” Judge Simon expressed.

Maria Laroco now moves on to the next round of The X Factor UK. 

The X Factor UK airs first and exclusive, same day as the UK on Blue Ant Entertainment every Sundays and Mondays at 7:55 PM. Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).

BLUE ANT ENTERTAINMENT TO ROLL OUT FRESH CBS STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL DRAMAS FBI AND CHARMED, AND BRAND NEW SEASONS OF ITS TOP TITLES ACROSS ASIA STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER

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FBI and Charmed will debut on the channel together with the latest seasons of The X Factor UK, Bull, Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. 

Blue Ant Media, an international content producer, distributor and channel operator announced today a multi-year licensing agreement for the new Dick Wolf-produced drama, FBI, the reimagining of the hit series, CHARMED and the UK’s most talked about reality TV show, THE X FACTOR UK and a beefed up programming line-up for the network’s international channel, Blue Ant Entertainment across Asia. 

The top-rated British talent show, which has been airing exclusively and same day as the UK on Blue Ant Entertainment, will remain with the network until 2020. 

This deal further enhances the channel’s primetime offerings catering to the reality talent show fans. In the Philippines and Malaysia, Blue Ant Entertainment is the exclusive broadcaster of The X Factor UK. 

Some of the world’s biggest musical acts started from the show, and more aspiring artists try their luck year after year. Now with a new set of mentors alongside music mogul Simon Cowell, the three new judges Robbie Williams, Ayda Williams, and former contestant and One Direction member Louis Tomlinson, are all expected to bring a whole new energy to the biggest singing competition in the UK. Blue Ant Entertainment will show The X Factor UK S15same day as the UK every Sunday and Monday starting 2 September 2018. 

The network has also secured and renewed multiple deals with CBS Studios International, which are slated to air in September and October. Exclusive new series and fresh episodes of dailies will be released day and date on Blue Ant Entertainment. 

FBI, an exciting new series from American television producer Dick Wolf and the team behind the Law & Order franchise, will make its debut in Asia this September. The new series is a fast-paced drama about the inner workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This elite unit brings to bear all their talents, intellect and technical expertise on major cases in order to keep New York and the country safe. Dick Wolf, Greg Plageman, Terry Miller, Noberto Barba, Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski are executive producers for Universal Television in association with CBS Television Studios. FBI is distributed internationally by CBS Studios International. 

Michael Weatherly will return as the trial consultant Dr. Bull on the third season of Bull on Blue Ant Entertainment. Bull is produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Amblin Television and Stage 29 Productions and is distributed internationally by CBS Studios International. Glenn Gordon Caron, Paul Attanasio, Dr. Phil McGraw, Steven Spielberg, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and Jay McGraw serve as executive producers. 

Charmed, based on the original series, will land on the channel as well. Ultimately the sisters accept their new destiny as The Charmed Ones and their new duty to protect humankind from the demons that walk among us, one of whom killed their mother. The series stars Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery and Madeleine Mantock. Charmed is from CBS Television Studios in association with Propagate Content and is distributed internationally by CBS Studios International. Jennie Snyder Urman, Jessica O’Toole, Amy Rardin, Ben Silverman, Brad Silberling, Howard Owens and Carter Covington serve as executive producers. 

Both programs will air express from the U.S., within 48 hours of its U.S. airing this October.

The authoritative source on celebrity news, Entertainment Tonight, and top late night shows The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden will air brand new episodes express from the U.S. this September

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 8 and Hawaii Five-0 Season 7 will be back on Blue Ant Extreme following the airing of their previous seasons on the channel. 

MONSTERS LURKING IN THE DEEP - Real-life sea creatures have long captured the imagination

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The marine world continues to be a source of folklore given that a whopping 95 percent of the planet’s oceans remain unexplored, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Unsurprisingly then, many creatures living beneath the waves have inspired monstrous fantasies, from the kraken mentioned in Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby-Dick, to the Leviathan of biblical scripture.

The most famous of these aquatic myths is the mermaid, thanks to stories such as Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid made famous by the animated film of the same name, as well as other pop cultural gems such as the 1984 movie Splash. These half-fish, half-human hybrids, unfortunately, weren’t always the demure creatures often depicted in today’s fiction.

In British folklore, mermaids were associated with doomed ships and stormy seas, which was why seafarers in the past avoided sailing in areas where they thought they saw these creatures. The English pirate Blackbeard once recorded an encounter in his logbook, which described how he and his crew had sighted these demi-humans in so-called “enchanted” waters.

While not fearsome-looking, mermaids might have conjured fear from sailors because of their association with another mythical beast, the siren. In Homer’s The Odyssey, sirens were winged women that sang hypnotic songs to lure sailors to their deaths. Over time, these attributes were passed down to mermaids, becoming part of their threat as much as their charm.

Speaking of charm, not all sailors believed mermaids were pretty. One of them was Christopher Columbus. The Italian explorer claimed to have witnessed these creatures while exploring the Caribbean and described them to be half as beautiful as the ones in paintings. That might have sounded mean, but only because what he and sailors at the time had been seeing were the gentle manatee or its cousin, the dugong. Both possess broad, mermaid-like tails as well as upper-body features that make these marine mammals easily mistaken for lumbering humanoids from afar—not quite the slender merfolk of fantasy.

The enchanting mermaid remains in our imagination reflecting our innate fear and desire for the unknown. In the American drama series Siren, this fear and desire come to life when mermaids suddenly surface to cause chaos in the fictional coastal town of Bristol Cove. Ever wondered how the world would react today if folklore turned out to be real? Catch the popular American drama series Siren every Monday at 9:45PM first and exclusive on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Other than mermaids, many popular nautical beasts also have their origins in real animals. One is the mighty kraken, which may have been based on sightings of the giant squid or the much larger colossal squid—both of which have been caught in video when they suddenly appeared off the coast of Japan and Antarctica, respectively. Another is the slithering sea serpent. Whether it’s the World Serpent of Norse mythology or the Ancient Greek monster Cetus, these creatures may have been inspired by sightings of the largest bony fish alive today, the oarfish.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).

Follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram for more updates.

MUST-SEE ROYAL PALACES AND CROWN JEWELS ON YOUR NEXT LUXURY TOUR

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The world’s most iconic monarchies shine brightest in the vestments and residences they own

More than the power and prestige that monarchs hold, it’s the artifacts and buildings signifying sovereignty that capture people’s imaginations. From the Forbidden City in Beijing to the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, these regal legacies embody the pomp and splendor of royalty commoners can only dream of

We commoners may never get the chance to own these regal vestments and mansions. But with good enough savings, we can at least treat ourselves to a luxury vacation for a glimpse of these once-exclusive royal attractions. Thinking of spending a little to see some of history's most renowned symbols of royalty? Here are a few ideas that will take you beyond the usual experience of crowns and castles.

Symbols of Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne

Just a few kilometers from Tokyo Station in Japan, the Imperial Palace offers scenic views in the East Garden where the public can stroll around arboreal spaces surrounded by deep moats and towering stone walls. Guided tours are restricted outside the buildings. 

Fortunately, the inner precincts open during two occasions: the customary New Year’s greeting every January 2 and the Emperor’s birthday.

As for Japan’s Imperial Regalia, the Three Sacred Treasures are distributed in three holy shrines dedicated to the Shinto Goddess Amaterasu: the jewel Yasakani no Magatama housed in the Imperial Palace; the mirror Yata no Kagami kept in the Grand Shrine of Ise, Mie Prefecture; and the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi located in Atsuta Shrine at Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. These relics are not on public display, but tourists can still visit the Museum of the Imperial Collections in the East Garden to see the imperial household treasures including paintings, pottery, sculptures, and calligraphy.

Seat of Thailand’s Royal House

In the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, the Grand Palace boasts impressive architecture with several gilded pagodas and intricate embellishments on pavilions, temples, and royal halls.

Proper clothing such as long pants and sleeves is a must to gain entry as part of a dress code; otherwise, a booth at the entrance can provide clothes for a small deposit fee.

The Thai royal regalia consist of several items used for the coronation rites.  These include the Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella, the Great Crown of Victory, the Sword of Victory, the Royal Staff, the Royal Slippers, the Royal Fan and Flywhisk, the four Royal Utensils, and the eight Weapons of Sovereignty. 

All these together with other national treasures are on display in the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins at the Grand Palace.

Remains of the Holy Roman Empire

Dominating the Nuremburg skyline in Bavaria, Germany, is Kaiserburg Castle, home to the German kings of the Holy Roman Empire for about 500 years. Notable attractions include the Romanesque double chapel featuring a Gothic crucifix by Northern Renaissance German sculptor, Veit Stross. 

Others are the Imperial Apartments containing antique furniture, tapestries, and artwork, as well as the Imperial Castle Museum featuring an array of armaments.

The Imperial Regalia, however, is housed in Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria. On display include the stone-studded Imperial Crown, the Imperial Scepter, the Imperial Orb, the Imperial Sword, and the Holy Lance said to have pierced the side of Jesus during his crucifixion. These, among a host of regalia and reliquaries on exhibit, are only part of a large secular collection from across Europe.

Pride of Scotland

Tourists at the United Kingdom often think of the Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London’s 140 royal ceremonial objects including the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, and the Sovereign’s Scepter when planning a royal sightseeing. 

For a different monarchical experience, Scotland is a must-visit.

Standing on an outcrop of volcanic rock, Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle has seen plenty of palace intrigues, imprisonments, and even murders throughout the stronghold’s centuries-old history. Some of the places to explore include the twelfth-century St. Margaret’s Chapel, the massive Mons Meg cannon, and the Stone of Destiny used for the coronation of Scottish monarchs and, later on, the monarchs of unified Great Britain.

The Scottish Crown Jewels once worn by Mary Queen of Scots are on display in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle together with the Stone of Destiny. Known as the Honours of Scotland, these royal articles include the Crown first donned by James V, the Scepter gifted to James IV by Pope Alexander VI, and the Sword of State also given to James IV by Pope Julius II.

As the oldest set of crown jewels in the British Isles, the Honours played many roles from crowing ancient Scottish kings and queens to representing the Monarch at the Scottish Parliament in modern times. Curious about the history of the Scottish regalia and its first possessors? Follow the exploits of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, in Reign, every Tuesday at 9:45PM on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).

For more updates, follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram.

Blue Ant Media goes on deck with PIRATES and MERMAIDS this June

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Blue Ant Entertainment, the exclusive pay TV broadcaster of Siren across multiple territories in Asia, is set to make a splash with new shows and blockbuster movies this June!

All hands on deck as Blue Ant Entertainment brings out mermaids and pirates with American drama Siren premiering on 4 June, and the four classic Pirates of the Caribbean movies as part of a new weekly movie block in the same month.

From depths unknown

©Freeform

Legend has it that coastal town Bristol Cove on the Pacific Northwest was once home to mermaids. Folklore proves more than fiction when a mysterious young woman who calls herself Ryn (Eline Powell) suddenly appears one night. The strange visitor soon catches the interests of local marine biologist Ben Pownell (Alex Roe). Together, along with Ben’s fellow marine biologist Maddie Bishop (Fola Evans-Akingbola), deep-sea fisherman Xander McClure (Ian Verdun), town eccentric and folklore expert Helen Hawkins (Rena Owen), and another mysterious woman who calls herself Donna (Sibongile Mlambo) unravel tensions between the denizens of land and sea as predatory mermaids seek to claim their birthright. Catch the two-hour special premiere of Siren on Monday, 4 June, at 9:45 P.M. (8:45 P.M. JKT/BKK) first and exclusive on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Siren has reached over 4 million views since its premiere in the U.S. alone, and has been well received by audience and critics alike. American digital media and entertainment company for women, Refinery29, describes Siren as “gripping and original,” while one of Florida’s largest newspapers, Tampa Bay Times, says that the show is “worth the deep dive in.” Cinemablend, the Internet’s go-to source of entertainment news, praises Powell as “a standout as Ryn,” and television news source website TV Fanatic says that “Siren is what television has been missing.”

Shiver me timbers

© Disney/ Jerry Bruckheimer

Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise follows the adventures of the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) involving magical treasures, supernatural creatures, former lovers, and even pirate mutiny. InPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the governor’s daughter, Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), has been captured by Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Jack’s traitorous former first mate who captains the cursed Black Pearl. Together with Elizabeth’s lover, William Turner (Orlando Bloom), Jack sets sail to save the damsel in distress and reclaim what the mutinous Barbossa has stolen from him.

The first four movies of the franchise (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl; Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest; Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End; and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) will air all Thursdays of June on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Love and the big screen

FIRST DATES © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc

There’s a lot more to look forward to this summer on Blue Ant Entertainment. Romance is in the air as complete strangers meet for the first time over lovely dinner on reality show First Dates every Tuesday at 8:50 P.M. (7:50 P.M. JKT/BKK). First Dates has instantly become a hit in the Philippines two weeks from its launch and has doubled Blue Ant Entertainment’s weekday 8:50 P.M. time slot average compared to the previous two weeks. This is based on data released by Kantar Media.

The big screen is also coming to the network’s international channels, Blue Ant Entertainment and Blue Ant Extreme. The channels will soon carry box office classics from NBCUniversal and Disney to cater to a wider audience in the region.

To learn more about Blue Ant Entertainment’s exciting programs and movie lineup, follow the channel atwww.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram.