Jollibee to Open in the Heart of Times Square, New York on August 18

THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE. Jollibee makes it to the heart of Times Square, right beside Good Morning America.

TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY, USA. 12 August 2022  – Another first in its international expansion plan, homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee will open in the heart of the iconic Times Square, New York on August 18, 2022. The newest store opening forms part of the Jollibee Group’s aggressive overseas expansion and sustained growth in one of its key pillar markets, North America.

Also known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a  top global commercial and entertainment hub. Jollibee Times Square will be located right beside Good Morning America and in the Bowtie, where the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop takes place. The store is expected to attract new fans and introduce the brand to more mainstream American customers.

“We are excited to spread the joy of eating to everyone and contribute to the diverse and exciting food scene in Times Square,” shared Maribeth Dela Cruz, Jollibee Group’s President for Philippine Brands (Jollibee, Chowking, and Red Ribbon) in North America.

The Times Square branch will offer Jollibee menu favorites, including the world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken and Chicken Sandwich–each with its own spicy variant, and other favorites such as Peach Mango Pie and Jolly Spaghetti.

Now with 84 locations across North America and over 1,500 restaurants worldwide, Jollibee continues to grow its presence in the U.S. and Canada, with plans of reaching 500 stores in the next five to seven years. Jollibee is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, one of the world's largest and fastest growing restaurant companies. To learn more about Jollibee and other brands of the Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

Hollywood filmmakers are mounting a feature that seeks to showcase

CAPTION Left to right: Francis B. Lara Ho (producer); Danny Trejo; Bea Alonzo; Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan; Michael Copon; Costas Mandylor; Hector David Jr.; and Terry Amos.

Hollywood filmmakers are mounting a feature that seeks to showcase

Filipino history and heroism to an international audience

Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Aug. 5, 2022) -- US-based Filipino producer Francis B. Lara Ho and Filipino-American actor-director Michael Copon are collaborating for the film "1521" which will depict a clandestine love story against the backdrop of the epic clash between pre-colonial Filipinos and Spanish forces of Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan, Philippines more than 500 years ago.

The film boasts a powerhouse cast including Copon, renowned American actor Danny Trejo, Filipino superstar Bea Alonzo, and award-winning actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.

"1521" opens with the character Didi or Diwata, who dreams of being transported to pre-colonial Philippines while exploring the ruins of an ancient Spanish fort. In her dream, she becomes a native princess who falls in love with Magellan's handsome translator Enrique — their romance caught up in the conflict.

The events become more complicated after Didi awakens, and soon finds the line between her dream and reality blurring.

The film will also be told largely from the perspective of Lapu-Lapu, regarded as the first Filipino hero for leading the forces that defeated the Spaniards.

Copon, who will both direct the film and portray Lapu-Lapu, said he took on the project to highlight Filipino history and culture.

"People don't know what happened to Magellan. Some people in America think he just died. And a lot of times, the history of the Philippines gets pushed under the rug, unnoticed, which led to the passion that we wanted to embrace those stories and embrace the culture, and say 'Hey! Let me get this out there,'" said Copon, known for starring in "Power Rangers Time Force" and the teen drama "One Tree Hill."

"Even more historic is, this is the first time a Hollywood director and producer are producing a movie about a Filipino story with Hollywood stars and Filipino stars in one movie," he added.

Trejo, who starred in the "Machete" and "From Dusk till Dawn" film series, will play Magellan.

Alonzo will take on the role of Diwata while Puerto Rican actor Hector David Jr., who also appeared in "Power Rangers," portrays her love interest Enrique.

Copon said "1521" would not focus entirely on the Battle of Mactan, citing the romance between Diwata and Enrique, which he described as the "heart and soul" of the story.

"We didn't want to make a movie that is just about the battle and the war," he said.

Lara Ho said the film would be shot entirely in Palawan, which was picked for its scenic beaches and mountains.

The producer, himself a Palaweño, hoped to provide more opportunities to the people in the province through the project.

"I am actually pleasantly surprised when we did the casting that there are quite a few Palaweños who are really incredible in talent. They just need the opportunities and so that’s what we are bringing here," Lara Ho said.

"Sad to say that Palawan is one of the richest in terms of natural resources but our poverty level is very high compared to other provinces. That's why I'm hoping that bringing projects here would change that," he added.

"1521" is scheduled for release on June 12, 2023, coinciding with the 125th celebration of Philippine Independence Day.