Aseneth WAIDE

Director: Kitao SakuraiCast: Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Jason Momoa, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, David Dastmalchian, Roman Reigns, Cody RhodesRating: PG-13 | Genre(s): Action, Adventure | Run Time: 1hr 59minA GOOD BLEND OF REALISM AND VIDEO GAME ACTION – THOUGH THE COMEDY COULD BE OFF-PUTTING“Video game brought to life with a generic storyline”Estranged fighters Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) and Ryu (Andrew Koji) reunite six years later after being recruited by the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) for a deadly combat tournament. The plan is simple – fight for glory – until it’s not.Ken and Ryu’s fighter costumes were not only game accurate but realistic enough to not appear as tacky comical attire. The costumes captured the distinct elements that make it instantly recognizable such as Ken’s karate gi with a black belt, and white, sleeveless karate gi with a black belt and red headband. The costumes felt practical and also believable in this setting. They retained the nostalgic appeal of the original characters while giving them a grounded, cinematic presence.The film embraces a deliberately goofy over-the-top comedic style, blending slapstick, crude humor and self-aware jokes with high energy (occasionally exaggerated) fighting sequences. Its readiness to poke fun at the absurdity of its characters gives the film a lighthearted, cartoonish personality, although not ever gag lands, and the frequent shifts between comedy and serious drama sometimes disrupt its tone.Street Fighter (2026) had so much graphic elements that it can get visually overstimulating. From its colored 90s visuals, animated sequences, neon lighting and signature combat moves –particularly in its opening sequences – the film constantly throws something vibrant to the audience. While these elements help recreate the energetic, exaggerated aesthetic of the original video game, they can occasionally compete for visual attention. At times, the sheer amount of color, movement and visual detail makes it difficult to focus. However, this excessive visual style also contributes to the film's larger-than-life world that Street Fighter is known for.The storyline feels somewhat generic relying on the well-worn brotherhood theme. Such concepts have deep meaning in regions such as East Asia, however in American cinema it can come across as superficial, reducing culturally grounded relationships to familiar action movie tropes instead of exploring their deeper significance.Overall, Street Fighter (2026) succeeds more as a colorful, high-energy video game adaptation than as a compelling piece of storytelling. Its faithful costumes, exaggerated combat sequences and retro visual style give fans plenty to appreciate, while its humour adds a playful personality that won't appeal to everyone. Beneath all the spectacle however, the plot leaves much to be desired, sticking to a common adaptation of the brotherhood theme. It may not reinvent the fighting-game adaptation, but it understands the entertainment value of bringing its arcade-inspired world to life.Final Verdict:Street Fighter (2026) is an enjoyable nostalgia trip that brilliantly captures the colorful chaos and exaggerated energy of its video game roots. While its basic storyline and excessive visual stimulation occasionally get in the way, its commitment to spectacle, action and fan service make it a great watch. A fun arcade experience brought to the big screen, even if the story doesn’t pack a punch.★★★⯪☆ (3.5/5)

Contemporary PNG artist Jeffry Feeger unveiled his debut solo exhibition, Sovereign Vibe: A Portrait of the Nation After Its First Fifty Years, at an invitation-only opening night at the Sheraton hotel, Port Moresby on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.The exhibition featured 45 artworks, including 34 portraits representing cultural identities from all 22 provinces of Papua New Guinea.The exhibition featured paintings reflecting PNG’s diverse cultural identities, including at least 36 works created through live painting performances over six months.Speaking at the opening, Feeger reflected on his 23-year career as a professional artist, describing the exhibition as a celebration of creative freedom, perseverance and personal growth.He explained that his approach to painting had evolved over the years, moving beyond the traditional studio environment to embrace performance art, where music, rhythm, movement and spontaneity influenced each brushstroke.“Every mark, every stroke has that energy or that particular movement that describes that particular time.”Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Belden Namah praised the exhibition, saying it demonstrated the hidden artistic talent found throughout Papua New Guinea.He recalled purchasing two paintings for approximately K16,000 from a woman with a disability during last year’s 50th anniversary celebrations, stressing the importance of supporting local artists.Minister Namah reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting PNG’s arts and culture, assuring Feeger of continued support.“We will support you and promote you at all costs.”Both Feeger and Namah emphasized the importance of recognizing local talent and celebrating Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage through the arts.The exhibition will be opened to the public for free viewing in the hotel lobby from October 28 to November 2, 2026.

Bishop Józef Roszyński from the Diocese of Wewak in East Sepik Province, has called for stronger rural health centres, improved medical resources and greater use of digital technology to bring quality healthcare closer to remote communities in Papua New Guinea.Speaking during the recent Catholic Church Health Services National Conference, Bishop Roszyński said the Church’s goal over the next 10 years was to prepare for changing healthcare needs and challenges across the country.He said rural health centres needed better access to essential medical equipment, clean water, reliable transport and medicine supplies.He also stressed the potential of solar power and internet connectivity to support remote facilities, including powering refrigerators for storing medicines.“I believe it is now possible to have internet connections even in the most remote places, along with solar power to run small refrigerators for storing medication.”“We can also organize a reliable chain of medicine supplies. With the development of solar panels and batteries, this equipment is now more affordable.”Bishop Roszyński said greater use of technology could help health workers seek medical advice when patients could not be transported to a doctor immediately.“When we don't know how to conduct certain medical procedures, we could utilize a video call to consult a doctor for assistance.”He also urged young people to become health professionals to serve their communities.“Encourage our smart students who are coming from our nursing schools and our institutions to go for specialization. ““When we educate them, we also need to ensure that we retain them in the country, so they can continue to serve our people and our Catholic Church Health Services.”

Creator: Liklik MediaDuration: 7mins 3secsRelease Date: Tuesday October 20th, 2026Cast: Hane Kokoha, Heidee Woito, Rubu Jimmy, Rima RavusiroLani’s (Heidee Woito) regular day takes an unexpected turn when Miri (Hane Kokoha) arrives with a badly bruised face.Noah should’ve been the focus of this episode but once again, he appears for less than one minute in the beginning of the episode before the focus shifts to the conflict between Miri and Ben. The title is misleading to audiences as they may expect more conflict between Lani and Noah as she gets suspicious of his financial dealings.City Pharmacy’s obvious promotion of its rewards card undermines the seriousness of the episode. The stakes in Back from the Abyss at this point are high and emotionally heavy. Lani and Kori are trying to get medical treatment for Miri. Shifting the narrative focus away from Miri's urgent care to have a cashier explain a retail reward card loyalty program shatters the dramatic tension. Had the advertisement appeared earlier in the series, when the relationship between Lani and Miri was still free of conflict, it could have felt far more organic. A scene of the two friends shopping together and discovering discounts would have provided a believable context for the promotion without compromising the narrative’s emotional weight.On the other hand, Noah’s negative character development is handled brilliantly through his dialogue and subtle changes in behavior. Unlike Ben’s more blatant physical aggression, Noah’s distress manifests in less obvious but equally telling ways. As a level-headed person who appears to suppress his conflicts rather than express them openly, his growing irritability and anger reveal the emotional pressure of building beneath the surface. Because sadness or fear are often socialized out of men, internalized pain frequently leaks out as unprovoked anger, impatience, or defensiveness with loved ones. Rather than relying on explicit displays of aggression, the series effectively uses Noah’s dialogue and shifting personality to expose the cracks in his once-gentle demeanor.Final Verdict:Despite character development for Noah, the episode loses focus with his limited screen time, a misleading title, and an ill-timed advertisement that disrupts the emotional tension of Miri’s medical crisis.★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Creator: Liklik MediaDuration: 5mins 13secsRelease Date: Sunday October 18th, 2026Cast: Hane Kokoha, Rima RavusiroBen (Rima Ravusiro) physically assaults Miri (Hane Kokoha) after another argument. She visits a clinic to get her injuries checked and unexpectedly receives more than medical support from the staff.Given the graphic depiction of physical abuse in this episode, a trigger warning should have been displayed at the beginning to advise the viewer about discretion. While mature audiences may process such sensitive media comfortably, sudden portrayals of violence can be deeply distressing for survivors of domestic abuse and minors.Additionally, the scene at City Pharmacy would benefit from stronger visual subtext – the unspoken meaning beneath the literal words spoken by characters. In the scene of Miri speaking to the nurse, it is implied that the nurse is experienced and able to tell right away that Miri is lying; the scene relies too heavily on explicit dialogue. A more nuanced, high-stakes alternative, would be for the nurse to quietly slip a domestic violence helpline brochure into Miri’s clinic book, thus demonstrating her understanding of the situation without putting Miri at further risk.Miri’s makeup is convincingly designed to portray physical trauma only on the left side of the face, creating a stark contrast with the untouched right side. The small tear above the left eyebrow features raised, rugged edges and dark maroon coloring that gives the wound a scabbed, open appearance. The dark mark at the corner of the lower lip adds another layer of realism, suggesting a split or bruised lip. This combination shows a careful approach to theatrical makeup. Overall, it creates a realistic visual representation of facial injuries and helps communicate the brutality of the character's trauma.Final Verdict:Overall, the episode delivers a confronting portrayal of domestic abuse enhanced by excellent makeup but neglects ethical considerations and missed opportunities for more subtle, powerful storytelling.★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

Creator: Liklik MediaDuration: 4mins 10secsRelease Date: Friday October 16th, 2026Cast: Heidee Woito, Eldan Toti, Richard Taurega, Rima Ravusiro,Noah’s (Eldan Toti) secret financial issues are slowly bubbling to the surface after Lani (Heidee Woito) gets an unexpected visit from Peter (Richard Taurega). Meanwhile, Ben’s (Rima Ravusiro) possessiveness spirals out of control as he rejects a job offer to track Miri’s location.The growing pressure on Noah to repay his debt marks a compelling shift in his character, as the stress begins to affect his relationship with Lani. His sudden rude response towards her towards the end of this episode demonstrates a negative change in his behaviour, one that feels uncharacteristic of the Noah we have come to know. This is conveyed through Lani’s reaction, which suggests that his sudden change in attitude is both unexpected and concerning to her.Ben’s descent into extreme abusive behaviour is portrayed through a gradual escalation of coercive control. In previous episodes, subtle abuse presents itself as concern. It later develops into persistent questioning about his wife’s whereabouts, suspicions of infidelity, and arguments over her interactions with other men.As the story progresses, his possessiveness becomes increasingly intrusive, presently showing him tracking her movements and even rejecting a job offer to maintain his watch over her. This progression effectively illustrates how abusive behaviour can intensify over time, transforming seemingly minor expressions of concern into an obsession with monitoring and restricting a partner’s independence.Peter’s conversation with Lani could have been written with more subtlety, as his dialogue makes it too obvious that he knows more about her than he lets on. A line like “I’ve heard lots about you” feels unnecessarily direct for someone portrayed as an experienced loan shark with strong street smarts. A more calculated approach to the conversation would have better reflected Peter’s cunning nature, allowing him to toy with Noah or test Lani’s reactions without immediately revealing how much he knows. This would make his character feel more convincing, and his interactions with Lani more unsettling, as the audience would be left questioning just how much he actually knows about Noah’s family.Final Verdict:Overall, the episode effectively develops Noah’s financial desperation and Ben’s escalating coercive control, but Peter’s overly direct dialogue undermines the subtle menace his character should bring to the story.★★★★☆ (4/5)

Ependa School of Evangelism in Mendi Southern Highlands Province is preparing for its next batch of evangelism training while celebrating the graduation of Batch 25 and making progress on the construction of its school building complex.Pastor David Paki recently confirmed that Batch 26 of the Evangelism Training Programme will take place from November 16 to 27, 2026.Meanwhile, the school recently celebrated the graduation of Batch 25, marking another milestone in its efforts to equip and train individuals for evangelism.Pastor Paki expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the programme through their prayers and contributions.Progress is also continuing on the Ependa School of Evangelism Building Complex, with recent updates showing work underway on the outlet plumbing system.“Work is being done on the outlet plumbing before ceiling plywood is up to seal of the interior plumbing work.”The school is now seeking continued prayers and support as work progresses towards the installation of the ceiling plywood.“Keep us in your prayers.”Pastor Paki thanked supporters for their ongoing commitment, prayers and contributions towards the school's training programmes and infrastructure development.He encouraged everyone to continue supporting the work of the ministry.Ependa School of Evangelism first begin classrooms were constructed the in 2021 and completed in 2023. Training started in May 2023 and has continued into 2026.Depending on attendance, the school trains between 5-20 students from the highland’s provinces and Morobe Province.The two-week intensive program that takes place every month, was created with the intention of teaching interested individuals on how to prepare and present well-structured sermons to an audience.For further information or support, contact:Pastor David PakiPhone: +675 7933 1828

The National Government is looking at ways to support third-level airline operators to improve affordable air transport services for people living in remote parts of Papua New Guinea.Minister for Civil Aviation and Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, Douglas Tomuriesa, told Parliament that discussions with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and other third-level airline operators were planned within two weeks to examine their operational requirements and service availability.The discussions follow concerns raised in parliament by the Member for Wau Waria (Morobe Province), Marsh Narewec, who called on the government to consider subsidies or other forms of assistance for operators serving rural communities.Narewec said airlines such as North Coast Aviation and Air Sanga faced cash-flow challenges and often relied on charter services, which were unaffordable for many people in remote areas.He said improved air transport was essential for rural communities to benefit from existing and newly rehabilitated airstrips, particularly in areas where difficult terrain, rivers and valleys made road access challenging.In response, Tomuriesa acknowledged the important role airstrips have played in the country's development and confirmed that the Government was also progressing work on two outstanding airstrips in Wau Waria District – Sim and Tekadu.“Airstrips play a major role in the development of our country since before independence, up to today.” “We have identified a funding through meetings with the CEOs of both entities, and we've set aside those funding which are now in the hands of RAA (Rural Airstrip Agency of PNG).”“RAA will be moving in to work on those two airstrips. Their engineers will visit the district to assess the two airstrips and determine the rehabilitation work required.”The Minister also called on members of Parliament, governors and local communities to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining rural airstrips, particularly in addressing landownership issues.“If you see a need to rehabilitate existing facilities, it could cost between K200, 000 and K300, 000.”Currently, the only operational airstrip in Wau-Waria is Pureno.

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has challenged the city's municipal authority to radically rethink its public transport strategy. He raised urgent concerns over unreliable Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) services, rising traffic congestion, and the pressing need for safer, cleaner, and more dependable commuting options for residents.Speaking during the demolition commissioning of the old National Capital District Commission (NCDC) engineering division building at Tarpot, Governor Parkop stressed that the city must act immediately to plan for the transport demands of future generations.The Failure of the Current PMV SystemGovernor Parkop questioned whether residents should remain at the mercy of an unreliable PMV sector, particularly during sudden operator strikes."Will they continue to have this type of unreliable PMV bus service anytime operators go on strike?" he asked, urging planners to develop a robust, dependable alternative.As Port Moresby’s population grows rapidly, the Governor warned against a future heavily reliant on private vehicles, noting that unchecked car ownership would inevitably paralyze the city with persistent traffic jams. The sustainable solution, he argued, is a transition to a high-quality municipal network where residents can confidently choose clean and safe public transit over private cars.Looking ahead, the Governor questioned whether Port Moresby's existing iconic infrastructure—including its four-lane roads and the Kookaburra flyover—would be enough to sustain future demands. He suggested that upcoming urban designs may need to incorporate:Underground tunnelsStrategic underpassesAdditional overpasses and flyoversGovernor Parkop linked these structural and logistical challenges directly to the NCDC’s Vision 2040, which aims to transform Port Moresby into an inclusive, prosperous, and highly livable city."The demand will increase and increase," Parkop stated. "We need smarter people—very innovative staff who are going to think about not just the present, but the future."

Creator: Liklik MediaDuration: 5mins 18secsRelease Date: Tuesday October 13th, 2026Cast: Heidee Woito, Eldan Toti, Hane Kokoha, Rima Ravusiro, Tristan MaruLani (Heidee Woito) pays a visit to Miri’s (Hane Kokoha) home after noticing her friend’s distressed behavior for the past few days. She arrives right when Ben (Rima Ravusiro) and Miri are in the heat of an argument.Heidee Woito’s portrayal of Lani is one of the episode’s highlights, with her natural concern and genuine emotional reactions making the character feel believable. She conveys Lani’s worry and vulnerability naturally, making her struggles in friendship relatable.A critical theme explored in this episode is female infertility and how it can become a trigger for abuse. In many Papua New Guinean communities, a woman’s ability to bear children is highly valued, but this expectation can place enormous pressure on women who are unable to conceive due to medical conditions. The episode raises an important question: when motherhood is treated as a measure of a woman’s worth, what happens to those who cannot have children? Rather than receiving understanding and support, these women may face blame, stigma and even abuse.The episode also suffers from several cinematography issues, particularly in framing and, composition. The vertical 9:16 format limits the amount of horizontal space available for visual storytelling, while inconsistent framing further weakens the shots. In one transition shot, the sky occupies nearly 80 per cent of the frame, pushing the cars and street-level action towards the bottom edge. In the scene between Lani and Miri, a large blue thermos cup and pharmacy brochure obstruct much of the lower frame, drawing attention away from the characters’ interaction. Overall, these technical shortcomings make the visuals distract from the scenes’ emotional impact.Final Verdict:Heidee Woito delivers a convincing performance as Lani in an episode that tackles the sensitive issue of infertility and abuse, but inconsistent framing and composition weaken its emotional impact.★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Creator: Liklik MediaDuration: 4mins 12secsRelease Date: Sunday October 11th, 2026Cast: Heidee Woito, Eldan Toti, William Bereung, Tristan MaruNoah (Eldan Toti) takes the bait and is sucked into the practice of gambling. Despite winning his first game, his conscience is troubled.One of the episode’s strengths is the natural dialogue during the gambling scene. While inexperienced Noah stays quiet and carefully follows the game, seasoned gambler Joe guides him through it. The contrast between Noah’s hesitation and Joe’s awareness make their dynamic authentic, while the background characters’ grumbling and arguing capture the lively atmosphere of a typical PNG community gathering.Toti’s inner conflict as Noah is another highlight, as he wrestles with guilt over compromising his values, and frustration with his circumstances. His flat responses to Lani suggest emotional exhaustion, but his gradual shift when his son excitedly talks about contributing to the class party reveals a softer side, hinting at the affection he still holds beneath his growing bitterness.The most noticeable technical flaw in the night scenes is the extreme underexposure, which makes it difficult to distinguish the character from the surrounding environment. The heavy shadows cause his shirt to almost blend into the dark background, obscuring important visual details and reducing the overall clarity of the shots. Better lighting would have improved visibility.Final Verdict:Overall, strong character dynamics and Noah’s emotional turmoil make this episode engaging, though the poorly lit night scenes detract from its visual quality.★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Creator: Liklik MediaDuration: 4mins 24secsRelease Date: Friday October 9th, 2026Cast: Hane Kokoha, Rima Ravusiro, Eldan Toti, William BereungBen’s (Rima Ravusiro) abuse escalates to a physical confrontation after Miri’s (Hane Kokoha) conversation with Kori at the market. Meanwhile, in desperation Noah (Eldan Toti) takes up Joe’s (William Bereung) offer to go gambling illegally.One of the key themes explored in this episode is the influence of bad company and how constant pressure from the wrong people can lead someone down a destructive path. This is demonstrated when Noah finally succumbs to Joe’s relentless text messages, promising easy money. Despite the negative setbacks that may result due to Noah’s compliance, Joe’s persistent offers wear down Noah’s resistance. This moment highlights the complexity of Noah’s character and how hopelessness can override morals. Rather than portraying bad company as an immediate force of corruption, the episode suggests that its influence can be gradual, with repeated temptations slowly chipping away at a person’s better judgement.William Bereung delivers an applause-worthy performance as the shady Joe. He primarily comes across as a common drunken friend, making his eventual role in Noah’s downward spiral all the more convincing. Through his persistent communication and street-cunning charisma, Joe gradually draws Noah into gambling. Bereung successfully portrays the character’s corrupting nature, presenting him as an obvious villain to the audience but not to a socially unequipped person such as Noah.The vertical cinematography in this series frequently struggles with composition, lighting, and framing customized to the 9:16 aspect ratio. Across multiple scenes, poor spatial framing leads to clipped actor heads and excessive dead space that distracts from the main subject – usually the actor. Wide group shots attempting to capture horizontal layouts result in cluttered compositions where foreground actors awkwardly block lines of sight and obscure central interactions. Furthermore, inconsistent lighting plagues indoor setups – dim; flat indoor lighting fails to separate characters from their surroundings. These technical shortcomings hinder visual storytelling and pull the viewer out of the narrative.Final Verdict:Despite compelling performances and a relevant exploration of abuse, desperation, and the influence of bad company, the episode’s cinematography flaws undermine its storytelling potential.★★☆☆☆ (2/5)