Virtusio Public Relations, Inc.

This Makati Shangri-La Hotel function room becomes an arena as selected entertainment media members and bloggers alike rush to answer trivia questions related to gladiator culture and SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND on June 23, 2010.

The graphic and visceral new series, SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND, premieres for the first time in Asia on Saturday, July 10 at 10:00 pm on MAX. Known for a unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences, the series stars Australian actor Andy Whitfield (McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah (The Mummy) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300) as Doctore. A breakout success in the US, the premiere episode of SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND attracted 3.8 million viewers, attracting more viewers in its premiere week than Dexter and The Tudors in their respective premiere weeks, and sustaining a continued viewership averaging more than one million viewers each week. This epic television event comes from award-winning producers Sam Raimi (Spider-Man), Rob Tapert (The Grudge), Joshua Donen (The Quick and the Dead) and Steven S. DeKnight (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

VPRI and HBO Asia launched SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND last June 23, 2010 with fanfare at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Themed “Are You Ready To Enter The Arena?”, the media event began with a rich multi-course luncheon that evoked a Roman banquet. The invited entertainment media members and entertainment bloggers were granted a sneak preview of the series, and also had the chance to “duke it out” through a short trivia challenge.