"Ralph Breaks the Internet" Opens at No.1 , Connects with PH Audiences

Filipino audiences connected and shared their love for Disney’s “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” as the delightful sequel opened at No.1 on its first day of release in the Philippines Nov. 21, beating the week’s other major studio films.

Earning over 130,000 USD on Day One, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” posted the sixth biggest first day gross for a Disney animation title, performing impressively as it heads for a sensational five-day opening weekend. 

SM Cinema opens 64th branch in Ormoc City

SM Cinema opened its newest movie hub at SM Center Ormoc. Equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology and additional 390 seats, SM Cinema Ormoc has three (3) sound surround digital cinemas with end to end screens and comfortable seats.

SM Cinema Ormoc also launched the very first Director’s Club in the region making it the only premiere cinema movie hub in Eastern Visayas. Director’s Club Cinema is complete with 40 full electronic reclining plush seats and personal butlers to give viewers the most relaxed, comfortable, and premium movie experience.

Vivo creates “treasured moments” with elderly this season of giving

Vivo employees and God’s Grace Home Care Center
founders Grace Fe T. Capital and Rufino M. Capital smile for photos.

Global smartphone brand Vivo has played Santa ahead of Christmas as it created treasured moments to the elderly at the God’s Grace Home Care Center (GGHCC) in Quezon City on November 24, 2018. 

GGHCC serves as a home to the elderly, the disabled, and other patients who need palliative care. With this in mind, Vivo as represented by its 24 employees brought cash donation, brand new wheelchairs, commodes, adult diapers, slippers, pillows, and personal hygiene kits for the GGHCC. At least 40 older adults from the GGHCC participated in Vivo’s visit. 

Manila Wrestling Federation Continues to Ring its Bells in MWF 6: Noche Buena

Manila Wrestling Federation - the hottest and fastest-rising live entertainment spectacle in Metro Manila - continues its unique blend of athleticism and "AksyoNovela" storytelling into its special holiday presentation, "MWF 6: Noche Buena", to be held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, Diliman, Quezon City on December 1, Saturday. Gates open at 5:00 pm.

Offering more of its ever so highly entertaining and action-packed brand in the jolliest month and closing their first official year with exciting matches and fun-filled stories, MWF shares the gift of awesome wrestling that will have you wanting to be Nice instead of Naughty in Santa’s list.

The Federation’s resident hypebeast Khayl Sison, who is quickly becoming one of Philippine entertainment’s most naughtiest hated villain, has issued an open challenge to anyone who wants to try taking him down. Who will step up to the plate?

The ever-cool MWF resident action hero Gigz Stryker and his trusty sidekick RG, cap off their wild and eccentric cinematic adventure against the charismatic cult leaders of “Ang Bahay ng Liwanag” in “Sagot Kita 6: D’ Final Showdown”, the finale of the film series featuring the MWF performers as well as film and TV star JC Santos.

Netflix Releases "Memories Of The Alhambra" Trailer And "Hymn Of Death"

Memories of the Alhambra builds on a story where an investment company CEO travels to Granada, Spain on a business trip and accidentally stays the night in a cheap hostel owned by a former guitarist. The two fall into various strange situations as they find new mysteries.

It has also announced that it will be launching Hymn of Death, a tragic love story K-drama.

Hymn of Death is a 3-part series that tells a story about Korea’s first soprano Yun Sim-deok and her genius playwright boyfriend Kim Woo-jin. Loved by a wide audience, the beautiful yet tragic love story has been recreated in various formats including films, plays, and musicals throughout the years. 

From Reel to Real: Witness Movies Come Alive in SM Cinema Blockbuster Weekend!

The last month of the year is approaching but SM Cinema is still unstoppable in bringing fun and excitement to movie goers as they launch the SM Cinema Blockbuster Weekend at SM Mall of Asia from November 30 to December 2.

As part of the ongoing Reel to Real Campaign of SM Cinema, movies such as Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it-Ralph 2, Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse and Pokemon: The Power of Us will be featured through the three-day interactive exhibit, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the featured movies.

As the public enter the event area, they can check Wreck-It-Ralph inspired exhibits such as Vanellope’s Sugar Rush World, Mr. Litwak’s Arcade and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it-Ralph 2 360 Photobooth. They can also experience the world of Spider-Man at the Upside Down Room and become a real-life Pokemon trainer through the mini-Pokemon Center.

King Sue Premium Christmas Hams

In no other country is Christmas more special than in the Philippines. Here, it’s more than tradition—it’s so ingrained in every Filipino’s hearts that as soon as September arrives, well-loved Christmas songs start to be played and some even begin to put up small decorations that reflect the yuletide season.

Visitors from other countries could only wonder in amazement how locals are able to allot the entire latter third part of the calendar year to celebrating Christmas.

Julie Anne San Jose: The Embodiment of Vivo’s Edge

Singer-songwriter and actress Julie Anne San Jose has come a long way with her talents. With a career that has spanned more than a decade, Julie Anne has worn many hats: from acting in soaps to producing albums to singing and writing her own songs. Young, beautiful, and full of ambitions, Julie Anne makes the perfect Vivo endorser as she embodies what the brand is: Youthful, beautiful, edgy, and a relentless innovator. 

Julie Anne started out very young; no wonder at the age of 24, she already has a multitude of accomplishments under her belt.

Warning from SM Cinema: The Grinch is Back to Steal Christmas!

Here’s a warning from SM Cinema and Illumination Entertainment! Make sure you really prepare for the holidays as the unsociable and ill-tempered Grinch is back, planning to steal Christmas in the animated version of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch showing in SM Cinema this November.

The film follows the story of The Grinch together with his loyal dog, Max, as he faces his most hated time of the year, the Christmas season. When his Whoville neighbors are preparing and celebrating for the holidays, The Grinch is planning to steal Christmas and silence the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all. Will the Grinch finally succeed and achieve his dream peace?

From the studio that created the The Despicable Me franchise, Illumination Entertainment once again presents an animation that will be loved by the whole family, the animated adaptation of a Dr. Seuss classic, The Grinch. Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier, the film features the voices of actors Benedict Cumberbatch as The Grinch, Cameron Seely as Cindy Lou-Who, Rashida Jones as Donna Who and Pharell Williams as the Narrator.

Michael B. Jordan: On Family, Fatherhood and the Fight of His Life in "Creed II"

From Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures and Chartoff Winkler Productions comes Creed II, with Michael B. Jordan, three-time Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone, and Tessa Thompson reprising their leading roles in the next chapter of the Adonis Creed story, which follows the young boxer’s life inside and outside of the ring as he deals with newfound fame, family, his father’s legacy, and his continuing quest to become a champion.  

TFC’s digital series “Lines and Letters” nominated at the 23rd Asian Television Awards

The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) digital series Lines and Letters is nominated at the 23rd Asian Television Awards under the Best Digital Non-Fiction Programme Series category.

Asian Television Awards Asian Television Awards is an award-giving body in Asia which recognizes excellence in programming, production and performance. For over a decade now, ATA has showcased and gave recognition to quality television productions within Asia.

Holiday business tips from DHL Discover: e-commerce dos and don’ts

Christmas is less than 100 days away and if you’re running a business, the biggest shopping period is a must-win time of the year. Since Filipinos start celebrating Christmas as early as September, searches for gifts and Christmas-related items continue to spike. The opportunities to engage customers online are plenty, but are you winning them over?

Drawing from its experiences shipping volumes of holiday packages, DHL Express wraps up and delivers some useful hacks from DHL Discover, a free library on helping businesses succeed and grow. Here are top recommendations to help you up your e-commerce game---from online shopping all the way to check-out.

Meet Max & Fred, the Loyal Pets of "The Grinch" (Opens Nov 28)

The grumpy Grinch may be out to steal Christmas, but his loyal, animal friends may inadvertently  steal the thunder from him when it comes cuteness, in Universal Pictures and Illumination’s new comedy adventure The Grinch starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

Watch the new The Grinch TV Spot at YouTube: https://youtu.be/9TZZW7Jpy1g.)

DJ Mark Thompson Stands Victorious as the 2018 Red Bull Music 3Style Philippine Champion

DJ Mark Thompson emerged victorious at the Red Bull Music 3Style Philippine Finals on Sunday, November 18th, 2018, at Xylo at the Palace, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila. The newly crowned champion will advance to the Global Finals in Taipei, Taiwan, where he will represent the Philippines from January 20th – 29th, 2019.

Red Bull Music 3Style is one of the premier music tournaments in the world today. Now on its fifth year in the Philippines as an annual event, Red Bull Music 3Style brought out the best young DJs the country has to offer in a showcase of skill, creativity, and ability. Each participant was tasked to upload a five-minute performance video showcasing three different genres of music.

Shopee Continues Christmas Celebrations with the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

From November 26 to December 12, users can shop the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale featuring daily free shipping promotions, deals as low as  ₱12, and exciting activities with Shopee’s Christmas ambassador Jose Mari Chan

Fresh off the excitement from the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, celebrates the final wave of Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Starting November 26, users can shop the Shopee 12.12 Big Christmas Sale featuring 16 themed sale days in the lead up to December 12, with daily free shipping promotions, flash sales as low as ₱12, and Shopee Shake worth 12 million. Shopee will also be launching a brand new in-app game, Shopee Quiz.

BA Documentary “Box City” wins 1st place in San Francisco Press Club’s Greater Bay Area Journalism Awards

San Francisco Press Club’s outgoing president, Antonia Ehlers
(center) with the Box City team (L-R) Jon Santos, Jeremiah Ysip,
 Henni Espinosa, and Mike Carrion.

A distressing design of cardboard roofs and plywood floors hunched and cramped beneath the majestic backdrop of San Francisco’s glossy high-rise apartments, sparkling condominiums, and million-dollar homes is captured in BA’s documentary, Box City. It is also an encampment that many homeless in the community call home.

Box City won 1st place, besting AJ+, in the TV/Video Documentary category of San Francisco Press Club’s 41st Annual Greater Bay Area Journalism Awards. The team behind Box City – Producer/Writer Henni Espinosa; Director of Photography Jeremiah Ysip; Cameraman Patrick Luna; Editor Jon Santos; and Graphic Designer Mike Carrion were awarded certificates of excellence for their notable work.

McJim short films win best digital ad at CMMA, awards in Wales and Liverpool int’l film fests

Director and PR entrepreneur Chris Cahilig receives
 the Best Branded Digital Ad award for McJim’s “Pitaka”
at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

 

It may be gratifying to receive international recognitions for our artistic works, but it is ultimately more rewarding when a prestigious Philippine award-giving body acknowledges the sheer amount of talent Filipinos possess when crafting world-class content for the many creative endeavors they get into.

This is the message that trusted leather goods brand McJim Classic Leather wants to convey after its debut short film “Pitaka” (The Wallet) was hailed last November 14 as the Best Branded Digital Ad at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards. It is the newest category in the CMMA that recognizes the shift in media consumption of the modern Filipino.

Directed by public relations entrepreneur Chris Cahilig, “Pitaka” is the result of McJim’s groundbreaking and innovative efforts to project the best of Filipino values to the world.

Benedict Cumberbatch Gives Humanity, Wickedness to "The Grinch"

Doctor Strange himself, Benedict Cumberbatch gives a distinctive version of the titular character that has a lot of humanity but also finds the comedic, wicked side, in Universal Pictures and Illumination’s new comedy adventure The Grinch.

(Watch the new TV spot of The Grinch at https://youtu.be/zJoGPJqdM4E.)

Cumberbatch’s Grinch is more mischievous than cruel, more cranky than merely mean. His motivation in stealing Christmas isn’t to punish the Whos, but to simply make all the Christmas madness stop so that he doesn’t have to deal with it.

JCI Manila And Gold Seas Tuna Chunks Pave The Way To "The Sea Of Life Museum"

With the worldwide crisis of environmental issue prevailing in many communities, I guess we do need to hear some good news about people who have been pushing for preservation and propagation of the ecosystem. Partnering for a monumental task are JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks for the Sea of Life project which aims to produce artificial reefs that will help them grow under the sea.

With the help of the Philippine Navy, the BRP Gregorio Velasquez or AGR 702, an impressive 279 feet long vessel with hydrographic survey and maritime research capabilities, will transport the sculptures to the installation site. From Pier 13 at Port Area, Manila, the AGR702, complete with a crew of mariners, will set off for the waters of Tingloy, Batangas. 

Business At Risk? Have Them Protected With Malayan!

These days, setting up a business is a sound investment given the positive growth of the economy and increased consumer spending. However it still has the challenges of competition, management, and market demand. 

Are You Ready For The Wedding Of The Year?

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding, premieres November 30, only on Netflix starring Rose McIver and Ben Lamb, Directed by John Schultz, Produced by Amy Krell and Executive Producer Brad Krevoy, and Written by Nathan Atkins

A year after Amber helped Richard secure the crown, the two are set to tie the knot in a royal Christmas wedding - but their plans are jeopardized when Amber finds herself second-guessing whether or not she's cut out to be queen, and Richard is faced with a political crisis that threatens to tarnish not only the holiday season but the future of the kingdom.

"The Crown's" Claire Foy Breathes New Life Into Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl in the Spider's Web"

Tattooed cyber-mercenary Lisbeth Salander is a role that on the page is an actor’s dream job: mercurial, gifted, tough, mysterious, and unconventional in every way, yet fueled by a clear-cut sense of right and wrong. And for The Girl in the Spider’s Web, the first book in David Lagercrantz’s acclaimed continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series, the filmmakers were thrilled that The Crown’s Claire Foy relished the opportunity to step into the role.

“This is a Lisbeth Salander story we’ve never seen on screen before, and a new interpretation of the character by Claire Foy,” says producer Elizabeth Cantillon. “Claire is fearless in her outward appearance, but she truly becomes Lisbeth in her internal transformation – she becomes this strong heroine with hidden vulnerabilities.”

"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" Generates Box-Office Magic in PH

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald cast a spell at the box office in the Philippines, opening with an impressive P109.53-M in its opening weekend, this was announced today by Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warnrt Bros. Philippines.

The second of five all new adventures in the Wizarding World™ created by J.K. Rowling, the film opened on November 15, with sold-out shows and fans lining up to be among the first to see the film.  The opening weekend marked the year’s second-biggest debut for a Warner Bros. title, bested only by The Nun (P129-M).  

Illumination Brings Dr. Seuss' "The Grinch" to the Big Screen

No one, it's fair to say, was better equipped to adapt The Grinch into a 3D animated film than Illumination CEO Chris Meledandri. Not only had he successfully adapted two other Seuss books into feature films - 2008's Horton Hears a Who! and 2012's The Lorax - but his company, Illumination, has dominated the world of animation for more than a decade with sweet and subversive characters and unexpected stories, including The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, and most notably Gru and his Minions in the Despicable Me franchise, which has grossed more than $3.7 billion worldwide.

Celebs Attend Special Advance Screening for "Ralph Breaks the Internet" at SM Aura

Nostalgia and excitement filled the air as fans, including celebrities, social media personalities, and members of the press, watched  Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 at the special advance screening for the much-awaited sequel November 12 at SM Aura Cinemas.

During the screening, held one week before the film opens in cinemas, fans laughed, cried, and oohed and aahed over the filmmakers' visualization of the world wide web. Jokes poking fun at the internet and cameos from some beloved characters from the world of Disney elicited the strongest reactions. Appearances by characters from the original Wreck-It Ralph, such as Felix Jr. and Calhoun, drew loud applause, and from the sequel's new characters, KnowsMore, voiced by Alan Tudyk (King Candy in the original) quickly became a favorite.

Reimagine the timeless classic “Robin Hood” at SM Cinema

This November, experience non-stop action and adventure in SM Cinema as Summit Entertainment reimagined the timeless tale of Robin Hood. 

A known thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor, Robin Hood of Loxley (Taron Egerton) together with John (Jamie Foxx) and his band of outlaws, the Merry Men, will start a revolution to stop the wicked English crown on oppressing the people.

Directed by Otto Bathurst, the film also includes actors Ben Mendelsohn as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Jamie Dornan as Will Scarlet and Eve Hewson as Marian.

Catch Robin Hood starting November 21 at any SM Cinema branch near you. Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

Scale Your Million Peso Business with “The Final Pitch” Season 3

Applications for entrepreneurs looking for investment is ongoing until November 26

The Final Pitch, the Philippines’ first business reality TV show which airs on CNN Philippines, is set to return for its third season--linking promising entrepreneurs with multi-millionaire and billionaire investors looking to forge the next exciting business deals.

“Based on the success of our two previous seasons, we’ve proven how the combination of the right business models and talented entrepreneurs can attract angel funding from even the most traditional businessmen in the Philippines. This motivated us to create a bigger, better season that will help bridge the gap in mentorship and funding that startups face. Our goal is to connect them to the right people, get them funded, and help them scale to eventually become successful contributors to nation building,” shares the show’s creator and host, serial entrepreneur and TV producer John Aguilar.

Watch "Aquaman" Behind the Scenes Video Now Online

Go behind the scenes with the cast of “Aquaman” now as Warner Bros. Pictures releases an inside-look of its upcoming action adventure from director James Wan and starring Jason Momoa.

Check out the video below and watch “Aquaman” in Philippine cinemas December 12.

"Don't Breathe" Director Returns with "The Girl in the Spider's Web" (Opens Nov 21)

Columbia Pictures celebrates the box office prowess and creative energy of rising director Fede Alvarez by choosing him to bring to the screen the new Lisbeth Salander thriller, The Girl in the Spider’s Web.

The studio identified Alvarez as a striking new filmmaking talent with right sensibilities for the project, as evidence by Alvarez’s 2013 remake of the horror classic Evil Dead and his original 2016 thriller Don’t Breathe.  With the producers’ deep understanding of the material, Alvarez’s ambition to keep pushing the boundaries of genre movies, and the studio’s desire to continue working with a director who had become part of the studio’s family, it only seemed natural to bring Alvarez into the world of The Girl in the Spider’s Web.

Vivo Y91 is now available on shelves just in time for Christmas

Global smartphone brand Vivo is making sure its loyal patrons will get the best for Christmas. It has released the all-new Vivo Y91 that delivers the same well-loved specs from the smartphone maker, plus a bigger batter capacity for limitless enjoyment. 

The latest Y-series unit delivers a futuristic design, smarter photography capabilities, a powerful performance, and a more seamless user experience. 

Smartphones have never been this fun with the high capacity battery-equipped Vivo Y91.

Futuristic design

The Vivo Y91 has a trendy 6.22-inc Halo FullView™ Display that let the more details shine with its 88.6% screen-to-body ratio. The 3D curves fit the palm perfectly, for an experience that’s truly irresistible. In addition to a smart design, the Y91 has smart hand gesture controls that make the large display effortless to handle. 

Memories Of The Alhambra Launches Worldwide From December 1st

Netflix, the world's leading entertainment service, announced the Korean series Memories of the Alhambra, launching globally starting from December 1st. 

Starting with its release in Asia and English-speaking territories an hour after broadcast in Korea, the series will also be available on the next day in Japan. Memories of the Alhambra will launch 2 episodes a week to the rest of the world starting from December 11, including Europe and South America. 

Memories of the Alhambra is a suspense romance drama that revolves around an investment company CEO Yoo Jin-woo (played by Hyun Bin) who visits Granada, Spain, for a business trip and gets involved in a mysterious incident after staying in an old hostel run by Jung Hee-joo (played by Park Shin-hye). The leading cast, Hyun Bin (Secret Garden and My Lovely Sam-Soon) and Park Shin-hye (Pinocchio and Heirs) are beloved talents not only in Korea but also across Asia. Memories of the Alhambra is directed by Ahn Gil-ho (Stranger) and written by Song Jae-jung, well-known for her work including Queen and I, Nine, and W. Their collaboration heralds the birth of a well-made drama even from the production stage. The series is produced by Studio Dragon, the team behind Stranger and Mr. Sunshine.  

Payoneer to fly four promo winners to Manila forum

Business possibilities are endless for Filipino entrepreneurs who can go beyond local and be global.

Global fintech company Payoneer is holding “The Payoneer Forum Manila: Go Beyond and Expand Globally,” an empowering forum for online outsourcing agencies, SME BPOs, online professionals and digital entrepreneurs, on December 1, 2018, Saturday, 9 a.m to 6 p.m., at the SM Aura SMX Convention Center, 8 McKinley Parkway, Taguig City.

Throwback Shindig

Groove back to the decades of golden music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s in a concert driven by nostalgia and one that will tickle the funny bones. See the Philippines’ premier vocal ensemble on stage with a class act comedian in “Throwback with The Company and Jon Santos” on December 1, 2018 at The Theatre at Solaire.

Starting out as an out-of-college regroup, The Company has evolved in their 3 decades in the music industry. From singing the traditional genres, they decided to move to acapella and vocal jazz as a new challenge to themselves and for the novelty of the pieces. Living to its namesake, The Company reinvented their identities while maintaining the bond that they have developed in the years prior their success. The release of their singles “Everlasting Love”, “Muntik na Kitang Minahal” and the popular love song “Now That I Have You” which is often used as movie theme songs, or in wedding halls, have seemingly immortalized their names. The original members apart from Moy Ortiz, have moved on to pursue the next chapters of their lives but not without passing on the torch to their successors whom have kept their legacy alive and very much felt today. 

Redmayne Returns as Newt Scamander in "Fantastic Beasts" Sequel

He originated the role of Newt Scamander in the 2016 blockbuster hit “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”  Now, Oscar-winning British actor Eddie Redmayne reprises his beloved Magizoologist character, in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” (in Philippine cinemas Thursday Nov. 15).

In the film, Newt Scamander had every intention of returning to New York to keep his promise to hand deliver a copy of his new book to Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston).  However, the British Ministry of Magic, still vexed by the mayhem he and his creatures caused across the Pond, has banned him from traveling internationally.  They will lift the ban only on the condition that he join his brother, Theseus (Callum Turner), in the Auror Department to accomplish one mission: hunt down Credence, who, Newt is stunned to learn, is still alive.  Nevertheless, Newt—knowing the Ministry’s intention is to kill Credence, whom they consider to be a threat—rejects their deal.

Mastermind Dances the Night Away at Casino Filipino

Dance to the beat of Mastermind at the Casino Filipino dance floor on November 24 (Manila Bay), November 28 (Malabon), November 29 (Ronquillo), and November 30 (Madison).

The YouTube dance crew Mastermind is composed of Kristian Vienn “Pao” Gonzales, David Inere, Rey Baylon, Bryan Carlo Abunda, Raymund Arago, Adam Noel Bagares, Dale Johnson Odicta, Jester Brozas, and Ericson Apelado.

Prepare To Take Off With The New AirAsia Credit Card!

AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Airline for 10 years (according to Skytrax World Airline Awards, July 2018) has sparked a revolution in air travel with more and more people in the Philippines choosing AirAsia as the preferred choice of airline. Aiming to create excitement among Filipinos, the airline company, in partnership with RCBC Bankard and Visa has launched the new AirAsia Credit Card in the Philippines that will make more people travel to their dream destinations faster with the airline. Along with their loyalty program, AirAsia BIG Loyalty will enable AirAsia Credit Cardholders to enjoy the lowest flight fares across AirAsia’s extensive network. 

Bask under the glorious Palawan sun with the first of its kind Avara Nature & Yacht Club

A glimpse of a seaside living redefined through Avara.

Experience serene, luxurious seaside living in Taytay, Palawan  

Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature and Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside. 

JDI’s Solignum goes on ‘University Tour’

JDI’s Solignum University Tour tackles career development
for architecture and engineering students, as well as the
importance of wood science and preservation.

As part of its advocacy to educate the public on the importance of wood preservation and termite protection, trusted industry leader Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) recently conducted its Solignum University Tour, made possible by the tried-and-tested Superbrand timber expert, Solignum.

Price drop alert: Vivo Y81i can be all yours for only Php6,999

Christmas is finally in the air! Global smartphone brand Vivo is making sure its loyal patrons going to get a steal. It has dropped the price of its Vivo Y81i to Php6,999 from Php7,999. 

Steal one of this Christmas season’s best deals! The Vivo Y81i can be all yours for Php1,000 lower than its original price. 

Vivo released the Y81i in the Philippines mid-2018. It is a trendy, notch-bearing smartphone that gives users 6.22-inch FullView™ Display. 

Just like its predecessors, it has the smartphone maker’s thumbprint specs. It has a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera equipped with the AI Face Beauty that produces natural-looking shots. 

"Ralph Breaks the Internet's" Josie Trinidad at Animahenasyon

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Josie Trinidad recently visited the Philippines to talk to fellow Filipino animators at the 2018 Animahenasyon, Philippine Animation Festival. Trinidad is the head of story for Disney’s upcoming Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, the much-awaited sequel to 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph.

“I can't tell you what a dream come true everything on this film has been for the animators,” Trinidad told the aspiring and professional animators at the festival about her experience working on Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.

Shopee Attributes Outstanding Success of First Wave of Shopee 11.11-12.12 Big Christmas Sale to Users’ Support

Achieves Over 11 Million Orders in 24 Hours

Users can look forward to Shopee’s newest instalment of Surprise Celebrity Delivery from November 17 to 24, featuring celebrities Ethel Booba, Ruffa Mae Quinto and Tony Labrusca; and the second wave of promotions from November 26 to December 12

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, announces the success of the first wave of Shopee 11.11 - 12.12 Big Christmas Sale on November 11. With overwhelming support from millions of users, Shopee broke last year’s record at 7:46 AM (+8 GMT).

Across the region, more than 11 million orders was recorded on November 11, around 4.5 times that of 2017. Total visits hit over 42 million as shoppers snapped up unbeatable deals across all categories. At its highest, over 58,000 items were sold in a single minute.

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer of Shopee, said, “As our biggest Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale shopping event to date, this year’s sale was extremely well-received by users, and again surpassed all past achievements in record time. The year-on-year growth of our 11.11 performance proves that this will continue to be an integral part of the year-end shopping season for shoppers in the region. We would like to thank our loyal users for their support in making this year’s event our most successful one yet.”

Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale performance in the Philippines

This year’s Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale in the Philippines featured an upsized package of non-stop promotions at up to 99% off; the comeback of the popular in-app game, Shopee Shake; and exclusive deals from Shopee’s brand and strategic partners.

On November 11, top participating brands and sellers enjoyed up to 1,159 times their average daily orders and an average of over 1,500% increase in traffic. Women’s Apparel, Mobile & Accessories, and Home & Living emerged as the top three categories. Highly sought after products on that day included:

Maybelline’s SuperStay Matte Ink Un-Nude Liquid Lipstick

Sandisk Ultra Micro SD

Timeless Manila’s Mystery Box

Mobile continues to drive online shopping forward

In line with the growth of mobile commerce in the region, Shopee’s mobile-first strategy continued to be a key success factor for this year’s Shopee 11.11 Big Sale in the Philippines, with around 95% of orders made on mobile.

In-app games continue to grow in popularity

Shopee’s iconic in-app game, Shopee Shake, continued to engage users throughout Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale. Shopee Shake was played around 2 million times in the Philippines throughout the entire campaign.

Surprise Celebrity Delivery

To thank users for their continued support, Shopee will be holding another installment of its Surprise Celebrity Delivery series. From November 17 to 24, several lucky users will have the chance to meet their favorite celebrities including comedian Ethel Booba, actress Ruffa Mae Quinto, and actor Tony Labrusca, who will personally deliver Shopee orders made from November 13 to 23 to their doorsteps. The event will be broadcasted on Shopee’s Facebook Live on November 17, 19, and 24.

Chibi DC Super Heroes Invade SM Megamall!

As we get hyped with the upcoming Christmas season and the Aquaman movie this December it's time to get powerfully cute and astonishingly amazed with the Christmas Capers that have invaded SM Megamall. Our favorite superheroes have arrived at the events center of Mega A for an interactive set up of all things DC.

The DC Comics' Justice League Christmas Capers was launched at the Events Center near Toy Kingdom and the Foodcourt. It has a number of activities that kids and parents can join that will unleash the hero in them. It will also spark more love for the DC heroes as they also will make an appearance for a meet and greet session at certain dates. There is also a tall Christmas Tree in the middle where the family can take pictures bringing the yuletide feel.

Globe Business Clients Create Big Bold Moves With iPhone Xs series

Globe Business, the corporate information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, brings the much-awaited iPhone Xs and Xs Max to the Philippine enterprise market. The new iPhone Xs series with its new A12 Bionic chipset and memory capacity of up to 512GB, empowers Philippine enterprises to create big, bold moves and move closer to going beyond business. Globe Business customers can choose from three colors - New Gold, Silver, and Space Gray - and three storage capacities - 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. In photo: Jacqueline Ang-Chai (Center), Assistant Vice President for Procurement of Petron Corporation avails an iPhone XS Max. Together with her are Globe Business Account Manager Robert Gerald Yao (left) and Globe Business Product Marketing Manager Romeo Gutierrez (right).

A New "Dragon Tattoo" Story Explodes in "The Girl in the Spider's Web"

Lisbeth Salander (Claire Foy) may not need the world, but the world needs Lisbeth Salander.

The look. That tattoo. Those skills. That determination.

The fierce vigilante star of Stieg Larsson’s massively popular Millennium trilogy of dark, twisty, vengeance-driven cyber-thrillers, and four acclaimed film adaptations, independent hacker Lisbeth Salander is everything we need in a modern hero: smart, resourceful, driven by demons but not defined by them, and possessing a me-against-the-universe attitude that has been more than enough to take down abusive men, hidden killers, and anyone foolish enough to go up against her.

Now, in the blistering thriller The Girl in the Spider’s Web, fans will experience an all new Lisbeth Salander adventure that finds this misfit outsider – 21st century fiction’s most original and complicated warrior for justice -- in the middle of her most dangerous and personally revealing crusade yet.

(Watch The Girl in the Spider’s Web new TV Spot here at https://youtu.be/N6O1ELTflXU.)

When a scientist employs her to steal his work from the Americans, Lisbeth finds herself pulled into a dark and violent web of intrigue after mysterious forces take the data, torch her apartment, and leave her for dead. With her old friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, acting as an unlikely ally, Lisbeth must go on a perilous journey to find her attackers, protect the scientist’s young son, and get back what was taken from her. As the net tightens, she is drawn ever deeper back into the shadows of her own mysterious past.

The bad men of the world take on Lisbeth Salander at their own peril. But for those who need a new kind of hero – the voiceless, the vulnerable -- she’s that righteous, volatile rebel we may need now more than ever.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web is a first-time adaptation of the recent global bestseller by David Lagercrantz, which continues the acclaimed Millennium book series created by Stieg Larsson. Emmy and Golden Globe winner Claire Foy, the star of Netflix’s “The Crown,” plays outcast vigilante defender Lisbeth Salander under the direction of rising filmmaking talent Fede Alvarez, the director of 2016’s breakout thriller Don’t Breathe.

Alongside Claire Foy, Sverrir Gudnason (Borg/McEnroe) stars as Mikael Blomkvist, Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out) as Ed Needham, Sylvia Hoeks (Blade Runner) as Camilla Salander, Stephen Merchant (Logan) as Frans Balder, Claes Bang (The Square) as Jan Holster, Christopher Convery as August Balder, Vicki Krieps (Phantom Thread) as Erika Berger, Cameron Britton (Mindhunter) as Plague, and Synnøve Macody Lund (Headhunters) as Gabriella Grane.

The screenplay is by Jay Basu & Fede Alvarez and Steven Knight, based on the global bestseller authored by David Lagercrantz.  Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, Ole Søndberg, Søren Stærmose,  Berna Levin, Amy Pascal, and Elizabeth Cantillon produce the franchise's new film.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web is the first in the best-selling series to be produced into an English-language film in its initial adaptation.  The previous books in the series had been adapted into Swedish-language films, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was a remake of the Swedish film.  It became a global hit, taking in over $230 million worldwide.

The studio continues its development of the next book in the Millennium series, The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye.  Columbia Pictures retains the rights to all future Millennium Series books.

The Millennium Series is a worldwide bestseller, with the four books selling over 86 million copies since their debut. 

In Philippine cinemas November 21, The Girl in the Spider's Web  is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

The Stage Is Set For Music and Laughter: A Show Tribute To Rico J. Puno

The sudden passing of OPM legend Rico J. Puno came as a major shock to many, and mourned his demise.

Puno, regarded as one of the prime movers of OPM, wowed and left us with a line up of popular national anthems such as his unque version of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were," “Kapalaran,” “Buhat,” “Macho Gwapito,” “Lupa,” “May Bukas Pa,” “Ang Tao'y Marupok,” “Magkasuyo Buong Gabi” and "You and I."

When singer Tosca Puno was asked about the concert of his father on November 23 at the Theatre at Solaire, she said, “I know my Papa will say - the show must go on!".  It was announced recently that “Music and Laughter: Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko with Giselle Sanchez and Marissa Sanchez, will push through to pay tribute to the Total Entertainer.

Joining the show are Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuniga, Nanette Inventor and Eric Nicolas, with the special participation of Tosca Puno and Rox Puno.

Immerse in the Wizarding World at IMAX at SM Cinema with J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Get your wands ready at SM Cinema branches as our new favorite wizard, Newt Scamander is back on an attempt to stop Grindelwald on the newest movie feature, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald!

The continuation of J.K., Rowling’s Wizarding World, the movie picks up the end of first film wherein the powerful dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) during the Obscurus incident in New York. However, Grindelwald was able to escape and gathered followers to raise a Wizarding revolution that plans to rule over non-magical beings. Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) asked again the help of Newt to stop the uprising of Grindelwald. Can Newt stop the Dark Wizard and restore peace?  

Finding the freedom to love via film “Glorious"

Angel Aquino and Tony Labrusca will portray two people who will defy the odds to fight for the love they believe they deserve in “Glorious”, available outside the Philippines via TFC Online (www.TFC.tv) starting November 17

Angel Aquino and Tony Labrusca take on the most daring roles in their careers as they play lovers in a May-December love affair in “Glorious”, an original movie produced by Dreamscape Digital for streaming exclusively inside the Philippines via iWant, ABS-CBN’s new content-on-demand digital app, and in most countries outside the Philippines via TFC Online (www.TFC.tv).

The movie, which will be available starting November 17, has caught the imagination and piqued the interest of millions of netizens. Memes abound on social media, as its full trailer has earned more than 16.9 million views.