Meralco’s early holiday gift to customers: lower energy rates for the third consecutive month!

Here comes an unexpected “gift” that we can be truly thankful for: Meralco has recently announced that overall electricity rates are lower by 12 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh).

In fact, Meralco—the Philippines’ leading power distributor—has announced lower electricity rates for residential customers for three straight months, starting August of this year. According to the power company, the rate reduction was caused by downward movements in transmission and generation charges, which significantly affected the amount reflected in our bill.

Great shopping finds revealed in revitalized Tutuban Center

Tutuban Center, the bargain hunter’s paradise, has unveiled new and exciting features to pump up your shopping experience. The center recently underwent a number of renovation work and building improvements. With the holiday season coming, shoppers will make a beeline for the great deals in Tutuban Center’s Main Station and Prime Block.

Tutuban Center Main Station, with the Bonifacio Shrine across its entrance, is a heritage building where the original train station built in the 1800s first stood. As a heritage building, steps were taken to preserve its history including repainting based on the heritage color palette, and improving lighting for its facade details. The building has also retained features like brick walls and century-old wrought iron pillars that lead all the way to the food court.

World Class Acts At PowerHouse Concert at Solaire!

The Theater at Solaire will get a world-class treat with the launch of Powerhouse Concert which is top billed with internationally-acclaimed Pinoy singers Arnel Pineda and 4th Impact leading the night.

This concert is produced by Lucky 7 Koi Productions, Inc which is a newcomer in the concert scene but brought a powerful set of singers that will celebrate Pinoy pride as well as great array of music genres with each artist. The current lead singer of Journey which is free to do concerts which are not from the group but still have that rock jam. 

A new brand ambassador for OPPO?

Let the guessing games begin

A photo uploaded on OPPO’s social media accounts sparked a guessing game on who could possibly be the ambassador for the mobile technology brand, which is now the country’s bestselling smartphone brand according to a report by German-based market research organization GfK.

OPPO’s social media posts show that the ‘new’ brand ambassador is boy-next-door material, a heartthrob who could sweep the ladies off their feet.

“In the past few months, we have noticed how some of our favorite celebrities fell in love with our latest smartphone, the F1s, and the way it captures stunning selfies anytime, anywhere,” said OPPO Brand Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng. “We can all feel the excitement of knowing who would show us how to bring out our inner selfie expert.”

Get Wasted in "Office Christmas Party" Teaser Poster

The teaser poster for Paramount Pictures' new holiday comedy Office Christmas Party has just been released, encouraging office workers to “Party like your job depends on it.”

In “Office Christmas Party,” when the CEO (Jennifer Aniston) tries to close her hard-partying brother’s branch, he (T.J. Miller) and his Chief Technical Officer (Jason Bateman) must rally their co-workers and host an epic office Christmas party in an effort to impress a potential client and close a sale that will save their jobs.

The latest comedy from directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck (Blades of Glory) co-stars Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, Jillian Bell, Rob Corddry, Vanessa Bayer, Randall Park, Sam Richardson, Jamie Chung, and Courtney B. Vance in the funniest movie of the holiday season.

Opening across the Philippines on December 07, “Office Christmas Party” is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

New Pirates Film Titled "Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge" in PH

Walt Disney Pictures has announced that the latest Pirates film starring Johnny Depp will be officially titled in the Philippines as Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge. (The film is alternatively called Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in the US.)

The fifth installment in the hugely successful Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Salazar's Revenge will bow in local cinemas starting May 24, 2017.

Explosive End Looms in New Trailer of "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter"

The official second trailer of Columbia Pictures' Resident Evil: The Final Chapter – the sixth installment of the sci-fi, action horror film series – has just arrived online and may be viewed at https://youtu.be/wvFpDpPH3mg.

Opening in Philippine cinemas on February 01, 2017, “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter” is the final installment in the astoundingly successful film franchise adaptation of Capcom’s hugely popular video game series, having grossed over $1 billion worldwide to date.

Director Paul W.S. Anderson, who wrote the screenplay, returns, along with lead star Milla Jovovich.

Tom Cruise Back as American Ronin Jack Reacher in "Never Go Back"

Tom Cruise returns as lone-wolf hero Jack Reacher with his particular brand of justice in Paramount Pictures' highly anticipated, action-packed sequel Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, opening in Philippine cinemas Oct. 19.

(Watch a TV Spot for Jack Reacher: Never Go Back at https://youtu.be/7T3TpnNz5dQ.)

The film follows Reacher as he races to uncover the truth about active duty soldiers, once under his command, who are being killed. Based upon “Never Go Back,” author Lee Child’s 18th novel in the best-selling Jack Reacher series, that has seen 100 million books sold worldwide.

REEL DEAL: Ang Manananggal Sa Unit 23B REVIEW

We have seen so many mananangal movies which are a mix of good and bad films. And despite the popularity of the winged pinoy monster, the film adaptations would be too light for a organ eating aswang, but I just saw ANG MANANANGGAL SA UNIT 23B which stars Ryza Cenon and Martin Del Rosario and one of the films featured for QCinema.

As part of QCinema, it also joins the roster which included films Patay Na Si Jesus with Jacklyn Jose and Hinulid with Nora Aunor. As the festival runs on a limited time and cinemas, it drew attention with fans watching the film as well as getting good reviews from film critics.

Personally, I don't have high expectations for the film given that it is a monster movie, and it has limited budget which I thought the effects will be cheaply done, but I was wrong.

First the movie had an interesting feel with the first few minutes, it was going to a romcom phase introducing the characters of Jewel and Nico, however there are some hints on what lies ahead in the story. Then it becomes more dark and violent thereafter. Ryza made a bold statement with the weird yet erotic role, however she clarifies that this does not mean to go full on sexy for future films. Martin Del Rosario is also interesting as the literal boy next door with a little twist, add Vangie Labalan as Nico's Grandmother made the entertainment package. 

I love the most about the film was the cinematography, music and effects. They elevated the new feel for Philippine cinema which delivers the message and details without exaggerating. Though it can be also merit a sequel, I say it is excellent in its own way.

Meet the Characters of Marvel's "Doctor Strange"

Delve in the history and background of the characters behind Marvel's Doctor Strange and learn how they help Stephen Strange on his journey into becoming the Sorcerer Supreme.

Check out the character posters below and watch the film when it opens nationwide on October 26!

DOCTOR STEPHEN STRANGE (Benedict Cumberbatch) was once a celebrated but arrogant surgeon, until a tragic accident cost him his medical skills and career. Searching for a way to restore his talents, he traveled the world until he finally encountered The Ancient One, the enigmatic teacher who offered to teach him the ways of the Mystic Arts.

MORDO (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Like Doctor Strange, Karl Mordo was an apprentice of The Ancient One who learned the Mystic Arts and the paths of alternative dimensions. Complex and intense, he could well turn out to be a friend, a rival, or a bitter enemy to the Ancient One’s latest pupil.