Donations for women and girls hit by Typhoon Odette sought

UNFPA Philippines, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, is seeking urgent donations to help provide life-saving supplies and services to communities hard hit by Super Typhoon Odette (Rai).

During natural disasters, sexual and reproductive health needs are often overlooked. Pregnant women  risk life-threatening complications without access to delivery and emergency obstetric care services. Women and girls may lose access to family planning services, exposing them to unintended pregnancy, and women and girls are also more vulnerable to sexual violence.

According to UNFPA Philippines estimates, the disaster has impacted some 4 million women and girls of reproductive age in 13 provinces. Among them, an estimated 162,000 are believed to be pregnant currently, of whom 24,000 might experience complications. An estimated 470,000 women living in the affected areas have an unmet need for family planning information and services, including contraceptives. The long-running challenge of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence, escalates further.

Addressing gender-based violence and meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls is a key pillar of UNFPA Philippine’s humanitarian response, as seen in previous crises, including Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.

Supporting the efforts of the Government of the Philippines and partner organizations, UNFPA Philippines is calling for donations as part of the Typhoon Odette emergency response to raise funds to help the most vulnerable women and girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers and their newborns, adolescents and young people, and women with disabilities who are currently at risk.

 

Donations raised will help support UNFPA’s three transformative results:

• No woman should die during pregnancy and childbirth
• No women and adolescent girls should have an unmet need for sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning.
• No sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls.

How can people of goodwill help? Support the efforts of UNFPA Philippines for survivors of Typhoon Odette (Rai), by visiting the UNFPA Philippines Donation Page, or donate via the Giving Hero app at UNFPA-Giving Hero Donation Page, through Paymaya at UNFPA-PayMaya Typhoon #OdettePH Response or the UNFPA-Lazada Charity Store, where people who would like to help can choose to donate through vouchers for items such as emergency birth kits, dignity kits, (Mama) Nanay kits and Go Bags for adolescents.

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Pledge good health this new year with SM Surplus

With all the stress during the holiday season, everybody will be going back to our usual routine. It also asks us to watch our health especially when all are vulnerable with all the dangers in the environment. The usual work at home set ups and more should be balanced with comfortable and neat work stations and proper rest.

SM Surplus provides affordable items that provide comfort and wellness for everybody at home. They have infrared sensors, alcohol dispensers, air revitalizers, and wooden aroma humidifiers, as well as rest easy massagers, hot compresses, and steam easy nasal and face steamers.

WFH family members and friends will love our Japanese tatami chairs and foldable laptop tables, and ring lights.

For those constantly on the go, keep them cool and hydrated anywhere with a 7-inch fan with light, water tumblers, and insulated water bottles, and carry their things around in a foldable trolley.

All these and more are available at Surplus stores, including the newly renovated store at SM Makati and those located in most SM Supermalls Nationwide.

For a more convenient shopping experience, you may check out Surplus at Lazada and Shopee just follow SurplusPH and download SM Malls Online. Surplus Order to Deliver is also now available; join their Viber community bit.ly/surpluscommunity and follow them on Facebook and Twitter @SurplusPH and Instagram @Surplus_ph for more details.

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Spider-Man: No Way Home - multi-excitement

After delaying for almost 2 weeks and avoiding detailed spoilers, I finally got to see Spider-Man: No Way Home in theaters. It is worth the wait especially for Spider-Man fans of the Tom Holland starrer movie franchise.

The story picks up after the death of Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) and revealing that Peter Parker (Holland) is indeed Spider-Man to the public. In this chaotic bout, he asks Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to undo the incident unknowingly revealing a more intense merger of different universes they have never experienced before.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is a beautiful mix of action and emotions that gives audiences more than what they deserve. We will also meet a more matured Peter Parker that it's hard for us to let go. There will definitely be a lot of surprises which we all asked for, and the whole Spider-man multiverse is well-acknowledged. Since the release of trailer, the movie resolved major issues and gave us good closure.

Filipinos get a special shoutout that adds a comic relief to the movie. Give love to MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jason Batalon) as their roles are not just for sidekicks and love interest. They have played a vital role in Peter Parker's life and it would be sad that they will part ways.

The premiere night was attended by Spider-Man fans and also celebrities like James Younghusband and Michael V. Everyone posed with Spider-Man cosplayers and Doctor Octopus before entering the theater.

Cosplayers with James Younghusband

Cosplayers with Michael V

Me with Spider-Man cosplayer

Spider-Man: No Way Home is a must-see in theaters so you can laugh or make an ugly cry and it's okay. The movie is set to play in theaters January 8 following strict health protocols for everyone's safety. Distributed by Columbia Pictures Philippines, an international releasing company of Sony Pictures.

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Bridgerton announces return on March 25

Netflix's romantic, scandalous and clever series Bridgerton announces return on March 25. 

On Christmas Day, audiences were surprised by the cast in the announcement. In keeping with the tradition of the novels, season two tells the romance story of Lord Anthony Bridgerton's quest for love. Bridgerton comes to Netflix from Shondaland and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Chris Van Dusen. Van Dusen also serves as creator and showrunner. Watch the announcement below.

The series that celebrates the timelessness of friendships, families finding their way and a love that conquers all brings Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury), Lorraine Ashbourne (Mrs. Varley), Harriet Cains (Philipa Featherington), Bessie Carter (Prudence Featherington), Shelley Conn (Mary Sharma), Nicola Coughlan (Penelope Featherington), Phoebe Dynevor (Daphne Basset), Ruth Gemmell (Violet Bridgerton), Florence Hunt (Hyacinth Bridgerton), Martins Imhangbe (Will Mondrich), Claudia Jessie (Eloise Bridgerton), Calam Lynch (Theo Sharpe), Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton), Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Luke Thompson (Benedict Bridgerton), Will Tilston (Gregory Bridgerton), Polly Walker (Portia Featherington), Rupert Young (Jack), and Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown.

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Warner Bros. Philippines reveals movie line up for 2022

With trailer reveals and teasers in the past year, Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines completes line up of movies that we will be expecting for the new year. Here are the exciting titles headlined by Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann Moss reunion, The Matrix Resurrections and The Batman featuring Robert Pattinson coming only to theaters

The Matrix Resurrections - January 12

King Richard - February 16

The Batman - March 2022

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - April 2022

DC League of Super Pets - May 2022

 

More titles for 2022 as we wait for their release dates in the remaining of 2022:

Elvis
Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

Black Adam

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world. Jaume Collet-Serra directs this action-adventure which also stars Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Marwan Kenzari, Quintessa Swindell, and Pierce Brosnan.

Salem's Lot

Gary Dauberman (“The Nun”) directs this horror thriller based on the book by Stephen King. Haunted by an incident from his childhood, author Ben Mears returns to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book, only to discover the town is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire and his loyal servant.

Don't Worry Darling

Psychological Thriller. A 1950s housewife (Florence Pugh) living with her husband (Harry Styles) in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company may be hiding disturbing secrets. Olivia Wilde directs this psychological thriller which also stars Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, and Chris Pine

The Flash

Ezra Miller stars as Barry Allen, AKA The Flash, who pushes the limits of his superpowers in the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film. Directed by Andy Muschietti (“IT”), this action adventure also stars Ron Livingston, Michael Keaton, Kiersey Clemons, Michael Shannon, Antje Traue, Sasha Calle, and Michael Keaton

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Directed by James Wan. When an ancient power is unleashed, Aquaman (Jason Momoa) must forge an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally to protect Atlantis, and the world, from irreversible devastation. The cast includes Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Temuera Morrison, Dolph Lundgren, and Nicole Kidman.

  

 

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Starting the year will less to 0 plastic pollution for businesses

Plastic pollution in the Philippines has already reached an alarming rate and continues to be one of the top environmental challenges for the country and the rest of the globe.

According to a report released by WWF-Philippines in 2020, Filipinos consume a yearly average of 20kg of plastics, from which 15.43kg/cap/year becomes waste. Insufficient recycling capacities for high value recyclables (i.e. PET, PP, HDPE) and the high volume of low value plastics (including sachets) are some factors that affect the country’s low plastic recycling rate, at 9%. The report further estimates that the Philippines leaks about 35% of plastic wastes into the environment.

With the economy slowly opening, WWF-Philippines encourages businesses to integrate plastic pollution-free practices to fight plastic pollution. Here are some useful tips for business owners on how they can participate in creating a plastic pollution-free new year.

Take Accountability

Businesses should acknowledge that they are accountable to the plastic pollution problem. We want businesses to assume full responsibility for products they bring to the market. It is with accepting this that taking actions comes in from reduction goal setting, adopting circular solutions, and contributing in stopping plastic waste leakage.

Provide plastic-free options to consumers

We encourage businesses to offer plastic-free options to consumers through “bring your own” scheme and having the option to refuse unnecessary plastic items. Some major fast food restaurants are already doing this and we encourage other businesses to do so. We wish that businesses be at the forefront to consumers about reducing plastic consumption. 

Segregate and divert recyclable wastes

For necessary plastics, we wish businesses to segregate and divert through partnering with recyclers and social enterprises. It can sometimes get complicated with the plastic types but it is important to start using the numbers in the plastic products to help facilitate its recycling. You can partner with a local junk shop to help identify items that they can buy. There are also a number of social enterprises like Trash Panda, Plastics by Manila Automat, Plastic Flamingo, and Green Antz, among others that offer collection partnerships. You can also work with your city/ municipality to work on models to improve the current waste management system.

Share best practices and collaborate with other businesses

Collaboration is important in working towards sustainability. It is with conversing with other businesses that are doing their fair share in reducing plastic pollution that we learn which to adopt and what to improve on in our operations. We wish businesses to work together within the industry and with other industries so we all learn how to improve our current system.

Support the EPR Scheme in the Philippines 

WWF-Philippines is pushing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), an environmental policy approach introduced in the 1990s for accelerating the transition to sustainable waste management and a circular economy. We wish businesses to take responsibility and push for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in the country. 

EPR relies on two factors - improvement of product design and recyclability and improvement of waste management systems - and businesses here in the Philippines have stepped up to the challenge, taking sustainability seriously, by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis.

More and more businesses worldwide have gotten on board with EPR, and several businesses in the Philippines have also adopted the policy by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis. With enough support, EPR can be a solid foundation for other businesses and even the government to adopt. It is currently gaining traction among legislators in Congress with House Bill 9147 or The Single-Use Plastic Products Regulation Act and Senate Bill 2425 or the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2021 which both seek to enact mandatory EPR.

WWF encourages everyone to take part to achieve a plastic-free planet by 2030.

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SM Cinemas opens new theaters, exclusive screenings and new experiences

SM Cinema re-opens its doors to movie enthusiasts with new cinemas, exclusive screenings, and new ways to watch movies.

Selected cinemas have opened around the country since November 17, along with a new Cineplex at the newly opened SM City Grand Central. SM Cinema Grand Central houses four state of the art cinemas and two Director’s Clubs that offer a premium movie experience, leather recliners, and a crystal-clear laser projection system.

Missing those pre-pandemic blockbusters? Eternals, Black Widow, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City, and No Time to Die;” are just some of the movies waiting for cinephiles at SM Cinemas!

 

Moviegoers can also book an entire theater for a change! Get your own exclusive movie space with the current movies you like! SM Cinema is feeling good to bring you “Book-a-Theater”, reserve an exclusive cinema perfect for a private movie screening by treating your family and friends to a truly movie theatre experience.

As it reopens, SM remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of their mallgoers that’s why all SM Cinemas are certified safe with Safety Seals awarded by its local government.

SM Cinema, in partnership with Hygiea Innovations and Technology, Inc, have installed MERV filters and air purifiers to ensure safe and clean cinema for everyone. A health and safety officer will be present for every screening while movie theaters will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized regularly. SM Cinema employees are fully vaccinated and will be at your service in full PPE gear.

Rediscover the magic of the movies at SM Cinema! Visit www.smcinema.com for more details.

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