SM Supermalls Launches 100 Days of Christmas

Surprising shoppers every day till December 25.

The countdown to Christmas Day begins on September 16 as SM launches a host of fun activities, deals, and surprises for each member of the family.

It starts with surprises each day! From September 16 to December 25, someone lucky will be surprised, one mall at a time, with toys, gifts, groceries and meals on us as SM begins 100 Days of Christmas Surprises. Which mall will delight someone today? Come to SM to find out!

WHAT ELSE IS A-HAPPENIN’?

Breathtaking Spectacles, to mark the festive season, will dazzle you at your favorite SM mall. Your favorite malls will all be dressed with a dazzling display of holiday magic and sparkling Christmas centrepieces await shoppers inside the malls for that IG-worthy moment.

Start your holiday gift shopping early on with a trove of artisan products and services from local MSMEs at the Holiday Bazaars. Toys, games, and collectibles are waiting to make this holiday season unforgettable at the Christmas Toy Fairs, in partnership with Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express.

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s bringing his merry squad along! Captivating performances, musicales, ensure there’s something for everyone at every visit.

Pets are family too, and SM Supermalls knows it! Bring your furry friends to select SM mall for a pawsome Christmas Pawty packed with games and prizes for furbabies in pet costumes.

Welcome our Overseas Filipino Workers and Families! With the help of BDO Kabayan, SM Supermalls will be bringing holiday cheer to our modern-day heroes at the Pamaskong Handog by BDO Kabayan in SM City Cebu, SM City Fairview, and SM City General Santos with Superstars, prizes, and laughs galore.

Let’s not forget that you can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need while enjoying your shopping. Buy one SM Cares’ Bears of Joy, and we will donate to one underprivileged child.

And the fun never ends! On News Year’s Eve, welcome 2024 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at SM Mall of Asia, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Lanang, and SM CDO Uptown.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ 100 Days of Surprises, visit https://gosm.link/100DaysOfChristmasSurprises for daily surprise videos, www.smsupermalls.com, and follow @SMSupermalls on social media for all the Christmas surprises!

Read More

2TinCans Philippines Brings Back Steel Magnolias in Cebu

2TinCans Philippines, Inc.’s production of the heartwarming classic, "Steel Magnolias" is back, and this time, it's promising to be even more captivating with a perfect blend of seasoned talent and fresh faces.

The restaging of “Steel Magnolias” is set on September 23 to 24 and October 7 to 8, 2023 at the Siddhartha Theater, Guang Ming Institute of Performing Arts, V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City.

Directed by Vincent Paul Diez Gaton, the cast is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience. Reprising their iconic characters are Charlene Virlouvet as Truvy Jones, Liana San Diego as Annelle Dupuy, Clariza Mae Sevilla as Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, Yvette Yntig as M'Lynn Eatenton, and Marlinda Angbetic Tan as Clairee Belcher.

2TinCans Producing Artistic Director and producer of Steel Magnolias, Sarah Mae Enclona-Henderson,
is thrilled to introduce two dynamic additions to the cast. JoAnn Zaldumbilde will alternate as Clairee Belcher, and Che Solon as Ouiser Boudreaux.

“This exciting blend of talents promises to breathe new life into the Chinquapin community, where friendship, humor, and resilience reign supreme. With JoAnn and Che joining the cast, I am excited to see how they will infuse their characters with their own brand of brilliance,” Enclona-Henderson said.

"Steel Magnolias" is a tribute to the bonds of friendship, the strength found in adversity, and the indomitable human spirit. Its story resonates deeply to audiences of all ages, and with this exceptional cast, 2TinCans assures a powerful and moving theatrical experience.

Director Gaton promises the audience new and deeper insights into the characters and their relationships. “The new cast members bring a different flavor to the beloved characters, and I have chosen a new and different approach to some scenes or their subunits,” he added.

2TinCans is a Cebu-based theatre communications company, which offers top-of-the-line transformational and socially relevant experiences that seek to communicate advocacies, brands, and campaigns. It also endeavors to provide a creative sanctuary and platform for artists, audience, and industry development.

For ticket information and seat reservations, please visit https://2tincans-philippines.yapsody.
com/. For updates and information, call (0915) 043 7403 or steelmagnolias@2tincans.ph and look for Kaye Alturas.

You may also visit https://www.facebook.com/2tincans.ph and https://www.instagram.com/2tincansph/

Read More

LG Understands the Importance of Clean Air with Safe Plus Insulation

One of the most important factors to consider in upgrading a commercial HVAC system is cleanliness and air purification. Breathing and living in clean air have become essential environmental factors these days so it’s important to offer the peace of mind for everyone who walks inside an establishment.

One crucial aspect to note is cleanliness is not just on a surface level. You can see an air-conditioning unit that looks pristine on the outside, but it can be full of mold and dirt on the inside. LG recognizes the need to provide an innovative HVAC solution that is clean on both sides. The South Korean technology trailblazer worked hard again to obtain UL ECV(Environmental Claim Validation) based on UL 2282 ECVP for Resistance to Microbial Growth for the antibacterial activity for its indoor units with Safe Plus Insulation.

LG’s Safe Plus Insulation is an antimicrobial treatment that is applied to internal insulation components to prevent the growth of mold, and provides a cleaner, fresher airflow. The insulation generates silver ions, which inhibit bacterial growth and destroy microbial DNA. This technology is applied to most of LG’s commercial HVAC solutions: the 1Way CST, 2Way CST, Single Vane 4Way CST, Dual Vane 4Way CST, Round CST, PAC, High Static CCD, and Low Static CCD.

Aside from the clean air assured by the Safe Plus Insulation, each of LG’s HVAC products also offer a powerful 5-step air purification system that removes odors, germs, and PM 1.0 fine dust. This filter can be cleaned with water, allowing semi-permanent usage. The pre-filter captures fine dust, the dust electrification improves the filter’s collecting accuracy, the PM 1.0 filter removes up to 99% of fine to ultrafine dust, the deodorization filter removes unpleasant odors and harmful gasses, while the Ionizer eliminates bacteria and germs.

To help you monitor and manage your air-conditioning, LG offers an app as well. You can check and control the whole building’s air quality with the central controller or monitor units in real time with a remote control, LED panel lamp, or smartphone. You can view air status and energy usage, while smart sensors can detect the presence of people and adjust airflow and turn off automatically when the space is not occupied.

LG air conditioning provides optimized solutions for every sector and climate with a wide range of cutting-edge systems that bring exceptional heating, ventilation and air conditioning performance to buildings worldwide. Through our unmatched expertise and industry knowledge, we respond directly to the needs of businesses seeking digitalized and eco-conscious HVAC solutions. We are the partner your business has been looking for, and are well prepared to integrate our leading technology into your day-to-day operations, supporting you and your business every step of the way.

Make the clean choice and offer clean air to your establishment today. For more information, visit www.lg.com/ph. You may also follow the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LGAirSolutionsPH and Instagram account @LGPhilippines

Read More

Parokya Ni Edgar musical casting calls

After the successful run of Ang Huling El Bimbo in August, Full House Theater company immediately revealed that the next OPM musical will feature the songs of Eraserheads' band contemporary, Parokya Ni Edgar. It was revealed today that the musical will be titled BURUGUDUYSTUNSTUGUDUNSTUY: ANG PAROKYA NI EDGAR MUSICAL.

Director Dexter Martinez Santos has posted casting call for the roles and ensemble with an invitation from PNE front man, Chito Miranda.

Interested talents may send their audition videos starting tomorrow, September 12 - October 1, 2023 via PNE2024@gmail.com. Bagsakan na!

Read More

New Line Cinema's horror thriller "The Nun II" scares up strong number at the PH box-office

New Line Cinema’s “THE NUN II” – the next chapter in the story of “The Nun,” the highest-grossing entry in the most successful horror franchise of all time, “The Conjuring” Universe – landed at the top of this weekend’s box office, coming in at #1 in its debut and taking in PHP 90 million in the Philippines. Directed by Michael Chaves and produced by Peter Safran and James Wan, “The Nun II” opened on September 6.

A WBD representative stated, “This weekend’s success is a testament to the high want-to-see factor of fans of “The Conjuring” Universe, the evergreen franchise that continues to frighten cinemagoers around the globe. New Line Cinema has become the ‘haunted’ home of horror, and ticket buyers were back for more of the iconic Demon Nun, continuing its evil trek across Europe. We are excited by these impressive opening numbers and anticipate that great word of mouth will continue to drive business in the coming weeks as we head into Halloween.”

Read More

Nicole Laurel-Asensio's new song "KISS ME NOW" all set for September 15 release

"A first kiss is rarely ever planned. In a paradisiacal time and place… when emotions are ripe… it just happens." Multi-talented and multi-awarded artist NICOLE LAUREL ASENSIO is all set to release her latest single "KISS ME NOW." The original composition will be released on all digital platforms.

BACK STORY
"I’m not usually the type to let things just happen… but perhaps I was missing the thrill of the unknown… I needed a change of environment… so I hopped on a 3am bus alone to Baguio and booked myself an afternoon session in Openheaven recording studios for the first time. Producer Gabe Dandan (who I had co written with for my previous releases “Bawal” and “What Matters Most” was tapering off a Baguio series of gigs and met me at the studio to join in the collaboration. Initially "I had planned to work on a different song, award-winning producer Shadiel Chan welcomed us into his studio and introduced me to his band," recalls Nicole.

Gabe Dandan shares his story: “Tobi (Drums) and Brad (Keys) and I begun jamming chords and rhythm as a soundcheck to test the levels and Nicole immediately caught the vibe and extemporaneous lyrics and melodies began to flow from her lips, together the synergy was instant and we decided to make a song out of the free-jam in no time.”

“Let’s record it!” - I remember saying “I got a couple curious looks at first but insisted on recording. We were done with the entire song structure, lyrics, arrangement and melody in a couple hours. The song unfolded in Shadiel’s patient hands. I laid in some vocals the next day and after a fulfilling evening, boarded the bus home the next day brimming with ideas for more songs," Nicole added.

“Most our songs usually stem from improv jams but usually just between the two of us, this time it was nice to do improv with an entire band of talented Baguio based musicians,” - Gabe

“When I got back to Manila, I sent the track to Krina Cayabyab who arranged beautiful backup vocals performed by premiere jazz group Baihana with additional vocals from my mom (Iwi Laurel and Gabe) … I was stunned that this vocal section was comprised of such an all-star cast and that they were willing to join in the extemporaneous fun. Michael Guevarra and Gabe recorded a synchronised guitar-sax solo from home. The track was mastered by multi-awarded recording engineer Angee Rozul and Mastered in Abbey Road UK by Alex Gordon.” - Nicole

“Kiss me now” is a slow, syrupy soulful song that was written and recorded almost entirely impromptu. Mirroring its unscripted nature, the lyrics describe the urgency of finally giving into a first kiss. Nicole’s velvet vocals glide over scales with power, range and stirring sensibilities. The instruments and backup vocal lines play within the textures of gospel and soul influences and showcase flavourful chord choices and rich deep tones —sealing the song with a kiss.

The music video was shot in the largest mixed media art museum in the country, Art in Island. —It features endless opportunities for exploration and discovery across its 15 zones.

“I didn’t feel like I was shooting a music video, I just allowed myself to freely wonder through the otherworldly experience of projections of flora, cityscapes, dreamscapes, seascapes, celestial expanses and much more.

The best part as that we could stay freely from opening to closing time and experience art on a different level all while shooting.” The music video was conceptualised by Nicole and Directed by Dominic Dimagmaliw.

FUTURE PLANS
“You can look forward to many more projects and songs from us as there are dozens being churned out. Each of us spends most our time exploring different song concepts and collaborating so this season will definitely bring you more creativity.” - Gabe

The Launch event plans for “Kiss Me Now” are also in the works and being plotted for mid October 2023.

Read More

THE NUN 2 movie review

Last Tuesday, I was really prepared to watch the latest from the demon nun in The Nun 2. Valak returns to bring terror in a new movie from James Wan and Warner Bros. Pictures. I almost forgot that we are watching in IMAX so it will give Valak's biggest face on screen to scare us.

Upon entering the theater, Valak also sets the mood to the moviegoers. She poses to fans and gave those devilish grins and gestures while we snap on our phones. Even the catering by Warner Bros. Philippines and SM Cinema were on theme with black pasta (which I called Goth Spaghetti), brownies, meat balls on tomato sauce and red tea. Valak also went inside the theater with the faceless nuns for a promotional photo op with all of us who will see it first in the Philippines.

The movie in general is a horror feast. Valak has become more creative and brutal in raising terror around her and towards Sis. Irene (Taissa Farmiga). She also challenges the faith of the protagonist as producer James Wan wants to approach this from the first installment, which has become a consuming power for Valak.

Speaking of being brutal, Valak and those she possesses give an unimaginable pain and suffering to those she murders. You can vividly remember the possessions and paranormal manifestations and how solid the attacks and bloodshed are. The jump scares were expected but still are thrilling and pareidolia can also haunt you even after seeing the movie. 

Examples of pareidolia in The Nun 2 are two of my favorite scenes.

I love how they did it with the magazines that were blown by air forming the image of Valak. It was so creatively done.

Valak's image on the wall somehow tells the characters that evil is living with them.

Saint Lucy's life / legend is also the subject of the movie. A version different from what I know but it says that holiness will save us from evil. It had a beautiful stitch on the movie and somehow gives the power of returning to faith. Even Sis. Debra's (Storm Reid) faith was even challenge but conversion came to her in the time she least expected and eventually believing in a miracle.

The Nun 2 is really one for the books. You have to stay till the end as it weaves the connection of The Nun in The Conjuring universe. We are also introduced on how the movies are connected and telling the story chronologically. The Nun 2 is now showing in theaters nationwide.

Read More