TBA Studios taps ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Iain Glen to join historical biopic ‘Quezon’

“Game of Thrones” actor Iain Glen is joining the cast of TBA Studios’ biographical historical movie “Quezon,” the film company announced on March 17, 2025.

Iain Glen and Director Jerrold Tarog

Glen, whose credits include the role of Jorah Mormont in the fantasy drama television series, “Game of Thrones,” has been cast as Leonard Wood, the United States Army major who served as Governor-General of the Philippines. Wood played a pivotal role in Manuel Quezon’s quest for Philippine independence from the United States.

The Scottish actor met the cast and crew of the film for their script reading at The Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippines earlier this year.

“Quezon” director and co-writer Jerrold Tarog said the casting of Glen as Leonard Wood makes the film “much more alive.” “(Iain Glen) has gravitas. But at the same time, he can let loose, which is important for the role of Leonard Wood,” he said.

“We are very honored to have Iain Glen in ‘Quezon’,” said TBA Studios President and COO Daphne O. Chiu. “This film is shaping up to be one of the biggest productions in Philippine cinema, with one of the largest casts ever assembled. We are excited to share with Iain—and the rest of the world—the production scale and level of artistry that Filipino filmmakers are capable of."

Cast and crew of TBA Studios' Quezon

The Philippine government agency National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) have announced their support for the project, with the latter providing funding for the movie. The country's Department of Tourism and the QCinema Film Foundation have also given their support to the film.

Glen joins Jericho Rosales, who plays the film’s title role of Philippine President Manuel L. Quezon.

Jericho Rosales and Iain Glen during the reading of Quezon

Aside from his role as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” Glen is known for playing memorable characters such as Dr. Alexander Isaacs in the action horror film series “Resident Evil” and Sir Richard Carlisle in “Downton Abbey.” More recently, he played Dr. Pete Nichols in Apple TV+’s dystopian drama “Silo,” and Magnus MacMillan in Prime Video’s supernatural thriller “The Rig.” He is also the voice actor for Juste Belmont in Netflix’s animated show “Castlevania: Nocturne.”

“Quezon,” which is expected to follow the life of the Filipino lawyer and soldier who became the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944, is set to begin production this March.

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SM Active Hub Launches in the East

SM Supermalls has officially launched SM Active Hub, its latest initiative aimed at revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country. The grand kickoff in the East of Metro Manila on March 9 also saw thousands of fitness enthusiasts and athletes gather across SM City Marikina, SM City East Ortigas, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown, marking the beginning of a new era in accessible, community-driven fitness.

A Hub for Every Fitness Passion

Marikina Run Club
In partnership with Team Malaya, the Marikina Run Club in SM City Marikina gathered a strong community of runners for an exciting kickoff. Participants engaged in warm-ups and a community run, fostering camaraderie among beginners and seasoned runners alike.

Runners at the Marikina Run Club hit the pavement with energy and enthusiasm during the launch of SM Active Hub.

East Ortigas Run Club
Supported by Anytime Fitness and Boysen, SM City East Ortigas launched its run club where participants had the opportunity to train and run along the mall’s dedicated 880-meter run path, a safe and accessible space designed for both casual joggers and serious runners.

Hundreds of runners took their first strides with the East Ortigas Run Club, launching their journey on the mall’s 880M run path.

Pickleball Hub
Pickleball fever swept through SM Center Antipolo Downtown with an exciting tournament hosted by Pickleball East Dinkers Club Inc. Enthusiasts and experienced players took to the courts for friendly yet competitive matches, bringing more attention to the fast-growing sport in the East. The event was filled with energy, camaraderie, and sportsmanship as participants showcased their skills and embraced the excitement of the game.

Players bring their A-game in an intense paddle battle of speed, strategy, and precision in PEDCI’s pickleball tournament at SM Center Antipolo Downtown.

Country’s Largest Playground for Sports Enthusiasts at SM Supermalls

With the launch of SM Active Hub, SM Supermalls continues to expand its commitment to health, fitness, and community engagement. SM partners with top fitness clubs and organizations to bring accessible, fun, and engaging sports experiences to everyone.

This is just the beginning—expect more exciting fitness activities and partnerships in the coming months as SM strengthens its position as the largest playground for sports enthusiasts in the country. Lace up, grab a paddle, or take the first step in your fitness journey—SM Active Hub is ready for you!

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Celebrate Big, Save Bigger! Score Huge Discounts at SM City Marikina’s 3-Day Sale!

Gear up for an exciting shopping spree at SM City Marikina’s 3-Day Sale, happening from March 14, 15, and 16! Whether you’re updating your wardrobe, upgrading your gadgets, or stocking up on essentials, this is the perfect time to shop with up to 70% OFF on amazing deals from over 100 brands!

The savings doesn’t stop there for SMAC and Prestige cardholders! Enjoy an exclusive extra 10% OFF at The SM Store during these special days:

🛍️ Prestige Friday – March 14 (Whole Day)
📌 SMAC Prestige members get an additional 10% OFF.
🛍️ SMAC Saturday & Sunday – March 15 & 16 (Whole Day)
📌 All SMAC and SMAC Prestige members get an additional 10% OFF.

And here’s something extra to celebrate—every purchase gives you a chance to drive home a brand-new Suzuki S-Presso GL AGS! With every item you buy, you’re not just saving big but also getting closer to an exciting prize.

📌 Here’s how you can join the raffle:

• Earn 1 e-raffle entry for every P1,000 purchase.
• SM Foodcourt: 1 entry for every P250 single receipt purchase
• SM Cinema: 1 entry for every 4 tickets in a single receipt
• Double your raffle entries when you shop on Saturday & Sunday!

This 3-day shopping celebration is your chance to score the best deals, enjoy exciting rewards, and even win big! Celebrate shopping, savings, and surprises only at SM City Marikina!

📍 Follow @smcitymarikina for more sale updates!

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Nos. FTEB-214929, Series of 2025.

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DITO kick starts 2025 by landing major global awards in Barcelona

DITO Telecommunity, the fastest-growing telco in the country, clinches three prestigious awards during the recently concluded 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain, winning the Best Digital Experience Platform from Whale Cloud, the First Large Scale Redcap FWA Commercial Deployment in the World award from Huawei Technologies, and Fastest Mobile Network from Opensignal. These awards recognize DITO's immense and valuable contribution to delivering new technologies, aggressive 5G deployment, and high-speed connectivity in the Philippines.

Whale Cloud, a leading technology company, granted DITO the Best Digital Experience Platform award, acknowledging the young telco's leadership in operational excellence and groundbreaking innovations in the digital space.

DITO Telecommunity Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Eric Alberto accepts the award for the Best Digital Experience Platform Award from Whale Cloud Global CEO Mr. Ben Zhou.

Meanwhile, Huawei's First Large-Scale RedCap FWA Commercial Deployment in the World award validates DITO's significant contribution to 5G deployment in the Philippines when it launched the DITO Home WOWFi last year–the first ever 5G RedCap WiFi in the world for home application, driving the future of digital homes in the country.

DITO Telecommunity Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eric Alberto, accepts the trophy for the First Large-Scale RedCap FWA Commercial Deployment in the World recognition from Mr. Jason Tao from Huawei Technologies.

Powered by DITO's true 5G network or 5G standalone (SA) infrastructure, the DITO Home WOWfi is a breakthrough product made possible through DITO's strategic partnership with Huawei Technologies, a global leader in 5G deployment. This home WiFi is the most value-packed wireless broadband in the market and the most affordable way to experience 5G connectivity. It capitalizes on the power of 5G RedCap, a dynamic new version of 5G which offers the right balance of 5G capabilities such as low latency, high peak data rate, and maximum capacity.

This emerging 5G technology is globally used for industrial and manufacturing. But here in the Philippines, DITO paved the way to bring this technology straight to Filipino homes, allowing households to enjoy the benefits of 5G at a very affordable price.

Last, but certainly not the least, DITO also won Opensignal's Fastest Mobile Network award with a robust 5G download speed of 287.2 Mbps and an overall download speed of 34.6 Mbps, leaving competition far behind in the speed race.

Opensignal hailed DITO as the Fastest Mobile Network in the Philippines. DITO Telecommunity executives, led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Eric Alberto, officially received the award during the recently concluded 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain.

Now on its fourth year of commercial operations, these achievements solidify DITO's position further as the duopoly disruptor, leading the way in providing digital excellence, access to affordable 5G solutions, and high-speed connectivity.

According to DITO Telecom CEO Mr. Eric Alberto, these global recognitions validate the company's growing contribution and significance in the telco landscape.

"We're glad to be recognized by global industry giants like Whale Cloud, Huawei, and Opensignal. For four years, we've been relentless in pursuing the right balance between providing next-gen products and services, while maintaining our value-for-money stance, to provide more digital access to millions of Filipinos nationwide. Receiving these awards validate that we've reached a new level of operational excellence in 5G deployment, network speed, and performance. Truly, we're thankful to all our supportive DITOzens and progressive business partners for helping put DITO on the map on the global ICT stage," Alberto said.

DITO products and services are available via the DITO App, DITO Experience Stores, Device Retail Partners, Shopee, Lazada, and more! For more information, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://dito.ph/.

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The Travel Club’s Donate Your Old Case for a Cause Returns This March

A suitcase carries more than belongings—it holds stories. Now, yours can embark on a new adventure, helping others travel toward new opportunities. The Travel Club is once again rolling out its Donate Your Old Case for a Cause, an initiative, happening from March 13 to 16, 2025, at SM Mall of Asia, Eastwood Mall, and Estancia Mall. This program allows customers to trade in their pre-loved but still usable luggage and bags in exchange for up to 40% off on select travel gear.

But more than just great deals, this initiative carries a bigger purpose. In partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), all donated luggage will go to first time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who need reliable travel companions as they embark on their new journey abroad.

Customers who participate in the trade-in program can enjoy special discounts on featured items. Discounts range from 15% to 40%, depending on the collection. For those who prefer regular-priced items, a 10% discount will be offered.

The trade-in follows a simple one-to-one basis:
One (1) luggage = Discount on one (1) luggage
One (1) bag = Discount on one (1) bag

Traded-in bags (such as backpacks, messenger bags, and duffel bags) may be used to avail of discounts on bags, but if the customer opts to purchase luggage instead, a lower discount will be applied.

What Can Be Traded In?
Accepted luggage and bags must be in working condition. Minor issues like missing zipper pullers or dents are fine, but those with broken wheels, damaged zippers, or cracked shell will not be accepted. The final assessment of donated items will be made by The Travel Club team.

How It Works

1. Bring your pre-loved luggage or bag to any participating The Travel Club stores.
2. Hand it over to the store representative in exchange for a Sale Number Tag (SNT).
3. Use your SNT to avail of discounts on featured collections or regular-priced items.
4. Complete your purchase at the cashier.
5. If you don’t find the perfect item, you can either reclaim your luggage on the same day or use your SNT for 10% off regular-priced items.

A Trade That Goes Beyond Shopping
More than just decluttering, this initiative is an opportunity to help others take their first step toward a new beginning. By donating your old luggage, you’re making a meaningful impact on the lives of OFWs who are setting off to build a future for their families.

Be part of this cause and catch trade in sale happening from March 13 to 16, 2025, at The Travel Club SM Mall of Asia, Eastwood Mall, and Estancia Mall.

For more details, read more at The Travel Club website.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-216901 Series of 2025.

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Turn Ideas into Action: Submit Your Entries for the 2025 LG Ambassador Challenge

Building on its strong commitment to driving positive change in communities since 2022, LG is excited to announce that entries for the 2025 LG Ambassador Challenge have officially opened on March 13, 2025. Led by LG Philippines in partnership with Korean Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), and Community Chest of Korea (CCK), this global program reflects LG’s dedication to empowering local communities and supporting sustainable growth.

The LG Ambassador Challenge is all about working together to make a real difference. It encourages individuals, groups, and organizations to come up with innovative ideas that can solve important social issues and improve lives. Since its launch, the program has empowered local changemakers by providing financial support and resources to help bring their projects to life, making a lasting impact on communities.

Originally launched in Bangladesh in 2017, the LG Ambassador Challenge has grown across Asia, encouraging individuals and organizations to propose solutions for key societal issues. The program provides financial grants to selected projects, empowering changemakers to drive meaningful and sustainable change in their communities.

The LG Ambassador Challenge has also delivered outstanding results since its local launch in the Philippines. In 2024, the Life's Good Library On the Go visited seven barangays in Nagcarlan, Laguna, offering learning opportunities to children in underserved communities with limited access to education and structured learning. The children and teachers also received free eye checkups from a local optometrist. Previous winning programs include the 2023 winners—Life is Good, When Life Has Light in Calauan, Laguna which installed solar-powered light posts that contributed to the community’s safety and security. Paliparan Community Livelihood in Dasmariñas, Cavite enabled housewives and out-of-school youth with a means of support for their families. Flowing Water for Growing Future in Lawaguin, Laguna—provided potable water which continues to make a positive impact by improving lives and empowering communities. The 2022 winners include Ride for Hope by Bahay Aruga in Quezon City, which provided ambulance transport for children cancer patients, and Roof for Siargao by Red Charity Gala, which supported home reconstruction after thousands were left homeless during the Typhoon Odette in December 2021.

This year, LG, KFHI, and CCK are focusing on key areas that can create meaningful change:

• “No Poverty” - End poverty in all its forms everywhere
• “Quality Education” - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
• “Climate Action” - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

By making use of LG's products and technology, participants have the opportunity to develop practical solutions that can make a lasting, positive impact on their communities.

Interested applicants can simply submit the items below.

All project entries shall include the Entry Form Format which you can also download here or visit https://bit.ly/2025LGACEntryForm.

Email Subject: LG Ambassador Challenge - (Project Entry Name and Location)
Name:
Designation:
Organization:
Telephone Number:
Mobile Number:
Email Address:
Program location:
Project description:
What is the biggest social problem in your community and how can it be resolved?
Why should LGE and KFHI select your project:
Budget (Detailed 100-day implementation plan required, including unit price, quantity and timeline):

For supporting documents, put all photo and photo captions into a single Microsoft Word file format and landscape orientation for video attachment/s

Submit the digital format entry in not more than 20MB to email address: joaquin.espiritu@lge.com

Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines, expressed his excitement for the upcoming program: "The LG Ambassador Program reflects our ongoing commitment to the 'Life's Good' philosophy. It’s an honor to support Filipino changemakers who are working hard to uplift their communities. Through this program, we aim to embrace new ideas, support innovative solutions, and create a lasting positive impact on Filipino lives.”

Take the first step toward creating a lasting impact — be part of the change and help make Life's Good for your community. Submit your entries today and turn your ideas into meaningful action!

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MOVIE REVIEW: Ne Zha 2

We were invited to the special screening of Ne Zha 2 hosted by SM Cinema with special guest, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian.

Ne Zha 2 delivers a thoughtful and valuable story that explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and power while also highlighting the importance of family. At its core, the film emphasizes how love, trust, and understanding within a family can shape one's destiny. Ne Zha’s journey is not just about proving his strength but also about understanding his connections with those who care for him. The emotional depth in the film makes it more than just an action-packed adventure—it’s a touching reminder of how the support of loved ones can help overcome any challenge.

Visually, the film is nothing short of breathtaking. The animation quality is so stunning that it feels like watching a PlayStation cutscene in 4K resolution. Every detail, from the fluid combat sequences to the richly designed environments, enhances the cinematic experience. The battle scenes are especially exhilarating, with smooth choreography and dynamic camera work that make every fight feel immersive. The vibrant colors and incredible visual effects bring the mythical world to life, making it a feast for the eyes.

Beyond the spectacle, Ne Zha 2 balances intense action with humor and warmth, keeping the film engaging for audiences of all ages. The comedic moments are well-placed, lightening the mood without detracting from the story’s emotional weight. The interactions between characters, especially between Ne Zha and his family, highlight the importance of love, patience, and sacrifice. These heartfelt moments add layers to the narrative, making the characters feel more relatable and their struggles more meaningful.

With its compelling story, stunning visuals, and strong family values, Ne Zha 2 sets the stage for an even more exciting third installment. The film ends on a thrilling note, leaving fans eager to see how Ne Zha’s journey will continue. If this sequel is any indication, Ne Zha 3 is bound to be another powerful blend of action, emotion, and life lessons.

Ne Zha 2 is now showing in theaters, in Chinese Mandarin with English subtitles.

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