CRAZY RICH ASIANS - It's Remarkable !

CRAZY RICH ASIANS

Based on the best-selling novel by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians is a grandiose showcase of the lifestyles of the rich and famous of Singapore, that is, the rich Chinese of SG. One can't help but feel envious of their cars, their huge mansions, and the lavish parties that they throw for their families & friends.  

Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), a Chinese-American, accompanies her boyfriend  to Singapore to attend the wedding of his bestfriend, and meet her beau's family. Rachel doesn't have a clue on how wealthy her boyfriend is. 

Nick Young (Henry Golding) is the most eligible and sought-after bachelor in Singapore, whose family is into real-estate, hotels, etc. Golding, who looks more Filipino than Chinese, is great in his first acting gig. He's British-Malaysian and a travel show host.  Constance Wu comes from the American tv series Fresh Off The Boat , and she's able to show every emotion that her role required of her. There is undeniable chemistry between these two. 

Michelle Yeoh as the cold-hearted matriarch is excellent. Gemma Chan as Astrid is gorgeous, while Awkwafina is hilarious and she steals every scene she's in. Kris Aquino made an impact in her short, but sweet appearance as Princess Intan. She's very regal. Another Filipino, Nico Santos, is amusing as the gay cousin-fashion designer. The men especially Henry Golding, Chris Pang, & Pierre Png are presented as hunky Asians, far from the stereotypical Chinese martial arts experts. Harry Shum Jr. from GLEE  appeared only in the mid-credits, but I think he'll get a bigger role in the sequel.  

This is an entertaining film which will make you laugh, and swoon to your heart's content. It will also make you cry. So ladies, be warned. It's remarkable seeing all these Asians in a major Hollywood movie. It's been 25 years since The Joy Luck Club. This is a cinematic milestone ! You'd be Crazy to miss this ! Looking forward to the sequels. Directed by Jon M.Chu. From Warner Bros. Pictures.  

12th International Silent Film Festival at SM Cinemas !

PRESS RELEASE
12th International Silent Film Festival Manila
August 30 – September 2, 2018

Scoring the Silents Again!

Bereft of sound but brimming with feature films accompanied by live musical performances, the much-anticipated annual International Silent Film Festival Manila (ISFFM) is back!

Established in 2007 as the first of its kind in Asia, the ISFFM promises to bring once more to Manila film buffs and music aficionados an extraordinary experience.  From the 1890’s to the 1920’s, audiences around the world were enchanted by the magic of watching soundless images on a screen accompanied by live music played by different performing artists.

This year, the Philippine-Italian Association, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Embassy of France, the Goethe-Institut Philippinen, the Japan Foundation Manila, the Embassy of the United States of America, the Instituto Cervantes, and the Embassy of Austria, are extremely proud to present the 12th iteration of the International Silent Film Festival in Manila.  Scheduled from August 30th to September 2nd at SM Cinema 2 of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, the 2018 ISFFM brings together the very best of silent cinema from its eight member-countries, to be accompanied by the best Filipino musicians in the scene.

The Festival reels off at 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 30th with the Philippine-Italian Association, the Italian Embassy and the Italian Chamber of Commerce presenting the most important of those stylish melodramas made-in-Italy, Rapsodia Satanica (Satanic Rhapsody 1915-1917), directed by Nino Oxilia.  The film tells the story of ageing Italian aristocrat Dame Alba d’ Oltrevita who discovers a particular and special solution for her beauty by forging a pact with the devil.  The blues band Miles Experience will accompany this film with a live performance.

On Friday, August 31st, at 7:00 pm, the Film Development Council of the Philippines will present a unique offering in The Lost Film Triology which is composed of “Filipiniana”, “Aswang (1933),” and “Juan Tamad Goes to the Moon (1898)”; and an excerpt from “Nitrate: To the Ghosts of the 75 Lost Philippine Silent Films (1912-1933).”  A live musical performance by Khavn & the Kontra-Kino Orchestra will accompany the film.

At 9:00 pm, also on August 31st, the Embassy of France will present the drama La Passion de Jeanne D’Arc (1928), directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer.  The film tells the story of the trial of Joan of Arc in 1431.  The film will be scored by the multi-awarded pianist and versatile musician Dingdong Fiel, alongside Andrew Constantino (Clarinet) and Kyongmin Nam (Cello).

On Saturday, September 1st at 4:00 pm, the Goethe Institut will screen The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), dubbed as “the first true horror film”.  Directed by Robert Wiene, the film tells of a mad doctor suspected of sending a corpse on a killing spree.  The movie will be live scored by Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino, widely identified as Kontra-GaPi.

At 6:00 pm, the Japan Foundation, Manila will screen A Straightforward Boy (1929) by Yasujiro Ozu that tells a story of Bunkichi who kidnaps a boy, Tetsubo, who has an appetite for sweets.  This screening will feature Silent Film Narrator Tito Genova Valiente, who will provide a live interpretation of the silent film.  The screening and narration will be accompanied by contemporary pop folk/ethnic sound group Tanikala Tribe.

Closing the night at 8:00 pm will be the U.S. Embassy's screening of the film Our Hospitality (1923), considered to be a groundbreaking work for the comedy film genre.  Directed by and starring Buster Keaton, the film tells the story of Willie McKay, who gets caught in the middle of the infamous "Canfield"–"McKay" feud, an obvious satire of the real-life Hatfield–McCoy feud.  The film will be scored by Brass Munkeys, a band of veteran musicians known for their lively and bold performances on stage.

On Sunday, September 2nd at 5:00 pm, the Instituto Cervantes will present the musical comedy Frivolinas (1926).  Directed by Arturo Carballo, Frivolinas is about a widower who loves the nightlife, and a comedian who falls in love with the old man’s daughter.  Tapati, a collaboration of artists embracing influences of rock, reggae, blues, jazz, pop, folk and Philippine Neo-ethnic tribal music will accompany the film.

Culminating the festival at 7:30 pm will be the Embassy of Austria’s Die Kleine Veronika (1929), directed by Robert Land.  The film tells the story of Tyrolean mountain girl, Veronika, who travels to Vienna to visit her aunt, only to find out that the city experience she has been dreaming of is not all the fun and glamorous life she had previously imagined.  The live score will be played by avant-pop electronica solo Joee & I.  The Embassy of Austria presents this year’s entry in partnership with Hearlife Foundation, Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization created to champion the Filipino deaf, and MED-EL Philippines, an affiliate of cochlear implant provider MED-EL WorldWide from Innsbruck, Austria.

This year's film festival experience will have a unique addition, an exhibit at the SM Cinema lobby.  The exhibit will be presenting a visual installation of this year’s participating films.

The 12th International Silent Film Festival is made possible in partnership with SM Cinema, SM Cares, Amici, Sunny16 Lab, Cineteca Bologna, Institut Français, Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Spain, Filmoteca Española, Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, HearLife Foundation, Inc., Med El, Fringe Creatives, and the Barista & Coffee Academy of Asia.

All screenings will be open to the public on a first come, first served basis.
For more information on the schedule and inquiries, please check our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/InternationalSilentFilmFestivalManila

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018 at SM Cinemas !

PRESS RELEASE
SM Cinema Celebrates the Brilliance of Philippine Cinema with Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018

Get ready to witness world-class Filipino films at SM Cinema with the premiere of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) 2018! With their existing partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), SM Cinema fully supports the local film industry as they feature these 8 shortlisted movies that will bring unique cinema experiences to their audience.

Ever imagined a life without the Internet? In Ang Babaeng Allergic sa Wifi, a girl named Norma is suddenly diagnosed with Electromagnetic Hyper-sensitivity. She is then forced to move to the province to start a new and simple life, away from everything she has been used to for so long. The movie is directed by Jun Robles Lana and stars Sue Ramirez, Jameson Blake, and Marcus Paterson.
The romantic musical Bakwit Boys features four musically-gifted brothers. When a chance at stardom is presented to them, their relationship is tested as they deal with love, heartbreak, success, and failure. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, Bakwit Boys stars Vance Larena, Devon Seron, Nikko Natividad, Ryle Santiago, Mackie Empuerto, and Kiray Celis.
Director Adolfo Alix, Jr. tells a story inspired by the ongoing war against drugs in Madilim ang Gabi. Renowned actors Gina Alajar and Phillip Salvador star as a couple whose son, played by Felix Roco, has gone missing and is feared to have been a victim of the deadly war.
Pinay Beauty tackles the ridiculous beauty standards set by today’s society. In a journey to self-love and self-acceptance, Annie (Chai Fonacier) is dead set on doing everything to transform into her ideal “beautiful” self. The movie also stars Edgar Allan Guzman and is directed by Jay Abello.
Small town secrets are unearthed in Signal Rock when Intoy (Christian Bables) tries to help his embattled sister abroad win a child custody case. The movie is helmed by Chito Roño.
When a man hires a woman to keep him company, he doesn’t expect to become attached to her. The Day After Valentine’s stars Bella Padilla and JC Santos and they are back to give a heart-wrenching performance on the big screen under the direction of Jason Paul Laxamana.
Vhong Navarro stars as Benedict in the comedy movie Unli Life. After his break-up with the woman he loves, Benedict drinks a mysterious beverage given by a bartender (Joey Marquez) that transports him back in time where he hopes he can win back his ex-girlfriend (Winwyn Marquez). Unli Life is directed by Miko Livelo.
In We Will Not Die Tonight, an underpaid stunt woman played by Erich Gonzales is forced to fight for her life when a supposed big-time deal goes wrong. The movie also stars Alex Medina, Maxine Eigenmann, and Paolo Paraiso under the direction of Richard Somes.
Catch the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino from August 15-21 at any SM Cinema branch near you. Awarding of winners will take place during the PPP Thanksgiving Night on August 19. 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!

Eastern Communications' 140 Years !

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Communications celebrates 140th year, launches new products for the modern workplace

As it celebrates its 140th anniversary, Eastern Communications unveiled a suite of products designed to answer
the connectivity needs of the modern Filipino workplace.
At the event held at Penthouse by the Bay at the Rizal Park Hotel, Eastern Communications launched a variety of
connectivity products and solutions, which included Global Data, DDOS Protection, Microsoft Azure and Office 365 and Managed SD-WAN (Wide Area Network) services.
High Speed Global Data Services
Eastern Communications has added EIPL (Ethernet International Private Line) and Global MPLS (Multi-Protocol
Label Switching) to its data portfolio. Their EIPL and Global MPLS services provide high speed, point-to-point, and point to multipoint service that transmits simultaneous two-way traffic between customer locations in the Philippines and across the world. These services are well suited for businesses in industries with overseas branches and offices such as banking and finance, manufacturing, transport and distribution, ICT and business process outsourcing companies.
Through partnerships with global carriers, Eastern Communications is able to provide global business
connectivity with reliable and scalable high bandwidth speeds starting at 1Mbps or higher. They can also commit to industry standard service levels with guaranteed network availability based on service level agreements between Eastern and global carriers.
Managed Software Defined-Wide Area Networks
Managed Software Defined-Wide Area Network or Managed SD-WAN enables enterprises to dynamically route traffic across a hybrid WAN. Perfect for companies with multi-site and multi-branch businesses, the use of a Hybrid WAN allows for improved routing of bandwidth and the optimization of network transport services. It means more bandwidth availability for business-critical apps for better performance.
This service also delivers other benefits such as improved network visibility and control, security, and better network planning and operations as companies can control the entire network through a single interface and enforce policies with ease based on business requirements.
Managed WiFi Mesh
Managed WiFi Mesh allows households or small businesses to have access to strong internet across the entire house or office. Without the hassle of cabling and setting it up, Eastern Communications’ WiFi Mesh creates a whole new WiFi network, different from your current router’s WiFi that provides rich interconnection beyond concrete walls and multi-stories. Most importantly, there will be zero dead spot as the WiFi Mesh completely
covers the customer premise.
Better Cybersecurity through DDOS Protection
DDoS attacks or Distributed Denial of Service attacks are one of the fastest growing threats in the cyber-attack
landscape. A Denial of Service attack is when a server is deliberately targeted with very large numbers of
requests, in order to block or crash the server. DDoS attacks are even more difficult to protect from as it aims to
make online services unavailable through overwhelming traffic from multiple sources.

THE MEG - the Biggest of them all !

THE MEG

THE MEG is a prehistoric giant shark measuring about 75 feet that is thought to be extinct. It's the biggest of all the predators. Jason Taylor (Jason Statham), an expert deep-sea rescue diver, was with a team of researchers five years ago in the Marianas Trench when they were attacked by a massive creature. Taylor claimed it was a megalodon but scientists debunked it causing Taylor to lose everything. Now another submersible was attacked under the Trench where Taylor's ex-wife is part of the team. Taylor has to risk his own life and go back underwater to rescue the team.

I've always loved shark movies starting from the classic 1975 film JAWS by Steven Spielberg. The film made three more sequels and other producers followed suit. Not all of them were great though. Some are good, others really bad, even dumb.

The Meg gives several nods to JAWS - not as smart, but not as dumb as the Sharknado movies. It's a summer popcorn movie that's silly, but lots of fun !

Jason Statham who used to be a swimmer/diver, is the perfect action star for  this role. It's so exciting watching him chase and try to beat the giant shark. Li Bingbing is brilliant as scientist Suyin. One of the major points of the film is its diverse cast.

With an estimated production budget of  $150 million, The Meg has a lot to offer. Giant sea creatures (like sharks,  whales, & an octopus), several heart-stopping moments, and excellent action sequences. I really enjoyed watching it on IMAX ! And I'm looking forward to see its sequels soon !

Based on the book MEG : A Novel of Deep Terror, written by Steve Alten. Directed by Jon Turteltaub. The Meg is a Chinese & American co-production. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated PG-13.

Asians making waves in Hollywood !

PRESS RELEASE
SM Cinema brings Asian phenomenon to the big screen with “Crazy Rich Asians” and “The Meg”

Asia takes the centerstage in theatres as SM Cinema brings you not one but two novel-based movies highlighting Asian characters and locations with Crazy Rich Asians and The Meg that will surely pump up your August.

Dubbed as the first big-budget, non-period film in 25 years to feature an all-Asian ensemble cast, “Crazy Rich Asians” is based on the best-selling novel with the same title by Kevin Kwan.
The film features Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding) as they go to Singapore for a wedding. Rachel learns that Nick’s family is one of Singapore’s richest clan. Given this situation, Rachel must now contend with the socialites, relatives and most of all, Nick’s mother, who cannot accept their relationship.

Shot in different countries in Asia and another book-to-movie adaptation based on “Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror”, Director Jon Turteltaub reimagines the story of the prehistoric shark in his latest movie, “The Meg”.
The movie follows the life of an expert sea diver and Naval Captain Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham). Five years ago, he had a mission in the Philippine Trench but was forced to abort it because he and his crew was attacked by a 70-foot sea creature, but he was left with no evidences to prove it. After a series of unfortunate events, Jonas must save lives of the people he loves and face his greatest fear – the Carcharodon Megalodon, the largest predator ever existed. Joining Statham are Asian actors, Li Bingbing as Suyin Zhang and Winston Chao as Dr. Minway Zhang.

Catch Crazy Rich Asians starting August 22 in SM Cinema branches nationwide and don’t miss The Meg now playing at IMAX theatres and 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!

Goodyear unleashes Assurance Triple Max 2 !

NEWS RELEASE

On its 120th Year, Goodyear Unleashes Assurance TripleMax 2
The latest addition to Goodyear’s Assurance TripleMax Series is designed to significantly increase drivers’ safety and confidence.

Manila, Philippines, August 2018 – Designed to gear up and prepare mid-passenger car drivers especially for the rainy season, Goodyear launched the Assurance TripleMax 2 in the Philippines today. It is equipped with the new HydroTred Technology, which is optimized for excellent grip performance with short braking distance under wet road conditions. This allows drivers to stop faster and drive safer especially on wet roads.

As Goodyear celebrates its 120th year globally, they aim to empower drivers with the ability to confidently move free with the assurance of being in control, in any road and weather condition. Thus, the cutting-edge tire was crafted with the consumer needs in mind and the company’s pursuit for safety innovation. As the Philippines has its fair share of wet and slippery roads due to the rainy season, the Assurance TripleMax 2 promises to provide performance without sacrificing safety and control.

 “To celebrate our 120th global anniversary, it is only fitting that we release a tire that perfectly captures what Goodyear has been passionate about throughout the years: innovation. With the Assurance TripleMax 2, Filipino drivers can rest assured that their travels would be safe, regardless of the weather conditions.”, Mr. Kenneth Sambajon, Market Director of Goodyear Philippines, said at the launch event in the Mess Hall, located at Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

As pioneers in the tire technology, the successor of the highly successful Assurance TripleMax in 2013 was enhanced to deliver better performance, specifically in its wet braking, handling, comfort, and resistance.

Braking on wet roads has never been easier with the Assurance TripleMax 2’s Excellent Wet Braking Performance, giving drivers the maximum grip for shorter wet braking distance due to its state-of-the-art compound formulation and optimized footprint.

The new HydroTred technology, with its squarer and steadier footprint and more effective contact pressure capabilities, promised Enhanced Handling Performance. This delivers a more controlled driving experience because of better tire cornering stiffness and steering precision.

Both comfort and resistance are enhanced in the Assurance TripleMax 2. Its innovative tread pattern provides riders with their quietest, smoothest, and most comfortable ride yet, while being equipped with additional technical components that increase its resistance for all sidewall impacts.

The Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 is each driver’s partner in stopping faster and driving safer under any road conditions, even wet roads. It is available in 14” to 17” rim diameters and in various sizes.

UNFRIENDED : DARK WEB - Be careful on the internet !

PRESS RELEASE
SM Cinema Unlocks the Abysmal Horrors of the Internet through Unfriended:
Dark Web

This August, be ready to get terrified with the
latest SM Cinema Exclusive offering
Unfriended: Dark Web, a stand-alone sequel
to the 2015 film Unfriended.
In a computer-mediated world, and as
technology connects us to the World Wide
Web, our curiosity is being wired further in
discovering the deeper and anonymous side
of the internet—the dark web.
A young man possesses a stranger’s laptop
and goes online for a video chat with his
group of friends to tell them about what he
has discovered: the eerie files containing
hard-to-believe captured video footages on
the stolen computer. The teenagers then
proceed to play a game together until
uninvited mysterious entities with a
murderous agenda pops out of nowhere and
begins to make sinister threats against the
group of friends. Everything else then goes
out of control and the planned night of fun
and games ends up in horror! 
See before your eyes the terrors of
Unfriended: Dark Web starting August 8 exclusively at SM Cinema. 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!

Catch MISSION IMPOSSIBLE : FALLOUT @ IMAX SM Cinemas !

PRESS RELEASE
IMAX at SM Cinema Intensifies the Thrilling Action
in Mission: Impossible – Fallout!

Experience heart-pounding and exploding action in SM Cinema and IMAX theatres together with the IMF’s best spy, Ethan Hunt, as he comes back with his team for Mission: Impossible - Fallout.

After capturing Solomon Lane, the IMF team led by Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) joined forces with CIA assassin August Walker (Henry Cavill) for another impossible mission to take, prevent massive nuclear attacks on Vatican, Jerusalem and Mecca, Saudi Arabia from a group of terrorists known as the Apostles.

After series of unfortunate events, IMF now needs to deal with the CIA. Haunted by their past mistakes, Hunt and his crew, must stop a global catastrophe while facing the CIA, assassins, former allies and the fallout of their good intentions. 

Tom Cruise reprises his iconic role, Ethan Hunt, together with his IMF team, Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames. Also coming back for more action are the leading ladies, Michelle Monaghan and Rebecca Ferguson. Angela Bassett joins the cast as the CIA superior and Henry Cavill as the deadly CIA assassin, August Walker.

The action-packed Mission: Impossible – Fallout becomes even bigger and better in IMAX theatres. Featuring up to 26% more picture on climactic scenes, the IMAX moviegoers will surely enjoy and see even more of the harrowing escapes and death-defying action sequences.  Mission: Impossible – Fallout is also the first movie in the franchise that was specially formatted for IMAX screens.

Catch Mission: Impossible - Fallout in IMAX, Director’s Club and SM Cinema branches nationwide starting July 25. For more convenient experience, 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!