SMALLFOOT - a smart movie about humans and yetis !

SMALLFOOT

Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, even Abominable Snowman - they've been called several names. But to this day, there has been no proof that they do exists. And that we should be afraid if ever we see one. Now comes this animated flick from the Warner Animated Group (WAG) which turns around the myth of Bigfoot. They are afraid of humans, as humans are afraid of them. And the film is cleverly called Smallfoot.  

In a mountain-top village lives a community of Yetis who have been told that no other beings exist. Miggo (Channing Tatum), the son of the gong-ringer Dorgle (Danny De Vito), accidentally met a smallfoot (a human) when a plane crash-landed in their vicinity. When he talked about his discovery, he was banished from the village. Thus began his quest to prove that smallfoot do exists. Along with a bunch of truth seekers, they explore the human village below their secluded home.

This flick deviates from your usual animated film as it makes the audience think deeply about the beliefs that older folks impart to the present generation. It's about discovery, tolerance, friendship, and exploring what's beyond the world we live in. There are beautiful sceneries, excellent sound design, and an all-star cast which includes Channing Tatum, James Corden, Zendaya, Common, LeBron James, Danny De Vito, Gina Rodriguez, etc. It's actually a great film for kids and grownups ! It's also a musical ! With several songs by some of the cast members.

It's funny how the yetis listen to us in our squeaky little voice, while we hear them growling like monsters. But I especially loved the scene towards the end where there's no dialogue exchanged, only actions. A very touching moment. Directed by Karey Kirkpatrick and Jason Reisig. Based on the book "Yeti Tracks" by "Despicable Me" creator Sergio Pablos. Rated PG. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.  

Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

PRESS RELEASE

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue.

On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations.

Warriors of the Waters
Acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge has a direct effect on the reef, WWF-Philippines and Hamilo Coast continue to implement programs for its Ridge to Reef Management. This includes the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves into Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Pico de Loro and Etayo coves, and Hamilo Coast’s main marine sanctuary, Santelmo Cove, where giant clams are being cultivated and a vibrant marine life thrive. Ongoing projects to protect coastal and terrestrial resources include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring.

From Solid Waste to Zero Waste
With efforts to keep the property and surroundings clean and green, WWF-Philippines developed a solid waste management plan for Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, including a vermicomposting site aimed at attaining zero green wastes to be sent to landfill.

Early this 2018, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel shifted a few of its operations to become more environmental friendly. The use of plastics have been replaced with paper straws and cups, good grade stirrers, and takeaway packs, which will eradicate the dumping of non-biodegradable waste of 180,000 plastic straws and 27,000 plastic stirrers annually.

The Club and Hotel also partnered with WWF-Philippines in implementing a food waste management system, an initiative aimed at urging staff, members, and guests to be more conscious about food resources and waste. With leftover rice noted as one of the highest food waste contributor in the property, the restaurants’ menus now offer rice separately, also considering diners who are non-rice eaters. A campaign to encourage guests to only get the food they can consume in a buffet was also launched in the middle of the year.

Keeping a resort development clean involves maximum effort. Water quality is regularly tested and monitored while waste water from the different locators within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast are processed and recycled to keep the lush landscapes clean and green.

Living in Harmony with Nature
Green building strategies were carefully considered in Pico de Loro Cove’s latest luxury beach condominium development, Freia. This mid-rise contemporary tropical condominium building, which offers a spectacular panorama of the sea and verdant mountains, takes pride in its features that allow sustainable green living and consider cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural lighting and ventilation was considered in the building design and solar energy will be used for certain common areas. An efficient waste management system will also ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community, thus promising a lifestyle that is not just close to nature but is one with its surrounding environmental bounties.

Through the years, Hamilo Coast continues to champion sustainable practices through luxury seaside living at par with environmental awareness. Achievements and recognitions, such as its Bronze Benchmark Status from Earth Check in 2015 and 2017, and its exemplary practice on solid waste management given by the Department of Natural Resource’s Annual Environmental Summit in 2017, proves Hamilo Coast is not just a destination, but is also becoming a premier sustainable beach resort community.

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove is home to the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, an exclusive membership club with a plethora of land- and sea-based recreational facilities, and the Pico Sands Hotel, a seven storey, 154-room hotel offering spacious rooms with modern amenities and captivating views of the lush mountains and tranquil lagoon. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has been successfully implementing various conservation projects since 1997 to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. For more information, visit wwf.org.ph.

Pico de Loro Cove is one of several marine protected areas in Hamilo Coast where marine life is preserved and enhanced in partnership with WWF-Philippines since 2007.

EXES BAGGAGE - Angelica Panganiban and Carlo Aquino reunites !

PRESS RELEASE

Deal with your “Exes Baggage” at SM Cinema

Would you take a chance on someone new when you’ve just had your heart broken? Ready your tissues as SM Cinema features the much awaited reunion movie of real life ex-lovers Carlo Aquino and Agelica Panganiban, Exes Baggage.
Fans of CarGel can see one of the biggest 90’s love teams once again after their last project together in 2014. While the two are still good friends in real life, their supporters cannot wait to witness their undeniable chemistry on the big screen.
Directed by Dan Villegas, Exes Baggage tells the story of two individuals who find each other in a time of heartbreak and healing. Pia (Angelica Panganiban) and Nix (Carlo Aquino), both recently having their hearts broken, instantly feel a connection when they meet at a bar. This connection quickly turns into a relationship. But are they ready for another commitment when wounds from their previous relationships have yet to heal?
Catch Exes Baggage in SM Cinema branches nationwide starting September 26, 2018. 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!

THE NUN - the fifth entry to The Conjuring universe.

THE NUN

THE NUN takes us back to 1952 Romania where a young nun chose to commit suicide in a very remote convent. A priest with a haunted past, and a noviciate were sent from the Vatican to investigate. The setting of this film is very conducive to scares - there are long hallways, a deserted chapel and cemetery, etc. The first act spent lots of time in setting up the scenario; and the scares were mostly funny.

It took awhile before we see the titular Nun. In The Conjuring 2, the demonic nun was put to very good use. All scenes with Valak were very effective. However, in its supposed origin film, the Nun was relegated to the final act and minimal exposure. It's like they were saving it for last, but then giving it limited time onscreen.

When Valak finally appears and wreaks havoc to the convent, that's when the good scares begin. This prequel sure has lots of jumpscares, and some of them gave me goosebumps. I just feel like they could have done more with the demonic nun. If you like old school horror films, and if you love the Conjuring universe, you'll enjoy this fifth entry of the series.

I did enjoy the performances of the cast especialy the three main protagonists namely Taissa Farmiga, youngest sister of The Conjuring's Vera Farmiga, as Sister Irene. Demian Bichir as Father Burke, and Jonas Bloquet as Frenchie. Story written by Gary Dauberman and James Wan. Directed by Corin Hardy. Produced by Peter Safran and James Wan for Warner Bros Pictures. Rated R. 

Catch THE PREDATOR and A SIMPLE FAVOR at SM Cinemas !

PRESS RELEASE
Feel the thrill of “The Predator” and “A Simple Favor” in SM Cinema

Prepare yourselves to witness a hunt and solve some mystery with the two latest movie features of SM Cinema, “The Predator” and “A Simple Favor”.
From the bloody R-Rated franchise, “The Predator” brings the universe’s most lethal hunters back on Earth.
Set in a small town, a young boy accidentally triggers a signal that called the Predators and landed on their area. Now, a group of ex-soldiers and a science teacher will have to face the Predators, who evolved and became stronger, smarter and deadlier after they upgraded their DNA with other alien species.
“The Predator”, directed and co-written by Shane Black, features lead actors Olivia Munn, Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key and Sterling K. Brown.

Another R-Rated film, “A Simple Favor” will go through solving the mystery behind the disappearance of a woman with dark secrets.
Originally a novel by Darcey Bell, “A Simple Favor” will follow the life of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger, as she met an ultra-glamorous mom, Emily Nelson (Blake Lively), and how they became friends.
One afternoon, Emily asked Stephanie for a simple favor and as Stephanie agreed, Emily mysteriously disappeared. After Stephanie found out that her friend is missing, she goes to rescue and find her missing friend. As she continues her journey looking for Emily, she will discover several things about her friend’s mysterious past.
Directed by Paul Feig, “A Simple Favor” is a stylish thriller filled with twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, love and loyalty, murder and revenge.
Experience the thrill of “The Predator” in IMAX and SM Cinema branch near you and solve the mystery of “A Simple Favor” in Director’s Club and SM Cinema branches nationwide starting September 12. 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!

Win a DUCATI from OLD SPICE !

PRESS RELEASE

Old Spice and Ducati Motorbike Honor Today’s Man with the          Spice Up your Ride Raffle Promo

In photo (from left): Cage Liongson, National Sales Manager of RPG Distribution Services, Inc., Dante Robles, Market Manager of Old Spice Philippines; Kyle De Vera, Senior Marketing Specialist of RPG Distribution Services Inc.; model / blogger Christian Busby;
 chef / obstacle course racer Noel Agra; and Dulah Lipardo, General Manager of RPG Distribution Services, Inc.

A man’s man is not a man who shies away from the crowd nor a man who hides when the going gets tough. He is someone who is loud, proud, and stands out from the crowd by being their absolute best in every aspect, even in their personal care. Old Spice, the manliest grooming brand on the planet, has recently launched the ‘Spice Up Your Ride’ raffle promo, where a lucky guy gets to win an exclusive Old Spice Edition of the equally confident and striking Ducati SuperSport motorbike.

“We want today’s man to not settle for the bland and the conventional. Today’s man should be able to stand out and be fully confident of themselves. With Old Spice, you get to spice up your ride, making you feel confident in whatever endeavor you are in to, whether it is about your career, your sport, your social life, or your personal life. We want you to take charge. And with our friends in Ducati, you get to do this by elevating your game with the limited edition Old Spice Ducati SuperSport”, shared Old Spice Philippines at the launch event in Social House, Circuit Makati, Makati City.

However, what does it means to be today’s man, a man’s man? Old Spice has scouted the nation in search for Filipinos who have spiced up their rides by going the extra mile in the things they are passionate about while looking good and feeling confident.  Two standout men were recognized, Noel Agra, who is not just a well-trained chef but also an avid obstacle course racer, and Christian Busby, a model whose passions include blogging and going on adventures.

They were asked what drove them to confidently pursue the things they love. “As a fat kid, I have always loved food so I decided to become a chef. While for obstacle course racing, I did one with my dad two years ago and ever since, we got hooked and we wanted to share this love for obstacle course racing here in the Philippines”, explained Noel. Christian, a Filipino-English model and travel-oriented blogger shared, “Since I was young, I already love exploring new things, learning about new cultures. The thing that fascinates me is just seeing a different culture and trying to adapt. “

Now as guys who are not only pursuing what they love but excelling in them, they imparted meaningful pieces of advice for those who want to man-up and become a man’s man. Noel, recalls a memorable quote from Kung Fu Panda 3, “If you only do what you can, you will never be more than what you are now”. That, for him, has always kept him growing and has always challenged him. For Christian, he has two secrets for success. First, you have to set goals that are really high and then reach it. Second, he said, “You got to be confident in yourself. Groom yourself well, put Old Spice on you and smell good. Confidence is a huge key.”

Just like Noel and Christian, you can also spice up your ride, and one way is by participating in this initiative. The ‘Spice Up Your Ride’ promo is perfect for a man’s man, someone who wants to feel fresh and at their best in not just the personal level, but also when it comes to exploring the world through the bikes they ride.

To join the promo, all you have to do is man up and purchase any Old Spice product. You can submit your entry at www.oldspiceph.net, where you will have to fill out your personal information, contact details, and the receipt number of the purchased product. For the complete mechanics of the promo, as well as more information about Old Spice, you check out the website (www.oldspiceph.net) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OldSpicePH). The promo runs from July 15 to October 31, 2018 with the draw happening on November 5, 2018.

Old Spice is the authority on the male grooming experience and it brings authenticity, performance, and confidence to men all around the world. It offers a wide array of products for the modern man such as antiperspirant deodorants, deodorants, bar soap, shower gel, body sprays, after shaves, and colognes.  It comes in various scent collections, allowing the man to choose the perfect man-smell for oneself given any and every situation. You can man-up today as Old Spice is found in all leading supermarkets and stores nationwide.