Of Judgment Day and Time Loops : A Refresher Course on the Terminator Saga

(Media Release)
In 1984, visionary director James Cameron introduced a game-changer in the sci-fi-action movie genre with the first Terminator – a film that pulled audiences into a thrilling world of cyborgs, AI supercomputers, time travel, and alternate futures.

Now, the renowned filmmaker returns for Terminator: Dark Fate, working closely with the film’s current director, Tim Miller who breathes new life to the saga. Cameron describes Terminator: Dark Fate as a direct sequel to Terminator 2, one that recaptures the riveting tone of the original Terminator and its follow-up. “It has the same intensity, the same take-no-prisoners feeling and sense of abject terror,” he says.

Making Terminator: Dark Fate his own, Tim Miller shared how he balanced the fresh but familiar feel of the film. “We all felt strongly that the film should be in some way a handoff to new characters, but we wanted to continue the structure of the “trinity” consisting of hunters, protectors, and prey,” he says.

With the two films more than a decade apart, here’s a much-needed refresher on the events that led to Terminator: Dark Fate.

The Original Time Loop
Because of the success of the first Terminator and its unique premise, multiple stories and timelines have sprouted to create an expansive universe of alternate realities seen across the franchise’s different films and even series.  However, Terminator: Dark Fate, stems from the first time loop, kicking off 28 years after Terminator: Judgment Day.

“Above anything else, we wanted to create a return to form with Dark Fate. Terminator 1 and 2 hold a very special place in cinematic history, and we wanted Dark Fate to be a continuation of Jim’s vision for the franchise,” explains producer David Ellison.

In the first Terminator set in 1984, we meet Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), a young waitress who is suddenly pursued by a T-800 Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent from the future to eliminate her. Coming to her rescue is Kyle Reese, a man also sent from the future by the resistance to protect her.

Kyle explains that in the future an AI supercomputer called Skynet launches a nuclear war on ‘Judgement Day’ that nearly exterminates the human race. Hell-bent on eliminating the remaining survivors, Skynet sent the Terminator to target Sarah because she will give birth to the leader of the future’s resistance - John Connor. As they face multiple dangers together, Kyle and Sarah fall in love, revealing that Kyle Reese is the father of the future leader. In a series of pulse-pounding events, they defeat the Terminator. However, Reese does not survive the battle.

The film’s success prompted a 1991 sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day (or T-2), setting a new standard for action films. T-2 introduced a more advanced – and more lethal – Terminator, the T-1000, played by Robert Patrick, and added Edward Furlong as Sarah’s son, John Connor, the future leader of the resistance. The film cost an unprecedented $94 million to produce — approximately 15 times the $6.4 million budget of The Terminator — and made extensive use of cutting-edge CGI to bring the two Terminators to vivid, terrifying life. It garnered several accolades, including Academy Awards® for Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects, and became the highest-grossing film of the year, bringing in over $518 million worldwide. 

While three more Terminator-themed films and a television series were produced, T-2 marked the end of Cameron and Hamilton’s involvement — until Terminator: Dark Fate, which continues the story from Judgment Day in the present.

The Fate of the Future
Through the efforts of Sarah, John, and the T-800, Judgement Day is seemingly averted but 28 years later, a sudden turn of events intertwines the fate of a battle-hardened Sarah with a new set of heroes - Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an enhanced human super-soldier from an alternate time on a mission to protect Dani (Natalia Reyes), a woman who is the key to saving the future.

Their journey on the run from a highly-advanced Rev-9 Terminator (Gabriel Luna), leads them to an unexpected ally, a T-800 from Sarah’s past. Joining forces, they choose their destinies and fight for the fate of the future.

Catch Terminator: Dark Fate in Philippine cinemas on October 30, Wednesday. Join the conversations online at #TerminatorDarkFatePH.

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About Terminator: Dark Fate
Linda Hamilton (“Sarah Connor”) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (“T-800”) return in their iconic roles in Terminator: Dark Fate, directed by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and produced by visionary filmmaker James Cameron and David Ellison. Following the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Terminator: Dark Fate also stars Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna and Diego Boneta.
Terminator: Dark Fate hits Philippine cinemas on October 30, Wednesday. Join the conversations online at #TerminatorDarkFatePH

JED MADELA IS ON A ROLL!

World champion Jed Madela is certainly on a roll. After his thanksgiving blogcon at the Pamana Restaurant a few weeks back (where he thanked ABS-CBN and It’s Showtime for getting him to be a Tawag ng Tanghalan hurado), he resumed his normal routine. For Jed, that involves dazzling audiences with his talent, both in real life and on the internet.

When President Ram Nath Kovind of the Republic of India was in Manila for a state visit recently, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte hosted a dinner for him at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang Palace. Jed performed two songs during the dinner, John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.”

At the meet and greet, the guests (including President Duterte and his partner Honeylet Avanceña) praised Jed’s singing. But according to him, the guest of honor’s statement was most humbling. President Kovind told Jed, gesturing toward President Duterte as he spoke:

“He tells me you are a champion from the World Championships of the Performing Arts, where you won six gold medals. What an honor to hear you sing. What a privilege,” President Kovind said, clutching his chest and bowing slightly to Jed.

Aside from impressing visiting diginitaries, Jed has also gone viral with his cover of December Avenue’s hit “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw,” which was a collaboration with Tawag ng Tanghalan season 3 runner-up John Mark Saga. The video he and Jed filmed together has since been viewed over two million times on Facebook. Many media outlets have also taken notice of its success.

“Two million views on Facebook and a couple thousand sa YouTube channel ko. It feels great that people were touched by our version of the song. It’s overwhelming and at the same time there’s pressure on my part, kasi mag-iisip nanaman ako kung sino ang susunod kong iimbitahan sa YouTube channel ko,” Jed says.

According to Jed, he enjoyed working with John Mark because he sees himself in the newbie.

“It was a nice experience doing a collaboration with John Mark because I see myself in him when I was just starting. Tahimik lang siya pero when it’s time to do my job, we sing with heart and passion.”

Jed’s looking forward to devoting more time to his YouTube channel. He says YouTube is great because it allows celebrities like him to reach out to their fans in a different way.

“It’s a great experience. What John Mark did sa collaboration namin was amazing and beautiful. Knowing people love it, which is why it reached a million views already, I’m inspired to do more collaborations and YouTube videos in the future.”

World Vision in the Philippines launches “Noche Buena” campaign to give joy to more children this Christmas

(Media Release)
Christmas is truly in the air as World Vision in the Philippines kicks off its Noche Buena campaign for 2019, the child-focused organization’s annual initiative aimed at making Christmas celebrations more meaningful and joyful for the most vulnerable children and their families.

World Vision Ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Advocate Erwan Heusaff showed their support by teaming up in doing the Noche Buena with a Twist challenge. They produced an online vlog where they cooked their own version of one of the young Filipinos’ favorite Noche Buena dishes, Spaghetti.

Everyone is invited to take part in making this a memorable Christmas for the children. By giving a one-time donation of at least P1,000 sponsors and donors can help provide two (2) families with Noche Buena gift that contains ingredients for spaghetti and fruit salad with additions of canned foods and juice drink.

“Christmas can be considered as one of the most celebrated and important holidays for us Filipinos and this occasion is not complete without the Noche Buena. This important feast symbolizes the much-awaited reunion of families as we remember and celebrate the love for family, the season of giving and most especially the birth of Christ,” said Rommel Fuerte, World Vision Philippines Executive Director.

Launched in 2005, the Noche Buena campaign has been one of the most awaited seasons of World Vision’s assisted children across the country, bringing joy to Filipino homes annually.

“I am beyond grateful and honored to be part of World Vision’s Noche Buena campaign and help give more smiles to children and their families this Christmas. I am inviting everyone to help us reach our goal of blessing 28,000 children and their families this coming holiday,” said World Vision Ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith.

To know more and donate for the Noche Buena campaign, please visit campaigns.worldvision.org.ph/nochebuena. You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
#JoyOfGiving   #NocheBuena2019

Dragonpay and Oro China Share Online Selling Tips for Starters

(Press Release)
The e-commerce industry is more important than everyone think it is.

Last 2018, Statistica has reported that the Philippine e-commerce market revenue has shown massive value, amounting to $840 million or about P44 trillion It is without a doubt the most in-demand platform for Filipinos to communicate and transact goods and services.

Although everyone can conveniently enter e-commerce as fast as a click of a screen on mobile gadgets, it still requires the more traditional practices of maintaining a business.

Dragonpay, a pioneer and market leader in alternative payment solutions in the Philippines, has partnered up with the Cebu-based jewelry brand Oro China Jewelry to give advice to Filipinos wanting to develop their craft in e-commerce.

Being in the business for over 50 years, Oro China Jewelry found their new success by expanding their brand online, at one point skyrocketing their monthly online sales to 7 figures. However, transitioning from a physical store to eventually, an online store in their website, have its own challenges. Oro China was unsure whether their jewelry items would be something that would pique interest to the online market given its price. “We decided that we wanted to be a pioneer in the jewelry e-commerce industry,” Oro China Jewelry Marketing Manager Jewel Jalandoni said. “Real gold jewelry is tricky to sell online because of its value. We analyzed our online market's interests first so we know what kind of items we can sell online.”

Here are Oro China’s useful tips for Filipino e-commerce starters:

The customer comes first.
As a provider of goods and/ or services, you must show high priority for customer satisfaction. Offer the best experience for them. You will be surprised to see them come back for more.

Make sure to put some thought on your posts.
Marketing is an essential element in getting your company name out there, but the process in doing so requires a lot of creative juices, and most importantly, positioning your brand as a credible one. Double check your social media posts and do another round of proof-checking.

By being error-free and extra-sure, you can avoid the most extreme of problems.

Engage your audience.
Listen to what they want. Listen harder to what they don’t want. Oro China has always put communication as a valuable rule of thumb in its processes. With this, you will have the chance to learn what you need to improve on your operation and offerings.

If your first campaign flops, it’s okay.

The first few times are the best times to fail since you are still testing the waters with your audience. Every business, including Dragonpay and Oro China, have their failures at the start. But failures should not mean a discouragement, but an opportunity for development.

Keep your goal in mind.
Everything you do in your business should be done to reach that goal. You can expand your horizons, but always remember to stay focused on what you are aiming for in the first place.

Most importantly, be consistent.
After running a couple of experiments, develop a strategic digital marketing plan and follow through in everything. On top of that, take care of your customers as they take care of the business. Sometimes, consistency in terms of quality of work trumps everything.

Build credibility by having a secured and convenient payment gateway
Jalandoni shared that like other entrepreneurs, they experienced challenges along the way.

“Our big challenges were brand trust and payment gateway. We were pretty much unknown outside of the Visayas Mindanao area so customers, especially, from Manila were wary of us until we’ve proven that we were legit. Online customers were unsure to trust in sending us their hard-earned money. But all is well that ends well,” said Jalandoni.

Aside from accessibility, offering a convenient and reliable payment option is crucial to your online business. Oro China uses Dragonpay as one of their payment platforms for online transactions. With this, customers of Oro China can pay their orders through thousands of Dragonpay’s partner merchants across the country.

Dragonpay boosts the brand trust for businesses like Oro China with their more secure procedure for every transaction.  Once payment is accomplished by the buyer, the order will be shipped by the seller immediately, creating a trustworthy middle ground to the entire process. Having a platform sellers and buyers alike can entrust their payments on is essential, especially for Oro China, who ships items with their partner courier in several countries aside from the Philippines.

As a leading partner in Filipinos’ online payment needs, Dragonpay recently launched the SureTayo mobile app as a response to the growing need of the customers today especially those who rely their businesses on mobile phones. The mobile app is designed to cope with the demands of every transaction giving the sellers an opportunity to easily facilitate and manage customer payments. SureTayo App’s UI is straightforward, has no complicated processes, and provides the customers what they exactly need.

To know more about SureTayo, visit www.suretayo.ph or follow /SureTayoPH on Facebook. You can also download the SureTayo app in the App Store and Google Play.

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REUBEN LAURENTE IS BACK WITH A DIGITAL SINGLE “Ang Pinakamagandang Awit”

(Media Release)
Reuben Laurente is a top-notch global artist and performer. He is a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, theater performer, and album producer who cites Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Brian McKnight, Harry Connick Jr., Mel Torme as his major influences.

After a 13-year hiatus in the Philippine music industry, he recently launched his fans’ most-awaited solo recording digital single, “Ang Pinakamagandang Awit”, composed by Marizen Yaneza, arranged by Noel Espenida, produced and published by RJA Productions LLC.

“Ang Pinakamagandang Awit” is a love ditty that boldly attempts the return of the classic OPM movie soundtracks during its golden age (late 70’s to the 80’s), where the songs were mostly the celebrated ballads and sung by Reuben’s OPM icons- the great Mr. Basil Valdez and Mr. Nonoy Zuñiga. Inspired by these OPM soundtracks and icons, Reuben’s solo single will take you down memory lane… with his soothing vocals reminiscing, revisiting, and reliving the chart topping soundtracks that dominated the airwaves 40 years ago. Listening to Reuben will take you back to the golden age of the past... a nostalgic walk to the best songs that captivated everyone’s hearts and memories.

In his recent come-back, he successfully  reclaimed his place in the music industry and the live theater by winning the “2018 Best Male Concert Artist of the Year” ALIW Awards (the Philippines’ award-giving body for live entertainment), successfully launching his first digital single “You’re My Home” (a revival of the famous Odette Quesada 80’s hit), and by performing First Man and “Manama” via Ballet Philippines’ "Tales of the Manuvu" (March 2019) staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

From Gospel Singer to an Award-Winning Singer/Performer

Reuben started out his career as a gospel singer for PAPURI! He then joined the Philippines’ premiere vocal group, “The CompanY” from 1991 to 2004, where Reuben became a historic part of the group’s first 14 albums and first 35 industry awards.
Reuben’s pursuit of excellence led to this impressive winning streak:
Three-time AWIT Awards nominee for Best Male Recording Artist of the Year (1997, 2001, and 2007)
AWIT and ALIW Award winner as Singer/Songwriter and Live Performer (2007)
Catholic Mass Media Award winner for best secular album of the year (“Pop Virtuosity” album) for D’Concorde producers Reck Cardinales, Rudy Ong, and himself (2007)
“GLOBAL PINOY” Award recipient (“Pinoy” is a colloquial word for Filipino) by the SM Supermalls (2010, international cruise)
AWIT Special Citation Award winner for being a recording artist showcasing the Filipino artist in the international cruise entertainment scene (2011)
Four-time Official Philippine Representative to various International music/performance festivals
The First Philippine Int'l Music Festival (Manila, 1995) (Winner - 2nd Place)
Sounds Of the Human World (Taiwan, 2004)
USA Songwriting Competition as interpreter of the Best World Music song “Ikaw Ay Ikaw Pa Rin” by composers GJ German Gomez and Markel Luna (USA, 2003)
World Championships of the Performing Arts (USA, 2007).

Reuben is One Glorious Musical Celebration

Reuben loves delving into different genres and has honed his voice to sing a variety of vocal styles. As a theater performer, Reuben also played the role of "Lakshmana" in "RAMA HARI" (1990) and Pilo in "Himala, The Musical" (2003), both at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. As a performer on stage, he loves doing an eclectic mix of songs that would showcase his versatility as a performer, and he describes his act in four words: ONE GLORIOUS MUSICAL CELEBRATION.

He also launched five solo studio album with various gospel and pop record labels, “Reason For This” (Shekinah,1995), “LANGIT” (Emmanuel Music, 2005), “PopVirtuosity” (Concorde Records, 2006), “HeartBlends” (MCA Universal, 2009), and “More Than Just Renditions” (Musikatha Ministries, 2012).

In 2008, Reuben crossed music borders from recording to the international cruise entertainment scene as a production cast singer, then eventually becoming a guest entertainer/headliner for various international cruise brands, bringing his own solo show to different parts of the world. This gave him the opportunity to travel to six continents and 82 countries and sovereign states.

Apart from being a performer on stage, Reuben is also a visual artist having graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at the University of the Philippines. His works have been featured in two coffee table books produced and published by Heritage Art and Antiquities and Piso Book Foundation namely “Kayumanggi” and “Folk Influence on Modern Philippine Art” (Jane Stangle Aposotol-Alvero).

Reuben Laurente is a true inspiration. He gives back all the glory to the Giver of his talent for these accomplishments, and enthuses that these accolades are all God’s blessings for the passion and dedication that he has for his craft. He is a dedicated artist who is passionate about his craft in pursuit of excellence and in championing the Filipino artist on the global stage.

Truly, this quote from Floy Quintos (award-winning Director/Playwright/Author/Actor) sums it all:
"Reuben has a gift not many of our most talented singers can claim to.  He has the ability to create nuances that imbue every song with personal meaning." 

WWW.REUBENLAURENTE.COM

SM Cinema’s Sine Sindak Horror Film Festival is back this Halloween season

(Press Release)
SM Cinema’s very own Sine Sindak Horror Film Festival is back for its second run with five curated movie titles courtesy of Crystalsky Multimedia Inc. – Dead Sight, Evil’s Curse, Door Lock, The Only Mom and Look Away – starting October 23 until October 29 at all SM Cinema branches.

Movie Lineup

In Deadsight, a partially blind man and a pregnant officer work together to escape their town through swarms of the living dead.

A holiday romance gone wrong, Evil’s Curse is the story of a young backpacker falls in love with a girl who is possessed by demons.

Doorlock is a creepy story about a woman’s escape and struggle from a stalker.

In The Only Mom, a family moves into a haunted colonial-house and finds their lives turning upside down.

An alienated and awkward high school girl finds her sinister alter-ego in the mirror in Look Away.

Horror House
To level up the Halloween experience, SM Cinema is also giving moviegoers the Sine Sindak Horror House in partnership with Asylum Manila at SM Megamall from October 19 to November 3.

Moviegoers can avail of Sine Sindak 2’s unlimited all-day pass for only Php 199 or watch a single movie for Php 120. SM Cinema’s Snack Time is also offering promos exclusive to Sine Sindak 2. Moviegoers who will avail of Sine Sindak 2 movies are entitled to Php199 Popcorn Bucket and Large drink combo.

A special promo is also offered via the GrabPay App. Single-movie tickets can be availed through GrabPay for only P99.

Catch the Sine Sindak 2 Horror Film Festival from October 23 to 29 in all SM Cinema branches nationwide. 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! Satisfy your cavings at Snack Time, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema, which offers a wide array of snack like popcorn, hotdogs and burgers to complement your movie watching experience. Follow /SnackTimeOfficial on Facebook for more information.

JOKER - Very Dark, Disturbing, Well-Made Film

This is a new take on one of comic's most popular arch nemesis - the Joker. Arthur Fleck is a mentally unstable guy who grew up with a mother who's got a  mental disorder of her own.  He's a clown-for-hire by day, and a struggling stand-up comedian by night.  

It's a very dark, frightening, disturbing, and sad portrayal of the clown prince of crime. A gritty character study of how a good-natured person can turn into a killing monster. Though the film is set in the 70s, it is quite realistic in showing the criminalities of today.  Joaquin Phoenix gave the best performance of his career. He put his heart and soul into his role.

Todd Philips, who we know from "The Hangover" movies, co-wrote and directed this well-made film about probably the most notorious criminal in comics history. The central character is from a comic-book origin but the movie feels oh-so-real. I was really shocked towards the end of the movie. Also starring Robert De Niro, Frances Conroy, Zazie Beetz, Bill Camp, and Bret Cullen. Rated R-16. From Warner Bros. Pictures.  #JokerMovie
Photos c/o Warner Bros. Pictures.

GEMINI MAN - A Visual Delight !

Henry Brogan, a government assassin who's on the brink of retirement suddenly finds himself being targeted by a killer who seem to know his every move. Turns out the killer is a younger clone of himself. Will Smith stars as  the titular character who must run from himself.

Director Ang Lee shot the film in HFR (High Frame Rate - 120 frames per second) which makes crystal-clear images even in 3D format. The action-pieces are the stars of the show. I loved the hand-to-hand combat scenes and I especially enjoyed the two-motorcycle chase scene between the old and young Will Smith. The de-aging of Smith is very impressive.

Critics are panning the story which has been tossed around Hollywood studios for two decades, making the dialogue quite icky. But what saves the film from further ridicule is the strong performances of its lead actors - Will Smith and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

If you're looking for an action-packed movie which is quite innovative with technology, you will enjoy this one. To enjoy the full visual experience, better watch it in IMAX 3D. We had our advance screening at EVIA Lifestyle Center, IMAX with laser which made it hyper-realistic. It was a visual delight. Rated PG-13. From Paramount Pictures. Distributed by United International Pictures. 

JED MADELA FLIES HIGH LIKE A "SUPERHERO" !

Most recording artists will tell you that while awards are nice, winning them isn't really their priority. They would rather have songs that will become hits, music that people will remember for a long long time.  But they will also admit that it feels good to be recognized by award-giving bodies. Such is the case with world-champion Jed Madela, whose latest album "Superhero" just earned a nomination from the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMAs) for Best Secular Album.

Jed says the recognition of his album is a big big deal for him. He's very honored that the CMMAs recognized this album which is a reflection of who he is. Jed didn't want to release an album just for the sake of having a hit song,  he wanted to put together an album full of songs that people can relate to. And that's exactly what he did, given the success of his songs "Di matitinag", " Superhero", and "Be With You Again" (collab with Boyband PH).  

"I wanted people to really relate to my songs. That when people listened to my song, they would say that's the story of their lives." Jed says the album tells a story that is very timely. It tells of how a man starts with a dream, he's faced with many obstacles, but in the end he succeeds thanks to his hard work, persistence, and prayers. 

After "Superhero" was released, Jed staged his 15th anniversary concert "Higher Than High" last Nov. 16, 2018 at the Araneta Coliseum. The concert was a success ! It was a major milestone for him, because it was his first time to do a solo concert at the Big Dome. He was also heavily involved in every aspect of it. He was a writer and a director. So now he's looking forward to doing more concerts, not only as a performer, but also someone behind the scenes.  

Jed's duties as a hurado on It's Showtime's Tawag ng Tanghalan segment keeps him busy. He loves being a hurado because it allows him to mentor up-and-coming artists. In giving critiques, he has to be constructive, yet at the same time honest.

In the last year alone, Jed has already achieved a lot. But he's not resting on his laurels. He wants to direct a concert for another artist. He's going on another US tour in January 2020, and he's prepping for another exciting album. Indeed Jed Madela has a lot to be thankful for. And he continues to fly high, with his career and personal life.

World Vision, DSWD distribute 66,000 sacks of rice to Marawi crisis-affected families

(Press Release)
World Vision, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the government of Taiwan, held a rice turnover in Region 10, donating 66,000 sacks of rice to at least 620 families affected by the Marawi crisis.

From left to right: Mr. Adonis Casinillo, WV Marawi Response Manager; Ms. Liza Branal, WV Program Manager, Mr. Ramiel Guinandam, DSWD Region 10 Donations officer; Mr. Rommel Fuerte, WV National Director; Mr. Jerry Cheng-An Chuang, Director of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, Ms. Xenia Legazpi, WV Operations Director; Mr. Mel Aguilar, WV Program Officer; and Mr. Sonny Sobremonte, WV Finance staff

“This is just the first batch. In the coming days, more families will also receive the 30-kilogram sack of rice,” shared World Vision’s Executive Director Rommel Fuerte, reiterating the organization’s support to the on-going response, especially to the well-being of the affected children.

The 66,000 donated sacks of rice will support the Food Assistance Project of the Philippine
government, which aims to alleviate food shortage and enhance access for food of affected families.

World Food Programmes’ December 2018 report shows that food gap remains at 73.30%. In
response, the social welfare department under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (BMCRRP) distributed cash grant of P73,000 (US$ 1,400) comprising of P20,000 ($ 385) for Livelihood Settlement Grants (LSG) and P53,000 ($ 1,019) for the Transitory Family Support Package (TFSP) to 15,615 families from the 24 Most Affected Areas (MAAs) but both DSWD and Task Force Bangon Marawi recognized that there is still a need for food support.

Still coping from the aftermath of the armed conflict

Two of the first to receive the rice were 43-year old Imran and 27-year old Saadia. Imran and his family have been living in temporary shelter for several months now. He used to be a furniture dealer, earning somewhere between Php10,000 to Php13,000. Today, he relies on his two older children who had to go to Manila to look for money.

Saadi, meanwhile, had to leave her two children under the care of relatives. She and her husband only have their 2-year old son, Anuwar, with them. With unstable source of income, both families struggle to make ends meet. A gantang (approximately 3 kilos) of rice alone costs around Php100 to Php120.

"That looks ok but if you don't have a hundred pesos, that's expensive. Most families here eat twice or once a day, sometimes not at all. That's why when we received news that we will be given a sack of rice, we were happy. This is a big help for us," Imran said. Saadia also echoed Imran’s gratitude, noting that she will have food for her son Anuwar in the coming days.

Jerry Cheng-An Chuang, Director of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines assured their commitment to supporting the people of Marawi during the rice turnover ceremony.

"To the people of Marawi, you are not forgotten. We will always be by your side to render a helping hand,” he said.

"We would like to thank the Government and people of Taiwan for this very kind gesture of friendship and solidarity with the Filipino people. In trying times like these, it is comforting to know that we are not alone in facing these tribulations," Mari-Flor Dollaga-Libang, DSWD Region X Director said.

Aside from the government agencies of Philippines and Taiwan, World Vision is also supported by Wan Hai Lines for the said project.

The 5-month long Marawi armed conflict which started on May 23, 2017 has displaced at least 350,000 people, according to the Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DROMIC-DSWD). Days after the clash, World Vision launched its emergency response and has so far reached 48,000 individuals, including 25,000 children through its multi-sectoral interventions.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to
working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World
Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

The Filipino Family Can

Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez and her son Nate Alcasid served as an inspiration to the Filipino families present at the 9^th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA), singing the star’s hit song “I Can.”

The Jollibee Family Values Awards
(JFVA) is an annual recognition program of the country's leading fast-food chain for exemplary Filipino families. It seeks to give honor to deserving families who exemplify positive Filipino values such as compassion, generosity, love for the community, love for others, while also providing selfless service for the communities. 

SHERYN REGIS - Back for a series of shows at Casino Filipino

Sheryn Regis, the Crystal Voice of Asia, is back for a month-long stay in the Philippines after getting her US citizenship last year, and after a ten-year residency in Houston, Texas with her family.  Sheryn is excited to reunite with her family, friends, and especially her loyal fans who have been supportive of her even when she left the Philippines in 2010. 

Sheryn, who was born and raised in Cebu, remains to be the pride of the Pinoys, not only in her country, but also across the globe. She rosed to fame during the first season of ABS-CBN's "Star In A Million" in 2003. She had multi-awarded studio albums and several hit songs under her first and current manager, Annabelle Regalado Borja, who was then head of Star Recording Inc., and now based in Australia.

Sheryn has popularized many hit songs such as "Come In Out of the Rain", " Maybe ", " Follow Your Dream", "Ang Pag-ibig Kong Ito", " Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka", etc. She was named the original Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs in ABS-CBN programs like Marina, Gulong ng Palad, Maria Flordeluna, Nagmamahal Kapamilya, Prinsesa ng Banyera, Kampanerang Kuba, and many more. 

In her homecoming presscon recently, Sheryn was excited to talk to the press, and answered all their questions enthusiastically.  She even made a big reveal - that she had thyroid cancer during her stay in the U.S. Luckily she detected it early when she lost weight and had a lump in her throat. She was afraid that she might lose her voice. She's now on her way to full recovery.    

Even when she resided in the U.S., Sheryn has been doing solo concerts and other projects in the USA and Canada. She hosted "Chit Chat Houston", the first Asian TV show on Channel Kube 57. She is also a part-time teacher in a pre-kindergarten school up to middle school in Texas. She graduated with a degree of Bachelor in Secondary Education, Major in English. 

Sheryn says she misses home, her family, and her career in the Philippines so she visits our country once-in-a-while. This is her first comeback after her U.S. citizenship grant. 

She is set to do a series of Casino Filipino shows for PAGCOR with the theme  "La Musikandia" on the ff. dates : Oct. 9 CF Angeles, Oct. 11 CF Olongapo, Oct. 16 CF Parkmall, Oct. 19 CF Cebu, Oct. 23 CF Bacolod, and Oct. 25 CF Manila Bay. Special thanks to E-Talent International and Live Artist Productions.

Sheryn will be guesting in different TV and radio shows in the country. A Grand Fans Meet Up will also happen in Cebu and Manila this October.

As Sheryn turns 40 this November, and as she celebrates 16 years in showbiz, she wants to make her come-back visit memorable. Be with the people who matter most to her, and sing her heart out to her fans and to her Philippine audience.

The year 2020 will be more exciting for Sheryn Regis, as she comes out with new songs, and more concerts around the world. 

For bookings and inquiries, please email E-Talent International at etalentinternational@gmail.com  

STAR WARS Force Friday Celebration

Filipino fans joined the Star Wars Force Friday celebration. As early as 9 PM yesterday, October 3, fans have started to line up at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium in anticipation of the latest Star Wars toys and collectibles that went out on sale by 12 midnight today, October 4.

Fans got first dibs on the latest products from Hasbro, Lego, Hot Toys, and SM Boys Teens' Wear from Toy Kingdom and The SM Store.

World Balance have accepted pre-orders for their upcoming Star Wars collection, while select furniture from the Star Wars- KENNETHCOBONPUE "Woven in the Stars" collection were put on display.

Lucasfilm and Disney’s Star Wars Force Friday is an all-out merchandising activation in partnership with Toy Kingdom in support of the upcoming releases of Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker, The Mandalorian, and Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order. Star Wars Force Friday will be at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium until October 6, Sunday.