World Vision's experiential booth launched with Ambassadors Bianca Umali, Iñigo Pacual, & Enzo Pineda

For more than 60 years, World Vision’s work has centered on changing the lives of the most vulnerable children and their communities. As a child-focused global Christian organization, World Vision is committed to giving every child an opportunity to live “life in all its fullness.”

World Vision constantly challenges itself in finding new ways or innovative campaigns or programs to widen its reach and increase partnerships so that it can give hope to more children in the Philippines.

World Vision is launching “Hope Town”, an experiential booth featuring a day in the life of one of its sponsored children, Nica. The public gets to witness Nica’s story come to life as they enter the booth which is an exact replica of her home and community in North Cebu. At the end of the walkthrough awaits another exciting experience in a whole new dimension thru a VR video with a 360 perspective of Nica’s life.

The unveiling of Hope Town was attended by World Vision Ambassadors Inigo Pascual, Enzo Pineda, and Bianca Umali together with World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte. The Ambassadors also roamed around the mall and invited people to visit and see what the Hope Town has to offer through a short challenge.

“We invite everyone to become part of the transformational development that is happening in the lives of the most vulnerable children. As our Hope Town Experiential Booth ushers you into the journeys of our communities, I pray that God will make known to you the path of life that is full of joy and blessings forever. Thank you for your support to the Filipino children and to World Vision Philippines,” said Fuerte.

Hope Town is meant not just to inspire the public, but to spark a fresh desire that will move the public to be engaged in building, restoring, and uplifting the lives of others in need—most especially the children.

Catch the first run of Hope Town at the TriNoma Cinema lobby (4th floor in front of Krispy Kreme) from January 27 to February 09, 2020.

Hope Town is made possible with a partnership from brand activation company Excite Inc., Max’s Restaurant, ComCo Southeast Asia and with the help of World Vision advocates Rodel Flordeliz of Nognog in the City, Ria Lumandog of Sugar Smile, Rod Magaru of The Rod Magaru Show, Earth Rullan of Earthlingorgeous, Ed Uy of Where is Ed Uy?, and Jeman Villanueva of Orange Magazine TV.

For updates on future locations, like and follow World Vision Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit the official website, www.worldvision.org.ph.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

JUST MERCY - Emotionally-Charged Legal Drama !

Michael B. Jordan stars as Bryan Stevenson, a young lawyer who just graduated from Harvard Law School, and chose to defend those wrongfully convicted of crime. One of his early cases was that of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a timbercutter who was accused of murdering an 18 year-old girl despite evidences to the contrary.

Jamie Foxx is at his best here. He delivers a strong yet subtle performance of an inmate who seem to have accepted his fate of being put on deathrow. While Michael B. Jordan proves that he can also be a great actor beyond the action films (Creed, Black Panther) he's done lately. Brie Larson is in a supporting role playing local advocate Eva Ansley.  This film will make you stand up and fight for what you believe in.

Based on the memoirs of Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy. It's a true story that happened in 1987 Alabama where the justice system is heavily marred by racism.  Written by Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Lanham. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton. Rated PG-13. From Warner Bros. Pictures. Photos c/o @wbphils.

SPIES IN DISGUISE - Highly Entertaining !

By Edgar Allan E. Yu

The world's greatest spy, Lance Sterling, is suave, debonair, and awesome. He is idolized by his colleagues in the agency. While Walter Beckett is a tech whiz kid who graduated from MIT at age 15, and he invents gadgets for spies.  Lance doesn't think highly of Walter, but when he was framed for treason, he was forced to seek the help of the whiz kid. Unfortunately, Lance accidentally drinks the potion which Walter has not perfected yet. And it turned him into a pigeon. Thus begun the team-up of Lance and Walter to save the world. 

Will Smith is the voice of Lance Sterling, and he fits his role to a T. He's got the cockiness of a super spy and the proper comedic timing. Tom Holland voices Walter Beckett and he perfectly imbues the character of a nerdy but nice, geeky scientist. Together they have great chemistry onscreen even though we only hear their voices. You would wish to see them in a live action movie soon.   

The plot is basically what you get from a spy movie. Fast-paced action scenes, exotic locations, and not surprisingly, lots and lots of funny scenes. It is targeted towards really young kids, but adults will enjoy it too. It has elements of James Bond 007, The Incredibles, Mission : Impossible, and Spider-Man : Far From Home. It's a highly entertaining animated film for the whole family ! 

Directed by first-time directors Troy Quane and Nick Bruno. Rated PG. From Blue Sky and 20th Century Fox.    

SM Cinema Gave Away Free Popcorn for International Popcorn Day

SM Cinema celebrated International Popcorn Day by treating cinemagoers to free popcorn.

The movie going experience is made complete with popcorn, a classic well-loved cinema snack. So on its
special day on January 19, SM Cinema marked International Popcorn Day by treating early birds to free
popcorn to give them a more fun movie experience. Every first screening schedule between 10AM and 1PM came with free SnackTime popcorn in all SM Cinema branches nationwide.

To make the celebration even more exciting, SM Cinema also prepared games for friends and family to enjoy
and a surprise appearance from Poppy the Popcorn, who joined in on the latest Tala dance craze with a fun
performance for moviegoers at the SM Cinema Megamall branch.
To complete the Popcorn Day experience, SM Cinema also hosted the advance screening of the conclusion to the Bad Boys trilogy, Bad Boys for Life on International Popcorn Day at SM Cinema Megamall. Starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, this third and final film shows the inseparable detective duo on their way to retiring, but must put it on hold to work together one last time when a murderer involved in an old case comes back to haunt them.

Pop up at SM Cinema and satisfy your cravings at Snack Time, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema.
Snack Time offers popcorn with butter, cheese, sour cream & onion, and barbeque flavors to choose from
and other snacks like hotdogs and burgers to complement your movie watching experience. Follow
/SnackTimeOfficial on Facebook for more information.

Never miss out on the latest blockbuster movies at SM Cinema. Find the nearest branch today! Book your tickets with ease 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 GRUDGE (2020) - Lots of jumpscares, new twists to the franchise

This is the latest iteration of the popular Japanese horror franchise - JU-ON : The GRUDGE.  When a mutated corpse turns up in a car somewhere in the woods, a detective tries to pick up the puzzle and investigates a house in Cross River. She finds out that the house is cursed by a vengeful ghost. Now the ghost is after her and her family.  

Like the other films in the franchise, this one has different timelines and plenty of characters.  A caregiver from Tokyo returns to the U.S., then murders her family and herself. A pair of married realtors tries to sell the house. And an old couple - a black man whose wife has advanced stage of dementia. It can be quite confusing when you're trying to follow which characters belong to which timeline.   

Now this is another film which is getting loads of negative reviews from critics.  It's been called boring, depressing, not scary, etc. I will leave it up to you, my dear readers, to do the judging. All I can say is, it has plenty of jumpscares which is expected from a horror genre; and it has some new twists to add to the franchise. The cast is made up of talented actors like Andrea Riseborough, Demian Bichir, William Sadler, John Cho, Betty Gilpin, Jacki Weaver, Frankie Faison, and Lin Shaye.    

Written and Directed by  Nicolas Pesce. Produced by Sam Raimi. Rated R. From Sony Pictures. 

Photos c/o Columbia Pictures. 

RICHARD JEWELL - Easily One of the Best Films of 2019 !

Based on the true story of a security guard who discovered a bomb in Centennial Park during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, he was considered a hero for saving the lives of many. But after only a few days, his life turned 360° when he became the prime suspect of the bombing. What followed was the horrifying experience he and his mom had to go through as the FBI followed his every move and their lives became media frenzy.  

The is a really good story that deserves to be told in our present generation because things like these are still happening. And most of the actors gave their best performances. Sam Rockwell who plays Attorney Watson Bryant is particularly good, while Kathy Bates as Richard's mom Bobi Jewell, is excellent and she deserves at least an Oscar nod. Paul Walter Hauser (whom I've never seen before) as Richard Jewell is so natural and authentic. He looks and talks like the real Richard Jewell. Jon Hamm and Olivia Wilde also stars.

This is clearly one of the best works of Director Clint Eastwood, and easily one of the best films of the year (2019). After watching this film, look for the 60 Minutes interview with Richard Jewell which aired on 1996. You will see the many similarities. Written by Bill Ray. Rated R. From Warner Bros. Pictures.  Don't miss it ! (Photos c/o @wbphils)

Movies to Watch Out for this 2020 at SM Cinema

(Media Release)
2020 is an exciting year for movies and SM Cinema is preparing for these new releases just for you! From
Marvel Phase 4 to book adaptations and exciting sequels and spin-offs, here are some of our most-
anticipated movies in 2020.

Cats
Release date: January 8
This musical fantasy based on the popular Broadway play is a magical story of a group of cats called the
Jellicles, who must decide which among them will transcend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a
new life. The star-studded cast includes Taylor Swift, Idris Alba, Rebel Wilson, James Corden, Jason Derulo and Jennifer Hudson.

More Than Blue
Release date: January 8
SM Cinema is exclusively bringing this remake of the South Korean film of the same name. When a man
finds out he has a terminal illness, he hides it from his high school sweetheart turned fiancé, who he
knows is afraid of being left alone, and pushes her to marry another man.

Underwater
Release date: January 15
When an earthquake devastates their underwater laboratory, a group of underwater researchers must
find a way to get to safety before it collapses on them.

Dolittle
Release date: January 29
Robert Downey Jr. stars as Dr. Dolittle, an eccentric doctor and veterinarian in Victorian England who can
talk to animals. Seven years after his wife passes a way and he becomes a hermit, Queen Victoria falls
gravely ill and he is forced to leave his secluded home in Dolittle Manor and journey to a mythical island
to search for a cure.

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Release date: February 6
After Harley Quinn became a fan favorite in DC movie Suicide Squad, it’s no surprise that she’s getting her
own movie! In this spin-off movie, Gotham City crime lord Black Mask puts a hit on a young girl named
Cassandra Cain. Harley teams up with heroines Black Canary, Helena Bertinelli, and Renee Montoya to
protect her at all costs.

Little Women
Release Date: February
This adaptation of the well-loved book is exciting enough with just its _ cast featuring Meryl Streep,
Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Saoirse Ronan, and Timothee Chalamet among others. Directed by acclaimed
director, Greta Gerwig, it tells the story of the March sisters after they leave their family home during the
aftermath of the American Civil War.

Onward
Release date: March 4
Onward is set in a fantasy world filled with magical creatures but has since lost its sense of magic after
modernization took over. One day, two teenage elf brothers, voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt, have
to embark on a quest after a spell that would bring back their deceased father for 24 hours goes awry.

A Quiet Place: Part II
Release date: March 18
The sequel to one of the most talked about thriller films in 2018 is finally coming. While an official plot
still hasn’t been released, we are excited to delve back into the eerie and horrifying world created by its
director, John Krasinski, in the first movie.

Mulan
Release date: March 25
In this much-anticipated live-adaptation of the classic Disney princess, based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, we follow a woman who disguises as a man in order to save her ailing father from being
forced to fight in the war.

Black Widow
Release date: April 29
After a decade since we first met her, we are finally getting a Black Widow prequel story. While specific
plot details are still scarce, we know we’ll be following Natasha Romanov after the events of Captain
America: Civil War, when she is left alone and must confront her past.

Artemis Fowl
Release date: May 27
Based on the first book of the bestselling fantasy series, the movie follows a 12-year-old boy who belongs
in long line of criminal masterminds as he tries to find his father that mysteriously disappeared.

Wonder Woman
Release Date: June 4
The long-anticipated sequel to Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman: 1984 is set 70 years after the first film
where we will see Diana Prince AKA Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot face off against the film’s
villainess Cheetah, an ancient goddess that was channeled by her new friend Barbara Minerva played by
Kristen Wiig. Chris Pine as Steve Trevor also makes a comeback as the trailer revealed his appearance on
the film.

I’m Drunk I Love You Too
Release Date: July 29
Sequel to I’m Drunk I Love You, will be set in 2022, 7 years after the first movie. No official news has been
announced as to what the sequel’s plot will be about but it was Initially titled, I Love You, I Do, and this
has gotten fans to speculate that Carson, played by Maja Salvador, and Dio, played by Paulo Avelino, will
get married in the film. None of it may be official yet but we’re still looking forward to it!

Eternals
Release Date: November 6
An ancient race of people with superhuman powers, the Eternals is a new addition to the Marvel
Cinematic Universe. The star-studded cast of the Eternals include include Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden,
Kumail Nanjiani, Kit Harington and Lauren Ridloff among others. Eternals will also feature the first deaf
superhero in the MCU. Marvel is keeping the details of the film under the wraps but we know from the
comics that it shares connections with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

With over 60 branches nationwide, you are sure to never miss out on any of the latest releases as there is
always an SM Cinema branch near you. Watch out for more releases from 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! Satisfy your cravings 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.

World Vision calls for donation in ongoing relief efforts for communities affected by Taal Volcano eruption

Child-focused organization World Vision is calling for donations and volunteers to support their ongoing relief efforts for the immediate needs of the people affected by Taal Volcano’s unrest.

Aside from monetary donations to support the operations in progress, World Vision is also accepting emergency essentials such as dust masks that will be distributed in evacuation centers in Batangas.

“World Vision is committed to support the families, especially the children, who are in difficult situation because of the eruption. Our response team is already on the ground and will also be distributing hygiene kits, plastic mats, blankets, drinking water and other emergency essentials in the coming days,” said World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte.

Alert level 4 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano which means that hazardous explosive eruption is imminent within hours or days. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) has already reported at least 280 volcanic eruptions and lava fountains generating 800-meter tall dark gray steam-laden plumes. The volcanic activities also prompted the education department to cancel the classes of more than five million students across four regions.

Mandatory evacuations have been enforced in communities living within the 14-kilometre radius of Taal Volcano’s crater. According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), there are at least 450,000 people within the danger zone who are the most vulnerable to “possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami.” 

11-year old Princess from Laurel, Batangas shared, "I pray that this will be over so we can go home soon." Her family is taking refuge in a school turned evacuation center, sharing a classroom with seven other families. Princess says it's cold in the evening, she could barely sleep.  She also gets terrified with the constant jolts caused by the restless Taal. 

World Vision aims to initially support the immediate needs of 2,000 families or 10,000 individuals with provision of hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), dust mask and drinking water. Child-friendly spaces will also be set up to help children cope from the distress caused by the disaster while cash-for-work focusing on community clean-up will be implemented towards the early recovery phase of the response.

“With the continuous volcanic activities, we do not know when the affected children and their families will be able to go back to their homes. I appeal to our donors and partners to help us respond to their needs,” said Fuerte.

To support the affected children and their families, click this link to go to World Vision’s donation page: https://wvph.co/DonateForTaal. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information, like and follow World Vision Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit their official website www.worldvision.org.ph.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. 

CATS - I actually enjoyed it !

I remember back in the 80s when I saw a video of the Broadway musical hit Cats. I was fascinated by the way the performers looked. They had amazing costumes and make-up. They looked like real cats. So I was really looking forward to the movie version. But when the first trailer came out, there were so many negative reactions. More so when the movie finally opened in theaters. Critics called it bad, not worth watching, even nightmare-inducing. 

In spite of that, I still wanted to see how it played on the silver screen. I had low expectations when I came to watch it in a cinema. I was silent and focused while watching. One by one, each cat was introduced with their own song number. Some were okay, others elicited laughs. The CGI which was a big issue with the critics, was not perfect but tolerable. The plot is simple enough. The alley cats gathered for some kind of a contest where they all vie to be chosen to go to cat-heaven and be reborn. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed it ! 

Seeing all those actors looking like humanoid cats was kinda weird but fun. I thought most of them worked their asses off. Jennifer Hudson delivered a very emotional rendition of "Memory". James Corden and Rebel Wilson were hilarious ! Francesca Hayward was a fresh face to watch, while Taylor Swift was gorgeous and a sight to behold. I also love her original song - Beautiful Ghost, which played during the end credits. 

Maybe if the filmmakers were given more time to work on post-production, the critics would have been more forgiving. It's sad that a beloved and smash Broadway hit is now called the worst movie of the year. And it's losing a lot of money because it also opened at the same time with the latest installment of Star Wars - The Rise of Skywalker.  

Other stars in CATS were Judy Dench, Ian McKellen, Idris Elba, & Jason Derulo. Directed by Tom Hooper. From Universal Pictures. Photos c/o United International Pictures.

Let the Memory live again with ‘CATS’ at SM Cinema !

(Media Release)
Get ready to dance and belt out some classic tunes as SM Cinema brings you CATS, a movie adaptation of
the beloved Broadway musical.
CATS tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and their annual Jellicle Ball, a ceremony where a
cat from the said tribe is chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be granted a new life. We follow
Victoria, a new cat taken in by the Jellicles when they witness her being thrown out by her owner, as she
learns about her new home and all the unique cats.

Full of magic and music, CATS features a star-studded cast that includes Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella, Ian McKellen as Gus, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy, James Corden as Bustopher Jones, Idris Alba as Macavity, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots, Taylor Swift as Bombalurina, and
Francesca Hayward as Victoria.

CATS is a fun family film filled with memorable moments and songs to enjoy with your loved ones and
what better way than to watch it than in Director’s Club Cinema, SM Cinema’s premiere theatre featuring
plush leather seats and an in-house butler service so you never have to miss a single second of the movie.
We will definitely be singing along once they sing ‘Memory’! SM Cinema Director’s Club is available in
eleven (11) branches: SM Aura Premier, SM BF Paranaque, SM East Ortigas, SM Mall of Asia, SM
Megamall, S’Maison, The Podium, SM Puerto Princesa, SM Seaside Cebu City, SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premier and SM Fairview.

Watch CATS starting January 8 at any of the 60 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 cravings 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.