As of March 5, “Suzume” has nabbed a total of 14.04 billion yen (US$104.73 million) and now ranks as the 15th highest-grossing film released in Japan ever.
Opening March 8 in Philippine cinemas, watch Makoto Shinkai’s coming-of-age anime film set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where the protagonist, Suzume must close the doors causing devastation.
About “Suzume”
On the other side of the door, was time in its entirety—
“Suzume” is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, Suzume, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation.
Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
—The stars, then sunset, and the morning sky.
Within that realm, it was as though all time had melted together in the sky…
Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.
Drawn in by these mysterious doors, Suzume’s journey is about to begin.
Watsons Philippines is launching the “Dare To Be” campaign in the country to encourage young women to go beyond stereotypes and stand with other women to discover the best version of themselves.
This follows the success of the Asia-wide “The New Beautiful” campaign that inspired a heightened awareness of holistic beauty. Watsons continues to advance the cause of gender equality with its 90 million female Watsons Club members in the global community.
Watsons believes that everyone has the power to transcend their own limitations and break the stigma that society puts upon them. As a brand trusted by 90 million women in Asia, Eastern Europe and Middle East, Watsons’ “DARE TO BE” campaign can reach millions and inspire confidence in them.
In an interview survey of 11,000 women conducted by A.S. Watson, over 50% of women described themselves as “unconfident”. The “DARE TO BE” campaign seeks to change this by featuring women who are breaking down boundaries and leading the way for others.
“Women have the strength to be the best version of themselves and to transcend societal limitations,” said Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S Watson (Asia & Europe). “Watsons is committed to empowering women to find their faith in themselves. We know they can DARE TO BE bigger than any barrier, bolder than any bias, and stronger than their struggles.”
In line with the International Women’s Day theme, “Embrace Equity,” the campaign strives to support BRAVEHER, BOLDHER and STRONGHER Women in a cause of gender equality that embraces women from all walks of life.
Nurturing“BRAVEHER” Women in Healthcare
Watsons inspires women to be BRAVEHER with the “Women in Medicine” programme, a long term partnership with Operation Smile to train female to conduct surgery for children suffered from cleft lips and palates
During COVID-19, the bravery of frontline healthcare professionals inspired many to follow this meaningful career path.
Through the Watsons and Operation Smile partnership, Watsons has supported Operation Smile’s “Women in Medicine” initiative. Through this initiative, Operation Smile aims to provide educational pathways for women to be global leaders in health care. In support of this initiative, Watsons has sponsored all-women medical programs in low-and-middle income countries to help educate women on advanced medical practices; empower women to become leaders in global medicine; expand opportunities for women health care workers in different specialties; and elevate cleft surgery and comprehensive care.
Since the partnership’s inception, A.S. Watson Group has sponsored over 6,000 free corrective surgeries to Operation Smile through the Group’s Give a Smile signature global community programme.
Kathy Magee, Co-founder and President of Operation Smile says, “We appreciate the tremendous support from Watsons for the Women in Medicine Initiative to empower women to take on leadership roles in the medical field. Once we mentor these women and equip them with advanced surgical skills and specialty trainings, these women create new opportunities for the next generation of female leaders in health care.”
Empowering “BOLDHER” Women in their Community
Watsons inspires women to be BOLDHER and be the best version of themselves by breaking the stigma that society puts upon them
In the Philippines, Watsons partnered with the SM Group to support more young achievers in the community.
Through this partnership, both Watsons and SM Group aim to create activities that will inspire more achievers and women across all ages to pursue their dreams and their aspirations for the betterment of the community and their future in different fields.
Through the “Dare To Be” campaign, Watsons empowers women to discover the best version of themselves as they also live healthy and beautifully while achieving their goals and dreams.
Enabling a “STRONGHER” Generation of Women
Watsons empowers women to make the community STRONGHER
Throughout the month, Watsons will be actively engaging the community of Watsons shoppers through a series of events, workshops, and mentoring opportunities led by key women opinion leaders who have created their own success by defining it on their own terms.
In Malaysia, Watsons is inviting a fashion model with vitiligo (an appearance altering skin condition), a para-cyclist and a CEO from a women-focused charity to share their personal stories and health & beauty tips.
In Thailand, Watsons is promoting women empowerment through its “Green Ribbon” campaign to help more women to unleash their potential.
There are more programs in Asia which inspire confidence and empower women to look good, do good, and feel great about themselves. Interested parties can find out more at www.watsonsasia.com
For more information, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.
In the film, a charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.
Directed by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley, screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley and Michael Gilio. Story by Chris McKay & Michael Gilio, based on HASBRO’S DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
Get to know the film’s characters with their individual profiles below.
EDGIN, The Bard (Chris Pine)
CHARACTER CLASS: Bard. Wordsmiths able to inspire people with the power of music and speech.
BACKGROUND: As a member of the Harpers Faction, Edgin swore an oath to protect the powerless and topple the tyrannical. He wasn’t entirely successful.
FIGHTING STYLE: Words are a Bard’s greatest weapon. Which is perhaps another way of saying that Edgin tends to rely on his best friend Holga when it comes to all the actual fighting stuff.
STRENGTHS: Charismatic, witty, a natural leader, skilled at making plans. Plan Bs, in particular. Loves telling a good tale. Has a beard some say makes him look, “Scoundrelly but professorial. Like a well-read fisherman with secrets.”
WEAKNESSES: He is a thief with a strong moral code. And would probably admit that, yes, that is something of a paradox.
TOP TRIVIA: A musical man, Edgin’s reinforced lute doubles as a cudgel when required. Which is good because that’s fairly often.
HOLGA, The Barbarian (Michelle Rodriguez)
CHARACTER CLASS: Barbarian. Fierce warriors capable of a combat state called ‘Battle Rage’.
BACKGROUND: A former member of the Uthgardt Elk Tribe, Holga was “a fellow resident of Rock Bottom” when she first met Edgin, having been shunned and exiled by her tribe for falling in love with an outsider.
FIGHTING STYLE: Barbarian Rage, Tavern Brawler. Astonishing power. Holga is fond of an axe but frankly capable of weaponizing a vegetable.
STRENGTHS: Unwavering loyalty, uncanny reflexes, awesome fighting skills. And a generous heart – if she’ll ever let you get close enough to see it. Having lost her first family, Holga will defend this band of misfits till the very end.
WEAKNESSES: Has a distinct tendency to punch first, ask questions later. Unlucky in love.
TOP TRIVIA: Holga’s favourite snack are potatoes. Cooked or raw, she’s happy.
SIMON, The Sorcerer (Justice Smith)
CHARACTER CLASS: Sorcerer. Masters of spells, their magic often born of a bloodline and a bit unpredictable.
BACKGROUND: Described as “a so-so sorcerer” by Edgin, Simon in fact happens to be a descendant of one of the greatest wizards in the lands. It’s fair to say he hasn’t exactly unlocked his full magical potential at the time of writing
FIGHTING STYLE: Doesn’t have one per se. Still, Simon can make a flame come out of his finger – and until you can do that, maybe you shouldn’t get too judgemental.
STRENGTHS: Endearing, persistent, brave when he needs to be, and intermittently capable of unleashing astonishing spells harnessing incredible Wild Magic. Sometimes those spells are even the ones he intended to unleash.
WEAKNESSES: A debilitating lack of confidence – a condition that can affect him romantically almost as much as it can in sorcery.
TOP TRIVIA: Simon once courted Doric. Wasn’t a triumph. Also, he’s not great around skeletons. Just an FYI.
DORIC, The Druid (Sophia Lillis)
CHARACTER CLASS: Druid. Reverers of nature able to harness its elemental power.
BACKGROUND: Doric is an embodiment of nature’s resilience, cunning and fury. Abandoned as a child, she was taken in by the elves of Neverwinter Wood, and now guards her adoptive community with a strength she draws from the Earth around her.
FIGHTING STYLE: Being a shapeshifter, Doric can take on the form of different animals, as well as classic monstrous D&D creature, the Owlbear. Exactly what they sound like, Owlbears are what you’d get if you crossed a giant owl with a giant bear. And you definitely don’t want to cross them as they “sleep on beds made of the bones of their prey”. Doesn’t sound very hygienic, or comfortable, but there you go.
STRENGTHS: Referring you back to that whole Owlbear thing. Oh, and she is also honourable, loyal and, being a tiefling, has magnificent horns.
WEAKNESSES: She’s not one for sugar-coating stuff, Doric. Tends to tell it like it is. You have been warned.
TOP TRIVIA: Doric is part of the Emerald Enclave, a resistance network of survivalists who maintain the balance between civilisation and nature.
XENK, The Paladin (Rege-Jean Page)
CHARACTER CLASS: Paladin. Holy warriors crusading in the name of good.
BACKGROUND: As a noble human Paladin from Thay, Xenk barely escaped the savage conquest of his homeland by the undead terror Szass Tam, when he was just a boy. He is now bound by a sacred oath of devotion to protect the innocent from the forces of evil. He once fended off a Beholder using only a sharpened gourd.
FIGHTING STYLE: Debonair, unperturbable, deadly. Unrivalled swordsmanship. Armed with a weapon that “gleams with divine radiance”. That is not a euphemism.
STRENGTHS: Stoic, honest. Saves Tabaxi babies from killer fish. Looks good in armour. “His eyes burn with unusual intensity,” apparently. Rather good-looking, in case you hadn’t noticed. Xenk also ages more slowly than a regular human, which is basically just rubbing it in.
WEAKNESSES: His longer life has given him the burden of perspective, which means Xenk can take himself a touch too seriously.
TOP TRIVIA: The words “Neither virtue nor blade shall break” are etched in Celestial – a beautiful, otherworldly language – on his daggersword.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #DnDMovie and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Prime Video debuted the high-octane official trailer for the upcoming epic spy-thriller series Citadel. The first season of the groundbreaking global series consists of six-episodes with two episodes premiering April 28 on Prime Video, and one episode rolling out weekly through May 26. The landmark, high-stakes drama is executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO and showrunner David Weil, and stars Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, with Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville. Citadel will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Eight years ago, Citadel fell. The independent global spy agency—tasked to uphold the safety and security of all people—was destroyed by operatives of Manticore, a powerful syndicate manipulating the world from the shadows. With Citadel’s fall, elite agents Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) had their memories wiped as they narrowly escaped with their lives. They’ve remained hidden ever since, building new lives under new identities, unaware of their pasts. Until one night, when Mason is tracked down by his former Citadel colleague, Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci), who desperately needs his help to prevent Manticore from establishing a new world order. Mason seeks out his former partner, Nadia, and the two spies embark on a mission that takes them around the world in an effort to stop Manticore, all while contending with a relationship built on secrets, lies, and a dangerous-yet-undying love.
Richard Madden stars as Mason Kane, alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Nadia Sinh, Stanley Tucci as Bernard Orlick, Lesley Manville as Dahlia Archer, Osy Ikhile as Carter Spence, Ashleigh Cummings as Abby Conroy, Roland Møller as Anders Silje and Davik Silje, Caoilinn Springall as Hendrix Conroy, and more.
From Amazon Studios and the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes for AGBO, with David Weil serving as showrunner and executive producer. Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg serve as executive producers for Midnight Radio. Newton Thomas Sigel and Patrick Moran also serve as executive producers.
Disney+ will celebrate multiplatinum-selling recording artist Miley Cyrus’ highly anticipated eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation with an original special event, “Miley Cyrus ‒ Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions).” Miley Cyrus serves as executive producer on the music-focused performance special from Disney Branded Television and will showcase new music from Endless Summer Vacation, including “Flowers,” which has been No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for six consecutive weeks since its debut. Produced by Miley Cyrus, the award-winning creative production companyRadicalMedia, HopeTown Entertainment, Crush Management and Columbia Records, “Miley Cyrus ‒ Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)” is set to premiere on Saturday, March 11, at 2 a.m. PHT on Disney+.
Miley Cyrus takes the stage in this must-see, Disney+ music event, “Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions).” For the first time ever, Miley performs songs from “Endless Summer Vacation,” including her hit single “Flowers,” seven additional tracks from the album, one of her chart-topping classic hits and a special performance with Rufus Wainwright.
The global superstar’s cinematic performances are threaded with exclusive interviews in the famed Los Angeles house where Frank Sinatra once lived and where Miley shot the celebrated official music video for “Flowers.” With this special, Miley, who also serves as executive producer, opens the door to audiences around the world, providing insight into her new album and the person she is today. The “Backyard Sessions” are a series that Miley began in 2012 for her fans. Viewers were quickly taken with the experience of watching Miley and her band perform in an intimate, outdoor setting, and the “Backyard Sessions” quickly became a benchmark series. “Miley Cyrus ‒ Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)” serves as a continuation.
Endless Summer Vacation will be available globally, both digitally and at physical retailers via Columbia Records, on March 10th PT. Fans can pre order multiple configurations now, including black vinyl, exclusive red vinyl and an exclusive clear vinyl variant only available on shop.mileycyrus.com. Fans can also pre save the album on streaming services here.
“Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions)” is produced by RadicalMedia, Miley Cyrus, HopeTown Entertainment, Crush Management and Columbia Records. Jacob Bixenman and Brendan Walter are directors, and Marcell Rév is director of photography.
For her performance Ortega was individually nominated for a 2023 Golden Globe award in the category of Best Television Actress Musical/Comedy Series and received a nomination for a 2022 Screen Actors Guild for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series.
Now, Ortega returns as Tara Carpenter in Paramount Pictures’ new slasher thriller Scream VI, bringing together some familiar faces for a terrifying, sharp-witted, and bloody horror experience.
Scream VI finds Sam (Melissa Barrera), her half-sister Tara and their friends, twins Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding), having relocated from Woodsboro to New York City after the most recent Ghostface killings left them as the only survivors in their group of friends.
For Ortega, her character Tara doesn’t fit the genre’s so-called final girl mold. “It’s been really fun exploring her more in this film because I feel like I’m pulling out different traits,” she says. “I love that she’s more in touch with her feminine side and is a bit more sensitive. It’s very easy to make her cry and get under her skin. It’s also easy for her to grow unbelievably frustrated. Her older sister, Sam, is this stoic, strong, badass girl, which is also wonderful because we get to play off of each other.”
The story delves into how Sam and Tara are dealing with the horrors they lived through in entirely different and conflicting ways. “They’re like regular sisters that fight all the time and are sick of each other,” says Ortega. “Sam is the overprotective one, who is taking her job way too seriously. Tara’s this girl in college who wants independence and doesn’t want her sister hanging around watching her every move. There’s more friction, and the arc is more like a regular sibling relationship with ups and downs. Tara also has her journey of being in denial and not wanting to deal, choosing to move on with her life and not think about what happened ever again. Sam’s trying to get her to deal with it so that they can heal together.”
In Philippine cinemas starting March 8, Scream VI is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #Scream6 and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
From permanent teenager Seth Rogen, a new generation of heroes will rise…from the sewers. Watch the new teaser trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem – Only in cinemas this August 2023.
Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies, and Point Grey Productions present the all-new CG-animated theatrical film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, an original story following the crime-fighting Ninja Turtles as they protect the sewers and streets of New York City.
In the film, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
Meanwhile, producer and actor Seth Rogen announced March 4 the main voice cast of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and was joined on stage by voice cast Micah Abbey (Donatello), Shamon Brown Jr. (Michelangelo), Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo), and Brady Noon (Raphael).
Says President of Nickelodeon Animation and Paramount Animation Ramsey Naito, “We are beyond thrilled by this world-class cast we’ve assembled to bring these iconic, beloved characters to life in a new chapter of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. This really sets a new bar for this globally celebrated franchise, and we can’t wait to show audiences this film.”
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem cast includes:
Micah Abbey as Donatello
Shamon Brown Jr. as Michelangelo
Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog
Rose Byrne as Leatherhead
Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo
John Cena as Rocksteady
Jackie Chan as Splinter
Ice Cube as Superfly
Natasia Demetriou as Wingnut
Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neil
Giancarlo Esposito as Baxter Stockman
Post Malone as Ray Fillet
Brady Noon as Raphael
Seth Rogen as Bebop
Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko
Maya Rudolph as Cynthia Utrom
Nickelodeon Movies and award-winning Point Grey Productions’ Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver are producing the all-new iteration. The film marks Nickelodeon’s first-ever CG-animated theatrical production, in partnership with Naito and Jason McConnell, who are overseeing production for Nickelodeon. For Point Grey, Lukas Williams is co-producing and Josh Fagen is overseeing.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is directed by Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs. the Machines, “Gravity Falls”, “Disenchantment”).
Considered one of the most popular kids’ franchises, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned numerous blockbuster theatrical releases. The property is a global consumer products powerhouse, winning in every category that has hit shelves to date—with toys, apparel, video games, DVDs, and more—and generating billions of dollars at retail.
Nickelodeon brought the franchise to life again in 2012 with the CG-animated series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and then reimagined the Heroes in a Half-Shell with the 2D-animated series “Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” in 2019.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem will be distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with the hashtags #MutantMayhem #TMNTMovie #TMNT and tag @paramountpicsph.
Photo & Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
“Today, we express our love once again to our special friends in our midst. Today, we show that we care about their well-being. Today, we show that we shall always walk in solidarity to ensure that they have a bright future.”
This was one of the key points of SM Cares Program Director for Persons with Disabilities, Engr. Bien Mateo’s speech at the 2023 Happy Walk for Down Syndrome of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI); which took place last February 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.
“We walk today because we seek to foster love, understanding, and hope through this yearly activity, because we act to get integration of persons with disabilities in our community. We want to bring positive change to ensure that people with Down Syndrome have opportunities to contribute and have their rights guaranteed,” Mateo said in his speech.
The recently concluded event marked its 20th year overall and the 16th year that DSAPI held it in partnership with SM Cares. This was also the first time that it was held physically after three years, and was held simultaneously in Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod.
Among the key individuals who graced the event, aside from Mateo, were DSAPI President Luis Harder, DSAPI Chairman Elmer Lapena, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Hans Sy. Representatives from various Down Syndrome communities and advocacy groups were also present during the event.
A total of 3768 participants attended the Manila leg this year, while Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod posted final counts of 580, 140, and 250 participants, respectively. Overall, the nationwide event garnered 4,738 participants.
A total of 354 SM employees and companions for Manila Happy Walk from SM Supermalls, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc., SM Engineering Design and Development, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., SM Markets, SM Prime Holdings Inc., SM Development Corp., SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., and SM Family Entertainment Center Inc. also joined the event.
One of the highlights was the Happy Walk Parade wherein people with Down Syndrome and their loved ones walked together throughout the SM Mall of Asia Complex. An annual tradition, the parade is a way for people with Down Syndrome and their families to promote awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for those with the condition.
Prior to the parade, the National University Pep Squad gave a rousing performance and led a cheer for Down Syndrome awareness. Later during the event, actor and Down Syndrome awareness advocate Andrea Torres performed special song and dance numbers that wowed the crowd. She also shared a short message on the importance of caring for people with the condition, being sister to one herself.
Another notable part of the event was the Dance ShowDOWN, wherein several children with Down Syndrome showcased their groovy dance moves on stage. Various booths with activities for the participants, such as drawing and games, were also present throughout the half-day event. To make it even more exciting, there were also raffle draws, where gift cheques, insurance packages, gadgets, and a 4K smart TV were given away to winners.
The event was capped off with a dance number to Ronnie Lee’s song “Natatanging Nilalang” performed by children with Down Syndrome. Composed with a fondness for those who have the condition (he himself has a nephew who has Down Syndrome), Lee’s song highlights all the characteristics that make these individuals special, and is one of empowerment not only for them, but also for their loved ones.
Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is a yearly event that gathers persons with Down Syndrome and their loved ones into a day-long family-oriented event filled with fun activities and entertainment. Held every February as part of the celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, it aims to promote awareness and better understanding of those living with the condition.
“This SM Cares Program on Disability Affairs is something that is etched already in our business. We don’t just do programs for short-term. If we may mention, this is our 16th year of partnership with DSAPI,” Mateo said. “We are not doing this just for fun. We are doing this because we believe this is the right thing to do.”
Happy Walk is just one of the many ways SM Cares is supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.”
Other PWD-friendly initiatives from SM Cares include the annual Angels Walk in partnership with Autism Society Philippines, held every January in celebration of National Autism Consciousness Week; the annual Sensitivity Training for Customers with Different Needs, which educates mall staff and security personnel on how to care for PWDs; and the annual Emergency Preparedness Forum which educates PWDs and senior citizens on what to do during emergencies.
SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.
FIBA global partner Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is all set to bring the world’s biggest basketball tournament and the brightest stars of the sport to the Philippines as the country plays host to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (FIBAWC 2023).
With Smart as a global partner, the Philippines will have a full homecourt advantage when it comes to epic basketball fan experiences lined up for the rest of the year, leading to the competition’s final phase in August 2023.
Representing one of the host countries, Gilas Pilipinas has already booked a slot at the FIBAWC 2023. Coming on the heels of their February 24 and 27 games at Philippine Arena, the Philippine team holds a 6-4 win-loss record entering the final phase, ranking third in Group E of the Asian Qualifiers after New Zealand (8-2) at No. 1 and Lebanon (7-3) at No. 2.
SLOVENIA and Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic is looking forward to his participation in the FIBAWC 2023 happening in August here in the Philippines. Slovenia is part of the final 32 teams advancing to the final stretch of the FIBAWC 2023
The biggest basketball event in Philippine history
For the first time in its history, basketball’s most prestigious international sporting competition will be hosted by multiple nations in Asia: the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia. As the country prepares to welcome the best players from all over the world, every Filipino basketball aficionado can easily participate, show support, and enjoy a 360-degree, epic basketball fan experience powered by Smart.
“After nearly five decades since the country first hosted the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 1978, the world basketball stage finally returns to the Philippines. The biggest basketball event in Philippine history comes home and is within reach of every Filipino basketball fan. This is really for the supporters of the game. At Smart, we are thrilled to be part of the team that brings everyone closer to where it all happens,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT and Smart, Head of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 local organizing committee, and Second Vice President of the FIBA Asia Central Board.
“For Filipino basketball fans, this is the best time to be a Smart subscriber. As a global partner of FIBAWC 2023, Smart will be raffling off game tickets, streaming FIBAWC games live on the Smart LiveStream App, and providing an experience of a lifetime with perks and privileges leading up to the final World Cup games,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Business Group – Individual at Smart.
Fans who want to witness Gilas Pilipinas up close and personal, experience the eagerly awaited matchups, and see some of the world’s best basketball players in action may join ticket raffle contests to be announced with and through Smart’s official social media accounts.
Smart subscribers can also stream all the upcoming FIBA games, as well as watch replays of the previous games, via the Smart LiveStream App, the go-to app for exclusive live sports and music events as well as on-demand video content.
Now downloadable on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the Smart LiveStream App is designed for optimized streaming wherever you are, transforming your smartphone into an electrifying sports arena, allowing fans to be virtually part of the large and live FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 crowd cheering at the Philippine Arena, Mall of Asia Arena, and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Smart LiveStream App is available to all Smart Prepaid, Smart Postpaid, Infinity, TNT, and Smart Bro subscribers, who only need mobile data to access high-quality videos, anytime and anywhere. Non-Smart users may also stream the games live via their PLDT Home Wifi accounts.
Register your Smart and TNT SIMs now
To qualify for all Smart’s ticket promos and perks for the FIBA Basketball World Cup lined up for the rest of the year, subscribers must register their SIM cards in compliance with the SIM Registration Law.
Smart Prepaid and TNT subscribers may register their SIMs at https://simreg.smart.com.ph/portal, while Smart Postpaid customers simply need to confirm the personal information and IDs they submitted for their postpaid plan application by texting YES to 5858 and wait for the confirmation message from Smart.
Know more about the latest FIBA promos by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
Jumpstarting the “Summer Sarap” campaign is a TV commercial that features Mang Inasal brand ambassador Dimples Romana enjoying the Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo while dancing to the tune of “Mas Macrema” — a fun twist to the 90s hit song Macarena. The song emphasizes the extra creamy milk that makes the Mang Inasal dessert’s blend of ingredients even more delicious.
“Halo-Halo is truly every Filipino’s favorite especially during summer. This is why we’re excited to celebrate summer offering our customers the Solid sa Sangkap, Extra Creamy Sarap Halo-Halo,” said Mang Inasal business unit head Mike V. Castro. “This forms part of our 20th anniversary celebration which highlights the commitment of Mang Inasal to continuously provide food superiority and the best value for money to our customers.”
Customers can enjoy Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and Crema de Leche Halo-Halo starting at P39 with the new 8 oz. add-on to complete their Ihaw-Sarap meals. Classic favorites Small and Regular Halo-Halo are also available for dessert and as snack treats. All Halo-Halo sizes can be ordered for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest updates, manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media!
