Author: Press Release

  • Spotting 100% Pure Pineapple Juice: 3 Easy Tips

    Spotting 100% Pure Pineapple Juice: 3 Easy Tips

    These days, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of what we eat and drink—and for good reason! It’s not just about flavor anymore. We want to make sure we’re smarter with what we’re consuming, and that it’s the real deal: pure, natural, and packed with health benefits.

    Del Monte Plantation

    Since so many products claim to be “all natural” or pure, how do you know if your favorites truly live up to those promises? It’s not enough to just read the labels. Your full understanding is key, especially for something you consume regularly.

    When it comes to pineapple juice, for instance, knowing what “100% juice” is and why you should choose it, is crucial. You deserve to know exactly what you’re drinking. To help, here are three simple ways to tell if your juice is as pure as it claims to be.

    Del Monte Pineapples

    1. Check: Where did your juice come from?

    When it comes to the food and drinks we love, ensuring quality starts with knowing where they come from. For pineapple juice, if the source fruit isn’t grown in the best conditions, you’re certainly not getting the freshest, purest juice.

    Del Monte, a trusted Filipino favorite for nearly 100 years, prides itself as the grower of good.  Nestled in its 30,000-hectare plantation in Bukidnon that is hailed as the second largest in the world, are pineapples nurtured by both dedicated farmers and science.  Nothing is left to chance from planting to picking.  Each pineapple is planted at the right altitude, at the right temperature and picked at the precise moment to ensure it is at its optimum!

    This close attention to detail, which includes the application of best-in-industry practices, means that Del Monte’s 100% Pineapple Juice is not just tasty, but also retains health benefits that support your wellness lifestyle—like being fat-free, cholesterol-free food, and full of immune-boosting vitamins A, C, and E, plus minerals like Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, and Zinc.

    2. Ask: How does the juice reach your home?

    If your fruit juice claims to be 100% Pineapple Juice, it means it is directly squeezed and canned straight from fresh pineapples—maintaining the goodness of the essential flavors and nutritional characteristics of the fresh fruit.

    Del Monte’s pineapples are juiced via a “farm to can” process which means they’re juiced right after being picked from the harvesting points and packed at the cannery in the shortest time possible. With time being a critical factor to retain freshness and quality, deliveries of freshly picked pineapples from plantation to cannery are closely monitored and evaluated.  The meticulous process involving stages of quality check ensures that the flavor, nutrients and freshness of the pineapples are at its peak and sealed in every Del Monte Pineapple Juice that reaches your home.   

    Dr. Celeste Tanchoco, Country Director of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI) – Southeast Asia Region Philippine Committee, Inc., and former Chief Science Research Specialist at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), validates that such a process assures that the juice keeps intact its natural flavors and nutrients from the fruit.

    “When pineapples are tested for quality and freshness, handpicked from the plantation, and immediately transported, cleansed, pressed and packed on the same day, more nutrients are sealed within the 100% pure pineapple juice.”

    3. Confirm: Is it pure pineapple juice—no more, no less?

    Another way to tell if your juice is truly 100% juice is to confirm if it’s not pumped with artificial preservatives and unnecessary additives. While others may opt to use these substances to prolong the juice’s shelf life, they may have disadvantages.

    According to Dr. Tanchoco, these preservatives and artificial ingredients may lead to adverse effects on one’s health.

    With Del Monte’s farm-to-can process, the 100% Pineapple Juice you’re drinking is guaranteed to be all-natural, with no artificial preservatives. It’s pure juice straight from the fruit, canned as fast as possible—absolutely no shortcuts, just 100% real pineapple goodness.

    With these three easy tips, you’ll now know exactly how to spot the real deal.  Next time you’re shopping, don’t settle for anything less than 100%. Grab a can of Del Monte 100% Pineapple Juice—it ticks all the boxes for being fresh, natural, and bursting with flavor.

    You can find it at your favorite grocery stores and supermarkets nationwide, or online in Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok Shop. Choose only 100% Pineapple Juice, because you deserve it!

  • Find Your Best Insurance Match: FWD’s New AI Tool Empowers Smarter Choices for Filipinos

    Find Your Best Insurance Match: FWD’s New AI Tool Empowers Smarter Choices for Filipinos

    FWD Life Insurance is bringing technology and personalization together with its latest innovation, FWD FitForMe. This AI-powered tool, which is free to use, provides Filipinos with tailored insurance recommendations based on unique financial profiles. Designed to make financial security accessible and straightforward, FWD FitForMe aims to address the country’s low insurance coverage rates by empowering people with insights that meet their specific needs and goals.

    FWD FitForMe

    The Philippines has one of the lowest insurance penetration rates in the region, at under 2% according to the Insurance Commission. This protection gap in essential coverage leaves many Filipinos exposed to additional economic risks, a challenge FWD is addressing proactively.

    FWD started in the Philippines with digital in its DNA but using human insights to deliver the best customer experience and services. The latest innovation FWD FitForMe leverages AI partnered with people-centric approach. FWD FitForMe is free to use for everyone, developed to help close the protection gap by giving Filipinos access to information on how much and what kind of financial protection people of similar background have. 

    By completing a short questionnaire, FWD FitForMe analyzes answers against FWD’s first-party data to identify the appropriate financial profile. It then provides personalized insurance recommendations that better suit the customer’s needs, lifestyle, and what they want to achieve. Insurance plans can range from full plans to digital products that may be relevant to customers. To get a more holistic financial advice, customers may also set a consultation with a financial advisor.

    Roche Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing and Digital Business Officer of FWD Philippines, emphasized how innovative solutions like FWD FitForMe contribute to nation-building and address common issues faced by Filipinos with insurance. “We want to help those seeking better protection to make financial decisions easily and more accurately while keeping their data safe and secure. As the insurer of the next generation, we remain committed in changing the way people feel about insurance by providing tools and solutions that are intuitive and relevant in addressing Filipinos’ evolving needs,” said Vandenberghe.

    Discover insurance plans designed for people like you and try FWD FitForMe today at fwd.com.ph.

    FWD Philippines is regulated by the Philippines Insurance Commission and is legally permitted to provide insurance products and services within the country.

    About FWD Philippines 
    FWD Life Insurance Corporation (FWD Philippines) launched its commercial operations in September 2014. Currently, FWD Philippines is number one in customer experience among insurers in the country1. In just 10 years, FWD Philippines now ranks 3rd and 4th in terms of new business annual premium equivalent2 and premium income3, respectively.

    FWD Philippines is part of FWD Group, a pan-Asian life insurance business with more than 13 million customers across 10 markets, including some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. FWD Group was established in 2013 and is focused on changing the way people feel about insurance. FWD’s customer-led and digitally enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products, and a simpler insurance experience.

    FWD Philippines is regulated by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines and is legally permitted to provide insurance products and services within the country.

    For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph. 
    1 Based on KPMG’s Global Customer Experience Excellence Report 2023
    2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Data > Statistics > Life Insurance Companies > 2023 > Based on New Business Annual Premium Equivalent
    3 www.insurance.gov.ph > Data > Statistics > Life Insurance Companies > 2023 > Based on Premium Income

  • Mr Muscle Partners with Kim Seon Ho, Announces Contest for All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Korea

    Mr Muscle Partners with Kim Seon Ho, Announces Contest for All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Korea

    Who knew that cleaning the house could bring this much satisfaction and kilig? A leading brand in home cleaning in the Philippines, Mr Muscle announced its exciting partnership with South Korean heartthrob Kim Seon Ho, set to bring a gleaming sparkle to your home and a gushing smile on your face.

    Mr Muscle Partners with Kim Seon Ho Announces Contest for All Expenses Paid Trip to Korea photo

    It was only fitting that the home cleaning brand and the K-drama star known for his good boy image come together for a partnership grounded on reliability, effectiveness, and care. To mark the milestone collaboration, Mr Muscle rolls out a special contest, flexing a grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to South Korea.

    Mr Muscle invites everyone to join the contest that runs from October 14, 2024 to December 14, 2024. Simply purchase Mr Muscle products worth a minimum of PHP350 in a single receipt and submit your receipt online at www.spot.ph/mrmuscle. 

    The draw’s grand prize is a fully sponsored trip to the South Korean capital of Seoul for two, inclusive of visa application fee and assistance, round-trip plane tickets, hotel accommodation, tour and activities, and exclusive Mr Muscle merchandise. Meanwhile, weekly winners get to take home a Mr Muscle kit and merchandise as well.

    Mr Muscle presents a variety of solutions for all your cleaning needs, from everyday tasks to specialty products. The Mr Muscle Toilet Bowl Cleaner delivers a powerful clean, effectively dissolving limescale, eliminating odors, and killing 99% of germs, leaving a fresh and hygienic toilet. For a solution gentle on surfaces but tough on stains, the Mr Muscle Bathroom Cleaner removes 100% of soap scum and kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria for a spotless bathroom with a fresh, inviting scent. There’s also the Mr Muscle Floor Cleaner, which easily lifts dirt and stains while freshening your home. It restores shine to your floor and gives it a long-lasting, refreshing fragrance for a cleaner, more polished space.

    Now with Kim Seon Ho as Mr Muscle’s brand ambassador, expect an even more exciting and inspiring cleaning experience. As Mr Muscle continues to innovate, it reaffirms its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of modern households, making cleaning simpler and more enjoyable for everyone.

    Know more about #MrMusclePH, #MrMusclexKimSeonHo, and the promo mechanics for the all-expenses-paid Korea trip by following the brand’s socials on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MrMusclePhilippines), Instagram (@MrMusclePhilippines) and TikTok (@SCJohnsonPH).

  • A Former Intelligence Agent turned Vengeful Cleric Returns in “The Fiery Priest 2” coming November 8 to Disney+

    A Former Intelligence Agent turned Vengeful Cleric Returns in “The Fiery Priest 2” coming November 8 to Disney+

    Father Kim Haeil, a hot-tempered cleric with a passion for justice, returns to track down corrupt politicians, dirty police and a major drug cartel in The Fiery Priest 2—a new series coming November 8 to Disney+.

    The Fiery Priest 2 4x5 1

    When a young altar boy collapses from a drug overdose during the middle of a memorial service at Gudam Cathedral, Father Kim Haeil will once again find himself in pursuit of justice. Travelling to Busan with his trusty partners in tow, Father Kim will disguise himself as a seminary teacher while secretly investigating an underground drug network that preys on society’s most vulnerable. 

    Starring Kim Namgil as Kim Haeil, a former intelligence agent turned priest; Lee Hanee as prosecutor Park Kyoungsun and Kim Sungkyun as bumbling detective Gu Daeyoung; The Fiery Priest 2 is written by Park Jaebeom and directed by Park Boram

    The Fiery Priest 2 joins an ever-expanding library of unmissable APAC titles available for viewers to enjoy on Disney+. Fans of police comedies can now enjoy Seoul Busters, about a team of Korea’s worst detectives who begin to turn things around; Flex X Cop, about the son of a wealthy Korean conglomerate owner who gets parachuted into a new role with the police’s Violent Crimes Unit and so much more.

    Stream The Fiery Priest 2 from November 8 on Disney+.

  • Robinsons Malls Operating Hours for Undas 2024

    Robinsons Malls Operating Hours for Undas 2024

    Robinsons Malls will be fully operational during the UNDAS to service the communities where they are located. 

    Mall Hours 02

    NCR-based malls to include Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, Opus and Robinsons Antipolo will be open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on October 31, November 1 and 2. 

    On October 31, the following Robinsons Malls will operate from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm:  Robinsons Malabon, Robinsons Metroeast, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Malolos, Robinsons Galleria South, Robinsons Las Pinas and Robinsons Palawan. 

    From November 1 and 2 the following Robinsons Malls will operate from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm:  Robinsons Malabon, Robinsons Metroeast, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Galleria South, Robinsons Lipa, Robinsons Sta. Rosa, Robinsons Luisita, and Robinsons Palawan. 

    Mall Hours 01

    Other Robinsons Malls located in the other parts of NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindano will operate from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm from October 31 to November 2.  These are Robinsons Otis,  Robinsons Cainta, Robinsons Angeles, Robinsons Gapan,  Robinsons Ilocos, Robinsons La Union, Robinsons  Luisita,  Robinsons Pangasinan, Robinsons Santiago, Robinsons Starmills, Robinsons Tuguegarao,  Robinsons Dasmarinas, Robinsons General Trias, Robinsons  Naga, Robinsons Lipa, Robinsons Los Banos,  Robinsons Imus, Robinsons Tagaytay, Robinosns Bacolod, Robinsons Butuan, Robinsons Cagayan de Oro, Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, Robinsons Cybergate Davao, Robinsons Dumaguete, Robinsons Fuente, Robinsons Galleria Cebu,Robinsons General Santos, Robinsons Iligan, Robinsons Jaro, Robinsons Ormoc, Robinsons Tagum and Robinsons Valencia. 

    Operating from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm from October 31 to November 2 are Robinsons Antique, Robinsons Iloilo, Robinsons Roxas, Robinsons Tacloban, and Robinsons Pavia. 

  • GCash at 20: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About GCash

    GCash at 20: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About GCash

    GCash has been transforming how Filipinos manage their finances for 20 years. But there’s more to this financial super app than meets the eye. Here are 20 things you might not know about GCash:

    GCASH 20TH BDAY MAIN KV RESIZE 1920x1080 093024 1

    1. GCash Began as a Simple SMS Service
    When GCash launched in 2004, it was an SMS-based service that allowed users to send money via text.

      2. GCash is Used by 94 Million People
      As of 2023, GCash has over 94 million users, covering a large portion of the adult population in the Philippines, even outside of Metro Manila.

      3. GCash’s Reach is Expanding
      While GCash is primarily available in the Philippines, the app is working to expand its services expanding its reach to 16 international markets. OFWs and Filipinos abroad benefit from cross-border payment solutions.

      4. GCash is Helping Drive Financial Literacy
      Through its in-app resources and partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofits, GCash provides financial education programs. This helps Filipinos manage their money, protect their digital accounts, and make informed financial decisions.

      5. GCash is More Than Just an ewallet, it’s a Financial Super App
      GCash goes beyond sending money. It allows users to pay bills, invest, save, buy insurance, and even trade crypto, all in one app.

      6. GCash is a Pioneer in Financial Inclusion
      GCash has brought digital financial services to millions of underserved and unserved Filipinos, helping them conveniently access relevant and secure financial tools.

      7. GCash Pioneered QR Payments in the Philippines
      In 2017, GCash became the first to launch QR payments in the Philippines, revolutionizing cashless transactions. The feature allows users to make secure payments by scanning a QR code, now widely accepted across businesses.

      8. You Can Now Insure Your Money Transfers
      GCash Send Money Protect (Scam Insurance) insures Express Send money transfers up to PHP 15,000 against fraud. For just PHP 30 a month, you can send money with peace of mind and get protection from social engineering and account takeover scams.

      9. GCash Supports Over 200 Local and International Billers
      GCash’s Pay Bills feature allows users to settle payments with hundreds of billers, from utilities to government services, from the comforts of your home.

      10. GCash Enables 6M Merchants and Social Sellers
      GCash powers payments for over 6 million merchants and social sellers, offering fast, secure, and contactless transactions. By simplifying payments, GCash helps businesses grow and manage their operations with ease.

      11. GCash Offers Loans Without the Hassle
      With GCredit, GLoan and GGives, users can access credit and loans without needing a traditional bank account, offering fast, convenient and fair financial solutions.

      12. GCash Helps You Build Wealth with GFunds
      Through GFunds (formerly GInvest), users can invest in professionally managed funds with as little as PHP 50, making investing accessible to all.

      13. You Can Get Crypto with GCash
      GCash users can buy and sell Bitcoin and other digital currencies via GCrypto, making it easy to dip into cryptocurrency investments.

      14. GCash Makes Travel Easier with GSave and Tax Refunds
      Travelers can get tax refunds on purchases made abroad, particularly in Europe, helping them save while shopping internationally.

      15. GCash Jr. Empowers Teens with Financial Independence
      GCash Jr. gives teens aged 12 to 17 their own e-wallet, allowing them to manage money, make
      purchases, and pay bills. With exclusive offers and rewards, it helps teens
      develop smart saving habits early.

      16. GCash Innovates with Borrow Load
      GCash’s Borrow Load feature ensures users never run out of mobile load, allowing them to borrow
      load credits and stay connected.

      17. GCash Launched GSave to Promote Saving Habits
      With GSave, users can open a savings account with no minimum balance, making it easier for Filipinos
      to build savings without the hassle of traditional banking.

      18. GCash is Pushing Sustainability Efforts
      Through GForest, users can plant virtual trees with every transaction, which GCash and its partners turn into real trees in our collective pursuit of climate action and socio-economic impact efforts.

      19. GCash is Always Innovating with New Features
      From Send Money Protect to GJobs, GCash is constantly introducing new features that enhance user experience with soon to be launched innovations like Tap to Pay for public transport, and first of its kind in the country, Watch Pay for smartwatch payments.

      20. GCash Supports Local Entrepreneurs
      GCash plays a crucial role in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing
      easy access to digital payments. This helps businesses  transition to cashless operations, grow their
      businesses, and serve their customers.

      What’s Next?

      GCash has redefined financial management for millions of Filipinos, but its journey is far from over. Expect even more innovative features and expansions as GCash continues to push the boundaries of financial technology.

      Stay tuned for more announcements as the #GCash20 celebration continues by following @gcashofficial on Facebook and Instagram.



    1. Treat Your Taste Buds to foodpanda’s Fresh Additions

      Treat Your Taste Buds to foodpanda’s Fresh Additions

      foodpanda is growing with the arrival of new brands that give you even more reasons to treat those taste buds! These fresh additions are like a flavor party, catering to every craving—there’s truly something for everyone! 

      Let’s be real, foodpanda is the ultimate go-to for a variety of food options that keep the excitement rolling. And as the saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life”—so let’s spice things up and celebrate all the flavors, cultures, and delicious adventures that foodpanda has to offer, with the convenience of delivery or pickup right at your fingertips!

      Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen

      At Mama Lou’s, every dish celebrates Italian flavors, especially their pasta selections. The Golden Truffle Mac & Cheese offers a rich, luxurious truffle twist, while Lucio’s Truffle Pasta adds aromatic depth to the meal. For a simpler option, the Spaghetti Aglio Olio delivers a satisfying garlic and olive oil flavor. 

      1 Mama Lous Italian Kitchen Golden Truffle Mac Cheese

      Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen – Golden Truffle Mac & Cheese

      Kodawari

      Next, we dive into the authentic flavors of Japan. The Chickendon offers tender chicken over rice for a comforting classic, while the Gyudon serves up savory beef topped with a poached egg. Sushi lovers will enjoy the Salmon Mentai Don, featuring fresh salmon over rice. Kodawari’s dishes are a taste of Tokyo at your table!

      2 Kodawari Salmon Mentai Don

      Kodawari – Salmon Mentai Don 

      Al Dente Pasta Bar

      Al Dente is your go-to for classic pasta and delectable desserts. Enjoy the Cacio e Pepe, a comforting dish with a simple blend of cheese and pepper. For something heartier, try the Midollo, Funghi & Tartufo, featuring rich bone marrow cream, mushrooms, and truffle. Meat lovers will delight in the Truffle Sausages & Potatoes, a filling combination bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to indulge in the classic Nutella Tiramisu for a sweet finish. 

      3 Al Dente Pasta Bar Midollo Funghi Tartufo

      Al Dente Pasta Bar – Midollo, Funghi & Tartufo

      NeNe Chicken

      At Nene Chicken, bold Korean flavors meet crispy perfection. The Seoul Burger offers a delicious twist with its chicken filet that adds an Asian kick that will leave your taste buds wanting more. For a must-try, don’t miss the Original Chicken, served with sweet Korean mustard. It’s perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

      4 NeNe Chicken Seoul Burger

      NeNe Chicken – Seoul Burger

      Wantusawa Oyster Bar

      Dive into an endless seafood adventure at Wantusawa Oyster Bar, where the ocean comes to your plate. For a lighter option, try the refreshing Hiyayako (Cold Tofu) Salad, which balances freshness with simplicity. If you’re in the mood for zest, the Oyster Ceviche offers a tangy punch that highlights the natural flavors of fresh oysters. For spice lovers, the Seafood Dynamite is a fiery, satisfying dish.

      6 Wantusawa Oyster Bar Seafood Dynamite

      Wantusawa Oyster Bar – Seafood Dynamite

      Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings

      Craving wings? The Classic Buffalo wings pack a perfect blend of spicy and tangy, making them a must-try. For a unique twist, the Salted Egg Wings combine savory salted egg yolk with crispy wings for a mouthwatering experience. Whether you prefer classic or adventurous flavors, Frankie’s has you covered with bold flavors that always hit the spot. 

      7 Frankies New York Buffalo Wings Classic Buffalo

      Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings – Classic Buffalo 

      Duck Donuts

      For a delightful blend of sweet and savory, Duck Donuts offers Donut Breakfast Sandwiches that are sure to please. Enjoy a warm, fluffy donut filled with your choice of savory options, like a classic Donut with Egg, hearty Donut with Sausage, or irresistible Donut with Bacon. For an extra special treat, try the Maple Drizzle, Chopped Bacon, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich—a delicious medley of overloaded flavors that combines all your favorites!

      8 Duck Donuts Maple Drizzle Chopped Bacon Sausage Egg Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

      Duck Donuts – Maple Drizzle, Chopped Bacon, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich

      Whatever flavor you’re craving, foodpanda delivers it straight to your doorstep, making it easier than ever to indulge in your favorite meals.

      Don’t forget to use the code PASKOSZN when you order to earn a raffle entry for a chance to win amazing prizes like trips to Siargao, Palawan, or Japan, a brand-new Jetour X70 2023 car, P1 Million in cash, and more. For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube.

    2. Ayala Malls Cinemas Treats Moviegoers to a Spooktacular Season With “Thrill Fest” From October 30 to November 5

      Ayala Malls Cinemas Treats Moviegoers to a Spooktacular Season With “Thrill Fest” From October 30 to November 5

      Don’t miss the horror event of the season. 

      As a special Halloween treat, Ayala Malls Cinemas is bringing back old Hollywood favorites to the big screen as part of their annual “Thrill Fest.” From October 30 to November 5, moviegoers can enchant themselves with a spine-chilling week of horror movie thrills during which “The Lost Boys” and “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” will be back in cinemas for a limited run only. 

      Another Halloween hit for horror enthusiasts, “Trick ’r Treat” – which was not shown theatrically in the Philippines when it was released in 2009 – will be available in cinemas as well. Fans of the genre (and of movies in general!) can finally watch the cult favorite anthology horror film, from Bryan Singer and Michael Dougherty, on the big screen exclusively in Ayala Malls Cinemas during Thrill Fest. 

      Find out more about this year’s terrifyingly good lineup of cinematic Halloween treats:  

      The Lost Boys

      The Lost Boys (R13)
      Directed by: Joel Schumacher
      Starring: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest, Jami Gertz, Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman

      A single mother and her two sons, Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim), move to the small seaside town of Santa Carla to start over. Michael develops a crush on Star (Jami Gertz) and he unknowingly gets involved with a group of vampires who trick him into becoming one of them. To stop himself from fully transforming, Michael, together with his brother and two vampire hunter neighbors, go on a mission to end the vampire gang in their town once and for all. Originally released in 1987. 

      Corpse Bride

      Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (PG) 
      Directed by Mike Johnson and Tim Burton
      Voice cast Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson, Tracey Ullman, Paul Whitehouse

      Based on a 19th-century Russian folktale, “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride” is a stop-motion animation that tells the story of Victor van Dort (Johnny Depp), who mistakenly marries a corpse and then goes on a hair-raising adventure in the Land of the Dead. Meanwhile, his real fiancée, Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson), goes through frightening changes herself in the Land of the Living as her family plans to wed her, against her will, to another man once they learn that Victor is gone. Originally released in 2005. 

      Trick r Treat

      Trick ‘r Treat (R16) 
      Directed by Michael Dougherty. Produced by Bryan Singer
      Starring Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Leslie Bibb, Dylan Baker, Rochelle Aytes, Jean-Luc Bilodeau

      From Bryan Singer and Michael Dougherty – the director and screenwriter duo behind “X2” and “Superman Returns” – comes a comic horror anthology perfect for Halloween. “Trick ’r Treat” tells of four terrifying tales that will make audiences laugh and scared out of their wits at the same time. 

      Treats, no tricks! 

      As an added treat for the season, moviegoers can enjoy each film – “The Lost Boys,” “Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride,” “Trick ’r Treat” – for the very affordable ticket price of P150 only per movie.  

      And for everyone’s convenience, “Thrill Fest” will be featured across all 23 sites of Ayala Malls Cinemas: Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Center Cebu, Market! Market!, TriNoma, MarQuee, Abreeza, Harbor Point, Centrio, Fairview Terraces, Bonifacio High Street, Solenad, Ayala Malls Legazpi, U.P. Town Center, The 30th, Vertis North, Clover Leaf, Feliz, Circuit, Capitol Central Bacolod, Manila Bay and Central Bloc. 

      That’s not all! Cinema patrons who will present their Thrill Fest tickets at the Movie Snackbar will get 10% off if they order popcorn. Guests can treat themselves to the Movie Snackbar’s popular flavored popcorn – Blazing Cheddar, Texan Barbecue, Real Butter, Sour Cream & Chives and Spooky Black Cheddar – a new variant made especially for Halloween! 

      There are other fun activities besides watching horror favorites on the big screen. Those who come in costume can pick random prizes, and kids who bring pumpkin baskets will be given candies.  

      With a superior movie lineup and engaging activities, Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Thrill Fest is the premiere horror event of the season. Movie patrons should brace themselves for a scary good time at the movies, thanks to the Cinemas’ state-of-the-art facilities, including plush seating, generous legroom, cutting-edge laser projections, better images and superior audio technologies like Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos. 

      On top of the premium cinematic experience, movie lovers (old and new!) get to enjoy cult favorites on the big screen whenever Ayala Malls Cinemas’ re-releases them theatrically on special seasons, such as their annual Thrill Fest every Halloween, available this year in all 23 sites of Ayala Malls Cinemas from October 30 to November 5 only. So hurry and book your Thrill Fest tickets – at only P150 per movie – now! For more information on screening schedules and to book tickets, movie enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Ayala Malls Cinemas FB and IG pages. Tickets can also be booked in advance by visiting www.sureseats.com or any of the participating cinemas.

      Have a spooktacular Halloween at Ayala Malls Cinemas!

    3. Naoko Yamada is Inspired by Love, Acceptance, and Music in “The Colors Within,” now in PH Cinemas

      Naoko Yamada is Inspired by Love, Acceptance, and Music in “The Colors Within,” now in PH Cinemas

      Music has always been a recurring theme in Naoko Yamada’s works, from her directorial debut K-On! and now her latest work The Colors Within. “Music allows people to communicate without words,” Yamada tells The Japan Times. “It gives you a way to share your feelings. It crosses borders. Through sound, through music, you can share what you like.”

      Embarking on this new journey with Yamada is writer Reiko Yoshida. They’ve collaborated since K-On!, and Yoshida has many more anime and live-action series and films in her belt, including the Violet Evergarden movie, and A Silent Voice.

      “I give her some key words and phrases, and she weaves them into a complete story,” Yamada says. “When it comes to turning the idea into text, I leave everything to her, and when it comes to turning that text into animation, she leaves everything to me. It’s a relationship of complete trust.”

      Rui Totsuko Kimi 1

      The film follows three teens, Totsuko, Kumi, and Rui, as they navigate school, being a teenager, and making decisions that conflict with either their personal beliefs, or familial tradition. Coming together to form a band challenges their everyday routine, and helps them form bonds that give them strength to find acceptance within themselves.

      As for the heart of the story, Yamada wanted to go with a theme that resonates with everyone. “I wanted to depict the strength that comes from accepting things within others that you don’t have within yourself,” says Yamada. “For me, the most important thing when making a film, the core element, is love.”

      TCW

      Yamada also wanted to find joy and happiness in the mundane. “In shaping a narrative, some people might expect those kinds of ups and downs, but in that case, the story feels ‘constructed,’” says Yamada. “I wanted to avoid that. I wanted to carefully depict very normal things, the things that are near us every day. Rather than surface-level accidents, I wanted to dig deeper into everyday moments.”

      Bring a friend and see a world of light and brilliance as “The Colors Within” is out in Philippine cinemas! Follow Encore Films PH on Facebook and @encorefilmsph on Instagram for the latest updates.

      The Colors Within is now showing! Check showtimes and buy tickets here.

    4. A Sweet and Spooky Halloween with Randy’s Donuts

      A Sweet and Spooky Halloween with Randy’s Donuts

      Trick or Treat! The Halloween season is here and Randy’s is all for it. Enjoy the new Halloween-themed drinks and donuts from October 17 to November 10!

      Randys Halloween donuts

      Spooky Sweetness

      Randy’s is offering their world-famous donuts made spooky! Three new donuts are available: Pumpkin Raised (Orange Flavored Chocolate), Oreo Bat Raised (White Chocolate topped with Oreo cookies), and Franky Raised (White Chocolate Matcha). These Halloween-designed donuts are fun and delicious.

      Aside from this, you’ll definitely love the latest Oreo Spidey Frappe, a Cookies and Cream flavored beverage that’s perfect for the hauntingly mysterious season! Pair it with the Halloween Donuts and you have a real treat!

      Halloween Promo

      From October 28-30, an order of the Oreo Spidey Frappe will come with a Halloween Donut of your choice. The Frappe and Donut pairing will be bundled for only P 140.

      Follow @randysdonutsph.