Manila Life: December 2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016

“The Lego Batman Movie” Launches Colorful Character Posters

Heroes and villains get their due spotlight in the newly released character one-sheets for Warner Animation Group’s upcoming adventure comedy The LEGO Batman Movie.

Check out the character posters below of Batman, Robin, The Joker, Alfred, Batgirl and Harley Quinn and watch the film when it opens in Philippine cinemas on February 9, 2017.

Known to global audiences as Gamora and Uhura in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Trek franchises, respectively, Zoe Saldana now portrays the exotic Graciela in Warner Bros. Pictures’ new gangster film Live by Night.

Directed by Ben Affleck, Live by Night tells the story of Joe Coughlin (Affleck), a WWI vet who’s a self-proclaimed anti-establishment outlaw, despite being the son of the Boston Police Deputy Superintendent. Joe’s not all bad, though; in fact, he’s not really bad enough for the life he’s chosen. Unlike the gangsters he refuses to work for, he has a sense of justice and an open heart, and both work against him, leaving him vulnerable time and again in business and in love.

Matthew McConaughey Bursts With Optimism As Koala Showman In “Sing”

Oscar Best Actor winner Matthew McConaughey provides the voice of the optimistic koala Buster Moon who is determined to save his struggling theater despite dwindling audiences, in Universal Pictures and Illumination’s Sing.

While anyone else would have faced reality and switched careers, Buster has an unrelenting drive to succeed, by any means necessary. Well-intentioned, he does have a habit of stretching the truth, which usually widens the hole into which he’s digging himself. Nonetheless, he has an irresistible charm because his passion and optimism are utterly contagious.

When love ends, madness begins. Watch the enewly launched official trailer for Warner Bros.’ dramatic thriller Unforgettable starring Katherine Heigl and Rosatio Dawson.

Unforgettable marks the first film in the director’s chair for veteran producer Denise Di Novi (“Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “Focus”).

Paramount Pictures has rolled out a new poster for Michael Bay’s Transformers: The Last Knight bearing the ominous tagline, “Rethink your heroes.”

The fifth film in the Transformers franchise, The Last Knight expands the mythology of the Transformers universe by introducing a medieval-centric backstory, with Mark Wahlberg reprising his lead role from Transformers: Age of Extinction.

In anticipation of the US release of Passengers, Sony Pictures Entertainment is working with NASA to provide the film to the astronauts orbiting the Earth on the International Space Station. The film portrays the real-life possibilities of space travel, exploration of the universe, and finding a new home around another star.

Dutch-Indonesian stalwart Vincent “Magnivincent” Latoel (16-18-2) might not have received a warm reception in his past encounters against Filipino fighters, but he is all praises when it comes to their fighting spirits.

The 37-year-old kickboxer from Deventer, Netherlands has fought two highly-regarded Filipino competitors in his 36-fight career. Latoel faced future ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang in December 2013, while he locked horns with featherweight standout Edward Kelly last August.

BDO Brings Whole New Meaning To Gift-Giving With Junior Savers Account

Nothing secures a child’s future better and, at the same time, teaches them the value of saving than by gifting them with a BDO Junior Savers account this Christmas.

Children age 0-12 years old can open a BDO Junior Savers account and get a free BDO Junior Savers ID Card for as low as Php100.00 in initial deposit. On the other hand, kids from 7-12 years old may opt to get a BDO ATM Debit Card instead of a BDO Junior Savers ID Card.

“Be careful what you search for,” goes the ominous warning in the tagline of the newly unveiled poster artwork for Columbia Pictures‘ upcoming sci-fi horror-thriller, Life.

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Olga Dihovichnaya, Ariyon Bakare, Hiroyuki Sanada and Ryan Reynolds, Life opens across the Philippines in 2017.

Universal Pictures has just revealed the main trailer for its creepy, pyschological thriller Split – the latest film from writer/director M. Night Shyamalan (The Visit).

Check out the new trailer and watch the film when it opens in Philippines cinemas on January 18, 2017.

2016 has been great for Generika Drugstore. Since the launch of Gabay Generika earlier this year, they have been able to provide much needed public health aid to more communities through medical missions and the recently-concluded Gabay Kalusugan activities. To bolster their public service efforts, they have recently participated in the AC Health Barangay Wellness Fiesta in Cavite alongside FamilyDOC. United under the banner of Ayala Corporation’s AC Health,families in Greensborough Subdivision, Sabang, Dasmariñas Cavite were treated to a Zumba Fest, a Volleyball Exhibition Game with guest players from the Generika Lifesavers Team, including other fun and educational activities last November 26.

Get ready for more heart-pounding action as the hit police procedural action drama, Hawaii Five-0, returns for an all new season on AXN this January.

After a near-death experience, Steve (Alex O’Loughlin) and his investigative team face a new round of criminals out to sow mayhem in the island paradise a mysterious vigilante who murders serial killers, a vengeful father out to avenge the death of his son, an assassin that targets environmentalists, a terror group that holds high school students hostage, and even a ragtag death cult, and more!

The principal cast of Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ fantasy, action-adventure The Great Wall takes the spotlight in newly-released character posters for the film.

Getting the star treatment are Matt Damon, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau and Jing Tian. Check out the new one-sheets below and watch The Great Wall in Philippine cinemas on January 25, 2016.

From the highly successful R-rated film “John Wick,” Keanu Reeves steps out of retirement from the underworld once again in “John Wick: Chapter 2” where he reprises his role as the legendary hitman in the shadowy world of assassins.

From acclaimed director Peter Berg (“Deepwater Horizon,” “Lone Survivor”) and Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg (“The Departed,” “Lone Survivor”) comes “Patriots Day,” a riveting powerful film based on true events of a community’s extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.

“Patriots Day” relives the events surrounding the Boston Marathon bombing, the tension-packed dramatic thriller chronicles in detail one of the most sophisticated and well-coordinated manhunts in law enforcement history.

Coca Cola Philippines: Brings Water To 16 Communities With Hydraulic Ram Pump

The Philippines is known for its water resource seas that are abundant with fish and other marine ecosystems, rivers and lakes that host freshwater flora and fauna, and springs that are considered to be one of the cleanest. However, there are communities that still do not have access to water.

For generations, upland communities have lived lives that required them to wake up early to draw water from distant sources; a life where children would spend more time drawing water for household use than playing outdoors; a life where mothers juggle between providing water for their families and finding the time to care and nurture.

Based on Dennis Lehane’s bestselling novel, Warner Bros. Pictures’ Live by Night was a true passion project for Ben Affleck, who says, “As a filmmaker, this was a chance to pay homage to the classic Warner Bros. gangster movies of the 1930s through the `70s. I grew up watching them and they had an epic, sprawling feel that really took you into a different world, a different era.”

Affleck adapted the screenplay from Lehane’s novel of the same name; the two first collaborated when Affleck made his acclaimed directorial debut with his screen adaptation of Lehane’s crime thriller Gone, Baby, Gone. Lehane served as an executive producer on Live by Night.

New Line Cinema has just debuted the first trailer for its new heist comedy Going in Style starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin.

Catch the trailer and watch Going in Style when in opens in Philippine cinemas on April 06, 2017.

Oscar winners Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin team up as lifelong buddies Willie, Joe and Al, who decide to buck retirement and step off the straight-and-narrow for the first time in their lives when their pension fund becomes a corporate casualty, in director Zach Braff’s comedy Going in Style.

Sacrifice means to give up something cherished in order to get something even more valuable in the future. This concept also applies to mixed martial arts (MMA) as the path to becoming a world champion is paved with much sacrifice.

To set foot on the pinnacle of success, all fighters must go through blood, sweat and tears in training. Moreover, MMA athletes have to be separated from their families for months to dedicate their lives to the craft that they seek to perfect.

Academy Award winning actress Marion Cotillard (“La Vie En Rose”) reunites with acclaimed actor Michael Fassbender (“X-Men” movies) and director Justin Kurzel (“Macbeth”) in the most anticipated thrilling live-action adaptation of the Ubisoft video game “Assassin’s Creed” that tells the story of an ancient war between two rival sects: Assassins and Templars.

Acclaimed actor Aaron Eckhart (“Erin Brokovich,” “Sully”) teams up with talented Carice Van Houten (“Game of Thrones”) in the chilling horror movie “Incarnate.” The horror begins when eleven-year-old Cameron (David Mazouz) alarms his single mother Lindsay (Houten) when he experiences isolating himself on the floor of his dark room, speaking in ancient languages and displaying other symptoms of demonic possession. Alerted to the situation, Vatican representative Camilla (Catalina Sandino Moreno) recruits wheelchair-bound scientist Dr. Seth Ember (Eckhart) to extract the evil spirit from the boy.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at the Ayala Malls Cinemas 4DX movie theatres will wow and amaze you with the magical motion chairs and environmental effects of 4DX technology.

Presented as the first stand-alone Star Wars film, Rogue One is set in the same universe but with a “new view” of the universe. The grandeur of the scene revealing the spectacular battlefield on the land beyond the galaxy will be accompanied by the swirling wind and deep vibrations from the motion chairs, tilting forward and backward to give a feeling of floating as if you’re really inside a jet plane.

When we think of players with great handles, we think about what they do with their hands. However, it is their feet that often deserve the most credit for a killer crossover or slash through the lane.

Designed for Kyrie Irving’s awe-inspiring agility and speed, the KYRIE 3 advances understanding of court response and traction for quick-cutting basketball players across a variety of positions.

Nokia And Smart Showcase ‘Live’ 5G For The First Time In The Philippines

Nokia and Smart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLDT, have achieved 5G speeds of 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps) using 100 MHz with latency of just 1 millisecond for the first time in the Philippines over a ‘live’ network. With its capability to deliver extremely high speeds coupled with low latency, 5G opens up exciting possibilities for Internet of Things (IoT)applications for Filipinos, particularly in healthcare and smart cities. Nokia Manila Technology Center and Smart’s innovation team will collaborate to conduct joint 5G research for the development of 5G technology.

Chirrut Îmwe is the scene-stealing blind monk in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. But, although without sight, Chirrut is anything but unseeing. He is a skilled and artful warrior who can see into the hearts of all those around. And who better to play the role other than martial arts expert and one of Asia’s most popular actors, Donnie Yen.

“Donnie Yen has so much wisdom, like his character, and he’s got great humor,” says producer Allison Shearmur. “He has a sense of artistry and performance that tells us so much about his character. There’s an elegance, a heroism, a nobility about both Yen and Chirrut.”

In a time when the Force is all but forgotten and the few remaining Jedi are in hiding, Chirrut is a lone voice who still believes. “Chirrut is a true believer in the Force, and he preaches this,” Yen says. “Throughout the whole film, he encourages and motivates his team members to have faith and continue to believe in the Force.”

To better serve its customers in Metro Manila starting this holiday season, Starmobile has announced that it is making its latest smartphones, tablets, and laptops available online through its newly-launched store, www.starmobile.com.ph/shop.

“Customers can now enjoy the convenience of shopping for their favorite Starmobile products from wherever they are, using their smartphones, tablets, or laptops, and having them delivered straight to their homes or offices in Metro Manila,” said Starmobile Digital Marketing Head Ryan Uy. “We hope this service helps make our customers’ lives easier, especially this holiday season, when their schedules get hectic and traffic gets challenging.”

Goldilock's Fruit Cake

There are many ways to give someone a very merry Christmas, and a good lot of them may involve some Goldilocks Christmas delights.

Start off the celebrations with the Goldilocks Christmas Greeting Cake, complete with a sugary Christmas train with Santa at the helm! Perfect for your office Christmas parties or any other pot-luck get-togethers.

For your Noche Buena feast, make the Chunky Choco Cake the centerpiece.Cap your Christmas dinner with this delicious rocky road cake bursting with marshmallows, chocolate chips and cashew nuts, made even special with a choco mousse filling!

PayMaya Philippines, the country’s pioneer in mobile money and payments, has partnered with leading online food ordering platform, foodpanda, to treat its users with an exclusive promo that will make ordering food online, a whole lot more convenient and affordable.

Until December 31, 2016, foodies all over Metro Manila and Cebu will be given a 20% discount for a minimum purchase of Php 500.00 when they order meals at the foodpanda website or app and use PayMaya as their payment option. They will also get a 10% discount on every succeeding orders made until the end of the promo.

Now one of the leading mobile shopping applications in the country, Shopee wraps up a highly successful 2016 with over 2 million downloads and 1 million products on its platform. "We have felt the tremendous support of our community of buyers and sellers and are very happy to share this success with them, shares Macy Castillo, Head of Commercial Business for Shopee.

- adidas Originals celebrated EQT at the Marine Stadium during Miami Art - Artist Ben Jones unveiled “Video 90, an original video art projection - adidas Originals debuted #TLKS, a global talk series, with guest speakers Ben Jones, Pusha T and Adwoa Aboah in partnership with Surface and moderated by Spencer Bailey, EIC of Surface - Official brand chatbot through Facebook Messenger with a Facebook live of #TLKS - Special music performance by Pusha T - adidas Originals reveals the EQT Support 93/17 model -

A week ago, adidas Originals celebrated EQT during Art Basel Miami at the Marine Stadium. The evening included art, a creative conversation and special music performance. The brand revealed the ‘90s design icon, EQT through a waterfront event at the Marine Stadium and conducted a public seeding of a limited edition EQT Support ADV on Nov 30^th, giving away 1000 pairs to consumers through the streets of Miami.

Spend wisely and worry-free this holiday season

Christmas is the season of sharing and giving. It's a time for the family and loved ones over good food, fond memories, endless parties, and exciting gifts and goodies.

To have a truly Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, use your time, energy, and finances wisely so you can spread the holiday cheer.

Make life easier and worry-free by using a convenient payment option as you shop, buy, and pay for all the things that you need this season. Spare your cash for aguinaldos and use a credit card for major financial transactions so you don’t have to queue at the ATM or stress over packed crowds just to get cash.

Here is a guide on the familiar holiday scenarios where it’s better to go cashless:

Contrary to the notion that cash is always better, choosing a credit card that best fits your lifestyle offers a convenient, accessible, and even rewarding experience.

If you want to find out the types of credit cards but don't have the time to go to several banks, you can visit a complete and easy-to-use comparison online site like GoBear for all types of credit cards, travel insurance, and personal loans available in the country. Simple visit www.gobear.com.ph/credit-card to get started.

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World renowned martial arts coach George Castro coming to the Philippines

Former professional mixed martial artist turned fight coach, George Castro, is set to arrive in Manila the first week of January to make good on Brandon Vera’s promise to bring the world-famous Alliance MMA gym to Philippine shores.

Castro, who has worked with Vera for the past four years, previously served as the strength and conditioning coach at Alliance MMA in San Diego, California.

The action-packed and breathtaking game-to-movie adaptation “Assassin’s Creed” starring Michael Fassbender follows dual characters Callum Lynch and Aguilar de Nehra in the modern day and 15th Century Spain respectively. In the 15th Century, Aguilar is joined by Maria, a more experienced Assassin than him, who is his most trusted ally. In the modern day, Cal finds himself at the Abstergo facility with a rag-tag bunch of fellow inmates who are all suffering from the effects of prolonged exposure to the Animus, and have their own ancestral Assassin legacies.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to formally start the MIIS #4GreenPH Kids Can! Bazaar. From left to right: Peter Perfecto, Makati Business Club Executive Director; Joey Concepcion, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship; Joy Abaquin, Founding Directress of Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS); Monique Castañeda, Marketing Manager of Ortigas Malls; Ramon Sumulong, Property Management Head of Ortigas and Co.; and Joel Aguada, MIIS Parent School Partnership President.

In this season of giving, students from Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS) held a #4GreenPH KIDS CAN! Bazaar in Estancia at Capitol Commons to showcase their business ideas that advocate for a greener, more sustainable future.

The only “for kids, by kids” bazaar in the country is now on its 16^th year, featuring products that promote Green Forests, Green Living, Green Christmas, and a Green Philippines. Children as young as 6 years old to 18 years old participated in the bazaar, which allowed them to create and share innovative solutions with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Iflix Spreads Holiday Cheer with a Christmas Tree-rific Giveaway

iflix, the world’s leading Internet TV service for emerging markets, offering subscribers unlimited access to thousands of TV shows, movies and more, is celebrating Christmas with a Tree-rific Giveaway! Starting today, consumers can take home iflix subscriptions just by visiting iflix Christmas trees in the following malls: Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, and Eastwood Mall.

Behold Makati’s Christmas tree – and get inside too!

It’s a bright and scintillating Christmas at the Circuit Makati, home of the city’s immersive and awe-inspiring Christmas tree.

Blazing against the night sky with an explosion of lights, the 56-foot, interactive Christmas tree redefines the Makati skyline as it welcomes everyone to Circuit Makati, the lifestyle and entertainment destination for those who want the best that the holidays can offer.

It's Shopee Christmas Time!!! Get Deals of up to 88% off and more!!!

As vehicles begin to fill the roads this holiday season, preparing for all the Christmas gatherings is slowly turning out to be a chore among Filipinos. From having to attend to numerous parties with loved ones to accomplishing all work before the holiday break, among others, people are challenged to finish all their holiday shopping before traffic and lines in shops get worse.

While proper scheduling for the different activities lined up for the upcoming holiday could solve one’s traffic woes, Shopee, one of the largest and fastest-growing mobile marketplace apps in the Southeast Asian region, stands as one of the best solutions to help Filipinos with their holiday shopping dilemma.

Korea's hottest new drama The Legend of the Blue Sea, Now available, only on iflix

iflix, the world’s leading Internet TV service for emerging markets, offering subscribers unlimited access to thousands of TV shows, movies and more, is thrilled to premiere Korea’s hottest new fantasy drama, The Legend of the Blue Sea, available only on iflix. Fast tracked from Korea, iflix will premiere two new episodes every Thursday and Friday, less than 24 hours after their original telecast. iflix subscribers in the Philippines can now stream and download the first eight fully subtitled episodes, as well as new episodes weekly as they become available.

Directed by Jin Hyok and written by Park Ji Eun, The Legend of the Blue Sea tells the story of a genius con artist (Lee Min Ho, Boys Over Flowers) who meets the world’s last remaining mermaid (Jun Ji Hyun, My Sassy Girl) as she tries to adapt to life on land. Past and present collide as the pair discovers a connection in their past, unfolding into a charming fantasy drama that leaves viewers believing in fate and destiny. Together with veteran actors Song Dong Il, Mun Soo Ri, Hwang Shin Hae, Na Yong Hi, Choi Chong Wu, the star-studded cast will delight Korean drama fans of all ages across the region.

Ortigas Malls brings together unique wares, food, and music in Christmas shopping event

The season’s festive mood floated in the air as Ortigas Malls staged the Christmas Trunk Bazaar and Mercato Food Market recently in Circulo Verde.

Merchants selling one-of-a-kind wares straight from their car trunks lined up the Industria parking lot, as shoppers flocked to check out the clothes, accessories, furniture, pre-loved items, and food up for sale.

The limited-edition Mercurial Superfly CR7 commemorates Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements with his club and country this year. Those accomplishments include Ronaldo’s fourth Ballon d’Or, the UEFA Champions League title and the UEFA Euro 2016 championship.

Leading power tool brand Bosch recently concluded the Bosch User Conference at MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City. Industry professionals, traders, dealers and users were gathered to see the latest from Bosch’s vast portfolio of portable handyman solutions and accessories from Bosch Professional, Bosch Cordless Tools, Bosch Measuring Tools and Dremel Rotary Tools. Held for the first time, the Bosch User Conference aims to build strong connection and support to its consumers through an educational platform that will help them maximize the capabilities of innovative power tools.

Serenitea Jumbo Cups are back!!!!

Serenitea Jumbo Cups are back!!

Yes the most sought after Serenitea Jumbo Cups are back! It's Serenitea's anniversary and they are treating us with a free upsize of Jumbo cups.

Just order a large drink from their selection of Serenitea drinks and enjoy a free upsize to Jumbo cups! This offer is valid only from Dec. 19 - 21, 2016 only, so be sure and grab this opportunity to satisfy your Serenitea milk tea cravings.

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The 12th Binondo Warehouse Sale at State Center

The 12th Binondo Warehouse Sale
State Center Building

Binondo, Manila

December 12 - 18, 2016

Get the best deals and offers at the 12th Binondo Warehouse Sale! Featuring discounts of up to 70% off on great finds.

Catch television's hottest action drama series, The Last Ship from the beginning, exclusively on iflix

From blockbuster filmmaker Michael Bay, seasons 1 and 2 of The Last Ship are now available in the Philippines, exclusively on iflix

iflix, Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service, is pleased to announce that is has secured exclusive Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD) rights to Hollywood blockbuster producer Michael Bay’sThe Last Ship. Consumers in the Philippines can now catch television’s hottest and most captivating action drama series from the beginning, exclusively on iflix.

Xoom Launches its New ‘Request’ Feature for OFW Remittance Beneficiaries

Xoom, a PayPal service and leading digital money transfer provider, recently announced it has launched a new feature for remittance beneficiaries in 29 countries across Latin America, Europe and Asia, including the Philippines. For the first time, users outside of the U.S. can use Xoom to easily send a ‘request’ to their loved ones in the U.S. for a money transfer, bill payment, or a mobile reload.

Xoom’s new ‘request’ feature offers Filipino beneficiaries a single digital tool to control the frequency and form in which they receive funds that are often used for necessities like food, utilities or healthcare expenses. This new service is now available just in time for the busy Christmas season, which traditionally sees the highest number of remittances made by overseas Filipinos to their families[1]. Sending a request is free; it takes just a few easy steps and beneficiaries can make requests 24/7 on the web from any mobile phone, tablet or computer.

Math Whiz women behind

America's win in space conquest

“Hidden Figures” tells the remarkable story of three brilliant women who accomplished the extraordinary against all odds. During the turbulent 60s, battling discrimination at home and in the workplace, Katherine Johnson, (Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominated Taraji P. Henson) Dorothy Vaughan (Oscar winner Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Grammy nominated Janelle Monáe), all stellar mathematicians, were undeterred in their pursuit of academic excellence. Instrumental in helping America to eventually win the space race, they broke down barriers, laying the groundwork for future generations.

iflix secures content deal to offer subscribers popular anime classics and cult favourites

iflix, the world’s leading Internet TV service for emerging markets, is pleased to announce it has added an extraordinary selection of anime classics to the Company’s extensive library of popular international, regional and local content including many first run exclusives and award winning programs.

In agreement with Telesuccess Production, Inc., iflix members in the Philippines now have unlimited access to cult favorites such as Voltes V, Daimos, Hunter X Hunter, Fairy Tail, and Tenjo Tenge for viewing both online and offline. All the shows are offered in their original Tagalog dubbed format. Voltes V is additionally be available in English (dub).

Clad in a business suit, the youngest member in the family has arrived in “The Boss Baby.” In DreamWorks Animation’s latest trailer reveal, there’s no question who the boss is in this family – the one who wears the suit and throws an enormous fit of tantrums when things don’t go his way, ergo, “The Boss Baby.”

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Monday, December 26, 2016

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Monday, December 19, 2016

Friday, December 16, 2016

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Monday, December 12, 2016

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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