Ruel Umali – Page 22 – Ruel Umali Photography

Shopee Introduces New Christmas Ambassador, Jose Mari Chan, for Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale

26 October 2018October 27, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, announces Jose Mari Chan as its new Christmas Ambassador in line with the return of the biggest Christmas sale of the year, Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. Affectionately known as the Father of Philippine Christmas music, the singer-songwriter made his debut as the official Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale campaign ambassador at the kickoff event held at Glorietta 2 on October 25, where he made a special appearance and performed Christmas carols to hundreds of mall patrons. As the face of Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, Jose Mari Chan also stars in Shopee’s latest Christmas television commercial that will screen nationwide starting October 26.

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer at Shopee, said, “Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the Philippines, and Filipino shoppers are known to start their holiday shopping earlier. In line with this, we are once again bringing back Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, this time with an even bigger lineup of promotions. We are also honored to have Jose Mari Chan, a household name in the Philippines, join us as our first official Christmas ambassador. Jose Mari Chan embodies the Christmas spirit, and his positive and cheery personality reflects Shopee’s commitment to bringing more joy to shoppers this year-end season.”

“Christmas is a time for us to come together and celebrate. I am thrilled to be joining the Shopee family to spread cheer to all Filipinos this festive season, and to be part of Shopee’s first ever Christmas television commercial. I welcome everyone to join Shopee and I in kickstarting the Christmas season with Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, and look forward to collaborating with Shopee to deliver a series of surprises this Christmas,” said Jose Mari Chan.

In line with the appointment of Jose Mari Chan as Shopee’s Christmas Ambassador is the launch of the Jose Mari Chan Road to Christmas campaign, which will take place from October 26 to December 12. With this, Jose Mari Chan fans can look forward to a series of exciting Shopee activations with him in the weeks ahead, including once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the opportunity to sing a duet with him, receive a special dedicated song from him, or to meet and spend time with him on his Shopee Wish Bus tour.

The debut of Jose Mari Chan as Shopee’s Christmas ambassador marks the official start of Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale. The first wave of promotions will start from October 26 in the lead up to the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale happening on 11 November. Users can look forward to discounts of up to 99% off all categories, daily free shipping promotions, and an upsized coins pool of over 11 million Shopee Coins to be won from Shopee Shake.

16 themed days leading up to the big sale

Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale will see an expanded lineup of themed days, which were a hit among users during the recent Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day. This time, users can look forward to 16 back-to-back themed days leading up to 11 November, with not to be missed days including:
● 11.11 Flash Sale Day happening on October 26 and November 6 featuring 9 windows of upsized flash deals, and a bonus Free Shipping with no minimum spend for flash deals
● 11.11 Vouchers Day happening on October 29, where a wide variety of sitewide and category vouchers will be given away
● 11.11 Free Shipping Day happening on November 1 where users can enjoy free shipping for a lower minimum spend of only ₱299

11 Million Shopee Coins up for grabs for Shopee Shake

Shopee is bringing back its iconic in-app game, Shopee Shake, this time with an upsized pool of over 11 million Shopee Coins up for grabs. As a special treat this Christmas season, users will also stand a chance to win surprise Shopee Shake prizes, including roundtrip tickets to Australia, Malaysia, and Japan sponsored by Cebu Pacific. Shopee Shake will be happening twice daily, and nine times on 11.11 Shopee Shake Day on November 3 and 11.11 Big Christmas Sale on November 11.

Exclusive perks for Shopee users

On top of thousands of deals from leading local and international brands including Maybelline, P&G, Mossimo, Unilever, Wyeth, Platinum Karaoke, ASUS, and Unisilver Time, and many more; shoppers can also look forward to additional perks presented in collaboration with Shopee’s exclusive 11.11 partners, including:
● SMART customers who subscribe for or renew their SMART plan from October 26 to November 3 will receive Shopee vouchers worth up to ₱300, which can be used for purchases made until the 11.11 Big Christmas Sale on November 11.
● Viber users who download the special Shopee Christmas Stickers from October 25 to November 11 will receive Shopee discount vouchers.

“With tons of unbeatable promotions and exciting features launched in response to users’ feedback and demands, Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale is a showcase of Shopee’s continued commitment to delivering the best online shopping experience to consumers in the region, especially during this festive holiday season. We invite everyone to shop together on Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale,” closed Pang.

For more information on the Shopee 11.11 – 12.12 Big Christmas Sale, visit https://shopee.ph/11-11

For more information on the upcoming activations with Jose Mari Chan, visit https://shopee.ph/m/jmc-road-to-christmas

Download the Shopee app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

FWD Life Philippines launches Set for Tomorrow, financial protection for those you leave behind

26 October 2018October 27, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

FWD Life Philippines, one of the country’s fastest-growing life insurers, has introduced a series of new protection plans that can be tailored to meet individual customer needs.

“FWD’s Set for Tomorrow will provide protection for the people we love and care about. The coverage amount and period can be customized to any personal situation and budget. Our aim is to make real and substantial protection accessible to everyone,” said FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes.

Dubbed Set for Tomorrow, the insurance product has three variants that address the different needs to take care of those left behind should the unexpected happen—Short Term Cover, Income Protector, and Estate Protector.

“Set for Tomorrow caters to Filipinos from 18 to 70 years of age, from young urban professionals to retirees,” Peter added. “With very basic social security, many professionals have an enormous protection gap.”

Taking responsibility to protect those you love

In today’s uncertain world, FWD’s latest insurance product is there to protect the ones you love. Three common reasons that lead to financial problems for those left behind include:
 People have loans and accountabilities that are transferred to their family if they are no longer around.

 Raising a family requires time and money. Also, if the breadwinner falls away, the family will still need money to continue living a life with dignity.

 People who build up wealth worry about what they leave behind and especially how to best avoid a family crisis in settling estate taxes and dividing assets. As part of any estate planning solution, long-term insurance coverage is essential to evenly share the assets and ensure those left behind feel equally treated.

Solutions that provide guaranteed protection and give you peace of mind

FWD’s Set for Tomorrow has three variants that meet the needs of the modern Filipino. Short Term Cover is an affordable term life plan that provides guaranteed life insurance coverage for five or 10 years.
Income Protector ensures that your family can continue their life even if you are no longer around. Lastly, Estate Protector is a whole-life plan that provides guaranteed life insurance coverage until 120 years of age.

FWD wants to guide people in fitting the right variant, protection amount, coverage period, and payment terms to the customer’s preferences and abilities. With this in mind, FWD launched online calculator “Cali”. By answering just a few questions, Cali allows you to determine the best solution for you and your budget. To find out the Set for Tomorrow plan that’s perfect for your budget and insurance needs, simply visit cali.ph/SetForTomorrow.

FWD’s Set for Tomorrow plans are now available through FWD Life’s Financial Wealth Planners. Interested customers may call the 24/7 FWD Customer Connect Hotline at (02) 888-8388 or chat with a Customer Connect Executive via FWD’s 24/7 Live Chat (www.fwd.com.ph) to set an appointment. The plans will also soon be available at all branches of Security Bank, FWD’s bancassurance partner.

About FWD Philippines

FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, and employee benefits across a number of its markets. Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group. In the Philippines, FWD has nine business hubs located in key cities nationwide with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

For more information please visit fwd.com.ph.
1 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > 2017 > Based on Paid-Up Capital
2 www.insurance.gov.ph > Statistics > 2017 > Based on Premium Income
3 Weighted New Business Premium Income: 100% of first-year premium on regular-pay plans + 10% of single-pay premiums

Singapore Tourism Board kicks off second wave of Passion Made Possible campaign with the SINGapore Karaoke Booth

20 October 2018October 20, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) reinforces its passion-driven campaign as it rolls out the SINGapore Karaoke booth — tapping into Filipinos’ innate love for singing; particularly karaoke. The KTV booth, which allows participants to score a trip to Singapore simply by singing their hearts out, runs from October 19 to 21 at the Cortes De Las Palmas in Alabang Town Center.

Tapping on the Filipinos’ well-known passion for music, the SINGapore Karaoke booth is rolled out in the Philippines first, before popping up in other markets around the world. Over the next few days, Pinoy music-lovers will come together to enjoy a weekend full of entertainment, prizes, and surprises.
The SINGapore Karaoke is the first of many upcoming consumer activities targeting the Philippine market, as STB unveils the second wave of its “Passion Made Possible” brand campaign in the country. The campaign was first launched in Singapore in August 2017, positioning Singapore as a bustling haven where its visitors can discover new possibilities and pursue their passions. Four passion tribes were introduced, namely: Foodie, Explorer, Collector and Progressor. Please see Annex for more information on these tribes.

For its second wave, the campaign is shining the spotlight on the Socialiser, Action Seeker, and Culture Shaper passion tribes. And the specially-designed SINGapore Karaoke Booth is its springboard for the launch of the Socialiser tribe, focusing on those who enjoy the energy of the nightlife and entertainment scene, and build meaningful connections through music and entertainment.

At the SINGapore Karaoke booth, visitors sing their hearts out to songs from both local and international artistes who have performed or will be performing in Singapore, to earn raffle entries for the grand prize – a free trip for two to the Lion City. A surprise bonus prize is also up for grabs: a pair of concert tickets to the 2019 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, which has become the place to catch the world’s top music performers over the years. Past entertainment acts at the world’s first night race include Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Dua Lipa, The Chainsmokers, and Pharrell Williams, to name a few.

Local multi-talented performers like Up Dharma Down, Donny and Hannah Pangilinan, Dane Hipolito and Kali Vidanes, will also visit the three-day SINGapore Karaoke booth. Each of them will have a go at the Karaoke booth and serenade fans with their own songs.

The SINGapore Karaoke is designed to offer Filipinos a glimpse of Singapore’s exciting world-class music and live entertainment scene, and will give a lucky winner the chance to experience these first-hand in the Lion City. “From the coolest indie gigs and the biggest international concerts, to eclectic music festivals, raves and jazz nights, Singapore has a diverse and vibrant music and entertainment scene that caters to every music lover. Fundamentally, music connects people, and I think Filipinos, being amongst the most social people, know this well. We therefore would like to invite our Filipino visitors to come make new friends or re-connect with old ones through the myriad of nightlife and entertainment offerings in Singapore,” said Lynette Pang, Assistant Chief Executive of Marketing Group at the Singapore Tourism Board.

While concert-goers, festival folks and ravers are sure to have the time of their lives with the range of different events to choose from, musicians themselves can also deepen their passions and be inspired by the local artistes and fellow Filipino talents who have also stepped on Singapore stages.
The Lion City will end a stellar year full of amazing music acts and awesome upcoming events, with the Neon Lights Festival in November and concerts from the world’s biggest names like Charlie Puth, Khalid, Mariah Carey and The Weeknd from November to December.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com or follow us on Twitter @STB_sg (https://twitter.com/stb_sg).

The power to choose the number, timing and spacing of children can bolster economic and social development, new UNFPA report shows

19 October 2018October 19, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

The global trend towards smaller families is a reflection of people making reproductive choices. “The historic transition to lower fertility has emerged through people claiming their right to make choices about their reproductive lives, and to have as few, or as many, children as they want, when they want,” according to The State of World Population 2018, published today by UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency.

Family size is closely linked with reproductive rights, which, in turn, are tied to many other rights, including the right to adequate health, education, and jobs. Where people can exercise their rights, they tend to thrive. Where these rights are stifled, people often fail to achieve their full potential, impeding economic and social progress, according to the new report, entitled, “The Power of Choice: Reproductive Rights and the Demographic Transition.”

When a woman has the power and means to prevent or delay a pregnancy, for example, she has more control over her health and can enter or stay in the paid labour force and realize her full economic potential.
The report found that there is no country that can claim that all of its citizens enjoy reproductive rights at all times. Most couples cannot have the number of children that they want because they either lack economic and social support to achieve their preferred family size, or the means to 17 October 2018

United Nations Population Fund 15/F North Tower, Rockwell Business Center Sheridan, Sheridan cor United
Sts., Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines
philippines.unfpa.org Tel.: +63 2 902 9131 Email: phl.co@unfpa.org
control their fertility. The unmet need for modern contraception prevents hundreds of millions of women in the world from choosing smaller families.

The Philippines is the second largest country among the 10 ASEAN members, and its population is fast growing with the highest total fertility rate in the ASEAN. Over half of Filipinos are 24 years of age or below. “For this youthful country to reap a demographic dividend, there is an imminent need to invest more in health, education and employability of young people and on gender equality,” said Iori Kato, UNFPA Country Representative in the Philippines. However, many Filipino adolescents and youth have been left behind. Challenges include that 49 per cent of unmarried, sexually active women and 17 per cent of married women have an unmet need for family planning, as the 2017 National Demographic and Health survey revealed. And one in five girls age 19 is either pregnant or has given birth.

“Millions of Filipinos would benefit from having the power to choose whether and when to have children, and how many children to have,” said Kato. “If you can plan your family, you can plan your life,” he added.

Choice can be a reality everywhere

The report classifies all countries in the world by the current dynamics of their populations’ fertility. It makes specific recommendations for policies and programs that would help each country increase reproductive choices.

In the Philippines, UNFPA looks forward to continued partnership with the government and all stakeholders through the newly approved 8th Country Programme for 2019-2023, in ensuring that all Filipinos, especially those furthest behind, have access to sexual and reproductive health information and services and thereby make choices on some of the most significant and intimate aspects of their lives.

The UNFPA Country Programme will continue to support the acceleration of universal access to quality reproductive health care, particularly modern contraceptives, as well as comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in accordance with international standards. Technical assistance will also be

United Nations Population Fund 15/F North Tower, Rockwell Business Center Sheridan, Sheridan cor United
Sts., Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines
philippines.unfpa.org Tel.: +63 2 902 9131 Email: phl.co@unfpa.org
provided towards dismantling those barriers—whether economic, social or institutional—that inhibit free and informed choice.

***

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA reaches millions of women and young people in 155 countries and territories, including the Philippines.
For more information, please contact:
Mario Villamor: Tel.: +63 917 302 6699; villamor@unfpa.org
You can access the report at https://www.unfpa.org/swop
Follow UNFPA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Pan-Asian insurer FWD and non-profit Humanity & Inclusion to help hundreds of young people with disabilities in Asia find employment

18 October 2018October 19, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

FWD Life Insurance, the most exciting insurance brand in the country, together with its partner Humanity & Inclusion (formerly known as Handicap International, an independent international aid organization), celebrated the beginning of the Forward Together project, helping young people with disabilities find employment opportunities in the Philippines and beyond.

Through the regional partnership initially announced by the insurer in the first half of 2018, both
organizations will work towards advocating equal opportunities and empowering people with
disabilities in Asia. With FWD Group investing USD 1million, the Forward Together project will train
at least 380 youth with disabilities in the Philippines and Indonesia and help them secure sustainable
employment or business opportunities.

“FWD Life Philippines aims to end the stigma that disability corresponds to inability,” FWD Life
Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes said. “Through our partnership with
Humanity & Inclusion, we hope to provide a platform for people with disabilities to showcase their
strengths and abilities. We want to encourage everyone to help create a future with a difference for
people with disabilities with opportunities to become valuable and equal contributors to the
community.”

“Developing countries are encouraged to invest in youth, but unfortunately, young people with
disabilities are usually overlooked in employment and entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Bryan
Andrew Marsalis, Humanity & Inclusion Regional Operation Coordinator. “That is why we are very
delighted to have such strong support from FWD Group in our advocacy of improving the lives of
youth with disabilities. Through this project, we will work with selected employers – including FWD
Group – across the two target countries to improve their capacity to employ youth with disabilities.”
“At FWD, we are committed to promoting social inclusion and active participation of persons with
disabilities, and are very excited to kick start our work with Humanity & Inclusion,” said FWD Life
Philippines Head of Marketing and Community Care Country Lead Roche Vandenberghe. “With the
Forward Together project, we are enabling businesses and organizations such as ours to become
catalysts for quality job creation.”

FWD Life Philippines and Humanity & Inclusion celebrated the beginning of its Forward Together
project with a media event, an interactive visual language activity, and escape room challenge
participated by volunteers from both organizations as well as members of the media, held on
October 17, 2018 at Century City Mall in Makati City.

About FWD Philippines

FWD Life Insurance Corporation (“FWD Life”) is the first life insurance company licensed by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines under the new Insurance Code. FWD launched its commercial operations in September 2014. By March 2017, FWD Life is the highest-capitalized life insurer in the Philippines with PhP 2.3 billion in paid-up capitalization.1 Base on premium income data published by the Insurance Commission2, FWD Life now ranks 10th in the insurance industry in
terms of weighted new business premiums.3 FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, and employee benefits across a number of its markets. Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business arm of investment group, Pacific Century Group. In the Philippines, FWD has 12 business hubs located in key cities nationwide with its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.
For more information, please visit fwd.com.ph
1 www.insurance.gov.ph> Statistics > 2017 > Based on Paid-Up Capital
2 www.insurance.gov.ph> Statistics > 2017 > Based on Premium Income
3 Weighted New Business Premium Income: 100% of first-year premium on regular-pay plans + 10% of single-pay premiums

About Humanity & Inclusion

Founded in 1982 in refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border, co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize, Humanity &
Inclusion (the new name of Handicap International) is an independent and impartial organization working in situations of
poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster.

We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, taking action and bearing witness in order to
respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental
rights.

Outraged by the injustice faced by people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, we aspire to a world of solidarity
and inclusion, enriched by our differences, where everyone can live in dignity.

At present, Humanity & Inclusion works in 59 countries globally, with additional offices in 8 high-income countries.
For more information, please visit www.handicapinternational.ph.

Caritas Manila Holds Celebrity Bazaar on October 18

15 October 2018October 15, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

Caritas Manila will hold its second Celebrity Bazaar on October 18, Thursday from 1-10pm on the 2nd level of the Mega Atrium of SM Megamall. Entrance fee is P500 per person.

The bazaar will feature pre-loved luxury items up for sale from generous celebrity donors Heart Evangelista, Alden Richards, Ruffa Gutierrez, Dr. Vicki Bello, Scarlet Snow Belo, Cristalle Bello, Bang Pineda, Teacher Georcelle, Toni Gonzaga, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Vice Ganda, Iza Calzado, Divine Lee, Jinkee Pacquiao, Manny Pacquiao and premier designers Michael Cinco and Cary Santiago. Heart Evangelista is this year’s Event Ambassador.

Proceeds from this year’s bazaar will benefit the Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP) of Caritas Manila. The program sends and supports less fortunate but deserving students nationwide to their college or university of choice.

The first Caritas Manila Celebrity Bazaar was held 2 years ago with former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach as Event Ambassador. The bazaar earned enough funds to support 5,000 YSLEP Scholars. At any given time, there are between 3,000 to 5,000 YSLEP scholars nationwide. Figures show that providing a youth a college or vocational degree gives him a 98 per cent chance of helping his family overcome poverty.

“We at Caritas Manila are so grateful for the generosity and enthusiasm of these celebrities to help YSLEP scholars,” comments Fr. Anton CT Pascual, Caritas Manila Executive Director. Their assistance will go a long way in proving education and support can help realize the potentials of our future leaders coming from the ranks of the poor.”

“To date, more than 10,000 YSLEP scholars have graduated from college and vocational schools nationwide especially from the poorest provinces.”

Caritas Manila is one of the biggest non-profit organizations in the country led by its chairman, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

For more information, visit Caritas Manila at 2002 Jesus Street, Pandacan, Manila or call 562-0020 to 25, email caritas_manila@yahoo.com, or log on to www.caritasmanila.org.ph.

Stylish shoes for the stylish man

14 October 2018October 16, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

Shoes complete the look you want to achieve. Get the right pair from the new line of high-quality shoes for men – Figlia UOMO.

UOMO means “man” in Italian. As the men’s line of Figlia, one of the country’s leading shoe brands, Figlia UOMO aims to set the trend through a unique collection that offers impeccable design, competitive pricing and top-notched quality.

To perfectly represent the brand’s diversity, versatility, and stylishness, Figlia UOMO taps celebrity heartthrob Piolo Pascual as the brand ambassador. Pascual is the epitome of stylish and well-dressed man. For his diverse lifestyle, Figlia UOMO offers a variety of shoes fit for any occasion.

With three stylish collections – formal, semi-formal and casual – men of different walks of life are sure to get the Figlia UOMO shoes they are looking for.

The formal collection includes dress shoes from derbies to oxfords to brogues. The shoes are available in a variety of colors like sleek black, mauve, taupe and brick red to match any color of tuxedos and suits, perfect for an important meeting or elegant event.

Semi-formal shoes are best paired with casual suits or blazers over t-shirt and jeans. They are trendy and they highlight the wearer’s individual style.

The casual collection offers a lot of options, from loafers, sneakers, espadrilles, to trainers. Each pair is great for a casual stroll, on a vacation, running an errand or for a laid-back air travel fashion.

Figlia has become a trusted brand, over the years, strengthening its reputation by designing quality shoes for women and kids. With the launch of Figlia UOMO, it aims to provide men with the same quality, style and comfort it is greatly for.

For more information, visit https://www.figlia.com.ph/.

SM Cinema teams up with Marvel Studios for the biggest Marvel Movie Marathon in the country!

13 October 2018October 15, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

To kick-off Marvel Studios’ 10th year mark in the entertainment scene, SM Cinema joined forces with The Walt Disney Company Philippines to bring back not one but 16 Marvel Studios films in theaters for the most ambitious movie exhibition of the year, the Marvel Movie Marathon!

The Marvel Movie Marathon features 16 of the biggest titles from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films namely: Iron Man, Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Ant-Man and The Wasp, and Avengers: Infinity War.

Marvel movie buffs can purchase a ticket at PhP 100.00 per movie or an all-movie bundle for the 16 films at only PhP 1,200.00. You can also have a chance to secure advance tickets of the highly-anticipated Marvel Studios film, Captain Marvel which will be groundbreaking in theaters in March 2019.

So what are you waiting for? Be part of Marvel Studios’ biggest year as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, starting off with the Marvel Movie Marathon at SM Cinema!

Catch the movies in select SM Cinema branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City Davao, SM Seaside Cebu, SM City Manila, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM Aura Premier and SM City Fairview from October 13 to 21. You may also book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app. Just stay tuned and follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

24 September 2018September 28, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue.

On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations.

Warriors of the Waters

Acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge has a direct effect on the reef, WWF-Philippines and Hamilo Coast continue to implement programs for its Ridge to Reef Management. This includes the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves into Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – Pico de Loro and Etayo coves, and Hamilo Coast’s main marine sanctuary, Santelmo Cove, where giant clams are being cultivated and a vibrant marine life thrive. Ongoing projects to protect coastal and terrestrial resources include mangrove reforestation, pawikan conservation, marine mammal rescue, and reef monitoring.

From Solid Waste to Zero Waste

With efforts to keep the property and surroundings clean and green, WWF-Philippines developed a solid waste management plan for Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast, including a vermicomposting site aimed at attaining zero green wastes to be sent to landfill.

Early this 2018, Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club and Pico Sands Hotel shifted a few of its operations to become more environmental friendly. The use of plastics have been replaced with paper straws and cups, good grade stirrers, and takeaway packs, which will eradicate the dumping of non-biodegradable waste of 180,000 plastic straws and 27,000 plastic stirrers annually.

The Club and Hotel also partnered with WWF-Philippines in implementing a food waste management system, an initiative aimed at urging staff, members, and guests to be more conscious about food resources and waste. With leftover rice noted as one of the highest food waste contributor in the property, the restaurants’ menus now offer rice separately, also considering diners who are non-rice eaters. A campaign to encourage guests to only get the food they can consume in a buffet was also launched in the middle of the year.

Keeping a resort development clean involves maximum effort. Water quality is regularly tested and monitored while waste water from the different locators within Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast are processed and recycled to keep the lush landscapes clean and green.

Living in Harmony with Nature

Green building strategies were carefully considered in Pico de Loro Cove’s latest luxury beach condominium development, Freia. This mid-rise contemporary tropical condominium building, which offers a spectacular panorama of the sea and verdant mountains, takes pride in its features that allow sustainable green living and consider cost-efficient operations. For instance, natural lighting and ventilation was considered in the building design and solar energy will be used for certain common areas. An efficient waste management system will also ensure reduced carbon footprints on the part of the residential community, thus promising a lifestyle that is not just close to nature but is one with its surrounding environmental bounties.

Through the years, Hamilo Coast continues to champion sustainable practices through luxury seaside living at par with environmental awareness. Achievements and recognitions, such as its Bronze Benchmark Status from Earth Check in 2015 and 2017, and its exemplary practice on solid waste management given by the Department of Natural Resource’s Annual Environmental Summit in 2017, proves Hamilo Coast is not just a destination, but is also becoming a premier sustainable beach resort community.

Hamilo Coast is the SM Group’s premier beach resort town in Nasugbu, Batangas, approximately 90 minutes from Manila via Cavitex and the new Ternate-Nasugbu Road. Its maiden development, Pico de Loro Cove is home to the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, an exclusive membership club with a plethora of land- and sea-based recreational facilities, and the Pico Sands Hotel, a seven storey, 154-room hotel offering spacious rooms with modern amenities and captivating views of the lush mountains and tranquil lagoon. For inquiries, call (632) 945-8000, or visit www.hamilocoast.com.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has been successfully implementing various conservation projects since 1997 to help protect some of the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia. For more information, visit wwf.org.ph.

Pico de Loro Cove is one of several marine protected areas in Hamilo Coast where marine life is preserved and enhanced in partnership with WWF-Philippines since 2007

State-of-the-art dental clinic opens in SM Megamall

23 September 2018September 28, 2018Ruel UmaliLeave a comment

Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center (GAOC), the leading dental clinic in the Philippines and one of the best in Southeast Asia, opens its ninth state-of-the art clinic at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall.

The new branch affirms GAOC’s status as a leader in oral health and dentistry in the country and further raises its standards. The SM Megamall clinic will have the most advanced digital dental technology – a first in the country. Digital dentistry promises greater precision, quality and comfort.

As one of GAOC’s cosmetic centers, the SM Megamall branch will focus on prosthodontic and cosmetic procedures such as crowns, bridges, dentures and veneers.

The facility will have a Consultation Room, X-RAY Room, Sterilization Room, four Treatment Rooms and its own dental laboratory to ensure efficiency and speed in processing results.

Upholding GAOC’s philosophy of excellence, the newest clinic ensures that patients will experience superior dental services from a team of highly skilled and experienced dental practitioners who have completed their training in top-notch hospitals, universities and global institutions in the United States, Europe and Asia.

“The year 2018 is proving to be a banner year for GAOC,” says Dr. Steve Mark Gan, GAOC President and Chief Executive Officer. “Not only are we expanding across the country, but our roster of satisfied clients and highly regarded endorsers are growing as well.”

Box office sensation and “The Hows of Us” star Kathryn Bernardo is the latest celebrity to join GAOC’s stellar line-up of endorsers. Bernardo, who used to fear visits to the dentist, overcame her reservations. The warm and helpful staff of GAOC, as well as the clinic’s sleek, modern and well-lit interiors, help put her at ease.

Founded by Dr. Gan, GAOC takes pride in its unparalleled excellence in oral care, providing oral diagnostics, surgical procedures, dental implantology and jaw reconstruction. GAOC’s world-class dental treatments and top-notch customer service make the clinic the choice of celebrities, politicians, diplomats, and socialites.

To experience GAOC’s first-rate brand of dentistry, schedule an appointment and visit a branch near you. GAOC’s SM Megamall branch is located at Level 5 Mega Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City, with tel. nos. (+63) 02 725-4262, 0917-158-4262, and e-mail megamall@gaocdental.com.

For more details and information, like and follow GAOC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @gaocdental or visit www.gaocdental.com.

Digital Events and Snapshots

Author: Ruel Umali