Journey into the Haunting Delights: Disney's "Haunted Mansion" Unleashes Ghastly Ghouls in Cinemas

Experience chills and thrills in Disney’s “Haunted Mansion,” the newest comedy-horror movie based on the classic theme park attraction. Step inside and experience a night’s worth of scares and laughs with the film now showing in cinemas nationwide!

To welcome Disney's “Haunted Mansion” to Philippine cinemas, multiple screening events were held in Metro Manila, Clark, and Iloilo last July 22 and 23, 2023. Avid cinemagoers got to enjoy the comedy-horror and posed at the mansion gates with family and friends, with some wearing their hauntingly best outfits to mark the occasion.

 

The story of Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” begins at its gates. As soon as they step inside the mansion in New Orleans, Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase W. Dillon) realizes that the place is haunted with ghosts at every corner of the house. To help rid the residence of these spirits, they seek help from an unlikely group of experts. This includes paranormal tour guide and ghost-skeptic Ben (LaKeith Stanfield), a local psychic named Harriet (Tiffany Haddish), veteran historian Bruce (Danny DeVito), and a priest named Kent (Owen Wilson). 

Together, they test their skills and try to find the spirits responsible for the hauntings. This leads them to uncover the mansion’s deepest and darkest secrets, while finding more about themselves along the way. 

Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” is directed by Justin Simien, with screenplay by Katie Dippold. Alongside the main cast, the film also features Daniel Levy, and  Academy Award® winners Jamie Lee Curtis, and Jared Leto. The film is produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers. Creatives for the film include director of photography Jeffrey Waldron , production designer Darren Gilford, Academy Award®–nominated costume designer Jeffrey Kurland , editor Phillip J. Bartell, ACE , visual effects supervisor Edwin Rivera , original score composer Kris Bowers and Academy Award®–winning special effects makeup designer Joel Harlow.

 

Don’t miss this ghostly adventure and book your tickets to Disney’s “Haunted Mansion”! Check the showtimes available here.

 

Follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for more updates. Join conversations online by using the hashtag #HauntedMansionPH. 

 

ED SHEERAN TAKES VIEWERS ON AN INTIMATE JOURNEY BEHIND HIS LIFE AND MULTIPLATINUM HITS IN DISNEY+

 

Disney+ announced today the four-part docuseries “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All,” in which Emmy Award-winning producers at Fulwell 73 Productions (“Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium “Adele: One Night Only,” ”The GRAMMY Awards”) will take viewers on a journey around the world spotlighting how an unlikely child with a stutter rose to fame to become one of the biggest global music superstars and how his chart-topping hits were born. “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All,” from Disney Branded Television, is set to premiere globally Wednesday, May 3, on Disney+.

For the first time, global superstar Ed Sheeran opens the doors to a definitive and searingly honest view into his private life as he explores the universal themes that inspire his music. This series follows Ed after he learns of life-changing news and reveals his hardships and triumphs during the most challenging period of his life. Blending exclusive, never-before-seen personal archive, present-day actuality, authentic interviews with his wife and loved ones, and intimate

performances in cinematic locations, the series widens the lens to unearth what Sheeran thinks of the world, of himself and his music, as well as showcases a decade of hits enjoyed by subscribers around the world.

Throughout his long, successful career, Sheeran has inspired multiple generations of adults, families and kids across the globe with his chart-topping music and intimate storytelling in his songs. In each episode, Ed faces themes and emotions that most people experience. Ed expresses his deeper thoughts as he reassesses life, and how this difficult time has influenced him and his new music. Ed’s upcoming sixth studio album, “ - ” (pronounced “Subtract”), is set to be released on Friday, May 5, through Atlantic in the US, Atlantic/Asylum Records in the UK and Atlantic/Warner Music in the rest of world, with the lead single “Eyes Closed” arriving this Friday, March 24.

“In this docuseries, we’re going to reveal a side of Ed Sheeran that fans have never seen before,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “Together with Fulwell 73, we’ve created something truly authentic and personal that will not only entertain audiences but also inspire them to dream big and pursue their passions.”

“I’ve always been very guarded in my personal and private life; the only documentary I’ve ever made has been one that focused on my songwriting,” said Sheeran. “Disney approached me to make a four-part documentary, and it felt like the right time to open the door and let people in. I hope people enjoy it.”

“Everyone in the world knows and loves Ed Sheeran’s songs, as he has been the soundtrack to so many moments of our lives,” said Fulwell 73 partners Ben Turner and Ben Winston in a joint statement. “But this series of films shows the true man behind the hits, showing Ed in an entirely different way after a tumultuous year personally and professionally. This four-part series has been an honor for us to make.”

Episodes include the following:

“Love”

Ed Sheeran explains the unwavering work ethic that has driven his global success. With exclusive footage of his teenage years, Ed describes how he planned his unlikely success. When he was ignored by the music industry he started to play in unexpected settings until this determination brought him into contact with media entrepreneur Jamal Edwards in 2010. Together, they used the burgeoning internet to find their audience. “The A Team” breaks America but for Ed something was still missing. Ed shares the story behind his iconic love song, “Perfect” about his old school friend and now wife Cherry which tells of their romantic love story.

Ed seems to have everything, until Cherry gets life altering news and Ed quickly realizes that plans can change in an instant and he will have to adapt.

“Loss”

Ed, his parents, and wife Cherry look at old photos of Ed and explain why he decided to return to live in his English hometown. With unseen footage of Ed’s Divide Tour, Ed introduces his tight fortress of trusted friends that keep him anchored. Then, the unthinkable happens. Ed’s best friend, Jamal Edwards, suddenly dies. Ed struggles through a memorial for Jamal as he considers Jamal’s legacy. Ed meditates on the meaning of friendship and, using music as therapy, dives deep into work. During Ed’s 5-night run at London’s Wembley Stadium, British artist, Stormzy, joins Ed on stage in an epic performance before a smaller, surprise gig in his hometown. In a rousing homecoming singalong, Ed sings the iconic “Thinking Out Loud” to shocked locals looking on.

“Focus”

Ed shows his songwriting talents in exclusive archival footage showing the inception of one of his biggest hits, “Bad Habits.” Ed explains the origin story of writing “Eyes Closed” in 2018, through to its latest heartfelt version. After a turbulent year, Ed’s able to channel his emotions, and pours himself into completing his 5-album masterplan with Subtract, which has eluded him for over a decade. Mourning the loss of Jamal, Ed continues at pace, filming 14 music videos for his new album and has his childhood dream come true when he performs with Eminem at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, but Cherry worries he may be using work as a distraction. In an intimate performance, Ed publicly shares songs from Subtract for the first time but is overwhelmed when his emotions get the better of him.

“Balance”

In the final episode, Ed jets off to America to promote his tour. Both Ed and Cherry reflect on how they manage the challenges of balancing family life and work when they are regularly miles apart. Reunited at their home, Cherry explains how much of a shift she has seen in Ed over the last year. Ed meets up with friend and fellow British artist, Stormzy, to share his apprehensions of releasing his most personal thoughts into the world with Subtract. In a tribute to Jamal, Ed writes a beat for his “F64” rap about their friendship for an intimate performance at Chelsea FC’s home ground, Stamford Bridge. After some good news about Cherry’s health, she and Ed reflect on all the hardships and triumphs over the last year and look towards the future having a more cherished outlook on life.

“Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All” is produced by Fulwell 73 Productions. For Fulwell 73, Ben Winston and Ben Turner are executive producers. David Soutar is series director. For Disney Branded Television, Marc Buhaj is vice president, Unscripted and Nonfiction, and Nicole Silveira is vice president, Unscripted.

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Shifting from zero-COVID to living with COVID

Four experts from the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Singapore were brought together for an in-depth discussion into the topic of making the dream of living with COVID-19 a reality last January 19 through Zoom. 

 

The panel, which was entitled  “Recalibrating Inclusive Health and Economic Recovery in Southeast Asia: From Zero-COVID-19 to Living with COVID-19,” was composed of Dr. Manuel Dayrit, former secretary of the Department of Health and Professor, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health; Dr. Eko Prasojo, Professor, Faculty of Administrative Services of Universitas Indonesia; Dr. Kai Hong Phua, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Policy Studies - Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; and, Dr. Chien-jen Chen, former Vice President of Taiwan and Academician, Academia Sinica. 

The online roundtable discussion was organized by the Ateneo School of Government, through the Ateneo Policy Center, in partnership with the Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration (EROPA) with the aim of discussing some of the most common questions and concerns regarding the shift towards living with the virus. 

 

The panelists discussed some problems that caused distrust among the public during the start of the pandemic. Dr. Dayrit pointed to allegations of corruption and issues like the Dengvaxia controversy as stumbling blocks that sowed distrust in the minds of many Filipinos. In the case of Indonesia, Dr. Eko said that a significant portion of their population would much rather listen to informal leaders such as religious leaders or village leaders regarding the pandemic. As such, he said there’s immense value in tapping these leaders to educate the public. 

 

To address this, Dr. Phua underscored the value of having expertise. He explained that having a group of experts that have come to a consensus regarding the data that they are dealing with would help national leaders have a better grasp of the information that they would then share to the public. He said this would minimize confusion and foster greater trust in government communication moving forward. 

 

“It is very important to provide accurate information immediately through mass media, especially through electronic channels,” Dr. Chen underscored.

 

Dr. Chen also stressed that eradicating vaccine nationalism is integral in protecting more people around the world against the virus, because doing so will allow us to live with the virus without fear of it causing massive disruption in our economies and societies. 

 

“No one is safe, unless everyone is safe and no country is safe, unless every country is safe,” Dr. Chen said. “We have to help each other. This is the only way. We need global solidarity for global health.”

 

Meanwhile, with the sudden spike of cases triggered by the omicron variant, Dr. Phua said that a common sense approach to managing cases would be by investing in a primary healthcare system that will be able to deal with patients in a more efficient manner. 

 

“If you take the approach of a cost-effective and sustainable system, I think the emphasis should be on the primary healthcare system, that’s able to monitor and detect symptoms early enough then refer them for better management at the more acute stages,” Dr. Phua added. 

 

Another important thing that Dr. Dayrit pointed out is that the Philippines needs to invest in building its capacity to produce vaccines as it will be key in addressing the needs of our people. “We need to have some form of vaccine production capacity. Even if we can’t do the research, we need to have the capacity to be able to copy and produce. If we can do that, we will have some security when it comes to vaccine supplies.”

 

On the question of how do we strike a balance between our economic recovery and mitigating this health crisis, Dr. Prasojo said that it’s important to continue the vaccine programs to ensure that we manage the spread of the disease, but with that governments should really zero in on propping up micro, small, and medium enterprises as they are crucial in strengthening the economy. 

 

“The more prepared we are to prevent transmission and to prevent deaths, the better the balance will be so that we don’t lockdown, because in our case that’s the default response. And if you lockdown, you stop the economy. The only way that we’ll be able to do that, preventive-wise, is vaccination and anti-virals, put in the technology to make it more efficient. But if we’re able to do that, you prevent transmission through vaccination and anti-virals, you prevent deaths because your doctors are better prepared and your hospitals are buttressed, your economy can open. The balance is enabled by your pandemic preparedness,” Dr. Dayrit concluded. 

 

To watch the entire online roundtable discussion, please visit https://fb.watch/aDB1LT9Dic/. 

 

For more information about Ateneo, please visit www.ateneo.edu. Ateneo is also on Facebook, like and follow them at www.facebook.com/ateneodemanila/.

Manulife’s “Firsts,” encourages Filipinos to face the year with renewed hope and opportunities

 

Manulife Philippines recently launched its newest digital short film, “Firsts,” which encourages Filipinos to remain hopeful despite uncertainties, and to look forward to a future filled with “new firsts.”

 

“The path forward may seem rough and uneven, as we are still dealing with or recovering from the challenges brought by the pandemic. Despite this, we at Manulife believe that we need to continue to look forward – reaching for our goals and dreams for a better future. We want to share that sense of hope with Filipinos,” said Melissa Henson, Manulife Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer. 

“Our new digital film aims to inspire Filipinos to find strength, courage and gratitude from past experiences, no matter how difficult, and believe that they can rebuild, thrive and bounce forward. By taking challenges as opportunities to be braver and stronger, we can all take the first step towards whatever comes next, and make every day better. Life may not be how it used to be, and challenges will be certain, but Manulife reminds everyone that life will always be worth seeing through,” Henson added.

 

“Firsts” can be streamed on Manulife’s Facebook page or YouTube channel. 

 

For those who want to take that first bold step towards financially securing their future, Manulife Philippines offers a wide range of award-winning products and services specially designed to respond to Filipinos’ evolving needs. For more information, visit www.manulife.com.ph.  

Insight Music launches Jelry’s debut single titled “Rosas,”

Innovative Filipino record label Insight Music rocks the music circuit with new standout releases that sonically paint life and love with every color of the emotional spectrum—from the kilig, to the erotic, to the inspired.

Highlighting the collection is singer-songwriter Jelry’s debut single titled “Rosas,” a catchy pop acoustic ballad with bouncy, sweet sounds. 

Young listeners enthralled by their first loves will surely relate to “Rosas,” which draws upon Jelry’s personal encounter with the subject. The joy and innocence of young romance is encapsulated in the song’s lyrics and melody, sending the power of “kilig” surging through every note.

“ ‘Rosas’ conjures up a scene from my JS prom back in high school,” says Jerly of the song. “I remember feeling nervous when I asked my prom date to dance. She wore this bright pink gown and while we were dancing, the lights also started to turn red and pink. I simply savored that moment.” 

Jelry’s music debut has been a long time coming. The young man (whose real name is John Lloyd Reyes) first learned to play the guitar with just two chords that his father taught him. This sparked an interest that inspired Jelry to hone his craft through online platforms, soaking up everything he could about music theory, production, and songwriting. Finally, Jelry took a brave step and began writing his own music, which led to his first-ever record deal with Insight Music. 

“I can’t wait to share ‘Rosas’ with everyone,” Jelry now enthuses. “They will certainly enjoy listening and dancing to it. And if you are looking for a song that will make you feel good, this is it!”

With his debut single “Rosas,” Jelry finally realizes a dream that brings him a step closer to the realm of the musical legends that have influenced him through the years. Talents like IVOS, Rex Orange County, Ed Sheeran, and Rivermaya have all helped shape Jelry’s love for music. He hopes that as his career evolves, he can muster the same passion and emotion his icons evoke in every song.

“Trying to emulate these gifted artists felt like learning a new language,” Jelry muses. For him, however, the reward is worth all his efforts. “I now get to express my feelings and emotions through music, which is a tough feat in real life.” 

But Insight Music’s string of new releases ventures beyond the subject of love. To probe the nuances and shades of what makes life colorful and complex, Insight is spinning off its ‘mood playlist’—a genre of music that sets one’s emotions or mindset in a particular state or condition. 

To this end, Insight Music is primed to release three new mood playlist albums: “Sexy Time: Make Out Music,” “My Study Companion,” and “Burn: The Workout Playlist”. 

 

These themed playlists were crafted to get individuals ‘in the zone’. “Sexy Time: Make Out Music” is for intimate nights and steamy sessions under the covers; “My Study Companion” comes handy when cramming for the finals, doing school research, and writing the thesis; and “Burn: The Workout Album” serves to drive health buffs towards the level of fitness they desire. 

For Insight Music president and chief creative head, Chris Cahilig, these albums represent a shift in the trend for what record labels can be.

“What sets music apart from any art form is the way a simple series of notes can cue us to feel,” says Cahilig. “The art form is so visceral in the way it captures our collective and individual imaginations. So we figured that if people seek these things—motivation, passion, intimacy—through music, let’s just cut to the chase and give people what they want.”

The albums, all composed by renowned producer Ian Joseph Tan, are the first of their kind in the Philippines. Along with Jelry’s “Rosas,” the albums reflect the pioneering vision Insight Music has for Original Pilipino Music.

“We want to push music forward by bringing it back to its roots, which means getting talented artists and dropping music that connects instantly” says Cahilig. “And with talent as youthful and brilliant as Jelry, and these mood albums made for every Filipino, we know OPM can be elevated to a whole new level.”

“Rosas” by Jelry, Sexy Time: Make Out Music, My Study Companion, and Burn: The Workout Album are all available for streaming on various global streaming platforms, including YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tiktok, and iTunes.

 

51Talk celebrates “51TalkFlix: Your Future At Home” via live stream

With the way things are going today with our children's education. Its no secret that online schooling is the new norm, just because we dont want to risk our kids health and well-being. That's why online schooling is beneficial to us parents. 

51Talk recently celebrate its annual Teachers' Day via a virtual event attended by over 10,000 of its online English teachers from all corners of the Philippines. 

The event, called “51TalkFlix: Your Future At Home,” was streamed live via their website and YouTube and it aims to honor and celebrate the teaching profession this teachers’ month. Over 2 million pesos worth of prizes were raffled off during the event including exclusive 51Talk merchandise, gift certificates, gadgets, appliances, and laptops.

 

“We always have an annual gathering for our teachers and this pandemic won’t stop us from doing it again this year. We consider the teachers’ month as the most wonderful time of the 51Talk year. More than 10,000 of our online English teachers participated and we were overwhelmed by the turnout,” said 51Talk Country Head Jennifer Que.

“Because all our teachers are home-based, it made sense to mount the grand event virtually. It’s exciting to hold a seamless online experience and connect with everyone. There are no boundaries anymore so we were able to reach more of our teachers to participate,” Ms. Que added.

 

51Talk Founder and CEO Jack Huang was also virtually present straight from 51Talk’s headquarters in Beijing, China. “I’m so happy to see everyone enjoying themselves as we celebrate and honor our teachers at 51Talk. I want everyone to know how grateful 51Talk is for your dedication and hard work, and for brightening our students’ day one lesson at a time,” said Mr. Huang.

 

“2020 is another special year for 51Talk. It marks 51Talk’s 9th year as a platform & 4th year of being listed in the NYSE. I salute all of the teachers who have been with us for many years now and I thank you for the trust and for believing in the 51Talk platform. As we move forward to the next year, expect greater and better things from 51Talk,” he added.

 

As COVID-19 forced the shutdown of physical schools in China earlier this year, Chinese parents used the extra time their children had to book additional English lessons on the online education platform. The surge of additional lessons was delivered by 51Talk’s more than 25,000 home-based teachers in the Philippines. This prompted 51Talk to attract 30,000 Filipino teachers this year to fulfil the increasing demand of online English education in China, an industry that enjoys explosive growth annually.

 

The 51TalkFlix event also showcased the awe-inspiring talents of the teachers in its annual competition, Talent to the Max. 51Talk’s outstanding teachers and clubs were also recognized. A special segment of Chinese students giving their teachers a heart-warming tribute on this special day was also part of the program.

 

The event also featured performances from today’s hottest stars such as legendary OPM singer/songwriter Ebe Dancel who serenaded the teachers, and Asia’s Phoenix, Morissette, who wowed the crowd with her rendition of pop songs and original singles.

 

Rounding out the list of personalities during the event was 51Talk’s Philippine Brand Ambassador Pia Wurtzbach, who delivered an inspirational message. Pia was chosen to represent 51Talk because of her long-time advocacy of empowering Filipinos through livelihood opportunities. Because the pandemic affected and displaced millions of Filipino workers, Pia used her voice and platform to talk about 51Talk and the earning opportunities of being an online English teacher.

 

“When I joined the 51Talk family, I was thrilled to help spread the word about the 30,000 livelihood opportunities on the platform. I love to empower my fellow Pinoys and I believe in our skills, dedication, and our capability to succeed and flourish when faced with opportunities,” said Pia. “To all of the 51Talk teachers, Happy Teacher’s Day!”

 

Before the event wrapped up, Ms. Que thanked the thousands of teachers who participated in the teachers’ day celebration while promising to deliver an even bigger and better event next year.

 

“51Talk is the best place to be right now. To all 51Talk teachers, thank you for enabling our students to speak up, stand out and succeed. Keep up the good work and Happy Teachers’ day to all of you!” Ms. Que exclaimed.

 

For those who are interested to become a home-based online English teacher at 51Talk and to be part of its amazing and passionate community, visit 51Talk.ph and sign-up now.

  

SM Cinema Drive-in: Train to Busan 2: Peninsula showing tomorrow at MOA Concert Grounds

For film fans and cineastes, enjoy movie-going once again from the comforts of your car as SM Cinema makes #SafeAndFunMovieWatching possible with ‘Movies by the Bay’ at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, Block 16 starting September 9, 2020. 

Knowing how much movie-loving Pinoys miss watching movies on the big screen, and following the successful launch of the drive-in cinema in Pampanga last July, SM Cinema gives its patrons in the metro the chance to experience its newest out-of-home entertainment—a cool throwback to the good old days of drive-in theaters!

SM Cinema’s “Movies by the Bay” allows guests to watch movies while observing social distancing rules set by the InterAgency Task Force (IATF). It will be open to the public on Wednesdays to Sundays, with one screening daily at 6:45 PM. 

The exciting movie to be featured is “Train to Busan 2: Peninsula,” the anticipated sequel to the Korean box-office hit that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

“We know how Filipinos truly love going to the movies, and have been raring to see a film on the big screen during the lockdown,” said Ruby Ann Reyes, SM Cinema’s Vice President for Marketing.  “These times, however, compel us to adapt to new norms, to innovate, while offering audiences the best movie-going experience. Our drive-in cinema achieves just that – safe, novel, and thoroughly enjoyable.”

Guests will be assigned their own parking spots to be guided by traffic marshals. Once settled, spectators can see the film of their choice on a 20m x 8.5m screen raised 4-feet above the ground. Moviegoers will have a best viewing experience as the cinema will use dual projector for sharper and crisp images. To broadcast the audio, guests have to tune in to a specific frequency on their car’s FM radio—now how awesome is that?

Of course, what’s a drive-in cinema without movie snacks? For a ticket price of only P400 per person, this gives viewers the chance to relish in a new cinematic experience paired with a free Regular Popcorn, Bottled Water, and Beef Franks from Snack Time. To encourage contactless transactions, guests can scan the QR code at the venue to see the menu. A mobile number will be given which guests can contact to place their order. 

For the best view, two (2) persons inside the car and a maximum of four (4) guests will be allowed. Attendees must also be between the ages 21 and 59, pursuant to the safety guidelines set by the IATF. For added safety, viewers will also be asked to stay inside their vehicles with their masks on and practice social distancing all throughout the duration of the film screening. 

To enjoy this unique, once-in-a-lifetime movie experience, get tickets to SM Cinema’s “Movies by the Bay” in advance at www.smtickets.com for hassle-free viewing. 

Please present your electronic tickets with QR code for scanning at the SM Cinema Drive-in entrance. And remember: no tickets will be sold at the venue, and viewers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled screening. 

Buy a bag, feed a child

Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership shopping establishment in the country, launches “Give Back Super,” a special feeding program with the Bacolod-based non-stock, non-profit organization Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation, Inc.

Landers members can participate in the Give Back Super program by buying a Christmas Ecobag at any Landers Superstore from November 6 to December 31. With every Christmas Ecobag sold, Landers will donate P5, the price of a Mingo sachet, to NVC Foundation.

Mingo is a nutritious instant complementary food made of locally-sourced rice, mung beans and moringa (malunggay). Sachets of Mingo are served in NVC Foundation’s Nutrition Program for children from poor families. The program is being implemented in 39 provinces in the Philippines. 

With its Give Back Super project, Landers will help NVC Foundation bring holiday cheer to impoverished and undernourished children. The Foundation hopes to serve 10 million Mingo meals by January 2020.

Visit Landers Superstore at Landers Alabang West,Daang Hari Road, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City; Landers ArcoVia City, 99 Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Pasig City; Landers Balintawak, 1240 EDSA Balintawak, Apolonio Samson, Quezon City; Landers Otis, 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila; or Landers Cebu, 23 Minore Park, Cardinal Rosales Ave. cor. Pope John Paul II Ave., Cebu.

For more information about the Give Back Super project, visit http://landers.ph/.

Loc&Stor 24/7 releases “The Secret” and “One Night Only”—two short films on family love, heartache, and new beginnings

Loc&Stor 24/7 has released two compelling branded short films directed by award-winning director Chris Cahilig, featuring stories of family love, loss, heartache, and new beginnings. 

Moving on from the passing of someone we love is never easy—not when there is so much to miss and look back to. But “The Secret” shows a way to help ease the heartache . . . through the memories our loved ones left behind. 

In this moving short film, Loc&Stor 24/7 shares the story of a family still aching from the loss of the father and head of the household. The teenage children, mystified about their mother’s late hours coming home, start worrying about her whereabouts. Suspecting the worst, they fear that she has ‘moved on’ so soon after their father’s death. 

As they conspire to follow her one night, they discover their mother’s ‘secret’—her nightly ‘dates’ with their father at a Loc&Stor 24/7 storage unit that contains the family’s treasured possessions. Scenes from the past move them to tears, but this time, both mom and kids agree that they can always go somewhere to keep their love for their father alive.

“The Secret” teaches us that while we need to move on from personal loss, there will always be our cherished memories to comfort us—and Loc&Stor 24/7 to keep those memories safe. 
Starring in the film is Fe Sagulimba as the mother, Sean See as the son and Thalia Padilla as the daughter. 

On the other hand, “One Night Only” is a light and quirky story of millennial love that gets nearly nipped in the bud. A girl and boy have fun on a blind date, a potential coupling sparked by the strong attraction between them. However, the girl’s messy home turns off the young man, leaving the girl to wonder what she could have done wrong. Her best friend gently admonishes her about decluttering her place and helps bring her stuff to a Loc&Stor 24/7 storage unit. In the end, the girl “frees up” her home for “The One”.

Crafted to appeal to the young generation, “One Night Only” suggests that while first impressions make or break a relationship, two people can find new beginnings when given a chance. 

The film, which went viral and received positive feedback in social media, stars Jourdanne Castillo, Wayne Avellano, and Hannah Lee.  

Written by Yuji Gonzales, the short films feature Jay Castillo as the assistant director; Patrick Ferrer as the director of photography; Lorraine Intes as the production manager; and Jed Medrano as line producer.

The crew also features Henry Ramirez as offline editor and Kenneth Amparo as online editor. Credits likewise go to Richard Gonzales for scoring; Kat Salinas for sound design; and Kenneth Amparo for color grading. 

In “The Secret” and “One Night Only,” Loc&Stor 24/7 is highlighted as a world-class self-storage facility that offers secure and professionally managed storage units for rent. 

Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, most Loc&Stor 24/7 branches are equipped with seven sizes of storage units to accommodate different needs. The smallest unit can contain up to eight balikbayan boxes, while jumbo-size units are capable of storing contents of a 20ft container or up to 180 balikbayan boxes. 

For corporate or business-store owners, most Loc&Stor 24/7 facilities feature an elevated loading dock that can fit up to two 40 ft. shipping containers. Companies that store inventory can easily upsize or downsize a unit as their needs change.

With priority on safety and security, only owners and authorized representatives can access stored possessions using PIN codes that arm and disarm the unit alarms. All locks are electronically logged in, as well, so the system will notify owners via e-mail if units have been opened.

Located in guarded, gated, and flood-free compounds, Loc&Stor 24/7 facilities are equipped with high-definition CCTV cameras with night vision, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. 

For added convenience of its storers, parking space is available inside the compound of facilities. 
Locations include Loc&Stor 24/7 Taguig C5/SLEX, JP Rizal Makati, Urban Makati, and Pasig. North Edsa and Sucat will soon be home to Loc&Stor 24/7 facilities.

Short films “One Night Only” and “The Secret” can be accessed at https://www.locnstor247.com/blog/videos/.

For inquiries on rental fees and other vital information, visit our website at www.locnstor247.com, or connect through social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

You may also contact one of Loc&Stor’s facilities to know more—Pasig at 8570-2561; Urban Makati at 8810-9556; JP Rizal Makati at 7902-1898; or Taguig at 8693-9071.

                    

"The Bully" is a heart-rending but essential watch for people of all ages

 With the recent controversy regarding an alleged bullying incident , Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig came up with McJim Classic Leather’s newest viral short film titled “The Bully,” which zeroes in on the pathetic plight of bullying victims.

Nearly two decades into the new millennium, the age-old problem of bullying remains to be a cause for concern among school authorities and parents of bullied children, mainly because most cases take place in the campus. For some reason, however, such incidents have been largely kept unreported until a fairly recent bullying incident broke out and went viral on social media, creating quite a ruckus among netizens.

Bullying, in fact, is an issue that is hiding in plain sight. According to the United Nations’ 2018 report, one in three children worldwide experience some form of bullying, a disturbing fact we must confront if we resolve to find a long-term solution to the problem.



Directed by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig, it tells the story of Ramon Christian Galvez (played by Jordan “Jay” Castillo, Jr.), an anti-bullying advocate who returns to his alma mater to give a talk on bullying. This rouses memories of the character’s own disquieting past—visions that continue to haunt him to this day.

“With ‘The Bully,’ McJim comes up with yet another compelling and socially relevant short film that tackles issues we need to talk about as a humane and progressive society,” says Cahilig, who is also behind McJim’s previous award-winning shorts “Pitaka,” “Sinturon,” “Bag,” and “No Strings Attached.”

“Once again, McJim proves to be more than just a lifestyle brand as it strives to stay relevant in this day and age. It does so rather convincingly as it takes on another critical advocacy: anti-bullying,” Cahilig says of McJim and its newest short film, which, the director promises, will get viewers hooked until the end—all for a good cause.

‘The Bully’ is a heart-rending but essential watch for people of all ages. Bullying is real. If we persist in glossing over the issue, we will do a disservice to scores of bullying victims and to the values that we hold dear,” Cahilig asserts.

He likewise counsels the youth. “If you are a victim of, or a witness to, bullying, don’t keep quiet. Talk about it and ask for help.”

“The Bully” comes at a time when issues concerning child abuse are coming to the fore. The short film also has worthy precedents. “Pitaka” was hailed as the Best Branded Digital Ad at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards, and the Best Illustrated Poem at the 2018 Wales International Film Festival. “No Strings Attached,” meanwhile, bagged the Best Social Shorts award at the Liverpool International Film Festival 2018 in the United Kingdom.

Prior to “The Bully,” McJim earned praises for its first LGBT-themed short filmed “Bag” for its honest portrayal of a gay-straight friendship—a bold and unconventional move for a masculine brand like McJim.

“The Bully” and other McJim short films can be viewed on McJim’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM/.

“The Bully” was crafted by a team led by Yuji Gonzales (screenplay), Patrick Ferrer (cinematography), Paulo Luneta (editor), Kenneth Amparo (online vfx and color), Jordan Castillo, Jr. (assistant director), Kat Salinas (sound design), Richard Gonzales (scoring), Johanna Evangelista (production manager), and Christian Paul Mendoza (production coordinator). It also stars Adrian Cabido, RJ Perkins, Gold Azeron, Allen Ansay, Sheryl Pasia, and Johanna Evangelista.

For generations now, McJim Classic Leather has been the leading and trusted brand for classic leather goods and accessories of superior quality and design.
For more information, visit and like the official McJim Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMcJIM/.

Toby’s Sports Opens Flagship Store in BGC

Toby’s Sports, the leading sports retailer in the Philippines, has opened a new, innovative flagship store that highlights its long-standing commitment to elevating its retail experience to world-class standards.

Toby’s Sports held a special preview party of the new flagship store situated in the heart of the bustling Bonifacio Global City (BGC) last Nov. 28. The event, called “Pinnacle of Sports,” gathered celebrities, athletes, sports enthusiasts, and members of the media who had a first look at the new flagship store. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was spearheaded by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and Toby’s Sports officials.

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Toby's Sports' flagship store at Bonifacio Global City.


Among those who attended the star-studded launch were Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Miss International Kylie Verzosa, Adidas country manager Adrien Semblat, actors Bubbles Paraiso, Bobby Yan, and Tessa Prieto-Valdes, and athletes from the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA.

The 1,000sqm, two-story space houses a premium assortment of footwear, sports apparel and equipment from the world’s best brands. According to Toby Claudio, President of Toby’s Sports, “we wanted to create an iconic store, a pinnacle shopping experience in the heart of Metro Manila.” To achieve that, the store utilizes cutting-edge technology, such as stunning LED displays towering over 5th avenue and multiple interactive touch screens that uses RFID technology to show information on its latest products. It also features various zones that create an experiential shopping experience:

PLAYZone. The flagship store features an interactive PLAYZone to host events and sports clinics on a regular basis. It also doubles as a basketball court, which utilizes a professional-grade basketball shooting machine, where people can hone their shooting skills. Prizes will be given out regularly to top scorers in the Toby’s Shooout game.

LAUNCHZone. As its names suggests, the LAUNCHZone will host product launches that feature the latest innovations from the top sports brands. Toby’s Sports also plans to use this area for curated installations, special VIP events and athlete appearances.

• Toby’s Custom Lab. The Toby’s Custom Lab, located on the 2nd level, offers apparel customization services. With the capability to create full custom uniforms and jerseys, it will include express customization via sublimation, making a more personalized customer experience.

• Run Signature Analysis. The flagship store offers Run Signature gait and running form analysis, from Brooks. It is a radical new approach to gait analysis that takes an in-depth look at the body’s natural running characteristics so that the store personnel can offer the ideal shoes to every customer.

Latest Retail Technologies

The Toby’s Flagship is one of the first stores in the country to feature a highly digital experience where customers can browse the retailer’s e-commerce website, tobys.com, on large interactive walls in the store. Toby’s Sports also uses RFID technology that allows customers to unlock virtual content by placing a shoe on their Shoe Showcase platforms and browse all its specs and features via touchscreen.

“We harnessed the latest technology to bring our store experience to the next level.  We wanted to create more than just a store, but a space that tells stories about the latest sports innovations and inspire people to play”, Claudio said.

World-class Interiors

Toby’s Sports commissioned the tandem of world-renowned German architectural firm Blocher + Blocher and Philippine-based Sonia Olivares & Associates (SSOa) to bring to life the retailer’s vision for its first flagship store.

The interior design combines architectural details inspired by Manila’s raw aesthetics with larger-than-life graphics and pops of color that represent the vibrant nature of sports.

The concrete walls and metal fixtures create a modern-urban aesthetic, allowing the products displayed to take center stage. The central staircase, which features a massive lighted wall, serve as the centerpiece of store. Neon lights, inspired by the city’s bright lights, were also used to call
out the different product categories and zones of the store.

Going Omnichannel

Toby’s Sports also saw the flagship store as the perfect opportunity to marry its offline and online initiatives to truly provide an immersive omnichannel experience.  The store offers a Click & Collect service that allows its online consumers to pick-up their orders in the store within hours. Toby’s Sports also plans to fully equip its products with QR codes that will lead customers to a particular product’s page in its online store. Soon, Toby’s Sports will introduce an automated locker area, where online customers can pick-up their orders 24/7, even when the  store is closed, using a generated passcode that will be sent directly to the customer’s mobile phone.
"Although our physical stores have been our bread and butter for the past 40 years, we have seen incredible growth in our online business since we re-launched tobys.com in late 2016. Now, we want to make shopping even more convenient to our customers by offering a seamless online-to-offline shopping experience,” Claudio said.

Embracing Growth in its 40th Year

The opening of the Toby’s Sports flagship store also signals the company’s commitment to further solidifying its place as the sports retailer of choice for Filipinos. Apart from its focus on elevating the experience of its current pool of customers, Toby’s Sports also aims to expand its footprint, opening more stores not just in the Metro, but also in various provinces across the country.
“The new Toby’s Sports flagship store is a statement we wanted to make, that even after 40 years in the business, we are still looking for ways to improve. It has allowed s us to provide new and exciting experiences and best-level products for our customers. My hope is that the flagship can become an epicenter for sports and sneaker culture in the Philippines,” Claudio concluded.
Toby’s Sports now has 55 stores nationwide, with more stores in the pipeline in the coming years.