A Guide to the MMFF 2021 Official 8 Movie Entries

The annual gathering of the biggest, high caliber Filipino films happens again this Christmas Day as the official 8 movie entries to the highly-anticipated Metro Manila Film Festival open in theaters nationwide.

This year, MMFF 2021 will showcase a diverse line-up of eight movies, ranging from social drama, horror, action, suspense, romance, to comedy horror.

They are (in no particular order):

1.“Big Night” 

Starring Christian Bables, directed by Jun Robles Lana 

Production: Cignal Entertainment, Ideafirst Company, Octobertrain Films, and Quantum Films

2. “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon (Whether The Weather Is Fine)” 

Starring Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos directed by Carlo Francisco Manatad

3. "Love At First Stream" 

Starring Anthony Jennings, Jeremiah Lisbo, Daniela Stranner, Kaori Oinuma 

Production: ABS CBN Films Productions, Kwentolabs, Inc.

4. “A Hard Day” 

Starring Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla, directed by Lawrence Fajardo 

Production: Viva Films

Click HERE

5. "Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw" 

Starring Ken Chan and Rita Daniela directed by Louie Ignacio 

Production: Heaven's Best Entertainment

6. “Huwag Kang Lalabas” 

Starring Kim Chiu, Beauty Gonzales, Aiko Melendes, directed by Adolf Alix Jr.

7. "Nelia" 

Starring WynWyn Marquez, Raymond Bagatsing, directed by Lester Dimaranan 

Production: A and Q Production Films

8. "The Exorsis" 

Starring Toni and Alex Gonzaga directed by Fifth Solomon 

Production: TinCan

The eight official entries have been selected out of 19 finished films that were evaluated. The entries were chosen based on the following criteria: Artistic Excellence – 40%; Commercial Appeal – 40%; Filipino Sensibility – 10% and Global Appeal – 10%.

MMDA and MMFF concurrent Chairman Benhur Abalos urged the public to be one with the Filipino entertainment industry and the other stakeholders to make MMFF 2021 and the reopening of theaters a success.

"The long wait is over. There is no stopping the Metro Manila Film Festival. We are bringing back the MMFF to the silver screens that have been shut down for almost two years due to the coronavirus pandemic." he said.

Abalos added that the Inter-Agency Task Force and Department of Trade and Industry have set guidelines to ensure that cinemas adhere to all the safety protocols as "we are still facing threats of COVID-19 despite the easing of restrictions."

The MMFF is an annual event held every Christmas organized primarily to promote and enhance the preservation of the Philippine cinema. Proceeds from the film festival go to a number of beneficiaries in the film industry.

Read more »

Nadine Lustre and Boyfriend Christophe Bariou Donate Solar Panel to Victims of Typhoon Odette

Actress Nadine Lustre and her boyfriend Christophe Bariou set up a solar-powered charging station for the victims of Typhoon Odette in Brgy. Malinao, Siargao.

In a series of photos posted on Christophe's Facebook, Nadine was was seen busy helping two guys to install a solar panel and distributing relief goods.

"We've installed a solar panel here that locals can use or charge anything that needs power, since there's still no power and no one really knows when its gonna come back. I'm just really happy that everyone's helping each other. And there's a lot of people outside the island who wants to help as well." Nadine, who considered Siargao as her second home, said in a video circulating online.

Christophe, founder and managing director of a luxury resort in Siargao called Maison Bukana, meanwhile, encouraged the public to donate for the victims of the typhoon.

"If you want to help specifically these places, you can send donations on my account. But for general help and purchasing goods from the mainland. Please send to Bastien del Isle, info I already shared earlier on my feed.

"Greenpeace is helping a lot on installing and distribution of power stations and lights. It’s ant work here in the island. I see everybody trying to help their own area of responsibility. Thing are finally improving but we need all the help possible," he said on his Facebook post.

Read more »

Donate to Typhoon Odette Victims via Shopee App and Shopee Will Match is Up to ₱1M

To help the thousands of devastated Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao grappling with the aftermath of super typhoon Odette, Shopee launches its Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support initiative wherein users can buy donation vouchers through the app, with the commitment to match up to ₱1,000,000 worth of total donations made to Shopee’s partner charities for this initiative.

From December 23, 2021, to January 4, 2022, Shopee users can purchase the donation e-vouchers that will be used for water kits, health, and sanitation stations, and other essentials such as food and clothes from partner charities UNICEF, World Vision, and GMA Kapuso Foundation. 

Users can view and purchase these Typhoon Odette Support vouchers through https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support via Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet, ShopeePay.

1. Head to the microsite https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support. 

2. Choose the e-voucher of your preferred charity. 

3. Click “Buy Now” to purchase the donation vouchers using ShopeePay.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “We are saddened to see the devastation brought by Typhoon Odette to our kababayans in Visayas and Mindanao. As we are committed to using our platform to serve and give back to communities, we are working to provide immediate assistance to aid the speedy recovery of those affected by this natural disaster. We send our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected and we will help as much as we can.”

Shopee remains steadfast in its commitment to be a force for good especially in times when Filipinos need help the most. Typhoon Odette is the 15th and strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this 2021 and has wreaked havoc in major areas in Visayas and Mindanao including Surigao, Cebu, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Bohol, and the CARAGA region. Through this initiative, Shopee hopes to be able to give help to the affected communities who are reeling from the aftermath as part of its Shopee Bayanihan program.

To know more about Shopee Bayanihan: Typhoon Odette Support, visit https://shopee.ph/m/odette-support.

Read more »

How Digital Events Brightened the Spirits of Filipinos this 2021

The pandemic continued to keep Filipinos confined to their homes in 2021, especially with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants. Thankfully, many amazing digital events have brightened their moods and given them new experiences through platforms like KTX.ph

For producers and artists who want to communicate with their fans during these difficult times, KTX.PH has been a collaborator since the pandemic began.

Check out the information and activities that KTX.PH brought to Filipinos this year.

Digital concerts with top OPM artists

Various production companies continued to stream their events on KTX.PH. Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Maymay Entrata, SB19, BGYO, BINI, Ben&Ben, Regine Velasquez had successful digital concerts in 2021. Provinces and Filipinos abroad were thrilled to watch their favorite artists.

Fan Meets

Fans loved being able to interact with their celebrities after seeing them perform live. Their idols allow them to play games, ask questions about the show and make new friends in online fan meetings for a minimal fee. KTX. PH also cleared the path for corporations to produce worldwide idol fan meetups like Hyun Bin and BrightWin's. In this way, Filipino fans could see their idols and meet other admirers without having to travel abroad.

New Films & Classics Restored

Even when cinemas were closed, film production companies continued to work. Thankfully, KTX.PH provided a platform for them. "Love is Colorblind," "Hello Stranger: The Movie," "Gameboys The Movie," and other new films were well received by Filipinos. This included "Ang Pulubi at Prinsesa", "Paano Kita Iibigin" and "Radio Romance" as well as "Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin".

Festivals

Cinema festivals were also missed by film buffs during the pandemic. But KTX.PH has a solution, bringing in popular film festivals like Cinemalaya, Cinema One Originals and QCinema. With the pandemic, the film business flourished and Filipinos enjoyed these flicks.

Theater/Festivals

Since the start of the pandemic, KTX.PH gave the theater industry an alternative platform. KTX has worked with these companies – PETA, STAGES, Philstagers, and even university-based theater groups like Ateneo Entablado, Tanghalang Ateneo, and Dulaang UP.

Beauty Pageants

KTX also became home to the country’s most established beauty pageants like Miss Universe Philippines, Miss World Philippines, Miss Earth Philippines, even male pageants found its way to the platform with Misters of Filipinas. Even international pageants have been hosted by KTX – Miss Earth, Miss and Mister Supranational.

Corporate and independent events

KTX.PH provides not just big-name and established producers a digital platform to reach their fans, but also private individuals and businesses. "Happy Birthday,Ned! (Sino Siya?!?)" is a docu-comedy show produced by KTX.PH. A fundraiser for ABS-CBN Foundation International scholars, it got a second run after a successful November debut on KTX.PH.

It's not too late to attend KTX.PH this year. Explore KTX.PH's Christmas concerts, films, and shows. Also, keep an eye out for KTX's exciting announcements for 2022.

Read more »

Ninongs and Ninangs Alert: Level Up Your Christmas Aguinaldo-Giving with These Surprisingly Better Features from PayMaya

This holiday season, PayMaya lets you easily send aguinaldo to your loved ones anytime, anywhere, and in any way you like with surprisingly better features than the e-wallet you’re used to.

Whether you’re sending funds to your inaanak’s PayMaya or bank account – or even those without any financial account, PayMaya is here to make your Christmas gift-giving more convenient and fun!

Here are just some of the ways PayMaya can bring ease to your aguinaldo-sending this Christmas:

Spice up your digital aguinaldo with a GIF!

Be the coolest ninong or ninang this Christmas by personalizing your digital aguinaldo to your inaanak with a fun GIF! PayMaya’s Send money feature allows you to include a GIF and a personalized message whenever you send money to another PayMaya user.

To send virtual aguinaldo complete with a GIF, you simply have to tap Send Money on the PayMaya homepage, input the PayMaya mobile number of your recipient and the amount, tap the ‘Personalize your message’ toggle and choose the GIF or theme you’d like to add. Once everything is confirmed, hit Send. You can also add this transaction to your favorites, if you’re planning to send more aguinaldo to this particular loved one soon.

Get a cashback on your transfer fee to other banks!

If you’re transferring funds to a bank account, PayMaya is your best option. With PayMaya, you get to enjoy a cashback of P15 on your transfer fee via Instapay until December 31, 2021 – so you don’t have to worry about additional expenses on top of your aguinaldo budget.

To do this, simply tap the Bank Transfer icon on your PayMaya app homepage, choose the bank you’d like to transfer to, input the account details and amount, and hit confirm.

Transfer aguinaldo to those without a bank account in a few taps!

You can also send money even to those without a financial account. All you have to do is transfer the money from your PayMaya app straight to the trusted Smart Padala agent of your recipient.

Because there’s always a Smart Padala agent 6 minutes away from customers, SENDali na rin ang pag-claim because your recipient can easily receive the funds without having to travel far.

To transfer funds, just tap Send Money on your PayMaya app, input the 16-digit account number of your recipient’s trusted Smart Padala agent, key in the amount for sending, and confirm your transaction. Once sent, you’ll receive a reference number which you’ll have to share with your recipient so they can claim the funds instantly.

With these convenient and fun ways to send money, sharing aguinaldo to your inaanaks will definitely be a breeze with PayMaya. To make your cashless experience even more fun, PayMaya is also giving YOU aguinaldo for simply using the PayMaya app this Christmas season!

If you're a new PayMaya user, you'll get a 100% cashback when you purchase load and gaming pins right after you sign up and cash in at least P100! You can enjoy a cashback reward of up to P100 if you're a basic user, and up to P200 if you're an upgraded user until the end of the year. On top of this, all PayMaya users can also get a chance to be one of the 5 winners of a brand new iPhone 13 ProMax - all you have to do is buy any load item in your PayMaya app.

For the ultimate aguinaldo this Christmas, you can also get a chance to win P1,000,000 by simply logging in and using your PayMaya app for your everyday transactions! Every time you log in to your PayMaya app, you'll receive an instant random reward of up to P1,000. And when you use your PayMaya app to send money, pay bills, or buy load/gaming pins, you get to earn a raffle entry - giving you a chance to win P1,000,000 until December 31!

Enjoy these rewards and a surprisingly better cashless experience with PayMaya's free cash in, widest biller and load product offerings, hundreds of legit brands and sellers via Maya Mall and PayMaya Verified sellers, real-time transaction history updates, 99.9% up-time rate, and so much more! Register an account now and discover what makes PayMaya #TooGoodToBeNo2. You can even earn P50 every time you refer a friend using your code, and get them to upgrade their account!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines, with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. It provides more than 41 million Filipinos access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 380,000 digital touchpoints nationwide.

Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 60,000 partner agent touchpoints serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved access to digital services. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country, including "every day" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Smart Padala by visiting www.smartpadala.ph.

Read more »

Fashion's Powerhouse Film "The House of Gucci" Starring Lady Gaga, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, and Adam River Opens in PH Theaters on January 19

Inspired by the shocking true story behind the Italian fashion house of Gucci and based on Sara Gay Forden’s “The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour and Greed”, published in 2001, and with a screenplay by Becky Johnston and Roberto Bentivegna, the latest Ridley Scott film “House of Gucci” brings together a powerhouse of iconic and talented actors and crew that tells the story of the real-life family drama set at the critical era of the famed Italian fashion empire’s history.

Ridley Scott, best known for his works in classic films such as Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator and Thelma & Louise, brings his latest “House of Gucci” to cinemas around the globe - a thrilling exploration of three decades in the tangled history of the multi-generational Gucci family, a tale of ambition, greed, betrayal and murder. 

Oscar® nominees Adam Driver and Lady Gaga take on the roles of Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani respectively, along with Oscar® winners Al Pacino as Aldo Gucci, Jeremy Irons as Rodolfo Gucci and Jared Leto as Paolo Gucci while Oscar® nominee Salma Hayek plays Pina Auriemma.

House of Gucci is the latest in Ridley Scott’s unforgettable lineup of films for having his unique touch of visual sense meant for the big screen experience. From his classics and now, House of Gucci – call to mind indelible images in the minds of viewers, each film unique and distinctive. The reason, according to producer Walsh, is that “he hand-draws every single frame of the movie. By the time he gets to the set he’s done months of preparation and everyone knows exactly what they’re doing on any given day. The attention to detail is mind-blowing.”

“It’s almost as though the cast were all different musical instruments,” says Lady Gaga, “like an orchestra – everything from the drums to the bass to the brass to the woodwinds and strings. And because we’re all so different as actors, Ridley is the one conducting a symphony of all these different orchestral elements.”

House of Gucci not only depicts the end of the Gucci family’s control over its vast fashion empire, but the waning days of privately-owned fashion labels and the onset of conglomerate control of the industry. In that regard, says production designer Arthur Max, the film is a “rollicking romp with all the sounds and looks of the period and the world in which the main characters lived and played. As the story unfolds, however, you witness how these characters interact and how off-kilter their lives become. A sad tale really, but told in a very entertaining way.”

The care and attention that went into the film should provide the viewing public with pleasure on multiple levels, according to producer Kevin Walsh. “I hope audiences will take away a sense of enjoyment in the artistry of this film, which allows us to appreciate the work of a great troupe of filmmakers who take their work really seriously, but also have fun in trying to create a piece of entertainment. Story wise, I think they'll take away the moral that money isn't everything.”

But first and foremost, says Lady Gaga, “this movie is a genuinely good time. A wild ride and every second is entertaining. Part of Ridley’s magic is that, with all his artistic ways, ultimately, he wants the audience to enjoy themselves.”

House of Gucci opens January 19 in Philippine theaters from Universal Pictures International.

Read more »

Typhoon Odette Victims Feel the Love from ABS-CBN Foundation, PBB Kumunity, Vice Ganda, and Other Kapamilya Stars

ABS-CBN Foundation has started to give aid to the families affected by typhoon Odette who are in dire need of help as it launched its Tulong-Tulong Sa Pag-Ahon Operation Odette.

The Civil Military Operations of the 72nd Marine Battalion and the 7th Marine Brigade joined forces with ABS-CBN Foundation in packing relief good that will be distributed in Palawan.

The Foundation’s relief operations has also reached Kapamilyas in Southern Leyte after its relief hub was built in Palo, Leyte with the help of Radnet 5.

Around 600 individuals who evacuated in Surigao State College of Technology evacuation center were also given meals in coordination with St. Paul University Surigao. Five hundred families in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental received food packs in relief operations initiated by ABS-CBN News Public Service.

Kapamilya stars also helped raised awareness about ABS-CBN Foundation’s relief operations. Some of the celebrities who used their social media platforms to amplify the call for donations include Coco Martin, Kathryn Bernardo, Ria Atayde, Robi Domingo, and Toni Gonzaga, among others.

Vice Ganda also announced on "It's Showtime" on Tuesday (December 21) that she'll donate her talent fee that day to ABS-CBN Foundation.

Meanwhile, the “PBB Kumunity Celebrity Edition” housemates were also able to raise funds for the benefit of typhoon Odette victims through their jam for a cause livestream on Kumu, which gathered 2.677 million diamonds that they will give to ABS-CBN Foundation.

The proceeds of the “PBB Kumunity” Kumu voting during the last eviction night (December 18) will also go to ABS-CBN Foundation for the affected families of typhoon Odette.

More Kapamilyas need love and support during this difficult time. ABS-CBN Foundation is accepting cash donations through their BDO (0039302-14711), BPI (4221-0000-27), PNB (1263-7000-4128), Gcash, Paymaya, and Paypal accounts.

For international donations, visit abscbnfoundation.org or text HELP4PH to 24365 (US only). For in-kind donations, call 34114995 to facilitate the drop-off. ABS-CBN Foundation is accepting canned goods, rice, water, blankets, and hygiene kits. 

For other news, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Read more »

King of Talk Boy Abunda Mentors Kapuso Stars

As GMA Artist Center strives to deliver on its promise to develop globally competitive talents, seasoned TV Host and Philippine King of Talk Boy Abunda shared his expertise as mentor during the third batch of the Breakout Room: Master Class Series last November 16 and 23.

Tito Boy, who has been in the show business as a talk show host for more than two decades, taught the art of public speaking to more than 20 Artist Center talents.

Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Ken Chan, Rita Daniela, Barbie Forteza, Martin Javier, Sophia Senoron, Kyline Alcantara, Luane Dy, Glaiza De Castro, Jose Sarasola, Patricia Tumulak, Gil Cuerva, Ruru Madrid, Miguel Tanfelix, Derrick Monasterio, Sanya Lopez, Ysabel Ortega, Sanya Lopez, Bianca Umali, Khalil Ramos, Gabbi Garcia, Ashley Rivera, Rocco Nacino, Arra San Agustin, Lexi Gonzales, and Rain Matienzo were present during the virtual workshop.

Consultant for Comedy, Infotainment, Game and Reality Productions Bang Arespacochaga, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, and GMA Artist Center Consultant Johnny Manahan also attended the event.

Read more »

ABS-CBN Holds Benefit Concert as Part of Online Fund Drive to Extend Assistance to Typhoon Odette Victims

In the face of another disaster brought about by super typhoon Odette, Filipinos will prove once again that they will not leave anyone behind as they help each other rise from this tragedy.

ABS-CBN is streaming its “Tulong Tulong sa Pag-Ahon: Andito Tayo Para Sa Bawat Pamilya” benefit concert on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube and Facebook accounts, iWantTFC, cable TV channel TeleRadyo, and TFC IPTV abroad tonight (Dec 23) from 8 pm to 11 pm (PHT).

The event jumpstarts an online fund drive to extend assistance to more than 600,000 families who lost their homes, livelihoods, dreams, and loved ones just days before Christmas because of the super typhoon that wreaked havoc in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The benefit concert, hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, Robi Domingo, and Bernadette Sembrano, will bring together:

Angeline Quinto

Angela Ken

Jed Madela

Jona

Kyle Echarri

Nyoy Volante

Sheena Belarmino

Jeremy Glinoga

Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 Housemates

Gigi de Lana and the Gigi Vibes Band

Coco Martin

Kathryn Bernardo

Daniel Padilla

Liza Soberano

Enrique Gil

Lovi Poe

Jane De Leon

Andrea Brillantes

Francine Medina

Seth Fedelin

Alvin Elchico

Doris Bigornia and other Kapamilya personalities will also take part in the online bayanihan event which will allow viewers to donate while watching via Facebook stars, YouTube super stickers, YouTube super chat, Facebook and donate buttons, and QR codes that will appear on their screens.

Through ABS-CBN Foundation, the online fundraising campaign aims to provide people with food packs containing rice, canned goods, and coffee worth P400 to help feed their families for at least three days.

Donors can download social media badges that they can use as their profile photos, twibbons, Facebook frames, Instagram filters, or to express their love and support for the families affected by the typhoon.

ABS-CBN Foundation is currently accepting donations through their BDO (0039302-14711), BPI (4221-0000-27), GCash, PayMaya, and PayPal accounts for its “Tulong-tulong sa Pag-ahon” fund drive. International donations may be coursed through abscbnfoundation.org. More details are available on ABS-CBN Foundation’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Let’s show our fellow Kapamilyas that they are not alone during this difficult time. Watch the “Tulong Tulong sa Pag-Ahon: Andito Tayo Para Sa Bawat Pamilya” online concert at 8:00 pm (PHT) tonight on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube and Facebook accounts, iWantTFC, cable TV channel TeleRadyo, and TFC IPTV abroad.

For more news, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom

Read more »

Action-Packed Suspense Movie "A Hard Day" Starring Award-Winning Actors Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla Showing Nationwide on December 25

Viva Films presents its Official Entry to the 47th Metro Manila Film Festival entitled "A Hard Day".

Starring GMA Primetime King and two-time MMFF Best Actor, Dingdong Dantes and 2021 Venice Film Festival’s Volpi Cup Best Actor, John Arcilla a.k.a Heneral Luna.

Gist: 

Detective Edmund Villon (Dingdong Dantes) is having a hard day and the following events happen to him in less than 24 hours: His mother passed away. He and his coworkers are investigated by police inspectors over alleged embezzlement. Then on his way to his mother's funeral, he drives recklessly and commits a fatal hit and run. He tries to cover-up the accident by hiding the man's corpse in his deceased mother's coffin. After the burial, Lt. Ace “Alas” Franco (John Arcilla) out of nowhere, starts giving Villon threats and warnings. He is about to expose Villon’s crime if he does not get what he wants from him - the corpse of the man that Villon hit.

"A Hard Day" is the Philippine adaptation of the 2014 South Korean Crime Action film with the same title, starring Lee Sun-Kyun (Parasite). The film was an official selection at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival’s Director’s Fortnight.

"A Hard Day" also received numerous awards from several award-giving bodies in South Korea, including the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards where they won the Best Actor and Best Director awards.

An award-winning movie like "A Hard Day" only deserves an adaptation by award-winning actors and director. That’s why Director Lawrence Fajardo chose two of the best and finest actors in Philippine cinema, Dingdong Dantes and John Arcilla. Through the years, Dingdong Dantes has earned several acting awards for film and television, which includes two Best Actor Awards from the Metro Manila Film Festival for his role in “Segunda Mano” and “One More Try.” John Arcilla is also a Philippine Cinema pride with his latest win at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. John received the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for the movie “On the Job”

Movie fans are sure to get a treat from the stellar performances of the actors, up to the film’s hard-hitting action and suspense. So don’t forget to watch VIVA Films’ official entry to the 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival, "A Hard Day", showing on December 25, in cinemas nationwide.

Also starring Janno Gibbs, Al Tantay, Meg Imperial, Rafa Siguion Reyna, Lou Veloso, Marita Zobel and Pio Valbuena. FErlin Parreno Cita Gil Ronald Arguelles

Read more »

Look: New Manila Zoo Opens on December 30, 2021

Here's a look at the refurbished Manila Zoo as shared by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in a Facebook post on Wednesday, December 22.

"Ang ganda-ganda! Nakaka-proud talaga! Dati ang baho-baho dito. This is one for the books. Para kang nasa Japan. Para kang nasa Jurassic Park. Matutupad na natin ang pangarap natin na lumaban sa Singapore Zoo dahil sa may Manila Zoo tayong mga batang Maynila. Galing po ako nung isang araw, sumilip po ako. Naku, matutuwa po kayo. Sisiguruhin ko sa inyo, pati foreigner pupunta dito." Moreno shared in the post. 

The 5-hectare Manila Zoo which is set to open on December 30 features new facilities such as "world-class animal enclosures", animal museum, botanical and butterfly garden. There would also be amenities such as clean and spacious restrooms with stalls for persons with disabilities (PWDs), a restaurant, veterinary hospital, a coffee shop, and a new parking area.

Moreno said he wants the families of around 1,300 workers to be the VIP guests complete with free food and drinks for the soft opening as a tribute to their hard work in constructing and developing the zoo.

"Sila ang mag-oopen. It will be a family day. Premium naman sila, pinaghirapan nila yan. Kaya tama lang na VIP treatment sila." he said.

Read more »

Let's Help Our Kababayans Affected by Typhoon Odette with PayMaya

With the onslaught of Typhoon Odette that ravaged areas in Visayas and Mindanao, many families have lost their homes, belongings, and even their loved ones.

To help raise funds for immediate typhoon relief and rescue efforts, several organizations have started accepting donations through PayMaya for initiatives that will help deliver food, clothing, shelter, and other forms of assistance to beneficiaries in typhoon-hit areas.

 

Donating to these organizations is easy:

1. Scan to donate using these PayMaya QR codes of these organizations. 

2. Support via the Donate Tile in the Bills Pay feature of the PayMaya app. 

3. Donate via PayMaya's donation site (insert link) using PayMaya or any debit credit, or prepaid card.

Read more »

Why You Should Raise Your Child to be A Fast-Thinking AlphaKid (And How You Can Start NOW)

We’ve all seen them at one time or another, these AlphaKids: the ones who talk in a way that makes them seem a few years older than their peers, those who walk onto the playground and somehow have other kids trailing them and following their lead a few minutes later, or those who seem at home even among adults who keep asking themselves the question “How did this kid get so smart?” These are the kids that will go on to be natural leaders in school, within their group of friends, and even in the workplace. Even before they step foot in a classroom, you can tell their future is bright, and the reality is if you only start supporting them after age 5, it may actually already be too late.

The AlphaKids’ ability to size up a room, a situation, or even people, and deciding on the appropriate response or approach actually has a lot to do with how fast their brains work, as observing their surroundings and determining how to respond happens in milliseconds. This is why it’s not just how much the child knows that is important, but how fast they can access that information and figure out how to react. This makes brain connections, which develop the most between the ages of three and five, extremely important. 

Enter myelination, a process in which the brain produces myelin, a fatty substance that wraps around nerves and makes information travel to and from the brain faster. Majority of myelination and the rest of the brain’s development happens in early childhood, and it’s a little-known fact that by age five, 90% of the brain has already developed. That’s why raising a fast thinker is something that parents should be purposive about, and to get started, here are some tips to maximize what some experts call the golden window of opportunity.

Tips to Maximize the Golden Window of Opportunity

Teach your child to read early by reading often and by reading yourself

Reading has many benefits, including priming your child to love learning. Research shows that reading early in life has a positive impact on your child's achievement in later years, including cultivating intelligence and academic success2. Reading, however, is a skill that has to be taught, and you cannot just give a child books and expect them to pick them up. You have to sit with them (daily, if possible), do the voices and sound effects needed to make it interesting to them. You also have to show them that you are reading yourself, to establish that it is a fun and worthwhile activity and not a chore that you are forcing on them. Let them figure things out on their own

When your child gets frustrated by a puzzle, don't offer your help. Instead, encourage them to try again. These little challenges help build your child's confidence and perseverance - two traits that can help them succeed later in life. The same goes for social interaction. If caught in a disagreement with a sibling or playmate, avoid stepping in and laying down the law; explain the principles of fairness or taking turns, but let them talk and figure it out among themselves. This goes a long way towards helping them navigate disagreements and prepares them for constructive discussions with their teachers and classmates later on.

Limit screen time and control what’s on the screen

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, entertainment screen time should be two hours a day3. It’s important that the kids are aware of the limit and that it is strictly enforced. And even within their allowed screen time, not all content is good. Some shows are simply not worth the time, whether for kids or for adults. Look for content that teaches them what you want them to learn, and when that timer stops, direct them towards toys or activities that further their learning and encourage them to process what they have discovered.

Nourish your child's brain with α-Lipids

DHA has been the celebrated nutrient for brain development for many years; however, it may no longer be enough. This is where α-Lipids (Alpha-Lipids) come in. α-Lipids are the latest breakthrough in brain development; they contain the five major phospholipids, critical nutrients for myelination and brain development. Phospholipids are also known as "intelligent fats," and studies have shown that young children's brains rely on these fats to form brain connections and transmit brain messages up to 100 times faster.

Raise an AlphaKid with Promil Gold Four

These tips, together with a daily glass of pediatrician-recommended Promil Gold Four - the only growing-up milk with breakthrough, brain-boosting α-Lipids (Alpha-Lipids) – should help get you started on this journey of raising a fast thinker. With other essential nutrients for brain development, including DHA, AA, Choline, Lutein, Zinc, and Iron, Promil Gold Four helps your child amaze and astonish, with others asking: “How did that child do that?”

Read more »