SM Cinema Celebrates the 38th MMFF with its 100% Digital Screens!

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This December 25, the home of MMFF—SM Cinema, will open all its screens again for the annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). SM Cinema celebrates the 38^th MMFF with its 100% digital screens.

On December 23, SM Mall of Asia will shine with the presence of stars in a short program that will commence at 6:00pm at the Mall of Asia grounds after the traditional MMFF Parade of Stars which will begin at the Luneta Park.

Moviegoers can watch their most-awaited MMFF entries early on December 25 because SM Cinema will open its theaters at 8:00am.

Laugh, cry, fall in love, get scared and go on a fantastic journey with this year’s MMFF official entries!

Heroes of 3 different worlds will meet for a grand adventure in the movie Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako. The film is directed by Tony Y. Reyes and stars Bong Revilla, Vic Sotto and Judy Ann Santos.

Is there more to the seemingly frivolous problem of the elite? Find out in in Sosy Problems. The film is a comedy-drama that revolves around the lives of four sosy girls. It stars Solenn Heusaff, Rhian Ramos, Heart Evangelista and Bianca King. The film is directed by Andoy Ranay.

Entangled relationships and complicated love affair are just some of the elements that make One More Try an exciting film. On top of this is the stellar cast which includes Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo and Dingdong Dantes who bagged last year’s Best Actor Award. The film is directed by Ruel S. Bayani.

You can laugh your heart out in Sisterakas, a film with a cast of 3 box office stars--Vice Ganda, Ai-Ai Delas Alas and the Queen of All Media Kris Aquino. Sisterakas is directed by Wenn V. Deramas.

For those who want fear and thrill this Holiday, there’s Strangers to give you that big scare.  Strangers stars Julia Montes, Enchong Dee and Enrique Gil. The film is under the direction of Lawrence Fajardo.

The 14^th installment of Shake Rattle & Roll entitled The Invasion is another horror film that will surely give the audience a fright with 3 stories: Pamana, The Lost Command and Unwanted.  Lovi Poe, Dennis Trillo, Iza Calzado star in this horror flick.

El Presidente is another must-see entry.  ER Ejercito, the lead star of Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story that ruled the 37^th MMFF Awards Night, returns  to the big screen to play Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine Republic with Cesar Montano, Christopher de Leon, Nora Aunor, and Cristine Reyes in supporting roles.

From the Internationally-acclaimed director, Brillante Mendoza, comes a drama film about love, sacrifice and tradition—Thy Womb. Nora Aunor won the Best Performance by an Actress at the 6^th Asia Pacific Screen Award (APSA) for this film. The cast includes Bembol Roco, Mercedes Cabral and Lovi Poe.

For a crystal-image display and powerful sound, watch your most-awaited MMFF entries at SM Cinema’s digital theaters!

               

House at the End of the Street

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The Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence proves, once again, that she’s one of the most versatile actresses of Hollywood.  This talented star, who already displayed great talent in playing Mystique in X-Men: First Class and Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, graces the big screen once more in the psychological thriller House at the End of the Street.

Jennifer Lawrence is convincing in her role as Elissa, a teenager who has a knack for fixing people.  Max Thieriot (My Soul to Take), on the other         hand, is also excellent in portraying the role of a troubled young man whose disturbing childhood continues to hound him. His brooding charm wins not only the sympathy of Elissa but also that of the audience. The film’s smart casting brings Oscar-nominee Elisabeth Shue (Leaving Las Vegas, Piranha 3D) into the role of Elissa’s mom.

The film is directed by Mark Tonderai based on the screenplay by David Loucka and story by Eduardo Gordon.

The characters are strongly established that the audience can’t help but feel a sense of loss with the way the movie ends.  Although the casting is great, the plot twists and turns are the elements that make House at the End of the Street a good slasher film. With Tonderai’s use of tension and his expert manipulation of the scenery, he sets the perfect mood for the unfolding of a chilling tale of murder.

The film is distributed in the country by Viva Films and screened exclusively at SM Cinema.

Watch Pacquiao-Marquez, one of the Best Boxing Sagas in History, Live via Satellite on December 9!

The 4th Pacquiao-Marquez fight is, without a doubt, one of the biggest bouts of the year.  In a sport where everything is unpredictable, where one punch can change everything, no one is sure to know of who has the upper hand in the 4th, and probably the decisive fight between Manny Pacquiao and the Mexican dynamo Juan Manuel Marquez.

Both men are considered among the greatest fighters in the history of boxing with Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao being the first eight-division world champion and the first to win the Lineal Championship in four different weight classes, making him a boxer of Muhammad Ali’s caliber.  Juan Manuel Marquez III, on the other hand, is the greatest Mexican boxers of all-time for many analysts. He is the current WBO light-welterweight champion and the third Mexican-born boxer to become a four-division world champion, winning seven world titles in four different boxing weight classes.

The first fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, who at that time held both the WBA and IBF Featherweight titles, happened way back in 2004 at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas. Pacquiao knocked Márquez down three times in the first round, but the battle went the distance, the pair couldn't be separated by the judges and the fight ended in a draw after 12 rounds. The decision sparked controversy, which outraged both camps.

On March 15, 2008, a rematch called “Unfinished Business” was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won via split decision which earned him  the WBC Super Featherweight and The Ring Super Featherweight titles, making him the first Filipino and Asian to become a four-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in four different weight divisions.  “It was a very hard-fought fight and much more exciting than the first one," Marquez said.

Like the previous match, the decision of the judges spurred a 3rd bout which was held on November 12, 2011 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao won the fight via majority decision. Pacquiao’s victory was also controversial one.
Now it's time to shed doubt over who the best fighter is as both boxers are aiming for knockout. On December 9 (Manila Time), the 4th fight will be held in Mexico City.

Be one of the first to watch the fight that would most probably bring a closure to one of the greatest boxing rivalries in history!

Catch the 4th Pacquiao-Marquez fight live via satellite in any SM Cinema branch at 9:00am on December 9, 2012. Buy your ticket now and just add Php200 to get a hotdog sandwich, bottled water or juice and a limited edition Pacquiao-Marquez 4 Shirt.

SM Cinema celebrates 100% digital clarity with a Free Movie Day

SM Cinema, currently the largest cinema exhibitor in the country, has been part of the lives of every Filipino families for over 20 years. With its commitment toward quality movie entertainment, SM Cinema recently converted all its film-based theatres into Digital Theatres—the first cinema franchise in the country to do so. With this notable milestone, SM Cinema gives back to its loyal patrons with another first in Philippine cinema history—the Free Movie Day event, a grand movie blow-out slated to happen this December 8, 2012.

This SM Cinema event will offer free movies in all of SM Cinema’s 246 Digital Theatres in all 45 branches nationwide! The line-up of movies will include the horror-thriller House at the End of the Street, Stolen, the latest Nicolas Cage action flick, the biopic Supremo: The Andres Bonifacio Story, crime drama film Deadfall, the popular Step Up Revolution and the restored version of Ishmael Bernal’s Himala. Apart from these six movies, two independent films courtesy of the Film Development Council of the Philippines will also be a part of the line-up.

If you would like to register for SM Cinema’s Free Movie Day may do so from November 22 to December 6 by following these four easy steps:

1. Like and Register at our e-PLUS Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/eplus.sm)
2. Click on the Free Movie App.
3. Choose your Cinema, Time and Movie
4. Print the confirmation email.
5. Surrender the printed confirmation email at your preferred SM Cinema branch for your free two tickets.

Free Movie Day is made possible by SM Cinema, e-PLUS card— your most convenient access to the movies, Multivision Pictures of the Philippines, AV Production, Crystalsky, Pioneer Films, Star Cinema and the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Free Movie Day is also being brought to you by Coca Cola, Bright Pop, Purefoods San Miguel and Mister Doughnut.

SM Cinema’s Holiday Treats to Cinephiles: Supremo, Rurouni Kenshin, House at the End of the Street, Talaash and The Bay

Cinema-goers are sure to have a more exciting holiday season with SM Cinema’s exclusive movies showing this December. This Christmas season, SM Cinema will take you on a ride to different places and time with its CinExclusives—from 1896 Manila to Meiji era Japan to present day India.

On December 5, turn back the hands of time and see Manila just a few years before the dawn of Philippine Independence in the film Supremo. This biopic takes the audience back to 1896—the time when the cry for independence from the tyranny of Spain peals louder than ever. Supremo chronicles the struggles of Andres Bonifacio, the supreme leader (Supremo) of the rebel movement the Katipunan, as a husband, brother, patriot and hero. The film is directed by Richard Somes and stars Alfred Vargas.

Have a glimpse of the late 19^th Century Japan in Rurouni Kenshin: Samurai X. The movie is set during the early days of the Meiji Restoration when the country was still in turmoil. The film narrates the adventures of Kenshin Himura, a peace-loving samurai who is constantly haunted by his bloody past. Anime lovers, manga enthusiasts, Otakus and those who simply love action films will surely enjoy the exploits of the wandering samurai, who has been part of many Filipinos’ childhood because of the anime series Samurai X. Sato Takeru plays Kenshin. The film opens on December 5.

Although it’s already December, SM Cinema still has a treat for those who want to have a post-Halloween fun with House at the End of the Street. In this horror-thriller film, mother and daughter have moved to the house of their dreams in a small upscale town only to find out about the town’s chilling secrets that could lead them to their graves. House at the End of the Street stars Jennifer Lawrence who played Katniss Everdeen in the blockbuster The Hunger Games. The movie opens on the 5^th of December.

Talaash: The Answer Lies Within will take fans on adrenalin-pumping adventures with Inspector Shekhawat, whose son has died in a fatal accident that also killed a rising Bollywood star. Digging deeper into the case, he finds himself entangled in a web of mystery. The cast includes Aamir Khan who also starred in the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time in India, 3 Idiots, and Karena Kapoor, the award-winning Indian actress who was also Khan’s co-star in the said film. The movie opens on December 12.

In The Bay, a reporter gives light to an eerie event that claimed over 700 human lives in the quaint seaside town of Claridge, Maryland. The film uncovers the mysterious parasitic outbreak that happened 3 years ago. The cast includes stars Kristen Connolly, Jane McNeill and Christopher Denham. This sci-fi thriller opens on December 19.

e-PLUS members get additional treats from SM Cinema.  E-PLUS cardholders get 50% discount on the tickets for House at the End of the Street, Talaash and The Bay. SM Advantage Card, Prestige Card, BDO Rewards Card and Global Pinoy Card holders get 20% off on tickets for these CinExclusive movies.

About SM Cinema

SM Cinema, the country’s leading film distributor, takes pride in its 246 cinemas and 5 IMAX Theatres scattered in 45 branches across the country. All of these theaters are now digital—delivering crystal-clear images and powerful sound. At SM Cinema, movie-watching is more fun and rewarding with its e-PLUS card loaded with VIP privileges, special promos, seasonal offers, quarterly raffles and invites to exclusive events.

To know more about the company, visit SM Cinema’s website at www.smcinema.com. You may also like SM Cinema on Facebook (facebook.com/smcinema) and follow them on Twitter (twitter.com/sm_cinema). To connect with IMAX on Facebook, follow facebook.com/imaxsmcinema and like them on Twitter.com/imax_smcinema.

SM Cinema Opens Its Theaters to Bollywood Films

For a long time now, SM Cinema, the country’s biggest film exhibitor, has been screening non-Hollywood movies. It has featured many films produced in different parts of the globe—French, Korean and Indonesian movies among others.  And now SM Cinema welcomes Bollywood films.

SM Cinema will be showing two Hindi movies before the year ends: Jab Tak Hai Jaan, the romantic film from Bollywood’s King of Romance Yash Chopra and Talaash: The Answer Lies Within, an action-packed suspense thriller from Reema Kagti.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan, roughly translated as “Till There is Life,” follows an ex-army man who lives a double life in London and who faces the dilemma of choosing between his wife and the woman who inspires him.  It stars Shah Rukh Khan who is fondly referred to as "Baadshah of Bollywood", "King Khan" and "The King of Bollywood" for his outstanding acting skills. Shah Rukh Khan is the most awarded Bollywood actor of all time in India, winning eight Filmfare Best Actor Awards.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan is one of the highly anticipated films in India partly because it is the last legacy of Bollywood’s beloved director and producer, Yash Chopra.  Chopra was given six National Film Awards and eleven Filmfare awards including four Filmfare Award for Best Director.  In 2001, the Government of India honoured him with India's highest award in cinema, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and in 2005, the Padma Bhushan for his contributions towards Indian cinema. BAFTA presented him with a lifetime membership for his contribution to the films, making him the first Indian to receive the honour.  Jab Tak Hai Jaan was the director's last directorial venture before his death on October 21, 2012. 

The film’s release in India will be in time for the 6-day Diwali Festival (The Festival of Lights).  Jab Tak Hai Jaan opens this November 21 at SM Cinema.
The adrenalin-pumping film Talaash: The Answer Lies Within opens on December 12. The film stars Aamir Khan who also starred in the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time in India, 3 Idiots. He received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Raja Hindustani and for the Academy Award-nominated movie Lagaan.

In Talaash, Aamir Khan plays Inspector Shekhawat whose son has died in a fatal accident that also killed a rising Bollywood star. Further investigation with the help of an enigmatic woman gets him entangled in a web of mystery.  The film also stars the award-winning Indian actress Karena Kapoor who was also Khan’s co-star in 3 Idiots.

The two Hindi films are distributed in the country by Viva Films and Multivision Pictures, and will be released exclusively at SM Cinema.

About SM Cinema

SM Cinema, the country’s leading film distributor, takes pride in its 246 cinemas and 5 IMAX Theatres scattered in 45 branches across the country. SM Cinema is now 100% digital—all its theaters deliver crystal-clear images and powerful sound. At SM Cinema, movie-watching is more fun and rewarding with its e-PLUS card loaded with VIP privileges, special promos, seasonal offers, quarterly raffles and invites to exclusive events.

E-PLUS members get 50% off on the ticket of these two CinExclusive films. To avail the promo, cardholders must proceed to the e-PLUS booth and present their cards.
SM Advantage Card, Prestige Card, BDO Rewards Card and Global Pinoy Card holders will be given 20% off on tickets for these CinExclusive movies.

To know more about the company, visit SM Cinema’s website at www.smcinema.com. You may also like SM Cinema on Facebook (facebook.com/smcinema) and follow them on Twitter (twitter.com/sm_cinema). To connect with IMAX on Facebook, follow facebook.com/imaxsmcinema and like them on Twitter.com/imax_smcinema.

THE LEVI’S® BRAND DEBUTS 2012 GO FORTH™ GLOBAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

“This is a Pair of Levi’s®” Celebrates Refined and Tailored Look
of Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (September 20, 2012) – Today, the Levi’s® brand (www.levi.com) unveiled its 2012 Go Forth™ global marketing campaign. The spotlight of this year’s marketing initiative is the Levi’s® brand’s new Fall/Winter 2012 global collection, which features a refined and tailored look made for those who get dressed each morning with purpose.

The 2012 campaign is titled “This is a pair of Levi’s®.” The centerpiece of the global campaign is a 60-second film directed by Lance Acord that depicts individuals putting on their Levi’s® jeans in the morning and preparing to face the day. We watch them as they button their jeans, tuck in their shirts, get on their cars or bikes, and head out the door, all the while repeating the mantra “You're the next living leader of the world. You’re gonna be great, you’re gonna be great, you’re gonna be great.” They are teachers, they are musicians, they are interns and public servants, they are young but they are determined, and they believe in changing the world by getting up every day and living their life with purpose and intent.

“As pioneers in this industry, our task is not only to set the trend and design new clothes, but we also try to inject inspiration that every day, we dress up and try to make more sense or be worthy in whatever we do. The brand wants to empower millions of people to pursue their goals, aspirations, passions. Innately we think, by wearing a pair of Levi’s ® jeans, anything is possible.” said John Medalla, Country Head of Levi Strauss Philippines, Inc. “This campaign is designed to ignite a new generation of pioneers to believe in the Levi’s® brand as much as we believe in them.”, said Mary Alderete, Global Vice President of Levi’s® Brand Marketing. “

Levi’s® Go Forth™ 2012 Global Brand Marketing Campaign

Go Forth™ continues to be a strong platform that embodies the pioneering spirit and intrinsic values of the Levi’s® brand,” said Len Peltier, Global Vice President of Creative for the

Levi’s® brand. “From a creative approach, we wanted to be culturally relevant while also making the product more central to the brand narrative. Our intent is to disrupt what people think they know about the Levi’s® brand and redefine that with unexpected product stories and a more refined styling point of view. Each story is a confident statement – “This is a pair of Levi’s®.”

The campaign also takes inspiration from the Levi’s® brand’s pioneering spirit. The taglines featured in the outdoor, digital and print advertising, such as “Cut with Grace,” and “Tailored for the Young and Hungry,” capture the dynamic potential of this generation and are meant to speak to the young leaders of the world who are pioneers in their own right. The images in the creative feature the Levi’s® Fall/Winter 2012 collection and head-to-toe look in action, as captured by photographer Christian Weber.

“Levi Strauss Philippines is committed to bring the pioneering spirit of Go Forth™ with the biggest creative collaboration of the year. Levi’s® tapped into the brilliant minds of young movers and shakers of this generation. Creating a partnership and believing in their talents and aspirations make them the new leaders who will mold this generation.” said Gec Alcid - Cajucom, Marketing Manager of Levi Strauss Philippines Inc. 

Featuring the works of: Eric Delos Santos, Maureen Disini, Sassa Jimenez, Jeffrey Rogador, Charina Sarte (Designers), Alyanna Martinez, Bang Pineda, Sidney Yap (Stylists), Bj Pascual (Photographer ), Leeroy New (Visual Artist) , David Guison and Patricia Prieto (Bloggers) and Callum David (Music).

Celebrate Go Forth™ and start a pioneering spirit in all of us. Engage each moment to make the world a better place.

Levi’s® Fall/Winter 2012 Collection

The new 2012 Fall/Winter collection is made for those who get dressed each morning with purpose, with the intention and optimism to make a positive difference in the world.

The men’s collection offers classic, yet contemporary head-to-toe looks built around refined styles with sharp clean aesthetics, tailored to perfection. The key trend for men this season is the taper - a flattering fit that sits below the waist, slouchy at the top and featuring an extended rise and a slim tailored leg.   

The overall style of the women’s collection is classic and refined with a clean, tailored aesthetic and pronounced femininity. The key pant silhouette for women this season is the Bootcut Skinny, which the Levi’s® brand has completely reinvented. Cut with grace and

confidence and inspired by the skinny jean, this season will see a new take on this classic style – a sexy, modern skinny fit making you forever think differently about the Bootcut.

In addition to the Bootcut Skinny, the brand is launching a feminine tailored dress collection. These tastefully crafted garments give a subtle nod to the idea of femininity but thoughtfully leave it up for interpretation. The Levi’s® Dress Collection includes several new denim and non-denim dress styles in a variety of fabrications including light, effortless knits, cotton-linen, soft chambrays and a sustainable, coated Lyocell fabric. 

As part of Levi Strauss & Co.’s profits through principles approach, sustainability is embedded throughout the collection with the use of the Water<Less^TM finishing process playing a prominent role this season.

ABOUT THE LEVI’S®BRAND

The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world – capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. Our range of leading jeanswear and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal style. For more information about the Levi’s® brand, its products and stores, please visit levi.com.

ABOUT LEVI STRAUSS & CO.

Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear.  The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, and Denizen® brands.  Its products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of more than 2,300 franchised and company-operated stores.  Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported fiscal 2011 net revenues were $4.8 billion.  For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com.