IMAX, SM Cinema expand partnership in Philippines With Multi-Theater Deal

SM Cinema, the Philippines' largest exhibitor, and IMAX are expanding their partnership significantly with 10 new IMAX with Laser systems in the market. This deal not only doubles IMAX's presence but also introduces the IMAX experience to three new locations while upgrading seven existing systems across the SM Cinema network.

Expected to roll out in 2024, three upgraded locations will open initially, with the rest scheduled before 2026. Since 2006, IMAX and SM Cinema have operated nine locations together in the Philippines, with the market emerging as a top-performing hub in Southeast Asia for IMAX, consistently ranking among the top 30 highest-grossing IMAX markets globally since 2022.

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K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival Brings the Best of Korea to Your Doorstep

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Korean culture as the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) proudly presents the highly anticipated “K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival”! This year, the festival returns bigger and better, spanning two exciting locations: SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on May 4-5 and SM Seaside City Cebu, the Mountain Wing Atrium and Skyhall on June 15-16.

As we continue celebrating 75 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines, the theme "K-Culture Next Door" symbolizes the close connection between our two nations! Just like neighbors who are a ‘doorbell’ away, Korea and the Philippines influenced and supported each other through cultural exchange and interaction between people throughout the years.

'Next Door' Performance

Prepare to be mesmerized as we bring Korea's top indie rock sensation, Jannabi, to the Manila leg's opening ceremony happening on May 4.

In light of 75 years, we also have traditional Filipino performers to grace the stage! The doors are also open for Filipino individual and group performers, as we launched the "Mini K-pop Busking Concert" to showcase Filipino talents while embracing their love for K-culture. Application details for the busking event can be found on our social media channels and website.

'Next Door' Showcase

As we bring out the best of Korea right at your doorsteps, we are proud to present this year's festival with our partners from various Korean government agencies and corporations. For the cultural experience, we have everything from traditional - Hangeul (alphabet), Hanbok (costume), Jeontongnori (traditional games) - to contemporary! Various industries will be present through our partner corporations: Samsung Philippines, Hyundai Motor Philippines, Inc., AMOREPACIFIC Philippines, and some beauty products from small and medium-sized enterprises that will be displayed by Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).

Together with the Korea Tourism Organization-Manila Office (KTO), Korea Copyright Protection Agency Manila Representative Office (KCOPA), and the Korea Agro Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation Philippines Office (aT), this festival will surely showcase Korea right on your doorstep!

Of course, with the help of our local partners - SM Supermalls and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) - this festival is ready to bring the full K-culture experience for FREE!

About K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival

K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival - Manila will be held on May 4-5 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from 10 a.m. -8 p.m. On the other hand, the Cebu counterpart will be held on June 15-16 at the SM Seaside City Cebu, the Mountain Wing Atrium, at the same time, while the opening ceremony will be June 15 at the Skyhall.

Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Dance Company will perform on June 15 (Sat) at the Sky Hall, and on June 16 (Sun) at the Mountain Wing Atrium.

For the first-ever K-festival in Cebu, we’re also hosting "Everyone's Kpop Cebu", a K-pop cover dance contest for Filipino talents.

Also introduced in Cebu, the performing team that will bring Jeju Island’s unique culture and traditional traits, a special show will be put out by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Dance Company.

For more information and updates, make sure to follow us on our social media accounts (Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines / @kccphil). (SM Supermalls)

Chinabank Reaffirms its Customer Focus with New Campaign

Chinabank has launched a brand refresh program and digital campaign to evolve the 103-year old bank’s brand and image, making it more resonant and engaging to a new generation of customers.

The bank replaced the signages of its head office and branches in an ongoing rollout, released on social media its new ad and new jingle “Focused on You”, and placed billboard ads in EDSA-Magallanes and SM MOA Globe featuring its first ever brand ambassador, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, a third-generation member of Chinabank’s founding family.

The brand refresh builds on Chinabank’s solid foundation as a trusted bank with a keen understanding of its clients’ needs in an evolving landscape. The bank’s new tagline “Focused on You”, which is also the title of its new jingle and digital campaign, reflects its firm commitment to serving its customers and putting their best interests in mind. For the last 103 years, the bank has helped tycoons when they were just newbies, billionaires when they only had a billion to one shot. To this day, the bank gives the same focus and attention to all its customers, not caring whether they are big or small, but only seeing the size of their dreams. The new logo, with its stylized “CBC” monogram, a symbol that embodies stability and simplicity, gives Chinabank a younger, more agile, and dynamic look.

“Chinabank has been growing and transforming through the years, in step with the times and more importantly, in line with the changing needs and perceptions of our customers,” Chinabank Investor & Corporate Relations Group Head Gerald Florentino said. “We believe this brand refresh will develop the Chinabank brand in the right way and enable us to deepen existing relationships and connect with a broader market.”

Established in 1920, Chinabank has been known as a businessman’s bank with a strong affiliation with the Chinese Filipino community. While maintaining its deep ties with this niche market, Chinabank has grown into a strong and stable universal bank—now the country’s fourth largest private domestic bank—offering a full suite of banking products and services for corporate, commercial, and retail customers. As it pursues its growth plans, embarking on a digital transformation, the bank’s board and management also saw the need to revitalize Chinabank’s brand and image.

“How you take the brand forward is vital to any company’s future success. Even if you’re already well established, you have to find fresh approaches to re-engage your loyal customers and build connections with new ones,” Chinabank Marketing Communications Department Head Aileen Vallesteros said. “Our ‘Focused on You’ campaign reinforces the brand’s strengths and makes Chinabank more relatable to the new generation of customers.”

The whole brand refresh process went smoothly, Vallesteros noted, because the bank's Chairman Hans Sy and President & CEO Romy Uyan were on board and hands on, from the choice of the brand ambassador to the messaging and design. With the leaders' buy-in, everyone in the bank embraced the change. (PR)

Red Bull Half Court National Finals: From the Philippines to New York: Full Swing!

 Red Bull Half Court National Finals: From the Philippines to New York: Full Swing!

Photo Provided by Red Bull

MANILA, Philippines - Following the most recent regional match held in Manila on April 27 at the Bonifacio Shrine, the Philippines has confirmed that its representatives will compete at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 in New York City, USA. 

Teams from across the country have shown amazing sportsmanship, ability, and determination on the court, making the journey to this point nothing short of remarkable and entertaining. The Red Bull Half Court series this year has been intense, featuring everything from thrilling buzzer-beaters to jaw-dropping dunks. However, only the top twenty-four teams—eight men's qualifying teams, eight men's wildcard teams, four women's qualifying teams, and four wildcard teams—remain to compete in the Red Bull Half Court 2024 National Finals. 

The qualifying teams who wished to compete in New York last April 27 met off in the court. Gerald Anderson, an actor and basketball fanatic, attended with his squad, 3rd Floor. They made it to the Quarterfinals after going through the Pool Phase and playing four other teams. They made a great attempt, but TNT Tropang Giga defeated them with a score of 12-11. 

Photo Provided by Red Bull

“It was recommended to me. I was looking for a basketball event to compete in and Red Bull Half Court was perfect,” Gerald Anderson said, explaining how he came to know about the event. “Red Bull Half Court is intense,” he commented. “(It’s) very hot due to the intense heat, but overall the concept is great for everyone.”

In the end, Sam Harada, Kaye Pingol, Eunique Chan, and Afril Bernardino of Uratex Dream and Almond Vosotros, Levin Flores, Chester Saldua, and Matt Salem of TNT Tropang Giga earned the precious chance to represent the Philippines in the Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals. Their diligence and commitment have paid off, and these qualities have advanced them toward their ultimate objective. 

"Red Bull provided a lot of opportunities for the basketball community in the Philippines, from Cebu, (to) Davao, and here in Manila. It really is a great help for all of the players and we hope that Red Bull will continue this event (Red Bull Half Court) every year or even better if possible twice or thrice a year for everyone to play and participate " exclaimed Almond Vosotros from TNT Tropang Giga.

Kaye Pingol from Uratex Dream expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm to Red Bull for providing women an opportunity to be seen in a bigger stage, “Red Bull Half Court is a big win for our team, especially (since) women’s basketball isn’t often seen or given a bigger platform here in the Philippines.”

The Philippine All Stars, Pricetagg, Zae, and DJ Razikyle performed at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 National Finals in addition to the exciting on-court matches. Their electrifying routines added a new level of enjoyment to the event by showcasing the Philippines' vibrant cultural scene in addition to their amazing agility.

Additionally, in between the basketball games and artistic presentations, guests were treated to a Raco Ruiz art exhibition. His distinct artistic vision gave the occasion a dash of uniqueness and flair. To better assist the local community in Manila, Red Bull, Raco Ruiz, and the Manila Local Government (LGU) restored a basketball court that was chosen, painting a mural on the floor and hoop backstops. Live art exhibits on the hoop backstops enhanced the spectacle and brought attention to the nation's artistic and athletic talent. 

Photo Provided by Red Bull 

With their heads held high, the winning teams, TNT Tropang Giga and Uratex Dream, the winning teams, are preparing to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals, where they're going to take on strong teams from different regions.

“This is a really big opportunity, not only for us but women’s basketball in general, to have an opportunity to showcase our talent, and we are extremely happy that we won and will be representing the Philippines in New York,” said Kaye Pingol of Uratex Dream. 

The world's top street basketball players will compete in a memorable series of competitions at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals, which will take place in New York this October. Every squad brings the aspirations and hopes of a country bound by a shared passion for the game with them as they gear up for the next challenge. 

For more information and updates regarding the World Finals of Red Bull Half Court, visit the Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok) 

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to people by vitalizing the body and mind – supporting their dreams and aspirations through their passion for sports.