Top Korean Film "THE ROUNDUP" Now Showing in SM Cinemas

Looks like we're in for a treat this month as the most popular movie in Korea is now showing in SM Cinemas, it's an action flick called THE ROUNDUP starring Ma Dong-seok aka Don Lee who also starred in Train to Busan which was a hit worldwide. 

Ms. Grace Lee says "We have been really eager to do this years ago, where we are able to showcase Korean movies while it's being shown in Korea. I've been convincing them since 2020 and got delayed because of the pandemic. In 2021, we were asked about the conditions here and they were more eager to pursue it from happening. I was fortunate to bring the number 1 movie in 2022, this is the biggest movie hit in Korea. I hope Philippine viewers to be able to watch it in cinemas now that it's available. Our partners in Korea produce and distribute, they give us a synopsis and the final edit of the movie. I've known how Filipinos love the stars, THE ROUNDUP is an action film and perhaps it'll be bigger and better (as it is a sequel), and possibly in the next projects it'll be the stars promoting the movie here. Glimmer is also in drama production, we have to sign an NDA until it comes out and we're not allowed to give details especially when half of the scenes are shot in the Philippines. THE ROUNDUP is actually a sequel of a drama, Dong Lee is also a big star since he's in Train to Busan and different series. He's very versatile, you'll see layers of him in the movie."

 

Grace Lee heads Glimmer who distributes Korean films now in the country

She adds "Filipinos and Koreans have similar values. Korean movies have high production value, and distributing this at this time might have challenges, but all good and Glimmer (our partner) has been very supportive. Recently, international movies have been doing quite nice in the box office and opening up with TOP GUN for people who are slowly coming back to watch was a pretty good move for us. We do even have next ones in the pipeline but we have to wait til they give their go signal. It's risky to produce movies in Korea as the value is pretty high. We shot here for 3 months, with Filipino actors doing very big supporting roles and it will come out in November. We've already crossed that bridge and have Filipino talent is pursued. We are doing this as a start for the Korean movie wave, it's a hit in Korea and Southeast Asian countries. The market is ready, I don't see why not the Philippines and acknowledge we are ready for consumption. We are talking to Korean partners about bringing Philippine content to Korea. We're in the talks and we're taking the next steps. It'll be an exciting year for all of us!"

Go watch the movie today as it'll be something worth your time. It won't be guns blazing though because it's barred to have them in Korea. It's more of closeup hand to hand combat with sharp or blunt things so it's different from western movies. 

Can't wait to watch it tomorrow!

BLACK PANTHER on SM Cinemas February 14

If you’re a fan of Marvel and the Marvel movie series, you’re probably eagerly awaiting this one. You see, they’re finally showing Marvel Studios’ BLACK PANTHER on SM Cinemas this February 14. That means, you’re going to get a glimpse of his back story and perhaps enjoy a multitude of things that SM has prepared for you. First off, they’ve got this huge art installation at the SM Mall of Asia’s Atrium. Aside from that, if you download the app, you get a chance to win premiere night tickets to see it all!

You’ll also get to know WAKANDA and how this third world country become a sought after land because of the material VIBRANIUM which people try to get their hands on (one of the toughest and even is the same material as Captain America’s shield.

You’ll also get to know this African hero who by blood will become the King of Wakanda. He’s also destined to protect his kingdom along with his other friends and citizens. He has yet to be king and had to go into a lot of trouble in this movie, so you should definitely see it. It’s not a small role at all, it connects to the story of El Dorado as well, so expect the trouble to become bigger as the story progresses with this good man with a good heart, who is to become a King.

You can also take advantage of FREE POPCORN for the first 1000 people from February 14-16 if you purchase tickets online via www.smcinema.com. Follow their social media channels as well because they might give tickets there too!

You can also shop Marvel licensed merchandise in all The SM Store branches nationwide.

Let’s try to know his story shall we?

KUMAGCOW

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Buckle Up for CARS 3 at all SM Cinemas

Look who's here at the 2nd Floor of SM The Block this afternoon. It's covered right now but I'm sure that's someone you know, it's Lightning McQueen from Disney and Pixar's CARS. This is their third installment called CARS 3 and they are doing in differently because the graphics are done well, treatment is a whole lot different too. Would you say the legendary McQueen is already an old car? Well he's going to be put to the test with newer, more advanced cars and in this competition, he's going to get a whole lot tougher enemies. Will he win?

SM Cinema and Disney will get Lightning McQueen sent to different malls but will stay at SM North Edsa The Block from July 19-26, S Maison from July 28 to August 8, SM Southmall from August 10-20 and SM City Fairview from August 22 to September 3. They will also be selling CARS 3 licensed items like these cute pillows above.

There will be exclusive items like these folding chairs and huggable pillows.

These fun Lightning McQueen cars are also sold with some of his older friends.

Your kids can be cute too with these shoes. He would be running fast like cars :)

They also have legitimate Cars Bikes, tables and chairs plus a pop up tent which you can use for outdoor activities.

If that's not enough, they've got a racetrack which you can take home and build for your kids. 

I like these die cast small ones as it's reminiscent of matchbox, I heard some of it are from toy maker Mattel.

You can also get these official bags so your kids would be the envy of other kids in school. I'd buy this if I were you.

Executives from SM LEI, Disney, Mattel and toy manufacturers present Jackson Storm and Cruise Ramirez which will be part of Cars 3. 

Mr Edwin Nava says "We are commited to bring you the latest installment of this franchise and mark your calendars on July 26, we will also be holding different events in different malls nationwide so brace yourselves for more special things coming for you at SM Cinemas"

Thank you for these items plus the special CARS 3 screening right after the launch. Matteo Guidicelli was there too to say hi to racing fans. There will also be other special screenings at SM City Clark on July 20 and SM Seaside Cebu on July 21. You'll love this one for sure and your kids would love you if you take them along to watch the movie. :)

KUMAGCOW

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SM Cares Holds Bowling for Differently Abled Peers

A few days ago, we went to the bowling lanes of SM North Edsa Annex to witness something special. A couple of our differently abled friends and their partners have gone hand in hand with SM Cares in the goal to actually be real deal bowlers for a day and we witnessed that first hand. SM Cares wants you to know that they actually have their facilities available for your family no matter who you are, what you do and how you are in the society. SM takes pride in an environment fit for your family and they've been able to do this for years. We met a couple of their executives and one got me surprised. One of my bowling idols was there, do you remember World Champion CJ Suarez?

Cj Suarez is now the Division Manager for SM Bowling and Leisure Center. He's been with them a couple of months ago. I've seen him play for the country several times along with legends like Bong Coo and Paeng Nepumoceno. He used to handle sports programs for special children too in the past, mostly with ILLC in Mandaluyong. People might thing SM is just providing these facilities for ordinary people, but as you see they're actually playing games and enjoying it. The activities that we do, we give out and share with people with special needs. It's their advocacy. SM Cares approached them and asked for this Bowling Buddies event and they never hesitated to accommodate them. There are several other organizations and special olympics participants that use the lanes too. They do this on a regular basis. That's endearing to know.

They have activities with PWD's and they'll be doing this on a regular basis next year too. They have the venue, 8 bowling centers nationwide. CJ Suarez left bowling since 2007 and he's devoted much of his life playing for the country. When SM approached him he never hesitated, he explored and accepted this as an opportunity. He can now promote the sport at an advantageous angle. There has been a decline in the sport but he's hopeful their efforts will pay out especially next year. They're also hosting their biggest event in November with a prize as much as 2 Million pesos and a brand new car called SM Millionaires Cup. It's across all their centers and the top 32 from all their centers nationwide will battle it out in Manila as part of their celebration since SM Bowling is now 25 years old.

They're going to have an international tournament also next year that would be even bigger because they're inviting professional players from around Asia and the world to get a more rearing interest in the sport, more so in the talented pool in the Philippines. There are going to be some school programs as well next year plus coaching certifications for those who would want to pursue it. You should watch out for that big tournament soon. Bring your family because that's where you can bond big time.

SM is a mall for all. They want inclusion for everyone to enjoy their facilities. No one gets left out. For differently abled customers, you can play here. You should be aware that they have programs here that would be able to cater to you. They have other organizations also aligned with SM CARES' cause. The Angels Walk will also be happening soon in Mall of Asia so make sure you check out their social media channels to participate in that. SM Cares will also push for activities like these to be a regular thing so awareness can be done. The organizations usually tap them and they won't say no if they see there's potential to reach out to big communities. Don't think you won't enjoy activities like these because as I see it, they've succeeded to make these guys and gals happy. The name is apt for them, SM Cares.

For more information about their foundation:

Official SM Cares

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.smsupermalls.com

SM Holds Movies for the Deaf and Blind

It was a heartwarming sight to see our brothers and sisters who are differently abled, blind and deaf at the cinemas of SM The Block a few days ago. The plan is, to actually have these facilities (all SM Cinemas) to be retrofitted with the right equipment in order to cater to these wonderful kids and their families a place to watch movies even if they are in that condition. This is a very good move for SM, SM Prime Holdings, SM Cinemas and SM Cares. They are doing this hand in hand with AKAP Pinoy, Philippine Blind Union, NCDA, Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled and the MTRCB.

It was impossible to do this before but with the help of technology and proper dubbing, there are now digital movies that can be interpreted for the blind and put in closed captioning for the deaf. I thought it was not going to be possible because they wouldn't be able to see or understand it, it all became clear to me once they started the movie.

They invited them from special education classes all around the metro and got the movie HUGO on screen for them. Each scene was described meticulously for those who could not see, from going through pipes, smoke, the construction of the fonts and the credits, everything was described for them. The closed captioning was also there so the deaf can actually read the dialogue of the characters. They also described them during the times the characters were only looking at them so you know our blind friends would be able to understand the scenes as they go along.

They signed the memorandum of agreement in order to make more movies like these. Atty. Eugenio "Toto"  Villareal of the MTRCB, executives from SM Cares, SM Cinemas, SM Prime Holdings and other NGO's was there to witness it. They will work on making more movies like these, the Filipino films included and perhaps give more incentives to private corporations, producers who would make their films available to the differently abled brethren. That right there is history, if we could only do this to every film... it would be something that we'll be so happy to share with the blind and deaf individuals so they could be able to live more independently even when watching in the cinemas.

Thank you so much to SM Cares, you truly are working to make every Filipino's life better. Thank you for your heartfelt gesture in making this accessible to the blind and deaf, you deserve every applause you got from them. Including me. *Waves hands in sign language*

For more information about their foundation:

Official SM Cares

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.smsupermalls.com