Philippine Cinema’s Brightest Stars, Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre, and Vilma Santos Gather In Not Just An Ordinary Party - 'Uninvited'

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• Uninvited is generating buzz for its intriguing plot and powerful cast

Philippine cinema’s brightest stars come together in Uninvited, a mystery, gripping thriller-drama set to electrify this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) as it celebrates its golden anniversary.

Leading the powerhouse ensemble cast are three of the best forces in Philippine Cinema - Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre, and the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos, supported by an impressive lineup that includes RK Bagatsing, Mylene Dizon, Lotlot de Leon, Gabby Padilla, Elijah Canlas, Ketchup Eusebio, Gio Alvarez, Cholo Barretto, Ron Angeles, and Tirso Cruz III.

From Mentorque Productions—the makers of the most-awarded Filipino horror movie of all time, Mallari—comes a remarkable cinematic milestone Filipino audiences can't afford to miss. Adding even more prestige, the film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, which also helped catapult last year’s MMFF to success. Joining the team is Project 8 Projects in their first collaboration with Mentorque.

"Hindi Lang 'To Basta Party!"

The tagline “Hindi lang ’to basta party!” (“This is no ordinary party!”) teases the gripping mystery at the heart of Uninvited. What are the real stories and secrets behind the characters, and how are they connected?

Directed by Dan Villegas in his comeback directorial film after six years, Uninvited showcases an unforgettable collaboration of some of the most celebrated actors in Philippine cinema, with a screenplay written by Dodo Dayao.

Official Synopsis

Eva Candelaria (Vilma Santos) has been waiting for this day for the last ten years—the birthday party of Guilly Vega (Aga Muhlach), the billionaire who brutally murdered her only daughter a decade ago and escaped justice.

Disguised as a socialite, Eva attends the opulent event with a single goal: revenge. As the night unfolds, she carefully stalks each person involved in her daughter’s murder, inching closer to her ultimate target. But who is the true villain of her story? Is it Guilly or his daughter Nicole (Nadine Lustre)? Unarmed and without a concrete plan, Eva must make life-or-death choices as her options dwindle. Will she fulfill her mission, or will the night claim her life instead?

A Gift to Filipino Audiences

In celebration of MMFF’s 50th anniversary, Uninvited stands as a testament to the unparalleled excellence of Filipino filmmaking. Mentorque Productions, following the massive success of the MMFF 2023 entry Mallari, teams up with Project 8 Projects to craft a movie that guarantees a meaningful and unforgettable experience for viewers.

“We understand the challenges Filipinos face today,” shares Mentorque CEO John Bryman Diamante. “Watching a movie in theaters is a luxury, so we made sure this is worth every peso.”

It’s indeed a full cinematic experience in theaters this Christmas!

Filipino Talent on Full Display

Guilly Vega’s ominous line in the teaser—“Hindi lang ’to basta party!”—emphasizes the film’s deeper themes. Behind the mysterious story and lavish setting lies a gritty, thought-provoking message.

Mentorque’s growth in the industry speaks volumes about its dedication to Filipino talent. From modest beginnings to producing festival-worthy films, the company remains steadfast in its mission to highlight local stories and bring them to the global stage.

Mark Your Calendar!

Uninvited hits theaters nationwide starting December 25, as part of the highly anticipated 50th edition of MMFF. With its gripping story, stellar cast, and visuals rivaling Hollywood blockbusters, the film is a Christmas gift to Filipino moviegoers and a celebration of the resilience and artistry of Philippine cinema.

Not just an ordinary party, it’s a grand cinematic experience created by Filipino artists for Filipino audiences of all walks of life. Don’t miss this thrilling ride on the big screen!

Join the conversation by using the hashtag #UninvitedMMFF and visit the official social media pages of Mentorque for updates.

HONOR Magic V3 is Now Available in PH for Php 89,999 via Globe Postpaid Plans with FREE HONOR Pad X9

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Global technology brand HONOR today unveiled its newest and thinnest foldable smartphone HONOR Magic V3 with AI-enabled hardware capabilities and a collaborative AI privacy protection architecture, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovative empowerment in an AI-driven world.

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For as low as Php 1,514/month you can now get the HONOR Magic V3 starting a

GPlan Plus 1799 with FREE HONOR Pad X9 worth Php 9,999!

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“It feels like just yesterday when we launched the HONOR Magic V2 and now, we are ecstatic to introduce HONOR’s newest and thinnest foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V3. AI is slowly but surely reshaping our industry, enriching and creating new experiences that improves creativity and productivity for consumers all around the world, every day, and right now, it’s our priority to make comfort and technology accessible to more Filipinos” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The World’s Thinnest Foldable with Robust Performance

Continuing to push the boundaries of foldable devices, HONOR introduced the all-new HONOR Magic V3, the world's thinnest inward foldable phone with enhanced durability, battery, display and AI experience, to global consumers.

With a sleek folded thickness of 9.2mm and featherlight body weighing just 226g, the HONOR Magic V3 rivals the slimness and weight of a flagship bar phone, ensuring utmost portability for users. This feat is accomplished through the meticulous application of 19 innovative materials and 114 microstructures, propelling foldable devices into a new era of precision and slimness. Featuring a dome-shaped octagonal camera module, the HONOR Magic V3 seamlessly combines the architectural beauty of dome structures with technological innovations. This camera module showcases a diamond cut, adding an element of elegance and sleekness to the device's overall appearance.

Adding to its durability, the HONOR Magic V3 incorporates a Special Fiber into its body material, enhancing impact resistance by 40 times compared to other flagship bar phones while reducing the back cover's thickness by over 30%. Moreover, featuring the proprietary HONOR Super Steel Hinge, the device can withstand up to 500,000 folding cycles and has attained the prestigious SGS Durability Certification. Fortified with the HONOR Super Armored Inner Screen and HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield, the HONOR Magic V3 is crafted to endure the rigors of daily use.

Equipped with a 6.43-inch external display and a 7.92-inch internal foldable screen, the HONOR Magic V3 delivers an immersive dual-use experience, offering an enjoyable visual journey to users. Dedicated to prioritizing user well-being and comfort, this device incorporates a range of innovative eye-comfort features, such as the world’s first AI Defocus Display technology, 4320Hz Risk-free PWM Dimming, Dynamic Dimming, Circadian Night Display and Natural Tone Display.

In addition, the HONOR Magic V3 is packed with an advanced 5150mAh Third-generation Silicon-carbon Battery, supported by the lightning-fast 66W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge, ensuring users an uninterrupted and stress-free mobile experience. Featuring the innovative HONOR Falcon Camera System which encompasses a 50MP Periscope Telephoto Camera, a 50MP Main Camera, and a 40MP Ultra-wide Camera, the device promises unparalleled imaging quality and versatility for users seeking stunning smartphone photography.

HONOR Magic V3 offers a host of intelligent features. These include Magic Portal on Foldable, along with on-device AI enabled photography features like HONOR AI Motion Sensing for Lightning-fast shots, and the HONOR AI Portrait Engine for portrait enhancement. Collaborating with Google Cloud, HONOR enriches a range of productivity features supported by Google’s AI models and Cloud technologies to empower users to improve overall efficiency, including HONOR AI Eraser, Face to Face Translation, and Translation tools in HONOR Notes. These deliver on HONOR’s promise of a new era of AI-enabled versatility and productivity, catering to the evolving demands of business and professional users.

HONOR Magic V3 is now available in PH!

Inspired by the wonders of natural landscape, the HONOR Magic V3 comes in two stunning colorways Green and Black for only Php 89,999, now available via Globe Postpaid Plans starting at GPlan Plus 1799 with a FREE HONOR Pad X9 worth Php 9,999!

For as low as Php 1,514 per month for 36 months, you can enjoy HONOR Magic V3 with FREE 20GB Data and Unli All-net Call and Text on top of exclusive perks! Go now to the nearest Globe Store it get it online via: https://bit.ly/Globe_MagicV3_PR.

For more information about the HONOR Magic V3, you may visit: https://bit.ly/Web_MagicV3_PR. 

To be in the loop of exciting updates, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on:

Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), 

Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and 

TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

Labubu Your Way to Global Deals This Black Friday with ShippingCart – No Passport Needed

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This Black Friday, you don’t need to hop on a plane to shop international deals—just grab your phone or laptop, and get ready to Labubu (shop to your heart's content!) from the comfort of your home! ShippingCart, a secure, fast-growing cross-border delivery service in the Philippines, is helping you unlock the best international Black Friday deals and delivering them straight to your doorstep.

“We’re breaking down barriers to global shopping for Filipinos,” said Raffy Vicente, President and General Manager of ShippingCart. “Whether it’s finding favorite brands or unique collectibles like Pop Mart’s Labubu, we want to make discovering and receiving international items as simple as local shopping. It’s all about creating that seamless, worry-free experience so our customers can enjoy the thrill of global finds–delivered right to their doorstep.” added Raffy.

With ShippingCart, Filipinos can access top international retailers, unlocking global Black Friday deals that are usually out of reach. Forget waiting in long lines or missing out on those limited-edition items—ShippingCart lets you shop the best of what the world has to offer, all in one place. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about hefty markups or reseller prices, as you’re getting items straight from the source. It’s simple, convenient, and all about bringing what you love closer – without extra cost.

Here’s how you can ‘Labubu’ through ShippingCart this Black Friday:

1. Sign Up for Free
   Create an account on the ShippingCart app or website and instantly receive your U.S. shipping address – your ticket to global shopping!
2. Shop Like a Pro
   Browse the best Black Friday deals from international stores and hundreds of other retailers. Fill your cart with your favorite finds from gadgets like PS5, Apple products and more. Shop stylish fashion from lululemon, gymshark, or grab collectibles like Pop Mart’s popular Labubu series, and ship them to your ShippingCart address.
3. Let ShippingCart Do the Work
   Once your items reach the ShippingCart warehouse, you can simply check out and pay for ShippingCart to forward them straight to the Philippines. With all-inclusive shipping fees, you don’t have to worry about any additional custom fees including shipping, duties, and taxes that are already covered. Plus, you have the option to choose your preferred shipping method, whether by air or sea cargo, for a smooth, predictable, and worry-free delivery experience.
4. Track Your Labubu
   Stay updated every step of the way with real-time tracking via ShippingCart App. You’ll always know where your goodies are—until they arrive at your door!
5. Get Ready to Enjoy
   Once your international treasures arrive, you’ll get your hands on those global deals you’ve been dreaming about—all in time for the holidays!

Where to Download ShippingCart:

●     App Store: Download ShippingCart

●     Google Play: Download ShippingCart

●     Website: www.shippingcart.com

This Black Friday, why wait for a plane ticket to score the best deals? With ShippingCart, Filipinos can shop global sales effortlessly—without the usual barriers and no passport needed. With additional warehouses in the U.S., UK, Australia, Japan, and Korea, you can access an even wider selection of international stores. It’s the best way to bring home what you love from around the world, all in time for the holidays.

Skyrocket Studios Inc., an omnichannel digital agency, is the official agency partner of Shippingcart.

6 Things to Know about the ASUS Vivobook S 14 Ultraportable AI Laptop

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Now available in the Philippines, here are some things to know about the effortlessly thin and light 14" Vivobook, now powered by the AI-enabled Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2)!

Announced last October 10, 2024, the new ASUS Vivobook S 14 (S5406SA) is the ultra-sleek, thin and light laptop that redefines on-the-go efficiency. At just 1.39 cm slim and a featherlight 1.3 kg, this AI-powered, Intel Evo™-certified Copilot+ PC is the perfect partner for students, professionals, and casual creators alike. With smart features for effortless productivity, seamless entertainment, and more, it’s time to take your daily hustle to new heights with this one-of-a-kind ultraportable ASUS AI Laptop.

Read on to discover why the Vivobook S 14 is the best laptop for those who need power, style, and ease wherever they go:

#1: Ultraportable Performance for On-the-Go Productivity

The new Intel Evo-verified ASUS Vivobook S 14 is thinner and lighter than ever, with a stylish all-metal chassis that's just 1.39cm thin and weighs 1.3kg. As well as offering superb portability and a minimalist aesthetic, the Vivobook S 14 ensures maximum mobility without compromising performance. It features an incredible battery life of up to 27 hours, allowing you to work and play all day without needing to recharge. This extended battery life is perfect for busy professionals and students who need a reliable device for long hours of use.

#2 Powered by Intel Core Ultra Processors & 

Advance AI Capabilities

At the heart of the Vivobook S 14 is the latest Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2), offering up to a 35-watt TDP for exceptional performance. The built-in 47 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU) enhances power-efficient acceleration of modern AI applications, ensuring superior performance and intelligent multitasking. This allows for smoother video calls, faster data processing, and improved overall system efficiency.

#3: Always Innovative with Copilot and ASUS AI Apps

The ASUS Vivobook S 14 (S5406SA) revolutionizes productivity with its Copilot+ PC* features, offering seamless access to AI-powered tools and personalized recommendations. With the dedicated Copilot key, users can instantly activate Windows 11's intelligent apps, streamline their workflows, and optimize system performance. These features ensure efficient multitasking, intelligent task management, and enhanced user experiences, making it the ultimate tool for modern professionals.

The ASUS Vivobook S 14 also integrates cutting-edge ASUS AI applications that offer personalized user experience, enhance security, and improve overall system efficiency. Video calls are more productive with the innovative ASUS AiSense IR camera, which makes sure users always look their best, and AI noise-cancelation technology reduces background noise for microphone and audio.

Easily collect photos, videos, and audio from various devices and cloud platforms, and organize and categorize them according to your preferences with ASUS StoryCube. AI helps you effortlessly identify different people or scenes automatically. Whether you’re capturing or documenting daily moments, StoryCube offers convenience wherever you are.

* Copilot+ PC experiences are coming. Requires free updates available starting later this year. Timing varies by device and region. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs

#4: Stunning and Immersive with the ASUS Lumina Display

The Vivobook S 14 boasts a world-leading 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display with up to 3K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures incredibly sharp and smooth visuals, making it ideal for video editing, gaming, and streaming. The 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 600 certification deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing a cinema-quality viewing experience that is easy on the eyes with recognized eye-care features by TÜV Rheinland.

#5: Effortlessly Ergonomic and Stylish

The Vivobook S 14 features an ASUS ErgoSense keyboard with customizable single-zone RGB backlighting, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. The large ErgoSense touchpad with smart-gesture support enhances navigation and productivity. Its minimalist, high-end aesthetics make it a stylish choice for users who demand both functionality and flair.

The laptop includes a full complement of I/O ports, including Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI® 2.1 (TMDS) port, an IR camera with a physical shutter for privacy, and a lay-flat 180° hinge for easy collaboration. The Harman Kardon-certified stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos® provide immersive audio, perfect for both work and entertainment.

#6: AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

The ASUS Vivobook S 14 (S5406SA), in Neutral Black, is now available for PHP 82,995 at official ASUS Stores and Retailers. It comes with a free lifetime license for Microsoft Office, and a complementary 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Basic, which includes 100GB of cloud storage and access to Office apps and files across multiple devices. The Vivobook S 14 is also eligible for the ASUS 4A Service and Quality warranty package, with 2 years international warranty.

Specifications

ASUS Vivobook S 14 (S5406SA)
CPU	Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor (Series 2) with Intel® AI Boost NPU up to 47 TOPS
Display	14" 16:10 FHD (1920 x 1200) ASUS Lumina OLED slim-bezel NanoEdge display with 87% screen-to-body ratio, up to 600 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, DisplayHDR™ True Black 600 certification, 60Hz refresh rate
Operating system	Windows 11 Home support Copilot app
Graphics	Intel® Arc™ Graphics
Main memory	16GB LPDDR5X 8533MHz RAM with Memory Allocation Management
Storage	1TB PCIe® Gen 4 SSD
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7(802.11be)  Bluetooth® 5.4
Camera	FHD IR camera / ASUS AiSense camera with Windows Studio effects to supports background blur, eye contact correction, automatic framing, and ASUS 3DNR
I/O ports	2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C® with support for 4K external displays and up to 40Gbps data transfers 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x HDMI® 2.1 (TMDS)  1 x MicroSD card reader 1 x Audio jack
Keyboard	ASUS ErgoSense keyboard with dedicated Copilot key Customizable single-zone RGB backlight with Windows Dynamic Lighting Noise-reduction technology
Touchpad	Enlarged 129 x 84mm ASUS ErgoSense touchpad
Audio	Built-in speakers Smart amplifier technology  Built-in microphone with ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology Harman Kardon certified Dolby Atmos® certified
Battery	75Wh and ASUS USB-C® Easy Charge
AC adapter	65W adapter  Adapter Output: 5V~20V, 65W Adapter Input: 100~240V AC, 50 / 60Hz universal
Dimensions	310.5 x 221.9 x 13.9~15.9mm
Weight	Approx. 1.3kg

 

COMCO Mundo concludes its Mission 2024 with the launch of landmark advocacy projects with IABC Philippines, Save the Children and other NGOs

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Global award-winning and powerhouse communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises is ending the year strong with its commitment to its Mission 2024 initiative through the launch of milestone advocacy projects with various industry and non-government organizations (NGOs).

This initiative highlights two major projects: the Save the Children #LahatDapatSafe campaign, which promotes child and family safety during natural disasters, especially around the holiday season and The Communications Olympiad, in partnership with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, a training and education program for the skills development of the next generation of communications practitioners across the country.

This was announced during the Movie Night with COMCOmigos 2024, COMCO Mundo's traditional holiday treat for its community comprised of media, bloggers, content creators, influencers, brand representatives, industry colleagues, and members of the Camp COMCO Alumni Society. With Century Tuna as major sponsor; Century Tuna Nuggets, MIDEA, SAMSUNG and URATEX Monoblock as sponsors; ASEANA, Lamoiyan Corporation, LENOVO, Sunlife Global Solutions and Teleperformance as supporters; IABC Philippines and Save the Children as industry partners; and SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine and SEA Wave Pilipinas as media partners, this year's Movie Night with COMCOmigos screened the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the musical, “Wicked”.

#LahatDapatSafe Campaign with Save the Children

The #LahatDapatSafe Campaign by Save the Children aims to mobilize the public to support emergency relief efforts for natural calamities and promote disaster preparedness, particularly during the holiday season when intense tropical storms are more commonly worsened by climate change. Through donations and active participation, supporters of the cause can provide emergency kits and living essentials such as food, water, and shelter, ready to be distributed to vulnerable families. Working with them can help children achieve resilience and support in education to ensure that their development continues even after being affected by natural disasters. COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises partnered with Save the Children to intensify the appeal for support for this much needed initiative.

Interested organizations and individuals may visit http://bit.ly/LahatDapatSafe to know more about the campaign and how to extend their support.

The Communications Olympiad with IABC Philippines

COMCO Mundo, together with its training and education unit COMCO School of Communications and advocacy arm Citizen COMCO Advocacy Movement, has partnered with premier business communications organization IABC Philippines to formally mount the Communications Olympiad. The initiative is a learning program that will provide a platform for collegiate students across the country to learn more about the professional practice of communications, adapt the necessary knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the industry, and how to use their roles as next generation of communicators to address important social issues and support causes that matter.

The Communications Olympiad will formally open in January 2025 with an inaugural theme anchored on environment and sustainability, a cause fully championed by IABC Philippines. The initiative will hold a series of roadshows, webinars and a summit for participating schools and students of Communication Arts, Mass Communication, Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing Communications, Journalism and other related disciplines. It will culminate in an actual Olympic-like competition for communications where schools and their students will vie for bronze, silver and gold medals for different categories, and the Grand Championship for the overall winner. Interested schools, students, sponsors and organizations may email communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com or tune in to the Facebook page of COMCO Mundo or IABC Philippines for more information and updates.

Upcoming Projects with Make-A-Wish, Philippine Eagle Foundation and COMCO’s Southeast Asia Affiliate Network

Citizen COMCO has been at the forefront of the group’s various advocacies such as children, youth and education; wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability; indigenous culture and national heritage; social entrepreneurship; and the Southeast Asian integration, since 2016. The team’s advocacy arm has made several partnerships with reputable non-government and development organizations that shared long-lasting impact to its beneficiaries. This coming 2025, COMCO is onboarding two more organizations to its roster of NGO partners to launch and mount landmark advocacy projects. They are the Philippine Eagle Foundation which aims to provide ecological conservation efforts that encompass wildlife protection and environmental reinforcements, and Make-A-Wish Foundation which is focused on supporting the psychosocial well-being of terminally ill children and fostering their healing.

Together with COMCO Mundo’s affiliate network in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, the coalition of independent communications agencies formed and led by COMCO is also embarking on a regionwide advocacy program that will help address important social issues affecting the region and support causes that will drive its mission of #OneSoutheastAsia integration. The coalition will have a summit in Manila in early 2025 to reinforce this commitment and fully rollout the group’s projects.

Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, COMCO Mundo’s Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder

“Igniting social change is at the forefront of our work and is part of our DNA. From supporting children on their right to safety this holiday to using communication as a tool for sustainable action, we work as a team to provide the best livable standard that does not only benefit us but impact the world we live in. We will continue the cause and keep our battle cry of Mission 2024 heard and seen, now and beyond, making a difference through Meaningful Storytelling, in which the COMCO brand is known for,” said Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, COMCO Mundo’s Group Chief Executive Director and Lead Strategic Communications Counsel / Partner and Co-Founder.

Stay updated with COMCO Mundo by visiting www.comcomundo.com or following

fb.com/comcomundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo on LinkedIn, and

@comcomundo on Instagram.

Golden Haven Celebrates the 1st Anniversary of Its Pet Crematorium, Announces Expansion

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Golden Haven, a leader in memorial care services in the Philippines, celebrates the first anniversary of its pet crematorium this October 2024. Known for providing dignified memorial care to Filipino families, Golden Haven’s comprehensive services include memorial parks, columbariums, chapels, crematoriums, and mortuary services. Expanding into pet cremation, Golden Haven has now brought its compassionate approach to honoring beloved pets, making it the first memorial care provider in the country to venture into pet memorialization.

Golden Haven celebrates the first anniversary of its pet crematorium this October 2024, its compassionate approach to honoring beloved pets.

The pet crematorium journey began at Golden Haven’s flagship branch in Las Piñas, situated along the C5 Road Extension in Global South. As the initial site for this service, it established a warm, respectful environment where pet families could honor their departed fur babies with the same dignity and care that Golden Haven extends to human memorials. Within a year, the service has seen an overwhelming demand, underscoring the essential need for respectful and loving farewells for pets.

Golden Haven is the first memorial care provider in the country to venture into pet memorialization, through its Pet Crematorium.

Recognizing the importance of pet cremation for Filipino families, Golden Haven is launching new pet crematoriums across the nation by year’s end. This expansion ensures more communities can access these services, making it easier for families to honor their pets without the stress of traveling long distances. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’ve seen how vital it is to support families grieving their pets. Our aim is to provide comfort and closure while honoring pets in a dignified manner,” shares Ms. Analyn Anero, Division Head of Golden Haven Chapels and Crematorium.

The pet crematorium service also features thoughtful touches, including free pickup within a specific radius, and options for families to hold a viewing for their pets in a comforting, serene space. Pets are gently bathed and prepared with care, providing families a final, loving memory before their beloved pets cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Golden Haven’s seamless service network for pet cremation extends to partnerships with veterinary clinics, pet grooming providers, and pet accessory shops, creating a supportive community for pet parents. In line with its dedication to responsible pet parenting, Golden Haven even organizes an annual “Pawsome Day” event, celebrating the bond between families and pets—a tradition established even before launching its pet crematorium services.

In its commitment to compassionate service, Golden Haven also facilitates the donation of items left by fur parents, redistributing these belongings to animal welfare organizations. This thoughtful initiative, combined with affordable service options, underscores Golden Haven’s mission to support pet families across every step of their journey.

Golden Haven’s holistic approach to memorial care for both people and pets, combined with its continuous drive for innovation, further solidifies its status as the leader in the industry—a position that has earned it the title of the “Gold Standard in Memorial Care.” For more information about Golden Haven’s pet cremation services and other offerings, please visit www.goldenhaven.com.ph, reach out via social media, or contact 09998864176 / 09190790205.

PCX Solutions report shows Philippines’ new EPR Law making an impact on plastic pollution

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The majority of large plastic producers met or exceeded targets in first year

New EPR Law creates recycling livelihood for communities

 

The Filipino people, economy, and environment have been heavily hit by the escalating plastic pollution crisis. The nation, which is made up of thousands of islands with a limited and fragmented waste management infrastructure, is one of the world’s largest contributors of marine plastic litter. This is made worse by the ‘sachet economy’, where brands deliver goods in small units that are affordable for the majority of the population.

Two years ago, the Philippines rolled out one of the world’s most ambitious laws on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds manufacturers accountable for waste resulting from their products and packaging to enable a circular economy. That act, which lapsed into law in 2023, requires companies with at least one hundred million pesos in assets to take responsibility for an increasing percentage of their plastic footprint, rising from 20% in 2023 to 80% in 2028.

A case study published by PCX Solutions, “Extended Producer Responsibility in the Philippines: Early Learnings and Insights for Emerging Markets Battling Plastic Pollution”, shows that while it’s still early days, the country’s approach to EPR is showing promising results.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau estimates that 2,130 businesses fall into the current Obliged Enterprise scope. The DENR-EMB reports that as of August 2024, a total of 947 companies had registered an EPR program. Together, those companies enabled the recovery and diversion of 163,000 metric tons of post-consumer plastic packaging waste in 2023.

While not all Obliged Enterprises complied in the first year, continued education efforts aimed at raising awareness and compliance levels are ongoing. Companies that don’t comply also face escalating fines, and ultimately the loss of their business license for repeated offenses. The majority of the largest plastic packaging producers have complied, and many went beyond the minimum 20% recovery target for 2023, indicating strong support among the country’s largest Obliged Enterprises.

There are still significant milestones to unlock, like dealing with decades of legacy plastic pollution; enabling policies to create the supply and demand for recycled materials and to reduce and eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging; further mechanisms and guidance to achieve social inclusion and just transition; and national standards to establish transparency, credibility and accountability, according to PCX Solution’s analysis.

But enacting and implementing EPR has allowed the country to see immediate results, start constructive discussions, realize and understand the gaps, and gather support from stakeholders through an inclusive and systematic approach, PCX Solutions says in its report.

“This case study offers insights and analysis for other developing countries in a similar situation to boldly and urgently address the problem, and for negotiators of the UN plastics treaty to consider innovative approaches and voices from the Global South,” said Stefanie Beitien, Managing Director of PCX Solutions.

There are already well-established EPR regimes in a number of developed markets, including Europe, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, which typically involve government funded collection, sorting and processing of plastic waste.

The Philippines has taken a pragmatic approach and crafted an accessible law that makes these goals achievable. There are six upstream measures that can reduce their footprint, such as the use of recycled content, reusable packaging or refilling, and six downstream measures to recover their footprint, and plastic crediting is one of them.

“The Philippines’ approach shows that a market-based mechanism like credits, which facilitates the cleanup of plastic waste and encourages the private sector to invest in waste infrastructure, can play a pivotal role in supporting EPR laws - particularly in emerging markets that lack collection and recycling systems,” said Nanette Medved-Po, Founder of PCX Solutions.

Joseph Anthony Montecillo launches collection of horror fiction

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Writer Joseph Anthony Montecillo is celebrating the release of his debut collection of short fiction, In the Blood and Other Stories. A launch event marking the occasion is set to be held at Palm Tree Abbey, November 24, from 4-7 PM. The launch will include a program with first come, first served limited seating, followed by a book signing open to all attendees. Copies of the book will also be available to purchase at the venue at a discounted rate.

In the Blood and Other Stories is the debut collection of Joseph Anthony Montecillo with UP Press.

Published by the University of the Philippines Press, the collection collates fourteen of Montecillo’s short stories released over a decade of writing. This is the first time the stories have been collected into a single volume. All the stories had previously been published in anthologies such as the Philippine Speculative Fiction series or magazines such as Philippines Graphic or The Sunday Times Magazine.

Included in the collection are the titular story, “In the Blood,” about a mother trying to keep her sons from following in the steps of their serial killer father. In “Pressure and Release,” the stress of an EDSA traffic jam finally overwhelms an everyday bus driver. In “The Forgotten Bones,” a man who lives in a cemetery has an unexpected experience between the rows of tombs.

Joseph Anthony Montecillo signing copies of his book at the UP Press store.

“I’ve been fascinated by horror for as long as I can remember,” said Montecillo. “It’s always appealed to me and it’s no shock that my work moved in that direction through the years. I hope that this collection makes for an exciting addition to the long tradition of horror here in the Philippines.”

Joseph Anthony Montecillo made his first professional fiction sale at the age of 12. In the time since, he has published over 20 short stories, many of which feature dark or macabre subject matter. Outside of his writing ventures though, he regularly performs as a stand-up comedian around Metro Manila.

Joseph Anthony Montecillo is a writer and comedian who recently released his first book 

with UP Press.

For Montecillo, the connection between the two is natural. “I’m far from the first comedian to work in the horror field,” he said. “Both deal in instant feedback and the goal of leaving an intense and immediate sensation upon the audience. They go hand in hand in a lot of ways, and sometimes that comes across in a few stories in the collection.”

In the Blood and Other Stories is now available for purchase from UP Press’ on campus and online stores, as well as their stores on Shopee and Lazada.