PMCC (4th Watch) launches nationwide bloodletting activity supported by Philippine Red Cross

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With the beginning of the month-long observance of the National Blood Donors’ Month, the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) or PMCC (4th Watch) reiterated the life-saving importance of blood donations during its National Bloodletting Activity last July 8.

The blood drive was launched at the Philippine Red Cross main office in Mandaluyong, and was conducted simultaneously across 30 locations in the Philippines, including Cavite, Quezon, Mindoro, Aklan, Bacolod, Davao, and Metro Manila.

Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol, the church’s Chief Executive Minister, along with Bishop Jonathan Ferriol, Deputy Executive Minister, led the launch of the National Bloodletting Activity with the support of Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard “Dick” Gordon. Local government units and advocates also expressed their support for the church’s blood drive.

Bishop Ferriol underscored the important duty of the church in uplifting the lives of everyone in the community. “As the PMCC (4th Watch), we firmly believe that churches have a vital role as partners within the community, dedicated to bringing positive change and serving the needs of the people,” he said.

For its part, PMCC (4th Watch) has established partnerships with local governments, community leaders, and organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross to strengthen the church’s outreach efforts across the country. The church has also opened its outreach activities to the general public, regardless of their religious affiliation.

“Our aim is to unite Filipinos in a collective effort to create a healthier and more vibrant community, highlighting the universal values of compassion, service, and solidarity,” Bishop Ferriol explained.

Then-President Fidel V. Ramos declared the month of July as National Blood Donors’ Month under Proclamation No. 1021, signed on June 9, 1977, to spread awareness on the importance of blood transfusions and to encourage more Filipinos to donate blood.

Bishop Ferriol noted the connection between the life-giving nature of blood donations and the transformative power of the Gospel. “Both endeavors aim to bring new life, whether through the spiritual nourishment of the Word or the physical revitalization through blood transfusions,” he explained.

The church’s blood drive is also part of its ongoing 50th anniversary celebration, which will include another series of medical missions to underserved communities in the Philippines and a number of prayer and healing crusades around the world. This will culminate in a National Convention and a Golden Anniversary Celebration at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on August 27.

Bishop Ferriol, however, maintained that the church’s milestone is not a reason to boast. “It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to give back to the community that has supported and collaborated with us over the years,” he said.

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About The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (PMCC) 4th Watch

The Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) is a global religious community of vibrant and growing congregations in over 70 countries of the world. Since its inception in 1973, the PMCC (4th Watch) has established itself as a church that champions the command of Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel all over the world. As a result of its relentless and impassioned evangelism and discipleship, millions are impacted, saved, and transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

About Bishop Jonathan S. Ferriol

Bishop Jonathan S. Ferriol is the newly appointed Deputy Executive Minister to Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol, the Chief Executive Minister of the PMCC (4th Watch). He began his pastoral ministry by leading fledgling congregations throughout the provinces of the Philippines. Today, he assists in managing and overseeing the development of over 1,000 local Churches across 71 countries around the world.

Chowking launches the ALL-NEW Spicy Chao Fan with Kim Chiu

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Chowking, the #1 Chinese quick service restaurant brand in the Philippines, has recently unveiled the all-new Spicy Chao Fan – made with the perfect blend of spices for that signature Spicy Wok-Sarap flavor. The new product was launched by celebrity actress and longtime endorser Kim Chiu at the #ShareTheSpice press event held on July 3, 2023.

Chowking’s Chao Fan has always been a crowd favorite, and now it just got a spicy upgrade with the new Spicy Chao Fan. It has a unique take on spicy, as its level of spiciness holds just the right amount for anybody and everybody to enjoy. This flavorful and hearty meal is ready to spice up your life, and it’s too good to not share.

At the press event last July 3, Kim Chiu introduced the #ShareTheSpice challenge, where she invited everyone to try the new Spicy Chao Fan. To join the movement, all you have to do is try the product, post about it on any social media platform with the hashtag #ShareTheSpice and #SpicyChaoFan, then tag two of your friends who you want to share the spice with. When you post and join the movement, you get the chance to win gift certificates and special prizes from Chowking!

“When we were creating the Spicy Chao Fan, we deliberately wanted it to have the right level of spice that everyone can enjoy. It’s not spicy for spicy’s sake, it has just the right Spicy Wok-Sarap kick that will leave you wanting more,” said Jonathan De Quiroz, Chowking Brand Director for Chao Fan & Brand Operations.

Join the #ShareTheSpice movement and try the all-new #SpicyChaoFan, available via Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, and delivery through chowkingdelivery.com or the Chowking App.

SM Cares launched Emergency Preparedness Forum, making PWDs, Seniors disaster-ready

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In celebration of National Disaster Resilience Month, SM Cares recently launched this year’s Emergency Preparedness Forum for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The first of eight forums was held last July 5, Wednesday, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

Photo highlights during the Emergency Preparedness Forum on July 5, 2023

(L-R) SM Markets AVP Rey Del Valle, UPRI Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay, NCDA Executive Director Don Fradejas, NCSC Chairperson Atty. Frank Quijano, OCD Administrator and NDRRMC Executive Director Ariel Nepomuceno, SM Supermalls SVP and SM Cares Director of Program for Persons with Disabilities Engr. Bien C. Mateo, MMDA Acting Asst. General Manager Atty Vic Trinidad, PHIVOLCS Supervising Science Research Specialist Jeffrey Perez, and PAGASA OIC Administrator Esperanza Cayanan, during the Pledge of Commitment signing.

Prior to the forum, a pledge of commitment signing was held between SM Supermalls and its partner organizations. Present at the signing were SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Engr. Bien C. Mateo, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Asst. General Manager Atty. Victor Trinidad, National Commission of Senior Citizens Chairperson Atty. Franklin M. Quijano, and National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Joniro F. Fredejas.

Meanwhile, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Loren Legarda, as well as Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, gave special video messages addressed to the forum’s attendees.

Aside from being signatories, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) OIC Administrator Dr. Esperanza O. Cayanan, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Senior Supervising Science Research Specialist Jeffrey S. Perez, and University of the Philippines Resilience Institute Executive Director Dr. Mahar Lagmay shared their insights and observations in a panel discussion on understanding natural hazards, such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions, and how to prepare for such situations.

Disaster Management Specialist, Emergency Medical Technician, and Wilderness Search and Rescue Philippines Instructor Gerard “Doki” Natividad was also invited to share survival tips and tricks tailored to the needs of the attendees.

Disaster Management Specialist Doki Natividad teaching a PWD delegate the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique without using mouth-to-mouth breathing

Participants in the forum were provided an SM Emergency Pack, which consists of an emergency string bag, a 4mm rope, an emergency blanket, a whistle with lanyard, a mini-flashlight, and a survival tool card. Earthquake and flood simulators were also prepared by PAGASA and DOST to add to the participants’ learning experience.

Delegates from Tahanang Walang Hagdan, Inc.

Senior citizen attendees pose for a photo op with their SM Cares emergency go-bags

“In preparing for emergencies and calamities, SM Cares believes that no one should be left behind. That is what inspires us to continue mounting this Emergency Preparedness Forum,” said Mateo. “Our goal is to empower our senior citizens and PWDs with the essential survival skills and know-how so that they will be ready for any circumstance.”

Since the forum first began in 2015, SM Cares has been able to provide training to 7,417 senior citizens and PWDs across the country since the forum’s conception, and was awarded Gold in 2020 and Silver in 2023 at the Public Relations Society of the Philippines’ annual Anvil Awards.

This initiative shows SM Cares’ support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly “SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being”, “SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities”, and “SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities”.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Persons with Disabilities, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

MMFF announced the first 4 official entries to 49th MMFF on December 2023

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The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) announced on Monday, July 10, the first four officials entries for its December edition this year.

MMDA chairman Don Artes, who also serves as concurrent MMFF chairperson, said the four films were chosen by a committee headed by Jesse Ejercito whom he described as a respected producer and industry stalwart of the film industry.

The four officials entries were 

• “A Mother and Son's Story” which is produced by Cineko Productions and starred by Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards;

• “(K)AMPON” starring Beauty Gonzales and Derek Ramsay under Quantum Films; 

• “Penduko” by Sari Sari Network with Cristine Reyes and Matteo Guidicelli as lead actors; 

• “Rewind” under ABS-CBN Film Productions starred by Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes.

"I thank the members of the MMFF Selection Committee for dedicating their time and effort in the thorough deliberation and selection process to choosing the initial set of quality films that moviegoers will surely love," said Artes.

Artes said the remaining four official entries to complete the MMFF 2023 will come from finished film submissions.

The deadline for the finished film submission is on September 29.

The 49th MMFF is set to run in December 2023 until January 2024

Art meets philanthropy: Globe partners with ATIN Global and SEE Global to battle hunger through Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Exhibit

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Globe has joined ATIN Global and SEE Global Entertainment in introducing "Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition" to the Philippines and Southeast Asia, using the transformative power of art to battle hunger.

(L-R) Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer; Sabrina Co, Founder and creative director of ATIN Global Inc; Martin Biallas, CEO, SEE Global; Marlon Chen, Manila Symphony Orchestra Conductor; and Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta, Assistant Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross

This initiative brings together the beauty of Michelangelo's masterpieces with a noble cause – feeding the hungry and providing livelihood programs to uplift lives. It comes at a time when an estimated 13.5 million Filipinos* continue to grapple with daily sustenance amid persisting challenges such as unemployment and the high cost of basic goods.

To support the cause, a portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to the Hapag Movement, a program spearheaded by Globe that leverages technology and brings together an ecosystem of partners to address hunger and unemployment through supplemental feeding and livelihood programs.

Together with Hapag Movement mobilization partners Ayala Foundation, Caritas Philippines, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, World Vision Philippines, and Scholars of Sustenance, Globe aims to address involuntary hunger among 100,000 families in four years to create social impact at scale.

“At the Globe Group, we believe that great art, especially this one, should be shared with everyone, particularly with our kababayans. We understand that not all of us can afford to visit Rome so this is one of the best ways of doing it,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at the Globe Group.

“We are grateful to have Globe as a partner for this landmark cultural event in the Philippines. Through this partnership, not only are we bringing historic art to Filipinos, we are also able to spread awareness about involuntary hunger and encourage our patrons to help,” said Sabrina Co, Founder and Creative Director of ATIN Global Inc.

Citing the depictions of hell and purgatory in Michelangelo’s paintings, Crisanto pointed out how they are similar to the torment that millions of Filipinos are going through due to hunger.

“When you see hell, when you see purgatory in the Michelangelo paintings, maybe you can imagine what kind of hell people who are going hungry in this country are actually experiencing. And that is why we partnered with ATIN Global and SEE Global because we want to be able to put in the hearts of the people the appreciation of great art, but also to use this exhibition as a way of helping our fellow kababayans,” she said.

The internationally acclaimed exhibition, which has toured over 100 cities around the world, from New York to Shanghai and London to Melbourne, features reprints of 34 of Michelangelo's most renowned frescoes, including esteemed works like "The Last Judgment" and "The Creation of Adam."

Visitors of the exhibition will be transported to the Sistine Chapel through an ingenious multi-sensory experience, with the frescoes complemented by ambient Renaissance music especially curated by Manila Symphony Orchestra conductor Marlon Chan, and subtle scents reminiscent of the era curated by Sabrina Co, Founder of ATIN Inc.

Guests are allowed to photograph these magnificent works of art and enjoy numerous selfie opportunities throughout the exhibit. An Art Room is also open for parents and children to bond over coloring images that will adorn the Art Wall. For food enthusiasts, Caffe Michelangelo is there to offer a unique dining experience with Italian desserts and coffees.

The exhibition will run from July 1 to September 30, 2023 at the Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, with rates at PHP 500 for students, Senior Citizens, and Persons with Disability, P650 for regular visitors on weekdays and P750 on weekends, and PHP 950 for VIP Priority Access.

For tickets and more information about the exhibit, visit www.sistinechapelphilippines.com. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Instagram and Tiktok @sistinechapelphilippines, and Facebook @chapelsistine.

Know more about ATIN Global via www.thisisatin.com. To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

*SWS, March 2023