RanMich Blog Site. Everyone is welcome :)

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 is here, bringing a lineup of exceptional Filipino films to SM Cinemas nationwide! From heart-fluttering romances to spine-chilling horrors and adrenaline-pumping action, there’s a story for every kind of moviegoer.  Here’s a guide to this year’s featured films, including why they deserve a spot on your watchlist. My Future You Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy Karen (Francine Diaz) and Lex (Seth Fedelin) meet through an online dating app, only to discover that they live 15 years apart—connected by a magical comet. As they work together to change the past and alter their destinies, they navigate a love story that defies time. Why Watch It: With its blend of romance, humor, and fantasy, this film offers a touching reminder that love can overcome any barrier—even time. Uninvited Genre: Horror, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller Set in a billionaire’s opulent mansion, this gripping thriller unfolds during a grand birthday celebration. As the night spirals...

Viva Films holds its Cebu red carpet premiere night for their official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 at SM City Cebu, “Hold Me Close,” starring Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto.    Written and directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, “Hold Me Close” is a romance-drama-fantasy film that entails the story of Woody (Carlo Aquino) and Lynlyn (Julia Barretto). Woody has been searching the world for a place to call home for the past seven years. As he travels to Japan, he meets Lynlyn, who possesses the unique ability to determine if a person will bring joy or pain into her life only by touching them. But just like every other love story, pain is inevitable — will Woody and Lynlyn let go of torment or hold on despite it?    The film’s Cebu premiere at SM City Cebu on December 19 was graced by the presence of the casts, Carlo Aquino and Julia Barretto.   Hold your loved ones closer this Christmas as “Hold Me Close” is set to premiere only in cinemas nationwi...

From Cannes, to Locarno to Austin, the critically-acclaimed Pinoy action film finally comes home!   THE action-packed thriller Topakk, produced by Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Strawdogs, continues to make waves internationally and locally. From Cannes to its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival, the film is now an official entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).   Directed by Richard V. Somes, Topakk is centered on a former special forces operative battling PTSD whose path intersects with a brother and sister both on the run from criminal forces. Topakk showcases a career-defining turn by lead stars Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes.   Atayde’s performance captivated film aficionados in Cannes; Locarno;and Austin, Texas – where he personally graced screenings to represent the film. MOVIE HIGHLIGHTS: 1) The film’s international title, Triggered, helped expand its appeal to a global audience, where it received praise for its unique approach to action and psycho...

Health Alliance Philippines or "Heal PH Party-List," under the leadership of renowned public health advocates, is steadfast in its mission to deliver accessible, quality healthcare to every Filipino, regardless of socioeconomic status. Heal PH is led by Dr. Jonathan David "Jondi" Flavier, son of the late beloved health advocate Senator Juan Flavier, along with Dr. Eric Tayag, former Undersecretary of the Department of Health, and Retired General Benito Antonio De Leon, former Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With a leadership team built on decades of public service and healthcare expertise, Heal PH is committed to improving the health and well-being of Filipinos nationwide. Expanding Healthcare Access for Low-income Families Heal PH is committed to ensuring that no Filipino living below the poverty line is denied the healthcare they need due to financial barriers. The party-list's flagship initiative is the Health Card—a fre...

The Irish singer-songwriter, icon, and heartthrob is all set to Cebu’s hearts (and eyes) fluttering with a special Valentines concert on February 12, 2025 at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu. The former lead singer of the iconic 90s boy band Boyzone, Ronan Keating gained further worldwide recognition after going solo in 1999. The artist behind the hit song “When You Say Nothing At All” in the movie Notting Hill, Ronan Keating remains to be a household name across the globe, the Philippines – and Cebu – included. Ronan’s last concert in the Philippines was in June 2019 during the Farewell Tour of Boyzone at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila. This special Valentines concert marks the 4th time Ronan will be having a show in the Philippines, and the 1st time Ronan will be having a concert at Cebu. Ronan Keating: A Valentine’s Special is produced and presented by L-Squared Productions, a rising live events productions company behind V1BE Cebu, V1BE Manila, The Last Rakrakan Festival, and various FanCo...

Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit as SM City Cebu illuminates its magnificent 30 ft. Christmas tree that came straight out of a fairy tale at the newly renovated North Wing Atrium.   This year, the mall brings Santa’s Enchanted Fables to life, filling the air with Christmas magic for both the young and young at heart.   As shoppers step inside, they’ll discover a blue whimsical forest filled with wonder and festive charm that makes one feel like stepping into a magical dream with a larger-than-life Santa, crystal-like animal figures, glowing mystical plants, and dynamic holographic butterflies surrounding the Christmas tree, evoking scenes from Santa's mythical tales.  Immerse yourself in a magical world with enchanting stories and experience the wonder of Christmas at SM City Cebu starting November 10. The holiday season is further brought to life with weekend activities such as the Santa Squad Spectacle, happening every weekend at 4 PM until December 27....

The Christmas season rolls in! In awe-inspiring Mandani Bay grandeur! Now an anticipated annual tradition, Christmas by the Bay was opened last October 30, with the lighting of the iconic Christmas trees at the Mandani Bay Show Gallery. Guests were enveloped in the warmth of the holiday spirit amid the classic sophistication of red and white, gold and silver in an early evening by-invitation affair appropriately attended by the luxurious music of the Cebu Orchestra System and topped by Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, Christian Bautista. The evening was capped by a grand fireworks display. The Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was led by Mr. Jeffrey Lun and Mr. Gilbert Ang of HTLand, Inc., the joint venture between Cebu-based Taft Property Ventures, Inc. and Hongkong Land, Ltd. Assisting at the switch-on were Atty. Miguel Lumapas, Hon. Jonkie Ouano, Cong. Lolypop Ouano-Dizon, Atty. Vince Tumaneng, and Margaret Gaisano-Ang, Edward Gaisano, and Jack Gaisano from the Vicsal Group. An open invita...

Exciting news, Metro Cebu! SM Supermalls’ highly anticipated premier lifestyle destination, SM J Mall, officially welcomed its first guests last October 24, 2024, Thursday. With its stunning design inspired by Japanese aesthetics, this dynamic hub in Mandaue City is ready to usher in a new era for shopping and entertainment in the region.  The launch event was an exclusive affair that gave a select group of guests a sneak peek into SM J Mall’s premium offerings. Held at the Mall Atrium, the well-attended event saw guests such as SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy and his family, Super Shopping Market Inc. Chairman Herbert Sy, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, officials of the local government led by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede, Provincial Board Member Glenn Soco, and businessman Justin Uy. “SM J Mall is SM Supermalls’ latest lifestyle offering for the modern Cebuano looking for an establishment that is more than jus...

Now decked up in a dazzling display of holiday magic, SM Seaside City Cebu lights up the 40 ft. Christmas tree located at the Mountain Wing Atrium on October 17, launching Santa’s Cirque World to start the festive season. Step into a spectacle of fantasy and fun for the whole family with a sparkly Christmas circus in a whimsical cirque world. Experience the #aweSM Christmas magic at SM Seaside with joyful attractions, activities, and events prepared just for you! 🎠 CIRQUE WORLD | October 17, 2024 to January 7, 2025 | Mountain Wing Atrium Santa’s Cirque World will be giving all the yuletide feels as you get into the holiday spirit and fun with your family and friends as you get into the whimsical Christmas circus. 🐘 MEET & GREET SEASIDE CIRQUE FRIENDS | October 17, 2024 to January 7, 2025 | Mountain Wing Atrium Grab the chance to meet Santa’s Cirque Friends every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from October 17 to January 7 w...

Gabato is Director;Dimpas takes Asst. Director post                          Two of Central Visayas’ Chief Tourism Officers were sworn in to the department’s top regional posts recently in ceremonies led by Department of Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia-Frasco. Judy dela Cruz Gabato was appointed Regional Director while Gelena Asis-Dimpas was named Assistant Regional Director. Gabato succeeds Shahlimar Hofer Tamano who was appointed Undersecretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination and Resource Coordination in 2022.  Both are Bachelors graduates of the University of San Jose-Recoletos; Gabato from the Bachelors program in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Dimpas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism. Gabato moves forward with a Masters in Public Administration and 35 years of government service under her belt. Dimpas, meanwhile, served in the travel trade and has a Masters degree in Environmental Studies....

Father’s Day is a reminder of the important and sometimes overlooked role that dads play in our lives. Everybody who has played a father figure in our lives should be honored and celebrated. And because they carry many responsibilities in our homes, our super dads deserve an abundance of love and appreciation on their special day. This June, show them an aweSM time by bringing them somewhere special or taking them shopping–this should be much more than a ‘Hallmark holiday’!  From June 17 to 19, enjoy an exclusive 3-day mall-wide sale just for your Super Dad. Score some of the hottest deals in fashion, accessories, gadgets, and gizmos at a discounted price. Take him to the Dad’s Hall at SM Supermalls and buy him cool merch and collectibles or take him there to see the vintage car and big bike exhibit. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, on his special day, indulge him with a feast. Bring the whole family and order all his favorites! A lot of restaurants are...

The Global Youth Summit, held annually by SM Cares and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to inspire the youth to become catalysts for change, is set to return this year with its biggest iteration yet, as it will be hosted in 17 different locations across the country including SM City Cebu on May 28 at SM Cinema. The GYS is an annual event that provides the youth with an avenue where they can share their ideas and work together to create long-term and sustainable solutions to the most pressing problems and challenges affecting them today.  Every year, thousands of students and youth leaders from all over the country and even from overseas join the GYS to be part of numerous activities, seminars, and workshops designed to educate and empower them, explores a wide range of topics including technology, sustainable development, health, education, economic growth, and public policy. To ensure that each event offers the best experience for the attendees, GYS invites experts and key opinion le...

Are you rooting for Karasuno High or Nekoma High? Crows or Cats? If you're stumped by those questions, you're obviously out of the loop regarding the current varsity volleyball craze gripping the country, or you're not one of the countless anime/manga fans who religiously follow the Haikyu series. Set in the Miyagi prefecture of Northeastern Japan, Haikyu: The Dumpster Battle is the current anime film the kids are all crazy about, turning each SM IMAX screening into a FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) cosplay party. And yes, one can catch the film at the SM Cinema and Director's Club, but the IMAX screenings are where it's truly happening! Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle follows the latest adventures of our main protagonist, Shoyo Hinata. Inspired to follow the footsteps of his varsity volleyball idol, the Little Giant, Shoyo discovers that joining the Karasuno High volleyball team means he has to bury the hatchet and team up with his middle school nemesis, Tobio Kageyama. W...

Shop at your convenience for your appliance and electronics needs at the newly-renovated SM Appliance Center at SM City Cebu. You’ll certainly #FeeltheDifference with spacious, brightly-lit aisles, and an inviting interior made with a modern design, complemented by touches of nature. Get to enjoy special discounts and freebies when you purchase select home and electronics items in store from April 26 to May 1, 2024! Can you still remember the first home appliance that you bought? An electric fan that kept you cool during the summer, a simple electric kettle for your everyday coffee, or a fancy TV for the whole family? It’s always good to remember things that were able to make your day-to-day life much easier. Cebu’s go-to appliance and lifestyle hub Each new addition to your home doesn’t only bring convenience to your daily needs, it also gives you and your loved ones good memories to cherish even after the time you decide to upgrade—just like with SM Appliance Center, which has been s...

Cebu hosts over a hundred international education agents from five Asian countries from April 15-19, 2024 on the Grand ESL (English as a Second Language) International Familiarization Tour, the biggest of its kind since the Philippines launched education as a tourism product in 2010. The agents, from the key markets of Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam and South Korea, are inspecting ESL schools and accommodations. They will be meeting with learning program providers, visiting points of interest and participating in planning and networking workshops from April 16-18.  The Cebu Association of Language Academies (CALA) is organizing the event, with the support of the Department of Tourism -Central Visayas (DOT7), partner-agencies Bureau of Immigration and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Province of Cebu. The tour carries the theme “Love the Philippines and Explore English in Cebu”. Gelena Asis-Dimpas, DOT7 Chief Tourism Operations Officer cites the event ...