Entertainment options outside of 2016 MMFF

“Embrace the change,” life coach Rikka Infantado advises on the not-your-usual Metro Manila Film Festival menu this year.
Film critic Mario Hernando describes it as “without the insults, grossness and the kabobohan.”
“It’s a new recipe,” multi-awarded writer Roy Iglesias entices.
“Recognize the shape of real film works,” shares art educator Raffy Ignacio.
“Let it pass,” entertainment journalist Alwyn Ignacio suggests.
“Quality should be paramount in the moviegoers’ minds,” 2016 MMFF Selection Committee juror Crispina Belen opens minds.
“While I support the goal to re-brand the lineup of movies, I hoped the change was not as radical. It alienates the regular moviegoing public. There is always a win-win balance to effect changes,” digital marketing expert Don Peji balances.
“I never understood why screen only local films at Christmas,” Edwina Litton Ortigas brings the issue’s crux.
A survey also reveals Pinoys are thinking film alternatives outside of the 2016 MMFF: Dr. Ped Salvador is viewing “HD 720 movies from YouTube, SeeHD, Genvideos in a large LED TV with surround audio, good subwoofer. Cheaper, comfortable and countless movies from different nations including documentaries on history, wars, economics, spirituality and others relevant in answering my curiosities.”
Dr. Orestes Monzon thinks, “Home theater is enjoyable, safe, inexpensive with homemade popcorn and drinks.”
Hanzel Villafuerte suggests to coach-bond watching DVDs. These are the movie marathons suggested by publicist Chuck Gomez. This writer, for one, will definitely watch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story at IMAX. “Bring the children too. They aren’t as innocent as we think,” appends painter Reb Belleza.
Many respondents, however, are returning to basics: “I miss when Lola Hilda (wife of National Artist Vicente Manansala) brought us to Luneta Park for a picnic,” Ronna Manansala reminisces.
“Go to Little Sisters of the Poor to host lunch or dinner for the elders,” Marilyn Yao offers.
But majority plan to personalize by spending the time with family and friends. “My kids and I will watch Disney on Ice and the Hello Kitty and Friends Show,” solves mother-of- two Arlyn Marie Escano.
“Watch the Ayala Triangle Garden’s Festival of Lights or revisit the MOA fireworks,” reminds Rose Cruz Mendoza.
“Staycation to unwind, meditate and set goals,” thinks Jotham John Culangao.
“Flix?” Nancy Reyes Lumen adds a techie solution but shamelessly includes, “Watch my band The Hot Flashes and enjoy yourself for the same two to three hours singing, dancing to your genre’s music.”
Variations are endless. Here’s another constructive idea.
Producers can learn filmmaking to meet new MMFF standards by watching Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 #Forever Is Not Enough as template.

This season, Europe arrives in the metro!
 On November 8, Europak opened its first European-themed store in Market! Market!, Taguig. A feel of Europe welcomes mallgoers as they enter. This new architectural design creates a positive ambience and justifies the products and image Europak bags portray: Success!
Europak is a premium brand of quality-crafted bags for the discerning professional. A registered Hongkong bag brand, Europak is inspired by European artistry and culture. Each bag design is crafted with passion and sophistication.
A wide range of bags are offered, such as briefcases, backpacks and trolleys. Smaller items like shoulder bags, laptop sleeves and clutch bags are among the latest styles that also prove to be successful in the market.
In 2014, Europak was significantly redesigned to combine the essence of European design with Asian innovation. Rooted in European artistry and heritage, it uses lightweight, water-resistant fabric crafted with passion and sophistication by professional designers, and it is constantly inspired by new innovations. From North America to Asia, each piece is designed to be timeless yet current, delivering utmost ease and style for the urban professional.
In 2006, it was introduced in the Philippines through the SM Group and other leading retail stores. For its first concept store, it partnered with Robinsons Malls.
Europak continuously improves its products and services to exceed customers’ expectations. Today, Europak’s remarkable success has led to a partnership with the Ayala Malls, thus creating a more premium European themed store. Currently, Europak has five retail and five concept stores and counting, ready to serve a growing professional market.
In addition to the new look of the boutique, Europak also launched a new product line that complements the premium atmosphere of the store. The Blue label collection is a sophisticated line of bags made of genuine leather.
Europak continues to innovate as technology evolves. Europak’s direction is to create a more diversified product line that will cater all the needs of working professionals. There will be more innovations and classy designs that soon will hit the market, and just like the other collection, all designs are limited!