Tara na! Makisaya sa SM Cinema and immerse yourself in the magic of these top-notch Filipino movies as you enjoy SM Cinema’s impeccable laser projector, huge screen display, cutting edge digital surround sound and comfortable seats while eating popcorns from Snack Time.

Come and have some fun at SM Cinema Marilao, SM Cinema Baliwag, and SM Cinema Pulilan this holiday season! Watch with your friends and family and make core memories as you collectively laugh, cry, fear, and feel the excitement season with these ten outstanding Filipino films! Get ready for a cinematic journey that will evoke a range of emotions, making your holiday season even more memorable. Buy your tickets now at SM Cinema App, website, and ticket booths nationwide.

BOCAUE, Bulacan—Officials warned the public of at least 23 prohibited type of firecrackers as sales of fireworks products in more than 100 stalls in this fireworks capital of the country and in other towns in the province has been round the clock since on Christmas Day barely seven days before welcoming 2024.  

Lea Alapide, president of Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Inc. (PPMDAI) released the list of prohibited firecrackers, most commonly (paputok) and not pailaw (pyrotechnics such as different types of aerial shots and fountains) as Region 3 police Director PGen Jose Hidalgo Jr. accompanied by Bulacan Police Director Col. Relly Arnedo and Bocaue Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna conducted an inspection at fireworks stores in one of the pyrozone areas in Barangay Turo here on Wednesday.

Alapide identified Watusi, Piccolo, big Five Star, Plapla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, large size Judas Belt, Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, Kwiton, Super Lolo, Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden. Coke-in-Can, Pillbox and Kabasi.

Bulacan police on its most recent anti-illegal firecracker operations on Saturday seized 2 large pieces of Judas Belt, 4 packs of Kabasi, (10 pieces each pack), 4 packs of Plapla (10 pieces each pack), 10 pieces of KIngkong and other paraphernalias used in the manufacture of firecracker from a 38 year old fly-by-night maker in Sitio Bihinan, Barangay Binang 1^st in this town.

Arnedo said charges of violation to R.A. 7183, the laws on manufacture, sales and distribution of fireworks, had been filed against the arrested.

According to Alapide, all firecrackers which are overweight or oversized or more than what is prescribed under RA 7183, which is more than 0.2 grams or more than 1/3tespoon in explosive chemical content is prohibited.

Also not allowed to be sold are all imported finished firecracker and pyrotechnic products that contain fuel and oxidizing agent; including all unlabeled locally-made products; firecrackers with mixture of phosphorous and/or sulfur with that of chlorates including “Boga,” a household improvised cracker using huge water plastic pipe that produced a huge bang.    

These illegal firecrackers can cause burns and loss of limbs and can cause deaths, Arnedo warned.

The PPMDAI head also said that manufacture, sales and distribution of fireworks products by any unlicensed manufacturers are also strictly not allowed under RA 7183 including fireworks that are transported without “Permit to Transport” to any manufacturer or dealer and persons transporting more than 1,000 kilograms of finished products. However, the proof of purchase shall be sufficient from the registered dealer or manufacturer if the finished products to be transported are less than 1,000 kilograms, Section 6, Rule III, of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7183 states.

According to Magnolia Farinas, owner of M. S. Farinas Fireworks in Barangay Turo,there are also reports that illegal manufacturers sold products online using social media.

“These should also be caught by the police” she told NEWS CORE at her stall on Monday.

Alapide also decried the continuous sales of fireworks products online by big time online selling companies.   

Sales of firecracker and pyrotechnics have been round the double or 24 hours since on Christmas Day or seven days before the new year celebration as buyers from different places in the country particularly from Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Cavite, Ilocos, Pangasinan rushed to the stalls here for bulk purchases.  

Prices of firecrackers and pyrotechnics are lower this time unlike the high commanding prices in 2022 due to enough supply this year.

Compared to last year, Alapide explained, there is enough supply of chemicals and other materials needed for the production this year which assures a similarly high volume of available market supply.

The regular aerial shots pyrotechnic or “pailaw” dropped to its original 2021 price of P1,300-1.500 compared to 2,500-P3,000 prices last year.

According to Farinas,they now see an over supply in fireworks products due to the volume of produce brought by the ease in the importation of the chemicals.

In 2022, because of the continued pandemic restrictions, there was no ample supply of imported chemicals used in the manufacture of fireworks products.

The 16 shots aerial fireworks priced at P3,500 last year are only at P1,500 today. The kwitis at P12.00 per piece last year is only P6.00 per piece today.  The P1,000 worth 1,000 rounds of sawa last year is only at P550 this year. The P10,000 worth 10,000 rounds last year is now only P5,000.

Farinas just like any other stores would begin round the clock 24 hours sales starting on Dec. 25 Christmas Day where they expect the New Year revelry sales to kick off.

Based on tradition, volume of sales starts on Christmas Day and or Dec. 26, just the day following the Christmas Day itself where the people are already done celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and are already focused on celebrating the coming new year.

”The sales have been slow these past few days. People were focused on buying food. But we expect the high volume to begin today and or tomorrow. This year, manufacturers produced enough supply. It assured the public of stable supply and low to regular prices and not with commanding high prices similar to last year,” Farinas added.

However, she said, because there will be no high demand, the amount of prices are regulated and dealers cannot sell commanding high prices.

But for Teresa Diocson, 19, from City of San Jose del Monte, store attendant at Alba Mendoza Majik Fireworks also in Turo, their sales have been good already since December 10 and that not all  the prices of the fireworks products dropped.

She said the mini aerial which was sold last year at P800 is now priced at P1,000.

The fountains she said, particularly “Batibot”at P35.00 each today increased to P10.00 from P25.00 last year while other fountains did not increase and remained at P60.00.

The Kwitis last year however at P900.00 per 100 pieces bundle is now P800.

According to Alapide, they expect a high volume of sales until the last minute or until Dec. 31.

Lalong nagniningning at sumigla ang Lungsod ng Malolos ayon kay Mayor Christian Natividad ng nag-perform ang Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra sa harapan ng Barasoain Church nitong gabi ng Disyenbre 18.

Sa temang “Isang Gabi ng Musika,” inihandog ni Senador Joel Villanueva sa mga Bulakenyo ang world class orchestra music kabilang ang classic at traditional  na English and Filipino Christmas songs.

Lubos na naaliw at nakaramdam ng kakaibang saya ang mga puso at damdamin ng mga Bulakenyo partikular ang mga taga Lungsod ng Malolos dahil sa alay na musika ng senador.

Ikinagalak ng lubos ng alkalde ang nasabing handog musika at nagbigay pugay ito at pasasalamat kay Senador Villanueva gayundin sa lahat ng opsiyales ng Bulacan sa pangunguna ni Gob. Daniel Fernando at Bise Gob Alexis Castro at kapwa alkalde na dumalo sa nasabing isang gabi ng musika.

Kinilala rin niya ang isa pang panauhin, Senador JV Ejercito na tubong Malolos din mula sa angkan ng kanyang ama, ang dating Pangulong Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada.

Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando leads the oathtaking ceremony of barangay officials from the Cities of Baliwag, Meycauayan, and San Jose Del Monte along with the municipalities of Bustos, Plaridel, Guiguinto, Balagtas, Bocaue, Pandi, Marilao, Obando, Angat, Norzagaray and Santa Maria on the second day of Sabayang Panunumpa sa Tungkulin ng mga Opisyal ng Barangay sa Lalawigan ng Bulacan that was held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan today.

Also in the photo are Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, (from left) Provincial Administrator Antonette V. Constantino, Board Members Casey E. Howard, Lee Edward V. Nicolas, (third from right) Board Members Enrique A. Delos Santos, Jr., Richard A. Roque and Cezar L. Mendoza.

CITY OF MALOLOS – Owing it to their dedication to excellence and successful execution of agricultural projects for the Bulakenyos, the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) emerged as the Top 1 in the 2023 Top Performing Province – Overall Category during the Year-End Assessment of the Department of Agriculture Programs held at the Savannah Resort Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga yesterday.

With this, the province has received a certificate of excellence from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Office III for an exemplary performance and transformative initiatives.

Accordingly, among the keystone for the recognition are the timely submission of reports and project implementation in the province that contribute to the overall success of the Department of Agriculture – Central Luzon.

In his message, Governor Daniel R. Fernando highlighted the significant developments in the agricultural community that raised the province’s status in the agricultural sector.

“The agricultural community in the province has experienced significant growth over the years from the adoption of modern farming techniques to the promotion of sustainable practices and a focus on empowering our local farmers. With this, I will make sure that the Provincial Government will continue to support and invest for our agricultural community,” Fernando said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria SF.  Carrillo also attributed the recognition to the people behind the implementation of agricultural projects in the grassroots level.

“Bulacan made it! Congratulations to the men and women of the Provincial Agriculture Office and of the Municipal and City Agriculture Offices,” Carrillo said.

In the spirit of the holiday season, SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Puilan embrace the true essence of sharing, as the malls stood as one in giving gifts of cheers and love to two children’s homes in the province.

Dubbed “ChriSMiles,” the employee-volunteer program of SM, through the initiative of the HR Department, embodies the essence of the Yuletide season by encouraging staff members to share their blessings with children in need.

Volunteers from SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan shared their time off from work to spread love and joy through gift giving by distributing toys, food, cleaning materials, and ‘SM Bears of Joy’ to the less fortunate children. Employees also had their share of priceless moments with kids as they treated them to a hearty breakfast as well as fun games and surprises.

SM City Marilao employees hosted and treated at least 25 children of Tahanan Mapagkalinga ni Madre Rita in Guiguinto, Bulacan, while SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan, with the collaborative efforts of volunteers, cheered up more than 60 children from Bethlehem House of Bread in Baliwag City.

ChriSMiles is a yearly volunteer activity of SM Supermalls that aims to make more children smile, especially this holiday season. The event is a nationwide employee volunteerism program that brings joy to the chosen beneficiaries of each mall. The initiative started in 2012 and also encourages all SM employees to be more appreciative of their individual blessings by sharing and caring. Also, part of the activity was the distribution of SM ‘Bears of Joy’, a program of SM Cares that encourages the idea of gift giving by purchasing a pair of bears from Toy Kingdom. One bear is for keeping, and the other one will be donated to the chosen beneficiaries of each mall.

As Christmas and New Year holidays approach, NLEX Corporation reactivates “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” (SMSK) motorists assistance program in preparation for the expected increase in traffic volume starting December 22, 2023 up to January 2, 2024.

SMSK aims to enhance expressway services during peak periods for a safer and more convenient travel. During its implementation, the tollway company will be deploying over 1,500 traffic, toll and systems personnel for increased patrol visibility and toll plaza assistance. Emergency medical services and incident response teams will also be fielded and positioned at strategic areas of the expressways while the customer service hotline 1-35000 and NLEX Corporation’s social media pages @NLEXexpressways will be fully manned to address customer concerns 24/7.

“This is the first Christmas and New Year where Filipinos will be able to celebrate without a state of public health emergency. Please plan your trips well as we expect high traffic volume during these days,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager, J. Luigi Bautista.

High traffic volume is being anticipated in the following major toll plazas:

•           Balintawak, Mindanao and Tarlac on December 22 around noontime until late in the evening of December 23 and noontime of December 29 until late in the evening

•           Tarlac on December 25, 26 and January 1

•           Bocaue on early afternoon until midnight of December 25 and 26, morning of December 27, afternoon to midnight of December 29 and January 1 noontime until late in the morning of the following day

Aside from additional manpower, NLEX-SCTEX also assure the availability of all its lanes on the said dates. Construction and lane closures along the mainline road of the NLEX-SCTEX is suspended, unless emergency safety repairs are necessary, from December 15 up to January 2, 12 noon. Traffic management teams will also closely monitor the chokepoint areas such as the Harborlink, Meycauayan, Bocaue, Candaba Viaduct, San Simon, San Fernando, Dau, Mabalacat ramps and the TSFs.

To complement the traffic management measures, free towing to the nearest exit for class 1 vehicles will be available on the following dates: from 6:00am of Dec. 22 up to 6:00am of Dec. 24; 6:00am of Dec. 26 up to 6:00am of Dec. 27, 2023; and 6:00am of Dec. 30 up to 6:00am of Jan. 2, 2024. Regular traffic updates will also be posted on NLEX Corporation’s social media pages together with a 24/7 streaming of live traffic situation at key areas on Facebook.

Furthermore, NLEX reminds its motorists that all its toll plazas are still 100% RFID as part of the Toll Regulatory Board’s dry run for cashless toll transaction. All motorists are advised to get their Easytrip RFID for faster toll transaction and reminds RFID users to ensure that they have sufficient load balance before they travel to avoid inconvenience. NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

December 20 – SM City Valenzuela demonstrated its unwavering support and commitment to the local government of Valenzuela City by making a substantial contribution of 1 million pesos. This significant contribution solidifies SM City Valenzuela’s dedication to the city’s progress and its role as a key partner in fostering positive growth within the community.

The timing of this donation holds particular significance as Valenzuela City celebrates its 400th founding anniversary with the theme “400 years of History and Progress.” From its origins as a humble agricultural town in the province of Bulacan, Valenzuela City has evolved into a “Livable City,” recognized for its good governance and award-winning innovative programs.

“We are delighted with our partnership with Valenzuela City, especially on the significant milestone of its 400th founding anniversary. The 1-million-peso contribution is a testament to our shared vision for a thriving and vibrant community. SM City Valenzuela has always been, and will continue to be, an active partner in the city’s journey towards progress,” said SM’s Assistant Vice President for Mall Operations Ana T. Datu.

As SM City Valenzuela continues to be an integral part of the community, the mall looks forward to actively participating in the Local Government’s initiatives and projects that contribute to the overall well-being and development of the city.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS—Ipinagmalaki ni Gob. Daniel Fernando na malayo pa ang mararating na tagumpay ng Bulacan lalo’t higit matapos masungkit ng Provincial Government at 12 mga bayan at siyudad sa lalawigan ang pinakahuli o 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) na ipinagkaloob ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) nito lamang nakaraang linggo. 

Sa inihandog ni Senador Joel Villanueva na konsiyerto, “Isang Gabi ng Musika” na pinangunahan ng Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) sa patio ng simbahan ng Barasoain kagabi para sa kanyang mga kababayang Bulakenyo, ipinagmalaki ng ama ng lalawigan na malayo na ang narating at malayo pa ang mararating na kaunlaran ng Bulacan dahil sa dami ng mga bayan at siyudad nito na nakakuha ng nasabing pagkilala. 

Patunay aniya iyon ng kahusayan sa paglilingkod at progresibong mga lokalidad. 

Aniya, kung noong nakakaraang taon ay apat lamang ang mga bayan na nakakakuha ng SGLG sa buong probinsiya, ngayon ay 12 bayan at siyudad na ito. 

Ito ang mga bayan ng Angat, Balagtas, Bulakan, Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Guiguinto, Marilao, Pandi, Pulilan, Plaridel, Santa Maria, Siyudad ng Baliwag at kabilang din ang Siyudad ng San Jose del Monte bilang isa sa pinarangalang lungsod sa bansa. 

Ang Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) naman ay nakamit ang nasabing pagkilala sa ikapitong taong singkad. 

“Dati ay apat lamang na mga bayan ang nakakatanggap ng SGLG sa ating lalawigan, subalit ngayon ay 12 na ito. Alam natin na mas malayo pa ang mararating ng ating mahal at dakilang lalawigang Bulacan,” pahayag ng gobernador. 

Ipinagmalaki rin ni Villanueva na ang Bulacan ay ika-8 sa Most Competitive Province sa bansa. 

Mainit na tinanggap at pinasalamatan ni Fernando ang kababayang senador sa paghahandog nito ng konsiyerto sa mga kalalawiagan. Pinuri rin nito ang senador bilang isang halimbawa ng magiting na pinuno ng bansa at isang tunay na anak at dangal ng Lalawigang Bulacan. 

Kinilala at pinasalamatan din ng senador ang mga alkalde ng lalawigan dahil sa kanilang mahusay na liderato at paglilingkod-bayan sa mahal na lalawigang Bulacan. 

Ani ng senador, isang natupad na pangarap niya ang konsiyerto ng PPO sa patio ng Barasoain Church hindi lamang upang handugan ng pamoso at banayad na classical instrumental music ang mga kapwa Bulakenyo kundi upang itanghal din ang matingkad na papel na ginampanan ng nasabing simbahan sa nakamit na kalayaan at demokrasya ng bansa. 

Sa Barasoain Church isinagawa ang Malolos Congress noong Setyembre 15, 1898 kung saan binuo ang Malolos Constitution na siyang naging kalipunan ng mga batas ng Pilipinas. At nang ito ay pagtibayin noong Enero 23, 1899 sa nasabi ring simbahan ay niluwal na ang Unang Republika ng Pilipinas at ng buong Asya. 

CITY OF MALOLOS—Warming the hearts and spirit of Bulakenyos on a drizzling December night with classical orchestra masterpieces by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is a dream come true for Senator Joel Villanueva.

The more than an hour transcending calmness and joy the group brings to the hearts and emotions of the officials and residents of Bulacan particularly the people of this capital city who were gathered at the grounds of the historic Barasoain Church on Monday evening gives fulfilment to the senator, one of today’s leading pride of the Bulakenyo race.

Amazed and inspired by the fine and soothing sounds and music of the PPO while watching them perform in orher regions, Villanueva had long dreamed to bring the group in his own province for his fellow Bulakenyos to also experience and enjoy.

Dubbed as “Isang Gabi ng Musika,” the concert reminds everyone of the significant role of Barasoain Church in the country’s freedom and democracy where the Malolos Constitution was crafted following the Malolos Congress on Sept. 15, 1898, the senator said.

“We do not only celebrate today and feel the spirit and joy of Christmas, but we remember and we give thanks and honor, Barasoain Church is the cradle of our freedom, the shrine of our democracy,” the senator said in his speech just before the orchestra jives with the night skies.

On Jan. 23,1889, the Malolos Constitution was ratified and gave birth to the First Philippine Republic which also later was known as the First Republic in Asia.

Michelle Nikki Junia, President of Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) expressed gratitude to Villanueva for being their partner in a similar dream which is to bring the culture, history and heritage of the country to the country side through the CCP and the PPO.

“It is our dream to bring culture and heritage to the regions, the provinces, the communities. This event gives significance to Barasoain Church which is not only a historic place but of beauty. That is what we are doing, we uphold beauty and goodness. We bring the country the top orchestra, the PPO which serenades us with beautiful and captivating classical, light music and Christmas songs that signify our Filipino culture and tradition ,” she said.

PPO is CCP’s very own symphony orchestra.