Ber Months, Ber Vibes Binges: The Perfect Movies & Series to Start Your Cozy September

While we're counting down to the most wonderful time of the year, start the Ber months right with a cozy watchlist that feels like a warm hug.

There’s something about the “Ber months” that feels instantly different. The nights get cooler, Christmas playlists start sneaking into jeepney rides and malls, and the air carries that faint mix of nostalgia and excitement. In the Philippines, September doesn't just mark the start of the holiday countdown – it’s also the perfect excuse to slow down, cozy up, and indulge in feel-good entertainment.

Whether you’re into love stories that make your heart flutter, supernatural romances with a bite, or dramas that feel achingly real, Lionsgate Play has something for every mood. Here are five comforting picks to kick off the Ber month binge.

The Twilight Saga

Few things match the brooding mood of September better than vampires, werewolves, and a love triangle that had the whole world choosing sides. Long before today's headline-making romances – yes, we're looking at you, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce – Bella and Edward had their own ultimate ‘forever’ moment, an engagement reveal that sent Team Edward and Team Jacob into absolute overdrive. The Twilight Saga follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), an ordinary girl who falls for the enigmatic Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), only to discover he's a vampire. As their romance deepens, childhood friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) steps in with his own secrets. With danger, desire, and supernatural stakes at every turn, it’s the perfect marathon for nights when you want a love story as intense as it is iconic.

What Women Want

When a freak accident gives advertising exec Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) the power to hear women’s thoughts, his world – and ego – turn upside down. At first, he uses his new ability to get ahead at work, but everything changes when he meets his brilliant new boss Darcy McGuire (Helen Hunt). As Nick begins to understand the women around him, he also learns a few things about himself and what it really takes to win someone’s heart. Witty, charming, and just the right amount of cheesy, What Women Want is proof that love can be found when you least expect it.

Dirty Dancing

Set in the summer of 1963, this beloved musical follows Frances “Baby” Houseman (Jennifer Grey) on vacation with her family at a sleepy Catskills resort. When she meets dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), she’s drawn into his electrifying world of music, movement, and late-night rehearsals. What starts as secret lessons quickly turns into a romance that challenges both their worlds and leads to one of the most iconic final dance scenes ever filmed. With its legendary soundtrack and unforgettable final dance, this film isn’t just a favorite – it’s a rite of passage.

Normal People

This beautifully raw series, based on Sally Rooney’s acclaimed novel, follows Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a sharp and solitary young woman, and Connell (Paul Mescal), the well-liked boy from her school, as they weave in and out of each other’s lives from high school through university. Their relationship shifts from secret romance to deep friendship to painful estrangement, all while they struggle with family pressures, personal insecurities, and the push and pull of first love. With its quiet intensity, breathtaking performances, and deeply relatable moments, it’s the kind of drama that lingers long after the last episode.

Warm Bodies

A zombie romcom? Believe it. When undead loner R (Nicholas Hoult) saves human survivor Julie (Teresa Palmer), an unlikely romance begins to bloom and maybe even spark the end of the apocalypse. With its clever humor, surprising warmth, and a romance that literally brings new life, Warm Bodies is an offbeat love story perfect for a cozy night in.

From classic romances to supernatural adventures, Lionsgate Play has everything you need to set the perfect mood this September. Time to grab a blanket, pour yourself something warm, and let the Ber month binge begin.

Explore Love and Self-Discovery in 2024: Must-Visit Places from Your Favorite Filipino Movies

Manila, Philippines– As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time to map out your adventures for 2024. If 2023 was all about Revenge Travel to make up for lost time, 2024 is being hailed as the year for more personal travels. Booking.com's Travel Predictions for 2024 suggest a shift towards journeys motivated by a quest for deeper connections and self-discovery.

If you’re already planning your travels to find love or find yourself and need a little inspiration on where to go, here are some Filipino films that not only brought compelling stories of love but also highlighted how the destination itself (and the journey of getting there) is sometimes all that one needs to find what they’re looking for.

“Traveling is all about personal experiences. Whether you're with friends or going solo, there's always something special you discover along the way, giving you unique moments and memories. As a regional insurtech, we at Igloo, are all about providing people-first insurance services and making sure everyone can have those amazing experiences without dealing with the hassles that can mess up trips. This is why we created Travel Master, because we want to provide our travelers a stress-free experience and let them enjoy the best adventures without any interruptions,” said Mario Berta, Igloo Philippines Country Manager. 

Developed in collaboration with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master offers coverage for travelers, encompassing personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, hospital cash allowance, travel inconvenience benefits, and protection against COVID-19.

To get Travel Master coverage, just go to the GInsure page in your GCash app. Choose Travel and select Travel Master. Fill out the form with your travel info, and it'll quickly show you the coverage benefits and the premium cost. Once that's done, you're good to go.

Whether you're heading out locally or internationally, Travel Master is there for you, making it a flexible and essential travel companion wherever your journey takes you.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte - Broken Hearts Trip (2023)

Maira-ira beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte/ Source: Blue Lagoon Inn and Restaurant, Klook

One of the entries for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Broken Hearts Trip, is a story about five LGBTQ individuals who are given the chance to heal from their heartbreaks as they journey across the Philippines. One of the spots they explored is Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, often referred to as the "Boracay of the North." Accessible via land and air, Pagudpud is famed for its stunning beaches, including Maira-ira (commonly known as Blue Lagoon), Saud, and Pansian. These beaches boast white sands and emerald waters, making them an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude with their thoughts or desiring more intimate moments with loved ones as unlike other Filipino beach destinations, Pagudpud tends to be less crowded, offering a tranquil escape.

Fujiyoshida City, Japan – When I Met You in Tokyo (2023)

Chureito Pagoda, Fujiyoshida City, Japan/ Source: Japan Guide

Another entry from this year’s MMFF brings us not only a tale of finding love at the most unexpected times but finding love in some of the most beautiful places in the world. In When I Met You in Tokyo, two old hearts–one battered and bruised and one lonely and seeking comfort–find each other in Tokyo. While much of the story took place in the Japanese capital, the film also took its audience to Fujiyoshida City and the famous Chureito Pagoda, basking in the majestic view of Mount Fuji. A 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, the city offers spectacular views of the mountain. The best time to visit is either during the cherry blossom season in mid-April or in the first half of November to experience the changing colors of autumn. Here, like the stars of When I Met You in Tokyo, you may be able to find healing from past hurts and discover new beginnings against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

Sagada, Mountain Province - Write About Love (2019)

Sagada, Mountain Province/ Source: Gem Muzones, Guide to the Philippines

In Write About Love, an aspiring writer sought help from a veteran yet disillusioned indie film writer to complete an unfinished script for a love story. Their collaboration eventually led them to a pilgrimage to Sagada, where upon seeing the magnificent sunset and sea of clouds, allowed the two writers to reconcile their personal issues and figure out the ending for their own love stories. For travellers who want a little more adventure and don’t mind putting in the work just to experience breathtaking views, there’s Sagada. A small town in the mountains of Mountain Province, Sagada requires more than a half day’s ride from Manila and another couple of hours trekking to get to the top of Marlboro Hills, the highest point of the town and provides an unobstructed view of sunrise and a sea of clouds.

San Juan, La Union - I’m Drunk I Love You (2017)

San Juan Beach, La Union/ Source: La Union Tayo.com.ph

A beloved romantic drama film, I’m Drunk I Love You is all about taking the chance before it’s too late. The movie revolves around two college best friends who embarked on a final road trip to San Juan, La Union, aiming to determine if their bond will remain platonic or evolve into something more. While La Union, also known as Elyu, has earned its reputation as one of the Philippines' top surfing spots, "I'm Drunk I Love You" shines a spotlight on the town's laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere. Here, bars resonate with reggae beats, serve delectable food, and are adorned with eclectic decorations reflecting both local and foreign influences.

Beyond the shoreline (surprising as it may sound), you can explore more of La Union's natural beauty by trekking to the impressive 40-feet high Tangadan Falls. With its unique blend of attractions, it's no wonder La Union has become a go-to destination, providing a comforting retreat for many travelers.

Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016)

Park Güell, Barcelona/ Source: Getty Images, Conde Nast Traveler

Set within the romantic and vibrant city that is Barcelona, Barcelona: A Love Untold is about two people each carrying their own emotional baggage, viewing the city as either a distraction or a chance for a fresh start. Amid the colorful ambiance of the capital of Catalonia, it becomes the setting for two people seeking different things but irresistibly drawn to each other. With Barcelona’s vibrance, it's no wonder that so many people come to immerse themselves in its rich culture. From the stunning mosaics of Park Güell to the timeless art at the Picasso Museum, there's an abundance of beauty to explore and enjoy. Barcelona is not just a city to appreciate art and culture; it's also an ideal place to discover love or realize that, like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, you're also a beautiful work-in-progress.

Learn more about Travel Master by visiting the GCash GInsure Marketplace and ensure that your trips to find love or find yourself are seamless and hassle-free.

UNBEATABLE OCTOBER TREAT AT SM CINEMA FOR P65

Lights, camera, action! Brace yourselves for the most incredible cinematic treat of the year as SM Cinema rolls out the red carpet for movie enthusiasts all over the nation. 

Cinephiles are in for a reel steal as SM Cinema offers a jaw-dropping P65 movie ticket deal. Yes, you read that right—for only 65 pesos, movie lovers can enjoy the latest blockbusters, heart-pounding action, heartwarming dramas, and gut-busting comedies, all on the big screen!

But the cinematic celebration doesn’t end there! Alongside this fantastic offer is the equally irresistible P65 caramel popcorn combo! Pair your P65 movie ticket with a delectable serving of golden buttery caramel popcorn to create a taste of sensation that perfectly complements the silver screen excitement. 

This extraordinary offer is not just about affordable entertainment; it's a celebration of 65 years of making memories at SM Supermalls. SM Supermalls thanked its loyal patrons, who have made the past 65 years truly special. 

So, gather your friends, family, or even fly solo to SM Cinema in SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela on October 15, and get ready to experience movie magic, all for just 65 pesos. Mark your calendars, grab your popcorn, and get ready to be blown away!

SM Prime, UPLB Team Up for Sustainability Scholarship

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to further promote the country’s pursuit of sustainable development.

Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime aims to assist select students pursue undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) – courses geared towards sustainability.

The scholarship will be awarded to students from low-income households in Pasay City intended to provide better employment prospects and help reduce poverty and inequality, which are major obstacles to sustainable development.

Members of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and SM Prime Holdings Inc ink partnership to create scholarships geared towards sustainable development. Present during the signing are (From left) UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources Dean Marlo Mendoza, UPLB College of Human Ecology Dean Dr. Ricardo Sandalo, SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr., and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Janette Malata-Silva.

Collaboration for innovation and sustainability
In an interview, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr. shared his optimism about the partnership, citing the impact of education, especially sustainability-related fields of studies, in social and economic mobility.

“The scholarship will enable more students to pursue their studies in areas related to sustainability such as environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By investing in education in these areas, we are preparing a new generation of leaders who will have the knowledge and skills to address the complex environmental and social challenges facing our world today,” Dr. Camacho said.

“It will encourage research and development in areas related to sustainability. By providing support for students to pursue advanced studies, we are creating a pipeline of future researchers and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing environmental and social problems,” he added.

Aside from enabling students to pursue their education without financial burden, the UPLB chancellor believes that the scholarship can produce competent leaders capable of solving complex environmental and social challenges, and create a pipeline of innovative researchers.

He further stressed how fostering collaborations and innovation in sustainability between the academic community and the private sector can lead to new environmentally and socially responsible products, technologies, and services that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo signed the memorandum of agreement alongside UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho Jr. The scholarship formed under the partnership continues SM Prime’s pursuit of sustainable development.

Ripples of social good
SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo shared that the partnership between SM Prime and UPLB is a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions towards promoting sustainability and creating a better future for the next generation.

By supporting the education of would-be scholars, SM Prime hopes to create ripples of social good within families and communities, ultimately contributing to the development of a more sustainable and equitable society.

“Improving the well-being of its partner communities and investing in people’s growth have long been among SM Prime’s sustainability pillars woven at the core of its business strategies and operations. As such, SM Prime deems it important to create programs that would provide access to quality education for all, and in the long term, create a pool of proactive human resources who can responsibly carry out and balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of a society’s sustainable development aspirations,” Castillo said.

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service,” she also said.

The SM Prime Sustainability Scholarship is open to students from Pasay City, under UPLB's BSHE and BSF programs with an annual gross family income of not more than PhP150,000.00

For more information, interested applicants may contact the UPLB OSG +63 49 536 3209 or email at osg.uplb@up.edu.ph..

Top Performers at 1st Summer MMFF Receive Awards from BingoPlus

Since its launch in January 2022, BingoPlus, the first live-streaming bingo in the Philippines, has made its mission to boost Pinoy leisure and entertainment initiatives.

From being a major sponsor of cultural festivals like the Sinulog, Masskara, and Kadalag-an festivals and beauty pageants like Miss Philippines Earth to season partner of sports leagues like the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and major supporter of golf tournaments at the Manila Golf and Wack-Wack Golf and Country Clubs, BingoPlus has also supported local musical artists and performers in their concerts and theatrical presentations.

This April, BingoPlus added the 1st Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) to its growing list of partners. The event organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in partnership with the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines has BingoPlus as the Major Sponsor of the first-ever summer film festival of Filipino-produced films.

During its Gabi ng Parangal held April 11 at New Frontier Theater, BingoPlus presented awards and cash prizes to the winners of Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture. Romnick Sarmentna, lead actor of About Us But Not About Us, a psychological drama that explores the gamut of life through a single conversation, received P100,000 for his cherished performance as a gay literature professor.

Gladys Reyes, lead actress of Apag, a Brillante Mendoza film about a hit-and-run accident with long-term consequences, also received P100,000 for her role as Nita, the house help-widow of a tricycle driver. Best Picture About Us But Not About Us, directed by Jun Lana, was awarded P250,000 by BingoPlus.

For over a year now, BingoPlus has been recognized for its generous support to projects, causes and groups that reflect its own vision and mission, which is to provide quality entertainment to Filipinos.

The star-studded Gabi ng Parangal that had Gerald Anderson, Kylie Padilla, Enchong Dee, and others in the audience was also attended by DigiPlus President Andy Tsui, BingoPlus President Jasper Vicencio, and BingoPlus Branding Vice President Felbin Soto.

For more information, visit www.bingoplus.com.

SM Prime and WWF Philippines Announce Partnership Towards Responsible Reporting on Climate Change Solutions

(XX August 2022, Pasay City, Philippines) SM Prime Holdings, Inc., one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers and leading conservation organization World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines have entered a collaboration in adopting a more robust reporting framework to address the climate crisis. 

This is a major partnership of WWF with a Philippine company towards the development of a bespoke program towards decarbonization.

 

Sustainability at SM Prime is at the core of its corporate identity. SM Prime is at the forefront of spearheading sustainable practices as well as setting records in pioneering programs to consciously protect the environment and strongly focus on resilience in its developments.

 

Under the partnership, SM Prime will adopt the Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI), WWF-Philippines’ flagship program that provides an actionable framework for organizations to operate sustainably within the paradigm of the climate crisis. 

 

“We are delighted to work with WWF Philippines on this sustainable journey. Focusing sustainability within the context of the Philippines ensures that our strategies and projects are highly material, efficient and more responsive in addressing local concerns surrounding resilience and adaptation. We need to be one with the worldwide community to achieve this and we need to work with global experts to get this right,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said.

 

Climate change is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today. The Philippines currently ranks third globally when it comes to climate change vulnerability. In relation to its geographical location, it is more exposed to altering intensities of climate change manifested through erratic weather systems and natural calamities.

These risks are rife with complexity and uncertainty and organizations typically fail to properly assess their implications. The CBPI program takes a holistic approach towards this pivotal issue, addressing these risks from a custom-built, science-based perspective. 

 

By partnering with the WWF, SM Prime will be able to enhance and determine climate change solutions that will be reflected through responsible and transparent reporting. 

 

The first phase of CBPI involves gauging where SM Prime stands in its sustainability initiatives and setting a science-based target in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. SM Prime published its first Integrated Report in 2021 under the Integrated Reporting Framework which provides an overview of our value creation model — how we seek to create value for our stakeholders by contributing to national progress through investments and interventions critical to the country’s socio-economic growth.

 

As a champion of climate action in the Philippines, our partnership with WWF adds another enhancement to transparent reporting by ensuring greenhouse gas (GHG) computations are accurate and use appropriate methodologies.

 

With the need to broaden efforts to protect the environment, this partnership forms part of group-wide efforts under the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

 

SM Prime’s partnership with WWF dates back to 2007 under Hamilo Coast, its leisure resort development in Nasugbu, Batangas.

 

WWF closely monitors the health and viability of the Hamilo Coast area including three of its coves designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)—the Pico de Loro, Etayo and Santelmo.

 

In recognition of its conservation efforts, Hamilo Coast was cited by WWF-Philippines as its longest standing Sustainability Partner in 2020. 

 

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About SM Prime

 

SM Prime Holdings Inc., one of the leading property developers in Southeast Asia, is committed to providing safe and sustainable spaces for its stakeholders.  Its development strategy is anchored on the responsible use of resources. In the communities it serves, it is able to promote resource conservation, environmental protection, and disaster resiliency by implementing solutions for water, waste, and energy management.

 

SM Prime is a key player in the SM Green Movement that aims to improve the quality of life of communities through sustainable solutions to promote a green planet, green living and a green culture.

 

Find out more about SM Prime and the SM Green Movement