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Playtime Gets More Fun with Playverse at SM

2026-09-25T00:47:19.248+08:00

Little moments, big fun at Playverse

Kids always have a favorite toy, character, or game they can’t get enough of. Playverse brings more of these favorites to SM, with toys to discover and character-inspired experiences made for playtime, brought to families by SM Supermalls in partnership with Toy Kingdom.

Your Sanrio and Pokemon finds all in one pop-up just like in SM City Marikina

Bluey & Friends brought the playdate to the atrium of SM City San Jose del Monte

Playverse kicked things off with Bluey Playdates with Friends at SM City Marikina in May, giving kids a chance to play, explore, and enjoy a fun day out with one of their favorite characters. The fun continues with more characters, toys, and play experiences coming to SM malls in North and East Metro Manila.

Rev up playtime and discover Hot Wheels favorites at SM.

Hot finds for all Hot Wheels fans!

Majorette Die-casts were also on display at SM City Fairview

Hot Wheels, but make it life-sized at SM City East Ortigas (left) and SM City Fairview (right)

From Bluey and Hot Wheels to Sanrio, Pokémon, Bburago x Maesto, Paw Patrol, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, there’s plenty for kids to look forward to in the coming months. Families can drop by the different Playverse activities to explore fun installations, take photos, and enjoy playtime together.

Step into Playverse at your nearest, most-loved SM mall in North and East Metro Manila

Here’s what’s coming to your most-loved malls:

Happy family photos with Bingo and Bluey at SM City San Jose Del Monte. Catch them at SM City East Ortigas Main Atrium until October 18.

Bburago x Maestro is about to put F1 fans in the fast lane at SM City Novaliches and San Mateo this November

Get ready, trainers! Funism is bringing a whole lot of Pokemon to SM City East Ortigas in November

Making the Playverse experience even more exciting is Toy Kingdom, where you can find toys, collectibles, and other finds featuring some of the favorites you’ll see at the pop-ups. From Hot Wheels cars and Pokémon plushies to Paw Patrol toys and Gabby’s Dollhouse sets, there’s plenty to browse and bring home.

Favorite Sanrio Characters -- Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll and Pompurrin on display at Toy Kingdom

Time for some dollhouse fun with Gabby and her adorable kitty friends!

Charmander and Pikachu plushies for all Pokemon fans!

Have these Hot Wheels in your collection straight from Toy Kingdom

Take home these Marshall and Everest plushies together with Launch 'N' Cruiser car toys from Paw Patrol

Make the most of playtime and max out the fun at your most-loved malls. Whether you’re checking out the latest toys, joining a Playverse activity, or simply looking for something new to bring home, there are plenty of ways to play, explore, and enjoy your next mall day.

With more Playverse activities happening in the coming months, there’s always something new to check out. Drop by Playverse and Toy Kingdom at participating SM malls, see what’s waiting for you, and find your next playtime favorite.

I came for a theater show. Moryon gave me a history lesson.

2026-09-20T00:48:18.879+08:00

How did Filipinos celebrate Holy Week during the Japanese-American War? What happens when faith, fear, and love for country meet in the middle of war?

These questions come alive in “Moryon,” the latest production of the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FEU Theater Guild). An adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s Mother Sauvage, the play uses a story of war and revenge to awaken a sense of patriotism among today's generation.

As soon as you enter the theater, FTG already knows how to set the mood.

There is already someone on stage. Caridad, played by Ysabel delos Reyes, is quietly doing something that immediately makes you curious. What is she doing? Why is she there? And how will this connect to the story?

This is one of the things I enjoy about FTG productions. Similar to Karne, Moryon is not only something you watch. It is a multi-sensory experience. You see what is happening, hear the sounds around you, and even smell what is being cooked in the kitchen.

Director Dudz Teraña intentionally placed the kitchen on stage, and it adds another layer to the experience. And yes, the food smells really good. It makes the setting feel more alive and familiar, while also making you feel like you have entered the world of these characters rather than simply watching them perform.

Another detail that stood out is how well the cast handled the Marinduqueño accent. It feels natural and consistent throughout the performance. The use of the Japanese language also adds to the atmosphere, making the wartime setting feel more grounded.

But the emotional weight of Moryon truly comes through in its characters.

One of the hardest scenes to watch is Joaquin's torture scene played by Aldin Covarrubias. I shed a tear because of how realistic and emotional it felt. The pain was not presented simply as violence for shock value. You could feel the fear and helplessness of the character. What makes it even more painful is learning how Joaquin was also tortured by his own father when he was a child. His suffering is not limited to what happens during the war. It is part of a much deeper wound.

Then there is Marta, played by Margarita Barrameda, who quickly became one of my favorite neighbors. She is that one person in the community who is always nervous, always talking, and always trying to warn everyone about what could happen. But just like in real life, people around her tend to ignore her warnings. Her character brings some humor and energy to an otherwise heavy story, while also showing how people can sometimes recognize danger before everyone else does.

At the center of the story is Caridad, and Ysabel delos Reyes gives the character a strong emotional journey. Her revenge monologue is brave, powerful, and one of the moments that stayed with me after the show.

I also could not help but think about her name. Caridad means compassion or charity, but the character's journey takes her through a level of pain that eventually turns into anger. At the beginning, she seems almost indifferent to the things happening around her. But when something terrible happens to her son, Joaquin, we see that change. Her pain becomes anger, and that anger eventually drives her to revenge.

What I appreciated most is that the monologue does not feel forced or overly dramatic. It feels earned because we have seen the character's emotions build throughout the story. You understand why she reaches that point, even as you are confronted with the consequences of her actions.

Esteban, played by Dave Bambang, is another character who may frustrate you at first. His cooperation with the Japanese forces makes him easy to dislike, especially when you see how his actions affect the people around him. But as the story develops, you begin to understand that his intentions are more complicated. He believes he is preparing something for the good of his fellow Filipinos, even if his method involves working with the enemy.

Dave Bambang, Ysabel delos Reyes, Edrud Madalan (young Joaquin), and director Dudz Teraña

His character brings another difficult question into the story: Can something that looks wrong on the surface still come from a desire to protect others?

Moryon does not give simple answers. Instead, it puts its characters in situations where faith, family, survival, and patriotism are constantly tested.

And perhaps that is what makes this production relevant today.

The story may be set during the Japanese-American War, but its questions about love for country, sacrifice, revenge, and the price of protecting the people we care about still feel familiar. By Filipinizing Mother Sauvage and placing it within the culture and traditions of Holy Week, the production creates a story that feels deeply rooted in our own history and identity.

Moryon is not simply a story about war. It is a story about what war can bring out of people.

It asks us to look at the different faces of courage: the courage to fight, the courage to protect, the courage to endure, and sometimes, the courage to face the consequences of our own choices.

With its strong performances, carefully built atmosphere, multi-sensory staging, and emotional storytelling, FEU Theater Guild's Moryon gives audiences more than a historical story. It gives us a reason to look back at the past and think about what patriotism means to us today.

Moryon opens October 1 at the FEU Center of the Arts.

PETA brings Lola Basyang back to the stage for a new generation

2026-09-18T15:00:00.000+08:00

More than a century after Lola Basyang first appeared in Liwayway Magazine, and 21 years after the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) first brought her beloved stories to the stage, the iconic Filipino kuwentista returns with a new theatrical adventure for today’s generation.

As part of PETA’s continuing commitment to advocacy and educational theater, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang runs from September 21 to 30, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center, followed by an extended run in February 2027.

The new full-length production brings together three stories that celebrate the timeless appeal of Filipino storytelling. Two are classic tales by renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes: Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong and Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari, adapted for the stage by Christine Bellen. Completing the production is a new story by J-mee Katanyag, Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan.

Through these stories, Lola Basyang once again invites audiences into a world of imagination, adventure, humor, and lessons that continue to resonate across generations.

Phil Noble directs the full-length production, with Gio Gahol serving as associate director and choreographer. The production features original music composed by Noel Cabangon, with Kabaitan Bautista as musical director and arranger.

With its mix of classic Filipino stories and a new tale created for contemporary audiences, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang continues PETA’s tradition of bringing Philippine literature and storytelling to the stage in ways that engage young audiences and keep these stories alive for generations to come.

For inquiries, school bookings, and touring information, contact King Joshua Nalupa via Viber at +63 993 643 6018 or email kingjoshuanalupa@petatheater.com.

FEU Bamboo Band celebrates Liberation and Heritage with “MALAYA: Songs of Freedom” concert

2026-09-17T16:00:00.000+08:00

The Far Eastern University (FEU) Center for the Arts proudly presents the FEU Bamboo Band in “MALAYA: Songs of Freedom” on September 26, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the historic FEU Auditorium.

This one-hour musical showcase honors the enduring spirit of liberty, national identity, and youth empowerment through the unique, resonant warmth of Philippine bamboo instruments. Malaya: Songs of Freedom honors Filipino resilience through Fortitude in past struggles and showcases Excellence in every piece. This journey inspires Uprightness, urging us to build a hope-filled future grounded in integrity and cultural pride.

The evening's repertoire spans local traditions, social commentaries, and global anthems of peace. Featured pieces include David Benoit and Nathan East's "Freedom at Midnight," Tropical Depression’s reggae classic "Kapayapaan," the traditional Cordillera folk melody "Salidumay," and the Scorpions' timeless "Wind of Change". Highlighting the evening are collaborative performances featuring The Far Eastern University Chorale in the patriotic anthem "Bayan Ko", as well as Ms. Heleina Kirstensen Li (IAS ‘27) from the FEU Theater Guild in John Lennon’s "Imagine".

Led by FEU Bamboo Band Artistic Director Mr. Norbie Cads, "MALAYA" promises an unforgettable cultural experience for Tamaraws, music lovers, and the cultural community.

Norbie Cads

Ticket Prices:

Free - FEU Community with a valid FEU ID

Php 100 - FEU Alumni with a valid FEU ID

Php 200 - Non-FEU Community

(50% 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘯-𝘍𝘌𝘜 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸/ 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥 𝘐𝘋, 20% 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘯𝘴 & 𝘗𝘞𝘋𝘴 𝘸/ 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘥 𝘐𝘋)

Register and reserve your tickets here: https://forms.gle/JnL4zZBiGysD4ZJj6

Be part of an unforgettable night where every song echoes the meaning of MALAYA!

Share Holiday Magic with Family and Friends as the First Snowfall Arrives at “A Disney Christmas” in Hong Kong Disneyland

2026-09-17T14:00:00.000+08:00

Turn one festive day into two with a second park day for just HK$100

It's almost that magical time of year when families and friends come together to celebrate the holiday season and create treasured memories. From November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, "A Disney Christmas" returns to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, where Christmas shines in a way unlike anywhere else. Alongside beloved holiday traditions with Disney friends, guests can step into the immersive World of Frozen and journey to the whimsical kingdom of Arendelle, where Anna, Elsa and Olaf welcome them to a heartwarming winter celebration amidst dazzling holiday decorations and magical snowfall, all in true Arendellian style.

This season, guests can look forward to enchanting new surprises while reliving cherished Disney Christmas traditions. To maximize the holiday magic, guests can enjoy the "Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket" offer through December 31, 2026. By adding just HK$100 to a regular 1-Day Ticket, guests can extend the festive celebration into a second day and create even more magical holiday memories together.

Join Olaf for Festive Cheer at World of Frozen

A festive spirit sweeps across the kingdom of Arendelle as Anna and Elsa welcome guests for a heartwarming winter celebration.

Adorned with Arendellian-inspired holiday decorations, World of Frozen is transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland where magical snowfall and festive melodies create the perfect holiday setting around every corner.

No one is more excited for the holiday season than Olaf, Arendelle’s beloved snowman ambassador. Guests will be charmed by Olaf’s signature walk, boundless curiosity, and cheerful smile, as he chats and interacts with visitors of all ages, inviting everyone to enjoy the festive magic in World of Frozen. Along the way, guests may discover Kristoff preparing a Sven-tastic Surprise for his reindeer companion and encounter Anna and Elsa in their winter attire, spreading Arendellian holiday cheer and bringing an extra touch of winter magic to the kingdom with magical snowfall.

New this year is the all-new festive winter market that invites guests to immerse themselves in the kingdom's cherished winter traditions. Filled with handcrafted treasures, festive treats to delightful surprises, this charming gathering place captures the warmth and spirits of Arendelle.

Even after Christmas, the enchantment continues as Olaf brings in Arendelle’s very first Winterfest from January 5, 2027. Featuring an all-new Olaf encounter through a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience, the celebration fills World of Frozen with heartwarming tales, uplifting music, and charming new surprises for old and new friends.

Join Disney Friends for Heartwarming Festivities

Wherever guests go, beloved Disney friends are there to share the joy of the season. Dressed in their festive finest, Mickey and Friends, Woody, Buzz and Jessie, Winnie the Pooh and friends, and many more are ready to greet guests with warm holiday wishes throughout every corner of the park.

An all-new daytime castle stage moment makes its debut this Christmas, bringing guests together with Mickey and Minnie for a special Christmas party in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams, complete with festive music, laughter and even a playful surprise from Stitch. Led by Santa Goofy, the fan-favorite holiday tradition “A Holiday Wish-Come-True” Tree Lighting Ceremony returns, illuminating the night with music, lights and holiday wishes, before glorious snowfall and twinkling drone effects paint the sky.

The beloved “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!” will once again fill the resort with holiday magic across two weekends on November 21-22, 2026 and December 5-6, 2026. As Disney friends, live musicians and stunning castle projections bring cherished Disney classics and festive melodies to life.

Welcome 2027 in unforgettable Disney style with Mickey and Friends at the one-of-a-kind “New Year’s Eve Countdown” in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams. Make every holiday moment count with Disney Premier Access, including priority admission to designated attractions and entry to the designated viewing areas for “Momentous” and the New Year’s Eve Countdown!

Starting September 28, 2026, guests can reserve their spot for both “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!” and the “New Year's Eve Countdown” celebration, unlocking the first chapter in a holiday season filled with wonder, cherished traditions and magical moments waiting to unfold.

As the only Disney destination set between majestic mountains and the sea, the resort's breathtaking natural surroundings blend seamlessly with Disney magic to create a truly unique festive celebration. Start planning your family holiday getaway today and make the most of the season with the “Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket” festive offer and turn your visit into a magical holiday escape with “2 Nights Plus Special: 30% Off” at one of the resort hotels:

Limited Time Offers:

Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket - Enter the park two days in a row by adding just HK$100 to the price of a regular 1-day ticket.
2 Nights Plus Special: 30% Off - Enjoy 30% off Flexible Rate when you book two or more consecutive nights at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Hotels.

Christmas and New Year’s Eve Countdown Events: (Starting from September 28, 2026)

Disney Premier Access - “Momentous”, 8 Attractions and 2 Shows (New Year's Eve Edition)

One-time entry to "Momentous Nighttime" Spectacular designated viewing area
One-time entry to "New Year's Eve Countdown" designated viewing area
One-time priority admission to all 8 selected attractions
One-time priority admission to the designated Theater Show "Mickey and the Wondrous Book" at selected showtime
One-time entry to Castle Stage Show designated viewing area

Seating Area Pass Packages - "Disney Christmas Live in Concert"

Access to the designated zone of the reserved seating area for "Disney Christmas Live in Concert!" on the selected date
Opt for VIP Packages to enjoy festive treats before the show

Park Dining (Starting from September 28, 2026)

Explorer's Christmas Dinner Buffet at Explorer's Club Restaurant and Admission to "Momentous" Nighttime Spectacular Designed Viewing Area Package

Guests who purchase this package can enjoy Nighttime Spectacular castle show in designated viewing area as well as the Explorer’s Christmas Dinner Buffet at Explorer’s Club Restaurant.

Max Out the Super September Sale at SM Malls in the East Metro

2026-09-12T09:00:00.000+08:00

Super discounts await you at Super September Sale

Get ready to make the most of the month with the Super September Sale at SM Malls in the East Metro! Happening on September 18, 19, and 20, it’s the perfect opportunity to shop, save, and enjoy more of what’s in store with up to 50% off on select items.

Planning ahead for the holidays? Start your Christmas shopping early and tick gifts off your list before the December rush. You can also stock up on rainy season essentials, refresh your wardrobe, or simply treat yourself to great finds at prices that make it easier to get more for less.

Whether you’re shopping for the family or looking for something just for you, there’s plenty of reason to make your weekend all for you.

Make your September shopping trip even more exciting and max out your savings while exploring the stores and offers at your favorite SM mall. It’s also the perfect excuse to gather your family or friends, head out for a day of shopping, dining, and gala to the max!

Don’t miss the Super September Sale on September 18, 19, and 20 at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo. Shop your must-haves, discover great finds, and make the most of the sale while it lasts!

Nicole Laurel Asensio holds special performance on September 19

2026-09-11T10:13:19.896+08:00

Just as there is farm to table, there is songwriter to audience — a return to the source, where nothing comes between the hands that create and the hearts that receive.

For two decades and across 16 countries, Nicole Asensio has inhabited many stages and many genres — Rock, Jazz, Classical, Soul, Blues — earning her place as a multi-awarded performer and recording artist.

But beneath the lights and glamour, there is another Nicole.

This is an invitation to meet her, to peel away the personas. Strip the music down to its bones — find a space somewhere between pen, paper, and soul.

Over one intimate evening, Nicole opens a collection of 20 songs, chosen from hundreds written through the years.

The first set, “Pen to Performance,” traces ten compositions that have been released over the last decade, replaced and reimagined in a mire intimate form.

The second set, “Unspoken and Unseen,” ventures into spoken word, unfinished compositions, fragments of ideas, and a few reimagined songs you may never have known Nicole wrote.

Some songs might be familiar.

Some will be hearing themselves aloud for the first time.

And perhaps, in the spaces between them, we might remember something of our own unfinished selves.

This intimate gathering of spirits — for those longing to rekindle the embers of creativity within — takes place at the official opening weekend of the brand-new second-floor space at 78 Salcedo. A larger room for larger-than-life performances, designed without sacrificing what matters most: intimacy, presence, and the rare luxury of truly listening.

On September 19 - 7pm at 78-45-33 San Agustin Street, Salcedo Village Makati — Come closer.

From songwriter to audience. From pen to performance. From the unseen to the finally heard.

For seat reservation, call 0917 597 6661.

Make It a Day to Remember with Lolo and Lola at SM Malls in the East Metro

2026-09-10T11:30:00.000+08:00

Max out Lolo and Lola’s day out at SM Malls in the East Metro with memorable activities just for them.

Grandparents’ Day is a wonderful time to bring the family together and celebrate Lolo and Lola with the people who mean the most to them. Make the day extra special with good food, fun activities, music, and plenty of opportunities to create new memories together at SM Malls in the East Metro.

Start the celebration with memories you can look back on. Take Lolo and Lola to a photo booth and capture candid smiles, funny poses, and classic family photos that they can treasure at photo booths like Life Four Cuts in SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo and Photo Objet at SM City Marikina.

Tag your lolo and lola to take photos at Life Four Cuts in SM City San Mateo.

For active Lolo and Lola, enjoy a friendly game of pickleball or badminton together at the fun courts in SM City Marikina and SM Center Antipolo Downtown. Whether they’re seasoned players or simply up for trying something new, it’s a fun way to stay active and bond with the family.

Play pickleball with the entire family at SM City Marikina.

Of course, no family celebration is complete without a shared feast. Gather around the table at your favorite restaurants and let the stories flow between bites. From family favorites to new dishes everyone can discover, mealtimes are always better when shared with Lolo and Lola.

Something for everyone in the family especially for Lolo and Lola at Viking’s in SM City Marikina.

For a little nostalgia, catch music buskers performing songs from the yesteryears. Sing along to familiar tunes, reminisce about old memories, and maybe even have an impromptu dance. A Public Piano is also free to play, giving Lolo and Lola a chance to enjoy a tune, play a favorite song, or share a musical moment with the family.

Remember good old memories with music from talented buskers and enjoy a tune of your own at the free-to-play Public Piano in SM City Masinag.

For a classic bonding experience, head to SM Cinema and enjoy a little cinema nostalgia. Rediscover the magic of watching a great story together, just like the good old days.

Philippine Cinema classics for Lolo and Lola at SM Cinema Marikina, Masinag and San Mateo.

From photos and feel-good activities to family meals, familiar songs, and nostalgic movies, there are plenty of ways to max out the celebration. After all, the best gifts for Lolo and Lola are often the simplest ones: time, laughter, and moments spent together.

Make Grandparents’ Day an all-for-you celebration for the people who have given so much to your family. Spend Lolo and Lola’s special day at your most-loved malls in the East Metro: SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown, where every family moment can become a memory worth keeping.

SM Group receives 15 Philippine Quill Awards for stakeholder communications

2026-09-08T10:00:00.000+08:00

SM Foundation's health and wellness programs continue to bring basic healthcare services directly to communities nationwide.

SM Group companies received 15 Philippine Quill Awards, including six Excellence Awards, for communications programs spanning community engagement, customer service, financial education, investor relations and digital communications.

The awards went to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, and businesses across the Group, including SM Foundation, Inc., SM Supermalls (Shopping Center Management Corporation), BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation and Signature Series by SM Residences (Signatures Development Corp).

“Good communication helps people understand what our businesses do and why it matters to them,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “These awards reflect the work across the Group to communicate clearly with the customers, investors, partners and communities we serve.”

SM Foundation received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. Its “Utilizing Social Good as a Force for Transformation” campaign received Excellence Awards for Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, while #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online: Transforming Lives Through Heartfelt Storytelling received an Excellence Award for Social Media. Its social good report was also recognized under Publications.

“Communication is an important part of strengthening the impact of development programs,” said Debbie Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation. “It helps communities understand the opportunities available to them, gives people a voice, and brings partners closer to our mission. That is what spreading social good means to us, using communication to help social good initiatives reach and engage more people.”

BDO received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. “Life Insurance: The Key to Heaven?” and “Tuloy ang Plano: Making Plan B a Family Necessity” received Excellence Awards for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, while “Your Child’s Dreams Need a Plan B” received an Excellence Award for Audio/Visual Communication. BDO Remit’s “Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs” was also recognized for Social Media.

SM Investments was recognized for SM In Focus, a group-wide online channel as part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to provide timely, structured, and relevant insights on the group’s operations and impact.

SM In Focus host Rico Hizon (center) visits the Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s Tiwi site to gather groundbreaking business initiatives and sustainability stories for the online channel.

SM Supermalls received three awards for Active Hub, Mindanao and International Coastal 2025, coveringCommunity Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Through Mindanao Art, SM Supermalls provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase Mindanao's diverse creativity and cultural heritage.

“Our programs begin with understanding what our customers and communities need,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Communication helps us listen, respond and keep improving how we serve them.”

Chinabank received two awards. Its Investor Relations: Focused on Value campaign was recognized for Financial Communication and Investor Relations, while My CBC Campaign: An App Fit for Beauty Queens was recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Signature Series was recognized for “Setting a New Mark in Premium Residential Living” under Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC), the Philippine Quill Awards recognize communication programs and practices across organizations in the country. This year’s winners were selected from more than 800 entries evaluated against IABC standards.

Sunlight Air and The Henry Resort reveal a slower side of Siargao

2026-09-07T20:28:15.450+08:00

As more Filipinos trade packed itineraries for the unhurried pace of slow travel, Siargao is emerging as one of the country's premier destinations to experience it. Best known for its world-class surf, buzzing nightlife, and café culture, the island also holds a quieter side, one that rewards travelers who choose to slow down, especially from April to August when the waves are calmer.

Last July, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels and Resorts welcomed a curated group of guests from the travel, tourism, film, and creative industries for Where Stories Stay Still: A Siargao Changemakers Trip. The four-day immersive experience brought together individuals whose work influences how Filipinos discover destinations and engage with local communities, earning them the title Changemakers for their ability to inspire more thoughtful and meaningful ways of traveling.

Beyond curating the itinerary, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels also partnered with Hertz Philippines to provide seamless land transfers between Manila and Clark, as well as throughout Siargao, allowing guests to focus on experiencing the destination at an unhurried pace. Rather than racing through a checklist of attractions, the itinerary invited guests to linger and connect with the island through its people, culture, cuisine, and natural landscapes.

Exploring Siargao Beyond the Tourist Trail

In partnership with Galatea Tours Siargao, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels led guests beyond the island's usual tourist trail to Corregidor Island, originally known as Casulian Island. Roughly a 45-minute boat ride from Siargao, the island rewards visitors who take their time. A gentle 20- to 30-minute hike leads to sweeping panoramic views, though the journey there is just as memorable.

The group later made their way to the Malinao Mangroves, tucked into the quiet village of Malinao near Secret Beach. Part of Siargao’s expansive mangrove ecosystem, Malinao Mangroves showcases the island’s quieter side, with lush waterways, serene surroundings, and sightings of fruit bats that highlight the area’s natural charm. Exploring the calm waterways by paddleboard, kayak, or traditional baroto revealed an entirely different side of Siargao, defined not by adrenaline, but by silence, birdsong, and the peaceful embrace of the mangrove forest.

It was a fitting reminder that some of the island's most rewarding places reveal themselves only to those willing to slow down and learn from the people who know the island best.

Learning From Siargao's Local Community

Some of Siargao's most meaningful experiences aren't found in its landscapes but in the people who shape its culture and sustain its traditions. To offer guests a deeper connection to the island’s way of life, Lokal Lab in The Hub, General Luna, led an immersive kinilaw workshop that began with a visit to the local public market. The experience highlighted the importance of Siargao’s community-to-table practices, where locally sourced ingredients support small-scale fishermen, farmers, and producers whose livelihoods are closely tied to the island’s natural resources. At the workshop, guests prepared Siargao’s signature kinilaw using tuba vinegar and freshly squeezed coconut milk, deepening their appreciation for the stories, people, and sustainable practices behind every flavor.

Discovering Siargao's Culinary Scene

Like many who visit Siargao, the people behind some of its most celebrated restaurants first came for the island and stayed because they fell in love with its way of life. They brought their craft, creativity, and passion for cooking with them, helping turn Siargao into one of the country's most exciting food destinations.

To showcase this evolving culinary scene, the four-day itinerary allowed for multiple restaurants to become a destination in its own right. Each restaurant offered unique flavors and creative menus that left guests wanting to savor the moment longer:

Kanin Baboy – known for its generous servings of Filipino classics led by its signature spicy lechon

LOKA Siargao – a beachfront spot by Cloud 9 known for its wood-fired pizzas and laid-back cocktail menu

ROOTS Siargao – multi-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal ingredients, thoughtful flavors, and meticulous presentation

Wild Siargao – where inventive, globally inspired flavors showcase the creativity that has made the island a destination for chefs and food lovers alike

CEV Siargao – one of the pioneers of Siargao's dining scene, known for reimagining kinilaw and ceviche

Kermit Siargao – the island's go-to destination for handmade pizzas and fresh pasta

By lingering over each meal and getting to know the people behind them, the group experienced firsthand how the island's dining scene is as much about its stories as it is about its flavors, inviting future travelers to discover these restaurants not simply for what they serve, but for the stories they tell.

The Changemakers' Takeaway

By the end of the four-day Where Stories Stay Still: A Siargao Changemakers Trip, the guests left with more than a full itinerary, but with a deeper understanding of what makes Siargao worth slowing down for. By bringing together this group of changemakers, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels hope to provide another perspective of the island’s quieter side to the people who shape how Filipinos travel, eat, and tell stories. Through meaningful conversations, local encounters, peaceful landscapes, and memorable meals, the group discovered a side of Siargao that goes beyond tourism.

The experience was also a reminder that meaningful change happens when people come together. “Alone, an airline, a hotel, a tour operator, or a local business can only do so much. But together, as a village with people who believe in the destination and its communities, every effort can help move the needle and create a greater impact,” said Lee.

Sunlight Air CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia shared, "This trip reminded us that travel isn't just about bringing people to a destination, but about helping travelers connect with the communities that call these places home. We, as an airline, also play a key role in the ecosystem –supporting local businesses, celebrating local culture, and creating opportunities for destinations and the people behind them to thrive."

That shared commitment continues to shape Sunlight Air’s partnerships and collaborations with local communities, championing experiences that create meaningful connections between travelers and destinations.

Sometimes, the best way to see Siargao isn’t by doing more, but by slowing down. For travelers inspired to experience the island beyond its well-known attractions, Sunlight Air Vacations, in partnership with The Henry Hotels and Resorts, offers thoughtfully curated packages that showcase the stories, people, and places that make Siargao worth savoring. Learn more at sunlightair.ph/vacations.

This trip was made possible in collaboration with Hertz Philippines, Galatea Tours Siargao, Lokal Lab, and restaurant partners Loka, Kanin Baboy, CEV Siargao, Wild Siargao, and Kermit Restaurant. Adding thoughtful touches of comfort and craftsmanship to the journey were Messy Bessy, Bagoyan, Abel PH, and Primer Group of Companies.

Spring Returns: The Sandbox Collective opens its 2027 Slate with Spring Awakening

2026-09-07T20:12:38.024+08:00

The Sandbox Collective announces the highly anticipated and limited rerun of the award-winning rock musical, SPRING AWAKENING. The production is set to open in February 2027 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

The staging recently received 17 citations from Gawad Buhay Awards, cementing it as one of the most celebrated local productions of the season.

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Duncan Sheik, SPRING AWAKENING is a contemporary rock masterpiece based on the controversial Frank Wedekind play of the same name.

Set in 19th-century Germany, the musical follows a group of teenagers navigating their burgeoning sexualities and rapidly changing bodies. As they seek answers to the mysteries of life, they clash with uncommunicative parents, rigid institutions, and a deeply conservative society. Driven by an electrifying alternative rock score, the show channels its characters' adolescent repressions into the timeless angst and power of modern youth.

It is an illuminating, unforgettable fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

With direction by Gawad Buhay nominee Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan (Muli, Lungs, Sa Wakas, Fringe Manila) and musical direction by multi-awarded Ejay Yatco (Side Show, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors), the SPRING AWAKENING rerun promises to reignite vital conversations while championing The Sandbox Collective’s ongoing education and advocacy initiatives.

Pamintuan and Yatco are joined by Nunoy Van Den Burgh (Choreographer), Missy Maramara (Intimacy Director), Wika Nadera (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer), Gabbi Campomanes (Assistant Director), and D Cortezano (Lighting Designer).

Ticket information will be announced soon.

SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok.

Gourdo’s Reclaims Rest in Metro Manila with “The Dream Oasis” Sleepcare x Healthguard Pop-Up at The Podium

2026-09-05T22:38:42.463+08:00

To combat the growing sleep crisis facing urban professionals, Gourdo’s announces the launch of The Dream Oasis: Sleepcare x Healthguard, an interactive, sensory pop-up running from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Central Atrium of The Podium Mall in Ortigas.

As Metro Manila's fast-paced lifestyle increasingly compromises personal well-being, Gourdo’s is redefining urban rest by orchestrating a powerful synergy between three renowned sleep technology leaders: Sleepcare, Healthguard®, and A-Fontane®. Developed as Gourdo's signature line for holistic sleep wellness, Sleepcare focuses on precision ergonomic design and tailored contouring to relieve spinal strain and daily posture fatigue. Partnering with Sleepcare is Healthguard®, a global pioneer in advanced biocide and anti-dust mite treatments engineered to create permanent, medical-grade barriers against microscopic allergens, bacteria, and dust mites. Completing this sleep sanctuary ecosystem is A-Fontane®, an internationally acclaimed home textile pioneer with over five decades of fabric innovation. Known for its revolutionary, award-winning home solutions, A-Fontane brings its flagship StayClean technology—a self-cleaning, stain-resistant, and liquid-repellent fabric barrier that keeps bedding hygienic, fresh, and effortlessly low-maintenance.

Recent studies reveal that 74% of Metro Manila professionals report critical sleep depravity, driven by intense traffic congestion, long commutes, and round-the-clock corporate connectivity.

Gourdo’s is addressing this head-on by transforming luxury bedding from a mere household purchase into an essential lifestyle rescue.

"In a fast-paced metropolis that rarely stops to breathe, the ultimate luxury we can reclaim is a deeply restorative night's rest," says the Gourdo’s Sleepcare team. "By combining Sleepcare’s ergonomic pressure relief, Healthguard®’s allergy protection, and A-Fontane®’s high-performance fabric technology, The Dream Oasis offers a complete sanctuary where guests can actively test, touch, and discover personalized sleep solutions tailored to their exact daily stressors. Notably, the breakthrough protection of Heathguard® is available in the Philippines exclusively through Gourdo’s.”

An Interactive, Experiential Sanctuary

Visitors begin with a personalized Sleep Profile Quiz before embarking on a four-stop sensory journey:

Sleep Sanctuary Suite: A trial bed zone to test matched Sleepcare pillows.
Touch Bar: A hands-on display to compare raw Sleepcare filling materials.
Aromatherapy Bar: A scent station featuring custom local essential oils and takeaway samples.
Tea Station: A calming zone offering sleep-promoting herbal tea samples.

Sleep Sanctuary Suite

Touch Bar

Tea Station

Aromatherapy Bar

The venue also features A-Fontane StayClean products, along with daily Speed Bedding Challenges for a chance to win top-of-the-line Sleepcare pillows.

Ergonomic Pillow Solutions for Every Sleep Profile

The Gourdo's Sleepcare pillow collection targets four distinct urban sleep profiles with specialized engineering:

Sleepcare Memory Comfort Pillow: Tailored for professionals suffering from severe neck tension and posture fatigue after long hours at a desk. Built with high-density, open-cell memory foam and an ergonomic contoured design, it cradles the cervical curve to align the spine, relieving pressure points across the neck and shoulders.

Sleepcare Memory Gel Pillow: Engineered for sleepers struggling with tropical heat and night sweats. Features an integrated Cool Gel membrane layer combined with a breathable Bamboo cover. While the gel layer actively absorbs and dissipates body heat away from the head and neck to regulate surface temperature, the countered memory foam also addresses cervical posture for optimal spinal alignment during deep sleep.

Sleepcare Anti-Mite Anti-Bacterial Anti-Bed Bug Pillow: Designed for exhausted commuters suffering from lower back stiffness and allergen exposure. Encased in a premium 200-thread count, air-permeable fabric, this full-length body pillow opens up hips to align the lumbar spine.

This pillow is Healthguard® treated, featuring an advanced biotech formula developed in Australia that permanently inhibits dust mites, bacteria, and bed bugs to create a cleaner, medical-grade sleeping environment.

Hotel Atelier Premium Queen Pillow: Engineered to provide immediate physical relaxation for late-night mobile phone users experiencing digital fatigue. Wrapped in 100% combed cotton with high-loft microfiber fill, it delivers staycation-grade, plush support that mimics five-star hotel bedding.

To ensure optimal sleep wellness, this pillow is Healthguard® treated. Originating from Australia, this premier biotech treatment prevents the colonization of harmful microbes, mold, and odor- causing bacteria for a fresher, hypoallergenic rest.

MORYON: Behind the Mask of Faith Lies a Mother’s Reckoning with Grief

2026-09-03T23:00:00.000+08:00

Based on Guy de Maupassant’s Mother Sauvage, and set within the Japanese Occupation of Marinduque, MORYON explores a community where faith, memory, and the search for justice are tested in the shadow of war.

The Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) opens its 93rd season with MORYON, a striking Filipino reimagining of Guy de Maupassant’s Mother Sauvage, written and directed by Dudz Teraña.

Set during Holy Thursday in Mogpog, a small town in Marinduque under Japanese occupation, the story revolves around the island’s traditions, struggles and people. At the heart of the play is the Moriones tradition. As devotees fill the streets in acts of penance and devotion, the realities of occupation quietly reshape the lives of those who call the island home.

Marinduqueños

Japanese soldiers

At the center of the story is Caridad, a mother waiting for her son Joaquin, a young guerrilla driven by a need to prove his worth in a world that has long underestimated him. When war reaches her doorstep, Caridad is forced to confront a choice that tests the limits of faith, justice and a mother’s love.

Caridad

What Lies Beneath the Masks?
Beyond its historical setting, MORYON examines the tensions that emerge when personal suffering collides with collective beliefs. In a town bound by tradition and faith, questions of justice become increasingly difficult to answer, especially when grief demands its own form of reckoning.

By placing Maupassant’s moral dilemma within the cultural and historical realities of Marinduque, MORYON offers a distinctly Filipino perspective on a timeless story. It asks enduring questions:

Where is faith in moments of violence?
What becomes of justice when grief takes hold?
How far can a person go before survival begins to challenge their deepest convictions?

Behind MORYON stands a collaborative team of student artists whose work extends beyond the stage. From production management and technical execution to design, publicity, marketing, and audience engagement, the production is shaped by the collective efforts of Assistant Director Kirstan Erin Wayne Orbegoso, Executive Director Maria Ysabel R. delos Reyes, Finance Director Trisha Tan, Production Manager Marjorie E. Uson, Head Stage Manager Danielle Schwartz, Production Designer Althea Carla H. Sibulo, Technical Director Martin Gabriel L. Mesina, Multimedia Director Johann Edgar S. Oliveros, Marketing Director Edrud Adriyel Madalan, Publicity Director Irish Jane L. Oliveros, and House Manager Zoe Trinity C. Sisam, whose dedication helps bring the story of MORYON from page to stage.

Bringing MORYON’s lead characters to life, Maria Alexandra Mayano and Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes alternately portray Caridad, while Dave Bambang and Aldin Covarrubias take on the role of Esteban.

Alexandra Mayano, Ysabel Delos Reyes (Caridad)

Aldin Covarrubias, Dave Bambang (Esteban)

MORYON will run at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on the following dates:

October 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, & 30
November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28

The house will open at 6:00 PM. The performance begins at 6:30 PM.

Guests are encouraged to arrive 30–60 minutes before the start of MORYON to enjoy a free guided walk around FEU’s Art Deco Campus, recognized by UNESCO and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for its cultural and architectural significance.

Ticket Prices

₱150 : FEU Students / Faculty / Staff and FEU/FTG Alumni with Alumni ID
₱250 : Non-FEU Students (with valid ID)
₱500 : FTG Alumni without Alumni ID, PWD / Senior Citizen Discount
₱700 : General Public

For updates and announcements, connect with the Far Eastern University Theater Guild on Facebook, follow @feutheaterguildofficial on Instagram and TikTok, and @ftg1934 on Twitter/X.

PETA x Move to Change Foundation, Inc. bring audiences into a world where they call the shots in “Gen G: GG na ’to!”

2026-08-28T20:38:00.000+08:00

Because change does not begin only when young people become leaders, it begins when they recognize that their choices already matter.

What’s next for PETA? Aligned with its continued commitment to advocacy and educational theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents “Gen G: GG na ’to!”—a new interactive play about choice, survival, and community.

Created in partnership with Move to Change Foundation, Inc. (M2C)—a social purpose organization creating opportunities for young people to lead positive change—the production is part of Project GG: Game Changers for Good Governance, a youth-centered campaign that transforms civic education into lived experiences where young people learn that every voice matters and every act of participation helps shape more accountable communities and stronger democratic systems.

But this isn’t your usual sit-back-and-watch kind of play, the audience gets to participate, make choices, and help shape the experience.

Show Synopsis:
Set in an alternate Philippines submerged in flood waters, Gen G follows a group of young people placed in “Balangay Gen Zones”, temporary communities for youth who are adaptable, flexible, and have high chances of survival. They were to remain safe in the Balangay while adults sought solutions elsewhere.

But when the supposed return date arrives, the adults are nowhere to be found. Left to fend for themselves, the young people must figure out how to run their Balangay—and this time, the audience gets a say. Through votes, choices, negotiations, and unexpected consequences, audiences become part of the community and help determine what happens next.

As the story unfolds, Gen G asks: Who gets heard? Who gets left behind? What do we prioritize? Survival isn’t just about making the “right” choice. And when the system we inherit doesn’t work anymore, do we simply adapt—or do we dare to change it?

Through the world of the Balangay, Gen G invites young people to see participation as something that extends beyond elections, and agency beyond choosing among options given to them. It encourages them to question, imagine, and act together.

For co-playwright and PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag, the starting point was the seemingly simple question, “G?”

“Every time we say yes to something, we are also making a choice. And whether we realize it or not, our choices reveal what we value, whom we care about, and what kind of community we are helping create.”

At the helm is an exciting creative team led by director Ian Segarra (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), playwrights J-mee Katanyag (Nobody is Home, 2025 - PETA) and Jhudiel Sosa (Identité, 2024 - Virgin Labfest 19), musical director Kabaitan Bautista (Si Faust, 2025 - Areté), set and props designer Julio Garcia (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), and costume designer Johnnie Moran.

The cast features a mix of emerging and established performers, including Lyle Viray as New Character, Johnrick Noynay as Dex, James Lanante as Sid, Camille Fabian as Chloe, Francheska Andaya as Achi, Cb Lagapa as Achi/Chloe, and Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker.

Lyle Viray (New character), Johnrick Noynay (Dex)

James Lanante (Sid), Camille Fabian (Chloe)

Francheska Andaya (Achi), Cb Lagapa (Achi/Chloe)

Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker

The show will be touring 12 schools from September to December 2026.

Beyond the performance, “Project GG” will create opportunities for young people to engage through interactive experiences, workshops, community conversations, and other participatory activities designed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and collective decision-making.

From September to November 2026, the campaign will bring together partners and communities through initiatives focused on Global Citizenship Education, narrative change, and youth participation—from Reclaiming Democratic Spaces for Children through GCED in partnership with Terre des Hommes and Dachser, to the Narrative Change Education Series with DAKILA, Misereor, and FNF Philippines, culminating in Control + Shift Live! Narrative Change StudioLab and the Narrative Change Forum, which will extend conversations around narrative, power, care, and social change through performances, dialogue, and community exchange.

PascualLab banners 80th Anniversary with the launch of Alevia-B and Mycolla C

2026-08-27T19:36:00.000+08:00

One of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines forays into the mobility market and expands its beauty & personal care portfolio as it celebrates 8 decades in the industry

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab), one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines continues to expand its health and wellness portfolio on its 80th year in the industry with the launch of two new health and wellness products plus new campaigns for its flagship brands.

As it celebrates 80 years of delivering quality, family-friendly health and wellness products to Filipino families since 1946, PascualLab proudly enters the mobility market.

It also launches its newest product under one of its core categories, food supplementation.

ALEVIA B For Triple Action Relief for Muscle, Joint or Nerve-related Mild to Moderate Pain
Consistent with its history of purposeful health solutions, PascualLab now enters the mobility market with one of its newest offerings Alevia-B that combines Paracetamol with Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B6 (Pyridoxine), & B12 (Cyanocobalamin) in one convenient tablet to help relieve mild to moderate pain while supporting normal nerve function.

ALEVIA B features a triple-action formula that addresses different types of pain in a single formulation. an analgesic component (Paracetamol) with neurotropic vitamins (B1, B6, B12), providing a complementary, mechanism-based approach to support relief across multiple pain components.
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a widely used first-line non-opioid analgesic for mild to moderate pain. Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are essential for normal nervous system function and contribute to neuronal metabolism and myelin maintenance.

MY COLLA C Premium Marine Collagen + Vitamin C

For people approaching their mid-30s and 40s, the time when one needs to focus on the things that truly matter; look ahead into the future; and make choices that prepare them for the next chapter, PascualLab unveils MyColla C. At this time when certain realities appear – aging; skin rebuild; and need for nourishment from within – MyColla C offers a pairing that makes perfect sense:

Premium Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen – building blocks that help support skin health: elasticity, hydration, and firmness
Vitamin C - essential in producing and maintaining collagen

Collagen and Vitamin C work together to help support normal collagen formation and structure to achieve skin nourishment and radiance from within when paired

with proper diet and exercise.

My Colla C comes in different formats for varying lifestyles so users can choose what works: easy-to-drink Strawberry Milk powdered drink in sachets; versatile and easy-to- mix with favorite drinks Unflavored sachets; and compact and easy Chewable tablets for those always on the move. Begin your brightest chapter with MyColla C, #MyPremiumCollagenChoice at Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, St. Joseph Drugstore, and Watsons.

GALING THAT KEEPS GOING
This year, flagship brand Ascorbic Acid (Poten-Cee) Vitamin C also launched its #CeeGe Lang campaign while its no. 1 Lagundi brand Ascof Forte also launched its campaign on natural cough relief for various cough (not caused by bacterial infection). Meanwhile top psyllium fiber brand C-Lium Fibre unveiled its #PowerTheSlay campaign earlier this year to get Filipinos going and not be weighed down by irregular bowel movement while Poten-Cee + C highlights the benefits of bovine and marine collagen in one campaign: #MyGlowToChoice. To celebrate its 80th-anniversary, PascualLab also gifted customers with Php 80 Mercury Drug GCs for every accumulated purchase of PascualLab products worth Php 400. More offerings are also in the pipeline.

80 YEARS of PASCUALLAB
Launched in 1946 by founders Isosceles and Leonora Pascual to address the post-war needs of their fellowmen, PascualLab has since been continuously evolving to help address the health needs of Filipinos while keeping quality and care front and center. Now on its 80th, the company behind other product innovations such as OraCare Mouthrinse, PelarGo, and Glutaphos, looks forward with a theme that best captures its foundation, its purpose, and the Filipino excellence that factors in all these: #GalingThatKeepsGoing

'LAST DANCE - HUBO'T HUBAD' all set for September - October shows at Halxyon Club

2026-08-27T19:27:00.000+08:00

JAPS Collectives and World Theater Productions (Guam/Manila) proudly present LAST DANCE - HUBO’T HUBAD, an intimate queer ensemble play running this September and October at Halxyon Club, Makati’s premier LGBTQ+ nightlife destination.

Written and directed by award-winning actor, director, and producer Jojo Urquico, LAST DANCE is set inside the dressing room of a struggling Manila male revue bar on what may be its final night. As a violent storm rages outside and the threat of a police raid looms, five performers prepare for one last show while confronting abandoned dreams, concealed identities, and the sacrifices made to survive. Told through humor, music, and raw confession, their intertwined stories reveal the resilience of a chosen family determined to keep dancing despite an uncertain future.

Meet the Cast & Characters
GERALD MAGALLANES as ACE: The Fearless One
"How much of me is just an act?"
An Aliw Award-nominated actor and choreographer with over a decade of stage experience. Bold and outspoken, Ace uses humor to shield a deeply resilient core.

PAOLO DOMINGO as JAY: The Dreamer
"How far will I go for my dream?"
A versatile stage/film actor and resident DJ at Halxyon Club. Young and hopeful, Jay fights for his place as a professional dancer and the courage to live authentically.

JOHN SEGUI as DODONG: The Heart of the Group
"Who am I when the lights go out?"
A model and King of the World Philippines 2025 representative for Cainta, Rizal. Warm and protective, Dodong uses laughter to mask a longing for true acceptance.

KRISZAN MANIPON as MARK: The Veteran
"When do you know it's time for the last dance?"
A seasoned theater actor and improviser bringing intelligence and sharp wit to the role of a practical survivor evaluating his future on stage.

ROBBIE PADILLA as RAFA: The Quiet Soul
"What happens when the music stops?"
A visual storyteller making his stage debut. Grounded and observant, Rafa brings quiet depth to a character searching for purpose.

Marking a major creative milestone, LAST DANCE is the debut play written by Jojo Urquico. Known for notable international performances—including MISS SAIGON (Thuy), RENT (Angel), ROMEO & JULIET (Tybalt), and Die Zauberflöte (Tamino)—Urquico has performed across Europe and Asia, including the Göteborg Opera and Staatsoper Stuttgart. Since 2017, he has served as Artistic Director of World Theater Productions.

"Five Men. One Stage. Stripped Bare. Stories Uncovered. Their bodies may draw you in; their stories will stay with you."

Performance Schedule & Details

September: 29 (Premiere)
October Runs: 1, 6, 8, 13, 15
Special Screening: October 17
Final Shows: October 20, 22, 27, 29

Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Halxyon Club, Poblacion, Makati, Philippines

Ticketing: Available online via Ticket2Me.com

₱700.00 – Front Seated
₱600.00 – Side Seated
₱500.00 – Standing

A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to PRIDE PH to support local LGBTQIA+ advocacy and community programs.

Content Advisory: Strictly for adult audiences aged 18 and above. Contains mature themes, sensual performances, and theatrical partial and full nudity.

Follow Japs Collectives and Halxyon Club on Instagram and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

4 Pro Tips to Avoid Traveling Mistakes

2026-08-24T19:00:00.000+08:00

Even the most seasoned travelers can forget a thing or two when they travel abroad. On a trip that’s supposed to be fun and full of adventure, the last thing anybody wants to deal with is problems that could have been avoided with better preparation and planning. So, here are four things travelers tend to forget, along with pro tips from some travel experts to help avoid these common travel blunders.

Forgetting about the home
Travel plans begin at home, literally. It’s easy to focus on packing and planning an itinerary and forget to make sure everything is taken care of at home before leaving. The last thing any person wants is to come back from a relaxing trip to a major cleanup job, or worse, discover that their home wasn’t properly secured while they were away.

Many homeowners keep an eye on things through CCTV, while others ask a close relative to drop by every now and then. It’s also important to unplug all electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running. It may seem obvious, but taking care of these things before leaving can give travelers one less thing to worry about while they're on vacation.

Overlooking important travel documents
There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing an important document was either left unfinished or not brought at all. To avoid these moments, it’s important to have a checklist of everything that needs to be completed – such as the eTravel pass – ahead of time. These are easy to put off at the last minute, but doing so often leaves travelers scrambling once at the airport.

Another pro tip is to keep photocopies of a valid ID, your passport, the destination’s visa (if needed), and hotel bookings stored in both your hand carry and check-in luggage. If you lose your luggage, have it swapped, or your passport goes missing, you’ll have proof they’re yours.

Not getting travel insurance
Travel insurance is one of those things that’s easy to put off because travelers are hoping they won’t actually need it. But when something unexpected happens on a trip, having coverage can make a big difference.

For content creator Maki Santos, travel insurance is among her non-negotiables before heading out on her travels. “Sadly, getting travel insurance is still not top of mind for Filipinos, when in fact, it is a need especially during trips where you do so many different activities that are out of the ordinary,” she shares.

According to her, travelers tend to assume that getting insurance means dealing with a complicated process or having to spend a lot of money on an already expensive trip. But what they don’t realize is that there are many accessible options that make it easier to get covered these days.

GCash offers GInsure Travel starting at only PHP 299, with protection covering medical emergencies, flight delays, trip cancellations, lost baggage, personal accidents, based on their chosen coverage plan. Policies can cover up to PHP 2.5 million, and travelers can avail of coverage for themselves or family members in as fast as 5 minutes, even at the airport, up to 2 hours before their flight.

Not mixing it up with payment options
The way people pay in different countries can be very different. Some destinations are almost completely cashless, while others still rely heavily on cash especially for transportation and night markets. It’s this extra step of research that travel creator Marvin Samaco makes sure to never miss.

According to him, “Some destinations especially in Southeast Asia are still very cash-heavy, so I make sure to carry enough cash when I visit there. Others are mostly cashless, so when I’m there, I use my cards. Then there are places like China, where digital wallets are essential. That's why I always research the payment culture of a destination before I travel. I usually end up using a mix of cash, cards, and digital wallets depending on where I am.”

GCash allows travelers to manage different payments through a single e-wallet, get access to 0% forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app to make sure they stay within their budgets.

For everyday expenses like dining at restaurants or at the convenience store, users can Scan to Pay via Alipay+ for safe and seamless transactions. For instant, on-the-go payments, especially in high-volume areas or pasalubong shops, users can also Tap to Pay with their NFC-enabled Android phone, so they don’t need to pull out their wallets in the crowd.

Meanwhile, the GCash Card offers 0% Forex fees that one can enjoy on shopping purchases abroad. It can also be used to withdraw cash 24/7 from ATMs worldwide.

The ultimate travel pro tip: Be ready for the unexpected
The goal isn’t to plan for everything that could go wrong, but to be ready when the unexpected happens. With GCash as a travel partner, travelers can stay ready for any payment moment, wherever their travels take them.

SM Group receives 12 Stevie® Awards for reporting and community programs

2026-08-24T18:00:00.000+08:00

The SM Group received 12 Stevie Awards at the 2026 International Business Awards, with recognition spanning parent-company reporting and programs delivered through its malls and communities.

SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, received four awards. It won Gold Stevies in the Conglomerates (Large) and Best Annual Report (Publicly Held Corporations) categories for its 2025 Integrated Report.

Its 2025 Sustainability Report received Bronze for Best Sustainability Report. The SM Sustainability School also received Bronze under Sustainability Initiative of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

“Clear reporting gives investors and other stakeholders a better view of how we make decisions, manage the business and plan for the long term,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “The other awards show how that same sense of responsibility is carried through by our businesses in the communities they serve.”

Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments

That work can be seen across the eight awards received by SM Supermalls.

“People experience a mall through the things they do there, not through what we say about it,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan. “A place to read, an event that brings local art to more people, or a program that makes the mall easier to use can make a practical difference to a community.”

SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition won Gold for Brand Experience of the Year (Consumer), while the Find Your SM campaign received Silver in the same category.

The SM Green Movement won Silver for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility. The SM Cares Coastal Cleanup initiative received Silver for Achievement in Environment, while SM Cares: A Mall for All received Silver for Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion.

The SM Cares Book Nook received Bronze for Most Innovative Creative Project. The program makes space in malls for people to read and share books. The Empowering Communities campaign was also recognized under Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

SM Mindanao Art received Bronze in the Corporate and Community (Community Engagement Event) category, giving Mindanaoan artists and their work a wider public audience.

More than 300 business professionals took part in two months of judging. Winners were determined from their average scores.

The International Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, recognize organizations, executives, entrepreneurs and teams worldwide.

When a Wooden Puppet Dreams: Pinocchio comes to life at Ayala Malls Feliz

2026-08-23T21:00:00.000+08:00

A familiar “Buongiorno!” will soon fill the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Feliz as Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. brings Carlo Collodi’s beloved Pinocchio to life on October 9 to 11, 2026.

This musical adaptation follows the journey of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. Through music, movement, colorful costumes, and a lot of adventure, the story explores honesty, courage, responsibility, and the choices that help shape who we become.

Directed by seasoned musical theater artist Sweet Samaniego Buchanan, with musical arrangements by Pipo Cifra, the production features Brie Mosquito as Pinocchio, Red Nuestro as Geppetto, Buchanan as the Blue Fairy, Sheila Gamo as Angelina, Bhen Espina as Antonio, Nazer Salcedo as the Coachman, and Dusty Suarez in multiple roles.

The production also highlights a young ensemble of emerging performers, reflecting Ephesus Teatron’s commitment to giving new artists opportunities to train, perform, and connect with live audiences.

Bringing Theater Closer to East Metro Manila
One of the most interesting things about this production is its choice of venue. Instead of a traditional theater, Pinocchio will be staged at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig.

While an unconventional theater venue, the mall offers a unique opportunity to bring live performance closer to communities east of Metro Manila, including audiences from Marikina, Rizal, and nearby areas. Some of the actors and members of the production team are also from the vicinity of Rizal and Marikina, making the production a source of pride as they represent their communities on the Philippine theater scene.

More importantly, staging the musical in a familiar community space can help make theater feel more accessible, especially to young audiences and families who may not regularly visit traditional theater venues.

A Story for the Social Media Generation
Although Pinocchio is a classic story, its lessons remain surprisingly relevant today. In the age of social media, Pinocchio’s struggles with lying, peer pressure, poor decisions, and the desire to fit in can easily connect with young audiences.

The story also offers a timely reminder about authenticity and responsible choices in a world of misinformation, online pressure, and carefully curated versions of ourselves. At its heart, Pinocchio asks a simple question: What does it really mean to become a good and responsible person?

For Ephesus Teatron, the production is not only about entertainment. It is also about education, community, and encouraging the next generation to discover the value of live theater.
Pinocchio will be staged on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026, at the Activity Center, 2nd Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Marcos Hiway corner J.P. Rizal, Barangay Dela Paz, Pasig City.

For ticket reservations and inquiries, contact Ephesus Teatron Group Inc. at 0945-991-1840.

This October, follow Pinocchio’s journey from a wooden puppet to a real boy—and discover how a classic story can still speak to audiences today, especially to the young people who are finding their own place in the world.

Prophetic Filipino musical "Ambon, Ulan, Baha" reawakens at the MET amid rising climate crises

2026-08-21T23:29:15.996+08:00

Award-winning musical returns in a timely reimagining, holding a mirror to a generation increasingly burdened by the realities of climate change while underscoring the urgent need for collective action.

The acclaimed ethno-pop-rock modern zarzuela Ambon, Ulan, Baha, written by multi-awarded playwright Frank G. Rivera, marks a significant full-circle homecoming as it reawakens at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) on September 26 and 27.

Presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Metropolitan Theater, and produced by Pixel Art Media Production Co., the Filipino musical returns in a timely reimagining, exploring themes of greed, social inequality, and environmental reckoning.

The homecoming carries special significance as Ambon, Ulan, Baha returns to the MET’s storied halls after more than three decades.

In 1992, the musical was staged at the historic theater under Rivera’s helm as founder and artistic director of Teatro Metropolitano, the MET’s resident theater company during its celebrated Second Golden Age. It would become the last production staged at the Metropolitan Theater before the venue closed its doors. More than three decades later, Ambon, Ulan, Baha returns to the same stage, bringing both the musical and a significant chapter of the MET’s theatrical history full circle.

The 2026 restaging also forms part of the celebrations for the 52nd anniversary of Sining Kambayoka, the pioneering theater company founded by Rivera at Mindanao State University in 1974. Widely regarded as one of the country’s significant cultural institutions, the ensemble is celebrated for its distinctive Kambayoka Theater Form, which weaves together Meranaw chants, folklore, music, and dance into a uniquely Filipino theatrical tradition.

Ambon, Ulan, Baha tells the story of Nonoy (CJ Navato) and Inday (Thea Astley), two young lovers whose dreams become entangled in promises of progress brought about by a logging concession set in motion by the rich and powerful Don Calixto (Anton Juan) and his son Doctor Anton (Rendell Sanchez) in the fictional Barrio Magubat. As ambition, power, and self-interest take hold of the community, forests are stripped bare, traditions fade, and nature ultimately retaliates in a catastrophic flood that forever alters the lives of its people.

CJ Navato and Thea Astley

Vladimir Manio, Anton Juan, Rendell Sanchez

Combining stylized minimalism with modern stage technologies, the production will transform the Metropolitan Theater into a living world of rain, memory, destruction, and hope through innovative visual storytelling, immersive projections, and breathtaking theatrical moments, including rainfall and aerial sequences within the historic venue itself.

Led by an esteemed artistic team composed of CJ Andaluz (Director), Frank G. Rivera (Playwright and Principal Composer), Pipo Cifra (2026 Musical Arrangement and Direction), Anthony Cruz (Choreography), Ohm David (Production Design), Raqs Regalado (Costume Design), Charlotte Despuez (Lighting Design), and Roman Cruz (Technical Direction), among others, the production brings together some of Philippine theater’s seasoned creative talents in reimagining the work for contemporary audiences.

Joining Navato, Astley, Juan, and Sanchez are Nazer Salcedo as Kapitan Berto, Onyl Torres as Mang Pedro, Shermaine Santiago as Nana Ilyang, and Sweet Buchanan as Nana Maring.

Onyl Torres, Shermaine Santiago, Nazer Salcedo, Sweet Buchanan

Bringing the community of Barrio Magubat to life is the Taumbayan (Townspeople), an ensemble that brings together alumni of previous Ambon, Ulan, Baha productions and a new generation of performers, including Beng Jordan, Jerome Ferguson, Joseph Sy, Jonathan Montes, Lian Silverio, Peachy Dumaya, and Phil Panganiban.

Ensemble - Beng Jordan, Jerome Ferguson, Joseph Sy, Jonathan Montes, Lian Silverio, Peachy Dumaya, and Phil Panganiban

Completing the company is the Koro (Chorus), composed of members of Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, with lead dancers JM Ursula and Joch Bucacao.

Ensemble - Tanghalang Bagong Sibol

Far from a conventional revival, the new staging also highlights indigenous Filipino expression through traditional chants and musical elements, including the participation of Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) Rosie Godwino Sula, recognized for her mastery and preservation of T’boli epic chanting traditions. Her involvement further grounds the production in Filipino cultural memory while underscoring the universality of its environmental message.

Manlilikha ng Bayan Rosie Godwino Sula

First written and staged as Kaingin in 1976 as part of Ang Hawla, a trilogy of plays created and performed by MSU-Sining Kambayoka, the work was expanded into the full-length zarzuela Ambon, Ulan, Baha in 1978. Its original music grew out of Kambayoka’s collaborative tradition, with Rivera composing the majority of the score, including the Ambon, Ulan, Baha theme, the opening prologue, “Tagtuyot,” “Hapdi,” “Tao’y May Pakpak Din,” alongside contributions from members of the pioneering ensemble.

Emilio “Boy” Nicolasin Jr., the original Nonoy from 1976 onward, composed the song “Kislap ng Iyong mga Mata,” while the crowd favorite “Kay Hirap Mag-isa” was composed by the late Philip James Tremedal.

Created decades before climate change became part of mainstream public discourse, Ambon, Ulan, Baha was already confronting the consequences of environmental destruction, particularly illegal logging and the communities left vulnerable in its wake. In the years that followed, the Philippines would witness tragedies that chillingly echoed its warnings, from the devastating Ormoc flash floods of 1991 to the typhoons, landslides, and catastrophic floods that continue to displace communities across the country. Nearly five decades after Ambon, Ulan, Baha first took shape, its message has not faded into history. It has only become more urgent.

The musical’s continued relevance has been affirmed through accolades such as the 2004 Aliw Award for Best Musical Production and the 2012 Fr. Satur Nery Environmental Heroism Award, underscoring its lasting contribution to Philippine theater and environmental consciousness.

For CJ Andaluz, Creative Director of Pixel Art Media Production Co. and Director of the production, the enduring relevance of Ambon, Ulan, Baha lies in its ability to hold a mirror up to contemporary society.

“What once seemed like a cautionary tale has become our present reality. We are no longer standing at the water’s edge. As Filipinos, we have found ourselves increasingly immersed in floods, both literal and metaphorical, that continue to devastate our communities, our livelihoods, and our everyday lives. Ambon, Ulan, Baha reminds us that every act of progress carries a corresponding responsibility. When development is pursued without regard for ecological balance, even noble intentions can leave irreversible consequences. No one is exempt from the consequences of a wounded planet.”

At its heart, Ambon, Ulan, Baha confronts a difficult truth: environmental destruction is rarely born out of malice alone. Often, it is driven by aspirations for progress, modernization, livelihood, and economic opportunity. Yet when development comes at the expense of nature, even well-intentioned decisions can exact a profound cost on both people and the environment.

The musical thus begs an urgent question: How many more floods, landslides, and environmental tragedies must occur before we recognize that even the smallest human actions and decisions can alter the delicate balance between humanity and nature?

Nearly five decades after it was first staged, Ambon, Ulan, Baha remains both a cautionary tale and a call to collective reflection, challenging audiences to confront an uncomfortable but necessary question: Have we truly learned?

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
26 September 2026
2:00 PM – Ticketed Matinee Performance
7:00 PM – Gala Performance sponsored by the NCCA and MET

27 September 2026
*All performances are ticketed.
10:00 AM
2:00 PM
6:00 PM

TICKET PRICES:
Available via Ticketnation.ph
Reserved Seating: PHP 1,500
General Admission: PHP 1,000
URL: https://bit.ly/aubtickets

Fall into Hong Kong: a Season of Festivals, Flavors and Citywide Celebrations begins

2026-08-18T14:58:15.354+08:00

From centuries-old traditions and world-class sporting events to culinary extravaganzas and Halloween thrills, Hong Kong comes alive this autumn

Celebrate an exciting fall season as Hong Kong welcomes one of its most exciting times of the year with a city-stopping cyclothon, luminous festivals, and mouth-watering culinary delights. This season showcases why Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as the Events Capital of Asia, while offering visitors a collection of Only in Hong Kong moments, from iconic harborfront experiences and vibrant neighborhoods to hidden natural escapes and one-of-a-kind cultural traditions.

For Active Travellers: The Urban Adventures

Hong Kong’s biggest cycling event is back! The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, the city’s largest annual cycling event, will be held on October 11 and will take cyclists through the city’s most iconic locations. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. on August 20, 2026. Those interested in participating in this heart-pumping event may check event and registration details on the Discover Hong Kong Cyclothon page.

Featuring 56 km and 32 km scenic, non-competitive rides, participants will enjoy a rare opportunity to cycle across iconic bridges, through tunnels and past some of the city's most striking urban landscapes. Whether taking on the more challenging 56 km ride or the shorter 32 km ride, participants will have the rare opportunity to cycle on major roads that are closed to all traffic, savoring the thrill of riding through the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

The excitement continues off the course at the Cyclothon Carnival in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where visitors can enjoy a full day of sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and gourmet experiences.

For Culture Lovers: Where Ancient Tradition Illuminates the Modern City

The fall revelries officially begin with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional lunar calendar milestone and one of Hong Kong's most cherished celebrations. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration that spotlights family and togetherness, where people gather to eat mooncakes and admire the brightest full moon of the year. From September 17 to 27, a large-scale international Mid-Autumn lantern display at Victoria Park will showcase spectacular lantern displays, including the renowned Qinhuai Lanterns from Nanjing and an International Lantern Corridor featuring festive lantern artistry from over 20 countries.

Visitors can also enjoy the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, one of Hong Kong's most treasured cultural traditions, taking place from September 24 to 26.

For Food and Wine Lovers: A Feast for the Senses in Asia’s Culinary Capital

Food and wine lovers can savor the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival from October 29 to November 1, when the Central Harbourfront transforms into a vibrant celebration of global flavors against the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline, featuring more than 300 booths, world-class wines, live entertainment, exclusive tastings, and food and wine pairing experiences.

The Festival will also introduce a new highlight, “Only in Hong Kong” Flavors, featuring signature dishes from more than 100 restaurants—including Michelin-starred establishments, luxury hotels, and beloved local favorites—celebrating the city’s rich and diverse culinary scene. The festivities will continue throughout November with Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month, bringing exclusive dining offers, curated menus, and gourmet experiences to restaurants, bars, and hotels across the city, inviting visitors to discover Hong Kong's diverse and dynamic food scene.

For Party Lovers: A Spook-tacular Fall

October will see Hong Kong host its first-ever citywide Halloween celebration, transforming the entire city into a giant stage for creativity, costumes, and immersive experiences.

Guests can enjoy themed activities and local Halloween collaborations across multiple districts, such as the legendary street party hotspots in Lan Kwai Fong, where visitors can immerse themselves in the drinks and nightlife. Themed food and beverage specials await visitors in Knutsford Terrace and Soho, while costume hunters can head to Pottinger Street in Central or explore Tai Yuen Street in Wan Chai and Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po.

The Halloween excitement begins with two pre-heat weekends on October 17 and 24 before the citywide grand finale on October 31.

Popular attractions including Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park will also unveil their signature Halloween experiences, adding even more thrills to a month-long celebration unlike anywhere else in Asia.

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Book your fall trip in time for Hong Kong’s most exciting time of the year! For more information, visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.html.

Lea Salonga set to make history as First Filipina honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame

2026-08-18T10:53:00.000+08:00

Filipino pride is about to shine brighter on Hollywood Boulevard as Broadway and international theater icon Lea Salonga prepares to make history as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles announced the milestone on August 14, 2026, celebrating Salonga's upcoming recognition in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category. The honor recognizes her extraordinary contributions to live performance and her decades-long career spanning Broadway, film, television, music, and the concert stage.

For generations of Filipinos, Salonga's journey has been a source of pride. Her breakthrough international role as Kim in Miss Saigon established her as a major force in musical theater and earned her a Tony Award, Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Theatre World Award for Best Actress. She also made history as the first Asian actress to play Eponine on Broadway's Les Misérables.

But Salonga's influence extends far beyond the theater.

Millions around the world know her voice as Princess Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. She was later named a Disney Legend, cementing her place among the performers whose work has become part of popular culture across generations.

Her career has also continued to evolve across stage and screen. She has appeared in productions including Once on This Island, Here Lies Love, Allegiance, and Flower Drum Song, while continuing to perform internationally as a concert and recording artist. More recently, she lent her singing voice to Celine in KPop Demon Hunters and is set to appear in DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island.

Now, another historic chapter is about to unfold in Hollywood.

According to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Salonga's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony is expected to take place in early September, around the same period as the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), which runs from September 3 to 6, 2026 in Los Angeles. Recent reports have identified September 4 as the expected date for her star ceremony.

The timing makes the occasion even more meaningful for Filipino audiences, as Salonga will also be celebrated by MIFF during its third edition.

On September 6, she will receive the MIFF Icon Award during the festival's Closing Night Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The award recognizes her decades-long contributions to theater, film, television, and music and her role in bringing Filipino artistry to audiences around the world.

MIFF itself played an important role in Salonga's Walk of Fame journey, having nominated her for the prestigious honor. The festival described Salonga as a trailblazer whose career has broken barriers and inspired generations of Filipino and Asian artists globally.

For Filipinos, the significance of Salonga's Hollywood star goes beyond another accolade on an already extraordinary résumé. It represents decades of Filipino talent crossing borders and earning a place on one of the world's most recognizable entertainment landmarks.

From Miss Saigon to Disney, from Broadway to Hollywood, Lea Salonga has spent more than four decades showing the world what Filipino artistry can achieve.

And soon, her name will be permanently written among the stars.

Lea Salonga's Hollywood Walk of Fame milestone is not just her moment. It is a moment for Filipino theater, Filipino entertainment, and every Filipino artist dreaming of taking their talent to the world.

Disney’s Frozen is coming to the Philippines in 2027

2026-08-17T18:49:24.884+08:00

It’s about to be an snowy summer in April 2027 as 9 Works Theatrical brings the magical kingdom of Arendelle to the Philippines with Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical!

Theater fans can now start dreaming of snowflakes, ice palaces, and a certain unforgettable anthem as 9 Works Theatrical opens its search for the Filipino actors who will bring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, Olaf, and Prince Hans to life on the Philippine stage.

Based on Disney’s 2013 Academy Award-winning animated film, Frozen: The Broadway Musical expands the beloved story of sisters Elsa and Anna with new songs and scenes created specifically for the stage. The musical features music and lyrics by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, whose score includes beloved songs from the film alongside new musical numbers written for Broadway.

The Broadway production opened in 2018 and received three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Jennifer Lee, and Best Original Score for Anderson-Lopez and Lopez.

Now, the story of sisterhood, acceptance, and true love is set to find a new home in the Philippines.
So, who will be our Elsa? Our Anna? Our Kristoff, Olaf, Sven, and Hans?

The search for the next Arendelle stars has begun. Let it go, let it go... and let the auditions begin!

Tech & Play Month brings the fun to SM Malls in the East Metro

2026-08-16T14:09:02.582+08:00

Tech & Play area at the atrium of SM City Masinag this August

From the latest gadgets and must-have collectibles to cosplay showcases and a dedicated collectors’ destination, Tech & Play Month brings every kind of passion to life at SM Malls in the East Metro.

This August, Tech & Play Month brings together technology, gaming, creativity, and fandom communities for a month-long celebration at SM Malls in the East. From August 1 to 31, discover the latest gadgets, join cosplay activities, hunt for collectibles, and connect with fellow fans.

The new Huawei Puro 90s Series and Huawei Matepad 12 X 2026 available at SM Cyberzone Marikina, Masinag and San Mateo

The trusty, powerful Macbook available at Power Mac Center SM Cyberzone Marikina, Masinag, and iStudio Plus in SM Cyberzone San Mateo

For those ready for their next gadget upgrade, SM Cyberzone offers a wide range of tech finds, from the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series to Apple devices, including MacBook, available at Power Mac Center. Explore smartphones, laptops, accessories, gaming gear, and other tech essentials all in one place.

Stock up on your work essentials -- storage devices, ink, printers, and more at Office Warehouse, SM Center Antipolo Downtown.

Fandom also takes center stage with Cosplay events lined up at SM City Masinag on August 23, and August 29 at SM City Marikina where fans can bring their favorite characters to life and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Catch Cosplay Fest at SM City Marikina and SM City Masinag and see fandom favorites come to life.

Meanwhile, collectors can hunt for toys, character merchandise, and pop-culture finds at Toy Kingdom inside SM Store Marikina, Masinag, and San Mateo. For more dedicated collectors, SM City Marikina’s Collector’s Hub offers a space to discover new finds and connect with fellow hobbyists.

The Collector's Hub at SM City Marikina is open until August 20 at the Ground Level

From Gundam kits to Hot Wheels, discover exciting collectibles and a new favorite to your collection at Toy Kingdom

Tech & Play Month celebrates the many ways people enjoy their passions—from max out upgrade of gadgets and exploring new tech to cosplaying, collecting, and connecting with fellow fans.

So whether you're a techie, gamer, creator, cosplayer, collector, or simply curious to discover something new, make you most-loved SM Malls in the East Metro part of your August itinerary.

Experience Tech & Play Month from August 1 to 31 at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Antipolo Downtown and participating SM Supermalls.

Tagay Para sa Ex: When One Simple Get-Together Brings Everything Out

2026-08-16T13:00:00.000+08:00

What starts as a simple, supposed-to-be good and friendly gathering can quickly turn into something you never expected. That is what makes “Tagay Para sa Ex” an enjoyable and relatable watch. What seems like an ordinary night with friends slowly opens up conversations about love, relationships, friendship, and the things people usually keep to themselves.

“Tagay Para sa Ex” is BoxStage Manila’s first production, written and directed by Dudz Teraña. What I liked about the play is how it takes a very familiar setting and makes you feel that you are actually part of the group. The moment you see the stage, you already get that feeling. You are not simply watching these friends talk. You feel like you are sitting with them, listening to their stories, laughing at their jokes, and waiting for the next thing that will come out. The only thing missing is the actual “tagay.”

The "tagay"-ready set

The gathering feels even more real because of the way the conversations happen. There is noise, there are different conversations happening at the same time, and people sometimes talk over each other. But surprisingly, you are still able to understand what is going on. It feels like being in a real gathering where everyone has something to say and every conversation has its own story. And just like in any friend group, there is always that one person who makes an effort to bring everyone back together. For me, that person is Buknoy Gonzales as Poch, who is probably the character I can relate to the most. Poch feels like the friend who wants everyone to be okay and keeps trying to hold the group together even when things start getting complicated.

A big part of the fun is seeing the different views on relationships, especially between #TeamGirls and #TeamBoys. Yesh Burce as Liz and Brigitta Marilla as Mich easily earn your sympathy. Their side speaks to the part of us that still believes in the kind of love we hope for. They give us the “fantasy” and the “sana ganito” moments, making you think about the kind of relationship you wish you could have.

On the other side, Jel Tarun as Benj and Kobie Hachero as Mark give us a more practical view of commitment. Their characters remind us that relationships are not only about love and staying together. They are also about growing together, supporting each other, and learning how to become better people while being with someone. Their side gives the audience a much-needed reality check.

What makes this exchange of ideas more interesting is that the characters do not stay on opposite sides for the entire play. There is a nice turnaround in the way #TeamBoys and #TeamGirls see relationships. The boys become more vulnerable and reveal how they can also hold on tightly to relationships, while the girls begin to question whether they should still continue asking for the things they want from their partners. This shift gives the play a good balance because it shows that both sides can dream, doubt, hurt, and become vulnerable.

And that balance is what makes “Tagay Para sa Ex” work. It does not try to make relationships look simple. Instead, it shows how complicated they can become when friends start talking honestly. One moment you are laughing, and the next, you are thinking about your own experiences with love and relationships.

The play is a wonderful mix of comedy and drama, set in a situation that feels very common and very modern. It is easy to connect with because you probably know people like these characters, or maybe you see a little bit of yourself in them. It feels like one of those nights when friends get together for a drink, only for the conversation to slowly become deeper than anyone expected.

That is the charm of “Tagay Para sa Ex.” It makes you laugh, gives you something to think about, and reminds you that behind every relationship story are people simply trying to figure things out.

And sometimes, all it takes is one gathering, a few friends, and a little tagay to bring everything out.

“Tagay Para sa Ex” runs until September 5.