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  • Linda Walker + More: Watch Full Microdramas for Free on Shopee!

    Linda Walker + More: Watch Full Microdramas for Free on Shopee!

    Have you ever been hooked by a microdrama, but run into a paywall when you swipe for the next episode? Or finally find free dramas, but ads run longer than the actual episodes?

    Now you can enjoy full dramas for free and with no ads through Short Dramas on Shopee! And to make your microdrama binge even better, you can get more discounts on Shopee purchases since you can earn Shopee Coins just by watching!

    The Microdrama Craze

    Microdramas have taken social media by storm with short, entertaining clips featuring compelling stories— from romancing billionaires and acquiring superpowers to plotting revenge and serving evil characters their well-deserved karma.

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    You simply stumble upon them while scrolling, and the next thing you know, you’re totally invested and desperate for the next part!

    And that is by design. These dramas are made specifically for phones with their vertical video format, with entertainingly fast-paced episodes that last for one to three minutes, making them easy to enjoy during short breaks across the day or finish in one sitting.

    Here are some of the short dramas that we guarantee will be love at first episode:

    The Heiress Who Won With Brains 3

    The Heiress Who Won With Brains

    The one and only icon–Linda Walker who got a 719 in her college entrance exam! This microdrama follows Linda Walker, an impoverished but brilliant student who discovers that she is the long-lost heiress of the wealthy Lewis family. Instead of being dazzled by luxury or intimidated by the jealous fake heiress, Linda relies on her intelligence to outsmart those who try to undermine her.

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    The Billionaire’s Substitute Bride

    POV: You find yourself in a marriage of convenience with a billionaire… What could go wrong (or right)? A Filipino drama about a young woman who agrees to become the substitute bride for a cold rich man. As secrets unfold, their marriage of convenience turns into an unexpected love story.

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    Instadaddies

    Imagine waking up to a little girl you’ve never seen before calling you DAD! See Zeus Collins as one of three carefree bachelors whose lives get upended when a child lands on their doorstep and calls them “Daddy”.  As they navigate this new responsibility, they also discover the true meaning of friendship and family.

    How to Watch Microdramas for FREE

    Short Dramas on Shopee offers hundreds of titles, including Filipino, Asian, and Western dramas, all available to watch for free.

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    Accessing these titles is easy!

    On your Shopee app homepage, simply click the Free Dramas icon. 

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    Alternatively, Shopee has also just rolled out a Drama header, which you can find via the Live & Video tab. Click on it to discover dramas tailored to your preferences and resume episodes where you left off under the  Recommended for You section. 

    Watch and Earn Shopee Coins for More Discounts 

    These shows don’t just leave you with kilig, gigil, and a hunger for more— watching these short dramas also rewards you with Shopee coins to spend on your next shopping spree!

    You can earn coins daily by watching! Keep an eye on the coin timer in the upper-right corner of your video, then click “Claim” when your coins are ready to add to your balance.  Plus,  stand a chance to win bigger rewards in the daily Mega Coin Raffles.

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    Start Streaming Short Dramas on Shopee!

    Whether you’re looking to make the next minute more entertaining or you need to see the satisfying ending of that clip from social media, Shopee has you covered.

    Short Dramas on Shopee is the new digital destination where you can watch your favorite microdramas for free! No need to download paid or fishy apps for fast, quick entertainment — just pull up your Shopee app and start watching.

    Click here to go straight to your next binge at Short Dramas on Shopee.

  • Disney+ Is Now the Official Home of UFC in the Philippines

    Disney+ Is Now the Official Home of UFC in the Philippines

    Filipino fight fans now have a new destination for UFC action.

    Disney+ is officially the home of UFC in the Philippines, giving local viewers access to live events from one of the biggest mixed martial arts organizations in the world.

    Kicking things off is UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: ALLEN vs. DUNCAN, streaming live from the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The prelims begin at 5:00 AM PHT, followed by the main card at 8:00 AM PHT.

    At the center of the event is a high-stakes middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Christian Leroy Duncan, two fighters entering the Octagon with plenty to prove.

    Brendan Allen Looks to Move Closer to UFC Gold

    For Brendan Allen, the mission is clear.

    The seasoned middleweight contender enters another main event with his eyes firmly fixed on the championship picture. Already battle-tested against some of the division’s toughest competitors, Allen knows that an impressive victory could strengthen his case for a future title opportunity.

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    His experience, submission skills, and ability to stay composed in demanding situations have made him one of the middleweight division’s most dangerous names.

    Now, with another spotlight moment ahead of him, Allen has the chance to remind fans why he remains firmly in the conversation among the division’s top contenders.

    Christian Leroy Duncan Steps Into His Biggest UFC Opportunity Yet

    Standing across from Allen is Christian Leroy Duncan, a dynamic middleweight taking on his first UFC main event assignment.

    It is easily one of the biggest opportunities of his career.

    Duncan has built a reputation around his athleticism, creativity, and confident striking. Against Allen, however, he faces a proven contender with significantly more experience at the highest level.

    That contrast makes the matchup particularly intriguing.

    For Duncan, a victory over Allen would represent a major breakthrough and could immediately raise his profile within the division. For Allen, it is an opportunity to stop the momentum of a hungry challenger while continuing his push toward UFC gold.

    With both men chasing something significant, the stakes could hardly be higher.

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    Matheus Camilo and Jai Herbert Bring the Heat in the Co-Main Event

    The action does not stop with the headliner.

    In the co-main event, Matheus Camilo takes on Jai Herbert in a lightweight contest that promises intensity from the opening bell.

    Camilo has made his intentions perfectly clear with one memorable statement: “I come for violence.”

    That aggressive mindset could make for an explosive matchup against Herbert, who is looking to secure back-to-back UFC victories and continue climbing the lightweight ladder.

    Herbert brings length, striking experience, and plenty of motivation into the contest. Another victory would give him valuable momentum in one of the UFC’s deepest and most competitive divisions.

    Camilo, meanwhile, will be looking to make an unforgettable statement of his own.

    Put them together, and the co-main event has all the ingredients for a crowd-pleasing battle.

    UFC Action Has a New Home on Disney+

    The arrival of UFC on Disney+ gives Filipino fans another major sports offering to watch on the streaming platform.

    With live UFC events now available through Disney+ in the Philippines, subscribers can follow marquee matchups, rising contenders, and some of the sport’s biggest moments from one platform.

    For the best viewing experience, fans can download the latest Disney+ app through the App Store or Google Play Store.

    Those who need help getting started can also watch the official Disney+ guide video or visit the Disney+ Help Center.

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    Get Ready for Fight Night

    With Brendan Allen looking to move closer to a title opportunity, Christian Leroy Duncan stepping into his biggest UFC assignment yet, and Matheus Camilo and Jai Herbert preparing for a hard-hitting co-main event, UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Duncan offers plenty for fight fans to look forward to.

    And now, with Disney+ becoming the official home of UFC in the Philippines, Filipino audiences have a new way to experience every punch, kick, takedown, and dramatic finish.

  • DC Studios’ “Clayface” Brings R-Rated Body Horror Thriller to Cinemas This October 21

    DC Studios’ “Clayface” Brings R-Rated Body Horror Thriller to Cinemas This October 21

    DC Studios is about to show audiences a side of Gotham they have never seen before.

    With “Clayface,” the studio is stepping beyond the usual superhero formula and into full-blown psychological and body horror. Dark, unsettling and deeply personal, the film gives one of Batman’s most distinctive villains a long-overdue origin story while pushing the DC universe into bold new territory.

    For DC Studios co-chair and co-CEO Peter Safran, that creative freedom is exactly the point.

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    One of the things that’s really important to us is that our slate of movies, television, gaming and experiences covers a vast spectrum of entertainment,” shares Safran. “We want to make sure that everything feels different.

    That philosophy takes a particularly chilling turn with “Clayface,” which Safran describes as a dream project for the studio.

    The idea of doing a horror movie under the DC banner is something that audiences have never seen before and are not expecting but I think are going to embrace fully. The fact that we can make a true R-rated horror movie for DC Studios, that’s just a dream come true.

    Watch the trailer:

    One of Gotham’s most tragic villains takes center stage

    “Clayface” stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, a Gotham street kid whose life changes dramatically when he rises to become a Hollywood leading man.

    His success, however, is brutally cut short after a local crime boss leaves him horribly disfigured.

    With his career shattered and his support system gone, Matt turns to an experimental treatment that promises the impossible. It works, at least at first. His appearance is restored, but the procedure also begins to alter his relationship with reality.

    What follows is a descent into obsession, rage and revenge.

    Safran believes the character is perfectly suited for that kind of darker treatment.

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    Clayface is one of the great Batman villains, and he’s never had his time in the sun. And so along with this, we’re getting an opportunity to tell his origin story.

    For audiences used to traditional comic book adaptations, Safran promises something much more unexpected.

    You’ve certainly never seen anything like it in the comic book space, but we’re really excited to bring it to the world.

    Horror rooted in fear, identity and loss

    At the center of “Clayface” is director James Watkins, who approaches horror from a psychological angle rather than relying only on shock value.

    For Watkins, the most effective fears are often the most recognizable.

    We all have those anxieties. Fears of losing our ability to work, our reputations, our identity. These are horrors we can all really identify with.

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    Those fears become even more disturbing when the human body itself becomes unpredictable.

    We all have those anxieties. Fears of losing our ability to work, our reputations, our identity. These are horrors we can all really identify with – likewise, fears of our bodies going wrong.

    I think these primal fears make the most compelling horrors, and I wanted to lean into them.

    That makes Matt Hagen more than just a villain in the traditional sense. His transformation is physical, emotional and psychological, with each stage of his descent raising questions about how far a person can go when everything they value is taken away.

    Revenge becomes the real monster

    Revenge also plays a major role in Matt’s story.

    Watkins sees it as something painfully human rather than purely villainous.

    I find the dangers of revenge fascinating, because it’s also such a primal human instinct to want to right wrongs, he says.

    That instinct becomes a driving force behind Matt’s downfall.

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    To some extent, we are all hostages to our primal urges and I thought this was an interesting element to Matt’s tragedy: to make the film ask whether we can control our emotions, or do they control us.

    That question gives “Clayface” an emotional foundation beneath the grotesque imagery and horror set pieces.

    The result is not simply a story about a man turning into a monster. It is about a man losing control of himself while desperately trying to reclaim what he believes was stolen from him.

    More than jump scares

    Audiences expecting a standard collection of horror beats may also be surprised.

    Watkins says he is less interested in predictable scares and more drawn to horror that lingers.

    Whether you call them horror or psychological thrillers, I like to operate in the space between those two things,” he says. “Doing clockwork scares doesn’t particularly interest me.

    Instead, the filmmaker wants the fear to stay with viewers after the movie ends.

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    I want to have scares that get under your skin and that speak to anxieties we all share, so when you leave the theater, they stick with you more than just a jump scare.

    Body horror gives him the perfect vehicle for that approach.

    Body horror taps into such a primal fear – essentially fear of our bodies betraying us, Watkins says.

    Combined with Matt’s fractured sense of identity and buried impulses, that fear gives the film room to explore both spectacle and character.

    James Gunn on why horror fans are special

    For James Gunn, horror also comes with another advantage: its audience.

    I love making horror movies. It is a lot of fun. And I think horror fans are probably the nicest fans in the world, says the filmmaker.

    He finds the contrast especially amusing.

    There’s something about the vibe of people who like to watch this really crazy, scary stuff, who have this other side that’s just so nice.

    That enthusiasm could make “Clayface” one of the more intriguing experiments in the growing DC Studios slate.

    Rather than fitting neatly into one familiar superhero mold, the film leans into the unsettling, tragic and grotesque sides of a character whose story has always been ripe for horror.

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    A very different kind of DC movie

    Written by Mike Flanagan and Hossein Amini, with a story by Flanagan, “Clayface” also stars Naomi Ackie, David Dencik, Max Minghella, Eddie Marsan, Nancy Carroll and Joshua James.

    The film is produced by Matt Reeves, Lynn Harris, James Gunn and Peter Safran, with Michael E. Uslan, Chantal Nong Vo, Lars P. Winther, Rafi Crohn and Paul Ritchie serving as executive producers.

    Watkins’ creative team includes cinematographer Rob Hardy, production designer James Price, editor Jon Harris and costume designer Keith Madden. Music is by Volker Bertelmann.

    DC Studios presents a 6th & Idaho Production, a James Watkins Film.

    “Clayface” opens in cinemas internationally beginning October 21, 2026, with its North American theatrical release set for October 23, 2026. The film is rated R-18 by the MTRCB. Distributed locally by Warner Bros. Pictures.

    #ClayfaceMovie

  • PUMA Takes Philippine Ambassadors Behind the Scenes for an Exclusive Meet and Greet with F1 Drivers Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris

    PUMA Takes Philippine Ambassadors Behind the Scenes for an Exclusive Meet and Greet with F1 Drivers Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris

    PUMA continues to strengthen its presence in global motorsport by bridging high-speed racing with everyday street culture. To bring this dynamic energy closer to the local audience, PUMA hosted a delegation of Filipino celebrities and influencers in Singapore on October 7 for an exclusive meet-and-greet session with Formula 1 stars Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.

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    From left to right: Chenee Jimenez, Derick Lauchengco, Julia Baretto, Andie Syyap, Dominique Roque, Miccolo Solis, Ruth Jimenez, Sofia Andres, Daniel Miranda, Macoy Averilla

    Interactive Games with F1 Drivers

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    Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris

    The group representing the Philippines included Julia Barretto, Dominic Roque, Macoy Averilla, Daniel Miranda, Sofia Andres, Chenee Jimenez, Derick Lauchengco, Andie Syyap, Miccolo Solis, and Ruth Jimenez.

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    Charles Leclerc and Dominic Roque 
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    Lando Norris and Miccolo Solis

    During the exclusive session, the personalities experienced firsthand the high-energy atmosphere that defines PUMA’s F1 partnerships. Unlike a traditional viewing experience, the event’s highlight was the exclusive interactive games. Dominic Roque engaged in a game of Feather Chapteh, reminiscent of the traditional Filipino street game “sipa”, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Meanwhile, professional racer Daniel Miranda and content creator Miccolo Solis teamed up for a “Guess the Time” challenge with McLaren’s Lando Norris, testing their split-second racing instincts to accurately guess when the timer stopped.

    Motorsport Meets Manila Street Style

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    Julia Barretto
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    Sofia Andres

    This gathering created a seamless cultural crossover, showcasing how the fast-paced world of F1 connects with the Philippine lifestyle and fashion communities. During the official livestream event, Julia Barretto brought the brand’s racing collections to life by showcasing her Ferrari fit, while Sofia Andres presented an exclusive McLaren fit check. These behind-the-scenes moments and driver interactions highlight how PUMA connects the local community with global sporting icons.

    Driving the Future of Racing Lifestyle

    PUMA Philippines Representatives
    From Left to Right: Andie Syyap, Chenee Jimenez, Derick Lauchengco, Dominique Roque, Daniel Miranda, Miccolo Solis, Macoy Averilla, Ruth Jimenez

    The Singapore trip served as a natural, live showcase of the PUMA x F1 aesthetic. Throughout the event, the Filipino personalities blended motorsport-inspired apparel with their own distinct streetwear styles, demonstrating the everyday versatility of PUMA’s racing collections off the track.

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    PUMA Philippines Representatives with Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc

    As F1 continues to grow in popularity across the Philippines, PUMA ensures that fans and fashion enthusiasts alike can express their passion for the sport through authentic, stylish apparel.

    Catch the PUMA x F1 Singapore Highlights

    Experience the intersection of speed and style. Follow PUMA Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for exclusive behind-the-scenes highlights and updates from the Singapore meet-and-greet.

  • Theater Review: In JC Santos’ Directorial Debut, “A Number” Is a Sci-Fi Play That Asks the Hard Questions

    Theater Review: In JC Santos’ Directorial Debut, “A Number” Is a Sci-Fi Play That Asks the Hard Questions

    Gripping and so unbelievably relevant today, Caryl Churchill’s play A Number tackles the emotional and moral ramifications of cloning. First produced in 2002, the play’s exploration of its theme hits very strongly to this day of advanced technology and generative AI, as it ask the hard questions of how far technology should be used when facing the harsh challenges of life.

    A Number

    This production marks the directorial debut of actor JC Santos, who also stars as three distinct characters in the play – three clones acting opposite Bart Guingona, playing the clone’s father. It’s a short play, spanning just a little over an hour, the tight narrative unfolds across five confrontation scenes between father and his offspring or a variation of such. Despite its sci-fi foundation, the play focuses on the heavy emotional weight of the effects of society towards the individual and to society. It is a heavy drama that requires the both actors to be wholly present at all times, with Santos having to change characters right before our eyes. It is a demanding piece for its actors and the players do an excellent job at it.

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    A Number by Caryl Churchill | Image courtesy of WHYNoT

    The play opens with a son narrating his experience to his father of seeing his exact duplicate in public. They realise clones of him have been made, their conversation explores the effect of such a discovery on one’s identity. But as the story unfolds, we discover there are secrets that have been kept, dark secrets but with good intentions – if not twisted – behind them. With each encounter between the father and different variations of his son, he must reconcile his own actions, while the clones struggle to define the meaning in their existence when the question of their uniqueness is at stake.

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    A Number by Caryl Churchill | Photo by Miguel Uy, Courtesy of WHYNoT

    As a British play, there’s a sense of formality in the language, but Churchill writes characters who are not the most eloquent or articulate of people. They are so overwhelmed by the events and the discovery of the dramatic situation that they often can’t finish their lines. It is a constant back-and-forth between father and son as they try to piece some level of rationality to their reality, and it’s very grounded and real in the way it captures that human experience. As actors, Santos and Guingona have to embody the confusion and the maelstrom of feelings this situation creates, throwing lines back and forth without missing a beat. It’s a terrific display of each performer’s acting prowess, with Santos having shifting from one clone to the next right on stage, bathed in light with only a slight costume change and an adjustment of his hair. His gait, his posture, and his line delivery all shift seamlessly. It’s a standout performance.

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    A Number by Caryl Churchill | Image courtesy of WHYNoT

    The stage is set at the center – a theater in the round – with the audience watching from all sides. The venue, the artist space WhyNot in Karrivin Plaza, has good acoustics, so neither performer uses a mic, keeping the show intimate and personal. The stage is bare except for two sets of very short glass corridors, which either character uses as an entrance and where Santos makes his costume changes. Cushioned blocks at the center serve as chairs, and at the ceiling, shedding light into the confrontations are LCD screens with an abstract display, to which I imagined as strands of DNA, which I was later able to confirm. There is a drone scoring – I was told it was designed live by sound artist Frankie Lalunio – amplifies the emotions as Santos seems to have directed the performances at a lower register, choosing to let the situation and the words display all the emotions. Everything is kept bubbling inside, not playing for the drama. It’s the sound design that helps cue us there.

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    A Number by Caryl Churchill | Image courtesy of WHYNoT

    With its minimalist approach, the play highlights all the confusion and existential questions that the narrative evokes. The question of how far we will go in using technology to make our lives “better” (quotation marks are necessary) becomes all the more biting as we see the dangerous effects of generative AI and social media on our society today. It’s a smart play. It’s a painful one. And it forces us to think, and hopefully, encourages us to act.

    My Rating: 4.5 Stars

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    Presented by WHYNoT and The Necessary Theatre, A Number marks a compelling reunion for Bart Guingona and JC Santos following their sold-out 2023 hit Red, this time with Santos stepping into the director’s chair. The limited nine-show run plays from October 9–18, 2026 with performances at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM at WHYNoT. Don’t miss this gripping sci-fi drama. Book your seats now at Ticket2Me.

  • EL FUEGO DEL ALMA Returns for a Special Benefit Run at Circuit Makati this ARTober

    EL FUEGO DEL ALMA Returns for a Special Benefit Run at Circuit Makati this ARTober

    Porvenir, in partnership with ArtDirected, brings its Filipino adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke to Art Directed Studio, located at the Upper Level of Circuit Lane, next to Blackbox Theater, Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati, for eight performances on October 24–25 and 30–31, 2026.

    El Fuego ARTober Poster IG

    The Circuit Makati engagement marks a new chapter for the production as it moves into a larger, 100-seat space and welcomes a new audience in Makati.

    Rather than simply transferring the original staging, the company will reimagine EL FUEGO DEL ALMA for Art Directed Studio, responding to the architecture and possibilities of its new home while retaining the intimacy that defined its original run.

    The production will reunite its original cast for the Circuit Makati engagement. While the staging will be adapted to the new venue, audiences can expect the same ensemble of performers who brought the characters and their stories to life during the production’s previous run.

    “This invitation gives us the opportunity to discover the production again,” says director and dramaturg Mark Mirando. “EL FUEGO DEL ALMA was created in close proximity to its audience, so bringing it into a new space means asking new questions about how the audience encounters the story. More than extending the run, we want this version to belong specifically to Circuit Makati.”

    Translated into Filipino by award-winning playwright Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Mirando, EL FUEGO DEL ALMA reimagines Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke for Filipino audiences.

    At the heart of the play is a struggle between the spiritual and the physical, between desire and restraint, and between the lives people are expected to lead and the lives they secretly long for.

    The ARTober performances will also serve as a benefit run for Porvenir. Proceeds from the engagement will support the company’s plans to bring its work beyond Metro Manila through a regional tour.

    “For us, reaching a larger audience also means looking beyond Manila,” Mirando adds. “We want this run to help us take the next step toward bringing the production to audiences in other parts of the country.”

    EL FUEGO DEL ALMA runs at Art Directed Studio, Upper Level, Circuit Lane (next to Blackbox Theater), Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati.

    SHOW SCHEDULE

    October 24, Saturday – 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
    October 25, Sunday – 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
    October 30, Friday – 7:00 PM
    October 31, Saturday – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

    TICKET INFORMATION

    Early Bird tickets are priced at ₱1,000, while regular tickets are ₱1,250.

    Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/EFDACircuit

    EL FUEGO DEL ALMA is presented by Porvenir in partnership with ArtDirected, as part of Circuit Makati’s ARTober celebration, with Circuit Makati, ARTober, Art Directed, and Ayala Malls Circuit as event partners.

  • Get Up to ₱92K Worth of Freebies with The Loop’s iPhone 18 Deals!

    Get Up to ₱92K Worth of Freebies with The Loop’s iPhone 18 Deals!

    The hottest tech drop of the year is officially here, and if you’re wondering where to get the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max with the best deals, there is only one answer: The Loop.

    The Loop x iPhone 18 Pro Main Photo

    Pre-ordering the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max at The Loop, whether online until October 15 or in person during the October 16 midnight launch at 20 stores nationwide, delivers far more than just a new phone. It unlocks a major upgrade with curated premium accessories, complementary lifestyle gears, bang for your buck prices, and seamless trade-in deals,  making the midnight launch event an unmissable opportunity.

    Elevate your everyday aesthetic right out of the box. Here’s why your iPhone 18 purchase should be at The Loop:

    Pre-order to get amazing freebies (From October 2 to 15)

    Every pre-order at The Loop comes with an iPhone 18 Pro Shopping Voucher worth ₱5,000. Unlike other freebies, this exclusive perk gives you the freedom to shop for any premium accessory of your choice (Apple-branded accessories excluded).

    The Loop x iPhone 18 Pro Customer Freebies

    In-store pre-order allows you to snag freebies worth ₱12,880 with aniPhone 18 Pro Shopping Voucher (₱5,000), Kooduu Sensa Play Mini, powered by SOUND by JBL (₱6,990), and a LAUT Zip Pocket Wrist Strap and MagSafe Wallet (₱890).

    Meanwhile, Pre-order at The Loop on Shopee (until October 15) gives you a chance to receive freebies worth ₱16,160 with an iPhone 18 Pro Shopping Voucher (₱5,000), Kooduu Sensa Play Mini (₱6,990), LAUT Zip Pocket Wrist Strap and MagSafe Wallet (₱890), Before Anything Else Flow 10K mAh Wired Powerbank (₱1,290), and Before Anything Else Flipcharm (₱1,990).

    Sleep can wait: join The Loop’s Midnight Launch celebration!

    Why wait when you can be among the first to unbox the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max? The earlier you line up, the bigger the freebies such as:

    The lucky 1st customer will take home the ultimate package worth ₱79,149, which includes Rokid AI Glasses (₱38,000), Polar Loop (₱12,399), Polaroid NOW+ Gen 2 (₱12,390), Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen with Light (₱5,990), JBL GO Essential 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (₱3,500), Belkin Soundform Isolate Noise Cancelling Headphones (₱2,990), Before Anything Else Flipcharm (₱1,990), and ADAM elements Vionta P5 Pro 5-in-1 Pocket Power Bank 5000mAh (₱1,890).

    The Loop x iPhone 18 Pro Pricing

    2nd to 10th customers: up to ₱28,759 with Polar Loop, Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen with Light, JBL GO Essential 2, Belkin Soundform Isolate, Before Anything Else Flipcharm, ADAM elements Vionta P5 Pro.

    11th to 20th customers: up to ₱16,260 with JBL GO Essential 2, Belkin Soundform Clearfit Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds (₱2,890), Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen with Light, Before Anything Else Flipcharm, ADAM elements Vionta P5 Pro.

    21st to 100th customers: up to ₱7,380 with JBL GO Essential 2, Before Anything Else Flipcharm, ADAM elements Vionta P5 Pro. Meanwhile, the 101st to 200th customers will get ₱5,000 iPhone 18 Pro Shopping Voucher, and the 201st customer and beyond will still walk away with a ₱3,000 iPhone 18 Pro Shopping Voucher.

    Exclusive Midnight Launch event freebies

    Catch The Loop’s midnight launch event on October 15, Thursday night, with official sales transactions starting exactly at 12:01 AM on October 16, 2026. Head over to the main event hub at UP Town Center (Phase 2, Level 1) as customers who line up will get additional freebies from Micropack, on top of the Midnight Launch Selling freebies!

    1st customer gets a bundle worth ₱12,980: Micropack 15000mAh 4-in-1 PD Fast Charging Magnetic Wireless Power Bank (₱7,590), Micropack 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger Station (₱4,890), Micropack Umbrella (₱500).

    The Loop x iPhone 18 Pro Midnight Launch event freebies

    For 2nd to 5th customers, a total of ₱5,390: Micropack 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger Station and Umbrella. 6th to 10th customers get a total freebie of ₱4,290: Micropack 10000mAh 35W Fast Charging 15W Magnetic Wireless Charging Power Bank with USB-C Cable (₱3,790) and Umbrella.

    Meanwhile, 11th to 20th customers will receive a loot worth ₱3,490: Micropack Super Mini 35W Fast Charging Power Bank with Detachable USB-C Cable, 10000mAh (₱2,990) and Umbrella. The 21st to 50th customers get ₱2,090 worth: Micropack 35W GaN Universal PD Fast Charger with Extra Plug (₱1,590) and Umbrella. The 51st to 100th customers receive a Micropack Umbrella (₱500) ,and the 101st to 200th customers will get a Micropack Tote (₱300).

    The night is also packed with live music, bank partner booths with exclusive promos, prizes, and giveaways, and a curated display of the latest iPhone accessories from ADAM elements, Anker, Before Anything Else, BleeqUp, Belkin, EcoFlow, JBL, Loop, OURA, PLAUD, Polaroid, Polar, RingConn, Rokid, SHOKZ, and Yaber.

    The Loop is everywhere!
    With the main fete at the UP Town Center, The Loop’s midnight launch is also happening in 19 other stores. In Metro Manila and Luzon, join the fun at Uptown Mall BGC, SM North EDSA Annex, SM Makati, Robinsons Place Manila, S Maison, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Solenad, SM City San Mateo, SM City Calamba, SM City Cabanatuan, SM Center Dagupan, SM Baguio, Clark Cityfront Mall, and Xentro Mall Vigan.

    The Loop x iPhone 18 Pro Payment terms and partners

    When in Visayas and Mindanao, go to Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Ayala Malls Centrio CDO, Robinsons Place Dumaguete, and SM City Davao.

    All the style, zero stress with flexible payment & perks
    Stack your freebies with exclusive offers from The Loop’s partners. Get the iPhone 18 Pro 256GB at the 24/0 Exclusive Launch Price of ₱94,990 (SRP ₱99,990), or the iPhone 18 Pro Max 256GB at ₱99,990 (SRP ₱108,990), with 0% installments as low as ₱3,957.92/month for the Pro and ₱4,166.25/month for the Pro Max over 24 months. 

    BPI Flexipay Zero: ₱2,000 off Exclusive Launch Discount, valid until November 2, 2026; Metrobank: ₱1,000 off Exclusive Launch Discount, valid until November 30, 2026; PNB: ₱6,000 cashback with a minimum spend of ₱90,000, valid on 0% interest for 24 months only; Security Bank: ₱5,000 instant discount with a minimum spend of ₱60,000, valid on 0% ChargeLight Installment and Charge Now, Pay Later on 12- and 24-month terms, October 2 to 18, 2026; UnionBank: 0% installment up to 36 months (minimum spend ₱90,000), plus ₱1,000 cashback and ₱1,500 eGC with a minimum spend of ₱100,000, October 5 to 16, 2026; SPayLater (Shopee exclusive): 0% interest for up to 12 months, until October 15, 2026; and MariBank (Shopee exclusive): 0% interest for 3 to 6 months, until October 15, 2026.

    Out with the old, in with the bold via UpTrade
    With UpTrade, upgrading gets even easier. Buy now, trade in later, and lock in up to ₱58,500 in base trade-in value (for an iPhone 17 Pro 1TB, Grade A/B, upon assessment). Add an UpTrade boost of up to ₱12,000 (valid until October 31, 2026) for a total of up to ₱70,500 in upgrade credit. Other iPhone models are also eligible.

    The Loop x iPhone 18 Pro UpTrade

    Note: The boost applies to Grade A/B units only; Grade C units receive base appraisal only. Device return and trade-in completion must be done within 7 days of purchase. Trade-in value is subject to device assessment.

    Don’t settle for a basic unboxing. Live your style and experience the iPhone 18 hype only atThe Loop. To learn more about the iPhone 18 pre-order mechanics, visit The Loop’s official website and Facebook page. 

  • A live-action LEGO® Friends musical is coming to screens this October

    A live-action LEGO® Friends musical is coming to screens this October

    The LEGO® Group has officially announced LEGO Friends: Heartlake The Musical, the franchise’s first-ever live-action adaptation, premiering for free globally on October 16 on the LEGO Group’s official YouTube channel.

    The 50-minute musical is produced by acclaimed director and executive producer Kenny Ortega, (known for his work on the High School Musical franchise and The Cheetah Girls ), Jill Wilfert of LEGO Entertainment, and Michael McKenna and Hanah Draper of Final Pixel. Joining them to direct and choreograph is filmmaker Paul Becker who is known for his work on massive hits like The Last of Us and Descendants.

    02 LEGO Friends Heartlake The Musical poster

    The story follows Daisy, a creative teenager who, after moving to a new town, escapes her loneliness by building a detailed LEGO Friends world in her bedroom — only to be whisked into the vibrant world of Heartlake City where she embarks on a music-filled journey with new friends. Packed with four original songs written exclusively for the musical, and spectacular performances,  the special brings beloved LEGO Friends characters from brick to screen   like never before.

    Watch the trailer for LEGO Friends: Heartlake City the Musical here and don’t miss the full premiere on 16 October. Stay tuned  to the LEGO YouTube channel and discover a world of friendship, creativity and imagination brought to life.  

    Build Your Own Heartlake City

    The excitement goes beyond the screen for families and collectors in the Philippines. To celebrate the global premiere, the LEGO Group is rolling out exclusive deals for the entire month of October. Buyers can score up to 25% off on select LEGO Friends sets. Some of the featured sets up for grabs include:

    03 LEGO Friends Heartlake International School 41731
    04 LEGO Friends Heartlake City Pizzeria 42618
    05 LEGO Friends Heartlake City Water Park 42630
    06 LEGO Friends Heartlake City Candy Store 42649
    08 LEGO Friends Creative Flower Shop 42697
    07 LEGO Friends Creative Dollhouse Suitcase 42693

    Since launching in 2012, LEGO Friends has grown into one of the LEGO Group’s most beloved home-grown franchises, extending beyond physical play through animated series, digital content, books and experiences that have connected with audiences around the world.

    For more details, visit www.lego.com or follow official LEGO stores online such as bankeebricks.ph, Lazada, and Shopee.

  • Mastercard Brings an Exclusive Somni x Gallery by Chele Gastronomic Experience to Manila

    Mastercard Brings an Exclusive Somni x Gallery by Chele Gastronomic Experience to Manila

    Mastercard is teaming up with Gallery by Chele to bring cardholders an exclusive experience as internationally acclaimed chefs Aitor Zabala of Los Angeles’ three-Michelin-starred Somni and Chele González of Manila’s Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Star-awarded Gallery by Chele reunite in the Philippines for an exclusive two-night culinary collaboration.

    Taking place on October 9 and 10, 2026, Evolution: A Somni x Gallery by Chele Collaboration offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the coming together of two chefs whose culinary journeys began more than two decades ago at Spain’s legendary El Bulli before taking them to opposite sides of the world.

    Mastercard Gallery by Chele

    As the Official Card of Evolution: A Somni x Gallery by Chele Collaboration, Mastercard is proud to support a dining experience that reflects the growing richness and international recognition of the Philippine culinary landscape while creating memorable moments that connect people through food, culture and discovery.

    “At Mastercard, we know that today’s consumers increasingly value meaningful experiences that create lasting memories,” said Jason Crasto, Country Manager,Mastercard Philippines. “We are committed to connecting people to extraordinary moments that celebrate culture, passion and human connection. This collaboration between Chef Chele and Chef Aitor is a powerful example of how food can bring people together while showcasing the Philippines as an exciting global culinary destination.”

    The specially curated menu, Evolution, explores how both chefs have evolved from their shared Spanish culinary heritage into distinctive voices shaped by the places they now call home. Drawing inspiration from local ingredients, traditions and the communities surrounding them, the experience offers guests a unique culinary journey that bridges continents through storytelling and creativity.

    For Mastercard, the collaboration reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Philippines’ vibrant dining scene and providing cardholders with access to exceptional gastronomic experiences.

    Over the last decade, the Philippines has emerged as one of Asia’s most exciting food destinations, driven by world-class chefs, local producers and growing international recognition. Experiences such as Evolution not only celebrate culinary excellence but also spotlight the country’s rich ingredients, innovation and hospitality to a global audience.

    Mastercard cardholders can enjoy seamless, secure payments while unlocking access to unforgettable dining experiences that go beyond a meal, creating moments that are truly Priceless.

    About Mastercard

    Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payment choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

  • Filipino TGI Fridays Bartender Roniel Lopez Wins World Bartending Championship

    Filipino TGI Fridays Bartender Roniel Lopez Wins World Bartending Championship

    Filipino  talent shone on the world stage  when Roniel Lopez of TGIFridays Philippines  was crowned  2026 Grand Champion at the recent World Bartending Championship held in Orlando, Florida, besting seven top bartenders from the USA, Greece, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, UK, Japan and Taiwan. Named 1st Runner Up was Chantry Coffman of USA while Aleksandro Naksi of Greece was adjudged 2nd runner-up.

    Filipino TGIFridays Bartender Roniel Lopez Named World Bartending Champion 683x1024 1

    The victory was sealed after an exceptional performance across both key stages of the competition. One was the Compulsory Round where he displayed technical knowledge, recipe accuracy and precision pour mechanics under strict speed and standard guidelines. The other was in the Freestyle Competition where he wowed the crowd and judges  with his high-energy and captivating  flair tending, executing complex bottle flips, throws and catches paired with a  magnetic stage presence.

    Filipino TGIFridays Bartender Roniel Lopez Named World Bartending Champion 1

    From Empty  Bottles to the World Stage

    Lopez’s bartending  journey began when he was in Grade 7. As a young enthusiast with limited access to professional gear, he taught himself flair bartending by wrapping empty glass bottles in tape to practice spins and catches coupled with a versatile imagination.

    Understandably, while he was flipping bottles, he was dropping them, but he soldiered on. To refine his craft, he joined various competitions and took a three-month TESDA bartending course where he learned the fundamentals of traditional bartending and mixing.

    Filipino TGIFridays Bartender Roniel Lopez Named World Bartending Champion 2

    His work as a bartender at TGIFridays Eastwood  helped him become the consummate performer.  It taught him something that videos and solo practices could not impart, in short, how to work a crowd.  Lopez has been part of the Bar Tour since 2023 where demonstrates techniques, teaches bartending, and shares the Fridays’ story. He passionately shares his skills and passion with fellow mixologists and  guests.

    His first Fridays BCBIT (Best Corner Bar In Town) competition in 2023 ended with a low score. This did not deter him from goal – to be the best bartender at TGIFridays.  He improved what was needed and came back stronger, topping the  BCBIT in 2024.  In August 2025, he competed in the TGIFriday’s Philippines Bartending Championship and won the grand prize.

    Preparing for the World Bartending Championship demanded commitment, with daily training stretching from eight to ten hours. He memorized hundreds of drink recipes, perfected high-energy flair tricks,  refined stage presence and audience engagement . “My goal was to bring something different and original during the competition. I wanted to give the complete package: technical knowledge, accuracy, flair, personality, energy, confidence, and compelling showmanship,” Lopez said.

    TGIFridays has produced several world champions on the global bartending stage.  Eric “El Terrible” Martinez captured the world title in 2006.  In 2015, Rizza Umlas made history as the first woman to ever win the championship, while Jholan Peñafiel was crowned Grand Champion in 2017.

    And this year, it was Lopez’s turn to bring immense pride to TGIFridays Philippines and stands as a testament to world-class Filipino talent in  the global  F & B and hospitality industry.

  • It Started With One Spoon: llaollao Marks 10 Years in the Philippines

    It Started With One Spoon: llaollao Marks 10 Years in the Philippines

    llaollao celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Philippines on October 10, 2026, marking a decade of growth from its first two Philippine stores to 110 locations nationwide.

    Built around the anniversary line “It started with one spoon,” the celebration brings together 10 days of nationwide offers, a 10 Destinations Anniversary Getaway Raffle, and Spoon to School, an initiative that gives customers another way to reuse llaollao’s familiar green spoon.

    llaollao

    One spoon. Ten years. 110 stores.

    Since entering the Philippine market, llaollao has become part of everyday routines—from after-school and after-work stops to weekend mall visits, family outings and barkada meetups. The green spoon, long associated with the brand and designed to be reusable, serves as the central symbol of its 10th-year campaign.

    10 days of anniversary offers

    llaollao

    The anniversary celebration begins on October 10 across participating llaollao branches nationwide, with special offers running through October 19:

    • October 10 — Petit Sanum for PHP 10: The first 100 customers per participating branch wearing at least one visible green clothing item can enjoy a Petit Sanum for PHP 10.
    • October 11–17 — PHP 10 Toppings of the Day: Customers can add the designated regular Toppings of the Day for PHP 10, subject to promo mechanics.
    • October 18 — Free Medium-to-Large Tub Upsize: Customers purchasing a Medium Tub with three toppings can enjoy a free upsize to a Large Tub, subject to promo mechanics.
    • October 19 — Small Tub for PHP 100: Customers can enjoy a Small Tub with one regular topping for PHP 100, subject to promo mechanics.

    The 10-day campaign is designed around products and ordering habits already familiar to llaollao customers, giving the anniversary a nationwide celebration that remains rooted in the everyday brand experience.

    10 winners, 10 destinations

    The anniversary also includes the 10 Destinations Anniversary Getaway Raffle, which will award trips to 10 winners across 10 destinations in the Philippines, with each destination also home to a llaollao branch.

    Customers may use qualifying llaollao receipts dated September 1 to November 10, 2026 to join the raffle, subject to the complete promo mechanics.

    The electronic raffle draw will be held on November 15, 2026 and livestreamed on llaollao Philippines’ official Facebook page, where the 10 winners will be selected.

    The raffle extends the anniversary beyond a single store or city and reflects llaollao’s growth across the country over the past decade.

    Spoon to School

    SpoontoSchool 0 1

    As part of its 10th anniversary, llaollao is also launching Spoon to School, an initiative that builds on the reusable design of its green spoon.

    Customers will be encouraged to return their clean green llaollao spoons through designated collection bins at participating branches. The collected spoons will be processed and repurposed into material for the production of school chairs.

    To identify schools that may benefit from the program, llaollao has been working with the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of San Juan City.

    West Crame Elementary School will serve as the first beneficiary of Spoon to School.

    The initiative is intended to continue beyond the first turnover, with llaollao planning to work with the Department of Education to identify succeeding schools that may benefit from future batches of collected and repurposed spoons.

    Spoon to School gives customers another way to extend the use of a familiar part of the llaollao experience—whether by continuing to reuse their spoons themselves or by returning them so the material can take on a new purpose.

    For llaollao, the 10th anniversary is both a milestone in scale and a celebration of the small, familiar details that have remained constant throughout its growth.

    Ten years ago, there were two stores.

    Today, there are 110.

    The spoon was already there.