De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), through its School of Arts, Culture and Performance (SACP) proudly announces the upcoming theatrical production of REX.
Scheduled to run from November 12 to 22, 2026 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati, REX exemplifies Benilde’s commitment to community-driven, socially relevant theater-making.
REX is a multi-sectoral institutional collaboration bringing together Benildean students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.
The production bridges diverse academic programs across the college—including Theater Arts, Production Design, Dance, Music Production, Multimedia Arts, Photography, and Creative Industries Management—demonstrating how academic learning integrates with professional stagecraft.
A Benildean Lens on Timeless Realities
Written by Palanca Hall of Famer and faculty of Digital Film in DLS-CSB, Joshua Lim So, and directed by acclaimed director, set designer, and chair of the Theater Arts program DLS-CSB, Tuxqs Rutaquio, REX adapts Sophocles’s ancient tragedy Oedipus Rex into a contemporary Filipino context.
The production shifts the classical narrative from a divine plague to the pressing social crises facing modern Filipino communities: flood control failures, questionable public infrastructure, and political dynasties.
Set in the city of Tebes,
The story follows the Po family and their company, St. Paul the Apostle Constructions, as torrential rains leave over a hundred citizens dead. As the household attempts to protect its interests, long-buried truths emerge, exposing how systemic corruption swallowing leaders leads to collective tragedy.
Institutional Synergy and Artistic Leadership
The creative execution features design and artistic contributions from Benilde faculty and alumni, including Movement Designer Christine Crame (Dance), Lighting Designer Jose Joaquin Aranda (Theater Arts), Sound Designer and Engineer TJ Martinez (Music Production faculty and alumnus), Costume Designer Phillip Domingo (Production Design alumnus), and Projection Designer Ces Valera (Production Design faculty and alumna).
The production is spearheaded by a dedicated Benildean leadership team, including Project Manager Baha Vergara (Theater Arts), Production Manager Irene Romero (Theater Arts alumna), Deputy Production Manager Hazel Gutierrez-Marges (Theater Arts), Marketing & Promotions Manager Erri Rojo (Creative Industries Management), Stage Manager Kate Loreno (Theater Arts alumna), Deputy Stage Manager Axl Fernandez, Technical Director Renz Sevilla, Asst. Technical Director Dexter Sy.
Complementing the student actors from the BA Theater Arts program of DLS-CSB are veteran actors Eula Valdez and Martin Del Rosario, leading the ensemble.
This marks their onstage reunion 12 years after both earned Gawad Urian awards for their performances in the critically acclaimed independent film Dagitab (2014).
Joining them are professional actors Bong Cabrera (Theater Arts faculty), Sheryll Ceasico, Emilio Macabantad (Theater Arts alumnus), and EJ Jallorina.
Jallorina—a Goin’ Bulilit alumna playing a trans woman character—continues her advocacy for authentic queer representation and for breaking media stereotypes on stage.
Together, the ensemble will deliver a performance that will highlight both student talent and seasoned craft.
Schedule & Ticketing Details
The production has a total running time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Venue: Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati Performance Dates: November 12–15 & November 19–22, 2026
Opening / Press Night:
Nov 12 (7:00 PM) Gala Night: Nov 13 (7:00 PM) Weekend & Matinee Shows: Nov 14, 15, 21, 22 (2:00 PM & 7:00 PM) | Nov 19, 20 (7:00 PM)
Seating Capacity (300 Seats Total):
Trono ni Rex (VIP Center Elevated Bleachers) Tanaw ng Tebes (Front Floor Level) Sa Gilid ng Lihim (Side Seating)
Ticketing: Open to the general public, as well as Benilde students, faculty, and alumni.
Tickets are available online via Ticket2Me.net.
Ticket claims begin 1 hour before showtime; doors open 30 minutes prior.
For more details on DLS-CSB theatrical productions and institutional updates, follow Benilde Arts on Facebook (facebook.com/benildearts) and Instagram (@benildearts)[cite: 5].
Manila-based Filipino actor Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante will play Sandra, a leading member of the Cornley Drama Society who takes on the role of Florence Colleymoore in the company’s increasingly disastrous 1920s murder mystery. She joins principal cast members from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, bringing together a company of performers from five countries for the Manila season.
She will be joined by Tom Babbage (Chris), Owen Jenkins (Robert, West End), Sebastiano Pitruzzello (Max, 2025 Australia and New Zealand 10th Anniversary Tour), Liam Horrigan (Jonathan, West End and UK tour), Tom Hayward (Dennis), Olivia Charalambous (Annie, Australia and New Zealand), Jake Curran (Trevor, West End) and Stephanie Astrid (female understudy, Sandra at the Sydney Opera House). The production is directed by Hannah Sharkey.
Carlos Candal, CEO and Founder of GMG Productions, on assembling a global cast:
“For GMG Productions, this casting is deeply personal. Seeing Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante, a Filipino artist of extraordinary calibre, who was also a member of our Filipino-led production of Come From Away, and who brings such a hilarious, unhinged spirit to the stage, stepping into one of theatre’s most iconic roles fills us with pride. Bringing her together with world-class performers from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States is exactly what we set out to do when we founded GMG: to give Filipino audiences the chance to experience theatre at the highest level, with one of our own shining at its heart.
If this company were any more international, we’d need subtitles; luckily, the chaos of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG needs no translation at all.”
Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante has spent over a decade onstage, making her professional debut in 2011 as Liesl in Resorts World Manila’s The Sound of Music. Since then, she has taken on a diverse range of roles, including Carrie in Carrie the Musical, Barbara Smith in Run for Your Wife, Annette in the Asian tour of Saturday Night Fever, Medium Alison in Fun Home, Lauren in Kinky Boots, Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Johanna in Sweeney Todd. Most recently, she portrayed Carrie Pipperidge in Repertory Philippines’ Carousel, earning her first Gawad Buhay Award for Female Featured Performance in a Musical.
Awarded the 2014 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Comedy, the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a Tony AwardⓇ for its Broadway transfer, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG has grown from a first performance at The Old Red Lion 10 years ago—attended by just four paying customers—to a global phenomenon now playing in over 30 countries and seen by more than two million people. Created by Mischief’s Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, the award-winning smash-hit comedy continues to delight audiences in the West End and around the world, arriving in Manila as part of its international journey following acclaimed runs in more than 50 countries over the past decade.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG follows the Cornley Drama Society as it attempts to stage The Murder at Haversham Manor, a 1920s murder mystery. But as opening night unfolds, everything that can go wrong does: the set collapses, props disappear, cues are missed, lines are forgotten and the performers must battle on through escalating chaos.
Tickets for THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, playing at The Theatre at Solaire from November 6 to 22, 2026, are available through ticketworld.com.ph. For updates and exclusive announcements, visit www.gmg-productions.com or follow @gmg.productions
ABOUT THE CAST
Tom Babbage as Chris
Originally from Somerset, Tom trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. His theatre credits include Murder for Two (SJT and Bolton Octagon), The Little Mermaid (Watermill), The Two Gentlemen of Verona (RSC), Putting it Together (Playground Theatre/Salisbury Celebrate Voice), Fun at the Beach Romp-Bomp-A-Lomp!! (Southwark Playhouse), The Fair Maid of the West (RSC), The Motive and the Cue(National Theatre), Boundless as the Sea and Miss Littlewood (RSC/Cunard), Cluedo (UK premiere and tour), The Play That Goes Wrong (UK Tour and West End – Duchess Theatre), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (UK Tour), The Wizard of Oz (Brewhouse Theatre Taunton), Toys – The Musical(CityWalk Dubai), The Garden (Tristan Bates Theatre), Around the World in Eighty Days (Brewhouse Theatre Taunton), Arianna in Creta (Royal College of Music), and Widows and Children First! (Jermyn Street Theatre).
His film and television work includes Amandaland (BBC), The Candidate, Memories: Brothers – A Lasting Legacy, Beauty, Spaceboy, Brief Intermission, Easy Ride (music video), and Cracking Shakespeare (educational film).
Workshop credits include Cockfosters (Riverside Studios), Caroline: A New Musical (NT Studios), The Two Gentlemen of Verona (RSC), That Bastard, Puccini! (RJG Productions), Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badgers Drift (Nicholson Green Productions), a confidential RSC workshop, Iolanthe (JB Theatre Productions Ltd), Legends of Arahma (Central Studio, QMC), Bedbug and Featherboy (both National Theatre), and The Wall (Pink Floyd and Complicité, directed by Simon McBurney).
Tom is also an established voiceover artist, working across video games, commercials, podcasts, and audiobooks for publishers including HarperCollins, Macmillan, and Bloomsbury; his 2025 recording of Tiny Hercules has been shortlisted for “Best Children’s Audiobook” at the British Audio Awards.
Owen Jenkins as Robert
Owen trained at The Oxford School of Drama. His theatre credits include The Play That Goes Wrong (West End), The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Riverside Studios), Doctor Who: Time Fracture (Immersive Everywhere/BBC), David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon(International Tour), An Enemy of the People, David Baddiel’s Animalcom, and One Duck Down (UK Tours), as well as Stranger Things and Wishmas (Secret Cinema), The Jolly Christmas Postman (Oxford Playhouse), Raymond Briggs’ The Bear (Birmingham MAC), The Game’s Afoot, and The Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie (Les Enfants Terribles). His screen credits include Milk (Blue Ethel) and Trickle (Ravanburn).
Owen is also a director, writer, and voice-over artist. He is an Artistic Director and writer for award-winning theatre company FacePlant Theatre and co-creator of critically acclaimed audio series At Your Peril.
Sebastiano Pitruzzello as Max
Following the 2025 Australia & New Zealand 10th Anniversary Tour of The Play That Goes Wrong, Sebastiano returns to his professional theatre debut role as Max. His previous credits include the Australian premieres of STOP/OVER (Three Fates Theatre) and BACON (Melbourne Fringe 2023). He graduated from Federation University Arts Academy in 2019.
Liam Horrigan as Jonathan
Liam is an actor and writer from Essex who trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. His theatre credits include The Play That Goes Wrong (West End and UK Tour), Cluedo and Cluedo 2 (UK Tours), Haywire (The Barn Theatre), Cockfosters (Southwark Playhouse), Ben Hur (Barn Theatre), The Devils (Embassy Theatre), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Webber Douglas Studio). His audio credits include The Queen Philippa (2handers/BBC) and DMs Are Open (BBC Studios), and his film credit is Third Bench on the Left (CPO Productions).
Liam is also a co-host of the award-nominated podcast You’re On Tonight, which explores the experiences of actors, understudies, and swings stepping onstage at the last minute.
Tom Hayward as Dennis
Tom Hayward is an emerging performer from Wellington, New Zealand. In 2023, he completed his Bachelor of Creativity in acting for stage and screen at Te Auaha. That same year, he performed in the HATCH showcase for TAHI (New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance), where he demonstrated his skills as a comedic actor and playwright.
Last year, Tom made his professional theatrical debut, playing Dennis in the Australia and New Zealand tour of The Play That Goes Wrong. He is now excited to jump back into that same world to help bring the joy of Mischief Theatre to a brand-new audience.
Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Sandra
Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante is a Manila-based actor, singer, and host with over 15 years of experience on stage. Most recently, she played the Baker’s Wife in Theatre Group Asia’s sold-out and critically acclaimed production of Into the Woods. She also portrayed Antonia in Repertory Philippines’ Man of La Mancha and Raquel in Barefoot Theatre Collaborative’s Anthropology.
Her theatre credits include Carrie Pipperidge in Repertory Philippines’ Carousel, for which she received the Gawad Buhay Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, as well as Medium Alison in Fun Home, Carrie in Carrie the Musical, Barbara Smith in Run for Your Wife, Annette in Saturday Night Fever the Musical (Manila, Malaysia, and Singapore), Lauren in Kinky Boots, Una in Blackbird, Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Manila and Singapore).
Olivia Charalambous as Annie
an Australian actor and director who graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting) in 2013. Her selected performance credits include Les Misérables (10th Anniversary Production, Cameron Mackintosh), Spring Awakening (Original Australian Cast, Sydney Theatre Company), Puffs (Original Australian Cast, TEG/LifeLike Touring), Young Frankenstein (Hayes Theatre Co), and Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark (The Listies/Critical Stages/Sydney Theatre Company).
Her directing credits include Disney’s Camp Rock, Skank Sinatra, Between the Lines JR, Pursuing Pleasure, Spring Awakening, The Understudy, Carrie: The Musical, and Zoë’s Killer Instinct. She recently launched The OC Project, a Melbourne-based company delivering performance-based workshops for corporate and education settings, alongside directing and creative development for live performance.
Olivia returns to the Mischief family as Annie in The Play That Goes Wrong, having previously performed the role throughout Australia and New Zealand in 2015.
Jake Curran as Trevor
Trained at Drama Centre London, Jake Curran’s credits include: film roles in Clayface (2026), Over Your Dead Body (2026), The Owners (2020), Maze Runner: Death Cure (2018), Journey’s End (2018), Fury (2014), Robin Hood (2010), Wrong Turn 3 (2009), Stardust (2007), The New World(2005), and Oliver Twist (2005).
Television appearances in Harry Potter (2026), Robin Hood (2025), EastEnders (2022), The Confessions of Frannie Langton (2021), Gangs of London (2021), Spotless (2015), Whitechapel (2013), Murder on the Homefront (2013), Mayday (2013), Inspector Lewis (2012), Doctors (2011), Summer in Transylvania (2011), Waking the Dead (2011), Criminal Justice (2008), Primeval (2007), Casualty (2003, 2013), The Bill (1998, 2004), The Demon Headmaster (1996), and Grange Hill (1995).
Theatre work in The Play That Goes Wrong (2018, 2019), Christie in Love (2016), A Haunting (World Premiere, 2016), The Young Visitors(2016), Noonday Demons (2015), Fred and Madge (World Premiere, 2014), The Boy Who Cried (2014), and Diary of a Nobody (2014, 2015, 2017); and short films including Boom Chicks (2026), Lily’s House (2026), Lazar (2025), Egg (2025), Full Tank (2025), The Regent (2025), Thou Shalt Not See (2024), Undercurrents (2023), The Ceiling (2022) (Winner of Best Ensemble Award at The World Indie Film Awards), The Moth(2021), The Anchor (2011), Dirt (2011), and Ribbon (2010). Jake is also the writer/director of the films The Psychedelic Biker Killings and Twindrome.
Stuart Vincent, Understudy
Stuart Vincent is a British mixed-heritage actor and professional hip-hop dancer. His theatre credits include the West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong and the lead role of Amir in the UK and Ireland tour of The Kite Runner. On screen, he has appeared as Ross in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, Terry in the feature film When the Screaming Starts, and Cem in Good Luck, an award-winning short film written and directed by BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker Franz Böhm. Alongside his acting career, Stuart brings over 16 years of professional hip-hop dance experience, contributing to his dynamic physicality and commanding stage presence.
Tom Bulpett, Male Understudy
Tom trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. His theatre credits include The Grapes of Wrath (National Theatre), The Play That Goes Wrong (West End), Macbeth (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Importance of Being…Earnest? (UK Tour), The Burial at Thebes (RCSSD), Seahorse (Theatre 503), and Road (Warwick Arts Centre). His screen credits include Dept. Q (Netflix), Casualty (BBC), The Mummy (Universal Pictures), Quiz (ITV), and Father Brown (BBC).
Stephanie Astrid, Female Understudy
A Green Room Award-winning performer, most recently known for playing Sandra in The Play That Goes Wrong. Her theatre credits include Viola in Twelfth Night (Melbourne Shakespeare Company), Queen Angelica in The Grinning Man, Miss Thorn in Ruthless!, Pam in 50 Shades!, Joyce Byers in Stranger Sings, Genevieve Gryffindor in Voldemort and the Teenage Hogwarts, and Stephanie Necrophorous in NINE. She has also performed in the Australian premiere of Midnight: The Cinderella Musical and Disney’s My Son Pinocchio.
Her voiceover credits include Trudie Poodle in The Underdogs podcast and S.A.M.A.N.T.H.A in Busy Bodies with Mr Snotbottom, winner of Best Kid’s Podcast at the 2023 Australian Podcast Awards. She is represented by Ian White Management.
Hannah Sharkey, Director
Hannah trained at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and was one of twelve directors selected for Stonecrabs’ Emerging Directors Programme in 2014, where she was marked “One to Watch.” She is currently Director of Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle for Virgin Voyages, having previously directed the West End, Off-Broadway, UK tour, and Edinburgh productions.
Hannah was previously Associate Director on Magic Goes Wrong in the West End and Resident Director on the West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong, as well as Director of the Portuguese and Mexican replica productions.
Other directing credits include Cinderella (Theatre Royal Bath/UK Productions), Nomad (The Soho Theatre Young Company at Edinburgh Fringe), Storms (The Vaults), and Low Level Panic (The Albany Theatre).
Johnson’s Mombassadors, content creator Lottie Bie and beauty queen Samantha Bernardo, recently gained a new understanding of something they now have to navigate as first-time moms: caring for their babies’ skin.
Through firsthand experience with the science, they learned that newborn skin, unlike adult skin, loses moisture faster, making it more prone to dryness and irritation. Family bar soap may seem sufficient or convenient for bath time, but babies need a range of bath and lotion products formulated to protect their delicate newborn skin.
It’s one of the many things first-time moms have to learn along the way. After all, they’re often bombarded with an endless stream of advice: the dos and don’ts, signs to watch out for, and products to use. As they say, there’s no manual for motherhood. The good thing is that Johnson’s Baby is there to help moms along the way, educating them on how to preserve their baby’s soft, healthy-looking skin, perfect for every pisil and gigil.
Hydration is protection
This is where a mother’s instinctive touch meets science.
At the recent “Johnson’s Baby HaploScience: Proving the Power of Gentle Care” event, held on Oct. 9 at LEAP Studios in Makati City, moms got a closer look at the science behind gentle newborn care through immersive experiments, interactive activities, and research presentations.
According to Neha Sahatpure, Kenvue Research & Development Scientist, “The biggest misconception is that a baby’s skin is the same as an adult’s skin and that babies can use the same products.” For the first time, Johnson’s Baby brought moms closer to the products by highlighting their safety and gentleness, superior hydration and moisturization, and gentle cleansing properties through fun experiments.
Doctors and nurses also shared baby-care tips, promoting the right regimen of cleansing, moisturizing, and massaging with Johnson’s Baby. They debunked common newborn skincare misconceptions and answered questions from moms, including why the products they use on their own skin may not necessarily be suitable for a newborn’s.
The brand also launched the new formulation of the Johnson’s Baby Milk+Rice Bath & Lotion regimen, which provides 72-hour hydration. The formulation contains milk proteins, rice extracts, Vitamin B5, and is now enriched with aloe vera.
With more than 132 years of expertise in baby care, Johnson’s Baby, the no. 1 baby-care brand prescribed by doctors, has continued to develop products specifically formulated for babies’ delicate skin. With its latest formulation upgrade, the brand continues to fulfill its promise of providing gentle care.
What moms learned
Samantha Bernardo and Lottie Bie, Johnson’s Baby’s new “Mombassadors,” said the experience made them rethink some of their own assumptions about newborn skincare.
“I didn’t realize before how quickly newborn skin can lose moisture. I always thought that a newborn’s skin was naturally healthy as is and didn’t need any additional care. That’s why I hardly used products on my baby before,” Lottie said. “Sometimes, we think that what we normally use at home, like family soap, will do. Now, I’m more conscious about choosing products that are specially formulated for babies because some family products contain harsh ingredients that may damage a newborn’s skin.”
Meanwhile, motherhood has taught Samantha Bernardo that preparation can only take you so far.
“I have always been used to preparing for different things in my career, but motherhood is definitely one experience you can’t really prepare for,” Samantha Bernardo said. “There are always new things to learn, and knowing why a baby’s skin needs extra attention helps me make better choices.”
Johnson’s Mompreneur Affiliate Program
Being a mom is tough, even more so in this challenging economy. But moms don’t have to figure everything out on their own, thanks to Johnson’s Baby.
Johnson’s Baby proudly launches its Mompreneur Program, a community where mothers can learn how to care for their babies, connect with fellow moms, and earn more for their families.
According to Samantha Onglatco, Brand Manager for Baby Care at Kenvue Philippines, “The Johnson’s Mompreneur community gives moms access not only to baby-care tips, but also to useful skills that can help them create content and earn through social commerce platforms. We have connected mothers with resources, such as training sessions and workshops, to help them grow their content creation skills.” The program also supports aspiring mompreneurs through content creation and affiliate opportunities that can provide additional sources of income.
For mothers who may already feel overwhelmed by childcare and everyday economic pressures, the community aims to offer information, support, and inspiration to help them grow.Indeed, motherhood may not come with a manual. But having the science to understand what their babies need, products formulated to address those needs, and a community they can turn to can help moms make everyday choices with greater confidence. That leaves plenty more room for cuddling, kissing, and all that gigil, from the very first haplos to all the little moments that follow.
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.
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
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.
Charles Leclerc and Dominic Roque 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
Julia BarrettoSofia 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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. The21st 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 aMicropack 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 atUptown 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.
When in Visayas and Mindanao, go toAyala 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.
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.
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.
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 Musicalhereand don’t miss the full premiere on 16 October. Stay tuned to theLEGO YouTube channeland 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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
