Author: Press Release

Going green? Get some inspiration from these brands doing their bit for the planet

With a deeper understanding of how our actions can impact the planet, it’s no surprise that more people are doing their share and finding ways to care for Mother Earth. Shangri-La Plaza is one with all the advocates and hopes to support a gentler lifestyle by sharing an inspired list of brands that are doing their bit.

Truly enjoy a cup of good brew from local roaster Candid Coffee. Their 100% compostable cups are made from sustainable bamboo plants with sugarcane bagasse cup lids and straws that are all free from sneaky plastic coating. Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI has always been committed to recycling and cutting packaging waste, and it’s helping guests do the same by offering water refilling service at their Shang store. Just bring your own bottle!

Recycled materials also shine as The Travel Club+ carries hip Herschel bags crafted from 100% recycled EcoSystem™ fabrics made of repurposed water bottles. Japanese eyewear brand Owndays pitches in with its Filipino-designed Cases for Change wherein 100% of the sales go to non-profits such as Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA) that’s collected 1600 pounds of trash in 2023 alone as part of its efforts to protect sea turtles and conserve the marine ecosystem in La Union. The Marketplace also strides towards a cleaner future by carrying limited-edition “Seas the Day” shopping bags, with proceeds going to marine conservation organization Save Philippine Seas.

Gadget geeks for the planet can head over to Power Mac Center for the first-ever carbon neutral Apple Watch Series, integrating recycled materials into its watchband while running on clean electricity and cutting down on fossil fuels in its supply chain. Playtime just got a lot kinder to Mother Earth too, as LEGO now makes bricks from renewable materials like sugarcane-based bio-PE and recycled materials from kitchen worktops.Iconic American apparel retailer Gap is pulling its weight for the environment. Its Washwell techniques in making denim and woven bottoms have already saved over 830 million liters of water since 2016. New Balance steps towards a better planet by using preferred leather and recycled polyester in its shoes, reducing environmental impacts and a reliance on fossil fuels.

Apart from choosing consciously made products, Shangri-La Plaza has also encouraged everyone to speak up and pledge their support for the environment with its #IStandWithMotherEarth Pledge Wall up during the recent Earth Hour celebration. It served as a reminder about what everyone can do for the planet and to apply these eco-friendly swaps and commitments in their everyday lives. The Earth Hour initiative also included the candle-lit LIVE at the Shang! Turn Up the Dark acoustic event featuring Viva Records artists Amiel Sol, Marielle Belleza, Michael Keith, CARLO, and Minimal Days.

To round it all out, Shang is set to host an exciting post-Earth Day outdoor workout session with boutique cycling studio Ride Revolution at the Sky Garden on April 27.

With collective action bringing us more hope for the future, Shangri-La Plaza hopes to inspire more people to take little steps in making everyday Earth Day.

For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.

April 18, 2024
Things You Don’t Know About ‘Carmen’
An opera brings its audience to a world created through an interesting collaboration between a librettist and composer. Opera is brought to life by vocal pieces and arias performed by singers, with live instrumental accompaniment from an orchestra.

This May 7, the CCP’s The Met: Live in HD presents its second installment for its ninth season – French composer Georges Bizet’s Carmen, a tragic opera about a gypsy woman named Carmen who seduces an army corporal guarding her prison cell. Their tumultuous love affair ends when Carmen turns her attention to a bullfighter. The corporal’s love turns to jealousy and violence.

Through this program, the Cultural Center of the Philippines aims to reintroduce to Filipino audiences, especially to the younger generations, classical opera masterpieces whose stories transcend boundaries and cultural backgrounds, while remaining relevant to the time.

Before you head to Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1 in Makati City for the special opera screening, here are some interesting facts you probably should know about Carmen:
1. The plot of Carmen was based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Merimee, which was published in October 1845 in Revue des Deux Mondes. It was said that Merimee was inspired by a poem written by Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. French librettists Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy wrote the libretto for the opera, with music by Bizet.
2. Bizet never saw Carmen rise to fame. He died from a heart condition at age 36, three months after the opera premiered in 1875. When it was first staged, the members of the ton rejected the opera. Bizet died believing Carmen, considered his last opera, was a failure. He had never known that the “scandalous” opera would go on to become one of the best-loved and most-performed operas of all time.
3. Its hummable arias Habanera and Toreador have been featured in various commercials like the Doritos ad, dubbed Mouse Trap, in 2008. The Pepsi commercial in 2002 featured Beyonce singing to the tune of the Habanera aria, just with different lyrics.
4. During the 1988 Winter Olympics, champion skaters Debi Thomas and Katerina Witt performed in the figure skating programs with Habanera.
5. Carmen in pop culture: Disney’s Pixar used Habanera in an emotional scene in the film Up (2009). Sesame Street, the defunct children’s show, featured Habanera several times, including a scene with an orange singing the aria and as a lullaby for Elmo (both performed by opera singer Denyce Graves). In one of its episodes of The Simpsons, Bart, Homer, Lisa, and Marge are seen going to the opera house to watch Carmen, with Toreador playing in the background. The Swedish Chef and Beaker of The Muppets croon Carmen’s Habanera.
6. Carmen has been adapted into films, ballet, and Broadway. In 1943, the musical “Carmen Jones” hit Broadway and later became a movie with the same title in 1954. Both featured music by Oscar Hammerstein. In the 1960s, director Wang Tian-lin adapted it into “The Wild Wild Rose,” starring Grace Chang, and set in Hong Kong and with songs sung in Mandarin.
7. Beyonce made her acting debut through the recent adaptation of Carmen, titled “Carmen: A Hip Hopera.” Directed by Rober Townsend, the 2001 film is a contemporary retelling of the classic tale, following a police sergeant (Mekhi Phifer) whose life is turned upside down when an irresistible woman (Beyonce) enters his life.
8. Although Carmen was written in French, Spanish culture strongly inspired the opera. This is quite evident in Carmen’s Seguidilla, Don José’s Flower aria, and Escamillo’s famous Toreador’s Song. While you can see the Spanish influence, Bizet never actually set foot in Spain.
9. The first Carmen, French mezzo-soprano Célestine Galli-Marié, forced Bizet to rewrite Habanera – 13 times! – until she was satisfied.
10. Carmen can be found in your kitchen or your favorite restaurant. Famous French chef Auguste Escoffier, known as “the king of chefs and the chef of kings,” loved the opera so much that he created and dedicated two dishes – the Carmen chops and Carmen salad.
Catch the CCP The Met: Live in HD – Carmen on May 7, 5:30 pm, at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, Makati City. This program is presented in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and Ayala Malls Cinemas.

Ticket prices are Php 100.00 for students and Php 350.00 for regular audiences. You may visit the ticket booth or book via www.sureseats.com.

For updates on future productions and showings from the Metropolitan Opera of New York and other partners and programs of the CCP, you may follow the official CCP and CCP FBNMD social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
April 17, 2024
EXO Celestial now available in the Philippines

GFOXX International President David Tan, Dr. Eloisa Tulayba and Climar Catorce, assistant manager for product training, recently presented EXO Celestial Skin Care to the media, the secret to ageless beauty.

The skin care regimen is the first and only product line and non-invasive treatment with microsurgical effect that combines the power of Exosomes and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN).

Regeneration with Exosomes

The latest Innovation for skin cell regeneration, Exosomes are like ‘avatars’ that facilitate intracellular communication by merging with other cells. The process allows old cells to regenerate, improve and rejuvenate. Exosomes contain growth factors. Like anti-inflammatory cytokines and genetic materials that aid tissue repair and immune modulation. This is important because as we age, our skin loses the ability to maintain collagen synthesis and repair damaged cells.

Reverse Aging by NMN

The skin care line combines Exosomes with Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), also known as the holy grail of reverse aging. NMN is a molecule that boosts the skin’s energy making it healthy and youthful. It supports the natural repair process that reduce the signs of aging.

Safe for all skin types

EXO Celestial is clinically proven to be safe and effective for any type of skin. It is the ideal treatment for problems like acne, dryness, dark pigmentations, large pores, dullness, saggy, sensitive, and chronically stressed skin.

Reverse aging in 4 steps

The regimen follows a four-step process. It begins with the Anti-pollution Amino Acid cleansing cream, followed by Advanced Nano exosome repairing essence and the Nano exosome peptide revival cream to activate skin healing and repair. The final step involves protection via UV expert sunscreen SPF30 PA++.

Overall radiance

When regularly used EXO Celestial can reduce fine lines and wrinkles even minimize pores, improve texture and elasticity, enhance hydration and resilience, improve skin tone, and reduce pigmentation and increase firmness and suppleness resulting in overall radiance and rejuvenation.

EXO Celestial is distributed by GFOXX INTERNATIONAL the EXO CELESTIAL SKIN CARE CENTER at Unit 516 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Avenue corner Garnet rd. Ortigas Center Pasig.

April 15, 2024
Watsons Makes a Difference by Providing Free Healthcare to Filipinos Through First Medical Mission This 2024

Watsons has been conducting Alagang Pangkalusugan initiatives since 2013 in the country’s various regions, doing good for others by helping to provide free diagnostic tests and medications to areas in need through these medical missions.

As the country’s leading health retailer, Watsons remains committed to its sustainability goals of helping to uplift the health and well-being of the community by bringing healthcare closer and more accessible through such initiatives like the Alagang Pangkalusugan medical missions. The initiative that started in 2013 has been servicing numerous communities in quest of bringing together a healthier nation. To start the year off, the initiative has started strong with two Alagang Pangkalusugan medical missions.

Alagang Pangkalusugan heads to Visayas in the first quarter of the year. Medical missions kicked-off last February 21, 2024 in CEO Gym in Tacloban, Leyte. The initiative helped 725 beneficiaries where they were given free services like medical consultation, BP monitoring, ECG, blood glucose monitoring, uric/hemoglobin/cholesterol tests, chest X-ray. Watsons also gave the patients free medicines and vitamins.

The second Medical Mission was held in one of the biggest gyms in the province in Calape, Bohol. The largest Watsons medical mission to date, 948 total beneficiaries were served with additional services like tooth extraction, hearing tests, bone screening along with eye exams with free reading glasses, thanks to the brand sponsors and LGU partners.

SM Foundation, LGUs from the Province of Bohol and Tacloban along with partner brands were present in joining Watsons’ commitment to provide free health check-ups for underserved communities.

In the past year, Watsons has seen a spike in employee volunteers who have devoted their time to give back to our local communities around the country. Opportunities of volunteering are always taken by employees to embody doing good as mentioned in the retailer’s tagline of “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great”.

“Since 2013, Alagang Pangkalusugan has benefited over 7,000 Filipinos. We are very proud to be a partner of Filipino families in their journey to good health and to help those who have little or no access to medical consultations and services. This is part of the Watsons sustainability program’s commitment under the community pillar,” said Belle Pesayco, People – Supporting Communities Pillar Lead for Watsons PH.

With such a great turnout to start the year, Watsons is set to bring the Alagang Pangkalusugan initiative to even more areas and communities in different parts around the country.

April 14, 2024
YOLO: Who’s Your Champion? Meet the Cast of the Feel-Good Hit, in PH Cinemas April 17

YOLO tells the story of Leying (Jia Ling) who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Leying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Haokun (played by Lei Jiayin), who just may change her life.

Get to know the characters that bring the highly rated movie to life!

Jia Ling as Leying

From escaping reality to undergoing a brave transformation, Leying finally makes up her mind to reinvent herself and finds a way to love herself in boxing, hoping to “win just once” in life.

Lei Jiayin as Haokun

Haokun is a gym coach who meets Leying by chance. Although he is a dreamer at heart, he is still a realist.

Zhang Xiaofei as Ledan

Leying’s sister, Ledan has a very strong personality. She and Leying seem to be living in two different channels, and she is completely unable to understand Leying’s behavior.

Sha Yi as Old Liang

The gym owner. Although he is a little mercenary, he still has good intentions in his heart, and is finally moved by Leying’s bravery and persistence.

Xu Juncong as BBQ Shop Owner

The boss of the BBQ shop that Leying works in. He has an oily appearance and flirtatious behavior, and he often uses various pretexts to flirt with female employees.

Yang Zi as Doudou

Leying’s cousin. She looks kind and simple, but she has lofty ambitions when it comes to her career.

Li Xueqin as Lili

Leying’s best friend. They used to talk about everything, but Lili hides a secret in her heart, which causes the two to drift apart.

Ma Li as Ma Chunli

TV show personality and psychology professor. She is good at using the fruit-type personality concept to test the personality of guests.

Qiao Shan as Shanzi

Leying’s ex-boyfriend who not only betrays her, but also breaks up with her when she is depressed, disrupting her peaceful life.

Wei Xiang as Wei Dongfeng

A famous poet, writer and scholar living in Europe. He believes that reading thousands of books is not as good as traveling thousands of miles.

YOLO was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.

YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLOmovie @columbiapicph

_{Photo and Video credit: Columbia Pictures}

April 12, 2024
Plant a Tree for Free with Every GCash Transaction & Join GForest
The Philippines is one of the most biodiverse archipelagos in the world and is home to over 50,000 described species of plants.

However, due to activities such as deforestation, habitat exploitation, waste disposal and pollution, the Philippines is rapidly losing numerous plant species that contribute to its vibrant tropical habitat. To combat the negative effects of climate change, GCash is actively helping to plant trees in the Philippines through GForest.

With GForest, all GCash users can contribute to the preservation of the environment – and you can too. When you plant trees virtually on GForest, GCash transforms these into real trees to support the preservation of our forest reserves.

How It Works: Earning Green Energy Points So You Can Start Planting Trees

For every successful GCash transaction, you can earn a certain amount of Green Energy Points and collect it 24 hours later in GForest in the app. You can collect green energy points when you Buy Load, Send Money, Pay Bills, Cash-In, or even when you register up to 20,000 steps per day from walking. Every transaction is a real contribution, so it’s important to collect energy every day.

When you have enough Green Energy points, you can plant a virtual tree that will be planted by GCash and its local and international partners in key locations nationwide.

There are different types of trees to choose from, including the new Cannonball Mangrove, the Red Mangrove, and sometimes, there are even limited edition trees that can be planted at certain times of the year, such as a limited edition Pine Tree in December 2023. You can choose between the different types of trees GCash offers, depending on Green Energy Points you have and what different types of trees are worth. Usually, the more energy points required to plant a specific tree, the more effective the tree will be in helping sequester carbon from the environment.

For Every Tree Planted on GForest, GCash Turns it into a Real One

GForest ensures that every virtual plant collected is converted into a real tree. To date, GCash has planted over 2.7 million actual trees in 14 key areas nationwide as of 2023). An estimated 346,000 trees have been planted in Luzon, 1.1 million in Visayas and 1.1 million in Mindanao.

An estimated 8,600 smallholder farming families have benefited from this initiative. GForest is not only helping the environment, it also helps improve the livelihood of farmers in climate change affected areas in the Philippines.

A Step-By-Step Guide On Using GForest

Using GForest and planting real trees from the comfort of your own home is easy as following four simple steps:
1. Earn green energy points when you use GCash. Transactions like sending money, paying bills, buying load, and cashing-in your wallet will earn you points.
2. Next, collect your green energy points after 24 hours of your transaction on the GForest dashboard. Tap on your points to collect them – you can also collect points from your friends!
3. When you have enough points to plant a tree, head to the GForest virtual nursery and choose a tree to plant.
4. Once you’ve selected a tree, exchange your points to plant a virtual free – and then, GCash and its partners will plant a reel tree on your behalf! You’ll even receive a certificate for your valuable contribution to the country’s biggest digital eco-movement.
Through GCash, you can be part of a bigger digital eco-movement to rebuild our country’s forests. Keep giving back to the environment with a gift that will surely benefit it for many years to come. Be a green hero and contribute to rebuilding our forests – one digital tree at a time when you use GCash.
April 11, 2024
A Cup of Change: Starbucks Philippines Brews Opportunities for Tondo’s Youth

Starbucks Philippines is no stranger to stirring up more than just your favorite beverages; they’re brewing real change in the community, too. Last September 2023 marked a milestone for the coffee giant as it opened the doors to its first-ever Community Store in Abad Santos, Tondo, Manila. This isn’t just any Starbucks outlet—it’s a beacon of hope and empowerment for the area’s young minds.

Brewing a Brighter Future

In a meaningful partnership with Young Focus and AHA! Learning Center, the Tondo Community Store goes beyond serving coffee; it serves the youth. A slice of every purchase goes directly into scholarships and after-school learning programs for out-of-school youngsters. This initiative shines a light on Starbucks’ commitment to nurturing the community it thrives in, ensuring every sip contributes to a child’s brighter tomorrow.

Education as the Perfect Blend

Starbucks’ Community Store is more than a place for coffee aficionados; it’s a hub for growth and learning. By supporting Young Focus Foundation’s scholarship programs and AHA! Learning Center’s complimentary after-school tutoring, Starbucks is helping mold the future leaders of the Philippines. These programs offer a well-rounded curriculum focusing not just on academic excellence but also on social-emotional development—preparing students for real-world challenges.

Empowering Women, Empowering Communities

In alignment with Women’s Month, the spotlight shines on empowering the women leaders of tomorrow. Starbucks Philippines invited pioneering women from various industries to engage with the youth scholars. These sessions, rich with discussions on mental health, career development, and environmental responsibility, aim to inspire and motivate. It’s about showing these young women that their dreams have no limits, and their gender is not a barrier to success.

Jamie Silva, senior manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience & Loyalty at Starbucks Philippines, spoke on the importance of having a clear career vision and the flexibility to navigate diversity. “Prior to joining Starbucks, I explored various industries to broaden my perspective,” Jamie shared. “There is no single prescribed career trajectory. By embracing the transformative power of education and a forward-thinking mindset, no limitations can constrain your journey. Forge your path as a woman empowered to shape her own destiny.” Through her journey, Jamie exemplifies the significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the pursuit of one’s passions to carve out a fulfilling career path.

Lynn Pinugu is the the co-founder of Mano Amiga Philippines and She Talks Asia who has continued to use her strong voice to advocate for women empowerment and mental wellness. Having a strong background in helping women in different stages of their lives, Lynn is passionate about taking care of one’s mental wellness and shared her experiences as a woman leader in her field. “Being surrounded by like-minded women really helped me in my career and of course, has a positive impact on my mental wellness. In empowering women, it is also important that you yourself are an empowered woman, and this includes finding self-care practices that fit you and your needs,” she shared.

Multi-awarded Filipina filmmaker and director Antoinette Jadaone spoke on the importance of using the platform you are given for good. The films that she produced over the years allow her to tell different stories that the audience may relate to, further reaching various individuals who may be going through the same experiences. “Making films is unique and exciting, but it is also a very powerful position to be in and I make it a point to never forget this. Anyone, even little girls, can have the opportunity to see my films so I know that I have a responsibility that I do not take lightly.” Filmmaking is a male-dominated industry, and she is determined to make her mark in hopes of representing women and inspiring the next generation to do the same.

Anina Rubio is a sought-after visual artist who uses art to spread her personal advocacy for sustainability and environmental conservation. She strongly encourages the youth to do their part in taking care of the planet. “We can all take care of the planet in our own, small ways. A personal example is when I order my favorite Starbucks drink, I make sure to always bring a reusable cup to minimize my usage of plastic. These little acts of service for the planet will go a long way.” Starbucks Philippines is committed to strengthening the communities it serves through Sustainability and care for the planet.

A Toast to the Future

Starbucks Philippines envisions its Community Store as more than a place for coffee; it’s a ground for cultivating dreams and ambitions. Jamie Silva, reflecting on the initiative, emphasized the importance of education in shaping a generation capable of breaking norms and pursuing their passions fearlessly. Starbucks’ dedication to this cause underscores a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of community support and education. “Our Community Store’s dedication to youth education underscores our mission to make a meaningful impact on the next generation within our local communities,” says Jamie Silva. “As we celebrate International Women’s Day and honor our future leaders, it’s crucial to recognize the pivotal role education plays in shaping progressive thinkers and empowering women to break free from societal constraints, allowing them to excel in their endeavors and pursue their passions.”

Join the Movement

Witness firsthand how your cup of coffee can change lives. For more behind-the-scenes looks at Starbucks Philippines’ community-driven efforts and to stay updated on their upcoming events and initiatives, make sure to visit starbucks.ph/stories and follow them across all social media platforms.

By choosing Starbucks, you’re not just picking a coffee; you’re picking a cause. Together, let’s brew a difference, one cup at a time.

April 8, 2024
ARTablado Presents Kaleidoscope 2: Mirrored Realities

30 young artists from La Salle College of Antipolo showcase their work at ARTablado Robinsons Antipolo from April 3 to 15

Last year, senior high school students from La Salle College of Antipolo (LSCA) got the chance to exhibit their work in ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo. The show, called “Kaleidscope,” was a great opportunity for the young artists to be able to bring their art to a wider audience.

“Last year’s exhibit was a tremendous success, and it owes much of its success to ARTablado. To me, Artablado is like a welcoming home that always keeps its doors open for young, budding artists,” said LSCA teacher Jade Arabelle A. Cabauatan.

That’s really what ARTablado is all about. This Robinsons Land initiative, launched in 2020, has been supporting Filipino artists by giving them a venue where they can put their prowess on display. ARTablado, which can be found in Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Antipolo has featured both up-and-coming talents and established Filipino artists.

On April 3 to 15, another batch of Grade 12 students from LSCA will be showcasing their work in ARTablado Robinsons Antipolo in an exhibit called “Kaleidoscope 2: Mirrored Realities.”

Cabauatan said, “LSCA chose to keep the title ‘Kaleidoscope’ because it perfectly encapsulates the vibrant diversity and dynamic creativity thriving within our school’s art community. This title not only symbolizes the kaleidoscopic range of artistic expressions and perspectives showcased in the exhibit but also carries forward the legacy of last year’s students.”

She and fellow teacher John Paul Diciembre have been guiding the students through the entire process. “As educators in the Arts and Design, our primary objective is to provide students with real-world experiences in the industry. This encompasses everything from conceptualization to execution, culminating in the actual exhibition. Our students have invested considerable time and effort into brainstorming and crafting their pieces, with some starting their work months in advance in anticipation of this event,” Cabauatan said.

Thirty students from LSCA’s Arts and Design Strand and Special Program in the Arts—John Michael Carlos, Nicholas Cawicaan, Emman Cervantes, Adrian Dominguez, Brad Fernando, Aaron Legaspi, Victor Mojica, Josh Mondragon, Nathan Soriano, Gino Tolentino, Ben Zamora, Ayen Bonifacio, Sophia Bravo, Neyen Cinco, Rain Dungca, Aleksandra Escala, Daphne Jumawan, Raissa Liban, Ma. Franchesca Libio, Xiomara Ludovice, Kyleigh Christen Materum, Krystle Miguel, Lovely Pili, Maria Antoinette Querijero, Justine Saguid, Czarah Santos, Ma. Eliza Isabel Santos, Dana Tonogbanua, Chloe Wong, and Alegra Samson—will be participating in the exhibit.

“Having a chance to showcase my artworks in ARTablado is a great opportunity for a student like me to express my creativity in art and share it with others,” said student artist Sabel Santos.

Brad Fernando, another one of the students, shared, “As a young, evolving artist, ARTablado has opened a lot of doors for me to showcase what it means to be an artist.”

“Kaleidoscope 2: Mirrored Realities” is an invitation to a transformative journey that will allow viewers to navigate the labyrinth of mirrored realities, where truth and illusion intertwine, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Through different mediums, the exhibit captures the profound essence and inherent beauty of life itself, transforming experiences and emotions into tangible expressions of art. The students’ diverse perspectives on everyday life will be on display, creating moments for deep reflection, contemplation, understanding and connection.

The works will include paintings, digital art and even fashion design. The centerpiece of the exhibit: 27 artworks by 27 artists who will express their individuality through butterflies.

Diciembre said, “Partnering with ARTablado offers a unique opportunity to expose students to a broader audience and foster a deeper appreciation for art. It’s priceless and rewarding to see another batch of students have the chance to shine and share their art with a wider market, further enriching the school’s artistic legacy.”“Kaleidoscope 2: Mirrored Realities” will run from April 3 to 15 in ARTablado Robinsons Antipolo.

April 6, 2024
Hilton Honored for Third Consecutive Year as Top Hospitality Company to Work For in the Philippines
Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has been recognized once again as one of the best workplaces in the Philippines, by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work®. Placed #3 in the medium-sized organization category, this also marks the third consecutive year that Hilton was ranked as the top hospitality company to work for in the list.

The recognition, a result of Great Place to Work®’s annual workforce study in the country, evaluates metrics such as trust, the provision of opportunities for all employees to reach their full potential, as well as all employees’ daily experience of the company’s values.

“Nurturing an environment that empowers our Team Members across all backgrounds and roles to thrive both personally and professionally has always been a key priority at Hilton. Receiving this accolade for the third year running underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a great workplace culture anchored on inclusion, wellness, growth and purpose. Our Team Members are the secret to our success, and we will continue to be committed to empower them to bring their best selves to work,” said Alexandra Murray, vice president, regional head of South East Asia.

To help Team Members realize the myriad of growth opportunities at Hilton and enable a best-in-class employee experience, Hilton’s initiatives include:
- Thrive@Hilton, the company’s industry-leading program and employer proposition that provides meaningful opportunities for growth and personal development
- Care for All, a new industry-leading mental wellness and caregiving initiative that provides the tools and resources for team members to care for themselves, as well asthose closest to them.
- Hilton SEA Management Trainee program, that seeks to attract, retain, and nurture young talent across Hilton’s hotels in South East Asia, serving as a pipeline for the next generation of leaders in hospitality to grow and hone their leadership capabilities.
- Women In Leadership (WIL) initiative, a newly launched initiative to help women leaders across South East Asia grow in both professional and personal capacities, through various learning and development programs such as workshops, eLearning, as well as mentoring and networking sessions.
- Lead@Hilton, an industry-leading platform that offers a suite of learning resources on management and leadership, including virtual development programs created in partnership with Harvard.
- Careers@Hilton, to provide guidance and highlight opportunities for young people in the hospitality industry through annual awareness campaigns.
- Go Hilton, the company’s popular team member travel program which offers discounted travel benefits.
- GoFlexi!, a new flexible work initiative in South East Asia launched in response to the evolving nature of work and the diverse needs of Team Members to provide an accommodating work environment that values wellness, while enhancing employee engagement and overall productivity.
Beyond various initiatives for Team Members, Hilton also contributes to the growth of the hospitality industry in the Philippines. To build the next generation of hospitality leaders, Hilton properties in the Philippines have partnered with Punlaan School to offer scholarships and training programs for underprivileged young women passionate about growing a career in hospitality, while equipping them with life skills.

To determine the Philippine’s Best Workplaces™️ 2024 List, Great Place To Work®️ analyzed confidential survey feedback from over 450,000 employees across different industries in the country through the Culture Management platform Emprising®️ and the Trust Index Survey™️.

For more information about joining the Hilton team, visit jobs.hilton.com.
April 6, 2024
Alisha Weir Unleashing Gory Vengeance as the Young Ballerina Vampire in ‘Abigail’ in Cinemas April 17!

In the heart-pounding horror film “Abigail,” Alisha Weir takes on the dual role of Abby and Abigail, showcasing her versatility as an actress. By delving into the psyche of her character, Alisha Weir unveils the complexities of innocence twisted by darkness.

Weir’s portrayal of Abby and Abigail in “Abigail” is a masterclass in character transformation. By embracing the innocence of Abby and the malevolence of Abigail, Weir navigates the intricate layers of her character with depth and nuance. Calling the frightened, kidnapped child version of her character “Abby,” and the alpha predator “Abigail,” helped Weir approach the character as two entirely separate people. For scenes where she plays Abigail, she even altered her voice to sound “not so much like an innocent little kid, but more like a confident adult,” she shares.

Weir plays the titular character in “Abigail,” a blood-thirsty gore-fest that begins with a high-stakes heist, a dangerous mission that, if all goes according to plan, could net six strangers a staggering $50 million. Recruited for the job by a mysterious fixer, the team comprises the driver, the sniper, the medic, the muscle, the hacker, and the thin man, aka head of ops. Their real identities are kept secret from each other as a kind of insurance – should one of them be caught, that person would be unable to implicate her or his co-conspirators. Together, they must infiltrate the well-appointed home of a reclusive kingpin who presides over a vast criminal empire. After sedating and abducting his pre-teen ballerina daughter, Abigail, they must safely transport the girl back to a remote mansion, then settle in to wait for the sun to rise and the cash to turn up. But once inside the isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.

For directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (“Scream” 2022, “Scream VI”), Weir, most familiar to movie audiences for playing one of author Roald Dahl’s most beloved characters in “Matilda the Musical,” was a godsend. From the outset, the team had worried whether they’d be able to find a young actress who could believably be both earnest and sympathetic in the early scenes and terrifying and sadistic as the marauding vampire. An exhaustive search conducted with casting director Rich Delia led them to Weir, and after the filmmakers saw her audition opposite Melissa Barrera (the medic) over Zoom, they knew they’d found their girl. “She’s remarkable,” producer William Sherak says. “She’s talented and professional and engaged and excited, but still a kid. She just delivered.”

“I’d never done a character like this, and I’ve always loved horror films,” says the now 14-year-old Weir. “Everyone’s going to feel bad for her because she’s this sweet little girl who’s been kidnapped. Then she turns out to be so much more.”

Movement coach and choreographer Belinda Murphy (“The Last Duel,” “Vikings”) worked with Weir to develop vampire Abigail’s graceful physicality and to teach the actress how to perform the ballet sequence that opens the film. Murphy began by focusing on exercises that would build strength and stamina, which were critical, as Weir wanted to perform as many of her own stunts as possible. “I love trying new things,” Weir says. “Anything that I can do, I will do it. I’m determined. If I can’t do it, I’ll try again until I can.”

Murphy developed a particular style of movement for the film’s first half, before Abigail is revealed to be a vampire. “That movement is very beautiful and very soft, as she appears to be just a little girl who simply loves to dance,” Murphy says. “Then when she’s vamped out, the movement became sharper and faster with more purpose and with a maturity beyond that of a little girl her size… An energy fueled by a vampire’s thirst.”

Even then, vampire Abigail moves lithely, with a feline grace. “When she’s running, she has elegance even when it’s fierce,” Murphy says. “It has a feeling of a performance which is full of calculated mischief. She’s playing with them and loving every moment! She constantly has a lovely line. Because, as Alisha is a dancer, it was just natural for her to do that. So even when she was running, jumping and attacking, she always maintained that elegance. This was Abigail’s biggest recital, if you like.”

“Abigail” also stars Kathryn Newton (“Lisa Frankenstein,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”), Dan Stevens (“Gaslit,” “Legion”), Melissa Barrera (“Scream” franchise, “In the Heights”), William Catlett (“Black Lightning,” “True Story”), Kevin Durand (“Resident Evil: Retribution,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) and Angus Cloud (“Euphoria,” “North Hollywood”) as the kidnappers and Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” ”Better Call Saul,” “The Mandalorian”) as the mastermind.

Fangs out and get ready for a bloody time at the cinemas when “Abigail” opens April 17 only in cinemas. #AbigailMoviePH

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April 4, 2024