Author: Press Release

MVPs, more standouts boost PLDT High Speed Hitters for ‘strongest’ PVL lineup yet

Offense, defense, and strategy all covered as the likes of Kim Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Savannah Davison, and newly hailed skipper Kath Arado aim to win 1st first PVL title

With three former MVPs on board, a Filipino-Canadian scoring machine as a sophomore, and a pool of reliable standouts as holdovers, expect a far more powerful PLDT High Speed Hitters team at the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. Ahead of the league’s opening on February 20, all eyes are on the volleyball team supported by PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, as it faces 11 other participants, kicking off the biggest Philippine volleyball action this 2024.

Headlining the team are the terrific trio of Kianna Dy (UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP, 2021 PNVF Champions League MVP and Best Opposite Hitter), Majoy Baron (UAAP Season 79 MVP, 2023 PVL Invitational Conference 1st Best Middle Blocker), and Kim Fajardo (3-time UAAP Best Setter, UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP, 6-time Philippine Super Liga Best Setter).

All once part of the national team, they came to prominence during their collegiate days with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. They each carry three UAAP gold medals, among other silver finishes and individual awards.

After finishing as PVL’s top scorer in her rookie year in the last conference, Savannah Davison is seen as a credible threat on the court. She contributed 202 points through 173 attacks, 22 blocks, and seven service aces at the end of the eliminations. Davison competed at National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 and national competition levels in the US, while completing her biochemistry degree at the New Mexico State University and MBA at University of Oklahoma Gene Rainbolt Graduate School of Business

Meanwhile, three-time PVL Best Libero Kath Arado takes on a new role of captain, as she mans the team’s backcourt defense with her precision and agility. Also a multi-awarded UAAP libero, she leads a lineup of veterans and former national team players including 2022 PVL Invitational Conference Best Middle Blockers Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata and UAAP champions Rhea Dimaculangan and Jules Samonte. Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Jessey de Leon, Jovelyn Prado, Rachel Austero, Iza Viray, and Far Eastern University standouts Kiesha Bedonia and Sheila Kiseo complete the roster.

“We are excited to see volleyball court action resume this February. As always, we are here to support the PLDT High Speed Hitters in this new season. We also hope to give a more exhilarating experience to the fans watching live on the sidelines of the games as they support this powerhouse team,” said Jude Turcuato, Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart.

PVL champion coaches Rald Ricafort and Arnold Laniog along with Manolo Refugia, Mike Santos, and Ervin Peralta banner the coaching staff. Paolo Escaño is tasked to supervise the team’s strength and conditioning.

MVPs meet the MVP

A few days before the new season kicked off, the PLDT High Speed Hitters dropped by the PLDT headquarters in Makati City for a courtesy visit with PLDT President/CEO, Manny Pangilinan.

“The goal is to have as many Filipino volleyball athletes as possible representing us in international events—and maybe even the Olympics. We will continue to work with partner leagues and organizations to help make this possible. Of course, the work begins with our team. They make us very proud, and we hope they continue to play their hearts out on the court,” Pangilinan said.

The team also had the chance to meet, interact, and play games with PLDT and Smart employees to promote the upcoming season.

Volleyball fans can follow the journey of PLDT High Speed Hitters through Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

February 15, 2024
Celebrate Love in Every Form with Goldilocks this Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air, and on this Valentine’s Day, Goldilocks is ready to spread joy and sweetness to every corner of your heart.

Filipinos are known for their creative and overflowing ways of expressing love. Whether it’s through simple yet thoughtful gifts, handwritten letters brimming with emotion, or grand gestures that speak volumes, Pinoys go above and beyond to show their affection to those who matter most.

At Goldilocks, love is not limited to romantic relationships. It’s about celebrating the warmth of familial bonds, the laughter shared among friends, and the importance of self-love. This Valentine’s Day, Goldilocks invites you to embrace love in all its beautiful forms.

At the heart of Goldilocks’ Valentine’s Day celebration is their latest creation – the Choco Caramel Valentine. This decadent, heart-shaped chocolate cake is draped in a luscious caramel embrace and adorned with delicate rosettes. With every bite, indulge in a symphony of sweet, timeless love.

Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, your family, your friends, or even just with yourself, the Choco Caramel Valentine is the perfect treat to make your Valentine’s Day celebration extra special. Priced at only P520, it’s an affordable indulgence that captures the essence of love in every slice.

For more information about Goldilocks’ delectable menu offerings and promotions, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay updated on the latest news and events to make your celebrations even more memorable.

Getting your hands on the Choco Caramel Valentine is easier than ever. Simply order through GrabFood and FoodPanda or visit www.goldilocksdelivery.ph to place your order online. Don’t miss out on this sweet opportunity to indulge in love’s sweet embrace!

Hurry, the Choco Caramel Valentine is available only until February 29, 2024. Make sure to order yours before it’s too late and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with Goldilocks.

This Valentine’s Day, let Goldilocks be your partner in spreading love and sweetness to everyone you hold dear. With their irresistible Choco Caramel Valentine cake, every moment becomes a celebration of love in all its forms. Order now and make memories that will last a lifetime with Goldilocks!

February 14, 2024
Sweeten Your Valentine’s Day with Red Ribbon’s New Valentine Red Velvet

Valentine’s Day is the perfect canvas to express affection, and Red Ribbon has crafted a masterpiece that speaks the language of love – the New Valentine Red Velvet. Delve into a symphony of flavors and emotions as you gift your special someone this enchanting cake, a delightful creation that promises not just sweetness but an experience that warms the heart.

The New Valentine Red Velvet isn’t just a cake; it’s a visual masterpiece. Shaped like a heart and adorned with a rose bouquet design, it’s a sight to behold. The visual poetry of red and white layers, topped with intricate icing roses, makes it the perfect gift to declare your love in a sweet, edible form.

Crafted with passion by Red Ribbon, this cake is a symphony of flavors. The layers of soft chiffon, a dance of white and red, are elegantly embraced by cream cheese icing. As you savor each bite, the red velvet crumbs add a delightful crunch, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that lingers on the palate. It’s not just a cake; it’s an indulgent journey.

Make your Valentine’s Day memorable with the New Valentine Red Velvet, available in Luzon, Mindanao, and select Visayas stores starting February 13, 2024. This delectable creation is a limited-time offering, so seize the moment to share the love with this enchanting treat.

Starting February 13, experience the ease of ordering through the Red Ribbon app or the delivery website (order.redribbon.ph). Dive into the deliciousness with just a few taps! Additionally, find the New Valentine Red Velvet on GrabFood and foodpanda apps for a hassle-free delivery experience.

The joy of gifting love shouldn’t break the bank. Prices start at Php 500 for the junior size, and Php 779 for the regular size. Red Ribbon ensures that expressing love remains not only delightful but also affordable for everyone.

As Valentine’s Day unfolds, let Red Ribbon be your partner in creating unforgettable moments of love and sweetness. With their New Valentine Red Velvet cake, every slice is an expression of your deepest affections. Order now for a limited time only and make this Valentine’s Day a celebration to cherish with Red Ribbon!

February 14, 2024
Director Zelda Williams hopes “Lisa Frankenstein” makes viewers feel more comfortable and seen in their weirdness, now in cinemas.

When director Zelda Williams and her team first screened Lisa Frankenstein, the host asked the focus group at the end what they thought the main message of the movie was.

“There was of course mention of flying body parts,” shares Williams. “But one of them, who seemed to be around 18, raised their hand and confidently answered, ‘that you can be a completely unhinged weirdo and still deserve to be loved!’ This movie won’t be for everyone, but if anyone leaves it feeling THAT way, then in my eyes, I’ve more than done my job!”

In Lisa Frankenstein, it’s 1989 and Lisa Swallows (Kathryn Newton), an awkward 17-year-old, is trying to adjust to a new school and a new life after her mother’s death and her father’s hasty remarriage. Despite the unwavering support offered by her plucky cheerleader step sister Taffy (Liza Soberano – who has earned local and international praise, including from Hollywood director Joe Russo, for her performance!), Lisa only finds solace in the abandoned cemetery near her house, where she tends to the grave of a young man who died in 1837 – and whose corpse she unwittingly reanimates (Cole Sprouse). Feeling obligated to help the poor soul regain his humanity, Lisa embarks on a quest to breathe new life into her long-dead new companion. All she needs to succeed are some freshly harvested body parts and Taffy’s broken tanning bed.

The film, inspired by 1935’s Bride of Frankenstein and ’80s favorites including Weird Science, was written by Academy Award winner Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer’s Body). Cody found an ideal collaborator in Williams, an actress turned filmmaker known for her voice-over work on such projects as Nickelodeon’s animated series The Legend of Korra and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Williams also starred in Freeform’s anthology series Dead of Summer and enjoyed recurring roles on the hit series Teen Wolf, before writing and directing her first short film, 2018’s Shrimp. Lisa Frankenstein is the feature film directorial debut of Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams and part-Filipina Marsha Garces.

Cody was ceaselessly impressed by the atmosphere Williams fostered on set. “Zelda ran one of the most warm, welcoming and efficient sets I’ve ever seen,” says Cody. “She also grew up in the industry, so instead of seeing the usual first-film jitters, I saw a director calmly and smoothly operating inside her comfort zone. She was an ally to the actors, and to the script as well.”

Adds Kathryn Newton, who plays Lisa: “The world in the script is so heightened, but Zelda managed to inject so much heart and love into it. She’s really in the moment, thinking about every little detail. Zelda’s fun and cool and I trust her, and that’s really all you want in a director – someone you trust. She always had my back.”

In making a story that is a darkly funny, bizarrely romantic and gleefully gory celebration of love, Williams says she hopes to remind audiences to embrace their own eccentricities. In a world hellbent on telling people to be curated, perfect and small, it’s important to remember that sometimes, bigger and wilder is just better. “I would really love them to leave feeling maybe a bit more comfortable in their weirdness, a bit more seen in whatever way they thought made them too odd to be lovable,” says the director.

This Valentine’s Day, watch the funniest, goriest undead horror romance you’ll see all year. Lisa Frankenstein, distributed by Universal Pictures International, is now showing in cinemas. #LisaFrankensteinPH

Follow Universal Pictures Ph (FB) and universalpicturesph (IG) for the latest updates on Lisa Frankenstein.

February 13, 2024
Watch Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides become a true Fremen as he attempts to ride a sandworm in this “Dune: Part Two” sneak peek.

The scale becomes even more epic as Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two picks up where 2021’s Dune left off. New characters sweep into the vast world, as the adventure sets off with even more stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences.

Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), now away from his home and propelled by fate into an intergalactic power struggle. As he journeys with the Fremen people, he tries to gain their confidence with the support of Chani (Zendaya) and Stilgar (Javier Bardem). To prepare for their continuous revolt against the tyrannical Harkonnens, and to truly be a part of the Fremen, Paul takes one of their most dangerous trials.

The Harkonnens carry on pillaging Arrakis for spice, which the Fremen have been violently opposing. As tensions escalate and the Harkonnens gather forces, the Baron (Stellan Skarsgård) lets one of his more vicious and bloodthirsty nephews, Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) take part in the war. Them and the other royal families serve the Emperor (Christopher Walken), previously unseen in 2021’s Dune. In Dune: Part Two we are taken to his realm, and that of his daughter, Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh).

The themes of the film are both timeless and timely, as love and loyalty, humanity versus nature, take center stage in Dune: Part Two. On one side are the Fremen who have adapted to their native land of the desert, surviving by being one with it and learning to live alongside its harsh nature. On the other lie the Harkonnens who’ve epitomized corruption and greed. Paul Atreides is at the center of the struggle, battling the people that eradicated his clan while fighting against the destiny that was handed to him.

About “Dune: Part Two”

“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Denis Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Frank Herbert’s novel. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is again on hand to create the score.

The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Léa Seydoux, with Stellan Skarsgård, with Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem.

In cinemas February 28, 2024, “Dune: Part Two” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #DunePartTwo

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

February 13, 2024
Google, Filipina artist use sand art on Shorts to promote internet safety

Everyone has a role to play in making the internet a safe and responsible space, including local artists and content creators. This is why as part of its Safer Internet Day campaign, Google collaborated with a talented local female artist who creates great content using the power of sand art.

Google tapped Monica Regalario-Cacatian, a Filipina artist who uses sand as an art medium to spread positive messages online. She first rose to prominence on TV5’s Talentadong Pinoy talent competition. Aside from inspiring content, she uses her art to promote advocacies such as raising awareness for gender equality, and victims of sexual violence, child abuse, displacement, to name a few.

In the collaboration with Google, Monica created a 60-second sand art content on YouTube Shorts focused on simple tips that netizens can follow to be safer on the internet. These tips are: Secure your accounts using Google Passkeys, Avoid scams on SMS and online, Fact-check information, and Educate others so they too can be safer on the internet. With millions of Filipinos using YouTube and Shorts, promoting the creative content on the platform will reach and engage a lot of netizens.

To also show the use of responsible AI, Google and Monica used Bard, Google’s generative AI, to develop the script of the YouTube Shorts content.

“Google is committed to helping people be safer online. Aside from Google products which are safe and secure by design, we deliver on this goal through several initiatives including raising awareness and forging local partnerships. We believe that by collaborating with Filipina artists like Monica, we can support local creatives and at the same time, champion internet safety,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs of Google in the Philippines.

“Sand art can be a creative and effective medium for promoting advocacies like internet safety. It offers a unique and entertaining way to tell stories which can engage audiences of all ages online,” said Monica Regalario-Cacatian. “I hope that this campaign will reach as many people as possible. May this project help educate Filipinos to use the internet safely and responsibly.”

Monica added, “I am deeply grateful to Google and the individuals behind this collaboration. Their dedication to support and promote local artists like me is really encouraging and will greatly benefit the creative community. It is truly fulfilling that my art can be of help in raising awareness about the importance of internet safety.”

Previously, Google partnered with Ben&Ben for a catchy song and with a youth group for spoken word poetry on YouTube towards the same cause.

To learn more about internet safety and how you can be safer online with Google using free and easy-to-use tools like passkeys, visit the Google Safety Center.

February 13, 2024
GCash & Heart Evangelista Pave The Way for a New Era of Financial Progress for Every Filipino

Coming from a banner year of achievements led by its pursuit of financial inclusion for all, GCash, the Philippines’ #1 finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, now enters its new era – one of financial progress – together with its newest endorser Heart Evangelista-Escudero.

Enigmatic host, Boy Abunda and the stunning Heart Evangelista-Escudero catch up. As Heart shared how GCash has been her partner in her new era of financial progress.

GCash kicked off the partnership as it introduced its commitment of guiding Filipinos on their financial progress journey. Heart’s experiences illustrated how GCash empowers her financial journey, as she shared insights and tips on how to sustain it.

Neil Trinidad, Chief Marketing Officer of GCash, explains: “This new era is an invitation to a brighter future for all Filipinos. We are giving them the confidence and trust that they can shop whatever their heart desires, save and fund their dreams for the future, and manage their finances independently and without worry – all through GCash. We’re very excited to have Heart Evangelista lead the way and inspire all Filipinos in their financial progress era.”

Behind the scenes of the GCash Spotlight event last February 7, 2023 – where Heart Evangelista-Escudero shares how GCash empowers her financial journey and gave insights and tips on how to achieve financial progress.

Heart’s New Era with GCash: Our Financial Progress Icon

The launch event unfolded as a live filming for an upcoming GCash Spotlight episode, set to be published on GCash’s YouTube account this month.

The episode’s theme was inspired by Heart’s well-loved vlog series where she shares her story on adulting. The GCash Spotlight event,  hosted by Boy Abunda, delved into how GCash has greatly impacted Heart’s everyday work and life. It comprised four segments that explored how she manages to save, spend, and invest better through the app’s various features and products.

New Era, New Beginnings

The first segment was a casual catch up with Heart as she shared how GCash has been her partner in her new era of financial progress.

From being able to “send love” anytime, anywhere to any GCash user for free with Express Send, to using the hassle-free Scan-to-Pay feature at millions of merchants locally and internationally, to enjoying exclusive access to discounts when using GCash to Pay Online for her purchases, Heart expressed how much it helps her to be able to pay for her purchases with any payment method without hassle.

Heart shares, “My financial journey has really been transformative. Whether it’s managing my everyday expenses or seeking out the best deals, GCash has played a really big role in that. For me, GCash is the best way to pay, because of the ease and convenience it offers for every kind of situation.”

Heart also recently discovered the benefits of using GCash abroad. She uses the new GCash Card to shop in Paris as it offers low forex, and no surprise fees or charges.

Save, Splurge, Invest

The launch event then transitioned into a fun game of “Save, Splurge, or Invest”. Heart shared some of her strategies for saving that allow her to still indulge in personal wants. The event also showcased Heart and her investments,  sharing essential aspects of her life, proving that saving and growing her money doesn’t have to equate to placing limitations to her lifestyle.

In her own words, “GCash fits into your life and makes so many things easy. Pwede mo i-Gcash ang kahit ano – money, bills payment, mag-set up ng savings, insurance kahit investing in stocks – and the more you explore your GCash app, the more you learn to love it.”

When it comes to wisely managing finances, GCash presents to its users GSave, a savings marketplace where users can open and access savings accounts, and earn up to 6.5% p.a. interest, powered by Unobank.

Heart also premiered a new digital platform, GStocks, which is AB Capital Securities, Inc’s online retail securities trading services made accessible through the GCash app; it lets users grow their money by investing in stocks with just 3 simple steps.

And when it comes to securing her travels, Heart looks to GInsure Travel Insurance,  at an affordable price powered by Standard Insurance and Malayan.

In under 5 minutes and for as low as P350, users can have worry-free travel experiences, and get up to P2.5M coverage on flights, luggage, and emergencies.

Perfect Partners

(Left to Right) Martha Sazon – President and CEO of Mynt, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Heart Evangelista- Escudero, Ernest Cu – Mynt Chairman and Global Group CEO

The program then explored how Heart and husband Senator Chiz Escudero find GCash to be their perfect partner when it comes to managing their finances as a couple, and how crucial financial health is for a modern family like theirs.

Closing off the show, the audience was given a glimpse as to what’s next for Heart and GCash, starting with the release of a series of new films highlighting the GCash Wealth Management portfolio featuring GSave, GStocks, and GInsure.

A New Financial Era For Everyone

Ernest Cu, Mynt Chairman and Global Group CEO

Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt.

GCash believes that everyone deserves to step into their new era of financial progress, so that they can enjoy the fruits of their hard work by being able to spend wisely and build up for the future through the different products GCash has to offer.

As emphasized by Trinidad, “GCash is deeply committed to bringing every Filipino closer towards their goal of financial progress. We’re excited to share even more innovative solutions this year to help achieve that.”

Watch the new films from GCash featuring Heart through these links.

GSave:

GStocks

Download the GCash app today and discover how you can take your steps towards financial progress.

February 12, 2024
Chinese New Year Celebration and others

Celebrate with us the Spark of Luck this year of the wooden Dragon, deep dive into arts and culture, find your rhythm, and many more at the City Of Firsts!

LUCK AND LOVE CHINESE HOROSCOPE EXHIBIT
Discover the Chinese zodiac predictions for the year 2024 and know the fortunes that await everyone in this year of the Dragon.
Where: All Araneta City Malls: Gateway Mall 1 & 2, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza
When: February 2 to February 17
Time: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

CHINESE DRAGON TUNNEL
Get mesmerized by the Chinese Dragon and enter the realm of the celestials to know the fortunes of each Chinese Zodiac this year!
Where: UGB, Quantum Skyview, New Gateway Mall 2
When: Until February 17
Time: Mall Hours

BRUSHSTROKES OF PROSPERITY
Araneta City in partnership with the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo De Manila University gives a free Chinese painting workshop to celebrate the exquisite artistry of Asian strokes.

The Workshop
Where: Gateway Gallery Studio, Level 5 Gateway Tower Mall
When: February 9
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The Exhibit
Where: Gateway Gallery small room, Level 5 Gateway Tower Mall
When: February 10
Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

AROT CARD READING
Know your fortunes through the enigmatic card readings of Feng-Shui experts and Chinese fortunetellers.
Location: All Araneta City Malls: Gateway Mall 1 & 2, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza
Date: February 10
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

SAXOPHONE MUSIC BY CINDY DATU
Get serenaded by the music of the country’s rising saxophonist, Cyndi Datu.
Where: Gateway Mall 1, Activity Area
When: February 10
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

PHILIPPINE CHUNG HUA SCHOOL STUDENT PERFORMERS
Join the rising vocalists of the Philippine Chung Hua School as they light up the Chinese New Year festivities in Araneta City.
Where: UGB, Quantum Skyview, New Gateway Mall 2
When: February 10
Time: 4:20 PM

PAWSHION SHOW
Spotlights are on for the Imperial Pets to strut on the runway in their royal garbs, Chinese outfits, and oriental couture.
Where: Ali Mall Activity Area
When: February 10
Time: 3:00 PM

DRAGON AND LION DANCE
See the Chinese dragon and lion grace Araneta City properties as it dance for luck, prosperity, and fortune.
Schedule:

DANCING WAITERS OF THE LAGOON
Four troops are left for the final showdown to determine the grand champion of the Dancing Waiters of the Lagoon! Who will make it to the top and will win the grand prize of PHP 50,000.

Join Ms. Maricel Soriano, Ms. Korina Sanchez and Vice Ganda in the quest to crown the 2024 Grand Dancing Waiters of the Lagoon!

Where: GF, The Lagoon, New Gateway Mall 2
When: February 11
Time: 9 PM

BALLET CLASSES
Learn ballet in Araneta City with Dance Plus Philippines.
Where: Gen. MacArthur Activity Area, GF, Ali Mall
When: February 10
Time: 2:00 PM

LOVE OF ART
Celebrate National Arts Month as the premier local artists and creatives gather in Araneta City for the Love of Art.
Feb 11 – Ribbon cutting and Human Easel Project (4:00 PM)
Feb 12 – Mandala Art Workshop by Ms. Agatha Brenica and Live Chinese Painting Demo by Zhao Yong
Feb 14 – Tote Bag Painting Workshop by Ms. Khrisna Nanola-Marcos

February 10, 2024
Relish Local Flavors of Love at Tivoli Royale Country Club

If your passion for food knows no bounds, Tivoli Royale Country Club sparks love and romance using local ingredients to highlight the season’s best. From February 12 to 17, Executive Chef Jonnel Roxas and his team presented Lokal na Pag-Ibig, a special 4-course dinner in collaboration with social enterprise Philia Business Center.

Inspired by sustainable and seasonal ingredients, the menu is playful and creatively infused with organic coffee, cacao, coco, and muscovado sugar responsibly sourced from the rural and upland mountains of Mindanao.

To make each dish shine, the menu offers a distinctive taste, with the goal of maximizing the bright and lively flavors of high-quality beans and plant-based sugar. For the Philia Business Center founders, the result is a new level of dining experience where fun over formality takes center stage.

“Our first collaboration in creating these recipes is beyond ordinary and was able to maximize the products of our very own artisan communities. We love how each dish represents a distinct taste, with a happy medium between hearty and wholesome ingredients,” says founder Roma Padua.

For the appetizer, The Kinilaw na Hipon sa Tustadas is light and refreshing, while hitting all the right notes in every bite. A harmonious marriage of tang and spice, the sourness is delicately balanced by the Philia Antique Muscovado’s mild sweetness.

As for the soup, the overtly straightforward Sabaw ng Espinika is made with nothing but pureed spinach, onions, olive oil, and other natural spices. As an added touch, it’s finished with the Antique Muscovado Sugar which proves to be the perfect ingredient to mellow out the sharp and bitter taste of spinach. Simple and uncomplicated, this dish is proof that quality ingredients done right are all it takes to create an intensely flavorful masterpiece.

As seasonality sits at the heart of the menu, the main course showcases two options, the Kinulob na Balikat ng Baka sa Toyo at Cacao for meat lovers and the Inihaw na Salmon sa Kape at Balsamico for pescatarians.

Considered a must-taste on the menu, the delicately tender and succulent slow-braised beef shoulder is a perfect ratio of fat and meat, complemented with cooked-from-scratch sweet carrot puree and crunchy greens. The rich in natural fat Sultan Kudarat Premium Quality Tablea is a comforting combination with soy sauce, which results in a savory, dense texture sauce that meat lovers will surely enjoy.

While the Inihaw na Salmon sa Kape at Balsamico is a straightforward dish, the fruity and floral blend of the Philia Sultan Kudarat Arabica Coffee with its tangy-sweet notes breaks in the fat of the salmon. Light but satisfying, it’s served with a medley of colorful local produce like pumpkin, cucumber, and snow peas.

Lastly, the dessert trio is a sensory overload, which is as if an invitation to end the night on a decadent note.

The Trio Dulces presents an irresistible journey that starts with a rich, smooth, but not cloying mousse with Philia Sultan Kudarat Robusta Coffee as its star ingredient. Folded with coco sugar sabayon and coffee liquor, it’s topped with Philia Premium Cacao Nibs which proves to add a sensational subtle sweetness and delightful crunch in every bite.

Meanwhile, the leche flan presents a playful upgrade in terms of taste and character. A balance of sweet and salty, smooth and creamy, the unique take on this classic proves to be a sensational hit. The crème caramel in coco sugar is infused into the mix, which gives off its sweet-savory flavor.

Lastly, the crêpe mille-feuille captures a burst of chocolatey and heady flavor, which proves to be the velvety Philia Davao Premium Cacao Tablea only can bring. The pillowy soft layer is a mound of vanilla whipped cream and crushed toasted peanuts, served with a warm chocolate rhum sauce. Limited slots at the cabana. Book now at the Tivoli Royale Country Club and try this special Valentine’s menu, co-created with Philia Business Center and smallholder communities.

February 10, 2024
Academy Award Nominee Kerry Condon Combines Her Love of Cinema and Water in the Supernatural Thriller “Night Swim”

One of the reasons Kerry Condon wanted to dive into Night Swim was the water.

“I was always interested in doing swimming on-camera and combining those two great interests for me,” Condon, an accomplished swimmer who swam competitively as a child, says. “I am a good swimmer and I wanted to show my physicality. I love water in movies and I think filming in water is beautiful, so I wanted to be a part of that and learn more about it.”

Another major reason was the genre. “I thought this was a great opportunity for me that I’d never done a horror movie before, and I’ve always wanted a career that would allow me to be a character actress in every kind of genre,” shares Condon, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her role in the comedy The Banshees of Inisherin. Condon was also a recurring character in the critically acclaimed drama Better Call Saul (a Breaking Bad spinoff).

In Night Swim, based on McGuire’s acclaimed 2014 short film of the same name, Ray Waller (Wyatt Russell) is a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness. Secretly hoping, against the odds, to return to pro ball, Ray persuades his wife, Eve (Condon), that their new home’s shimmering backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids (Amélie Hoeferle and Gavin Warren) and provide physical therapy for him. But a dark secret in the home’s past will unleash a malevolent force that will drag the family under, into the depths of inescapable terror.

“On the day I met Kerry, she had been nominated for a Golden Globe for Banshees of Inisherin and swam a mile in the ocean that morning – not a bad day,” director Bryce McGuire says. “She had to do some really demanding underwater work, especially late in the movie, that most people simply would not have been able to do. She’s an extremely tough and physical actor. Something special happens with Kerry every time the camera rolls. She really pushed me and the material, and she’s fantastic in the movie.”

Condon enjoyed working with McGuire as well. “Bryce knew a lot about the genre and that was important to me because I hadn’t done something like this before,” she says. “He had a lot of references and wanted it to be character-based, which appealed to me. A lot was riding on Bryce, and he gave it everything. He was also always open to collaboration, which was great. I have worked with directors in the past that didn’t want to listen to other suggestions, but I believe that the best idea should win, doesn’t matter who gave it and Bryce felt the same.”

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February 8, 2024