Author: Press Release

  • Who’s up for a challenge? Order your Yoshinoya favorites from GrabFood today and get a chance to win a flight to Japan for two!

    Your journey to the land of the rising sun begins now as Yoshinoya, Japan’s world-famous beef bowl chain, provides a great opportunity to visit the heartland of their bestseller Gyudon. This is your chance to experience the exquisite flavors of Japan firsthand with Yoshinoya!

    Running until November 15, 2023, Yoshinoya customers can embark on a fun stamp card journey through GrabFood that could make your dream of exploring Japan a reality! To get started, open the Grab app and search for Yoshinoya’s stamp card challenge. Spend a minimum amount of P600 per transaction and complete three transactions to get one raffle draw entry. One lucky winner gets an airfare for two to Fukuoka, Japan, courtesy of Cebu Pacific. 

    Trip to Japan Photo

    With just a few clicks away, experience Fukuoka’s rich culture, shrines, temples, nature parks, shopping and nightlife! This GrabFood-exclusive promo is surely something you wouldn’t want to miss. Kickstart your Yoshinoya stamp card journey while promo is ongoing. Order Yoshinoya on Grabfood now. Exciting adventures await!

  • Puccini’s La Boheme Returns to The Philippine Stage

    The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in partnership with Viva Voce Voice Lab and the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines, present a re-staging of Giacomo Puccini’s well-loved opera La Boheme on November 11 and 12, 7:30pm at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).  

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    Based on French writer Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de Bohème, a collection of vignettes portraying the lives of young Bohemians living in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1840s, La Boheme revolves around the unconventional lives of four young friends – a poet, a painter, a musician, and a philosopher – and how their lives change one freezing winter’s eve after a girl named Mimi comes knocking on their door.

    The four-act opera by Puccini first premiered at the Teatro Regio in Turin, Italy, in 1896. The tragic love story is one of the most frequently staged operas and has been an inspiration to various cinematic and artistic interpretations such as Jonathan Larson’s Broadway rock-musical Rent. 

    La Boheme has been hailed by critics, marking “Puccini’s emergence as a fully mature and original composer.” The opera is known for some of the most memorable arias and musical scenes in opera, such as “Che gelida manina,” which is one of the best-known tenor arias, and “Quando m’en vo,” also known as “Musetta’s Waltz” and performed in the second act.

    For the re-staging this November at CCP, Viva Voce Voice Lab classically-trained singers perform their minimalist interpretation of La Boheme, under the direction of Nelsito Gomez, musical direction by soprano Camille Lopez-Molina, and with Dr. Oliver Salonga on piano.

    The latest production features the full opera, without the chorus numbers and with piano as the sole musical accompaniment. It will be staged in an intimate setting without the grandiose “trappings” of the opera, highlighting what really matters – the drama, the music, the singing.

    “Our goal was to move away from the potentially inaccessible 1840s setting and find a more relatable period in which to set this story. Upon researching, we decided on 1960s Paris, the Post-war France when the country was booming with a newfound sense of optimism and energy. It was the time of New Wave cinema, existentialism, Yé-Yé music, and streets filled with youth – a very apt backdrop for the Bohemians of this opera,” said Gomez.

    Bringing to life the characters are some of the familiar names in opera and musical theater in the Philippines: Nomher Nival stars as Rodolfo, Anna Migallos as Mimi, Carlo Falcis as Marcello, Iona Ventocilla-Borja as Musetta, Roby Malubay as Colline, Fritz Rivera as Schaunard, and Raymond Yadao as Alcindoro.

    Through this simple production, the CCP hopes to further ignite an appreciation for opera in the country and attract not only the usual opera-goers but also those whose hearts and spirits may resonate with the ideals of Puccini’s young and brave bohemians, while nurturing the Filipino opera artists.

    Follow the CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest happenings.

  • 5 Ways to maximize your savings this 11.11

    It’s sale season once again and we are all looking forward to the best deals from our favorite brands! With Christmas around the corner – we are also on the lookout for gifts! So I’m sure we all have our alarms ready for 11.11 midnight. 

    It does not have to be all about spending though – you can also save so that you can shop more! And that is possible with ShopBack – where you can get cashback for every purchase. And with 11.11 being the biggest sale of the year – you can be assured these are the best deals that you can get thus the hashtag #PinakaExtraaa!

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    Here are our tips on how you can maximize your shopping experience with ShopBack: 

    Double Your Cashback 

    For 11.11 – users can get a chance to double their cashback when they join the challenge in the ShopBack app. Winners are picked daily and in fact there are some winners already! You can see below that some users got P400 cashback from Nike which would now be P800! That is a lot of savings. The one who shopped from Klook gets an even bigger one with now P1,500+ cashback. That is enough additional pocket money for your next trip!

    Double your cashback

    P11 New User Guarantee + P11,000 referral bonus 

    Users who sign up and make a purchase via Shopback from November 3-13 would also get a minimum guarantee of P11 cashback! For these users – if they get lower than P11 cashback on their first purchase – they would be given the remaining amount within 7 days. 

    Moreover, referring friends on ShopBack would also give you even more savings. On top of the P100 referral bonus – users also get a chance to win P11K by participating in the referral challenge. 

    P11 new user guarantee

    Higher cashback from your favorite brands 

    This is where it gets exciting – the cashback rates for your favorite brands. For example – Uniqlo is giving up to 15% cashback this 11.11. That means for a P10,000 purchase you get P1,500! That is enough for another outfit! You can maximize your savings further with travel – where you can get cashback deals from Agoda and Booking.com – for a P10,000 hotel stay you get P750 back!

    Higher cashback from your favorite brands

    Join the Shopback challenges 

    On top of the cashback you get from purchasing from brands – you can also get cashback by joining other challenges in the ShopBack app! Challenges give you bonus cashback when you complete certain actions. For instance – you can get up to P100 by just visiting stores! Another challenge also gives rewards for every purchase in a category like travel, fashion, or sports. Challenges may be accessed by tapping EARN MORE on the Shopback homescreen.

    Join the Shopback challenges

    There are also exciting challenges that you asked for! A couple of weeks ago – users were asked what deals they want and that is being given! Some of these include a 50% cashback challenge on Nike, Adidas, and more, a chance to win an P11K shopping spree with Lazada, and even a chance to win hotel stays with Expedia. 

    For Cashback fanatics

    Avail this exclusive offer

    You can get P110 bonus cashback when you sign up with this link below: 

    https://app.shopback.com/phl/partner/SBPH1111PR

    If you are an existing user – go to EARN MORE, click code, and input SB11PR to get an extra P50 cashback when you purchase at least P500.

    So what are you all waiting for, shop now!

  • Alabang Town Center’s Paint The Town Red Sale: A Shopping Extravaganza with a Disco Twist

    Alabang Town Center is set to ignite the shopping scene with its much-anticipated “Paint The Town Red Sale.” From November 13 to 19, 2023, this mall-wide event promises shoppers an exhilarating experience, boasting discounts of up to 70% from participating merchants. With the holiday season just around the corner, this is also the perfect place and time to complete your Christmas gift list.

    However, what truly sets this event apart is the super fun “Discount Disco,” a one-of-a-kind activation that combines Y2K nostalgia with the electric energy of disco, turning your shopping trip into an unforgettable and Instagram-worthy adventure.

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    The “Discount Disco” is open to players aged 13 years old and above. Teams of two to four players are welcome to participate in the game, encouraging friends and family to come together for a day of fun and excitement. To secure your entry into the game, present single or accumulated receipts from any Alabang Town Center store, dated November 13 to 19, 2023 (excluding bills payment and telecom lane).

    For teams of two players, a minimum of P3,000 worth of single or accumulated receipts is required. For teams of three to four players, a minimum of PHP 5,000 worth of single or accumulated receipts is required.

    The “Discount Disco” promises a unique and exciting adventure for participants. They will receive a briefing on safety guidelines and will be provided with safety gear to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. Each team starts with five lives and has 45 seconds to navigate the disco floor. The disco floor is divided into three colors: Green, Blue, and Red. Green blocks are safe zones, Blue blocks represent points to be collected, and Red blocks are the danger zone. Players must accumulate points during the game, but there’s a catch—stepping on a red block results in losing one life, and one point is deducted from the total score. The game ends when a team consumes all five lives. The goal is simple: Achieve the highest score within the time limit, making every move count.

    Exciting prizes await participants, including gift certificates from select Alabang Town Center shops and fabulous merchandise. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Every participant will also be entitled to a raffle entry for a chance to win coveted accommodations at Lagen Island Resort in El Nido or roundtrip tickets to picturesque destinations like Siargao, Coron, San Vicente, Camiguin, or Naga.

    Alabang Town Center’s “Paint The Town Red Sale” and its delightful “Discount Disco” game offer an engaging and exciting way to enjoy a day of shopping with friends and family. This unique event, complete with massive discounts, disco vibes, and the chance to win exciting prizes, is set to become a memorable experience for all attendees. So mark your calendars, gather your receipts, and get ready to groove and shop at Alabang Town Center.

  • Race for Wellness: Last Call to Join Ortigas Run 2023

    Ortigas Land, renowned for shaping cityscapes and delivering world-class experiences, extends an enthusiastic invitation to all running enthusiasts and pet lovers. The acclaimed Ortigas Run 2023 is back, hailed as the Gold Stevie Award-Winning Race, and it’s set to light up your Sunday on November 12 at Ortigas East, Pasig City.

    Run Ortigas 2023 KV
    Source: Ortigas Land FB Page

    Choose Your Run, Share the Fun

    Get ready for a day of exhilarating races tailored for all, including your furry friends. Ortigas Run offers three diverse race categories to ensure there’s a perfect fit for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a family out for a memorable day. The race options include:

    1. The Ortigas Mile: Perfect for beginners and families, this friendly one-mile run will get your hearts pumping as you explore the vibrant Ortigas East.
    2. 10K Community Run: For the intermediate runners, this route takes you through the captivating sights of Ortigas East and pushes your limits in a rewarding challenge.
    3. The Fur Baby 1-Mile Run: A unique and heartwarming opportunity for pet owners. Take your four-legged companions on a delightful adventure as you bond over a one-mile run.

    You can register online or visit Decathlon Pasig until November 11, 2023, or register on-site on race day. There’s every reason for you and your fur babies to join the fun!

    Run Ortigas Registration Details
    Source: Ortigas Land FB Page

    A Picture-Perfect Route

    Relish the joy of running along the same scenic route that made Ortigas Run 2022 memorable. Ortigas East, with its lush greenery and urban charm, provides an inviting backdrop for an unforgettable race day.

    A Day to Remember

    Ortigas Run 2023 is more than a race; it’s an experience that celebrates health, camaraderie, and the love we share with our pets. Join us for an incredible day of community, excitement, and the joy of running. There’s every reason for you and your fur babies to be part of this exhilarating event.

    Joining the Ortigas Run 2023 is a breeze. You can register online through the official website, or if you prefer a more personal touch, drop by Decathlon Pasig. Don’t fret about last-minute decisions; you can register on-site on the race day itself.

  • Jones All Day Unveils New Menu & Signature Vegan Options

    The celebrated dining spot, Jones All Day, has crafted a refreshing chapter in their culinary saga. With a flair for diversity and a nod to evolving diner preferences, they’re dishing out an array of mouth-watering new entries to their menu, each echoing the promise of satisfaction without boundaries.

    Jones All Day

    Culinary Craftsmanship: A Feast for the Senses

    The Vegan Transformation

    Jones All Day has rolled out the green carpet, introducing a spread of plant-based wonders that can only be described as pure artistry on a plate. The Vegan “Scallops” ala Escargot, a delightful twist on a French classic, features king oyster mushrooms in plant-based butter, bringing the ocean’s essence to the vegan realm.

    Jones All Day Vegan Scallops ala Escargot

    Comfort Classics Reimagined

    For those who savor the classics, the new menu items maintain the soul-warming goodness you crave. Indulge in the Seafood “Firecracker” Fusilli, an explosive blend of seafood and spicy firecracker pomodoro, or find solace in the homely embrace of the Soupy Vongole.

    Pizzas with Pizzazz

    The stone-fired pizza section now boasts bold flavors with the likes of Spicy Sisig Guanciale and Garlic Stracciatella Bianca – each slice a testament to Jones All Day’s fearless innovation in the kitchen.

    Jones All Day 100 Vegan Pepperoni

    New Pasta Selection

    • Seafood “Firecracker” Fusilli | P650
    mussels, prawns, salmon, calamari, spicy firecracker pomodoro, topped stracciatella cheese, fresh basil

    • Soupy Vongole | P575
    clams, garlic, thai basil, chilies, white wine, fresh lemon, capellini

    • Housemade Chorizo | P495
    spanish olives, rosemary, pimenton, malagos pecorino, spaghetti

    New Stone-Fired Pizza

    • Spicy Sisig Guanciale | P750
    liver paté, red onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime

    • Garlic Stracciatella Bianca | P650
    pecorino, garlic herb butter

    • Housemade Chorizo | P550
    garlic confit, potato crisps

    Sweets to Swoon Over

    Completing the meal with a flourish, the dessert offerings are a symphony of sweet notes. From the elegance of Earl Grey Creme Brulee to the playful indulgence of Jones Super Sundae, every sweet tooth is in for a treat.

    • Earl Grey Creme Brulee | P355
    candied orange peel

    • Creme Caramel | P295
    topped with apple compote

    • Profiteroles | P355
    topped with vanilla ice cream and warm cointreau chocolate sauce

    • Campfire Brownie Cake | P325
    with caramel pecans, honeycomb

    • Summer Fruit Pavlova | P355
    with lemon curd and raspberry cream

    • Jones Super Sundae | P200
    chocolate & vanilla ice cream, topped with crème fraîche, cointreau chocolate sauce, caramel pecans, cookie crumble and cherries

    • Berry Banana Split | P370
    vanilla, chocolate & strawberry ice cream, caramelized bananas, topped with streusel, berry compote & whipped cream crème fraiche

    The Diverse Plate: Harmony in Every Bite

    The culinary maestros at Jones All Day, under the visionary leadership of Raintree Restaurants’ VP Martin Wisniewski and Corporate Chef Kalel Chan, have embraced the challenge: How do we celebrate the abundance of flavors in a world craving diversity? Their answer lies not just in the act of introducing new dishes, but in the careful crafting of an experience that pays homage to the uniqueness of every diner’s taste buds. “In response to the growing market for flexitarian choices and health-conscious dining, we understand the importance of providing a diverse selection of dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Taking inspiration from our recent culinary travels this approach effortlessly combines both non-vegan and vegan choices ensuring that flavor and satisfaction are never compromised, where diners enjoy a mix of plant-based and meat-based options. This is our significant step forward in harmonizing diverse culinary preferences on one table, ensuring a delightful experience for all who visit.”

    Vegan Creations: A Bold Leap into Plant-Based Perfection

    The creativity doesn’t stop there. With the unveiling of its vegan line, Jones All Day paints a picture of inclusivity. Plant-lovers can rejoice with options like the Banana Hearts Calamari and the fully plant-based Jones Vegan Bowl. Each creation is a testament to Jones All Day’s commitment to transcending the ordinary and catering to the extraordinary.

    Jones All Day Banana Hearts Calamari

    • Banana Hearts Calamari | P375
    banana hearts, plant-based aioli, malt vinegar

    • Vegan “Scallops” ala Escargot | P595
    king oyster mushrooms, plant based butter, garlic, parsley

    • Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Soup | P295
    coconut milk, harissa spice, pumpkin seeds, crispy chickpeas, cilantro

    • Jones Vegan Bowl | P650
    totally vegan, plant-based kofta balls, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, basil, cilantro, cabbage, carrots, onions, crispy garbanzos, passionfruit-herb vinaigrette

    Jones All Day Full Vegan Cheeseburger

    • Full Vegan Cheeseburger | P620
    vegan patty, tofu mayo, arugula, caramelized onions, wild mushroom, crispy kale

    • 100% Vegan Pepperoni | P620
    air dried pepperoni, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, oregano, rosemary, crispy kale

    • Mr. Jones Filipino Breakfast | P450
    air fried “tapa”, tofu scrambles, garlic rice, atchara and fresh orange slices

    • All Vegan English Breakfast | P795
    100% vegan! plant-based sausages and bacon, roasted potatoes, heinz beans, tofu scrambles, griddled sourdough, tomatoes & mushrooms

    A Seat at the Table for All

    Has the pursuit of culinary excellence been redefined at Jones All Day? Absolutely. It’s a narrative of embracing change, of opening doors to new flavors, and of ensuring that everyone—no matter their dietary choices—finds a seat at the table.

    Jones All Day is located at the ground floor of Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Reserve your taste adventure from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily by calling (63 967) 3498437 | (63 977) 4659825. Follow the flavor story and stay updated with @JonesAllDayPH on Facebook and Instagram.

  • ARTablado Presents Introspections at Robinsons Antipolo

    In the art community, participating in group exhibits is a way to share one’s vision with others as well as a chance to explore one’s artistic capabilities, whatever the chosen medium. For a newly-formed Antipolo-based group of young artists, it’s also an opportunity to foster and build the community after three years of pandemic restrictions.

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    The ARTipolo Youth Group was established in 2022 to give its members a platform to share their talent to a wider audience and reach out to one another. “We now consider one another as family,” said group head Crishaira Peliño-Bode. “We are young artists in the process of finding our signature art style. At this point in our artistic journeys, we’re all still exploring how we can express our concepts and creativity. That’s what binds us together,” she added.

    For their ongoing exhibit at ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo—incidentally, their second at the venue—the group chose “Introspection” as its main theme. Bode explained that introspection can lead to “discovering the individual expression or identity of an artist or individual.”

    The 19 participants in the ongoing group show on view until November 15 are all 36 years old or younger. 

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    A self-taught artist, Aminah Sioson has worked with mixed media like gouache, charcoal, colored pencils and acrylic paint. Last year she won People’s Choice Award in the visual art competition at the 19th National Youth Congress. Alexandra Monserrat is a Fine Arts student majoring in studio painting at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She is able to juggle school and her passion for art. 

    Ashley Lleno Is a young artist who has tried different styles like abstract expressionism, surrealism and realism using acrylic and oil paints.

    Crishaira Bode graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, which did not stop her from her creative pursuits. She has participated in various art exhibits held around the country. 

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    Fine Arts major Dominic Fabio’s art style leans towards abstract and digital painting, focusing on lines and shapes. Many of his pieces are inspired by music. Fifteen-year-old Jae Zyril Contridas’ works with both traditional and digital media. 

    Aside from drawing and painting, Jayson Borlon also works with styro cutouts, rubber models, paper mache, miniatures and murals. He also learned t-shirt printing and carpentry which he now uses to repair and make the canvases for his paintings. 

    Fine Arts major Jenella Medina has been painting for several years. Since joining ARTipolo, she now favors a more realistic approach when making art with subjects like various flora and fauna. 

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    Jodel Francisco said he is drawn to and inspired by “the interplay of light and shadow, the brilliant colors of nature, and the rich tapestry of human emotions,” while John Mark Navarro said he is inspired by realism and tries to capture current social reality when he paints.  

    Katlene Enriquez’s parents nurtured her interest in the arts, enrolling her in classes led by artist Fernando Sena at the UP Vargas Museum. Her first solo exhibit in 2015 consisted of 40 of her artworks.

    Freelance artist Liana Mariz is a self-avowed pet lover who chose pets as her subject in a group show at Blanco Museum last year. She favors a contemporary style using acrylic paint on canvas. 

    Mark Joseph Beloria is also a freelance artist who paints landscapes and portraits in realism and modern art style. He also does food painting. Marque De Leon works with different media like graphites, pen and ink, charcoal pencils, watercolor, soft and oil pastels, alcohol markers, and acrylic paints. To make his works look alive, he uses a combination of dark and light tones. 

    Visual artist Ma. Cerlina Dalida’s forte is realism and impressionism. A favorite subject is the sea although she also does portrait commissions. Architecture major Yurika Lhora Palmones continues to nurture a deep passion for painting, and believes “an artist is born to create, express and inspire other people.”

    The decision to hold a second exhibit at ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo was agreed upon because, as Bode explained, “it’s a great venue to display the group’s artworks.” 

    She added that “a lot of people visit the mall daily so there are more chances for our works to be seen and appreciated. It will also help boost tourism in Antipolo.”

  • Here’s Another Line-up for Netflix this November

    This November, we want to shine the spotlight on our little ones and the endless smiles they bring to our lives with tons of amazing shows for kids of all ages. For the little itty bitty ones, it’s going to be a joyful ride with these familiar faces from CoComelon Lane and My Little Pony: Make Your Mark: Chapter 6.

    Netflix November

    For the older kids who are counting down to the festive season (and pressies!), you’re in for a treat. Jump on an adventure with Mr. Wolf and his crew of animal outlaws in The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday to restore the Christmas spirit or get inspired to usher in the Best. Christmas. Ever!.

    Looking for something to watch during Family Movie Nights? You’ve got it. Buckle up and join our favourite comedic duo Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms in Family Switch as they find their way back to normalcy after a rare cosmic event causes them to switch bodies with their teenage kids. Or, you could spend some time getting to know a 74-year-old lizard named Leo and his turtle friend who decide to escape from the terrarium of a Florida school classroom together.

    All for The Kids

    COCOMELON LANE
    17 NOVEMBER

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    Cocomelon Lane: Season 1. (L to R) Kristen Princiotta as Mom, Hannah An as YoYo, Hannah An as TomTom, Ava Madison Gray as JJ, and Jake Turner as Dad in Cocomelon Lane: Season 1. Cr. NETFLIX © 2023

    Join your favourite “CoComelon” characters on imaginative adventures as they explore feelings — and the world around them — in this story-driven series.

    MY LITTLE PONY: MAKE YOUR MARK: CHAPTER 6
    23 NOVEMBER

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    My Little Pony: Make Your Mark S6 (L to R) Yellow Dragon, Bahia Watson as Misty, Ana Sani as Izzy, AJ Bridel as Pipp, Green Dragon in My Little Pony: Make Your Mark S6. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    Opaline has captured nearly all the power of Equestria, and time’s running out! Can the ponies team up with the dragons to save magic and restore peace?

    THE BAD GUYS: A VERY BAD HOLIDAY
    30 NOVEMBER

    The Bad Guys A Very Bad Holiday 1
    The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday. (L to R) Ezekiel Ajeigbe as Shark, Chris Diamantopoulos as Snake, Mallory Low as Tarantula, Raul Ceballos as Piranha, and Michael Godere as Wolf in The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday. Cr. NETFLIX © 2023

    Mr. Wolf and his crew of animal outlaws realise they’ll need to restore the city’s Christmas spirit to keep their annual holiday heist afloat.

    Cure For A Bad Day

    Films that are guaranteed to crack up everyone on the couch during family movie night!

    PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE
    12 NOVEMBER

    Paw Patrol The Movie 1 Large

    No city’s too big, and no bark’s too small! Ryder and the fearless pups head to Adventure City after greedy Mayor Humdinger takes over and starts trouble.

    BEST. CHRISTMAS. EVER!
    16 NOVEMBER

    Best. Christmas. Ever 4 Large
    Best. Christmas. Ever! (L to R) Brandy Norwood as Jackie, Madison Validum as Beatrix, Heather Graham as Charlotte in Best. Christmas. Ever! Cr. Scott Everett White/Netflix © 2023.

    After a twist of fate brings their families together for Christmas, Charlotte sets out to prove her old friend Jackie’s life is too good to be true.

    LEO
    21 NOVEMBER

    Leo 5 Large
    LEO – (L to R) Squirtle the Turtle (voice by Bill Burr) and Leo (voice by Adam Sandler). Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    Adam Sandler is a lizard named Leo in this coming-of-age musical comedy about the last year of elementary school as seen through the eyes of a class pet.

    FAMILY SWITCH
    30 NOVEMBER

    Family Switch 2 Large
    Family Switch – (L to R) Brady Noon as Wyatt, Emma Myers as CC, Lincoln Alex Sykes and Theodore Brian Sykes as Baby Miles, Jennifer Garner as Jess Walker and Ed Helms as Bill Walker in Family Switch. Cr. Colleen Hayes/Netflix © 2023.

    A family descends into chaos days before Christmas when a rare cosmic event causes the parents to swap bodies with their teenage kids.

    Time to Recharge

    It’s YOUR time to sit back, grab a snack, cuddle up with your partner, and enjoy these shows on a night in.

    CIGARETTE GIRL
    2 NOVEMBER

    Cigarette Girl 1 Large
    Gadis Kretek. Dian Sastrowardoyo as Dasiyah in Heartbreak High S1. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

    A gifted artisan’s journey of love and self-discovery unfolds as she defies tradition within Indonesia’s clove cigarette industry in the 1960s.

    THE CROWN: SEASON 6 PART 1
    16 NOVEMBER

    The Crown Season 6 Part 1
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    Queen Elizabeth II reflects on her legacy and lineage as Diana dazzles the public in the final weeks of her life and the monarchy faces a reckoning.

    SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE
    22 NOVEMBER

    Squid Game The Challenge
    Squid Game: The Challenge. Cr. Pete Dadds/Netflix © 2023

    456 players. $4.56 million. One winner. The global phenomenon comes to life with games inspired by the original series and all new challenges.

    As we embrace the magic of childhood this month, these enchanting shows for kids of all ages are sure to keep the smiles beaming. So, gather the family, pop some popcorn, and let the adventures unfold on your screen, creating cherished moments and treasured memories together.

  • Healthcare practitioners call for urgent action against the severity of fatty liver in the Philippines

    As if on silent tiptoes, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) emerges, signaling concern in the health community of the Philippines.

    “The burden of liver diseases around the world is enormous, the coverage of the number of people suffering from liver disease can encompass the entire damage of COVID-19,” remarks Dr. Jose Sollano, a revered Hepatologist and academic at the University of Santo Tomas.

    By the Numbers: The Grim Picture

    The Global Liver Institute’s 2022 report unveils staggering figures – 25% of the global population is grappling with NAFLD. Shockingly, in the Philippines, liver diseases claim roughly 16,500 lives annually.

    Furthermore, in a previous webinar hosted by the Hepatology Society of the Philippines, Dr. Diana Payawal, Immediate Past President of the Philippine College of Physicians and Scientific Advisor to the Global State of Liver Health 2022 estimated that NAFLD affects about 10 to 20% of the Filipino population. 

    Self care medical consultation

    Decoding the Risk Factors

    In the face of the severity of this disease, health officials and medical professionals are seeking ways to reduce the rapid pace of NAFLD risk nationwide. In the Philippines, one in fourteen adults is living with diabetes and 38.6% of adults are overweight to obese, all of which are at risk for NAFLD.

    “Despite the risk of NAFLD encompassing a significant portion of the Filipino population, public awareness around it remains alarmingly low. We need to guide our patients in navigating this potentially life-threatening disease, from understanding, early detection, to active prevention,” said Dr. Yvonne Ferrer, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare ASEA Medical Head. 

    Chronic Liver Disease

    NAFLD covers a range of liver conditions caused by fat buildup, commonly seen in individuals who are overweight or obese. It is a disease more susceptible in those suffering from diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. NAFLD is an interplay of genetics, environment, diet, and microbiota, so high cholesterol levels, sedentary lifestyle and inappropriate eating habits can also increase an individual’s NAFLD risk, often leading to liver damage, disease, or even liver failure.

    “The difference between the Philippines and other countries is that we are an archipelago, where bodies of water separate us, making it harder [for the public] to consult with a specialist,” said Dr. Payawal.

    With this, medical practitioners are calling for the urgent need for standardized liver health information and resources, as well as guidelines in preventing the disease, especially in far-flung areas of the nation.

    Available medications that have been explored for NAFLD treatment, such as fatty liver drugs and pioglitazone, only offer minimal effectiveness in managing the disease. So, by the time a patient’s condition has reached a point where medication must be considered, the disease may still advance significantly, highlighting the importance of preventive techniques.

    “Millions of people are suffering from chronic liver diseases brought about by alcohol, and now [we deal with] the metabolic syndrome, but these diseases are preventable, curable, and some [cases] can be controlled,” Dr. Sollano underscored.

    Putting self-care in the forefront of the battle against NAFLD

    Apart from the fact that there are no standardized guidelines geared towards managing NAFLD, there are also very few liver disease prevention techniques being recommended for the general population.

    “The key factor to avoid NAFLD is to keep your metabolic parameters normal, keep your numbers normal, whether it’s weight, cholesterol, etcetera,” Dr. Payawal advised. “Since this is a mitochondrial and multi-factorial disease, you need to hit different aspects of the disease in order to control it.”

    self care healthy diet

    Proper self-care, where individuals are intentional about maintaining their health in their day-to-day lives, is crucial to preventing NAFLD. Taking proactive steps that account for one’s holistic well-being like exercising, developing healthy food habits, and regularly consulting a doctor, is pivotal to reducing the risk of liver diseases.

    However, should Filipinos find themselves at risk or in early stages of NAFLD, patients can still work towards reversing this disease as the liver is one of the organs that can regenerate. This comes with increased responsibility on lifestyle choices, but several supplements also help boost liver regeneration. 

    Self care exercise

    “Embracing the practice of proactive self-care can positively impact liver health. By prioritizing proper nutrition, exercise, and phospholipid intake, at-risk individuals can play an active role in reducing their NAFLD risk,” Dr. Ferrer concluded.

    Individuals have a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to put their health in their own hands, and liver care is a little-known but prominent part of overall well-being. The more that people are aware of the effects of liver diseases like NAFLD, the more that they can be intentional in avoiding or treating it.

  • ASICS Asia takes steps to bridge the Gender Exercise Gap at inaugural Regional Women’s Retreat

    ASICS Asia recently hosted its first-ever Regional Women’s Retreat at Hotel Labaris in Thailand, nestled within Thailand’s first and third largest National Park – Khao Yai. The event emerged as a response to the ASICS State of Mind Index findings in 2022, which unveiled a gender exercise gap where women engage in significantly less exercise than men, thereby missing out on the positive mental benefits of regular physical activity. In a bid to understand and address this gap, ASICS gathered a diverse group of over 30 participants – spanning different nationalities, ethnicities, and body types – to take part in a curated four-day program focused on advocating the positive impact of movement to achieve a sound mind and sound body.

    ASICS Womens Retreat Photo 1

    The event promoted a sound body, commencing with an energizing sunrise run. A book reading session, co-hosted by ASICS Athlete and ultra-marathoner, Natalie Dau, and ASICS brand ambassador and Thai Actress, Taya Rogers, facilitated valuable discussions on optimizing running performance in sync with the menstrual cycle. Participants also immersed themselves in dynamic strength and core training sessions, led by Jeong Yun Lim from Netflix’s hit reality show, Physical 100, highlighting exercise’s transformative potential for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

    The event was not only about nurturing a sound body but also a sound mind. Attendees engaged in a journey of self-discovery through soul-soothing sound healing, meditation, and reflective journaling by Pearlyn Siew of Transmission Wellness.

    Fiona Berwick, Head of Global Communications, said, “At ASICS, we believe in the power of exercise to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s concerning to see a gender exercise gap persist. By listening to the experiences and perspectives of individuals around the world we hope to better understand the barriers to exercise for women and work towards creating a more equal and inclusive fitness.”