DF Art Agency is proud to announce its participation as the sole exhibitor from the Philippines in this year’s Art Moments Jakarta, one of the most important art events in Southeast Asia. The event will be held from August 18 to 20 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Demi Padua_Jestress_48 x 36 inches_2023
The annual international art fair is set to feature 25 galleries from 8 countries for this year’s edition. DF Art Agency’s inclusion in this prestigious event underscores its commitment to promoting and celebrating the unique artistic vision of the Philippines on a global stage.
DF Art Agency is thrilled to showcase a collection of works by Filipino contemporary visual artists including Anna Bautista, Cedrick Dela Paz, Demi Padua, Ian Anderson, Liliana Manahan, Marrie Saplad, Pongbayog, Sean Go, Yanna Guillermo and Taichi Kondo. Each artist brings their distinctive voice and perspective to the forefront, contributing to the rich cultural mosaic of Philippine contemporary art.
Sean Go_Disco Bolt Dragon_24 x 24 inches_acrylic, leather, spray paing and grease pencil on canvas_2023
“I’m excited to be a part of Art Moments Jakarta,” says Filipino pop artist Sean Go. “By participating in global platforms, we are able to foster cross-cultural exchange and enhance the appreciation of Philippine creativity.”
Sean Go is known for his cheeky pop art style that takes inspiration from childhood icons and playfully infuses them with modern pop culture.
Anna Bautista_Of One’s Fruits and their Labor_2023_36 x 48 inches_ acrylic on canvas
“Visitors to Art Moments Jakarta are invited to explore DF Art Agency’s booth to experience firsthand the captivating works that reflect the agency’s commitment to artistic excellence,” says Derek Flores, founder of DF Art Agency. “Our exhibit serves as a testament to the burgeoning creativity within the Philippines and the dynamic role that DF Art Agency plays in nurturing and showcasing these talents.”
For more information about DF Art Agency and its participation in Art Moments Jakarta, please visit https://www.df-artagency.com/ or contact [contact information].
Get your palates ready when you visit Olive Garden. There are newly-launched classic entrees to amplify its mouth-watering menu.
Introducing three chicken dishes served with a choice of mashed potato or steamed rice. These are hearty, flavorful and filling on their own and more so, since an order comes with the signature Never-Ending Soup, Salad and Breadsticks!
First up is the MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN. The bright, citrusy flavor of lemon and the savory taste of capers and peppers are infused into the chicken as an ode to the rich, vibrant food and culture of the Mediterranean.
Another new dish was inspired by the Tuscan region, CHICKEN TUSCANY. Golden fried boneless leg quarter chicken is complemented by a mix of sundried tomatoes, creamy mushroom spinach sauce, and parmesan cheese.
Then there’s the perfectly herby ROASTED HERB CHICKEN. Half-a-chicken is roasted with a mixture of various herbs and spices and served with , marbled potatoes, carrots and a mushroom gravy.
For those who fancy beef, try the ITALIAN BRAISED SHORT RIBS (fork-tender braised short beef, Italian herbs and carrots)
ITALIAN-AMERICAN FEAST If you must, browse the menu and you’ll see Olive Garden’s topselling Italian-American dishes which are strongly recommended. The restaurant is popular worldwide for its generosity and hospitality, from the food to the ambiance and Bistro’s trademark service. Specifically, it’s known for its never-ending servings of freshly-baked garlic breadsticks, garden-fresh salads and homemade soups. Signature items include “Tour of Italy”, a platter made up of three classics -Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and Fettuccine Alfredo. There are other delicious dishes, so be sure that you personally peruse the menu to know more about them.
Olive Garden has branches at the Mall of Asia and Glorietta 3. It will open a 3rd store this September at The Verve, BGC.
Balbacua de Davao, Pork Kinamatisan, My Lola’s Adobo, Bicol’s Pininyahang Gising-Gising, Pritong Itik, these are just some of the new heirloom dishes that are being offered at LORE by Chef Tatung Sarthou. They are traditional dishes, cooked with much respect to the ones cooked by the nanays (mothers) and olas (grandmothers) in their respective provinces, but presented in a fresh, contemporary manner. In a way, LORE spotlights customary regional dishes, making one feel like dining back at their hometown; it’s like exploring new flavors from another province or discovering the different ways a certain dish is cooked in different places in the country.
Chef Tatung says “In the Visayan region, their Pork Kinamatisan is the same as the Pork Binagoongan in the Luzon provinces. Wala naman bagoong noon. This version is more tomato forward but cooked almost in the same manner.” Chef Tatung, who has strong familial ties to the Bicol region, also presents the Bicol version of Gising-Gising (creamy string beans, finger chilies and chicken chunks in coconut sauce) which has pineapple chunks on it. The pineapple cuts the creaminess of the coconut thus deepening the flavors and giving it a sweet surprise.
Lore’s Balbacua de Davao, tender and collagen-rich ox tail, trotter, and tendon, slow-cooked, is slightly different from the Balbacua served in Cebu. Pritong Itik is twice-cooked Peking duck and prepared Pateros-style. Pateros braises the duck in a bath of aromatic Asian spices until it is tender and then deep-fried until crispy. It comes with spicy vinegar sauce and a playful “Haw-flakes” dipping sauce.
After almost a year in operation, LORE also transitioned their menu offering from degustacion to family-style and ala carte. Chef Tatung’s Fried Rice, for example, loaded with shrimp, vegetables, peanuts, eggs and spring onion, is good for 2-3 persons.
With 7,641 islands and close to 195 languages spoken in the country, the diversity of our dishes is a culinary enthusiasts dream. LORE by Chef Tatung hopes to honor this diversity and culinary-rich heritage by presenting hometown favorite dishes to their diners and customers.
An underdog sports story based on the life of a real gamer-turned-racecar driver, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story will have sneak preview screenings at regular run admission prices in cinemas nationwide on Monday August 21, and Tuesday August 22. Be among the first to catch the film – watch it a week before it begins its regular run on August 30.
Orlando Bloom and David Harbour
The film, which tells the story of Jann Mardenborough, a Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver, stars David Harbour, Orlando Bloom and Archie Madekwe as Mardenborough.
Early fan screenings in the U.S. have led to tremendously positive responses from moviegoers, with many saying how surprised they were to love the film so much (even those who are not into the games or racing), and with many applauding the high-octane theatrical experience, imploring friends to see the movie on the big screen in a packed theater.
“#GranTurismoMovie was absolutely fantastic! The whole theater screamed and cheered the whole film,” raved fan Darrell Fair on Twitter/X.
Posted Cristy Velasquez, “#GranTurismoMovie just finished watching gran turismo and OMG it was AMAZING!! I was at the edge of my seat. I will definitely be watching this again.”
Director Neill Blomkamp (center) directing the racers, including the real Jann Mardenborough (foreground, right)
Grant Skoog lauded almost every aspect of the film in his post: “Blomkamp’s #GranTurismo is inspirational, emotional, thrilling, & riveting. Incredible Action! Phenomenal Acting, The moving Score, fast paced Editing, & gorgeous Cinematography, made this one of the best theater experiences. I was on the edge of my seat. 9/10 #GranTurismoMovie”
Some critics were also impressed with the film. Said Variety, “‘Gran Turismo,’ Blomkamp’s first major feature in eight years, is easily his best. It’s made with a spontaneous humanistic grace, and the racing sequences, which dominate the movie because they’re truly the story it’s telling, are dazzlingly directed and edited.”
Indiewire raves that Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story “is a thrilling retelling of one of the craziest stories in recent sports history, shot with the level of skillful spectacle that the source material demands. Blomkamp might have directed the best 90-minute sports movie of the decade.”
ComingSoon.net is all praises as well, describing the film as “the heart-pounding crowd-pleaser of the year with [a] classic underdog story that knocks it out of the park.”
Archie Madekwe (in car) and the real Jann Mardenborough
Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, the film is the ultimate wish fulfillment tale of a teenage Gran Turismo player whose gaming skills won a series of Nissan competitions to become an actual professional racecar driver.
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, screenplay by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, based on the PLAYSTATION STUDIOS video game.
Produced by Doug Belgrad, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Dana Brunetti. The executive producers are Kazunori Yamauchi, Herman Hulst, Jason Hall, Matthew Hirsch.
The cast is led by David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner and Djimon Hounsou.
In Philippine cinemas August 30, Gran Turismois distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #GranTurismoMovie
When a potent new recreational drug begins spreading throughout Seoul’s liveliest venues, an undercover officer will infiltrate the gang responsible in The Worst of Evil –a thrilling new crime drama coming September 27, exclusively on Disney+.
In 1990s Seoul, a former DJ seized control of a gang and began pushing a popular new drug nicknamed “Gangnam Crystal” in the city’s nightclubs. With little known about its source, a rural officer is recruited into an undercover police unit and is tasked with infiltrating the gang to bring it down from the inside. Forced to keep his new assignment a secret from everyone, officer Park Junmo is stunned to discover his wife and fellow officer Yu Euijeong has volunteered for the same assignment and that she has a mysterious past with the city’s new drug lord. Torn between his dedication to his job and his need to keep his wife safe, Junmo’s actions will keep viewers on the edge of their seat throughout.
Starring Ji Changwook (Backstreet Rookie, Suspicious Partner, Empress Ki) as police officer Park Junmo, Wi Hajun (Squid Game, 18 Again, Little Women) as DJ turned gang-leader, Jung Gicheul; and Lim Semi (My Secret Terrius, Shopping King Louis) as security officer Yu Euijeong, The Worst of Evilis directed by Han Dongwook (Man in Love) and written by Jang Minseok (Secret Union, Maundy Thursday).
A 12-episode series with a three-episode premiere, three-episode finale and two episodes released each week in between, The Worst of Eviljoins an ever-growing lineup of unmissable Korean series now available on Disney+. Fans of Korean crime dramas can sign-up to Disney+ today to enjoy immediate access to the award-winning series Big Bet starring legendary actor Choi Minsik; Big Mouth, about a lawyer who is arrested as part of the murder case he is investigating;as well as an entire library of world-class entertainment.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) formally welcomes the country’s Multimedia Superstar, Anne Curtis, as the Bank’s newest brand partner.
As a long-time BPI client, Anne is excited to share her own experiences with the Bank and to introduce its new products and services.
“BPI has always been a reliable bank throughout my journey. It has allowed me to do more and be more, which is why I want to share my experience with others,” Anne says.
Do More with BPI
Anne’s journey with BPI serves as the springboard of the “Do More with BPI” campaign, wherein the Bank enables Filipinos to do more in life and fulfill their dreams. With its 172-year history of banking excellence, BPI offers services that transcend financial solutions and empower people to go further and achieve greater pursuits.
“BPI is the Filipinos’ partner at every point in their lives. The Bank shares their values and anticipates their needs by coming up with the best solutions crafted from years of experience. With a comprehensive line-up of products and services, BPI is able to help Filipinos realize their dreams,” says BPI President and CEO TG Limcaoco.
As of June this year, BPI had 6.2 million clients enrolled in its digital channels, with an open banking infrastructure providing access to 2,200 products and services by over 100 partners.
Among the Bank’s latest digital innovations are the new BPI App, where retail customers can transact in seconds and avail new products and services in just minutes. Soon, they will be able to get AI-powered financial insights on their spending and saving habits. For SME clients, meanwhile, BPI recently launched the Ka-Negosyo online loan application portal — a one-stop shop that allows entrepreneurs to learn about and avail of the Bank’s SME loan products.
On top of its digitalization efforts, BPI has embarked on an internal customer obsession program. Under the program, the Bank assigned customer delight officers to help empower frontliners and created agile teams to address common customer pain points. With these measures in place, BPI looks forward to serving more customers and process more transactions.
“Do More with BPI” elevates financial inclusion through digitalization and customer obsession. In the words of BPI’s President and CEO, TG Limcaoco, “This demonstrates our unwavering dedication to maintain the deep trust our clients have in us and build a better Philippines—one family, one community at a time.”
Over the years, mobile data has truly become essential in the daily life of Filipinos. Many rely on their phone’s mobile data connection for work, education, livelihood, and entertainment. In this era of countless apps and data-heavy activities, understanding your data consumption can empower you to save and maximize your usage.
Mobile leader Globe shares tips on how you can conserve your data so you can make the most of your browsing experience!
1. Choose the best data promo
Globe has the best data promos for your needs, regardless of your budget. If you are budget-conscious and want to make the best of your data for streaming, learning, earning and other activities, try Go50 with 5GB data for all sites and unlimited all-net texts for P50, valid for 3 days. If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, go for Super Xclusive Go+99 with up to 10GB for all sites, 8GB for your choice of apps, and unlimited all-net texts for P99, valid for up to 8 days. Both promos are available on the GlobeOne app.
2. Check how you use your mobile data
Data usage is largely behavioral. If you are a heavy streamer, whether it be videos, music, or games, your data consumption will inevitably be higher than a recreational or casual user. Make sure you keep yourself in check when browsing.
3. Be conscious of usage while video-streaming
High-resolution videos in applications may lead to more data consumed. The higher the quality of the video, the more data it would likely require. Make sure to adjust the video quality in apps like Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, Tiktok, and Zoom to conserve data. To get a sulit deal for streaming sites, you can register to Go+99 with GoWATCH to get 8GB for all sites, plus 8GB for video apps, and unlimited all-net texts, valid for 7 days.
4. Control app updates
Automatic app updates and other app activities may consume a significant amount of data. Turn on your phone’s Low Data Mode (Android) or Data Saver (iOS) to stop automatic app updates and other activities from using your mobile data.
5. Know your data limit
Keep in mind that it’s possible to exhaust all your data before the end of your promo period depending on usage. Some customers might think that their data, such as 5GB under Go50 on GlobeOne, will last for 3 days, and are surprised when it gets fully consumed before the validity ends. You may keep track of your data usage using the GlobeOne app.
6. Know where to get help
If you have concerns about data, you may access GlobeOne app and go to the Help section. GlobeOne is your digital life companion!
“Putting our customers first, we recognize the importance of every megabyte of data, and more so, the value of the money they spend on it. We believe every byte matters! Actively listening to their browsing experiences forms a vital part of our service improvement. We hope that this information serves as a valuable tool for our customers, enabling them to make the most out of their data without any worries,” said Aileen Burgos, head of Customer Experience.
Stay connected, stay informed, and enjoy your browsing experience with Globe and TM! Visit https://www.globe.com.ph/ to know more.
Seda Hotels is celebrating the opening of their 12th property in the Philippines, Seda Manila Bay, marking another milestone in the continuous expansion of the brand and solidifying its position as a key player in the local hospitality industry.
Seda Manila Bay is located in Paranaque’s Entertainment City and offers 350 thoughtfully designed rooms from Deluxe Rooms to Suites, ideal for both business and family travel.
Javier Hernandez, President and CEO of owning company AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts, expresses his enthusiasm on the newest property, stating, “We are proud to see Seda Hotels flourish and continue to expand its footprint in the Philippines. Seda Manila Bay will carry on the brand’s commitment to providing unparalleled Filipino hospitality combined with service at par with global standards.”
The hotel’s unique design incorporates various leisure amenities that will delight all ages. These include a sprawling water playground with pool fountains and other fun features in the kids’ area; a Children’s Playroom with developmental toys, arts and crafts, and learning activities for young ones; and a Game Room outfitted with gaming consoles.
For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the Seda Spa is a wellness retreat with private massage rooms, while the gym provides cutting-edge fitness equipment. Opening soon is a mini-golf area, providing even more ways for guests to unwind and have fun during their stay.
General Manager Jeffrey Enriquez adds that Seda Manila Bay features a ballroom for up to 350 attendees and smaller meeting rooms capable of offering flexible and creative solutions to suit different event needs in the city. “Guests can also expect a diverse and flavorful dining experience at Seda’s signature outlets, Misto restaurant, which serves a medley of international and local dishes, and very soon, Straight Up rooftop bar — perfect for catching the world-famous Manila Bay sunset,” Enriquez says.
Seda Manila Bay boasts of exceptional positioning in the area, offering a unique combination of business and recreational facilities and amenities ideal for corporate, leisure, or family travel.
The hotel’s location is also conveniently accessible, being only 15 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a short 30-minute drive to the bustling CBDs of Makati and BGC.
Hernandez adds that for Seda, the benchmark for success is not about the brand’s aggressive expansion in terms of room inventory, but rather, a focus on product quality. He says, “It is for this reason that the brand has been consistently recognized for its commitment to excellence, winning the “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” award in the UK-based World Travel Awards for nine consecutive years, owing to its dedication to providing superior products and services.”
Seda Manila Bay presents an all-encompassing haven, setting a new standard for remarkable stays in Paranaque’s Entertainment City.
The iconic skate footwear brand, Vans is back with a bang in the heart of Muntinlupa City. With its signature blend of Southern Cali-cool vibes and the rebellious ‘Off the Wall’ aesthetic, this reopening in its 2,000+ strong roster of international retail establishments is set to leave sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-forward folks alike buzzing with anticipation.
A Fresh Take on Classic Elegance
The 130.64 square-foot Vans Festival Mall store goes all out in ensuring you’re surrounded by everything authentically Vans. Featuring their signature checkerboard design amalgamated with rustic wood furnishings, the store captures that modern, youthful energy perfectly. Stepping into this space, you’re not just walking into a store, but an embodiment of the brand’s essence, making it “Off The Wall” in a modern and youthful way.
Exclusive Surprises Await
First 100 alert! If you’re among the initial century of shoppers at Vans Festival Mall and manage to snag products worth PHP 8,000 in a single receipt, brace yourself for a treat. You’ll be walking away with an exclusive limited-edition Vans laundry bag. Talk about a shopping bonus!
The store has a stylish assortment of footwear, apparel, and accessories, including the new Vans Authentic Bolt in Chekeredboard, Black Yellow, and Fired Brick colorways. The shoes have an iconic rubber waffle outsole and a classic low-top design with thunderbolt details emerging from the front bumper, creating a bold update that makes each step a statement. The Vans Authentic Bolt is priced at Php5,498.00.
Since 1966, Vans has been committed to forwarding its advocacy for creative self- expression. With over 57 years of the classic side stripe, the sneaker company continues to promote youth and diversity, as well as rally for action sports while recognizing how its famous “Off The Wall” philosophy has connected the brand to action sports, music, arts and design.
To keep your fashion game strong and be in-the-know about the latest from the brand, don’t forget to follow VansPH on Facebook and Instagram. For those who can’t resist an online spree, explore the freshest drops on VansPH’s Online Shop. Head to the Vans Festival Mall branch located at the Upper Ground Level West Wing.
With the back-to-school season nearing, Philippine youth groups are questioning the impending tuition increase in select state universities, colleges, and private schools nationwide. This fee hike looms even while the country’s inflation rate remains high at 6.1%, as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported in June 2023.
As more and more Filipino families feel the weight of the tuition hike, the Philippines’ #1 e-wallet app, GCash, offers several solutions to make paying for schooling-related fees more affordable and less stressful.
“We understand that with the upcoming school year’s tuition hike paired in parallel with the country’s high inflation rates, Filipino families are starting to view back-to-school expenses as an added struggle. It is exactly why we continue to maintain our lending solutions to be as accessible as possible,” Zo Canaria, Head of Growth Marketing at FUSE Lending Inc. underscored. “The more solutions we can offer to ease Filipinos of financial burden, the more lives we can help elevate.”
The Philippines has been accustomed to the stigma that comes with borrowing money. In fact, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2021 Financial Inclusion Report found that 50% of Filipino adults perceive borrowing from formal institutions to be “difficult” due to income and documentation requirements upon application.
GCash is working to change this belief by offering readily-available lending solutions for different financial needs, allowing users to view loans as an effective tool in achieving their goals while staying within their means.
As of the first quarter of 2023, 2.8 million Filipino users have loaned via GCash, 35% of which are business owners who use the loan to grow their businesses. Still, it remains to be a little-known fact that aspiring borrowers may also apply for a loan to fund their or their children’s education.
Here are some of the ways that GCash’s borrowing solutions, may be used for schooling-related purposes:
Affording tuition and school-related fees via GLoan
With the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) expecting a tuition hike average of 3-4% in some private schools this year, parents and sponsors might opt to secure a loan to continue funding their child’s education.
With GLoan, eligible borrowers may loan up to Php 125,000, instantly sent to their e-wallet within 24 hours. Canaria emphasized, “Education is essential, and people loan for it all the time — whether through friends and family, banks, or even academic offerings. What makes GLoan superior to all other options is its ease of access and flexibility upon application, while still leveraging on the credibility and the security of the GCash app.”
Embracing hybrid learning with the right tools via GGives
To keep up with the times, many schools have also transitioned to a more modern way of learning. In fact, the Department of Education in a recent statement said that they are in search of ways to promote the use of technology in education, suggesting the long-term implementation of digital or hybrid learning arrangements. Through GGives, borrowers may acquire new laptops and tablets in over 110,000 merchants, and pay for it in installments. Canaria shared, “Materials that can effectively support students’ schooling experience have transformed. We understand that this is a costly shift for most Filipinos and funds for gadgets are hard to come by, and this is one of the reasons why GGives specifically allows partial payments of up to 24 months with zero down payments.”
Paying for supplies and day-to-day essentials via GCredit
Even as the inflation rate eased as reported by PSA, Filipinos are still experiencing the effects of the Philippine peso weakening at a concerning rate. This has made careful budgeting for school supplies, snacks, allowance, and daily commute fees more difficult.
GCredit, Powered by CIMB, has a readily available credit line built to support eligible users in times like these, enabling borrowers with a limit of up to Php 50,000 at a pro-rated interest rate. Canaria said, “Because of price hikes everywhere, the feeling of ‘being stuck in a tight spot’ is becoming more and more pronounced nowadays. With classes either back to face-to-face or transitioning to hybrid, GCredit can help users manage daily expenses more confidently. It has a wide range of merchants for every need, from lifestyle and food to transportation and groceries.”
“We at GCash have always believed that education is a right for all Filipinos, not just a privilege, and these lending solutions are our way of making this right more apparent for our fellow countrymen. As the leading e-wallet app in the market, providing easy access to extra funds and empowering users with resources that bolster their growth is our duty to the 70 million users we serve,” Canaria concluded.
To be eligible for GLoan, GGives, and GCredit, users must have a fully verified GCash profile and must continue using GCash and its services, such as maintaining a high wallet balance, regularly cashing in and paying your dues early or on time.
Access GCredit through your GCash dashboard or find it under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery! Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
