Western Visayas, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, is set to captivate the taste buds of food enthusiasts as The Manila Hotel celebrates the region’s diverse culinary delights at Café Ilang-Ilang this August.
For its latest dining offer, Café Ilang-Ilang has teamed up with Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, Jr. — a culinary virtuoso and a passionate advocate of Western Visayas heritage cuisine.
A Tapestry of Flavors
Through this exciting collaboration, Café Ilang-Ilang brings the essence of Western Visayas directly to its dining tables. Acknowledged as the Food Haven of the Philippines, Western Visayas boasts a vibrant food culture that reflects its history, geography, and cultural influences. The partnership showcases a diverse array of dishes, highlighting the region’s local recipes, distinct ingredients, and time-honored cooking techniques.
A Champion of Heritage Cuisine
Chef Tibong, hailing from Western Visayas himself, has his culinary journey deeply rooted in his love for preserving and promoting the region’s culinary heritage. Drawing inspiration from his upbringing and family traditions, his creations offer a contemporary twist to classic dishes, presenting an elevated experience that resonates with both locals and global food enthusiasts.
Embark on a Gastronomic Adventure
At Café Ilang-Ilang, guests can embark on a gastronomic adventure that celebrates the flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques unique to Western Visayas. Throughout the whole month of August, Café Ilang-Ilang patrons can enjoy selected dishes for lunch and dinner buffet. The weekly cycle of featured dishes includes: Guimaras Mango with Ginamos sa Tulapo, KBL (Kadios, Baboy, Langka), Laswa, Pancit Molo, Pancit Efuven, Beef Morcon, Chicken Binakol, Lengua Estofado, Bitchuelas, Sopa de Ajo, Fabada, Kinilaw na Tanguigue, Paella Negra with Chiperones, Canonigo, and Lapaz Batchoy Ice Cream.
Experience the “Flavors of Western VIsayas” at Café Ilang-Ilang until August 31. For inquiries and reservations, call (63 2) 8527-0011 or (63 2) 5301-5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.
Mang Inasal, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, will spread its 20th anniversary UNLI-SAYAbration through the Unli-Sarap, Unli-Saya Caravan.
Hosted by Dimples Romana, the event treated customers with a fun program filled with games and prizes and free products that included Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and Palabok.
“As part of our full-year celebration, the Mang Inasal Unli-Sarap, Unli-Saya Caravan will tour around the country to delight our customers with free Extra Creamy Halo-Halo and Palabok,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. “Our UNLI-SAYAbration is all about giving thanks to the Mang Inasal Nation who have shown us their strong love and support for the past 20 years.”
Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao from August to November. Details will be announced on the social media platforms of Mang Inasal.
Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.com for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, directed by Jeff Rowe (The Mitchells vs. the Machines) and co-written by actor Seth Rogen, exceeded expectations and took in $43 million at the U.S. box office on its first five days, an impressive feat for the $70 million production. The film has also opened in a few international markets, earning a global total of $51.3 million. In the Philippines, Mutant Mayhem opens August 23.
The animated feature, which has been well-received by critics and moviegoers alike, currently has a 96% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a stellar A CinemaScore from audiences.
I’m not crying, you’re crying. Meet the turtle tots and watch the teenage mutant ninja turtles as babies:
“We’re over the moon with this opening.” Chris Aronson, Paramount’s Domestic Distribution Boss, told Deadline. “We exceeded pre-release expectations with this movie which has been a labor of love for a long time.”
This latest version of the beloved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles features a star-studded voice cast that includes Jackie Chan, Rose Byrne, Hannibal Buress, John Cena, Ice Cube, Natasia Demetriou, Ayo Edebiri, Giancarlo Esposito, Post Malone, Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd and Maya Rudolph. The titular teenage mutant ninja turtles are voiced by real teenagers Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr, Nicolas Cantu and Brady Noon.
In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
In Philippine cinemas starting August 23, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #MutantMayhem #TMNTMovie and tag paramountpicsph
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Legendary singer-songwriter Daryl Hall is set to perform live in Manila together with the Daryl’s House Band and Todd Rundgren as special guests on November 27, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Daryl Hall is recognized as one of the best soul singers of his period and had a number of Billboard chart singles in the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014. With his timeless hits, engaging stage presence, and undeniable talent, Daryl Hall continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Daryl Hall is known as half of the iconic duo Hall & Oates and will perform many of the duo’s popular hits. Hall has also hosted an online show or webcast, Live from Daryl’s House, which features live music acts in a podcast or video cast, first from his home in Millerton, New York, and more recently from his club, Daryl’s House, in Pawling, New York, since 2007. The webcast has featured appearances by different artists as well as a holiday special featuring Shelby Lynne and songs from the Hall and Oates release Home for Christmas.
Hall restores and preserves historic homes in both the United States and England. He hosted the 2014 television show Daryl’s Restoration Over-Hall on the DIY Network, which showed him and a crew working on restoring one of his homes in Connecticut.
In July 2018, BMG partnered with Hall and Jonathan Wolfson to secure worldwide rights for Live from Daryl’s House. One of the artists he featured in his webcast is Todd Rundgren, who will also be with him in his concert in the Philippines as his guest performer.
Rundgren is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has performed in a diverse range of styles as a solo artist and as a member of the band Utopia. He is known for his sophisticated and often unorthodox music, his occasionally lavish stage shows, and his later experiments with interactive art. His best-known songs include “Hello, It’s Me” and “I Saw the Light” from Something/Anything? (1972), which gets frequent airtime on classic rock radio stations. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
Daryl Hall’s concert in Manila will really be epic, and it will be a night to remember. Promoted by Ovation Productions with TAPGO.TV as the official media partner. Tickets at smtickets.com are priced at 15,750 (SVIP) / 14,750 (VIP) / 12,750 (Patron) / 10,750 (Lower Box A) / 9,750 (Lower Box B) / 5,750 (Upper Box) / and 2,750 (Gen. Ad).
From a humble ice cream parlor in Cubao to a global brand that serves joy to millions, Jollibee has captured the hearts of Filipinos for 45 years with its langhap-sarap food items that have been staples in every memorable bonding moment.
With its mission of bringing the joy of eating to everyone, Jollibee continues to expand to more locations nationwide. It remains a dominant market leader, having the widest store network in the quick service restaurant industry with 1,211 stores and counting.
Open to serve customers 24/7, Jollibee Tagaytay Rotonda is the brand’s 1,200th store in the country
“While the pandemic temporarily put a hold on the growth of our store network, we continue to bounce back stronger than ever. We have been resolute in our commitment to build stores in more locations in the country, including remote provinces, so more Pinoys will be able to experience the joy of Jollibee,” said Ferns Yu Jr., Jollibee Philippines President.
The fast food giant also boasts of the largest network of drive-thru and delivery stores, with more than 450 and more than 1,100 stores respectively. This ensures that families and friends can also enjoy their Chickenjoy, Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti and other Jollibee favorites on the road, at home, or anywhere they like.
Jollibee Pililla opened in March 2023 with a roof deck that’s perfect for viewing the Pililla Windmills
“We recognize how consumer behavior has changed in the past year or so – that’s why we’re offering more options for Filipinos to get their Jollibee meals, whether in-store, drive-thru or delivery. We want our customers to enjoy Jollibee at their own preference and convenience,” said Dorothy Dee-Ching, Jollibee Philippines VP and Head of Marketing.
Multiplying the Joy
Whenever a Jollibee store opens at a new location, it becomes a cause for celebration among Filipinos who want their favorite meals more accessible. Throngs of people line up to be among the first to dine in and partake in the store opening festivities. In other cases, especially in some rural areas, a new Jollibee store is also viewed as a sign of progress and development of a local municipality.
Customers can look forward to more Jollibee stores opening their doors in the coming months and years. Photos above feature Jollibee Sipocot, Camarines Sur which opened in March 2023
“Jollibee has been a symbol of joy for our fellow Filipinos, and it’s not just because of our food and the joyful experiences they have in our stores. It is also seen as an indication that a locality is moving forward – driving increased business and commerce in that area and providing employment opportunities to the locals. It’s not simply about serving joy through our food, but more so multiplying that joy to benefit the local community,” said Yu.
Through the years, Jollibee had several firsts across provinces in the Philippines. In the province of Kalinga, Jollibee Tabuk is the first ever quick service restaurant to be built in the area. This brought Jollibee closer to locals in far-flung communities, allowing them a taste of their Jollibee favorites without going far. Another example is Jollibee Manaoag, which is just a stone’s throw away from the very popular basilica and is now a comfortable stop for hungry travelers and pilgrims.
Jollibee and friends joined in the welcoming festivities during the opening of Jollibee Laoag Bacarra in June 2023
Jollibee also opened its first stores in Baler, Siquijor, Guimaras, Camiguin, Moalboal, and Bislig, all of which helped add flavor to the overall experience of locals and tourists wanting to explore the beautiful sights the Philippines has to offer in these areas. Earlier this year, the first Jollibee branches in Sipocot, Camarines Sur and Padre Garcia, Batangas also welcomed locals and delighted them with the brand’s latest store concept. Another first mover is the first Jollibee store in Pililla, Rizal, which boasts of an al fresco area and a roof deck that’s perfect for viewing the famous Pililla Windmills.
As Jollibee celebrates its 45th year, customers can expect the brand to continue expanding aggressively, bringing more joy to other parts of the country. “Jollibee has become a part of the Pinoy culture and way of life, and we are very happy to continue sharing the joy through our food and unique brand of service. Jollibee has grown a lot since its humble beginnings, and we are excited to grow even more together with our customers, with new stores opening their doors in the coming months and years,” Ching adds.
Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite during a stopover, enjoying dinner after a busy day, or celebrating one’s birthday, Jollibee is sure to give customers a joyful experience wherever in the Philippines they may be.
There are offers, and there are THESE special offers, only from The Bistro Group!
Guests can avail discounts of up to 50% not only on weekdays or weekends, but every day of the week, across The Bistro Group concepts in some 150 restaurants nationwide. Amazing!
Made possible through Bistro Group’s partnership with some of the country’s leading banks, guests can enjoy an unparalleled variety of choices from diverse cuisines offering practically every imaginable dish to choose from: burgers, pizzas, pastas, ribs, paellas, dimsum, Korean BBQ, all-day breakfast, seafood, sushi, steaks, donuts and more! The selection is impressive, there’s one for every preference.
Take your pick from these credit card offers. Every day of the week, you won’t be left wanting a discount on the day you choose to dine or order take-out.
Mondays to Fridays: BDO
50% off on Bistro restaurants until Aug 31, Mondays to Fridays all day and from Sept. 1 to Nov 26 Fridays to Sundays; 25% off on El Pollo Loco and Randy’s Donuts until August 31 and from Sept. 1 to Nov. 26 (Fridays to Sundays); 50% off on Bistronomia concepts, Mondays to Fridays all day until August 31 and from Sept 1 to Nov 26 (Fridays to Sundays); Bistro Elite 50% August 11 to November 25, all day, Fridays and Saturdays
Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Metrobank
50% off, all day, August 1 to September 27
Fridays: Security Bank
50% off, all day until August 25
Saturdays: Citibank
50% off on Bistro and Bistronomia restaurants from 11am to 2pm from July 29 to August 5
Imagine the savings you’re bound to enjoy while feasting on the cuisine of your choice. No deals are like these ones.
For terms and conditions and to know more about these awesome offers, click on the links to take your pick from these credit card offers:
Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. is giving subscribers a chance to score tickets to TWICE 5TH WORLD TOUR ‘READY TO BE’ at the Philippine Arena on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2023.
The tour is the latest addition to this year’s stellar line-up for Smart Live, which gives subscribers access to exclusive perks and privileges to live concerts and events.
To secure tickets, simply go to these participating Smart Stores: August 18-19, 2023 at the Smart Store in Ayala Center Cebu and from August 25-26, 2023 at the Smart Store in SM Megamall.
Visit the TWICE booth at these participating Smart Stores and avail of Magic Data+ 649 or Magic Data+ 749 offers. Subscribers must top up Magic Data+ offers at said Smart Stores on the promo day to be considered valid. The required number of top-up varies based on your preferred ticket.
Next, present the GigaLife App to show proof of account or mobile number ownership, and proof of purchase of the Magic Data+ offers.
Subscribers may top up Magic Data+ to up to five registered Smart Prepaid numbers per ticket, as long as the required number of Magic Data+ top-up are met. Fans who will top up to more than one number must present proof of purchase on the GigaLife App or e-loading channels such as the subscriber’s number to whom Magic Data+ 649 or 749 was sent, and/or receipt of transaction.
Subscribers may claim one (1) ticket based on the Magic Data+ offer they availed of at the Smart Store. Ticket redemption is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Second concert in the Philippines
TWICE’s upcoming concert is their second visit to the Philippines since 2019.
The Philippine leg is part of the TWICE 5TH WORLD TOUR ‘READY TO BE’ that kicked off in Seoul early this year, which includes shows in Japan, Australia, the US, Singapore, Berlin, Thailand, Paris, and London.
The tour is in support of their 2023 EP – “READY TO BE.”
TWICE, the first Korean group to receive the coveted Breakthrough Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards this year, is a nine-member group composed of Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu, who made their debut in 2015.
Fans can enjoy the best concert experience on-ground and instantly share their live moments with the rest of the world powered by Smart, the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network as cited by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.
Smart clinched this prestigious recognition for three consecutive semesters – Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and most recently in Q1-Q2 2023.
Simba from Disney’s The Lion King will be joining Pandora’s line-up to celebrate 100 Years of Wonder this August. The new charm is crafted from sterling silver with solid 14k gold accents and shows the brave and mischievous lion cub in a playful pose, resting his front paw on a lab-created diamond.
In September, another iconic character will join the celebration: Dumbo, the little elephant with big ears and even bigger dreams. The limited-edition charm in sterling silver features solid 14k gold details and depicts the baby elephant soaring through the sky. He holds a lab-created diamond in his trunk, symbolizing the “magic” feather that gives him the confidence to fly.
Each charm in Disney x Pandora’s newest Disney100 series features a radiant lab-created diamond. Lab-created diamonds are identical to mined diamonds but are grown in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth. They have the same optical, chemical, thermal and physical characteristics as a mined diamond and are graded by the same standards, known as the 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat.
Other styles in the Disney100 series launched earlier this year include more beloved icons such as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage and Donald Duck. The designs are accompanied by a dedicated Disney100 bracelet and collector’s box. Pandora will introduce eight charms in total during 2023 to celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary.
Carlo Aquino and Charlie Dizon star as blue-collared workers determined to find bliss in “Third World Romance,” showing in cinemas nationwide beginning August 16 (Wednesday).
Britney (Charlie), an outspoken grocery cashier, and Alvin (Carlo), a laid-back grocery bagger, strive to be content and happy together despite the harsh realities of life.
But when Britney faces a tough choice between family and her own happiness, she realizes that nothing in life comes for free.
Can Alvin and Britney’s love thrive in a world where happiness continues to be a luxury?
“Yung mensahe ng movie namin, mahirap man maging masaya pero hangga’t may kasama ka na dadamay sa’yo magiging magaan ang buhay,” shared Charlie.
Meanwhile, Carlo described his character as laid-back but knows when to fight for survival. He said, “Chill lang siya pero lumalaban pa rin sa buhay.”
“Third World Romance” is directed by Dwein Ruedas Baltazar, the movie director behind “Oda sa Wala” and “Hello Stranger: The Movie.” The project is a co-production of Black Sheep and Anima.
When asked how the ‘hugot of raket’ plays in the film, Direk Dwein stressed that it is at the core of the story. “Mahalaga kasi ang raket ‘survival’ siya. Nakasentro dun ang conflict ng istorya, kung paano sila mabubuhay araw-araw,” she said.
“Ifo-front natin ang pag-ibig habang dini-discuss ang social issues, trabaho, at iba pang bagay na kinakaharap ng ordinaryong mamamayan,” she added.
The film also stars Ana Abad Santos, Gardo Versoza, Arachie Adamos, Iyah Mina, Esnyr Ranollo, Xilhouette, Brian Black, Lady Morgana, and Junjun Quintana.
Before its theatrical release, “Third World Romance” will be featured as Cinemalaya 2023’s closing film.
Witness the unfolding of Alvin and Britney’s “Third World Romance,” showing in cinemas starting August 16 (Wednesday). For film updates, follow Black Sheep on Facebook @BlackSheepABSCBN, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter @black_sheepph, and YouTube @BlackSheepPH and Anima on their social media accounts @animastudiosph.
Fresh from a double exhibit held in Los Banos a few months ago, artist Karla Sajona is holding a solo exhibit—her second—at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria. “Plumage” is a collection of striking and brightly colored paintings of flora and fauna, particularly indigenous and endemic species.
Sajona who is also a visual arts educator creates these intricate pieces, many of which feature pairs of birds preening among leaves and flowers. To further draw attention to these winged creatures, she frames them by painting squares in contrasting colors. She uses assorted media including watercolors, gouache, acrylic paints and colored pencils.
The results are festive and gem-like but there is a deeper reason why she has latched on to this type of fauna. Sajona wants to drive appreciation and interest in local bird life but she also wants Filipinos to become more aware of the need for conservation. In fact, some of the species included in the exhibit have been declared as endangered or near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Her paintings and drawings serve as vehicles in educating viewers about the significance to biodiversity. “These are things we often take for granted but if we observe them closely, one cannot un-see the array of lines, patterns, colors and iridescence they radiate,” she said.
With careful strokes and a studied use of color, the artist is able to bring to life some of her favorite feathered friends including sunbirds, hornbills, kingfishers and roosters. There is even a drawing of a peacock and a peahen clad in what appear to be embroidered collars and jeweled neckpieces.
Her introduction to art came at an early age as she was born into a family of artists where both direct and distant relatives earned their keep as painters and crafters.
“As a child, I used to draw princesses, houses, cartoon characters but as I grew older, I leaned toward botanical subjects, landscapes and portraits, and began experimenting with mediums like watercolor, colored pencils and charcoal.”
She finds inspiration in the works of Van Gogh, Monet and Degas—particularly the latter’s ballet dancer series. Among our local artists, she said she honed her technique by studying the works of National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Vicente Manansala.
Many of Botong’s large-scale paintings have a fantastical, mythical quality and consists of several vignettes while Manansala’s work hews to the idyllic and pastoral.
“My aunt, who also happens to be a painter, was the first one to inspire me to pursue a career in painting. By reading about the lives of Filipino painters, I slowly learned and applied their painting techniques in my own obras. I’ve been practicing my painting style since I was in high school in the ‘90s,” Sajona said.
She’s grateful for the chance to reach a much wider audience with her “Plumage” exhibit at ARTablado which runs from Aug.1 to Aug. 15. “ARTablado offers great opportunities to artists who wish to make a name in society. Having my second solo show here will be a huge breakthrough in my career. The exhibit offers a wide range of lively and vibrant feasts of avian wildlife. If you’re a nature enthusiast, this is the perfect event to visit!”
Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 300 artists.
