Author: Press Release

  • Art Meets Blockchain: ART HOUSE Unveils Rare Vicente Manansala Works Go NFT

    ART HOUSE, a dynamic multi-channel creative platform, breathes new life into Philippine art and culture. Championing a refreshing perspective, it weaves a colorful tapestry of mediums, collaborations, and partnerships that intricately link creativity to purposeful endeavors. Each unique exhibition, auction, or show that ART HOUSE curates intentionally serves to fuel conversations on topics like environmental preservation, sustainability, and nation-building. Through its diverse offerings that span retail, travel and developmental initiatives, ART HOUSE also endeavors to reach out to audiences beyond the walls of an art gallery or exhibition space.

    Alab exhibit May 25 to 28

    This May, ART HOUSE pays homage to the life and works of Philippine National Artist and cubist painter, Vicente Manansala. The exhibit, aptly dubbed Alab, will run from May 25 to 28 at the North Court of Power Plant Mall. It will showcase the work of 15 trailblazing visual artists whose works pay tribute to the master and father of Transparent Cubism. Pieces on exhibit will include paintings, sculptures and objets d’art.

    Anita del Rosario
    Anita Del Rosario
    Edgar Doctor
    Edgar Doctor
    JC Intal
    JC Intal
    Joemarie Sanclair
    Joemarie Sanclair

    The 26th of May, will mark an NFT auction, done in collaboration with Artifract, an Asian fine arts NFT pioneer. It will take place on the 38th Floor of Rockwell Center’s Manansala Building from 5PM-9PM. Digital artworks on the auction block will showcase rare, artist-proof, privately-owned artworks by Vincente Manansala that have never been put on exhibit or circulated commercially.

    ART HOUSE Chief Executive Officer, Juan Carlos Pineda, explains, “Through these NFTs, collectors get a chance to own a piece of these private artworks that would otherwise not be accessible to the public.”

    Melissa Yeung Yap
    Melissa Yeung – Yap
    Pepe Mendoza
    Pepe Mendoza
    Ronna Manansala
    Rona Mananasala
    Sam Penaso
    Sam Penaso

    Pieces by MANANSALA selected for NFT minting provide an intimate look into the life and times of the master–as a friend, contemporary, grandfather, student, and finally, a prime mover of abstractionism and transparent cubism in the Philippine contemporary art scene.

    Interested bidders may register online through https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9YDeTYMKcxHYVLVWtof6ZVMrdwnx_2Bz5h1885dWpiZQVGQ/viewform

    Participation will require a Php 3,000 registration fee, which is consumable during the event. Every registration also serves as a single entry to the Artifract X Arthouse raffle, where winners get the chance to win an NFT tile complete with Giclee fine art print, and Certificate of Authentication.

    Artifract X Art House Auction Night featuring Manansala NFTs happens on May 26 5PM at the 38th floor of the Manansala Building, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center. To find out more, follow our IG @thearthouse_ & FB @thearthouseph.

  • Let Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club’s “Pasabay” Funk Up Your Life!

    A seven-member band formed in mid-2022 and, in effect, born seven decades after the birth of funk and their fun namesake of sorts, Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club is merrily comprised by musical director-bassist Francis De Veyra, vocalists Pael Gutierrez, Zsaris Mendioro and Faye Yupano, guitarist Gabe, saxophonist-flautist Nicole Tejedor-Reluya and drummer John Reluya.

    UncleBob

    Eclectic in at least seven ways, Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club cast a wide net in terms of geographic origin, skill, talent, experience, taste, influences and acumen, but are united in aiming to translate their joyful jams into an enriching experience for every listener. In essence, they collectively embody that the word funky is actually shorthand for Fun is the key.

    “Pasabay” is a great place to start in terms of digging this big band, which has been making the rounds of many mega Manila bars in the last several months. The fresh ditty is a gently funky number that might remind elder listeners of a classic age in original Pinoy music while also sounding as unmistakably fresh as anything cooked up just a while back. And the lovely tune is a fine example of how smooth and seamless the band’s dynamic is, of how a gang of many members—with three vocalists at that—and many personal faves and roles can fuse and dissolve into the singular experience of finely crafted music.

    On May 27, Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven is releasing their Ennuh Tiu-directed music video for the song at The ‘70s Bistro featuring Leanne & Naara, 10 a.m. Departure, and Oh, Flamingo!

    As it stands, “Pasabay” is thematically and musically Uncle Bob’s Funky Seven Club’s way of inviting and enticing listeners far and wide to tune in, sing and dance along while yearning and aiming for an era and a world that is better, happier and funkier. Give “Pasabay” a listen and funk up your life!

    You may check this link for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/629050669106454.

  • Korean variety show “The Zone: Survival Mission” returns June 14 exclusively on Disney+

    Featuring an upgraded AI 2.0 that sets a series of increasingly difficult challenges, THE ZONE: Survival Mission 2 will see Jaeseok, Kwangsoo and Yuri travel to some of Korea’s most unique destinations as they fight to survive.

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    Spread across eight episodes, season two will throw the hosts into a variety of hilarious situations as they search for life-saving water in a haunted hospital; desperately play golf in an attempt to escape a rapidly sinking island in the middle of the ocean; recreate a series of childhood games on a shaking suspension bridge; try to escape a waterpark full of zombies; and attempt to survive on a traveling bed that’s been hijacked by a rogue AI, that drives the trio through a university campus, venturing into classrooms, crashing them through walls, driving them into a lake, and more.

    Slated to launch with a three episode premiere on June 14, followed by a new episode released every week, THE ZONE: Survival Mission 2 is produced by Studio Gaon, directed by Cho Hyojin and Kim Dongjin, and is created by the original team behind the wildly popular Running Man franchise.

    Stream THE ZONE: Survival Mission 2 from June 14, only on Disney+.

  • Wolfgang’s Steakhouse inks contract with Araneta Group

    The Araneta Group signed a contract with Wolfgang’s Steakhouse for the opening of an upcoming branch at the new Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.

    Wolfgangs x Araneta Group Contract Signing 1

    Present during the contract signing were (from left to right) Elena Zwiener, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse President Raymund Magdaluyo, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Co-founder and Director Wolfgang Zwiener, Araneta Group CEO and Chairman Jorge Araneta, Peter Zwiener, Araneta City SVP for Operations Antonio Mardo, and Araneta City VP for Leasing Lorna Fabian.

    Wolfgangs x Araneta Group Contract Signing 2

    Wolfgang’s Steakhouse at Araneta City will be the 5th branch of the US-based steakhouse in Metro Manila, and the second to open in the metro with a grill concept.

  • Uncle John’s now available via MetroMart

    Popular convenience store chain Uncle John’s is now available to order online via MetroMart, the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines.

    Customers may now avail quick pantry restocking from Uncle John’s with MetroMart Express, with minimal order volume and delivered within the hour.

    Uncle John

    The first 10 Uncle John’s convenience store locations available with MetroMart include Mayhaligue Street in Tondo, Manila City, Greenpark Cainta in Rizal, Western Bicutan in Parañaque City, Vergonville in Las Piñas City, Fatima Main along McArthur Highway in Valenzuela City, Montojo and Malibay branches in Pasay City,  Jose Abello Street in BF Resort, Las Piñas City, Robinsons Novaliches along Quirino Highway in Quezon City, and Blue Sapphire in BGC (Bonifacio Global City) in Taguig City.

    Get FREE Delivery when you order from Uncle John’s with a minimum spend of ₱1,000. 

    This promo is valid for ALL Users, within May 22 until June 4, 2023, terms and conditions apply.

    Try convenient, time-saving online shopping for a wide selection of groceries and essentials with MetroMart. Download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM

  • OctoArts Entertainment presents The Super Stage By K-Pop in Manila

    Mark your calendars as OctoArts Entertainment brings a collection of K-POP super acts THE SUPER STAGE BY K-POP IN MANILA! The highly awaited K-pop show featuring an all-female ensemble of K-POP groups MAMAMOO+, KEP1ER and LAPILLUS is happening LIVE at the Mall of Asia Arena on August 11, 2023.

    The SuperStage Manila

    MAMAMOO+ is the first sub-unit of the girl group MAMAMOO, composed of MAMAMOO’s leader and vocalist Solar and rapper Moonbyul. In 2022, the powerhouse duo released their debut single “Better” featuring South Korean rapper Big Naughty. In March this year, MAMAMOO+ made their comeback with their first single album “Act 1, Scene 1” with title track “GGBB”. The single album surpassed 100,000 copies sold on Circle Chart.Moomoos will be sure not to miss the sub-unit’s first ever performance in the country!

    TSSBKM mamamoo

    Buckle up and brace for the “First Impact” as the 9-member multinational project girl group KEP1ER comes to Manila for the first time. Kep1er was formed through Mnet’s reality survival show Girls Planet 999 – in search for top female trainees from China, Japan, and South Korea. The group made their debut on January 3, 2022 with their first mini album, First Impact. The carrier single “Wa Da Da” debuted at #84 at the Billboard Hot 100 on the week of its release.

    TSSBKM kep1er

    Their name combines ‘Kep’, which means catching dreams, and the number 1, which means the nine girls coming together as one to be the best. It is also a reference to the planet ‘Kepler‘, named by German astronomer Johannes Kepler. They will be active for roughly two and a half years on a special contract before it ends sometime in June 2024.

    TSSBKM Lapillus

    Be ready to shine bright as LAPILLUS returns for their first-ever Manila concert. The six-member girl group LAPILLUS is a multinational group, composed of Chanty, a Filipino-Argentinian; Shana, Japanese; Yue, Chinese-American; and Bessie, Seowon and Haeun, Koreans. The K-pop group undoubtedly has good ties with the Philippines after being appointed as ambassadors of the province of Ilocos Sur. In September of the previous year, the group released its first mini album titled “GIRL’s ROUND Part. 1” with 5 tracks dabbling in the pop and dance genres.

    “BETTER be ready to BURN WITH LOVE on the LVLY and SUPER K-POP experience we prepared for you! #THESUPERSTAGEBYKPOPINMANILA at the Mall of Asia Arena!”

    TICKET PRICES

    • VIP STANDING P11,800
    • VIP SEATED P10,500
    • LOWER BOX P9,000
    • UPPER BOX A P7,000
    • UPPER BOX B P5,500
    • GEN AD A 3,250
    • GEN AD B P2,750

    The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila is on August 11, 2023, 7pm at the Mall of Asia Arena.

    Tickets are available starting 11am of June 3, 2023 via SM Tickets Outlets nationwide or thru www.smtickets.com

    For more updates on THE SUPER STAGE BY K-POP IN MANILA, check out the official social media of SUPER STAGE on Facebook & Instagram: @octoartsentertainment; Twitter: @OctoArtsEnt.

  • “The Wandering Earth II” is a dream come true for Hong Kong megastar Andy Lau

    In “The Wandering Earth II,” a prequel to the 2019 hit, one of Hong Kong’s biggest artists, Andy Lau (“As Tears Go By,” “House of Flying Daggers,” “Infernal Affairs”), is playing a scientist. Just as the film’s creative team is happy to have Lau on board, Lau couldn’t be more elated. “My sci-fi dream is fulfilled,” Lau shared at the press conference for “The Wandering Earth II,” in Philippine cinemas May 31. “And I still feel immersed in the character today and don’t want to wake up.”

    As exciting as it was to star in the prequel to the groundbreaking Chinese science fiction film, it also had its challenges, particularly when it came to wearing his spacesuit costume. “Putting on the suit makes it difficult to turn around or even twist (my body),” he also shared at the press conference. “The most unbearable part is I have no way to scratch where it itches. I stuck duct tape on the inside of my helmet, so I could relieve the urges by rubbing my face against the tape.” 

    Spacesuits, Earth engines, and mind-blowing science aside, the film’s set had an easy and friendly family atmosphere. “During the filming, I could feel the extraordinary cohesion of the crew. All of us are exploring and climbing this peak called science fiction film,” veteran Chinese actor Li Xuejian said. 

    The Wandering Earth 2 poster

    In “The Wandering  Earth II,” after learning that the sun is rapidly burning out and will obliterate Earth in the process, humans build enormous engines to propel the planet to a new solar system, far out of reach of the sun’s fiery flares. However, the journey out into the universe is perilous, and humankind’s last shot at survival will depend on a group of young people brave enough to step up and execute a dangerous, life-or-death operation to save the earth. The film, to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures exclusively in cinemas in the Philippines, also stars global action icon Wu Jing, who headlined the first film. 

    “With my wife’s support, I starred in the first ‘The Wandering Earth,’ trying to plant a seed of imagination for children,” said Jing. “This time in the film, many things have upgraded. The seed we planted has grown big and is actively sprouting. I feel so accomplished.”

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    “The Wandering Earth II,” released in China and the U.S. in January in time for the Chinese New Year, has earned USD 604 million, making it so far the third highest-grossing movie of the year in terms of box-office numbers.

    About “The Wandering Earth II”

    Directed by Frant Gwo, with a screenplay by Frant Gwo and Gong Ge’er, “The Wandering Earth II” (a prequel to the 2019 futuristic blockbuster “The Wandering Earth”) is based on the book by Liu Cixin. 

    The film stars Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li, Wang Zhi and Zhu Yanmanzi.

    In cinemas May 31, “The Wandering Earth II” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

    Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”

  • It’s Love at First Shack

    All’s in bloom this summer as modern roadside burger stand Shake Shack brings its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, shakes, and fries to hungry fans in Quezon City when it opened in SM North Edsa (SMNE).

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    Early birds joined in the Shack’s summer spectacle for limited-edition swags designed by Young Guns 19 awardee Raxenne Maniquiz and were entertained by buskers and dancers plus whimsical performances from various circus acts.

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    Shack in Bloom

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    Shake Shack brings in the beauty of the outdoors with its in-Shack artwork created by the brilliant local graphic designer and illustrator Raxenne Maniquiz. The artist behind Shack SM North’s vibrant hoarding, Raxenne paints a statement mural piece on the Shack’s facade punctuated by the playful Shack icons, setting a fun background for selfies. Inside the Shack, she visually translates her Philippine flora and fauna piece into 73 polygon diagrams spanning the outlet’s long dining space, providing pops of color in the interiors natural finish.

    Stand and Star in Something Good

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    Find more stars in the making with a sweet line up of desserts available in Shack SM North. The Berry Bituin concrete, a playful take on Quezon City’s City of Stars moniker and the tagalog word for star (bituin), winningly combines sweet and tart featuring vanilla frozen custard blended with strawberry sauce and Auro chocolate chunks, topped with freeze-dried strawberries. Shine with delight with the popular Apple Pie Oh My concrete – vanilla frozen custard blended with Tilde Bakery and Kitchen’s French Apple Pie.

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    As part of its mission to Stand For Something Good®, Shake Shack is committed to supporting its local communities and sourcing real, premium ingredients. A treat for a cause, 5% of sales from any Pie Oh My concrete support CENTEX, Ayala Foundation’s holistic education program that promotes student parent & teacher development from underserved Filipino communities. What’s sweeter? The concrete’s frozen custard is made with real sugar, no corn syrup and milk from dairy farmers who pledge never to use artificial growth hormones.

  • ‘Best Places to Work’ awardee Dragon Edge Group creates game changing products while fostering a positive work environment

    Dragon Edge Group (DEG), the company behind the popular Beach Hut Sunblock was certified as a “best place to work” in the country for 2023 by Best Places to Work, a world-renowned company certification program in partnership with Best Companies Group.

    DEG employee group shot 1

    Since 2010, Best Places to Work has been honoring organizations with the highest standards of excellence in human resource (HR) practices and employee experience. The assessment is purely employee-based, factoring in employee conditions, compensation and benefits, motivation, relationship, training, well-being, career development, leadership, and culture.

    DEG is the only company of its size certified for this award in the Philippine FMCG industry in the last five years.

    “This award isn’t like any other. Simply put, you’re being recognized for creating workplaces where your employees love to come to work. However, beyond that, you’re being honored for being the best of the best in your country,” says Peter Burke, Best Companies Group President.

    DEG with media

    “As a result of this achievement, your brand as an employer just got a lot stronger. You will enjoy the benefits of better job candidates, lower employee turnover, and a better reputation in your community and around the company. I can’t stress enough how proud I am to be associated with a worthwhile program,” Burke added.

    Becoming a “Best Place to Work” in the Philippines

    Since 2005, DEG has been creating remarkable brands that bring more joy to people’s lives. Behind the company’s success is a passionate team that ensures only the best-quality products reach stores and our homes.

    Dragon Edge Group founders CEO Dennis and Mother of Marketing Emily Balajadia

    Beyond its products for customers, DEG also fosters a positive work environment with a unique and innovative culture for its employees. As a result, DEG employees and officers, also known as “DEGsters,” embody an edginess that ultimately spills over to their work and professional relationships.

    At Dragon Edge Group, the top priority is giving DEGsters the chance to learn and letting their creative juices flow. Founders Dennis and Emily Balajadia believe that the best ideas come from “relaxed, informal settings,” such as meeting over drinks by their coffee bar, chilling by the office swings and their war room. This encourages the team to think outside the box to come up with attention-grabbing campaigns for their brands.

    Cherrie Gina and Sheila

    This has led to some of the wildest yet brilliant Beach Hut ideas, like becoming the first sunblock to fly to space in 2017, which was crafted during a company inuman.

    DEG doesn’t stop at training and workshops in the office as DEGsters are given the chance to learn from the best by getting their Master’s degrees from prestigious universities, like Ateneo Business School and Wharton School. Recreational activities such as scuba diving and mixology have also been crucial in their professional and culture development.

    “We’re honored that Dragon Edge Group was named the Best Places to Work in the Philippines. Everything we do is for the growth and betterment of our DEGsters, so it’s really heartwarming to be recognized for the positive work culture we’ve fostered throughout the years,” says Dennis Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

    “Our goal here in DEG is to create a fun and welcoming environment where our employees can thrive and let their creative juices flow. If our employees are happy and motivated, you can see the love that they put into their work,” adds Emily Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Mother of Marketing.

    Creative Edge

    Dragon Edge’s first product was a bottle of Beach Hut Sunblock in 2006, which was the first and only local spray-on sunblock at the time. This innovation pushed them to create other brands that challenged the status quo, and became the pioneers of many products, such as the first baby detergent Cycles and the first natural baby bottle and nipple cleanser, Cradle.

    DEG employee group shot 2

    When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, DEG quickly responded by creating and distributing COV-X alcohol in just 11 days to help communities to stay safe and healthy.

    The company has also expanded nationwide, and already has footprints in Indonesia. Not only did this allow DEG to branch their products out further, the expansion also created many opportunities for employees to help grow the company, while also growing within it themselves.

    “We’ve gone a long way from our humble beginnings with Beach Hut. Now, we have a total of nine brands, and we are still growing,” says Dennis.

    For Dragon Edge Group, working hard for our customers is just the beginning. It’s just as important to have a good time and celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. When they are able to spread joy and positivity in the workplace, they are able to do the same to every person around them.

    For more information about Dragon Edge Group and its brands, visit their official website.

  • Coca-Cola Philippines introduces Minute Maid(R) Nutri+ with 200% Vitamin C

    Coca-Cola Philippines has launched a new beverage innovation – Minute Maid Nutri+ (Nutri Plus) – under its Minute Maid® brand. The new product aims to deliver more benefits to consumers and provide more beverage options in the market. The entry of Minute Maid® Nutri+ reiterates the commitment of Coca-Cola Philippines as a total beverage category, setting the company’s wheels in motion as it begins building its ‘Enhanced Juice’ category in the local market.

    Minute Maid Nutri 1

    The growing interest and continuous demand for new experiences and products to consume amongst the alpha generation or the Gen Zs has prompted many companies, such as Coca-Cola, to dive deeper into their beverage innovation.

    According to Cesar Gangoso, ASEAN and South Pacific East Region Frontline Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Philippines has seen a significant shift in consumer behavior amongst Filipinos. “While we Filipinos pride ourselves on being hardworking and resilient, we are also equally conscious about our health and well-being. This reason alone drove the search for Vitamin C-enhanced products that can support our immune system. Coca-Cola Philippines is proud to offer the new Minute Maid® Nutri+, a beverage that has 200% recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C, presenting itself as a drink that balances delicious and beneficial in one.”

    “We have always been steadfast in prioritizing what our consumers want and need. That means crafting delicious, quality beverages and offering people a wide variety of refreshment choices,” added Gangoso. “We’re excited with Minute Maid® Nutri+ and the activities lined up for all juice drink lovers out there.”

    The new Minute Maid® Nutri+ comes in a 240mL can, a 330ml PET bottle, and a 1L PET bottle for orange, orange mango, and lemon flavors, and the ready-to-go pack size enables juice drink lovers to bring Minute Maid® Nutri+ anywhere. You can buy the newest juice drink at your nearest supermarket, convenience stores, and mom & pop shops. You can also get it online at the suggested retail price of ₱120 for a pack of 6 cans in 240mL and ₱648 for a pack of 24 bottles in 330mL.

    To learn more about Minute Maid® Nutri+, visit www.coca-cola.com or follow @MinuteMaidPH on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.