Hotel guests may witness special performances of Loboc Children’s Choir as they are scheduled to sing at the lobby of Manila Prince Hotel on April 30, 2023 at 2:30 PM and at the grand lobby of The Manila Hotel on May 1, 2023 at 2:30 PM.
Admission is free.
The renowned Loboc Children’s Choir has captivated audiences far and wide with their musical talent. Having won national and international competitions, the choir has grown into one of the Philippines’ most outstanding choirs today.
Loboc Children’s Choir was founded in 1980, and within its forty-three years of existence, the choir has received accolades around the world as they held concerts in Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and United States of America. They took home the gold medal in both the Youth Category and Grand Prize at the 6th International Folksongs Festival “Europe and its Songs” held in Barcelona, Spain.
For inquiries, please call (63 2) 5328-2222 for Manila Prince Hotel and (63 2) 8527-0011 for The Manila Hotel.
Boasting its world-class hospitality standards and services in its flagship restaurant, Spiral, its 3 luxury dining destinations and highly acclaimed banquet services, from state and national events to social and corporate celebrations, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila proudly presents Mr. Eric Norbert as the hotel’s newest Director of Food and Beverage.
Coming up to lead one of the metro’s biggest food and beverage team, Mr. Norbert is a self-drivenand self-determined individual withmore than two decades of experiencein restaurant andhospitality,thathas aninspiring success storyof building up one’s career from the bottom whileaspiring to be a leader that he is today.
Early in his career, Mr. Norbert jumpstarted his passion in Food & Beverage in the exclusive five-star, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France while learning century-long hospitality practices and traditions of French luxury and elegance. He was able to progress his career when he worked for La Bernardin, a three-star Michelin restaurant in New York City. In 2006,Heentered the hospitality-chain industry at the world-famous Glass Brasserie in Hilton Sydney, Australia as its Assistant Operations Manager.
In 2012, Mr. Norbert workedwith Chef Cyrille Soenen, Maître Cusinier De France,at the well-knownBrasserie CiÇou as its Restaurant Manager. Because of the exemplary skillshe had shown, BrasserieCiÇou was awardedas the Best French Restaurant of the Year at the Manila’s Best KeptRestaurantSecrets Awards2012.
Mr. Norbert started his career at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in 2015 as a restaurant manager of the hotel’s lobby lounge and patisserie, Le Bar. It was not long that he was promoted to be the manager of Asia’s most interactive dining destination, Spiral. He presented his expertise in world-class dining and service that made Spiral one of the most multi-awarded international buffets in the metro. While Spiral remains to be the country’s top dining destination, He pursued his passion to provide excellence in service as he became the hotel’s Food and Beverage Manager in 2019.
3 years ago, as the world went on a hiatus, Mr. Norbert remained resilientand strived to revive thehotel’s food & beverage dining outletsthroughadaptingthe changes in the hospitality service andempoweringhis team not to be discouraged with the limitations during those times. His drive andeagerness for the rise of the industry and his rapport and care for his people, earned his promotion tobe the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage in 2022.
Now reaching his career goal, Mr. Norbert aims to continue his legacy and principle of providing world-class experiences to guests and patrons. As the new Director of Food & Beverage, he aspires to create a modern approach on hospitality experience to connect with guests through food, beverage and service while still upholding French art de vivre and the heartfelt warmth of the Filipino spirit
Dismantling the Crooked World Crafted by Cheonmyeong Group,Dreaming of an Equal Society
The upcoming series, Black Knight, promises to be an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled adventure that will leave you breathless. The recently released main trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into a post-apocalyptic universe where the Korean peninsula has become a desert wasteland and only one percent of the population clings to life. The devastated look of Seoul seems outright surreal.
Screenshot from Netflix Black Knight Trailer
The legendary deliveryman 5-8 (Kim Woo-bin) works as a lifeline to mankind, delivering oxygen and other necessities in the daytime. At nightfall, however, he transforms into a Black Knight with a plot to upend the order created by Cheonmyeong Group, the de facto ruler of the devastated world. Ryu Seok (Song Seung-heon), the ruthless heir to Cheonmyeong Group, clashes with 5-8 as he defends his vision of a world with no place for the refugees. Seol-ah (Esom), a major at the Defense Intelligence Command, warns 5-8 that chaos may spiral out of hand, while Sa-wol, a refugee who aspires of becoming a Black Knight, boldly climbs onto 5-8’s truck, eager to join the fight.
“That’s exactly what we’re trying to change.”
Screenshot from Netflix Black Knight Trailer
On top of all the drama is the exhilarating action sequences, including heart-stopping car chases on sand dunes, intense firefights, and expertly choreographed hand-to-hand combat. Director Cho Ui-seok aimed to create “more down-to-earth and lively” scenes compared to the original webtoon. While 5-8 plots to overturn the crooked world order, Ryu Seok’s dark ambitions, Sa-wol’s pursuit of becoming a Black Knight, and Seol-ah’s investigation into the sinister secrets of Cheonmyeong’s dirty secrets are all in play. All eyes are on the expansive universe that Black Knight is set to unveil.
Clear your schedule and prepare to be captivated: Black Knight will be available worldwide on May 12, exclusively on Netflix.
Just in time for Christian Bautista’s celebration of his now two-decade music career, Sam Concepcion reimagines his 2017 hit song “Kapit” and did not just one, but two versions of it!
The multitalented singer recently made his return to his Universal Records family and released two brand new mixes of “Kapit” that impressively took the song to even greater heights with its infectious groove.
Sam’s homage to Asia’s Romantic Balladeer is indeed one-of-a-kind. Sam Concepcion flawlessly puts his own spin on the track, infusing it with his signature sound and energy.
Recalling how he accepted the offer to cover a Christian Bautista hit, he shares, “It just happened. I learned that there’s a compilation album that’s being made for Christian Bautista and as some people may already know, we spent a lot of time together in our careers especially during the beginning. We have the same management, same network, and all that.”
“So fast forward, when the opportunity presented itself to remake a song that I really like, that I am aware of, and I’ve listened to countless times before, I took the opportunity to record and sing it, syempre,” he adds. Sam also said that he’s also happy about the longevity of Christian’s career.
When asked about the reason why he worked with two producers to make two mixes of “Kapit”, the singer said that there are two effective ways of interpreting the song.
“There were two ways of approaching it and I worked with two different producers to come up with two different versions of the song. One is a bit more chill and laid back. The other has a faster tempo. So you get two, which is great because it completely changes the whole mood and it creates a different context for the song,” Sam explains.
Feast your ears on Sam’s “Kapit” and “Kapit (The Other Mix) on your favorite digital streaming platforms today.
Digital art continues to grow globally with the Philippines rising as an emerging market for artists and collectors. A study by Finder in 2022, showed that the Philippines ranked seventh in the world for NFT (non-fungible token) adoption.
Filipinos can now explore the world of NFTs, as GCash, the #1 Finance Super App, introduces the GCrypto NFT Hub. Users can now easily discover and purchase NFT art, and support their favorite homegrown artists.
GCash has partnered with homegrown NFT marketplace, Likha, and the popular art gallery, Vinyl on Vinyl, for the release of its first GCrypto NFT collection: The House of Ohlala, from Filipino contemporary artist, Reen Barrera.
“We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed artist, Reen Barrera, for his first ever NFT collection as we unveil the new GCrypto NFT Hub,” said Jong Layug, GCash Head of Wealth Management. “Through the GCrypto NFT Hub, we hope to provide Filipino artists a platform to bring their digital art to a wider audience, while also enabling more Filipinos access to buy their first NFT art.”
“I personally use GCash on a daily basis, and for sure, a lot of Filipinos also trust the app for their hard earned money. To acquire NFT, you need a digital currency. And what’s the most trusted e-wallet app? It’s GCash,” said Reen Barrera. “For someone like me who’s afraid to venture into something new like NFTs, I would be at ease knowing that I’m with a company I trust.”
During the House of Ohlala launch in The Astbury, Makati, hosted by NFT enthusiast Mikael Daez, members of the NFT and art community came together to celebrate, and get first dibs on Barrera’s first NFT collection.
Barrera’s NFT project features a collection of 1,000 NFTs built on the Polygon blockchain, with each NFT being sold for 80 MATIC. The House of Ohlala includes unique utility features. NFT holders have a chance to win one of the four Ohlala statues to be raffled every quarter, they can gain exclusive access to artwork and merchandise, and get to join a whitelist for future collections. Owners of the 10 editions of 1 of 1 NFTs will also receive free Giclee prints of their digital collectible.
The collection is based on Barrera’s most popular character, Ohlala, who is a soft commentary on socio-economic classes. Ohlala’s head is covered in canvas cloth to symbolize that each one of us, no matter our economic backgrounds, has the ability to design our own fates. Ohlala’s face is also decorated with symbols and patterns, based on the idiom “it is written all over your face.”
Get first dibs on legit NFT through the GCrypto NFT Hub
The GCrypto NFT Hub will feature digital art created by famous and up-and-coming local artists, such as National Artist Larry Alcala through a partnership with Scarletbox.io, Superordinary Friends x TRNZ, and Monster Mayhem by Distort Monsters. Upcoming collections include artworks by contemporary artist Bitto, and national artists Botong Francisco and Vicente Manansala.
Are you ready to own your first NFT artwork and discover more artists? Get first dibs on curated and legitimate NFTs through the GCrypto NFT Hub (https://www.gcash.com/services/gcrypto/nft)! Kaya Mo. I-GCash Mo.
Made to be experienced best in cinemas, the larger-than-life true story of “Big George Foreman” and the viscerally chilling “Evil Dead Rise” will open on May 10 exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas. The films are part of the A-List Series, a curation of films exclusively offered at Ayala Malls Cinemas where film enthusiasts and movie fans enjoy the best cinema viewing experience.
See and feel the grit, passion and drama unfold at Ayala Malls Cinemas, taking you back in time into the journey of one of sports’ most admired figures in history in “Big George Foreman”. The inspiring true story of George Foreman in “Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World” is based on one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances.
Fueled by an impoverished childhood, Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker George Tillman Jr. from a story by Dan Gordon and Frank Baldwin & George Tillman Jr, and a screenplay by Baldwin & Tillman, the film stars Khris Davis (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Foreman and also stars Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker as Foreman’s trainer and mentor Doc Broadus.
A chilling experience is about to take over this summer with “Evil Dead Rise”. As the movie’s action moves out of the woods and into the city, Ayala Malls Cinemas brings to life in cinematic detail the film’s nightmarish experience of the twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most frightening version of their family imaginable. The movie stars Lily Sullivan (“I Met a Girl,” “Barkskins”), Alyssa Sutherland (“New Gold Mountain,” “Vikings”), Morgan Davies (“The End,” “Storm Boy”), Gabrielle Echols (“Reminiscence”) and introducing Nell Fisher (“Northspur”).
Following a routine can help us keep our days organized, but sometimes doing the same tasks can make our days feel repetitive. This is something actor Donny Pangilinan is familiar with, but he makes sure to keep his days “magical.”
“When you’re doing things over and over again, it’s going to feel like a cycle. So the most important thing is to be around people who won’t let you get sucked into showbiz and to make sure that you don’t lose yourself. Do things that remind you of who you are. At the same time, you shouldn’t forget to prepare for work,” he says.
The actor shared how he finds ways to turn even the simplest moments into magical ones, such as munching on his favorite Magic Creams snack when he’s at work.
Just like Donny, you can make your repetitive days more exciting. You can get inspiration from the magic man himself:
Relax and stay away from loudness It’s important to relax your mind and body when taking a break, so it’s best to stay away from loud places first. What Donny does to relax is go on food trips or have game nights with his friends.
Spend more time around nature Donny is an outdoorsy person, and spending more time around nature helps him wind down. One of his favorite hobbies right now is golfing. “It’s the best way to get away from the city and be in nature. My siblings got me into golf, so it’s a great bonding activity as well,” he says. He also likes going to the beach and scuba diving (fun fact: he’s building a beach house near the best diving spots in Anilao, Batangas!), hiking, and camping.
Try something for the first time The best way to break out of a routine is to step out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve never done before. For Donny, he felt “magic” when he went skydiving for the first time in Dubai. “It was a magical moment for me because it gave me a feeling I’ve never felt before. I’d definitely try it again,” he says.
Get out and travel A change of scenery is always a great idea when you want to want to add excitement to your repetitive days. If you haven’t gone on a trip abroad yet, this year might be the perfect time to do it for the first time. This is also what Donny wants to do once he’s done shooting his teleserye. “I want to travel more and be able to go to countries for the first time,” he says. Make sure to have a pack of Magic Creams in your carry-on as well so you can snack while waiting to board your flight. Donny’s personal favorite Magic Creams flavor is Chocolate because it energizes him.
These are some of the ways Donny enjoys and have fun even on repetitive days, so that he still feels motivated and inspired.
Just like Donny, the endorser of Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers, you can have a magical day with Magic Creams and its five sweet Linamyum Palaman flavors: Chocolate, Butter, Peanut Butter, Condensada, and Cheese. You can also switch things up by munching on Magic Chips – Donny’s go-to snack wherever he goes. There’s also his other favorite snack, Magic Flakes, which he enjoys with cheese, ham, and fruits.
Watch Donny as he stars in the newest kilig-worthy commercial of Magic Creams. Check out Magic’s Facebook page and this YouTube video to find out kung ga’no kasarap ‘pag may Magic!
Stock up on Magic Creams and other Jack ‘n Jill Magic products at your favorite stores and supermarkets, and online.
In recognition of the outstanding contribution of local artists, filmmakers, and institutions to Philippine cinema and the cultural identity of Filipinos, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) held the first-ever annual awards event “Parangal ng Sining” on April 23 at Seda Hotel, Quezon City.
Through “Parangal ng Sining” (Honor of the Arts), the FDCP aims to give honor and respect to Filipino creatives and stakeholders for championing the Philippine film industry and gaining widespread acclaim for their respective works.
Filipina actress Dolly De Leon received critical acclaim for her breakthrough performance in the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme D’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” and became the first Filipina actress to receive nominations from the Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA). For her significant contribution to world cinema and invaluable representation of the Filipino identity, De Leon was given the Gawad Lente: Annual Achievement Award by the FDCP for this year’s Parangal ng Sining.
Another recipient of the Annual Achievement Award is veteran actor Soliman Cruz, whose extensive filmography in the Philippine entertainment industry made him one of the most prolific and respected actors in the country. His lead role in the Romanian film “To The North” premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it received standing ovations from the audience and won the Premio Bisato D’Oro 2022.
Filmmaker Martika Escobar is the first Filipino director to be awarded with the Special Jury Prize for Innovative Spirit at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival for her debut feature-length film “Leonor Will Never Die.” The FDCP honored her with the Annual Achievement Award for her experimental and world-class storytelling, as well as her homage for Philippine cinema in the aforementioned film.
Moreover, the FDCP honored those who have dedicated their lives to the growth and development of Philippine cinema with Gawad Lente: Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Ms. Vilma Santos, Mr. Nick Deocampo, Ms. Lily Yu Monteverde, and Cinemalaya.
Vilma Santos-Recto, widely known as the Star For All Seasons, has made significant contributions to the local entertainment industry with her numerous and often memorable roles in Filipino films and television shows. For the longevity of her career as a distinguished actress and the lasting impact of her roles on Filipino audiences, she was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the FDCP.
The FDCP also honored Lily Yu Monteverde, represented by her daughter and Regal Entertainment’s Vice President Roselle Monteverde at the ceremony, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for fostering the growth of Philippine mainstream cinema and producing well-loved Filipino blockbuster films such as the “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” movie franchise. Widely known as Mother Lily, she has continuously given opportunities for homegrown talents to thrive in the entertainment industry and contribute to the legacy of Philippine cinema.
Film historian Nick Deocampo is an advocate for preserving and restoring Filipino films, and his substantial research on Philippine cinema emphasized the importance of remembering our cinematic history. The FDCP has chosen him as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his scholarly study of Filipino films to raise awareness and appreciation of our cinematic past for future generations of Filipinos. He was represented by his nephew Teddy Tan, Jr. at the awarding ceremony.
Lastly, the Cinemalaya Foundation was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for championing Filipino independent filmmakers and providing them with a significant platform to showcase their films at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. Cinemalaya continues to foster Filipino filmmakers’ artistry and proves that local independent films can reach diverse audiences without compromising their creative freedom and distinct Filipino identity.
Hosted by TV personality Robi Domingo and graced with performances from notable Filipino singers Jason Dy, Ana Feleo, Roselle Nava, and musical group 92AD, “Parangal ng Sining” is an initiative of the FDCP to gather Filipino artists and stakeholders for the celebration of Philippine cinema. It aims to recognize the meaningful role of cinema in preserving and fostering Filipinos’ collective identity and cultural heritage.
Good news, Filipino Sheerios! You have the chance to be the first ones to listen to Ed Sheeran’s upcoming fifth studio album, ‘Subtract.’
Warner Music Philippines is holding an exclusive album listening experience at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Eye on May 4, 2023. This is the day before Ed Sheeran is set to release his latest album across all platforms.
Each cabin on the MOA Eye will be converted into a private ‘Subtract’ listening booth, where fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of riding the ferris wheel while enjoying snippets of new music from Ed Sheeran. Those who want to take part in this event simply need to visit the MOA Eye during mall hours and pre-save the album on their listening platform of choice – it’s that easy!
As if being the first to hear ‘Subtract’ isn’t exciting enough, those who are lucky enough to be part of this event will also get the opportunity to win official Ed Sheeran merchandise.
Those who have been following the British singer-songwriter’s journey know that his upcoming album will be the most honest and vulnerable one yet, as it draws from hard-hitting events that Ed has faced in recent years.
He recently released a new single called “Eyes Closed,” which has an upbeat pop feel to it. However, closer inspection of the lyrics reveal that it captures the essence of love and loss, which is also reflected in the official video.
“This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out and you expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds you of them and the things you did together. You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it,” Ed shared about the song and its video.
If this single gives any indication of what we can expect from ‘Subtract,’ it’s clear that Ed’s new album will be one that bares his soul and taps into his most genuine emotions.
So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendar as not to miss the opportunity to be one of the first people to experience Ed Sheeran’s ‘Subtract’!
If you’re looking to improve how you manage your finances, having the right tools can make a big difference in simplifying your experience. Knowing good money “hacks” can help you save on fees and maximize rewards.
Maya, the country’s #1 digital bank app, combines the best payments, savings, credit, and crypto in one seamless experience, simplifying money management. It’s also known as the most rewarding finance app, offering cashback and one of the highest interest rates for your savings.
Here are four tips featuring exclusive Maya promos for you to take advantage of this April:
Build up your savings. Remember: you can always grow your money. You don’t need significant cash on hand to start saving. Maya offers the best-in-class savings account with daily interest crediting at 4% p.a., one of the highest in the industry. And you can boost your savings by up to 10% p.a. just by using Maya for your daily payment transactions. The boosted rate of up to 10% p.a. applies to deposits up to P100,000.
Get huge savings now – spend up to P30,000 using Maya to see your Maya Savings interest skyrocket up to 10%. This promotional rate runs until May 31.
Spend smarter. Good money management means spending smartly. And when you pay using Maya, your spending smarter as it’s more convenient and rewarding. Check out these wide-ranging deals this April:
Are you ordering food online? Use the code MAYANEW30 on the foodpanda app to get 30% off (up to P100 discount) using your Maya card. Open to new foodpanda users only. Promo runs until April 30, 2023 only!
Get 5% cashback (up to P50) when you purchase apps or in-app subscriptions worth P500 on Google Play and checkout with Maya until May 5, 2023. One-time availment only.
Shop and spend at least P3,000 on ZALORA to get 40% OFF when you pay with Maya. Simply input the code ‘PAYWITHMAYA’ upon checkout. Promo runs from April 29 to May 9, 2023!
Game on and save up to P45 when you enter the promo codes “MAYAML30″/ “MAYAML15” on Codashop and checkout with Maya. Top up from April 28 – May 29 to avail of the offer.
Shop for your family’s essentials on Edamama and get up to P1,450 off when you checkout with Maya. Promo is valid until August 31, 2023
Grab all your summer favorites on Pick.A.Roo and save up to P300 when you checkout with Maya. Promo is valid until May 21, 2023.
Buy gift for your mom on Mother’s Day like the queen she is and save up to P1,450 on FlowerStore.ph! Sale starts from April 24 to May 14:
Product Exclusive Discount: Get P500 OFF + FREE Shipping on Chocolate Love when you pay with Maya! Use the code “MAYAEXCLUSIVE”.
App-Exclusive Discount: Get 25% OFF + FREE Shipping when you purchase on Flowerstore APP using checkout with Maya! Use the code “MAYAAPPMOM”. Reward capped at P250.
Website Only: Get 20% OFF + FREE Shipping when you purchase on the Flowerstore site using checkout with Maya! Use the code “MAYAMOM”. Reward capped at P150.
Get a chance to win a trip for 2 to Boracay when you scan to pay with Maya at least P1000 in any Mercury Drug Center branch until June 15, 2023.
Pay your bills on time. Settling your payables on time saves you penalties and unnecessary stress. The Maya app makes paying your bills on time even more convenient and rewarding. For instance, customers paying their PLDT bill in Maya for the first time can get up to a P500 cashback reward. Existing PLDT bills payer, meanwhile, can receive up to P200 cashback. Meanwhile, if you’re settling a minimum of P5,000 Platinum Creditplus loan payment on Maya, you will get P80 cashback. This promo runs until May 15.
Level up with Maya. Maya helps unlock a better version of yourself—one who’s in control of growing and mastering your money. Did you know that Maya users can get up to P120 when they sign up, upgrade their accounts, and transact for the first time?
Use your referral code and spread the word to get your friends and family to join Maya. Even better, you get P50 for everyone who signs up using your code, upgrades, and completes their first transaction.
Start improving your finances today with Maya and do banking your way. Maya’s digital banking services are powered by Maya Bank, Inc., a digital bank supervised by the BSP. Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) for up to PHP500,000 per depositor. To learn more, visit https://www.maya.ph/deals. Follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.
