Author: Press Release

Film Concerts Philippines Presents ‘Film Music Legends’, A New Orchestral Concert Series

Film Concerts Philippines, the country’s leading producer of live-to-film concerts, announces Film Music Legends, a new concert series presenting film music in a standalone orchestral format, without film projection.

Each installment will explore a composer’s wider body of work, featuring well-known scores alongside pieces rarely performed live. Selected programs will also bring together works by multiple composers connected by a shared theme, genre, or period in film history.

The series is curated by Maestro Gerard Salonga, founder and musical director of the Filharmonika Orchestra, who developed the programming in collaboration with Mikhail Schemm, founder and CEO of Third Culture Entertainment Inc., the company behind Film Concerts Philippines. Salonga has conducted an extensive repertoire of film scores throughout his career, both in the Philippines and internationally.

“This is an exciting new series of concerts dedicated to celebrating the music of these composers,” Salonga says. “Yes, the music was originally composed for film, but as you will hear, these pieces can stand up very well on their own as concert pieces. I’m convinced that many of these works will become part of the ‘classical’ symphonic repertoire, and in fact, over the course of music history, many pieces originally intended for a different purpose, such as opera overtures by Rossini and incidental music composed as scoring for plays by the likes of Beethoven and Mendelssohn, and even Korngold’s film music, have become part of the symphonic concert repertoire.

“One of the things I look forward to most is presenting these pieces in the world-class acoustical environment of the Proscenium, which is the proper setting for symphonic music. No microphones or amplification, just great natural acoustics to share these works with the audience in the best possible light: great music with a fantastic orchestra, in a fabulous-sounding concert hall designed for classical music. This combination makes for a complete experience. It was a delight to curate these programmes with Mikhail.”

Film Music Legends will be presented at the Proscenium Theater, an intimate 776-seat performing arts venue at Rockwell Center in Makati. Designed with the acoustic expertise of Müller-BBM, the theater’s main hall allows the full depth and detail of orchestral music to be heard through its natural acoustics, without microphones or amplification.

“At Proscenium, we designed our theater to be a home for great music, because great music deserves a space where it can be truly heard and appreciated,” says Tracey Castillo, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Rockwell Land Corporation.

“The Film Music Legends series is a wonderful opportunity to do just that. We are grateful to be the venue for a thoughtfully selected repertoire that brings some of the most iconic compositions written for cinema into an intimate concert setting. We’re delighted to welcome Film Concerts Philippines and the Filharmonika Orchestra to Proscenium, and to bring this exceptional music to our community.”

Three concerts will be presented throughout 2027. The series opens in January with The Music of John Williams: 95th Birthday Tribute, honoring the legendary “Maestro of the Movies” and his enduring contribution to cinema. The program will feature music from Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Superman, StarWars, Amistad, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Fiddler on the Roof.

In May, Italian Film Music Legends will celebrate the works of Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, and Nicola Piovani—composers behind the music of such films as Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and The Godfather, among many others.

The series concludes in September with a program featuring heroic and villainous scores from across film history, spanning horror, thrillers, Westerns, and superhero films.

Mikhail Schemm shares his vision for giving audiences the opportunity to experience and appreciate film music independently of the films for which it was composed:“It was a pleasure developing the program with Gerard. We’re both excited to take a more curated approach to presenting film music. The popular films and soundtracks featured in our concerts are audience favourites, but it has long been our goal to introduce audiences here to a broader repertoire, including deeper cuts from film music. Being able to do this through our own original concert series makes it all the more exciting.”

An exclusive Film Concerts Philippines pre-sale for the first installment, The Music of John Williams: 95th Birthday Tribute, will begin on October 12 at 10:00 AM. Audiences may subscribe at filmconcerts.ph/community to receive early access.

A separate pre-sale for Rockwell employees, residents, and tenants will open on October 15.

Public ticket sales begin on October 20 via Ticketmelon.com

October 9, 2026
Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna takes flight anew at the Areté stage in Ateneo

A magical story that generations of Filipinos love and know by heart is once again set to come alive in a completely different and enchanting way.

This October, Ballet Manila brings Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna back to the stage, transforming the beloved Filipino tale of an enchanted bird, royal brothers, forbidden love, and a quest for healing into a spectacle of music, movement, and dance.

One of the company’s most beloved and performed productions, Ibong Adarna will be staged at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m.

“Ibong Adarna is one of Ballet Manila’s most requested offsite performances. This year, it already had two shows at Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna, and now the production is bound to return to Areté in Ateneo before continuing its way to Iloilo,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director.

Ibong Adarna tells the story of a mythical bird whose magical song has the power to heal the sick. When King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya falls ill with an incurable disease, his three sons — Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan — set out on a quest to find the legendary Adarna and bring it back to save their father. The prince who succeeds in capturing the bird will inherit the throne.

The Areté run will feature a new set of leads from Ballet Manila’s powerhouse lineup. Performing as Ibong Adarna is Shaira Comeros, alongside Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego. The alternate cast is led by Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna, with Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego.

Ibong Adarna is fast becoming a Filipino ballet classic. Although Ballet Manila has staged the production numerous times in various venues, each re-staging brings something new, shaped in large part by its evolving cast of dancers.

“Every time we bring Ibong Adarna to a new audience, we discover something new about the story and the characters. That is what makes it special. It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story in a different way,” Macuja Elizalde said.

Staging Ibong Adarna at the Areté is part of Ballet Manila’s broader mission of bringing people to ballet and ballet to the people. By taking the production beyond the traditional theater setting and into communities or cities, the company opens more opportunities for audiences to experience live ballet and discover this art form through stories already part of Filipino culture.

For those who may have encountered the classic tale in school, books, or childhood, Ballet Manila offers an exciting way to see the story as it combines a well-loved narrative with music, movement, complex characters, and the artistry of its dancers.

Don’t miss Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on October 9 and 10 only. For tickets, visit Ticketworld at www.premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting www.balletmanila.com.ph.

October 8, 2026
PETA brings Lola Basyang to New Generation

The Philippine Educational Theater Association is currently restaging “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…” at the PETA Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City, ahead of an extended run in February 2027 and a national tour.

Severino Reyes introduced Lola Basyang in Liwayway Magazine back in 1925. Over a century later, her famous rocking chair returns to the stage. First adapted for PETA by Christine Bellen in 2005, this revival is a lively, interactive response to a modern world dominated by short attention spans, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.

The lineup features two of Reyes’ classic tales adapted by Bellen, “Ang Prinsipeng Mahaba ang Ilong” (which touches on self-worth beyond physical appearance and standing up to bullying) and “Ang Binibining Tumalo sa Hari” (a story showing how wit and intellect can challenge arbitrary authority). Joining them is a third piece by PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag entitled “Ang Bantay ng Huling Buwan.”

Katanyag introduces Uriel, a curious young girl living in a world filled with smartphones, vlogs, and constant online noise. When Uriel encounters Lola Basyang, ancient myth collides directly with digital culture, tackling media literacy, misinformation, fake news, and the mythic Bakunawa through a lens of critical thinking and community action.

“The children who first encountered PETA’s Lola Basyang in 2005 have grown up. Some may now be parents, teachers, artists, and storytellers themselves. The children encountering her today are growing up in a slightly different world, where stories arrive through screens, feeds, memes, videos, and algorithms,” Katanyag revealed.

For director Phil Noble, who helmed earlier iterations of the production, staging Lola Basyang for today’s young audience presents a distinct creative challenge. “Today’s children live in a world of vlogging, AI, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and so much more. They can create their own worlds with just a screen. This time, I want them to discover another kind of world – the world of live theatre. I want them to open themselves to other possibilities, to immerse themselves in the stories, and to become part of the magical world of Lola B,” he explained.

Noble’s team, including associate director and choreographer Gio Gahol, set designer Julio Garcia, costume designer Carlo Pagunaling, musical director Kabaitan Bautista, composer Noel Cabangon, and lighting designer Satya Edilo, has revitalized the production. The performance builds on fresh choreography, updated visual elements, and expanded musical arrangements crafted specifically to hold the attention of kids used to fast-paced digital media.

The production breaks down the distance between the stage and the seats. Lola Basyang directly speaks to the kids in the audience, asking questions and drawing them into key decisions throughout the show.

Maribel Legarda, director of the show’s mobile excerpt version with designers Boni Juan, Siglo, and Ian Torqueza, considered this direct audience participation as vital for development. “Reviving a classic does not mean reproducing it exactly as it was. Stories live because they are able to speak to changing generations. As PETA always does, we take the time to finesse certain elements so they can speak more meaningfully and responsibly to children and audiences today,” she shared.

As PETA approaches its 60th year, “Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang at iba pa…” proves that folklore is a live, dynamic space where generations can gather, question assumptions, and imagine new possibilities together.

Kiki Baento stars as Lola Basyang with CB Garrucho, Yhuan Gatbunton, Belle Mendoza, Leo Lapitan, Thor Ganchero, Nyla Festejo, Roi Calilong, Ayla Garcia, Mico Esquivel, and JC Sunto providing support as cast members. Yhuan Gatbunton, Ericka Peralejo, Carlon Matobato, James Pe Lim, and Icee Po are part of the excerpt cast.

For inquiries and bookings, contact King Joshua Nalupa via Viber at 09936436018 or email kingjoshuanalupa@petatheater.com.

October 7, 2026
Get Up to P22,000 in Guaranteed Freebies with iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Order
Apple enthusiasts can officially secure the all-new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as pre-orders go live across all Beyond the Box and Digital Walker retail branches and online store platforms.

Renowned for their industry-leading customer experience, Beyond the Box and Digital Walker are elevating this year’s iPhone launch with unprecedented perks, complete transparency, and unmatched payment flexibility.

Guaranteed Freebies Worth ₱22,000

You’ll score ₱22,000 in freebies when you pre-order the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max. The P22,000 includes:
- iPhone 18 Pro Momax Gift Set worth P2,670
- Momax 1-Vibe Bottle Magnetic Wireless Speaker Flask – P3,490
- Bellroy Lite Tech Kit – P3,190
- Function 101 Magsafe Ring Stand + Grip Holder – P990
- Urbanista Malibu Solar-powered Bluetooth Speakers – P8,990
- Exclusive Native Union Tote Bag – P1,790 (Unboxing incentive)
What makes Beyond the Box and Digital Walker stand out is how simple they keep it: every freebie item is listed with its SRP, taking out the guesswork so you know the exact value you’re getting.

Double Tech Bites Rewards Points

To add further value, every pre-order earns Double Tech Bites Loyalty Points. Under the standard reward structure of ₱300 = 1 point, a purchase of ₱100,000 earns over 600 Tech Bites points which will be credited upon unit pick-up. Customers can redeem these points on their next transaction to purchase premium tech accessories or enjoy dining at any restaurant under the popular Tasteless Food Group.

Unbeatable Financing & Lower-Than-Cash Payment Deals

Upgrading to the latest flagship is more accessible than ever with flexible financing options:
- 0% Interest Installment Plans: Available from 24 up to 36 months through partner credit cards.
- Exclusive Rates: Select payment terms offer promotional such as LOWER THAN CASH PRICE, providing maximum savings for customers.
Flexible Reservation Option

For customers still deciding on their final specifications, unit reservations can be secured with a ₱5,000 downpayment. To guarantee unit allocation, the remaining balance must be settled on or before October 16.

Secure Preferred Units Early

Due to high global demand, customers are strongly advised to place their pre-orders early to ensure availability for their preferred color and storage capacity.

Pre-orders can be placed today at all physical Beyond the Box and Digital Walker stores nationwide, as well as their respective online store channels.
October 7, 2026
Why the GLP-1 Conversation Is Changing the Way Filipinos Shop for Food

If there was one wellness conversation that defined the past two years, it was the rise of GLP-1 medications. From Hollywood celebrities to everyday patients, prescription treatments have reshaped conversations around weight management, nutrition, and long-term health. While the trend first gained widespread attention in the United States, GLP-1 therapies are also becoming more accessible in the Philippines through licensed hospitals, clinics, and telehealth providers, bringing with them a growing interest in healthier, more intentional eating habits.

While GLP-1 medications can help regulate appetite and blood sugar, they don’t replace the need for a balanced diet. In fact, The American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Care emphasizes that these medications work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes individualized nutrition and other lifestyle interventions. Choosing nutrient-dense foods and being more mindful of added sugars can help support overall health and complement broader lifestyle changes.

One of the simplest places to start is learning how to read sugar labels.

Decoding the label is a challenge in itself

Reducing sugar isn’t always as straightforward as choosing products labeled “healthy.” Terms like “sugar-free,” “no added sugar,” and “naturally sweetened” each mean different things, while added sugars can appear under a variety of names in ingredient lists.

Recognizing the growing demand for greater transparency around nutrition, Healthy Options curates a wide selection of products with clearly labeled nutritional information and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, making it easier for shoppers to compare products, understand sugar claims, and find options that suit different dietary preferences and wellness goals.

“We’re seeing more customers ask questions about ingredients and nutrition—not only because they want to eat healthier, but because they’re looking for products that fit their individual wellness goals,” said Romy Sia, Managing Director of Healthy Options. “Whether someone is simply cutting back on sugar or following a nutrition plan recommended by their healthcare professional, we want to make it easier for them to shop with confidence.”

Understanding sugar claims

Food packaging often highlights sugar-related claims, but understanding what these labels actually mean can help you make more informed grocery choices.

Sugar-Free products contain only minimal amounts of sugar per serving and often use alternative sweeteners to provide sweetness.

No Added Sugar means no sugars or sugar-containing ingredients were added during production, although naturally occurring sugars from ingredients such as fruit or milk may still be present.

Naturally Sweetened indicates that sweetness comes from naturally derived ingredients instead of refined sugar. While this is not a standardized regulatory claim, checking the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list remains the best way to understand what’s inside.

Beyond front-of-pack claims, reviewing the serving size, total sugar, fiber, protein, and ingredient list provides a more complete picture of how a product fits into your overall eating plan.

Better Choices for a Lower-Sugar Lifestyle

Understanding labels is only the first step. The next is choosing products that support your lifestyle and wellness goals.

Healthy Options offers a variety of alternatives, from Healthy Options Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies for an afternoon snack, to St. Amour Triples Cookies, which are sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan for sharing with family and friends. For those craving something sweet, Amberlyn’s Sugar-Free Belgian Chocolates offer portion-friendly treats, while other snacks like Pip’s Heirloom Sea Salt Mini Popcorn and Sweet Switch’s sugar-free gummies and mints provide convenient snack options for movie nights, commutes, or travel.

Customers can also turn to the Healthy Options store team for guidance while shopping. They can help shoppers navigate product labels and explore options based on their dietary preferences and needs, providing added support in making more informed choices in-store.

“There isn’t one definition of healthy because every person’s journey is different,” added Sia. “Our goal is to give customers the information, transparency, and product choices they need to make choices that work for their lifestyle. When people understand what’s on the label, they’re better equipped to choose foods that support their long-term wellness.” that work for their lifestyle. When people understand what’s on the label, they’re better equipped to choose foods that support their long-term wellness.”

As conversations around GLP-1 therapies continue to encourage more intentional eating, one habit stands out regardless of whether someone is taking medication: understanding what’s inside the food we buy. By making nutrition information easier to navigate and offering carefully selected products that support a variety of dietary preferences, Healthy Options helps empower consumers to turn healthier intentions into smarter, everyday grocery decisions.

October 7, 2026
Nike Sportswear Celebrates LISA’s Moonshot in New Moon Shoe Campaign

LISA is the ultimate multi-hyphenate: rapper, singer, dancer, actress, and style icon. At 14, LALISA MANOBAL, won the YG Entertainment audition and left her home in Thailand to train as a K-pop artist. By 2026, LISA of Blackpink has solidified her evolution from K-pop sensation to Nike partner, and global superstar – living out her ultimate dream, having achieved her moonshot.

The legendary Moon Shoe was Nike’s original moonshot. Born out of an idea in co-founder, Bill Boweman’s kitchen, the Moon Shoe experiment cemented Nike’s reputation as an innovator and gave rise to the company’s first major footwear breakthroughs. It helped deliver the blueprint for Nike’s approach and long-term success: experiment boldly, keep refining, and never stop pushing forward – much like LISA.

This fall, Nike Sportswear celebrates LISA’s meteoric journey in a campaign showcasing the global icon wearing the sleek and fashion-forward Moon Shoe silhouette. LISA reaches the greatest of heights, leaving her shoe print on the moon, planting the Nike Sportswear (NSW) flag, and standing atop a lunar podium. The striking visuals are set to “Mister Magic Moon,” a track released in 1964 by The Kim Sisters (with Joe Tanner’s Orchestra) – the first globally successful K-Pop group, long before the term existed. It’s a full circle moment as the campaign honors the past, while showcasing the future, much like the Moon Shoe itself.

The Nike Sportswear Moon Shoe is available now in new seasonal colorways on Nike.com and at select Nike and partner retail locations globally.

October 7, 2026
Finding the perfect balance of power and portability with the Jackery Explorer 500 V2

Sometimes, what we need is one that falls somewhere right in the middle; one that’s ‘just right’.

For example, you don’t need a massive generator to power up a small space, but at the same time, a pocket-sized power bank is definitely not going to cut it when you want to keep several gadgets running for your remote work setup.

Life, is then, often lived in the in-betweens. Whether it is ensuring the Wi-Fi stays on so the kids can finish their online homework or needing emergency power for unexpected brownouts, there’s a solution that offers just the right amount of dependable power without the heavy bulk.

The new Jackery Explorer 500 V2 is the ultimate backup for everyday household and outdoor energy. Designed to blend seamlessly into your home, this unit packs a 512Wh battery capacity and a 500W maximum output into a sleek frame that is 29% smaller than its predecessor. Its clean and modern exterior also looks more like a premium piece of home tech, making it a welcome addition to any space.

Weighing a manageable 5.7 kilograms, it features a convenient fold-down handle that makes it easy to carry wherever you need it. You can seamlessly bring it to the kitchen to keep a small refrigerator cold for 4 hours, move it to the home office and power up your Wi-Fi router for up to 30 hours, or to the living room and use a desk fan for up to 3.8 hours – the must-haves for everyday essentials and comfort.

The true convenience of the Explorer 500 V2 shines during unpredictable power dips, especially during brownouts and heavy rains. Thanks to its built-in Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) capability, it can detect a grid failure and switch to battery power in less than 10 milliseconds; this means that your internet router never drops its connection and your desktop stays on, providing a seamless transition that keeps your family’s daily routine completely uninterrupted.

The Jackery Explorer 500 V2 balances power and portability for everyday comfort and productivity at home or wherever you go. Shop this perfect addition to your daily setup at the Jackery official online stores on Shopee and Lazada, or drop by the official Jackery kiosk at SM Fairview and other partner stores.

Experience Life Uninterrupted with Jackery and unlock more possibilities for your mobile lifestyle. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.

October 7, 2026
Posh Skin Unveils New Acne Sheet Mask For An Instant Skin Refresh
Breakouts happen. But instead of punishing skin with complicated, drying routines, Posh Skin helps people hit refresh with the Posh Skin Acne Sheet Mask, a soothing, hydrating facial treatment designed to moisturize and calm stressed, blemish-prone skin

Instead of a complicated, drying routine, Posh Skin formulated this lightweight mask to help soothe, hydrate, and comfort blemish-prone skin in a simple step. Because sometimes, your skin just needs a reset.

PRICE PHP 99
AVAILABILITY Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop
SKIN TYPE Suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone and oily skin

YOUR 10–20 MINUTE SKIN RESET

Simply cleanse and dry your face, apply the sheet mask, and leave it on for 10–20 minutes. Remove the mask, rinse off if desired, or gently massage the remaining essence into your skin.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

The Posh Skin Acne Sheet Mask brings together a combination of skin-loving ingredients to help soothe, hydrate, and refresh breakout-prone skin:
- Centella Asiatica – Helps soothe the appearance of redness and irritated skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Replenishes moisture and prevents skin from feeling dry or tight.
- Tea Tree – Purifies blemish-prone skin and keeps it feeling fresh.
- Botanical Extracts – Calms and refreshes stressed skin.
- Bonus: The formula is supercharged with Allantoin, Zinc PCA, Aloe, and multiple ceramides to give your skin barrier a healthy, comforting boost.
WHY YOU’LL WANT IT IN YOUR SKINCARE STASH
- Made for breakout-prone skin – Designed to address blemish-prone and stressed-looking skin.
- Soothe + hydrate – Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid help calm the skin and replenish its moisture.
- Fresh, lightweight feel – The essence hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy.
- No nasties – Made with vegan ingredients and free from SLES and parabens.
- No animal testing – Skincare you can feel good about adding to your routine.
For more information and updates, visit Posh Skin’s official website, e-commerce platforms (Shopee | Lazada | TikTok Shop), and social media pages (TikTok | Instagram | Facebook).
October 6, 2026
Big Flavor, Big Value: Texas Roadhouse Sets from P445, Available All Day, Everyday Starting October 1
Hold onto your cowboy hats! Texas Roadhouse is rounding up a legendary feast for guests who love big and hearty flavors at incredible value.

Whether you’re taking a much-needed power lunch break or gathering family and friends for a lively dinner, these sets offer a complete spread: an  appetizer, an  entree, and an ice-cold beverage—always accompanied by Texas Roadhouse’s iconic freshly baked rolls with sweet cinnamon butter. Best of all, guests can enjoy full flexibility to build a set tailored to their tastes.

The Appetizers:  Kick off the feast with one of these:
- Orange Medley Salad +P75 (fresh greens tossed with juicy citrus segments with a refreshing balance of sweet and tangy flavors)
- Sweet Potato Soup (velvety, warm soup that is both sweet and savory)
- Cheese Quesadilla (crispy and golden on the outside, gooey on the inside)
- Andouille Sausage Dip +P50 (Creole-style and hearty Andouille sausage dip served crispy tortillas)
The Entrées: Choose your main dish from these delicious options:
- Herbed Pork Steak +P100 (earthy and savory pork cuts flavored with herbs and aromatics)
- Asian BBQ Chicken +P100 (juicy chicken marinated in Asian ingredients and cooked to your liking)
- Smoked BBQ Ribs +P100 (fork tender ribs, slow-cooked and coated in a rich and tangy BBQ sauce )
- Southern Fried Fish (fish fillets coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried to a golden, extra-crispy finish)
- Country Fried Chicken (crispy chicken, fried until golden)
The Drinks: Choose from these beverages:
- Houseblend Ice Tea – option to upgrade to refillable +P65
- Green Tea Lychee – option to upgrade to refillable +P65 (green tea with the sweet floral aroma of tropical lychee)
- Strawberry Arnold Palmer +P65 (iced tea and lemonade infused with strawberry puree – a sharp, invigorating drink)
Add-ons to end the meal with a touch of sweetness
- Salted Caramel Iced Cream P+75 (rich and creamy dessert with sea salt)
- Rodeo Chocolate Rush Cake +P75 (an indulgent layered chocolate cake)
Every set brings the warm, high-energy dining experience Texas Roadhouse fans know and love.

Beyond the these Texas-sized meals, the restaurant serves up crowd favorites and signature dishes like hand-cut steaks (because every great steak starts with the right cut), fall-off-the-bone ribs, and their legendary margaritas. The dining experience is enhanced by a lively atmosphere featuring classic country music and energetic line-dancing routines performed by the staff.

Follow @texasroadhouseph.
October 5, 2026
Lea Salonga is Bernarda Alba in TGA’S ‘Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba’

The Tony Award-winning actress and Hollywood Walk of Fame star makes a powerful dramatic transformation in TGA’s highly anticipated Philippine staging of Ang Tahanan ni Bernard Alba.

Last seen with TGA as The Witch in the sold-out run of Into the Woods, this season, Lea Salonga steps into one of theater’s most complex and commanding roles as she inhabits the play’s titular character.

Following an extraordinary career that has taken her from Manila to Broadway and beyond, the multiple award-winning actress, singer, and producer now turns her formidable dramatic talents toward this headstrong matriarch, a woman whose determination to protect her family ultimately becomes the very force that threatens to destroy it. This poetic drama by Federico García Lorca, one of the 20th century’s greatest dramatists, permeates this tragic masterpiece of matriarchal despotism and is adapted by celebrated director-playwright Chay Yew and translated into Filipino by Guelan Valera Luarca.

After the death of her second husband, Bernarda declares eight years of mourning and imposes absolute obedience upon her five daughters. Behind the closed doors of the Alba household, silence, discipline, tradition, and appearances reign supreme. But beneath the carefully maintained order, her daughters’ desires, jealousies, frustrations, and dreams refuse to remain contained. When the arrival of a potential suitor disturbs the household’s fragile equilibrium, tensions begin to mount, forcing each woman to confront what she wants and what she is willing to sacrifice to have it.

At the center of it all stands Bernarda: fiercely protective, uncompromising, and obsessed with respectability. She is both mother and ruler, protector and oppressor, determined to hold her family together even as her methods transform their home into a prison.

For Salonga, whose career has been defined by some of musical theater’s most demanding roles, Bernarda marks a striking new chapter. Best known internationally for her Tony Award-winning performance in Miss Saigon, Salonga has also received the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Awards. She became the first Asian actress to play Eponine on Broadway in Les Misérables and later returned to the musical as Fantine in its 2006 revival. Her Broadway credits also include Once on This Island, Allegiance, Flower Drum Song, Here Lies Love, and Sondheim’s Old Friends. On TV, she was last seen in Pretty Little Liars and The Cleaning Lady. She is a bona fide Disney legend having lent her singing voice to Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. Most recently, Salonga voiced the dreaded manananggal in the DreamWorks animation Forgotten Island.

Yet Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba presents audiences with a Lea Salonga they have never seen before.

Salonga says, “To be perfectly honest, I hadn’t encountered this play before, which may work in my favor as I have no preconceived notions or strong opinions. After reading both Chay’s English translation and then Guelan’s translation into Pilipino, despite the literal terror I feel in my soul, this is an absolutely important work to tackle. It fits our culture and is timely given the state of current events in the world.”

The “terror” Salonga speaks of emanates from two fronts: First, the striking difference in her parenting style compared to that of Bernarda’s, and second, because the play will be entirely in Filipino.

The iconic performer shares, “Bernarda is a mother who rules the roost and raises her

children not with love but fear. This kind of parenting still exists, whether for cultural or familial reasons, and getting under the skin of such a mother may give me some empathy for her as well as plenty of sympathy for her children. Figuring out what her backstory is will be fascinating, and what her motivations are for ruling her home with an iron fist. Her rule is law for every person living under her roof, and that house is not a happy place. How does anyone reach that point? It’s definitely going to be, dare I say, fun playing detective and piecing all that out.”

She continues, “To borrow a line from Into the Woods, I’m ‘excited and scared’. My Tagalog, strangely enough, tends to lean towards the ‘matatas’ side. I once

wrote a post on Threads in Pilipino from start to finish, trying not to incorporate either English or Spanish. A few folks might’ve been surprised. As for preparations, I’ve enlisted Guelan’s help in navigating the script, and am ready to ask questions about why he chose certain words over others in his translation. His use of the language isn’t just beautiful but adds so many layers of subtext and meaning.

With Lea Salonga at its center, Ang Tahanan ni Bernarda Alba promises not merely a performance, but a confrontation and examination of our own Filipino family dynamics and values.

For more information, visit TGA’s website www.theatregroupasia.com, Instagram @theatregroupasia, or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theatregroupasia.

October 2, 2026

PRICE	PHP 99
AVAILABILITY	Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop
SKIN TYPE	Suitable for all skin types, especially acne-prone and oily skin