Author: Press Release

Natatanging Nilalang: SM Cares, DSAPI celebrate people with Down syndrome through Happy Walk

As a song dedicated to people with Down Syndrome, Ronnie Lee’s “Natatanging Nilalang” highlights all the characteristics that make these individuals special. Composed with a fondness for those who have the condition (he himself has a nephew who has Down Syndrome), Lee’s song is one of empowerment not only for these individuals, but also for their loved ones.

Empowering people with Down Syndrome and their families has been one of the advocacies of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI). Since its establishment in 1991, the organization has been active in implementing initiatives that cater to these people, one of which is the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome in partnership with SM Cares.

Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is an annual event that gathers persons with Down Syndrome and their loved ones into a day-long family-oriented event filled with fun activities and entertainment. Held every February as part of the celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, it aims to promote awareness and better understanding of those living with the condition.

“Happy Walk for Down Syndrome is all about bringing those with the condition and their families together. More importantly, the goal of the event is to give them a platform for their voices to be heard, so that the everyone can know more about them, about the challenges that they encounter every day, and what all of us can do to make life better for them,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Supermalls Senior Vice President and SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.

After a three-year break, DSAPI and SM Cares are once again holding a physical version of the long-running event this coming February 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City. Among the activities that the attendees can expect at this year’s event are the Happy Walk Parade and the ShowDOWN segment, where those with Down Syndrome can show off their talents. They can also expect games and fun activities offered at booths within the venue.

Interested participants may register through DSAPI’s official Facebook page or register onsite on the day of the event by visiting the SM Employees Booth at the Mall of Asia Music Hall from 7:30AM.

SM Cares is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, with programs that support communities, promote social inclusion, and care for the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative. To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

February 17, 2023
Introducing your newest skincare staple: Kiehl’s Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, now available on Shopee!

Over the last few years, skincare has become synonymous with self-care as more Filipinos recognize the importance of looking and feeling like their best selves. New skincare products are carefully crafted to cater to the ever changing needs of shoppers with different skin types – whether it’s brightening dull skin, reducing the size of your pores, or preventing wrinkles early on. Kiehl’s newest Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum does all of that for your skin and more!

Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Retinol Daily Serum

Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Retinol Daily Serum was specially formulated with three key ingredients to help your skin look and feel its best: pure retinol, peptides, and ceramides. Pure retinol helps steadily accelerate your skin’s turnover to bring fresh, new skin to the surface. While peptides work to enhance your skin’s integrity, helping it receive optimal and visible results. Lastly, ceramides strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and enhance one’s tolerance of Pure Retinol. Each key ingredient works together to combat signs of aging and keep your skin looking visibly youthful.

Don’t sweat it, if you’re a first time retinol user! Skincare expert and dermatologist, Dr. Michelle Henry, recommends incorporating the serum into your skincare by following the sandwich method. This involves using a gentle cleanser and applying a layer of moisturizer before placing the retinol serum in order to diminish chances of irritation. With consistency, Dr. Henry says you should be able to see “early results at four weeks and final results at 12 weeks to most skin issues, including age-related concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.”

More Skincare Essentials from Kiehl’s to add to cart

Apart from the Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, look out for Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner! This soothing alcohol free toner is infused with Calendula petals that balances normal-to-oily skin. It was designed to relieve skin from discomfort and improve the overall skin texture by reducing redness, excess oil, and appearance of pores in just 3 days.

For those looking to leave their skin looking extra plump, try Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. This moisturizer provides instant and lasting 24-hour hydration for soft, smooth, and healthy-looking skin.

Whether you’re looking to combat signs of aging, improve your skin’s texture, or leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, Kiehl’s got something for everyone. Cop all these essentials and more holy grail skincare products at Kiehl’s official store on Shopee!

February 17, 2023
Free Film Screenings for the National Arts Month at the CCP

CELEBRATING the Love Month and the National Arts Month, the Cultural Center of the Philippines presents three film programs – Cine Icons, Cinema Under the Stars, and the CCP Arthouse Cinema – this February.

CINE ICONS, is a new program by the CCP Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division highlighting the cinematic masterpieces of film masters, including the National Artists of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast. On its soft launch, Cine Icons will feature National Artist Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Brutal, written by another National Artist, Ricky Lee. Brutal is about a woman who after killing her husband and his friends goes into post-traumatic shock and withdraws from any form of communication. A feminist journalist becomes interested in the case and resolves to unravel the truth behind the murders.

Another film to screen alongside the film classic is a Gawad Alternatibo 2022 winner entitled, Lingkis by Yvonne Elizabeth Salazar and Isabel Margarita Valenzuela. The film mixes mythology, animation, and documentary to tell the story of a country plunged into darkness by repressive regimes visually depicted by a mythological serpent.

The Cine Icons soft launch screening will be held on February 17, starting at 1pm, at the PUP Theater, located inside the PUP Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, to be followed by a talkback by National Artist Ricky Lee. The event is made possible in partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Cinema Under the Stars (CUTS) returns for its first screening for 2023, featuring Real Florido’s Ist Ko Si Third on February 24, 5:00PM, at the CCP Annex Parking area.

A 2014 Cinemalaya Finalist under the New Breed Category, 1st Ko Si Third rediscovers the joy and pain of first love through the story of a 65-year-old retiree Cory who bumps into her first love named Third. When their first date is about to happen, Cory brings with her a handful of love letters she never gave to Third. She is now ready to give them to her first love. Will she discover that first love truly never dies?

The CCP Arthouse Cinema: Of Love and Revolutions presents the screening of Lingkis on February 24, 1-4pm, via Zoom. This online screening is specifically offered primarily for students and educators who continue conducting online courses.

All screenings are free to the public, on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information, call the CCP FBNM Division at 8832-1125 loc. 1705 or follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok for updates.

February 17, 2023
Gil Maningo is a Multi-Disciplinary Marvel

To say that Gil Francis Maningo is a multi-disciplinary artist is an understatement. This Cebuano wears many hats: as a photographer, a composer, an actor, a recording artist under the OctoArts label, graphic artist in the Chicago Sun Times Magazine, the founder of the brand of shirts dubbed as KULAS (Kusog ug Ligi-on ang Sugbuanon), a student of National Artist Jose Joya and Martino Abellana (“the Amorsolo of the South”), an ardent admirer of American-Indian art, a caricaturist and a visual artist. But for Gil, every role, well, practically everything is a manifestation of grace. And “to experience the illumination of grace in every aspect of life” is the message of his art.

Gil says that his faith in God’s plan gives him the courage to overcome challenges and fears. “Every person has something they cherish, whether conceptual, abstract, or tangible — lavish or miserly. It is a requirement in life that one holds dear to something. But we realize our treasure only when we step out and experience life as an adventure.”

Life is an adventure and Gil’s canvases are adventurous and colored with lightheartedness and controlled abandon. According to the artist: the tedious process of experimentation is an externalization of the gift of curiosity. “During the process of experimenting, one stumbles. But such is life.” Gil’s work exudes “a knight’s courage and a courtier’s confidence.” An observer notes how the artist’s works embody sprezzatura, which means a certain effortlessness, careless grace, a studied nonchalance. Gil’s works “conceal the conscious effort that went into each piece, often done with difficulty. Ultimately, with awe expressed, we are held as its audience.”

Viewers will get to see Gil Maningo’s adventurous forays in color and composition in “Foveo,” an exhibition of 19 paintings presented in cooperation by Robinsons Land’s ArtAblado in conjunction with Art Circle Gallery as part of National Arts Month. “Foveo,” which means “to cherish” in Latin, is on view until Feb. 25 at Level 3, near Sumosam, Robinsons Magnolia. The opening reception will be held on Feb. 18, Saturday.

The culmination of the show is a painting workshop to be facilitated by the artist and is open to 50 participants. Aspiring painters need to download the RMalls+ app and register; collect the free painting workshop voucher; and present the voucher code at the registration area.

RMalls Academy is Robinsons Malls’ learning platform. It aims to give fun and educational classes for everyone. This initiative gives the opportunity to mall-goers to maximize their learning potential and achieve their personal goals while inside Robinsons Malls. RMalls Academy offers various programs such as performing arts, visual arts, and different sports activities.

The workshop will give participants the chance to embark on artistic adventures of their own and maybe someday be like Gil: an artist who has “mastered the ebb and flow of allowing things to fall into place” and “one who surrenders as a medium of the Divine.”

That sense of play, the giving in to a higher self — to be experienced by the Gil Maningos in the making — are the reasons why painting is so undeniably fun and fulfilling.

February 17, 2023
‘The Sound of Music’ Manila Season Adds Karylle & Markki Stroem to its Cast

Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia are pleased to announce that Karylle Tatlonghari and Markki Stroem will be joining the International Touring cast for its Manila Season of The Sound of Music.

Karylle Tatlonghari who is taking on the role of Baroness Elsa von Schraeder; the beautiful, cosmopolitan woman who has her eyes set firmly on the Captain. Markki Stroem will be playing the handsome Rolf, the delivery boy who has his eyes on the beautiful Liesl in “Sixteen Going On Seventeen”.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Karylle and Markki into the company.” says producer Marc Routh, “Having done many shows in Manila over the years with stars like Lea Salonga in Cinderella, Filipinos are known around the world over for their spectacular talents – so we when the opportunity for us to cast two roles out of the Philippines, how could we say no?” he continues, “…we are so excited to see them both step into these iconic roles. We have so much confidence in their abilities as performers and we are really looking forward for Filipino audiences to come and see them on stage.”

“When I found out that I got in, I started tearing up in front of my colleagues at the radio station – Tears of joy!… One of my greatest dreams is manifesting in front of my eyes. I am so excited to learn and grow from the International touring cast”, shares Markki. “My love of musicals began when I watched the movie Sound of Music as a 4-year-old, it was aspirational, I memorized all of the songs and dreamed of one day being part of this wonderful classic. “

Karylle and Markki will begin rehearsals in Manila over the next couple of weeks, and will be joined by the rest of the touring company at the end of the month.

“Imagine how I feel right now, I cannot contain my excitement.” Karylle says when asked about how she feels “I guess when a childhood memory becomes a reality, you are transported back to that time when you first fell in love with musicals – this is the moment when my childhood dreams and reality meet… in the most Bongga way!”

“I’ll be performing with Markki Stroem who I feel is equally thrilled. We’ve been planning our jogs around Circuit Makati to be in tiptop shape. And of course, the international touring cast, a first for me. I feel so good about it especially seeing the excitement of everyone who is excited to experience The Sound of Music to keep that child in them happy.”

Karylle and Markki will be joining Touring company members Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria Rainer, Trevor Martin as Captain von Trapp, and Lauren Kidwell as Mother Abbess, and Lauren O’Brien as Liesl. The Von Trapp children starring in the musical will join the company for the first time during the Manila production.

To enable more Filipinos to enjoy this highly acclaimed production, starting February 15, BPI credit cardholders can get up to 15% off on tickets to Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evening performances. The following discounts apply for every card variant: 15% discount for BPI Visa Signature Card; 10% discount for BPI Platinum Rewards Mastercard and BPI Amore Platinum Cashback Card; and 5% discount for BPI eCredit Mastercard, BPI Blue Mastercard, Petron-BPI Mastercard, BPI Edge Mastercard, BPI Amore Cashback Card, BPI Gold Mastercard, and BPI Corporate Mastercard. These offers are valid until March 6, 2023.

“BPI is supportive of the arts and its many forms. Not only does it give immediate gratification for the senses, but it also enhances our relationships with ourselves and with our loved ones. The availability of these offers to our clients is one way of rewarding them,” said Jenny Lacerna, BPI’s Head of Unsecured Lending and Cards Sales and Products.

Tickets are available online at ticketworld.com.ph and TicketWorld outlets.

ALSO READ
Broadway International’s ‘The Sound of Music’ Stars Visit Manila Ahead of March Run

The international tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC, is presented by Broadway International Group, Broadway Asia, AMA Group of Companies, in association with GMG Productions.

The Sound of Music will be arriving soon in Manila from March 7^th to March 26^th 2023. The brand new international production is set to be staged at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.

The Manila season is supported by BPI, Seda Residences Makati and Ayala Malls.

February 17, 2023
Five Digitally-Restored Classics That You Can Add To Your February Watchlist

Today’s audiences and movie-buffs can enjoy watching all-time Pinoy cinematic classics this February as Sagip Pelikula brings more of its digitally-restored titles for free on ABS-CBN Superview via Star Cinema’s official YouTube channel.

Apart from the catalog of free-to-watch Kapamilya films of different genres, Star Cinema will also offer restored and remastered Filipino classics from different film outfits in crisp visual and audio quality—courtesy of ABS-CBN Film Restoration.

As these titles make their way to ABS-CBN Superview on YouTube, here are five of the digitally-restored films that you can add to your watchlist this February:

1) Captain Barbell

The Mars Ravelo fever continues following Darna’s sought-after run in primetime as Sagip Pelikula brings the restored version of one of the earliest film adaptations of his iconic works with the 1973 “Captain Barbell” starring the King of Comedy himself, Dolphy. Apart from his signature slapstick antics alongside Panchito and Babalu, the film also showcases Dolphy’s acting chops in doing action-packed scenes.

Follow the story of a wimpy but good-hearted man, Tenteng (Dolphy), who was left distraught after being rejected by the woman he loves. But his life would turn around upon astoundingly lifting a mystical barbell that would grant him super strength and abilities, transforming him into Captain Barbell—protecting citizens from the forces of evil!

Stream here: https://bit.ly/YT_DolphyCB

2) Ikaw Ay Akin

What happens when two of the country’s premier actresses, Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor, share the big screen? It’s surely an epic drama-fest filled with intense emotions and hard-hitting confrontations, as shown in one of their collaborative projects, the 1978 romance-affair film “Ikaw Ay Akin,” co-starring Christopher de Leon.

Find out how two women, the long-time girlfriend Teresita (Nora) and the ‘other woman’ Sandra (Vilma), get entangled in a web stemming from an illicit affair as they share the same love for Rex (Christopher), whose guilt continues to haunt him due to his infidel acts.

Aside from its story and compelling directive work from renowned filmmaker Ishmael Bernal, the film will be known to many for its intense final staredown scene from both Vilma and Nora, letting only their expressive eyes do the talking for them—a true testament to effective ‘mata-mata’ acting.

Stream here: https://bit.ly/YT_IAA

3) Kapag Langit ang Humatol

Another must-watch restored title to add to audiences’ watchlists this February is the 1990 revenge-drama film “Kapag Langit ang Humatol,” top-billed yet again by the Star for All Seasons, Vilma, alongside Richard Gomez, Gloria Romero, and Charo Santos.

Relive how the oppressed housemaid, Florida (Vilma), exacts her vengeful retribution against the prominent family led by the stern matriarch Octavia (Gloria). Following a series of abuses under Octavia’s reign, which stemmed from her affair with the matriarch’s son Hector (Richard), she slowly rose to power and transformed into an influential mogul, thirsty for revenge against those who made her life miserable. But her vengeance seeps deeper when she finds out Octavia’s hidden secret in the years prior that would gravely affect her.

Stream here: https://bit.ly/YT_KLAH

4) Soltero

Viewers can also stream for free the 1984 experimental film “Soltero,” starring Jay Ilagan, Rio Locsin, and Chanda Romero.

From the story written by acclaimed playwright Bienvenido Noriega Jr., the film recounts the life of a 29-year-old bachelor Crispin (Jay), in his pursuit of finding love, hoping to end his melancholic misery of loneliness and despair.

Stream here: https://bit.ly/YT_Soltero

5) Moral

And capping off the list is the coming-of-age drama movie “Moral,” written by National Artist for Literature Ricky Lee and directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

Its star-studded female cast, Lorna Tolentino, Gina Alajar, Sandy Andolong, and Anna Marin, portray four women from different walks of life, each tackling dilemmas of their own. But along the way, they find peace and joy in their strong friendship forged by their struggles.

Stream here: https://bit.ly/YT_Moral

Catch these digitally-restored films anytime for free on ABS-CBN Superview via Star Cinema’s official YouTube channel.

Apart from these titles, audiences can also watch more of Sagip Pelikula’s restored classics, including “Tag-Ulan sa Tag-Araw,” “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,” “Mga Bilanggong Birhen,” “Nunal sa Tubig,” “Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal,” “High School Scandal,” and “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit.” Visit youtube.com/ABSstarcinema to begin streaming.

For more details on its upcoming film showings, follow ABS-CBN Film Restoration on Facebook (facebook.com/filmrestorationabscbn), Twitter (@ABS_Restoration), and Instagram (@abscbnfilmrestoration).

February 17, 2023
Witness love conquer all odds in today’s hottest series – all you can stream with a PLDT Home plan!

HBO GO’s The Last of Us opened the love month of February with a touching romance between two men trying to survive at the end of the world. TLOU episode 3 prompted us to ask the question, “What is love?” Is love letting go of someone sick and helping them end their life or does it mean holding on? Everyone, it seemed, was caught off guard by the ethical and moral issues — and the tenderness! — that surfaced on a show that’s primarily about surviving a zombie apocalypse.

Since cinema and TV were invented, the exploration of love in all its forms and disguises has taken us from the ancient past to post-apocalyptic new age. With its blazing internet speeds, PLDT Home offers an uninterrupted viewing experience on top of complimentary or discounted vouchers on your favorite entertainment content platforms.

Watch love cross borders and conquer the most complicated twists on these shows – just in time for Love Month!

1. The Last of Us
The Last of Us takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they both must traverse the U.S. and depend on each other for survival.

The series’ third episode is one of the most highly rated episodes on TV with most people predicting acting awards for the two guest stars, Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) and Murray Bartlett (White Lotus), who are actually better known as comedians than dramatic actors. It’s love, loneliness, sacrifice, and “resource management” at their peak!

Stream The Last of Us on HBO GO

2. The Bachelor Indonesia Season 1
The Bachelor Indonesia is the first local version of the hit Warner Bros. Discovery reality series The Bachelor ever to be produced in the country. The 10-episode series will take viewers on the ultimate romantic journey filled with intense drama, rivalry, heartbreak, and passion. Bear witness as 19 talented and charismatic ladies take their chance at finding true love and vie for the affections of one of Indonesia’s most eligible bachelors.

Like every iteration of The Bachelor, he will eliminate ladies during the rose ceremony and choose only one after a series of dates (group and single) and parties. 19 women, one man — what can possibly go wrong?

Stream The Bachelor Indonesia on HBO GO

3. Departure
There are quite a few series involving unexplained avionic phenomenon that you sometimes wonder if what you’re watching is pure fiction or real. Departure is partly real. It was inspired by Martin Caidin’s 2003 book Ghosts of Air, which recounts inexplicable events happening thousands of feet in the air. Pilots told Caidin the strange phenomena they experienced, such as Bermuda Triangle accounts, sightings of aircraft from the past and ghost warnings to prevent a plane crash. Departure follows a brilliant man in 1973 Miami investigating how a 727 suddenly vanished into thin air and then reappeared 10 minutes later in the exact same spot.

Stream Departure on Lionsgate Play

4. Normal People
The Guardian calls Normal People “a beautiful, hugely beautiful thing . . . a triumph in every way,” citing outstanding acting, direction and script. Normal People is an Irish romantic psychological drama based on Sally Rooney’s 2018 novel of the same name. It follows the relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones, Where the Crawdads Sing) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal, God’s Creatures) starting from their final days in high school to their university years at Trinity College. Like any interesting couple, the two have a complex relationship and opposing personalities.

Stream Normal People on Lionsgate Play

5. K-Love
Filipino series K-Love chronicles the story of five friends who share a love for Korean content. The cast includes Iza Calzado, Jake Cuenca, Isabelle Daza, Sue Ramirez, and Gabby Padilla. “What is it about K-drama that draws people?” asked the narrator. The answer is the same as what the series offers: love, loss, second chances, career, and relationships that are both good and bad that we immediately relate to their stories.

Stream K-Love on Viu

6. Why Her
“Why her (or him)?” might as well be a question we ask our friends when they begin a new relationship. The series is about Oh Soo-jae, who works as a lawyer in the best law firm in South Korea, whose chairman is enamored of her and would do anything to have her. She is a talented, ambitious and self-righteous lawyer, but one case gets her kicked out of the firm and she ends up teaching at Seojung University. There, she meets Gong Chan, a law student who falls in love with her.

Stream Why Her on Viu

PLDT Home customers can stream these series, shows, and so much more just with their subscription. Existing PLDT Home customers who sign up for PLDT Home Rewards from February 13 to 28 can earn 214 free Home
Rewards Crystals that they can use to redeem exclusive perks, discounts, and bonuses.

February 16, 2023
Enter a new era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” now showing in cinemas

Explore a secret world that goes beyond time and space, and meet a dangerous new multiversal threat in Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” now showing in cinemas nationwide. The moviekicks off Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a fast-paced big-screen adventure that features all the heart and humor that fans and more will love!

In the film, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) continue to explore life as a superhero couple. They now live with their reunited family, which includes Hope’s parents Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), as well as Scott’s daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton).

Cassie’s curiosity leads to an unexpected one-way trip to the mysterious Quantum Realm. They encounter strange new creatures, a stricken society, and a major new foe: a master of time whose nefarious mission has only just begun. With Scott and Cassie pulled away from Hope, Janet, and Hank, they must find their way back to each other and home again from a world of utter chaos.

Don’t miss a chance to catch the must-watch Marvel film of the season and witness the beginning of a new era in the MCU. Check the available showtimes here and book your tickets now!

For the latest news and promos, follow Marvel Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Join the conversations online using #AntManandTheWaspPH and #QuantumaniaPH.

February 16, 2023
City of Dreams’ Nuwa Manila earns its Sixth Forbes Travel Guide Five Star

Nüwa at City of Dreams Manila retains its Five-Star rating both for the hotel and the Nüwa Spa in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide (FTG). Both are honored by the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises in this year’s Star Awards which are announced today on ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Nüwa Manila and Nüwa Spa maintained their FTG ratings for the sixth and fourth consecutive years, respectively, since 2018, contributing to the 17 Five-Star awards and total of 97 stars achieved in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide by Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s (Melco) portfolio of integrated resort properties in Macau and Manila, across its entire hotel, dining, and spa facilities.

FTG is the world-renowned authority on excellence in hospitality, evaluating properties based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service to help discerning travelers select the world’s best experiences. Its global team of inspectors are anonymous and inspect both service and facility.

Melco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lawrence Ho said, “We thank FTG sincerely for the honors. The accolade highlights Melco’s continued dedication to providing guests with exceptional hospitality across our Hotels, Restaurants and Spas. While pandemic-related challenges have indeed been felt over the past few years, we are ready to welcome back the steady influx of tourists to our global resort properties by further enhancing Melco’s signature culture of service excellence with dedication and commitment. We also anticipate extending our service excellence to more guests from the world over at Melco’s soon-to-open Studio City
Phase 2 and City of Dreams Mediterranean.”

City of Dreams Manila Property President Geoff Andres shared, “It is a distinct honor for our three hotels and the Nüwa Spa to be consistently recognized in the illustrious annual Forbes Star Rating list, as this achievement affirms our commitment to provide luxury service. I thank and commend our colleagues for warmly demonstrating our commitment to service excellence very single day.”

City of Dreams Manila’s two other luxury hotels, Hyatt Regency Manila and Nobu Hotel Manila which earned their sixth Four-Star rating this year are also showcased with other 2023 Star Award honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com .

“Travel is in an incredible position for continued growth, as people prioritize authentic, in-person experiences,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “The hotels, ocean cruises, restaurants and spas on our 2023 Star Rating list demonstrate an impressive commitment to creating memorable environments that nurture connection, joy and sense of place as we experience the world to its fullest.”

For more information on City of Dreams Manila’s 2023 Star awardees call (63 2) 8800-8080 or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.

February 16, 2023
Somewhere Between an A-list professional killer and being a Single Mom Stands Kill Boksoon

Kill Boksoon is an action film following Boksoon, who leads a double life of an ordinary single mom and a legendary killer at a top-tier killing agency, MK Ent. Amid early-on attention due to being officially invited to the 73rd annual Berlin International Film Festival for the Berlinale Special, the second poster and the trailer have been revealed, amplifying curiosity about the film.

The released second trailer explicitly portrays Boksoon’s dual life as an ordinary mom and an A-list killer, showing strongly contrasting scenes of her grocery shopping to sharp transition into her life as an assassin backed by suspenseful and intense BGM.

Gil Boksoon using weapons from axes to long swords, glass cups, ropes, guns, etc., to fight her opponents provide a tease into the dynamic action sequence that will take place in the film.

Meanwhile, the appearance of characters Han Hee-sung (Koo Kyo-hwan), a killer who is unrecognized as an A-list, and Cha Min-hee (Esom), Cha Min-kyu’s younger sister and director of MK Ent, adds spice to the plot and doubles its tension.

The second poster revealed along with the trailer shows Gil Boksoon (Jeon Do-yeon) holding a bloody ax in one hand as if she had just completed “work” she had been commissioned to do, and on the other, a bag of groceries as if she had gone grocery shopping like any other loving mother. Gil Boksoon’s items that hint at her ‘double life,’ as seen from the second poster, spark curiosity about which path she’ll take as she stands at the crossroads of her career as a professional killer and her responsibilities as a mom.

Kill Boksoon has viewers worldwide focused with its star ensemble cast from Jeon Do-yeon to Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Si-A, Esom, and Koo Kyo-hwan. The production is spearheaded by Director Byun Sung-hyun known for his stylish directing, unrivaled character narrative, and solid storytelling.

Kill Boksoon unfolds only only on Netflix, on March 31st.

February 16, 2023