While winter is settling in over the Northern Hemisphere, it’s freezing even in more tropical climes this year as Agoda introduces its new ‘Price Freeze’ feature. Price Freeze allows travelers to lock in the best deals on Agoda, pay a marginal deposit, and freeze the price from at least one day to up to 14 days.
“Asia has re-opened, and the world is back traveling, yet people still want to know that they are getting the best possible deals, and that’s what Agoda always strives to ensure”, said Omri Morgenshtern, CEO of Agoda. “There are times when consumers aren’t ready to fully commit to their purchase and need time to decide, but we don’t think that should mean they miss out on the best deals. By introducing price freeze technology to the Agoda platform we are able to offer travellers even greater flexibility, choice and best prices.”
Price Freeze truly warms the hearts of bargain hunters as even though throughout the ‘price freeze’ period, accommodation costs may go up or down, consumers won’t pay any more than the agreed deal and in fact will enjoy additional savings should the price drop. If travelers choose not to book within the specified price freeze period, only their initial deposit is forfeited.
To mark the launch of this price freezing feature, available on desktop and mobile web at launch, and available globally and on all Agoda platforms in early 2023, Agoda has created a specially created augmented reality game on Instagram. The goal is to catch as many freezing items as possible (snowflakes, ice lollies, ice cubes) and avoid the hot items (tea, flames) to achieve the highest score. The game is available here instagram.com/ar/2382038961943203/ or by scanning the QR code.
For many skincare gurus today, effectiveness is no longer the strongest barometer in choosing what goes into their daily beauty regimen. Most of them are also choosing clean beauty.
While there’s no official definition of clean beauty, skincare experts agree that these products are free from harmful toxins like parabens and phthalates—known to interfere with hormone functions—that can be absorbed by the skin. This is why many clean beauty brands opt for natural ingredients to avoid industrial chemicals that can be carcinogens or even pesticides.
Choosing clean beauty also helps divert toxic chemicals away from water sources like streams and rivers, helping reduce marine pollution that can threaten wildlife and ecosystems. Clean beauty products aren’t only good for you, they can also be great for the environment and are made cruelty-free. One of the significant tenets of clean beauty philosophy would be traceability, as beauty experts, safe personal care product advocates, and even environmentalists believe that transparency in business is one of the best ways to ensure that a beauty brand is delivering on its promise.
Filipino skinthusiasts can experience a new approach to skincare, one that promises healthy beauty without compromises, with Artistry Skin Nutrition™, the clean, traceable, certified vegan skincare line from the global leader in health and wellness, Amway.
Artistry Skin Nutrition works like supplements for the skin, thanks to its cutting-edge skin science and the infusion of powerful phytonutrient botanical ingredients like acerola cherry, pomegranate, and spinach from Amway’s Nutrilite, the only vitamin brand in the world to grow, harvest and process plants from their own organic farms which are maintained using sustainable, chemical-free methods with the careful guidance of Amway’s own agricultural experts and scientists. This makes Artistry Skin Nutrition the only brand in the world that can truly claim traceability from seed to skin so you’re sure that the products are pure, safe, and effective. This also means that the beauty brand can identify the manufacturing location, extraction location, all the way to the specific crop of the raw material for every final product that touches your skin.
Every Artistry Skin Nutrition formula is infused with White Chia Seed grown in certified-organic Nutrilite farms, the line’s star ingredient, which is a nutrient-dense, ancient grain superfood packed with omega-3, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to effectively achieve healthy-looking skin.
Artistry Skin Nutrition products are also formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and over 1,300 other iffy ingredients that discerning clean beauty followers may be concerned about. The brand also conducts clinical, consumer, safety, in-vitro and ex-vivo testing to support its safety and efficacy claims for its formulas. These studies are performed to ensure the products are well-tolerated and effective and satisfy consumer expectations.
As a responsible beauty brand, Artistry Skin Nutrition formulas are free from animal-derived ingredients and are registered with The Vegan Society, one of the oldest vegan organizations in the world that are based in the United Kingdom and work to educate consumers about the value of going vegan.
The brand has also taken concrete steps to improve operational sustainability. Artistry Skin Nutrition cartons are produced from paper, a renewable resource. The paper comes from sustainably managed forests practicing responsible forest management. These products are also produced in a 90% landfill-free facility. It can also be highlighted that 100% of the electricity required by Amway to manufacture Artistry products in the United States is offset by the company’s continuing investment in sustainable wind power.
Skincare routines don’t have to feel like selfish acts of indulgence. With brands like Artistry Skin Nutrition that takes the responsibility offering healthy beauty seriously with clean, traceable, vegan skincare products, you can achieve your skin goals without causing harm to animals, communities, and the environment.
To learn more about Healthy Beauty and Artistry Skin Nutrition’s new approach to skincare, follow @OfficialAmwayPH on Facebook, @artistryph on Instagram, and the Amway website at www.amway.com.ph.
The CCP Met Opera in HD kicks off the New Year with the special screening of Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti’s La Fille Du Régiment on January 10, 2023, 5:30pm, at Greenbelt 3, Ayala Malls Cinemas in Makati City.
Bel canto stars Pretty Yende and Javier Camarena team up for a feast of vocal fireworks on the Met stage. Baritone Maurizio Muraro plays Sergeant Sulplice, with mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe as the outlandish Marquise of Berkenfield. La Fille Du Régiment is an opera in two acts conducted by Enrique Mazzola.
It tells the story of an adopted daughter of the 21st Regiment of the French army, named Marie, who fell in love with a boy (Tonio) who saved her life in spite of him being a part of the nation’s enemy. While fighting for their love for each other, their plans of getting married were torn into pieces as the true identity of Marie got exposed.
The marquise, Marie’s mother, wishes her to marry the nephew of the Duchess and dismisses her love with Tonio. Catch how Tonio fights for his love and rescues Marie from the chaotic situation.
In its seventh season, the CCP Met Opera in HD is a special program of the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division, Production and Exhibition Department, in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera of New York, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc. and Ayala Malls Cinemas. The series showcases operatic productions through the high-definition digital video technology and Dolby sound, recreating the experience of watching an opera production at the Met “live.”
For more information, visit the CCP website and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates.
There always seems to be something new to see, taste or experience at Robinsons Malls. Whether you’re there to shop, dine or meet up with friends, the popular mall chain has it all. One of its newest attractions consists of six sculptural pieces at the base of the Christmas tree outdoors. If they remind you of oversized tops like the ones some of us used to play with as children, you wouldn’t be too far off the mark.
They’re spinning chairs and they’ve quickly become a favorite of mall-goers—both young and old— who frequent this well-loved Quezon City mall. Made using rotational molding with polyethylene, the chairs are hollow on the inside and allow users to spin around using only their body weight. All around the surface of the chairs are textured bands or lines that help prevent users from slipping off.
It might take a bit of getting used to but once you hit your stride, the thrill is one of a kind. It’s like your very own mini carnival ride where you’re the only passenger.
The original Spun Chair was designed by Thomas Heatherwick over a decade ago. It was initially an exploration on whether or not the process of metal spinning could create something to sit on. Heatherwick produced several metal versions tapping the process used to make timpani drums. Metal sheets were pressed against a rotating cast iron form using a paddle, welded and polished. The ones at Robinsons Magnolia are made of polyethylene and are thus much lighter. When allowed to stand on its narrow base, the Spun looks almost sculptural in form. The real fun begins, however, when it is leaned on its side and you get to lounge, rock and spin a full 360 degrees. It’s an experience not to be missed even if you think you might look a bit odd, spinning around, laughing and looking at the sky and the mall’s fairy-lit Christmas tree.
During a recent visit to Robinsons Magnolia, the six chairs—two each in gray, purple and red—were all being used, with several people waiting patiently for their turn. That’s another nice thing about this friendly neighborhood mall—the people seem nicer, more patient and agreeable.
The mall’s outdoor area is a favorite spot as it provides a literal breath of fresh air. There are animal-shaped stools and a mini playground for the kids but it also attracts dog owners who walk their leashed pets around the astroturf.
Feeling a bit peckish? Check out Public Eatery at the mall’s new expansion. It’s an updated food court that offers a selection of cuisines like Pinoy inihaw, Thai favorites, and Singaporean-Chinese fare like seafood laksa and claypot rice.
Robinsons Malls is determined to provide a novel and exhilarating experience for its shoppers, young and old. Aside from Robinsons Magnolia, the Spun chairs can be experienced at Robinsons Antipolo and Robinsons Galleria Ortigas and soon at Robinsons MetroEast, Robinsons Galleria South, and Robinsons Naga.
Check out the poster below and watch Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Philippine cinemas June 2023.
About Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Oscar®-winning Spider-Verse saga, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, the screenplay is by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller and David Callaham, based on the MARVEL Comic Books.
Produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Christina Steinberg.
The film’s cast is led by Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham and Oscar Isaac
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #SpiderVerse
The holiday season is usually the best time for an urban staycation when the roads unclog and most people travel out. Two iconic hotels in Ortigas have offers that will be hard to resist for families looking for a city holiday break this Christmas and New Year.
At Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, the Holiday Package starts at Php 7,088 nett per room per night. True to Holiday Inn’s promise, kids stay and eat free, too. For a more cosmopolitan vibe, stay at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria where the Holiday Package begins at Php 8,088 nett per room per night.
Both offers include a buffet breakfast, a Christmas welcome amenity, and dining credits (PhP 1,500 for Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and PhP 2,000 for Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria) that can be spent in any of the hotels’ restaurant selections.
The options for a sumptuous Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are simply aplenty, from the international cuisine of Seven Corners to the award-winning authentic Chinese restaurant Xin Tian Di.
At Seven Corners, guests will enjoy many of the signature dishes of the all-day dining restaurant, including Ribeye Steak, savory Roasted Turkey with Bread Stuffing, festive Holiday Ham and a seasoned-to-perfection Salmon Wellington. Guests can delight over these astounding dishes for only Php 3,300 nett per person on Christmas Eve.
A special spread will also be available for New Year’s Eve at PhP 3,300 nett per person and media noche at P 2,500 at Seven Corners.
Meanwhile, Xin Tian Di has prepared a special set menu for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. For a spectacular value of only Php1,888++ per person, guests can bask on truly authentic Chinese flavors crafted by Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s in-house Chinese executive chef.
Surprises for 2023
This Holiday Season, guests will get a glimpse of the remarkable transformation happening at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Both hotels recently unveiled their newly refurbished lobbies – part of a renovation plan that will bring contemporary flair and function to the two iconic hotels of Ortigas.
At Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, newly refreshed hotel rooms will unravel its “New Modern” style that answers the demand of the modern traveler, sparks imagination and the creative mind, and allows guests to re-energize and experience a sense of home. This new approach will emphasize productivity, efficiency, and performance, and at the same time provide comfortable, warm, relaxing, and delightfully inspiring experiences at the hotel.
Meanwhile, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria’s rooms will take guests to a tropical sojourn, featuring a la casa en el Jardin de jazmin theme of fresh color palette and patterns. The hotel’s new theme, where the classic meets the contemporary, envisions to provide a balance of luxury and comfort for every guest staying at the heart of Ortigas.
The first set of rooms featuring these new designs will be unveiled next year.
For reservations and inquiries, call at (63 2) 8790-9400 or email higm.reservations@ihg.com for Holiday Inn Galleria Manila and cpgm.reservations@ihg.com for Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.
Check out the featurette below and watch Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One in Philippine theaters July 2023.
About Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Paramount Pictures and Skydance present a Tom Cruise Production a film by Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. Produced by Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie. Executive produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Tommy Gormley.
Starrring Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Rob Delaney, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma, Mark Gatiss, Charles Parnell, Greg Tarzan Davis, Frederick Schmidt.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #MissionImpossible and tag paramountpicsph
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
“M3GAN” is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a life-like doll programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma (Get Out’s Allison Williams), M3GAN can listen and watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to.
When Gemma suddenly becomes the caretaker of her orphaned 8-year-old niece, Cady (Violet McGraw, The Haunting of Hill House), Gemma’s unsure and unprepared to be a parent. Under intense pressure at work, Gemma decides to pair her M3GAN prototype with Cady in an attempt to resolve both problems—a decision that will have unimaginable consequences. As M3GAN and Cady develop an unbreakable bond, Gemma grows more and more terrified that the very creation she invented to help Cady heal is learning at an exponential rate…and that M3GAN may be perceiving “threats” to Cady that do not exist. M3GAN also co-stars Ronny Chieng (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as David, Gemma’s C.E.O. at the toy company that bankrolls what will become M3GAN.
James Wan, who also helmed “Aquaman” and visited the Philippines for the film’s world promotion tour shared that his latest horror movie “M3GAN” began with the conversation that there are not enough killer-doll movies. “That led me to say, ‘It’s funny. There is a perception that I make those kinds of films. Strangely enough, none of my dolls kill anyone. They are a conduit for a supernatural entity or a demonic force that lives within. For example, in the case of Saw, Jigsaw has a puppet that he talks through as a mouthpiece. Wouldn’t it be cool if we did a killer-doll movie that was Annabelle meets The Terminator,” Wan says.
On a broader cultural level, the film explores our increasing dependence on technology to run our lives … and the potential threat if that tech begins to exceed our control. “The science and the A.I. aspects were fascinating with which to play, as they are so relevant to today’s world,” Wan continues. “We rely on technology so much in everything we do. For these devices to turn around and attack us would be horrifying. That’s the thing that we wanted to try and capture with M3GAN.”
A Universal Pictures International feature film, “M3GAN” will play in cinemas on January 8.
“We sought to make Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody a rich, beautiful, moving, and very human tribute to a great talent – one of the greatest we will ever see,” says director Kasi Lemmons, who helms the film, joining forces with much of the creative team that brought the worldwide hit Bohemian Rhapsody to the screen, including screenwriter/producer Anthony McCarten. “She has a complicated story, in the way that all humans are complicated. We can relate to her and the struggles she went through, the pressures she faced, and we get to understand her.”
The film began when legendary music executive Clive Davis had a chance meeting with screenwriter/producer Anthony McCarten, fresh off the worldwide success of the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. “Over dinner in a New York restaurant, Clive proposed I consider Whitney as my next film project, promising that he could facilitate the introductions to the Houston estate that would be necessary to unlock access to the music, without which no story about a musician is worth undertaking,” says McCarten. “At first, I wasn’t sure there was a fresh, untold story of Whitney to be had, but the next day, Clive showed me a video of Whitney performing the ‘Impossible Medley,’ and I saw what the movie could be.”
McCarten was, of course, astounded to be reminded of the master class in voice control that is Houston’s performance at the 1994 AMAs. But he was concerned about presenting Houston’s story as a biopic. Isn’t Whitney Houston’s story a tragedy? But after a second meeting with Davis, McCarten turned his thinking around. “If we only judge artists by how long they live, Shakespeare’s life is a tragedy,” McCarten says. “Whitney’s life is a triumph. She gave us these extraordinary moments, these great performances. That story has not been told.”
And if there is a theme that runs through Houston’s work – a theme that provides a natural narrative arc for the film – it is the idea of the search for family, the search for home, the yearning for the deep connection that comes with love and affection – the Whitney Houston who deeply wanted to dance with somebody who loved her. “She’s just a girl from the neighborhood who wants to be loved, wants to have a home, wants to have people who care about her and love her, and wants to share her talent with the world,” says producer Jeff Kalligheri. That’s what we hear in her music, and that’s what she’s searching for in her life.”
In cinemas across the Philippines starting Sunday, January 08, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #IWannaDanceMovie
Everything is all set for Eraserheads’ long-awaited and final reunion concert in the Philippines! With the event just one day away, organizers have released concert guidelines to ensure the safety of all goers. This comes after a meeting wherein the venue and city officials committed to ensuring a smooth and fun concert for all.
Gates now open at 2 PM
Previously slated at 4 PM, concert gates will now open at 2 PM to lessen queue time for concertgoers. This will also allow them to enter the concert grounds earlier to avoid overcrowding.
There will be three (3) designated entrances, arranged according to audience sections. Gate 4 will be open for Moshpit and VIP ticket holders; Gate 3 for Platinum, Gold, and Silver ticket holders; and Gate 2 for Bronze and Angkas (Gen AD) ticket holders. Entrances are located along Aseana Ave.
No stopping, no drop-offs
Organizers will strictly impose a no-stopping and no-drop-off zone along Aseana Ave. Vehicles entering Aseana Ave will not be allowed to stop in front of the SMDC Festival Grounds. In line with this, concertgoers are asked to strictly follow designated pedestrian lanes leading up to the concert venue.
Concertgoers bringing their vehicles must get ready to take a bit of a walk to the venue. The nearest parking options are located at the Aseana City Block 8 Open Parking (entrance via J.W. Diokno Boulevard), Open Parking by the Church of Saint John Paul, Bradco Parking near Nissan, Aseana Square Parking, Ayala Malls Manila Bay Mall Parking, SM Maax Parking, and SM Mall of Asia Parking. There are also designated drop-off and pick-up points near these parking options.
Get ready for an epic concert
Concertgoers need not worry about food and drinks, as there will be concessionaires in each section. Portable toilets can also be found in each area and medics will be on standby.
In case of a medical emergency, immediately head toward the nearest medical tent located on the left and right side of each section. Marshals will be at each area to guide and assist concertgoers. Save the event map above and take note of the emergency exits nearest to you.
Fans are encouraged to come early so as not to miss any of the exciting moments and surprises the band has prepared for their fans. Eraserheads will jam with OPM’s biggest artists including Gary Valenciano, Jazz Nicolas of the Itchyworms, Mikey Amistoso of Ciudad, Audrey Dionisio of General Luna, the late Francis M, and the A.M.P. (Asosasyon ng Musikang Pilipino) Orchestra.
Show starts at 8 PM so don’t be late!
Fans unable to go to the concert can watch the show via live stream. In the Philippines, there are two options to secure front-row seats at home and online for only PHP 650.
Postpaid Cignal subscribers can order via Pay-Per-View. Just log in to my.cignal.tv, go to the Add-ons tab, and then click “Subscribe” to the Huling El Bimbo Pay-Per-View.
Stream via the Smart LiveStream app! Avail the live pay-per-view access at smart.com.ph/livestream from December 9 until December 22, 9 PM only.
For those residing abroad, iWantTFC is streaming live and on-demand with 48 hours access for US$29.99. Get online access through the iWantTFC app.
The Huling El Bimbo – Eraserheads Reunion Concert 2022 is a production by WEU Event Management Services, Ant Savvy Creatives and Entertainment, Inc., DVent Productions and Myriad Entertainment Corporation. The event is presented by SMART, Coke Studio, PLDT, Angkas and Maya. This concert is co-presented by SM Supermalls, and in participation with San Miguel Corporation and Okada Manila. Tickets are available at SM Tickets outlets and online.
