Author: Press Release

Singapore’s Top Celebrity Chef Justin Quek Brings his Culinary Creations to Solaire

Solaire brings back its “Culinary Masters Series” with Singapore’s top celebrity chef Justin Quek as he returns to Manila to serve his signature Franco-Asian flair at Red Lantern and Oasis on September 20 to 25, 2022.

Solaire’s Culinary Masters Series brings some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs to Manila for special dinner events and offers that highlight their culinary skill and ingenuity for discerning guests to experience.

Chef Justin Quek’s most popular culinary creations will be available in curated menus at Red Lantern and a special afternoon tea promotion at Oasis Garden Café.

From September 20 to 24, experience a limited seating Wine Pairing Dinner which highlights Chef Justin’s incredible creations paired with a selection of wines, while the a la carte menu offered until the 25^th showcases some of his dishes including his trademark smoked mackerel parfait with Superior Oscietra Caviar and drunken clams in Huang Jiu, lime cream and Ikura roe. An elevated Red Lantern Dim Sum Lunch Buffet starts on the 21^st with a unique Singaporean touch with feature items like white corn cappuccino, Singapore chilli crab dumplings, and pan-roasted pavé of salmon with cauliflower puree, hazelnut oil and aged balsamic.

Oasis’ own Afternoon Tea also gets the Justin Quek twist starting on the 20^th with savory bites such as truffle croque monsieur and a JQ spicy prawn noodle soup, as well as sweet indulgences like durian puffs, salted almond tuile, and odeh odeh, a glutinous rice treat made with grated coconut, coconut milk, pandan, juice plum sugar and sponge cake.

Chef Justin Quek has worked in highly reputable properties across Asia and esteemed Michelin Star restaurants across Europe where he refined his skills and established his personal culinary style that blends both the mastery of French techniques and his Chinese heritage.

Returning to Singapore, he was appointed as the first Singaporean chef to serve the French ambassador, and later becoming a partner and the opening chef de cuisine for famed French fine dining restaurant Les Amis. Apart from Chef Justin’s achievements in his home country, he managed to expand his presence in Asia by heading various French fine dining establishments across Taiwan, Hong Kong and Shanghai before being invited back to Singapore to open and serve as the Principal Chef for Marina Bay Sands’ 240-seater fine-dining restaurant, Sky on 57.

Aside from being a well-decorated chef, he also has his hand on being an entrepreneur. In 2016, Chef Justin launched Grignoter, the first wine bar in Singapore and Southeast Asia to be endorsed and supported by the Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB). The same year, he opened Xingzhou Laoye, a luxe Southeast Asian diner, and Just In Modern French, a contemporary French dining room, both of which are in Beijing. His latest venture takes him back to Marina Bay Sands where he is responsible for two new concepts: JustIn Flavours of Asia, a relaxed and laid-back restaurant that elevates the Singaporean comfort food experience; and Chinoiserie Modern Asian, an exclusive fine dining restaurant which only serves the best French-Asian cuisine.

For inquiries and reservations, please call 8888-8888 or email restaurantevents@solaireresort.com.

September 22, 2022
Justin Jesso EP ‘Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness’

Life is full of contradictions, and as humans, we all know there are two sides to each story. Just like most people, L.A. based singer and songwriter Justin Jesso has experienced the light and the dark, good and bad times, and knows that the secret to happiness lies in finding the right balance and learning to navigate between the ups and the downs. On his EP “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness”, he takes listeners on a sonic and emotional ride across nine incredible tracks that are all based on his own life experiences.

Divided into two parts, “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness” kicks off with the tracks “Lose Ya” and “Clarity”, which were both released earlier this year, and deal with the loss of oneself as well as a significant other, and exploring the confusion of trying to get both back. “If You’re Meant To Come Back” is about the realization that you really can’t control anything, and that if it’s meant to come back to you, it will. “There is both sadness and peace in that one,” Jesso explains about track #3 on the EP, which is followed by the dramatic up-tempo ballad “Lifeline”. Track #5 is one of two songs on the EP which are unreleased to date: “Drink Alone”, which touches on the subject of coping with loneliness. With dark and pounding piano chords and heartfelt vocals, the track once again showcases Justin Jesso’s incredible talent for wrapping deep emotions into authentic, melodic earworms that many can relate to.

“Bigger than” rings in part two of “Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness”, and talks about going after what is most important, with its follow up song “Miracle” (the second brand new track on the EP), covering the discovery of just that in a happy-go-lucky tune. In “400 Trillion”, Jesso sings about how incredible it is to find that special someone against all statistic odds, with “The End” – the last track on the EP – marking the beginning of a next chapter and discussing the realization that what you had and might have lost will always have a place of significance.

About dividing up the EP, Justin Jesso explains: “I split this EP into two parts – The songs where things are aspirational or going well, and the songs where I am struggling with the loss either of myself or of a significant other. The first part of the EP is where I am the loneliest … where I am struggling to find happiness or myself. The second part of the EP is where I have found the opposite of loneliness and am most happy.”

Aside from his own releases, Justin Jesso has made a name for himself writing for superstars like Ricky Martin, Armin van Buuren, Steve Aoki, and even the Backstreet Boys. Furthermore, his hit single, “Stargazing” with legendary artist Kygo, has garnered him hundreds of millions of streams, views, gold and platinum certifications in countries all across the world, and even a Grammy nomination. Describing his musical development, he says: “My Musical style is evolving. This two-part EP covers songs that were released right at the top of the pandemic, most reflective of me coming into myself and my sound, and newer songs like “Lose Ya” that push the envelope on where I plan to go musically.”

“Finding The Opposite Of Loneliness” (EP) by Justin Jesso is out now.

September 22, 2022
CCP Arthouse Cinema’s ‘ON VERS(E/U)S AND DRONES’ to Screen ‘Ang Hupa’ and ‘Respeto’

The Cultural Center of the Philippines Arthouse Cinema proudly presents a two-day special screening event with the theme “ON VERS(E/U)S AND DRONES” this September 2022. Featuring two excellent masterpieces that capture and preview our current timeline, the films exhibit how poetic verses and the panoptic humming of drones remind us to defend our humanity in the face of violence and indifference.

Lav Diaz’ “Ang Hupa” shows a fictional 2034 AD where Southeast Asia has been in the dark for the last three years, literally, because the sun hasn’t shone as a result of massive volcanic eruptions at the Celebes Sea in 2031 and madmen control countries, communities, enclaves and bubble cities. It exposes cataclysmic epidemics razing over the continent where millions have died and millions have left. The film will be screened at the CCP Tanghalang Manuel Conde on September 21, 2022 at 2 PM with a running time of 4 hours and 39 minutes.

On the following day, Cinemalaya 2017 Best Film “RESPETO” by Treb Monteras II will be screened at 2 PM which then, exhibits the underground Pinoy hip-hop culture and on how we, as artists and individuals, find the words to find ourselves.

Both films will have a talkback session after the screening and are FREE to the public. A reminder to everyone as well that due to the still existing pandemic, the new normal protocol of the CCP will still be implemented. You can find out more about CCP’s new normal protocol here: https://bit.ly/CCPNewNormalProtocol2022

For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates.

September 22, 2022
“Babylon” First-Look Images Capture Decadence of Early Hollywood

A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess. Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Tobey Maguire lead the stellar cast of Paramount Pictures’ new original epic, Babylon from La La Land director Damien Chazelle.

Brad Pitt plays Jack Conrad and Diego Calva plays Manny Torres in Babylon from Paramount Pictures.

Check out the film’s first-look images below and watch Babylon in cinemas across the Philippines January 2023.

Watch the film’s uncensored trailer below:

About Babylon

Paramount Pictures Presents A Marc Platt / Wild Chickens / Organism Pictures Production A Damien Chazelle Film BABYLON.

Lukas Haas plays George Munn and Diego Calva plays Manny Torres in Babylon from Paramount Pictures.

From Damien Chazelle, BABYLON is an original epic set in 1920s Los Angeles led by Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva, with an ensemble cast including Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li and Jean Smart. A tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.

Margot Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy in Babylon from Paramount Pictures.

Written and directed by Damien Chazelle, produced by Marc Platt, Matthew Plouffe, Olivia Hamilton, executive produced by Michael Beugg, Tobey Maguire, Wyck Godfrey, Helen Estabrook, Adam Siegel

Margot Robbie plays Nellie LaRoy in Babylon from Paramount Pictures.

Starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jean Smart, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, P.J. Byrne, Lukas Haas, Olivia Hamilton, Tobey Maguire, Max Minghella, Rory Scovel, Katherine Waterston, Flea, Jeff Garlin, Eric Roberts, Ethan Suplee, Samara Weaving, Olivia Wilde

Diego Calva plays Manny Torres and Jean Smart plays Elinor St. John in Babylon from Paramount Pictures.

Director Damien Chazelle on the set of Babylon from Paramount Pictures.

Babylon is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Connect with #BabylonMovie and tag @paramountpicsph

September 22, 2022
Mitch James Returns With New Single ‘Motions’ Out Now, and Announces Sophomore Album Patience Out November 4th

Mitch James is back with an anthem for the times releasing ‘motions’ and announcing his sophomore album patience out November 4^th, 2022.

On motions, Mitch says “it’s for all of you who have been lost or just look at life and think ‘are you fu@#ing serious right now?’

I had to open the album with this song. If I were to describe this song in one sentence I would say ‘it’s about the inevitability of losing yourself on the way to finding yourself.’

I had an extremely shit 4 years since my first album. My own health issues, family health issues, constant roadblocks in my career, COVID, failed album attempts, singles that didn’t

work. I had to write a song that summarised that feeling of helplessness with life drowning you – but still having that will to see it through and stick it out to the other side.

It’s a powerful song that truly means a lot to me, and I hope you can relate to it in your own way. I remember being in the studio and coming in – Graham & Ryan already laid down the guitar chords. All I had to do was as channel the truth, and the words just came out.”

An official visualiser is being released with the track.

Today Mitch also announced his sophomore album patience is to be released November 4^th this year.

“The whole focus of the writing was to be brutally honest and brutally vulnerable,” James says.

The bulk of the album was written and recorded in early 2022, after James travelled to Los Angeles and met up with writer, producer and former Tonight Alive guitarist, Whakaio Taahi.

James and Taahi struck up a creatively stimulating rapport, which allowed James to access new creative territory and fully embrace his position as a pop front person. Crucially, Taahi gave James the freedom to be himself.

“I’m a bit of an over-sharer,” James says. “That’s who I am and that’s who my fans want me to be.”

To date Mitch James has over 200 million streams globally, 6 million TikTok views and over 3 million video views and the release of ‘motions’ and his upcoming album patience is set to only increase these impressive numbers!

‘motions’ is available everywhere now and patience is available to pre-order now.

September 22, 2022
“DC League of Super-Pets” Premieres September 26 on HBO GO

Trailer courtesy of HBO GO

In DC League of Super-Pets, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. When Superman and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack – Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle and Chip the squirrel – to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the Super Heroes.

Photo courtesy of HBO GO

The film also stars the voices of Kevin Hart (the Jumanji and Secret Life of Pets films), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live, Ferdinand), John Krasinski (the Quiet Place films, Jack Ryan), Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live, Trainwreck), Natasha Lyonne (Show Dogs, Russian Doll), Diego Luna (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Maya and the Three), Marc Maron (Joker, GLOW), Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley, Godzilla: King of the Monsters), Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog, Duck Tales), and Keanu Reeves (the Matrix and John Wick films).

Photo courtesy of HBO GO

Stern, a veteran writer/consultant on the LEGO^® movies, makes his animated feature film directorial debut, directing from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator John Whittington, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film is produced by Patricia Hicks, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Jared Stern. The executive producers are John Requa, Glenn Ficarra, Nicholas Stoller, Allison Abbate, Chris Leahy, Sharon Taylor and Courtenay Valenti.

Photo courtesy of HBO GO

Stern’s creative team includes production designer Kim Taylor (The LEGO^® Ninjago Movie) and editors David Egan (Game Night, Vacation) and Jhoanne Reyes (Teen Titans GO!, Young Justice). The music is by Steve Jablonsky (the Transformers films). Stream or download DC League of Super-Pets from September 26on HBO GO. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

September 21, 2022
Be your own supermodel with these posing and camera tips

Picture this: You’re getting ready to go out – you have your best outfit on, your hair and makeup is on point. Before leaving, you open your phone camera and start taking several selfies and OOTDs, feeling like a confident supermodel even for a little while.

Many want to show off their unique style and personality through stunning photos. With social media being an effective avenue for self-expression, they are now more motivated to take their looks poses to the next level.

Don’t know where to start? Gabbi Garcia has some simple tricks to bring out the supermodel in you in every shot:

The Lean

When taking a full-body mirror photo, your pose should add flattering angles to your body and your whole outfit. Gabbi’s tip is to lean on something – it can be a chair, table, or a wall. “You would want to stretch out your arms and of course, butt out,” she said. Another variation is to lift one leg while posing to make it more fun.

Sit Down and Style

It’s simple: Just sit down and find your angle before taking a mirror photo or having your portrait taken. Pointing your toe is also a great way to lengthen your body, creating the illusion that you’re taller.

Pull Your Hair

Instead of keeping your hands awkwardly placed on your sides, you can play with your hair while posing. Gabbi’s go-to when she’s sporting a ponytail is to pull her hair to the side and stick her hips out in the same direction.

Masakit Ulo Pose

A good skin and/or makeup day calls for 10 (or more) selfies. A go-to pose when taking selfies is the Masakit Ulo Pose, where you simply put a hand on the side of your head. “Try to make your hands more relaxed and more natural,” Gabbi said. You can also do a subtle pout to look fierce, especially when you’re wearing a bold lipstick. The actress’ go-to is doing tighter shots using the Xiaomi 12 Lite’s Selfie Zoom Feature to emphasize her glam makeup more. You can also utilize portrait mode to ensure that your selfie is crystal clear, and tinker with the AI Beautify settings.

Confident and Mysterious

“We are going for that vibe of the mysterious girl who’ll never let you know her next move,” Gabbi said. One trick while taking a mirror selfie is to cover your face with your phone, only showing your full outfit. Make sure you pose confidently and create flattering angles using your body. The photo and look will stand out even more with your phone’s colorful case. Xiaomi 12 Lite, for example, comes in chic colors such as Black, Green, and Pink, to go with your personal style – be it minimalist and feminine, to edgy and street.

No matter your style, you can own your inner supermodel with any of the poses above, especially if you have a chic camera phone like the Xiaomi 12 Lite. Go shoot your shot with its 108MP rear and 32MP front cameras, with impressive features such as Night Mode, AI Portrait Mode, and several video modes to create that model-esque content. share your content with the people around you.

Go shoot your shot and express yourself confidently!

The Xiaomi 12 Lite is available on Shopee and Lazada. For more information, visit Xiaomi’s official website.

September 21, 2022
Starbucks® X FARM Rio Collection Brings the Vibrant Colors and Energy of Rio to Customers in Asia

The bold and vibrant collection includes a tote bag, travel pouch, mug, water bottle, and tumbler, featuring iconic patterns that represent the colors and shapes of nature in Rio.

Starbucks and FARM Rio share the belief that nature’s rich color palette can inspire joy and creativity. In celebration of these positive vibes, each of the 5 unique patterns feature the bright and exciting colors of Rio and beyond, including rainbow detailing and tributes to the diverse flowers and animals synonymous with Brazil. Each pattern creates a feeling of optimism that uplifts everyday moments.

“Starbucks first ever collaboration with FARM Rio comes at the perfect time, as we move into the new energy and vibrant colors of Autumn,” said Erin Silvoy, vice president, Product and Marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “These bold designs and lively prints embody our shared values of inspiring creativity and optimism by adding a splash of color to everyday life.”

The beloved Brazilian brand infuses good vibes and artisan beauty into daily life through visually vibrant collections and meaningful community-based initiatives.

“We designed each piece for trend hunters who live colorful lives,” said FARM Rio. “We are so excited for the Starbucks® X FARM Rio collection to bring the positivity and vibrancy that Rio is known for, closer to customers in Asia.”

This limited-edition collaboration will be available starting on September 20 at select Starbucks® stores in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, The Philippines, and Singapore, while supplies last.

September 21, 2022
Globe, Customers Come Together in #ExtraGDayEveryday to Help Solve Involuntary Hunger via Hapag Movement Donations

All Rewards points that customers redeem in engaging with any of the 917 GDay activities and offers, such as G Chance The Raffle and various GDay on-ground activations, will be matched by Globe with a donation to the Hapag Movement.

The Hapag Movement is Globe’s united fight against involuntary hunger through technology. It aims to rally Filipinos behind a collective effort to help feed the hungry.

The fundraising activity is being implemented in partnership with the Ayala Foundation’s #BrigadangAyalaKaakay Program, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, Caritas Philippines and World Vision.

“Our goal is for customers to feel happy about their Globe Rewards redemptions and be able to help other Filipinos through our partner organizations. Naka-redeem ka na, nakatulong ka pa,” said Pia Gonzalez-Colby, Globe Chief Marketing Officer.

Every Globe customer automatically earns Rewards points whenever they top up or pay their monthly bill. Every ₱50 spent on Globe services, whether postpaid or prepaid, is equal to one Rewards point.

All Rewards points redemptions on 917 GDay offers and campaigns from September 17-30 will be matched by Globe with an equivalent donation to The Hapag Movement. Globe will also donate a significant amount on behalf of Globe Postpaid and Platinum customers who have been using Globe services for at least five years.

Customers can also donate directly via Globe Rewards. Just download the New GlobeOne app, Go to Rewards, and tap Donate. From the Rewards catalog, search for the organization, display promo details, and click Donate. Choose the amount available, confirm details, and click Redeem.

Help make it an #ExtraGDayEveryday for every Filipino. Learn more about how to support the Hapag Movement by visiting https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/globe-of-good.html#gref.

September 21, 2022
One Republic ‘Live In Concert’ Coming to Manila

GRAMMY® nominated, multi-platinum selling band OneRepublic announces their much-awaited return to Asia in February 2023. The ‘Live in Concert’ tour will be coming to MANILA on February 23 at the Araneta Coliseum. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets will go on-sale on September 30, 10AM via TicketNet.com.ph and TicketNet outlets nationwide.

OneRepublic, fronted by the enigmatic Ryan Tedder, have provided some of the most memorable and successful pop hits of their generation, including chart and streaming smashes “Apologize”, “Stop and Stare”, “Rescue Me” and “Counting Stars”. On the 27th of August 2020, the band released their new single, “Someday”, in which the group also debuted the video for their new song. The album includes previously released tracks which combined have over 2.5 billion global streams, “Run”, “Somebody To Love”, “Wanted”, “Better Days” and “Rescue Me”, which has been certified RIAA Gold.

The band has blasted back into global charts with their smash hit “I Ain’t Worried” which is featured in the blockbuster movie, Top Gun: Maverick. The video, directed by Isaac Rentz, includes stunning footage from the film. OneRepublic has amassed more than 5 billion streams on Spotify to date with all their smash hits.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @WilbrosLive

September 21, 2022