Author: Press Release

Premium In and Out: ASUS Unveils Zenbook S 13 OLED, Collab with Filipino Designer Zarah Juan

ASUS has just announced its newest offering in its premium line of laptops, the Zenbook S 13 OLED (UM5302) — a 13.3-inch ultraportable 2.8K OLED laptop that weighs a mere 1 kilogram, making it the world’s lightest in its class. Making this milestone memorable and stylish, ASUS celebrates Filipino craftsmanship with its collaboration with homegrown brand Zarah Juan.

Premium look that stands out

The premium Zenbook S 13 OLED is lighter than any other 13.3-inch laptop in its class, with a sleek 1 kg-light, 14.9 mm-thin chassis made entirely from durable magnesium-aluminum alloy. It’s the ultimate ultraportable laptop for effortless on-the-go productivity and creativity.

The all-new contemporary design features the new monogram logo on the lid. Finished in four sophisticated new colors — Ponder Blue, Aqua Celadon, Vestige Beige, and Refined White — Zenbook S 13 OLED is designed to stand out, yet it blends in anywhere.

Despite its thin and light form factor, the Zenbook S13 OLED is built to be extra tough with MIL-STD 810H military standard, making sure it’s durable and reliable for daily use in any environment.

Premium vision with OLED screen

Any visuals will look better on Zenbook S 13 OLED’s gorgeous 2.8K OLED HDR Dolby Vision display. The expansive 16:10 aspect ratio provides a bigger workspace, and the four-sided NanoEdge design with ultra slim bezels creates more screen area for an immersive viewing experience. The super-bright PANTONE Validated screen is color-accurate with a 100% DCI-P3 gamut for ultra-vivid colors and is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified for deeper blacks and ultrahigh contrast. It’s also TÜV Rheinland-certified for eye care, so the user’s eyes will stay comfortable even during long viewing sessions.

For unrivaled audio quality, Zenbook S 13 OLED has a stereo sound system that supports Dolby Atmos, indulging the listener in their favorite entertainment with sound that moves all around with breathtaking realism in music, movies, and TV

Premium, dependable performance

Zenbook S 13 OLED may be #LighterThanAir, but it is a dependable, high-performance companion, powerfully equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U Mobile Processor, up to 16 GB of fast RAM, and AMD Radeon mobile graphics, so users can confidently tackle any work or leisure task, wherever they are. Its ultrafast up to 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD ensures fast boot times and instant app loads.

With its long-lasting high-capacity 67Wh battery and up to 19-hour battery life, Zenbook S 13 OLED needs fewer trips to the power outlet when the user is out and about. And when it’s time for a top-up, the fast-charge technology can take it to 60% capacity in as little as 49 minutes, so there’s no need to break the flow. With ASUS USB-C Easy Charge, it can be quickly charged using a USB-C Power Delivery-certified charger or topped up with any standard USB-C charger such as an airline charger, a portable charger, or a power bank.

Zenbook S 13 OLED features the latest WiFi 6E that loads online content in the blink of an eye, enhanced by the exclusive ASUS WiFi Master Premium fine-tuning technologies and software features that help deliver speed, stability, and wide coverage.

Premium user experience

Zenbook S 13 OLED is designed to offer a premium user experience, with exclusive features and technologies that make everything easier to accomplish.

To keep Zenbook S 13 OLED hygienic, it’s protected by ASUS Antibacterial Guard — a special surface treatment that keeps the bugs at bay. In fact, Antibacterial Guard has been scientifically proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria by more than 99% over a 24-hour period, ensuring the surfaces of the laptop stay clean and sanitary for longer and reducing the spread of potentially harmful bacteria via contact.

Zenbook S 13 OLED implements ASUS AI Noise-Cancelation Technology and real-time webcam optimization to ensure the best hybrid working and video conferencing experience. Zenbook S 13 OLED also features the new full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard for the most comfortable typing experience ever. For easy data entry, there’s the ASUS NumberPad 2.0, an LED-illuminated numeric keypad integrated into the touchpad.

It may be slim and compact, but Zenbook S 13 OLED has all the I/O ports you need. The USB-C ports support Power Delivery and 4K external displays for enhanced productivity. There’s also a convenient headphone jack for your wired audio needs.

Premium style that empowers

To mark this milestone launch, ASUS collaborates with Filipino social entrepreneur and designer Zarah Juan to develop a limited edition, sustainable, locally made bag. Aside from environmental sustainability, Zarah Juan pushes for social sustainability and upholds cultural continuity through showcasing Filipino heritage.

The Zarah Juan Zen Tote materializes ASUS’ thrust towards human-centric design thinking. Made by the Artisan Communities in Bulacan and Zamboanga City and of locally available materials, the Zen Tote depicts the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality — the perfect accessory with the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED.

Those who will purchase the Zenbook S 13 OLED from September 15 to October 31, 2022, get a chance to win the limited-edition Zarah Juan Zen Tote worth PHP 8,500.00. To know more about the promo, please check https://ph.asus.click/ASUSZenbookS13OLEDxZarahJuan.The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UM5302) is available in ASUS Concept Stores and authorized resellers today with a starting price of PHP 63,995.00. Check out the complete list here https://ph.asus.click/PRWTB. Filipinos can also score the Zenbook S 13 OLED with up to 12 months of 0% installment via Home Credit for as low as PHP 4,533.00.

September 16, 2022
First US Reviews Hail “The Woman King” as Oscar-Worthy Epic Adventure

Fresh from its successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the initial reviews for The Woman King are now out, and critics are unanimous in praising Viola Davis’ fierce reinvention as an action hero and the film as a rousing, action-packed crowd-pleaser.

Watch the film’s trailer below :

Trailer courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Garnering 100% Fresh Rating over at review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes (as of September 12), The Woman King’s admirers say the historical epic offers an awards-worthy performance from Davis, a breakout star in Thuso Mbedu and impressively choreographed action scenes.

“It feels like the `Gladiator’ for Black women, and what a welcome surprise,” writes Variety. “With the right messaging and awards campaign from Sony Pictures, the film could be among the many consumer-friendly titles in the hunt for Oscar attention.”

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

The Hollywood Reporter raves “Energetic performances and technical precision come together to glorious effect in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s rousing action film. It’s a lush, prime piece of entertainment in many respects.”

IndieWire says “The film is bursting with remarkable elements: a vivid and fully realized setting, eye-popping battle sequences, richly drawn characters, and wonderful performances from everyone.”

Lashana Lynch stars in THE WOMAN KING.

“The Woman King marks a ceasefire between two long-warring foes: Action and acting,” praises The New York Post, while The Guardian describes it as “a sturdy, rousing piece of studio entertainment, that makes both the new feel old and the old feel new.”

“Thrilling and enrapturing, emotionally beautiful and spiritual buoyant,” applauds RogerEbert.com. “The Woman King isn’t just an uplifting battle cry. It’s the movie that director Gina Prince-Bythewood has been building toward throughout her entire career.”

Trailer courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Finally, BBC attests that “The Woman King leans toward fantasy in its heroic moments, but is rooted in truth about war, brutality and freedom. It is a splashy popcorn movie with a social conscience.

About The Woman King

The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for…

Trailer courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, story by Maria Bello, screenplay by Dana Stevens and Gina Prince-Bythewood. The film is produced by Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, Maria Bello and executive Produced by Peter McAleese.

The cast is led by Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and John Boyega.

In Philippine cinemas October 5, The Woman King is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #TheWomanKing

Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

September 16, 2022
WATCH: Whitney Houston Film “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” Unveils Trailer

About I Wanna Dance With Somebody

I Wanna Dance with Somebody is a powerful and triumphant celebration of the incomparable Whitney Houston. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Academy Award® nominee Anthony McCarten, produced by legendary music executive Clive Davis and starring BAFTA Award® winner Naomi Ackie, the film is a no-holds-barred portrait of the complex and multifaceted woman behind The Voice. From New Jersey choir girl to one of the best-selling and most awarded recording artists of all time, audiences are taken on an inspirational, poignant—and so emotional—journey through Houston’s trailblazing life and career, with show-stopping performances and a soundtrack of the icon’s most beloved hits as you’ve never heard them before. Don’t you wanna dance?

Directed by Kasi Lemmons, written by Anthony McCarten, produced by Anthony McCarten, Pat Houston, Clive Davis, Larry Mestel, Denis O’Sullivan, Jeff Kalligheri, Matt Jackson, Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, Thad Luckinbill, Matt Salloway, Christina Papagjika.

The film stars Naomi Ackie, Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams and Clarke Peters.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #IWannaDanceMovie

September 16, 2022
Jack White: The Pacific Rim Leg Of The Supply Chain Issues Tour

Founding member of The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, Jack White is coming to Manila on November 5, 2022 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier for his The Supply Chain Issues Tour. Tickets go on-sale to the general public on September 23, 10AM via SMTickets.com and all SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

The 12-time GRAMMY® Award-winner and 36-time nominee, and Third Man Records founder, is set to release his fourth and fifth solo studio albums in 2022. FEAR OF THE DAWN (Third Man Records), featuring his latest single “Taking Me Back,” was released on April 8^th, 2022 and ENTERING HEAVEN ALIVE (Third Man Records) followed on July 22, 2022. In addition to writing global anthems such as The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” and The Raconteurs’ “Steady, As She Goes,” all three of White’s acclaimed previously released solo albums – 2012’s RIAA gold certified solo debut, BLUNDERBUSS, 2014’s LAZARETTO, and 2018’s BOARDING HOUSE REACH – debuted at #1 on the SoundScan/Billboard 200 along with a variety of other charts. Among his myriad of international honors, White’s long run of career GRAMMY® awards and nominations saw BLUNDERBUSS earning five nods over two years, including “Album of the Year,” “Best Rock Album,” “Best Rock Song” (for “Freedom At 21”), “Best Rock Performance,” and “Best Music Video” (the latter two honoring the single, “I’m Shakin”). LAZARETTO proved equally popular with GRAMMY® voters, scoring a nomination as “Best Alternative Music Album,” while its title track received the 2015 GRAMMY® Award for “Best Rock Performance” as well an additional nod as “Best Rock Song.” Praised by NME as “wild, mysterious and unlike anything else around…a full, lush sounding thing packed with personality and life,” BOARDING HOUSE REACH proved among White’s most unique works, topping a variety of charts in the US and Canada while drawing applause around the world. “The spirit of freaky free-play is thrilling and refreshing, a worthy end unto itself,” wrote Rolling Stone. “Like nearly all of White’s work, it manages to feel fresh, original, and still deeply rooted in history.” In 2020, White released The White Stripes Greatest Hits (Third Man Records/Legacy) and, more recently, unveiled jackwhiteartanddesign.com, as well as opened the doors to Third Man Records London – the third Third Man Records location and first internationally.

White will be embarking on a worldwide tour in 2022 to support his new albums.

Presented by Wilbros Live
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @WilbrosLive

September 15, 2022
Dallas Zoo Re-Names One of Its Nile Crocodiles Lyle in Celebration of “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile”

Trailer courtesy of Columbia Pictures

The ceremony took place today in the Dallas Zoo where a sign was displayed for the day, marking the illustrious occasion. Dallas Zoo’s Lyle is a male Nile crocodile that weighs a whopping 1,000+ pounds.

Trailer courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Along with the announcement, Columbia Pictures released an exclusive clip of the film in which Hector P. Valenti (played by Javier Bardem) meets Baby Lyle for the first time. Lyle is voiced by musical artist Shawn Mendes.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

About Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action / CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.

When the Primm family (Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Winslow Fegley) moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman), the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.

Poster courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile will feature original songs performed by Shawn Mendes and written by the songwriting team behind The Greatest Showman, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. Joining Pasek and Paul in writing original songs for the film are Ari Afsar, Emily Gardner Xu Hall, Mark Sonnenblick, and Joriah Kwamé. Directed and produced by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, the screenplay is by Will Davies. The film is produced by Hutch Parker and executive produced by Kevin K. Vafi, Dan Wilson, Robert J. Dohrmann, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Tarak Ben Ammar and Andy Mitchell.

In cinemas across the Philippines starting October 12, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #LyleLyleCrocodile

September 15, 2022
The Good, the Bad and the Mighty: Who’s Who in “Black Adam”

Get to know these fan-favorite characters as they make their big-screen debut in the highly anticipated blockbuster and check-out their individual posters below.

Trailer courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Teth-Adam / Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson)

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Hailed as the slave who became Champion, the mortal slave Teth-Adam was bestowed the powers of the gods. When he used his powers for vengeance, he was entombed, becoming Black Adam. Nearly 5,000 years later, Black Adam is freed from his imprisonment and finds his unique form of justice challenged by modern day heroes in the form of the Justice Society.

Carter Hall / Hawkman (Aldis Hodge)

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

With a suit constructed of gravity-defying Nth metal, Hawkman combines his physical prowess with a strong sense of morality. Instilling years of knowledge and experience into the younger members of the burgeoning Justice Society, the man known as Carter Hall fights to protect global stability–and he won’t let anything or anyone, including Black Adam, stand in his way.

Kent Nelson / Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan)

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Upon wearing the ancient alien golden Helmet of Fate, Kent Nelson transforms from kindly academic into the sorcerer Doctor Fate. One of the founding members of The Justice Society, Doctor Fate is able to use his powers to wield magic, conjure illusions and see the future.

Al Rothstein / Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo)

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

As one of the newest recruits of The Justice Society, 20-year-old Al Rothstein can transform his molecular structure to grow in size to towering heights to become the superhero Atom Smasher. What he lacks in experience, Atom Smasher makes up for with brute force and an endless well of youthful optimism.

Maxine Hunkel / Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell)

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

After being subjected to nanotechnology experimentation by evil scientists, at just 19 Maxine Hunkel is a force of nature—literally—with the ability to control the wind with her mind. As the superhero Cyclone she brings a social justice attitude and a unique power set to The Justice Society.

About “Black Adam”

From New Line Cinema, Dwayne Johnson stars in the action adventure “Black Adam.” The first-ever feature film to explore the story of the DC Super Hero comes to the big screen under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra (“Jungle Cruise”).

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (“City on a Hill,” “One Night in Miami”) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (“Sex/Life,” “Rush Hour 3”) as Adrianna, Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Mummy”) as Ishmael, Quintessa Swindell (“Voyagers,” “Trinkets”) as Cyclone, Bodhi Sabongui (“A Million Little Things”) as Amon, and Pierce Brosnan (the “Mamma Mia!” and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.

“Black Adam” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #BlackAdam

September 15, 2022
Robinsons Land Corporation and Animal Kingdom Foundation Gear Up for Run Fur Life 2022

Two powerhouses in championing animal welfare and responsible pet ownership – Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) are once again teaming up, this time, with a live return of the much-awaited Run Fur Life 2022, which is happening on September 25, 2022, 5 a.m., at Bridgetowne, Pasig City.

Now, after two years of just having a virtual run at home, Run Fur Life 2022 is set to make its return in RLC’s Bridgetowne, with much festivity as both dog owners and their furbabies run together in a beautiful open space to raise funds for a cause. There will be cute puppies in colorful leash, agile big dogs making their humans proud, a lot of giggling and laughing by pet owners while the rest of the canines scramble in their little paws—but most of all, there will be a common goal of raising funds.

Run Fur Life, which started in 2016, is a fundraising run for the benefit of maltreated, abandoned, and homeless dogs that are being rescued and rehabilitated by AKF. Aside from providing for the needs of shelter animals, it is also raising awareness about animal cruelty, ending dog meat trade, reducing the number of stray cats and dogs in the country through spay and neutering, and responsible pet ownership.

And to make the live return of Run Fur Life more exciting, what better way than to do it at Bridgetowne Destination Estate, a 30.6-hectare fully-integrated development connecting two cities, Quezon City and Pasig City, through an iconic 200-meter bridge. Bridgetowne has plenty of space for all kinds of family and community-bonding activities. Recognizing the importance of pets to every family, it is poised to be filled pet parks, pet-friendly condominiums, green spaces and other pet-welcoming establishments. It’s also soon to be the home of Bridgetowne Obstacle Park that’s said to be the biggest permanent obstacle facility of its kind in the world, as well as the 105-meter x 65-meter Bridgetowne Football Field that’s certified with the standards of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). All these facilities are being overlooked by “The Victor,” a 20-storey -high art installation by Filipino-American artist Jefrë Manuel Figueras. The piece, undoubtedly, symbolizes the Filipinos’ victory and unity—which are also both important values in making Run Fur Life 2022 a success.

It’s time to run together for a better life. If you’re interested to join, have some quality time with your pets and fellow dog owners, or better yet, help raise funds to give other animals a better life, register and buy a race kit for only P900. This includes a drawstring bag with your race shirt, a cap, face mask, doggie bandana, alcohol dispenser, foldable water bottle, race bib, and raffle stub. Purchase of race kit includes sponsorship of a rescue cat or dog for one month.

September 14, 2022
Max’s Restaurant Brings Back All-You-Can Weekends for an Early Anniversary Celebration
Max’s Restaurant, the iconic Filipino restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken is excited and can’t wait for its upcoming 77^th anniversary this October, and that’s why it’s already bringing back the much-anticipated All-You-Can. Diners can enjoy this early celebration surprise on Sept 16-18 and 23-25.

Weekends just got better because each plate comes with the following Max’s favorites to maximize everyone’s dining experience.
- Sarap-to-The-Bones Fried Chicken: Two piece Fried Chicken best enjoyed with Max’s Banana Ketchup with a dash of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
- Max’s Sizzling Tofu: Delectable tofu cubes with chopped onions and bell peppers, sauteed in a special sauce, and topped with chili.
- Chicken Sisig: A flavorful mix of chopped Max’s Fried Chicken and chicken liver, topped with chili, onions, and celery.
- Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai: Tasty ground chicken and select spices rolled in lumpia wrapper and deep-fried to perfection.
Each serving also comes with plain rice to complete the hefty meal. All-You-Can plate will be refilled after first serving is consumed. The offer is valid for dine-in transactions only in all stores nationwide.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant and use the hashtags #MaxsAllYouCan and #EveryDayToTheMax
September 14, 2022
WATCH: Original Epic ‘Babylon’ Reveals First Trailer, from ‘La La Land’ Director

Always make a scene. Watch the new trailer for Paramount Pictures’ Babylon starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva. In cinemas across the Philippines January 2023.

Trailer courtesy of Paramount Pictures International

To coincide with the trailer launch, Paramount has also revealed the character posters of the principal cast. Check them out below.

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

Posters courtesy of Paramount Pictures International

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.

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

Posters courtesy of Paramount Pictures International

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

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

September 13, 2022
CCP Unboxes the New Black Box Theater

As it marks its 53rd year this September and emerges from the two-year pandemic, the Cultural Center of the Philippines opened the doors of the new Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box) on September 8 with an inaugural show featuring excerpts of the first performance season.

Slated at the new venue are the CCP Special Concert Series, Tanghalang Pilipino’s Anak Datu, CCP Triple Threats Series, Ang Dakilang Teatro ng Daigdig, Carousel and Ternocon.

Coming 30 years after the last building was erected in the complex, the new state-of-the-art and world-class performing arts space represents CCP’s leap into the future, keeping it relevant with the times.

At the inauguration, the new building was blessed in Christian and Muslim rites; its logo unveiled as well.

The logo, according to B + C, the company that designed it, extracted its shape and colors from Philippine indigenous weaves. “It represents the bold new works that will take place at the venue—progressive, experimental, fluid, contemporary. In effect, ‘out of the box’.”

The new building takes its name from the businessman whose generosity made it possible and from the theater term that refers to a performance space, bound by four walls, but offering both flexibility and versatility, with seats, and painted black.

Businessman Ignacio Gimenez, once a scholar of National Artist for Theater Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, donated the building to CCP to honor his mentor as his way of giving back to the Filipino people, and to encourage local business community leaders to engage more in Philippine theater. Together with his brother Roberto Olanday, the funding for the construction of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez was made possible.

The building took three years to finish with the support and administrative assistance of the Leandro V. Locsin Partners. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in January 2016 and construction of the building commenced in 2017.

In 2019, delegates to the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres’ Manila Conference hosted by the CCP went on a Hard Hat tour to get a glimpse of this modern theater then still in the making.

Located on the corner of Jalandoni and Sotto Streets, the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box) is a three-level structure with a flexible theater expanse that can be adjusted to artistic and technical needs of live productions of concerts, recitals, plays, and other live events, such as arts conventions, workshops, and exhibitions.

Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box) boasts of at least four flexible stage and seating configurations, a removable trap door, a portable dance floor, and a high-end sound and light technology system. Its catwalk offers provisions to accommodate lighting, sound, video equipment, and additional drapery. It also has various orchestra and choral risers, as well as aluminum trusses, which can be used for rigging stage sets and designs. The loading dock can accommodate a 20-foot container truck. A carpentry area with a high ceiling can accommodate tall scenic pieces. An acoustically treated door separates the Carpentry Area from the Performance space.

The new building is compliant with the Magna Carta for the Disabled. It is equipped with high-speed data/internet or ethernet connection that can be used to enhance audience experiences.

The inauguration of the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez is a welcome development to the Center as the CCP Main Building will be closed for rehabilitation from 2023-2024.

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

September 13, 2022