ClickTheCity

Author: Press Release

  • An Immersive Coffee Experience at Nespresso One Bonifacio High Street

    Coffee culture is thriving in many cities. Now more than ever, people are interested to learn and taste various coffee beans and roasts, and individuals of all ages enjoy their cup in a relaxed or social setting.  A good cup of joe can brighten a conversation, which in turn opens up deeper connections between people, giving a great coffee experience to coffee lovers everywhere. 

    Nespresso One BHS Boutique Facade
    Nespresso One BHS – Boutique Facade

    Nespresso takes coffee experiences up a notch as it opens its boutique in the vibrant and bustling community of BGC. The newest store located at One Bonifacio High Street mall features an immersive space that will help patrons better understand the brand and its well-crafted offerings.  

    A new immersive Boutique awaits

    Nespresso provides its customers with not only the most luxurious coffee but also an immersive coffee experience through its beautifully crafted space.

    Nespresso One BHS Capsule Wall

    The boutique boasts locally inspired designs including a seagrass wall mural to give guests an authentic Pearl of the Orient feel. Seagrasses have a long and diverse history of use in the Philippines. It is commonly used as compost, upholstery, insulation, and even provides food and habitat for various marine animals. The boutique’s seagrass wall art is proudly made by ‘Rolyolikha at iba pa Handicrafts’ – a social enterprise that creates a sustainable, feasible, and viable livelihood for communities. Their beautiful creations are made from sustainable materials and ethical practices, made possible by ignited passion, creativity, and dedication.

    Nespresso One BHS Atelier Table 2

    Continuing on the immersive experience is a window-to-farm feature that gives a virtual view of coffee farms with the aim of bringing customers closer to the natural origin of the coffee and a greenery wall that symbolizes the local coffee plantations where the coffee beans are sustainably sourced. There will also be an Atelier table where a coffee specialist is present to demonstrate their expertise by answering all Nespresso coffee-related questions, explaining the specifics of Nespresso’s coffee selections, and providing recommendations to help guests find the perfect coffee that suits their unique palate. 

    Sustainable steps towards a brighter tomorrow

    Nespresso One BHS Recycling Corner

    The brand further solidifies its commitment to sustainable business practices by incorporating a recycling corner at the shop, encouraging patrons to drop off their used Nespresso aluminum capsules at the store to be repurposed later on into common household items.

    A new element that patrons can look forward to at the fourth boutique is the AAA dashboard, a new feature  from Nespresso which creatively shows the company’s sustainability program all over the world.

    Immerse yourself in a world of good coffee, art, culture, and sustainability when you visit Nespresso One Bonifacio High Street Boutique located at the Lower Ground, One Bonifacio High Street Mall from 11 AM to 9 PM. Follow @nespresso.ph on Instagram and @nespresso.phl on Facebook for updates, or visit www.nespresso.ph.

  • Reese Witherspoon Produces Inspiring Tale “Where the Crawdads Sing”

    Trailer Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world; but when one of them is found dead, she is immediately cast by the community as the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what actually happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal the many secrets that lay within the marsh.

    “I read the novel in one day. I just couldn’t put it down,” says Witherspoon. “I fell in love with Kya as a main character, as a little girl who’s growing up in a very rural area, shunned by society and trying to find a way to just save herself, just survive. The experiences she has with the two men in her life are both so touching but also terrifying. Delia Owens wrote this book with such authenticity, you could just tell she really grew up in this place.”

    WTCS CastSocialPhoto
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    A literary phenomenon, the book skyrocketed to the top of the bestseller lists when Witherspoon picked it for Reese’s Book Club – and its record-breaking run has lasted over 191 weeks. With over 12 million copies sold in total, it was the top-selling book of 2019 and 2020 and set a new record for the most weeks at #1 on the New York Times hardcover fiction bestsellers list.

    “I remember when Reese first told me about this book,” says producer Lauren Neustadter, President, Film and Television at Hello Sunshine. “We loved Kya, we loved the world, we loved the story of her survival, against all odds. When we thought about it as a movie, there was so much that was so appealing. The backdrop is absolutely magnificent and the story is epic in scope. The marsh itself is incredibly cinematic. The lush greens and also the world that she lives in, the lagoon, the beach all of the settings are so incredibly beautiful and romantic. And then Kya herself is such an extraordinary character – an unconventional heroine and certainly the hero of her own story. To see this remarkable woman against such a beautiful backdrop felt inherently cinematic, and it felt perfect to bring to life on screen.”

    DF 13231 r
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    “I don’t know where my book would be without Reese Witherspoon,” says Owens. “First it was her Book Club, then the Best Seller list, and now the movie. She’s done a lot for this book and for many, many authors.”

    3000 Pictures presents in association with HarperCollins Publishers a Hello Sunshine production, Where the Crawdads Sing. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer, Jr., and David Strathairn. Directed by Olivia Newman. Produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter. Screenplay by Lucy Alibar. Based upon the novel by Delia Owens. The executive producers are Rhonda Fehr and Betsy Danbury. The director of photography is Polly Morgan, ASC. The production designer is Sue Chan. The editor is Alan Edward Bell, ACE. The costume designer is Mirren Gordon-Crozier. The music is by Mychael Danna.

    DaisyEdgarJones RWitherspoon TaylorJohnSmith
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    In cinemas across the Philippines starting September 14, Where the Crawdads Sing is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Connect with the hashtag #CrawdadsMovie

  • “The Woman King” to World Premiere at the 47th Toronto Film Festival

    Trailer Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    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…

    Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the story is by Maria Bello and Dana Stevens and the screenplay by Dana Stevens. Produced by Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon and Maria Bello, Peter McAleese serves as executive producer. The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and John Boyega. The action drama is co-financed by Entertainment One (eOne).

    TWK VDavis GPrinceBythewood
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    TIFF is also delighted to announce that Viola Davis and director Gina Prince-Bythewood will be participating in the festival’s audience-pleasing “In Conversation With…” series which features in-depth conversations with film artists, writers and cultural figures about their creative process.

    The Woman King marks a new high point in both Davis and Prince-Bythewood’s remarkable careers. While Davis wowed fans in her role as whip-smart and charismatic defence lawyer Annalise Keating in the hit TV series How to Get Away With Murder (2014–2020), the Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award winner has also built an impressive resume leading ensemble films such as Fences (2016), Widows (TIFF ’18), and, most recently, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020).

    TWK FP 0006R
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

    Prince-Bythewood shot onto the film scene with her beloved feature directorial debut, Love & Basketball (2000), for which she also wrote the screenplay. Since her debut, she has proven her storytelling, writing, and directing prowess again and again, focusing on stories about Black women in particular with such influential films as The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Beyond the Lights (TIFF ’14), and the wildly inventive blockbuster action thriller The Old Guard (2020).

    As TIFF hosts the World Premiere of The Woman King at this year’s Festival, Davis and Prince-Bythewood will sit down for an in-depth conversation about the journey of making this stunning, paradigm-shifting film, their creative collaboration, and their respective artistic paths in Hollywood.

    TWK INTL 1SHT FNL ActionVola
    Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

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

  • U.P. Town Center opens the first Landers Superstore in Ayala Malls

    The freshly-launched membership-shopping destination offers a wide assortment of goods—from grocery and organic food to home decors and appliances—to fit various lifestyles and needs. It also has in-house dining choices to satisfy sweet and savory cravings of hungry customers who need a pick-me-up after hitting the shopping aisles.

    Landers U.P. Town Center 1

    U.P. Town Center (UPTC) is the first to introduce Landers membership shopping to Ayala Malls patrons. This is also the second Landers Superstore in Quezon City, and the seventh branch in the Philippines. The hub sits at Phase 1B of the shopping district that caters to mall-goers, as well as nearby communities within the area of Diliman. 

    The store opening was attended by Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Atty. Lowell Yu, CEO, Landers; Gwen Lim, President, Landers; Mark Sablan, Leasing Head, Ayala Malls Inc.; Pivi Diaz, Cluster Head, Ayala Malls Inc.; AC Legarda, Vice President and Central Head, Ayala Malls Inc.; and Ydonna Alvendia, General Manager, U.P. Town Center.

    U.P. Town Center 8

    Go super! Go to Landers Superstore!

    Members can enjoy premium shopping experiences every time they visit Landers UPTC. Upon entering, they will find aesthetically designed interiors and Instagrammable spaces, which they can freely interact with to share their super-shopping adventures to family and friends. The space also boasts of wide aisles and an extensive variety of local and important products including grocery, home, health, beauty, fashion, kid’s, and event pet care items.

    U.P. Town Center 5

    Aside from its massive retail area, Landers UPTC houses a spacious dining space, consistent with all its other branches. After hours of shopping for home necessities and pantry stocks, members are welcome to dine and drink at the superstore’s in-house diner and coffee shop. Its diner, Landers Central, is best known for its drool-worthy New York-style pizza, pasta, chicken, and refillable drinks. Alternatively, diners may opt for a more laid-back dining setup at Doppio, with more eats and sweets plus hot and cold drinks available. Aside from these stores, shoppers may also get their fix at Dough and Co., which features bread and pastries at a discounted price.

    U.P. Town Center 3

    Want perks? Become a member!

    With each membership comes unique finds and endless perks! Aside from exclusive deals, Landers also offers free haircuts and blowdry for a minimum-purchase receipt at Federal Barbers. Shoppers can also enjoy member discounts for their health and wellness needs at Landers’ pharmacy, Capital Care.

    U.P. Town Center 4

    Now that the holiday season is upon us, it’s time to hit the mall and fill your carts. Revel in the beauty of Christmas through giving and sharing baskets of joy and love to family and friends. Become a member by signing up in-store or online for only P700 to enjoy more discounts and savings on amazing items at Landers Superstore, U.P. Town Center. 

  • PETA marks theater comeback with Batang Rizal

    After Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) big digital breakthrough during the pandemic: a string of successful online show streams and virtual workshops, the pioneering Filipino theater company is making a big theater comeback for its 55th Theater Season! 

    Batang Rizal poster 1

    The return to the theater features no less than a PETA classic, Christine Bellen’s Batang Rizal! First to launch online via streaming from October 14-16, the well-loved musical will be the first show to open PETA’s theater stage in November.

    Co-written, directed for stage, and choreographed by Dudz Teraña, with musical direction, arrangement, and composition by Vincent de Jesus, Batang Rizal is a remarkable piece because of its ability to resonate with audiences across generations. Its power rests in its simplicity and relatability, while carrying a deep challenge for audiences to become everyday heroes.  

    Even after a decade and a half, the magic of Batang Rizal has not wavered. PETA artistic director, and Batang Rizal video director, Maribel Legarda, says that one of the most powerful aspects of the show is “how Rizal’s story is told not through the eyes of an adult but that of a child’s.” 

    “We hope to inspire children and young people to imagine a world where they can participate and contribute in a healthy way. We want them to be conscious of not only their own reality but also of the world around them,” she adds.  

    First staged in 2007, Batang Rizal won the hearts of critics and audiences because of its imaginative storytelling, together with timeless songs, including the well-known PETA classic “Pag-asa Ng Bayan,” which originated from the show.

    It is for this reason that the story of Batang Rizal lives on, always remaining fresh for new, young audiences. However, older audiences are still able to enjoy the show, as it serves as a reminder of a Filipino’s duty to family, friends, and country.

    Perhaps, Legarda continues, it is also because of how the social realities during Rizal’s time are not too far from the issues and problems our society faces today. “Batang Rizal is timeless and it will always be able to speak to any generation and inspire them to believe in and be part of that heroism.”

    After fifteen years since its original run, the 2022 staging now features a new cast, new set, and new animations. The cast features Tim Mabalot, Yhuan Gatbunton, Gold Villar-Lim, Norbs Portales, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Teetin Villanueva, Jovy Vieja, Raven Relavo, and Marynor Madamesila.

    Watch Batang Rizal’s online streaming via KTX.ph from October 14-16, 2022, and the limited run at the PETA Theater Center on November 25 and December 2 (9:00 AM and 3:30 PM). 

    For ticket inquiries and touring packages, contact Mitch Go at 0917-539-1112. 

    For streaming tickets, go to www.ktx.ph/category/batang-rizal. 

    Batang Rizal is also part of PETA’s Hero Vision creative campaign, which aims to trigger conversations and reflections on heroism – and to inspire Filipinos to choose to live heroically every day.

  • The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Attracts More than 25 Million Global Viewers on its First Day, Marking Prime Video’s Biggest Premiere Ever

    Last September 3, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) announced The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power attracted more than 25 million global viewers on its first day, breaking all previous records, marking the biggest premiere in the history of Prime Video.  The serieslaunched exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. 

    LOTR Still 3

    Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said: “It is somehow fitting that Tolkien’s stories – among the most popular of all time, and what many consider to be the true origin of the fantasy genre – have led us to this proud moment. I am so grateful to the Tolkien Estate – and to our showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, executive producer Lindsey Weber, cast and crew – for their tireless collaborative efforts and boundless creative energy.  And it is the tens of millions of fans watching – clearly as passionate about Middle-earth as we are – who are our true measure of success.”

    Episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will launch weekly through the October 14 season finale on Prime Video.

    Still 1

    Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and one of the greatest villains that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness. Beginning in a time of relative peace, the series follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared reemergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of the elf-capital of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the farthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

    LOTR Still 2

    The series is led by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne & Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, J.A. Bayona, Belén Atienza, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Bruce Richmond, and Sharon Tal Yguado, and producers Ron Ames and Christopher Newman. Wayne Che Yip is co-executive producer and directs along with J.A. Bayona and Charlotte Brändström.

    A world-renowned literary work, and winner of the International Fantasy Award and Prometheus Hall of Fame Award, The Lord of the Rings was named Amazon customers’ favorite book of the millennium in 1999 and Britain’s best-loved novel of all time in BBC’s “The Big Read” in 2003.The Lord of the Rings books have been translated into over 38 languages and have sold more than 150 million copies.

  • Tilda Swinton, Idris Elba Together in the Extraordinary Epic Adventure Film “Three Thousand Years of Longing”

    Helmed by George Miller (blockbuster director of countless iconic films such as Babe, Pig in The City, Happy Feet, and the mind-blowing franchise films Mad Max: The Road Warrior & Mad Max: Fury Road) Three Thousand Years of Longing is adapted from the highly beloved short story The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye by A.S. Byatt.

    Starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, 3000 Years of Longing whisks the audience away on a mystical and epic adventure. The magical tale begins where Dr. Alithea Binnie (Swinton) travels to Istanbul to present at a conference. While looking for a souvenir, she finds herself strangely drawn to a file of trinkets and accidentally found a beautiful memento… unaware that this relic will change her life forever. 

    Idris Elba Tilda Swinton in 3000 Years of Longing

    A mythical Djinn (Elba) reveals that he has been trapped in the relic, and offers Dr. Binne three wishes in exchange for his freedom.  As a solitary academic and creature of reason, Dr. Binnie doubts if he is real and reminds the Djinn of numerous cautionary tales of wishes gone wrong.  Desperate for his freedom, Djinn pleads his case to the skeptical Dr. Binnie, who ultimately makes a wish that neither could have expected.

    Moviegoers can expect a dazzling spectacle and adventure of a lifetime in the must-see film of 2022. Hailed as a “visual feast” at this year’s Cannes international film festival, and earned a standing ovation that lasted 6 minutes, 3000 Years of Longinghas garnered rave reactions across the globe. Slashfilm.com proclaims: “this movie reaffirms George Miller as one of the great magicians of cinema working today.” Awards Daily’s calls this film: “a mythical extravaganza that packs an unexpected humanistic punch.” And IGN.com describes how: “Miller revitalizes the Arabian Nights with a technological twist… while Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba give it their all.”

    Idris Elba in 3000 Years of Longing

    Both lead actors are eager for audiences to finally see the movie on the big screen, with all its unprecedented spectacle and engaging narrative. 

    “I think the biggest challenge was always [being] conscious that the audience has seen some version of this character, albeit a cartoon version or some comical version,” Idris said in an interview with Yahoo News. “I was really conscious for this character to be believable and relatable and interesting to watch. It’s got to be less than that [comical style] and something unique.”

    18675

    Swinton likewise shared her thoughts, “We were actually talking about this film for several years before we started shooting. The more time went by, the more relevant I thought this film was going to be,” she said. “People know more about being locked in a bottle for three thousand years than they might have three years ago,” she said. “They also know what it’s like to be locked down in your own homes.”

    From Go Asia Entertainment, 3000 Years of Longing will open in cinemas nationwide on September 14.

  • It’s the Battle of Batons as the PPO Searches for its New Maestro

    After two years of online performances during the pandemic, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is all set to return to the concert hall for live performances and begin the search for its new Music Director.

    Entitled Metamorphosis, PPO’s 38th season, which starts this September, features an outstanding roster of eight conductors will take the podium, five of whom are shortlisted for the Music Director and Principal Conductor position.

    Spanish conductor Maestro David Gomez-Ramirez opens the season on September 16.  Ramirez has worked with many professional orchestras around the world.  He has been chief conductor of the Sagunto Symphony Orchestra, and guest conductor in important orchestras as València, Seville, Madrid, Oviedo and outside of Spain, in France, Portugal, United Kingdom, Mexico, Russia, Romania, Italy, and Vietnam.  In 2018, he was guest conductor of the PPO.

    Maestro Grzegorz Nowak conducts the second concert of the series on October 7.  Nowak is the permanent Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London, UK.  He was Music Director of the Polish National Opera, Warsaw, Poland from 2017-2020 and other orchestras in Poland, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA.  He has conducted orchestral music recorded in over 80 CDs that have received awards and 5-star ratings.

    Maestro Noam Zur takes the helm of the PPO on November 11.  Since 2017, he was the principal conductor and artistic director of the State Symphony Orchestra of Salta, Argentina.  He has over 20 years of professional and conducting experience during which he developed an expansive repertoire in opera, ballet and symphony.  He is also a composer and arranger, having recorded his own works in “Funkhausorchester des WDR Köln” in August 2016 which he conducted as well.

    Maestro Mark Anthony Carpio will steer the PPO on December 16.  Carpio was personally handpicked by National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion to succeed her as choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the award winning choral group she founded.  Carpio is one of the most respected figures in choral music and a sought after choral clinician who has given extensive and in-depth workshops all nationally and internationally.

    Japanese-American Maestro Shizuo Kuwahara wields the baton on January 27, 2023.  Kuwahara is the First Prize winner of the prestigious Georg Solti International Conductors’ Competition in Frankfurt, Germany and Principal Guest Conductor of The Mariinsky Theatre, Russia. Kuwahara has led performances throughout Europe, North and South America, and Asia.  He was also an Assistant and Cover Conductor with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony and Orchestra de Paris.

    Award winning young conductor Haoran Li steps on the dais on February 24, 2023.  Li was Assistant Conductor of China Philharmonic Orchestra from 2019-2020 and the National Center for the Performing Arts Beijing, China in 2018.  For the 2022-2023 season, he led concerts with La Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, Romanian Radio National Orchestra, Lasi Philharmonic Orchestra, Banatul Philharmonie Orchestra of Timișoara, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, and the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra.

    The PPO will conclude its 38th season with two more concerts slated on March 17 and April 28, 2023.

    Except for the November 11 concert at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the PPO will be performing at its home at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo for the rest of 2022.

    In 2023, PPO will move over to the Manila Metropolitan Theater when the CCP Main Building is closed for rehabilitation.

    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.

  • Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo to Direct CCP’s 53rd Anniversary Gala

    Musical theater artist Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo returns to directing live shows with Musikal II, the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 53rd anniversary gala on September 10, 8:00 p.m. at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo.

    Yulo envisioned Musikal II to herald the return of the Filipino musicals, after the two years of the pandemic.

    “Every artist has a story to tell on how they survived during the pandemic. As you very well know, it hit our industry the hardest.  But a lot of artists found ways to survive,” Yulo said.

    “Streaming performances, selling food they baked or cooked themselves, teaching online, and even selling recording devices, ring lights, etc.  We artists know how to improvise when pushed into a corner.  Musikal II is my return to directing a live show.  So I am very excited.”

    Musikal II consists of songs from original Filipino musicals from 2015 to 2021.

    It will feature songs from Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!, Kanser the Musical, Felix Starro, Ang Larawan, LapuLapu, ang Datu ng Mactan, Guadalupe, Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko, F(r)iction, Changing Partners, Ang Huling El Bimbo the Musical, Binondo, A Tsinoy Musical, Dekada ‘70, A Game of Trolls, Mabining Mandirigma A Steampunk Musical, Aurelio Sedisyoso A Rock Sarswela, The Quest for the Adarna, Ding Ang Bato, Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady, Himala, Isang Musikal, and Daluyong ng Diwa.

    Stephen Sondheim’s Follies was Yulo’s inspiration for Musikal II.

    “The premise of Follies is they all return to a theater that has run its course and is about to be demolished.  And as you see them you also see the “ghosts” of their younger selves roaming the theater,” Yulo explained.

    “So Musikal II is a reunion in a theater abandoned when the pandemic hit. They reminisce about performances of the past and recreated them using items they find from the shows.  Some are seen from the memory of a particular individual and some are re-enacted. So in essence there are realms.  Reality and Memory.”

    Leading artists from various theater companies will perform in the show.  Among them are Bituin Escalante, Bayang Barrios, Arman Ferrer, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Carla Guevara Laforteza, Sandino Martin, Reb Atadero, Delphine Buencamino, Topper Fabregas, Upeng Fernandez, Vic Robinson, Ricci Chan and Juliene Mendoza.

    One of the challenges they faced in mounting the show was the availability of material and original cast.  “Remember no theater company had really done any shows the last 2 years,” Yulo pointed out.

    With Yulo on Musikal II’s creative and production team are Ejay Yatco and Vince De Jesus, musical directors/arrangers, choreographers Daniel Cabrera and PJ Rebullida, Lights Designer John Batalla, Sound Engineer Aji Manalo, Set Designer Ricardo Eric Cruz, Technical Director Dong Calingacion, and Stage Manager Ed Murillo.

    According to Yulo, the two new compositions of Vince De Jesus, specially commissioned for Musikal II will highlight the production.  Entitled Muling Gisingin and Nandito Pa Rin Ako, these will be performed by the all-star cast.

    This event is invitational but certain sections are free and open to the public. Tickets for the public will be released at the CCP Main Ramp two hours before the performance on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The show will be live streamed on the CCP Facebook page.

    Please check the health and safety protocols at https://bit.ly/staysafeatCCP. 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.

  • Panda Express® Original Orange Chicken Turns 35, Treats Fans with Deals, Promos

    The Original Orange Chicken® turns 35! The Original Orange Chicken of Panda Express®, the largest Asian dining concept in the world, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate its birthday than to gift its fans with deals to fill their tummies.

    Photo 1 1

    From now until September 30, 2022, fans of this culinary creation can enjoy special deals and other surprises on their dine-in, web app, and delivery purchases.

    “For 35 years, The Original Orange Chicken has been a quintessential American Chinese dish that stood the test of time and remains Panda’s best-selling menu item,” said Jimmy Wang, Executive Director of Culinary Innovation at Panda Express. “This iconic dish has revolutionized the concept of American Chinese cuisine – a timeless cuisine that takes a hybrid approach of bridging cultures, ingredients, and flavors while respecting its roots.”

    Origin of the Original

    Panda Express was founded by husband-and-wife tandem, co-CEO and co-founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng in 1983. They popularized American Chinese cuisine by using authentic Chinese recipes adapted to global tastes, which successfully established the brand as the largest Asian dining concept in the US and the largest American Chinese concept in the world.

    Since the opening of the first Panda Express® location in the Philippines in late 2019, the bestselling Original Orange Chicken, a wok-tossed crispy chicken entree coated in sweet, tangy sauce, has drawn strong support from Filipino foodies. The dish was inspired by Panda’s co-founder Andrew Cherng’s hometown flavors of Yangzhou, China.

    The Original Orange Chicken is Panda’s most popular dish and represents about a third of the entire business. In 2021, Panda Express® served over 117 million pounds of Orange Chicken worldwide!

    Anniversary Deal

    Starting August 15th through September 30th, dine-in guests may enjoy P35 off coupons for their Original Orange Chicken bowl, plate, and bigger plate orders. For those who are using the web app to purchase their Panda favorites, there will be a free medium pail of Orange Chicken on minimum order value of P750. For more information about the offers, visit order.pandaexpress.com.ph; offers cannot be combined with other promotions and discounts.

    Meanwhile, take P135 off on Original Orange Chicken large ala carte orders via GrabFood  available from September 1st through September 30th.

    To date, Panda Express has eleven stores in the whole of Metro Manila that are open for dine-in, take-out, and delivery through order.pandaexpress.com.ph, GrabFood, and foodpanda. Delivery locations include select areas in Manila, Pasay, Makati, and Quezon City.

    These stores are located in Don Antonio, Quezon City; SM Megamall; SM North EDSA; SM Grand Central; SM Southmall; Robinsons Place Manila; Shell SLT, SLEX Southbound; Double Dragon Meridian Park; SM Mall of Asia; Greenmeadows and Betterliving, Parañaque.

    To get more information on Panda Express, you may visit www.facebook.com/PandaExpressPH/ (Facebook) and @PandaExpressPH (Instagram).