For the first time ever, the best-selling cookbook series by celebrity chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, will soon be available in physical stores. The three “Simpol” books will hit the shelves of National Bookstore branches beginning this March. The Philippines’ largest bookstore chain will now include the award-winning Simpol: The Cookbook, its follow-up Simpol Kitchen Secrets, and the latest Baking Simpol among its titles.
“Now, cooking is not only simple. It’s more accessible, too, thanks to this pioneering partnership between National Bookstore and Vertikal Books,” says Tatung. “I’m excited to reach more home cooks by moving beyond our online channels.
Restaurateur Chef Tatung published Simpol: The Cookbook in 2020 following his successful foray into online content creation. The combined followers of his social media channels are now near two million subscribers. His latest authored works, published by Vertikal Books, were also exclusively available before on e-commerce platforms.
Tatung’s books feature his mastery of multimedia production which makes for a unique reading experience. Published recipes include QR codes that lead readers to online videos showing actual step-by-step demonstrations. His unique approach to recipe-writing, which divides ingredients and procedures into manageable sets, also makes for a fool-proof application.
In-store retail is only the first of Tatung’s planned excursions to offline touchpoints. He will soon be touring malls for live cooking, autograph signing, and face- to-face interactions with his readers.
Vertikal Books is a boutique press specializing in the creative nonfiction genre, specifically culinary content. Chef Tatung’s previous works have won the prestigious World Gourmand Awards in Paris, France, and have also been featured in the Germany-based Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the largest and oldest trade fairs for books and content in the world.
Paramount Pictures has just revealed the solo character posters of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles for the upcoming comedy adventure Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Check out the one-sheets below and see Sonic the Hedgehog 2 only in Philippine cinemas March 30.
About Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.
From the filmmakers behind The Fast and the Furious and Deadpool, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.
Directed by Jeff Fowler. Screenplay by Pat Casey & Josh Miller and John Whittington. Story by Pat Casey & Josh Miller, based on the SEGA Video Game.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is distributed by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. Connect with #SonicMovie2
The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2022 is now open for submission of entries for its Short Film Category. The deadline for submission is on April 8, 2022 (Friday), 6pm.
The Short Film Category is open to Filipino filmmakers only. Entries must have been produced within the period of March 5, 2021 to April 8, 2022.
Interested participants can submit their entries via online or offline channels. For submission through online portal, follow the link (bit.ly/Cinemalaya2022ShortsEntryForm), fill out the entry form and upload your film and filmmaker’s profile.
For offline submissions, film entry must be submitted in a USB. Entries must be submitted in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the proponent’s name, title of film, and contact details.
The USB must be:
The final work in MP4 format, with violator/watermark, properly labeled with title, production company, address and contact numbers, production date, director’s name, and running time (which should not exceed 20 minutes inclusive of credit titles). It must be accompanied with the duly completed entry form, synopsis in English, a brief resume and two (2) recent 2×2 photos of the filmmaker/s.
Entries, with complete requirements, must be submitted to the Film, Broadcast, and New Media Division (FBNMD), 4F Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.
The ten (10) short feature finalists will be screened during the 2022 Cinemalaya Film Festival from August 5-14, 2022.
For the complete mechanics, visit the CCP and Cinemalaya websites (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and www.cinemalaya.org). For more updates, follow the CCP and Cinemalaya official Facebook social media accounts.
Two years into the pandemic, the CCP Pasinaya Open House Festival continues on the online platform on February 26-27 with the theme Sana All Lumilikha, Lumalaya. Celebrating the 36th anniversary of EDSA People Power, Pasinaya 2022 embodies the spirit of EDSA and demonstrates the power of arts in social transformation and empowerment.
Pasinaya 2022 is a two-day virtual event that will showcase various activities in the performing arts, literary arts, visual arts, film, and broadcast arts. It will feature an exhibit, a forum, a digital timeline and the lighting of the CCP façade.
The Festival will also be highlighted by special video premieres. These are:
RADYO MALAYA: SOUNDBITES OF A REVOLUTION BY PUMAPODCAST. A radio drama re-enactment of the events during the EDSA Revolution in 10 bite-size episodes.
EDSA BOOK VIDEOKE. Animation of the counting book for children entitled “EDSA”.
PAGSAMO: GABAY AT PAGBABAGO. Presented by Kaisa sa Sining – Luzon Network, the performance is a prayer for guidance and change. Pagsamo aims to awaken the minds and hearts of the viewers about the importance of the Malolos Congress, the freedom fought for in 1898 and the lessons from the EDSA People Power.
EDSA PLAYLIST 1: REVOLU-TUNES. A medley playlist of 3 songs sung and/or used during the People Power Revolution to be sung by the Akapela Collective (Astrafellas, Calafellas, ConChords, KNKTD, Phisix, Sayil and Vocalmyx).
EDSA PLAYLIST 2: Magi-SING! A medley playlist of 3 songs sung and/or used during the People Power Uprising to be sung by Acapellago.
CCP VIRTUAL BUILDING AND THEATER TOUR. An interactive 360 x 180 degrees virtual tour of the CCP facilities allowing for a simulated onsite experience.
ISANG HARDING PAPEL. A storytelling session by Kara David as the book talks about a girl and her mother during Martial Law.
KWENTUHANG SINING PARA SA PAGBABAGO. A round table live discussion with leaders known and recognized as active agents of social change.
PANGAMUYO. A prayer of gratitude and supplication presented by Kaisa sa Sining – Visayas Network as we celebrate culture, environment and society that continue to give meaning in our existence.
PAGLAYA YARN?! FREEDOM AND DISSENT: A BOOK TALAKAYAN OF F. SIONIL JOSE’S MASS by Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books Book Club headed by Jayson Vega.
PAMAHANDI ALIMAONG. A presentation by the Kaisa sa Sining – Mindanao Network about Linganay, a graduating Senior High school student who is forced to return to their forest settlement. He retraces kinship and rediscovers the struggles his community has gone through; nowhere better from the time he left. It is February. The radio blares speeches commemorating the Edsa People Power, an event Linganay barely recalls.
OPM’S NOT DEAD! ANG PANITIK SA MUSIKA NG ASIN, BANYUHAY AT PINOY PUNK. A tribute to the songwriters and musicians of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
PILI-PINO. A dance video collaboration interpreting the song Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo with direction and choreography by Ronelson Yadao.
PANATA SA KALAYAAN. A dramatic reading of “Panata sa Kalayaan” by artists Nanding Josef, Shamaine Buencamino, Irma Adlawan, Monique Wilson, Nonie Buencamino, Tibo Fernandez, PETA, Kasing Sining of Bohol, Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company followed by the song interpretation by Sing Philippines Youth Choir conducted by Mark Anthony Carpio.
KUMPETI. To celebrate the CCP Open House Festival, the façade will be bathed with multi-colored confetti silhouettes along with the PASINAYA LOGO chasing in different Pasinaya related colors with the use of manually cut gobos on aluminum sheets and woven color filters. This is a collaborative effort of the Production Design and Technical Services Division Façade Lighting Team, Danilo Villanueva, Louie Alcoran, Nestor Noviza, Camille Balistoy, Allan Fami, Shantie De Roca, Mark Macapulay, and other Theater Crew members.
One can also reminisce the EDSA Revolution days through social media by tuning in to various posts such as People Power 1986: Where Were You? Mga Saysay Mula Sa Sining Biswal; Edsa 36: An Intimate Retrospective On The CCP During The People Power Revolution; Banned! Valerio Nofuente Collection – Online Exhibit and the Kalayaan Book Fair.
For more details, follow the CCP’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).
Starbucks Philippines recently launched three new services that bridge both physical and digital experiences. With customer convenience and safety in mind, Starbucks Philippines makes ordering easy, contactless and rewarding. Partnering with leading e-wallet platform, GCash, the first of these services include gifting of digital Starbucks gift certificates through GLife. In addition, the company now allows Starbucks Rewards members to collect Stars with purchases from the official Starbucks LazMall Flagship Store on Lazada, and expanded their Mobile Order & Pay features with new pickup options.
Send Starbucks eGifts through GLife on Gcash
For little occasions that deserve something extra, sending a Starbucks eGift is now just a tap away. Customers can order and send Starbucks eGifts starting at Php 300 through GLife on GCash. Customers can choose to share Starbucks eGifts through messaging apps and redeem by showing the eGift QR code to pay for drinks, food or merchandise in any Starbucks store in the Philippines. For more information, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/egift or through https://gcashapp.page.link/Starbucks via mobile.
Collect Stars with purchases from the official Starbucks LazMall flagship store on Lazada
Starbucks now gives Starbucks Rewards members more reasons to collect merchandise from the comfort of their own homes. Members who link their accounts to Lazada will earn 1 Star for every P25 spent on purchases from the Starbucks LazMall Flagship Store.To link a Starbucks Rewards account, customers can simply click the ‘Member’ tab found in the Starbucks LazMall Flagship Store, and sign-in using a registered Starbucks Rewards email and password. For more information, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/faq.
Try new ways to pick up favorites with Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay
Mobile Order & Pay allows Starbucks Rewards members to place orders ahead of their visit and pick up at their chosen Starbucks store, all within the Starbucks app. The app estimates wait time. When their order is ready, the customer can simply breeze in and get their order from the handoff. For more information, visit https://starbuckscard.ph/sbcard/orderandpay.
“We’re very proud of how our partners (employees) consistently deliver an unparalleled store experience. With the pandemic and customer’s shift to digital channels, our goal is to continuously transform the Starbucks Experience and provide innovative ways whether a customer chooses to connect with us at a store or through an app,” said Jamie Silva, Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience & Loyalty at Starbucks Philippines.
Something fur-ry exciting has arrived – pet care brand Doggo has launched its very first pop-up store called the #DoggoHouse, marking its success as becoming every fur-parent’s go-to brand for dog food and treats, toys, grooming essentials, and accessories during the pandemic.
The pop-up shop opened in Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, a spot popular with animal lovers for its pet-friendly spaces. #DoggoHouse brings Doggo’s quality products closer to dogs and their owners, and serves as a one-stop destination for all dog care essentials.
Doggo’s #DoggoHouse Pop-up Store
The pop-up store is a key milestone for Filipino-owned Doggo, one of the most trusted pet care brands in the country today. Launched only in 2019, Doggo managed to grow exponentially amid the pandemic and is now one of the top five pet brands in popular e-commerce platforms, and a leading supplier in pet store chain, Pet Express.
The launch was attended by Doggo CEO Kurt Cheng and hooman ambassador, Nico Bolzico. A select number of guests witnessed the official opening ceremony, with strict safety protocols in place. To cater to the event’s fur-ry important guests, a Doggo Treatos Table was set up, which served a buffet of treats for fur-friends to enjoy. Staff also handed out their best-selling dog treats to pet passersby in the area. Dog trainer Milo and Friends also kicked things up with a short show.
#DoggoHouse Ribbon Cutting Event
“This achievement is for our fur-friends and their owners. We can’t wait for everyone to get to know our brand better through #DoggoHouse. Gaining loyal customers online is one thing, but having the chance to interact with them personally through this store makes all of us at Doggo very excited,” said CEO Kurt Cheng.
He adds that Bonifacio High Street was a sure choice for Doggo, given the area’s lively pet-friendly culture. “Any day you come here, owners and their pets are walking, bonding, and spending time together. It gives off such a positive vibe that goes perfectly with Doggo.”
#DoggoHouse CEO with Nico Bolzico and Influencers
Nico Bolzico, a longtime ambassador of the brand and hooman best friend to Pochola, also feted Doggo on the milestone. “I’m very happy to see that Doggo is here! Definitely, a lot of fur-parents like me are happy and I can’t wait for more people to come visit #DoggoHouse and see why we love the brand.”
To celebrate this feat, Doggo is offering promos and discounts exclusive to the pop-up store, paw-fect for pet owners and their fur-babies to enjoy. A limited number of treats will also be given for free daily to dogs who will drop by the store or are in the area. A dog water bowl which is being refilled every hour is also available at the side of the store for all the fur-babies!
Columbia Pictures is happy to announce that two Filipino artists are among the five winners of the just-concluded Morbius – Talenthouse Fan Art Global Competition.
The winning Pinoy artists are Adriann Delmo and Jireh Villafuerte (aka Kyouzins) whose entries captured the essence of the Marvel legend, Morbius. Lead actor Jared Leto himself selected the winners. Delmo and Villafuerte will each receive $2,000 and their works will potentially be featured on physical posters or used as digital art to promote the film.
Check out the winning fan art below and watch the action-thriller Morbius, exclusively in Philippine cinemas March 30:
Jireh Villafuerte
Adriann Delmo
One of Marvel’s most compelling and conflicted characters comes to the big screen as Oscar® winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?
Morbius is directed by Daniel Espinosa, story by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless, screenplay by Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless and Art Marcum & Matt Holloway, based on the Marvel Comics. Produced by Matt Tolmach, Avi Arad and Lucas Foster. The executive producers are Louise Rosner and Emma Ludbrook.
The film stars Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal with Tyrese Gibson.
Morbius is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #Morbius
Cheers! Indoor and al fresco dining is back in Spices restaurant of The Peninsula Manila.
With the ambience of an exotic spice market, it is the perfect place to enjoy fresh and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in a beautiful setting. Sip a delicious cocktail at the al fresco tables of Spices Garden or the glass-walled pavilion while admiring the outdoor pool or savor signature dishes like Yam Pla Duk Fu (Crispy catfish salad), Tom Kha Gai (Coconut-poached chicken soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime and galangal), Asam Goreng (Beef short ribs with tamarind sauce), and Spices classic Nali Rogan Josh (Aromatic lamb shank). Vegans can also enjoy delicious “Naturally Peninsula” plant-based selections in the cool and inviting interiors, decorated in natural materials such as bamboo, rattan and coconut.
Spices is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
For inquiries and table reservations, please call The Peninsula Manila at +63 2 8887 2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations), mobile +63 917 557 8014, or email diningpmn@peninsula.com. Or visit https://www.peninsula.com/en/manila/hotel-fine-dining/spices-asian-cuisine-restaurant.
First responders and working-class heroes band together to save the citizens of Adventure City in Paramount Pictures’ gripping, inspiring animated thriller PAW Patrol: The Movie.
Check out the new trailer of PAW Patrol: The Movie below and watch the film in Philippine cinemas March 16.
About Paw Patrol: The Movie
The PAW Patrol is on a roll! When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favorite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge head on. While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty. Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City!
Joining the PAW Patrol in their thrilling first big screen adventure are members from the original series’ cast along with Iain Armitage, Marsai Martin, Yara Shahidi, Kim Kardashian West, Randall Park, Dax Shepard, with Tyler Perry and Jimmy Kimmel and introducing Will Brisbin.
Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment Present A Spin Master Entertainment Production.
Directed by Cal Brunker, screenplay by Billy Frolick and Cal Brunker & Bob Barlen, story by Billy Frolick, based on the television series created by Keith Chapman
Produced by Jennifer Dodge, p.g.a. Paw Patrol: The Movie is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. Connect with #PAWPatrolMovie and tag paramountpicsph
Real estate developer Federal Land, Inc. together with Nomura Real Estate Development and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. launches the third residential tower of The Seasons Residences – Aki Tower. Inspired by Japan’s evocative season of autumn, discerning homeowners can expect meticulously designed amenities and living spaces to channel one’s creativity. The launch of Aki Tower follows the first two towers Haru and Natsu.
Set to rise in Federal Land’s master-planned community Grand Central Park in Bonifacio Global City, The Seasons Residences is a mixed-use development featuring upscale residences, curated amenities, and the first MITSUKOSHI in the country. It marries Filipino hospitality and a sense of community with the Japanese tradition of excellence and innovation.
Real Estate Solutions from Japan
Upholding Japanese artistry and excellence are the partners that brought the development to life. The joint venture tapped renowned Japanese firms to pave the way for the authentic design found in all towers: Nikken Sekkei Group for the overall conceptual design; Nomura Co., Ltd for the interior design of the mall; Torafu Architects for the façade concept; and Asao Tokolo for the façade pattern.
The Seasons Residences features impeccable Japanese innovations meant to elevate the standards of comfort, convenience, and functionality for its residents. Innovative Japanese technology is optimized to ensure safety and security at The Seasons Residences. All four towers are equipped with Viscoelastic Coupling Dampers, a breakthrough in earthquake vibration control technology that can withstand earthquakes and high winds, common to the Philippines and Japan.
Each unit is equipped with a unique Japanese storage system, like kitchen floor storage, shoe cabinet, and bedroom closets. The kitchens are fitted with a space-saving kitchen sink with draining and cutting boards to maximize counter space, a rangehood with Japanese oil filter technology, as well as air-washing tiles that minimize excessive humidity and foul odors in the air. As leakage protection, the units are equipped with a sunken slab or a below-floor drainage system for easier pipe maintenance. The development also has eco-friendly solutions like water-efficient Japanese-branded shower toilets in all units and motion sensor lighting in common areas.
Meanwhile, the amenity floor is inspired by the seasons of Japan, with the arrangement of the elements patterned after spring (Haru), summer (Natsu), autumn (Aki), and winter (Fuyu).
A modern gym and landscaped gardens evoke the fresh beginnings of spring, while the swimming pool and karaoke room call to mind the fun of summer. Autumn inspires creativity, so a music room, reading lounge, a business center is provided to accommodate that. Lastly, The Seasons Residences offers a spa and wellness room reminiscent of Japanese winters.
The Arrival of the First-in-the-Philippines MITSUKOSHI
At the podium of The Season’s Residences is the country’s first – MITSUKOSHI, a four-storey mall named after Japan’s oldest department store.
This premium commercial space showcases Japanese design elements in a casual but elegant setting. At the basement level will be MITSUKOSHI’s signature depachika, a haven of top-shelf Japanese food and related products. Another floor will house a modern beauty store that offers natural and organic cosmetic brands. The mall aims to offer a wide range of new lifestyle experiences through well-curated tenants, Japanese-style interior design, and mall operations.
Elevated Lifestyle in the City’s Most Prestigious Address
The Seasons Residences rises next to Grand Hyatt Manila within Grand Central Park, a master-planned community developed by Federal Land in Bonifacio Global City.
Strategically located in Bonifacio Global City along 8th Avenue, The Seasons Residences is close to St. Luke’s Medical Center, Philippine Stock Exchange, embassies, corporate offices, international schools, parks, and places of worship. Convenient mobility options are accessible to all residents via major infrastructure developments such as the BGC-Ortigas Road Link, Metro Manila Subway System, BGC-NAIA Bus Rapid Transit System, and the Skytrain monorail link from BGC to Guadalupe, Makati City.
Experience the Japanese way of life at The Seasons Residences, located in the thriving Bonifacio Global City. Own a piece of Japan at the heart of BGC. To know more about The Seasons Residences Aki Tower, visit www.theseasonsresidences.ph or call (632) 8359 6756 to schedule a private viewing in the showroom located at 7th Avenue corner 34th Street, Grand Central Park, BGC.
