Gone are the days when specialty restaurants were viewed as a high-priced, one-time experience only. 7-Eleven, the leading convenience retailer in the Philippines, has consistently gained a reputation for making restaurant-quality dishes more affordable and accessible for everyone. With them bringing in a new Chef Creations collaboration with world-renowned Chinese restaurant Lugang Cafe, it further underscores its commitment to provide a convenient solution to Asian cuisine cravings and meal prep woes of on-the-go and work-from-home individuals.
Customers can choose from two variants to take home or to baon: the Three Cup Chicken (P99) and all its tender chicken goodness cooked in a sweet and savory glaze of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine and the Sweet & Sour Chicken (P105), 7-Eleven’s take on crunchy fried chicken strips coated with Lugang Cafe’s signature sweet and sour sauce. Both are served with steamed white rice.
7-Eleven Chef Creations x Lugang CafeThree Cup Chicken (P99)
These single-serve, microwaveable versions of Lugang Cafe’s best-selling dishes are available for purchase in select 1,600 7-Eleven Luzon stores, beginning February 9.
7-Eleven Chef Creations x Lugang CafeSweet & Sour Chicken (P105)
Eager customers ready to try these new offers are reminded to wear a face mask, observe physical distancing, and follow safety protocols inside the store. Contactless payment methods like CLiQQ e-wallet and GCash are also encouraged for safety.
Grand Hyatt Manila celebrates the season of love with romantic staycation and dining experiences this February. Couples are invited to experience an ultimate R&R – romance and relaxation – with the hotel’s special Grand Escape stay offer inclusive of a hearty breakfast for two, flexible check-in and check-out, dining credits of up to PHP 3,000 worth, and more for PHP 9,888 net. Guests can enjoy a complimentary access to the swimming pool, fitness center, the spa’s wet floors, and its high-speed Wi-Fi.
Take your romance to another level by surprising your queen with a sweet and intimate dinner in one of the hotel’s specialty restaurants with al fresco dining options – The Peak, Pool House, The Lounge, and The Cellar. Couples will delight in specially curated Valentine’s Day set menus, from a delectable 6-course dinner under the stars overlooking the stunning city night lights at The Peak to an exquisite 4-course treat for two at The Cellar, an al fresco 4-course wine and dine at the Pool House, a Valentine-themed afternoon tea at The Lounge, and more. View the hotel’s full list of special dining offers at bit.ly/GHMValentines2022.
Make your loved ones feel extra special this Valentine’s Day with Grand Hyatt Manila’s exquisite gifts and indulgent treats – from decadent chocolates and designer cakes to classic bouquet and swoon-worth hampers, available at Florentine or through Dine at Home until 14 February 2022. Visit bit.ly/DineAtHomeGHM to shop online. For inquiries and reservations, call (63 2) 8838 1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com. For updates in its latest promotions, follow Grand Hyatt Manila on Instagram @grandhyattmanilaph and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GrandHyattManilaPh.
This February, a classic mystery story comes alive on screen with the theatrical release of 20th Century Studios’ “Death on the Nile.” Directed by five-time Academy Award® nominee Kenneth Branagh, this daring mystery-thriller features an all-star cast led by Gal Gadot (“Linette Ridgeway”), Emma Mackey (“Jacqueline de Belfort”), Letitia Wright (“Rosalie Otterbourne”), Tom Bateman (“Bouc”), four-time Oscar® nominee Annette Bening (“Euphemia Bouc”) and Russell Brand (“Windlesham”).
The film followsBelgian detective Hercule Poirot (played by Branagh) as he enjoys a luxurious cruise down the river Nile when a newlywed heiress was found murdered on board. Can Poirot put a name to the assassin before the cruise comes to an end?
The 2022 adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel reunites the stellar filmmaking team behind the 2017 global hit Murder on the Orient Express.
With 20th Century Studios’ “Death on the Nile” arriving exclusively in cinemas in time for the love month, fans of tragedy, mystery, and romance can enjoy a heart-stopping film that captures the emotions of true passion.
Catch 20th Century Studios’ “Death on the Nile” now showing only in cinemas. Join the conversations online by using the hashtag #DeathOnTheNilePH.
A new trailer blasts off this morning for Disney and Pixar’s original sci-fi action-adventure Lightyear. Releasing in Philippine cinemas in June 2022, the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear—the hero who inspired the toy—follows the legendary Space Ranger on an intergalactic adventure. “Buzz’s world was always something I was excited about,” said director Angus MacLane. “In ‘Toy Story,’ there seemed to be this incredible backstory to him being a Space Ranger that’s only touched upon, and I always wanted to explore that world further. So my ‘Lighytear’ pitch was, ‘What was the movie that Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy?’ I wanted to see that movie. And now I’m lucky enough to get to make it.”
Joining the previously announced Chris Evans, who lends his voice to Buzz, are Keke Palmer, Dale Soules and Taika Waititi as a group of ambitious recruits. Peter Sohn voices Buzz’s robot companion, Sox, and the cast also includes the voices of Uzo Aduba, James Brolin, Mary McDonald-Lewis, Efren Ramirez and Isiah Whitlock Jr. “The cast for ‘Lightyear’ is truly a dream team,” said MacLane. “Each of the performers immediately inhabited their character, which gave us the opportunity to play a bit during recording sessions. This resulted in a level of specificity that elevated the material and brought additional depth to the characters’ relationships. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and generous cast.”
Also revealed is award-winning composer Michael Giacchino, who’s behind the scores for the upcoming film “The Batman,” as well as “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” is on board to score “Lightyear.” Giacchino has a long history with Pixar; he won an Oscar, Golden Globe and GRAMMY for the original score in “Up.” His other Pixar credits include “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Cars 2,” “Inside Out,” “Coco” and “Incredibles 2,” among others. The Lightyear Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available in June 2022.
“Lightyear” is produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”).
Max’s Restaurant, the iconic Filipino restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken is celebrating the month of love with sweet deals for all loved ones. Whether to show appreciation to friends, co-workers, family, or a romantic partner, these treats can make anyone’s day.
Leading up to the upcoming Valentine’s Day, Max’s is offering a special Bound for Love bundle composed of various Max’s favorites plus a special cake to match the occasion. For each set, customers get a Red Velvet Mini Cake from Max’s Corner Bakery. The brand brings back this sumptuous cake with an alluring new design for a limited time only. Indulge in this moist red velvet cake slathered with a rich cream cheese frosting and topped with a hand-crafted heart garnish sculpted out of premium dark chocolate. Capping off Max’s meals with this decadent dessert will surely be a delight.
With every set order perfect for two, guests can enjoy the following:
Bound for Love Bundle 1 (Price starts at P1,269 for dine-in. Save P365):
Half Chicken
Flavored Rice (Medium)
Lumpiang Shanghai
2 pcs. 350ml Beverages
5-inch Red Velvet Mini Cake
Bound for Love Bundle 2 (Price starts at P1479 for dine-in. Save P425):
Half Chicken
Lumpiang Shanghai
Sinigang na Tiyan ng Bangus
Plain Rice (Medium)
2 Sides Dishes (Eggplant Tofu and Corn Sisig)
2 pcs. 350ml Beverages
5-inch Red Velvet Mini Cake
Customers may also purchase the cake separately for only P399 for dine-in. Those who order in advance from Feb 5 to 11 for delivery on Feb 12-14 will get a free Buko Pandan Tub for extra sweetness, so it’s better to plan early for the celebration. The bundles can be ordered for dine-in, take-out, and delivery until February 28 only. The Red Velvet Mini Cake is available in Luzon stores except Naga and Palawan. Orders can also be made through delivery.maxchicken.com or 888-79000.
For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant and use the hashtag #EveryKindOfLoveEveryDayToTheMax
Get ready to take an exciting trip with the most talented bunch in Sing 2, the much-awaited new cinematic chapter from 2016’s instant hit that introduced the world to endearing and unforgettable characters with big heart and dreams.
Voiced by a stellar cast led by Matthew McConaughey along with Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, Bobby Cannavale, Pharrell Williams and Bono, Sing 2 follows the gang’s new journey of self-discovery as they go beyond their comfort zones. What begins as a dream of big-time success becomes an emotional reminder of the power of music to heal.
Illumination’s animated franchise, Sing 2 arrives with big dreams and hit songs as the ever-optimistic Buster Moon (McConaughey) and his cast of performers prepare to launch their most dazzling stage extravaganza yet …all in the glittering entertainment capital of the world. There’s just one hitch: They first have to persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star—played by Academy Award® nominee and global music icon BONO, in his animated film debut—to join them. Buster has turned the New Moon Theater into a local hit, but Buster has his eyes on a bigger prize: Debuting a new show at the Crystal Tower Theater in glamorous Redshore City.
But with no connections, Buster and his cast—including harried mother Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), rocker Ash (Scarlett Johansson), earnest Johnny (Taron Egerton), shy Meena (Tori Kelly) and, of course, provocateur Gunter (Nick Kroll)—have to sneak their way into the world-famous Crystal Entertainment offices, run by ruthless mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale).
In a desperate attempt to get Mr. Crystal’s attention, Gunter pitches an outrageous idea that Buster quickly runs with, promising that their new show will star rock legend Clay Calloway (BONO). Problem is, Buster has never met Clay, an artist who shut himself away from the world more than a decade ago after the loss of his wife. Even worse, Buster has failed to realize that Mr. Crystal is an egocentric gangster who would rather drop somebody off the roof of a building than be lied to.
As Gunter helps Buster dream up an out-of-this-world theatrical masterpiece, and the pressure (and sinister threats) from Mr. Crystal mount, Rosita’s leading role in the show gets ripped away and handed to Mr. Crystal’s spoiled daughter, Porsha, played by Grammy-nominated artist Halsey. Desperate to save the show, and his life, Buster embarks on a quest to find Clay and persuade him to return to the stage.
A Universal Pictures International release, Sing 2 will hit Philippine cinemas on February 23.
Google, together with Filipino folk pop band Ben&Ben launches a new song to promote internet safety and digital responsibility. Entitled “Mag-Ingat” (Be Safe Online), the song is part of Google’s commitment to helping Filipinos use the internet safely and responsibly.
The two-and-a-half minute Filipino song addresses online threats today including scams, misinformation, and catfishing, and the importance of critical thinking and verifying information using trusted sources to protect oneself and others. It also reminds netizens to be wary of bad actors who lurk in the online space, just like in the real world.
This newest single from the young band ends strongly with a bridge conveying that online safety is a shared responsibility–people are all stewards of the digital world. It’s all in the hands of netizens to use the internet right and care for the online safety of one another.
The catchy and lively tune was written and performed by Ben&Ben, the Philippines’ #1 local artist of 2021. The award-winning nine-piece act is known for mixing Filipino folk music with pop to create songs about hope, love, and positivity.
WATCH:
“Filipinos are highly social people and most of us interact with one another digitally. In such a world, it’s no wonder that while the internet brings so many advantages, it also opens us up to many dangers if we are not careful enough. With ‘Mag-ingat,’ we wanted to use our music to spread awareness on such a timely and important issue–because all of us are responsible for making sure that the internet is a safe and positive space for everyone,” said Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben.
“Internet safety is so important to Google. Beyond tools, products, and policies that enable us to help people stay safe online, we deepen our local partnerships to promote digital responsibility. By partnering with Ben&Ben and through their music, we believe that we can teach internet safety to more people in a way that deeply resonates with and becomes part of their everyday lives,” said Mervin Wenke, Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Google Philippines.
Google’s holistic approach to digital responsibility is helping millions of people to stay safe in the online space. Aside from security measures including the two-step verification process, and security and password checkups, it also introduced programs such as Be Internet Awesome with the Department of Education, and supported NGO campaigns like the Cyberpeace initiative of Teach Peace Build Peace Movement.
“We thank Google for being a steadfast partner in promoting and upholding the digital safety of Filipinos, and Ben&Ben for creating an anthem that will remind every Filipino who listens to it to ‘mag-ingat’ and take steps into becoming responsible netizens,” said Atty. John Henry Naga, National Privacy Commissioner.
The “Mag-ingat” music video is already available on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel. “Mag-ingat” is also available on all digital music services worldwide.
Four restaurants that started on foodpanda in 2020 share stories of their significant growth since signing up as vendors on the platform.
Sweettea, a milk tea shop founded by Charlene Francisco Sy and her husband in 2019, has expanded from 1 to 18 stores in a span of 2 years, thanks in part to its success in foodpanda.
“We are one of the few stores that are open at that time and we are overwhelmed with orders from foodpanda. They helped us grow the business in such a short period of time,” says Charlene, who juggles her roles as business owner and IT consultant.
Apart from the visibility, she also likes that the foodpanda merchant app helps her see crucial data that enables her to decide and to properly manage her business. The brand is also supportive in executing her marketing strategies, she says. She plans to grow together with foodpanda and have a “Sweettea in every city”.
Bigg’s Diner was founded by Carlo Beunflor’s mother and partners in 1983 in Bicol to answer the need of their kababayans for Western food. Armed with a strong vision, despite personal setbacks, the partners took out a bank loan to get started, and here they are now. 38 years later, Carlo leads the company’s tenured employees while training staff to “support them” and “give them all the resources” needed in achieving their goals.
After signing with foodpanda in 2020, Carlo felt the brand was able to address issues and challenges they’ve been facing as a company in a “swift” and “outright” manner.
“Our partnership with foodpanda augmented our sales significantly during the pandemic,” says Carlo. “Eventually, we would like to have a significant presence in bigger cities such as Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao but our brand strongly appeals to smaller provincial key cities as well. We would like to forge a strong partnership with foodpanda in every market we find ourselves in.”
Ribshack, which started at a food court in Downtown Bacolod City in 2012, had to work hard for a stable space for 3 years. But now they’re present in kiosks, weekend festivals, and malls. Ribshack joined foodpanda in 2020 and currently has 17 branches open on the app. “Due to the dining restrictions during the pandemic, foodpanda has helped maintain our presence, especially for the customers who cannot go out or dine in,” says Adrian C. Alagao, Ribshack’s Head of Operations.
“By tapping into the customer base of foodpanda, we can readily expand to those customers who might have otherwise not seen or visited our restaurant,” Alagao adds.
For future plans, Adrian hopes to “expand to more areas here in the Philippines.” This also includes continuing the company’s food-delivery partnership with foodpanda to reach more locations.
Penong’s Barbecue Seafood & Grills is a homegrown restaurant chain in Davao City that was founded in 2004.
Chad Robert Boniface Regis, the brand’s Chief Executive Officer, says his passion for cooking was the reason he had always been “fascinated” by the restaurant business. He finally pursued the idea when he had a family of his own.
“The first 3 months was a huge struggle. I would get up early every day to open the store and come home late from work just to attain an established brand name and a good foundation for my product and business,” Regis says.
The hard work paid off though. Penong’s now has 40 branches, including those in SM Butuan, SM General Santos City, and Quezon City. After partnering with foodpanda in 2020, the brand increased its presence to 27 stores online.
“foodpanda helps us establish an online presence through frequently advertising our products on its platform, connecting us with large customer audiences, and driving more delivery sales,” Regis shares.
His advice to aspiring restaurant owners? “Find your passion and make a living out of it.”
In participation to PUP’s 18th Ad Congress carrying the title, “ADTV: Your Source for the Latest News and Trends in Advertising”, Alam1D one of the sections from the fourth-year students of Advertising and Public Relations at College of Communication, held a webinar entitled “Philippine Ads, G KNB?” that talked about the different concepts and the latest blueprints in Digital Advertising, on February 4, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN via Facebook Live.
Following the tv shows and programs concept of the said event, the idea was derived from the famous local game show, “Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba. The program immediately garnered attention from the audience online, officially commenced with the host introduction, doxology, opening remarks from the chairperson and dean, and finally, the official introduction of the game mechanics.
On track with the concept, the program was segmented into three. The first round being called, “Let’s G! A Guide to the Concepts of Digital Ad” discussed by Mr. Amir Tohid focused on the basics of digital advertising. The second segment entitled, “The Game Plan: Winning strategies of Social Media and Content Marketing ” led by Ms. Julianna Carisle Matias concentrated on guides for social media and content marketing. Lastly, “One-on-AD: The final Search for the Concepts of Digital Ad ” talked by Ms. Ayvee Callao tackled SEO, SEM and Google Display Ads.
The whole program was packed with knowledge, fun and surprises as the webinar not only showcased brand new wisdom towards digital advertising through the great speakers but also was able to interact with the audience through exciting games and ‘Q and A’ portions.
Though caught up in a lot of circumstances during the current academic context, the fourth-year students of Advertising and Public Relations at College of Communication, PUP Manila remained unstoppable as they concluded their 18th Ad Congress successfully.
Films have intangible impacts on our society. A certain film may call for action, move people in ways that may be unexpected, inspire individually and even collectively, and at times, leaves a legacy. People watch films to be entertained, to be educated, to escape from the humdrums of daily life, and to travel beyond space and time. This is at the heart of the Japanese Film Festival – to share glimpses of Japanese culture to the world, one cinematic experience at a time.
Coming from the successes of the Japanese Film Festival Online in 2020, the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) is bringing back our beloved film festival right at the comfort of our homes through another virtual edition this year, happening from February 14 to 27, 2022.
“The Japanese Film Festival Online 2022 gives viewers the chance to experience and learn Japanese ways and culture, as the featured films mirror our contemporary society and document people’s lives at certain periods in time. Films are indeed powerful vehicles for cultural exchange and bilateral relations” shares JFM Director SUZUKI Ben.
Take a look at these 20 impressive titles, from bittersweet coming-of-age stories to thriller, sci-fi, comedy, documentaries, animation, and heartbreaking ones, these films promise to leave viewers something memorable.
ReLIFE
This refreshing and touching love story suggests that perhaps living out one’s youth to the fullest can affect the direction that one’s life can take. This one’s a live-action feature film adaptation of “ReLIFE,” which was serialized on the manga app comico and adapted for anime and stage performance.
Time of EVE the Movie
A moving animation consisting of a string of episodes told by the customers about their sorrows of being discriminated against. The social settings of the film and issues surrounding old robots getting dumped as garbage provide realistic details to the world depicted. Originally a six episode online sci-fi animation, now re-edited and brought to the big screen with all-new additional scenes.
Aristocrats
This is an award-winning drama that questions the state of contemporary life through the perspectives of two female protagonists of different backgrounds.
Until the Break of Dawn
A heartwarming fantasy adapted from the eponymous novel by Naoki Prize-winning author Tsujimura Mizuki, this spiritual and humanistic drama that depicts the inner conflicts of those who, for various reasons, seek contact with the dead.
The Chef of South Polar
A classic Japanese comedy film with a mix of pathos and humor follows the bittersweet and charmed daily lives of a group of men living in the Antarctic, where their only joy is to eat.
Ito
A fresh and moving tale about a young woman growing out of her shell as well as the preciousness of familial bonds. The contemporary and specific “maid café” culture from Tokyo is juxtaposed with the traditional shamisen music of Aomori giving insight into the uniqueness and breadth of Japanese culture.
The God of Ramen
A moving documentary about the man who started a legendary ramen shop in Tokyo. This uniquely moving film is a record of a man’s uncompromising attitude expressed to its fullest.
Masked Ward
A tense mystery film set in the eerie confines of a hospital, where a chilling psychological battle unfolds and eventually leads into a chain of surprising twists. The film is an adaptation of a bestselling book written by a real-life doctor, and features two of Japan’s leading young actors, Kentaro Sakaguchi and Mei Nagano.
OZLAND
With a humorous and light-hearted touch, the film conveys the joy of working at an amusement park—a place of dreams—and draws the audience into the happiness experienced by the protagonist.
Her Love Boils Bathwater
A tear-inducing humanistic drama, that has won several awards, about the bonds between a strong-willed and deeply loving mother and her family.
RASHOMON
In this film that has garnered several awards, a group of murder witnesses all give completely different testimonies. One of the most celebrated films in Japanese history that questions whether there is such a thing as truth in this world.
Mio’s Cookbook
Set in Japan about 200 years ago, this entertaining period drama refreshingly portrays the bond between Miho, who stakes her life on cooking, and Noe, who has become a courtesan (high-class geisha) in Yoshiwara, Japan’s largest red-light district.
Happy Flight
This is an ensemble film depicting on-the-ground staff, cabin attendants and pilots in action. Through episodes related to the work involved in operating large commercial passenger flights, the film spins an entertaining tale that shows the growth of new staff members with both humor and suspense.
Under the Open Sky
This award-winning film tells the story of a former yakuza’s struggles to be accepted by society, even as he tries to live an earnest life. Naoki Prize-winning author Saki Ryuzo’s ‘Mibuncho’ serves as the basis for this drama.
Patema Inverted
This award-winning film is a truly unique sci-fi fantasy that almost numbs our own senses of up and down. A touching animation that creatively depicts the beauty of love, friendship, and courage.
The Floating Castle
A riveting historical spectacle about those who stand up for their dignity as samurai, armed with their wisdom, courage, and love for their people. Shot on a massive set, it presents an epic portrayal of Sengoku (Warring States) Period warlord Narita Nagachika, who fought back against a 20,000-strong enemy force with an army of 500 in the late 16th century.
It’s a Summer Film!
A girl passionate about samurai films convinces a boy full of mystery to make a film together that transcends time and space. This coming-of-age masterpiece incorporates elements of science fiction while providing a fresh look at young people who are serious about filmmaking.
SUMODO-The Successors
A documentary with rare access into sumo, Japan’s national sport and the behind-the-scenes lives of famous sumo wrestlers.
AWAKE
The year 2015 marked the first time that a shogi game software played against a professional human player. Inspired by a true story, this moving coming-of-age film is about a game between an AI and a human also about a fateful battle between two rivals, as well as the hard work that each of them had gone through to get there.
Bread of Happiness
This humanistic drama brims with kindness and is set in the backdrop of the beautiful and harsh four seasons of Hokkaido. The film is adorned with a variety of breads and dishes made with seasonal ingredients that heal the hearts of the wounded souls.
In addition to online film screenings, the Japan Foundation, Manila prepared “Let’s Talk about Japanese Films!” a 2-part free online talk event and will be available to interested participants even outside the Philippines. The first session, entitled Your Guide to Japanese Films, will be moderated by Mr. Tito Valiente, and will be joined by panelists Prof. Daisuke Miyao, Prof. Nick Deocampo, and film director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo. The second event entitled Inside the World of JFF 2022 Films will feature five young film critics namely Mr. Skilty Labastilla, Ms. Princess Kinoc, Mr. Janus Nolasco, and Ms. Stepanie Mayo; to be moderated by Mr. Richard Bolisay.
Join in the discussion with prominent and young up-and-coming film professionals as they casually talk about the influences of Japanese cinema in the Philippines and the world and tips to watch Japanese films. Additionally, there will be online campaigns throughout the festival where viewers will get the chance to win exclusive JFF freebies!To watch and view the full list of featured films, visit https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/jffonline2022/philippines/. Viewers can watch the films through their smart TV, computer, mobile phone or similar gadgets with access to the Internet. Follow the official JFM and JFF Philippines Facebook pages and social media accounts for more information.
