Czaczacza, the proudly local café and commissary owned and operated by husband- and-wife tandem Chef Czarina Sevilla (pastry chef) and Chef Marvin Sevilla (savory chef), unveils its exciting lineup of new baked creations today. Known for its playful- charm and “deserve-ko-’to” treats, Czaczacza continues to elevate everyday indulgences with products that are fun, creative, and made with heart. All new items are available starting today, November 22, across all branches.
This launch follows Czaczacza’s vibrant 5th Anniversary celebration last July, marking steady growth and a strong community presence across Metro Manila through five kiosks, two full-service cafés, and a central commissary.
NEW PRODUCT LINEUP
Cakes
Brownie Cake – A fudgy, dense brownie topped with chocolate ganache. P1,600 whole cake Slab cakes (21 inches)
Strawberry Shortcake Slab Cake – Vanilla chiffon with fresh strawberries and cream. P2,500/slab
Pistachio Crunchy Bite – A bite-sized knafeh crunch with pistachio and milk chocolate. P650/box (12pcs)
Reese Crunchy Bite – Knafeh crunch with peanut butter and milk chocolate. P550/box (12pcs)
Biscoff Crunchy Bite – Knafeh crunch with Biscoff spread and white chocolate. P650/box (12pcs)
THE NEW CZINNAMON ROLL COLLECTION
Eight new flavors join the Czaczacza family, soft and indulgent
CLASSIC
Classic (P130ea)
S’mores (P130ea
PREMIUM
Red Velvet (P150ea)
Caramel Pili Praline (P150ea)
Pistachio (P150ea)
Chocolate (P150ea)
Biscoff (P150ea)
Blueberry (P150ea)
Box of 8: All Classic P790 Box of 15: All Classic P1,480
Box of 8: All Premium P890 Box of 15: All Premium P1,680
PASTRIES / JAR
Meringue Kisses P100/jar
Macaroons P175/jar
Lengua De Gato P160/jar
Broas P135/jar
Playful and indulgent, these new items are crafted for everyday celebrations and little luxuries.
AVAILABLE NOW
All new products are available starting November 22 in all Czaczacza locations:
Marikina Bayan (Flagship Café) – 4 J. Chanyungco St., Marikina City
Kiosk Branches:
SM Marikina
SM Masinag
SM San Mateo (kiosk & full cafe)
SM North EDSA
SM Grand Central
SM Sta. Rosa
About Czaczacza
Part of the Avocadoria Group of Companies, Czaczacza has grown into a beloved local brand known for its cakes, pastries, and fun, TikTok-worthy treats. Sister to Czarina’s All Day Dining, the group continues to expand with concepts that champion Filipino creativity, flavor, and flair.
Get ready to groove and enjoy that iconic “Fridays Feeling” as TGIFridays turns up the heat to celebrate its 31st year in the country.
It’s going to be fun on December 11, the official anniversary. Dining guests may stumble upon a secret in-store giveaway, exclusive to diners who drop by to enjoy that special day. Ready for a surprise? Mark your calendars and get ready to party like it’s a Friday!
TGIFriday’s continues to grow, recently opening its 30th location in SM City Laoag, with plans to open in other to showcase its unique blend of food, fun, atmosphere and camaraderie to new branches nationwide.
Follow https://www.facebook.com/TGIFridaysPhilippines/ @tgifridaysph on instagram to join. For convenience, guests can also reserve their tables online on fridays.com.ph
Solve the puzzle, enjoy your favorites, and spread the Fridays spirit.
Global apparel retailer UNIQLO announces the launch of K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT, its first UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) collaboration collection with the popular K-pop idol group BABYMONSTER. The T-shirt designs capture the feel of“BATTER UP,”one of BABYMONSTER’s quintessential songs. A slightly wide boxy silhouette and shear body material were specially developed for this collection. Crew neck and V-neck types allow wearers to enjoy a variety of stylings. This engaging collection is inspired by the cool and powerful presence that the girls continue to express on the world stage.
New exclusive visuals for K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT collection to be released
UNIQLO plans to release a series of new visuals with group members wearing the UT collection and showing a range of expressions, including group shots and solo cuts. Special visuals such as behind-the-scenes videos of the photoshoot and message videos for customers will be successively released. Through these visual the K-POP Group BABYMONSTER UT collection will provide a unique look into the world of BABYMONSTER.
About BABYMONSTER
BABYMONSTER is multi-national K-POP girl group with members from South Korea, Thailand, and Japan that was formed in South Korea by YG Entertainment and debuted on April 1, 2024. The group emphasizes their “all-rounder” status with world-class vocals, dance, rap, and visuals.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026 the gates of the MiraNila Heritage House will open for a singular evening where time, memory, and music converge.
As the sun sets over this 1929 home, guests will wander through its halls treated to an intimate house tour and gather in the front lawn to witness a concert and cinema in lockstep, an experience like no other:
Violinist Alessio Benvenuti — lauded as an “Artist of High National and International Value”
Pianist Mariel Ilusorio —whose artistry has touched audiences across four continents
Together will perform the music of Ennio and Andrea Morricone from the timeless film ‘Cinema Paradiso’ — the Oscar-winning, Palme d’Or–honored masterpiece.
After the movie, famed Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore will come on screen and address our MiraNila audience.
This will definitely be a night of heritage, harmony, and the enduring magic of cinema.
Early Bird Tickets: ₱1,000 (adults) ₱800 (seniors & students with IDs) Prices increase after December 20!
Regular Tickets: ₱1,200 (adults) ₱1,000 (seniors & students with IDs)
Book tickets now, Text Bern on Viber: 0906 547 8268 (for best response time, contact between 1pm to 7pm)
FOOD & DRINKS
–Pasta stations, snack tables, and cold drinks will be on sale in the front lawn.
When we talk about skincare, most people focus on the face, but your skin deserves care everywhere. Kojie.san delivers FRESH DROPS of active ingredients designed to target a variety of concerns, from dark spots and uneven tone to dryness, irritation, and texture issues. Brightening, moisturizing, and treating specific skin concerns, Kojie.san brings the same attention and effectiveness to every part of your skin.
Kojie.san, the brand behind the best-selling lightening soap in the Philippines, drops new variants that combine the power of Zero Pigment Light (kojic acid) with good-for-you ingredients like Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, and Niacinamide to target specific skin concerns.
For an Enhanced Glow: Say goodbye to hyperpigmentation. The Kojie.san + Glycolic Acid blend gently removes dead skin cells for vibrant, moisturized skin with an overall luminous look.
For Brightening & Clarity: The Kojie.san + Vitamin C formulation is designed to boost brightness and lessen dark spots, helping you confidently reveal your healthy skin. It also helps reduce the skin’s redness. This really makes a difference in terms of radiance and evened-out skin tone.
For Acne & Oil Control: Are you battling bacne and body breakouts? The Kojie.san + Salicylic Acid solution targets excess oil and helps you achieve clearer, blemish-free skin.
For a smooth, even texture: Using the Kojie.san + Niacinamide formula helps achieve smooth, evenly toned skin from head to toe. It’s perfect for areas with chicken skin, bumps, and uneven skin tone.
With Kojie.san+, you can now address your specific skin concerns. Now available at leading drugstores, department stores, and supermarkets nationwide.
Klook, a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, and GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, have joined forces to unlock a new era of effortless travel with the GCash Klook Travel Card. Packed with Klook exclusive perks, the new GCash Klook Travel Card will power all extraordinary adventures with ease and convenience, serving as a ticket to a premium travel experience without breaking the bank.
At an exclusive media preview, the card was unveiled by both GCash and Klook executives, as they showcased all the perks and benefits the card has to offer. This partnership comes with the shared goal of making travel easier and more accessible for Filipinos.
Klook Philippines General Manager, Michelle Ho, expressed excitement for this landmark partnership. “Klook’s belief has always been that the world is more meaningful and engaging when people connect through shared experiences. We enable that by making travel simple, accessible, and rewarding for travelers. With GCash, we’re taking that commitment a step further. By combining Klook’s expertise in curating top travel experiences with GCash’s trusted financial ecosystem, we’re bringing greater value and ease to every journey, making extraordinary adventures even more possible for more Filipinos,” said Ho.
The Smart Travel Card, Powered by the GCash
“At GCash, we’re committed to empowering Filipinos to explore the world with confidence and convenience. The GCash Klook Travel Card lets you pay using your GCash Wallet in over 200 countries—no cash, no signal, no problem.
Through our partnership with Klook, we are now offering Filipino travelers premium perks and total control over their spending. “With zero international service fees, low forex rates, real-time forex conversion & Peso-converted transactions tracking in the app, global ATM access – we’re making every journey simpler, smarter, and more rewarding for every Filipino,” said Barbara Dapul, G-Xchange, Inc. General Manager for B2C and Chief Operating Officer.
The Most Practical Welcome Pack Ever
With the GCash Klook Travel Card, users will receive more than just a card, as they also gain access to a range of exclusive travel perks. New cardholders will enjoy a PHP 1,000 airport transfer voucher and a PHP 350 Klook eSIM voucher upon activation. Additionally, users will also receive an annual PHP 1,000 hotel voucher and can avail of 5% off on Klook bookings up to five times per year, making every trip more rewarding from start to finish.
Perpetual Rewards
With the GCash Klook Travel Card, users are automatically upgraded to the Gold Tier of the Klook Rewards Program. This exclusive status entitles them to complimentary eSIMs, three times more KlookCash, and over PHP 6,000 worth of bonus travel coupons, enhancing every travel experience with greater convenience and value.
Ultimate Flexibility and Peace of Mind
Powered by Visa’s global network, the GCash Klook Travel Card offers low foreign exchange rates and zero service fees, whether travelers pay with a single tap or withdraw cash in over 200 countries abroad. Users can also monitor the foreign exchange rate and their foreign currency spends abroad converted to Peso – all in the GCash app – while KlookCash and vouchers can also be tracked on the Klook app. With this flexibility, users can spend effortlessly and focus on what truly matters—exploring and enjoying every adventure.
The GCash Klook Travel Card, Coming Soon
The GCash Klook Travel Card will be available this December. To register for the card, users may sign up for the waitlist via the Klook app and get updates and first dibs once the card goes live. The first 10,000 customers will be able to avail of the card at its one-time introductory promo price of ₱250.
Learn more about the new GCash Klook Travel Card, via Klook and unlock a whole new world of joy and savings! Download the Klook app through the Google Play Store or the App Store to discover unforgettable experiences. For more information, follow Klook on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
After a rigorous six-month casting process spanning New York, Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao, Theatre Group Asia (TGA) proudly announces the full cast of its highly anticipated production ofA Chorus Line*, to be directed and choreographed by Emmy Award-winner and Broadway powerhouse Karla Puno Garcia.
This ensemble of exceptional Filipino performers joins previously announced stars: Tony and two-time Grammy Award nominee Conrad Ricamora as Zach, and Fil-Am Broadway triple threat Lissa de Guzman, celebrated for her portrayal of Elphaba in the Wicked Broadway National Tour as Cassie.
In a life-imitates-art twist, the auditions mirrored the very heart of the show: a raw, emotionally charged battle for a place in the lineup, perfectly captured in the musical’s iconic opening plea, “I Hope I Get It.” And get it they did. Here’s the full cast:
Renee Albulario as Diana Morales. A Fil-Am New York–based artist whose Broadway credits include assistant director for Just in Time, assistant choreographer for Here Lies Love, and performer in David Byrne’s American Utopia.
Angelo Soriano as Mike Costa. A Manila-born performer who has shared the stage with Lea Salonga, Vina Morales, Justin Bieber, Zendaya, and Macy Gray. Broadway credits: Aladdin: The Musical and Here Lies Love.
Michaela Marfori as Bebe Benzenheimer. The Orlando native has appeared in the Broadway National Tour of West Side Story, MJ the Musical, and Frozen. TV appearances include the 78th Tony Awards, Saturday Night Live, Disney’s Magical Christmas Day Parade, and Eurydice.
Jordan Andrews as Al DeLuca. The Pinoy Big Brother S10 “Musical Dream Chaser” made his West End debut as Tam in Miss Saigon, followed by The King and I. Local credits: Joseph the Dreamer, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Spelling Bee, Rent, Once on This Island, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, and Shrek the Musical.
Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters. Seen in Shrek the Musical, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Delia D., Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Snow White and the Prince, Mula Sa Buwan, Bar Boys: A New Musical, and Coriolano.
Ken San Jose as Mark Anthony. A Fil-Am dancer, singer, and choreographer who rose to prominence on World of Dance Philippines. He has worked with Matt Steffanina and WilldaBeast Adams, is a member of Supahdance, and has performed in Joseph the Dreamer and Mark Tuan’s tour in LA, Korea, and China.
Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills. A Gawad Buhay Award winner with credits including Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Ang Huling El Bimbo, Carousel, Alice in Wonderland, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors, Dani Girl, Mula Sa Buwan, Lapu-Lapu, Newsies, Sandosenang Sapatos, and Tabing Ilog: The Musical.
Mikaela Regis as Sheila Bryant. Credits include Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Quomodo Desolata Es?, Bar Boys: A New Musical, Mula Sa Buwan, and Dekada ’70. As a playwright, she has earned a Gawad Buhay nomination for Best Original Script.
Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow. Trained in ballet and jazz from age five under the Bacolod Dance Academy and Garcia-Sanchez School of Dance. Credits: Ang Huling El Bimbo, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Mula Sa Buwan, The Bodyguard the Musical, Liwanag Sa Dilim, Joseph the Dreamer, and Si Faust.
Universe Ramos as Paul San Marco. A former dance captain of Glendale High’s award-winning team and EDGE Performing Arts Center scholar. Recently made his Manila debut as Oberon/Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Richardson Yadao as Larry. Two-time Gawad Buhay awardee, dancer, educator and choreographer. He has dance for the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Royal Caribbean Productions, Ballet Philippines, Romançon Dance Company, Filipinescas Dance Company, Vela Damian School of Ballet, Maquiling Ballet and Manila Dance Center. Theater performances include Rama Hari, Mabining Mandirigma, Manhid, The BodyGuard the Musical and A Christmas Carol.
Julio Laforteza as Don Kerr. Began training at age 7 under Sofia Zobel Elizalde, James and Liesl Laforteza, and PJ Rebullida. A NYU Tisch scholar, he is Associate Director of Galaw Co Dance Theater and faculty at Studio Dance by Lina.
Brie Chappell as Val Clark. Trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and The Urdang Academy. Credits include Made in Dagenham, Jane Eyre, and The Album: Skool Edition.
Sam Libao as Kristine Urich. Trained with Steps Dance Studio, La Salle Dance Company, and G-Force. Theater credits include Joseph the Dreamer and Once on This Island.
Alyanna Wijangco as Judy Turner. Seen in Shrek the Musical and Delia D., and Jepoy and the Magic Circle.
Jessica Carmona as Connie Wong. A New York-based Fil-Am performer and NAAP member who has trained at Juilliard, Carnegie Mellon, and the Point Park Conservatory.
Luca Olbes as Gregory Gardner. A high-school senior who has appeared in Footloose, The Addams Family, High School Musical, and Ballet Philippines’ The Nutcracker.
Jim Ferrer as Butch Barton. UK credits include Here Lies Love and Matilda. Philippine credits: Saturday Night Fever, Tarzan, Legally Blonde, Newsies, Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Quest for the Adarna, Camp Rock. Former dance captain for Joseph the Dreamer and choreographer for Legally Blonde and Si Faust.
Winchester Lopez as Tom Tucker. Part of Miss Saigon’s UK International Tour, Danish production, and Austrian run (as dance captain). Recently Dance Supervisor for Miss Saigon Australia and Asia, and appeared in The Bodyguard The Musical.
Rofe Villarino as Victor Vickers. Trained in dance and voice at Mandaue City School for the Arts, performing with the MCSFA Dance Company and Children’s Choir. Credits: Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Ang Huling El Bimbo, Mula Sa Buwan, and the international tour of Siddhartha the Musical.
Lord Kristofer Logmao as Frank. A multidisciplinary performer and former UPeepz world champion, with credits in Shrek the Musical, Delia D., and major theme-park productions. Associate Choreographer for select Full House Theater Company shows.
Paulina Luzuriaga as Tricia. Trained at Steps Dance Studio and CityDance Conservatory (Washington, D.C.). Debuted in Peter Pan the Musical and recently appeared in Ang Parokya ni Edgar: Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.
Anna del Prado as Lois Dillettente. Performed for five years at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mickey and the Wondrous Book. Recently starred as Kasing in Pulang Langob and has sung and danced in concerts for Gary Valenciano and SB19.
Vince Denzel Sarra as Roy. Also known as “Bomba Ding,” he is a dancer and drag performer from the House of Ding. Theater credits include Delia D., and Walang Aray.
Franco Ramos (Swing). A De La Salle–CSB Technical Theater scholar with over a decade of experience. Known for Gaya Sa Pelikula, he recently appeared in Shrek the Musical, Delia D., and Jepoy and the Magic Circle.
Anyah de Guzman (Swing). A Fil-Am performer trained at Osceola County School for the Arts, earning acting nominations for Guys & Dolls and West Side Story. Philippine credits include Snow White and The Prince and Zsazsa Zaturnnah.
A landmark of American musical theatre, A Chorus Line celebrates its 50th Anniversary by continuing to shine a spotlight on the ensemble—the unsung heroes of every show. Following 17 hopefuls vying for eight roles, it remains a timeless ode to ambition, sacrifice, and individuality.
Tickets are available via TicketWorld, priced from ₱900 to ₱5,500. The show runs March 12–29, 2026, with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
A Chorus Line is presented by Ayala Land, BPI and Philippine Airlines, the official carrier with additional support from Make it Makati, Circuit Makati and Ayala Malls.
For more information, visit theatregroupasia.com, follow @theatregroupasia on Instagram, or like the official Theatre Group Asia Facebook page.
Once a year on a late Sunday afternoon in December, something familiar and quietly magical unfolds at The Peninsula Manila. Families arrive dressed in their Sunday best. Children tug at their parents’ hands as they enter The Lobby and look up at the towering tree that has watched Manila grow for decades. Later, after musicians of a 49-piece orchestra have finished tuning their instruments, the light softens, and the city gathers for an afternoon that feels like coming home.
Welcome to the fortieth season of Christmas Concert at The Pen!
For forty years, Christmas Concert at The Pen has been woven into these scenes. It has welcomed generations of Manileños who return not only for the music, but for the feeling it brings. Over the decades, The Peninsula Manila has opened its doors to extraordinary Filipino
talent. Artists who first sang here as promising young performers have returned as some of the country’s most admired voices, a quiet testament to how this tradition has nurtured local talent across the years.
This 40th season brings together the Manila Symphony Orchestra under Jonathan Velasco, mezzo sopranos Cris Villonco and Yanah Laurel, and the fifty-voice Ateneo Chamber Singers. Their program will weave together carols, film and Disney favorites, light opera selections, and beloved holiday pieces, including the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah.
Kevin Tsang, Managing Director of The Peninsula Manila, reflects on this milestone with warmth. “We are delighted to have this wealth of Filipino talents at this year’s festive season concert. Year after year, these artists bring their heart and brilliance to The Lobby. Our hope is that this afternoon brings the spirit of Christmas into the hearts of our audience and becomes a joyful finale to their year.”
He adds, “The first part of the concert will feature a playful mix of Barry White, movie musicals, light opera, Disney, and a well-loved Filipino pop classic. As tradition dictates, the second part will be filled with the familiar sounds of Christmas. Aside from the “Hallelujah Chorus,” which remains as magnificent today as it did when it was first performed in 1742, we have holiday songs and orchestral pieces that will inspire joy in both first-time listeners and those who return each season.”
What makes the concert endure is the way it brings people together. Guests sing along. Strangers exchange smiles. Children hear their first live orchestra. Families who have been coming for decades whisper to one another that it still feels as uplifting as the very first time.
As The Peninsula Manila approaches its fifth decade, the 40th season of Christmas Concert at The Pen reflects a legacy shaped by and shared with the city itself: a legacy of Filipino talent, community, and the shared joy of welcoming the season in one of Manila’s most cherished holiday traditions.
Christmas Concert at The Pen
The 40th season of Christmas Concert at The Pen will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Lobby.
Table reservations at The Lobby are available at P75,000 with a set deluxe festive merienda menu for ten. Tables for four are available at P30,000 with a set deluxe festive merienda menu.
The Upper Lobby seating is available at P20,000 for tables of four with a set festive merienda menu.
Prices are in Philippine Pesos and include VAT. Rates are subject to service charge and applicable local taxes.
For inquiries or further information on Christmas Concert at The Pen 2025, please call (63 2) 8887 2888, extension 7410 (Festive Desk), email diningpmn@peninsula.com, or visit the website peninsula.com.
This holiday season, the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) Balladeer Ariel Rivera and Philippine Queen of Soul Jaya are bringing the magic of OPM on CenterPlay for a one-night-only concerts on December 3 and 17, respectively, at 9 pm.
Accomplished actor and singer-songwriter Ariel Rivera kicks off the celebration of timeless OPM hits on December 3, bringing his notable smooth vocals in his R&B and melodic pop music repertoire, which includes chart-topping hits including his first single “Sana Kahit Minsan”, “Simple Lang”, “Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin”, and “A Smile In Your Heart”. Ariel Rivera rose to fame in the 1990’s and was known as “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala”. Many will remember that the OPM Balladeer and talented heartthrob’s first album was self-titled and released in 1991and was quickly followed by a second album titled “Simple Lang” a year after. Both albums achieved triple platinum status. His notable musical and acting career earned him awards including Awit Awards’ Best New Male Artist in 1991, Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist in1992, and Best Supporting Actor at the 1992 Metro Manila Film Festival, to name a few.
On December 17, Queen of Soul Jaya is set to take the audience to a night of nostalgic musical journey through her soulful voice and electrifying presence. She made a mark in the industry for being the first Filipino music artist to have a song included in the Billboard Hot 100. The veteran music icon, who carved a successful career both locally and internationally, has been known for powerful hits including “Wala Na Bang Pagibig”, “Laging Naroon Ka”, and “Dahil Tanging Ikaw”. To date, she has released 12 studio albums.
Ariel Rivera and Jaya at CenterPlay follow the successful concert of Janno Gibbs in November. They join the roster of featured OPM stars at CenterPlay including Neocolours, Moira, Juan Karlos, Rey Valera, Noel Cabangon, Raymond Lauchengco, Ariel Rivera, Ice Seguerra, “Soul Siren” Nina, Jinky Vidal, Jed Madela, Yeng Constantino, Daryl Ong, Imago, and The CompanY. The King of Soul’s anticipated concert also highlights performances from bands Highschool Playlist and Le Chic as well as from a DJ who are set to perform alternately from 7 pm to 2 am.
Guests can reserve a seat or a table with consumables starting at P3,000, comprising of bar nosh, burgers, fries, and beverages. VIP couch seats for a party of eight, and smaller seatings are also available. Designed for the ultimate entertainment experience, CenterPlay is a cool snack and cocktail lounge offering light meals, signature cocktail concoctions, beers, wines, and other beverages, and is built around the circular stage at the center of the main gaming floor.
Raise your hand if you’ve ever asked a friend or loved one who’s traveling to Japan to bring you back a tube (or two) of Melano CC’s Vitamin Brightening Essence. Well, now you don’t have to.
Japan’s favorite vitamin C skincare, Melano CC, has officially arrived in the Philippines. No more airport hauls, no more praying your Shopee parcel is authentic, and no more skimping on your holy-grail Vitamin C because you only have one tube left.
Cambert (PILIPINAS), Inc., the leading distributor of premium personal care and beauty brands, has brought Melano CC’s cult-favorite formulations and signature J-Beauty philosophy to Filipino skin: science-backed, gentle, and designed for real results.
What Makes Melano CC a Japanese Skincare Icon?
Under the Rohto-Mentholatum group, Melano CC has gained near-legend status across Japan and over 15 countries, thanks to its quietly powerful approach to brightening. No gimmicks, no 12-step routine, just high-performing Vitamin C delivered in formulas that work with the skin, not against it.
“Melano CC stands out because it delivers potent brightening without irritation—something especially important in our tropical, humid climate,” shares Trina Belmonte, Business Unit Manager for Cambert (PILIPINAS), Inc.
Vitamin C has long been one of the overachievers of skincare: protecting skin from damaging environmental factors, fading dark spots and post-acne marks, and boosting skin’s overall glow. Melano CC takes this even further by maximizing both pure Vitamin C and its most effective derivatives to restore skin’s clarity, minimize the look of pores, and support overall skin health, all in formulations suitable for daily use.
Rooted in J-Beauty’s principles of gentle efficacy, preventive care, and skin-barrier harmony, Melano CC prioritizes minimalist routines powered by high-potency actives. (Think: less fuss, more results.) They stay away from harsh additives, instead focusing on consistent, long-term radiance through hydration, balance, and skin repair.
100% Japanese-Made, Science-Driven, and Built for Results
At the heart of Melano CC is its advanced high-penetrating technology, developed to keep the notoriously unstable ingredient protected, potent, and effective even in warm climates.
Starting with the Vitamin C Brightening Enzyme Face Wash, a gentle exfoliating cleanser that uses Vitamin C and enzymes to deep-clean pores and lift impurities while keeping moisture intact. It smooths rough texture and helps clear blackheads, essentially prepping the canvas so the rest of your routine can work harder.
This is followed by the Vitamin C Brightening Lotion, a refreshing water-light formula that serves as everyday Vitamin C care. Designed for normal to combination/oily skin, the lotion helps reduce dark spots, redness, soothe inflammation, and promote a healthy glow. Its high-penetration technology ensures that brightening ingredients absorb deeply and evenly, making it a seamless fit for humid climates where heavier lotions can feel suffocating.
Lastly, its hero, the Vitamin C Brightening Essence, blends pure L-Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, and other high-performing derivatives in a stabilized, airtight system designed for deep penetration and long-lasting efficacy.
It brightens, supports collagen production, suppresses melanin formation, and protects against oxidation, all without the stinging or greasiness typical of other Vitamin C serums. It’s no surprise that it’s recognized as Japan’s #1 whitening essence, famous for visibly evening skin tone and fading dark spots in as little as four weeks.
Together, these three products show Melano CC’s commitment to gentle efficacy: potent actives delivered in minimalist, skin-compatible formulas. Each formula is complemented by ingredients like Vitamin E to enhance brightening while calming and nourishing the skin.
“Our unique formulation ensures that Vitamin C remains stable and effective, even in warm climates like the Philippines,” shares Trina Belmonte. All products are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and designed to resist oxidation in airtight packaging—balancing potency, safety, and long-term stability.
Why Filipinos Love It (and Have Been Loving it For Years)
Developed for all skin types (including sensitive and acne-prone skin), Melano CC is tailored for the everyday lives of Filipinos: high UV exposure, humidity, and a tendency toward dark spots and post-acne marks.
Its lightweight textures absorb quickly (no stickiness in sight), while the airtight tube packaging protects the formula for up to 18 months.
“The launch was inspired by the booming demand for Vitamin C in the post-pandemic glow-up era,” Belmonte explains. “Filipinos have been seeking affordable yet effective spot-correctors amid rising UV exposure and acne concerns.”
And yes, the gray-market era is officially over. Melano CC’s arrival signals a new chapter, one supported by reliable availability, localized education, and omnichannel presence.
You can now find Melano CC at Mitsukoshi Mall, and online via Lazada and Shopee on the official Mentholatum store (goodbye, shipping delays and authenticity doubts).
Whether you’re navigating the midday sun along EDSA, piecing together tomorrow’s presentation, or enjoying a quiet weekend staycation, your skin deserves care that doesn’t quit. With its arrival in the Philippines, Melano CC makes bright, healthy, spot-free skin more accessible than ever.
And yes, your vanity is already saving it a space.
