Author: Press Release

A Grand Return: Jon Santos Takes Center Stage in The Sandbox Collective’s Bawat Bonggang Bagay and Side Show

A Bonggang Pagbabalik for Pride Month

Multimedia artist, comedy icon, and master impersonator Jon Santos will reprise his role as The Sandbox Collective restages a strictly limited run of its hit one-act play, BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY (BBB).

Presented by The Sandbox Collective’s new arm, Sandbox Co.labs, in partnership with Ayala Land and Circuit Makati, BBB will bring back its hilarious and heart-warming portrayal of love, loss, and mental health to Filipino audiences.

In celebration of Pride Month 2025, BBB returns after its sold out engagements in 2023 and 2024. This year’s BBB also marks Santos’ fourth run of the show.

BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY is the Filipino-translated staging of Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s Every Brilliant Thing. Award-winning playwright, translator, actor, and director Guelan Luarca worked on its translation and original staging in 2023.

BBB is an intimate and interactive play that follows the story of a young child growing up with a parent suffering from mental illness. The show continues the conversation on mental health by bringing real and pressing issues to the forefront, and by creating a safe and communal space where audiences become part and parcel of the storytelling.

Jenny Jamora will once again be stepping in as director, having directed all of the previous runs, and winning Outstanding Stage Direction for a Play at the 12th Gawad Buhay Awards.

Joining Jamora in the production team are Marcel David as assistant director, Mark Dalacat as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting designer, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Yabs Yabut as technical director, GA Fallarme as projections designer, KC Kane as costume stylist, Charyl De Guzman as production manager, and IJ Romero as stage manager.

BBB will run at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater in Circuit Makati from June 14 to June 22, 2025 for a strictly limited engagement. Tickets are now available at TicketWorld via bit.ly/bbonggab25.

BAWAT BONGGANG BAGAY (Every Brilliant Thing) is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

Jon Santos Showing Us Who’s Boss

Jon Santos, performer extraordinaire, shows us who’s boss by taking the stage once more in SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL. Santos opens the sideshow as “The Boss, ” who takes the reins and introduces us to the mystical world of the freaks, led by the Hilton twins.

Set in 1930s America, SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s.

After mounting critically acclaimed productions of musicals Little Shop of Horrors and Next to Normal, The Sandbox Collective, under managing artistic director Toﬀ de Venecia’s direction, will be staging SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL in July 2025.

Joining director Toﬀ de Venecia in the artistic team is Ejay Yatco serving as musical director. Rounding out the artistic team will be Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, and JM Cabling as choreographer.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL will open on July 26, 2025 and will run until August 17, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Cast, Ticketing and Show Buying information will be released in the coming days. #SandboxSideShow

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and our social media platforms below:

www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective
www.instagram.com/thesandboxco
www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

May 8, 2025
City of Dreams Manila Highlights Thoughtful Offerings to Celebrate Mother’s Day

As moms deserve nothing but the best on Mother’s Day, City of Dreams Manila unwraps thoughtful offerings – from dining, staycation, and wellness treatments – to spoil them on their special day.

Crystal Dragon’s Mother’s Day Special

Indulge mom with a hearty meal of fine Cantonese cuisine at the award-winning signature restaurant of City of Dreams Manila located at the upper ground floor of Nuwa Manila. To honor moms, Crystal Dragon presents a Mother’s Day a la carte menu available from May 5 to 11 for lunch and dinner. Certain to win their hearts, the menu consists of: Double-boiled Duo Treasure Lion’s Head in golden broth; Slow-braised Herbal Spring Chicken with fresh ginseng, abalone, and king mushrooms; Baked Live Sea Grouper with fragrant garlic sauce in a claypot; Wok-friend Spicy Mee Sua Noodle with crab meat and crispy soft shell crab; and Steamed Longevity Dumpling with sweetened peanut filling and Chilled Coconut and Mango Custard topped with sweetened bird nest.

Crystal Dragon is open daily from 12 noon to 11 pm.

Nobu Manila’s Mother’s Day Brunch

Surprise mom with a brunch experience at the Manila outpost of the world-renowned Nobu restaurant where signature Nobu-style dishes globally popularized by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa are featured in a hefty buffet spread.

Savor unlimited helpings of the popular Nobu classics such as the Nobu Signature Sashimi Trio of Tuna Matsuhisa, Yellowtail Jalapeno, Salmon Karashi Su Miso; Black Cod in butter lettuce, and chef’s selection of premium sushi cups and nigiri, which are featured alongside Mother’s Day specials including a carving station consisting of Roasted Whole U.S. Prime Ribeye, and Nobu Baked Salmon with shiitake mushroom and garlic crust. Other buffet highlights are the Japanese Uni Tempura, King Prawn with Aji Amarillo Aioli, Crispy Crab with sweet chili cilantro, and Nobu-style Beef Curry with mashed potato.

Completing the brunch spread are Gallagher oysters, blue crabs, shrimps, and mussels served with Nobu custom sauces at the chilled seafood bar, a whole tuna, which master chefs skillfully cut up for sashimi; an array of grilled meats and vegetables, salads, and a wide selection of desserts that include a white chocolate fountain.

The Nobu brunch concept combines an all-you-can-eat dishes from an a la carte menu, with a lavish buffet spread where chefs in action prepare Nobu sushi, sashimi and maki rolls at the sushi bar, and grilled skewered meats and vegetables at the kushiyaki station.

The Nobu Mother’s Day brunch is available from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and price starts at P4, 388 net per adult for the Regular package, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. Other packages that include alcoholic and premium beverages are also available. Children ages 6 to 12 years old enjoy half price, and five years and below dine for free when accompanied by an adult availing of the Nobu brunch.

Apart from the Sunday Brunch, Nobu Manila, located at Level 1 of Nobu Hotel, is open on Mother’s Day for dinner from 5 pm to 10 pm.

Café Society’s Mother’s Day Treats

As nothing compares to a sweet gift to brighten the occasion, Café Society curates handcrafted chocolates and exquisite confections masterfully prepared by chocolatiers and pâtissiers at Café Society. Perfect for gifting, Cafe Society’s Mother’s Day offerings from May 5 to 11 include: Ube Leche Velvet Cake, a soft ube velvet sponge with rich leche flan filling and smooth cream cheese frosting elegantly finished with crispy pearls and chocolate flower; Chocolate Milk Tea Cake, a decadent cake layered with black tea crémeux, chewy brownies, moist apricot sponge, and milk chocolate mousse topped with Biscoff cookies, edible chocolate flower, and teacup; and Mother’s Day Mini Duo Cake, which consists of rich chocolate moist sponge and bittersweet ganache, wrapped in silky buttercream and glossy colored chocolate glaze, and beautifully adorned with a mommy doll and dainty chocolate daisies.

Mother’s Day-themed artisanal chocolates include the Mom’s Dream Box package, a two-level visual feast containing an edible white chocolate pair of shoes filled with round salted caramel pralines sitting on a cookies and cream bar; and at the lower drawer is a golden caramel with coconut chocolate bar topped by ladies’ chocolate shoes and purse. Other chocolate creations include a Mother-and-Child White Chocolate Bar enhanced with dried cranberry, cherry, apricot, and mango; and homemade chocolate fudge with dried cranberries, and homemade chocolate fudge with roasted cashew nuts.

Wellness Retreat at Nüwa Spa

A well-deserved pampering session for moms beckons at NüwaSpa, the first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rated spa in the country. The tranquil oasis provides bespoke treatments using premium French brand Biologique Recherche that spell a deeply relaxing and personalized spa journey for the mind, body, and spirit. Apart from the selection of wellness treatments ranging from signature spa suite experience, express massage options to facial treatments,the spa also offers a buy-1-take-1 promotion on Omorovicza products, whose therapeutic-grade products are known for harnessing the natural healing powers of the finest ingredients and the purest extracts and oils.

Made for Mom Staycation at Nuwa Manila, Nobu Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Manila

In celebration of Mother’s Day, City of Dreams Manila’s three Forbes Travel Guide Star-rated hotels highlight a dreamy getaway staycation package for direct bookings, which start at P12,200 at Nüwa Manila, P10,900 at Nobu Hotel, and P9,698 at Hyatt Regency Manila. Rates quoted are net.

The room for an overnight stay includes complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children 12 years old and below, P1,000 dining credits that can be used at City of Dreams Manila’s operated outlets, 20% discount on DreamPlay’s participating tickets, 20% discount on selected spa services at Nüwa Spa and Nobu Spa, and a complimentary Maxibar in the room. Booking period is until May 10 with stay period from May 9 to 11. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-221942 Series of 2025.Terms and conditions apply.

For inquiries, call (63 2) 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com; or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

May 7, 2025
GCash and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank Empower More Filipinos to Start Saving Smart

Only 1 out of 3 Filipinos can save, with half of them opting to save their money at home, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. However, this traditional way of saving exposes their hard-earned money to risks of fire and theft, with BSP even noting its potential impact on currency circulation.

Woman use of smart phone in city at night

“Trusted financial institutions provide fundamental security for funds. On top of this, they also offer an opportunity for Filipinos to get the most out of their hard work: the availability of high-yield savings accounts that offer competitive interest rates,” said Winsley Royce Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses, GCash.

In a move to democratize access to high-yield savings accounts among Filipinos, GCash, through GSave, has partnered with microfinancial services provider Cebuana Lhuillier Bank to offer a savings account designed to provide higher interest rates, accessible through an e-wallet they already trust for everyday transactions.

“GCash and Cebuana are driven by the same mission of making financial services accessible to Filipinos nationwide, especially the underserved communities,” said Bangit. “Through this collaboration, we hope to empower Filipinos to cultivate their financial well-being by transforming saving from being a burden to being an actionable step.”

With over 3,500 branches nationwide, Cebuana is bringing its expertise in financial inclusion to the cashless ecosystem, enabled by finance super app GCash, with millions registered users in the country. Under the partnership, GCash users can now open an eC-Savings by Cebuana Lhuillier Bank account through GSave, a savings marketplace where users can grow and secure their funds within the GCash app. Account holders of eC-Savings by Cebuana Lhuillier Bank on GSave will get 3.5% p.a. interest, regardless of their deposit amount, enabling them to earn higher interest income compared with traditional savings accounts.

Perks for Savvy Savers: Cashback and Insurance

To help jumpstart their savings journey, users who open eC-Savings by Cebuana on GCash will get PHP 100 cashback on their initial deposit. Moreover, eC-Savings account holders will get up to PHP 33,000 in free accident coverage.

“While most hardworking Filipinos understand the value of having insurance, cost still prevents them from prioritizing it,” noted Bangit. “We introduced this benefit so they no longer have to face a trade-off between building their savings and having peace of mind during their daily hustle.”

Savings Made More Accessible

A key deterrent for Filipinos to save money in traditional banks is the perceived complexity of opening a bank account, typically requiring in-person visits and submission of supporting documents. The availability of Cebuana Lhuillier Bank on GSave eliminates this hurdle, as GCash users can open an account on GSave on the app, without having to submit additional IDs.

The BSP study also noted that among the mass market, the amount of savings they have tends to be small and often earmarked for immediate expenses, with most preferring to keep funds readily accessible at home. Given this need for accessible savings, GSave enables users to deposit as low as PHP 1 directly from their GCash wallet. Users no longer have to worry about their accounts being closed, as the eC-Savings account does not have a minimum maintaining balance.

“Filipinos’ hardworking spirit deserves to be matched by financial services that work just as hard as they do, actively supporting their financial goals. By building upon the trust of millions of Filipinos in GCash and Cebuana, we hope to empower their aspirations for a secure future by making saving truly accessible and rewarding for all,” concluded Bangit.

To open an eC-Savings by Cebuana account on GSave, you must be a Filipino Citizen, at least 18 years old, and a fully verified GCash user. Ready to grow your money? You may access GSave through the GCash dashboard or find it under “Grow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

May 6, 2025
New Vibes and New Finds at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

As we enter the month of May, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls unveils an exciting array of new experiences that combine style, flavor, and cultural immersion. From international coffee havens to chic spots that embrace culinary traditions, here’s a curated selection of the latest destinations that are perfect for every taste and occasion.

Starbucks IFC at Uptown Bonifacio

A modern haven for coffee aficionados, the newly opened Starbucks at the International Finance Centre offers a sophisticated blend of warm, inviting elements and sleek contemporary design. Whether for a quick pick-me-up or a casual gathering, this café provides the ideal backdrop for any occasion, inviting guests to savor their favorite iconic brews while soaking in the atmosphere of refined comfort. GF, International Finance Centre

Cangrejos Locos at Alabang West Parade

The returning fan-favorite restaurant brings a delightful burst of Spanish flavors to its new home at Alabang West Parade with a menu that celebrates the richness of Spanish cuisine, including creative takes on the beloved paella. Each dish is a bold journey of taste, offering a symphony of flavors that transport guests to the heart of Spain, making it the perfect destination for food lovers seeking both authenticity and unique experiences. GF, Alabang West Parade

Sunnies Flask at the Venice Grand Canal, McKinley Hill

From the renowned eyewear brand Sunnies Studios, Sunnies Flask at the Venice Grand Canal offers a stylish and personalized twist on a quintessential summer accessory. Guests can select from a vibrant range of colors and sizes to customize their flasks, making it the ultimate addition to any summer outing, blending function with fashionable flair. GF, Venice Piazza

Explore these exciting new destinations only at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls! For updates, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call (63 2) 8462-8888.

May 6, 2025
Classic Cadbury Taste, Now in an ₱8 Sulit Pack!

Today is a good day for Cadbury, thanks to its signature smooth and creamy chocolate taste. And now, everyone can experience the same indulgence—not just today, but every day—as Cadbury makes its chocolate bar even more accessible to Filipinos!

Cadbury is making every day and any moment feel special with a chocolatey treat—your favorite OG Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate bar is now available at your nearest sari-sari store for just ₱8!

Make no mistake: this affordable Cadbury Sult is still the same chocolate bar you know and love, just made to be within easy reach of Filipinos who crave a regular, delightful pick-me-up or sweet treat.

And because the PHP8 Cadbury Sulit is designed specifically for Filipino sari-sari stores—meaning, it is intended to endure typical store temperatures —you will always get that premium chocolate experience with every Cadbury bite!

“Cadbury believes that everyone, especially Filipinos, deserves to eat chocolate and experience the everyday indulgence chocolate provides. This affordable Cadbury Sulit Pack makes that possible. We’re bringing the smooth taste of Cadbury Dairy Milk to sari-sari stores, right at the center of our local communities for only 8 pesos”, said Allana Paz, Assistant Brand Manager, Cadbury Philippines.

Paz added: “It is that snack that will bring comfort and relaxation when we want a simple treat on the daily. Good quality chocolate is now more available and more accessible, empowering more people to reward themselves with a delicious bar every day. It also reinforces the brand’s commitment to providing a special chocolate experience that caters to the taste and lifestyle of Filipinos.”

The new PHP8 Cadbury Sulit Pack is now available at sari-sari stores nationwide. For more information, follow the official Cadbury Milk Facebook page at https://facebook.com/cadburyph.

May 6, 2025
Celebrate Mother’s Day with Style, Flavour and Heartfelt Moments at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila

This Mother’s Day, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila presents a memorable line-up of stay, dine, and experience offerings designed to make every mom feel celebrated and cherished.

The Made for Mom Staycation Package offers the perfect weekend escape for families looking to treat their mothers to rest and indulgence. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay with buffet breakfast at Cyan Modern Kitchen, and a special dining perk where Mom dines free for every two paying guests for dinner buffet on 11 May or lunch buffet on 12 May at Cyan Modern Kitchen. The package also includes complimentary late check-out until 4PM, subject to availability, for added relaxation.

On 11 May, treat mom to an exquisite Mother’s Day Lunch or Dinner Buffet at Cyan Modern Kitchen, priced at PHP 3,000 nett per person. Children aged 12 and below dine at 50% off, making it a family-friendly celebration. Highlights of the culinary showcase include cochinillo, slow-cooked beef, seafood toast, lobsters and crabs, Tuscan salmon, mango truffle cheese pizza, and a vibrant selection of healthy Indian dishes. A complimentary mimosa and a special gift for all moms complete the experience.

As a prelude to the celebration, a Pre-Mother’s Day Floral Arrangement Workshop and High Tea will be held on 10 May at Madeleine High Tea. For PHP 3,800 nett per person, participants can enjoy an intimate afternoon with a guided floral arrangement session followed by an elegant high tea. Limited slots ensure a personalised and inspiring afternoon for all attendees.

“Mother’s Day is a time to slow down, express gratitude, and create lasting memories, with thoughtfully designed experiences offering a balance of pampering and personal connection that make this celebration truly special.”

To know more, visit our website at https://lansonplace.com/mallofasia. Lanson Place Mall of Asia is located at Block 12, Palm Coast Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Follow its official social media pages (Facebook | Instagram).

May 6, 2025
FWD Life Insurance Empowers Next-Gen Entrepreneurs Through ‘It’s My Dream’ Bazaar

Coming from the successful inaugural program in 2024, FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) welcomes a new batch of out-of-school youths (OSYs) to showcase their financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills at the 2025 Dreamers’ Pop-Up Bazaar: Powered by Passion, Driven by Youth.

Open to the public from May 8 to 9, 2025 at Glorietta, Ayala Center, Makati, the event is part of FWD Philippines and Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines) It’s My Dream program, which aims to equip OSYs with the appropriate entrepreneurial skills to help them thrive and build their best futures.

FWD Philippines President & CEO, Antonio Manuel “Jumbing” de Rosas said, “As the insurer of the next generation, we believe our youth are the cornerstone for nation-building. That’s why we are committed to showcase the incredible potential of our youth who have dreams to succeed. It is our goal through this program to empower them to become their own agents of change, so they can ably support themselves, their families, and their communities.”

This year, the It’s My Dream program locks in a bigger number of participating OSYs. Products to be sold during the bazaar event were sourced by the participating OSYs from local businesses as part of the program’s practicum.

JA Philippines Executive Director, Krishna Alejandrino, emphasized how the program and the partnership with FWD Philippines is a testament to the transformative power of financial literacy to the youth. “Equipping these young dreamers with practical skills and real-world knowledge fosters their confidence and paves the way for economic independence. We are thrilled to see them take ownership of their futures and create better opportunities for themselves.”

JA It’s My Dream is under FWD and JA Asia Pacific’s groupwide financial literacy program, JA SparktheDream, which was launched in 2023. Learn more about the program by visiting ph.jasparkthedream.org

May 6, 2025
Ben&Ben Reunites with Ed Sheeran in Abu Dhabi as They Prepare for New Music Launch

Filipino award-winning band Ben&Ben shared another heartwarming moment with global superstar Ed Sheeran at the recently concluded OFFLIMITS Music Festival in Abu Dhabi.

“We felt the luckiest to be able to meet Ed Sheeran again in Off Limits Festival, Abu Dhabi. What constantly blows us away more than his generational talent and sheer musicality is the genuine, warm connection he makes with everyone he meets, including us.

He recalled how lovely it was for him to be able to perform for Filipinos. He also remembered us from when we met him here in Manila, which is very cool. It’s an honor to have been able to exchange stories with him again. We wish Ed all the best with his new album, Play!” – Paolo Guico, Ben&Ben

The band shared a lighthearted moment, revealing, “Mabango siya [Ed smelled good].” Their admiration for Ed’s effortless charm and presence was evident, with the band members recalling how his natural charisma and positive energy filled the room.

Ben&Ben graced the stage alongside international acts such as Ed Sheeran, Kaiser Chiefs, and OneRepublic at Etihad Park on April 26th. Adding to the memorable experience, the nine-piece band and Ed Sheeran were captured in a friendly photo together backstage.

Prior to the festival, the band posted a captivating cover of Ed Sheeran’s recent release “Azizam,” which garnered significant attention. Ed Sheeran himself acknowledged the cover by sharing it on his Instagram story, leading many of his dedicated fans to discover and express their admiration for Ben&Ben’s musical talent on their social media pages.

This recent encounter in Abu Dhabi marks another special connection between the Filipino band and the British singer-songwriter. On March 9, 2024, Ben&Ben had the distinct honor of performing as a special guest during Ed Sheeran’s “+ – = ÷ x Tour” at the SMDC Festival Grounds in the Philippines.

Recalling the cherished moments from their previous meeting, Ben&Ben took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a concise yet impactful summary:

1. We met Ed Sheeran.
2. We did Karaoke with him.
3. We performed on his iconic round stage.
4. Our frontmen performed our song, Maybe The Night WITH Ed Sheeran and his amazing band.”

Ed Sheeran has kicked off an exciting new era with the release of his latest single, “Old Phone,” which dropped on May 1. He first teased the emotional track with a live snippet shared on Instagram, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. Now available on all major streaming platforms—including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music—the song sets the tone for what promises to be a bold new chapter.

That chapter continues with his upcoming album, Play, arriving on September 12, 2025. Moving on from his Mathematics series, Sheeran explores fresh creative ground, weaving together global influences—from Indian and Persian sounds to the Irish folk traditions of his roots—while staying true to the acoustic and lyrical style fans love. Written and recorded across the globe and finished in Goa, Play is as much about emotional healing as it is about rediscovering joy through music.

NEW SINGLE ‘OLD PHONE’ RELEASED ON 1ST MAY 2025 LISTEN HERE

Ed Sheeran Announces New Album ‘PLAY’ Released On 12th September 2025

PRE-ORDER HERE

May 6, 2025
Ed Sheeran Announces New Album ‘Play’ Released on 12th September 2025

After closing the chapter on his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is finally back and stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025. An artist known for constantly evolving, Sheeran’s latest album, ‘Play’ finds him exploring new musical ground through collaboration with producers and musicians from around the world, as well as diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have made him one of the world’s best-loved pop artists. Inspired in part by his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures—and their surprising connections to the Irish folk tradition he grew up with, through shared scales, rhythms, and melodies—he explored this borderless musical language, giving the album its distinctive, fresh edge. On more familiar ground, Sheeran also reminds us why he remains the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation, delivering a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven songs. The result is a collection that plays with both the familiar and the new, creating a bold, pop-driven sound that only Ed Sheeran could deliver — a vibrant showcase of his artistry that feels both exciting and transformative, and promises to be one of the defining albums of the year.

Ed said…”Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life. Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring. I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father. Going into this album campaign I said to myself ‘I just want everything I do to be fun and playful’ – so that’s why we are building pubs for folk jams, doing gigs on open top buses and singing in pink cowboy hats on bars. The older I get the more I just want to enjoy things, and savour the moments that are mad and chaotic. You can preorder play now, many many more playful things to come before it’s out x”

After the release of his global, hedonistic, technicolor pop hit ’Azizam’, Sheeran gets nostalgic on his brand new single ‘Old Phone’, narrating the disorienting act of reconnecting with his past. Powering up an old phone unused since 2015, he unearths messages from a lost friend, an argument with an ex, and distant family, highlighting how time and separation reshape identity. Blending nostalgic acoustic melodies with raw emotion, the song recalls Ed’s early songwriting roots while exploring growth and memory, capturing an artist that is shaped and transformed by his past ‘Old Phone’ has been produced by Blake Slatkin & Ilya Salmanzadeh.

May 6, 2025
We Aren’t Kids Anymore Comes To The Philippine Stage This May 2025

For its first offering this 2025, Barefoot Theatre Collaborative (Barefoot), the company that staged the critically acclaimed hits Mula sa Buwan, Pride Plays, The Last Five Years, and Bar Boys: A New Musical, will bring WE AREN’T KIDS ANYMORE to the Philippine live theater stage.

We Aren’t Kids Anymore by Drew Gasparini is an uplifting coming-of-age musical that dives into the messy reality of growing up—while never quite feeling like you have. It reflects that point in life where you see that who you thought you’d be is different from who you’re actually becoming, where the dreams you swore you’d chase don’t look the way you imagined, and where the world stops being as simple as it used to be.

Featuring a poem by Keith White with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Justin Goldner & Drew Gasparini, this musical consists of gut-punching songs from five people navigating the changes that come with the realization that life doesn’t come with a manual. This show will hit hard for anyone who has ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of the way forward.

Barefoot’s upcoming staging features an all-star cast. The five characters will be played by Gab Pangilinan, Maronne Cruz, Gio Gahol, Luigi Quesada, and Myke Salomon. Katrine Sunga and Angelo Lantaco serve as the female cover and male cover respectively.

At the helm of the production is Rem Zamora as Director. Also joining the creative team are Myke Salomon and Farley Asuncion as Musical Directors, Jomelle Era as Movement Director, Joey Mendoza as Production Designer, Hershee Tantiado as Associate Production Designer, D Cortezano as Lighting Designer and Technical Director and Aron Roca as Sound Designer.

We Aren’t Kids Anymore will be staged for FOUR WEEKS ONLY from May 2 to 25, 2025 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater in Circuit Makati. The show will run for 90 minutes with no intermission and there will be no admission for latecomers. This production of We Aren’t Kids Anymore is licensed by Concord Theatricals.

For all shows, there will only be two ticketing tiers: Gold (PHP3,200) and Silver (PHP2,700). Opening weekend tickets are now available at discounted rates: PHP3,000 for Gold and PHP2,500 for Silver.

Get tickets now at bit.ly/waka2025tickets.

May 5, 2025