Category: Events

Make Like Royalty: Sit on the Helm’s Deep Throne at Howlers Manila This Saturday!

Ahead of the Philippine opening of “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” in cinemas next week, Warner Bros. Philippines invites movie and anime fans to visit Helms Deep at the Howlers Manila Cosplay and Music Festival this Saturday, December 7, at the CCP Open Grounds in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

Warner Bros. Philippines’ Helms Deep set-up covers two booths, Booths 10-11, near the cosplay area. It features the throne room, where fans can sit on the throne, just like Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. Freebies are also available for fans who will drop by the booth, including a map of Rohan.

Watch the trailer for “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”

Music artists confirmed for this year’s festival include American band Gym Class Heroes, Rico Blanco (formerly of Rivermaya), Kaye Cal, Maki and James Reid.

This year’s Howlers Manila aims to beat the Guinness World Record for most number of cosplayer attendees dressed up as video game characters.

For tickets to the Howlers Manila Cosplay and Music Festival, visit https://www.howlersmanila.com/

Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox), the legendary King of Rohan. A sudden attack by Wulf (Luke Pasqualino), a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg – a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Héra (Gaia Wise), the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama. Producers include Oscar winner Philippa Boyens.

Journey back to Middle-earth when “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” opens in cinemas December 11. Book your tickets at https://www.lotrwotr.com.ph/ or visit your favorite cinemas’ official websites. #LOTR

About “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”

New Line Cinema’s original anime feature “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” returns audiences to the epic world brought to life in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, based on the revered books by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Under the direction of award-winning filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama (the “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” and “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” TV series), the talented voice cast is led by Brian Cox (“Succession”) as Helm Hammerhand, the mighty King of Rohan; Gaia Wise (“A Walk in the Woods”) as his daughter Héra; and Luke Pasqualino (“Snowpiercer”) as Wulf. Miranda Otto, who delivered an unforgettable, award-winning performance in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, reprises her role as Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, who serves as the tale’s narrator. The voice ensemble also includes Lorraine Ashbourne (Netflix’s “Bridgerton”), Yazdan Qafouri (“I Came By”), Benjamin Wainwright (“World on Fire”), Laurence Ubong Williams (“Gateway”), Shaun Dooley (“The Witcher”), Michael Wildman (“Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”), Jude Akuwudike (“Beasts of No Nation”), Bilal Hasna (“Sparks”) and Janine Duvitski (“Benidorm”).

With Kamiyama at the helm, the original feature is being produced by Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, from the screenwriting team behind “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” Trilogies, alongside Jason DeMarco and Joseph Chou, who, in addition to their many separate animation projects, collaborated on the “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” series. The executive producers are Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson, Sam Register, Carolyn Blackwood and Toby Emmerich. The screenplay is by Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews and Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou, story by Addiss & Matthews and Boyens, based on characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien. The team of creative collaborators returning from “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy also includes Oscar winners Alan Lee and Richard Taylor, along with esteemed Tolkien illustrator John Howe.

New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation Present, in Association with Wingnut Films, a Warner Bros. Animation and Sola Entertainment Production, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.”

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”}

December 6, 2024
Miss Saigon Stars Laurence Mossman and Kiara Dario Headline ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ One-Night-Only Concert in Manila
Fresh from the internationally acclaimed Miss Saigon tour, celebrated theatre stars Laurence Mossman and Kiara Dario will captivate Manila audiences in a one-night-only concert, “Stars of Tomorrow,” on December 1, 2024, at Pardon My French in Makati. This exclusive evening promises an unforgettable experience, blending live music, fine dining, and world-class performances, with a lineup of Broadway, OPM, and Miss Saigon favourites.

As they prepare for an exciting new chapter in London, Laurence and Kiara are thrilled to bring their passion for theatre back to Manila in a meaningful way. Proceeds from this event will directly support their transition to London and their pursuit of international theatre careers.

“Manila has been the heart of our journey, and we couldn’t imagine a better way to celebrate our dreams with the community that has lifted us every step of the way,” shares Dario. “This concert is our way of sharing the magic of theatre and thanking everyone who’s been part of this adventure,” adds Mossman.

Both artists began their theatre careers in Manila but only crossed paths during the Miss Saigon Australia tour. Their shared passion soon blossomed into a partnership both on and off the stage. Now, as they prepare to move to London together, they celebrate their newfound love with Miss Saigon classics and a heartfelt tribute to Manila, where it all began.

The concert will feature musical direction by renowned director Rony Fortich, with special guest appearances by Filipino music icon Martin Nievera and award-winning theatre actress Gab Pangilinan. Audiences can expect a vibrant mix of theatre classics, OPM hits, and iconic songs central to Laurence and Kiara’s careers.

In addition to the performances, attendees can show further support by purchasing limited-edition StageFit t-shirts. Recently launched, StageFit is an apparel line created to fundraise for Laurence and Kiara’s London journey, with future plans to grow into an activewear brand for artists and the theatre community. All proceeds from merchandise sales will go directly toward their transition.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Venue: Pardon My French, 110 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City
Doors Open: 7:00 PM, with dinner service
Concert Starts: 8:30 PM

Ticket Packages:
- Premium Ticket – PHP 4,400
  - Includes a 3-course meal + drink, premium table with full stage view
- Standard Ticket – PHP 3,300
  - Includes bar bites + drink, standard table (may have partial view)
Tickets: Limited seats available. For reservations, please contact +63 917 823 0091 or email pardonmyfrenchph@gmail.com.

Join Laurence Mossman and Kiara Dario for this heartfelt farewell and celebration, showcasing the magic of live theatre and the power of dreams.
November 27, 2024
THEATER REVIEW: A Total Theatrical Experience, ‘Nanay Bangis’ is a Triumph in Every Way

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) opens their 47th season with ‘Nanay Bangis,’ an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s ‘Mother Courage and Her Children.’ The production is directed by J William Herbert Sigmund Go and written by Rody Vera. The play utilizes Brechtian epic theater aesthetics, where the play creates a distance between the audience and the characters. The audience is meant to focus on the issues and not on the drama of the character’s misfortunes and suffering. To do this, there is heavy use of breaking the fourth wall, where actors often speak to the audience and even break character to reveal that they know they are actors in a play. By emphasizing the fictional nature of the narrative, the play allows us to view the atrocities committed on stage for what they are: representations of our reality.

‘Nanay Bangis’ is set in Mindanao in 1971 during the armed conflict between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Marcos’ Philippine Army. Caught in the crossfire is the eponymous Nanay Bangis and her three children: Elvis, Christine, and Kesong Puti. Nanay Bangis is wily and crafty, peddling goods, and profiting off the war and justifying it as survival; though as the play unfolds, this justification is put into question. The family push their cart of goods (that also serves as their home) from area to area where they can make the most money. Nanay Bangis doesn’t care if it’s a muslim village or an army camp. Nanay Bangis calls it survival and seems like the only person in the whole play who doesn’t want the war to end. In the process, she will lose all three of her children. This is not a spoiler. This is the play. How it happens is the meat of the story.

Photo courtesy of Marc Stanley Mozo / Dulaang UP

J William Herbert Sigmund Go’s staging and direction really amplifies the piece and ensures that the unfolding of events are as impactful as they are funny and riveting. The stage are to arching platforms that intersect and create a giant X at the center of the IBG-KAL Theater in UP-Diliman. The audience are seated on three sides while the fourth is taken by a chamber orchestra and a foley. At the foley, there’s a table with various items and a mic, and members of the ensemble take turns creating sound effects for the play, much like a radio drama. For a scene with a blazing fire, they take an empty bag of chips and crumple it in front of the microphone creating the crackling sound of flames. For the bombs, a giant drum. The orchestra plays the score and also plays music for the musical numbers. Accompanied by precise lighting directions, the play’s production feels whole and complete. It creates a landscape that builds this world made of violence and strife.

Photo courtesy of Marc Stanley Mozo / Dulaang UP

As you enter the stage to find your seats, the fourth wall is immediately broken. The actors are on stage. They are stretching and joking with each other. Some even talk to the audience, impressing upon everyone that this is all a play. But when the play starts, they are focused and driven to tell this story, though they do sometimes break character to remind us in-between the multitude of deaths that are happening within its almost two hour running time.

Photo courtesy of Marc Stanley Mozo / Dulaang UP

The cast are in fine form. Geraldine Villamil is powerful as Nanay Bangis. The play revolves around her and her resolve to push against the odds to make money as the world burns around her. She is a terrifying force on stage that commands our attention and brings all the other players to revolve around her. Though the real standouts in this show are the three children: Ethan King as Elvis, Khay Eva as Christine, and Raymond Aguilar as Kesong Puti. King and Aguilar are charismatic and have a magnetic stage presence, humanizing their characters in a way that their loss is truly felt. Eva has the unenviable task to play the mute Christine and has to convey her whole character with grunts and garbled speech. Being the only girl amongst the siblings, she has the most complex relationship with Nanay Bangis and she literally doesn’t have the words to express the full range of her character’s struggle. It’s quite a feat. Jigger Semantilla, who plays the army chaplain, Brother Mike, is also a standout. He has a lot of the comedic moments, and he executes this with perfect timing and then quickly shifting to the play’s more serious themes at a moment’s notice.

Photo courtesy of Marc Stanley Mozo / Dulaang UP

The rest of the ensemble are also quite strong, filling in the spaces, shifting from soldiers to Muslim villagers and helping create this palpable world.

Photo courtesy of Marc Stanley Mozo / Dulaang UP

Rody Vera’s script is incredible as it adapts Brecht’s play and suits it perfectly into the Philippine setting, managing to relate a bloody episode of our country’s history and showing aspects of the horrors of the Marcos dictatorship yet still manages to paint a clear picture of why Mindanao is still an unstable part of the country. The treatment of the government to the natives of the southern-most region of our country is still questionable. The play is about profiteers in times of calamity and much like the goal of epic theater, it shows us what wrongs are being committed and that our protagonist is not someone we should emulate.

Photo courtesy of Marc Stanley Mozo / Dulaang UP

‘Nanay Bangis’ is very clear with its message but manages to be equally parts funny and tragic at the same time. The musical numbers make perfect sense and some of Go’s direction is just pure theater magic. In one moving song, someone at the rafters start throwing plastic tied up like parachutes. They fall to the floor on to the stage and create a visual image of the military occupation that underlines the atrocities committed and a justification for the Muslim anger.

I was always a bit cautious and wary of Brecht but after seeing ‘Nanay Bangis,’ I definitely want to see more.

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My Rating:

Nanay Bangis will run until December 1, 2024 at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman. Get your tickets here.

PG-10 (Children age 10 and above must be accompanied by an adult)

November 27, 2024
MI KIDS CAN! Eco-Bazaar and Thrift Market comes to Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center on December 1

Multiple Intelligence International School (MIIS) invites parents, kids and the general public to the exciting  “MI Kids Can! #4GreenPH: Eco-Bazaar and Thrift Market.”  The event will be held on December 1 from 10AM to 6 PM at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center.  Admission is free.  It is being held in partnership with Ayala Malls and UP Town Center.

The MI Kids Can! For Kids, By Kids Bazaar started in 2000 as the FIRST Entrepreneurship Bazaar in the Philippines that was run by kids. The MI Kids Can! Bazaar is a unique opportunity for students to gain entrepreneurial skills and use their intelligences to make a difference. This year’s MI Kids Can! Bazaar showcases a diverse range of student-led businesses, each championing a meaningful cause. The public can find different products from beeswax wrapping cloth and handwoven clothing using weaves from indigenous communities to a bayong-all-you-can experience where shoppers can purchase a locally woven bayong (handcrafted by women weavers) and fill it with as much fresh, locally sourced produce as it can hold! All the products will be sold by students and benefit their future and the different communities that they impact. The Bazaar will also feature a thrift market which is a great opportunity to breathe new life into pre-loved clothes and items.  Shop sustainably for clothes, bags, toys, gifts, and more this holiday season!

MIIS encourages its students to be youth entrepreneurs at an early age, honing their skills and talents for sustainable causes. The school was awarded the Go Negosyo Youth Entrepreneurship Award, a testament to their commitment to implementing entrepreneurship in the education of the next generation. Over the past 28 years, the MI Kids Can! Bazaars have encouraged the youth to support reforestation and greening initiatives, indigent children and communities, and promote sustainability.

MIIS is the pioneer multiple intelligence school in the Philippines whose practice is based on the theory of Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner. MIIS believes every child is SMART and the school nurtures the 8 intelligences of each child for a successful feature: Linguistic, Logical-mathematical, Spatial, Body-kinesthetic, Musical, Naturalist, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal.  Here, students will discover and develop their multiple intelligences through personalized learning and opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and global exposure.

The mission of MIIS, an accredited school by the Council of International Schools, is to foster the holistic development of students and their multiple intelligences, through meaningful learning and a culture of respect, to enable them to be leaders in the 21st century and global citizens who will use their intelligences to make a difference.

From its original site in Loyola Heights, Quezon City, MIIS is set to move soon into its “School of the Future” campus in Parklinks by Ayala Land and Eton Properties in what is called Metro Manila’s Greenest Urban Estate. Bordering Quezon City and Pasig, the MIIS Parklinks campus will have state-of-the-art facilities that will allow Filipino families to benefit from a globally competitive, progressive, and internationally-accredited education at an accessible price point. MIIS is excited to be the anchor school at the said estate that embodies a sustainable, healthier way to live, work, and play.

To know more about MIIS and the MI Kids Can! Eco-Bazaar and Thrift Market, follow MIIS’ official Facebook Page and Instagram account or contact marketing@mischool.edu.ph .

November 26, 2024
THEATER REVIEW: Made for Children, ‘Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad’ is a Ballet Filled with Joy

Alice Reyes Dance Philippines held a one-day performance of a new ballet, ‘Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad’ early this month at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre in Circuit Makati. It was a wonderful, joyous celebration of dance that was specifically targeting the younger audience. With book, direction, and choreography by Erl Sorilla, ‘Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad’ was an hour-long performance that was funny and romantic and full of gorgeous Filipino imagery. It was light and fast-paced and showed off the wonders of ballet with a little hint of contemporary, modern dance to keep the target audience glued to the stage.

Image from Alice Reyes Dance Philippines FB

It’s a simple enough story about how Buwaya stole a golden coconut, which brought good fortune to a village. Juan Tamad goes by his dad being lazy until he meets Maria Masipag, the daughter of the village elder who held the golden coconut for the village. While Juan and Maria fell in love, her parents won’t let her be with someone so lazy. To dissuade him, they task him to find the missing golden coconut. If he brings it back to the village, he can be with Maria. Despite his name, Juan Tamad goes off with his animal companion, Matsing, in search for the prize. On the way, he meets other animal companions until his big battle with the Buwaya.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

Sorilla’s choreography is fun and big and clean. He makes full use of his ensemble of seven dancers that the village feels like a full village, and he incorporates Loy Arcenas’ inventive and ingenious costume designs into the performance. The villagers look like they are straight off an Amorsolo painting but when he gets to the animals, they are complete with tails and headpieces. The crocodile has a huge tail that swings around when he spins and it’s to the company’s skill and handwork (and Sorilla’s blocking and direction) that no one ever gets hit (unless intended). Loy Arcenas also designed the set and makes clever use of three wheeled panels that look like coconut trees, and they are wheeled around to show Juan Tamad and Matsing searching through the forest for Buwaya and it feels like they are really moving from place to place despite it still being the same stage.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

It’s fun and ingenious ideas like this that makes the play so enjoyable, and it was such a treat for all the young people in the audience, some of them as young as Grade 3 or Grade 4. I was also happy to see two whole blocks of children from two different schools who were present, and they were squealing with joy, especially from the antics of Matsing.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

While Renzen Arboleda was terrific as Juan Tamad. He was charming and his movements were precise, his jumps were impressive. On his duet with Maria, performed beautifully by Karla Santos. But it was Dan Dayo as Matsing who really stole the show. Matsing’s choreography was more hyper. It allowed him to be playful and silly and required more jumps and cartwheels. It was a showier character. While not as showy as Matsing, Ejay Arisola had a much harder time as Buwaya. His costume was detailed with a maw and a long tail that he incorporated fully into his performance. The fact that he was able to do all of the amazing things he did on stage speaks so much of his skill. The other two standouts were Monica Gana as Kuneho and Krislynne Buri as Paboreal. Gana, as Kuneho, was funny and spritely. She really looked like a rabbit on stage while Buri had the unenviable task of dancing in Paboreal’s costume, a full-on skirt of shiny material to serve as her peacock feathers. Luckily, she and Buwaya performed a ballroom-inspired duet that was so interesting to watch with their tail and skirt flying with their precise shifts in movement.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

Knowing that it’s ballet for children, I could understand that the choreography had to be big and fun and playful. I even welcomed some of the movements almost resembling modern urban dance before it returns to its ballet roots. It keeps it familiar for the kids. I do have a bit of issue at the start when the ballet attempts to establish Juan Tamad as lazy. We see the villagers asking him to do things for him and instead of doing them, he just lies down and sleeps. More than lazy, it paints him more as unreliable or irresponsible. And on the other hand, Maria Masipag is meant to be hardworking and we see her do a lovely solo dance sweeping around her house and other chores and this gives off responsible and diligent. These are abstractions, of course, but something I wish was given a little more thought to in the process.

Photo courtesy of Kiko Cabuena/CCP

But other than that, what a wonderful show and I hope Alice Reyes Dance Philippines continues to produce more shows like this because dance is such a wonderful avenue for kids, both as entertainment and something that they might want to try out for themselves.

My Rating:

Mga Kuwento ni Juan Tamad by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, an all-original production choreographed by Erl Sorilla, premiered last November 10 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

November 21, 2024
THEATER REVIEW: Beautifully Broken – A Review of ‘Gruesome Playground Injuries’

CAST (Company of Actors in Streamlined Theater) caps off their season with the play ‘Gruesome Playground Injuries’ by Rajiv Joseph. It’s a deceptively simple play with only two characters in just roughly a little bit over an hour but there’s a wealth of humanity that is loaded within as it explores the literally painful love story of two friends over the course of 30 years. I say literally because we meet the two friends – Kayleen and Doug – in five-year intervals, from 8 to 38, and one of them is always hurt. It wasn’t kidding when it included “gruesome” in its title.

Photo courtesy of CJ Ochoa

Directed by Nelsito Gomez, the play makes full use of Mirror Studios’ wall mirror for actress Missy Maramara to write down the character’s ages and the location of each scene before it starts. The two actors, with Topper Fabregas playing Doug, change in front of the audience, going down to their underwear, making them vulnerable and exposed as the characters seem to fall into whenever they meet each other. The actors barely ever leave the stage (except for one scene shift when Fabregas leaves entirely), which means we get to see them put on their make-up and prosthetics for whatever injury their characters have gotten into before the scene begins.

Photo courtesy of CJ Ochoa

From 8 to 38, we see Kayleen and Doug navigate through very tough life experiences. Doug seems to get himself into situations where he can fall from very high places or maybe even lose an eye. Kayleen’s personal life – with her boyfriends and her parents – leads her to self-harm. In the scenes that makes up the play, set in a non-linear order, we catch the two find solace and comfort in each other and yet unable to say how they really feel, unless the timing is all wrong. These are characters who are so used to being broken, whether physically or emotionally, that they seem to be more comfortable leaning into the hurt than moving towards the safe space that they’ve made for each other.

Photo courtesy of CJ Ochoa

Despite the blood, the pain of their circumstances, and their inability to be truly honest with each other (and with themselves), the play is actually hilarious. Kayleen and Doug, on paper, are really sad and miserable people but when they are together, they bring out the best in each other and their wit and their candor are as true as any two best friends can be that it fills the stage with so much warmth. This is predicated by the effortless performances of Topper Fabregas and Missy Maramara.

Photo courtesy of CJ Ochoa

What’s incredible about the two as he easily they shift from 8 to 38, catching the joys and foolishness of our teenage years to the desperate rush of our 20s when we feel like everything is at stake, to the exhausted and jaded 30s when your life is not what you imagined it to be. All of these complex layers of people in these ages, the two actors are able to personify so perfectly while still adding on the added layer of these two specific broken individuals into the plate. It’s amazing to watch. And the fact that the play moves back and forth through time, means that Fabregas and Maramara must go from an adult back to a teen and then back to an adult again.

Photo courtesy of CJ Ochoa

The effect is captivating.

‘Gruesome Playground Injuries’ is not an easy play to digest. It asks you to laugh with (not at) these two poor individuals as they try to sort out their lives while dealing with disappointment and pain, scene after scene. The characters make fun of their injuries, some of them almost fatal, but it’s a coping mechanism that they both cling on to. They try to find humor in the brokenness of their lives but what ends up being amplified is how badly these two people really want to live. This is a daring play, and I honestly would never have thought to have been able to see a play like this in the Philippine theater scene. It’s bold. It’s mature. It’s surprisingly what we need now as world events are constantly making us think about our mortality.

My Rating:

Gruesome Playground Injuries will run on November 29, 30, and December 1, 2024. Get your tickets here. For inquiries about reservations or partnerships, contact gruesome.mnl@gmail.com.

Please note that the show includes themes and imagery of violence, self-harm, suicide, sexual assault, abuse, injuries, and blood.

November 19, 2024
Smart powers Stray Kids World Tour for the Ultimate K-Pop Fan Experience

Mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), in partnership with Viu, is bringing subscribers an unforgettable K-Pop experience with the highly anticipated Philippine leg of the Stray Kids World Tour <dominATE BULACAN> on Nov. 23, Saturday at the Philippine Arena.

As an exclusive perk, Smart has delighted lucky subscribers with the chance to redeem concert tickets by simply exchanging their points on the Smart App.

Fan experiences at the Smart Live booth

To make the event even more memorable for Stray Kids’ fandom known as “STAY”,

Smart is also mounting a Smart Live booth inside the arena filled with exciting activities that allow them to take home premium items.

Fans can also hang out at the booth and make the most of its Instagram-worthy corners for instant photo souvenirs, or charge their smartphones for free to ensure they have enough battery throughout the concert.

Moreover, subscribers can rely on Smart’s beefed-up network coverage in the arena, enabling them to post and share photos and videos of their favorite concert moments in real time.

To cover all their connectivity needs, Smart Prepaid customers can also register to the upgraded Power All 99, which now includes 10 GB of open-access data, unlimited access to their choice of apps, and unlimited calls and texts to all networks.

To avail of Power All 99, subscribers can log into the Smart App or their preferred mobile wallet app, dial*123# on their smartphone, or top up at convenience stores and accredited retailers nationwide.

Self-Made K-Pop Icons

Formed by JYP Entertainment through a survival show, Stray Kids is composed of eight members—Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, HAN, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N — who officially debuted on March 25, 2018 with their mini album, I am NOT.

The group drew global attention with their powerful and original sound, which blends hip-hop, EDM, and lyrics that express rebellion and freedom.

Stray Kids received numerous accolades, including Album of the Year at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards, Most Popular Group at the 2022 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA), Best K-Pop at the 2023 Video Music Awards (VMA), Top K-Pop Album at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, and K-POP Album of the Year at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Albums like NOEASY, ODDINARY, MAXIDENT, 5-STAR, ROCK-STAR, and ATE have achieved top positions on global charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200.

As such, fans attending the concert can look forward to an extraordinary showcase of Stray Kids’ biggest hits and new tracks from their latest album, paired with stunning visuals and captivating performances.

Catch Stray Kids live!

Tickets are still available at https://qrco.de/SKZ-PH.

Stay updated on Smart Live promos and concert news by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

November 19, 2024
Ben&Ben to Unveil Groundbreaking ‘Animation Concert’ at SM MOA Arena on Dec 14

On a quest to transform the concert landscape, Filipino folk-pop ensemble Ben&Ben is gearing up to enchant fans like never before. Scheduled for December 14, 2024, at the sprawling SM Mall of Asia Arena, their upcoming show offers a spellbinding blend of animation, film, and music. Dubbed as the first-ever “animation-concert” hybrid, this event is not just a concert but a gateway to a new dimension of entertainment.

A Symphony of Sights and Sounds

Inspired by their eagerly awaited third studio album, The Traveller Across Dimensions, Ben&Ben’s upcoming arena show is a narrative-rich spectacle that marries the band’s soul-stirring melodies with the wonders of visual storytelling. The album, a pioneer itself in the music realm, forms the narrative backbone of the concert, offering fans not only new songs but a whole new universe to explore.

Crafting Worlds with Every Note

In collaboration with the visionary minds at Puppeteer Studios, Ben&Ben is set to introduce a cast of whimsical characters and a universe so immersive, attendees will feel transported to another world. The heart of this narrative is “Liwanag,” a character first glimpsed in the band’s “Triumph” music video and now set to take center stage in a full-blown animated adventure that unfolds live.

“We’re thrilled to share the story of Liwanag,” said the nine-piece collective. “We’ve shown a glimpse of this story in our “Triumph” music video, but the concert will reveal the full narrative in a way that no one has seen before.”

Beyond Music: An Immersive Cinematic Experience

The Traveller Across Dimensions concert will also debut cutting-edge technology to elevate the immersive experience. For the first time, attendees will be part of the performance with Liwanag LED wristbands, developed in partnership with Pixmob, enhancing the collective vibe and visual spectacle of the show.

Setlist Symphony: A Curated Musical Journey

True to their style, Ben&Ben has carefully curated a setlist that not only features fan favorites and new tracks but also complements the overarching story. “It’s about maintaining what our fans love while introducing them to new experiences,” the band shared. “Each song is a chapter in this grand story we’re all part of.”

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Get Ready to Be Part of the Magic

Tickets for this groundbreaking event are available now via SM Tickets, with various seating options designed to fit every fan’s preference. From the expansive General Admission area to the exclusive Liwanag VIP Package, there’s a spot for everyone to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime musical journey.

Tickets for Ben&Ben’s The Traveller Across Dimensions concert are now available via SM Tickets. General Admission – P1,700
Upper Box – P2,700
Liwanag Standing – P3,200
Lower Box B – P3,700
Lower Box A – P4,700
Lower Box Premium – P7,700
Liwanag VIP Package – P7,700

Embrace the magic, the music, and the stories as Ben&Ben take you on an unforgettable journey with The Traveller Across Dimensions. Prepare to experience a concert like no other—where every note plays a part in a larger narrative, and every visual is a window into another world. Join the adventure and become part of a story that only Ben&Ben can tell.

November 15, 2024
Bangon Bicol Benefit Concert Unites Artists for Typhoon Relief this Nov 13 at Hard Rock Cafe Manila

Come together for an unforgettable night of music, compassion, and purpose! The Bangon Bicol Benefit Concert is set for November 13 at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, bringing together some of the country’s most beloved musical talents—Nyoy Volante, Jinky Vidal, Chad Borja, Duncan Ramos, and many more. Join us as we unite to support the victims of Typhoon Kristine in the Bicol region. This special evening of music and solidarity, kicking off at 7 PM, brings together an impressive lineup of Filipino artists who will showcase their talents to raise funds for a meaningful cause.

A Star-Studded Lineup for a Worthy Cause

The Bangon Bicol concert will bring a powerful lineup of performances that will make you feel the warmth of Filipino solidarity. Headlining the evening are celebrated local artists like Nyoy Volante, known for his soothing acoustic sounds, and Jinky Vidal, whose soulful voice has captivated fans nationwide. Joining them are Chad Borja, known for his heartfelt ballads, and Duncan Ramos, an R&B sensation whose music moves audiences.

In addition to these iconic names, the concert will showcase various bands and solo acts that represent the diversity of OPM (Original Pilipino Music). Expect captivating performances from Joe, Joe, & Joe, Innervoices, Bluegrass, Aby, Nextone, Kiss n Tell, Better Days, The Vowels They Orbit, Parasouls, Paper Satellites, Galaxy Lodge, and Anaya. With genres spanning pop, rock, acoustic, and R&B, there’s something for every music fan.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m., so head to Hard Rock Cafe Manila early to grab a seat. The door charge is Php1000, and every peso goes directly to support those affected by Typhoon Kristine. This is a chance to enjoy live music while making a real difference for the Bicol region.

For those who wish to book in advance, inquiries and reservations are available through 0917-144-9400 or (02) 8990-9809.

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Be Part of a Movement of Music and Hope

Typhoon Kristine’s recent devastation left many communities in the Bicol region in urgent need of relief. Through this concert, the event organizers and performers aim to rally resources and spread awareness, bringing hope to families rebuilding from the loss. Proceeds from ticket sales will be used to provide essentials like food, shelter, and medical support, ensuring that every concertgoer’s contribution goes a long way toward recovery.

There’s nothing like the Filipino spirit, especially when it comes to lending a helping hand. Bangon Bicol is more than just a concert; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate community that values togetherness and giving back. With every song, every clap, and every shared moment, you’re helping to make a difference.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an unforgettable night of live performances while supporting a vital cause. Follow @hardrockcafemanila for updates, and mark your calendar for November 13. See you there—let’s raise our voices and hearts for Bicol!

November 8, 2024
A Radiant Holiday Experience Awaits in Makati: Christmas Lights, Music, Festivities, and More!

Christmas has officially arrived in Makati, and it’s bigger, brighter, and more festive than ever! This year, Make It Makati and Ayala Land are pulling out all the stops to create a truly magical holiday experience for everyone. From enchanting light displays to vibrant street markets and festive performances, Makati has transformed into a wonderland of joy and celebration.

The festive ceremonial affair was led by the representatives of Ayala Land, including Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Bianca Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land President and CEO Meean Dy, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and head of Leasing and Hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land Estates Head Chris Maglanoc, together with local government partner led by Mayor Abby Binay, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, 1st District of Makati Congressman Kid Pena, and 2nd District of Makati Congressman Luis Campos.

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The event continued with vibrant musical performances from UST Singers, STEPS Dance Project, Arman Ferrer, Shiela Valderama, Kayla Rivera, Rony Fortich, and the Philippine Suzuki Youth Orchestra, as they graced Tower One and Exchange Plaza’s fountain area, setting the tone for what Makatizens can enjoy in the days to come. This season, Makati shines a spotlight on local talent with daily performances at Ayala Triangle Gardens.

So, if you’re ready to bask in the holiday glow, here’s what you can look forward to in Makati this Christmas season.

Light Up Your Holidays in Makati

This year, Makati is going all out with its holiday lights, illuminating the city from Ayala Avenue to Circuit Makati. The iconic Ayala Avenue Christmas display returns, with trees adorned in intricate, Kapampangan parol-inspired designs, as well as beloved star and capiz lights that honor Filipino heritage. Stretching 1.9 kilometers along Ayala Avenue, this year’s display is set to be even more mesmerizing, making it the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.

Ayala Triangle Gardens is also a must-visit! Featuring a multi-sensory light corridor, the Gardens are now adorned with mirror frames, neon glows, and starbursts that create a dreamy landscape. This immersive setup goes beyond visuals, engaging your senses with scents and sounds to complete the experience. Whether it’s for a romantic stroll or a fun family outing, Ayala Triangle Gardens is the place to be this season.

The spirit of festivity extends to Jaime Velasquez (Salcedo) Park and Legaspi Park, where the holiday décors weave a magical tapestry throughout the MCBD. Furthermore, South Avenue reflects the awe of the season with parols stretching all the way to Circuit Makati, which stands as another wonderland, bedazzled with trees, lights, and glimmering installations.

Weekend Performances and Simbang Gabi

Get ready to be serenaded by some of the best local talents at Ayala Triangle Gardens. Every weekend, the Gardens will host live performances featuring choirs, orchestras, singers, dancers, and theater performers. The lineup includes Stellar Diva, Bituin Escalante with the Habemus Pappas, the Philippine Suzuki Youth Orchestra, the internationally acclaimed UST Singers, The Luminaries (Arman Ferrer, Floyd Tena, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Kayla Rivera, and Yanah Laurel), Ballet Manila, Steps Dance Project, balladeer Gian Magdangal, soprano Lara Maigue, the multi-awarded acapella group Acapellago, and many other renowned Filipino artists. Then on weekdays, the Gardens will showcase some of Makati’s well-known buskers—such as TetViolin, Rose Ko, and The Accordionist—who will bring the holiday spirit to life with unique performances. Caricature artist Random Smiles will also be present, creating festive portraits for all to enjoy. From classical music to acapella and dance, these performances are sure to bring holiday cheer to audiences of all ages.

And for those observing traditional Christmas practices, Ayala Triangle Gardens will also hold Simbang Gabi services from December 15 to 23. It’s a chance for families and friends to come together and celebrate the season with gratitude and faith.

Festive Markets and Activities at Paseo De Roxas

What’s Christmas without a little shopping? Paseo De Roxas will be the hub of festive markets and activities throughout the season. Kicking off on November 16 and 17, The Makati Street Meet in partnership with the French Embassy, brings you a taste of France with the French Beaujolais event. Sample some of the finest wines from the Beaujolais region, complemented by a selection of French cuisine—a true treat for food and wine lovers.

Following this is A Spectrum Holiday by Spectrum Fair Manila on November 23 and 24. Here, you’ll find a curated selection of merchants offering everything from food and fashion to cosmetics and pet essentials. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your holiday needs, whether you’re gift-hunting or just looking to treat yourself.

The holiday fun doesn’t stop there! From December 7 to 8, Sleigh the Streets invites cycling enthusiasts to explore Makati’s bike-friendly roads. It’s a fun and healthy way to enjoy the festive season with fellow cyclists and experience Makati from a unique perspective.

To add even more holiday magic, Marche de Noel returns on December 14-15 and 21-22, bringing with it a selection of traditional French treats, holiday gifts, and experiences. Partnering with the French Embassy, Makati once again delivers a taste of European Christmas charm.

Countdown to the Biggest New Year’s Eve Party

As the year draws to a close, Makati is preparing for the grandest New Year’s Eve Countdown at Ayala Avenue! Ring in 2025 with a spectacular concert featuring some of the country’s top artists, electrifying performances, and an atmosphere buzzing with energy. Stay tuned for announcements on the artist lineup, but rest assured, this will be a celebration to remember!

If you’re looking for the ultimate way to usher in the new year, there’s no better place than Makati’s New Year’s Eve Countdown. Gather your family and friends and be part of the most vibrant New Year celebration in the city.

A Tradition of Christmas Cheer in Makati

For decades, Makati has been the go-to destination for holiday revelers, thanks to its breathtaking Christmas displays and lively festivities. The tradition began in the early 1990s with the first light displays on Ayala Avenue, and since then, Makati has only grown in its commitment to spreading holiday cheer. The annual celebration has become more than just an event—it’s a part of Makati’s identity, reflecting the Filipino spirit of community, family, and love for traditions.

This year, Makati is pushing the envelope even further, creating more opportunities for Filipinos to come together, make memories, and celebrate the season. It’s a holiday experience that’s both familiar and new, blending cherished traditions with exciting new experiences.

Plan Your Visit to Makati’s Christmas Celebration

With so many activities lined up, there’s something for everyone in Makati this holiday season. Whether you’re here for the lights, the music, the markets, or the New Year’s celebration, Makati promises an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Follow @MakeItMakati on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, X, and Threads for the latest updates on holiday schedules, performance lineups, and more. Whether you’re a Makati local or just visiting, this year’s Christmas celebration is not to be missed.

Embrace the spirit of the season, revel in Makati’s radiant holiday atmosphere, and get ready to welcome 2025 in the most spectacular way possible!

November 8, 2024