Blog

  • “The Conjuring: Last Rites” Shatters Box Office Records in the Philippines — Sets Historic Opening for a Horror Film

    “The Conjuring: Last Rites” Shatters Box Office Records in the Philippines — Sets Historic Opening for a Horror Film

    The devil works hard, but Filipino horror fans work harder.

    The Conjuring Last Rites biggest horror opening

    In a jaw-dropping start to its theatrical run, The Conjuring: Last Rites has obliterated local box office expectations — claiming the crown for the biggest opening day for a horror movie in Philippine history, and breaking records for the highest-grossing midnight screening ever in the country.

    On September 3, audiences across the Philippines flooded cinemas at exactly 12:00 AM — sacrificing sleep for screams — as they witnessed the haunting final chapter of Ed and Lorraine Warren’s journey on the big screen.

    CLR 17490r High Res JPEG custom proxy

    A Box Office Spectacle Like No Other

    Let the numbers speak: Last Rites, rated R-16, is now officially the highest-grossing R-16 opening in the Philippines, toppling the previous record set by Final Destination: Bloodlines. Even more impressive? It currently holds the second-highest opening day for any film released in 2025 — across all genres.

    Not bad for a pair of ghost hunters saying their last goodbye.

    CLR 01331r High Res JPEG custom proxy resized

    The Final Case: Ed and Lorraine’s Swan Song

    The Conjuring: Last Rites marks the ninth — and final — installment in the $2 billion global horror juggernaut known as the Conjuring Universe. Once again directed by Michael Chaves, with horror masters James Wan and Peter Safranproducing, the film brings real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren back to the screen one last time — portrayed by fan-favorite duo Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

    Brimming with chilling set pieces, emotional callbacks, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this cinematic finale is everything fans hoped it would be… and then some.

    Watch the Trailer Here:

    What the Creators Are Saying

    James Wan, who helped launch the franchise with the original The Conjuring films, credits the series’ success to the magic between Wilson and Farmiga. “Vera and Patrick have always been the center of these movies,” says Wan, who directed “The Conjuring” 1 and 2, and has been a producer since the second film in the universe. “They have such a great relationship, onscreen and off – they’re such good friends. I think that really comes across and the audience sees how authentic it is… I have always said, ‘They come for the fright and the scares, but they really stick around for Vera and Patrick.’” 

    Producer Peter Safran echoes the sentiment. “I think the success of the universe has really hinged on the Warrens as a family. That’s why people keep coming back to see the next adventure, the next investigation, the next stage in their lives – it’s because they’ve fallen in love with Ed and Lorraine as portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.”

    Director Michael Chaves adds, “Vera and Patrick have always been our secret weapon. They’re the heart and soul of these films, and it’s their talent and who they are as people that have shaped these movies from the start.”

    The Conjuring Last Rites midnight screening

    Nostalgia, Terror, and One Last Scare

    For the stars themselves, saying goodbye wasn’t easy.

    Patrick Wilson, who’s donned Ed Warren’s suit and cross for over a decade, shared his gratitude: “Going back to the first film, I remember thinking, ‘What a gift to be able to do this.’”

    Meanwhile, Vera Farmiga reflected on the legacy: “It’s been really fun to grow up through the decades and explore all these sensational cases,” she shares, but adds: “This story is the last act for these two.”

    CLR TRL 013 High Res JPEG custom proxy

    Say Goodbye While You Still Can

    This isn’t just a movie — it’s the end of an era. The Conjuring: Last Rites gives fans the closure they didn’t know they needed and delivers one last haunting, heart-wrenching ride through the supernatural.

    Whether you’re a long-time fan or a thrill-seeker looking for the scare of the season, this is your moment.

    Experience the final case. Watch “The Conjuring: Last Rites” — now showing in cinemas nationwide. Distributed locally by Warner Bros. Philippines. check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

    Photo & Video Credit: “Warner Bros. Pictures”

  • Unlock Premium Perks While Building Your Credit Score with Maya Black

    Unlock Premium Perks While Building Your Credit Score with Maya Black

    If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a sleek black credit card, here’s the truth: most of them come with sky-high income requirements or enough paperwork to kill the vibe. But plot twist: Maya Black Credit Card is rewriting the rules and making the black card experience accessible.

    Maya Black is rewriting what a credit card should be. It’s sleek, numberless, and fully controlled in-app. Built for the experience generation, it turns everyday spending into perks: instant Maya Miles, airport lounge access, and next-level security features. Whether it’s your morning latte or a spontaneous flight, Maya Black makes every spend go further.

    2025 PR Image MBX Sustaining v1

    Credit Made Possible with Maya Black Express

    For first-time cardholders and those rebuilding credit, Maya Black Express makes it simple to start. Instead of settling for a “starter card” with limited perks, you simply place an Express Deposit (that actually earns 3.5% interest) to set your credit limit. From day one, you unlock the full Maya Black experience.

    More than just access, Maya Black Express helps you build your credit profile smartly. With responsible use, your card becomes a stepping stone to even bigger credit, better perks, and financial freedom. Here are some easy tips to start:

    • Start where you are. Your deposit-backed limit makes sure you’re not overspending while still building credit history.
    • Use it, but don’t max it. According to TransUnion, it’s best to keep your credit usage ideally 30% or less of your credit limit. If your limit is ₱10,000, keeping your balance around ₱3,000 (or less) shows you’re in control.
    • Consistency is king. Paying on time is the #1 factor in boosting your score. Maya Black makes this easy with app reminders and instant in-app control.

    Do these right, and suddenly your card isn’t just a payment tool. With Maya Black, building good habits and boosting your score isn’t intimidating, it’s your starting line to the experiences you’ve been working toward. Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

  • The Peninsula Manila Showcases Art Protís by National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz

    The Peninsula Manila Showcases Art Protís by National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz

    The Peninsula Manila is proud to present a compelling contemporary art exhibition featuring a curated selection of three never-before seen Art Protis tapestries by renowned late Philippine National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz. Curated by Ricky Francisco of Fundacíon Sansó, this exhibition continues The Peninsula Manila’s long-standing tradition of engaging the community through exceptional art partnerships.

    The large-scale works by the artist will be on display at The Lobby from September 2 to 30, 2025.

    2025 Art in Resonance Alcuaz Spring VIII Abstract 84

    This installation is the latest iteration of Art in Resonance, The Peninsula Hotels’ global contemporary arts program dedicated to supporting exceptional local and international artists, while creating deeply immersive art experiences for guests and visitors.

    Originally introduced in 2019 and since then adopted as a global initiative by all Peninsula hotels, Art in Resonance promotes the rich and vibrant cultural aspects of the cities in which they reside. Art in Resonance is grounded in the recognition of art’s value for humanity, as an inclusive and universal language that crosses borders and builds connections.

    image 9

    Measuring from 116 x 84 inches to 142 x 88 inches, the three Art Protis works – Spring VIII (Abstract #84), Spring XII (Abstract #123), and Filipiny (Abstract #124) – represent one of the largest tapestry series the artist has ever created.

    Art Protis is a unique technique of creating unwoven art works which was invented in the 1960s by a team from the Wool Research Institute in Brno, the second biggest city of the Czech Republic. It was during a visit to Prague in 1968 that Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s interest was caught by Art Protis. He worked with wool which came in raw sheets dyed in different colors. The wool sheets were cut and placed on top of one another like a collage and the finished layers were pressed through a machine then stitched together onto a canvas. Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s mastery of creating a painterly abstraction with ease and pleasure using the uncommon medium of Art Protis conveyed “uncluttered playfulness” with constant fluidity.

    The tapestries will be on view at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila until September 30, 2025.

    In tandem with the exhibition, The Peninsula Manila will also offer guests a special Federico Aguilar Alcuaz Art in Resonance Afternoon Tea menu inspired by the artist’s works. It will be available at The Lobby from September 2 to 30.  The Art in Resonance Afternoon Tea is available at P3,290 per set and P5,290 with a flute of Champagne (exclusive of taxes).

    2025 Art in Resonance Alcuaz Afternoon Tea 1

    At The Conservatory on September 6, the hotel will present its second Art in Resonance TALKS: Federico Aguilar Alcuaz Artist at Large, a Talk and Film Showing by Christian Aguilar. Highlights of the talk include a 15-minute film on the works of the National Artist, followed by a talk by his son, Christian Aguilar, on the artistic legacy of the late national artist.

    Following the talk and film showing is the opening of Homage to Alcuaz, a special exhibition of over 40 paintings by young and mid-career artists honoring the national artist, including works by scholars of Fundacíon Sansó. The exhibition will be held at The Upper Lobby and will run from September 6 to 7, Saturday and Sunday.

    2025 Art in Resonance National Artist Federico Aguilar Alcuaz

    Seats to Art in Resonance TALKS: Federico Aguilar Alcuaz Artist at Large, a Talk and Film Showing by Christian Aguilar are complimentary and are on first-come, first-served basis. The talk will start at 2:00 pm.

    The Homage to Alcuaz exhibition at The Upper Lobby will open at 3:00 pm and will run from September 6 to 7, Saturday and Sunday.

    The Art in Resonance exhibition of large-scale Art Protis tapestries at The Lobby can be enjoyed by all visitors to the hotel from September 2 to 30.

    For reservations to the Federico Aguilar Alcuaz Art in Resonance Afternoon Tea and inquiries on Art in Resonance TALKS: Federico Aguilar Alcuaz Artist at Large, a Talk and Film Showing by Christian Aguilar, please call (63 2) 8887-2888, extension 6694 for restaurant reservations, email diningpmn@peninsula.com or visit peninsula.com.

  • WISE Bazaar Year 2 Shines Spotlight on 30 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

    WISE Bazaar Year 2 Shines Spotlight on 30 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

    Bayan Academy, with the support of Wells Fargo, proudly presents WISE Bazaar Year 2, a two-day event dedicated to showcasing and empowering women micro-entrepreneurs. The bazaar will take place on September 5–6, 2025 at the Outdoor Area of Market! Market! in Taguig City, gathering 30 inspiring women-led businesses offering unique finds just in time for the celebratory “ber” months.

    Wise Bazaar

    The Women’s Initiative for Sustainable Enterprises (WISE) Project is a flagship program of Bayan Academy supported by Wells Fargo. Designed to equip women entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, enterprise enrichment, and networking opportunities, the project culminates in this vibrant bazaar that highlights their creativity and innovation.

    Bestselling peanut butter by Blessed Pamana Food Inc. owned by Rowena Garcia

    At WISE Bazaar Year 2, shoppers can expect a wide variety of products, ranging from food, fashion, cosmetics, and handicrafts to homeware and lifestyle items. These businesses are not only offering quality items but also represent stories of perseverance, purpose, and passion.

    “The WISE Bazaar is more than just an opportunity for early holiday shopping, it is a platform to honor and support women entrepreneurs whose creativity, perseverance, and enterprises uplift entire communities,” said Luke Orbos, Executive Director of Bayan Academy. “Every purchase made here is an investment in their dreams and a contribution to inclusive growth. By standing behind these women, we help strengthen the economy, promote sustainable enterprises, and build a future where prosperity is shared by all.”

    Magic Hand Enterprise was developed through Jennifer C. Lampazs creativity and weaving skills. Her business helped her boost her confidence as a differently abled entrepreneur

    .

    Beyond shopping, the bazaar allows the public to directly support women micro-entrepreneurs who have completed the GREAT Women Entrepreneurship (GWEn) training program and other WISE interventions. The initiative also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, underscoring the belief that women-led enterprises can drive meaningful social and economic change.

    “The WISE Bazaar is proof that when women are given the right tools and opportunities, they can create enterprises that are both profitable and purposeful,” Orbos added. 

    Everyone is invited to discover “wais buys”—unique, high-quality items perfect for personal use, holiday gifting, or corporate giveaways while championing Filipinas who are reshaping the business landscape. 

    So, what are you waiting for? Be Wise! Head to Market! Market! 

    For more details, follow Bayan Academy’s official social media page on FB and @bayanacademy_ in IG.

  • Alicia Silverstone Makes Her Sexy Thriller Comeback with ‘Pretty Thing’

    Alicia Silverstone Makes Her Sexy Thriller Comeback with ‘Pretty Thing’

    Every love story has risks — but some are more dangerous than others. In Pretty Thing, Alicia Silverstone steps into a role that twists desire into something deadly. Coming soon to Lionsgate Play, the film is a slow-burn erotic thriller that shows how quickly passion can spiral into obsession.

    Pretty Thing 2

    Silverstone plays Sophie, a high-level pharmaceutical executive who has built her life on discipline and control. Her marriage is muted, her work consumes her time, and she rarely lets people in. When she begins an affair with Elliot (Karl Glusman), a younger man who seems eager to please, it feels like a decision she can manage. 

    But what starts as an indulgence soon unravels into something darker, and her lover’s fascination morphs into a dangerous obsession. Soon, Sophie finds herself fighting to reclaim her life, her freedom, and her very sense of control.

    Written by Jack Donnelly and directed by Justin Kelly, Pretty Thing doesn’t lean on explosive twists or genre clichés. Instead, it builds an atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge, slowly tightening its grip until every glance and gesture feels like a threat.

    For Silverstone, the film also marks a full-circle moment. Her very first movie, The Crush (1993), also told a story of obsession, but with the roles reversed. Back then, she played the teenage stalker; in Pretty Thing, she is the one being stalked. The contrast highlights both how far she’s come and the new weight she brings to this kind of story.

    On returning to the stalker thriller genre, Alicia Silverstone told UPI, “It’s fun to revisit it. They’re both in some kind of addictive game. She wants this to stop and he wants it to keep going. They’re both equally determined… It’s an erotic thriller and it starts like a romance. You think, ‘Oh, this is like this really beautiful, romantic story’ and then it takes a turn. I love that about it.”

    Experience the tension, the passion, and the danger when Pretty Thing starts streaming exclusively on Lionsgate Play on September 5 via PLDT Home, Smart and Cignal.

  • PPO Marks 41 Years Of Musical Flexibility in ‘Versatile’

    PPO Marks 41 Years Of Musical Flexibility in ‘Versatile’

    After an excellent display of Filipino artistry in its recently concluded tour in the United Kingdom, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) exhibits its adaptable musicality for its 41st concert season, dubbed “VERSATILE.”

    PPO 41 Versatile Poster

    With the commanding presence of conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, this concert season serves as a brilliant reminder of the PPO’s four decades of musical prowess.

    Welcome the music season with CONCERT I: OUVERTURE on September 12, 2025. With acclaimed pianist Andrey Gugnin, the orchestra opens with Antonin Dvořák’s Carnival Overture, op.92, Sergei Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony no. 4, op.98, E minor.

    On September 19, 2025, a reprise of the PPO’s repertoire for its UK Tour is in store for the audiences with CONCERT II: LE RETOUR. The celebration continues with Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite Waltz and concludes with Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5, op.67, C minor. Catch PPO’s very own guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence Diomedes Saraza Jr. on violin for Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1 and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending.

    CONCERT III: CONCERTO beautifully sustains the momentum on October 17, 2025. World-renowned cellist Tomasz Strahl, together with the PPO, plays Robert Schumann’s Cello Concerto, op. 129, A minor and Witold Lutoslawski’s Concerto for Orchestra. Also catch the world premiere of Creation Fugue and Arctic Chase (from opera Frankenstein) by PPO’s composer-in-residence, Jeffrey Ching.

    Wander through the classical and romantic period in CONCERT IV: VIRTUOSO on November 14, 2025. Witness famed pianist Mark Bebbington and the orchestra travel back in time with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 “Emperor” and Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Gorchakov).

    CONCERT V: PRELUDI astonishes with majestic melodies on January 16, 2026. With Spanish-Filipino singer Andion Fernandez and piano prodigy Szymon Nehring, welcome the new year with Ching’s Fenghuang Singing, Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concerto no. 1, op. 11,  E minor, and Franz Liszt’s Les Préludes.

    On February 13, 2026, fall in love with CONCERT VI: ROMANZA. Catch the world premiere of Mozart’s unfinished concerto Concerto for violin and piano K. Anh. 56/315f / as completed by Ching. Henri Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor and Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2 complete the romantic repertoire. Violinist Bartek Nizioł graces the stage with his bel canto style alongside international pianist Junhee Kim.

    British Spinto soprano Katerina Mina joins the PPO in CONCERT VII: OPERA on March 13, 2026. Witness their spectacular performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s La forza del destino: Overture and La forza del destino: Pace, pace mio Dio, Umberto Giordano’s Andrea Chénier – La Mamma Morta, Giacomo Puccini’s Adagietto in F Major and Tosca: Vissi d’arte, and Stephan Hodel’s Angel of Fire. Jerry Dadap’s Symphony No. 5, ‘The Wrath of Prakṛti (nature) & Ragatmika-Bhakti (devotion) also makes its world premiere.

    In CONCERT VIII: CODA, the season comes to a close with Dmitri Shostakovich’s music on April 17, 2026. Saraza plays the violin in Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, op.96, Violin Concerto No. 1, and Symphony No. 5, op.47.

    While celebrating the orchestra’s 41 years, Versatile presents the PPO as a musical chameleon traversing through centuries. Led by Maestro Nowak, the PPO also cements its glorious reputation of being the nation’s premier orchestra in its 41st concert season.

    Concerts I, III, VII, and VIII of Versatile take place at The Metropolitan Theatre in Manila, while Concert IV will be held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City. Venues for Concerts II, V, and VI are to be announced. Tickets are priced at Php3,000, Php2,500, Php2,000, Php1,500, Php800, and Php500.

    For more updates on PPO’s 41st concert season, visit the CCP’s official website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). You also follow the CCP’s pages on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.

  • Xiaomi Brings Up to 59% Off in 9.9 Sale on Shopee and Lazada

    Xiaomi Brings Up to 59% Off in 9.9 Sale on Shopee and Lazada

    From the REDMI Note 14 Series and Xiaomi 15 to wearables and smart home devices, Xiaomi is making September even more exciting with deals that bring favorite tech closer to fans. Shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 59% off during the 9.9 Sale, happening September 6 to 10 on Shopee and September 8 to 11 on Lazada.

    9.9

    Flagship Highlights at Lower Prices

    Leading the lineup is the REDMI Note 14 Series, built for those who want a strong camera, smooth performance, and modern design in one device. The REDMI Note 14 Pro+ 5G, usually at ₱20,999, drops to ₱18,999 for the sale.

    Also featured is the Xiaomi 15, the brand’s new premium flagship, bundled with a free Xiaomi Smart Speaker to give fans extra value in every purchase.

    Wearables and Accessories Made Affordable

    Xiaomi’s popular wearables and audio devices are also part of the 9.9 deals. The REDMI Buds 5 Pro now go for ₱1,399 from ₱3,399, a 59% discount that makes premium wireless sound easier to own. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 joins the lineup as a sleek lifestyle companion, while music lovers can also check out the Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo Pro, which comes with free sunglasses this sale season.

    Entertainment for Every Home

    The Xiaomi TV A Series is included in the 9.9 lineup, giving households more choices for upgrading their living rooms. Available in multiple sizes, these TVs bring vivid visuals and immersive audio into any space, with sale pricing that makes a smart home upgrade more within reach.

    Smart Living at Better Value

    Home essentials also see markdowns. The new Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 6 goes from ₱9,899 to ₱8,999, designed to keep indoor air cleaner and fresher. Popular smart cameras are marked down by as much as 50%, while the Xiaomi Pad 7 is available at ₱16,499, bundled with a free keyboard on Sept 9 only. From vacuums to outdoor cameras, these devices make everyday convenience easier to own.

    Your Complete Guide to the 9.9 Sale

    With phones, wearables, and home devices all included, there’s no better time to shop Xiaomi’s biggest sale of the season. All exclusive 9.9 deals are available on Xiaomi’s official e-commerce stores, Shopee Xiaomi Global Store and Lazada Xiaomi Global Store.

    Here are all the details you need to plan your 9.9 shopping:

    image 2
    image 4
    image 5
    image 6
    image 7
    image 8

  • “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” Trailer Unleashes a Ruthless New Chapter – In PH Cinemas January 2026

    “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” Trailer Unleashes a Ruthless New Chapter – In PH Cinemas January 2026

    28 Years Later, the World Still Isn’t Safe

    Just when you thought the terror had ended, it mutates.

    4 1

    The post-apocalyptic universe first unleashed by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland returns with a chilling new chapter—28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Directed by the visionary Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels), this psychological horror-thriller revisits a devastated world where survival comes at the cost of your soul.

    The Official Trailer is Finally here. Watch it now:

    Set for release in Philippine cinemas this January 2026, the film is distributed locally by Columbia Pictures, the Philippine branch of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

    Rage Lives On – But So Does Something Far Worse

    Gone are the days when the infected were the only monsters.

    In The Bone Temple, the story picks up nearly three decades after the outbreak that decimated society. Ralph Fiennes reprises his role as the enigmatic Dr. Kelson, now entangled in a mysterious and dangerous relationship that could alter humanity’s future. Meanwhile, Alfie Williams returns as Spike, a hardened survivor whose path collides with a new antagonist—Jimmy Crystal, portrayed by Jack O’Connell (Unbroken, Skins).

    And here’s the twist: the infected? They’re no longer the biggest threat.

    1 1

    A Darker, Deeper Descent into Horror

    Forget what you think you know about zombie films. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple flips the narrative, plunging audiences into a terrifying exploration of human cruelty in a world stripped of morality.

    As survivors form factions, alliances grow toxic, and trust becomes more lethal than the virus itself. Newcomers Erin Kellyman (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and Chi Lewis-Parry add fresh blood to a franchise already brimming with complex characters and emotional tension.

    Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, the film promises to push boundaries and unsettle audiences like never before.

    2

    Meet the Creative Powerhouse Behind the Film

    This isn’t just another sequel—it’s an evolution.

    Produced by a powerhouse team that includes Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, and Alex Garland, The Bone Temple builds on the foundation laid by 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later. The film also boasts Cillian Murphy as executive producer, adding depth and prestige to the production.

    ⚠️ Credits not final and subject to change.

    poster

    Mark Your Calendars: January 2026

    Horror fans, gear up. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to explode onto the big screen in the Philippines this January 2026. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the original series or a newcomer craving intense cinematic thrills, this is one sequel that refuses to play it safe.

    The infection may have started 28 years ago, but the horror is only just beginning.

    Follow all updates, teasers, and behind-the-scenes reveals using the hashtag #28YearsLater and don’t forget to tag @columbiapicph.

  • Bigger, Bolder HABI Market Fair Celebrates 15 Years at SPACE One Ayala

    Bigger, Bolder HABI Market Fair Celebrates 15 Years at SPACE One Ayala

    On its 15th year of celebrating the fabric of our culture, the Likhang Habi Market Fair is set to return on October 10 – 12, 2025, this time at the SPACE Events Hall of One Ayala (former site of the Hotel Intercontinental Manila) in Makati City. Moving to a bigger venue, the Fair will be hosting a fast-growing community of close to a hundred artisans and weavers from all over the country, offering unique and innovative products fresh off the loom.

    HABI Photo 1

    The flagship program of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, this year’s theme, Sining ng Tela – The Art and Legacy of Philippine Textiles, puts the spotlight on the creative forces behind the weaves that define our identity as Filipinos.

    With a growing focus on the educational aspect of their mission, the HABI Council is taking advantage of the larger facility and will be holding a variety of events such as the HABI Lectures – a series of talks and panel discussions on design, entrepreneurship, and building a Filipino brand. There will also be presentations to highlight the rich cultures that produce the intricate weaves, screenings of the various documentaries that the council has created, and exhibitions of the entries to the 8th Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and the 4th Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition, among others.

    HABI Photo 2

    “We want to give voice and value to the hands behind every woven creation,” said HABI Chairman Emeritus Maribel Ongpin. “The artistry of Filipino weavers deserves a national stage.” A staunch supporter of the weaving industry, she established the textile council in 2009 together with HABI President Emeritus Adelaida Lim and other fellow weaving advocates to revive and revitalize what was then a dying craft.

    HABI Photo 4

    Today, the Likhang Habi Market Fair stands as incontrovertible proof that the weaving industry is back and stronger than ever. This vibrant marketplace offers a unique cultural platform where heritage, artistry and community are seamlessly woven to provide a meaningful market encounter. More than just a venue to buy and sell, it provides the artisans and weavers the opportunity to meet the people who actually use their products, understand their needs and improve what they can offer in the future. In turn, buyers and designers are introduced to the communities that produce the weaves, learn about the meanings behind the designs, and use the fabrics in ways that honors the culture that created it. Ms. Lim pointed out that at the heart of most weaving cultures are the women because the activity is considered a female pursuit. With the HABI Council making a range of resources and information accessible, they expect a rise of women in leadership roles as they facilitate the growing business of weaving.“The empowerment of women is an important advocacy of the HABI Council,” she reiterated. “This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations which we are actively pursuing. The availability of resources shifts the perspective, taking weaving from being a chore for girls into a viable career that will also aid in preserving their culture.”

    HABI Photo 7

    The three-day fair brings together the different stakeholders under one roof – weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, suppliers, distributors and buyers – where connections are made and relationships are fostered to support an industry that is engaged and sustainable.

    HABI Photo 9

    Mia Villanueva, HABI President adds: “Because we are in a new venue, we want our visitors to have a richer experience this year. Guests can expect a full spectrum of products using a wide range of indigenous weaves including handwoven textiles, garments, accessories, homeware, jewelry, and curated crafts. They can take time off from shopping by learning something new and interesting from the HABI lecture series, or sample a variety of regional delicacies from culinary artisans such as Chef Sau Del Rosario at the lounge and dining area .”

    More than just a marketplace, Likhang Habi Market Fair promises to weave opportunities for growth, celebrate our identity, and strengthen the ties that bind us to our heritage.

  • LifeWear magazine Issue 13 Revisiting Classic

    LifeWear magazine Issue 13 Revisiting Classic

    Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces the launch of the 2025 Fall/Winter issue of LifeWear magazine (Issue 13) on Friday, August 29. LifeWear magazine is a free magazine dedicated to the UNIQLO philosophy of making everyday life better and more comfortable for everyone. The theme of Issue 13 for Fall/Winter is “Revisiting Classic,” honoring traditional designs and the origins of different styles. We’ve made updates to fit and functionality in response to customer opinion. This issue takes a closer look at select items, demonstrating how these clothes embody UNIQLO’s approach to classic style.

    image

    Takahiro Kinoshita, Fast Retailing Group Senior Executive Officer and Creative Director, commented:

    “While compiling these articles, I was reminded of something the designer Daiki Suzuki told me once.   ‘It’s crucial for UNIQLO to position itself as a reliable source for everyday essentials.’ This resonates with ‘Classic doesn’t get old,’ strong words of advice from Lara, a German influencer profiled in these pages. The new issue of LifeWear magazine speaks to something behind both of these ideas—good classic clothes are always in style.“

    Overview of LifeWear magazine Issue 13 2025 (Fall/Winter)

    Magazine:  A4 modified size, 120 pages, bilingual Japanese and English. Available free in 26 markets worldwide in 12 languages.

    Main distribution locations: UNIQLO stores

    Special website: https://www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/contents/lifewear-magazine/

    Includes exclusive content only available on the website.

    Feature video: https://youtu.be/lHAAyt7BUsM

    Main Contents of the 2025 Fall/Winter Issue

    image 1

    Hello, Cate

    Introducing Cate Blanchett, dressed in the new collection from UNIQLO : C. We asked Cate 15 questions, including how she became a Global Brand Ambassador, and her impressions of UNIQLO.

    Revisiting Classic

    From essentials to new items. Here’s a tour through “Today’s Classics” from UNIQLO, covering twenty-three topics. Items photographed against an international array of backdrops, from Manchester to Paris, Gothenburg, Seoul, and Los Angeles.

    Puff it Up

    Soft and light and warm. Tips for how to skillfully layer items made with PUFFTECH, the functional fill from UNIQLO. Replete with a chart that maps warmth against lightness for various items, including classic down jackets.

    My Standard

    Collaborating with @lara_bsmnn

    Boasting 730,000+ followers on social media, Lara applies her free-spirited fashion sensibility to this season’s collection, styling it her way. A seamless mix of men’s and women’s items.

    Woodstock Weekend Weekends are for classic clothes and small adventures. These authentic coats and jackets are perfect for some sweet time in Woodstock, a cozy town just a few hours north of New York City.