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  • Light up your New Year with Globe in NYE AT THE 5TH!

    Are you ready to ring in 2024 with a bang? Globe is teaming up with Bonifacio Global City and the local government of Taguig for NYE AT THE 5TH – a street celebration that’s going to brighten your world.

    Prepare to dive into a night of unforgettable fun on December 31 at the Globe Booth at Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre. As you step into this festive arena, feel the pulse of a community coming together, ready to set the stage for a truly fantastic year ahead.

    BGC NYE KV v5

    A spectacular K-Pop performance

    A stellar performance by one of K-Pop’s biggest groups is set to electrify the evening,  which is why Globe KmmunityPH and Anything K-Pop Manila is teaming up once again to amp up the energy. Whether you’re a long-time stan or new to the scene, there is a diverse array of awesome activities designed to immerse you in the vibrant world of K-Pop.

    Capture your moments at the Globe photobooth

    Make your New Year’s Eve more memorable at the Globe photobooth. It’s the perfect spot to snap your festive OOTD, gather with loved ones for a group photo, and capture the spirit of the celebration.

    Arcade fun with friends

    Challenge your friends and test your skills at Globe’s arcade machines. It’s not just about winning; it’s about enjoying every playful moment and maybe even snagging some cool prizes.

    Dance parties to keep you moving

    Get ready to move and groove! Spontaneous dance parties are set to erupt, offering you a chance to dance your heart out. Mingle with fellow party-goers in these impromptu dance-offs and let the rhythm of the night take over.

    Exclusive deals from 0917 Lifestyle

    Fashion meets fandom with 0917 Lifestyle’s exclusive freebies and discounts on some of their most popular collections. Enjoy up to 50% off on shirts, accessories, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and express your fandom.

    Concert experience at the Globe booth

    Experience the concert with added comfort at the Globe booth. This is your chance to enjoy the performance in a cozy setting, making your New Year’s Eve celebration even more special.

    “Joining BGC and Taguig City in this celebration is our way of bringing people together and fueling their passion. We’re creating a vibrant space where fans can connect, and we’re excited to offer an experience that’s both fun and meaningful as we welcome the new year,” said Crisela Magpayo-Cervantes, Globe’s Vice President for Marketing Communications.

    As the countdown to the New Year begins, don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration. Join Globe at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheatre on December 31 for a gathering of hearts and dreams, all united by the excitement for new beginnings.

    See you there!

  • Play Awesome this 2024: The new Samsung Galaxy A15 5G and A25 5G with Super AMOLED display are here, starting at P10,990!

    Enter the new year with Samsung’s most affordable 5G smartphones, now with an improved display for your awesome play moments! Starting at P10,990, enjoy immersive entertainment with Samsung’s Super AMOLED display and supercharged plays with a more powerful battery. Bonus: you can get a free 25W Travel Adapter when you order yours until March 31, 2024.

    Galaxy A15 5G and A25 5G

    The Galaxy A15 5G can be yours for only P10,990 for the 4GB+128GB version and P14,990 for the 8GB+256GB variant. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A25 5G is retailing at P15,990 for the 6GB+128GB variant and P18,990 for the 8GB+256GB variant. 

    Play awesome with improved display and battery

    Searching for an awesome phone to watch your most-awaited series this 2024? Enjoy binge watching your favorite shows on the Galaxy A15 and A25 5G’s 6.5-inch Super AMOLED Display which can give you improved screen visibility even in direct sunlight with Vision Booster. The Galaxy A25 5G can brighten up to 1,000 nits so you can still enjoy streaming even when outdoors. It also has up to 120Hz refresh rate for that extra smooth experience and display quality. Both phones also have an Eye Comfort Shield that reduces harmful blue light so that your eyes are cared for day and night.

    Binge watch or play all day as the Galaxy A15 and A25 5G packs a 5,000 mAh battery and can now support 25W of Super Fast Charging.

    Strut  your awesome new year style

    Click away and express your creativity with the Galaxy A25 5G’s 50MP OIS Main Camera, 8MP Ultra Wide, and 2MP Macro lens. On the other hand, the Galaxy A15 5G boasts a 50MP Main camera for your photo masterpieces, and a 5MP Ultra Wide and 2MP Macro cameras for landscapes and close-ups. These phones each have a 13MP Front camera for profile-worthy selfies.

    Step into 2024 with a refreshed style as the Galaxy A15 or A25 5G sport awesome colors that match your outfits – with the Galaxy A15 5G even flexing a tidy camera layout and a glossy back cover with Blue Black and Blue color options. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A25 5G has a sleek profile with unique patterns and a haze finish, available in Blue Black, Blue, and Yellow as an online-exclusive color.

    Awesome features to let you Play Awesome in 2024 

    The Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G are made to keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle, perfect for kicking off an awesome year. The Galaxy A15 runs on an octa-core processor and offers spacious memory and storage options at 4GB / 8GB and 128GB / 256GB. Meanwhile, a powerful Exynos 1280 processor runs the Galaxy A25 5G, with 6GB / 8GB memory and 128GB / 256GB storage options with support for an additional 1TB with a microSD card.

    The new members of the Galaxy A series also offer up to 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security maintenance, so these phones are ensured for smooth sailing. Both the Galaxy A25 5G and Galaxy A15 5G are protected with Certified EAL5+ Samsung Knox Vault, designed to safeguard your sensitive data, such as PINs, passwords and patterns, in a separate tamper-resistant storage for protection against software and hardware threats involving voltage, glitches, high temperature and laser.

    So if you’re still on the lookout for a phone that allows you to play awesome, then the search is finally over! Play forward to 2024 with the new Galaxy A15 5G and Galaxy A25 5G, which also comes with an LTE version.

    The Galaxy A15 LTE is also available for as low as P9,990 for the 4GB+128GB variant and P13,990 for the 8GB+256GB version. It also has the same Super AMOLED Display and a 5,000 mAh battery that can support 25W Fast Charging. It also has the same OS and security features as the Galaxy A25 5G and A15 5G, and you can avail this phone in two awesome colors; Blue Black and Light Blue.

    Order yours at Samsung Experience Stores, online shops, and participating retail partners. You can also visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a25-5g-blue-256gb-sm-a256ezkhphl/buy/ or https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a15-blue-black-256gb-sm-a155fzkiphl/buy/

    To know more about Samsung’s latest offerings, visit www.samsung.com/ph/.

    *DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-181830 Series of 2023

  • Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals Day 1: Felip-Ylona Special Collab Stage

    The two days of the anticipated Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals will not just be filled with Dota 2 and VALORANT action as 26 teams vie for the coveted Predator Shield and the combined prize pool of $200,000. Gaming fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena will be treated to amazing performances by some of the Philippines’ top artists, including Acer ambassadors Sarah Geronimo and SB19.

    APAC Predator League Ylona and Felip


    Get ready for the special collaboration stage of singer, songwriter, and rapper Felip and Paradise Rising artist Ylona Garcia. Felip, known as Ken, is the main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist of the phenomenal group SB19. He released his solo debut EP called COM • PLEX 
    early this year. Ylona Garcia is a singer and songwriter under Paradise Rising, a label under 88rising and Globe. One of her songs, titled “Entertain Me,” was released in partnership with VALORANT.

    Aside from the Felip-Ylona special collaboration stage, Acer ambassadors Sarah Geronimo and SB19 will lead the roster of talents on Day 1, along with Urbandub, Al James, and UPeepz. Day 2 will feature KZ Tandingan, Sandwich, Franco, Spongecola, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Daloy Dance Company, Josh Cullen, and Pablo.

    For both days, there will also be meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and Alodia Gosiengfiao.

    “The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals will be a showcase of world-class gaming, music, entertainment, and community. For those who will be at the SM MOA Arena on January 13 and 14, it will have a festival-like atmosphere, with many exciting activities and awesome surprises,” said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager at Acer Philippines.

    Tickets are now available through SM Ticket booths or online at https://www.smtickets.com/tickets/AsiaPacificPredatorLeague.

    For more information and updates about Predator League, visit www.facebookcom/PredatorGamingPhilippines  or the official website www.predator-league.com.  


      

  • Give back while you shop:Unwrap the joy of sharing as SMAC supports Hapag Movement

    This festive season, you can help the hungry even while on a shopping spree.

    Globe and SMAC, SM’s customer loyalty program, are back with “Ibalik ang Sarap ng Pasko sa Hapag,” a campaign that turns your holiday shopping into a beacon of hope for those suffering from involuntary hunger. For every SMAC card purchased from December 15, 2023, to January 31, 2024, SMAC donates PHP50.00 to Globe’s Hapag Movement.

    Every swipe of your SMAC card does more than just tally up your purchases. With each transaction, you also have the opportunity to help someone in need.

    Hapag KV BUs and RAs FA 2 1

    “When you choose to avail of a SMAC card, you’re embracing that holiday spirit beyond the usual. You’re joining a movement that feeds hope and joy to countless Filipino families affected by hunger. Each card is a pledge to make the season brighter for someone in need,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe Group.

    “In our second year of our partnership with Globe, our goal is to bring even more support to the Hapag Movement to make a greater impact and help more Filipinos in need. We believe there is no better way to celebrate the holidays than by sharing, and like last year, we are assured that our members will join forces with us in making this campaign a success,” said Jay Beltran, Head of Sales and Marketing, Digital Advantage Corporation (DAC).

    The Hapag Movement aims to help 500,000 Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger. Every point you donate through your SMAC card becomes a lifeline.

    You may also contribute through various platforms, including GCash, credit card donations, or Rewards points via the GlobeOne app. This inclusivity means that anyone can join in this cause, amplifying the impact of the campaign.

    In this season of joy and giving, your shopping choices have the power to transform lives. Your SMAC card is more than just a shopping companion. Every card purchase and every swipe counts towards a future where no table is empty, and no heart is hungry.

    Unwrap the joy of generosity together with Globe and SMAC. Learn more by visiting https://digiweb.smac.ph/perks/ibalik-ang-sarap-ng-pasko and  https://www.globe.com.ph/globeofgood.

  • January 2024 on Netflix: What to Watch This Month

    As we step into the new year, Netflix is gearing up to kickstart 2024 with a bang, offering a diverse array of captivating series and blockbuster movies to keep audiences entertained. From gripping dramas to thrilling adventures and everything in between, the streaming giant is set to deliver a lineup that promises something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat suspense or heartwarming tales, January 2024 on Netflix is shaping up to be an exciting month filled with must-watch content. Join us as we take a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated releases scheduled to hit the platform, ensuring that your new year starts with a binge-worthy bang!

    TOP PICK THIS MONTH

    Lift (Film)
    Launch Date: January 12

    Lift

    A professional thief and his expert crew attempt the ultimate heist: stealing $500 million in gold from a vault on a plane — 40,000 feet in the air.

    PULSE-POUNDING PICKS

    The Brothers Sun (Series)
    Launch Date: January 4

    The Brothers Sun

    When a mysterious enemy targets his family, a Taipei triad member heads to Los Angeles to protect his strong-willed mother and oblivious younger brother.

    Gyeongseong Creature Part 2 (Series)
    Launch Date: January 5

    Gyeongseong Creature Part 2

    Gyeongseong, 1945. In Seoul’s grim era under colonial rule, an entrepreneur and a sleuth fight for survival and face a monster born out of human greed.

    Sixty Minutes (Film)
    Launch Date: January 19

    Sixty Minutes

    Desperate not to lose custody, a mixed martial arts fighter makes dangerous enemies when he ditches a matchup to race to his daughter’s birthday party.

    Griselda (Series)
    Launch Date: January 25

    Griselda

    A limited series inspired by the savvy and ambitious Colombian businesswoman Griselda Blanco, who created one of the most profitable cartels in history.

    FROM AROUND THE WORLD

    Fool Me Once (Series)
    Launch Date: January 1

    Fool Me Once

    When ex-soldier Maya sees her murdered husband on a secret nanny cam, she uncovers a deadly conspiracy that stretches deep into the past.

    Society of the Snow (Film)
    Launch Date: January 4

    Society of the Snow

    In 1972, a Uruguayan flight crashed in the remote heart of the Andes, forcing survivors to become each other’s best hope. A film by J.A. Bayona.

    Captivating the King (Series)
    Launch Date: January 20

    Captivating the King

    Captivating the King draws the cruel love story between King Lee In, who is in danger of both royal and political power struggles, and Kang Hee Soo, who tries to seduce the King and get revenge, but gets seduced instead.

    The Kitchen (Film)
    Launch Date: Coming in January

    The Kitchen

    Amid rising injustice and encroaching gentrification, a young boy finds community in the last place left for London’s most disadvantaged residents.

    ANIMATED FANTASY

    Sonic Prime Chapter 3 (Kids & Family)
    Launch Date: January 11

    Sonic Prime Season 3

    After Nine steals the Paradox Prism to create a world all for himself, Sonic must team up with unlikely allies to protect the universe as he knows it.

    maboroshi (Film)
    Launch Date: January 15

    maboroshi

    A factory explosion plunges a small town into a timeless freeze, leaving 14-year-old Masamune and his pals to grapple with a quickly collapsing reality.

    Delicious in Dungeon (Series)
    Launch Date: Coming Soon

    Delicious in Dungeon

    Dungeons, dragons… and delicious monster stew!? Adventurers foray into a cursed buried kingdom to save their friend, cooking up a storm along the way.

    FOR THE KILIG

    Good Grief (Film)
    Launch Date: January 5

    Good Grief

    An artist grieving the loss of his beloved writer husband takes his two best friends on a trip to Paris, where they unpack messy secrets and hard truths.

    No Hard Feelings (Film)
    Launch Date: January 8

    No Hard Feelings

    A bartender who’s down on her luck takes on an unusual challenge when a wealthy couple hires her to romance their socially awkward son.

    Love is Blind: Sweden (Series)
    Launch Date: January 12

    Love is Blind Sweden

    The unique dating experiment lands in Sweden as local singles seek true love and propose marriage — all before seeing each other in person.

    MORE FOR YOUR MUST-WATCH LIST

    You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment (Documentary)
    Launch Date: January 11

    You Are What You Eat A Twin

    Identical twins change their diets and lifestyles for eight weeks in a unique scientific experiment designed to explore how certain foods impact the body.

    Bitconned (Documentary)
    Launch Date: January 1

    Bitconned

    In this true-crime documentary, three guys exploit the freewheeling cryptocurrency market to scam millions from investors and bankroll lavish lifestyles.

    The Trust: A Game of Greed (Series)
    Launch Date: January 10

    The Trust A Game of Greed

    In this reality series, strangers living in a luxurious mansion compete for $250,000. Will they split it — or cut each other out to raise their share?

    Boy Swallows the Universe (Series)
    Launch Date: January 11

    Boy Swallows Universe

    A young boy growing up in the suburbs of 1980s Brisbane faces the harsh realities of life — and the looming dangers that threaten his family.

    End of the Line (Series)
    Launch Date: January 17

    End of the Line

    Ivan, a clandestine van driver, navigates the end of his marriage and daily challenges with humor in this quirky comedy series featuring a live audience.

    Mi soledad tiene alas (Film)
    Launch Date: January 19

    Mi soledad tiene alas

    With his estranged father’s return, Dan’s inner demons resurface, triggering a downward spiral. Can love save him from a tragic destiny?

    Queer Eye: Season 8 (Series)
    Launch Date: January 24

    Queer Eye Season 8

    The Fab Five return to the city of New Orleans to jazz up the lives of their heroes — one emotional makeover at a time.

    Kübra (Series)
    Launch Date: Coming Soon

    Kubra

    When a mechanic receives messages that seem to predict the future, he starts to believe he is speaking with God and quickly develops a following.

    As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the new year, Netflix remains committed to delivering top-tier entertainment that resonates with audiences of all ages. With a blend of original productions and beloved classics, January 2024 promises to be a month where viewers can escape into captivating narratives and explore diverse genres from the comfort of their homes. So, whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a weekend binge-watch session, Netflix has the perfect lineup to make your January unforgettable. Get ready to embark on a journey of cinematic delight, as Netflix unveils a collection of series and movies that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

  • MMFF Review: ‘Kampon’ and its issues with restraint

    There are a lot of things that I liked about director King Palisoc’s ‘Kampon.’ It’s a cerebral horror that is unafraid to get weird and strange or even silly. It’s highly stylized with a generous use of wide-angle lenses to distort the imagery and amplified with a discordant musical score to underline its horror genre roots. It’s a complex story in a world that is rich with lore and a hidden, unexplained world that shrouds the film in mystery. What is unfortunate is that it takes an artful approach to horror, choosing to hold back, to be restrained when the film is in need of sentimentality and emotion.

    For some reason, as the film unfolds, I felt that this film was better suited for Cinemalaya or QCinema than the MMFF. While all the narrative elements that were needed to create an unapologetic horror film was present, it was never delivered and instead it presented us with a film that fell more into the independent film mode and required more from its audience than what they might be expecting from a film in this particular festival.

    ‘Kampon’ is the story of a childless couple, Clark (Derek Ramsay) and Eileen (Beauty Gonzalez), who are plagued by society’s demands of completing a family unit with children. The societal pressure that comes from all fronts is a touchy subject for the couple. One rainy evening, a child knocks on their door looking for Clark, the former police colonel, and asks him to help her. She claims that he’s her father and this sends the couple into a tailspin.

    Clark is on a quest to uncover the truth – after all, how can he have a child, he’s sterile – while Eileen’s own desires for motherhood are triggered and activated by the young girl, Jade (Erin Rose Espiritu). But as these films go, the child is not what she seems to be and as she entrenches herself into the lives of the couple, she brings with her sinister and dark forces at play.

    Palisoc, with writer Dodo Dayao, create a world that is dark and full of terrible, horrible things. Clark is consumed by a memory from his police days that haunts him so much that he sleeps with a loaded gun by his bedside and has installed multiple CCTV cameras all over his house that he checks constantly. Echoing Jade’s own past, her mother (Zeinab Harake) was subjected to a dark ritual after she was hurt by some unexplained tragedy. What makes these two events so striking is that they don’t occupy the same space in the narrative. They are too separate stories that come crashing together in Clark. This is a bigger world, with a bigger lore behind it and one that is fascinating to explore.

    It is in the filmmaking that the film finds uneasy ground. Pushing more for style and a cerebral tone, the film keeps its distance from its characters, We never get too close to them to truly empathize or feel with them. The film keeps the energy and tonal strength at a steady level that we never feel drawn into these characters and their problems. While I’m usually a champion of restraint, I would have liked a few moments of tenderness between the couple, a moment for me to fall for them, to care for them, and for me to cheer them on. I think it’s telling that when Jade tells the couple that her father is Clark, the audience’s reaction to my screening was that of laughter and “bro, you got caught!” rather than shock, surprise, and “oh no! Did he cheat?” There’s a clinical way in which the dialogue is delivered, a tonal issue, where there are pauses and gaps between lines that makes it sound scripted. It works for films like ‘Killing of a Sacred Deer’ that feels off-kilter, but other than the visual representation with the wide-angled lenses on certain parts, the film feels leaning more into that of realism than formalism.

    Kampon Movie Poster
    Images from Quantum Films FB

    There’s actually a lot about ‘Kampon’ that I really liked. I liked when it got weird – and it does – where it presents a frightening substory that is never fully explained just for the sake of the frightening imagery it creates. I love that level of confidence. I love how it takes a nightmare sequence and fills it with the prophetic warnings of present and deceased characters in the film all shouting their calls for caution and they are accompanied by an animal mascot that showed in an earlier scene. The magic of the world is unexplained, and I love that about this movie. But the core of this film is that of Clark and Eileen and because it keeps a distance from its main characters, I feel that I was distant from the story itself. I was more interested in the world the film created than the story that runs through it. This makes for an interesting film for one of the independent film festivals, like Cinemalaya or QCinema, but for an MMFF film, it feels out of place.

    My Rating:

    stars 3 0



    Kampon is now showingCheck screening times and buy tickets here.

  • Celebrate the Holidays with Bistronomia’s New Holiday Spanish Dishes

    The holiday season brings a wave of culinary delights, and Bistronomia is riding the crest with an exciting array of new holiday dishes. Let’s embark on a gastronomic journey through their restaurants, each offering a unique twist on traditional Spanish flavors, perfect for festive gatherings.

    Bistronomia

    A Festive Start at Las Flores

    Why not kick off the celebrations at Las Flores? Their starters are a symphony of flavors, ideal for whetting your appetite. Picture yourself savoring the Grilled Scallops or the light, yet flavorful, Sopa de Verduras. Their Ensalada Verde and Ensalada de Patata embody freshness and are a great way to start your festive feast.

    LF Scallops Paella 1
    Scallops Paella

    Pasta and Paella Perfection

    Pasta lovers, rejoice! The Spaghetti Aglio Olio at Las Flores is simplicity intertwined with flavor. And, of course, what’s a Spanish feast without paella? The Paella Vieras here is a masterpiece, adorned with scallops, aioli, and parsley, promising a savory treat.

    The Essence of the Sea and Land

    For those leaning towards heartier options, Marmitako, a tuna and potato stew, and the Chipirones en su Tinta con Arroz are must-tries. And let’s not forget the Grilled Halibut and the Lomo de Cerdo en Salsa, each dish an ode to traditional Spanish cooking.

    Rambla: A Culinary Revelation

    Next stop, Rambla! Begin with their Vieras Gratinadas or the sumptuous Sopa de Cebolla. Their Sopa de Setas y Puerro and Ensalada Verde are sure to delight your taste buds. And for a main course, the Paella Pollo, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Red Lapu-Lapu Bilbaina are not just meals; they’re experiences

    Tomatito’s Tapas Bar

    Tomatito serves up an array of starters that are as delightful as they are diverse. From Mini Pork Buns to Ensalada Cogollos and Sope Calabaza y Curry, each dish sets the stage for the main event. The Caldereta de Cordero, Flamenquin, and the Brochetas Pollo and Cerdo are the showstoppers here, blending rich flavors with a festive flair.

    Tomatito Estofado de Cordero 1
    Estofado de Cordero

    BCN by Las Flores: A New Spin on Classics

    BCN by Las Flores recently introduced some exciting new items. Sopa de Verduras and Paella de Pollo stand out for their comforting flavors. The Grilled Barramundi and Escalopines promise a delightful dining experience, perfect for holiday celebrations.

    Rumba’s Spanish and Mediterranean Fusion

    Last but certainly not least, Rumba‘s new offerings are a treasure trove of culinary delights. Start with their Ostras en Ceviche or the hearty Sopa de Patata y Bacon. The Spaghetti Aglio Olio here is a must-try, along with Arroz Almejas and Bacalao. The Halibut with baked potatoes and Bilbaina sauce, Polpette, Somillo Cerdo, and Pollo Napolitana are the perfect way to conclude your meal.

    A Celebration of Choices

    Bistronomia’s holiday menu is a celebration of choice. Whether your preference is fish, meat, vegetables, or seafood, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to toast the season with their new Holiday cocktails – Yellow Mellow Tree and Merry Berry.

    As we bask in the warmth of the holiday season, Bistronomia’s new offerings are a reminder of the joy and togetherness that good food brings. Whether you’re a fan of Spanish cuisine or just looking for a festive dining experience, these dishes are sure to leave you and your loved ones with cherished memories.

    So, are you ready to embark on this festive culinary adventure? Follow @lasfloresph, @bcnbylasflores, rumba_ph, @tomatitomanila, and @RamblaPH to stay updated and make your reservations. This holiday season, let Bistronomia take you on a journey of flavor and festivity!

  • Ayala Malls Circuit Welcomes Italianni’s and Texas Roadhouse

    Makati’s south has a new culinary hub for the festive season. Ayala Malls Circuit, known for its vibrant lifestyle and entertainment offerings welcomes two exciting Bistro Group dining concepts – Italianni’s and Texas Roadhouse. As the festive season rolls in, these two Bistro Group concepts open their doors for friends and families looking to dine in style or gather delectable dishes for their Noche Buena feasts.

    Italianni’s: Cozy Italian-American Dining

    The newly opened Italianni’s at Circuit Mall, with its inviting 91-seater space, offers a cozy and welcoming design aesthetic. Whether you choose to dine inside or enjoy people-watching from the outdoor seating, you’re in for a treat of Italian-American culinary delights.

    Italiannis Circuit 0789

    Exciting New Flavors to Savor

    Start your meal with the tempting Mushroom Arancini (a delightful mix of risotto balls mixed with mushroom and cheese and served with garlic and truffle sauce) or choose from fresh and invigorating salads like Shrimp and Pomelo (lettuce, arugula, pomelo, shrimps and walnuts tossed in a honey balsamic vinegar, topped with parmesan cheese); Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta (watermelon, cucumber, arugula, olives, onion, basil tossed in Italian vinaigrette with feta cheese and roasted pecan nuts).

    Italiannis 1
    Itallianis4 1

    Pizza lovers, rejoice! The Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pizza (spinach, artichoke, alfredo cream  sauce with mozzarella and parmesan and topped with sundried tomatoes) available in thick or thin crust, is a must-try.

    Itallianis2 1

    The menu also features new meat and seafood entrées, including Slow-Braised Oxtail (cooked in aromatics, red wine reduction, served with rice pilaf and crispy fried onion), Grilled 1 lb. Bone-in Pork Chop (perfectly seared chop sauteed in Italian sausage and mixed veggies), and Pan-Fried Halibut with Clams (seared halibut fillet, sauteed in white wine and butter, served with clams and potatoes).

    Don’t forget to try their new mocktails – from the refreshing Hibiscus Limonata, Basil Cucumber Bliss, the zesty Elderflower Fizz, Citrus Mint Cooler to Rosy Sip. And of course, the restaurant’s classic dishes like the Spaghetti and Meatballs and the New York Cheesecake continue to delight patrons. – and, of course, Italianni’s beloved classics like the Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spinach and Artichoke Formaggio, Chicken Italianni’s, Grilled Pork Chop Au Poivre and New York Cheesecake

    Texas Roadhouse: Legendary Food and Service

    Get ready for a taste of the Wild West at Texas Roadhouse in Circuit Mall. Known for its hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and irresistible freshly-baked bread, Texas Roadhouse creates a lively and welcoming dining experience complete with staff line dances to keep the energy high.

    Texas Roadhouse Ribs Steaks 1

    Pair your meal with their Legendary Margarita, and don’t miss the opportunity to cross-order dishes from both restaurants for a unique culinary blend. Steaks and pastas, pizzas and ribs – the possibilities are endless!

    Texas Roadhouse pork chop 1

    Mix and Match for the Perfect Meal

    An exciting feature for diners at Ayala Malls Circuit is the ability to cross-order from these two restaurants. Why settle for one when you can mix and match? Combine steaks from Texas Roadhouse with pastas from Italianni’s, or pair pizzas with ribs – the choices are endless and entirely up to your palate’s desire.

    About The Bistro Group

    The Bistro Group, established in 1994, is one of the Philippines’ leading restaurant chains. It brought the casual dining concept to the country with TGIFridays and has since expanded to include a diverse range of world-class brands. The Group’s success is built on a people-focused philosophy, passion, and commitment, ensuring every dish and service is delivered with generous hospitality.

    For more information about The Bistro Group and its array of restaurant concepts, visit The Bistro Group’s website.

    Join the Culinary Adventure

    Whether you’re in the mood for Italian-American classics at Italianni’s or craving the hearty flavors of Texas Roadhouse, Ayala Malls Circuit is now your go-to destination. These two Bistro Group concepts are set to become your new favorite dining destinations in Makati. Follow @texasroadhouseph and @italiannisph for more updates.

  • City of Dreams Manila Heralds the New Year with a Countdown Party, and Dining and Staycation Treats

    End 2023 on a high note at City of Dreams Manila, where a countdown event and indulgent year-end menus beckon at CenterPlay and signature restaurants Crystal Dragon, Nobu Manila, and Haliya. Complementing these festive menus are signature drinks that evoke the season’s flavors at Cafe Society, Hidemasa, Rossi Pizza, Haliya, and Wave poolside restaurant and bar.

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    At DreamPlay, DreamWorks movie characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Puss in Boots, Madagascar, and Trolls are bringing the holiday cheer with an all-star parade at 5:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday of December, including New Year’s Day at The Shops at the Boulevard. In the spirit of holiday gift-giving, guests checking in between December 20 and January 1 at Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency Manila will receive a welcome amenity.

    CenterPlay

    City of Dreams Manila revs up its entertainment scene as it throws a year-end countdown party with head-bopping live music performances from 6 p.m. leading up to 2 a.m. from local artists Eye Candies, DJ Lena, and Part 3 band. Revelers can reserve a seat or a table starting at P2, 500, which is inclusive of a glass of prosecco and plated holiday comestibles and P1,500 worth of F&B from the regular menu. Prices vary depending on seat location, the number of persons and F&B consumables.

    Crystal Dragon

    1 Crystal Dragons Flaming Wagyu Beef Sichuan Style

    The premium restaurant specializing in Cantonese and regional Chinese specialties continues to offer its holiday menu. Available from lunch onwards until January 1, the a la carte menu includes Braised Sea Treasure Broth with Alaskan king crab, fish maw and Chinese ham; Oven-baked Chicken filled with black truffle paste and foie gras; Wok-fried Prawns in homemade cheese sauce and crispy enoki mushrooms; Flaming Wagyu Beef – Sichuan Style with king oyster mushrooms; and Chilled Sweetened Honeydew with soymilk jelly, homemade vanilla ice cream and pearl sago.

    Nobu Manila

    2. Nobu Manilas King Prawn with shitake butter and seasonal vegetables

    Nobu Manila is ringing in the new year with a special seven-course dinner tasting menu exclusively offered on December 31 and January 1. Available for P5, 600++ per person, it starts with an amuse-bouche compliments of the chef, followed by Scallops with anchovy salsa and grilled vegetables, and Assorted Sushi and Inaniwa Noodle Soup with rolled beef and asparagus. Salmon Apple with ponzu, extra virgin olive oil, wasabi salsa, chives, and garlic chips; Ika (squid) Salad with spicy lemon dressing, kelp salad roll, vegetable salsa, asparagus and yamagobo (pickled burdock root); King Prawn with shitake butter and seasonal vegetables; and Wagyu Short Ribs Nabeyaki with sake, soy, and mirin reduction, udon noodles, bok choy, and tofu come after. A lip-smacking dessert of Passion Fruit Mousse with flourless peanut caramel and crunchy peanuts concludes the meal.

    Diners looking for an indulgent brunch can opt for unlimited helpings of Nobu-style dishes at the restaurant’s New Year Sunday brunch on December 31. A hybrid of a la carte and buffet, it highlights whole tuna, and chilled seafood such as oysters, blue crab, and slipper lobsters. Whole Rib Roast and Wagyu Brisket served with mushroom wasabi pepper sauce and creamy wasabi; and Wagyu Striploin with au jus are the brunch’s pièce de resistance along with Nobu signature sashimi including the Tuna Matsuhisa, Yellowtail Jalapeño, Salmon Karashi Su Miso and maki rolls. Special ala carte choices, a ramen bar, a kushiyaki station, salads, and a wide array of desserts complete the new year’s brunch spread, for 4, 388 net per person.

    Haliya

    3. Haliyas Pastillas De Taro Parfait

    City of Dreams Manila’s modern Filipino restaurant welcomes the year with heartwarming flavors with its Bagong Taon a la carte menu available on December 31 from lunch onwards and for dinner on January 1. Haliya elevates Filipino holiday staples and invites guests to try its Bringhe de Bola with prawns, capsicum, tomato chutney and cheese sauce; Chicken and Tomato Consommé with 62-degree egg, charred onion oil, cherry tomato, bread and bone marrow butter, red chili finger, and micro greens; and Beef Callos with chorizo, beef tripe adobo, Brussels sprouts, green olives, chickpeas, shallot confit, green peas, and potato truffle. For dessert, the restaurant offers its innovative take on Filipino desserts with its version of Pastillas de Taro Parfait which consists of taro pastillas, ube and kesong puti pinwheel, cathedral window balls, crispy champorado and muscovado crumble.

    Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency Manila

    Guests who check in on any night from December 20 to January 1 at any of the three Forbes Travel Guide-rated hotels Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel and Hyatt Regency Manila will be gifted with a bottle of wine. The holiday welcome amenity is available for bookings made via direct channels and on applicable Best Available rates, or Rack rates. Terms and conditions apply.

    For inquiries and reservations, call (63 02) 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, 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.

  • Complete Your Christmas Gift Shopping in One Go with Human Nature’s love-filled Gifts!

    Homes lit up with Christmas lights, streets filled with children’s voices singing Christmas carols, and establishments adorned with Christmas decorations to get into the holiday spirit: Christmas is totally right around the corner!

    Along with the holiday comes the spirit of giving: one of the best ways to express your love and let it shine brighter than ever. But amid the joy and excitement brought about by the giving season, the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift can sometimes be stressful.

    There’s the hustling and bustling holiday schedules, not to mention the holiday traffic. It’s almost as if Christmas is catching up to us real quick and there’s no time to stop and think anymore!

    You Better Not Frown, Human Nature’s Gift Bundles are Coming to Town!

    Human Nature Christmas PR Photo 2

    If you want to channel your inner St. Nick but you’re short of time and gift ideas, fret not! Human Nature steps forward as your gift-giving ally this holiday, bringing meaningful Christmas gifts that give back to the communities, our country, and our planet.

    Whether it’s a unique gift for your officemate, a special pick for your friends, or a present for your pamangkin, there’s surely a gift for everyone on your list. With bundles that include products that genuinely care for your loved ones inside and out, help uplift workers, local farmers and communities, and are truly kind to our planet, our giftables are nothing but a celebration of love in every detail.

    Light Up the World with Gifts that Give Love!

    Human Nature Christmas PR Photo 3

    These gift bundles are as pocket-friendly as they are meaningful. You can already share the love and give a gift for your nearest and dearest for as low as PhP159.75! All bundles also come with a festive Christmas gift bag, making gifting extra special and less hassle.

    On the lookout for a handy gift for your officemate who never fails to lend you a helping hand at work? Look no further than the Happy Helping Hands (PhP159.75), Citrus Duet (PhP177.50), and Zesty Hand Besties (PhP237.50), bundles that are sure to take them on a fragrant, skin-soothing journey!

    For the kikay friend who’s also a skincare maven, give them the gift of natural skincare with Peaceful Glow (PhP299.50) and Twin Skindulgence (PhP299.50) which both contain Human Nature’s best-selling miracle worker: Sunflower Beauty Oil!

    Snag the Best Tito/Tita award this year and gift your precious little pamangkins the gentle, genuine care that they deserve! Earth’s Little Helpers (PhP259.50) and Tiny Tots Treats (PhP399.50) are perfect for kiddos and infants respectively.

    Allow the teens (and teens at heart!) to feel special this season with Christmas Kisses (PhP199.50) and Pure Cheer (PhP299.50)–essential giftables that naturally nurture their bodies as they go through changes!

    Got any hard working man in your life that you want to feel cared for and appreciated? Express your love to them through Minty Gentlemen (PhP199.75), St. Nick’s Picks (PhP219.50), and Santa’s Shower Faves (PhP269.50)!

    For pampering treats that will truly delight your beloved this time around, then holiday treats like Skin Salvation Trio (PhP399.75), Cool-tide Season (PhP484.50), and Wellness Wonders (PhP500) might just be the ideal giftables to purchase!

    Did we mention that you can get a FREE Christmas gift bag when you buy special Human Nature crowd faves? You read that right! You can request for a free bag when you purchase Radiant Grace Night Cream (PhP795), Overnight Elixir (PhP895), or Sunflower Eye Cream (PhP349) among others. You can even create your own Human Nature gift sets by buying in bulk to save more – such as buying 10 Tinted Lip Balms for your friends and get 1 free or buy 5 of their Hyaluronic Acid Day Gel Moisturizer and get 1 free!

    Holiday Gift Shopping Made Merrier, Brighter, and Easier

    Human Nature Christmas PR Photo 4

    Looking for it? We got it! So run, don’t walk, to a Human Nature store near you and complete your Christmas gift shopping in one go. If you prefer not to deal with the traffic, just head over to www.humanheartnature.com to tick off everyone on your list! You can even choose to send your gifts to multiple recipients in one go – just buy the gifts, assign them to each recipient and indicate their address. We’ll send them out for you! Don’t know their addresses? We’ll take care of it for you – just note down their number and we’ll make sure it gets to them. Talk about taking your Santa Claus gaming to the next level!

    Here’s a little not-so-secret secret: you can get 15% off on ALL your Christmas shopping when you sign up as a Human Nature member – in our stores or on our website! Shopping WHILE saving? Yes, please!

    You can also browse through our TikTok Shop or Shopee and Lazada stores, or opt for same day-delivery via GrabMart, MetroMart, and PandaMart (selected branches only)!

    Let Love Shine Bright this Christmas the Natural Way

    Human Nature Christmas PR Photo 1

    This season, let Human Nature be your shopping buddy and go-to one-stop shop for all your gifting needs with ready-made, budget-friendly, love-filled bundles that are sure to care for your loved ones not just Christmas, but all-year round.

    As the popular Christmas song goes, Christmas truly is in our hearts. With every Human Nature bundle that you purchase, you give back to our country, help uplift the poor from poverty, and protect the Earth–one giftable at a time. Choose gifts that give back and make this holiday season a celebration of your love that shines bright!