Negrenses are in for some great Italian-American food as Italianni’s opens its 27th store at SM Bacolod! The feeling of excitement around its opening is palpable, as food lovers in the City of Smiles get ready to give a warm welcome to Italianni’s and the array of bountiful dishes that they can partake of without travelling to nearby Cebu or Metro Manila.
From the moment guests step into the doors of Italianni’s, they immediately feel a warm welcome from the staff’s Buon Giorno greeting. The sense of being appreciated continues as they partake of their favorite dishes.
Begin your meal with a complimentary basket of bread dipped in olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. The classic dishes that people keep on coming back for more include Sicilian Salad, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spinach and Artichoke Formaggio, Chicken Italianni’s, Grilled Pork Chop Au Poivre and New York.
There are at least a dozen new ones to try, from appetizers to main and desserts: Italian Sausage Stew, Eggplant Caponata, Beetroot Pecorino Salad, Zucchini Asiago Soup, Chicken Florentine Pizza, Seafood Pizza, Angel Hair With Clams and Garlic Butter, Spaghetti with Clams and Bacon, Red Pesto Rigatoni, Penne Ham and Peas and Pane Budino.
Italianni’s has an ongoing Happy Hour promotion at 30% off on all alcoholic drinks from as early as 2 pm to 7 pm daily. A table is waiting for you at Italianni’s Bacolod. It is open from 10am to 10pm daily.
The highly anticipated Insignia Concert Series is thrilled to announce that Sabrina Claudio will be gracing the stage as the headlining artist for its third installment on Thursday, October 5 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura Premier. Following the successful performances of UMI and Mac Ayres last August, this event promises to be another unforgettable night of music and artistry.
Sabrina Claudio is an internationally acclaimed artist known for her captivating blend of R&B, soul, and electronic music. With a voice that transcends boundaries and lyrics that resonate deeply with fans around the world, Claudio has established herself as a true musical sensation.
Attendees can expect to be serenaded by Sabrina Claudio’s chart-topping hits, including “Confidently Lost,” “Unravel Me,” and “Rumors.” Her sultry vocals and magnetic stage presence are sure to create an electric atmosphere.
To add to the exciting night of music, rising Philippine R&B and soul artist, Jess Connelly, will be performing a special opening set.
The Insignia Concert Series, known for its commitment to showcasing exceptional talent and as a series of intimate concerts, provides fans with the unique opportunity to discover rising artists while enjoying an up-close and personal musical experience. The goal of the concert series is to add consistent concert and entertainment offerings to the vibrant city of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, enriching the cultural tapestry of the community.
Tickets for Sabrina Claudio’s performance are available for purchase starting at www.InsigniaPresents.com or at any SM Tickets outlets nationwide.
Get ready to celebrate in style as Nifty, the ultimate hub for all things productivity, tech, and lifestyle, gears up to mark its 4th Anniversary with an unforgettable 2-week-long anniversary sale – the Nifty Festival! From September 20 – October 4, 2023, tech enthusiasts, bargain hunters, and anyone looking to snag fantastic deals will gather for this grand celebration that promises exciting giveaways and promotions.
Nifty has etched its name in curating game-changing products, and bringing innovation and sophistication to the tech and lifestyle market. The Nifty Festival is set to showcase Nifty’s commitment to delivering unparalleled value to its customers.
The festival is a testimony to Nifty’s four years of providing top-notch gadgets, smart home essentials, fashion-forward accessories, and more to its loyal clientele with brands such as Garmin, Anker, UGreen, Kool, Canvas Club, and other world-class tech brands.
Nifty Festival 2023
Nifty has gone all out with its exciting activities for its customers to celebrate its fourth anniversary. Among the things to watch out for are:
Crazy Good Promos: During the 2-week-long celebration, ALL items and products inside the Nifty store will be on sale! Color-coded tags will be attached where you can get up to 30 – 50% off on your desired Nifty products. For items with no colored tags, it will automatically be 10% off.
Unbeatable Offers:Nifty Festival is the destination for unique deals designed to make your jaw drop. Score all Garmin watches at 8% off for two whole weeks. With exciting DAILY FLASH DEALS, where you can score up to 40% off on Garmin’s latest products.
Anker is also offering exclusive deals where you can score a Buy 1 Take 1 promo on their Eufy RoboVacs, and huge discounts on Soundcore and their range of chargers and power banks.
Exciting Giveaways: At the Nifty Festival, you might get lucky and win giveaways worth a total of PHP 99,000!
Three lucky customers will have a chance to take home A Govee gift pack worth PHP 10,000.00, an Anker gift pack worth PHP 25,000.00, or the [1]grand giveaway of a Garmin Marq watch worth PHP 99,000.00! For every single purchase receipt of at least PHP 2,500.00, a customer earns one raffle entry for a chance to win one of these exciting prizes.
“At Nifty, we’ve always believed in celebrating innovation, quality, and the joy of discovery,” said Assistant Brand Manager Francesca Ocampo. “The Nifty Festival is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our amazing customers who have supported us on this remarkable journey. We’re excited to bring them exclusive deals and giveaways that exemplify the Nifty spirit.”
[1]*Terms and conditions apply. Promos may vary per store. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-172948 Series of 2023 DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-172981 Series of 2023
Nifty has been a frontrunner in the tech and lifestyle retail landscape since its inception in 2019. With a mission to make cutting-edge technology and lifestyle products accessible to everyone, Nifty has curated a diverse range of products that cater to different preferences and needs. From the latest gadgets that redefine convenience to elegant accessories that elevate style, Nifty’s offerings are a testament to its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
“The Nifty Festival 2023 is set to captivate the public’s attention and introduce them to the unparalleled world of Nifty. We invite everyone to not miss out on this one-of-a-kind celebration that promises to redefine the way you shop for technology and lifestyle products.” shares Ms. Ocampo.
The Nifty Festival will be held in various store locations across Metro Manila, specifically in SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Manila, and SM Mall of Asia Arena.
For more information about Nifty Festival 2023 and to stay updated on the latest announcements, visit www.niftylife.com and follow them on Instagram at instagram.com/theniftylife.
CASETiFY, the global tech accessory trendsetter, recently unwrapped its chic lineup tailored for the iPhone 15 series and Apple Watch Series 9. The release showcases the Ultra Bounce Case, taking the limelight as the pinnacle of protection. Plus, fresh off the shelf are the Impact Ring Stand Case, Bounce Band, and Impact Band ready to captivate Apple aficionados. Excited? Head straight to casetify.com or check them out on Amazon.
Ultra Bounce Case: The Epitome of Safety & Style
Engineered for resilience, the Ultra Bounce Case emerges as CASETiFY’s crown jewel.
f you’ve ever craved a case that offers ironclad protection yet doesn’t skimp on the fashion front, meet your match. The Ultra Bounce Case, blessed with CASETiFY’s unique EcoShock™ technology, boasts resilience ten times the typical military standard. Impressive, isn’t it? This case can confidently brave a tumble from 32.8 feet.
Yet, it’s not all about toughness. The Ultra Bounce Case is also about expressing oneself. Alongside it, CASETiFY presents the Impact Ring Stand Case, innovatively crafted to let the signature camera ring play a dual role – yes, it’s also a kickstand!
With a library of countless prints for the iPhone 15 series, plus CASETiFY’s state-of-the-art Customization Studio, you’re in for a treat. Personalize to reflect your unique vibe. Pricing details? The Ultra Bounce stands at PHP 5,890 and its sidekick, the Impact Ring Stand Case, at PHP 4,290. Both radiate in a sleek Black.
Watch Bands: More Than Just Timekeepers
Broadening their horizons, CASETiFY introduces the Bounce Band and Impact Band for the Apple Watch Series 9. Designed keeping the modern user in mind, the Bounce Band – crafted from FKM fluoroelastomer rubber – is the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, featuring a distinctive geometric ventilation design for optimal comfort.
On the other hand, the Impact Band caters to daily flair, offering a canvas for personal touch with myriad designs and customization possibilities. Color options? The Bounce Band is up for grabs in Black, Orange, and Sand at PHP 3,690, while the Impact Band steals the scene in Black for PHP 2,690.
Your One-Stop Tech Accessory Shop
CASETiFY’s latest collection doesn’t stop here! From lens protectors to phone charms and MagSafe compatible must-haves, there’s something for every tech aficionado. All these innovations are just a click away, waiting to be explored on casetify.com or Amazon.
Last night’s exuberant crowd bore witness to the official curtain rise of the Tony, Grammy, Olivier, and Pulitzer Prize winning musical HAMILTON in Manila, preceding its grand opening on Thursday, 21 September. As the city’s theater enthusiasts gathered at The Theatre at Solaire, the air was electric with expectation.
Embracing the Pinoy Spirit
The international tour company couldn’t help but be captivated by the Filipinos’ undying zeal. This fervor has been simmering since the musical’s Manila season announcement back in March. Michael Cassel, the force behind HAMILTON’S international tour, remarked, “Good things come to those who wait, and I know Hamilton’s Filipino fans have been waiting patiently for this moment to arrive. The Manila audiences responded with such warmth, enthusiasm and generosity – we couldn’t be more thrilled and we are ecstatic to bring the revolution to Asia for the very first time.”
From West to East and Beyond
The groundbreaking tour of HAMILTON isn’t just stopping at Manila. It graces The Theatre at Solaire till November, post which there’s no extension. But fans across the globe can rejoice! It’s all set to make waves in Abu Dhabi come January 2024, with more cities to be added to the list.
Eager to be part of this theatrical spectacle? Book your tickets for the Manila and Abu Dhabi shows right away at hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour.
A Legacy of Brilliance
Debuting on Broadway in 2015, HAMILTON has been nothing short of sensational. Garnering accolades like the Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it’s set a new bar in theater. An artful mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, this musical reimagines the tale of Alexander Hamilton, a key figure in American history.
The Geniuses Behind the Magic
Spearheaded by the genius of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wears the hats of lyricist, composer, and writer, the production is a collaborative masterpiece. Supported by director Thomas Kail, choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical maestro Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is adapted from Ron Chernow’s renowned biography. Notably, this creative team previously united for the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical ‘In the Heights’.
Hamilton Brisbane
Crafting the Aesthetic
The visual and auditory delights of HAMILTON are the fruit of meticulous craftsmanship. David Korins takes charge of scenic design, with Paul Tazewell curating the costumes. Lighting wonders are by Howell Binkley, and the auditory experience is fine-tuned by Nevin Steinberg. Charles G. LaPointe perfects the cast’s appearance with impeccable hair and wig design.
Tour and Producers
The world tour of HAMILTON is the collective effort of Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater, and Michael Cassel. Its Manila leg owes its grandeur to the collaboration between the Michael Cassel Group and GMG Productions.
Who says Christmas magic has to wait until December? Netflix turns the festive dial up a notch, unraveling its ‘See What’s Next: Philippines 2023’ lineup with its pioneering Netflix Station ID. This star-studded showcase spotlights new local titles soon to grace our screens, creating the perfect backdrop to our holiday anticipation.
Barangay Netflix’s Caroling Extravaganza
Bringing together the charm of seasoned actors and the dynamic energy of emerging stars, the Station ID is replete with Christmas warmth and iconic Pinoy visuals. Featuring stellar casts from imminent releases like Can’t Buy Me Love with Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan, Keys to the Heart starring Dolly de Leon, Zanjoe Marudo and Elijah Canlas, and Replacing Chef Chico led by Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, and Sam Milby—went Christmas caroling at Barangay Netflix together with the country’s sought-after celebrities who starred in recent hits Missed Connections (Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, Chie Filomeno), and What If(Alessandra de Rossi, JM de Guzman), two local films that reached the Number 1 spot on Netflix’s top list after their launch on the service. The stars of Seasons (Lovi Poe, Carlo Aquino), another top film that debuted on Netflix, grace the screen, extending warm holiday wishes.
Hidden Gems: Pinoy Easter Eggs Alert!
The vibrant Station ID is not just a visual treat but also a treasure trove for eagle-eyed fans. From the season’s greetings at a neighbor’s gate from the duo of Seasons’ Kurt and Charlie (Lovi Poe and Carlo Aquino) to the enthralling Keys to the HeartDolly de Leon on a vinyl cover – there’s a myriad of Easter eggs to discover. Peep the Replacing Chef Chico crates as our stars gather for a feast And yes, can’t forget the merry tunes from “Can’t Buy Me Love” echoing from a karaoke machine.
Directors Weigh In
Renowned for its eclectic mix of stories, Netflix’s commitment to showcasing Filipino talent was palpable at the “See What’s Next: Philippines 2023” launch. Esteemed local directors expressed their anticipation and shared the essence of their films.
Manny Palo, the brilliant mind behind What If, reflected on the essence of Christmas, “Christmas is about family, familial love, friends and it’s during [this] season when we try to evaluate the life that we had the past year, the milestones, failures, disappointment. Just like in our film, What If. What if iba nangyari sa buhay natin in the past year? What if kinuha ko ito or what if ’di ko ginawa ito? So I think it’s also not just a love story, it also helps us reflect kung ano nangyari sa buhay natin,”
Kerwin Go, the director for Keys to the Heart, highlighted the importance of family, no matter how unconventional or diverse they might be. “Keys to the Heart is a family dramedy. It’s a celebration of family, unconventional families, meaning blended families. It could be a family that you adopt and friends who become family and neighbors who actually become just as important.”
Dan Villegas emphasized the themes of love, friendship, and acceptance in Replacing Chef Chico, “Replacing Chef Chico is about Ella, the sous chef who takes over Hain’s kitchen. I think it’s perfect for the Christmas season because on the top level it’s about love, friendship, and acceptance,” said director Dan Villegas. While the series’ showrunner, Antoinette Jadaone, gave a nod to the Pinoy palate, stressing the series’ deep-rooted focus on Filipino food and culture. “For Christmas, perfect panoorin with your family, friends, and loved ones yung Replacing Chef Chico because, in every episode, there is a story of family, friendship and/or love, which is celebrated over food. It’s about time that Filipino food gets its proper spotlight. With this series, it’s a Filipino-produced original Netflix series, it’s a celebration of not just family, friends, or love but tayong mga Pinoy will be celebrating the Filipino food that we eat each day. When other countries watch the series, mafi-feel din nila iyon.”
See What’s Next on Netflix Philippines 2023
This holiday season, See What’s Next: Philippines 2023’s lineup showcases best-in-class local content available and coming soon on Netflix. These films and series are the perfect watchlist to celebrate a Pinoy Christmas with family and friends.
REPLACING CHEF CHICO
Launch date: Coming soon Directed by: Dan Villegas Showrunner: Antoinette Jadaone Cast: Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, Sam Milby
CAN’T BUY ME LOVE
Courtesy of Netflix
Launch date: October 13 Watch the date announcement here Directed by: Mae Cruz Alviar Cast: Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano Logline: Donny plays “Bingo,” a popular online seller juggling different jobs, while Belle plays “Caroline,” who hails from a traditional wealthy Chinese family.
KEYS TO THE HEART
Courtesy of Netflix
Launch date: Coming soon Directed by: Kerwin Go Cast: Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas, Dolly de Leon Logline: Troubled and alone, a boxer moves in with his long-lost mother and autistic pianist brother — but must fit in with a family he hasn’t known for years.
Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix Directed by: Manny Palo Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, JM de Guzman Logline: When a pair of newlywed musicians get trapped in a storm on their island honeymoon, they must face difficult truths that could tear their marriage apart.
Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix Directed by: Easy Ferrer Cast: Lovi Poe, Carlo Aquino Logline: After a string of failed relationships, two best friends make a deal to take risks and look for love again — but they might just find it in each other.
Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix Directed by: Jelise Chung Cast: Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, Chie Filomeno Logline: After an unforgettable encounter, a hopeless romantic turns to an app to seek out a man she just met — but is he really what she’s looking for?
Celebrating Christmas the Pinoy Way
This festive season, the “See What’s Next: Philippines 2023” collection proudly celebrates exceptional local content, inviting viewers to savor an authentic Pinoy Christmas experience. Whether it’s heartwarming tales of love, introspective moments, or the enticing aroma of Filipino delicacies, there’s a story that resonates with everyone. These films and series are ideal for holiday binge-watching with loved ones, encapsulating the true spirit of a Pinoy Christmas.
#SeeWhatsNextPH #NetflixMasNa #BrgyNetflix
Stay in the loop! For the latest updates on Filipino narratives lighting up Netflix, follow @netflixph across social platforms – Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Get to know more about the characters of Concrete Utopia and the actors and actresses that portrayed them, as described by director Um Tae-hwa.
YOUNG-TAK, Resident Delegate of Hwang Gung Apartments
Played by: Lee Byung-hun
Young-tak, a resident of Hwang Gung Apartments, caught everyone’s attention when he rushed inside a burning house without hesitation to put out a fire. His selfless act of risking his own life led him to be elected as the Resident Delegate. After that, when the situation calls for desperate measures, Young-tak puts himself on the line again, which leads to him gaining more trust and confidence among the residents.
Director Um Tae-hwa is all praises for Lee Byung-hun. “There was a scene when he expressed all his character has gone through through his facial expression alone,” says Um. “It was a moment when I witnessed the true definition of cinema.”
MIN-SUNG, a family man struggling for his family’s survival
Played by: Park Seo-jun
For Min-sung, surviving this chaos with his beloved wife Myung-hwa is his top priority. Having previously served as an auxiliary policeman, and currently working as a public servant, he unintentionally drew the attention of the other residents, which led him to be chosen as the leader of the anti-crime force by Young-tak. As he witnesses Young-tak’s unwavering devotion toward other people and his decisiveness in leading the survivors, Min-sung himself gradually changes and starts to resemble him in a way.
“I was certain he could portray a wide range of different aspects of Min-sung,” says director Um of Park Seo-jun. “I hoped I could bring it out of him. I’m confident that the audience will be captivated by his performance.”
MYUNG-HWA, the one who tries to hold on to her values
Played by: Park Bo-young
A resident of Hwang Gung Apartments, living in unit 602. After the unexpected catastrophe brought by a massive earthquake, she tries to keep calm and think of ways to live on with her husband, Min-sung. Myung-hwa has no hesitation in sharing her home with outsiders who have nowhere to go in the cold, and takes the initiative in caring for the injured residents as a nurse. She grows concerned as she notices changes in residents over time.
Director Um says of Park Bo-young, “I was always curious and wanted to see another aspect of PARK Bo-young different from the images of her that we are familiar with. She has satisfied all of that.”
GEUM-AE, the head of Hwang Gung Apartments women’s association
Played by: Kim Sun-young
A resident of room 207, who serves as the head of the women’s association at Hwang Gung Apartments. When it comes to the safety of residents and herself, Geum-ae does not hesitate to take action. She’s the one who recommended Young-tak as the Resident Delegate and she firmly believes in following Resident Regulations no matter what. She plays a central role in bringing residents together while remaining extremely vigilant against any potential threats.
Director Um says that Kim Sun-young perfectly embodies the ordinary yet profound nature of the character of Geum-ae, enabling audiences to be fully immersed in the movie.
HYE-WON, who has returned from the hellish outside
Played by: Park Ji-hu
A resident of room 903, who miraculously survives the earthquake and returns alone to Hwang Gung Apartments. Under a new set of regulations, living with residents is never the same as before. Observing residents being bizarrely optimistic as if they don’t care about the hellish outside, Hye-won experiences an inexplicable sense of unease.
“She embodied the character just right even in situations where she had to convey a wealth of emotions through facial expressions and gazes alone,” the director says of Park Ji-hu.
DO-KYUN, an uncooperative resident
Played by: Kim Do-yoon
A resident of room 809 in Hwang Gung Apartments. Dissatisfied with the approach of the residents’ committee led by Young-tak and Geum-ae, he starts making excuses for himself and is uncooperative. He complies with the basic rules so as not to go against the current, but he refuses to do any more. Amidst each of the residents’ various struggles to survive, he becomes more and more isolated.
Director Um says of Kim Do-yoon, “Kim Do-yoon excelled at portraying this character whose neat and smart appearance gradually begins to fray and collapse.”
Directed by Um Tae-hwa, Concrete Utopia is loosely based on Part 2 of the hit webtoon “Joyful Outcast” (“Pleasant Neighbors”) and stars an ensemble of A-list Korean actors including Lee Byung-hun, Park Seo-jun, Park Bo-young, Park Ji-hu, Kim Do-yoon and Kim Sun-young. It is a disaster thriller about the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The film will follow the story that begins when the survivors gather at Hwang Gung Apartments, the only building left standing in an earthquake-ravaged Seoul.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands recently rolled out its first-in-the-industry feature on the new BPI app. Aptly called Track and Plan, this tool utilizes AI to track and analyze your financial activities on the BPI app, share insights on your spending habits, and even offer suggestions for smarter financial investments—so you can plan for your future.
You may have already seen it when you logged on to your BPI app. It’s the animated scrolling cards at the top of the screen. Based on your latest transactions, Track and Plan will generate insights around your cashflow and float up snippets to notify you of, say, similar withdrawals made back-to-back.
You can get the full insight with more details when you click on the notification and easily get in touch with BPI if you need to.
Another insight could be about unexpected changes in deposits from a familiar payor made to your account.
When your balance is consistently high that it sufficiently covers your average monthly expenses, Track and Plan will suggest ways you can invest and grow your extra funds.
Track and Plan can also monitor trends in your spending and alert you in case your bill was higher than your average—so you can be more mindful of your budget.
This AI-powered tool generates unique insights that only you can view, and you can rest assured about the privacy of your financial transactions. It is the first of its kind in the industry. By design, Track and Plan will continue to give you new insights based on your app usage.
“I have been covering the financial industry for decades and I have never seen a banking app that acts like a financial advisor with powerful access to tools that allow anyone to move from knowledge to action,” says veteran journalist and ‘Financial Beshie ng Bayan’ Salve Duplito. “Let’s face it, most of us get offended when someone tells us we are spending too much, but with Track and Plan, it’s like you telling you! So our emotional human experience gets a big jolt of logic — and that could be transformational in bringing our country’s savings rate higher.”
“We at BPI are excited to unveil Track and Plan, our AI-powered personal finance management tool on the new BPI app,” says Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Consumer Marketing and Platforms Head at BPI. “We are leveraging technology to simplify money management to empower Filipinos to do more and make their lives better every day. This feature essentially scales BPI’s seasoned and personalized financial advice to millions of Filipinos and is the next step forward in BPI’s evolution. Our customers can look forward to more in-depth insights and actionable advice as we continue to develop this feature.”
As AI learns from patterns or features in data, insights from Track and Plan gets better the more you use it. BPI will also be expanding its capabilities in the coming months so users will eventually have the option to turn on automatic monthly investments, schedule their most frequent transactions, and best of all, stay on top of their spending and earnings with a built-in budget tracker. All these will be available exclusively on the new BPI app.
Time to “move app,” don’t you think?
To start getting AI-powered insights, download the new BPI app if you haven’t yet—or update to the latest version. Download it here or scan the QR code below.
Sunsetting of the old BPI app is targeted for September 30, 2023. Download the new app and activate your devices by then!
Renowned for its bountiful servings, exceptional service, and unparalleled dining experience, Olive Garden has left an indelible mark on the global culinary map with its presence in over 900 locations worldwide. Continuing its legacy, the Italian-American dining sensation has now unveiled its lavish spread in the heart of the Philippines, inaugurating its much-anticipated third outlet at The Verve in BGC, Taguig City.
Hot on the trails of its sensational openings at the Mall of Asia on September 12, 2022, and Glorietta 3 on January 9, 2023, Olive Garden’s fresh chapter in BGC promises to be a magnet for those who yearn for authentically hearty Italian-American meals.
Savor the Signature Dishes
While Olive Garden’s vast menu promises a gastronomic treat for every food lover, there are certain must-tries that stand out.
First up, don’t leave Olive Garden without trying its offer of never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks that comes free with every order of an entrée. Classic, OG!
The freshly-baked breadsticks are widely popular and for good reason. They are buttery, a bit garlicky, moist and chewy, a few pieces won’t be enough as many diners attest to.
The unlimited salad is a mix of healthy greens, tomatoes and olives with a light house dressing while the soup selection includes Pasta E Fagioli, Zuppa Toscana, Minestrone and Chicken & Gnocchi, a prelude to a great meal.
Browsing the menu uncovers delicious fare such as the signature item, Tour of Italy (with Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and Fettucino Alfredo), the world famous Amazing Alfredos, and an Italian classic – Shrimp Scampi.
Recently, four (4) new dishes were introduced. These flavorful and filling plates, served with a choice of mashed potato or steamed rice, include Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Tuscany, Roasted Herb Chicken and Italian Braised Short Ribs.
Setting the Mood
Olive Garden at The Verve, BGC isn’t just about food; it’s an experience. The interior paints a picture of the Italian countryside, blending earth tones with natural textures. Whether you’re out for a romantic date night or a grand family celebration, this place sets the perfect backdrop.
Dining Hours:
Olive Garden The Verve, BGC. Mon to Thurs 11am – 10pm Fri to Sun 10am – 11pm
As Olive Garden continues to expand its global culinary journey, its newest venture at The Verve in BGC reaffirms the brand’s commitment to delivering top-notch Italian-American delicacies in an ambiance that feels like home. Whether it’s a spontaneous lunch out or a grand family celebration, this latest culinary gem at The Verve promises an experience that transcends mere dining. So, the next time you find yourself longing for rich flavors and hearty meals paired with memorable conversations, remember that Olive Garden’s doors are wide open, ready to serve you a piece of Italy, right here in the Philippines. Buon Appetito!
Starbucks leads the pack with its initiative of certifying 3,500 Greener Stores across 20 markets worldwide. This initiative redefines the standards of eco-conscious retail design, construction, and operations, perfectly aligning with the brand’s resource positive aspirations.
Philippines Joins the Green Wave
The Philippines proudly flaunts its recent additions to the Starbucks roster with its first duo of Greener Stores. Nestled in Makati, a thriving hub, these stores serve as models for green retail – beautifully crafted to shrink their carbon footprint. With these eco-friendly installations, the Philippines now joins the ranks of Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, symbolizing Asia Pacific’s dedication to environmental welfare.
Greener Features that Stand Out
Both The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens and One Ayala Greener Stores are living testaments to Starbucks’ Greener Store Framework. Their hallmark? A thoughtful orchestration of resources. Key highlights include:
Water Wisdom: Featuring state-of-the-art timeout faucets that promote water conservation.
Let There be LED: A commitment to energy conservation with the exclusive use of 100% LED lighting.
Cool and Green: Enhanced air conditioning technologies that optimize energy.
Additionally, eco-conscious construction materials are prioritized, setting a benchmark for sustainable store development.
Starbucks Philippines president, Noey Lopez, beams with pride. “We’re thrilled to open our first two Greener Stores in the Philippines, a key step towards reaching our company’s ambitious resource positive goals. This is a testament of our passion for sustainability that continues to drive our innovation.”
Nature-Inspired Design
Inspired by the beautiful green foliage surroundings of Shops Ayala Triangle Garden, the store celebrates the organic and graphic elements of coffee farming, including the vertical rows of coffee plants, the horizontal shade trees, and the circular patterns found in coffee raking fields. This aesthetic was brought into every design element of the store, from the graphic slatted ceiling feature to the hints of green tones in textured paint and the green canopy of the outdoor area. In addition, the carefully curated artwork selection showcases the vibrant coffee-growing regions and surrounding plant life, highlighting the abundance of nature that surrounds the store.
The One Ayala Greener Store is in the heart of One Ayala Center. Drawing inspiration from the siren, a mythical creature associated with the ocean, the store features a modern two-floor design, including a mezzanine level, and is adorned with a calming blue color scheme throughout.
Eco-Conscious Choices for Customers
In a bid to promote green lifestyles, customers receive a PHP 10 discount when they bring their own reusable cups or tumblers. Plus, a delectable range of plant-based food and beverages awaits them, anytime!
Since announcing the international expansion of Greener Stores in September 2021, Starbucks has implemented a global framework of design, construction and operations standards to certify new Greener Stores around the world. As of March 2023, over 3,500 Greener Stores have been certified in more than 20 markets globally, in addition to the Philippines.
“With a company of Starbucks scale – any one action, no matter how small, has the potential for massive impact,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “I’m so proud to see our Greener Stores framework continue to scale for good globally. The program we have created will continue to move us closer towards our resource positive goals.”
Visit the Greener Stores
The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens: Located at 1224 Makati Avenue, it’s open from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, Monday to Sunday.
One Ayala: Located in One Ayala, Ayala Avenue, it welcomes patrons from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm, Monday to Sunday.
Greener Store Certification Starbucks Philippines “The Shops at Ayala Triangle Garden, LG” has been officially certified as the first Starbucks Greener Stores Verified store after an independent assessment by SCS Global Services. The “One Ayala Greener Store” is the second store to be officially certified. These are the two stores that applied for certification under the Starbucks Greener Store program in the Philippines.
Starbucks Philippines “The Shops at Ayala Triangle Garden, LG” has been officially certified as the first Starbucks Greener Stores Verified store after an independent assessment by SCS Global Services. The “One Ayala Greener Store” is the second store to be officially certified. These are the two stores that applied for certification under the Starbucks Greener Store program in the Philippines.
