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‘Best Places to Work’ awardee Dragon Edge Group creates game changing products while fostering a positive work environment

Dragon Edge Group (DEG), the company behind the popular Beach Hut Sunblock was certified as a “best place to work” in the country for 2023 by Best Places to Work, a world-renowned company certification program in partnership with Best Companies Group.

Since 2010, Best Places to Work has been honoring organizations with the highest standards of excellence in human resource (HR) practices and employee experience. The assessment is purely employee-based, factoring in employee conditions, compensation and benefits, motivation, relationship, training, well-being, career development, leadership, and culture.

DEG is the only company of its size certified for this award in the Philippine FMCG industry in the last five years.

“This award isn’t like any other. Simply put, you’re being recognized for creating workplaces where your employees love to come to work. However, beyond that, you’re being honored for being the best of the best in your country,” says Peter Burke, Best Companies Group President.

“As a result of this achievement, your brand as an employer just got a lot stronger. You will enjoy the benefits of better job candidates, lower employee turnover, and a better reputation in your community and around the company. I can’t stress enough how proud I am to be associated with a worthwhile program,” Burke added.

Becoming a “Best Place to Work” in the Philippines

Since 2005, DEG has been creating remarkable brands that bring more joy to people’s lives. Behind the company’s success is a passionate team that ensures only the best-quality products reach stores and our homes.

Beyond its products for customers, DEG also fosters a positive work environment with a unique and innovative culture for its employees. As a result, DEG employees and officers, also known as “DEGsters,” embody an edginess that ultimately spills over to their work and professional relationships.

At Dragon Edge Group, the top priority is giving DEGsters the chance to learn and letting their creative juices flow. Founders Dennis and Emily Balajadia believe that the best ideas come from “relaxed, informal settings,” such as meeting over drinks by their coffee bar, chilling by the office swings and their war room. This encourages the team to think outside the box to come up with attention-grabbing campaigns for their brands.

This has led to some of the wildest yet brilliant Beach Hut ideas, like becoming the first sunblock to fly to space in 2017, which was crafted during a company inuman.

DEG doesn’t stop at training and workshops in the office as DEGsters are given the chance to learn from the best by getting their Master’s degrees from prestigious universities, like Ateneo Business School and Wharton School. Recreational activities such as scuba diving and mixology have also been crucial in their professional and culture development.

“We’re honored that Dragon Edge Group was named the Best Places to Work in the Philippines. Everything we do is for the growth and betterment of our DEGsters, so it’s really heartwarming to be recognized for the positive work culture we’ve fostered throughout the years,” says Dennis Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our goal here in DEG is to create a fun and welcoming environment where our employees can thrive and let their creative juices flow. If our employees are happy and motivated, you can see the love that they put into their work,” adds Emily Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Mother of Marketing.

Creative Edge

Dragon Edge’s first product was a bottle of Beach Hut Sunblock in 2006, which was the first and only local spray-on sunblock at the time. This innovation pushed them to create other brands that challenged the status quo, and became the pioneers of many products, such as the first baby detergent Cycles and the first natural baby bottle and nipple cleanser, Cradle.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, DEG quickly responded by creating and distributing COV-X alcohol in just 11 days to help communities to stay safe and healthy.

The company has also expanded nationwide, and already has footprints in Indonesia. Not only did this allow DEG to branch their products out further, the expansion also created many opportunities for employees to help grow the company, while also growing within it themselves.

“We’ve gone a long way from our humble beginnings with Beach Hut. Now, we have a total of nine brands, and we are still growing,” says Dennis.

For Dragon Edge Group, working hard for our customers is just the beginning. It’s just as important to have a good time and celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. When they are able to spread joy and positivity in the workplace, they are able to do the same to every person around them.

For more information about Dragon Edge Group and its brands, visit their official website.

May 23, 2023
Coca-Cola Philippines introduces Minute Maid(R) Nutri+ with 200% Vitamin C

Coca-Cola Philippines has launched a new beverage innovation – Minute Maid Nutri+ (Nutri Plus) – under its Minute Maid® brand. The new product aims to deliver more benefits to consumers and provide more beverage options in the market. The entry of Minute Maid® Nutri+ reiterates the commitment of Coca-Cola Philippines as a total beverage category, setting the company’s wheels in motion as it begins building its ‘Enhanced Juice’ category in the local market.

The growing interest and continuous demand for new experiences and products to consume amongst the alpha generation or the Gen Zs has prompted many companies, such as Coca-Cola, to dive deeper into their beverage innovation.

According to Cesar Gangoso, ASEAN and South Pacific East Region Frontline Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Philippines has seen a significant shift in consumer behavior amongst Filipinos. “While we Filipinos pride ourselves on being hardworking and resilient, we are also equally conscious about our health and well-being. This reason alone drove the search for Vitamin C-enhanced products that can support our immune system. Coca-Cola Philippines is proud to offer the new Minute Maid® Nutri+, a beverage that has 200% recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C, presenting itself as a drink that balances delicious and beneficial in one.”

“We have always been steadfast in prioritizing what our consumers want and need. That means crafting delicious, quality beverages and offering people a wide variety of refreshment choices,” added Gangoso. “We’re excited with Minute Maid® Nutri+ and the activities lined up for all juice drink lovers out there.”

The new Minute Maid® Nutri+ comes in a 240mL can, a 330ml PET bottle, and a 1L PET bottle for orange, orange mango, and lemon flavors, and the ready-to-go pack size enables juice drink lovers to bring Minute Maid® Nutri+ anywhere. You can buy the newest juice drink at your nearest supermarket, convenience stores, and mom & pop shops. You can also get it online at the suggested retail price of ₱120 for a pack of 6 cans in 240mL and ₱648 for a pack of 24 bottles in 330mL.

To learn more about Minute Maid® Nutri+, visit www.coca-cola.com or follow @MinuteMaidPH on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

May 23, 2023
New K-cooking show alert: ‘Ramyun Brothers’ Premieres Tonight
The concept of the show is definitely tasty! Get three celebrities to cook ramyun – a Korean take on Japanese ramen – and serve to diners in Japan to see if they love it.

The unusual premise has got the internet talking. Ever since video teasers started going up on Discovery’s YouTube page in the past few weeks for Ramyun Brothers, fans of Korean TV and cooking around the world have been asking where they can watch it.

In Korea, the new variety show hits screens on both Discovery and TV Chosun tonight (May 22) at 10pm. And good news for you K-fans in Southeast Asia – the show is also available to stream on Viu from today.

In response to the huge interest, international rights holder Warner Bros. Discovery is looking for other partners to make the mouth-watering show available in other parts of the world – so keep your chopsticks at the ready for more details.

More about the show…

Ramyun Brothers is a reality show that will forever change what you know about ramen! The series stars Kang Ho-dong, Lee Seung-Gi and Bae Inhyeok who open a ramyun shop in Japan. Against all logic, they try and recreate recipes for Korea’s addictive “soul food”.

More about the stars…

There’s plenty of chemistry going on both inside the kitchen and between the on-screen talent. Kang Ho-Dong and Lee Seung-Gi reunite after more than a decade after Two Days One Night, Strong Heart, and they team up with Bae Inhyeok who appeared in dramas including Under the Queen’s Umbrella, Why Oh Soojae and Cheer Up.

What the production crew said…
- “We wanted to show the warmth and strong determination of the brothers who do all they can to overcome so many obstacles. Check out whether the team can mesmerize local Japanese foodies with ramyun recipes that are popular in Korea!”
- “Ho-Dong and Seung-Gi have known each other for 15 years now. We wanted to show the change in their relationship and chemistry. In Ramyun Brothers you’ll see how they bring out the best in each other.”
- “Don’t miss the fun as the team face challenged to do all they can to introduce and promote ramyun – aka K-ramen – in Japan!”
What the fans are saying…
- “Amazing recipes and an amazing cast!” “Inhyeok is full of surprises! He is so cute!”
- “How lucky to be in Japan and get to taste ramyun cooked by Seung-Gi.”
- “Can’t wait to watch! Seung-Gi and ramyun in one show? What more could I ask for?”
Catch Ramyun Brothers tonight and every Monday night for the next seven weeks on Discovery and TV Chosun at 10pm in Korea, and available to stream on Viu in Southeast Asia. The series is a co-production by Discovery Korea Networks and TV Chosun. Warner Bros. Discovery is exclusive international distributor.
May 23, 2023
Season Two Of ‘And Just Like That’ Debuts June 22 on HBO GO

The eleven-episode second season of the Max Original series And Just Like That…, from executive producer Michael Patrick King, will debut with two episodes on Thursday, June 22 on HBO GO. The following nine episodes will premiere weekly on Thursdays.

Returning series regulars include Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Sara Ramírez, Sarita Choudhury, Nicole Ari Parker, Karen Pittman, Mario Cantone, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Christopher Jackson, Niall Cunningham, Cathy Ang and Alexa Swinton.

The series is developed and executive produced by Michael Patrick King, alongside executive producers John Melfi, Julie Rottenberg, Elisa Zuritsky, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon. Writers included Michael Patrick King, Samantha Irby, Susan Fales-Hill, Lucas Froehlich, Rachel Palmer, Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky. Directors included Michael Patrick King, Cynthia Nixon, Ry Russo-Young and Julie Rottenberg. The HBO series “Sex and the City” was created by Darren Star and based on the book “Sex and the City” by Candace Bushnell.

Stream or download And Just Like That… Season 1 on HBO GO and catch Season 2 from June 22. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for only ₱1,190 on the 12-month plan. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

May 23, 2023
Visit the “The Flash” life-size figure at the Warner Bros. 100 Year Anniversary Exhibit at SM North EDSA

The Flash has arrived in Manila! From May 24 – June 4, fans can take selfies with the hyper-realistic, life-size mucklefigure of The Flash at the Warner Bros. 100 Year Anniversary Exhibit at SM North EDSA The Block activity area. Strike a running pose with your favorite Speedster and race with the fastest guy alive. The exhibit is free admission, and everyone’s invited!

Warner Bros. Pictures turned 100 this year, and to celebrate the milestone anniversary, the studio is “Celebrating Every Story” with an epic 2023 film lineup that includes upcoming releases “Barbie,” “MEG 2: The Trench,” “Blue Beetle,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” and of course, “The Flash.”

The ticketing site for “The Flash” is already live at https://www.theflashmovie.com.ph/. Don’t forget to calendar your “The Flash” movie date.

About “The Flash”

Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

“The Flash” ensemble also includes rising star Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon (“Bullet Train,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”), Ron Livingston (“Loudermilk,” “The Conjuring”), Maribel Verdú (“Elite,” “Y tu mamá también”), Kiersey Clemons (“Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Sweetheart”), Antje Traue (“King of Ravens,” “Man of Steel”) and Michael Keaton (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Batman”).

“The Flash” is produced by Barbara Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”) and Michael Disco (“Rampage,” “San Andreas”). The screenplay is by Christina Hodson (“Birds of Prey,” “Bumblebee”), with a screen story by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Joby Harold (“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Army of the Dead”), based on characters from DC. The executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Marianne Jenkins.

Joining director Muschietti behind the camera are director of photography Henry Braham (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “The Suicide Squad”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“IT Chapter Two,” “The Shape of Water”), editors Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Great Gatsby”) and Paul Machliss (“The Gentlemen,” “Baby Driver”), and costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”); the score is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“The Invisible Man,” the “IT” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film, “The Flash.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters across the Philippines beginning June 14, 2023.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #TheFlashMovie

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

May 23, 2023
Swing Into Action: Getting to Know the Spider-People in ‘Across the Spider-Verse’

Brace yourself for a spectacular journey into the multiverse with the upcoming “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. In this highly-anticipated sequel, prepare to encounter a diverse cast of Spider-People from various dimensions. The second installment of the thrilling Spider-Verse trilogy will grace Philippine cinemas on May 31.

For a sneak peek into this world of webs and wonders, catch the film’s final trailer here:

Miles Morales is Spider-Man

Miles Morales is now older, wiser and more capable after going through the challenges of his first year as a high school-aged superhero. “We pick up a few months after the first movie ended,” says writer-producer Phil Lord. “Miles has had a growth spurt, and that gave us the excuse to have a cool new character design and costume. He’s still trying to figure out what it’s like to be a superhero. The trouble is, it was a lot easier when he had other people like him around, and now that they’re gone, both Miles and Gwen are feeling the absence of folks who understand what they are going through.”

Actor Shameik Moore, who voices Miles in the sequel says, “It’s the classic struggle for Spider-Man… He’s trying to find his purpose while he’s still figuring himself out. I think everyone can relate to that on some level.”

Gwen Stacy is Spider-Woman

With her enhanced strength, speed, agility, and spider-sense, Gwen Stacy, also known as the amazing Spider-Woman of Earth-65, faces numerous new challenges in the sequel. Actress Hailee Steinfeld, who reprises her role as Gwen, says, “Gwen’s relationship with Miles is quite complex this time around. There is such a bond between these two characters, and while Gwen wants to push Miles to do what she knows he is more than capable of doing, she also wants to take on the world together and there’s a lot that’s getting in the way. It’ll be exciting to see where their journey takes them from here.”

Miguel O’Hara is Spider-Man 2099

Voiced by Oscar Isaac, Miguel is one of the first new characters that Miles encounters when he begins his voyage across the Spider-Verse. This time, Miguel is super busy as the creator and commander of the Spider-Society. “It has always been a source of pride knowing that there was a Latino Spider-Man out there, and I was honored to bring Miguel O’Hara to life,” says Isaac. “Finding his voice, his intensity, his tragic darkness, his sense of humor (or lack thereof) was a fun creative process.”

Peter B. Parker is Mayday’s dad

“When we left Peter B. Parker in the first movie, he was going back to Mary Jane and realizing he did want to be a father, so it made total sense that we would catch him in ‘new daddy’ craziness!” shares writer and producer Christopher Miller. Adds Jake Johnson of his new dad character, “He’s definitely pushing to do everything he can as Spider-Man. But you know, once you have a kid, things get divided and priorities change, and I think that happened for Peter. But I will say, Mayday is already showing promise in the world of Spider-People – there is a chance she might be more than meets the eye.”

Jessica Drew is Spider-Woman

Says director Kemp Powers of Jessica Drew, the super-cool and very pregnant Spider-Woman of Earth-332, “She’s just a badass.” Issa Rae, who voices the character (and who’s been a Spider-Man fan since she was in the third grade!), agrees: “She is a hero in every sense. Sometimes being a hero involves making sacrifices for the greater good. And because Jessica is starting a family of her own, she wants to make sure that the world that she brings her child into is a safe one. And so she’s doing everything she can to make sure that she’s stopping the evil of this world while also being an excellent mentor to the upcoming generation of Spider-People, including Gwen.”

Pavitr Prabhakar is Spider-Man India

“Pavitr’s powers came through magic, so he is quite different from a lot of other Spider-People who were bitten by radioactive spiders,” explains Powers. “Like many other Spider-People, he has had to suffer a loss, and in his case, it was his uncle. Yet he’s probably one of the most optimistic characters in the movie.” Shares Karan Soni, who voices Pavitr, whose world Mumbattan is a wild futuristic mishmash of Manhattan and Mumbai on Earth-50101: “When it was announced that I was playing him, I cannot tell you how many messages I got from people. Firstly, they were just excited, and then there were a few more serious messages, saying mainly, ‘don’t mess this up.’ I don’t think we did!”

Hobie Brown is Spider-Punk

“You can describe him as a cross between Iggy Pop, Bad Brains, and Spider-Man,” says Powers of Hobie Brown, who’s from a world that’s a bizarro mixture of ’70s- and ’80s-era London and modern-day New York. “He wields a rock guitar that he uses to play music – and also utilizes it as a sonic weapon. He’s that cool, slightly older boy who is pretty easy for most girls to have a crush on.” Actor Daniel Kaluuya, who voices Spider-Punk, confesses, “I was obsessed with Spider-Man growing up… And here I am, voicing a character who is from where I am from. I could not have dreamed this up!”

Ben Reilly is Scarlet Spider

The visuals for Ben Reilly were inspired by comic books from the 1990s. As writer-producer Lord puts it, “His muscles have muscles, and if you dissected him, you’d find out he’s not a human being because he doesn’t follow any normal human anatomy. He’s double- and triple-jointed and reminds you of the guy who spends a lot of time at the gym and is psyched all the time!”

Spider-Cat is Spider-Cat

The Spot is…

Writer-producer Miller points out that Dr. Jonathan Ohnn, aka The Spot, was in the Super-Collider Miles and the gang blew up in the first movie, and that’s when he got covered in dark matter and turned into this character who has many holes and portals inside him. “At first, he just seems like kind of a clumsy, low-level, goofy villain-of-the-week that has sort of Looney Tunes-style holes that go everywhere. But then he starts to realize that he can use those holes to go between dimensions, and he gets more and more powerful and becomes a real foe for Miles.”

This cinematic masterpiece is directed by the creative trio Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson. The engaging screenplay is penned by the dynamic team of Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and David Callaham, based on the inspiring MARVEL Comic Books.

This epic adventure is brought to life by producers Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Christina Steinberg.

Leading the pack in the film’s star-studded cast are Shameik Moore and Hailee Steinfeld, along with Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham, and Oscar Isaac.

Join us as we leap into the colorful dimensions of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, distributed by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Stay connected and join the web-slinging conversations using the hashtag #SpiderVerse. Get ready to swing across the multiverse this May 31 in Philippine cinemas!

Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”

May 22, 2023
The Peninsula Manila’s Turkish Cuisine is Back
Shaped by more than a thousand years of diverse cultures and traditions, social heritage and stories, Türkiye presents its exquisite and diverse flavors to the world through the “Turkish Cuisine Week” food festival at The Peninsula Manila’s Escolta buffet restaurant from May 23 to 27.

Hummus

On the occasion of the centennial anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye, “Turkish Cuisine Week” will be celebrated throughout the world for the second consecutive year from May 21 to 27 and aims to introduce Türkiye’s rich gastronomic culture to a broad global audience through the embassies and consulates of the Republic of Türkiye.

Mücver (Zucchini Fritters)

This year’s special menu consists of local dishes from the city of Antakya (with the ancient name of Antioch) in Hatay province, which is included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and renowned for its diverse cuisine. Boasting more than 650 dishes, Hatay’s gastronomy is a Mediterranean cuisine characterized by its use of fresh vegetables, quality olive oil, legumes, and cereals. As Hatay’s cuisine is the showpiece of this year’s Turkish Cuisine Week, Escolta’s different buffet stations will feature mouth-watering Biberli Ekmek (flatbread with red pepper paste), Zeytin Salatası (green olive salad), Hummus (mixed chickpeas and tahini dip), Mucver (Turkish zucchini fritters), Muska Boregi (spinach and cheese filo parcels) Tepsi Kebabı (oven-baked kebab), and Kayısı Tatlısı (stuffed dried apricot with clotted cream and walnut), among many others.

The buffet selection will also showcase other regional Turkish dishes that will be prepared using local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. It will showcase all aspects of Turkish cuisine, including Turkish coffee, Turkish tea, and the most quintessential of all Turkish sweets – Turkish Delight.

Escolta’s Turkish Cuisine Week will not only feature authentic and unique recipes but also highlight the philosophy of sustainability of one of the oldest and richest cuisines in the world, which emphasizes natural healthy local products and a waste-free palate.

Those eager to experience a taste of Türkiye can dine in Escolta Buffet Restaurant from May 23 to 27, Tuesday to Saturday.

Lunch
P2,600 (adults)
P1,300 (children under 12)

Dinner
P3,000 (adults)
P1,500 (children under 12)

All prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.

The Peninsula Manila Turkish Food Festival would not be possible without the generous support of the “Turkish Cuisine Week” partners – Turkish Airlines and The Peninsula Istanbul – who are donating a round-trip ticket to Istanbul and a two-night stay at The Peninsula Istanbul for guest diners to win.

Contest Mechanics
1. Follow @ThePeninsulaManila on both Facebook & Instagram and the Embassy of Türkiye on Facebook @t.c.manilabe and Twitter @trembassymanila
2. Share and post guest’s Escolta “Turkish Cuisine Week” food festival dining experience from May 23 to 27, 2023
3. Tag five (5) friends who are food enthusiasts and who will comment on guest diner’s post/s
4. Post photos and/or videos on Facebook and Instagram
5. Tag @thepeninsulamanila and @thepeninsulaistanbu
6. Pin the location of The Peninsula Manila on post/s
7. Share guest’s experience by using #PenMoments #TurkishCuisineWeek
“We are very excited to share Türkiye’s rich culinary traditions with the Philippines. Our chefs have prepared a diverse and rich menu, including a large selection of Turkish specialties that we hope you will enjoy at The Peninsula Manila,” says H.E. Niyazi Evren Akyol, Ambassador of the Republic of Tukey.

“We are thrilled to be introducing our guests to a true Turkish dining experience in partnership with the Embassy of Türkiye,” adds The Peninsula Manila General Manager Masahisa Oba. “This is especially meaningful as our newest sister property – The Peninsula Istanbul – recently opened its doors early this year.”

Turkish Cuisine Week is celebrated globally from May 21-27.

For inquiries or further information on The Peninsula Manila’s Turkish Cuisine Week, please call (63 2) 8887-2888 (trunk line), extension 6691 and 6694 (Restaurant Reservations), e-mail Dining PMN@peninsula.com, or visit the website peninsula.com/manila and https://turkishcuisineweek.com/
May 22, 2023
Catch Jessica Sanchez’s Exclusive Performance at Salon De Ning

Get ready, Manila! Filipina-American Idol sensation, Jessica Sanchez, who took the world by storm in the eleventh season of American Idol, is set to captivate audiences with a one-night-only performance at Salon de Ning in The Peninsula Manila on May 25, Thursday at 8:30 pm.

The California-raised singer-songwriter’s portfolio is impressive. With one album and a numerous singles, she has sung for the former US President Barack Obama and his family at the White House and also made a notable appearance in the popular TV series Glee.

Jessica Sanchez’s Salon de Ning show, entitled “Jessica Sanchez Live in Salon de Ning” will be a night of the music and stories that shaped Jessica. She will be performing hits by Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Roberta Flack, along with her original songs. Accompanied by her musical director Adonis Tabanda and the band Day One, Jessica is ready to transport you into a world of mesmerizing music.

Tickets are priced at P3,500, inclusive of taxes, and comes with a two-hour open bar. The doors of Salon de Ning open at 8:00 pm, giving you ample time to settle in for the unforgettable night ahead.

For inquiries or more information about “Jessica Sanchez Live in Salon de Ning,” please contact The Peninsula Manila at (63 2) 8887 2888 (trunk line), extension 6691 and 6694 (Restaurant Reservations), e-mail Dining PMN@peninsula.com, or visit the website peninsula.com/manila.

May 22, 2023
Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ Set to Make Waves in Cinemas on May 24

Let your imagination swim wild with Disney’s live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid,’ an enchanting retelling of the Oscar®-winning animated musical classic. Immerse yourself in a world teeming with wonder both over and under the sea, as it opens in Philippine cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. Check the screening times and book your tickets in advance.

(L-R): Scuttle (voiced by Awkwafina), Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), and Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This enchanting tale focuses on Ariel, a beautiful, spirited mermaid who yearns for a taste of the world beyond the sea. The youngest and most free-spirited of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel is drawn to the human world. During a secret surface visit, she becomes smitten with the charming Prince Eric—and while mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. Ariel’s affection for the prince leads her to strike a treacherous deal with the wicked sea witch, Ursula. The agreement offers Ariel a taste of life on land, but it threatens both her life and her father’s reign.

(L-R): Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric and Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

(L-R): Halle Bailey as Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The film boasts an impressive cast, featuring singer and actress Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Tony Award®-winner Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Awkwafina as Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, alongside Oscar® winner Javier Bardem as King Triton, and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy as Ursula.

Melissa McCarthy as Ursula in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Guiding this magical journey is Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall. The movie’s production team includes two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt, three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emmy winner John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver serving as executive producer. The enchanting songs feature music by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, and new lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with the score by Alan Menken and music supervised and produced by Mike Higham.

(L-R): Halle Bailey as Ariel and Javier Bardem as King Triton in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Get ready to ride the wave of the movie event of the summer! Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ is set to make a splash in cinemas on May 24, 2023.

Halle Bailey as Ariel in Disney’s live-action THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo courtesy of Disney. © 2023 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Become a part of the conversation online with #TheLittleMermaidPH. Follow Disney Studios Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for more updates and surprises.

May 20, 2023
HUAWEI Brings the Classic Mother of Pearl Design to their Newest Flagship Phone

Curves and displays have played major roles in recent smartphone developments but when it comes to design, most have chosen to be conservative, leaning more towards solid colors and minimalism.

The recent product launch of the HUAWEI P60 Pro has shown that the tech brand has no such fear of getting outside the industry’s comfort zone. As the first product in the smartphone industry to carry a pearl texture design, HUAWEI’s risk-taking move has so far been lauded for its innovative execution.

The Enduring Beauty of the Rococo Era

Rococo is a controversial yet major art movement from the 1700s. Rococo comes from the French word “Rocaille”, which denotes the shell-covered rock work that was used to decorate artificial grottos. The rocaille style utilized miniature objects such as garden pebbles, stones and seashells, forming an irregular visual play that energized the art world. It is characterized by elegance, lightness, and an exuberant use of curving natural forms in ornamentation. Rococo gradually developed and grew popular enough to be utilized in the fine arts, its asymmetry and overly elaborate style became its signature. Continuing in its tradition, the HUAWEI P60 Pro in Rococo Pearl adopts the timeless expressions of baroque masterpieces – its ornamental look, iridescent sheen, and intricate pastel swirls all pay homage to the Rococo spirit.

The HUAWEI CMF Mother of Pearl Process

The traditional pearlescent design has transcended fashion trends and has remained timeless. Mother of Pearl can be found in century-old palace architecture and even in the latest, most fashionable luxury watch releases.

The life of the mother-of-pearl mollusc itself embodies the very concept of timeless beauty, forming pearls and treasures throughout its long lifetime. With its continuous rebirth, oils accumulate in the shell over the years, growing a natural texture. These remarkable pieces of nature also condense with a unique lustre that illuminates with varying angles of light.

To replicate the accuracy of its textures and natural sheen, the material design and engineering process undertaken to achieve the material was not a straightforward one. Designers behind the HUAWEI P60 Pro knew the challenge wouldn’t be easy so they combined handcrafted artisanal methods with modern production techniques, constantly exploring and innovating to reach a breakthrough.

The design team discovered an Italian design manufacturer whose craftsmanship proved to replicate the pearl effect well. The manufacturer utilises manual methods to achieve a multi-layer structure similar to mother-of-pearl. Through the dispersion effect of countless finely layered structures, it brings mother-of-pearl through the rich and warm effects from changing light and shadows. This effect requires a rich internal structure and a certain material thickness to be reflected.

Initially, it was uncertain whether this material could be used in sophisticated electronic products such as mobile phones. Because the design space left for texture and texture on mobile phones is extremely thin (less than 0.1mm, only 1/5 or even 1/10 of the thickness of the thinnest patch of traditional crafts), the team set off to find solutions to achieve the design on an ultra-thin surface while preserving the natural pearl texture.

After many rounds of experimentation, the design team was able to source a natural mineral pearl powder and combine it with environmentally friendly acetate material extracted from natural plants. This made it possible to recreate the flashing iridescent layers in the Mother of Pearl texture. Through complex hand-made mosaics, block splicing patterns, and smooth changing lustre, the result was a natural texture with a unique patterning effect that has no repetition.

It was through this assiduous research and development journey that the brand finally patented Huawei’s very own CMF ( Color, Material, Finish) Pearl Texture Design process.

Every piece, unique

Natural beauty comes through order in disorder, regularity and irregularity, and certainty in uncertainty. The HUAWEI mother-of-pearl craftsmanship process aimed to restore this uniqueness found in nature’s beauty. This was not a simple manufacturing of artificial patterns, but rather, a creation of brand-new design technology that comes from nature itself.

HUAWEI’s mother of pearl process creates a P60 Pro in Rococo Pearl model that is unique and exclusive in beauty. Not only did the brand recreate the Mother of Pearl look visually, it has even taken things to another level by emulating its very essence of irregularity and uniqueness.

Each HUAWEI P60 Pro user will have their own one-of-a-kind rendition of the Rococo Pearl texture on their flagship smartphone, giving them personalised and exclusive experience, as they now own a smartphone that truly belongs to them and only them in every aspect.

Now available in HUAWEI Stores

You can now purchase the HUAWEI P60 Pro through offline and online HUAWEI Stores, authorized retail outlets, and leading e-commerce sites like Shopee and Lazada. Price starts at Php 58,999 and with the pre order promo from May 12-25, you can get the HUAWEI Watch GT3 worth Php 12,999 for free.

If you pre-order now, you can get a 1-year Extended Warranty valued at Php 3,999. Trade-in is also available for both Huawei and non-Huawei smartphones. Apart from enjoying a discount from the trade-in, you can also get a Php 8,000 add-on voucher when you trade-in a Huawei smartphone and a Php 7,000 add-on voucher for non-Huawei smartphones. This offer is available in selected stores nationwide.

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May 20, 2023