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  • Chinese New Year 2023: Hotel Dining Deals in Metro Manila to Usher In the Year of the Water Rabbit

    Gong xi fa cai!

    Another Chinese New Year is upon us, ushering in the Year of the Water Rabbit. Of course, this event is best welcomed with a festive celebration and a bountiful feast to go with it! If you’re still making plans for your Chinese New Year celebration, here’s a list to assist you. Below are some of the hotel dining deals you can find around the metro this CNY 2023!

    Grand Hyatt Manila

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    Check out their Chinese New Year set menu here and order their sweet confections here. For reservations, call +632 8838 1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com.

    Shangri-La at The Fort

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    Grab their Nian Gao Treasure Boxes here and Chinese New Year hampers here. For more information, contact eats.slfm@shangri-la.com or 091SLFMEATS (09175363287).

    EDSA Shangri-La

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    Order their Nian Gao and hampers here. You can also purchase The Bakeshop’s Chinese New Year cakes here.

    New World Makati Hotel

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    For more information, visit the New World Makati Hotel website. For orders and reservations, contact them via their mobile number: 09178884194; landline: +632-88116888 ext. 3679; or e-mail: fbreservations.manila@newworldhotels.com.

    Sofitel Manila

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    For bookings, contact +63 2 8832 6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com.

    Marco Polo Ortigas Manila

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    For orders and table reservations, contact them via (632) 7720 7777.

    The Peninsula Manila

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    Indulge in a sumptuous Chinese buffet section specially curated with free-flowing champagne to welcome the new year with abundance, prosperity, and good health.

    Available from 12 PM to 3 PM, with prices of P4,500 for adults; P2,250 for children (ages 6 to 12); and P7,000 with free-flow of champagne.

    City of Dreams Manila

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    • Crystal Dragon Lunar New Year Menu for Lunch and Dinner
      January 16 to 29 | Good for five persons per serving (P1,600++)
      For the traditional dinner table yu sheng (or yee sang) toss ritual, the salad is offered with a twist: Prosperity Roasted Duck in lieu of herring or salmon, with jellyfish, crispy vegetables, and plum dressing.
    • TungLok Signatures’ Yu Sheng
      January 16 to 24 | Good for six to eight persons (P2,888)
      Tung Lok’s salad is prepared with salmon, a medley of fresh vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients, each representing a wish during the toss while huat ah! or lo hei! is being recited. For direct reservations, call +63 917 7024024.
    • Red Ginger’s Festive Lunar Menu
      January 17 to February 5
      The ala carte dishes are: Fortune Lao Sheng, a chicken salad with plum dressing; Longevity Noodles  consisting of egg noodles with crispy pork belly, and quail eggs; braised Prosperity Pork Knuckle with king mushrooms; Happiness Prawn and Squid, a medley stir-fried in curry XO sauce; and for dessert, Harmony Coconut, a mix of coconut jelly and ice cream

    For inquiries and reservations in Crystal Dragon and Red Ginger, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com

    Diamond Hotel

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    For reservations, contact them through (632) 8-528-3000 ext. 1121, or via email at restaurant_rsvn@diamondhotel.com.

    Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates.

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    Homestream image from Grand Hyatt Manila and Shangri-La The Fort.

  • Korean Office Drama “Race” Clocks-in This Year, Exclusively on Disney+

    What Park Yoonjo lacks in qualifications and experience, she more than makes up for in tenacity and drive, but when she discovers that she was only hired for diversity reasons at her firm where her best friend Ryu Jaemin works, all hell will break loose as she sets to prove everyone wrong in RACE, a new Korean office drama coming exclusively to Disney+ this year. 

    FotoJet 1

    In RACE, audiences can follow along as Park Yoonjo does whatever it takes to prove that she belongs in her role. Determined to succeed, Yoonjo seeks out the help of the agency’s pride and joy – the incomparable star of PR, Koo Yijung, in the hope of learning from the country’s very best.

    Starring Lee Yeon Hee (New Year Blues, Welcome to Wedding Hell) as “diversity hire” Park Yoonjo; Hong Jonghyun (Moon Lovers) as Ryu Jaemin, Yoonjo’s best friend who cares about his personal life as much as work, Moon Sori (The Handmaiden, Seoul Vibe) as Koo Yijung, the leading voice in the PR industry, and Chung Yunho (Dating On Earth) as CEO Seo Donghoon, RACE is written by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Roori (Hyena, The Ace) and directed by Lee Dongyoon (She Would Never Know, 20th Century Boy and Girl).

    First announced last month as part of an expanded slate of local APAC content at the Disney Content Showcase in Singapore, RACE joins a whole host of other eagerly anticipated Korean titles coming to Disney+ in the coming months, including the sequel to Soundtrack #1, Soundtrack #2; Call It Love; Shadow Detective Season 2 and BTS MONUMENTS: BEYOND THE STAR as well as a slew of other exciting Korean and regional titles.

    Enjoy RACE exclusively on Disney+, coming soon.

    For more information, visit www.DisneyPlus.com 

    Instagram: @DisneyPlusPH 
    Facebook: @DisneyPlusPH 
    Twitter: @DisneyPlusPH 
    TikTok: @DisneyPlusPH
    YouTube: @DisneyPlusPH 
    Hashtag: #DisneyPlusPH

  • SHOP: Kickstart 2023 with these Footwear Picks

    With the New Year comes opportunities to take a step in the right direction. It’s also a good reason to buy new shoes! We’ve picked out some pairs from your favorite brands to help you stride confidently into 2023 with a fresh look.

    Keds Womens’ Kickstart Leather CNY 2023

    Kickstart Leather CNY 2023 01
    The Keds Kickstart Leather CNY 2023 (P4195).

    Classic ladies’ sneaker brand Keds is celebrating the Lunar new year with its special edition CNY Kickstart in Leather. The shoe not only comes with one set of laces, but three: classic white, red, and glittery gold. Change them up whenever you feel like it for your shoes to match pretty much any outfit in 2023! Shop this pair and the rest of Keds Bounce in Keds stores nationwide and online at www.keds.com.ph.

    Merrell Alverstone 2 and Bravada Edge

    Shop 1
    The Merrell Men’s Alverstone 2 Gore-Tex® in Boulder/Brindle (P6995) and Women’s Bravada Edge in Falcon (P4195).

    If you’re looking to pick up a new hobby this year or just go for a quick refresh, try going on a hike or a walk through nature. Merrell, the leader in outdoor lifestyle has just released their newest hiking shoes: the men’s Alverstone 2 and women’s Bravada Edge. Best of all, each shoe comes in a multitude of colorways so there’s plenty to choose from. Check out Merrell’s hiking collection at www.merrell.com.ph and Merrell concept stores nationwide.

    Sperry Outer Banks 2-Eye and Bahama 2.0 Platform

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    The Sperry Men’s Outer Banks 2-Eye Canvas Boat Shoe in Navy (P4590) and Women’s Bahama 2.0 Platform in Black (P4295).

    If you’re looking for a comfy new take on the iconic Sperry topsider, look no further than their newest releases: the men’s Outerbanks 2-Eye and women’s Bahama 2.0 Platform. Each are unique in their own spin on the classic boat shoe silhouette, but updated in new materials and relaxed construction. Shop the these and more at their official webstore www.sperry.com.ph and Sperry retail stores nationwide.

    Polo Ralph Lauren Theron II

    Theron II White Red 01
    The Polo Ralph Lauren Theron II in White/Red (P3495).

    Dress in something bold yet still relaxed and sophisticated with Polo Ralph Lauren’s Theron II sneaker. The shoe features an embroidered Polo logotype that matches its retro tennis vibe. Navy and red accents add a nice touch to these vintage-inspired kicks. Check out these and more at www.complexlifestylestore.com and Complex Lifestyle Store nationwide.

    PONY Men’s Fulton II in Grey

    Fulton II Grey 01
    The PONY Fulton II in Grey (P3195).

    Go back to basics for the new year with PONY’s ever-versatile Fulton II sneaker. You simply cannot go wrong with its minimalist skate silhouette that pairs well with most bottoms, be it skinny jeans, baggy pants, or cargo shorts. Check out these and more in PONY’s first concept store at TriNoMa, their official webstore www.pony.com.ph, and department stores nationwide.

  • The Bottomline: A Bad Fit can Throw Off your Outfit, says Pia Wurtzbach

    There’s nothing worse than the pull or pinch of uncomfortable underwear no matter what poise, elegance, and composure you may have. These traits make Queens stand out from the rest. But back then, even Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe herself, had days she’d honestly rather forget—all because of bad fitting panties. Little did she know that undies can be pretty, practical, comfortable and functional so you feel no pressure at all — pun intended.

    Avon Pia

    The former Ms. Universe recalls that during her early days as a model and actress, she became more aware of what most women don’t realize: that bad fitting underwear can really make a difference. Pia shares “There were a lot of times during fittings at work where I was told I was not wearing the right panties for my body type. I mean, they’re just panties! You put it on, and just go on with your day!”

    Pia reveals one of her best realizations. “This one time, I was told, ‘Girl, why are you wearing those panties? That does not complement your body at all.’ Of course, I was surprised because I learned there were other silhouettes that can really make a difference.”

    With a natural hourglass figure, Pia was told it was better to wear hi-leg or bikini panties. And so she did, and she actually felt different when she got used to it. “Imagine, for years I didn’t really care much about this one thing that I wear on a daily basis.” When she managed to make the change, suddenly she felt more in tune with her body. “There’s a big difference when what you’re wearing fits so perfectly that you become less conscious about how others look at you, because you’ll be comfortable in your own skin.”

    These days, Pia feels more confident as she has found the perfect panties for herself, and hopefully other women can follow suit. “It was Avon who made the difference in what I feel.” says the beauty queen. “Not only do they have the right silhouette—each one is also made with quality materials that does not wear-and-tear easily,” she shares.

    Avon, the number 1 intimate apparel brand in the country, offers up to seven panty silhouettes for every shape and size, helping more women find the best one for their body type. All seven silhouettes include hi-legs, bikinis, hipsters, mini’s, maxi’s, full briefs—with each one offering maximum comfort for every shape.

    Pia continues, “I think my advice for all other queens reading is that YOU don’t need to adjust to your underwear, it should be the other way around! Because if one thing isn’t working for you, the next step should be changing it to what you have and need. It should be like that in all aspects.”

    Just like Pia, you can also find the perfect panties by visiting www.avonshop.ph or contacting your local Avon representative. Don’t forget to like and follow Avon Philippines via  Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

  • WATCH: Action-Packed Trailer for Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”

    A new, action-packed trailer for Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” which opens in Philippine theaters Feb. 15, 2023, just debuted. Kicking off Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the fast-paced, big-screen adventure features the MCU’s most powerful villain to date: Kang the Conqueror. Check out the trailer, plus a new poster and images, and please share with your readers. 

    AMATW Quantumania Payoff Poster 1

    Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope’s parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott’s daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a. and Stephen Broussard, p.g.a., “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania” also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O’Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar. The sci-fi adventure opens in Philippine theaters on Feb. 15, 2023. 

  • WATCH: Nicolas Cage is Dracula in ‘Renfield’ Trailer Starring Nicholas Hoult

    Horror-comedy Renfield spurts non-stop action and thrills in its latest trailer reveal featuring Nicholas Hoult taking on the titular role as Dracula’s loyal and highly-stressed servant.

    “Renfield” is a modern monster tale of Dracula’s loyal servant, Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road, X-Men franchise) stars as Renfield, the tortured aide to history’s most narcissistic boss, Dracula (Oscar® winner Nicolas Cage).  Renfield is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding, no matter how debased. But now, after centuries of servitude, Renfield is ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of The Prince of Darkness.  If only he can figure out how to end his codependency.

    Nicolas Cage as Dracula in Renfield

    “Renfield” is directed by Chris McKay (The Tomorrow War, The LEGO Batman Movie) from a screenplay by Ryan Ridley (Ghosted series, Rick & Morty series), based on an original idea by The Walking Dead and Invincible creator Robert Kirkman.

    Renfield poster

    The film co-stars Awkwafina (The Farewell, Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings), Ben Schwartz (Sonic, The Afterparty) and Adrian Martinez (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Focus).

    “Renfield” is a Universal Pictures International release that will open in Philippine cinemas in April.

  • GUIDE: 2023 Concerts & Fan Meets in Metro Manila

    Fans of concerts are sure in for a treat this 2023 with an exciting lineup of performers slated to hit Metro Manila venues this year! From K-Pop stars to beloved boy bands, the year has something in store for anyone who wants to have that exhilarating experience that we had to miss out on for a few years due to the pandemic.

    To help you plot out your concert plans this 2023, here’s a list of the big concerts happening this year. (Note: dates are subject to change without prior notice.)

    ITZY ‘The 1st World Tour: Checkmate’

    January 14, 7 PM & January 15, 6 PM | SM Mall of Asia Arena
    Buy tickets (P3,500 – P13,500)

    The Nothing Like Dunkin Fan Meet with Kim Soo Hyun

    January 17, 7 PM | SMART Araneta Coliseum
    Buy tickets

    Kim Seon Ho Asia Tour in Manila <One, Two, Three. Smile>

    January 22, 5 PM | SM Mall of Asia Arena
    Buy tickets (P2,120 – P13,250)

    NE-YO LIVE IN CONCERT

    January 23 | SMART Araneta Coliseum
    Buy tickets (P1,050 – P8,925)

    ENHYPEN Manifesto World Tour

    February 3,4, & 5 | Mall of Asia Arena
    Ticket details TBA

    Boyce Avenue

    February 11 | SMART Araneta Coliseum
    Buy tickets (P840 – P5,250)

    MAMAMOO [MY CON] World Tour

    February 12, 7 PM | SMART Araneta Coliseum
    Buy tickets (P2,650 – P13,500)

    The Vamps Greatest Hits Tour

    February 17, 8 PM | Mall of Asia Arena
    Buy tickets (P3,000 – P6,250)

    Conan Gray Superache Tour in Manila

    February 18 | SM Mall of Asia Arena
    Buy tickets (P3,500 – P7,500)

    Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour 2023

    February 20, 8 PM | SM Mall of Asia Arena
    Buy tickets (P3,750 – P16,950)

    Westlife The Wild Dreams Tour in Manila

    February 20 & 21 | SMART Araneta Coliseum
    Buy tickets (P1,575 – P13,650)

    OneRepublic Live in Concert

    February 23, 8 PM | SMART Araneta Coliseum
    Buy tickets (P1,050 – P8,925)

    Song Kang Fun Meet in Manila

    March 5 | Araneta Coliseum
    Ticket details TBA

    Simple Plan The Harder Than It Looks Tour

    March 10 | New Frontier Theater
    Tickets will be available starting January 15 via Ticketnet

    Harry Styles Love on Tour

    March 14 | Philippine Arena
    Buy tickets (P2,750 – P17,750)

    BLACKPINK Born Pink World Tour in Manila

    March 25 & 26, 7 PM | Philippine Arena
    Buy tickets (P3,000 – P14,950)

    The 1975 At Their Very Best Live in Manila

    May 3, 8 PM | SM Mall of Asia Arena
    Buy tickets (P1,975 – P10,340)

    —

     Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • Grand Hyatt Manila Celebrates The Year of the Water Rabbit with Special Dining Offers

    Reunite with family and friends and indulge in an epic Chinese New Year celebration at the Grand Ballroom on January 22, 2023, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, complete with exceptional and authentic Chinese cuisine featuring a live cooking show by our Chinese master chefs, prosperity toss, and lion dance performance in an altogether dramatic setting for an occasion to remember all year long. The Chinese New Year set menu at the Grand Ballroom starts at PHP 25,888 net for six persons.

    Grand Hyatt ManilaA Grand Feast at the Grand Ballroom

    Savor sumptuous Chinese specialties at No. 8 China House, The Grand Kitchen and The Lounge as you celebrate good fortune, good health and a propitious 2023. Delight in a bountiful feast at No. 8 China House featuring specially-curated Chinese New Year set menus starting at PHP 14,880 net for four persons, available on January 21 and 22 for lunch and dinner. Enjoy intimate gatherings in any of the restaurant’s 7 private dining rooms for families or groups ranging from 4 to 22 persons. Guests may view the special menus at bit.ly/GHMCNY2023.

    Chinese New Year Hamper Box

    Diners may opt for a grand indulgence at The Grand Kitchen offering a special Chinese New Year buffet on the eve of January 21 and for lunch on January 22 at PHP 3,488 net per person. The guest-favorite Merienda Cena at The Lounge will also be serving traditional Chinese delicacies along with an exquisite spread of culinary creations to pair with tea, coffee, or free-flow rosé available from January 20 to 22 from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at PHP 1,950 net.

    Chinese New Year Nian Gao and Specialty Cake

    Share the gift of good fortune and send prosperity greetings with Grand Hyatt Manila’s Chinese New Year specialty cake and signature Nian Gao in traditional brown sugar flavor, which comes in exquisite gift boxes making it a perfect present for families, friends, and associates. These sweet confections are available in Florentine and through Dine at Home from January 13 to 22, 2023. 

    Grand Hyatt Hotel The Gift of Nian Gao

    For inquiries and reservations, call (63 2) 8838 1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com.  For updates in its latest promotions, follow Grand Hyatt Manila on Instagram @grandhyattmanilaph and Facebook, www.facebook.com/GrandHyattManilaPh.

  • Olive Garden Opens Second Branch in Glorietta 3, Expanding Its Reach in the Philippines

    Famous for its Never-Ending garden-fresh salad, homemade soups, and fresh-baked, soft garlic breadsticks, Olive Garden is the largest American-Italian restaurant chain in the United States, where it operates more than 900 restaurants and employs more than 96,000 people.

    Olive Garden Tour of Italy Signature Classics Array

    Greg Balogh,  Darden Regional Operations director, will be in Manila to attend the restaurant’s launch.  A team of trainors from the USA is also in town to prepare the local staff for the opening.  “We are excited to open our 2nd branch in the Philippines in a span of 3 months, on the heels of the success of our maiden store at the Mall of Asia.  We are very pleased about the enthusiastic welcome that Filipinos accorded Olive Garden and we look forward to expanding the brand in more locations soon,” Balogh said.  

    Olive Garden Partners
    Christopher Maglanoc, President of the Ayala Malls; William Stelton, Chairman of The Bistro Group; RC Tiongson, COO The Bistro Group; Jean Paul Manuud, President The Bistro Group and Greg Balogh, Darden International Operations Director

    For his part, The Bistro Group’s President Jean Paul Manuud, said.  “What we have with Darden Restaurants, Inc., the company behind Olive Garden, is a collaboration that’s been very positive from the start.  We are happy to be working with them on building the brand and growing the business locally.”  After Glorietta 3, The Bistro Group will open this year another Olive Garden branch.

    Classics and Heartwarming Food for All 

    Olive Garden Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

    Olive Garden’s menu offers classics like Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna, and Chicken Parmigiana, all prepared fresh with high quality ingredients. Other equally delicious dishes such as Tour of Italy with Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and Fettucino Alfredo, the world famous Amazing Alfredos, and an Italian classic – Shrimp Scampi. In addition, the restaurant’s familiar style allows this to be the perfect place for families, groups of friends or colleagues, to enjoy a great meal and a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

    A rustic stone passageway, that is inherent in all Olive Garden restaurants anywhere in the world, welcomes guests to the restaurant where the vibe is comfortable, fresh, cozy and modern with warm elements and olive green accents. The design of the interiors emanates with  the  Italian countryside through earth tones and natural textures.  

    Drop by and explore Italian-American cuisine at Olive Garden Glorietta which is open daily from 10am to 9pm.

  • Get More Freebies on the Vivo Y02 and V25 Series When you Buy via their Official Website!

    vivo Philippines knows how to kickstart the brand new year 2023 right! Following the price drop announcement on the vivo Y15A, vivo launched new special offers on various smartphones including the vivo Y02 and vivo V25 Series when purchased via vivo’s official website.

    PR VIVO NEW YEAR SALE FOR WEBSITE

    With more exclusive freebies, it is definitely the best chance to grab the Slim Yet Powerful vivo Y02 and the Night Portrait Maser vivo V25 Series, at their unbeatable offers before January ends!

    ProductPromo SRPFreebies
    vivo Y02PHP 4,949SIM CARD and Basic Earphones
    vivo V25 ProPHP 29,599SIM CARD, vivo Tumbler, and football TWS
    vivo V25PHP 23,599SIM CARD, 2n1 Clock Speaker, and BT Neckband
    vivo V25ePHP 17,599DITO SIM CARD and TWS

    The vivo Y02 is a slim, minimalist and modern smartphone armed with everything one needs for your everyday hustle, including a large and powerful battery, smooth and lag-less performance, impressive storage capacity and a reliable camera. It also packs a 5000mAh battery that is able to keep your phone juiced and running the whole day and can even support 10W fast charging so that you can power up your phone in no time. This phone is also packed with a large storage capacity that has a size of 2GB + 32GB, a 6.51-inch Halo FullView display with 1600×720 resolution, and an 8MP Main Camera with Bokeh effect that can assist you with your daily errands.

    Meanwhile, one of vivo’s best-selling flagship smartphones vivo V25 Series has three variants – vivo V25 Pro, vivo V25, and vivo V25e,  that can match your needs especially if you are into advanced design and high-quality photography. The vivo V25 Series highlights Photochromic 2.0 technology which is a changing colour feature that seamlessly highlights the gradient of the sunset, or the elegance of diamond black. You can explore this feature on vivo V25e and vivo V25e’s Sunrise Gold colorway and vivo V25 Pro’s Surfing Blue colorway. Other than the design, the vivo V25 Series also packs compelling features like 64MP Ultra Sensing Imaging System, 50MP Eye AF Selfie Camera, and Flagship-Level Performance brought by 20GB Dynamic RAM, whopping battery capacity and fast-charging technology.

    To learn more about the vivo Y02, V25 Series, and other participating products, check out vivo Philippines’s website: https://www.vivo.com/ph.