In case you missed it, a new film from Christopher Nolan is heading to the big screen soon! Starring Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, Nolan’s Oppenheimeris a biopic about the “father of the atomic bomb.”
Watch the teaser trailer for Oppenheimer below:
The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and the late Martin J. Sherwin. It narrates how the brilliant physicist Oppenheimer led the effort to build the atomic bomb in a time of war, and how he was plagued by its moral consequences.
Have you found your one true pairing? More often than not, these things are subtly introduced into our lives but leave quite the impact once it’s all been said and done. Like, ice cream on a hot summer day, popcorn and movies, bacon and eggs, a burger with fries on the side, and the forever table staple in life events, foodpanda and Coke!
foodpanda is one to thank for opening the gates to making amazing eats and elevated dining experiences more accessible while Coke is what makes bonds greater and moments better. Together? These two are a match made in heaven!
The best of all? foodpanda and Coke are collaborating to usher in a new generation of traditions in their mission to promote strengthened bonds and togetherness. And as part of this joint effort, foodpanda is giving foodies the power to mix and match until they find their “one true pairing.”
Whether they’re in the mood for a chicken fix, a plate of pizza and pasta, or a deep dive into the flavors of Asia, they can now make it #BetterWithCoke anywhere and anytime. It’s a guaranteed treat for all, lifestyle influencers included!
For Sef Balmocena, he finds that his favorite meals from foodpanda are “not complete without taking a sip of Coke.”
Then there’s Yael Arevalo, who says, “Everytime na mag-lulunch kami ng friends ko, o-order kami sa foodpanda, at syempre, hinding-hindi nawawala ang Coke!”
While trends may come and go, what stays true is the taste, now linked to a memory, a time, a person, or a place. Similar to how it played a part in Camille Alipio-Luzande’s formative years, which she believes lets them taste the feeling and bring to life the idea that “drinking Coke alone or together is a simple pleasure that makes everyday moments more special. Which is better now than ever since I can order through foodpanda!”
Yet, beyond just a perfect meal partner, Patricia Dauz finds Coke as a symbol. “Strengthening bonds between family, friends and even strangers.” She shares.
Understandably, nothing beats an absolute classic, and to Aubrey Lim there’s only one definitive mealtime experience she would keep coming back to over and over again. “It’s eating my favorite burger from foodpanda under the skies!” She said.
And if you’re in a rebellious mood, why not take a page off of Aubrey’s go-to and embark on a gastronomic trip for your next fave combo through foodpanda? The place where the digital and physical collide to bring a wide array of mouth-watering and thirst-quenching virtual selections into real-world satisfaction for utmost convenience and money-saving promo deals!
Fortunately, foodpanda is now combo-ready for mixing and matching with its current partnership with Coke to make cherishing mealtimes even more accessible. As part of this joint effort, foodpanda is launching deals nationwide to make mealtimes #BetterWithCoke, allowing users to save while pairing their chosen lunch or dinner feast with the beverage through notable-merchant partners in order to create their ultimate dream combo.
LUNCH:
Use the code, COKELUNCH to get ₱80 off from 11 AM to 3PM, with a minimum spend of ₱500 at select restaurants nationwide
DINNER:
Use the code, COKEDINNR to get₱100 off from 4 PM to 8PM, with a minimum spend of ₱500 at select restaurants nationwide.
Valid for food delivery until October 12, 2022 only. Limited redemptions only. T&Cs apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-145419 Series of 2022.
Ready to order? Download the foodpanda app and start making your favorite meals #BetterWithCoke, available on the Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (IOS).
Amazon’s global streaming service Prime Video is set to bring more content tailored for its Filipino viewers!
Starting this August, Prime Video will be offering an exciting local content slate and a localized user experience for Filipino audiences. The streamer’s support for local production companies comes with their local marketing launch here in the country, created with Filipino producers and featuring Anne Curtis.
In line with this, Amazon Prime Video has announced their first local Amazon Original, Comedy Island: Philippines, which is produced in cooperation with Base Entertainment and is set to launch in 2023.
Meanwhile, viewers can soon be able to enjoy more local exclusive titles such as Big Night, How to Love Mr. Heartless, and Weather the Weather is Fine (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon). Pinoys can also get their fix of Korean content such as Nothing Serious and Toy Soldiers: Fake Men 2 The Complete; anime favorites such as Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen 0; US films such as Thirteen Lives and No Time to Die; Amazon Originals such as The Boys, The Terminal List, the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; and so much more!
Aside from the Philippines, Prime Video also increased its investment for viewers in Thailand and Indonesia.
“We’re delighted to be increasing our investment in Prime Video for customers in Southeast Asia, making it a truly localized experience—from local content specifically sourced for our customers, to a localized user experience, and the first full-scale local marketing campaign,” stated Josh McIvor, director of International Expansion, Prime Video. “Our support of local production companies in Southeast Asia is a significant step towards our broader international expansion plans and our ambition to become the most local of global streaming services.”
Prime Video is now available with an introductory subscription price of P149 per month (promo runs until December 31, 2023), with a seven-day free trial. Visit the Prime Video website or download the Prime Video app on the Play Store or App Store.
We just had the chance to experience the new Kisetsu Weekend Buffet available at Hotel Okura‘s Yawaragi restaurant!
Located on the fifth floor of the luxurious hotel, Yawaragi greets diners with its monolithic interior and palace-like ambiance. Guests can easily relax and enjoy a hearty meal at the restaurant with it spacious seatings, a bar on one side, a pianist playing music on the other, while sumptuous spreads await at the far end of the room.
The gourmet buffet was launched on July 17 in celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month with its name “Kisetsu”, meaning “seasons”, upholding the culinary philosophy of using ingredients in the prime of their flavors. The weekend buffet lets you enjoy a rich Japanese fare, as well as Filipino and Western selections to satisfy differing palates.
Here are some of the highlights of the Kisetsu Weekend Buffet at Hotel Okura:
The gourmet buffet offers a bountiful selection of sizeable seafood– from oysters to loaded crustaceans that you can have grilled at their robatayaki counter. Also available at the counter are tender and sumptuous skewers of marinated meat and poultry.
If you seek authentic Japanese fare, you can also indulge yourself in their lineup of chilled A-grade sashimi flown from overseas and their homemade futomaki and hosomaki rolls– with each roll really bursting with that fresh and flavorful umami. Other Japanese delicacies you can enjoy at the buffet are tamagoyaki, grilled tuna teriyaki, pork katsu, and a hearty hotpot with salmon, chicken, and shrimp.
If you love fritters, then you can frequent their tempting platters of tempura, comprised of shrimp, vegetables, and mushrooms coated in crispy batter.
Seeking to sink your teeth into savory meat? The carvery counter offers a sumptuous Australian beef you can dress with red wine jus and garnish with marble potatoes and seasonal vegetables. They also have sections dedicated to salads, fruits, cold cuts, cheese, and bread.
Other international dishes we got to enjoy are the beef goulash akin to our very own caldereta, a meaty lasagna, and some seafood paella.
Of course, dining on this fancy buffet would not be complete without some fancy drinks on the side. Enjoy a free flow of alcohol such as Henriot champagne, sake, red wine, white wine, and a selection of local and Japanese beers. They also have sodas, coffees, teas, and a selection of juices including coconut juice that you can sip out of the shell.
On Sundays, they also have Yawaragi bar carts where the bartender brings the bar next to your table and fixes your cocktail right there and then. You can choose from Tokyo Mule, Tokyo Mary, Japanese Whisky Ginger Highball, and Sake Tea Cocktail.
As you enjoy the food and drinks, the dessert bar will also remind you to leave room for dessert. Aside from their dorayaki, mochi, and other bite-sized confections, one will surely delight in their decadent lineup of cakes which include the minty Pistachio Opera, the nutty Black Sesame Cake, the creamy Irish Profiterole Cake, and the melt-in-your-mouth Cherry & Chocolate Cake.
Make the most of your weekend and enjoy a filling feast at Hotel Okura Manila’s Yawaragi Restaurant! The buffet is available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The lunch buffet is open from 12 noon to 3 PM, while the dinner buffet is open from 6 PM to 10 PM.
For a Friday or Saturday lunch, the buffet is priced at P2,750 nett per adult, and P1,375 nett per child. Meanwhile, Sunday lunch buffet is available for P3,850 nett per adult and P1,925 nett per child. For the dinner buffet from Fridays to Sundays, prices are P2,950 nett per adult person and P1,475 nett per child. The price is halved for children aged 6 to 12, while kids below 5 years of age can eat for free.*
*The following prices are introductory prices, available until August 14 only. The Friday lunch buffet will also stop operating starting August 12. For the updated pricing, click here: hotelokuramanila.com/offers/kisetsu-weekend-buffet.
Since its arrival here in the Philippines, Netflix has been continuously bringing us great content to stream on our favorite devices. Whether it’s a compelling drama with interesting characters, a thrilling title that keeps us at the edge of our seats, comedies that give us our much-needed dose of laughter, or just anything that keeps us entertained on the couch or on the go, we surely can count on the streaming service’s rich library of shows and movies.
If you’re always on the lookout for Netflix’s latest releases, then look no further! We’ve listed down ten shows and films to anticipate and add to your watchlist this month of August!
When the Sandman, Master of Dreams, disappeared for a century, it changed both the dreaming and waking worlds forever. He then must travel across different worlds and timelines to correct the mistakes he had made.
This Korean action film follows a man who wakes up with no memories and must complete a dangerous mission orchestrated by a mysterious voice from a device in his ear.
This anthology series from Thailand tells eight terrifying tales set in school: A girl jumping to her death; a haunted library; canteen food made from human flesh; a headless ghost in the school warehouse; a devil-infested room; a vengeful demon in an abandoned building; and a classroom where only dead students attend class.
This film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical follows preteen Evan Goldman who navigates the complex social circles of his new school to pull off the coolest party for his Bar Mitzvah.
Seoul Vibe is about the baby-drivers of Sanggye-dong who dreamed of the American dream during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Due to an external threat by prosecutor Ahn, the drivers are forced to create slush funds for Myeong-dong’s big-hand “Ms. Kang” to figure out her dirty secret. As a result, they become rising stars in the industry. The Sanggye-dong friends, who were able to do everything with a “pony pick-up truck,” are now faced in severe danger. After facing the crisis, they wake up and upgrade “Pony+Sonata+Grandeur (local korean cars of the time)” to the level of SUPREME, defeating all the great evils of the time and leaving Korea to realize the American dream.
On the lookout for the films coming out in theaters soon? We’ve got you covered.
From Brad Pitt to Jo Koy, Jordan Peele’s new thriller to the latest Dragon Ball installment, here’s what’s coming to the big screen across cinemas nationwide for the month of August 2022:
With no other known relatives after her mother’s death, Evie takes a DNA test and discovers a long-lost cousin. She is then invited to a wedding by her newfound family and uncovers secrets in her family’s history.
A new chef is in the city to helm none other than Hilton Manila‘s luxe lineup of in-house restos and dining services!
The hotel has recently named Chef Ryan Hong as its new Executive Chef to oversee the premium offerings of Hilton Manila’s dining outlets: Kusina Sea Kitchens, Hua Yuan Brasserie Chinoise, Madison, and Port Bar, the hotel’s in-room dining services as well as its banquets and catering, including weddings and corporate events.
The Korean-Australian Chef has over 15 years of culinary experience, championing kitchen teams in several hotels in Australia, South and Southeast Asia, and including tours in Jeju, Bangladesh, Phuket, and Sydney, just to name a few. He has also received several accolades including ‘Hotel Chef of the Year 2015,’ ‘Metro Restaurant of the Year 2015,’ and finalist for ‘Chef of the Year 2016’ in both Tourism Accommodation Australia and the Hotel Management Magazine.
Hilton Manila’s new Executive Chef Ryan Hong / Photo: Hilton Manila
In this edition of Kitchen Pro Files, you’ll get to know more about Chef Ryan Hong, his cooking, his current Filipino favorites, and more! Check out the highlights of our Q&A with Chef Ryan below:
Question: What made you realize that you wanted to be a chef?
Chef Ryan: When I was young, I never do the same thing for more than six months. You know, when you’re young and you’re a high school student and you’re doing part-time jobs. I accidentally started working at my cousin’s Japanese restaurant, and I was surprised that I kept on doing this thing for more than six months. So I was thinking, what’s going on here?
But I would find out that even when you have the same recipe, same ingredients, and same atmosphere, sometimes the food comes out different. And you know, there are many options, you add one more ingredient and you can make different dishes. It actually made me fascinated, that’s why I think I’ve been doing this up until now.
Who are the people or what are the things that inspire your cooking?
Chef Ryan: There are no specific people or things that inspire me, but I get inspired by the culture. So I travel a lot, and even when I’m working for travels, I get inspired by each location’s culture and people’s culture, their eating cultures, and also the ingredients of their countries and cities. I even get inspired by grocery stores sometimes, or I get inspired by other chefs or even home cooks, especially nowadays with social media and the internet.
So where are you based right now, do you still travel a lot?
At the moment, I’m working so I’m based here in Manila. But if you know my working history, I’m a Korean-born guy who, when I was young, I’ve been in Canada, I was in Shanghai in China, and also moved to Australia and stayed there for about 16 years. I went to Thailand to work for about four years. I even went to Bangladesh for a few months, and actually went back to my home country. I worked in Korea for two years, in my hometown which is Jeju Island, and now I’m here in Manila.
Have you tried any Filipino food?
Yes! I’m loving it because I personally think that Filipino cuisine is the most underrated cuisine. If I really compare it with Thai food, sometimes they’re very similar. I was surprised, on my first day in Manila [I encountered] a kakanin and I was like, looking at it, ‘Oh this is Thai dessert.’ The coconut milk and sticky rice, they’re very similar. And I know it’s not the same, but in terms of soups, let’s say tom yung and sinigang, their sourness is similar, right? The spices and some other ingredients of course are different.
I’ve been enjoying it. I stay with my wife here and when we go out we go to Filipino restaurants and eat food like sisig. I’m kind of a beginner though, but I try to eat more as much as possible to understand.
Chef Ryan’s Lamington available at the Port Bar / Photo: Hilton Manila
So far, what’s your favorite Filipino dish?
I like the bopis, because I like the intestines and that bit of spiciness, I like that.
Which kinds of food or cuisine do you enjoy preparing the most?
To be honest with you, being a hotel chef, you should probably need to [enjoy preparing] almost everything. But my personal favorite is modern Australian, because I spent most of my career in Australia. But modern Australian is something I can’t really call Western food. Because in Australia, there are a lot of people from other countries, even Asians– Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, or even Filipinos, I’ve walked with a lot of Filipino people, and also with Europeans. So it’s kind of mixing Western food with a touch of an Asian twist. Those kinds of things I enjoy cooking, however, I’m happy to do anything in terms of what guests need.
How was it working with Hilton Manila?
It’s a pleasure and great that I’ve been enjoying every single moment. I’ve been enjoying it a lot.
When you’re not cooking, what do you do?
Going out, trying new things, and eating. Even after a long day of work, I try to order takeout items like Mang Inasal and even Jollibee, because in this culture I try to find out what local people actually like. You know those big franchises do a great job in terms of finding the flavor for the majority of people. That’s what I do, at minimum, let’s say once or twice a week, I order large franchises’ food and then eat them and try to remember and try to study.
And on the other hand, if I have time to actually go out, sometimes I go to Korean restaurants here, let’s say Koreantown, and try to compare the Korean restaurants in a local area. So it’s all about me making comparisons and trying to find out how to match the locals’ favorites and the Western audiences.
So you’re really studying the taste of the people here.
Yes, because the majority of my guests are among the locals so I need to study this.
Do you have a favorite ingredient to use in the kitchen?
Everything. But especially the fresh produce, the locally sourced and locally-grown [ingredients], rather than imported. So I like the carrots from Baguio, the potatoes and chili from Baguio and certain areas. It actually makes me more motivated and gives me more inspiration because they’re fresh vegetables and fruits from this land. And it has to be fresher because it’s less transportation time and they harvest it in season.
Chef Ryan’s Fudgy Vegan Brownie made with Malagos chocolate.
If you couldeat just onedish for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s a hard question… Okay, I choose the Filipino dish, sisig with rice.
Do you have any advice for aspiring chefs who’d like to be as accomplished as you?
Being a chef is quite a tough job, you won’t survive without passion. In one certain stage, you will think, ‘Why am I doing this? Why did I start this?’ There’s a lot of competition as well. So it needs a lot of hard work and studying. Even after 20 years of cooking, I’m also still studying every day. I’m still thinking of what should I create? Or how should I create? You know, like an artist or musician, creating new songs or paintings. Chefs need to be creating something almost every day, based on whatever they have.
Sometimes it’s very challenging, but of course, very rewarding as well. But you actually need to have a passion for food and really focus on your career. I’m pretty sure whoever’s starting in this career, of course, they don’t want to be beginners until the end, right? They want to reach the top. To reach the top, it’s a very patient and hard way, but if you have passion and dreams, and every day is one step forward, I think everyone can one day achieve their dreams.
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Hilton Manila is located at 1 Newport Blvd., Newport City in Pasay, Manila. For inquiries and reservations, visit hiltonmanila.com or call +632 239 7788. For more updates, follow Hilton Manila on Facebook and Instagram.
Hilton Manila has just launched Port Bar, serving as the city’s newest watering hole and offering a Western pub experience for patrons who enjoy innovative blends, good food, and more!
Tucked on the third floor of the luxurious hotel, Port Bar takes inspiration from Australian pubs and combines both beauties of modernity and tradition. Its ambiance stands out with hardwood accents and barrel decor while still blending with the elegance of the hotel lobby.
More than just your typical hotel bar, the place could seat up to 50 guests in its chill space with social distancing guidelines observed, including the 10-seater bar counter area. Posh sofas and chairs will keep you comfy as you unwind with a glass in your hand while reveling in musical entertainment available in the evening. A pool table and television screens airing the latest sports games also add to the fun and friendly atmosphere of the place.
Photo: Hilton Manila
To further enhance your Port Bar experience, Hilton Manila’s newly appointed Executive Chef Ryan Hong has prepared a premier lineup of dishes to pair with your drinks. Here are some of the menu highlights that you need to give a try when you dock at The Port:
The Aussie Beef Burger (P850) offers a bountiful bite that brings a juicy beef patty, fried egg, maple bacon, jalapeno aioli, pickled cucumber, and American cheddar together in a Brioche bun sandwich.
The Aussie Beef Burger (P850)
The Soft Shell Crab Sliders (P550) are two mini-sandwiches with Asian slaw, avocado, and sriracha mayonnaise, offering a burst of umami in every bite.
Soft Shell Crab Sliders (P550)
For those keeping a vegan diet, their Plant-Based Burger (P700) is a flavorful grub with a walnut and bean patty, heirloom tomato relish, caramelized red onion, and wasabi sauce between a Charcoal Bun.
Plant-Based Burger (P700) / Photo: Hilton Manila
Meanwhile, those who love to sink their teeth into sumptuous chicken should try Chicken Parmigiana (P850), which ups the crispy crumbed chicken with flavors of smoked honey ham, Neapolitan sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. If you prefer pasta, their Garlic Prawn Linguini (P750) is a spicy linguini with chili and garlic in arrabbiata sauce topped with fresh king prawns.
Chicken Parmigiana sampler served at the Port Bar launch.Garlic Prawn Linguini sampler served at the Port Bar launch.
For the pizza-loving folks, the Port Bar offers rustic paddle pizzas made with sourdough available in Margherita (P650), Diavola (P750), Parma (P850), and Frutti di Mare (P950).
Port Bar’s rustic paddle pizzas are made with sourdough.
If you’re leaning towards the sweet side, you can dig into Ryan’s Lamington (P350) which is a soft sponge cake with layers of strawberry jam and chocolate, and covered with coconut flakes.
Chef Ryan Hong’s Lamington (P350) / Photo: Hilton Manila
You can also opt for their Fudgy Vegan Brownie (P350) which is made with our very own Malagos chocolate and beautifully garnished with strawberry slices.
Fudgy Vegan Brownie (P350)
Of course, Port Bar also offers aplenty when it comes to your drink of choice. They have local, imported, and draft beer, wine, champagne, whiskey, mocktails, cocktails, and more!
A real must-try is their signature cocktail The Port (P300), which is made with Fundador Light, ginger ale, fresh lemon juice, and their homemade spice syrup. Fixing up this drink is quite fascinating to watch as they smoke the concoction and bottle it up, before pouring it into the customer’s glass.
The Port (P300)Mighty Mule (P350)
Another signature drink to check out at the Port Bar is the Mighty Mule (P350) which combines the cool kick of Tamnavulin and peach liqueur.
Also a family-friendly place, Port Bar offers mocktails such as a tall glass of Root Beer Float (P350) which is a sweet treat for the non-drinkers in the bunch.
Root Beer Float (P350)
“We know there’s a lot of people who enjoy a range of international beers and simple food, so that’s when we came up with this idea,” shared Hilton Manila’s General Manager John Lucas. “We put some good quality sports on the TV, did a really good menu, added some premium beers, and we even got a pool table to make it more of a venue to come and hang out for the night, rather than just to come in, have a cocktail and leave.”
The Port Bar is open from 4 PM to 11 PM. Hilton Manila observes stringent health and safety measures in line with the local government guidelines and their own CleanStay initiative. They also carry the Department of Tourism’s “Safety Seal”.
For inquiries and reservations, you may contact this number: +63 917 826 6442. You may also send an email to MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com or visit hiltonmanila.com. For more updates, follow Hilton Manila on Facebook and Instagram.
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recently launched the #ShareTheConfidence campaign in partnership with Whisper and World Vision, to educate Filipinos on the importance of menstrual hygiene management. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company’s umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations.
As part of the campaign, Whisper pledged to match and donate sanitary products for every Whisper product sold on Shopee from May 28 to June 30. Almost 130,000 young women from World Vision’s partner communities all over the Philippines benefitted from the initiative and received sanitary products through the delivery efforts of Shopee Xpress, Shopee’s logistics arm. Apart from raising awareness on proper menstrual hygiene management, the #ShareTheConfidence campaign also aimed to break the stigma around menstrual health and address the issue of period poverty in the Philippines.
Last July 22, Shopee and its partners culminated the #ShareTheConfidence campaign with an on-site event in Laurel, Batangas to turn over Whisper sanitary pads to over 85,000 beneficiaries within the area.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “Everything we do at Shopee goes back to our main mission of serving the underserved through our technology. We are humbled to partner with Whisper and World Vision to empower Filipinas in need. We look forward to maximizing our platform to deliver even more meaningful initiatives that will benefit communities all over the Philippines.”
With Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective to make e-commerce for everyone by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.
