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  • Here are Marian Rivera’s Top 3 Tips for Homemakers plus Her Shopee Home Essentials You Need to Checkout this 7.7 

    Upgrading your home isn’t always easy. And with so many options but with limited time and budget, sprucing up each space can be a challenge. But take it from Shopee Primetime Queen and hands-on homemaker Marian Rivera, whose tips on home design and budget-friendly must-haves will help guide you as you do home improvements without breaking the bank:

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    1. Always Set A Budget

    Even with her current superstar status, setting a budget for everything is still an important aspect for Marian especially when buying her essentials for home and living. And just like most of us, Marian also looks out for the best deals on Shopee! As for her tip to new homeowners? Marian shares: “Always look for a peg. In that manner, mas makikita mo kung ano yung kailangan mong bilhin, kung anong kulang. [Always look for a peg. In that manner, you’ll see exactly what you need to buy and what’s still missing.]”

    And for 7.7, you can maximize your budget and enjoy shipping discount vouchers, 10% off daily, and ₱49 deals and below when you add-to-cart and check out your home must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. You can also score a variety of ₱7 deals every 15 minutes at 12-1PM and 8-9PM during the Lightning Flash Hour Sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee.

    Want to get an idea of what to check out this 7.7? Here are Marian’s recommended swak sa budget home items to add to your essentials:

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    Too much clothes but not enough space? This Hanging Closet Organizer is a lifesaver thanks to its multiple pockets perfect for small items. You can also hang this either inside your closet, in the bathroom, or even in your laundry area. Maximize every bit of space in your home with the help of this Wall-mounted Rotatable Hook and easily mount it anywhere without damaging your walls. Avoid spilling your toothpaste products with the help of this Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser, which also serves as toothbrush storage to keep your sink neat and tidy. Organize your grocery items with the help of this Refrigerator Storage Box, which has a space-saving design that makes stocking up supplies easier and more convenient.

    2. Know your priorities when it comes to decorating your home

    Known for her multiple roles both on and off screen , the most important role Marian considers is being a mom to her kids, prioritizing everything that they need. “Mahilig kasi ako mag-ayos-ayos sa bahay lalo na pag walang ginagawa. Syempre first thing na kinoconsider ko is ang safety ng mga anak ko. Syempre bata, maligalig, mahirap namang makatabig-tabig sila or malapit sa disgrasya so I always make sure na kid-friendly ang mga gamit at ayos namin sa bahay. [I love decorating everything in our house especially when I’m not busy. Whenever I decorate, the first thing I consider is the safety of my kids. Since they’re kids, they’re very active and prone to accidents so I always make sure to have a kid-friendly home design.]”

    If you’re like Marian who keeps things safe and sound at home, then better consider these budget-friendly and kid-friendly items on Shopee:

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    Have a go-to tumbler you bring everywhere? This Protective Bottle Sleeve has a non-slip, anti-scratch, and anti-collision surface to keep your tumbler protected at all times. Make use of this Multipurpose Bath Ladle for your daily home tasks including watering the plants, washing ingredients in the kitchen, or even for your next bath time session with the kids. Avoid cluttering harmful items kids can reach with the help of this Under Desk Organizer, which you can also use for your home office setup. Prevent any accidents in the kitchen with the help of this cute Cartoon Bottle Opener, safe to use in opening bottles and jars with ease.

    3. Choose convenience when shopping for your home necessities

    Marian is an avid shopper, and Shopee is her go-to source for all things home essentials. On what she usually buys, Marian shares: “I am very fond of kitchenwares; mga ingredients ng kung anu-anong niluluto ko, lalo na minsan of course may mga ingredients na mahirap hanapin sa grocery, so sa Shopee agad ako magchecheck. [I am very fond of kitchenwares; some ingredients are hard to find in the grocery, so I immediately check Shopee for those.]”

    Want to make things hassle-free while cooking? Better add-to-cart these affordable items to have a more enjoyable time in the kitchen:

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    If you love cooking just like Marian, then go for this Condiments Organizer to help keep your spices in place in an aesthetic way. Make cooking fun and safe experience with these non-slip Silicone Oven Gloves, which you can use to hold and transfer hot objects. Replace your plastic containers with these Sealed Jar Containers, which come in different sizes where you can store extra ingredients and food items. Always keep your cooking station spotless clean with this quick drying  Multipurpose Kitchen Towel, which you can also use on kitchenware.

    In this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive load deals, shipping discounts, and bills payment cashback vouchers. Thinking of purchasing these home essentials? Make sure to check out with ShopeePay if you’re just like Marian who puts importance on convenience and budgeting.  Access rewarding perks when shopping, as well as exciting deals when you buy load, pay bills and send money with ShopeePay. Be updated with the latest promos by following ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

  • Chris Evans Joins Emily Blunt in Netflix’s Pharmaceutical Conspiracy Film ‘Pain Hustlers’

    Amid the anticipation for his action film with Ryan Gosling, The Gray Man, actor Chris Evans is set to star in another movie from Netflix alongside A Quiet Place star Emily Blunt.

    The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Evans has been cast in Pain Hustlers, to be directed by Harry Potter director David Yates. Acquired by Netflix at the Cannes this year, Pain Hustlers follows Blunt as a high school dropout who gets a job at a failing pharmaceutical startup in Central Florida. When the business suddenly catapults into high life, the protagonist finds herself in the middle of a dangerous criminal conspiracy. Yates likened the upcoming movie to titles such as The Wolf of Walla Street and The Big Short.

    Pain Hustlers is set to start filming this August. Meanwhile, Evans’ other Netflix film The Gray Man starts streaming this July 22, where he plays a sociopathic rogue operative from the CIA who would stop at nothing to take down Gosling’s Court Gentry. Stream it exclusively on Netflix.

    Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the latest news on film, TV, and more updates around the city!

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    Homestream images from Chris Evans on Instagram and ‘A Quiet Place: Part II’ trailer.

  • New Movie This Week: Thor: Love and Thunder

    Plan your week ahead and choose which schedule of this movie opening this July 6, 2022, you’ll see on the big screen.

    Thor: Love and Thunder

    Action, Adventure, Fantasy | 1hr 58mins

    Directed by Taika Waititi, it is the direct sequel to the 2017 film Thor: Ragnarok, and the 29th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film follows Thor who attempts to find inner peace but must return to New Asgard to recruit Valkyrie, Korg, and Jane Foster who is now Might Thor, to stop Gorr the God Butcher from eliminating all gods. It stars Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Jaimie Alexander, Taika Waititi, Russell Crowe, and Natalie Portman.

    BUY TICKETS

    ALSO READ:
    ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Cast and Creator on Thor’s Fourth Solo Film, ’80s Rock Music, and More
    Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

  • 8 Must-Visit Sushi Restaurants in Metro Manila

    It is undeniable that Japan has blessed us with some of the most delicious dishes out there. And while hot meals like ramen, tempura, and katsu are more familiar to Filipino palates, it is no question that the distinct flavors that Japan’s sushi delivers also capture the hearts of many Filipino foodies.

    If you’re currently craving delicious sushi, then this list is for you! If you’re rarin’ to go sushi-hopping now that most restos are back on track, then here are some places you should visit for an awesome sushi feast!

    Ooma

    The Moment Group’s Ooma offers bold and creative takes on Japanese favorites, including a rich lineup of reinvented maki. Some of the must-try sushi you can order from Ooma include the Salmon Skin Aburi Maki, Truffled Steak Aburi Maki, Ebi Tempura Maki, and the Taco Maki.

    Locations: Bonifacio Global City | Greenbelt | Molito | Rockwell | SM Megamall
    Order online

    Botejyu

    Established in Japan back in 1946, Botejyu now has over 20 branches here in the country. Having been around for over 70 years now, Botejyu is known for its authentic Japanese offerings including their sushi selections comprised of the California Roll, Crispy Fried Prawn Tempura Mayo Roll, Sukiyaki Beef Roll, and Pork Tonkatsu Cutlet Sushi Roll to name a few.

    Locations
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    Nikkei

    Nikkei is known for its dishes that fuse together the delightful flavors of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine using ingredients from both cultures. Available in 5 and 10 pieces per order, their exquisite lineup of sushi includes the Wagyu Skirt Nigiri, Foie Gras, Ceviche Roll, and Aburi Roll just to name a few.

    Locations

    Tsukiji

    Tsukiji has been serving premium Japanese cuisine since 1989. Their premium sushi and sashimi are sourced from all over the world and made with special Koshihikari rice. Some of the Tsukiji staples include the Hontoro, Uni, Hotate, Hamachi, Botan Ebi, Local Tuna, and Sake. You’d also want to ask for seasonal offerings when you pay a visit.

    Location: 3rd Floor, Milky Way Building, 900 Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

    Genki Sushi

    Genki Sushi offers you a modern dining experience while serving your classic favorites. Aside from having a wide selection of sumptuous sushi, Genki Sushi also makes the dining memorable with a cute little train on a revolving belt bringing you your food.

    Locations

    Watami

    Hailing from Japan, this casual restaurant now has over 700 branches in the Asia Pacific region. Besides their popular offerings such as the Tonkatsu ChasuRamen and Spicy Salmon Bowl, Watami also has some mouthwatering sushi platters including the King Dragon Roll, Ebi Dynamite Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Salmon Maki with Miso Sauce.

    Locations
    Order online

    Sushi Nori

    Sushi Nori is another source of tasty rolls in the city, offering them in flavors such as the California, Ninja, Aburi Roll, Crazy Kani, and Ay Caramba just to name a few. If you have quite a big appetite, you can also give their tempting Classic Sushi Cake a try.

    Locations
    Order online

    Sushi Ninja

    Here’s a sushi place to check out when you’re in Alabang. Sushi Ninja satisfies one’s cravings for sushi through its rich menu which includes traditional sushi and modern sushi, as well as a curated selection of unique creations such as the Okinawa Toshi, a deep-fried sushi with salmon, fish roe, and truffle oil.

    Location: Westgate Center Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City

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  • Chefs go on a mission to find ultimate KFC “Unoriginal Recipe”

    KFC’s elusive 11 secret herbs and spices is one of the biggest mysteries that people all over the world are trying to decode. From Youtube tutorials to Tiktok hacks–every fried chicken fan has tried to replicate the original–all claiming to have finally solved the secret recipe. 

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    But what about culinary experts? Can they replicate the finger lickin’ goodness of KFC? 

    This International Fried Chicken Day (July 6),  two renowned Filipino chefs are on a mission to try these viral,  “unoriginal recipe” fried chicken creations, to see if any of them even come close to original.

    Chefs Vic and Marky

    World-class executive chef, Vic Barangan of Richmonde Hotel, and  Chef Mark Joseph aka Chef Marky, a veteran of restaurant kitchens over the past decade,  will cook 11 of the most popular KFC hacks found  online to taste for themselves whether any of these will finally reveal the 11 secret herbs and spices behind the Colonel’s  world-famous fried chicken. 

    Catch them on tiktok.com/@kfcphilippines or follow #TheUnoriginalRecipes #NothingLikeKFC on July 6. 

    While these culinary experts are trying to unravel the mystery behind the secret recipe, KFC will be celebrating International Fried Chicken Day through a free delivery promo to remind fans what makes its  Original Recipe Chicken unique to its chain of stores.

    There’s no better way to spend a day dedicated to fried chicken, than feasting on THE fried chicken. That’s why KFC is treating customers  to FREE delivery when they order from www.kfc.com.ph or KFC mobile app. 

    For a minimum spend of P550, all they need to do is use the voucher code “KFCTHEOG” on July 6 and orders will be delivered for free. 

  • 8 New Restaurants in Makati You Need To Check Out Now

    If you’re always on the lookout for new restaurants in Makati, you came to the right place.

    It’s no secret that the pandemic has been tough on the F&B industry but everything has been slowly opening up since late last year, including new businesses. We’ve seen some of our favorites closing down, but new restaurants have opened their doors that are worth the visit, especially in Makati. Whether you’re looking to check out the bustling streets of Poblacion or the much quieter area of the central business district, here are new restaurants in Makati that you need to check out now.

    Assembly Hall

    This newly opened café is on the second floor of HMA 773 building along JP Rizal Avenue. It is a bright space with emerald-colored furnishing where you can hang with friends or work while sipping on a cup of joe. Order the classics like the Americano, and Flat White, or go for more unique finds like the Campfire Latte. They serve coffee for now but will soon be serving cocktails as well.

    Deuces

    Another newly opened café in Makati, this one is not too hard to miss as it’s screaming in pink. It’s a dreamy café that will almost remind you of Seoul’s café culture, which is huge by the way! They serve a variety of drinks like Cereal Milk Latte, Cafe Fredo, and Pink Horchata, all while serving Filipino and Japanese food favorites.

    Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy

    If you see yourself staying in Poblacion from day to night, Dear Adam / Sweet Lucy is your best bet. A café by day and craft cocktail lounge by night, it is an all-in-one destination where you can enjoy salads, sandwiches, pasta, pastries, coffee, and cocktails all under one roof.

    Ember by Josh Boutwood

    Chef Josh Boutwood does it again with this elegant yet casual restaurant in Greenbelt 3. Its menu does not focus on just one cuisine but focuses on inspiration from multiple cultures. “The meals will be prepared using a variety of cooking methods from convection, ovens, stove tops hearth, and a smoker to infuse a smoked essence in the dishes,” according to Chef Josh Boutwood’s website.

    Japonesa

    Going back to Poblacion is this new hip spot that serves Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Enjoy dishes like the Anticuchos De Lomo featuring a US tenderloin beef, La Japonesa which is crispy rice, spicy tuna with green chili, or the Maguro Gremolata which is a seared tuna belly dish with salsa and gremolata. Sip on some of their signature cocktails while you’re at it!

    Kong Noodles

    Owned by the same people behind the popular pizza restaurant Crosta Pizzeria, Kong is the newest restaurant in Salcedo Village serving not-so-traditional Asian noodles. You’ll see Thai, Malaysian, Balinese, Javanese, and Vietnamese-style food just to name a few when you get a glimpse of their menu. Some must-tries are the #5 which is a stir-fried rolled rice noodles, egg, soy & kaffir lime, and the #6 which is a stir-fried noodles, soy, egg, and dragon oil which is a chili oil that’s exclusively made in-house. 

    READ MORE:
    Kong Noodles: A New Asian Restaurant in Makati Serving The Tastiest and Freshest Noodles

    Lunes Everyday Dining

    Who doesn’t love Filipino food? This new restaurant in Poblacion serves a fresh take on comforting Filipino classics and regional ingredients. They open as early as 8am so you can expect breakfast bowls, breads and pastries, and of course, coffee. In the evening, they have more filling meals like the Grilled Hamachi Collar, Pork Porchetta ala Binagoongan, and the Lamb Kaldereta.

    Onlypans

    What started as a delivery-only food brand, Onlypans has finally opened a physical restaurant with people lining up for their birria tacos. Their Quesa Birria Tacos are soft-shell tacos with overflowing shredded USDA beef topped with cilantro and onion and served with a side of consommé. Other must-try tacos are crispy pork, pulled pork, and fish.

  • LOOK: Suntory’s SUI Gin is finally in the Philippines!

    SUI Gin is made in Japan with a combination of botanicals that are distinctly Japanese: yuzu, green tea, and ginger. Combined with traditional gin botanicals – juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica root, cardamom, cinnamon, bitter orange peel, and lemon peel – the result is a gin that is clear, refreshing, and pairs well with any and all dishes.

    It takes its name SUI 翆 after the Kingfisher. On the bottle, the bold Kanji character is inked by master calligrapher Tansetsu Ogino. Kanji 翡翠, which means Jade, is a nod to its tall hexagonal shape reflecting clear and beautiful blue-green accents that speak of Suntory’s hope that SUI will spread its wings and soar high in the gin market. 

    Yuzu is commonly used to accentuate flavor in Japanese dishes. It lends a refreshing citrus aroma and taste that opens up the palate. Green tea offers gentle umami notes for a rich body that harmonizes with meals. Finally, Ginger offers a mild spicy flavor with a clean aftertaste, leading to an invigorating finish. 

    Suntory brings SUI to the Philippines a new standard of gin 1

    The perfect SUI Gin serve

    To savor the refreshing taste of SUI Gin, the perfect combination and ratio are important. Imagine getting together with friends for a celebration at your favorite restaurant? All you need is a bottle of SUI Gin with the perfect mixture. 

    SUI Gin & Soda: This is the classic recommended way to serve SUI Gin. It is a simple mix of soda water to let SUI’s delicate flavor shine through. 

    SUI Sonic: For depth and complexity, add a splash of tonic water.

    Mix it up!: You can make your own concoction for a more customized experience: add a squeeze of lemon, a tablespoon of Yuzu juice, raw grated ginger, or green tea. For more unique flavors, get trendy by adding crushed plum, wasabi, shiso leaves, or frozen oranges. Experience the flavors of SUI Gin that complement every meal occasion. 

    SUI Sonic

    SUI Gin is now available in S&R stores nationwide and coming soon at your nearest supermarkets and liquor stores, as well as GrabMart, Lazada, Boozy, and Boozeshop.

  • WATCH: Thor Wields Zeus’ Lightning Bolt in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Promo Teaser

    The next highly-anticipated Marvel film, Thor: Love and Thunder finally arrives in Philippine theaters tomorrow! To further excite the fans who are ready for the return of Thor and the arrival of Jane Foster’s Mighty Thor, Marvel Entertainment has released the ‘Army’ teaser clip showcasing more footage from the film.

    Watch the teaser video below:

    As seen in the clips, Thor Odinson declares to his fellow gods that he is raising an army. We then see Thor together with the Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as a “superhero landing” from Jane Foster’s Thor. We also get to see glimpses of the battle between Odinson and Gorr the God Butcher, where the former uses Zeus’ lightning bolt.

    In Thor’s fourth solo film, the God of Thunder goes on a quest to put a stop to the villain, Gorr the God Butcher, who aims to destroy

    Directed by Taika Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, Russell Crowe, Chris Pratt, and Waititi himself. The movie opens in cinemas nationwide this Wednesday, July 6, 2022. Book your seats in advance and buy your tickets here.

    ALSO READ
    Film Facts: 5 Things to Know About ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’

  • Nat Geo Watchlist: Wild Adventures with Bear Grylls and 10th Year of Sharkfest

    Check out jaw-some programs perfect for the summer sea-son with Season 11 of Wicked Tuna and the 10th anniversary of Sharkfest (stunt) on Nat Geo Wild!

    Wild Adventures

    Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge 

    Premieres every Tuesday from July 26 at 9am on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD) (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)

    RunningWildTheChallenge 011

    Survivalist Bear Grylls is back with more heart-racing survival challenges with celebrity guests Natalie Portman, Simu Liu, Ashton Kutcher, Florence Pugh, Anthony Anderson and Rob Riggle. Bear takes the daring adventures up a level by teaching celebrity guests essential survival skills that they will have to master and then prove they can use in a high-stress situation.

    Ancient Discoveries

    Secrets Of The Ancient Builders

    Premieres every Wednesday from July 13 at 9am on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD) (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)

    Secrets of the Ancient Builders L2

    Unveil the secrets of the construction of some of the most famous ancient landmarks in the world, from the mysterious moai of Easter Island to the magnificent architecture of the Acropolis. Each episode combines groundbreaking discoveries with amazing CGIs, renowned experts, and a fast-paced, modern style of production.

    The Dinosaur Hunter

    Premieres every Thursday from July 7 at 9am on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD) (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)

    The Dinosaur Hunter E1 L2

    Travel around the world with paleontologist and National Geographic Explorer Federico Fanti as he brings us on an incredible journey of discovery into dinosaurs. With new technologies reveal secrets hidden in prehistoric bones that nobody could have foreseen until a few years ago. We now can understand the color of the dinosaurs, the strength of their bite, their maximum speeds and even the way they communicated with each other. 

    Fish sea-son

    Wicked Tuna S11

    Premieres every Thursday from July 7 at 9am on National Geographic (Singtel CH 201, Starhub CH 411), (Astro CH 551), (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD) (Skycable CH41 SD | CH195 HD)

    Wicked Tuna S11 L2

    In one of the most regulated fisheries on earth, the giant Bluefin tuna fishermen of Gloucester battle to make a living, catching one tuna at a time!

    Sharkfest (stunt)

    Premieres Monday-Friday, July 18-29 at 8.30pm on Nat Geo Wild (Singtel CH 207, Starhub CH 413), (Astro CH 550), (Skycable CH66 SD | CH193 HD)

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    Celebrating 10 years of Sharkfest, Nat Geo Wild will feature one of the most feared animals in the ocean and present these misunderstood ocean predators in a new light with brand-new documentaries about the amazing lives of sharks. 

  • CCP & Erehwon Artworld Partners with Embassy of France for ‘Bayan Bayanan, The Musical’

    The Cultural Center of the Philippines and Erehwon Center for the Arts present “BAYAN BAYANAN: Letters from Home,” a new musical based on the classic play of Bienvenido M. Noriega, Jr.  This will be staged at the CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo on July 15, 16, 2022 (7pm shows) and July 17, 2022 (matinee).

    This production enjoys the special support of the Embassy of France in the Philippines, which has designated the play as part of their series of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Philippines – France diplomatic relations.  The Embassy has sponsored the participation of French actress, Ms. Uno Zigelbaum, for a special role in this musical.

    In 1947, the Philippines and France signed a Treaty of Amity which established diplomatic relations with the two countries.

    The French government had also conferred honors on Bayan Bayanan director, Anton Juan.  To honor his contributions to the arts, the French Republique knighted Juan Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres and Chevalier de l’Ordre National de Merit.

    For more information, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).