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A Luxurious Afternoon Tea Awaits at the Grand Hyatt Manila’s Merienda Cena

Grand Hyatt Manila cordially invites guests to enjoy the grandest afternoon tea in the metro through their Merienda Cena at The Lounge, launching this June 17, 2022.

Enjoy intimate gatherings and revel in the posh spaces of The Lounge, with its gleaming chandeliers, grandiose columns, and emerald-like staircases, and indulge in Merienda Cena’s exquisite spread of free-flowing fine gastronomic creations, perfect to pair with a premium cuppa tea, coffee, or a glass of rosé.

Photo: Grand Hyatt Manila

Taking the English tradition closer to home, Grand Hyatt Manila’s creative culinary team headed by executive chef Mark Hagan, French pastry chef Nicolas Vergnole, together with local sous chef Cid Lapena, curated Merienda Cena’s extensive menu that puts a modern twist on native delicacies with locally sourced ingredients.

The Grand Hyatt Manila lobby

A luxurious merienda

At Merienda Cena, familiar Filipino favorites turn into tempting, lavish treats. They offer sumptuous open-faced sandwiches such as the Lechon Sisig with confit egg yolk and liver pate; the savory Beef Salpicao with garlic puree and crisp potato strings; the tangy Pickled Milkfish with beetroot, sour cream horseradish, and atchara; and the refreshing Prawn Cocktail with calamansi mayonnaise.

Photo: Grand Hyatt Manila

They also have seafood cocktails served in wine and martini glasses such as the Shrimp Cocktail with marie rose sauce, lemon, iceberg lettuce, and tabasco; and the Tuna Ceviche, or Kinilaw na Tuna, made with spiced vinegar, chili, red onion, and crushed pork crackling.

Tuna Ceviche

Shrimp Cocktail

Photos: Grand Hyatt Manila

To tame your palates in between these flavorful bites, they also have the Baked Brie Pithivier with red onion and cranberry, and some Traditional Homemade Scones served with fruit preserves and clotted cream.

Baked Brie Pithivier

Traditional Homemade Scones

Ready to dig into their sweet selections? Their dessert station includes signature cakes such as the Almond Florentine Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Berry Shortcake Roulade, Mocha Hazelnut Cake, and the Mango Tart with lime cream.

Their live station also serves the Mango Sans Rival Espuma and the Bananas Foster– a sweet treat akin to the local banana cue which is flambeed in front of you using Don Papa rum, and served with French toast and homemade creme chantilly.

Completing your afternoon tea is their lineup of drinks. You can take your pick from their selection of premium coffee, loose leaf and herbal tea, and rosé.

Merienda Cena’s live station

Bananas Foster

You can also avail free-flowing rosé for your afternoon tea.

Photo: Grand Hyatt Manila

Merienda Cena will be available to the public starting this June 17, every Friday to Sunday from 2:30 PM to 6 PM. It is priced at P1,500 net per person and P1,950 for guests who’d like to add free-flowing rosé to their afternoon tea. See the full menu here.

For inquiries and reservations, call (63 2) 8838 1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com. For updates on their latest promotions, follow Grand Hyatt Manila on Instagram and Facebook.

June 15, 2022
A Real-Life ‘Squid Game’ Competition is Coming to Netflix with $4.56M Cash Prize

Netflix is bringing the global phenomenon Squid Game to life with the biggest reality competition series ever, “Squid Game: The Challenge“.

With both the largest cast and lump sum cash prize in reality TV history, 456 real players will enter the game in pursuit of a life-changing reward of $4.56 million. As they compete through a series of games inspired by the original show – plus surprising new additions – their strategies, alliances, and character will be put to the test while competitors are eliminated around them. The stakes are high, but in this game the worst fate is going home empty-handed.

Recruitment is open now at SquidGameCasting.com. For this round, the Front Man is in search of English-language speakers from any part of the world.

“Squid Game took the world by storm with Director Hwang’s captivating story and iconic imagery. We’re grateful for his support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment,” said Brandon Riegg, Netflix VP of Unscripted and Documentary Series. “Fans of the drama series are in for a fascinating and unpredictable journey as our 456 real world contestants navigate the biggest competition series ever, full of tension and twists, with the biggest ever cash prize at the end.”

Squid Game: The Challenge, the 10-episode competition series is a co-production between Studio Lambert (The Circle) and The Garden (24 Hours in A&E), part of ITV Studios, and it will be filmed in the UK. Stephen Lambert, Tim Harcourt, and Toni Ireland from Studio Lambert and John Hay, Nicola Hill, and Nicola Brown from The Garden will serve as executive producers.

The scripted drama Squid Game holds the record as Netflix’s most popular series of all time, with over 1.65 billion view hours in the first 28 days after its September 2021 premiere.

On June 12, 2022, Squid Game was officially renewed for season 2 as Netflix and Director Hwang confirmed they will once again team up for a whole new round.

June 15, 2022
Netflix Renews Series “Sweet Home” for Two More Seasons

Sweet Home beloved stars Song Kang and Lee Jin-uk, along with the original cast members, Lee Si-young, Ko Min-si and Park Kyu-young will be returning. They will reunite with hit director Lee Eung-bok, to tell the unfinished story of the survivors of Green Home. Newly confirmed cast members Yoo Oh-seong, Oh Jung-se, Kim Moo-yeol, and Jung Jin-young round up the ensemble.

“Season 2 will include a new setting, and the technical details that we couldn’t refine in Season 1 will be further honed in Season 2,” said the director, hinting at a wider franchise universe and even more stunning visuals.

When Season 1 landed on Netflix in 2020, its terrifying monsters and clever storytelling set a new benchmark in the creature feature genre, winning rave reviews from fans. The series went on to win international awards such as the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) and the 3rd Asia Contents Awards.

About Season 1

Hyun-soo, a life-loathing 18-year-old social recluse, moves into an old apartment complex called Green Home after the tragic death of his family. Feeling hopeless to his own, he decides that suicide is his only option. He schedules his suicide for the end of the month and goes to bed — only to wake up in a world full of hopelessness where floating monsters are about to sweep away humanity.

The other Green Home residents realize they are trapped, surrounded by monsters in various forms of distorted human desires that are dangerously invincible. Meanwhile, the “monsterization” of people begins to emerge amongst the survivors, including Hyun-soo.

Now they have to find the answers to survive while questioning what is “right vs. wrong”, “us vs. foe”, and whether to keep Hyun-soo alive.

June 15, 2022
Hilton Manila Celebrates Father’s Day with Hearty, Gastronomic Offerings

Hilton Manila welcomes all Dads with hearty, gastronomic offerings throughout its award-winning restaurants and bar this coming Father’s Day Sunday, June 19, 2022.

“We look forward to welcoming all Dads and their loved ones to celebrate their special day. Following the challenges of the previous years, Dad truly deserves a ‘day off’ where they can simply enjoy worry-free dining and stays here at Hilton Manila,” shares John Lucas, Hotel General Manager.

At Kusina Sea Kitchens, diners are invited to show their appreciation to the “Man of the House” by treating the whole family to an indulgent Father’s Day buffet specially curated by Hilton Manila’s culinary artisans. The mouth-watering spread includes highlights such as Surf and Turf, Dampa-style Paluto, Filipino and Korean BBQ, and a Premium Ceviche Bar, among others. As an added treat, Dad is treated to a live musical entertainment for a most enjoyable dining experience with loved ones. Available for lunch and dinner, this Father’s Day special buffet is priced at Php 3,500 per person.

Dads can also enjoy a complimentary bottle of beer this Father’s Day at the Port Bar with any order from the menu offerings: pizza, pasta, burger or Aussie favorites.

Patrons who wish to celebrate in the comfort of their homes may simply leave the cooking to Hilton Manila’s culinary team and ‘Bring Hilton Home.’ This June, the hotel is showcasing a sumptuous Signature Steak Platter highlighted by a Dry-aged ribeye steak paired with sautéed vegetables and mashed potatoes and complemented by a Father’s Day themed cake, priced at Php 5,000. Delicately crafted, themed signature cakes are also on sale at Madison with prices starting at Php 1,500.

Hilton Manila observes stringent health and safety measures in line with local government guidelines and Hilton’s own CleanStay initiative and holds the Department of Tourism “Safety Seal”.

For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 917 826 6442, send an email to MNLPH_F&Binquiries@hilton.com or visit https://www.hiltonmanila.com. Follow @hiltonmanila on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.

June 15, 2022
Celebrate Dad with A Craft Beer + Chocolate Cigar Bundle From Nipa Brew and Theo & Pilo Artisan Chocolates
Celebrate dad this Father’s Day by gifting him with the perfect gift that he’s sure to love: the Beer + Chocolate Cigar Bundle brought to you by Nipa Brew Craft Beer and Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates. He deserves to kick back and indulge, after all. Each chocolate cigar is filled with a coffee and peanut praline and encased in single origin dark chocolate. The flavors of the chocolate cigar are paired beautifully with two of Nipa Brew’s Craft Beers: Drop Zone (India Brown Ale, ABV 6%) and Take Me To Your Leader (Scotch Heavy Ale, ABV 9.1%) 2 gorgeous pairings for 2 undeniably delicious experiences.

Each Father’s Day Bundle bundle includes:
- 3 Chocolate Cigars by Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates
- 1 bottle Take Me To your Leader (Scotch Heavy Ale, ABV 9.1%)*
- 1 bottle Drop Zone (India Brown Ale, ABV 6%)
- 1 330 ml Nipa Brew Pilsner Glass
*Each bundle comes with a gift box and gift bag, ribbon-necktie, and a gift tag
* Available for Metro Manila delivery only.

The Father’s Day Bundle is available from June 11-30, 2022 via www.nipabrew.com, www.theoandphilo.com, or at Nipa Brew Tap Room #9639 Kamagong Street, San Antonio Village 1203 Makati, Philippines (or call 0917 893 0486 to order)
June 15, 2022
New Movies This Week: Lightyear and Mobile Suit Gundam Cucuruz Doan’s Island

Plan your week ahead and choose which among these movie openings this June 15, 2022 you’ll see on the big screen first.

Lightyear

Adventure, Animation, Comedy | 1hr 44mins

Directed by Angus MacLane, it is a spin-off of the Toy Story film series and serves as an origin story for the fictional astronaut character Buzz Lightyear. The film follows a young astronaut who gets marooned on a hostile planet with his commander and crew, and tries to find a way back home through space and time. It features the voices of Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter Sohn, James Brolin, Taika Waititi, and more.

BUY TICKETS

Mobile Suit Gundam Cucuruz Doan’s Island

Action, Animation, Drama | 1hr 48mins

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeSS3ZTt6MI

Directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, the Earth Federation Forces plan to launch an operation to capture Odessa, the headquarters of Zeon’s Earth Attack Force. It features the voices of Megumi Han, Katsuyuki Konishi, Shizuka Ito, and more.

June 15, 2022
Tom Hanks Plays the Shady Manager of “Elvis” Presley

Oscar-winner Tom Hanks stars as Elvis Presley’s enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker in Warner Bros.’ “Elvis,” an epic, big-screen spectacle from visionary, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler).

Watch the new “Elvis” spot below:

As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.

“While this story is called ‘Elvis,’ it’s also Colonel Tom Parker’s story—the telling of it at least; he’s our way in, our narrator, and an unreliable one at that,” states writer/director/producer Baz Luhrmann, whose extensive research into the music icon Elvis aided in his discovery of the strange partnership behind the artist’s public success and personal struggles. “As I like to say, Colonel Tom Parker was never a colonel, never a Tom, never a Parker, but a fascinating character all the same. He was a carnival barker dedicated to finding that one great act.

“Nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley had lived for a period of time in one of the few white-designated houses in a Black section of Tupelo, Mississippi,” the filmmaker continues, “where, along with a group of neighborhood friends, he absorbed the music of both the local juke joints and the Pentecostal revival tents. As he grew up, he fused this with his love of country music. Parker had no ear for music whatsoever, but he was absolutely struck by the effect Elvis’s whole package had on young audiences. As the Colonel says in the film, ‘It was the greatest carnival act I had ever seen.’”

Lurhmann further adds that, “In the mid-1950s in parts of America, carnivals were transitioning into music, mainly country and western. But Parker was always looking for the extraordinary—the one that made the most money, had a great costume, excited the audience, had a strange twist… Just something special, like Elvis.”

Luhrmann recruited Tom Hanks to play the role of Parker, stating, “I’d never worked with Tom previously, but I just told him the story and before I even got to the video I’d brought along to show him what I had in mind, he said, ‘Well, if you want me I’m your guy.’ What a gift!”

Hanks has said of the real-life Parker, “He was both a genius and a scoundrel. He was a very disciplined man, a wicked smart businessman and a dime-squeezing skinflint, but also a pioneer in a big type of show business that did not exist until Elvis Presley came along. He knew instantaneously that Elvis was a unique artist, he saw his grand potential and knew that if he didn’t make a ton of money off him, somebody else would.”

As Luhrmann reveals in the film, money was a key motivator and, as such, Parker was also possibly the first person to see the financial potential beyond the music: merchandising. “He sees how this boy, Elvis, has an effect on an audience, an effect like he’s never seen before and certainly beyond anything he’s seen on the carnival circuit,” the filmmaker notes. “To Tom Parker, it’s the greatest carnival act he’s ever witnessed, and he must have it.”

In cinemas across the Philippines starting June 22, “Elvis” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #ElvisMovie

Photo and Video Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

June 15, 2022
PLDT Home X Lionsgate Play Launch Event

Lionsgate Play — the fast-growing Southeast Asian streaming platform of the global content studio behind major franchise properties such as John Wick, The Hunger Games, Power, and many more — launches in the Philippines this June.

Enjoy a bigger, bolder, and more powerful entertainment viewing experience at home today as PLDT Home, the Philippines’ fastest broadband service provider, partners with premium streaming platform Lionsgate Play.

Lionsgate is a leading Hollywood studio that has created and distributed some of the world’s biggest properties, including the blockbuster film franchises The Hunger Games, Twilight Saga, John Wick, and Saw; and the television series Mad Men, one of the most acclaimed shows in television history. By simply subscribing to a PLDT Home Fiber Plan 1699 or up, Filipinos can enjoy and experience the best of global content across action, comedy, drama, horror, and thriller genres — and more of Lionsgate Play’s signature offerings from the comfort of one’s home.

“PLDT Home and Lionsgate are bringing entertainment straight from the box office into people’s homes. From the best love stories to the best of horror down to the most action-packed films and shows, the world’s best content is simply a push of a button away with Lionsgate Play for all new and existing PLDT-powered homes,” PLDT Home Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business-Home Group Jeremiah de la Cruz said. “This partnership is part of our continuing mission to provide our customers the fastest broadband connection in the country so that they can better stream their entertainment choices including the most exciting and irreverent stories from Lionsgate Play. Beyond PLDT-powered homes, Lionsgate Play shall also be available to Smart customers soon.”

“Our endeavor has been to ensure viewers are provided with a curated lineup of great content, spread across genres for the best viewing experience,” Lionsgate Executive Vice President Amit Dhanuka said of the partnership. “Taking this forward, we are excited to partner with PLDT Home to launch Lionsgate Play in the Philippines. We are reaching out to a large and diverse sector of consumers with a digitally-driven offering enabling them to ‘play more, browse less.’ We look forward to more Filipinos enjoying the best of what Hollywood has to offer!”

Among the content available at the Philippine launch of Lionsgate Play is American crime drama Power. With rapper and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson as executive producer, Power follows the triumph and trials of drug dealer James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) as he tries to leave his life of crime behind to manage his own nightclub. Power is one of American premium cable TV’s most watched and highly-rated shows.

Also among Lionsgate Play’s banner content is futuristic action film Apex. This Bruce Willis starrer follows Thomas Malone (Willis) as a wrongfully-convicted prisoner given a chance at freedom.

Now available locally through Lionsgate Play is the critically-acclaimed drama Gaslit, starring Julia Roberts and Sean Penn. The new series spotlights Martha Mitchell (Roberts), wife of former US President Nixon’s Attorney General John N. Mitchell, discovering the full extent of the Watergate scandal in the 70s.

Lionsgate Play also features the studio’s most commercially successful films and film franchises: The Hunger Games follows hunter Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and her heroic adventures in a post-apocalyptic world; John Wick tells the story of the titular character (Keanu Reeves) forced to return to his life as a hitman to avenge the death of his beloved puppy; the Twilight Saga follows the epic love story of teenager Bella Swan (Kirsten Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson); SAW trails the sadistic machinations of John Kramer or Jigsaw; Knives Out follows a detective (Daniel Craig) in his investigation on the mysterious death of a wealthy novelist (Christopher Plummer); and many more.

The streaming service also carries some of Lionsgate’s most iconic and groundbreaking series such as Mad Men, a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe-winning period drama starring Jon Hamm that’s widely considered to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time; and The Royals, a drama chronicling the tradition, opulence, and scandal that surround a fictional modern-day royal family. Lionsgate Play also gives PLDT Home subscribers first dibs on the hottest new shows including Becoming Elizabeth, which chronicles Elizabeth I’s rise to power and all the intrigue and betrayal that came with becoming the Virgin Queen. Catch these shows and more very soon on Lionsgate Play!

In time for the Philippine launch of the streaming service, both existing and new subscribers of PLDT Home Fiber Plans 1699 and up will be given exclusive access to Lionsgate Play without the additional charges until June 1, 2023.

Enjoy a bigger, bolder, faster, and more powerful entertainment home viewing experience at home with Lionsgate Play, exclusive in the Philippines through PLDT Home. To learn more about Lionsgate Play, visit https://pldthome.com/lionsgateplay.

June 14, 2022
Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” U.K. Premiere Event

London’s Cineworld Leicester Square welcomed stars, filmmakers and special guests to celebrate Pixar Animation Studios’ 26th feature film, “Lightyear.” Chris Evans (voice of Buzz Lightyear), Keke Palmer (voice of Izzy Hawthorne), Taika Waititi (voice of Mo) and British astronaut Tim Peake, who lends his voice to Tim/Mission Control in the UK version of the film, greeted fans alongside filmmakers Angus MacLane (directed by/story by/screenplay by) and Galyn Susman, p.g.a. (produced by), as well as U.K. celebrities and presenters.

“Lightyear” opens in Philippine cinemas tomorrow, June 15.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

A sci-fi action adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the toy, “Lightyear” follows the legendary Space Ranger after he’s marooned on a hostile planet 4.2 million light-years from Earth alongside his commander and their crew. As Buzz tries to find a way back home through space and time, he’s joined by a group of ambitious recruits and his charming robot companion cat, Sox. Complicating matters and threatening the mission is the arrival of Zurg, an imposing presence with an army of ruthless robots and a mysterious agenda.

The film features the voices of Chris Evans as accomplished Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, Uzo Aduba as his commander and best friend Alisha Hawthorne and Peter Sohn as Sox. Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi and Dale Soules lend their voices to the Junior Zap Patrol’s Izzy Hawthorne, Mo Morrison and Darby Steel, respectively, and James Brolin can be heard as the enigmatic Zurg. The voice cast also includes Mary McDonald-Lewis as onboard computer I.V.A.N., Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Commander Burnside, Efren Ramirez as Airman Díaz, Keira Hairston as Young Izzy and Tim Peake as Tim/Mission Control (in U.K. release). Directed by Angus MacLane (co-director “Finding Dory”), produced by Galyn Susman (“Toy Story That Time Forgot”) and featuring a score by award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (“The Batman,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear” opens in Philippine cinemas tomorrow, June 15.

June 14, 2022
Better than Best: Friends Turned Business Partners Chari & Rose’s Pandemic Boom & Beyond

COVID-19 paved way for a new normal. Streets quiet, malls closed, with people afraid of leaving their homes prompting the boom in online shopping. The indoors provided solace and its interface is digital. This was the formula that kickstarted Rose and Chari’s ventures. “The pandemic was the great equalizer. It gave new opportunities to those whose eyes are constantly seeking,” said the company’s leading Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rose Tolentino. While many slowed down, the duo went the opposite direction and launched not just one but multiple brands from personal and men’s care to food.

“2020 was the year. We felt the consumerist landscape was changing so to adapt was imperative for survival,” said Rose. “We were fueled to see the opportunity lying ahead so we really did our best, and have been continuing to do so. We felt it would be an injustice to God not to do well. That was really our motivation and push,” said Chari.

OMO! White

OMO! White, the company’s first successful brand scaled when it closed a partnership with the country’s biggest household cosmetic company, Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc (EBCI). What once was a Korean-inspired product line is now manufactured in Korea. “The best of korean technology with the Filipino skin in mind,” Creative Chief Officer (CCO) Chari Trinidad-Mendoza, says. OMO! White is now in nearly 2,000 doors nationwide in all leading beauty & department stores.

Building a team that runs 100% online, the duo found the system worked to the advantage of their millennial team. No longer bound by the regular ‘8-5’ office demands meant clockwork capacity for their members’ optimum hours. “You know creativity can spring at 3 A.M. I guess you can call it ‘structured flow,’ says Rose.

Oh Crop!

Oh Crop! Is an adlai brand to serve the ballooning health-conscious consumer market. It is as an alternative to the Filipinos staple white rice, packed with nutrients, low in glycemic-index (GI) and high in fiber. Partnering with celebrity restaurateur Marvin Agustin, the company has hectares of personally-owned and contracted land whilst pioneering the first adlai-financing system with UBX and multiple LGUs to further encourage sustainable livelihood for their partner farmers. The brand is currently available at The Marketplace under the Robinsons Retail Group.

Rosie Posie

Halal-certified with a core philosophy of ‘beauty is kindness,’ Rosie Posie is a 4-step skincare kit made specifically for the Filipino women in Visayas and Mindanao. it is a brand promoting gentle and natural ingredients that aims to take care of you, while you take care of the Earth. The brand is available in Rose Pharmacy in Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod.

Alike

Aside from their products in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) category, the ladies own the media company Alike Media. Similar to OMO! White, Alike was founded before the pandemic but its pivotal year was in 2020. An originally digital media company, expanded into an omni-channel that now has both digital and print. They were ranked as part of the top 10 digital media companies in the country.

Best friends since they were 10 the two are now in their 30s. Two decades of friendship have evolved and formed them, but never separated. The pandemic taught them simplicity, grit, but above all – what truly is ‘essential.’

Respect. Trust. Dreams. Love.

June 14, 2022