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Panda Express Opens New Branch at the SM Southmall in Las Piñas

A green light for the world-famous The Original Orange Chicken® as it travels southbound. Panda Express®—the world’s largest American Chinese dining concept— opens its newest branch today, April 1, 2022, at the SM Southmall in Las Piñas City.

Located at the Lower Ground Level, the latest store will be the seventh Panda Express in the whole Metro Manila area, since opening its first location at SM Megamall in Ortigas, Pasig City in late 2019.

“We are thrilled to announce that we continue to expand our stores here. We have received so much love from our fans in the Philippines and what better way to reciprocate this kind of brand love than to bring Panda Express closer to them. We can’t wait for more people to try our American Chinese favorites, as well as the new dishes in the pipeline,” said Ned Bandojo, Business Development Head, Foreign Franchises Brands of the Jollibee Group.

The latest store opening forms part of the plans of JBPX Foods, Inc.—the joint venture of Jollibee Foods Corporation with Panda Express operator, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.—to open more branches in the country in response to the guest cravings of savory Panda Express dishes.

Mouth-Watering American Chinese Entrées

The Panda Express menu includes a variety of entrées with Chinese and Sichuan influences—from its bestselling The Original Orange Chicken®, a wok-tossed crispy chicken coated in sweet tangy sauce, to Panda’s award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, a mouth-watering entrée made with premium crispy shrimp wok-tossed in a honey sauce and topped with glazed walnuts.

The newest dish on Panda’s serving table is Kung Pao Fish, a limited time offer product inspired by the classic Panda entrée, Kung Pao Chicken. In time for the Lenten season, Panda puts its own unique spin on the dish by using lightly breaded boneless fish, a wide variety of freshly cut vegetables along with crunchy peanuts, all tossed in a flavorful sauce with a kick.

Panda also offers Honey Sesame Chicken, available for a limited time only. Made with thin, crispy strips of all-white meat chicken raised without antibiotics and tossed with fresh-cut string beans and crisp red bell peppers, Honey Sesame Chicken is coated in a delicious honey sauce and topped off with sesame seeds.

Dine-in and Takeout Promo

Apart from enjoying delicious American Chinese cuisine, guests of the new Panda Express SM Southmall branch can also win special prizes through an exciting game when they dine in or order takeout from April 1-3, 2022, while supplies last.

Foodies can also enjoy their Panda Express favorites in the comfort of their own homes by ordering for delivery through order.pandaexpress.com.ph, GrabFood, or foodpanda. The new SM Southmall restaurant is offering an exclusive free delivery promotion from April 1-3, 2022, with a minimum order value of P800.

To get more information about Panda Express, visit www.facebook.com/PandaExpressPH/ (Facebook) and @PandaExpressPH (Instagram).

April 1, 2022
10 Quirky & Creative Frozen Desserts You Should Try This Summer

With the sun screaming summer, our favorite frozen treats are thrust back into the spotlight!

When trying to cool down under this climate through food, Filipinos have a lot to choose from. There’s the iconic halo-halo, mais con yelo, saba con yelo, ice cream, and even gelato just to name a few. But for people feeling a bit daring this season, there are also coolers out there that add a quirky spin to typical flavors, capturing the curiosity of the sweaty sweet-toothed crowd.

If you’re part of this populace, this list is for you! Below are some unusual and quirky frozen desserts you might want to give a try this summer!

Spicy Winter Halo-Halo

By Ben’s Halo-Halo

When one thinks of halo-halo, we imagine a milky dessert with delectable mix-ins and luscious leche flan and ube toppings. But Ben’s Halo-Halo turns the beloved dessert into quite a curious treat, topping it with red hot chili to blend sweet with spicy!

Location: 159 Kanlaon Street, Brgy. Maharlika, Quezon City. They also have stores in Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas.

Photo: Ben’s Halo-Halo

ALSO READ
5 Halo Halo Fun Facts That You Might Not Know About

Kamias Ice Pop

by Sebastian’s Ice Cream

We want our frozen desserts sweet, so the idea of kamias— notorious for its sharp, sour taste– being turned into an ice pop would seem preposterous. But for Sebastian’s Ice Cream, it is no different from infusing calamansi into desserts. This ice cream flavor strikes the right balance between sweetness and citrus taste, delivering a refreshing treat for everyone.

Location: 5/F The Podium, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Photo: Sebastian’s Ice Cream

Green Mango and Bagoong Sorbet

by Sebastian’s Ice Cream

Through the years, Sebastian’s Ice Cream seemed unstoppable in making quirky but delectable iced desserts. Another interesting flavor that is currently being offered at their store is the Green Mango and Bagoong sorbet, which is exactly what the name claims: a green mango sorbet topped with warm sweet bagoong.

Location: 5/F The Podium, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Photo: Sebastian’s Ice Cream

Taho Gelato

by Gelato Manila

Taho is a delicious morning treat especially when it’s warm. But taho has also taken different forms as a cold snack, and one of them is the Taho Gelato from Gelato Manila. This vegan-friendly dessert is made from non-GMO soy milk, bubble pearls, and grand muscovado sugar.

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Polvorones Gelato

by Gelato Manila

Another must-try flavor from Gelato Manila is their Polvorones, inspired by the popular pasalubong. Made with a special milk base, this gelato is layered with the crumbly polvoron, making it a proper fusion between two sweet snacks.

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Tinutong na Kanin Gelato

by Manila Creamery

Nobody probably thought that tinutong na kanin (burnt rice) and gelato would ever be used in the same sentence, let alone be actually fused together as a treat! Alongside their very local flavors, such as the Mangga’t Suman, Tablea Lava Cake, Davao Chocolate, and Chocnut Crumble, Manila Creamery also offers this gelato that really captures one’s curious palate.

Locations

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Beer & Chicharon Ice Cream

by Carousel Creamery

Yes, you can take your love for beer and its pulutan partner, chicharon, to the next level by consuming the two as ice cream! Carousel Creamery offers this quirky flavor that brings you the right blend of sweetened beer and its chewy chicharon mix-ins.

Location: 8 Missouri St., Greenhills, Manila

Photo: Carousel Creamery

Sampaguita Ice Cream

by Ilustrado Restaurant

Intramuros has a lot to offer whenever one wants to revisit and reflect on their identity as a Filipino. As for the dessert-seeking strollers, one might find satisfaction at Ilustrado Restaurant. Aside from their must-try dishes, their Sampaguita Ice Cream also draws attention, turning the fragrant flower into a delectable dessert!

Photo: Ilustrado Restaurant

Strawberry Glow Collagen Ice Cream

by Kurimu

Strawberry may be one of the most common flavors for ice cream, but what makes Kurimu’s take on the beloved flavor stand out is that it is a collagen ice cream! The Strawberry Glow is a collaboration between Kurimu and beauty brand Shiseido, with its flavor infused with hibiscus and inspired by Shiseido’s Ultimune. Now you can treat your ice cream snacking as a part of your skincare routine!

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Shoyu Caramel Ice Cream

by Kurimu

Another interesting ice cream to check out from Kurimu is the Shoyu Caramel ice cream. As the name denotes, this dessert combines the rich caramel flavor with the umami of shoyu! If you’re a fan of Japanese-style soy sauce, then this should really be on your must-try ice cream list.

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ALSO READ
8 Gelato Shops in Metro Manila to Cool You Down This Summer
8 Shops in Metro Manila That Serve Ice Cream Cakes for your Summer Celebrations

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April 1, 2022
Spotify Introduces New Blend Features to Connect Users with Friends & Even Artists Like BTS
Spotify is expanding Blend – a feature that allows users to create shared playlists with two new features:

● Blend with some of your favorite artists including BTS. Connecting artists and fans on an even deeper level, Blend will now allow users to merge musical tastes starting with 20 artists.

● Create a Blend playlist with up to 10 people. Previously, users could Blend with one friend or family member at a time. Starting today, users can expand their listening tribe with up to 10 people in a group, whether it’s their fellow music stans, close friends or chosen family.

Connect deeply with music

Launched in August 2021, Spotify Blend combines the best of the platform’s personalization capabilities and collaborative playlist functionality into a single shared playlist, making it even easier for users to connect, discover, and bond over the music they love. Available for Free and Premium users, music lovers can create personalized playlist in three easy steps –
1. Create + Invite: Just search “Blend” within the “Search” tab on Spotify. Then, tap “Invite” to select people to Blend with.
2. Blend: Once your friend has accepted the invite, Spotify will generate your shared Blend playlist, which will include songs and recommendations that reflect everyone’s music preferences and tastes. You’ll even be able to see which songs were added for which friend.
3. Listen + Share: After everyone has joined the collaborative playlist, you and your friends will receive a custom share card that you can use to spread the word on social media.
Bringing fans closer to their favorite artists

Those who are eager to connect more deeply with their favorite artists can now create a Blend playlist with a growing list of top artists, including BTS, AB6IX, Charli XCX, Kacey Musgraves, Lauv, Megan Thee Stallion, Mimi Webb, Tai Verdes, Xamã, Camilo, Diplo, Angèle, Badshah, Kim Loaiza, CRO, Benjamin Ingrosso and Bennett Coast.

To start the Blend, simply click on the link above and a shared playlist will be automatically generated. Users will also receive a share card showing their listening preferences in relation to the artist’s, and the songs that bring them and their idol together. This may be shared directly to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter.

For more information, visit Spotify For The Record here.
April 1, 2022
Spotify Empowers Local Emerging Artists with Latest RADAR Philippines Artists Slate

In its continued commitment towards artist empowerment, Spotify today unveils its 2022 slate of Filipino artists selected for RADAR, a global program that supports up-and-coming local artists by helping them reach new audiences. This year’s Spotify’s RADAR Philippines includes a slate of exciting rising talents across various genres including P-Pop and R’n’B artist Arthur Nery, indie artists, Adie and Lesha, as well as group BINI.

Discovery on Spotify

Through the program’s ongoing playlisting, marketing initiatives, and borderless reach, emerging Filipino artists are able to shine on both the local and global stage, allowing them to find, connect, and grow their fanbase – wherever they may be. Last year’s RADAR artist, Zack Tabudlo saw an international growth with more than 1,300% increase and grew listenership beyond the Philippines shores in the U.S.A., Canada, Thailand, Australia and more.

“We are excited to champion local artists at all stages of their careers. Spotify is committed to artist development and connecting fans with the music they love, through our platform and programs. We look forward to elevating the local music scene and seeing our RADAR artists grow through borderless access and greater discovery,” says Kossy Ng, Head of Music, Spotify Asia.

Love for Filipino Music

Filipinos are eager to discover new music, including that of budding Filipino artists. To boost discovery, Spotify featured about 39,000 Pinoy artists in local and global editorial playlists for the first time between 2020 and 2021. With artists such as Arthur Nery seeing an increase of average daily plays close to 400%, RADAR allows aspiring artists to connect to new fans by giving access to the world’s stage.

Nery is one of our Spotify RADAR artists, who started growing from strength to strength and made waves last year. Based on Spotify 2021 Wrapped data, one of his hits, “Higa,” appeared in all 20 Philippine cities that streamed Spotify the most in 2021, including his hometown of Cagayan de Oro. “Pagsamo” and “Binhi” also made waves in such key cities as Baguio, Bacoor, and Imus. “Pelikula”, his collaboration with Janine Tenoso, is among the country’s Most Viral Recordings of the Year. Tracks “Life Puzzle” and “TAKE ALL THE LOVE,” also rounded out the list of songs from Nery’s growing discography that made it to the Most Repeated Songs in the Philippines.

“To be able to shine a light on OPM music on the global stage is such an opportunity! I’m honored and happy that Filipinos appreciate what I create. Knowing that they like my music has also changed my perspective on music as an artist. I’m excited to be part of Spotify’s RADAR program, where I can reach more listeners at an international level and move more people with my music.” says Arthur Nery.

The RADAR Philippines playlist also features fresh collaborations like BETTERMAN by Alisson Shore, Kiyo, Because, and John Roa; and Twin Flames by Lesha, Lewis Maxwell, and Ghauri. Ride the P-Pop momentum with Golden Arrow by BINI and When I’m With You by BGYO. Paraluman by raven and You’ll Be Safe Here by Adie are among the new songs that breathe life into OPM.

April 1, 2022
Keep Your Baby’s Food Fresh and Healthy Amid The Summer Heat with BEABA

Summer has arrived and we all can’t wait to hit the outdoors, dash into the beach and travel to pinned destinations! If you’ve got precious little ones in tow, and healthy home-made baby food is of the essence, then BÉABA has you covered with these must-haves in your list at home and away from home.

BÉABA (pronounced as bay-ah-buh) has provided parents with luxurious, innovative and French-designed baby products for over 25 years. The brand’s story began with the Babycook, a steam cooker and blender for making baby food, and has since evolved into a multi-category assortment including feeding accessories, gear and apparel.

Babycook® Solo (P10,500)

BABYCOOK®

Making life easier for parents with its time-saving and efficient way of preparing baby food, the Babycook® steam cooks, blends and reheats all-in-one, in 15 minutes or less. It also comes in different sizes, with a bag to conveniently carry along during extended out of town trips.

With a capacity of 1,100 ml Babycook® Solo appliance allows parents to cook raw meat, fish, vegetables or fruits in no time. The multi-purpose mixing blade, with its single control button provides just the right texture to any stage baby and toddler. The audible timer tells you when meals are ready. Babycook® automatically switches off with light and sound signal when steaming is finished ensuring no monitoring is required.

Babycook® Neo (P15,000)

The Babycook® Neo makes up to 1,250 ml of food in a sleek, patented countertop appliance that steam cooks, blends and reheats/defrost all-in-one. It has four settings that eliminate the need for pots, a blender and a microwave so that making baby food is as simple as possible. The patented steam cooking system turns off automatically, so you never have to worry about watching over the Babycook® Neo or overcooking your baby’s food. It comes with a glass bowl and a stainless-steel steam basket.

Silicone Meal Set (P1,650)

SILICONE MEAL SETS

The 4-piece meal set includes: non-slip suction bottom plate, non-slip suction bottom bowl, non-slip cup, 2nd Stage Silicone Spoon.

The 2-piece meal set includes: non-slip suction bottom plate with divider, 2nd Stage Silicone Spoon

All silicone products are made from superior quality silicone. They are dishwasher and microwave safe, BPA, Lead and Phthalate free so you can be sure that the products are safe for your babies.

Expert Meal & Storage Food Pack (P2,300)

EXPERT MEAL & STORAGE FOOD PACK

This Clip Portion Set is perfect for preparing, conserving and transporting baby’s meals. It includes: 12 Clip Portions and 2 1st-Age Silicone Spoons.

Other Features:

–       Robust and 100% airtight: perfect for transporting

–       Stable and easy to fill (wide opening)

–       Interlocking portions: the lid clips onto the portion underneath (practical in the refrigerator and freezer)

–       Stackable: easy to store

–       Graduated Portions (ml and oz) and space (on lid and portion) for noting contents and date

–       Reheating and defrosting possible (without lid): microwave oven and Babycook

–       Easy to clean (dishwasher safe)

–       BPA-free, BPF-free, BPS-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free

–       Note: Not oven-safe

A healthy tummy makes a happy baby and with BÉABA, moms, dads and guardians are even happier as it efficiently saves time with its compact design and easy-to-clean features.

“BÉABA is not just for babies. In fact I’m having so much fun cooking for myself with Babycook®. Having it just makes life so easy,” said events and TV host Xandra Rocha-Araneta and mom of three. “I enjoy coming up with healthy, clean recipes.”

“BÉABA’s products are so thoughtfully designed and functional,” added events host, model and mom of two kids, Patty Laurel-Filart.

On choosing a partner in motherhood, well-known designer Vania Romoff prefers BÉABA for her daughter Emilia and twins Elias and Leon, “Being a mom is no easy feat but having BÉABA as a partner in this journey every step of the way has been amazing.”

Along with Babycook® also comes a treasure trove of meal accessories, gears and apparel for your bubbly ones that help create happy memories. Check out BÉABA’s amazing products and yummy recipes with 10% off all products site wide from March 27 to April 4 only on www.beaba.ph.

April 1, 2022
Stars of “The Secrets of Dumbledore” Cast a Spell at the World Premiere in London

The cast and filmmakers came together March 30 (Manila Time) for the world premiere of “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” world premiere at The Royal Festival Hall on March 29, 2022 in London, England.
(Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)

Led by stars Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Mads Mikkelsen, director David Yates and Wizarding World creator J.K. Rowling, they were joined, on the red carpet, by a number of fans and influencers from around the world to celebrate the release of the third Fantastic Beasts film.

Check out the photos taken from the red carpet below and watch “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” in cinemas across the Philippines on Black Saturday, April 16.

About “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”

Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” is the newest adventure in the Wizarding World™ created by J.K. Rowling.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The film features an ensemble cast led by Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Katherine Waterston, and Mads Mikkelsen.

Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves, based upon a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film was produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, Lionel Wigram and Tim Lewis. Neil Blair, Danny Cohen, Josh Berger, Courtenay Valenti and Michael Sharp served as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates film, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” in Philippine theaters April 16. The film will be distributed worldwide in select theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #SecretsOfDumbledore

April 1, 2022
Enjoy New Shows for Everyone in the Family on HBO GO This April

Delve into the world of true crime in Tokyo Vice and explore society’s views on gender, race and marriage in A Black Lady Sketch Show Season 3. In The Flight Attendant Season 2, the young protagonist must rely on her wits to survive and Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito brings fun-filled programming curated for preschoolers – all streaming this month on HBO GO.

Tokyo Vice
Premieres Thursday, April 7 on HBO GO

Inspired by the first-hand account of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police beat by American journalist Jake Adelstein, this Max Original crime drama series captures the neon-soaked underbelly of Tokyo in the late ‘90s, where nothing and no one is truly what or who they seem. Told over eight episodes, it is executive produced by Michael Mann, who also directed the pilot episode. Stars Ansel Elgort, Ken Watanabe, Rinko Kikuchi and Tomohisa Yamashita.

A Black Lady Sketch Show Season 3
Premieres Saturday, April 9 on HBO GO

This HBO Original comedy series presents sketches performed by a core cast of black women, including Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis and Quinta Brunson. Set in a limitless magical reality full of dynamic, hilarious characters and celebrity guests, the first two seasons received critical acclaim and has been nominated for a total of 8 Primetime Emmy® Awards, winning for Outstanding Picture Editing For Variety Programming in 2021. Stream seasons 1 and 2 on HBO GO.

The Flight Attendant Season 2
Premieres Thursday, April 21 on HBO GO

This critically acclaimed, breakthrough series returns for a second season, which finds Cassie Bowden living her best sober life in Los Angeles while moonlighting as a CIA asset in her spare time. When an overseas assignment leads her to inadvertently witness a murder, she becomes entangled in another international intrigue. Season one was nominated for nine Emmys®, and won Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music. Stars Kaley Cuoco. Stream season 1 on HBO GO.

We Baby Bears
New episodes premiere Saturday, April 2 on HBO GO

Baby Panda, Baby Ice Bear and Baby Grizzle continue their quest for a forever home. This month, catch brand-new episodes as the bear-y adorable trio embark on fresh adventures, encounter new characters and forge new relationships.

Cartoonito
Streaming on HBO GO from Monday, April 18 and on Cartoon Network from Monday, March 28, daily from 6am-12pm

Cartoon Network is proud to present Cartoonito, a collection of learning-based programmes and fun content that is tailored for preschoolers every morning. Top picks include Lucas the Spider, Monchhichi, Dino Ranch, Esme & Roy, and many more. Stream them all on HBO GO from Monday, April 18 or catch them now on Cartoon Network’s Cartoonito daily from 6am-12pm.

Subscribe to HBO GO online at http://www.hbogoasia.ph or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store on your device for as low as ₱99.70/month. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable.

HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.

March 31, 2022
The Maine Returns to Manila This August 27

The long wait is over for the Filipino fans of the “Arizona emo group” as PULP Live World brings them back for a one-off show in Southeast Asia with THE MAINE BACK IN MANILA, happening this August 27, 2022, 8 PM at the SM North EDSA Skydome.

Celebrating their 15^th anniversary this 2022 and the release of their 8^th studio album XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time last July 2021, the band is now more eager to perform their new songs in front of a live audience. Fans can look forward to an incredible setlist following the success of their latest single, “Sticky”, hitting No. 19 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and the release of their collaboration song “Loved You A Little” with Taking Back Sunday and Charlotte Sands.

As the pandemic took over the world for the past two years, the band constantly worked on their music and established stronger connections with their fans online despite the struggles of not being able to go on tours. And now that the world is slowly opening its doors to live events, The Maine is excited to return to Manila for the seventh time and play for the ever-passionate community they have built over the years.

Presented by PULP Live World, tickets to THE MAINE BACK IN MANILA happening on August 27, 2022, Saturday, at the Skydome, SM City North EDSA are priced at P4,500 (PLATINUM), P3,000 (GOLD), and P2,500 (SILVER), inclusive of meet and greet for all ticketholders depending on health restrictions (only fully vaccinated guests are allowed inside the venue). Gates open at 6:00PM, show starts at 8:00PM.

Tickets go on sale on May 1, 2022 (10AM) at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide and online at www.smtickets.com or via www.minimall.ph . Ticketing service charges apply.

March 31, 2022
Dreamworks Animation’s ‘The Bad Guys’ Brings Best-Selling Children’s Book Series to Life

Never have there been five friends as infamous as The Bad Guys—dashing pickpocket Mr. Wolf (Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), seen-it-all safecracker Mr. Snake (Marc Maron, GLOW), chill master-of-disguise Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson, Hot Tub Time Machine franchise), short-fused “muscle” Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) and sharp-tongued expert hacker Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina, Crazy Rich Asians), aka “Webs.”

In the new action-comedy from DreamWorks Animation, The Bad Guys will go good, the blockbuster Scholastic book series by Aaron Blabey, a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws are about to attempt their most challenging con yet—becoming model citizens.

In the film, Awkwafina is the only female member of the gang and doesn’t cut the guys any slack. In Aaron Blabey’s book series, Tarantula is actually a “Mr.” But when adapting the story for the screen, Blabey was supportive of the filmmakers switching the character to be a kick-butt female techie. Producer Rebecca Huntley has loved audiences’ reception to Ms. Tarantula. “One of the surprising things was how parents responded to the fact that Ms. Tarantula was representing women and girls in S.T.E.M. She’s a cool, confident hacker, and to have audiences see her as a role model in that regard was wonderful.”

Additionally, Awkwafina admired how deftly the source material and the script balanced joyful imagination and poignant themes. “The story is pretty existential, and these are characters with sincere dilemmas,” Awkwafina says. “It is symbolic of how we, as humans, see ourselves, how society does and how we embody that—until we realize that we don’t have to be defined by certain things. I like the way that The Bad Guys plays with aspects of good and bad. Those are two terms that we see misconstrued all the time. We see people that look bad but aren’t, as well as people who look good but aren’t.”

She was thrilled to join such a brilliant group of fellow voice performers, as well as occasionally work alongside them—a rarity in animation. “This is a stacked cast of brilliant actors, and I’m a huge fan of all my fellow Bad Guys,” Awkwafina says.

From Dreamworks Animation, The Bad Guys is a Universal Pictures International release and will open in local cinemas on April 27.

March 31, 2022
Edsa Shangri-la Has a Funtastic Easter Offering Will Surely Excite the Entire Family

Enjoy an Easter celebration of joy, music, and laughter with Edsa Shangri-La’s La Casita Madrigal. This enchanting adventure kicks off with an interactive mini-musical by Clowning Around plus fun-filled activities for the family. Hop on by and join the fun on the 17^th of April 2022, Sunday from 2pm to 5pm at the Isala Grand Ballroom. Registration starts at 1pm with rate set at Php2,500 net per person. Early birds (or bunnies) enjoy a special rate set at Php2,000 net per person for tickets purchased from the 28^th of March to the 5^th of April 2022. Rate is inclusive of access to all entertainment and activities, snacks, and drinks. For tickets, visit bit.ly/ESLLaCasita or email events.esl@shangri-la.com.

Experience our rich selection of dining indulgences for Easter season. Pop over to HEAT for an egg-stra special Easter Lunch buffet that feature international and Asian cuisine crafted by our culinary team. Specialties include our signature 36-hour roasted Angus beef leg, time-honored Japanese and Chinese favorites, flavourful Indian fare, healthy Mediterranean dishes, and heirloom Filipino recipes. Easter lunch rate is set at Php2,950 net available on 17 April from 12nn to 2:30pm. Take in the view of our lush tropical gardens while you enjoy your favorite cup of tea or coffee with our Easter Afternoon Tea set available daily at Php1,450 net from 2pm to 6pm for the whole month of April.

Choose from aromatic freshly baked pastries and other mouth-watering Easter-rific treats at The Bakeshop to share with loved ones and friends. For your household or for a treat to share as a gift, the Easter Cake rate is set at Php1,450 net while the Easter Hamper is at Php2,800 net available from April 1 – 30, 2022. Celebrate springtime in Japan with a hearty Sunday buffet of authentic Japanese delicacies at Senju on 17 April 2022 available at Php2,800 net. For home celebrations, bring the joy of Shangri-La dining right to your warm abode with our Easter Take-Me-Home sets for a hearty family feast available at Php5,500 net (good for 5 persons). Order your home feast from April 11 – 17, 2022. For takeaway and delivery orders, a 24-hour notice is essential.

Edsa Shangri-La has embraced a series of safety standards and precautionary measures so that guests can enjoy what truly matters while staying at the hotel. The property is certified with the Safety Seal by the Department of Trade and Industry, acknowledging the hotel’s effort to meet protocols and regulations set by the government.

For inquiries and reservations, please call (63 2) 8633 8888, or e-mail manilaedsa@shangri-la.com. For takeaway and delivery, visit https://bit.ly/eslshangshop.

Visit www.shangri-la.com/manila/edsashangrila or stay connected, like Facebook.com/edsashangrila, follow @edsashangrila on Instagram.

March 31, 2022