On Thursday, February 5, 2026 the gates of the MiraNila Heritage House will open for a singular evening where time, memory, and music converge.
As the sun sets over this 1929 home, guests will wander through its halls treated to an intimate house tour and gather in the front lawn to witness a concert and cinema in lockstep, an experience like no other:
Violinist Alessio Benvenuti — lauded as an “Artist of High National and International Value”
Pianist Mariel Ilusorio —whose artistry has touched audiences across four continents
Together will perform the music of Ennio and Andrea Morricone from the timeless film ‘Cinema Paradiso’ — the Oscar-winning, Palme d’Or–honored masterpiece.
After the movie, famed Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore will come on screen and address our MiraNila audience.
This will definitely be a night of heritage, harmony, and the enduring magic of cinema.
Early Bird Tickets: ₱1,000 (adults) ₱800 (seniors & students with IDs) Prices increase after December 20!
Regular Tickets: ₱1,200 (adults) ₱1,000 (seniors & students with IDs)
Book tickets now, Text Bern on Viber: 0906 547 8268 (for best response time, contact between 1pm to 7pm)
FOOD & DRINKS
–Pasta stations, snack tables, and cold drinks will be on sale in the front lawn.
When we talk about skincare, most people focus on the face, but your skin deserves care everywhere. Kojie.san delivers FRESH DROPS of active ingredients designed to target a variety of concerns, from dark spots and uneven tone to dryness, irritation, and texture issues. Brightening, moisturizing, and treating specific skin concerns, Kojie.san brings the same attention and effectiveness to every part of your skin.
Kojie.san, the brand behind the best-selling lightening soap in the Philippines, drops new variants that combine the power of Zero Pigment Light (kojic acid) with good-for-you ingredients like Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, and Niacinamide to target specific skin concerns.
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With Kojie.san+, you can now address your specific skin concerns. Now available at leading drugstores, department stores, and supermarkets nationwide.
Robinsons Department Store, Funko Pop!, and Mattel are casting a vibrant wave of excitement across the Philippines as they introduce a special retail experience inspired by Wicked: For Good. Following the film’s early screenings, fans now have the chance to continue the enchantment through imaginative collectibles, expressive fashion, and whimsical play—each thoughtfully curated to bring the world of Oz closer than ever.
Exclusive Wicked Funko Pop! Figures Arrive in Manila
A Magical Must-Visit at SM Mall of Asia
At the Funko Pop! Store located on the North Wing, 2nd Level of SM Mall of Asia, fans will discover Wicked-exclusive Funko figures created solely for this celebration. These limited-edition pieces showcase the dynamic personalities and iconic looks of Oz’s unforgettable witches, transforming them into collectible treasures perfect for display or gifting.
Whether you’re expanding a long-loved collection or making your first Funko memory, these figures offer a shareable, charming moment—ideal for best friends who adore the film’s tale of boldness and loyalty.
Robinsons Department Store Brings Wicked Fashion to Life
Wear Your Story with Style
Fashion lovers can step into the spotlight with Robinsons Department Store’s fresh lineup of Wicked: For Good apparel. The collection includes hoodies, cardigans, sweaters, and graphic tees, each infused with design elements inspired by the movie’s themes of courage, individuality, and friendship.
Oh, and here’s the fun part: select Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide will showcase vivid Wicked-themed displays and storefront takeovers, giving fans bold backdrops perfect for that bestie moment or a standout outfit shot. It’s fashion meets fantasy—made wonderfully real.
To elevate the celebration even further, Mattel is presenting a delightful collection at Toys “R” Us featuring imaginative playsets, collectible dolls, and character figures. These toys allow fans of all ages to enjoy heartfelt scenes, spark imaginative storytelling, or create new adventures inspired by the film.
Whether you’re sharing a playful afternoon with a child or indulging your inner collector, Mattel’s lineup delivers a captivating and heartwarming connection to the world of Oz.
A Multi-Faceted Fan Journey Awaits
Together, Robinsons Department Store, Funko Pop!, and Mattel have crafted a multi-sensory celebration that merges fashion, fandom, and fantasy in one unforgettable experience. From exclusive figures to expressive apparel and enchanting toys, every element brings joy, nostalgia, and creative energy to the forefront.
So whether you’re a devoted Wicked fan, a casual shopper, or someone simply searching for a whimsical moment to share with a loved one, this retail celebration is ready to welcome you with open arms—and a little bit of magic.
Esports fans, mark your calendars—the 2025 League of Legends KeSPA Cup is bringing the heat this winter with nonstop action, elite gameplay, and a prize pool that’s sure to fire up the global competitive scene.
Streaming exclusively on Disney+ from December 6 to 14, this year’s KeSPA Cup promises to deliver 35 thrilling matches featuring powerhouse teams and All-Star rosters from Korea, Japan, the United States, and Vietnam.
Streaming Live for the First Time on Disney+
In an exciting first, the KeSPA Cup 2025 will be livestreamed on Disney+ across 11 APAC markets, including:
Korea
Japan
Hong Kong
Australia
New Zealand
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Malaysia
Indonesia
With real-time commentary available in both Korean and English, fans can enjoy the full immersive experience, whether they’re seasoned LoL veterans or new to the global phenomenon.
Who’s Playing? All Eyes on the Global Elite
The tournament line-up reads like a who’s who of international esports greatness:
10 elite teams from the LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea)
All-Star teams from Vietnam and Japan
2 powerhouse teams from North America’s LCS (League Championship Series)
That’s right—Asia’s finest and North America’s boldest will go head-to-head for prestige, prize money, and those sweet, sweet bragging rights.
Two Stages. One Unmissable Showdown
Initially kicking off online, the action later shifts to the Sangam SOOP Colosseum in Korea, setting the stage for a heart-pounding live showdown that fans won’t want to miss.
And if you can’t watch the games live? Don’t worry. Disney+ will offer full match replays for a limited time, plus highlight clips so you can catch every pentakill, clutch steal, and game-winning moment at your convenience.
A Bigger Deal Than You Think
This announcement follows a landmark agreement signed in September between The Walt Disney Company Koreaand the Korea e-sports Association (KeSPA), establishing Disney+ as the exclusive home of the 2025 KeSPA Cup and Team Korea esports content for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
It’s a bold move that signals Disney+‘s commitment to growing its esports footprint and offering fans a fresh, high-energy viewing experience across multiple platforms.
Don’t Miss a Moment – Only on Disney+
From jaw-dropping team fights to unforgettable Baron steals, the KeSPA Cup 2025 is shaping up to be the esports event of the season. Whether you’re rooting for local favorites or backing international underdogs, there’s only one place to stream the action: Disney+.
Klook, a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, and GCash, the country’s leading finance super app, have joined forces to unlock a new era of effortless travel with the GCash Klook Travel Card. Packed with Klook exclusive perks, the new GCash Klook Travel Card will power all extraordinary adventures with ease and convenience, serving as a ticket to a premium travel experience without breaking the bank.
At an exclusive media preview, the card was unveiled by both GCash and Klook executives, as they showcased all the perks and benefits the card has to offer. This partnership comes with the shared goal of making travel easier and more accessible for Filipinos.
Klook Philippines General Manager, Michelle Ho, expressed excitement for this landmark partnership. “Klook’s belief has always been that the world is more meaningful and engaging when people connect through shared experiences. We enable that by making travel simple, accessible, and rewarding for travelers. With GCash, we’re taking that commitment a step further. By combining Klook’s expertise in curating top travel experiences with GCash’s trusted financial ecosystem, we’re bringing greater value and ease to every journey, making extraordinary adventures even more possible for more Filipinos,” said Ho.
The Smart Travel Card, Powered by the GCash
“At GCash, we’re committed to empowering Filipinos to explore the world with confidence and convenience. The GCash Klook Travel Card lets you pay using your GCash Wallet in over 200 countries—no cash, no signal, no problem.
Through our partnership with Klook, we are now offering Filipino travelers premium perks and total control over their spending. “With zero international service fees, low forex rates, real-time forex conversion & Peso-converted transactions tracking in the app, global ATM access – we’re making every journey simpler, smarter, and more rewarding for every Filipino,” said Barbara Dapul, G-Xchange, Inc. General Manager for B2C and Chief Operating Officer.
The Most Practical Welcome Pack Ever
With the GCash Klook Travel Card, users will receive more than just a card, as they also gain access to a range of exclusive travel perks. New cardholders will enjoy a PHP 1,000 airport transfer voucher and a PHP 350 Klook eSIM voucher upon activation. Additionally, users will also receive an annual PHP 1,000 hotel voucher and can avail of 5% off on Klook bookings up to five times per year, making every trip more rewarding from start to finish.
Perpetual Rewards
With the GCash Klook Travel Card, users are automatically upgraded to the Gold Tier of the Klook Rewards Program. This exclusive status entitles them to complimentary eSIMs, three times more KlookCash, and over PHP 6,000 worth of bonus travel coupons, enhancing every travel experience with greater convenience and value.
Ultimate Flexibility and Peace of Mind
Powered by Visa’s global network, the GCash Klook Travel Card offers low foreign exchange rates and zero service fees, whether travelers pay with a single tap or withdraw cash in over 200 countries abroad. Users can also monitor the foreign exchange rate and their foreign currency spends abroad converted to Peso – all in the GCash app – while KlookCash and vouchers can also be tracked on the Klook app. With this flexibility, users can spend effortlessly and focus on what truly matters—exploring and enjoying every adventure.
The GCash Klook Travel Card, Coming Soon
The GCash Klook Travel Card will be available this December. To register for the card, users may sign up for the waitlist via the Klook app and get updates and first dibs once the card goes live. The first 10,000 customers will be able to avail of the card at its one-time introductory promo price of ₱250.
Learn more about the new GCash Klook Travel Card, via Klook and unlock a whole new world of joy and savings! Download the Klook app through the Google Play Store or the App Store to discover unforgettable experiences. For more information, follow Klook on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Change has finally arrived—and it’s unsettling, urgent, and impossible to ignore. From the visionary world crafted by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland comes a brand-new chapter: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film pushes the beloved franchise into bold, uncharted territory, introducing new dangers and unexpected alliances.
Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, the story now follows two surviving figures—Spike (Alfie Williams) and Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes)—whose separate journeys soon collide with revelations that could determine whether humanity rises again… or collapses for good.
Humanity Faces a Disturbing Shift
Where previous chapters focused on the infected, The Bone Temple turns its spotlight toward something far more sinister: the desperate, unpredictable survivors who have adapted to a broken world in terrifying ways.
Spike’s fragile path is disrupted when he crosses into the violent orbit of Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and his unnerving group of misfits—individuals whose warped intentions push him into a nightmare he can’t escape. At the same time, Dr. Kelson encounters a shocking new relationship that forces him to confront choices that may permanently reshape what’s left of civilization.
Watch the Trailer now:
The World You Know—Turned Inside Out
This latest installment expands the original universe while flipping it on its head. DaCosta brings an atmospheric intensity that blends emotional storytelling with the franchise’s trademark tension, delivering an experience that feels both familiar and utterly startling.
Here, survival isn’t just about outrunning the infected; it’s about facing the unsettling depths of human nature and the lengths people go to in order to stay alive.
Producers: Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, and Alex Garland
Executive Producer: Cillian Murphy
Note: Credits are not final and may change.
Mark Your Calendars: A New Beginning Comes January 2026
Distributed by Columbia Pictures (Sony Pictures Releasing International’s Philippine branch), 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple arrives in local cinemas this January 2026, bringing with it a haunting vision of humanity’s next battle for survival.
Join the conversation online using #28YearsLater and tag @columbiapicph for updates.
As the year winds down, Netflix is pulling out all the stops with a December 2025 lineup packed with explosive finales, long-awaited sequels, holiday stories, and star-powered films. Whether you’re ready to return to Hawkins for the final showdown, dive into thrilling mysteries, or settle into heartwarming Christmas specials, this month’s releases promise nonstop entertainment for every kind of viewer. Here’s your complete guide to the must-watch titles dropping this December.
Your Top Pick This Month
Stranger Things 5: Volume 2 (Series) Launch date: December 26 (9AM SGT)
Hawkins is under lockdown. El is on the run. And the fight against Vecna reaches its final, terrifying climax. In this highly anticipated conclusion, the entire party reunites with one mission: end Vecna once and for all. Expect heartbreak, heroism, and a finale fans will talk about for years.
Return of the Greats
Troll 2 (Film) Launch date: December 1
Nora, Andreas, and Major Kris face their deadliest mission yet as a new troll threat wreaks havoc across their homeland.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Film) Launch date: December 12
Detective Benoit Blanc is back—this time with a young priest—to unravel an “impossible” mystery inside a small-town church with a chilling past.
Culinary Class Wars: Season 2 (Series) Launch date: December 16
Black Spoon vs. White Spoon chefs return for a fresh, fiery culinary showdown. Who will survive the heat?
Emily in Paris: Season 5 (Series) Launch date: December 18
Emily heads to Rome for a fresh start, but la dolce vita quickly turns complicated when love and ambition collide.
Holiday Calls!
My Secret Santa (Film) Launch date: December 3
A single mom disguises herself as Santa to land a job at a ski resort, only to charm the hotel’s handsome heir.
Elmo and Mark Rober’s Merry Giftmas (K&F Film) Launch date: December 8
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends team up with engineer YouTuber Mark Rober to create magical holiday presents.
Home for Christmas: Season 3 (Series) Launch date: December 12
Johanne tries to celebrate Christmas free from romance — but fate may have surprises.
Sicily Express (Series) Launch date: December 22
Two hilariously clumsy Sicilian friends discover a magical dumpster that transports them home for the holidays.
Mix & Match
Man Vs Baby (Series) Launch date: December 11
Rowan Atkinson returns for more chaotic house-sitting misadventures — now with Christmas antics in the mix.
10DANCE (Film) Launch date: December 18
Two dancers, complete opposites, partner up for a major competition and unexpectedly find connection beyond rivalry.
Cashero (Series) Launch date: Coming Soon
An ordinary man inherits super strength… but every punch drains his wallet. A unique twist on superhero storytelling.
More for Your Must-Watch List
Playing Gracie Darling (Series) – December 1
A psychologist confronts her haunted past when another girl disappears after a séance gone wrong.
Two powerful matriarchs lead rival families in a brutal battle for supremacy on the 1850s frontier.
The Believers: Season 2 (Series) – December 4
Win and Game raise the stakes to help their families, while Dear sets off on a new path
Badly in Love (Series) – December 9
Japan’s first dating show for rebellious “yankiis.” Romance meets chaos in this fiery reality series.
Record of Ragnarok: Season 3 (Series) – December 10
Humanity and gods clash again in a series of intense battles that determine the world’s future
The Town (Series) – December 11
A group of cash-strapped friends discover stolen money, testing loyalty, morality, and friendship.
The Great Flood (Film) – December 19
A researcher and her son fight to escape a catastrophic flood — and save humanity.
Goodbye June (Film) – December 24
Kate Winslet directs and stars alongside Helen Mirren and Toni Collette in an emotional story of a family’s farewell.
Cover-Up (Documentary) – December 26
Cover-Up. Seymour Hersh in the Washington Bureau Personnel in 1975. Cr. The New York Times
The legendary investigative journalist Seymour Hersh’s groundbreaking work — from My Lai to Abu Ghraib — is uncovered.
Pro Bono (Series) – Coming Soon
A respected judge loses everything and discovers purpose again through pro bono work at a top law firm.
With blockbuster finales, holiday cheer, gripping dramas, and beloved franchises returning, Netflix’s December 2025 lineup is one of its strongest yet. Whether you’re binge-watching with family, unwinding after a long year, or planning your ultimate holiday watchlist, these new releases promise hours of entertainment. Get your blankets ready, December is officially binge-season.
After a rigorous six-month casting process spanning New York, Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao, Theatre Group Asia (TGA) proudly announces the full cast of its highly anticipated production ofA Chorus Line*, to be directed and choreographed by Emmy Award-winner and Broadway powerhouse Karla Puno Garcia.
This ensemble of exceptional Filipino performers joins previously announced stars: Tony and two-time Grammy Award nominee Conrad Ricamora as Zach, and Fil-Am Broadway triple threat Lissa de Guzman, celebrated for her portrayal of Elphaba in the Wicked Broadway National Tour as Cassie.
In a life-imitates-art twist, the auditions mirrored the very heart of the show: a raw, emotionally charged battle for a place in the lineup, perfectly captured in the musical’s iconic opening plea, “I Hope I Get It.” And get it they did. Here’s the full cast:
Renee Albulario as Diana Morales. A Fil-Am New York–based artist whose Broadway credits include assistant director for Just in Time, assistant choreographer for Here Lies Love, and performer in David Byrne’s American Utopia.
Angelo Soriano as Mike Costa. A Manila-born performer who has shared the stage with Lea Salonga, Vina Morales, Justin Bieber, Zendaya, and Macy Gray. Broadway credits: Aladdin: The Musical and Here Lies Love.
Michaela Marfori as Bebe Benzenheimer. The Orlando native has appeared in the Broadway National Tour of West Side Story, MJ the Musical, and Frozen. TV appearances include the 78th Tony Awards, Saturday Night Live, Disney’s Magical Christmas Day Parade, and Eurydice.
Jordan Andrews as Al DeLuca. The Pinoy Big Brother S10 “Musical Dream Chaser” made his West End debut as Tam in Miss Saigon, followed by The King and I. Local credits: Joseph the Dreamer, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Spelling Bee, Rent, Once on This Island, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, and Shrek the Musical.
Rapah Manalo as Richie Walters. Seen in Shrek the Musical, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Delia D., Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Snow White and the Prince, Mula Sa Buwan, Bar Boys: A New Musical, and Coriolano.
Ken San Jose as Mark Anthony. A Fil-Am dancer, singer, and choreographer who rose to prominence on World of Dance Philippines. He has worked with Matt Steffanina and WilldaBeast Adams, is a member of Supahdance, and has performed in Joseph the Dreamer and Mark Tuan’s tour in LA, Korea, and China.
Stephen Viñas as Bobby Mills. A Gawad Buhay Award winner with credits including Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Ang Huling El Bimbo, Carousel, Alice in Wonderland, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors, Dani Girl, Mula Sa Buwan, Lapu-Lapu, Newsies, Sandosenang Sapatos, and Tabing Ilog: The Musical.
Mikaela Regis as Sheila Bryant. Credits include Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Quomodo Desolata Es?, Bar Boys: A New Musical, Mula Sa Buwan, and Dekada ’70. As a playwright, she has earned a Gawad Buhay nomination for Best Original Script.
Iya Villanueva as Maggie Winslow. Trained in ballet and jazz from age five under the Bacolod Dance Academy and Garcia-Sanchez School of Dance. Credits: Ang Huling El Bimbo, Buruguduystunstugudunstuy, Mula Sa Buwan, The Bodyguard the Musical, Liwanag Sa Dilim, Joseph the Dreamer, and Si Faust.
Universe Ramos as Paul San Marco. A former dance captain of Glendale High’s award-winning team and EDGE Performing Arts Center scholar. Recently made his Manila debut as Oberon/Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Richardson Yadao as Larry. Two-time Gawad Buhay awardee, dancer, educator and choreographer. He has dance for the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Royal Caribbean Productions, Ballet Philippines, Romançon Dance Company, Filipinescas Dance Company, Vela Damian School of Ballet, Maquiling Ballet and Manila Dance Center. Theater performances include Rama Hari, Mabining Mandirigma, Manhid, The BodyGuard the Musical and A Christmas Carol.
Julio Laforteza as Don Kerr. Began training at age 7 under Sofia Zobel Elizalde, James and Liesl Laforteza, and PJ Rebullida. A NYU Tisch scholar, he is Associate Director of Galaw Co Dance Theater and faculty at Studio Dance by Lina.
Brie Chappell as Val Clark. Trained at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and The Urdang Academy. Credits include Made in Dagenham, Jane Eyre, and The Album: Skool Edition.
Sam Libao as Kristine Urich. Trained with Steps Dance Studio, La Salle Dance Company, and G-Force. Theater credits include Joseph the Dreamer and Once on This Island.
Alyanna Wijangco as Judy Turner. Seen in Shrek the Musical and Delia D., and Jepoy and the Magic Circle.
Jessica Carmona as Connie Wong. A New York-based Fil-Am performer and NAAP member who has trained at Juilliard, Carnegie Mellon, and the Point Park Conservatory.
Luca Olbes as Gregory Gardner. A high-school senior who has appeared in Footloose, The Addams Family, High School Musical, and Ballet Philippines’ The Nutcracker.
Jim Ferrer as Butch Barton. UK credits include Here Lies Love and Matilda. Philippine credits: Saturday Night Fever, Tarzan, Legally Blonde, Newsies, Oz, Alice in Wonderland, The Quest for the Adarna, Camp Rock. Former dance captain for Joseph the Dreamer and choreographer for Legally Blonde and Si Faust.
Winchester Lopez as Tom Tucker. Part of Miss Saigon’s UK International Tour, Danish production, and Austrian run (as dance captain). Recently Dance Supervisor for Miss Saigon Australia and Asia, and appeared in The Bodyguard The Musical.
Rofe Villarino as Victor Vickers. Trained in dance and voice at Mandaue City School for the Arts, performing with the MCSFA Dance Company and Children’s Choir. Credits: Shrek the Musical, Delia D., Ang Huling El Bimbo, Mula Sa Buwan, and the international tour of Siddhartha the Musical.
Lord Kristofer Logmao as Frank. A multidisciplinary performer and former UPeepz world champion, with credits in Shrek the Musical, Delia D., and major theme-park productions. Associate Choreographer for select Full House Theater Company shows.
Paulina Luzuriaga as Tricia. Trained at Steps Dance Studio and CityDance Conservatory (Washington, D.C.). Debuted in Peter Pan the Musical and recently appeared in Ang Parokya ni Edgar: Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.
Anna del Prado as Lois Dillettente. Performed for five years at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mickey and the Wondrous Book. Recently starred as Kasing in Pulang Langob and has sung and danced in concerts for Gary Valenciano and SB19.
Vince Denzel Sarra as Roy. Also known as “Bomba Ding,” he is a dancer and drag performer from the House of Ding. Theater credits include Delia D., and Walang Aray.
Franco Ramos (Swing). A De La Salle–CSB Technical Theater scholar with over a decade of experience. Known for Gaya Sa Pelikula, he recently appeared in Shrek the Musical, Delia D., and Jepoy and the Magic Circle.
Anyah de Guzman (Swing). A Fil-Am performer trained at Osceola County School for the Arts, earning acting nominations for Guys & Dolls and West Side Story. Philippine credits include Snow White and The Prince and Zsazsa Zaturnnah.
A landmark of American musical theatre, A Chorus Line celebrates its 50th Anniversary by continuing to shine a spotlight on the ensemble—the unsung heroes of every show. Following 17 hopefuls vying for eight roles, it remains a timeless ode to ambition, sacrifice, and individuality.
Tickets are available via TicketWorld, priced from ₱900 to ₱5,500. The show runs March 12–29, 2026, with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
A Chorus Line is presented by Ayala Land, BPI and Philippine Airlines, the official carrier with additional support from Make it Makati, Circuit Makati and Ayala Malls.
For more information, visit theatregroupasia.com, follow @theatregroupasia on Instagram, or like the official Theatre Group Asia Facebook page.
Once a year on a late Sunday afternoon in December, something familiar and quietly magical unfolds at The Peninsula Manila. Families arrive dressed in their Sunday best. Children tug at their parents’ hands as they enter The Lobby and look up at the towering tree that has watched Manila grow for decades. Later, after musicians of a 49-piece orchestra have finished tuning their instruments, the light softens, and the city gathers for an afternoon that feels like coming home.
Welcome to the fortieth season of Christmas Concert at The Pen!
For forty years, Christmas Concert at The Pen has been woven into these scenes. It has welcomed generations of Manileños who return not only for the music, but for the feeling it brings. Over the decades, The Peninsula Manila has opened its doors to extraordinary Filipino
talent. Artists who first sang here as promising young performers have returned as some of the country’s most admired voices, a quiet testament to how this tradition has nurtured local talent across the years.
This 40th season brings together the Manila Symphony Orchestra under Jonathan Velasco, mezzo sopranos Cris Villonco and Yanah Laurel, and the fifty-voice Ateneo Chamber Singers. Their program will weave together carols, film and Disney favorites, light opera selections, and beloved holiday pieces, including the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah.
Kevin Tsang, Managing Director of The Peninsula Manila, reflects on this milestone with warmth. “We are delighted to have this wealth of Filipino talents at this year’s festive season concert. Year after year, these artists bring their heart and brilliance to The Lobby. Our hope is that this afternoon brings the spirit of Christmas into the hearts of our audience and becomes a joyful finale to their year.”
He adds, “The first part of the concert will feature a playful mix of Barry White, movie musicals, light opera, Disney, and a well-loved Filipino pop classic. As tradition dictates, the second part will be filled with the familiar sounds of Christmas. Aside from the “Hallelujah Chorus,” which remains as magnificent today as it did when it was first performed in 1742, we have holiday songs and orchestral pieces that will inspire joy in both first-time listeners and those who return each season.”
What makes the concert endure is the way it brings people together. Guests sing along. Strangers exchange smiles. Children hear their first live orchestra. Families who have been coming for decades whisper to one another that it still feels as uplifting as the very first time.
As The Peninsula Manila approaches its fifth decade, the 40th season of Christmas Concert at The Pen reflects a legacy shaped by and shared with the city itself: a legacy of Filipino talent, community, and the shared joy of welcoming the season in one of Manila’s most cherished holiday traditions.
Christmas Concert at The Pen
The 40th season of Christmas Concert at The Pen will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at The Lobby.
Table reservations at The Lobby are available at P75,000 with a set deluxe festive merienda menu for ten. Tables for four are available at P30,000 with a set deluxe festive merienda menu.
The Upper Lobby seating is available at P20,000 for tables of four with a set festive merienda menu.
Prices are in Philippine Pesos and include VAT. Rates are subject to service charge and applicable local taxes.
For inquiries or further information on Christmas Concert at The Pen 2025, please call (63 2) 8887 2888, extension 7410 (Festive Desk), email diningpmn@peninsula.com, or visit the website peninsula.com.
Things are about to heat up at home—quite literally—as Searchlight Pictures’ The Roses makes its exclusive premiere on Disney+ this December 3. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jay Roach, the film features powerhouse duo Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman in a story that gleefully blends romance, rivalry, and spectacular dysfunction.
It’s funny, it’s messy, and it’s brimming with the kind of tension that feels all too familiar in today’s high-pressure world.
Behind the Picture-Perfect Façade
At the heart of The Roses is Ivy (Colman) and Theo Rose (Cumberbatch), a couple who seem to have everything sorted out. They enjoy fulfilling careers, a warm marriage, and children who complete the picture of domestic bliss. But—here’s where the cracks begin—perfection rarely tells the full story.
As Theo grapples with a career that’s quickly unraveling, Ivy finds herself soaring in her own professional pursuits. That imbalance sets the stage for a slow burn of competition, resentment, and emotional chaos. What begins quietly soon escalates into an all-out domestic storm, sending the Roses down a wildly unpredictable path.
A Modern Twist on a Beloved Classic
The Roses reimagines the iconic 1989 film The War of the Roses, originally adapted from Warren Adler’s bestselling novel. This contemporary version sharpens the themes of ambition, partnership, and identity—revealing just how quickly love can turn volatile when desires collide.
The film doesn’t just refresh a classic; it reframes it through today’s lens, making its emotional blowouts feel both outrageous and surprisingly relatable.
The cast is stacked with comedic and dramatic talent, featuring:
Andy Samberg
Allison Janney
Belinda Bromilow
Sunita Mani
Ncuti Gatwa
Jamie Demetriou
Zoë Chao
Kate McKinnon
Jay Roach’s Signature Wit and Sharpness
Director Jay Roach brings a crisp, clever sensibility to the film—balancing satire with heartfelt moments and letting the humor erupt in all the right places. With his well-known talent for navigating both comedy and drama, Roach crafts a riveting portrait of a couple stuck between affection and ambition.
Critics are already charmed, praising the film as “hilarious” and “laugh-out-loud funny,” pointing to its smart writing and wildly committed performances.
Streaming Exclusively on Disney+
With its rich performances and fiery comedic tone, The Roses promises a viewing experience that’s both chaotic and irresistibly entertaining. Expect witty exchanges, unexpected turns, and a romance unraveling in the most spectacular fashion.
Catch The Roses beginning December 3, streaming exclusively on Disney+.
