Kite-Flying Takes Center Stage at Amiya Raya’s Event

Amiya Raya’s skies came alive on recently to usher the summer season, as colorful kites of all shapes and sizes soared high during the much-anticipated Kite at the Top event. Organized by Amiya Raya and Club Vihara in partnership with the Kite Association of the Philippines, this spectacular gathering brought together kite enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers for a day of fun, creativity, and community spirit.

The event showcased a breathtaking display of kites, ranging from traditional Filipino designs to modern, high-performance stunt kites. Participants competed in various categories, including Colorful Kite, Highest Flight, and Longest Tail Kite. Spectators were treated to an exhilarating kite-flying exhibition by professionals, demonstrating impressive aerial stunts and synchronized kite performances.

Beyond the competition, the event featured hands-on workshops where attendees, especially children, learned how to build and fly their own kites. Expert kite flyers from the Kite Association of the Philippines shared valuable tips on aerodynamics, wind conditions, and the art of kite maneuvering.

For those looking to relax and take in the stunning scenery of Amiya Raya, picnic spots and food stalls offered a variety of refreshments, creating a perfect weekend getaway atmosphere.

The Kite at the Top event was not only a visual delight but also a testament to the growing interest in kite-flying as a recreational and competitive activity. Organizers from Club Vihara expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from participants and spectators alike.

The “Kite Show At The Top” is part of Amiya Raya’s ongoing commitment to offering family-friendly activities that celebrate Filipino culture and traditions. Events like these not only provide entertainment but also strengthen the sense of community among residents and visitors.

As the kites soared against the backdrop of Amiya Raya’s scenic landscapes, participants were reminded of the simple joys of outdoor play and the importance of preserving cultural traditions for future generations.

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SM Supermalls Heats Up Summer with Sports Fun!

Sun’s out, fun’s in! SM Supermalls is turning up the heat with back-to-back festivities that will make this summer season the most unforgettable one yet. From April 1 to May 31, SM Supermalls is bringing the thrill of sports to you with a lineup of adrenaline-pumping activities for all ages. So, lace up your sneakers and get into summer sports as SM Supermalls transforms into a vibrant hub of energy, non-stop fun, and surprises this summer.

From sunrise to sunset, MOA Sky is the ultimate playground for everyone.

Active Hub
Gather your family and friends and take them to the largest playground for sports enthusiasts – SM Active Hub! SM Supermalls’ comprehensive sports program is open to all and features 44 pickleball courts across 21 malls and 14 malls with running hubs nationwide, and counting. Just download the SM Malls Online app and become a member today! Year-round deals and perks from partner brands and discounts on sporting events await.

Join the largest sports revolution in the Philippines -- download the SM Malls Online app to register for the SM Active Hub, explore exciting games, and unlock exclusive perks from tenants nationwide.

Runners sprint forward the starting line at the SM Active Hub running activation at SM City Butuan

Summer Games
Get ready to unleash your inner champion with the Summer Games—a lineup of community tournaments and brand-led sports events. Whether you’re perfecting your pace in running challenges, powering through cycling races, or showcasing your skills in pickleball tournaments, something awaits for all sports enthusiasts. For those looking to elevate their game, pro-guided marathon clinics at select SM Malls offer a perfect opportunity to hone technique, while mall power walks and senior-friendly fitness sessions ensure fun and wellness for every generation.

Runners fuel their passion for the sport as they hit their stride at SM City Clark's running event.

Cyclists enjoying a smooth ride at SM City Clark

Players enjoy an exciting game of pickleball at SM City Cabanatuan, showcasing skill, fun, and friendly competition

Summer E-Games
Gaming enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Summer E-Games brings the thrill of competition to the digital battlefield, where rookie and pro gamers head-to-head in various tournaments. Experience heart-racing matches, score exclusive gaming merchandise, and show off your skills in front of a cheering crowd!

Gamers come together for an exciting and action-packed Valorant tournament at SM Megamall's Cyberzone

Summer Pet Olympics
For pet lovers, Summer Pet Olympics takes the spotlight with adorable and exciting competitions. A collaborative effort with SM Super Pets Club, this event features races, obstacle courses, and pet-friendly contests designed to showcase agility, obedience, and fun!

Let your furry friends dive into summer fun -- join the exciting Pet Olympics at SM Supermalls!

Whether you're diving into the world of sports, leveling up in e-gaming or simply soaking up the ultimate summer vibes, SM Supermalls has everything you need for an action-packed, fun-filled summer season.

So, what are you waiting for? Make this summer one for the books! Mark your calendars, gather your squad, and head to SM Supermalls for an unforgettable adventure.

Stay updated on all the fun by following @SMSupermalls on social media or visiting www.supermalls.com

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PETA Summer Workshop is BACK!

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is back to offering its face-to-face summer theater workshops starting May 2023!

The year marks an important milestone for Philippine theater as this is the year stages reopened and live performances returned for Filipino audiences post-pandemic. As PETA celebrates its 56th year in the industry, and wraps up its last month of the successful and highly-anticipated run of its newest original musical, Rody Vera’s Walang Aray (a farcical adaptation of Severino Reyes’ class zarzuela Walang Sugat), we can expect more theater activities in store for everyone in the coming months!

The next big thing everyone can anticipate is the return of PETA’s annual Summer Workshops, which shifted to an online, and eventually, a hybrid set-up during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. From May-July 2023, PETA Summer Workshops will now take place fully in-person at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City, offering five courses:

● Children’s Theater 1 (6 to 8 years old) is a safe space for little kids to get immersed in the art of rhythmic movement, dance, songs, puppetry, storytelling, and many more;

● Children’s Theater 2 (9 to 12 years old) offers kids a journey of artistic discovery through music, visual arts, poetry, story writing, storytelling, and drama improvisation;

● Teen Theater (14 to 17 years old) employs PETA’s one-of-a-kind Integrated Theater Arts approach to create a combination of a fun and challenging workshop course designed for teens looking to nourish their artistic spirit through creative drama, sound and music, and visual arts;

● Musical Theater for Teens (13 to 17 years old) is rooted in experimentation and discovery for musically inclined teens, offering a workshop course that aims to develop the connections between body, music, and storytelling through various theatrical activities;

● Theater Arts (18 years old and up) is a beginner’s course for adults that will teach the fundamentals of theater acting, dramatic improvisation, and theater production;

● Acting 1 (18 years old and up) is an adult’s course that focuses on the specialized skill of acting, to develop and enhance one’s acting tools by exploring different acting styles and principles for experienced performers to level up in their discipline; and

● Creative Musical Theater (18 years old and up) is a course for musically inclined adults which explores the fine art of musical theater by allowing participants to experience the elements of musical performance, composition, and production in order to understand the harmonization of the different fields that make a successful musical show.

The PETA Summer Workshops offer a range of courses for people of all ages, and participants can expect to learn a range of skills, from the fundamentals of theater acting to creative drama, sound and music, and visual arts.

The PETA Summer Workshops have gained immense popularity among children and adults for their long-term impact, aiding participants in their respective fields and disciplines. The courses offer a unique opportunity to learn from experienced PETA Artist-Teachers, who have been part of iconic PETA shows like Walang Aray, Rak of Aegis, and CareDivas.

Registration and enrollment is currently ongoing. Interested applicants can register for PETA Summer Workshops 2023 now at www.bit.ly/petasummerworkshop! For more information, contact Betita Sarmiento at 0926-406-6858, betitasarmiento@petatheater.com, or follow PETA on its social media accounts: @petatheater.

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Summer Outdoor Fun Stuff from Pet Express

With summer ahead and easier travel, it’s the perfect time to have a pawsome break with your fur babies. Whether it’s just a stroll in the park, an afternoon in a mall’s Paw Park, spending a weekend getaway like swimming at the beach or a day hike with your dog, Pet Express has outdoor essentials that will keep your adventures safe and worry-free.

Pet Express , the one-stop shop for all your pet’s essentials, has a wide variety of outdoor accessories like collapsible pool and feeding bowls; tug toys and treat dispensing toys; and pet wagons and strollers, that will keep your dog active and safe this summer. Here are some practical tips to keep your active dog safe on your next adventure:

1. Create a checklist on your dog’s needs. Pack a lot of dog treats and meals that can be easily fed to your dog; and bring plenty of water and cool mat to beat the heat.

 

2. Have your dog checked with your vet before going on an outdoor adventure. Make sure that your dog’s flea and tick treatment and vaccinations are up-to date too.

3. Try not to feed your dog for an hour or two before you travel, this can help prevent motion sickness during your ride.

4. While on the road, have a bucket car seat for your dog to keep them in place while moving.

5. Start slow on your hike and always keep your dogs on a leash while walking on your trail.

6. Make sure your dogs are always place in a fully shaded and cool area after a long walk and keep them hydrated. Always bring cooling collars, vest and mats that are very useful during hot summer days.

7. Watch out for signs of heatstroke brought about my extreme temperatures - heavy panting, difficulty breathing, glazed eyes, dizziness, profuse salivation, vomiting, and a deep red or purple tongue.

Pet parents can now place their order online thru www.petexpress.com.ph and on their Call and Collect services in selected branches and shop thru a PAWSONAL SHOPPER at 0917.8091864. Also, Pet Express is now open at The SM Stores in SM Ortigas, SM Makati, SM Southmall, SM Bicutan, SM East Ortigas, SM Marikina, SM Novaliches, SM Bacoor, SM Marilao, SM Clark, and SM Cebu. For more info and updates, follow PetExpressPH on Instagram and Facebook.

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Kultura's uniquely Filipino summer collection

Whether you're going to the beach, to a picnic or just to relax around the city, Kultura lets you go out in style. This summer, step in to Kultura for fun, stylish and fashionable items that are uniquely Filipino!

Add a touch of the exotic and the elegant to your summer wardrobe with cool caftans and tunics as well as pretty summer dresses. There are also ethnic inspired sarongs and ruffle skirts worn with halter tops that make stylish statements.

Accessorize with Kultura’s statement bracelets and neck pieces to complete your look. There are also beautifully textured unique handmade totes and hats perfect for fun in the sun and beyond.

For men, there are linen tops and tropical print shirts that will keep them cool and casual during sizzling summer days.

Find everything you need for a stylish summer at Kultura. Don’t miss Kultura’s weekly special offers on summer must-haves! The Summer Collection is available at Kultura Stores. You can also shop thru our website: www.kulturafilipino.com or thru Call to Deliver 0917-5174096 / 09676093407. Kultura ships here and abroad.

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Hooray for Toy Kingdom's Top 10 Summer Toys

Explore the great outdoors and say Hooray for Summer fun with amazing play-mates from Toy Kingdom. Here are Toy Kingdom’s 10 Top Toys that will make this summer exciting and memorable.

Topping the list are new toys from Batman and Barbie that have brought happiness to kids for many generations. This summer, the incredibly detailed McFarlane DC Comics Multiverse Batman Figure and Barbie’s Color Reveal Mermaid sets will be delightful additions to their collection.

Toys that allow kids to discover outdoor fun come next. With eased restrictions, this is the best time for kids to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. They make a splash in your own backyard with cool inflatable pools, floaters and bubble blasters. Create your own exciting water adventure with a Giant rectangular pool or Waterslide with Gator sprinkler pool.

Or they can have a blast biking around the neighborhood or in the park. There are Disney-inspired bikes, foldable e-Scooters, and protection sets for active kids on the go; as well as motorized Motor Trucks and Go Karts by Rux and Segway. These will make your kids love cycling and electronic mobility as they explore the outdoors.

Rounding up the list are portable playsets from Frozen and Barbie; and Play-Doh sets where kids can explore their creative side.

Check out the Toy Kingdom’s Hooray for Play Collection in-store or on their website at www.toykingdom.com.ph and order now thru their Call to Deliver services at 0917.5578797 and have a personal shopper assist you.

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"LOCALOVE" summer selections in Kultura

Before we welcome the rainy season, you still have time to flaunt locally made masterpieces you can find only in Kultura. Ethnic inspired wrap pants, fashionable watermelon and basket shaped bags made from rattan and pandan, and semi-precious stone jewelry creatively designed by homegrown artisans.

Bring a touch of the indigenous and the innovative, the exotic and the elegant to your summer wardrobe from Kultura. There are cool cover ups and pretty sundresses; beautifully textured unique handmade bags made from rattan, pandan and wicker; textured straw hats; and semi-precious jewelry that capture the colors of summer. Loving local has never been more stylish.  

  

Wear them anywhere you want. Perfect for lounging at home, taking time out at the family farm, or shopping for essentials in the city, the summer collection is available at Kultura Stores. You can also shop thru our website: www.kulturafilipino.com or thru call to deliver 09175174096. Kultura ships in the Philippines and abroad.

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know your teachers in 9WT's Stage Camp

9 Works Theatricals' Stage Camp is an annual theater arts workshop for all ages and it will surely make your summer productive and art-filled with the following courses for 7 whole weeks! The workshop starts on April 11 to May 29 with the following:

Kiddie and Pre-Teen Camp (Ages 5 to 11 years old):
Mondays to Fridays
Weeks 1-3: April 11 to 29, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Weeks 4-7: May 2 to 27, 12:00nn to 3:00pm

Teens Camp (Ages 12 to16 years old)
Mondays to Fridays
Weeks 1-3: April 11 to 29, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Weeks 4-7: May 2 to 27, 3:30pm to 6:30pm

Adult Camp (Ages 17 years old and up)
Mondays to Fridays
Weeks 1-3: April 11 to 29, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Weeks 4-7: May 2 to 27, 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Just in case you're more interested of the teachers, let me introduce 5 in the 9WT network to impart theater skills that you will surely enjoy.

Kiddie & Pre-Teen Camp (ages 5 – 11) will be held 1pm-3pm from April 11, and will shift to 12pm-3pm by May. Students will be under the mentoring of Onyl Torres (musical director of 9WT’s RENT, The Wedding Singer, 50 Shades!, and artistic board director of the Philippine Choral Directors Association) and Jim Ferrer (West End UK’s Here Lies Love, ATEG’s Tarzan) - you may also recognize him in a Nissin Yakisoba commercial.

Teen Camp (ages 12 – 16) will be held 4pm-6pm (April) and will shift to 3:30pm-6:30pm (May). Managing the class are Sab Jose (9WT’s RENT, The Wedding Singer, Grease, and The Sandbox Collective’s acting coach for NO FILTER) and Nelsito Gomez (9WT’s Grease, Manila Shakespeare Company’s Romeo and Juliet, ATEG’ Saturday Night Fever, Shrek).

Adult Camp (17 and above) will be held 7pm-9pm (April) and will shift to 7pm-10pm (May). The workshop will be spearheaded by 9 Works Theatrical’s Artistic Director and theater veteran Robbie Guevara (Asian and UK tour of Miss Saigon, and the directorial force behind 9WT’s shows).

The culminating showcases will be at the CPR Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati with the Adult Camp performing on May 28 at 8pm, and the Kiddie&Pre-Teen Camp on May 29 at 3pm, followed by the Teen Camp at 5pm.

Pick up your phones and contact 0917.554.5560 or 586.7105 or email info@9workstheatrical.com for enrollment and inquiries!

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theater summer workshops by PETA and 9WT

Since classes are almost over for those taking school, take time to make your summer more productive, artistic and entertaining with two of Manila's theater companies which offered award-winning and talked about productions in the past theater seasons.

PETA Theater will be conducting theater classes for almost all ages starting April 4 and you are invited in the following courses:
Children's Theater 1 (ages 6 to 8)
Children's Theater 2 (ages 9 to 12)
Teen Theater (ages 13 to 16)
Theater Arts (ages 17 & up)
Basic Acting (ages 17 & up)
Creative Musical Theater (ages 16 & up)
Visual Arts (ages 16 & up)
Theater Arts for Seniors (ages 60 & up)

These courses will be offered in two locations:

PETA is proud home for productions like William, Rak of Aegis, Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang and recently 3 Stars and A Sun. For more inquiries, you can call 725 6244, 0905 369 6003, or email petatheater@gmail.com to reserve a slot.

If you are way to the south of Manila, you can get involved with 9 Works Theatrical, the house of musicals like You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Last 6 Years, R.E.N.T. and more. Try their Stage Camp, is a 7-week filled with theater activities and is composed of three courses:

Kiddie and Pre-Teen Camp (Ages 5 to 11 years old):
Mondays to Fridays
Weeks 1-3: April 11 to 29, 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Weeks 4-7: May 2 to 27, 12:00nn to 3:00pm
Teens Camp (Ages 12 to16 years old)
Mondays to Fridays
Weeks 1-3: April 11 to 29, 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Weeks 4-7: May 2 to 27, 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Adult Camp (Ages 17 years old and up)
Mondays to Fridays
Weeks 1-3: April 11 to 29, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Weeks 4-7: May 2 to 27, 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Culminating Showcases will be at the RCBC Plaza:
Saturday, May 28, 8:00pm - Adult Camp
Sunday, May 29, 3:00pm - Kiddie and Pre-Teen Camp
Sunday, May 29, 5:00pm - Teens Camp

Contact 0917.554.5560 or 586.7105 or email info@9workstheatrical.com for enrollment and inquiries!

Get those vocals, footwork and acting skills prepped up and join these great summer activities to make your summer more exciting than before!

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ANGRY BIRDS movie - trailer impressions

After we've seen their cameo appearance in Rio, Rovio's biggest online and mobile game ANGRY BIRDS has been turned into a movie and will be released next summer. It has a TV series running now on kids channels but the movie version gives a new look on these adorable characters. Here are some points:

1. All the birds are present and now has bodies aside from just being round.
2. Red (Jason Sudeikis) gives us the reason why he is being angry. The original purpose of the mobile game, the cute creature ironically has a rough character to begin with.

3. Of course the pigs are present and they also got full bodies like the birds. And they have names! The leader of the pig is named Leonard, and is voiced over by Bill Hader.

4. The trailer is so adorable and cute that it had to start with The Carpenter's Close To You and transition to Michael Jackson's BAD. I don't know why but it's hilarious.
5. Sadly, it doesn't contain all the birds from the game. Take a look of some of the birds that we missed.

Watch the trailer here:
Featuring a hilarious, all-star voice cast that includes Bill Hader (“Inside Out”), Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids”), and Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), as well as Keegan-Michael Key (“Pitch Perfect 2”), Kate McKinnon (next year's “Ghostbusters”), Tony Hale (“Veep”), Ike Barinholtz (“Neighbors”), Hannibal Buress (“Broad City”), Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”), Danielle Brooks (“Orange is the New Black”), Latin music sensation Romeo Santos, and YouTube stars Smosh (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla), the Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment film is directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis, produced by John Cohen and Catherine Winder, screenplay by Jon Vitti, and executive produced by Mikael Hed and David Maisel.

Opening across the Philippines on May 18, 2016, “Angry Birds” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

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