Reflect during the Holy Week and have a Wicked-ly Fun Easter at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a season of reflection, culinary delights, and family-friendly festivities with a carefully curated lineup of Holy Week and Easter events.

Easter at the EGGmerald City

Families are in for a Wicked-ly fun Easter at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Inspired by the whimsical world of Wizard of Oz, Easter at the EGGmerald City will transform the venue into an emerald and pink-colored wonderland filled with activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake making, arts and crafts, egg decorating, a magic show, balloon twisting, a musical, and much more. Hotel mascot Willy the Bear will make a special appearance, ready to meet junior guests and pose for photos.

“We are thrilled to host a truly unique Easter celebration this year, bringing the wicked world of Oz into reality for the spectacle for our junior guests,” says Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories together in a fun and magical atmosphere.”

Tickets for Easter at the EGGmerald City is priced at Php 1,999 net, which includes admission for one child (12 years old and below) and one adult companion (13 years old and above).

For families seeking to extend fun, The Manila Hotel offers a special room package at Php 10,000 net inclusive of an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast buffet for two persons at Café Ilang-Ilang, and one complimentary ticket to Easter at the EGGmerald City. Booking period is ongoing until April 19, 2025. Stay date is on April 20, 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Numbers FTEB-217902 and FTEB-217877. Series of 2025.

Visita Iglesia: A Holy Week Pilgrimage

In the spirit of Lenten reflection, The Manila Hotel invites guests to join a meaningful Visita Iglesia tour on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. The tour will be led by The Traveling Salakot, Paul John Hernandez, a social science educator known for his engaging historical tours that highlight Filipino heritage.

Recognized by the Department of Tourism and National Parks Development Committee, The Traveling Salakot brings deep insight into the significance of each church along the route.

Visita Iglesia will include visits to Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Santa Rita Chapel, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Church, Santa Maria Goretti, Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, and Our Lady of Remedies Church.

Priced at Php 1,500 per adult and Php 750 per child (12 years old and below), the package includes roundtrip shuttle service and snacks. Two schedules are available: 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Limited slots are available, and reservations are recommended through +632 8527 0011 or concierge@themanilahotel.com.

For a complete Holy Week retreat, guests can avail the Visita Iglesia Room Offer at Php 10,000 per room per night, which includes a stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast for two at Café Ilang-Ilang, and Visita Iglesia tour access for two adults and two kids. Reservations are open until April 16, 2025 through +632 8527 0011 or resvn@themanilahotel.com, with stay dates from April 16 to 18, 2025 inclusive.

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Wicked (Part 1) Review: A Magical and Emotional Return to Oz

Years after taking Broadway by storm, Wicked finally makes its long-awaited debut on the big screen. With Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical is set to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The global success of the stage production has set high expectations, and the film delivers, adding a fresh layer of magic for those eager to explore the backstory of The Wizard of Oz.

"Defying Gravity" Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

From the very first scene, Wicked transports audiences back to the vibrant land of Oz. The world-building is visually stunning, with Munchkinland, Shiz University, and the Emerald City brought to life in exquisite detail. The film's production design is nothing short of magical, with sweeping landscapes and intricate set pieces that immerse us in a world both familiar and entirely new.

The performances are at the heart of this adaptation. Ariana Grande impresses with her powerful, operatic vocals, especially in her early scenes as Glinda. Her portrayal of the popular, bubbly witch is endearing and, at times, surprisingly grounded. Cynthia Erivo, however, is the true standout. She brings a depth and emotional richness to Elphaba, capturing the character's vulnerability, defiance, and ultimately, her iconic "wickedness." Erivo’s performance, both vocally and emotionally, gives Elphaba the justice she deserves, turning her into a character that we can’t help but love, even as she’s misunderstood.

The visuals of Oz are breathtaking, and the film’s direction ensures that every scene feels like a spectacle. I found myself particularly moved during Elphaba’s solo dance at the Ozdust Ballroom—a hauntingly beautiful moment that symbolizes her inner turmoil and longing for acceptance. The sequence, set to the haunting “Defying Gravity,” is a powerful reminder of why this story resonates so deeply with audiences. It’s a moment of liberation and defiance, both poignant and exhilarating.

"Popular" Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

The film also pays homage to the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie with several subtle easter eggs and references. Keep an eye out for the iconic ruby slippers and some familiar nods to the original, giving longtime fans a delightful sense of continuity. There are also moments that echo the stage musical, ensuring that Wicked enthusiasts will feel right at home while still experiencing something fresh and exciting.

A standout part of the ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, who brings charm and complexity to his role, while Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible is as imposing and mysterious as ever. Jeff Goldblum adds a quirky spin to the Wizard, while Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage round out the talented cast with strong supporting performances.

Directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Wicked Part 1 is an epic, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that makes a powerful case for why this story has endured for decades. The film strikes a delicate balance between spectacle and heart, making it a must-see event for fans of the musical, The Wizard of Oz, and anyone who loves a good story of friendship, defiance, and self-discovery.

Opening today in theaters, Wicked Part 1 is best experienced on the biggest screen possible, preferably IMAX, where its grandeur can truly be appreciated. Don’t miss this magical journey to Oz—it’s one you won’t forget.

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November 2024 Movies!

Don’t miss these movies, opening in cinemas in November!

November 6 - Red One (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, J.K. Simmons
Directed by: Jake Kasdan
Trailer, Trailer 2

After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

November 13 - SANA: Let Me Hear (Encore Films)
Cast: Nagisa Shibuya, Hayase Ikoi, Soma Santoki
Directed by: Takashi Shimizu
Trailer

In 1992, a rooftop confrontation between schoolgirls ends in tragedy as one girl, Sana, accidentally falls to her death. Mysteriously, a cassette recorder was found next to her body, still recording. 32 years later, a young woman named Honoka (Nagisa Shibuya) is hired to teach summer classes at the same school. History repeats itself as another student falls from the same building, witnessed by Honoka and her students, Hitomi (Hayase Ikoi) and Takeru (Soma Santoki).

November 20 - Wicked (Universal Pictures)
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Peter Dinklage
Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Trailer, Trailer 2

“Wicked” is the story of the witches of Oz when they meet as students at Shiz University. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who stands out because of her green skin, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular and ambitious woman, forge an unlikely yet profound friendship. A journey across the land of Oz and an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum) tests their friendship and takes their lives on very different paths.

*Schedules are subject to change without prior notice.*

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Wicked Movie comes in two parts

After the exciting announcement of the cast in November, Jon M. Chu, director of Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights,  is proud to announce that the highly-acclaimed musical movie adaptation will be divided in to two parts, to give justice to elements that might be in danger to be omitted in the full length movie.

Here's the official statement from Jon M. Chu:

SPECIAL WICKED UPDATE / Thank you for all the support these past several months in anticipation of the WICKED movie. We have so many exciting things to share but for now I'm giving you one... or two, rather.

Here's what happened as we prepared this production over the last year, it became increasingly clear that it would be impossible to wrestle the story of WICKED into a single film without doing some real damage to it. As we tried to cut songs or trim characters, those decisions began to feel like fatal compromises to the source material that has entertained us all for so many years. So we decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one WICKED movie but TWO!!!! With more space, we can tell the story of WICKED as it was meant to be told whole bringing even more depth and surprise to the journeys of these beloved characters.

Cynthia, Ariana, and I -- and all of the cast and crew -- pledge to create nothing less than an experience that honors its foundation for all the fans who've waited for this movie, and to offer a thrilling, fantastical world full of dynamic characters that invites in those who are unfamiliar.

So get ready, because WICKED is finally coming to you on successive Christmas holidays beginning December 2024. Until then, I will be keeping you up to date throughout rehearsals, the shoot, and even editing. Here. We. Go. #WickedMovies

Jon M. Chu

Wicked Movie initially cast Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Glinda / Galinda. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, based on the characters and setting of the classic 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film The Wizard of Oz. The first movie is scheduled for release on Christmas 2024 under Universal Pictures.

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I want to see IDINA MENZEL's concert

The Tony Award and Academy Award-winning artist, Idina Menzel announced her stop in the world concert series and included Manila as part of it which will happen on June 7, 2015 8PM at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The 43-year old actress, also called as Adele Nazeem by John Travolta in an Oscar event, will sing hit songs that will relive moments of love, hurt and inspiration that theater and movie goers love. Including the award-winning song Let It Go from Disney's Frozen. It will be a one-night concert so better get your pockets ready.

Part of her nominations and winnings in her career are her roles in Rent as Maureen, Elphie in Wicked, as Rachel Berry's mom in Glee. The most famous I think was as Elsa in Frozen. Her powerful voice captured worldwide audiences and continue to captivate us every time she performs.

Ticket prices will be on sale starting March 28 via SM Tickets.

VIP - Php 7500
Patron - Php 5000
Lower Box A - Php 3500
Lower Box B - Php 2500
Upper Box - Php 1200

Which one are you buying?

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oh yes! I'm spreading rumors!

yes, i've heard this myself and i'm very excited to bring teasers in my Twitter account about two musicals coming to Manila.

on July 2013, the sexy Broadway musical, DIRTY DANCING will strot its way to CCP. we'll definitely sing along with Time of My Life and remember how Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey did it on the dance floor as Johnny Castle and Frances Houseman in the movies.

and on January 2014, my fantasies on seeing the back story of The Wizard of Oz will finally be true when they will bring WICKED the musical here in the Philippines. i should not let this pass because i got really sad when i missed Mamma Mia and The Phantom of the Opera.

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