Sunlight Air and The Henry Resort reveal a slower side of Siargao

As more Filipinos trade packed itineraries for the unhurried pace of slow travel, Siargao is emerging as one of the country's premier destinations to experience it. Best known for its world-class surf, buzzing nightlife, and café culture, the island also holds a quieter side, one that rewards travelers who choose to slow down, especially from April to August when the waves are calmer.

Last July, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels and Resorts welcomed a curated group of guests from the travel, tourism, film, and creative industries for Where Stories Stay Still: A Siargao Changemakers Trip. The four-day immersive experience brought together individuals whose work influences how Filipinos discover destinations and engage with local communities, earning them the title Changemakers for their ability to inspire more thoughtful and meaningful ways of traveling.

Beyond curating the itinerary, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels also partnered with Hertz Philippines to provide seamless land transfers between Manila and Clark, as well as throughout Siargao, allowing guests to focus on experiencing the destination at an unhurried pace. Rather than racing through a checklist of attractions, the itinerary invited guests to linger and connect with the island through its people, culture, cuisine, and natural landscapes.

Exploring Siargao Beyond the Tourist Trail

In partnership with Galatea Tours Siargao, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels led guests beyond the island's usual tourist trail to Corregidor Island, originally known as Casulian Island. Roughly a 45-minute boat ride from Siargao, the island rewards visitors who take their time. A gentle 20- to 30-minute hike leads to sweeping panoramic views, though the journey there is just as memorable.

The group later made their way to the Malinao Mangroves, tucked into the quiet village of Malinao near Secret Beach. Part of Siargao’s expansive mangrove ecosystem, Malinao Mangroves showcases the island’s quieter side, with lush waterways, serene surroundings, and sightings of fruit bats that highlight the area’s natural charm. Exploring the calm waterways by paddleboard, kayak, or traditional baroto revealed an entirely different side of Siargao, defined not by adrenaline, but by silence, birdsong, and the peaceful embrace of the mangrove forest.

It was a fitting reminder that some of the island's most rewarding places reveal themselves only to those willing to slow down and learn from the people who know the island best.

Learning From Siargao's Local Community

Some of Siargao's most meaningful experiences aren't found in its landscapes but in the people who shape its culture and sustain its traditions. To offer guests a deeper connection to the island’s way of life, Lokal Lab in The Hub, General Luna, led an immersive kinilaw workshop that began with a visit to the local public market. The experience highlighted the importance of Siargao’s community-to-table practices, where locally sourced ingredients support small-scale fishermen, farmers, and producers whose livelihoods are closely tied to the island’s natural resources. At the workshop, guests prepared Siargao’s signature kinilaw using tuba vinegar and freshly squeezed coconut milk, deepening their appreciation for the stories, people, and sustainable practices behind every flavor.

Discovering Siargao's Culinary Scene

Like many who visit Siargao, the people behind some of its most celebrated restaurants first came for the island and stayed because they fell in love with its way of life. They brought their craft, creativity, and passion for cooking with them, helping turn Siargao into one of the country's most exciting food destinations.

To showcase this evolving culinary scene, the four-day itinerary allowed for multiple restaurants to become a destination in its own right. Each restaurant offered unique flavors and creative menus that left guests wanting to savor the moment longer:

Kanin Baboy – known for its generous servings of Filipino classics led by its signature spicy lechon

LOKA Siargao – a beachfront spot by Cloud 9 known for its wood-fired pizzas and laid-back cocktail menu

ROOTS Siargao – multi-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal ingredients, thoughtful flavors, and meticulous presentation

Wild Siargao – where inventive, globally inspired flavors showcase the creativity that has made the island a destination for chefs and food lovers alike

CEV Siargao – one of the pioneers of Siargao's dining scene, known for reimagining kinilaw and ceviche

Kermit Siargao – the island's go-to destination for handmade pizzas and fresh pasta

By lingering over each meal and getting to know the people behind them, the group experienced firsthand how the island's dining scene is as much about its stories as it is about its flavors, inviting future travelers to discover these restaurants not simply for what they serve, but for the stories they tell.

The Changemakers' Takeaway

By the end of the four-day Where Stories Stay Still: A Siargao Changemakers Trip, the guests left with more than a full itinerary, but with a deeper understanding of what makes Siargao worth slowing down for. By bringing together this group of changemakers, Sunlight Air and The Henry Hotels hope to provide another perspective of the island’s quieter side to the people who shape how Filipinos travel, eat, and tell stories. Through meaningful conversations, local encounters, peaceful landscapes, and memorable meals, the group discovered a side of Siargao that goes beyond tourism.

The experience was also a reminder that meaningful change happens when people come together. “Alone, an airline, a hotel, a tour operator, or a local business can only do so much. But together, as a village with people who believe in the destination and its communities, every effort can help move the needle and create a greater impact,” said Lee.

Sunlight Air CEO Ryna Brito-Garcia shared, "This trip reminded us that travel isn't just about bringing people to a destination, but about helping travelers connect with the communities that call these places home. We, as an airline, also play a key role in the ecosystem –supporting local businesses, celebrating local culture, and creating opportunities for destinations and the people behind them to thrive."

That shared commitment continues to shape Sunlight Air’s partnerships and collaborations with local communities, championing experiences that create meaningful connections between travelers and destinations.

Sometimes, the best way to see Siargao isn’t by doing more, but by slowing down. For travelers inspired to experience the island beyond its well-known attractions, Sunlight Air Vacations, in partnership with The Henry Hotels and Resorts, offers thoughtfully curated packages that showcase the stories, people, and places that make Siargao worth savoring. Learn more at sunlightair.ph/vacations.

This trip was made possible in collaboration with Hertz Philippines, Galatea Tours Siargao, Lokal Lab, and restaurant partners Loka, Kanin Baboy, CEV Siargao, Wild Siargao, and Kermit Restaurant. Adding thoughtful touches of comfort and craftsmanship to the journey were Messy Bessy, Bagoyan, Abel PH, and Primer Group of Companies.

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Spring Returns: The Sandbox Collective opens its 2027 Slate with Spring Awakening

The Sandbox Collective announces the highly anticipated and limited rerun of the award-winning rock musical, SPRING AWAKENING. The production is set to open in February 2027 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

The staging recently received 17 citations from Gawad Buhay Awards, cementing it as one of the most celebrated local productions of the season.

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Duncan Sheik, SPRING AWAKENING is a contemporary rock masterpiece based on the controversial Frank Wedekind play of the same name.

Set in 19th-century Germany, the musical follows a group of teenagers navigating their burgeoning sexualities and rapidly changing bodies. As they seek answers to the mysteries of life, they clash with uncommunicative parents, rigid institutions, and a deeply conservative society. Driven by an electrifying alternative rock score, the show channels its characters' adolescent repressions into the timeless angst and power of modern youth.

It is an illuminating, unforgettable fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

With direction by Gawad Buhay nominee Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan (Muli, Lungs, Sa Wakas, Fringe Manila) and musical direction by multi-awarded Ejay Yatco (Side Show, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors), the SPRING AWAKENING rerun promises to reignite vital conversations while championing The Sandbox Collective’s ongoing education and advocacy initiatives.

Pamintuan and Yatco are joined by Nunoy Van Den Burgh (Choreographer), Missy Maramara (Intimacy Director), Wika Nadera (Set Designer), Raven Ong (Costume Designer), Gabbi Campomanes (Assistant Director), and D Cortezano (Lighting Designer).

Ticket information will be announced soon.

SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok.

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Gourdo’s Reclaims Rest in Metro Manila with “The Dream Oasis” Sleepcare x Healthguard Pop-Up at The Podium

To combat the growing sleep crisis facing urban professionals, Gourdo’s announces the launch of The Dream Oasis: Sleepcare x Healthguard, an interactive, sensory pop-up running from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Central Atrium of The Podium Mall in Ortigas.

As Metro Manila's fast-paced lifestyle increasingly compromises personal well-being, Gourdo’s is redefining urban rest by orchestrating a powerful synergy between three renowned sleep technology leaders: Sleepcare, Healthguard®, and A-Fontane®. Developed as Gourdo's signature line for holistic sleep wellness, Sleepcare focuses on precision ergonomic design and tailored contouring to relieve spinal strain and daily posture fatigue. Partnering with Sleepcare is Healthguard®, a global pioneer in advanced biocide and anti-dust mite treatments engineered to create permanent, medical-grade barriers against microscopic allergens, bacteria, and dust mites. Completing this sleep sanctuary ecosystem is A-Fontane®, an internationally acclaimed home textile pioneer with over five decades of fabric innovation. Known for its revolutionary, award-winning home solutions, A-Fontane brings its flagship StayClean technology—a self-cleaning, stain-resistant, and liquid-repellent fabric barrier that keeps bedding hygienic, fresh, and effortlessly low-maintenance.

Recent studies reveal that 74% of Metro Manila professionals report critical sleep depravity, driven by intense traffic congestion, long commutes, and round-the-clock corporate connectivity.

Gourdo’s is addressing this head-on by transforming luxury bedding from a mere household purchase into an essential lifestyle rescue.

"In a fast-paced metropolis that rarely stops to breathe, the ultimate luxury we can reclaim is a deeply restorative night's rest," says the Gourdo’s Sleepcare team. "By combining Sleepcare’s ergonomic pressure relief, Healthguard®’s allergy protection, and A-Fontane®’s high-performance fabric technology, The Dream Oasis offers a complete sanctuary where guests can actively test, touch, and discover personalized sleep solutions tailored to their exact daily stressors. Notably, the breakthrough protection of Heathguard® is available in the Philippines exclusively through Gourdo’s.”

An Interactive, Experiential Sanctuary

Visitors begin with a personalized Sleep Profile Quiz before embarking on a four-stop sensory journey:

1. Sleep Sanctuary Suite: A trial bed zone to test matched Sleepcare pillows.
2. Touch Bar: A hands-on display to compare raw Sleepcare filling materials.
3. Aromatherapy Bar: A scent station featuring custom local essential oils and takeaway samples.
4. Tea Station: A calming zone offering sleep-promoting herbal tea samples.

 
Sleep Sanctuary Suite

Touch Bar

Tea Station

Aromatherapy Bar

The venue also features A-Fontane StayClean products, along with daily Speed Bedding Challenges for a chance to win top-of-the-line Sleepcare pillows.

Ergonomic Pillow Solutions for Every Sleep Profile

The Gourdo's Sleepcare pillow collection targets four distinct urban sleep profiles with specialized engineering:

Sleepcare Memory Comfort Pillow: Tailored for professionals suffering from severe neck tension and posture fatigue after long hours at a desk. Built with high-density, open-cell memory foam and an ergonomic contoured design, it cradles the cervical curve to align the spine, relieving pressure points across the neck and shoulders.

Sleepcare Memory Gel Pillow: Engineered for sleepers struggling with tropical heat and night sweats. Features an integrated Cool Gel membrane layer combined with a breathable Bamboo cover. While the gel layer actively absorbs and dissipates body heat away from the head and neck to regulate surface temperature, the countered memory foam also addresses cervical posture for optimal spinal alignment during deep sleep.

Sleepcare Anti-Mite Anti-Bacterial Anti-Bed Bug Pillow: Designed for exhausted commuters suffering from lower back stiffness and allergen exposure. Encased in a premium 200-thread count, air-permeable fabric, this full-length body pillow opens up hips to align the lumbar spine.

This pillow is Healthguard® treated, featuring an advanced biotech formula developed in Australia that permanently inhibits dust mites, bacteria, and bed bugs to create a cleaner, medical-grade sleeping environment.

Hotel Atelier Premium Queen Pillow: Engineered to provide immediate physical relaxation for late-night mobile phone users experiencing digital fatigue. Wrapped in 100% combed cotton with high-loft microfiber fill, it delivers staycation-grade, plush support that mimics five-star hotel bedding.

To ensure optimal sleep wellness, this pillow is Healthguard® treated. Originating from Australia, this premier biotech treatment prevents the colonization of harmful microbes, mold, and odor- causing bacteria for a fresher, hypoallergenic rest.

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MORYON: Behind the Mask of Faith Lies a Mother’s Reckoning with Grief

Based on Guy de Maupassant’s Mother Sauvage, and set within the Japanese Occupation of Marinduque, MORYON explores a community where faith, memory, and the search for justice are tested in the shadow of war.

The Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) opens its 93rd season with MORYON, a striking Filipino reimagining of Guy de Maupassant’s Mother Sauvage, written and directed by Dudz Teraña.

Set during Holy Thursday in Mogpog, a small town in Marinduque under Japanese occupation, the story revolves around the island’s traditions, struggles and people. At the heart of the play is the Moriones tradition. As devotees fill the streets in acts of penance and devotion, the realities of occupation quietly reshape the lives of those who call the island home.

Marinduqueños

Japanese soldiers

At the center of the story is Caridad, a mother waiting for her son Joaquin, a young guerrilla driven by a need to prove his worth in a world that has long underestimated him. When war reaches her doorstep, Caridad is forced to confront a choice that tests the limits of faith, justice and a mother’s love.

Caridad

What Lies Beneath the Masks?
Beyond its historical setting, MORYON examines the tensions that emerge when personal suffering collides with collective beliefs. In a town bound by tradition and faith, questions of justice become increasingly difficult to answer, especially when grief demands its own form of reckoning.

By placing Maupassant’s moral dilemma within the cultural and historical realities of Marinduque, MORYON offers a distinctly Filipino perspective on a timeless story. It asks enduring questions:

1. Where is faith in moments of violence?
2. What becomes of justice when grief takes hold?
3. How far can a person go before survival begins to challenge their deepest convictions?

Behind MORYON stands a collaborative team of student artists whose work extends beyond the stage. From production management and technical execution to design, publicity, marketing, and audience engagement, the production is shaped by the collective efforts of Assistant Director Kirstan Erin Wayne Orbegoso, Executive Director Maria Ysabel R. delos Reyes, Finance Director Trisha Tan, Production Manager Marjorie E. Uson, Head Stage Manager Danielle Schwartz, Production Designer Althea Carla H. Sibulo, Technical Director Martin Gabriel L. Mesina, Multimedia Director Johann Edgar S. Oliveros, Marketing Director Edrud Adriyel Madalan, Publicity Director Irish Jane L. Oliveros, and House Manager Zoe Trinity C. Sisam, whose dedication helps bring the story of MORYON from page to stage.

Bringing MORYON’s lead characters to life, Maria Alexandra Mayano and Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes alternately portray Caridad, while Dave Bambang and Aldin Covarrubias take on the role of Esteban.

 
Alexandra Mayano, Ysabel Delos Reyes (Caridad)

 
Aldin Covarrubias, Dave Bambang (Esteban)

MORYON will run at the FEU Center for the Arts Studio on the following dates:

• October 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, & 30
• November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28

The house will open at 6:00 PM. The performance begins at 6:30 PM.

Guests are encouraged to arrive 30–60 minutes before the start of MORYON to enjoy a free guided walk around FEU’s Art Deco Campus, recognized by UNESCO and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for its cultural and architectural significance.

Ticket Prices

• ₱150 : FEU Students / Faculty / Staff and FEU/FTG Alumni with Alumni ID
• ₱250 : Non-FEU Students (with valid ID)
• ₱500 : FTG Alumni without Alumni ID, PWD / Senior Citizen Discount
• ₱700 : General Public

For updates and announcements, connect with the Far Eastern University Theater Guild on Facebook, follow @feutheaterguildofficial on Instagram and TikTok, and @ftg1934 on Twitter/X.

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PETA x Move to Change Foundation, Inc. bring audiences into a world where they call the shots in “Gen G: GG na ’to!”

Because change does not begin only when young people become leaders, it begins when they recognize that their choices already matter.

What’s next for PETA? Aligned with its continued commitment to advocacy and educational theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents “Gen G: GG na ’to!”—a new interactive play about choice, survival, and community.

Created in partnership with Move to Change Foundation, Inc. (M2C)—a social purpose organization creating opportunities for young people to lead positive change—the production is part of Project GG: Game Changers for Good Governance, a youth-centered campaign that transforms civic education into lived experiences where young people learn that every voice matters and every act of participation helps shape more accountable communities and stronger democratic systems.

But this isn’t your usual sit-back-and-watch kind of play, the audience gets to participate, make choices, and help shape the experience.

Show Synopsis:
Set in an alternate Philippines submerged in flood waters, Gen G follows a group of young people placed in “Balangay Gen Zones”, temporary communities for youth who are adaptable, flexible, and have high chances of survival. They were to remain safe in the Balangay while adults sought solutions elsewhere.

But when the supposed return date arrives, the adults are nowhere to be found. Left to fend for themselves, the young people must figure out how to run their Balangay—and this time, the audience gets a say. Through votes, choices, negotiations, and unexpected consequences, audiences become part of the community and help determine what happens next.

As the story unfolds, Gen G asks: Who gets heard? Who gets left behind? What do we prioritize? Survival isn’t just about making the “right” choice. And when the system we inherit doesn’t work anymore, do we simply adapt—or do we dare to change it?

Through the world of the Balangay, Gen G invites young people to see participation as something that extends beyond elections, and agency beyond choosing among options given to them. It encourages them to question, imagine, and act together.

For co-playwright and PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag, the starting point was the seemingly simple question, “G?”

“Every time we say yes to something, we are also making a choice. And whether we realize it or not, our choices reveal what we value, whom we care about, and what kind of community we are helping create.”

At the helm is an exciting creative team led by director Ian Segarra (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), playwrights J-mee Katanyag (Nobody is Home, 2025 - PETA) and Jhudiel Sosa (Identité, 2024 - Virgin Labfest 19), musical director Kabaitan Bautista (Si Faust, 2025 - Areté), set and props designer Julio Garcia (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), and costume designer Johnnie Moran.

The cast features a mix of emerging and established performers, including Lyle Viray as New Character, Johnrick Noynay as Dex, James Lanante as Sid, Camille Fabian as Chloe, Francheska Andaya as Achi, Cb Lagapa as Achi/Chloe, and Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker.

 
Lyle Viray (New character), Johnrick Noynay (Dex)

 
James Lanante (Sid), Camille Fabian (Chloe)

 

Francheska Andaya (Achi), Cb Lagapa (Achi/Chloe)

 

Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker

The show will be touring 12 schools from September to December 2026.

Beyond the performance, “Project GG” will create opportunities for young people to engage through interactive experiences, workshops, community conversations, and other participatory activities designed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and collective decision-making.

From September to November 2026, the campaign will bring together partners and communities through initiatives focused on Global Citizenship Education, narrative change, and youth participation—from Reclaiming Democratic Spaces for Children through GCED in partnership with Terre des Hommes and Dachser, to the Narrative Change Education Series with DAKILA, Misereor, and FNF Philippines, culminating in Control + Shift Live! Narrative Change StudioLab and the Narrative Change Forum, which will extend conversations around narrative, power, care, and social change through performances, dialogue, and community exchange.

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PascualLab banners 80th Anniversary with the launch of Alevia-B and Mycolla C

One of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines forays into the mobility market and expands its beauty & personal care portfolio as it celebrates 8 decades in the industry

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab), one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines continues to expand its health and wellness portfolio on its 80th year in the industry with the launch of two new health and wellness products plus new campaigns for its flagship brands.

As it celebrates 80 years of delivering quality, family-friendly health and wellness products to Filipino families since 1946, PascualLab proudly enters the mobility market.

It also launches its newest product under one of its core categories, food supplementation.

ALEVIA B For Triple Action Relief for Muscle, Joint or Nerve-related Mild to Moderate Pain
Consistent with its history of purposeful health solutions, PascualLab now enters the mobility market with one of its newest offerings Alevia-B that combines Paracetamol with Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B6 (Pyridoxine), & B12 (Cyanocobalamin) in one convenient tablet to help relieve mild to moderate pain while supporting normal nerve function. 

• ALEVIA B features a triple-action formula that addresses different types of pain in a single formulation. an analgesic component (Paracetamol) with neurotropic vitamins (B1, B6, B12), providing a complementary, mechanism-based approach to support relief across multiple pain components.
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a widely used first-line non-opioid analgesic for mild to moderate pain. Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are essential for normal nervous system function and contribute to neuronal metabolism and myelin maintenance.

MY COLLA C Premium Marine Collagen + Vitamin C

For people approaching their mid-30s and 40s, the time when one needs to focus on the things that truly matter; look ahead into the future; and make choices that prepare them for the next chapter, PascualLab unveils MyColla C. At this time when certain realities appear – aging; skin rebuild; and need for nourishment from within – MyColla C offers a pairing that makes perfect sense:

• Premium Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen – building blocks that help support skin health: elasticity, hydration, and firmness
• Vitamin C - essential in producing and maintaining collagen

Collagen and Vitamin C work together to help support normal collagen formation and structure to achieve skin nourishment and radiance from within when paired

with proper diet and exercise.

My Colla C comes in different formats for varying lifestyles so users can choose what works: easy-to-drink Strawberry Milk powdered drink in sachets; versatile and easy-to- mix with favorite drinks Unflavored sachets; and compact and easy Chewable tablets for those always on the move. Begin your brightest chapter with MyColla C, #MyPremiumCollagenChoice at Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, St. Joseph Drugstore, and Watsons.

GALING THAT KEEPS GOING
This year, flagship brand Ascorbic Acid (Poten-Cee) Vitamin C also launched its #CeeGe Lang campaign while its no. 1 Lagundi brand Ascof Forte also launched its campaign on natural cough relief for various cough (not caused by bacterial infection). Meanwhile top psyllium fiber brand C-Lium Fibre unveiled its #PowerTheSlay campaign earlier this year to get Filipinos going and not be weighed down by irregular bowel movement while Poten-Cee + C highlights the benefits of bovine and marine collagen in one campaign: #MyGlowToChoice. To celebrate its 80th-anniversary, PascualLab also gifted customers with Php 80 Mercury Drug GCs for every accumulated purchase of PascualLab products worth Php 400. More offerings are also in the pipeline.

80 YEARS of PASCUALLAB
Launched in 1946 by founders Isosceles and Leonora Pascual to address the post-war needs of their fellowmen, PascualLab has since been continuously evolving to help address the health needs of Filipinos while keeping quality and care front and center. Now on its 80th, the company behind other product innovations such as OraCare Mouthrinse, PelarGo, and Glutaphos, looks forward with a theme that best captures its foundation, its purpose, and the Filipino excellence that factors in all these: #GalingThatKeepsGoing

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'LAST DANCE - HUBO'T HUBAD' all set for September - October shows at Halxyon Club

JAPS Collectives and World Theater Productions (Guam/Manila) proudly present LAST DANCE - HUBO’T HUBAD, an intimate queer ensemble play running this September and October at Halxyon Club, Makati’s premier LGBTQ+ nightlife destination.

Written and directed by award-winning actor, director, and producer Jojo Urquico, LAST DANCE is set inside the dressing room of a struggling Manila male revue bar on what may be its final night. As a violent storm rages outside and the threat of a police raid looms, five performers prepare for one last show while confronting abandoned dreams, concealed identities, and the sacrifices made to survive. Told through humor, music, and raw confession, their intertwined stories reveal the resilience of a chosen family determined to keep dancing despite an uncertain future.

Meet the Cast & Characters
GERALD MAGALLANES as ACE: The Fearless One
"How much of me is just an act?"
An Aliw Award-nominated actor and choreographer with over a decade of stage experience. Bold and outspoken, Ace uses humor to shield a deeply resilient core.

PAOLO DOMINGO as JAY: The Dreamer
"How far will I go for my dream?"
A versatile stage/film actor and resident DJ at Halxyon Club. Young and hopeful, Jay fights for his place as a professional dancer and the courage to live authentically.

JOHN SEGUI as DODONG: The Heart of the Group
"Who am I when the lights go out?"
A model and King of the World Philippines 2025 representative for Cainta, Rizal. Warm and protective, Dodong uses laughter to mask a longing for true acceptance.

KRISZAN MANIPON as MARK: The Veteran
"When do you know it's time for the last dance?"
A seasoned theater actor and improviser bringing intelligence and sharp wit to the role of a practical survivor evaluating his future on stage.

ROBBIE PADILLA as RAFA: The Quiet Soul
"What happens when the music stops?"
A visual storyteller making his stage debut. Grounded and observant, Rafa brings quiet depth to a character searching for purpose.

Marking a major creative milestone, LAST DANCE is the debut play written by Jojo Urquico. Known for notable international performances—including MISS SAIGON (Thuy), RENT (Angel), ROMEO & JULIET (Tybalt), and Die Zauberflöte (Tamino)—Urquico has performed across Europe and Asia, including the Göteborg Opera and Staatsoper Stuttgart. Since 2017, he has served as Artistic Director of World Theater Productions.

"Five Men. One Stage. Stripped Bare. Stories Uncovered. Their bodies may draw you in; their stories will stay with you."

Performance Schedule & Details

• September: 29 (Premiere)
• October Runs: 1, 6, 8, 13, 15
• Special Screening: October 17
• Final Shows: October 20, 22, 27, 29
• Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Halxyon Club, Poblacion, Makati, Philippines

Ticketing: Available online via Ticket2Me.com

• ₱700.00 – Front Seated
• ₱600.00 – Side Seated
• ₱500.00 – Standing

A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to PRIDE PH to support local LGBTQIA+ advocacy and community programs.

Content Advisory: Strictly for adult audiences aged 18 and above. Contains mature themes, sensual performances, and theatrical partial and full nudity.

Follow Japs Collectives and Halxyon Club on Instagram and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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4 Pro Tips to Avoid Traveling Mistakes

Even the most seasoned travelers can forget a thing or two when they travel abroad. On a trip that’s supposed to be fun and full of adventure, the last thing anybody wants to deal with is problems that could have been avoided with better preparation and planning. So, here are four things travelers tend to forget, along with pro tips from some travel experts to help avoid these common travel blunders.

Forgetting about the home
Travel plans begin at home, literally. It’s easy to focus on packing and planning an itinerary and forget to make sure everything is taken care of at home before leaving. The last thing any person wants is to come back from a relaxing trip to a major cleanup job, or worse, discover that their home wasn’t properly secured while they were away.

Many homeowners keep an eye on things through CCTV, while others ask a close relative to drop by every now and then. It’s also important to unplug all electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running. It may seem obvious, but taking care of these things before leaving can give travelers one less thing to worry about while they're on vacation.

Overlooking important travel documents
There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing an important document was either left unfinished or not brought at all. To avoid these moments, it’s important to have a checklist of everything that needs to be completed – such as the eTravel pass – ahead of time. These are easy to put off at the last minute, but doing so often leaves travelers scrambling once at the airport.

Another pro tip is to keep photocopies of a valid ID, your passport, the destination’s visa (if needed), and hotel bookings stored in both your hand carry and check-in luggage. If you lose your luggage, have it swapped, or your passport goes missing, you’ll have proof they’re yours.

Not getting travel insurance
Travel insurance is one of those things that’s easy to put off because travelers are hoping they won’t actually need it. But when something unexpected happens on a trip, having coverage can make a big difference.

For content creator Maki Santos, travel insurance is among her non-negotiables before heading out on her travels. “Sadly, getting travel insurance is still not top of mind for Filipinos, when in fact, it is a need especially during trips where you do so many different activities that are out of the ordinary,” she shares.

According to her, travelers tend to assume that getting insurance means dealing with a complicated process or having to spend a lot of money on an already expensive trip. But what they don’t realize is that there are many accessible options that make it easier to get covered these days.

GCash offers GInsure Travel starting at only PHP 299, with protection covering medical emergencies, flight delays, trip cancellations, lost baggage, personal accidents, based on their chosen coverage plan. Policies can cover up to PHP 2.5 million, and travelers can avail of coverage for themselves or family members in as fast as 5 minutes, even at the airport, up to 2 hours before their flight.

Not mixing it up with payment options
The way people pay in different countries can be very different. Some destinations are almost completely cashless, while others still rely heavily on cash especially for transportation and night markets. It’s this extra step of research that travel creator Marvin Samaco makes sure to never miss.

According to him, “Some destinations especially in Southeast Asia are still very cash-heavy, so I make sure to carry enough cash when I visit there. Others are mostly cashless, so when I’m there, I use my cards. Then there are places like China, where digital wallets are essential. That's why I always research the payment culture of a destination before I travel. I usually end up using a mix of cash, cards, and digital wallets depending on where I am.”

GCash allows travelers to manage different payments through a single e-wallet, get access to 0% forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app to make sure they stay within their budgets.

For everyday expenses like dining at restaurants or at the convenience store, users can Scan to Pay via Alipay+ for safe and seamless transactions. For instant, on-the-go payments, especially in high-volume areas or pasalubong shops, users can also Tap to Pay with their NFC-enabled Android phone, so they don’t need to pull out their wallets in the crowd.

 

Meanwhile, the GCash Card offers 0% Forex fees that one can enjoy on shopping purchases abroad. It can also be used to withdraw cash 24/7 from ATMs worldwide.

The ultimate travel pro tip: Be ready for the unexpected
The goal isn’t to plan for everything that could go wrong, but to be ready when the unexpected happens. With GCash as a travel partner, travelers can stay ready for any payment moment, wherever their travels take them.

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