FEU Center for the Arts presents WALANG SUGAT in a free admission performance on February 4

In celebration of Far Eastern University’s 98th founding anniversary, the FEU Center for the Arts (FCA) proudly presents WALANG SUGAT, a historic and more than century old sarswela written by Severino Reyes with music by Fulgencio Tolentino.

This special production features arrangements and additional music by Josefino Toledo, an FEU Outstanding Alumnus. Under the direction of Alegria O. Ferrer from the University of the Philippines College of Music, the production brings to life one of the most beloved works in Philippine theater. The musical direction will be led by Roijin Suarez, Artistic Director of the FEU Chorale.

The cast is composed of both current students and alumni from the FEU Chorale, FEU Theater Guild, and FEU Guides, highlighting the University’s diverse artistic community.

The production will also feature special performances from the FEU Bamboo Band, FEU Dance Company, FEU Theater Guild, FEU Drum and Bugle Corps, and FEU Drummers.

This landmark staging not only celebrates FEU’s 98th year of excellence in education and culture but also commemorates the anniversary of the shot that started the Filipino American War on February 4, 1898.

Walang Sugat revolves around the love story of Tenyong and Julia during the time of revolution. While Tenyong takes up arms in the fight for the nation’s freedom, Julia is confronted with pressure and opposition from her family and the church because of her love for him. Through their story, the sarswela depicts the sacrifices demanded by the struggle for independence and the deep wounds left by war and colonization.

Watch the staging of Walang Sugat on February 4 at 5:30 PM at the FEU Auditorium. Admission is free. Register through the QR code or via the link below. https://forms.office.com/r/TLQwAUQYBF

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Hotel101-Manila Welcomes the Official Candidates of the Mr. & Ms. Chinatown Global 2026

(L-R: Liu Chunyan, Macau SAR; Khaokom Seearamroongruang, Thailand; Tang Keyuan, China; Monica Geronimo, Philippines; Sasha Viola, Myanmar; Rochelle Kirsten Canlas, USA; Haurani Elodie Jiying Chan, French Polynesia; Estelinna Ah-Hon, Mauri4us; Kolianne Emilie Mailfait, Cambodia; Charlo5e Yeung, United Kingdom; Tyra Rosnuk, Canada; Belle Nanphasorn, Malaysia; Chris4na Cai, Singapore; Oliver Liu Xu, Switzerland; Adrien Sin On, Mauri4us; Ang Wei Yang, Malaysia; Adriel Kam-Shung Yuan, Australia; Na5akhun Thi4thanon, Thailand; Zhang Ziwen, Hong Kong SAR; Aldrich Chen Kenneth Perez, Philippines; Htoo Aung Wai, Myanmar; Yi Fang Gao, Canada; and Karl Chung-Tan, French Polynesia)

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Love is in the Air: the legendary Hot Air Balloon Fiesta returns to New Clark City on February 13–15, 2026!

Experience riding hot air balloons this Valentine’s weekend—no need to fly abroad—while enjoying drones, paragliders, live music, and more at the Philippines’ longest-running, sky-high adventure!

Love is truly in the air! This Valentine’s weekend, couples and adventure seekers alike can soar above New Clark City, Tarlac, aboard colorful hot air balloons. From February 13–15, 2026, the skies come alive with breathtaking views, magical balloon rides, and unforgettable moments that will make your Valentine’s weekend truly one to remember.

Three Days of Sky-High Adventure
The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) is back and bigger than ever! For three full days, New Clark City transforms into a playground for lovers of flight and fun. Hot air balloons, drones, paragliders, tech marvels, cars, delicious food, and live music all come together for an adventure you have to see to believe.

  

Set your alarms early for a magical weekend. Balloons take to the skies as early as 6:30 AM, offering a breathtaking morning spectacle as they lift off one by one against the rising sun. Arrive early, look up, and witness one of the most beautiful sights of the Fiesta unfold right before your eyes.

Love Takes Flight: A Valentine’s Dinner Under the Balloons
Celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14 with an unforgettable romantic dinner for ₱1,800 per person, set against the magical sight of hot air balloons burning and glowing to the beat of the live band’s music. Share an intimate evening of great food, enchanting melodies, and a sky illuminated by color, an experience you and your loved one will never forget.

Learn, Fly, and Be Inspired
Step into a world where adventure meets discovery! The Aviation Seminar returns, giving students, aviation enthusiasts, and industry pros a front-row seat to the latest in flying, safety, and aviation innovations. It’s the perfect chance to see the skies come alive, learn from the experts, and be inspired by the magic above New Clark City.

Action in the Air!
From paramotor stunts to paragliding displays, the skies above New Clark City will be packed with jaw-dropping aerial performances. Don’t miss the Kyxz Hoverbike demo—a futuristic look at next-generation flying vehicles that will leave you in awe.

Meet the Stars of the Sky!
This year’s Fiesta features brand-new and whimsical hot air balloons soaring above the Philippines for the first time. Spot Finley the Turtle (UK), Tuca the Toucan (Brazil), Red Macaw (Brazil), Blue Macaw (Brazil), and Walrus (Brazil)—adding playful color to the skies.

 

Festivalgoers can also catch Master Zaba (UK), Gnome (North Macedonia), Winnie (UK), Iggy the Purple Baby Dragon (Netherlands), Te Amo (USA), Frank Boy (Brazil), Babbe the Witch (Belgium), Saxon (USA), Boo (USA), and Cupid’s Heart (Switzerland)—promising magical mornings, unforgettable photo moments, and smiles for all ages.

 

  

Fiesta Favorites Return!
Beloved hot air balloon icons are back to thrill festivalgoers once again. Soar with Yoda, flown by Benoit Lambert (Belgium); join Princess Nelly, piloted by Peter Van Overwalle (Belgium); take to the skies with the Busby, piloted by Paul Burrows (UK); party overhead with Party, flown by Sheryl Reichert (USA); lift off with Bagger, flown by Thomas Grubbstorm (Switzerland); and marvel at La Cartuja, piloted by Fred Kool (Netherlands). These fan favorites promise sky-high thrills, unforgettable smiles, and memories that will last a lifetime for audiences of all ages.

  

Adrenaline and Innovation!
The excitement doesn’t stop with the balloons—thrill-seekers can catch high-octane competitions that push the skies to the limit. Watch precision landings at the Paragliding Accuracy Competition, speed and skill at the FPV Drone Races, and fast-flying drones battle it out in Drone Soccer, a unique mix of sport, strategy, and cutting-edge technology.

 

 

 

Fun on the Ground!
The action isn’t just above the clouds. On the ground, festivalgoers can enjoy car shows and drifting exhibitions, colorful kite-flying demonstrations for the whole family, and the bustling Fly Market, featuring food stalls, local products, and unique finds. As the sun sets, live musical performances light up New Clark City, turning the festival into a vibrant celebration of music, food, and adventure.

Tickets and Details
Be part of the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, happening February 13–15, 2026, at New Clark City, Tarlac. Tickets are available on-site or in advance via HelixPay, SM Tickets, and Klook, with options for every type of visitor:

₱750 – General Admission

₱1,000 – General Admission + Aviation Seminar
₱8,500 – VIP Pass

This event is made possible with the support of valued partners: Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and New Clark City; FedEx as the Official Logistics Provider; Hann Resorts and Casino (Widus, Marriott and Swissotel) as Official Hotel Partner; NuStar Online as Lifestyle Gaming Partner; with Festival Friends - McDonald’s Philippines, Converge and Prulife UK; and Official Media Partners - BusinessMirror (Print Media Partner), PTV4, and Asian Air Safari.

Stay updated with schedules, announcements, and festival news at www.philballoonfest.net. Follow the Fiesta on social media for sneak peeks and live updates: Facebook (www.facebook.com/pihabf),Instagram (https://instagram.com/philballoonfest), and TikTok (www.tiktok.com/@philballoonfiesta).

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Twinbill Show "Kislap at Fuego" and "Children of the Algo" returns at the PETA Theater Center

After their debut at PETA Control + Shift: Changing Narratives in 2024 and 2025, the bold experimental works “Kislap at Fuego” and “Children of the Algo” are officially making their return to the stage from January 27 to February 7, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center. Moving from the experimental fringes to the spotlight, these two productions will headline the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Main Theater Season as a highly anticipated twinbill performance.

Originally born in 2024 as raw pieces for the Control + Shift LIVE shows, both works evolved into fan favorites. Their success led to a featured showcase at the Control + Shift: Changing Narratives Festival 2025, where they cemented their reputation for challenging the status quo.

Now in its third installment and welcoming broader audiences from educational institutions and the public alike, this compelling double feature bridges historic mysticism with contemporary digital realities.

Dominique La Victoria’s “Kislap at Fuego,” directed by Maribel Legarda and J-mee Katanyag, with Filipino translation by Gentle Mapagu, revolves around an unexpected fairytale between a kapre and a country girl, set amidst the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This play explores how we talk about love, rebirth, and revolution.

Mixkaela Villalon’s “Children of the Algo,” directed by Johnnie Moran, delves into the lives of Gen Z content creators, hiding their deeper realities while navigating the digital age with wit and vulnerability, challenging viewers to see beyond the algorithm.

In contrast, Children of the Algo casts audiences into the mediated world of Gen Z content creators, where identity is curated, justice is hashtagged, and meaning is constantly negotiated within and against the logic of the algorithm. Here, the contemporary quest for relevance, connection, and truth plays out in bite-sized feeds and viral narratives.

Presented as a twinbill, these works invite reflection on how Filipino values persist, adapt, or are contested across generations. By placing folklore beside feeds and myth beside memes, this pairing embodies PETA Control + Shift’s narrative change approach—asking how tradition and technology collide, converse, and co-exist, and how Filipinos continue to imagine revolution in a rapidly shifting world.

For more information on Kislap at Fuego and Children of the Algo, including performance dates, ticketing, and educational engagements, visit PETA’s official channels and social media.

Complete Show Dates
Tue, 27 Jan. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Wed, 28 Jan. 2026 - 11:00 AM
Thu, 29 Jan. 2026 - 11:00 AM
Thu, 29 Jan. 2026 - 4:00 PM
Fri, 30 Jan. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Fri, 30 Jan. 2026 - 4:00 PM
Sat, 31 Jan. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Sat, 31 Jan. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Tue, 3 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Wed, 4 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Thu, 5 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Thu, 5 Feb. 2026 - 2:00 PM
Fri, 6 Feb. 2026 - 9:00 AM
Fri, 6 Feb. 2026 - 3:00 PM

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Waiting for Godot - Teatro Meron's latest production opens this February at The Mind Museum

From February 13 to March 1, 2026, Teatro Meron—one of the newest and most compelling theater companies on the Philippine stage—returns to The Mind Museum's Special Exhibition Hall in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) with Samuel Beckett’s iconic tragicomedy Waiting for Godot, directed by Ronan Capinding.

Staged at The Mind Museum's Special Exhibition Hall, the production marks only the second full-length play to be presented at the venue, furthering its vision of integrating the arts and sciences. By positioning theater as a platform for inquiry and reflection, the museum invites audiences to engage with questions of the human condition, where philosophy, art, and scientific thought converge.

At the heart of Waiting for Godot are Estragon and Vladimir, two men who pass the time in endless conversation as they wait for the elusive Godot, who never arrives. At once bleak and funny, Beckett’s masterpiece explores themes of time, memory, repetition, and meaning—ideas that resonate deeply with Filipino audiences who are familiar with the rhythms of waiting, endurance, and the quiet search for purpose amid uncertainty.

The production stars JJ Ignacio as Estragon and Tarek El Tayech as Vladimir, with John Bernard Sanchez as Pozzo, Lenard Tiongson as Lucky, and Yael Ledesma as the Boy.

The cast of Waiting for Godot with director Ron Capinding

Waiting for Godot is co-produced by Eastern Communications and Tunog at Liwanag ng Teatro (TLT), with the support of Alfred Vargas and the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Philosophy, underscoring a shared belief in theater’s power to provoke dialogue and meaningful engagement across disciplines.

Reflecting on the production, director Ronan Capinding shares “This production embraces the tension at the heart of Beckett’s world: the longing for essence, the freedom and anxiety of existence, the illusion of control, and the stubborn need to hope. It is a portrait of humanity standing at the crossroads of meaning and meaninglessness—always on the verge of leaving, yet always choosing to wait.”

Founded in 2025, Teatro Meron has quickly gained attention for its commitment to staging classic works with clarity and depth. The company debuted to strong reviews with Sopranong Kalbo, Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation of Eugène Ionesco’s The Bald Soprano, followed by the critically praised Ang Medea, Tinio’s translation of Euripides’ Medea, staged at The Mind Museum in November 2025.

Waiting for Godot continues Teatro Meron’s Season One focus on canonical texts, with the company set to stage Apologia ni Sokrates later in the year, directed by Jovi Miroy.

Show Schedule
February 13, 20, 27 | 8:00 PM
February 14, 21, 28 | 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM
February 15, 22, March 1 | 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Tickets are available at: https://tinyurl.com/Tix4Godot

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Hotel101-Manila to host 2026 Miss World Philippines and Mr. World Philippines candidates

Hotel101-Manila will welcome the 2026 candidates of Miss World Philippines and Mr. World Philippines as their official residence and venue for pre-pageant events. Hotel101 Group signed an agreement with ALV Pageant Circle, organizer of both pageants, solidifying their partnership earlier this week.

“Our partnership with the Miss World and Mr. World pageants is indicative of our shared mission to showcase the best of Filipino talents on the global stage,” says Hotel101 Group General Manager, Charley Magabo. “Hotel101-Manila is looking forward to providing comfort, convenience, and our signature brand of Filipino hospitality to the candidates.”

Each candidate will stay in the hotel’s signature HappyRoom complete with modern amenities. In addition, the hotel’s well-maintained facilities such as the swimming pool and restaurant, and its central location make it the ideal home for the candidates leading up to the event.

“The Miss World Philippines Organization is greatly excited to partner with Hotel101 as the official residence of Miss World Philippines and Mr. World Philippines for 2026,” says Arnold Vegafria, Owner and President of ALV Pageant Circle. “We look forward to many purposeful collaborations as we strive to live up to our Beauty With A Purpose advocacy, and as we align our visions for a mutually beneficial partnership that will extend beyond this pageant season.”

ALV Pageant Circle is the umbrella organization that manages the official Philippine franchises of major international pageants including Miss World Philippines, Miss Grand International, Universal Woman, Miss Global, Miss Tourism World, Face of Beauty International, Reina Hispanoamericana, Miss Teen International, and Miss Asia-Pacific International. But more than the prestige and glam, the organization also continues to uphold its commitment to its purposeful charity advocacies, living up to its Beauty With A Purpose motto.

Hotel101 Group, a subsidiary of DoubleDragon Corporation, operates Hotel101-Manila and Hotel101-Fort, Injap Tower Hotel in Iloilo City, and Jinjiang Inn Philippines in Ortigas, Makati, and Boracay. More Hotel101 locations are set to open in Davao, Cebu, and Libis, among others. International locations – including Madrid Spain, Niseko Japan, Los Angeles USA, Milan Italy, and Melbourne Australia – that will form part of Hotel101's vision to eventually operate in 100 countries. Hotel101 has made history as the first Filipino hotel chain to expand in multiple countries overseas and has also recently made history as the first ever Filipino owned company to list on the US NASDAQ stock exchange.

Download the Hotel101 App via the App Store or Google Play to earn rewards and to get the latest deals and promos. Stay Happy at Hotel101, book now at www.hotel101.com

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GLoan with Benefits: Handle Today’s Needs, Protect Tomorrow’s Plans

More than just extra cash—GLoan now includes FREE health and loan insurance with every approved loan

No matter how carefully we plan our budget, there are times when expenses catch us off guard. A sudden repair at home, a restock that costs more than expected, or a school expense that can’t wait. These things happen, and when they do, having quick access to funds can make all the difference.

That’s where GLoan on GCash comes in. Every approved GLoan of at least ₱500 now comes with an added layer of reassurance: FREE health and loan insurance, so you’re covered not just today, but for whatever comes next.

Covering Today’s Needs, Protecting Tomorrow

At home, breadwinners handling an urgent repair or an unexpected bill need a quick solution. GLoan makes it easier to cover immediate household needs, while the free health and loan insurance provides extra protection for the family. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about feeling secure while doing it.

For small business owners restocking a sari-sari store, cash on hand may not always cover essentials. Instead of cutting back or delaying, GLoan helps fill the gap straight to the GCash wallet. Knowing that free health insurance is included brings extra peace of mind, especially when missing a day of work due to illness could affect income.

On renovating at home, expenses rarely come one at a time. Materials, tools, and unexpected costs can quickly add up. GLoan provides instant cash when it’s needed most, while GLoan Protect insurance quietly works in the background. If an accident or hospitalization occurs, there’s one less financial worry to manage.

Extra Support for Life’s Unexpected Moments

When expenses pile up, quick access to funds makes things easier to manage. Eligible GCash users can borrow up to ₱150,000, with money sent instantly to their wallet. The funds can cover urgent household needs, school expenses, or be split across multiple necessities, with flexible repayment terms of up to 24 months and interest rates starting at 1.59%.

What makes it even more reassuring is that every approved GLoan comes with FREE health and loan insurance through GLoan Protect, no extra requirements, no added cost.

When you apply for a minimum loan amount of ₱500 through the GCash app, the insurance is automatically included. Here’s how to get started:

1. Open the GCash app and tap on "Borrow", then select "GLoan."
2. Enter your desired loan amount.
3. On the installment plan, you'll see that your loan comes with free GLoan Protect insurance.
4. Tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions.
5. Once approved and disbursed, your loan to be sent to your GCash wallet, and your insurance policy will appear in your “My GInsure” page within the next 24 hours.

Insurance coverage starts immediately upon loan approval and remains active until the end of your loan period, even if you pay early.

To qualify for GLoan Protect, you must be:

1. 21-65 years old, a Filipino citizen, a fully verified GCash user
2. Your GLoan must have:
1. A minimum loan amount of PHP 500
2. A minimum loan tenor of 1 month, and has been approved and disbursed

At the end of the day, unexpected expenses are just part of life. What matters is having a way to handle them without added stress. With GLoan on GCash, you’re not only getting fast access to funds–you’re also getting the reassurance of free health and loan insurance, giving you a little extra security when unexpected health expenses or emergencies arise. Whether it’s for work or home, it’s comforting to know  that when the unexpected happens, you don’t have to face it alone. Free health and loan insurance is available for every approved GLoan from January 16, 2026, to March 31, 2026, so you can stay covered while taking care of what matters most.

To learn more, visit the MyGInsure portal on the GInsure dashboard in the GCash app, or check out the GLoan article on the GCash Help Center. You can also go to new.gcash.com for more details.

Access GLoan through your GCash dashboard or find it under “Borrow.” No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

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