Review: Ang Medea – A Raw and Powerful Return to Ancient Tragedy

Me with the whole cast

Teatro Meron’s Ang Medea brings back one of the oldest and most emotional tragedies in theater. The story, written by Euripides around 600 BC, follows Medea, a woman who gave up her home and family for the man she loves. When that man betrays her, she is left with nothing. Her pain and anger push her toward a heartbreaking decision that shocks everyone.

Director Ron Capinding keeps his passion for classical plays alive in this version. He shows that even an ancient story can reflect what people still experience today such as betrayal, injustice, and the fight to keep one’s dignity. This production is also extra special because it is the very first full theater show to be staged inside The Mind Museum. This unique venue adds to the experience, making Ang Medea feel fresh, bold, and unforgettable.

 
Director Ron Capinding

The staging is very simple, which works perfectly. Without big sets or complicated props, the focus stays on the actors and the emotions of the story. This simplicity gives the material more depth and makes every moment feel more intense.

Miren Alvarez-Fabregas delivers an exceptionally powerful Medea, carrying the emotional core of the play with honesty and depth. She shows every layer of the character: a woman who once loved fiercely, a mother fighting for dignity, and a betrayed partner whose world has completely fallen apart. Her shifts from quiet sorrow to explosive anger feel natural and controlled, making each moment land with full emotional force. Even in silence, she communicates Medea’s pain through her eyes, voice, and presence.

What makes her performance unforgettable is the vulnerability beneath her rage. Miren shows not just a furious woman, but someone who feels abandoned, cornered, and stripped of choices. She balances strength and brokenness in a way that makes the audience feel deep sympathy for her, even as the story grows darker. Her commanding presence elevates every scene and anchors the entire production, proving why Medea remains one of the most haunting and complicated figures in classical drama.

Miren Alvarez-Fabregas as Medea

Yan Yuzon’s take on Yason is striking, making him a character you instantly love to hate. He plays the role with a smooth confidence that slowly reveals selfishness and emotional blindness, bringing out the full sting of Medea’s betrayal. His controlled delivery and presence make Yason feel real and painfully believable.

Joseph Dela Cruz as Egeo offers a warm and sincere contrast. His performance brings calm, compassion, and stability to the story, showing the kindness Medea no longer receives from anyone else. Subtle but steady, he grounds the play and adds emotional balance to its most intense moments.

The sound work is flawless. It supports the scenes without distracting from the story and adds to the emotional pull of the play.

Overall, Ang Medea is a simple yet powerful production that proves how timeless this story is. It is both heartbreaking and thought provoking.

Catch the remaining shows of Ang Medea at The Mind Museum Special Exhibition Hall in Bonifacio Global City. Tickets are available through https://tinyurl.com/angmedea.

November 23 (Sunday) - 3:00PM and 7:00PM
November 27 (Thursday), November 28 (Friday) - 8:00PM

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December 2025 Movies You Can’t Miss: Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Scarlet Hit PH Cinemas

Don’t miss the exciting lineup of films hitting cinemas this December 2025. Opening on December 3 is Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 from Universal Pictures. Starring Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Theodus Crane, Matthew Lillard, Freddy Carter, Wayne Knight, Mckenna Grace, and Skeet Ulrich, and directed by Emma Tammi, the film takes place one year after the terrifying events at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. What happened there has since turned into a quirky local legend inspiring the town’s first Fazfest. Mike and Vanessa have been keeping the truth from Mike’s 11-year-old sister, Abby, but when she sneaks out to reconnect with Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy, she sets off a new wave of horror. As dark secrets about the true origins of Freddy’s are revealed, an ancient terror long buried begins to awaken.

Following soon after is Scarlet, showing exclusively at SM Cinemas on December 10. Directed by Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda and starring Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, and Kôji Yakusho, Scarlet is a sweeping, time-bending animated epic. The film follows Scarlet, a medieval sword-fighting princess determined to avenge her father’s death. After failing her mission and suffering a grave injury, she finds herself in an “Otherworld” where she meets an idealistic young man from the present day. Through this unexpected encounter, she begins to see a future beyond anger and revenge. When she is forced to face her father’s killer once again, Scarlet must confront her most difficult challenge yet: breaking the cycle of hatred and discovering a deeper meaning to her life.

Movie schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

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LG Ambassador Challenge Boosts Community Care: New Tres Cruses Health Center Opens for Mothers and Children

New facility expands maternal and pediatric care access for families in Barangay Tres Cruses in Tanza, Cavite with support from LG Philippines.

The Barangay Tres Cruses Health Center inaugurated by LG Philippines Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong (4th from right) with Dr. Ruth Punzalan, winner of the 2025 LG Ambassador Challenge (5th from right), together with Kim Kwan Hyun and Ann Young Eui (3rd and 4th from left), and the volunteers of the Programa Para sa Alagang Ina at Sanggol

LG Philippines inaugurated the newest Barangay Tres Cruses Health Center in Tanza, Cavite on November 4, 2025, marking an important milestone for maternal and child healthcare in the community. Led by Dr. Ruth Punzalan, winner of the 2025 LG Ambassador Challenge, the center is part of her “Programa Para sa Alagang Ina at Sanggol” initiative and now offers more consistent and comprehensive services for residents who previously had limited access to medical care.

During the event, Dr. Punzalan shared how the project has transformed their ability to serve residents. She explained that the center can now accommodate up to 10 patients per day, compared to the previous setup where operations were limited to half-day schedules. "I’m deeply grateful to LG for supporting Barangay Tres Cruses through this initiative. Many residents, especially in Quarry and Wellington Subdivision, face challenges accessing health services. With the new health center, we can now help more people each day, support pregnant women and children, and make sure they receive the medicines and vaccines they need. LG’s support truly gives families hope and brings essential services closer to the community," she said.

Health Center volunteer administers care to a resident of Barangay Tres Cruses

The center now provides full maternal care services, including prenatal checkups, safe postpartum support, and counseling for new mothers. Pediatric services have also been strengthened, allowing the center to give essential vaccines, treat common illnesses, and ensure children in Barangay Tres Cruses receive timely medical attention.

The inauguration gathered Dr. Ruth Punzalan along with Kim Kwan Hyun (KFHI), Ann Young Eui of Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), and the dedicated volunteers of the health center — showcasing the strong partnership among the community and LG Philippines.

Barangay Tres Cruses Health Center in Tanza, Cavite

LG Electronics Philippines Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong praised the initiative and highlighted LG’s commitment to uplifting communities through the LG Ambassador Challenge. “We are proud to support Dr. Punzalan’s mission to improve healthcare access in Barangay Tres Cruses. This health center represents hope, progress, and meaningful change for families in the area,” he said. “At LG Philippines, we believe that innovation must create better lives. Through the LG Ambassador Challenge, projects like this help communities grow stronger and healthier for generations.”

As the Barangay Tres Cruses Health Center begins serving the community, its mission aligns strongly with LG’s belief in empowering people through meaningful innovation. Life’s Good when communities have access to the care and support they need—a belief that continues to drive LG’s support for initiatives that create real, lasting change. By backing Programa para sa Alagang Ina at Sanggol, LG hopes to help build a future where mothers and children in Barangay Tres Cruses live safer, healthier lives, bringing the company’s vision of a better world even closer to reality.

Life isn’t only about having the latest technology -- it’s about the meaningful experiences it enables and the positive impact it brings to everyday living. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph/ and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok to learn more.

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Tomorrow’s theater icons take the spotlight in Spring Awakening

The Sandbox Collective puts a powerful spotlight on the next generation of theater artists as it unveils the young lead ensemble of Spring Awakening, the company’s inaugural production at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater in Rockwell. A vibrant mix of emerging talent and rapidly rising stars, this lineup brings fresh intensity, emotional depth, and renewed urgency to the landmark musical’s exploration of youth, rebellion, and discovery.

Leading the charge are Nacho Tambunting and Alex Diaz, who share the role of Melchior Gabor. Tambunting returns to the Philippine stage after a prolific period in New York, where he kickstarted his career in The Sound of Music in 2006, originated the role of Felix Starro, Jr. in the historic Off-Broadway musical Felix Starro, and most recently appeared as Jake in the world premiere of Everything Beautiful Happens at Night. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity Association, he has also built an extensive portfolio across film and television.

 

Sharing the role of Melchior, Diaz brings a dynamic energy shaped by his multi-hyphenate journey in entertainment. From his beginnings as a student radio DJ, he rose to public recognition through Star Magic Circle 2013. His stage debut as Racetrack Higgins in Disney’s Newsies cemented his place in theater, followed by a standout performance as Chris Abueva in Bar Boys: The Musical.

The role of Moritz Stiefel will be alternately played by Nic Chien and Omar Uddin, two young performers whose early careers have already demonstrated remarkable promise. Chien made his professional debut in Matilda and has since continued to captivate audiences, most recently as Jack in Into the Woods. He has appeared in multiple concerts with his mother, Lea Salonga, and earned third place in the English Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition in 2023.

 

Uddin, meanwhile, has been performing since he was 12, appearing in the fourth and fifth seasons of Team Yey! and the series 2 Good 2 Be True. His stage debut in Tagu-taguan Nasaan Ang Buwan? opened the door to leading roles in productions such as A Christmas Carol, The Lion King International Tour, Bar Boys: The Musical, Next to Normal, and most recently, Quomodo Desolata Es?.

Completing the trio of young leads is Sheena Belarmino as Wendla Bergmann. A Star Magic artist celebrated for her powerhouse vocals and versatility, Belarmino rose to fame through competition shows such as Dance Kids, Tawag ng Tanghalan Kids, and Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids. She began her theater journey in Cebu at age eight and has since portrayed beloved roles including Basha in One More Chance: The Musical, Eds delos Santos in Tabing Ilog, and Natalie Goodman in Next to Normal.

Also joining the production is Angia Laurel, making her theatrical debut. A dynamic singer-songwriter and actor, Laurel is a graduate of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Production Design for Theater. Her debut single “Back Again,” released under Tarsier Records, earned critical praise, and her upcoming single “Talon,” along with a full-length album scheduled for early 2026, showcases her growing presence in the music scene. Her entry into theater marks an exciting new chapter in her creative journey.

Working closely with these young performers is an acclaimed artistic team led by director Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, with Ejay Yatco as musical director, Nunoy Van Den Burgh as choreographer, Missy Maramara as intimacy director, Wika Nadera as set designer, Raven Ong as costume designer, D Cortezano as lighting designer, Gabbi Campomanes as assistant director, Salve Villarosa as dramaturg, Aron Roca as sound designer, Sheik Completado as technical director, and Jaydee Jasa as hair and makeup designer.

Spring Awakening runs from February 13 to March 22, 2026 at The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati. Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me. The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

For updates, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok at @TheSandboxCo, or visit www.thesandboxco.com

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When Art Meets Science: Teatro Meron’s Ang Medea Ignites the Mind Museum

This November, the worlds of art and science converge under one roof as Teatro Meron brings fire and fury to The Mind Museum. Known primarily as a hub for scientific discovery, the museum will, for the first time, transform into a stage for live theater.

In collaboration with Eastern Communications and Tunog at Liwanag sa Teatro Inc. (TLT), Teatro Meron presents Ang Medea, National Artist Rolando Tinio’s Filipino adaptation of Euripides’ classic tragedy Medea. The production marks a bold fusion of intellect, artistry, and human emotion, bridging myth and modern reflection.

Following a well-received run with Tanghalang Ateneo, director and Teatro Meron founder Ron Capinding returns to the piece, leading a strong ensemble headed by Miren Alvarez-Fabregas, who earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of the vengeful Medea.

Explaining his decision to revisit the material, Capinding reflects, “There’s so much to learn from a classic like Medea. Some plays reflect the present, others uncover the past, and a few imagine what’s to come. A true classic can do all of that—and even more.”

In this retelling, Ang Medea confronts the fragility of human dignity and the devastating choices it can inspire. The story centers on Medea, a woman who gives up her homeland for Yason, only to be betrayed and cast out in a foreign land that never truly accepted her. Her struggle contrasts sharply with Yason’s belief that dignity can be traded for power, privilege, and ambition.

Opposite Alvarez-Fabregas is Brian Sy, a seasoned actor recognized for his work in Ang Duyan ng Magiting (2023), GomBurZa (2023), and Midnight in a Perfect World (2020). Alternating in the role of Yason is Yan Yuzon, who previously played the same part to praise for his intensity and emotional range—from blistering fury to aching remorse.

Cast led by Miren Alvarez-Fabregas

Ang Medea will run at the Mind Museum Special Exhibition Hall, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on these dates:
• November 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 | 8:00 PM
• November 15, 22 | 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM
• November 16, 23 | 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM

A rising force in Philippine theater, Teatro Meron aims to rekindle the relevance of classical works— sparking thought, empathy, and conversation among modern Filipino audiences.

Capinding elaborates on his company’s vision:
“I want to stage not only great classics, but also modern and contemporary plays that share their timeless spirit—pieces that entertain, enlighten, and uplift. In Filipino, nakaaaliw, nakatatalino, at nakapagpapabuti.”

The production also features Teroy Guzman (Kreon), Joseph Dela Cruz (Egeo), Katski Flores (Yaya), Joel Macaventa (Maestro), and Gold Soon and Pickles Leonidas (Koro).

Behind the scenes, Tata Tuviera designs the set, Ian Bautista handles lighting, and Zak Capinding crafts the soundscape. Gabrielle Barredo leads production management, with Mar Suesmith as stage manager, Albriz Bagsic as technical director, and Santi Caruncho providing graphic design.

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


For updates, visit www.teatromeron.com or follow @teatromeron on Facebook and Instagram.

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SM Supermalls in the East Metro are Powered by the Sun

In its continued commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is lighting the way toward a cleaner and greener future by harnessing renewable energy across its properties.

In the East Metro, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown are now proudly “Powered by the Sun”, utilizing rooftop solar panel systems that help reduce carbon emissions, promote energy efficiency, and support the nation’s transition to sustainable power sources.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun Across the East Metro

Each mall plays a vital role in SM’s sustainability roadmap by producing clean energy that contributes to both operational efficiency and environmental protection.

• SM City Marikina, energized in 2023, generates an average of 106,179 kWh (Kilowatt-hour) per month with a 2.259 MWp (Megawatt Peak) solar capacity. This is enough to power 506 Filipino households for a month, offsetting 74 tons of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of planting 3,378 mature trees.
  

  

  SM City Marikina continues to champion sustainability with its iconic stilts building design now added with solar panels that energizes solar energy good enough to power more than 500 households.

  
  
• SM City Masinag, fully solar-powered by March 2025, produces around 124,366 kWh monthly through its 1.696 MWp system — enough to supply electricity to 592 households, offset 86 tons of carbon dioxide, or plant 3,956 trees worth of carbon absorption.
  

  

  Seen from above is SM City Masinag with the 2.40-hectare solar panels in the midst of the busy Marcos Highway in Antipolo City.

• SM City San Mateo harnesses the power of the sun with its 810 Solar PV System installed across 2,092 square meters of rooftop space, generating up to 0.45 megawatts of clean energy. This can power 219 Filipino households and reduce carbon emissions by 32 tons, comparable to planting 1,466 mature trees.
  
  

  

  810 panels makeup for 0.45 megawatts of clean energy in SM City San Mateo, enough to reduce 32 tons of carbon emission.

• SM Center Antipolo Downtown, energized between 2024 and 2025, generates 71,270 kWh monthly from a 0.923 MWp solar system — enough to power 339 homes, offset 49 tons of CO₂, or plant 2,267 trees.
  

  

  The solar panels atop SM Center Antipolo Downtown adds to the more scenic view from its roof deck.

Leading the Charge for a Greener Tomorrow

Through SM Cares and the SM Green Movement, SM Supermalls continues to advance sustainability across its network — integrating renewable energy, green architecture, efficient water use, and waste management into its operations.

Collectively, these four solar-powered malls generate nearly 348,000 kWh of renewable energy each month, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while demonstrating that innovation and environmental care can coexist.

With every rooftop installation and every kilowatt-hour generated, SM Supermalls — continues to keep communities, progress, and the planet Powered by the Sun.

About SM Cares
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting communities through programs focused on sustainability, the environment, persons with disabilities, women and breastfeeding mothers, children and youth, and the elderly. Under the SM Green Movement, SM Cares leads efforts in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and disaster resilience — helping build a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for all.

For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or follow SM Supermalls on social media.

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Sleigh Sales, Not Boxes: How Smart Warehouses Help You Focus on What Matters This Holiday Rush

E-commerce continues to boom in the Philippines, now one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing digital markets. The 2024 e-Conomy SEA report developed by Bain & Company, Google, and Temasek, projects the country’s e-commerce sector to reach USD 24 billion, driven by a digitally savvy population that increasingly trusts online transactions. This drives e-commerce optimism in the Philippines, with a report from Singapore-based Blackbox Research pinning high consumer trust and advancement in digital payments as a unique strength that gives the Philippines a significant advantage over neighboring markets.

But while consumer confidence is high, logistics remains a major roadblock. The same report from Blackbox Research further identifies fragmented logistics infrastructure and high fulfillment costs (37%) as key barriers to e-commerce growth. This puts e-commerce players in the Philippines in a challenging position when 46% of Filipino consumers now demand faster fulfillment, while 26% consider logistics reliability a non-negotiable factor when shopping online.

With 54% of MSMEs citing logistics infrastructure and fulfillment as their key operational challenge, many online Filipino sellers, especially those without an established brand or supply chain in place, are at a disadvantage with the upcoming holiday rush. Without the systems, manpower, and proper investments, these small players are at risk of falling behind.

“The holiday season is make-or-break for many Filipino businesses when orders surge, but these issues with warehousing inventory and order fulfillment are not just a seasonal challenge,” said Sabina Lopez- Vergara, Ninja Van Philippines Chief Commercial Officer. “A seller’s ability in fulfillment provides the very foundation of his or her level of customer service, but putting this system in place is not always easy, especially when many of our Filipino sellers do not have knowledge or background in logistics.”

The Holiday Bottleneck: When Demand Outpaces Delivery

Every Christmas season, local businesses face the same challenge— demand rises faster than their capacity to fulfill it. Missed deliveries, inaccurate stock counts, and slow updates often lead to lost sales and frustrated customers. The Blackbox report even calls logistics Southeast Asia’s “Achilles’ heel,” warning that operational strain can erode both trust and profitability.

Meanwhile, Filipino shoppers are raising the bar. They now expect real-time tracking, faster fulfillment, and transparency at every step of the purchase journey. For businesses without automated systems, keeping up with these standards is becoming increasingly difficult. As experts note, the next step of competition lies in speed and trust— and the business that masters both will win long-term loyalty.

Smart Warehouses: Turning Holiday Chaos into Growth

Ninja Van’s tech-powered Fulfillment service offers a tech-enabled, end-to-end solution that helps businesses stay ahead of demand. Through automation, real-time inventory tracking, and smart item allocation, Ninja Van simplifies complex operations into a coordinated, efficient system—customizable and scalable for businesses of any size.

Its custom-fit fulfillment approach allows businesses to tailor each step of the process—from bundle packing and barcode tagging to branded packaging and quality checks—to match a brand’s specific requirements.

From storage to delivery, Ninja Van Fulfillment offers end-to-end visibility of every step, ensuring that bestsellers remain in stock and orders are fulfilled quickly. Automated inventory management minimizes human error, while integrated returns handling turns post-holiday returns into recovery opportunities instead of setbacks.

Ninja Van’s smart warehousing model also helps businesses modernize without heavy infrastructure investments, empowering them to compete regionally and globally.

Through Ninja Van’s advanced dashboard, customers can customize order processing, track inventory in real time, and maintain synchronized storefronts to prevent overselling or stockouts. Businesses can also choose the last-mile partner that best fits their needs, ensuring every delivery runs seamlessly from warehouse to doorstep.

“Business owners pour their heart into every product they sell, so it’s natural to fear losing control once it leaves their hands,” Vergara explained. “With Ninja Van Fulfillment, we make sure every parcel is handled with the same level of care as its owner– from smart inventory systems and photo proof to item-level tracking that shows exactly where your products are and how they’re doing. Our goal is to give sellers full visibility and confidence that every order goes out right, on time, and with the same passion they put into their businesses.”

Beyond the Holidays: Building Reliability Year-Round

Faster, more accurate deliveries don’t just create happy customers— they build trust and repeat business. For small and medium enterprises, that reliability translates to reducing operating costs, better efficiency, and more time to focus on scaling. As e-commerce competition intensifies, logistics is no longer just a back-end function, but rather a strategic advantage.

“Every delivery is more than just a package—it’s a promise between a business and its customer,” Vergara shared. “That’s why at Ninja Van, we make it our mission to deliver each parcel with accuracy, care, and consistency. From storage to doorstep, we ensure every order leaves exactly as intended, giving business owners the peace of mind that their hard work is in good hands.”

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