Six Bold Stories, One Unforgettable Night: Shorts and Briefs by Night Returns

Taboo. Sexy. And just a little unexpected. The country’s most daring festival of short plays is back, bringing six provocative pieces in a single ticketed experience. Shorts & Briefs by Night once again champions first-time playwrights, new directors, and fresh talent, promising an evening of surprises for adventurous theatergoers.

Here’s a peek at the sizzling lineup:

 

1. The Red Hotel

Cast: Khaye Paje, Warden Malaya
Writer: Aeriel Madriaga (Miss A) | Director: Rye Capulong
A Christian woman who’s never had a boyfriend finds herself in a setup planned by friends—meeting a stranger meant to seduce her. But as sparks fly, the night takes an unexpected turn.

2. Ang Babae at ang Mangga
Cast: Mika O’Hara, Cullen Landicho
Writer: John Custer | Director: Tads Obach-Acosta
A playful encounter unfolds between a woman and a mango that isn’t quite what it seems.

 

3. Josefino at ang Estatwa
Cast: Rozel Basilio, Kiko Mariano
Writer: Francis Panes | Director: Ingrid Joyce
An artist sculpts a statue as beautiful as the Blessed Virgin. When he longs for it to come alive, a mysterious miracle—or delusion—begins.

4. SH*T!
Cast: Philip Macabantad, Quiel Campo
Writer: Jeremi Flores | Director: Phillip Bracero Palmo
Bondage, role play, and family secrets collide as Louis and Fino return home to a revelation about their son—dancing through passion, trauma, and unexpected love.

 

5. Warla Arena

Cast: Salmo Nella, Kriszan Manipon, JB
Director: Tom Navarro | Musical Arrangement: Vanessa Dulay
A wife confronts a robot accused of stealing her husband’s affection in a no-holds-barred talk show showdown.

 
6. Reklamasyon Headquarters
Cast: Monique Louise Maglaqui, Jonnel Empinado, Sidrey Omer A. Apita
Writer: Lewor Sotis | Director: Mark Norman Boquiren
In a place where complaints become revolution, two ordinary people rise up to demand the respect they deserve.

Admission is strictly for audiences 18 years old and above. A single ticket priced at PHP 750 grants access to all six plays and includes a complimentary drink. Shows run from September 20 to October 5, 2025, with performances at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM at Cafe Shylō in Pasig. To secure your seat, reservations are accepted exclusively via Viber at 0919 487 3983.

Experience a night of fearless storytelling and fresh artistry—because sometimes the shortest plays leave the deepest impression.

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Newport World Resorts gives Bagets' Gilbert

Newport World Resorts has officially revealed the first members of the barkada for its highly anticipated stage musical Bagets, inspired by the iconic 1984 teen film. Taking on the role of Gilbert—the shy but mischievous heart of the ‘80s clique originally played by Herbert Bautista—are two exciting young talents who promise to bring their own spark to the character.

Tomas Rodriguez, a rising name in the P-pop scene, will make his theater debut as Gilbert. Known as a member of the chart-topping boy group Alamat, Tomas has wowed fans nationwide with his smooth vocals and dynamic dance skills. Alamat’s distinct blend of modern pop and proudly Filipino flair has taken them to major music festivals and TV appearances, making Tomas a natural fit for the energy and nostalgia of Bagets.

 

 

Tomas shares his process in auditioning for the role.

Sharing the role is Noel Comia Jr., a multi-talented actor and singer whose credentials span both stage and screen. Noel is no stranger to theater, having earned critical acclaim for performances in productions such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Matilda, and The Secret Garden. His versatility and powerhouse vocals have also made him a fixture in concerts and musicals across the country, ensuring that his take on Gilbert will be heartfelt and memorable.

Ticket prices will be announced soon. For updates on show schedules and exclusive previews, follow Newport World Resorts on their official social media channels. This fresh, music-filled revival of Bagets is set to bring back the vibrant spirit of the ‘80s—don’t miss your chance to relive the era with a whole new generation of stars coming this 2026.

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Holi-Squad Leads the 100 Days to Christmas Kickoff at SM Malls in the East

The holiday season is officially here as the Holi-Squad brings early Christmas magic to SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown with the launch of the 100 Days to Christmas countdown starting September 16. This year, SM celebrates with “100 Days of Kindness”—a campaign that puts the spotlight on spreading joy through simple acts of giving.

Holi-Squad welcomes you at the giant red bow arch at the mall entrance of SM City Masinag

The kickoff begins with the Holi-Squad Mall Greeting and the unveiling of the Happiest Holiday Décor, complete with the iconic Holiday Grand Red Ribbon that symbolizes joy and unity.

Festivities continue from October 20 with centerpiece displays, Santa’s chair, and more Holi-Squad appearances. At SM City Marikina, families can lace up their shoes for the much-awaited Holiday Santa Run on November 16. The season gets even brighter with the Holiday Snowflakes Surprises on December 6 and uplifting performances during World Chorale Day on December 8. Throughout December, families can enjoy Happiest Holiday Weekends with Santa meet-and-greets, carols, and lively busking sessions.

Holi-Squad at SM City San Mateo bring delight to families when they visit SM Malls this holiday season

This year also welcomes the SM Besties of Joy—adorable bears where every purchase gives another to a child in need, making the holidays even more meaningful.

Catch the Holi-Squad and take photos with them at SM City Marikina

From December 1 to 31, shoppers can enjoy exclusive SM Malls Online Holiday Deals, making holiday gift-hunting and dining with loved ones easier and more festive.

With the Holi-Squad leading the way, SM Malls in the East invite everyone to experience the happiest and kindest Christmas yet.

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Anker SOLIX Unveils New Lineup of Compact and Mighty Portable Power Stations

Electricity powers modern life, but around the world, energy instability and outages are increasingly becoming common. The need for accessible and dependable backup power has never been greater.

While power banks are getting bigger to meet demands for higher capacity and faster charging, power stations are doing the opposite. Thanks to advancements in battery technology and design, power stations are getting smaller, allowing for higher energy density and more efficient use of space. Despite their compact size, power stations are packed with power and can deliver a considerable amount of energy.

For the last 8 years, Anker has been committed to empowering customers around the globe with energy independence. Anker SOLIX is the brand's consumer energy series designed to deliver accessible, reliable, and sustainable power solutions to every household. And its latest release, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC, is a step forward, offering ultra-portable options for outdoor adventures.

The new Anker SOLIX C300 DC is the first of an expanded product line within its Camping Series, offering ultra-portable options for outdoor adventures. It’s designed to provide flexible power for outdoor activities, making it perfect for camping, hiking, and working outdoors with charging at Supercharger speed. It’s well-suited to Filipinos with an active outdoor lifestyle and can power multiple devices like phones, tablets, cameras, laptops, routers, and other devices that utilize either USB or standard DC auxiliary charging ports.

The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is also an excellent home power backup system, providing high-quality electricity during temporary power outages and easing related anxiety.

Ultra-Portable and Versatile Power

With its compact form factor, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC redefines portable power. It is 30% smaller than the industry average, weighing just 6.18 lbs. Thanks to its vertical design, as well as its built-in handle and optional shoulder strap accessory, the C300 DC is the ideal power companion for hiking, cycling, and camping trips. It has a unique pop-up light that offers different levels of soft white light output, making it ideal for multiple situations, including camping, evening beach days or as the perfect backyard companion.

Despite its compact size, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC delivers a powerful 300W output that’s powered by a 288Wh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery (90,000 mAh), which uses iron, phosphate, and lithium as its main components. It’s a more stable and safer type of lithium battery compared to what you'll find in conventional power banks, and is the same kind of battery found in EVs and Hybrid vehicles. This means you can charge it fully to 100% without any risk of degradation.

The Anker SOLIX C300 DC also offers seven outlets, including two USB-A ports, four USB-C ports (two with 140W Input/Output), and one 120W auxiliary power outlet. This ensures that essential devices stay powered on the go or during outdoor activities.

A large battery capacity used to mean a long charging time—until now. With three recharging modes, including dual 140W USB-C charging, users can recharge the C300 DC to 80% within 60 minutes only, eliminating the need to own multiple chargers and substantially reducing the amount of e-waste created by older chargers. Additionally, it supports 100W solar panels and can be charged with the auxiliary power outlet, ensuring power availability anytime, anywhere.

Price and availability

The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is now available on anker.ph and the official Anker Philippines stores on Shopee and Lazada, and select retailers for PHP 12,595. For more information, visit the brand’s Instagram.

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Movie Review: Netflix's Kontrabida Academy

Philippine entertainment has long been steeped in the “Cinderella syndrome,” where the heroine quietly bears every burden in family, work, and love life until a neat, tearful resolution arrives. Kontrabida Academy gleefully shreds that formula. Chris Martinez’s satire gathers an all-star lineup of screen villains from every era, from Rez Cortez and Odette Khan to Dimples Romana and Baron Geisler, and asks what happens when the people we love to hate become our teachers.

At the center is Barbie Forteza, who plays a young woman fed up with endless suffering. Her character finally says “enough,” enrolling in a tongue-in-cheek finishing school for antagonists. The concept is delightfully absurd yet surprisingly resonant: to overcome life’s bullies, you may need to study their tactics. Martinez directs with a sly wink, mixing slapstick gags with sharp commentary on how Filipino dramas condition audiences to endure rather than fight back.

Barbie Forteza (Gigi) and Eugene Domingo (Mauricia)

Eugene Domingo shines as the Academy's top student and the main villain in the soap opera Batas ng Api. She practically hands Barbie a permission slip for revenge, and their chemistry is effortless. Domingo’s razor-sharp timing balances Forteza’s earnestness, allowing the comedy to land without sacrificing emotional depth. The supporting cast of legendary kontrabidas provides a masterclass in villainy, each cameo both a parody and a tribute to the archetypes they helped create. The film also gives clever nods to the actors' most iconic roles in movies and television, rewarding longtime fans with inside jokes and references.

Adding a playful twist, Susan Africa makes a surprise appearance representing the “San Bida Academy” a fun insert that highlights the eternal tug-of-war between heroes and villains.

Susan Africa

Beneath the laughs, Kontrabida Academy carries a pointed message: stop settling for the status quo. Through Forteza’s transformation and even the chorus of background extras finding their voice, the film urges viewers to speak up, challenge unfair systems, and claim agency in their own stories. It is a refreshing twist on the melodramatic template that has long defined local television and film.

Funny, clever, and unexpectedly empowering, Kontrabida Academy is more than a comedy about villains; it is a rousing call to rewrite the narrative.

Cast also includes Carmina Villaroel, Jameson Blake, Yasser Mata, Xyriel Manabat, Celia Rodriguez, Jean Garcia, Gladys Reyes, Pinky Amador, Mylene Dizon, Jaime Fabregas, Michael De Mesa, and Myrtle Sarrosa. Now streaming on Netflix.

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Young Marikeño Speller wins at SM Super Spelling Bee in SM City Marikina

The written spelling round at the SM City Marikina leg of the SM Super Spelling Bee

The air was buzzing with excitement last September 6, 2025, as SM City Marikina’s hallway at the Ground Level near Ace Hardware transformed into a live stage for word wizards. More than 180 students from both public and private schools in Marikina gathered for the SM Super Spelling Bee Elimination Round, showcasing not just their spelling skills but also their confidence and love for learning.

Open to Grades 5 and 6 students aged 10 to 12 years old, the competition brought together young learners eager to put their knowledge to the test in front of an enthusiastic crowd of parents, teachers, and mallgoers. After several intense rounds, one young speller stood out among the rest—Zarex Celis of Sta. Elena Elementary School, who emerged as the champion of SM City Marikina’s leg of the competition.

Now on its second year, the SM Super Spelling Bee has grown even bigger with 40 participating SM Supermalls nationwide, serving as a platform where classroom champs and young word enthusiasts can shine and celebrate the joy of words. This year’s edition is made even more meaningful as it coincides with SM Supermalls’ 40th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its commitment to creating spaces where families can shop, dine, learn, and connect through meaningful experiences.

More than 180 students from Marikina City battled it out as the best speller during the SM Super Spelling Bee at SM City Marikina.

The event was made possible through the support of National Book Store, National University, Power Mac Center, and Jollibee—partners who share in SM’s mission to nurture learning, creativity, and confidence among the youth.

Congratulations once again to Zarex Celis for this well-deserved win! We wish you the best of luck as you advance to the next round of the SM Super Spelling Bee.

Zarex Celis of Sta. Elena Elementary School orally spells out the word "euphonious" during the SM Super Spelling Bee elims at SM City Marikina.

Zarex Celis of Sta. Elena Elementary School emerged as the winner of the SM Super Spelling Bee elimination round in SM City Marikina. He will represent his school and the mall in the grand finals at SM Mall of Asia.

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Dancing with Tchaikovsky: An Evening of Russian Romanticism with the MSO

 The Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation Inc., together with Standard Insurance and in partnership with EastWest Bank, proudly presents Dancing with Tchaikovsky on September 27, 2025 (Saturday), 7:30 PM at the Aliw Theater, Pasay City. This special concert highlights the timeless brilliance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed under the baton of Russian guest conductor Alexander Vikulov with cello prodigy Damodar Das Castillo, scholar of the MSJO–Standard Insurance International Scholarship Program.

The evening’s repertoire opens with Tchaikovsky’s Festival Coronation March (1883), a work of ceremonial grandeur originally composed for Tsar Alexander III’s coronation. The program continues with the Variations on a Rococo Theme (1877), a cornerstone of the cello repertoire that combines classical elegance with virtuosic brilliance, to be performed by Castillo. The concert concludes with the beloved Sleeping Beauty Suite (1889), capturing the grace of courtly dances and the enchantment of fairy-tale fantasy.

Guest conductor Alexander Vikulov brings a distinguished international career spanning opera, ballet, and symphonic music, with appearances at the Vienna State Opera, Finnish National Opera, Seoul Arts Center, Teatro Regio di Torino, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Currently musical director of Manila’s Star and Aliw Theaters, he continues to build cultural bridges through the universal language of music.

Alexander Vikulov, Russian conductor

Eighteen-year-old Damodar Das Castillo, hailed as one of the most promising young cellists of his generation, has garnered top prizes in international competitions across Europe, including Tallinn, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Vienna, and Italy. He studied at the Pre-College of Mozarteum University Salzburg under Prof. Barbara Lübke-Herzl and now performs on a George Gerl cello as part of his scholarship program.

Damodar Das Castillo, cellist

Founded in 1926, the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is one of Asia’s oldest orchestras and the Philippines’ longest surviving artistic institution. Approaching its centennial in 2026, the MSO remains committed to presenting world-class performances while nurturing Filipino musical talent under Music Director Marlon Chen and Associate Conductor Jeffrey Solares.

Manila Symphony Orchestra

Tickets are now available via TicketWorld. Prices range from ₱650 to ₱3,500, with discounts offered: 50% off for students (Code: TCHAIKOVSKYSTUDENT50), 20% off for seniors and PWDs (Code: TCHAIKOVSKYMSO20), and a 20% early bird discount until September 15, 2025 (Code: TCHAIKOVSKYEB20). Valid IDs must be presented upon entry.

Follow the Manila Symphony Orchestra on:
YouTube – Manila Symphony Orchestra
Facebook – Manila Symphony Orchestra
Instagram – @manila.symphony
TikTok – @manilasymphonyorchestra
Website – www.manilasymphony.com

For one night only, experience the grandeur of Russian Romanticism as the Manila Symphony Orchestra brings Tchaikovsky’s music to life at the Aliw Theater.

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