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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Super September Sale at SM Malls in the East!

Shop at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo on September 19-21, 2025, to get discounts of up to 50% off on select items.

September just got more exciting at the East Metro as SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo bring you the much-awaited Super September Sale happening on September 19, 20, and 21! Shoppers can enjoy up to 50% off on select items from mall tenants, making it the perfect time to shop for early Christmas gifts, home upgrades, or even well-deserved treats for yourself.

With the holiday season just around the corner, this sale is your chance to start filling up those Christmas gift bags early. Imagine scoring the latest sneakers for your teens, toys for the kids, and stylish bags and accessories for your besties—all at half the price. You can even find deals on kitchenware and home décor that will spruce up your space just in time for holiday gatherings.

September just got sweeter with big savings when you shop at Super September Sale!

There are also big savings on beauty must-haves and gadgets, so you can stock up on skincare, perfumes, and tech essentials while enjoying the discounts. Shopping early means you skip the holiday rush and still surprise your loved ones with the best gifts without overspending.

The Super September Sale is the perfect chance to shop smart and save big. Don’t miss it—mark your calendars for September 19, 20, and 21 and head to SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo for the best deals of the season. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-235743, Series of 2025.

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TBA Studios' “Quezon” Announces Special Ticket Price for Students and Teachers

Students and teachers can watch the much-awaited historical biopic "Quezon" at a special price when the film begins its Philippine theatrical run on October 15.

TBA Studios has officially announced that “Quezon” movie tickets will be available to students and teachers for only Php 250. To avail of the special rate, students and teachers simply need to present a valid school ID at ticket counters in participating cinemas nationwide.

According to TBA President and COO Daphne O. Chiu-Soon, the special ticket price aims to encourage students and educators to see “Quezon” specifically on the big screen.

“The best way to watch 'Quezon' is on the big screen. We are encouraging Filipinos to watch and experience ‘Quezon’ in the cinema, where it is meant to be seen,” Chiu-Soon said.

She added, “TBA Studios designed ‘Quezon’ to be a true cinematic experience. This is evident from the film’s star-studded ensemble cast—including Jericho Rosales playing the role of Manuel L. Quezon and our ‘import’ Iain Glen of the hit fantasy television series “Game of Thrones” playing Leonard Wood—to its entirely world-class technical and artistic execution.”

Chiu-Soon, who is also credited as one of the film’s producers, shared that the studio is open to making “Quezon” available on streaming platforms, though not in the immediate future.

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, ‘Quezon’ is the much-awaited conclusion to TBA Studios’ cinematic “Bayaniverse” trilogy, a series of films based on Philippine history. The “Bayaniverse” includes 2015’s “Heneral Luna,” the Philippines’ highest-grossing historical movie of all time, and 2018’s critically acclaimed “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.”

The film will focus on the titular Manuel L. Quezon during the American occupation. The full synopsis goes: “When his fight for Philippine independence from the United States is put to the test, Manuel L. Quezon finds himself playing the brutal game of politics to outmaneuver his rivals—including Leonard Wood, Sergio Osmeña, and Joven Hernando. In his relentless quest for power, he eventually faces off with Emilio Aguinaldo in the 1935 Philippine presidential elections, using charm and favoritism as both weapons and currency, in a campaign that ultimately changes the face of Philippine politics and history.”

Joining Rosales and Glen as part of the cast of are Benjamin Alves as Young Manuel L. Quezon and Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, reprising their roles from “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.” Arron Villaflor also returns to the “Bayaniverse” as Joven Hernando, with Cris Villanueva playing the role of the older Joven Hernando. The ensemble cast also includes Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, and Karylle. Completing the cast are Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco.

Chiu-Soon emphasized that while the film is the conclusion to the film studios’ acclaimed “Bayaniverse” trilogy, “Quezon” is a stand-alone film.

“Quezon” opens exclusively in theaters in the Philippines on October 15. Following its Philippine theatrical premiere, "Quezon" will be released internationally at a later date.

For complete guidelines on the special ticket price for students and teachers, contact the cinema of your choice.

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The Manila Hotel is Named No. 1 Cultural Hotel, No.1 Gourmet Hotel, and among the Top 20 Premium Hotels at Trip.Best Awards

The Manila Hotel has once again affirmed its stature as the Grand Dame of the Philippines, taking top honors at the Trip.Best awards by Trip.com. The iconic landmark was named No. 1 Cultural Hotel 2025 and No. 1 Gourmet Hotel 2024 in Metro Manila, while also earning a spot among the Top 20 Premium Hotels for 2025.

The No. 1 Cultural Hotel award is given to historic properties that preserve their architectural style and heritage, offering guests an immersive experience of history. Established in 1912, The Manila Hotel has welcomed world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities, with storied spaces such as the MacArthur Suite serving witnesses to pivotal moments in Philippine history.

Beyond heritage, The Manila Hotel shines in the culinary spotlight as its signature Chinese restaurant, Red Jade, secured the No. 1 Gourmet Hotel distinction. Known for its refined take on traditional Chinese cuisine, Red Jade has become a dining destination in its own right.

The Manila Hotel’s recognition as one of the Top 20 Premium Hotels confirms its standing as one of Metro Manila’s leading luxury destinations, blending heritage with modern amenities and world-class service. This distinction also highlights the hotel’s unwavering commitment to upholding Filipino hospitality at its finest.

Rose Angelie Quilicol, market manager for High Star and Local Chains of Trip.com extended her congratulations, “Warmest congratulations to The Manila Hotel for being honored with the prestigious Trip.Gourmet and Trip.Best awards. Long celebrated as the Grand Dame of Philippine hospitality, The Manila Hotel continues to stand as a timeless icon—where history, elegance, and exceptional service come together to create unforgettable experiences.”

“We are honored to receive these recognitions, which affirm our commitment to preserving the rich heritage of The Manila Hotel while continuously enhancing our service and culinary offerings. We remain grateful to our guests, whose support inspires us to keep the True Heart of the Philippines alive for generations to come,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

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TBA Studios celebrates "Heneral Luna" 10th anniversary with star-studded Bayaniverse photo shoot

In a momentous celebration of Filipino cinema, TBA Studios brought together the iconic cast members of the Bayaniverse cinematic trilogy for a historic class photo to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the groundbreaking biopic “Heneral Luna."

Shot by acclaimed photographer Artu Nepomuceno at the Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City, the Bayaniverse class photo imagines the lead stars from 2015’s “Heneral Luna,” 2018’s “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,” and the upcoming historical biopic “Quezon” as moviegoers enjoying a film on the big screen, a fitting tribute to a film series that has helped shape cultural and cinematic conversation in the country for the last ten years.

The photo shoot also commemorates the theatrical release of “Heneral Luna” ten years ago. The historical war epic opened in theaters on September 9, 2015. It has since become the highest-grossing Philippine historical film of all time and jump-started the Bayaniverse cinematic trilogy.

More than just a historic photo shoot with the stars of TBA Studios’ historical film series, the Bayaniverse class photo is part of a larger call to action to remind the public of the beauty of watching movies in theaters and the immense hard work and creative labor that goes into making quality films, said Daphne O. Chiu-Soon, President and COO of TBA Studios.

“We assembled the stars of our historical films ‘Heneral Luna,’ ‘Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral,’ and ‘Quezon’ to celebrate the shared experience of cinema and the electricity of a live audience.”

Chiu-Soon added: “This photo shoot fittingly encapsulates TBA Studios’ love for and commitment to Philippine cinema as we celebrate "Heneral Luna" and the 10 years since it came out in theaters. It also signals our excitement as we await the release of "Quezon" in Philippine cinemas on October 15.”

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Poten-Cee's 50th Anniversary Campaign wins double at Quill and Anvil Awards

Fifty, Fortified, and Forging Forward Recognized as One of The Professional Top Awards at Quill

A year after its 50th anniversary celebration, Ascorbic Acid (Poten-Cee) continues to forge forward as its campaign #FiftyFortifiedandForging Forward scores a win at the Philippine IABC’s Quill Awards held last week at the historical Manila Hotel. This recent feat marks the brand’s second successive win at two major communications awards, following the PR Society of the Philippines’ Anvil’s Silver in January.

For effectively conveying its 50th anniversary via #FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward to targeted audiences through a variety of channels and vehicles and then scoring higher than 5.75 based on IABC’s Global Scale of Excellence, Poten-Cee Vitamin C scored an Excellence Award.

In 2024, Poten-Cee communicated its campaign initially to internal stakeholders, believing that employees are the best brand ambassadors and thereafter to external stakeholders that included customers as well as members of media who attested as customers themselves.

The campaign that was conceptualized late 2023 and that ran from January to December 2024, reached audiences through internal platforms and largely ATL, BTL and especially digital platforms. Despite challenges, Poten-Cee achieved remarkable sales, collective digital performances, PR, and stakeholder engagements (including CSR) that pushed its score further.

Notably, among 918 total entries, 163 won an Excellence Award (58 from the same category) where amongst these, Poten-Cee at 50 qualified to be part of the Professional Top 5 Awards. This means the campaign scored one of the highest on a scale of 1 to 7 with 7 being the highest.

According to IABC President Belle Tiongco, “Scoring a Professional Top Awards means you submitted a well-written entry, with clear strategy, creativity, and results accompanied with an impressive Work Plan, showing a sample of the campaign which allowed the evaluator to “experience” the output in a very effective manner. This is how you win the Quills! She adds: “Landing in the final five is a big feat in this very competitive category.”

The #FiftyFortifiedandForgingForward is PascualLab’s 2nd Quill, winning its first Excellence for its 75th anniversary campaign #PascualLove in 2021. This second award inspires the brand and the company to continue forging forward in delivering various Vitamin C needs across markets.

Poten-Cee’s current portfolio includes: Poten-Cee Sugar-coated, Sugar-free, Forte (1000 mg), and Chewable. It also offers more advanced immunity protection (against other variants) with Poten-Cee Zn and Zn Advance. It also offers variants that help boost collagen production and that improve skin and hair health: Poten-Cee + C (with Bovine and Marine). Poten-Cee also addresses the vitamin C needs of children with its Poten-Cee Plus, and its newest variant Poten-Cee Gummies variants. For more information, visit pascuallab.com and our official stores at Lazada, Shopee, and Tiktok.

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