PUCCINI PA MORE all set on April 20

Vissi d'arte. Vissi d'amore.
"I live for art. I live for love."
- From Giacomo Puccini's Tosca (1900)

Dive into the interesting and somewhat controversial life and works of Giacomo Puccini, regarded as the greatest composer of Italian opera after Giuseppe Verdi.

Learn more about him on the occasion of the centennial of his death from radio host and annotator Joanna Go.

Dr. Renato Lucas, professor, esteemed cellist, and President of the National Music Competition for Young Artists will discuss Puccini and opera in the Philippines.

His Excellency Marco Clemente, Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines will discuss the importance of opera in 21st century society.

Tiffany Liong Gabuya, station manager of DZFE 98.7 FM, the country's only classical radio station will share how to best present opera to a new generation of inquisitive and interested audiences.

Martin Lopez, Senior Director of the FEU Center for the Arts will moderate the informal and engaging panel discussion.

Join us in this conversation commemorating the 100th death anniversary of Puccini on April 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the newly renovated University Conference Center (UCC), Far Eastern University, Manila.

Free Admission!

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/xmN4QqzxiL
(First Come, First Served - Limited Slots Only)


Presented by the Embassy of Italy in the Philippines and the FEU Center for the Arts in cooperation with the FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences.

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Easter Fun in the East at SM

The warm summer sun is upon us, and with it comes the promise of beach getaways, relaxing staycations, and joyous Easter celebrations. Whether you're planning to hit the waves, cozy up at home during Holy Week, or join the festivities, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Cherry Antipolo have you covered!

EGGciting Easter

Fun-filled Easter egg hunts and costume contests are happening on Easter Sunday at your nearest SM Mall. No Easter celebration is complete without a delicious meal to treat your family to—brunch, merienda, dinner, or even sweet coolers to beat the heat—all available at your convenience.

Beach-Bound Bliss

Stock up on essential beach essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits, and beach towels at the SM Store. Don't forget fun beach toys and floaties for the kids! Look effortlessly chic with breezy summer wear. Make sure to stay protected from the harsh summer sun with sunglasses, hats, and rash guards. Find light and airy dresses, cool polos, and comfy shorts for both men and women from all from Coco Cabana and Coco Republic at the SM Store.

Holy Week Staycation

Stock up on popcorn, chips, and your favorite snacks at SM Supermarket for cozy movie nights. Turn on that new AC from SM Appliance Center to beat the hot and humid weather outside. Dip into inflatable pools from Toy Kingdom while drinking an ice-cold cola at your garage sounds refreshing.

This summer and Easter, SM Supermalls has everything you need to make the most of the season. So, head on over to your nearest SM mall, soak up the summer vibes, celebrate Easter, and create fun memories with loved ones.

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Rosang Taba runs again this April - May 2024!

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas is restaging the highly-acclaimed Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba this April 19 to May 05 2024 in UP Diliman. Considered one of the Best Filipino Theatre of 2023, this reimagining of Dean Francis Alfar’s beloved children’s book by Maynard Manansala and Rody Vera showcases the power of storytelling to reclaim and celebrate one's independence.

A race between Rosa and her oppressors in the fictional world of the Katao ensues with her family’s freedom at stake. Directed by José Estrella, Issa Manalo Lopez and Mark Daniel Dalacat to fierce music and wit, the story of Rosang Taba is a story of how limitations can be overcomed when one has the will to fight for their liberty. How does an ordinary Katao beat a menacing commandant in a race? Come and witness Rosa do it!

A play for all ages, Rosang Taba is envisioned to be the race that every Filipino can run.

Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas has long been at the forefront of producing premiere theatre productions since it was established in 1976 by National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. This production continues Dulaang UP’s celebration of women in its 46th Season Sidhi’t Silakbo. The season envisions women liberating themselves through a series of performances of freedom, fury, wit, rage, love and ruin.

Catch Kung Paano Nanalo sa Karera si Rosang Taba at the IBG-KAL Theater, University of the Philippines Diliman on the following dates:

April 19, 26, May 03 (7:30 pm)
April 20, 27, May 04 (3:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
April 21, 28, May 05 (10:30 am & 03:30 pm)

Tickets are available via Ticket2Me [ticket2me.net/event/21729].

For inquiries on show buying, audience sponsorship, and bulk tickets, contact Kate Dayag-Nonay at dulaangup.marketing.upd@up.edu.ph. Additional information will be posted at the Dulaang UP Facebook page.

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Time to Shine: Make Your Mark for Earth Hour at SM Malls

Small actions can make a big difference. This year, SM Supermalls invites everyone to #GiveAnHourForEarth by joining millions around the world in the annual Global Lights Switch Off on March 23 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. This 2024, SM marks 16 years of commitment in supporting the annual campaign initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) since its inception in the Philippines in 2008. You can make your mark too by participating in various eco-friendly activities across SM malls.

Have fun raising awareness
At SM North EDSA, fan groups and the Philippine K Pop Society will come together to illuminate the night with light sticks during the Global Lights Switch Off, while participating in pre-concert activities from various booths, including a plastic waste collection Idol Challenge. Unplug and unwind with an acoustic performance at SM City Manila or get pumped with a glow-in-the-dark Zumba party at SM City Pampanga. Swifties and acoustic fans gather for a chill evening of music while basking under the night skies in SM City Marikina and SM City San Mateo.

Shop and dine in the dark
Mall-goers can enjoy a candlelit dinner at participating restaurants, explore Green Retail Finds at the SM Store, or indulge in gadget-free entertainment at board game cafes and arts and crafts hubs. Customers can also check out solar light solutions at ACE Hardware or glow up while they power down with beauty and wellness treats at Watsons. More exclusive Earth Hour deals await via SM Deals, SM Malls Online, and at an SM mall near you.

Get moving and recycling
Promoting an active and sustainable lifestyle, customers are encouraged to walk or bike around the mall during Earth Hour. Furthermore, individuals can make a meaningful impact by dropping off recyclables at SM's plastic waste collection booths in partnership with Friends of HOPE, or by disposing of e-waste responsibly at designated collection bins located at Cyberzone or information booths.

Through the collective efforts of SM Supermalls, its tenants and customers in supporting Earth Hour in 2023, SM malls saved 4825.61 kwH of energy, equivalent to CO2 emissions from charging 417,940 smartphones. Shoppers can make an impact and #GiveAnHourForEarth at SM malls, showcasing how raising awareness on the climate crisis can be a vibrant and enjoyable experience too.

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BGC Arts Center Extends Monet and Friends Alive Exhibition until April 28

Art enthusiasts in the Philippines have a reason to celebrate as the highly regarded "Monet and Friends Alive" exhibition in BGC Arts Center has been extended until April 28, 2024. Created and produced by Grande Experiences and presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc., this exhibition marks its first stop in the Philippines, bringing to life the works of Monet and other prominent artists through state-of-the-art technology and immersive experiences.

From the vibrant landscapes of Monet to the captivating scenes of Renoir and Degas, visitors are transported into the artistic universe of these masters in a way that’s never been seen before. The BGC Arts Center offers more time for visitors to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of renowned French impressionist Claude Monet and his contemporaries.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the integration of cutting-edge multimedia installations, allowing visitors to interact with the artworks like never before. Through this innovative approach, visitors can gain deeper insights into the techniques and inspirations behind each masterpiece, enhancing their appreciation for the artists and their creations.

Moreover, the success of "Monet and Friends Alive" wouldn't have been possible without the support of Del Monte Philippines, TicketWorld, LG Philippines, Alveo, and the City Government of Taguig. With advanced display technology bringing this exhibition to life, visitors can enjoy an unmatched experience.

Whether you're an experienced art enthusiast or just looking for inspiration, "Monet and Friends Alive" offers an unforgettable journey through impressionism, right here in the Philippines. Explore the world of Monet and his fellow artists until April 28, so get your tickets now at the BGC Arts Center Box Office, or Ticketworld outlets or online. For more details, visit https://www.bgcartscenter.org/mfa, or follow BGC Arts Center on Facebook, and Instagram.

TICKET PRICES

Premium Flex: P2,500 (adult/child)

Enter and exit anytime within the day of your scheduled visit. Includes a complimentary Monet & Friends Alive Program Book, claimed on the day of visit.

2-Hour Pass:
General Admission: P1,200
Discounted*: P800
(exclusive of ticketing charges)
*Discounted rate applies to Children, Students up to College level with School ID, Senior Citizens with Senior Citizen ID, Persons with disabilities with PWD ID.
**Infants 2 feet and below are free of charge.

2-hour Weekday Passes for 4 pax*:
P3,600 (adult/child)
(exclusive of ticketing charges)
*All promo passes must be used on the same day of scheduled visit.
**Promo is valid on weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) from March 15 to April 26, 2024, and is not applicable on closed schedules.

Private, corporate, and school groups of 20 pax or more can enjoy special rates by contacting programs@bgcartscenter.org

Operations Schedule
Open Tuesday to Sunday
Closed Mondays, and March 28, March 29

2-HOUR TIME SLOTS

Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday):
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Weekends (Saturday to Sunday):
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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100 Days of Miracles: LG announces call for entries for 2024 LG Ambassador Challenge

Continuing its steadfast dedication to fostering positive change within communities since 2022, LG is proud to announce the reopening of entries for the LG Ambassador Challenge, effective March 1, 2024. Spearheaded by LG Philippines and Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI), this global initiative reaffirms LG's unwavering commitment to actively engage in local communities and promote sustainable growth.

Originating in 2017 in Bangladesh, the LG Ambassador Challenge has since expanded across South Asia, inspiring individuals and organizations to submit proposals aimed at driving meaningful transformation within their communities. The primary objective of this initiative is to empower local changemakers to devise plans that facilitate positive societal impact. Selected proposals receive grants to support the realization of their initiatives.

In the inaugural LG Ambassador Challenge for the Philippines, 'Ride for Hope' by Bahay Aruga and 'Roof for Siargao' by Red Charity Gala emerged as the winning projects. Last year's winners, including initiatives such as 'Life is Good, When Life Has Light' in Calauan, Laguna, 'Flowing Water for Growing Future' in Lawaguin, Nagcarlan, Laguna, and 'Paliparan Community Livelihood' in Dasmariñas, Cavite, exemplify the profound influence community-driven endeavors can have on fostering positive change.

Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines, eagerly anticipates the influx of new proposals for the program's third year. He emphasizes, "The LG Ambassador Program for the Philippines epitomizes our commitment to spreading the 'Life's Good' motto. We have always sought to actively contribute to the welfare of Filipinos, and this program allows us to do so with a focused, grassroots approach. It provides us with fresh perspectives and innovative avenues to extend our assistance and bring smiles to the community and to the world."

Aligned with the overarching vision of fostering collaboration across various sectors to enhance quality of life for all, the program welcomes participation from groups dedicated to effecting positive change and addressing social issues. This year, LG and KFHI aim to address Sustainable Development Goals (SDG1) - Ending poverty in all its forms everywhere, and (SDG4) - Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, leveraging LG products and technologies. This presents a unique opportunity for individuals, groups, and organizations to make a tangible difference in their communities.

Interested applicants can simply submit the items below.

Email Subject: LG Ambassador Challenge - (Project Entry Name and Location)
All project entries shall include the Entry Form Format which you can also download here or visit https://bit.ly/LGAC2024EntryForm:

Name:
Designation:
Organization:
Telephone Number:
Mobile Number:
Email Address:
Program location:
Project description:
What is the biggest social problem in your community and how can it be resolved?
Why should LGE and KFHI select your project:

Budget (Detailed 100-day implementation plan required, including unit price, quantity and timeline):

• For supporting documents, put all photo and photo captions into a single Microsoft Word file format and landscape orientation for video attachment/s
• Submit the digital format entry in not more than 20MB to email address: anthony.constantino@lge.com

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Experience the Win of A Lifetime. Watch the trailer of for Global Box Office Hit "Yolo", in cinemas April 17

Breaking the limits. Rising from the ashes. A fiery soul. YOLO, the inspirational comedy drama by director/writer/actress Jia Ling, opens in Philippine cinemas April 17.

YOLO tells the story of Le Ying (played by Jia Ling), who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life. Watch the trailer below:

The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.

YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17.

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