Best Of 3 - championing Filipino talent for a cause

It is not every day that we get to watch amazing live acts, and we're happy that our friends from Vega Entertainment invited us to see our champions Rhap Salazar, Mama Clay and Jex De Castro in the second Best of 3 concert held on September 14 at Amorato in Quezon City.

The sold out concert is for the benefit of CRIBS Foundation Inc., an institution committed to the care and development, healing and recovery of children in need of special protection. Proceeds of the concert goes to CRIBS for creating opportunities for its staff, donors and volunteers to become whole and empowered instruments of changing social realities. Rhap, Mama Clay and Jex organized their concert in support of CRIBS, especially for the aid of the abused children.

Started with a lively medley of Blinding Lights (The Weeknd), Water (Tyla) and Levitating (Dua Lipa), the three perked up the venue with their lovely harmony and an early display of their amazing vocal power that we are expecting throughout the show. The fun jamming at the opening already had us applauding for more.

Then each of them had their own set. Starting with Jex, last night was just the only time I heard Love of My Life by South Border after a long. He delivered it with such excellence that it rivaled the original version. With impressive accolades like being the Grand Prix Champion at the 2023 Stars of the Albion in London, a nomination at the 2020 Awit Awards, and a 1st runner-up position at the 2019 Tawag Ng Tanghalan, Jex is far from an ordinary singer.

Mama Clay sang a calming duet of Someday from the West Side Story with Jex then she gave her amazing set. There are lots of things to appreciate to this woman. Her vocal powerhouse was backed up with a number of achievements and experiences like mentoring for international singing competitions, especially in Malta where she spent some time and she was generous to share her story with us. She also was an actor in the Sound of Music at Resorts World Manila. Not to mention that she was a backup singer for Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez to include in her portfolio.

She started with Lizzo's About Damn Time and gave a wonderful set belting out the high notes and songs that put the house into a great party. We love her musical versatility as she can also rap and jive into pop singles.

Not but not the least is we had Rhap Salazar, who effortlessly played along with the songs on his set which is pure entertainment. A Sam Smith and Lady Gaga fan himself, he didn't mince his words to express the messages of the songs in his set. The former singing competition contender sang his original single Barely Breathing with deep emotions that he shed tears on stage that not putting his feelings on stage would be illegal.

Jex De Castro, Mama Clay, and Rhap Salazar are incredibly talented artists who have showcased Filipino talent on the global stage. Their achievements truly give us reason to be proud! If they happen to have mini concerts, please please support them.

Rhap Salazar, Jex De Castro, Mama Clay

Read More

DEAR SUGAR... Tiny Beautiful Things Full Cast Revealed

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS: A Play About Life – In Letters is set to make its Philippine premiere this November 2024. Featuring true stories and real letters, the play is based on the book-turned-play-turned-limited TV series. Written by acclaimed author Cheryl Strayed (bestselling author of Wild) and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise), the straight play chronicles the journey of Strayed as Sugar, an anonymous advice columnist whose radical empathy won the hearts of many readers.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will feature Calzado in the role of Sugar. She will be joined by three other cast members who will lend epistolary voices to the letter writers.

Joining Calzado are Rody Vera, Gabby Padilla and Ketchup Eusebio as the letter writers. Rounding out the cast are Gawad Buhay awardees Regina De Vera and Brian Sy (swing/letter writer at certain performances).

Rody Vera is a multi-awarded playwright, screenwriter, actor, and singer. A pillar of the Philippine theatrical scene, Palanca hall of famer and Gawad Buhay awardee, he has been in several shows including Otelo, Rak of Aegis, and most recently in Old Gaze. Rody is a seasoned actor, also appearing in films such as Sister Stella L (Mike De Leon, 1984) and Ora Pro Nobis (Lino Brocka, 1989). Last seen in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Gabby Padilla is a theater, film, and TV actress. She has appeared in TV shows and films such as Billie & Emma (2019), Dead Kids (2019), Eerie (2019), and Kono Basho (2024) which earned her the Best Actress Award at Cinemalaya 2024. Making his return to the stage, Ketchup Eusebio is an actor and comedian with a career spanning over two decades. He has appeared in films and TV shows including Ang Tanging Ina films (2003), Maalaala Mo Kaya anthologies (2006), Heneral Luna (2016), and Un/Happy For You (2024).

Most recently seen in Mula Sa Buwan, Brian Sy is a sought after theater, TV, and film actor. He has appeared in various productions including his award-winning turn in Coriolano and The Sandbox Collective’s Lungs. Brian has also appeared in films and TV shows including GomBurZa (2023) and the Philippine adaptation of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2024). An actress and a director, Regina De Vera received her MFA in Acting at The Juilliard School in 2019. She was a resident actor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines for five years. She made her theatrical debut in the US with The Underpants (The Old Globe, 2019) and made her directorial debut in the Philippines at the 17th Virgin Labfest Festival (2022). De Vera most recently appeared in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal.

At the helm of the production is Gawad Buhay awardee Jenny Jamora who will be directing the show. Joining her in the artistic team are Marcel David as assistant director, Kayla Teodoro as set designer, Kiefer Sison as lighting and technical director, Arvy Dimaculangan as sound designer, Krystal Kane as costume stylist, and JV Rabano as photographer.

Leading the production team is Toff De Venecia as managing artistic director, alongside Anna Santamaria as finance and operations director, Sab Jose as marketing and PR director, and Maine Manalansan as design director. Joining the production team are Charyl De Guzman as production manager, Pachot Festejo as head stage manager, Loreta Arroyo as marketing and PR manager and Marielle Filoteo as social media manager.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, and was co-conceived by Marshall Heyman, Thomas Kail, and Nia Vardalos.

TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS will run from November 16 to December 8, 2024 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Friday shows will begin at 8 PM, while Saturday and Sunday shows will run at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Special Thanks to our major sponsors MAC Cosmetics, official makeup partner; Privato Hotel, official hotel partner; Pitchworks, official billboard partner.

Tickets are available at Ticket2Me (bit.ly/tinybeautifulmnl) and through our official show buyers.

Read More

Nursing Board Exam Topnotcher Swears By Glutaphos

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab)’s brain vitamin brand Glutamic Acid + Dicalcium Phosphate + Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vit B1) + Cyanocobalamanin (Vit B12) (Glutaphos) recently gifted 2023 Nursing Board topnotcher Aristotle Castronuevo a year’s supply plus other PascualLab products, for his personal testimonial about the neurotonic.

Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corp Division Head for Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements Valerie Anne Tan Sison awards Aristotle Castronuevo his year's supply of Glutaphos as a way of thanking the Nursing Board topnotcher for trusting Glutaphos in his academic journey.

Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corp Division Head for Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements Valerie Anne Tan Sison personally thanked the Bicol – Mindoro native who attributes his recent board success partly to Glutaphos which was introduced by friends who were also taking the exam back in 2023. “Sa tingin ko nakatulong po sa akin ang Glutaphos sa pag-achieve ng dreams ko na makapasa, kaya I want to spread the word -- nakatulong talaga siya for me and gusto kong makatulong sa iba,” Castronuevo muses.  Glutaphos has Glutamic Acid + Dicalcium Phosphate + Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) + Cyanocobalamin (Vit B12) that helps improve mental performance. ¹,² (with good study habits, proper diet and exercise).

Glutaphos  is available in all leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide and at PascualLab’s official Lazada and Shopee stores. #ParaSaBrainTibay #ProudlyPascualLove

Read More

"Strings Of Gold": The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra sets concert on October 1, 2024

The MiraNila Heritage House & Library proudly presents “Strings of Gold: The Manila Symphony Orchestra Returns Triumphant from Europe” on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at The Gallery MiraNila.

Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra

Last July, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) received the gold prize in addition to the Grand Prix in the 13th Bratislava International Youth Music in Slovakia. It was their first participation in the festival.

Only two companies were awarded the Grand Prix in Bratislava this year, the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria from South Africa for their choir and the MSJO from the Philippines for their orchestra. In the same month, the MSJO journeyed to Mozart’s Vienna and garnered the top prize at the prestigious 2024 Summa Cum Laude International Music Festival, a reprise of their golden win of 2021, besting 140 orchestras from 33 countries.

The repertoire for the concert will include classical works for strings by Josef Suk, Antonio Vivaldi, and Antonín Dvořák, as well as popular classics by Andrea and Ennio Morricone, Harold Arlen, Ryan Cayabyab, Conrado del Rosario, BINI, and Benny Castillon, among others.

The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) is the string orchestra training program of the MSO Foundation. The junior orchestra is composed of the most advanced students of the MSO Music Academy and other qualified students ages 9 to 26 years old.

Between 2017 and 2019, the MSJO toured Austria, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Korea, and Myanmar. Several MSJO members are top-prize winners of international competitions and of the Philippines’ National Music Competitions for Young Artists.

To date, several MSJO members are enrolled in leading music schools in the United States and Europe, such as the Juilliard School in New York, Cleveland State University, the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, and the Mozarteum University in Salzburg.

The MSJO is principally supported by Standard Insurance Inc., under its corporate motto “In Pursuit of Excellence.”

The House opens at 6:00 p.m. and the program promptly starts at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

For the general public: Tickets @ P1500, limited seating on a first-come-first-save basis, order now. Text 0927 277 6335 (Robeen Manalo) for tickets.

Pre-concert snacks & post-concert dinners are available at Bizu MiraNila with a 5% discount for ticket holders on the day of the concert, call to reserve with Jenn or Kim +639273015129.

Guests are requested to kindly wear soft-soled shoes as these are kinder to old floors.

MiraNila Heritage House & Library is located at 26 Mariposa Street, Brgy Bagong Lipunan Crame, QC (find us on Facebook: MiraNila Heritage House Events).

“Strings of Gold” is presented by the Benitez-Tirona MiraNila Foundation in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts and Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf, with support from the Bizu Groupe and The Henry MiraNila.

Read More

The Manila Hotel Unveils Early Holiday Cheer with Discounted Christmas Hampers

The Manila Hotel is ushering in the holiday season early with its Christmas Hamper early bird offer. From September 16 to October 31, 2024, guests can enjoy a 20% discount on thoughtfully assembled gift baskets brimming with festive treats and signature goodies.

This year’s hampers are inspired by Filipino salakot, a traditional headgear, adding a cultural touch to the holiday celebrations. This limited-time offer gives patrons a head start on their holiday shopping, ensuring they can share the joy of the season with beautifully presented gifts.

The Standard Hamper is priced at Php 2,304 (regularly Php 2,880) that includes Bahay Kubo Gingerbread, Christmas Cookies, Fruitcake, Harana Pralines, Cashew Raisin Cluster, The Manila Hotel Facade Chocolate Bar, and a Santa with Bag Chocolate.

Standard Christmas Hamper

The Deluxe Hamper, available for Php 5,504 (regularly Php 6,880) offers an elevated collection, featuring Bahay Kubo Gingerbread, Pili Nut Pralines, Fruitcake, Food for the Gods, Mango Nut Cluster, Santa with Bag Chocolate, Christmas Cookies, Bugnay Wine (375 ml), and a Willy the Bear Stuffed Toy. It also includes a Regular Prestige Card for added perks.

Deluxe Christmas Hamper

Finally, the Premium Hamper, priced at Php 7,280 (regularly Php 9,100), is the ultimate indulgence, offering Harana Pralines, The Manila Hotel Facade Chocolate Bar, The Manila Hotel Blend Coffee Drip, Bugnay Wine (375 ml), Tablea (250 g), a Tsokolatera Pot with Wooden Whisk, The Manila Hotel Tumbler, Ilang-Ilang Notebook, Willy the Bear Keychain, Willy the Bear Stuffed Toy, and a Regular Prestige Card.

Premium Christmas Hamper

Pick-up of orders starts on November 1, 2024. For orders and inquiries, call Delicatessen at +632 8527-0011 or +632 5301-5500 local 1125, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-201376 Series of 2024

Read More

Once On This Island - making waves of emotions in a spectacular musical

Saw the matinee show of 9 Works Theatrical’s Once On This Island last weekend with Angela Ken as Ti Moune and Sam Concepcion as Daniel.

The stage immediately took us to the sea. The drapes and fringes are constantly flowing while you hear the calming sound of the waves. If you’re not familiar with the show like me, you will immediately think you’re in a very colorful seaside vibe which they did deliver. I admit I was a bit worried about the sloped platforms and how they’d sing and dance but trusting the theater gods, our actors were completely safe to prance and give us a great show. The stage was indeed beautifully done. 

The songs and dances are quite inviting to a party. It would be delightful if they pulled some audiences to dance onstage for a moment to remember. 

This might be the most pleasant sounding musical for me to date. Angela Ken got the sound of a siren and pure emotions that comes out of Ti Moune. An early congratulations to her. Supported with many theater veterans in the show, all have complimented their harmonies.

Sam Concepcion who headlines another musical at the northern part of the Metro is also a must see. He and Angela make a cute chemistry that will swoon the audiences with their love story. Don't want to give spoilers but it is something emotionally devastating. It means that they are both great and effective in their parts.

And oh, I love the gods' hats. Hoped they could be part of the available merch so we can play gods at one time. 

Once On This Island runs until September 29 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati. Directed by Robbie Guevara. For tickets, visit bit.ly/OnceOnThisIslandMNL.

Read More

Here Comes the Boom: LG XBOOM Makes Its Powerful Debut

Black Eyed Peas' “Boom Boom Pow” global collaboration with LG XBOOM ignites a global party revolution with boundless beats

L-R: Candy Gamos (host); Ms. Mildred Bugay, LG Philippines Product Manager for Audio; Mr. Yongwoo Park, LG Philippines Product Director for Home Entertainment; Mr. Nakhyun Seong, LG Philippines Managing Director; P-pop group VXON

LG Electronics proudly unveils its latest innovation in sound—the LG XBOOM speakers—during a high-energy launch event at Abenson Quezon Avenue. The highly anticipated lineup was introduced to an enthusiastic audience of media and music lovers, all eager to experience the bold, immersive sound that the LG XBOOM delivers.

The event transformed into a vibrant music festival, alive with energy and festive decorations that perfectly highlighted the XBOOM’s cutting-edge technology. This lively atmosphere created an unforgettable experience, showcasing the speakers' superior features and their versatility for any occasion—whether used outdoors, for traveling, or at a big party.

Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" also played a key role in the event, initiating the audience for a global movement of breaking boundaries, pushing limits, and living in the moment. As an iconic anthem, "Boom Boom Pow" perfectly complemented the XBOOM’s dynamic features, with the speakers’ bass amplifying the event’s party atmosphere. The collaboration highlighted the synergy between innovative technology and high-energy music, making the launch event a truly unforgettable experience.

LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong, expressed his excitement, emphasizing how the XBOOM movement is designed to revolutionize the way we experience music.

Mr. Nakhyun Seong, LG Philippines Managing Director

“In perfect harmony with the LG XBOOM, we’ve partnered with the legendary hit ‘Boom Boom Pow’ by the Black Eyed Peas. This iconic track isn’t just a song—it’s a movement. It’s about breaking boundaries, pushing limits, and immersing ourselves in the pure joy of the moment. This philosophy of living boldly and fully is at the core of what LG XBOOM represents.,” he said.

Ms. Mildred Bugay, Product Manager for Audio, detailed the features of the LG XBOOM XL9T and LG XBOOM Go speakers, highlighting their advanced sound technology.

Ms. Mildred Bugay, LG Philippines Product Manager for Audio

“The Dynamic Bass Optimizer in the LG XBOOM XL9T delivers punchy bass while maintaining balanced sound even at low volumes. LG XBOOM Go is a portable party speaker that is perfectly designed for outdoors that you can bring wherever you go.” she explained. The event demonstrated how LG XBOOM speakers are designed for exceptional usability and convenience.

The LG XBOOM XL9T is a powerhouse in portable sound, featuring two 8-inch giant woofers for deep, bold bass and 3-inch tweeters for crisp highs. Its dynamic lighting includes unique ring lights around the woofers, pixel LED animations, and multi-color effects that sync with the music. The XL9T also offers karaoke functionality and guitar inputs for live performances, and its handle and wheels make it easy to transport. With an IPX4 rating, it withstands water splashes, making it ideal for poolside gatherings.

LG XBOOM XL9T

The LG XBOOM Go is designed for outdoor adventures with remarkable sound and deep bass. The new track-type woofers of XG7Q and XG5Q, produce stunningly loud and clear audio. Its bass enhancement algorithm ensures that every note is heard and felt, even at low volumes. It displays dynamic lighting with up to 16 million colors that sync with the music for an immersive experience. The XG7Q has a 30W output that offers up to 24 hours of playback, while the XG5Q has a 20W output that provides playback up to 18 hours.

LG XBOOM XG7Q

LG XBOOM XG5Q

The LG XBOOM XG2T, known as “mighty in mini,” delivers powerful sound from its compact design for up to 10 hours. It features a unique string structure for secure attachment and has passed seven US military durability tests.

LG XBOOM XG2T

With IP67 rating, the LG XBOOM Go is designed to withstand both water and dust, ensuring the music keeps playing no matter the environment.

The event also featured a dynamic performance from VXON, a rising P-pop group known for their energetic stage presence. VXON thrilled the audience with a global collaboration rendition of “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas, and their original hits “Saksak Sa Puso” and “Sandal.”

P-Pop group VXON for LG XBOOM

The group also shared their excitement for music, with VXON stating "Music is truly a universal language, and we’re really happy with this opportunity to connect with all of you through our performances this afternoon.”

In closing, Mr. Yongwoo Park, LG Philippines Product Director for Home Entertainment, emphasized LG's belief on pushing the limits of innovation that redefines sound quality and enhances the way we experience music in our daily lives.

Mr. Yongwoo Park, LG PH Product Director for Home Entertainment

Life’s Good with the new lineup of LG XBOOM Speakers that are now available at special introductory prices:
LG XBOOM XL9T (₱ 44,990.00 SRP) - ₱ 35,990.00

LG XBOOM Go Series:
LG XBOOM XG7Q (₱ 9,490.00 SRP) - ₱ 6,990.00
LG XBOOM XG5Q (₱ 7,490.00 SRP) - ₱ 5,490.00
LG XBOOM XG2T (₱ 3,490.00 SRP) - ₱ 2,490.00

Life’s about more than having the latest technology; it’s about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers top-of-the-line home entertainment appliances that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring "Innovation for a Better Life" nationwide—across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. For more information, visit and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube (@lgphilippines).

Read More