The Manila Hotel and Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. Named Winners at FAMAS Prestige Awards

The Manila Hotel was recognized as a National Treasure in Filipino Heritage and Hospitality at the inaugural FAMAS Prestige Awards 2025 on March 30, 2025. Bestowed by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), this honor highlights the hotel’s enduring legacy and invaluable contributions to Philippine heritage, tourism, and hospitality.

Established in 1912, The Manila Hotel has long stood as a beacon of elegance and world-class Filipino hospitality. Its iconic architecture and genuine Filipino service have cemented its status as a national landmark. This recognition from FAMAS reaffirms the hotel’s pivotal role in shaping the local hospitality industry while safeguarding the country’s rich traditions.

As another proud highlight of the evening, Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel, was awarded the FAMAS Prestige Leadership Excellence in Filipino Heritage and Hospitality Award. His distinguished career and unwavering dedication to championing Filipino excellence make him a fitting recipient of this esteemed honor.

Under his leadership, The Manila Hotel remains a steadfast custodian of Filipino heritage, solidifying its reputation as the country’s premier five-star hotel and a living testament to its storied past. Beyond governance and hospitality, Atty. Lina is also an artist at heart, with a deep appreciation for music and the arts—values closely aligned with FAMAS’ celebration of Filipino excellence in film, culture, and the creative arts.

“We are deeply honored to receive these recognitions from the very first FAMAS Prestige Awards,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing. “The Manila Hotel has always celebrated its rich history and traditions. This was made possible by the visionary leadership of our president, Atty. Joey Lina.”

With a legacy spanning more than a century, The Manila Hotel continues to set the gold standard in hospitality, ensuring that the grandeur and warmth of the Filipino spirit endure for generations to come.

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Reflect during the Holy Week and have a Wicked-ly Fun Easter at The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a season of reflection, culinary delights, and family-friendly festivities with a carefully curated lineup of Holy Week and Easter events.

Easter at the EGGmerald City

Families are in for a Wicked-ly fun Easter at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Inspired by the whimsical world of Wizard of Oz, Easter at the EGGmerald City will transform the venue into an emerald and pink-colored wonderland filled with activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake making, arts and crafts, egg decorating, a magic show, balloon twisting, a musical, and much more. Hotel mascot Willy the Bear will make a special appearance, ready to meet junior guests and pose for photos.

“We are thrilled to host a truly unique Easter celebration this year, bringing the wicked world of Oz into reality for the spectacle for our junior guests,” says Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories together in a fun and magical atmosphere.”

Tickets for Easter at the EGGmerald City is priced at Php 1,999 net, which includes admission for one child (12 years old and below) and one adult companion (13 years old and above).

For families seeking to extend fun, The Manila Hotel offers a special room package at Php 10,000 net inclusive of an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast buffet for two persons at Café Ilang-Ilang, and one complimentary ticket to Easter at the EGGmerald City. Booking period is ongoing until April 19, 2025. Stay date is on April 20, 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Numbers FTEB-217902 and FTEB-217877. Series of 2025.

Visita Iglesia: A Holy Week Pilgrimage

In the spirit of Lenten reflection, The Manila Hotel invites guests to join a meaningful Visita Iglesia tour on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. The tour will be led by The Traveling Salakot, Paul John Hernandez, a social science educator known for his engaging historical tours that highlight Filipino heritage.

Recognized by the Department of Tourism and National Parks Development Committee, The Traveling Salakot brings deep insight into the significance of each church along the route.

Visita Iglesia will include visits to Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Santa Rita Chapel, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Church, Santa Maria Goretti, Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, and Our Lady of Remedies Church.

Priced at Php 1,500 per adult and Php 750 per child (12 years old and below), the package includes roundtrip shuttle service and snacks. Two schedules are available: 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Limited slots are available, and reservations are recommended through +632 8527 0011 or concierge@themanilahotel.com.

For a complete Holy Week retreat, guests can avail the Visita Iglesia Room Offer at Php 10,000 per room per night, which includes a stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast for two at Café Ilang-Ilang, and Visita Iglesia tour access for two adults and two kids. Reservations are open until April 16, 2025 through +632 8527 0011 or resvn@themanilahotel.com, with stay dates from April 16 to 18, 2025 inclusive.

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Review: "Pilato" – A Faith-Based Musical That Challenges Perspectives

"Pilato," the new offering from The Corner Studio, is an original Filipino musical that invites audiences to re-examine the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Pontius Pilate. Running from April 4 to 13 at the PETA Theater Center, this production provides a fresh perspective on a well-known biblical narrative.

Curtain Call for Pilato, cast with writer and director Eldrin Veloso

The musical traces Pilate's journey from his early ambitions in Rome to his appointment as prefect of Judea, a province rife with political and religious unrest. This setting serves as a backdrop for Pilate's moral and political struggles, offering audiences a nuanced portrayal of his character.

One of the musical's standout features is its thoughtfully composed score, which seamlessly blends traditional Jewish musical elements. This fusion not only enriches the narrative but also immerses the audience in the cultural and historical context of the story.

Jerome Ferguson as Pilato

Cast of Pilato, Noel Rayos as Hesus

Beyond its musical achievements, Pilato delves into themes of truth and power, resonating with contemporary societal issues. The production challenges viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and the complexities of decision-making in a politically charged environment. The play aims to unravel the mystery of truth's many faces, a particularly pertinent exploration in today's post-truth era.

Featuring a talented ensemble cast led by Jerome Ferguson as Pilato, Onyl Torres as Josepo and Noel Rayos as Hesus, Pilato offers a compelling and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Its innovative storytelling and rich musical compositions make it a must-see production this season.

Don’t miss Pilato starting today, April 4 at 8pm for its world premiere and on April 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 3pm and 8pm, at the PETA Theater Center.

Tickets are now available at pilato.helixpay.com.

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Celebrate Local, Shop Big! Antipolo Cityhood Sale Brings Huge Discounts to SM

Summer just got even more exciting as SM City Masinag and SM Center Antipolo Downtown bring you the Antipolo Cityhood Sale happening on April 4-6, 2025! In celebration of Antipolo’s cityhood anniversary, these two SM malls in Antipolo are rolling out exclusive discounts and summer must-haves for everyone!

Get ready to score up to 50% off on a wide range of items—from stylish summer outfits and trendy accessories to home essentials and the latest gadgets! Whether you're planning your next beach getaway, updating your summer wardrobe, or shopping for your home, you’ll find the best deals here.

This sale is exclusive to SM City Masinag and SM Center Antipolo Downtown—so mark your calendars and take advantage of these limited-time offers! Bring your family and friends, shop for summer essentials, and celebrate the vibrant cityhood of Antipolo!

The Antipolo Cityhood Sale is per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. R4A-RIZ 78, Series of 2025.

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Introducing the Instinct 3 Series from Garmin: Rugged smartwatches now with AMOLED displays

Boldly designed for an active lifestyle, the newest smartwatches offer bright AMOLED or solar-charged displays, a metal-reinforced bezel and built-in LED flashlights on all models

Garmin has announced the Instinct ® 3 Series, its newest lineup of rugged smartwatches, now offered with a brilliant AMOLED or solar-powered display for maximum battery life.

Designed with adventurers in mind, Instinct 3 Series adds a metal-reinforced bezel for extreme durability and a built-in flashlight on every model. And with incredible battery life, it’s easy to explore more; the AMOLED models get up to 24 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode while the solar charging models can get unlimited battery life.

“With trendy, limited-edition colors and a durable design, Instinct 3 is the smartwatch you can wear whenever, wherever. Packed with connected features, popular built-in sports apps and 24/7 health and wellness monitoring, the latest lineup is built to help you follow your passions—whatever they may be.”

–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales

Rugged yet bold
Featuring a metal-reinforced bezel, fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant display for maximum durability, Instinct 3 Series is ready for any challenge. The new lineup is also built to MIL-STD 810 for thermal and shock resistance and is water-rated to 100 meters. Plus, a built-in flashlight – now available on all Instinct 3 models – provides variable intensities, a red light and strobe mode to help provide greater awareness in dark environments, like while spelunking in caves, rummaging through a gear pack or telling scary stories around the campfire.

The AMOLED Instinct 3 is available in two sizes – 45 mm and 50 mm — while the solar-powered model is available in 50 mm. Both options come in sleek colorways like Black, Black/Charcoal, plus bright and bold colorways like Neotropic and Neotropic/Twilight, that are part of the new, limited-edition Tropical Pulse Collection.

Even more to love about the Instinct 3 Series

• Increased solar efficiency: A larger, more efficient solar lens harnesses the power of the sun even better. Compared to Instinct 2 Solar, the new 50mm Instinct 3 Solar gets more than five times the battery life in GPS mode when solar charging.
• Around-the-clock health and wellness monitoring: Track steps, heart rate, advanced sleep monitoring, wrist-based Pulse Ox, heart rate variability (HRV) status and more. Meanwhile, women’s health tracking features let users track their menstrual cycle and pregnancy while also getting exercise and nutrition information.
• Morning report: Upon waking, receive a customized look at last night’s sleep, the day’s calendar and HRV status.
• Smart notifications: Receive emails, texts and alerts right on the watch when paired with a compatible Apple ® or Android ™ smartphone.
• Garmin Messenger ™ app: Communicate with friends and family via two-way text messaging right from the watch.
• Multi-band GPS with SatIQ ™ : Experience superior positioning accuracy while optimizing battery life.
• Garmin Share: Quickly and easily share saved locations, courses and workouts with other nearby, compatible Garmin smartwatches and Edge ® cycling computers.

Visit our YouTube page to see how Instinct 3 Series can help you follow yours, wherever the adventure leads.

Explore more
With sports apps like hiking, running, cycling, golfing, fishing, skiing and more, Instinct 3 Series is the perfect companion to enjoy the great outdoors. While out exploring, TracBack ® routing helps provide a route back to the starting point as well as reference points of known spots relative to that location. The built-in altimeter, barometer and 3-axis electronic compass can be used to navigate the next trail. Users can also pair their Instinct 3 with the Garmin Explore ™ App to review more detailed maps, create waypoints and courses and more to make the most of their next adventure.

Get active
In addition to built-in sports apps for outdoor adventures, Instinct 3 Series is loaded with apps for activities like HIIT, cardio, indoor and outdoor track running, pickleball, basketball and more. Prepare for the next race, train for a milestone, or strive to improve overall fitness with Garmin Coach adaptive and prebuilt training plans for running and cycling. View an entire week of daily suggested workouts that adapt after every run or ride or create step-by-step workouts from more than 1,600 exercises in the Garmin Connect ™ app, then send them directly to the watch. And track intensity minutes, VO2 max and recovery time to receive guidance on recommended recovery times to reduce fatigue and burnout.

Stay connected
When paired with a compatible smartphone, view smart notifications and workout with greater peace of mind thanks to safety and tracking features like incident detection, assistance and LiveTrack 5.

The Garmin Instinct 3 series will be available February 26 with a suggested retail price of PHP 29,290 for the 45mm AMOLED model, while the 50mm variant will sell for PHP 32,490. The 50mm solar charging models will be available for PHP 29,290. Get yours on the official Garmin PH website or through Kinetic, Lazada, or Shopee.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, off-road explorers, road warriors and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences, enrich lives and help provide peace of mind, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

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Your Clothes Deserve Better: Smarter Fabric Care Powered by LG Washers & LG Styler

LG Washers deliver powerful, efficient cleaning while protecting the fabrics you love

Style is a form of confidence and self-expression, and how you look after your clothes reflects that. LG Washers and the LG Styler provide smart, efficient support that keeps every piece fresh, soft, and well-maintained — because you are at your best with the clothes you wear. Just like how intention and effort go into curating a style, LG makes sure your clothes get the care they deserve.

1. Effortless Care for Clothes That Matter
Keep your extra special clothes looking as good as the moments you cherish with the 15/8KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with TurboWash 360°, which delivers a deep yet gentle clean. AI Inverter Direct Drive™ protects fabric quality, while the 10KG Dual Inverter Heat Pump Dryer prevents shrinking and damage with low-temperature drying, so your favorite pieces stay just the way you remember them.

LG 15/8KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with TurboWash 360° and 10KG Dual Inverter Heat Pump Dryer

2. Reliable and Practical for Every Household
For those who value practicality and reliability, the 15KG Twin Tub Washing Machine with Roller Jet Pulsator scrubs away dust and mites for a deep clean. The Roller Jet Pulsator adds extra friction for a more thorough wash, while Wind Jet Dry technology reduces moisture, so clothes come out ready to wear and the tub stays fresh. For lighter loads, the 12KG Twin Tub Washing Machine with Roller Jet Pulsator is also available.

12KG Twin Tub Washing Machine with Roller Jet Pulsator

3. Smart Solutions for Small Spaces
Maximize your laundry space and power with stackable and versatile options. Designed to fit in compact areas, the 8KG Top Load Washing Machine with Low Water Pressure Valve and 8KG Top Load Washing Machine with Turbo Drum deliver a thorough wash with Punch+3 technology, mixing laundry up and down for even cleaning. Built to last, these washers let you schedule your laundry up to 24 hours in advance for added convenience.

8KG Top Load Washing Machine with Turbo Drum

4. Smart and Gentle Washing Without the High Cost
LG’s Smart Inverter Technology makes laundry smarter by efficiently controlling energy use. The 7.5KG Top Load Washing Machine with Smart Inverter Motor and 9KG Top Load Washing Machine, Smart Inverter adjust wash power to match the load size, giving your clothes a deep clean without wasting energy. Got bigger loads? The 11KG Top Load Washing Machine, Smart Inverter handles heavy fabrics and busy laundry days with ease.

LG 11KG Top Load Washing Machine, Smart Inverter 

5. Power in Style and Care
When it comes to delicate fabrics and designer pieces, the right washer matters. The 10KG LG Smart Inverter Washing Machine and 7KG Top Load Washing Machine with Smart Inverter Compressor adjust wash patterns based on fabric type for gentle yet effective cleaning. Smart Motion creates optimized motions for better results. The LG Styler provides effortless refreshment and sanitization for your treasured pieces with speed and efficiency. With its TrueSteam™ technology ensures better hygiene by reducing wrinkles, odors, allergens, and bacteria for fresher clothes — all with LG’s stylish and durable design that makes laundry easy.

LG 10KG LG Smart Inverter Washing Machine with LG Styler

Your clothes are more than just fabric — they’re an extension of you. The attention you give to them reflects how you present yourself to the world. With LG Washers and the LG Styler, you're giving your clothes the care they truly deserve. Smart technology and thoughtful design ensure that every piece stays fresh, soft, and well-maintained, so you can step out with confidence every day. Because when your clothes look good, you feel good — and Life’s Good when every clothing piece stays at its best.

Life's about more than having the latest technology; it's about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. Like and follow LG Philippines’ social media accounts (@lgphilippines) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and visit www.lg.com/ph for more information.

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SM Supermalls Heats Up Summer with Sports Fun!

Sun’s out, fun’s in! SM Supermalls is turning up the heat with back-to-back festivities that will make this summer season the most unforgettable one yet. From April 1 to May 31, SM Supermalls is bringing the thrill of sports to you with a lineup of adrenaline-pumping activities for all ages. So, lace up your sneakers and get into summer sports as SM Supermalls transforms into a vibrant hub of energy, non-stop fun, and surprises this summer.

From sunrise to sunset, MOA Sky is the ultimate playground for everyone.

Active Hub
Gather your family and friends and take them to the largest playground for sports enthusiasts – SM Active Hub! SM Supermalls’ comprehensive sports program is open to all and features 44 pickleball courts across 21 malls and 14 malls with running hubs nationwide, and counting. Just download the SM Malls Online app and become a member today! Year-round deals and perks from partner brands and discounts on sporting events await.

Join the largest sports revolution in the Philippines -- download the SM Malls Online app to register for the SM Active Hub, explore exciting games, and unlock exclusive perks from tenants nationwide.

Runners sprint forward the starting line at the SM Active Hub running activation at SM City Butuan

Summer Games
Get ready to unleash your inner champion with the Summer Games—a lineup of community tournaments and brand-led sports events. Whether you’re perfecting your pace in running challenges, powering through cycling races, or showcasing your skills in pickleball tournaments, something awaits for all sports enthusiasts. For those looking to elevate their game, pro-guided marathon clinics at select SM Malls offer a perfect opportunity to hone technique, while mall power walks and senior-friendly fitness sessions ensure fun and wellness for every generation.

Runners fuel their passion for the sport as they hit their stride at SM City Clark's running event.

Cyclists enjoying a smooth ride at SM City Clark

Players enjoy an exciting game of pickleball at SM City Cabanatuan, showcasing skill, fun, and friendly competition

Summer E-Games
Gaming enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Summer E-Games brings the thrill of competition to the digital battlefield, where rookie and pro gamers head-to-head in various tournaments. Experience heart-racing matches, score exclusive gaming merchandise, and show off your skills in front of a cheering crowd!

Gamers come together for an exciting and action-packed Valorant tournament at SM Megamall's Cyberzone

Summer Pet Olympics
For pet lovers, Summer Pet Olympics takes the spotlight with adorable and exciting competitions. A collaborative effort with SM Super Pets Club, this event features races, obstacle courses, and pet-friendly contests designed to showcase agility, obedience, and fun!

Let your furry friends dive into summer fun -- join the exciting Pet Olympics at SM Supermalls!

Whether you're diving into the world of sports, leveling up in e-gaming or simply soaking up the ultimate summer vibes, SM Supermalls has everything you need for an action-packed, fun-filled summer season.

So, what are you waiting for? Make this summer one for the books! Mark your calendars, gather your squad, and head to SM Supermalls for an unforgettable adventure.

Stay updated on all the fun by following @SMSupermalls on social media or visiting www.supermalls.com

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