Jinju Silk Lanterns at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

If you're looking for a serene yet inspiring cultural escape this season, I highly recommend dropping by the Jinju Silk Lanterns exhibit at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. Running from May 24 until July 31, 2025, the exhibit transforms the KCC space in Taguig into a glowing wonderland of light, tradition, and storytelling. I visited last weekend, and stepping into the hall felt like walking into a living painting—lanterns in soft silk hues swaying gently above me, each one telling a quiet story.

These aren’t just pretty lights. The Jinju silk lanterns come from a deep-rooted tradition tied to the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in South Korea. It began centuries ago, during the Imjin War, when lanterns were floated on the river as a tribute to fallen soldiers. Over time, the practice evolved into a vibrant festival symbolizing hope, remembrance, and the power of light to connect people. Seeing them up close, you get a real sense of that reverence. Each lantern, handcrafted using traditional hanji paper and silk, carries an aura of both fragility and strength.

 

Beyond the breathtaking visuals, what I loved most about the exhibit is how interactive and immersive it feels. There are guided tours available on select days, where knowledgeable docents share the stories and cultural context behind each lantern piece. I took one of these tours and learned so much—about mythical creatures, old Korean legends, and even the modern artists who reinterpret these symbols for today. It really deepened my appreciation for what might otherwise seem like just a decorative display.

 

 

And here’s a fun bonus: every Friday this July (on the 4th, 11th, and 18th), KCC is hosting Hanbok Fridays. Yes, you can wear traditional Korean attire and take stunning photos surrounded by the glowing lanterns. Trust me, it’s a photographer’s dream—and such a fun way to experience Korean culture firsthand. Whether you're going solo, on a date, or with family and friends, this is the kind of memory you'll want to look back on.

So if you haven’t yet, make time to visit before the exhibit ends on July 31. It’s free, thoughtfully curated, and offers a quiet escape from the city’s usual buzz. Don’t forget to book your guided tour slot online (here’s the link: bit.ly/LightsOfKoreaGuidedTour). I promise—it’s worth the visit.

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DUYOG: The 1st International Youth Orchestra Festival 2025 Celebration Concert all set on July 12 at GSIS Theater

“Duyog” is a Visayan word which means “to accompany” and is usually used in the context of collaborative music-making. 

DUYOG: The 1st International Youth Orchestra Festival 2025 Celebration Concert is one of the culminating activities of the said festival, which will be held in Bohol from July 5-10, initiated between the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, Inc. led by violinist and conductor Jeffrey Solares, with the Young Symphonic Ensemble (YSE) of New York’s Children’s Orchestra Society led by Filipino Classical guitarist and conductor Michael Dadap.

Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra

Children's Orchestra Society of New York

The concert features young musicians from the Children’s Orchestra Society New York, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra. They are performing with the Plectra Corde Rondalla and the Bagong Himig Serenata (PUP) Chorale in a celebration concert in Manila on July 12, 2025 at the GSIS theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City, to be conducted by international faculty members from the USA, Hungary, Italy, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The upcoming concert brings together two exceptional youth ensembles: the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) and the Children’s Orchestra Society (COS) of New York, in a celebration of cultural pride and musical excellence.

Under the direction of Prof. Jeffrey Solares, the MSJO is one of the country’s premier youth string orchestras. Comprising top talents aged 9 to 25, the group has garnered international acclaim, including First Place wins at the Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna and the Bratislava International Youth Music Festival, where it also secured the prestigious Grand Prix Award.

The Children’s Orchestra Society, founded in 1962 by Dr. H.T. Ma, is a New York-based non-profit that nurtures young musicians through intensive classical training and performance. Known for fostering discipline, collaboration, and artistry, COS provides young performers with the opportunity to work alongside their peers and celebrated guest artists.

The evening's repertoire is a journey across cultures and eras. Highlights include:

• “Sinulog: Dances of Atonement”, a vivid symphonic poem by Michael Dadap inspired by pre-colonial Filipino rituals and featuring native instruments like the kulintang, gandingan, and bamboo flutes.

• Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, performed by pianist Gloria Shih, a Romantic-era masterpiece known for its sweeping melodies and emotional depth.

• Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 “Italian”, a sun-drenched homage to Italy’s charm, combining Classical form with Romantic energy.

• “Alay Sa Inang Bayan” by Jerry Dadap, a stirring choral symphonic ode to the Philippines, performed in collaboration with PUP Bagong Himig Serenata and Plectra Corde Rondalla, honoring the heroism of Andres Bonifacio and the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people.

Together, these ensembles will present a concert that bridges generations, geographies, and musical traditions — a powerful testament to the universal language of music.

Follow The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra on social media:

YouTube - Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra
Facebook - Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra
Instagram - @manilasymphony_junior
TikTok - @manilasymphony_junior
Website – www.manilasymphony.com

Follow The Children’s Orchestra Society New York on social media:

YouTube – Children’s Orchestra Society
Facebook - Children’s Orchestra Society
Instagram - @childrensorchestrasociety
Website – www.childrensorch.org

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Get 10% OFF and exclusive pre-sale access to "Walang Aray" with your Metrobank credit card

Metrobank is thrilled to offer its credit cardholders an exclusive opportunity to enjoy an exclusive discount and pre-sale to tickets to the acclaimed Filipino musical, PETA’s Walang Aray.

From June 28 to July 1, 2025, Metrobank credit cardholders can avail themselves of a 10% discount and early access to tickets for performances running from August 29 to October 12, 2025, at the PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City.

Don’t miss this chance to experience one of the Philippines’ most exciting theater productions at a special price. Secure your tickets early and be part of the theatrical event of the year!

Whether you're craving sharp satire, sweeping romance, or a musical that blends Filipino history with modern punchlines—Walang Aray delivers it all. Laugh, cry, and fall in love with the past (and the present!)—this is the Pinoy musical your theater-loving heart has been waiting for.

Avail of the promo here: http://bit.ly/WA2025Tickets
See the complete list of cast schedules here: https://bit.ly/WA2025CastSchedule

Promo Mechanics:

1. Eligibility: Open to all Metrobank Peso Visa/Mastercard, Metrobank Vantage Visa/Mastercard, M Mastercard, Titanium Mastercard, Platinum Mastercard, World Mastercard, PSBank Credit Mastercard, NCCC Mastercard, Toyota Mastercard, Robinsons Mastercard, Rewards Plus Visa, Femme Visa, Femme Signature Visa, Cashback Platinum Visa, Travel Platinum Visa, and Travel Signature Visa credit cardholders in good credit standing. Not applicable to Metrobank Dollar Mastercard, ON Internet Mastercard, Metrobank PRIME, Elite, Premier + Debit, Prepaid cards.
2. Promo Period: June 28, 2025, 10:00 AM to July 1, 2025, 11:59 PM. All transactions must be completed within this period to avail of the promo.
3. Discount Details: Enjoy a 10% discount on all ticket categories for Walang Aray performances from August 29 to October 12, 2025.
4. How to Avail:

• Visit www.ticket2me.net.
• Ensure you have a Ticket2Me account for a smooth transaction.
• Search for “Walang Aray.”
• Select your desired performance date and ticket category.
• Enter the number of tickets and proceed to checkout.
• At checkout, enter your valid Metrobank credit card details to complete the payment and apply the discount.

Ticket Information:

• P2,500 - VIP Front and VIP Elevated
• P2,000 - Orchestra Center and Balcony Center
• P1,500 - Orchestra Side
• P1,200 - Balcony Side

For more information or assistance, please contact Metrobank at 88700-700 or email customerservice@metrobankcard.com.

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9 Works Theatrical announces "The Bodyguard: The Musical"

Fresh off the success of the rock musical Liwanag sa Dilim, 9 Works Theatrical proudly announces its next major production—The Bodyguard: The Musical. Yes, it’s the thrilling stage adaptation of the iconic 1992 film that starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

At the heart of the story is Rachel Marron, a chart-topping pop superstar whose life is upended by a mysterious stalker. Reluctantly, she agrees to hire Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent, to protect her. What begins as a tense and professional relationship soon deepens as the two navigate danger, trust, and undeniable chemistry—all set to a powerful soundtrack of Whitney Houston’s greatest hits.

Audiences can look forward to electrifying live performances of classics such as:

🎤 I Will Always Love You
🎤 I Have Nothing
🎤 Run to You
🎤 Queen of the Night
🎤 I'm Every Woman
🎤 So Emotional
🎤 Saving All My Love for You
🎤 How Will I Know
🎤 One Moment in Time
…and more!

Directed by Robbie Guevara, with musical direction by Daniel Bartolome, The Bodyguard promises a heart-pounding, music-filled experience like no other.

Casting will be announced soon.

This production also marks a milestone as the first to be staged in September at the brand-new Proscenium Theater at Rockwell, Makati.

Follow @prosceniumtheater and @9wtonline for updates and ticket announcements.

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"Bagets: The Musical" Opens Auditions for Lead and Ensemble Roles

Newport World Resorts, VIVA, and The Philippine Star revive the spirit of the ‘80s in a new stage production

The iconic '80s teen movie that defined a generation is hitting the stage! Bagets: The Musical is calling all young, talented performers to audition for lead and ensemble roles in this exciting new production.

Open auditions will be held at the PETA Theater Center, 5 Sunnyside Drive, Quezon City, on the following dates:

• July 14 (Sunday) from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• July 15 (Monday) from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

The production is looking for male and female performers aged 16 to 22 years old who can sing, act, and capture the energy and spirit of the beloved teen classic.

Audition Guidelines:

• Prepare 16 bars each of one ‘80s ballad and one upbeat ‘80s song — OPM or foreign.

• Bring your CV, headshot, and a full-body photo.

Directed and produced in collaboration with Newport World Resorts, VIVA, and The Philippine Star, Bagets: The Musical aims to bring back the nostalgia of the ‘80s with a modern twist — full of vibrant music, youthful energy, and heartfelt stories that still resonate today.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a cultural milestone that celebrates friendship, coming-of-age, and the music that defined an era.

For updates and more information, follow the official pages of Newport World Resorts and Bagets: The Musical.

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LG launches "Radio Optimism" Campaign to spread "Life's Good" through music

LG’s New Campaign Leverages Music – the Universal Language – to Foster Deeper Connections and Expand the Life’s Good Promise in Digital Spaces

LG Electronics (LG) launched a new brand campaign, “Radio Optimism,” designed to help strengthen meaningful human connections and spread optimism through shared musical experiences. This initiative aligns with LG’s brand promise, “Life’s Good,” and addresses the growing challenge of forming genuine relationships in a technology-driven world.

The Radio Optimism campaign seeks to counteract the disconnection often felt in an era dominated by superficial interactions, such as likes and comments on social media. By harnessing the power of music, LG aims to foster deeper bonds among individuals, promoting a more fulfilling life.

“As technology advances, meaningful human connections become increasingly vital to enrich our lives. LG continues its commitment to bringing optimism into customers’ daily lives, staying true to our enduring brand promise of ‘Life’s Good,’” said Kim Hyo-eun, head of LG’s Brand Management Division.

This campaign reinforces LG’s commitment to creating enriching experiences in digital spaces where today’s consumers spend significant time. Building on this mission, LG has continuously engaged with younger audiences through participatory campaigns that bring the Life’s Good philosophy to life. Last year’s “Optimism your feed” campaign leveraged social algorithms to foster positivity on social media. This new initiative specifically seeks to address the paradoxical disconnection in an era of hyper-connectivity.

“One of the most reliable predictors of happiness is having deep and meaningful relationships,” said Jean M. Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University. “Yet today, many people are spending more time online and less time connecting in person. Social media in particular tends to create shallow relationships rather than the deep connections people need. It’s common for people to have hundreds of followers but no one to talk to in real life if they need support. We need to build more meaningful connections with those around us. That might turn around the pronounced decline in happiness that’s occurred over the last decade.”

A new global study from LG on social connection reveals that 68% of people find it harder to make real friends, and a third reported having one or fewer meaningful connections in the past month, with 8% experiencing none at all. Inspired by traditional radio’s unique way of connecting people through music and storytelling, the Radio Optimism campaign transforms this concept into an interactive platform where participants can create and send personalized songs to their loved ones. Users can easily create new songs using AI-powered tools, which are thoroughly trained on a curated music dataset. These tools interpret user prompts to produce unique musical pieces and generate matching album art, providing an engaging and personalized experience. Once generated, these songs can be sent to recipients to deepen their connection and made available for others to discover worldwide.

According to the survey, nearly 9 in 10 respondents believe that meaningful connections lead to a more optimistic outlook on life. By providing a platform for individuals to express their feelings, this campaign aims to foster deeper connections and help individuals enrich their lives while spreading optimism in their own ways.

The campaign website is available in English and Spanish, with plans to support additional languages in the coming months to enable broader participation. The official website can be found at RadioOptimism.lg.com. More details can be found on www.lg.com/lifesgood/.

Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph/ and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines to learn more.

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"Bawat Bonggang Bagay" -- everything is "Bongga"

1,000,001 – Watching Bawat Bonggang Bagay

I'm adding one more item to Duncan Macmillan’s growing list of brilliant things: finally seeing the Tagalized version of Every Brilliant Thing last Saturday at the PowerMac Center Spotlight Theater. It’s been on my bucket list for some time, and it was more than worth the wait.

Not just Tagalized — it’s beautifully localized.
Bawat Bonggang Bagay resonates deeply within a Filipino context. The themes, scenarios, and references feel intimately familiar — you’ll find yourself nodding, smiling, and perhaps even tearing up as memories from your own life come flooding back. It's more than a translation — it's a cultural reimagining that feels personal and true. And every brilliant thing mentioned? It reminds you to notice the joy in the ordinary.

No two shows are ever the same.
As an interactive one-actor play, the only constant is the ever-brilliant Jon Santos and the script. The rest is magic — audience members are invited to participate, portraying various characters. This spontaneity gives the show a fresh dynamic every night, offering participants their unexpected 15 minutes of fame — and sharing the stage with Jon Santos is a brilliant thing in itself.

A heartfelt, eye-opening journey.
Like the original Every Brilliant Thing, Bawat Bonggang Bagay takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, masterfully building up the main character's story. It's tender, funny, poignant, and achingly real. The narrative weaves through love, childhood, mental health, and the weight of growing up. Its message is powerful — especially for those quietly struggling — and its importance cannot be overstated.

I truly hope this won’t be the last staging of Bawat Bonggang Bagay. Jon Santos is a perfect fit for the role, delivering a performance that’s both charismatic and vulnerable. Even the set — filled with little boxes waiting to be opened — feels symbolic, inviting the audience to unpack, understand, and embrace each layer of the character’s life.

Bawat Bonggang Bagay is a special Pride Month presentation of The Sandbox Collective, directed by Jenny Jamora — and a brilliant thing worth witnessing.

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