Cecile Licad Up Close at Gallery Miranila all set on October 1

 

MiraNila Heritage House & Library in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts and the P. Ilusorio Foundation and in collaboration with Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf proudly presents "Cecile Licad Up Close" on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

World-renowned pianist Cecile Licad graces this country in October with her only solo performance in Metro Manila.

Described by The New Yorker as “a pianist’s pianist,” Ms. Licad will play in the garden-surrounded setting of the Gallery MiraNila bringing to life the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Joplin, Liszt, and Schumann as you’ve never before experienced.

Ms. Licad chose romantic and early modern works believing that these will resonate well with her local audiences.

The repertoire will feature Beethoven’s famous Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight) in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, nineteen short compositions from Schumann’s Carnaval, Op. 9, Liszt’s St. Francis de Paolo Walking on the Waves, three pieces from American composer Scott Joplin that Ms. Licad’s performed at the Carnegie Hall last December, and Chopin’s “favorite and dearest” of his ballads, Ballade No. 1 in G Minor.

A recipient of the Leventritt Gold Medal, Grand Prix du Disque, and Pamana ng Pilipino Award, Ms. Licad has also worked with esteemed orchestras and distinguished conductors, including the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Claudio Abbado, as well as Sir Georg Solti, the National Symphony Orchestra under Mstislav Rostropovich, the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa, the London Symphony Orchestra under Kurt Masur, the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Andre Previn, and the Russian Academy State Orchestra (Moscow) under People’s Artist of Russia Mark Gorenstein.

She continues to captivate audiences at the Carnegie Hall and, most recently, on tour with famed Wynton Marsalis and his brass band playing alongside Louis, a modern silent film based on the early years of the legendary trumpetist Louis Armstrong.

The Gallery MiraNila concert offers a rare opportunity to hear this most decorated of Filipino classical artists in the intimate setting of the hall.

Tickets for her one-night-only solo concert in Metro Manila: Premium seats at P3,500. and regular seats at P3,000. For tickets, text Bern at 0906-547-8268 or email miranilaheritage@gmail.com.

Doors open at 5:30 pm and the performance promptly starts at 6:30 pm.
A Bizu pasta station and some light snacks will be open during intermission and after the concert.

Separate from concert tickets.
MiraNamin Nest:
Pre-Concert Sunset Cocktail Hour, ₱1,000 per guest. Cocktails and charcuterie with panoramic sunset views. Time: 5:00–6:00 PM

MiraNamin Nest:
Post-Concert Dinner Under the Stars, ₱2,000 per guest. A curated late dinner by Bizu on the rooftop after the concert.

Book your spots now: https://bit.ly/3JvaG9q

MiraNila Heritage House & Library is located at 26 Mariposa Street, Brgy Bagong Lipunan Crame, Q.C. Facebook: MiraNila Heritage House Events.

Cecile Licad Up Close is presented by the Benitez-Tirona MiraNila Foundation in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts, P. Ilusorio Foundation, and Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf.

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Rest easy with the Index Sleep Monitor smart sleep band from Garmin

Lightweight band tracks sleep stages, HRV status, breathing variations, skin temperature and more—all while maximizing comfort

Garmin has announced the Index™ Sleep Monitor, an ultra-comfortable and lightweight smart sleep band that tracks sleep for a more comprehensive view of overall fitness and recovery. Featuring up to 7 nights of battery life with continuous Pulse Ox tracking, the Index Sleep Monitor is worn on the upper arm and tracks sleep stages, heart rate variability (HRV) status, breathing variations, skin temperature and more to calculate a sleep score for users and provide valuable insights about their health. After a night of sleep, the data seamlessly syncs to the Garmin Connect™ smartphone app and can be combined with metrics from a compatible Garmin smartwatch to fill in gaps in data for users who don’t wear their watch at night or are looking to better understand how well they recovered.

“We are thrilled to add the Index Sleep Monitor to our suite of innovative health and wellness products. Wearing this smart sleep band every night can provide in-depth sleep insights and a more complete picture of fitness and recovery so users can wake up ready to seize the day.” — Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Rest and recover
Throughout the night, the Index Sleep Monitor tracks the following sleep and recovery metrics, which can then be viewed on the Garmin Connect app:

• Sleep score: Every morning, receive a personalized score (0-100) for last night’s sleep based on sleep duration, stress, sleep stages and more.
• Sleep stages: View light, deep and REM sleep stages and when they occur during the night.
• HRV status: See the previous night’s average HRV and status (balanced, unbalanced, low or poor). After several nights of wear, the smart sleep band will establish a personal baseline to help provide a better understanding of recovery and overall wellness.
• Pulse Ox: Track blood oxygen saturation during sleep.
• Breathing variations: Used in conjunction with Pulse Ox, view and better understand shifts in breathing patterns while sleeping.
• Respiration: View respiration rates throughout the night.
• Skin temperature: Track skin temperature changes, which can be related to recent activity, sleep environment, potential illness and more.
• Women’s health tracking: Using skin temperature, women can get more insights into their menstrual cycle, including improved period predictions and past ovulation estimates. Women can also track their menstrual cycle or pregnancy and get exercise and nutrition education in the Garmin Connect app.
• Body Battery TM energy monitoring: View energy levels to see if the body is charged or needs more rest. Users who wear a compatible smartwatch while awake can get a more complete picture of their energy levels—day and night.
• Stress tracking: See if last night’s sleep was calm, balanced or stressful.

When it’s time to wake up, the smart wake alarm feature looks at lighter sleep stages during a pre-selected window of time to gently wake users with a light vibration so they feel more refreshed.

Available in two sizes (S-M and L-XL), the Index Sleep Monitor is easy to clean; just remove the module and toss the band into the washing machine on the gentle cycle. It is for PHP 10,290.00 and available via official Garmin Stores online in Kinetic, Shopee, and Lazada and in all Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores. For more information, visit https://ph.garmin.com/.

Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionized the health and wellness industry. Committed to developing smartwatches and health measurement tools that help people of all activity levels lead healthier lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.

This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition; see

- Garmin.com/ataccuracy. Pulse Ox not available in all countries.

- The menstrual cycle tracking feature should not be used in support of conception, contraception or birth control. This is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition.

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5 Smart Tips to Tackle Rainy-Season Laundry with LG Washing Machines

LG shares laundry tips for the rainy season, whether you need fast washing, built-in allergy care, or smart fabric protection, the 8/5KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with AI DD™ and the 12KG Top Load Washing Machine with Inverter Direct Drive Motor have you covered

Rainy days can turn laundry into a bit of a hassle, clothes take forever to dry, they start to smell less than fresh, and muddy splashes seem to find their way onto everything. But with a few smart laundry habits and a little help from the right tech, keeping your wardrobe clean, fresh, and rain-ready is easier than you think.

LG offers a range of advanced laundry solutions, such as the 8/5KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with AI DD™ and the 12 KG Top Load Washing Machine with Inverter Direct Drive Motor, each designed with innovative technology to ensure optimal efficiency, hygiene, and style in any season.

LG 8/5KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with AI DD 

Tip 1. Finish Laundry Quick
When the skies stay grey, drying clothes quickly is a must to prevent musty smells, bacteria build-up, and the discomfort of damp clothes. LG’s TurboWash™ technology delivers a deep clean in just 59 minutes, giving you a quick turnaround even without the sun’s help. More can get done even when it’s raining, giving you extra time for those cozy indoor moments, without worrying about laundry piling up.

LG 8/5KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with AI DD

Tip 2. Prioritize Wellness and Let the Washer Do the Work
Let laundry be the least of your worries with a washer that does it for you especially when the weather’s unpredictable. LG washing machines’ AI DD™ Technology senses your load’s weight and softness, then automatically adjusts the wash for optimal fabric care. While it takes care of the laundry, you can focus on staying dry, cozy, and healthy this rainy season. After all, your well-being matters more than worrying about laundry settings.

LG 8/5KG Front Load Combo Washer Dryer with AI DD

Tip 3. Fight Rainy Day Bacteria
Thorough washing and smart rinsing are essential to keep clothes free from dirt, bacteria, and allergens, especially since wet fabrics can easily trap and breed them. LG’s Steam™ technology eliminates up to 99.9% of allergens such as dust mites, while also helping reduce bacteria that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Paired with a wide lint filter that captures dust and residue, it ensures your clothes come out clean, fresh, and comfortable to wear.

LG 12KG Top Load Washing Machine with Inverter Direct Drive Motor

Tip 4. Keep It Quiet, Even When It’s Storming
Rainy days often mean juggling work-from-home tasks alongside house chores. With the Smart Inverter Motor powering quiet yet reliable performance, multitasking becomes easier, whether squeezing in a load between Zoom meetings or doing laundry late at night. And with LG ThinQ™, you don’t even need to leave your desk. Start cycles, monitor energy use, or download wash programs straight from your phone for smart, seamless control that fits perfectly into your WFH routine.

LG 12KG Top Load Washing Machine with Inverter Direct Drive Motor

Tip 5. Choose Washing Machines Built for Powerful, Lasting Performance
Choose a washer that delivers powerful cleaning. With TurboDrum™ driving out stubborn dirt through a strong water stream and Smart Motion adapting its triple washing actions to suit every fabric, you get a deep, thorough clean every time. Built to maintain its own performance, it works hard load after load, so you can enjoy consistently fresh, spotless laundry with ease.

LG 12KG Top Load Washing Machine with Inverter Direct Drive Motor

A bit of sunshine shouldn’t delay your clean laundry. Life’s good when your laundry routine stays efficient, helping you move through the season with ease, comfort, and peace of mind. You stay relaxed and in control, knowing your home is prepared for whatever the season brings.

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.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.

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LG Laundry Love assists flood-affected families in Pangasinan

Supporting families in Dagupan, Pangasinan after the recent flood, LG Philippines’ Laundry Love, in partnership with Breeze and Addessa, offers free laundry services

Clean clothes and lighter hearts filled Barangay Malued in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, a community recently affected by recent storms and severe flooding, as LG Philippines brought its “Laundry Love” initiative to the area from August 13 to 15. Thanks to the generous support of Breeze, which donated 900 detergent sachets, and in partnership with Addessa Dagupan City, the three-day effort served 135 residents. With access to multiple LG washers and dryers, families were able to ease the weight of laundry as they managed to rebuild after the floods.

For years, LG Laundry Love has been a steady source of support for communities in need, especially those hit by typhoons and natural calamities. In 2023, the initiative brought relief to families in La Union, Pangasinan, and Zambales, followed by Marikina and Cainta in 2024. This year, the program continues its mission across the country, bringing not just free laundry services but also the power of LG washing machines, built to handle heavy loads with ease, to lighten the burden for families.

“As part of LG’s ongoing commitment to CSR and community service, Laundry Love goes beyond providing free laundry, it’s also about making families feel seen, cared for, and bringing a sense of ease and warmth in simple but meaningful ways,” said LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong. “We are truly grateful to our partners, Breeze and Addessa, for helping make this initiative possible. Seeing the relief of families affected by the recent floods in Dagupan reminds us why giving back matters so deeply, and we hope that through small acts like this, we can support communities in rebuilding and standing strong once again.”

The Laundry Love program reflected LG’s mission to strengthen communities through innovation and service, showing how small, everyday actions like making clean laundry accessible can bring a big change to people’s lives. Residents expressed their gratitude, sharing how it helped them cope with the challenges brought by the recent floods, where what might seem like a simple task of washing clothes echoed into a small but significant step toward starting again, thanks to LG’s assistance. By combining innovation and community service, LG remains committed to its vision of making life better for Filipino families, proving that Life’s Good when we come together to stand by one another, one small act at a time.

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 LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram andTiktok.

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The Sandbox Collective opens its 2026 slate with SPRING AWAKENING

Spring Awakening marks the first show under Sab Jose-Gregorio’s leadership

The Sandbox Collective will open its 2026 Season with the Tony Award-winning rock musical, SPRING AWAKENING. The musical is set to open in February 2026 at a brand new theater: The Black Box at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, with book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Grammy Award-nominated recording artist Duncan Sheik, SPRING AWAKENING is a contemporary rock musical based on the Frank Wedekind play of the same name.

Set in 19th-century Germany, it tells the stories of teenagers exploring their burgeoning sexualities and rapidly-changing bodies. But seeking answers to the mysteries of life proves challenging in the face of uncommunicative parents, rigid institutions, and conservative society. Set to an electrifying alternative rock score by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, Spring Awakening channels its characters' adolescent frustrations and repressions into the angst and power of being a young person in the 21st century.

SPRING AWAKENING explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll that has captivated audiences all over the world.

With direction by Gawad Buhay nominee Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan (The Sandbox Collective’s Lungs, Sa Wakas, Fringe Manila) and musical direction by the multi-awarded Ejay Yatco (The Sandbox Collective’s Side Show, Next to Normal, Little Shop of Horrors), SPRING AWAKENING marks The Sandbox Collective’s first production under the leadership of incoming artistic director, Sab Jose, who hopes to stir conversation, empower audiences and drive the company’s education and advocacy initiatives.

With Pamintuan at the helm, the artistic team will also include Nunoy Van Den Burgh as choreographer, Missy Maramara as intimacy director, Wika Nadera as set designer, Raven Ong as costume designer, Gabbi Campomanes as assistant director, and D Cortezano as lighting designer.

Jose shares, “Spring Awakening marks the beginning of a new chapter here at Sandbox. While it honors the journey we’ve had in the last decade – the coming of age and constant rediscovery – it also marks a deliberate choice to continue producing shows that are radical, brave and advocacy-driven. This show isn’t just about adolescence and sexuality. It’s about reclaiming one’s body, voice and destiny and most of all, educating and empowering young audiences.”

OPEN CALL
The Sandbox Collective will hold open auditions for SPRING AWAKENING on August 31 and September 1, 2025. Interested applicants may access the audition guide and registration page here: https://www.thesandboxco.com/spring-2026

SPRING AWAKENING is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), New York, NY, USA.

For more information, follow The Sandbox Collective on Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok. You may visit our website www.thesandboxco.com and social media platforms: www.facebook.com/TheSandboxCollective, www.instagram.com/thesandboxco, www.tiktok.com/@thesandboxco

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Theater Review: FEU Theater Guild’s "Karne"

I had the chance to watch FEU Theater Guild’s Karne, their powerful interpretation of Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter, and I’m still in awe of this production.

Director Dudz Teraña with the cast of FTG's "Karne"

From the moment you step into the theater, you’re transported into a barrio home preparing for Christmas. A glowing capiz parol, twinkling lights on the fence, and a modest Christmas tree instantly set the mood. Before the show even begins, Mary (Julia Nicole Banaag) is already onstage, quietly observing the audience as they trickle in. Then, almost without notice, she moves to the working kitchen and starts chopping garlic and onions, blurring the line between performance and reality.

An actual working kitchen on set!

It isn’t just what you see that pulls you in. Soon, the savory aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in butter fills the theater. This sensory detail is unexpected but brilliant; it awakens your appetite and curiosity about what’s about to unfold. Later, the media and select audience members were even able to taste the adobo cooked onstage, making the experience not just theatrical but communal and deeply Filipino.

The play follows Mary, reeling from the sudden murder of her husband, Police Captain Patrick Patrosa (RB Pascua), a domineering military man whose pride and temper cast long shadows over their marriage. Three policemen—Lieutenant Elnar (Arvin Javier), Patrolman Enopia (Justin Abalos), and Patrolman Credo (Kirstan Orbegoso)—interrogate her, but their investigation also unravels layers of gossip and judgment from Mary’s circle of friends: Dante (Jharelle Villalobos), Ellen (Maria Ysabel Delos Reyes), and Maloi (Bjorn Pestaño). Their conversations, written in a mix of Tagalog, Bisaya, and English, capture the rhythm of everyday Filipino chismis. Instead of creating barriers, the shifting languages enrich the story and make it more authentic.

Patrick is written as the man you “love to hate.” Pascua’s sharp delivery, commanding presence, and toxic pride heighten the tension each time he enters the scene. In contrast, Banaag’s Mary radiates meekness and quiet warmth, especially when she is with her spirited friends. Their lively banter, along with the playful teasing of Estang (Helena Li), provides much-needed lightness against the play’s darker undercurrents. Samuel (Julian Anabo) and Mrs. Poblacion (Cassandra Herilla) also add depth to the social fabric of the story, showing how gossip, loyalty, and perception shape community life.

The world of Patrick’s military life also comes into focus, with clever nods to law enforcement culture and practices in the late 1970s. This period setting adds depth, inviting the audience to reflect on authority, control, and the lingering echoes of that era in today’s systems. During the post-show talkback, the creative choice to set the play in this decade became even clearer through the music, costumes, and cultural touchpoints woven seamlessly into the production.

A standout achievement is the set itself: a fully functional kitchen ingeniously built from recycled materials in the FTG warehouse. This sustainable approach shows resourcefulness without sacrificing realism. Under the guidance of director Dudz Teraña, the students were able to grasp the nuances of the time period, the metaphors of Dahl’s story, and the cultural resonances of their adaptation.

Me with the cast of FTG's Karne

Karne is a testament to the FEU Theater Guild’s creativity, discipline, and collaborative spirit. That such an ambitious, multi-sensory, and thought-provoking play was staged by a cast and crew composed mostly of students makes the production even more remarkable. It is both a triumph for the Guild and an inspiring reminder of how young theater artists can breathe new life into classic stories. To build on this momentum, Teraña has revealed that the next FTG season production will be Lord of the Flies, another bold choice that promises to challenge both performers and audiences.

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Meet the Full Cast of The Bodyguard The Musical – Manila

The global smash hit The Bodyguard The Musical has landed in Manila, bringing with it powerhouse voices, world-class dancers, and an ensemble of seasoned stage actors ready to breathe new life into the iconic love story. Based on the 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical features Houston’s greatest hits—including “I Will Always Love You” and “Run to You”—performed by a stellar cast that merges Filipino artistry with international talent.

The Leading Man: Matt Blaker as Frank Farmer

Fresh from London’s West End, Matt Blaker takes center stage as Frank Farmer, the role made famous by Kevin Costner in the film. Blaker has graced some of the world’s biggest productions including The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Jersey Boys, and Cabaret. With his commanding presence and international stage experience, he brings the perfect blend of grit and charisma to the former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard.

Of course, Frank Farmer’s story is intertwined with superstar Rachel Marron, portrayed in Manila by none other than Christine Allado, a Filipina West End actress whose stellar career includes Hamilton and other acclaimed productions. Together, Blaker and Allado anchor the show with undeniable star power.

The Filipino Powerhouses
Supporting the leads is a powerhouse Filipino cast. Theater veterans like Lorenz Martinez, known for his impeccable comic timing and soaring tenor, and Vien King, an award-winning leading man hailed for his roles in Passion and Liwanag Sa Dilim, add gravitas to the production. Songstress Radha, best remembered as part of the groundbreaking music group Kulay and for her unforgettable run on The Voice of the Philippines, returns to the stage to showcase her powerhouse vocals. Meanwhile, Sheena Palad, an Aliw Award-winning gospel singer, continues to prove why she is one of the most versatile artists of her generation.

 

 

Lorenz Martinez, Vien King, Radha, Sheena Palad

Rising stars also take their place in the spotlight—CJ Navato, who grew up in front of Filipino audiences as part of Goin’ Bulilit; Giani Sarita, the model-actor-singer making waves on the international scene; and Jasmine Fitzgerald, who has impressed both local and overseas audiences with her vocal prowess. Their mix of youthful energy and fresh artistry gives this production an electrifying edge.

  
CJ Navato, Giani Sarita, Jasmine Fitzgerald

Dance, Drama, and Dynamism
Beyond the leads, The Bodyguard The Musical – Manila boasts an ensemble of accomplished dancers and multi-disciplinary performers. Names like Natalie Duque, Alex Aure, and Carmelle “Ching” Ros bring years of professional dance training to the stage, while Winchester Lopez and Julio Laforteza—both with impressive international credits—add world-class polish to the choreography. Richardson Yadao, a two-time Gawad Buhay Awardee and respected choreographer, lends his artistry to elevate the production’s movement vocabulary.

  

Natalie Duque, Alex Aure, Carmelle Ros

  

Winchester Lopez, Julio Laforteza, Richardson Yadao

Other standouts include Iya Villanueva, Paji Arceo, Jasper John Jimenez, Fay Castro, Elian Santos, and Joven Uy, each of whom brings unique strengths from theater, film, and music. The diverse background of this ensemble ensures that every number bursts with energy, precision, and heart.

  

Iya Villanueva, Paji Arceo, Jasper John Jimenez

  

Fay Castro, Elian Santos, John Joven Uy

Special Comebacks and Guest Stars
This Manila run also marks the theater comebacks of beloved personalities. Eventologist Tim Yap returns to the stage after more than 20 years, bringing his signature flair to the production. Acclaimed choreographer and Galaw.Co founder PJ Rebullida also rejoins the musical theater world, adding depth with his extensive dance background. Completing the star lineup is Lani Ligot, whose vocal prowess has graced everything from Rak of Aegis to international productions.

  

Tim Yap, PJ Rebullida, Lani Ligot

A Truly World-Class Cast
With a blend of celebrated Filipino talent and international excellence, The Bodyguard The Musical – Manila is set to be one of the most exciting theatrical events of the year. From powerhouse vocals to breathtaking choreography, this all-star cast promises a production that honors Whitney Houston’s legacy while showcasing the strength and artistry of the Philippine stage.

This is not just a musical—it’s a cultural moment. Manila, get ready to fall in love again with The Bodyguard.

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