The Manila Hotel welcomes the holidays with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Manila Hotel ushered in the most festive time of the year with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, transforming its Grand Lobby into a radiant showcase of Filipino holiday traditions. This year’s theme, Pasko sa Nayon, captured the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Filipino Christmas, drawing guests and members of the media to a heartwarming afternoon of festivity and holiday splendor.

 

The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina, Jr. and Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr. 

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso

The hotel’s magnificent Christmas Tree, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, stood as the centerpiece of the celebration. Designed by The Manila Hotel’s Social Director and Design Consultant, Rachy Cuna, the décor pays homage to Filipino craftsmanship through intricate accents such as woven baskets, horse figures, and large puso ornaments inspired by the traditional hanging rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves. Dressed in rich hues of red, gold, and green, the display radiates both grandeur and cultural pride, hallmarks of The Manila Hotel’s enduring elegance.

The Manila Hotel Board of Directors

The lighting ceremony was graced by The Manila Hotel’s Board of Directors led by Chairman Basilio C. Yap, President Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr., Director Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea, and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marvin Kim Tan. Joining them were City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza, Department of Tourism Assistant Regional Director Ivan Agote, Director of Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, Atty. Joan Padilla, Administrator of Intramuros Administration, and DTCAM Officer-in-Charge Cristal Bagatsing.

The joyous afternoon resonated with the familiar melodies of Christmas as the Office of the President Chorale filled the Grand Lobby with timeless carols, evoking a sense of nostalgia and shared joy that define the Filipino holiday spirit.

Office of the President Chorale

A Celebration of Compassion and Community

Beyond the glittering tree, the celebration reflected The Manila Hotel’s dedication to preserving Filipino culture and fostering a sense of togetherness.

“May our tree lighting ceremony remind us of what makes Christmas in the Philippines truly special—the comfort of Filipino food, the strength of community, and the joy of gathering with loves ones. It is a time to celebrate not only our traditions but also the meaningful connections that bring light to our lives,” shared Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

In the spirit of giving, The Manila Hotel also extended its annual support to the House of Refuge, continuing its commitment to share hope and kindness with children in need.

House of Refuge

Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of home and heritage this holiday season at The Manila Hotel, and to delight in its festive displays and offerings inspired by Filipino Christmas traditions.

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Go inside the world of The Running Man in this new featurette!

Can he survive the deadliest reality show known to man?

"The Running Man,” directed by Edgar Wright and starring Glen Powell, opens in Philippine cinemas November 12

Glen Powell in The Running Man

Hear from The Running Man director Edgar Wright and stars Glen Powell, Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin about the deadliest game of hide and seek… with a survival rate of zero.

Katy O'Brian, Glen Powell, Martin Herlihy and Colman Domingo in The Running Man

Watch the “Inside the World of The Running Man” featurette:

Get ready for the hunt to begin when The Running Man, directed by Wright (Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Shaun of the Dead) and starring Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters) as Ben Richards, opens only in cinemas November 12.

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Nicole Laurel Asensio Unveils Let Our Love: A Soulful Return Home with Warner Music Philippines

After a string of successful shows abroad, Nicole Laurel Asensio returns to Philippine shores with a renewed creative fire — diving right back into the studio for her latest single “Let Our Love” under Warner Music Philippines.

Reuniting with her trusted collaborator, producer and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan, the pair breathe life into a track that’s both sensual and fearless — a seamless fusion of Soul, R&B, Jazz, and a touch of 90s sophisti-pop.

“It was the first time I asked Gabe to strike the match and ignite the creative process,” shares Nicole. “No prior references or lyrical ideas — I simply told him to create anything that would suit my voice. When I came back, my heart was racing; I couldn’t wait to write because I loved the vibe he was on.”

That spontaneous spark evolved into a torrential flow of creativity. Nicole describes the experience as “together we make a picture with colors only the blind can see.”

 

The track’s organic production mirrors this openness. Musicians were encouraged to play freely — to paint their own hues into the soundscape. From Michael Guevarra’s stunning horn arrangement to Kevin Yadao and Mel Torre’s soulful background vocals, each artist left an unmistakable imprint on the song’s imagery and emotion.

“The production process was very casual,” says Gabe. “We wanted everyone to imagine freely, no rules. Nicole and I arranged the vocals together, I mixed the track, and we sent it to Abbey Road Studios in the UK for mastering.”

Lyrically, “Let Our Love” unfolds like poetry — “Weaving silk from our fallen tears,” Nicole sings, inviting listeners on a surrealistic journey through love’s quiet intensity.

“In this season of my life, I’m enjoying slowing down,” she reflects. “I’m creating music that feels timeless. It’s not about trends or vocal showcases — it’s feel-good music that makes me feel good while making it.”

Gabe echoes the sentiment:
“When I started the chord progression, it reminded me of gentle rain. Nicole’s lyrics sit right between happiness and sadness — a journey from restraint to blissful release.”

The duo’s partnership continues to shine beyond this single. Their two EPs, “Changes Over Time” and “Matter Over Mind,” earned 10 nominations across multiple categories in this year’s AWIT Awards, with four entries reaching the finals — a testament to their musical synergy and evolving artistry.

“I’m grateful to keep creating,” says Nicole. “When you have the opportunity to create, nothing and no one should stop you. Love knows no bounds — neither do art and music. We can’t stop it, so we should just let it.”

“Let Our Love” officially dropped today, November 7, 2025, on all streaming platforms — a teaser for Nicole’s upcoming EP set for early next year.
“Let Our Love” was written by Nicole Asensio (lyrics) and Nicole Asensio with Gabe Dandan (music). The track was produced and arranged by Gabe Dandan, with Michael Guevarra handling horn arrangements and Nicole Asensio, Gabe Dandan, and Kevin Yadao arranging the vocals. Instrumentation features Dandan on drums, bass, guitar, and keys alongside Mike Lichtenfeld on additional keys, Aman Dela Cruz on percussion and background vocals, and Michael Guevarra on saxophone and flute, with EJ Celestial on trumpet and flugelhorn. Lead vocals are by Nicole Asensio, supported by Kevin Yadao, Melinda Torre, Gabe Dandan, Aman Dela Cruz, and Asensio herself on background vocals. Recording was engineered by Shinji Tanaka, Jet Francisco, Gabe Dandan, and Nicole Asensio, with Dandan also handling the mixing. The final mastering was completed by Alex Gordon at Abbey Road Studios, UK.

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2 new songs by Stephen Schwartz bring fresh magic in Wicked: For Good

The highly anticipated second installment of the Wicked film adaptation, Wicked: For Good, isn’t just bringing the beloved songs from the stage to the screen—it’s also delivering two brand-new, original songs created just for the film. These additions not only deepen the characters’ emotional journeys but hint at new narrative terrain too.

Below, we dive into what each song promises, how it ties into the story and characters, and what this means for fans of the original musical. Watch excerpts below.

“No Place Like Home” — Elphaba’s solo moment

This song is imagined as a deeply emotional moment for Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. In interviews, Erivo noted how aware she was of the title’s weight — after all, “There’s no place like home” is a hallmark phrase from the original Oz story.

 

“The Girl in the Bubble” — Glinda’s defining new song

Ariana Grande’s new song for Glinda titled “The Girl in the Bubble” signals a key transformative moment for her character. Grande herself has described it as a moment of decision: “We get to see her decide, ‘I’m going to change the course of Oz. I’m going to become deeply, truly good and make a safe space for people.’” The imagery is also strong: the classic Glinda arrival in a bubble has been iconic, and the song uses that motif as a springboard—not just a spectacle, but a metaphor for how Glinda has been seen (surface level, privileged) and how she might now choose to engage differently.

 

The songs “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble” aren’t just nice extras—they’re narrative signposts, emotional expansions, and fresh musical moments that tell us: This is a new chapter for Elphaba and Glinda. For fans of the original musical, and newcomers alike, these tracks offer both familiarity (through theme and style) and surprise (through new material and character development).

Watch Wicked: For Good starting November 19 in the Philippines. Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion and more. Directed by Jon M. Chu.

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Unwrapping the Merriest Christmas at SM Malls in the East Metro

SM City Marikina launched the merriest season with Rockin' Christmas flair with Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro and SM Supermalls Senior AVP for Operations Mr. Ronald Allan Brosas.

SM Malls in the East Metro—SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown—officially kicked off the most wonderful time of the year with dazzling Christmas centerpiece launches. Each mall showcased a unique theme that captured the joy of the holidays: Rockin’ Holidays at SM City Marikina, A Holiday Symphony at SM City Masinag, The Rhythm of Christmas at SM City San Mateo, and Yuletide Harmony at SM Center Antipolo Downtown. 

Rockin' Christmas centerpiece at SM City Marikina

"A Holiday Symphony," SM City Masinag's music-inspired Christmas centerpiece dazzles at the Mall Atrium.

"The Rhythm of Christmas" centerpiece at the 2F of SM City San Mateo

"The Yuletide Harmony Christmas" centerpiece at the 2F of SM Center Antipolo Downtown

Spreading the warmth of giving, SM Malls in the East Metro also introduced the SM Besties of Joy, the annual charity project of SM Supermalls. For only ₱330, shoppers can purchase a pair of plush SM Besties of Joy—taking one home while the other is donated to SM’s chosen charity organization. This heartfelt initiative lets mallgoers share love and joy with children in need, reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. 

Kids and VIPs were all smiles during the launch ceremony at SM City San Mateo

Shoppers can buy a pair of SM Besties of Joy plush toys for only P330 - keep one and donate the other to SM's chosen charity, sharing love and joy this Christmas

The merriment continues throughout the season with a line-up of exciting activities for families and friends to enjoy. Highlights include the Santa Run (Nov. 16) and Rockin’ Holiday Pet Parade (Nov. 29) at SM City Marikina, the Holiday Paws Party (Nov. 23) at SM City Masinag, along with Santa Claus meet-and-greets, Christmas Snowflake Surprise, Holi Squad appearances, Christmas Acoustics, and the World Chorale Day celebration across the malls. This holiday season, make SM Malls in the East Metro your go-to destination for joyful gatherings, festive experiences, and heartwarming memories with your loved ones.

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Garmin adds AMOLED displays to its Instinct Crossover hybrid smartwatches

Blend function and style with illuminated analog watch hands for clear visibility – day and night

Garmin has announced the Instinct® Crossover AMOLED – its newest lineup of hybrid smartwatches designed to offer superior readability and timeless style in even the toughest conditions. Featuring mechanical watch hands, the vivid AMOLED display showcases 24/7 health and wellness data, activities and more in stunning detail. Meanwhile, the watch’s built-in LED flashlight provides greater visibility in dark environments. And with incredible battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 18 days in battery saver mode, users can do more while charging less.

“From a day on the hiking trail to a night on the town, Instinct Crossover AMOLED offers the best of both worlds. With traditional analog hands highlighted on an even brighter display, adventurers can achieve a sophisticated look without sacrificing the durability they need when pursuing their passions.” – Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing

Bigger and brighter
Instinct Crossover AMOLED combines the classic look of an analog watch with a brilliant, colorful display, all protected by a new scratch-resistant sapphire lens. The watch hands will dynamically move away, making it easier to see data, health stats, smart notifications and more, while the Super-LumiNova ® coating ensures users can see the time, even in the dark.

Built for adventure

• Get better visibility in the great outdoors or at home with the built-in dimmable LED flashlight.
• RevoDrive™ technology ensures the time stays accurate by automatically detecting and recalibrating misaligned hands in case of impact during an adventure.
• The watch is built to MIL-STD-810 for thermal and shock resistance and includes a dual-layered metal bezel, making it strong enough to endure the toughest adventures.
• With the ability to track in challenging conditions, users can navigate confidently thanks to multi-band GPS with SatIQ™ technology.
• Prepare for the next adventure with the new lifestyle logging feature in the Garmin Connect™ app, showing users how lifestyle choices like caffeine and alcohol consumption impact their sleep, stress and HRV1.

Tactical edition
For those seeking a smartwatch that’s mission-ready, the Instinct Crossover AMOLED – Tactical Edition offers a variety of tactical-specific features, including an applied ballistics solver, stealth mode and night vision goggle compatibility.

Available now, Instinct Crossover AMOLED has a suggested retail price of PHP 36,990 and comes in two colorways – charcoal and bronze/sunburst. Instinct Crossover AMOLED – Tactical Edition is available for PHP 43,490 and comes in black. Visit ph.garmin.com to learn more about the full collection of health, wellness, navigation and connected features available on Instinct Crossover AMOLED.

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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Moudifa The Musical takes flight soon!

Empowered by courage. Defined by dreams. A Filipina’s journey beyond borders.

The cast of Moudifa: The Musical with writer and executive producer Margarita Marquis
and director Jag Cruz

The word “Moudifa” comes from the Arabic “مدیفة,” meaning servicewoman or attendant. In aviation, it refers to a flight attendant—someone who ensures passengers’ comfort and safety. “Moudifa Atyara” translates to flight attendant, and in this musical, she represents the countless Filipinas who bravely serve overseas while carrying hope and dignity in their hearts.

Inspired by the best-selling book “Moudifa!: Culture Shock from the Top” by Margarita Marquis, the musical brings to life the story of a Filipina flight attendant in 1980s Saudi Arabia. Through love, loss, and rediscovery, she learns to embrace her identity and inner strength in a world of cultural contrasts.

Portrayed by Jassy Calupitan (younger Moudifa) and Angie Bonnevie (older Moudifa), her journey unfolds through music and memory. Four men shape her emotional growth—the Pilot, the French Man, the Prince, and the Football Player—each teaching her a different kind of love and resilience.

Jassy Calupitan and Angie Bonnevie share the role of Moudifa

Genesis Delos Santos as The Football Player

Yuan Fuerte as The Prince

Ryle Mendez as The Pilot

Ferds Petrasanta as The Frenchman

The production celebrates Filipina empowerment, compassion, and artistry, blending heartfelt OPM ballads with Middle Eastern-inspired melodies composed by Margarita Marquis herself.

Directed by Jag Cruz and produced by Nette S. Muescan and Mabuhay PH Digital Network, Moudifa the Musical is a heartfelt tribute to every Filipina who serves, sacrifices, and soars beyond borders.

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