SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL Announces Final One-Day-Only Extension!

The Sandbox Collective adds two more shows, must close on August 24

Due to insistent public demand, The Sandbox Collective has just announced Side Show: The Musical’s FINAL EXTENSION on August 24, 2025 with two shows – 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

The afternoon show will include Krystal Kane, Molly Langley, CJ Navato, Tim Pavino, and Joshua Cabiladas, while the evening show will include Tanya Manalang, Marynor Madamesila, Reb Atadero, Vien King, and Marvin Ong. 

The company will include Jon Santos, Arion Sanchez, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro, Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.

Tickets to the final extension is now available online through ticket2me.net/sandboxsideshow and through the contact details below:

August 24, 3 PM
0925 306 5083

August 24, 7:30 PM
0917 854 4934
0907 564 0028
0917 619 2678

Side Show: The Musical is Toff de Venecia’s final directorial stint before his hiatus.

Side Show: The Musical is a fictional depiction of the life and times of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who found fame and notoriety in the vaudeville circuit in 1920 and 1930s. The story discusses themes of love, sisterhood, and fame amid the social stigma of being different.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is running at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Black Box Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available at ticket2me.net/sandboxsideshow. Follow @thesandboxco on Instagram for more information.

SIDE SHOW: THE MUSICAL is licensed through Concord Theatricals.

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

Read More

Karne: A Darkly Delicious Feast from FEU Theater Guild’s 91st Season

A darkly delicious twist on Roald Dahl’s classic, staged with Filipino classics: laughter and Adobo

This year, the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) is serving something bold, flavorful, and impossible to forget. Now on its 91st season, FTG presents Karne—an interactive dark comedy written and directed by Dudz Teraña, Senior Artist-Teacher of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and FTG’s artistic director.

Step into the aromatic, simmering home of a 1980s Filipino couple, where every look hides a secret, every silence is heavy, and the kitchen’s simmering pots hold more than just stew. Karne invites you to pull up a chair to a feast where humor, tension, and mystery blend in perfect, if unsettling, harmony.

A Filipino Twist on a Classic
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter, Karne moves the action to Lubotan, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental in 1980, infusing the story with the textures, rhythms, and flavors of rural Filipino life. It’s absurd yet sincere, light yet laced with dread—a genre-bending mix of comedy, mystery, and intimate social commentary.

Full cast

Seamlessly blending Bisaya, Tagalog, and English, the play creates a living, breathing household you can almost smell and hear. “This play holds up a mirror to the lived realities of an individual, grounding itself in raw humanness,” says director Dudz Teraña. “It offers a more layered and flavorful approach to staging—bold in form, grounded in truth, and unapologetically relevant. Karne is not just something to look forward to; it’s an experience that lingers.”

What’s Cooking?
At the heart of the story is Mary and Police Captain Patrick Patrosa, a seemingly ordinary couple whose quiet evening at home begins to unravel—turning a simple dinner into a tangled reflection on love, expectations, and the fragile connections holding their lives and their community together.

Mary is portrayed by Maria Mayano (IAS’26), with Julia Nicole Ramas (FIT’26) and Janae Dionisio (IAS’28) alternating the role. Patrick is brought to life by RB Pascua (IAS’25), Aaron Bayani (IAS’25), and Arvin Javier (IAS’28).

The couple is joined by a colorful ensemble of friends, neighbors, and colleagues:
Dante – Jonas Cunanan (IAS’25), Renz Dotillos (IAS’26), Jharelle Villalobos (IAS’27)
Ellen – Dianne Andallo (IAS’26), Maria Ysabelle Delos Reyes (IAS’27)
Maloi – Bjorn Pestaño (IAS’26), Margarita Barrameda (IAS’26), Sheila Peralta (IABF’26)
Police Lt. Elnar – Arvin Javier (IAS’28), Shawn Tarala (IAS’27)
Patrolman Enopia – Kristian Samson (IAS’26), Justin Abalos (IAS’28)
Patrolman Credo – Dave Bambang (IARFA’29), Kirstan Orbegoso (IAS’27)
Mrs. Poblacion – Cassandra Herilla (IAS’27), Irish Oliveros (IAS’28), Trisha Tan (IAS’28)
Estong/Estang – Lorenze Moral (IAS’26), Nash Desonyo (FIT’28), Heleina Li (IAS’26)
Samuel, the market vendor – Julian Anabo (IAS’26), Migi Mesina (IAS’27)

Show Dates & Venue:
📍 FEU Center for the Arts Studio

Performance Schedule
September: 11–13, 18–20, 25–27
October: 2–4, 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, 30
November: 6–8
House Opens – 6:00 PM | Show Starts – 6:30 PM

Ticket Prices
₱200 – Students from outside FEU Manila
₱500 – Regular Guests
₱700 – VIP

Connect with FEU Theater Guild
Facebook: Far Eastern University Theater Guild
Instagram & TikTok: @feutheaterguildofficial
Twitter/X: @ftg1934

Whether you come for the laughs, the suspense, or the rich slice of 1980s Filipino life, Karne promises a meal—and a memory—you’ll carry long after the curtain falls.

Read More

Manila Prince Hotel showcases gown by celebrated designer Ryan Chris

Manila Prince Hotel is shining the spotlight on Filipino artistry with the display of a stunning gown by acclaimed fashion and wedding designer Ryan Chris at its showroom. He was among the featured designers at the hotel’s first-ever Manila Bridal Fair, held on July 26 & 27, 2024, at the Grand Ballroom.

Highlights included a bridal fashion show, where Ryan’s creations captivated audiences with their modern yet sophisticated flair.

As CEO and President of Ryan Chris House of Fashion, he has built a brand defined by timeless elegance with a modern fit. Drawing inspiration from classic bridal looks, Ryan favors refined silhouettes, soft ivory tones, and subtle details that retain their beauty for decades. His creations often incorporate elements from Philippine heritage, honoring traditional craftsmanship while infusing a contemporary touch.

Ryan’s passion for fashion traces back to childhood, when a wedding-themed coloring book gifted by his grandmother sparked a lifelong fascination with bridal gowns. In school, he would sketch dresses with classmates excitedly choosing their favorites.

“I began in the wedding industry as a planner, helping brides choose gowns before realizing I wanted to design them myself,” said Ryan Chris. “My journey has always been about creativity, perseverance, and telling each bride’s unique story through her gown. Manila Prince Hotel celebrates timeless beauty and elegance, the same values I bring to the Ryan Chris brand. This partnership is more than just showcasing a gown, it’s about inspiring others and sharing the story behind every creation.”

From sketching dresses as a child to staging fashion shows featuring over 100 original looks, Ryan has become one of the country’s sought-after designers. His works have been featured in Ofrendas de Flores and Sketches + Stitches, a charity fashion show benefiting indigenous students and children with cancer.

“We are proud to support a local talent like Ryan Chris,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of Manila Prince Hotel. “His designs embody the style and quality we value, and we are delighted to have his work in our showroom.”

The gown is currently on display at Manila Prince Hotel’s showroom, allowing visitors to see firsthand the artistry that has made Ryan Chris a standout name in Philippine fashion.

Read More

Life’s Good in Action: LG and Good Neighbors Philippines Partner for Youth Development

With hands-on training from the Learn and Grow program, young Filipinos are gaining the skills and mindset to succeed on their own terms

Mr. Jaechoon Lee, Country Director of Good Neighbors Philippines, shakes hands with Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines

With more Filipinos striving to build a brighter future, LG Electronics Philippines is stepping in through a meaningful partnership with Good Neighbors International Philippines. On July 28, 2025, LG formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to express its commitment to the Learn and Grow vocational training program. As part of this agreement, LG will donate Php 1,200,000 (over USD 20,000) to help provide tools, training assistance, and other essential resources for the program’s students.

Present at the signing ceremony were Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines; Mr. Hongseok Chang, Chief Financial Officer of LG Philippines; Mr. Jaechoon Lee, Country Director of Good Neighbors Philippines; Ms. Visitacion Apostol, Senior Manager of Good Neighbors Philippines; Mr. Mark Gerald Paner, Social Development Division Manager of Good Neighbors Philippines; Ms. Maria Julia Orcullo, Field Manager of Good Neighbors Philippines; and Ms. Aimee Jill Fernando, Communication Manager of Good Neighbors Philippines. Their presence marked a shared commitment to uplifting Filipino youth through education. This initiative guides Care Leavers, young people aged 18 and above who are exiting sponsorship programs, toward independence by building their practical skills and creating opportunities for meaningful careers. By investing in youth empowerment, the program also contributes to long-term nation-building, one skilled graduate at a time.

From L-R: Ms. Visitacion Apostol, Senior Manager of Good Neighbors Philippines; Mr. Jaechoon Lee, Country Director of Good Neighbors Philippines; Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines; Mr. Hongseok Chang, Chief Financial Officer of LG Philippines

Many young Filipinos today are eager to get ahead, but not all have equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to get started. With around 17.5 million Filipinos still living below the poverty line and youth unemployment at 6.85% in 2023, many of those who do find work are limited to low-wage or part-time jobs. They have few means to pursue education or find decent work, held back by financial constraints and less access to skills training or support systems. San Isidro in Rodriguez, Rizal, is a resettlement community home to urban poor migrants who have relocated due to job-seeking opportunities or displacement caused by natural disasters. The area faces a lack of educational opportunities and economic support, leading to high dropout rates among youth. Few students go on to pursue higher education or vocational training. To help address the situation, Good Neighbors created a program called Learn and Grow.

From Community Care to Career Building
Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian aid and development NGO established in South Korea in 1991, operating in nearly 200 communities across 51 countries. Active in the Philippines since 2008, it supports around 9,000 sponsored children across 11 communities nationwide and focuses on child protection, education, and youth empowerment. As part of this mission, Good Neighbors Philippines launched the Learn and Grow vocational training program for Care Leavers, offering hands-on training in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) servicing. With the country’s growing tourism industry and rising temperatures driving demand for appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators, and with 4.87 million foreign tourists visiting the Philippines from January to October 2024 alone, the need for refrigeration and air conditioning services continues to grow. Learn and Grow provides youth with practical, in-demand skills that help them secure employment and contribute to stronger, more self-reliant communities.

A Shared Vision: LG and Good Neighbors Empower the Next Generation

Representatives of Good Neighbors International Philippines with executives from LG Electronics Philippines

To expand the reach and impact of the Learn and Grow program, LG is making a meaningful contribution by providing tools, training assistance, and educational materials for the students. A Korean brand globally recognized for its innovations, LG has long been committed to improving everyday life through appliances powered by cutting-edge Korean technology and making after-sales support more accessible through its service centers that offer reliable repairs for air conditioners, refrigerators, and more. This hands-on industry knowledge further reinforces LG’s belief in the value of programs like Learn and Grow, which equip the next generation with livelihood skills.

“Supporting the Learn and Grow program aligns perfectly with LG’s mission of creating a better life for all. We are proud to be part of an initiative that empowers young Filipinos with skills, opens doors to new opportunities, and contributes to nation-building by helping shape a stronger, self-reliant generation. As a brand that provides after-sales services through our service centers, we understand the importance of technical expertise. That’s why we believe in supporting programs like this—where passion meets purpose and training becomes a stepping stone to a better future,” said Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Electronics Philippines.

Mr. Jaechoon Lee, Country Director of Good Neighbors Philippines, expressed his gratitude for LG’s support, saying, “We appreciate LG Philippines for their dedication to building ‘A Better Life for All.’ We truly value the trust and support of LG Electronics, particularly your Customer Service Team, and see this initiative as the beginning of a long-term, strategic partnership between LG and Good Neighbors. Together, we hope to develop more inclusive CSR initiatives that create meaningful and measurable impact for marginalized communities in the Philippines.”

This meaningful partnership reflects the spirit of LG’s Life’s Good campaign. By uplifting young people with the right tools and training, LG is creating more chances for growth where they matter most. It’s not just about giving; it’s about opening doors, building skills, and fueling ambition. Through Learn and Grow, these future professionals are discovering their strengths, gaining practical experience, and stepping into a future full of promise. Discover more at https://www.lg.com/ph and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.

Read More

Pop Goes Boom: Manila Lights Up in a K-Pop Dance Frenzy at the LG xboom by will.i.am AI-Powered Sound Party

LG officially unveiled its next-generation xboom speaker lineup - featuring AI Smart Sound and creative direction by global icon will.i.am in a high-energy launch party at Xylo in BGC

LG Electronics turned up the volume on innovation as it unleashed its latest breakthrough in sound with the LG xboom by will.i.am: Pop Goes Boom Launch during a high-energy celebration at Xylo at the Palace. The venue pulsed with K-pop-powered energy, transforming into an immersive dance floor where electrifying performances by Zephanie and NEW:ID brought the crowd, and the speakers to life. Guests also experienced firsthand the features of the LG xboom by will.i.am speakers through interactive product demonstrations that showcased the lineup’s sleek design and intelligent features.

"Welcome to Pop Goes Boom!, the ultimate party night as we launch the latest LG xboom by will.i.am collection!" announced Mr. Yongwoo Park, LG Philippines’ Product Director for Media Solutions, as he kicked off the party. He warmly welcomed guests and performers, igniting the energy for an evening filled with powerful beats and immersive sound. Mr. Park emphasized LG’s bold approach to audio innovation: "Tonight, the bass doesn’t just play, it pops. And here at Xylo, everything pop will go boom. Let the sound take over. Performances are just getting started. Let’s go big, let’s go loud, let’s go xboom!"

Mr. Yongwoo Park, LG Philippines Product Director for Media Solutions

Bringing sound to the centerstage, Ms. Mildred Bugay, LG Philippines Product Manager for Audio, walked everyone through the features that make the new xboom lineup the ultimate companion for those who live for music and love to move. “We are thrilled to introduce a 2025 lineup meticulously tuned by LG xboom’s Experiential Architect, will.i.am, to deliver richer, warmer tones and an unparalleled immersive listening experience. His innovative blend of cutting-edge technology and vibrant pop culture elevates the entire audio journey.”

Ms. Mildred Bugay, LG Philippines Product Manager for Audio

The new LG xboom by will.i.am lineup, Stage 301, Bounce, Grab, and Buds, brings bold sound and smart style to every kind of listener. The LG xboom Stage 301 delivers room-filling audio with its 6.5” woofer and dual 2.5” midrange drivers, plus mic controls for easy karaoke fun. The LG xboom Bounce may be compact, but it unleashes a bold sound with dual passive radiators and twin dome tweeters that bring every beat to life. Built for on-the-go playlists, the LG xboom Grab features a 16mm tweeter for crisp sound and a tube-shaped design that’s easy to carry or hang. For those who prefer solo listening, the LG xboom Buds offer detailed, high-clarity audio with graphene-coated drivers, advanced noise cancellation, and three microphones to keep calls clear wherever you are. Leveraging advanced technology, Auracast allows you to easily link multiple xboom AI speakers, creating an expansive and immersive soundstage with just a tap. The LG XBOOM XL Series, XBOOM Go, and XBOOM RN Series speakers also stood proudly on display.

xboom Stage 301

xboom Bounce

xboom Grab

xboom Buds

LG xboom XL series

All eyes turned to the stage as Philippine KPOP Convention Inc., introduced the night’s featured performers, each bringing their own flair to the KPOP Dance Battle stage.

As the first act to hit the stage, Dazz Official had the crowd hyped and moving along with their charisma and explosive energy.

Dazz Official

Excrementum delivered a performance that highlighted their fluid dance style and bold vision of a genderless concept in the dance community.

Excrementum

Kairos, an all-girl powerhouse formed by Na’Be and Meraki, owned the stage with fierce, synchronized choreography, serving unstoppable girl power and proving just how perfectly in sync they are.

Kairos

Principtium, known for their sharp moves and self-produced K-pop covers, amped the crowd with precision and power.

Principtium

Finally, Psycho stormed the stage with wild energy and an all-out performance that got the crowd roaring.

Psycho

The high-energy KPOP Dance Battle was evaluated by a dynamic trio: Mildred Bugay, LG Philippines Product Manager for Audio; AG Constantino, Marketing Communications Manager; and Wilson, member of the country’s rising pop male group, NEW:ID. After an electrifying night filled with jaw-dropping choreography, powerful stage presence, and non-stop crowd-cheering moments, the panel hailed Principtium as the Champion for their standout performance that stole the show. Kairos wowed the judges with their energy and precision to claim 2nd place, while Psycho brought passion to secure 3rd place. To celebrate the creativity, talent, and heart of all the performers, the remaining teams were also awarded an LG xboom Bounce as a special consolation prize.

Principtium

Kairos

Psycho

The crowd got louder as audience members were invited to join the fun and step into the spotlight to show off their moves and bring the xboom energy to life. With guidance from the dance choreographer, they grooved to the catchy rhythm of “Gnarly” by KATSEYE, confidently following each step while bringing their own personality, charm, and playful energy to the stage. Winners were determined by the loudest cheers from a crowd that was genuinely engaged and full of support. They also took home LG xboom by will.i.am products as prizes.

The crowd went into a frenzy as NEW:ID, the rising pop phenomenon, fired up the crowd with their synchronized moves, and powerful stage presence. Performing fan-favorite tracks like “Ghost,” “Killing It Girl,” and “Deja Vu,” turning the venue into a dance floor, with fans waving their light sticks and singing along. “As performers, sound is everything when we're performing, and bass is a big deal for us. It gets us more in the zone and brings our full energy to the stage. And what better speaker to bring that to life than the LG xboom AI? It's loud, powerful, and every beat just hits hard.”

NEW: ID

Just when the energy peaked, Zephanie, Idol Philippines 2019 Grand Champion, electrified the crowd with her show-stopping performance. Her clear, commanding vocals, amplified by LG xboom AI’s precision tuning and deep, balanced sound, cut through the crowd and pulled everyone in. Performing powerful renditions of and “Problem,” and “Bang Bang” Zephanie showed why she’s one of today’s most promising vocalists.

Zephanie

With LG xboom by will.i.am’s advanced audio tech, every note hit harder, turning a great performance into an unforgettable moment. "On stage or in my daily routine, LG is always by my side. It really helps to have a speaker you can rely on, and the LG xboom by will.i.am speakers are always there when I need them like playing my rehearsal playlists one minute, then helping me relax with chill music the next. Being able to perform with confidence, knowing LG’s got my back, feels like a dream."

The night ended on a feel-good finale as DJ Dara took over the rhythm, keeping the energy alive with her signature mix of upbeat K-pop tracks and party dance music.

DJ Dara

This is the future of music. LG made sure everyone felt it, reminding the crowd that Life’s Good when powered by music, technology, and real connection. In collaboration with will.i.am’s forward-thinking creative vision, the LG xboom by will.i.am isn’t just a speaker, it’s a statement. Smart, adaptive, and bold, these speakers fuse cutting-edge technology with deep, immersive sound, designed to move with you and move you. Whether you're at home, on the go, or in the zone, the LG xboom delivers the sound you need, exactly when and where you need it.

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 https://www.lg.com/ph/audio/xboom and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.

Read More

2TinCans Philippines and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu bring Love, Loss, and What I Wore to the stage

Clothes are never just clothes. They carry our memories, mark our milestones, and often speak when words fall short.

2TinCans Philippines, Cebu’s premier theatre communications company, and Marco Polo Plaza Cebu bring the power of storytelling to life with a heartfelt production of Love, Loss, and What I Wore, happening at 8 PM on August 16 and 17 at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City.

Written by sisters Nora and Delia Ephron, and based on the book by Ilene Beckerman, Love, Loss, and What I Wore is a heartwarming and hilarious collection of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes, and memory. The play uses clothing and accessories as a time capsule of a woman’s life — from prom dresses and purses to shoes and wedding gowns. Told through the voices of a rotating cast of women, the stories explore poignant and humorous moments tied to identity, relationships, heartbreak, family, and self-discovery.

Directed by Charlene Virlouvet, this Cebu staging features members of the 2TinCans Theatre Company—Liana San Diego, Mikee Amagsila, Regina Binueza, Shanice Kae Suarez, Shifrah Bouchikhi-Enclona, and Vanessa Fe.

Also joining the cast are 2TinCans Producing Artistic Director Sarah Mae Enclona- Henderson; language school directress Aleah Alerre Lim; award-winning journalist Andi Pateña-Matheu; multi-awarded social entrepreneur Anya Lim; beauty queen and singer-songwriter Victoria Leslie Ingram; and lawyer -- Elaine Bathan, College of Law Asst.

Dean and former Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism; retired lawyer Gingging Navarro-Laude, and; public servant, social media personality, and LGBTQIA+ champion Regal Oliva.

“Every woman has a dress that reminds her of something—her first love, her mother, her divorce, her power. This play gives voice to those hidden hangers in our closets,” said Henderson.

Director Virlouvet described the play as a timely reflection on the generational experiences of women. “This play can bridge the disconnect amongst generations of women. It can be a space for intergenerational conversations and sharing,” she shared.

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu General Manager Maximilian Schwalbe emphasized the hotel’s growing engagement with the local community. “We want to host more cultural and social events like this for Cebuanos,” he said. Schwalbe also noted that ticket holders will enjoy special perks, including discounted room rates and dining privileges at all Marco Polo restaurants from August 15 to 18.

Complementing the performance is Stitched, a storytelling exhibit featuring a curated collection of clothes and accessories, each accompanied by a personal story that reveals its deeper meaning. “The goal is to show that fashion is more than just fabric; it’s a vessel for memory,” said Henderson.

In a world that’s constantly changing, Love, Loss, and What I Wore invites us to pause and remember who we are, where we've been, and how far we've come. Get your tickets at 2tincans-philippines.yapsody.com now!

Read More