Dulaang UP’s Revival of UP Playwrights’ Theatre

Looking toward the company’s longevity in providing relevant and powerful theatre works to the people, more so as their 50th Theatre Season approaches, Dulaang UP’s invitation is a communal celebration of their students, alumni, and previous collaborators. Initiated in their recent run of DUP Classics’ Para Kay Tony: Tungo sa Ginintuang Alaala, A Tribute to our National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa, the first ever all student-led process and choice of plays tackling oppressive authorities were the message. The production was a display of how far Dulaang UP has transformed through its decades of ups and downs to become a space for sharp questioning and nurturing curiosity — as the late DUP Founding Artistic Director Sir Tony envisioned the program.

Dulaang UP’s 48th Theatre Season, “Paano umuwi nang may pagpapasya?” picks up on probing the question of intentionality in coming home through looking back at DUP’s humble beginnings. Sir Tony’s legacy lives on with the revival of UP Playwrights’ Theatre, renamed to DUP Playwrights now on its 29th Theatre Season, through the play, Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan, written and directed by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature multi-awarded playwright and our Artistic Director, Arlo Deguzman.

Written from a place of diasporic experience, this piece is a powerful and contemporary work that tackles the emotional landscape of and an ode to our present day heroes, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). These stories, embodied in movement and lyric, aim to negotiate the melancholically veiled struggles of an OFW: a father’s frustration from unending remittances, a mother seeking to make the sacrifice worthwhile, a sister negotiating the promise of separation, and a son bearing the silence of a deafening burden. DUP invites us to contemplate on our origins and bids for connection and home.

Perhaps this allows you to ponder on life in the Philippines or abroad and would lead you to questions or answers sought after. One might even find comfort in knowing some of the cast and crew had been an OFW, had thought (or is thinking) of being one, or longs for a loved one abroad. Whether an OFW or not, a story relative to yours will be told live through theatre that will certainly evoke in you a sense of yearning.

The production will run from March 12, 2026 to March 29, 2026 at the IBG-KAL Theater, UP Diliman; Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30PM, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30PM and 7:30PM. Tickets are available via https://bit.ly/AngKaliitanNgKasalukuyan2026 with the following prices:

• 1,000 PHP Regular Price
• 800 PHP PWD / Senior Citizens / Non-UP Students
• 700 PHP for OFWs—current and former, ticket is transferable; available via direct purchase
• 650 PHP UP Community (Students and Employees): Friday–Sunday shows; available via direct purchase
• 550 PHP UP Community (Students and Employees): Thursday shows; available via direct purchase

Note that discounts/promos are not stackable on each other.

A Full Theatre Experience Outside of the Theater
Dulaang UP’s young platforms, DUP Social1 and DUP Studio2 have more in store for patrons and art enthusiasts in this offering — all free admission! Listed below are some programs to look out for:

DUP Social

1. PeliDula: Theater & Migration Series – an initiative to bring pro-shot recordings of previous DUP productions from the archives to the screen. Three plays aligning with the theme of migration will be featured prior to Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan’s showdates, to be announced soon.
2. Arts Market – DUP’s community of artist-makers and entrepreneurs is blossoming and their space widens to accommodate more concessionaires! Events such as Lirika’t Lahok, where invited performers share their talent to audiences before the show, continue through the Arts Market space. Interested merchants can sign up or inquire through Dulaang UP’s social media pages.

DUP Studio

1. Networking Night – a cross-college networking event for UP Diliman’s many art and design majors. If you major in music, dance, fine arts, art studies, clothing technology, or literature, you are more than welcome to participate and meet like-minded creatives!
2. Contemporary Plays from Around the World: Staged Reading Series – a platform where participants are exposed to contemporary plays and interpret the pieces from different lenses.
3. Backstage Tours — done every Sunday during the show weeks. Gives an opportunity for audience members to explore the inner workings beyond the stage. They get to explore the stage and meet backstage crew and their designated work areas.
4. Critical Platform Writing Workshop — a writing workshop and competition for aspiring student writers to be welcomed in a space that boosts their knowledge, expertise and craft for critical writing. The participants will be asked to participate in a one-day workshop wherein they will be taught and given activities to test and practice their critiquing skills.

Stay tuned to their social media pages for announcements and ticket promo updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok

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Anne Hathaway’s eerie pop thriller ‘Mother Mary’ arrives in Philippine cinemas this April

Anne Hathaway's pop psychological thriller Mother Mary, will hit Philippine cinemas on April 22, 2026, exclusively distributed by CreaZion Studios.The announcement comes alongside the release of its official Philippine trailer and poster.

Hathaway (Interstellar, The Devil Wears Prada) stuns as the titular global pop icon in this new, ambitious film produced by A24. The full synopsis goes: “Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer Sam Anselm (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s Michaela Coel) on the eve of her comeback performance.” The film makes the viewers curious - how much of your soul are you willing to lose for fame and vanity?

Mother Mary is written and directed by David Lowery (The Green Knight, A Ghost Story). The filmmaker takes viewers to a musical journey in the backdrop of an unlikely reunion between former friends, while exploring the haunting effect of long-lost formidable connections. The movie features original music by Charli XCX, Jack Antonoff, and FKA Twigs, who also acts in “Mother Mary”.

The singles “Burial”, performed by Hathaway; and “My Mouth is Lonely For You” by Twigs, will be released in March. Meanwhile, the film’s digital soundtrack, featuring seven songs, will drop on Hathaway’s music streaming accounts in April. Mother Mary also showcases an impressive cast that includes Hunter Schafer (Euphoria, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes), Kaia Gerber (Babylon, Shell) and FKA Twigs.

 

Mother Mary is the second A24 title CreaZion Studios is bringing to Filipino audiences this year. It has recently announced BACKROOMS with a Philippine release date on June 3. The acquisition of these highly-anticipated films is part of the company’s #KwentoMoTo mission to make “Human Stories and Human Experiences” accessible to Filipino and Southeast Asian audiences.

“Whether you are a fan of elevated genres or you simply want to have a good time watching a movie, CreaZion Studios got you covered with an exciting lineup of film offerings that can be enjoyed on the best screen and great surround sound possible, in cinemas near you,” said RJ San Agustin, President and CEO of CreaZion Studios.

“By bringing in the most disruptive and talked-about films to the country and Southeast Asian (SEA) region, CreaZion Studios hopes to bridge human stories and experiences to this side of the world,” he added.

Last year, CreaZion Studios successfully brought to the domestic and SEA markets the critically-acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan Wook’s No Other Choice and A24 fantasy adventure film The Legend of Ochi; and in 2024, the award-winning body horror film The Substance.

For more updates, follow CreaZion Studios on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube and visit creazionstudios.com.

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The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta: 22 Special-Shaped Balloons, Daring Drone Races & Spectacular Night Glows

Nothing compares to the sky spectacle only the original fiesta can deliver — where sky champions rise, glowing nights dazzle, and a sky full of dreams soars higher than ever. 🎈✨

The 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta transformed the skies over New Clark City  into a vibrant showcase of aviation excellence, thrilling competitions, and world-class entertainment.

22 Special-Shaped Balloons Take Flight
A spectacular lineup of 22 special-shaped hot air balloons from around the world floated above the festival grounds, drawing thousands of spectators to the iconic dawn mass ascension. From whimsical characters to towering novelty designs, the balloons turned the morning sky into a moving canvas of color.

In the hare and hound hot air balloon competition, Thomas Grubbstrom from Sweden emerged as champion, followed by Joao Justo from Brazil in second place and Coen Heuvel from The Netherlands, in third. Their precision flying and strategic maneuvering impressed judges and festivalgoers alike.

Cultural Opening and Aviation Inspiration
The Fiesta opened with a dynamic cultural performance by the Bamban Street Dancers celebrating Filipino heritage, setting the tone for a weekend that honored both tradition and innovation.

Bamban Street Dancers

The festival also featured aviation career lectures that inspired aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. Captain Frank Desiderio, Executive and Business Jet Pilot, delivered a talk on “The Future of Filipino Aviators.” He was joined by Alfred Martin Hermosilla (Air Traffic Management Officer III), Dennis O. Enriquez (Flight Dispatcher), Brent Louis Palisoc (Quality Manager), Nicole Anne Manalang (Cabin Crew), Capt. Sergio Venuti (A320/321Type Rating Examiner (TRE)), Capt. Edgardo G. Bartolo (Acting Chief of the Airmen Examination Board at CAAP), Victoria Emmanuel Angeles (Flight Instructor), Cecile H. Hurtado (Air Traffic Controller), Samantha Beatrice M. Medina (Cabin Crew), Capt. Frank Desiderio (Executive/Business Jet Pilot), Capt. Raschel Uy (Cabin Crew turned Pilot), Ben Marie Alli Jr. (Director of Maintenance), and Neil Joaz Lagundino (Air Traffic Management Officer I). Each speaker provided valuable insights into the diverse pathways within the aviation industry.

Capt. Frank Desiderio gives a talk on "The Future of Aviation" for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. 

High-Speed Action on Land and in the Air
Beyond the balloons, the festival grounds buzzed with excitement. A car showcase and drifting exhibition thrilled motorsport fans, while drone racing competitions demonstrated remarkable speed and control.

In the Paragliding Accuracy Competition, Team Legit, composed of Jokohsuprianto Nasir Villanueva, Realino Indapan, and Junrey Cambal, claimed the championship title. Team Triyo secured second place, followed by Team Amaya in third and Team UAE in fourth.

In the Singles Category, Joey Galao of the Philippines won first place, with Junrey Cambal placing second and Jokohsuprianto Nasir Villanueva finishing third.

The FPV Drone Race Competition featured standout performances from Minseo Lee of South Korea, Siyang Peng of China, and Chun-Yan Stephen Kwan from Hong Kong.

Adding a futuristic highlight to the program, Kyxz Mendiola showcased the Kyxz Hoverbike in a live demonstration that captivated audiences and offered a glimpse into the future of personal flight.

Kyxz Mendiola demonstrating the hoverbike

Family Attractions and Valentine Highlights

Festivalgoers enjoyed a wide range of attractions throughout the venue, including thrilling fly-bys, parrots on display, a lively fly market filled with souvenirs, a Drone Soccer demo, and kite-flying activities for children and adults.

Flyby

Drone Soccer

Couples celebrated love under the open sky during the special Valentine Dinner, creating a romantic atmosphere unique to the Fiesta experience.

Night Glow, Concert, and Fireworks Finale
As evening descended, the much-anticipated Hot Air Balloon Night Glow and Concert illuminated the festival grounds in partnership with NUSTAR Online. Balloons lit up in synchronized brilliance while live performances by Pixie, KO Jones, Sound of Hera, Project March, Asa, and Barabas energized the crowd.

Night Glow

Pixies perform song and dance to entertain the crowd

The celebration concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the Clark skyline and marked a triumphant close to the 26th edition of the Fiesta.

Sharing the Joy of Flying
True to its advocacy of making aviation accessible and inspiring to all, the PIHABF organizing committee extended complimentary invitations to two orphanages, Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth and Rehoboth Children’s Home. A total of 72 beneficiaries, composed of children and their guardians, were welcomed as special guests during the event.

With its mission of sharing the Joy of Flying with everyone, the organizing committee sought to give these young guests the opportunity to witness and appreciate the airshow firsthand. For all of the children, it was their first time seeing hot air balloons and aerobatic displays up close, making the happy experience both memorable and deeply meaningful.

A Celebration of Dreams Taking Flight
For Event Director Capt. Joy Roa, the 26th edition was a powerful reminder of the festival’s enduring mission.

Capt. Joy Roa

“This Fiesta is not just about balloons filling the sky,” said Capt. Joy Roa. “It is about inspiring dreams, supporting the next generation of Filipino aviators, and bringing families together through the magic of flight. Seeing thousands of people look up in wonder reminds us why we continue to grow this celebration every year.”

With record participation, world-class competitions, and unforgettable performances, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta once again proved that it is more than an event. It is a movement that educates, elevates passion, and national pride.

Powered by Strong Partnerships
This event was made possible with the support of valued partners: Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and New Clark City; FedEx as the Official Logistics Provider; Supporting Partners: The Philippine Sports Commission, and Prulife UK; Hann Resorts and Casino (Widus, Marriott, and Swissotel) as Official Hotel Partner; NUSTAR Online as Lifestyle Gaming Partner; Festival Friends McDonald’s Philippines, Converge, and DITO Telecommunity; Official Media Partners BusinessMirror, PTV4, and Asian Air Safari. Special thanks to Philippine Airlines.

As the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta comes to a close, it once again proves that it is more than a festival. It is a celebration of dreams, learning experience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of flight.

Stay updated with schedules, announcements, and festival news at www.philballoonfest.net. Follow the Fiesta on social media for sneak peeks and live updates: Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

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Discover a New Side to Bangkok with This Itinerary Perfect for the Summer

Bangkok is a city brimming with experiences made for the adventurous, the artsy, and the curious. It’s long been a favorite among Filipino travelers because of its dynamic mix of traditional and modern. With summer coming soon, holiday trips and getaway plans are already taking shape for many barkadas and families.

If Bangkok is on your list this year, having an easy way to pay and keep track of spending in a fast-paced city like it just makes the whole trip feel lighter. Thankfully, now you can Scan-Swipe-Tap with GCash abroad, and payments quickly become one less thing to worry about. Because you get lower forex rates and real-time spend tracking, you can focus on enjoying your time in these stops:

1. Dine above the city at Akara Sky Hanuman

Bangkok is already a food lover's paradise, but dining at Akara Sky elevates the experience even further. It’s the country’s highest sky dining experience – a rooftop space where you can enjoy Thai street food favorites and other authentic dishes while taking in 360-degree views of the city. During dinner, guests are also treated to Thai cultural performances, including Muay Thai boxing and traditional dances, inviting everyone to appreciate the country’s heritage. The restaurant also has 10 zones of immersive exhibitions to visit for photos!

2. Sign up for a private cooking class

Speaking of food, if your barkada bonds best over food, booking a Thai cooking class is a must-try activity. White Lotus offers hands-on sessions where you’ll learn how to make classics like Tom Yum and Pad Thai, with a local culinary expert walking you through ingredients and techniques. Classes run for about three hours, and if you’re a big group singing up, you can book the whole class. You can pre-book slots on their website and pay using the GCash Visa Card, so there's no stress over steep credit card forex fees.

3. Experience the world’s noisiest massage

At Bradbury, known as the noisiest massage in the world, you and your friends are in for a treat. Their four-hand massage, done by two therapists at the same time, happens in a space filled with LED visuals, music, projection mapping, and surprise performances throughout your session.

4. Explore one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods at Songwat Road

Perhaps Thailand’s most popular neighborhood online right now is Songwat Road – in fact, it’s listed among the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world. Song Wat is best explored while taking your time, ordering from matcha cafés, picking up pastries at bakeries, and browsing vintage stores, ceramic shops, record stores, and souvenir spots filled with handcrafted Thai items. There are also perfume and home scent stores, plus endless street food options.

Even if you’re not planning to shop, you’ll probably head back home to your hotel with something. And with many merchants now accepting GCash via Alipay+, paying as you go is easy and effortless. To use GCash abroad, just look for the Alipay+ logo at the counter, select “pay abroad,” generate your QR code, and let the merchant scan it – and you’re done!

5. Shop a wide selection of local Thai brands at Emsphere

Emsphere is the newest lifestyle hub in Bangkok's EM District, just a few minutes from the city center. Emsphere features six floors filled with a wide variety of shops, from local brands to high-end luxury favorites. It's the perfect place to find unique, quality goods, whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for pasalubong to take home.

The main lifestyle hub on the first floor is the best place to find trendy lifestyle and streetwear brands, including homegrown brands such as FRANK and Daddy Muscle. For all your shopping moments, you can enjoy easy, convenient payments with GCash Tap to Pay abroad so there’s no need to worry about scrambling for cash. Available for all NFC-enabled Android smartphones, it lets you pay with just one tap on the payment terminal.

Scan-Swipe-Tap Your Way to an Unforgettable Bangkok Experience

Bangkok is a no-fail destination. No matter what you do, or where you go, it will always feel better when payments are seamless and stress-free. Paying with GCash abroad means you can keep track of your spending in real time, enjoy lower forex rates updated in-app, and move through each stop without the stress of cash conversions or surprise charges when you get home. Some merchants even offer special promos and discounts – just tap “Travel” on the GCash app and check out the Travel Treats section!

Wherever your Bangkok adventure takes you this year, remember to Scan-Swipe-Tap, and download the GCash app so you're all set.

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SM Center Antipolo Downtown hosts Job Fair 2026 on March 4

Step into your next career move—bring your résumé and apply on the spot at the Job Fair this March 4 at SM Center Antipolo Downtown!

Jobseekers can take advantage of an all-out employment initiative as Job Fair 2026 takes place at SM Center Antipolo Downtown on March 4, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the 3rd Level of the mall. The one-day event brings together various employers offering diverse career opportunities for Antipolo residents and nearby communities.

Come early and prepared and land on you dream job at Job Fair in SM Center Antipolo Downtown.

Mounted in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the City Government of Antipolo, the job fair opens doors to roles such as customer service representatives, cashiers, sales clerks, engineers, administrative staff, factory workers, and registered nurses, among others—catering to both entry-level applicants and seasoned professionals.

This initiative gives jobseekers the opportunity to submit applications, meet recruiters, and possibly get hired on the spot. Interested participants are encouraged to bring updated résumés and arrive early to maximize opportunities. Take the next step in your career journey and head to the most loved mall, SM Center Antipolo Downtown, on March 4.

Ace your job interview and get hired on the spot on March 4 at SM Center Antipolo Downtown.

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Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical bring Gloria Estefan's music to Manila with "On Your Feet!"

Turn up the heat this summer with the Southeast Asian premiere of the musical

Get ready to fall in love and dance as Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical bring the musical On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan to Manila this July!

Directed by Robbie Guevara, with musical direction by Daniel Bartolome, and book by Alexander Dinelaris, On Your Feet tells the awe-inspring story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan — two artists whose unwavering belief in each other redefined the American soundscape.

A journey fueled by passion and tested by tragedy, the musical explores the determination and creativity that turned a local band into an international sensation.

This uplifting saga comes to life with a pulse-pounding playlist of the greatest pop hits of a generation including “Anything For You,” “1-2-3,” “Conga,” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.” It’s a celebration of heritage, family, and the music that moved the world.

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan is a 9 Works Theatrical production, presented by Rockwell. The show will run in July 2026. Tickets and other details will be announced soon.

For more information and updates on On Your Feet!, check out the social media pages of Proscenium Theater (@ProsceniumTheater) and 9 Works Theatrical (@9WorksTheatrical).

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, New York.

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PETA Unveils the Lead Cast of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4

The wait is over! Meet the powerhouse cast headlining one of this year’s most anticipated productions.

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) officially announces the headlining cast of Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It’s Live Sa Cheter! running from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center.

From two iconic films to a hit series, Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank has become beloved for its hyperreal, meta commentary on arts, culture, and society. The first film skewered the indie movie scene, the second tackled mainstream cinema, and the third confronted historical revisionism. This fourth installment turns its sharp gaze toward theater, but it doesn’t just peek behind the curtain; it tears it down entirely, exposing the messy, hilarious, and painfully relatable process of making theater in the Philippines today.

At the center of the mayhem is Eugene Domingo, returning as a gloriously amplified version of herself—navigating ego, ambition, and the beautiful absurdity of mounting a live show. Long celebrated for her fearless comedic brilliance, Domingo once again anchors the franchise with razor-sharp wit and impeccable timing.

Joining her is a powerhouse lineup of theater-makers, all portraying exaggerated reflections of their real-life roles in the industry. Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, and JC Santos step in as unapologetic artistas caught in the whirlwind of creative clashes and theatrical excess.

 

 
Meann Espinosa, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Andoy Ranay, and JC Santos

Behind the scenes—but very much in front of the live audience—is Melvin Lee as the ever-resourceful (and ever-stressed) producer attempting to keep the production afloat. Marlon Rivera, who directed the franchise’s first three installments, steps into the chaos as the director within the play, while Joshua Lim So takes on the role of the resident playwright caught between revisions, rewrites, and relentless creative debates—desperately trying to keep his script, and his sanity, intact.

 

Melvin Lee, Marlon Rivera and Joshua Lim So

The show is written by Chris Martinez, the creative force behind the first three Septic Tank installments. It will be directed by Maribel Legarda, who helmed PETA’s hit productions Rak of Aegis and One More Chance The Musical, with assistance from up-and-coming director Johnnie Moran.

Set and costume design is by Gino Gonzales, with music and sound design by Teresa Barrozo.

Metrobank credit cardholders will enjoy exclusive first access to tickets from February 27 at 10:00 AM to March 3 at 11:59 PM via TicketWorld. A Waitlist Sale follows from March 4 at 10:00 AM to March 5 at 11:59 PM for patrons who signed up last December 2025, with the General Public Sale beginning on March 6 at 10:00 AM.

Tickets will be available via TicketWorld or bit.ly/SepticTank4Tickets.

Ticket prices are P3,500 (VIP), P2,800 (Orchestra and Balcony Center), P2,500 (Orchestra Side), and P1,800 (Balcony Side). Audiences are encouraged to create their TicketWorld accounts in advance, as tickets are expected to sell out fast.

For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.

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