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| (Image Source: ASTIG.ph/Ballet Manila) |
Ballet Manila continues the celebration of its 30th anniversary with the restaging of the beloved classic Swan Lake featuring an exceptional roster of ballet stars from San Francisco Ballet. CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde explains, “Bringing this masterpiece to life for our 30th anniversary season is very monumental as it underscores Ballet Manila’s dedication to the highest standards of classical ballet.” This is further reinforced by Swan Lake’s two pairs of powerful main leads. On May 30-June 1, 2025, the production will be led by San Francisco’s first soloist Katherine Barkman who will return to her Ballet Manila home stage to perform the dual roles Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan). A former mentee of Macuja Elizalde and principal dancer of Ballet Manila, Barkman will wow the audience with her mesmerizing technique and emotional depth in portraying the characters.
Dancing alongside Barkman is another award-winning danseur, Esteban Hernandez, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet, whose commanding presence and exceptional virtuosity will breathe life into the character of Prince Siegfried. On May 31-June 1, 2025, audiences will see a fresh take on the main characters with matinee performances featuring Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet soloist, Nathaniel Remez taking the lead. This staging of Swan Lake highlights the seamless fusion of international and local talent, offering audiences a rare opportunity to witness world-class ballet artistry. For Macuja Elizalde, the choice of Swan Lake for Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year is deeply personal, having portrayed the iconic lead role herself. Reflecting on its significance, she shares, “Swan Lake has always been one of my most beloved roles. The duality of Odette and Odile pushes a ballerina to her limits, both technically and emotionally.”
Elizalde invites audiences to immerse in the beauty of Swan Lake by catching the performances on May 30 at 8:00 pm and on May 31 and June 1 at 5:00 pm with a special matinee performances on May 31 and June 1 at 1:00 pm. All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.
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LCC Malls Celebrates 80 Years With “Elevate: 80 Years Of Excellence” Milestone Event
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| (L-R) LCC Malls’ Lorena Banaobra and Christien Frances Tan, Ever Bilena’s Denice and Silliman Sy, CDO Foodsphere’s Jerome and Jao Ong, Colgate-Palmolive’s Angel Qi (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/LCC Malls) |
LCC Malls, Bicol’s pioneering retail giant, marked its 80th year anniversary with a grand celebration at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport Boulevard, Pasay City. Themed “Elevate: 80 Years Of Excellence”, the event showcased the company’s enduring legacy and commitment to continued innovation. The ballroom was adorned in LCC’s signature royal blue, gold, and yellow — a proud representation of its vibrant brand identity.
Founded in 1945 by Tan Chu Lim and Tan Sy Sa, LCC began as a humble store known as Liberty Bazaar in Tabaco, Albay. Over the decades, it evolved into the LCC Group of Companies, expanding across the Bicol Region with a wide portfolio of retail formats — including department stores, supermarkets, and community malls. In 1981, the group opened Bicol’s first-ever shopping mall in Legazpi City, setting a new standard for regional retail. Today, LCC operates more than 80 branches across the Bicol Region with a strategic partnership with Ayala Land, co-developing Ayala Malls Legazpi in 2016. LCC remains a household name and trusted partner in the lives of countless Bicolanos. The highlight of the evening was the formal introduction of LCC’s third generation of leaders, who are poised to carry the company forward with the same heart, grit, and innovation that built it. The new leaders, namely Christian Tan, Christien Frances Tan, Anne Marianne Tan-Ong, Anne Maybelle Tan-Astillero, Lindsay Cheng-Olaño, and Alvin Tan, were presented on stage. Each one representing the group’s evolving vision and dedication to shaping LCC’s future.
The milestone event also served as a tribute to the strong partnerships that helped shape LCC’s growth. Present were top national partners who have significantly contributed to LCC’s success including Angel Qi of Colgate-Palmolive, Silliman Sy and Denice Sy of Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc., Alice Liu of Golden ABC, Jerome Ong of CDO Foodsphere Inc., and Terry Chen of Bounty Fresh Group Holdings, among many others. It was a heartfelt family affair as multiple generations of the founding family from both Metro Manila and Bicol came together to celebrate this historic milestone. The event marked not just 80 years of business excellence, but also unity, legacy, and service to the Filipino community. With the third generation now stepping into leadership, the evening symbolized a renewed commitment to elevating LCC to greater heights and confidently leading the company into the new era.
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McDonald's Releases Mother's Day Tribute To The Love That Never Goes Out Of Style
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| (Image Source: Mindanao Times/McDonald's Philippines) |
This generation of children is growing up in a world shaped by technology — one filled with swipes, streams, and screens. It’s a digital age where kids speak in memes, live online, and often leave parents trying to keep pace. But amidst all the change, one thing remains constant: the love between a mother and her child. In McDonald’s latest Mother’s Day film, we celebrate the simple, heartwarming moments that bring them together — reminding us that while trends may come and go, a mother’s love never goes out of style.
Directed by Joel Limchoc of Film Pabrika in collaboration with Leo Manila and McDonald’s Philippines, the latest McDonald’s Mother’s Day film tells the story of a young boy and his alien buddy sharing fun, everyday moments — from playing console games and recording TikTok dances to gliding around on a hoverboard. Through this playful lens, the film gently reveals a deeper truth: even in a world shaped by rapid change and generational shifts, a mother’s love finds its way in. With quiet determination and endless heart, she steps into her child’s world — not to change it, but to be part of it. “We know that families today are evolving, and that children and parents don’t always speak the same language or share the same passions. But at McDonald’s, we believe that love — especially a mother’s love — will always find a way. And often, it’s through the smallest, everyday moments that the most meaningful memories are made,” said McDonald's Philippines President and Chief Marketing Officer Ada Almentras-Lazaro.
With this heartfelt film, McDonald’s honors the modern-day mom — the one who may not always get the trends, but never stops showing up with love. Just in time for Mother’s Day, the story builds to a poignant finale that captures a universal truth: no matter the generation gap, a mother’s love always finds its way. This Mother’s Day, McDonald’s invites families to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the timeless bond that connects every generation. Watch the full Mother’s Day film at https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph/videos/585624071259008.
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NBA On Prime Video Tips Off In The Philippines On October 2025
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Prime Video) |
Prime Video recently revealed the official logo for its coverage of the NBA on Prime Video which begins in October 2025 as part of a landmark 11-year global media rights agreement. This deal marks a significant expansion of Prime Video’s live sports offering with NBA becoming the first live sports property in the Philippines available at no additional cost to Prime Video subscribers. As part of this global deal, Prime Video subscribers in the Philippines will receive exclusive coverage of 67 regular-season NBA games including all seven games from the Knockout Rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup, every game of the postseason SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament as well as first and second round games of the NBA Playoffs.
Earlier this year, Prime Video announced that acclaimed sports journalist Taylor Rooks will host its new NBA studio show with NBA legends and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall-of-Famers including Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki and Udonis Haslem serving as studio analysts, bringing their expertise and insider perspectives to the inaugural season of Prime Video’s NBA coverage. WNBA Legend Candace Parker will also join the NBA on Prime Video studio team as an in-game and studio analyst beginning this fall and will lead Prime Video’s WNBA coverage beginning in 2026. More information on the full broadcast offering for NBA fans in the Philippines will be revealed ahead of launch. In addition to the coverage of the NBA on Prime, Prime Video will also be the strategic partner and third-party global channels store destination for NBA League Pass, the NBA’s subscription service for streaming live and on-demand games, in the U.S. and internationally, giving fans access to even more regular and postseason games for an additional monthly cost.
Coming in 2026, Prime Video subscribers in the Philippines will be able to exclusively stream 30 regular-season WNBA games each season including the Championship game of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase. Prime Video will also have exclusive WNBA postseason games including one first-round series each year, seven Semi-Final series and three WNBA Finals over the course of the 11-year deal.
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Step Into The HALO-HALOverse: Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo Now Featured At The Dessert Museum
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| (Image Source: Mang Inasal) |
The Philippines’ No. 1 Halo-Halo, Mang Inasal’s iconic Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, has officially taken over Asia’s trendiest dessert wonderland, The Dessert Museum. The exciting HALO-HALOverse offers a playful, colorful, and interactive experience that celebrates the country’s beloved dessert. This immersive exhibit brings Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo to life in a vibrant, fun-filled environment, making it the star of the HALO-HALOverse. The exhibit offers a sweet summer adventure that visitors won’t want to miss.
“We’re thrilled to bring Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo to life here in the HALO-HALOverse at The Dessert Museum. This collaboration gives us a new way to share the flavors of Mang Inasal and the Unli-Saya (unlimited fun) of this iconic dessert with a bigger crowd, creating a fun and unforgettable experience for everyone,” said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. Inside the HALO-HALOverse, visitors can enjoy:
• Halo-Halo Hotline: Fun flavor facts about Mang Inasal’s famous dessert.
• FLANTASY: Hop on giant Leche Flans and relive childhood memories.
• Halo-Halo Anatomy: Discover the secrets behind each layer and snap the perfect photo.
• Giant Halo-Halo Bowl: Step into a massive bowl of shaved ice and immerse in the ultimate Halo-Halo experience.
Mang Inasal is also offering FREE Halo-Halo. Enjoy a free cup of Extra Creamy Halo-Halo onsite at The Dessert Museum every Sunday while you can redeem vouchers for a free Halo-Halo at any Mang Inasal store nationwide every Mondays to Saturdays. Tickets to the HALO-HALOverse are now available at http://book.thenextperience.com/TheDessertMuseum/Booking. Don’t forget to share your experience on social media with #MangInasalxTheDessertMuseum and #MangInasalCreamyYESSummer for a chance to be featured on Mang Inasal’s online channels.
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From Grassroots To Global: Champions Rise And Jeremy Sochan Shines In vivo 3×3 Basketball Finale
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/vivo Philippines) |
The energy was unstoppable at SM Mall of Asia as the court blazed with action for the much-awaited Grand Finals of the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge Year 3. The final leg of the tournament brought fans to their feet with high-octane plays, thrilling matchups, and the crowning of the newest kings and queens of 3×3 basketball. Now in its third year, vivo’s grassroots basketball initiative has grown into a nationwide sensation — a platform for rising talents to showcase their skills in a fast-paced, electrifying format. And the champions are:
Women’s Division
Champion: Uncle Drew Pilipinas
1st Runner-Up: Uratex Dream
2nd Runner-Up: Valkyries
3rd Runner-Up: DGC Steel
Men’s Division
Champion: Solaris Power Corp 3×3
1st Runner-Up: Sports Flooring Global Kings
2nd Runner-Up: Uncle Drew Pilipinas
3rd Runner-Up: Elite
This year’s champions took home more than just bragging rights. Each winning team was rewarded with trophies, medals, adorable stuffed toys, vivo smartphones and cash prizes of up to Php30,000 —a fitting celebration of their skill, effort, and passion on the court. Adding to the excitement, fans were treated to a special appearance by NBA star and San Antonio Spurs Power Forward Jeremy Sochan. Known for his dynamic style and MVP-worthy performance at the 2019 FIBA U-16 European Championship, Sochan came to witness Filipino basketball’s rising stars first hand — turning the Grand Finals into an unforgettable international moment. As the final buzzer echoed and champions were crowned, the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge once again proved its heart — building dreams, uniting communities, and igniting a deeper love for the game. For tournament results and highlights, visit the official vivo website and follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
