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| The cast of Sebastian The Musical from the Lipa Actors Company (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status) |
On January 11, 2026, the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian was transformed into a sacred stage as Sebastian The Musical unfolded featuring the talented performers of the Lipa Actors Company headed by its Artistic Director Luisito Nario as part of the celebration of this year's Lipa City Fiesta with parishioners, students, and culture enthusiasts filling the pews, united by curiosity and devotion, to witness a moving retelling of how San Sebastian became the beloved patron saint of Lipa City.
The musical’s narrative was framed through the innocent yet profound curiosity of a child asking his parents why Lipa celebrates a fiesta every year. From this simple question flowed a seamless transition into history, faith, and sacrifice. The story journeyed back in time to portray Sebastian not only as a saint, but first as a young soldier who was brave, steadfast, and unwavering in his beliefs before ultimately revealing his martyrdom. One of the most powerful moments of the production was the depiction of San Sebastian’s suffering. Stripped of his garments, bound, and wounded by arrows, Sebastian was tied to what is believed to be a Lipa tree. For those even vaguely familiar with this local tree known for its venomous and extremely prickly hairs which the image alone was enough to send a shudder. Yet the scene was presented with reverence rather than shock, emphasizing endurance over pain, and faith over fear. Sebastian’s near-bare, arrow-laden form bound to the tree became a striking metaphor: the saint bound to the city, just as the city is bound to his story.
Through music, dialogue, and symbolic staging, Sebastian The Musical, produced by Lipa City Tourism Council President Joel Peña, succeeded not only in educating its audience, but in deepening their understanding of why San Sebastian remains central to Lipa’s identity. It reminded viewers that the fiesta is more than celebration but remembrance, gratitude, and shared faith passed down from one generation to the next. As the final notes echoed within the cathedral’s walls, the audience rose in heartfelt applause. The performance stood as a testament to Lipa City’s enduring devotion, proving that faith, when told through art, continues to resonate and binding a saint to a city, and a city to its people.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status)
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SM MOA Arena Welcomes Over 200,000 Disney Fans For Disney On Ice
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| (Image Source: PhilStar.com/SM Mall Of Asia Arena) |
After 13 days of 33 shows at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, the festive holiday of watching Disney On Ice in the country concluded as it brought smiles to thousands of families last December 20, 2025-January 4, 2026. Despite the growing digital age and the immersion of high-tech technology, the brand-new show remains a staple in Filipino holiday traditions, proven by over 100,000 families that made it to the MOA Arena for Disney On Ice presents Magic In The Stars.
Smiles and giggles filled the air as the venue erupted with bursts of happiness. Children, dressed as their favorite Disney characters, brought the magic to life — creating memories that will leave a lasting mark on their hearts. Joining in the fun were some of our favorite local artists who continued the tradition with their young families — sharing laughter with their children while taking in the spectacle that comes only once a year. Upholding its commitment to Filipino families, MOA Arena has consistently provided a safe, welcoming, and world-class experience throughout the entire season, reinforcing its reputation as a premier venue for family shows such as the unforgettable Disney On Ice. Through thorough guidance and maintenance of the team behind the world-class venue, proper crowd control protocols and safety measures have been implemented as dedicated lanes and priority seating were provided for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all.
This unwavering commitment to excellence reflects the Arena’s passion for creating safe, inclusive, and unforgettable experiences for every family. Stepping into the new year, SM Mall of Asia Arena aims to take this promise even further — expanding beyond Manila and bringing world-class entertainment to more regions, starting with Cebu.
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SM Prime, PH Military Academy Ink MOA For Henry Sy Sr. Hall In Baguio City
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| An artist's perspective of the Philippine Military Academy's Henry Sy Sr. Hall (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) have signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of the Henry Sy Sr. Hall in Fort Del Pilar, expanding the academy’s core training and communal facilities. The development will feature a two-story building with a multipurpose hall capable of accommodating 2,500 individuals. It can be used for training exercises, official gatherings, and indoor sports. The project will also include office spaces and a 1.6-kilometer running track to support cadet activities. Designed by JSLA Architects, the project emphasizes typhoon resilience, given Baguio’s climate conditions and PMA’s requirement for durable, long-life infrastructure.
PMA Superintendent, Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, said the partnership aligns with PMA’s role in producing officers grounded in character and service, stating, “PMA produces leaders anchored in honor, integrity, and selfless service — leaders of character. This is the PMA’s contribution to the nation, and this is what the generosity of SM Prime strengthens.” Valencia said the facilities will play a significant role in exemplifying discipline, resilience, and leadership under pressure: “The new mess hall and athletic oval are not merely physical structures; they are integral to the formation of leaders. They shape discipline, resilience, teamwork, and character — qualities that can never be taught in classrooms alone.” He said the project aligns with the academy’s transformation agenda, focused on holistic leadership formation: “This infrastructure inspires excellence and helps advance our vision for the transformation of the academy.”
Valencia also highlighted the role of shared spaces in cadet development, stating, “The mess hall is where discipline becomes a habit, where unity is forged, and shared sacrifice is lived fully. The athletic oval is where resilience is built, limits are tested, and the warrior ethos is defined — qualities essential for leadership under pressure.” Citing SM Group’s initiatives in education, Valencia said the company has consistently delivered world-class, technologically advanced facilities designed to endure generations. “Today, we are both humbled and proud that PMA will receive the same standard of excellence. These facilities will serve not only today’s cadets but generations of future officers. The PMA is now even more inspired to be always better than yesterday.”
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Experiencing The Art Of Healing At The Broken Hearts Club Concert
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Demopower) |
Last January 7, 2026, the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena became a safe haven for healing hearts at the Broken Hearts Club Concert. Headlined by Ebe Dancel, Kamikazee, This Band, Nina, and Rico Blanco, this concert brought together fans and casual listeners to experience the five stages of grief through generation-defining hit songs that heal, feel, and release.
The concert kicked off with Ebe Dancel’s segment, which focused on the theme of “Denial”. In his set, he performed hits like “Burnout”, “Hari Ng Sablay”, at “Makita Kang Muli” which brought a heartwarming beginning to audiences. Next, Kamikazee turned up the energy and humor in their “Anger” set with hits like “Halik” and “Narda” which encouraged the audience to scream, shout, and sing their hearts. The spirit of bargaining was alive and well during This Band’s set where they performed hugot-worthy anthems “Kahit Ayaw Mo Na” and “Nang Iwan”. Soul Siren Nina’s standout vocals became the centerpiece for her ballads such as “Someday”, “I Don’t Want to Be Your Friend”, and “I Love You Goodbye”. The concert capped off with Rico Blanco’s set where he brought back the spark with hits like “You’ll Be Safe Here”, “Kisapmata”, and “Antukin”.
The audience was happy to witness a heartwarming and fun concert that gave them a rollercoaster of emotions. On social media, concert goers expressed that the concert was a solid 10/10 experience due to its unique concept, nostalgic setlist, and overall atmosphere. The Broken Hearts Club was also a celebration of OPM music and its impact on healing and resonating with all sorts of broken hearts. The Broken Hearts Club Concert was produced by Demopower, done in collaboration with sponsors SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM Tickets, Coca-Cola, Nivea, Sanicare, and media partners Philippine Concerts, Manila Concert Scene, One Music PH, MOR Entertainment, JAM 88.3, Business Mirror, Our Awesome Planet, and Philippine Hot Sauce Club.
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Jollibee Shines Spotlight On The Craft Behind Iconic Chickenjoy
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/Jollibee) |
For many Filipinos, Chickenjoy is more than just fried chicken. It is a taste of home, a source of comfort, and a shared experience across generations. Jollibee, the country’s no. 1 quick service restaurant, is now putting the spotlight on the meticulous craft behind its signature fried chicken with the launch of its new campaign entitled “Jollibee Chickenjoy: Masterfully Made Sarap”. The campaign highlights the care taken at every step, from marination and seasoning to breading and frying, to deliver the crispiness, juiciness, and flavor that customers have come to expect.
“Chickenjoy is more than fried chicken to Filipinos. It’s part of family memories, celebrations, and everyday moments of joy. We take pride in every step of its preparation because we know how much it means to our customers. Every piece carries that same flavor and happiness that people have loved for generations,” said Jollibee Philippines Vice President for Marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching. Bringing this connection to life on screen, actress Anne Curtis, a long-time Jollibee ambassador, stars in the campaign. Her participation highlights the brand’s enduring bond with its audience and shows how Chickenjoy continues to be part of Filipinos’ many joyful moments. Adding to its legacy, Chickenjoy was officially recognized as a Well-Known Mark by the Philippine Intellectual Property Office in 2025, affirming its strong reputation, widespread recognition, and enhanced legal protection both locally and internationally.
Beyond flavor, Chickenjoy has become a cultural touchstone. It symbolizes Filipino culinary identity and appears in celebrations, office lunches, and family dinners. The campaign not only showcases the care behind each piece but also highlights the emotional and cultural significance of this iconic fried chicken. Watch the new ad on Facebook. Available nationwide via dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery, Chickenjoy continues to serve millions of Filipinos who have grown up and continue to grow with it.
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RING OF HONOR And MAPLE LEAF PRO WRESTLING Announce GLOBAL WARS Canada And MLP UPRISING As A Two-Day Mega Event Weekend
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| (Image Source: MAPLE LEAF PRO WRESTLING) |
MAPLE LEAF PRO WRESTLING (MLP) and RING OF HONOR (ROH) announced a massive two-day Mega Event weekend at the St. Clair College Auditorium in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, bringing together elite talent from All Elite Wrestling (AEW), New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT Pro-Wrestling, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), and additional international partners across back-to-back nights.
GLOBAL WARS will take place on March 27, 2026 and will showcase world-class competitors from MAPLE LEAF PRO and RING OF HONOR alongside international stars from across the global wrestling landscape. The event will be headlined by current AEW National Champion Ricochet, marking his first GLOBAL WARS main event appearance in Canada. The Mega Event weekend continues on March 28 with MLP UPRISING headlined by the international powerhouse duo The Good Brothers — Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows — fresh off their shocking return to Japan via Pro Wrestling NOAH, challenging all comers in a marquee main event. Additional talent appearing across the two-night Mega Event weekend includes Kaito Kiyomiya (Pro Wrestling NOAH), Daisuke Sasaki (DDT Pro), Máscara Dorada (CMLL), Bárbaro Cavernario (CMLL), and Bishop Dyer, fka Baron Corbin, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. Both nights will stream LIVE worldwide on TrillerTV with on-demand access available exclusively on ROH Honor Club following the live broadcasts.
“We are thrilled to partner Ring of Honor with MAPLE LEAF PRO Wrestling for GLOBAL WARS and MLP UPRISING on March 27 and 28. Both events will spotlight incredible stars from around the world and deliver amazing wrestling action to fans over the course of two exciting nights,” said AEW and ROH CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan. “Two nights, two distinct events, and championship-caliber talent across the board. This Mega Event weekend showcases MAPLE LEAF PRO on the world stage while celebrating the global partnerships that define professional wrestling today,” said MAPLE LEAF PRO President Scott D'Amore.
