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New and localized titles to launch at tabletop gaming convention

PLAYING board games is a cherished pastime among family and friends, especially now that people taking time away from screens is rare. There are various tabletop gaming clubs, organizations, and informal groups that cater to everyone from casual hobbyists and social players, to serious board game enthusiasts, who meet up weekly to sit down and spend hours at the tabletop.

While the likes of Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue continue to be the most popular games, modern strategy games are also in demand. In the Philippines, local and localized titles provide a unique experience 鈥� the latest of which is Modern Art, a highly acclaimed international board game which now has a Philippine edition.

Following a collaboration between the Gaming Library and Fundacion Sans贸, the art auction board game Modern Art by Dr. Reiner Knizia has been adapted locally to feature works by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Abdulmari Imao, Larry Alcala, Raul Lebajo, and Juvenal Sans贸.

鈥淭he game is played by three to five players. Basically, you guys will be playing as museums and participating in auctions to sell and to collect paintings, and, depending on the season or the market, be given a return of value based on which artist is trending,鈥� said Gaming Library Chief Executive Officer Hans Kenner Fernandez, at the media preview held at Fundacion Sans贸 in San Juan City.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 exciting is that there are different types of auctions that you can participate in,鈥� he added.

Gaming Library, aside from being a board game shop, is the organizer of All Aboard Expo, a tabletop gaming convention which is now in its second year. From May 28 to 31, it will be the venue for various board game tournaments and new title launches, including Modern Art.

Other local titles to be launched at the event are Sinigang (a card game of bluffing and timing where the goal is to cook the perfect pot of sinigang) and Kalikasan (a localized version of the habitat-building game Cascadia, featuring Philippine animals like tarsiers and tamaraws).

FINDING COMMON GROUND
While one would think there isn鈥檛 much overlap between art enthusiasts and board game enthusiasts, Mr. Fernandez noted that the gap need not be too wide.

He explained that reaching out to Fundacion Sans贸 was the perfect move, as it happens to have the Initiative for the Continuation of Artist鈥檚 Estate, a program to help manage artists鈥� estates (not just Mr. Sans贸鈥檚) through legacy-building, skill transfer, and copyright management.

鈥淲hat we鈥檝e learned last year was we shouldn鈥檛 just focus on people who already play games,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f we can find similarities and common ground together, especially now when our political climate is trying to divide people, I feel like we can do the opposite. So, Modern Art came to be because we believe that art is really a big component of board games.鈥�

Considered by gaming enthusiasts as a masterclass in game design, Modern Art is a classic board game centered on the dynamics of the art market. The Philippine Edition introduces works by five contemporary Philippine artists 鈥� National Artists Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Larry Alcala, and Abdulmari Imao, Filipino surrealist Raul Lebajo, and Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sans贸 鈥� with works ranging from comics to classic oil paintings, from sculptures to tapestries.

The board game鈥檚 layout and visual design were led by graphic artist Tanya Mallillin, in collaboration with Mr. Fernandez and Duane Galang from the Gaming Library. Select releases of Modern Art: Philippine Edition will include a limited-edition archival print of Juvenal Sans贸鈥檚 Fat Cat, produced in strictly limited quantities.

The original creator of Modern Art, mathematics whiz Dr. Reiner Knizia, is revered among game designers with over 900 published games and books.

鈥溾�楳onopoly but for art鈥� is the easiest way to grasp what Modern Art is about,鈥� said Tenie Santos, Fundacion Sans贸鈥檚 assistant director, at the preview. 鈥淣ot a lot of people know how big the gaming community is in the Philippines. We actually have the biggest gaming community in Southeast Asia. And we鈥檙e so happy because board games are actually a form of art, with visual components, storytelling, culture, and even math.鈥�

She added that the project will help the five artists鈥� estates gain visibility among younger generations.

鈥淢any of them don鈥檛 know these artists anymore, so we need to do something about it. We have to be flexible to the changes, trends happening outside the museums,鈥� Ms. Santos said.

Part of proceeds from the sales of the game will go to Strays Worth Saving, which Fundacion Sans贸 donated to for the first time last month from the deluxe preorders of the board game.

鈥淲e鈥檒l keep doing it while we still have stocks of the game and of the Fat Cat archival prints. We hope to reach out to the entire Filipino community, to support local and to support arts and culture,鈥� she said. 鈥淗opefully this will encourage people to be into art and not be intimidated.鈥�

BIGGEST GAMING CONVENTION IN SEA
The official launch of Modern Art: Philippine Edition will take place at All Aboard Expo 2026, to be held at the MICE Center inside the Quezon City Hall complex from May 28 to 31. Representatives from the five artists鈥� estates will be present.

Mr. Fernandez said that, since it is the biggest tabletop gaming convention in Southeast Asia (SEA), they are expecting 15,000 attendees throughout the weekend. Last year, they had 10,500 attendees.

鈥淲e have 40 international brands flying over and visitors from Poland, Portugal, Vietnam, South Korea 鈥� about 30 countries in total,鈥� he said. 鈥淧eople have volunteered to teach the new board games, so a demo team will guide you if you want to try to play some.鈥�

Games will be labeled from Stages 1 to 5, indicating increasing level of difficulty, with Modern Art: Philippine Edition assigned to Stage 2.

鈥淚t will only have 100 copies at All Aboard Expo, so come and try it and get yours when you can!鈥� Mr. Fernandez said.

Entrance to the event is free for Quezon City residents and priced at P150 for everyone else. More details can be found here: . 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

FOR Filipino R&B artist Jemay Santiago, who is also a prominent online content creator, making music allows her to reveal a more vulnerable side that is different from her more jovial public persona. So, it is not a surprise that her latest single, 鈥�1A,鈥� which was released this month, presents a laidback sound and an inner depth.

鈥淭he context is that I came to a point where I had self-doubt and suicidal thoughts. I felt like a failure as a daughter, as a content creator, as a public figure,鈥� Ms. Santiago said at an interview on May 18 in Makati City. 鈥淚鈥檓 able to express it in song when I鈥檓 in the recording studio. Doon lang ako nagiging totoo sa nararamdaman ko (That鈥檚 the only place where I get real about my feelings).鈥�

To further challenge the glamorized narratives often associated with mainstream exposure and music culture, the song is set to be the first single to be released from her upcoming EP, Depresyon.

鈥淚 used to be scared to express myself as a public figure because people might take my weaknesses against me, but I thought it鈥檚 better to be authentic, raw, and vulnerable for people to understand who you are and what you鈥檙e going through 鈥� and for others to relate and realize they鈥檙e not alone,鈥� the singer said.

The track showcases hazy textures thanks to the mixing and mastering of Icy D. of Got Name? Collective, and the nocturnal beats care of Mark Arganda鈥檚 production. Originally titled 鈥淢ARY1A,鈥� it was later shortened to 鈥�1A,鈥� a metaphorical concept representing prioritizing oneself and personal healing.

According to Ms. Santiago, the number one signifies mental health being first, while the letter A represents beginning. Thus, 鈥�1A鈥� openly addresses 鈥渢he emotional realities hidden behind the smiles, confidence, and success often projected online.鈥�

Being part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) community also motivates the artist, who identifies as pansexual, or someone attracted to all genders. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen hate comments about my identity, about how they think my music is bad, about how I鈥檓 just a clout chaser,鈥� she said.

Ms. Santiago explained that people don鈥檛 bother to understand once they鈥檝e made judgments about you, adding that she had become a content creator to help with her mother鈥檚 medical bills.

鈥淪he passed away two years ago,鈥� she said. 鈥�Wala man lang akong nagawa. Kaya nagawa ko 鈥檡ong kanta ngayon na palipat na ako mula sa pamilya papunta sa sarili ko. Kasi pakiramdam ko rin na nagkulang ako (I wasn鈥檛 able to do anything. That鈥檚 why I made this song, now that I鈥檓 shifting from family to myself, because I felt I didn鈥檛 do enough).鈥�

For her, the pressure felt among LGBTQIA+ Filipinos who are trying to find themselves while also facing dangerous thoughts of failure and self-doubt, is quite common.

鈥淲e can be the most genuine and very happy, but we鈥檙e also carrying our own struggles,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e have to deal with it alone.鈥�

Ms. Santiago added that music was the best way she found to tap into these unspoken feelings in the community.

鈥淚 was 15 years old when I first found out I could compose my own songs. I loved to sing,鈥� she said. 鈥淟ittle did I know, being a musician could be my profession.鈥�

鈥�1A鈥� is out now on digital music streaming platforms. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

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Meet Mario at the new Nintendo Store

THE FIRST Nintendo Authorized Store in the Philippines is officially open, located on the 2^nd floor of SM Makati. Aside from shopping for the latest Nintendo hardware, software, and exclusive merchandise, special meet-and-greets with Mario will also take place from May 22 to 24.

Watch Le Sserafim concert in VR

THE virtual reality (VR) concert of K-pop girl group Le Sserafim is coming to Manila from May 22 until 31, exclusively at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Araneta City, Quezon City. Tickets are on sale via Ticketnet.

See DonBelle during their mall tour

FANS of Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano can now purchase advance tickets for their new film Tayo Sa Wakas, coming out May 27, through the official website, tayosawakas.com. The pair will continue their The Road to Wakas mall tour across the country ahead of the movie鈥檚 release. The next stops are at KCC Mall of Cotabato on May 22, Ayala Malls Marquee Pampanga on May 23, SM City Bacoor and SM City Dasmari帽as on May 24, Robinsons Galleria Cebu on May 30, SM City Iloilo on June 6, and SM City Bacolod on June 7. The stars are also set to attend several block screenings in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, and Bacolod.

Get scared at the theater

AFTER several performances in April, Studio A Productions once again presents the horror musical Makara The Musical at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, for two shows only on May 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. Based on the legend of Medusa, Makara follows the story of a woman crowned with living serpents whose gaze turns the living into stone. As fear spreads across the town, stories are whispered, courage is tested, and a legend slowly comes to life onstage. This original production is directed by Jef Albea and stars Cherry Morena as Makara. Tickets range in price from P2,000 to P5,000 and are available through the Studio A Productions website.

Be a voyeur at Maria Callas鈥� Master Class

THE Philippine Opera Company is staging Terrence McNally鈥檚 Master Class starring Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as opera singer Maria Callas. Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the play runs throughout May at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza, with Friday and Saturday evening performances and weekend matinees. Set during a series of public master classes at Juilliard in the 1970s, Master Class offers an intimate portrait of Maria Callas at the height of her myth and legacy. As she works with young opera singers, Ms. Callas relives the triumphs and heartbreaks of her storied career. The Philippine Opera Company last staged Master Class in 2010. This weekend鈥檚 performances are on Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Enjoy a dance concert

THE Mari Dance Company has restaged its acclaimed production, a dance in a day in a dance by choreographer JM Cabling, with performances running until May 31 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Aret茅, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City. Shaped by musical theater director Mikko Angeles, with Al Garcia reprising his role as the Choreographer, the work unifies five distinct choreographic voices into a single evening that reflects the realities of dance making in the Philippines today. The full-length contemporary dance production brings these together to narrate the lives of dancers and choreographers. Four were developed through the Cultural Center of the Philippines鈥� (CCP) Choreographer鈥檚 Series and other dance programs. The production features alternating performances by ballet dancers Georgette Sanchez-Vargas, Ea Torrado, and Janine Arisola-Cabrera. This weekend鈥檚 performances are on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available via maridance.com.

Get nostalgic with Jesus Christ Superstar

THE Olivier Award-winning production of the 1970s sung-through rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing at The Theatre at Solaire until May 24 as part of its major international tour. This weekend鈥檚 performances are on Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. This reimagined staging won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical. Featuring lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the production is directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie. Jesus Christ Superstar recounts the final week leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas.

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Pat & Pat conjures memories of suburbia, with a grown-up palate

THE house which Pat & Pat has transferred to had been a legend in its own right, with whispered tales of its ownership back in the 1970s and 鈥�80s. A graceful bungalow with curling grillwork on the arches surrounding the walled garden, it had gone to seed. I would know: I lived in the townhouse block on the same street in Old Balara from grade school to college and saw how much the neighborhood had changed over the years.

Pat & Pat, built as a concept by the Freedom Hospitality Group of Patrick and Marichele Gregorio, moved from its space up in Capitol Hills and down to Old Balara this month.

鈥淢y husband saw this house. It was old,鈥� Ms. Gregorio said over lunch on May 19. So the house has been completely remodeled: the old arches are gone, but the Gregorios kept the ironwork and used it for the ceiling. The old faux-brick facade has been eliminated for something more modern. While we sat at lunch, Ms. Gregorio got up to supervise the installation of a few paintings by a good family friend, a National Artist (for music 鈥� he just happens to do other things). The black walls, the birdcage booths, and the metallic accents may seem a bit imposing compared to the lighthearted menu.

A family came by, a clutch of schoolgirls in Mary Janes accompanied by their grandparents 鈥� they seem to be the people who should be in Pat & Pat, with a menu decidedly fit for a nice Sunday lunch with your family.

The restaurant is even named after family members: Pat, as in Patrick, as in Mr. Gregorio, and Patricia, their daughter, who is General Manager for Freedom Hospitality (the two came early to the family meeting that decided the restaurant鈥檚 name). Pat & Pat and their other concept, What About Coffee? (with outlets in nearby UP Diliman and Katipunan), was born around 2022. This new Pat & Pat only opened this month, and they will use their old location as their third What About Coffee?.

Ms. Gregorio said that while they were employed in different industries (hotels, for one), they ventured into entrepreneurship through restaurant franchising (hint: it鈥檚 chicken). While they kept their chicken franchises, opening their own food business gave them freedom (hence the group name).

For lunch, we had their Shrimp Tacos (P359 for three pieces, served with salsa, chimichurri, and tartar sauce on the side). It was perfect food for summer: light on the palate and heavy in the belly. I am not a big fan of their Herb Crusted Roast Beef (P999), because while it was flavorful, it was a bit dry, and had more in common with corned beef at that point. I will note that their mashed potatoes are really good, with a little bit of smoke in it (achieved by roasting the potatoes before mashing).

Three dishes stood out. First the USDA Prime Grade Ribeye Steak, which feels like it does not belong hidden in suburbia, with the right amount of tenderness and extra juiciness (they have the same meat supplier as a very popular steak chain).

Memory plays with my other favorites. The Three-Chorizo pasta (P399), made with an assortment of sausages saut茅ed with garlic and tomatoes, felt like something my mother would make when in the mood for something good, and I鈥檓 sure the experience would be shared by others. Dessert felt even more personal: a cake called Capitol Hills (P309). This is a homemade chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with chocolate sauce, its chocolate shavings forming a shell on the ice cream. It felt like something I would have made from things I could find in the fridge, growing up in the townhouse block next to the Balara bungalow. I鈥檓 embarrassed to say that I might have shed a tear while eating it.

But that鈥檚 the whole point of Pat & Pat: conjuring up memories of suburbia, elevated to a grown-up palate. 鈥淚t鈥檚 comfort food talaga,鈥� said Ms. Gregorio. 鈥�Ang gusto ko lang, flavorful (What I really wanted was something flavorful).鈥�

That鈥檚 also the market that they鈥檙e planning to corner. Ms. Gregorio said, 鈥�Taga-QC tayo diba (we鈥檙e both from Quezon City, right)? Once you鈥檙e from QC, always, dito ka na (you鈥檒l always be here).鈥�

She recalled that one of the reasons they built the restaurant was because while living in Capitol Hills, they wanted somewhere nice to go in their neighborhood instead of having to drive to the malls. Their marketing head, Ogos Aznar, said, 鈥淥ur vision is really bringing this kind of concept close to the community 鈥� paglabas ng gate nila (once they get out of their gate), we鈥檙e there. You won鈥檛 see us in the malls.鈥�

Pat & Pat is at 5 University Valley, Matandang Balara, Diliman, Quezon City. 鈥� Joseph L. Garcia

Earlier this month, we had dinner at Palm Grill, Miguel Cabel Moreno鈥檚 paean to Mindanaoan cuisine, with special attention given to Tausug cuisine (the indigenous people from the Sulu archipelago, from whom Mr. Cabel Moreno claims descent).

At Palm Grill, our party of four had the multi-dish Dulang Share (P2,499 for five). It鈥檚 a Tausug specialty with Pianggang Manuk, Tiyula Itum, Beef Kurma, Kaliya Puso, and Belachan Manuk.

Chicken Pianggang is chicken slow cooked in coconut milk, burnt coconut, and spices, then grilled and topped with the same sauce. That sauce is pamapa, a Tausug condiment made from burnt coconut, ginger, turmeric, galangal, and other spices. Tiyula Itum is a black beef soup with burnt coconut, ginger, galangal, and other aromatics. Chicken Belachan is chicken marinated in turmeric and lemon juice, then grilled with belachan shrimp paste. Kaliya Puso is banana heart cooked for a long period, then saut茅ed with aromatics and bubuk (dried coconut, dried fish, chilies, and spices). Beef Kurma, meanwhile, is a beef stew in coconut milk and spices.

No misses: all of it was good, and none of it familiar.

Imagine a platter of silver, with the colors of its dishes ranging from bright yellows to moody blacks. The chicken dishes were grilled and browned to perfection and had flavor down to the bone. The Tiyula Itum, which we encountered for the first time, was the moody-looking black soup we mentioned: on the palate, however, it鈥檚 full of depth and had a comparatively light flavor. We were definitely surprised by the Kaliya Puso, another dish new to us. While we don鈥檛 normally like banana hearts or anything else in it, this time the taste was delightfully complex despite its rather humble ingredients, and we found ourselves spooning more onto our plate.

BRINGING MINDANAO TO MANILA
In a speech given during the preview for IFEX last week, Mr. Cabel Moreno said that his first memories of the kitchen were at his grandmother鈥檚 house in Sulu, then moving to Zamboanga. After moving to Manila, 鈥淒ining in restaurants that served Filipino food never felt the same,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot getting the opportunity to see Mindanaoan specialties on the menu is one of the reasons why I started Palm Grill. I wanted to really advocate for regional cuisines and Southern Mindanaoan specialties.鈥�

The restaurant opened in 2017, and at the Michelin Guide ceremonies last October, the restaurant received a Bib Gourmand recognition (the chef received another such citation for another outlet, Cabel, near Malaca帽ang). In a Viber message to Businessworld, he said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 been seven months since the recognition, and I don鈥檛 think I could ever get used to the extra attention. Don鈥檛 get me wrong 鈥� I am so grateful to have been recognized for my work at Palm Grill and Cabel. I feel that the Lord blessed me in return for all the sacrifices, hard work, and roadblocks we had to endure.

鈥淩emaining laser-focused and never giving up on the goal, despite not earning for many years, is just one part of the journey. But the Michelin Bib Gourmand is truly the validation we have been waiting for over the past eight years. It magnified our voices and it validated that our food is worth discovering and trying,鈥� he said.

Their restaurants source their main ingredients from Zamboanga and Sulu, he explained. 鈥淭his way, we are able to preserve authenticity while also helping local farmers and fisherfolk. This matters deeply to me because I know how it feels to go unseen and unheard. Giving back to the community means giving them importance and opportunities to grow.鈥�

He talked about why he chose to open restaurants in the capital, rather than opening in their home base. It was 鈥淭he lack of representation and the absence of Mindanaoan specialties in many Filipino restaurants are among the reasons why I established Palm Grill in Metro Manila. I have always felt that we are more than what we already know. As Filipinos, we need to be proud of our regional dishes 鈥� they are a part of who we are. I also wanted to change perspectives and narratives, especially when people talk about Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago.鈥�

He added, 鈥淚 like to believe that through my restaurants and work I have finally broken down barriers and allowed people to discover Tausug culture through food. I always say that the best way to understand people is through their food. For the longest time the Tausug people have been seen stereotyped, and now more and more people are beginning to discover that these are peace-loving people with a vibrant history and culture.鈥�

We go back to associating Mindanao with conflict. While the conflicts caused by regionalism, extremism, and other -isms don鈥檛 appear in the news quite as often as they used to, it鈥檚 a reputation that is still implanted in the nation鈥檚 memory 鈥� that the land, rich and bountiful as it is, is always looked at as a powder keg waiting to explode. Mr. Cabel Moreno has built a place where the memories of Mindanao are of home, and good times, and not what is on the news.

鈥淭here is conflict wherever you go in this world. But to label our land and generalize it as unsafe simply because it was once war-torn is where we fail as Filipinos. Mindanao is a beautiful place 鈥� vibrant, rich in history, and full of culture. To dismiss it as an afterthought is like saying we do not care about it,鈥� he told 大象传媒.

He is helping build this reputation through the uniqueness of his home鈥檚 food.

鈥淭he flavor profile of food in Mindanao takes a completely different direction. This is because of centuries of peaceful trade with Southeast Asian countries that heavily influenced its cuisine. Many people may not know that Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi were never colonized by Spain. The pre-colonial cooking methods that have been preserved are part of our identity. To me, they represent the true essence of who we are,鈥� he said in a Viber message. 鈥淲e, as Filipinos, should be proud of this,鈥� he added.

鈥淚t鈥檚 through food that we get to understand people and culture. All these preconceived notions and ideas about Mindanao should be changed,鈥� he said. 鈥淐onversations should be about flavor, and the stories of the cuisines from there.鈥�

Palm Grill is located in 179 Tomas Morato Ave. corner Sct. Castor St. in Quezon City. It will also be opening a larger restaurant in Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao in August. 鈥� Joseph L. Garcia

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The Pen holds 4-hands dinner at Old Manila

IN CELEBRATION of its 50^th anniversary, The Peninsula Manila presents a two-night culinary collaboration at Old Manila, where Peninsula Manila鈥檚 Executive Chef R茅my Carmignani welcomes Senior Chef de Cuisine Yohan Da Costa of The Peninsula Tokyo鈥檚 Peter for an exclusive four-hands dinner on May 22 and 23, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Bringing together two French chefs shaped by distinct geographies, the collaboration reflects a shared philosophy rooted in technique, seasonality, and a deep respect for ingredients. Mr. Carmignani continues to refine Old Manila鈥檚 French-inspired culinary identity through expressive cooking grounded in premium local sourcing, while Mr. Da Costa鈥檚 Modern French cuisine at Peter has earned acclaim for its elegant interplay between classical French technique and the precision and sensibility of Japanese ingredients. Created exclusively for Manila, the multi-course menu is a dialogue between the two chefs鈥� culinary perspectives, with courses alternating between Old Manila and Peter. Highlights include Mr. Carmignani鈥檚 L鈥橝sperge Blanche, featuring seasonal white asparagus from France with osmanthus, pomelo, hollandaise, and Oscietra caviar, alongside Mr. Da Costa鈥檚 L鈥櫯抲f de Poule, a poached chicken egg with seasonal truffle, mushroom duxelles, yellow wine sauce, and kinome. Other signatures include a bouillabaisse of Atlantic turbot, Hokkaido scallop, and octopus from Old Manila, and roasted Japanese beef with white asparagus, carrot mousseline, yuzu-kosho, and beef jus from Peter. The multi-course dinner is priced at P8,200++. With limited seating available for just two nights, reservations can be made through 8887-2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations), and via e-mail at diningpmn@peninsula.com.

Raffles, La Prairie collaborate for afternoon tea

RAFFLES MAKATI presents a partnership with La Prairie, bringing together two renowned brands in hospitality and skincare through a celebration that is ongoing until July 15. Guests can experience a special La Prairie Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar, which is served daily from 2 to 5:30 p.m. and priced at P3,200++ for two persons. This limited-time offering presents a selection of sweet and savory creations inspired by La Prairie鈥檚 White Caviar collection. Highlights include Salmon Gravlax and Caviar, Truffle Foie Gras and Smoked Eel, Strawberry Tiramisu Caviar, and the Tropical Exotic Mango Passion, accompanied by the special Luminous Pearl cocktail and the zero-proof Ivory Cloud. Guests are encouraged to reserve their tables in advance. For table reservations at the Writers Bar, contact 8555-9840 or e-mail dining.makati@raffles.co.

Siesta Horchata opens new BF branch, new concept

SIESTA, the brand that redefined the local horchata scene, officially returns to its roots in the South with a dual-impact expansion: the opening of its newest branch in BF Homes, Para帽aque, and the unveiling of its premier concept space, Ola by Siesta, at Alabang West Parade. This two-pronged launch marks a milestone for the brand, bringing Siesta back to the community where it all began while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the caf茅 experience. The BF Homes branch is designed as a community-focused hub that celebrates the neighborhood siesta culture, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Meanwhile, Ola by Siesta at Alabang West Parade serves as the brand鈥檚 new concept space, the centerpiece of which is the Horchata Tasting Flight. By day, Ola operates as a caf茅 with an evolving menu, then transforms into an intimate tasting-menu experience on weekend evenings. Available from Fridays to Sundays, starting at 6 p.m., the Horchata Tasting Flight features five drinks paired with a signature dessert. Each tasting flight is limited to a few guests per session. For updates, events, and exclusive drops, follow @SiestaHorchata and @OlabySiesta on Instagram.

Mactan Newtown holds Mango fest

THE MACTAN NEWTOWN will open the week-long Cebu Mangoes Festival 2026: A Sweet Journey on May 22, 6 p.m., at The Mactan Newtown Road 4 Event Grounds. Done in partnership with the Department of Tourism and the Lapu-Lapu City local government, the festival celebrates the heritage, culture, and flavor of Cebu鈥檚 prized mangoes through a festive lineup of activities, culinary experiences, and community-centered events, anchored by a 50-meter Mango Graham spectacle. One of the highlights of the festival is The Great Mango Harvest on May 24. Guests can take part in the activity by spending a minimum of P2,000 at any participating establishment in The Mactan Newtown. Single or accumulated receipts dated May 4 to 22, may be submitted at the Mangoes Festival Promo Booth. Qualified participants will have the chance to 鈥渉arvest鈥� fresh mangoes, and bring home all mangoes successfully picked within the allotted time. There will be a Culinary Showdown on May 28, featuring five schools and universities in Cebu. There will also be a Pawty Run on May 23, Cebu Mangoes Festival Queen competition on May 24, Mango Tree Planting on May 27, and the Spicy Dried Mango Eating Battle on May 29. The Cebu Mangoes Food Festival, running until May 31, will feature mango-inspired dishes, desserts, beverages, and local specialties for guests to enjoy.

Chagee marks International Tea Day

CHAGEE celebrates International Tea Day on May 21 with a new jasmine oolong tea, and a series of experiences designed to bring people closer to tea culture. The BO路YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Tea series is the newest addition to Chagee鈥檚 BO路YA Jasmine series. The series is made up of BO路YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Milk Tea and BO路YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Brewed Tea. Alongside the new drink, Chagee has designed a small collection of tea-inspired merchandise for the season, including a Tea-Scented Charm, a Tea Icons Keychain, and the Tea Roots Tumbler. Selected merchandise will be available bundled with BO路YA Family drinks in-store during the launch period. Chagee will also be releasing a special publication dedicated to the culture and heritage of tea, available at select stores starting May 21. A Sip and Learn Tea Workshop will be held at SM North EDSA on May 21, and at Robinsons Galleria on June 6. On International Tea Day itself, at 3 p.m., the first 100 customers at every Chagee Philippines store can claim a complimentary Regular BO路YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Milk Tea.

Authentic flavors at Tiong Bahru

TIONG BAHRU Singapore Flavours introduces Filipino diners to flavors that go beyond the familiar. While its Hainanese Chicken Rice remains a well-loved staple on the menu, the restaurant also highlights specialties that reflect the variety of Singapore鈥檚 culinary heritage. The tagline, 鈥淭aste Singapore, One Dish at a Time鈥� comes to life through both longtime favorites and underrated gems including Laksa, a rich noodle soup with a creamy coconut-based broth topped with prawns and fish cake; Bak Kut Teh, a pork rib soup features a peppery broth; Fish Curry, inspired by the country鈥檚 diverse food traditions; and classic desserts like Chendol which combines shaved ice, coconut milk, pandan jelly, and sweet ingredients, and the colorful Ice Kachang, a mix of textures and flavors topped with finely shaved ice and syrup. Both desserts are available at selected branches, including Robinsons Antipolo, Greenhills Mall in San Juan, TriNoma in Quezon City, UP Town Center in Katipunan, Landmark by the Bay, and Leviste Makati.

Bonchon collaborates with Linya-Linya

KOREAN Fried Chicken brand Bonchon goes beyond the usual K-food dining experience with its limited-edition collection with Linya-Linya. The Bonchon x Linya-Linya collection features a graphic shirt and tote bag that plays with the common Filipino pun: 鈥�ANNYEONGHASEYO, ANO鈥橬G SA鈥橸O?鈥� a mashup of the Korean greeting annyeonghaseyo (鈥渉ello鈥�) and the classic Filipino line that starts almost every barkada food order: 鈥�Ano鈥檔g sa鈥檡o?鈥� These limited-edition items include illustrations of Bonchon favorites such as Korean fried chicken and Ultimate Bibimbowl. The shirt is priced at P799, while the tote bag retails for P650. They are available at the following Bonchon branches: Valero One Center, Makati; Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong; Eastwood, Quezon City; UP Town Center, Quezon City; Market! Market!, Taguig; and SM Mall of Asia, Pasay. The tote and tee are also available online at delivery.bonchon.com.ph through the select branches.

Jollibee launches Jolly Puzzle Adventures Kids Meal

JOLLIBEE introduces the 鈥淛olly Puzzle Adventures,鈥� its latest Kids Meal offering. Available until June 30, the new Kids Meal promotion is offered across all major channels including dine-in, takeout, drive-through, delivery, and big order service. Each Kids Meal purchase of select items such as Yumburger, Burger Steak, Jolly Spaghetti, four-piece Chicken Nuggets, or one-piece Chickenjoy comes with one Jolly Puzzle Adventures toy set. The new collection introduces Jollibee鈥檚 first-ever phygital toys, which combine physical figurines, toy accessories, and puzzles with a digital feature. After completing the puzzle, children can scan the QR code using a mobile device to unlock an augmented reality experience that brings Jollibee and Friends and their worlds to life on screen. Each toy set features adventures that include Jollibee鈥檚 Dino Discovery, Hetty鈥檚 Butterfly Chase, Popo鈥檚 Speed Race, Yum鈥檚 Space Exploration, and Twirlie鈥檚 Deep Sea Quest.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Intramuros Administration said on Wednesday that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will receive free admission to Intramuros next week, in recognition of their 鈥渋nvaluable contributions and sacrifices鈥�.

鈥�We want to acknowledge the immense hard work our OFWs perform every single day

across the globe,鈥� Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said in a statement.

鈥�Our goal is to express our gratitude by giving them the time to reconnect with their families and our culture,鈥� she added.

The week-long offerings, which run from May 25 to 31, are under the 鈥淧asyal Pamilya: Balik Bayani sa Walled City鈥� initiative.

OFWs and returning migrant workers can explore two of Intramuros鈥� heritage attractions – Fort Santiago and Centro de Turismo Intramuros, free of charge. Guided tours for Fort Santiago will also be available beginning May 25 to 31 at 4:30 p.m., while tours for Centro de Turismo Intramuros begin on May 27 to 31 at 4:00 p.m.

Qualified visitors must present their valid Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and membership card issued by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Eligible tourists could bring four companions each.

鈥�We want to evoke the nostalgia of the days when families routinely took the weekend to walk around Luneta Park,鈥� Ms. Angara-Mathay said.

鈥�Bringing back those cherished memories and offering a relaxed, meaningful space to bond right next door in the historic heart of Manila,鈥� she added.

Intramuros, known as the 鈥淲alled City鈥�, is named as one of the historical destinations in the Philippines.

Due to its timeless charm, Intramuros was awarded Asia鈥檚 Leading Tourist Attraction in the 2024 World Travel Awards. This year, the Walled City was once again nominated for the same award.

The City of San Fernando, Pampanga, was also nominated for Asia鈥檚 Leading Cultural City Destination, and Aurora Province for Asia鈥檚 Leading Nature Destination. 鈥� Almira Louise S. Martinez

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IT ALWAYS began with narratives scribbled down on folded sheets of 8-1/2 by 11 paper, then typed out on a battered old typewriter, said Melissa 鈥淢imi鈥� Nolledo, describing how her father, writer Wilfrido D. Nolledo, worked. Now, 16 of the many short stories he created have become accessible to a new generation of readers and writers.

Re-published in a collection called Canticles for Dark Lovers by local press Exploding Galaxies, these stories represent Mr. Nolledo鈥檚 body of work between 1955 and 1971. After reprinting many forgotten Filipino classics 鈥� the publishing house specializes in out-of-print works by Filipino authors 鈥� this collection holds special meaning for Exploding Galaxies. Mr. Nolledo鈥檚 1970 novel But for the Lovers was Exploding Galaxies鈥� first project, released in 2023.

Publisher Mara Coson explained at the May 9 launch that their goal was to focus on the acclaimed author鈥檚 writing in the 15 years leading up to But for the Lovers.

鈥淲e went over a year, with 鈥楳oratorium est finie鈥� originally published in 1971, but we noted it as key because it鈥檚 such a departure. He did something that was sci-fi,鈥� she said.

鈥淚n this short story collection, you鈥檒l discover a lot of characters that will stay with you,鈥� Ms. Coson continued. 鈥淭hese are characters, or lovers, actually, who lust, who long to find something, and who, I guess, in a way, get so caught up in the hope and heartbreak that these Nolledo stories provide.鈥�

At the launch held at WHYNoT in Karrivin Plaza, Makati, Mr. Nolledo鈥檚 writings were displayed in installations that evoked how they once appeared in vintage magazines, while visual timelines and old photos of the writer and his family provided context for his colorful life.

Up front was a portrait of Mr. Nolledo painted by his dear friend, artist Danilo Dalena, who later recounted memories they shared in a recorded video message. Toward the back of the space was a projector screening excerpts of films which Mr. Nolledo contributed to as a screenwriter.

Actors Pablo Fabregas and Miren Alvarez-Fabregas delivered readings of three of the short stories in the collection 鈥� 鈥淢oratorium est finie,鈥� 鈥淜ayumanggi, Mon Amour,鈥� and the titular 鈥淐anticle for Dark Lovers.鈥� Sound artist Mudskipper elevated the prose with ambient sonic tracks to accompany the readings.

NOLLEDO FAN CLUB
For Exploding Galaxies managing editor Sam Marcelo, publishing Canticles soon after But for the Lovers is their way to grow a fan club of sorts.

鈥�Canticles for Dark Lovers continues our commitment to growing the Nolledo fan club. During the launch of the short story collection, Krip Yuson riffed on how intoxicating Nolledo鈥檚 writing is and how it made a huge impact on him when he first read Nolledo when he was young,鈥� she told 大象传媒 via e-mail. 鈥淲e hope to provide that same experience to today鈥檚 readers.鈥�

To be more precise, in Mr. Yuson鈥檚 impromptu message at the launch, he talked about the legacy of 鈥渓anguage writing鈥� that he was impressed by, but which may or may not resonate with today鈥檚 readers.

鈥淚 wonder if the new generations will also abide by it鈥� So-called 鈥榣anguage writers鈥� were really looked down upon. There was always a danger with language writing because if you go over the edge, it becomes 鈥榩urple prose,鈥欌�� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l see if the new generation will think that this is 鈥榩urple prose.鈥� I don鈥檛 think so. I still remain impressed and intoxicated by the prose of Ding Nolledo.鈥�

Those who already read But for the Lovers may also find something of interest in the new collection鈥檚 first story, 鈥淥f Things Guadalupe,鈥� which is actually an early version of the novel.

鈥淭hat might add an extra layer of interest for those who are curious about the writing process and about form,鈥� Ms. Marcelo said.

鈥楽OMETHING ALIVE鈥�
Mr. Nolledo, born in 1933, was a celebrated novelist, short story writer, playwright, screenwriter, and journalist. For Mimi Nolledo, who could only hear bits of his writing process at home, it remained a mystery to her for much of her life.

鈥淲hen I think of Papa writing, what I hear first is the typewriter. Growing up, we would all hear it throughout our house on Champagne Street in Marikina 鈥� that staccato rhythm, trippingly like music, then moments when you could hear him as he quietly read passages aloud to himself,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淟ike he was checking for the cadence, the poetry, the heft and feel of a certain word, a certain syllable,鈥� she said.

鈥淕rowing up inside that sound, I didn鈥檛 always understand what he was building. I just knew something alive was happening in that room. That鈥檚 the way literature is, I think. It happens in rooms we don鈥檛 fully enter until later,鈥� she continued. 鈥淎nd then one day, we walk right in and there it is 鈥� a story, just waiting there for us. Literature is a kind of coming home.鈥�

Canticles for Dark Lovers is available in Fully Booked, National Bookstore, and select bookstores including Everything鈥檚 Fine in Makati and Mt. Cloud Bookshop in Baguio, as well as in online marketplaces Shopee and Lazada. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

WHETHER you call it an Irish goodbye, French leave, or filer 脿 l鈥檃nglaise (leave in the English style), as the French prefer, the act of quietly slipping out of a party without fanfare is a familiar social impulse. The Brazilians called it sair 脿 francesa (French style) and the Germans a Polnischer Abgang (Polish departure). Whatever name it goes by, the concept is the same: one moment you鈥檙e there, the next you鈥檝e vanished into the night without a drawn-out round of explanations, hugs, and promises to catch up soon.

The pattern is telling: every culture has a term for it, and every culture blames someone else. That collective deflection suggests we already know, on some level, that slipping out unannounced is a social transgression.

But for those of us with anxiety, that silent exit isn鈥檛 rudeness. While etiquette traditionalists will probably insist that leaving without saying goodbye is a social no-no, some psychologists argue that it鈥檚 a coping strategy. Here鈥檚 why sneaking out without saying goodbye might be the healthiest decision you make all evening.

When you break it down 鈥� and let鈥檚 be honest, those of us who are anxious, introverted, neurodivergent, or dealing with chronic illness have all broken this down into agonizing detailed steps 鈥� saying goodbye is a loaded cultural ritual. It鈥檚 a performance that a high degree of social skill, accuracy, and nuance.

Goodbyes are high-demand situations and, sadly, by the end of a social occasion, many of us are already depleted and don鈥檛 have the energy to .

For many of us, socializing can mean feeling , how we come across, trying to fit into , comparing ourselves to , and . It can be exhausting to feel like you鈥檙e constantly trying to act like your .

When socializing means constantly adapting yourself to other people鈥檚 expectations, the healthy choice becomes using your last bit of energy to and . Don鈥檛 leave the party completely drained .

Sometimes we want to leave quietly because leaving loudly feels like shouting out: 鈥淚 matter! Look at me, I鈥檓 leaving!鈥� The fact is, many of us sit with the belief that , so we don鈥檛 say goodbye because we don鈥檛 feel we are worth the performance.

Sometimes a silent exit is about self-respect, minding your energy reserves, even if you . At other times, though, it鈥檚 an act of self-erasure. You leave without saying goodbye because you think no one will care, that you don鈥檛 matter enough to make a fuss when leaving.

Leaving quietly can become a way to from the discomfort of saying goodbye. But the quiet exit cuts both ways. Ask yourself whether leaving without a word made your life bigger 鈥� you conserved enough energy to recover and you鈥檙e glad to go back next time 鈥� or whether , adding another reason to avoid socializing altogether.

If you are going to pick apart your goodbye and negatively assess it, the next goodbye will feel even harder. Be careful to reality-test your post-event ruminations. It鈥檚 usually not as bad as you think, especially if you are assessing your performance through the distorting lens of .

THE HEALTHIEST CHOICE OF ALL
There is always a tension between . If saying goodbye starts to feel so pressured and so performed that you lose any sense of being authentic, then the connection is starting to cost more than it鈥檚 worth.

If you feel like you need to be a chameleon to , the healthiest choice is to find a way to be who you really are. Find a way to tell your friends and family that leaving quietly is something you need because of how your nervous system and psychology are made, and not a reflection of the relationship. that being your truest self and having the best social connections go hand in hand.

And if you are neurodivergent, being open about what you need can feel like a risk, but it can also be a way to find when you let people know what you need and like.

If you鈥檙e anxious, it鈥檚 worth letting your host know in advance that you might need to slip away quietly. Otherwise, there鈥檚 a risk that people will read it the wrong way, as coldness or indifference, say.

by letting people know you鈥檒l leave without saying goodbye, and that you鈥檙e grateful to have been invited. Anxious people aren鈥檛 bad at relationships. Relationships just work better when the other person鈥檚 needs.

LESS IS MORE
There鈥檚 a growing idea that being choosy about your social life isn鈥檛 antisocial 鈥� some psychologists call it Picking your moments carefully means you have more to give when it counts. The goal isn鈥檛 to retreat, but to invest in deeper relationships and in real presence, rather than the hollow churn of online contact 鈥� unless it .

In a world where being seen to do the right thing has begun to , selective sociality offers a way forward. Knowing our limits and being open about them, when possible, doesn鈥檛 weaken connection 鈥� it helps create relationships that feel real and sustainable.

If sneaking out without a fuss makes it more likely you will go to the next party, then it鈥檚 a choice for more social connection and therefore . 鈥� The Conversation via Reuters Connect

is a Lecturer at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

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Spanish artist Cristina Mej铆as exhibits at Vargas Museum

THE exhibition Embracing the wind, Cradling the water by Spanish artist Cristina Mej铆as will open on May 22, a project done with the support of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, AECID, and Instituto Cervantes Manila. The exhibition explores the unseen forces and structures that shape our lives through works that move, resonate, and transform with their surroundings. It will run until Sept. 5 at the Vargas Museum, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Nestor Perez Ong mounts exhibit

THE exhibition The Philosophical Tales Of The Ancient Raconteur: The Steampunk Surrealism Of Nestor Perez Ong is an ongoing one-man exhibit at Gateway Gallery. It showcases the work of Nestor Perez Ong, leader of the Steampunk Indio Collective, who aimed to turn the gallery into a brass-bound archive of dreams. Each piece came to life through the steampunk lens to deliver nostalgic Filipino scenes colliding with industrial futurism in one surrealistic canvas. The show runs until May 22 at the Gateway Gallery鈥檚 Small Room in Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Quezon City.

CCP Encyclopedia spotlights GAMABA awardees

THIS National Heritage Month, the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art is highlighting seven Filipina culture bearers and traditional craft artists whose historic contributions preserve the country鈥檚 rich cultural legacy, all awarded the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA). They are: Lang Dulay, the torchbearer for 迟鈥档补濒补办, the sacred textile of the T鈥檅oli people of South Cotabato; Magdalena Gamayo, a master weaver of inabel from the Ilocos region; Haja Amina Appi, a Sama mat weaver from Tawi-Tawi; Apuh Ambalang Ausalin, a master Yakan textile weaver from Basilan; Estelita Bantilan of Sarangani, renowned for her vibrant and intricate 颈驳脓尘; South Cotabato鈥檚 Yabing Masalon Dulo, known for her mastery of traditional Blaan textile mabal tabih; and Abina Coguit, master of suyam, the traditional embroidery of the Agusanon Manobo.

Palanca Awards issues call for entries

THE Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. is now accepting entries to the 76^th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. The Palanca Awards welcomes Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens of all ages, whether based locally or abroad, to participate. Authors may submit only one entry per category. Submission must be completed online through the Palanca Awards website at . The Carlos Palanca Foundation will not accept printed and e-mail submissions for any category. The deadline for submission is June 30. For the official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Awards website.

CCP opens nominations for Gawad CCP Para sa Sining

NOMINATIONS for the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining are now open to the public. The Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining is the highest award given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines to artists or groups of artists in architecture, dance, film and broadcast arts, literature, music, theater, and visual arts who have/had consistently produced outstanding works or have/had evolved a distinct style or technique that enriches the development of their particular art form. The deadline for the submission of nominations is July 31. Completed nomination forms should be sent to gawadccp@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

THE 29^TH EDITION of Cine Europa is set to kick off on May 28 and will run until July 4 in Metro Manila, Tacloban, and Cagayan de Oro. Twenty European films will be screened for free over the course of the festival.

The festival films are being presented by the embassies and cultural institutes of 18 European Union (EU) member states, organized by the Delegation of the EU to the Philippines.

鈥淭hese films reflect the richness and diversity of European culture and showcase the strength of European storytelling and filmmaking,鈥� said Agata Nowicka, the EU Delegation鈥檚 deputy head of mission to the Philippines, at a press conference on May 14.

鈥淲e are also proud that Cine Europa continues its outreach screening beyond Metro Manila, bringing European cinema and cultural exchange to more communities across the whole country,鈥� she added.

Seventeen full-length feature films and three documentaries will be screened at Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City, from May 28 to June 3, and in Rizal Park, Manila, from June 15 to 20.

Screenings will also be held at the Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban from June 11 to 15, and the Liceo Cagayan de Oro University in Cagayan de Oro from June 29 to July 4.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 need to convince Europeans how great our culture is, so that is why we want to go to the public. We want to engage with Filipinos everywhere and show our culture,鈥� said Ms. Nowicka.

The film lineup covers historical drama, adventure, comedy, and many others. Austria and Poland have two films each in the lineup, while Cyprus offers some resonance with their entry that revolves around a Filipina domestic worker.

A change this year is that the EU Delegation is presenting its own film, Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier鈥檚 family drama Sentimental Value, which had a strong awards season from Cannes to the Oscars.

Meanwhile, the festival鈥檚 three documentary entries cover a range of realities 鈥� one traces the journey of artist Andy Warhol鈥檚 family from Slovakia to the US; another looks into why Romanian tennis player Ilie Nastase rose to fame as 鈥淣asty鈥�; and the third presents the struggles of a simple Ukrainian soldier amid the ongoing war.

鈥淲e are united in diversity, and this is what we try to show to find a common ground with the Philippines,鈥� said Ms. Nowicka, on whether there was a theme to help each institution pick a film to represent them.

鈥淭he goal is to promote our culture through different themes, events, and characters that could be the most interesting for you, that would resonate with you.鈥�

For more information and screening schedules, visit Cine Europa鈥檚 social media pages.

The festival films are: Austria鈥檚 Sleeping with a Tiger and Peacock; 叠别濒驳颈耻尘鈥檚 Head or Fails; Cyprus鈥� Maricel; the Czech Republic鈥檚 The Waves; Finland鈥檚 Summer is Crazy; France鈥檚 Un Ours Dans La Jura; Germany鈥檚 Afire; Hungary鈥檚 How Can I Live Without You; Ireland鈥檚 Four Mothers; Italy鈥檚 Gloria; Poland鈥檚 Lampo the Travelling Dog and Loss of Balance; Romania鈥檚 Nasty; Slovakia鈥檚 Andy Warhol: American Dream; Slovenia鈥檚 Hidden People; Spain鈥檚 Bear Claw Clamp; Sweden鈥檚 The Dance Club; Ukraine鈥檚 A Simple Soldier; and the EU Delegation鈥檚 Sentimental Value. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

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FILIPINO city pop band ALYSON is set to drop their latest album, AFTER OURS, later this week. It marks their sophomore effort and further blends their major musical influences 鈥� Japanese city pop and the Manila Sound.

A week ahead of its release on digital platforms, the group held a listening party and press conference on May 15.

While their first album, Definitely Love!, is about the enthusiasm and excitement of being in love, the follow-up record 鈥渢akes us on a journey to discover what happens after that,鈥� said the members of the five-piece band, composed of Pio Ligot on vocals, Luis Uy on lead guitar, Marcus Mababangloob on drums, Miguel Erfe on bass, and Easel Manes on keyboard.

Its first song, 鈥淚kaw Lagi,鈥� jumps off from the feeling of the first album, which is festive and reminiscent of 鈥渟eeing the person that you love on the dancefloor of a tropical club.鈥� Conceptually, it eases the listener into the complexities of the new album.

鈥淚t culminates what came before. Then, we move into the second track, 鈥楲andi,鈥� which is less of a 5 p.m. beachside vibe and becoming a 7 to 9 p.m. 鈥榯he night has begun鈥� kind of thing,鈥� said drummer Mr. Mababangloob, who was the producer of the album.

He added that this is their 鈥渕ost ambitious album yet,鈥� with a narrative that threads the eight tracks and very cinematic and vivid scenes inspiring each composition.

The song 鈥淏ighani鈥� evokes the middle of the night, complete with temptations. The lead single, 鈥淜ung Sakaling Tanawin,鈥� leans the most into 1970s and 鈥�80s Manila Sound ballad influences, with trumpeter David Jorvina responsible for the orchestral arrangement befitting a pivotal telenovela moment.

鈥淚 was inspired by 鈥楾uwing Umuulan at Kapiling Ka鈥� for the piano part. I channeled Ryan Cayabyab,鈥� said keyboardist Mr. Manes. 鈥�Sinulat ko ito nang nakadungaw sa labas ng bintana (I wrote it while looking out the window) overlooking Antipolo.鈥�

Meanwhile, the track 鈥淭alaga鈥� features fellow Filipino city pop artist Paprikka.

Vocalist and lyricist Mr. Ligot said that, while it鈥檚 a playful, 鈥渓ovey-dovey,鈥� and tongue-in-cheek duet, it blends both the 鈥淢artin Nievera-Regine Velasquez synthy 鈥�80s Manila Sound and cutesy Japanese city pop found in vintage anim茅.鈥�

The music video for the song will come out alongside the album鈥檚 release. 鈥淭his album really is our most ambitious creative effort so far, so we want to get it out both locally and internationally,鈥� he said.

In keeping with the timeline, 鈥淕oodbye Summer鈥� takes listeners to 4 a.m. in a brooding mood, supported by a full jazz band with horns. 鈥淭he feeling of frustration is very authentic to the sound. We鈥檙e excited to play this live because of how big the production is,鈥� Mr. Ligot explained.

The penultimate track, 鈥�24/7 Love and Care,鈥� evokes the soft early morning before sunrise and serves as the breather of the album, while the final track, 鈥淒i Makapaniwala,鈥� takes place in the movie鈥檚 end credits with the characters driving off into the sunrise.

Mr. Mababangloob said that they wanted the album to showcase 鈥渢he direct middle of all of our city pop influences.鈥�

鈥淲e wanted to close in the morning after spending a crazy night. It鈥檚 the resolute conclusion of love,鈥� he said.

He also noted that, while they鈥檙e usually known as a city pop act, it only represents one part of the broad range of music that inspires them.

鈥淲e鈥檙e influenced by Japanese city pop like ANRI, Tatsuro Yamashita, and Taeko Onuki, but parallel to that are Manila Sound artists like Ryan Cayabyab, Basil Valdez, and Rico J. Puno,鈥� he explained. 鈥淭here鈥檚 always been a cross-cultural exchange in how music is made. We wanted to draw from that and contribute to that.鈥�

The band even got to work with Eiji Hirano, the music engineer for Japanese city pop band Ryusenkei, with Mr. Mababangloob flying out to Tokyo as the songs were being mastered.

鈥淐ity pop is seen as a nostalgic, gimmicky thing, but we don鈥檛 think it鈥檚 a set of clich茅s. We don鈥檛 subscribe to making it sound one way or another. Whether it鈥檚 city pop or Manila Sound, in our eyes, it鈥檚 all the same. It鈥檚 a melting pot,鈥� he said, when asked how they view their mix of genres.

He quoted Ryusenkei frontman, Kunimondo Takiguchi, who once said that 鈥渃ity pop is an approach, combining pop, music, soul, and funk where the lines blur, because that鈥檚 what living in a city is like.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 inevitable that music will come out that way,鈥� Mr. Mababangloob.

AFTER OURS will be out on all digital music streaming platforms worldwide on May 22 via Offshore Music, along with the official music video for the song 鈥淭alaga鈥� featuring Paprikka. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

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Metro Channel offers new food and travel shows

METRO CHANNEL is premiering three new food and travel shows this May, serving up stories of cheesemaking, culinary adventures, and new travel experiences. Cheese: Searching for a Taste of Place is a six-part documentary on the connection between cheese and terroir, the environment where it is produced, led by international cheese specialist Will Studd. Jeremy Pang鈥檚 Hong Kong Kitchen features a culinary adventure around the bustling streets of Hong Kong led by British chef Jeremy Pang and his celebrity friends. Meanwhile, chef Brent Owens takes viewers on a 13-episode travelogue around South Africa in Brent Owens: Extreme, Authentic & Unwrapped. All three air new episodes on Sundays via Metro Channel, available on Sky Cable channel 52 (SD) and channel 174 (HD), Cignal channel 69, and GSAT channel 70.

Film Concerts PH presents Star Wars concert

TICKET SALES for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert are officially open today, starting noon. Film Concerts PH is presenting the concert, featuring composer John Williams鈥� Grammy-winning scores performed live as the film is screened. Audiences will experience the triumphant conclusion of the original Star Wars trilogy performed by the 85-member Filharmonika Orchestra, led by Gerard Salonga, on Sept. 5 and 6 at The Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are available across five categories: Stormtrooper (P1,999), Rebel (P2,999), Jedi (P4,499), Sith (P5,999), and Emperor (P6,999), via TicketWorld.

Hard Rock Cafe Makati opens launchpad for rising artists

HARD ROCK Cafe Makati is set to launch 鈥淯niversiteen 2.0鈥� on May 21, meant to be a stage for rising artists looking to break through. As part of its Support Local campaign, Hard Rock Cafe Makati will hold the live music event from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 21, bringing together seven bands: Waki & The Winstons, The Sonnets, 25 Abbey, Next One, Hey June, Better Days, and Gracenote. There will also be special appearances by OPM acts Kenaniah and Imago.

Syd hartha, TONEEJAY collaborate on new single

FILIPINO singer-songwriter syd hartha has reunited with TONEEJAY for their latest collaborative single 鈥渄ito muna tayo,鈥� out now via Sony Music Entertainment. The folk-pop track draws inspiration from syd鈥檚 emotional connection to the ocean: a place that she describes as a source of calm and contentment throughout her life. Cushioned on soft instrumentation and understated arrangement, the song blends both artists鈥� songwriting voices, with a few Cebuano lines in the lyrics to capture syd鈥檚 childhood connection with the ocean.

KAIA, HORI7ON, 1st.One release joint single

P-POP singer KAIA has teamed up with South Korean-based Filipino boyband HORI7ON and Filipino boy group 1st.One for the release of 鈥淪ulong,鈥� the official theme song of the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival ROUND Philippines 2026. Released under the special collaboration unit Project P-Pop: Rising, the track aims to capture 鈥渢he spirit of unity, resilience, and collective ambition.鈥� The title is a Filipino word which means 鈥渢o move forward鈥� or 鈥渢o progress.鈥� A live performance will be aired on the Korean Broadcasting System World TV at 9:50 p.m. Korea Standard Time (KST) on May 21 and 22. It will premiere on KBS World鈥檚 YouTube channel on May 22, 11 p.m. KST.

Steven Spielberg returns to big screen sci-fi

STEVEN SPIELBERG鈥橲 newest science fiction film, Disclosure Day, is hitting the big screen on June 10. Created and directed by Mr. Spielberg, the screenplay is by his longtime collaborator David Koepp. It stars Emily Blunt, Josh O鈥機onnor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo. It鈥檚 a spiritual successor to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Mr. Spielberg鈥檚 sci-fi hit from 1977 that became a pop-culture mainstay. With Disclosure Day, he aims to create another film that addresses unanswered questions. 鈥淒uring Close Encounters of the Third Kind, I would say to myself: 鈥榃ouldn鈥檛 it be wonderful if all of this turned out to be true?鈥欌�� Mr. Spielberg said. 鈥淎lmost 50 years later, I鈥檓 now thinking: 鈥榃ouldn鈥檛 it be wonderful for us to actually know that all of this is true?鈥欌�� The film opens in Philippine cinemas on June 10.

Shakira, Burna Boy release FIFA World Cup official song

GRAMMY and Latin Grammy award-winning artists Shakira and Burna Boy have released a new track, 鈥淒ai Dai,鈥� via Sony Music Latin. With it, Shakira will co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show on July 19, alongside Madonna and BTS. This will be FIFA鈥檚 first halftime show, bringing together global artists, to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. 鈥淒ai Dai鈥� is its official anthem, with the goal of raising $100 million by end of this year鈥檚 World Cup. Shakira鈥檚 royalties from the track will be donated to the Education Fund, and Sony Music will match the first $250,000 raised with a donation.

Filipino animated docu competes at Doc Edge Festival

GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS and GMA Pictures鈥� animated documentary film 58^th continues its international festival run with the 2026 edition of Doc Edge Festival, New Zealand鈥檚 premier documentary festival and an Academy Awards-qualifying event. The selection is another milestone for the film, following its earlier selections at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year. The documentary revisits the Maguindanao Massacre, widely regarded as the deadliest attack on journalists in history, honoring the victims while bringing renewed attention to the case of Reynaldo 鈥淏ebot鈥� Momay, who is still to be recognized as the massacre鈥檚 58^th victim. Directed by Carl Joseph Papa and starring Glaiza de Castro, the film combines animation with archival footage. The Doc Edge Festival will take place from June 24 to July 12 in New Zealand, with the film set to screen in Auckland on June 29 and July 2.

Mateus Asato brings world tour to Manila in 2026

BRAZILIAN-JAPANESE guitarist Mateus Asato will be performing in the Philippines as part of his world tour. The musician will be holding a special show at the Aster Events Place in Mandala Park, Mandaluyong City, on July 31. Produced and presented by GNN, Mateus Asato Live in Manila will feature performances of songs from his debut solo album, ASATO, as well as fan favorites. His music combines jazz, pop, and R&B influences, and he has collaborated with major pop superstars like Bruno Mars and Selena Gomez. Tickets to the concert are now available via Ticketmelon, priced from P900 to P1,850.

Maximillian releases third album

DANISH pop artist Maximillian has dropped his third album, I鈥檓 Fine, a 13-track pop project exploring anxiety, heartbreak, love, pressure, and the emotions people often struggle to express out loud. Alongside the album release, Maximillian also unveiled the official music video for the title track, a one-take performance piece designed to reflect the emotional tension and vulnerability at the center of the album.

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Ditta Sandico never gives up

WHEN we say 鈥渋t鈥檚 a wrap,鈥� it usually means we鈥檙e ending something. When Ditta Sandico says that, she鈥檚 talking about her continuing work.

It鈥檚 A Wrap: Unraveling the Future of Fashion 鈥� published by Far Eastern University, written by Francine Medina Marquez, and edited by Gayle Zialcita 鈥� summarizes the designer鈥檚 40-year journey, beginning in her observation of Mangyan textiles in her girlhood and ending with her 40^th anniversary fashion show last year.

While it is about her life, there鈥檚 a wider discussion in the book about Philippine textiles and materials, and the people who made them. Photographs of the designer鈥檚 work and as they were shown in magazines and runways give the book color and heft. The book launch was held on May 13 at the Yuchengco Museum, with a fashion show showing off the designer鈥檚 work.

Ms. Sandico, born the daughter of the family behind the COD Department Store, studied at the University of the Philippines and at Tobe-Coburn in New York. She began designing in the mid-1980s. In the late 鈥�90s and early 2000s, she found her signature: abaca (which she branded as 鈥渂anaca鈥�). Working against the material鈥檚 stiffness, she manipulated the fibers into wraps used to jazz up outfit bases. One such wrap appeared on the runway during the launch: in a rich bronze color, it appeared first like a cocoon around the model, covering her upper body and face. Unfolding the wrap, she turned it into something shaped like a flower. Wearing a Ditta, every ordinary woman could be someone flamboyant, someone the opposite of invisible.

In an interview while she signed the books, she told us about the sort of person who wears her pieces. 鈥淭he first few years were difficult for me. We had to initiate; we had to teach people how to wear the clothes themselves, the wraps. Even the colors. It took time, and it took a lot of courage from the women to be able to get themselves out there.鈥�

We told her a story about a friend of ours who was graduating magna cum laude, and insisted on wearing a white Ditta wrap over her white graduation dress 鈥� this woman wore Ditta in her early 20s. Pointing first to her own wrap, Ms. Sandico then pointed to a loyal customer who is 90 years old. 鈥淪he鈥檚 wearing the same wrap,鈥� she explained. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 worn differently. I guess it鈥檚 really the manipulation. The way things are reimagined and reinvented.鈥�

The wraps seem almost amorphous, taking shape as a partnership between herself and a customer. Asked what other shapes she can still do, she said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 always a work in progress. Every time I wake up in the morning, I look forward to a new day. All these inspirations just come, through dreams.鈥� She corrected herself, saying, 鈥淚 do a little research here and there to find out what鈥檚 going on in the malls and in the retail market. It just grows from that.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be clich茅 to say everything is divine inspiration. But it does come from there.鈥�

While today we take for granted the mainstreaming of Filipino textiles, she was one of the first to use them in her collections, opting to work directly with indigenous weaving communities. 鈥淭here seems to be such a redeeming factor,鈥� she told 大象传媒. 鈥淚 feel so validated, every time I think that I was one of the first, and I didn鈥檛 give up,鈥� she said.

鈥淚鈥檝e always kept that in my vocabulary 鈥� in the things that I do and the things that I come up with. There鈥檚 got to be a progression in things and it just doesn鈥檛 come easy.鈥�

Her clothes have been shown around the world 鈥� in Helsinki, Paris, Rome, Dubai, Los Angeles, New York, Moscow, Amsterdam, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur, among others.

She talked about her 40 years in fashion, and how she measures her own success. 鈥淚 think the 40 years speak for itself. I don鈥檛 really have to shout it out. I was always: what鈥檚 going to happen to me next? I was always kind of insecure about things. 鈥業s this enough?鈥�

鈥淏ut now, I can鈥檛 look back. I just have to keep moving forward. There鈥檚 nothing to stop me now.鈥�

The book is partly titled 鈥淭he Future of Fashion,鈥� and on her own future, she says, 鈥淚 still have to think about that. I鈥檓 learning to really appreciate my individuality. I鈥檓 learning to appreciate being myself, and being out there in the world seems a bit daunting.

鈥淢any things can come.鈥�

It鈥檚 a Wrap is available for purchase through TAMS Bookstore at TamsBookstore@feu.edu.ph. 鈥� Joseph L. Garcia

IF ALL goes well, in a span of a few years, a person will be able access an entire library of Philippine textiles right from their phone.

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DoST-PTRI) talked about its new app, SalinHABI, at the J. Amado Araneta Foundation鈥檚 (JAAF) traditional weaving fair 鈥淗ibla: Tradition Woven Forward.鈥� The fair was held from May 15 to 17 at Araneta City鈥檚 Gateway Mall 2.

Jennelu Caya, supervising science research specialist at the DoST-PTRI, estimates that the institute has been working on the digitalization project since 2022. Since that year, PTRI has been tracking down weavers and weaves. The project鈥檚 goal is twofold: while onboarding, filing, and uploading the works of the weavers (and allowing them to be contacted for business and research purposes), they are also saving the work for future use.

The weaves are preserved using high-resolution images. These are fed to software that analyzes color, thread counts, thickness, and other variables, and it is then recreated using PTRI鈥檚 digital looms, allowing the manufacture of what Ms. Caya calls 鈥渄igital twins.鈥� From this process, the method and matrices of the woven products are saved and can be recreated once again. She likens this to making sheet music: 鈥�Sa piano piece, meron ka nang notes (you鈥檒l already have the notes).鈥�

Access, however, is restricted, and the public can view only the finished product through the app. As for weavers, 鈥淚f the community is the original weaver of that pattern, we will share it with them.鈥�

Ms. Caya shared the successes of the digitalization project. Since 2022, they have scoped and identified about 5,000 weavers from all across the country. They are still working on getting them all on the app, however: 鈥淲e are now able to commit 1,400 plus, plus weavers in the platform.鈥� They have also managed to preserve woven works that have become extinct: there are some samples of Philippine textiles in the Field Museum in Chicago which are the only ones left of that specific pattern. After feeding images of these to their software, they have managed to recreate the patterns again using the digital looms, and their matrices can be made available again to the communities that had once woven them.

Being on the app can also help in weeding out the fakes that have proliferated: machine-woven textiles using indigenous patterns have been spreading in the market and being passed off as the real thing. 鈥�Kapag nakita mo iyong community sa SalinHABI, 100%, alam mo na producers sila ng handloom wovens,鈥� she said.

Interested parties can download the SalinHABI app from Google Play and the App Store. 鈥� Joseph L. Garcia

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IKEA Philippines celebrates Store of the Year win

IKEA Pasay City was named IKEA Store of the Year 2025, a recognition enjoyed by very few IKEA stores in the world. In celebration of this achievement, IKEA Pasay will have a 鈥淲inning Offer鈥� promo from May 14 to 31, where customers can get discounts on select pieces of furniture and decor. IKEA Pasay City received recognition for its exceptional retail performance. This was driven by a deep understanding of the Filipino home, allowing the team to create an engaging store experience that resonated with the customers鈥� lifestyles. 鈥淲hen we won Store of the Year, we were speechless in the best possible way,鈥� said Daniel Rivero, IKEA Pasay store manager. 鈥淭his is an incredible achievement for the team in the Philippines. Their passion, commitment, and togetherness truly shine through. The recognition is both affirming and emotionally rewarding for us all.鈥� IKEA Pasay City has now earned a permanent place in the Store of the Year Hall of Fame. IKEA Philippines will send 12 of its co-workers on a learning journey to IKEA Headquarters in 脛lmhult to deepen their connection to the brand鈥檚 culture and values. For more information on the 鈥淲inning Offer鈥� promo, visit IKEA.ph and follow IKEA Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.

New Balance opens new retail concept

NEW BALANCE has opened its first new retail concept in the Philippines at SM Podium. Designed around central seating that encourages community, movement, and self-expression, the refreshed space invites consumers to come together. The concept features an edited assortment of footwear and apparel alongside display elements accompanying select products, highlighting the makers, craftsmanship, and culture behind them. Moreover, in line with New Balance鈥檚 global Grey Days celebration this May, the SM Podium store features a dedicated Grey Days store display spotlighting the brand鈥檚 most iconic color 鈥� gray. Through the featured products and in-store experience throughout the month, Grey Days celebrates the role of the brand across sport, fashion, and everyday style. 鈥淭his store represents a step forward in the way we think about our retail environment that features a more focused and curated collection, alongside an experience designed for today鈥檚 consumer,鈥� said Ian Fitzpatrick, senior director of global brand strategy and operations at New Balance. The SM Podium location鈥檚 store hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Expanding the concept further, New Balance also recently opened its second store featuring the new retail experience at SM Baguio on May 8. For more information or to find a store near you, visit newbalance.com.

Slim鈥檚 hosts couture Filipiniana workshops

IN CELEBRATION of National Heritage Month this May, Slim鈥檚 Fashion & Arts School, an institution of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), is launching a series of Saturday workshops on couture Filipiniana techniques. The initiative is organized in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through Juana Creatives, an inclusive co-working and skill-building hub for women freelancers, hobbyists, cultural practitioners, and design entrepreneurs. 鈥淎rt of Embellishments鈥� will explore traditional and contemporary artisanal methodologies, and guide participants in transforming garments into statement pieces with texture, depth, and individuality. All works will be completed entirely by hand. It will be facilitated by Aan Pineda, a fashion designer for Dar Noor Designs in Saudi Arabia, Fanny Serrano Couture, and Dakenson Corporate, and technical fashion design manager for Golden ABC. It will run for four Saturdays 鈥� May 23 and 30, and June 6 and 13. Registration fee is P12,500. Then there is 鈥�笔补帽耻别濒辞-making,鈥� which will immerse students in the cultural significance of the Filipino neck scarf as a functional accessory and artistic expression. Attendees will be guided through fabric preparation, color application, and design techniques as they blend traditional textile approaches with contemporary fabric painting to craft their unique pieces. It will be conducted by visual artist and costume designer Edgar San Diego. It will run for two Saturdays, June 20 and 27. Registration fee is P7,500. The third of the series, 鈥淐rafting the Filipiniana Butterfly Sleeve,鈥� will equip participants with technical skills, from pattern drafting, cutting, hand-sewing, and finishing methods. By the end of the course, they will be able to create their own well-structured, fully handmade butterfly sleeve without the use of machine stitching. It will be guided by award-winning fashion practitioner and educator Joseph Richard Papa. It will run for two Saturdays, July 4 and 11. Registration fee is P7,500. The three classes are open to the public and will be conducted from 1 to 6 p.m. on their scheduled dates. Classes will be held at the Juana Creatives Hub at the TESDA Complex, East Service Road, South Superhighway, Taguig City. Materials will be provided at the venue. For more information, visit facebook.com/SlimsFashionSchool or e-mail admissions.slims@benilde.edu.ph.

AFTER winning America鈥檚 Got Talent season 20 last year, it鈥檚 time for US-born Filipino-Mexican singer Jessica Sanchez to return home to the Philippines, where she seeks to give back to the Filipinos who supported her throughout her journey.

With a concert slated for May 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Ms. Sanchez is looking forward to revisiting key songs in her career and performing with a slew of major Filipino artists.

Guests to look out for are Vice Ganda, Morrissette, Darren Espanto, James Reid, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, and Regine Velasquez.

鈥淭o come back and do this kind of homecoming concert, this big solo concert with so many amazing artists, it鈥檚 really special to me. It鈥檚 going to be a very special night,鈥� said Ms. Sanchez during a press conference in Quezon City on May 11.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an opportunity to give back to everybody that has supported me throughout the years. I feel just kind of on cloud nine,鈥� she added.

Ms. Sanchez said that the setlist would highlight her journey 鈥� from being a runner-up in American Idol in 2012 to last year鈥檚 big win in America鈥檚 Got Talent. There will also be songs from her recently released album titled Season (stylized as SZN) and a performance of 鈥淪tronger Than Before,鈥� her new collaboration single with Morrissette.

Because she is also a new mother, Ms. Sanchez said she鈥檚 looking forward to introducing her child, Eliana, to the Philippine side of her heritage.

According to her, people can expect a shift in her music direction because of all the recent life changes. Her album, for example, navigates genres like soulful pop and R&B.

鈥淚 feel like I really truly understand who I am, what I want. I鈥檓 more confident as a woman, [after] becoming a new mom, and Eliana is just my biggest inspiration,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited that I have released my new album and I really hope you guys enjoy it, but I鈥檓 also excited to release so much more music. I鈥檓 also working on releasing a Tagalog EP.鈥�

Though she couldn鈥檛 spoil any more details about the EP, Ms. Sanchez told the press that it鈥檚 easy to have love for the Filipino audience.

鈥淲hen people approach me and say I represent Pinoy pride, it really overwhelms me and shocks me because sometimes I feel like I鈥檓 just a girl from Texas, now a mom,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hat people haven鈥檛 seen is the phone calls and behind-the-scenes over the years of people telling me I couldn鈥檛 do things because I was Filipino-Mexican.鈥�

These days, Filipino talent can fare better on the global stage, she explained, with 鈥渕ore chances in every area, like singing, dancing, acting, and sports.鈥�

鈥淚t makes me proud of my culture and my people,鈥� she said.

Ms. Sanchez added that she has explored a lot of genres, ranging from country to pop to ballads.

鈥淣ow, I鈥檓 into the soulful R&B vibe, but please stay tuned for more because I love to experiment!鈥� she said.

Jessica Sanchez Live in Manila is presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets are available via Ticketnet. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

(Warning: plot and surprise twists in book and TV series discussed in explicit detail.)

I REMEMBER reading William Golding鈥檚 1954 debut novel as a teen and having nightmares about running through the jungle with other boys in pursuit, waving sticks sharpened at both ends 鈥� it did not help the development of my socialization skills, lemme tell you.

The book comes off as a fable, the premise just this side of credible, the characters barely sketched-in symbols, the theme clear enough for literature majors to chew over and write lengthy theses over: humans have this ingrown tendency to violence, and we flirt with or ignore it at our peril. It鈥檚 really that simple, the novel鈥檚 chief virtue and key weakness, and folks who seek to adapt it flirt with this fact or ignore it at their peril.

Take Netflix鈥檚 2026 miniseries, where writer Jack Thorne (Adolescence) reconceived the book in four chapters, taking up the points of view of different characters: Piggy (David McKenna), Jack (Lox Pratt), Simon (Ike Talbut), Ralph (Winston Sawyers). Thorne gives each a backstory: Jack is ignored by his parents and fears being seen as weak; Simon has a bond of loneliness with Jack who ignores him when with others, in which case he spends the rest of his time hearing voices; Ralph鈥檚 mother was sickly and died not long ago.

Right off Jack is a problem. That innate savagery hiding in all of us is actually 鈥� fear of abandonment by parents? Simon, the mystic who hears otherworldly voices is really 鈥� insane? Everything that happened might have been prevented by therapy, maybe some Thorazine? Odd that Piggy has no backstory, save for the constant tales of his aunt 鈥� if you can believe he has one, if his stories aren鈥檛 made up on the fly (possibly Thorne felt Piggy was too valuable a plot function to fiddle with).

I understand the desire to cast Ralph as mixed-race and Sawyers is a charismatic talent no doubt about it… but I鈥檝e always thought of Golding鈥檚 fable as a warning directed at the ascendant race on this planet, the European Caucasian (and his wealthier more powerful cousin, the American Caucasian); warning people who are already aware of said Caucasians鈥� barbarism (having often been at receiving end) is 鈥� well, a waste of good platform.

But my biggest problem with the miniseries is Marc Munden鈥檚 direction. I understand the temptation to digitally turn the island into a rainbow of colors, from brilliant lemon green to deep fire-blood red to bleak ashy grey… but Golding鈥檚 novel is already an abstracted fable with huge improbabilities. Pigs on an uninhabited island? Boys who learn to build a fire and kill a pig in so many days? In 1965, six Tongan boys from 13 to 19 years old survived on their own for over a year on an island, they ate wild chicken and, when desperate, bird鈥檚 blood) 鈥� can鈥檛 30 British boarding school students? (鈥淲ell,鈥� a sly voice whispers in my ear as I write this, 鈥渢hat鈥檚 because they鈥檙e Caucasian…鈥�). Trying to sell the book鈥檚 contrived premise as being halfway plausible is already an uphill task, do we need the bells and whistles of a digital paint job to make matters harder?

Throw in a few other minor details that irked: learning to make flint spearheads and mounting them on wooden shafts isn鈥檛 an easy skill to master (in the novel they used sharpened sticks) 鈥� and after all that trouble, they swing the spears instead of stabbing? And succeed at killing their prey? Wild boars, incidentally, don鈥檛 give up just like that; they can outrun any human, no matter how young or healthy, and they will kill anyone who comes between them and their babies. But okay, okay, a fable.

To be fair, Munden does offer effective moments 鈥� the tenderness between Jack and Simon is moving (even if I feel the idea of their having this hidden friendship feels wrong 鈥� Simon the mystic needs to be isolated, if not mysterious); of the cast I鈥檇 cite not just Sawyers and McKenna (who was nominated for a Gotham Award) but Pratt as the volatile self-doubting Jack 鈥� though again while you鈥檙e moved by his predicament, the fact that he harbors doubts tends to flatten the threat of his presence.

Piggy鈥檚 lingering end as opposed to the sudden one in Golding鈥檚 novel does result in more quality time between him and Ralph, and I appreciate all the Groucho Marx quotes, but watching Ralph drag a barely conscious Piggy away from Jack鈥檚 spear-waving boys, to successfully escape and hide 鈥� at some point your willingness to believe seizes up and you鈥檝e got to laugh at the visual idiocy. Couldn鈥檛 Jack order his boys to stand back and let the two walk? Couldn鈥檛 Thorne and Munden just stick to the book?

For all the flaws, I prefer this to the 1990 version which couldn鈥檛 overcome the gimmick of turning the kids American (with British boarding schools you appreciate the shock value of watching the kids be corrupted; with American schools… well let鈥檚 just say I鈥檝e seen things that make William Golding鈥檚 novel feel like a chess tournament).

Even more bizarre is Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara鈥檚 1975 Alkitrang Dugo (Clotted Blood, 1975) which transposes the story to a Filipino island. Again, my thesis: didn鈥檛 Golding direct this fable towards white folks (And again, that sly voice: 鈥淏ut upper-class Filipinos think they鈥檙e white鈥�!鈥�)? Aquino-Kashiwahara does well enough with a tiny budget and her jungle (basically the rain forests of Quezon Province) is more lush and claustrophobic than anything seen onscreen so far; in the film鈥檚 final moments she pivots and turns the tale into an allegory about strongman rule, and I can actually buy her variation of Golding鈥檚 basic message: hidden inside all of us is an embryonic fascist, ready to emerge.

Finally there鈥檚 Peter Brook鈥檚 1963 black-and-white version, where the director takes on the problem of 30 inexperienced kids and how to make a screen adaptation from their collective performances: he simply shoots them over and over again, 60 hours鈥� worth of footage, then trims that enormous pile of improvised material down to a viewable 90-minute feature.

I think it works: the stark black-and-white, the unaffected performances, the young voices that shout and shriek the way British boys do, in a weekend adventure gone horribly wrong, on an island blessedly free of digital manipulation. Yes, Golding has done better (he鈥檚 said his favorite among his books is The Inheritors, I say his best is the surreally perverse Darkness Visible); arguably this was the perfect choice to adapt to the big screen, its crude schema lending to easy translation, Brook鈥檚 severe approach pruning in turn the book鈥檚 more self-absorbed self-indulgent passages.

Is it possible to adapt Golding鈥檚 most famous novel to the big screen? I think so: a simplistic message but one too important not to deliver at least once, loud and clear, and Brook pulled it off a mere nine years after the book鈥檚 publication. I submit we didn鈥檛 need any other.

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Go on a nostalgia trip at the movies

AYALA MALLS CINEMAS鈥� 鈥淎 Rewind鈥� initiative with Viva Films gives audiences a chance to relive the ultimate barkada film Bagets, starring Aga Muhlach, William Martinez, Herbert Bautista, JC Bonnin, and Raymond Lauchengco. One of Philippines鈥� most beloved coming-of-age films, Bagets is perfect for longtime fans of the 鈥�80s matinee idols and for the Gen Z moviegoers discovering them for the first time. Bagets is now showing in select Ayala Malls Cinemas branches, with special ticket rates available at P180 and as low as P99 in Ayala Malls Legazpi and Ayala Malls Harbor Point. Patrons can also enjoy the Red Carpet Mondays Buy 1 Get 1 ticket promo for Bagets and another film, The Demon Prince, which is showing until May 19. A Vietnamese period horror-thriller, The Demon Prince is directed by Tran Huu Tan and stars Anh Tu Atus, Luong The Thanh, Hoang Linh Chi, and Rima Thanh Vy. Produced by CJ HK Entertainment in partnership with ProductionQ, and distributed by Viva Films, the movie follows Prince Th芒n 膼峄�c, a mysterious figure born of forbidden sorcery, who arrives in a secluded village under the guise of a healer, only to reveal a far more sinister purpose tied to the resurrection of a powerful demon and the fate of the villagers.

Support local weavers at HIBLA

TO HELP KEEP heritage alive, over 15 Filipino weavers from all over the country are showcasing their craftsmanship at HIBLA: Weavers鈥� Fair. Running from May 15 to 17 at the Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall 2, at the Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City, people can come watch weavers in action, discover new weaving technologies, and hear the stories of the weavers. There will also be talks on topics such as the use of various handloom weaving machines, apps for digitalization, and indigo dyeing. The fair is a project of Araneta City through the J. Amado Araneta Foundation and co-presented by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute. It will support the public programs of Gateway Gallery, Araneta City鈥檚 Museum. Register for free via

Be a voyeur at Maria Callas鈥� Master Class

THE Philippine Opera Company is staging Terrence McNally鈥檚 Master Class starring Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as opera singer Maria Callas. Directed by Jaime del Mundo, the play opens on May 15 and will run throughout May at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza, with Friday and Saturday evening performances and weekend matinees. Set during a series of public master classes at Juilliard in the 1970s, Master Class offers an intimate portrait of Maria Callas at the height of her myth and legacy. As she works with young opera singers, Ms. Callas relives the triumphs and heartbreaks of her storied career. The Philippine Opera Company last staged Master Class in 2010.

Catch WAIIAN鈥檚 anniversary show

FILIPINO rapper WAIIAN is celebrating the success of his 2025 album with the staging of BACKSHOW, co-presented by Sony Music Entertainment and Lightning in a Bottle Studios (LIAB Studios). The concert serves as an anniversary celebration of his full-length album BACKSHOTS. The show will also feature performances by Karmela Roxy, Bad Indie Eye, Nicole Anjela, SHNTI, Yorko, DJ MILKY, Kartell鈥檈m, DJ Bebi Keychain, Alisson Shore, and La Mave. It will take place at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City on May 15. Tickets are available via

Eat good French food

THE Go没t de France, an annual gastronomic festival focusing on French cuisine, returns from May 16 to 17 at the Makati Street Meet along Paseo de Roxas, Ayala Center, Makati. Presented by the French Embassy, Ayala Land, and Taste of France, visitors to the event will find French street food, crepes, pastries, wine, liqueurs, coffee, and other beverages. In addition to the street market, there will be an open-air film screening at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. On Saturday, there will be a live cooking demonstration of French dishes, while Sunday will see the Waiters Race, in which waiters race to see who can deliver a bottle of Evian on a tray fastest without spilling. There will be accordion music, jazz, and a DJ set. From May 16-31, French restaurants in the metro will offer special French menus. For the complete listing, visit the Facebook page of the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.

Get artist monographs of Marina Cruz, Jake Verzosa

SILVERLENS is holding a special book signing with artist Marina Cruz and photographer Jake Verzosa, celebrating the release of their latest monographs. Ms. Cruz鈥檚 Fractured Fabric offers an intimate look at her investigation into family archives, spanning over two decades of practice, from photorealistic paintings of maternal relics to more evocative shifts into abstraction. Meanwhile, Mr. Verzosa鈥檚 Basketball Landscapes presents a decade-long photographic survey of makeshift hoops and improvised courts across the Philippine archipelago. The event will take place on May 16, 3 p.m., at the Silverlens Den at Silverlens Gallery, Chino Roces Ext., Makati.

Attend Sprite鈥檚 summer party

THE Sprite Ultimate Sunset Summer Party will take place on May 16 at SM Mall of Asia By the Bay, from 3 to 7 p.m. This is part of Sprite鈥檚 鈥溾��Yan ang Refreshing鈥� campaign.鈥� The event will feature live performances by acts like BGYO, Illest Morena, Shanti Dope, Maxie Anderson, and fitterkarma, with free-flowing ice-cold Sprite and exclusive Sprite merch available throughout the event.

Catch the Act Avenue Theater Fest

THE Act Avenue Theater Festival returns with 22 original short plays from university-based and independent theater groups across Metro Manila, alongside select regional collectives. For its 2026 edition, the festival adopts the theme 鈥�Mulat: Awakening from Apathy.鈥� The festival, held at the Tanghalang Leandro V. Locsin NCCA, Intramuros, Manila, is divided into four sets of plays which will be presented over two days, May 16 and 17, with performances at 2 and 6 p.m.

Enjoy a dance concert

THE Mari Dance Company is set to restage its acclaimed production, a dance in a day in a dance by choreographer JM Cabling, from May 16 to 31 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Aret茅, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City. Shaped by musical theater director Mikko Angeles, with Al Garcia reprising his role as the Choreographer, the work unifies five distinct choreographic voices into a single evening that reflects the realities of dance making in the Philippines today. The full-length contemporary dance production brings these together to narrate the lives of dancers and choreographers. Four were developed through the Cultural Center of the Philippines鈥� (CCP) Choreographer鈥檚 Series and other dance programs. The production features alternating performances by ballet dancers Georgette Sanchez-Vargas, Ea Torrado, and Janine Arisola-Cabrera. Tickets are available via maridance.com.

Craft your character at The M

AN ADJUNCT activity of the ongoing exhibit Omocha | Japanese Toys Today at The M., there will be a 鈥淐raft Your Character – Cardboard Figure Crafting鈥� workshop on May 17, 2-5 p.m. The activity is a free Toy Studio program for the exhibition, facilitated by artist Baste Cacho. Omocha | Japanese Toys Today 鈥� a traveling exhibition that offers a wide-ranging introduction to toys (omocha in Japanese), from the history of toys, to the latest toys infused with modern technologies and ideas 鈥� runs until May 31. This is held in partnership with the Japan Foundation Manila. As part of the exhibit, Gashapon Philippines is bringing the toy capsule craze to The M all month long. The Metropolitan Museum Of Manila is at the MK Tan Centre, 30^th St., BGC, Taguig City

Get nostalgic with Jesus Christ Superstar

THE Olivier Award-winning production of the 1970s sung-through rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing at The Theatre at Solaire until May 24 as part of its major international tour. This weekend鈥檚 performances are on May 8 at 8 p.m., May 9 at 3 and 8 p.m., and May 10 at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. This reimagined staging won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical.听 Featuring lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the production is directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie. Jesus Christ Superstar recounts the final week leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Judas.

Learn to illustrate for anim茅

BIDA SA BANTAYOG is offering a workshop on illustrating for anim茅 for teens aged 15 to 18. It will take place over five days, from May 18 to 22, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani鈥檚 Balay Events Place along Quezon Ave. in Quezon City. It is facilitated by animation artist Xavier 鈥淪pike鈥� Ruiz and is the first in a series of creative, artistic, as well as fun learning activities to help the public to know more about the Bantayog. The workshop registration fee is P4,000, not inclusive of workshop materials. For inquiries, contact Dawn or CJ at (02)-82982298 or send an e-mail to bantayogbayani@gmail.com.

Look back at your Spotify history

TO MARK 20 years of music discovery, Spotify is giving every listener a full look back at their music journey, from the very first track streamed to all-time most-streamed artists. 鈥淪potify 20: Your Party of the Year(s)鈥� is a new in-app experience that surfaces never-before-shared personal listening data, including the exact date they first joined Spotify and the total number of unique songs listened to since then. It also provides users with their All-Time Top Songs playlist consisting of 120 tracks with total play counts attached. It can be found on the Spotify home page on the app or via the link spotify.com/20.

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Choose a reasonably priced glass at World Cellar inside Gateway鈥檚 upscale World Kitchen

WHILE we鈥檝e written before about how much fun we鈥檇 had at Araneta City鈥檚 World Kitchens, which opened last year, a new addition to the 鈥渇ancy food court鈥� makes the trip to Cubao a bit more exciting.

Enter World Cellar, which opened in January this year, where diners can choose from about 400 available wines, either by the glass or by the bottle.

Food columnist and consultant for World Cellar CJ Juntereal told 大象传媒 at a pairing lunch on April 24 about how World Cellar went about selecting these 400 wines, more than there are days in a year. Aside from a division in price tiers (more on that later), she said, 鈥淲e wanted a representation of all wine regions. All grapes; as many grapes as we could do.

鈥淭he wines are a mixture of large established wineries and smaller boutique wineries,鈥� she said. We saw some wines from established Old World estates, from Spain and France, but then she pointed out, for example, the presence of bottles by female winemakers. There are also wines from Japan and Israel. 鈥淭hese are the new wine regions,鈥� she said of those countries.

鈥淚t鈥檚 just a range of interesting wines: safe choices, and choices that you can discover,鈥� she said of the cellar鈥檚 offerings.

WINE PAIRING OVER LUNCH
Part of the joy of dining at World Kitchens is the large amount of food choices (https://tinyurl.com/yb6cah48). Since it is still part of World Kitchens even though it is physically separated from it, we ordered dishes freely from the establishments outside the (climate-controlled at 18掳C to 20掳C) cellar to pair with the wines.

The wines we had for lunch were chosen by their in-house sommelier, Benedict Tan. Just in his 20s, he has a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) level 3 certificate in wines. After hearing our choices for lunch (which mostly veered Asian), he picked out a Clos de Centenaires Art 2020, and a Les Pensees de Pallus Chinon 2019. He said that the wine choices he made were centered on right levels of acidity and a certain level of minerality, to complement the rich appetizers and the sweetish mains.

Here鈥檚 what we had: the Clos was paired with the Otoro Rolls from Kuro Maguro. The fresh, juicy, mineral scent of the Clos cut through the very fatty and thick tuna belly. We also had tuna sashimi, a leaner cut compared to the otoro. With the Clos, the tuna was given some spice and liveliness.

We also had Chinese selections from 18 Jade and HK Ma, as well as the Beef Cheeks Adobo from Chef Jessie鈥檚. These we paired with the Chinon. The Chinon had a very tannic-forward scent, smelling almost like tea, and made our mouth water. With the adobo, it added some spice but cut through the fat and the gelatin. With a ubiquitous Sweet and Sour Pork, the wine added some gravitas. For Prawn Noodles from HK Ma, it added some liveliness to the seafood and starch.

A surprising dish from 18 Jade was deep-fried eggplant served with pork floss and, get this: condensed milk. It鈥檚 a confusing dish that surprisingly works, balancing all the tastes with texture. This must have been a challenge to find a pairing for, but the Chinon added a fruitiness that was welcome.

REASONABLY PRICED
The wines have a surprising markup: the most affordable ones in their selection are priced at P800 a bottle, which Ms. Juntereal estimates would cost about P2,500 somewhere else. Wines by the glass start at P200. The explanation is delightfully elegant: this is a pet project of Jorge Araneta, the Araneta Group鈥檚 chair, and bon vivant.

Of course, they have other choices for the more discerning buyer: we saw bottles going up to P30,000, from his personal collection on site. One section of World Cellar is devoted to his collection, which you might be able to tour if you ask nicely (and promise to keep your elbows in check).

鈥淢r. Araneta wants to build a wine culture here,鈥� said Ms. Juntereal. 鈥淗e wants to introduce wine to more people.鈥�

For a lot of people there are two big barriers to drinking wine, said Ms. Juntereal. 鈥淥ne, the price. Two, it鈥檚 seen as something difficult, complicated, or kind of snobby and sosyal. We want to take that away,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he price barrier is gone.鈥�

WINE CLASS
Not only is the price barrier lowered, World Cellar is promoting the joy of drinking wine through education.

Every Friday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Mr. Tan holds a wine class called Wine 101. The guided tasting costs P999 per person. 鈥淏y making wine education accessible and engaging, the program encourages a broader audience to appreciate the craftsmanship, stories, and traditions behind every bottle,鈥� says a statement from the cellar.

As limited slots are available per session, interested parties ought to register in advance via or via the QR code on the official social media pages of World Kitchens.

World Cellar is located inside World Kitchens, at Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, contact 0918-939-4537 or e-mail wk.reservations.aranetagrp@gmail.com. 鈥� Joseph L. Garcia

A preview of what is in store was held at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls, refurbished earlier from the former PhilTrade Center. Since Likhang Filipino鈥檚 selling point is that it is like having the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions鈥� (CITEM) annual trade fairs extended for the whole year, we asked CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo why IFEX was being held elsewhere. It is all a matter of space 鈥� though that will change.

鈥淲e have a very small space, she told 大象传媒. 鈥淲e need at least 16,000 square meters (sq.m.) [for IFEX]. We only have 8,000 sq.m. here,鈥� she pointed out. 鈥淲e鈥檙e actually planning to do that: expand the entire facility, and hopefully, maybe in two to three years (we can hold IFEX here).鈥�

By her count, there are already more than 400 exhibitors for IFEX. Last year, according to a release, IFEX Philippines 2025 welcomed over 10,000 buyers and visitors from more than 50 countries, generating $80 million in export sales.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 our positioning as a country,鈥� she said about the tropical theme. 鈥淥ur target markets are Europeans, the Americans, the Middle East. These are countries that do not have what we have.鈥�

鈥淣ot everybody has ube (purple yam), or mango. Pinag-aawayan talaga (they fight over it),鈥� she said.

KITCHENS, SUSTAINABILITY
The preview earlier this week showed off the plans for this year鈥檚 IFEX. This includes IFEX Kitchen, which invites Filipino chefs from here and abroad to cook and talk about Philippine cuisine.

There will also be the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX), the country鈥檚 first sourcing platform dedicated to a more resilient food ecosystem, featuring eco-friendly packaging, green technologies, and waste management solutions across sectors, such as agriculture, home and fashion, manufacturing, and technology. SSX will also introduce the Start-up Pitching Competition and Networking, an avenue connecting sustainable innovations from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups to key partners for capital and collaboration.

The FOODPhilippines Trade Hall will serve as the hub for top Philippine brands. It will also feature a Business Solutions Zone, as well as regional brands showcasing heritage crops and regional specialties through their respective pavilions.

There will also be foreign participants reflecting global flavors and industry trends at the International Hall.

Finally, the Marketplace provides a designated area for direct retail.

KATHA AWARDS
A highlight of the preview was the awarding of the Katha Awards for food. Organized by CITEM, the award champions creativity and excellence in the industry, furthering the global competitiveness of Philippine food MSMEs, including emerging export players.

The Power of Slow Carbonated Coconut Flower Nectar Drink won the Beverage category, while Golden Flavours Shortcakes (using jackfruit, durian, and pineapple) won the award for Bakery Products and Confectioneries. Munggo!, an instant porridge made from mung beans, won the award for Functional, Healthy and Alternative Foods.

Cocoes Coconut Aminos Crema Balsamico (resembling balsamic vinegar) won the award for Processed Fruits and Vegetables, including Sauces and Condiments. Gourmet Tahong (a preserve made of mussels) won the award in Seafood, while Kangkong Chips in Sinigang Flavor by Kangkong King won in Snacks and Ready-to-Eat award. Marcelo鈥檚 Microcreamery took the award for Specialty Gourmet for their coconut-based ice creams.

Ms. Pulido Ocampo said of the winners, in relation to their future exportability, 鈥淏uyers would always say that our products have a unique taste. Even if it鈥檚 more expensive compared to, for example,鈥� and here she gave a list of our Southeast Asian neighbors. 鈥淥ur products seem to be preferred.鈥�

鈥淲e have volcanic soil and sea breeze. All of these contribute to the unique taste,鈥� she said.

Visit ifexconnect.com to join or know more about IFEX Philippines. 鈥� Joseph L. Garcia

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Johnnie Walker steps out

JOHNNIE WALKER Ruby Nights, a series of nightlife experiences, will be kicking off at The Spirits Library in Poblacion, Makati. These evenings will feature Johnnie Walker Black Ruby as a centerpiece. It is the sweetest expression yet of Johnnie Walker Black Label. Crafted by Master Blender Emma Walker, it brings forward vibrant, fruit-led notes with a smooth finish designed for cocktails, while carrying the signature smoky depth and smooth finish of Johnnie Walker Black Label. Every bar will offer Johnnie Walker Black Ruby cocktails, each crafted as a signature serve per venue. At The Spirits Library, guests can experience the Librarian鈥檚 Julep, made with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, spiced raspberry shrub, creole bitters, and strawberry popping pearls. Meanwhile, Medusa serves up Ruby Reverie, made with cherry liqueur, amaretto, Earl Grey syrup, and orange bitters, all blended in with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby. These limited-edition cocktails are just some of the available options across Ruby Nights to reflect the character of each venue. As guests enjoy their drinks, there will be live sets from top DJs. Catch the first Ruby Night at The Spirits Library, Makati on May 16, then on May 23, 30 and June 6, 13, 20, and 27. They鈥檒l be at Medusa at The Palace, BGC on June 13, then at Grasshopper Bar, Makati on May 20 and June 17. Bar 10-4, Makati will have them on May 28 and June 25, then they move to Velveteen Bar, Makati on May 15 and June 15. Opal Bar will have one every third week of the month. They鈥檙e also in Ugly Bar in La Union, every 15^th of the month. Follow @johnniewalkerph for updates on more stops and upcoming Johnnie Walker Ruby Nights.

Newport celebrates World Whisky Day, World Cocktail Day

GET YOURSELF inside Newport World Resorts from May 13 (World Whisky Day) to May 16 (World Cocktail Day). Inside The Whisky Library on May 13 to May 16, The Dalmore Constellation Collection leads the celebration with the 1971 Cask No. 2 valued at P3.4 million, the 1973 Cask No. 10 at P2.9 million, and the 1991 Cask No. 27 at P1,550,000, each shaped by decades of aging and quiet precision. For World Cocktail Day, the Fab Four, featured in the bar鈥檚 third volume of its cocktail collection, brings a shift in tempo, layering single malt with honey, lemon, vanilla, aromatic bitters, and egg white into a smooth, structured cocktail. The same space opens the experience to a wider range of preferences. Zero-Proof classics such as Amaretto Sour, Daiquiri, Gin Basil, and Whiskey Sour are crafted with Sober Spirits at P530. Sparkling tea selections, including Noble Truth Cranberry Rose and Mindful Sparks Dragon Pearl Jasmine at P3,400, introduce an alternative. Over at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines, The Old Man serves as the house鈥檚 signature for the occasion, featuring Maker鈥檚 Mark bourbon, Hennessy VSOP cognac, Americano Rosa and Manzana apple liqueur, with Peychaud鈥檚 and Angostura bitters rounding out the finish. At Hotel Okura Manila, SORA Pool Bar, Yawaragi, and Yamazato will serve the Smoked Godfather which brings together smoked Tamnavulin whisky and amaretto, stirred over ice and finished with a cherry. The celebration continues through its Cocktails of the Season, with the Sakura Aperol Spritz and the Dirty Negroni. Over at Manila Marriott Hotel, The Charles & James Highball Unlimited offers a two-hour session at P400 net per person. Alongside it, the Rising Star Cocktail series features Mulat, Lakbay, and Siklab at P488 net each, all shaped by emerging Filipino bartenders. At The Grand Bar & Lounge, the Sweet Escape blends white rum with orange, kiwi, and citrus. A few steps away at Bar360, the Manila Colada brings together Flor de Ca帽a white rum, mango, coconut, lime, and cinnamon, with both cocktails available at P400 net until June 30. For more information on Newport World Resorts, visit and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Taco Bell sees comeback

TACO BELL Philippines sees the return of two favorites 鈥� the Chalupa and Gordita Supreme. The Beef Chalupa (P199) is made with beef, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and spicy ranch, all packed in a golden flatbread shell. There鈥檚 also the Beef Gordita Supreme (P199), a warm flatbread filled with beef, fresh veggies, melted cheeses, and sour cream. Chicken lovers can choose the Crispy Chicken Chalupa (P229), with a crunchy shell paired with chicken strips, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and spicy ranch, or keep things soft with the Crispy Chicken Gordita Supreme (P229), filled with chicken strips, fresh toppings, melted cheeses, and a dollop of sour cream. There is also the Chalupa and Gordita Supreme as part of a Combo Meal, which includes a Beef Chalupa or Beef Gordita Supreme, Nacho Sprinkle, and a 12oz soda for P269. For something more filling, the Big Bell Meal comes with a Beef Chalupa or Beef Gordita Supreme, Burrito Beef, Cinnamon Twists, and a 12oz soda for P399. Add P30 to any meal to switch the Chalupa or Gordita Supreme protein to crispy chicken. Available at Taco Bell stores for dine-in and take-out orders, and for delivery via the 8911-1111 hotline, Taco Bell Philippines鈥� official website, or through official delivery partners Grabfood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo.

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FIFTEEN YEARS after the film Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank took the indie film landscape by storm with its satire of the industry鈥檚 fixation on poverty-centered cinema, a theatrical adaptation marks the razor-sharp franchise鈥檚 fourth installation. Now in the form of a play, it is set to run at the PETA Theater Center from June 19 to Aug. 16.

The 2011 film starred Eugene Domingo as a histrionic version of herself, an ambitious actress determined to win awards by playing a poor woman in an indie film. The 2016 sequel saw her take on mainstream romantic comedy drivel, then the third iteration in 2019 鈥� a seven-episode digital series 鈥� illustrated the absurdity of historical revisionism.

Like the previous installations of this multi-platform franchise, the play will be a satire with a purpose, this time turning its focus to the Philippines鈥� active theater scene.

Titled Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It鈥檚 Live Sa Cheter!, it is helmed by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).

鈥淭his 鈥榞olden age鈥� of theater is really quite interesting. From the pandemic, all of a sudden, it boomed. The ticket prices are so high, but people are buying,鈥� said director Maribel Legarda, at a press conference in Quezon City on May 4. 鈥淲e鈥檙e happy but it also has its own set of challenges and problems. Maybe it鈥檚 also a cautionary tale 鈥� just because we鈥檙e in a golden age doesn鈥檛 mean everything鈥檚 okay. We have to keep on reflecting and seeing ourselves in larger contexts so that we keep growing.鈥�

She added that Septic Tank 4 will have an 鈥渋ntergenerational quality鈥� appealing to theatergoers both young and old, seasoned and new. 鈥淲e should be able to poke fun at ourselves, be self-reflexive, and laugh, especially because we have a lively scene,鈥� she said.

Supporting Ms. Legarda in the creative team are writer Chris Martinez, assistant director Johnnie Moran, set and costume designer Gino Gonzales, lighting designer Barbie Tan-Tiongco, choreographer Raflesia Bravo, and video designer Bene Manaois, with sound and music by Angel Dayao and lyrics by Michelle Ngu Nario.

Returning as herself is Eugene Domingo, a non-negotiable presence since she has been the anchor of the entire franchise.

This time, she is accompanied by a lineup of theater practitioners playing both 鈥渁rchetypes and hyper-real versions of themselves鈥�: Melvin Lee, Andoy Ranay, Meann Espinosa, JC Santos, Stella Ca帽ete-Mendoza, Joshua Lim So, and Marlon Rivera.

EVOLUTION OF SATIRE
Structured as a 鈥減lay within a play,鈥� Septic Tank 4 will explore 鈥渢he process of theater-making 鈥� blurring the line between reality and performance.鈥� Audiences can expect an irreverent tone and a meta narrative filled with humor, spectacle, and social commentary, which are the bread and butter of PETA productions.

For Mr. Rivera, who directed the indie cult classic and its two sequels crossing film to digital, it was only right that he join the project as an actor this time, since he is not a theater director.

鈥淭his is supposed to be fun and a love letter to the Philippine theater. I know there鈥檚 a lot of vitriol, but it鈥檚 really a love letter to everyone,鈥� he said.

He and writer Chris Martinez, who was the screenwriter for all the previous installments and is the playwright for this one, agreed that Septic Tank has always been about 鈥渟atirizing institutions.鈥�

鈥淚n spirit it has always been self-referential. It has always referred to what is happening at the moment so, for me, the most exciting part is that we know all these people,鈥� Mr. Rivera added. 鈥淚 have been off theater for the longest time, since the 鈥�90s. It鈥檚 my first time back and I鈥檓 just excited to be here, to perform and namedrop all our friends in theater.鈥�

As for Ms. Domingo, as the star of the show, a major hurdle is that they will mount 50 shows in total over the play鈥檚 run 鈥� and she and the other leads have no alternates.

鈥淲e need vitamins, supplements, prayers,鈥� she said, 鈥淎nd we are studying each other鈥檚 parts.鈥�

She explained that while she is best known for her film work, she does theater every few years and makes sure each play is totally different 鈥� and this one is possibly the most challenging so far.

鈥淲e鈥檙e going to show you what, how, to be a theater person. So, everybody鈥檚 required to be a triple threat,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going to sing, we鈥檙e going to dance, we鈥檙e going to act. We鈥檙e fighting, we鈥檙e making you laugh, we鈥檙e making you cry, and most of all, you get out of the theater a little smarter, a little prouder, and a little more nationalistic.鈥�

Septic Tank 4 will be both a celebration and a commentary. The excerpt shown to the press early in May offered theater insider jokes. There were jabs at jukebox musicals being mounted left, right, and center; at playwright Rody Vera not being available; at distinct schools of acting ranging from Dulaang UP to Repertory Philippines to PETA itself; and at new theater audience members watching shows just to look sophisticated.

THE FUTURE OF THEATER
Mr. Rivera pointed out that poking fun doesn鈥檛 have to be malicious, as it can lead to more meaningful discussions.

鈥淎udience development is critical. The audiences now came from so many places, like Ang Huling El Bimbo and recently One More Chance the Musical with Ben&Ben,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t brought in new audiences to the theater. The point is to grow as a community as much as we can.鈥�

The process they underwent to choose which theater-makers would appear as themselves was rigorous, said playwright Mr. Martinez.

He conducted in-depth interviews, asking questions like 鈥淲hat does theater really mean for you? Why are you still in the theater when you already have all these options in front of you?鈥�

PETA artistic director J-Mee Katanyag added that doing it helped them 鈥渁sk questions about where today鈥檚 theater landscape will go.鈥�

鈥淏ecause it鈥檚 a contemporary or new work, it will be constantly updated throughout the run,鈥� she explained, on whether the material will shift depending on what鈥檚 happening in the real world of theater. 鈥淢ore seasoning will be added, but of course we鈥檒l have to make sure each issue is put in responsibly.鈥�

For Mr. Rivera, even the choice of Aurelio Tolentino鈥檚 Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas as the 鈥減lay within a play鈥� that the characters will mount is relevant.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 a very important choice done for this production because if you read it, it鈥檚 a very seditious play. It should remind us that theater has always been at the forefront of protest,鈥� he said.

Septic Tank 4 will not provide answers, said Ms. Katanyag, but it will hopefully give everyone ideas that may inform future actions regarding Philippine theater, 鈥渨hether as actors, creators, reviewers, or audience.鈥�

Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 4: Oh Sh*t! It鈥檚 Live Sa Cheter! is set to run from June 19 to Aug. 16 at the PETA Theater Center, Eyrnard Drive, in Quezon City. Tickets, ranging in price from P1,800 to P3,500, are now available via TicketWorld. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

Theater Review
Jesus Christ Superstar
Performances run until May 31
The Theatre at Solaire in Para帽aque City

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR explores the events in the final week leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot.

Told entirely through song, it鈥檚 the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus鈥� disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire that make this musical particularly interesting.

Disclosure: I approach this review as a JCS newbie, never having seen it in full before.

Like this international touring production鈥檚 resident director Richard Pitt said (See the sidebar. – Ed.), the unique combination of talents for this Manila stop resulted in a completely different flavor of the show. This one was mostly clean and sharp, with key moments of impact, though ultimately it played things safe.

The vocals were great, electrifying in parts and accompanied by a solid live band, led by musical director Harry Haden Brown. Meanwhile, the ensemble choreography let the material live and breathe in its own world filled with both worship and unrest.

The costuming was interesting, with everyone in modern active wear save for the eye-catching Sanhedrin, dressed in their sweeping robes and holding imposing staffs, which also doubled as microphones. Another awesome detail is in the staging, with a cross-shaped runway which the actors walked on, and used again later as the Last Supper table in a picture-perfect moment.

Among the cast, understudy Joshua Bess (subbing for Luke Street who had not arrived in Manila yet) and Javon King鈥檚 rapport as Jesus and Judas was electric. At times it may have seemed like King edged out in terms of vocals and depth of emotion, as he bared his soul and stained his hands with silver, but Bess鈥� rocker wailing came through at the height of certain showstoppers, namely 鈥淕ethsemane.鈥�

The angelic voice of Gab Pangilinan, who plays Mary Magdalene in the Manila leg of the tour, made 鈥淓verything鈥檚 Alright鈥� quite memorable and tinged her rendition of 鈥淚 Don鈥檛 Know How to Love Him鈥� with bittersweet emotion. Her addition was a source of vocal stability in a rock opera filled with such contrasting voices.

The most striking contrast would be within the Sanhedrin troupe, with Grant Hodges鈥� Caiaphas in a bass baritone and Kodiak Thompson鈥檚 Annas in a countertenor. Every scene with them in it held people鈥檚 attention.

Two powerful scenes that left an impact were the scourging of Jesus, with Hardy Benson鈥檚 Pilate counting down the lashes laid on Jesus鈥� back in an explosive buildup of energy; and Erich Schleck鈥檚 campy song and dance number as the drag queen-ified King Herod strutting in high heels around a beaten Jesus.

The final number, the titular 鈥淛esus Christ Superstar,鈥� ends in a triumphant, tragic, and thought-provoking note, all rolled in one, and it鈥檚 a good introduction for those who aren鈥檛 huge fans of the show and only know some of the songs.

Chalk it up to personal preference, but some people may be underwhelmed, especially those who prefer their rock musicals rawer and grittier than the clean look, sound, and feel of this production. But this iteration of Jesus Christ Superstar deserves a warm welcome, with a strong cast and crew that have imbued the material with their own identity.

鈥淭he Philippine theater industry is small and we know everyone. Every single time I enter a room, there鈥檚 someone to latch on to, so this was very different. It took a lot of mental preparation,鈥� Ms. Pangilinan told the media during a press conference preceding the Manila premiere of Jesus Christ Superstar in the Theatre at Solaire in Para帽aque City on May 5.

鈥淵ou have to be open and vulnerable, and it鈥檚 been great and wonderful,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his production is reintroducing me to my love for theater. Every time we step on stage, it feels like home even though I just met these people.鈥�

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice鈥檚 Jesus Christ Superstar is a worldwide phenomenon, first staged on Broadway in 1971. This time, as an international production, its cast features actors from the US, the UK, and Australia. Just for the Manila stop, there鈥檚 Ms. Pangilinan taking on the role of Mary Magdalene.

For a nation whose traditions include dramatizations of the Passion of Jesus Christ, the rock opera is a familiar one. What makes it unique in comparison, aside from the obvious musical, cultural, and aesthetic upgrades from the typical Passion play, are the humanized characters.

鈥淚 try to remove the pressure of having to fill in the shoes of an iconic role,鈥� Ms. Pangilinan said. 鈥淲e approach any role as the truth of that character, so it鈥檚 about what she stands for, what she believes in, which is Jesus.鈥�

The principal cast members come from previous tours of the production: Luke Street (Jesus), Javon King (Judas), Ethan Hardy Benson (Pilate), Grant Hodges (Caiaphas), Kodiak Thompson (Annas), and Erich Schleck (King Herod).

Because Mr. Street is not yet in Manila, his understudy Joshua Bess filled in for the time being. Not a stranger to the role, he explained that the key to playing it is to not think about the history.

鈥淚 try not to think of him as the religious figure, but as the man. It keeps me grounded,鈥� he said.

For Mr. King, who steps into the role of Judas, the goal is to humanize the characters so that audiences 鈥渓et go of all their preconceived notions.鈥�

鈥淸Judas] is misunderstood. The thing I always try to do with him is to lead with love because, if I don鈥檛 do that, it鈥檚 easy for the audience not to like him,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 want them to think a little bit harder about him.鈥�

Richard Pitt, resident director for this production, added that 鈥渆ach individual brings their personality,鈥� which in turn gives the overall show its own personality as well compared to previous iterations.

鈥淲e鈥檝e got people from different countries, so we have different cultures coming in. But when you watch, you won鈥檛 recognize who鈥檚 from where. They鈥檙e all just people,鈥� he said. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

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THE future of Shakespeare may well lie beyond the English language. That was the striking message I took away from a talk by translation studies scholar Professor Susan Bassnett at the British Shakespeare Conference in Hull in 2016.

Her point was simple but powerful: are likely to survive and flourish not only in English, but through translation, adaptation, and reinvention across the world. Inspired by this, I asked six of my colleagues from around the globe to share some Shakespeare adaptations in other languages that you might enjoy.

1. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
Hindi, based on Romeo and Juliet

Ram-Leela is as heady a mix as , in equal parts comic and tragic, tender and flamboyant. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali relocates the action of Verona to an Indian town riven by two criminal clans: Rajadis and Sanedas. Violence saturates daily life. Bullets spill from spice jars and a Rajadi child urinating on Saneda territory ignites a vicious brawl.

In such a world, can love bring peace? The leads鈥� scorching chemistry makes us hope. My students practically swooned during a screening. At the end, soulful lyrics such as 鈥�Tera naam ishq / Mera naam ishq鈥� (鈥淵our name is love / My name is love鈥�) frame the film鈥檚 Romeo and Juliet 鈥� Ram and Leela 鈥� through love rather than their hate-fueled lineage.

The film also gives depth to its Lady Capulet and nurse figures, while Leela is sensual, witty and brave. Juliet exactly as Shakespeare imagined her.

Varsha Panjwani teaches at New York University, London, and is the creator and host of the podcast .

2. (2012)
Catalan, based on Othello

An award-winning work of , 翱迟别濒路濒辞 transposes to a contemporary film studio. Such a meta-narrative approach feels in line with the play鈥檚 focus on the enticing power of storytelling 鈥� famously embodied in the character of Iago as its arch-villain.

Blending documentary, mockumentary, and thriller aesthetics, the film turns Iago into an unscrupulous filmmaker willing to cross every boundary in the name of art. With his role played by the actual director of the film (Hammudi Al-Rahmoun Font), the adaptation skillfully integrates form and content. We are, like Othello, manipulated into thinking that the fiction he has created is reality.

The film asks: To what extent are the images we absorb real? What purpose do they serve? And how do they ?

Inma S谩nchez Garc铆a is a lecturer in European languages and culture at the University of Edinburgh.

3. Throne of Blood (1957)
Japanese, based on Macbeth

The genius of Throne of Blood is that despite being set in 16^th century Japan and changing almost everything about the original, it is immediately recognizable as . It鈥檚 considered by many to be the greatest Shakespeare film ever made.

The mist-swirled locations, the screeching flute, and ominous drumbeats, the spooky old lady in the forest, and above all the samurai, barking orders and getting lost on their horses, can mean only that 鈥淢acbeth doth come.鈥� The final scene when Washizu鈥檚 (Macbeth鈥檚) soldiers turn on him with a hail of arrows may even represent an improvement on Shakespeare. Meanwhile his poker-faced lady clearly wears the kimono-trousers in their marriage.

Daniel Gallimore is a professor of literature and linguistics at Kwansei Gakuin University.

4. Bhrantibilas (1963)
Bengali, based on Comedy of Errors

If you asked me to pick a favorite Shakespeare film, I鈥檇 probably surprise people by saying Bhrantibilas. It鈥檚 one of the earliest filmed Shakespeare adaptations in Indian cinema. It was also the inspiration for the globally popular film Angoor (1982).

What I love about it is how confidently it relocates into a Bengali urban world without ever feeling like a dutiful 鈥渓iterary鈥� exercise. A huge part of its lasting appeal is Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar. It鈥檚 pure pleasure watching him play the twin roles 鈥� Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus, identical twins separated at birth, whose accidental reunion causes chaos. His comic timing is razor-sharp, and there鈥檚 also an ease and charm that makes the confusion feel human, never mechanical.

Decades on, audiences still return to Bhrantibilas, often knowing every gag by heart, which says a lot about its cultural afterlife. For me, it鈥檚 a perfect example of how Shakespeare survives not through reverence but through reinvention 鈥� absorbed into popular cinema and kept alive by star power, humor, and sheer re-watchability.

Koel Chatterjee is a lecturer in English at Regent College, and the creator and host of and .

5. Rahm (2016)
Urdu, based on Measure for Measure

has long been regarded as a 鈥減roblem play.鈥� Disfavored among Shakespeare鈥檚 works for centuries, it hit stages again in the 20^th century and reached new audiences through its resonances with the #MeToo movement.

A local leader tells a devout woman that if she loses her virginity to him, he will spare her imprisoned brother鈥檚 life. This film shifts the action from early modern, Catholic Vienna to an ambiguous period in Islamic Lahore. Moderate and extremist versions of faith contend, against the backdrop of the city. This film鈥檚 billing as a thriller, and status as the only big screen version of the play, help raise it from obscurity.

6. To The Marriage of True Minds (2010)
Arabic, based on 鈥淪onnet 116鈥�

This short film expands on one of Shakespeare鈥檚 shortest forms: . It riffs on 鈥�,鈥� heard at countless weddings: 鈥淟et me not to the marriage of true minds 鈥� admit impediments.鈥� Here, its Arabic translation provides both the back story to 鈥� and future hope for 鈥� an asylum-seeking couple in a same-sex relationship, Falah (Amir Boutrous) and Hayder (Waleed Elgadi).

The story of their journey by sea, and shots of a tossed-about paper boat reference the poem鈥檚 sea-voyage imagery. Over 12 tense minutes, we hold our breath to see whether the Iraqi poet and his childhood beloved will overcome the impediments of religious conservatism, on one shore, and an apparently hostile asylum system on the other. 鈥� The Conversation via Reuters Connect

Sarah Olive is a senior lecturer in English literature at Aston University.

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Exhibitions at West Gallery for May

FIVE exhibits are now on view at West Gallery in Quezon City. There鈥檚 Celine Lee鈥檚 Times: Expansion of Matter, depicting a collection of explosions resulting from missile strikes in the early stages of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. The images were composed by generative artificial intelligence and adjusted by Ms. Lee as she seared and polished them onto copper sheets. In Anj Pe鈥檚 Nothing and Everything, For the Time Being, viewers are invited to a meditative journey into everyday life by seeing familiar items in paintings as if encountered for the very first time. Other exhibitions this month are Eugene Jarque鈥檚 Offcuts, Mac Valdezco鈥檚 Bagyong Bahaghari, and a collaboration between artists Miguel Aquilizan and Jessica Dorizac, titled Pilgrimage: Telescopic realities, kaleidoscope dreams. These all run until June 6 at West Gallery.

Indonesian artist鈥檚 debut show in the Philippines

GAJAH GALLERY is presenting An Endless Soul, a Boundless Feeling, the debut exhibition of Indonesian artist Ibrahim in the Philippines. It presents 15 new works shaped by color and intuition. His paintings are meant to evoke sensory exploration as they are reconfigured into vivid textured landscapes. Curated by Alain Zedrick Camiling, Ibrahim鈥檚 exhibition runs until May 24 at Gajah Gallery, NBS Park, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City.

Rift Gallery mounts group exhibit

NINETEEN artists have gathered at Rift Gallery this May to transform the space into a modern playground. Through various art forms, they offer reappraisals of playground rules, interrogations of the hybrid and the hyperreal and of advertorial and algorithmic content; critiques of gamified consumerism; and reminiscences of carefree days of childhood. The artists are Andrew Rimpola, Carlos Jose Camus, Cristina Escario, Dan Mendoza, Ferd Failano, Francis Valles Bejar, Hyacinth Laoke, Joel Casimiro, Kate Callangan, Kean Barrameda, Michael Joselo, Mio Aceremo, Pam Liban-Sarmiento, Patreng Non, Raha Rodriguez, Shangrila Viola, Teepee Gile, Timo Ambo, and Trina Clemente Nguyen. The show runs until May 31 at Rift Gallery, VV Soliven, EDSA, San Juan City.

CCP Channel offers stories of Filipino heritage

THIS MAY, in line with National Heritage Month, the CCP Channel is highlighting content on the interconnectedness of Filipinos. Guided by the theme 鈥淩oots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future,鈥� the streaming platform鈥檚 lineup weaves together stories that bridge generations to shape national sensibility. From Cinemalaya are Iar Arondaing鈥檚 Musmos na Sumibol sa Gubat ng Digma, Mark Sicat dela Cruz鈥� Misteryo ng Hapis, and Sol Garcia鈥檚 Tagapagligtas. From the Virgin Labfest鈥檚 14^th edition comes the play Labor Room, written by Maki dela Rosa and co-directed by Jos茅 Estrella and Issa Manalo Lopez. The CCP Channel also shares educational and dance performance videos of Singkil: Sagip sa Sintang Ibig and Pal贸bo: Pags煤yo sa Siphayo ng Pobreng Puso from the CCP T(A)YONG Dalawa project in 2023.

Mari Dance Company restages a dance in a day in a dance

THE Mari Dance Company is set to restage its acclaimed production, a dance in a day in a dance by choreographer JM Cabling, from May 16 to 31 at the Doreen Black Box Theater, Aret茅, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City. Shaped by musical theater director Mikko Angeles, with Al Garcia reprising his role as the Choreographer, the work unifies five distinct choreographic voices into a single evening that reflects the realities of dance making in the Philippines today. The full-length contemporary dance production brings these together to narrate the lives of dancers and choreographers. Four were developed through the Cultural Center of the Philippines鈥� (CCP) Choreographer鈥檚 Series and other dance programs. The production features alternating performances by ballet dancers Georgette Sanchez-Vargas, Ea Torrado, and Janine Arisola-Cabrera. Tickets are available via maridance.com.

Nonie Buencamino stars in Rep鈥檚 Man of La Mancha

REPERTORY PHILIPPINES (Rep) is set to restage the classic musical Man of La Mancha, the story of literary hero Don Quixote. There will be a limited four-weekend run from June 5 to 28 at the Rep Eastwood Theater, 4F Citywalk 2, Eastwood City, Quezon City. The musical will be directed by Nelsito Gomez and will star 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee, Nonie Buencamino. He will be making his comeback into musicals as Alonso Quijano/Don Quixote, a man on a dedicated mission to restore honor, justice, and beauty to a world tainted by cynicism and hatred.

TGA casts Celeste Legaspi in The Notebook

THEATRE GROUP ASIA (TGA) has announced that iconic Filipino performer Celeste Legaspi will take on the role of Older Allie in its production of The Notebook, The Musical. Ms. Legaspi will join Morissette as Middle Allie and Sheena Belarmino as Younger Allie in the play鈥檚 multi-generational ensemble. Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter, the musical portrays love as it evolves through youth, adulthood, and old age. It will be staged in September.

Back in 2001, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community came together and held the first edition of White Party Manila, which was meant to promote local businesses in Manila鈥檚 district of Malate, fight for their advocacies, and educate people about gender equality. Over time, it became the largest annual gathering of LGBT+ Filipinos in Metro Manila.

Held every June in time for Pride Month at the corner of Julio Nakpil and Maria Orosa Streets, it used to have dance floors, DJ sets, and live performances. Later iterations had it in clubs in Ortigas, until complications in organizing brought the event to a halt.

With the theme 鈥淩eignite,鈥� White Party Manila will return in 2026, to take place on June 27 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

At the media launch on May 9, Mentorque Productions and HIV advocacy group LoveYourself, Inc., revealed that the return of the iconic gathering will be 鈥済rounded in a deeper commitment to community care, health, wellness, and empowerment.鈥�

LoveYourself provides HIV testing and treatment services to Filipinos nationwide.

鈥淣one of our programs would be possible without those who share about us and use platforms to reach a bigger audience,鈥� said Dr. Ronivin G. Pagtakhan, LoveYourself founder, at the media launch.

鈥淭here鈥檚 always an increase of HIV cases every year, every day, which is sad. When the cases of HIV are high, it鈥檚 scary because it鈥檚 an epidemic in the country and our surveillance here is passive,鈥� he explained. 鈥淏ut those who get tested get to be part of the statistic. Since it鈥檚 rising, that means more and more people are actually getting tested and gaining access to life-saving programs.鈥�

In addition to HIV treatments like pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis, LoveYourself has also been providing free treatments for tuberculosis. They also offer counseling for LGBT+ Filipinos facing mental health challenges, including transgender people who require transitioning counselling.

CHANGING COMMUNITY
Mentorque Productions unveiled a lineup of White Party Manila ambassadors, each with their own spheres of influence in the local LGBT+ community, led by actress-comedienne Vice Ganda.

The ambassadors include vlogger Mimiyuuuh, celebrity couple Joey and Angie Mead King, actress-host Jervi Wrightson, actor John 鈥淪weet鈥� Lapus, singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra, director and theater actor Andoy Ranay, actor Alex Diaz, and actresses Janella Salvador and Klea Pineda.

There will also be a fashion collection by designer Bang Pineda, to complement the White Party Manila鈥檚 aesthetic.

John Bryan Diamante, founder and chief executive officer of Mentorque Productions, told 大象传媒 that the party brings together 鈥渨orld-class production and inclusive programming at a time when community gatherings are needed the most.鈥�

鈥淭welve years ago, the community was really strong. We all knew each other better,鈥� he said, on the sidelines of the media launch. 鈥淚 think in this chaotic social media landscape, this event harkens back to that. The Gen Zs especially can have real connections and meet people in their community.鈥�

Because White Party Manila started out as a safe space, its role in today鈥檚 fractured world is to be 鈥渁 vehicle for this sense of belonging.鈥�

To reach the Gen Z crowd, performers that will grace the White Party stage include pop band Ben&Ben, singer-songwriter Maki, rapper Gloc-9, and drag performer Marina Summers. The organizers assured that many drag queens will be making an appearance, with Miss Jade So offering a taste of her magic at the media launch.

鈥淭he culture of rave parties, we鈥檒l bring that in as well. Overall, it will present a mixture of Pinoy pop culture,鈥� Mr. Diamante said.

He added that they are hoping to have 15,000 to 20,000 attendees at the World Trade Center. In its peak years, the event always drew over 10,000.

For Mr. Pagtakhan, guiding the younger generation in terms of both sexual identity and sexual health is the way to strengthen the LGBT+ community in the Philippines.

Mr. Diamante said that the reason the White Party is white is because it鈥檚 a coming together of all the colors of the rainbow, with no bias for anyone.

鈥淚t鈥檚 to show that we鈥檙e together, that we鈥檙e united,鈥� he explained. 鈥淎nd when they see all the icons that will be there, it will show that the LGBTQIA+ community are also movers and shakers of this country.鈥�

The full lineup of performers will be revealed soon. Tickets 鈥� priced at P1,500 for general admission, P2,000 for walk-ins, and P7,000 for VIP access 鈥� are available via Ticket2Me. 鈥� Bront毛 H. Lacsamana

DURING the 1960s, in a country divided by racial strife, the music of Berry Gordy, Jr.鈥檚 Motown Records helped bring people together.

Motown was noted for star performers like Mary Wells, The Miracles, The Supremes, The Temptations, , Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. But, behind the scenes, a talented group of lesser known women were driving the hits in Hitsville U.S.A.

I鈥檓 a and author of the biography It鈥檚 No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown鈥檚 Legendary Songwriter Sylvia Moy. Researching my book inspired me to find other women who contributed to the Detroit label鈥檚 era of chart dominance and helped change the music industry, despite going largely unrecognized for their efforts.

I listened to Motown growing up, but it wasn鈥檛 until 2021, while sitting at home during the pandemic, that I discovered Moy鈥檚 history as the lyricist for Stevie Wonder and how she helped .

Because Moy died in 2017, I wasn鈥檛 able to speak with her for the book. Instead I researched her life by reading countless interviews she gave, along with talking to her former colleagues at Motown, family, and ethnomusicologists, who are scholars that study music through the lens of culture.

ARCHITECT OF THE EARLY SOUND
When Gordy was organizing his company, was one of the original five founding members who arrived in 1958. She was the label鈥檚 first secretary and its first female songwriter after co-writing, with Gordy, the song 鈥�.鈥� That song was released on in 1959 and performed by Barrett Strong. When Motown was incorporated the following year, the song became the label鈥檚 first hit record on the R&B chart and Billboard Hot 100.

Later, Bradford co-wrote 鈥溾�� for Wonder and 鈥�,鈥� first recorded by The Temptations and later, Marvin Gaye. Bradford, who later became Motown鈥檚 director of writer鈥檚 relations, teamed up with pianist Richard 鈥淧opcorn鈥� Wylie in the early 1960s to form Janard, a small production company.

Bradford鈥檚 collection of poetry is what captured Gordy鈥檚 attention, so he encouraged her to be a songwriter. Her witty lyrics told stories about situations that most anyone could relate to 鈥� namely, money and love 鈥� blended with up-tempo, thumping beats.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION AS A PRODUCER
Another key figure who paved the way with the Motown sound was Raynoma Gordy Singleton, who was . She organized Motown during its beginnings by completing the necessary paperwork to incorporate the business. Known as 鈥淢iss Ray鈥� to some and 鈥淢other Motown鈥� to others, she located the legendary house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard that became the Motown headquarters and, decades later, the .

In her role as the label鈥檚 first executive vice-president, she established a tape library. A piano virtuoso and singer, the Cass Technical High School graduate wrote that she was able to . As a result, she became the company鈥檚 first female arranger and producer by putting together its first backup vocal group, the Rayber Voices, in 1958.

鈥淧roducing records was where the action was controlled 鈥� and where the money was to be made,鈥� she wrote in her memoir, The Untold Story: Berry, Me, and Motown, which aimed to reclaim her place in the Motown echelon.

During the 1960s, women weren鈥檛 considered producers because of broader biases and norms in the male-dominated music industry. Even so, Miss Ray got credit for producing Jimmy Ruffin鈥檚 song 鈥溾�� in 1961.

Earning a producer鈥檚 credit was a sign of legitimacy. Most producers received a songwriting credit and determined who received credit in the liner notes for their contribution to the recording.

While women mostly worked in administrative roles at Motown, there still weren鈥檛 any female full-time, in-house songwriters and producers. Like the rest of the music industry back then, was patriarchal with those positions.

THE FIRST CERTIFIED FEMALE SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER
Yet this imbalanced gender dynamic at Motown didn鈥檛 stop Sylvia Moy.

There hadn鈥檛 been any women producers behind significant, popular songs at Motown until Moy arrived, according to interviews I conducted for her biography.

Motown was at its peak in 1964. Demand for new songs was intense. When the label鈥檚 executives realized how skillfully the two audition songs Moy performed were composed, they decided that her future was in songwriting instead of singing.

Discovered by William 鈥淢ickey鈥� Stevenson and Marvin Gaye, Moy was hired as the first female in-house songwriter, competing with eminent colleagues like Smokey Robinson, Norman Whitfield, and the songwriting trio Holland-Dozier-Holland who wrote chart-topping singles. Moy made more history in 1965 after Stevie Wonder鈥檚 鈥�.鈥�

While she received the songwriting credit and helped revive the teenaged Wonder鈥檚 career, Moy wasn鈥檛 given the producer鈥檚 credit, unlike her two male counterparts, Stevenson and Henry 鈥淗ank鈥� Cosby.

A lack of recognition stymied Moy鈥檚 career opportunities. If a songwriter or producer wasn鈥檛 credited, their value could not be validated or established, which made it harder for them to find work at other record labels.

According to my research, Moy revealed that she never got producer credit for any of her work while at Motown. This is why her legacy was .

Other tunes she wrote for Wonder were 鈥淚 Was Made to Love Her,鈥� 鈥淢y Cherie Amour,鈥� and 鈥淲ith A Child鈥檚 Heart,鈥� co-written with Vicki Basemore. Moy also wrote Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston鈥檚 鈥淚t Takes Two鈥� and The Isley Brothers鈥� 鈥淭his Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You).鈥� Though songwriter Eddie Holland told me he gave her a co-writing credit for 鈥淭his Old Heart of Mine,鈥� Moy鈥檚 name was not listed on the record, only Holland-Dozier-Holland.

Interviews I conducted with Moy鈥檚 family members and research from an ethnomusicologist suggest she was even an uncredited co-writer for Wonder鈥檚 鈥�,鈥� his first song as a solo producer, and The Temptations鈥� 鈥�.鈥�

However, Holland denied this claim in an interview with me, though he also admitted that the song鈥檚 late co-writer and producer, Norman Whitfield, presented him with the lyrics, and he wasn鈥檛 sure where they came from.

FULL CREDIT ALONG WITH CREATIVE CONTROL
In 1968, Valerie Simpson became Motown鈥檚 first female songwriter to also receive a producer credit. This possibly happened because her songwriting partner was her husband, Nickolas Ashford.

Other famous female songwriters like , , and also had a prominent husband in the music industry. Sylvia Moy did not, which made what she did unprecedented.

in 2023 that the credit was difficult to attain because so few women were producers back then. It finally happened with the Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye song 鈥淎in鈥檛 Nothing Like The Real Thing,鈥� with Simpson getting credit for co-writing, co-producing, and performing background vocals along with Ashford.

This was their third hit tune by Terrell and Gaye, who also recorded 鈥淎in鈥檛 No Mountain High Enough鈥� and 鈥淵our Precious Love,鈥� in 1967. The following year, they had another hit with 鈥淵ou鈥檙e All I Need to Get By,鈥� which Ashford and Simpson also co-wrote, co-produced and did background vocals on.

Simpson became the first Black woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame . Moy became the second .

Though female songwriters and producers continue the in the recording studio, the doors were opened by the tenacious women of Motown. It is because of them that future generations of female creatives know what is possible. 鈥� The Conversation via Reuters Connect

is an emeritus professor at the University of Illinois Chicago.

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