Roy Veneracion: The Art of Syncretism at The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel

 

Roy Veneracion's Art of Syncretism at The Manila Hotel's Art Gallery

The Art Gallery by The Manila Hotel presents The Art of Syncretism, a compelling exhibition featuring the works of esteemed Filipino artist Roy Veneracion. Officially opened on July 16, 2025, the exhibit runs through August 16, 2025, offering hotel guests and art enthusiasts the opportunity to experience Veneracion’s signature aesthetic philosophy.

A Feeling for Pure Painting by Roy Veneracion

A pioneering force in the Philippine contemporary art, Veneracion is widely recognized for his use of Aesthetic Syncretism, a practice that interweaves seemingly opposing ideas, cultural references, and disparate visual idioms into a cohesive artistic language. Through this method, he creates intricate works that defy categorization and challenge conventional artistic norms. The 9-piece exhibit features a selection of Veneracion’s works, from translucent abstract compositions and bold, expressive brushstrokes to deeply symbolic and layered mixed-media pieces.

Who Cares by Roy Veneracion

“Roy Veneracion’s ability to unify diverse elements into cohesive and thought-provoking pieces reflects a profound understanding of art as a living, evolving dialogue. We are honored to showcase this exhibit in the Art Gallery,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

Lucid Dreaming by Roy Veneracion

Roy Veneracion: The Art of Syncretism is on display at the Art Gallery until August 16, 2025. Admission is free. For interested buyers, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

PUMA UNVEILES THE PRIME SQUARED COLLECTION: ELEVATED STREET STYLE MEETS EVERYDAY STATEMENT

 

PUMA Southeast Asia is proud to launch the Prime Squared collection, a bold new chapter in streetwear designed to meet the demands of fast-paced city life. This latest collection fuses style with cutting-edge fashion, capturing the spirit, energy, and individuality found in the heartbeat of urban streets.

The Prime Squared collection represents a fusion of bold expression and urban utility, it’s made for the street — where energy, culture, and motion collide. Every piece is designed to keep up with the relentless rhythm of city life while making a distinct visual statement.

The collection will roll out in two drops. Drop 1 features a versatile palette of earthy and neutral tones such as Khaki, White, Black, and Muted Green. Drop 2 introduces a more vibrant colour story, including striking hues like Electric Blue, deep Wine Red, and soft Blush Pink.

These hues are combined with sleek design and performance-driven construction to create pieces as bold as the personalities who wear them. Key design features include structured tailoring, layered textures, technical fabrics, and functional accents, all thoughtfully crafted to allow freedom of movement without compromising style.

The PUMA Prime Squared collection will be available on PUMA.com, PUMA stores, and select PUMA stockists starting July 2025 for Drop 1, while Drop 2 lands online and in stores this October 2025.

CCP’s National Theatre Live explores mortality and morality in tragic drama classics Hamlet and A Streetcar Named Desire

 

Hamlet

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its groundbreaking program CCP National Theatre Live, traverses the complex human mind in classics “Hamlet” and “A  Streetcar Named Desire” this July.

Shot live from the National Theatres in London, Hamlet returns to the Philippine shore this July 29, 6:00 p.m., at Glorietta 4 Cinema 4 in Makati City, while A Streetcar Named Desire will premiere at the Ayala Malls Vertis North & Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu on the same date and time.

The downward spiral of a vengeful son

Watch Prince Hamlet’s slow descent to madness after his father’s ghosts reveal the truth about his own death. Academy Award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) plays the titular character in William Shakespeare's most famous play.

Directed by Lyndsey Turner and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, this version of Hamlet seems to dissect the Prince of Denmark and his darkening world with political precision and psychological insight. The staging of the Shakespearean tragedy has been hailed for its acting and visual modern setting, emphasizing the continuing relevance of the classic play in today’s generation.  

This world-renowned Elizabethan classic explores the complexity of the human psyche and the consequences of love, revenge and grief. For its broadcast debut in 2015, Hamlet broke all records and became the fastest-selling event in London theater history. Tickets were sold out before rehearsals at the theater even began.

What desire does to the mind

A Streetcar Named Desire

Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece: A Streetcar Named Desire. 

In this play, as Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace. But her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski.

From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014.

Published in 1947, during the aftermath of the Second World War, this masterpiece revolves around the taboo themes of class tensions, female sexuality, homosexuality, and male domination – all of which simultaneously coexisted with the social dilemmas of the time.

A Streetcar Named Desire had its first staging on December 3, 1947, with the performance ending with a short, surprised silence before a thunder of applause that lasted 30 minutes.

Bringing London’s bests to the Philippine screens

Committed to the preservation and promotion of the arts, CCP’s National Theatre Live, in partnership with National Theatre Live London and Ayala Malls Cinemas, aims to make world-class theatre performances more accessible to Filipinos and ingrain a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.

Since its launch in June 2009, National Theatre Live broadcasts the best of British theater live from the London stage to cinemas around the world. NTL films their plays in front of live theater audiences, but optimized for the big screen and made accessible to theater fans outside of the United Kingdom.

Regular ticket prices are PHP300 in Makati and Cebu, and PHP350 in Vertis North, with special ticket price for students at PHP150 upon presentation of valid ID. Visit the cinema ticket booth or book online via www.sureseats.com. 

To get the latest updates on CCP’s National Theatre Live and other events, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more news. 

Savor global flavors and experience the action at World Kitchens Platinum Cinema

 

Looking for a different kind of movie night? The City of Firsts has something special just for you! Enjoy an adventure for the senses at the newly launched World Kitchens Platinum Cinema on Level 4 of Gateway Mall 1. Experience a truly one-of-a-kind cinematic offering while partaking in a gastronomic feast featuring the global flavors from World Kitchen’s globally-renowned chefs.

WK PC Lounge 1

“This is part of our goal to keep raising the bar for cinema experiences in Metro Manila,” Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom said. “Following the opening of Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge, the World Kitchens Platinum Cinema brings something new to the table—taking the joy of watching a movie and taking it up a notch by pairing it with global culinary favorites.”

Bringing this vision to life, World Kitchens Platinum Cinema delivers on the promise of an elevated cinematic experience. It features 40 La-Z-Boy recliners, to ensure absolute comfort while enjoying the biggest and latest blockbusters. To ensure complete and absolute immersion, Digital Dolby Surround Sound fills the space with clear, layered audio. It also comes with a state-of-the-art screen that transports you to the very heart of the action.

WK PC 40 La-Z-Boy recliners

And as if the setting weren’t enticing enough, the experience is made even more memorable by the food. While enjoying your film in style, you may also delight in a veritable selection of some of the most mouthwatering treats from any of World Kitchens’ show kitchens representing some of the most sought-after cuisines of the world. For every ticket comes a choice of main dish from World Kitchens, Araneta City’s one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind dining concept located at Gateway Mall 2, and a bottle of water.

Have your pick from a list of sumptuous options including succulent Chicken Teppanyaki from Shinshima, served hot with mixed vegetables. Or a decadent serving of Lasagna from Dario’s Pizza and More, layered with Bolognese beef sauce, béchamel, and mozzarella.

HK Ma’s Bistro, meanwhile, offers a crowd favorite: Braised Pork Belly Chinese Bao. The You No Men, on the other hand, delivers a symphony of flavors with every bowl of Maze Soba. For those looking for something crunchy, Calamari from Unagi Yukimitsu or Prana’s Papad Crusted Crispy Chicken are your best bets. Another savory option, delivered by way of Asador de Manila is the Conchinillo Queso El Sandwich. Chef Jessie serves up a classic: 2pcs Burger Sliders with Fries, a definite crowd pleaser! And for those who crave sushi, you’re in luck, as Kuro Maguro offers Salmon Samurai Roll.

Still looking for more? Additional dishes are available for order as add-ons through the à la carte menu at the cinema lounge for an extra charge. The lounge also doubles as a cozy waiting area or a laid-back hangout spot for post-movie conversations.

“We’ve made sure that every moment you spend at World Kitchens Platinum Cinema is an unforgettable one. Whether you’re on a date, bonding with the barkada or the family, we’re accentuating your movie-going experience with a gastronomic journey that you can only have here,” Jose said.

To pair with your meal, the bar menu offers many refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages suited to your taste. A curated wine list, imported beers, and specialty juices round out the offerings.

“At World Kitchens Platinum Cinema, every part of this one-of-a-kind cinema experience is fine-tuned to bring you only the best. From the technologically-advanced audio-visual system to the meticulously crafted dishes, we’re all about taking the experience of watching a movie to the next level,” Jose added.

Each ticket is priced at ₱990. Book yours now through the Araneta City app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. You may also purchase your tickets directly from the ticket booth.

To know more about the show schedules, deals, and updates, visit https://www.gatewaycineplex18.com/. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to stay updated. Meanwhile, for more information about World Kitchens and all the delightful offerings it has, please visit www.worldkitchens.com.ph. To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, visit www.aranetacity.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.

How to get relief from travel constipation

 

When traveling, don't just sit and sleep. Walking around simulates muscle contractions in the digestive system, which helps you poop.

So you’re on a vacation—and apparently, so is your ability to poop. What is it about going on trips that suddenly make our bathroom habit so difficult and straining, even to the most regular among us?

“The infrequent or irregular passing of stool when you’re on a vacation is so common, there’s actually a name for it—traveler’s constipation,” says Frederick D. Leelin, MD, a gastroenterologist from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “If your travel involves flight, the constipation is likely due to dehydration from dry airplane air. Hours of sitting prevent muscles from contracting to help move the food you eat through your digestive system. Crossing time zones throws your circadian rhythm out of whack, messing up not just your sleep routine but your regular bowel movement too.”

Traveler’s constipation also happens when vacationers put their healthy eating habits on hold, indulging in fried and fatty food instead of fiber-rich fruits and greens, which are guaranteed to make you go. “But traveler’s constipation can simply be caused by your being in new and unfamiliar territory,” adds Dr. Leelin. “When there are passengers waiting in line for you to finish using the plane’s restroom, you tend to get self-conscious and hold it in.”

Thankfully, the condition is temporary and can even be resolved while you’re still on holiday with a few simple tricks from MakatiMed:

Drink. From during the flight to when you’re exploring tourist attractions and sitting down to sample local cuisine, drinking softens stool, making it easier to pass. “Choose water over soda and alcohol. Both have diuretic properties, which will just get you dehydrated,” advises Dr. Leelin.

Eat. “Fruits are a tasty and healthy way to stay hydrated. Apples and pears have high water content, while papaya and prunes are natural laxatives,” the doctor explains. “Vegetables, of course, are an excellent source of fiber and water, which you need. Include leafy greens like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and lettuce in your meals.”

Move. Don’t spend your holidays just sitting and sleeping. “Walk as much as you can, and use your hotel’s gym or pool to squeeze in some exercise. Physical activity stimulates muscle contractions in the digestive system, which helps you poop,” reminds Dr. Leelin.

Get a little help. If you still haven’t gone and your constipation’s making you bloated and gassy, relieve yourself with an over-the-counter laxative. Teas with senna and powdered drinks containing psyllium fiber are more “natural” laxatives that also do the job nicely. “Timing is of the essence when it comes to laxatives,” warns Dr. Leelin. “Laxatives take effect between 6-12 hours, so if you have a full day of plans and don’t have access to a bathroom, make sure you do your business before you leave your accommodations.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.