When It Rains, It Pours…3 Comfort Foods + Gut Care Musts

 

Rainy day comfort food

Rainy days can feel like a downer — gray skies, slow routines, and moods that sink as quickly as the temperature. Most of the time, this season also brings the inevitable cough and colds and a general feeling of being under the weather.

But every downpour has its perks: the little rituals and guilty pleasures that make staying in worth savoring.

You could curl up with a book, nap the afternoon away, or binge your favorite shows — but nothing lifts spirits quite like comfort food. Warm, hearty dishes have a way of hugging you from the inside out, turning gloomy weather into cozy, joy-filled moments.

Many Filipino favorites are sure to spark memories of rainy afternoons spent at home or gathered around the table with family. And sure, indulging feels amazing — but with a few tweaks, your go-to rainy day comfort food can also be a little kinder to your gut and help give your immune system a little boost:

Champorado with Tuyo

Champorado — the chocolate rice porridge we all grew up with — is a certified rainy-day classic. Sweet, warm, and nostalgic on its own, but pair it with salty tuyo and you’ve got the ultimate comfort combo: cozy, homey, and the perfect pick-me-up for any gloomy morning or lazy afternoon.

To make this recipe a bit kinder to your gut, try swapping out the sticky white rice with whole grains like brown rice and avoiding using packaged tsokolate, and using pure dark chocolate instead.

Pandesal with Hot Tsokolate or Kape

Pandesal is the ultimate Filipino staple, loved by all, rain or shine, young or old. Soft, warm, and endlessly versatile, it pairs well with just about anything. But nothing beats the classic combo: pandesal with hot tsokolate or kape, a simple yet comforting duo that instantly brightens hazy mornings and gloomy meriendas.

Give this classic a gut-friendly twist—swap your pandesal for whole grain, go for pure dark choco in your tsokolate, or shake things up with a soothing peppermint or ginger tea.

Lugaw or Arroz Caldo

Lugaw or Arroz Caldo is more than just food — it’s a hug in a bowl. It brings back memories of mom taking care of you when you were sick, but its soothing, hearty, and easy-to-digest goodness also makes it the perfect companion for chilly, cozy nights when you just need to warm up from the inside out.

Give your Lugaw or Arroz Caldo a gut-friendly upgrade with brown rice, lean chicken breast, and even a handful of legumes, like peas or chickpeas, for extra goodness.

Cozy Bites and Gut Care Musts: Finding Balance on Rainy Days

Rainy-day cravings calling? Indulge away — just keep it balanced so your gut can weather the storm, too.

Comfort foods may lift your mood, but don’t forget your gut needs extra love when your immune system is down. Rainy days also bring a higher risk of water contamination from leaks, floods, or stagnant puddles during those momentary pauses, which means this is also the time when your drinking water isn’t always the cleanest.

So, aside from hydrating and making your fave treats a little more gut-friendly, a daily dose of probiotics like Erceflora might also be helpful with proper diet and exercise.

Erceflora Probiotics with billions of 4-strain Intelli-spores is for all ages above 6 months old. It aims to aid in the enhancement of natural resistance to intestinal infections, the enhancement of intestinal ecology, the improvement of digestion, and the improvement of lactose malabsorption with proper diet and exercise.

Erceflora Gut Defense helps improve digestion with 2 billion Intelli-spores—especially during routine changes or travel with proper diet and exercise. Erceflora Gut Restore delivers 4 billion Intelli-spores— one mini bottle per day for 7 days from the onset of gut infection symptoms or as directed by a physician with proper diet and exercise.

When it pours, it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up, dig in, but always remember to keep your gut happy and healthy too.

 

Cinemalaya sails to bigger and better shores with new venue partners this October

 

For the 21st edition of Cinemalaya, the pioneering independent film festival returns with the theme “Layag: sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos”, turning the big screen into a reflection of brave and persevering Filipino stories. Ten full-length films and ten short film entries are set for screening from October 3 to October 12 in three partner venues: Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex 18. 

Since its inception in 2005, the Cinemalaya is traditionally held in the theaters of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The ongoing rehabilitation at the Center has led to the festival finding  new venues to continue its tradition of discovering, encouraging, and supporting the cinematic works of upcoming and veteran Filipino filmmakers who boldly articulate and freely interpret the Philippine experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.

This year, Shangri-La Plaza will serve as the main hub of the festival for the first time. In addition to its long-standing partnership with Ayala Malls Cinemas, Cinemalaya will now also hold screenings at Gateway Cineplex 18 throughout the festival period. 

“We are excited to serve as a flagship venue for Cinemalaya’s 21st edition as it reflects our commitment to cultivating local film and cultural expression. As part of our Culture in Focus program, this marks the beginning of our partnership with Cinemalaya in bringing fresh and daring stories to our screens,” said Arrianne M. Nadurata, Senior Retail Marketing Manager of Shangri-La Plaza Corporation.

Ayala Malls Cinemas, a steadfast partner of the CCP and Cinemalaya for over two decades, reaffirmed its commitment to Philippine cinema. “Ayala Malls Cinemas is proud to continue its partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Cinemalaya, serving as a home for Filipino artistry on the big screen. This enduring collaboration reflects our shared dedication to championing the voices of visionary Filipino filmmakers and celebrating the boundless spirit of local cinema. As Cinemalaya 21 unfolds, we are honored to showcase these powerful stories, uniting audiences in a timeless celebration of culture, creativity, and community,” said Yvette Roldan, Head of Ancillary Business and the Cinemas.

“As a new venue partner of Cinemalaya, Gateway Cineplex 18 is committed to amplifying the unique and bold voices of independent filmmakers across the country. It’s an honor to host these important films within our theaters,” said Irene L. Jose, Chief Operating Officer of Uniprom, Inc. 

With these additional venues, Cinemalaya 21 will not only bridge some of the most prominent local cinemas together, but it also opens more doors for film lovers and avid cinema goers to experience the thriving industry of Filipino cinema. This move reflects the festival’s enduring dedication to bringing the best of Filipino independent filmmaking even closer to the hearts of its audiences.

For over two decades, Cinemalaya has served as both compass and vessel for filmmakers who sail their stories of truth, identity, struggle, and hope, to spotlight the voices of their community. As Cinemalaya continues to navigate the evolving tides of Filipino cinema, it promises to persist and endure amidst the strongest of unos.

Witness unique Filipino narratives come to life from October 3 to October 12, 2025, at the Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Malls Cinemas, and Gateway Cineplex 18. 

Effective anti-acne creams and simple life hacks

 

They’re the bane of the awkward teenage years—unsightly, painful pimples that grow in clusters or in obvious spots like your forehead or right smack on the tip of your nose. But the end of adolescence doesn’t mean the end of acne, particularly cystic acne—large, pus-filled pimples forming deep under the skin. While pimples are a result of hormonal changes that occur in puberty, the pimples of cystic acne are the result of an infection.

“When oil and dead skin cells collect and clog the pores, they attract bacteria that can cause infection,” explains Julie Anne Patricia M. Songco, MD a dermatologist of top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “To fight potential infection, the body releases white blood cells. This buildup of debris, pus, and blood creates large, swollen pimples. Because they develop deep under the skin, they can leave scars once resolved.”

Common among those with oily skin, cystic acne has also been traced to certain medications, sweat and humidity, a family history of the skin condition, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Cystic acne can stay on your skin indefinitely if you leave it be. But if you’ve got an important appointment that requires clear, beautiful skin—a crucial job interview or your wedding day—get the ball rolling with time-tested products and simple life hacks from the MakatiMed doctor.

Dr. Songco first emphasizes investing in the right creams and cleansers. “Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two known topical anti-acne treatments. The former eases inflammation, fights bacteria, and unclogs pores, while the latter prevents breakouts from getting worse,” shares the dermatologist.

“Retinoid A, another acne-buster, stops dead skin cells from blocking pores,” adds Dr. Songco. “For facial washes, avoid those with harsh ingredients or with exfoliating beads that may dry or irritate skin. Pick a gentle cleanser and wash your face once in the morning and just before bedtime.”

The dermatologist also underlines the importance of removing your makeup. Sleeping with makeup on (plus the dried sweat and microscopic dust that accumulated on your face throughout the day) only exacerbates cystic acne. “Allow your skin to breathe by cleaning your face thoroughly before bedtime with makeup remover and a mild soap or cleanser,” says Dr. Songco. And speaking of makeup, look for the word “non-comedogenic” in the label. “That means it contains ingredients that won’t clog the pores of your skin.”

It’s also best to never pick at your skin, MakatiMed reminds. “While it’s tempting to pop a pimple, especially when it looks like it’s ready to burst, resist the urge. Popping a pimple with your fingers can risk infection and scarring,” warns Dr. Songco.

And if the exhausting cycle of cystic acne never ends, the best recourse is to consult a dermatologist to provide personalized treatment options and get to the root of the problem. “We may also recommend minimally invasive procedures, if necessary, and monitor your progress,” says Dr. Songco. “Cystic acne takes time to heal, but the sooner you take steps to address it, especially with expert advice, the faster you can gain the desired results.”

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.

PPO serenades Filipinos with UK Tour repertoire in Concert II: Le Retour

 

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) reprises the repertoire from its successful tour across the United Kingdom (UK) in CONCERT II: LE RETOUR, slated on September 19, 2025, at 7:30 PM, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

Revisiting British classics in PPO’s Concert II: Le Retour

Led by the commanding Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, Concert II: Le Retour ushers in the brilliance of the PPO with their iteration of Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite No. 1. To familiarize himself with the sounds of southern Spain in the early 19th century, Bizet went to great lengths in constructing the world he borrowed from Prosper Mérimée’s novella of the same name. 

Bizet, however, passed three months after the premiere of Carmen. Unbeknownst to him, his friend Ernest Guiraud compiled the opera’s remarkable moments into two orchestral suites.

PPO’s Concert II: Le Retour sustains its beautiful momentum with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. Inspired by George Meredith’s poem of the same title, Vaughan Williams creates the vivid image of a soaring lark through his melodies. Diomedes Saraza, Jr., PPO’s very own guest concertmaster and artist-in-residence, performs the solo violin that had captivated hearts in the UK.

Composed before World War I, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending portrays a simpler England, one devoid of war and industrial change. It was received with admiration after Marie Hall played the violin under the guidance of conductor Adrian Boult in 1921. Over time, it evolved to be one of the most beloved British classics.

With Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite: Waltz, the PPO continues its excellent display of Filipino artistry in Concert II: Le Retour. Arguably among the most well-known orchestra pieces, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake: Waltz draws elements from the Russian and German folklore of a young princess transforming into a swan.

When Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered in 1877, its production was uninspired and underwhelming. Later in 1895, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov gave the ballet a new choreography attuned to the intricacy of Tchaikovsky’s music.

PPO’s Concert II: Le Retour concludes the night with an exhilarating rendition of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5, op.67, C minor. Beethoven had already begun composing his Fifth Symphony as early as 1804. Often interpreted as “fate knocking on the door,” the piece’s four-note opening motif has been referenced across musical genres as it elaborates on human perseverance in the face of adversity.

Make Lolo and Lola smile with Mang Inasal’s Grandparents' Day Treat

 This Grandparents’ Day, Mang Inasal is honoring lolo and lola by bringing families together to share smiles, meals, and the flavors they love most.

 From September 1 to 15, 2025, diners can enjoy the Grandparents' Day Treat, featuring two Palabok Regulars with two Small Drinks for ₱195 or one Palabok Regular with a drink and one Extra Creamy Halo-Halo Small for ₱144, saving P25 on either option. Fans of sweet treats can also choose the Crema de Leche Halo-Halo Small as an alternative to the Extra Creamy Halo-Halo.

“Nothing warms our hearts more than seeing grandparents enjoy our flavors with their families,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “The Grandparents' Day Treat is our way of sharing Unli-Saya and giving families a reason to celebrate together over the foods Lolos and Lolas love most.”

Families can also extend the celebration online by sharing their Mang Inasal moments with the hashtag #BestTreatForLoloLolaAtMangInasal via the Mang Inasal Nation Facebook Group. The Grandparents' Day Treat is available for dine-in and takeout only.

 

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://order.manginasal.ph/ for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!