Vida Doria is living the dream: Pursuing painting with her “Tapestry of Woven Dreams” exhibit on May 22-28

 

"Fresh Flowers by the Window" by Vida Doria 20" x 30", oil on canvas

When someone tells you they “own a Vida Doria,” they’re likely referring to a piece of women’s clothing bearing the fashion designer’s name—a wedding gown or formal wear, for instance, or one of her many blouses in a burst of vibrant colors and prints.

To art lovers, owning a Vida Doria means having another of her creative outputs in their possession: an oil on canvas painting of flowers or other nature-inspired scenes executed in romantic strokes and hues reminiscent of the French Impressionist Claude Monet.

Longtime collectors of her work, as well as those eager to discover this side of the designer and Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1971 winner are welcome to visit Tapestry of Woven Dreams, a group exhibition that runs from May 22 to 28 at the Atrium on the second floor of The Podium in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

"Romantic Prairie" by Vida Doria, 18" x 24", Oil on canvas

Through this event, Vida fulfills the dream of exhibiting with her five co-members of Katha Art, a group of ladies from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion for arts and good food. Originally mentored by the late Nestor Villanueva, the ladies are now guided by Jeff Consumo.

Each will showcase a collection of 15 to 20 paintings, making the event a visual treat of colors, styles, and themes. In turn, Vida and the other featured artists will be contributing to making others’ dreams come true too. A portion from the proceeds of their sales will go to three of the ladies’ chosen charities: Sibol Ning Aeta Foundation Inc., Mary Queen of Heavens Missionaries, and Vida’s personal pick, ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor), the non-profit founded by the Catholic family renewal community Couples for Christ, of which she is a member.

Eyeful of an exhibit

Whether you’re familiar with her works or are seeing them for the first time, you’re sure to get an eyeful from this exhibit. For one thing, the artist includes paintings on larger canvases—a request of her clients, she tells you. Then there are her colors and strokes, which have noticeably become less Monet and more Van Gogh.

"The Frontyard Garden" by Vida Doria, 20" x 24", Oil on Canvas

“Even with his small works, his perspective is amazing. And his colors!” she gushes of the beloved Post- Impressionist Dutch painter. “He doesn’t mix two colors to get a third color. To him, if it’s red, it’s red; if it’s yellow, it’s yellow; if it’s green, it’s green. Also, when you look at his paintings, there’s so much movement, it’s like they’re swaying.”

Painting to heal, helping others heal

Indeed, emotion has always been integral to her art. Deeply affected by back-to-back deaths in her family in 2005—her brother due to cancer and their mother two months later—she took up a friend’s invitation to join a “Paint to Heal” class in Santa Maria della Strada Parish in La Vista, Quezon City. “The very first painting that I made during that session was a bouquet of flowers I titled ‘My Mom’s Bouquet,’” she says. “It’s still with me.”

That she took to painting easily in that first class didn’t come as a surprise. The fashion designer and boutique owner for five decades simply “migrated” her fashion know-how—from her penchant for bright, happy colors to her use of luxurious fabrics—onto a canvas.

Like her fashion, which has been around since the early ‘70s and continues to capture a market that’s into timeless, feminine apparel, there’s a great enthusiasm for Vida’s paintings—people just have to have them. In a previous solo show, an oil on canvas of a nature scene in autumn was purchased early by an art patron “who didn’t even haggle, not a single centavo,” she says. Turns out, other buyers had their eye on that painting too and were disappointed to know it had already been sold. In another exhibit, one guest snapped up three paintings; while others bought two each.

"Dazzling Energy in Colors" by Vida Doria, 20" x 24", Oil in Canvas

Perhaps people don’t just see beauty in her canvas; they see the artist’s earnestness and the purity of her intentions as well. Unknown to many, with each painting Vida sells, someone benefits.

“I have family members and friends who need chemotherapy or a PET scan, and it's so expensive,” she says. The artist has even been known to donate to strangers seeking medical assistance. “So, I pray that people like my paintings so I can help others. Miraculously, people do! Even I’m surprised.”

Over 20 years ago, Vida turned to painting to heal. Today, the wife, mom of four grown children, and grandmother to three grandkids who cheer whenever they see her, paints both for art’s sake and to help others heal.

“That’s why if you see my studio, my canvas is always ready and mounted, and my paints are open. So, when I feel like painting, I can just go,” says Vida. “I have so many things I want to paint that I don’t think I would be able to paint them all even if I had forever!”

Vida Doria-Legaspi is joined by five Katha Art featured artists including Gracie Aranda, Clarita Lazatin Magat, Bebet Pastelero Sto. Tomas, Salie Henson Naguiat, and Rellie Liwag. The Tapestry of Woven Dreams exhibit runs from May 22 to 28 at the Atrium of The Podium in Ortigas Center.

Araneta City makes summer easy with citywide seasonal offerings

 Araneta City is making the most out of summer with a lineup of citywide offers aimed at families, friends, and individuals looking to enjoy leisure time without leaving Metro Manila. From shopping and dining deals to wellness experiences and staycations, the summer campaign brings together experiences across the City of Firsts.

“Summer is a season when people naturally seek time to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy simple moments. Through our summer lineup, we wanted to make everyday leisure more accessible—whether that means spending time with family, enjoying a good meal, or discovering a new way to relax, all within the city,” said Marjorie Go, Vice President for Marketing of Araneta City.

Get lucky and win cool gadgets

Araneta City kicks off its summer festivities with the Win Your Snaps raffle promo. Lucky participants may win cool gadgets such as iPhone 17, DJI OSMO 360 Standard, DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Creator Combo, and DJI Action 5 Pro Standard. A single-receipt purchase worth P1,500 from any Araneta City establishment is equivalent to one raffle ticket. Promo period runs until June 30.

Enjoy refreshments at World Kitchens

Lepak bar at World Kitchens will keep you energized amid the summer heat with its Tiki Tropics Splash — a line of refreshing cocktails and mocktails in cool island-themed tall cups. The best part is that you get to enjoy two drinks for the price of one. Head on to Gateway Mall 2, Level 4, and cool down with vibrant island flavors.

Family fun at Novotel Manila

Novotel Manila’s Summer Splash and Learn gives kids an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of swimming through the renowned Bert Lozada Swimming Program. Not only do these sessions teach water safety skills, but they also give the little ones a major boost in self- confidence. The lessons are instructive, safe, and engaging, starting at just P8,000 per student. The promo runs until June 24.

Sweet snapshots at Dairy Queen

Dessert takes on a playful, picture‑ready twist at Dairy Queen this summer with the arrival of Say Cheese(Cake), a cheesecake‑inspired lineup that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to enjoy. Blizzard favorites such as Mango Cheesecake Bliss, Blueberry Cheesecake Fluff, and Berry KitKat Cheesecake bring together familiar flavors with a fun summer feel.

For those in the mood to switch things up, Dairy Queen also offers the Mixed Berries Cheesecake Parfait, Berry KitKat Cheesecake Blizzard Cake, and Mango Cheesecake Tin Cake.

Make it a movie summer at Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge

With theaters offering a cool retreat from the heat, moviegoing gets an added touch of indulgence at the premier cinemas of Gateway Cineplex. Exclusive Wolfgang’s Premiere Lounge gift certificates are available for those looking to treat themselves or surprise someone else, with a cinema experience that combines comfort, dining, and entertainment.

Beyond these amazing offers, other stores and restaurants in Gateway Mall 1 and 2, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza are also welcoming summer with their own lineup of seasonal treats. From shopping finds to casual bites, there’s plenty to discover across the district, inviting visitors to spend time, explore at their own pace, and enjoy summer the Araneta City way.

Make the Most of the Last Few Weeks of Summer with These Smart Finds and Deals from GCash

 

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to squeeze in a few more moments of fun with your barkada. Whether you’re finally booking that long- overdue barkada staycation, finally pushing through with your workout plans, or organizing a potluck at home, the key to making the most of summer is spending smart.

One way to do that is by using GCash to unlock exclusive deals and perks, so you can still check off your summer bucket list while getting the most out of every purchase! Just in case you need that extra nudge to finally make those plans happen, here are a few ideas on how you can spend smarter and bring the whole barkada together for the last few weeks of summer.

1. Host one last barkada feast before everyone gets busy again

What truly makes summer memorable isn’t who you’re spending it with - and one of the best ways to enjoy the company of your favorite people is when you share a meal! So why not organize one final food trip, merienda run, or potluck before summer ends?

Jamba Juice is offering a summer exclusive worth sharing – just buy 2 12oz smoothies for only PHP 245 and pay with GCash. This saves you as PHP 145 on selected flavors. For pizza lovers, Angel’s Pizza is giving one way free Saba Con Yelo for every minimum single- receipt purchase of PHP 800 for dine-in and takeout orders. And if your group loves trying out new spots, Tien Ma’s is offering a free dessert with a minimum spend of PHP 500 - because no shared meal is complete without something sweet at the end.

2. Refresh your summer essentials while sales are still on

Before the season wraps up, now is the perfect time to stock up on the essentials you’re still missing. Whether that’s a new pair of sandals, travel organizers, or last-minute beauty finds, you may want to check out your cart while sales are still on. Here’s why: when you check out your Lazada carts on May 4-7 and June 5-8, you instantly get PHP 100 off when you pay with GCash – just make sure you reach a minimum spend of PHP 2,500.

On TikTok Shop, you can also enjoy an additional PHP 50 off on purchases worth at least PHP 1,500 when selecting GCash as your payment method from May 18-24.

3. Turn your fitness plans into a barkada activity

Summer is also prime time for movement. If you’ve been trying to lure your friends out for more active weekends – like running together or trying a new studio class – maybe a few deals along the way could help make your invitation more enticing.

You and your friends can upgrade your activewear at Nike and get 10% off for a minimum purchase of PHP 12,000 when you use GCash to pay in-store. For everyday active basics, Bench is offering PHP 150 off with a minimum spend of PHP 2,000.

And if your workout era is about to get even more serious with better playlists and fitness tracking, you can head on over to Power Mac Center and receive a free limited-edition PMC x Laut Wrist Strap with Puffer Pouch when you spend at least PHP 30,000 (with at least Php10,000 paid via GCash). Purchases worth Php20,000 at The Loop with the same GCash minimum spend also unlock free Belkin earphones.

4. Plan a quick city escape

Not every barkada summer hangout needs a plane ticket abroad. Sometimes, all you need is a staycation in the city to make it feel like an escape.

If you love checking for hotels out on Klook, you can score 10% off on hotel bookings with a minimum spend of PHP 8,000 when you pay with GCash. Meanwhile, new users on Trip.com can also get up to PHP 400 off on eligible outlet bookings for a minimum spend of PHP 5,000 when using GCash.These savings make barkada plans a whole lot easier to lock in, because everybody is guaranteed to save more!

Make summer spending feel lighter with GCash

The summer season always seems to pass faster than expected, but there’s still time to squeeze in a few more memorable moments with your barkada. With these exclusive deals, making your plans happen just becomes even more worth it. Download the GCash app today and say YES to making the most out of the season!

A Rising Partnership: URC Flour and Sariaya LGU Ignite Local Baking Innovation for Agawan Festival 2026

 

L-R: Mr. Dario ‘Jun’ Arive - URC Flour Sariaya Plant Manager, Dr. Ruben De Gracia - Head, Sariaya Tourism Culture, and the Arts Office, Ma. Lilia “Chinkee” Andres -URC Flour, Marketing Manager, Ms. Ritchel Sulit - URC Flour Sariaya Plant HR Associate

The Municipality of Sariaya and URC Flour have officially formalized a partnership for the upcoming Sariaya Agawan Festival through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing. This collaboration introduces the SUGOD BAKERY campaign to the festivities, highlighted by the arrival of the SUGOD BAKERY VAN, which aims to promote local entrepreneurship and celebrate the town's culinary traditions.

The partnership marks a powerful commitment to boosting local livelihoods while celebrating Sariaya’s rich cultural heritage. The Sugod Bakery Van will serve as a high-energy hub of innovation on the festival grounds, offering professional development and community engagement for local artisans and bakeshop owners.

URC Flour expressed deep appreciation for the partnership, emphasizing a mission that extends beyond product supply to holistic business growth for the community.

"We are sincerely grateful to the Municipality of Sariaya for their incredible support and for welcoming us into the heart of the Agawan Festival. Our commitment goes beyond providing high-quality flour; we are dedicated to equipping the province's bakers with the products and guidance they need to succeed.

Through the Sugod Bakery campaign, we are helping them with practical business tips to improve their bakery businesses and stay competitive,” stated Naida Ebora, URC Flour Commercial Director.

L-R: Dr. Ruben De Gracia - Head, Sariaya Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office with Ma. Lilia “Chinkee” Andres - URC Flour, Marketing Manager

Dr. Ruben V. De Gracia Jr., Executive Assistant III and Chief Tourism Operations Officer-Designate for the Municipality of Sariaya, highlighted the significant history of this alliance and its impact on the local tourism and trade sectors. "We thank URC Flour for their continued support of our annual Agawan Festival. This is actually the second time we are partnering with the Sariaya LGU, a journey that began two years ago with our historic Pinagong eating activity--which remains one of the most memorable highlights of our festival, " said De Gracia. "Having URC Flour with the Sugod Bakery campaign ensures that our local traditions are matched with innovative opportunities for our constituents," shared De Gracia Jr.

Beyond the excitement of the festival, the initiative offers lasting value through professional upskilling. Local bakers will benefit from technical workshops on updated baking essentials, along with business mentorship focused on marketing strategies and operational efficiency. By blending the festive energy of the Agawan Festival with technical expertise, URC Flour and the Sariaya LGU are ensuring that the town’s unique bread culture continues to thrive and reach new heights.

URC Flour Partners with Lucban to Empower Local Bakers at Pahiyas

 

L-R: Aiza Andaya - OIC, Budget Officer, Ma. Jennifer Babad - Tourism Officer, Atty. Socorro Jade De Averia - Municipal Administrator, Mayor Agustin “Tenten” Villaverde - Lucban, Ma. Lilia “Chinkee” Andres - URC Flour, Marketing Manager, Mr. Dario ‘Jun’ Arive - URC Flour Sariaya Plant Manager, Ms. Ritchel Sulit - URC Flour Sariaya Plant HR Associate

The Philippines' most vibrant harvest festival is set to become even more flavorful as the Lucban Local Government Unit (LGU) and URC Flour officially sign a Memorandum of Agreement to bring the SUGOD BAKERY campaign to this year’s Pahiyas. Led by Mayor Augustin “Tenten” Villaverde and URC Flour the partnership marks a powerful commitment to boosting local livelihoods while celebrating the town's rich cultural heritage.

Aligned with the theme "Keeping the Color, Keeping the Vibes, Keeping the Tradition, KIPING PAHIYAS," the Sugod Bakery movement transforms the festival grounds into a high-energy hub of innovation. On May 11 and 12 at Patio Rizal, renowned “Chef Jac [JB1] Laudico” will lead exclusive baking demonstrations, giving local artisans and visitors a front-row seat to professional techniques and premium pastry sessions.

Mayor Villaverde expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing its impact on the grassroots economy.

"Our commitment goes beyond providing high-quality flour; we are here to support every local baker in their journey toward success,” said Naida Ebora, URC Flour Commercial Director. “Through Sugod Bakery, we aim to equip them with up-to-date knowledge and practical techniques to help grow their businesses and remain competitive. We are honored to be part of the Pahiyas tradition and to support Lucban’s baking community in reaching new heights,” shared URC Flour .

By blending the festive energy of Pahiyas with technical expertise, URC Flour and the Lucban LGU are ensuring that the town’s unique bread culture continues to thrive.