Ballet Philippines takes centerstage at Shangri-La Plaza’s celebration of Independence Month

Shangri-La Plaza once again highlights on the Filipino talent, culture and artistry as it features Ballet Philippines at the Grand Atrium.  

The show titled CELEBRATION showcases three renowned works of the country’s leading professional classical and contemporary dance company as part of the month-long Independence Month celebration of the top fashion and dining mall destination.

Ballet Philippines members happily perform live

Mall goers were treated last June 22, 2019, Saturday, to Ballet Philippines’ world-class performance of excerpts from the Tales of the Manuvu, a rock opera ballet about the creation story of the Manobo tribe. The said special performance was choreographed by no less than National Artist for Dance and Ballet Philippines founder Alice Reyes, which debuted in 1977.

Its libretto was written by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera based on the article written by historian and anthropologist E. Arsenio Manuel. Composer Dero Pedero (also known as Nonong Pedero) created the musical scoring along with the 70’s rock star Boy Camara and his rock band, The Afterbirth. 

An all-male ensemble for this particular number

Ballet Philippines members in Filipino costumes

Tales of the Manuvu was restaged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines [CCP] in March to close the 49^th season of the dance company with Reyes tapping today’s artists such as jazz/rock band Radioactive Sago Project for its live music and young singers like Sheila Valderama, Lorenz Martinez, Aicelle Santos and Lara Maigue.

Reyes’1972 piece, Bungkos Suite, was a crowd favorite at CELEBRATION. A collection of both traditional and popular Pinoy folk songs, it underscored the Filipino’s natural playfulness and sense of humor. Songs included in the suite are popular Kundiman, Dahil Sa Iyo, Chitchiritsit, Dandansoy and Telebong. 

A dance involving Pinoy kundiman

This ballerina had a solo performance in native Filipina costume

Get your money’s worth with Mang Inasal’s 2-in-1 sa laki Chicken Inasal meal with unli-rice

Press Release:

We always want to get the best value for our money, especially when it comes to food. So nothing could be more Solb sa Busog than having our cravings satisfied with a hefty serving of Mang Inasal’s Chicken Inasal with Unli Rice for only Php117!

Mang Inasal is indeed every cost-conscious, hungry diners’ go-to restaurant – whether alone or with family, or barkada. Its main draw is the value-for-money, 2-in-1 sa laki, nuot-sa-ihaw sarap Chicken Inasal, often taken with unlimited rice.

Specially-marinated and grilled to perfection, the Mang Inasal Chicken Inasal is often best enjoyed kamayan-style (with bare hands), with the unlimited serving of rice doused with a mix of our personal favorite sawsawan of chicken oil, soy sauce, kalamansi or vinegar.

A generous serving of Chicken Inasal plus all-you-can eat steamed rice for the price of Php 117 (price may vary in selected areas) – what more can we ask for? This combination satisfies not only our stomach but also our wallets! Indeed, meals at Mang Inasal are undeniably ‘Solb sa Busog!’

We haven’t even talked about Mang Inasal’s Sizzling Meaty Sarap Pork Sisig, Meatynamnam Palabok, and Dabest sa Creaminess Pinoy Halo-Halo!

For updates on the latest product offerings and promotions, follow Mang Inasal’s official Facebook page (Mang Inasal Philippines).

EIGASAI 2019 returns to its original home at Shangri-La Plaza

EGAISAI 2019

The highly anticipated Japanese Film Festival, also known as EIGASAI goes back to its original home—Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet for its 22^nd edition which will be held from July 3 to 14, 2019. Coincidentally, EIGASAI will also be brought to various places such as Manila, Legazpi, Pangasinan, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban and Davao.

 Film enthusiasts will surely delight with the roster of featured films lined up for this year’s EIGASAI. The Japan Foundation Manila will be having 17 full-feature films from diverse genres as EIGASAI continues its tradition of screening films to viewers of the Japanese Film Festival. 

Samurai Marathon

This year’s EIGASAI opens with a historical drama, Samurai Marathon directed by Bernard Rose. Based on Dobashi Aikihiro’s novel Bakumatsu Marathon Samurai, the film is about Ansaei Tooashi, known as Japan’s first marathon. The story revolves around how Annaka feudal lord Itakaru Kastuakira organized a run across mountain roads to get his samurai warriors in shape. But one misstep turned a simple race into a rebellion in the eyes of Bakufu central government that ordered a stop to what it thought was an uprising. 

Rolando Samson of Japan Foundation Manila

Johnny Riod, Operations Divisions Manager, Shangri-la Plaza

Dr. Kanami Namiki, Program Coordinator Arts & Culture Japan Foundation

David Fabros, Executive Director of Philippine Film Export Services Office

Tomoko Nakamura, Asst. Director Japan Foundation

Casa Corazon Museum, Events and Resort in Lemery, Batangas Review

The serene Balayan bay on a typical morning

When you board a bus going to Batangas, you have all reason to be elated. The land of Balisong is sure to get you hopping from one destination to the next. From coral reefs to verdant rainforests and mountain ranges to heritage and ancestral houses; bustling cities to pristine sandy beaches — wherever you go, the stay’s got to be memorable. And to save you the trouble of excessive research, we’ve recently visited Casa Corazon in the town of Lemery. Here’s what you need to expect when visiting this unique resort in that boundary of Calaca and Lemery towns.

Purple Plum fairy at Casa Corazon signage

Picture yourself lazing in a hammock in the balcony or looking down on the vast Balayan bay as you relax or think of your next adventure. Casa Corazon is perched right next to Balayan bay. The spectacular scenic beauty that the resort/hotel affords as one of its main attraction.

Purple Plum Fairy with Chef Erick Sabalza, ready for a Batangas getaway

A profusion of bird and wildlife are on the doorstep of this unique resort that brings a touch of style to the discovery of a remote and beautiful wilderness. The lodge is home to an aviary, wild pigs and peacock.  It also houses an amazing collection of motorcycles, vintage cars, race cars, unicycles and bicycles. 

Erick Sabalza and moi onboard a bus enroute to Batangas

Latisha Professional Formula Niacinamide Vitamin B3 5% Serum Product Review

I was a bit hesitant at first when I learned that I will be reviewing a new skincare product for my face. I have a confession to make: Although I am skincare junkie, I’m a bit lazy putting on sunscreen lotion. So at my age, I knew that the early signs of aging are probably screaming on my face—crow’s feet, laugh lines—name it, I probably have them all. And upon learning that Latisha Professional Formula Niacinamide Vitamin B with 5% Serum(the product in which I’d be reviewing) has anti-aging properties, I decided to give it a go. 

Lightens skin, helps remove dark spots, reduces fine lines.

Niacinamide suppresses melanin from reaching the surface of the skin and protects the skin from further UV damage too much melanin can result in age spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation. 5% niacinamide when applied to skin for 12 weeks results in the reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. It also improves elasticity and gives an overall lighter skin complexion.

I would often have a pimple when I use new products but not with Latisha Serum

Use after toner, apply the serum with fingertips on face and neck. Once it is quickly absorbed, follow with a moisturizer. Wear sunscreen, it is equally important. My dermatologist said it is considered a “mortal sin” for anyone to go out without wearing or putting on a sunblock or sunscreen. In fact, some people, even within indoors, they still put on sunscreen. This is especially true since we’re no longer as young as we once were. As a certified Titas of Manila, we need to give our skin some TLC before they wrinkled and sagged. 

How Niacinamide Helps Skin

I'm no skin expert. But based solely on experience, niacinamide is an ingredient worthy of your attention and your skin will love you for using it. Among a handful of other amazing skincare ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C, Latisha Niacinamide Serum is a standout because of its versatility for almost any skin care concern and skin type.

Latisha Niacinamide Serum

The conclusions about niacinamide are based on what the published research has shown to be true—and the research about niacinamide unanimously demonstrates how special it is. In fact, second to retinol and vitamin C, it’s one of the most exciting skincare ingredients around!