‘Replacing Chef Chico’: First Filipino-Produced Series Puts Love on the Menu

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For Filipinos, romance and food make a sizzling combination, and the first local Netflix production in a series format serves up a zesty love triangle set against the backdrop of a high-end fine dining restaurant.

Replacing Chef Chico is the brainchild of director Dan Villegas, assistant director Joi Bayan, and showrunner Antoinette Jadaone. It stars three of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry — Piolo Pascual (My Amanda), Alessandra de Rossi (My Amanda and What If) and Sam Milby (A Family Affair).

Offering a glimpse into the high-stakes and competitive culinary world, the series’ trailer introduces viewers to the main characters whose lives become intertwined at Hain, a fictional up-and-coming fine dining restaurant that specializes in customizing each dish to mirror their diners’ unique life stories. But things take an unexpected turn when titular character Chef Chico (Milby) gets into an accident, leaving him in a coma. The fate of Hain is suddenly left in the hands of his sous chef Chef Ella (de Rossi) and a newly hired consultant Raymond (Pascual), who has more than just the restaurant on his mind.

Speaking to a panel of press and outlets in the “See What’s Next” event on September 18, acclaimed showrunner Antoinette Jadaone (Fan Girl and That Thing Called Tadhana) shared that her inspiration for Replacing Chef Chico came from her love for food-related shows.

Recommending the series for holiday viewing, she added: “I think it’s perfect for the Christmas season because, at its core, it’s about love, friendship, and acceptance. Each episode tells a story of family, friendship, and love, all celebrated over food.”

Both Jadone and Villegas (Exes Baggage and Always Be My Maybe) also expressed their excitement over the evolving media landscape and what it means for the future of streaming and media consumption in the Philippines. Replacing Chef Chico was produced for Netflix in association with CS Studios and Project8.

Catch Replacing Chef Chico on November 24, only on Netflix.

Jollibee brings jolliest bonding experience for families, kids, friends and all at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair!

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Parents and kids create special jolly memories at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair

Kids and their parents had the jolliest time at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, held recently at the SMX Convention Center. The event served as the jolliest bonding experience for families, with its engaging learning activities, unique games and challenges, interactive shows, and all-day, all-around fun helping create special memories they’ll remember for a long time.

Jollibee brand ambassadors Jolina Magdangal Escueta and her kids Pele and Vika, officially opened the Jollitown Kiddie Fair with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Jollibee team: Assistant Brand Manager for Noodles and Kids Category Justin Mathay, and PR, Partnership and Sustainability Head Dennis Reyes (third and fourth from left); and Marketing Director for Jollibee Noodles and Kids Category Joseph Aruta, and Brand Manager for Noodles and Kids Category Kat Facun (third and fourth from right). They are also joined by everyone's favorite friend, Jollibee, and Yum, Twirlie, Hetty, and Popo.

Jollibee has become a champion of joy for Filipino parents and kids throughout the years, and the Jollitown Kiddie Fair continues to give them more cherished moments. The event was opened by Jollibee’s brand ambassador, Jolina Magdangal Escueta, and her kids, Pele and Vika. She and her kids got to participate and have fun in all the event activities, while also getting interviewed about being a mother and brand ambassador.

Jolina shared her favorite Jollibee memories as a child and how she is recreating them with her kids Pele and Vika.

“I’m so excited to be here at the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, having fun with my kids,” said Jolina. “Time passes so quickly, so I make sure that I spend quality time and make meaningful memories with Pele and Vika every chance I get.

Yum, Hetty, Jollibee, Twirlie and Popo shared the joy with the kids and their families, and wowed them with a very energetic dance number.

Kat Facun, Jollibee Brand Manager for Noodles and Kids Category, said that they designed the Jollitown Kiddie Fair so that kids and their parents can do the fun yet educational activities together, building meaningful memories as they did.

“Jollibee is honored to be a part of many Filipinos’ core memories, from childhood to adulthood,” said Kat Facun, Jollibee Brand Manager for Noodles and Kids Category. “And with the Jollitown Kiddie Fair, we hope to give kids and their families more reasons to have happy, cherished moments because jolliest ang kids sa Jollibee.”

Kids served Chickenjoy and made their own Jolly Spaghetti and Yumburgers with their parents at the MiniBee station

The event offered activities where kids not only enjoyed with their friends, families, and fellow kids, but also engaged in unique family-friendly challenges that helped them learn along the way through creative play. Kids got a chance to make their own Jolly Spaghetti, Yumburger, and test their store manager skills in the MiniBee station as they had fun assembling delicious Jollibee food for their friends and parents. They also had the Party Palooza, which was an energetic all-day party celebration that had a whole host of games and activities that offered the full party experience.

The Jollitown Kiddie Fair also offered activities that challenged their skills, like the Chickenjoy Bucket Throw game where they tested their aim to win prizes, and avoided spaghetti-shaped wires in the Spag-o-wired game. Kids also solved different puzzles in the Jollitown Puzzle House, which was also a fun learning challenge and an interactive experience for kids of all ages. They also uncovered fun prizes in the Fry-nd The Treasure activity, while other kids tried to grab theirs at Yum’s Claw Machine.

Alongside the many activities and fun games, kids also got to watch an incredible set of shows happening on the main stage. This includes the bubble show where kids rushed to the stage to get closer to participate in blowing and popping bubbles. The magic show had jaw-dropping tricks that left kids in awe with each routine. The Dancing Balloon Show by Tectonix was also a highlight, as kids were dancing along to the music while being fascinated by the many balloon tricks.

Aside from the activities, parents and kids enjoyed delicious Jollibee food. This included sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti, which families enjoyed so much during the event. With delicious food and the jolliest activities, the Jollitown Kiddie Fair gave families moments to remember, and memories that they cherish together.

Have the best time at your favorite Jollibee store, because #JolliestAngKidsSaJollibee! For updates on the latest exciting offerings and events from Jollibee, visit Jollibee.com.ph, follow Jollibee on Facebook at facebook.com/JollibeePhilippines, and on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok at @Jollibee.

https://fb.watch/nXICX1X1L9/

No tricks, just treats: Get a FREE smartphone when you buy on HONOR Brand Day Sale!

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Here is another chance for you to get HONOR’s exciting Buy One Get One Free promo starting October 26 on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok!

Due to the recent success of the TikTok Madness Sale, HONOR is opening its Buy One Get One Free promo on Lazada, Shopee, and still on TikTok Shop beginning October 26 until October 28 for the HONOR Brand Day Sale! Expect an extended sale from the leading smart devices provider as well with its Halloween Payday Sale from October 28 to November 1, 2023!

“I think by now, HONOR fans and tech enthusiasts should only expect the biggest and grandest from us! We always top our offers and now, we introduce you an irresistable promo from October 26 to November 1, 2023. We aim to give more flexibility and time to the shoppers, but they do need to hurry,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

HONOR Brand Day Sale: Buy One Get One FREE!

From October 26 to 28, shoppers can enjoy HONOR 70 5G with a FREE HONOR X7 worth Php 9,990! HONOR X8 worth Php 12,990 will also give you a FREE HONOR X6 worth Php 6,990 while you can get a FREE HONOR X8 worth Php 12,990 for every purchase of HONOR MagicBook X 14, priced at Php 29,990.

Aside from these, you can also get Php 1,500 off the HONOR MagicBook X15 laptop, Php 2,300 off the flagship HONOR Magic5 Pro, and a whopping Php 6,500 off HONOR X9!

HONOR Pay Day Sale: Up to Php 6,000 worth of Discounts

Right after the thrilling HONOR Brand Day Sale comes the HONOR PayDay Sale from October 28 to November 1, 2023! Buy HONOR 70 5G for only Php 20,990 from a Php 6,000 price slash. You can also get Php 4,500 off HONOR X8 and X9, and Php 3,000 off HONOR X7.

Get all these with FREE shipping nationwide and surprise freebies from October 26 to November 1, 2023 on Lazada (bit.ly/HONORPHLaz), Shopee (bit.ly/HONORPHShpe), and TikTok Shop (bit.ly/HONORPHTikTok)!

For more exciting updates and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

CMIP opens first ever Midea AC Pro Shop to bring superior air treatment solutions in Central Luzon

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Committed to bringing world-class air treatment solutions to Filipinos, Concepcion Midea Incorporated Philippines (CMIP) in partnership with local air-con dealer Wintercool Ref & Aircon Services and Trading, has recently launched its first-ever Midea AC Pro Shop in Central Luzon. This is in pursuit of making user-friendly air-conditioning solutions accessible to the residents and businesses in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija.

Midea AC Pro Shop

Located in Plaridel, Bulacan, the Midea AC Pro Shop introduces “My Professional Cool Idea,” providing high-quality residential air conditioners as well as light commercial air conditioners for the Filipino market. Customers can expect excellent customer service and professional recommendations from CMIP’s experienced sales consultants.

Additionally, with Wintercool’s highly-skilled technicians, the Midea AC Pro Shop guarantees after-sales service and support, so customers need not worry about the installation and maintenance of their appliances.

Present at the grand opening were Concepcion Industrial Corporation and Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines’ Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Rafael C. Hechanova, Jr.; Ms. Anna Marie M. Alejandro, General Manager of CMIP; Mr. Albert Wong, Deputy General Manager of CMIP; Mr. Alfie Rodriguez, CMIP Sales Director for Commercial & Industrial Solutions Group and Midea Building Technologies; Ms. Fides L. Bayot, Marketing Director of CMIP; Jonathan Zeng, Midea RAC Product Marketing Specialist, and Mr. Mario Dela Curz and Ms. Elvie Dela Cruz, General Manager and Owners of Wintercool Ref & Aircon Services and Trading.

(Left to right) Rafael C. Hechanova, Jr., Concepcion Industrial Corporation and Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines’ Chief Corporate Affairs Officer; Mario Dela Cruz and Elvie Dela Cruz, General Manager and Owners of Wintercool Ref & Aircon Services and Trading; Anna Marie M. Alejandro, General Manager of CMIP; Albert Wong, Deputy General Manager of CMIP during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Midea AC Pro Shop Opening

“CMIP is constantly growing and evolving, and this time we are proudly making Midea’s top-notch products more accessible to the locals of Central Luzon. We believe that the opening of our first-ever Midea AC Pro Shop will open more doors for us to reach every Filipino home or business in need of high-quality air treatment solutions,” shared Anna Maria Alejandro, General Manager of CMIP.

As one of the largest manufacturers of home appliances and being a Fortune Global 500 company, Midea has been reinforcing homes and businesses with high-quality, user-friendly appliances for over 10 years in the Philippines. With 28 innovation centers all over the world and a strong commitment to research and development, it goes above and beyond innovation to meet the ever-progressing needs of their consumers.

“We are very grateful to have worked with Wintercool on this project because, not only are they one of our most trusted dealers, their support is truly unwavering since the beginning. We are confident that soon enough we can expand our efforts nationwide to bring Midea’s world-class products closer to many more Filipinos,” said Albert Wong, Deputy General Manager of CMIP.

A peak at the interior of the Midea AC Pro Shop

Concepcion Industrial Corporation and Concepcion Midea Inc. Philippines’ Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Rafael C. Hechanova, Jr. graced the opening ceremony of Midea AC Pro Shop in Plaridel, Bulacan.

Wintercool is a prominent local dealer of Midea air-conditioning solutions and a trusted partner of residents in Central Luzon for ventilating, heating, and air-conditioning services.

To stay informed on Midea’s initiatives and products, visit www.midea.com/ph, follow @mideaph on Instagram and on Tiktok @mideaphilippines, subscribe to Midea Philippines Official on YouTube, and like @MideaPhilippines on Facebook.

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About Midea Residential Air Conditioner

As the World’s No. 1 Residential Inverter Air Conditioner Company, Midea have brought millions of air conditioning units into homes all around the world. The Midea Residential Air Conditioner Division (RAC) provides a comprehensive selection of residential AC products, ranging from split, window, and portable ACs to dehumidifiers and light commercial units. With 11 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in China, Vietnam, India, Egypt, Brazil, and Argentina, Midea’s annual air conditioner production capacity exceeds an impressive 67 million units.

Halloween Thrills and Long Weekend Deals at Richmonde Hotels

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Looking for fun and relaxation as you spend the upcoming extended weekend break in the metro? Or craving for some culture and cuisine as you enjoy a quick local getaway? Whatever you’re in the mood for, the Richmonde Hotels have amazing offers for the entire family and barkada!

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s Wickedly Wizarding Wonderland Halloween Kiddie Party

Fill up on tasty treats from the snack buffet spread and food stations at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel’s Wickedly Wizarding Wonderland Kiddie Halloween Party happening on October 28, 2023 from 1pm to 5pm at the Ballroom.

For the Young and Young-at-Heart

Time to get your broomsticks and wizard hats ready and fly off to Eastwood Richmonde Hotel on Saturday, October 28, 2023, for a bewitching celebration that’s perfect for families of all ages. Wickedly Wizarding Wonderland Halloween Party is set to cast its spell and create lasting memories for attendees from 1pm to 5pm with its magical mix of entertainment, enchantment, and endless excitement. For only PhP 1,499 nett, children and adults alike will be charmed by delightful activities that include a delectable Halloween-inspired snack buffet spread conjured up by the hotel’s kitchen sorcerers, a mystifying magic show filled with tricks and illusions, song and dance performances to keep the spirits high, and the Wicked Wizard’s Haunted House that is sure to bring scares and screams to all who enter.

Everyone must come in their creepiest or most whimsical get-up to participate in the Halloween costume parade where the most creative ones will win amazing prizes. All guests get to take home a loot bag, a souvenir photo at the photo booth, and a chance to win in the raffle. For ticket reservations, call +8570 7777 or +63 917 821 0333 or email fb@eastwoodrichmonde.com.

Night of Spooks, Booze & Grooves

Whether you’re in the heart of the metro or in the City of Love, round up your buddies and prepare for a night of unforgettable fun as Richmonde serves up thrilling pre-Halloween parties.

Be enthralled by the magic of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s Black October, an all-out bash with disco vibes happening on Thursday, October 26, 8pm at BizBar. Fatboi DJs MC Yubz and DJ Enzo spins infectious dance beats, while Mark Pajares Montaño captivates the crowd with his flairtending performance. A party is not a party without food and drinks. Guests can delight in two tempting offers for the night—a satisfying combo of pizza and two 500ml glasses of Heineken draft beer for only PhP 750 nett, and unlimited Zabana cocktails for only PhP 350 nett. For inquiries and table reservations, call (6333) 328 7888 or (63) 917 563 3558.

It will be a drink-all-you-can and eat-all-you-can spree for only PhP 1,350 nett at the Mexican-inspired pre-Halloween party of The Exchange at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas on October 27, 2023 from 6pm to 12mn. (Center & right) Enjoy Heineken draft beers and Zabana Cocktails at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo’s Black October party happening on October 26, 2023 with music by Fatboi DJs.

On October 27, 2023, step into Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Mexican-themed Noche de Brujas at The Exchange and have a blast with bottomless beer, cocktails, and other drinks, a scrumptious spread of Mexican-inspired bar chow, and live retro music from the Big Bash Band. The party starts at 6pm and ends at midnight. Tickets are priced at PhP 1,350 nett. For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 8638 7777 or (63) 917 534 4352.

Monstrous Deals for Long Weekend Getaways

No need to travel far to treat yourself to a relaxing break during the extended holiday week. Even in the midst of Manila’s concrete jungle, get to experience an enjoyable escape with loved ones. Richmonde Hotel Ortigas lets you celebrate Halloween and a Pinoy-style Oktoberfest with its Spooktober Staycation available from October 20 to November 5, 2023. For as low as PhP 3,600 nett (room only) and PhP 4,400 nett (with breakfast buffet for two) have a quiet and comfy no-frills stay. Go for the room package that includes two bottles of beer and a pica-pica platter for two, plus breakfast buffet for two for a fun and convenient in-room celebration for as low as PhP 4,400 nett. All room rates come with complimentary use of the Health Club’s gym and heated indoor pool and 15% discount on food and beverage orders at Richmonde Café, The Exchange and from Room Service. For inquiries and reservations, call Richmonde Ortigas’ Room Reservations at +632 8638 7777 or +63 917 859 7914 or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. For online bookings, log on to www. richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.

Long Weekend Break at Richmonde Hotels

Prefer a locale that pulsates with energy day or night? Book a Cool Stay in the City at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel and get discounted rates starting at only PhP 4,240 nett (room only) and PhP 5,250 nett (with breakfast buffet for two), plus a delectable croissant ice cream sandwich as a special welcome amenity. Looking to bond with family and friends in a splendid sleepover? Eastwood Richmonde’s How Suite It Is package is the one for you. Featuring the hotel’s spacious suite rooms, this limited offer is perfect for groups with inclusions like complimentary extra beds and additional breakfast buffet entitlements. 

For as low as PhP 7,900 nett, get a One-Bedroom Suite inclusive of breakfast buffet for four persons and two extra beds. Bigger groups can opt to reserve the luxurious Two-Bedroom Suite that comes equipped with two king beds, two bath tubs, and an expansive living room and dining room area. The package rate is at PhP 17,000 nett only with complimentary breakfast buffet for six persons, two extra bed setups, and even bath bombs for a soothing soak in the tub. These special rates are available from October 26 to November 6, 2023 and are inclusive of 20% off on food & beverage orders at Eastwood Café+Bar and from Room Service, 15% off on all services at Lumiere Skin & Spa located in Eastwood Mall, complimentary use of the gym and swimming pool, plus parking for one vehicle. For inquiries and reservations, call Eastwood Richmonde’s Room Reservations at +632 8570 7777 or +63 917 531 6867 or email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com. For online bookings, log on to www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.

Take advantage of the monstrous deals of Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel for the long Halloween weekend and book a staycation with the family.

If you want to spend the long weekend in a local destination where you can explore its rich cultural heritage as you delight in modern conveniences, then Iloilo City is the destination for you with Richmonde Hotel Iloilo as your best option for accommodations. From October 27 to November 7, 2023, you can book a room for as low as PhP 4,800 nett (room only) and PhP 5,300 nett (with breakfast buffet for two). Rates are valid for a maximum of two adults and two children 5 years old and below and include Wi-Fi access and use of the hotel’s gym and outdoor pool. For inquiries and reservations, call Richmonde Iloilo’s Room Reservations at +6333 328 7888 or +63 917 580 9642 or email stay@richmondeiloilo.com. For online bookings, log on to www. richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph.

The Richmonde Hotel group is the first homegrown hotel brand established by the country’s premier real estate developer, Megarowld Corporation, under its hospitality division, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. Currently, there are three Richmonde properties located in key commercial and business districts in Metro Manila and Iloilo City. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, log on to www.richmondehotels.com.ph and follow @richmondehotels on Facebook and Instagram.