February 6, 2024

Well-loved masterpieces and magical Filipino stories come to life in Ballet Manila’s 26th Performance Season

“A showcase of technical and virtuosic feats’ is how world-renowned prima ballerina and Ballet Manila artistic director and chief executive officer Lisa Macuja Elizalde describes the opening salvo of the company’s 26th performance season, billed as “Ballet Masterpieces,” owing to the excellent lineup of shows that feature two classical ballet productions, along with the enchanting and timeless appeal of Filipino literary classics.

The season is set to open with the propitious staging of Le Corsaire (The Pirate) as rechoreographed by Macuja Elizalde herself. It will be staged on February 24, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. and February 25, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Ballet Manila’s home, the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.
For Macuja Elizalde, creating her version Le Corsaire has always been a dream: “I have always wanted to re-work Le Corsaire. When I was dancing the role of Medora, I found her character to be a damsel in distress waiting for Conrad to save her; getting captured twice. I wanted to change the order of the main dances in Le Corsaire as well, because I always felt that there should be a build-up to the main dances.”

She also notes that part of the charm of Le Corsaire is that all main characters are given the chance to shine: “For me, the main draw and importance of staging a Le Corsaire is the fact that there are many principal characters that all have their respective times to shine and show off technical and virtuosic feats as the ballet unfolds.”

From the swashbuckling tale of romantic adventure, Ballet Manila brings well-loved Filipino tales to life with Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang on May 11, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., and May 12 & 18, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. For this special production, Ballet Manila has partnered with Anvil Publishing with an aim to keep the legacy of renowned Filipino writer Severino Reyes, alive. The ballet versions are based on multi-awarded children’s book writer Christine Bellen Ang’s retelling of Severino Reyes’ stories.

“The idea to create a ballet from the Anvil Publishing books of Mga Kuwento Ni Lola Basyang came about during my children's book fair,” she recalls. “I saw the entire collection of children's books displayed in their school library, and I bought all 12. Then I called a meeting with my artistic team. I put all 12 books on the table and told them to choose one to make into a ballet.”

Finding all stories to be worth sharing to a wider audience, the artistic team had a difficult time selecting only three stories but eventually ended up with those whose themes centered on romance, adventure and comedy. Thus, Ang Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang was born.

Anvil Publishing president Xandra Ramos Padilla considers Ballet Manila’s staging of the Lola Basyang series as an excellent opportunity to instill pride among local theater goers. “We hope it reaches and inspires more people to appreciate and support different forms of local art and culture. An original Filipino story performed through dance is something that the Philippines can be proud of,” she says, adding that Lola Basyang's stories are “well and widely-loved by generations because they teach values and help instill a child's love for reading.

“The whimsical illustrations in the picture books transport you to magical worlds—a visual spectacle successfully translated onstage by Ballet Manila,” added Padilla.

Adding even more buzz to the show is celebrated performing artist Mitch Valdes who will be taking on the role of Lola Basyang. Having been active in the local theater and entertainment scene for over 50 years, the seasoned comic-singer-actress has played highly-acclaimed roles in such well-publicized productions as Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo where she won a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress, and in the musicale Katy! for which she is remembered for her outstanding performance as Katy dela Cruz. She has also starred in highly-acclaimed movies such as Oro, Plata, Mata; Manila by Night; and Bulaklak sa City Jail.

This time, audiences will see her perform her version of Lola Basyang with her signature wit and humor. Asked how she will make her character different, Mitch gleefully replies: “I will ask Lisa (Macuja) if Lola Basyang can get up from her rocking chair for some choreography. Maybe up on pointe for five seconds!”

On a more serious note, the multi-awarded comedienne and actress extolls the concept of having local classics featured along world-renowned masterpieces. “We’re familiar with all the international classics but this one is a rare chance to see one of our beloved folklores come to life in classical ballet. It will be beautiful because the story is one of our own.”

Completing the 26th Performance Season is Giselle, an ethereal, romantic ballet that tackles love, tragedy and loss, and will be performed on August 31, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. until September 1, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

“I think calling our 2024 performance season “Ballet Masterpieces” is spot on because of the ballets that are featured. Le Corsaire and Giselle are both full-length classical ballet masterpieces, while Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang will feature three stories in one show. I love how our season will have two major classics!” she shared.

For the rest of the year, Ballet Manila is set to continue to showcase its unwavering artistry and excellence with the world premiere of Gerardo Francisco’s and Martin Lawrance’s cutting-edge version of Florante at Laura on October 12, 2024 at 8:00 p.m., October 13 & 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Through its continuing partnership with Aréte Ateneo, audiences will get to enjoy Gerardo Francisco’s iteration of the Filipino classical tale Ang Ibong Adarna, at the Areté Theater in November 2024.

Finally, the ballet company continues to celebrate its tradition of bringing the spirit of Christmas spirit alive through its Holiday Cheer Series. This year, the young and young at heart will get to enjoy Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s take on Snow White and will be staged on December 25 to 30, 2024.

“We hope that by the end of our 26th Performance Season, the Filipino audience will re-discover and have a newfound appreciation for classical ballet as well as our vibrant Filipino culture through the shows that we have worked very hard to prepare,” said Lisa Macuja-Elizalde.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Direct link to buy tickets here : https://bit.ly/BuyTicketsBMLeCorsaire2024

To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

HONOR is Launching The World’s Thinnest Foldable Phone in PH


Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has yet again teased its fans with what seemed to be the launch of its much-anticipated foldable smartphone of the year. It was just recently that the tech giant released its newest viral smartphone HONOR X9b 5G. While its reign is far from over, HONOR Philippines is highly excited to introduce the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone in the market.
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HONOR Philippines is on a roll, teases the launch of the most anticipated 
foldable smartphone in the market
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“HONOR fans asked for it and now, we’re finally bringing it! This is by far the most anticipated launch we have and we are very proud of it. What we’re unveiling in the coming weeks is the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone to date so tech enthusiasts and alike really have to watch for it,” said HONOR Phlippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

As seen on its social media pages, HONOR Philippines hinted the launch of its first foldable smartphone in the Philippines. More updates will be shared in the coming days that HONOR fans should definitely monitor very closely!

For more information 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 Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).


Kicking Off Chinese New Year with foodpanda’s Feast of Fortune

Chinese New Year is fast-approaching, and we are SO here for the good luck, health, and strength the Year of the Dragon brings! We are ready to channel the Dragon in ourselves and embody its intelligence, charisma, and power. A way to get full-on Year of the Dragon mode and feel the luck is to celebrate its year with foodpanda!

Good-fortune groceries at your fingertips

Can we even call it a Chinese New Year celebration without the tikoy? It symbolizes sweet relationships and a better year coming up, and even better when you can get tikoy from pandamart for as low as ₱99.

While for a burst of prosperity, incorporating round and golden fruits like oranges and tangerines as centerpieces will just do you the trick! Celebrate with your family or peers with this must-have for this season.

Shop with ease for your Chinese New Year necessities on pandamart or Robinsons Easymart via foodpanda Shops, and get FREE ANG PAU when you purchase a minimum amount of ₱499 (valid from February 1-11 only).


Lucky mouthwatering indulgence

Whether you choose to pick up or have food delivered, foodpanda's wide selection of Chinese restaurants makes it simple to add real flavors to your meal. Just look up any restaurant of your choice or any Chinese food you are craving, choose from the menu, and voila!

Fun fact: According to Chinese folklore, the more dumplings you eat, the more money you’ll make throughout the year. Nobody is counting too much, so go ahead and indulge!

Eyes on the target: Lumpia! While the meaty savory flavors that burst from the crispiness of the golden wrapper are quite addicting, they symbolize abundance and good luck as well. We always love lumpia. Taking in these golden delights will never be out of style to kick off the year!

Noodles, with their extended strands, not only add flavor but also wish for a fortunate and lengthy life. That is why we never bite off the ends of our noodles! The longer the noodle, the luckier the eater will be. Savor every bite of this during your feast, and you might just be tasting good fortune and a long life!

Whether you want to DIY your Chinese New Year blowout or choose the convenience of online ordering, you can unlock a ₱500 discount either way when you use it on foodpanda's pandamart, shops, food delivery, and pick-up with the voucher code CNY500. This offer is valid for orders placed from Feb 9-11 only. Huge deals await you when you celebrate with foodpanda!


May your festivities be filled with joy, prosperity, and a table adorned with the luckiest of foods. With endless grocery and food possibilities with foodpanda, celebrations are limitless! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

For more information about foodpanda and the incredible offers available, visit the official website at https://www.foodpanda.ph. Also like and follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok and Youtube.

 

February 4, 2024

Upgrade your Viewing Experience this Lunar New Year with Samsung’s Lucky Deals

You are in luck this Year of the Dragon as Samsung is offering amazing deals for your home entertainment needs!

Kickstart the Year of the Dragon with Samsung’s Lucky Deals, which offers up to 40% off on Samsung TVs and Soundbars from February 1 to March 31, 2024, and upgrade your home with a cutting-edge entertainment system to enable fun-filled movie marathons, festive reunions, sing-along nights and sleepovers with family and friends. Enjoy cinematic and immersive viewing with the family through top-of-the-line Samsung Neo QLED and OLED TVs, the benchmark for indoor entertainment experiences, through Samsung’s special Lunar New Year promos.

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon in an even better and bigger Samsung QLED, NEO QLED, and OLED TV

Watch your favorite movies and TV series in even better resolution with Samsung’s Smart TVs and Soundbars. Samsung’s QLED and Neo QLED Smart TVs offer a billion shades of color for a vivid viewing experience - stunningly crisp images and lifelike details in every scene help to bring your favorite movies, TV series and games to life.

Get special discounts and a one-year Disney+ subscription on exclusive Samsung.com models like the Q67C series which comes in 50-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch. You can also save P30,750 when you purchase the 50'' Neo QLED 4K QN90C Smart TV, which is going for only P47,249.00 this Lunar New Year. It also comes with a FREE C450 Soundbar and a one-year subscription to Disney+ when you order from  Samsung.com.

Experience the beauty of unimaginable details and lively colors on the Samsung OLED TVs, which allows you to see and hear the extraordinary in every picture and sound Samsung’s innovative OLED offers deep blacks, clean whites and full shares of color while its Neural Quantum Processor 4k offers unrivaled brightness and brilliant 4k picture quality.  Get the 65" Samsung OLED S95C 4K Smart TV for only P110,249 and enjoy a FREE Q600C Soundbar, plus a year-long subscription from Disney+.

Indulge in your passions in an exceptionally styled big-screen

Take your mobile entertainment experience to the big screen with a Samsung Sero TV, the first rotating TV in the Philippines. This Smart TV comes in a stylish matte display, stereophonic 4.1Ch 60W Speakers, and a mobile-optimized screen that allows you to cast mobile content on a bigger screen.  The 43" The Sero LS05B QLED 4K Smart TV can now be yours with a  P6,750 discount on the e-store. It also comes with a FREE Galaxy A14 5G in Black and The Sero Wheels accessory, plus a one-year FREE subscription to Disney+.

For art aficionados, display what you love with Samsung’s The Frame TV, which offers Art Mode and a premium matte display with anti-glare, to enjoy your art and content in the perfect viewing environment. Built-in with QLED technology, 4K resolution, and slim frame design that blends seamlessly with your elegant home, you can purchase the 55" The Frame LS03B QLED 4K Smart TV for P62,999 and save up to P17,000! You even get a FREE interchangeable bezel, slim Fit Wall Mount and a one-year subscription to Disney+. 

Jam your way to a prosperous 2024 with the Samsung Lifestyle Soundbar

Groove to your 2024 playlist with the impeccable rhythm of the Samsung Lifestyle Soundbar HW-S800B or Soundbar HW-S801B and save P10,000 when you purchase at a Samsung Authorized Dealer, or get a P9,000 discount from Samsung.com. You can also take home a FREE 1 unit of Soundbar Sleeve Accessory in brown or teak worth P2,999.

Elevate the whole fam’s viewing experience this Year of the Dragon with the perfect TV for your home and grab these exclusive deals from February 1 to March 31, 2024, at Samsung.com, Lazada and Shopee, and Samsung Authorized Stores nationwide, or go to https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/online/2024/new-year-sale/#tv-av

 

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-185086 Series of 2024

February 3, 2024

Home Credit is the Key: Back-to-School Campaign bags Silver at 59th Anvil Awards


In a celebration of excellence at the 59th Anvil Awards, Home Credit Philippines' innovative "Home Credit is the Key: Back-to-School (BTS) Campaign" secured the prestigious Silver

Anvil in the Marketing and Brand Communication sub-category under the Public Relations Programs category.

The awards ceremony, dubbed the 'Oscars of Public Relations' in the Philippines, took place at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City on January 31, drawing representatives from companies and agencies across the country.

Home Credit, a leading consumer finance company, addressed the challenges faced by parents, particularly moms, during the back-to-school season. The campaign aimed to empower mothers as the primary financial decision-makers and budget planners in their families, navigating the rising costs of education and school supplies.

Running from July 1 to September 30, 2023, the "Home Credit is the Key" campaign provided a backup for moms by offering affordable financing options. Home Credit introduced zero-interest payment plans, easing the financial burden on mothers striving to provide their children with the best education. Flexible payment plans were also made available, ensuring that the cost of education could be spread over manageable installments, thus alleviating financial strain.

"We understand the challenges that parents face during the back-to-school season. Our Back-to-School Campaign aimed to provide not just financial assistance but also peace of mind to mothers who work tirelessly to ensure their children receive a quality education. Winning the Silver Anvil is a testament to the campaign's impact and the recognition of our Public Relations efforts to support families in this crucial aspect of their lives," said Ken Lerona, Head of PR, Home Credit Philippines.

The campaign also emphasized maintaining peace of mind for mothers by using Home Credit's services, allowing them to preserve their savings as a safety net for emergencies or future investments.

The campaign strategically employed public relations and communication tactics to engage and empower its target audience, specifically mothers and their children. Home Credit Philippines collaborated with its agency-on-record, Dugenia, Marayan and Associates Company (DM&A Co.), to implement this compelling initiative.

A key aspect of the campaign's success was the dissemination of impactful narratives to various media titles, partners, and bloggers. By pitching these powerful stories, the campaign effectively resonated with the intended audience, making their back-to-school shopping experience easier and lighter.

“Working with Home Credit Philippines on this campaign was a rewarding experience. We aimed to not only meet the challenges faced by parents but to exceed expectations in providing practical solutions. The Silver Anvil is a validation of the effectiveness and innovation embedded in our approach,” said Michael Dugenia, Managing Partner of DM&A Co.

The Anvil Awards, presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), received nearly 500 entries from over 100 companies and agencies, including local government units. The 59th Anvil Awards showcased new categories under PR Programs, such as Best Use of Digital, Best Use of Social Media, and Best PR-led Integrated Campaign.

Home Credit Philippines' Back-to-School Campaign stood out among the top entries, securing the Silver Anvil, and reinforcing its commitment to excellence in community support.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the My Home Credit App on Google Play to learn more about the latest promos and see what’s new in the Marketplace.  

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).


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