Richmonde Hotel Ortigas celebrates the flavors of a Filipino Christmas

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This holiday season, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas invites guests to experience the warmth and joy of a true Filipino Christmas through its special selection of festive baked treats and savory delights. Each creation showcases classic local flavors to add a satisfying sentimental touch to holiday gatherings. Whether for your Noche Buena feast or as thoughtful gifts for loved ones, Richmonde’s collection is sure to spread holiday cheer.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Collection of Holiday Goodies

At the heart of this year’s offerings is the ever-popular Richmonde Signature Ensaymadas, an indulgent Filipino holiday favorite. Big, buttery, and generously topped with cheese, these fluffy ensaymadas come in three delicious variants: classic plain (PhP 215), ube (PhP 245), and the new mango cheese (PhP 245). Also available are mini versions that come in boxes of four and nine—perfect for sharing or gifting.

Also making a sweet statement is Richmonde’s signature Chocolate Cake, a fudgy and moist creation that’s given a festive makeover with its holiday finishing. Available in three sizes (4” at PhP 265, 6” at PhP 625, and 8” at PhP 755), this dessert can satisfy the cravings of chocolate lovers. For other irresistible choco options, there are also chewy Revel Bars (PhP 420 for a box of 8) and Dark & White Chocolate Chip Cookies (PhP 225 per pack), which are ideal for holiday munching.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Holiday Hamper of Filipino Pastries

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Signature Ensaymadas

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ oversized Silvanas in classic Cashew and Chocnut Flavors

For those with a hankering for more traditional local flavors, there are the Ube Macapuno Cheesecake (PhP 215), a rich and creamy tribute to the well-loved ube and macapuno combination, and the savory Adobo Croissant (PhP 225), a delightful fusion of French pastry and the familiar adobo. Other specialty breads include the Banana Walnut Bread (PhP 395), and Cheese Pimiento Loaf (PhP 295).

Adding a dash of nostalgia to the holidays are Richmonde’s delightfully crispy, chewy, and creamy Silvanas. Available in Classic Cashew and Chocnut flavors (PhP 420 per pair), these treats will go well with a cup of steaming hot chocolate or brewed coffee.

For an all-in-one festive experience, Richmonde’s Holiday Hamper (PhP 1,998) offers a curated selection of pastry items that includes the mango cheese ensaymada, adobo croissant, ube macapuno cheesecake, silvanas, assorted flavored crinkles, and Sampaguita polvoron. Each item reflects Filipino heritage and is carefully packed in a traditional buri box.

Richmonde Café also has delectable hearty platters designed for the season’s potluck parties and intimate gatherings. The Beef Barbecue Spareribs (PhP 2,650), seasoned and slow cooked to tender perfection, and the scrumptious Salmon Wellington (PhP 2,840), featuring quality Norwegian salmon encased in puff pastry with spinach and cheese, are both good for six to eight persons.

Visit Richmonde Hotel Ortigas’ Lobby Café to explore the display of holiday goodies or browse the complete catalogue on the hotel’s official Facebook page. All items are available for pickup or delivery until January 5, 2025, with a minimum 48-hour lead time for orders. For inquiries and orders, contact (632) 8638-7777, SMS/Viber (63) 917 534 4352, email fbsup@richmondeortigas.com, or message @Richmonde Hotel Ortigas on Facebook and Instagram.

The Dawn offers a reflective take on the holiday season with “Maki-Pasko”

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The Yuletide-inspired tune serves as their first release with Sony Music Entertainment

Iconic Filipino rock band The Dawn has thrown their hat into the ring for the next big holiday classic.

The Enveloped Ideas act makes a little space for love with “Maki-Pasko,” their debut Christmas single under Sony Music Entertainment. Known for their timeless rock anthems, the band takes a fresh and introspective approach to the season with a track that blends holiday warmth with personal reflection.

According to Jett Pangan, lead vocalist of The Dawn, “Maki-Pasko” was inspired by the feeling of longing that often accompanies the holidays, particularly for those who find themselves separated from loved ones. “I’ve experienced holidays away from my family, so I drew from that personal experience when writing the lyrics,” Pangan explains. “The song speaks to those moments of solitude and the desire to be with someone during the festive season.”

“Maki-Pasko” marks the band’s foray into writing a Yuletide-themed song—a concept they discussed for years but only decided to pursue after their initial meeting with Sony Music Entertainment. The collaboration with their new record label pushed the band to explore the challenges and creative nuances of producing a holiday tune, and refine the process along the way.

Francis Reyes, guitarist of The Dawn, reflects on co-writing the song, especially on its initial stages: “I was messing around on guitar at home, in a reflective mood. It started with that feeling, and a couple of chords and a riff that, in my mind, reflected a bit of sadness but also sounded hopeful. Personally, I think of it like any other song we’ve written that can be played in any other season. We were probably hesitant to write a Christmas song for so long because we were overthinking what it should sound like.”

Produced by guitarist Rommel “Sancho” Sanchez and bassist Bim Yance, “Maki-Pasko” conveys the essence of the holiday season without falling into the typical tropes of festive music. The song incorporates subtle touches of sleigh bells and tambourines, gently invoking the seasonal vibe, but its deeper emotional resonance comes from its universal themes of longing, hope, and togetherness.

“We didn’t want it to be just another ‘holiday song’—we wanted it to be a good song that happens to be about Christmas,” adds drummer Junboy Leonor. “Ultimately, it’s about the feelings that the season brings, without being tied to a particular moment or celebration.”

The Dawn’s “Maki-Pasko” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

 

Holiday gift ideas this 2024 with CHERRY

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Christmas is a time to come together and celebrate with loved ones, strengthening the bonds that matter most. To make the holiday even more special, giving gifts to make the party more festive is a must. And to ensure you’re providing the best, CHERRY has you covered! Here are your Christmas Must-Haves for 2024:

PRODUCTS BELOW PHP 1,000

The CHERRY Groove Bluetooth Speaker is portable and lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about heftiness. The 800mAh battery capacity will allow you up to 9hrs long lasting battery. Adjust the volume at any rate you want because it has a loud speaker with 3W output. Additionally, this product also has a TWS function, type – c charging, FM mode so you can listen to the radio, IPX4 water resistant for extra safety when out and about, and Bluetooth V5.3. Buy one for only PHP 590.

The CHERRY Core Flask is a trendy product to keep drinks at your preferred temperature in any gathering. Available in 2 sizes, (22oz and 30oz) this item offers various colors. This is a new edition to your collection is available in 8 wonderful colors. For the 22oz flasks: black, light blue, pink, yellow, lilac, gray, mint green, and white. Key features include 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, leak resistant, double wall vacuum insulation, BPA-free, easy-to-carry, 320g weight, and 22.5 x 7.2cm dimensions. The 30oz flasks is available in mint green, yellow, light blue, pink, lilac, white, and black—has a weight of 430g and dimensions of 24 x 7.6cm. Choose your desired product depending on your aesthetic. Better yet, choose everything for only PHP 699 for the 22oz and PHP 799 for the 30oz.

PRODUCTS ABOVE PHP 1,000

The CHERRY Wireless Karaoke Rhythm will bring out the fun in every moment with its 4000mAh battery and 4-9 hours working time. It has an output power of 25W and rated power of 20W. This piece also uses 2 type C USB microphone, has LED lights, and features a power amplifier and 4 playing modes: BT/USB/SD Card/AUX in. With this karaoke, you get a Bluetooth transmission distance of 10 meters and speaker drivers with a diameter of 156mm, 1pc, full range that’s perfect for outdoor activities. Buy one for only PHP 7,450.

The CHERRY Aqua Smart TV FHD 43” has a design that complements modern areas since this TV gets integrated in a seamless way. Watch Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video since it runs Android TV with a system version Android 11. Moreover, it has 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi/ Bluetooth 5.1 and 74W Rated Power/ 100-240V. Buy one for only PHP 14,999.

For more information, visit:

CHERRY Shop: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Shopee: https://bit.ly/CherryPhShopee

Lazada: https://bit.ly/CherryPhLazada

Lola Amour: The Album Concert Premieres on Spotify and YouTube

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For those who missed the magic live—and for those who were there and want to relive it—Lola Amour’s unforgettable Lola Amour: The Album Concert is now yours to experience anytime! The concert, filmed live at Circuit Makati on April 13, 2024 is officially streaming on Spotify starting November 29, with the full concert film premiering on YouTube on December 2.

Directed by Jed Regala of First Light Studios, the concert film captures the band’s electrifying performance and includes exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. From intimate interviews with fans and musical directors leading up to the big event to candid rehearsal footage, the film offers an unparalleled look into the journey that brought this spectacular show to life.

Fans can also look forward to special appearances by surprise guests who joined Lola Amour on stage, making this event truly one for the books.

Adding to the excitement, Spotify has launched a Live Set Playlist featuring exclusive spiels from the concert. These additions recreate the energy and emotion of being at the live show, immersing listeners in the full Lola Amour experience.

With Lola Amour: The Album Concert, the band continues to solidify their place in the OPM scene, creating an immersive experience for their ever-growing audience.

Don’t miss out—stream the playlist & album now on Spotify and prepare for the YouTube release on December 2!

For the latest updates on your favorite musicians, follow Warner Music Philippines on their social media pages:

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Clara Benin releases deluxe edition of befriending my tears with new tracks, remixes, and live recordings

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Listen to the new track “all I do is cry,” co-produced by Clara Benin and The Ringmaster

Filipino singer-songwriter Clara Benin has dropped the deluxe edition of her critically acclaimed album, befriending my tears, now available worldwide under Sony Music Entertainment. The expanded version, titled befriending my tears (and then some), adds ten new tracks, including two fresh originals, five remixes, two live recordings, and a fan-favorite early demo, offering a deeper dive into Benin’s introspective musical journey.

Reflecting on the process, Benin shares, “This deluxe version gave me the opportunity to explore the more nuanced aspects of music production—whether it’s about satisfying my curiosity with different sonic textures, reworking instrumental arrangements, or experimenting with vocal harmonies. I wanted to create something immersive, something that resonates both on record and in a live setting.”

In addition to revisiting the themes of vulnerability and self-discovery explored in the original album, the deluxe edition features two brand-new tracks that continue the emotional narrative: “hiding in the bathroom” and “all I do is cry.” These new songs mark a more intimate exploration of self-acceptance and emotional honesty, while adding new perspectives to her brand of storytelling.

“The process of making befriending my tears helped me understand myself more,” Benin explains. “With these new songs, I wanted to lean into that same honesty—embracing vulnerability and learning how to sit with discomfort. It’s about letting go of any shame around our feelings, no matter how messy they might be.”

The new track, “all I do is cry,” co-produced with The Ringmaster, confronts Benin’s emotional depth and sensitivity. The song reflects her ability to embrace both the highs and lows of her feelings, finding catharsis in the act of crying as part of the process of growth and healing.

“I’ve always been deeply sensitive to my emotions, and crying has been one way I process everything,” she admits. “The older I get, the more I feel the contrast between contentment and grief. This song is a reflection of that duality—how love and loss can coexist, and how tears are sometimes necessary for personal evolution.”

In addition to the new material, befriending my tears (and then some) also features remixes from some of the most innovative producers in the local indie and electronic music scenes, including crwn, Kenyama, Kvtvlv, Tim Marquez, and The Ringmaster. The deluxe edition also includes live versions of fan favorites “small town” and “momentary,” recorded during her sold-out performance at the Music Museum last year.

For Benin, the deluxe album is more than just an extension of the original work—it’s a reflection of her ongoing quest to find beauty in life’s struggles, particularly the healing power of embracing her emotions—both the good and the bad. “I hope these songs encourage listeners to embrace their own journey, that whatever they're going through, there is always hope waiting for them on the other side. I hope they feel seen, understood, and reminded through these songs, that healing and growth are possible, even in the hardest moments.”

Clara Benin’s befriending my tears (and then some) is now available on all major digital music platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.