FLORANTE AT LAURA RETURNS TO HYUNDAI HALL IN QUEZON CITY

Philippines  – Responding to overwhelmingly positive reviews, Ballet Manila is set to rekindle the magic of Florante at Laura, the iconic Filipino epic poem turned ballet, with a much-anticipated restaging, this time at the Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, in Quezon City, from November 22 to 24, 2024. The production recently captivated audiences with its stunning choreography, evocative original music, and breathtaking dancing during its triumphant world premiere at the Aliw Theater last month.

A sneak peak of the pas de deux of Florante and Laura’s affectionate bid of farewell in Ballet Manila’s staging of Francisco Balagta’s epic, Florante at Laura

A Filipino literary masterpiece, ‘Florante at Laura,’ was written in 1838 by the Prince of Tagalog Poets, Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar. It is a narrative poem that tells the story of Florante, the Duke of Albania, who is captured by Turks. His beloved Laura is forced to marry Count Adolfo, the usurper. With the help of the warrior Aladin, Florante escapes, returns to confront Adolfo, and seeks redemption as he reunites with Laura.

Under Lisa Macuja Elizalde's artistic direction, Ballet Manila has assembled a world-class creative team to bring this epic Filipino tale to the stage.

“Florante at Laura”  is more than just a performance; it is a cultural experience that celebrates the rich literary heritage of the Philippines. Not only does this performance pay tribute to the timeless masterpiece by Francisco ‘Balagtas’ Baltasar, but it also showcases the exceptional talents of the dancers, choreographers, and creative minds behind this production.” Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde said.

A sneak peak of the pas de trois of the struggle between Aladdin and his father Sultan Ali-Adab for the affection of Flerida in Ballet Manila’s staging of Francisco Balagta’s epic, Florante at Laura

The performance will feature the recording of the original score composed by the esteemed National Artist for Ryan Cayabyab as performed by the talented Orchestra of the Filipino Youth, conducted by Maestro Toma Cayabyab. This powerful combination of music and dance has captivated and moved audiences, making each part of the performance an unforgettable experience.

“This full-length composition is one of my legacy pieces. It is my gift to the Filipinos, and I want Ballet Manila to share it with generations to come,”  said Cayabyab.

Members of the ballet's creative team include choreographers Gerardo Francisco Jr. and Martin Lawrance; libretto consultant and the foremost Balagtas expert, Dr. Michael Coroza; award-winning set designer Mio Infante; lighting director John Batalla; and costume designers Make It Happen.

Show schedule is as follows: November 22, 2024, 6:00 pm; November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm and November 24, 2024 3:30 pm. Tickets are available online via Ticketworld; direct link to purchase, https://bit.ly/BMFloranteAtLauraAretéBuyTickets. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph. 

EXCLUSIVE LABUBU GIVEAWAY BY EVER BILENA AND SHOPEE!

 

Philippines – Everybody wants a Labubu, the quirky, adorable art toy created by artist Kasing Lung. With its signature mischievous grin and playful design, Labubu has become much more than just a collectible—it’s a symbol of fun and creativity that has taken social media by storm.

 

If you’re looking to get your hands on a Labubu, here’s your chance! Local makeup brand, Ever Bilena is hosting an exciting giveaway in collaboration with Shopee, where 12 Labubu figures are up for grabs.

 

The limited-edition collectible figure rose to fame when it was spotted with K-pop superstar Lisa of Blackpink. Another Blackpink member, Rosé, has also been seen with her own Labubu in an Instagram story. Thanks to their posts, Labubu has become a must-have for collectors everywhere, including right here in the Philippines. Their influence has inspired local celebrities to get in on the action and show off their own Labubu treasures too!

 

TAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH DIGIDO’S HO-HO-HOLIDAY

Extravaganza raffle promo

Prizes include PHP 30,000 cash, SM Gift Passes and Lazada Gift Cards.

Philippines – Multi-awarded digital lending platform Digido is pleased

to announce its Ho-ho-holiday Extravaganza raffle promo, offering its borrowers the opportunity

to take their Christmas celebrations to the next level.

GET READY, DAVAO! THE BIG BAD WOLF BOOK SALE IS BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Philippines – Excitement fills the air as people look forward to spending the holidays with family and friends. Time with loved ones is special, and you can make it more memorable by exchanging gifts! 

Themed gift-giving is a fun, beloved holiday tradition. This year, make those gifts more meaningful by exchanging reads! Select a theme or genre for your book gift-exchange like something funny, something romantic, or something thrilling – whatever your group is in the mood for! Find the perfect read to share with your loved ones at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at The Tent, Azuela Cove, Davao City on November 22 to December 1, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight daily. 

SONY MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES THIRD ANNUAL ‘SEASON OF GIVING’ CAMPAIGN

Program dedicated to supporting local communities around the world in partnership with artists and songwriters

    

Philippines – Sony Music Group (SMG) today announced its third-annual giving campaign designed to address food insecurity, homelessness and music education in local communities around the world. Together with its global roster of artists and songwriters, the company will continue its commitment to support organizations in regions where SMG has a presence. By the end of the calendar year, the annual Season of Giving program will have contributed nearly $2 million in support to more than 12 million people since its inception. 

DISCOVER MCDONALD’S HOLIDAY MAGIC, AVAILABLE NOW

Philippines – McDonald’s Philippines is adding a touch of holiday magic to its menu this season with special limited-time offerings starting November 15. The quick-service restaurant giant has given a festive upgrade to its bigger and better Chicken McDo and iconic McFlurry, to bring out the kid in you this Christmas season. 

McDonald’s introduces the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo – a new and festive twist on its classic Chicken McDo, lightly glazed with a sweet barbeque sauce, offering the perfect blend of smoky and savory. For dessert lovers, two new McFlurry flavors will be available to satisfy that holiday sweet tooth: indulge in the Tiramisu McFlurry, a balanced mix of sweet coffee and cocoa flavors with bits of Malt Crunch, and the Hazelnut McFlurry, a rich, crunchy chocolaty treat that brings hazelnut indulgence to McDonald’s beloved Vanilla Soft Serve. 

OFFICIAL LIVESTREAM PARTNER FOR 73RD MISS UNIVERSE IN PHILIPPINES: BINGOPLUS

Philippines - BingoPlus, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country, is proudly supporting the upcoming 73rd Miss Universe in Mexico as the “Exclusive Livestreaming Partner in the Philippinesfor the Preliminaries and National Costume Competition.”

The official banner of the 73rd Miss Universe Preliminaries & National Costume in partnership with BingoPlus as the exclusive Philippine live-streaming partner.

Miss Universe is a renowned pageant organization that enjoys widespread popularity both in the Philippines and internationally. This year, Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Manalo, has mentally and physically prepared herself to compete for the title and bring honor to the country.

A behind-the-scenes shot of Chelsea Manalo during the send-off interview with BingoPlus.

In an exclusive interview during her send-off, Manalo expressed her deep gratitude to BingoPlus, both as a supporter and a sponsor, as well as to the many people standing behind her.

“I would love to thank BingoPlus for the support that they have given me to compete for Miss Universe this time for the 73rd edition. Of course to my whole supportive team behind these lenses, thank you so much.” Manalo said with heartfelt emotion. “I don’t think there's anything more I would like to ask but the prayers and your loud cheers no matter where you are in this country, in the Philippines or anywhere in this world—universe, rather.”

While Chelsea is fully geared up for the Miss Universe crown, BingoPlus, along with all Filipinos, is supporting her both online and on the ground.