George Optical Marks 66 Years With ₱66 Anniversary Deal

George Optical Marks 66 Years With ₱66 Anniversary Deal

Saturday, October 3, 2026

George Optical is celebrating its 66th anniversary with a limited-time eyewear promotion that gives customers the opportunity to purchase a second selected designer frame for ₱66.

Under the George Optical 66th Anniversary Treat, customers who purchase any qualifying frame worth ₱6,990 or more can avail of the second-frame offer. The promotion runs until October 31, 2026, at George Optical branches nationwide.

The anniversary marks more than six decades since the company opened its first clinic on Ongpin Street in Binondo in 1960.

What is George Optical's 66th anniversary promo?

Customers who purchase a frame worth ₱6,990 and above can get a selected designer frame for ₱66 under the anniversary promotion.

The offer is available at participating George Optical branches nationwide until October 31, 2026.

Customers should check with their preferred branch for the specific frames included in the ₱66 offer and any applicable terms.

How did George Optical start in the Philippines?

George Optical traces its beginnings to October 10, 1960, when Dr. George Co Sr. and his wife, Belen Co, opened the first George Optometric Clinic on Ongpin Street in Binondo.

The company's history began with Dr. Co Sr.'s experience working at his uncle's optical shop after World War II.

According to the company's account, he started with basic responsibilities at the shop before learning how to grind glass lenses and fit them into spectacle frames.

He eventually pursued optometry, graduating with honors and placing among the Top 10 in the Philippine Optometry Board Examinations.

The early years were shaped by modest beginnings and the trust of people who supported the couple as they established their practice.

That history remains central to how George Optical describes its development from a single Binondo clinic into a broader eye-care business.

How has George Optical evolved over 66 years?

The Philippine optical industry has changed significantly since George Optical opened its first clinic.

One notable development in the company's history came in 1975, when Dr. Co Sr. began producing hard contact lenses. That business eventually became G&B Vision Care Inc.

George Optical also established its headquarters in Pasay in 1980, as the business expanded beyond its original clinic.

Today, the company says its services extend beyond prescription eyewear to include primary eye care, contact lenses, specialized services, and technology-supported patient care.

The shift reflects a broader change in how consumers approach vision care.

Eyewear remains an important part of correcting vision, but optometry can also involve assessing eye health, fitting contact lenses, and managing specific visual needs.

Who leads George Optical today?

The company is now led by Dr. Geoffrey Co, president and CEO and the second generation of the Co family to oversee the business.

Dr. Geoffrey Co graduated with First Class Honours from City University in London in 1993 and trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where his experience included contact lenses, low vision, glaucoma, and corneal clinics.

He later topped the 1996 Philippine Optometry Board Examinations and holds optometry licenses in both the Philippines and the United Kingdom, according to the company.

His professional recognition includes the Professional Regulation Commission's Most Outstanding Professional in Optometry award in 2012 and a Distinction Award from the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations in 2023.

Under his leadership, the company has continued developing its primary eye-care and specialized services while maintaining the family business's focus on optometry.

Why does the 66-year milestone matter?

For a retail and professional-service business, longevity depends on more than remaining open for several decades.

George Optical's history illustrates how a small family-run clinic can develop alongside changes in technology, consumer behavior, and professional eye care.

The anniversary promotion provides a consumer-facing way to mark that history, while the company's story highlights the role of optometry businesses in providing both eyewear and professional vision services.

For customers considering new frames, the current ₱66 offer also makes the anniversary immediately relevant, although shoppers should verify the participating frames and terms before purchasing.

After 66 years, George Optical's story continues to connect its original Binondo clinic with its present-day approach to eyewear and eye care.

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Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal Team Up for CROSSFADE

Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal Team Up for CROSSFADE

Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal are teaming up for CROSSFADE, a one-night live music show happening on October 11, 2026, at Matchpoint Sports Bar and Events in Mandaluyong City.

The intimate two-billed show will feature extended sets from both artists, bringing together familiar songs from their catalogs alongside newer material.

Tickets are priced at ₱1,600, with the event primarily standing-room only. A limited number of seats will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What can fans expect from CROSSFADE?

CROSSFADE will feature Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal performing long sets of classic songs and newer releases in an intimate live setting.

Rather than a large-scale concert format, the event is designed around the experience of seeing two established Filipino artists perform in a more intimate venue.

For audiences who have followed Pinoy rock and alternative music through different eras, the pairing also brings together two distinct musical catalogs.

Almalbis and Nadal have each built careers that extend well beyond individual hit songs, making their respective live sets an opportunity to revisit familiar material while hearing what they are creating at this point in their careers.

A collaboration that has happened before

CROSSFADE is not the first time Almalbis and Nadal have performed together.

The two artists previously shared the stage during the first two editions of Secrets at the Music Museum.

They later reunited for the two-part Tanaw series, which brought together artists associated with the Philippine rock and alternative-pop scene.

Their history of performing together gives CROSSFADE a different context from a first-time collaboration.

This time, however, the format puts the two artists together for a dedicated one-night engagement.

When and where is CROSSFADE happening?

CROSSFADE takes place on October 11, 2026 (Sunday) at Matchpoint Sports Bar and Events in Mandaluyong City.

Why CROSSFADE matters to Pinoy rock fans

Almalbis and Nadal represent different chapters of the Philippine alternative and rock music landscape, while sharing an audience that has followed the local scene across generations.

Their collaboration also highlights how songs that became part of Filipino pop culture can continue to find new life in live performances.

CROSSFADE pairs that familiarity with new material, giving longtime listeners something recognizable while leaving room for the artists' current musical directions.

For fans, the appeal is ultimately straightforward: two established Filipino rock voices, one intimate venue, and a full night dedicated to their music.

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Nadine Lustre Releases New Song “10YRS”

Nadine Lustre Releases New Song “10YRS”

Nadine Lustre looks back on the last decade through “10YRS,” an introspective ballad about heartbreak, mistakes, self-discovery, and the experiences that shape a person over time.

Released on October 2, 2026, the song turns a personal reflection on the past 10 years into a message about accepting change, letting go of what no longer serves you, and moving forward without needing to have everything figured out.

“10YRS” is available on digital music platforms worldwide through Cool Girl Records.

What is Nadine Lustre’s “10YRS” about?

“10YRS” is a reflective song about looking back on a decade of personal growth and accepting both the difficult and meaningful experiences that came with it.

Rather than treating the past as something to erase, the song recognizes heartbreak, mistakes, and uncertainty as part of Nadine's journey toward understanding herself.

That perspective becomes especially clear as the song moves toward self-acceptance.

“10YRS” does not present growth as a straight or perfect process. Instead, it acknowledges that healing can involve uncertainty, setbacks, and learning to live with life's unpredictability.

The line “Dance with the chaos like I’m part of it” captures that attitude, framing chaos not simply as something to overcome but as something that can be embraced.

How does “10YRS” reflect Nadine Lustre’s musical direction?

The song takes a restrained approach to its production, allowing Nadine's vocals to remain at the center.

Nadine co-wrote “10YRS” with Rose Caroline Mamonong, while Isagani Palabyab handled the beats and instrumentation.

GD Onallices contributes violin, adding another layer to the song's understated arrangement.

The relatively sparse production suits the song's subject matter. Instead of relying on a large instrumental arrangement, “10YRS” gives space to its lyrics and vocal delivery.

The result is a ballad built around reflection rather than spectacle.

A decade becomes the song's central idea

The title “10YRS” immediately establishes the song's timeframe.

A decade can encompass major changes in relationships, careers, identity, priorities, and personal beliefs. For the song, those changes become a way of looking at how experiences accumulate and eventually shape a person's understanding of themselves.

That makes the track less about nostalgia and more about perspective.

The past remains part of the story, but it does not have to dictate what happens next.

What does Nadine Lustre want to say through “10YRS”?

At its heart, “10YRS” is about self-worth without the expectation of perfection.

The song acknowledges that becoming more comfortable with yourself does not necessarily mean having all the answers. Growth can also mean accepting the parts of life that remain unresolved.

That message gives the track a broader emotional context beyond a conventional breakup song.

Its themes of healing, identity, and moving forward can resonate with anyone reflecting on how much they have changed over the years.

“10YRS” ultimately looks backward only long enough to understand how far the journey has gone.

The next chapter is still ahead.

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Eraserheads Documentary Wins International Director Award

Eraserheads Documentary Wins International Director Award

Maria Diane Ventura, director of Eraserheads: Combo On The Run, has received the Best International Director Award at the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) Music Documentary Film Festival in New York.

The recognition came after the Eraserheads documentary was screened at the festival on September 27, 2026. Ventura and Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia also took part in a special post-screening conversation with the audience.

The award adds another international distinction to Combo On The Run, which chronicles the story and legacy of one of the Philippines' most influential bands.

What is Eraserheads: Combo On The Run about?

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is a music documentary centered on the Eraserheads and their place in Philippine music and popular culture.

The band, composed of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro, became one of the defining acts of the Philippine alternative music scene in the 1990s.

Their music eventually reached audiences beyond the local alternative scene, helping establish the Eraserheads as a major cultural reference point for Filipino music.

The documentary's international screenings allow that history to be presented to audiences who may be unfamiliar with the band's influence in the Philippines.

Why is the LIMEHOF award significant?

The Best International Director Award recognizes Ventura's direction at a documentary film festival associated with the Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.

The film was screened at the festival on September 27, followed by a discussion involving Ventura and Buendia.

For a documentary built around a specifically Filipino musical and cultural story, the international setting is significant because it places the Eraserheads' history in front of audiences outside the Philippines.

Ventura said the response has been meaningful because the film is rooted in Filipino culture, music, and shared experiences.

“More than the award itself, I’m grateful that the film continues to create space for our stories and our artists on an international stage.”

She also described the continued international reception as a reminder of the potential for Filipino music and stories to reach audiences beyond the country.

How does the documentary bring Filipino music to international audiences?

Music documentaries can serve as more than artist profiles. They can also preserve the cultural circumstances surrounding a particular period in music history.

In the case of Combo On The Run, the Eraserheads provide a way to explore a significant period in Philippine popular culture through the story of the band.

The film's international screenings therefore introduce viewers to both the group and the cultural context surrounding its music.

That broader context is particularly relevant for younger audiences and international viewers who may know individual Eraserheads songs but have less familiarity with the band's place in Philippine music history.

What's next for Combo On The Run?

Produced by DVent Productions, Eraserheads: Combo On The Run has continued its journey following its theatrical run in the Philippines and subsequent international screenings.

The documentary's latest recognition comes as DVent Productions also expands its work in live entertainment.

The production company recently co-produced the Ely Buendia and Chito Miranda concert in Dubai with Live Nation and Tiana. The August 30, 2026 concert was held at the Coca-Cola Arena and drew a sold-out audience, according to the supplied release.

Together, the documentary screenings and overseas live shows point to a broader international audience for Filipino music and artists.

For Combo On The Run, the LIMEHOF recognition gives the Eraserheads' story another opportunity to reach viewers beyond the Philippines.

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RAMONA Drops New Pop-Punk Single “Manloloko”

RAMONA Drops New Pop-Punk Single “Manloloko”

RAMONA returns with “Manloloko,” a pop-punk track about heartbreak, self-worth, and finally walking away from a relationship that has become painful and unhealthy.

Following her previously released singles “Laguna” and “GAGA,” RAMONA takes a more confrontational approach with “Manloloko,” turning the frustration of being deceived into a catchy breakup anthem about choosing yourself.

Produced by Sam Marquez and Timothy Run and mastered by Emil Dela Rosa, the song combines the raw energy of ’90s alternative rock and riot grrrl with the polished immediacy of pop music.

What is RAMONA’s “Manloloko” about?

“Manloloko” is a breakup song about recognizing when a relationship repeatedly causes pain and finding the courage to leave. Its central message is that staying with someone who continually hurts or deceives you is not a requirement for proving your love.

RAMONA describes the track as a reflection on knowing your worth, learning from heartbreak, and realizing that leaving a “manloloko” can open the possibility of finding someone who will value you.

Rather than treating heartbreak solely as a loss, the song frames the end of a troubled relationship as a moment of clarity.

That idea also shapes the track’s musical direction.

A bubblegum-punk take on heartbreak

“Manloloko” draws from several strands of alternative music, particularly the rawness associated with ’90s alternative rock and riot grrrl.

It also incorporates contemporary pop sensibilities, creating a sound that sits between punk attitude and accessible pop songwriting.

The result is a bubblegum-punk approach: loud, melodic, direct, and built around a message that is easy to sing along to.

For RAMONA, the combination allows the song’s frustration to come through without losing its pop appeal.

How does the “Manloloko” music video tell the story?

The song’s theme of leaving the past behind extends into its accompanying music video, where RAMONA appears as a runaway bride.

Instead of continuing toward the future she once expected, the character walks away from the commitments and expectations surrounding her relationship.

The road ahead is uncertain, but that uncertainty becomes part of the story.

As the video progresses, RAMONA’s character embraces the freedom that comes from making her own decision rather than remaining tied to a relationship that no longer serves her.

The runaway-bride concept gives a visual form to the song’s central idea: sometimes moving forward begins with the decision to leave.

From heartbreak to self-worth

“Manloloko” follows a familiar theme in breakup music, but its perspective is less about winning someone back and more about reclaiming independence.

The song turns betrayal into a reason to reassess what a relationship should provide: respect, honesty, and a sense of being valued.

That makes the track particularly suited to the pop-punk tradition, where emotional frustration and personal independence often sit at the center of the music.

With “Laguna” and “GAGA” already part of RAMONA’s recent releases, “Manloloko” adds another chapter to the singer’s growing catalog while giving her a distinctly confrontational breakup track.

Why the song may resonate with breakup-song listeners

At its core, “Manloloko” speaks to a familiar relationship dilemma: when does holding on stop being an expression of love and become a reason to walk away?

RAMONA’s answer is straightforward. Heartbreak can be painful, but recognizing one's value can also be the beginning of moving forward.

“Manloloko” channels that realization into a pop-punk format that is catchy enough for a sing-along while retaining the bite of its subject matter.

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Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna takes flight anew at the Areté stage in Ateneo

Ballet Manila’s Ibong Adarna takes flight anew at the Areté stage in Ateneo

A magical story that generations of Filipinos love and know by heart is once again set to come alive in a completely different and enchanting way.

This October, Ballet Manila brings Gerardo Francisco Jr.’s Ibong Adarna back to the stage, transforming the beloved Filipino tale of an enchanted bird, royal brothers, forbidden love, and a quest for healing into a spectacle of music, movement, and dance.

One of the company’s most beloved and performed productions, Ibong Adarna will be staged at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City on October 9 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10 at 5 p.m.

“Ibong Adarna is one of Ballet Manila’s most requested offsite performances. This year, it already had two shows at Jose Rizal Coliseum in Laguna, and now the production is bound to return to Areté in Ateneo before continuing its way to Iloilo,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director.

Ibong Adarna tells the story of a mythical bird whose magical song has the power to heal the sick. When King Fernando of the Kingdom of Berbanya falls ill with an incurable disease, his three sons — Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan — set out on a quest to find the legendary Adarna and bring it back to save their father. The prince who succeeds in capturing the bird will inherit the throne.

The Areté run will feature a new set of leads from Ballet Manila’s powerhouse lineup. Performing as Ibong Adarna is Shaira Comeros, alongside Mark Sumaylo as Don Pedro, Rafael Perez as Don Juan, and Romeo Peralta as Don Diego. The alternate cast is led by Jessica Pearl Dames as Ibong Adarna, with Juan Angelo De Leon as Don Juan, Ralp John Balagot as Don Pedro, and Sean Pelegrin as Don Diego.

Ibong Adarna is fast becoming a Filipino ballet classic. Although Ballet Manila has staged the production numerous times in various venues, each re-staging brings something new, shaped in large part by its evolving cast of dancers.

“Every time we bring Ibong Adarna to a new audience, we discover something new about the story and the characters. That is what makes it special. It remains familiar to many Filipinos, but ballet allows us to experience the story in a different way,” Macuja Elizalde said.

Staging Ibong Adarna at the Areté is part of Ballet Manila’s broader mission of bringing people to ballet and ballet to the people. By taking the production beyond the traditional theater setting and into communities or cities, the company opens more opportunities for audiences to experience live ballet and discover this art form through stories already part of Filipino culture.

For those who may have encountered the classic tale in school, books, or childhood, Ballet Manila offers an exciting way to see the story as it combines a well-loved narrative with music, movement, complex characters, and the artistry of its dancers.

Don’t miss Ibong Adarna at Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University on October 9 and 10 only. For tickets, visit Ticketworld at www.premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting www.balletmanila.com.ph.

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Hanabishi Honors Longtime Appliance Owners on Eat Bulaga

Hanabishi Honors Longtime Appliance Owners on Eat Bulaga

Friday, October 2, 2026

Hanabishi marked its 40th anniversary by recognizing Filipino families who have kept their trusted appliances for decades through the Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad Awards, held on Eat Bulaga.

The campaign invited viewers to share stories of their longtime Hanabishi appliances, from irons and rice cookers to blenders, electric fans and oven toasters. Five winners were selected, along with a special winner whose appliance was almost as old as the brand itself.

The awards also highlighted Hanabishi's long-running relationship with Eat Bulaga, where the appliance brand has been a partner for 16 years.

Who won the Hanabishi Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad Awards?

The special award went to Caroline Marcelo of Taytay, Rizal, whose family still uses a Hanabishi flat iron purchased in 1987.

At 39 years old, the iron is just one year younger than Hanabishi's 40-year history. According to Marcelo's entry, the appliance was given to her parents as a wedding gift on March 7, 1987, and remains in use by the family.

The Marcelos received ₱20,000 in cash and a selection of Hanabishi appliances, including the Digital Pressure Cooker HDIGPC-18IN1, Flat Iron HI83, Rice Cooker HHRC14FS, Mini Jumbo Fan HMJF7, Oven Toaster HO70 and Juice Blender HJB115.

The five other winners were:

Odessa Sengseng — a 35-year-old Hanabishi flat iron that was her family's first electric iron

Dwight Jason Malabag — a 36-year-old Hanabishi Super Blender inherited from his grandfather

Hermie Gavino — a 30-year-old Hanabishi Oven Toaster that her husband won at a Christmas party raffle

Epifania Ablaza — a 20-year-old Hanabishi Electric Fan that was used by her first grandchild

Raquel Tolentino — a 33-year-old Hanabishi Rice Cooker received as a wedding gift

Each of the five winners received ₱10,000 in cash along with a Hanabishi Flat Iron HI38, Rice Cooker HHRC14FS, Mini Jumbo Fan HMJF7, Oven Toaster HO70 and Juice Blender HJB115.

What made the contest stories special?

While the contest centered on old appliances, the entries were ultimately about family memories.

Some appliances were wedding gifts. Others were inherited from grandparents or won as prizes. One became part of a child's memories growing up.

That gives the campaign a distinctly Filipino household angle, where an everyday appliance can remain in a home long enough to become associated with different generations.

For Hanabishi, the stories also became part of its 40th-anniversary celebration.

Hanabishi Appliances Vice President for Operations Candice Ong-Ang said the company created the awards with Eat Bulaga to highlight stories of trust and endurance from Filipino consumers.

How long has Hanabishi partnered with Eat Bulaga?

The appliance brand has been a partner of Eat Bulaga for 16 years, according to the company.

Host and Hanabishi brand ambassador Vic Sotto also recalled the brand's connection to the program, including its early support for the show's popular Sugod Bahay segment.

The longtime partnership provided the setting for Hanabishi to invite viewers to look through their homes and share the stories behind their older appliances.

Where will the winning Hanabishi appliances be displayed?

The winning appliances are set to be displayed during Hanabishi's 40th-anniversary celebration on September 30 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The anniversary event caps a year focused on the brand's four decades in the Philippine household appliance market and the consumers who have used its products over the years.

For the families recognized through the awards, however, the significance goes beyond the age of an appliance.

A 20-year-old fan, 30-year-old toaster or decades-old rice cooker represents something increasingly unusual in a world where many household products are replaced long before they become family heirlooms.

And that is what makes the Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad stories particularly relatable: sometimes, the things sitting quietly in our homes end up holding some of our oldest memories.

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