A Wickedly Grand Easter Celebration and Holy Week Dining Delights at The Manila Hotel

A Wickedly Grand Easter Celebration and Holy Week Dining Delights at The Manila Hotel

Friday, April 4, 2025

The Manila Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a season of reflection, culinary delights, and family-friendly festivities with a carefully curated lineup of Holy Week and Easter events, as well as special dining offers this April. From a magical Easter celebration to a spiritual Visita Iglesia pilgrimage, along with dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, and M Takeout, there is something for everyone to experience.

Easter at the EGGmerald City

Families are in for a wickedly fun Easter at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Inspired by the whimsical world of Wizard of Oz, Easter at the EGGmerald City will transform the venue into an emerald and pink-colored wonderland filled with activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake making, arts and crafts, egg decorating, a magic show, balloon twisting, a musical, and much more. Hotel mascot Willy the Bear will make a special appearance, ready to meet junior guests and pose for photos.

“We are thrilled to host a truly unique Easter celebration this year, bringing the wicked world of Oz into reality for the spectacle for our junior guests,” says Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel. “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories together in a fun and magical atmosphere.”

Tickets for Easter at the EGGmerald City is priced at Php 1,999 net, which includes admission for one child (12 years old and below) and one adult companion (13 years old and above).

For families seeking to extend fun, The Manila Hotel offers a special room package at Php 10,000 net inclusive of an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast buffet for two persons at Café Ilang-Ilang, and one complimentary ticket to Easter at the EGGmerald City. Booking period is ongoing until April 19, 2025. Stay date is on April 20, 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Numbers FTEB-217902 and FTEB-217877. Series of 2025.

Visita Iglesia: A Holy Week Pilgrimage

In the spirit of Lenten reflection, The Manila Hotel invites guests to join a meaningful Visita Iglesia tour on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. The tour will be led by The Traveling Salakot, Paul John Hernandez, a social science educator known for his engaging historical tours that highlight Filipino heritage. Recognized by the Department of Tourism and National Parks Development Committee, The Traveling Salakot brings deep insight into the significance of each church along the route.

Visita Iglesia will include visits to Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Santa Rita Chapel, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Church, Santa Maria Goretti, Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, and Our Lady of Remedies Church.

Priced at Php 1,500 per adult and Php 750 per child (12 years old and below), the package includes roundtrip shuttle service and snacks. Two schedules are available: 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Limited slots are available, and reservations are recommended through +632 8527 0011 or concierge@themanilahotel.com.

For a complete Holy Week retreat, guests can avail the Visita Iglesia Room Offer at Php 10,000 per room per night, which includes a stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast for two at Café Ilang-Ilang, and Visita Iglesia tour access for two adults and two kids. Reservations are open until April 16, 2025 through +632 8527 0011 or resvn@themanilahotel.com, with stay dates from April 16 to 18, 2025 inclusive.

Pampanga Food Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang

Back due to popular demand, the Pampanga Food Festival returns to Café Ilang-Ilang from April 1 to 15, 2025, showcasing the rich flavors of Kapampangan cuisine. Lunch and dinner buffet will feature a rotating selection of beloved regional dishes including Pako Salad, Sisig, Batuteng Tugak (stuffed frog), Sipo Egg, Pritong Itik, Suam na Native Mais, Kalderetang Bibe sa Gata, Adobo Balut, Bringhe, Tibok Tibok, Turrones de Casoy, and more.

Lenten Specials at The Manila Hotel

Observing solemnity of Holy Week, The Manila Hotel presents a special Lenten Menu at the Lobby Lounge, available until April 20, 2025, featuring a selection of flavorful meat-free dishes: Easter Salad, Barley Vegetable Soup, Salmon Carbonara, Shrimp Pesto Pizza, and Norwegian Salmon Fillet.

For those preferring to observe the season at home, M Takeout offers a Lenten Home Buffet, featuring traditional and seafood-based dishes including Green Mango and Singkamas with Bagoong, Tuna Kinilaw with Gata, Escabeche Maya-Maya, Halabos ng Hipon, Inihaw na Lumot, Rellenong Alimasag, Kilawing Puso ng Saging, Vegetable Pancit Bihon with Tokwa, and Steamed Rice. Available from April 1 to 30, 2025, this set is priced at Php 4,880.

For further inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

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Taiwanese band The Chairs to headline this year’s edition of All Of The Noise 2025

Taiwanese band The Chairs to headline this year’s edition of All Of The Noise 2025

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Taiwanese indie pop trio The Chairs are set to headline this year’s edition of All Of The Noise (AOTN), a two-day music and culture event taking place at Astbury Makati on April 4-5, 2025.

Returning to the Philippines for the second time, the Taipei-based trio will be performing a special set for their Filipino fans, who expressed their excitement hearing The Chairs’ brand of ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired psych pop in an intimate live setting.

Known for their evocative songwriting that straddles between “somber love poems” and “joyful, laid-back summer anthems,” The Chairs have carved out a distinct space in the global indie music landscape, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. With four critically acclaimed albums to their name, the band’s artistry has been recognized with Best Group honors at the 30th Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan's most prestigious music accolade.

The Chairs will share co-headlining duties with an eclectic lineup of international acts, including Thai alt-pop band KIKI, Singaporean hip hop artist San The Wordsmith, and Indonesian experimental electronic act Logic Lost. Other performers spread across two days include Manila-based acts ena mori, SOS, Pedicab, Waiian, obese.dogma777, Cheeky Things, Pette Shabu, Pixie Labrador, SVATG, and Fashion Island; Cebu-based acts Mandaue Nights, IIICCCYYY, and Novocrane; as well as the debut performance of Paul Yap (UDD) and Mario Consunji (Musical O)’s collaborative music project Double Shy.

All Of The Noise 2025 is presented by The Rest Is Noise PH (TRIN), a music curation and events production outfit based in the Philippines. Known for its fearless commitment to music discovery, cross-cultural dialogue, and creative networking, TRIN is expanding AOTN's programming in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Beyond its stellar live music lineup, AOTN 2025 will offer a diverse array of multi-format activities, including music-themed documentary screenings, panel discussions, and keynote presentations in the morning and afternoon, followed by a live music showcase each evening. The event will also feature a special exhibit titled welcome to the static, featuring the work of Karen De La Fuente, a prominent music photographer based in Manila.

All Of The Noise 2025 is also supported by its international and local community partners AXEAN Festival, SRM, Filla Killa, Coast2Coast, GNN, Nyou, Winery PH, Greenwich, Guevarra’s, Flying Lugaw, Ateneo Musicians’ Pool, and UP Music Circle.

Ticket Details

Tickets are available via https://bit.ly/aotn2025 with the following packages:

PHP 800 – Day 1 (access to April 4 program – Friday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 800 – Day 2 (access to April 5 program – Saturday), inclusive of all programs

PHP 1,400 – 2-Day tickets (access to Days 1 & 2), inclusive of all programs

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SOS Memorializes Maturity In Highly Anticipated Sophomore Album, ‘It Was A Moment’

SOS Memorializes Maturity In Highly Anticipated Sophomore Album, ‘It Was A Moment’

The second full-length album sees the band’s contemplative departure from the coming-of-age ‘Whatever That Was’ era

The highly anticipated sophomore album of SOS, It Was A Moment, is finally here.

Following the release of the carrier single, “Yumi & The Apocalypse” earlier this month, SOS’s latest 11-track project is characterized by the band as a complete departure from their beloved debut album, Whatever That Was, released in 2017. Whereas its predecessor is more reactive and immediate, It Was A Moment is lighter and less fussy in many ways, removing the proverbial chip on the shoulder. Technically, it’s as exacting as one can expect from the group—more sonically expansive and experimental, primarily thanks to the beautifully added sheen of synths and keys to classic SOS anthemic guitars—but thematically, It Was A Moment sees members Seña, Andrew, Anjo, King, and Ram become more deliberate spectators of others as much as themselves (“employing the ‘art of noticing,’” Seña remarks) while keeping the interior feel and unfading anxieties of Whatever That Was.

Of the shift in tone, Andrew explains, “Whatever That Was is a product of constant road-testing and weekly bar shows that shaped the performances of the tracks upon recording. It Was A Moment is more like a lab experiment.” King describes it as a reflection of “transitional stages” of their lives—entering into their 30s, with bigger worlds and more responsibilities. This also marks the band’s first full-length release since the addition of Ram in 2023.

The album includes four previously released singles, “Seryoso” and “Please Lang” (the only two Tagalog-language songs in the band’s discography so far), “Roses” and long-time fan-favorite “Amore” (which was finally released in October last year), as well as the carrier single, “Yumi & The Apocalypse.”

SOS continues to contend with weariness in “I’m Kidding” and “Money” while fighting off cynicism in “Yumi & The Apocalypse” and “It’s History.” Meanwhile, relationship woes become more bearable with faith in “Love Kept Us Warm,” but “French Exit” makes the case for knowing when to call it quits. While these binaries are broader, album closer and standout track “It Was A Moment” was described as “a love letter to SOS fans.” While it contains lyrical and sonic callbacks to past SOS eras, the title track dovetails the enduring appeal of the older SOS catalog with more adventurous production—and earns its longer runtime. It’s the kind of grownness that never punctuates, just evolves.

Following the album release, SOS is set to hit the road (and continue writing, according to Ram). “We’re planning on touring the album around Metro Manila first and we’ll probably have a few shows outside if time permits! We just want to share our journey as SOS and hopefully have the album resonate to people who need to hear our new songs,” shares King.

It Was A Moment was recorded at the band’s Bavarian Studios in La Union, mixed and mastered by Cholo Hermosa of 15D Studio Mix (“Please Lang” was mastered by Chris Gheringer), with vocal engineering by Eric Trono. Vocals recorded at Careless Complex, drums for “Amore” and “Love Kept Us Warm” recorded at Kwarto Studios. Trumpet on “Yumi & The Apocalypse” was performed by Kiddo Cosio.

It Was A Moment tracklist:

1.Amore

2.Roses

3.I'm Kidding

4.It's History

5.French Exit

6.Money

7.Please Lang

8.Seryoso

9.Yumi & The Apocalypse (carrier single)

10.Love Kept Us Warm

11.It Was A Moment

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Chef Kirk Ngo Showcases Culinary Innovation at WoFex PH with Monin and Technolux

Chef Kirk Ngo Showcases Culinary Innovation at WoFex PH with Monin and Technolux

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Chef Kirk Ngo, the visionary behind Community Kitchen PH, recently captivated audiences on the inaugural day of the World Food Expo (WoFex) Philippines at the World Trade Center. In collaboration with Technolux and Monin Philippines, Chef Kirk showcased his culinary prowess through a series of innovative product demonstrations that highlighted his expertise and creativity.

During the event, Chef Kirk prepared two delectable dishes that seamlessly integrated Monin's premium syrups:

1. Maple Bacon Egg Sandwich – This dish featured Monin Maple Flavor Syrup, which was used to glaze the bacon, imparting a rich, sweet depth that elevated the classic breakfast sandwich.

2. Ham and Cheese Croissant with Mediterranean Salad – Chef Kirk crafted a Peach Dijon Spread using Monin Peach Fruit Mix, adding a fruity zest to the croissant. The accompanying Mediterranean salad was dressed with a Citrus Vinaigrette made from Monin Sweet and Sour Syrup, providing a refreshing and tangy complement.

These culinary creations were expertly baked using a Technolux Oven, underscoring the synergy between quality ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment.

Chef Kirk's culinary journey is both diverse and impressive. His professional experience includes a tenure in Singapore, where he honed his skills in a dynamic and multicultural food scene. Upon returning to the Philippines, he contributed significantly to the culinary landscape at Flatiron, a renowned establishment in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Beyond his roles in various kitchens, Chef Kirk is an innovative pastry chef. He gained acclaim for creating the Too Much Chocolate Chip Cookie, a palm-sized delight that was honored as the Best Cookie of 2020. His inventive spirit also led to the development of the Cookie Cake, which blends the beloved textures of cookies and cake, and the Brazo de Mercedes Calamansi Cupcake, a fusion that marries traditional Filipino flavors with contemporary dessert techniques.

Chef Kirk's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his establishment of Community Kitchen PH, a venture dedicated to delivering high-quality food crafted from the finest ingredients. This initiative reflects his commitment to fostering communal experiences through shared meals, embodying the philosophy that “great food is shared by a community.”

The collaboration with Monin Philippines and Technolux at WoFex PH highlights the mutual respect and trust between Chef Kirk and these esteemed brands. Monin, a globally recognized brand since 1912, is renowned for its premium flavorings used in cocktails, coffee, and culinary applications. Their partnership with Chef Kirk underscores their confidence in his ability to incorporate their products into his culinary creations. Similarly, Technolux, a leading provider of kitchen and laundry equipment, aligns with Chef Kirk's dedication to excellence, providing the advanced tools necessary to bring his gastronomic visions to life.

Chef Kirk Ngo's participation in WoFex PH, alongside industry leaders like Monin and Technolux, not only showcases his culinary talents but also reinforces his role as a trailblazer in the Philippine food scene. His relentless pursuit of innovation and quality continues to inspire both aspiring and seasoned chefs, solidifying his reputation as one of the country's most esteemed culinary figures.

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EastWest’s "Further For You" in Action: Spreading Hope and Empowering Dreams Through Young Focus

EastWest’s "Further For You" in Action: Spreading Hope and Empowering Dreams Through Young Focus

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Beyond banking, EastWest is committed to going further and making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves. This came to life through Cards of Hope, a heartfelt initiative that turned a simple holiday tradition into an opportunity to change lives.

EastWest employees and internal clubs—EastWest Milers, EastWest Click, and EastWest Voices—rallied together to support Young Focus, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Instead of traditional holiday decorations, EastWest employees purchased intricately designed ornaments and postcard sets, knowing that every peso would go toward scholarships and essential learning resources for children from Smokey Mountain.

For EastWest, the partnership with Young Focus went beyond financial aid—it created opportunities that equip the next generation with the tools to shape their future. “Education reshapes destinies, creating pathways to a future filled with possibility,” said Martin Reyes, EastWest’s Head of Marketing. “Our support for Young Focus isn’t just about giving—it’s about equipping these children with the means to build a better life.”

A Walk of Dreams: Witnessing Resilience and Hope

EastWest volunteers joined the Walk of Dreams and visited various communities in Tondo to connect with residents and better understand their daily challenges. Experiencing the children’s struggles firsthand gave them a stronger perspective on the impact of their efforts.

“Coming from the visit, it was a lot to take in,” shared one volunteer. “But what struck me most was their tenacity—their unshaken drive to learn, to dream, and to push forward despite the odds. Their determination was both humbling and inspiring.”

The experience deepened the Bank’s belief that real change happens when communities come together—not just through financial aid, but through shared moments of kindness, learning, and connection.

Turning Generosity Into Action

As EastWest celebrates its 30th anniversary, initiatives like Cards of Hope exemplify the Bank’s enduring mission to go Further For You—beyond banking, beyond business, and into the heart of communities in need.

Through this initiative, EastWest employees proved that even the simplest gestures—a card, an ornament, a shared dream—can make a lasting difference. One child, one opportunity, and one future at a time, Cards of Hope is turning generosity into action, ensuring that the next 30 years are just as impactful as the first.

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Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

Step Forward for Inclusion: Happy Walk 2025 Unites Communities Nationwide

This March 30, 2025, thousands of families, advocates, and supporters will come together to celebrate Happy Walk 2025, a nationwide movement dedicated to fostering awareness, inclusion, and empowerment for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Hosted by SM Cares in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI), this year’s event will take place at SMX Convention Center – Manila with simultaneous celebrations at SM City Cebu, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier, making it a truly nationwide effort to highlight the abilities and aspirations of individuals with Down Syndrome.

More Than Just a Walk: A Movement for Inclusion

For more than two decades, Happy Walk has been more than an event—it is a powerful movement that highlights the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with Down Syndrome. It is a day of joy, unity, and acceptance, where communities come together to celebrate not just differences, but also shared dreams and aspirations.

“Happy Walk is not just about taking steps; it’s about making a difference. Every year, this event brings people together to reaffirm that individuals with Down Syndrome deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as everyone else. It is a celebration of abilities, not limitations,” said Nill Patrick Arroyo, DSAPI Board Member & Head, Happy Walk 2025.

A Nationwide Call for Participation

With the theme “321 & Beyond”, Happy Walk 2025 is expected to draw thousands of participants, from individuals with Down Syndrome and their families to volunteers, educators, corporate partners, and inclusivity advocates. The event will feature various activities, including performances, inspirational stories, and community-building initiatives that reinforce the importance of inclusivity in society.

“SM Cares has been a proud partner of Happy Walk for years because we believe in the importance of creating a society where everyone feels valued and included. This event is a reminder that inclusivity is not just an initiative—it is a responsibility we all share,” said Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SM Cares Program Director for Disability Affairs.

Join the Movement: How to Be Part of Happy Walk 2025

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this inspiring event—whether by walking, volunteering, or simply showing support. 

To register, kindly visit the official Happy Walk 2025 registration page at: https://portal.dsapi.ph/dsapi/Register/RegParticipant. For more details on how to join, follow SM Cares’ social media pages.

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Beauty Blowout: Ever Bilena’s biggest buy 1, Take 1 sale is here

Beauty Blowout: Ever Bilena’s biggest buy 1, Take 1 sale is here

Monday, March 24, 2025

Ever Bilena, the country’s leading local cosmetics brand, is celebrating its birthday with an irresistible Buy 1, Take 1 sale happening from March 28 to 30, 2025 only.

Timed perfectly with Women’s Month and payday, this nationwide promo gives beauty lovers the chance to stock up on their favorite Ever Bilena products, including the brand’s latest viral launches like the EB Plus Moisture Boost Lipstick, EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Oil (new shades), and the TikTok-favorite EB Pillow Pop Multipot among many others.

"Ever Bilena has always been about making beauty accessible to every Filipina. What better way to celebrate our birthday than by giving back to our loyal customers with our biggest sales of the year?" says Denice Sy, chief sales & marketing officer of Ever Bilena.

The promo is available in the following stores nationwide, including major department stores and beauty retailers:

· SM Beauty Department Store

· Watsons

· Robinsons Department Store

· Waltermart Department Store

· Waltermart Supermarket

· Gaisano Metro

· Gaisano Grand Department Store and Supermarket

· Gaisano Super Metro and Gaisano Fresh & Easy

· Prince Retail

· Alturas Chain (Bohol)

· Bohol Quality Mall

· Ever Department Store

Everything is on sale at Buy One Take One except for Face Powders, Nail Polish, and Accessories which are not included in the sale.

Shoppers should take advantage of this limited-time offer before stocks run out. For more details, visit Ever Bilena’s official social media pages @everbilenaofficial on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and @everbilenaph on X (formerly Twitter).

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