Monthly Archives

April 2023

Entertainment

Spotify April Beats: Never miss a concert again with Spotify hacks and the hottest musicians performing live!

And we’re live: HOTTEST international acts arriving on Philippine shores

Enjoy an exciting live performance from HONNE to heat up your summer. This May, the popular electronic pop duo will perform a solo show in the Philippines! Sway to their romantic tunes like Day 1 and no song without you with your special someone.

Continue the festivities till July, live out your summertime fantasies of gorgeous girls and boys, and let Sabrina Carpenter unleash your inner pop diva. The rising American singer-songwriter is visiting the country with her emails. I can’t tour, which includes the chart-topping hit song Nonsense.

Ready to go full-on concert mode? Don’t hit the stage without first jamming to This is HONNE and  This Is Sabrina Carpenter playlists. With all their essential tracks in one spot, you’ll be belting out lyrics and busting moves like the ultimate fan that you are!

And did you know that Spotify is also fans’ go-to resource for finding concerts they love? The app’s Live Events Hub lets you find concert listings based on your location and favorite artists. Make sure to check out the hub and browse more concerts happening in Manila!

Not to be missed: HOTTEST K-Pop Girls making their stops in Manila

It’s time for third-gen stans to make some noise — as our favorite K-Pop girl groups are coming to town! Red Velvet is set to ignite the stage with their Red Velvet 4th Concert: R to V global tour, bringing their iconic summer hit, Red Flavor.

TWICE  will also be hitting the Philippine stage in September with their Ready To Be World Tour. Practice your fan chants now, Filo ONCEs with Spotify’s This Is TWICE playlist — where you can find all of the girls’ hits including their latest Set Me Free.

If you are a multi-stan — fret not! You can plan your own K-Concert calendar by simply tapping the “Interested” button on the artist’s upcoming show. Spotify also sends Fan First Emails to engaged users, which gives them priority access to concert pre-sales and merch exclusives — so make sure you follow and stream your K-pop idols for the chance to be recognized as a top listener and receive these perks.

In the podcast world: Cool down with Spotify’s Hottest content creator

Chikahan with your online bestie Nana Silayro is the perfect way to beat the heat. Nana and Tom encourage their listeners to explore and kulayan na ang mga drawing na gala in the most recent episode of Talking Nansense with Nana Silayro! They open up about their favorite travel adventures and even catastrophes to reassure listeners that it’s okay if their vacations don’t go as planned. Keep watching until the very end to catch their brand-new “pakulong” section, which aims to help viewers bond with their #PabibongBestie even more.

With the help of our favorite “charot” reader, Macoy Dubs, increase your serotonin levels. He’s cooking up a special Sizzling Aries episode this month with content producers Pipay and Baus Rufo as they explore the distinctive and fiery characteristics of this sign. Be sure to watch their Sizzling Question segment where they pose hot-button issues to influencers and famous people like Sassa Gurl, Kween Yasmin, and James Reid.

Travel

Immerse Yourself in the Underwater Treasures within the Tubbataha Reefs

The time has come to explore the famed Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

The best time for clear skies, calm seas, and 30-40 meter visibility is from now to mid-June, so hurry up and put on your fins.

What awaits you there once you arrive?

Over huge coral walls that descend more than 100 meters, schools of tropical fish, turtles, and reef sharks swim. They share their underwater playground with more than 600 kinds of fish, 360 varieties of coral, 100 varieties of seabirds, and 13 varieties of dolphins and whales.

How did the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park avoid the Coral Triangle’s other reefs’ fate of being completely bleached out? Two answers for that.

The reef’s distant location in the Sulu Sea, southeast of Banwa Private Island, is the first drawback. Next is a Filipina by the name of Angelique Songco. In her first dive at the reef, 40 years ago, Angelique was an instructor. She saw firsthand people catching turtle and bird eggs while using dynamite and cyanide for fishing, despite the fact that the reef had already been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by that point. She was so upset that she took over as Director of the Tubbataha National Park Management Board to make things right. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is one of the top dive locations in the world as a result of her tireless efforts and those of her group of devoted ex-army personnel.

A liveaboard dive boat or a private yacht can take you from Puerto Princesa to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. For a genuine Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park dive experience, a minimum of three nights and four days are required due to its remote location.

Now is the time to dive in and embark on an adventure in an astonishing underwater garden that has survived against all odds! After a dive trip, Banwa Private Island makes a wonderful pit stop for some well-deserved R&R.

Contact the bookings team by phone or WhatsApp at +639178882864, send an email to [email protected], or visit their website for additional details.

Lifestyle, News

At SM Supermalls, it’s Earth Day every day!

On April 22, 2023, SM Supermalls nationwide joined the rest of the world in celebrating Earth Day along with its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government entities, partner schools, and organizations.

With the slogan “Invest In Our Planet, Invest In Our Youth,” SM Supermalls and SM Cares planned a number of events to educate kids and their families about the value of working together across different industries to protect the environment. 350 employee volunteers and 1700 kids participated in festivities that were timely and meaningful at SM malls across the country. Activities included sustainability tours, coloring, and children’s storytelling. The purpose of these activities was to inspire everyone in the family, especially the children, to appreciate and preserve Mother Earth.

Earth Day is an annual celebration led by the Earth Day Network that puts the spotlight on issues that are affecting the environment. First held in 1970, Earth Day was the result of a need for a unified response against various environmental problems like pollution and resource depletion. Today, the event is considered the biggest environmental movement in the world, with millions joining celebrations every year.

“At SM, every day is Earth Day. However, today we are reminded of our responsibility to protect the planet we live in. We believe that we must all come together and take the necessary steps against this climate crisis and accelerate a greener and more equitable future for everyone,” shared Ms. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and SM Cares Program Director for the Environment.

SM Supermalls featured the art of multi-awarded Filipino artist, sculptor and illustrator, Manuel Baldemor. His works depict the rich cultural aspects of the Philippines and can be found in multiple institutions worldwide. His drawings and Earth Day poem inspired the Earth Day program at SM, reflecting a long-time partnership on SM Cares programs for the environment, starting with his design of SM’s first eco bags in 2007. 

The storytelling activity featured a special Earth Day story based on Baldemor’s artworks. The story reflected simple ways children can participate in living sustainably on their own and with their families. Meanwhile, kids and kids-at-heart were welcomed at the coloring activity section. Participants were given art materials and a selection of Baldemor’s drawings to color in. Malls used recycled materials in designing the activity areas.

And to cap off the celebration, a sustainability tour was held wherein everyone participated in a guided tour to one or more of the mall’s eco-friendly facilities such as the EV charging stations, water recycling treatment plants, waste segregation bins, Plastic Waste Collection booths, E-waste Collection bins and various bicycle amenities.

To highlight the role of collaborating with the public sector in driving environmental programs forward, SM City Fairview hosted the DENR Gawad Taga-ilog Awards photo exhibit, which recognized winning local government units who are leading in protecting Metro Manila’s waterways. The agency also further provided 800 tree seedlings to participants and customers through a DENR Community Pan-TREE to encourage at SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Novaliches, SM City Marikina, SM City East Ortigas and SM Southmall.

The Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department also promoted the city’s Trash to Cashback program to encourage its citizens to be Eco Warriors and promote recycling.

The Earth Day celebration is just one of the numerous ways that SM is promoting sustainable living among Filipinos, and the company has other programs aimed at helping care for the environment. These are the Trash to Cash Recycling Market held every first Friday and Saturday of the month; daily water recycling systems, and environmental campaigns such as the Green Film Festival, Green Retail Agenda, and the International Coastal Cleanup Drive, just to name a few.

The corporate social responsibility division of SM Prime Holdings, known as SM Cares, is in charge of programs that advance sustainability and community growth. In addition to its activities on the environment, SM Cares also advocates for women and breastfeeding mothers, people with disabilities, senior citizens, children, and youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares for more details.

Lifestyle, News

Five goals for Metro Manila’s urban development

The effects of increased urbanization pose a threat to Metro Manila’s predicted status as a world power. Climate change, natural disasters that impair urban infrastructure and city competitiveness, unequal livability, job creation, and poverty reduction are some of the effects listed by UN-Habitat.

Does there exist a solution to Metro Manila’s problems? Chintan Raveshia, an architect and urban designer, and Tony Chan, an urban planner and sustainability consultant at Arup in Singapore, underline that while planning an urban area, citizens’ goals, changing requirements and expectations, and national identity should all be taken into account.

Finding the identity of the city

Raveshia inspires responsible stakeholders to ask themselves first the most fundamental question: “What’s the identity of the city and how do we make its residents proud?”

He quips, “Singapore, a city that is high on everyone’s liveability list, is also working with citizens and grass roots organizations to inculcate a sense of ‘lovability’ for the city. This helps to strengthen the societal bond, increase equity, improve community safety, and exude pride and a feeling of ownership of the city amongst the residents. The balance of liveability, efficiency, and lovability paves the way for a true success of our cities in this climate emergency era”.

For his part, Chan believes that a successful sustainable urban development goes hand in hand with the capability to enhance people’s quality of life.[RKRC1]  “We must develop and harness models of development that have low-carbon targets, which are also of a human scale, thriving and inclusive; models that are also just, secured and enhances the quality of life for all its residents. In addition, we should look at creative ways to increase local citizen participation as well as new technologies or products that can support the overarching vision and development objectives”, says Chan.

If Singapore reclaims lands for more affordable housing and increased integrated city developments and Melbourne builds accessible green spaces to promote social interaction, what plans would best fit Metro Manila’s sustainable and livable future while maintaining its identity? Here are five urban development aspirations Filipinos hope for the country’s main political and economic hub.

1. Accessibility across all social classes

While Metro Manila is the Philippines’ major economic driver – accounting for 32% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) – it’s often challenged in sustaining accessible living conditions for residents across all social classes. UK-based The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Metro Manila 105th out of 139 cities in the Global Liveability Index 2022. The increasing population density in Metro Manila has resulted in some inconveniences in daily conditions like vehicular traffic situations, least green open spaces, high carbon footprint, inaccessibility to affordable housing, and unequal income opportunities.

Urban planners and developers suggest mixed-use planning in the metropolis and coastal developments because they are crucial to achieving the 15-minute concept. Here, residents across all walks of life are encouraged to live a healthy, affordable, and sustainable lifestyle because residential, commercial, and office spaces are integrated within a single development.

2. Open green spaces for a healthy and sustainable living environment

Studies shows that Metro Manila has only 5 square meters of green space available per person, this number is well below the 9 square meters set by the World Health Organization.COVID-19 had the entire world reassess their health conditions, lifestyle practices, and environmental situations. The impact was even more drastic in Metro Manila due to population density, crowded space, and insufficient parks and open areas.

Aside from improving air quality and enhancing biodiversity, green spaces also moderate temperatures during the warm season.

3. Enhancing Human health and wellbeing

Cities with sufficient healthcare facilities, access to health coverage, and infrastructures that enhance well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle, produce prosperous societies.

The way cities are planned, designed, and executed has a crucial impact on how people live as it presents opportunities and effects on their lifestyles and overall well-being. While there is evident progress in Metro Manila’s health sector, rapid urbanization continues to pose risks in communities due to challenges in overcrowded neighborhoods, vehicular emissions, heavy traffic, pollution, and flood-prone areas.

4. Resilient community

Resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to adapt, survive, and grow in the face of stress and shocks, and even transform when conditions require it. Relevant dimensions under the City Resilience Index (https://www.cityresilienceindex.org) by the Rockefeller Foundation & Arup, other dimensions include Health & Well Being, Economy & Society, Infrastructure & Environment as well as Leadership & Strategy

As Philippines and Manila grows, we face a dual challenge of adapting to climate change and the need to alter development strategies that are increasingly contributing to global warming. Philippines is among the top 10 countries in the world most affected by climate change in the past 20 years, according to the Global Climate Risk Index As an archipelago, impacts resulting from climate change are immense. In addition, metro Manila’s safety and resilience are endangered by various natural disasters.

Natural disasters persist every season due to our geographical location.

Well-planned and executed urban designs have the power to build safe and resilient communities in Metro Manila.  Infrastructures like proper bike lanes and walkable streets ensure residents’ safety, accessibility, and comfort, whereas science and technology-based solutions that can build flexible structures, multi-use systems, and technologies can help residents adapt and prepare for changing conditions.

5. Global and competitive city

Metro Manila is one of Asia’s premier regions. As the country’s engine growth driver, it has growing investments in infrastructures and multitudes of business investments and developments.

The metropolis’ rising potential can further step up by following global models like Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong which created several integrated cities and coastal developments that ushered in a vibrant economy and paved for a better urban lifestyle. These visions create an avenue to further increase opportunities for jobs, better education, better lifestyle, and bustling economic activities.

These can contribute to the Philippines’ national and local economies by driving tourism and infrastructure development while also creating equitable and inclusive communities. These, in turn, create a wider room of opportunities and, therefore, attracts more talent.

Building inclusive and sustainable growth centers

Communities will be revitalized when introduced to well-designed, master-planned, and implemented initiatives if all stakeholders are heard and taken into account. Because it encourages more inclusive growth and makes the urban environment an extension of their homes, this will have a long-term effect on Metro Manila’s future and its citizens.

A city is moving toward competitiveness and unlocked future potential when it accepts its history, celebrates its landmarks, innovates and adopts for the future, and most importantly, nourishes its citizens and responds to their desires.

How about you? What do you want your city to be like?


 [RKRC1]

Lifestyle, News

SM Prime and UPLB collaborate on a scholarship for sustainability

To advance the Philippines’ quest of sustainable development, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) and the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) have cooperated.

Through a scholarship grant, SM Prime wants to help select deserving students finish their undergraduate degrees in sustainability-focused courses like Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (BSHE) and Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF).

The scholarship, which will be given to students from low-income families in Pasay City, aims to improve employment chances and contribute to the reduction of poverty and inequality, two fundamental barriers to sustainable development.

Collaboration for innovation and sustainability

In an interview, UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr. shared his optimism about the partnership, citing the impact of education, especially sustainability-related fields of studies, in social and economic mobility.

“The scholarship will enable more students to pursue their studies in areas related to sustainability such as environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. By investing in education in these areas, we are preparing a new generation of leaders who will have the knowledge and skills to address the complex environmental and social challenges facing our world today,” Dr. Camacho said.

“It will encourage research and development in areas related to sustainability. By providing support for students to pursue advanced studies, we are creating a pipeline of future researchers and innovators who can develop solutions to pressing environmental and social problems,” he added.

Aside from enabling students to pursue their education without financial burden, the UPLB chancellor believes that the scholarship can produce competent leaders capable of solving complex environmental and social challenges, and create a pipeline of innovative researchers.

He further stressed how fostering collaborations and innovation in sustainability between the academic community and the private sector can lead to new environmentally and socially responsible products, technologies, and services that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ripples of social good

SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo shared that the partnership between SM Prime and UPLB is a testament to the shared commitment of both institutions towards promoting sustainability and creating a better future for the next generation.

By supporting the education of would-be scholars, SM Prime hopes to create ripples of social good within families and communities, ultimately contributing to the development of a more sustainable and equitable society.

“Improving the well-being of its partner communities and investing in people’s growth have long been among SM Prime’s sustainability pillars woven at the core of its business strategies and operations. As such, SM Prime deems it important to create programs that would provide access to quality education for all, and in the long term, create a pool of proactive human resources who can responsibly carry out and balance the economic, social and environmental aspects of a society’s sustainable development aspirations,” Castillo said.

“SM Prime believes UPLB would be the best partner to support its sustainability initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment while honing new Iskolars ng Bayan leaders committed to knowledge creation and public service,” she also said.

Students from Pasay City enrolled in UPLB’s BSHE and BSF programs having a gross family income of no more than PhP150,000 are eligible for the SM Prime Sustainability Scholarship.

Interested candidates can reach the UPLB OSG by phone at +63 49 536 3209 or email at [email protected] for additional information.

Lifestyle

Bringing healthcare closer to Cagayan’s low-income households

Medical missions have grown to be an increasingly important source of support for low-income communities, despite the ongoing barriers to accessing high-quality healthcare. They now play a new role in improving people’s lives and communities, moving beyond just providing medical care.

Recognizing this, The SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) has made it its purpose to travel from Luzon to Mindanao and provide free medical care and services to thousands of patients from diverse underprivileged regions.

The medical mission team recently traveled to Northern Luzon’s communities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan where they helped thousands of low-income families. Roland Bariuan and Angeline Cacanindin are two of them.

Strength to do more

Roland has been a tricycle driver in Tuguegarao City since 1994. But, two years ago, he suddenly felt weak and had to spend money on medical consultations and examinations.

“Napansin ko na kahit malakas ako kumain, namamayat ako at nanghihina. Nalaman ko na may diabetes na po ako. Pero hindi pwedeng pabayaan ko ang sarili ko. Hindi pwedeng maging tamad ako dahil may sakit ako. Kung tamad po ako mamasada, wala kaming pangaraw-araw at gagastushin pambili ng gamot,” he shared.

Determined to care for his health, he goes to the city health office for his routine checkups. The same drive to boost his health is also what led him to SM group’s medical mission, led by SMFI: “Dahil magastos po magpagamot, kadalasan po akong pumunta sa city health office para sa lahat ng aking checkups. Ngayon, nataon pong nalaman kong mayroon medical mission dito sa SM City Tuguegarao.”

Through the medical mission, he received free consultation, blood tests, x-ray, and medicines–services that would break the bank if he had it done elsewhere. With the assistance extended to him, he had his scheduled checkup without worrying about the finances and even managed to put aside money originally allotted for medicine and laboratory tests.

“Ang kinikita ko sa pamamasada ang ginagamit ko at ng pamilya ko para sa aming pangangailangan. Kaya mahalaga sa akin ang aking kalusugan. Ang magandang pangangatawan ang nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas para mas lalo pang pagsumikapan ang pamamasada,” he said.

“Pero bilang tricycle driver, hindi namin maiiwasang magkasakit dahil usok ang kasabayan namin sa pamamasada. Kaya malaking tulong ang libreng check-up sa ang libreng gamot mula sa SM Foundation. Malaking tulong ito dahil kahit papaano, hindi ko muna iisipin ang pang gamot ko,” he added.

Making quality healthcare attainable

Roland’s fellow resident from Cagayan Valley, Angeline Cacanindin, knows full well the need to maintain a healthy body, for this is her tool to fulfill her duty as a house helper. She also believes that this is what her children can rely on as they strive in school.

However, her youngest daughter has been complaining about a toothache, which was already interfering with her nutrition and attendance in school.

“Butas na po ang mga ngipin niya. Kaya tuwing kumakain po siya, pumapasok ang kanin at nasasaktan siya. Hindi na rin po siya makapag focus sa school dahil sa sakit,” she shared.

“Nito lang po, tumawag po ang teacher niya at sinabing umiiyak po ang anak ko per hindi umiimik. Nung kinausap ko po siya, nalaman kong sobrang sakit na po ng ngipin niya. Umiyak din po ako dahil ramdam ko ‘yung sakit. Hindi ko siya agad madala sa dental clinic dahil nasa trabaho po ako at mahal din po ang magpabunot,” she said.

She brought her daughter for a checkup as soon as she learned about SMFI’s medical outreach program in SM City Cauayan. Her daughter’s tooth was extracted. Additionally, she was given free paracetamol, antibiotics, age-appropriate vitamins, and dental hygiene advice from volunteer dentists.

“Ang medical mission na ito ay malaking tulong kasi libre po serbisyo pati ang mga gamot. Ngayon po, makakapagsimula muli kaming subaybayan ang kalusugan ng aming anak para maganda po ang kinabukasan niya.” she said.

Many economically disadvantaged people, including Roland and Angeline, receive lifelines through the continuous medical missions of SMFI. This intervention offers those in need instant help as well as the chance to access resources and medical care that are sometimes unavailable or unreachable.

Entertainment

The song “Pakiusap Lang” by SB19’s JOSH CULLEN reinvents a love song with a fierce hip-hop edge

Josh Cullen of SB19 continues his winning streak with the release of his follow-up single via Sony Music Entertainment after making his solo debut with the edgy banger “Wild Tonight.”

With the aptly named “Pakiusap Lang,” the P-Pop singer demonstrates that he is unconstrained by boundaries when it comes to creating and performing a simple love song blended with trap-heavy sounds and hip-hop lines.

“The lyrics came from my heart, and I wanted to make sure the arrangement and sonic vibe reflected my Filipino hip-hop side,” Cullen reveals. “My cousin and his friends helped out with the chorus, and we all had a good time putting it together.”

According to SB19’s resident lead rapper and sub-vocalist, “Pakiusap Lang” is a song that is based on his personal experiences and thoughts about relationships. He further explains, “It’s all about the struggles of maintaining a relationship when you can’t be with your partner all the time due to work or other struggles going on in life. The song encourages the listener to hold on and trust the process.”

A romantic rap ballad that forays into emotional honesty as much as it does with stylistic finesse, “Pakiusap Lang” shows a different side of Cullen: an entertainer that doesn’t need to resort to gimmicks just to prove his point.

The release of the track comes with an upcoming music video that explores the idea of “holding onto the memories of your loved one, even when you know it’s time to let go.” Directed by frequent collaborator Toothless (who also helmed the MV of SB19’s “Bazinga), the visuals bring Cullen’s ideas to life and expand on his initial concept with an element of mystery and an understated delivery.

It also stars KAIA members Angela and Charice, who happen to be the main characters in the MV. The two multi-talented artists also dabbled into acting prior to their debut as a P-Pop artist.

Cullen shares, “When I was planning out the music video for ‘Pakiusap Lang,’ I knew I wanted to create a story that was emotional and impactful. As I was brainstorming ideas, I thought about the possibility of incorporating plot twists into the video, to really capture the viewer’s attention. That’s when I had the idea to feature KAIA members Angela and Charice in the video. I had worked with them before and knew that they would bring a lot of talent and creativity to the project. Plus, their presence in the video would add an extra layer of intrigue and excitement for viewers. It was a pleasure to work with such talented and dedicated individuals, and I couldn’t be happier with how the video turned out.”

The upcoming debut EP from Josh Cullen will include the song “Pakiusap Lang” and be made available this year. The young multihyphenate claims that the album’s first single, which was produced, conceptualized, and improved by his cousin Ocho, sounds like a combination of hip-hop and pop music. “You can expect a mix of different sounds and genre influences, but overall, it’s a reflection of my journey as an artist and a person,” Cullen continues.

“Pakiusap Lang” by JOSH CULLEN is currently available on all digital music services in the world thanks to Sony Music Entertainment. On Friday, April 21, 2023 at 7 p.m., “WILD TONIGHT” will premiere in its music video.

Food

A must try spectacular food at Amah restaurant with the collaboration of a student chef and world- renowned chef Donovan Cooke

Chef Jose Villareal of the Amah Restaurant in Taguig City will lead his group of fellow student-chefs for an enticing collaboration with Chef Donovan Cooke from Melbourne, Australia, on April 22 and 23, 2023.

I was so amazed at how beautiful the place is; no wonder a lot of people do enjoy the place. The ambiance at Amah Restaurant is really mesmerizing, and you will fall completely in love with the place itself. What I love most about Amah Restaurant is their distinctive food; the taste is really scrumptious and flavorful. As they served it with genuine effort and love, as if you were eating in a highly expensive restaurant. The food is such a good takeaway from my visit to the place; they surpass my expectations, which makes me so happy and grateful.

Everything is perfect and delicious; they served us five courses to try, namely Char Siu Pork with Bao Buns, Olive Oil Confit Salmon, Soy Chicken, Black Black Pepper and Bibingka CheeseCake. The salmon and black pepper are my favorites among the five. I really felt the deliciousness of these two, and their authentic taste was different from what I’ve tried before. My experience is truly memorable and great because the food is indeed tasty and the place makes me unwind. Indeed, my experience at Amah Restaurant was extraordinary and worth it. I will really keep coming back to the place to enjoy their food and relax. This place is a must-try to visit; to know more about the place, you can go to their website and social media accounts for your queries and or reservations. It is also perfect for your break from these busy days.

They also offer 14 carefully selected gourmet courses from Chef Donovan’s menu that will be served throughout the two-night dinner event which will take place on April 22 and 23, 2023, and will be prepared by Chef Jose and his Amah team under Chef Donovan’s direct supervision. Each night, the dinner will be served in two covers after pre-event cocktails to highlight the restaurant’s cozy and private atmosphere and to ensure effective servicing of the special cuisine. The first cover is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., while the second cover is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

“This is such an honor for Amah and a great treat for our clientele,” Chef Jose shares. “We are so excited to have this opportunity to actually work in the same kitchen as Chef Donovan and to have him guide us as we prepare dishes he developed. It’s definitely going to be a major milestone for all of us at Amah. And our guests for those two nights will be so lucky for the experience that’s in store.”

Chef Donovan Cooke is just as excited about the dinner event. “These young chefs are very dedicated and passionate about their craft. They could have taken it easy during the pandemic, found an excuse to just lay around and rest like many of us did during the lockdowns. But they forged ahead because they’re all determined to continue learning and honing their talents. It’s my privilege to be one of their mentors, to encourage them as they make their marks in the business.”

Due to its tasty and distinctive homestyle Filipino-Chinese meals, Amah Restaurant only recently opened its doors to the public in 2021, yet it is already swiftly gaining popularity among foodies and food vloggers. The young cooks make it a point to incorporate regional ingredients and give traditional dishes their own distinctive twists. The venue is a hidden gem in Taguig City that begs for repeat visits due to the breathtaking views of the Makati and BGC skylines that are offered to visitors. The top roofdeck is a favored location for engagement proposals, anniversaries, and other special occasions because of the breathtaking sunsets that can be seen there.

The 14-course collaborative meals on April 22 and 23 are almost sold out, but you may still contact them or make reservations through their website at www.heirloomamah.com/reserveme. Please visit Amah’s FB page or Instagram for additional information about the dinner event and the restaurant (https://www.facebook.com/HeirloomAMAH) Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/).

Tuesday to Friday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, are the hours of operation for Heirloom AMAH. The temperature is 27 F. Taguig City: Segundo St., AFPOVAI 4, Western Bicutan. You can also book through the Amah website at www.heirloomamah.com/reserveme or by calling them at CP#s 0998-9721198 or 0917-8235890 (IDs are necessary to enter the village).

Health and Wellness

Leading the Way to Healthy Living with ZION Philippines

As people explore ways to unwind and de-stress at home, massage chairs have grown in popularity throughout time. You may experience the advantages of a massage without making appointments or leaving your house thanks to the ease of having a massage chair in your home.

A wide selection of massage chairs, from basic models to more sophisticated ones with a variety of features, are offered by ZION Philippines, the leading brand of massage chairs. Every massage chair is intended to give a full-body massage, however they differ in important details.

One of the primary benefits of owning a ZION Philippines massage chair is that it can help reduce stress and tension in your muscles. Regular massage can also help improve circulation and flexibility, as well as alleviate pain and stiffness in the body which is one of the goals of the brand in terms of health and living standards of an individual.

ZION Massage chairs are also a great way to unwind after a long day at work or a strenuous workout. They provide a relaxing and comfortable environment that can help you recharge and rejuvenate.

Just like one of ZION Philippines’ Brand Endorser, Ms. Dimples Romana, mother, actress and a very influential personality in showbiz, she has first-hand experience of how amazing the benefits are of having a massage chair at home. It helps her save time instead of having to book a massage appointment and travel to a spa or massage center; She can simply relax in her own home and enjoy a massage whenever she wants especially with such demanding work schedule.

When choosing a massage chair, there are several factors to consider. These include the type of massage you prefer, the features you want, and your budget. Most of ZION Philippines’ massage chairs come with additional features such as zero-gravity positioning, and air compression massage, which can provide even more benefits for your body. Soon enough, ZION Philippines will be announcing a new addition to it’s top-of-the-line flagship model featuring volcanic hot-stones.

Overall, everyone who wishes to enhance their physical and mental health can make a terrific investment in a ZION Philippines massage chair. You may experience the advantages of a massage whenever you want without leaving your home thanks to the ease of having a massage chair at home.

Visit their website at www.zionphilippines.com or follow them on social media at @ZionPhilippinesMain @OfficialZionPhilippine on Facebook and @zion.philippines on Instagram

Lifestyle, News

Back for the largest pawty of the summer is BGC’s Pet Huddle and you’re welcome!

Everyone’s favorite place to take their pets for a day out is Bonifacio Global City (BGC). From open parks where they can run loose to pet-friendly businesses, both people and animals are sure to have a good time at BGC.

In fact, BGC has celebrated the Pet Huddle since 2021. This pet fair features local companies that provide for pets’ daily requirements as well as entertaining activities for fur parents and young animals. The fourth Pet Huddle, the biggest pawty of the summer, will be held at BGC in 2023, and it promises to be back and better than before!

To be held this April 22 and 23 and in partnership with pet apparel line Hey Pacey, take a stroll by Fifth Avenue at Bonifacio High Street for a pawsome bonding day with your furbabies! Fur parents can expect a total of 50 merchants, all small businesses, to splurge on their pets with; while pets coming over can have their own fun with activities ranging from a Pet Parade, Pet Blessing, and a Pawject Runway that’ll see participating pets striking their best paw-se!

Fashion at its best

From witty statement shirts, quirky bandanas, to dainty dresses, getting to comfortably dress our pets up is a highlight for every fur parent. To let you stock up on your pets’ wardrobe, this year’s Pet Huddle has you covered with merchants ranging from Chuyo Paws, Nini & Co, to Barktown to keep your fur babies in style!

Food brands to keep your pets healthy

Health and diet intake remains to be an utmost priority for every pet parent, wanting to make sure their pets get premium care when it comes to what they consume on the daily. And with BGC’s Pet Huddle, fur parents are in good hands as the event will also be home to small businesses that offer the best and healthiest food and treats to keep your pets’ tummies energized, happy, and healthy.

Be sure to take a stop by merchants such as Pupsicles, Kyuubites, Moonies Town, and more, who will all be serving it up with the best options for your pets!

Good-to-have essentials for your fur babies

Every pet parent makes a commitment to providing for their animals’ needs and ensuring their happiness. Other necessities for our pets include collars, shampoos, and ointments in addition to gorgeous clothes and nutritious snacks. Be exposed to the assortment of retailers offered by the Pet Huddle, including brands like Moondison’s Collections, Kott’s, and Labsky Pet Supplies to keep you current on products that will enable you to provide your pets a better and happier living.

From 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM on each day of the Pet Huddle, admission will be free to allow all fur parents and children to enjoy a day full of pawsome moments. By following BGC on Facebook and Instagram, you can keep your eyes and paws open for further details.

Hey Pacey and BGC Pet Huddle are collaborating to bring you this event.