Monthly Archives

April 2025

Entertainment

The CEO, the first Filipino to win a significant international award, is promoting Enchanted Kingdom’s 30th anniversary with a new ride

EK EKlipse Marquee Unveiling

On March 30, Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines’ first and only top-tier theme park, formally opened its newest family thrill ride, EKlipse, with a captivating and immersive opening ceremony.

EKlipse, the first of its type in Southeast Asia, is an exciting new adventure for Filipinos and is one of EK’s first gifts for their 30th anniversary in 2025. With its unpredictable rotating movement and the visual illusion it produces each time its arms pass one another, guests will experience the heart-pounding thrill of this ride.

This newest attraction, which welcomes even pre-teens and teens, is guaranteed to encourage even more shared experiences and provide magical memories for EK’s multi-generational customers and their loved ones.

EKlipse Grand Launch

EK EKlipse SMS

The EKlipse Grand Launch featured spectacular performances from rising P-pop group GAT, The Clash Season 6 grand champion Naya Ambi, and up-and-coming Filipino boy group AJAA.

EK’s very own P-pop group, SMS, also captivated the audience with their newly released single, Meant 2 Shine, along with their latest music, the theme song of EKlipse. This song supplements the overall experience of the new ride, as it plays throughout its entire cycle.

The enchanting celebration was graced by Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas who joined in the symbolic unveiling of the ride marquee, together with EK President and Chairman Cesar Mario Mamon; Chief Operating Officer Cynthia Mamon; Head of Integrated Marketing, and Organization Development and Corporate Planning Nico Mamon; Eldar the Wizard; and twin princesses Victoria and Madeline.

EK EKlipse Wide Shot

When the marquee was revealed, EKlipse suddenly came to life, setting off a dazzling display of dancing lights which highlighted the ride’s visual appeal, especially at night.

Adding a magical twist to EK’s classic tradition, the night was topped off by the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Display featuring the vibrant colors of EKlipse.

As a special treat, Eldar the Wizard also extended the park’s operating hours on Sunday to give the guests more chance to try the family thrill ride as well as EK’s other attractions.

The introduction of EKlipse exemplifies the theme park’s continuous pursuit in bringing new world-class and enchanting experiences for all Filipinos.

The Inspirational Man Behind EK’s Magic

EK President and Chairman Cesar Mario O. Mamon

EK also announced that its president and chairman, Cesar Mario Mamon, won the highly-coveted Inspiration Award in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region, as revealed by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) last March 25.

He is notably the first Filipino to ever receive this recognition from the premier global attractions trade association.

Through this prestigious award, IAAPA honors the visionary individuals who championed innovation in the amusement parks and attractions industry in their respective areas.

Currently in his third decade in the integrated attractions industry, Mr. Mamon has made a long-lasting mark not only in the country but also in Asia.

In addition to being the creator of the top theme park in the Philippines, he was voted as the first Asian to hold the prestigious position of chairman of IAAPA in 2013. The Philippine Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (PhilAAPA) was later founded with him as its founding leader.

At the IAAPA Honors 2025, which will take place in Germany from April 28 to 30, Mr. Mamon is scheduled to receive the Inspiration Award.

Visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and follow EK’s official social media pages @enchantedkingdom.ph on Facebook and Tiktok, and @ek_philippines on Instagram for more details and updates about these and other forthcoming events and promotions.

 

April 2, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Global migration trends are changing, creating new opportunities for work and study abroad overseas—British Council IELTS

  • As traditional pathways for migration are evolving, more Filipinos are seeking work and study opportunities beyond the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
  • To help them navigate the migration shift, the British Council, a globally recognised provider of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), equips candidates with the support and resources needed to gain internationally recognised qualifications for work, study, and living abroad.
  • With the British Council IELTS, Filipino students and professionals can expand their horizons in emerging destinations like Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, and Spain.

Popular Filipino migration destinations, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, are updating their visa and international student regulations in response to recent changes in the global economy, creating chances in new countries. In 2025, the British Council, a widely reputable and acknowledged supplier of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), offers Filipinos individualized assistance to help them obtain globally recognized credentials and investigate new opportunities for employment, education, and living overseas.

Filipino emigrants, who have historically been lured to the “big four” countries—the US, UK, Canada, and Australia—now face a changing landscape. Australia is taking steps to limit the number of overseas students it accepts, while the United States has suspended residence applications due to immigration restrictions. In the meantime, the UK is tightening regulations on student visa rules, and Canada is reducing its programs for temporary foreign worker programs.

To help Filipinos navigate the changing migration landscape, the British Council, the organization that co-jointly runs the IELTS, provides internationally recognised credentials that open doors to a wide range of opportunities worldwide. Accepted by over 12,500 organisations across 140 countries, the British Council provides essential resources and personalised support needed to help Filipinos succeed in the IELTS exam, preparing them for success not only in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, but also in emerging destinations across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Where Filipinos are Headed in 2025
Several countries are now eager to attract global talent, creating new opportunities for Filipino students and professionals. Here are some of the rising destinations for 2025:

New Zealand

New Zealand, known for its thriving agriculture, healthcare, construction, and engineering sectors, is also becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Filipino workers. The country recently overhauled its Accredited Employer Work Visa regulations to make it easier for skilled foreign workers to migrate. These changes include removing restrictions on middle-income jobs, reducing experience requirements from three to two years, and introducing new seasonal worker visas.

Germany

Germany, well-renowned for its expertise in engineering, healthcare, and technology, has become a top destination for Filipino students and professionals. To strengthen its workforce, the country introduced major immigration reforms through the Skilled Labor Immigration Act, a new points-based system which evaluates applicants based on salary, educational level, and German language proficiency, making it easier to enter the country even without a job offer. The country also supports foreign students with a one year opportunity visa, allowing them to gain work experience and improve their chances of securing long-term employment.

“Moving here was a big step, but its world-class education, strong job market, and vibrant culture made it all worth it,” recounts Jay Paul Ely Tena, the 2023 IELTS Prize Winner, who recently pursued his graduate studies in the University of Erfurt. “Adjusting to the language and lifestyle had its challenges, but my IELTS preparation with the British Council gave me the confidence to communicate effectively, both in my studies and daily life,” he adds.

Spain

Spain, a global hub for education and business, is strengthening its immigration policies to boost its workforce. Foreign students pursuing higher education can receive automatic work authorization and can remain in Spain for up to 24 months post-graduation to seek employment or start a business. The country has also removed the three-year residency requirement for switching from a student to a work visa, making it easier for graduates to enter the workforce. Additionally, Spain plans to legalize 300,000 undocumented immigrants annually, granting them work and residence permits.

“Living in Spain has been an incredible experience—the welcoming culture, the balance between work and personal life, and the accessibility of everything made it feel like home,” shares Jessica Badua, the 2022 IELTS Prize winner, who earned her master’s degree at the Universidad de Cádiz. “The British Council IELTS was instrumental in my journey, not only helping me gain admission to my master’s program but also opening doors for scholarships and opportunities that made my transition as an international student smoother and much more rewarding.”

Singapore

Singapore remains a top choice for Filipino professionals. The country’s Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass, part of the city-state’s broader strategy to attract top global talent, allows skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to live and work there for five years without employer restrictions. The country has also simplified pathways for international students to obtain permanent residency, allowing graduates to transition smoothly into the workforce.

“Many Filipinos may feel uncertain about their options due to the changing migration landscape,” says Zoe Zhang, Regional Director for Exams at the British Council. “But the British Council ensures that our candidates have the tools and qualifications they need to prepare for the IELTS and help them succeed on the global stage, even outside the ‘Big 4.’”

Even though migration patterns are constantly changing, the British Council IELTS is dedicated to giving Filipino professionals and students the tools and assistance they need to follow their aspirations of working, studying, and living overseas so they can create a bright future wherever they go.

Reserve your spot for the IELTS exam here: https://bit.ly/4jJrHud. Visit the IELTS British Council website or Facebook page to learn more about the British Council.

 

April 2, 2025 by
Entertainment

This year’s All Of The Noise 2025 will feature Taiwanese band The Chairs as the main act

The Taipei-based soft-rock trio will be returning for the second time in Manila, joining Singapore’s San The Wordsmith, Philippines’ SOS and ena mori, Indonesia’s Logic Lost, and Thailand’s KIKI among the performers of the multi-format music event

This year’s All Of The Noise (AOTN), a two-day music and culture event held at Astbury Makati on April 4-5, 2025, will feature Taiwanese indie pop duo The Chairs as the main act.

The Taipei-based trio is making their second trip back to the Philippines, where they will play a special set for their Filipino fans. The fans have voiced their excitement about hearing The Chairs’ brand of psych pop with a nod to the 1960s and 1970s in a small live environment.

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.

In addition to its outstanding live music roster, AOTN 2025 will feature a wide range of multi-format events, such as keynote addresses, panel discussions, and documentary screenings with a musical theme in the morning and afternoon, followed by an evening live music showcase. Karen De La Fuente, a well-known music photographer from Manila, will have a unique exhibit at the event called Welcome to the Static.

AXEAN Festival, SRM, Filla Killa, Coast2Coast, GNN, Nyou, Winery PH, Greenwich, Guevarra’s, Flying Lugaw, Ateneo Musicians’ Pool, and UP Music Circle are among the local and international community partners who sponsor All Of The Noise 2025.

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

 

 

 

 

April 2, 2025 by