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Lisa Macuja Elizalde brings creative vision to Ballet Manila’s first full-length Paquita in the Philippines

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  Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s unparalleled creative vision takes center stage as Ballet Manila presents the Philippines’ first ever, full-length production of Paquita – a bold and historic move that reflects her unwavering commitment to elevate classical ballet in the country. The production will star two pairs alternating in the lead roles, principal dancers Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Oliveiro ; and soloists Shamira Drapete and Jos David Andes. Its historic run is set to take place at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. followed by 5:00 p.m. shows on June 20 and 21. The journey to this full-length production began last March 2025, when Paquita’s divertissement was performed during Ballet Manila’s Pearl Gala celebration. The performance sparked a deeper curiosity in Macuja Elizalde as she recalled, “I have always wondered where this beautiful ballet excerpt comes from in the context with the story of Paquita. The ballet excerpt is always described as th...

Crazy Carabao and Captain Crust now serving brews and grubs in Sta. Rosa, Laguna

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  ining becomes truly memorable when it transforms a simple meal into a full-fledged culinary experience. That is exactly what guests can expect at the newly opened Crazy Carabao Restaurant where visitors can dine and immerse themselves in the craft behind every bottle, right within the brewery – the food menu, meanwhile, is filled with pizza, pasta, and more by their sister brand, Captain Crust, who also has a spot in Bagong Ilog , Pasig City.   “Our goal is for guests to experience the brewery; to show you where our drinks are made, and to be here knowing that good drinks, good food and good stories go hand and hand,” stressed Crazy Carabao president Christopher James Payne.   Situated within Daystar Industrial Park, the restaurant and bar can accommodate up to 60 patrons. Captain Crust Chef Mon Miguel Marquez integrated his menu perfectly to complement each brew. It’s a mouth-watering collection that includes Detroit-style and thin-crust Napoletana pizzas, a variet...

Small Sips, Big Shifts: How Filipino Vitalisers Are Turning Ordinary Pauses Into Zest Moments

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  Mornings today rarely ease you in. They begin with alarms that feel too early, inboxes already filling up, and to-do lists that seem to stretch endlessly. For many Filipinos, especially young professionals and students, this pace has morning and midday slumps feel like part of the routine.   But instead of simply pushing through midday slumps, a growing number are turning to small, intentional rituals to reset their mood and regain momentum. Simple pleasures like enjoying a zesty glass of Minute Maid Nutri+ are becoming part of how people reclaim their day, one moment at a time.   For this generation of vitalisers, wellness now comes in the form of smaller, more human-sized terms that are actually doable. No more lifestyle overhauls. Instead, small rituals like quick walk breaks or a few minutes of journaling is all they need to create space and regain a sense of control in otherwise packed schedules.   In these in-between moments, a new kind of habit i...

EastWest strengthens wealth management platform with focus on advisory and investment expertise

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  Building wealth today requires careful decisions across investments, liquidity, protection, and long-term financial planning. For many clients, access to sound advice and strong investment management remains as important as the products themselves. As EastWest continues to invest in these capabilities and expand its wealth management offerings, its efforts have earned global recognition. The Bank recently received two honors at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards: the Wealth Management team was awarded Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management, while the Trust & Asset Management Group was recognized for Best Discretionary & Advisory Service Offering in the Philippines. The awards recognize two areas that continue to drive the Bank's wealth management business: client experience and investment expertise. Rafael S. Algarra Jr., SEVP and Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management at EastWest, receives the Bank's award for Best D...

VeritasPay eyes 40% merchant growth amid nationwide expansion

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Payment solutions provider VeritasPay Philippines Inc. is targeting a 30–40 percent increase in its merchant base this year, alongside a 45-percent rise in processed transaction volume, supported by continued investments in internal capabilities and strategic partnerships. From an initial focus on Metro Manila and the broader Mega Manila area in 2021, the company has since expanded its reach to serve merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting the growing demand for accessible and reliable digital payment infrastructure beyond urban centers. Today, VeritasPay supports a growing base of merchants nationwide, offering businesses a unified platform to accept multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, QR code payments, and other digital channels. VeritasPay enables merchants to accept payments across various touchpoints—from physical point-of-sale (POS) terminals and mobile devices to online checkout pages and banking channels—through a single pro...

Coca-Cola Philippines Wins Dual Honors at Synergy-YouGov Awards, Topping Trust and Value Rankings Among Filipino Consumers

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  Coca-Cola Philippines receives the company’s awards during the Synergy-YouGov Awards night in Bonifacio Global City. MANILA, Philippines– Coca-Cola Philippines received two recognitions at the Synergy-YouGov Awards held on April 24, 2026, securing the #1 spot in Net Reputation among Sustainability Advocates and emerging as the #1 Most Improved in Net Perceived Value in the Non-Alcoholic Beverages sector. The accolades underscore Coca-Cola Philippines’ position as a trusted and relevant brand in the country built on consistent actions, strong community connections, and a focus on delivering quality and value in everyday moments. Trust built through consistent action Coca-Cola Philippines ranked first in Net Reputation among sustainability advocates, a measure that reflects whether people feel proud or hesitant to be associated with a brand. The result underscores the role of consistency and accountability in building trust. Maria Christine Ponce-Garcia, Director for Pu...

This VIP Club Celebrates Its First BMW Winner at Exclusive BingoPlus Night Gala

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    BingoPlus VIP Club's First every winner of the BMW X1 Hybrid Manila, Philippines — A celebration of luxury, loyalty and unforgettable moments took center stage as BingoPlus VIP Club hosted its highly anticipated BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next PLUS, an exclusive red carpet gala dedicated to honoring VIP members and celebrating the Club’s growing community of high-value players. Held as one of the brand’s biggest and most prestigious gatherings to date, the evening brought together VIP members, distinguished guests, executives and special attendees for a night filled with premium entertainment and milestone celebrations. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the first official BMW winner from the ongoing BingoPlus VIP Club BMW Giveaway Series; an exclusive campaign available only to BingoPlus VIP Club members. As the winner officially received his brand-new BMW, the moment marked more than just a luxury prize giveaway. It became a symbol of the elev...