AirAsia Philippines is expanding its route network in the Queen City of the South

Poised for a strong rebound, AirAsia Philippines is expanding its  route network in the Queen City of the South by resuming and adding more flights to Visayas and Mindanao  destinations Caticlan (Boracay), Davao, Cagayan De Oro and Puerto Princesa and international destinations Seoul (Incheon) and Kuala Lumpur.

 

Sinulog dancers kickstarted the festive return of AirAsia's 56 weekly flights to various destinations originating from Cebu. 

 

AirAsia Philippines Ricky Isla said, “The reopening of our Cebu hub signifies AirAsia's commitment to improving connectivity and providing best options among guests not only for flights but also with our partner hotels, tour providers and merchants, all present in our digital, travel and lifestyle platform ---airasia Super App.”

 

Beginning 16 August 2022, passengers departing via Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2 can fly to Boracay  7x weekly  via Z2 550, 4x weekly to Cagayan De Oro via Z2 512, 4x weekly  to Davao via Z2 521, and 3x weekly  to Incheon.  The 4x weekly flight to Puerto Princesa will begin on 2 September while the 3x weekly flight to Kuala Lumpur will commence on 21 September.

 

"The increase in flight frequency strategically positions AirAsia as a key driver in boosting economic activities in the various provinces which need a springboard to speed up the recovery phase. Our guests can count on our solid track record in safety, best value for money deals and world's best service each time they fly," added Mr. Isla.

 

Mr. Isla is joined by key officials from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 7,  City and Provincial government of Cebu, and executives from Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation.

 

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is considered as the second busiest gateway in the country and the third busiest destination in the AirAsia Philippines route network.   

 

To entice more guests to take advantage of the new destinations, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline is also offering SUPER LOW FARES this August with one-way base fare of PHP88 for flights booked from 1 August to 4 September 2022 for travels between 1 August 2022 to 23 March 2023.  

 

Guests are also allowed to check-in  more than one baggage piece for as long as it is within the purchased weight limit which can be pre-booked via airasia Super App from as low as PHP450.  

 

Meanwhile, Cebu bound guests flying from Manila are advised to allot ample travel time on their way to NAIA Domestic Terminal 4 as traffic build up is expected during rush hour. Likewise, guests are reminded of the resumption of the number coding scheme within Metro Manila which is aimed for traffic decongestion. 

The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline which was recently recognized as among 2022’s top 10 safest airlines in the world by Airlineratings.com with 7/7 Safety and COVID-19 star ratings assures its guests of the highest standards in safety compliance in all of its flights.

 

 

AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla, Director of Flight Operations Capt. Gomer Monreal, Finance Business Partner Head Jared Valarao, Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan and DOT 7 Chief Tourism Operations Officer, Tourism Regulations Division Ms. Judy Dela Cruz Gabato together with officials from Mactan-Cebu International Airport and local tourism officials gave the reopening of the Cebu Hub a big thumbs up.

 

The giant AirAsia cake showcases the new destinations out of the Cebu Hub.  AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla and Finance Business Partner Head Jared Valarao are joined by distinguished guests in the ceremonial slicing of cake.

 

AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla and DOT 7 Chief Tourism Operations Officer, Tourism Regulations Division Ms. Judy Dela Cruz Gabato awards the ticket prize to lucky Cebu-Caticlan passenger Ms. Lyla Mae Bondaco Alsola

 

Any celebration in Cebu is never complete without the Sinulog Ritual Dance

 

L’OR Coffee has officially landed in the Philippines!

L’OR Coffee

 

L’OR Coffee has officially landed in the Philippines! Every cup of L'OR coffee is a unique experience: pure unapologetic pleasure in a cup. Follow your senses and let the intensity of the aroma overwhelm you.

The luxurious coffee brand offers a wide range of products, blended by L’OR Coffee Artists. These come in two formats: L’OR Essenso Instant Mix and L’OR Espresso Capsules. The L’OR Essenso Instant Mix Blends are made from 100% Arabica coffee beans. They are crafted with microground coffee that brings authentic taste and rich aroma. 

L’OR Essenso Instant Mix

 

L’OR Espresso Capsules are especially developed for an intensely aromatic cup, made using airtight aluminum capsules. They are COMPATIBLE WITH NESPRESSO* COFFEE MACHINES.(*Trademark of a third party not related to JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS)

 

L’OR Espresso Capsules

And to let you experience the luxury and relaxation that each cup of L’OR Coffee provides, the brand has set up a unique experience for you at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk!

L’OR Coffee Life Spa set-up at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Hall

 

They have introduced the L’OR Coffee Life Spa at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk, where you can indulge in the wonder of L’OR Coffee products through a multi-sensorial experience from August 3 to 7. Within their coffee pod shaped tent, you can avail yourself of their two unique spa procedures for free: the L’OR Coffee Facial, and the L’OR Coffee Foot Spa. These were conducted by their on-ground partners from the Ethereal Aesthetics Clinic. Learn more about them on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ethereal.aestheticcenter. 

After treating yourself to a relaxing facial and foot spa experience, you will be ushered to the L’OR Coffee Bar to sample the intense flavors straight from France.

Learn more about L’OR Espresso Philippines on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LOREspressoPH

vivo Y76 5G Unboxing and First Impressions

For the regular readers of this blog, you know that I don’t usually do phone reviews as much, so when vivo reached out to us and sent the vivo Y76 5G, I was quite excited as I’ve been reading a lot about this phone and was eager to discover why a lot of my friends are using vivo smartphones. 

The vivo Y76 5G is being marketed as a great vlogging device but judging from its box, I think even mobile gamers will find this phone very interesting.

 

I’ve been using this phone for the past week and so far I’ve been having a lot of fun with it.

 

So I hope you’d also enjoy reading our unboxing and first thoughts about  the vivo Y76 5G.

Unboxing: What’s in the box?

 

The vivo Y76 5G immediately stands out because of it comes in an exclusively-designed purple Mobile Legends box that features heroes Gusion and Guinevere, and that alone could capture a lot of attention from MLBB gamers.

 

If you are someone who keeps the boxes of their phones this would make a nice addition to your display cabinet. Now if you don’t like ML don’t fret as you can easily slide off the MLBB sleeve from the box to reveal the standard vivo packaging.

@lola_lamon Taraaa lets unbox @vivo_philippines #vivoy765g. Ang ganda and I love how the light capture its design. If you are someone who keeps the boxes of their phones this would make a nice addition to your display cabinet. Now if you don’t like ML don’t fret as you can easily slide off the MLBB sleeve from the box to reveal. #vivoph ♬ Dream - Shin Giwon Piano

 

Inside the box you’ll find the phone unit, a free jelly case, sim tray ejector pin, a 44W fast charger, USB Type-C cable, and a pair of earphones with 3.5mm audio jack plug. Hooray for free earphones!

 

Unfortunately, our review unit didn’t come with any other Mobile Legend-themed accessories, but I do hope the retail unit includes even stickers or some other freebies to make it even more enticing.

 

Design

 

Taking the phone out of its plastic sleeve, the first thing I noticed was how comfortably light it was. Featuring an Ultra Slim Design its ultra-slender body measures only 7.79mm and weighs a mere 175g, making it feel almost weightless. From the 2.8mm narrow frame to the 3D back cover, every detail is craftily designed to fit beautifully and comfortably in the palm of your hand.

 

Turning it around I was also mesmerized by its exquisitely designed back panel that could easily pass for a flagship design. Looking closer you’ll notice star-like patterns created by the glitter of the AG frosted rear surface cover. Its not only nice to look at but it actually helps keep fingerprint smudges away.

I have the Cosmic Aurora color which I think would be the better choice for fashionista’s who want to be noticed. It has a frosted finish and liquid crystal coating, that blends blue and orange perfectly into a radiant finish.

 

There’s also a Midnight Space option which has a sophisticated black frosted finish with a touch of glitter and glam, and a lustrous sheen. You don’t have to look to the skies to be mesmerized by the twinkling stars.  

Exploring the rest of the phone you’ll find the volume and power buttons on the right. The power button also doubles as a fingerprint scanner. The sim tray and mic are located on the top and you’ll find a loudspeaker, main mic, 3.5mm jack, and charging port at the bottom. The 4100mAh battery capacity supports 44W fast charging technology via the USB Type-C port and can re-charge the device to 70% of battery capacity in 30 minutes.

 

On the front, the vivo Y76 5G has a 6.58-inch display with a small notch that houses the selfie camera. It’s bright enough indoors and looks very sharp because of its FHD+ resolution.

As I mentioned earlier the vivo Y76 5G is designed for vlogging that is why it packs flagship-level camera specs and advanced features that can help you produce successful content. You get a 50MP main camera + 2MP Macro Camera + 2MP Bokeh Camera triple camera setup on the back and on the front you have a 16MP camera to shoot selfies.

For vloggers, the feature you should definitely master is Dual-video. This mode allows you to simultaneously use the front and rear camera when shooting videos. Once you are done shooting you can use the built in AI editor for faster and more convenient editing.  If you plan on shooting travel vlogs the Ultra Stable Video feature will keep you focused and steady while you are on the go.

 

Everyone wants to look good on videos and the vivo Y76 5G can get you glam selfies via its AI Face Beauty Algorithm that offers personalized options to refine and optimize your selfies as well as Smart Softlight Band to preview the fill light effect in real time.

 

Here are some initial photo samples we took using the vivo Y76 5G.

 

selfie

night mode

Rounding up the specs of this phone; you get an 8GB RAM + 4GB Extended RAM powered by MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor to ensure smooth performance and Multi-Turbo that should assist in running multiple apps heavy games with high graphics.  There’s even an Ultra Game Mode dashboard that displays performance parameters and helps you shift through different gaming modes. 

So far I’m really enjoying this phone, it looks nice, has good cameras and I haven’t encountered any problems when using is for my daily blogging needs.

 

If you are interested in the vivo Y76 5G, you can get it for only P14,999 (that’s a P2k price drop from its original price) and its available at all vivo stores and kiosks nationwide, vivo's E-Store, and online via official stores in Shopee and Lazada.

 

Vivo Y76 5G specs

 

Display: 6.58-inch FHD+ IPS LCD Display (1080 x 2408 Pixels), 401 ppi

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G Chipset

RAM: 8GB RAM + 4GB eRAM GB of RAM

Storage: 128GB Internal Storage Expandable Up to 256 via microSD

Camera: Triple Cameras (50+2+2 MP) with LED Flash

16 Megapixel Front Camera

Connectivity: Dual SIM 5G, 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE & GPRS Networks Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 5.1 USB Type-C

Battery: 4100mAh Battery with 44W Fast Charging (70% in 32 minutes)

 

Here are helpful tips from experienced content creators and insider advice from YouTube

As part of Google’s mission to help women upskill and create livelihood opportunities through its platforms and content, YouTube held this year’s edition of its Digiskarteng Pinay with an online training workshop for aspiring and budding creators.

 

“Digiskarteng Pinay is a platform for women empowerment and development, believing that when we uplift women in the country, we uplift households and communities,” said Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario. “As we strive to help more women, part of our goals at Digiskarteng Pinay is to give people more resources created by Filipinas and allies, for Filipinas.”

 

Here are some helpful tips from experienced content creators and insider advice from YouTube:  

 

Find your voice

The most important thing for a content creator to establish first is what their channel will be all about. Defining the goal will make it incredibly easier for a creator to find their way and consistently come out with content that can resonate.

 

“The most important thing is to know your ‘Why’ and your ‘What.’ Find your voice,” said Andrea Romualdez, Strategic Partner Manager at YouTube. “A good first thing to consider asking yourself is how would you like to have an impact? Are you there because you want to share something specific? Do you have a passion for something, or a talent that you really want to get out there?”

 

YouTube has a host of options that can help creators succeed once they figure out their goals, such as content verticals that cover and classify a wide range of topics, branding elements that establish a channel’s identity, settings that will allow creators to monetize their content and potentially sustain a livelihood, and analytics that can measure their performance and help them adjust accordingly.

 

Andrea’s biggest advice for creators is to be consistent, as a sustainable release schedule goes a long way in building a presence on the platform. Viewers and fans are constantly tuned in and will appreciate constant releases, and will also notice when new content is sporadic.

 

Make the most of what you’ve got

One of the most daunting things about starting a content creation journey on YouTube is the idea that you need the best equipment to shoot the best content. With the advent of accessible and affordable devices that can shoot in relatively high definition, however, it’s now easier than ever to use what you’ve got.

 

“The best equipment you can use is the one you already have,” said Lyqa Maravilla of Team Lyqa. “The thing is, you have the ability to create quality content simply because you are able to consume content right now. We all have a smartphone, and what that means is you have in your hands the power to be a content creator.”

 

Lyqa stressed that it is far more important to learn creative production techniques using the tools one already has, instead of seeking out top-of-the-line equipment and setups that may not make up for a lack of experience and production skill. It’s easy to learn how to shoot and edit properly with a wealth of free resources on the internet.

 

It’s not about the moment, it’s the movement
Once a creator starts a channel and sets up their first few videos, it may be hard to keep going and figure out what else they want to show the world.

 

This is why Team Tarah has stuck to a philosophy of not only planning possible content to make, but also of simply documenting everything that happens. They quote from the musical Hamilton: “This is not a moment, it’s a movement,” referring to how they don’t wait for any “shootable” moments to come around–instead, they simply record and let it all resonate. 

 

“Sometimes it’s like, I don’t feel like making a video right now. Sarah will feel lazy. But no, it’s the movement–so record,” said Tanch. “Do it, do you. It’s hard to edit if you don’t have material, if you don’t have enough videos.”

 

This mindset is a way of both making sure there is content for them to upload, and also to retain the valuable authenticity and genuineness that their fans love.

 

“What we really do is just document ourselves, just being real. We came out, we shared our story, we were brave to show the world who we really are, that’s when viewers started relating to us. Eventually, we grew a family and community on YouTube. That’s the thing about content creating–first you do you, then you listen to your community,” said Tanch.

 

Authenticity creates opportunities

It’s also that authenticity in one’s content that can ultimately create opportunities for monetization, which is a big goal for many YouTube creators.

 

For relatively smaller creators, there’s no need to deliberately curate posts and content releases just to attract brands for a partnership, says Vern and Verniece Enciso, who have made the successful transition from well-known bloggers to popular vloggers on YouTube. 

 

“Once you’re being yourself and you find your little family on YouTube, the brands will just come,” says Vern. “You don’t have to pressure yourself. When you’re just really being yourself and you’re listening to your audience and community, the brands will come naturally.

 

“It’s really okay to take a lot of videos, just put it out there–at the end of the day, you’re going to find the niche that would really like the content that you put out,” says Verniece. This strong engagement is also more important for potential brand partners, who will likely succeed more with a dedicated and supportive audience.

 

And when a creator does actually get a partnership with a brand, it’s a good practice to actually try the product or service first to form an honest opinion about it. Audiences will know if a creator promotes something they haven’t actually tried, and doing that will go against the idea of being authentic and genuine.

 

The life-changing power of self-promotion

A huge part of women’s success on any platform is the power of self-promotion, which can be intimidating to do. That’s why Google established its far-reaching #IAmRemarkable global initiative that empowers everyone, especially underrepresented groups, to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond.

 

One of the most important roles #IAmRemarkable has is raising awareness of people’s roles as allies to each other, which can be very helpful in self-promotion of underrepresented groups. Google’s Global Content Manager for Pixel and #IamRemarkable Champion, Miami Cabansay,explained that there are three ways to do this: attribute ideas correctly, acknowledge accomplishments, and ask probing questions to encourage people.

 

“A great way for experienced YouTube creators to practice supporting up-and-coming creators is to mention them in your vlog, attribute their content, and encourage them with your own stories of how you started and what your struggles were. It will help create the culture of repeating one’s stories and magnifying them through your network of subscribers,” Miami said.

 

To watch the full replay of Digiskarteng Pinay online training workshop for creators, head over to the Google Philippines YouTube channel.

vivo secured its spot as the top smartphone brand in terms of Q2 2022 sales

vivo secured its spot as the top smartphone brand in terms of Q2 2022 sales according to Counterpoint Research market report. The report showed that vivo recorded a 19.8 percent  market share, a slight dip from its 21.1 percent in Q1 2022. This feat is despite a 14.2 percent  YoY decrease in Chinese smartphone sales in the same quarter.

Research Analyst Mengmeng Zhang said, "During the quarter, vivo maintained its leadership. The mid-to-high-end S12 series helped vivo grab a good share in the $250-$399 segment. Sub-brand iQOO also received positive market feedback, especially from younger customers."

The trying times for the Chinese smartphone market are marked by a 12.6 percent decrease in sales volume compared to the peak of the pandemic (1st Quarter of 2020), less than half of Q4 2016, and can be compared to the critical sales when iPhone 5 entered the competition. 

Senior Analyst Ivan Lam's evaluation further associates this setback with the general economic struggle that the country is experiencing. He said, "China's economy merely grew 0.4 percent YoY in Q2 2022, lower than the market expectation of 0.8 percent to -1 percent." 

It is essential to note that during that time, full or partial lockdowns were implemented in China's major cities to regulate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. While these regulations have been for the greater good, their negative impact on the financial and manufacturing hub Pan-Shanghai is undeniable. The services sector suffered the most challenging YoY growth (from 4 percent YoY in Q1 to 0.4 percent in Q2). Further contributing to slower sales are high rates of competition with lagging consumer motivation to purchase products and consumers' perceived absence of innovations. 

Despite the challenges, vivo continues to provide the market with premium and reliable smartphones. vivo is expected to pursue its top position by reinforcing its brand in the high-end segment. Moreover, vivo strategically aims to penetrate the trend for premium foldable smartphones. Foldable smartphones project profitable sales in the latter quarters of this year.  

Carrying the Torch in PH Scene

vivo aims to bring its top-tier performance to the Philippine market with the launch of vivo T Series and vivo X80 series in Q2 2022. These entries further solidify vivo’s position in the upper midrange to the high-end segment of smartphones. Each series captures the interest of its target consumers from leisure to productivity needs.

Launched in May 2022, the vivo T-series takes the gaming experience to another level with its turbo-driven performance, appearance, and camera carefully curated for the gamers and consumers with a fast-paced digital lifestyle.

vivo also empowers and inspires photography enthusiasts by challenging the limits of mobile photography and setting the standards for captured masterpieces even higher through the vivo X80 series. The vivo X80 series was launched in June 2022 boasting its continued partnership with ZEISS embedded in the camera of its latest flagship smartphone. 

vivo commits to nothing less than excellence for the rest of the year as vivo continues to deliver premium and reliable smartphones to different market segments. 

Get regular updates about vivo through its official website and vivo’s official Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. 

Anne Curtis and Jane de Leon have suited up as two powerful superheroes in Smart’s latest campaign video

Bannering the best customer experience that subscribers enjoy on the Smart network, multi-hyphenate star Anne Curtis and rising actress Jane de Leon have suited up as two powerful superheroes in Smart’s latest campaign video, revealing its groundbreaking “Best Mobile Network” recognition from Ookla®, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence.

 

A first for a mobile operator in the Philippines, the “Best Mobile Network” award was given to Smart after winning Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage for Q1 to Q2 2022. 

 

“We want to celebrate this milestone by putting together two of today's remarkable women—this generation’s Dyosa and Darna—in one campaign that shows just how Filipinos are empowered with the best mobile experience on the Smart network. Anne has been a long-time Smart user and endorser while Jane is excited to further explore the power of Smart. Like Anne and Jane, we want our customers to enjoy the same powerful experience,” said Francis E. Flores, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business - Individual at Smart.

Powerful women in their own way

 

Indeed, as Anne and Jane power through obstacles in the action-packed video complete with dynamic effects and stunts, they assert: “When you have the power of the fastest speed, and when you have the power of the widest coverage, you get the best overall experience.” 

 

According to Flores, although Anne and Jane are in different phases of their careers, both are powerful women in their own special way.

 

A Smart endorser for over 10 years now, Anne has seen Smart evolve through the years even as she established herself as one of the biggest local celebrities today and remains as the most followed Filipino celebrity on social media.

 

“I have been a loyal Smart subscriber for years, and it's because Smart has allowed me to do so much - it’s almost like having superpowers. I’ve always been so proud to be part of this family and even happier now that the brand that has empowered me all these years is today’s Best Mobile Network,” said Anne.

 

On the other hand, Jane is about to make her mark in showbiz as she becomes the iconic Filipino superhero Darna. Her journey in getting this life-changing role serves as an inspiration for everyone to power through challenges, according to Flores.

 

“I’m happy to be part of the Smart family. I can’t even begin to tell you guys how much this means to me because I’m so excited to endorse a network that really empowers me to do what I want,” said Jane.  

Experience the Power of Smart

 

With Smart’s fastest speeds, subscribers can do and accomplish more – from connecting with loved ones in crystal-clear calls, sending important work and school files in seconds, sharing content on social media in real-time, to enjoying their favorite videos, music, and games seamlessly.  

 

Smart’s widest coverage means subscribers can stay connected more – whether it’s from the comfort of their home or office, the commute to school or work, or outside the city for a well-deserved break.  

 

The latest Ookla Speedtest Awards add to Smart’s recent string of citations that reinforce its network leadership. Last April, independent firm Opensignal declared Smart as the “operator to beat in the Philippines” as it dominated the Opensignal Mobile Experience Awards**, covering the essential aspects of service, especially speed and experience.   These awards include Best Overall Experience for Video, Games, Voice App, and Download Speed across all technologies.   

 

Non-Smart subscribers can experience the power of Smart without changing their number through Mobile Number Portability, a service that can be conveniently booked via https://smart.com.ph/Pages/mobilenumberportability  and at Smart Stores nationwide. To know more about the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Network, visit www.smart.com.ph.

The newly renovated Aliw Theater can support concerts, theatrical performances, corporate events, and all types of shows

In ancient Greek mythology, the Phoenix is depicted as an immortal bird that symbolizes renewal and rebirth. It was said that only one of its kind can live for 500 years at a time, and just before its time was up, it would build a nest and set itself on fire. From the ashes, miraculously would rise a new Phoenix. 

 

Akin to this story of resurrection, the famed Aliw Theater in Pasay City is also set to experience its own rebirth – after a series of well-publicized ordeals – as it opens its doors once again after an amazing renovation that meet the post-pandemic requirements for live performances, foremost by Ballet Manila, whose original home is Aliw Theater. 

“I feel very encouraged and happy that our home has been restored and that the theater complex is an even harder working venue that is capable of so much more,” shared Lisa Macuja Elizalde, CEO and creative director of Ballet Manila. 

 

As the flagship facility for events within the Elizalde Complex, the newly renovated Aliw Theater can support concerts, theatrical performances, corporate events, and all types of shows. 

 

The main theater, which had over 2,000 seating capacity before the fire hit the complex in October 2019, has been adjusted to 1,275, which is the optimal capacity in the new normal. This is complemented by modifications on essential theater features for audiences’ better viewing experience: new top-of-the-line lights and audio equipment, and brand-new seats and carpets. But a major addition is the on-stage 36 ft. x 15 ft. LED screen in the main theater. “The LED screen will be a huge help in putting up our old repertoire with less cost for production without compromising on the quality,” Macuja-Elizalde says.

 

Another major highlight of the renovation is Aliw Theater’s new smoke suction and fresh air system. “This is basically like a built-in air purifier,” she enthuses. “We were rebuilding during the lockdowns and this allowed us to put in features that will make the theater safer given the pandemic conditions.”

 

Likewise, the theater lobby has also undergone major renovations. For audiences’ comfort, the theater has provided more comfort rooms, an elevator, and special seating for Persons With Disability (PWDs).  

 

The newly renovated Aliw Theater is part of the Elizalde Events Complex which aims to be the next destination for live performances, events, and intimate gatherings. Two more facilities are included in the Complex: the Elizalde Hall and the Custom Space. The former is a 370-square-meter area which includes a spacious lobby and two meeting rooms. It is ideal for business meetings, small conferences and training events. Meanwhile, the Custom Space is a 500-meter area that can support all types of artistic endeavors, from intimate performances and recitals to exhibits and social events. 

Lisa Macuja Elizalde, CEO and creative director of Ballet Manila

With the completely upgraded facilities at Aliw Theater, Ballet Manila truly is raring for its comeback with exciting live performances. And indeed, it will return in a big way with “Rise!” where celebrated conductor and musical director, Gerard Salonga, will be at the helm. As the actualization of Macuja-Elizalde’s “phoenix rising” promise, the opening show will be made even more special with the participation of international baritone singer Andrew Fernando who will perform and act as the vocal coach of all the opera singers. The show will also feature a full orchestra, opera and pop singers.  

 

From its amazing comeback performance, the company sustains the festive energy with its “Holiday Cheer Series”, an annual event where the dance company will stage Christmas-themed ballets as a gift for families and kids. The series will re-stage Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s “Cinderella”, which has been one of the staples and bestsellers among Ballet Manila’s repertoire.

Lastly, on its 28^th year anniversary, Ballet Manila will recommence its 25^th performance season, which has been halted because of the pandemic lockdowns in 2020. Entitled “Of Hope and Homecoming”, it will open with Martin Lawrance’s “Romeo and Juliet” from February 18 to 19, 2023. Its mid-season will showcase Don Quixote with guest artists from San Francisco Ballet from May 27 to 28, 2023. The season will close with Gerardo Francisco’s “Ibong Adarna” on August 19 to 20, 2023.”

   

But while the ballet company and Aliw Theater went on a hiatus for two-years, Macuja-Elizalde shared they were amazed by the exponential growth in enrollment to their online ballet classes. Enrolment in the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet (LMSB) boomed with students logging in from the different provinces around the Philippines, other countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Hongkong, Portugal, the United States and Australia and even Bahrain. 

 

“We transferred our classes online and went on from there to develop an entirely new way of running the school. With online recitals, examinations, a developed syllabus and new classes such as the “Dance With Me” toddlers classes and the Ballet For the New Young senior citizen classes among many others - and we continue to grow!” she shares, adding that there were many challenges along the way, such as poor wifi signal, lack of floor space and proper equipment for students at home. “But some students were so invested in their classes that they bought barres and linoleum flooring! As I always say, when there’s a will, there is a way.”

 

Obviously, the past two years have been a learning experience for Macuja-Elizalde and for the people deeply involved with Aliw Theater, Ballet Manila and the LMSB. “We will continue to innovate in the area of non-traditional distribution of content and services.  We have survived, and we continue to grow. I think that we are now stronger, wiser and better. It can only look brighter from now on. The best is always yet to come.” 

Indeed it is. 

 

With the totally upgraded Aliw Theater and the reignited fervor of her dancers, Macuja-Elizalde affirms audiences can look forward to more enjoyable and memorable performances “More than ever, we really need people’s support. Come and watch our performances in Aliw Theater. It’s been too long, and we really miss you!” Macuja-Elizalde concludes.

 

To know more about Ballet Manila and the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet, kindly visit https://balletmanila.com.ph/.

 

For inquiries or to book a space at Aliw Theater for your next event, visit https://aliwtheater.com.ph