Ballet Manila Celebrates 30 Years with a Showcase of Its Finest Performances

 Like a pearl whose luster and sheen get better with age, Ballet Manila’s 30th year celebration reflects the graceful passage of the years, marked by a series of stellar productions featuring world-renowned ballet superstars from the US and Russia, all set to take place at the AliwTheater, Pasay City.

Ballet Manila’s Bloom Pas De Deux featuring Joshua Rey Enciso and Stephanie Kerilen Santiago

 

Dubbed the “The Pearl Year,” Ballet Manila is opening the performance season with The Pearl Gala on March 7, 2025, at 8 PM, and on March 8 & 9, 2025, at 5 PM. A collection of the best and most exquisite performance pieces from Ballet Manila, the gala features the world premiere of “Pearls,” choreographed by none other than Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director, along with fellow award-winning choreographers Martin Lawrance and Gerardo Francisco Jr.

 

Details of the anniversary celebration and the new performance season were announced during Ballet Manila’s 30th anniversary launch, held recently at the Shangri-La Mall, which extended its support to Ballet Manila by hosting the event as part of its initiatives for National Arts Month. “This is a wonderful opportunity to emphasize our mission of bringing ballet to the people and people to ballet, as well as highlight ballet as a beautiful art form,” shared Macuja-Elizalde. 

Ballet Manila choreographer Martin Lawrance; principal dancers Joshua Enciso, Romeo Peralta and Junmark Sumaylo

CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde; principal dancers Abigail Lynn Oliveiro and Shaira May Comeros; artistic associate Gerardo Francisco Jr; and event host Mitch Valdes

Ballet Manila’s The Pearl Gala will open with “Paquita,” which was first performed by Ballet Manila during its first ballet concert 30 years ago. After three decades, the dance company is performing it once again to highlight how a ballet company’s mettle, strength, and quality are measured by its corps de ballet and not only by its soloists or principals. The production will also allow the ballerinas to shine on their own in different variations and codas.

 

From the very classical “Paquita,” the gala will present “Bloom,” originally choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa in 2014, and performed by many American companies such as Cincinnati Ballet and Los Angeles Ballet. Once again, the number will showcase the diversity and strengths of the company in its 30th year, but this time with a male-dominated corps de ballet – a unique feature in a ballet company.

 

“Pearls” will complete the gala to show how the development of the pearl is similar to that of a dancer.  The dance company’s journey will be depicted through different kinds of pearls. The ballet is divided into six parts, with each dancer representing a unique jewel that is trained for years before achieving such effortless grace – just like a pearl composed of many layers that ultimately create a beautiful gem. The ballet will culminate with the pearls dancing in both classical and contemporary styles.

 

From The Pearl Gala, Ballet Manila continues the performance season with the classical ballet production “Swan Lake” on May 30, 2025, at 8 PM, and on May 31 and June 1, 2025, at 5 PM. A special matinee on May 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM will feature Ballet Manila principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro and San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez as the leads.

 

Adding to the acclaim, guest celebrity ballet dancers from San Francisco Ballet -- soloist Katherine Barkman, who was formerly a principal dancer with Ballet Manila, and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez -- will grace the stage. Barkman will perform the dual roles of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan), alongside Hernandez as the male lead. The duo will perform in all three shows.

 

A fitting choice for the company’s 30th year, “Swan Lake” is one of the most difficult ballets to perform for a prima ballerina because of the extreme technical demands of Odile and the soft lyricism of Odette. “Swan Lake” will once again highlight Ballet Manila’s commitment to excellence as it showcases the Russian Vaganova training that Ballet Manila continues to specialize in.

 

Closing the performance season is “Don Quixote,” another classical ballet featuring the return of ballet superstar, Mariinsky Prima Ballerina Renata Shakirova. 

 

For Macuja-Elizalde, “Don Quixote” is a brilliant way to end the season as it has become a signature full-length ballet of the company. Kitri has also become Lisa Macuja-Elizalde's signature role as a ballerina, and it is also a signature role for Renata, who will be able to showcase her light gigantic leaps, multiple and fast pirouettes, and the 32 fouettés that everyone can look forward to. Playing alongside Renata is Joshua Enciso, making his debut as Basilio.

 

“Don Quixote,” emphasizes Macuja-Elizalde, is a great way to close the season on a positive note as it is a ballet that seems like a two-hour nonstop celebration. “We have a very packed and exciting performance season, and I’m excited for the audience to finally see what we have worked so hard for on our Pearl Year,” she said.

 

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Classic Detective, Modern Twists: Watch Every Season of Sherlock Now on Lionsgate Play!

The game is afoot, and Sherlock has a new address! This February 21st, Lionsgate Play rolls out the red carpet for the world’s greatest detective - and trust us, you won’t want to miss it! 

Join Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), and his steadfast partner, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman), as they crack impossible cases and go head-to-head with London’s most formidable criminal masterminds. From decoding intricate puzzles to outwitting the dangerously unpredictable Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott), every episode delivers intrigue, suspense, and razor-sharp wit. 

Sharing his first memory of working on the series, lead actor, Benedict Cumberbatch said “Learning the lines for the audition, really. That was the first bit of work I ever did on it. And this is hard, but a lot of fun.”

In an interview with Vogue, Benedict Cumberbatch opened up about his thoughts about Sherlock’s personality, “I thought he should be more - not stiff but like a guy who does a lot of yoga. It's that strength where people look weak but their core is strong. He's incredibly poised. Back straight. His head leans to the side.” He further added, “There's this thing about him being very reserved and austere. I wanted him to be a bit more rock star. There is something almost boyish - a joy about him. I wanted him to smile. “

Created by Doctor Who masterminds Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock reimagines the classic detective tales into 90-minute episodes that will keep you guessing until the end. From the chilling murder spree in “A Study in Pink” to the eerie mysteries of “The Hounds of Baskerville”, each case is a puzzle you won’t be able to resist.

Sherlock’s modern reinvention of the classic detective series has earned multiple accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Cumberbatch, Freeman, and Moffat, a BAFTA for Best Television Drama, and a Peabody Award, cementing its status as a TV phenomenon.

Completing a well-loved legacy of 15 years filled with mind bending twists and captivating cases since its 2010 debut, all 4 seasons will now be available exclusively on Lionsgate Play for Philippines audiences. Get ready to dive back into the world of mystery, and genius - because you’re about to be Sher-locked! 

Don't miss this chance to experience the brilliance of Sherlock! Catch all four seasons on Lionsgate Play on February 21.

Igloo Starts 2025 Strong with Multi-Market Wins and New Chief Distribution Officer

 l Leading regional insurtech Igloo enters 2025 with a strong push, launching new partnerships, introducing new products with existing partners across the region, and appointing a Chief Distribution Officer to grow its embedded insurance and sales intermediaries business lines. 

 

New and enhanced partnerships with leading brands

Building on their collaboration in 2024, Igloo and Salmon are strengthening their partnership in 2025 with the launch of Gadget Protection in the Philippines. This new offering will cover device repairs and replacements for gadgets purchased through Salmon’s platform, complementing their existing loan protection coverage, which safeguards repayments in case of unforeseen incidents.

Similarly, Igloo’s partnership with Skyro, which introduced Gadget Protection and Loan Protection last year, is expanding in 2025 with the introduction of Goods Protection. Through this new product, home furniture, clothing, auto accessories, and even toys can now be protected from the same everyday risks.

 

As access to credit remains a challenge in the Philippines, consumer finance platforms like Salmon and Skyro provide financial and insurance access to underbanked and unbanked segments. These platforms currently serve an estimated 300,000 Filipinos.

 

Igloo continues to strengthen its ties with Shopee in the Philippines, launching its fifth product, Goods Protection to its existing suite. Since 2022, the partnership has facilitated over 16.9 million protection plans across product lines with Shopee’s 56 million monthly visitors.

 

Underwritten by SeaInsure, Goods Protection covers eligible items purchased on the platform—such as electronics accessories, vehicle spare parts, baby gear, and office supplies—that suffer total loss or damage due to accidents like fire, collision, falls, liquid damage, or being run over.

 

In Indonesia, Igloo has two new partnerships under its belt - with leading fintech company Akulaku, and consumer finance platform Kredivo. With the former, gadget protection service underwritten by Victoria Insurance, covers repairs and replacements for gadgets purchased on the platform with a one-year coverage period. With smartphone users expected to reach 249.95 million by 2029, this service meets the growing demand for reliable device protection in the country’s increasingly digital market.

 

Igloo also continues to innovate with new offerings like Xtra Protection- its fifth product with Indonesian e-wallet platform DANA, which currently serves 200 million users. As more Indonesians move to digital payments with transactions expected to grow to US$371.6 billion in 2025, the product is timely, protecting users from lost wallet balances due to fraud. 

 

Igloo’s collaboration with consumer finance platform Kredivo - which serves more than 10 million users, introduces Travel Domestic, covering trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more.

 

In Thailand, Igloo has expanded its partnership with e-payment and financial services provider True Money to include coverage for cars and motorcycles, building on the success of its health and accident insurance offering from the previous year, this new product extends protection to approximately 20.7 million registered vehicles across the country. Meanwhile, the successful collaboration with Lazada Thailand, which serves millions of customers in the country, also sees the addition of a fifth product - Flight Insurance for domestic and international trips. 

 

“These partnerships underscore Igloo’s efforts to make insurance more seamless and integrated into everyday online transactions, and as we enter 2025, we are building on this momentum by deepening our commitment to making insurance more accessible, affordable, and seamlessly integrated into digital experiences. The slew of new partnerships — and the expansion of existing ones — within the first months in 2025 heralds our positive trajectory and highlights the continued value we provide in embedding insurance across diverse industries in Southeast Asia,” Mehta added.

 

Key regional hire to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia

In addition, Igloo has added to its leadership fold Chief Distribution Officer (CDO) Sasitharan Krishnan who brings over 30 years of expertise from the insurance distribution sectorserving as Senior Vice President for Asia Affinity at insurance giant Sompo and Chief Officer of Digital Sales at Allianz Ayudhya Assurance.

 

In his role, Sasi will drive Igloo’s distribution strategy with a key focus on brokering regional deals, and increased value for Igloo and its partners through relationships with regional and local insurers. He will also bring mentorship and rigor to Igloo’s commercial organisation.

 

“With Sasitharan’s addition, we will make significant strides in accelerating growth,” Mehta explained. “His extensive experience in insurance distribution and digital sales will be instrumental in building new partnerships, driving value for Igloo and our partners and ensuring our products are consumer-centric, accessible, and effectively delivered across business lines.”

 

Learn more about Igloo, its partnerships, and technology by visiting iglooinsure.com.

 

Maya is giving you the chance to win year-round PAL Business Class Flights

 New year, new goals—but what if your resolutions could actually take you to your dream destinations? Whether it’s the white-sand beaches of Bohol, the bright lights of New York, or a luxe escape to Perth, 2025 is the year to make it happen. And with Maya, your smarter money moves can literally land you in Business Class!

This Happy YOU Year, Maya is giving you the chance to win year-round Philippine Airlines (PAL) Business Class flights just by saving, spending, or borrowing wisely. Here’s how you can fast-track your way to your dream destinations with these game-changing money resolutions:

Grow Your Money—Fast with High-Interest Savings Accounts

Achieve your travel goals this 2025 by setting aside ₱5,000 per month in a high-interest savings account like Maya Savings, Personal Goals, or Time Deposit Plus. Earn up to 15% p.a. interest on your hard-earned money while you plan your dream trips—and get 5x raffle entries for that luxury seat in the sky.

Spend Smart and Earn More with Cashback Everywhere

Turn everyday purchases into unbeatable rewards with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card. From grocery shopping at Landers to buying travel essentials, earn up to 5% cashback on every transaction. Plus, every ₱5,000 spent gets you 5x raffle entries—so even your regular spending can make your Business Class dreams come true.

Make the Most of Your Hard-Earned Money When You Travel with PAL and Maya

Get on that well-deserved trip and book your Philippine Airlines flights using Maya. Every time you do, you earn 5x raffle entries for every ₱5,000 spent. Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a dream vacation, using Maya brings you closer to reaping the rewards you deserve.

Borrow Wisely to Make Big Moves Without Breaking the Bank

Some life goals require financial flexibility. Whether it’s for a travel emergency or a planned splurge, Maya Easy Credit gives you access to up to ₱30,000, while Maya Personal Loan lets you borrow up to ₱250,000. With every loan transaction earning you a raffle entry, borrowing wisely can take you places—literally!

Make Maya Your Go-To Wallet for Transactions

From spending on groceries, paying for utility bills, and saving for your dream vacations to sending money to loved ones, there’s always a reward every time you use Maya. Every ₱500 Maya transaction earns you a raffle entry to fly in Business Class!

Make 2025 the Year Your Money Works for You—and Rewards You!

Grand Prize: Mabuhay Miles for 12 Business Class Flights
(🛫 8 Domestic, 🌎 4 International)

2 Runners-Up: Mabuhay Miles for 12 Business Class Flights
(🛫 10 Domestic, 🌎 2 International)

2 Consolation Prizes: Mabuhay Miles for 12 Economy Flights (Domestic)

Don’t Just Dream About It—Make It Happen!

Visit maya.ph/happyyouyear to learn more.

Terms and conditions apply. Promo valid until March 31, 2025.

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Stronger Than Ever: How Smartphones Like the Redmi Note 14 Series Are Built for Adventure

 Remember those old phones that could survive a drop on concrete?  We're talking about the early 2000s, when phones were practically indestructible. Today's smartphones are notorious

for seeming way more fragile — with their sleek glass fronts and slim profiles, it's easy to think they'd shatter at the slightest bump, and some of them do, as many people have found out over the past decade. 

 

But here's the surprising truth: in 2025, today’s smartphones are actually way more durable than they used to be.

 

Think about it — we're not just looking for cool features anymore. We need phones that can keep up with our lives, especially when we’re always out and about living to the fullest. Fortunately, manufacturers have listened and they've been working hard to make our smartphones tougher than ever.

So, what's the secret? It's a winning combination of clever engineering and cutting-edge materials. For example, the new stronger stuff like reinforced aluminum frames, sometimes even aerospace-grade aluminum, which is incredibly light and strong. 

 

And then there’s Corning Gorilla Glass. We've gone from basic scratch resistance to Victus and Victus+, which laugh in the face of scratches and drops. There’s no doubt about it, these screens are tough.

 

Beyond the glass and frame, display technology itself has improved.  Modern screens are designed to be more resilient. Plus, we've got IP ratings, which are those little codes that tell you how resistant a phone is to water and dust.  A higher IP rating means better protection against accidental spills and unexpected downpours, especially in the rainy Philippines.   

 

But it's not just about the materials; design plays a big role too. Think about those curved edges you see on some phones.  They're not just for looks, as they can actually help absorb the impact of a fall.  Chamfered corners and strategically placed shock-absorbing materials also contribute to better drop resistance.

 

Now you may be asking: which phone actually has all of these cool features? 

 

One manufacturer has listened and made their phones tougher, and that’s Xiaomi, with the new Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. 

 

These aren't just your average smartphones; they're built to last. Xiaomi has dubbed their durability enhancement as the “All-Star Armor Structure.”  That refers to a combination of high-strength materials, like a robust aluminum composite frame, energy-absorbing foam to cushion impacts, and a special polymer buffering material for added protection.  It’s like they’ve built a tiny tank for your pocket.

 

And just to give you some extra peace of mind, both the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G boast impressive IP ratings. The Pro+ 5G and Pro 5G both have an IP68 rating, meaning they can survive being submerged in water and are completely protected from dust. So whether you're caught in the rain or accidentally drop your phone in the sink, you can breathe a little easier knowing that your phone can survive some dives.   

 

With all these amazing features that make up the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G’s All-Star Durability, life will never get in the way of you using your trusty smartphone and staying connected with the rest of the world.

 

What’s even better is that you don’t need to spend so much to enjoy the All-Star Durability of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G goes for P24,999 for its 12+512GB variant and P22,999 for its 12+256GB variant, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G retails for P19,999 for its 12+512GB variant and P17,999 for its 12+256GB variant.

 

Want to experience this next-level durability for yourself? The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G or Pro 5G is available now! Grab it today at the official Xiaomi store on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok!

 

To learn more about the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, head to http://mi.com/ph. 

HONOR X9c Smart 5G Arrives on February 20 – Durability and Value at Its Best!

 Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is excited to present its best-value tough smartphone, the HONOR X9c Smart 5G, building on the massive success of the HONOR X9c 5G. The much-awaited smartphone is setto be available exclusively on Shopee starting February 20, 2025.

“This new addition to HONOR is groomed to make waves with its progressive features and exceptional durability. Engineered to impress, the HONOR X9c Smart 5G combines cutting-edge technology with a sleek design, ready to elevate the smartphone era to new heights and experience,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

As HONOR continues to push the boundaries of durability and innovation, the HONOR X9c Smart 5G is designed for those who seek performance and toughness without compromise. Its bold features are expected to cater to a wide range of users, redefining what it means to own a smartphone.

Mark your calendars this coming February 20, 2025, and get ready to see the next phase of HONOR's history of providing innovation, value, and durability. 

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook(Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram(Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

Score AirAsia Philippines' Piso Fare Deals with These Simple Steps!

 

—AirAsia Philippines is offering travelers a step-by-step guide to securing their PHP1 one-way base fare tickets, ensuring they maximize this incredible promo running until February 23. 

Guests can book their dream destinations with ease by following these 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Download the AirAsia MOVE App  on android or IOS or Visit AirAsia.com 

Step 2: Search for PHP1 Flights

On the AirAsia MOVE app, tap on "Flights," select "AirAsia Flights Only" and enter travel details. Additionally, the app’s calendar view highlights the lowest fares– fares highlighted in green indicate the Piso Fare.

Step 3: Complete Your Booking

Customize your trip by adding optional services such as baggage allowance, in-flight meals, seat selection and travel insurance. Most importantly, before confirming your booking, review the Fare Summary carefully—Piso Sale tickets will reflect a base fare of PHP 1. 

With only 400,000 seats remaining, the promo fare is expected to sell out fast. Travelers are encouraged to book early to secure their seats. The booking period runs from February 15 to 23, while the travel period spans from July 1, 2025, to June 15, 2026. 

Fuel Surcharge Raised to Level 5 This March

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has increased the fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights to Level 5 for March 2025, up from Level 4 in February. This adjustment allows airlines to impose fuel surcharges ranging from ₱151 to ₱542 for domestic flights, depending on flight distance, and ₱498.03 to ₱3,703.11 for international flights.

“We understand that this change may minimally impact guests' travel plans, that’s why our Piso Fare promotion is perfectly timed for those looking to save on cost. Despite the adjustments, AirAsia remains fully committed to fulfilling our brand promise of making air travel safe, accessible and hassle-free for purposeful journeys with family, friends and loved ones,” AirAsia Philippines Communications and Public Affairs Head First Officer Steve Dailisan shares.