Big Bad Wolf Returns to Metro Manila: Score Books for as Low as ₱60 and Discover Viral BookTok Picks!

Calling all book lovers! The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is now open at Greenhills V Mall!

Dive into over 2 million titles—including bestsellers, BookTok faves, and children’s classics—with prices starting at just ₱60!

Don’t miss your chance to build your dream bookshelf—sale runs until June 2 only!

Bad Wolf Books is back in Metro Manila with a legendary lineup of deals, steals, and thrills at V-Mall, Greenhills from May 23 to June 2, 2025. 

Opening hours are 10AM to 9PM from Monday to Thursday and 10AM to 10PM on Friday to Sunday. With over 2 million books up for grabs at up to 95% off, the world’s biggest book sale is serving up the perfect opportunity to score your dream book haul and more!A Book-Hunter’s Paradise Awaits.

This year’s Metro Manila stop is bigger, bolder, and packed with surprises. Whether you

re hunting for bestsellers, chasing down BookTok must-reads, or building the ultimate library for the kids, 

Big Bad Wolf Books makes it easier than ever to bringhome your next great read. With books starting at just ₱60, readers can dig into epic stories, mind-blowing facts, and inspiring lessons without breaking the bank. Snag limited-edition merch, unlock tiered discounts (₱200 off for every ₱2,000 spent, ₱500 off for every ₱5,000), and

explore more with every turn of the page.This year’s sale also welcomes Filipina romance and fantasy author Mica de Leon.

Catch her on May 25 at 1:30 PM as she shares her top tips on writing and publishing, and reveals how she landed a 7-book deal in just one year! Don’t miss this exclusive Q&A session and the chance to meet a rising local author.

Books that Broke the Internet, Now at Unbelievable Prices!

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From viral BookTok titles that range from bingeworthy romance to thrilling fantasy reads, this year’s sale is overflowing with crowd-favorite books you’ve seen all over your feed.

Shadow and Bone: A Netflix Original Series

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Original Price: Php 750

BBW Price: Php 340

The School for Good and Evil: Movie Tie-In Edition

Author: Soman Chainani

Original Price: Php 950

BBW Price : Php 340

The Last Letter

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Original Price: Php 800

BBW Price Php 409

Fresh & False Gods #1: Immortal Longings

Author: Dustin Thao

Original Price: Php 1,300

BBW Price: Php 620

Flesh & False Gods #1: Immortal Longings

Author: Chloe Gong

Original Price: Php 1,600

BBW Price: Php 440

Ace  of Spades

Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Original Price: Php 1,327

BBW Price: Php 400

Your ultimate bookhaul starts right here! Whether you re hunting for the next big series, a comfort read to get lost in, or the book that finally got you into reading, this is your chance to grab it for less.

Promos, Prizes, and Pages GaloreLooking for even more reasons to join the fun? Show off your inner creator with the

#BBWGreenhills2025 Reels Challenge for a shot at the ₱5,000 grand prize or be one

of ten lucky runners-up who will take home ₱1,000 worth of vouchers.

All it takes is one creative video to bring home the win!

Beyond massive discounts and thrilling finds, Big Bad Wolf Books continues its mission to ignite the love of reading across the Philippines. Through the Red Readerhood Program, customers can donate books to underprivileged children, giving them the tools and inspiration they need for a brighter future. Every book donated by customers helps Big Bad Wolf Books continue to share the joy of reading

to underserved communities.

Ready to dive in?The Big Bad Wolf Metro Manila Book Sale will run from May 23 to June 2, 2025, at

V-Mall, Greenhills, open 10AM to 9PM from Monday to Thursday and 10AM to 10PM

from Friday to Sunday. 

Admission is absolutely free. So, what are you waiting for?

Grab your special merch, rally your book buddies, and come by the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale!

Stay updated on Big Bad Wolf Books social media pages to keep up with the latest!

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you

can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook |

Instagram).

Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning's 'Push' Is the Underrated 2000s Superhero Thriller You Need to Watch

 

Psychic warfare meets gritty rebellion in Push—Chris Evans’ criminally overlooked pre-MCU cult favorite.

Long before he wielded the iconic shield as Captain America, Chris Evans starred in an ambitious, mind-bending superhero thriller that has flown under the radar for far too long. Push (2009), directed by Paul McGuigan (Wicker Park, Lucky Number Slevin), is a gripping exploration of psychic warfare, family loyalty, and the cost of freedom. It may not have achieved blockbuster status, but its imaginative premise, tense action sequences, and stellar performances make it a hidden gem worth revisiting--or watching for the first time.

A World of Psychic Abilities and Dangerous Agendas

Push introduces us to a shadowy world where governments have been secretly experimenting with psychic powers since 1945. These powers are categorized into abilities like Movers (telekinesis), Pushers (mind control), Watchers (clairvoyance), and more. The U.S. Division, a sinister government organization, seeks to weaponize these abilities, but not everyone is willing to play their game.

At its heart, Push is a story of rebellion and survival. The plot kicks off when Nick Gant (played by Evans), an unassuming telekinetic, is thrust into a high-stakes mission. Nick, burdened by his father’s dying wish and hiding from the Division, is forced to team up with Cassie (a young clairvoyant played by Dakota Fanning) to protect Kira (Camilla Belle), a Pusher and Nick’s former flame. Together, they must uncover secrets, outsmart their powerful enemies, and fight for their freedom.

The story’s layers are built upon a morally complex web of betrayal, deception, and psychic showdowns. It’s a movie that keeps you guessing while delivering plenty of pulse-pounding moments along the way.

Chris Evans Before the Shield

Chris Evans’ performance as Nick Gant showcases a different side of the actor audiences might not expect. While Captain America is noble and self-assured, Nick is scrappy, reluctant, and visibly flawed. He’s not a clean-cut hero; he’s a down-on-his-luck underdog just trying to survive. Evans brings charm, vulnerability, and physicality to the role, reminding us why he’s one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.

This role serves as a precursor to the charismatic leading man we’ve come to know. It’s fascinating to watch Evans balance Nick’s self-doubt with moments of resourcefulness and resolve, a far cry from the polished and confident Captain Rogers.

Why You Should Watch (or Rewatch) Push

Despite its intriguing premise and strong cast, Push didn’t receive the recognition it deserved upon release. Competing against bigger-budget films and lacking the marketing push (pun intended) of major franchises, it flew under the radar for many moviegoers. However, time has been kind to Push. Its cult following has grown as audiences rediscover its thought-provoking narrative and inventive world-building.

What makes Push so unique is its approach to the superhero genre. Unlike many of its contemporaries, it forgoes flashy costumes and larger-than-life city destruction. Instead, it opts for a gritty, grounded tone, blending noir-inspired storytelling with dystopian sci-fi vibes.

The setting in Hong Kong adds another layer of intrigue, offering a visually dynamic backdrop that feels gritty yet alive. The bustling streets and neon-lit alleys become an integral part of the film’s aesthetic, making Push visually distinct from more traditional superhero movies filmed on sound stages.

If you’re a fan of complex, character-driven stories with a touch of sci-fi, Push deserves a spot on your watchlist. Don’t let this one slip through the cracks again; it’s time to give it the recognition it deserves. Give this underrated gem some love when it comes to Lionsgate Play on May 23 via PLDT Home and Smart.

American Standard Celebrates 150 Years with New Innovations in Bathroom Hygiene

 Since 1875, American Standard has empowered homeowners to create spaces they cherish through solutions with purposeful designs and trusted performance. Today, the brand’s products—from faucets and showers to toilets and bathtubs—elevate homes, hotels, and public spaces worldwide. Built to last and designed with sustainability in mind, its offerings combine functionality with timeless design, transforming any space into an inviting environment. Inspired by a heritage of care, comfort, and hygiene, the brand remains driven by a commitment to enhance daily life.

Celebrating its Innovation Journey in APAC

In the Asia-Pacific region, American Standard is pioneering innovative solutions designed to meet the unique challenges and needs of local consumers. With the award-winning Genie Hand Shower, the brand addresses low water pressure, delivering a revitalizing shower experience. The EasyFlo faucet redefines convenience with intuitive, user-friendly push button operation.

Understanding APAC’s diverse consumer needs, the brand introduced the DuoStix Hygiene Spray—a versatile tool engineered for both bathroom cleaning and gentle personal cleansing. The recently launched Loven collection, with soft curves and tapered design optimizes and enables consumers to create a comfortable bathroom even in limited spaces. Practical innovations like SpaceCreate (toilet tank storage) and CoolShield (anti-scalding shower mixers) further demonstrate the brand's commitment to uplift hygiene and enhance quality of life.

The brand continues to lead in hygiene innovation across Asia Pacific, delivering smart solutions tailored to the region’s evolving lifestyles. The E-Lite integrated shower toilet exemplifies this commitment, offering a seamless blend of comfort, hygiene, and convenience. With features like posterior and feminine cleansing, UV sterilization, and a self-cleaning nozzle, E-Lite ensures a refreshing and hygienic experience. Its intuitive design, including a pre-flush function and nozzle shutter, caters to the preferences of discerning homeowners, making it an ideal choice for modern living.

In addition, American Standard fittings are now available in colors, empowering consumers to infuse their bathrooms with vibrant hues that reflect their personal style and create a home they truly love.

"We are proud to celebrate the 150th brand anniversary of our American Standard brand, honoring a legacy of trust and innovation built on a deep understanding of consumer needs and requirements . We have been improving homes around the world, designing purposeful bathroom and kitchen products that combine dependable yet inviting design with pioneering technologies. The brand refresh in 2023 with the focus on “LIFE. LOVE. HOME " reinforces our commitment to inspire people to create a home they will love every day.” said Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia.

150 Years of Trust: Shaping the Future of Design & Innovation

The brand’s 150th anniversary is not just a milestone—it’s a renewed pledge for the future of design and innovation. Reflecting this enduring commitment, American Standard will proudly serve as the headline sponsor of the upcoming Asia Pacific Property Awards for the seventh consecutive year, underscoring its commitment to supporting and celebrating industry excellence. Later this year, the brand will launch the fourth American Standard Design Awards (ASDA), a platform challenging emerging designers to reimagine consumer-centric bathroom solutions. This initiative will provide a stage for student talent to showcase their creativity to a judging panel of industry leaders.

Looking ahead, American Standard will continue to transform everyday experiences with the launch of new innovative solutions that blend industry-leading technology with purposeful design. These upcoming innovations aim to enhance daily routines by offering intuitive, user-friendly experiences that prioritize comfort and hygiene. By focusing on holistic design and practical elegance, the brand continues its commitment to elevating everyday living across the region.

"Building on 150 years of trust, we are shaping the future of design and innovation with industry partnerships that transform everyday spaces. By collaborating closely with architects, designers, and industry partners, we are creating spaces and homes that are functional, comfortable, and a pleasure to stay in. We look forward to continuing to deliver on the American Standard promise of creating homes that people will love every day with our industry partners." said Audrey Yeo, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific.

For more information about the Smart Washer M-bidet, visit American Standard's website or contact at www.americanstandard.ph. Follow American Standard on Facebook (@AmericanStandardPH) and Instagram (@americanstandard_ph) for more updates.

HAVAS Ortega’s HAVASister Program Leads the Way in Workplace Gender Inclusion

 Though Women’s Month may have concluded in March, HAVAS Ortega believes that championing women’s empowerment should be a year-round commitment. This spirit was at the heart of the HAVASister (Have-A-Sister) program—a transformative initiative launched by the agency to foster solidarity, inclusion, and support for women within and beyond the workplace. 

The HAVASister program brought together employees, partners, and thought leaders for a series of dynamic and inclusive events that continue to inspire meaningful conversations. The initiative also encouraged male employees to become allies—acting as “brothers” to their female colleagues—while strengthening bonds among women through shared learning and advocacy. 

The program featured five thoughtfully curated sessions focused on today’s most pressing issues affecting women: 

“Breaking Glass Ceilings: From Telephone Operator to CEO” 

Kicking off the series, Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury shared her powerful story of resilience and ambition—from her early career as a telephone operator to her rise as a CEO—illustrating the power of grit, mentorship, and perseverance in navigating a traditionally male-dominated business landscape. 

“Queens of Console” 

In partnership with Ampverse, a leading gaming media and esports company, this interactive event highlighted inclusivity in gaming. Women gamers participated in spirited discussions and live challenges, redefining the gaming space as a place where female voices and talents are not only welcomed but celebrated. 

“Empowered Wellness: Navigating PCOS and Reproductive Health Challenges” 

Co-hosted with Lockton, a global leader in insurance and risk management, this session offered crucial insights into women’s reproductive health—particularly PCOS—aiming to equip attendees with knowledge and resources for improved well-being and healthcare advocacy. 

“Understanding Neurodiversity Diagnoses in the Case of Women” 

In collaboration with Graymatters, a mental health and neurodiversity organization, this session explored how neurodiverse conditions uniquely impact women. The discussion advocated for inclusive workplace practices and increased awareness of how diagnoses manifest differently in women. 

“Vaccines for Every Life, for Every Stage of Life” 

Partnering with Kindred, a women’s health company, this session focused on the importance of HPV vaccination across all genders and life stages. It underscored the value of preventive care and empowered individuals to make informed health decisions. 

“We launched the HAVASister program with the vision of creating a platform that empowers, educates, and uplifts women—both inside and outside our organization,” said Nina Estenzo, Business Director at HAVAS Ortega. “While the program was timed for Women’s Month, the issues we addressed and the bonds we’ve built are enduring. Our commitment to fostering inclusive spaces and elevating women’s voices will continue all-year round and beyond.” 

The HAVASister program exemplifies HAVAS Ortega’s dedication to gender inclusion and community engagement. More than a one-month campaign, it is a long-term effort to cultivate a workplace culture where equity and empowerment thrive. 

UNIQLO Launches Week-Long Thank You Festival to Celebrate Customer Loyalty

UNIQLO expresses its gratitude to its customers by kicking off one of its biggest annual marquee events. Created as the global apparel retailer’s expression of gratitude to the continued loyalty of its shoppers, the UNIQLO Thank You Festival returns this Spring/Summer season with promotions, unique novelty items, and LifeWear pieces at special prices in a week-long celebration starting May 23.

Around 40 LifeWear items for men, women, and kids will be on limited-time offer prices for this year’s UNIQLO Thank You Festival. The list includes wardrobe essentials such as Men’s and Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt from P590 to P390, Men’s AIRism Cotton Pique Polo Shirt and Women’s Mini Polo Shirt from P990 to P790, Women’s Linen Blend Open Collar Shirt and Men’s Modal Cotton Open Collar Short Sleeve Shirt from P1,290 to P990, and Men’s Stretch Easy Shorts and Women’s Cotton Easy Shorts from P790 to P590. Meanwhile, the Wide Tapered Jeans and Wide Trouser Jeans will go from P1,990 to P1,490.

UNIQLO also says thank you by giving away a free packable bag for every P3,000 single- receipt purchase from any UNIQLO store, UNIQLO app or website from May 23 to 29. Customers in-store must scan their UNIQLO App upon checkout to avail of the promotion.
 
A special store activity is also lined up at several UNIQLO branches. From May 23 to 25, take home a free, customizable bag tag by shopping any item with no minimum spend at UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store, UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia, UNIQLO SM Megamall, UNIQLO SM North EDSA, and UNIQLO SM Aura Premier. Customers will get the chance to personalize these with up to three unique charms of their choice.

 
UNIQLO App members can also partake in the fun as the offer carries over online. Get the free bag tag with three charms by using the Click and Collect service from May 23 to 29 with no minimum spend required.
 
This season, UNIQLO celebrates thanksgiving by giving back to underprivileged communities through its partnership with SOS Children’s Village. As part of the Thank You Festival, UNIQLO will hold an outreach activity at the Alabang village, engaging with the children through fun, creativity-driven activities. To bring comfort to their everyday lives, LifeWear items will also be donated to the kids and foster parents.

Kicking off the excitement for this year’s UNIQLO Thank You Festival will be the much-awaited opening of UNIQLO One Bonifacio High Street on May 21. The new space located at Upper Ground Floor in One Bonifacio High Street Mall will service the BGC market with their LifeWear needs, as UNIQLO readies for its bigger and better BGC High Street store opening later this year.

Join the highly anticipated celebration of the UNIQLO Thank You Festival in all UNIQLO stores nationwide and online at www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/. Follow @uniqlo on Facebook and @uniqlophofficial on Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
 

Swan Lake Dazzles at Ballet Manila’s 30th Anniversary Featuring Global Ballet Icons

 Time and experience shape dancers into artists, and for Katherine Barkman, San Francisco Ballet’s First Soloist, her homecoming to Ballet Manila is both a tribute to her roots and a testament to her growth. Returning to the stage where her professional journey began, she takes on the challenging dual role of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, alongside one of the ballet world’s most celebrated names: Esteban Hernández, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet.

First row (L-R) Ballet Manila company soloist Noah Esplana; principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames, Mark Sumaylo and Abigail Lynn Oliveiro; CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde; principal dancers Shaira May Comeros and Joshua Enciso; and soloist John Ralph Balagot,

Second row (L-R, via zoom) San Francisco Ballet company artist Nathaniel Remez, first soloist Katherine Barkman and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez

More than just a guest artist—Esteban Hernández is a phenomenon. A trailblazer from Guadalajara, Mexico, Esteban trained at The Royal Ballet School and rose to global acclaim for his technical brilliance and expressive storytelling. As a principal dancer of the San Francisco Ballet, he has captivated audiences worldwide. Filipino audiences first witnessed his charm and virtuosity as Basilio in Don Quixote 2023. Now, he returns in a role of royal gravitas—as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.

 

“Esteban is the complete package,” says Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja Elizalde. “Last year, his performance as Basilio was simply perfect. But Siegfried is a very different character—elegant, noble, restrained. He has been a principal dancer for quite some time now, so his depth of experience, technique, and artistry will work all very well for him as Prince Siegfried.” She adds, “Esteban and Katherine have already dancedSwan Lake together, so I think that they will, as a principal couple, be very effective in their roles.”

 

San Francisco Ballet soloist Katherine Barkman and principal dancer Esteban Hernandez (photo courtesy of Kristen Laing)

For Katherine, this return is deeply personal. Once a principal dancer of Ballet Manila, she trained under Macuja Elizalde for over three years before joining The Washington Ballet and later the San Francisco Ballet. Now taking on Swan Lake’s duality with deeper insight, she reflects: “With experience comes more fearlessness. I take more risks—I would rather my dancing be exciting to watch than safe and predictable.”

 

A former principal dancer of Ballet Manila, Katherine trained under the guidance of Lisa Macuja Elizalde herself for over three years, before moving to Washington Ballet, and eventually, San Francisco Ballet. 

 

Now back to where her professional ballet career began, Katherine reflects on her growth as she embodies the dual role of Odette (White Swan) and Odile (Black Swan): “I feel like my approach to the characters has shifted the most,” recounts Katherine. “With experience comes more of a fearlessness. I take more risks – I don’t worry so much if it’s perfect or not. I would rather my dancing be exciting to watch than safe and predictable.”

 

While Katherine has already previously worked with Esteban, sharing the same stage together once again, this time for Ballet Manila, is a special moment for her. She shares, “Esteban is an amazing partner and someone I just love working with. It’s rare to dance with someone who challenges and encourages you in such an honest way. I was happy Ballet Manila got to experience his Don Quixote  - but I’m just so excited I can be here this time and share Swan Lake together.”

 

With her strong foundation from Ballet Manila, Katherine approaches the demanding dual role with deep awareness, relying on her technique to convey the proper emotions for each character. “If there’s one thing I truly believe, it is that technique is to be used to express emotion. Every step should say something.”

 

For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, having played the role of Odette and Odile during her prima ballerina days gives her full awareness of how intricate it is to mount a full-length Swan Lake. “It is a very Russian ballet, so the dancing needs to be technically strong and artistically sound. But our dance company practices the unique Vaganovatraining, so the over-all strength of the legs and backs of the dancers are developed by the technique, allowing the dancers to hold poses well, jump high and turn fast. This is ingrained and practiced with the dancers in daily class and translates into everyone, especially the swan corps de ballet, moving as one onstage.” 

 

On Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year, Macuja made sure to pull all the stops to cast two pairs of powerful main leads. Aside from Katherine and Esteban, audiences will see another take on the main characters with Ballet Manila’s principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro portraying Odette and Odile and San Francisco Ballet’s company artist Nathaniel Remezplaying Prince Seigfried. 

 

She also looks forward to the chemistry of Abigail and Nathaniel, adding “What I am also excited about is Nathaniel’s impending partnership with Abi. She will learn and grow so much in her interpretation of Swan lake when she explores the choreography with a new partner like Nathaniel who, height wise, is perfect for her.”

 

Catch all performances from Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernandez on May 30, 2025 at 8PM, May 31, 2025 at 5PM, and June 1, 2025 at 5PM, and matinee performances with Abigail Oliveiro and Nathaniel Remezon May 31, 2025 and June 1, 2025 at 1PM. 

 

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, visitwww.balletmanila.com.ph