A poster-perfect photo of Bambanti dance showdown on the stage of Isabela Sports Complex A feast like no other, the vibrant Bambanti or Scarecrow Festival in the province of Isabela, held from January 19 to 25, 2025, pays homage to the hardworking farmers of the province and their allies -- the guardians of the rice fields, the scarecrows. Gov. Albano III and Vice Gov. Dy III welcomed the Isabeleños at the Bambanti grand parade and showdown competition at the Isabela Sports Complex. Joining them are the mayors of different municipalities and Philippine Ambassador to Japan H.E. Mylene Garcia Albano Aptly themed, Ang Piyesta ng Bagong Pilipinas , Governor Rodolfo “Rodito” Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino “Bojie” Dy III made sure that all stones were unturned to unlock the beauty of Isabela and the hospitality of its people. The VIP guests, the thousands of Isabeleños themselves from the province’s 34 municipalities and three cities who flocked to the center of th...

  Lanson  Place GM  Nils Rothbarth  paints a red dot on the eye of a  Chinese  Lion. Lanson Place Mall of Asia is committed to preserving and sharing authentic cultural experiences at the City of Manila's Seaside. The hotel spearheaded the celebration of the Lunar New Year with traditional activities promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. First, there was the eye-dotting ceremony for the lion at the porte cochere by hotel executives Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; Nils Rothbarth, General Manager of Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila; and Angelica Vicencio, Director of Sales Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila. This act symbolizes the awakening of the lion and the beginning of the new year. Dragon Dance by the Golden Lion Youth Club  in front of  Lanson  Place MOA . Following this ceremonial rite, the dynamic rhythms of a traditional Lion and Dragon Dance performed by the Golden ...

  This 2025, focus on what truly matters – your health and well-being. Embark on a life-changing journey at The Farm at San Benito , where luxury meets holistic wellness. Nestled in the tranquil greenery of Lipa City, just 90 minutes from Manila, The Farm is more than a wellness retreat – it’s a sanctuary for holistic healing. Named the ‘Best Wellness Resort in the World,’ The Farm combines eco-luxury with science-backed therapies to offer a truly transformative experience. Discover programs designed to help you reset, recharge, and step into the best version of yourself. With 70 thoughtfully designed luxury suites, villas, and wellness residences set against the backdrop of 52 hectares of lush forest, The Farm invites you to reconnect with nature and nurture your mind, body, and spirit. “At The Farm, we go beyond treating symptoms. Our goal is to uncover the root causes of illness and empower our guests with the tools for lasting health.  Regular detoxification is es...

  By Leony R. Garcia | Ahead of the Chinese New Year 2025 celebrations on January 29, 2025, Greenhills (GH) Mall is staging the biggest lion and dragon dance competition on January 19. Organized by Gaius Uy, founder of Huang Lion and Dragon Dance Group, the grandest showcase of authentic lion and dragon dance through a competition. It is also the first time to be held in San Juan City which is expected to roar and come alive with the impeccable hosting by celebrity host/DJ-actor KC Montero. Ten of the country's best lion and dance groups have already secured their registration for the first ever and biggest-prized competition outside of the Chinatown with a grand prize of P100,000 for the champion, P80,000 and P50,000 for the 2nd and 3rd places. "This auspicious event is made possible by the partnership between GH Mall, Pawchester and Huang Lion Dance Group. In this grand event, we would like to showcase the Chinese- Filipino heritage and celebrate culture in a meaningful way....

  Embrace Fresh Perspectives with the “Of Art and Wine” Series: “Machine of Thoughts, ” an immersive group exhibit that challenges perceptions and celebrates the intersection of art, architecture, and innovation, at Gallery C of Conrad Manila. Unveiled on January 7, 2025 at Conrad Manila is the latest art exhibit, “Machine of Thoughts”, as part of the 33rd edition of the hotel’s acclaimed Of Art and Wine series. Featuring 53 dynamic works by five prominent artist-architects from The Authenticity Zero Collective (TAZC): Cocoi Base, Gab Brioso, Almi Domingo, Walther Ocampo, and Robin Ravago, the exhibit invites viewers into a thought-provoking exploration of form, space, and human interaction. “Conrad Manila is committed to championing local artists and fostering creative diversity through our Of Art and Wine series of exhibits at Gallery C. In the new year, we are particularly excited to introduce a dynamic line-up of six exhibits, starting with “Machine of Thoughts’, which wi...