The festival’s historic opening film, Ella Arcangel: The Battle of Tooth and Claw, directed by Mervin Malonzo is competing in the prestigious Asian Next Wave section . Animation takes a triumphant leap into the spotlight at the 14th QCinema International Film Festival, perfectly embodying this year’s theme, Genre’teurs—a clever portmanteau of “genre” and “auteur.” By integrating animated works across three competitive sections, alongside a dedicated short film lineup and a beloved anime classic, QCinema is offering a much-larger, well-deserved platform for the medium.  This programming underscores why animation is so vital: far from being confined to children's entertainment, it is a boundless cinematic art form. The limitless visual possibilities of animation grant filmmakers the ultimate freedom to bend reality, craft intricate worlds, and express deeply personal visions across any genre imaginable. This philosophy is powerfully manifested in the festival’s historic opening film,...

Fashion storyteller Norman Peñaflorida together with the NCCA and The Metropolitan Theater, opened Karilagan on November 9. More than a showcase of style, the exhibit is a vital cultural bridge connecting the rich heritage of the past with the dynamic sensibilities of the present. Below, the ribbon-cutting ceremony Art has always been a mirror of a nation’s soul, and nowhere is this more vividly expressed than in the vibrant threads of traditional Filipino textiles. The recent opening of the “Karilagan: Mga Tradisyunal na Habi at Kasuotan sa Makabagong Kapanahunan” (Karilagan: Traditional Weaves and Attire in the Modern Era) exhibit at The Metropolitan Theater stands as a magnificent testament to this truth.  Spearheaded by fashion storyteller Norman Peñaflorida of The Closet Couture, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and The Metropolitan Theater, the exhibition is much more than a showcase of style—it is a vital cultural bridge connectin...

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hiraya: Colors of Life   For many Filipino creatives, the journey of an artist is often a search for a place to belong—a "home" where their stories can be seen, felt, and truly appreciated outside the confines of traditional galleries. Belmont Hotel Manila has brilliantly answered this call through Hiraya, an ongoing, multi-edition lobby art and cultural exhibit series designed to champion world-class local talent by transforming luxury hospitality spaces into vibrant galleries. Spearheaded by Hotel Manager Ms. Mayann Malapote and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Cluster General Manager Mr. Socrates "Sonny" Alvaro, the initiative has successfully bridged the gap between communities and contemporary art since 2003, featuring everything from watercolor paintings and coffee art to abstract sculptures and fine photography. Continuing this tradition of creative empowerment, the seventh iteration of the series—Hiraya: Colors of Life—opens at ...

One ornament, one thoughtful gesture, and one more reason to believe that the spirit of Christmas grows brighter when we give together.  Visit the Christmas trees display at Savoy Hotel Manila and choose your handmade wooden ornament for PHP 100 each . Every purchase helps support the children of Pangarap Foundation and their dreams for a brighter future .  Savoy Hotel Manila's sustainable Christmas trees celebrates Filipino craftsmanship and the joy of giving back.  For those who believe that thoughtful gifting should go beyond the present itself, Christmas becomes even more special when every little gesture carries a greater purpose. At Savoy Hotel Manila, this belief comes to life through a Christmas tree that celebrates creativity, sustainability, Filipino craftsmanship, and the joy of giving back.  This year, the Christmas trees adorning the hotel lobby are thoughtfully crafted from recycled pine wood and adorned with colorful Filipino handicrafts. More than fes...

  The Manila Hotel's Christmas tree lighting ceremony signals the start of the joyous season for the children beneficiaries of The House of Refuge The Manila Hotel—Philippines’ oldest premier five‑star establishment, whose cornerstone was laid in 1909 and doors opened on July 4, 1912—once again illuminated its grand lobby with the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 4. The festive tableau, a glittering pine bedecked with giant red anahaw fans and golden cadena de amor, along with twinkling ornaments and a crown of resplendent lights, signaled the official start of the season not only for the storied hotel but for the whole of Manila. The celebration was led by a distinguished roster of guests: Chairman Basilio C. Yap and President Atty. Jose D. Lina Jr. of Manila Hotel, Manila City Mayor Francisco 0“Isko” Moreno, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita Angara‑Mathay, and Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) Director Cristal Bagatsing. Adding a dash of youth...

The Embassy of Malaysia hosted the mediacon for the Berjaya-Malaysia Friendship Open 2026 on October 30 On November 28, 2026, the lush fairways of the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga, will play host to a powerful convergence of diplomacy, commerce, and sportsmanship. Organized by Malaysia Friendship Golf (MYFG), the Berjaya–Malaysia Friendship Open 2026 is set to welcome approximately 288 players—ranging from diplomats and government officials to corporate executives and passionate golfers from Malaysia, the Philippines, and the broader international community. More than just a competitive tournament, the event stands as a premier platform for fostering cross-border collaboration, mutual understanding, and enduring goodwill. A Shared Commitment to Humanitarian Causes At the heart of the tournament lies a profound philanthropic mission. MYFG and MCCI Chairman Stephen Khaw has confirmed that 100% of the proceeds raised will be channeled directly into Corporate Soci...