by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 14, 2023 | Entertainment
Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (Dulaang UP) puts women at the forefront to launch its 46th Theatre Season in Sidhi’t Silakbo. Dulaang UP Artistic Director Issa Manalo Lopez and Virgin Labfest Festival Director Tess Jamias direct this production, which weaves together a contemporary reimagining of the classics Medea, Antigone, Trojan Women, and The Suppliants.
Sidhi’t Silakbo opens the season in a celebration of the authenticity and validity of varying female realities. To its directors, “It is an awakening, a breaking of the cycle, breaking stereotypes, of women liberating themselves through a series of performances of freedom, fury, wit, rage, love and ruin.”
Featuring five powerful actors: Shamaine Buencamino, Uzziel Delamide, Chic San Agustin, Wenah Nagales, and Adrienne Vergara, the show is fueled by female ferocity and frenzy. These women reclaim female stories and create spaces where a woman can assert her decisions based on what is true, what makes her happy, and what is right for her.
Shamaine Buencamino is a masterful actor whose career spans three decades. She has brought us numerous meaningful and remarkable performances in theatre, film, and television in the Philippines and abroad and has dedicated herself to breaking the stigma about depression and mental health.
Joining her are fellow Dulaang UP alumnae Adrienne Vergara and Chic San Agustin. FAMAS award winner Vergara starred in the Jerrold Tarog movie Bliss. She has recently gone viral as “Ate Judit” in the Boy’s Love series Gaya sa Pelikula and has been an advocate for queer representation since then. Chic, with a theatre background rooted in Dulaang UP, has delved into a career as an advertising manager and events specialist.
Rising theatre and indie film actor Uzziel Delamide is a firecracker who joins in the mix. To complete this ensemble, Wenah Nagales, a familiar face in film and television, shares her talents as a seasoned actor and singer whose theatre background was honed by the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino Actors Company.
Catch performances of these fiery women at the KAL-IBG Theatre, University of the Philippines Diliman, on the following dates:
- Nov. 23, 24, 25 (7:30 pm)
- Nov. 26 (2:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
- Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 01 (7:30 pm)
- Dec. 02, 03 (2:30 pm & 7:30 pm)
Tickets are available at Php 1,300 (regular rate) and Php 650 (discounted rate for UP students). This will be soon sold on the Ticket2Me platform. Sponsorship concerns such as show buying, audience sponsorship, and bulk tickets may be addressed to Kate Dayag-Nonay at du***********@****du.ph. Additional information will be posted on the Dulaang UP Facebook page.
Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas has long been at the forefront of producing premiere theatre productions since it was established in 1976 by National Artist for Theatre Tony Mabesa. In its second season since the end of the pandemic, Dulaang UP continues to welcome back students, educators, and enthusiasts to the stage, where greater representation never fails to matter.
*with contributions from Issa Manalo Lopez
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 10, 2023 | Food & Beverage
The Manila Hotel, renowned for its culinary excellence, joyfully greets the month of October with a selection of dining promotions tailored to its valued clientele.
A Celebration of Beers and Brews
Beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs can partake in a month-long merriment featuring handpicked beers and brews. Ranging from classic lagers to artisanal craft brews, the selection guarantees there’s a beer to cater to every palate.
Brands on showcase include San Miguel Light, Pale, Super Dry, Cerveza Negra, Premium Malt, Engkanto Lager, Honey Ale, Ube Lager, and Mango Nation. Available at the Lobby Lounge, Tap Room, and Pool Bar.
All Treats No Tricks for the Kids
In the spirit of Halloween, The Manila Hotel has a special treat in store for the little ones. Junior guests dining at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, Red Jade, or Champagne Room on the evening of October 31 will receive complimentary Halloween goodies.
Spooky Confections for Halloween
The Delicatessen presents an assortment of handcrafted confections that reflect both the spooky and sweet aspects of this enchanting holiday. From cookies and cupcakes adorned with ghostly figures to pumpkin lollipops and chocolate-dipped strawberries — these treats are crafted to delight not only kids but also those who remain young at heart.
These sweet bites are available at the Delicatessen from October 15 to November 2, 2023.
Sweet Symphony: Mango Sponge Cake with White Chocolate and Almonds
Guests can indulge in our featured cake this October—a delicious confection with luscious layers of mango sponge cake, white chocolate, and crunchy almonds.
Available at the Delicatessen for everyone’s enjoyment until October 31, 2023.
M Takeout’s Fresh Offerings
The acclaimed takeout service of The Manila Hotel unveils its latest menu, offering its patrons a new variety of dishes that they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes or workplaces.
The highlight of the menu is the introduction of new dishes for Solo Meals & Rice and Noodle Bowls, created to a wider range of tastes and preferences.
Solo Meals encompass a range of cuisines, including Filipino, Chinese, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and Halal. Each meal is thoughtfully paired with an assortment of proteins, carbohydrates, sides, and desserts, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience.
The Rice and Noodle Bowl selection is equally impressive, featuring White Chicken with Ginger Sauce, Spaghetti Amatriciana, Beef Ho Fan Noodles, and Penne Pasta Pomodoro, to name a few.
A Holiday Prelude: Festive Merienda Especial
As the holiday season approaches, take pleasure in The Manila Hotel’s Festive Merienda Especial—an assortment of French pastries, mini sandwiches, and all-time favorite Filipino delicacies, complemented by a selection of tea, coffee, or the hotel’s signature hot chocolate.
Available from Monday to Sunday at the Lobby Lounge from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
To know more about these offers, please call +632 8527-0011 or +632 5301-5500, email re************@************el.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated in the heart of the City of Manila. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele. Over the years, The Manila Hotel continuously provides the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience.
It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three (3) ballrooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and the Manila Hotel Health Club. The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past.
It also has an Art Gallery that offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through the objective point of view of different artists. It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure:
- Café Ilang-Ilang, which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights;
- Champagne Room, with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila — it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting;
- Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music;
- Lobby Lounge, which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings;
- Red Jade is a fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine and
- Delicatessens offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 3, 2023 | Food & Beverage
Dragon Court, the renowned Chinese restaurant at Manila Prince Hotel, officially reopened its doors on September 27, 2023. The occasion was celebrated with lively Dragon and Lion dance performances alongside an inaugural lunch that brought together esteemed members of the media, hotel executives, and loyal patrons.
The intimate gathering showcased the restaurant’s ambiance and culinary offerings. Guests were treated to the delectable Mid-Autumn set menu – a selection of traditional Chinese dishes such as Hakaw, Siomai, Stir-Fried Beef in Oyster Sauce, Salt and Pepper Spareribs, and Yang Chow Rice.
Dice Game
The festivities continued with a dice game, adding an element of fun and excitement to the event. Lucky winners walked away with a range of prizes, such as Dragon Court gift vouchers, Marcelino St. Café buffet vouchers, and mooncakes by The Manila Hotel.
Cozy interior
Dragon Court showcases an interior reminiscent of golden Chinese design. It boasts comfortable seating, elegant décor, and warm lighting that together create an inviting ambiance. For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, the restaurant offers five (5) private dining rooms.
The reopening of Dragon Court marks a significant milestone for Manila Prince Hotel – showing the hotel’s commitment to delivering exceptional dining experience to its patrons. “We are thrilled to welcome our valued guests back to Dragon Court. Our commitment to serving traditional Chinese cuisine remains,” shared Ester Joy Yap, director of food and beverage.
Dragon Court is open for lunch from 11 am to 3 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 10 pm, from Mondays to Sundays.
For inquiries and reservations, call +632 5328 2222, email fn*@**********ce.com, or visit www.manilaprince.com.
About Manila Prince
Manila Prince Hotel, a subsidiary of The Manila Hotel, is situated in the heart of Manila’s business district. It is located close to the city’s top tourist spots as well as main transportation hubs. With its 300 well-appointed rooms, 10 function rooms and ballrooms, an elegant lobby with 24-hour reception, a business center, a swimming pool, and gym access, Manila Prince Hotel offers value for money and stylish comfort.
Along with excellent service and luxurious hospitality, the hotel has two (2) exciting dining outlets: Marcelino Street Café, the all-day dining restaurant, and Dragon Court, the Chinese restaurant. The hotel is attached to UN Square Mall for convenient shopping and dining. These and more make Manila Prince Hotel a top choice for both leisure and business travelers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 2, 2023 | Family and Pets
Manila Prince Hotel, a premier hotel nestled in the heart of the City of Manila, is excited to announce its latest initiative to cater to the needs of all guests. The hotel is delighted to open its doors to registered pet cats and dogs, ensuring that their stay is as comfortable as that of their fur parents. This step reflects the hotel’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and an inclusive experience that guarantees no family member is left out.
Starting 01 October 2023, guests can book pet-friendly rooms that are thoughtfully equipped to cater to their furry friends. These rooms feature a range of amenities, including plush pet bedding, towels, feeding bowls, kitty litter trays, and more. Protocols are in place to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, assuring a safe and pleasant experience for all.
Beyond the enhanced room facilities, Manila Prince Hotel is also offering additional services tailored exclusively for its VIP (Very Important Pet) guests. This includes the provision of a dedicated pet park located in the al fresco area of the hotel. This spacious outdoor area allows furry guests to stretch their legs and enjoy outdoor playtime.
“Our decision to embrace a pet-friendly approach aligns with our commitment to cater to the evolving needs of our guests who consider their furry companions as integral family members,” says Marvin Kim Tan, Manila Prince Hotel’s director of sales and marketing.
For reservations or for more information about our pet-friendly policy, call +63 2 53282222, email in**@**********ce.com, or visit www.manilaprince.com.
About Manila Prince
Manila Prince Hotel, a subsidiary of The Manila Hotel, is situated in the heart of Manila’s business district. It is located close to the city’s top tourist spots as well as main transportation hubs. With its 300 well-appointed rooms, 10 function rooms and ballrooms, an elegant lobby with 24-hour reception, a business center, swimming pool, and gym access, Manila Prince Hotel offers value for money and stylish comfort.
Along with excellent service and luxurious hospitality, the hotel has two (2) exciting dining outlets: Marcelino Street Café, the all-day dining restaurant, and Dragon Court, the Chinese restaurant. The hotel is attached to UN Square Mall for convenient shopping and dining. These and more make Manila Prince Hotel a top choice for both leisure and business travelers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 28, 2023 | Food & Beverage
What would you do if a lion gets up close and personal with you like this one did with me? If it were a real lion, I would probably be frozen in place and praying that I am not on the menu. With a dancing lion like this one was, all I could manage was a squeak and a giggle.
I was fortunate enough to be part of the opening of Dragon Court at the Manila Prince Hotel. I knew to expect a dragon and lion dance, a lauriat meal, and a dice game. After all, these are staples of Chinese events (as far as I know), and I was not disappointed.
Opening with a bang
The dragon and lion dance is performed to bring in good luck … and what is a Chinese extravaganza without a dragon and lion dance, right? This isn’t the first one I’ve seen, but it is the first one that interacted with me directly. Who knew they were so flirty? Lol! It was just so entertaining.
Dragon Court interior
The interior of Dragon Court has a very old-world Chinese charm. Off to the sides are private rooms for private parties that could seat anywhere from ten to thirty people, depending on the room. The tables in the public area are widely spaced so it does not feel overcrowded.
The Food
I’ve noticed in Chinese restaurants they don’t serve the food at the same time and they usually serve the rice last. I never understood this practice since, as a Filipino, I like eating rice with my viand. That being said, there is no disputing that everything we were served was delicious! Let me show you my favorites.
Hands down whenever I get a chance to eat dimsum, you can be sure I will order hakaw and siomai, and hope that I will not be disappointed. Thankfully, the siomai and hakaw of Dragon Court are definitely something to write home about. Not only are they flavorful, but each piece is chock-full of filling, and I did not feel at all cheated.
We can’t go wrong with ordering lemon chicken. The chicken is tender, sweet, and definitely not dry. Cooking this at home, it would be easy to overcook it. From what I experienced, this was cooked to perfection.
You can be sure that this eggplant and minced pork dish is good because I am very allergic to it, but I couldn’t resist tasting it anyway … after making sure I took an antihistamine first. My only regret is that I could only risk one tablespoon of this lest I break out in hives. In my opinion, it was the best dish served.
Dice Game time!
We ended our lunch with a fun dice game where everyone goes home a winner! The rules are simple, and at every round, most of us won a lolly at least. Except for one, who messed up in every round except for the last round, where he won the first prize. It must have been fate. 😀
I was prepared to have my belly filled with delicious food. I wasn’t expecting to have so much fun and interaction. I will certainly keep Dragon Court in mind next time we have a family event in Manila.
If they still have the Dice Game set menu, I will recommend that to my family and friends as well. Not only was the food good, but it was a lot of fun to play as well!
More power, Dragon Court! And see you again soon.
Beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs can partake in a month-long merriment featuring handpicked beers and brews. Ranging from classic lagers to artisanal craft brews, the selection guarantees there’s a beer to cater to every palate.
Guests can indulge in our featured cake this October—a delicious confection with luscious layers of mango sponge cake, white chocolate, and crunchy almonds.
The acclaimed takeout service of The Manila Hotel unveils its latest menu, offering its patrons a new variety of dishes that they can enjoy from the comfort of their homes or workplaces.
As the holiday season approaches, take pleasure in The Manila Hotel’s Festive Merienda Especial—an assortment of French pastries, mini sandwiches, and all-time favorite Filipino delicacies, complemented by a selection of tea, coffee, or the hotel’s signature hot chocolate.
We ended our lunch with a fun dice game where everyone goes home a winner! The rules are simple, and at every round, most of us won a lolly at least. Except for one, who messed up in every round except for the last round, where he won the first prize. It must have been fate. 😀
You must be logged in to post a comment.