Century Tuna Superbods marks its 20th year with a VIP night

This year's competition highlights the finalists' strengths, stories, and individuality

By John Legaspi

Published Aug 22, 2026 09:19 am

Wellness and fitness have gone beyond the physique. These days, true wellbeing is also centered on mental health, a better quality of life, and purpose. That shift is what Century Tuna Superbods is aiming to highlight as it marks its 20th year.

Anne Curtis with top 40 Superbod finalists (Photo: Century Tuna)

For years, the annual competition has been a movement that spotlights its mission of “wellness for all.” Last Aug. 6 at The Fifth at Rockwell, Century Tuna Superbods presented its roster of fitness enthusiasts whose strength isn’t just shaped by hours in the gym and healthy choices, but also by their life stories.

“We created this space to show that anyone, at any stage of life, can step into their own Superbod Era,” Carlo Endaya, vice president, general manager, and group business head of Century Pacific Food Inc., said. “Physical fitness gets you on stage, but our finalists are proving that true transformation is about leading by example and empowering every Filipino to take charge of their wellness journey.”

This season highlights the rich variety of life experiences among the finalists—bringing together individuals from diverse professions, life stages, abilities, and personal journeys, each of whom carries a unique story of strength. One who captured this story is the brand’s longtime ambassador, Anne Curtis.

“I've had a front-row seat to how this brand and this platform have grown,” the actress said. “What makes Superbods so special is how it brings real human stories to the center stage. Seeing these finalists step up with heart and genuine passion for their health advocacies is truly inspiring for everyone.”

Greg Banzon (Photo: John Legaspi/Manila Bulletin)

KC Montero and Inka Magnaye (Photo: John Legaspi/Manila Bulletin)

Carlo Endaya (Photo: John Legaspi/Manila Bulletin)

Also there to celebrate the launch of Century Tuna Superbods was Century Pacific Food Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Banzon. Ambassadors, actress Alice Dixson and Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena, offered their support for this year’s finalists through video messages. Hosts KC Montero and Century Tuna Superbods 2024 People's Choice winner Inka Magnaye kept everyone on high spirits throughout the evening.

As the competition nears its grand finals, the stakes have never been higher for the finalists vying to become the ultimate faces of healthy living. Out of the 40 finalists, one male and one female will be named grand winners, each receiving ₱1,000,000, while the runners-up will receive ₱250,000.

Jerome Lorico's 'Alembong' reclaims stories of womanhood, heritage, and self-expression

By John Legaspi

Published Jul 29, 2026 09:19 am

It is an image of a woman bathing, lounging in a lush rainforest that immediately captures your attention. Her enigma and sensuality will remind anyone who has witnessed Rody Vera’s "Ang Unang Aswang" play that reimagines the origin story of a Philippine folkloric character. But there is grace and poetry in the way she poses, much like the subjects of early Filipino paintings.

Jeromo Lorico's 'Alembong' collection (Photos: Jerick Sanchez | Make-up: Zidjian Paul | Muse: Sidney Flores)

The image we are talking about is part of Jerome Lorico’s editorial campaign for his latest collection, dubbed “Alembong.” Captured by photographer Jerick Sanchez, the photos transport viewers to a time when freedom was not just a spoken word, but something lived and expressed without prejudice.

“It's a little ironic that, although we are living in an era where there should be more freedom, our culture still seems to censor a lot of different things. Part of this problem, I noticed, is the inability of a Filipino woman to freely express herself sexually and physically. Being brazen or aware of one's energy and confidence still seems to merit a few disapproving opinions within the Filipino community,” Jerome tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “A century ago, Filipinas could bathe in the river with complete freedom, their golden-brown skin shining under the summer sun, as depicted in many of the works of our National Artist for Visual Arts, Fernando Amorsolo.”

“Alembong,” for Jerome, is an interpretation of the raw and naked beauty of the country's islands and women. He quotes curator and typography designer Ric Gindap of Design for Tomorrow, who says, “‘Alembong’ is a word that, in its modern aftertaste, carries the sly curl of a lip: flirt, coquette, frivolous.”

“Historically and anthropologically, before the weight of colonization and the catechism of virtue, it was something else,” the designer muses. “‘Alembong’ was ebullience itself, a feminine street-smartness that brightened the barangay.”

Knitted symmetric tension draped top in cotton and piña with mother of pearl clip in forest jade color.

Knitted one-shoulder fringe dress in cotton and piña with mother of pearl clip in tropical jade color

Knitted symmetric tension draped dress in cotton and piña

Knitted fringe dress in cotton and piña

Knitted draped top in solihiya pattern in cotton, piña (pineapple fiber) with mother of pearl clip in forest jade color

Mirroring the sense of liberation embodied by the word, Jerome translates Alembong into garments that balance softness with strength. Airy silhouettes, sheer layers, hand-finished textures, and fluid draping evoke the effortless beauty of island living while celebrating the confidence of the modern Filipina.

To create something that is truly Filipino, it was only natural for Jerome to present a collection crafted by Filipino hands using materials sourced from across the country. For at least a month, the designer experimented with artisanal materials. The collection features elements such as brass buttons specially made by an anting-anting craftsman in Lipa, Batangas. The pineapple and cotton yarns came from Iloilo and the Philippine Textile Research Institute. Meanwhile, the woven abaca and cotton yarns are sourced from the place where the designer grew up—Albay in the Bicol Region.

Knitted draped sleeve cape in cotton and piña; mother of Pearl bikini top in amber tortoise color; and knitted draped skirt in cotton and piña

Knitted draped dress in cotton and piña and draped local silk top

Knitted fringe dress in cotton and piña

“I believe it is very important to support whatever has a deep connection to our culture, heritage, and history,” Jerome explains. “Artisans create with soul, and that is why I always love working and collaborating with them. Creation, for me, is a sacred ritual that connects the past and the future.”

Accessories are just as important as the clothes because they are also part of the collection’s story. “Alembong” spotlights pieces made from mother-of-pearl sourced in Cebu. Although they echo natural and organic shapes, they are designed through a contemporary lens, allowing them to be both abstract and utilitarian.

Mother of pearl mini minaudiere in forest jade color

Mother of pearl mini minaudiere in amber tortoise color

Mother of pearl obi belt in gold tortoise color

While “Alembong” celebrates the beauty of the Filipina and the richness of the country's natural resources, Jerome also treats it as a form of rebellion—a call to reconnect with what is primal, natural, and human.

“Our skin is like a landscape of stories, histories, and possibilities. The modern Filipina is someone who is now more aware of her own energy and capabilities. She knows that nothing can set boundaries for her and that the world is waiting for her. This collection is a way to help her express herself in any way that she wants,” Jerome concludes.

One night in Oz: Samsung Performing Arts Theater marks its fourth year with 'Wicked' stars Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm

By John Legaspi

Published Jul 18, 2026 07:45 am

It was in July 2022, a few years after the pandemic struck the country, when the Samsung Performing Arts Theater (SPAT) first opened its doors. During that time, being outside was daunting for many people, let alone being part of a crowd in an enclosed area. But its unveiling marked hope for the Philippine performing arts scene—a promise that people could once again gather, reconnect, and enjoy shared experiences without fear and uncertainty.

Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm lead SPAT's fourth anniversary concert "After Oz" (Photos: SPAT)

Through the years, that’s what SPAT has become: a home where artists, audiences, and communities come together to share stories and create lasting memories. Its stage has been a platform for international acts and local productions to shine. And as it marks its fourth year, it continues to strengthen its mission of bringing world-class performances closer to Filipinos.

A testament to that is its recently concluded anniversary concert, dubbed “After Oz.” On July 10, the Yellow Brick Road led Filipino fans to SPAT for a night of music, dance, and gratitude despite a gloomy day. What was supposed to be a one-night-only show was extended to two performances, thanks to the overwhelming response and support from audiences eager to experience the celebration.

“‘After Oz’ invites us to imagine what happens after ‘happily ever after.’ We are reminded that every ending is also the beginning of another journey, filled with new possibilities, purpose, and stories waiting to be told,” said Christopher Mohnani, SPAT managing director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager. “In many ways, that is also the story of SPAT. Four years on, we continue to look ahead to new productions, collaborations, audiences, and ways of enriching the cultural life of our city.”

Allie and Lissa giving homage to "Wicked"

Morissette Amon givign a glimpse of TGA's upcoming production of "The Notebook: The Musical"

As the name suggests, the event plays with the magical world created by American author L. Frank Baum. To fully bring the magic to the stage, SPAT tapped “Wicked” stars Lissa de Guzman and Allie Trimm, who played Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, on Broadway.

For Lissa, the first Filipina Elphaba on Broadway, the concert marked a homecoming to SPAT after gracing its stage as part of the cast of Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) “A Chorus Line.” Allie, on the other hand, marked her Philippine debut, bringing her artistry and powerful vocals to the theater’s anniversary celebration.

Throughout the night, the Broadway actresses serenaded the audience with songs from iconic musicals such as “Frozen” and “Once on This Island.” Together with musical director Farley Asuncion and the UST Singers, the two powerhouse vocalists performed songs from TGA’s upcoming production “Sunday in the Park with George.” Also there to celebrate SPAT’s anniversary was singer Morissette Amon, who gave a preview of her performance for the forthcoming show “The Notebook: The Musical.”

Toward the end of the celebration, Lissa and Allie treated everyone to a medley of “Wicked” hits, giving audiences a short but sweet glimpse of what it is like to witness the mega musical on Broadway. As Allie said, “You may leave ‘Wicked,’ but ‘Wicked’ doesn’t leave you.” And based on their performance, the musical indeed left a handprint on their hearts.

Ayala Land president and CEO Meean Dy, Sofia Zobel Elizalde, and Christopher Mohnani, Samsung Performing Arts Theater managing director and Circuit Makati Arts and Culture manager

As SPAT moves forward into another year, it continues to stand as a reminder of the power of live performances to bring people together. Like the journey beyond the Yellow Brick Road, SPAT’s story is far from over—there are still countless stages to grace, stories to tell, and memories to create.

“When this theater first opened its doors four years ago, it marked an important milestone, not only for Circuit Makati, but for the Philippine performing arts community,” Christopher said. “It was the first major cultural destination to take root in this estate, bringing to life our vision of Circuit Makati as a place where creativity, culture, and community come together. That vision continues to grow.”

L'Officiel Philippines celebrates a milestone in championing Filipino fashion, beauty, and culture

By John Legaspi

Published Jun 25, 2026 11:38 am

Since its launch, L’Officiel Philippines has become a platform for emerging designers, artists, and cultural figures to showcase their creative works. Its pages have highlighted the evolving identity of Philippine fashion through bold storytelling, striking imagery, and thoughtfully curated editorials.

L’Officiel Philippines team toasts to five years of creativity, collaboration, and culture. (Photo: Gab Villareal)

This year, the magazine furthered its mission of championing innovation, individuality, and artistry as it celebrated its fifth anniversary. The milestone was marked with a grand celebration on June 10 at Baked Studios in Makati City, led by the L’Officiel Philippines team, headed by editor-in-chief Loris Peña.

Joaquin Arce and Lella Ford

Liz Uy

Michelle Dee

Ry Velasco

Charlie Fleming

Ralph de Leon

Yssa Pressman and James Reid (Photos: Paui Guevarra)

Chie Filomeno

Mikyle Quizon

Katrice Kierulf and Chezka Carandang

Kylie Verzosa

Brent Manalo

Lyn Alumno

The evening gathered the industry’s brightest creatives, tastemakers, and style stars, all of whom arrived wearing their interpretation of the night’s dress code, Creative Black.

As it enters its fifth year, L’Officiel Philippines looks ahead with a renewed focus on storytelling that is more inclusive, more daring, and more reflective of today’s cultural landscape—continuing its mission to define and redefine what fashion means for the Filipino audience.

L'Officiel Philippines celebrates a milestone in championing Filipino fashion, beauty, and culture

By John Legaspi

Published Jun 28, 2026 11:38 am

Since its launch, L’Officiel Philippines has become a platform for emerging designers, artists, and cultural figures to showcase their creative works. Its pages have highlighted the evolving identity of Philippine  fashion through bold storytelling, striking imagery, and thoughtfully curated editorials.

L’Officiel Philippines team toasts to five years of creativity, collaboration, and culture. (Photo: Gab Villareal)

This year, the magazine furthered its mission of championing innovation, individuality, and artistry as it celebrated its fifth anniversary. The milestone was marked with a grand celebration on June 10 at Baked Studios in Makati City, led by the L’Officiel Philippines team, headed by editor-in-chief Loris Peña.

Joaquin Arce and Lella Ford

Liz Uy

Michelle Dee

Ry Velasco

Charlie Fleming

Ralph de Leon

Yssa Pressman and James Reid (Photos: Paui Guevarra)

Chie Filomeno

Mikyle Quizon

Katrice Kierulf and Chezka Carandang

Kylie Verzosa

Brent Manalo

Lyn Alumno

The evening gathered the industry’s brightest creatives, tastemakers, and style stars, all of whom arrived wearing their interpretation of the night’s dress code, Creative Black.

As it enters its fifth year, L’Officiel Philippines looks ahead with a renewed focus on storytelling that is more inclusive, more daring, and more reflective of today’s cultural landscape—continuing its mission to define and redefine what fashion means for the Filipino audience.