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.

Discovering exclusive dishes, thoughtful reinterpretations, and interactive dining experiences at Manam at the Triangle

Familiar yet fearless

By John Legaspi

Published May 6, 2026 04:06 pm

Filipino cuisine is a baddie. It is rebellious in the sense that it is never really faithful to strict rules, techniques, or recipes. It is all about comfort—not just in taste and feel, but in the way a dish is made. It is always open to the cook’s interpretation. That’s why, for many, when asked what their favorite meal is, the answer often includes how things are done in their own kitchen.

Iniside Manam at the Triangle (Photo: Manam at the Triangle/Instagram)

It’s easy to give it a contemporary twist at home while still maintaining reverence for its original taste. But on days when cooking feels like a chore, there are many establishments where one can satiate their hunger for modern, comforting, and distinctly Filipino flavors. One of them is Manam.

Since 2013, Manam has been serving lutong bahay (home-style dishes) with a spin that has tickled Filipinos’ taste buds. Its food is inventive and meant for sharing, making the restaurant a go-to for families and friends. What it serves on the table often sits between familiarity and reinvention, making the dining experience exciting even for Filipino food purists.

Recently, its branch at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that recognizes restaurants offering good quality food at reasonable prices. If that isn’t reason enough to drop by, did you know there are Manam dishes you can only try at this location?

During a visit to Manam at the Triangle, I sampled several dishes unique to the store, showcasing the brand’s flair for reimagining Filipino favorites.

First to grace our table was its Alamang Kabayan. As the name suggests, it merges a bakery staple with a fermented favorite. It is a fusion of sweet and savory, with hints of calamansi zest and brown butter. Next was the Crispy Baby Squid with sour sawsawan and garlic aioli on the side. Think of it as an elevated take on calamares—crunchy, meant for dipping, and simply addictive.

Whole Spatchcock Chicken Inasal (Photo: Manam at the Triangle/Instagram)

Sunog na Chopsuey (Photo: Manam at the Triangle/Instagram)

Midnight Beef Ribs Adobo (Photo: Manam at the Triangle/Instagram)

Crispy Baby Squid (Photo: Manam at the Triangle/Instagram)

Then came the mains. I must confess, I don’t like chopsuey cooked with a slurry. And when I tried its Sunog na Chopsuey, I knew I’d be bookmarking this restaurant for when cravings for stir-fried vegetables kick in. It features a bundle of Benguet vegetables in greens, purples, and reds that are charred, then tossed in brown butter.

One of the restaurant’s exclusives, Midnight Beef Ribs Adobo, is something not to be missed. The beef is slow-cooked in soy sauce, coconut vinegar, and red wine, and served with garlic confit. It is rich, the meat is tender, and it has that garlicky note one wants from a good adobo.

Manam at the Triangle knows Filipinos’ love affair with chicken inasal quite well. Its version, Whole Spatchcock Chicken Inasal, is marinated with lemongrass and annatto oil and chargrilled for that smoky flavor. It takes 45 minutes to prepare, but I swear this flagship exclusive is worth it. So it’s best to pre-order before your visit.

Halo-halo (Photo: Manam at the Triangle/Instagram)

Patis Caramel Tart (Photo: Manam at the Triangle/Instagram)

As for dessert, I got to try sweet treats that put the spotlight on local flavors and ingredients. There’s the Patis Caramel Tart with South Cotabato ganache, the House Buko Pie with coconut cream on the side, and the decadent Bibingka de Leche with kesong puti and leche flan. But with the heat of summer, it is hard to pass up a glass of its Halo-halo. What’s unique about Manam at the Triangle is that it features a halo-halo cart, allowing diners to customize their cup by choosing the ingredients they want to include.

All in all, dining at Manam at the Triangle is a unique experience that can surprise even avid fans of the brand. What it puts on the table is a quiet testament to how Filipino cuisine continues to evolve—constantly reimagined, yet never stripped of its warmth, familiarity, and sense of home.

Don't let the fear of wearing a swimsuit take away your summer fun

 By John Legaspi

Published Apr 22, 2026 03:21 pm

Fashion is something that goes beyond just covering the body. It is a tool for self-expression, enhancing one’s natural features, and giving someone a boost of confidence. In some cases, however, it becomes something many dread—and it is not just about the pieces, but also the pressure to conform to certain standards that not everyone can or wants to meet.

Iza Calzado (middle) headlines the unveiling of SM Woman Active's latest swimsuit line. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

If there is one piece that scares many the most, it would be the swimsuit. Unlike other pieces, the swimsuit is a call to shed layers, where the body becomes part of the overall look. For many, shedding layers means vulnerability—being seen as they are, without the usual protection of clothing that can hide insecurities.

That is something SM Woman Active aims to champion this season: the fun that comes with wearing a swimsuit. On April 20, 2026, at SM Makati Concourse, it unveiled its latest collection of swimsuits, all designed for comfort and confidence.

The new SM Woman Active swimwear collection features various styles that capture the essence of summer. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

The new swimwear collection of SM Woman Active features solid, sun‑washed hues, playful polka dots, and vibrant, summery prints. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

Choose your style adventure

For the season, SM Woman Active’s swimsuit line is imbued with a variety of colors and prints that are perfect for beach getaways, resort weekends, and spontaneous tropical adventures. The designs alone are an invitation to have fun—in both style and spirit.

The runway show featured pieces in solid, sun-washed hues, playful polka dots, and vibrant tropical prints. The collection also showcased cover-ups, from sarongs and palazzo pants to kimonos and skirts, elevating the swimsuit when the occasion calls for it.

With silhouettes that flatter different body types and thoughtfully designed details, each piece encourages confidence and ease. Whether lounging by the shore or diving into the waves, the collection proves that swimwear can be both stylish and empowering—celebrating individuality while embracing the carefree spirit of the season.

Wearing this beachy sundress is perfect for watching the sunset by the beach. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

An elegant and refined look designed to take you from the city to your next summer adventure. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

This understated taupe one-piece swimsuit exudes effortless elegance. (Photo: SM Woman Active)

Should you wear it or not?

There to celebrate the unveiling of the collection was actress Iza Calzado, who headlined the fashion presentation. When it comes to her relationship with her body, Iza confessed that the journey wasn’t easy. She faced pressure, intense expectations, and went through unhealthy extremes to fit the mold set by others. Over time, she also prioritized her mental health, recognizing that confidence isn’t just physical, but emotional and psychological as well. That kind of glow is what she brought to the SM Woman Active event.

“I have never envisioned that I’ll be part of an event centered on swimwear because of my insecurities and my story—my ‘truth’ back then,” the actress told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “But my story now fully embraces all of myself.”

What she loves about the swimwear collection is its range of silhouettes. Every woman can find a piece that matches her personality, style, and body. For Iza, scars and imperfections should not get in the way of anyone doing what they want and feeling free to explore.

“I used to be fearful about wearing a swimsuit as well. Sometimes, I still am, because I often think about what others might say about my body. I just want you to know that you are worthy,” Iza advised women who are finding their confidence. “If you are shy about your body and want to wear a swimsuit, just think this: 10 or 20 years from now, what would you regret more—not wearing that swimsuit or wearing it?”