Style Weekend: Learn the basics of storytelling, watch Filipino films, and meet an international drag superstar

Pride comes in many forms this weekend!

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Jun 6, 2024 04:27 PM

  

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#SunniesFlaskLand
When: Ongoing until June 9
Where: Ground Level of the Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Step into the #SunniesFlaskLand at SM Mall of Asia until June 9 and discover the unlimited color combinations, take photos at its booth, and score exclusive giveaways.

The Manila Film Festival 2024
When: Ongoing until June 11
Where: Robinsons Manila and Robinsons Magnolia

Discover the works of today’s emerging filmmakers at The Manila Film Festival 2024. Witness four feature films by directors JP Habac, Dwein Baltazar, Sigrid Bernardo, and Jose Lorenzo Diokno. The festival also puts the spotlight on short films helmed by student filmmakers. The films will be screened at Robinsons Manila (June 5 to June 11) and Robinsons Magnolia (June 10 to June 11).

Goût de France / Good France x H&T Wine Gallery
When: Ongoing until June 8
Where: H&T Wine Gallery, 24K-D cor. K-1st St., Jamboree Ext., Quezon City

H&T Wine Gallery is joining Goût de France / Good France in serving the best French feast. Goût de France is initiated by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with chef Alain Ducasse. H&T Wine Gallery's special menu starts at P1,180.

Tav Avenue: Vintage Flea Market
When: June 7 to June 8, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Sasa Cafe, Royale World Mansion, Pablo Ocampo cor. Enrique Sts., Manila City (Near Benilde D+A Campus)

The Archives Vintage is curating over 15 merchants bringing clothes, accessories, and more to Sasa Cafe. From branded vintage items, pins, and stickers to one-of-a-kind finds, there’s something for everyone at this flea market. Admission is free!

Tang Packtivation Blowout
When: June 7 to June 8 
Where: Trinoma, Quezon City

Summer is not over yet for drink mix brand Tang as it brings its Scan to Win promo to Trinoma Mall. Mallgoers can visit its Tang Packtivation Blowout booth and buy a specially marked Tang pack, join the Scan to Win promo, and get a free slushy with every purchase.

 

Global Pinoy Alabang Fair
When: June 7 to June 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Activity Center, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

An all-things local fête is happening down south. Discover products that showcase Filipino ingenuity at the Global Pinoy Alabang Fair happening at Alabang Town Center and stock up on the latest vegan beauty finds, chic apparel, and must-have home pieces.

Likha 3
When: June 7 to June 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: PICC Forum 2 and 3, Pasay City

For its third edition, Likha is set to be an even grander celebration of Filipino artistry with its wider range of crafts on display, featuring 87 Filipino artisans and a special section for Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees. Admission is free!

Mirage: The Asia Tour
When: June 8, 7 p.m.
Where: The Krib + Nightclub, Quezon City

Pride Month in the Philippines just got even more festive with the coming of international drag artist Mirage. The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 16 star is ready to bring the house down with her show happening this weekend at The Krib + Nightclub in Quezon City. The ticket price starts at P1,499.

Dinalan Stripped Sessions
When: June 8, doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Dinalan Cafe, 856 J Nakpil St., Malate, Manila City

Dinalan Cafe invites everyone for a musical weekend with its intimate stripped session. Gracing its stage are Filipino bands Autotelic and Brando Bal and singer Earl Generao. The door fee is P400 for early birds and P500 for walk-in customers.

Labebe Vintage Summer Pop-up 
When: June 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Guijo Studios, Makati City

A unique summer retail therapy awaits at Labebe’s pop-up. Discover personalized jewelry pieces, satiate your sweet cravings, and score vintage finds at its inaugural pop-up this weekend.

Write Your Dream Book
When: June 9, 4 p.m.
Where: National Book Store, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

National Book Store and Penguin SEA join forces in helping budding writers achieve their dreams. Join award-winning and bestselling authors Catherine Dellosa, Claire Betita De Guzman, and Mica De Leon and learn the basics of good storytelling and writing in this free workshop for beginners.

Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can reach us via styleweekendph@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

Divine Divas glistens with confidence this Pride Month in debut single 'Oh, Divine Diva'

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 6, 2024 04:47 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The dance-pop track sends an empowering message of being brave enough to own the spotlight and having the confidence to face life’s challenges.

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“Drag Race Philippines” season 1 stars Brigiding, Precious Paula Nicole, and Viñas Deluxe known as the trio Divine Divas have released their debut single “Oh, Divine Diva” in time for Pride Month.

The dance-pop track sends an empowering message of being brave enough to own the spotlight and having the confidence to face life’s challenges.

“Tayo ang unang papalakpak sa koronang tayo mismo sa sarili ang nagsuot, unang makakaunawa sa talentong gusto nating ipakita sa mundo at unang tatanggap ng pagkataong gusto nating makilala ng kahit sino. Patuloy nating itaas ang bandera at iparada ang korona. Ipaalala mong wala kang hindi kaya kasi isa kang divine diva,” Precious said. 

“It’s about being your own diva and finding your own voice. You are your own diva, wherever you came from, whatever you've been through, continue to fight because your perfect time will come ” Brigiding and Viñas added.

“Oh Divine Diva” was composed by Loriebelle Darunday, Elmar Jan Bolano, Justin Ian Catalan, and Liza Diño and produced by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos. Meanwhile, Liza Diño, Ice Seguerra, ABS-CBN Music head Roxy Liquigan, and creative director Jonathan Manalo served as its executive producers.

During the pandemic, the trio formed the Divine Divas through various Facebook livestreams where they performed and interacted with their fans. As they recounted their “Drag Race PH” journey, Brigiding emphasized that it gave them a huge learning experience to open more doors of possibilities as a drag star.  

“Learning is the new winning. You never lose. Only you have the power to change and carve the path to your future,” she said.

For Viñas, trust and a heart full of passion fueled her to rise above life’s challenges. The drag queen shared, “Magtiwala sa sarili para laging wagi. Kung may gusto ka sa buhay at pinagtrabahuhan mo nang buong puso mo at makakamit mo ito.”

Meanwhile, Precious looks back on winning the reality competition series as a reminder to celebrate individuality and to enjoy every fleeting moment of life.

“Sabi ko nga nung pumasok ako sa ‘Drag Race Philippines Season 1,’  ‘wag lang ako ma-porkchop queen okay na ko, pero higit pa doon ang nabigay at naituro sa akin ng DRPH at ‘yon ay yung maging ikaw lang, just be yourself sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Take one step at a time and enjoy every moment. Laban sa lahat ng challenge! Hindi lahat ng akala nating madali ay kaya na natin, dapat lagi tayong handa lumaban!” she shared.

As a trio, they held their first major concert “Divine Divas Live” in New Frontier Theater last year. Recently, they also achieved their breakthrough in the global scene with their stellar performance in DragCon UK. They likewise opened their drag club RAMPA this year. 

Check out Divine Divas’ debut single “Oh, Divine Diva” available on various digital streaming platforms. For more details, follow StarPop on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.  

Lisa teases solo comeback; ‘coming soon’ video gets 14.4 million views on Tiktok

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Jun 7, 2024 09:36 AM

  

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BLACKPINK member Lisa is gearing up for a solo comeback. 

On June 6, an email from Sony Music Entertainment carried the message “Lisa coming soon.” 

LLOUD, Lisa’s agency for her solo activities, posted a link to Lisa’s video about the announcement on TikTok. 

In 13 hours, the "coming soon - Lisa" video has garnered 14.4 million views, 3.7 million likes, more than 154,000 comments and shared by more than 162,000 times. 

Lisa's video on TikTok has garnered 14.4 million views in 13 hours (Screenshot from Lisa's video on TikTok)

Lisa (Instagram)

Lisa’s comeback will mark her first under LLOUD and under the partnership with RCA Records, a label of Sony Music Entertainment. 

In April, Lisa and LLOUD announced a partnership with RCA Records. 

Under this, Lisa will release solo music under RCA but will have full ownership of all her recordings. 

“I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career. Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing,” said Lisa. 

Lisa will star in the third season of the HBO Original series “The White Lotus.” 

RETIREMENT? THE PHILIPPINES GOT YOU!

They got me 26 years ago. Forever and ever. 

First and foremost, the benefits of retiring in the Philippines are that it's the Philippines! The beautiful sunny beaches, the wonderful food, and the welcoming people make the Philippines one of the most popular retirement destinations in the world. Indefinite stay with multiple-entry and exit allowances.

Getting old in bliss is almost everyone’s vision of the future. But one imagines that long-term satisfaction diversely; to live a peaceful and enjoyable life and feel the warmth and sense of belongingness in various facets will always be on the bucket list.

With 7,641 islands, the Philippines offers countless options to match your needs and prove that it’s truly more fun in the country. From beaches, mountains and natural wonders to historical landmarks, nature adventures and recreational places, the Philippines will suit your interests, tastes and wishes.

Love the beach? Come and visit Palawan. It was ranked as the no. 1 best island in the world in 2016 by a poll from readers of US travel magazine, Conde Nast. Aquamarine-colored water, captivating lagoons, and home the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of UNESCO’s Seven Natural Wonders,

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte is also gaining popularity for possessing pristine sandbars that you must see with your very eyes.

If you aren’t fond of saltwater, let the beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines’ Queen City of the South, Cebu City, captivate you. Or pamper yourself in the hundreds of hot spring resorts in Laguna. Oh, did we mention hundred? Check out the marvelous Hundred Islands in Pangasinan.

The country is really rich in natural attractions, let alone the Chocolate Hills of Bohol or the perfect-shaped cone, Mayon Volcano in Bicol.

The Philippines is a tropical country and you will see the sun year-round. But if you want to be in a cool place any time of the year, Baguio and Tagaytay will always be there as your relief. The Banaue Rice Terraces in Benguet and an adventure destination lake in Caliraya might amuse you too.

If ever your kind of trip and gratification is unusual, spelunking in the caves of Sagada or Samar will be totally fun. Mountains located in Batangas and Rizal are just waiting for you to be trekked and climbed. La Union and Siargao Island are surfing destinations that offer a thrilling experience at a different level regardless of your age. Hop on an adventure in the currently flourishing Masungi Georeserve in Rizal that leaves its visitors extremely fascinated.

Live and appreciate the basics in Batanes, the country’s northernmost province. Rolling hills, old stoned houses and the very serene environment will give you peace and tranquility.

The Philippines also boasts of cultural heritage sites and restored historic infrastructures. Intramuros, the Walled City within the country’s capital city of Manila, and Vigan’s Calle Crisologo are just a few of those that will take you back to the old times.

Immerse in the local culture and get a taste of the exceptional Filipino cuisine. From local viands, mouth-watering fruits, and unique desserts, everything is a reflection of the provinces’ history, culture, and the people’s way of life. If you don’t feel the wanderlust yet, doesn’t it sound fun to experience riding the Jeepney and Tricycle that are purely “Pinoy” modes of transportation?

Manila is the country’s shopping mecca but major cities and towns are dotted with a variety of shopping malls that house international and local brands.

The booming economy and the low-cost of living will give you more value for your money. Indulge yourself for a fraction of the cost in your home country.

It is the ultimate “home” for everyone because of Filipinos who are known to be one of the most hospitable and the happiest people in the world. Locals abundantly give contagious smiles, genuinely touch lives, and will make your stay worthwhile. The flourishing medical tourism also just adds up to the reasons why you should choose the Philippines.

So why retire in the Philippines? With all the stated facts above and a thousand more that are yet to be expressed and discovered, the answer to that question would simply be, “Why not?”

A month or even a year of stay wouldn’t be enough to savor and relish the country. The Philippines is a good travel destination, isn’t it? Well, it would be best explored if you choose it as your home and your retirement haven. Let yourself experience the perquisites the Philippines has.

Popular Expat Cities Monthly Costs Population

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental $925 134,103

Makati, Metro Manila $1,500 629,616

Subic Bay, Zambales $1,250 111,912

Tagaytay, Cavite $975 85,330

Baguio City, Luzon $950 366,358

Lipa City, Batangas $900 372,931

BGC, Taguig City $1,500 886,722

Davao City, Mindanao $1,100 1,776,949

Cebu City, Cebu $1,200 964,169

Bacolod City, Negros Occidental $1,050 600,78

Lahar warning raised in Kanlaon Volcano amid heavy rains

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jun 6, 2024 00:27 AM

  

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Roads in La Castellana, Negros Occidental are rendered impassable on June 5, 2024 as rains spawned widespread lahar flow in the aftermath of the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano. (Photos courtesy of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park/via Tara Yap)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a lahar advisory for Kanlaon Volcano at 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, citing the ongoing threat of “lahars, muddy streamflows, or muddy run-off” downstream of the active volcano in Negros Island.

Citing the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s forecast for June 6 and 7, Phivolcs said heavy rainfall, with estimates of 100 and 200 millimeters (mm), is expected to affect Negros Island in the next two days.

It warned that the rains could lead to an increased volume of lahars, muddy streamflows, or muddy run-off in several downstream communities and rivers draining into the southern slopes of Kanlaon, the same areas affected by lahars on Wednesday afternoon.

Phivolcs said the lahars on Wednesday have deposited grey cohesive mud, plant debris, and gravel in at least four waterways: Tamburong Creek, flowing through Biak-na-bato and Calapnagan, La Castellana; Intiguiwan River in Guinpanaan and upstream Baji-Baji Falls in Cabacungan, La Castellana; Padudusan Falls, Masulog, Canlaon City; and the Binalbagan River, which drains the southern flank of Kanlaon Volcano.

It added that they were generally channel-confined, but flows along Tamburong Creek overflowed and deposited a few centimeters of sediment on a stretch of the main road in Biak-na-Bato, rendering it impassable to motorists.

“These lahars began approximately around 1 p.m. and lasted 25 minutes based on the seismic record. A total of 23.75 mm of rain over a two-hour period was also recorded by the All-Weather Station of the Manghumay, Mailum, Bago City Observation Station (VKMH) of the KVN. Higher rainfall volumes may have likely occurred around the summit area of the volcano,” Phivolcs said.

Due to the anticipated rainfall in the next two days, Phivolcs warned that lahars could threaten communities along the middle and lower slopes with inundation, burial, and washout.

It recommended increased vigilance and readiness among communities along rivers draining southern Kanlaon.

These communities and local government units are advised to continually monitor weather conditions and take preemptive response measures for their safety from potential lahars.

Constantino inches closer to record win after 70, leads by 2

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Jun 5, 2024 05:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Harmie Constantino faced relentless challenges throughout the day but displayed late-round brilliance to secure a 70 and extend her lead to two strokes over promising junior golfer Jiwon Lee after 36 holes of the ICTSI Lakewood Championship in Nueva Ecija Wednesday, June 5.

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CABANATUAN CITY – Harmie Constantino faced relentless challenges throughout the day but displayed late-round brilliance to secure a 70 and extend her lead to two strokes over promising junior golfer Jiwon Lee after 36 holes of the ICTSI Lakewood Championship in Nueva Ecija Wednesday, June 5.

Harmie Constantino (PGT)

Three birdies in the last six holes gave Constantino a 36-34 round at the softened Lakewood Golf and Country Club, providing her with crucial breathing room as she prepares for Thursday's final round of the P750,000 championship. She is aiming for a record fourth straight victory on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

On the brink of another win with a 136 total and a two-stroke advantage, Constantino remains cautious. “I have no expectations. But my target is to hit more greens and make more putts,” she said.

After a stellar 66 on Tuesday, Constantino initially struggled to find her rhythm, posting a two-birdie, two-bogey card through 11 holes. She even fell to one-over with another bogey on No. 12, allowing Chihiro Ikeda, Florence Bisera, and Lee to challenge her lead.

However, the Palos Verdes, Caliraya Springs and the Philippine Masters winner finished strong, birdying three of the last six holes, a closing flourish her rivals couldn't match.

Ikeda, who was just one shot behind Constantino after a sterling 67 Tuesday, also struggled with form. She had one birdie and one bogey through 13 holes and conceded a stroke on the par-5 14th, which she had previously birdied. A birdie on No. 16 was nullified by another bogey on the tough par-3 17th, resulting in a 73 and a drop to fourth place at 140, now four strokes behind the leader.

Bisera, five strokes behind after 18 holes, mounted a remarkable charge with a bogey-free 68, anchored by her solid driving. Despite missing a couple of chances that could have brought her closer to Constantino, she improved to third at 139, three shots behind.

“I hit all the fairways, leaving me with wedge shots to go for the first two long holes (Nos. 5 and 8),” said Bisera, who, however, settled for one par at the back, flubbing her chances on Nos. 14 and 18.

Focus, however, will be on Lee, who continued to impress beyond her years. After an opening 69 highlighted by two eagles, the back-to-back winner of the first two legs of the Junior PGT crafted another three-under round, securing the role of challenger at 138.

“I had a lot of missed putts inside four feet. Tomorrow (Thursday), I’ll try my best to make them,” said Lee, 16. While she emphasized that she’s not chasing the win but rather the experience and the chance to compete with the country’s leading professionals, her chances of humbling her more experienced rivals remain high.

“It’s not really about chasing the win. I just really want to have fun, enjoy the game, and stay relaxed,” said Lee, whose final round strategy remains firm – stay on the fairways and greens.

Lee bogeyed the second hole for the second straight day but birdied four of the next eight holes impressively. She failed to get up-and-down on Nos. 11 and 12 but showed remarkable resolve by birdying Nos. 15 and 18.

Gretchen Villacencio matched Bisera’s 68 to move to solo fifth but remained seven strokes off with a 143, while Marvi Monsalve and Mikha Fortuna carded identical 71s for 144 and 145, respectively, in the fifth leg of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. which stakes P97,500 to the winner. 

Princess Superal continued to struggle, finishing with a 73 and slipping to joint ninth with Apple Fudolin, who shot a 71, at 148.