Pro tips for a weatherproof romantic date look

Make a lasting impression with these expert tips and tricks from professional makeup artists

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Feb 3, 2025 10:38 AM

  

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The love season is officially here! To help you prepare for that much-awaited and much-anticipated date with your special someone, we asked professional makeup artists for some tips on how to create a romantic date look that is fresh and natural, even after long hours of wear.

To create a romantic date makeup look that stays fresh and natural for hours, I start with a hydrating yet long-wearing base. I love using Sola Foundation Primer because it has really good coverage for a lightweight, semi-matte finish that doesn’t cake. 

For a long-lasting, flushed, fresh look, I like using a cream blush, like the one from Pixi Beauty, that acts as a soft lip stain, too. Both subtly fade throughout the night without looking patchy. A spritz of setting spray ensures everything stays in place.—Denise Go

The key to lasting date night makeup is the base. I always recommend using the Dior Skin Forever Glow Veil Primer to prep the skin before applying makeup. It not only helps the makeup last all day but also keeps the skin hydrated and glowing.

Also, I always recommend focusing on one key feature of your face to create that dreamy date night look. For example: sexy eyes, flushed cheeks, or sexy, kissable lips. 

But for me, you can never go wrong with sexy, kissable lips, and they are very easy to achieve with just one product. Try the Dewy Lip Balm from Spotlight Cosmetics—it has an array of shades that match your tone and personality—so you can seal the date with a kiss.—Muriel Vega Perez

For a flawless, undetectable base, start with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation. To enhance longevity, mist your face with setting spray before lightly setting it with translucent powder. For a natural, skin-like flush, apply a cream or liquid blush that melts seamlessly into the skin, then lightly dust with powder to lock it in.

For the eyes, opt for a soft pink or peach eyeshadow for a fresh, romantic touch—whether matte or with a hint of shimmer. Brown eyeliner enhances the eyes naturally, and waterproof mascara ensures smudge-free wear.—Joan Quizon

Romantic date makeup should be timeless. A pop of berry lips, healthy blush on the cheeks, and coral or pink eyeshadow on the eyelids, finished with mascara, are my go-to looks. To make this look seamless, a satin-finish foundation is perfect. This is a combination of matte and dewy. To achieve this look, after applying your favorite foundation, set it with a setting mist, then apply powder only on the T-zone and V-zone of your face. This will give you a look that lasts all day and night.—Lei Ponce 

I love the Mac Glow Play Blush because it has a perfect cream formula that is easy to apply and blend, even for beginners. It has a subtle shine finish that is just the right amount of glowy. It also lasts all day, even after a day at the beach.—Angeline Tan

Whether you're planning a candlelit dinner or a starlit stroll, these expert tips will help you create a romantic date look that lasts from the first hello to the final goodnight. With a focus on long-lasting bases, strategically placed color, and a touch of personal flair, you'll be sure to make a lasting impression.

‘Dog Man’ bites off $36 million, taking No. 1 at box office

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Feb 3, 2025 10:40 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• One of the early year’s standout successes has been Sony Pictures’ “One of Them Days,” the R-rated comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA.

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A scene from 'Dog Man' (Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Animation via AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — DreamWorks Animation’s “Dog Man” fetched $36 million in ticket sales at the weekend box office, according to studio estimates Sunday, making it the biggest debut yet in 2025.

It was a big opening for the Universal Pictures release adapted from the popular graphic novel series by author Dav Pilkey. The big-screen launch for the cartoon canine was produced for a modest $40 million, meaning it will easily coast through a profitable run. Audiences gave it an “A” CinemaScore.

Only one animated film before has had a better January launch: 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3.” “Dog Man,” though, was soft overseas, collecting $4.2 million from 29 international markets. The voice cast of the Peter Hastings-directed movie is led by Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery and Isla Fisher. 

Family movies last year buoyed the box office, with PG-rated films accounting for $2.9 billion, or 33 percent of all ticket revenue, according to data firm Comscore. So far, they’re lifting 2025, too. The Walt Disney Co.’s December release “Mufasa: The Lion King” topped the weekend box office three times in January. In its seventh week of release, “Mufasa” held in third place with another $6.1 million, bringing its global tally to $653 million.

“The PG animation family film wave that was so prevalent in ’24 continues in ’25,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore.

The horror comedy “Companion,” from Warner Bros. and New Line, also opened well, with $9.5 million in 3,285 locations. Drew Hancock’s sci-fi tinged film set in the near future is about a group of friends on a weekend lakeside getaway.

“Companion,” starring Sophie Thatcher ( “Heretic” ), was lightly marketed and made for just $10 million. It will depend on glowing reviews (94 percent fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and strong word of mouth (a “B+” CinemaScore) to keep drawing moviegoers in the coming weeks.

Last week’s top film, Mel Gibson’s “Flight Risk,” dropped steeply in its second weekend. The action thriller starring Mark Wahlberg fell to fifth place with $5.6 million. Domestically, it has collected $20.9 million for Lionsgate.

One of the early year’s standout successes has been Sony Pictures’ “One of Them Days,” the R-rated comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA. Though comedies have had a hard time in theaters in recent years, “One of Them Days” has proven a exception. The well-reviewed movie earned $5.6 million over the weekend, bringing its three-week total to $34.5 million – a stellar result for a movie that cost $14 million to make.

Final domestic figures will be released Monday. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

1. “Dog Man,” $36 million.

2. “Companion,” $9.5 million.

3. “Mufasa,” $6.1 million. 

4. “One of Them Days,” $6 million.

5. “Flight Risk” $5.6 million.

6. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” $3.2 million.

7. “Moana 2,” $2.8 million.

8. “A Complete Unknown,” $2.2 million.

9. “The Brutalist,” $1.9 million.

10. “Den of Thieves: Pantera,” $1.6 million.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Senti-core

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Feb 3, 2025 10:23 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “U-Belt” by Jan Roberts definitely fits the bill with the soothing and relaxed sounds of this acoustic guitar driven tune.

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Sugarcane (Images courtesy of Facebook)

What is the world coming to? One doesn't have to look far to know that social media is friggin' messed up or rather, messed us all up. But this is not about that, contrary, this is about some senti music to slow down to.

“U-Belt” by Jan Roberts definitely fits the bill with the soothing and relaxed sounds of this acoustic guitar driven tune. We know little about Jan Roberts except that this 23-year-old singer-songwriter hails from Albay and that he’s been quietly releasing his songs since 2021. 

So far, JR has put out six singles from 2021’s “Binibini” to his latest (actually seven including his recent yule themed song). There’s a sense of quiet beauty in the singer’s minimalist approach. It’s usually just his acoustic guitar and smidgen of synths to add some melancholy atmosphere about his songs. Jan Roberts’ voice is not even exceptional but that’s not a put down mind you. Because what he lacks in vocal flash he makes up for in the overall vibe that his songs deliver. 

And his songs “Sagip” and “Hirap Kalimutan” are definitely singer-songwriter tunes that make you want to slow down and listen to what he’s crooning about, which in this case, is about sticking by your person and of precarious relations respectively. So far his listeners have responded handsomely to his music. These two in particular have so far garnered about 20 million streams on one platform alone.

Then there’s Jan Roberts’ lyrics. Here’s a sample in “Hirap Kalimutan” where he writes: “Dapithapon, naglalakad ako mag-isa / ‘Di upang makatipid, ngunit para ako’y makapag-isip-isip / Inihagis ang bato at panooring lumubog ito hanggang sa pinakailalim / Habang hinayaan ang sariling malunod sa lungkot.” Quiet beauty indeed. Besides the new single “U-belt” other hotspots in Jan Roberts’ catalog include the excellent “Escolta” which features the equally superb voice of a certain singer called Tangi.

Amiel Sol

Just recently, we featured singer-songwriter Amiel Sol and his latest single “Sa Bawat Sandali” in this column. Since then, “Bawat Sandali” has racked up the streams and has so far, more than 8 million listens (in one platform alone) since it was released more than a month ago. Just like Jan Roberts, Amiel Sol has been connecting with wistful sounding, acoustic guitar-flavored minimalist tunes. The more than 8 million stream surge by Amiel Sol with “Sa Bawat Sandali” is his best performing moment at the streaming platforms so far. His 2023 song “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan” has racked up more than 11 million streams but spread over more than a year.

With Amiel Sol and Jan Roberts enjoying significant streams that go beyond tens of millions, it’s safe to say that there’s a surging senti-core movement currently happening in Pinoy pop. Other movers include Arthur Miguel, EJ De Perio, Dana Paulene and Liel to name a few. The more the merrier as they say, or should it be the more the senti-er? 

Other hotspots from this past weekend’s releases include Sugarcane with “Tanging Ikaw.” The self-described folk-pop sextet makes for a swinging mid-tempo tune that’s equal parts yearning and playful. Sugarcane includes Cedric Angeles on vocals and guitars, Carl Guerzon on bass, Ronamae Tiñola on flute, Frain Reyes on lead guitars, Luis Beato on keyboards and Froilan Bautista on drums.

Modern-day troubadour Johnoy Danao returns with a playful new song in “Magkasama.” Lively, whimsical or just call it what you want, this upbeat and jazzy tune that features Project Yazz – the Pinoy jazz group that includes Faye Yupano, Bergan Nuñez, Ken Castillo, Lui Tan and Jacques Dufourt- brings some spot-on but playful musicianship (those brass and lead guitar) to Danao’s musings and ‘swabe’ delivery.  

One last thing, remember that when the noise gets to be too much. you always have the option of turning it off. 

Organizers defend Ben&Ben from allegations of being difficult to work with: 'I don't think that's fair'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Feb 1, 2025 08:29 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Founded in 2015 as the country’s first-ever Philippine Music Festival, Fusion was created with a vision: to unite all forms of OPM—across genres, generations, and managements—into one grand celebration.

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Ben&Ben (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Organizers of an upcoming Filipino music festival have come to the defense of OPM band Ben&Ben in response to allegations that the band is difficult to work with.

"I want to defend Ben&Ben from allegations that the group is a diva when it comes to dealing with them. Pero para sabihin na sila ay unreasonable and hard to work with, I don't think that's fair. (But to say they are unreasonable and hard to work with, I don't think that's fair)," said Gladys Basinillo, founder of Fusion, during an interview for the Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival, which will be held at the CCP Open Grounds on March 15.

Gladys added: "The group is very detailed regarding their requirements and technical aspects of the show. They work with the supplier and budget we have. They are reasonable; that's why I cannot call them a diva." 

"Just because ma-detalye sila, demanding na. No. You have to understand the group is a nine-piece band. Hindi talaga sila madaling isalang. But they are very prepared. (Just because they're detailed, they're demanding. No. You have to understand the group is a nine-piece band. They're not really easy to put together)," she said.

Ben&Ben

Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival

The festival is back for another go, bringing together icons, rising stars, and a world-class production.
 
Get ready for an electrifying night of OPM as Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival brings together some of the biggest names in the industry at the CCP Open Grounds on March 15.

Headlined by Ben&Ben, December Avenue, and Zack Tabudlo, the festival promises an unforgettable experience with powerhouse acts like The Itchyworms, Barbie Almalbis, Alamat, KAIA, Maki, Jan Francis and ALLMO$T, alongside an exciting lineup of rising stars and dynamic DJs. 

Directed by Paul Basinillo and powered by Nestea, Nescafé, Bear Brand Sterilized, Hapee, Dazz, and Fudgee Barr, Fusion is set to be more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of Filipino music at its finest.

Founded in 2015 as the country’s first-ever Philippine Music Festival, Fusion was created with a vision: to unite all forms of OPM—across genres, generations, and managements—into one grand celebration. 

From the start, it stood as a testament to OPM’s power, bringing the nation together while delivering top-tier production value to showcase and support Filipino talent.

More than just a concert, Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival is a celebration of unity through Original Pinoy Music (OPM). Music is the heartbeat of the Filipino spirit, bridging generations and connecting the nation through a universal language. 

Over the years, Fusion has evolved into a cultural movement—a rallying cry for Filipinos to take pride in their artistry. More than just a festival, it serves as a platform that elevates homegrown talent, uniting legacy icons, global Filipino musicians, and emerging artists in a one-of-a-kind OPM experience.

"Now is the time to put OPM in the spotlight," said Gladys. "While international acts continuously fill arenas and festivals across the country, our own artists and music deserve the same level of support. Fusion is here to make that happen—to give Filipino music the recognition it deserves." 

“Looking back at the very first Fusion concert in 2015, our goal was simple: to unite artists from different genres and showcase the strength of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). 

Now, 10 years later, we’re taking things to the next level—not just by gathering the best and biggest artists, but by redefining what it means to go to a concert," shared Paul.

"If we can create top-tier productions for international artists, why shouldn’t we do the same—if not more—for our own? We want to bring back the thrill of live music—to make concert-going a must-do experience again, especially for the younger generation. Fusion 2025 is designed to be more than just a show—it’s an all-day, immersive festival that goes beyond the main stage.”

Fusion 2025 carries the powerful theme “Musika Natin ‘To!”—a call to embrace and uplift OPM with pride. This milestone event will bring together the best of Filipino music in an immersive experience that goes beyond performances, featuring interactive art, cultural exhibits, and a showcase of local flavors.

More than a festival, it is a declaration that OPM is not just music—it is our identity, our pride, and our story as a nation.

"This 10th year of Fusion is a milestone for OPM, proving that Filipino music continues to evolve, grow, and inspire. But more than that, it’s a milestone for live entertainment in the Philippines. This is our chance to set the standard for what a modern Filipino music festival can be—something that rivals international festivals, with our own unique identity.” said Paul.

“This isn’t just about the past decade of OPM. This is about the next generation of Filipino music artists and fans. This is about bringing people back to live events, making concerts an experience they will always want to be part of.”

"As we showcase to the country and the world our passion for OPM, we hope to inspire more institutions, organizations, and every Filipino to join us in this journey of putting our OPM as front and center in our music scene,” added Gladys.

Wetlands: Protecting nature’s vital ecosystems

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 1, 2025 00:02 AM

  

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The Senate’s approval on third and final reading, of Senate Bill No. 1536, seeking to strengthen the protection of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), has brought attention to the critical role wetlands play in the global village.

Wetlands sustain biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and support livelihoods. Despite covering only six percent of Earth’s surface, wetlands harbor 40 percent of all plant and animal species and provide essential services, such as flood control, water purification, and food security for over a billion people. 

Unfortunately, wetlands are among the Earth’s most threatened ecosystem, disappearing three times faster than forests due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change. “In just 50 years — since 1970 — 35 percent of the world’s wetlands have been lost. Human activities that lead to loss of wetlands include drainage and infilling for agriculture and construction, pollution, overfishing and overexploitation of resources, invasive species and climate change,” according to a United Nations statement.

Every year on Feb. 2, the United Nations leads the commemoration of World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the significant role of the wetlands.

In the Philippines, there are eight internationally recognized wetlands under the Ramsar Convention – the LPPWP, Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary; Naujan Lake National Park; Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary; Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park; Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park; Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area; and Sasmuan Pampanga Coastal Wetlands.

These Ramsar sites highlight the nation’s critical role in global biodiversity conservation. 

The LPPWP, located in Metro Manila, is a unique ecosystem comprising tidal marshes, mudflats, mangroves, and shallow waters. It provides habitat to at least 5,000 birds of 159 species, including the endangered Philippine Duck and Chinese Egret. Beyond its ecological significance, the park serves as a buffer against flooding and storms for Metro Manila residents and supports the livelihoods of 300,000 fisherfolk in Manila Bay.

Senate Bill No. 1536, authored by Senator Cynthia Villar, proposes a three-kilometer seaward expansion from the current shoreline boundary to preserve the park’s ecological integrity and safeguard its biodiversity from the pressures of development activities. This measure will be a significant amendment to Republic Act 11038, the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (ENIPAS), which already designates the LPPWP as a protected area.

By establishing a buffer zone, the bill aims to protect the park’s ecosystems and ensure the free flow of water from interconnected rivers, such as the Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Zapote Rivers. The mangrove forests within the park act as natural shields against disasters, while also supporting fisheries crucial for food security in Metro Manila.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, said that with the bill’s approval, senators take on their patriotic as well as their global duty to ensure that all steps were taken to fulfill international commitments under the Ramsar Convention, the World Heritage Convention, the Convention on Migratory Species, and the ASEAN Agreement on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, among others.

Governments and private sectors must collaborate to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Enforcing existing environmental laws, expanding protected areas, and investing in green infrastructure are crucial steps. Community engagement and education are also essential to change the perception of wetlands from wastelands to invaluable resources.

As the Philippines takes pride in its Ramsar-designated sites, the approval of the LPPWP Protection Act sets a precedent for future conservation initiatives. It reminds us that wetlands are not just ecological treasures but vital to our survival and well-being. 

On World Wetlands Day, may we renew our commitment to safeguarding these lifegiving ecosystems for generations to come.

Jamie Rivera delivers message of hope in PH's 2025 jubilee song 'Ningas ng Pag-Asa'

To release entrance song for Jubilee celebration

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jan 31, 2025 05:33 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• When asked what “Ningas ng Pag-asa” means to her, the Inspirational Diva highlighted its message of hope.

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Jamie Rivera

After 25 years, Jamie Rivera returns as the voice of the 2025 Philippine Jubilee hymn “Ningas ng Pag-asa” featuring the group 92AD. 

The OPM icon, together with 92 AD, also served as the voice behind the “Jubilee Song (The Great Jubilee)” composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo which served as the theme song of the 2000 Jubilee celebration.

“I’m very grateful that I’m still given trust by the Catholic Church and yung faith nila is not fading, and I’m also blessed that 92AD is still there to help and wiling to join me,” she said. 

When asked what “Ningas ng Pag-asa” means to her, the Inspirational Diva highlighted its message of hope.

“This is a message of hope. Flame of hope. Tayo yun, we have to tell the people that there is hope in mankind,” she said. “Yun ang responsibility natin as Christians, as Catholics, as followers of Christ to send this message because it is our mission.”

Jamie Rivera and 92AD

92AD also stressed the valuable message of the song. The group said, “The song is really a message of hope for everyone. Sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyayari sa mundo atin, hindi tayo dapat mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtiwala lang tayo sa Diyos. At yun ang mensahe na gusto nating iparating sa lahat.”

“Ningas ng Pag-asa” was adapted into Filipino by Jamie based on the official 2025 Jubilee theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Filipino version was released under ABS-CBN's Inspire Music label. 

Incidentally, both Jamie and 92AD are also collaborating anew for the entrance song for the Jubilee celebration in the country titled “Welcome! Mabuhay! O Pilgrims of Hope" also composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo. 

The year of Jubilee is traditionally celebrated by the Catholic Church every 25 years.

The official music video of “Ningas ng Pag-asa" is now available on Star Music YouTube channel. For more details, follow Star Music on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.