Category Archives: Lifestyle

Lifestyle, Music, News

2023 Spotify Wrapped: Discover the realest listening moments that defined our year

Leave a comment

It’s that time of the year again: Spotify has just launched 2023 Wrapped, and it’s taking over social media with everyone sharing their results. Packed with brand-new interactive features to celebrate their year on Spotify, users can now discover their personalized 2023 Wrapped experience when they open the app or head to Spotify.com/Wrapped.

At a time when the lines between what’s real and what’s not have become blurry, 2023 Wrapped celebrates that one unique space where 574 million Spotify users kept it real — in how they listened.

New user experience celebrating the real you
In addition to revealing your top artists, genres, songs, and podcasts, Spotify has added new features to bring users closer to the heart of their listening.

●Me in 2023 celebrates a streaming habit that defined your listening this year. The experience will reveal one of 12 listening characters that best describes the way you listened on Spotify. Examples include the Shapeshifter (you’re quick to move from one artist to the next), the Luminary (you play light, upbeat music more than others), and the Alchemist (you create your own playlists more than others do).

●Sound Town matches you to a city based on your listening and shared artist affinity. Listening habits are shared in surprising ways across communities around the world, and 2023 Wrapped celebrates that.

Wrapped fan-favorites get a fresher look
Spotify gives Wrapped a look upgrade this year, your favorite data stories are appearing in a refreshed way users haven’t seen before.

●The Top 5 Genres story shows you how your top five music genres stacked up with a new sandwich-inspired design.

●Serving you more than just your favorite artists this year, Top 5 Artists now lets you see the month your listening peaked for each artist – painting a fuller picture of what you were really feeling the entire year and all the moments that made it.

●Fanboys and fangirls are also in for a treat! Get to hear from one of your top artists directly within your personalized Wrapped via Your Artist Messages. You can then visit the Wrapped feed for video messages from thousands of artists including Taylor Swift, Jung Kook, Ben & Ben, Shanti Dope, FELIP, and more.

Eligible users can now access their personalized 2023 Wrapped experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android) and also, this year, via web view on mobile or Desktop by heading to Spotify.com/Wrapped.

Level up your Wrapped experience
Let Wrapped come to life and share the experience with your buddies and favorite artists!

●Wrapped Feed: Right on your Spotify Home screen, the Wrapped feed is the one-stop shop for all things Wrapped, including the best of editorial playlists, merch from your top artists, concerts near you, and more.

●Turn on Spotify’s AI DJ and let DJ X guide you through your personalized Wrapped – serving up the music you loved this year and sharing commentary about some of your favorite artists, genres, songs and more. The experience will be available for the first week after Wrapped launches.

●This year, you can also invite your friends to create a Blend and tap the ‘2023 Wrapped Top Songs’ filter to combine all of your top songs from this year into one shared playlist.

●Spotify will also bring the Wrapped experience to the Philippines, IRL, with the opening of the Spotify Sari-Sari Store. Here, users can bring their streaming journeys to life. In exchange for your Wrapped results, you can take home exclusive merch that represents your feels this year. You can also get the chance to hear from your favorite podcasters in real life. More surprises are waiting in store for you to discover, and the experience is free for all Spotify users so be sure to visit the space at SM MOA Main Atrium from December 8-10.

Spotify Sari-Sari Store that will bring Wrapped experience in real life

Additionally, Spotify has also launched its Wrapped creator experience for podcasters and artists. With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all the ways in which their fans listened this year.

Be sure to check out your Wrapped personalized user experience today and share the receipts of how you listened. Remember, in 2023: Wrapped or it didn’t happen!

Lifestyle, News

Ayala Malls Celebrates Filipino Excellence in Hollywood with the Screening of Asian Persuasion

Leave a comment

Ayala Malls, the premier lifestyle destination in the metro, is once again at the forefront of promoting Filipino artistic brilliance. On November 28, as a highlight of its Bravo! Filipino program, Ayala Malls proudly presents the premiere of Asian Persuasion at Ayala Malls Greenbelt 3 Cinemas.

Bravo! Filipino is the brainchild of Ayala Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala. Conceived in 2008, this advocacy program aims to celebrate local heritage and culture, showcasing Filipinos’ world-class talent on a larger stage. Through special screenings and festivals, the spotlight is directed towards Filipino filmmakers, providing them with a valuable avenue to share their stories and perspectives with a broader audience. This contributes significantly to enriching our nation’s cultural tapestry.

Directed by the talented Jhett Tolentino, Asian Persuasion unfolds the tale of Mickey, a down-on-his-luck chef portrayed by seasoned actor Dante Basco. In a plot filled with twists and turns, Mickey devises an intricate scheme to evade alimony payments to his ex-wife, Avery, played by the esteemed KC Concepcion. The film also boasts the exceptional talents of Paolo Montalban and Kevin Kreider, with notable cameos from Apl. De. Ap, Rachel Alejandro, and Tony Labrusca.

Chrissy Roa, Group Marketing and Communications Head for Ayala Land Estates, Corporate, and Ayala Malls expresses, “Filipino talent is truly world-class, and it brings us great honor and pride to host the premiere of this Hollywood gem at Ayala Malls. Through initiatives like Bravo! Filipino, we aim not only to spotlight incredible Filipino talent but also to inspire our audiences with authentic, global entertainment.”

Before Ayala Malls Cinemas’ official screening, Director Jhett Tolentino, along with cast members Mike Ang, Dante Basco, Kevin Kreider, Paolo Montalban, and Geneva Carr, extends a warm welcome to guests attending an intimate press conference, hosted in Greenbelt 3. The venue has been artfully transformed into a captivating setting, reflecting the essence of the film. As the cast shares insights into the movie, anticipation builds for the exciting premiere ahead. Additionally, between the press conference and the screening, the cast will have a mini meet and greet at the cinema lobby, offering a chance for them to say hi to their fans.

In addition to the cinematic experience, moviegoers can enjoy a special treat. Simply show two Asian Persuasion movie tickets, and special freebies await when dining in Watami, Max’s, and North Park branches located in Ayala Malls. This exclusive promo is valid from November 29 to December 5.

Ayala Malls invites you to support and celebrate young, global Filipino talent on your next trip to the movies. Prepare to laugh, cry, and be touched by heartwarming stories that unite us all!

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Asian Persuasion at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting November 29. For bookings and ticket reservations, visit https://www.sureseats.com/. For more information, visit Ayala Malls at www.ayalamalls.com or head to their social media pages for updates and announcements at https://www.facebook.com/AyalaMalls360/ and https://www.instagram.com/iloveayalamalls/

Lifestyle, News

Ayala Malls Cinemas Celebrates Disney Animation Studios’ 100 years with the Philippine Premiere of WISH

Leave a comment

This holiday season, Ayala Malls, the premier lifestyle destination in the Metro, is turning dreams into reality, and wishes into unforgettable experiences! Collaborating with Disney Animation Studios, Ayala Malls Cinemas hosts an invitational screening of Wish, the latest musical-comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Wish tells the captivating tale of Asha, a quick-witted idealist, whose powerful wish is answered by the cosmic force, Star. Together, they embark on a magical—and at times perilous—adventure to conquer their most formidable foe, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico.

With its inspiring narrative, top-notch visuals, and enchanting music, Wish promises to be the must-watch movie of the season, tailor-made for families and friends. Ayala Malls adds an extra layer of magic to these family-friendly outings by offering fun activities for everyone.

On November 18, Ayala Malls hosted the Philippine premiere of Wish at Glorietta Cinemas, and delighted guests with exciting pre-show games and activities at the Glorietta Activity Center, sponsored by Disney. These fun activities included hair braiding, coloring corners for the kids, and face painting as well as a special performance of “Aking Hiling,” the special Filipino rendition of the movie’s main soundtrack, by Zephanie Dimaranan who performed it for the first time live! Zephanie is also set to perform the song on the Wish 107.5 Bus this November 25 and at her upcoming meet and greet at Ayala Malls Central Bloc.

Starting this November 22, Wish will be shown in cinemas across the country. And because not everyone was able to catch the premiere, Ayala Malls happily invites friends and families to the movie’s grand opening weekend, this November 25 and 26, and to experience the same fun activities.

Come this Way to Rosas as the cinema lobbies will be beautifully transformed with stunning floral archways and a Wishing Wall installation inspired by the Kingdom of Rosas, that will surely transport moviegoers into a fantastical space.

Find not only picture-perfect corners but also fun activities to keep you entertained. At the “Hairstyle Inspired by Asha” Corner, young guests can elevate their dos with stars, ribbons, and butterflies, just like Asha. At the “Have Fun Like Valentino (the goat)” Corner, enjoy fun face-painting activities for the kids. The Wishing Wall, on the other hand, illuminated by brilliant lights and balloons, serves as a grand canvas where guests are invited to post their drawings and write down their wishes on the wall. Who knows, your wishes might just come true! A 20ft installation of Star can also be spotted at the center of the space. But don’t worry, for those around Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Ayala Center Cebu, you will have your Stars to gaze upon, too.

From the activity center to the cinemas, be wonderfully enveloped in the whimsy of Wish as even the cinema lobbies will all be dressed up, inspired by the Kingdom of Rosas.

“At Ayala Malls, we strive to create exciting opportunities for families and friends to come together—whether it’s through shopping, dining, or catching a movie. We ensure that these experiences are not just ‘fun visits’ to the mall but memorable moments spent with loved ones,” says Chrissy Roa, Group Head of Marketing and Communications for Ayala Land Estates and Ayala Malls.

Watching movies at cinemas has always been a great parent-child and family bonding activity that cuts across generations. Discover the large-than-life displays of Wish at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide. Tickets are now on sale at all Ayala Malls Cinemas, Zing app, or SureSeats.com.

Lifestyle, Special Events

VAN GOGH ALIVE COMES TO LIFE AT BGC ARTS CENTER

Leave a comment

Created and produced by Grande Experiences, Van Gogh Alive is a multi-sensory experience to entertain the whole family. For a limited time, visitors have the unique opportunity to experience Van Gogh’s art and venture into his world. Van Gogh’s works have been displayed and enjoyed around the world for over a century – but never like this. Van Gogh Alive at the BGC Arts Center is presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. with Del Monte Philippines. This exhibition is also made possible through our ticketing partner, TicketWorld, exhibition partner, LG Philippines, and special thanks to Alveo Land and the City Government of Taguig.


Van Gogh Alive is the large-scale, multi-sensory experience that has inspired over 9 million people across 100+ cities around the world. The digital spectacular opens on Friday, 20 October 2023 for a strictly limited season at the BGC Arts Center, Taguig City.


Make no mistake – this is no ordinary art exhibition. Traditions of tiptoeing through silent galleries and viewing paintings from afar in quiet contemplation are forgotten as visitors find themselves interacting with art in ways they never imagined. From start to finish, visitors are surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, color, sound and aroma that has been called an ‘unforgettable’ multi-sensory experience. Van Gogh’s masterpieces come to life, giving visitors the sensation of walking right into his paintings, a feeling that is simultaneously enchanting, entertaining and educational.

This year, the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. takes Van Gogh Alive to new heights at the BGC Arts Center with more interactive, in-depth experiences, taking visitors on a historical art journey. Get to know Van Gogh and his artworks at the Introduction Hall. Be part of his story in the multi-sensory experience through the state-of-the-art SENSORY4™ immersive gallery. Draw Van Gogh’s famous artworks at the Art Studio, and take home your very own masterpiece. Capture creative photos at the Sunflower Mirror Room and Vincent’s Bedroom.

Van Gogh Alive is a fascinating, cohesive story about one of the greatest known artists in history,” said Maria Isabel Garcia, Managing Director and Curator of the Bonifacio Art Foundation. “It touches you on so many levels whoever you are. It is faithful to its promise to immerse you into the artist’s work, with glimpses into an inner life that led to his captivating masterpieces. Van Gogh Alive will hold you long beyond your visit.

Grande Experiences’ state-of-the-art SENSORY4™ immersive gallery combines with a tailored exhibition space to allow projection of enormous crystal-clear images. Set to an evocative classical score, a thrilling display of over 3,000 inspirational images transforms the world around you. You will truly lose yourself the vibrant colors and vivid details of Van Gogh’s work.

Adults and children alike will forge their own paths and find their own meaning as they wander through the galleries, exploring hidden nooks, viewing artworks from new angles and discovering unique perspectives. Visitors have the chance to examine Van Gogh’s sources of inspiration via photographs and video displayed alongside his works. But for many, the greatest pleasure lies in simply standing still, indulging the senses as waves of sights and sounds, intense and beautiful, wash over them.

Doors are open to the public starting Friday, October 20 from Tuesdays to Sundays; 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 10 PM on weekends. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/VanGoghAliveTickets and at BGC Arts Center TicketWorld Box Office.

Ticket prices:

●2-Hour Pass: P1,200 (adult), P890 (child/student up to college level)
●Premium Flex Pass: P2,500 (adult/child) – Enter and exit anytime within the day of your scheduled visit, with a special entry lane and complimentary Van Gogh Alive program; Limited slots available.

Van Gogh Alive at the BGC Arts Center is presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. with Del Monte Philippines.

Concerts & Music Festivals, Lifestyle

Dutdutan 23: A Crossover of Cultures, Music and Ink

Leave a comment

Stunning displays of ink on flesh by the world’s best, from new-wave inkers to old-school greats, Dutdutan 23 showed off the weird and wonderful, with the bad and beautiful.

Dutdutan 23, dubbed the biggest, wildest and baddest tattoo expo in Asia, once again housed a record number of attendees with the World Trade Center packed to the rafters last September 30 and October 1. The two-day colossal event gathered an enormous crowd of artists, collectors and ink enthusiasts.

Playing host to some of the most celebrated ink merchants in the business, the gargantuan venue was literally buzzing with action as a massive throng wandered through a labyrinthine row of booths. From stunning displays of exoticism to album cover-worthy iconography, anyone seeking an artist suited to their needs and tastes surely found it among the bewilderingly vast array of talent. With artists greeting old regulars and tending to customers sprawled atop tables and reclining leather chairs, the convention’s welcoming atmosphere was as casually relaxed as it was thick with anticipation.

Tribal Gear founder Bobby Ruiz, along with badass graffiti master and street artist Huit, and notorious inkers Carlos Macias and California Ames, popped in for the annual event.

One of the main features that constantly drew crowds in Dutdutan was the tattoo competitions. Presented by Tribal, the Lower Left Manila, and PhilTAG, Dutdutan 23’s highlights included exceptional pieces by notorious inkers who competed in various categories. “Tattoo of the Day” remained the most coveted since entries for this category were created on the day itself. Judges had the most difficult time as collectors showed off the baddest and dopest art works etched on skin.

Receiving enormous cult status and an all-time Dutdutan fave, Tribal delivered the hottest and wildest Bikini Contest yet again! It was a fierce competition as contestants teased audiences in teensy wicked bikinis. Cameras got busy while the crowd churned into a frenzy.

Sealing Dutdutan 23’s urban culture experience was an intensely electric show from a powerhouse roster of musical icons. Audiences were treated to two amped nights of live performances from both local and foreign musical acts.

Dutdutan 23 continued to revolutionize the country’s tattoo scene, demanded and captured full attention, and delivered more than the lifestyle experience we take full pleasure in.

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Spend the night in Shrek’s Swamp, now on Airbnb

Leave a comment

Once upon a time, a very chatty donkey agreed to swamp-sit for Shrek. Before he hits the road again, Donkey is inviting guests near and far, far away to sleep like an ogre in Shrek’s Swamp, only on Airbnb.

Located among the hills of the Scottish Highlands, Shrek’s Swamp is a stumpy, secluded haven fit for a solitude-seeking ogre – and for the first time ever, a handful of his biggest fans.

“Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests,” Donkey said. “You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it. I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”

With Donkey in charge, guests will have the chance to live their own versions of the layered ogre life for two special, starry nights (minus the torches, pitchforks, and intrusive Duloc Knights).

About the stay

A former refuge for fairytale creatures, Shrek’s Swamp brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘treehouse.’ With its clever use of forestry, charmingly rustic interiors and iconic outhouse, the swamp is certain to offer an experience unlike any other.

For £0 a night – a nod to the priceless refuge Shrek’s Swamp has provided fairytale creatures of all kinds – ‘brogres’ will be able to request to book an exclusive two-night swamp stay* for up to three guests October 27-29.

During their stay in this spectacularly secluded swamp-scape, guests can:

-Relax in the ambiance of “earwax candlelight”
-Kick their feet up with a parfait (everybody likes a parfait!)
-Swap stories around the fire until late in the night
-Enjoy a stack of freshly made waffles in the morning
-And of course, enjoy the ultimate privacy of Shrek’s trusted outhouse (you know the one)

How to book

Onion and ogre enthusiasts can request to book Shrek’s Swamp beginning October 13 at 6 p.m. BST / October 14 at 1 a.m. PHT at airbnb.com/shrek. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Scotland.

To honor good childhood memories that last a lifetime, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to the HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.

*This two-night stay is not a contest. Please note, the bathroom is located 20 meters from the main living area in a standalone facility. The property is independently owned and operated by Ardverikie Estate.

Hallyu, Lifestyle

K-POP Girl Group IVE and PUMA Collide in a 2000s Time Warp: Teveris NITRO Campaign Unveiled

Leave a comment

Global sports brand PUMA marks its first campaign with K-Pop girl group IVE with the release of the Teveris NITRO, PUMA’s 2000s tech-inspired sneaker engineered with ultra-comfy NITRO™ cushioning, as well as exclusive and signed IVE photocards.

Following the announcement in June this year that the renowned K-pop sensation under Starship Entertainment has joined the brand as its APAC brand ambassador, PUMA has unveiled its highly anticipated drop of the sneaker line, featuring IVE as the face of the collection.

Inspired by PUMA’s 2000s running range, the Teveris NITRO draws on performance aesthetics to create everyday footwear with a sporty edge. Incorporated at the midsole, NITRO foam provides top-level cushioning, a responsive stride, and a lighter-than-air feel.

PUMA’s latest campaign features IVE in a Y2K-themed concept shoot. The members of the girl group step into the spotlight against an iridescent backdrop that showcases a dreamy, pastel aesthetic, perfectly complementing the campaign’s theme. Together with the 2000s-inspired sneakers, PUMA is taking its audience on a stylish leap into the past while embracing the future of fashion, capturing the very essence of the campaign.

SEA & Taiwan Exclusive Gift with Purchase

To make this release much more special, PUMA is also offering exclusive collector’s items to IVE fans from Southeast Asia and Taiwan. With every purchase of PUMA items worn by IVE, consumers will receive a set of 6 PUMA x IVE autographed photocards*. Each photocard set features individual selfies and signatures from all 6 members which consumers can get for a limited time only.

A Campaign Close to Heart: PUMA x IVE Collection Collaborates with Local Content Creators

PUMA is set to feature top-tier local content creators to further drive the PUMA x IVE campaign in respective countries across SEA.

Staying true to the campaign’s Y2K theme, PUMA is producing concept shoots and videos with homegrown fashion, beauty, and lifestyle influencers such as Christine Samson, Jessica Yang, and Rei Germar, enveloped in dreamy pastel concepts that accentuate the Teveris NITRO collection, as well as extend the campaign’s narrative across all markets. Keep your eyes peeled as we reveal the final product of the concept shoot in October! By tapping into nostalgia and youthfulness, the brand hopes to transport the audience back to their youth while celebrating the Y2K trend with a touch of authenticity.

The new Teveris NITRO will be released on September 21 at PUMA 2F Glorietta 3, L2 Main Wing Shangri-La Plaza, GF Eastwood Mall, GF Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill, L1 Ayala Center Cebu, and authorized retailers PUMA SM North Edsa, Gateway, and Foot Locker (Glorietta, Festival, Cebu, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Gateway, Trinoma). It will also be available on PUMA.com.

Lifestyle

FENTY x PUMA is officially back: Rihanna launches The Avanti

Leave a comment

Global icon Rihanna and sports company PUMA have officially launched their newest product franchise together. Rihanna returns to the brand as the Creative Director of FENTY x PUMA with a multi-year partnership and several product launches in the pipeline. The return of FENTY x PUMA blends PUMA’s deep history and heritage in sport with Rihanna’s iconic stature as a leader in music, culture and fashion. The FENTY x PUMA Avanti, the first footwear franchise of the partnership, is an unconventional mix of two PUMA icons blending the high-quality leather design of the King football boot with the outsole of the heritage running shoe, Easy Rider.

Rihanna and PUMA have a history of launching disruptive fashion takes on sport styles over the course of their relationship together – starting in 2015 with the iconic Creeper. Rihanna and PUMA launched several footwear and apparel collections over the course of 2015 – 2018, including the FENTY x PUMA trainer, the FENTY x PUMA fur slide, and much more. With four fashion shows in both New York and Paris, FENTY x PUMA served as a catalyst for PUMA’s brand impact and relevance over the past decade.

Rihanna’s love of football coupled with the sports’ great influence off the pitch served as the starting point for this footwear franchise. Rihanna’s take of this classic style paves the way for a new era of sport fashion collaborations with PUMA.

In addition, it was important to both Rihanna and PUMA to ensure that this launch be offered to the entire family—delivering a collection that looks as arguably cool on kids as it will on their parents. Worn by legends and now remixed by Rihanna herself, the Avanti is also being offered as a unisex shoe for both adults and kids.

In 1968, the original PUMA king football boot was born, worn by icons like Eusebio, Pelé and Maradona. In 1978, the PUMA miele started a new jogging shoe franchise which would eventually evolve into the PUMA Easy Rider. In 1998, Jil Sander and PUMA launched the first ever fashion collaboration blending these two styles with the Jil Sander King. This shoe served as the design inspiration of the Avanti which was later established by PUMA in 2001. Now in 2023, Rihanna has added her personal design language and creative elements, from the details of the leather to the gum of the outsole, putting her very own spin on this classic PUMA style.

“I wanted to bring something iconic from the archives to the street, and the late great Pelé made the Avanti shoe so iconic. ” said Rihanna.

“It’s been such an exciting start to our partnership,” said Maria Valdes, Chief Product Officer at PUMA. “We spent time together opening up the PUMA archive and identifying the right product that spoke to Rihanna. The Avanti is a PUMA classic with a unique and iconic point of view on terrace. I’m very happy to see this project come to life and even more excited for what the coming years have in store for us together.”

The FENTY x PUMA Avanti is a fashion take on the football trend with buttery soft vintage leather, a fold over tongue with a debossed and printed gold-foil FENTY and PUMA CAT logo. With a gum outsole and leather footbed, the details of the Avanti nod to PUMA’s deep history and heritage in the sport of football. The black and white version is complimented by a chrome execution with laser etched logos and leather chrome details.

As Creative Director, Rihanna’s first FENTY x PUMA campaign – shot by Dennis Leupold with a set design inspired by the pentagon shape and stitching on a football – features notable names including Rihanna, A$AP Nast, Pure, Felix Mallard as well as two young kids.

The FENTY x PUMA Avanti is available worldwide on puma.com and select retailers.

The collection will be available at PUMA Shangri-La and PUMA.com from 15 September.

A second Avanti drop will follow this fall. More details to come.

Lifestyle, Special Events

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Fan Zone Opens at Mall of Asia Music Hall

Leave a comment

Catch the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 fever wherever you are! It could be right where 16 of the world’s 32 best basketball teams will engage in battle — at the massive Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, or the state-of-the-art SM Mall of Asia Arena in the Bay Area in Pasay City.0

Or, it could be somewhere else. If you want to have the best of both worlds — world class basketball and world caliber entertainment — then theFIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Fan Zone (FIBAWC Fan Zone) is the place to be starting Opening Day.

Truly, thank goodness it’s Friday! Entertainment galore, mixed with star celebrity sightings and exciting raffle prizes, awaits visitors when the FIBAWC Fan Zone opens on August 25 at the fully-airconditioned Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City.

And the best thing about this super special event is that ADMISSION IS FREE! So, bring the whole family, invite all your friends, and drive right to the very heart of Metro Manila’s foremost fun destination.

Located at the ground floor of the Entertainment Mall of the SM Mall of Asia on Seaside Blvd., adjacent to the iconic giant Ferris wheel, the MOA Music Hall will welcome visitors to the FIBAWC Fan Zone from August 25 to September 10 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The fun-filled activity dates coincide with the frenzied action raging on the same days at the nearby Mall of Asia Arena, where the Group and Final Phases of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be held. Fans are ready to be regaled by interactive booths from global partners and local sponsors, basketball arcade machines, shooting activities and challenges, and more.

Surprise celebrities have also been invited to mingle with fans for Meet and Greet sessions and photo opportunities. Other than the exciting prizes that will be raffled off, fans can also purchase FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 merchandise as well as tickets to games.

Yes, tickets! The hottest commodity around today! Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, a watch party will be assembled for those who want to follow the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 games held in Okinawa and Jakarta!

Imagine that! Since these fixtures will not be available to regular pay-per-view customers here, except in limited institutions, from the FIBAWC Fan Zone, you can watch Luka Doncic and Slovenia and defending champion Spain battle with global competition in Japan and Indonesia for the right to fly to the Philippines for the Final Phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the MOA Arena.

How about that for the ultimate treat? So, everybody, get ready, because the heat is on. And it couldn’t get any hotter than at the FIBAWC Fan Zone! See you there!

Lifestyle

Unfold a New World and Join the Flip Side: Samsung debuts latest Galaxy devices at Launch Event

Leave a comment

Samsung’s Join the Flip Side event dazzled attendees at Conrad Manila as it unveiled the latest Galaxy devices with a spectacular launch party, bringing to life the brand’s promise of self-expression, creativity and productivity, and overall wellness.


In a program hosted by Erika Kristensen, Samsung shared a rundown of the newest Galaxy groundbreaking innovations — the Galaxy Z Flip5, Z Fold5, Watch6, and Tab S9—marking a new era of unparalleled premium experiences. Samsung invites consumers on a journey to discover an all-new Galaxy as Samsung showcases its latest innovations designed to open possibilities and transform lives.

At the launch, the newest #TeamGalaxy members Catriona Gray and AC Bonifacio were introduced and also shared what one could expect over on the flip side. AC Bonifacio also kept the crowd hyped up throughout the night with an energetic performance.

Singer-songwriter Leila Alcasid, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, entrepreneur Nico Bolzico, and travel and lifestyle content creator Camille Co then took guests on a tour of different Galaxy zones, which are experiential installations that brought to life exactly how the new Galaxy devices complement modern lifestyles.

Express yourself with the Galaxy Z Flip5


As part of the evening’s interactive experiences, guests were able to discover their best side at the Self Expression Studio where they took photos at the Mirror Selfie Station and the Flex Every Angle Photo Booth where they got to experience the versatility of the Flex Cam. Guests also took fun group selfies at the Groufie Station with the various hands-free selfie options The Flex Showcase meanwhile highlighted the Galaxy Z Flip5’s Flex Window widgets, which allows you to get productive on the go with just a few clicks and swipes. As the ultimate pocketable self-expression tool, you can let your individuality shine with the biggest cover screen yet, at 3.4 inches.

Work and play with the Galaxy Z Fold5


At the Productivity Cafe, guests enjoyed curated drinks at the Coffee Station while checking out the features and functions of the new Galaxy Z Fold5. At the Gaming Lounge, guests tried out their favorite games with the Galaxy Z Fold5’s immersive 7.6” main display while at the Multi-Tasking Station, the Galaxy Fold5 was showcased as a powerful productivity tool through its sleeker S Pen, advanced Taskbar, and Split Screen features.


The Entertainment Pod displayed a diorama of cinema with the Galaxy Fold5 as its movie screen. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, users can watch videos on one screen and type texts and comments using flex mode in the other half. No need to worry about bulkiness as the Galaxy Fold5 is the thinnest Fold yet thanks to the Zero Gap Hinge.


Sleep better and live healthier with the Galaxy Watch6 series


At the Wellness Den, the new features of the Galaxy Watch6 series were on full display. The Sleep Up station highlighted the innovative capabilities of the Galaxy Watch6’s Sleep Monitoring functions such as the Sleep Scores, Sleep Stages analyses, and intuitive information with Sleep Coaching.


Guests also got active with stationary bikes while wearing the Watch6 to experience its various functions. With the innovative 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor, users can enjoy an efficient way to monitor exercise efforts and check on their health as the Galaxy Watch6 series monitors both blood pressure and electrocardiographic (ECG).


The wide selection of versatile watch faces as well as new one-click band options were highlighted as well at the Straps Station. These devices pack holistic health offerings and powerful performance in a refined and sleek design – 30% slimmer bezel, a 20% larger and more vibrant display, and more interactive user interface.


To further champion overall wellness, Samsung Philippines has partnered with Emma The Sleep Company, an award-winning German brand that advocates for better sleep experiences; and the 24/7 health consultation app KonsultaMD to enable better health and everyday wellness through technology. There will also be exclusive promotions and discounts for Samsung Members, Emma Sleep customers, and Watch6 Customers. Meanwhile, Samsung and KonsultaMD will be hosting health talks, wellness activities, as well as offer promotions and discounts to Samsung Members, KonsultaMD subscribers, and Watch6 Customers.

Activities will be announced throughout the rest of the year.

Get creative and productive with the Galaxy Tab S9 series
At the Creative Playground, guests explored the new features of the new Galaxy Tab S9 series with a live digital mural showcasing how the Galaxy Tab S9 series is a great device for creativity. There was also a Doodle Corner where guests got to try out the PENUP App and S Pen Handwriting features of the tablets. The Galaxy Tab S9’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display also had its own corner full of different backgrounds showing how it can adapt to different lighting situations to ensure an epic viewing experience.


The DeX Mode corner showcased the Galaxy Tab S9’s versatility – where the tablets can be used like a laptop with a keyboard and mouse, and how users can experience the multi-window functionality and ecosystem connectivity with other Galaxy devices at the Ecosystem Integration corner. The experience was taken up a notch by submerging the devices in an aquarium at the Underwater Writing corner, showing how the IP68 rating of both the Galaxy Tab S9 series and the S Pen allows you to work or play anywhere.


To order the latest Samsung Galaxy devices and avail exciting offers, you may visit:
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-flip5/buy/
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-z-fold5/buy/
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series https://www.samsung.com/ph/tablets/galaxy-tab-s9/buy/
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 series https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch6-40mm-gold-bluetooth-sm-r930nzeaasa/buy/