Ballet Manila concludes PRIMA season with La Bayadere

"Ballet Manila is the only company in the Philippines with this kind of superior ensemble. That is why it deserves its place in our 31st performance season. That made me proud—not just of Renata and Kimin, but of our dancers, our school, and our thirty-one years of building a company that can hold its own on the global stage." ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila Founder and Artistic Director

A temple dancer's devotion. A warrior's split heart. A priest's ravenous desire. Their story alternates between passion and betrayal, life and the afterlife. A rare full-length production of Marius Petipa's timeless classic, La Bayadère, will take place at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8:00 p.m., marking the culmination of Ballet Manila's PRIMA Season. and 5:00 p.m. on August 15 and 16.

Set in ancient India, La Bayadère tells the story of Nikiya, a temple dancer bound by love, and Solor, a warrior torn between duty and passion. Their fates are linked to Gamzatti, the rajah's daughter, and the High Brahmin, whose aspirations lead to tragedy and betrayal. The ballet is set in opulent courts and sacred temples before disappearing into the ethereal Kingdom of the Shades.

The founder and artistic director of Ballet Manila, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, returned to the Philippines from Russia forty years ago this year. Being the first foreign soloist of the Kirov Ballet, which is now known as Mariinsky Ballet, was her greatest achievement there. Presenting this full-length masterpiece as PRIMA's crown jewel has enormous personal significance.  Among the great "white ballets," she says, are La Bayadère, Giselle, and Swan Lake.

These classic pieces are known for their surreal scenes where ballerinas dressed in white move in perfect unison, exposing every line and detail. For Lisa, La Bayadère represents the highest level of expertise. The Kingdom of the Shades scene in Act III is considered the pinnacle of artistic skill and discipline worldwide. She is confident, tho, that Ballet Manila's corps de ballet is ready.

The production is led by two of the biggest stars of the Mariinsky Ballet, Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim. In Don Quixote (2025), their well-known partnership captivated Manila. They reappear in familiar roles as Solor and Nikiya.

"Every part I feel deep inside me. All the emotions of Nikiya, I feel I live through. Onstage, we believe in each other completely. That trust allows us to dance not only with technique, but with emotion. I love seeing their eyes burning with excitement and watching them discover us in new roles." ~Renata Shakirova, Mariinsky Prima Ballerina

Alongside her, Kimin Kim—renowned for his gravity-defying leaps—sees Solor as a role defined by emotional truth rather than technical feats.

"Technique is supposed to be there already from the very beginning. I try to make it all look easy, so the technique doesn't look like work. More important is that I can show emotion and the depth of the character. From my very first rehearsal, I felt as though we had already been dancing together for years. That family atmosphere makes performing here unforgettable. I hope Renata and I can return to Ballet Manila and the Philippines again and again." ~Kimin Kim, Mariinsky Prima Ballerina

Mariinsky prima ballerina Renata Shakirova gives the character vulnerable humanity and embraces Nikiya's emotional journey. Their partnership, built on complete trust, transforms choreography into conversation.

For Lisa, collaborations like these continue to elevate Ballet Manila. She recalls audience members from Korea and Germany traveling to Manila for Don Quixote, then praising Ballet Manila alongside the world's finest companies. 

Renata says she gladly returns for Ballet Manila's family atmosphere and the warmth of Filipino audiences. 

As PRIMA draws to a close, La Bayadère stands as both a showcase of world-class ballet and a testament to what happens when extraordinary artistry meets genuine collaboration. Ballet Manila invites audiences to experience a rare masterpiece brought to life by internationally celebrated artists alongside a company proudly standing on the global stage.

Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph

Your Weekend Lunch Buffet at F1 Hotel Manila BGC is yours on Saturdays and Sundays

As a food and travel blogger, I always enjoy discovering dining spots that make weekends extra special. From savory dishes to sweet treats, the F1 Hotel Manila weekend buffet is worth adding to your BGC food trip itinerary. The F1 Hotel Manila BGC's Weekend Lunch Buffet is now available on Sundays.

From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, F All Day Dining sets the table with delicious main courses, fresh options, and desserts that will entice you to return. Bring your appetite. Bring the people you wish to hang out with.

In August, the buffet makes a comeback. Every weekend, a Filipino spread is served, and each week, a new regional dish is the main attraction. Without ever leaving BGC, taste your way around the country, and come back the next weekend because the menu will be different.

If you bring the kids, they are covered. There is a Kids Art Session with Enigma Art Tutorial every weekend. You can take a leisurely second plate while the kids create if you have a mini art kit. Make reservations in advance because there are only a limited number of spots available.

The Filipino-themed Weekend Lunch Buffet runs every Saturday and Sunday of August 2026 at ₱2,299 per person — or ₱1,379 per person on Hot Deals.

Gather the barkada, round up the family, and let an August weekend in the heart of BGC taste like home.

Book Now on Hot Deals and save ₱920 per person.

For reservations and inquiries: (02) 8928-9888 or 0919 912 4803 via Viber.

From the Academe to Adulthood: Vista Residences University Series Redefines Student Living in the Metro

The Vista Residences University Series offers vertical communities near Metro Manila's premier universities, providing students with secure, convenient, and future-ready spaces that support academic success and independent living.

The university experience begins long before the first class and continues throughout a student's career. When young scholars from the region move to the capital, they have to learn how to navigate a foreign city and make their own decisions. To support this important step toward independence, a student residence must be more than just a place to stay; it must be a Safe haven that fosters long-term personal growth, community involvement, and academic focus.

From regional roots to metropolitan routines

The influx of regional scholars into Metro Manila reflects a broader macroeconomic shift. The majority of the 5.47 million lifetime migrants in the capital are young adults between the ages of 15 and 34, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). These individuals form the core of a substantial student market that is attracted by a unique convergence of business districts, institutional infrastructure, and elite academia. Data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), which monitored 273,091 freshmen and 795,248 higher education enrollees in the NCR during the first semester of AY 2023–2024, supports this volume.

Refreshing swimming pools allow students to unwind, recharge, and maintain a balanced lifestyle amid the demands of university life.

Behind these figures, students are learning how to navigate a busy city. From managing daily living expenses to navigating transit corridors, urban university life demands rapid personal development. Finding a place to live on university row thus becomes more than just a basic housing option; it becomes an essential resource for both individual independence and academic concentration.

Practical placement, progressive possibilities

The market leader in Metro Manila for student housing is the Vista Residences University Series. Its portfolio includes three opulent projects lining Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City and fourteen high-rise towers located within the capital's top universities, eleven of which span Taft Avenue, the University Belt, and Río Boulevard.

Dedicated study pods provide quiet, comfortable spaces where students can focus, collaborate, and stay productive throughout their academic journey.

Towers like Vista Taft, Plumeria Heights, and Bradbury Heights in Manila offer contemporary havens close to St. Scholastic's College, DLSU-College of Saint Benilde, and De La Salle University. As graduates move into corporate roles in Makati and BGC, these properties provide vital structural connectivity to major transportation grids, enabling them to maintain residential continuity. In the meantime, the University of the Philippines Diliman, Miriam College, and Ateneo de Manila University are served by Quezon City projects like Hawthorne Heights and Vista Pointe.

Students enjoy vibrant and connected communities where learning, friendship, and everyday experiences come together, making the Vista Residences University Series an ideal home for life beyond the classroom.

The University Series bridges the gap between independent student life and structural support by providing useful studio and one-bedroom spaces that are customized to daily campus obligations. These developments prioritize residents' peace of mind thru property management, limited access, and robust security measures. Numerous amenities improve the community ecosystem: study lounges support academic scholarship, while gyms, swimming pools, and jogging routes encourage active social interactions and healthy lifestyles.

Location-led demand and decision-making

Demand and decision-making based on location Buying a university-row home provides both immediate utility and long-term flexibility. The family keeps using the property for post-graduate courses, board exams, or the start of a career after graduation. Whether it is given to a sibling or put on the rental market, this property choice effectively considers life stages and shifting investment goals.

Modern fitness facilities encourage students to prioritize wellness, helping them maintain active and healthy lifestyles while pursuing their educational goals.

The outcome is access to a rental market protected by continuing academic activity, which offers a desirable business opportunity. Demand is maintained by a sizable demographic pool of young professionals, corporate trainees, and students relocating to nearby business districts.

Because of continuous enrollment and career cycles, condos in prime locations are consistently relevant. As with any high-value real estate venture, sustainable yields still depend on careful property management, disciplined decision-making, and a thorough analysis of current market conditions.

An address that advances with aspirations

The Vista Residences University Series satisfies the demand caused by student mobility, urban momentum, and the concentration of elite universities in the National Capital Region. The portfolio deftly blends campus convenience and city connectivity with areas that promote scholarship, interpersonal connections, and independence.

A wide range of stakeholders at different stages of life benefit from the collection: parents gain long-term flexibility thru property ownership, graduates maintain continuity as their careers begin, students secure an ideal environment for their academic pursuits, and investors gain access to a robust market supported by a permanent student demographic. The University Series is the perfect place for academic discipline to grow into long-term professional success; it's more than just temporary housing.

Learn more about Vista Residences vertical communities. Visit www.vistaresidences.com.ph and follow @VistaResidencesOfficial. 

Fly Far and Wide with Cebu Pacific’s 8.8 Seat Sale

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the leading airline in the Philippines, is offering more opportunities to travel far and wide throughout the nation and beyond with the launch of its 8.8 seat sale.

Between August 6 and August 10, flights to both domestic and foreign destinations can be purchased for as little as PHP 8 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges.

By taking advantage of the seat sale, which covers travel from January 1 to March 31, 2027 for international destinations and until June 30, 2027 for domestic destinations, travelers can plan and secure affordable fares for trips the following year.

As CEB continues to improve international connectivity throughout its hubs, more passengers will have direct access to foreign locations from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao with the 8.8 seat sale.

From Manila, tourists can take a long-haul flight to Dubai and Riyadh for their distinctive blend of modern and cultural attractions, explore Taipei's lively night markets, try the fresh seafood of Zamboanga, and discover Davao's coffee and cacao scene.

Outside the Philippine capital, Clark offers quick access to the beaches and historical sites of Cebu, the well-known street food of Thailand, and the iconic landmarks of Singapore. Visitors from Cebu, Iloilo, or Davao can also fly directly to Hong Kong for its famous theme parks and harbor views.

Thanks to CEB's growing international network and more direct routes from all over the Philippines, every Juan has more opportunities to see more, do more, and turn a simple vacation into an incredible experience.

At the moment, CEB has operations in 35 domestic and 26 international locations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

CEB accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, for booking flights and buying extras.

Book your flights now at www.cebupacificair.com.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificairphilippines

X: https://twitter.com/CebuPacificAir

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cebupacificair

Timeless Fashion, Brilliant Sparkle: Discover what's New at SM City Grand Central

Fashion is more than just what you wear. It's the way you show yourself. It is the confidence to put on a dress that fits properly before an important meeting. The sparkle is what catches the light during life's biggest celebrations. This season, SM City Grand Central has two exciting additions that show that fashion is not just for special occasions. You can accept it every day.

Whether you're looking to update your wardrobe or find a meaningful piece to commemorate life's milestones, these newest stores invite you to rediscover the joy of dressing up and expressing your unique style.

Where Everyday Style Begins: BAYO Opens at SM City Grand Central

Some businesses adhere to trends. For more than thirty years, BAYO has been honing classic style.

Since its establishment in 1992, BAYO has developed into one of the country's most beloved domestic fashion brands. BAYO, which derives its name from the Hiligaynon word meaning "dress" or "clothing," is renowned for its beautifully crafted products that pay tribute to the modern Filipina. Effortlessly elegant, confidently modest, and always sincere.

At its newest location in SM City Grand Central, customers can find collections that seamlessly transition from workdays to weekends. Think about sophisticated gowns, versatile separates, elegant linen ensembles, and seasonal wardrobe essentials. Each piece has simple silhouettes, exquisite details, and the kind of subtle sophistication that is always in style.

What truly sets BAYO apart is the storyline that is integrated into each collection. In addition to creating gorgeous apparel, the brand continues to promote sustainability thru its #JourneyToZero initiatives. By working with Filipino weaving communities, embracing local textiles, reducing fabric waste thru upcycling, and reimagining traditional Filipiniana craftsmanship for contemporary wardrobes, BAYO shows that fashion can be beautiful, meaningful, and thoughtful.

In a world where trends change rapidly, BAYO serves as a reminder that true style is founded on quality, purpose, and a deep respect for Filipino heritage.

Shine Through Every Chapter with Hearts & Arrows

Some moments are more valuable than memories alone. They deserve to be geniuses.

Whether it's a long-awaited "yes," a graduation, an anniversary, or simply celebrating yourself, Hearts & Arrows brings classic elegance to SM City Grand Central with exquisite jewelry made for life's greatest milestones.

The brand is well-known as the Philippines' specialty retailer of Hearts and Arrows diamonds and offers exquisitely crafted jewelry with one of the highest standards of diamond precision. Superb cutting techniques enable the creation of the unique Hearts and Arrows pattern, which produces amazing brilliance, symmetry, and sparkle. Every piece turns into a timeless symbol of love, achievement, and meaningful beginnings.

Hearts & Arrows, which has 25 locations nationwide, has made a name for itself as a trustworthy supplier of engagement rings, wedding bands, traditional diamond jewelry, and thoughtful gifts that honor life's most significant occasions.

Whether you are planning a proposal, commemorating a milestone, or investing in a piece you will treasure for years to come, every visit offers the chance to find jewelry that is as timeless as the memories it represents.

Your Next Style Destination Awaits

With the addition of BAYO and Hearts & Arrows, SM City Grand Central has evolved into a destination for fashion and lifestyle, making everyday shopping more enjoyable.

These new stores offer more than just products, ranging from basic wardrobe staples rooted in Filipino craftsmanship to stunning pieces commemorating life's most significant moments. They instill confidence, encourage self-expression, and provide meaningful ways to celebrate your identity.

Because sometimes all it takes is the right outfit or a little sparkle to transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Both can be found at your preferred SM City Grand Central.

The Hungry Pita Serves Crave-Worthy Goodness at SM Center Pulilan

Wrapped, generously filled, and loaded with flavors. Your next food craving starts at The Hungry Pita in SM Center Puilan.

Do you want something appetizing, filling, and simple to consume? The Hungry Pita is now offering a delectable selection of pita favorites at your favorite SM Center Pulilan, giving patrons and foodies another interesting dining option to try.

The Hungry Pita is now serving premium pita goodness at the second level of SM Center Pulilan.

The Hungry Pita, which combines savory fillings, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors in every bite, is well-known for its tasty offerings and filling pita creations. It is ideal for quick meals, informal get-togethers, or simply satisfying a craving while shopping.

Gather the squad and enjoy The Hungry Pita’s satisfying flavors at SM Center Pulilan. 

The new restaurant adds to the growing menu at SM Center Pulilan and provides customers and mall patrons with another reason to stop, eat, and enjoy something delicious for the ultimate Gala to the Max experience. 

With its delicious selection and substantial portions, The Hungry Pita at SM Center Pulilan is ready to welcome patrons looking for their next favorite meal.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

Rediscover Your Food Favorites at SM City Marilao Foodcourt

Sometimes the best meals are those that are familiar. Diners at SM City Marilao Foodcourt can rediscover their favorite flavors while enjoying a wide range of satisfying food options to satisfy any craving, All For You.

Go back to your favorites, only at SM City Marilao Foodcourt.

From comforting rice meals and savory dishes to quick bites, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats, SM City Marilao Foodcourt offers a diverse range of flavors to make every meal enjoyable. There is always something to suit everyone's tastes, whether you're dining alone, catching up with friends, or spending time with family.

Mouthwatering Pinoy dishes served daily at Baliwag Lechon Manok Atbp.

Your go-to Filipino fix only at SALO.

Cravings satisfied at Pares Retiro

Noodlemix—your quick stop for affordable noodles on-the-go.

Gugu Manju’s tanghulu and Korean mini cakes make every meal delightfully sweeter.

Made with love, inspired by France. Find your next favorite galette or crêpe at Bucky.

Only the freshest, most natural drinks from Juice Avenue.

The goodness of coconut juice and other refreshing treats are at Coco Circle.  

More than just a place to eat, SM City Marilao Foodcourt offers a convenient and welcoming environment in which shoppers can pause, relax, and enjoy delicious food without fuss, resulting in the ultimate Gala to the Max experience.

From quick bites to satisfying cravings, there’s always something delicious waiting for you at the SM City Marilao Foodcourt.

So, the next time you visit SM City Marilao, break away from your usual routine and return to your food favorites at SM Foodcourt—because sometimes all it takes is one familiar bite to rekindle a favorite craving.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.