Irresistible Food at SM Foodcourt

There's always something cooking at the SM Foodcourt, whether you're craving something spicy, crispy, meaty, or cozy. The aroma there is so good that it makes you forget about your diet.  At SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central, the SM Foodcourt serves delectable Korean fare, fiesta-ready lechon, and flavorful seafood. The flavors are worth the trip.

Captain Calamares

Captain Calamares is the newest addition to SM City Valenzuela's Foodcourt lineup.  What began as a little food stand in Brgy.  Sto.  Thanks to its innovative twist on seafood street food, Niño, Cainta, Rizal, which opened in March 2023, has now attracted devoted followers throughout Metro Manila.

The key components of Captain Calamares are taste, texture, and that golden crunch.  Their famous calamares, which are crispy on the exterior and tender on the inside, are available in a variety of flavor combinations to appeal to both traditional fans and daring foodies.  The brand's culinary staff takes pride in combining traditional Filipino cooking methods with contemporary flavors to transform the common seafood snack into a mouthwatering experience.  Every taste is an escape to the sea, whether you serve it with creamy sauces, hot vinegar, or garlic rice.

Mr. Kimbob

Mr. Kimbob, another audience favorite, is right next to the Captain.  Mr. Kimbob, a mainstay for lovers of Korean cuisine, is renowned for its hearty portions, lively flavors, and dedication to authenticity.  Mr. Kimbob has mastered the art of Korean fast-casual dining and has more than 45 company-owned locations across the country.  Every dish, from the colorful bowl of rice, pork, and vegetables known as bibimbob to other beloved mainstays like kimchi, bulgogi, and ramen, is made using ingredients that are imported straight from South Korea to guarantee authenticity and flavor.

Beyond flavor, Mr. Kimbob makes sure every store follows stringent hygienic guidelines and provides prompt, courteous service, making every visit as fulfilling as the cuisine.  Go see Mr. Kimbob at the foodcourt of SM City Valenzuela.

Trusted Favorites worth Rediscovering

Sea Shack and Lechon Belly Kitchen, two SM Foodcourt treasures located a short distance away at SM City Grand Central, are prepared for their well-earned spotlight.

A seafood fiesta on a plate awaits you if you haven't tasted Sea Shack yet.  Every dish, from tender grilled squid to flavorful tuna belly, is prepared with care and is bursting with flavor.  Sea Shack's platters are ideal for people who want a hearty, festive lunch from the sea, whether they are dining alone or with a barkada.

Additionally, every order from Lechon Belly Kitchen gives a little celebration for those who enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine.  Their lechon belly, which is crispy on the outside and juicy and delicate on the inside, is a delectable tribute to the Filipinos' passion for lechon.  This recipe has the ability to transform any typical lunch into a mini-festival.

Whether you're into Korean cuisine, seafood specials, or traditional lechon, SM Foodcourt has something to satisfy every craving. From the new to the tried-and-true, these flavorful stops at SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central prove that SM Foodcourt dining is far from ordinary — it’s where delicious stories begin.

So drop by, take a bite, and discover your new food favorite only at SM Foodcourt.

Acer Adds Six New Copilot+ PCs to Its Aspire AI Series, Using Next-Gen Processors

Available in 14- and 16-inch laptop models with various processor options, powering AI solutions for smarter collaboration and productivity 

TAIPEI Acer today announced the addition of six new Copilot+ PCs to its Aspire AI range of laptops, demonstrating their user-friendly AI capabilities and adaptable features.  These laptops, which come in stylish 14- and 16-inch versions, combine powerful computing with contemporary designs at affordable rates, offering a variety of configuration possibilities.

Students, professionals, and families looking for dependable performance and multi-day battery life for their everyday computing demands are among the many people that the new Aspire AI laptops serve.  These laptops, which are Copilot+ PCs, let customers find what they need quickly and continue jobs more easily by streamlining workflow with unique AI experiences like Click to Do (preview), Recall (preview), and Improved Windows Search[].  AcerSenseTM, Acer LiveArtTM 2.0, Acer PurifiedViewTM 2.0, and Acer PurifiedVoiceTM 2.0 are Acer's proprietary AI programs that make it simple to control settings, sort through data, create beautiful content instantly, and enhance videoconferencing quality.

The Aspire 16 AI and Aspire 14 AI are ideal for travel, education, and mobile work because to their sturdy, lightweight, and thin aluminum chassis.  Because of their adaptable 180° hinge designs, they can be positioned in different ways or laid flat, changing the viewing angle according to the task at hand.  These gadgets may run for over a whole day without requiring a plug because to their long-lasting batteries.

The Aspire range comes with 14- or 16-inch up to 120 Hz displays featuring slim bezels, and 16:10 aspect ratios for expansive viewing. Touchscreen models are available for more interactive use cases. Each device is equipped with up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, 1 TB PCIe Gen4 storage, and offers ultra-fast, stable connectivity with up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Plus, they are equipped with a generous number of I/O ports, including a pair of USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and MicroSD card slots. Each model is also EPEAT Gold registered[ ] and is encased in 100% recyclable packaging. 

Aspire 14- and 16- AI Featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2)

The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M/A14-53MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M/A16-52MT)  laptops feature up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, built for high-efficiency to power the next wave of AI PCs and deliver new AI experiences with uncompromised performance. These Copilot+ PCs come with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics to support image enhancements, fast content creation and editing capabilities.

They also offer up to OLED WUXGA+ resolution displays, up to 500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color range support, and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification to deliver brilliant on-screen images and color contrast.

Aspire 14- and 16- AI models with AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series Processors

The Aspire 14 AI (A14-53M/A14-53MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-52M/A16-52MT)  laptops feature up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 258V, built for high-efficiency to power the next wave of AI PCs and deliver new AI experiences with uncompromised performance. These Copilot+ PCs come with built-in Intel® Arc™ Graphics to support image enhancements, fast content creation and editing capabilities.

They also offer up to OLED WUXGA+ resolution displays, up to 500 nits peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color range support, and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500 certification to deliver brilliant on-screen images and color contrast.

Aspire 14- and 16- AI models with AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series Processors

Powered by up to AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processors with advanced “Zen 5” CPU architecture, the Aspire 14 AI (A14-61M/A14-61MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-61M/A16-61MT) laptops are supercharged to effortlessly run local AI applications, breeze through tasks and workflows, and enhance device responsiveness while maintaining low power consumption. 

Combined with high-speed wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connections, these latest Aspire AI Copilot+ PCs have the tools to create, play and browse faster and better, with fewer bottlenecks. They also feature up to OLED resolution, VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 500-certified displays to deliver immersive visuals. 

Aspire 14- and Aspire 16- AI with Snapdragon X processors

The Aspire 14 AI (A14-11M/A14-11MT) and Aspire 16 AI (A16-11M/A16-11MT) laptops are powered by the Snapdragon® X platform with integrated Qualcomm Oryon™ CPU, Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU, Qualcomm Hexagon™ NPU  and a  Windows on Snapdragon software ecosystem, offering reliable computing experiences with solid performance for creating presentations, web browsing, connecting on-the-go, or enjoying streaming content. 

These Copilot+ PCs feature WUXGA displays with touchscreen options, and provide added convenience with biometric security features; QHD IR camera with privacy shutter, USB4 Type-C ports, and speedy Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings, which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 9,000 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

In the first half of 2025, AirAsia Philippines records an 85% load factor and welcomes 3 million passengers

“We’re proud to have started the year strong with an 85% load factor, 80% of which comprises domestic travelers. This strong performance signals positive growth for local tourism. We remain focused on supporting this through initiatives like the AirAsia Fiesta Series and and promotional campaigns tied to local festivals, encouraging Filipinos to explore and take part in the cultural festivities across the country, alongside our usual double-digit and P1SO sales.” ~First Officer Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines Communications and Corporate Affairs Head

AirAsia Philippines is pleased to announce that it has served around 3 million passengers on its local and international network so far in the first half of 2025.

With Taipei as the top international option and Puerto Princesa as the top domestic destination, the airline also recorded a great load factor performance of 85%.

AirAsia has boosted flight frequency on a number of important routes in an effort to maintain the current momentum in international travel. The frequency of flights to Kota Kinabalu has been upgraded from three times per week to seven times per week. Additionally, flights to Taipei will rise from 14 to 17 times each week starting on July 1.  Both business and leisure travelers will benefit from these changes, which are intended to improve connectivity and provide more flexibility.

As part of its commitment to reinvigorate  travel among Filipinos, AirAsia recently launched over 400,000 promo seats to boost travel during the late summer and off-peak seasons.

From now until June 1, 2025, travelers can book one-way base fares for as low as PHP 185 to favorite island destinations including Boracay (via Caticlan), Kalibo, Bohol (Tagbilaran), and Puerto Princesa. The travel period runs from May 5 to October 31, 2025, perfect for spontaneous getaways or early planning for less crowded adventures.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

Ballet Manila's Pearl Year is a captivating Swan Lake performance by international ballet stars

“Esteban is the complete package. Last year, his performance as Basilio was simply perfect. But Siegfried is a very different character—elegant, noble, restrained. He has been a principal dancer for quite some time now, so his depth of experience, technique, and artistry will work all very well for him as Prince Siegfried.” She adds, “Esteban and Katherine have already danced Swan Lake together, so I think that they will, as a principal couple, be very effective in their roles. It is a very Russian ballet, so the dancing needs to be technically strong and artistically sound. But our dance company practices the unique Vaganova training, so the over-all strength of the legs and backs of the dancers are developed by the technique, allowing the dancers to hold poses well, jump high and turn fast. This is ingrained and practiced with the dancers in daily class and translates into everyone, especially the swan corps de ballet, moving as one onstage. What I am also excited about is Nathaniel’s impending partnership with Abi. She will learn and grow so much in her interpretation of Swan lake when she explores the choreography with a new partner like Nathaniel who, height wise, is perfect for her.” ~Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s CEO and Artistic Director

Dancers are shaped into artists by time and experience, and for San Francisco Ballet's First Soloist Katherine Barkman, returning home to Ballet Manila is a celebration of her heritage and her development.  She plays the difficult dual roles of Odette and Odile in Swan Lake, returning to the stage where her career started, alongside one of the most renowned figures in ballet, Esteban Hernández, principal dancer of San Francisco Ballet.

Esteban Hernández is a sensation, not just a guest artist.  Esteban, a trailblazer from Guadalajara, Mexico, received his training at The Royal Ballet School and became well-known throughout the world for his expressive storytelling and technical mastery.  He has enthralled audiences all around the world as a principal dancer for the San Francisco Ballet.  His charisma and virtuosity were initially seen by Filipino audiences in Don Quixote 2023 as Basilio.  He now makes a triumphant comeback as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.

For Katherine, this return is deeply personal. Once a principal dancer of Ballet Manila, she trained under Macuja Elizalde for over three years before joining The Washington Ballet and later the San Francisco Ballet. Now taking on Swan Lake’s duality with deeper insight, she reflects: 

“With experience comes more fearlessness. I take more risks—I would rather my dancing be exciting to watch than safe and predictable. If there’s one thing I truly believe, it is that technique is to be used to express emotion. Every step should say something.” ~Katherine Barkman, San Francisco Ballet’s First Soloist

With her strong foundation from Ballet Manila, Katherine approaches the demanding dual role with deep awareness, relying on her technique to convey the proper emotions for each character. 

For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, having played the role of Odette and Odile during her prima ballerina days gives her full awareness of how intricate it is to mount a full-length Swan Lake. 

On Ballet Manila’s Pearl Year, Macuja made sure to pull all the stops to cast two pairs of powerful main leads. Aside from Katherine and Esteban, audiences will see another take on the main characters with Ballet Manila’s principal dancer Abigail Oliveiro portraying Odette and Odile and San Francisco Ballet’s company artist Nathaniel Remez playing Prince Seigfried. 

Catch all performances from Katherine Barkman and Esteban Hernandez on May 30, 2025 at 8PM, May 31, 2025 at 5PM, and June 1, 2025 at 5PM, and matinee performances with Abigail Oliveiro and Nathaniel Remez on May 31, 2025 and June 1, 2025 at 1PM. 

May 30, 2025 - 8:00 p.m.

May 31, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

June 1, 2025 - 1:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m. 

Tickets available exclusively through Ticketworld. Direct link to buy : https://bit.ly/BM30SwanLakeBuyTickets

For group or bulk purchases and advance reservation, send an email to : balletmanilamarketing@gmail.com

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To learn more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

Pinoy Pride Sets The Stage At Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan

Yumeshima Island in Osaka has more to offer this summer and fall!  Check out the fascinating cultural havens on show at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, if you're traveling to see the city's well-known culinary scene!

Photo courtesy of the Tourism Promotions Board

Get another perspective on our home while showing up for our kabayan on Philippine National Day! Happening on June 7, 2025, at the EXPO National Day Hall “Ray Garden”, the celebration will spotlight the heart of Filipino culture through food, dance, and music. At the core of the event is Hinabing Hiraya (Woven Imagination)—a stunning cultural showcase that brings the Filipino dream to life through vibrant performances. It’s more than just a show; it’s a moving tribute to the strength, creativity, and diversity of the Filipino people. Whether you’re there for the lechon or the tinikling, it’s the perfect event to invite your Japanese friends and travel buddies to experience what being Filipino truly means.

Osaka is attracting attention and showcasing cultures from all around the world with a single, massive display of global expression!  The exhibition offers an invitation as well as an in-depth exploration of its dedication to sustainability, creativity, and cross-cultural interaction. This year, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" is the theme.

The occasion acts as a "living lab" for international cooperation and the strength of interpersonal relationships. With contributions from more than 160 nations and international organizations, the expansive location on Yumeshima Island in Osaka will host more than 150 pavilions that will highlight cutting-edge technologies, cultural customs, and innovative answers to global problems.

Photo courtesy of Pasona Group.

For aficionados of both anime and science fiction, Bandai Namco's Gundam Pavilion is a fantasy come true.  A life-sized interactive exhibit honoring Japan's engineering excellence and cultural exports is promised at the Gundam Pavilion.  The pavilion, which combines virtual reality, robotics, and immersive storytelling, is a lighthearted yet potent representation of Japan's technical inventiveness and global cultural influence.

With the Awaji Island Trip, Pasona Group’s Naturverse invites visitors to an adventure they won't soon forget! This experiential travel extension offers guided eco-tours, organic eating experiences, and a hands-on look at how Japan is fusing innovation and tradition in sustainable living to allow guests to discover Awaji Island, which is only an hour away from the 2025 Expo site. Highlights along the route include the adorable Hello Kitty Smile theme park, where the well-known character lines every ride and attraction, and the lively Nijigen no Mori theme park, which offers well-loved Japanese pop-culture experiences.

Presenting your boarding ticket to Awaji Island also gives you priority admission to the “PASONA NATUREVERSE” pavilion at the Expo. The Awaji trip offers a slower, soul-nourishing counterpart to the futuristic buzz of the main Expo.

Expo 2025 opened on April 13 and will be running for six months.The expo only lasts until October 13, so make sure you use the Expo’s Ticket Portal and plan your trips soon! With daily, seasonal, and passport-style multi-entry passes, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and personalize their Expo experience. 

Women Rising in the World of Manufacturing

“The weight of my work at that time was heavier than the weight of being with my two kids. While I was struggling, both my direct reports and my immediate superior, the Area Operations Director, had my back. Breaking Stereotypes. Even if you are a mother or a female leader, as long as you are guided by company rules and regulations, you must perform your duties and responsibilities—even when the decisions are tough. I assess people based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise to foster continuous improvement. PCPPI has started to raise the bar to give more opportunities for women to lead a male-dominated manufacturing department. More female applicants are being hired, and once a woman steps into leadership, she becomes a role model for aspiring female professionals. Through equal recognition, training, and opportunities, we can create an industry where women don’t just survive but thrive. If someone tells you, ‘you can do it,’ cling to it, but also ensure you have a clear goal and a set objective.” ~Sheryll Elic, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)

Sheryll Elic, PCPPI Senior Manager for Manufacturing Operations, wraps up a productive day with her team at the Rosario plant.

It is still difficult for women to assume top positions in the historically male-dominated manufacturing sector.  Their advancement is frequently hampered by ingrained gender biases, a lack of mentorship opportunities, and the widespread belief that technical and operational positions are better suited for men.

But for Sheryll Elic of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI), overcoming these obstacles was about more than simply her own achievement; it was also about opening the door for more female leaders in the future.

In the traditionally male-dominated industrial industry, women continue to encounter major barriers to rising to the top ranks.   Their growth is sometimes hampered by ingrained gender biases, the pervasive notion that technical and operational occupations are better suited for men, and a dearth of mentorship options.

But for Sheryll Elic of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI), conquering these challenges was about more than just reaching personal goals; it was also about creating opportunities for future female leaders.

The support of her team and the confidence of her mentors gave her strength.  As the nation's sole producer of PepsiCo beverages, PCPPI is a steadfast supporter of women's empowerment in the workplace.

Breaking Stereotypes

In the field, she is conducting spot checks with the section manager as part of their daily commitment to ensuring top-quality production at every step.

There are still misunderstandings about women in leadership, even if the number of female leaders is increasing.  Many people believe that women are less able to withstand pressure because they are perceived as being more maternal or soft-hearted. 

Two core tenets of Elic's leadership philosophy are empathy and effective communication.  According to her, effective communication is the first step toward operational success since it guarantees that everyone in the team is working toward the same objective.  Beyond that, though, she stresses how crucial it is to comprehend the people that are driving the processes.

This strategy has fueled industrial performance and produced a work environment where staff members feel acknowledged and appreciated.  Her leadership has been instrumental in PCPPI's transformation in recent years.  The business has purposefully given women leadership opportunities while she has been in charge.

Women in Manufacturing

Sheryll Elic, a veteran in the manufacturing industry, stands strong at the forefront of change. With over 27 years of experience, she is not just breaking barriers—she’s creating new pathways for future generations of women leaders in manufacturing.

According to Elic, women will continue to advance in the manufacturing sector in the future.  She admits that things are changing and that women leaders are becoming more well-known in the business and industrial sectors. 

However, she is aware that more needs to be done.  Elic's advice to young women who want to be leaders is straightforward but impactful: "Believe in yourself." She describes how she stressed the value of self-confidence when she was asked to talk to Saint Louis University students studying chemical engineering.

"Her story is more than just inspiring—it’s a powerful call to action for women to rise, take charge, and reshape leadership on their own terms. And at PCPPI, we are committed to fostering their growth, championing their success, and ensuring they can thrive." ~Atty. Carina Bayon, PCCPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer

Her experience serves as evidence of the increasing power of female leaders in formerly male-dominated fields.  Elic's persistence not only earned her an international award from PepsiCo in 2014, but it also established a standard for female leaders to follow in the future.

About Pepsi Philippines

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages & snacks in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning more than 70 years. PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known beverage brands: Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum, Saero, and Premier. It has established 11 manufacturing facilities across the country and continues to provide employment through its extensive distribution network.

 

PCPPI is committed to create a positive impact on society with programs focused on environmental sustainability, nutrition, education, and livelihood. For more information, visit www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri Encapsulates the New Generation's Simple, Effortless Lifestyle

“Drinking culture is changing, and Millennials and GenZ are driving that change. They want something effortless without sacrificing taste, and Tanduay has responded to this demand with our RTD products like the Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri. They want something relaxing when catching up or celebrating. Their home becomes the new bar, and Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri blends with this new lifestyle.” ~Janno Gironella, Jr., Tanduay R&D Head

RTD cocktails have become popular among today's generation due to the rise of home drinking culture and a desire for convenience.  The Tanduay Flavored Mixes with Daiquiri taste are among the most well-liked RTDs available today.

With hints of cherry and almond cake, Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri tastes like a glass of fresh, juicy lemonade.  It smells of wonderful candied almond, zesty lemon, and fresh cherries.

It has the perfect amount of refreshing kick at 15% ABV.  Younger drinkers are more creative with flavors, but they are also more conscious of how much alcohol they consume, according to Gironella.

From House Parties to Quiet Wind-Downs

RTDs' appeal stems from more than just convenience; it also reflects modern lifestyles.  Instead than congregating in busy areas, people prefer to meet at their houses.

Another drink that's great to pack for a weekend trip with close friends is Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri.  It's also a fantastic way to wind down quietly by yourself.

Affordable Without Compromising on Taste

Without spending extra, Tanduay Flavored Mixes Daiquiri offers the same drinking pleasure as the well-known brand.  It's the ideal beverage for those on a tight budget who nevertheless want a tasty cocktail that takes little effort to make.

It's simple to buy as well as convenient to enjoy. Simply go to Tanduay's official stores on Lazada and Shopee or visit www.shots.ph to browse the brand's extensive selection of rums, RTDs, and other items.  They are also available at reputable liquor stores and supermarkets.