Star Powerhouse

Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return for Ballet Manila's La Bayadere   Two of the world’s most celebrated ballet artists will once again step onto the Philippine stage to give Filipino audiences a glimpse of their extraordinary and world-renowned artistry, passion and technical brilliance. This August, Ballet Manila brings back ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, principal dancers of the Mariinsky Ballet, to breathe new life into the timeless classic, La Bayadère happening at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8 PM, and on August 15 and 16 at 5PM.   Notably, their return solidifies Ballet Manila’s long-standing mission of bringing world-class ballet closer to the Filipino audiences, giving local theatergoers a rare chance to witness internationally celebrated performers in the country.  “We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila,” exclaimed Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s founder and ar...

Bais filmmaking workshop facilitators, organizers, and participants The 4th Bais Film Festival of Short Films is officially gearing up to take center stage in December 2026. This after three successful editions that have anchored the local filmmaking tradition. Led by a collaborative effort between the City Government of Bais under the leadership of Mayor Luigi Marcel T. Goñi and the Office of Culture and the Arts headed by Rolin Cadallo Obina, the festival serves as a platform for homegrown visual storytellers.  “The festival, now on its 4th year, is divided into two programs. First, all participants to the filmfest shall undergo a filmmaking workshop facilitated by The Academy member Arvin Belarmino and Ms. Kyla Romero. The second part is the film showing and appreciation and the awards ceremony which is held every end of December,” Obina shared. Rolin C. Obina at the 3rd Bais Film Festival awards night in 2025 Majority of the participants to the festival are students from differ...

The demand for wellness is changing. More Filipinos are searching for ways to relax, recover, and feel better without always depending on massage spas, therapists, or outside recovery centers. Searches around terms like massage chair, back massager, neck massager, foot massage machine, body massage, and massage support for recovery show one clear direction: people want wellness solutions that are easier to access and more consistent at home. This is where ZION strengthens its position in the Philippine wellness market. ZION is not just offering a massage chair. It is building a complete home wellness experience designed for people who want relaxation, body comfort, and recovery support as part of everyday living. Through its product lineup of massage chairs, recliners, saunas, and cold plunge solutions, ZION gives Filipino homes access to wellness products that support rest, relaxation, and smarter recovery routines. ZION’s official collection includes massage c...

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) employees have reportedly filed administrative and ethics complaints against Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, accusing her of abusing her authority and cultivating what they describe as a climate of fear inside the agency.  Central to the employees' concerns is Agrupis' reported insistence that she enjoys a close relationship with First Lady Liza A. Marcos. According to employees, Agrupis has invoked this claimed closeness in a manner that has created the impression that she is politically protected — even untouchable — despite the complaints and mounting criticism surrounding her leadership. Employees stress, however, that the supposed relationship is based on Agrupis' own claims, and questions remain over whether the First Lady herself is even aware that her name is allegedly being invoked in this way. The claim has cast a long shadow over the complaints, fueling worry that the allegations against Agrupis will be quietly sh...

  In celebration of National Heritage Month, Lampara Books unveils its latest collection of literary and educational releases that honor the long-standing traditions of Filipino storytelling and encourage cultural appreciation and values formation among the next generation of readers. The lineup includes Filipino classics, modern retellings, and innovative educational series that share the publishing house’s mission of providing accessible, values-based, and culturally relevant literature for Filipino children and families. Among the highlights of the launch are two of Philippine literature’s most enduring masterpieces: Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura . Edited by acclaimed scholar and children’s literature advocate Eugene Y. Evasco , the new edition of Ibong Adarna offers an enriched reading experience through chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and comprehension prompts designed to support students, teachers, parents, and independent readers alike. The volume features cove...

AME has officially released Kwentong Barbero , a seven-track album that tackles the unfiltered realities of everyday Filipino life. As one of the few active blues bands in the local music scene, AME takes the genre to a thrilling new place through its riveting balance of classic blues sound, ‘70s psychedelic rock, and contemporary punk edge. Redefining OPM with their eclectic sound and personality, Kwentong Barbero delivers a record wity easygoing charm and confidence. The retro-modern album features previously released singles “ Ipagpatawad Mo ,” “ Hala Bira ,” and “ Palaboy ,” alongside four new tracks ready to hit hard and stay with the listeners until the final note. From the urban grit of “ BluKolar ” to the poignant farewell in “ Langit ,” the record paints vibrant stories of love, survival, identity, and hope into anthems that cut across generations. “BluKolar,” in particular, connects the album to broader themes of labor, migration, and resilience, grounding AME’s music in th...