Let's beat the heat at Starbucks. Let's pack our summer essentials and head to any Starbucks branches for a Summer Getaway! No, I ain't talking about island hopping or beaching but taking a quick break with Starbucks Summer Indulgence. Starting this April 9, Starbucks is inviting customers to try their latest Beverages and featured Food - not to mention their summery Merchs and their cute Starbucks cards!




SUMMER FRAP!

Starting this April 9, Starbucks is inviting customers to come in to get away with a new set of beverages that taste like a short, sweet, sip of summer. Its new core drinks—the Triple Mocha Frappuccino®, the Dark Caramel Coffee Frappuccino®, and the Red Velvet Cake Cream Frappuccino®—are perfect for dessert lovers.

Triple Mocha Frappuccino®

The Triple Mocha Frappuccino® is loaded with Dark Mocha Sauce layered between cold-brew infused whipped cream, white chocolate, and dark caramel. Take away the Dark Mocha Sauce and add some rich and buttery Dark Caramel Sauce and the drink transforms into the delicious Dark Caramel Coffee Frappuccino®. Another drink added to the regular menu is the Red Velvet Cake Cream Frappuccino®, a confectionery-inspired blend of chocolate chips, mocha sauce, raspberry and vanilla syrup, topped with whipped cream.

Dark Caramel Coffee Frappuccino®

Mixed Berry Frappuccino® with Pomegranate Pearls

For those who want to feel the tropical vibes, Starbucks also offers a limited-time beverage just for the season of the sun – the Mixed Berry Frappuccino® with Pomegranate Pearls. The smooth and fruity beverage is made with mixed berry sauce blended with velvety milk, topped with cream to balance its tart berry flavor.

Red Velvet Cake Cream Frappuccino

TROPICAL TREAT COFFEE BEAN


Apart from their handcrafted Frappuccinos®, Starbucks also offers a tropical treat in the form of fresh coffee beans with the new Starbucks® Kopelani Blend – a blend that brings the flavors of Hawaii into each cup. At the heart of this summer, creation is the Hawaiian Ka’u coffee, combined with East African and Latin American beans which enhances the nutty notes and caramelly sweetness, for which Ka’u coffee is known for.

STARBUCKS CARDS AND MERCH


Carry with you the perfect complement for the balmy weather - the Botanical card, a Starbucks Card which features island scenes and tropical plants, available for an initial activation amount of Php300. Another fun and cute design is the new Popsicle card, also available for initial activation of Php300.

Botanical card

Popsicle card

There will also be new Starbucks merchandise to help you feel summer-ready wherever you go. The ‘A Day in The Island’ collection transports customers straight to the beach with its gradient designs depicting island scenes from sunrise to sunset and tropical plants. With the sun brightly shining this time of year, the ‘Gold’ collection also perfectly captures the glow and shimmer of the season with its golden tumblers in new and classic shapes.



THE SIREN'S ISLAND

The Starbucks Siren called customers to revel in a fun and feel-good break at the Siren’s Island – an island-carnival event where they could throw their cares to the wind and have a good time, all while enjoying the latest Starbucks’ summer offerings.

The Siren's Island

At the event, there was a grand Starbucks Ship welcoming deck - a wooden dock that marked the entryway to the sweetest destination. Fusing the elements of an island getaway and a summer pier carnival, the Siren’s Island brought the best of summer experiences in one spot.

Different stations were inspired by the new Starbucks beverages just like the tall, Dark Caramel Mountain with its rich caramel lava. Fortunes were uncovered at the Triple Mocha Room which was designed in true carnival fashion. There were also plenty of games to play at the booths just like berry-picking at the Mixed Berries Forest and the classic ring toss game at the Red Velvet Magic Shack.

(L-R) JoAnn Ramos, marketing manager, Jamie Silva, category manager, Keith Cole, head of marketing, category and QA of Starbucks Philippines with the Starbucks Bearista Bear and Host Justin Quirino

 
No carnival would be complete without a merry-go-round and the Siren’s Island also had it with a twist, a Selfie-Go-Round, carousel-themed 360◦ photo booth where everyone got to goof off and share clownish moments with their friends. Dressed up as a carnival knick-knack store, there was also the Siren’s Souvenir Shop where guests got to grab Starbucks merchandise. The funfair was complete with a food cart that served up Starbucks drinks and snacks.

The Siren’s Island is just the first of much more fun and carefree summer moments that customers can share with Starbucks. Starbucks’ doors are always open, calling everyone to come in to get away and sip a quick summer escape!

Lay-overs and wait times of airline passengers can be more convenient and enjoyable with the opening of the Resorts World Manila (RWM) Travelers Lounge in partnership with Cebu Pacific. The satellite check-in lounge is the first of its kind in the Philippines and is now open to serve passengers of Cebu Pacific flights departing from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA T3).



Located at the ground floor of the RWM’s Newport Mall, Cebu Pacific passengers have the option to check-in for their flights during mall hours or up to eight (8) hours before their scheduled flights. Those with check-in bags, however, will still have to proceed to the Bag Drop counters at the airport.



To ensure that nobody misses their flights while enjoying RWM’s attractions and amenities, real-time flight status digital boards are located at the lounge. Getting to NAIA T3 is easy and cool with Runway Manila, an air-conditioned, elevated walkway that directly connects Newport City with the airport. Free shuttle vans regularly make the rounds from Newport Mall and RWM hotels to the Runway Manila entrance from where passengers can walk to the airport within five minutes.

“We’re very pleased to have this partnership with the Philippines’ biggest budget airline,” says Stephen Reilly, Chief Operating Officer of Resorts World Manila, “They fly tens of thousands of local and international tourists on their planes daily and we are glad to provide these travelers with the option of spending their pre-boarding hours enjoying the many thrills RWM has to offer.”


As an added treat for RWM members who check-in at the satellite lounge, RWM is giving away 300 pesos worth of non-negotiable slots credits, and PHP 150 discount vouchers for every minimum PHP500 spend at RWM signature restaurants such as Impressions, Passion, Ginzadon, Café Maxims, and gaming area restaurants Silk Road, Dialogue, Victoria Harbour Café, and Franks. RWM membership is free for qualified individuals.



Travelers arriving through any Philippine airport terminal can also enjoy the many thrills of RWM through its Arrive and Stay Promotion. Passengers can present their boarding passes at Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City, Belmont Hotel Manila, or the Savoy Hotel Manila to avail of an overnight stay for two with free buffet breakfast for only P5,500 net. The date of check-in must be within 5 days from the date of arrival as shown in the boarding pass.

Guests must be at least 21 years old to avail of the slot credits and to dine in gaming area restaurants. Travelers with flights are responsible for reaching their boarding gates on time and encouraged to check the flight status boards around the property and to allow enough time to reach the airport.



Download the RWM Mobile App or visit www.rwmanila.com for updates on new events, offers, and promotions at RWM and Newport Mall. Call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at +632.908.8833 for inquiries.

As it celebrates 10 years as the Philippines’ very first integrated resort, Resorts World Manila (RWM) stays true to its trailblazing nature through continued growth and innovation in delivering world-class thrills with a Filipino touch. I was so happy to be given a privilege to experience these amazing and world-class services by Resorts World Manila.


Hilton Manila Hotel and Sheraton Manila Hotel Joins RWM

As the Philippines sees unprecedented growth in international tourist arrivals, along with a boom in domestic tourism, RWM has expanded and upgraded its hotel segment to include major global hospitality brands and saw the opening of the country’s first Holiday Inn Express hotel, the return of the Philippines’ first five-star brand, the Hilton Manila, and most recently the Sheraton Manila Hotel.  They join RWM’s all-suite Maxims Hotel, the five-star Manila Marriott Hotel, and homegrown business traveler hotels Belmont Hotel Manila and Savoy Hotel Manila – both of which have received accolades for delivering essential luxuries at an exceptional value.
These will be soon followed by the Hotel Okura Manila, another Philippine-first, which will house all-suite accommodations featuring the signature elegance of the esteemed Japanese brand. Once all hotel developments are completed, RWM will have eight hotel brands and a total hotel room count of almost 3,600 – the most for a single complex in the Philippines.

Do you want to try home-cooked dishes when in Manila? Come to Kusina Restaurant in Hilton Manila for sure win buffet! And when you're here, don't forget to order grilled seafood - spicy shrimp!!!!#rwmexplore2019 #resortsworldmanila #hiltonmanila pic.twitter.com/xpV0Tfoy8F

— Mark M. Monta (@TheMarkMonta) March 29, 2019

Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City (HIEx Manila) Is Your Choice in RWM

Feeling Comfy at Holiday Inn Express Manila

With 737 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City (HIEx Manila) of the InterContinental Hotels Group, is the group’s largest HIEx property in Southeast Asia. Providing value-for-money accommodations with world-class standards for the smart traveler, HIEx Manila also has a myriad of evening entertainment options with House Manila, La Maison, and Madame Wong’s.

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Staying for 3 days in this accommodating @holidayinnexpressmnlnewport and I'm so excited to explore and experience the new stuff here in @resortsworldmanila as they celebrate their 10th year anniversary!!! #RWMeXplore2019 #resortsworldmanila

A post shared by The Mark Monta (@themarkmonta) on Mar 27, 2019 at 5:00am PDT

Belmont Hotel Manila Got Your Business Requirements Covered

The Belmont Hotel Manila has become the preferred accommodation among business travelers. The 470-room Belmont Hotel Manila, which was recently named the Best Airport Hotel in the Philippines by the Travel and Hospitality Awards, offers optimum city views from its rooftop pool and bar and easy access to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) through Runway Manila.


Savoy Hotel Manila Joins RWM

The newest addition to RWM’s lineup of practical accommodations is Savoy Hotel Manila, a 684-room development where guests can enjoy creature comforts such as a swimming pool, function rooms, fitness center, dining outlets, and Squares – a common lounge area with spaces for guests to work, relax, or mingle.

Savoy Hotel Manila

The Runway Manila and Free Shuttles

All RWM hotel guests benefit from the integrated resort’s proximity to the airport. In addition to the option to reach NAIA 3 without enduring the notorious Manila traffic through Runway Manila, all RWM guests may use the free hourly shuttles to and from all Manila international airport terminals.



Ang Huling El Bimbo Rerun Is A Must-Watch

To celebrate 10 years of championing the Philippine Performing Arts, RWM, together with the Full House Theater Company (FHTC) is holding the second run of Ang Huling El Bimbo, which is based on the songs of an iconic 90’s Philippine rock band at the Newport Performing Arts Theater until April 14, 2019. The original all-Filipino production has proven to be one of the Company’s most successful productions during its original run in 2018, with multiple sold-out shows and a slew of industry citations.

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COFFEE is UP for MONDAY! Happy April First My Loves!! Btw, you still have chances to watch #anghulingelbimbo2019 play at @resortsworldmanila until April 12! Visit rwmanila.com for tickets and inquiries. #ResortsWorldManila #AprilFools #RWMeXplore2019

A post shared by The Mark Monta (@themarkmonta) on Apr 1, 2019 at 12:00am PDT

RWM Has New Wing

With the new addition of its Grand Wing, RWM has approximately 14,000 square meters of new gaming space; three brand new five-star hotels namely Hilton Manila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, and Hotel Okura Manila; the Grand Bar entertainment venue; and various food selections. While only the ground floor gaming area is operational, the building will eventually house an additional six private rooms at the ground floor, and nine more on the 2nd floor. Once completed, all three areas will add 900 slot machines and 180 tables to RWM’s gaming capacity.


With its Phase 3 development plans set to be completed in 2019, RWM will soon be the largest and most diversified integrated resort in the country in terms of gaming space, MICE facilities, hotel brands, and class segmentation, as well as in retail, dining, and entertainment.

All qualified guests may avail of free RWM membership and download the RWM Mobile App on their smartphones to enjoy on-the-go updates on RWM promotions and to receive app-exclusive vouchers.

Visit www.rwmanila.com for more information about RWM’s 10th Anniversary developments, offers, and events.

I believe only Filipino can relate to Eraserheads songs, right? It was in the year 1989 when the rock group was formed consisting of Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro, and Raimund Marasigan. In the year 1997, the band received the Viewer's Choice Award for Asia from the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards for the song "Ang Huling El Bimbo". It is the first award given to a Filipino talent. This year, Eheads songs will come to live musical play in Newport Performing Arts Theater Resorts World Manila!

Ang Huling El Bimbo Casts

MY EXPECTATIONS

It was last Thursday when I drafted this article for Huling El Bimbo. I even searched online for its first run last July of 2018. So, upon hearing the title of the play, Huling El Bimbo, all I thought was the life of the girl in the "madilim na eskenita" and what really happened to her. I am so excited to witness and listen to the throwback songs of the '90s, not to mention the other songs of Eraserheads!

As I heard, the first run was a big success and this time, I am assumed some twist of story-line or maybe some new characters and revelations from the first run. I am super excited!

Ang Huling El Bimbo finale scene

ABOUT "ANG HULING EL BIMBO"

Ang Huling El Bimbo is a story of friendship told through the songs of the most iconic Pinoy rock band from the ’90s. It is an original story that should resonate with people who understand how the powerful bond between friends shapes our lives. It will also be a nostalgic journey, driven by songs that have become part of the collective Pinoy psyche.

Ang Huling El Bimbo's ROTC march performed to a new arrangement of “Pare Ko” is one of many show stealers in the musical’s 2nd run.

(L-R) OJ Mariano, Gian Magdangal and Jon Santos reprise their roles as three guilt-stricken friends in Ang Huling El Bimbo

Most Filipinos have a personal ‘hugot’ from the songs of the country’s most iconic Pinoy rock band of the ‘90s. Last year, those songs were woven into a story that will remain in the hearts of Filipino audiences for a long time. Fortunately for those who have not experienced the nostalgia, there’s a reason to celebrate anew as Resorts World Manila (RWM) and Full House Theater Company is set for the return of the musical Ang Huling El Bimbo on March 1 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Aside from featuring Pinoy ‘90s anthems from the country’s Fab Four, the tale of four friends takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that stems from the brilliant mind of playwright Dingdong Novenario and personified onstage by director Dexter Santos.

“The audience response to Ang Huling El Bimbo was very positive to say the least,” said associate director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. All this confirms the keen interest there was in the show,” she added. The musicals first run last year garnered the most number of citations from Gawad Buhay during the third and fourth quarter of 2018 with a total of 14, and with new cast members, more nominations are expected along the way.

Cebu Media and Bloggers with main Casts of Ang Huling El Bimbo March 28 play. Camera by Doyzkie Buenaviaje

For the second run, new facets complement the production. Fresh cast members Nicco Manalo, Lance Reblando, David Ezra, Phi Palmos, Myke Salomon, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Gabriella Pangilinan, and Carla Guevara- Laforteza also join the original cast of Gian Magdangal, Reb Atadero, Boo Gabunada, OJ Mariano, Bibo Reyes, Jon Santos, Tanya Manalang, and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Audiences can expect additional lines and dialogue for more engaging scenes and tighter repartee between the characters.  The

upcoming iteration of the musical also features a fine-tuned and more gripping narrative which was polished by prominent dramaturg Floy Quintos who joins the creative team.

Artistic director Michael Williams expressed his praise to audiences for their continued support not only for Ang Huling El Bimbo but for the numerous Filipino productions in performance onstage as well. “Productions like Ang Huling El Bimbo allow the general Filipino audiences to recognize theater as a viable option for their entertainment,” he said. “Our show has found its audience, and the audience has found us. It’s a mutual discovery and we hope that relationship continues to grow,” he added.


WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THAT NIGHT?

Before I went sentimental, Ang Huling El Bimbo runs until April 14 with shows every Thursday to Sunday at 8pm and matinees at 3pm every Saturday and Sunday at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available at the RWM Box Office and Ticket World outlets. Download the RWM Mobile App for the complete show schedules.

Gab Pangilinan as Joy

So what really happened that night? It was full of emotions! The play really captured every heart of the audience. That tragic turn of event really retained in my brain and heart as I always remember that girl - Joy. Not to mention the well-executed choreography - my fave part is the ROTC scene during their college lives.

Phi Palmos (right) in Ang Huling El Bimbo's ROTC scene

Generally, I give this musical play 4 out of 5 stars! After all, Eraserheads is my highschool emo-songs and all songs played on that theatre definitely left a pinch to my heart. 

With Liwanag, daughter of Joy in the play. Camera by Doyzkie Buenaviaje

Max's Restaurant always surprises us with their Filipino classic Menu. Not to mention the all-time favorite "Sarap To The Bones" chicken, my personal favorite, by the way, Max's is introducing their new set of Rice Bowls starting this month. You will surely get a lot on your plate with a wide selection of Rice Bowls that will surely satisfy your cravings for delicious and filling Filipino food starting at PHP 149 only.






New Rice Bowls | Starts at PHP 149

To put you in a good mood, try Max's newest offerings, the Seafood Kare-Kare Rice Bowl made with a combination of shrimp, squid, and fish slowly cooked in a creamy peanut sauce; the Max's Spicy Tofu (another favorite of mine) headlined by deep-fried tofu cubes tossed in a special spicy mayo base and served with a side of fried egg; the Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet Rice Bowl made with breaded cream dory doused in a combination of sweet and tangy sauce; and the Chopsuey Rice Bowl which features a symphony of sauteed fresh vegetables, pork, shrimp, and chicken liver and gizzard.


Those looking to reward themselves can order a Rice Bowl that will make them feel like a winner in every bite like the Sizzling Chicken made with coarsely chopped fried chicken and chicken liver, spiced up with white onion, celery and chili; the Beef Caldereta with fork-tender beef chunks in thick sauce topped with fried potatoes and carrots; and the Adobo Ribs which offers a unique twist on the classic taste of the well-loved adobo.



Speaking of classic, in the mood for one? Max's Restaurant also pays tribute to Pinoy food loved by many for generations with the Crispy Pata, deep fried pig knuckles served with banana slices and atchara and the Kare-Kare Rice Bowl made the traditional way by slow braising ox tripe and beef shanks in thick peanut sauce and vegetables. There is also the Bangus Belly Paksiw Rice Bowl cooked using premium milkfish belly fillet and the Fish fillet in Black Bean Sauce with lightly breaded cream dory fillet slathered with red bell pepper strips, spring onions, ginger strips, and black bean sauce.



New Flavor of Caramel Bar!

Calamansi! Yes, it's Calamansi flavored Caramel Bar available at Max's Corner Bakery. Very good for Summer and its tasteful too! You should check this out too and oh, this is a good birthday gift, I tried this everytime!




Max's Restaurant Opens Robinson's Galleria Cebu

On March 9, 2019, Max's Restaurant opens its latest branch in the most beautiful Robinsons Mall in the Philippines, Robinsons Galleria Cebu. Situated in the Al Fresco area, Max's Restaurant - Robinsons Galleria is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 in the evening. Should you have inquiries, please call 254-1111.



With Max's Rice Bowls, customers can now enjoy real food fit to their every mood. And with over ten flavors to choose from, Max's has once again given its diners a reason to celebrate Everyday to the Max!



"We understand our customers when they say that their mood affects the food they want to eat," said Max's Restaurant Chief Operating Officer, Paolo Serrano. "That's why we want to make sure that whatever mood they are in, they can always come to Max's Restaurant and enjoy a bowl of rice topped with their all-time Pinoy favorites."

Spring is coming! And in Japan, it's the most anticipated season of the year as people all over the world are looking forward to the blooming of Cherry Blossoms which is a sign of new beginnings! The breath-taking sight of cherry trees tinted with the pale pink haze symbolizes beauty, life, and renewal. But of course, you can experience Cherry Blossoms at any Starbucks branches in the country starting March 12. With their Cherry Blossoms - inspired products, you will surely be hooked to Japan's beloved Sakura!



CAPTURE FLAVORS IN BLOOM


This year, Starbucks also embraces the changing of the seasons with new Springtime favorites inspired by Cherry Blossom. The Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino® is as dreamy as a Spring day in Japan with its velvety milk and sweet red bean base, topped with whipped cream, falling petals of white and pink rice blossom petals, and tart dried cranberry bits.

GREEN TEA BLOSSOMS

Starbucks also offers a green tea variation with the Matcha Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino® which blends the bright flavors of Matcha and sweet red bean. This cherry blossom treat is also sprinkled with pink and white rice petals and cranberry bits on top of whipped cream and red beans


SPRING SEASON BLENDS

For those who want to bring spring’s unique flavors into their cup of coffee at home, the Starbucks Spring Season Blend combines four distinct coffees from around the world to deliver a big syrupy body with dark cherry and cedary spice flavors.


2019 SAKURA CARD


Complete the collection with the 2019 Sakura Card, designed to show the delicateness of the Cherry Blossom’s pale pink petals. The card is available for an initial activation amount of Php300 per card.



SAKURA-THEMED MERCH

Aside from delightful cherry blossom beverages, stunning Sakura-themed merchandise is also ripe for the picking in Starbucks stores. With a dainty palette of pink, purple, and gold, the collection depicts two kinds of cherry blossoms, inspired by traditional hand drawings and oil paintings that capture its beauty.



Some items from the collection include double-walled mugs with rubber lids in Blossom Pink and in Blossom Gray with Sakura motifs, tumblers like the clear Cold Cup designed with a sprinkling confetti blossom and complemented with a lid and straw, and even adorable Bearista Bear Keychains in pastel pink.



JOIN THE CHERRY BLOSSOM CRAZE!

Starting March 12, customers who purchase any of the two featured beverages can experience Cherry Blossom at Starbucks. Customers simply need to scan the QR code that can be found in each cup when they purchase either a Matcha Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino® or an Azuki Blossom Cream Frappuccino®. After scanning the QR code, they will need to locate the banner with the Cherry Blossom to trigger the AR experience. Upon scanning, customers can take their selfies under Cherry Trees of falling cherry blossoms. Join in on the Cherry Blossom craze and visit Starbucks to witness spring in full bloom! Visit the Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page for more details!