Tuesday, April 29, 2025

OKADA MANILA MOTORSPORT CARNIVALE 2025 KICKS OFF MAY 4

Motorsport festival returns with more power, prestige, and passion for Filipino car culture

MANILA, Philippines – Yllana Racing, in partnership with Okada Manila, brings back one of the country’s most anticipated racing events with the Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025, opening on May 4 in Parañaque City.

Set against the iconic backdrop of the Philippines’ premier integrated resort—and with racing action extending to the Boardwalk and Gardens, the seaside area just outside Okada Manila—this year’s edition promises more power, prestige, and passion as it revs up for a thrilling celebration of Filipino car culture.


The action starts early with a Super Sprint from 6 AM to 6 PM, followed by the much-awaited Grand Car Meet: Legends of the ’90s at 7 PM, promising high-speed thrills and nostalgic charm for car enthusiasts and families alike.

The festival is once again spearheaded by Jomari Yllana, president of Yllana Racing and a long-time motorsport advocate.

“In partnership with Okada Manila, our major presenter, we’re proud to bring back this celebration of speed, style, and Filipino pride,” said Yllana. “We want to rally every racing enthusiast, family, and fan into one inclusive and passionate motorsport community.”



More Races, More Excitement

Racing continues on May 31 with Jom’s Cup, an 1/8-mile drag racing challenge to be held at the Boardwalk and Gardens of Okada Manila. Expect intense competition across Super Car, Muscle Car, and Vintage Car categories.

A special EV car showcase with guest celebrities will be held during intermissions, adding a modern, sustainable twist to the day’s events. Other major motorsport events will be announced soon.

The 2025 series builds on the overwhelming success of Motorsport Carnivale 2023, which drew an impressive 2,400 vehicles and attracted thousands of spectators to Okada Manila. The event was widely praised as the largest motorsport gathering in the country in recent years, proving that Filipino car culture is alive and thriving.


“We have awakened a sleeping giant,” Yllana shared. “Through this event, we were reminded of the passion that fuels our local motorsport scene—and we’re just getting started.”

Motorsport Carnivale is inspired by the glory days of Philippine motorsports, including the Philippine Grand Prix held in Manila from 1973 to 1976, a series known for its prestige and grandeur. Yllana hopes to rekindle that same spirit today, especially among younger audiences and new fans.


Powering Philippine Motorsports

Motorsport Carnivale 2025 is co-led by Rikki Dy-Liacco, a respected champion racer and Head of Motorsports at the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the country’s official representative to the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

Dy-Liacco brings international racing standards and experience, having served as race steward at elite global events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT World Challenge Asia, Formula 4 Middle East, and the Macau Grand Prix.

“We’re raising the bar and bringing Philippine motorsports closer to international levels,” said Dy-Liacco.


“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting local partners in creating diverse tourism experiences within Entertainment City,” said Byron Yip, Okada Manila President and COO. “Motorsport Carnivale adds a dynamic and family-friendly dimension to the vibrant range of activities we offer, celebrating automotive culture, community, and local talent.”

Yllana himself is no stranger to the sport—he has won and placed in several local races and was the first Filipino podium finisher at the Yeongam International Circuit in South Korea in 2014. He continues to race as the principal driver of pro team Yllana Racing.

With its unique blend of adrenaline, nostalgia, and premium entertainment, Okada Manila Motorsport Carnivale 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark experience for families, fans, and future racers.
 
For More Information and Updates:
📱 Follow @OkadaManila on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.okadamanila.com
🏁 Follow @motorsportcarnivaleph on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
🚗 Follow @yllanaracing on Facebook and Instagram
👤 Follow @jomariyllana on Instagram
📩 For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, contact motorsportcarnivaleph@gmail.com or call 0929-570-1746 / 0916-435-4068

Monday, April 28, 2025

Celebrating 42 years in the industry: 'Zsa Zsa: Through The Years', an evening of music, memories and heartfelt moments


THROUGH the years, many words have been used to describe Zsa Zsa Padilla – iconic, brilliant,  fabulous – but those who know her best agree that she is an inspiration and an absolute survivor.  

Through ups and downs, Zsa Zsa triumphantly stands-out for being an artist who continues to thrive in recording, film, television, and the live concert stage.


Excitement is brewing as Zsa Zsa takes the stage once more and – dazzling as ever – create an evening of unforgettable magic with her upcoming concert titled Zsa Zsa: Through The Years happening this May 17 at Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Ayala Malls Circuit Grounds, Makati.

Promising an evening of “music, memories and heartfelt moments,” Zsa Zsa states that the event is “not just a concert, but a celebration of an incredible journey, a tribute to all the wonderful mothers [as the event happens around the time of Mother’s Day] and a pre-birthday treat for all of us to enjoy.”

As a multi-hyphenate, music has always been Zsa Zsa’s true northstar and the concert is predicated by her hits. 


Zsa Zsa was a member of the legendary Pinoy group Hotdog which is also considered as OPM pillars with its genre-defining sound. 

By the time Zsa Zsa went solo, she served consistent smash hit singles after the other like “Kahit Na,” “Point Of No Return,” “Hiram,” “Ikaw Lamang,” “Mula Sa Puso,” and “Mambobola” coupled with a sampling of chart-topping covers such as “We’re All Alone,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “Through The Years.” 

With hard work and passion to the craft, Zsa Zsa’s body of work in music makes her one of the best-selling female recording artists of all time as evidenced by her repertoire of multi-platinum full-length studio albums.


As an actress, Zsa Zsa has proven her range numerous times throughout the decades, experimenting with roles in various genres encompassing fantasy, comedy and drama with a filmography that consists of Ako Legal Wife: Mano Po 4, Batang PX, Minsan Lang Kita IIbigin and Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Ze Moveeh to mention a few. 

On TV, she breathed life on some of the most complex characters in the landscape of primetime television on top-rating series like Budoy, Juan Dela Cruz, and Wildflower while being one of the OPM icons featured on ABS-CBN’s long-running Sunday musical variety show ASAP Natin ‘To.

And because of her hard-earned accomplishments, she has – through the years – become a benchmark of beauty and success for a wide demographic – from denizens of the razzle dazzle world to everyday dreamers who remain steadfast in carving their marks.

To spruce-up the show, Zsa Zsa assembled some of the fiercest Pinoy artists as her special guests. The show – directed by Rowell Santiago with Homer Flores as Musical Director – will feature performances by Zia Quizon, Karylle, Erik Santos, and Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano.

Join Zsa Zsa in this biggest musical event of the season and be a part of another exhilarating chapter of her career.

“Let’s relive the songs, stories and unforgettable moments,” Zsa Zsa excitedly invites. “I can’t wait to share this evening with you!”

Tickets to Zsa Zsa: Through The Years are available online via TicketWorld.

Follow, support, and get updates via Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Facebook and Instagram.

Friday, April 11, 2025

TIEZA Honors War Heroes with Series of Events at Mt. Samat Shrine


April 10, 2025 Pilar, Bataan — In honor of the 83rd year of celebrating Araw ng Kagitingan, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), through the Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (MS-FTEZ) Office, proudly presented the newly completed Underground Museum at the historic Mt. Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the viewing of the newly curated Bataan Legacy Underground Museum on April 9, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the continued preservation and revitalization of the country’s national heritage sites.


First inaugurated on April 9, 1970, by then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the Mt. Samat Shrine stands as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Bataan’s defenders and the

nation’s continuing commitment to preserve an indispensable memory of the past. Located beneath the Shrine’s iconic Colonnade, the newly redeveloped museum has been transformed into a state-of-the-art educational and heritage site under TIEZA’s Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (FTEZ) initiative. With the theme “The Legacy of Bataan and Its Heroes,” the museum presents a deeper, immersive narrative of World War II—from the roots of conflict to the Battle of Bataan, the Death March, and eventual liberation.



During the viewing, the role of national memory in shaping the Filipino spirit was emphasized, alongside a heartfelt tribute to veterans and their families whose courage shaped the nation’s

history. A focal point of the tour was the original 1970 marker commemorating the museum’s inauguration, symbolizing the continuity of historical stewardship across generations. President Marcos Jr. was joined by distinguished officials including Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro Jr., PVAO Administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, PVAO Assistant Secretaries Restituto L. Aguilar and Domingo C. Carbonell Jr., Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, Congressman Albert Raymond Garcia, Pilar Mayor Carlos F. Pizarro Jr., TIEZA ACOO Atty. Karen Mae G. Sarinas-Baydo, and Mt. Samat FTEZ Administrator Atty. Francis Theodore B. Initorio.


The museum now features nine interconnected exhibit themes, including Bataan as a Battlefield, War Heroes, The Fall of Bataan, and The Heroism in Bataan. These are brought to life through modern exhibit design, virtual and augmented reality installations, holographic displays, and interactive storytelling—offering visitors a compelling 20–30-minute immersive experience. 


In his remarks, Atty. Initorio noted, “This museum represents not just a retelling of history but a reawakening of our national consciousness—honoring the past, informing the present, and inspiring the future.”



The Mt. Samat Underground Museum is set to reopen its doors to the public in June 2025, offering a vital space for education, commemoration, and reflection within the Shrine of Valor.



More activities at Mt. Samat Shrine to celebrate Philippine Veterans’ Week


To further commemorate Philippine Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagitingan, TIEZA – MS-FTEZ, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the ProvincialGovernment of Bataan (PGB), and Municipality of Pilar, participated in the “Parada ng Kagitingan” on April 8, 2025, a vibrant float parade featuring entries from the four districts if Bataan and MS-FTEZ.


The TIEZA – MS-FTEZ will also launch at the University of Santo Tomas in España, Manila, the “Faces of Valor” (FoV) Photo Exhibit, scheduled from 23 April to 30 April, showcasing past and prospective Congressional Gold Medal awardees. Held annually as part of the Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration, the exhibit highlights the sacrifices of war veterans while emphasizing the importance of honoring and supporting today’s veterans. More than a tribute, the FoV fosters patriotism and a deeper appreciation for the country among Filipinos and foreign visitors alike.


These meaningful activities aim to celebrate courage, uphold historical memory, and inspire future generations. The redevelopment initiative and the commemorative events surrounding Araw Ng Kagitingan and Philippine Veterans’ Week exemplify TIEZA’s unwavering commitment to preserving the country’s historical legacy while enriching the tourism experience for both present and future generations.


Friday, April 4, 2025

A new way of purposeful giving: Globe empowers customers to drive positive change with GoGIVE

 

IN line with its mission to uplift the lives of Filipinos, Globe has launched an innovative way to engage its customers in its mission of doing good. 

 

GoGIVE is an innovative feature within the GlobeOne app that enables Globe Prepaid users to support causes they deeply care about by using mobile data. 

 

GoGIVE provides a seamless way to align Filipinos’ digital lifestyle with purpose-driven action. Globe Prepaid customers can now help their advocacy of choice just by using their mobile data. When they go about their daily online activities such as streaming, gaming, messaging, and browsing, they can earn "hearts" that they can send as support to the causes they care about. 

 

For every GB of data used, Globe customers collect hearts that they can allocate to their chosen advocacy, including animal welfare, environmental protection, children's education, fighting hunger, and more. 



“GoGIVE is designed to inspire our customers to create lasting change. By simply going online, they will be able to make a difference each day. Every post they create, every video they watch, every game they play, they can contribute to making our world a better place,” said Givielle Florida, Head of Globe Prepaid. “This campaign reinforces Globe's dedication to sustainability and aligns with our purpose of uplifting lives through technology.” 

 

Through GoGIVE, users can select from a range of advocacies from Globe partners, including:  

 

       Connect to Compassion: Saving More Animals with Technology - in Partnership with Philippine Animal Welfare Society 

       Guardians of the Forest: Empower Indigenous Youth with Conservation Education - in Partnership with Philippine Eagle Foundation

       Strong Women, Stronger Connections: Digital Literacy for Women - in Partnership with  Project PEARLS

       Every Child Safe, Every Child Seen: Building Stronger Communities Together -  in Partnership with World Vision

       Supporting Healthcare Heroes: Advancing Medical Training and Research -  in Partnership with PGH Medical Foundation

 

To join GoGIVE, Globe Prepaid users can simply download the GlobeOne app, click the GoGIVE banner, and select their preferred advocacy to begin making automatic donations. 

 

GoGIVE is Globe's latest initiative in its commitment to nation-building and sustainability, expanding on programs such as the Hapag Movement, Globe's G-Gantic Goals, and Climate Champions, among other efforts. 

 

By consistently engaging its stakeholders to help shape a better Philippines, Globe continues to redefine what it means to drive impact through digital innovation— providing customers with exceptional services and the means to foster lasting positive change as they “#GoForwardTogether.” 

 

Download the GlobeOne app today and learn more about Globe, by visiting https://www.globe.com.ph/.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Eraserheads Introduce 'Electric Fun Music Festival', Happening on May 31 at the SMDC Festival Grounds

AFTER a series of sold-out shows across key cities worldwide, the Eraserheads are back with the Electric Fun Music Festival, a festival conceptualized and initiated by the band members themselves. 

Happening on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the SMDC Festival Grounds, this extraordinary event offers a fresh and exciting way for the band to unite fans in a grand celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Following the massive success of 'Ang Huling El Bimbo' Concert and World Tour and the blockbuster screening of 'Combo on the Run', the iconic band is set to light up the stage once more with powerhouse performances of their timeless hits. 



Unlike typical music festivals where all bands perform shortened sets, at the Electric Fun Music Festival, the Eraserheads will deliver a full concert set —giving fans the complete experience they deserve.

Joining them is a carefully curated lineup of homegrown OPM acts, each bringing their unique sound to create a one-of-a-kind celebration of Filipino music.

The Eraserheads are thrilled to perform for their fans once again, and this time, it’s not just another reunion—it’s something new.


“This is for the fans who wanted more,” said Ely Buendia in a press statement. “We just wanted a music festival where our friends, the artists we admire, can share the stage with us. We’re here to stay.”


Raymund Marasigan added, “We’ve played countless shows, but this time we’re building a festival from the ground up. It’s all about the music, the fans, and the experience.” 

Marcus Adoro shared, “This is again a first-time experience for us in the local music industry where a band creates a lineup of artists of their choice and presents them in a festival.”

“It’s always special when we get to celebrate OPM with a crowd. This festival is a chance to do just that, and we’re excited to make it one epic night for everyone,” said Buddy Zabala. 

Sing along to Eraserheads classics and discover some of the country’s most exciting rising stars and seasoned performers—all in one memorable show. The full roster of participating artists will be announced soon, so stay tuned for updates.



Ito ay special offer! Early-bird tickets are exclusively available through PalawanPay. 


Get a 5% discount when you avail early-bird tickets from March 29 to April 16. 

Check out the ticket prices below:

SVIP - P12,500

VIP  -   P10,500

PLATINUM - P8,500

GOLD - P6,500

SILVER - P3,500

BRONZE - P1,500


How to Buy Eraserheads Tickets via PalawanPay:


Download and register on the PalawanPay app. Once verified, tap the ‘Eraserheads’ button to buy your ticket-—a small platform fee of P100 applies per ticket purchased.


Claim your physical ticket at any SM Tickets outlet starting 24 hours after purchase. Just show your PalawanPay transaction details.


Score This: Every PalawanPay ticket purchase gives you a shot at winning 4 SVIP tickets—1 for you, 3 for your crew!


'The Electric Fun Music Festival' is a production by WEU Event Management Services and DVent Productions. The event is presented by PalawanPay. See you at the festival!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Sony showcases exciting line-up at 'CinemaCon 2025', set to arrive in Philippine cinemas


MANILA, April 2, 2025 - Sony Pictures kicked off the yearly CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas with a rollout of some of the most highly anticipated titles of 2025 and beyond. 

Follow-ups to blockbusters such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day have been revealed, while the long-awaited next chapter to the critically acclaimed Spider-Verse animated films, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse has been given a release date of June 2027.

2025 will also see a continuation of Sony releasing films from the most popular ongoing anime franchises, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle coming up on August 20, and Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc arriving on September 24.


Check out the other titles Sony Pictures highlighted in CinemaCon that Columbia Pictures will release in Philippine theaters:



KARATE KID: LEGENDS (JUNE 4, 2025)

Trailer: https://youtu.be/BtACuGrq2uA


Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.



28 YEARS LATER (June 18, 2025)

Trailer: https://youtu.be/12i9doAn2Wc


Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle and Academy Award®-nominated writer Alex Garland reunite for 28 Years Later, a terrifying new story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well. Produced by Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, and Alex Garland. Executive Producer Cillian Murphy. Starring Jodie Comer, Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes.




I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (July 16, 2025)


A direct sequel to the cult classic 1998 film of the same name, I Know What You Did Last Summer, sees Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprise their roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson. The film also stars  Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King and Chase Sui Wonders.



DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA INFINITY CASTLE (August 20, 2025)

Release date reveal video: https://youtu.be/MgeFRcu4ufg


The battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons comes to a head in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle. As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji.



CHAINSAW MAN - THE MOVIE: REZE ARC (September 24, 2025)



Other films slated for 2025 are Caught Stealing (August 27, 2025), a crime thriller adaptation from the novel of the same name by Charlie Huston. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky starring Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, Regina King, Vincent D'Onofrio, Matt Smith and Bad Bunny.


Another is A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (October 8, 2025), an upcoming film by Kogonada (Pachinko, The Acolyte) starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell.



GOAT (FEB 2026)


Produced by Stephen Curry, GOAT is an upcoming animated sports comedy film written and directed by Tyree Dilihay in his feature film directorial debut.



SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY (JULY 2026)


The title for the fourth Spider-Man film starring Tom Holland is revealed to be Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Directing the film will be Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and filming will start around US summer this year.




SPIDER-MAN: BEYOND THE SPIDER-VERSE (JUNE 2027)


Sony revealed new stills in anticipation of Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which follows the events after Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Miles Morales found himself pitted against other Spiders from across other realities as he defies his own timeline to save his loved ones.


(L-R) Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn


THE BEATLES - A FOUR-FILM CINEMATIC EVENT (APRIL 2028)


Sony revealed a four-part biopic revolving around one of the most iconic bands of all time, The Beatles. The Beatles - A Four Film Cinematic Event will tell the tale of each member of the band, with Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. All four films will be helmed by Sam Mendes as director.


Get the latest updates about these films and more by following Columbia Pictures Philippines on their IG, FB, and TikTok pages.


Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”