Transcendent myths and romance in PPO Concert III: Bolero

 

The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) continues its magical 42nd concert season, Modulatio, with CONCERT III: BOLERO on November 6, 2026, at 7:30 pm, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City.

Under the baton of internationally acclaimed Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, the PPO will enchant audiences with a lush repertoire featuring French composer Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’après- midi d’un faune, French composer Maurice Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso and Bolero, and French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3, op. 61, B minor.

In this third installment of the concert series, Filipino violinist Kaycee Galano performs with the PPO, showcasing her musicality and dexterity as well as the incomparable uniqueness of Filipino artistry.

Varied inspirations in a heartfelt repertoire

For its Concert III, PPO begins the musical evening with Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un

faune. Inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé’s poem “The Afternoon of a Faun,” Debussy begins with the dreamy tune of a flute to narrate the story of the mythological half-human, half-goat creature enchanted by nymphs and naiads. The composition eases into almost improvisatory passages that refuse to settle in any key or tonal center. Debussy’s avant-garde decision later inspired his fellow composers to experiment beyond the traditional tones.

Following Debussy, Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso beautifully evokes mystery and romance. Derived from the lyric poetry of the Middle Ages that parting lovers sing, also known as “dawn songs,” this orchestral showpiece celebrates the next romantic meeting, built up with a typical Iberian rhythm. It remains one of Ravel’s career highlights with its colorful virtuosic solo interjections.

Ravel’s Spanish-flavored ballet score Boléro serves as the centerpiece of PPO Concert III. Russian dancer and actress Ida Rubinstein had encouraged the composer to create an orchestral transcription of Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz’ Iberia in 1928. However, the rights were granted to the Spanish conductor Enrique Arbós. Already enamored by the idea of composing an original from a harmonic and instrumental theme, Ravel set out to holiday in Saint-Jean-de- Luz, and Boléro was born.

A one-movement orchestral piece with snare drum rhythm designed around repeating Spanish

melodies, Ravel’s Boléro sports a gigantic crescendo and a surprise modulation that hammers into its spectators’ brains. Despite only having two repeating tunes, the composition is among Ravel’s most celebrated works from the experimental decade of the 1920s.

Capping the third concert of the season is Saint-Saëns’ Violin Concerto No. 3, op. 61, B minor.

This composition was inspired by Saint-Saëns’ lifelong bond with Spanish violinist Pablo

Sarasate, much like his first two violin concertos.

In 1859, a 15-year-old Sarasate casually requested a violin concerto from Saint-Saëns. This

encounter sparked an artistic relationship between the two, motivating the latter to blend his

adoration for the violinist’s technique into the composition’s exotic harmonies.

Together with the PPO, the dramatic bravura theme and staccato rhythm of Saint-Saëns’ Violin

Concerto No. 3, op. 61, B minor will be reimagined by Filipino violinist Kaycee Galano. Established as one of the leading young violinists of her generation, Galano has performed concertos with orchestras in Europe, China, North America, and the Philippines.

Guided by Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura in 2018, Galano once shared the stage with the PPO at 17 years old and interpreted Hector Berlioz’s Le Corsaire Overture and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 4, Op. 36, F minor. Still carrying her signature wonder and style, she returns for PPO Concert III: Bolero this November.

In 2021, Galano won first prize at the Mary Lane Memorial Violin Competition, and participated

in the 2021 Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition and the 2022 International

Violin Competition of Indianapolis. Before making her Carnegie Hall debut in October 2019,

she participated in the 1st International Viktor Tretyakov Violin Competition in 2018.

Myths, daydreams, and little romance in PPO Concert III: Bolero

Boasting a luxurious repertoire that showcases varied narratives about mythological creatures, romance, and real-life bonds, PPO Concert III: Bolero promises an unforgettable evening. The nation’s premier orchestra, together with its featured soloist Galano and principal conductor Maestro Nowak, continues to display the musical prowess it has rightfully earned after 42 concert seasons.

Following the success of the second concert of the 42nd series, PPO Concert III: Bolero is a clear testament to music’s transcendent ability to bring stories, emotions, and reflections from the past into the future.

Witness the artistry of PPO Concert III: Bolero live by purchasing tickets at TicketWorld. For

exclusive deals and discounts, be a PPO subscriber by contacting salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph or calling the CCP Box Office at +63 931-033-0880. Be the first in line for PPO’s 42nd concert season at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph. To get the latest updates on CCP and PPO events and performances, check the official Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube social media accounts.

Mindful Shopping is Here: Australia’s Scoop Wholefoods Lands in the Philippines

 

(L-R) Christian Tan (President, Healthy Options Group), Paul McEachern (First Secretary for Economic Investment, Australian Embassy), Christine Coqueiro (Vice President – Retail Development, Rockwell Land), Romy Sia (Managing Director, Healthy Options Group), Jeremy Kirk (Founder & Managing Director, Scoop Wholefoods), Bettina Kirk (Founder & CEO, Scoop Wholefoods), Daisy Clasper (Founder, Scoop Whole Beauty)

A new approach to eco-friendly living meets Filipinos as Australian cult-favorite Scoop Wholefoods and Scoop Whole Beauty opens in the Philippines—introducing a refill-led retail experience where shoppers buy exactly what they need, when they need it.

Located at Power Plant Mall, Scoop Wholefoods — along with its personal care counterpart, Scoop Whole Beauty— offers a modern, eco-friendly way to shop. Instead of single-use plastic sachets, Scoop elevates this practice into a zero-waste routine, allowing shoppers to buy exact quantities using reusable containers or paper bags without compromising quality while supporting sustainability.

"Shopping by weight gives people the freedom to make healthier choices that respect both their budget and the planet & share founders Jeremy and Bettina Kirk. “By choosing only the quantities they need, shoppers take full control of their spending, avoid waste and presumption, and reduce single-use plastics."

"Filipinos have long understood the practicality of buying in custom portions. Bringing Scoop to the Philippines allows us to elevate that familiar habit into a modern, zero-waste lifestyle,” say Romy Sia, Managing Director of Healthy Options Group.

Redefining the Eco-Friendly Shopping Experience

Founded in Sydney in 2013 and inspired by the vibrant traditional markets of Malta, Scoop

Wholefoods began as a simple family idea built on a shared purpose. Today, with over 20 locations worldwide, that Australian family spirit connects high-quality wholefoods, healthier living, and care for the planet.

Scoop introduces a fresh retail model built on choice, discovery, and sustainability across its food and personal care offerings. No longer limited to fixed pack sizes, customers have the flexibility to purchase in bulk and in exact quantities through a pay-by-weight approach. On top of enabling them to purchase according to their budget, doing so also encourages pantry freshness by ensuring ingredients are constantly replenished rather than left forgotten.

"Conscious living is best integrated into daily routines when it is made intuitive and practical for shoppers," Sia added, "Whether you need a single pinch of a specialty spice for a new recipe or a full week’s supply of household staples, you buy only what serves your home, eliminating both wasted food and wasted money."

Beyond encouraging conscious pantry management, Scoop transforms routine errands into an engaging, interactive lifestyle. Shoppers can bring their own containers to eliminate single-use packaging, turning standard grocery runs into a deliberate ritual of discovery as they choose, scoop, and sample across organic whole foods, natural treats, and pantry staples.

Scoop works closely with artisanal producers in Australia to develop products tailored to customer preferences, highlighted by crowd favorites like Byron Bay chocolate-coated fruits and nuts, alongside freshly prepared granolas and mueslis.

While Scoop brings its signature international selection to Manila, the Philippine store proudly

integrates local sourcing into the retail experience. Customers can look forward to homegrown staples, including locally harvested rice from Family Farms and fresh, probiotic kombucha on tap from Brye and Brew. These initial partnerships bring Filipino producers directly into Scoop’s zero- waste ecosystem, with plans to expand its network of local farmers, artisans, and makers to offer shoppers even more sustainable local discoveries.

Scoop Whole Beauty

Championing Circular Beauty

The refill philosophy extends straight into self-care through Scoop Whole Beauty, bringing zero- waste principles to personal care routines. The dedicated beauty arm offers 100% vegan, palm-oil- free, and toxin-free cosmetics and skincare crafted from ethically sourced, earth-based ingredients.

Shoppers can purchase liquid soaps, face masks, and body oils by weight, or explore plastic-free alternatives like solid shampoo bars and compostable beauty tools. To further eliminate single-use plastic, Scoop collaborates with Australian artisans on body care housed in fully compostable packaging, including natural deodorants, face washes, and lip balms.

Scoop’s lightweight, breathable mineral makeup line is especially suited for the warm, humid climate —absorbing oil and moisture while providing buildable, long-wearing coverage in tones crafted for Filipino skin. Customers can curate makeup palettes using plastic-free, refillable pans, allowing them to replace individual shades as needed without discarding an entire compact.

Scoop Wholefood

The Scoop Experience: Refill, Reuse, Repeat

Customers can bring their own clean containers from home or grab recyclable paper bags provided throughout the store. Empty containers are weighed at the counter first to ensure shoppers pay strictly for the contents brought home. From there, customers can explore the aisles at their own pace, gathering their selections before heading to the register to complete payment by weight.

"We designed Scoop as a welcoming space for everyone, whether you are taking your first zero- waste step or are a seasoned refiller," share Jeremy and Bettina Kirk. “Scoop aims to be a place that enables people to take home high-quality ingredients with complete confidence that they are nourishing their families while caring for the planet.”

Visit Scoop Wholefoods at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City, and experience a fresh, zero- waste approach to daily shopping.

To learn more about Scoop’s wholefoods selection, refillable beauty lines, and ongoing local

partnerships, follow Scoop Wholefoods Philippines and Scoop Whole Beauty Philippines on social media.

Mang Inasal Tsoko N' Nut Yema Halo-Halo: A New Holiday Dessert You Must Try

 

Mang Inasal Tsoko N' Nut Yema Halo-Halo

Chocolate lovers have a new, exciting reason to celebrate the Holidays as Mang Inasal introduces its latest limited-time dessert, the Tsoko n' Nut Yema Halo-Halo, available nationwide from November 1 to December 31 only.

The new limited-time dessert brings together chocolate, peanut, and salted caramel yema flavors in an indulgent twist on the well-loved Filipino dessert. Available in 12-oz and 16-oz sizes starting at ₱99, it offers a new option for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings this holiday season.

The Tsoko n' Nut Yema Halo-Halo combines Mang Inasal' s signature extra- creamy milk with Rocky Road ice cream, choco-peanut bars, powdered chocolate, crunchy chocolate coating, and a drizzle of salted caramel yema. The result is a mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty elements in every spoonful.

The new offering follows Mang Inasal's previous limited-time halo-halo variants, including the Four-Cheese Halo-Halo in 2025 and the Strawberry Cheesecake Halo-Halo introduced earlier this year.

"Given the strong reception of its previous innovations, Mang Inasal wanted to create another dessert or merienda experience that would excite its customers," said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro. "Chocolate remains a well-loved flavor among Filipinos, and we believe that the Tsoko n' Nut Yema Halo-Halo offers an extra creamy and indulgent way to celebrate the Christmas season."

Mang Inasal Tsoko N' Nut Yema Halo-Halo Limited Time Offer

Among those who got an early taste of Mang Inasal's newest halo-halo flavor was food content creator Chewy's Mukbangs, who initially expected the chocolate flavors to dominate but was pleasantly surprised by the balance of ingredients. "This will be my go-to Mang Inasal dessert this holiday season," she shared on social media.

Japanese ‘foreignoy’ content creator Shotaro Kumano enjoyed what he described as a ‘tsoko overload,’ particularly the combination of the crunchy chocolate coating, Rocky Road ice cream, and choco-peanut bars. "This is another reason for me to visit Mang Inasal more often," Kumano said.

For his part, foodie content creator Kent Xyrel Espiritu appreciated how the different ingredients complemented one another. "As a chocolate lover, I like how the chocolate coating gives extra texture in every bite. What I liked was how the salted caramel yema balanced all the chocolate flavors. I rate it 10/10!"  Espiritu shared.

With its combination of chocolatey goodness, crunchy toppings, and extra- creamy milk, the Mang Inasal Tsoko N' Nut Yema Halo-Halo offers a fresh take on the traditional Filipino dessert. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon merienda, a sweet treat after a meal, or a dessert shared with family and friends, this limited-time offering makes the holiday season even sweeter.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit https://manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Borrowing Responsibly with GLoan

 

Joan Guifaya, Sari-Sari Store Owner

Whether it’s a business that needs restocking, a child’s school expenses, or an unexpected gap in the household budget, life has a way of throwing financial needs when we least expect them. For many Filipinos, access to credit can provide helpful breathing room so they can keep other priorities on track.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey, more Filipinos are now moving towards formal lenders and away from informal borrowing options to cover essentials such as food, education, healthcare, and livelihood expenses. This reflects a wider mindset, too. A TransUnion's Consumer Pulse Study found that 58% see access to credit as an important tool to achieve their financial goals.

Still, having access to credit is only the first step. Credit works best when you know what you need, understand your loan terms, and borrow within your means – and this is what turns a loan into a manageable part of your finances, more than a source of stress. The experiences of three Filipino borrowers show how they navigated different financial needs with credit.

Step 1: Know What You Need and What You Can Manage

For small business owners, keeping shelves stocked is essential, but when cash flow is tight, restocking can mean waiting for sales before making the next purchase. Joan Guifaya, a sari- sari store owner from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, experienced this firsthand. When she received a GLoan offer, she used it as additional capital for her business.

“Nakatulong talaga kasi kailangan ko na magdagdag ng stocks para hindi na ako pabalik-balik sa grocery... Ngayon kailangan ko na lang once a week na mag-grocery, dahil sa GLoan, kaya laking tulong,” she shares.

Joan’s experience highlights the importance of knowing what you need the loan for and borrowing only what you can manage. But responsible borrowing also means understanding what you’re taking on.

Aiwa Ramirez, Manpower Agency HR staff

Step 2: Check Your GLoan Offer and Understand the Terms

For Aiwa Ramirez, a manpower agency HR staff member from Cavite, GLoan helped cover her child’s tuition and school expenses when her income fell short.

“Malaking tulong kasi wala ako mapagkukunan talaga that time at mahirap din na makautang sa ibang tao. At least kay GLoan isang click lang meron na ako mai-tuition sa school ng anak ko,” she shares.

Aiwa also found that having a manageable repayment structure helped her stay on top of her payments. “Nakatulong din kasi magaan lang yong pag bayad kasi hulugan at mahaba ang term, hindi ako nagipit,” she adds.

Her experience shows why borrowers should look beyond the amount they can receive and understand the full terms of their offer. Before accepting, review the loan amount, applicable fees, repayment schedule, and total amount to be repaid, and consider whether these fit your budget.

For eligible users with an available offer, tap “Borrow” from the GCash dashboard and select GLoan. Before proceeding with your application, remember to review the loan details, Disclosure Statement, and Terms and Conditions carefully so you understand the terms of your loan.

Isel Magtibay, Personal Collection Agent

Step 3: Choose GLoan and Borrow Responsibly

Once you’ve identified your need and reviewed your loan offer, it’s also important to make sure you’re borrowing from an SEC-regulated lender and that you can manage the repayment. Borrowing only what you can realistically repay can help keep today’s solution from becoming tomorrow’s financial burden.

For Isel Magtibay, a personal collection agent from Pasig City, GLoan became an option when her income fell short of her children’s school expenses. She first heard about GLoan from friends who asked if she had already used it.

“Malaking tulong kasi kailangan nila sa school ng mga bata... Hindi na inabot ng kita ko yung ibang pang-school supplies kaya buti nalang si GLoan merong offer at nakapag-loan ako at nabili ang mga kailangan ng anak ko,” she recalls.

Her story shows how word-of-mouth can help Filipinos discover financial tools that may be available to them. But as with any loan, borrowers should check that their chosen lender is credible, understand the terms of their offer, and assess their ability to repay.

A More Informed Way to Borrow

The stories of Joan, Aiwa, and Isel show that Filipinos borrow for different reasons—but responsible borrowing follows the same basic principles: know your needs, check your offer, understand the terms, borrow only what you can manage, and stay on top of repayments.

For eligible GCash users, GLoan provides an accessible way to address financial needs directly through the GCash app when an offer is available. Ultimately, borrowing responsibly is about making informed choices that address today's needs while keeping tomorrow in mind. Because behind every loan is a real need, a real responsibility, and a reason to keep moving forward.

Kasama Mo Mangarap by GCash continues to empower Filipinos with financial tools that help

them navigate life's everyday challenges—one responsible financial decision at a time.

Explore magical elemental realms at Araneta City this Halloween

 

Araneta City opens a doorway to a magical world with this year's "The Rise of the Four Elements" Halloween celebration.

On October 31, the City of Firsts is transforming its malls into elemental realms to create otherworldly dimensions filled with vibrant events and activities. Kids and kids-at-heart can navigate the Water Realm at Gateway Mall 2, conquer the Fire Realm at Gateway Mall 1, float through the Air Realm at Ali Mall, and explore the Earth Realm at Farmers Plaza.

The activity areas of the four malls will be transformed into their respective elemental realms, each featuring themed photobooths, face painting stations, inflatable play areas, and cotton candy corners. Registration to participate in these realms is from 11am to 2pm.

In all these malls, shoppers and diners can also claim free Halloween loot bags filled with sweet treats and other items from Araneta City’s event partners. Just present a single receipt purchase of P2,000 to claim loot bags at Gateway Mall 2, and P1,500 to claim loot bags in the other three malls. Only receipt purchases on October 31 will be considered valid.

At Gateway Mall 2, entertainment at the Water Realm continues with a fun spookfest in the afternoon. The main highlight is the Elemental Guardians costume contest, where participants can showcase their most creative elemental-inspired costumes for a chance to win prizes. There will also be an Into the Sea show.

Outside the activity areas, kids can also enjoy the mall’s elemental realms through the traditional trick-or-treat activity. Participating stores and tenants will display special stickers to guide children and families taking part in the event.

World Kitchens

The spooky fun extends to World Kitchens at Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2. Diners with a single receipt purchase worth P2,000 from any show kitchen, including World Cellar, can also claim free Halloween loot bags.

Diners who avail of the Lunch Festival offering at Seafood 8 by Olio's will also receive a special Halloween candy bag from the restaurant.

aRUNeta Run Club

The magical Halloween adventure begins early through the weekly aRUNeta Run Club, which will stage a Race of the Elements costume run on October 25. Exciting rewards and raffle prizes await participants.

Gateway Cineplex 18

Moviegoers can also join the spooky fun at Araneta City. For every purchase of two tickets for Clayface, the horror-psychological thriller inspired by the DC Comics character, at Gateway Cineplex 18, moviegoers may receive a free limited-edition Clayface comic book.

Those who purchase three Clayface tickets may also receive an exclusive Clayface vanity kit. Both promos are available while supplies last

ibis Styles Manila

Before the Halloween activities in Araneta City malls, The Edge Skyview Bar of ibis Styles Manila will host “The Night We Got Ghosted”, an after-dark Halloween celebration on October 30 starting 9pm.

Taking place at the poolside bar on top of the hotel, the event will feature live DJ performances, exciting entertainment, and special food and beverage offers.

Novotel Manila

Families can extend their Halloween celebration with a special staycation package at Novotel Manila Araneta City. 

On October 31, guests can join "Little Explorers: The Enchanted Halloween Quest" at the hotel’s Versailles Tent, featuring games, activities, and surprises for children. The festivities will continue at the Food Exchange Manila with a themed lunch and dinner buffet from October 30 to November 1.

This Halloween, discover a magical spookfest filled with exciting treats, activities, and for shoppers, diners, moviegoers, runners, and families only at the City of Firsts.