Philippine Ballet Theatre Revives Gener Caringal's Andres KKK

 

There is a growing clamor for a modern-day hero to lead the Filipino people through these challenging times. We live in an age when political divisions no longer serve progress but instead deepen our distractions. Responding to the call of the times, Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT), the National Performing Arts Company for Dance, revives Gener Caringal's Andres KKK. Through this timely revival, PBT hopes to cultivate nationalism, empower the common man, and awaken the spirit of what it means to be a nation.

Premiered in 1996 to commemorate the centennial of the Philippine Revolution, Andres KKK, with a libretto by Lilia Quindoza Santiago and an original score by Jesse Lucas, has become one of Gener Caringal's enduring masterpieces. It remains one of Philippine Ballet Theatre's most widely toured productions and a rite of passage for generations of PBT dancers.

When Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario was asked why he thinks this ballet has survived the test of time, he says, "PBT's version of history is not just pages of history in dance. It is a touching tribute to the struggles of the Filipino."

Jaynario himself portrayed Andres Bonifacio when the ballet premiered in 1996, and he still remembers how Caringal framed the hero. Rather than portraying Bonifacio as an untouchable icon or an invincible warrior, Caringal reveals the man behind the monument. His Bonifacio struggles, questions, sacrifices, and perseveres. He is not defined by superhuman strength but by an unwavering belief in his people and their shared dream of freedom.

Gener Caringal explains his Andres Bonifacio as a product of poverty, suffering, and love for his country. A hero was born because Bonifacio cared deeply for this land and its people. Moreover, in Caringal's vision, Bonifacio's greatest power does not come from standing above the people—it comes from standing among them. They were all heroes of their time, with Bonifacio serving as the symbol of their resolve.

In revisiting Bonifacio's story, Philippine Ballet Theatre invites audiences to reflect on a question that remains as urgent today as it was more than a century ago: What kind of hero does our nation need—and what kind of people must we become to stand behind one? What would it take to make heroes of all of us?

Stepping into the title roles are Mathew Davo and Dominador Delmo as Andres Bonifacio, with Jessa Tangalin and Sophia Tiangco alternating as Gregoria "Oryang" de Jesus.

Andres KKK will have a limited run at the Rockwell Proscenium Theater on August 22 and 23, 2026. Tickets are available through TicketWorld. For ticket inquiries, call 0968-870-8887.

Sweet pizza is the new trend with Pizza Hut’s Sweet Golden Collection

 

If you've ever shared a pizza feast with family or friends, you're probably familiar with how the meal usually ends. Long after the last slice is gone, someone starts browsing the menu again in search of something sweet. But Pizza Hut's newest offering proves that dessert doesn't always have to come after a meal! 

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the new Sweet Golden Collection, a limited-time lineup that transforms two well-loved favorites, mango cheesecake and turon, into indulgent pizzas served on Pizza Hut's signature Mega Crunch Pizza crust! Whether you're capping off a feast or simply satisfying that sweet craving on a random Tuesday afternoon, the new collection offers a fun new way to enjoy familiar flavors!

Mango cheesecake has long been a crowd favorite, but have you ever imagined it in pizza form? The Mango Cheesecake Bliss brings together a smooth, velvety base made with sour cream and cream cheese, complemented by mozzarella for added richness. Fresh mangoes add bursts of fruity sweetness, while marshmallows and cheesecake cubes create layers of creamy indulgence in every bite. Finished with a sweet cream drizzle, it delivers the tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors people love about mango cheesecake, now reinvented in an unexpected format. 

 What makes it even more enjoyable is the contrast in textures. The rich toppings rest on Pizza Hut's Mega Crunch Pizza crust, creating a satisfying combination of creamy, fruity, and crispy elements that keeps you reaching for another slice!

Turon is already a beloved Filipino snack, but Pizza Hut gives it a surprising twist with the Golden Turon Pizza!  Here, the deep sweetness of caramelized banana meets fragrant strips of langka, instantly recalling the flavors of freshly made turon. Marshmallows and mozzarella melt into a rich layer across the pizza, while crispy thin-crust strips add an extra crunch to every bite. A light dusting of powdered sugar completes the experience with just the right touch of sweetness. 

Served on Pizza Hut's Mega Crunch Pizza crust, the Golden Turon Pizza delivers the familiar flavors of a classic merienda in a format that is playful and unexpected. It's the kind of creation that sparks curiosity from the first glance and keeps everyone reaching for a taste! 

Think pizza is only for savory cravings? The Sweet Golden Collection might just change your mind! Priced at ₱299 each and available for a limited time only, these dessert-inspired creations offer a delicious reason to gather, share, and discover how two well-loved favorites can be enjoyed in a whole new way! 

Get them together with your other Pizza Hut favorites by visiting your nearest store for dine-in and take-out. You can also order for delivery by calling the (02) 8911-1111 hotline, by logging on to www.pizzahut.com, with a few taps via the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android and iOS devices, or through Pizza Hut’s official delivery partners GrabFood and foodpanda (prices may vary)! 

Make sure to follow and like Pizza Hut on Facebook, Instagram, and X so you won’t miss out on the latest news, updates, and offers!

Make DQ’s Sorbetes Fiesta part of your story this Buwan ng Wika

 Everyone has a story to tell. Some stories are shaped by family traditions passed down through generations, while others are built through simple everyday moments that become meaningful over time. Through our rich and vibrant language, we share our experiences and pass on the memories that matter most, keeping those stories alive with every conversation.

Many of these stories are also tied to things that feel familiar and distinctly Filipino, including the flavors we grew up loving. And that's what makes DQ's limited-edition Sorbetes Fiesta collection a fitting companion for your Buwan ng Wika celebration!

Inspired by well-loved Filipino classics, Sorbetes Fiesta brings together flavors that evoke nostalgia while creating opportunities for new memories. Whether it's a casual catch-up, a family gathering, or a quiet moment to treat yourself, each scoop can become part of a story worth remembering!

For moments spent looking back on cherished memories, there's Ube-st Graham. Made with DQ’s signature soft serve mixed with real ube halaya and crunchy graham pieces, then finished with even more ube and graham on top, it tastefully bridges nostalgia and modern flair to tell a whole new story.

For tales built around shared curiosity and delicious surprises, Klasik Quezo delivers a playful twist with DQ’s signature soft serve infused with cheese sauce and shredded cheese, then topped with an extra layer of cheesy goodness, weaving an anthology of bold, contrasting flavors.

For life’s quieter chapters, Avocashew offers a uniquely smooth and comforting escape. Made with DQ’s signature soft serve mixed with real avocado puree and crunchy cashew nuts, then topped with more avocado and cashews, it is a rich, slow-paced chapter written in flavors of pure comfort.

This Buwan ng Wika, celebrate the richness of Filipino culture through the memories you create and the conversations you share with DQ’s Sorbetes Fiesta collection!

Enjoy these treats together with your other favorites from DQ by visiting your nearest store for dine-in and take-out orders. You can also order for delivery via DQ’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary). 

Stay updated about anything and everything DQ by following the brand and giving them a like on Facebook, Instagram, and X!

Seafood 8 by Olio's Opens at Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City

 

A new seafood destination has arrived in Araneta City with the opening on August 8 of Seafood 8 by Olio's, an innovative bistro-style restaurant that reimagines the beloved Filipino dampa experience for a new generation of diners.

Located on the ground floor of Gateway Mall 2, Seafood 8 by Olio’s introduces a fresh take on premium seafood dining and contemporary culinary craftsmanship. 

Designed to accommodate approximately 130 guests, Seafood 8 by Olio’s brings the drama and energy of a bustling seafood market into a contemporary dining environment. Live seafood aquariums, fresh displays on ice, and an open kitchen create an immersive experience where guests can see, hear, and anticipate each dish as it is prepared.

At the heart of Seafood 8 by Olio’s are eight signature sauces, each crafted to bring out the best in every dish. These signature sauces are Miso Butter, Inasal Citrus Ginger & Soy, Oriental Chili Caramel, Latin Chimichurri, Pomodoro Tomato Olive Capers, Gambas Roja, Bagoong Béarnaise, and Sambal XO Chili.

The concept is the brainchild of Chef Oliver "Oli" Buenviaje, a Filipino chef whose career spans some of the most respected kitchens in Australia and across the world. Seafood 8 by Olio’s is his first restaurant venture in the Philippines.

"Seafood has always been at the heart of my culinary journey," said Chef Buenviaje. "Seafood 8 by Olio’s is my way of celebrating the incredible seafood we have in this country while presenting it through the lens of everything I've learned around the world."

Born in Sorsogon, Chef Buenviaje moved to Australia as a teenager before eventually pursuing a culinary career that took him to renowned establishments including Alain Ducasse's Le Meurice in Paris, Al Mahara at Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab, L'Normandie at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, and Caprice at Four Seasons Hong Kong. He later founded Olio's Fine Food Catering in Perth, serving premium clients and building a reputation for refined dining experiences.

Despite an international career, the inspiration behind Seafood 8 by Olio’s remains distinctly Filipino. Chef Buenviaje credits much of his philosophy on hospitality to his late grandfather, Jose Aviles, who taught him the value of generosity, community, and sharing meals with others.

Filipinos love seafood, and we love sharing meals," Chef Buenviaje added. "Seafood 8 by Olio’s is about giving guests the freedom to create their own dining experience while enjoying the quality, care, and excitement that comes with every dish."

As Seafood 8 by Olio’s officially opens its doors in Araneta City, diners can look forward to an experience that brings together fresh seafood, world-class culinary expertise, and the interactive spirit of dampa dining, reimagined for today's generation of food lovers.

MakatiMed cites three red flags and six ways to monitor your child's gaming behavior

 

While it is easy to assume that a child is violent due to his gaming addiction violence is multisystemic and a very complex issue.

Until the horrific shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban, Leyte last June 22, where three students were killed and 20 injured from gunfire allegedly inflicted by two students aged 14 and 15, few people had heard of the name GoreBox.

Described as a “chaotic, physics-driven sandbox game where creativity meets unrestrained destruction,” the online game was said to be a favorite pastime of the 14-year-old perpetrator.

As the investigation continues, the 14-year-old has been placed under a mandatory intervention program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and his 15-year-old companion has been criminally charged. As for GoreBox? It was temporarily banned by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.

Does taking away GoreBox and other similar online games mean the end of gaming-related violence? Not quite, says Paul Lawrence Filomeno, MD, a board-certified Pediatrician from the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) and a Specialist in Addiction and Recovery Medicine with a focus on screen gaming and digital behavioral addictions in children and adolescents.

Multisystemic, complex issue

“Gaming violence is a violent behavior that can be triggered by some factors,” explains Dr. Filomeno. “That is partly because the game has different dynamics and dimensions that push the child towards violence. But violence can only be done or committed by an accumulation of multiple risk factors. We look at their environment at home, at school, social pressures, history of bullying, and cultural and familiar norms about violence. If they live in an environment where violence is also normalized, then it is easier for them to be influenced, to be violent as well in real life.”

“To blame the game itself would be lacking,” he declares. “It is multisystemic, and a very complex issue.” Indeed. While it is easy to assume a child has a gaming addiction and violent tendencies because he spends most of his waking hours immersed in combat and hack-and-slash games, it is not always the case.

“There are those who game for five hours, but can bounce back to real life,” says the MakatiMed doctor. “Then there are gamers who only play for two hours, but the stimulating game has a huge effect on their behavior. They cannot stop thinking about the game, and there are sacrifices involved in terms of their academic and social relationships.”

Red flags

What then are the signs of a child with a gaming disorder? Dr. Filomeno, the first Filipino pediatrician to complete a formal Subspecialty in Addiction Medicine from the University of the Philippines’ Philippine General Hospital, enumerates three red flags:

Loss of control.

They attempt to play for one hour. Five hours later, they are still at it. And it is not only that they can’t stop, but they also prioritize playing over real-world commitments like doing their homework, turning in a project, or keeping their room clean.

Functional impairment. 

This is when gaming reaches a point where it interferes with eating, sleeping, school, hygiene, hobbies, and relationships with family and friends.

Difficulty in stopping. 

Failing grades, cutting class, and giving up their allowance and personal belongings just so they can play is truly troubling behavior.

Multidisciplinary approach

Gaming disorder is treated through a multidisciplinary approach that involves the expertise of Guidance Counselors, Pediatricians, Child Psychologists, and Addiction Specialists. Still, Dr. Filomeno believes that family is the first component of the healthcare team. “Ninety percent of the effort is delegated to the family,” he highlights.

In fact, it is family that can help steer a youngster with a gaming disorder back on track. “No intervention is effective if the parents aren’t modeling [good behavior],” Dr. Filomeno says. “So, if you want your child to sleep early, they need to see an adult who sleeps early as well.” The same rule applies to gadgets. Do you want your child to stop gaming? Put down your phone or tablet.

6S

For parents to observe how gaming is impacting their kids, Dr. Filomeno cites six S: “The first S that they need to monitor is sleep. Sleep is a marker of a possibility that you need to protect the child if his gaming is affecting his sleep. Second, as a parent, you need to protect their safety. Do you have measures to verify that your child is not talking to strangers when he games? The third S is self-regulation. Does my child turn to gaming when he is sad? What behavior does he manifest when I ask him to reduce his screen time?”

In the fourth S or school, academic performance can be a gauge of gaming’s influence. Have their grades dropped or improved since your intervention? The fifth S is social connection. “A very important milestone in childhood,” reminds Dr. Filomeno. “Does your child know how to interact with people?” The sixth and most important S is security.

Are you on top of things when your child is online?

Remember, change does not happen overnight. It will occur in increments and may even fall back to old patterns. But with your patience, participation, and love, you can regulate your youngster’s gaming habits to a safe and satisfying level.

“The outcomes of gaming disorder are measured by small steps,” avers Dr. Filomeno. “If he reduces his gaming from 8 hours to 7 hours, that’s already a big win. Small steps are still better than setting impossible expectations.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.