Mapping Manila’s Chinese Temples at Yul Servo Nieto’s Directions VI

 

On January 15, 2025, the Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel hosted the opening reception of Directions VI, a solo exhibition of Filipino contemporary artist and City of Manila Vice Mayor, honorable Yul Servo Nieto. The event celebrated the fusion of artistry and heritage, as Nieto unveiled a collection of works inspired by Filipino-Chinese traditions and culture.

(From L) Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan, Manila City Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, The Manila Hotel's Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marketing Marvin Kim Tan 

The event commenced with a warm opening remarks delivered by The Manila Hotel vice president for sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, highlighting the institution’s commitment to supporting local art and culture. Following this, the artist delivered a speech sharing his inspiration behind the art pieces and announced that proceeds from the sales will go towards purchasing vital medical equipment—such as wheelchairs, nebulizers, hearing aids, blood pressure monitors, and walkers—to be donated to those in need. Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan also delivered a few words before joining Vice Mayor Nieto and Marvin Kim Tan for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the exhibit’s official launch.

Manila City Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto with Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan

In Directions VI, Nieto reinvents his signature metal art pieces with elements of modern Cubism, Cartography or the art of map-making, and Assemblage art. Moving beyond his earlier focus on planes, lines, and negative space, he now incorporates everyday objects—bolts, nuts, screws, and hinges—as symbolic markers. These striking pieces pay tribute to Manila’s cultural richness and include depictions of Manila’s Chinese temples and historic districts like Binondo and San Nicolas.

The exhibition’s centerpiece, Temple Splendor, reimagines Chinese temples with golden nuts arranged on a grid-like map of Manila. Complementing the wall-mounted works are two free-standing sculptures—Nest of Healing and Icons of Heritage. Forged from bronze and gold-plated alloys, these pieces explore themes of healing and cultural preservation.

As the Chinese New Year draws near, Directions VI pays homage to the rich traditions of Manila’s Chinese temples. These vibrant hubs of cultural activity come alive with lion and dragon dances, incense lighting, and offerings of lucky foods—time-honored practices that reinforce familial and cultural unity.

Nieto’s latest creations highlight the significance of safeguarding these cherished traditions while exploring new dimensions of artistic expression.

Directions VI is now on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery. Admission is free. For interested buyers, call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

CCP Spotlights Power of Women in its National Theatre Live Lineup this January

 

Two powerful one-woman plays exploring life’s complexities – ‘Prima Facie’ and ‘Fleabag’ – open the 2025 offerings of the CCP National Theatre Live.

The Philippine cinema premiere of Prima Facie is slated on January 28, 6pm, at Ayala Malls Cinemas in Glorietta, Makati; while Fleabags returns at Vertis North in Quezon City and Central Bloc in Cebu on the same day.

Prima Facie

Olivier and Tony Award winner Jodie Comer shines in the Suzie Miller masterpiece as a lawyer grappling with law and morality. She has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game – defending, cross examining, and winning. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof, and morals diverge.

 

The play takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience collide with the rules of the game. Justin Martin directs this solo tour de force, captured live from the intimate Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End.

Fleabag

Meanwhile, perennial crowd-favorite Fleabag returns to Ayala Vertis North and Central Bloc Cebu on January 28, 6pm. Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones, it is a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life. Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose.

The hilarious, award-winning play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series with the same title was filmed live on stage in London’s West End in 2019. Witness the magic of London National Theatre through CCP National Theatre Live. Through the partnership of CCP, National Theatre Live, and Ayala Malls Cinema, the second season of CCP NTL continues until May 27, 2025.

First launched in June 2009, UK’s National Theatre Live is a groundbreaking project to broadcast the best of British theatre live from the London stage to cinemas across the United Kingdom, around the world, and now in the Philippines.

Digitally filmed in high-definition quality, NTL films their plays in front of live theater audiences, but optimized for the big screen and made accessible to theater fans across the globe. Regular ticket price is at Php300 in Makati and Cebu, and Php350 in Vertis North, with special ticket price for students at Php150.

To get the latest updates on CCP National Theatre Live and other events, follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) for more news.

Mang Inasal welcomes 2025 with delicious New Year treats

 

Mang Inasal, the Philippines' Grill Expert, is turning up the excitement this new year with delicious menu additions and a special first-quarter promo treat that will make customers' 2025 even more fun!

 

Now available year-round are the popular  Ihaw-Sarap Combo Deals, featuring Chicken Inasal and Pork BBQ. These combos come in two variations: one with Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho and another with two sticks of Pork BBQ paired with spiced vinegar. Exclusive for dine-in and takeout, both sets come with unlimited rice, soup, and a choice of 8oz. Extra Creamy Halo-Halo or Crema de Leche Halo-Halo, plus a small drink.

“Making the Ihaw-Sarap Combo Deals available year-round is our way of thanking our loyal customers. And these meals bring together the very best of what Mang Inasal is known for — deliciously grilled dishes, unlimited rice, soup, and the perfect dessert,” shared Mike V. Castro, Mang Inasal president. “Expect even more exciting offerings in 2025, catering to all our customers, whether they prefer dining in, taking out, or having their meals delivered. We’ll continue to create moments of fun and togetherness, making sure every Mang Inasal experience is filled with Unli-Saya!”

 

In addition to the Combo Deals, Mang Inasal is offering the first quarter Ihaw-Sarap Treats from January 15 to March 31 at all Mang Inasal stores nationwide. Choose from three exciting treats: ₱20 drinks with any Chicken Inasal Large Unli-Rice meal, a free 8oz. Extra Creamy Halo-Halo for every two Chicken Inasal Large Value Meal Unli-Rice meals, or free Unli-Rice with every Chicken Inasal Large Value Meal plus 8oz. Extra Creamy Halo-Halo. These offers are valid only for dine-in transactions.

Customers can easily access the digital coupons on the  Mang Inasal website  and present them at the counter — either in their original form or as a screenshot on their phone — to claim the treats.

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

Celebrate Chinese New Year at The Manila Hotel

 

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As the Chinese New Year approaches, The Manila Hotel invites guests to join in the celebration of the Year of the Snake. Join the festivities and experience the rich traditions that may bring good fortune and joy to all.

Signature Tikoy for a Sweet Start

To honor this auspicious occasion, The Manila Hotel presents its signature Tikoy or Nian Gao until February 2, 2025. Available in two delightful flavors—Almond and Red Bean—these traditional Chinese New Year cakes make for a thoughtful gift or addition to the holiday feast. Each box is priced at Php 988 nett. Take advantage of the Early Bird Offer and enjoy a 30% discount with a minimum purchase of five (5) boxes for orders placed until January 19, 2025. For bulk orders made between January 20 and 31, 2025, the following discounts apply: 10% off for orders of 5 to 9 boxes, 15% off for orders of 10 to 19 boxes, and 20% off for orders of 20 boxes and more.

Festive Lunar Celebrations

Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year with enchanting festivities at The Manila Hotel. On January 29, 2025, the Lion and Dragon Dance will dazzle guests in a lively performance that wards off evil spirits and ushers in good fortune. Adding to the festive cheer, diners at the hotel on January 28 and 29, 2025 will receive an Ang Pao containing golden chocolate coins and fortune cookies.

 

Chinese New Year Set Menu at Red Jade

Usher in the Year of the Snake with an indulgent special set menu at Red Jade featuring culinary delights including prosperity Yee Sang (Lo Hei), Roast Peking Duck with Black Truffle Sauce, Shredded Chicken with Dried Scallop and Sharks Fin Soup, Tower Mei Cai Pork with Black Sea Moss, Assorted Seafood with Baby Abalone in Hot Pot, Braised Wawa Cai with Morel Mushroom, Pan Fried Sea Bass with Soya Sauce, Stir Fried Crab with Chili Sauce, Fukien Cha Misua, Pan Fried Tikoy, and Mango Sago. Available for lunch and dinner from January 27 to 31, 2025, this sumptuous set menu is priced at Php 3,888 nett per set, with a minimum of six (6) sets required per table.

 

Raise a Glass to Good Fortune

Complement the celebration withShǒuyè, a cocktail that blends the smoothness of cognac with the refreshing zest of ginger ale. Guests can enjoy Shǒuyè at Tap Room, Lobby Lounge, and Pool Bar throughout January.

 

Celebrate at Home with the Chinese New Year Hot Box

For those who prefer to celebrate at home, M Takeout presents the Chinese New Year Hot Box featuring a sumptuous serving of Pork Knuckles with Hot Buns. Available from January 15 to 31, 2025, this convenient and flavorful offering is priced at Php 3,688 nett, perfect fot sharing with loved ones.

 

For more information and reservations, call +632 85270011 or +632 5301 5500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival introduces PALARO, features Pinoy digital games

 

Immerse yourself in a world where Filipino culture, history, and mythology meet cutting-edge game design in CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival: Para sa Lahat. The country’s biggest multi-arts festival gets even more exciting with Palaro, a new festival component featuring the works of the CCP Game and Comics Development grantees on February 1 and 2, 2025.

Palaro, bringing  Filipino digital creativity to life, will have interactive booths where visitors can experience and play award-winning game projects. There will be live gameplay demos, participate in exciting tournaments, and explore their innovative creations up close.

Dive into the captivating world of “SINAG” by Ranida Games, a mobile 1v1 fighting game that combines the allure of Philippine mythology with deep and engaging gameplay mechanics. Simulate running a business empire with “Pearls of Asia” by Synthillate with iconic Filipino business figures, utilizing historical and cultural intellectual properties.

Travel and see iconic Philippine landmarks in “Gala” by Kendikorp. Engage in a team-solving activity in “Treasure Seekers” by Metamedia Information Systems Corp. Lastly, go on an unforgettable journey with the story-driven adventure of “Kata” by Katakata Creative. 

“Whether you're an experienced gamer or a first-timer, CCP Pasinaya: Palaro delivers a unique fusion of innovative technology and Filipino culture. It’s a chance to experience our rich history and mythology in an entirely new way—through interactive, inspiring gameplay that highlights the creativity of local game developers,” said CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis N. Marasigan. 

Aside from the games, CCP Pasinaya 2025 will also feature exceptional works from Filipino animators and comic artists at the Palaro area. Dive into the animated world of “Makopa” by Friendly Foes, explore the mythical “Tungkung Langit” at “AlunSina” by Komiket Inc., or embark on the gripping journey of “Datu Pat i Mata” by Lea Zoraina Sindao Lim. 

Meanwhile, comic lovers can enjoy “Tulogmatian” by Ethel Mae Reyes, “Teduray” by Julius Sempio, “Sinogo” by Alfred Ismael Galaroza, and the captivating “Legend of Sleeping Beauty Mountain” by Marco Sumayao.

The CCP Pasinaya’s core is about celebrating and empowering Filipino creativity. Palaro is a vibrant platform for game developers, animators, and comic artists to showcase their groundbreaking works and contribute to the flourishing local creative economy bannering CCP Pasinaya 2025 Open House Festival: Para sa Lahat. The CCP continues its mission to foster Filipino talent and promote original intellectual properties that reflect our rich cultural heritage.

This February, come for the games, stay for the art. The CCP Pasinaya 2025 promises to be a festival like no other. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration of Filipino innovation and creativity!

For more details on Pasinaya and other CCP events, check out the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and its official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.