Pru Life UK supports international and local disaster recovery initiatives

Pru Life UK supports international and local disaster recovery initiatives

Thursday, February 27, 2025

PRUVolunteers from Prudential joined in rebuilding homes in Sukhothai Province, Thailand that were affected by typhoons.

Pru Life UK recently took part in recovery efforts for communities affected by typhoons and flooding in the Philippines and Thailand.

In the Philippines, Pru Life UK extended support to children and their families recently affected by Typhoon Kristine by contributing Php 300,000 to Save the Children Philippines’ emergency response initiatives. The company also organised its in-kind donation drive for affected families in the Bicol Region, distributing essentials through the Project Banyuhay relief operations of the Rotaract Clubs of Rotary International District 3820.

Pru Life UK also joined Prudence Foundation’s PRUVolunteers (PRUVols) Programme, bringing together employees from Prudential in Asia, Africa, and the United Kingdom to rebuild homes and restore infrastructure for communities affected by severe flooding in Sukhothai Province, Thailand.

Prudence Foundation, established in 2011 as the community investment arm in Asia and Africa of Prudential plc, is committed to create better futures through initiatives that achieve sustainable, real-world impact and long-term resilience in the communities we operate in.

Through programmes like PRUVols, Prudence Foundation mobilises resources to provide meaningful support to communities while fostering collaboration across its regional network. This year’s programme was in partnership with Prudential Thailand and the Foundation of Older Persons Development (FOPDEV).

Pru Life UK employees including Kenneth Leyco, Rodel Caricativo, and Jerome Martillano, worked with regional volunteers to construct new homes, prepare drainage systems, and rebuild sanitation facilities.

Volunteers also participated in cultural exchange activities with the local community, including basket-weaving and traditional cooking workshops at Yang Sai Elementary School.

The week-long initiative concluded with the turnover of houses, where beneficiaries received the keys to their newly rebuilt homes. Watch this to see more.

Kenneth Leyco, a Senior Training Specialist, described the experience as “life-changing, happy, and fulfilling.” He shared, “I learned so much, from carpentry techniques to cultural insights. It was humbling to work alongside people from diverse backgrounds, united by a common purpose. Seeing the beneficiaries’ joyful faces made every effort worthwhile.”

This sentiment was echoed by Senior Accounting Specialist Rodel Caricativo, saying, “Participating in this programme was a meaningful way to give back and connect with communities in need. It reinforced my belief that even small contributions can make a big difference.”

This year’s PRUVolunteers Programme in Thailand reflects the Prudence Foundation’s mission of strengthening communities by ensuring our support is both impactful and sustainable. It is a testament to its commitment in building community resilience and supporting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, who are often disproportionately affected by such natural disasters and climate change.

For Pru Life UK, these efforts underscore its commitment to being a trusted partner in navigating life’s challenges and creating a better future for all.

“Community investment strengthens Pru Life UK’s commitment to sustainability,” shared Atty. Paul Mandal, SVP and Chief Legal, Government Relations and Sustainability Officer of Pru Life UK. “Through these initiatives, we not only extend our resources to support disaster recovery efforts but also demonstrate our long-term commitment to building stronger and more resilient communities.”

For more information about Pru Life UK’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph.

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The Itchyworms to stage “Good Time Show” concert at Newport Performing Arts Theater

The Itchyworms to stage “Good Time Show” concert at Newport Performing Arts Theater

Get ready for a night fun, music, and unforgettable banters as The Itchyworms stage their highly anticipated concert, Good Time Show to the Newport Performing Arts Theater on March 1, 2025 at 8:00 PM.

Presented by Philippine Science High School Batch 2000 and AEXPONENT MEDIA PRODUCTIONS, INC., the special concert will benefit the Philippine Science High School community, adding a meaningful cause to event filled with entertainment and camaraderie.

The concert’s title is a playful homage to the band’s iconic, generation-defining album, Noontime Show, which won Album of the Year at the 2006 NU Rock Awards and catapulted them to mainstream success. It also perfectly captures the essence of the concert: “when you to an Itchyworms show, you’re guaranteed a good time!”

As drummer and lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas puts it, “We wanted a name that captures the fun, the nostalgia, the energy, and the connection we have with our audience. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or just discovered our music recently, this is a show where you can sing your heart out, laugh, dance, and just enjoy the moment.”

Fans can expect an exciting setlist that will include some of the band’s biggest hits, as well as rare gems and reinterpretations from their extensive catalog. But The Itchyworms aren’t stopping there: under the visionary direction of Jamie Wilson, they promise to elevate the live music experience to new heights with a dynamic production that’s sure to leave the audience in awe.

“We’re super excited about this one,” shares vocalist Jazz Nicolas. ‘Every time we play live, we want to give fans something new—whether it’s a fresh take on an old favorite, unexpected mashups, or even songs we rarely play. This time, we’re really pushing the production, the visuals, and the overall experience. And of course, we have some surprises lined up—can’t spill too much yet, but let’s just say you won’t want to blink!”

In an exciting twist, The Itchyworms’ Good Time Show will also feature intricate musical arrangements by the Manila String Machine on select tracks, adding a unique orchestral flair to the band’s signature pop-rock sound. The night will be further amplified by a special guest performance from The CompanY, one of the Philippines most respected pop groups.

“This concert will be a musical journey, and we will make sure to keep the audience engaged with our surprises,” lead vocalist and guitarist Jugs Jugueta reveals. “It’ll be The Itchyworms XXXL!”

Jazz Nicolas adds, “We love feeding off the crowd’s energy! Whether it’s through singalongs, playful banter, or spontaneous moments, we always make sure everyone feels like they’re part of the show. We might even throw in a few unexpected interactions—so if you’re in the front row, be ready! At the end of the day, we just want everyone to have an unforgettable night with us.”

Tickets for The Itchyworms’ Good Time Show are now available at all Ticketworld outlets, with the following ticket categories and prices:

Platinum – PHP 7,000

SVIP – PHP 6,000

VIP – PHP 5,000

Gold – PHP 3,800

Silver – PHP 2,800

Bronze – PHP 1,800

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience The Itchyworms like never before, while supporting a great cause. Get your tickets now and join the celebration of music, nostalgia, and good times!

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Love and finances: Building a stronger bond with shared goals

Love and finances: Building a stronger bond with shared goals

A Secure Financial Future For You And Your Partner: Talking About Money (Without Fighting)

It’s hard to talk about money—and it’s even harder to talk about money issues with your partner.

Filipinos consider financial realities as a main factor in building relationships. A 2023 study by the Commission on Population and Development said that Filipino couples often prioritize financial stability before considering marriage. In any successful relationship, trust and communication are essential—specifically, making sure that you and your partner can freely talk about your finances. Whether you’re married, in a long-term relationship, or just starting out, it’s never too early to talk about your financial goals.

Here are some practical tips to help you and your partner build a secure financial foundation—whatever stage in life and relationship you are at—with ease:

1. Map out a shared vision. When talking about your shared life goals, focus on the what and the why behind the vision of your life together. Whether it’s homeownership, early retirement or starting a family, understanding each other’s dreams is the first step. These conversations will open up opportunities for you to discuss how you will achieve these shared plans.

2. Set SMART financial goals. Break dreams into Specific, measurable, achievable , relevant and time-bound. Instead of saying, “We want to save money,” set a target: “We’ll save XXXX for a home down payment in two years.” Review these regularly, as your objectives are expected to change as you progress in life—and in your relationship.

3. Align your finances —together. Settled on your shared goals? Perfect! Now, work on how you can achieve them together. Perhaps consider creating a joint budget for paying off shared bills or for shared targets such as a vacation or buying property. Discuss income, savings, debt, spending habits and financial fears. Understanding each other’s financial mindset is crucial for setting realistic goals.

4. Partner with a trusted bank. Having a trusted banking partner like RCBC equips you with the right financial tools and expert guidance to stay on track. Take it a step further with RCBC’s Hexagon Club Privilege, the bank’s premier membership that unlocks an exclusive suite of benefits designed to elevate your banking experience at every stage of life.

Designed with your goals in mind

Joining RCBC’s Hexagon Club means more than just accessing premium services. It’s about financial empowerment. With exclusive banking solutions and privileges that adapt to your evolving needs, you gain access to preferential rates for auto and housing loans, first crack at investment options, and personalized solutions that grow with you. These are just some of the many perks designed to support you when you are finally ready to take on that commitment towards a financially secured future together.

Love and money may seem like an unlikely duo. But when handled wisely, they form a powerful foundation for a lasting harmonious relationship. After all, successful partnerships are built on trust, teamwork and shared dreams.

Visit an RCBC branch today and find out how you can transform those shared dreams into reality.

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Celebrate National Strawberry Day with the Best Berry Treats at SM Malls in the East Metro!

Celebrate National Strawberry Day with the Best Berry Treats at SM Malls in the East Metro!

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Strawberry lovers, get ready for a berry sweet celebration! National Strawberry Day is the perfect time to indulge in all things fruity, delicious, and oh-so-irresistible. Whether you’re craving strawberry-flavored treats, refreshing drinks, or even strawberry-scented must-haves, SM Malls in the East Metro—SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown—have everything you need to make the day extra special!

Berry-licious Food & Drinks

Nothing beats the classic taste of fresh strawberries! Find the juiciest, freshest picks at SM Supermarket, perfect for making your own sweet creations at home. If you’re in the mood for a quick chocolatey fix, grab a pack of Meiji Strawberry Chocolate—a delightful combo of rich chocolate and luscious strawberries.

Need a refreshing sip? Pickup Coffee’s Strawberry Frappe and Strawberry Iced Dream offer the perfect blend of creamy and fruity goodness, ideal for a mid-day boost. For frozen yogurt fans, llaollao lets you top your favorite swirl with fresh strawberries for that perfect mix of tart and sweet.

For candy lovers, Candy Corner has a variety of strawberry-flavored delights, including Roll-Ups, Strips Sour, and Striking Popping Candy for a nostalgic sugar rush. If you prefer something creamy, Dairy Queen’s Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard is a must-try, combining rich cheesecake chunks with a swirl of strawberry goodness.

Decadent Strawberry Desserts

From brownies to bingsu, SM Malls have all the strawberry-infused treats you can dream of! Brownies Unlimited’s Strawberry Crème Brownie is a fudgy delight with a fruity twist, while Bonchon’s Strawberry Bingsu is the ultimate Korean-style shaved ice dessert for a refreshing indulgence.

If you’re a donut enthusiast, try The Taste of Czaczacza’s Strawberry Quizas Donut or Dunkin’s Strawberry-Filled Donut for a burst of berry goodness in every bite. Looking for a trendy street food experience? Don’t miss the viral Strawberry Tanghulu—candied strawberries on a stick that are both fun and delicious!

For a next-level dessert experience, Caramia offers Strawberry Supreme Gelato and Strawberry Shortcake, both rich in flavor and texture. And for those celebrating a special occasion, Hearts and Bells has a stunning strawberry-flavored tiered cake that’s sure to impress.

Sweet Scents & Berry-Colored Finds

Strawberry goodness isn’t just for eating—it can also be a part of your daily essentials! Stay fresh and playful all day with Bench’s Strawberry Bratsplash Cologne, a fruity fragrance that keeps you feeling light and vibrant.

Celebrate Strawberry Bliss at SM!

Whether you’re indulging in a strawberry-filled donut, cooling down with a fruity frappe, or enjoying the fresh scent of strawberries, there’s something for everyone at SM Malls in the East Metro. Celebrate National Strawberry Day with these must-try berry-licious finds and make your day extra sweet!

Visit your nearest SM Mall today and satisfy your strawberry cravings!

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Memory Loss Meets High Stakes Action as Liam Neeson Takes on a Hitman Role with Alzheimer in Memory, Streaming Soon on Lionsgate Play

Memory Loss Meets High Stakes Action as Liam Neeson Takes on a Hitman Role with Alzheimer in Memory, Streaming Soon on Lionsgate Play

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

A killer losing his memory, a mission that shatters his morals—Memory is a race against time, justice, and a mind in freefall.

What happens when a calculated assassin is thrust into a deadly moral dilemma while battling memory loss? In Memory, Liam Neeson stars as Alex Lewis, a professional killer with a sharp skillset and a secret he can’t outrun.

Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, Lewis is spiraling as his once-reliable memory begins to betray him. On the verge of retirement, he’s pulled into one last assignment that unravels into something much darker: a child trafficking ring operating in the shadows. Faced with an unbearable moral choice, Lewis refuses to complete the job and turns his lethal precision against the very people who hired him. But with his mind slipping and an FBI task force, led by Agent Vincent Serra (Guy Pearce), closing in, his quest for justice runs on borrowed time.

Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), Memory adapts the acclaimed Belgian crime thriller The Memory of a Killer, delivering a gritty exploration of justice, morality, and the fragility of the human mind. Featuring Monica Bellucci as a powerful El Paso real estate mogul shrouded in corruption, the film dives into a chilling conspiracy rooted in abuse and cover-ups.

On what drew him to take on the role of a hitman with a fading memory, Liam Neeson told WION, "I thought it was unique. We've all seen action movies with hitmen and assassins, but this was a character in an action-thriller who is legendary in how he executes his job, but we soon realize he's suffering from early onset Alzheimer's-dementia. I find that very, very intriguing and it also gave me the opportunity to research the world of Alzheimer's and dementia. I do have a friend back home who is suffering from early-onset dementia. It's sad to be in his company, because he's an old friend and yet the actor side of my brain is fascinated watching him come into his living room and he doesn't know where he is. He doesn't recognize the room. So, I wanted to pay a certain homage to him and use some of his mannerisms that he would make and do it the right way. It's so easy to overreact and that would be an insult to sufferers of the disease. I wanted it, and (director) Martin Campbell wanted it to be very subtle."

With edge-of-your-seat action and complex themes, Memory promises to leave a lasting impression. Stream it exclusively on Lionsgate Play starting February 28.

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Pernod Ricard Philippines Introduces Digital Labels to Empower Filipino Consumers with Informed Choices

Pernod Ricard Philippines Introduces Digital Labels to Empower Filipino Consumers with Informed Choices

Pernod Ricard Philippines, a leading producer of premium wines and spirits, proudly announces the rollout of its digital label initiative across its entire brand portfolio. This pioneering move aims to provide Filipino consumers with transparent, accessible information to help them make well-informed and responsible drinking decisions.

Recognizing the increasing demand for transparency, Pernod Ricard is integrating QR code-enabled digital labels on all brands, such as Beefeater Gin, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal, and Absolut Vodka. These QR codes, printed on the back labels, will lead consumers to dedicated webpages offering comprehensive product information, health guidelines, responsible drinking advice, and more.

Empowering Filipinos Through Information

In today’s fast-paced world, Filipino consumers seek easy access to reliable product information. With our digital labels, we’re making this possible by providing key details at their fingertips,” shared Hadyu Ikrami, Head of Legal, Public Affairs, Communication and S&R, Pernod Ricard Philippines. “This initiative supports the Philippines' digitalization efforts while reinforcing our commitment to responsible drinking. By providing consumers with easy access to essential information, we empower them to make informed choices and enjoy convivial moments responsibly”.

What Filipino Consumers Can Expect:

Product Transparency: Detailed information about ingredients and alcohol content.

Responsible Drinking Tips: Guidelines on alcohol consumption aligned with local health recommendations.

The digital label initiative is now fully available across all Pernod Ricard brands in the Philippines, making it the first major rollout by a global wine and spirits group.

Commitment to Responsible Drinking

Pernod Ricard Philippines has long championed responsible drinking campaigns, such as the widely recognized “Drink More Water” campaign, which encourages consumers to stay hydrated and pace themselves when consuming alcohol. The introduction of digital labels furthers this mission, reinforcing the company’s dedication to reducing harmful drinking.

This initiative underscores Pernod Ricard’s global strategy of corporate premiumization—creating meaningful social interactions through responsible and informed consumption.

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Red Bull Dance Your Style Fires Up a Bigger, Bolder, Better Dance Throwdown in the Philippines

Red Bull Dance Your Style Fires Up a Bigger, Bolder, Better Dance Throwdown in the Philippines

Prepare for another year of intense dance battles as Red Bull Dance Your Style, the most electrifying street dance competition, returns for its fourth year in the Philippines. The renowned global 1-on-1 street dance competition is bringing together the country’s top dance talents for another unpredictable, high-energy showdown where the crowd is the ultimate judge.

The one-of-a-kind dance competition challenges dancers to show off their talent and creativity as they freestyle to a random selection of music, spanning from timeless classics to top 40 dance hits, testing their ability to adapt, innovate, and dominate in real time. Unlike traditional dance battles, there are no official judges for Red Bull Dance Your Style. The power to decide who moves forward rests entirely in the hands of the audience.

Think You Have What It Takes?

Dancers across the Philippines will have the chance to step into the spotlight and claim their spot among the best. Pre-selections will be done on the same day as the regional qualifiers. Qualifiers will be held in Davao on March 22, in Manila on April 25, and in Cebu on May 17.

The stakes are higher during the National Finals, which is set to take place in Cebu on May 24. The winning National Champion will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete on the global stage, going head-to-head against the best dancers from 50 other countries, as the exclusive representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals in Los Angeles on October 11, 2025.

The Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Dance Tour

This year, Red Bull is turning up the heat in Asia with the Red Bull Dance Your Style Dance Tour. The multi-city takeover is set to allow the Red Bull dancers to engage with the local dance scene in the featured stops through high-energy collab nights and a series of dance workshops. including the 2024 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion Vietnam’s MTPop as well as dance sensation and 2022 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Champion, Japan’s THE D Soraki.

The Red Bull Dance Your Style Asia Dance Tour is about bringing together the community of dancers, igniting passion, and celebrating the raw unfiltered energy of street dance across East Asia. The Philippines is one of the seven stops of the exciting regional tour, alongside Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and South Korea. The tour is expected to make its way to the Philippines from April 22 to April 26.

Get Ready to Take on the Streets

Lace up your dance shoes and be part of the journey as Red Bull Dance Your Style takes over the Philippines’ streets. Stay tuned for more details about the regional qualifiers. We’ll see you on the streets!

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and social media pages.

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A Deadly Betrayal and a Fight for Redemption: Chris Pine Ignites the Screen with the High Stakes Action Thriller ‘The Contractor’, now streaming on Lionsgate Play

A Deadly Betrayal and a Fight for Redemption: Chris Pine Ignites the Screen with the High Stakes Action Thriller ‘The Contractor’, now streaming on Lionsgate Play

Monday, February 24, 2025

Explore the thin line between loyalty and deceit in The Contractor, where Chris Pine brings intensity to a gripping fight for redemption.

When honor is stripped away, how far would you go to protect those you love? Discharged against his will from the U.S. Special Forces, James Harper (Chris Pine) finds himself adrift, his career and future abruptly taken. Struggling to support his family and drowning in debt, Harper accepts a lucrative offer to join a private security firm. Reuniting with his best friend (Ben Foster) under the leadership of a calculated contractor-in-chief (Kiefer Sutherland), Harper is promised the work will be precise and purpose-driven, involving matters of national security.

The mission, infiltrating a Berlin lab linked to suspect activities, offers the promise of quick success, but the covert operation takes a deadly turn. Betrayed and on the run, Harper finds himself trapped in a whirlwind of danger, uncovering layers of deceit as he fights for survival and a way back to those he loves. Swedish director Tarik Saleh injects the film with gripping intensity, drawing comparisons to '70s-era paranoia thrillers and Bourne-style action, complete with brutal fight sequences, sleek pacing, and an unflinching glimpse into the moral void of clandestine operations.

The Contractor dives into the heavy consequences of Harper’s choices while echoing the struggles of veterans thrust into a world that so often abandons them. With its stinging physicality and tightly wound tension, this isn’t just a tale of survival—it’s a story about loyalty, exploitation, and the human cost of turning men into weapons. Will Harper's relentless resolve be enough to outlast the forces that betrayed him?

On what he hopes the audience would take away from the film, Chris Pine said in an interview with IGN, "I want people to think about what we do to our veterans and how we treat them. What we do to men and women who we train to kill after their time in war zones are over. The mental health of our veterans. The ideas of freedom and democracy and what it means to be an American, what it means to be a man, what it means to be a male warrior, and what it means to raise a boy. These are all things I want people to take away from it.”

This film marked Ben Foster's third time working with Chris Pine. On the experience working with a friend, he told Looper, "It's a joy to work with people you dig and respect, and we're grownups who somehow haven't given up the makeup game — make it up — and it's really nice when you don't have to make up caring about somebody. It goes for any job, you'd rather do it with people you respect and know have your back and go ask some questions together."

Don’t miss out on experiencing The Contractor, streaming on Lionsgate Play.

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REP restages hit romcom musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change for 2025

REP restages hit romcom musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change for 2025

The show officially opens REP’s 88th Season at its new home theater in Eastwood

After a successful run last season, Repertory Philippines (REP) kicked off their 88th Season by bringing back its successful musical comedy from 2024 I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. The show runs until March 9, 2025, at the REP Eastwood Theater in Eastwood City Walk, Quezon City.

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, the longest-running off-Broadway show, is a two-act romantic musical comedy set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis and the ever-present glow of dating apps and social media. With book and lyrics by award-winning Joe DiPietro and music by renowned composer Jimmy Brooks, this classic production was refreshed by the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo for its restaging in 2024.

This fresh take on a timeless tale explores the highs and lows of love in today’s fast-paced world. Played by four actors in twenty vignettes, it covers “everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.” From awkward first dates to courtship, marriage and the complexities of commitment, each vignette captures the essence of contemporary romance, reminding us that amidst the chaos, love and genuine connections still prevail.

The original cast of Gian Magdangal, Gabby Padilla, Krystal Kane, and Marvin Ong make their triumphant return to reprise their roles as the 40 characters, and Davy Narciso and Barbara Jance once again join the cast as male and female swings, respectively. Some of the most memorable vignettes include a hopeful I Will Be Loved Tonight before a first date; a passion-filled musing of a man still in love with his wife in Shouldn’t I Be Less In Love With You; a middle-aged woman navigating online dating in The Very First Dating Video of Rose Ritz; and the sweet, blossoming romance between senior citizens in I Can Live With That.

Since its staging, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change has been cited as one of highlights of the 2024 theater scene by critics, media, and theater fans. It has also been nominated and cited for 13 Gawad Buhay Awards and 2 Aliw Awards, including Female Lead Performance in a Musical for Krystal Kane and Gabby Padilla; Male Lead Performance in a Musical for Gian Magdangal and Marvin Ong; Outstanding Musical Direction by Ejay Yatco; Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical; Outstanding Stage Direction for a Musical for Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo; and Outstanding Production of Existing Material for a Musical. Gabby Padilla was nominated as Best Lead Actress in a Musical for the Aliw Awards 2024, while the production was nominated for Best Musical Play.

The production also boasts of an exceptional team of creatives, including Assistant Director Cara Barredo, Musical Director Ejay Yatco, Choreographer Stephen Viñas, Set and Costume Designer Joey Mendoza, Associate Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, Lights Designer Meliton Roxas Jr., Sound Designer Aji Manalo, Projection Designer GA Fallarme, Associate Projection Designer Justin Santiago, and Graphic Designer Neo Rivera. They are supported by the adept production team of Technical Director D Cortezano, Assistant Technical Director Ria Querido, Production Manager Patricia Gregorio, Assistant Production Manager Joy Bergancia, Stage Manager Jerome Aytona, and Assistant Stage Manager Maja Desuasido. The talented musicians bringing the play to life are Conductor/Pianist Farley Asuncion (with a few performances with Lyn Dimayuga), Guitarist Roneil Santos, Reed Player Jayson Rivera, Drummer Arvin Oh, and Bassist Ace Gonzales.

“The show received great accolades, and even if it was launched in 1996, Menchu’s take made it resonant and relevant for today. There’s something for everyone here, from single folks to those who have been committed for a long time, so we’re excited to kick off our 88th Season with this hit show,” says REP President Mindy Perez-Rubio. “We’re looking forward to sharing this production to a wider audience at our new home in the REP Eastwood Theater. And we’re thrilled to unveil the rest of the 2025 lineup, promising a fantastic, robust year for REP.”

For show-buying, sponsorships and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0962-691-8540 and 0966-905-4013 or send us an email sales@repphil.org and info@repphil.org, or through this link: https://linktr.ee/repertoryphilippines. Tickets will be available via Ticketworld and Ticket2 Me.

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

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Benj Pangilinan confronts self-doubt in new single “Alinlangan”

Benj Pangilinan confronts self-doubt in new single “Alinlangan”

Saturday, February 22, 2025

The soulful ballad examines his internal struggles in the midst of adolescent love

After releasing compellingly sentimental tunes “Love That’s Rare” and “Nandito Na Ako,” a duet with Angela Ken, here’s another OPM release blending intimate lyrics with soothing, well-crafted arrangements.

Benj Pangilinan bares his soul in the latest single, “Alinlangan,” released under Sony Music Entertainment. The heartfelt, piano-driven ballad expresses the Filipino singer-songwriter’s internal struggle and crippling self-doubt, as he questions the validity of his feelings, thinking that he isn’t deserving of such love.

“The inspiration for the song came from the idea of searching for true love and the emotions that come with it,” shares the promising musician. “The title, Alinlangan was suggested by Jungee Marcelo. It explores the experience of self-doubt, a struggle that many people face and can relate to.”

Co-written with veteran composer Kiko Salazar, “Alinlangan” captures the emotional complexities Benj is still learning to navigate. He adds, “I think my journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it takes me. In terms of what this track represents, I’d rather let the work speak for itself and allow the audience to connect with it in their own way.”

While it might be tempting to view self-doubt as merely a flaw, “Alinlangan” offers a deeper perspective. Benj embraces the judgment he faces from others who know nothing about him, recognizing that such challenges are necessary for emotional growth.

Sonically speaking, the song evolves in an unexpected way, transitioning from a minimalist piano arrangement with subtle instrumentation into a soaring pop anthem as it progresses. Benj explains, “The transitions in the song reflect the escalation of emotions, much like how our thoughts build up, especially when love and self-doubt are involved. The goal of this progression was to capture that emotional journey and the internal struggle that comes with it.”

Benj Pangilinan’s “Alinlangan” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.

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