A Darangen in Dance at SM Lanang Premier
In celebration of the National Heritage Month, SM Lanang Premier and the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. mounted Philippine Ballet Theatre’s showcase of Darangen ni Bantugen.
Darangen is the Maranao term for epic song. Declared in 2005 as one of the world’s 43 “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible heritages of Humanity” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the epic consists of 17 cycles and 72,000 lines in its ancient form.
Originally told in verse or chanted by the elders of the Maranao people – one of the main Muslim groups of Mindanao – it highlights episodes from Maranao history, explores the themes of love, life and death, good and evil, and celebrates the exploits of its legendary heroes. The story of Bantugen is the most widely told—and Davao was witness to this last May 30 in SM Lanang Premier’s Cinema 6.
“The most important thing here is that we Filipinos should appreciate our epics not necessarily the ones from Mindanao, Luzon or Visayas. We have a very good and rich epic that we can be proud of, that can match with India’s Ramayana or Greek mythology which is very popular and being taught in schools. Our Darangen ni Bantugen is a very classic story, with adventures and odyssey that we Filipinos should really appreciate, learn and absorb,” said Gener Caringal, director and choreographer of Darangen Ni Bantugen.
The ballet Darangen ni Bantugen was created for the Philippine Ballet Theatre with choreography by Gener Caringal and Ronilo Jaynario, music by Jesse Lucas, and set and costume design by National Artist Salvador Bernal. It premièred on May 14, 2008, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. An adaptation based on the stories by Ma. Lourdes Sanchez and E. Arsenio Manuel, this story-ballet is a synthesis of modern, contemporary and classical dance, focusing on the hero Bantugen, his odyssey, death and resurrection. The music of Lucas fuses indigenous wind and percussion instruments with pre-recorded original chants. Bernal’s stylized renditions of the original Maranao costumes reflect the rich tapestry of Mindanao culture and tradition. The emotional aura invoked by each scene is intensified by the various shifts in light, shadow and color.
Darangen ni Bantugen was commissioned by the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. as the centerpiece of the month-long National Heritage Month festivities, which in 2008, had the Filipino epic for its theme. The month of May has been set aside by the government to celebrate our national culture annually.
NCCC Supermarket and Whisper Philippines become torchbearers for Wellness Revolution
Over 1,500 runners gathered at People’s Park early morning of April 8 as NCCC Supermarket and Whisper Philippines joined hands for Pink Run 2018. It is a fun run event which aimed to foster fitness, health and wellness among Davao City shoppers.
With emphasis on the wellness revolution common among all age groups, Pink Run had 3 race categories and winners were divided into Male and Female.
“The race is OPEN to all”, said Janna Mutalib, Head of Branding and Events at NCCC Supermarket. “Despite Whisper, being a feminine hygiene product, we also made sure that fun run is inclusive so as to encourage everyone that fitness is for all”, she added.
18 Winners took home cash prizes, medals and NCCC Gift Packs. Jimboy Lugay made a record as he finished the 10K Category in 33 minutes and 50 seconds. For the female 10K category, Judelyn Miranda grabbed the top prize when she finished the race in 41 minutes and 46 seconds.
Full list of winners is as follows:
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | |
| 10K | Female | Judelyn Miranda | Sharon Marcuhos | Emely Avergonsado |
| Male | Jimboy Lugay | Jun Adel | Arlan Arbois | |
| 5K | Female | Diane Mae Moracion | May-Ann Edayan | Jennifer Quia |
| Male | Ychon Agustin | Normal Carl Luardo | Chong Cain | |
| 3K | Female | Melissa Halili | Arlene Jane Onso | Joanna Marie Agudo |
| Male | Fritz Clarence Lantaco | Daryl Mark Daban | Alex Fulgencio | |
The event was also graced by representatives from Department of Social Welfare and Development. P30,000.00 in cash was provided to Home for Girls and Women, a local facility under DSWD – Region XI established to protect children and women from abuse and neglect. Center Head, Sheryl Ann Dumalogdog accepted the donation.
Palm City Food Park: Tagum’s Newest Food Hub
Food parks are the biggest thing that has happened to anyone who loves going on food trips. The food is always festive with a wide selection of cuisines that can truly satisfy your cravings.
The Palm City Food Park located in Lapu Lapu Street in Tagum City, pioneered this new food hub promising a variety of quick eats conveniently housed in one place. Owned and operated by Elegante De Propiedad Corporation, now officially with 9 tenants and counting since its opening last November 23, 2017.
The park was first to have a multi-level hangout in Tagum, along with 9ftx12ft LED wall, with elegantly decorated cable tables and lighted acrylic rounded glow sphere chairs, accentuated with white, and black accent interior, with an indoor garden vibe, rolled with synthetic turf artificial lawn grass that is attractive to the eye, a pleasant place that invites you to relax and enjoy the environment, a place where your children and pets can safely play.
Upon invitation from one of Davao ‘s seasoned nightlife circuit and events DJ Bert Manuel, allowed me to tour the whole place, chat with the stalls owners, and taste their food specialties. Throughout the day, DJ Bert will showcase the various sounds and styles of house music, as well as live performances.
Tenants include Namit Restobar, (offers the quintessential Ilonggo dish, Batchoy, the silky noodles, hot broth and robust flavors. They also offer a variety of seafood delicacies along with their best -selling “Crispy Crablets”. SeeeFood by EYS Tuna’s (“Ituro Mo Iluluto Ko”) “King Art” Lechon (gastronomic plate of all lechon dishes from sinigang to monggo).
Roberto’s by Mr. Art Abner Ang serves tender juicy ribs. They have rice served dishes like Pork Sisig, El Camaron, Chicken Barbeque and Hawaiian Shrimps with prices ranging from P149 and up. They also have sweet treats & deliciously decadent baked goods like the Black Forest, Mango Cheesecake and Tiramisu.
Hot Plate serves amazing food, so good that it will make your soul cry out for more!! Just like eating at Grandma’s house, but with a twist! “We are committed to providing our clients with great service and amazing food, perfect for the entire family”, according to the owner Mr. Noel Martin. Hot Plate also serves “Chicken Nilotlot”, chicken cooked in Bamboo and “Oton Sinabaw”, a fantastic cold-kicker spruced with lots of onion, ginger ,and lemongrass.
Box and a Bowl serves delicious and authentic food, exotic versions like crocodile and the crispy fried frog can pique the interest of your taste buds. I would definitely try their “Baboy ramo” and snake delicacies in my next stop.
Tikiloha boasts a wide array of smoothies, shakes, juices, and cocktails tossing in handfuls and drizzles of various ingredients. Must try to include “Classic Bahamama”, Tiki Chokobum, and their own concoction of Weng-Weng and the delectable coffee Vietnamese. Newly opened stalls include Aussie Steak House and Papa Jhun’s Pizza Shack.
Palm City Food Park is a cozy food hub that proves to be a good hangout spot for barkadas and the entire family to bond while enjoying good food and great music. Each food stall has a unique menu for wider selection of customers. It has affordable food, accessible parking, the place is good for late night cravings or after work drinks. You can order any food you want from the stalls and be delivered to your table, promptly. The atmosphere is buzzing – it’s always full of customers so get there early if you can. The food park is open from 11 am to 1 am.
5th Indonesian Cooking Lessons
The 5th Indonesian Cooking Lessons was held anew at the Indonesian Consul Residences, last November 29, 2017. This event is a series of activities that showcase Indonesian cuisine, as well as open opportunity and access to the Philippine market, especially in Mindanao. With expectations that Indonesian cuisine and beverage will be available and accessible to restaurants, hotels, malls and food court in Mindanao.
The cooking lessons allowed guests to discover the different variety of Indonesian spices. As well as provide a valuable insight of Indonesia’s unique culinary heritage and introduction of the exotic ingredients
Chef Alex Destriza along with Chef Joy from Marco Polo Hotel prepared “Ikan Bumbu Acar Kuning” (Yellow Pickled Seasoning Sauce), a fish sprinkled with yellow pickle seasoning topped with carrots, pineapple, and cucumbers.
Honourable Shirlyn Banas-Nograles (Vice Mayor of General Santos City), spearheaded the cooking try-out and prepared “Sate Ayam Madura” (Chicken Sate with Peanut Sauce). Sate Ayam Madura is best paired with Lontong (Indonesian rice cake in banana leaves). If you order a “Nasi Goreng” (Fried Rice). Also featured is the “Kue Nagasari, a traditional cake originally from Java Island, Nagasari is a traditional steamed cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, filled with slices of banana.
Joining them were Honourable Orly A. Amit (Vice Mayor Samal Island) and Consul General Berlian Napitupulu
1st Indonesia Fashion Expo
The 1st ever, 3-day Indonesian Fashion Expo was a great success held at Abreeza Mall last November 24-26, 2017. The expo aims to create a hub of local cooperation as well as a platform to present their latest products with more than a hundred items to interact and conclude business with their trade and consumer.
Present during the ceremonies were City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto.
The fashion expo showcased 24 designers and Indonesia’s potential fashion products such as clothing products, bags, shoes, and fashion accessories. Aside from the fashion show, Davaenoes were treated to a one-on-one business matching, music, and cultural performances.
Displaying the entire range of colors of the rainbow, and adorned with fascinating accessories, the three-day event also displayed Indonesia’s rich heritage in modern designs in Fashion presented in ready-to-wear collections by Indonesia’s top designers. The expo is part of the Indonesian Consul efforts to promote the economic relationship between Philippines and Indonesia.
ABREEZA CHRISTMAS LAUNCH: A YULETIDE MUSICAL RIDE
Abreeza Ayala Mall ushers in the season of gifts and giving at the Abreeza Christmas Launch: A Yuletide Musical Ride. held Nov 12, 2017, at the Activity Center. The afternoon was filled with holiday harmonies by award-winning contemporary a cappella group Acapellago.
Shoppers also witness the lighting of the Abreeza Christmas Village at the Ground Floor, as well as the Abreeza Christmas Tree.
Guest performances include Muzic’s Kool Glee and Champ and the Band, a local crooner who wanted to bring the Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin-style roasts and he got off to a good start because he sounded just like another Rat when he came out on stage everyone was ecstatic.
With Abreeza Mall’s mission of encouraging the spirit of giving, Abreeza Mall General Manager Luigi Escano formally welcomes guests and promote Hero Foundation and introduce the scholars. He invited everyone to share their blessings by approaching the donation box for the scholars of the HERO Foundation, HERO meaning Help, Educate, and Rear Orphans, at the Main Concierge near Jollibee. Corporations are also invited to lend a hand by supporting the group’s efforts.
Fast forward to the much- anticipated performance of the award-winning Filipino contemporary a cappella group, Acapellago. The group was originally from Bulacan and formed in 2012, this five-piece group has gone on to conquer both the national and international scenes, having been signed to Viva Records, received the Ani ng Dangal award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and named a two-time Grand Champion of Akapela Open in the Philippines, Grand Champion of the A Cappella Championships – International Category in Singapore in 2015, Grand Champion of the Aka Acapella VIII in Singapore in 2016, and first runner-up of the Vocal Asia competitions in Taiwan in 2016.
They brought the house down with their vocal prowess, the group continues to create, arrange, and perform new music to inspire many young artists in contemporary a cappella singing and contribute to the Philippines’ music and performing arts heritage.
Winter Magic comes to life at SM City Davao
This year, Disney joins SM Supermalls in bringing a magical Disney Christmas experience tagged as “Olaf’s Frozen Adventures” at SM City Davao, last November 10, at the Annex Event Center.
Shoppers may walk through the mall’s centerpiece– winter time at Arendelle Castle with a 15-foot Christmas tree. Mall-goers can join Olaf and his friends relive sights and sounds from the much-loved animated film,
Frozen. A Disney frozen Toy Fair also awaits Olaf’s fans at the Annex Event Center.
Adding to the winter fun is the grace and finesse on the ice by the Philippine Team’s Grand Prix representative figure skater Bianca Vinarao , who led the Adventures on Ice launch and musical performances from Muzic’skool Gleetery . Mindanao’s first ice skating rink will be in Davao until January 2018. Slide, glide and experience a magical winter Christmas adventure on ice!
The mobile ice skating rink rates for weekdays is only one hundred –fifty pesos (P150.00) and one hundred eighty pesos (P180.00) on weekends for one hour.
“SM City Davao hosted 20 kids from different CSSDO Day Care Centers in our nearby communities. We treated them to a fun day at the mall with mall train and carousel rides, hearty and filling meal, as well as fun games at the World of Fun,” vice president for operations in Mindanao Oliver John R. Tiu shares.
Tiu also encouraged everyone to share in the fun as SM fill its halls with joyful sounds, overflowing festive tastes and lots and lots of heart-warming Christmas feel that mark a distinct and truly merry SM Christmas experience, happening all the way through the first week of January.
Francis Libiran’s Bridal Trunk Show Hits Davao
Top Fashion designer, Mr. Francis Libiran’s “Affaire de Coeur”, trunk show has descended on Davao last November 4 and 5, 2017 held at Marco Polo Hotel.
We were among the few incredibly lucky who were given VIP access behind the dressing room door at the Presidential Suites, and a rare chance of meeting Francis and his husband Mr. Christian Mark Jacobs, President and Chief Operating Officer of Francis Libiran Bridal. Thanks to my friends, Mr. Francis Dominque Chang (Medical Representative) and Mr. Ryan Absin, widely known in IG and in social media as “The Gay Wanderlust”, a travel blogger and a “Lippy for Granny Advocate”, who invited me to an incredible Saturday.
“Christian and I had the chance meeting at the airport, which leads to this rare invitation. About two years ago, while waiting for our individual flights, we exchanged stories about celebrities and found out that we do share many common threads including charities, with Christian’s “Wine to Water”, bringing clean water to people across the Philippines and my “Lippy for Granny”, which started last April 2014 to give happiness to Lola’s who wants to boost self- confidence and feel beautiful again”, says #thegaywanderlust travel blogger.
Completing the luxurious day at the Presidential Suite, is the welcome sparkling wine upon arrival, the array of fresh flowers, as guests were given access to a plethora of gowns.
The bridal gowns are handpicked specifically for display, where lucky soon-to-be-brides is given an advance look at the designer’s line. Mr. Jacobs personally gives us all a tour and it leaves everyone in high spirits.
Brides are encouraged to come with an open mind, to fully engage with the experience. The trunk show begins at the lobby with displays of Libiran’s two breath-taking gowns and the array of collections including the Forever Francis Libiran rings.
Brides are then ushered to fit at least three to five gowns, along with a relaxed setting and a chance to snap a photo and meet Libiran in person who with his unique vision, will take brides through the beautiful possibilities of what will work best for both their figure and how it’s going to help them on their journey of finding their dream dress. Libiran’s bridal trunk show collection. If I felt like a princess — I’m not even engaged! — imagine what you’ll feel!
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More Holiday Choices This Season of Giving at NCCC
The Yuletide tradition has officially begun and the spirit of love & gratitude come on various occasions. This year, NCCC Retail Specialists, Inc. will make your Christmas celebration even more colorful with an ultimate guide to a hassle-free and sulit Holiday Shopping!
Gift ideas for your Christmas Giveaways
With Holiday Choices 2017, shoppers can choose from an array of bundled gift ideas ideal as personal presents or corporate incentives. It also highlights various essential food choices and recipes prepared during the holidays.
“Our Holiday catalog provides a complete selection of everything we need during Christmas celebrations. We also customize party needs and provide free deliveries via Grocery Express for NCCC Supermarket and Grocer-Ring for Choice Mart branches which proves that Christmas shopping can be easy and hassle-free..” shared Ms. Rhia Yap-Clarinan, Store Manager, NCCC Supermarket Mall Davao.
For shoppers who are looking for a better way to express some love for special people, be it a friend, a family member, an employee or a colleague, give them an NCCC Gift Card and let them enjoy the perks of choosing a memorable Holiday present.
Premium Cakes for a delightful celebration
Bread Factory, on the other hand officially unveils its premium cakes holiday collection. Everyone can now enjoy the sweetness of the holidays with Coffee Java Cake, Ube Halol and Mango Crunch Cake roll. Both come at a very affordable price.
Eat and Feel Good while having your holiday shopping
Another must-try experience for NCCC shoppers is the introduction of Wasabi Warriors, the hit sushi place from Australia and now a certified concessionaire of NCCC Supermarket. An authentic Japanese dish with sushi selections ranging from pork, chicken, seafood and vegetable ideal for a sushi-inspired celebration. With its interesting Warrior story, it has been believed that when you eat with the Wasabi Warriors, you are honoring practices that are good for the ocean, earth, and animals.
LOCAL CHOCOLATES TAKE CENTER STAGE@ THE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL
Various chocolate notes tickled the senses of shoppers at SM City Davao during the Davao Chocolate Festival last October 12-15 at the Annex Event Center.
Twenty-four exhibitors offered chocolate products ranging from chocolate desserts to drinks, chocolate liqueur to pralines, as well as wellness products with cacao butter.
Exciting chocolate food impressions were introduced by newcomers Cacao Culture, Chocoloco Inc, Auro Chocolate, Capt Du’s Cacao, MS3 Agri-ventures, Johanns, Milky, The Bright Side, Confex & Co., Sweets of Tirzah, Comval Tropical Harvest, Ballovar Creations and Yolks. Davao Chocolate Festival mainstays The Chocolate Bean, Malagos Chocolate, Cidami, Rosario Davao Artisanal Chocolates, Cacao De Davao, Puratos, Aromacology, NutraRich, Fedco, Chocolate de San Isidro, and Lara Mia will also offered Davao’s favorite chocolate treats.
“We are very happy to be part of the growth of the cacao industry here in the region. The Davao Chocolate Festival is SM’s way of helping local growers, processors as well as starting entrepreneurs by giving them an avenue to showcase their products, ”SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Angala-Lopez shares.
A project of SM City Davao and the Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc. the Davao Chocolate Festival brings together the region’s best cacao growers and processors. This year, the project is also supported by the Department of Trade and Industry as well as the city government of Davao through the City Agriculturist’s Office.
The event launch was graced by the City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, DTI Cacao Industry Coordinator Edwin Banquerigo and the chocolate queen from Cebu Raquel Choa. Leading the ceremonial breaking of the giant chocolate were SM City Davao Mall Manager Lynette Lopez, Assistant Mall Manager Engr. Warren Rey Bautista and CIDAMI executive director Val Turtur.
Apart from the chocolate market, a cooking demo was conducted by the Marco Polo Hotel Davao Chef Joseph Milgo and Hernard Ampon prepared a special dessert treat using the locally grown and produced tablea.
Lecture series on growing, processing and packaging were also scheduled throughout the festival dates. Kids also discovered the sweet chocolate journey from beans to bars in the kiddie tours.