For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, these beloved songs come to life on stage in Disney Princess - The Concert! MANILA will be on November 18 & 19, 3PM & 8PM at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, CEBU on November 22, 8PM at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu City and DAVAO on November 21, 8PM at the SMX Convention Center Davao. Presented by Disney Concerts and Wilbros Live.

Be our guest as a quartet of Broadway and television stars celebrate the music from every Disney Princess in an unforgettable show, alongside their magical Music Director and enchanting Prince. Your every dream will come true as larger than life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience in pure Disney magic, while these acclaimed stars sing your favorite songs and share their exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen. We invite you to relive your VHS glory days, dress up in your favorite royal attire, and share the joy with your loved ones. Be part of our world at Disney Princess - The Concert!

Songs to include “How Far I’ll Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Part of Your World,” “Almost There,” “Let It Go” and more!

Tickets will go on-sale on September 30, 12NN via TicketWorld.com.ph and TicketWorld outlets for Manila, and SMTickets.com and SMTickets outlets for Cebu and Davao. For more information, follow @WilbrosLive on FB, Twitter and IG.

Program will last approximately 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission. *This production features Broadway performers appearing as themselves. Costumed Disney characters do not appear at this event.

The Department of Home Affairs, Australia, has awarded the global biometric collection service across seven regions to VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions.

The agreement spanning Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) at 165 locations worldwide include new geographies in addition to existing locations operated by VFS Global. Awarded regions comprise Americas, Mekong, Middle East and North Africa, North Asia, Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the agreement, VFS Global’s core services include Biometric Collection and Identity Verification, Digital Assistance with online visa applications submission and Online Payment Assistance on the Department’s ImmiAccount portal.

The company would also provide additional (as required services) such as remote interview hosting, document and claim checking, paper digitisation and local addressing and document delivery. The roll out would take place in two broad phases with 59 centres to be operational by January 1, 2024 and the rest under phase two in line with the department’s directives.

“Over many years the department and VFS Global have enjoyed a successful partnership, during which VFS Global have continued to demonstrate flexibility as the department’s needs have evolved over time. We look forward to the continued growth of this partnership and roll out of the biometrics collection program under the new agreement,” said Anthony Phillips, Director of In-Person Services and Support, Department of Home Affairs.

“This global award is another testament of our business excellence and trusted partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, Australia. We have been working with the department since 2004 and we will continue to elevate the experience of travellers across the world bound to Australia,” said Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer VFS Global.

The agreement also marks the maiden opening of Australian biometric collection centres (ABCC) by VFS Global in the Americas region.

As the refreshing rains replace the scorching summer heat, a season shift brings both relief and health challenges. While the rain offers a welcome respite, it also ushers in health concerns that become more prominent during this time.

The shift in seasons usually affects me because of the presence of viral and infections that puts me and my family most of the times sick, specially our youngest son, since he's a pre-term baby. His pediatrician would always remind us to be very wary of his condition. So, me and the rest of the family really need to boost our immune system, as much as possible to avoid this illnesses caused by viral infections. And as we continue to experience rainy days, it's helpful to have these essentials to stay healthy, snug and comfortable during the downpour:

1.Umbrella: Stay-dry comfort

Of course, number one on the list is an umbrella. If I would look at the bags of most Filipinos, I’ll most likely find an umbrella. It’s like a trusty sidekick in the crazy weather rollercoaster we experience daily. One minute, we’re under the scorching heat, and the next, we could be caught in a downpour with gusty winds. Having an umbrella on hand keeps me prepared for whatever weather surprise comes my way.

2.Tea: A cup of warmth

There's nothing quite like wrapping my hands around a warm mug of tea as the rain taps against the windowpane. The soothing warmth of tea instantly makes me feel snug and content, making it the ultimate comfort drink for gloomy weather. I always choose a selection of soothing herbal teas such as chamomile, lavender, or ginger, which not only provide warmth but also have calming and digestive properties. Sometimes, I add some honey or lemon for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor!

3.Soup: Comfort food for the soul

For many Filipinos, soup has always been a comfort food especially during the rainy days. Whether it's the beloved Filipino classics like sinigang, tinola, or bulalo, or a simple yet heartwarming bowl of pumpkin soup, these have always been a go-to choice for me especially when I want some warmth!

4.Essential oils: Aromatherapy for comfort

Call me a tita but I love indulging in essential oils. These tiny miracles are made from plant extracts, and they have the power to turn my day around with just a sniff! Lavender essential oils can help reduce stress, while eucalyptus essential oils can provide relief from congestion, making it easier to breathe in the damp weather. It’s great as a sleep aid, too!

5.Essential vitamins and medicines: Defense and immunity booster

No rainy-day care package is complete without essential vitamins and medicines. It’s wise to have them on hand during days when I’m feeling under the weather. This rainy season, I make sure I always have vitamin c, and paracetamol because it help in boosting our immune system while the paracetamol in challenging cases can help in suppressing that illnesses to develop. And to make sure I have ample supply of quality and affordable generic medicines and vitamins, I always go to Generika Drugstore.

Through its house brand products Actimed Generics and Nutrawell Supplements, Generika Drugstore makes flu and allergy relief medications accessible and affordable.

With these rainy-day essentials, ramdam ko ang ginhawa ngayong tag-ulan, ramdam ko pa ang ginhawa sa bulsa with the vitamins and medicines from Generika Drugstore!  

Filipino readers

The Vibal Tertulia treated the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) attendees to a rarified spectacle of music, dance, and literary discourse last Sept. 16 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. The Tertulia was hosted by the Vibal Group and the Vibal Foundation at the 44th run of Manila’s largest and longest-running book fair.

The pocket event featured distinguished authors discussing the origin stories of select books from Vibal’s extensive collection. Attendees, including media practitioners, scholars, publishers, art enthusiasts, and book lovers, were also treated to a feast for the senses—straight-from-the-book dramatization, recorded interviews, point-of-view short films, and a series of evocative songs and folk dances that collectively served as a time machine to a bygone era.

Rediscovery and renewal

John L. Silva, executive director of the Ortigas Foundation Library and UNESCO commissioner, introduced the book Philippine Colonial Photography of the Cordilleras (1860-1930) curated by historian Jonathan Best, who was also present at the affair and subsequent book signing. The book showcases over 100 photos by notable colonial photographers, and documents “a positive and beneficial attitude toward the people of the Cordilleras” by visiting anthropologists and researchers.

Dr. Jose Victor Z. Torres chronicles the Walled City of Manila in two new books, Intramuros: The Story of Old Manila and Paseos de Intramuros: A Guidebook to Manila’s Walled City. The books, considered sequels to Ciudad Murada: A Walk Through Historic Intramuros, prove that more can be learned from the past.

Dr. Javier Galvan, director of Instituto Cervantes, shared that his book, Heritage Churches of the Cagayan River Basin, stemmed from the realization that the churches in the Cagayan Valley were either unknown or unrecognized.

James Owen Saguinsin spoke of his quest to study forgotten masters, including National Artist Carlos Modesto “Botong” Francisco’s mentor Juan Senson, in Nineteenth Century Masters of Angono Art.

Dr. Lino Dizon discussed the influence of the publications of the early printing press on the propaganda movement that propelled the Philippine revolution in Imprenta Ramirez y Giraudier, A Story of Late Nineteenth-Century Philippine Intellectuality.

National Artist Resil B. Mojares and Dr. Hope Sabangan-Yu, co-editors of More Cebuano Than We Admit: Aspects of Cebuano History, Culture, and Society, spoke of overlooked local and regional history as holding vital pieces of information about the Filipino national identity.

Lolo José, An Intimate and Illustrated Portrait of José Rizal, brings the national hero off his pedestal and into the realm of family lore through anecdotes documented by his grand-niece Asunción López Bantug.

Vibal has also made Philippine cultural history more accessible to Filipinos and foreigners alike through bilingual reprints of vintage Spanish texts.

These included The Adventures of Cayo Malinao and Other Philippine Novelettes (translated from the original Spanish into English) by Guillermo Gómez Windham, the country’s first Premio Zobel awardee, and La última corrida (The Last Bullfight, now a graphic novel translated into English and Filipino) by his grand-nephew Guillermo Gómez Rivera, also a Premio Zobel awardee.

Author Dr. Eugene Evasco introduced his two new collections - Hiwaga: Philippine Myths and Tales and Gunita: Celebrating Filipino Visionaries
Author Dr. Eugene Evasco introduced his two new collections - Hiwaga: Philippine Myths and Tales and Gunita: Celebrating Filipino Visionaries

As part of the Tertulia, Vibal also launched its Collected Philippine Stories for Young Readers, a series of storybook collections exploring themes like identity, family, community, the environment, and mythology, to foster a love of reading among the youth. Dr. Eugene Evasco, award-winning creative writer, scholar, and reading advocate, introduced the 28 new collections under Chikiting Books, plus his two new anthologies, Hiwaga: Philippine Myths and Tales and Gunita: Celebrating Filipino Visionaries.

70 years of Filipiniana

Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, President of the Book Development Association of the Philippines, congratulated Vibal on 70 years of publishing, particularly for the company’s growing list of Filipiniana titles that have been recognized by award-giving bodies.

“Today’s tertulia highlights no less than 20 titles of excellently produced content that made major contributions to Philippine society. These large-format books are not just something the company can be proud of, but it also brings much pride to the entire book industry, to see that one of our own is committed to making wonderful books about our nation,” said Atty. Pasion-Flores.

The tertulia concluded with Vibal Group CEO Kristine Mandigma thanking the speakers and acknowledging the Vibal team for their outstanding work for MIBF.

“This is a special book fair for us because we’re celebrating our 70th year in business this year,” said Mandigma, underscoring that, taking inspiration from its leadership, Vibal “continues its legacy of publishing fine Philippine books, intelligent Philippine books, for readers in the Philippines and globally.” If you missed Vibal at MIBF, all newly released books will be available at their online shop. Visit https://shop.vibalgroup.com/ to place your order.

“Na-’hack’ ako!” – This has become a common catchphrase for the increasing number of people finding unauthorized transactions on their e-wallets and bank accounts. This comes as no surprise because according to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, cybercrimes increased by 152% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, and the popularity of e-wallets have made it an easy target for criminals.

However, the term ‘hacking’ is often confused with “phishing”, another notoriously common type of cybercrime activity. While both end in malicious individuals gaining control over a user’s account, it’s critical for users to know the difference to better protect themselves.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a kind of cyber attack wherein cybercriminals pretend to be a legitimate source to trick users into giving personal information to gain access to accounts and steal the funds. For e-wallets, fraudsters may call or send a message via email, SMS or social media platforms pretending to be an employee or a company representative to get the victim’s Mobile Personal Identification Number (MPIN) and One-Time Password (OTP) or authentication code.

What is Hacking?

Hacking refers to an unauthorized attempt by a criminal to access sensitive information on a device or network. This is done by taking over a system through force or sophisticated methods.

What’s the difference?

Both phishing and hacking involve unauthorized ways of gaining sensitive information, but they are being done differently. In hacking, cybercriminals take advantage of vulnerabilities of devices and networks to gain access to sensitive information. It is therefore important for users to only use apps that are credible, reliable, and have strong security measures in place to prevent criminals from hacking the system.

On the other hand, phishing scams, derived from the word fishing, are designed to ‘bait’ victims so they will be tricked into giving sensitive information. This becomes highly dependent on the users because fraudsters rely on them to unknowingly give the information needed to access their accounts through fake websites, fake sign-up forms, or fake portals.

As cybercriminals become more creative, some phishing attempts are now designed to appear as a hacking attack. Cybercriminals ‘phish’ information from thousands of users over a certain period, but don’t immediately use these data to steal funds. All this phished information is then used to steal funds at the same time. With the large number of victims noticing that their funds have been stolen simultaneously, it would look like a massive hacking attack, especially if the victims no longer recall sharing their personal information.

The good news is that phishing scams can be prevented if you know how to spot them. Here are safety practices you can observe to protect your e-wallet account from the phishing attacks:

1.Double up on security measures

Make use of additional safety measures found in your e-wallet app. Aside from requiring you to enter your MPIN, e-wallet apps also send the OTP as an additional security measure to verify your identity. GCash also has a DoubleSafe Face ID, which prompts users for a selfie scan every time they login using a new device, to make sure that it is the Verified Account Owner who has access to the account.

2.Think and rethink before you act

Review the sender and the content of a suspicious message even before responding or clicking on the link. If you are being offered rewards or prizes, backtrack if you have indeed joined a program or raffle and verify with the company through another channel.

Remember that GCash will never send links via SMS, email and messaging apps and all legitimate rewards and promos will only be communicated through the official GCash app, so never click on links claiming to be from GCash.

3.Double-check the message that comes with the OTP

Legitimate e-wallet transactions may ask you to enter your OTP as an added security feature. If you receive an OTP through text message, make it a habit to read the entire message and make sure that it matches the request you made. If you did not make the request or if it is different from what you want to do, do not enter your OTP on any site or send it to anyone, to make sure you are not unknowingly linking your account to another device.

4.Be wary of limited time offers and urgent requests

Advisories or offers that instill a sense of urgency is almost always a sign of phishing scams. Legitimate companies will give you enough time to make a decision and will not ask you to provide your MPIN or OTP to resolve a concern, verify your identity or claim a reward.

If you are being told that your GCash account is on hold, confirm this through the official GCash app. GCash will never ask you to verify your account through a phone call or through messaging applications.

5.Never share your OTP and MPIN

Never provide your personal information if you did not initiate a request. As a rule, don’t provide sensitive information, such as your OTP and MPIN, even to your family, friends and other people claiming to be representatives of banks, companies, service providers and government agencies. Remember that GCash will never ask these details from you.

If you encounter phishing scams and fraudulent activities targeting your GCash account, you may report by visiting the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com/hc/en-us or messaging Gigi on the website and typing, “I want to report a scam.”

A fresh new face is joining the yoboo family—a loving, caring supermom!

This all-around actress, model, and vlogger recently entered motherhood, having given birth to a beautiful baby girl towards the end of 2022. She and her husband, who’s from the same industry, tied the knot in February 2021 and have been embracing family life since then.

“We look forward to sharing with everyone our newest brand ambassador, who embodies our #yobooBestie philosophy,” said Chinen Rina, Pediatrician and Founder of yoboo. “She is her daughter’s best friend and naturally wants what’s best for her. yoboo’s ethos is rooted in our deep care for our partner families and babies’ skincare needs, which we strive to fulfill through our products.”

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Committed to helping every family raise children in a relaxed and scientific manner, the Japanese-based brand provides expertly crafted skincare products for babies using natural plant extracts and biomimetic essence to awaken the skin’s intrinsic vitality. A baby’s skin is only 1/4 the thickness of adult skin, making it more fragile and sensitive to mechanical stress. It can also be prone to dryness, redness, and itching, which is why it requires extra care by developing good skincare habits with the help of gentle, high-quality products.

Using top-quality ingredients, all formulas are easily absorbed to nurture healthy and resilient skin. Its all-natural formulas reject unnecessary additives, preservatives, and allergens and follow strict quality standards for the parent’s peace of mind.

Catch the big announcement on September 29, 2023 through yoboo’s official Facebook (https://t.ly/DN7Dk) and Instagram (@yoboo.philippines) Pages. Save the date and we’ll see you there!

For comprehensive skincare from baby’s head to toe, visit yoboo Philippines’ official stores in Lazada (https://t.ly/vEeOL) and Shopee (https://t.ly/wICgz).

In its latest initiative to comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 (EPR Law), Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) has entered new partnerships with four leading Filipino waste management organizations. The food industry giant formalized its commitment to a more sustainable future at a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST), Envirotech, Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), and Republic Cement last September 1, 2023, at APC Makati head office.

The EPR Law mandates companies to take more responsibility for the disposal and recycling of their products throughout their life cycle, which includes post-consumer waste management. Obliged enterprises like APC must ensure that they do their part in recovering, diverting, and recycling plastic waste generated from the use of their products. These policies aim to mitigate and manage the macro effects and impact of post-consumer plastic waste on the environment.

APC saw the enactment of the EPR Law as an opportunity to supplement their current environmental stewardship projects. The company immediately sought partnerships with organizations that would not only help make their sustainability efforts more feasible, but also inspire new initiatives for a more environmentally sound future for the Philippines.

To aid with the collection of post-consumer packaging, APC tapped BEST, a waste management consulting company established in 1999. BEST founded the Trash-to-Cashback program operating in different parts of the Philippines and the MyBasurero App that encourages waste collection through an incentivized system.

Since 2010, Envirotech has built multiple materials recovery and processing facilities nationwide, with facilities that turn low-quality soft/flexible plastic waste into construction and furniture grade materials.

PCX is widely known for pioneering the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard, which allows for the management of pledges from companies and institutions to clean up their plastic footprints and be awarded Plastic Neutrality Certifications for their efforts. Their aim is to protect the ocean by collecting and processing solid waste found in our waters, while providing livelihood opportunities to women in vulnerable communities through their Aling Tindera Program.

Completing APC’s new set of collaborations is Republic Cement, who launched the Ecoloop program that encourages waste recovery and processing from collecting, segregating, and shredding of viable solid waste to be used as Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF).

During the ceremony, Mr. Ernesto Carlos, APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer further assured that APC, alongside its partners who signed the Memorandum of Agreement, will put up unwavering efforts for future generations of Filipinos.

“We encourage all companies to embrace the EPR Act and take a proactive approach to managing their plastic footprint,” Carlos said. “By working together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future for all.”

Towards the realization of its goal of reducing environment impact by 2030, APC has been actively finding solutions to reduce plastic waste. The company has launched in the market the first-ever seasoning product in paper packaging, the AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 45g which is made from natural and renewable paper material that can be planted, grown, harvested, and replanted. While the group has launched initiatives facilitated within their production processes, it has also introduced sustainability education under the #IlabasAngSustainAbilidad campaign which harnesses the reach of Ajinomoto Philippines’ social media pages.

With the expertise of their four new partners, the implementation of APC Group’s sustainable practices and the promotion of eco-friendly lifestyles are now on a larger scale toward building sustainable communities.

It’s a big reunion! After 3 years of hiatus due to the pandemic, The Best of Anime (BOA) is coming back this 2023 with a vengeance. This year, BOA will be featuring a number of exciting events like the Anime Idol Dance Battle, Anime Sing-Off, All-Star Cosplay Competition, and Lolita Fashion Show — complete with special guests, performances by fan-favorite cosplayers, and more. Of course, an anime event is never complete without merchandise, so don’t forget to drop by the shops and grab some anime merch and manga or comics!

For those unfamiliar with cosplay, the term originates from the combination of the words “costume” and “play”, and refers to activities related to dressing or acting as a character from anime, manga, or any other form of media. Cosplayers don’t simply dress as them, but spend all their time conceptualizing, creating their costume masterpieces, and building their own definition of the character. As one of the biggest cosplay events in the Philippines, cosplayers from all over the country will be gathering at BOA to show off their amazing creations and have a great time as they celebrate this art. Of course, BOA isn’t limited to just cosplayers. The event welcomes everyone who loves cosplay, anime, manga, and Japanese culture!

With anime, manga, and cosplay having a huge cultural significance in Japan and a large impact all over the world, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Manila Office are excited to support this event. Both organizations will be at BOA to share more about the fascinating aspects of Japan and its culture, as well as provide engaging activities and informative material about Japan for event goers.


If you love anime, manga, cosplay, and Japanese culture, then make sure not to miss The Best of Anime 2023: The Reunion! Head on over to the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia Complex on September 16 for an anime extravaganza!


WHAT: The Best of Anime 2023: The Reunion
WHEN: September 16, 2023
WHERE: SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City
Buy tickets on-site or in advance through SM Tickets: https://smtickets.com/events/view/11993
Regular tickets: ₱380
Premium tickets: ₱1,250