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Multiple Grammy Award Winning Diamond-Certified Ed Sheeran Enters the Race with ‘Drive’ from F1 The Album

Atlantic Records’ upcoming  F1®THE ALBUM, the supercharged and star-studded musical companion to Apple Original Films’ high-octane, action-packed film F1® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick), is speeding towards the finish line with today’s premiere of “Drive” by 4x GRAMMY® Award-winning, RIAA Diamond-certified global superstar Ed Sheeran, available everywhere now HERE. F1® THE ALBUM is available now for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, June 27th in conjunction with the theatrical release of the feature film, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Produced by GRAMMY® Award-winner Blake Slatkin (Lil Nas X, Lizzo) and 7x GRAMMY® Award-winner John Mayer, “Drive” sees Sheeran backed by an all-star combo that includes Mayer on guitar alongside Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl on drums, legendary bassist Pino Paladino (Eric Clapton, The Who), and keyboardist Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters, The Wallflowers), with additional keyboards and drum programming by Slatkin. The dynamic new track is joined by an official music video, directed by filmmaker Chris Villa (Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, A$AP Rocky, Young Thug), premiering today on YouTube HERE.

From the label that brought you the award-winning, blockbuster soundtracks Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad and more, F1® THE ALBUM will feature massive new tracks from an unprecedented lineup of superstar artists, including Ed Sheeran, RAYE, Burna Boy, Madison Beer, Peggy Gou and more. See below for the full tracklisting.

F1® THE ALBUM was produced and overseen by multi-GRAMMY® Award Winner, 7x GRAMMY®  Award nominee, and Atlantic Records West Coast President, Kevin Weaver (Soundtrack Album Producer of Barbie The Album, Twisters: The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad, Daisy Jones & The Six, Birds Of Prey) along with Atlantic Records’ EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R, Brandon Davis and Atlantic Records’ SVP A&R/Marketing, Joseph Khoury. Named by Rolling Stone as a “soundtrack guru,” Weaver has produced numerous multi-platinum soundtrack projects that have amassed tens of millions of albums sold worldwide. Additional key players involved in the project include Soundtrack Album Executive Producers Joseph Kosinski and Jerry Bruckheimer, and Music Supervisors David Taylor and Jake Voulgarides.

ABOUT ED SHEERAN:

Ed Sheeran is an era-defining artist, responsible for some of the biggest songs of this decade, selling nearly 200 million records across the globe, and amassing over 100 billion streams worldwide. One of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation, the 4x-GRAMMY award winner was also one of the first artists to earn three RIAA-Diamond certified singles, with “Thinking Out Loud,” “Shape of You,” and “Perfect” all achieving sales equivalents exceeding 10 million in the US alone. Widely regarded for his incredible live performances, Sheeran is currently in the midst of his record-breaking Mathematics Tour, smashing attendance records at stadiums all around the world.

ABOUT F1® THE MOVIE:

From Apple Studios and the filmmakers of Top Gun: Maverick comes the high-octane, action-packed feature film F1® THE MOVIE, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski.  The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kosinski, seven-time FORMULA 1®  world champion Lewis Hamilton, Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman.

Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career.  Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world.  He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie, intent on setting his own pace.  But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition—and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.

#EdSheeran #F1TheMovie #Drive #BradPitt #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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LGBTQIA+ stories and bold direction at CCP’s Virgin Labfest XX: Hinog

Queer representation has always had a home in Filipino theater. Over the years, it evolved from subtle innuendos and comic relief to a more nuanced, empowering portrayal that challenges societal norms and celebrates diverse identities. These plays assert the importance of inclusive human narratives and provide an opportunity for self-discovery – both for LGBTQIA+ individuals and audiences.

For years, the Virgin Labfest puts the spotlight on queer characters, particularly their struggles, joys, and triumphs. Their stories are brought to full bloom in the 20th edition of the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays.

Mga Magindara sa Siyudad

In the play written by CJ Junio, two friends Maureen and Maylene are known as the magindara (mermaids) of the local carnival. Together with their makeshift stage, each month they travel across towns, singing nightly as a form of crowd entertainment. Mga Magindara sa Siyudad tackles themes of systematic oppression and social confinement, with engaging characters that struggle to rally against their fate.

“Noong binubuo ko na siya, malinaw sa akin na hindi siya magiging another gay play. Masyado na kasing maraming escapist at pa-emotional na characters – what we are missing is a character na nagde-decide at nag-a-acknowledge ng present,” says director Riki Benedicto who directed Mga Magindara sa Siyudad, one of the featured plays in VLF XX: Hinog.

Benedicto emphasized the main character’s (Maureen) stand in life as representative of their core as a person, regardless of gender or identity: “The goal is to evoke empathy, provoke thought, and  inspire a deeper understanding of the human struggle and the imperative for active engagement in shaping our own destinies.”

Polar Coordinates

On the other hand, Polar Coordinates director Paolo O’ Hara aims to blend math, art, and the beautiful chaos of humanity.

Playwright Ade Valenzona’s one-act play spotlights Igo, a grade 10 student who failed his summative assessment in Math. His friend Bobbie offers to tutor him, providing him much-needed assistance amid the turmoil of his family falling apart. Like polar coordinates, Igo must figure out who he is, where he is going, and how to connect people and occurrences along the way.

VLFXX Hinog – Sa Babaeng Lahat. Photo by Kiko Cabuena.

Sa Babaeng Lahat

Akin to Maureen and Igo’s characters, the protagonists of Sa Babaeng Lahat also go through their journeys towards figuring out their relationship with religion, sexuality, friends, and ultimately, themselves.

Playwright Elise Santos tells the story of 14-year-old Marie who believes she has been chosen by God to be the next Immaculate Conception and her best friend Regina who struggles with her feelings for Gab—the school’s resident tibo—as they practice for the Bible Week singing competition at an all-girls Catholic school.

“I hope that this play makes young girls feel seen and validated. It’s hard being a teenage girl. It’s messy and complicated yet so pivotal in our lives,” shared Sa Babaeng Lahat director Caisa Borromeo.

Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary

Religion also plays a significant part in Minating ni Mariah ang Manto ng Mommy ni Mama Mary by Eljay Castro Deldoc. Directed by Dexter Santos, the play examines pageantry, principles, and the politics of flamboyant traditions in the industry of pagsasanto. Through the character of Mariah, a retired scammer returning to religion, audiences are given a glimpse of the lengths people would go through in the name of faith and redemption.

Since its inception in 2005, the Virgin Labfest continues to push boundaries and provide space to stories—raw, challenging, and sometimes uncomfortable—that often go unheard. With queer narratives, the VLF champions the LGBTQIA+ community’s lived experiences and brings people closer through truthful and compelling storytelling.

For more information on the festival schedule and ticket prices, visit the official social media accounts of VLF, CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino, and Writer’s Bloc on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. For group discounts and ticket inquiries, email salesandpromotions@culturalcenter.gov.ph.

#CCP #VLF #LGBTQIA+ #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Cebu Pacific Named Fastest-Growing Filipino Brand, Ranks 6th Strongest in 2025

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has been recognized as the fastest-growing brand in the country and ranked sixth among the strongest Philippine brands in 2025 by a London-based brand valuation firm, highlighting the airline’s continuous efforts to strengthen its network, operations, and services.

Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy firm, cited CEB’s commitment to operational expansion and service enhancements as factors contributing to its relentless growth as it highlighted the international new routes that the airline launched from Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo last year.

CEB’s brand value has risen by 86% to USD 386 million in 2025, according to Brand Finance’s 2025 report on the most valuable and strongest Filipino brands. CEB also received a Brand Strength Index Score of 89.1, placing sixth among the strongest Filipino brands. Within the local aviation sector, CEB achieved the highest growth rate.

It also noted the 26% rise in CEB’s passenger traffic and 15% increase in revenue for 2025, as well as the boost in the airline’s cargo business with nearly 36 million kilograms transported between April and June 2024.

“With new routes, record passenger numbers, and a booming cargo business, the airline is strengthening its presence both in the Philippines and across Asia,” Brand Finance said.

To further meet the growing demand for air travel and support its long-term growth, CEB in 2024 placed an order of up to 152 aircraft from Airbus — the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history — a move that “underscores the airline’s commitment to scaling up operations and reinforces its position as a leading player in the low-cost carrier segment,” Brand Finance added.

“Cebu Pacific’s recognition as the fastest-growing Filipino brand reflects our dedication to serving the needs of our customers. Our strong brand growth highlights not only the impact of our continued investment in expanding our operations, but also the trust and loyalty of our passengers. This milestone inspires us to keep pushing forward — offering more flights, upgrading our services, and making air travel easier and more accessible for every Juan,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.

Brand Finance used a mix of financial analysis and consumer insight to determine the value of top Filipino brands. The firm calculates brand worth using the “Royalty Relief” method, which estimates how much a company would pay to license its own brand name. This approach factors in projected revenues and industry-standard royalty rates to determine a brand’s financial value.

To measure brand strength, Brand Finance surveyed over 175,000 respondents to assess their perception of more than 6,000 brands worldwide. These insights are combined with real-world data to assign each brand a Brand Strength Index score, which plays a key role in the final valuation.

With its signature seat sales and year-round low fares, CEB remains as the airline of choice for many Filipinos, maintaining a market share of 57% for May 2025. Since 1996, the airline has flown over 250 million passengers, with 7 million passengers serviced in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

CEB also offers the widest domestic network among Philippine carriers, currently flying to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Source: https://www.cebupacificair.com/

#CebuPacific #FastestGrowingFilipinoBrand #BrandFinance #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Crimson Hotel marks Pride Month

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila officially launched its 2025 Pride Month celebration with a vibrant event held at Alibi Lounge•Bar.

Centered on the theme #HappyToBe, the campaign honors self-expression, individuality, and community through inclusive programming that blends hospitality, art, and advocacy.

The launch event held on 11th June introduced Stay with Pride, a special room package that supports LoveYourself Inc, an organization committed to HIV awareness and LGBTQIA+ support services. Guests can book using promo codes HAPPYTOBE and STAYWITHPRIDE, with inclusions like breakfast or dining credits.

Stay with Pride

Crimson Hotel’s Pride campaign runs throughout June, inviting guests to participate in its ongoing promotions while fostering a space that is safe, welcoming, and joyful for all.

A taste of Pride

Complementing the stay experience are Pride-themed culinary offerings across Crimson Hotel’s dining outlets.

These include the Blush & Bloom cocktail, a hibiscus and raspberry drink available in all restaurants; a Boutique Dinner Buffet with Pride Delights at Café Eight every Friday and Saturday; and a colourful range of pastries and drinks at Baker J such as the Pride Croissant, Pride Macarons, and Pride Spritzer.

Boutique with Pride

On top of its food and beverage offerings, the hotel also unveiled the Color Parade: Pride Art Exhibit at the lobby on the eighth floor, in partnership with the South Arts Festival.

The exhibition features works from a diverse lineup of artists: Ruth Cancio, Kate Tinamisan, Yvonne Harmony, Jeanette Kamphuis, Criselda De Leon, Celina Villaruel, and Anne Labesores. It’s a showcase that highlights identity, resilience, and personal storytelling through art. A live painting session by JJ Duque marked the exhibit’s opening night.

From left: Ronie Reyes, JJ Duque, Anne Labesores, Ruth Cancio, Olivier Ramos, Jeanette Kamphuis, Yvonne Harmony, Criselda de Leon, Celina Villaruel, Jel Ong.

Meet the new man at the helm

The evening also served to formally introduce Crimson’s new hotel manager Olivier Ramos. Ramos brings over two decades of global experience in luxury hospitality. In his welcome remarks, he emphasized Crimson’s commitment to inclusion by saying, “At Crimson, everyone deserves to feel ‘Happy To Be’ exactly who they are. Whether you’re a guest, an artist, a colleague, or a friend of the brand, your story matters here.”

The celebration continued with “Unfiltered: A Bar Takeover” featuring guest mixologist Jam Nhela, serving bold, Pride-inspired cocktails in collaboration with Absolut and Monin.

Setting the evening’s rhythm was guest DJ Rae Viloria, headlining the first of the month-long “Glow: Pride Nights” happening every Friday at Alibi Lounge • Bar together with DJ Mike Lavet.

For bookings and more details, visit www.crimsonhotel.com/manila or follow @crimsonhotelfilinvestcity on social media.

#CrimsonHotelFilinvestCity #pridemonthcelebration #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

 

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Prost! The biggest and the only authentic Oktoberfest in the PH is back at Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Prepare for a spectacular October as Solaire Resort Entertainment City and the German Club of the Philippines brings you the biggest and the only authentic Oktoberfest from October 9 to 11 at the Grand Ballroom. Bring the rest of the gang and enjoy bottomless beer, bratwurst, and beats by the Bavarian Sound Express.

The event features Hofbräu, a classic Munich-style beer, as the official beer. Guests will be among the first to enjoy its finest brews. Experience an authentic Bavarian lifestyle and get a feel of the festive atmosphere of Hofbräuhaus München, the brewery’s iconic flagship beer hall. Early bird ticket sales for both individual and corporate start on July 1, and Solaire Rewards Card members get 10% off regular-priced tickets! Feel the energy, flavor, and flair of true Bavarian culture and raise your stein for this grand celebration!

Hofbräu is the official beer for the Oktoberfest happening on October 9-11 at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort Entertainment City.

O’zapft is! Start the feast with your favorite Bavarian delicacies served in family-style in each beer garden table. There is the Brotkorb (breadbasket), an essential centerpiece of oven-fresh German breads, Laugenbrezel (Bavarian-style soft pretzels), Räucherlachs (German-style smoked salmon), and Wiesen jause (German cold cuts and cheeses). Choose from Münchner Wurstsalat (Munich-style sausage salad), Kartoffelsalat (German potato salad), or Krautsalad (white cabbage salad). These dishes create a hearty and authentic spread for all to enjoy.

Laugenbrezel (Bavarian-style soft pretzels).

A table full of bratwurst! From Weisswurst, a Munich-style poached veal and pork sausage, Rostbratwurst (grilled coarse pork sausage), and Frankfurter with potato salad and Kaiser roll.

Wiesen jause (German cold cuts and cheese).

For the hauptgang (main course), there is the Wiesn platte (Bavarian meat platter), consisting of crispy pork knuckle, pork schnitzel, meat loaf, rotisserie chicken, sausage, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, and onion jus. Delve in a hearty Rindsgulasch (beef goulash), with braised beef ragout, served with bread dumplings. Plus, an authentic and delicious Hausgemachte Käse Spätzle (homemade cheese spätzle), oozing with mountain cheese and crispy onions. 

For dessert are classic delights like Apfelstrudel (classic apple strudel), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded caramelized pancake), and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (black forest gateau). These treats promise memorable experiences for everyone.

Celebrate the richness of German culture at Solaire Resort Entertainment City! Secure your seats now at https://oktoberfest.ph and be part of the biggest and only authentic Oktoberfest celebration.

#Oktoberfest2025 #SolaireResortEntertainmentCity #germanculture #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Globe Awarded Most Recommended Telco Brand in PH for 2025

Globe was awarded the Most Recommended Telco Brand for 2025 in the Philippines, a recognition grounded on the voice of Filipino consumers.

The award was given at the SYNERGY | YouGov Awards, based on data from YouGov BrandIndex, a daily tracker that measures how people feel about brands. From January to December 2024, Globe consistently earned the highest recommendation scores—showing just how strongly Filipinos believe in and stand by the brand.

Accepting the award on behalf of Globe, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto shared a heartfelt message: “We’re really, truly proud to receive this award—and we dedicate it to our customers. We will always and continue to pursue making our customers happy and satisfied. At the end of the day, they are our North Star.”

This recognition is more than just a title—it’s proof that Globe’s efforts to listen, improve, and deliver better service are paying off. Whether it’s helping people stay connected, supporting digital learning, or creating moments of everyday ease, Globe continues to build real relationships with the people it serves.

Globe remains focused on what matters most: earning the trust of customers, and working every day to keep it. From promoting digital inclusion by building stronger digital infrastructure in underserved communities, to simplifying self-service options on the GlobeOne app, to launching rewards and promos that match everyday lifestyles—Globe constantly looks for ways to make things easier, more meaningful, and more relevant for its customers.

#Globe #MostRecommendedTelcoBrand #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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HoYo FEST 2025: Southeast Asia’s Most Anticipated HoYoverse Event Returns this July

Celebrate and gather with fellow fans of Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero as HoYo FEST returns in 2025! Taking place from July 24 to 27, 2025, HoYo FEST invites players and fans across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to celebrate their favourite HoYoverse titles, and create unforgettable memories.

An Event Not To Be Missed by HoYoverse Fans

Now in its 5th year, Southeast Asia’s premier HoYoverse event – which has grown in scale over the years – is now taking place in exhibition centers across six cities.

HoYoverse fans will be treated to 4 days of onsite activities including themed booths done up in their favourite HoYoverse games. They also be able to take home event exclusive Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero freebies, get the chance to purchase HoYo FEST exclusive items, be able participate in a lucky draw, and check out HoYoverse inspired merchandise from their favourite creators at HoYo FEST’s Artist Alley.

Championing Creators and Fan Artists

Following its introduction in Indonesia’s and Vietnam’s HoYo FEST in 2024, HoYo FEST’s Artist Alley will also debut in each HoYo FEST across Southeast Asia in 2025.

Typically held in Anime Comic Gaming (ACG) conventions, Artist Alley is where local artists can showcase and sell their own ACG inspired creations. At HoYo FEST 2025, fans can expect HoYoverse inspired merch from their favourite local artists and creators. This marks the first time that a gaming company is allowing fan-created merchandise to be sold at its own event in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, with the new Stage Segment, Cosplayers, Performers and Fan Artists can showcase their talents on the HoYo FEST stage. HoYoverse is proud to welcome creators and performers, who are inspired by HoYoverse’s games, to the Artist Alley and to the Stage.  The final line up for the artists and performers that will be showcased at each country will be announced in late June.

Tickets for sale soon

Tickets for HoYo FEST will go on sale starting June 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM (UTC+8) on the official HoYo FEST website at https://hoyo.link/wqjjLntrY

Fans can choose from 1-Day Passes, Multi-Day Passes, or Fast Passes. Fast passes will come with early entry privileges, exclusive items, and priority access to HoYo FEST booths and activities.

The Ultimate Gathering for HoYoverse fans

From exclusive merchandise to vibrant community showcases, HoYo FEST 2025 is the gathering for HoYoverse fans to come together, connect, and celebrate their shared love for gaming and creativity. We look forward to welcoming our fans to experience HoYo FEST this July.

For full event details and ticket purchase information, visit the official HoYo FEST 2025 website: https://hoyo.link/wqjjLntrY

#HoYoFEST #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Locally Sourced, Sustainably Served: Pico de Loro Cove Celebrates Sustainable Gastronomy Day

In celebration of Sustainable Gastronomy Day, Pico de Loro Cove proudly highlights its commitment to responsible culinary practices by offering dishes thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This initiative directly supports the Bulihan farming community, whose seasonal harvest plays a central role in the cove’s farm-to-table offering.

Versatile and nutritional locally grown corn.

Members and guests are invited to enjoy a specially curated menu that showcases the versatility and nutritional value of locally grown ingredients. This year’s featured selections include:

  • Corn and Malunggay Fritters – A savory and crisp appetizer that combines sweet corn and nutrient-rich malunggay, offering a flavorful start to the meal.
  • Corn and Malunggay Chicken Soup– A comforting, hearty dish that highlights the natural richness of local produce and slow-simmered chicken.
  • Corn and Malunggay Salad– A refreshing medley of textures and flavors, this salad brings together fresh greens and corn, elevated with the subtle earthiness of malunggay.
Corn and Malunggay Salad.

Proceeds from every order directly support the Bulihan community in cultivating their crops and sustaining their agricultural livelihood. This meaningful partnership reflects Pico de Loro Cove’s ongoing dedication to community development and sustainable practices.

Corn and Malunggay Chicken Soup.

Sustainable Gastronomy Day serves as a global reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions through food, reducing environmental impact, and strengthening local economies. At Pico de Loro Cove, this commitment is reflected in every plate — combining culinary excellence with ethical sourcing and community empowerment.

Book a room and indulge in a meaningful dining experience, visit www.picosandshotel.com, email reservations@picosandshotel.com, or call +63 917 809 1289 / +63 2 8464 7888.

About Pico Sands Hotel

Formally opened in 2011, Pico de Loro Cove is the premier seaside development in Hamilo Coast. An inviting haven for weary city souls, Pico Sands Hotel is strategically situated next to the Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club within the coastal community of Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Only two and a half hours away from Manila, the 1.5-kilometer sandy shore of Pico de Loro Cove offers a comprehensive selection of recreational and leisure activities. Guests and club members can enjoy a variety of food and beverage outlets that each offers unique and exciting menus.

The tropical contemporary hotel offers 154 well-appointed rooms that boast of captivating views of the lush mountains and tranquil lagoon.

#PicodeLoroCove #PicoSandsHotel #SustainableGastronomyDay #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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CCP 21AM Collection Artworks on Display at the National Gallery Singapore

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Visual Arts and Museum Division, has loaned five significant artworks from its collection to the National Gallery Singapore (NGS), reinforcing its ongoing efforts to bring Philippine art to a wider international audience. This initiative not only showcases the depth of Filipino creativity but also helps strengthen cultural ties across Southeast Asia, fostering greater appreciation and collaboration in the region’s vibrant arts scene.

The artworks from the CCP 21st Century Art Museum (21AM) Collection — Painting No. 1 by National Artist Jose Joya; Portrait of Fernando Zóbel and Fernando Zóbel Lecturing on Art and a Student Listening II, both by David Cortez Medalla; Calligraphic Oracle by Manuel Rodriguez Sr.; and Ku III by Fernando Zóbel — are featured in NGS’s first-ever solo exhibition dedicated to transcontinental abstract artist Fernando Zóbel (1924–1984).

Born in the Philippines to a prominent Spanish family, Zóbel was an avid traveler, a cosmopolitan thinker and writer, and a pioneering collector who established two modern art museums in the Philippines and Spain. His lifelong, wide-ranging interests shaped his expressionist and abstract works in drawing, printmaking, painting, and photography.

He held his first solo exhibition at the Philippine Art Gallery in 1952, invigorating the postwar art scene in the country. In 1960, Zóbel left the family business in the Philippines to fully devote himself to artistic pursuits.

The inaugural showcase of his works in Singapore, the exhibition Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential, introduces this legendary visual artist to new audiences, offering insights into his multifaceted contributions as an artist, patron, collector, and scholar. Featuring over 200 pieces — including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and archival materials — the exhibition highlights Zóbel’s role in bridging cultural contexts and enriching global dialogues on modern art.

According to the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, David Medalla’s Portrait of Fernando Zóbel marks an early phase in the artist’s exploration of unconventional expression. The work emphasizes the flatness of the canvas through simple, linear forms inspired by children’s drawings and so-called “primitive” art. It also reflects a strong Dadaist influence and aligns with the raw aesthetic of Art Brut, blending satire and playfulness – characteristics that later became hallmarks of Medalla’s practice.

In the portrait, the usually refined and esteemed business tycoon Zóbel is reimagined through a whimsical lens. Using mixed media on black paper, Medalla transforms him into a playful figure with an exaggerated grin, subverting the formality typically associated with portraiture.

The piece was part of Medalla’s debut solo exhibition, which featured large-scale paintings incorporating unconventional materials such as sand, seashells, and gravel with oil paint. This portrait is one of three paintings depicting Zóbel in the CCP 21AM Collection; the others are also titled Portrait of Fernando Zobel and made in 1956.

In Fernando Zóbel Lecturing on Art and a Student Listening II, Medalla uses pen and ink on paper to depict Zobel, who was widely known for his Saeta series.

Reflecting the development of Philippine modern art, Manuel Rodriguez Sr. presents a collograph with orange linear strokes dominated by a deep green background in his work, Calligraphic Oracle.

Painting No.1 by National Artist Jose Joya depicts his abstract expressionist influence through bold images of irregular geometric shapes with overlapping patterns. This style was influenced by his travels and studies in Spain in Europe.

Named after Zóbel’s famous remark that guided his artistic practice, the exhibition sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of his abstraction – a meticulous and controlled creative process involving multiple iterations before finalizing each work.

Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential follows the exhibit Zóbel: The Future of the Past, which opened at Museo Nacional del Prado (2022) in Spain and was later restaged at the Ayala Museum (2024) in the Philippines. Expanding on key narratives, NGS’s distinct and refreshed iteration introduces exclusive works and offers a unique perspective on Zóbel’s artistic evolution and transcontinental practice.

Spanning two gallery spaces, the exhibition is organized into five sections: “Half of This Haunted Monk’s Life,” “With Every Single Refinement,” “Thin Lines Against a Field of Colour,” “Movement That Includes Its Own Contradiction,” and “The Light of the Painting.”

The exhibit opened on May 9 and will run until November 30, 2025, at the Wu Guanzhong Gallery and Level 4 Gallery at National Gallery Singapore. For more information on Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential, visit: https://www.nationalgallery.sg/sg/en.html. To get the latest on the CCP 21AM Collection, visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

 

#CCP  #21AMCOLLECTION #NationalGallerySingapore #rubyspreciousmoments #rubyasoyph

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Holiday Inn and Suites Makati Earns EDGE Advanced Sustainability Certification

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati proudly announces that it has been awarded the internationally recognized EDGE Advanced Certification by the Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI). This milestone underscores the hotel’s unwavering commitment to sustainable hospitality and environmental responsibility.

The EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Advanced certification, developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is awarded to buildings that achieve at least 40% improvement in energy efficiency, in addition to substantial water and materials savings.

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati achieved 40% energy savings, 29% water savings, and 63% less embodied carbon in materials, resulting in approximately 191.84 tCO₂/year in operational CO₂ emissions saved. These achievements were made possible through high-performance building strategies, including reflective roofing, efficient cooling systems, submetering, and the reuse of existing building materials. “This recognition reflects our long-standing mission to promote sustainable practices without compromising guest comfort,” said Andy Belmonte, General Manager. “We’re proud to be a part of a greener future for the hospitality industry in the Philippines.”

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati – EDGE.

With EDGE Advanced now in place, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati is setting its sights on the next milestone—achieving EDGE Zero Carbon Certification. This goal demonstrates the hotel’s continued drive to eliminate operational emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy, aligning even more closely with global climate action targets.

The certification not only reinforces the hotel’s environmental leadership but also aligns with the global goals for climate action and sustainable development.

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, the hotel’s newly renovated rooms now feature a fresh color palette with vibrant accent tones and a sleek, contemporary finish—complemented by an artistic lamp inspired by photo studio lighting and other eco-conscious enhancements. Bathrooms are fitted with slow-flow showerheads and bulk-size amenities to help reduce the use of single-use plastics. LED lighting has been installed throughout the rooms, along with a customizable sleep experience where guests can choose between soft and firm pillows for a more restful stay.

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati – King Room.

Each room also includes a handcrafted amenity tray woven from native materials and sourced from local communities, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to both sustainability and local craftsmanship. For added convenience and reduced paper use, QR codes are now available in-room, providing instant access to in-room dining menus and the directory of services.

To learn more about Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, visit our website at ihg.com/HolidayInn/Makati or for reservations, call +632 7909 0888. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @HolidayInnMakati. For more information on EDGE, visit https://app.edgebuildings.com/project-studies/holiday-inn-&-suites-makati .

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