I initially had reservations when I was invited to watch Ford v. Ferrari. I’m not a fan of racing, or even cars, so I wondered if I would enjoy this movie. Sure, it had Christian Bale and Matt Damon, but would that be enough to hold my attention, since it’s a two and a half hour movie? It turns out it did more than just hold my attention. The film gripped it the entire time, never letting it go. I was safely ensconced in the theater but I felt like I was in the passenger seat. That’s how much I enjoyed it, even if I know nothing about cars.

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Are Filipinos bad savers. We spend conspicuously on everything—from dining out and watching movies to incessantly shopping online—yet many attest to family and friends that they actually live from paycheck to paycheck.

The numbers and data don’t lie either. The World Bank’s 2017 Global Findex Database affirmed that 66% of Filipinos do not have a savings account. Further studies even show that one in five Filipinos still think they do not need a savings account, and of those who do want to save with a bank, 18% said they did not have the necessary documents and 10% felt it was too expensive to open an account.

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One of my biggest regrets in life is not catching Cats when it was staged here in Manila in 2010. So imagine my joy when it was announced that it will be brought back again, this time at Solaire. It was like a whiff of catnip! I knew I had to catch it and I’m so happy I did. It’s a spectacular production that had me dancing in my seat, even if I came in without any clear what the show is about.

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Cats is set on just one special night of the year, when all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball. Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

The musical received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. It is now one of the longest-running shows in West End and on Broadway. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for eighteen years. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album.

The awards come as no surprise because the music is incredibly catchy. Let’s admit that there are many of us who are only familiar with “Memory” but the score has plenty of gems. I enjoyed the catchy numbers, like “The Rum Tum Tugger” and “Mr. Mistoffelees.” The opening and closing numbers, “The Naming of Cats” and “The Ad-Dressing of Cats” were quite entertaining, with clever lyrics describing how to name cats and communicate with them.

Of course, a review of Manila’s Cats wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Joanna Ampil, who plays the iconic Grizabella. Ampil captures the essence of the role, an old and mangy cat who longs for her days as a glamour puss. Her voice soars as she sings “Memory” and I was swept away by the emotion of her performance.

Equally amazing during Cats is the choreography. The show’s cast was able to mimic the graceful movements of our feline friends with intricate steps blending ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap, and even acrobatics.

Amy Whittle dazzled as Jennyanydots in “The Old Gumbie Cat,” a breathtaking tap number. Joe Henry and Kirsty Ingram were just as amazing in “Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer,” a routine that can only be pulled off by the most skilled acrobats. Not surprisingly, George Hinson provided the swagger needed for “The Rum Tum Tugger” and Harry Francis killed it in the challenging “Mr. Mistoffelees.” Ellie Young didn’t have a singing role as Victoria the White Cat but she stole the spotlight every time she was on stage.

The actors danced, leapt, and sang across the stage, a beautiful production that mimics the world of cats. There is only one set but it is what is needed, and is an excellent backdrop to the story. I wish the climactic send-off would have been more dramatic but it was beautiful nonetheless.

Cats is the complete package: it has great songs, astonishing choreography, a beautiful set, and gorgeous costumes and makeup. Don’t be like me and miss it this time. Get your ticket now, kitty girl.

This story is in partnership with GMG Productions. Cats will be staged at The Theatre at Solaire. Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For more information, visit GMG Productions’ website and follow them on Facebook.

The 12 Days of Early Holi-Deals from Cebu Pacific culminates with The Most 1-derful Seat Sale on 11.11 (November 11). Don’t be the last Juan to score flights for as low as ONE PESO one-way base fare during the last #CEBSuperSeatFest for 2019.

Get your travel bucket lists, phones, laptops, seat sale squad, and Wi-Fi connection ready! The exciting 11.11 #CEBSuperSeatFest Piso Sale starts at 12:00mn on November 11 with different routes available for grabs every eight hours.

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People are naturally drawn to create human connections, and the better we are in self-expression, the stronger the connections we build. Self-expression, however, may not come instinctively to some of us; two out of three people have experienced feeling afraid of expressing themselves, or sharing what they truly feel because they feared people would judge them or because they just don’t really know how to accurately express themselves.

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Now is the best time to have a PayMaya account. You can enjoy up to P5,000 in discounts and cashback deals as the holiday shopping season kicks off with the various 11.11 sales online and in-store events happening nationwide!

Whether you prefer to shop from the comforts of your home or troop to the nearest malls to do all your shopping, PayMaya is your trusted payment buddy for a more convenient and rewarding shopping experience this holiday season.  

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It’s November already, which means one thing: the Starbucks holiday season is here and plenty of us are racing to collect stickers for the planner and the newly-launched travel organizer. As you all know, I’m a planner geek and have used one since 2005. It’s a useful tool for someone forgetful, and while I’ve tried the Calendar app, there’s just something satisfying about crossing off a finished task.

This year, Starbucks is offering four more versions in two variants: two planners and two travel organizers. Here’s everything you need to know and I’m doing my annual giveaway. I have a little surprise so make sure to read everything!

Both the planner and travel organizers are consciously made to lessen its impact on nature. The covers are made from purely natural substances coming from pre-consumer recycled cowhide fibers, and bonded by natural latex. The eco-friendly materials are sourced from leather factories in Valencia, Spain, a region known for artisanal leather tanning methods.

The inside pages are also eco-friendly. They are produced in a facility certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, an indepent organization that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests.

So let’s get on with the planners and travel organizers!

Starbucks 2020 Planner

The 2020 planner comes in two colors: Berry Pink and Frost Gray. Both come in a hardbound leather cover with the iconic Starbucks Siren embossed. I like how the strap is thicker and looks sturdier compared to other planners with a thinner strap. Inside features the traditional weekly spread on the left and a blank page on the right for doodles. I personally copy the lines on the left and add the things I have to do each day, regardless of the deadline. Dividing the months are facts about coffee.

The Starbucks 2020 planner comes with stickers, a bookmark, and beverage vouchers that can be used in the store. Additionally, it comes with a suede pouch that feel luxurious to the touch. I especially like the Siren logo zipper.

Starbucks 2020 Travel Organizer

Meanwhile, the travel organizer looks so elegant. There’s a Neo Mint and a Coffee version, and both have a mini-notebook with grid, dotted, and plain formats perfect for journaling. Moreover, it has several card slots, spaces for a smartphone or a passport, and a pen holder.

Like the planner, the travel organizer comes with stickers, a bookmark, and beverage vouchers that can be used in the store.

How to Avail the Starbucks 2020 Planners and Travel Organizers

Availing the planner and the travel organizer is easy. Collect one sticker for every purchase of any Tall, Grande, or Venti Starbucks beverage. Collect 18 stickers and you can choose your prize. Collection of stickers is from November 2, 2019 until January 7, 2020. Redemption of the planner or travel organizer is from November 2, 2019 to March 7, 2020. Click here to read about the drinks you can avail to get stickers.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

 

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A post shared by Koji Arsua (@kojiarsua) on Nov 6, 2019 at 4:44am PST

Because it’s the Christmas season, I will be raffling off not one, but two prizes! I’ll be giving away one planner in Frost Gray and one travel organizer in Coffee! Simply click this link, follow my Instagram account, comment on the Instagram post why you should win, and tag someone who should join, too. Please also indicate which prize you want. I will announce the winners on November 14 on this post, and I will also contact you via Instagram (Please note I will be out of the country on November 14 so I will be able to send the prize after I get back on November 21).

Jollibee proudly introduces the latest member of its ever-growing family of endorsers—actress, dancer, and singer Maja Salvador as the newest face of Jollibee Super Meals.

Maja Salvador is a self-professed loyal Jollibee fan since childhood. She is a natural choice to endorse Jollibee’s Super Meals because of her many talents that have made her an enduring icon of Philippine showbiz for 16 years. The all-star offering puts together Jollibee’s iconic and best-tasting favorites—Chickenjoy, Burger Steak, and Jolly Spaghetti—in one meal!

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