In a season marked by joy and giving, SM Malls in Grand Central and Valenzuela closed 2024 on a heartwarming note with their annual Bears of Joy donation, bringing smiles to children with special needs and persons with disabilities. The campaign, which underscores SM’s commitment to community upliftment, saw the donation of 1,400 plush toys to various beneficiaries across Caloocan and Valenzuela.

SM City Valenzuela spearheaded the effort, contributing 700 bears, while SM City Grand Central added 700 to the tally. The plushies—adorable oval-shaped companions inspired by the viral Squishmallow trend—were distributed to beneficiaries such as Valenzuela’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office and the Alliance of PWD in Caloocan City Inc.

The initiative was spearheaded by SM Cares, Toy Kingdom, and SM Supermalls, reinforcing the collective power of compassion. The program also reflects the profound impact of collective goodwill, proving that small gestures of kindness can leave lasting imprints on the lives of those who need it most.

SOS Deluxe: LANA Album Artwork – Download High-Res Version HERE

Photo Credit: Cassidy Meyers / @cass.meyers

Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records’ 4x-time Grammy award-winning artist SZA releases SOS Deluxe: LANA, the expanded edition of her critically acclaimed album SOS. The album is available now on all major streaming platforms via Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records. Fan bundles with exclusive merchandise can be purchased here.

Kicking off SOS Deluxe: LANA is “Drive,” the new song written by SZA and produced by ThankGod4Cody and Billy Lemon. The accompanying music video, directed by Bradley Calder and starring Ben Stiller, visually captures the emotion of the lyrics.

SOS Deluxe: LANA features lyrics written by SZA and production by Michael Uzowuru, ThankGod4Cody, Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, Solomonophonic & Monsune, Dylan Newstarter, among others. The album includes “Saturn,” which is currently Grammy nominated for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, “30 for 30” (with Kendrick Lamar), “Kitchen,” “Scorsese Baby Daddy” and more.

SZA begins a new era with the release of SOS Deluxe: LANA, marking the culmination of another successful year and the superstar’s continued international success. In 2024 alone, SZA received the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Hal David Starlight Award and won multiple awards at the iHeartRadio Awards, BMI Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, BRIT Awards, and BET Awards. Earlier this year, her album SOS won three Grammy Awards, including Best Progressive R&B Album, Best R&B Song for “Snooze,” and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Ghost In The Machine.” SOS was a mainstay on the Billboard 200 album chart for nearly 2 years, and is currently RIAA-certified 5x Platinum. Additional certifications include “Low” – 2x Platinum, “Good Days” – 7x Platinum, and more.

In 2025, SZA and Kendrick Lamar will take over 19 stadiums across North America for the Grand National Tour, click here for full routing.

Stay tuned for more as SZA continues to solidify her status as one of the most talented and innovative artists in music.

SOS Deluxe: LANA Tracklist:

01 No More Hiding

02 What Do I Do

03 30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar)

04 Diamond Boy (DTM)

05 BMF

06 Scorsese Baby Daddy

07 Love Me 4 Me

08 Chill Baby

09 My Turn

10 Crybaby

11 Kitchen

12 Get Behind Me (Interlude)

13 Drive

14 Another Life

15 Saturn

Manila, PH – 19 December 2024 – Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs were in for a treat as renowned restaurateur and content creator Chef Tatung Sarthou graced Sun Life’s Coffee and Play event held at The Kitchen by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in BGC last November 29, 2024.

While having a cooking demo, Chef Tatung shared his experiences and discussed the key ingredients of a successful food and restaurant business. Here are some of the key takeaways from his talk.

1. Define your success and create a plan to achieve it. “Success will happen by design, not by chance,” Chef Tatung imparted to the audience, adding that it starts with a vision and a plan. He emphasized the importance of being intentional with developing an organization that comprises leaders and hard workers who share your vision and can help expand your business in the future.

2. Be a problem-solver. Acknowledging that one can be met with challenges every day, especially in business, Chef Tatung advises that having a problem-solving attitude should be a ‘part of one’s DNA.’ “Successful businesses are there because they are able to solve other people’s problems,” he said.

3. Get professional help if you want to grow your business. “As you grow your business, it’s very important that you have sound advice from people who know finance,” said Chef Tatung. He added that budding entrepreneurs should seek the right legal and financial advice when setting up their business.

During the event, the audience got a chance to taste the dishes that were part of his cooking demo – his special peri-peri chicken and chicken macaroni.

Chef Tatung’s cooking demo and talk were then followed by a game session, where participants got to try Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices. They played the version specifically designed for business owners, and each table’s winner got special prizes from Sun Life and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

“Through this event, we want to empower our clients so that they can make the bright choice in achieving their life and business goals,” said Renee Co, Sun Life’s Market Segment Manager for

The holiday season calls for a lot of reconnecting and getting together. While it’s almost true that the Philippines has the longest celebration of Christmas, it goes without saying that gatherings during this season won’t be complete without the traditional Noche Buena feast. As such, here’s a rundown of some dishes—from classic to modern—that you may find at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan.

Ready your list and make sure to fill your table with any of these well-loved delicacies:








Pinoy Favorite Lumpiang Shanghai

Nothing beats a classic Filipino favorite—Lumpiang Shanghai. Imagine these crispy spring rolls filled with an appetizing mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices, dipped in a sweet and sour sauce. Grab these at Gerry’s Grill for a worthwhile Noche Buena feast.





Traditional Queso de Bola

A traditional treat everybody loves during Noche Buena, Queso de Bola is considered the ‘versatile’ cheese that goes well with variety of foods, including crackers, bread, fruit, and nuts. Premium Queso de Bola selections are available at SM Hypermarket.








Crispy Lechon Belly

Noche Buena wouldn’t be complete without the drool-worthy Lechon Belly. This Christmas, a perfectly roasted and juicy Lechon Belly from S.A.L.O deserves a spot at your dining table.








Christmas Ham

A staple during holidays, Noche Buena wouldn’t be as festive if Christmas Ham ain’t around. Made with tender cuts of pork, lightly cured and smoked, the perfect balance of salty, sweet and smoky notes warms heart this Yuletide season. Get your Christmas Ham only at SM Hypermarket.








Tender Beef Caldereta

A classic main course in every Noche Buena, Beef Caldereta made with tender beef chunks, vegetables, and rich tomato-based sauce always satisfies anyone’s palate. For a hassle-free feast, order a sumptuous Beef Caldereta at Kuya J.

Classic Ube Cake

One of the desserts probably close to Pinoy’s heart is the classic Ube Cake. Made with locally sourced ingredients such as purple yam, this decadent treat is a sweet finale for Noche Buena. Experience the delightful goodness of Ube Cake at Caramia Cakes & Gelato.

Creamy Leche Flan

Another classic dessert almost everyone loves during Noche Buena is the smooth and creamy Leche Flan. Try Conti’s special Leche Flan recipe this holiday season.

Whatever your plans are this coming Noche Buena, SM Bulacan malls definitely have all the perfect food selections to keep you company. For updates on holiday mall hours and offerings, visit the official Facebook pages of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.

Due to insistent public demand, Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas are staging another run of their sold-out concert, TANAW. The highly anticipated show will take place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on February 9, 2025 (Sunday) at 8:00 PM.

The powerhouse women of OPM, known for their defining contributions to the late ’90s and early 2000s music scene, will reunite for an unforgettable night of their biggest hits, collaborations, and new material. TANAW: The Repeat will also feature special arrangements of select songs, performed alongside a mini-orchestra led by The Manila String Machine, adding a fresh, symphonic dimension to their timeless music.

This second edition of the TANAW series serves as a heartfelt celebration of the enduring bond between these iconic artists and their dedicated fans. Through decades of navigating personal challenges, triumphs, and growth, these women have remained pillars of the OPM scene. The concert offers a chance to give back to the fans whose unwavering support has been a constant source of strength.

The title TANAW (translated as “to gaze” or “to look out”) speaks to the reflective nature of the event—whether looking back in admiration or gazing forward with anticipation. For these singer-songwriters, this reunion is not only an opportunity to perform together again but to share new and meaningful musical expressions, embodying both their individual journeys and their collective sisterhood.

The show marks the third time these six solo artists will share the stage together, after their unforgettable first reunion concert and its thanksgiving follow-up. From their days as frontwomen of some of the most influential OPM bands of the late ’90s and early 2000s to their successful solo careers, these women have become true queens of the alt-rock landscape. With sold-out tours, chart-topping albums, and a loyal fan base, their influence continues to resonate across generations.

This event is presented by Newport World Resorts, and in collaboration with GNN.

Tickets to TANAW The Repeat are available via https://tanawtherepeat.helixpay.ph.

Platinum: PHP 6,300

(Includes soundcheck pass, center-front seats, premium meet and greet, pre-signed posters)

SVIP: PHP 5,300

(Includes meet and greet, pre-signed posters)

VIP: PHP 4,500

Gold: PHP 3,500

Silver: PHP 2,500

Bronze: PHP 1,800

The interview sessions with the duo, including the teaser posted by Walt Disney, have amassed more than 21 million views so far

Ben&Ben’s Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin recently had the privilege of interviewing the cast and director of Disney’s latest musical drama, Mufasa: The Lion King.

The two band vocalists from the popular Filipino band were asked by Disney Philippines to get up close and personal with some of the most notable figures behind the film, including director Barry Jenkins and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Miguel and Paolo were able to interview Jenkins, who is known for his acclaimed works such as Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. They also met Miranda, the award-winning composer behind the film’s music, who shared his creative process for making songs for a story as monumental as Mufasa: The Lion King.

Miranda offered a glimpse into his songwriting approach, explaining, “You just have to honor those impulses. Kind of like—you have these assignments, and you daydream, and you think about stuff, and you listen to stuff, until you have this sort of alchemy.” His words not only highlighted the magic behind the music but also underscored the collaborative spirit of the film.

For the Benjamin brothers, the opportunity was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal one. Both twins grew up with a close bond that reflects the sibling dynamics explored in the movie.

In addition to speaking with the filmmakers, Miguel and Paolo interviewed the cast members, including Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Tiffany Boone, who voice key characters in the film. The atmosphere was light-hearted and engaging, with Kelvin Harrison Jr. even prompting the duo to sing a few lines from their hit song “Leaves.” The impromptu performance left everyone in the room delighted.

The interview came at a busy time for Ben&Ben, who were in the middle of rehearsals for their sold-out concert, The Traveller Across Dimensions. However, when the opportunity to interview the Mufasa team came through, the duo didn’t hesitate. “We felt we could relate well to the theme of brotherhood portrayed in the film because of the fact that we’re twins and we grew up really close to each other, much like Mufasa and Taka,” shared Miguel Benjamin. “Also, the fact that the film involved such great storytellers in it, both in film and music, made it an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Paolo echoed his brother’s sentiments, reflecting on the honor of interviewing the Mufasa team and representing the Philippines. “We felt that representing our country in a special interview such as this was a big task to fulfill, but we tried to give it our best by coming up with questions that would allow the cast and the directors the freedom to be just themselves while sharing more about the film, their insights, and their memorable experiences working on it. What we noticed the most, though, is how bonded the entire team behind the film is. It’s like they’re family already.”

The interview sessions quickly became a viral sensation, amassing over 5 million views across social media platforms in less than a day. This does not include the interview teaser with Miguel and Paolo six days ago on Walt Disney’s Facebook page, which has already garnered nearly 16 million views to date.

Mufasa: The Lion King blends live-action filmmaking techniques with photorealistic computer-generated imagery. Directed by Barry Jenkins, produced by Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak, and executive produced by Peter Tobyansen, the film promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable soundtrack, featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. As the holiday season approaches, Mufasa: The Lion King is sure to be a cinematic experience to remember.

Mufasa: The Lion King is out now in all Philippine cinemas nationwide via Walt Disney Pictures.

Solaire Resort North sets the standard for the grandest New Year’s celebration, with events kicking off across the entire property and ringing in the new year with an awe inspiring fireworks spectacular.



The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party

This holiday season, Solaire Resort North livens Quezon City and its guests as they greet the New Year at the Ultimate Solaire New Year’s Eve Party this December 31st at the Solaire Grand Ballroom from 9:30 PM onwards.



Headlining the evening will be 3 time grammy Award winning artist, Ne-Yo to perform his latest and greatest hits, partygoers can expect an exhilarating night to remember. A spectacular line-up of performers joining Ne-Yo for the night will be world-renowned dance group Jabbawockeez, P-Pop group BGYO, America’s Got Talent finalist Avantgardey, DJ Soda, Beast House, and host Billy Crawford. Interested partygoers may join the most sensational New Year’s party of 2024 by booking seats at https://sn.solaireresort.com/offers/ultimate-solaire-nye-party or by calling Ticketworld at +63917-114-7317 (Globe) or +63999-954-5922 (Smart).



Skybar

The excitement continues atop the world at the Skybar on Level 38, where guests can marvel at the night’s fireworks while enjoying electrifying performances by DJ Mars Miranda and Kat DJ all set to the backdrop of Manila’s most luxurious roof top setting.

Celebrate the New Year in style with a special holiday room package, featuring a festive New Year’s Eve Dinner at either Finestra Italian Steakhouse or amazing Japanese at Yakumi followed by a delightful breakfast at Fresh International Buffet. Book your stay by December 28 to secure exclusive rates on your choice of rooms or suites.



In addition to this, the newest offering of Café Mangrove is now open for guests to dine at as well,
not to mention a breathtaking fireworks display by the pool to ring in the New Year.



For more details, reservations, and inquiries, visit the Solaire Resort North website at sn.solaireresort.com, call +632 8888 8888 or email sn.reservations@solaireresort.com to discover the perfect way to celebrate your festivities.