Rosca on reading, writing, and revolution
By Robert J.A. Basilio, Jr.
Ninotchka Rosca doesn’t exactly consider herself a paragon of a literary artist.
A problem with balls
By Pola Esguerra del Monte
One look at the milky pool of white balls inside an old-fashioned building in Makati explains why 28,069 people had already “Facebook liked” Ball Pit Manila by the eve of its actual public opening. In the photos posted on its social media pages, the playground reserved for “kid-ults” — those 16-year-olds and above — seemed like an innocent reprieve from the muddle of adult life. And, in an age of “throwback” posts, that picture of adults in a sea of snow-like balls was a promising return to a fond memory that maturity has stolen.
IHOP’s National Pancake Day promo set for Tuesday
By Zsarlene B. Chua
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE of Pancakes (IHOP) is staging another installment of the National Pancake Day promotion where customers can enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of the chain’s buttermilk pancakes for P250, with P200 going to local charity Kythe Foundation.
Joseph Fiennes on Jacko, Risen
By Angela Dawson, Front Row Features
HOLLYWOOD — As Hollywood was going all politically correct in admonishing the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for not having enough diversity in its Academy Awards nominations this year (and last), Joseph Fiennes inadvertently touched off his own mini PC explosion in revealing that he would be playing African-American pop star Michael Jackson in an upcoming British TV satire called Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon.
Coloring craze poses headache for crayon makers
NUREMBERG — Coloring books for grown-ups may be the new lifestyle craze, promising ways to combat stress, unleash our creative spirit, and generally take time out from our increasingly tech-frazzled, gadget-obsessed lives.
Old favorite gets an upgrade
By Zsarlene B. Chua
ISLAND COVE Hotel and Leisure Park opens the new year with the completion of a major renovation of its accommodation facilities, a move that was long overdue, according to a resort executive.
Of magic wands and spells
By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
KIDZ REPUBLIC, a company that specializes in family entertainment centers in the country, has expanded its roster of attraction with the recent launch of Wizards Gallery.
Emperador taps into spirit of success for TVC
IN 1988, Lea Salonga popularized a song that captivated the hearts of Filipinos and became an anthem for many patriotic events at the time. Released in 1988, the song “Tagumpay Nating Lahat,” composed by Gary Granada, resonated with the optimism and spirit of the times, which were not long after the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Two tests can help beat colorectal cancer
By Dr. Jun R. Ruiz
MARCH IS Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month. This is an important campaign as CRC is the fourth most common cancer among Filipinos following breast, lung, and liver cancers. This cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. CRC screening can save lives, but not that many people are being screened. As an advocate, I believe that now is the time to educate the general public and mobilize the health community to beat colorectal cancer.
Turtles’ vulnerable start to life
MORONG — Hundreds of tiny turtle hatchlings emerge above a beach at night and immediately look to the sea, hoping to beat huge odds and start a remarkable trans-oceanic journey lasting decades.
Tribute to Mario Lanza
OLDER GENERATIONS recall American tenor and Hollywood actor Mario Lanza with fondness for introducing opera to the masses through his records and movies in the 1950s. His voice was said to rival Enrico Caruso’s. With his good looks and exquisite voice, he enthralled millions of movie and music lovers around the world.