Revived by True Love’s Kiss: Ballet Manila Opens PRIMA Performance Season with the Timeless Classic Sleeping Beauty

A kingdom waits in silence, a princess lies under a powerful spell, and only true love’s kiss can break the curse. This March, Ballet Manila opens its much-anticipated PRIMA Performance Season with the beloved fairy tale ballet Sleeping Beauty, the grand finale of its successful Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can witness Aurora’s magical journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater.

All performances will feature live music by the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), conducted by Maestro Alexander Vikulov, bringing to life the iconic score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The collaboration promises a breathtaking fusion of classical ballet and orchestral grandeur, offering audiences a truly immersive cultural experience in Manila.

A Grand Finale to the Princess Trilogy

The PRIMA Performance Season marks a milestone for Ballet Manila, as Sleeping Beauty completes the company’s Princess Trilogy—following its successful stagings of other fairy tale favorites. Under the direction and choreography of Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, this production promises both elegance and innovation.

For Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the finale is deeply meaningful. She shares that what excites her most is how Sleeping Beautybrings the entire Princess Trilogy together into one magical universe. In this special iteration, audiences will be delighted to see Aurora joined on stage by Cinderella and Snow White—creating a rare and enchanting crossover moment that celebrates the timeless appeal of fairy tale heroines.

Through graceful leaps, intricate turns, and expressive storytelling, Ballet Manila continues its tradition of excellence in classical ballet in the Philippines. The company’s adaptation of Sleeping Beauty highlights not only technical mastery but also emotional depth, capturing the innocence, strength, and beauty that have defined princess stories for generations.

A Celebration of Music and Dance

This production also coincides with a significant milestone for the Manila Symphony Orchestra as it quietly celebrates its centennial year. For 100 years, MSO has played a vital role in shaping the Philippine classical music scene. Its partnership with Ballet Manila underscores the enduring relationship between music and dance in Filipino cultural life.

Performing Tchaikovsky’s original score live elevates the experience, adding richness and emotional intensity to every scene—from the christening celebration to the climactic awakening. Lisa expressed her delight at once again collaborating with the orchestra, noting how special it is to share the stage with musicians who bring such passion and artistry to each performance.

MSO President Maan Hontiveros reflected on the partnership, emphasizing how music feeds the soul and, when joined with ballet, creates a legacy that endures across generations. She also acknowledged Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s steadfast support for the orchestra, especially as both institutions continue to honor tradition while embracing innovation.

Although Ballet Manila and the Manila Symphony Orchestra have collaborated since 2011, their artistic bond has only strengthened over time. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, their reunion on stage for this centennial celebration feels especially timely and meaningful.

A Must-See Ballet Event in Manila

The staging of Sleeping Beauty is more than just a ballet performance in Manila—it is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and collaboration. As Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season, audiences are invited to experience world-class ballet accompanied by a live orchestra, right in the heart of Pasay City.

Whether you are a long-time ballet enthusiast or discovering classical dance for the first time, this production offers a magical evening filled with romance, spectacle, and timeless music. As the curtain falls, Sleeping Beauty not only concludes the Princess Trilogy but also reaffirms Ballet Manila’s commitment to elevating Philippine performing arts on the global stage.

For tickets and complete schedules of Ballet Manila’s 2026 performances and special events, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph or check the TicketWorld page at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

GoTyme Bank and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation Partner to Streamline Doctors’ Professional Fee Disbursement in the Philippines

In a major development for the Philippine healthcare and banking sectors, GoTyme Bank has officially partnered with Maxicare Healthcare Corporation as its designated banking partner for the distribution of professional fees to Maxicare-affiliated doctors. This milestone agreement strengthens financial infrastructure within the healthcare industry while reinforcing GoTyme Bank’s position as a fast-growing digital bank in the Philippines.

Modernizing Healthcare Financial Services in the Philippines

The partnership between GoTyme Bank and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare financial management. By leveraging GoTyme Bank’s secure, fast, and reliable digital banking platform, Maxicare can now provide its extensive network of accredited doctors with a seamless and efficient way to receive their professional fees.

Timely and hassle-free payments are essential for medical practitioners who dedicate their time and expertise to patient care. Through this collaboration, doctors can enjoy a streamlined payout process that reduces administrative burdens and enhances financial convenience. This allows healthcare professionals to focus more intently on delivering quality medical services, rather than worrying about payment processing delays.

As digital banking in the Philippines continues to evolve, this partnership demonstrates how financial technology can play a crucial role in supporting frontline professionals in critical industries like healthcare.

On-Site Roadshows and Hospital Kiosk Deployment

To further strengthen the initiative, GoTyme Bank and Maxicare launched a series of on-site roadshows at key partner hospitals. These activations were designed to make account opening simple and accessible for doctors.

GoTyme Bank kiosks have been deployed at major Maxicare-affiliated hospitals, including:

St. Luke’s Medical Center (Quezon City and BGC)
Makati Medical Center
VRP Medical Center
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital

These on-ground installations provide hands-on assistance, enabling doctors to open GoTyme Bank accounts quickly and receive their Visa debit cards with minimal effort. The convenience of physical kiosks combined with digital onboarding ensures a smooth user experience tailored to busy medical professionals.

To date, approximately 2,000 doctors have already been onboarded, reflecting strong interest and trust in the platform. GoTyme Bank aims to expand its reach to an additional 20,000 doctors in the coming months, further solidifying its role in healthcare banking solutions in the Philippines.

Supporting Doctors’ Financial Well-Being

This strategic alliance underscores Maxicare’s ongoing commitment to supporting not just the clinical but also the financial well-being of its medical network. By expanding its range of banking solutions through GoTyme Bank, Maxicare enhances the overall professional experience of its accredited physicians.

For GoTyme Bank, the partnership aligns with its broader mission of delivering accessible, secure, and beautifully designed banking solutions to underserved and specialized sectors. Empowering medical practitioners nationwide reflects the bank’s dedication to meaningful financial inclusion.

The official signing ceremony, held at GoTyme Bank’s headquarters, brought together key executives from both organizations, marking a significant milestone in healthcare finance innovation.

World Travel Expo 2026 Launches Media Preview for Its 10th Anniversary Celebration at SM North EDSA

The much-anticipated World Travel Expo 2026 officially set the stage for its milestone celebration with an exclusive Media Lunch held at Savory, SM Light Mall, Mandaluyong City. The intimate gathering brought together members of the press, content creators, and key industry partners for a first look at what promises to be the biggest edition yet. The 10th anniversary of the World Travel Expo will take place from March 6 to 8, 2026, at SM North EDSA – The Block, one of Metro Manila’s premier event venues.

This early preview generated strong excitement across the tourism and hospitality sectors, as organizers unveiled highlights of the upcoming travel fair — from exclusive event-only travel deals to immersive destination showcases and expanded exhibitor participation. As one of the most trusted travel expos in the Philippines, the World Travel Expo continues to position itself as a must-visit event for travelers seeking affordable vacation packages, discounted flights, and curated travel experiences.

A Decade of Connecting Travelers and Tourism Brands

For the past ten years, World Travel Expo has played a significant role in strengthening the Philippine travel industry. Since its inception, the expo has served as a dynamic marketplace where tourism brands, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise operators, and tour providers connect directly with Filipino travelers.

The 10th anniversary edition reinforces this mission. Organizers emphasized during the media preview that the expo is more than just a travel sale event — it is a strategic platform that helps both established and emerging travel businesses gain visibility, drive on-the-spot bookings, and build long-term partnerships.

As travel demand continues to surge, especially among Filipinos eager to explore local and international destinations, events like the World Travel Expo 2026 offer a valuable space where consumers can compare packages, secure limited-time promos, and plan future trips with confidence.

What to Expect at World Travel Expo 2026

The upcoming March event at SM North EDSA – The Block promises a dynamic and immersive experience for attendees. Visitors can look forward to:

Exclusive event-only travel deals on flights, hotels, tour packages, and cruises
Destination showcases featuring both popular and emerging tourist spots
Interactive presentations from tourism boards and travel experts
On-site booking promotions and flexible payment options
Exciting raffles and giveaways
Expanded exhibitor participation from airlines, resorts, travel agencies, and cruise lines

This year’s milestone celebration aims to deliver more than discounts — it offers inspiration. Through curated presentations and engaging booth experiences, travelers can discover new destinations, learn travel tips, and explore itineraries tailored to different budgets and preferences.

Supporting Exhibitors and the Travel Industry

The World Travel Expo remains deeply committed to empowering exhibitors. By providing direct access to thousands of ready-to-book travelers, the event helps tourism businesses increase brand awareness and boost revenue opportunities. Small and medium travel enterprises, in particular, benefit from the exposure and networking opportunities the expo provides.

Organizers highlighted how the event fosters collaboration within the travel ecosystem. Airlines can connect with tour operators, hotels can partner with travel agencies, and emerging destinations can introduce themselves to the local market. This synergy strengthens the overall tourism landscape and contributes to industry growth.

Recognizing the Role of Media in Travel Inspiration

The Media Lunch also acknowledged the crucial role of media partners and content creators in amplifying travel stories. Through articles, social media features, and broadcast coverage, media professionals help inspire Filipinos to explore responsibly and confidently.

By sharing real travel experiences, highlighting new destinations, and promoting exclusive expo deals, media partners help ensure that more travelers can make informed decisions and maximize their travel budgets.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

As World Travel Expo celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the enduring love of Filipinos for travel. What began as a platform for discounted vacation packages has evolved into a comprehensive travel marketplace and community hub.

With bigger promotions, more exhibitors, and interactive experiences lined up, World Travel Expo 2026 is poised to be its most exciting edition yet. Whether you’re planning a quick local getaway, an international adventure, or a luxury cruise, the 10th anniversary event at SM North EDSA – The Block from March 6 to 8, 2026 is the travel fair you won’t want to miss.

For travelers seeking the best travel deals in the Philippines and for brands aiming to connect with an eager market, World Travel Expo continues to be the trusted gateway to discovering more.

Bacolaodiat Festival Brings Culture and Technology Together with TP in the Philippines

TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance), a global leader in digital business services, once again demonstrated its commitment to cultural inclusion and community engagement through its vibrant participation in the annual Bacolaodiat Festival. Held in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Bacolod City, the three-day festival gathered thousands of locals and tourists for a colorful showcase of Filipino-Chinese heritage, traditions, and shared history.

Recognized as one of the most anticipated cultural events in Bacolod, the Bacolaodiat Festival is organized by the local government in partnership with the Filipino-Chinese community. The celebration features traditional dragon and lion dances, cultural performances, food fairs, corporate booths, and exhibits symbolizing prosperity, unity, and goodwill. Over the years, it has evolved into a major tourism and cultural highlight in Negros Occidental, strengthening ties between communities while boosting local economic activity.

TP Elevates Festival Experience with Interactive Technology

Building on the success of its participation last year, TP in the Philippines elevated its presence at this year’s Bacolaodiat Festival by introducing immersive and interactive experience booths that seamlessly blended culture and technology. Designed to reflect the company’s innovative spirit, the installations incorporated Chinese New Year themes with digital engagement, attracting festivalgoers of all ages.

Visitors eagerly lined up to participate in the Interactive Zodiac Match Game, a fast-paced digital challenge where players raced against the clock to correctly match the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs. The activity combined fun, education, and cultural appreciation, allowing participants to reconnect with traditional symbolism in a modern format.

Meanwhile, guests seeking a glimpse of their fortunes stepped into the tech-forward “Fortune & Frosting” Virtual Tarot Reading booth. Using digital interfaces and festive visuals, the experience reimagined traditional fortune-telling practices for a new generation. Festivalgoers also tried their luck at the Virtual Lucky Ang Pau, where winners received exclusive TP merchandise tucked inside iconic red envelopes—symbols of good fortune and prosperity during Chinese New Year.

From visually striking installations inspired by Chinese symbols of luck and abundance to gamified cultural activities, TP’s booths became a major crowd draw throughout the celebration. Families, young professionals, students, and cultural enthusiasts flocked to the space, making it one of the festival’s most engaging stops.

Strengthening Community Roots in Bacolod City

“Bacolod has been one of TP’s key hubs in the Philippines for many years, and our presence at the Bacolaodiat Festival reflects our deep roots in the city. We invested in this celebration not only to honor its rich cultural heritage, but to reaffirm our long-term commitment to a community that has played a vital role in our growth—bringing together tradition and innovation in a way that reflects who we are today,” said TP in the Philippines Senior Marketing Manager Levi Trio.

TP’s Bacolod site, operating since 2006, has generated livelihood opportunities for thousands of residents across Bacolod and neighboring areas. Over nearly two decades, the company has played a significant role in supporting local employment, economic development, and professional growth in the region.

According to TP in the Philippines Chief People Officer Jeffrey Johnson, active participation in local cultural events reinforces the organization’s people-first values. “By actively participating in local cultural events, we at TP believe in honoring traditions and cultural identities that strengthen community ties and promote mutual respect. As the Bacolaodiat Festival continues to grow in scale and significance, TP in the Philippines remains committed to celebrating milestones alongside the communities we serve. Through initiatives that honor heritage, promote inclusion, and bring people together, we reinforce our ideals of being not just an employer, but a true community partner in Bacolod.”

A Celebration of Heritage, Innovation, and Inclusion

TP in the Philippines’ participation in the Bacolaodiat Festival highlights how corporate organizations can meaningfully support cultural celebrations while integrating innovation. By bringing together digital technology, immersive experiences, and traditional symbolism, TP created a space where heritage and modernity coexist—reflecting both the spirit of Chinese New Year and the company’s forward-thinking approach.

As the Bacolaodiat Festival continues to shine as a premier Chinese New Year celebration in the Philippines, TP in the Philippines stands committed to fostering diversity, strengthening community ties, and celebrating shared cultural milestones in Bacolod City and beyond.