Wednesday, March 4, 2026
A kingdom waits, a princess sleeps, and a curse lingers until love breaks through. This March, Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season with Sleeping Beauty, the final offering of the Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can experience Aurora’s journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. All performances will feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov,
The stories of fairy-tale princesses have been told across generations, and with Ballet Manila’s adaptation, they are brought to life through dance. With every leap and turn, the company has embodied the grace, innocence and gentleness of the beloved princesses. Making this season’s Sleeping Beauty special is the fact that it will be directed and choreographed by no less than Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde.
For Lisa, the finale is a moment of delight: “What excites me in this production is how Sleeping Beauty finally completes our Princess Trilogy. It feels like all the stories we’ve been telling are coming together in one magical universe.”
She also enthused on special appearances of the other princesses in Sleeping Beauty , “In this iteration of Sleeping Beauty, Aurora will be joined by Cinderella and Snow White on stage, so it’s really fun to think about having them together in the stage”.
The conclusion of the Princess Trilogy also comes at a meaningful time. The Manila Symphony Orchestra quietly marks its centennial year, a reminder of how music and dance have stood together in shaping Philippine culture.” It is such a delight that we are performing with the Manila Symphony Orchestra, playing the original music of Tchaikovsky makes it even more special and I look forward to sharing this with everyone.” said Lisa.
Manila Symphony Orchestra president Maan Hontiveros reflects on the collaboration, noting this milestone reminds us that music feeds the soul, and when joined with ballet, it creates a legacy that endures.
“Lisa has been a steadfast supporter of the orchestra, and her vision has helped bring this partnership to life in ways that honor both tradition and innovation.” said Hontiveros.
While Ballet Manila has been collaborating with Manila Symphony Orchestra since 2011, their support for each other never waned: “Lisa has always been in the life of Manila Symphony Orchestra. While there was a hiatus during the pandemic, it was very timely that we’re back doing a joint performance once again as we celebrate our 100th year. We’re grateful to Lisa and Fred (Elizalde) who are ever-present in our performances.”
The Princess Trilogy’s finale with Sleeping Beauty marks not only the completion of Ballet Manila’s ambitious storytelling arc but also a celebration of collaboration between dance and live music. As the curtain falls, audiences are invited to witness how ballet and orchestra together continue to shape the cultural stage of the Philippines with artistry that endures.
Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph
In the north of Metro Manila, where milestones big and small are marked over shared meals, SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela once again turn the spotlight on women this March with a dining lineup that is both celebratory and empowering. Known as the most loved mall and the home of everyday celebrations, SM invites women to gather, indulge, and toast their journeys with flavors that match their strength, beauty, and style.
Savor Hearty Meals That Fuel Ambition
For achievers who power through boardrooms and busy schedules, satisfying meals await. At Botejyu in SM City Valenzuela, authentic Japanese comfort food delivers bold flavors and generous servings perfect for refueling after a long day. Meanwhile, Kenny Rogers Roasters in SM City Valenzuela offers its signature roasted chicken and hearty sides, creating the ideal setting for meaningful conversations and well-earned breaks.
Sweet Treats That Spark Joy
No milestone is complete without dessert. At Famous Belgian Waffle in SM Center Sangandaan, golden waffles filled with decadent spreads offer a quick yet delightful escape in between errands or catch-ups. For those craving a Filipino classic with a modern flair, BBK Bibingka Coffee in SM Center Sangandaan reinvents the traditional bibingka and pairs it with robust coffee blends, creating a comforting treat that feels both nostalgic and new.
Healthy Choices That Keep You Glowing
Health conscious diners will find vibrant options at SaladStop! in SM City Grand Central, where nutrient packed bowls combine crisp greens, lean proteins, and globally inspired dressings. For customizable meals on the go, Subway in SM City Grand Central serves fresh sandwiches and wraps tailored to individual tastes and wellness goals.
And because no Women’s Month feast is complete without a photo op, don’t forget to strike a pose at SM’s Women’s Month Instagram spot! Snap a groupie with your besties, capture your glowing smiles, and make every moment count.
This month, eat well, celebrate loud, and own your crown only at SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela! Because at SM, every woman is a queen, and every day is a reason to celebrate.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
The partnership introduces the first-ever REIT funds on GCash, alongside other income-paying investments starting at just PHP 1,000
Finance super app GCash, together with Manulife Investment Management and Trust Corporation (Manulife Investments Philippines), is expanding Filipinos’ access to the global property market by introducing Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) funds and other income-paying unit investment trust funds (UITFs) within the GCash app.
GCash users may access four income-paying UITFs on GFunds from Manulife Investments Philippines, including the first REIT funds to come to the e-wallet. These include the Manulife Asia Pacific REIT Fund and the Manulife Global REIT Feeder Fund, which comprise investments in Asia and global properties. In addition, the newly added Manulife Global Preferred Income Fund and Manulife Asia Dynamic Bond Feeder Fund aim to help Filipinos access additional income through other diversified investments with attractive yield advantage.
Through the partnership, Filipinos have an opportunity to earn from global property rentals—including hotels, condominiums, and office buildings—without the high capital requirements associated with property ownership. Professional management by Manulife Investments Philippines simplifies the experience, covering asset selection to optimization, making investing in global real estate a guided and more accessible experience for Filipinos, starting at just PHP 1,000.00.
Among the country's largest fund managers, Manulife Investments Philippines had PHP 205 billion assets under management (AUM) and a net income of PHP 372 million as of end of 2024. Meanwhile, Manulife Investment Management, the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife, had over US$1.6 trillion of assets under management and administration (AUMA) globally as of December 2024.
“Our partnership with Manulife Investments Philippines is about providing Filipinos with access to simplified world-class tools to help them in their long-term financial security. We’re making it easier for Filipinos to explore investment opportunities that haven’t always been within reach. Now, Filipinos can easily invest in REIT funds and UITFs backed by the strategic perspective and proven credibility of Manulife,” said Winsley Bangit, Group Head of New Businesses at Mynt, the parent company of GCash.
"Partnering with GCash, a major player in the financial space, is aligned with our mission to provide innovative and affordable wealth solutions to more Filipinos so they can achieve their long-term financial aspirations, even in volatile times. Through GCash, our UITFs are now more accessible to a broader set of investors who are looking to diversify and grow their wealth portfolio,” said Aira Gaspar, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Investments Philippines.
Combining local expertise with global resources, Manulife Investments Philippines offers a diverse range of differentiated UITFs, including income-paying UITFs that aim to provide recurring income streams and potential capital appreciation by tapping into a broad range of asset classes.
Manulife Investments Philippines’ UITFs give access to local and global investment opportunities for different goals, needs, and risk profiles across various life stages. Whether investors are seeking income, growth, or portfolio diversification, its investment solutions are designed to help investors pursue competitive returns and sustainable cash flow for better income. The company provides investment products designed to give investors competitive returns and cash flow.
For more information on GCash and its financial and investment solutions, visit www.gcash.com. To know more about Manulife Investments Philippines and its suite of investment solutions, visit www.manulifeim.com.ph.
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