Exciting Shows Comingto Newport World Resorts

The stage is set for another season of world-class performances as Newport World Resorts unveils its exciting entertainment calendar for the rest of 2025 and the start of 2026. From OPM concerts to original Filipino musicals, audiences can look forward to an extraordinary series of shows across the property’s entertainment venues.

Jamie Wilson (2nd from left), Krystal Kane (2nd from right), Topper Fabregas (center), Alfredo Reyes (right), and Julia Serad (left) take center stage in Shrek The Musical 2025 as Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Lord Farquaad, and Dragon, respectively.

Shrek The Musical

Shrek and his fairytale crew bring their swampy adventures to the Philippine stage adaptation of Shrek The Musical, the hit Broadway show that audiences around the world have loved. Newport World Resorts presents the finest Filipino theater stars in this ogre-sized production. The show runs until December 21, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

December concerts

This December, Newport World Resorts shines the spotlight on Original Pilipino Music with a series of concerts featuring some of the nation’s most beloved artists.

On December 8, OPM mainstay Truefaith takes center stage for Truefaith 33, a milestone anniversary concert marking the band’s 33 remarkable years in music. The following night, on December 9, Nonoy Zuñiga returns to the stage for an encore performance of his 50th anniversary concert “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime”.

Music fans are also treated on December 10 and 11 with Here and Now: Celebrating the Music of Jose Mari Chan. The two-night, sold-out concert celebrates the music of the legendary icon, featuring special performances from some of his fellow OPM artists.

The Grand Countdown to 2026

Ring in 2026 in grand fashion with Newport World Resorts’ signature countdown celebration, The Grand Countdown to 2026 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. The event will feature powerhouse performances from a star-studded lineup featuring world-class OPM icons Jessica Sanchez, Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli, Billy Crawford, Bamboo, and Cup of Joe. 

Bagets The Musical

Opening on January 23, 2026, Bagets: The Musical marks the first major theatrical production of the new year at Newport World Resorts. A reimagining of the iconic 1984 film, the show captures the spirit, style, and youthful energy of the original for a new generation. A production of Newport World Resorts with Philippine STAR and VIVA communications, the show is staged by PETA Plus led by director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

For more information on concerts and shows at Newport World Resorts, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Join Newport World Resorts Viber Community at https://newportwr.com/nwrvibercommunity for exclusive updates. Every visit is made more rewarding with an Epic Rewards membership, download the Epic Rewards Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge

134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders

AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, has reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting 134,000 young people to date and delivering 3.8 million hours of training. This achievement marks more than halfway toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030.

Alongside job creation, AS Watson has invested heavily in training and development, delivering 3.8 million hours of learning to new joiners in their /rst year -  meaning each young person receives on average 28 hours of learning. This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to empowering young talent with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

From Michelin to Terra Madre: Philippines Emerges as Asia’s Rising Culinary Capital

 

Following the successful inaugural selection of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is once again placing the country at the forefront of global gastronomy with the hosting of the first-ever Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific (TMAP)—the regional edition of the world’s largest sustainable food gathering—set from November 19 to 23 at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.

Watch out for Pokémon Legends titles’ new story, content and side mission this December

 

The Pokémon Company is pleased to announce new updates about  the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, as well as the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC.

New Video for Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension!

The Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC, which features additional story and new content, is slated for release on December 10, 2025.

A special video showcasing the latest information about this title is available on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Please check out Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension | Visit a Strange New Dimension at https://youtu.be/RMujAA9AfPc

A Strange Dimension Reached via Mysterious Distortions

Just when Team MZ’s efforts seem to have restored peace to Lumiose City, something strange begins to happen—mysterious distortions are forming all around town. Amid this, Trainers will meet a mysterious young girl named Ansha, who is accompanied by the Mischief Pokémon, Hoopa.

Hoopa has the curious power to transform the distortions into larger portals that allow passage into hyperspace, and Trainers will need to dive right in!

At a glance, Hyperspace Lumiose may resemble the real Lumiose, but it’s a completely unique place. Not only does it hold Pokémon, but Trainers may not be able to find it in Lumiose City—its Pokémon can also have hyperspace levels that bring their total levels over the normal limit of Lv. 100, making them truly “hyper strong.”

Trainers may also encounter rare Pokémon or Mega-Evolved Pokémon that have never been seen before.

Time to Gather Up Berries and Make Some Donuts!

On the other side, trainers will find themselves in an otherworldly, not-quite-Lumiose city. A Powerful Pokémon not found in the regular Lumiose can be encountered living here.

What in the world is Hyperspace Lumiose? And who or what lies in wait within it?

It’s time for a new adventure for Team MZ!

Depending on what berries the Trainers use, Ansha may even be able to make some special donuts.

Take On Hyperspace Lumiose with New Allies

To protect Lumiose City from this brewing new trouble, Trainers and the rest of Team MZ will need to take on Hyperspace Lumiose with the help of new allies.

Ansha

This mysterious young girl turned up with the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa in tow. She’s a talented donut chef. Eating one of Ansha’s donuts causes Hoopa’s power to awaken, allowing it to open a path into hyperspace.

Korrina

Korrina is the successor to a line of Mega Evolution gurus. She aims to be a skilled user of every Mega Evolution out there.  She’ll join Team MZ in tackling the strange events befalling Lumiose.

Introducing Newly Discovered Mega-Evolved Pokémon!

Mega Chimecho, the Mega Evolution of the Wind Chime Pokémon Chimecho, Appears!

Mega Baxcalibur, the Mega Evolution of the Ice Dragon Pokémon Baxcalibur, Appears!

The Mega Stone, required to Mega Evolve Baxcalibur, can be obtained from the Z-A Battle Club as a reward for getting promoted in online Ranked Battles.

Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and a Nintendo Account are required for online features, including Ranked Battles.

Trainers can participate in the Z-A Battle Club in both Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. 

Mega Chimecho

Category: Wind Chime Pokémon

Type: Psychic/Steel

Height: 3'11" (1.2 m)

Weight: 17.6 lbs. (8 kg)

Mega Baxcalibur

Category: Ice Dragon Pokémon

Type: Dragon/Ice

Height: 6'11" (2.1 m)

Weight: 694.5 lbs. (315 kg)

Extra Side Mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone” is now available! Get the Mythical Pokémon Diancie and a Diancite Stone!

Starting November 6, 2025, Trainers can receive a Diancite stone through the Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and can participate in the extra side mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone".

If Trainers complete this mission, they’ll be able to add the Mythical Pokémon Diancie to their team. Trainers can use the Diancite stone they got through the Mystery Gift feature to Mega Evolve Diancie into Mega Diancie.

To play the extra side mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone,” Trainers will need to complete the main story of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A or Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game.

Mega Diancie

Category: Jewel Pokémon

Type: Rock/Fairy

Height: 3'7" (1.1 m)

Weight: 61.3 lbs. (27.8 kg)

More about the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

● In addition to the Nintendo Switch title Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there will also be a version released for Nintendo Switch 2: Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

● This Nintendo Switch 2 software title will take advantage of the specs of Nintendo Switch 2 to offer improved graphics and frame rates during your adventure in Lumiose City.

● The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is also playable on Nintendo Switch. When playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on the Nintendo Switch system, the content will be the same as that of the Nintendo Switch software. Additional features and content that utilize the Nintendo Switch 2 system’s specs will not be included.

For more information, please check out the official website: https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us

Discover your perfect pasta pairing with Doña Elena

 

From pasta and pizza to dips and spreads, Doña Elena has the perfect Italian sauce for you

Cooking at home brings joy, but it’s the shared meals with family and friends that make the experience truly incomparable. Pasta is a family favorite for a reason—it’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for both daily meals and special celebrations. And whether you’re focused on healthy cuisine or simply love cooking, there is a Doña Elena product for every cooking need, thoughtfully crafted to inspire dishes for both intimate meals and grand gatherings.

As a leading and well-loved brand of olive oil and other Mediterranean cooking ingredients, 

Doña Elena continues to make gourmet experiences at home accessible. And a recent addition to the brand’s wide range of high-quality products are Doña Elena Pasta Sauces, made from fresh and fine ingredients, with no preservatives. From pasta and pizza to dips, spreads, and marinades, these versatile sauces make it easy to turn everyday food into a gastronomic feast. 

The New Doña Elena 100% Italian Premium Sauces

Featuring four flavorful options perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks, these pantry essentials are sure to spark creativity in the kitchen—from simple everyday meals to inventive pasta creations. Doña Elena Pasta Sauces are incredibly versatile, crafted to perfectly pair with pasta, meats, vegetables, or to elevate any dish.