Metro Manila (CNN Philippines Life, April 4) — This long weekend, catch a beloved play on streaming, up your accessories game, check out a fashion brand’s latest collection, watch classic Filipino films and one of the Top 10 films on Netflix Philippines right now, and get to know Airbnb more.
‘ ’24’: ‘image’: ‘jcr:aeabfe1e-b4aa-4986-881d-658c054627e1’ ‘imageCaption’: ‘Tickets are now available for the streaming on Ticket2Me. Photo
Watch “Mula sa Buwan” on streaming
Beloved play “Mula sa Buwan” is returning to a streaming platform as a professionally shot performance. The Filipino adaptation of “Cyrano de Bergerac” stars Myke Salomon as Cyrano, Gab Pangilinan as Roxane, and Markki Stroem as Christian.
READ: How Mula sa Buwan’s cast and crew staged a ‘miracle play’ in 2022
Enjoy the stage performance from April 7-9 with 24-hour streaming windows. Tickets are available here. — CNN PHILIPPINES LIFE STAFF
‘ ’26’: ‘image’: ‘jcr:e09bd75e-f49a-46ad-957d-455d599d4919’ ‘imageCaption’: ‘These Philippine Cinema classics are available in the refreshed
Stream Filipino movies on JuanFlix
For some reason, I’ve associated the Holy Week with Filipino movies on TV — must be all those years of watching “Himala” on ABS-CBN or Cinema One at this time of the week. If you want a bigger selection of Filipino titles to watch this long weekend, log on to JuanFlix, the refreshed FDCP Channel by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. It offers a range of free content of short films, from animated films to experimental pieces; and a hefty lineup of Filipino classics, such as Lino Brocka’s “White Slavery,” Joey Gosengfiao’s “Temptation Island,” Marilou Diaz Abaya’s “Moral” and yes, “Himala.”
Their library also features a great selection of contemporary films, from short films such as “Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month” and “Excuse Me Miss Miss” to acclaimed films such as “Ma’Rosa” and “Nick and Chai.”Subscription is ₱99 monthly or ₱499 annually. — DON JAUCIAN’ ’27’: ‘image’: ‘jcr:a3c3d2d6-d707-4995-8d0b-17e3ba92c439’ ‘imageCaption’: ‘This international co-production stars our very own Chai Fonacier.
Watch “Nocebo” on Netflix
I always like to argue that, at its core, “Nocebo” is a very Filipino film, despite being an Irish co-production with an Irish director, screenwriter, producer, etc. The crux of the psychological horror film happens in the Philippines, which is a spoiler if I give it away. In the film, Chai Fonacier’s Diana arrives in the household of Christine (Eva Green) and Felix (Mark Strong) in order to “help” the desperate housewife and fashion designer from her mysterious illness. The twists and turns of “Nocebo” is a gripping watch, with Diana’s witchy powers on full display — but to what extent. The film has finally landed on Netflix so you can judge whether that fuss over Fonacier’s accent was worth it. Or you can just read our profile on her. As of this writing, “Nocebo” is in the Top 10 movies list of the streaming platform. Perfect for Holy Week viewing, I’d say. — DJ
‘ ’28’: ‘image’: ‘jcr:dcfdbfec-ae8e-4850-b90a-08eb6c7c2df1’ ‘imageCaption’: ‘Airbnb hosted a panel discussion on women in the travel and tourism industry featuring (from left) Cheryl Tay, Airbnb Senior Communications Manager for Southeast Asia. Anne Jeaneth Casalme, Philippine Commission on Women Gender and Development representative; Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte; Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; Noelle Wenceslao, Philippine Coast Guard officer and renowned mountaineer; and Colleen Vidal, Airbnb Host and content creator. Photo from
No Holy Week plans? Travel with the gals via Airbnb
I’ve been asking people about their long holiday plans this year, and most of my girl friends are planning to just stay in town. It did make me think back, though, to a panel discussion I attended with vacation rental platform Airbnb to celebrate Women’s Month this March. The panel discussion was attended by the likes of Mich Goh, Airbnb’s head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan; Joy Belmonte, mayor of Quezon City; and Noelle Wenceslao, Philippine Coast Guard officer, mountaineer, and the first Filipina to summit Mount Everest. It turns out that women make up a big part of the tourism and travel industries — the Philippines is the platform’s second largest women-powered host community in the world following New Zealand, as two-thirds of Airbnb hosts in the Philippines are women. I can see how Filipina hosts excel so much on Airbnb, as Filipinos are known for our hospitality and warmth especially to people we share our homes with.
But while hosting has become a booming industry for female entrepreneurs in the country, traveling as a woman is still rife with safety concerns, especially those who travel on their own. Though the dangers are real, it’s been heartening to see how women travelers continue to grow. During the panel discussion, we learned that 56% of all solo traveler nights in 2022 were booked by women. This growing community can hopefully bring awareness to private platforms like Airbnb and government entities to create more regulations that keep women travelers safe.
Personally, I love opportunities to travel on my own and discover a place in my own way. So for anyone looking for an easy and quick Holy Week escape, may I recommend the following Airbnb’s I’ve got on my wishlist: this one-bedroom treehouse with pool access in Balete, Batangas or this glamping cabin in Antipolo, Rizal. — MARGA BUENAVENTURA
These two accessory recommendations will can make or break your summer wardrobe
The heat has been a real killer lately, which turns me off to the idea of styling a cute outfit with some thought involved. If I could get away with a t-shirt and a pair of shorts all season long, I’d be completely content. When sticking to basics, what’s the best way to add some dynamism to the look? Accessories, my friend. It’s the way to go: ‘ ’16’: ‘image’: ‘jcr:fcac94a2-f4a7-4689-96ad-25cb5715d578’ ‘imageCaption’: ‘The Longchamp Épure bucket bag in fuschia. Photo from LONGCHAMP/OFFICIAL
THE NEW LONGCHAMP COLLECTION
First off is French leather goods company Longchamp, best known for their no-nonsense Le Pliage. It’s become the new designer brand to get a second wind among the TikTok girlies, who are unearthing their moms’ Le Pliages from 2010 and using them as their school bags. The new Longchamp Spring/Summer 2023 collection is inspired by the outdoors; glamping, specifically, or roughing it out in style. Think of tiny leather bags like the angular Box-Trot, which comes in tan, candy pink, and a leather/toile crossover. I love the Epure bucket bag in white, which is small enough to use everyday but elegant enough for a summer wedding party. I personally love the extra small version of the Le Panier Pliage in kelly green. The raffia material with the jockey logo print play makes it fun and bright and surprisingly roomy. I could fit my phone, wallet, keys, and a few extras and go about my day unruffled. You can even add a strap to make it crossbody or keep it tiny as a beachy going-out bag. — MB
Longchamp is available in-store at Rustan’s Department Store or via their website.
‘ ’20’: ‘contentWidth’: ‘100%’ ’embedCode’: ‘
THE JUJU CLUB
Someone once said that everybody looks hotter in sunglasses, and I’m afraid I’ll have to agree. It adds a bit of mystery to your look with very little effort — on your face or atop your head, it doesn’t matter. I recently discovered The Juju Club, an accessory brand by actress Julia Baretto. I was able to try a pair of sunglasses from the brand that ended up being some of my current favorites. The neon green Stockholm (₱615) and the square Alba in red and pink (₱695 each) work with pretty much anything. I just throw it in for any activity to distract people from noticing that I rushed out of home in a tornado. The Juju Club also recently released their first swimwear collection — Juju Swim is done in solid colors of white, brown, and black, and can be worn on the beach or even in the city as a reliable basic. During the launch, Julia herself wore a white version of the Moira halter top under a white blazer and slacks. Totally weather-appropriate while still looking polished. Kind of obsessed. — MB