Got Formula One dreams? Miss remote-controlled toys? Have a fascination with Hot Wheels? Just absolutely love cars, in general? Well, you will be in absolute awe of the selections available at Action Hobbies, regardless of how you feel about these vehicles.

Action Hobbies is a specialty store that specializes in remote-controlled cars. It started in 2002 in the Greenhills area, and today, they have two stores: one in Katipunan and one in Alabang (you can find their complete addresses at the bottom of the article).

Roland Hermoso, owner of Action Hobbies, shares that this was his hobby when he was around 10 years old. In fact, this hobby is the reason why he is got into car racing (the real kind, not the remote-controlled ones) in the late 1980s. “I learned the basics of racing through RC,” he shares. Who knew that someone would get into something so daring and cool just by starting a hobby with a smaller version of it during their childhood? I think that’s such a cool story to tell!

Action Hobbies offers on-road and off-road cars, competition cars, and ready-to-run or RTR cars to help you get started on the hobby with ease. In fact, they have everything you need to become a full-fledged racer: bodies, engines, and wheels to build the actual car; and paint and oil to pimp it up as you see fit. Some of the cars can even reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour!

You can choose from a variety of options to customize your remote-controlled ride. And if you need help, they can even set it all up for you in the store itself. The best part is that their locations are in the North and in the South; so wherever you are in the Metro, you can visit the branch closest to you to get your racing fix!

Action Hobbies

2/F Place One Bldg. 1105, 205 Katipunan Ave. Project 4, Quezon City / West Gate, Commerce Ave. cor. Filinvest Ave. Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa

9492129 (Katipunan) / 8944464 (Alabang)

http://www.facebook.com/ActionHobbies

Words by: Carinna Reyes

FINALLY, IT’S CANON.

The ultimate question that has been hovering over our heads has finally been answered in the recently released series finale of Adventure Time (brb, still in denial that it’s over). In the scene, Finn and Jake, along with several major characters were in the middle of a major battle when PB was thrown across the field and became unconscious. This was when Marceline unleashed her Vampire Queen prowess, defeated the monster in three punches, and finally kissed her princess in front of everyone to see.

Watch the clip here:

And honestly, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing our favorite OTP becoming official before we say goodbye.

I mean, eight years’ worth of pent-up sexual tension…

Heated exchanges…

Secret adventures…

~Friendly~ gestures…

And casual declarations of love…

Has lead us, finally, to this moment.

And it is nothing short of glorious.

#20GAYTEEN is alive and thriving, and my stone-cold heart has now been revived and rejuvenated with all the colors of the rainbow.

For those of you who, like me, refuse to believe that the show (as well as their childhood) has ended, don’t fret. The series finale purposely ended openly as the story of Adventure Time will continue in the comics.

ALSO READ: 12 LGBTQ+ Coming Out Stories and What We Can Learn From Them

When in Manila, love is love is love y’all.

What are your thoughts on the final episode? Share your thoughts in the comments below!  

Words by Danielle Castillo

Ah, lovely September. You know what that means here in the Philippines…it’s Christmas time!

If you’ve been on the internet since September arrived, chances are you’ve already seen a couple (or a gazillion) Jose Mari Chan memes that made you laugh. But wait, there’s more! Aside from the usual memes, is also this hilarious Jose Mari Chan dance cover.

ALSO READ: LOL: Forget Santa Claus, These Jose Mari Chan Memes are Coming to Town

Kyo Quijano, a Filipino Youtuber (@KyoQuijano), recently uploaded a pop dance cover of a hyped up version of Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas In Our Hearts” on Facebook and—honestly—we’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve replayed it. As of writing, the video has already garnered over 1.6 million views!

Watch the dance cover here:

Since Quijano popularized this dance cover, many netizens are now also doing their own dance covers of the Jose Mari Chan classic, calling it the #WheneverISeeBoysAndGirlsChallenge.

Game over, Kiki.

What do you think of his cover? Would you be doing the challenge too? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Words by Micah Avry Guiao

What was supposed to be a peaceful commemoration of the Queen of Soul has now turned into a whirlwind of controversy.

A few days ago, the internet went haywire over some footage wherein Bishop Charles H. Ellis III was clearly shown to be wrapping his arm a little too high and tight on Ariana Grande’s torso, after which he proceeded to grope her breasts repeatedly, giving rise to the hashtag #RespectAriana.

It wouldn’t take an expert to discern that she was clearly rejecting his touches. There was discomfort written all over her face. As much as she wanted to withdraw, the bishop just gripped her closer to him.

Since then, the bishop has apologized, saying: “It would never be my intention to touch any woman’s breast. I don’t know. I guess I put my arm around her. Maybe I crossed the border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar, but again, I apologize.”

Ellis further incites that perhaps “it was just a joke that went bad,” explaining that he merely tried to keep the mood light and entertaining throughout the nine-hour funeral.

Here is where the problem lies–his excessive use of maybes make him anything but apologetic. There is no accountability in maybes. Even if he is given the benefit of the doubt, even if it were truly unintentional, the fact is Grande felt violated. That reason alone should be enough for him to take responsibility for his actions.

Grammar lesson. We can literally see the groping, but not the sorrow. So the inverted commas should be around the word ‘sorry’ not groping. https://t.co/rRwnEvpGbP

— Matt Haig (@matthaig1) September 1, 2018

It’s absurd to think that rape and harassment allegations are far too often disregarded. Consider this concrete evidence captured in video–the bishop is clearly groping Grande, and yet, some still have the audacity to invalidate the very obvious sexual misconduct unfolding before their eyes. This was done in a funeral, in front of thousands of attendees, inside a church.

Man, that people are critiquing Ariana Grande’s outfit as she’s publicly assaulted by a bishop on TV tells you everything you need to know about what a goddamned mess humanity is

— Iván Brandon (@IvanBrandon) September 2, 2018

When we condemn an awful incident such as this, may we always remember that these are the experiences that are anything but alien to women. How does this groping issue, which sparked much dispute and debate, relate to the power play and entitlement among sexes?

This isn’t about what she’s wearing. This isn’t about men’s inability to control themselves. It’s about perpetrators like the bishop who thought–and still think–that they can get away with things like this.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know!

If you’re already thinking of your next trip, why not consider Europe? People may say that it’s a lot more expensive but there’s a lot to be seen, experienced, tasted, and heard when you explore these cities. Insider tip: fares to Europe start from $670 only! Click here to enjoy special offers before 18 September 2018.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy these cities without emptying your pockets and we will share some money-saving tips to help you save some bucks. Keep your eyes peeled for bargains in the article ;)

Here are nine European cities that should be on your travel bucket list. And guess what? It won’t be as expensive as you think.

9. Dublin (flights starting from $700 or roughly P37.4K)

The Irish are known for their drinking habits and there’s plenty of that to explore in Dublin. The locals sure give respect to alcohol, especially at the Guinness Storehouse Factory, where you can learn more about the homegrown brand. There’s also the Irish Whiskey Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the drink, both in terms of knowledge and an actual pint. Of course, there’s more to the city than its booze and history is just as rich. Start your cultural visit with the National Museum of Ireland, where you can enter free of charge. Follow that up with the Dublin Castle, an 800-year-old structure that has witnessed the country’s history. You can also visit the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was built around the same time and is the largest church in all of Ireland. Cap off your first day by hanging out in Temple Bar, where you can soak in the atmosphere of the lively busking performance. If you’re there on a Saturday, check out the Temple Bar Food Market!

8. Oslo (flights starting from $739 or roughly P39.5K)

You won’t want to miss witnessing the daily changing of guards at the Royal Palace when in Oslo.

Transport yourself to the countryside of Old Norway, find traditional Norwegian wooden houses in the two small roads of Damstredet and Telthusbakken in Oslo.

There’s plenty to do in the Norwegian capital, especially if you’re an adventurous traveler. The Oslo Summer Park is a large climbing park with 12 trails, with the highlight being the Tigerspranget (“The Tiger Leap”), a 13-meter free fall to the ground. There’s also the Nordmarka wilderness area, where you can hike, bike, or swim in the many lakes.

Wander and explore some of the city’s most well-known landmarks that are free: the City Hall (Oslo’s Rådhus) for the gorgeous Nordic-themed murals, Parliament House, and Akershus Castle and Fortress, built in 1299 for a view of Oslofjord.

7. Brussels (flights starting from $700 or roughly P37.4K)

The Belgian capital is steeped in history, which explains why there are so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. On top of the list are the majestic Grand Place, which has breathtaking architecture, and the Maison du Roi (Town Hall), which houses the Museum of the City of Brussels. Because of the vast amount of history in this city, there are plenty of museums and sights to see like the Atomium, a unique sphere that offers a panoramic view of the city; the Parlamentarium, which explains the European Parliament that’s easy to understand and is free; and the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the Belgian artist René Magritte.

Don’t forget to visit Manneken Pis, the bronze statue that immortalized the image of a peeing boy! There is also Jeanneke Pis, a peeing girl, and Zinneke, a peeing dog which is unware to many visitors. Try hunting these sculptures there!

6. Stockholm (flights starting from $726 or roughly P38.8K)

Like Brussels, Stockholm is filled to the brim with historical landmarks, including one you didn’t expect. Start with the Drottningholm Palace, Sweden’s best-preserved royal palace from the 17th century, which serves as the permanent residence of the royal family and one of Stockholm’s three World Heritage Sites. Sweden is the country that produced the pop band ABBA so make sure to visit ABBA the Museum!  You can also try out free city walking tours that let you explore Gamla Stan, or the Old Town. Stockholm has some beautiful parks, so be sure to check out Rålambshovsparken, Gärdet, and Tantolunden. For a perfect bird’s eye view of the city, you can go to the outdoor service area of Mosebacke or go up Katarina Hissen.

5. Geneva (flights starting from $737 or roughly P39.4K)

Despite being one of the most expensive city in Europe, there are many free and inexpensive things to do here! A trip to Geneva wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Jet d’Eau, the center of the city’s harbour and dubbed as its star attraction. It’s a magnificent water jet with 500 litres of water passing through it per second. Stroll around Vieille-Ville, or Old Town, the largest historic town in Switzerland. It is an ancient maze of picturesque squares, filled with homey cafés, restaurants, and galleries. While you are there, check out St. Peter’s Cathedral, where you can climb 157 steps to the tower for a panoramic view of the city. For history buffs, there are plenty of free museums in Geneva like the Museum of History of Science, Natural History Museum, and Maison Tavel (Tavel House) which is the oldest house in Geneva built in the 12^th century.

4. London (flights starting from $740 or roughly P39.5K)

There’s more to London than the London Bridge (but please don’t miss it because it’s beautiful). Go back in time to visit the 900-year-old London Tower, which at some point became a royal palace, prison and place of execution, arsenal, jewel house, and zoo.

Since London is the home of Queen Elizabeth, a trip to Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace is a must! Be sure to catch the changing of guards. Tip: get to the palace at least 45 minutes prior to reserve a good spot. For shopaholics, you can check out Camden Market for anything related to fashion, music, jewelry, and quirky knick-knacks. Foodies, don’t miss out Borough Market for retail food therapy, the largest and oldest food market in London. Dig in to British traditional delights like Scotch egg, pies, and more. Fancy a free concert? Go to St Martin’s in the Fields. You can expect chorale music, harp concerts, piano solos, and more.

3. Madrid (flights starting from $700 or roughly P37.4K)

There’s so much to see in Madrid, Spain’s capital city. It’s home to stunning architecture, so drop by the Royal Palace, the official home of the Kings of Spain, dating as far back as Charles III (who ruled from 1759 to 1788); and the Plaza Mayor and Puerto del Sol for a charming look at a time gone by. To experience life as a local, we recommend the Paseo del Arte, which has three museums and other buildings worth taking photos of. For something truly unforgettable, visit the Las Ventas Bullring, considered as the most famous bullfighting ring in the world.

If you are looking to admire the breathtaking view of Madrid, check out the Azotea del Círculo de Bellas Artes for open-air views. Explore the Templo de Debod for free. This ancient Egyptian temple, best visited at sunset, was donated as a gift by the Egyptian government to Spain for helping to save temples from ruin after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

2. Amsterdam (flights starting from $919 or roughly P49.1K)

If your only knowledge of Amsterdam is of the red light district, boy, you are missing out. Amsterdam is home to many sights and the best way to explore it is by bike. Hop on over to the canal belt and admire the picturesque buildings, followed by a visit to the Museumplein, the cultural beating heart of Amsterdam and home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. The Netherlands is known for its tulips so make sure you stop by Bollenstreek, a world-famous tulip field where the flowers are arranged across colorful stripes.

One of the must-do things in Amsterdam is to take a boat ride. You can go on a free boat ride from the central station, take the free Amsterdam Public Transport ferry to the North of Amsterdam. If you are feeling hungry, go to Albert Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam’s largest market, filled with fresh produce and Dutch delicacies. Try the raw herring sandwich, poffertjes (Dutch baby pancakes) and freshly made stroopwafels! Enjoy free lunchtime performances by the opera and Dutch Philharmonic at Muziektheater.

1. Paris (flights starting from $723 or roughly (P38.6K)

Ah, Paris. The city of love! A visit to the Eiffel Tower is non-negotiable, and there’s plenty more to see. The Champs-Elysées, described as the world’s most beautiful avenue, is a sight to behold with its restaurants, luxury boutiques, and clubs. To experience the city’s culture, visit the Louvre Museum to see some of history’s most important pieces of art, and the district of Montmartre to see how artists live. Make sure to observe the impossibly chic Parisians and take style notes.

Paris houses many stunning spiritual relics – cathedrals and churches which have free entry. Visiting the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris is essential. Take a boat ride along the Seine and enjoy another view of the cathedral. To capture the best photo of Paris, head up to the top of Montmartre or the little-known Parc de Belleville to snap Instagram worthy photos and enjoy a panoramic view of Paris without paying a Euro.

BONUS: South America

1. Lima (flights starting from $2,065 or roughly P110.4K)

If you are looking for a city full of rich flavors, unique experiences and a magical union of the past and the present, Lima is your best bet. The Peruvian capital is a world heritage site, with the city of Caral, the oldest civilization of America up north; and the Archaeological Complex of Pachacamac down south. At the end of any day, relax at Parque de la Reserva, which transforms at night with its famous fountains. For something truly historic, the Pucllana Temple is within the city and is said to have been built in 500AD. You can also catch a glimpse of Peruvian culture and its history in Casa De La Literatura, it is a former train station but now has transformed into a library filled with books, artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. 

Wander around Plaza Mayor, Lima’s main square, where you can find picturesque colonial architecture buildings from the Municipal Palace of Lima to the Palacio de Gabierno (Presidential Palace) and the Basilica Cathedral. Witness the ceremonial changing of guards at Pizarro’s palace. Tip: Do not take photos through the gate, you will get whistled at and might even be escorted out of the premise. Arrive early to get a good spot.

Relax and stroll along the scenic Malecon Boardwalk in Miraflores, one of the most beautiful areas in Lima. It’s a perfect place to sight-see and wind down.

No trip to Peru is complete without exploring the Machu Picchu. Although the tour will not come cheap, it will be worth every penny. Be amazed by the famous ruins in the Incan capital of Cusco and the Incan farming region of the Sacred Valley, you can expect a wonderfully interpretive introduction to the Inca Empire which was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. 

2. Rio de Janeiro (flights starting from $2,018 or roughly (P107.9K)

If you like the sunny climate and spending the day at the beach, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is the spot for you. But there’s more to Rio than its beaches and they’re all worth exploring. Top on the list is a visit to Sugarloaf, a high hill that offers unparalleled views of the city. You also cannot miss the sight of Cristo Redentor, the biggest and most famous scripture Art Déco of the world. Down below, you can continue your outdoor streak with the Botanical Garden, which has housed rare and exotic plants since 1808. Of course, Rio is also home to Brazilian culture, which you can see at the Contemporary Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and the Museum of Tomorrow.

Nature lovers, head over to Horto Waterfall for a refreshing shower. You will be surprised to know that there is a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery just 15 minutes away from the city. Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Skip the samba school parties and enjoy free local samba on the streets! The best roda de samba (samba circles) can be found at Pedra do Sal.

The world is at your feet at dream prices. From September 4 to September 18, 2018, you can book a trip to these 11 cities and more at incredible prices with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from USD 670 to Europe and USD 2,018 to South America. Travel period is from September 9, 2018 to June 15, 2019, so make sure to book now here.

Benedicto ‘BenCab’ Cabrera is not a new name in the world of arts. With beautiful pieces of artwork and even a museum under his belt, many people look up to and love our National Artist for Visual Arts. Last August 24, Benedicto Cabrera was conferred the honorary degree Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the University of the Cordilleras (UC) during its 72nd Commencement Exercises in recognition of his contributions in the field of culture and arts.

In his speech, he recalled being introduced to the region’s rich culture in the 60s, describing it as ‘truly original’. He also noted the aesthetic qualities of the region’s artworks which are presently showcased at the BenCab Museum.

“As residents of these mountains and valleys, it is important that we acknowledge and respect this shared heritage [and] making sure that our environment is protected is equally important,” Cabrera says. He also underscored the importance of taking care of the environment, which is among the advocacies of the BenCab Art Foundation.

Words by Hannah Angelique Bacani

It’s not every day that we get to appreciate the undying love and care we receive from our grandparents. They have been great parts of our years growing up that they deserve to have a special day of their own. So they might forget what day of the week it is, but on this day, we remind them of all the reasons why they’ll never be forgotten!

Here are seven things that we love the most about our precious lolos and lolas:

READ ALSO:LOOK: Cute ‘stage lolo’ expresses love and pride for granddaughter through this!

7. For always calling us pogi/maganda

Whether it’s your prom night or just another day out, when you’re all glammed up or just woke up, you’ll always hear them say, “Ang ganda/gwapo talaga ng apo ko (my grandchild is so handsome/beautiful)!” Well, what can we say? Mana po sa inyo (We get it from you)!

6. For looking after us when our parents are out

When our moms and dads are our on a date or busy with work, they can always rely on our grandparents to look after us. And even when our parents are around, our lolos and lolas just love babying their apos. Even when you’re 30, count on them to still cook you breakfast every time!

5. For being SUPER… stitious

They’re the ones who told you to say “tabi tabi po” when passing by a forest-like path, or to never sleep with your hair wet. They sometimes get a liiitle outrageous but they always reason out that there’s nothing to lose if you follow. Also, they’re the one who taught us it’s disrespectful to argue with old people. So, yes po, lola!

4. For defending us to our parents

Picture this. Your dad’s about to get mad at you, but your grandma comes in and stops the scene. And so once again the day is saved. Thanks to our grandparents!

3. For all the extra baon they slip in our pockets

With a pa-cute smile or a quick massage, with a little lambing here and there, our lolos and lolas are easily swayed. They give in to our requests for an extra allowance or for our favorite ulam. They could have spoiled us with all our whims if not for our parents, don’t you think?

2. For trying to keep up with their millennial apos

They always make us laugh with all the messages they sent by mistake and video calls gone wrong. But we love them for trying!

1. For all the pieces of advice and life lessons

Time indeed makes you wise. Whether it’s the classic “Papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako” or the sentimental “‘Nung araw, ganito kami…” our grandparents’ words of wisdom is something we’ll definitely keep for life.

Share your favorite thing about your grandparents with us in the comments! And don’t forget to greet them a Happy Grandparents’ Day! 

Words by Camille Ong

Last week, as I was scrolling down my Facebook news feed, I encountered a post on Who’s your pupper, senpai? about a woman’s trip with a ride-hailing company. (If you don’t know what “Who’s your pupper, senpai?” is, I suggest you join the Facebook group immediately  because their posts are sure to bring a smile to your face)

During the trip, she noticed her driver rubbing something on his lap. Since it was dark, she didn’t know what the heck her driver was rubbing. Frightened of whatever he was doing, she asked him to pull over. When she exited the car, the driver also went out to help her with her bags. That’s when she saw the shih tzu.

Apparently, the driver was only petting the shih tzu on his lap!

After I saw this post, I thought to myself, I sure wish I get to meet this driver with his shih tzu. A trip with a cute dog sounds like heaven! I even saved the blurry photo of the shih tzu on my phone so I can send it to my friends!

One week later, I was blessed enough to meet the driver and his shih tzu. It was almost midnight and I couldn’t wait to go home. I was sitting in the passenger seat, tired from my long day when I saw a man by the side of the road holding a fluffy dog in his arms. I was looking at the dog outside when the driver beside me suddenly flicked the car light on and said, “Ako rin meron“.

Confused, I looked over at him and saw the shih tzu sleeping on his lap.

I’m embarrassed to say I squealed and almost woke up the doggo. I couldn’t believe I was actually sitting beside the driver with the shih tzu I saw from a post just a few days ago! I couldn’t contain my excitement so I told the driver I saw his dog on Facebook and that I was hoping to meet them.

“God is gracious,” he told me.

The shih tzu’s name is Sophie. She was named after Sophie Hatter in Howl’s Moving Castle. She used to have a shih tzu brother named Howl but the driver told me he passed away a few months ago. :(

After Howl, the driver realized he should enjoy every second with Sophie. That’s why even though he drives from 5PM until midnight, he brings Sophie to all of his trips. When they’re not working at night, the driver brings Sophie with him whenever he gets coffee in the morning and they go to a pet store where Sophie can play around.

The driver considers Sophie and Howl his angels.

When the car arrived at my destination, Sophie woke up from her nap. I asked if I could take a photo with Sophie and the driver obliged. He told me Sophie’s used to taking selfies with passengers but she’s scared of the camera’s flash (take note if ever you meet Sophie!).

I still can’t believe I was able to meet the driver who brings his cute doggo to his rides. Thanks to the driver and Sophie, this is a ride I will never forget!

What do you think of the cute doggo and his driver?  Let us know in the comments!

ALSO READ: A New Place for Dog Lovers: Check Out this Indoor Dog Park!

On September 8, actress Patricia Javier won as the Mrs. Universe Philippines.

She will be representing the country to the upcoming Mrs. Universe beauty pageant.

She shared this story via an Instagram post.

She said:

Last night event was so unforgettable. I would like to thank all the people who supported me.

View this post on Instagram

Last night event was so unforgettable. I would like to thank all the people who supported me. It means a lot! For my winning gown @jomac18 your creation is so amazing! #mrsUniversephilippines #finestwoman #pinaybeauty

A post shared by Patricia Javier (@patriciajavier1) on Sep 8, 2018 at 5:55pm PDT

On another post, she also thanked Regine Tolentino for her gown.

Thank you so much to Ms @reginetolentino for my winning #filipinianagown

View this post on Instagram

Thank you so much to Ms @reginetolentino for my winning #filipinianagown @rtstudiosph for #mrsuniversephilippines #pinaybeauty

A post shared by Patricia Javier (@patriciajavier1) on Sep 8, 2018 at 6:02pm PDT

Patricia is married to chiropractor Robert Walcher. She has two sons. In 1998, she competed at the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

The Mrs. Universe beauty pageant is for married women between 25 and 45 years old.

Congratulations Patricia!

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.

If there’s one thing we learned from this recent story by Pam Benitez, it’s not to trust people you meet on dating apps too quickly. Despite being embarrassed by the ordeal that she went through, Pam felt it was important to share her story to warn other girls about this ‘scam’ that seems to be going on in the dating world. Upon sharing her story, many other girls have come forward to share similar horror stories of guys stealing their phones during their dates. One girl even lost multiple phones after allowing the same guy that Pam talks about to come into her home to watch movies with her.

Pam basically met a guy through a dating app and they started chatting, texting, and messaging each other through Viber. Nothing out of the ordinary there.

“He was so eager to meet me because he said that’s just the way he is,” Pam shares. He told her that when he likes someone, he will do anything to get closer to her. Apparently, he even had a sob story ready about how his ex had cheated on him and how he vowed not to get into another relationship until he had finished and gotten his Civil Engineering license. “He even added me on Instagram, and the account seemed legit,” she explains. He even posted a recent picture to corroborate his stories. Sadly, Pam believed him.

Pam continues her story: “Since it was convenient and I was trying to meet people to get over someone (this is so wrong, I know!), I agreed to meet him at Market Market. First, he said we should have coffee before my shift. Since I wasn’t free, though, he said after my shift was fine.”

The two met at Market Market and the guy even offered to carry her bag. Fortunately, her bag was heavy, so he wasn’t able to take it.

While walking and talking from Market Market to High Street, the guy made a big deal about forgetting his wallet in his car which his brother borrowed. He then asked Pam if she had enough load to make a call and if he could call his brother to get it back. “Although it was annoying, I gave in,” Pam admits. “He even put it on loud speaker, so I could hear the conversation. His ‘brother’ said the wallet was there. I had a violet Samsung Galaxy S9+.”

They eventually got a table at a coffee shop on High Street; but since he didn’t have his wallet on him, Pam ended up paying for the coffee first with the guy’s promise that he would pay her back once his wallet got there.

While talking, the guy explored her phone a little bit because, apparently, he wasn’t used to using an Android. A bit later, the ‘brother’ texted and asked if the guy could call him. At first, the guy left the coffee shop to take the call but left his own phone on the table. “I could see him outside,” Pam explains. “The second time, I could still see him, too. Apparently, the ‘brother’ was arriving.” Sadly, vanity struck and Pam fixed herself in the mirror. The next thing she knew; the guy was gone… with her phone. “I waited 3-5 minutes for him to reappear,” Pam says. “I even felt bad going after him because he might think I was accusing him of something.”

It’s a good thing Pam had her S7 with her, which had her work sim in it, so she used it to call her phone. It was ringing, so the guy wasn’t talking to anyone anymore. Once Pam successfully subscribed to a data plan and connected to the Internet, she used Find My Android and found that the guy was already at 32nd Street. “By the time I got there, though, eight minutes had already passed, so I called my Facebook Messenger to activate the GPS and it traced him to Guadalupe.”

Pam then hailed a cab and went to the police station in Guadalupe for assistance. “I was about to get onto the officer’s motorcycle (in a dress, no less!) when he called,” Pam shares. She had used her number to lock her phone, after all. “I asked where he was, but that was definitely the wrong move,” Pam admits. “When we got there, he wasn’t. Although the phone was still turned on, the data was turned off; so we could no longer trace him.” And just like that, Pam’s phone was gone. How crazy is that?

Of course, it is important to take note that this kind of situation could happen anytime, really, and not just by meeting people through dating apps. In fact, it could even happen within your close circle. Generally speaking, you should always make it a point to be mindful of your belongings. Do you have any similar stories to share with us? Leave a comment and let us know!

Inspired by fashion and technology, Huawei recently announced their collaboration with the hit TV runway reality show “Asia’s Next Top Model”, and will be this year’s official smartphone partner.

The Asia’s Next Top Model is a hit reality series and is back for another season of fashion and one of Asia’s leading general entertainment channels. FOX Networks Group Asia and FOX Life officially announce the 14 young women who will compete in Season 6, selected from scores of auditioning hopefuls across the region who fought for their chance to take center stage in what promises to be the program’s most riveting season yet. Asia’s Next Top Model is the longest-running regional adapted TV series in Asia TV history.

An integral part of Huawei’s philosophy is to enable individuals to express their artistic expertise – may it be fashion, music or experience. Through Huawei’s appealing design and design-centric nature, both Huawei and AsNTM finds it very fitting to partner with one another as both share the same goal of pushing boundaries to combine high fashion with the most advanced technology. AsNTM chose Huawei to be this year’s official smartphone because they too, caught the appealing and stunning design of Huawei P20 Pro. Not only does the P20 offers an elegant design, but it is also one of the very best in smartphone professional photography – AsNTM finds it very important to use a camera that can deliver high-quality photos and a device that can adjust to different background settings especially when shooting the models. With Huawei P20 Pro, professional photography in a smartphone is possible.

George Li, Country Head of Huawei Consumer Business Group in the Philippines, mentioned that the partnership has always been what the brand wanted to do. “As one of the leading brand in smartphone photography and design technology, we are confident to say that this partnership will allow photographers to make the most out of Huawei’s smartphone photography capabilities while the models can use it as a lifestyle statement to express their personalities.

Wanted to travel but don’t know how to ask permission from your parents/boss? Ever been on a trip where things didn’t go as planned? Have you fallen in love while traveling? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you can probably relate to this week’s episode of U-LOL!

WhenInManila.com’s U-LOL is our new YouTube series hosted by Sheila Snow (@iamsheilasnow).

Want YOUR video featured? Email us at video.wheninmanila@­gmail.com and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for new episodes every Thursday!

How about you, what’s your most unforgettable travel experience?

Share it with us in the comments section below!

One of the things we’re looking forward to is the series adaptation of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Netflix has announced the premiere date and it’s on October 26, the Friday before Halloween.

People have been so excited about the series that two seasons have already been ordered with 10 episodes each.

The first teaser has been released and it’s creepier than we expected. Watch it below:

Sabrina is known as the titular character in the hit comic series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, where she is a teenager who balances her secret life as a witch with school, homework, and her love life. The comic was adapted into a TV show starring Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina and ran for seven seasons from 1996 to 2003.

The reboot will be developed by CW and Netflix (also the same studio that developed Riverdale) and will be based on the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina story arc, set in the ’60s where the teenage witch has to grapple with the occult and the consequences of witchcraft.

Unlike the lighthearted tone of the comics and its TV adaptations, this series will be similar to horror films like Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist.

Sabrina will be played by Kiernan Shipka.

Are you excited for this? Share your thoughts below!

Follow When in Manila Koji for more stories like this!

Actress and TV host Isabel Oli-Prats shows that motherhood made her even more beautiful in a maternity shoot.

Oli-Prats is pregnant with her second child with actor John Prats, and they have reportedly named their second baby Daniel Freedom. Their eldest daughter is named Feather.

The actress posted two photos on her Instagram account, with more on Nice Print Photo’s Instagram.

Check them out below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isabel Oli Prats 蘇 心 心 (@isabeloliprats) on Sep 13, 2018 at 5:34am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isabel Oli Prats 蘇 心 心 (@isabeloliprats) on Sep 12, 2018 at 3:35am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Niceprintphoto (@niceprintphoto) on Sep 12, 2018 at 3:32am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Niceprintphoto (@niceprintphoto) on Sep 12, 2018 at 10:33am PDT

The Prats got married in 2016 in two ceremonies in accordance to the couple’s religions. They first got married in a winter-themed Catholic wedding at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish Church in Balete, Batangas, followed by a spring-themed Christian wedding at the Nayomi Sanctuary Resort, also in Balete, Batangas.

What do you think of the photos? Share your thoughts below!

Follow When in Manila Koji for more stories like this!

Words By: Carinna Reyes

Every bookworm’s favorite event is back in town, and with more books and surprises than ever before. This year, there’s more discounts and activities in store for everyone attending, and I’m certain that no storm can stop the influx of people that would be arriving to restock their shelves at home.

That said, here are some tips you can follow to make sure that you can bring home the most number of books you can possibly have:

5. Know your way around

Before diving into the battlefield, it is essential that you know where the good spots are to hunt for your sought-after books, so you can spend your time and energy well inside the convention center. Lucky for us, fans of the MIBF have posted the map of the fair that can serve as our guide during the event:

More than that, they also posted FREE PASSES on their Facebook page so that we will no longer have to line up and pay the entrance fee to go inside (which means, more money we can spend for books!)

4. Bring your friends/S.O./family/all the bookworms you know, so you can split the bill and buy more

This event can be a way for you and your loved ones to bond and buy more books than you can if you buy on your own. Moreover, after the fair, sharing the books you have all bought and passing them around is another chance for you to meet up, discuss, and enjoy the stories that you got to read and bring home.

3. The golden rule of shopping: always scout before buying

Believe me, there is almost a 100% guarantee that different booths may be selling the same book but at a different price. Hence, before dashing to the cashier, make sure you’ve had a good look around the place–another reason why you should bring your friends and family to the fair. As the old saying goes: divide and conquer.

2. Keep your eyes peeled for other free activities happening inside the event

More than just shopping for your favorite books, MIBF offers a chance to hone your skills or discover new artistic hobbies as well. The National Book Store booth offers different kinds of workshops such as calligraphy, watercolor techniques, and comic illustration. They also have games that rewards winners with instant prizes!

So if you really want to make the most out of your MIBF experience, check them out and practice your artistic skills for free at the National Book Store booth.

1. Make sure to drop by our local publishing booths

If you haven’t had the chance to check out the verbal prowess of our local authors, now’s the time to buy their book and give it a try. Not only are they more affordable than internationally published books, the quality of their stories is just as good and even more relatable to the Filipino audience. So before you leave the fair, make sure you give our local authors some love too.

Also Read: Must-read: 10 Books Adapted Into Films This 2018

See you at the SMX Convention Center!

39th Manila International Book Fair

September 12-16, 2018 | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

SMX Convention Center, Manila, Mall of Asia Complex

Words by Camille Ong

In 2007, Angela See had a hard time looking for nice swimsuits within her budget. She just wanted the perfect bikini to wear on her trips but the market was lacking nice local swimsuits that were mid-priced. The beach lover that she was, Angela and her friend decided to design and make their own swimsuits instead. And thus Soak Swimwear was born.

The fact that Angela had the initiative to make her own when she found the market lacking is amazing. However, it’s more amazing to know that she did so when she just graduated from college! Talk about goals.

Credit: @Soak Swimwear

Their love for design gave birth to a capsule collection in 2007 that comprised of less than 10 styles. After their swimsuits were well received, they decided to make more! It’s 2018 now and they have designed countless of styles that have been worn by countless women. They offer swimsuits in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

Credit: @Soak Swimwear

Credit: @Soak Swimwear

While Soak started selling in the Philippines, the brand became famous enough to reach the markets outside the Philippines. They have customers from many parts of the globe.

Angela is an inspiration for entrepreneurs or even people who are still planning to become an entrepreneur. She started small with Soak, but her brand has since boomed and now she also co-owns The Park Fashion + Lifestyle.

Credit: @The Park Fashion + Lifestyle

Credit: @The Park Fashion + Lifestyle

Not only should The Park be your go-to place for your fashionable needs, because they also hold events like fashions shows, launches, lifestyle events, and more.

The Park sells many different products. They aim to give more exposure to local designers. If you think about it, Angela See used to be those like the start-up brands, but now she owns The Park alongside Soak Swimwear.

Need your fashion fix? Visit The Park to see what they’ve got in store for you! Soak’s swimsuits are also for sale there.

ALSO READ: Finding All Your Fashion Needs is Just a Walk in The Park!

Soak Swimwear

www.soakswimwear.com

FB and IG: @soakswimwearph

The Park Fashion + Lifestyle

Locations: Shangri-La Plaza and U.P. Town Center

FB and IG: @theparkfashionlifestyle

Ladies, periods suck. They’re messy, interruptive, and just make you feel ten times crankier than you usually would. Absolute worst. But we’re expected to carry on with our days anyway. We have to do make it through our days while watching for stains and muscling through our cramps. It’s unjust, I tell you.

While I think it’s complete BS that we uterus-havers have to suffer through this every month, we also prove that we can still kick ass while feeling like a gnome is punching us from the inside. We are powerful. Here are just some of the day to day tasks that become Herculean when you’re on your period.

10. Sleeping

Sleeping with your period is like a gamble for your pajama bottoms and your sheets. Are they gonna make it out of there alive? Are you going to wake up from the constant pain in your lower abdomen? Will you have to get up in the middle of the night to avoid a wardrobe malfunction? You just have to leave it to chance, really.

9. Wearing pants

Being on your period, you have to start strategizing with your wardrobe. White clothes are almost always out of the question along with pastels. But pants? Tight and constricted and risky. Would you risk your favorite jeans? And if they do get stained, it’s a warm, uncomfortable mess of cloth right up there. Worst.

8. Any workout EVER

You know what hurts? Working out. You know what hurts even more? Working out on your period. You’re already a sensitive, crampy, crave-y mess and you have to subject yourself to sweating and giving your body a harder-than-usual time. Why can’t lifting up spoons of ice cream to my mouth be exercise?

7. Laughing

Laughing is such a RISK. You gotta avoid all your funny friends when you’ve got your bloody visitor or else you risk creating your own crime scene wherever you’re seated. One particularly strong laugh? A mistake. You must live a few days without laughter and joy. Or just be very mahinhin when laughing. Push mo ‘yan.

6. Sneezing

Another big risk after laughing. It just pushes everything that might just be gently sitting inside there. It just violently pushes it all out. All that force has gotta go somewhere and, unfortunately, that’s where it’s happening.

5. Sitting down

You gotta maneuver around just to sit down anywhere. Office chair? Gotta do some kind of kung fu movement before sitting. Desk at school? Make sure your skirt uniform will be safe when you sit. Any squishing feeling when you sit is an immediate sign of danger. Godspeed.

4. STANDING UP

What’s worse than having to sit down? Standing up. You already know when your period hasn’t made itself known while you were seated that it will try to grab your attention as soon as you are back on your feet. It’ll feel like the Niagara Falls just standing up. All that gravity will work its magic (dark magic, really) on you and you’ll have to bolt to the bathroom.

3. Commuting

Being in a cramped, sweaty area? Already bad. But when you’re on your period it just feels like a gargantuan chore. It’s almost a punishment. Am I not already suffering? Why add to this pain I’m already feeling?

2. Thinking about what to eat

Food thoughts are a constant–period or not. But being bloated and cranky just seems to amplify that tenfold. It’s almost unfair how much you crave and how much is in your bank account right after. Can I afford all the food I’m currently fantasizing about? Probably not. Should I eat all that food anyway? Probably not either. Still, at the end of the day, I’m covered in chocolate bar wrappers and empty tubs of ice cream. Injustice.

1. Smashing the patriarchy

Smashing the patriarchy is hard enough on the regular. But when you’re keeled over and paying pink tax for products that you should be able to have access to anyway, it just makes it more difficult. Though, no matter what state we’re in, we still do a kickass job of taking down sexism day by day. We’re strong and powerful and capable of doing anything anyone else can do while on our periods. That’s pretty freakin’ fantastic.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to do while on your period? Let us know!

It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive – so expensive, in fact, that some people might stop at nothing to cut costs in order to still get their dream wedding in the end. One particular bride totally takes the cake for this, though.

Twitter user @0lspicykeychain shared this now-viral story of a bride that was allegedly shared on a Facebook wedding-shaming group, and we cannot believe what we just read.

The story starts with the bride announcing the cancellation of her wedding four days beforehand.

“After hours of tears, mental exhaustion, and even disassociation, I have come to this decision,” she says, even announcing that she is about to delete her Facebook account because of the paranoia and toxicity that social media brings.

After that, she continues her story of how everything came “crashing down”.

She proceeds to tell her love story – about how they met as teenagers and yet knew that they were meant to be:

By this point, we’re actually pretty invested in her love life. Little did we know that there was sooooo much more to come.

Apparently, after saving $15,000 (around Php812,000) for their extravagant blowout wedding, they realized they actually needed $60,000 (more than Php3.2 million) to make their dream wedding come true. Their solution? Ask their friends and family for cash gifts.

They didn’t just ask for any cash gifts, though; they were specific. They asked each guest for around $1,500 (or Php81,210.75 as of this writing). Apparently, her maid of honor even pledged $5,000 (around Php270,000), while her ex’s family offered $3,000 (around Php162,000). Because of these pledges, the bride seemed to think that asking the other guests for $1,500 was not out of the ordinary. Go figure!

It isn’t really surprising that only eight people actually replied and sent them the check (though I’m surprised anyone did, to be honest!):

Soon after that, her friends started to block her and talk about her.

We are at a loss for words. Do you have any similar horror stories to share? Send them over! We’d love to read them!

Do you even remember a time when food delivery hotlines didn’t exist? Food delivery hotlines have made life so much easier, especially for those of us who are too busy to breathe, let alone cook for themselves.

Maris Mayol Tian had just ordered her breakfast one morning when her 92-year-old neighbor saw her with the delivery guy.

“When Lola saw him handing me my food at our gate, she called him over and asked him what he does,” Maris shares. “When he told her that he delivers food that she would want to order, she proceeds by enumerating her order.”

Maris says she honestly thought that the delivery guy would just ignore her, laugh and be on his way; but he actually took out his own cellphone, dialed a number, and ordered for her!”

We spoke to the delivery guy, 29-year-old Elpegie Sicor, who has only been delivering food for three months now, and he says that he just couldn’t resist ordering food for Lola when she asked him about his job. “Gustong gusto ni Lola kumain nung araw na yun kaso hindi niya alam kung paano magorder kaya ako na lang ang tumawag para makaorder siya. [She really wanted to eat that day, but she didn’t know how to order, so I just decided to call so that she could order some food],” he shares.

Elpegie is very thankful for the people who have shared the post. “Thank you for appreciating it. God bless,” he says. Witnessed any other good deeds recently? Share them with us! We’d love to write about them. :)

Cinema etiquette… is there even such a thing?

When we go to the cinemas, it’s already a given that other people will be watching the same movie as us. Sometimes, there will be a lot of people in the cinema you’re watching in (hello, weekends!); and other times, you might be the only ones there. Either way, growing up, I was taught to sort of just live with it: the noise, the jeers, all of the annoying people who frequented the movie house. I was told it was part of the experience and comes with watching a movie in public.

However, now that we’re older and spending our own money (and can we please acknowledge that movie tickets are no longer as cheap as they used to be?), the annoying things in the cinema seem to really add up. Two people on my Timeline alone expressed annoyance at their experience while trying to watch ‘The Nun’ in the cinemas.

Bob Jbeili, for one, said that ‘The Nun‘ would’ve been okay if only the people in the cinemas weren’t so loud. “The amount of noisy inconsiderate people in the cinemas is piling up,” he rants. “I’m not a buzzkill or a killjoy. I mean, I get the screaming in unison, especially if you’re really scared. You scream and then you all laugh because you all screamed at the same time. Sometimes, you even clap. That’s fun. I scream, too. What I don’t get is the people who have conversations all around you as if the movie has a Filipino narration.

This one girl behind me kept going ‘luh luh luh luh luh’ in almost every scene. Why? It’s fine if you’re the only ones watching or if you’re whispering or talking quietly, but no. They do it LOUDLY. Another one kept asking LOUDLY, ‘Is that the place? Is that her? Is she holding the thing?’ Girl, watch it so you’ll understand it. You probably don’t understand it because you’re so loud.”

Bob thinks everyone in the cinema should be respected because everyone paid the same amount of money to be there, to understand what is happening, and not to just hear you laugh. Read his full post here:

Gerd Perez didn’t even get to watch the movie anymore because of how annoyed he was prior to the movie starting. “Something went down a while ago that I never thought would happen: we walked out of the cinema,” he shares. “Not because we were scared shitless of this movie. No, we were darn excited, man! Reason: THE PEOPLE’S BEHAVIOR INSIDE THE CINEMA WAS PLAIN UNACCEPTABLE.” Gerd shares that a lot of people were howling and screaming and laughing out loud, trying to make other people laugh to feel powerful.

“It was not cool!” he rants. “I totally get the part that they were just having fun, but, please, not to the extent where they disturb other people’s peace.” Gerd said it was supposed to be a fun night, but it was ruined because of how disrespectful most of the people were. “I hope next time, these people just keep their annoying sense of humor to themselves,” he says. Read his post here:

How do you feel about noisy people in the cinema? Sino dapat mag-adjust?