Ballet Plus More at the Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila

For those with artistic inclinations, enrolling in ballet classes makes perfect sense. Institutions like The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila offer a perfect environment for nurturing the love for the craft. There’s a supportive community for learning, a safe venue for training, and the guidance of the best in the region; CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Co-Artistic Director Osias Barroso, and other world-class trainers.

But there’s more to ballet than just strength and grace. Beyond the Vaganova technique, students also learn about passion, hard work, determination—the list just grows longer at every stage in life.

Contributing to Childhood

Studies have shown that cultivating a child’s creativity improves their mental ability later on in life. Most children develop an interest in music and dance from an early age, so parents nurture it by enrolling them in special ballet classes that are lighter, more playful, and fit for their attention span. Interaction with other children at this stage also means that their social skills receive a big boost.

Ballet is best learned while a child’s mind and body are at their most limber. Age-appropriate classes for older kids maximize these by teaching not only all the basic movements and concepts, but also discipline and focus early on. An increase in concentration reaps benefits outside the studio—don’t be surprised if their grades in school get better.

Aiding Adolescence

Teenage life can be tricky, but with ballet, they’ll be able to train discipline and determination along with the arts. More advanced combinations are taught in ballet lessons for this age segment, where they build strength not only in their pointe work, but also in their mind. They get a chance to perform in front of an audience, which develops confidence and self-esteem during this very crucial part of life.

Most students already have the hang of ballet at this point, with some even considering a career in the arts. At the very least, they’ve already developed an appreciation for a healthier lifestyle, as is the case with exposure to any physical recreation.

Forever a Fit

If you think ballet is only for those who started as children, think again because it’s never too late to pursue the arts. Places like Ballet Manila offer classes for all ages and skill levels, whether it’s for fun, for fitness, or a mix of both. Even complete beginners can feel right at home, as Ballet Manila fosters a friendly and supportive environment that accommodates every learning pace.

Whatever your creative or fitness goals may be, it’s a good idea to pursue them at The Lisa Macuja School of Ballet Manila—the only ballet school in the Philippines with direct links to the Russian Ballet Academy of St. Petersburg, Russia.

For more information regarding rates, program details, and schedules in both Pasay and Quezon City branches, just visit www.balletmanila.com.ph.

 

Stallone is Back With Escape Plan 2

Another movie to hit the SM Cinemas this June is Escape Plan 2: Hades, a sequel to Sylvester Stallone’s 2013 action flick, now together with Dave Bautista.

After breaking out of “The Tomb”, Ray Breslin (Sylvester Stallone) continued his life together with his own team of elite specialists trained in the art of breaking people out of the world’s most impenetrable prisons.

Unfortunately, his most trusted operative, Shu Ren was kidnapped and disappeared inside Hades, the most elaborate prison ever built. With this situation, Breslin together with his team will go to penetrate Hades and rescue.

Don’t fail to watch Escape Plan 2: Hades at SM Cinema branches Now Showing nationwide. Book your tickets through the website, http://www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.

You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

This latest flick by Sly Stallone will guarantee you a great viewing!

 

Girl Power Rocks in Ocean’s 8 Movie

The latest installment of the Ocean’s film series features an all-female power cast headed by my favorites Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett. And I believe this is the first time these two acting heavyweights have starred together.

A spin-off of Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Trilogy, Ocean’s 8 follows the story of Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) the estranged sister of Danny Ocean (George Clooney), as she assembles her own all-female crew to execute the biggest heist of their lives – stealing a $150 million necklace at the Met Gala.

An all-star female cast featuring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, Helena Bonham-Carter and a lot of cameos will surely capture your attention with this big movie on the big screen.

Like in all Ocean’s film, expect an exciting twist in the story.

Catch Ocean’s 8 at SM Cinema branches nationwide starting June 13, 2018. Book your tickets through the website, http://www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.

You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates!

A P24 Treat from Cowboy Grill @24

When someone mentions Cowboy Grill place or restaurant, it is immediately associated with great “pulutan” or meaty eats over drinks of beer or a variety of cocktail drinks plus awesome LIVE band music situated in the heart of Manila.

If yours truly has an event or show at the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) or within the area, we would continue the after show party and get together at Cowboy Grill for those reasons mentioned earlier. ☺

And  did you know that dear Cowboy Grill is celebrating their 24th anniversary this year? Time really fliest super fast the restaurant is a year shy from celebrating its silver year.

Just recently, we received a personal invitation to grace the recently-held blogger’s conference to announce one of Cowboys Grill’s several promos lined up.

The first Cowboy Grill started when Shakey’s decided to shift to a family-oriented restaurant from a food outlet with live entertainment. To retain the live band concept, the owners decided to establish Cowboy Grill, right next to Shakey’s.

Cowboy Grill celebrates it’s 24 years in the business of giving the people a happy place to eat and drink. Having a great place with great entertainment, delicious and reasonably priced dishes, attentive and friendly staff as well as keeping up with the latest trends are their strong foundations that keeps them going for all these years. 

“For the past 24 years, we remain steadfast in providing our valued guests with high quality entertainment and premium products that are reasonably priced and served promptly by our friendly employees. We are so thankful to our loyal guests who have continued to support and patronize us. We are celebrating a milestone with a renewed passion and a vision for the future,” said Mr. Solomon Caasi, Jr., Cowboy Grill’s chief operating officer.“For the past 24 years, we remain steadfast in providing our valued guests with high quality entertainment and premium products that are reasonably priced and served promptly by our friendly employees. We are so thankful to our loyal guests who have continued to support and patronize us. We are celebrating a milestone with a renewed passion and a vision for the future,” said Mr. Solomon Caasi, Jr., Cowboy Grill’s chief operating officer.

“We are planning to adapt a family-oriented restaurant concept, while retaining the live band concept. We want to create a good balance between the two concept. The live bands remains our biggest draw, our biggest competitive edge. But we also want to welcome other market segment which we have yet to tap,” he continued.

“We are planning to adapt a family-oriented restaurant concept, while retaining the live band concept. We want to create a good balance between the two concept. The live bands remains our biggest draw, our biggest competitive edge. But we also want to welcome other market segment which we have yet to tap,” he continued.

Established by its founding chairman Leopoldo L. Prieto, who brought the first Shakey’s Pizza restaurant in the Philippines, the first Cowboy Grill started when Shakey’s decided to shift to a family-oriented restaurant from a food outlet with live entertainment. To retain the live band concept, the owners decided to establish Cowboy Grill, right next to Shakey’s.

 Through the years, Cowboy Grill has evolved and became the best place where the party starts, with live bands, great food and unique experience.

 To this day, its guests enjoy freshly prepared items such as its famous Sisig dishes, Crispy Pata, Buffalo Wings, and Nachos. Though they still serve their bestsellers, Cowboy Grill has adapted with the times and now served pasta and chicken meals, as well as pizza choices such as Cowboy Especiale, Nachos Pizza, All-Meat Pizza, Seafood Pizza, Sisig Supreme and Manila Pizza, to cater to much wider taste preferences of its customers.

 This year, Cowboy Grill is gearing towards introducing its daytime operation. For the past years, Cowboy Grill operates from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., opening its doors to dinner and party crowd. The company plans to shift to a more family-oriented concept, tapping the lunch crowd.

 As part of the ongoing improvements, Cowboy Grill will experiment with a more contemporary design which will influence the look of the brand as a whole.

 “Right now, our interiors has that bar look – with black chairs and tabletops, dimly lit interiors, strobe lights, among others. In the next months, we will undergo some renovations to balance the look – it needs to have that cozy, comfortable ambiance of a family restaurant, yet it has to still be edgy and contemporary that suits the party vibe,” according to Mr. Erickson Caper, marketing manager.

 Aside from this expansion, Cowboy Grill kick started the change with the introduction of the Hot & Ready take-out counter. Starting 9 a.m., the take-out counter opens its patrons to enjoy Cowboy Grill bestsellers on its off-hours. The company has also introduced its catering services, as well as delivery functions.

 “We are a one-stop shop for your dining needs. People think that Cowboy Grill is just a bar, no kids allowed. We want to change that perception. This year, we are working on re-introducing Cowboy Grill as a restaurant and bar. We are shifting from entertainment to family-oriented dining concept, extending our operation hours from 6p.m. to 5a.m. to 10a.m. to 5a..m., Mr. Caasi continued. “Aside from the main dining and live bands, we will focus on catering and function services, as well as delivery and takeout.”

Its loyal customers who always come to Cowboy Grill because of its live bands need not worry. The restaurant will retain the live band aspect of the business. Today, Cowboy Grill has a roster of approximately 30 bands performing different music genres. The bands have already gained their strong following among the customers.

 

“Cowboy Grill has always been synonymous with live bands. We will keep that concept. We are still looking at how to integrate the two concepts. Who knows we might even introduce acoustic performances with slow, chill music during the daytime, while they’ll be a full-set up for live bands at night. This year’s expansions and changes are just the turning points, leading to our 25th anniversary next year.”

 

Through the years, Cowboy Grill manages to maintain its growing business, anchored on good food, good service and quality entertainment and they shall continue to do so for many years to come. 

Congratulations and many more power and business years be unto you to our friends at Cowboy Grill!