Cinemas Today: Four Reasons Why People Do not Go to Movies Anymore

“Movies are so rarely great art that if we cannot appreciate great trash, we have very little reason to be interested in them.” –Pauline Kael

The movie culture is dying.

While there are weekends and perhaps opening nights wherein we see long queues, it is ever so rarely and if they are there, it means a new blockbuster is showing in town. It is undeniable that streaming websites such as Netflix and Hulu contributed to the progressive decline in movie attendance. After all, why pay an exorbitant amount for a single movie when you only pay a meager sum to access a movie library with diverse titles? However, rising cinema tickets and streaming services are not the only two reasons why cinephiles turn away from the movie theater. Much like anything else, a multitude of factors have caused the further deterioration of movies and as a result, diminished the entire movie experience. Back in the day, Saturdays were made for children matinees, summers had several blockbusters and there was always a rainy day screenings. Unfortunately, the modern day movie-goer has perhaps become rather cynical in his or her selection of movies as all of these once-considered cinema staples are now obsolete. Instead, they have been replaced by blockbuster after blockbuster which in turn, would cause the Cineplex to play the same title for an opening weekend---and constrains people to relegate to home media for the lack of options. Do not get me wrong, blockbusters still feed the cinema business and keep it afloat. However, a series of blockbusters do not really give movie-goers a wide movie-selection for which they can refine their film preferences with. Indeed, movies have gone mainstream and resultantly stale insomuch that it affects those who consume them. In any case, if you have found yourself planning your next movie weekend and are currently scouring the Glorietta Cinema Schedule, here are a few of the interesting facts why not a lot of people might share your weekend plans:

Rising movie prices

Back in the day, an elementary student’s daily allowance would be enough to pay for one movie. Indeed, going to the cinemas was not so much of an expense back then with tickets costing us less than a hundred pesos. Theaters were lenient on what food you can bring as well even going as far to allowing patrons to bring their rice meals inside. However, those are all things in the past. A movie excursion nowadays, thanks to ballooning movie budgets and more expensive projection equipment, is significantly more expensive. Features like IMAX and 3D screenings would even set you back further and for posh screenings such as Director’s Theater and the like, you would be charged even more. In sum, this is to say that going to the movies is an exorbitant expense and if you made a habit out of it (together with your family nonetheless), it can already be considered a small luxury.

Inconsiderate movie goers

Everywhere we go, we encounter people with no regard for others and atrocious manners. However, there is no other place more saturated with rude and impolite people than the cinema. It seems like the skyrocketing movie ticket prices do nothing to deter this type of audience and it can really dampen your entire movie experience. Back in the day, movie screenings had a strict policy in admitting small children after a certain hour. Today, it seems like all that would bar children from attending movies is the MTRCB rating. Unfortunately, these little tots can be quite the nuisance in movie theaters—particularly if they get rather restless. They get impatient and as a result would scream, cry and just be an overall distraction from the film. The same can be said for adults who, at their age, should have known better. For this reason, an adult’s disregard for common courtesy would be even more aggravating than a child’s. They talk on their phones or incessantly keep it lit much to the distraction of others. People have grown so accustomed to seeing movies at home that they seem to have given up on all sense of good manners. In any case, it does nothing to elevate your movie experience which brings us to the point: Why spend a lot just to jostle with other movie patrons who have absolutely no regard for common decency?

Home media

With the rise of re-releases of popular movies, home media has become mainstream with more and more people opting to wait a bit rather than spend money and time to go to the theater. After all, it seems more economic to buy a movie release you can repeatedly watch rather than go to a one-time screening. However, even then, movie attendance was still at an all-time high. It was not until the advent of internet streaming services such as Netflix, Iflix, Hulu and the like that the cinema industry took a serious blow. That, in conjunction to the constant piracy of just-released films has caused movie ticket sales to plummet in some areas. After all, with the rising movie prices coupled with rude movie patrons, it would make so much more sense for your pockets to just simply pay an annual fee than pay for a one-time screening.

The internet

No doubt, the internet has contributed to the steady decline of movie ticket sales. Much as television once eroded the standard movie-going audience, the internet has largely kept people at home. The World Wide Web is rife with entertainment options that are not as linear as simply watching a movie. It gave rise to a new kind of audience that is perhaps, a bit more discriminating that the movie patrons back in the day. Today, the internet gives them a vast selection of movies and on top of that, games as well. With the internet being a competition to be reckoned with, cinemas can potentially see a further drop in attendance.

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Holiday Rush: Four Ways to Beat the Perpetual Manila Traffic this Holiday Season

“Adding lanes to solve traffic congestion is like loosening your belt to solve obesity.” –Glen Hemistra

“They say the universe is expanding. That should help with the traffic.”-Steven Wright

How often is it that we hear people gripe and moan about the traffic conditions in Metro Manila?

Well, if not every single day then quite possibly every moment of the day then. After all, if you have been living in the highly urbanized area of Manila, you would know just how bad the traffic onslaughts can be. In fact, it seems like the city is under a perpetual siege of hours which would take you anywhere between a couple of hours to more just to reach your destinations regardless of its proximity to you. However, while you think regular traffic is bad, it gets so much worse during the Christmas season when quite a lot of people would be out and about during the holiday rush. It gets particularly bad in areas like Makati CBD and other shopping districts where hundreds or even thousands upon thousands of people would converge to do their last-minute Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, for commuters, this can be really stressful as their normally long commute would be even longer leaving them to driving in traffic for hours. As this gives you quite a lot of time in your car to kill, here are some of the ways you can beat the Manila traffic which includes everything from parking solutions, route alternatives and entertainment:

Call a friend that you have not talked to recently

 While we do not advocate the usage of phones when making your way through the traffic and distracted driving, this is a good idea to do if you can use your phone hands free. If you happen to have a hands-free device, we suggest you call a friend who you have not talked to in a while (However, be careful not to ring up old flames and exes who might have moved on with their lives) during standstill traffic. If you are feeling extra mischievous, prank them. However, before you get carried away, let them know who you are and ask them what is going on with their lives. You can even arrange a meet up during one of the many holidays on December where you can bond over coffee or brunch. Turn it into a gabfest and you would be surprised how time can easily fly during this period. It might be that you have already arrived and the both of you are still talking.

Secure parking spaces conveniently

During the holiday rush, it can get incredibly difficult to secure a parking spot in commercial areas and shopping districts. In fact, the congestion of cars would spill over to the streets where you would even see some cars parked along the alley. Private car owners would find themselves circling for hours just trying to find a single spot available. Some people would opt to leave their cars at home and commute on their way to the area to address this dilemma. However, if you must bring your car with you, be sure to download the ParkEazy app which would help you solve this dilemma. All you would need to do after downloading the said app would be to pay online, scan the QR code and then park at your assigned slot.

Have a navigation app

Speaking of apps, anyone commuting through Metro Manila without the aid of a navigation application such as Waze is definitely behind the times and might end up being delayed in traffic for hours at a time because of this flub. Today, with overly congested streets and perpetual traffic gridlocks all over the metropolis, navigation apps such as Waze have become a necessity as it helps drivers take the fastest and shortest route to their destination—traffic considered of course. During the busiest season of the year, you really should not even consider driving around the city if you do not even have or use this app. You would likely end up getting frustrated because of the traffic delays and lock-ups.

Carpool

Do your part in easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila by opting to carpool in lieu of taking your own car. Carpooling is pretty much like the Tupperware counterpart in traffic where groups of people going to destination would all be in one car instead of driving separate ones. Gather around your friends during a night-out and instead of taking separate cars, opt to carpool and have a designated driver. Apart from doing your part in assuaging traffic congestion, carpooling with friends can be very helpful to your finances as your friends might pay you in kind in exchange for getting to ride with you. One of them might offer to pay for your gas while the other might even offer to buy you lunch. Not a bad deal, right?

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Movie Magic: Five Ways to Improve Your Cinematic Experience

"People do not go to the movies to get the news, people do not go to the movies to learn a lesson. People go to the movie to get an emotional experience."-Micahel Shannon

With the rising popularity of streaming apps and websites such as Netflix and the like, it is a wonder at all why people still go to the movies. Why do people even watch movies? Moreover, what is it about a film that amplifies a moviegoer's experience? While true enough, cinemas provide the perfect and most conducive avenue of which movies are to be viewed; there are some factors that can truly elevate one's viewing experience. These set of techniques are varied and useful insomuch that you would be convinced that there is no other way to enjoy a cinematic release than in the movie house alone. So, before heading out to the Circuit Makati Cinema for the next blockbuster, here are some of the things you can think of doing to bring your cinematic experience to the next level:

1.) Book your movie tickets online

One of the most frustrating things about watching movies is queuing up to buy your tickets. This is even more infuriating when you see a blockbuster with the movie queues longer and the ticket counters full. To avoid such a scenario, book your ticket online. Furthermore, you should book them in advance to ensure that you can select the best seats in the cinema. In this way, when you arrive at the mall, all you would have to do is buy yourself some movie snacks and wait for your movie schedule to start.

2.) Get settled in early

Apart from getting to see sneak previews and theatrical trailers, getting settled in early mitigates the chances of you disrupting other moviegoers who have already settled in before you. There is nothing more galling that enjoying the movie only to have someone block your view as they get settled in their seat as soon as the movie is starting or when the movie has long started. In this regard, be sure to arrive at least thirty minutes before your scheduled movie is to begin. Besides, coming early means you would not miss any part of the movie at all.

3.) Be app savvy

Rotten Tomatoes and Click the City are rudimentary apps in the smartphone of any seasoned moviegoer. However, take it up a notch and instead of more movie review and schedule apps, go for apps that would actually prove useful to you while you are in the movies. New innovative apps such as Runpee would let you know when the perfect time to use the bathroom is. This is particularly useful for long movies and individuals with heavy bladders. In any case, the app would feature every film that is currently showing in theaters and would highlight long-winded scenes that are not precisely crucial to the plot. With this app, you would not be missing any major plot twists, comedic scenes, thrilling action sequences and the like when you have to go and relieve yourself.

4.) Choose your seats carefully

Where you seat yourself plays a pivotal role in your cinematic experience insomuch that strategically seating yourself can contribute to how well or how bad you would enjoy your movie. While where you sit is a matter of personal preference, some seats in the movie house are better than the rest, and for this reason, you need to book and select your seats ahead of everyone else by booking them online. If you want clean and crisp audio, you should situate yourself in the center of the theater as it has been found that audio technicians check the sound about two-thirds of the way back and in the center of the auditorium. However, if you are someone who frequently uses the bathroom even for an hour-long movie, you might want to sit on the corners to avoid distracting anyone should you need to get up and relieve yourself in the comfort room.

5.) Do not be afraid to walk out

Although this mostly depends on the cinema, you can usually swap tickets if you are about twenty to thirty minutes into a movie and realize that you do not like it. However, this is a pure case to case basis, so it might be best if you asked the movie attendant if they have this policy before booking your ticket.


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Better Movie Experiences: How to be a Considerate Moviegoer

“Being considerate of others will take you and your children further in life than any college or
professional degree.” -Marian Wright Edelman

A cinematic experience has always been one of those few things in the world that brings us true joy and entertainment.

For a couple of hours or so, in a darkened room, you will get to see an artist’s creative interpretation of a story—a visual art if you may. And in those few hours in the cinema, you would somehow be transported to another world—for the time being at least. In this regard, movies have become more than just mere avenues for entertainment, but rather they can be considered as momentary escapes from the real world. For this reason, the world is never in shortage of moviegoers as there is still a market for new movie releases—regardless of how many online movie streaming sites there might be.

However, do remember that watching a movie is a shared experience and much of what makes it
enjoyable is the overall behavior of its audiences. In this regard, you ought to keep yourself in check and be considerate of other audience members at all times. Remember, they are paying to see the movie as well. So, you might as well conduct yourself appropriately while watching the movie. So, before checking out the movie schedules in Circuit Makati Cinema or elsewhere, here are things you might want to bear in mind to make the experience enjoyable for yourself and for everyone around you:

1.) Turn your phone off

Nothing can be more annoying than being in a darkened theater only to get suddenly blinded by a cellular phone’s bright light. Be considerate and keep your phones on silent or even better, turn it off. No one wants to see the glaring light of your screen. If you are expecting calls, take them outside. While you are at that, refrain from posting any part of the movie to your social media feed. Not only would you be distracting the viewers behind you, but you could potentially land yourself in hot water should the security spot you whipping out your phone to record parts of the movie.

2.) Throw your trash

Once the movie is done, do not leave your trash in your seats. Take them with you and dispose of them accordingly. Leave your seat clean and ready for the next viewers. It is the only common courtesy. Regardless of whether there will be someone to clean up for you, always take the trash with you. You were not raised in a barn after all.

3.) Keep your phone in your pocket

Remember how we told you not to whip out your phone every now and then, you might want to
keep it in your pocket instead. If you have the urge to update your social media feed with reactions (and spoilers) from the movie, you might as well stay home.

4.) Keep your voice down

While it is best to enjoy the movie in total silence, throwing out comments here and there to your companion is at times unavoidable. Not to worry though, just make sure that you keep your voices down and try not to talk so much during the movie. Remember, other viewers, are watching too and might be distracted by your talking.

5.) Occupy only your space

We know you want a little legroom and a bit of space to stretch out. However, try to leave a little space between yourself and other audience members and try not to encroach on their space so much. Remember, cinemas are communal spaces, so be nice and share the space. Today, most cinemas
reserve seats for you in advance provided that you have already bought a ticket, so there would be no issue of having other audience members occupy your designated seats.

6.) Treat the movie house with a modicum of respect

The movie theater is not an extension of your living room where you can freely remove your shoes and put up your legs on the seat in front of you. Treat the movie theaters and other cinema patrons with respect and act accordingly. You might be paying to see the movie, but again, so are they.


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Shop Smarter: Five Ingenious Tips to Keep in Mind during Mall Sales

“Admit it, we all feel cool when we walk around the mall with tons of shopping bags in our arms.”-
Author Unknown

Sale (n.) a fashionista’s favorite four letter word.

Shopping malls have been around for years. In some countries, they are regarded as little more than simply cathedrals of consumerism. In the Philippines however, these structures are viewed as more than the answer to our retail needs. For some, it has become somewhat like a second home. Malls in the Philippines such as the Circuit Makati Mall and the like come with various attractions such as cinemas, restaurants, nightclubs, bars and even activity and entertainment centers. In this regard, mall developers hope to generate more revenue by appealing to a wider variety of individuals.

However, there has never been any doubt that one of the tried and tested methods to have people patronize and purchase products from a particular mall is to conduct a mall-wide sale. Indeed, whenever a sale happens, you can expect a crowd of shoppers and patrons to arrive by the droves. This influx of shoppers is mainly precipitated by bargain deals. In this regard, some malls can expect shoppers to arrive even before opening hours. If you wish to shop on a projected sale one of these months, know that it takes so much more than just arriving at the mall on time to get the best bargains and deals. If you wish to make the most out of your shopping excursion, here are some of the tips to keep in mind:

1.) Do your research

Before you start planning what to buy, it is highly recommended that you do your research before the actual day of the sale itself. Note that many brands would be participating during the sale and your research would help you identify what these brands would be. Furthermore, some brands might be a little detailed as to the terms of their sale such as which items would be included and whether or not there would be promo deals. If you did your research beforehand, you would effectively be able to narrow down your options and make the most out of your time shopping.

2.) List it down

One of the excellent ways to shop and ensure you stay within your budget is to shop with a list. Make this list beforehand so that you can mitigate the possibility of impulse shopping. In this regard, you would also be able to delineate your reasons for buying a particular item. Sure, an item you are looking to buy might be on sale, but do you really need it? Or are you just buying it because it is half off? Making a list will help you be smarter about what you put into your cart during sale day. Prepare this list beforehand, note down all the items you wish and need to buy and prioritize them.

3.) Arrive early

One of the most annoying things about shopping during mall sales is having to contend with long queues. That and looking for an available parking space once you arrive at the mall. To address this, be sure to come early—if possible before opening hours. Apart from getting the best parking spot and not having to queue up, arriving early means you get first dibs on deals and items on sale. Whenever possible, try to arrive on the first day of the mall-wide sale and try to get there before opening hours.

4.) Take your time

No one is clocking you, so there is no need to be pressured about finishing up your shopping within a specified time limit. Take your time, peruse the aisles and look for the best deals. Do not immediately throw everything into your cart just because it has the world SALE plastered on it. Be as discerning about your purchases as you would be when they are not on sale. Remember, you are simply shopping which is not time-sensitive at all. So relax, and take your time. Just enjoy browsing racks and aisles and do not forget to hunt for the best bargain!

5.) Compare

Remember, the first item you pick up is not always the cheapest. However, that does not mean that the next item you will come by would also be the best. In this regard, be sure to look around and make some comparisons. You might think you have landed the best offer and deal now, but you might end up regretting that decision later when you find out that the next store sells the same item for much cheaper.

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City Living: Four Excellent Reasons Why Makati is the Premier City to Reside In

“A great city is not to be confounded with a populous one.” –Aristotle 

Known as the most sophisticated city in the Philippines, there are quite a lot of reasons why one would want to be billeted in Makati. Considered as the most coveted zip code, living in Makati has always been associated with an air of exclusivity and affluence that would intimidate most individuals. After all, the city is deemed to be the country’s financial and business hub so taking up residence there is inevitably going to be rather expensive. A Makati condo alone would set you back by quite a few millions. Apart from having some of the heftiest price tags of real estate in the country, you can expect some certain services to be a bit more exorbitant than they would have been in another part of town. An ordinary meal alone would be quite pricey, and even basic services such as a haircut would cut into your budget. However, all the prospective horrors of living in an incredibly expensive district are well compensated for in a lot of other aspects.

Choosing to live in Makati has its perks after all that you can even consider your zip code as an investment by itself as it would positively income your wallet. Just think of the potential savings you would make by not having to spend a lot (or at all) for transportation services as offices are just in proximity to the city. As a result, what you can potentially save from transportation alone would already offset the amount you will have to shell out for housing among others. Apart from transportation, here are some of the other benefits living in Makati City would afford you:

1.)    Travel time to work is much shorter 

One of the consequences in Makati living is not having to travel very far just to get to your office—provided that your office is located within Makati City of course. Of course, the nearer you are to your workplace, the shorter your travel time will be. In this regard, you would not have to wake up early just to get to your workplace. Moreover, navigating through traffic will be more of a breeze considering you can always choose to walk instead of drive to your destination.

2.)    You have more time to be productive 

As you have a lot of time spared seeing as you do not have to submit yourself to the hours of traffic onslaught, you effectively have more time on your hours. You can then use these extra hours to relax or enhance a skill or talent you have always wanted to pursue. You can learn to cook, have a rendezvous with friends or family in one of Makati’s shopping malls, do some house cleaning, complete errands and even take a side job and earn extra profit.

3.)    You get sufficient sleep 

Living in the metropolis subjects you to hours upon hours of traffic. When you live near where you work, you do not have to worry about this. In this regard, you do not have to go to bed late and leave very early. As a result, you can leverage your time. Living in Makati effectively mitigates your stressful routine as you are granted more hours of sleep. Moreover, having a restful night of sleep ensures that you will perform well (if not better) at work as you are focused and energized to take on the day.

4.)    It is good for your health

You might be skeptical as to how this is possible, but if you broke down the benefits, it is actually a feasible benefit. A shorter commute would mean the elimination of stress which can significantly boost your health. Moreover, it gives you adequate time to focus on your health and fitness. In this regard, you may choose to walk or ride a bike to go to work. Alternatively, seeing as you have more vacant hours, this might finally inspire you to hit the gym.

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Manila at Night: The Five Types of People You Meet at Bars and Clubs

“In nightlife, you can become a star, while in the daytime you can just be a nobody.” –Eddy de Clercq

Of all the cities in the Philippines, the nightlife is no brighter and more colorful than in the country’s biggest metropolis, Metro Manila. Over the years, Manila’s vibrant nightlife has continuously served the public’s demand for a more diverse experience at night, and it has adequately delivered through a variety of exciting bars and clubs. Today, a typical night out in Manila is not only limited to pre-gaming at a pub or bar, dancing the night away at the club and wrapping it up at a coffee shop. In these days, Manila nightlife is more expansive and would include themed and sports bars, gaming clubs and the like. As a result of this development in Manila’s nightlife scene, bars, pubs, and clubs would now cater to a more varied and inclusive set of partygoers and revelers.

In fact, it is not uncommon to come across a zany or interesting character in one of your nocturnal excursions. After all, in a perpetually bustling cosmopolitan such as Metro Manila,  you would be hard-pressed to find an empty bar or club—even on weekdays. Given this rather busy lifestyle, expect and be prepared to bump into some individuals who are seeking a little relief (and breathing room) from a hard day’s work. Although they might be different from one another, expect to find similar characteristics among them.

Here are some of the common individuals you would bump into on any given night at the bar or club:

1.)    The Cool Kids 

You might have spotted them gingerly waiting their turn to get inside at the queue leading to the club. More often than not, their presence baffles you because for one, they look far too young to be partying (and drinking for that matter) and secondly, they are definitely up way past their bedtime. As a result of this rather rebellious behavior, you might even wonder (and question) their parent’s moral scruples and leverage on disciplinary control over them.

2.)    The Group Taking Shots 

There is no doubt that in one of your nightly excursions; you are definitely going to run into that all-male or female boisterous group. Usually, they are somewhat easy to spot not only because of their crazy antics but because one of them has had too much to drink and would most likely need help just standing up.

3.)    The Group of Girlfriends 

Just one look at them reminds you of an episode of Sex and The City. From the get-go, they seem to be catching up—either on the latest gossip or the comings and goings of their lives. However, while this might seem like a sound idea at first, the club is not exactly an ideal place to hold a conversation. Crowds of people converging on the dance floor, music blaring from the stereo and drunk people all-over are definitely things that do not make an ideal ambiance for a catch-up. Besides, no one really feels like shouting just to be heard by their companions. 

4.)    Foreign Nationals and “Friends”

This is not to say that a foreigner’s companion would immediately be his date, but more often than not, that is the case. Most trendy bars will have their fair share of foreign nationals. In fact, you can rank a bar or club’s popularity based on the attendance of foreigners (and their companions in tow).

5.)    The Scouts 

These individuals are males, and they can come in groups or alone. They have a singular purpose for hitting up clubs: To score dates with women. If a man’s flirting game is pretty strong, he usually would not require a coterie of other men. However, if a man is a novice at the dating game, he might need a few wingmen with him.

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Epic Nightouts: Five Ways to Have an Epic Ladies Night Out

“I always seem to come alive after midnight. I feel like the world is mine”-Dau Voire. 

A girl’s night out has always been trivialized on modern media. In most sitcom portrayals, it is only seen as an avenue for a woman to get over a man who broke her heart and through the course of the night, endeavors to find another one. Other movie portrayals would epitomize a ladies’ night out as a celebration of camaraderie or a teenager’s induction into the adult world of booze and bad decisions.

However, in the real world, a ladies night out can be as tame or as legendary as you wish it to be—depending on how the night goes. If you have been dreaming (and planning) for the perfect night out that is a perfect balance between remarkable and memorable, you might want to take a gander at this list before plotting out your Saturday itinerary in some Makati bars:

1.)    Choose place that fits everyone’s interests and preferences 

Before heading out, be sure that you and your friends would decide on a place which everyone feels comfortable in going to. Consider that you will not be the only one having a good time. In order to ensure that you will have an epic night that you and your girlfriends will reminisce about in years to come, choose a favorable place that meets everyone’s interests and not just two or three out of the group. After all, you would not have too much of a fun time if one of you would be sitting and sulking in a corner.

2.)    Choose the people you invite carefully 

Do not be arbitrary when it comes to your invite list and do not simply add random people to your group just so you can have a bigger party. Everyone you invite should be on board with what you and your friends are planning to do. In this regard, you will effectively eliminate any grudges, bad-mouthing, jealousy or envy that might develop through the night and cause you and your girlfriends to disband earlier. Remember, breaking up a cat fight is not a good way to end the night.

3.)    Take as many photos as you can 

Level up your selfie game for this night and immortalize the memories you will inevitably be making with your friends. As you cannot expect to commit every aspect of the night to memory, it is best if you break out your phones and took many photos. In the years to come, you will soon look at these photos and recall the legendary night you went on.

4.)    Impose a No-Phone Rule

Before entering the bar, ensure that you and your friends agree that no one would be taking out phones unless it is to take photos or answer emergency calls. This ensures that every one of you can focus on having a good time instead of needlessly staring at the phone screen. After all, this night is about catching up with friends or bonding, messages from your boyfriends, bosses and the like can wait until later.

5.)    Dance like no one is watching 

If you have never danced before in your life, perhaps this might be the perfect time for you to bust a move. Consider stepping out of your comfort zone and join your girlfriends on the dancefloor—especially if you are the only one that is left sitting at the bar. It does not matter whether you are terrible at dancing as chances are, no one is even going to notice at all. Dancing is fun, relieves stress and actually takes your mind off so many things. A good tip would be to bring extra shoes (flats preferably) so that when your feet get tired, you can easily slip into something more comfortable.   

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The 3 Best Things About Music Festivals

“It is not love for music, it is passion, and it goes beyond liking, and beyond a hobby, it is a way of living…music is essential for my life.”-Armin Van Buuren

It has been said where words fail, music speaks. In this regard, a lot of individuals have a proclivity for listening to music to lose themselves in the melodious beats and rhythmic tunes. Today, individuals who share the same passion would fondly converge in music festivals where music is regarded as simply just one aspect of the entire experience. The music festival scene may capitalize itself on the various music artists it features, but nowadays attending one goes beyond just going for the music. Today, however, music festivals are less about the music and more about the overall experience which would include the people, the ambiance, and the scenery. Seasoned music festival goers are already aware that such events would encompass more than just the music itself, but to the uninitiated, it might be a bit much and overwhelming to take in. However, everyone will be pleased to know that each festival is unique in its own way and there are individual aspects embraced in each festival that would significantly influence you as an attendee.

It might be a reach for some, but attending one gives you magical memories and a meaningful experience in more ways than one. So, if you have thought of attending a music festival (Circuit Makati has one this October), here are some of the things you can look forward to:

1.)    Musical Discovery

Music festivals are excellent avenues for discovering new music that you would soon come to love. Without a doubt, some artists and producers would choose to debut some of their tracks only in these festivals as this is the prime time for DJ’s to be producing and releasing new material. In this regard, audiences are given a sample of what they can expect in the future. However, do note that not all of the songs debuted in the festival will make it to mainstream media. After all, some artists would prefer to do some experimenting during this time and see how well the crowd receives it.

2.)    Feeling of unity

You may be just one out of thousands, but do know that unity is an incredibly important aspect when it comes to any music festival. Being surrounded by that many people in a singular setting all cheering to or singing the same song can truly be life-changing and it allows you to channel your own passion with the unified and collected energy. When hordes upon hordes of people converge to experience the exact same thing, it gives you that profound realization that maybe in one way or another, we are all connected. This very same feeling delivers a sense of solidarity and realness.

3.)    Community 

Being in a place where most people share the same passion as you do would inevitably result in unexpected kinship and friendships between you and other fellow festival goers. Moreover, most of these festival-goers are from overseas and are easily distinguishable from the rest based on the flags they drape on themselves. This communal vibe is strong and unlike any other in such a way that it gives you a brief glimpse of what their culture is like and how this part of the world enjoys your kind of music. Music festival goers from overseas are known for taking pride in their countries as evidenced by the flags they raise high above themselves in mosh pits and as they chant and sing along to their favorite tracks.

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Casual Running: Five Tips to Prepare You for Your First Run

“Running is nothing more than a series of arguments between the part of your brain that wants to stop and the part that wants to keep going.” –Author Unknown 

So, you have decided you wanted to try a fitness activity and signed yourself up for a running event (If you have not yet, Circuit Makati is hosting one this month). So, after signing up and doing all the necessary training you need to do in order to prepare yourself, what else is there left to do? Well, participating in your first fun run—especially when you have to run a considerable distance in order to complete it—can be an intimidating experience. This is all the more true for first-time runners who have no prior experience with running before. However, by doing some of the tips and techniques down below, you can maximize your experience while enjoying it.

Here are the best ways you can make your first fun run a no-frills and fun kind of event:

1.)    Prepare your body beforehand 

Of course, there is no absolute need to train like you are joining the Ironman marathon. However, you do need to adequately prepare your body beforehand and make sure that by the time you run the race, you would not end up being winded. If this is your first run, having your body get used to the strenuous activity by actively running for short distances for at least a couple months before the event is paramount.

2.)    Do not overtrain at the last minute

One of the common mistakes that even seasoned runners commit is to aggressively train a week before the event in an attempt to build up their strength and stamina. However, this can be incredibly detrimental to your body as it needs to recover and rest to ensure you would avoid stress injuries. Furthermore, overtraining yourself might result in exhaustion. In this regard, you might even have to forfeit attending the running event due to your injuries. Ensure that you have sufficient intervals between training times, and avoid overtraining at the last minute.

3.)    It is more than just about running 

While running the fastest would help you accomplish getting to the finish line first, it is not the only thing you should focus on. Apart from running, it is also essential to work on your core and technique so that you would successfully maintain a good posture throughout the entire run. Good posture is integral to comfortable running.

4.)    Do not go crazy on the carbs 

Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy, and they might give you that extra boost comes running day. However, you should not drastically change your diet just the day before the running event. Doing so could result in indigestion and even fluctuating energy levels. In extreme cases, it might even cause you to pass out while running. If you wish to incorporate more carbohydrates to your diet or make any changes to it, give it a test run weeks before your scheduled running day so that your body will have enough time to get used to them.

5.)    Prepare what you need and have fun 

Apart from the extra shirt and bottle of water, you would need on the event day itself; you have to ensure that you are adequately geared up for running a significant distance. This means that the shoes that you wear and the clothes you would run in are all comfortable to wear. In this regard, your clothes should not chafe as you run. Moreover, it is best if you packed snacks with you and apply sunscreen before positioning yourself at the starting line. Lastly, remember to have fun. Remember, your objective here is to relish the experience. It is fun run after all and not a marathon. 

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Four Reasons Why You Should Visit Art Fairs in the Philippines

“Art is freedom. Being able to bend things most people see as a straight line. “- Author Unknown

Back in the day, art appreciation was exclusively done only in art galleries and art museums. Considering that most art galleries and museums charge an exorbitant entrance fee, admittance was limited only to those who can afford it. As a consequence, these events were seen as a converging spot only for society’s most elite individuals, esteemed artists or local celebrities. However, as of late, art fairs have started cropping up, and they have caused quite a buzz in the Philippines. Heavily regarded as an avenue for relatively unknown artists, startup entrepreneurs and the like to showcase their wares, art fairs are somewhat an eclectic fusion of trade fairs and art museums—thus the appropriate moniker. Art fairs are not limited to individuals engaged in the art business, however, as it is also a place for art dealers, advisors and collectors to make deals.

In sum, it is a spectacular visual emporium that is open to the public. To attract and delight crowds, art exhibitors stipple the events with fantastic and impressive pieces—after all, an art fair should entice crowds to come. From many excellent galleries, instructive forums, and lectures, here are some of the reasons why you should visit an art fair in the Philippines soon:

1.)    Galleries galore 

Major exhibitions such as art fairs are excellent avenues for top galleries, collectives, and artists and other visual arts organizations to converge and showcase their works. You might be surprised to see as many as forty of the most prominent modern-art exhibitors to be participating in just one event—making it incredibly easy for you to flit from one art space to another. Furthermore, it features not only local art galleries but are slated to include some foreign collectives as well. Art Fairs allow visitors to explore their specific art tastes and preferences by holding a diverse set of art galleries all in just one venue. Whether your art palate is invariably unconventional or a little more traditional, an art fair has everything for everyone.

2.)    Hang out with a cool crowd 

Back in the day, art fairs were seen solely as a meeting ground for artists, millennial hipsters or young professionals seeking to acquire new art. Nowadays, however, art fairs host a smorgasbord of diverse individuals—with students, homemakers, creative professionals and even executives peppering every event. With this in mind, it would be easy for you to mingle and rub shoulders with a very varied collection of people and share your enthusiasm for art with them. If you hung out long enough, you might just bump into a famous face as well

3.)    Enrich your knowledge 

It is no question that art fairs have their own fair share of art lectures and forums and if you are committed to expanding your knowledge as regards this area, you can simply attend these events. Speakers range from prominent and well-regarded individuals in the creative field to fresh faces in the art industry. Regardless of who it will be, it is a guarantee that there is always something to learn from them. Moreover, your appreciation for art will significantly increase as you learn about the latest art trends, pieces or particular movements. If none of these appeals to you, perhaps getting to meet and talk to the artists themselves will convince you otherwise.

4.)    Must-see masterpieces 

It is no question that any art fair would give you a sense of overwhelming calm as well as euphoria. Seeing the expertise and talent made by our fellow Filipinos manifested through their art is nothing short of exhilarating—it makes you feel quite proud as well. Immerse yourself in an exhibition space that features innovative, unique and introspective visual interpretations. Almost every art-form known to man can be found there—from interactive installations, mixed medias, collaborations and the like.

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Makati City says ‘No to Plastic’

Makati City is one of the densely populated cities in Metro Manila. It is deliberated as the 16th-largest city in the Philippines and has a diverse culture because of different nationalities. Its culture, entertainment, lifestyle, and business have greatly developed over the years.

When you roam around the city, you’ll see different establishments ranging from business, malls, markets, and different real estate properties. Makati has been recognized as one of the populated districts in the metro that’s why the mayor of the city, Jejomar Erwin Binay, has mandated a ban for plastic that started on June 20. There were teams deployed under the Plastic Monitoring Task Force (PMTF) to inspect different areas in the city. It is led by the Department of Environmental Services (DES) that acted to enforce the ban. The people behind the teams were instructed comprehensively on the contents and legal basis of Executive Order (EO) No. 007 series of 2012. This prohibits the sale, distribution, and use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials such as Styrofoam as packaging materials.

No excuses

We all know that plastic substances can harm the environment. These things come in different shapes and sizes that can block the drainage system and other road utilities. When the drainage system is blocked, there will be risk for flashfloods. On the first day of implementation, several market vendors are comprehended because of the violation against the plastic ban. Some were penalized while other people were discharged with a warning.

According to Danilo Villas, head of the city’s Department of Environment Services, there were people caught unaware of the plastic ban and some stores were still giving away Styrofoam packaging and plastic bags for their products. He also added that store owners, vendors and other business establishments should have no excuse for not complying with the ordinance because they were given a nine-year adjustment period by the city government.

Implementation of the plastic ban

Mayor Binay extended the deadline of the provision on “Use of Environment-Friendly Materials” to June 20^th, through the Executive Order 007 that ended last December 31, 2012. The mayor stretched the deadline to give sufficient time for establishments to diminish their inventories and substitute plastic with environment-friendly materials such as paper or eco bags.

Individual violators will be fined with 1,000 pesos or will be imprisoned for 5 to 30 days, or both at the discretion of the court. Establishment or corporations that will be comprehended because of their violation to the plastic ban will be fined 5,000 pesos, or the owner may be imprisoned from 30 days to a year, or both at the court’s discretion. The business permit or license may also be cancelled if there will be a warrant made