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Whether moving back in time to provide engaging historical fiction, or traveling at warp speed to an alternate near future or present, and throwing cautionary tales our way—these four novels know how to elucidate, teach us something new, and entertain.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE:OUR NEW ABNORMAL

Just as there’s comfort food, we can also say there are ‘comfort films’, and that Downton Abbey: A New Era would certainly qualify as belonging in that sub-category. Besides providing well-calibrated fan service to those who have followed the TV series over its numerous seasons, this Downton film has writer Julian Fellowes making certain every well-loved character from the series is given their respective turn in the film’s spotlight, and that plot twists will keep us glued to the screen, as several story strands bring newfound resolution to the lives of the various characters.

With an adventurous concept of doing Filipino cuisine differently, Haliya opened its doors at the Nüwa Hotel, City of Dreams, a scant six months ago. Wanting to elevate Filipino dishes by incorporating the finest of ingredients from here and abroad, and employing cooking techniques that would both invigorate and create a distinct identity for how the restaurant offers these traditional dishes, there was much to be excited about Haliya and the role it could play in culinary tourism.

Regardless of what happens in Rome this week, Alcaraz annexing his second Masters 1000 title in the manner that he did, must be sending chills down the back of all the New Gen players, and the younger wanna-be contenders.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE:OUR NEW ABNORMAL

Our malls evolve to create their own identity, despite the property developers‘ intent that they become ‘everything for everyone’. In the case of The Podium, I like how it’s become the vicinity’s food Mecca for discriminating foodies. The line up of eating establishments point to both quality and diversity, and I love how the mall makes the extra effort to be an incubator of sorts for new food entrepreneurs.

Without a doubt, the talk and buzz about this second Doctor Strange film will revolve around three main strands. The fact that Sam Raimi is directing, that it’s the first horror MCU film, and Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff. Depending on how you enjoyed the film, and it’s multiverse concept, your emphasizing on any of these three aspects will rule your reaction to the film, and it’s good to examine why these will be the top three trending topics.

As Mother’s Day approaches, there are some social media feeds I keep one eye on, curious as to what specials these feeds will come up with. Naturally, cakes, cookies, and other delectable goodies figure prominently as reasons for my stalking these feeds. 

A lunch date at Palm Grill with partners Miguel Cabel Moreno and Nelson Canlas will always turn out to be more than just the food arrayed in front of you, but also an enlightening conversation—that’s the closest we can get to culinary anthropology. Miguel is extremely proud of his Tausug heritage, and how the two have niched their eatery into a haven for Zambasulta cuisine. 

The two films today explore friendships, and bonding with unexpected parties. In one case, it’s your mother when she was the same age as you, and in the second film, it’s with a dog.

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL

SM Supermalls proudly announced that at their SM Aura, SM MOA, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA malls, there would now be E-Vehicle Charging Stations that mall-goers could avail of, free of charge.

Here’s something to look forward to when you’re in BGC

SMDC has become a developer of sustainable communities for more Filipinos in very real ways.

With the steadfast popularity of documentaries that take on true crime and crime-related scandals as it’s subject, it was inevitable that a sub-genre of dramatizing these documentaries and docuseries would soon trend and proliferate. After all, the guiding philosophy would be that if these documentaries were avidly followed, then you’d have a built-in audience for the dramatization. The latest to follow that route, as part of the ever-increasing drive to generate content for our favorite streaming platforms, is HBO’s The Staircase.

The San Juan food scene just got brighter as Prologue Greenhills opened its doors just the other weekend. Foodies will be familiar with Prologue, as it’s first Sct. Gandia location has been a favorite for discriminating diners looking for quality breakfasts, hearty lunches, and flavorful evening fare—in a casual, yet tasteful, setting. Executive Chef Hiroyuki Meno explained that the idea is to eventually give each Prologue a distinct identity, such that only 30 to 35 percent of the Sct. Gandia menu will find its way to Greenhills.

Federal Land embraced the Japanese Zen philosophy to create an ideal address – a sanctum of mindful inner peace, set within the dynamic Ortigas Central Business District.