'The Gathering Star' Sheraton Manila Bay Ushers the Holiday Season

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A Sheraton Spectacle of Sustainability, Gatherings & Stories

Sheraton Manila Bay kicked off the festive season with a captivating Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on 9 November 2023, hosted at the hotel's newly renovated Main Lobby. Embracing the theme "Gatherings & Stories," the event not only celebrated the joyous spirit of the holidays but also highlighted Sheraton Manila Bay's deep commitment to sustainability.

The "Gatherings & Stories" Tree Lighting event showcased Sheraton Manila Bay's dedication to creating an unforgettable yuletide experience that intertwines the festive spirit with sustainability. The focal point of the celebration was the 15-foot Sheraton Tree of Sustainability, a stunning eco-conscious masterpiece meticulously crafted from actual tree branches, sustainable wood shavings, moss, and dried fruits. Adorned with glistening crystals and apricot-colored embellishments, this lush tree symbolizes growth, resilience, and the inherent beauty of nature, embodying the hotel’s unwavering dedication to environmental consciousness.

Hotel General Manager Richard Masselin presided over the ceremonial lighting, joined by the distinguished members of the Sheraton Manila Bay Executive Committee, including Juvy Agudon, Director of Sales & Marketing; Alex Encarnacion, Director of Engineering; Jennifer Labita, Director of Finance; and Roy Aguba, Director of Human Resources. Adding to the splendor of the occasion, the esteemed Guests of Honor who grace the occasion to illuminated the tree were Manila City Mayor Hon. Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna–Pangan, Vice Mayor Hon. John Marvin "Yul Servo" C. Nieto, and Barangay 699 Chairman Edwin "Amo" Chan.

In a united celebration of Paskonstelasyon, all Marriott properties in the Philippines launched their own holiday festivities, each debuting their symbolic star. The Marriott Bonvoy constellation of stars includes the Gathering Star (Sheraton Manila Bay), the Soiree Star (Sheraton Manila Hotel), the Destination Star (Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort), the Fiesta Star (Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo), the Wellness Star (The Westin Manila), the Paradise Star (Four Points Boracay by Sheraton), the Discovery Star (Four Point Palawan by Sheraton), the North Star (Clark Marriott Hotel), and the Wonderful Star (Manila Marriott Hotel).

The enchanting ceremony, hosted by Hotel Marketing Manager Stephanie Cabrejas, was complemented by the festive melodies of the "Lighter Side Movement," creating a harmonious atmosphere of celebration.

At the core of Sheraton Manila Bay's holiday festivities is a profound commitment to sustainability, reflected in the transformation of spaces into a captivating wonderland adorned with eco-friendly decorations. The hotel's goodies display booth, thoughtfully designed in the shape of an open storybook, invites guests to participate in crafting unforgettable yuletide tales. The booth offers an array of holiday hampers and homemade treats, providing an opportunity for guests to share the festive spirit with loved ones and create heartwarming stories that will endure for years to come.

The "Gatherings & Stories" Tree Lighting at Sheraton Manila Bay marks the commencement of a season filled with shared moments, joy, and an unwavering dedication to sustainability. As the holiday festivities unfold, Sheraton Manila Bay invites all to partake in the celebration and experience the magic of the season in an eco-conscious and enchanting manner. View Sheraton Manila Bay Holiday E-brochure at https://bit.ly/sheratonchristmas2023.
Sheraton Manila Bay is conveniently located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and follow us on Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay.

Artistang Artlets Presents “Maoyu Transit” for their Season 43 Seniors’ Theatre Literacy Program

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A heartfelt journey that transforms and transcends.

Artistang Artlets announces their upcoming Seniors’ Theatre Literacy Program Production titled “Maoyu Transit”, a theatrical journey that promises to captivate audiences with its emotional, enlightening, and enthralling storytelling. This compelling production is set to take the stage at The University of Santo Tomas Tan Yan Kee Student Center AVR on November 23, 2023.

For years, Artistang Artlets has been producing Theater Literacy Programs not only to entertain their audiences but to also educate them with the elements of theater. This year, Artistang Artlets opts to show their audiences the importance of symbolisms in theater by staging this moving story of love, acceptance, and freedom.

In “Maoyu Transit,” audiences will embark on a journey with a mother and a daughter boarding a peculiar bus. The driver, Mang Domeng, will help Aling Fe and Maya with their current predicament, and free them from their burdens. Little does he know, he too is on a journey of liberation. This emotionally charged play explores the power of compassion and human connection, rising above the limits of conventional storytelling.

“Maoyu Transit”, written and managed by Erin Moira Balbin, and directed by Ma. Cecilia Foja and Jemina Rose Macasaet, will run on November 23, 2023 with shows running from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

For more information about the play and to avail tickets, please visit the Artistang Artlets Facebook Page to stay updated on the production details and ticket registration.

About Artistang Artlets:

Artistang Artlets (AA) is the Official Theater Guild of the Faculty of Arts and Letters for 43 years.

AA is also home to alumni who are now celebrated artists in the country, may that be within or beyond the theater industry. She believes in the artistic and theatrical inclinations and abilities of the students in the Faculty of Arts and Letters in pursuit of further developing and honing the artistic awareness both inside and outside of the Artlet community. She aims to capture the elusive Filipino soul and to portray the slices of life through the medium of theater, and aspires to develop critical thinking, keen observation and in-depth analysis among members to cultivate intellectual growth while at the same time nurturing their finest sensibilities.

Pinoy inventor investigates abaca spacesuits and other nanotech innovations

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Nanotechnology is a bustling field that opens the door to innovation across a wide variety of industries, from fashion and clothing to health and wellness. With this in mind, Dr. Gil Nonato Santos launched the iNano Research Facility in 2006. iNano aims to provide nanotech-related services to academic institutions and industries, from manufacturing nanoparticles to nano-coating materials. Its diverse range of projects includes an abaca fabric coated with nanocomposites that can be used for spacesuits. Another project is focused on detecting lung diseases such as active tuberculosis, which affects 10 million people worldwide.

Dr. Gil Nonato Santos, head of DLSU’s iNano Research Facility, demonstrates a cost-effective tuberculosis test that uses nanotechnology to detect telltale compounds in a patient’s breath. (Photo credit: Dr. Gil Nonato Santos)

Dr. Santos received his doctorate from the University of the Philippines - Diliman National Institute of Physics (UPD-CS NIP). He is currently a full professor at De La Salle University - Laguna (DLSU-Laguna) and a visiting professor at Osaka University.

Based out of DLSU-Laguna, iNano has collaborations with institutions and companies across the globe, including a prestigious partnership with Integrated Microelectronics Inc. (IMI), a global company that manufactures electronics and semiconductor supplies, and support from USAID. 

iNano also has collaborations with the Lung Center of the Philippines and National Taiwan University.

More of iNano’s achievements and goals will be discussed by Dr. Santos at the next iStories session on Monday, November 20, at 4:00 PM. He will give his talk at the CS Admin Auditorium and will also be live streamed on Zoom. To join, you may register through this link: 

https://bit.ly/iStories6

iStories is a series of monthly innovation-themed talks, storytelling, and activities featuring local and international scientists. The initiative aims to ignite the creativity and inventiveness of young scientists not just from UPD-CS but also from other institutes inside and outside of UP.

For inquiries about iStories, please message adride_staff@science.upd.edu.ph