Entertainment

Thirty-five young men will vie for the four major titles at stake in the inaugural edition of the Mister United Continents Philippines pageant, which will be held at Tanghalang Pasigueño in Pasig City on April 14.

Story and photos by Alvin I. Dacanay If there’s a word that best describes Icings Bakery and Café, it’s probably “surprising.” The surprises this cozy informal restaurant springs on its first-time customers—pleasant, by all means—are not the dazzling, flashy kind; it’s actually the opposite, which may partly explain why this low-key establishment is not as well-known as it should be.

By Alvin I. Dacanay For many workaholics, Holy Week is a terrific time to reacquaint themselves with their religion or reconnect with their spiritual side, bond with their loved ones, go on a well-earned vacation, pursue long-delayed personal projects, or catch up on their reading.

Los Angeles—On the surface, Insurgent, with its dystopian setting and teenage heroine, might just seem like another by-the-numbers young adult tale. Look a little closer and it’s clear that this second installment isn’t merely capitalizing on a popular genre, but, with its half-dozen female leads and supporting characters, actually represents a subtle subversion of what audiences have been taught action …

By Mark Kennedy / The Associated Press New York—Tony Award winner and The Voice of the Philippines coach Lea Salonga will join the cast of Star Trek actor George Takei’s musical Allegiance on Broadway, its producers announced last Thursday (last Friday in Manila).

By Alvin I. Dacanay The Philippine entertainment industry is mourning the death of showbiz luminary and Movie and Television Review and Classification Board member Liezl Martinez, the only daughter of veteran stars Amalia Fuentes and Romeo Vasquez and wife of actor-director Albert Martinez, who lost her eight-year battle with cancer—first, Stage 3 breast cancer; later, Stage 4 lung cancer—last Saturday.

Story and photos by Alvin I. Dacanay For many denim-lovers, the mere mention of the name “Wrangler” suggests ideas of independence, freedom and adventure, as well as images of wide, open spaces. It also suggests style, durability and comfort—just three of the many qualities that have endeared the enduring American clothing brand to Filipinos for more than four decades now.

Christine Armario / The Associated Press Los Angeles—Mountainside hikes along urban cityscapes. Ramen noodle bars, Korean teahouses and taco trucks serving every regional Mexican specialty. Sure, Los Angeles is known for classic Hollywood, but these days the city is getting attention for other attractions, too.

CHEF MOM / Adoree Chong-Uy Question No. 1: I consider myself an intermediate baker. I have been baking brownies, cookies and cakes for years now. I thought that a baked cheesecake is an easy thing to make, but I was wrong. Last week, I made New York cheesecake using a recipe I found on the Internet, and it turned out …

LIVE WELL / CJ Rodriguez Not all those who wander are lost.—J.R.R. Tolkien As our 15th wedding anniversary fast approaches, my better half and I have come to several realizations. One is that we really need to see about getting each other new wedding bands, as our original ones have mysteriously disappeared! Mine first before his, I am embarrassed to …