The artistic language of chocolates in books, film and music

Chocolates have the power to speak to the soul. They symbolize so many things and emotions, as well as narrate different stories and time. Essentially, these are the reasons why they have been a favourite subject in film, literature and music.

The two adaptations of Roald Dahl’s 1964 masterpiece Charlie and the Chocolate Factory could easily fall under the most sought after works about chocolate. The 1971 adaptation starred Gene Wilder and was directed by Mel Stuart, while the 2005 version directed by Tim Burton featured Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.

In the movie, one can find many interpretations of chocolates. The chocolate bar with a golden ticket signifies Charlie’s hopes and dreams, as well as the idea that good things come unexpectedly in small packages.

From personal desires and dreams, chocolates are depicted as treats with magical powers in the 2000 adaptation of the novel Chocolat. It narrates the story of a young mother Vianne Rocher, played by Juliette Binoche, who arrives at Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, a subdued village, with her six-year-old daughter.

There, Vianne opened a small chocolate store called La Chocolaterie Maya. Her confectionary masterpiece began changing the lives of the townspeople who used to give up worldly or sensual pleasures during Lent. Through chocolates, she was able to help a troubled woman gain confidence, and a violent husband turn into a better man.

Meanwhile, the romantic and passionate symbol of chocolates is depicted on Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate, which had its film adaptation in 1992. The title came from the Spanish line “como agua para chocolate,” which expresses anger or strong desires.

From novels and films, chocolate also comes as a favourite symbol in music. One example is Chocolate by the famous English rock band The 1975, who already rocked the grounds of Manila twice – March 2014 and January 2015.

Romance, fun, passion, adventure, dreams and pleasure—chocolates can really mean a lot of things. However, one chocolate brand knows that there is a chocolate for every personality, for every mood, and for every occasion.

Premium artisanal chocolate Villa del Conte offers a wide range of sweet treats, from praline balls and praline sticks, to chocolate bars and candy coated ovicinis. And with every chocolate, comes a special message that you want to say.

Visit Villa del Conte at Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, and Robinson’s Magnolia. You can treat yourself or surprise someone today. As what the 1994 film Forrest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get!”

The story of two unreceived notices: 2. Dennis Garcia of The Hotdog

The Hotdog's Manila , used by Resorts World without permission from creator.

The Hotdog’s Manila , used by Resorts World without permission from creator.


I have been following another case that involved a failed delivery of a letter.

The issue is about copyright, an artist’s protection for his or her creations.

Dennis Garcia of the much-loved Hotdog band wrote that over a week ago, his group was about to close a lucrative deal with a reputable casino group and it involved the use of iconic “Manila”, the song that he and his brother,Rene,created.

The song “Manila” has become an anthem by Filipinos, especially those who have spread out to different parts of the world.

It expresses the Filipino brand of patriotism:

Hinahanap hanap kita Manila
Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga
Mga jeepney mong nagliliparan
Mga babae mong naggagandahan

Dennis Garcia

Dennis Garcia

Dennis wrote that ‘”Sadly, the deal fell through because the prospective client found out that the lyrics of the song “Manila” was emblazoned on the casino floor of a competitive establishment.”

It was in Resort’s World that a poster with the lyrics of the song ”Manila” was used.

Last June 19, Dennis wrote Resorts World ( Kingson U. Sian, president and Stephen Reilly, chief operating officer) calling their attention to their having used “a copyrighted material for the longest time without permission, without attribution, without remuneration, and with the least concern.”

“You have arbitrarily pirated the lyrics and – via a billboard – made the endearing words the centerpiece of your casino area .This shows your utter disrespect and disregard for Filipino artists and musicians… and their work/source of income.”

Dennis, wrote in his widely-read blog,Chubibo, (his column in Abante is also under the same title) that the COO wrote him a letter which he read but didn’t formally receive.

He found the contents of the letter insulting because it said something like “it was just a framed piece… a temporary installation to cover a gaping hole in the wall… we can bring it down if you want.”

Dennis fumed: “Pinaghirapan naming isulat at pasikatin yan… at gagawin mo lang panakip-butas ng dingding.”

To make matters worse, the lawyers got into the picture. Last June 27, Attorneys Ma. Georgina A. Alvarez,chief legal officer and Walter L. Mactal, director for Litigation, wrote Dennis threatening him of “civil, criminal and administrative” actions if he did not retract what he wrote about Resorts World COO and ceased publishing “malicious” and “false” statements.

They also demanded that Dennis issue a public apology to the COO and to the “general public.”

These lawyers come from a different world.

I called up Resorts World. I was referred to Owen L. Cammayo,director for Corporate Communications.
Here’s the statement Cammayo released:

“Resorts World Manila (RWM) reiterates the sincere apologies extended to Mr. Dennis Garcia. Upon receipt of Mr. Garcia’s notice, the questioned material containing a portion of the lyrics of one of his most famous songs was immediately taken down. As a long-time supporter of the Filipino talent, the organization has nothing but the highest respects for Mr. Garcia’s artistic works and to him as a major contributor to the local music industry. RWM has reached out to Mr. Garcia and remains open to discuss this matter directly with him for its prompt resolution.”

Bake heavenly goodies with Villa del Conte chocolate bars

Give your baked goodies a delightful twist with premium artisanal chocolates from Villa del Conte. Villa del Conte’s 500g chocolate bars offer a generous amount of rich and exciting flavors to make your favorite recipes even better. You may choose between the fine milk chocolate and 50% dark chocolate flavors for truly luscious cakes, cookies, pastries, dips and many more.

To get your very own chocolate bars, visit Villa del Conte stores at Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, and Robinson’s Magnolia. For bulk orders, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. Go to http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com to know more about Villa del Conte, or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaDelContePh, Instagram:http://instagram.com/villadelconte and Twitter: https://twitter.com/VilladelConte.

Maybank Opens the first and only 24/7 bank branch in the Philippines!

Maybank Philippines, Inc. (MPI) last month turned the Maybank Resorts World branch into the first and only 24-hour bank branch in the country to provide better service to customers.

From its current extended banking hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Maybank Resorts World branch is now operating 24 hours a day and seven days a week to primarily cater to the needs and financial requirements of business establishments and retail customers in the area.

“This is a first in the Philippines. We saw the need to open a 24/7 bank branch, particularly our Resorts World branch since it is situated where businesses in the area are open until wee hours in the morning,” said MPI President and CEO Herminio M. Famatigan, Jr.

“It is located in Maxims Hotel, which is part of the Resorts World complex. Guests of these establishments come in and out anytime of the day since most are tourists and their flights arrive from early mornings to late evenings. We saw this as an opportunity to introduce a first in the country—a 24/7 bank branch,” he added.

Mr. Famatigan noted that inter-branch transactions shall be entertained and accommodated from 8:00am to 10:00pm. “From 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., services of the Maybank Resorts World branch will be exclusive for the branch’s accountholders,” he said.

Maybank opens Resorts World branch

Maybank Philippines, Inc. (MPI) has reinforced its presence in the country as it opened its new branch at Resorts World to cater to both local and foreign guests of the leisure complex, which houses the six-star Maxims Tower and five-star Marriott Hotel.

The Maybank Resorts World branch, which has an interior similar to a hotel lounge, is expected to cater to the affluent and high net worth market segments.

The new branch is a result of the relocation of the Maybank EDSA-Taft branch. The move was a strategic decision made by MPI Management to ensure that branches are optimised and are strategically located to expand the Bank’s reach and serve its target markets.

Maybank Resorts World branch will have longer banking hours, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., from the usual 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to cater to hotel guests and other businesses in the area, which are open for 24 hours.

“Because Maxims hotel is from the upscale Asian lodging brand owned by the Genting Group and is an all-suite luxury hotel, it sets the benchmark for high-end accommodation, which is a preferred location of the Bank as we aim to tap the affluent and high net worth market segments,” said Ms. Doris A. Gonzales, MPI VP and Head of the South Metro Manila Region.

“Since most of the guests of Maxims Hotel and Resorts World are from the ASEAN region who are already familiar with the Maybank brand and service being a regional bank, putting a branch in the said location is an advantage,” Ms. Gonzales added.