Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) brings the taste of Aussie Lamb to top restaurants.
To celebrate and showcase the many delights of Aussie Lamb, the I Love Aussie Lamb Fest officially launches in Metro Manila with a three-day caravan with media and food influencers. I was one of the blessed to have graced the first day, and now I have become a "lamb-convert."
It's the time of year to gather friends and colleagues, as Newport World Resorts brings Bavaria closer to Manila with the grandest Oktoberfest yet, which will run from October 8 to 11, 2025, at The Ballroom, Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts. I got the chance to get first dibs on the merrymaking and the lively event that is about to happen.
This is the third run of NWR's #Oktoberfest, and it has gotten bigger and is seriously serving loads of cheer. The four-day festival offers every guest a chance to immerse themselves in the traditions of Munich while enjoying the signature hospitality of the Philippines’ premier lifestyle and entertainment destination.
Savoy Hotel Manila understands the long hours, unpredictable schedules, and daily demands of working in the travel and tourism industry. Whether you're from the airline sector, ground handling, tour operations, or part of a fellow hotel team—you are among the dedicated individuals who keep the wheels of travel turning. As the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel, we believe it’s time to give back to our hardworking partners behind the scenes.
Ever-reliable and exciting, 7-Eleven finds ways to be there for its
customers, giving them the boost that they need with bold brews from City Cafe, their coffee bestie. Now, with everyone in on
the anik-anik craze, the go-to convenience store shakes up the game with an
exciting SIPrise: the limited edition
City Cafe Blind Cups!
7-Eleven brings comfort and convenience to thousands of Filipinos all over the country every day with over 4,000 branches nationwide. Dedicated to serving even more kapitbahays, the convenience giant is only getting bigger. In line with their push to elevate the customer experience, they recently opened three brand-new dine-in stores in La Union and Bacolod.
In a gathering of industry leaders and media, Chef Robby
Goco, one of the country's most respected chefs and restaurateurs, stepped into the spotlight as the
Philippines' first-ever Lambassador—bringing Australian lamb to the heart of
Filipino cuisine in bold, refreshing ways.
Birthdays only come once a year, and the Filipinos’ paboritong kapitbahay 7-Eleven makes sure they celebrate it with customers with a huge bang. The most-awaited 7-Eleven Day is fast approaching, and the convenience giant is going big with a five-day, record-breaking blowout packed with unbeatable deals, a laptop giveaway, plus two new concept stores in Bacolod City.
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In a world drowning in plastic waste, Champion Bags offers a practical and meaningful way for Filipinos to make a difference. As Thailand’s leading eco friendly trash bag brand, trusted in over 20,000 stores, Champion Bags is finally arriving in the Philippines. The launch was solidified through a contract signing event in Bangkok, marking an exciting step towards a cleaner, more responsible future for Filipino households.
Every three minutes, a child in Asia Pacific is born with a cleft condition, impacting their ability to eat, speak, and smile. In the Philippines, there is still a backlog of 200,000 cases of children with cleft lip and palate. Believing every child deserves a healthy smile, LISTERINE® partnered with Operation Smile and Watsons to provide comprehensive cleft care, including surgery, speech therapy, nutrition programs, hygiene kit distributions, and education for children and their families.
LISTERINE® strengthens its partnership with Watsons and Operation Smile this year by launching the “Healthy Smiles Start with LISTERINE®” campaign across Asia Pacific. The initiative aims to raise awareness about cleft lip and palate, generate donations for comprehensive cleft care, and promote oral health education and nutrition, especially for children.
I can’t get any giddier knowing that “The People's Choice Roast” is making a grand return, nonetheless than my favorite flavor! This masterpiece of a flavor, is back by popular demand, Kenny Rogers Roasters' Truffle Roast is here to satisfy your cravings for something truly extraordinary and where luxury meets delicious!
Are you one of those who have been longing for it, then your wait is finally over!
Our favorite is back, hence my family and I went to the nearest Kenny Rogers branch in Pasay and indulged with Kenny Rogers Roasters Truffle Roast and other truffle menu collections.
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Savoy Hotel Manila elevates hospitality beyond comfort, crafting purposeful experiences that resonate with modern travelers. Positioned directly across NAIA Terminal 3 in the heart of Newport City township, the hotel remains a top choice for both leisure seekers and business guests who prize convenience, connectivity, and genuine Filipino service.
As a homegrown brand under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Savoy Hotel Manila champions sustainable tourism. Whether guests arrive on a red-eye flight, participate in a corporate event, or embark on a family staycation, the hotel delivers heartfelt service and thoughtful amenities that underscore its commitment to responsible hospitality.
7-Eleven is known in the Philippines as the kapitbahay’s reliable go-to for their every need, providing daily essentials, tasty snacks, and bold, everyday coffee habits through 7-Eleven City Cafe. Now, it's bringing coffee and community together with the launch of City Cafe’s Bestie’s Birthday Brew for Darren.
Being a mom is one of the noblest and toughest jobs in the world that requires unconditional love, devotion, and, above all, strength. That's why moms deserve nothing but the best. On second thought, it is actually not a job, as jobs are defined as tasks or pieces of work that is paid. Moms are never paid, but the rewards are always endless, I tell you!
That's why Savoy Hotel Manila made it their commitment to honor mothers with their special Mother’s Day Room Package, which is thoughtfully curated to give Moms the pampering they truly deserve. From the moment she arrives, she’ll be treated to a box of fresh fruits as a warm welcome, followed by an indulgent one-hour in-room signature spa massage to help her unwind.
Inclusions:
Rates Start at PHP 6,400
Booking period: April 21 to May 31, 2025
Stay Period: April 21 to June 05, 2025
DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-2217780 Series of 2025
During their Easter celebration, my daughters Dana and Danaera had a wonderful time celebrating with other kids and parents. They have prepared a remarkable buffet spread, including Roast Turkey, and the kids had treats to their hearts' content over at the kiddie buffet area.
So, I am definitely sure they will up the ante on this.
Stay, Dine, and Create
Unforgettable Memories for Mom this May
This Mother’s Day, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila
presents a memorable line-up of stay, dine, and experience offerings to make every mom feel celebrated and cherished.
The Made for Mom Staycation Package offers the
perfect weekend escape for families looking to treat their mothers to rest and
indulgence. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay with buffet breakfast at Cyan
Modern Kitchen, and a special dining perk where Mom dines free for every two
paying guests for dinner buffet on 11 May or lunch buffet on 12 May at Cyan
Modern Kitchen. The package also includes complimentary late check-out until
4PM, subject to availability, for added relaxation.
On 11 May, treat mom to an exquisite Mother’s Day Lunch or Dinner Buffet at Cyan Modern Kitchen, priced at PHP 3,000 nett per person. Children aged 12 and below dine at 50% off, making it a family-friendly celebration. Highlights of the culinary showcase include cochinillo, slow-cooked beef, seafood toast, lobsters and crabs, Tuscan salmon, mango truffle cheese pizza, and a vibrant selection of healthy Indian dishes. A complimentary mimosa and a special gift for all moms complete the experience.
Had a right amount of unexpected...
At Taqueria Franco!
Short story first.
When my daughter told me about a newfound friend who works in a taco place and wanted us to try their specialty- the one with fried oysters, I made sure not to expect anything. After all, what other tacos have we not had?
Come the day when my daughter took us and paid for a unique meal of nonetheless than tacos.
But one that had us having "mmmmms" and "sarrrraap" from the first bites to the last.
Having discovered that apart from steaks and the oyster, my daughter told us about, we also had lamb and chicken krapows.
Oh, the unexpected one was goat cheese in your drink or cocktail. I'm talking about this uniquely named beverage on their bar menu- The Fig and the Goat.
It's a concoction of gin, dry vermouth, and clarified liquid goat cheese topped with fig. Surprisingly, it was one of the best bar drinks I've ever had.
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| General Manager Den Navarro giving out plants as media token |
The Manila Hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in a season of reflection, culinary delights, and family-friendly festivities with a carefully curated lineup of Holy Week and Easter events, as well as special dining offers this April. From a magical Easter celebration to a spiritual Visita Iglesia pilgrimage, along with dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, and M Takeout, there is something for everyone to experience.
Easter at the EGGmerald City
Families are in for a wickedly fun Easter at The Manila Hotel’s Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Inspired by the whimsical world of Wizard of Oz, Easter at the EGGmerald City will transform the venue into an emerald and pink-colored wonderland filled with activities for children, including bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake making, arts and crafts, egg decorating, a magic show, balloon twisting, a musical, and much more. Hotel mascot Willy the Bear will make a special appearance, ready to meet junior guests and pose for photos.
This Easter, Savoy Hotel Manila is bringing a unique and exciting take on the traditional staycation and Easter Sunday buffet! Families can enjoy not just one, but two special ways to celebrate while treating little ones to the ultimate holiday surprise—a FREE pass to the much-awaited Bunnies & Baskets Easter Carnival Party on April 20, 2025, at 12:00 NN at Savoy Café!
Get ready for a day of non-stop fun as kids enjoy thrilling games, fantastic prizes, face painting, loot bags, and an exciting Easter Egg Hunt! Plus, they can dress up in their best carnival-themed costumes for a chance to win the Best in Costume award!
A powerful movement dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and children took center stage at The Manila Hotel with the official launch of Ladies for a Cause. Composed of strong, passionate, and driven women from various sectors, the initiative aims to make a lasting impact on maternal and child health, particularly during the critical first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday.
My tea-loving heart is so delighted to have tried some of Duchess Fine Teas at their recently concluded event at the World Food Expo held at World Trade Center last March 27.
At the event hall, stood the most attractive and unique booth, its charm boasts a regently crafted space inspired by the Bridgerton Netflix series, which has drawn people to see what it was all about- and they came to taste some of the world’s curated fine teas.
It was a sensorial experience, every sip and aroma infusing in every flow from every teapot brings you to a world that not many knew of, a culture, we Filipinos need to be educated about.
This tea culture, as Dee Ledonio is so passionately putting forward, was actually led by serendipity.
I’ve known Dee for a long time already, and I know her as an entrepreneur who embraces the challenges and rewards that come with building something from the ground up. She is one whom I really look up to when it comes to business and one who has inspired many with her skills in strategy, innovation, and leadership.
Imagine, it only took her a few months to establish Duchess Fine Teas and has now captured the tea aficionado market.
How Duchess Fine Teas Came to Be
Dee fell in love with the culture of tea through her travels across Europe, particularly the UK.
She wandered through charming tea cafés, marveled at exquisite blends, and experienced firsthand the ritualistic elegance of tea drinking. From the rich, malty flavors of Assam to the delicate floral notes of Darjeeling, she discovered that tea was more than just a beverage-it was an experience, a lifestyle, and a bridge to different cultures.
Then came Christmas of 2024, when she received a beautifully curated gift set of fine loose-leaf teas from India. The moment she opened it, she was captivated-the aroma, the packaging, the artistry of the blends. It was a sensory delight, yet it also sparked a lingering question:
"Why is it that in the Philippines, our tea selection is so limited?"
That question ignited an idea.
What if Filipinos had access to the same world-class teas she had discovered abroad? What if loose-leaf teas, elegantly packaged in tin canisters and pyramid tea bags, could be introduced to a market that had long been dominated by instant tea and sugary blends? With the help of a trusted friend and co-founder, Dee began sourcing premium, branded teas from India-the birthplace of some of the world's most celebrated teas.
One country led to another, and soon, Duchess Fine Teas was bringing in carefully curated selections from Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and China. Each tea told a story, each blend carried the heritage of its origins, and Dee knew it was time to introduce Filipinos to the true art of tea drinking.
With a growing health-conscious community in the Philippines, the timing was perfect. More and more Filipinos were seeking natural, wellness-driven alternatives to coffee and sugary drinks.
Tea, with its centuries-old reputation for healing, relaxation, and sophistication, was ready to take its rightful place in the local market.
Thus, Duchess Fine Teas was born—not just as a brand, but as a movement to redefine tea culture in the Philippines. From a single Christmas gift to a full-fledged business, Dee's journey is a testament to how inspiration can come from the simplest moments—and how passion, vision, and the right opportunity can turn an idea into something truly extraordinary.
Vision
To be the premier tea brand that redefines tea culture by offering an exceptional selection of globally sourced, high-quality teas, bringing elegance, wellness, and a refined experience to tea lovers worldwide.
Mission:
1. Curate the Finest Teas - To source and distribute premium teas from renowned tea-producing regions, ensuring superior quality, authenticity, and sustainability.
2. Promote a Lifestyle of Elegance & Wellness - To inspire a refined yet approachable tea culture that encourages relaxation, mindfulness, and well-being.
3. Deliver an Exceptional Experience - To provide an immersive tea-drinking experience through beautifully crafted packaging, educational content, and expert curation.
4. Expand Tea Appreciation - To introduce tea enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike to diverse tea traditions, flavors, and rituals from around the world.
5. Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing - To support responsible sourcing practices by working with ethical tea producers and advocating for sustainability in the tea industry.
6. Create Community & Connection - To build a global community of tea lovers, fostering conversations and shared experiences through tea.
Branded Fine Teas, Sourced Globally.
Then it happened, and I learned that Aklanon cuisine has distinct characteristics of its own, even though having historical traces from the Visayan region. After stumbling upon Boracay Island Flavors at Savoy Hotel Manila, I couldn't undo my admiration for the said cuisine. The Chicken Binakol made me remember my Lola Vita, (she's a Boholana) who has a recipe book with that dish included and she wished she could have cooked it when we visited her when I was young. I never had a chance to taste it even knowing about it in my early teen years. That recipe book happened to be a treasure trove and the only book I read when I was on vacation at that time, which probably inspired me to be who I am now, a food lover.
Do you know where I finally had a taste of the Binakol? It's at Savoy Hotel Manila during the launch of Boracay Island Flavor menu offering, which sadly ran for a couple of weeks only.
How happy I was when I saw it at the menu of Savoy Cafe Boracay. I guess you know what transpired next?
It was until dinner when I had a chance to again rekindle my liking for Aklanon dishes. Savoy Cafe has an extensive selection for Filipino and international cuisines. But what I love is how they have infused the regional dishes and their local ingredients to some of their dishes. Aklanon dishes are so steeped on Visayan traditions and mainly uses what the islands are rich of, like the coconut. Hence, most of the native dishes uses gata or coconut milk, it's water and the meat of course. Various use of the coconut have been passed on from one generation to another, from different meat to seafood and to their meryenda (snack) or desserts, and the hotels' restos in the Newcoast area were not exempted to this.
It was hard choosing the dishes we are to have as everything looked appetizing. My husband then asked the staff for help in ordering, likely their best-seller or her preference. Her initial suggestion was The Binagoongang Lechon Rondalla. With a cheerful smile and warm service, I can tell what the culture of this hotel is, such a charm, and so we did order her suggestion and it was beyond our expectations.
Here are the dishes we ordered...
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| Chicken Binakol |
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| Savoy Special Pizza |
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| Binagoongan Lechon Rondalla |
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| Grilled Salmon with Salad |
