AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge

134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders

AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, has reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting 134,000 young people to date and delivering 3.8 million hours of training. This achievement marks more than halfway toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030.

Alongside job creation, AS Watson has invested heavily in training and development, delivering 3.8 million hours of learning to new joiners in their /rst year -  meaning each young person receives on average 28 hours of learning. This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to empowering young talent with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

From Michelin to Terra Madre: Philippines Emerges as Asia’s Rising Culinary Capital

 

Following the successful inaugural selection of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is once again placing the country at the forefront of global gastronomy with the hosting of the first-ever Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific (TMAP)—the regional edition of the world’s largest sustainable food gathering—set from November 19 to 23 at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.

Watch out for Pokémon Legends titles’ new story, content and side mission this December

 

The Pokémon Company is pleased to announce new updates about  the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, as well as the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC.

New Video for Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension!

The Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC, which features additional story and new content, is slated for release on December 10, 2025.

A special video showcasing the latest information about this title is available on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Please check out Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension | Visit a Strange New Dimension at https://youtu.be/RMujAA9AfPc

A Strange Dimension Reached via Mysterious Distortions

Just when Team MZ’s efforts seem to have restored peace to Lumiose City, something strange begins to happen—mysterious distortions are forming all around town. Amid this, Trainers will meet a mysterious young girl named Ansha, who is accompanied by the Mischief Pokémon, Hoopa.

Hoopa has the curious power to transform the distortions into larger portals that allow passage into hyperspace, and Trainers will need to dive right in!

At a glance, Hyperspace Lumiose may resemble the real Lumiose, but it’s a completely unique place. Not only does it hold Pokémon, but Trainers may not be able to find it in Lumiose City—its Pokémon can also have hyperspace levels that bring their total levels over the normal limit of Lv. 100, making them truly “hyper strong.”

Trainers may also encounter rare Pokémon or Mega-Evolved Pokémon that have never been seen before.

Time to Gather Up Berries and Make Some Donuts!

On the other side, trainers will find themselves in an otherworldly, not-quite-Lumiose city. A Powerful Pokémon not found in the regular Lumiose can be encountered living here.

What in the world is Hyperspace Lumiose? And who or what lies in wait within it?

It’s time for a new adventure for Team MZ!

Depending on what berries the Trainers use, Ansha may even be able to make some special donuts.

Take On Hyperspace Lumiose with New Allies

To protect Lumiose City from this brewing new trouble, Trainers and the rest of Team MZ will need to take on Hyperspace Lumiose with the help of new allies.

Ansha

This mysterious young girl turned up with the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa in tow. She’s a talented donut chef. Eating one of Ansha’s donuts causes Hoopa’s power to awaken, allowing it to open a path into hyperspace.

Korrina

Korrina is the successor to a line of Mega Evolution gurus. She aims to be a skilled user of every Mega Evolution out there.  She’ll join Team MZ in tackling the strange events befalling Lumiose.

Introducing Newly Discovered Mega-Evolved Pokémon!

Mega Chimecho, the Mega Evolution of the Wind Chime Pokémon Chimecho, Appears!

Mega Baxcalibur, the Mega Evolution of the Ice Dragon Pokémon Baxcalibur, Appears!

The Mega Stone, required to Mega Evolve Baxcalibur, can be obtained from the Z-A Battle Club as a reward for getting promoted in online Ranked Battles.

Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and a Nintendo Account are required for online features, including Ranked Battles.

Trainers can participate in the Z-A Battle Club in both Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. 

Mega Chimecho

Category: Wind Chime Pokémon

Type: Psychic/Steel

Height: 3'11" (1.2 m)

Weight: 17.6 lbs. (8 kg)

Mega Baxcalibur

Category: Ice Dragon Pokémon

Type: Dragon/Ice

Height: 6'11" (2.1 m)

Weight: 694.5 lbs. (315 kg)

Extra Side Mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone” is now available! Get the Mythical Pokémon Diancie and a Diancite Stone!

Starting November 6, 2025, Trainers can receive a Diancite stone through the Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and can participate in the extra side mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone".

If Trainers complete this mission, they’ll be able to add the Mythical Pokémon Diancie to their team. Trainers can use the Diancite stone they got through the Mystery Gift feature to Mega Evolve Diancie into Mega Diancie.

To play the extra side mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone,” Trainers will need to complete the main story of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A or Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game.

Mega Diancie

Category: Jewel Pokémon

Type: Rock/Fairy

Height: 3'7" (1.1 m)

Weight: 61.3 lbs. (27.8 kg)

More about the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

● In addition to the Nintendo Switch title Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there will also be a version released for Nintendo Switch 2: Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

● This Nintendo Switch 2 software title will take advantage of the specs of Nintendo Switch 2 to offer improved graphics and frame rates during your adventure in Lumiose City.

● The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is also playable on Nintendo Switch. When playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on the Nintendo Switch system, the content will be the same as that of the Nintendo Switch software. Additional features and content that utilize the Nintendo Switch 2 system’s specs will not be included.

For more information, please check out the official website: https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us

Discover your perfect pasta pairing with Doña Elena

 

From pasta and pizza to dips and spreads, Doña Elena has the perfect Italian sauce for you

Cooking at home brings joy, but it’s the shared meals with family and friends that make the experience truly incomparable. Pasta is a family favorite for a reason—it’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for both daily meals and special celebrations. And whether you’re focused on healthy cuisine or simply love cooking, there is a Doña Elena product for every cooking need, thoughtfully crafted to inspire dishes for both intimate meals and grand gatherings.

As a leading and well-loved brand of olive oil and other Mediterranean cooking ingredients, 

Doña Elena continues to make gourmet experiences at home accessible. And a recent addition to the brand’s wide range of high-quality products are Doña Elena Pasta Sauces, made from fresh and fine ingredients, with no preservatives. From pasta and pizza to dips, spreads, and marinades, these versatile sauces make it easy to turn everyday food into a gastronomic feast. 

The New Doña Elena 100% Italian Premium Sauces

Featuring four flavorful options perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks, these pantry essentials are sure to spark creativity in the kitchen—from simple everyday meals to inventive pasta creations. Doña Elena Pasta Sauces are incredibly versatile, crafted to perfectly pair with pasta, meats, vegetables, or to elevate any dish.

From the Islands to Your Plate: Savoy Hotels Launches Three Chefs, One Table

Savoy Hotel Manila proudly unveiled Three Chefs, One Table, a first-of-its-kind culinary collaboration bringing together the creative talents of three Savoy Hotels across the Philippines—Boracay, Cebu, and Manila. The launch was graced by friends from the Department of Tourism, corporate leaders, General Managers, and media partners, making the celebration truly special.

In his welcome remarks, GM Den Navarro shared that the Savoy brand positions itself as a fun and dynamic hotel that always spices up the guest experience. “With all three destinations represented in this collaboration, we want to continuously spark the gift and opportunity to travel—especially to Cebu-Mactan Newtown, Boracay Newcoast, and Manila–Newport City,” he said.

More than just a feast, Three Chefs, One Table underscores the brand’s commitment to celebrating culture, sustainability, and inclusivity. Each dish is crafted not only to delight the palate but also to honor local heritage and tell a story worth sharing.

Guests at the launch were treated to a showcase of flavors, including highlights such as the Barbecue Chicken Croquette, Bantayan Scallop Rockefeller, Crab Meat Dumpling, Alugbati Salad with Crispy Danggit, Lobster Bisque with Grilled Pan Bisaya, Mactan Chili Crab, Steamed Pompano with Chawanmushi XO, and indulgent desserts like Queso Bibingka Cheesecake and Thai Tea Crème Brûlée—among many others.

Available for the entire month of October, these culinary creations will be served both à la carte and in weeklong buffets exclusively at Savoy Hotel Manila.

Three Chefs, One Table is more than a menu—it is a culinary journey that celebrates diversity, creativity, and collaboration across the Savoy brand. Each dish reflects the flavors of the islands, the passion of the chefs, and the stories that inspire travel.

“I LOVE AUSSIE LAMB FEST" Kicked-off with a Caravan and Will Last Until September 15, 2025

 

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."

Newport World Resorts Brings Bavaria to Manila with the Grandest Oktoberfest Yet

 

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.

Airport Hotel Shares a Little Something for Our Friends Behind the Scenes

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.

Get a CHARMing Bestie SIPrise With 7-Eleven's Newest City Cafe Blind Cups

 

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!

 

Triple the Convenience: 7-Eleven Opens Three New Dine-In Stores in Bacolod and La Union

 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.