Author: Press Release

A Launchpad for Local Talent: Hard Rock Cafe Makati Launches “Universiteen 2.0” on May 21
The Hard Rock Cafe Makati stage is no longer just a mere stage. It’s a launchpad, a launchpad for rising artists chasing their breakthrough…. A space where music, creativity, and passion come alive. … a venue where local talent gets the spotlight he/she deserves.

As part of its growing Support Local campaign, Hard Rock Cafe Makati proudly kicks off Universiteen 2.0, an electrifying live music event happening from 4PM to 8PM this May 21, 2026, bringing together some of the most exciting names in the local music scene for one unforgettable day of entertainment, food, and community.

Taking over the Hard Rock stage are seven exciting bands ready to make waves:
- Waki & The Winstons
- The Sonnets
- 25 Abbey
- Next One
- Hey June
- Better Days
- Gracenote
Plus special appearances from beloved OPM acts:
- Kenaniah
- Imago
A Launchpad for Local Talent

For years, Hard Rock Cafe Makati has been known as a home for great music, unforgettable experiences, and authentic band culture. Through the Support Local campaign, the brand strengthens its commitment to becoming a true launchpad for Filipino artists who want their voices heard and their talents seen.

More than just bands, Hard Rock Cafe Makati welcomes all forms of performers and creatives to take center stage — from solo artists, acoustic acts, DJs, rappers, spoken word artists, drag performers, dancers, instrumentalists, content creators, and emerging entertainers across every genre and style.

The goal is simple: create a space where local artistry thrives, communities connect, and audiences discover the next big names in entertainment.

Entertainment Meets Everyday Cravings

As the music keeps the energy alive throughout the day, Hard Rock Cafe Makati is also turning up the flavor with the launch of its new Everyday Cravings offerings — designed for guests looking for delicious value without compromising the full Hard Rock experience.

Available daily from 11AM to 6PM, guests can enjoy:

1 Appetizer + 1 Entree + 1 Drink starting at just P395

Whether you’re catching live performances, hanging out with friends after class, taking a break from work, or simply craving good food with great music, Everyday Cravings delivers affordable dining paired with world-class entertainment — all in one iconic venue.

Because at Hard Rock Cafe Makati, every meal deserves a soundtrack.

Wear Local

The Support Local movement goes beyond the stage through exclusive Hard Rock merchandise featuring the iconic city logo — allowing fans to proudly represent both music culture and local pride wherever they go.

And the perks don’t stop there.

Guests who wear their Hard Rock merchandise when visiting the cafe can unlock exciting in-store benefits such as:
- Free drinks
- Priority song requests
- VIP seating perks
- Exclusive surprises and rewards
Interested artists who wish to perform and become part of the growing Hard Rock community may sign up here: https://forms.gle/EaZ69vSaWS3rZpmy7

It’s Hard Rock’s way of giving back to the community that continues to support live music, local culture, and authentic experiences.

Where Music, Food, and Community Come Together

With Universiteen 2.0 kicking off the campaign, Hard Rock Cafe Makati continues to prove that it’s more than just a restaurant — it’s a stage for dreamers, a home for artists, and a destination where entertainment, food, and culture collide.

From 4PM to 8PM, guests can expect an unforgettable day of music, memories, flavors, and Filipino talent all under one roof.

One day. Nine incredible acts. Endless local talent.
May 15, 2026
Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s) Now Live In-App: A Personalized Look at Your Listening History
Remember the first song you ever played on Spotify? Starting today, listeners can look back at the songs, artists, and moments that shaped their listening journey over the years.

As Spotify marks 20 years of music discovery, it is giving listeners something more personal than a celebration: “Spotify 20: Your Party of the Year(s),” a new global in-app experience that brings together each user’s listening milestones, from the day they first joined Spotify to the tracks that defined different moments of their lives.

The campaign celebrates the people who made Spotify part of their everyday moments—from heartbreak playlists and late-night soundtracks to road trip anthems, first loves, and favorite artists. Over the last two decades, Spotify has become part of how listeners discover, remember, express themselves, and connect through music.

Through the experience, users can unlock never-before-shared personal listening milestones and insights, including:
- The exact date they joined Spotify
- Their very first song streamed on the platform
- Their all-time most-streamed artist
- The total number of unique songs they’ve listened to across their entire Spotify history
Listeners will also receive a personalized All-Time Top Songs playlist featuring their 120 most-played tracks, complete with play counts and ready to be saved, revisited, and shared.

Designed to spark nostalgia and reflection, the experience also includes shareable social cards, allowing fans to celebrate their listening milestones with friends and communities online.

To mark the celebration, Spotify’s app icon will also temporarily transform into a limited-edition green disco ball on users’ home screens, a playful nod to the millions of listening journeys built on the platform over the last 20 years.

Start exploring your Spotify journey today by opening your Spotify app and searching “Spotify 20” or “Party of the Year(s),” or by heading to spotify.com/20 on mobile.
May 14, 2026
REP taps Nelsito Gomez to Direct Nonie Buencamino’s Musical Theater Comeback in Man of La Mancha

Repertory Philippines (REP) enlivens the local theater scene as it brings the inspiring and beloved story of literary hero Don Quixote to the stage in the much-anticipated production of the seminal classic Man of La Mancha.

With a limited four-weekend run from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater, the 2026 staging of Man of La Mancha not only harks back to REP’s legacy but also offers a revitalized take for today’s theatergoers. The musical will be brought to life by young director Nelsito Gomez, known for his fresh, creative, and relevant (and mostly lauded) takes on the masterworks of literary pantheons, from Shakespeare to Goethe. With him at the helm, one can expect this Cervantine musical about one man’s refusal to give up his impossible dream to be even more impactful and meaningful to the new generation.

Fittingly, this REP staging stars 2025 Gawad Buhay Best Actor in a Play awardee Nonie Buencamino, who makes his grand comeback into musicals as Alonso Quijano / Don Quixote, a man on a dedicated mission to restore honor, justice, and beauty to a world tainted by cynicism and hatred. Buencamino is known for his versatility, having appeared in various films, television shows, and theater productions throughout his decades-long career.

“We are deeply honored to bring Man of La Mancha back to the REP stage—a production that remains very close to my heart as one of my all-time favorite musicals. In a moment when it’s easy to grow weary or guarded, Don Quixote invites us, in his quirky ‘quixotic’ manner, to hold fast to courage, imagination, and the possibility of something better. Guided by an extraordinary team led by Nelsito Gomez and Nonie Buencamino, we’ve shaped a production that feels both intimate and urgent, and I’m truly excited to share it with our audiences,” says Mindy Perez-Rubio, REP President and CEO. “This is a theater experience you simply have to see.”

Considered as one of the world’s most popular musicals, Man of La Mancha is a soul-stirring and powerful musical experience featuring a fictionalized version of the famed writer Miguel de Cervantes, who is thrown into prison by the Spanish Inquisition and must defend himself against his fellow prisoners. As he takes the persona of Don Quixote through a play, the tale of imagination, chivalry, and heroism transforms and touches the people around him. It’s inspired by the Cervantes’ novel “The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha,” often hailed as the “best novel of all time” and the “best and most central work in world literature.”

The musical premiered on Broadway in 1965 and won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, with book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Leigh, and lyrics by Joe Darion. Man of La Mancha is known for introducing the standard, “The Impossible Dream,” the principal song of the show that has become an anthem of hope. With a Spanish-infused score, the musical also features the timeless classics, “Dulcinea”, “I, Don Quixote,” and “I’m Only Thinking of Him”. Man of La Mancha is a favorite among REP audiences, having been previously staged in 1987 at the Insular Life Theater and in 2005 at Onstage Greenbelt.

Acclaimed classical singer and actress Katrine Sunga plays Don Quixote’s muse Aldonza, while Marvin Ong, known for his lauded lead performance in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, plays the iconic Sancho Panza. Rounding out the stellar cast are Tarek El Tayech as Governor/Innkeeper, Alfredo Reyes as Duke/Carrasco, Mikkie Bradshaw-Volante as Antonia, Sarah Facurias Housekeeper, Steven Hotchkiss as Padre, Julio Laforteza as Pedro/Male Dancer, Dippy Arceo as Jose, Jasper Jimenez as Juan/Barber, Ralph Oliva as Paco, Khalil Tambio as Anselmo, Liway Perez as Maria/Female Dancer, and Rafa Sumilong as Captain. JV Fulgencio joins the cast as the Male Swing and Aly Wijangco as the Female Swing.

The artistic team of REP’s Man of La Mancha includes Musical Director Farley Asuncion, Vocal Coach Arman Ferrer, Choreographer Jim Ferrer, Set and Props Designer Julio Garcia, Costume Designer Hershee Tantiado, Sound Designer Kabaitan Bautista, and Lighting Designer and Technical Director D Cortezano.

REP’s Man of La Mancha is running only for four weeks from June 5 to 28 at the REP Eastwood Theater in Eastwood City Walk 2, Quezon City.

Tickets are available now for ₱3,000 for Orchestra Center and ₱2,500 for Orchestra Side. Book your seats now, check out Ticketworld via tinyurl.com/REPMLM2026-TW or Ticket2Me via tinyurl.com/REPMLM2026. Special rates are also available to Megaworld Titanium VIPs through tinyurl.com/REPLAMANCHAVIP, while Eastwood residents, tenants, and employees can claim their special discount at the REP Box Office, 4F Eastwood Mall near SuperPark and Red Mango

For updates and show schedules, visit www.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.

May 11, 2026
A Modern Essential Perfected by UNIQLO: 20 Years of Bra Top Innovation for Today’s Women

For over 20 years, UNIQLO’s Bra Top has been shaped by a simple yet deeply considered idea: that clothing should support women, not just in how they look, but in how they live.

Created with women in mind, the Bra Top was made for women of all kinds: those constantly on the move, those balancing multiple roles, and those who simply want to feel at ease in what they wear. By bringing together a bra and a top into one seamless piece, UNIQLO introduced a quieter, more intuitive way of dressing, one that allows women to move through their day with greater ease.

Over time, this thoughtful simplicity has become something women return to instinctively. The built-in cup structure provides steady, reliable support while maintaining a natural shape. Subtle in feel yet essential in effect, it allows women to carry themselves with quiet confidence. It is this sense of effortlessness, of not having to think twice; that has made the Bra Top a constant across different stages of life.

As days shift from one moment to another, the Bra Top adapts in kind. Designed with all-around support that moves with the body, it meets women where they are, whether navigating long, active days or simply slowing down. It is less about structure alone and more about creating a sense of ease that feels personal and lived in.

For over twenty years, the Bra Top has continued to evolve alongside the women who wear it. Today, it reflects a wide spectrum of styles, from essential everyday pieces to more refined, fashion-forward silhouettes, allowing women to choose what feels most like themselves.

Thoughtful sizing ensures that more women can experience that same balance of comfort and confidence, reinforcing the idea that it was never meant for just a few, but for many.

From the breathable lightness of AIRism Bra Tops to styles suited for more polished occasions, each piece carries forward the same intention set more than two decades ago: to make dressing feel simpler, more natural, and ultimately more supportive of real life.

This philosophy finds a meaningful setting at UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia as it celebrates the second anniversary of its redefined space—a place shaped by movement, connection, and everyday experiences. As one of the country’s most dynamic destinations, it reflects the very lives the Bra Top was designed for. Within this space, the piece becomes more than just an item of clothing, it becomes something women can rely on wherever the day takes them.

In celebration of this 20-year journey, customers are invited to visit the Bra Top display at UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia from May 9 to June 30, 2026 to rediscover how the Bra Top has evolved over time.

Guided by UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy, the Bra Top reflects clothing designed with empathy, proving that when something is thoughtfully made for women, it becomes not just something they wear, but something they can truly depend on.

May 11, 2026
5 new ways to connect to Mom this Mother’s Day Weekend – and beyond!
Mother’s Day has always had its usual hallmarks and rituals every year: the early morning bouquet while the sunshine is still soft, the frantic search for a dinner reservation (before the actual Sunday, of course), and the familiar chorus of “Thank you, Mom” when it’s time to serenade her.

But as the dynamics of the Filipino family evolve, so does the way we celebrate the women at the heart of our homes. Today’s mothers have evolved beyond their traditional roles – now more empowered than ever, they are entrepreneurs, digital navigators, and lifelong learners. And while they may not always say it, most of the time our moms crave more than just a token gift; they crave the connections with their loved ones, especially their children.

If you’re looking to change it up and move past the usual routine of lunch, flowers, and a gift for Mama, here are a few meaningful ways to bond with her this Mother’s Day weekend at Expo Mom, hosted by Mommy Mundo and powered by its official broadband partner PLDT Home Fiber:

1. Artistic reflections with mom
Instead of buying a card, spend an hour in a creative flow. Creative spaces at Expo Mom, like junk journaling and portrait painting offer a rare moment of pause. It’s a chance for moms to reconnect with their own identities through art, while children – young or grown – get to see a different, more expressive side of their mothers.

2. Disco dancing during the day!
There is a unique kind of joy found in movement. When was the last time Mom danced her heart out? If it’s been a while, take her to a “Daytime Disco for Moms,” as dancing should be a high-energy reminder that motherhood shouldn’t mean the end of fun. Let her let loose, shake off the weekly stress, and simply enjoy the rhythm of being together.

3. Shopping with a story
Support can be a form of celebration. Browsing through the MamaMarket lets the whole family meet mompreneurs behind the brands and products your family will love. It’s an inspiring way for families to see the creativity and resilience of the community while picking out something special that supports another family’s dream.

4. Listening to insightful talks
Motherhood was never meant to be a solo act. Attending support group sessions or listening to onstage talks provides a sense of “I see you.” For families, hearing these honest conversations about the realities of parenting at the Community Connections space fosters a deeper empathy and understanding for what Mom handles every day.

5. Strutting it out!
Confidence is the best outfit, and seeing moms walk the runway during the fashion show is a vibrant celebration of style at every stage of life. It’s a moment for the whole family to cheer from the sidelines, celebrating the individuality and grace that Mom brings to the household.

Make this Mother’s Day Weekend and beyond truly memorable by visiting Expo Mom, powered by PLDT Home Fiber. It’s a space where every member of the family – from the kids to the kids-at-heart – can feel supported and inspired. PLDT Home remains committed to empowering these modern family lives, ensuring that whether you are learning something new online, managing a home business, or simply staying in touch with loved ones, you have the reliable connectivity to make it happen.

While you’re at Expo Mom Manila, don’t forget to check out the PLDT Home booth for exclusive offers to keep your family connected:
- Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 on Sale: Enjoy free installation, free speedboost, unli entertainment on Cignal, and big discounts on Samsung and other gadgets. Plus, get a chance to win free broadband for life!
- PLDT Home Life: Shop smart home devices and enjoy ₱200 off, free shipping, and up to ₱500 worth of Maya vouchers.
- Plus, join booth activities and take home exciting freebies for the whole family!
To know more about these amazing deals you can enjoy this Mother’s Day and beyond, visit pldthome.com.
May 9, 2026
M is the Merry Mother’s Month of May at The Peninsula Manila
May 10 is Mother’s Day!

M is for the million things she gave me

O means she’s growing old

T are the tears she shed to save me

H is for her heart of purest gold

E are for her eyes, with love-light shining

R means right, and right she’ll always be

Put them all together they spell “Mother”,

A word that means the world to me.

– by Theodore Morse and Howard Johnson

We all have a mother. Many of us are fortunate to still have her in our lives, shaping who we are in ways both quiet and profound. This May, The Peninsula Manila celebrates that enduring presence with a thoughtfully curated selection of experiences in honor of Mother’s Day on May 10, 2026—a graceful tribute to the women who continue to inspire, nurture, and define us.

For Mother’s Day inquires or reservations, please call The Peninsula Manila at (63 2) 8887 2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations, 6769 and 6771 for The Peninsula Boutique), email diningpmn@peninsula.com, or visit peninsula.com.

Rooms Promotion

Celebrating Her: Honoring Mothers in our 50th Year

In the year we celebrate 50 years of hospitality, we honor the women who shape our families with grace and devotion. This Mother’s Day retreat is designed for rest, appreciation, and shared indulgence, wrapped in the timeless elegance of The Peninsula Manila. Rates start at 22,099 for a Grand Deluxe Room and 27,499 for a Premier Suite.

Inclusions:
- Mother’s Day floral welcome amenity from The Peninsula Boutique
- Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Lobby
- “Baking Memories with Mom,” an intimate Mother’s Day cake decorating class for families, available exclusively to the first 10 guests who book the offer
- Daily fitness and recreational activities for junior guests such as The Peninsula Scavenger Hunt (schedule subject to change)
- Daily buffet breakfast at Escolta for two adults and two children aged five years old and below
- Access to The Gallery Club Lounge for two adults staying in suites
- “Peninsula Time” flexible check-in and check-out privileges
- Complimentary WiFi access and local city phone use
- Complimentary use of the Fitness Center and swimming pool
Gallery Club Lounge Benefits:
- Dedicated Club Concierge
- Personalized early check-in and late check-out offered in-room or at the lounge
- Culinary indulgence throughout the day, including breakfast, Afternoon Tea, and evening cocktails
- Use of Recto and Reyes boardrooms for two hours per day (subject to availability)
- Complimentary pressing of one garment per stay
- Complimentary printing services of up to 10 pages per day
- Access to tablets
For Mother’s Day room inquires or reservations, please call The Peninsula Manila at (63 2) 8887 2888 (ext. 6630 for Room Reservations), email roomreservation@peninsula.com, or visit peninsula.com.
May 9, 2026
All for mom indulgences at City of Dreams Manila

City of Dreams Manila unveils a suite of luxuriously curated experiences for Mother’s Day celebration, honoring the remarkable women who shape families with grace, devotion, and strength.

From opulent dining and refined staycations to indulgent gifts, the luxury resort presents an elegant celebration worthy of the woman of the hour.

Crystal Dragon’s month-long bespoke menu dedicated to moms

Fresh from hosting the acclaimed six-hands Michelin-starred dining experience for discerning gourmands, Crystal Dragon Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean pays homage to moms with a limited-edition a la carte menu featuring the restaurant’s Cantonese and regional Chinese specialties.

Made of premium ingredients, artfully plated and perfect for a feast befitting moms who appreciate the finer things in life, the special menu consists of Fish Maw with cod fish in rich broth, Cantonese-Style Roasted Duck with fresh ginseng, Steamed Spotted Grouper with ginger and soybean crisp, River Prawns in Crispy Pan-fried Vermicelli with silky scrambled egg, and Chilled Eight Treasures with ginseng and bird’s nest.

The curated menu is available from May 1 to 31 at lunch from 12 nn to 3 pm and dinner from 5 to 11 pm daily. The award-winning Crystal Dragon is situated at the Upper Ground in Nuwa Manila.

Nobu Manila’s Mother’s Day brunch

The Manila outpost of Nobu restaurants offers an indulgent Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch, spotlighting world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s iconic Nobu style creations, and his unique take on traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients.

In the lavish buffet to honor moms, diners can have unlimited helpings of Nobu classics such as Yellowtail Jalapeño, Salmon Karashi Su Miso, and Black Cod Miso in butter lettuce. A chef’s selection of premium sushi cups, maki rolls and nigiri, are featured alongside the Mother’s Day specials that highlight a carving station for Slow-cooked Beef Brisket, Crispy Prok Belly, and Nobu Baked Salmon. Other buffet highlights are Baked Jumbo Prawns with Aji Amarillo aioli, Braised Duck Leg with coconut miso, and Nobu Style Pork Sisig.

The Nobu brunch includes an all-you-can-eat dishes in an ala carte menu prepared à la minute, complementing a decadent buffet where chefs in action prepare Nobu sushi, sashimi and maki rolls at the sushi bar, and grilled skewered meats and vegetables at the kushiyaki station. Diners are spoilt for choice at the salad station; chilled seafood bar with fresh oysters, green mussels, shrimps and blue crabs on ice; and a hot section for main courses and brunch specialties.

To satisfy the guests’ sweet tooth, the dessert corner offers an impressive indulgence composed of cakes and pastries, assortment of eclairs, truffle parfait and sliced fresh fruits.

The Nobu Mother’s Day brunch on May 10 is available from 11:30 am to 3 pm, and price starts at P4,388 net per adult for the Regular package, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. Other packages that include alcoholic and premium beverages are also available. Children ages 6 to 12 years old enjoy half price, and five years and below dine for free when accompanied by an adult availing of the Nobu brunch.

Apart from the Sunday Brunch, Nobu Manila, located at Level 1 of Nobu Hotel, is open on Mother’s Day for dinner from 5 to 10 pm.

Sweet moments made for her at Café Society

Guests looking for thoughtful gifts will find a curated collection of Mother’s Day sweets and floral arrangements at Café Society. This year’s seasonal lineup showcases handcrafted chocolates, artistically designed cakes, and delicate pastries along with a selection of bouquets. Each creation is meticulously crafted by the resort’s master pâtissiers, offering guests a luxurious way to express gratitude and admiration for moms.

The Mother’s Day selection of gifts is available from May 1 to May 10 at Café Society at The Shops at the Boulevard, which is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

A stay she’ll truly enjoy at Nuwa Manila, Nobu Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Manila

In celebration of Mother’s Day, City of Dreams Manila’s three Forbes Travel Guide Star-rated hotels highlight a luxurious staycation package,, which starts at P12,200 at Nüwa Manila, P10,900 at Nobu Hotel, and P9,700 at Hyatt Regency Manila for direct bookings for an overnight stay Guests who opt to book for a minimum of a two-night stay get to avail of a discount of P500 per night. Rates quoted are net.

The indulgent stay includes complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children 12 years old and below, complimentary in-room maxibar replenished nightly, 20% discount at City of Dreams Manila-operated restaurants, 20% discount on DreamPlay’s participant tickets under the Family Plan, 20% discount on selected spa services at Nuwa Spa and Nobu Spa, and a complimentary welcome amenity.

Booking period for the package is until May 9 with stay period from May 8 to 10. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-254940 Series of 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

For reservations, call (63 2) 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com, or visit https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/whats-on/stay-mothers-day-2026. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

May 9, 2026
Mom’s Time Off, Styled Just For Her at ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

This Mother’s Day, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is putting Mom in the spotlight with a celebration that is bright, playful, and full of feel-good moments. She may be booked, busy, and always on the move, but this time, it is her turn to pause, be spoiled, and enjoy a day made around her. From stylish stays and festive dining to sweet treats, skyline drinks, and poolside fun, the hotel brings together a vibrant lineup of offers for families ready to celebrate Mom in a fresh and memorable way.

For moms who deserve to switch off and settle into a well-earned break, Mom’s Time Off gives families a stylish city stay made easy. Available for booking until May 30, 2026, for stays until May 31, 2026, the Mother’s Day staycation offer lets Mom enjoy a relaxing change of scenery with thoughtful treats and family-friendly inclusions.

Guests may book a Standard Room at PHP 3,699 nett per night or a Family Room at PHP 8,199 nett per night. Each stay comes with a welcome gift for Mom and 10% off on food orders at Le Bistro, The Edge Skyview Bar, and strEATs Coworking Café. Standard Room bookings include breakfast buffet for two adults and one child aged 12 years old and below at strEATs, while Family Room bookings include breakfast buffet for two adults and two children aged 12 years old and below at strEATs. (Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-254686, Series of 2026.)

The celebration blooms at strEATs with Plates & Petals, a Mother’s Day Full Bloom Feast happening on May 10, 2026, from 12NN to 2PM. Made for moms who deserve a table as bright as the love they give, this garden-inspired lunch buffet brings together hearty flavors, live entertainment, and fun activities designed to keep the whole family smiling. Priced at PHP 1,699 nett per person, the lunch buffet includes live entertainment and free-flowing soda, tea, and coffee. Guests may also enjoy an early-bird rate of PHP 1,499 nett per person at My Novotel Manila Boutique until May 6, 2026. To make the day even more special, Mom gets 50% off when she dines with two of her favorite people, while seniors eat for free when dining with one guest.

Beyond the buffet spread, families can take part in feel-good activities made for bonding and memory-making, including a Message for Mom Wall, where guests can leave heartfelt notes, a Mom & Me Photo Challenge for a chance to win a surprise gift for Mom, a Dessert Decorating Corner for sweet creativity, and a DIY Flower Crown Station for a floral keepsake she can proudly wear or take home.

For moms who prefer to sip, snack, and enjoy something a little more charming, Merci, Maman! at Le Bistro offers a Mother’s Day treat with a Parisian touch. Available on May 10, 2026, this special offering gives Mom the choice between high tea or a beautifully arranged charcuterie platter, perfect for a slower, sweeter moment in the middle of the celebration. Priced at PHP 1,499 nett, guests may choose between Le Parisien High Tea, featuring savory bites such as Truffled Egg Mayonnaise Finger Sandwich, Brie and Blueberry Mini Croissant, and Mini Bacon Quiche Lorraine, along with sweet selections including Strawberry Cheesecake, Craquelin Choux with Vanilla Crème Pâtissière, and Chocolate Hazelnut Tart. Guests may also choose the Cured & Crafted Charcuterie Platter, served with two kinds of cheese and cold cuts, olives, nuts, fruit, jam, pickles, honey, and sourdough bread. The offer also includes free-flowing coffee or tea drinks for one hour and a welcome gift for Mom.

As the day turns golden, families can take the celebration up a notch with Sunset Sips for Mom at The Edge Skyview Bar. For moms who would love a seat, a sip, and a skyline view, Bar Pours & Bites brings together cocktails, mocktails, and bar favorites in an elevated setting made for unwinding. Available for selling until May 10, 2026, with redemption on May 10, 2026 from 5PM to 2AM, the offer is priced at PHP 749 per person, with a minimum of four persons. It includes a choice of four cocktails or mocktails and a bar platter featuring Chili Dynamite, Spam Fries, Chicharon Bulaklak, and Umami Fries.

“Mother’s Day at ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is about celebrating Mom with the same energy she brings into every room—bright, warm, and full of life,” said Ms. Therese Galindo, Resident Managerof ibis Styles Manila Araneta City. “We wanted this year’s offers to feel like a love letter from the family: a little time to breathe, something delicious on the table, a refreshing drink in hand, and moments that let Mom feel seen, spoiled, and celebrated in her own style.”

With Mom’s Day around the corner, ibis Styles Manila Araneta City invites families to celebrate Mom with color, flavor, movement, and plenty of heart. With offers made for every kind of celebration, from a cozy stay to a festive feast and a splash-filled morning, Mom’s time off begins with moments that feel light, joyful, and unmistakably hers.

Explore our Mom’s Day offers at ibisstyles-manilaaranetacity.com. For inquiries and table reservations, please call (63 2) 8248 8444 or email HB133@accor.com.

May 9, 2026
Full Plates, Full Hearts & Fully Rested Moms at Novotel Manila Araneta City

This Mother’s Day, Novotel Manila Araneta City gives families more meaningful ways to celebrate Mom with offers centered on rest, heart feasts, and quality time together. From a bloom-filled staycation with breakfast, to a festive buffet, a heartfelt tribute for her, and soothing spa indulgenece, each offer is crafted to make her feel appreciated, cared for, and celebrate throughout the season with the people who love her most.

For families looking to give Mom a quiet kind of happiness, Mom’s Blooming Getaway offers a stay filled with comfort, flowers, and familiar faces. Available for selling until May 14, 2026, for stays from until May 15, 2026, the Mother’s Day staycation package lets families come together in a warm and relaxing city escape made especially for her.

Rates start at PHP 6,999 nett per night for a Superior Room, PHP 7,299 nett per night for a Deluxe Room, PHP 9,499 nett per night for an Executive Room, and PHP 12,499 nett per night for an Executive Suite. The package includes overnight accommodation, breakfast buffet for two adults and two children aged 16 years old and below at Food Exchange Manila, one pre-made bouquet from Belle Fleurs at Novotel Manila on every booking, 20% off on all à la carte treatments at In Balance Spa, early check-in at 10:00 AM, and late check-out until 2:00 PM, subject to availability. Guests booking Executive Rooms and Executive Suites will also enjoy access to the Premier Lounge. (Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-254666, Series of 2026.)

The celebration continues at Food Exchange Manila with Nurtured Flavors: A Feast Worthy of Mom, a special Mother’s Day lunch and dinner buffet on May 10, 2026. Created as a joyful gathering for the whole family, the buffet invites guests to raise a toast to Mom with a spread curated for her, from the tides of the sea to bellissimo bites, along with entertainment and delightful surprises that make the occasion even more memorable. Priced at PHP 3,099 nett per person, the buffet comes with a special treat where mothers eat for free when accompanied by three full-paying adults.

The experience includes free-flowing flavored iced tea, sodas, coffee, tea, local beers, and one complimentary cocktail, plus live entertainment, a photobooth, a special gift for Mom while supplies last, and a Pick-a-Prize activity. Guests may also discover a special rate for Mom at PHP 2,099 nett per person at My Novotel Manila Boutique. (Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-255263, Series of 2026.)

To make the celebration even more personal, Novotel Manila Araneta City invites Novo-fans to join Her Love, My Story, a Mother’s Day social media challenge that turns gratitude into a heartfelt tribute. For all the ways she has loved, guided, and given, participants are encouraged to create a one-minute vertical video Reel with a heartfelt voice-over message for their mom, post it publicly on Facebook or Instagram, and share in the caption why their mom deserves a special treat. Two lucky moms will each receive a lunch buffet for two at Food Exchange Manila and one bouquet of flowers from Belle Fleurs, redeemable on May 10, 2026, lunch only. One lucky mom will also receive an overnight stay in a Superior Room with breakfast buffet for two at Food Exchange Manila, valid for one year. Entries must be submitted on or before May 7, 2026 at 6PM, and winners will be notified on May 8, 2026 through the hotel’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. Click here to view full mechanics: bit.ly/HerLoveMyStory2026.

In celebration of Mother’s Day, Belle Fleurs brings a thoughtful floral experience to Mom’sfrom May 8 to 10, 2026 available from Friday to Sunday, 9AM to 7PM at the secondary lobby. The cart will feature a selection of beautifully arranged blooms and handcrafted bouquets, offering families a meaningful way to honor mothers, grandmothers, mother figures, and the women who make every day brighter. Whether given as a heartfelt surprise or paired with a family celebration, Belle Fleur’s Mother’s Day flowers are designed to express love, gratitude, and appreciation in full bloom.

In Balance Spa brings something new for Mother’s Day with the Mom & Me Spa Retreat, a tender wellness treat made for moms and her little ones to enjoy side by side. Available until May 31, 2026, the package offers a comforting pause from the everyday, giving Mom and her child a shared moment of care, calm and closeness through soothing spa treatments.

The Mom & Child Escape is priced at PHP 2,999 nett and includes a 60-minute full body massage for Mom, a 30-minute gentle massage for one child aged 3 to 16 years old, and complimentary herbal tea and wellness drink. For those who wish to share a more indulgent spa moment with Mom, the Mom & Me Indulgence offers a 75-minute signature spa treatment for two, featuring a foot scrub and full body massage, along with complimentary herbal tea, priced at PHP 4,999 nett for two persons.

“Mom is often the quiet force that nurtures the family, the one who makes every meal warmer, every home softer, and every moment feel cared for,” said Ms. Joy De Mesa, Hotel Manager of Novotel Manila Araneta City. “This Mother’s Day, we want to give families the chance to return that same care to her, whether through a restful stay, a shared feast, a heartfelt tribute, or a moment of calm made just for her. These offers are our way of helping loved ones celebrate Mom not only for what she does, but for the love she give everyday.”

This season of love for Mom, Novotel Manila Araneta City reminds families that the most meaningful gift for Mom is often the simplest one: time shared, love expressed, and care returned. As the hotel welcomes guests to celebrate the women who nurture every home, it invites families to make the occasion one that Mom can feel, remember, and truly call her own.

For more information about our Mother’s Day offers, visit www.novotelmanilaaranetacity.com & my.novotelmanilaaranetacity.com or contact (63 2) 8990 7888, email H7090@accor.com.

May 9, 2026
Globally Renowed Pop Group Westlife Announce Manila Date For ‘Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour’

Globally renowned pop group Westlife announces the Asia leg of its much-awaited tour ‘WESTLIFE 25: The Anniversary World Tour’ with a concert in MANILA on January 20, 2027 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets will go on-sale on May 15 Friday, 12PM via SMTickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

Running from September 2026, the tour promises a euphoric, hit-filled set spanning their extraordinary career, featuring timeless ballads and global chart-toppers. It kicks off with a 13-date residency in Dublin this September before heading across the UK and Europe, marking their first headline continental run in two decades.

Westlife today release their monumental era-defining album 25 – The Ultimate Collection, a celebration of their record-breaking 25-year journey at the very top of global pop. The album is available across multiple formats including 1CD, 2CD deluxe, 1LP, Amazon Exclusive 1LP picture disc and cassette. Listen HERE.

The release follows “Chariot”, written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, and co-written and produced by Steve Mac and features on the new album alongside recent release “Your Love Amazes Me”. The collection brings together 21 of the band’s most beloved songs including “You Raise Me Up,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Flying Without Wings” alongside brand-new material recorded by all four members: Shane, Nicky, Kian and Mark.

Westlife said: “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together and it still feels like only the beginning. The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special. We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together.”

May 9, 2026