Author: Press Release

Mother’s Day Story Idea: Simple & Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Mom with Metrobank Perks

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be extravagant to feel meaningful. More often than not, it’s the smallest acts that create the biggest impact.

If you’re still planning how to celebrate, Metrobank has curated a few simple ways to make the day feel special for the moms in your life, with added perks when you use any Metrobank credit card.

Start with something she’ll keep
A well-chosen gift can say a lot, especially when it’s something she can return to every day. Jewelry remains a timeless option—not for its price, but for its meaning.

At Esotico Jewelry, you can enjoy 30% off on plain gold items with a minimum spend of PHP5,000, making it easier to find a piece she’ll treasure for years.

Whether it’s something simple or a bit more statement-making, the thought behind it is what she’ll remember.

Give her a moment to unwind
Sometimes, the best gift is simply the chance to slow down—something many moms rarely get. Treat her to a quick skin retreat at VMV Skin-Specialist Boutiques and enjoy 15% off on products and services.

For a more memorable experience, consider doing something unique together, like a perfume-making session at The Scent Studio, where you can enjoy 30% off their workshop and 10% off home fragrances with a minimum single-receipt in-store spend of PHP650. It’s less about the activity and more about the time spent creating something together.

Upgrade her home
For many moms, the things they use daily matter just as much as special-occasion gifts.

A small upgrade at home can make routines feel lighter and more enjoyable. Get her new kitchen essentials from Ninja Kitchen and take advantage of a 20% discount on select appliances, including their popular Dual Zone Airfryers. These items sound too practical, but it’s the kind of gift that becomes an essential part of her everyday.

Keep the classics
Some gestures remain timeless for a reason. Flowers, for one, never go out of style.

Whether it’s a simple bouquet or something more elaborate, FlowerStore.ph offers 25% off plus free shipping on Mother’s Day when you use your Metrobank credit card and the app code MBANKMOM. Potico.ph also offers 30% off for any item on their online shop when you use the code MBANKPMOM. It’s an easy way to add a thoughtful touch to the day, especially when paired with a handwritten note.

Celebrate every kind of mom
Motherhood looks different for everyone, and so does the way we celebrate it.

For new moms navigating a new routine, seasoned moms refreshing their newborn essentials, or any mom in need of a curated selection of parent-tested essentials, consider gifting items from Edamama, which offers 10% off in-store or PHP500 off online for first-time users (code: METROMAMA2026). It’s a small but helpful way to support this new chapter—practical, thoughtful, and grounded in what she actually needs.

Keep it simple, keep it meaningful
At its core, Mother’s Day isn’t about doing more—it’s about being present. A thoughtful gift, a shared experience, or even just uninterrupted time together can mean more than any grand plan.

With a curated range of offers, Metrobank credit cardholders can focus less on the details and more on what truly matters: making Mom feel appreciated.

For the full list of participating merchants, exclusive deals, and terms and conditions, visit the Promo page in the Metrobank website.   Not a cardholder yet? To learn more or apply for a Metrobank credit card, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/personal/cards/credit-cards

May 9, 2026
Meet Your New Everyday Saviors with Nuxe Merveillance Lift

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, your skin deserves indulgent anti-aging formulas designed to meet women’s expectations. To reveal your skin’s natural strength, NUXE Merveillance LIFT brings together immediate effectiveness with day-after-day correction of wrinkles, firmness, and radiance—a promise that is enriched by two new everyday essentials.

THE INSTANT EYE-OPENER

For those seeking brighter eyes, the new NUXE Eye Lighter Serum (Php 2,900) has you covered. This high-performance serum is both a treatment and an illuminator with a 3-in-1 action that smooths, brightens, and corrects dark circles instantly. With continued use, the eye contour is lifted, and fine lines fade for a youthful, refreshed look.

Its fragrance-free formula is composed of a trio of expert active ingredients—Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and caffeine. Combined with the range’s anti-aging star ingredient, Micro-Algae Oil, the NUXE Eye Lighter Serum targets all types of dark circles and leaves a pearlescent pink effect on the eye area. On top of that, the convenient tube format makes it ideal for touch-ups during the day, restoring radiance whenever your skin needs an extra boost.

THE BEAUTY OF DAY AND NIGHT

Get ready for ultimate all-day performance with the new NUXE 24/24 Exceptional Day & Night Cream 75ml (Php 4,250). Designed for alternating action, the NUXE 24/24 Exceptional Day & Night Cream is specially formulated to switch between defense and revitalization. In the morning, it replenishes moisture and protects the skin from daily aggressions for an even, smooth complexion. In the evening, it supports cellular regeneration to reinforce firmness and maintain hydration.

This fluid, lightweight formula with Niacinamide and Micro-Algae Oil moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier, making the skin appear plumper and younger. Beyond its performance that suits all skin types, its texture is a true sensorial feat. The NUXE 24/24 Exceptional Day & Night Cream leaves a delicate satin finish during the day, while remaining rich and enveloping at night. To complete the experience, its deliciously addictive floral trail of freesia and magnolia, with subtle musky notes lingers on the skin for a moment of pure indulgence.

REDISCOVER MERVEILLANCE LIFT BEAUTY ICONS

Get to know the rest of the NUXE Merveillance LIFT collection, where high-performance skincare essentials complete a full wrinkle and firmness correction routine. For an instant smoothing and firming effect, the NUXE Firming Powdery Cream leaves a natural blur finish. The star of the range, the NUXE Firming Activating Oil-Serum, offers a 100% active texture—just three drops help visibly improve firmness and suppleness over time. For the delicate eye area, the NUXE Lift Eye Cream works to fill wrinkles and lifts the eyelids with an immediate soft-focus effect. Meanwhile, the NUXE Concentrated Night Cream works overnight to recharge the skin so it wakes up smoother, revitalized, and renewed.

Let your skin’s natural strength and radiance shine through with the NUXE Merveillance LIFT range, available in-store at Rustan’s, Beauty Bar, LOOK At Me, Mitsukoshi Beauty, The Landmark, Chimes Boutiques, NCCC Department Store; and online on Rustans.com, Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora.

May 9, 2026
Anyhow Inasal Serves Smoky Twist on a Comfort Favorite with Limited-Time Grilled Cheesy Salmon for Mother’s Day

Baked cheesy salmon has long been a go-to comfort dish for family celebrations—but this Mother’s Day, Anyhow Inasal is giving it a fresh, flame-grilled upgrade.

Introducing the Grilled Cheesy Salmon, a limited-time offering that takes the familiar richness of baked cheesy salmon and elevates it with the bold flavors of the grill. Instead of the usual oven finish, the salmon is cooked over high heat, creating a lightly charred exterior and infusing each bite with a distinct smoky aroma.

The result is a dish that balances indulgence and depth: tender, juicy salmon paired with a generous layer of melted cheese, bringing together creamy and savory notes with a subtle smokiness. It’s a flavorful twist designed for sharing—perfect for families looking to make Mother’s Day a little more special without the stress of cooking.

Each serving is good for 4 to 6 people and comes with a side of mixed vegetables, making it a convenient, ready-to-serve centerpiece for intimate gatherings at home.

Available for a limited time only, the Grilled Cheesy Salmon can be ordered from all Anyhow Inasal branches: Baltao, Comembo, Mandaluyong, San Marcelino, and Santa Ana. With limited daily production to maintain quality, advance orders are highly encouraged.

For inquiries and orders, customers may message Anyhow Inasal on their official social media accounts (Facebook: OfficialAnyhowInasal, Instagram: @anyhowinasal) or contact (63 927) 181 7058.

Make this Mother’s Day gathering effortlessly memorable—with a dish that brings everyone to the table.

May 8, 2026
CHAGEE Marks International Tea Day with an Invitation to Explore the Beauty of Tea

Tea is something most Filipinos have known their whole lives. It is in our mornings, our conversations, our quieter moments. While it feels familiar, there is so much more to learn about tea: the regions it comes from, the seasons that shape it, the generations of craft that bring it to the cup.

This May, CHAGEE invites you to explore the world of tea making. To welcome International Tea Day on May 21, CHAGEE Philippines is marking the occasion with a new jasmine oolong tea, and a series of experiences designed to bring people genuinely closer to tea culture.

A New Tea, and the Story Behind It

On May 8, CHAGEE introduces the BO·YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Tea series, the newest addition to its BO·YA Jasmine series.

The BO·YA name carries a two-thousand-year-old story of genuine connection that echoes through the ages, featuring Boya, a master musician whose playing was so deeply felt that only one person, a humble woodcutter named Ziqi, could fully understand it. Their bond became one of Chinese culture’s most enduring expressions of genuine connection: the idea that something made with real honesty will always find the people who appreciate it. It is a hope that runs through every cup in the BO·YA series: That somewhere out there, for every blend crafted with care, there is someone who will pick it up, take a sip, and simply understand.

The new drink opens with a gentle front note of jasmine before the distinct orchid character of Tieguanyin, a prized variety of oolong, slowly follows. This builds the first sip into a taste that is floral, layered, and quietly complex. The Tieguanyin oolong base is sourced from the high-altitude gardens of Southern Fujian, China, while the jasmine flowers come from Hengxian in Guangxi, known in the world for producing jasmine of exceptional quality and lasting fragrance.

BO·YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Milk Tea: PHP 159 (R) / PHP 175 (L)

BO·YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Brewed Tea: PHP 130 (R) / PHP 145 (L)

Something to Savour Beyond the Cup

Alongside the new drink, CHAGEE has designed a small collection of tea-inspired merchandise for the season, including a Tea-Scented Charm, a Tea Icons Keychain, and the Tea Roots Tumbler, each drawing from the natural elements and imagery behind CHAGEE’s teas. Selected merchandise will be available bundled with BO·YA Family drinks in-store during the launch period.

[From L-R] CHAGEE International Tea Day Merchandise: Tea Roots Mini Tumbler, Tea-Scented Charm, & Tea Icons Keychain

And for those who want to go a little deeper, CHAGEE will also be releasing a specially curated publication dedicated to the culture and heritage of tea, available at select stores from May 21. More details to follow closer to International Tea Day.

Experiencing What Makes a Good Cup of Tea

To fully immerse Pinoy tea lovers in the process of tea-making, CHAGEE will launch a Sip and Learn Tea Workshop on May 11, where invited guests will be guided by a Tea Master through the aromas, flavours, and stories that make a great cup of tea. It will be a first step, and an intentional one: a reminder that the story of tea is best experienced in person, and that there is more to come for those who are curious.

A second session – which the public can join by signing up through the CHAGEE app – will follow at SM North EDSA on May 21, and a final session at Robinsons Galleria on June 6, so there are plenty of opportunities to take part throughout the season.

On International Tea Day itself, CHAGEE is also inviting Filipinos to slow down and take a real tea break. From May 18 to 21, during meryenda time at 3 PM, the first 100 customers at every CHAGEE Philippines store can claim a complimentary Regular BO·YA Jasmine Tieguanyin Milk Tea. It is CHAGEE’s way of marking the day simply and sincerely: with a good cup of tea, shared with as many people as possible.

“Most people drink tea every day, and that is exactly why we think it is worth pausing to understand it a little better,” said Philip Dee, Tea Master at CHAGEE Philippines. “When you stop and look closely, what you find is extraordinary. Centuries of knowledge, farmers who understand their soil the way musicians understand their instruments, and a quiet kind of craft that most of the world never gets to see. International Tea Day is a meaningful reminder of all of that, and an invitation for all of us to slow down, pay attention, and discover what has always been in the cup.”

CHAGEE’s International Tea Day offerings are available across all Philippine stores from May 8. For those who have ever been curious about what makes a great cup of tea, this May is a good time to find out. For more information, visit CHAGEE Philippines FB, IG, TikTok, or download the CHAGEE App.

May 8, 2026
Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Picks for Every Kind of Modern Mom

The hard part about Mother’s Day is not the giving. It is finding something that actually says: I was paying attention. Not just to the occasion, but to her — the way her days run, what she reaches for, what would genuinely make things easier or better. This year, Xiaomi’s Mother’s Day lineup is built around that idea: gifts that fit the life she is actually living.

For the mom who runs everything: REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G

She is already three conversations deep before breakfast, and her phone needs to keep up.

The REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G was made for exactly that kind of day. The battery runs two days on a regular charge (6,500mAh silicon-carbon), and when it finally does need power, 100W fast charging brings it back in under an hour. The 200MP main camera has optical image stabilisation, which is the technology that keeps photos sharp when hands are not — so the birthday, the graduation, the Sunday lunch nobody planned to document all come out worth keeping. One phone for everything she carries in a day, for only Php 27,999.

Her wellness era: Xiaomi Watch S4

She has started paying more attention to herself. A walk in the morning. Getting to bed earlier. Small, quiet intentions she is trying to make stick.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 fits that without making a fuss about it. For just Php 7,799, it looks like a proper watch — the kind she would wear to dinner or a meeting — not a fitness tracker with an identity crisis. It reads her heart rate through the day, keeps an eye on blood oxygen, and maps out her sleep at night by stage (light, deep, REM), so she wakes up knowing something more useful than just how many hours she got. Charge it once and forget about it for up to 15 days. It is the kind of gift that quietly does its job without demanding attention.

Good food, less fuss: Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L

She knows what she wants to make. She just does not always have the hour it would normally take.

The Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 6.5L runs hot and fast with up to 220°C with 360° circulating heat so chicken wings come out crisp, meats stay juicy inside, and the whole thing happens with little to no oil. Big enough to do a whole chicken in one go (6.5 liters), with 12 built-in cooking modes and over 100 recipes through the app, so she is not improvising temperatures at 7 pm on a Tuesday. When cooking finishes, it holds the food warm automatically. Dinner is done when she is ready, not when the fryer is, all for just Php 4,499.

Give her the weekend back: Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20

Say this part clearly when you give it: this is not a cleaning gift. It is a Saturday morning, she does not have to spend time cleaning.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20 priced at Php 19,599 handles the floor on its own — suction strong enough for pet hair, dust, and debris on both hard surfaces and rugs (5,000Pa, for those who want the number), guided by laser navigation that maps the whole home before it starts so it covers every room properly. The base empties itself and goes up to 75 days between bag changes. The mop pads clean and dry themselves. She sets a schedule once, and after that the floor just gets done — whether she is home, out, or asleep.

For the pet mom: Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder 2

Anyone who has a pet mom in their life knows: she thinks about them the way other people think about their kids. Fed? Okay? Lonely?

The Xiaomi Smart Pet Food Feeder 2 takes at least one of those off the list. The hopper holds enough dry food to last roughly 30 days for one cat (5 liters), so she is not topping it up constantly. She sets a feeding schedule in the app, the feeder sticks to it, and infrared sensors track how much food is left — sending her an alert when it is running low. If the power goes out, a battery backup keeps the schedule going for up to two weeks. For only 4,399, the pets eat on time. She stops worrying about it. That is the whole gift.

Finally, some quiet: REDMI Buds 8 Pro

She has a playlist for the commute, a podcast she saves for herself, and earphones she reaches for the moment the house finally goes quiet.

The REDMI Buds 8 Pro makes those moments sound a lot better. The active noise cancellation (up to 55dB) is strong enough that a packed MRT or a noisy mall genuinely fades out — not muffled, actually gone. A triple driver system inside each earbud handles the audio, which means music sounds like music rather than a compressed file. One charge lasts up to 8 hours; the case keeps it going for 33 hours total. And if she forgets to charge before leaving the house, five minutes is enough for two more hours. A small gift for only Php 3,999. She will use it every day.

She will know you thought about it

Xiaomi’s Mother’s Day collection is available now at Xiaomi Authorized Stores and official Xiaomi stores on Shopee and Lazada.

May 8, 2026
VLFXXI: Hubo’t Hubad unwraps the human soul with 12 ‘virgin’ scripts

The Virgin Labfest (VLF) officially comes of age in its 21st edition, stripping down all pretense of innocence while showcasing the bold Filipino voice and spirit. As it nurtures emerging and established playwrights, directors, actors, and designers, it revels in the artistic and creative desires expressed through fearless storytelling.

Guided by the theme Hubo’t Hubad, this year’s VLF reflects on the many ways people reveal themselves. It invites audiences to engage with works that expose layers of identity, memory, and vulnerability.

Offering a deeper understanding of the human experience, the country’s theater festival of untried, untested, and unstaged one-act plays returns with 12 “virgin” scripts this June 3 to 28, 2026, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).

Unrestrained tales of the human experience

Featuring new works by eight “virgin” playwrights and four returning playwrights, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD elaborates on the unbridled truths of humanity’s essence after blooming into a passionate community of untold narratives over the last two decades.

Anthony Kim Vergara’s PASSWORD123, PILIPINAS321 centers on Blackteam, an underground cyberspace operation disguised as a technical support center. With his cousin leading the team’s troubling methods, the lead character questions his chosen path as a cybersecurity expert and as a Filipino.

A reporter is about to receive an international award in HUMAN RIGHTS STORY OF THE YEAR by Elijah Felice Rosales. At her farewell party, a former colleague declares she does not deserve the recognition.

PATAYIN ANG MGA SUROT by Floyd Scott Tiogangco occurs on the last night of Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency. While an Oplan Tokhang operation unfolds, tension builds as a couple conducts their own extermination of bedbugs.

A wounded fighter stumbles into a small Marawi hospital in Neil Arkhe Azcuna’s BALOS. Because of his arrival, four medical workers must decide between staying silent to save lives and speaking up to risk everyone’s refuge.

In Alab Usman’s HARAM, three queer Muslims struggle to manage faith and love across borders and barriers.

A former nun turned Philosophy professor and Gab Mactal’s LUALHATI meet again. Their memories of faith and romance emerge on the last night of the wake held at the Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn convent.

Dustin Celestino’s ELEHIYA is an impressionistic montage of conversations of fathers and sons that could have taken place but did not.

A former womanizer meets the love of his life in SHE’S ELECTRIC by Ron Evangelista. However, his friends make a discovery that leads to an insightful discussion on the sexual and philosophical nature of relationships.

Faith Ferrer Lacanlale’s BETAMAX follows a woman who begins to see “human pigs” after a minor road accident. As she ascends to madness, the darkness surrounding her family is brought to light.

A grieving family turns back time with a virtual archive of memories in FOOTPRINT by JEROM CANLAS. While they scramble to make sense of a tragedy, their unspoken feelings inflict a much harsher truth.

Set in Tarlac, two strangers uncover an unexpected connection by exchanging tales of love and disappointment within the walls of a rage booth in John Lapus’ TAKSYAPO!.

Gerald Manuel’s BUHAGHAG follows a young lady who is haunted by a long-haired enigma that corners her into choosing between self-preservation and self-destruction.

In addition to the new plays, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD revisits three stories from last year’s edition: Ade Valenzona’s POLAR COORDINATES, Rolin Cadallo Obina’s THE LATE MR. REAL, and Siege Malvar’s PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2.

Valenzona’s POLAR COORDINATES follows a confused student after he fails his Math exam. With the fate of his fragile family and strange feelings for his tutor piling on, he struggles to carve his own path.

Obina’s THE LATE MR. REAL takes place in an isolation facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a wall separating them, an estranged couple reexamines the clashing views that led to their marriage’s failure.

A senator is accused of money laundering in Malvar’s PRESIDENTIAL SUITE #2. While she recovers from a heart attack, her children rally for the best course of action to salvage their reputations.

Peeling off innocence and refining raw talent

True to its core of celebrating both budding and veteran playwrights, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD continues to nourish its garden of talent through its educational components: Staged Readings, Writing Fellowship Program and Showcase, Theater Talks, and Playwrights’ Fair.

Script submissions from VLFXXI come to life through stripped-down reading performances in Staged Readings. Jose Victor Torres’ MGA TATSULOK, M. Manalastas’ THE DEVOURED, Dingdong Novenario’s MANANG, Rafael Jimenez’s SUOR, Juan Ekis’ KASAL(ANAN), and Jay Fernandez’s ANG HULI take the stage.

The VLF Writing Fellowship Program, a two-week mentorship on dramatic writing for the stage headed by award-winning playwright Glenn Sevilla Mas, culminates in a thrilling showcase. The Taiwan International Play Reading Festival (TIPR) will also hold a special staged reading of Ihot Sinlay Cihek’s HOW ROMANTIC: A GUIDE TO MODERN PANGCAH LIFE, alongside the National Art Centre’s PRISON DANCER.

A forum series on the creative processes behind theater, Theater Talks will feature TIPR with speaker Cheng-Han Wu. Jin Yim and Cui Yin Mok of the Asian Producers’ Platform share their insights, together with Shizuoka Performing Arts Center’s Takuya Maehara.

Meanwhile, VLF founder and Palanca-awardee Rody Vera, Liza Magtoto, and Glenn Sevilla Mas host Playwrights’ Fair, peeking into the minds of veteran playwrights. Guest speakers Tanya Lopez, Dessa Quesada-Palm, and Sari Saysay explore the essence of Visayan theater, herstories, and settings in the nation’s current artistic landscape.

Uncovering new narratives charged with immense thirst for artistry, VLFXXI: HUBO’T HUBAD shows are scheduled at 2 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. gala, while its educational components are slated at 5 p.m. from June 3 to 28, 2026. Tickets are priced at Php800 (regular) and Php1000 (premium), available for purchase at the CCP Box Office and Ticket World. For more updates on the festival schedule and ticket-selling, visit the official pages of VLF, CCP, Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation Inc., and Writers’ Bloc across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

May 4, 2026
Blockbusters, K-Drama Hits, and Must-Watch Premieres: What’s New on HBO Max This May
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of captivating entertainment! HBO Max is rolling out a stellar lineup this May, featuring highly anticipated movie premieres, intriguing new series, and the return of some fan favorites. You won’t want to miss a moment!

May Movie Premieres You Can’t Miss:
- “Wuthering Heights” (May 1): Prepare for a passionate and intense adaptation of the classic tale, starring the incredible Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.
- “The Running Man” (May 8 on HBO Max, May 9 at 10 pm PHT on HBO): Buckle up for an adrenaline-pumping ride with Glen Powell and Josh Brolin in this thrilling new film.
- “Bugonia” (May 15 on HBO Max, May 16 at 9 pm PHT on HBO): Emma Stone leads the cast in this unique and intriguing movie — get ready for a memorable cinematic experience.
- “Anemone” (May 29): A fresh new story to round out your May movie watch list.
Dive into New Series and Exciting Returns:
- “Song of the Samurai” (May 9): Manga fans rejoice! This new Japanese live-action drama series, based on the beloved “Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem,” stars Yuki Yamada and Shuhei Uesugi.
- “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” (May 11): Join Park Ji-hoon in this unique K-drama as he transforms into a legendary army chef, unraveling mysterious game-like commands along the way.
- “Yumi’s Cells” Season 3 (Finishing May 4): Catch the emotional finale of Kim Go-eun’s delightful comedy series!
- “Filing for Love” (Finishing May 31): See how Shin Hae-sun’s journey concludes in this engaging romantic comedy.
- “Fifties Professionals” (May 22): Get ready for laughs with Shin Ha-kyun in this new comedy series.
- “Mr. Bean: The Animated Series” (New episodes May 4 & 18): Fun for all ages!
- “K-Everything” (May 9): Explore the vibrant world of K-culture.
- “Regular Show: The Lost Tapes” (May 11): Discover new adventures with Mordecai and Rigby.
- “Max Original On the Roam” Season 2 (May 14): Explore new horizons in this captivating series.
- “Rick and Morty” Season 9 (May 25): Get ready for more interdimensional escapades and dark humor!
Don’t forget to stream new episodes of HBO Original “Euphoria” Season 3 every Monday, and catch the finales of HBO Original “Rooster” on May 11 and “Hacks” Season 5 on May 29.

Reality TV Fix!

For reality show enthusiasts, HBO Max has you covered with a fresh batch from Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and ID:
- Discovery’s “Naked and Afraid” Season 19 (May 1)
- HGTV’s “100 Day Dream Home” Season 7 (May 13)
- Food Network’s “Baking Championship: Next Gen” (May 20)
- ID’s “The Many Lives of Benjaman Kyle” (May 26)
- HGTV’s “Junk or Jackpot” (May 27)
- Discovery’s “Port Control: Spain” (May 31)
Subscribe to HBO Max at www.hbomax.com from only ₱149/month & ₱1,040/12 months and make your May entertainment unforgettable..

Images credits to HBO Max
April 30, 2026
Museo del Galeón opens in Manila with Immersive tribute to Philippine Maritime Heritage

Museo del Galeón has formally opened in Manila, introducing a new cultural destination that honors a pivotal yet often underexplored chapter in Philippine heritage through an immersive museum experience centered on the country’s maritime history.

Located at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, the museum is housed in a four-level, dome-shaped structure spanning about 9,000 square meters. Positioned as a bold and visionary experiential museum, Museo del Galeón invites Filipinos to explore, rediscover, and deepen their understanding of a rich and complex seafaring identity shaped by maritime culture and expeditions—from the past, to the present, and into the future.

At the heart of the museum is the Galeón Espíritu Santo, a full-scale reconstruction of a 17th-century ship that once sailed between Manila and Acapulco. As the museum’s visual and experiential centerpiece, it gives visitors a direct and tangible way to encounter the scale, craftsmanship, and historical significance of the galleon era. Through its galleries, learning spaces, and interactive experiences, Museo del Galeón showcases the legacy of the Philippines’ seafaring ancestors and the role of Filipino shipbuilders, sailors, dockworkers, and traders in global exchange.

The museum highlights a significant chapter in Philippine maritime and cultural history that is often not fully explored in mainstream public education. From 1565 to 1815, the Manila galleons linked Asia and the Americas for more than two centuries, carrying goods such as silver, porcelain, and spices across the Pacific. During this period, Manila became a center of maritime trade and cultural exchange.

Through immersive exhibits and interpretive storytelling, the museum helps audiences understand that the galleon was more than a ship—it was a symbol of global connection, commerce, exploration, and cultural encounter. It also restores attention to the contributions of Filipino craftsmen and seafarers, many of whom built and crewed these ships using local knowledge, skills, and materials.

“Museo del Galeón shines a light on an important yet often overlooked chapter of Philippine heritage, using immersive storytelling to bring the country’s maritime history closer to the public,” said Executive Director Manuel L. Quezon III.

Beyond preserving history, Museo del Galeón is designed to make it more accessible, engaging, and relevant to today’s audiences. Through curriculum-supportive programs, guided tours, lectures, hands-on workshops, interactive exhibits, and educational materials for teachers, it offers meaningful opportunities for children, students, educators, and the general public to explore Philippine maritime history beyond the classroom.

The museum also contributes to Manila’s cultural and tourism landscape. As a major new heritage destination, it is expected to attract students, families, tourists, researchers, and heritage audiences, with projected attendance of around 300,000 visitors annually. Its presence can help support tourism growth, nearby businesses, cultural partnerships, and employment in both the museum and hospitality sectors.

Museo del Galeón is also intended to deepen public appreciation of the Philippines as a maritime nation. While ships, navigation, and maritime technology are central to the story, the museum goes beyond vessels to explore the people, cultures, goods, traditions, and exchanges that shaped the world of the galleons. In doing so, it presents not only the technical story of maritime travel, but also the social, cultural, and human narratives behind it.

“By connecting our maritime past with the challenges and opportunities of the present, Museo del Galeón helps open a deeper conversation about identity, heritage, and our responsibility to the future,” said Quezon.

The museum continues the vision of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara, who envisioned a place where cultures and generations could meet in mutual respect and reflect on how the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade shaped the shared world. At its heart, Museo del Galeón is a space for understanding how the Philippines once stood at the center of global exchange—and how that story continues to matter today.

Tickets may be purchased through www.museodelgaleon.org or through the museum’s official ticketing channels once bookings become available. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website and social media pages for updates on ticket availability, operating hours, admission rates, and special announcements.

About Museo del Galeón

Museo del Galeón is an experiential museum in Manila dedicated to exploring the Philippines’ seafaring identity through maritime culture and expeditions from past to future. Through immersive exhibits and public engagement, it aims to deepen understanding of Philippine maritime heritage, inspire young Filipinos, and promote stewardship of marine resources.

April 30, 2026
Manila Takes the Spotlight: Novotel and ibis Styles Araneta City Clinch Top Honours at Accor Asia Leadership Awards

Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City have emerged as standout stars within Accor’s Asia portfolio, earning top honours at the prestigious Asia Leadership Conference 2026 an achievement that places the Philippines firmly on the region’s hospitality map.

Hosted at Novotel Manila Araneta City, the annual gathering brought together more than 300 General Managers and Accor’s global leadership for three days of forward-thinking dialogue and strategic

exchange. Framed by the theme “THRIVE,” the conference explored the future of hospitality through the lenses of performance, purpose, and people; setting the tone for a new era of growth across Asia’s dynamic travel landscape. This also marks the first time the Philippines has been selected as host venue, spotlighting the country’s world-renowned Filipino hospitality while shining a light on Araneta City as the “City of Firsts.”

Yet it was during the much-anticipated Asia Leadership Awards that Manila, specifically the Araneta City, truly took the spotlight.

This year Novotel Manila Araneta City was honoured with the Brand Excellence Award for Midscale & Economy, a distinction reserved for properties that exemplify consistency, strong market presence, with an elevated brand experience earned through an exceptional 91.54 brand audit score, the highest in the Asian region a clear affirmation of brand integrity, consistency, and guest promise delivered at scale.

Notably, this latest win builds on its strong track record, following its recognition at the Accor Awards in 2023. Its legacy of excellence extends even further. In 2023, Novotel Manila Araneta City secured its position as a regional culinary leader, having been hailed as the Best Food & Beverage (F&B) Performer at the Accor Asia Awards. The property also earned key nominations across five major categories, including Best Loyalty Performance and Hotel of the Year, a testament to its well-rounded strength across both guest experience and commercial performance.

In a further testament to the team’s culture and service ethos, both Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City were jointly recognized with the Work of Heart Award, a celebration of genuine hospitality, emotional connection, and the kind of intuitive service that defines

memorable stays. The hotels proudly took home the said award, with ibis Styles Manila Araneta City achieving an outstanding 9.8 and Novotel Manila Araneta City an even higher 9.9 in employee engagement survey results among the highest scores in the network. These results reflect a culture built on trust, ground-level engagement, and genuine care for Heartists, brought to life every day on the hotel floor.

Novotel Araneta City named finalist for Hotel of the Year 2025, a distinction that honors holistic performance from rigorous brand audits and operational excellence to exceptional employee engagement and guest loyalty. Further reinforcing their commitment to responsible growth, the property was also recognized as finalist for the Responsible Hospitality Award 2025, underscoring meaningful progress toward Green Key Certification and a deep-rooted dedication to reducing environmental impact while delivering memorable, eco-conscious guest experiences.

“These recognitions are a proud moment for our entire team,” said Maria Manlulu-Garcia, Cluster General Manager of Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City and Area General Manager, The Philippines Premium, Midscale, and Economy. “They reflect the passion, consistency, and genuine care our Heartists bring to every guest interaction. To be acknowledged on a regional stage among our peers across Asia reinforces our commitment to delivering both exceptional performance and meaningful guest experiences.”

Beyond the accolades, the conference itself offered a curated blend of high-level insights and collaborative exchange bringing together senior executives, industry experts, and strategic partners to unpack emerging travel trends, evolving guest expectations, and the growing importance of responsible hospitality. For the Heartists of Araneta Hotels Inc, representing Novotel and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City,

the wins signal more than operational success they mark a defining moment of recognition within one of the world’s most competitive hospitality regions. As Accor continues to sharpen its focus on innovation and guest-centricity, these Manila properties exemplify how heart, culture, and performance can come together to create something truly exceptional.

April 30, 2026
Texas Roadhouse Celebrates 10 Legendary Years in the Philippines with Major Global Awards and Record-Breaking Growth

Texas Roadhouse Philippines, a concept of The Bistro Group, proudly marks its 10th anniversary this month, celebrating a decade of delivering legendary food and legendary service. This milestone year is made even more remarkable by a series of prestigious awards recently received from Texas Roadhouse USA, demonstrating the restaurant’s exceptional performance on the global stage.

Award-Winning Team

Last April 28, Texas Roadhouse Philippines received four prestigious awards in Nashville, Tennessee from its international principals. The awards were a momentous recognition for the brand’s decade-long commitment to growth, serving as an inspiration to push for greater heights.

Among the accolades, Texas Roadhouse Philippines was recognized with the International Milestone Award for achieving 25 Legendary Locations in the country, a testament to the brand’s sustained growth and strong connection with the local market. Alongside this, it also received the Global Ambassador Award highlighting its role in overall brand performance.

Further solidifying its leadership in the industry, the Philippine team earned the Legendary Achievement Award for posting an outstanding 38% growth in guest count (GC) in 2025. In addition, an impressive 22 out of 25 stores set all-time sales records and 45 record-breaking sales awards, a reflection of operational excellence and guest loyalty.

Behind these achievements are passionate leaders and dedicated teams. Some general managers were also recognized for their hard work, leadership and commitment to upholding the brand’s world-class standards.

First opened in Uptown Mall in 2016, Texas Roadhouse quickly became a favorite among local guests who delight in hand-cut steaks; award-winning, fall-off-the-bone ribs; made-from-scratch sides and the widely popular fresh-baked bread, among others.

Looking ahead, Texas Roadhouse is poised to raise the bar even higher, focusing on enhancing every aspect of the guests’ dining experience.

10 years in and the legendary steakhouse has no plans of stopping.

Follow @texasroadhouseph in Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok.

April 29, 2026