Tribu Kefi, a newly opened T’boli inspired café in the heart of General Santos City, showcases the culture through specialty coffee and curated dishes. The T’boli are an indigenous people of Mindanao, primarily living in nearby South Cotabato.
Each cup of our coffee is brewed with precision, championing the rich flavours of Matutum beans directly sourced from the highlands of Mindanao. You can taste in every sip the product of the craftsmanship of our local coffee farmers. Latik Latte, one of our signature drinks, not only looks cool on the eyes but refreshes in a way that is like no other because of its secret ingredient that brings out the latik’s nutty and sweet flavour. “Latik” is a traditional topping that makes use of coconut which is also abundant locally.
Our variety of food menu includes comforting Filipino breakfast and hearty pasta meals. However, what is most unique to us are the T’boli-inspired dishes like the Tudbulul which is a sweet and savory chicken dish inspired by the T’boli’s method of cooking.
Tribu Kefi is not only committed to delivering exceptional dishes but also to educate local diners about the history of every crafted dish served. Its goal is to serve and bring together communities that love to savor the richness of our local flavors, creating a space where people can connect, share stories, and celebrate Filipino taste and culture.
In its debut year in the Philippines, The MICHELIN Guide – the ultimate symbol of excellence in the world of fine dining for over a century – has awarded “Selected” distinctions to Old Manila and Spices restaurants at The Peninsula Manila.
Under the guidance and leadership of Food & Beverage Director Katsuma Tokitsu and Executive Chef Remy Carmignani — along with Executive Sous Chef Alex Destriza, Head Pastry Chef Annalyn Solano, Old Manila Chef de Cuisine Matthieu Fournier, Old Manila Sous Chef Angelica Cuña, and Spices Sous Chef Leo Rabino — these recognitions clearly demonstrate The Peninsula Manila’s vibrant culinary culture and underscore the value it places on creativity and craftsmanship. Each restaurant reflects the hotel’s passion for exceptional dining experiences.
Old Manila is the hotel’s 49-year-old fine dining culinary landmark that embodies the art of refined French cuisine. Spices, with its vibrant flavors drawn from across Southeast Asia and India, has been captivating guests since it opened in 1991.
“We are delighted to receive this prestigious award from The MICHELIN Guide,” said Kevin Tsang, Managing Director of The Peninsula Manila, “and grateful to The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, for its support and trust.”
Katsuma Tokitsu, Director of Food & Beverage, added, “Our inclusion in The MICHELIN Guide is a tribute to the exceptional efforts and talents of our culinary and service teams.”
In response to the news of Old Manila’s and Spices’ win, Executive Chef Remy Carmignani agreed that “This is a proud and meaningful moment for all of us. It means a lot to have been recognized for our hard work.”
The Bistro Group (TBG) joins Chef Josh Boutwood in celebrating a monumental milestone in Philippine gastronomy
Boutwood’s flagship fine dining restaurant, HELM has been awarded 2 Michelin Stars, the only one in the Philippines to receive such a historic accolade. It cements Helm’s status as one of the country’s most innovative and renowned dining destinations joining the world’s list of most elite restaurants.
Helm is acclaimed for its thematic tasting menus – bold explorations of flavor and technique with imaginative themes as the inspiration – from timelines, cinemas, to colors. Whatever the theme may be, each featured dish has an interesting story to tell. Dining is deeply personal and immersive, bridging the gap between kitchen and guests, featuring globally-inspired dishes using the finest ingredients sourced locally and from other countries . Every detail —from sourcing to plating—is impeccable, showcasing Boutwood’s exceptional gift and culinary mastery.
Alongside this honor, Ember, Juniper, and The Test Kitchen were all included in the Michelin Guide’s ‘Michelin Selected’ listings, a testament to the depth and diversity of his culinary portfolio: Ember, an approachable fine dining destination with refined dishes centered on flavor and finesse; The Test Kitchen, Boutwood’s creative laboratory for evolving menus, where seasonal produce drives innovation; and Juniper, the newest concept inspired by G&T bringing the elements of fine dining into a relaxed, modern setting.
These awards demonstrated the commitment of both TBG and Boutwood’s celebrated concepts to world-class quality and innovation. Their shared journey champions the same passion for craft and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Boutwood joined TBG in 2012 as executive corporate chef, overseeing TBG’s various restaurants’ R & D and innovation. He was entrusted with the creative reins to conceive his bold, outspoken, and daring ideas that gave birth to his fine dining concepts, Helm, The Test Kitchen, Ember and Juniper.
TBG President Jean Paul Manuud shares his excitement, stating, “We congratulate Chef Josh and the entire Helm team for this truly outstanding achievement . Their dedication, hard work and creativity has made this possible. For The Bistro Group, this is greatly inspiring to say the least. We are happy to support Chef Josh and are proud to be his partner. And, it is only the beginning,” Manuud adds, hinting at The Bistro Group’s continued growth will propel Philippine dining to loftier heights.
Experience the culinary excellence of Helm, Ember, The Test Kitchen and Juniper — four exceptional restaurants from The Bistro Group portfolio.
The Christmas season drew closer as 9 Works Theatrical recently announced the full cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL THE MUSICAL and gave the public a taste of what its staging will be at the 780-seater state-of-the-art Proscenium Theater.
Director Robbie Guevara called the musical “one of the best classical stories ever written, ” adding that the theater is “the best venue in the country” to showcase a production of this scale and heart.
“We really want to highlight the Proscenium Theater, ” Guevara shared. “We’ll be showcasing stagecrafts that have been done in other countries, but haven’t been seen here yet. We’ll also introduce new elements you didn’t see in The Bodyguard [The Musical].
Meet the cast
Seasoned actor, singer, voice-over talent, event host, and DJ Arnel Carrion headlines A Christmas Carol as Ebenezer Scrooge. Arnel began his career in 1990, and has done numerous stage plays and musicals since. He was most recently seen in Liwanag Sa Dilim Musical earlier this year.
Child stars Enzo Dognidon and Jethro Ting share the role of Tiny Tim, the symbolic figure of hope in the musical.
Award-winning actor, singer, and writer Franco Laurel reprises his role as Ghost of Christmas Past; veteran international theater performer and TV/film actor Lorenz Martinez plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Present; and ballet and jazz dancer Carmelle Ros plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Yet To Be. Rounding up the iconic “ghosts” of A Christmas Carol is Boo Gabunada, who plays the role of Jacob Marley.
Star Magic artist and theater rising star CJ Navato joins the cast as Young Ebenezer. Viva artist and Gawad Buhay awardee Nicole Omillo plays Emily.
Multi-award-winning performer and Entertainment Director John Joven Uy plays the role of Bob Cratchit, with Anna Santamaria making her theater comeback in A Christmas Carol as Mrs. Cratchit.
Artist and educator Jasper John Jimenez joins the cast as Mr. Fezziwig. Joining him and returning to the stage is Meliza Reyes as Mrs. Fezziwig.
Visual artist, host, online content creator, and singer-songwriter Neo Rivera plays the role of Fred. International performer Molly Langley also joins the cast as Sally.
Also making her theater comeback is director, actress, and singer for stage and TV Mariella Laurel, who will play Mrs. Mops. Last seen in The Bodyguard The Musical, dance artist, educator, choreographer, and Gawad Buhay multi-awardee Richardson Yadao plays Mr. Smythe. Former member of award-winning group The Opera Belles Rica Laguarda joins the cast as Mother of Scrooge. Doctor by day, theater actor by night Gary Junsay plays Beadle.
Adding to the cast are Joshy Ramirez who plays John William Scrooge; Derrick Gozos as Baker; Denzel Chang as Mr. Hawkins; Roxy Aldiosa as Poulterer; Natalie Duque as Grandma; and Matthew Barbers as Fishmonger.
And rounding up the cast are child actors Sofia Aguilar and Atalie Castillo, who will alternate as Martha Cratchit; Giani Sarita and Manolo Villalva, alternating as Scrooge at 12 years old; Bianca Estacio and Sofia Laurel as Grace Smythe; Elian Santos and Kim Hewitt as Jonathon; Ani Cinco and Lucia Laurel as Fan; and Drake Manlapaz and Liam Nery as Fred’s Son.
Joining the artistic team are Robbie Guevara as director; Raul Montesa as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director; Mio Infante as scenographer; PJ Rebullida as choreographer; Yek Barlongay as tap choreographer; Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer; Aji Manalo as sound engineer/designer; Joee Mejias as video and projection designer; Sheik Completado as technical director, Elliza Aurelio as hair and makeup designer, and Yukie Sarto as photographer.
Heading the 9 Works Theatrical production team is managing director and executive producer
Santi Santamaria; with Anna Santamaria as operations and finance director; Charyl De Guzman as production manager; Jonjon Martin and Loreta Arroyo as PR managers; GM Hernandez as marketing manager; Cass Lim as marketing & digital content head; and Pachot Festejo as production stage manager.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be showing on all weekends from November 29 until December 21, 2025, at 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center in Makati City. Tickets will be available on Ticketworld.
For updates, partnerships & bulk buying inquiries, follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@9workstheatrical and @prosceniumtheater).
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a 9 Works Theatrical production, presented by ROCKWELL, together with METRO as official media partner and MAC Cosmetics as official make-up partner. Special thanks to Pitchworks Inc., PilotTV and The People Diary PH by Myra Ho.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
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 elevate any dish .
Doña Elena Marinara – With 100% Italian Tomatoes
Made with 100% Italian sun-ripened tomatoes slow-cooked to produce a hearty tomato sauce with fragrant herbs for a smooth, tangy, and savory taste.
Best paired with: Spaghetti or Linguine, lasagna, chicken Parmesan, or roasted vegetables.
Doña Elena Arrabbiata – With Italian Peppers
Nothing beats a classic Italian ingredient with a rich and tangy sauce. A fiery blend of sun-ripened tomatoes, bold chili peppers, and aromatic herbs, this sauce delivers a spicy kick and authentic Italian zest.
Best paired with: Penne Rigate, fish, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Doña Elena Artichokes & Walnuts Sauce
The ideal mix of creamy and nutty sauce that blends earthy artichokes with crunchy walnuts, and aromatic herbs for a gourmet twist.
Best paired with: Fettuccine or Fusilli, pizza, bruschetta, or as a dip with crackers and veggies.
Doña Elena Pesto Sauce – With Pecorino Cheese
A vibrant basil-based sauce enhanced with sunflower oil, parsley, and sharp Pecorino cheese for a creamy, robust finish.
Best paired with: Linguine or Fusilli, grilled meats, roasted potatoes, or as a spread on sandwiches.
Bringing Italy to Your Table
The Doña Elena Sauces capture the flavors of Italy in a convenient format, and are perfectly complemented by the artisan quality of Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta. More than that, these sauces deserve a spot in your pantry as they make it effortless to prepare satisfying and impressively elevated dishes at home.
Made from 100% durum wheat semolina, this artisan-quality pasta is traditionally crafted using bronze dies, giving it a unique texture that allows sauces to cling beautifully—resulting in richer, more flavorful dishes. Available in Fettuccine, Linguine, Lasagna, Penne Rigate, and Fusilli, Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta makes mastering pasta recipes easier than ever.
That’s why this Pasta Month, explore and discover your perfect pasta pairing with the different flavor profiles of Doña Elena’s Pasta Sauces and the different cuts of Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta, bringing endless ways to enjoy pasta recipes and savoring authentic Italian flavors at home.
Doña Elena Pasta Sauces and Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta are exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation in the Philippines. For more tips, recipes, and promos visit @donaelenacuisineraclub on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
UNIQLO marks its grandest store opening of the year with the introduction of the refreshed UNIQLO BGC High Street Store. Designed for Life, the future-forward space offers Filipinos a vast selection of LifeWear and special services, blended together with the local community, culminating in the dynamic hub of Bonifacio Global City.
The UNIQLO BGC High Street Storereimagines the former UNIQLO C3 Annex into a four-story lifestyle destination. Housing LifeWear selections and UNIQLO special services across a massive 2,949 sqm. of retail space, the revamped store is bound to be a true landmark in the prime district, featuring a fresh façade with a giant LED of UNIQLO’s iconic red logo. The design aligns with UNIQLO’s global flagship stores in Tokyo, bringing the distinct Japanese identity to the streets of BGC.
“UNIQLO BGC High Street is a landmark in continuing to elevate the overall LifeWear shopping experience for customers. We wanted to bring together the best of UNIQLO’s global store design and the local character of Bonifacio Global City, resulting in a lifestyle hub that feels both world-class and deeply connected to the community,” said UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia on the opening of the new store.
The marquee store opening also drew in personalities that embody the different lifestyles of people in BGC. Actress Solenn Heussaff, Fitness Instructor Luigi Posadas, Chef and Founder of Los Tacos Patrick Curitana, and Lifestyle Content Creator Chynna Lim all graced the event, representing different UNIQLO item categories while resonating with the dynamic lifestyles of people living and working in BGC. Solenn showcased the Bra Top, highlighting the everyday support and comfort of the LifeWear essential. Luigi presented Sport Utility Wear, perfect for those into wellness and mobile activity. Patrick came in to demonstrate the comfort of his Core T as a busy chef for one of BGC’s top restaurants. Lastly, in time for the colder season, Chynna modeled Knit Wear, highlighting effortless, warm and comfy styles.
A hub for creativity and self-expression
The BGC High Street store boasts a wide variety of LifeWear for men, women, and kids. The space also introduces custom in-store experiences that showcase UNIQLO’s commitment to creativity, sustainability, and self-expression through its UTme! service, which allows everyone to create their own one-of-a-kind T-shirt. The fourth floor is also home to the newest RE.UNIQLO Studio in the Philippines, which offers repair and embroidery services for both new and old LifeWear items. Lastly, UNIQLO continues to offer its Click & Collect service, giving customers a convenient way to shop and skip crowds and queues by letting shoppers collect online orders for free at no minimum spend at a UNIQLO branch of their choosing.
UNIQLO BGC and the Community
Keeping true to its intention of integrating with the community, UNIQLO partnered with well-loved brands in BGC for the opening of the new store. The first 300 customers on opening weekend will get a rotating set of special items from these partners. On November 7, to be given away is a Campechano Taco from Los Tacos MNL. This will be followed by a Lemon Loaf or one Mini Honey Butter Croissant from Kiji Bakehouse on November 8, and lots of freebies from the Amado Fores Hospitality Group on November 9. The selection includes a Teriyaki Eggplant from A Mano, one order of Japanese Sweet Corn Fries from Steak and Frice or an Ebi Katsu Bun from Ramen Ron.
UNIQLO also collaborated with volunteer-led organization Cats of BGC for exclusive, feline-inspired embroidery patches. Meanwhile, for UTme!, UNIQLO teamed up with artists to create designs that visualize BGC’s character. Muralist Avin Doodles created customizable prints that highlight the community’s pet-friendly culture; Bonifacio Arts Foundation, Inc. showcased elements of iconic BGC murals; and illustrator Jasmin Lacay created prints highlighting the area’s active lifestyle.
Showcasing LifeWear in motion
To mark the reopening of the store, UNIQLO took over Bonifacio Global City through UNIQLO City. The transformation brings together festive holiday displays, creative installations, and interactive elements that celebrate comfort, innovation, and community.
Visitors can explore must-see stops across Bonifacio High Street, including the UNIQLO Christmas Tree, Central Square and Amphitheater Cubes, LED display, and signature signages that reflect the store’s refreshed and elevated design. Each feature offers a glimpse into how LifeWear connects with everyday moments and the dynamic lifestyle of the BGC community.
The celebration continues with the UNIQLO Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 13, officially kicking off the holiday season and illuminating BGC High Street with the spirit of LifeWear — warm, joyful, and made for everyone.
An all-out opening celebration
Customers can expect lots of promos and discounts in the first week of UNIQLO BGC High Street. Exclusive limited offers in the new store include the W’s HEATTECH Ultra Warm High Neck T-shirt for only Php 990, the PUFFTECH Parka for Php 2,990, and the Wide Straight Jeans for Php 1,490, among many others. Then, from November 7 to 9, customers can get a limited-edition novelty for a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 3,000. For Click & Collect shoppers, take home a free UNIQLO tumbler sleeve (an accompaniment to the two-way tumbler novelty) with a minimum spend purchase of Php 3,000 from October 31 to November 13. Make sure to select UNIQLO BGC High Street as the store of choice for pick-up.
The Power of Clothing
Moreover, UNIQLO advances its sustainability push amid all the festivities during the new store opening. The brand partners with Future Vision, a non-profit organization focused on providing blind individuals access to education and skills training opportunities.
From offering a wide selection of LifeWear items to having special in-store features and integrating itself into the community, the UNIQLO BGC High Street Store promises to be the newest lifestyle destination hub in the country. Be among the first shoppers to experience UNIQLO BGC High Street by visiting today. For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram, and @uniqlophofficial on TikTok.
Generics Awareness Month took center stage at the Mercury Drug Q-Plaza Branch in Cainta recently, where RHEA Generics, in support of the Department of Health (DOH) and in partnership with Mercury Drug, gathered healthcare leaders, advocates, and community members for a day dedicated to a timely cause.
Carrying the theme “Ginhawang Generics, Ramdam ng Bawat Pilipino,” the program placed the spotlight on the role of generic medicines in everyday healthcare, stressing their affordability, tested effectiveness, and steady availability in the market. It also aimed to correct long-standing misconceptions, reminding patients that generics undergo the same rigorous standards as branded medicines and can provide the same relief and treatment outcomes.
The Department of Health expressed its full support for the event through a special video message. In the video, the DOH reaffirmed its decades-long advocacy of promoting access to affordable and quality medicines through the Generics Act of 1988 and the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008. The agency also issued a clear call to action for Filipino patients to proactively ask their doctors and pharmacists about generic equivalents, stressing that informed choices empower communities and strengthen public health.
Sharing the industry perspective, Ms. Giezel Jane Sarmiento, Marketing Head of the Pharmaceutical Business Unit of PHILUSA Corporation, emphasized RHEA Generics’ commitment to the advocacy. “We are helping redefine what generics truly mean — from being seen as ‘second choice’ to becoming the world-class and trusted choice. At RHEA Generics, we believe no Filipino should ever have to choose between health and livelihood; quality healthcare should never be out of reach,” she added, citing the brand’s continuing efforts to build patient confidence in generic medicines.
To extend the celebration beyond awareness-building, RHEA Generics and Mercury Drug offered free clinics to serve Mercury Drug Suki patients and nearby communities with consultations and basic health services, such as free temperature checks, blood pressure monitoring, and screenings for blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
RHEA Generics has been a longstanding partner of the DOH in promoting the responsible use of generics. Strengthening this advocacy, the brand continues to expand its portfolio of molecules through its growing collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical companies.
By raising awareness on generics and making medical support available to the community, the event left a practical reminder that access to quality treatment is not only a national goal but a shared responsibility.
Food enthusiasts are in for a fiery treat as Mala King Hotpot opens its first branch in Arcovia City, bringing the bold and authentic flavors of Chongqing, China—the undisputed land of mala—straight to the Philippines.
“Mala King was born out of our travels to Chongqing,” shared Kyle Yu, founder of Mala King. “We experienced the authentic malatang culture there—its bold flavors, the liberty to create your own bowl, and the cozy communal feel—and we wanted to bring that same experience here in Manila. We made sure everything is authentic, consistent, and premium, while still being reasonably priced. Mala King is about personal choices and quality with a premium dining experience in mind.”
At its core, malatang is all about bold flavor, customization, and convenience. What sets Mala King apart is how it balances authentic Chongqing hotpot culture with a distinctly Filipino dining preference—large portions, freedom to mix in favorite ingredients, and the joy of sharing meals where everything goes well together.
A World of Broths and Flavors
The Mala Original is infused with authentic Sichuan spices, customizable from one to five spice levels, and is highly recommended for those who love a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and bold flavor. Golden Chicken delivers a nuanced yet hearty taste, capturing the natural essence of chicken and pairing beautifully with assorted meats, balls, and vegetables. Signature Tomato is bright, tangy, and refreshing, with the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. For something comfortingly familiar, Sukiyaki offers sweet and savory umami notes inspired by the Japanese classic. Premium Bulalo is a rich and hearty slow-simmered beef shank broth with marrow goodness, drawing inspiration from a beloved Filipino favorite. Finally, Spicy Tom Yum is a zesty Thai favorite, bold with sour, spicy, and aromatic herbal notes.
With broths inspired by Asia’s most well-loved soups, Mala King ensures there’s a flavor for everyone—whether you want something fiery, light, or soothingly familiar.
Enhance your hotpot experience with a wide selection of dipping sauces to match every craving. Go bold with spicy choices like gochujang, chili oil, or five spice. Add freshness with herby blends such as confit garlic purée, wansoy purée, and spring onion purée. Indulge in a touch of sweetness with apple-peach purée or hoisin sauce with caramelized onion. Or keep it classic with oils and sauces including soy sauce, light soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame oil, and sesame sauce. Each option is crafted to bring out richer, more flavorful layers in every bowl.
Build Your Bowl, Your Way
Filipinos love hotpot for its generous servings, freedom to add favorite ingredients, and versatility that makes every bite enjoyable. At Mala King, guests can create their own perfect bowl—whether as a dry mix or paired with broth. For roughly ₱500+ (20 toppings, noodles excluded), each serving already comes with rice and free ice cream, making it both indulgent and satisfying.
For those who prefer a different kind of indulgence, dry noodles can also be ordered using the same mechanics—grab, pick, choose, weigh, and pay—guaranteeing the same satisfying flavors of Asia in every bite.
Freshness and Premium Choices
Mala King takes pride in providing only fresh, consistently high-quality ingredients to enhance every bowl.
Diners can choose from a wide variety of meats, including premium chunk flap slices, marbled beef shank, tendons, and beef belly.
Seafood lovers will find a variety of options, including scallops, sea cucumber, bamboo clams, blue crabs, and squid flowers.
The vegetable selection is equally appealing, featuring lotus root, bamboo shoots, broccoli, cauliflower, water spinach, and seafood mushrooms.
To add texture and variety, guests can enjoy specialty balls like lobster balls, beef balls, cheese balls, and fish balls with fillings. Noodle options are also extensive, from egg noodles and konjac threads to soba and udon. For extra indulgence, diners can top off their bowls with extras like luncheon meat, siomai, wontons, seaweed, and sausage. These are just some highlights—Mala King offers many more toppings and ingredients, ensuring that every visit provides a unique and flavorful experience.
Sip and Refresh
To complete the experience, Mala King offers signature iced teas brewed from imported tea leaves—never powdered, always freshly prepared. These refreshing blends are designed to balance the umami-rich, spicy flavors of hotpot, cleansing the palate while adding a burst of natural flavor.
The Mala King Signature is a smooth raspberry cooler with a tangy-sweet icy kick, crafted to refresh after every spoonful of spice. For something lighter, the Watermelon Breeze is juicy and summer-fresh, making it an ideal thirst-quencher for bold, savory dishes. Meanwhile, the Orange Sunrise delivers a bright, citrusy, and invigorating taste that cuts through rich flavors for a clean, revitalizing finish. Together, these drinks elevate every meal, making them the perfect partners for the Mala King hotpot experience.
With its authentic Chongqing-inspired broths, fresh premium ingredients, and cozy dining setup, Mala King Hotpot is ready to become Metro Manila’s newest dining destination for families, friends, and food lovers alike. Visit Mala King today and savor the best of Chongqing mala tang with your food-loving family and friends.
Mala King is located at Arcovia City Pasig. For more updates, visit Mala King Premium Hotpot on Facebook, @themalaking on Instagram, and @themalakingph on Tiktok.
Nicole Laurel Asensio returns to the Philippines after her successful series of shows abroad and dives right back into the dynamic realm of music releases with her latest offering “LET OUR LOVE” under Warner Music Philippines.
Teaming up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Gabe Dandan once more, the prolific duo concoct a subtle and sensual, albeit fearless expression of the soul in their latest track.
“From a smouldering fire to a blaze”
“It was the first time I asked producer Gabe Dandan to strike the match and ignite the creative process. No prior references, lyrical ideas, soundbites or requests, I asked him to “create anything that you think would suit my voice”… I left the room for awhile and returned with my heart racing, ecstatic to write lyrics because I loved the vibe he was onto. We don’t always agree creatively, it takes a lot of adjusting co-creating sometimes but this time the creativity was torrential, it was effortless.”
“Together we make a picture with colors only the blind can see.”
“The production process was very casual and the goal was to let the musicians we collaborated with play what they really imagine on it, no rules. We encouraged them to add their own colors and be a part of the imagery of the song. I gave Michael Guevarra the initial arrangement, from there he made a beautiful horn arrangement on it and we recorded at Wildgrass Studio and Kodama Studio, then we got Mike Lichtenfeld on keys, Aman Dela Cruz on percussion and backup vocals and handpicked some of our all time favorite voices Kevin Yadao and Mel Torre to do backup vocals, Nicole and I arranged the vocals together. when the recording was done, I took care of the mixing and we sent it to Abbey Road UK for the mastering” – Gabe Dandan
“Weaving silk from our fallen tears.”
Brazenly poetic, the imagery in the lyrics are a surrealistic sojourn back into the arms of a quintessential love. The song draws its sound from Soul, Rnb and Jazz influences with a touch of 90s “sophisti-pop.”
“Reflections of yesterday in an iron frame, like butterflies break away.”
“In this season of my life, I am finding that the songs I write are not about what is trending, they are also less about making each recording a vocal showcase, I am enjoying slowing down the process, practicing some restraint and casually creating music that I feel sounds timeless, there is still depth to some extent, especially lyrically but at the end of the day it’s feel-good music that also makes me feel good when we create it.” – Nicole Asensio
“I think this release is more relaxed than our previous tracks sound-wise. Nicole and I write together based on images and how they make us feel— it is how we communicate best during the creative process. When I began creating the chord progression, it really reminded me of gentle rain so we used that image as the undertone throughout the song. Nicole’s brilliant lyrics and melodies are right there between happiness and sadness and the song journeys from restraint to blissful release. I think the blend of our styles create a very unique sonic mood that I relish and hope others feel that too” – Gabe Dandan
Nicole and Gabe Dandan’s last two EP releases “Changes Over Time” and “Matter Over Mind” have garnered a staggering 10 entries in multiple categories in this year’s prestigious AWIT AWARDS. 4 of those entries then made it to the AWIT awards finals round, with the awards night set to commence in late November.
“I’m grateful to keep creating, I think it is a blessing and when you have the opportunity to create, therefore nothing and no one should stop you. Love knows no bounds, neither do art and music… we can’t stop it, so we should just let it.” – Nicole Asensio
“LET OUR LOVE” will be released on November 7, 2025 on all listening platforms under Warner Music Philippines, it is a “teaser track” for an upcoming EP which is currently in the works and set to be released early next year.
New Korean drama series, Dear X starring Kim You-jung and Kim Young-dae was featured at the 2025 Busan International Film Festival and is set to make its streaming debut on Thursday, November 6 on HBO Max.
The 12-episode romance thriller drama series from TVING is adapted from the popular award-winning NAVER Webtoon of the same name, written by Van Zi-un. Dear X tells the story of Baek Ah Jin (played by Kim You-jung), a successful actress who hides her history of trauma and rises to the top through manipulation and deception, protected at all costs by her love interest, Yoon Jun Seo (played by Kim Young-dae).
The highly anticipated series has already garnered immense traction since its announcement and presents a star-studded cast, including Kim You-jung (My Demon, Love in the Moonlight), Kim Young-dae (No Gain No Love, The Penthouse: War in Life), Kim Do-hoon (Love Scout, Your Honor) and Lee Yul-eum (The 8 Show, Queen: Love and War). Dear X, the series, by legendary Director, Lee Eung-bok (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Descendants of the Sun) and Park So-hyeon, is developed by Studio Dragon, produced by Monster Union and Siwoo Company, and written by Choi Ja-won and Van Zi-un.
As part of the recently announced multi-year partnership between CJ ENM and Warner Bros. Discovery, Dear X marks the first exclusive new original series to premiere on HBO Max across Asia Pacific, where available. In 2026, a TVING branded hub will launch on HBO Max in 17 markets – including Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong – giving fans access to exclusive premieres of TVING’s new K-drama titles, alongside hundreds of hours of the best of CJ ENM’s and TVING’s series.
