Since 2011, Starbucks and its partners (employees) around the world have been dedicated to improving their local communities by celebrating the month of April as a time for community service and implementing a range of initiatives that positively impact the planet.
With over 400 stores across the market, Starbucks Philippines uses its scale to address important issues such as hunger relief, reusability, and access to clean drinking water. We are proud to highlight the efforts of our partners who volunteered their time and resources that create a meaningful difference in the lives of Filipinos.
Starbucks Philippines strengthens its partnership with Gawad Kalinga to fight hunger
Starbucks Philippines’ ongoing partnership with Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga program provides nutritious meals to children over a 120-day program. Last month, partner volunteers prepared meals for over 350 children from Catmon, Cebu, the company’s first community supported through Kusina ng Kalinga outside of Metro Manila.
In addition, a new Global Community Impact Grant awarded in April from The Starbucks Foundation will enable Gawad Kalinga to provide nutritious meals to an additional 1,200 children, host family health and nutrition educational workshops, and train 30 Community Food Farmers to build vegetable gardens in the Visayas region.
Expanding Starbucks FoodShare
In partnership with Grab and the Philippine FoodBank Foundation, the company expanded Starbucks FoodShare from Metro Manila to 13 additional stores in Cebu this month. Since the program launched in March 2022, partners connect with Grab drivers daily to deliver rescuable food from their stores to the Philippine FoodBank Foundation, who then distributes donations to communities in need of food assistance. Beneficiaries in Cebu include Balay Samaritano sa Sugbo Shelter, Don Bosco Provincial House, and Our Lady of Lourdes Feeding Center.
The company also had their second ‘Fill It Forward’ Starbucks Venti Van stop at Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa on April 29. The initiative encouraged customers to participate in Starbucks FoodShare by purchasing a cookie for PHP 50, which were then donated to various beneficiaries through the Philippine FoodBank Foundation.
Building a fourth AquaTower in San Antonio, Quezon
Joining hands with Planet Water Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on alleviating the global water crisis, partner volunteers successfully built Starbucks Philippines’ fourth AquaTower at San Antonio Central School in San Antonio, Quezon on April 4. Through this long-standing partnership, 1,800 community residents are able to easily access safe drinking water and handwashing stations through an AquaTower. The partners also led hygiene education activities with local students.
Watch our recent volunteering activity with Planet Water here.
Starbucks Rewards members earn Stars on Reusables
Starbucks Philippines has been incentivizing customers to bring their own reusable cups through the Bring Your Own Reusable Cup program. Customers receive PHP 10 off their order when they bring any personal reusable cups from all stores nationwide. In celebration of Global Month of Good, Starbucks Philippines added 5 Bonus Stars on top of the P10 discount for Starbucks Rewards Members. Customers enjoyed this additional promo for every transaction throughout the whole month of April.
The company’s community efforts during the Global Month of Good and beyond demonstrate its commitment to creating a positive impact in local communities and the planet. Good things are definitely happening!
Rakuten Viber, the go-to messaging app for secure and private communication, is announcing a partnership with the world-renowned music streaming platform, Spotify. With this collaboration, Viber users in the Philippines can now groove to their favorite tunes, ad-free and offline, with Spotify Premium Mini with an exclusive discount of up to 90% off!
Viber boasts a massive international audience, particularly in the Central and Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific regions, where its market share reaches up to 98%, and one of its growth markets has been the Philippines. This makes it the perfect platform for Spotify to tap into new markets.
“We were looking for a partnership where we could introduce Spotify’s premium service to millions of users worldwide, making Viber a perfect fit,” says Marc Hazan, VP, Business Development and Partnerships at Spotify. “We want users all across the globe to be able to access uninterrupted music no matter where they are, especially when they are offline. We are excited to provide the best music to Viber’s users and see this partnership flourish.”
Ofir Eyal, CEO at Rakuten Viber, is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration, stating, “Music has always been a powerful form of communication between people, and as a communications app, Viber naturally aligns with this joyful aspect.”
“At Viber, we always want to provide our users with fun features that are effortless to use, and that is just what this activity offers. By joining forces with Spotify, Viber not only enriches its users’ lives with an outstanding music experience but it also continues to solidify its status as a top-tier super app,” adds Eyal. This offer is available for Viber users who are at least 18-years-old and are new or existing users of Spotify who have never previously redeemed Spotify offers or have never been subscribers to any Spotify Premium offering. To activate the exclusive deal, look for Viber in-app promotions delivered in chats, check out the ‘Explore Screen’ tab, and find posts regarding the partnership on select Viber channels. To access the offer, please ensure the latest version of the Viber app is installed: https://vb.me/purplepr
Got Viber family and friends abroad? They too can enjoy exclusive offers like a free one-month Spotify Premium trial for those in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and many more. Meanwhile, those in Vietnam can also enjoy Spotify Premium Mini with an exclusive discount of up to 90%! Enjoy the world’s best music anytime, anywhere with Viberand Spotify!
With football being an ever-growing interest within the Filipino community, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) proudly announces the reopening of world-class community football field Turf BGC last May 15.
Comfortably nestled in the heart of the BGC estate, Turf BGC is proud to be the country’s first public football arena, spanning an area of 305 x 164 feet and decked with FIFA-compliant, top-quality artificial turf, inviting players to feel as though they are in a professional arena.
Those looking forward to playing once again in the field have more to be excited about, too – Turf BGC has since upgraded its lighting system to facilitate excellent visuals for practice matches, professional tournaments, and TV broadcasts, producing enough lux to meet TV coverage needs.
The reopening also serves to address the needs of the BGC community, known lovers and fans of football, who may have been finding it a challenge to secure slots in other fields due to football team practices or training sessions. With Turf BGC’s comeback, the local community will have their own place to live out their passion for football once more.
Says Jun Galvez, Bonifacio Global City Estate Association Executive Director: “Turf BGC is a must-visit destination for everyone who loves football or appreciates a good fitness routine. It proves that BGC is not just a bustling business hub but also a diverse community that supports an all-around healthy lifestyle.”
All in all, Turf BGC is a testament to BGC’s efforts to promote and facilitate a well-rounded lifestyle that encompasses work, play, and overall wellness.
Turf BGC has reopened to the public starting May 15. For more information, follow Bonifacio Global City on Facebook and Instagram for updates; for reservations, email turfbgc@besc.com.ph or call (63 2) 8816-2372.
Summer season is in full swing and airport terminals are packed with Filipinos on their much-anticipated getaway. Buti na lang you can easily get that vacation you deserve with travel expenses made lighter when you pay with GGives via the country’s #1 Finance SuperappGCash!
GGives is a light-and-easy payment installment feature allowing eligible users to purchase big-ticket items like plane tickets, accommodations, and various activities that can be paid back in over 24 months. Dahil naka-sale na ang mga flights, hotel rooms, and tour packages this summer, GGives makes it so that you don’t have to fund your vacation all in one go – nakatipid ka na sa promo, hulugan pa ang bayad!
Simply choose GGives as your payment option of choice in partner merchants’ stores and online platforms. With the right timing and a bit of luck, you can score seasonal deals for your travel needs, and with GGives’ flexible payment schemes, sulit na sulit ang summer vacation mo!
Here are some of the ways that you can travel now, and pay in gives:
Discover your dream destination in an instant!
Nothing upgrades your life quite like learning about different cultures. Now, you can step out of your comfort zone and visit places you’ve never been, kahit pa naka-budget ka! Seat sales are made more affordable when you pay with GGives kasi kaya mo itong bayaran in installments over the course of 3 to 24 months.
Kayang kaya mo nang magtravel mapa-domestic man or international, as long as you book a flight with AirAsia, Air Swift, Airtrav, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines! Traveling by land or by sea? Sagot ka ng GCash diyan! GGives also partnered with buses and ferries all over the Philippines like A and B Liner, 1Bataan, Byahero Bus, Ocean Fast Ferries, and UBE Express.
Plan your summer getaway with Cebu Pacific‘s #CEBSeatSale. Book now until May 31 and secure flights to Hong Kong with a base fare of as low as Php 999. Pay with GGives and enjoy staggered payments that fit your budget!
Treat yourself to a luxurious hotel experience without the heavy price tag!
Apart from grand and comfortable accommodations with concierge service, nice hotels offer a range of amenities like swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and the like. Kayang-kaya mo nang maexperience ang lahat ng to with GGives by spending as little as Php 1,000 or as much as Php 125,000 in a single transaction.Abot-kaya mo na kahit 5-star hotel pa!
Pay in gives when you book a room in hotels like Shangri La Boracay Resort And Spa, Bataan White Corals Beach, The Bellevue Resort Bohol, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. If you’re the type who enjoys staycations around the metro, you may also use GGives to book a room in Okada Manila, IM Hotel, Diamond Hotel, Sheraton Manila, or The Bayleaf Hotel.
Experience a five-star hotel adventure through Shangri La Boracay Resort And Spa’s ongoing early bird promo, and get 20% off your room rate by booking 21 days prior to your arrival. Make your stay even more affordable by paying the discounted rate over the course of up to 24 months with GGives!
Go big on travel activities without going broke!
Vacations are often used as a time for exploration and adventure, but planning the logistics could be quite time demanding. Sa GCash, mababawasan ang stress mo! Afford mo na to take the hassle out of travel planning because GGives enables you to do partial payments as you enjoy zero down payments and low-interest rates when you book a travel agency for your next trip.
Hire any of these tour groups and pay with GGives: Fiesta Tours and Travel, Jara Travel and Tours, JustGo Travel and Tours, Levy Travel and Tours, or Likha Luxury Travel and Tours. But if you’re simply planning a fun day with family and friends, puwede kang mamasyal sa mga amusement center tulad ng Aeon Fantasy Kidzoona, Art Fair Philippines, Mystery Manila, SM By The Bay Amusement Park, at Star City!
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a Ride-All-You-Can Day Pass at SM By The Bay Amusement Park for as low as Php 402 per person if you book via Klook. Choose GGives as your payment option so you can avail of a flexible installment scheme without worrying about high-interest rates!
Turn your vacation mode “ON” because it starts now. You can pay for your next in-store purchase with GGives by scanning the QR code at the merchant’s store or selecting GGives as your payment option upon online checkout. Dahil sagot ka ng GCash, you can enjoy the vacation you deserve today!
Check out the full list of GGives partner merchants here.
Be eligible for GGives by fully verifying your GCash profile and maintaining a qualified GScore. You can increase your GScore by maintaining an active GCash wallet balance, regularly using different GCash services, and paying dues early or on time.
No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery! Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!
In this digital era, technology is often seen as a tool for convenience– you can shop, travel, and get what you need in a jiffy just by tapping your screens.
But beyond our daily transactions, technology also continues to strengthen our connections and foster our relationships– making those taps and clicks more meaningful for us and the people who matter the most.
This is what the heartwarming short film from Antoinette Jadaone, “Alma”, is all about. Watch the full film below:
Alma is the latest installment of #GCashStories, a collection of inspirational stories that highlights real Filipinos who have been empowered and enabled by GCash to stay hopeful and pursue progress.
In this film, we discover the story of Alma Fermano, a photocopy operator and family breadwinner who has become a familiar and friendly face at the Ateneo de Manila campus.
Known for her warm and cordial personality, Alma spends her day in front of a humming photocopy machine, greeting students with a smile and an endearing “pangga” (love)– making meaningful interactions as they go about their daily school errands.
Alma shares her story during GCash’s media launch for the short film Alma.
It was when Alma lost her home to a typhoon flooding that she discovered how meaningful those connections were– when university students and alumni alike came together and sent donations to her through GCash’s Send Money feature to help rebuild her home.
And the noble cause was a success.
“Sa totoo lang napakalaking tulong sa akin ng GCash talaga. Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi first time lang nangyari sa akin. Thank you talaga sa GCash,” shares Alma.
“Sobrang nagulat ako, hindi ko akalain na ganoon karami agad ang dumating. Isipin mo naging 100,000 agad ang dumating sa GCash ko. Talagang patuloy silang naghulog sa GCash hanggang nabuo yung bahay namin,” she adds.
Alma with former Ateneo students (Photo: GCash)
81 Million GCash Users, 81 Million Stories To Tell
The #1 Finance Super App GCash has now become a household name in providing everyone a convenient and safe way to send money, making it easier to provide support and financial assistance when needed– all you need is the GCash app and the person’s GCash number or QR code.
The app now has 81 million users and has distributed over USD 320 million of financial aid. And through its #GCashStories campaign, GCash aims to turn its users’ relevant moments into long-lasting movements by sharing them as short films meant to inspire. Because the GCash Story is not just their story, it’s our story together.
To take things further, the e-wallet has partnered with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation and Caritas Manila, where proceeds will go to families in need of disaster relief, much like Alma’s.
Before Alma, GCash also featured the story of Cocoy Rubio, who lost his job during the pandemic but found success as a small business owner with the help of GLoan.
GCash knows we all have our inspiring stories to tell. What’s yours? Follow and contribute through #GCashStories on social media. Learn more about it here.
Dragon Edge Group (DEG), the company behind the popular Beach Hut Sunblock was certified as a “best place to work” in the country for 2023 by Best Places to Work, a world-renowned company certification program in partnership with Best Companies Group.
Since 2010, Best Places to Work has been honoring organizations with the highest standards of excellence in human resource (HR) practices and employee experience. The assessment is purely employee-based, factoring in employee conditions, compensation and benefits, motivation, relationship, training, well-being, career development, leadership, and culture.
DEG is the only company of its size certified for this award in the Philippine FMCG industry in the last five years.
“This award isn’t like any other. Simply put, you’re being recognized for creating workplaces where your employees love to come to work. However, beyond that, you’re being honored for being the best of the best in your country,” says Peter Burke, Best Companies Group President.
“As a result of this achievement, your brand as an employer just got a lot stronger. You will enjoy the benefits of better job candidates, lower employee turnover, and a better reputation in your community and around the company. I can’t stress enough how proud I am to be associated with a worthwhile program,” Burke added.
Becoming a “Best Place to Work” in the Philippines
Since 2005, DEG has been creating remarkable brands that bring more joy to people’s lives. Behind the company’s success is a passionate team that ensures only the best-quality products reach stores and our homes.
Beyond its products for customers, DEG also fosters a positive work environment with a unique and innovative culture for its employees. As a result, DEG employees and officers, also known as “DEGsters,” embody an edginess that ultimately spills over to their work and professional relationships.
At Dragon Edge Group, the top priority is giving DEGsters the chance to learn and letting their creative juices flow. Founders Dennis and Emily Balajadia believe that the best ideas come from “relaxed, informal settings,” such as meeting over drinks by their coffee bar, chilling by the office swings and their war room. This encourages the team to think outside the box to come up with attention-grabbing campaigns for their brands.
This has led to some of the wildest yet brilliant Beach Hut ideas, like becoming the first sunblock to fly to space in 2017, which was crafted during a company inuman.
DEG doesn’t stop at training and workshops in the office as DEGsters are given the chance to learn from the best by getting their Master’s degrees from prestigious universities, like Ateneo Business School and Wharton School. Recreational activities such as scuba diving and mixology have also been crucial in their professional and culture development.
“We’re honored that Dragon Edge Group was named the Best Places to Work in the Philippines. Everything we do is for the growth and betterment of our DEGsters, so it’s really heartwarming to be recognized for the positive work culture we’ve fostered throughout the years,” says Dennis Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our goal here in DEG is to create a fun and welcoming environment where our employees can thrive and let their creative juices flow. If our employees are happy and motivated, you can see the love that they put into their work,” adds Emily Balajadia, Dragon Edge Group Co-founder and Mother of Marketing.
Creative Edge
Dragon Edge’s first product was a bottle of Beach Hut Sunblock in 2006, which was the first and only local spray-on sunblock at the time. This innovation pushed them to create other brands that challenged the status quo, and became the pioneers of many products, such as the first baby detergent Cycles and the first natural baby bottle and nipple cleanser, Cradle.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, DEG quickly responded by creating and distributing COV-X alcohol in just 11 days to help communities to stay safe and healthy.
The company has also expanded nationwide, and already has footprints in Indonesia. Not only did this allow DEG to branch their products out further, the expansion also created many opportunities for employees to help grow the company, while also growing within it themselves.
“We’ve gone a long way from our humble beginnings with Beach Hut. Now, we have a total of nine brands, and we are still growing,” says Dennis.
For Dragon Edge Group, working hard for our customers is just the beginning. It’s just as important to have a good time and celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. When they are able to spread joy and positivity in the workplace, they are able to do the same to every person around them.
For more information about Dragon Edge Group and its brands, visit their official website.
Mother’s Day is here! It’s that special day of the year when we get to pamper our moms and show them how much they mean to us. And what better way to treat the queen of your heart than with a special meal in one of Manila’s top hotels and restaurants? Here are 12 fantastic deals that promise to make this Mother’s Day one she’ll never forget.
1. City of Dreams Manila A special Sunday Brunch will delight moms with a luxurious spread of the famed cuisine popularized by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. At P4, 388 net per person, the brunch offers an extensive selection of appetizers; kushiyaki or grilled and skewered meat and vegetables and premium sashimi, sushi and maki roll creations matched with Nobu signature sauces. The featured carvings of the day — roasted whole US striploin, and smoked beef brisket with choice of creamy wasabi, au jus and mushroom wasabi sauce – are the brunch’s pièce de résistance. Filipino-inspired dishes prepared the Nobu way along with specialty dishes, salads, soups, and desserts and beverages complete the dining experience.
For dinner, Nobu Manila entices with an eight-course tasting menu (P8, 871.42) net per person, consisting of: chef’s choice of appetizer to warm up the palate for the first course of Tuna Tataki followed by a selection of assorted sushi and chilled chawanmushi of seasonal vegetables. Yellowtail Tosazu with crispy red onion and olive oil; Salmon Sashimi Salad; Pan-roasted Seabass with pickled watermelon, amasu ponzu and balsamic caviar; Grilled Wagyu Beef with crispy kabocha, nasu, shitake and garlic SMR (soy-mirin reduction) come after. Chocolate and Yogurt, consisting of chocolate mousse, yogurt, vanilla crumble and ube ice cream provide a lip-smacking conclusion to the meal. For inquiries, call (63 2) 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com
2. Conrad Manila
Brasserie on 3 invites families to an exquisite ‘Mother’s Day Extravaganza’ feast curated by Executive Chef Warren Brown. Inspired by mom’s favorite dishes, the menu offers an indulgent blend of Indian and Western signature dishes, including a ribeye roast, lechon sisig con chorizo, paella, and more. Moms dine for free in every group of four, with prices starting at PHP 3,500 nett per person.
China Blue celebrates Mother’s Day with a grand feast fit for a queen. The special menu honors the love and care that mothers selflessly give to their families, and guests can get a special gift for mom with every purchase of the set menu. The set menu starts at PHP 49,880 nett, serving 10 guests.
C Lounge invites families to share precious moments with their mothers while enjoying a delectable spread of treats and picturesque views. The ‘Mother’s Day Tea Party’ set is made with love and care, ensuring that this Mother’s Day will be unforgettable. The set includes a range of delightful treats, including strawberry panna cotta, chocolate tart, strawberry pavlova, carrot cake, and macarons. Rates start at PHP 2,688++, with a selection of tea, coffee, or sparkling wine, available from May 8 to May 14, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
For more information on Conrad Manila’s Mother’s Day offerings, visit EatDrinkHilton.com and www.conradhotels.com/manila for more details. You may also call (63 2) 8833-9999 to learn more about their Mother’s Day offerings.
3. Crimson Hotel
How about an exquisite buffet experience at Crimson Hotel? With a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, your mom will surely appreciate this gastronomic adventure. Moms deserve nothing but the best. On Mother’s Day, our chefs have prepared a delectable feast fit for a queen.
Elevate their experience with live entertainment, complimentary rose, and luscious macaroons! Rate: Php1,950 per person. Book your table now and make her day extra special!
For inquiries, please call (63 2) 88632222, or email dining@crimsonhotel.com. Book your table via https://bit.ly/mothersdayatcafe8.
4. Diamond Hotel
A mouthwatering lunch and dinner buffet spread awaits families dining this Mother’s Day at Corniche. Choose to celebrate anytime from May 12 to 14, 2023 for Php3,500 net per person and enjoy cuisines of the world lovingly prepared by our master chefs especially for Moms.
Honor Mother’s Day with a Japanese flair and partake of Yurakuen’s Mother’s Day Family Set priced at Php8,980 net for 4 persons or Php13,380 net for 6 persons. Menu includes: Sushi Cake (Salmon, Tuna, Grouper and Sea Urchin Sushi cake); Hot Dish (Grilled Salmon with Cheese & Almond Japanese Omelet); Grilled Vegetables Rolled Beef, Tempura Squid Flake, Salmon Rolled White Radish with Egg Yolk Sauce, Grilled Chicken with Tartar Sauce, and Edamame Young Soy Beans); and Deep Fry Dish (Shrimp tempura, Tempura Crab Stick, Chicken Nanban and Seaweed Salad). Available on May 13 and 14, 2023.
The Lobby Lounge gives you 3 different ways to celebrate Mother’s Day from May 12-14, 2023. One is to surprise Mom with the gift of sweetness. For a limited time only, the Strawberry Mango Cake will be available for her to enjoy.
For reservations call (63 2) 85283000. All Moms dining on May 14 will receive a token from the hotel.
5.Discovery Primea Celebrate Mother’s Day with an evening filled with modern Asian cuisine and charcoal-grilled specialties. Enjoy a multi course menu thoughtfully curated by Flame’s culinary team, which includes delectable dishes such as Pan-Seared Foie Gras.
Visit bit.ly/PrimeaMothersDay to view the full menu. For reservations and inquiries, call (63 2) 7955 8888 or email primea.restaurants@discovery.com.ph
6. Grand Hyatt Manila
The Grand Kitchen. An array of exquisite food choices await the family as the restaurant prepares a sumptuous spread to celebrate this day in the best way. Guests can take their pick of signature specialties from around the world, prepared a la minute and in their presence, including a Lamb Shoulder Biryani, Stir-Fried Premium Black Angus Beef, Goan Fish Curry, and chargrilled beef tri-tip. Take a trip down this buffet at PHP 3,200 net per person (free-flow non-alcohol) and PHP 3,800 net (with free-flow alcohol). The Mother’s Day buffet is available for lunch and dinner on May 14 only.
The Lounge. Spill the tea and unwind with Mom amidst the resplendent lobby background. Revel in the Merienda Cena, a grand Filipino afternoon tea celebration where guests can enjoy delicate drinks and delicacies inspired by the country’s native offerings. Dig into intricately prepared bites like the chicken coronation, smoked milkfish rillettes, pancit palabok, and a turon (banana and jackfruit spring roll) sundae. Sip on this experience for PHP 2,200 net per person from May 12 to 14, inclusive of free-flow rosé and a cocktail from the Coffee Cocktail Collection.
No.8 China House. Take Mom and the family on a curated culinary journey of well-loved classics and unique memory makers, including the restaurant’s beloved traditional Peking Duck. Have the dish in two ways to enjoy the best parts, including the sliced duck skin, breast meat, and leg meat for the first course and deep-fried duck bone in salt and pepper for the second course. Explore the rest of the menu, with highlights such as the stir-fried Angus beef in enoki mushroom and black pepper, and the seafood fried rice generously topped with dried scallops, garlic, and tobiko. Experience this special set menu for PHP 36,880 net per table of 10 persons for lunch and dinner, inclusive of one magnum bottle of Chateau Cap De Fer.
The Peak. Share some thrills with Mom from Peak Grill on her special day. Guests can level up their celebration by taking it to the sky, dining al fresco or indoors with breathtaking views of the city. Commemorate this event in the best way possible by treating her and the family to a John Stone Tomahawk, with prices starting at PHP 11,900 per order. Bring land and sea together with a Surf and Turf, inclusive of a hearty pair of lobster and a tomahawk, with prices starting at PHP 20,480 per order. Both dishes are good for 3-4 persons and include side dishes like creamed spinach, mashed potato, and mac and cheese. Get a taste of these signatures at the restaurant for dinner from May 12 to 14.
Kusina, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, will host Queen’s Day Out , A Mother’s Day Special buffet wherein guests can indulge in an array of international cuisines, fresh seafood, tender meats, and an abundant selection of dishes. The buffet is priced at PHP 3,500++ per person and will be available for lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. As an additional treat, mothers who will avail of the promotion will receive a relaxing 20-minute foot spa.
For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Madison has the perfect solution with Tribute to Mom – a take away offer that allows guests to treat mothers to a Charcuterie Set for PHP 5,000++, and Grilled Salmon Set for PHP 4,500++, as well as sweet selections such as Flower Mini Cake for PHP 350++, Mini Cake for PHP 375++, Earl Grey Whole Cake for PHP 1,900++ for a quick and hassle-free celebration at home.
For more information, please call (63 2) 72397788 or visit www.hiltonmanila.com.
8. Manila Marriott Hotel Manila Marriott Hotel offers a special Mother’s Day brunch that will surely leave your mom satisfied. Their delectable spread is a treat she deserves. Bringing together the best of two cuisines and creating that Marriott Moment this HERitage Month.
For more info, call (63 2) 89889999 or book a table here.
9. Marco Polo Ortigas Manila Mother’s Day has become extra special at Cucina this year as two highly acclaimed chefs will be bringing Cebu’s most authentic flavors closer to us!
Chef Riz Degamo fills the role of Chef de Cuisine of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, having been with the hotel since 2006 and helping establish it as a top culinary destination in the region.
Chef Jonathan Cabuncal harnesses his passion for local ingredients to create innovative dishes which best represent Cebuano cuisine. Back in Cebu, both chefs work with their culinary team to deliver exceptional dining experiences to their guests. From May 11-14, they will bring the same skill, dedication, and delicious creations to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila!
With Mother’s Day right around the corner, this might be the unique experience you’ve been looking for to treat the special women in your lives.
Have your tables reserved by calling (632) 7720 7777 or book through our online store https://bit.ly/Culinarya2023 for an exclusive 15% off!
10. New World Makati
All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum Delights at Jasmine. Guests can also treat mom to an indulgent all-you-can-eat dim sum lunch or dinner at Jasmine, priced at PHP2,488 nett on May 14. Mom can savor all her favorites from a range of appetizers such as Soy chicken, Marinated spiced beef shanks, Marinated pork knuckles, and Honey roasted pork; Seafood wintermelon soup; delectable dim sum such as “Har gao” shrimp bamboo shoot dumpling, “Xiao long bao” Shanghainese pork dumpling, “Siu mai” pork and crab meat dumpling, Chicken with shrimp and abalone dumpling, Shrimp with pork and bean curd roll, Beef rice roll, Seafood taro puff, Barbecued pork pastry puff, Seafood net spring roll with jackfruit, Pork and chive dumpling, and ‘Sichuan’ style pork dumpling.
Main dishes include Diced chicken in salted fish fried rice, Stir-fried noodles ‘Hongkong style’, Fish fillet congee, Stir-fried fish fillet in Manchurian sauce, Wok-fried shrimp with celery and X.O chili sauce, and Wok-fried sesame chicken fillet in hoisin sauce. For dessert, moms can choose among the bestselling Egg tart, Mango cream sago and Deep-fried sesame balls with lotus paste.
An Indulgent Buffet at Café 1228. Moms can also enjoy a hearty buffet at Cafe 1228, priced at PHP3,000 nett for lunch and PHP4,000 nett for dinner on May 14. Highlights include Roasted marinated rib eye, Louisiana seafood bag, native lechon, and an array of sweet treats.
Feast with the queen at High Street Café for lunch or dinner, available today & tomorrow. Price starts at PHP2,950 net per head. We may not ever be able to match her wisdom and style, but we sure can take her out for a date that’ll guarantee a sweet smile.
Celebrate mom’s splendour at Canton Road with a special set menu available on 14 May 2023 at PHP19,888 good for 5 persons. We’ve brewed the tea and set the table for you to enjoy filling and savoury dishes such as our crispy prawn ball in Osmanthus sauce with seasonal fruits.
For more information, contact 091SLFMEATS (09175363287) or eats.slfm@shangri-la.com.
12. The Peninsula Manila End your Mother’s Day celebration on a high note at The Peninsula Manila. Their decadent desserts and world-class service are sure to make your mom feel extra special.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an epicurean adventure at Escolta Restaurant’s lavish Sunday Brunch Buffet with all of mom’s favorites. P6,388 (adults with free-flowing Champagne), P3,888 (adults), P1,900 (children under 12)
Savor a four-course French Bistronomy-inspired menu created by Old Manila’s inimitable team.
Four-course Set Menu P6,888 (adults and children)
Embark on a delicious journey of Mom’s merienda and teatime favorites – old and new – at The Upper Lobby while being serenaded by the Peninsula Strings and admiring National Artist Napoleon “Billy” Abueva’s glorious “Sunburst” sculpture. P3,888 (adults with a flute of Champagne), P2,888 (adults), P1,400 (children under 12)
All prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
For inquiries or further information on The Peninsula Manila’sOld Manila Mother’s Day Specials, Escolta Mother’s Day Feast, and Mother’s Day Merienda Buffet at The Upper Lobby, please call The Peninsula Manila at (63 2) 8887 2888 ext. 6694
There you have it, our top 12 picks for Mother’s Day treats in Metro Manila. Each location offers a unique experience that will make this day unforgettable for your mom, these deals are designed to make her feel loved and appreciated.
After all, every day should be Mother’s Day, but on this particular day, let’s make an extra effort to show our moms just how special they are. So, take your pick from this list and give your mom the treat she truly deserves. Here’s to making this Mother’s Day the best one yet! Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there, you are truly the heart of our homes.
Hotel guests may witness special performances of Loboc Children’s Choir as they are scheduled to sing at the lobby of Manila Prince Hotel on April 30, 2023 at 2:30 PM and at the grand lobby of The Manila Hotel on May 1, 2023 at 2:30 PM.
Admission is free.
The renowned Loboc Children’s Choir has captivated audiences far and wide with their musical talent. Having won national and international competitions, the choir has grown into one of the Philippines’ most outstanding choirs today.
Loboc Children’s Choir was founded in 1980, and within its forty-three years of existence, the choir has received accolades around the world as they held concerts in Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and United States of America. They took home the gold medal in both the Youth Category and Grand Prize at the 6th International Folksongs Festival “Europe and its Songs” held in Barcelona, Spain.
For inquiries, please call (63 2) 5328-2222 for Manila Prince Hotel and (63 2) 8527-0011 for The Manila Hotel.
Boasting its world-class hospitality standards and services in its flagship restaurant, Spiral, its 3 luxury dining destinations and highly acclaimed banquet services, from state and national events to social and corporate celebrations, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila proudly presents Mr. Eric Norbert as the hotel’s newest Director of Food and Beverage.
Coming up to lead one of the metro’s biggest food and beverage team, Mr. Norbert is a self-drivenand self-determined individual withmore than two decades of experiencein restaurant andhospitality,thathas aninspiring success storyof building up one’s career from the bottom whileaspiring to be a leader that he is today.
Early in his career, Mr. Norbert jumpstarted his passion in Food & Beverage in the exclusive five-star, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France while learning century-long hospitality practices and traditions of French luxury and elegance. He was able to progress his career when he worked for La Bernardin, a three-star Michelin restaurant in New York City. In 2006,Heentered the hospitality-chain industry at the world-famous Glass Brasserie in Hilton Sydney, Australia as its Assistant Operations Manager.
In 2012, Mr. Norbert workedwith Chef Cyrille Soenen, Maître Cusinier De France,at the well-knownBrasserie CiÇou as its Restaurant Manager. Because of the exemplary skillshe had shown, BrasserieCiÇou was awardedas the Best French Restaurant of the Year at the Manila’s Best KeptRestaurantSecrets Awards2012.
Mr. Norbert started his career at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in 2015 as a restaurant manager of the hotel’s lobby lounge and patisserie, Le Bar. It was not long that he was promoted to be the manager of Asia’s most interactive dining destination, Spiral. He presented his expertise in world-class dining and service that made Spiral one of the most multi-awarded international buffets in the metro. While Spiral remains to be the country’s top dining destination, He pursued his passion to provide excellence in service as he became the hotel’s Food and Beverage Manager in 2019.
3 years ago, as the world went on a hiatus, Mr. Norbert remained resilientand strived to revive thehotel’s food & beverage dining outletsthroughadaptingthe changes in the hospitality service andempoweringhis team not to be discouraged with the limitations during those times. His drive andeagerness for the rise of the industry and his rapport and care for his people, earned his promotion tobe the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage in 2022.
Now reaching his career goal, Mr. Norbert aims to continue his legacy and principle of providing world-class experiences to guests and patrons. As the new Director of Food & Beverage, he aspires to create a modern approach on hospitality experience to connect with guests through food, beverage and service while still upholding French art de vivre and the heartfelt warmth of the Filipino spirit
Communities have become a safe space which allows each individual to grow and thrive. Whether it focuses on housing, food, fitness, or parenting, a community brings together like-minded people to share and uplift one another.
At a time when parent communities were dominated by moms, in came a new dad on the block which led to the birth of one of the country’s largest and most active dad communities on Facebook to date—DadBudPH.
DadBudPH founder Joey Ong on the joy of fatherhood
At the helm is advertising entrepreneur and food content creator Joey Ong, who founded the community in 2019 when his wife was pregnant, initially as a way to seek counsel from more experienced dads.
“Back then, I didn’t know much about being a dad and there weren’t a lot of communities which brought dads together the way mom groups did,” he said. “DadBudPH became a platform to share personal experiences, get inspired, and really just spread the good vibes of fatherhood.”
Kuya Kim Atienza on spending quality over quantity time with kids
Since then, DadBudPH has steadily grown and recently hit gold with over 50,000 members—an unprecedented 90% of which are highly engaged everyday. Fueled by dads and dad figures of various ages, socio-economic classes, and locations, the community brings to life topics related to fatherhood—parenting, family, homes, humor, entertainment, food, fitness, gadgets, pop culture, and more.
Former seminarian Romulo Velasco on raising 5 boys to become good men
Last November 2022, DadBudPH earned international recognition by no less than Meta, a multinational technology conglomerate which owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more. It became the only parenting group in the Philippines to be invited to the coveted Facebook accelerator program which kicked off in Singapore as a thrust to help grow the community further.
LIV Ministries founder Emmanuel Manansala on finding hope
A fresh new concept
To celebrate the golden milestone of over 50,000 members, Joey recently kicked off DadBud Academy, a program which brings dads together in a series of physical events to learn, enjoy, and be inspired for a better future. As parenting events are usually centered on or organized by moms, this is an untapped initiative and a novel way to honor and empower fathers year-round. The freshness and potential of this concept led to popular establishments pitching in to help expand its footprint.
Troy Montero on facing challenges as a parent
The pilot event entitled “Dad Talks” was held at Robinsons Galleria’s Robinsons Movieworld and Playlab, where established dads shared their stories to inspire other dads. TV personality Kim Atienza, former seminarian Romulo Velasco, Filipino-American actor Troy Montero, “ausome” parenting dad Ron Ramos, Kalye Negosyo and Potato Corner founder Jorge Wieneke, and Emmanuel Manansala and Ed Embradora from LIV Ministries spoke to an audience of close to 200 dads and their families, giving them a glimpse of their personal journeys and how they became who they are today.
Ron Ramos on parenting an “ausome” child
“This advocacy aims to let go of any stigma that dads are slackers, or corporate slaves or executives who are too busy for family. We can also be domesticated, entrepreneurial, and most importantly—the best husbands we can be to our wives and the best dads we can be to our children,” Joey said. “We have lots of exciting opportunities up ahead, with the end goal of supporting and honoring dads whose roles in the family are valuable and irreplaceable.”
Potato Corner and Kalye Negosyo founder Jorge Weineke on being a dad-preneur
The DadBud Academy will be rolling out fun-filled events in the coming weeks leading up to Father’s Day, which include with an immersive high-tech play session at Robinsons Galleria’s PlayLab, a deep dive into financial literacy for families, a food festival run by small-medium business (SME) dads, and more.
So stay tuned, dads! For those who haven’t yet, join the DadBudPH community on Facebook and—as they say—“be a buddy to your fellow daddy”.
