The opening ceremony and the official poster of HWONFEX 2026 The Health, Wellness, and Organic Festival and Expo (HWONFEX) stands at the forefront of positioning the Philippines as the premier "Heart of ASEAN Wellness." Designed as the country’s pioneering B2B2C holistic healing trade fair, HWONFEX brings together government agencies, industry stakeholders, and wellness advocates to champion a healthier, more purposeful way of life.  HWONFEX 2026: The Official ASEAN Side Event for the Health Tourism & Wellness Economy seeks to unify the region’s wellness economy under the banner “ASEAN Wellness as One,” fulfilling its core theme: “Go Explore, Grow Communities, Glow Together.” Mr. Ebb Hinchcliffe, executive director, American Chambers of Commerce, shared his personal experience on how he benefitted and got healed from the Philippines' health and wellness program. Photo by Ana Esternon This initiative arrives at a time of unprecedented global growth. According to the Gl...

Region 1 did a colorful centerpiece of Filipino food and delicacies for everyone to share on day 1 of PTM. The famous lechon was also served that day. (Below, DOT Sec. Dita Angara-Mathay led  tourism officials in rounding the exhibition hall.  The Philippines has long captured the global imagination with its powder-white beaches, emerald rice terraces, and crystal-clear waters. But to truly discover the archipelago is to understand why travelers inevitably fall deeper in love with its soul. Exploring the Philippines is an immersive journey into genuine bayanihan (communal unity), world-renowned hospitality, and a rich tapestry of indigenous traditions, Spanish-colonial history, and vibrant festivals. Traveling here is not merely about sight-seeing; it is about human connection.  And with the  Next-Gen Travelers—primarily Millennials and Gen Zs—who view travel not as a luxury, but as an essential component of holistic living, traveling should really be different and m...

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu warmly received the visiting Global Fusion Media for its own initiative the Iloilo Food Circuit and Heritage Tour 2.0 from August 25-30, which coincided with the 89th Charter Day celebration of Iloilo City. From a thriving business process outsourcing (BPO) hub and a bustling port city to a recognized UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo City's robust economy is matched by its commitment to preserving its architectural soul and sustainability.  The city beamed a vibrant display of unity, culture, and civic pride as it marked the 89th Iloilo Charter Day Celebration recently. On August 25, the milestone commemorated the city’s formal inauguration as a chartered municipality in 1937—a pivotal moment born from the historic merger of the old towns of Iloilo, La Paz, Arevalo, and the port district of Jaro.  Centered around the theme "Celebrating 89 Years of Progress Toward a Better Iloilo City for All," the citywide festivities spanned iconic venues...

Taiwan is bringing its innovation capabilities closer to the Philippine market as the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion takes part in Taiwan Expo 2026 from September 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center in Manila. Under the theme “Empowering a Smarter Future,” the pavilion will feature 24 Taiwan Excellence-awarded brands spanning Intelligent Technology, Smart Life, Smart Healthcare, and Consumer Electronics, presenting a cross-section of Taiwan expertise to Philippine companies and industry leaders. The showcase comes at a time when businesses are looking for technologies that can strengthen their operations, respond to changing market demands, and create new avenues for growth. By bringing Taiwan brands and their capabilities to Manila, the pavilion provides a venue for Philippine businesses to explore technologies, establish industry connections, and consider potential areas of cooperation. Rather than focusing solely on individual products, the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion highlights the br...