The Manila Hotel's Christmas tree lighting ceremony signals the start of the joyous season for the children beneficiaries of The House of Refuge The Manila Hotel—Philippines’ oldest premier five‑star establishment, whose cornerstone was laid in 1909 and doors opened on July 4, 1912—once again illuminated its grand lobby with the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Wednesday, November 4. The festive tableau, a glittering pine bedecked with giant red anahaw fans and golden cadena de amor, along with twinkling ornaments and a crown of resplendent lights, signaled the official start of the season not only for the storied hotel but for the whole of Manila. The celebration was led by a distinguished roster of guests: Chairman Basilio C. Yap and President Atty. Jose D. Lina Jr. of Manila Hotel, Manila City Mayor Francisco 0“Isko” Moreno, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita Angara‑Mathay, and Culture and Arts of Manila (DTCAM) Director Cristal Bagatsing. Adding a dash of youth...

The Embassy of Malaysia hosted the mediacon for the Berjaya-Malaysia Friendship Open 2026 on October 30 On November 28, 2026, the lush fairways of the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga, will play host to a powerful convergence of diplomacy, commerce, and sportsmanship. Organized by Malaysia Friendship Golf (MYFG), the Berjaya–Malaysia Friendship Open 2026 is set to welcome approximately 288 players—ranging from diplomats and government officials to corporate executives and passionate golfers from Malaysia, the Philippines, and the broader international community. More than just a competitive tournament, the event stands as a premier platform for fostering cross-border collaboration, mutual understanding, and enduring goodwill. A Shared Commitment to Humanitarian Causes At the heart of the tournament lies a profound philanthropic mission. MYFG and MCCI Chairman Stephen Khaw has confirmed that 100% of the proceeds raised will be channeled directly into Corporate Soci...

  The QCinema International Film Festival continues to stand as a vital cultural pillar for both Quezon City and the broader cinema industry. For Quezon City, the festival proudly reinforces the city’s prestigious designation as one of only two cities in Southeast Asia recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Film, serving as a powerful platform that champions local storytelling and positions the metropolis as a thriving regional hub for cinematic arts. Within the broader film industry, QCinema acts as a crucial launchpad for bold, innovative works—exemplified by homegrown projects like the ₱1.5-million QCinema Project Market grant-winner Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw—while bridging Southeast Asian cinema with the global stage by showcasing exceptional international co-productions and masterworks. For its 14th edition running from November 13 to 22, 2026, across major Metro Manila cinemas, the festival embraces the curatorial concept “Genre’teurs.” This theme stands for th...

Amb. Dana Kursh delivers her opening remarks at the Israel-led forum on October 22 As the Philippines faces intensifying climate vulnerabilities—ranging from erratic rainfall and extreme heat to recurring droughts like El Niño—transforming the nation's agricultural landscape has never been more urgent. Building a climate-resilient food system requires moving beyond reactive measures to embrace proactive, holistic solutions that safeguard every stage of the agricultural value chain, from farm production to market delivery. At the heart of this transformation are advanced technology, strong governance, and robust public-private partnerships (PPPs). Technological innovations—such as precision irrigation, digital crop monitoring, data-driven agronomy, and modern post-harvest facilities—are essential for optimizing resource use, mitigating weather risks, and drastically reducing food loss. However, technology alone is not enough; its success depends heavily on good governance. Strategic...

Belmont's PAMANA guest Chefs Aaron and Grant (center) are flanked by HR Manager Colleen Leviste (left) who did great hosting the event, Director of Operations Rupert Tancioco, and Belmont Hotel Manager Mayann Malapote.  Belmont Hotel Manila brings the flavors of Batangas to the table through PAMANA: Taal, Reimagined , a culinary collaboration featuring chefs Grant Zuniga and Aaron Valeroso. Launched as part of the hotel's 11th anniversary celebration, the dining experience presents two Filipino-inspired creations that combine regional ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques.  Available at Café Belmont until December 31, 2026, the featured dishes are Sinigang Risotto with Grilled Maliputo and Adobo sa Dilaw Chicken Confit, priced at PHP 1,200 each.  Heritage cuisine is far more than just a collection of old family recipes; it is the edible history of a nation, capturing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of generations past. In the Philippines, regional culinary...