Casa Alegria is nestled in a steep hill directly facing the world famous Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. With 8 well appointed rooms, a dining area where breakfast and dinner are served, an infinity pool and jacuzzi, it is an ideal place for big families, friends, and buddies to enjoy the all-time cool and fresh air of Tagaytay. Built on a forest-like setting, Casa Alegria makes a good sanctuary of rest and regeneration as well as as a living platform for peace and sustainability. In recognition of its  unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and peace-building, Casa Alegria Tagaytay shall be conferred t he distinction of a United Nations Association Peace Center. In line with this, Casa Alegria will also be acknowledged as a Global Citizens Hub of the United Network of Global Citizens (UNGC)—a place where leaders, innovators, and  communities can gather to nurture dialogue, foster cooperation, and advance shared futures. The resort has been chosen as a...

SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation’s (SMHCC) conventions and accommodation portfolio garnered multiple accolades during the recent 2025 TTG Travel Awards held at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Bangkok. Voted by travel agents and industry professionals across the Asia-Pacific region, the TTG Travel Awards celebrate hospitality leaders who set the benchmark in their respective categories. Since 1989, the organization has honored the best of Asia-Pacific’s travel industry. SM Hotels’ luxury brand Conrad Manila has been named Best Business Hotel – Philippines. This marks the third time the hotel has received this distinguished award, recognizing its outstanding meeting facilities, world-class venues, heartfelt service, and unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. Joanne Gomez, commercial director of Conrad Manila, represented the hotel at the awards ceremony. “We are deeply grateful to the travel agen...

Midwives Summit 2025 shines the spotlight on midwives as indispensable drivers of reproductive health: advocates, service providers, and partners in improving health outcomes for every Filipino community Data from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) shows that there are 179,000 registered midwives in the country with only 75,000 in active service. "Saan napunta ang mga midwives natin? Hindi naman sila nag-a-abroad to work dahil nurses ang in-demand sa ibang banda," commented Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in his speech during the Midwives Summit 2025 held on Tuesday at Seda Hotel Vertis North, Quezon City. That's why, he said, the salary increase and benefits for the midwives, along with other health workers are included in his agenda as the health secretary. He noted that among other things, low salaries remain an issue for many midwives who are graduates of 3-year diploma program, unlike other Healthcare professionals with 4-year degrees. "We need our mi...

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. - - 2 Chronicles 7:14 ( King James Version ) In these challenging times, as corruption fuels unrest and massive demonstrations rise across the Philippines , we are called to lift our country before God in fervent prayer. This is according Apostle Renato D. Carrillo , spiritual leader of Jesus Is Our Shield Worldwide Ministries (JIOSW). According to him it is only through united and persevering intercession that Filipinos can appeal for God's mercy and divine intervention—trusting that He alone can establish righteousness, bring healing, and secure lasting transformation in our land. Thus, the group has set the National Prayer for Peace on November 5, 2025 (Wed.) / 2pm to be held at the Playtime FilOil Centre, Santolan Road, Bonny Serrano Avenue, Brgy. Corazon de Jesus, Sa...

Three culinary masters from across Savoy brand volt-in to showcase their dishes for the month-long Three Chefs, One Table at Savoy Hotel Manila Get ready for a gustatory delight this October as Savoy Hotel Manila unveils its latest offering - - Three Chefs, One Table .  A first-of-its-kind culinary collaboration bringing together the creative talents of three Savoy Hotel chefs across the Philippines—Boracay, Cebu, and Manila , it also underscores the brand’s commitment to celebrating culture, sustainability, and inclusivity .  Each dish is guaranteed crafted to delight the palate, to honor local heritage and tell a story worth sharing - - with a showcase of taste and flavors for well-loved dishes such as the Barbecue Chicken Croquette , Bantayan Scallop Rockefeller , Crab Meat Dumpling , Alugbati Salad with Crispy Danggit , Lobster Bisque with Grilled Pan Bisaya , Mactan Chili Crab , Steamed Pompano with Chawanmushi XO , and indulgent desserts like Queso Bibingka Cheesecake ...

The newest site at the beachfront of Pico de   Loro Cove is the  DASH Cart, serving a curated selection of coffee blends and brews, perfectly paired with fresh pastries.  Now, I have visitors don't have to go far to get their cups of coffee because it's just there at the beach area.  SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has officially launched the  mobile coffee-on-wheels created in partnership with Nestlé Philippines, at its flagship seaside destination, Pico de Loro Cove. The unveiling was held at the Pico de Loro Country Club, graced by executives from SMHCC, Nestlé Philippines, and members of the media. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch, led by National Key Accounts & OCS Head, Nestlé Philippines  Brandy Morales, General Manager  Maxi Gavino, SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Leah Magallanes, and SMHCC Vice President-Commercial Agnes Pacis. The highlight of the program was a celebratory DASH coffee toast joi...

Workshop participants with the organizers and facilitators Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, in partnership with the Iloilo City MICE Center, recently hosted “Beyond the Plate: A Masterclass in Gastronomical Storytelling”. The full-day workshop, held at the hotel, brought together local content creators, students, and media to celebrate and elevate the art of food writing and content creation, reinforcing Iloilo’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.    The event kicked off with a unique urban farm tour led by Chef Cidj Jalandoni, providing participants a hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation that knowing and valuing the origins of food is fundamental to authentic and meaningful gastronomy. The official program opened with a special welcome message from Iloilo City Mayor  Raisa Treñas. "This initiative highlights not only our culinary treasures but also our role as storytellers of Iloilo’s rich food heritage," she said. "Food is not just food—it is culture,...

At the recent relaunch of Bytes, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila introduced Pares | Cork & Comfort Dinner Pairing at Bytes, a curated dining experience where guests is guided through engaging tasting notes and pairing insights, showcasing how approachable wines can enhance Filipino comfort food . (This is priced at PHP 2,800 nett per person and is available every third Wednesday of the month.) This writer got the privileged to be invited along with fellow journalist Alex and the one and only Bob Zozobrado , hotelier and marketing man par excellence, who is currently the CEO and General Manager of the country's Philippine Retirement Agency . Notable dishes on the a la carte menu served to us were Adobong Liver Pâté, Molo Soup , Flaky Beef Empanada , Gourmet Tuyo Pasta , and Matcha Mango Mousse Cake. The featured wine selection includes: Haussmann Chardonnay , Haussmann Merlot , Footprint Shiraz , and Growers Gate Moscato . Fun, intimate dining with friends at Lanson's Byt...

Running from September 16 to November 15, 2025, at Conrad Hotel Manila is a group exhibit titled “Her Hands: A Loom of Stories”, showcasing 34 works of seven female contemporary artists, namely: Kristine de Jesus, Anita del Rosario, Jane Ebarle, Mia Go, Katrina Raimann, Anina Rubio, and Maria Salvador. The 37th edition of the hotel’s esteemed ‘Of Art and Wine’ Series in collaboration with Space_Alt Contemporary, this new collection at the hotel’s Gallery C celebrates the artistry of weaving, through textile art, sculpture, and mixed media. And while enjoying the mixed media, guests get to indulge in a new afternoon tea experience  inspired by the featured art collection. Available from September 17 to November 15, 2025, at C Lounge, this delightful culinary journey celebrates both art and culture through a selection of exquisite bites and sips. The artfully curated set includes baked gillardeau oysters, pan-seared lamb chops, U.S. choice beef tenderloin, pan-seared lapu-lapu, signa...

Taal Vista Hotel , SMHCC ’s iconic Property in Tagaytay at  has officially been recognized as a Tourism Pillar Awardee at the inaugural Philippine Tourism Awards , one of the highest honors in the country’s tourism sector.  The awarding ceremony was held on 8 September 2025 at Okada Manila , where the hotel’s delegation—General Manager Ramon Makilan , Director of Sales & Marketing Mary Rose Lomibao, and Cluster MarComm Manager Faith Dimaano —accepted the accolade with pride. The Tourism Pillar Award was introduced by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as part of its 50th founding anniversary celebration. This one-time recognition program honors the pioneers and trailblazers whose contributions have helped shape the Philippine tourism industry . It pays tribute to individuals, enterprises, destinations, and organizations that have stood the test of time and set the foundation for growth. For the enterprise category, honorees must be primary tourism establishments operating ...

  Debuted in Japan in 1996, Pokémon is estimated to be the world's highest-grossing media franchise and is one of the best-selling video game franchises including animated series, films, a trading card game, and other related media. Originally called Pocket Monsters, it features a universe where humans coexist with creatures known as Pokémon, which are endowed with special powers. The franchise primarily targets children aged 5 to 12 but attracts people of all ages. Pokémon originated as role-playing games developed by Game Freak and has since become one of the highest-grossing media franchises globally, with a significant cultural impact.  Now, here’s the latest in Pokémon: Mega Hawlucha, the Mega Evolution of the Wrestling Pokémon Hawlucha, introduces itself in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The video introducing Mega Hawlucha in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now available on the official Pokémon YouTube channel with the title "Mega Hawlucha Appears in Pokémon Legends: Z-A." You...

Rhian Ramos, BingoPlus Female TV Star of the Year; with her real-life partner Sam Versoza, BingoPlus Male TV Star of the Year, happily receive their surprise awards and cash prizes.  The star-studded night of the 37th PMPC Star Awards for Television on August 24, 2025, in Quezon City , was proudly presented by the country’s leading digital entertainment platform, BingoPlus. Celebrating the very best of Philippine television , the event stood as a true epitome of excellence — from the glamorous red carpet and distinguished interviews to the highly anticipated announcement of the night’s top winners. Renowned artists get to walk the red carpet, take their photos at the displayed wall and are interviewed. For an extra layer of excitement, BingoPlus infused colorful and fun-filled energy to the stage while honoring the outstanding artists and shows that define the country’s TV landscape today. BingoPlus also set up a photo wall in purple which is the brand’s official color. The vibran...