The Manila Hotel Named Philippines’ Leading Hotel for Third Consecutive Year

The Manila Hotel has once again been named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel at the 33rd World Travel Awards 2026, marking the Grand Dame’s third consecutive win in the category from 2024 to 2026.

The prestigious recognition was received by Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., president of The Manila Hotel, during the World Travel Awards 2026 Gala Ceremony held on September 27 in the Maldives. The win adds to The Manila Hotel’s distinguished record at the World Travel Awards, having been named the Philippines’ Leading Hotel in both 2024 and 2025.

Often regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” the World Travel Awards recognize excellence across the global tourism and hospitality industry. For The Manila Hotel, the three consecutive victories reflect its enduring commitment to Filipino hospitality and its role as a landmark of Philippine heritage and tourism.

Araneta City ushers in the holiday season with the return of Parolan bazaar

The start of the Christmas season in the Philippines is marked by the appearance of colorful lanterns that brighten homes and communities across the country. In Araneta City, where generations of Filipinos have celebrated Christmas through the years, the season begins to unfold once again with the opening of this year's Parolan bazaar on October 1.

For years, Parolan has signaled the start of the Christmas season for many shoppers in Araneta City, becoming one of the holiday traditions that generations of families have come to associate with the City of Firsts. This seasonal marketplace brings together vendors offering a wide selection of handmade lanterns, festive decorations, gift items, and holiday essentials in one convenient location. 

Visitors can choose from an array of parols, from grand Pampanga-style lanterns with intricate designs and vibrant light displays, to traditional bamboo and capiz lanterns that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of a Filipino Christmas. There are also other holiday décor items such as Christmas tree ornaments, garlands, fairy lights, and nativity sets.

How Gateway Cineplex 18 sets a new standard for effortless cinema experiences

If you went out to watch a movie during the recent National Cinema Day, you probably saw just how packed the theaters can be, which really showed how much everyone still loves going to the movies. But while we all love the silver screen, we do not love the hassle that often comes with getting to our seats. Fortunately, Gateway Cineplex 18 in Araneta City has quietly perfected the art of the effortless movie experience, turning what can be a logistics puzzle into a seamless, fun escape! 

At Gateway Cineplex 18, everything is designed to cut out the friction, starting right at the box office. For instance, the cineplex recently introduced Apple Pay for over-the-counter transactions, allowing you to just tap your iPhone or Apple Watch when paying for your ticket. If you prefer to secure your seats before you even arrive at Gateway Mall 1 or 2, you can easily use the TicketNet website. 

Champagne Room Introduces New Additions to its À La Carte Menu

At Champagne Room, dining has always been as much about the experience as what arrives at the table. Set within the elegant surroundings of The Manila Hotel, the restaurant invites guests to savor the new additions to its a la carte menu, available for lunch and dinner.

Complementing its well-loved culinary repertoire, the latest additions span starters and seafood, hearty main courses, grilled specialties, and desserts with a touch of tableside theater.

“The new dishes are designed to stay true to the distinct Champagne Room experience while giving our guests something new to discover. We wanted to bring together familiar favorites and a few dishes with a sense of occasion, so every course feels special from the first bite to the last,” says The Manila Hotel’s executive chef Konrad Walter.

Hold on to win a BMW Motorbike: The Motovated Hawak Motor Challenge hits GH Mall this October

Think you’ve got the grip to go all the way? The Motovated Hawak Motor Challenge is coming to the GH Mall South Wing Atrium on October 24, 2026.

The Challenge: Keep one hand on the panel and be the last participant standing to win and drive home with a brand-new BMW F450 GS!

Raffle Prizes: Beyond the grand prize, participants can also get a chance to win a Honda BeAT, KYT helmets, Motul products, and other sponsor freebies.

How to Enter: Visit Pawchester at 5F GH Mall and avail of their pet grooming and daycare services until October 20, 2026 to qualify for the Motovated Hawak Motor Challenge.

Check out all the details on the GH Mall official Facebook page.

See you at the South Wing Atrium on October 24. Hawak. Hold on. Win big!

Negros Trade Fair marks 40 years of championing MSMEs with SM Supermalls

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.

One afternoon at SM Aura was enough to show why generations of shoppers have made the Negros Trade Fair a much-awaited celebration. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), together with SM Supermalls, officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair with a preview that brought together the flavors, fashion, craftsmanship, stories, and creative spirit of Negros. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the landmark anniversary edition will bring 178 brands from the Negros Island Region to the SMX Convention Center Aura.

7 Reasons You Can’t Miss BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair

Forty years. Generations of makers. One landmark celebration of everything Negros—back at SM

Forty years of Negrense creativity, craftsmanship, and enterprise—all coming together under one roof. Food, fashion, home, and craftsmanship at BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair, in partnership with SM for MSMEs, brings homegrown businesses closer to more customers and opportunities at SMX Convention Center Aura, September 22–27.