Tops Artfest 2026 Calls On Student And Professional Artists To See The World Differently

Plein-air painting competition “PERSPECTIVE PLAY” offers up to ₱50,000 in cash prizes

What happens when artists are invited to look at the same place but see it differently?

That question lies at the heart of PERSPECTIVE PLAY, the Plein-Air Painting Competition of Tops ArtFest 2026, which opens its call to student and professional artists this October. Set against the landscape of TOPS, the competition challenges participants to explore how observation, imagination, and personal interpretation can transform a familiar scene into something uniquely their own.

Rather than working within the confines of a studio, participating artists will create their entries onsite, drawing inspiration from their immediate surroundings. The competition welcomes artistic approaches ranging from realism to figurative abstraction, encouraging artists to interpret the landscape while retaining identifiable representational elements.

The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery Showcases Lander Blanza’s “Prominence”

The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery presents Prominence: A Visual Break from the Norm, the 12th solo exhibition of Filipino multidimensional artist Lander Blanza.

The month-long exhibition brings together Blanza’s distinctive approach to tone, depth, balance, and texture, offering a collection of works that invite a closer look. His use of tonal manipulation gives each piece a sense of dimension and movement, creating a visual experience that is both striking and contemplative.

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!