"Timeless" - A Charlie Ysmael Milestone Concert (Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila)

 

"Timeless" 

Stellar Productions is proud to announce “Timeless,” a landmark concert event celebrating the dual milestone of Pinoy Rock icon Charlie Ysmael's 65th birthday and his 40th anniversary in the music industry.  The performance, offering an intimate journey through 4 decades of Philippine rock history, will take place on March 29, 2026 at 19 East Bar & Grill, a premier live music destination. 

Ysmael will perform curated setlist spanning his influential career, featuring the soulful grit and classic rock energy that have become his trademarks.  Ticket prices and special guests to be announced soon. 

The original The Breed (L-R): Charlie Ysmael, Johnny Besa, Jay Alviar, Larry Dy-Liacco, Manny Amador and Miguel Ortigas

Charlie Ysmael is the frontman of The Breed, a legendary hard rock quartet that sprang out of the 1990s, contemporary Filipino music's second golden age. It was notorious for its loud-playing guitarist Emmanuel “Manny” Amador's (brother of Pinky Amador and nephew of Repertory Philippines founder Zenaida Amador) ear-splitting guitar volume, and remarkable for its signature song "Black Mercedes Benz" (a hit song which exposes the social gap and political atmosphere in the Philippines) as sung by Ysmael. The other band members then were Jay Alviar, Larry Dy-Liacco, bassist Johnny Besa and drummer Miguel Ortigas.  The last two are currently in another band Pigdog. 

In early 1998, The Breed disbanded and faded from memory and, in 2011, Amador died from cardiac arrest in Cebu City at age 49.  Ysmael reinvented himself as TV news reader (RPN 9), radio DJ (NU 107, as Charlie Y, and earlier on DZRJ-AM), and again as singer in various different band lineups in the hotel circuit, performing different genres, from pop to soul (very short-lived), to swing (with a horn section) to classic rock, and then, notably, with The Spirit of '67, where he stayed for 13 years (until 2018). 

When Covid-19 brought all entertainment to a grinding halt, Ysmael decided to resurrect and reform The Breed Ysmael The Breed by name, rounding up musicians Paolo Blaquera (lead guitar, backup vocals), Gerard de Dios (bass) and Jay Alviar (drums), as his new band mates, with Ysmael as lead vocals and guitar. 

Doing their best to capture the Breed's signature sound and lyrical themes, they released “Against the Light of Day,” a new album written, recorded, and mixed on October 2020, at the height of the pandemic, until about May 2022 and launched last April 15, 2023 at 70s Bistro.  They then recorded and wrapped up a promotional tour of the new album, performing in select venues around the city including 19 East, 70s Bistro, and The Roadhouse. 

The Breed - current members

Last December 2024, The Breed celebrate their 35th anniversary as the Lords of rhe Loud of Pinoy Rock.  The Breed’s current lineup consists of Charlie Ysmael (vocals), Ian Trinidad (drums), Paolo Blaquera (guitar), Mike Bewer (guitar) and King Baldoz (bass). 

Album cover of "Free" (1995)

“Free” (1995) track listing:

• Ten to One
• Black Mercedes Benz
• Batang Araneta
• Logan's Run Revisited
• Asar
• Megadrive
• Killing for Convenience
• Ode to the Common Man
• Apocalypse
• Free
• BlackMercedes Benz (Acoustic Version)

 

Album cover of “Amusing Ourselves to Death” (1997) 

“Amusing Ourselves to Death” (1997) track listing:

• Nightmare
• Virtual Reality
• Psychic 1-900
• Handog Ko sa Inyo
• You Are the One
• Amusing Ourselves to Death
• Handog Ko sa Inyo (Acosutic)
• Virtual Reality (Interactive Mix)

 

Album cover of “Against the Light of Day” (2022)

“Against the Light of Day” (2022) track listing:

• The Awakening
• Lawless
• High Octane Johnnie
• Wall of Sound
• Finding My Way
• Panaginip o Landas
• Ghosts
• The Struggle
• On the Run Again (Logan's Run Pt. 2)
• Confessions of a Serial Killer
• The Blaq Knight Cometh
• Days of Thunder
• Too Late to Pray
• Metal Beast
• Out of Control

 19 East Bar & Grill: Km. 19, East Service Rd., Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila.

Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2026 Press Conference (Makati City, Metro Manila)

 

Last January 21, at a press conference held at the Greyhound Cafe at the Ayala Triangle, Makati City, the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) proudly announced the return of the Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2026, the biggest and best travel expo in the Philippines, happening on February 6 to 8, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Manila at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. ​

 

The 33rd PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026

Recognized as the country's premier tourism marketplace, TTE 2026, now on its 33rd edition, brings together nearly 800 PTAA-accredited local and international exhibitors across two full floors, offering exclusive travel deals, world-class destinations spanning six continents, and the lowest rates of the year with rock-bottom airfares and expo-only hotel and tour packages, all under one roof. Since 1993, TTE has welcomed over 100,000 visitors annually, making it the country's most anticipated travel event. 

Tourism remains a key driver of Philippine economic growth, contributing PHP 2.35 trillion (8.9% of GDP) in 2024 and supporting 6.75 million Filipino jobs. “Travel is more than leisure—it fuels our economy and reflects the Filipino passion for discovery," said Mr. Jaison P. Yang, President of PTAA. He added, “Travel Tour Expo 2026 celebrates this spirit by making dream destinations more accessible and affordable for every Filipino family." ​

 

Press conference held at Greyhound Cafe in Makati City (photo: Ms. Maria Rona Beltran)

Live performances, raffles, expert travel talks, and family activities ​are also featured. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the country's oldest bank, established in 1851, is a proud sponsor and partner of the PTAA TTE 2026. ​Free entrance for BPI Cardholders with Early Entrance privilege. Also on board is the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Tourism Promotions Board, Kaban Hotel & Casino Boracay, PLDT Enterprise, The Philippine Games and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) and Duty Free Philippines. 

The 11th International Travel Trade Expo (iTTE) 2026, also organized by the PTAA in partnership with the ​Royal Arabian Destination Management UAE ​and PLDT Enterprise, will run alongside the TTE and will be held from February 6 to 7 at Function Room 5, second floor at SMX.  A premier platform that connects local and international travel industry players, it is held twice a year, bringing together the country's tourism community through two major events — one at the SMX Convention Center Manila and another in the Visayas-Mindanao (VisMin) region.

 

PTAA officers (photo: Ms. Maria Rona Beltran)

Each edition of iTTE provides an exclusive B2B environment for meaningful engagement between buyers and sellers, showcasing a wide range of destinations, travel products, and services. Designed to foster strong business partnerships and expand market reach, iTTE continues to serve as a driving force for tourism growth and collaboration within the industry. 

The iTTE, in 125 booths, features 120 ​buyers (international tour operators, travel agencies, national tourism organizations, airlines, cruise lines, hotel groups, and other global travel stakeholders) seeking to connect with local travel agents, tour operators, and industry professionals who are actively seeking new partnerships and connections with international suppliers. These sellers present various destinations and travel packages, offering great opportunities for partnership and networking. ​ On the other hand, these buyers aim to expand their travel offerings and create new business opportunities within the global tourism market.  

Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA): Tel: +63 8997-2063.  Mobile numbers: (0917) 807-1514 and (0954) 331-5924. Website: ​www.traveltourexpo.ptaa.org.ph. ​ ​E-mail: traveltourexpo@ptaa.org.ph, marlon@ptaa.org.ph, claire@ptaa.org.ph and elvie@ptaa.org.ph.  ​​ Facebook: PTAA TravelTour Expo 2026. Instagram: @PTAA_TravelTour. ​ ​ X: @PTAA_TravelTour ​LOVE THE PHILIPPINES! LOVE THE WORLD! 

11th International Travel Trade Expo (iTTE) 2026: 104 Makaturing St., Brgy. Barangka Itaas, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila. Opening hours: 10 AM – 5 PM. Tel: +63 8997-2063. ​E-mail (Sellers): itteseller@ptaa.org.ph.  ​E-mail (Buyers): ittebuyer@ptaa.org.ph. 

iStrat-Comms Inc.: Tel: +632 7119-4130. E-mail: christian.cordero@istratmc.com, erwyn.claudio@istratmc.com and celr.amores@gmail.com.  ​#PTTE #PTAATRAVELTOUREXPO #LOVETHEPHILIPPINESLOVETHEWORLD #TTE2026. ​

Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila Earns Prestigious Green Key Certification

 

Last January 8, 2026, Lanson Place SM Mall of Asia Manila was officially awarded the Green Key Certification, an internationally recognized eco-label for excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism and hospitality industry.  The certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable luxury, marks a significant milestone for the property, underscoring its commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of the guest experience while maintaining the refined standards of modern luxury living.

 

Lanson Place SM Mall of Asia Manila

Coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Green Key is a global voluntary eco-certification program with more than 8,000 certified hotels and other establishments in over 60 countries.  The leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism and hospitality industry, the Green Key certification process evaluates establishments’ environmental management, energy conservation, waste management, water conservation, and other sustainable practices. 

Green Key certification recognizes establishments that meet strict criteria across environmental management, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and community engagement. For Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, this achievement reflects a holistic approach to responsible hospitality—one that thoughtfully balances elevated living with mindful stewardship of the environment and the local community.

 

The Green Key Certificate

“Earning the Green Key Certification affirms our belief that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive,” said Mr. Nils Rothbarth, General Manager of Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila. “At Lanson Place, we see sustainability as an ongoing journey—one that influences how we design experiences, engage our teams, and care for the communities and environments we are part of.” 

As part of its sustainability efforts, the property has implemented initiatives aligned with Green Key criteria, including energy- and water-saving measures, waste management programs, and responsible sourcing practices. Beyond operations, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila continues to champion community engagement initiatives, reinforcing its role as a devoted host not only to guests but also to its wider neighborhood. 

The Green Key Certification positions Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila among a global network of hospitality leaders who are actively shaping the future of sustainable tourism demonstrating that thoughtful choices today can create lasting impact for generations to come.

 

The Lanson Place SM Mall of Asia Manila team

Lanson Place SM Mall of Asia Manila is one of eight properties under the Lanson Place brand, a transformative hospitality management company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Wing Tai Properties Limited (Wing Tai), a publicly listed company in Hong Kong, comprising Personal Hotels and Residences in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Melbourne. Additionally, Lanson Place  manages Two MacDonnell Road in Hong Kong as well as Yiju Apartment in Shenzhen, China. 

Lanson Place Mall of Asia Manila: Block 12, Palm Coast Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Website: www.lansonplace.com/mallofasia.  

Mama Sita's Food Corporation Continues its Support of U.P. Women’s Varsity Softball Team

 

U.P. Varsity Softball Team with Mr. Kim Lapus (Gen. Manager of Mama Sita's Food Corporation, standing, fourth from right), Ms. Isabel Lapus (CEO of Kosmas Athletic Ventures, standing, sixth from right) and Ms. Sophia Lapus (Marketing Manager of Mama Sita's Food Corporation, on Sophia's right)

In a simple turnover ceremony held last January 7, Mr. Kim R. Lapus (General Manager and CEO of Mama Sita's Food Corporation), together with his daughters Ms. Sophia  Lapus (Marketing Manager of Mama Sita’s Food Corporation) and her sister Ms. Isabel Lapus (CEO of Kosmas Athletic Ventures), personally and formally turned over a donation of two (2) KRYO Louisville Slugger composite softball bats, at the U.P. Diliman CHK Baseball Field, as new equipment for the University of the Philippines Women’s Varsity Softball Team. According to Associate Prof. Francis “Coach Kiko” B. Diaz (Dean of U.P. College of Human Kinetics),  the bats will play an important role in enhancing the team’s training and overall performance as they head into the new season.

 

L-R: Mr. Francis "Coach Kiko" B. Diaz, Ms. Sophia Lapus, Mr. Kim R. Lapus, Ms. Isabel Lapus and  Coach Ronny Pagkaliawagan

The UP Women’s Varsity Softball Team extends its heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to Mama Sita’s Food Corporation and Kosmas Athleitc Ventures for their continued and unwavering support and partnership as the donation comes at a crucial time as the U.P. Softball Team strives for excellence, both locally and internationally, as it intensifies its preparations for the UAAP Season 88 Softball Competition, scheduled to begin in early February 2026   

Mama Sita’s Food Corporation , founded by husband-and-wife team Dr. Bartolome "Bart" B. Lapus and Clara C. Reyes- Lapus (daughter of Teresita "Mama Sita" C. Reyes), is one of the main sponsors of the U.P. Women’s Varsity Softball Team for School Year 2025–2026 and UAAP Season 88, demonstrating the company’s sustained commitment to collegiate sports and athlete development. Last October 2025, with the support of Mama Sita’s Food Corp., the U.P. Softball Team successfully defended its championship title at the 2025 Makassar Open International Softball Tournament held in Makassar, Indonesia. 

Foreground, L-R: Coach Ronny Pagkaliawagan, Ms. Isabel Lapus, Ms. Sophia Lapus, Prof. Kiko Diaz and Mr. Kim Lapus

Sophia and Ysabel have actively supported programs that empower young people through sports, education, and grassroots engagement and both have played a key role in leading the company’s community-building and youth-focused initiatives across the Philippines. Their involvement reflects Mama Sita’s and Kosmas’ commitment to investing in the next generation and using athletics as a platform to inspire leadership, confidence, and positive impact among Filipino youth.

Pamana by Chef Rey Parreño II (Belmont Hotel Manila, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Last December 15, during an intimate media gathering at Café Belmont at Belmont Hotel Manila (BHM), the third and latest edition of the Pamana (which translates to “heritage) collaboration, a culinary advocacy that honors Filipino food heritage through heirloom recipes, regional flavors and stories passed down through generations, was officially unveiled.  Pamana reflects the hotel’s commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable dining experience through dishes crafted with passion and inspired by the diverse culinary heritage of the Philippines. 

 

Chef Rey P. Parreno II (Executive Chef of Richmonde Iloilo) and Chef Dan Jason A. Acido (Executive Chef of Belmont Hotel Manila)

In this most recent collaboration, Belmont Hotel Manila featured the rich flavors of Panay Island, particularly the Ilonggo cuisine prepared by BHM Executive Chef Dan Jason A. Acido and guest chef Rey “Rhidz” P. Parreño II (the new Executive Chef at Richmonde Iloilo), a staunch advocate of traditional and contemporary Ilonggo cuisine known for blending tradition with contemporary flair.

 

Inadobadong Apahap, Piangang Manok and Bordon Mechado

Parreño, who grew up in Negros Occidental, delighted guests with some of the beloved Ilonggo dishes such as Bordon Mechado (a slow-cooked beef dish rich in heritage flavors); Piangang Manok (a traditional Mindanaoan chicken dish infused with burnt coconut and spices); and Inadobadong Apahap (a refined take on the classic adobo featuring locally sourced Asian sea bass).  These dishes were cooked using locally sourced and underutilized ingredients such as labo (ginger flower), bulaklak ng luyang dilaw (turmeric), and bignay (Antidesma bunius, small red berries packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals). 

“These dishes represent different regions, memories and cooking traditions from across the Philippines. By sharing bordon mechado, piangang manok and inadobadong apahap, we hope to honor the people and stories behind these recipes and keep them alive for the next generation,” Parreño said. 

 “Pamana is more than a dining experience for us. It is our way of honoring Filipino food heritage by celebrating heirloom recipes, regional flavors and the stories that have been passed down through generations. Through initiatives like this, we hope to create moments that bring people together and deepen appreciation for our culture,” BHM General Manager Ms. Mayann Malapote said.  

Guests can enjoy Parreño’s featured exquisite dishes through the Pamana Weekend Dinner Buffet (Php1,700/pax) at Café Belmont every Friday and Saturday, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Reservations are recommended as tables fill up quickly. 

Belmont Hotel Manila: Newport Blvd., Newport City, Pasay City, 1309, Metro Manila.  Tel: 5318-8888. Email: info@belmontmanila.com.

New Mega Dimension Story Content in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, released by Dec 10

 

The Pokémon Company announced the latest news about the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, as well as the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC.

Charizard

 

New Pokémon Legends: Z-A Video released The Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC’s additional story content will be released on December 10, 2025. 

A video showcasing the latest information about the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game is now available on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Please check out the official Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension launch trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAJ_XeefOY8

 

Sceptile

To celebrate the release of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC, which features additional story and new content, players can receive an unusually large, powerful Charizard available on December 9, 2025, at 10 PM (UTC+8). Players can use this opportunity to welcome a powerful Charizard into their teams of adventuring companions in Lumiose City.

You can receive this alpha Charizard by selecting Get with Code/Password from the Mystery Gift menu and inputting the password in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. 

Period: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 10 PM (UTC+8) through Monday, January 19, 2026. Password: B1G0006.

Swampert

For more details on this Pokémon and how to receive it, please visit the official website: https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us. 

Take on Ranked Battles to get Mega Stones for Sceptile, Blaziken, and Swampert! 

At the Z-A Battle Club, players can match up against random players from around the globe in Ranked Battles. 

Mega Stones for Sceptile, Blaziken, and Swampert will each appear as promotion rewards that players can earn by rising in rank. 

Pit the Pokémon battling skills against players from around the world to obtain rewards. 

Players can encounter Sceptile, Blaziken, and Swampert in the additional story and content included in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC.

Blaziken

For more information, please check the official website: https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us.  For more photos, just click on the link below: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13EUsaPwdebShqq8WT1Jb2vBavOKb9b2w?usp=drive_link.  

Ati Komunidad Takes on Nito Weaving, Preserves Boracay’s Heritage

 

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) celebrated this year’s Thanksgiving by supporting the Ati Komunidad of Boracay as they took on the challenge of mastering nito weaving, a traditional Filipino craft. Anchored on the theme “Weaving Heritage, Planting Hope,” the project underscores MHR’s commitment to preserving Filipino craftsmanship while creating sustainable income opportunities for indigenous communities.

 

Ms. Maia Israel (seated at center), Area General Manager of Boracay Newcoast, and the heads of departments of Chancellor Hotel Boracay supported Ati Komunidad as they train on nito weaving conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry.

“The Ati people are the original caretakers of Boracay. By nurturing livelihood opportunities for them, we honor their legacy and help ensure that progress on the island includes them. They are the heart of this island long before it became the destination we all know today. By investing in programs like nito weaving, we hope to uplift their lives and give back to the community that has given us so much,” Ms. Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

 

19 members of Ati Komunidad actively participated in the 10-day nito weaving training organized by Chancellor Hotel Boracay.

Celebrating Heritage and Craftsmanship at Chancellor Hotel Boracay

Each year, MHR chooses a beneficiary community to honor during its Thanksgiving tradition. This year, the group extends its support to the Ati community in Boracay. As part of the initiative, MHR hosted a 10-day nito weaving training and graduation in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The training was held at the Ati Village beginning November 10, 2025 and gathered 19 Ati participants eager to learn the craft from Francia Escote, an accredited DTI trainer whose own journey began as a student in similar workshops. 

Today, Escote runs her own brand, Franz Handicrafts, and now teaches others how to turn this heritage craft into a sustainable livelihood. The training culminated on November 21 during MHR’s annual Thanksgiving celebration at the soon- to-open Chancellor Hotel Boracay. Top MHR executives and the Provincial Director of DTI-Aklan, Mr. Romel Amihan, personally awarded certificates to all 19 graduates. All participants were honored and given the chance to showcase their handcrafted nito creations.

The Ati Komunidad is the chosen partner community of Boracay Newcoast properties under the MEGreen Mindful Stay initiative.

 

Part of the Thanksgiving celebration is the introduction of MHR’s MEGreen Mindful Stays, the unified sustainability stay program designed for today’s rising breed of conscious travelers who seek meaning and positive impact in every journey, in which the Ati Komunidad is the partner community of Boracay Newcoast properties. 

“We all know that nito is flexible, durable, and naturally beautiful, just like the Ati,” said Maia Israel, Area General Manager of Boracay Newcoast properties. “We see in you the same resilience and hard work that continue to thrive despite changing times. As vanguards of Filipino culture and heritage, MHR hopes to help preserve the art of nito weaving. That is why we partnered with DTI-Aklan, who guided us in learning this skill, which can also serve as an additional source of livelihood.”

L-R: Mr. Arturo Boncato Jr. (Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts), Ms. Maia Israel (Area General Manager for Boracay Newcoast), Mr. Romel Amihan (Provincial Director of DTI- Aklan), Ms. Cleofe Albiso (Managing Director), Mr. Socrates Alvaro (Cluster General Manager – Boracay), and Mr. Avinash Menon (Cluster General Manager – Visayas), awarded certificates to all Ati Komunidad members who attended the training for nito weaving.

 

Love for Country Shines

Nito weaving, a tradition rooted deeply in Filipino and indigenous artistry, uses the strong and glossy nito vine to produce baskets, placemats, trays, bags, hats, jars, and other lifestyle pieces. Aklan is home to many nito artisans, and its weaving industry continues to thrive locally and internationally. 

The practice is both a livelihood and a social activity. In the past, women once gathered to weave as they bonded with family, often passing on the skill to their daughters through shared moments of crafting. One Ati trainee fondly recalled weaving vines into baskets with her mother as a child. By reviving nito weaving, MHR helps ensure that this timeless Filipino craft continues to be celebrated by future generations.

 

This initiative mirrors MHR’s Circle of Happiness pillar, Love for Country, which champions the preservation and celebration of Filipino culture and heritage. Through this initiative, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts hopes to open new doors for the Ati Komunidad, connecting them to potential buyers, local retailers, and exporters who continue to see the value and beauty of handwoven nito products. May this inspire more people to discover their work and, in their own way, help keep this meaningful craft alive. 

Megaworld Hotels and Resorts: Global One Hotel Group Inc., 22nd Floor, Alliance Global Tower, 36th Street corner 11th Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634. E-mail: salesinquiry@megaworldhotels.com. Website: www.megaworldhotels.com.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Champions Conscious Tourism, Introduces MEGreen Mindful Stays.

As mindful travel continues to shape the future of tourism, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the largest hotel operator in the Philippines, is embracing the movement with the launch of MEGreen Mindful Stays, which is a unified sustainability stay program designed for today’s rising breed of conscious travelers who seek meaning and positive impact in every journey.

 

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts introduces its MEGreen Mindful Stays which will be available across MHR properties

“At Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, we want to do more for the growing movement of mindful travelers and become instrumental in this important shift. The recent disasters we have witnessed across the Philippines remind us that sustainability is no longer optional, it is the only way we should go forward. Through MEGreen Mindful Stays, we hope to inspire guests to travel with deeper intention,” Cleofe Albiso, MHR Managing Director, said. 

“Mindful travel goes beyond choosing greener options, it calls for a complete shift in mindset. It is about understanding the impact of every decision we make while traveling, from how we consume to how we connect with local communities. By embracing this mindset, we can collectively create more meaningful journeys for our guests,” she added.

 

MEGreen Mindful Stays is MHR's unified sustainability program embracing the growing number of mindful travelers

MEGreen Mindful Stays is rooted in MHR’s long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility and community empowerment. The program reflects the group’s belief that hotel stays can be greener while making a greater difference. Guests are encouraged to make thoughtful choices throughout their visit, becoming active partners in shaping a more sustainable tourism landscape in the Philippines.

 

Seated from left: Mr. Arturo Boncato Jr. (Group General Manager of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts), Ms. Samantha Manuel (Group Director of Digital Marketing and Reputation Management), Ms. Cleofe Albiso (Managing Director), Ms. Maia Israel (Area General Manager for Boracay Newcoast), Mr. Socrates Alvaro (Cluster General Manager – Boracay), and joined the media in a roundtable discussion about mindful travel and hospitality

Designed to celebrate sustainability, community, and purposeful travel, MEGreen Mindful Stay invites guests to slow down and savor experiences rooted in intention. A minimum two-night stay comes with well-balanced and locally sourced dishes, carefully curated turndown touches, and keepsakes that inspire mindful living long after the trip. Travelers may opt for the MEGreen Mindful Stays program in any MHR property across the country. 

Supporting Communities Across the Philippines

A portion of each booking directly supports MHR’s partner communities and initiatives across its destinations, including the Ati Komunidad in Boracay, which preserves indigenous heritage and livelihoods; Project PEARLS in Manila, which provides nourishment and educational support to underprivileged children; Visit Iloilo Campaign, which supports various heritage, culture, and art- based programs and advocacies in Iloilo; Coral Reef Care in Mactan, Cebu, focused on reef restoration and marine protection; and the Highland Farmers & Forest Guardianship initiative in Tagaytay City (Cavite), which sustains farm-to-table harvests and preserves cool-climate greenery.

 

Chancellor Hotel Boracay Newcoast, MHR's latest property

Aside from the abovementioned room package, MHR is also integrating deliberate, property-wide actions that make sustainable habits more effortless for guests, from greener dining choices to responsibly sourced amenities and operational practices designed to minimize environmental impact.

 

Chancellor Hotel Boracay Newcoast adds an additional 554 rooms

The soon-to-open Chancellor Hotel Boracay is MHR’s newest 554-room property in the tourism estate of Boracay Newcoast known for its private beach and stunning views of the iconic keyhole rock formation. Positioned between Belmont Hotel Boracay’s business-and-meetings escape and Savoy Hotel Boracay’s vibrant energy, Chancellor Hotel Boracay offers immersive, wellness-led experiences that encourage guests to slow down, reconnect, and savor the very best of the island.

 

The hotel lobby

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts: Global One Hotel Group Inc., 22/F, Alliance Global Tower, 36th Street corner 11th Avenue, Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila.  E-mail: salesinquiry@megaworldhotels.com. Website: www.megaworldhotels.com.