Savoy Hotel Manila Welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Vibrant Lunar New Year Celebration

 

On February 17, 2026, Savoy Hotel Manila will invite guests and the community to usher in the Lunar New Year with a vibrant and meaningful celebration, highlighted by the rhythmic beat of drums and the dynamic movements of the traditional Dragon and Lion Dance performance at the hotel lobby, an enduring tradition believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy for the year ahead.

 

The traditional Dragon and Lion Dance

Open to all hotel guests and visitors, it offers a colorful and culturally rich way to welcome, at exactly 9:08 AM, the Year of the Horse. More than a spectacle, the celebration reflects Savoy Hotel Manila’s commitment to honoring traditions that bring families and communities together. Guests can witness the vibrant choreography up close, capture memorable moments, and experience the symbolism of renewal and abundance that defines the Lunar New Year.

 

Chinese Lunar New Year Lunch Buffet

Following the morning festivities, Savoy Café will host a festive Chinese New Year Lunch Buffet, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, featuring a thoughtfully curated spread of auspicious dishes prepared by the hotel’s culinary team. Highlights include Salmon Yee Sang, Crispy Jellyfish Salad, assorted Dim Sum, Steamed Whole Fish, Beef with Broccoli, Yang Chow Fried Rice, and a Crispy Lechon Belly Carving Station.  Sweet endings such as Tikoy, Butchi, Mango Sago, and Chinese New Year-themed desserts complete the celebratory feast.

 

Lunar New Year Journeys Stay

For those looking to extend the celebration, Savoy Hotel Manila also offers a Lunar New Year room package starting at PHP 4,700, which includes an overnight stay in a Standard Room, buffet breakfast for one, a sweet red bean pastry welcome amenity, a commemorative horse keychain symbolizing prosperity, and exclusive dining and spa discounts. 

Conveniently located near Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via Runway Manila (with seamless access to Terminals 1 and 2 via the Skyway),  Savoy Hotel Manila, a homegrown brand under Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the Philippines’ largest hotel operator chain, exemplifying Filipino hospitality through its signature Sampaguita Service, provides a seamless stay for both leisure and business travelers welcoming new beginnings in 2026. As the Year of the Horse begins, Savoy Hotel Manila continues to create meaningful moments—where traditions are honored, families gather, and every celebration is shared in the spirit of warmth and hospitality.

 

Savoy Hotel Manila

Savoy Hotel Manila: 101 Andrews Ave., Newport City, 1300 Pasay City, Metro Manila. Tel: +63 (02) 5317-2869.  E-mail: stay@savoymanila.com. Website: www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

Mama Sita’s Showcases Pansit Palabok and Bibingkrep at Pasinaya 2026 (Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Ms. Ces Gamad conducting the cooking demonstration

Last February 7, 2026, Kusina ni Mama Sita and Ms. Cecille "Ces" Nepomuceno Gamad hosted the "Kusina ni Mama Sita: Pansit Palabok at Bibingkrep" workshop during the 20^th Pasinaya Open House Festival 2026, held at the Pandayan A, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex.  

CCP Pasinaya 2026

The Pasinaya is the largest annual multi-arts festival in the Philippines and a must-visit for aspiring artists and art enthusiasts.  The event featured a variety of shows, workshops, and activities across music, theater, dance, visual arts, film and literature.

 

Kusina ni Maria with Ateneo de Manila High School Arts students

During the Pasinaya, Mama Sita’s, known for creating recipes and reinventing old, traditional treats into new, exciting culinary delights, did a live cooking demonstration which was held, from 9:30 to 10:00 AM, as part of the Palihan Program which highlights various art and cultural disciplines through interactive open-house sessions. The cooking demonstration featured two iconic and well-loved Filipino dishes - pansit palabok (a savory shrimp-based noodle dish) and bibingkrep (a modern twist on the classic bibingka).

 

Pansit Palabok Mix

The demonstration reinforced the role of culinary arts in preserving and celebrating Philippine culinary heritage while making Filipino flavors more accessible to audiences worldwide.

 

Bibingkrep Rice Flour and Coconut Pancake and Crepe Mix

As the only culinary arts segment of Pasinaya, Mama Sita’s showcased the versatility and rich history of Filipino flavors, celebrating Filipino cuisine before an audience of Ateneo de Manila High School Arts Students, cultural workers, and festival-goers, emphasizing food as an essential expression of heritage, storytelling, and shared tradition.

Grand Opening of 33th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026 (SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila)

 

Mr. Jaison Yang (center) leading the ribbon cutting 

The three-day, 33th PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2026, one of the country’s biggest tourism events, bringing together industry leaders, exhibitors, and travel enthusiasts from across the Philippines, opened last Friday, February 6, to a vibrant and inspiring start, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The opening set an energetic tone for the expo, reaffirming tourism’s role as a strong driver of growth, unity, and pride for the Philippines.

 

Dr. Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, Chairman of PTAA TTE 2026

The expo, organized by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), hopes to attract more locals and foreigners to tour around the country with affordable travel deals and packages. It will run from Feb. 6 to 8 and will host various exhibitors from airlines, travel agencies and tour operators, hotels, food concessionaires, cruise liners, insurance, and other travel-related entities. Aside from domestic travel deals, discounted foreign trips are also on sale at the event. 

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco

Dr. Evangeline Tankiang-Manotok, the Chairman of PTAA TTE 2026, led the opening ceremonies.   PTAA President Mr. Jaison P. Yan , speaking about the power of travel and the need to love the Philippines first, stating “Gain a new perspective of the world but never forget the Philippines. Learn from others without losing who we are. Never compare our country to another; every nation has its own story, its own rhythm, its own strengths.” 

.... giving the "I Love Philippines" heart sign

Special guest, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco delivered a powerful and heartfelt message, highlighting the dedication, collaboration, and hard work required in the tourism sector, as well as celebrating the continued success and resilience of Philippine tourism.

 

The huge crowd at the grand opening

She emphasized PTAA's role as a steadfast partner of the DOT and the vital role of travel expos in showcasing the country’s diverse destinations, cultures, and experiences, providing a platform for every region to shine and connect with travelers. She said, “Tourism is about people and so you must show up where the work matters the most.” “She also added that, “…. in the tourism industry, one needs to show up on the ground.”

 

Mercure Mactan Cebu Welcomes International Delegates of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026

 

Strategically located directly across the Mactan Expo, Mercure Mactan Cebu, the official venue of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, welcome international delegates with a stay that seamlessly connects global meetings, local culture, and island living. Set within the vibrant Mactan Newtown township, the hotel offers both proximity and perspective—placing guests at the center of the forum while immersing them in Cebu’s distinct sense of place.

 

Mercure Mactan Cebu

As Cebu hosts regional and global tourism leaders from January 28 to 30, 2026, the hotel forms part of the destination-wide showcase mounted by The Mactan Newtown community, reinforcing Cebu’s growing role as a premier MICE and tourism destination in Southeast Asia.

All bedroom feature curated artworks and local accents

 From the moment guests arrive, warm Filipino hospitality defines the experience. Thoughtfully curated interiors draw inspiration from Mactan’s natural elements—waves, coral reefs, and coastal textures—anchored by a striking metal art installation honoring national hero Datu Lapu-Lapu, a symbol of courage, heritage, and local pride.

 

The hotel lobby

Guest rooms extend the storytelling through curated artworks and design details that reflect everyday Cebuano life. Subtle motifs inspired by puso (hanging rice) and beloved local delicacies such as otap, rosquillos, and dried mangoes add character and familiarity, balancing cultural depth with the comfort expected by international business and leisure travelers.

 

Pulo, the hotel's all-day restaurant

Dining at Pulô, the hotel’s all-day restaurant named after the Cebuano word for “island,” introduces guests to the destination through flavor. The menu highlights heirloom-inspired dishes such as SuTuKil, Balbacua, Sizzling Kansi, and Tinola sa Itom, complemented by international selections—offering a culinary experience that reflects Cebu’s diversity and identity.

 

The Likha Corner

The hotel deepens its connection to the community through the Likha Corner, a curated space in the lobby that supports local entrepreneurs. Featuring homegrown coffee, sustainably sourced snacks, handcrafted fashion pieces, and artworks, the initiative allows guests to take home meaningful expressions of Cebu’s creative culture. 

For rest and renewal, guests may retreat to the hotel’s spa on the 20th floor and enjoy traditional Hilot treatments. These time-honored Filipino wellness practices provide balance and calm, offering a restorative pause after full days of ASEAN Tourism Forum engagements.

 

The hotel's spa

Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the hotel is also close to cultural landmarks such as the Mactan Shrine—the historic site of the Battle of Mactan—while remaining embedded within a modern township of dining, retail, and lifestyle offerings. 

Backed by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the Philippines’ largest hotel operator, and in partnership with Accor, Mercure Mactan Cebu delivers internationally trusted standards enriched by authentic local character, supported by the Accor Live Limitless.

 

The Mactan Expo at Mactan Newton, official venue of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026

As Cebu takes the regional spotlight for ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, Mercure Mactan Cebu stands where global dialogue meets island culture—welcoming international delegates to experience the destination not just through meetings, but through its people, stories, and way of life. 

Mercure Mactan Cebu: Newtown Boulevard, The Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu, 6015 Cebu.  Tel: (032) 520 4100. Mobile number: 0917 861 1019. E-mail: HC586@accor.com.

Savoy Hotel Manila's Bookshelf Project

 

Savoy Hotel Manila leaders and associates join students and representatives from Project Pearls and Books for a Cause in a day of learning, laughter, and inspiration

Savoy Hotel Manila (SHM), a homegrown brand under Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the Philippines’ largest hotel operator chain, partnered with Books for a Cause to bring joy, learning, and inspiration to the children of Project Pearls Learning Center through its heartwarming Bookshelf Project.

 

Savoy Hotel Manila's GM Ferdinand "Den" Navarro  joins in the fun by assisting the children during their specially prepared lunch

As part of the initiative, Savoy Hotel Manila’s Engineering Team handcrafted a custom four-tier wooden bookshelf, which was filled with children’s books donated by Books for a Cause. The program opened with a welcome message from Savoy Hotel Manila General Manager Mr. Ferdinand “Den” Navarro, who shared: “The Circle of Happiness culture of Savoy Hotel Manila and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) is rooted in our love for service and love for country. The Bookshelf Project reflects this belief—serving communities with sincerity while helping shape a better future for the next generation of Filipinos.”

 

MHR Director of People Management and Development Mr. Greg De Garriz engaging the children during the storytelling activity

The day was filled with energy and excitement, made possible by the overwhelming support of Project Pearls’ leaders, teachers, and volunteers, alongside the enthusiastic participation of its preschool learners. Mr. Greg De Garriz, MHR Director of People Management and Development, led an engaging storytelling session, sharing inspiring Bible stories such as Jonah and David and Goliath, encouraging children to embrace courage, faith, and their own unique strengths.

 

SHM Director of Marketing and Communications Ms. Ma Theresa "Thess" Dela Paz lends a helping hand as children organize their books in the new bookshelf.

Following the storytelling, the children enjoyed a fun coloring activity with the assistance of Savoy Hotel Manila associates, before being treated to a nutritious lunch specially prepared by the hotel’s talented Culinary Team. Associates also showed their support for GROW (Giving Resources & Opportunities for Women)—Project Pearls’ livelihood program—by purchasing handcrafted products, reinforcing the meaningful connection between community empowerment and sustainability.

 

Pre-School Students of Project Pearls proudly showing their colored work

Reflecting Savoy Hotel Manila’s commitment to sustainable and community-centered initiatives under the MEGreen program, GM Den Navarro added: “Through MEGreen’s Community to Shape pillar, we are reminded that being responsible corporate citizens means investing in education, nurturing young minds, and supporting initiatives that create lasting social impact. By giving children access to books and a space to read, we help build confidence, curiosity, and hope—values that extend far beyond the classroom.”

 

Pre-School Students of Project Pearls

The Bookshelf Project stands as a testament to Savoy Hotel Manila’s Circle of Happiness culture, where heartfelt Filipino hospitality goes beyond the hotel walls—creating meaningful impact, strengthening communities, and contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future.

 

Savoy Hotel Manila employees share smiles and creativity with the children of Project Pearls during a fun-filled coloring activity.

Savoy Hotel Manila employees share smiles and creativity with the children of Project Pearls during a fun-filled coloring activity 

For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 (02) 5317 2869 or email stay@savoymanila.com or check their website at www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

"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.