In a time when travel choices are becoming more intentional, Taal Vista Hotel invites guests to rediscover Filipino heritage through a meaningful and immersive culinary journey—right in the heart of Tagaytay.

This April, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Veranda Restaurant, unveils “Mga Bayan ng mga Bayani,” a thoughtfully curated dining series that brings history to life through food, storytelling, and place.

Inspired by the eight rays of the Philippine flag, the campaign honors the provinces that played a pivotal role in the country’s fight for freedom. More than a tribute to individual heroes, the initiative places towns and regions at the center of the narrative recognizing them as living witnesses to revolution, resilience, and reform.

At its core, “Mga Bayan ng mga Bayani” is built on a simple yet powerful belief: to understand our heroes, we must first understand the places—and the tables—that nurtured them.

Manila in April: A culinary tribute in Tagaytay

Kicking off the series is a special feature on Manila, happening every Saturday and Sunday of April starting April 11, exclusively during the lunch buffet at Veranda Restaurant in Tagaytay.

While the spotlight is on Manila’s rich heritage, the experience itself unfolds in the cool and scenic setting of Tagaytay, offering guests a unique opportunity to explore the capital’s history through cuisine without leaving the city.

This opening chapter highlights dishes inspired by the lives and legacies of Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and Melchora Aquino—figures whose stories are deeply intertwined with Manila’s cultural and culinary evolution.

“Through ‘Mga Bayan ng mga Bayani,’ we want to tell the story of our nation through flavors—how each dish carries the memory of a place, a struggle, and a shared identity,” shares Godfrey ‘Kim’ Dalisay, Executive Sous Chef. “This April, we begin with Manila—not just as a capital, but as a melting pot of influences that shaped Filipino cuisine as we know it today.”

Guests can expect a thoughtfully curated spread that reflects Manila’s layered history—from colonial influences to its role as the heart of revolutionary movements—expressed through flavors that are both nostalgic and rediscovered.

A journey across the eight rays

Following Manila, the culinary series continues each month, tracing the historical and gastronomic landscapes of key provinces:

• May: Pampanga and Tarlac
• June: Laguna and Batangas
• July: Bulacan and Nueva Ecija
• August: Cavite

Each chapter offers a fresh perspective—inviting diners to experience the Philippines not just as a destination, but as a collection of stories told through flavor.

A timely invitation to rediscover local

As evolving global conditions influence how and where people travel, “Mga Bayan ng mga Bayani” offers a timely reminder of the richness found close to home. Nestled in Tagaytay’s cool climate and overlooking the iconic Taal landscape, Taal Vista Hotel provides a convenient and meaningful escape—where culture, comfort, and cuisine come together seamlessly.

With this initiative, the hotel continues its legacy of celebrating Filipino identity—inviting guests to slow down, gather at the table, and reconnect with the stories that define the nation.

For inquiries, guests may call (+63) 956-3576792 or (+632) 7917-8225, or email reservations@taalvistahotel.com for room reservations and veranda@taalvistahotel.com for dining reservations. Guests may also visit the hotel’s official social media pages at @taalvistahotel or explore more through the website at www.taalvistahotel.com.

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The Philippine Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka adds new flavors to its cultural showcase with a special collaboration between Hain by Via Mare, the Pavilion’s official concessionaire, and Filipino chef and food writer Angelo Comsti.

Comsti has crafted a menu highlighting classics like pancit molo and binignit, flavors that bring comfort to the palate and carry with them stories of home and heritage.

“Pancit Molo is more than just a dumpling soup,” Comsti recalls. “Years ago, I visited a friend in Iloilo, and we went down a rocky alley that led to a small compound. At the end of it, I saw women folding dumplings by hand, hundreds of them. When we finally ordered a “kaldero”-ful of pancit, it came steaming, fragrant with spring onions, and brimming with comfort. That memory stayed with me, and I wanted Expo visitors to experience it too.”

His second dish, binignit, is a sweet stew of tubers, fruits, and glutinous rice simmered in coconut milk. “No two versions are exactly the same,” he explains. “Some families add tapioca, others drop in bilo-bilo–chewy rice balls like mochi. It’s a dish shaped by availability, preference, and tradition. For me, that adaptability mirrors the Filipino spirit: resourceful, communal, and always generous.”

By featuring these dishes, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines continues its mission to showcase the country’s gastronomic diversity as part of the Pavilion’s theme, “Nature, Culture, Community: Woven Together for a Better Future.”

“Food allows us to tell our story in the most relatable way,” said Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, TPB Chief Operating Officer and Secretary General of the Philippine Organizing Committee for Expo 2025. “Through collaborations like this, we bring not only flavors but also the traditions and human connections behind them. It’s a taste of the Philippines that lingers far beyond the table.”

The collaboration strengthens the role of Hain by Via Mare as a culinary window into the Philippines, offering visitors a taste of dishes rooted in regional memory and identity. It also underscores TPB’s commitment to advancing gastronomy tourism as a pillar of the country’s cultural brand. By partnering with chefs, local enterprises, and cultural advocates, TPB brings to light the Philippines’ regional diversity and culinary creativity, ensuring the nation is remembered not only for its landscapes and leisure but also for its rich gastronomic experiences that bring people together.

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Savoy Hotel Manila proudly unveiled “Three Chefs, One Table,” a first-of-its-kind culinary collaboration bringing together the creative talents of three Savoy Hotels across the Philippines—Boracay, Cebu, and Manila. The launch was graced by friends from the Department of Tourism, corporate leaders, general managers, and media partners, making the celebration truly special.

In his welcome remarks, Savoy Hotel Manila General Manager Den Navarro shared that the Savoy brand positions itself as a fun and dynamic hotel that always spices up the guest experience. “With all three destinations represented in this collaboration, we want to continuously spark the gift and opportunity to travel—especially to Cebu-Mactan Newtown, Boracay Newcoast, and Manila–Newport City,” he said.

More than just a feast, “Three Chefs, One Table” underscores the brand’s commitment to celebrating culture, sustainability, and inclusivity. Each dish is crafted not only to delight the palate but also to honor local heritage and tell a story worth sharing.

Guests at the launch were treated to a showcase of flavors, including highlights 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 and Thai Tea Crème Brûlée—among many others.

Available for the entire month of October, these culinary creations will be served both à la carte and in weeklong buffets exclusively at Savoy Hotel Manila.

“Three Chefs, One Table” is more than a menu—it is a culinary journey that celebrates diversity, creativity, and collaboration across the Savoy brand. Each dish reflects the flavors of the islands, the passion of the chefs, and the stories that inspire travel.

For reservations and inquiries, email stay@savoyhotelmanila.com or dine@savoyhotelmanila.com, call (+632) 5317-2869 or (+632) 5317-2817, or message/call Mobile/WhatsApp/Viber (+63) 917-8505310. For more information, log on to www.savoyhotelmanila.com.

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New World Makati Hotel welcomes the holiday season with “A Journey of Joy,” a curated collection of offers designed to bring warmth, togetherness, and celebration to the heart of the city.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family staycation, a holiday feast with friends, or a grand year-end celebration, the hotel offers experiences designed to make this Christmas and New Year truly unforgettable.

Joyful Stays – Where Comfort Meets Celebration

This season, families can wake up to the joy of togetherness with holiday room packages that include breakfast for two adults and two children. Guests booking early can enjoy special rates starting at Php6,200++ for a Superior Room., with options to upgrade to Deluxe or Residence Club accommodations for added comfort and exclusive access.

For stays on peak dates—December 24, 25, and 31—enhanced packages are available, offering elevated experiences with Residence Club bookings having access to the Residence Club Lounge. And for guests planning a longer retreat, a 10-percent savings awaits with a minimum two-night stay.

Celebrations of Joy – Gatherings Made Memorable

From intimate dinners to grand holiday parties, New World Makati Hotel offers customizable packages to bring people together. Whether you’re hosting 30 or 100 guests, options include sumptuous three-course meals or lavish buffets, with enhancements like LED wall displays for added flair.

Packages begin at Php88,000 for smaller groups, with premium options available for larger celebrations. Each gathering includes thoughtful touches such as sparkling wine and overnight stay certificates, ensuring every moment is wrapped in festive cheer.

Festive dining: A Feast for the Season

At Café 1228, guests can indulge in holiday buffets featuring festive favorites. From Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, the restaurant offers a rotating menu of comforting classics and celebratory dishes, with prices starting at Php3,800 per person. Children can join the feast at a special rate, and all meals include free-flowing beverages to toast the season.

Meanwhile, Jasmine presents a refined take on festive dining with all-you-can-eat dim sum at Php2,888 per person, Yum Cha lunches, and set menus for groups, starting at Php26,880. Beverage packages are also available to complement the experience.

Gifts That Spark Joy, Curated Hampers from The Shop

For those looking to share the spirit of the season, The Shop offers a selection of holiday hampers and gift boxes filled with artisanal treats. From wine and chocolate pairings to sustainable gift sets, prices range from Php3,500 to Php8,500 making it easy to find something special for everyone on your list.

Cheers That Give Back – Festive Cocktails at The Lounge

Raise a glass to the season with signature cocktails like the White Nutcracker and Rudolf Red Highball, crafted with festive flavors and priced at Php500. A non-alcoholic mocktail is also available for Php400. Best of all, a portion of proceeds supports Kythe Foundation, helping children with cancer and chronic illnesses.

Countdown to 2026: New Year’s Eve at The Lounge

As the clock strikes midnight, guests are invited to welcome 2026 with live entertainment, free-flowing drinks, and a chance to win exclusive stays at New World and Rosewood properties across Asia. Tickets are available at an early bird rate of Php4,000 until December 15, or Php4,300 thereafter.

This festive season, let New World Makati Hotel be part of your holiday story, where timeless traditions and joyful new memories come alive in the heart of the city.

For reservations and inquiries, please contact (+632) 8811-6888 or email reservations.manila@newworldhotels.com or  enquiry.manila@newworldhotels.com.

You may also visit manila.newworldhotels.com

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For the very first time in Savoy Hotel Manila’s dining history, three talented chefs from three Savoy hotels across the Philippines will come together to create a dining experience like no other. This October, guests are invited to savor a special collaborative menu featuring signature creations from Boracay, Cebu, and Manila—each plate carrying the soul and story of the chef behind it.

From the sun-kissed shores of Boracay, to the vibrant food scene of Cebu, and the bustling heart of Manila, each chef brings not just a dish but a heritage, a philosophy, and a personal journey to the table.

Chef Vincent Cabahug – Savoy Hotel Boracay Newcoast

Chef Vincent’s journey began with the comforting flavors of his Cebuano childhood, later honed by mentorship under a Michelin-starred chef. Today, his cooking reflects a marriage of heritage and innovation, blending rustic Visayan flavors with refined modern techniques. His dishes, like the Barbecue Chicken Croquette and Fisherman’s Pie, tell stories of home, roots, and the joy of reimagining traditions with flair.

For Chef Vincent, dining is not just about taste—it’s about sparking comfort and curiosity in equal measure. He hopes every bite leaves guests feeling both nostalgic and intrigued.

Chef Coke Semblante – Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown

From humble beginnings as a student working in a fast-food chain to exploring the world’s oceans as a cruise ship chef, Chef Coke’s culinary path is a true voyage. His Emperador Brandy-infused Cebu Skipper Lobster Bisque with Grilled Pan Bisaya and Mactan Chili Crab is a reflection of this journey—luxurious yet deeply rooted in Cebu’s coastal heritage.

With every spoonful, he wants guests to experience not just the flavors of the sea, but the warmth and hospitality of Cebu. To him, cooking is storytelling—each ingredient a chapter, each dish a narrative of tradition elevated by passion and precision.

Chef Kit Carpio – Savoy Hotel Manila

With more than 27 years of culinary experience, Chef Kit Carpio has built a reputation as a mentor, innovator, and advocate of Filipino flavors. Known for his inventive use of sampaguita, the national flower, Chef Kit reimagines tradition with dishes like his sizzling pan-roasted stuffed squid and refreshing cucumber and seaweed salad. His culinary philosophy blends local ingredients with global techniques, offering guests a dining experience that feels both comforting and adventurous.

For Chef Kit, food is about connection—bringing people together through flavors that are familiar yet delightfully surprising.

A feast of stories, a celebration of flavors

This October, the three chefs will collaborate on an exclusive menu that showcases their individual bestsellers alongside a specially curated dining experience at Savoy Hotel Manila. More than just a collection of dishes, the event is a celebration of culinary heritage, creativity, and the spirit of collaboration across the Savoy brand.

From Boracay’s rustic charm, Cebu’s oceanic delights, to Manila’s inventive takes on tradition—guests are invited to taste not just food, but the stories and passions of the chefs behind them.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet the chefs and indulge in their signature creations—available only this October at Savoy Hotel Manila.

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Okada Manila, Asia’s Forbes 5-star integrated resort, ushers in this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival with a star-studded concert, festive dining, wellness escapes, an exciting retail raffle, and family activities. Leading the celebration is the Mid-Autumn Festival Concert on October 4 at the Grand Ballroom, featuring Korean stars Hyolyn and Lyn with Filipino powerhouses Morissette and Angeline, exclusive to Reward Circle members.

Dining plays a central role in the Mid-Autumn celebration, with Red Spice and Yu Lei offering artisanal mooncakes (Php3,888 nett) and limited-time festival menus. At Yu Lei, Chef Mikiya Imagawa presents a six-course Mid-Autumn journey (Php6,800 nett per person, until September 30). At Red Spice, Chef Dicky Suen introduces set menus starting at Php2,388 per person, available until October 6. These seasonal offerings are designed for sharing with loved ones and celebrating the flavors of the harvest.

Guests seeking a holiday escape can book Bespoke Celebrations by the Bay, designed for milestone moments with personalized stays and elegant spaces, or the Stay and Dine package, which offers up to 20-percent off room rates plus daily Php2,500 dining credits until October 31. Both packages combine the comfort of Okada Manila’s suites with rewarding inclusions that make every stay festive.

Wellness takes the spotlight through Mid-Autumn Moments of Calm at The Retreat Spa, where guests enjoy 25-percent more treatment time on face or body sessions booked from 12 to 4 PM. The Beauty Salon’s Mid-Autumn Elegance rewards those who spend Php6,000 on services with a complimentary hair treatment worth Php3,888. Gentlemen can enjoy the Barbershop’s Gentleman’s Glow, pairing a full barber session (Php1,988 nett) with free nail care. At the Nail Art Salon, weekday guests can indulge in a Gel Manicure Happy Hour (Php1,888 from a regular price of Php3,500). The Sole Retreat offers a Trio Treatment, where weekday bookings for two guests include a complimentary third treatment.

Shopping at The Promenade comes with added excitement through the Moonlit Indulgence raffle. Guests earn one raffle entry for every Php7,000 single-receipt purchase, while Reward Circle members qualify at Php5,000. Additional entries can be earned with purchases from The Gift Boutique or PLAY Store (Php1,500). Eighteen winners will each receive a 30mL Jo Malone London fragrance, with the draw taking place on October 6.

Families can also create festival memories through interactive activities. PLAY Kids’ Club hosts weekend Lanterns of Joy workshops (Php699 child pass, Php299 adult pass), while Thrillscape’s Lunar Rush offers discounted escape challenges (Php799 Full Moon Package, Php599 Jade Rabbit Package) complete with games, glowing moons, and Mid-Autumn prizes. Guests can also enjoy lantern installations and themed décor across the property, along with special Fountain light displays that capture the beauty of the season.

For more details on Okada Manila’s Mid-Autumn offerings, contact RestaurantReservation@okadamanila.com or (+632) 8888-0777. Visit https://okadamanila.com/deals/a-journey-through-moonlight-and-tradition/ for full information.

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Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the largest homegrown hotel operator in the Philippines, is cooking a rich collaboration with Chef Nouel Catis, the original creator of the viral Dubai chocolate. United by a shared vision on Filipinization and cultural sustainability, both are exploring the creation of an iconic food or beverage offering that not only delights taste buds but also champions Filipino heritage on the global stage.

The possible partnership was revealed during MHR’s Media Huddle at Twin Lakes Hotel in Tagaytay on August 13, 2025, where discussions hinted at a signature creation designed to resonate deeply with local pride while appealing to international markets.

“This collaboration is deeply aligned with our strong advocacy for Filipinization, which supports the Department of Tourism’s mission to celebrate local culture, cuisine, festivals, and crafts. At the heart of this advocacy is our Sampaguita brand of service, our heartfelt expression of Filipino hospitality that we proudly share with every guest,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

“We want something that lingers. We want something that would go viral for a long time,” Chef Nouel said.

“Beyond commercial success, I’ve always been about leaving a legacy. I wanted to re-enter the Philippine market not just to sell, but to pass on knowledge and skills to future chefs. When I learned about MHR’s Sampaguita service and this year’s theme of the Culinary Conference, ‘Celebrate Your Roots,’ I knew this was the right vessel for my return,” he added.

Chef Nouel was a featured speaker at MHR’s 4th Culinary Conference, held August 11–14, 2025, at Twin Lakes Hotel. The annual gathering brings together MHR’s executive chefs and F&B leaders to explore culinary trends and strengthen their craft.

Albiso added, “We launched the Culinary Conference in 2022 right after the pandemic to reinspire our chefs. The ultimate goal is to do better each year as our culinary leaders grow in number and vision. This year, the theme ‘Celebrate Your Roots: Rooted in Tradition, Inspired by Innovation’ honors the Philippines’ diverse culinary heritage while looking ahead to new flavors, stories, and techniques.”

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