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| Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (right) formally accepted the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2026 through a symbolic gavel handed over by Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing (Image Source: pageone/Department Of Tourism - Philippines) |
In a significant milestone for Philippine tourism, the Philippines represented by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco formally accepted the chairmanship of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026 during a ceremonial handover held at the Johor International Convention Center last January 20, 2025. The symbolic gavel was handed over to Secretary Frasco by Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, marking The Philippines’ commitment to host this prestigious event. The ATF is set to include the highly anticipated ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting which will convene in the province of Cebu in January 2026. Meanwhile, the preparatory meetings leading to the most prestigious gathering in ASEAN will be held in Manila and Boracay.
“As the Philippines takes on the Chairmanship of ASEAN 2026, I invite you to join us in the Philippines for the 29th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Cebu on January 2026. It will be an opportunity not just to discuss policies, but to witness firsthand the immense potential for sustainable tourism growth in the region,” said Secretary Frasco. She highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people, along with the rich culture and stunning natural beauty that Cebu has to offer. Secretary Frasco emphasized that “Cebu is a hallmark of unity — evincing what can happen when communities, businesses, and governments come together to create a tourism model that is both profitable and responsible. The Philippines, with its spirit of hospitality and deep sense of community, stands ready to open its pristine shores to all of you, where we will write a new chapter of the ASEAN story: a legacy of unity, sustainability, and prosperity for all.” Aside from the ASEAN meetings, a TRAVEX trade show, and various conferences will also be hosted by the Philippines as part of the ATF 2026. The Philippines’ upcoming hosting of the ATF follows the country’s successful mounting of the 36th UN Tourism Joint Commission Meeting for the Asia Pacific and South Asia, as well as the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism.
Alongside her participation in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, Secretary Frasco served as vice chair at the 28th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting which was attended by tourism ministers from ASEAN member states Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Timor Leste, and Vietnam, as well as representatives from Russia, Japan, India, and South Korea. As the lead country coordinator for the development of the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan (ATSP) Post-2025, Secretary Frasco presented updates and recommendations to fellow ministers aimed at fostering a tourism sector that drives equitable and sustainable economic growth for all. “The ATSP envisions a tourism landscape that not only stimulates economic progress but does so in a manner that is equitable and sustainable. Our focus extends beyond quantity to quality – prioritizing convenience and safety in tourism, promoting longer stays and increased spending, all while safeguarding our natural resources and honoring our heritage and culture,” said Secretary Frasco. She also emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to work with its ASEAN neighbors to build a sustainable tourism industry, stating, “where tourism is not only about counting visitors but measuring their spending, contributions, and impact upon our communities, driven by the primordial principle of preserving the unique cultures and ecosystems that make the ASEAN a truly special place to visit.” The Tourism Chief of the Philippines also called ASEAN a “family”. “United by a shared vision for the mutual prosperity of our nations, we perpetuate the notion that tourism is a force for good: transforming lives, sustaining livelihoods, forging friendships, creating memories etched in the hearts of all who come upon our streets and shores.”
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Jollibee Group Opens First Milksha Concept Store In The Philippines
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| Joining the ribbon cutting ceremonies marking the opening of Jollibee Group's first Milksha concept store in the Philippines at SM North EDSA (L to R): Milksha Philippines Senior Manager Theodore Co, Chowking Philippines President Kenneth Lingan, Jollibee Group Philippines CEO Joseph Tanbuntiong, Quezon City Business Permits and Licensing Head Marge Mejia, Jollibee Group Global President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong, Milksha Global Founder and CEO Peter Huang, Jollibee Group Founder and Chairman Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong, Quezon City Councilor Bernard Herrera, SM North EDSA Vice President for Mall Leasing Winnifer Oliver, Milksha Global Chief Operations Officer Chris Chao, Milksha Philippines Operations Manager Alexis Isip (Image Source: Jollibee Group) |
The Jollibee Group is bringing a refreshing take to milk tea culture in the Philippines with the launch of Milksha’s first-ever standalone concept store at SM North EDSA in Quezon City last January 20, 2025. Milksha is a popular Taiwanese milk tea brand with 336 stores spread across Taiwan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, and Australia. Also known by the brand name Milkshop in Taiwan, it was voted as the “No.1 Milk Tea Brand” by university students in Taiwan and recognized as “The Best Reviewed” milk tea brand by Daily View, a known online media platform in Taiwan. The Jollibee Group acquired a majority stake in Milksha in 2021. “Milk tea has become such a big part of Filipino daily lives. What makes Milksha well-positioned for this market is its dedication to using fresh and premium natural ingredients and crafting unique, refreshing flavors that can capture the evolving taste buds of Filipino milk tea lovers,” said Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) Philippines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joseph Tanbuntiong.
“We’re very happy to have Milksha in our Jollibee Group family. Milksha’s choice ingredients and innovation bring something genuinely delightful to our customers,” said Jollibee Group Global CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong. Filipino milk tea lovers are in for a treat with Milksha’s over 30 premium specialty beverages that are brewed using fresh, premium ingredients sourced from around the world. A fan favorite is the Signature 3Q Milk Tea (shown in photo during a demo), which has honey pearls, pudding, and crystal jelly. Milksha’s first concept store in the Philippines emphasizes delivering an exceptional experience of authentic Taiwanese milk tea. Customers can explore a variety of options with Milksha’s over 30 premium specialty beverages, from milk teas to refreshing fruit-infused drinks. Brewed using traditional Taiwanese methods, each drink is crafted with fresh, premium ingredients that are imported from around the world such as its signature honey pearls. Its bestsellers include the Signature 3Q Milk Tea, Strawberry Coulis Milk, and Jasmine Green Tea with Cloudy Cream. The store’s minimalist design, accentuated by warm, earthy tones, reflects Milksha’s dedication to natural, fresh ingredients, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance for customers. To elevate the Taiwanese tea experience further, the tea baristas have undergone training in Taiwan.
“We take pride not only in the quality of our offerings, but the quality of service we provide. Our company culture has always been all about transparent and extraordinary customer service, that customers in all our global stores keep coming back to us, and that is what we intend to replicate here in the Philippines,” said Milksha Global Chief Operating Officer Chris Chao. Milksha Global founder and CEO Peter Huang also emphasized the team’s hard work in putting together the store, underscoring its commitment to success, saying, “Without all of you, we won’t have any opportunity to have the shop right here. I thank all of the partners joining this project. We look forward to expanding, providing more jobs, and making every milk tea lover happier with every cup.” Milksha’s concept store is located at Level 2, Main Building of SM North EDSA in Quezon City. It is open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. For more information, visit and follow @milkshaph on Instagram.
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IFPI Launches Official Philippines Chart With Marilag By Dionela As First Ever Official # 1 Track
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/IFPI) |
IFPI, representing the recording industry worldwide, recently announced the launch of The Official Philippines Chart, bringing official, industry-backed weekly music charts to the country for the first time. Marilag, the hit song by Filipino R&B star Dionela, has the honour of being the first ever Official #1 track in the Philippines. The song, released in November 2024, soundtracked the remainder of the year and has continued its strong streaming performance into 2025. The Official Philippines Chart Top 20 will be announced every Tuesday, and will showcase the most popular tracks from local and international artists based on streaming across all major platforms. The Official Philippines Charts will be available alongside Official Charts for five other ASEAN markets at the Official Southeast Asia Charts website (www.officialseacharts.com) and via the related social media channels on Instagram and Facebook, allowing music fans to engage with trending tracks and emerging artists across the region.
Locally, Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) is working together with IFPI to ensure that the Official Philippines Chart is accessible to Filipino consumers. The charts will be available in their website (www.prm.com.ph) and all social media platforms. Reacting to the news, IPFI Regional Director for Southeast Asia Simon Seow said, “A huge congratulations to Dionela and everyone involved in making Marilag the first ever Official Philippines Chart #1! It is wonderful to see a Pinoy artist claim this milestone, and is a testament to the wealth of talent and artistry in the country. We look forward to reporting on further success and celebrating more artists in the coming weeks and months.” Celebrating the launch of the chart, Sony Music Philippines General Manager and PRM board member Roslyn Pineda said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Official Philippines Chart, which will shine a light on the consumption habits of music fans across the country and provide an important platform to showcase the vibrant and growing local music scene. Combining the Official Philippines Chart with others in a regional hub gives fans an insight into how their favourite tracks are performing in other countries, and will aid the discovery of new hits.”
Supported by the recorded music industry, the Official Philippines Chart combines streams from global platforms Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify and YouTube. The charts are managed by IFPI and are built on data prepared by BMAT, in accordance with IFPI’s global charts principles and methodologies. As well as the weekly charts updates, music fans in the region can look forward to a host of exclusive artist content at www.officialseacharts.com, the official music hub of Southeast Asia.
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Smart, TPC Continue To Enable Livelihood Opportunities For Filipinos
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has strengthened its partnership with Telepreneur Corporation (TPC) to continue to enable livelihood opportunities for Filipinos through prepaid load products. Kicking off 2025 in a members-only event in Quezon City, TPC executives led by President Mariel Astudillo and Founder Lorenzo Rellosa recapped their 2024 and rallied the small- and medium-sized business owners for the new year. Hundreds of TPC members attended the annual event, and one lucky member from the Visayas also won a brand-new car in the raffle draw. “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to Smart and TNT for their unwavering support. We have been in partnership with them since day 1, and they have seen the growth and success of TPC,” said Astudillo.
Smart and TNT representatives also presented their 2025 plans and offerings to help boost the income of TPC members nationwide. On top of that, Smart continuously expands and enhances its mobile network, covering 97% of the population nationwide, enabling Filipinos to be more productive, entertained, and stay connected while on the go with its 4G/LTE and 5G connectivity. “This has been our longstanding commitment to one of our biggest partners not only in making Smart and TNT load products more accessible to Filipinos nationwide, but more importantly, in providing decent livelihood opportunities to our fellow kababayans across the nation,” said Smart Assistant Vice President and OIC-Head of National Key Accounts Christian So.
In 2024, Smart – under its eBizNovation program — upskilled TPC members in digital marketing, with a focus on influencer marketing to help them build strong personal brands, craft compelling messages, and leverage social media to expand their reach and grow their business. These initiatives with TPC form part of PLDT and Smart’s push in providing connectivity to all and building a more inclusive digital economy and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG #9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
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LG OLED Becomes The Digital Canvas For PH National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera At The BenCab Museum
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| Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera with the LG OLED evo AI G4 at the BenCab Museum Larawan Hall (Image Source: Manila Standard/LG Philippines) |
In a groundbreaking collaboration, LG Philippines and National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Reyes Cabrera have joined forces to bring advanced OLED technology to the BenCab Museum in Tuba, Benguet. This partnership redefines how art is experienced, introducing a cutting-edge digital platform for Filipino creativity.
The lobby of the BenCab Museum now greets visitors with the LG OLED Posé, a 55-inch masterpiece of design and engineering. Its self-lit OLED technology, vibrant colors, and the α9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K make it an elegant stage for showcasing digital art. Wrapped in muted beige fabric with soft lines, the Posé blends effortlessly with the museum’s modern aesthetic, setting the tone for an immersive visual journey. In the Larawan Hall, the LG OLED evo AI G4 transforms the way art is presented. Its advanced α11 AI Processor and Brightness Booster Max reveal intricate textures and vivid colors with breathtaking clarity, perfectly adapting to the room’s lighting. The One Wall Design seamlessly integrates with the hall’s curated display, making the TV a stunning centerpiece for traditional and contemporary Filipino artworks alike. LG Philippines’ Managing Director Nakhyun Seong expressed pride in this collaboration, saying, “At LG, we believe in empowering artists to push boundaries. By integrating OLED technology, we’re creating opportunities for a new kind of digital art, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.” BenCab echoed this sentiment, saying, “LG’s OLED TVs open new avenues for presenting art in ways that resonate with modern audiences. This partnership enhances the museum’s ability to inspire and educate while honoring Filipino culture.”
The BenCab Museum enriches its visitors’ connection to the Philippines’ vibrant cultural history, fostering creativity and promoting art education. These efforts align seamlessly with LG’s mission of “Innovation For A Better Life”, celebrating Filipino culture and inspiring future generations. Through this partnership, LG Philippines and the BenCab Museum invite audiences to experience art in its most vivid form — a tribute to Filipino ingenuity brought to life through cutting-edge technology.
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BRAVE CF’s 2024 Success Sets Stage For Asian Domination In 2025
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| (Image Source: News Of Bahrain/BRAVE Combat Federation) |
BRAVE Combat Federation has positioned itself as a global powerhouse in mixed martial arts (MMA). Its remarkable growth in 2024 has created a solid foundation for expansion into key Asian nations. With a strong presence in Europe, Brazil, and the Middle East, BRAVE CF has already expanded into larger markets in Asia, including India, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Pakistan. BRAVE CF’s ability to showcase diverse talent has been a driving force. The organization hosts fighters from over 80 countries, offering a global platform for emerging stars. This inclusivity appeals to Asian nations with vibrant MMA scenes. Fighters from these regions now see BRAVE CF as the ultimate stage to showcase their skills. Besides, the organization has successfully activated branding and sponsorship across the geographies giving crucial grassroot-level support for the sports ecosystem.
India, with its massive population and growing MMA fanbase, presents a golden opportunity. The success of IMMAF medalists like Mehboob Khan highlights the potential for future stars. BRAVE CF’s partnership with Indian fighters can inspire a new generation and establish a strong foothold in the region. It is quite evident that BRAVE CF will provide opportunities for more MMA fighters from India to sign with the promotion creating global opportunities for Indian MMA fighters. Japan, a historic hub for martial arts, offers a unique challenge. BRAVE CF aims to merge its global appeal with Japan’s deep-rooted love for combat sports. By integrating local talent with its international roster, BRAVE CF can create events that resonate with Japanese fans. While Japan remains among the key pillars that supported MMA in the initial days, reinforced focus from BRAVE CF will play a crucial role in globalizing Japanese MMA worldwide. The Philippines and Indonesia are thriving markets with passionate MMA communities. Both countries have a history of producing dynamic fighters. BRAVE CF’s expansion can provide them with a platform to compete globally. Fans in these nations crave exciting matchups, and BRAVE CF delivers world-class events that match their enthusiasm. With multiple regional talents already signed with the organization, it is quite possible for the organization to revisit the territories and host global events reinforcing the presence. Pakistan’s MMA scene has grown significantly in recent years. BRAVE CF’s focus on nurturing talent aligns perfectly with the country’s rising stars. Pakistani fighters’ success at BRAVE CF 92 showcased the nation’s potential. Building on this momentum, BRAVE CF can deepen its connection with Pakistani fans and fighters. BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid has already hinted at a possible India vs. Pakistan trilogy in 2025 scheduled to take place in India. The opportunity will be crucial for Pakistani MMA fighters and Indian MMA fighters to reignite their rivalry and set new broadcast records.
The organization’s global reputation gives it an edge in entering these markets. It is already broadcast in over 160 countries, reaching 1.7 billion households. By highlighting Asian fighters and tailoring content for local audiences, BRAVE CF can solidify its position in these nations. BRAVE CF’s success in 2024 was not just about events. It also invested in storytelling through documentaries and short films. These initiatives have humanized its athletes and connected fans with their personal journeys. Expanding this approach into Asia can attract fans who value authenticity and inspiration. The vision of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa drives BRAVE CF’s relentless growth. With Asia as the next frontier, the organization is set to transform the region’s MMA landscape. Its proven ability to deliver results ensures it will continue to thrive.
