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| (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Megaworld Hotels And Resorts) |
Mactan Expo, property giant Megaworld’s two-level standalone convention center inside the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown, is ready to welcome local and international delegates as it gears up for its much-awaited opening. The convention facility, which has direct access to the idyllic Mactan Newtown Beach, is now nearly 90% complete and on track to open its doors later this year, just in time to host international exhibitions and conferences including the upcoming ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) both happening in 2026. In preparation for hosting these top-notch events, officials and delegates from the different MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) organizations in the ASEAN region, led by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, visited and toured Mactan Expo to see Cebu’s celebrated convention center up close for the first time.
“Cebu is ready to be a contender for the next wave of MICE tourism in Southeast Asia. With world-class facilities combined with warm Filipino hospitality, we are humbled and poised to welcome the world. The Mactan Expo will be a game-changer, not only for Cebu, but for Philippine tourism more importantly,” says Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso who also serves as the Chairperson of the Cebu Tourism Forum. The Mactan Expo is set to become a premier hub for MICE events as it offers nearly a full hectare of versatile event space. At the ground level is a state-of-the-art convention hall, purpose-built to host up to 2,500 guests in a theater-style setup or 1,600 attendees in an elegant banquet arrangement. Designed with adaptability in mind, the hall can seamlessly transform into three individual spaces, each capable of hosting around 700-900 guests in a theater layout or 500-600 individuals in a banquet configuration — ideal for conferences, galas, and exhibitions of every scale. The main convention hall features an expansive foyer and pre-function areas, designed to impress and welcome guests with elegance. The ground floor will also feature dual drop-off points for seamless access, a service kitchen to support large-scale banquets, cafés for informal gatherings, and a dedicated event showroom where clients can explore immersive sample set-ups and bespoke arrangements. On the mezzanine level, two meeting rooms offer the perfect setting for more intimate events. Each can host up to 150 guests in a theater-style layout or 100 in a banquet format, and the rooms can be seamlessly combined to form a larger, unified venue. This level also includes its own pre-function space, an open-air balcony for relaxed networking, and ample storage for event support and logistics. With its minimalist design that illuminates at night, the Mactan Expo’s façade will be complemented by locally sourced interiors inspired by Cebu’s local culture, festivals, arts, flavors, nature scenes, and icons.
Strategically located just across Mactan Expo are two premier hotel properties that are already fully operational under Megaworld Hotels & Resorts — the Philippines’ largest developer of 100% Filipino homegrown hotel brands. These are Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown and Belmont Hotel Mactan which provide nearly 1,100 rooms combined. Upon the Mactan Expo’s completion, Belmont Hotel Mactan transformation is also set to happen as it will be rebranded as Mercure Mactan Cebu under a landmark partnership with global hospitality giant Accor. This move will usher in the first internationally branded hotel inside The Mactan Newtown, elevating the township’s global profile and hospitality offerings. Adding to the township’s versatility are two stunning beachfront venues at the Mactan Newtown Beach: the Glass Pavilion — an air-conditioned, all-glass event space with breathtaking sea views — and the Ceremonial Garden, a serene open-air setting ideal for weddings, wellness retreats, and milestone occasions. These venues further reinforce The Mactan Newtown’s vibrant fusion of business and leisure.
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Oceania Cruises® Names Collection Of Food & Wine Best New Chefs As Godparents Of Oceania Allura™
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| (Image Source: PR Newswire/Oceania Cruises) |
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination focused luxury cruise line, will team up with a selection of Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni who will serve as Godparents of its newest ship, Oceania Allura™, debuting in July 2025. In a groundbreaking move that reflects the brand’s unwavering dedication to gastronomy and innovation, Oceania Allura will be christened not by one Godmother, but by a group of Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni. The announcement was unveiled last June 21, 2025 at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, one of the industry’s most prestigious culinary festivals, a fitting backdrop for celebrating the chefs shaping the future of dining. “The soul of Oceania Cruises has always been deeply rooted in extraordinary cuisine. By naming Food & Wine Best New Chefs alumni as the godparents of Oceania Allura, we’re paying homage to the future of food and the creative forces driving it forward. It’s a celebration of passion, talent, and the global language of gastronomy,” said Oceania Cruises Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague.
Since 1988, the Food & Wine Best New Chefs programme has honoured more than 400 rising culinary stars who are redefining how we cook, eat, and connect through food. The alumni include some of the most influential figures in modern cuisine. Now, in a first for the cruise industry, a group of these culinary innovators will serve as the ceremonial godparents of Oceania Allura, marking the first time this prestigious title has been awarded to a group of chefs. “Food & Wine Best New Chefs have helped shape the future of dining through their creativity, innovation, and bold ideas for more than three decades. Oceania Cruises shares that same spirit of discovery, creativity, and excellence, making this a meaningful opportunity to honor the lasting impact these chefs have had on the culinary world. We’re thrilled to team up with Oceania Cruises in this unprecedented tribute to the visionaries behind today’s most exciting cuisine,” said Food & Wine Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis. Oceania Allura, Oceania Cruises’ newest 1,200-guest ship, promises an elevated onboard experience defined by exceptional personalised service, an elegantly relaxed ambience, and The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. With more than 270 brand-new recipes, an expansive hands-on Culinary Center and accompanying Chef’s Studio, the return of Oceania Cruises’ signature French restaurant Jacques and new inventive Nikkei dishes recently announced as additions to the menu in its popular pan-Asian venue Red Ginger, Oceania Allura embodies the cruise line’s culinary excellence while pushing the boundaries of innovation. Her glistening christening and naming ceremony will take place on November 13, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
With this announcement, Oceania Cruises not only redefines the traditional role of a ship’s godparent, it reaffirms its status as the cruise line created by foodies for foodies. Beyond Oceania Allura, guests can share an incredible Alaskan journey with 2023 Food & Wine Best New Chef Aisha Ibrahim aboard Oceania Cruises’ first-ever Best New Chefs Cruise on August 18–28, 2025. On this 10-day sailing from Seattle to Seattle on Oceania Riviera™, food lovers will experience special menus, cooking demonstrations, and fabulous pairings among the many epicurean discoveries at sea and on land aboard the only true foodie ship sailing in the region. Two additional Best New Chefs Cruises will debut on Oceania Allura in 2026 with more details to be announced later this year.
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AirAsia Philippines Deepens Stakeholder Ties In Eastern Visayas (Tacloban)
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| (Image Source: AirAsia Philippines) |
AirAsia Philippines and the Provincial Government of Leyte recently renewed its longstanding commitment to democratizing air travel and ensuring connectivity while boosting tourism and economic growth in the Eastern Visayas Region. Together with members of the media, AirAsia was warmly welcomed in the Provincial Capitol by Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, Leyte Tourism Consultant Frances Ann Petilla, and other officials as part of the airline’s ongoing collaboration with stakeholders. Since 2009, AirAsia has flown millions of guests to Tacloban, providing safe, reliable and affordable travel options in the region. It currently flies 28 times weekly to Tacloban.
“Leyte holds a special place in the heart of AirAsia. Our partnership stood the test of time, especially during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda and the rebuilding efforts that ensued after. And the commitment of ensuring affordable fares for the Eastern Visayas region has never waned,” said AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah. Awarded recently for the 16th year in a row as the world’s best low-cost airline at Skytrax, AirAsia shares this milestone with its key stakeholders by offering special fares from as low as ₱516 for one-way flights to and from Tacloban. This is the 11th major seat sale launched this early 2025. Book now until July 3, 2025 and #SeeyouLeyte for travels between July 2, 2025 and March 31, 2026. Bangah adds, “We know how purposeful each journey is for every Leyteno. With the ongoing repair of San Juanico Bridge, our stakeholders can always count on us to consistently provide reasonably low fares, allowing everyone to experience the airline’s continued legacy as the global gold standard in low-cost travel.”
Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla lauds AirAsia for its continued support, stating, “Leyte is a destination. Not so many people know it, but it is a destination. We have many other destinations aside from kalamgaman, and we want them to be as visible as kalamgaman. And we want to thank AirAsia, sabi ko nga two way ito eh, it is our intent to make ourselves visible to tourist so that there will be an increased flights later by AirAsia. We may not have the ideal tourist destinations that we have right now, but by the time we finish our plans, ang tanong ko parati, which airline we do actually partner with when we’re actually ready? And right now, I will tell you that it is only AirAsia, I consider a partner.” During the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), AirAsia was one of the first commercial airlines that responded to the needs of those impacted by the calamity. It allocated free 250,000 seats for victims and their loved ones in search of missing family members. Through the AirAsia Foundation, AirAsia was able to raise close to one hundred million pesos that was used to build homes in Tacloban. Leyte Tourism Consultant Anne Petilla shares, “Hindi namin malilimutan nung panahon ng Yolanda kung paano kami tinulungan ng AirAsia. They were the first airline to offer seats. Imagine, they sent 2 aicraft to help us for humanitarian mission. It allowed us to ferry people out of Tacloban so they can also find work in Manila and feed their families while rebuilding is underway.”
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Smart Surges Ahead As PH’s Leading Wireless Broadband Provider In Terms Of Subscribers
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| Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) is now the Philippines’ leading wireless broadband provider in terms of subscribers as it serves over 430,000 customers nationwide as of the first quarter of 2025. This translates to a significant 44% of the wireless broadband subscriber base share, outpacing its closest competitor’s 42% subscriber base share within the same period. “This milestone achievement is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of customer satisfaction and network excellence. Our growing subscriber base and market leadership also reflect the trust our customers place in our network and our commitment to delivering world-class connectivity,” said Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio R. Martirez.
Connecting families in fiber-limited areas
Smart’s market-leading performance comes on the heels of its strategic launch of the Smart Home WiFi brand to carry products and services that cater to Filipino families living in fiber-limited areas, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. As part of its launch, Smart Home WiFi unveiled the Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi. This prepaid and plug-and-play device offers unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to instantly set it up at home, in dorms, or small offices. It seamlessly connects up to 15 devices simultaneously, providing powerful internet access where fiber connectivity is unavailable.
Unlock the power of 5G
Smart Home WiFi is powered by Smart 5G which enables customers to stream videos seamlessly, upload and download heavy files in seconds, instantly post and share content online, and play mobile games without lag. Smart continues to strategically deploy its 5G infrastructure across the country as part of the PLDT Group’s continued investment in enhancing its integrated network which is aligned with the Group’s commitment to deliver a leveled-up customer experience. “The growth of our broadband subscriber base is just the beginning. Our customers can look forward to even more amazing products and innovative services as we continuously strive to delight them and cater to their evolving lifestyle needs – powered by our world-class network,” said Martirez.
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Blogapalooza Celebrates 10 Years Of Elevating Influence With Launch Of Community Song “Dito Sa Bloga”
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/Blogapalooza) |
Blogapalooza, the Philippines’ premier influencer marketing company, is proud to announce a significant milestone: its 10th Year Anniversary. To commemorate a decade of fostering connections and empowering creators nationwide, the company is thrilled to launch its official community song “Dito Sa Bloga”, now available for streaming on Spotify and YouTube. Since its inception, Blogapalooza has been dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for content creators. “Dito Sa Bloga” beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the BlogaFam – Blogapalooza’s extensive network of influencers spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. This song serves as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring relationships and shared passion that define the community.
A special BlogaFam Version of the song is also being released, featuring the collaborative voices of the dedicated BlogaTeam (Blogapalooza employees), the cherished BlogaFam (influencer community), and talented BX Talents (managed influencers). This unique rendition is a true reflection of the inclusive and collaborative spirit that has been the hallmark of Blogapalooza’s success. “Dito Sa Bloga” stands as a powerful testament to Blogapalooza’s legacy of nurturing a community of over 50,000 content creators across the Philippines. The song resonates with the idea that even when physically apart, the shared connection and passion among creators remain strong. It’s a unifying melody, celebrating every individual who has contributed to Blogapalooza’s remarkable journey over the past decade. Blogapalooza extends its sincere gratitude to the talented individuals, all part of the BlogaFam, who brought “Dito Sa Bloga” to life:
Music Production:
Produced by: KIER
Mixed and Mastered by: Jet Francisco
Arranged by: Vonne Vallon
Recorded at: Wild Grass Studio
Composers: Aj Pajaron, Kier, Kirby Bas, Aly Descalzo, Pia Paolo
Singers: Kirby Bas, Aly Descalzo, Angela Gwyneth N. Francisco, Christa Marifel Mestio, Christensen Val Diaz, Whelbelyne Eudela Alvarez (AA), Jazper Tiongson, Rozel Ann C. Basilio, Vincent Gapuz, Shone Ejusa, Oliver Agustin, Kier, Frank Lloyd Mamaril, JM Dela Cena
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LG 2025 OLED TVs Achieve “True Visual Experience With Indoor Lighting” Certification
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/LG Electronics) |
LG Electronics (LG) has announced that its latest OLED TVs have earned the “True Visual Experience With Indoor Lighting” certification from TÜV Rheinland, a renowned German testing and certification organization. LG 2025 OLED TVs are the first to achieve this certification, showcasing their exceptional picture quality in indoor lighting environments. TÜV Rheinland’s rigorous certification process granted LG’s latest OLED TVs a “Perfect” grade across five critical evaluation areas: blackness, vividness, perceptual contrast length, gradation and ambient contrast modulation. Tested under 500 lux lighting, equivalent to a daytime living room, the results demonstrate LG OLED TVs’ ability to maintain high visual fidelity with precise tonal accuracy and depth in various lighting conditions.
In addition to the TÜV Rheinland certification, LG OLED displays have been verified by UL Solutions for “Perfect Black” and “Perfect Color” and confirmed by Intertek for 100 percent color fidelity and 100 percent color volume. These achievements underscore LG OLED TV’s ability to render absolute blacks and accurate colors, further solidifying their reputation for excellence in visual technology. According to market research firm Omdia, LG has reaffirmed its leadership in the global OLED TV market. In the first quarter of 2025, LG held a dominant market share of approximately 52 percent based on shipments. Furthermore, LG became the first brand to surpass 10 million OLED TV sales in Europe as of April 2025. “This certification highlights the distinctive capabilities of LG OLED TVs, setting them apart in the global OLED TV market. We are dedicated to advancing OLED technology to create unparalleled viewing experiences through our premium TVs in any lighting environment,” said LG Media Entertainment Solution Company MS R&D Lab Head Jung Jae-Chul.
Life isn’t just about having the latest technology — it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph/ and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to learn more.
