 |
| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/Batangas Provincial Tourism And Cultural Office) |
Batangas proudly reintroduced its iconic tourism brand “Batangas: All Here So Near” as part of the province’s celebration of National Tourism Week 2025, signaling a renewed push to highlight its diverse attractions and proximity to Metro Manila. The relaunch was marked by a festive program featuring local performances, cultural showcases, and the unveiling of the campaign’s new face, actor and TV host Luis Manzano as the official Batangas Tourism Ambassador.
It can be recalled that Batangas' tourism brand “All Here So Near” was on its peak from 2010 until 2016 when Ala Eh Festival, known as the mother of all festivals in Batangas, was launched and became the most grandiose festival in Batangas celebrated every first week of December participated by municipalities and cities of Batangas in various activities such as street dancing, “parol” making, trade fair, beauty pageant, and more highlighting the culture, tradition, and local festival of each town or city in Batangas. The highly anticipated festival was previously hosted by a select city or municipality every year including Lipa City, City of Calaca, Tanauan City, Batangas City, and City of Sto. Tomas, among others. Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and the Batangas Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) emphasized that the revival of the “All Here So Near” brand aligns with the province’s mission to attract more visitors by showcasing the best of Batangas in a simple yet memorable tagline.
Whether for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, the province offers a wide range of experiences that travelers can easily access within just a few hours from Metro Manila. Some tourism highlights featured beach destinations like Nasugbu, Laiya, and Tingloy; the world-renowned Taal Volcano and Taal Heritage Town; vibrant dive spots in Anilao; the relaxing highlands of Lipa City; and the province’s growing selection of luxury resorts, farm stays, and eco-tourism parks. With the endorsement of a well-loved Batangueño celebrity and the revival of a brand that resonates with travelers, Batangas aims to reinforce its position as one of the country’s most accessible and diverse destinations.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status)
* * * *
“Batangas: All Here So Near” Featured In Travel Sale Expo 2025
 |
| (Image Source: Batangas Provincial Public Information Office/Batangas Provincial Tourism And Cultural Office) |
For the first time, the Provincial Government of Batangas, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), showcased the beauty and unique tourism and cultural wealth of the province in the 3rd Travel Sale Expo held last September 26-28, 2025 at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Along with more than 180 exhibitors from all over the country, the province brought its newly launched tourism brand campaign, “Batangas: All Here So Near”, to the expo which will feature the provincial government's more highlighted, revitalized, and strengthened tourism promotion initiatives.
Governor Vilma Santos-Recto's vision for a strong tourism sector is at the forefront of the newly-relaunched campaign which is expected to help and contribute greatly to the growth of the province's overall economy. In conjunction with this, the distribution of brand kits at the travel sale expo venue is one of the PTCAO’s ways to showcase the province’s tourism, thereby attracting more visitors or tourists to enjoy the beauty of the 34 towns and cities of Batangas. The brand kits showcase the province’s proud local delicacies, religious sites, and famous travel destinations. Meanwhile, the PTCAO delegation led by Officer-in-Charge Jaida Castillo jointly participated in the colorful opening of the expo which was attended by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and ambassadors or representatives of several Asian countries.
The Travel Sale Expo 2025, themed “Your Gateway To The World”, is organized by the DOT, Tourism Promotions Board, Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), DTI, and OneKlik Events Management Services, which served as this year’s organizers. It aims to serve as a platform to showcase the Philippines’ diverse Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
(With words by Mark Jonathan M. Macaraig, Batangas Provincial Public Information Office)
* * * *
Lipa City Holds Successful Tourism Summit 2025 Showcasing Culture, Cuisine, And Faith
 |
| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa City PIO) |
The recently concluded Lipa City Tourism Summit 2025 gathered local leaders, stakeholders, students, content creators, and cultural performers at the Lipa Convention Center in Barangay Dagatan last September 30, 2025, underscoring the city’s commitment to positioning itself as a premier destination in Southern Luzon. The event was spearheaded by MIHTM – OIC Tourism Aylene Acorda, together with Councilor Venice Manalo and Vice Mayor Mikee Morada, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening Lipa’s tourism identity. Anchored on the city’s official tourism hashtag #EatPrayLoveLipa, the summit featured distinguished speakers such as Chef Myrna D. Segismundo for "Eat", Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian Parish Priest Msgr. Ruben M. Dimaculangan for "Pray", and Lipa City Tourism Council President Joel U. Peña for "Love". Each shared valuable insights on how culinary heritage, spiritual significance, and community pride define Lipa’s unique tourism character.
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Vice President Dennis Marasigan emphasized the importance of arts in local culture and shared possible arts-based initiatives that could contribute to the development of the city's tourism sector. Tourism students from De La Salle Lipa, Lipa City Colleges, National University Lipa, Royal British College, and STI Lipa actively took part in the summit while cultural performances from the Lipa Integrated Performing Arts, De La Salle Voices, Lipa Actors Company, and Cuerdas del San Isidro showcased the city’s rich artistic spirit. The summit also welcomed representatives from national and regional tourism offices including Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, DOT CALABARZON Regional Director Marites Torres Castro, and PTCAO OIC Jaide Castillo, affirming strong government support for Lipa’s tourism programs. Beyond discussions, the summit became an avenue for local entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services ranging from souvenir items, wellness services, resorts, hotels, food, and snacks, highlighting the breadth of Lipa’s offerings for both residents and visitors.
The Lipa City Tourism Summit 2025 laid the groundwork envisioned as a larger gathering of tourism stakeholders to further strengthen partnerships and establish Lipa as Southern Luzon’s leading cultural, culinary, and spiritual hub. With its blend of heritage, gastronomy, and spirituality, Lipa City is set to shine as one of Batangas’ strongest tourism destinations.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status)
* * * *
FIVB Signs Landmark Agreement To Boost Volleyball In Southeast Asia
 |
| (Image Source: FIVB/Philippine National Volleyball Federation) |
The FIVB, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at strengthening the development of volleyball and beach volleyball in Southeast Asia. The signing took place during the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship and highlighted the shared commitment of all parties to raise the profile and positive influence of volleyball both regionally and globally. Athletes participating in the Philippines' beach volleyball national programme also participated in the signing event, showcasing their support for the MoU and the work being done to grow volleyball in the region. Also present to sign the MoU were FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, FIVB Executive Vice President and AVC and PNVF President Ramon Suzara, PSC Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio and PNVF Secretary General Jose Donaldo Caringal.
The MoU focuses on youth development, with the aim of widening opportunities for young players across Asia while positioning volleyball as the world’s leading family sport. The agreement will support grassroots programmes, preparation of teams, the staging of events and the wider promotion of beach volleyball in particular. Each organization will play a key role in this collaboration. The FIVB will continue to drive international growth strategies, the AVC will coordinate efforts across the continent, the PSC will create pathways for athletes and coaches in the region to develop and the PNVF will oversee implementation to strengthen participation nationwide. This initiative is a significant step forward in the FIVB’s Strategic Vision 2032, which is grounded in the motto ‘Together As One’, as stakeholders work hand in hand to elevate volleyball’s global impact.
This partnership reflects not only a shared ambition for the sport, but also a commitment to the values of collaboration, integration, peace and solidarity. By combining expertise and resources, the MoU seeks to inspire the next generation of players and ensure that volleyball continues to flourish as an innovative, inclusive and globally celebrated sport.
* * * *
DC And All Elite Wrestling Join Forces For Groundbreaking Comic Book Crossover
 |
| (Image Source: All Elite Wrestling/DC Comics) |
DC and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) are teaming up for an electrifying crossover that unites two powerhouse universes in a bold new storytelling experience. This unprecedented collaboration will bring the Justice League and AEW’s top wrestling talent together in a high-octane, two-issue comic book event — launching with a special preview edition available exclusively to fans at the New York Comic Con on October 9-12, 2025 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. DC and AEW will also co-promote DC K.O., the DC Comics event launching in October from acclaimed creators Scott Snyder and Javier Fernandez, across AEW’s linear broadcasts, digital platforms, and social media channels. The collaboration will culminate in DC Comics serving as the presenting sponsor for AEW’s marquee pay-per-view event Full Gear, live from Newark, New Jersey.
AEW has built a universe as rich and dramatic as any comic book — where stories unfold through grit, passion, and unforgettable rivalries. Now, that universe leaps from the ring to the page in a 48-page, two-part comic book saga written by Steve Orlando, illustrated by Travis Mercer, with covers by Lucas Meyer. In this epic tale, AEW’s finest — including Mercedes Moné, Will Ospreay, Darby Allin, Jon Moxley, Swerve Strickland, "Hangman" Adam Page, “Timeless” Toni Storm, Willow Nightingale, Orange Cassidy, and Kenny Omega — team up with legendary DC Super Heroes including Aquaman, Batman, Nightwing, Green Lanterns Guy Gardner and John Stewart, Hawkgirl, Zatanna, Wonder Woman, and Harley Quinn to recover the Big Galactic Belt and prevent a cosmic catastrophe. AEW CEO, General Manager and Head of Creative Tony Khan will join former AEW World Champions Jon Moxley and Swerve Strickland, “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy, and Willow Nightingale with prolific comic writer Steve Orlando, artist Travis Mercer and moderator Frankie Smith in a unique panel conversation on October 10th entitled “Heroes, Villains, Spaces In-Between: Pro Wrestling And Comic Storytelling” which centers on where the worlds of wrestling and comics converge within AEW. The next day, Moxley, Nightingale, Strickland and Orange Cassidy, alongside Orlando, Mercer, and Lucas Meyer and Travis Mercer, will engagw in a special signing of the preview comic with wristbands for this signing to be distributed in the DC Booth at 10:00-11:00 am ET.
Fans can purchase the two-part DC x AEW comic book event at comic book shops, ShopAEW.com, and select AEW live events in 2026 throughout the United States. The DC K.O. comic book event will be showcased during AEW’s programming on TBS and TNT and through extensive co-marketing across social media and newsletters. Look for the AEW variant covers on issues of DC K.O. featuring face-offs between DC and AEW's hardest hitters. The collaboration reaches its peak with AEW Full Gear, presented by DC Comics, live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on November 22, 2025. The pay-per-view will be available to U.S. subscribers on HBO Max with supported devices and internationally on TrillerTV and YouTube (in select markets).
* * * *
Kenny Rogers Roasters At 30: Celebrating The Riders Behind Every Delivery
 |
| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines) |
Kenny Rogers Roasters continues its 30th year anniversary celebration, not just by looking back at its own journey, but by recognizing the everyday heroes who are integral to its success: its delivery partners. The brand’s “30 Deliciously Healthy Years” campaign, a testament to its three decades of serving Filipinos, took a meaningful turn by extending the celebration to GrabFood riders, the very individuals who bring their deliciously healthy meals directly to customers’ doors.
This tribute, aptly named “Kenny’s Rider Day”, held at the Kenny Rogers Roasters Roxas Boulevard branch, was more than just a celebration; it was an acknowledgment of their dedication and a nod to the brand’s own calling of self-care and well-being, embodied in its “I Love Me Better” campaign. The event honored 30 exceptional riders who are all turning 30 this year, a parallel that beautifully ties their personal milestones to Kenny Rogers’ 30th anniversary. This junction of celebrations highlighted a core message of the “I Love Me Better” campaign: that taking care of oneself is a journey, and every year of that journey is worth celebrating. Riders and their families were treated to hearty meals, exciting games, and raffle prizes, including grocery packs, 25 kilos of rice, and gift certificates — tokens of appreciation for their tireless efforts. The grand prize, a brand-new motorcycle, was a symbolic gesture, a way to help these everyday heroes take better care of themselves on the road.
Kenny Rogers Roasters President and CEO Frederick Sy shared, “This celebration is our way of giving back to the riders who have always been part of our journey.” He reiterated how the riders’ hard work has enabled the brand to reach more homes and families, making them true partners and “everyday heroes”. By taking care of its partners, Kenny Rogers Roasters is demonstrating that its commitment to health and well-being extends beyond the plate and into the community, fueling the flame of dedication and shared success for years to come. In celebrating these riders, the brand is not only marking its 30th anniversary but is also living its “I Love Me Better” message, showing a beautiful way to celebrate oneself.
