Eastwood Richmonde Hotel Celebrates 15 Years of Homegrown Hospitality

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Eastwood Richmonde’s 15^th Anniversary Celebration

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel (ERH) recently commemorated its 15th anniversary alongside its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony through a simple yet heartfelt gathering of longtime patrons, media partners, and esteemed guests. Anchored on the theme “15 and Beyond: Forward Filipino Hospitality,” the occasion was an homage to the hotel’s proud homegrown roots and a humble celebration of the hotel’s accomplishments through the years as it embraces more initiatives that promote our country’s culture.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Cluster  General Manager, Jun Justo

Jun Justo, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts NCR+ Cluster General Manager and ERH General Manager, opened the event by recounting how ERH set the blueprint for Megaworld Corporation and its township developments by being the first hotel in its very first mixed-use community, Eastwood City. The AVP that followed then paid tribute to the hotel’s dedicated employees, or Enrichers as they are called, and how through their hard work and dedication, have shaped Richmonde’s distinct warm and accommodating service.

Megaworld Corp. President & CEO  Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso  

The night continued with congratulatory messages from the distinguished guests of honor which included Megaworld Corporation President and CEO Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Maria Rica Bueno, Head of the Investment Services Division of Quezon City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office Jong Sumpiaco, representing Hon. Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) Cleofe Albiso. They acknowledged ERH’s influence on local tourism, community development, and the hospitality landscape, highlighting its contributions to the city’s economy and cultural preservation through MHR’s very own unique and authentic Filipino brand of service, the Sampaguita, and its implementation of sustainable and inclusive tourism practices.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso 

Capping the anniversary program was the celebratory toast led by MHR Group General Manager Art Boncato, followed by the traditional countdown to the lighting of the hotel’s Christmas tree and its custom-made Sampaguita-inspired Capiz lantern to officially signal the start of the holiday season in the hotel.

 Harana group composed of La Salle Kundirana alumni

Providing delightfully nostalgic entertainment was Harana, a group of singing professionals and alumni of La Salle’s Kundirana. Their renditions of well-loved OPM songs and Christmas carols added to the festive atmosphere.

 Department of Tourism Undersecretary Maria Rica Bueno

  Quezon City Head of Investment Services Division Jong Sumpiaco

The celebration then shifted to Eastwood Café+Bar, where a meticulously crafted six-course dinner prepared by MHR Corporate Chef Panky Lopez and ERH Executive Chef Peter Paluga awaited the guests. The menu included Salmon Sinigang Steak and Caldereta Tiger Pie, just some of the hotel’s creative and modern takes on all-time favorite Filipino dishes.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

As Richmonde looks ahead to the next 15 years and more, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering meaningful and mindful stays, enriching experiences, and purposeful and thoughtful hospitality that is welcoming to all.

Go on a Sleigh Ride of Flavours and Experience the “12 Days of Christmas” at The Bistro at Discovery Samal

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Discovery Samal is kicking off the holiday season in style at The Bistro with a night designed to ignite the spirit of celebration. The Bistro: A Taste of the Holidays invites guests on a delicious journey through a playful tasting menu inspired by the nostalgia of a classic Christmas carol where each dish tells its own tale, blending creativity and festive flair to set the tone for a season of warmth, wonder, and culinary delight.

Guests start with A Partridge in a Pear Tree, tender and succulent quail nestled on caramelized leeks, rounded out by pear purée and sage-chestnut glaze. A whisper of prosciutto crisp and a rose-hued tuile give it a soft sparkle on the plate. Two Turtle Doves follows with smoked duck roulade resting against a lemon blini, brightened by cherry reduction and a delicate tuile that seems almost too fragile to touch.

Moving deeper into the sequence, Three French Hens draws from the richness of French cooking: sous vide chicken, truffle-touched potato foam, and red wine sauce that clings to the fork. A crisp chicken garnish and a golden egg yolk gel turn it into a tiny display of indulgence. Four Calling Birds shifts the tone again with ostrich confit beneath a golden craquelin crust, softened by chicken liver mousse and accented with poached quail egg and shards of filo that crackle gently.

The midpoint arrives with Five Golden Rings, a shimmering spread of cured salmon, citrus, and prawn tartare arranged under a thin mango tuile, the plate glowing with bright, celebratory hues. Six Geese a-Laying leans into luxury with a foie gras brûlée paired with sautéed wild mushrooms and a crown of caviar, softened by edible flowers and another rose tuile that quietly ties it to earlier dishes.

Dessert drifts in early with Seven Swans a-Swimming, where white mousse meets strawberry-mango compote and a dark chocolate swan perched above caviar tones of black, red, and white. It’s more whimsical than sweet, though it manages to be both. Eight Maids a-Milking keeps the playful notes going with yogurt mousse, milk foam, and Earl Grey tea caviar, topped with crisp chocolate that adds a subtle snap.

As the evening builds, Nine Ladies Dancing puts together herb-baked salmon under a crisp dome, surrounded by beetroot and herb foams, pea shoots, and a dandelion flower that adds a tiny flourish of movement. Ten Lords a-Leaping offers the boldest moment of the night with grilled ostrich, lamb, and A3 wagyu, each dressed with a sesame rub that leaves a warm depth lingering on the palate.

The last two dishes return to sweetness. Eleven Pipers Piping presents churros with hazelnut cream, chocolate ganache, mint, gold flakes, and red velvet crumbs, dusted with cinnamon sugar that clings to the fingertips. Finally, Twelve Drummers Drumming closes the journey with duck croquette tucked into baked sweet dough, enriched with foie gras and tartufata cream, then finished with gold dust and edible flowers.

The Bistro’s holiday experience, shaped through these twelve small stories, turns the familiar song into something you can taste. For guests looking for a holiday outing that feels a little more intimate than the season usually allows, The Bistro: A Taste of the Holidays is priced at Php 4,800 net per person and is available this December 24, 2025.

For more information, email fb@discoverysamal.com or call +63 084 308 2998.

Buo ang Saya ng Pasko: Jollibee Reminds Us What Makes Christmas Truly Complete

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This Christmas, Jollibee takes a more heartfelt turn—focusing on what makes the season meaningful: FAMILY.

In a time when life feels busier, distances grow longer, challenges arise, and many Filipinos find themselves away from home, Jollibee’s newest holiday campaign, “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko,” uplifts our spirits and reminds us that true joy is found in togetherness with family—however it’s formed: by blood, by bond, or by choice.

Through a series of touching vignettes in its new Christmas film, Jollibee captures how both typical families and different versions of Filipino families now come together -- There’s the nurse celebrating a night shift with hospital staff, a security guard sharing laughs with fellow workers, a couple treating their beloved pets like family, a single mother and her daughters finding joy in a simple Jollibee meal and a large family celebrating Christmas reunions across generations.

"What makes Filipino Christmases so special is the love we share and the joy we bring to one another. Family has always been at the heart of every Filipino Christmas, but we also know that times have changed. By embracing the many ways we now define family, we hope to rekindle in everyone the true meaning of joy this season — that Christmas is complete not when everything is perfect or traditional, but because no matter where we are or who we celebrate with, as long as we’re together and there’s Jollibee on the table, Buo ang Saya ng Pasko," says Dorothy Dee-Ching - VP and Head of Marketing, Jollibee Philippines.

Each story mirrors real-life moments of warmth and connection that make Christmas feel whole again. Accompanied with an original soundtrack, Jollibee’s new heartwarming film reminds us that even as the faces around the table change, as long as the family is together—Buo ang saya ng Pasko.

So, this Christmas, Jollibee invites you all to share the joy of togetherness with your family. As the film beautifully states, “Tunay ang ligaya basta’t tayo’y magkasama. Dito, sarap ang pinagsasaluhan. Buo ang saya ng Pasko.”

Grab FanFaves 2025 Recognizes Top Foodie-Voted Food Items That Define Cravings Satisfied

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 Thirty top voters won a one-year supply of winning menu items 

Grab is once again celebrating the flavors that shape the Filipino appetite with Grab FanFaves 2025, the annual honors roll that spotlights the country’s most-ordered, most-craved, and most-loved dishes and drinks.

What makes FanFaves uniquely Filipino is its voting system. Every order on the Grab app from August 15 to September 30, 2025 counts as a vote, turning everyday cravings into a nationwide food election. This year, millions of orders determined which dishes rose to the top — and which brands have become true icons in the daily lives of Filipino diners. As a special treat, thirty top voters got a one-year supply of the winning menu items, rewarding the fans whose cravings helped crown this year’s champions.

A Celebration of Food Culture

Beyond recognizing top-performing restaurants, FanFaves underscores how active participation and smart engagement on Grab translate to real business outcomes.

Merchants who capitalized on platform tools such as GrabAds capabilities, Spotlight Campaigns, and strategic product bundling saw stronger order momentum and repeat purchases throughout the voting period. This year’s winners — from big-name chains to rising regional favorites — reflect how data-led discoverability and an engaged user base can meaningfully elevate a brand’s connection with consumers.

Meet the Grab FanFaves 2025 Winners

These dishes and brands have earned their place as this year's most beloved cravings across national, sponsored, and regional categories — each one now carrying the Mark of Deliciousness, Grab’s seal of fan-approved food excellence.

1. NATIONAL ICONS
1. Platinum Winners - The Country’s Top Favorites

■     Burger

●     Yumburger Solo – Jollibee

●     Buy 1 Take 1 Black Pepper Burger + Drinks – Minute Burger

■     Cakes

●     Round Chocolate Dedication Cake – Red Ribbon

●     Classic Ube Cake (Whole) – Caramia Cakes & Gelato

■     Chicken Burger

●     Crispy Chicken Sandwich Solo – McDonald’s

●     Chicken French Quarter Sandwich with Fries & Drink – Popeyes Chicken

■     Coffee

●     Caramel Macchiato – Starbucks

●     Kape Kastila – PICKUP COFFEE

■     Flavored Chicken

●     Ala King Zinger Steak Ala Carte – KFC

●     Double Double Box – BOK Korean Fried Chicken

■     Fried Chicken

●     1-pc. Chickenjoy Solo – Jollibee

●     Max’s Whole Fried Chicken – Max’s Restaurant

■     Fries or Onion Rings

●     BFF Fries – McDonald’s

●     Tera Fries – Potato Corner

■     Healthy Options

●     Solo B Roasted Chicken – Kenny Rogers Roasters

●     Chicken Teriyaki Bowl – 24/7 Super Healthy

■     Pasta

●     Jolly Spaghetti Solo – Jollibee

●     Spaghetti Ala Carte – Popeyes Chicken

■     Pizza

●     Double Deal Plus – Angel’s Pizza

■     Rice Bowl

●     Siomai Chao Fan – Chowking

●     Everyday Bowl – Panda Express

■     Roast or Grilled Chicken

●     Paa Large PM1 – Mang Inasal

●     Peri Flavorite Plate B – Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar

■     Coolers

●     Panda Milk Tea – CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

■     Dessert

●     McFlurry with Oreo – McDonald’s

■     Filipino Dish

●     2 pcs Pork BBQ – Mang Inasal

2. Gold Winners - A Stamp of People’s Approval

■     Burger

●     Burger McDo Solo – McDonald’s

●     Whopper Jr. – Burger King

●     Buy 1 Take 1 Bacon Cheese Burger + Drinks – Minute Burger

●     Buy 1 Take 1 Minute Burger + Drinks – Minute Burger

●     The Cheeseburger – Sweet Ecstasy

●     Umami Burger – Burger Beast

■     Cakes

●     Mango Bravo – Conti’s

●     Ube Vanilla Bouquet (6in) – Lemon Square Bakery Treats

■     Chicken Burger

●     Crunchy Chicken Sandwich – Jollibee

●     Zinger – KFC

●     Buy 1 Take 1 Double Chicken Time Burger + Drinks – Minute Burger

■     Coffee

●     Iced Coffee – Dunkin’

■     Flavored Chicken

●     Ala King Rice Bowl – KFC

●     Half Half Boneless – 24 Chicken

●     Frankie’s Classic Buffalo (With Free Dip) Regular Wings – Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings

●     Garlick Soy Chicken with Rice – Chicken NamNam by Sulit Chicken

■     Fried Chicken

●     1-pc. Chicken McDo Solo – McDonald’s

■     Fries or Onion Rings

●     Jolly Crispy Fries – Regular – Jollibee

●     Large Cajun Fries – Popeyes Chicken

■     Healthy Options

●     Chicken Caesar Wrap – Healthy To Go

●     Chicken Salpicao Bowl – 24/7 Super Healthy

■     Pasta

●     Spaghetti with Garlic Bread – Pancake House

■     Pizza

●     Hawaiian – Domino’s Pizza

■     Rice Bowl

●     1-pc. Burger Steak Solo – Jollibee

●     Boneless Chicken Rice Meal (3 Pieces) – 24 Chicken

●     Bacon Breakfast Bowl – Rice and Shine

●     Chicken Salpicao Bowl – 24/7 Super Healthy

●     Chicken Teriyaki Bowl – 24/7 Super Healthy

●     Gyudon – Yoshinoya

■     Roast or Grilled Chicken

●     Solo B Roasted Chicken – Kenny Rogers Roasters

■     Coolers

●     3 Buddies – CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

●     Chocolate Chip Cream Frappuccino – Starbucks

●     Pearl Milk Tea – CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice

●     Biscoff Cheese Salt Milk Tea – Cha Tuk Chak

●     Cheesecake Oreo – Macao Imperial Tea

●     Cheesecake and Pearl Milk Tea – Macao Imperial Tea

●     Coconut Juice – Fruitas

●     Mango Basic – Oh Mango

●     Pearl Milk Tea – Chatime

■     Dessert

●     Brownie Box – KFC

●     Corn Muffin – Kenny Rogers Roasters

●     Extra Creamy Halo-Halo – Mang Inasal

●     Halo-Halo Supreme (Medium) – Chowking

●     Peach Mango Pie – Jollibee

●     Box of 6 Original Glazed Doughnuts – Krispy Kreme

●     Dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts – Krispy Kreme

●     Mango Sticky Rice – Thai Mango

●     Oreo Blizzard – Dairy Queen

■     Filipino Dish

●     Crispy Pata – Kuya J Restaurant

●     House Crispy Sisig – Manam

●     House Crispy Sisig Benta Box – Manam

●     Kuya J Bulalo (Salo) – Kuya J Restaurant

●     Sinigang na Baboy – Kuya J Restaurant

●     Sizzling Tofu – Max’s Restaurant

2. COCA-COLA SPONSORED CATEGORIES
1. Platinum Winners

■     Coke Sulit Combo Deals

●     Yumburger with Fries and Coke – Jollibee

■     Coke Zero Thrill Meals

●     Family Lauriat for 4 with Coke Zero – Chowking

■     Royal Merienda Bites

●     Yumburger Super Meal with Royal – Jollibee

■     Sprite Spicy Hits

●     Spicy Chicken King Meal with Sprite – Burger King

2. Gold Winners

■     Coke Sulit Combo Deals

●     1-pc Chicken with Rice, Fries, and Drink – Popeyes

●     Cheesy Yumburger with Fries and Coke – Jollibee

●     Party Package 28pcs with 1.5L Coke – 24 Chicken

●     Pizza Combo with Coke – Shakey’s Pizza

●     Pizza Duo with Coke – Shakey’s Pizza

●     Pizza Party with Coke – Shakey’s Pizza

●     Pizza Trio with Coke – Shakey’s Pizza

●     Pork Chao Fan with Fried Chicken and Coke – Chowking

●     Solo A Roasted Chicken with Free Coke – Kenny Rogers Roasters

■     Coke Zero Thrill Meals

●     4-pc Chicken and Chao Fan Platter for 4 with Coke Zero – Chowking

●     Beef Caldereta (450g) Frozen plus 1.5L Coke Regular or Coke Zero – Baliwag Lechon Manok

●     Bopis (450g) Frozen plus 1.5L Coke Regular or Coke Zero – Baliwag Lechon Manok

●     Lechon Manok with Free Coke Zero – Lembest Lechon

●     Liempo Sisig with Free Coke Zero – Lembest Lechon

●     Siomai Chao Fan Platter Bundle for 3 with Coke Zero – Chowking

■     Sprite Spicy Hits

●     Siomai Spicy Chao Fan and Sprite – Chowking

●     Spicy Chao Fan and Sprite – Chowking

●     Spicy Chao Fan with Fried Chicken and Sprite – Chowking

3. REGIONAL FAVES - Leadership in the Region
1. Metro Manila

■     Oh Mango

■     Seoul Chicken House

■     Gourmet Silog

2. Luzon

■     GoodTaste Restaurant

■     Pyesta Diner by GoodTaste

■     Grumpy Joe

3. Visayas

■     Jafar’s Shawarma Station

■     Dimsum Break

■     Orange Brutus

4. Mindanao

■     Penong’s Barbeque Seafood and Grill

■     Chingkeetea

■     Nath’s Food on the Go

4. FAVE DINE OUT MERCHANT - Go-To Grab Dine Out Merchant
1. Zhenbao Hotpot
5. SPECIAL AWARD - Best Creative FanFaves Campaign
1. Greenwich

The FanFaves Awards Night on November 19, 2025, will mark another milestone in Grab’s ongoing commitment to recognizing culinary creativity and fan loyalty across the country.

For more information about Grab FanFaves 2025, visit the official Grab FanFaves website at grabfanfaves.com or Grab Philippines at www.grab.com/ph/.