The Reset You Deserve is Waiting on the Shores of Samal

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Leave the hustle behind this Labor Day and find your breath where the sky meets the sea as Discovery Samal welcomes you to trade your endless to-do list for the gentle lull of the waves and the quiet luxury of the island.

Picture your long weekend unfolding without a single rush by starting your morning with a peaceful stroll along the shore, spending sun-drenched afternoons lounging by the water, and gathering for sunset dinners where the food is as incredible as the company.

With curated island adventures and effortless beach days all in one place, Discovery Samal takes care of every detail so you can simply settle in and stay present.

A Long Weekend Made for Island Living

Escape the heat and step into a refreshing coastal sanctuary with the Happy Summer Room Package, curated for those who want their holiday to feel like a true retreat. With rates starting at Php 17,500 per night, this offer bundles everything you need for a seamless island getaway from arrival to departure. Your experience begins with a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival and includes daily breakfast for two at Morning Catch.

To help you embrace the island rhythm, the package invites you to the water with a one-hour session on a crystal kayak or paddleboard, followed by a complimentary foot massage for two to ensure you truly unwind. The perks continue throughout your stay with 15% savings across all food and beverage outlets and 10% off both spa treatments and additional watersports activities.

For My Discovery Elite members, the stay is even sweeter with complimentary mocktails for two, while Gold and Platinum members earn double points on their room spend. This summer escape is open for booking until May 31, 2026, with stay dates available until June 15, 2026.

Wellness Escapes for Rest and Renewal

If you are seeking a deeper, more restorative pause, Samal Escape Spa is offering the Happy Summer Wellness Promo, the perfect opportunity to recharge, and it is available until May 31. Guests can indulge in the Solasta Tropical treatment, a curated one-hour experience that comes with an additional 15-minute foot massage, all for the special price of Php 4,480 for two.

Designed as a midday reset or a soothing end to a day spent in the sun, this treatment focuses on simple, accessible ways to unwind. It is an effortless addition to your stay, ensuring you leave the island feeling completely refreshed.

Seasonal Offers and Playful Moments

Adding to the experience are Summer Delights, a lineup of beverages that reflect the bright, easygoing character of the island. Guests can choose from spirit-free selections priced at Php 250 net per order, including Magic Water, Buko Lamaw, and Tropical Samalamig. For something more indulgent, alcoholic creations at Php 400 net per order highlight local flavors, with blends such as Minatamis na Saging, Bulawan Breeze, and Summer Spritz.

Nearby, Arcade Blast offers a playful shift in pace. Guests can explore a range of activities at the Mindanao Pavilion, from a Single Game Pass at Php 300 net with one activity and two tokens, to a 3-Game Combo at Php 600 net with three activities and four tokens. Those who prefer longer sessions can opt for billiards or ping pong at Php 500 net per hour with four tokens included, or karaoke through Voice to the Max at Php 1,500 net for one hour with six tokens.

Together, these experiences add variety to the stay—something guests can dip into between beach hours or later in the day.

Your Labor Day Escape Starts Here

While Labor Day is a time to celebrate hard work, at Discovery Samal, it becomes a rare chance to step away from the grind, even if only briefly. Through a perfect blend of beachfront relaxation, curated experiences, and inviting accommodations, the resort offers a sanctuary where you can truly recharge and return to the world refreshed. For inquiries and reservations, visit https://www.discoverysamal.com, email reservations@discoverysamal.com, or call +63 84 308 2998.

Cheesy-Anghang Cravings? PAYLESS XTRA BIG Has You Covered

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Payless XTRA Big now makes this international flavor combination more accessible and more filling for snacking or meals

Finding a snack or meal that’s both filling and flavorful without breaking the bank can feel like a rare win. This is why Payless XTRA BIG is giving you more reasons to celebrate with its newest flavor, Chili Cheese.

This new flavor provides a perfect combination of swabeng anghang from chili, and linamnam from cheddar cheese, creating a “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” experience. Inspired by the viral international flavor pairing, Payless XTRA BIG makes indulgence accessible, all in a sulit package that delivers generous portions where you get MORE but pay less.

The new Payless XTRA Big Chili Cheese brings in “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” in one sulit package

Cheesy-Anghang Sarap That Gives You More

At the heart of Payless XTRA BIG Chili Cheese is its signature balance of swabeng anghang and cheddar-namnam, a combination that delivers the perfect “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” in every bite. It’s a flavor experience at a price that stays true to everyday value.

For just Php 17.75 SRP, noodle lovers truly get more: more flavor, more satisfaction, and more sulit with every pack. With its “extra big” serving at 128g, Payless XTRA BIG proves that you don’t have to spend more to enjoy a filling and flavorful snack.

Satisfy your cravings with the “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” of Payless XTRA BIG Chili Cheese

International Flavor, Everyday Value

Payless XTRA BIG Chili Cheese is for those who want a premium taste experience on a budget. Whether it’s for a quick merienda or a late-night snack during a gaming session, the new variant offers a rich, spicy-cheesy experience that is perfect for sharing or solo snacking.

Alongside Chili Cheese, fans can also explore other favorite variants under the Payless XTRA BIG line such as Xtra Hot, Kalamansi, Chilimansi, Sweet & Spicy, and Original, each delivering its own unique flavor punch.

Try the new Payless XTRA BIG Chili Cheese. It’s available in stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. PAYLESS XTRA BIG offers a “sulit” and satisfying way to enjoy bold, flavorful noodles anytime—perfect for quick meals or snack breaks. With generous servings and exciting flavors like the new Payles XTRA BIG Chili Cheese, it delivers a rich “Cheesy-Anghang Sarap” experience that combines cheddar-namnam with a spicy kick. Known for its affordability and “XTRA Big” serving, Payless is a go-to choice for Filipinos who want more flavor, more satisfaction, and more value in every pack. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

TP in the Philippines Champions Women Empowerment and Inclusivity

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TP in the Philippines (formerly Teleperformance) marked Women’s Month with a series of meaningful activities that promote empowerment, intersectionality, and leadership with TP Women. Through these initiatives, the organization continues to reinforce its steadfast commitment to building inclusive workplaces where women can thrive both personally and professionally.

TP prides itself as an organization that celebrates the women who aren't just predicting the future but are proactively building it. In celebration of Women’s Month, TP organized a Leadership Summit which puts a spotlight on the leadership roles that women play in the organization’s successes.

TP Women is a global employee network that provides women across the organization with a platform to be heard, supported and empowered in their personal development and professional careers.

Inclusivity, Empowerment, and Stronger Policy for Women

Among TP’s initiatives for Women’s Month was ‘Harmony Queentuhan,’ a culture and belonging initiative that created a space for women employees to share their experiences and reflect on intersectionality in the workplace.

The discussions centered on the concept of who women are beyond their professional and personal roles, recognizing how their personal realities and responsibilities intersect with professional life and shape their experiences in the workplace. The dialogue also gave the women a platform to explore ideas for strengthening policies and opportunities for women to grow and lead.

TP in the Philippines also deepened its institutional commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive workplace through its "Building a Safer, More Inclusive Workplace for Women at TP" toolkit. The material outlines the company’s resources, policies and support frameworks for women, covering provisions such as its Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, Battered Women Leave, and Magna Carta for Women.

Capping the Women’s Month celebrations was the ‘EmpowerHER Leadership Summit,’ serving as the cornerstone event, which brought together leaders, advocates and allies across TP in the Philippines to discuss the realities of women in the industry, especially in an era increasingly shaped by AI.

Women in Leadership and AI

The company also participated in the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ (ECCP) International Women’s Day celebration, ‘Women Who Shape Tomorrow: Giving to Gain Progress,’ where Toni Tompar, Executive Vice President for Operations for TP in the Philippines, delivered an impactful message on the future of women in leadership.

A central theme of her address was the intersection of emotional intelligence (EI) and artificial intelligence (AI). Tompar encourages leaders to reimagine traditional corporate structures, and embrace human-centered skills to navigate challenges.

Tompar also shares that the most forward-thinking teams operate in favor of outcome-driven behavior and performance, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where women can excel without the constraints of outdated structures.

“It’s important we look at what we call the ‘invisible backpack’ that women continue to carry such as time constraints, social expectations, and physical circumstances,” Tompar said. “These are barriers that greatly affect the opportunities we have to focus on and further our careers.”

Her message called on organizations to support and mentor emerging women leaders, break barriers, and champion inclusion as a foundation for modern business leadership. The forum also featured Operations Vice President Nina Kristine Abad as a panelist, contributing insights on supporting women leaders and fostering inclusive workplace practices.

TP also took part in the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines’ (CCIFP) forum, ‘Inclusive Intelligence: Women Advancing AI for Philippine Development.’

Left photo: The French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines recently staged their Women’s month session ‘Inclusive Intelligence: Women Advancing AI for Philippine Development at the TP Innovations & Solutions Hub in Taguig. Right Photo: TP Executive Vice President for Operations Toni Tompar joined industry leaders at the ECCP International Women’s Month Forum to discuss how we are accelerating women’s leadership through high-impact development and sponsorship.

The session explored how female leadership is pivotal in ensuring that AI development remains equitable and inclusive in the Philippines, reinforcing the importance of women’s voices in shaping equitable, responsible and people-centered technological advancement.

“At TP in the Philippines, inclusion is not a one-time effort. It’s something we continuously build into how we support our people. When individuals feel seen and valued, they are empowered to grow and lead,” said Rachel Cacabelos, Vice President for Human Resources at TP.

As the future of work continues to evolve, TP in the Philippines continues to set a standard for workplace inclusivity and women empowerment in the IT-BPM industry. The organization continues to create pathways for women to thrive and succeed through equitable opportunities, supporting communities, and sustained leadership development.

Richmonde Hotels Celebrates Moms with the Gift of Time and Togetherness

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Mother’s Day gifts may come in many forms, but the ones moms treasure most are often the simplest: time to relax, and moments made more meaningful by the presence of family.

This Mother’s Day, Richmonde Hotels invites families to give mom exactly that—a day, or even a weekend, filled with comfort, good food, and the joy of being surrounded by her favorite people. Instead of spending hours on the road or settling for the usual celebrations at home, families can enjoy a thoughtfully prepared staycation experience where every detail is designed to make mom feel cherished.

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: A Gathering Place for the Whole Family

At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Mother’s Day is made for families who want to slow down and reconnect. From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone can settle into a relaxing weekend with the hotel’s special Richmonde Exclusives room offer available from May 8 to 10, 2026 at room only rates starting at PhP 3,900nett, complete with perks for mom that include a welcome amenity, discounts on in-room massage and food & beverage orders, and coupons for discounts on beauty treatments and complimentary Photo Activated Light Therapy service from Vine Aesthetics at Rockwell Ortigas.

The celebration continues at Richmonde Café’s Flavors of Asia Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet on May 10, where a vibrant spread of well-loved dishes and live cooking stations creates the perfect setting for a leisurely family feast. It is a table where lolos and lolas, parents, and little ones can all find something to love, making the meal itself a shared experience across generations. Reasonably priced at PhP 1,388nett with discounts applicable for seniors and kids, the buffet is an indulgent treat for everyone that won’t break the bank.

“As a mother myself, I truly believe that what moms cherish most are the moments when the whole family is together—no distractions, no rush, just genuine time shared with the people we love,” says Tina Lazaro, Director of Sales and Marketing for Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. “At Richmonde, we wanted to create an experience where families can simply enjoy being with one another and turn Mother’s Day into a memory that stays with them.”

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: Easy Celebrations, Meaningful Moments

For families who want a celebration that is both effortless and memorable, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel offers the perfect setting. With direct access to the mall, the hotel makes it easy to turn Mother’s Day into a full day of bonding—whether it’s a relaxed lunch, a little shopping for mom, or a cinema date with the kids.

Its Richmonde Exclusives for Mom room package, also available from May 8 to 10, 2026, starts at PhP 4,500 nett and comes with thoughtful inclusions such as a meaningful token from Project Payatas, hotel dining & massage discounts, marked-down spa services from Lumiere Skin & Spa, plus the welcome bonus of a late check-out so the family can linger a little longer.

At Eastwood Café+Bar, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, a Filipino Fiesta is served in honor of mom on May 10th, bringing families together over a lunch buffet spread of well-loved local dishes priced at a budget-friendly rate of PhP 1,200 nett, with special group offers of 20% off also available for families of 4 or more.

“Sometimes the best celebrations are the simplest ones—the kind where everyone is together and no one has to worry about the logistics,” Lazaro adds. “That’s what we hope to give families here: the gift of a day that flows naturally from one beautiful moment to the next.”

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Spacious Stays and Memories Made with Love

At Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Mother’s Day unfolds at a more leisurely pace. Spacious rooms, the refreshing pool, and the hotel’s prime location within Iloilo Business Park make it an ideal escape for families looking to spend uninterrupted quality time together. Just for the weekend of May 8 to 10, 2026, a room package “Made for Moms” includes a sumptuous breakfast buffet for two, complimentary massage and token for mom and priced starting at PhP 6,300 nett.

At The Granary, the Daha: From Mom’s Recipes to Your Table buffet pays tribute to mothers through food and family tradition. Inspired by heirloom recipes from the chefs’ own nanays, each dish tells a story of love passed down through generations. Interactive stations—from freshly prepared ukoy to hands-on pancit molo and a delightful DIY cupcake corner—bring an element of storytelling and shared experience to the table.

“There is something deeply special about memories made around the table,” shares Czarina Galano, Director of Sales and Marketing of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo. “As mothers, we hold close the moments when our families are complete—sharing stories, enjoying a meal, and simply being together. This Mother’s Day, we want to give families a space where those moments can happen beautifully and effortlessly.”

Richmonde Iloilo’s unique yet familiar spread of comforting dishes at The Granary’s Mother’s Day buffet is available for lunch and dinner service and is priced at PhP 1,650 nett with discounts for seniors and children applicable.

This year, give mom something she will truly treasure: a day filled with laughter, warmth, and family togetherness. At Richmonde Hotels, the most meaningful celebration is not about going far or spending more—it’s about making every moment count with the people who matter most.

For reservations and inquiries, guests may contact Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638 7777, email stay@richmondehotelortigas.com, or visit www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. Eastwood Richmonde Hotel may be reached at (632) 8570 7777, stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com, or www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph. For celebrations and staycations in the City of Love, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is available at (6333) 328 7888, stay@richmondeiloilo.com, or www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.p

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About Richmomde Hotels

The Richmonde Hotel group is the first homegrown hotel brand established by the country’s premier real estate developer, Megarowld Corporation, under its hospitality division, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. Currently, there are three Richmonde properties located in key commercial and business districts in Metro Manila and Iloilo City. For more information on Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, log on to their official websites at www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph, www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph, and www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph.

About Megaworld Hotels & Resorts

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) is a subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation under the Alliance Global Group Inc. The hotel chain is the Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group recognized by the World Travel Awards and the country’s largest hotel operator with 13 hotels, 7 brands, and 8,500 room keys including the ones in the pipeline. Experience Filipino hospitality through its signature brand of service, the sampaguita, across its brands including Savoy and Belmont in Boracay, Mactan Cebu, and Pasay. Richmonde hotels in Eastwood, Ortigas, and Iloilo. And Kingsford Hotel and Grand Westside Hotel in Paranaque and Hotel Lucky Chinatown Hotel in Binondo and in Twin Lakes Hotel in Batangas.

The Ocean Cleanup marks first milestone with Meycauayan plastic Interceptor rollout

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The first Interceptor barrier in the Manila Bay region to be operational by June 2026

Global non-profit organization, The Ocean Cleanup, reinforces its commitment to mitigating ocean-bound plastic waste from the Manila Bay region, with the deployment of its first Interceptor™ barrier in the Philippines, set to be in the Meycauayan River by June 2026.

This follows the recent announcement of Interceptor deployments in the entire Manila Bay region, as part of The Ocean Cleanup’s global initiative, the 30 Cities Program, which aims to accelerate efforts to intercept and remove ocean-bound plastic pollution from rivers globally by up to one third, by the end of the decade.

In partnership with the City of Meycauayan and supported by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), this new Interceptor barrier will replace an existing trash trap and enhance plastic waste interception capacity before it reaches Manila Bay.

The significant advancement will enable the capture of some of the projected 370 to 540 tonnes of annual emissions from the Meycauayan River system into Manila Bay.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to building tangible solutions toward cleaner rivers and healthier communities in the Manila Bay region. We are excited to collaborate with the City of Meycauayan on this first deployment in the Philippines, where commitment and leadership play a vital role in mitigating ocean-bound plastic waste pollution,” said Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO, The Ocean Cleanup.

Henry R. Villarica, Mayor of Meycauayan, added: “In a timely and necessary step forward, our city is proud to formalize a partnership with The Ocean Cleanup to support the rehabilitation of the Meycauayan River. Our work has never stopped, and this collaboration strengthens our capacity to accelerate meaningful, lasting change. We are fully committed to doing everything in our power to rehabilitate our river for the health, dignity, and future of our community.”

Each year, an estimated 20,000 to 33,000 tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean from the Philippines. According to The Ocean Cleanup’s Smart River Survey, emissions are projected at 3,500 to 4,400 tonnes annually within the Manila Bay region alone, a clear indication of the challenge and the need for urgent solutions.

Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans, with 1000 of the three million rivers around the world responsible for 80% of the problem, according to The Ocean Cleanup. To address this, the organization deploys Interceptor solutions in rivers and works within local waste systems to stop plastic before it reaches the sea.

This initiative also underscores The Ocean Cleanup’s expanding network of partnerships, bringing together key stakeholders such as the Embassy of the Philippines in the Netherlands and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Philippines, alongside Energies PH as marine renewable energy advisors. The partners collectively work hand in hand with The Ocean Cleanup toward mitigating ocean-bound plastic in the Philippines.

This project is poised to grow even further as The Ocean Cleanup deepens its partnerships with the City of Meycauayan, other local government units, and organizations in the country to go beyond interceptor deployment and drive further awareness and research initiatives.

To find out more about The Ocean Cleanup, visit theoceancleanup.com.

About The Ocean Cleanup 

The Ocean Cleanup is a nonprofit organization that develops and scales technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. By conducting extensive research, engineering scalable solutions, and partnering with governments, industry, and like-minded organizations, The Ocean Cleanup is working to stop plastic inflow via rivers and remove legacy plastic already polluting the oceans. As of March 2025, the non-profit has collected over 50 million kilograms (110.2 million pounds) of trash from aquatic ecosystems around the world. Founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup now employs a multi-disciplined team of approximately 200 people. The organization is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with international operations in 10 countries.