A new address for stylish stays and celebrations in Quezon City: The Tribute Hotel

Quezon City, Philippines–Right in the heart of Tomas Morato in Quezon City, touted as the “Entertainment Capital of the Philippines,” lies The Tribute Hotel Quezon City, a chic and comfy hotel quietly making its mark as one of the city’s newest lifestyle destinations for staycations or dazzling celebrations.

An establishment that blends comfort, thoughtful design, and a sense of ease that feels both modern, welcoming, and rejuvenating, The Tribute Hotel had its soft opening in November 2024. Since then, the hotel has been drawing attention for offering a refined yet relaxed stay experience in one of Quezon City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

With a design that eyes both business and leisure travelers, The Tribute Hotel offers well-appointed rooms that balance function and comfort. Currently available for booking are the Deluxe Room and Superior Twin Room, both equipped with lifestyle essentials such as flat-screen TVs, unlimited Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes, mini refrigerators, kettles, and complete bathroom amenities. 

Deluxe Rooms, on the other hand, come with a bathtub and the option of twin or queen beds at the same rate, while Superior Twin Rooms feature a sleek shower setup. Guests also enjoy access to the hotel’s pool, gym facilities, and breakfast for two already included in published rates. A larger Junior Suite is set to open next year, expanding the hotel’s offerings even further.

Beyond its rooms, The Tribute Hotel positions itself as a versatile venue for gatherings of all kinds. Its three function rooms—Ibiza, Valencia, and Mallorca—are designed to host everything from intimate meetings to milestone celebrations. Ibiza, the largest at 165 square meters, can accommodate up to 120 guests, while Valencia and Mallorca offer more intimate settings for smaller groups. Banquet menus are curated by the hotel’s in-house kitchen, with flexible options tailored to different budgets and occasions.

Adding to the hotel’s lifestyle appeal is Don Tomas, its signature restaurant, which serves Spanish fusion cuisine in a stylish yet approachable setting. Here, classic Spanish flavors are reimagined with modern touches, making it a go-to spot for both hotel guests and local diners. This holiday season, The Tribute Hotel also rolls out special Christmas buffet dinners on December 24 and 31, priced at Php 2,000 nett per person, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

As a new player in Quezon City’s hospitality scene, The Tribute Hotel QC is carving out its niche by offering more than just a place to stay. With its central location, thoughtful amenities, flexible event spaces, and growing dining experiences, it presents itself as a destination where stays, celebrations, and everyday moments feel effortlessly well put together.

The Tribute Hotel Quezon City is located at 99 Scout Gandia, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. For bookings and reservations, visit the hotel’s Facebook and Instagram pages, email reservations@thetributehotel.ph, or call 0977 203 3805.

A festive peek at the hotel’s future as a social hotspot

Over the weekend, the hotel offered a glimpse of its potential as a social hub when it hosted the annual Christmas gathering of the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), a prestigious group of some of the country’s most recognized members of the blogging community.

The celebration unfolded as a relaxed, convivial evening—filled with shared stories, good food, and laughter—reflecting the kind of warm, community-driven experiences the hotel aims to create. Rather than a formal affair, the night felt like a reunion, made more memorable by the hotel’s attentive service and comfortable, inviting spaces.

The FBN also extends its heartfelt thanks to all the generous sponsors for their invaluable support in making the FBN Christmas gathering a success. Their partnership, contributions, and unwavering commitment helped bring the celebration to life and created a memorable experience for everyone involved. The group truly appreciates the trust and collaboration, and will be looking forward to more meaningful partnerships in the future.

“The Man Alive Choice” Is set to heat up the Holidays in City of Dreams - Manila

After successful runs in Seoul and Jeju, The Man Alive Choice will debut in the Philippines for a limited engagement at City of Dreams Manila. For two nights only, the steamy production will heat up the holidays with Korean charm and Las Vegas-style entertainment.

The Man Alive Choice in City of Dreams Manila blends high-energy dance, exceptional production design, and captivating visuals for a memorable evening. Composed of dashing oppas, the performers embody idealized male archetypes, allowing the audience to "choose" and experience their fantasy.

After all, the multisensory show is known for participatory content that encourages the audience to immerse and not just merely spectate.

The shows in Korea have garnered critical and commercial success, attracting both local fans and global tourists eager to witness its unique blend of music, dance, and theatrical.

This exclusive run will be held at the City of Dreams Manila Grand Ballroom at 8:00PM PHT on December 27 and 28, 2025. Tickets are currently on sale via TicketMAX, with limited earlybird slots using the voucher code “DIBSONOPPA” for 30% off ticket prices. Aside from an unforgettable night out, fans also can look forward to special merch and opportunities to interact with the artists upon availing of SVIP seats.

Ticket prices, exclusive of taxes and applicable online service fees, are P15,000 for SVIP, P10,000 for VIP, P8000 for Gold, and P5000 for Silver. The show, while open to all-genders, is strictly for adults aged 18 and above only.

The Man Alive Choice in Manila is presented by Rabbithole Entertainment Production and City of Dreams Manila, and is sponsored by Joyride, PK Holdings, and K-Shabu Shabu.

Tickets are available at: https://rabbitholemnl.ticketmax.ph/

PEPA celebrates 75 years of developing Filipino textbooks

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian receives a Plaque of Recognition during the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA). Joining him (from left) are: Danda Crimelda Buhain and Atty. Dominador Buhain of Rex Education; Jose Paolo Sibal of Phoenix Publishing House; and John Emyl Eugenio of C&E Publishing Inc.

The Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA) recognized its achievements and honored  its partners during its 75th anniversary held last December 5, 2025 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Highlights of the event entitled HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING THE PRESENT AND PUBLISHING IN THE FUTURE, were presentation of plaques to HONORABLE SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, SENATOR RODANTE MARCOLETA, HONORABLE CONGRESSMEN ANTONIO CERILLES and RUFUS RODRIGUEZ, and ATTY RODELIO T. DASCIL who were instrumental in the legislation of the Book Industry Development Act (RA 8047). Plaques were likewise presented to government and private agencies like the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, the NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD, the PRIVATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE and the CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.  

 

Past PEPA presidents Dr. Ernesto Sibal, Jesus Ernesto Sibal, Jose Agaton Sibal, Atty. Dominador Buhain, Jose Maria “Toots” Policarpio  and current president Jose Paolo Sibal were likewise given awards for their service and dedication to the Association.

 

SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, was recognized for his diligence in pushing for educational reforms as the then Chairman   of the Senate Education Committee in the 19th Congress. In his acceptance speech, Senator Gatchalian  reiterated his position that the public schools be permitted to select the textbooks best suited for their students and their conditions, citing the practice of private schools whose textbooks are chosen by the subject coordinators and teachers.  

 

Speaking for PEPA, President Emeritus Dominador Buhain stated that the good senator’s proposed solution for providing each public school student with a set of textbooks through liberalized procurement is being adopted by advanced countries with high ratings in international assessments like China, Japan, Finland and Singapore, whose students score high in international assessments like PISA. Senator Gatchalian lamented the delays in textbook allocation for public schools which are caused by a centralized procurement process.  

 

Senator Gatchalian, a product of the private school system, even sees no opposition on the adoption of  procurement program in the private schools due to their perceived accessibility and presumptive quality of   textbooks to be adopted (brought out by  competitive market forces where quality prevails) within a shorter time frame.

 

He believes that with the enhanced  DEPED budget, his earlier estimated P28  billion peso allocation mentioned in 2024 would be  sufficient to provide one textbook per subject per student.  Possessing a textbook instead of having none due to bureaucratic delay could serve as a better proposition to improve our standing in the PISA.

 

Unfortunately, the procurement for textbooks for SY 2025-2026 in some grade levels has been delayed by new procurement guidelines under RA 12009. 

 

As PEPA looks forward to another seven decades of service to the Filipino learner, it is resolved to meet the rigorous demands   of knowledge production for the diverse learning needs of Philippine schools.

A delightful new era for Gardenia: Diversifying beyond baking to complement your daily fresh bread

A delightful new era for Gardenia: Diversifying beyond baking through spread, noodle and coffee brands that complement your daily fresh bread

For 27 years, Gardenia has led the industry in modernizing breadmaking in the country and in offering daily fresh bread to Filipino families nationwide. In line with the company’s mission to provide an assortment of great-tasting and enjoyable bakery, food and beverage products, Gardenia introduced new brands that greatly complement its freshly baked breads.

A new era which began with Delicia, the company’s very own chocolate spread formulated to delight homes, Gardenia’s journey towards diversifying reached a new milestone in 2023 with the

introduction of a new coffee brand, Coffee Smile, which brings joy and satisfaction in every cup, and Happy Mie, an authentic mi goreng instant fried noodle produced in Indonesia, where the best mi goreng is made.

Delightfully Delicious with Delicia!

Delicia Chocolate Spread is a delightful treat for anyone who loves chocolate! Available in Hazelnut Chocolate and Milky

Chocolate, Delicia offers a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading on your Gardenia Classic White Bread or Pandesal.

The smooth spread glides effortlessly over bread, making every bite a pure chocolate bliss.

You can also try the newest variant, the Delicia Salted Caramel and enjoy the exquisite blend of sweet, butter caramel flavor with a pinch of sharp-salty taste that you can pair with bread, biscuits, waffles, and even fruits!

Whether for breakfast, merienda, or as a snack on its own, Delicia brings sweetness and satisfaction to any moment. Indulge in this delightful chocolate spread and taste the magic yourself!

Ibang klaseng meal time with Happy Mie!

Happy Mie Mi Goreng captures the true essence of Indonesia’s beloved stir-fried noodles. Through its savory sweet soy sauce with a spicy kick and the delicious texture of its smooth and firm noodles, it guarantees an authentic, flavorful experience at an affordable price. Whether you choose the classic Original or the fiery Hot & Spicy variant, every bite delivers an irresistible burst of flavor that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Indonesia, where mi goreng originated.

And now, happiness comes in even more flavors! Happy Mie is also available in Mamielicious variants. The Happy Mie Chicken mamie offers a hearty, flavorful broth paired with perfectly firm noodles, while the Beef mamie delivers a rich, savory broth with the same satisfying noodle texture.

Moreover, Happy Mie also takes the happiness to a cheeeeeesy new level with its Happy Mie Mi Goreng Cheese flavor bringing a cheesy umami twist to mi goreng’s classic sweet, savory, spicy

flavors.

From the bold flavors of Mi Goreng to the comforting Mamielicious taste of Mamie, Happy Mie has a variant for every craving, made with high-quality ingredients and ready in minutes. It’s the perfect

choice for busy students, young professionals, and anyone craving a satisfying meal anytime, whether dining solo, sharing with friends, or enjoying with family, making mealtime happier.

Smile Sarap in every cup with Coffee Smile!

Coffee Smile by Gardenia is the perfect pair to your favorite Gardenia breads! Hot or cold, it brings smiles in every cup with its cafe-style flavors. Coffee Smile offers two exciting variants: Cafe Latte and Mocha Latte.

Whether you prefer Cafe Latte — a perfect blend of coffee and milk, or the rich chocolate goodness of Mocha Latte, Coffee Smile brings a coffee shop experience at an affordable price. Its aromatic taste makes it a perfect treat for any time of day, from morning to night, Coffee Smile will bring delicious smiles in every cup.

Unlimited Pairing Possibilities

With this new era for Gardenia, consumers can enjoy a variety of food pairings that are all filling and delicious. From morning, lunch, merienda, dinner and even midnight snacks, whether you’re craving

for a sweet spread for your pandesal, café-style hot or iced coffee with your muffin, or the spicy goodness of mi goreng as palaman for your classic white bread, Gardenia has got you covered.

For Gardenia Philippines, it remains committed to producing your favorite bread that’s always freshly baked and masarap kahit walang palaman; but now, you can also look forward to more world-class Gardenia products that go beyond baking — with Delicia, Happy Mie and Coffee Smile — delightful products that complement your daily fresh bread.

Estancia de Lorenzo kicks off Christmas season with dazzling village lighting

Estancia de Lorenzo celebrated the start of the holiday season with a successful Christmas Village Lighting event, filled with festive activities and community spirit.

The day featured a vibrant "Samu’t Sari Bazaar" with non-food vendors, alongside the opening of food concessionaires and classic Filipino games. The Brass and Percussion Symphonic Band provided lively entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Ms. Leah Durante, Sales, Marketing, and Events Manager at Estancia de Lorenzo, warmly welcomed guests. A key moment was the announcement of the "Virtual Parol" Project beneficiary by Business Director Ms. Katrina Lorenzo-Casajeros, which highlighted the company's commitment to community support.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Libad Dancers of Guinayang High School delivered a special Christmas dance performance. In commemoration of Estancia de Lorenzo's 9th Founding Anniversary, an AVP showcasing the resort's milestones and the 2024 "Pamaskong Handog" Project was presented. COO Ms. Marietta Lorenzo shared a heartfelt message of gratitude with attendees.

The evening continued with exciting raffle prizes and a song performance by Ms. Jackie, culminating in the highly anticipated announcement of the "Dine to Win" Grand Prize Winner.

The highlight of the night was the Christmas Village Lighting, which illuminated the resort and officially launched the Christmas season at Estancia de Lorenzo.

Discover more about Estancia de Lorenzo’s "Pasko Salubong" and New Year’s Eve Countdown by visiting their official social media accounts:

• Facebook: Estancia de Lorenzo-Rizal

• Instagram: @estanciadelorenzo.official

• TikTok: Estancia de Lorenzo Rizal

• Website:  estanciadelorenzo.ph 

The Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza is Pizza Hut’s cheesiest creation yet

Made with 8 cheeses, Pizza Hut's Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza is bound to be the centerpiece of any celebration.

When it comes to the Filipino holiday spread, no other ingredient is as joyful and indulgent as cheese. Commonly found in many of today's yuletide staples, from spaghetti and macaroni salad to bibingka and puto bumbong, this symbol of festivity can brighten up any dish, making every celebration feel complete.

Gimme Five for a Greener Philippines! Taiwan Excellence PH releases eco-friendly FuBear merch made of Philippine Water Hyacinths

The cheerful Taiwan Excellence mascot is now available in merchandise. FuBear continues to spread the spirit of encouraging excellence in every way by collaborating with a local Filipino brand to produce these sustainable products.

High Five, Pilipinas! Taiwan Excellence’s FuBear goes around the Philippines and shares the Gimme Five cheer to Filipinos

The Taiwan Excellence mascot continues its mission of giving high fives and spreading encouragement to everyone, now here in the Philippines! From visiting offices in Metro Manila to roaming around parks in Central Visayas, Filipinos enjoyed fun surprise appearances from the friendly black bear. 

FuBear also steals the hearts of Filipino netizens on social media as the Gimme Five initiative reaches the internet.

Who is FuBear?

From Taiwan, FuBear is a character made in the likeness of the Formosan Black Bear, Taiwan’s national animal. FuBear’s mission is to champion the spirit of excellence by giving high fives around the globe and, now, in the Philippines.

Pilipinas, Good Job and Gimme Five from FuBear!

The Gimme Five online initiative touched the hearts of thousands of Filipino netizens, with many becoming fans of the mascot and its message. In many videos posted on the Taiwan Excellence social media pages, FuBear tours many places in the Philippines and searches every corner, finding a friend to give a big high five to.

Filipinos experienced a pleasant surprise when seeing FuBear in theme parks filled with families bonding, in tricycle stations where commuters and drivers are waiting in line, and in office pantries where young professionals are taking their break time. FuBear even ensures that its message is understood in many languages by using local Filipino languages in its videos posted online, making sure its high five reaches every kind of Filipino.

Where Can We See FuBear Next?

FuBear is set to make more appearances in the Philippines before completing its Gimme Five mission. For updates on FuBear’s journey, follow Taiwan Excellence PH on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.

About Taiwan Excellence

The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established in 1993 by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of Taiwan's most innovative products. Each year, eligible products go through a rigorous selection process that assesses their products based on four

important factors: research and development, design, quality, and marketing with the key criterion of being Made in Taiwan. The Taiwan Excellence mark has gained global recognition as a prestigious symbol of quality and design, effectively showcasing Taiwan's impressive product innovation. For more information, please visit https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/en

 

Montesa Aesthetic Center celebrates 25 years of timeless beauty and transformative care

As the season of joy and celebration approaches, Montesa Medical Group Aesthetic Center marks a remarkable milestone—25 years of beauty, confidence, and care. Founded by Dr. Anna Montesa, President and Medical Director of Montesa Medical Group, the brand stands as a trusted leader in the field of aesthetic medicine, wellness, and age management.

From its beginnings to becoming a trusted name in aesthetics, Montesa has redefined beauty as more than just appearance—it’s about empowerment, self-love, and transformation. Today, its signature blend of science, artistry, and compassion continues to inspire clients from all walks of life.

With its premier clinic located at The Manila Hotel, Montesa Medical Group also welcomes clients at its Tomas Morato (Quezon City), Ayala Malls Circuit (Makati), and SM North EDSA branches. Each clinic offers a luxurious sanctuary for advanced aesthetic procedures, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and holistic wellness programs—all designed to bring out the best version of you.

As the holidays sparkle with joy and reunions, Montesa invites everyone to rediscover their glow this Christmas season. Whether it’s a quick refresh, a rejuvenating treatment, or a complete transformation, now is the perfect time to give yourself the confidence you deserve.

For 25 years, Montesa Medical Aesthetic Center has remained true to its purpose—to uplift lives and celebrate beauty that radiates from within. With every smile restored and every story renewed, Montesa continues to embody timeless beauty and heartfelt care.

Here’s to 25 years of Montesa Magic, and to many more years of inspiring confidence, inside and out.

For more information, visit www.montesamedicalgroup.com or contact Montesa Medical Group at 0917-629-9671. You may also visit Montesa Medical Group Aesthetic Center – Tomas Morato QC Branch (0916-4574059), Ayala Malls Circuit Makati Branch (0961-2854665), The Manila Hotel Branch (0966-7636139) and SM North Edsa Branch (0995-6708190) for appointments and inquiries.

Rex Education honored with 2 major wins at the 47th CMMA Awards

REX proudly receives two awards at the 47th CMMA Awards: *Best Children’s Magazine* for The Bread Basket and *Best Editorial Cartoon* for the Sinag/The Catalyst piece  “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” Photo credit to Catholic Mass Media Award 

Rex Education achieved another significant milestone with two major recognitions at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards held on November 19, 2025 at the Citystate Hotel Tower in Ermita, Manila. The awards highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to producing educational content that informs, inspires, and nurtures the mind and the heart of every Filipino learner.

 

REX received the Best Children’s Magazine award for The Bread Basket and Best Editorial Cartoon award for the piece published in Sinag/The Catalyst titled “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” These honors emphasize the importance of educational materials that blend academic relevance with creative and responsible storytelling and meaningful social reflection.

In the field of education, values-driven and thoughtfully crafted media remain essential in helping learners understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Publications such as The Bread Basket support children in developing empathy and curiosity through stories that speak to their experiences. Editorial works like the award-winning cartoon in Sinag/The Catalyst encourage students to think critically about current issues in ways that are clear and accessible. These contributions uplift, guide, and help build character of young readers toward becoming informed and responsible citizens.

 

These recognitions serve as a quiet but powerful affirmation of the work that happens every day within REX’s creative and editorial teams. Behind each publication are authors, editors, illustrators, and partners who approach their craft with purpose and a deep understanding of the role education plays in shaping learners and communities. Their passion allows REX to produce content that inspires curiosity, encourages reflection, and fosters conversations that lead to growth.

 

The Catholic Mass Media Awards have long recognized media that uplifts, guides, and forms values, and to be counted among its honorees reinforces REX's commitment to continually raise the standard of learning materials in the Philippines and to contribute to the development of content that strengthens values formation.

 

REX extends its heartfelt thanks to the Catholic Mass Media Awards for this recognition and to the entire REX community whose dedication makes achievements like these possible. As the organization continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower Filipino learners and help shape a future rooted in truth, compassion, and lifelong learning.