A Wickedly Grand Easter Celebration and Holy Week Dining Delights at The Manila Hotel

 

The Manila Hotel invites guests to witness a time of reflection, gastronomic treat, and family-oriented celebrations through a specially prepared roster of Holy Week and Easter activities, and unique dining offerings this April. From a mystical Easter celebration, a spiritual Visita Iglesia pilgrimage, to dining experiences at Café Ilang-Ilang, Lobby Lounge, and M Takeout, something is in store for everyone.

Easter in the EGGmerald City

Families can look forward to a wickedly fun Easter event at The Manila Hotel Tent City on April 20, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Modelled after the fantasy world of Wizard of Oz, Easter celebrations in the EGGmerald City will turn the place into a pink and emerald wonderland with lots of fun activities for children such as bouncy castles, face painting, cupcake decorating, arts and crafts, egg decorating, magic show, balloon twister, musical, and more. Special appearance by hotel mascot Willy the Bear, who will be happy to greet younger visitors and take pictures with them.

"We are excited to offer a completely unique Easter celebration this year, bringing the mischievous world of Oz to life for the event for our young guests," says The Manila Hotel's vice president for sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan. "It's a great chance for families to make memories with each other in a celebratory and whimsical environment."

Easter celebrations at the EGGmerald City cost Php 1,999 net and come with admission for one child (12 years old and under) and one adult guest (13 years old and up).

For those who are willing to prolong fun, The Manila Hotel has a promotional room package at Php 10,000 net inclusive of overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast buffet for two persons at Café Ilang-Ilang, and one free Easter ticket at the EGGmerald City. Reservation period is ongoing until April 19, 2025. Stay date on April 20, 2025. Terms and conditions apply. By DTI Fair Trade Permit Numbers FTEB-217902 and FTEB-217877. Series of 2025.

Visita Iglesia: A Holy Week Pilgrimage

Lenten is a season of contemplation, The Manila Hotel invites one to join a meaningful Visita Iglesia tour on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. The Traveling Salakot, Paul John Hernandez, a social science educator known for his engaging history tours with a focus on Philippine heritage, will be leading the tour. Endorsed by the Department of Tourism and National Parks Development Committee, The Traveling Salakot gives further insights into the meaning of each church along the way. Visita Iglesia will cover Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Santa Rita Chapel, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Church, Santa Maria Goretti, Archdiocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia, and Our Lady of Remedies Church.

For Php 1,500 per adult and Php 750 per child (12 years and under), the package offers roundtrip shuttle and snacks. Two time slots to choose from: 8:00 am to 12:00 nn and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Limited spots only, so do reserve through +632 8527 0011 or concierge@themanilahotel.com.

For a complete Holy Week retreat, visitors can book the Visita Iglesia Room Offer at Php 10,000 net per room per night, with a stay in a Deluxe Room, breakfast for two at Café Ilang-Ilang, and Visita Iglesia tour access for two adults and two children. The offer is bookable until April 16, 2025 via +632 8527 0011 or resvn@themanilahotel.com, stay dates from April 16 to 18, 2025 inclusive.

Pampanga Food Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang

Back by public demand, the Pampanga Food Festival is back at Café Ilang-Ilang from April 1 to 15, 2025, to present the rich Kapampangan cuisine. Lunch and dinner buffet will have a changing array of popular regional favorites such as Pako Salad, Sisig, Batuteng Tugak (stuffed frog), Sipo Egg, Pritong Itik, Suamna Native Mais, Kalderetang Bibe sa Gata, Adobo Balut, Bringhe, Tibok Tibok, Turrones de Casoy, and more.

Lenten Specials in The Manila Hotel

Marking the seriousness of Holy Week, The Manila Hotel offers a Lenten Menu at the Lobby Lounge until April 20, 2025, featuring a series of meat-free savory offerings: Easter Salad, Barley Vegetable Soup, Salmon Carbonara, Shrimp Pesto Pizza, and Norwegian Salmon Fillet.

Lenten Menu - Norwegian Salmon Fillet

Lenten Menu - Salmon Carbonara

Lenten Menu - Shrimp Pesto Pizza

For those who want to experience the season close to home, M Takeout has a Lenten Home Buffet of favorites and seafood fares such as Green Mango and Singkamas with Bagoong, Tuna Kinilawwith Gata, Escabeche Maya-Maya, Halabos ng Hipon, Inihaw na Lumot, Rellenong Alimasag, Kilawing Puso ng Saging, Vegetable Pancit Bihon with Tokwa, and Steamed Rice. From April 1 to April 30, 2025, this combination is available at Php 4,880.

For inquiries and bookings, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or log on to www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

Easter joy and family fun at Solaire Resort Entertainment City

 

Solaire Resort Entertainment City offers an adventurous and exciting Easter Sunday celebration for the entire family on April 20. The day starts with a Sunday mass at 10AM in the Grand Ballroom followed by a range of interactive activities with luxurious brunch buffets for everyone to enjoy. With fun-filled events like Easter egg hunts, bunny hopscotch races, face painting, and egg decorating, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

Earn special discounts and Easter goodie bags when you accomplish all activities with the family. The Grand Ballroom holds easter egg hunting for all ages and bouncy inflatables to enjoy. At the Sky Tower area, kids can pick their own eggs to decorate at Waterside, complete a carrot toss at Oasis, and hop through Easter-patterned squares for a fun hopscotch activity at Fresh. At the Theatre Cafe, kids can enjoy cookies and cupcake decorating, face painting, balloon sculpting, and enhance their creativity through a coloring mural. You might just also catch Easter Bunny hopping around—so, snap a picture with him and your whole family! 

Indulge in an exquisite Easter brunch buffet at Finestra, Red Lantern, and Yakumi. Finestra offers casatiello, a ham and cheese savory cake together with herbs risotto, poached salmon, and chocolate eggs. Enjoy unlimited flutes of champagne, a seafood tower served directly at your table, a cold cuts station, a roast beef station by the kitchen counter, and luxurious desserts from a rich mille-feuille, macarons, tartalettes, homemade gelato, and more!

Eat all you can at Red Lantern with a dim sum buffet featuring crystal skin lobster dumplings, crispy deep-fried cheese and prawn spring rolls, baked signature black pepper wagyu beef tart, steamed Teochew dumpling, and more. At Yakumi, prepare for a sumptuous feast with eight live stations to choose from. Seafood lovers can enjoy grilled Boston lobster, scallops, blue marlin, prawns, and mackerel in the teppanyaki live station. You can also choose from a fine selection of meats like Kinross lamb chops, US ribeye steak, and Japanese sausage.

Oasis Garden Café Easter-inspired afternoon tea

For an Easter-inspired afternoon tea, delight in a wide array of tea sandwiches, delectable pastries and freshly baked scones at Oasis Garden Café. These include a savory chorizo and egg mousse tea sandwich, an orange cinnamon sable, Cheshire Pork Pie with glazed apple, and more. Enjoy it all with a pot of tea, an easter-inspired mocktail or sparkling wine, and freshly brewed coffee.

Complete your Easter celebration by booking a Deluxe Room with a city or garden view for only Php 10,500 nett until April 18. Book now by calling 8888-8888 or email reservations@solaireresort.com for a joyful Easter at Solaire Resort Entertainment City.

Araneta City glows in blue for inclusion and equality

 

This April 2, Araneta City once again joins the global celebration of World Autism Awareness Day to reinforce its commitment to inclusivity, understanding, and appreciation of all individuals.

Every year on this day, communities worldwide unite to enhance understanding, inspire action, and provide greater support for individuals with autism. This year, the City of Firsts partnered with the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD) to come up with meaningful activities from April 2 to 4 that celebrate the talents and contributions of individuals with autism, raise awareness, and encourage community support.

"At Araneta City, inclusivity isn't just a concept. It is a daily commitment to create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and celebrated," Marjorie Go, VP for Marketing of Araneta City," said.

At Gateway Mall 2, visitors can journey through the history of autism with an engaging and informative exhibit at "Spectrum Fest: Celebrating Autism Through History and Fun." From 10 am to 5 pm on April 2 until 4, everyone is invited to explore interactive displays, enjoy inflatables, and participate in kiddie activities designed to foster understanding and joy.

Over at Gateway Mall 1, there will be the "Pages and Puppetry: Celebrating Autism Awareness Through Storytelling" event in collaboration with the National Council on Disability Affairs. From 10 am to 12 noon on April 2, this storytelling session promises to captivate hearts and open minds, helping children and adults alike understand autism through delightful narratives and puppetry.

To further shed light on this important advocacy, the Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2 will glow blue at various intervals on April 2 to signify Araneta City's global solidarity and support for autism awareness. Starting at 12 noon, the lights will remind mallgoers of the color blue as the symbol of equality and inclusion for people who have autism.

Smart Araneta Coliseum will also join the worldwide observance by lighting up in blue on the evening of April 2. This annual tradition is especially significant this year, as it coincides with the Big Dome's 65th anniversary, reinforcing the role of this iconic venue as not just a place for entertainment and sports, but as a destination where everyone is celebrated and welcomed.

"Our event venues have always been a beacon of inclusion, equality, and diversity," Go emphasized. "They have proudly hosted events and initiatives that bring important advocacies to the forefront, making them not only iconic venues but also a symbol of hope and acceptance for many. We are proud to light them up in blue as we mark World Autism Awareness Day."

To further enrich the day's events, Gateway Gallery will conduct a special consultative dialogue at 1 pm for parents of newly diagnosed children with autism, and will host the annual Autism Advocate Awards at 3 pm to recognize individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to raising autism awareness and promoting inclusion. These insightful gatherings will provide a comforting space to gain valuable insights and guidance from autism advocates, fostering community support and empowerment.

“We invite everyone to join us at Araneta City in celebrating the wonderful diversity that makes our community vibrant. Let's come together to celebrate and express our support for people on the autism spectrum,” Go concluded.

2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair: A Celebration of Filipino Taste and Entrepreneurship

 

Food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike have something exciting to look forward to—the highly anticipated 2025 National Food Fair. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions & OTOP (DTI- BMDPO) in cooperation with the Regional and Provincial Offices, the event will take place from April 9 to 13 at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1-3, showcasing over 250 exceptional food-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Philippines.

The National Food Fair goes beyond a mere marketplace; it is a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to sample traditional heritage recipes, explore innovative food products, and savor culinary delights representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, Supervising Head of the DTI-Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) emphasized the fair’s significance, stating, “The National Food Fair serves as an essential platform for Filipino MSMEs to introduce their products and innovations to broader markets. Through this event, we aim to empower entrepreneurs by providing critical opportunities and resources necessary for them to thrive locally and internationally.”

Here's what visitors can expect at this year's fair:

 Event Highlights:

 Launch of DTI Bagong Pilipinas Marketplace: Attendees will witness the unveiling of the largest B2B e-commerce platform tailored to support local MSMEs. This innovative digital marketplace aims to connect Filipino entrepreneurs with institutional buyers around the globe, greatly expanding their market reach and presence.

 Diverse Food Clusters: Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of products ranging from fresh and processed seafood, local produce and processed meats to regional delicacies, snacks, nuts,  The fair also spotlights specialty items like coconut and cacao products.

 Immersive Culinary Settings: The fair features distinct experiential areas, including the Fresh Produce Grand Marketplace, the cozy KAPEtirya Philippine Coffee Pavilion, and the vibrant KAINAN Dining Area, each crafted to provide engaging and enjoyable experiences.

 Sustainability and Innovation: Reflecting global trends, the fair highlights eco-friendly packaging solutions, plant-based products, functional snacks, and pioneering food processing technologies primed for commercialization.

 Daily Interactive Activities: Attendees can actively participate in cooking demonstrations led by renowned chefs, wine-mixing and food pairing sessions, insightful business dialogues, exciting product showcases, and live cultural performances and music.

 Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, business buyer, or advocate for local products, the 2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair offers a wealth of opportunities to discover new favorites, support Filipino innovation, and contribute to the sustainable growth of our nation’s vibrant food sector.

Join the DTI-BMDPO Events Aspiring entrepreneurs can join future DTI-BMDPO fairs through their local DTI Office. They may also reach out to the Bureau of Market Development, Promotions & OTOP by sending an email BMDPO@dti.gov.ph. Stay updated by following them on Facebook (@BDTP), X (@DTI_BMDPO), Instagram (@dti.bmdpo), YouTube (@dti_bmdpo), and TikTok (@dti.bmdpo).

Why Car Theft Tracking Should Be a Priority for Vehicle Owners

 

Car theft is a serious issue that continues to affect vehicle owners worldwide. The rise of sophisticated technology in modern vehicles has made them more attractive targets for thieves. As a result, protecting your vehicle from theft has never been more crucial. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your car is by using car theft tracking systems. This blog will explore why tracking your vehicle should be a priority for all car owners.

1. Reducing the Risk of Theft

The primary reason for investing in a car theft tracking system is the reduction in the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen. Many tracking systems use GPS or other forms of location tracking technology that allow you to monitor the whereabouts of your car in real time. This makes it easier for authorities to locate and recover the vehicle if stolen. The faster the recovery, the less chance a thief has of getting away with your property, potentially saving you from costly insurance claims and heartache. Investing in car theft tracking, such as car theft tracking with trackingdoctor.co.uk, can significantly enhance the security of your vehicle, providing real-time location monitoring and quick recovery in case of theft.

2. Deterrent for Thieves

A visible car theft tracking system, such as a sticker or decal indicating your vehicle is protected, can act as a powerful deterrent for thieves. Criminals are less likely to target vehicles with tracking systems, knowing that the chances of being caught are significantly higher. Just as alarm systems in homes can prevent break-ins, a tracking system can stop would-be thieves from even considering your car as an option.

3. Peace of Mind for Vehicle Owners

Knowing that your vehicle is being actively monitored brings a sense of security and peace of mind. Whether you're at home, at work, or out running errands, you can rest assured that you can quickly track your car's location if it's ever stolen. Many car theft tracking systems also come with features such as mobile apps that send alerts to your phone if the vehicle moves without authorization. This real-time alert system ensures that you stay informed and can take action promptly.

4. Enhanced Recovery Rates

The faster you can alert authorities to a stolen vehicle, the higher the chances of recovery. With a GPS-based tracking system, law enforcement can pinpoint your vehicle's location almost immediately, making it easier for them to retrieve the car before it's damaged or dismantled. In fact, studies have shown that vehicles equipped with tracking systems have a significantly higher recovery rate compared to those without.

5. Insurance Benefits

Some insurance companies offer discounts to vehicle owners who have a car theft tracking system in place. This is because these systems reduce the risk of a car being stolen and enhance the likelihood of recovery. By investing in a tracking system, you not only improve your vehicle's security but could also save money on your insurance premiums. Over time, this can add up to substantial savings.

6. Protection Against Joyriders

Not all car thefts are committed by professional criminals. Sometimes, vehicles are stolen by individuals looking to use them for a short period or by joyriders. Car theft tracking systems can help quickly locate these vehicles and prevent further damage or misuse. This is especially important for owners of high-end or luxury vehicles, which are often targeted by individuals seeking to use them temporarily.

Conclusion

Investing in a car theft tracking system is an essential step for vehicle owners who want to protect their property and enjoy peace of mind. The benefits, from reducing theft risk and deterring criminals to improving recovery rates and potentially lowering insurance costs, make it a wise investment. In today's world, where vehicle theft is a growing concern, tracking your car should no longer be an option – it should be a priority.