Ruby is a true-blooded media practitioner and a journalist by profession.
She served her early years as a lifestyle writer for a leading magazine and a couple of corporate engagements to which she learned the ropes of editorial work – and dealing with almost the brightest personalities and celebrities in tinsel town.
She had a very productive stint at the now-defunct AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc. It was also during this period that she honed her skills in Marketing when she had the opportunity to serve as Committee Member at the prestigious Philippine Marketing Association.
For inquiries, invites, or to send relevant press content, email the author at rubyasoy@yahoo.com.
FB pages: https://www.facebook.com/precious.r.asoyhttps://www.facebook.com/rubyasoyph/
Guillermo “Ige” Ramos, author, book designer, and advocate of Filipino food, recently launched Bukambibig (“Word of Mouth”) at the Ortigas Foundation Library. The book is a collection of 14 essays chronicling Ramos’ culinary discoveries through research, personal experiences, and cultural exploration.
Bukambibig is the second installment in his Lasa at Republika series, following Dila at Bandila. In the book and during the launch, Ramos challenges the idea of “authenticity” in Filipino cuisine, emphasizing that food traditions are constantly evolving.
“Eat Filipino food not for the history, because we’re not sure what is authentic. Eat Filipino food not for the culture, because we are not exotic enough. Eat Filipino food because everything you know about it is wrong,” – Ige Ramos
He encouraged audiences to rethink preconceived notions and to support local food and produce.
Mama Sita’s supports Ramos’ efforts to deepen appreciation for Filipino cuisine, in line with the mission of Teresita “Mama Sita” Reyes to preserve and promote the country’s culinary heritage through storytelling initiatives like Mga Kuwentong Pagkain.
Published by Anvil Publishing, Bukambibig is available in select branches of National Bookstore.
Some traditions never lose their charm—especially those that invite people to pause, reconnect, and celebrate the relationships that matter most. This Valentine’s season, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo present thoughtfully curated dining experiences and staycation escapes designed to turn meaningful moments into lasting memories. Through inspired cuisine, attentive service, and immersive seasonal offerings, Richmonde Hotels continue to honor the timeless ritual of celebrating love together.
“Occasions like Valentine’s Day remain meaningful because they give us a reason to slow down and appreciate one another,” shares Cluster General Manager Jun Justo. “At Richmonde, we see hospitality as a way to nurture these traditions by creating spaces where genuine connections and unforgettable experiences naturally come to life.”
Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: A Love Story Told Through Filipino Flavors
At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, romance takes center stage with Ang Kwento ng Pag-Ibig, a pre-Valentine’s dinner on February 13, 2026 at Richmonde Café. The five-course Filipino-themed degustation captures the evolving stages of love through thoughtful storytelling and elevated flavors.
The journey begins with cured tuna tartare brightened with calamansi, followed by heritage-inspired bringhe arancini that blends nostalgia with contemporary flair. A comforting guava-sinigang broth paired with salmon ravioli brings warmth and depth, while the main course offers a choice between slow-braised beef adobado or spirit-kissed halabos prawn. The evening concludes on a sweet note with tibok-tibok panna cotta drizzled with muscovado syrup, complemented by curated wine, cocktail, or mocktail pairings.
“Kwento ng Pag-Ibig” Pre-Valentine’s Day Dinner at Richmonde Café.
“Our intention was to create a menu that reflects the emotional arc of love,” says Food and Beverage Manager Ria Rosal. “And Filipino flavors provide familiarity, allowing diners to connect with the experience on a deeper level,” adds Sous Chef Rowell Manahan.
Guests wishing to extend the celebration may take advantage of the “Lucky Match” room promotion throughout February, blending Valentine’s festivities with the auspicious spirit of Chinese New Year. On February 13, special bundled packages combine an overnight stay with dinner for two, offering a seamless romantic escape.
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: Shared Indulgence for Every Kind of Love
At Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Valentine’s Day embraces every expression of affection with Relish in Love, an intimate dinner on February 14, 2026 at Eastwood Café+Bar. Designed around the idea of shared indulgence, the experience features a plated entrée of U.S. prime rib with local sea bass alongside a buffet selection of fresh salads, roasted garlic and cinnamon pumpkin cream soup, comforting sides, and decadent desserts. A dedicated kid’s menu, with an option of chicken or bratwurst served with spaghetti, ensures that celebrations remain inclusive for families as well. Each meal includes a round of drinks, from house wine to chilled juices and coffee or tea.
Eastwood Richmonde Relish in Love Dinner.
“Valentine’s celebrations today extend far beyond couples,” shares F&B Manager Dave Banez. “Many of our guests choose to mark the occasion with family or close friends, so we intentionally designed a dining experience that embraces every expression of love.” Executive Chef Pete Paluga adds, “Our aim was to craft a menu that feels inclusive and enjoyable for everyone—bringing together beloved date-night classics with familiar favorites to create a meal that’s both special and satisfying.”
Complementing the dinner is the “Lucky in Love” accommodation package, with overnight rates on February 14 bundled with the Valentine’s dinner for two. Discounted room offers throughout the month further enhance the festive mood, blending the spirit of Valentine’s Day with the good fortune of Lunar New Year.
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Ilonggo Warmth and the Spirit of “Palangga”
In Iloilo, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo celebrates the Ilonggo spirit of palangga—a word that speaks not only of romance but also of care, warmth, and community—through Angga, a Valentine’s Day dinner on February 14, 2026 at The Granary.
The experience highlights generous, shareable dining with buffet-style appetizers, charcuterie, desserts, unlimited plated selections, bread baskets with assorted spreads, and a glass of wine. “The concept of palangga inspired us to create something heartfelt and welcoming,” says Executive Sous Chef Rey Parreño II. “We wanted the experience to feel abundant, comforting, and distinctly Ilonggo.”
Richmonde Iloilo Sweet Escape Room Package.
Guests may continue the celebration with the “Sweet Escape” Valentine room package, available from February 12 to 18 and inclusive of breakfast, dining credits, and themed amenities. For those seeking flexibility, the month-long “Feel-Good February” promotion offers additional staycation options.
Across all properties, Richmonde Hotels blend timeless romantic traditions with contemporary experiences, inviting guests to celebrate love in its many forms while creating stories worth remembering long after the season ends.
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 in the City of Love, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is available at (6333) 328 7888, stay@richmondeiloilo.com, or www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph
León Gallery once again opens another art-filled year with its traditional annual partnership with The Asian Cultural Council to commemorate and celebrate the visionary artistry of the Filipino.
ACC Philippines Chairman Ernest L. Escaler remarked that León Gallery and the Asian Cultural Council have, for the past eleven years, “have stood side by side in a shared vision—to champion the arts as a force that transcends borders, sparks dialogue, and shapes cultural leadership.”
“This year’s benefit art auction is held on Valentine’s Day as an ode to love in its most enduring form: love for the arts, love for generosity, and love for helping others realize their creative potential,” Escaler said.
Meanwhile, Leon Gallery Director Jaime Ponce de Leon shared, “The spirit of collaboration and partnership runs deep in this year’s edition of the Asian Cultural Council Auction. This year, we are celebrating 11 years of our fruitful partnership with a foundation that has always remained committed to championing the virtuoso of the Filipino artist by allowing him to spread his creative wings on foreign shores.”
“Our major highlights for this year’s ACC auction underscore the remarkable collaborations between our esteemed Filipino artists,” added Ponce de Leon.
Paglaom Padayon is a monumental mural-sized painting created by the Sanggawa group, an artists’ collective that was composed by former Salingpusa group members and now influential forces in the contemporary art scene: Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Karen Flores, and Federico Sievert. The title is a Cebuano phrase that translates to “move forward with hope” and is a modern-day homage to Botong Francisco’s iconic 1964 mural Filipino Struggles Through History. Paglaom Padayon encapsulates the Filipino people’s collective power, fueled by a shared vision and hope for the nation’s advancement.
Another collaborative mural-sized painting is Mauro Malang Santos’ collaboration with his two beloved sons, Soler and Steve. Painted in 2000, the new millennium, the colossal work marked Malang’s 72nd birthday and his four-decades in the art scene.
Patricio Gaston O’Farrell, the favorite student of the great Juan Luna, graces this auction with a copy of his mentor’s now-lost 1887 masterpiece, titled Portrait of Christ, depicting the weary Jesus as he is presented to Pontius Pilate for his trial. Portrait of Christ serves as a surviving memento of Luna’s lost work, which he painted four months after his marriage to Paz Pardo de Tavera in order to prove his religious piety to her wife.
Another work by O’Farrell, Sumbungan, depicts the betrayal of the Katipunan by a katipunero, Teodoro Patiño, who divulged the existence of the revolutionary group to Fr. Mariano Gil, then the parish priest of Tondo. The painting is one of O’Farrell’s last works, painted a year before he died in 1942. Both Portrait of Christ and Sumbungan came from the collection of Gaston O’Farrell’s daughter, Edith.
Félix Resurrección Hidalgo’s Bois de Boulogne immortalizes the esteemed ilustrado’s favorite urban refuge during his 17-year Parisian period, one that captured and witnessed the melancholies of his heart and soul. On the other hand, Fernando Amorsolo’s Site of U.P. Diliman, painted in 1947, captures the then-countryside expanse of what would become the future location of the country’s prestigious national university. When Amorsolo painted this work, he was serving as the director of the UP School of Fine Arts. Another important Amorsolo painting is the 1933 work Marikina, acquired by Alex Frieder, who persuaded President Manuel Quezon to create a safe haven for Jews fleeing the Holocaust in Europe. The result was the establishment of the Jewish Refugee Committee of the Philippine Islands in the late 1930s, which was responsible for saving the lives of more than a thousand Jews from Germany and Austria.
Anita Magsaysay-Ho_Barrio Scene.
Anita Magsaysay-Ho and her quaint Barrio Scene is one of her first paintings as a newlywed woman, marrying the Chinese magnate Robert Ho, and thus, one of her first works signed with the iconic “Anita Magsaysay-Ho.” It was acquired by Paul H. Woods, once the president of the influential American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and also a former president of the Philippine subsidiary of the International Harvesters Company, an American manufacturer of agricultural equipment, machinery, and tractors.
Also an important work is Danilo Dalena’s America, which is a surviving work for an intended series, the Port Authority Series that would have embodied his satirical impressions of the United States he visited and witnessed in the 80s. The Filipino iconoclast and provocateur Manuel Ocampo stands out with his 1990 mixed media masterpiece, Murio la Verdad.
A portion of the proceeds from this annual auction will help fund various ACC grants for Filipino and other Asian artists and arts-based practitioners.
Escaler eagerly invites everyone to participate in this momentous occasion, “On this day of love, we invite you to be part of a collective effort that strengthens our cultural ecosystem and affirms the lasting power of art to inspire, connect, and transform.”
G/F Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner, Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Philippines
The Asian Cultural Council Auction is happening this February 14, 2026, 2 PM, at Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. Preview week is from February 7 to 13, 2026, 9 AM to 7 PM. For further inquiries, email info@leon-gallery.com or contact +632 8856-27-81. To browse the catalog, visit www.leon-gallery.com.
Follow León Gallery on their social media pages for timely updates: Facebook – www.facebook.com/leongallerymakati and Instagram @leongallerymakati.
Romance soars high at Solaire Resort North this February as heart’s season settles in. Couples, friends and families are invited to celebrate love in all its greatest forms at Quezon City’s first and only luxury integrated resort. Whether it’s a special meeting between lovers, an intimate gathering amongst friends, or time spent with the kids, beyond a delectable gastronomic experience, love leaves its charming mark on guests and patrons this Valentine’s Day.
This season, the integrated resort weaves color, texture, and artistry through every space this season with bespoke floral creations expertly designed by veteran florist Anna Fay. Elevating the luxurious, thoughtful, and elegant ambiance of each space, the art of flowers has become an extension of the full Solaire experience. For a limited time, guests are invited to visit the Solaire Boutique for a photo at the exclusive floral installation set up this February to commemorate the joy and warmth of love.
Give your loved ones a heartfelt message through enchanting floral artistry with the help of Solaire Resort North’s Flowers by Anna Fay. Patrons seeking their own floral arrangement may approach the Solaire Boutique at Level 1 of the Solaire Resort North Lobby. Guided hands shape each stem and petal as love blossoms into our hearts with bouquets and arrangements symbolizing the meaning of each relationship. Special set-ups and deliveries within the property may be made upon request.
Ideal for couples looking to unwind and share a meaningful wellness experience together, The Couple’s Harmony Retreat offers an intimate spa escape featuring an 80-minute couple’s aromatherapy massage in a private couple’s suite at Solaire Resort North’s Wellness Spa on Level 7, complemented by a serving of wine to toast the celebration. Designed for relaxation, reconnection, and quality time together, this exclusive Valentine’s offering is available from February 13 to 15 for PHP 9,000 net with prior reservation required.
Spa & Salon
Families and children are in luck as a play paradise awaits for Valentine’s at Kids Club. Bring the fun out this Valentine Day as Kids Club prepares hands-on crafts and activities for young guests and their loved ones. On February 14, share the beauty of love with children as they can enjoy making their own Valentine’s cards, personalized pens, and do-it-yourself floral bouquet stickers to take along with them. Kids Club also invites guests to stay a while for the special appearance of a new friend for children to play with as love starts here at Solaire Resort North.
Enjoy an elevated Valentine’s celebration with a personalized touch as love and luck start here at Solaire Resort North. For more details on Flowers by Anna Fay, visit https://sn.solaireresort.com/experience/flowers-by-anna-fay or the Solaire Boutique at Level 1.
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.’s (SMHCC) SMX Convention Center cements its position as a top-of-mind brand in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry after earning two major regional distinctions at the recently concluded ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, recognizing excellence in venue management and service standards.
ASEANTA Excellence Awards: Best ASEAN Convention Centre Award 2026 awarded to SMX Convention Center. ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards: ASEAN MICE Venue – Exhibition Venue Category awarded to SMX Manila and SMX Clark.
SMX Convention Center was named Best ASEAN Convention Centre at the ASEANTA Excellence Awards 2026, one of the region’s most respected platforms celebrating outstanding tourism and events destinations. This milestone marks the first time SMX Convention Center has received this prestigious honor, reinforcing its role as a premier MICE venue that drives business events, attracts international delegates, and contributes significantly to the growth and sustainability of the country’s tourism ecosystem.
Mr. Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President – Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation receives the Best ASEAN Convention Centre Award 2026 on stage with the rest of the SMX team at the 35th ASEANTA Excellence Awards.
Further solidifying its leadership in the exhibition sector, SMX Convention Center Manila and SMX Convention Center Clark were both recognized at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, winning the ASEAN MICE Venue in the Exhibition Venue Category. In 2024, SMX Convention Center Manila stood out as the sole property to receive recognition, marking a significant achievement for the convention center brand. Building on this momentum, the 2026 awards further reaffirm SMX’s growing leadership in the industry, with both SMX Convention Center Manila and SMX Convention Center Clark earning accolades—reflecting the continued expansion of hospitality distinction across SMX venues and highlighting their collective impact on the country’s MICE and tourism landscape.
“Being recognized by ASEAN bodies not only validates the hard work of our teams, but also strengthens the SMX brand as a preferred venue for regional and international events. With the opening of new SMX properties in 2026, we continue to expand our reach and offer world-class venues driving the continued development and global competitiveness of the country’s MICE sector.” said Mr. Walid Wafik, Senior Vice President – Operations of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.
SMX Convention Center Manila and SMX Convention Center Clark were both recognized at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards, winning the ASEAN MICE Venue in the Exhibition Venue Category.
As SMX Convention Center expands its footprint with new branches set to open within the year in Cebu, Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa (Laguna), Sto. Tomas (Batangas), and Pasay, this strategic growth supports SMX’s long-term vision of bringing MICE infrastructure to more destinations, while continuing to elevate industry standards across the Philippines and the ASEAN region. With multiple award-winning venues, an expanding portfolio, and a strong commitment to service excellence, SMX Convention Center remains at the forefront of the MICE industry—driving business tourism growth and positioning the Philippines as a premier events destination in Southeast Asia.
The Forbes 5-star integrated resort Okada Manila continues to advance its sustainability agenda by strengthening the responsible practices already embedded across its operations—from how spaces are designed to how guests engage with everyday experiences. Guided by Okada Green Heart (OGH), the resort’s sustainability program, these ongoing efforts focus on making environmental responsibility and community support visible, practical, and consistent throughout the property.
Across its retail areas, Okada Manila brings these principles to life through thoughtful design choices and operational decisions that prioritize efficiency, accessibility, and long-term impact. Visual enhancements, improved layouts, and sustainability-led updates are being rolled out to ensure that retail environments support both guest experience and responsibility, in line with the Energy Efficiency and Talent and Community pillars of Okada Green Heart.
Across its retail areas, Okada Manila brings these principles to life through thoughtful design choices and operational decisions that prioritize efficiency, accessibility, and long-term impact.
A clear example of this approach is the recent refresh of The Gift Boutique. The space was redesigned to improve flow, product visibility, and ease of discovery—bringing Okada Manila-branded merchandise and curated consignment items together in a more organized retail setting. As part of the update, the resort installed energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the store and further reduced the use of single-use plastics by transitioning to eco-friendlier packaging options.
Okada Manila continues to advance its sustainability agenda by strengthening the responsible practices already embedded across its operations.
Integrated within the refreshed boutique is the Okada Green Heart Corner, a permanent retail feature introduced in the last quarter of 2025. The corner showcases products developed in partnership with non-government organizations and community-based enterprises, supporting ethical livelihoods and community development through everyday gifting. The selection includes locally made treats from Manila Cookie Story, handcrafted accessories by Fresh Hope—created by women supported through livelihood and skills development programs—and culturally inspired souvenirs from Aciapak, which highlights Filipino identity through locally themed designs. By placing these products in a central retail space, Okada Manila expands the reach of its partners and creates sustained opportunities beyond limited campaigns.
According to Alvaro Ramos, Assistant Vice President, Retail, Leasing/Retail, the emphasis is on consistency across all guest touchpoints. “We look at sustainability as part of how we operate every day, not as a separate initiative,” he said. “Whether it’s how our retail spaces are designed, the products we carry, or the partners we support, our goal is to make responsible choices visible and easy for our guests.”
Integrated within the newly-renovated The Gift Boutique is the Okada Green Heart Corner, a permanent retail feature introduced in the last quarter of 2025. It showcases products developed in partnership with non-government organizations and community-based enterprises.
Beyond retail, Okada Manila continues to strengthen sustainability initiatives across the resort under Okada Green Heart. These include water stewardship through Nordaq Water, which significantly reduces single-use plastic bottles; the installation of electric vehicle charging stations to support energy-efficient mobility; and waste-reduction programs such as Soap for Hope and Linen for Life, which repurpose hotel amenities and linens to support community needs. The resort also continues to advance responsible dining through plant-forward menu initiatives that promote sustainable sourcing and resource efficiency.
Together, these efforts reflect Okada Manila’s ongoing commitment to embedding sustainability into daily operations—across spaces, teams, and guest experiences.
At Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year are celebrated with understated elegance, thoughtful details, and experiences that bring people together, setting the tone for a year of meaningful moments and shared celebrations.
As the year begins, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila invites guests to celebrate the season through two thoughtfully curated occasions, Valentine’s Day and the Lunar New Year, each designed to bring people together through elegant spaces, memorable dining, and moments that linger long after the celebration ends.
This Valentine’s season, Lanson Place presents a refined bayside escape created for meaningful connection and time well spent. Throughout February, couples and families may retreat into spacious studio rooms or two-bedroom serviced residences, where generous living areas, calming interiors, and sweeping views of Manila Bay set the tone for an unhurried staycation.
Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Valetine’s Celebration at Cyan Modern Kitchen.
Dining takes centre stage with curated Valentine’s experiences at Cyan Modern Kitchen. Guests may indulge in a Valentine’s Dinner Buffet at PHP 3,500 net per adult and PHP 1,750 net per child (6–12 years old), inclusive of free-flowing mocktails. For a more intimate evening, a four-course Valentine’s Dinner is available at PHP 4,200 per person, inclusive of a bottle of sparkling wine, served from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Set within a candlelit courtyard and accompanied by a live acoustic band, the experience offers a quietly romantic way to celebrate love.
For more relaxed moments, guests may toast the sunset at EDGE Pool Bar with drinks and freshly grilled barbecue at PHP 888 net per person from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, or enjoy a casual coffee date at BLK12 Café|Bar, featuring handcrafted beverages and light bites throughout the month.
As the season transitions, the Lunar New Year is welcomed with abundance and togetherness at Cyan Modern Kitchen. From 17 to 20 February, guests may enjoy leisurely lunch and dinner celebrations, followed by a relaxed lunch gathering on 21 February, where flavours are designed for sharing and moments are meant to linger. The Lunar New Year dining experience is priced at PHP 3,888 nett per person.
Cyan Modern Kitchen Lunar New Year Spread.
Advance reservations are highly recommended.
At Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year are celebrated with understated elegance, thoughtful details, and experiences that bring people together, setting the tone for a year of meaningful moments and shared celebrations.
To know more, visit our website at https://lansonplace.com/mallofasia. Lanson Place Mall of Asia is located at Block 12, Palm Coast Avenue corner Seaside Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Follow its official social media pages (Facebook | Instagram) to find out more.
Julie’s kicks off 45th year with a fun surprise for loyal fans.
In line with its 45th anniversary celebration, Julie’s, the country’s largest neighborhood bakeshop, recently launched its Scratch Saya promo, offering loyal fans the chance to join Kim Chiu in a Super Saya Fan Meet in Cebu.
Simply purchase any Julie’s Sliced Breads to receive a scratch card. One lucky winner each from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will win an all-expenses-paid trip with a companion to Cebu and have the opportunity to meet Chiu during the Super Saya Fan Meet event in February. The three winners will also receive a pocket money of P15,000 each for the trip.
Julie’s Scratch Saya promo runs until February 18. Visit its website, Facebook and Instagram pages to know more about Julie’s exciting promos for its 45th anniversary.
About Julie’s
Julie’s is the Philippines’ largest neighborhood bakeshop, serving every Filipino with everyday fresh, everyday sulit breads for more than 40 years. Fresh, steaming hot bread baked in full view of the customers and served with courteous greetings and warm smiles became the benchmark of Julie’s phenomenal success. With over 600 stores nationwide, Julie’s is committed to its mission of feeding Filipinos by having a Julie’s bakeshop in every barangay.
SMX Convention Center Aura plays a vital role in enabling Alice Saves Wonderland’s immersive magic experience to come alive in Manila. International creative technology leaders SparksLab Technology and FrameMotion Studio bring Alice Saves Wonderland to the Philippines, unveiling a spellbinding interaction that transforms storytelling into something audiences don’t just watch—but fully enter. Through its adaptable spaces, robust technical infrastructure, and experienced on-ground team, SMX Convention Center Aura enables the seamless integration of advanced technologies, including projection mapping, motion sensors, spatial audio, artificial intelligence, and interactive 3D environments.
In a room full of color and magic, guests will enjoy a whole new experience of storytelling into a reimagined Wonderland.
More than a venue, SMX becomes the canvas—shifting, responding, and transforming to support storytelling at scale. The collaboration illustrates how immersive creators and purpose-built event spaces can work together to redefine what exhibitions and live experiences can be. “This partnership reflects where the future of events is headed,” shared Walid Wafik, SM Hotels & Conventions Corporation’s (SMHCC) Senior Vice President for Operations. “When content, technology, and venue design align, experiences move beyond being hosted—they are truly lived.”
Opening ceremony of Alice Saves Wonderland last 14 January 2026 (L-R: Jamilah Delgado Owner, SparksLab Information Technology Solutions Philippines, Catherine Agustin Regional Director, DOT-NCR, Janytte Siega Director of Banquets and Event Services, SMX, Mohamed Thameem Owner, SparksLab Technology Dubai, Andy Teo Business Development, FrameMotion Malaysia).
Fresh from acclaimed international runs in Malaysia and Taiwan, Alice Saves Wonderland arrives in Manila as its third global stop, chosen for the city’s vibrant creative energy and growing reputation as a destination for next-generation experiences in Asia. For this milestone staging, SparksLab and FrameMotion selected SMX Convention Center Aura as their preferred venue and events partner, transforming the space into an interactive Wonderland built for discovery, wonder, and meaning. “Each global stop adds a new layer to the story,” shared the SparksLab team. “For Manila, we wanted a venue that could support the technical depth of the experience while allowing audiences to feel fully immersed from the moment they step inside. SMX Convention Center Aura gave us the freedom and flexibility to bring Wonderland to life.”
Kids embark on an exciting adventure as they step into a reimagined Wonderland, discovering meaningful lessons about sustainability and caring for nature along the way.
As SMX Convention Center continues its nationwide expansion—with upcoming venues in Cebu, Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa (Laguna), Sto. Tomas (Batangas), and Pasay—the collaboration reinforces its role in supporting the next evolution of exhibitions, brand activations, and experiential events across the country.
Alice Saves Wonderland runs from January 15, 2026 to March 20, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Aura, Meeting Rooms 2–8, located on the 3rd and 4th Levels of SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.
Conrad Manila welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Lunar New Year celebration at China Blue by Jereme Leung, bringing together thoughtfully curated feasts and an elegant nian gao collection designed to usher in abundance and prosperity. Available for a limited time, the hotel’s festive offerings include signature set menus, a Prosperity Yee Sang, and gifting options that extend the celebration beyond the table.
China Blue by Jereme Leung – Toss to Prosperity.
“Conrad Manila consistently creates experiences that spark meaningful connections,” said Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila. “Our Lunar New Year celebration, featuring curated dining exclusives, invites families to come together to celebrate new beginnings, shared traditions and the promise of a prosperous year ahead.”
Families can gather at China Blue by Jereme Leung for Flavors & Fortune, featuring set menus curated by celebrity chef Jereme Leung and Conrad Manila’s Executive Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor. Available from February 11 to March 3, 2026, this exceptional gourmet experience is offered in two variations, with dishes that symbolize abundance, happiness, and harmony. The celebration is also available for enjoyment at home through the restaurant’s take-away option.
Deep-fried lobster salad pineapple passion fruit sweet and sour sauce and suckling pig, crispy cuttlefish paste stuffing with crab claw almond flake.
Chinese New Year Set Menu (ideal for 10 persons)
Prosperity Set: PHP 49,888 nett
Appetizer: Choice of Chinese New Year raw salmon with organic quinoa and fresh suahe, pineapple passion fruit sweet and sour sauce; or Chinese New Year hot and cold combination platter, deep-fried lobster with fruit salad and cuttlefish paste stuffing with crab claw almond flake;
China Blue by Jereme Leung – Set Menu.
Soup: braised dry scallop fish lip and seafood with assorted mushroom sea moss soup
Main Course: barbecue roasted duck with mandarin orange sauce, wok-fried king prawn with butter black pepper gravy sauce, deep-fried cod fish fillet and crispy pork with fragrant taro garlic sauce, sautéed US prime beef and beef tendon with pickled olive, ginger, garlic sauce, braised 10-head abalone, sea cucumber and dry oyster money bag crab roe sauce, salted fish fried rice with honey barbecue pork and liver sausage;
Dessert: chilled mandarin orange jelly and honey pearl with citrus sorbet; traditional coconut brown sugar nian gao in mandarin orange shape
Traditional coconut brown sugar nian gao in mandarin orange shape.
Abundance Set: PHP 69,888 nett
Appetizer: Choice of Chinese New Year raw salmon with mixed fruits and crispy lobster yee sang, golden crab claw almond flake, pineapple passion fruit sweet and sour sauce; or deep-fried lobster salad pineapple passion fruit sweet and sour sauce and suckling pig, crispy cuttlefish paste stuffing with crab claw almond flake;
Soup: braised seafood and fish lips with mushroom bamboo pith broth;
Main Course: Roasted pigeon with Chinese herbal flavor, Steamed live sea garoupa with fragrant bell pepper pickled olive sauce, Sautéed scallop and sea cucumber signature xo sauce with soft shell crab, Baked US beef short rib honey sweet vinegar sauce, Braised abalone and fish maw with dry oyster money bag with black garlic oyster sauce, Wok-fried udon noodle and fresh bean curd sheet with Chinese sausage, crispy dough wild pepper sauce;
Dessert: chilled mandarin orange jelly and honey pearl with citrus sorbet traditional coconut brown sugar nian gao in mandarin orange shape
A specially crafted Yee Sang set brings a festive centerpiece to the celebration. The raw fish salad, featuring fresh salmon, crab claw, and a medley of colourful vegetables, is tossed high by diners while making auspicious wishes, with each ingredient symbolising prosperity, health and abundance.
Prosperity Yee Sang
15 to 17 February 2026
PHP 3,588 ++
For those looking to share the festive spirit at home, the Treasures of Abundance nian gao collection makes for a meaningful gift for cherished loved ones, friends, and corporate partners this Chinese New Year, available until February 17, 2026. Each elegant box, inspired by the Year of the Horse, features artisanal cakes, including: one piece of big fish (Chinese white almond), three pieces of small fish (Chinese traditional brown coconut sugar), and three pieces of ingot (mango). Paired with heartfelt wishes for the recipient, every set shares the promise of good luck and prosperity, and an auspicious year ahead.
Treasures of Abundance l Nian Gao Set
17 January to 17 February 2026
PHP 2,588 nett per set
The Chinese New Year culinary celebrations at China Blue by Jereme Leung are also featured on Hilton’s regional Kitchen Kinship pilot campaign, highlighting what food has always embodied: family, connection and the joy of shared dining. As part of this initiative, the hotel is bringing the spirit of Kitchen Kinship to life through these sharing menus, thoughtfully crafted for communal dining and meaningful moments around the table.
China Blue by Jereme Leung – Nian Gao Gift Set.
Bru Coffee Bar, located on the hotel’s Ground Floor also offers Lunar New Year-inspired confections, from February 2 to 17, 2026. These sweet indulgences, crafted to symbolize abundance and success, can also be enjoyed at home, with prices starting at PHP 300 nett.
Media guests joined the exclusive Chinese New Year-inspired feast at the Michelin-selected China Blue by Jereme Leung to welcome the Year of the Horse.
Conrad Manila invites guests to welcome Chinese New Year in style by indulging in its inspired dining moments and taking part in the celebrations on February 17, 2026, featuring a vibrant lion dance presentation and eye-dotting ceremony at 10:55am, at the hotel’s porte cochere. To learn more about Conrad Manila’s exclusive Chinese New Year offerings and event, please contact +632 8833 9999 or email ConradManila@ConradHotels.com.
