Entertainment

TEETH Announces Five-City Reunion Tour and Vinyl Reissue of Iconic Debut Album

Fans can relive the music that defined a generation as the band returns with live performances and the long-awaited vinyl edition of its classic debut album

Filipino alternative rock icons TEETH are coming together once again for a five-city reunion tour, commemorating over 30 years of friendship, musical influence, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Titled Year 33: TEETH The Reunion – Legacy Tour, the concert series begins on August 30, 2026, at the Foochow Event Building Hall in Singapore. The band will then continue the tour in the Philippines with performances in Manila on September 5, Davao on September 12, Iloilo on September 19, and Cebu on September 26.

Tickets for the Singaporean leg of the tour are now available via: https://teeth-reunion-sg2026.peatix.com

In line with the concert tour, TEETH will release their landmark debut album on vinyl for the first time. Widely regarded as one of the defining releases of the 1990s Pinoy rock movement, the album introduced Filipino listeners to life-affirming crossover anthems such as “Laklak” and Prinsesa,” songs that transcended generations and helped shape the sound of the local rock music landscape. The album eventually earned Double Platinum certification from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), selling more than 80,000 copies during its time.

The upcoming vinyl edition has been newly remastered by acclaimed mastering engineer Shinji Tanaka and will be issued in a strictly limited pressing of 500 copies on standard black vinyl. Produced by Backspacer Records, the LP also features newly commissioned artwork by award-winning visual artist Nix Puno, whose hand-painted interpretation offers a fresh but faithful homage to the album’s original cover.

Year 33: Teeth Reunion 2026 – Legacy Tour official poster

For the band’s most dedicated supporters, the vinyl will be included as a bundle in the exclusive 33rd Anniversary Add-On Package, available as a premium concert offering for all Philippine tour dates only. The exclusive collector’s package includes a limited-edition, band-signed 33rd anniversary vinyl; a commemorative event shirt and trucker cap; an exclusive sticker pack; a signed event poster; and premium fan experiences such as a meet-and-greet session, an exclusive listening party, soundcheck access, and a group photo opportunity with the band.

Formed in 1993, TEETH is one of the most important bands that emerged from the alternative rock explosion of the ‘90s. The band is currently composed of original members Glenn Jacinto on vocals, Jerome Velasco on guitars, Pedz Narvaja on bass, Mike Dizon on drums, and Dok Sergio on guitars, formerly on bass.

Renowned for their signature blend of alternative rock and grunge, with shoegaze elements showcased in their third studio album, I Was A Teenage Tree, TEETH helped shape the OPM rock scene through their melodic compositions and raw, distinctive sound. Their impact on Filipino music earned them numerous accolades, including three NU Rock Awards and two MTV Pilipinas Awards nominations.

Year 33: TEETH The Reunion – Legacy Tour is produced by BLKSHPMNL Lifestyle & Entertainment Management Inc. (BLACKSHEEP MANILA) in partnership with S32 Production of Singapore. Ticket details for the Philippine leg of the tour are expected to be announced soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 14, 2026 by
Automotive

Jetour GAIA Partners with Rotary District 3830 for an Evening Celebrating Leadership and Luxury

Jetour GAIA officially announced its role as a major sponsor of the prestigious Rotary District 3830 Handover Ceremony, held on July 3, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. The event celebrated leadership, service, and the transition of district leadership, gathering around 700 Rotarians, including newly elected District Officers and Club Presidents. One of the evening’s key moments was the formal induction of District Governor Jasmin Morales-Limon, who officially assumed leadership of the district for the coming year.

As part of the celebration, Jetour GAIA gave attendees an exclusive first look at the Jetour GAIA G700, its premium intelligent plug-in hybrid full-size SUV. Displayed prominently throughout the event, the vehicle showcased the brand’s latest advancements in automotive innovation, drawing attention with its refined styling, advanced features, and commanding presence.

The Jetour GAIA G700 represents the pinnacle of executive transport, designed specifically for those who demand both power and refinement. As an upscale flagship, it seamlessly combines a high-performance Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) system with cutting-edge, intuitive technology. The G700 is more than just a vehicle; it is a statement of status. Its silhouette commands attention, while a meticulously crafted interior provides an environment of unparalleled comfort, perfectly befitting the movers, shakers, and corporate leaders who gathered at the gala. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on long journeys, the G700 delivers a driving experience that reflects the same level of excellence and forward-thinking vision held by the district’s leadership.

The partnership between Jetour GAIA and Rotary District 3830 reflects their shared dedication to excellence, leadership, and making a positive difference in the community. While Rotarians devote themselves to humanitarian service, Jetour GAIA is committed to advancing mobility through innovative and dependable automotive solutions. By combining premium automotive craftsmanship with Rotary’s principle of “Service Above Self,” the brand reinforces its support for leaders and changemakers who are committed to creating lasting impact. As Rotary’s newly elected officers begin their terms, Jetour GAIA proudly stands alongside them, championing progress, innovation, and empowerment every step of the way.

Visit the Jetour GAIA Space at 931 EDSA, Brgy. Philam, Quezon City, located conveniently across Trinoma and Solaire North. Jetour GAIA Spaces are now scheduled for opening soon at Alabang and BGC. Follow jetourgaia on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

 

 

 

 

 

July 14, 2026 by
Lifestyle, News

Filipino small businesses are already online, but many remain unseen by AI shoppers. HitPay changes that by making every store discoverable at no additional cost

Automatic, no-cost setup gives small businesses a place in AI shopping results, even as Filipino firms adopt AI far more slowly than they get online.

  • Every HitPay Online Store in the Philippines are now set up to be found by AI shopping assistants, at no extra cost.
  • HitPay’s focus today is discovery; completing a purchase inside an assistant is still emerging industry-wide.

HitPay, a payments platform serving small and medium-sized businesses across Southeast Asia, has announced that all HitPay Online Stores in the Philippines are now automatically discoverable through AI shopping assistants. This feature is enabled by default at no extra cost, requiring no additional setup, technical support, or developer involvement. It is available to all active HitPay online stores in the country, with merchants only paying the platform’s standard transaction fees.

For many small businesses in the Philippines, social media has long been the primary way to attract and engage customers. Today, Six in ten Filipinos rely on social platforms as their main source for researching brands, surpassing traditional search engines. While social media continues to play a vital role, AI-powered shopping assistants are emerging as a complementary channel for product discovery.

Shoppers are increasingly asking AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity what to buy rather than searching themselves. About 900 million people now use ChatGPT every week, and AI is already part of how this region shops. Data from Bain shows 39% of Asia-Pacific consumers say they already use AI when shopping online, and another 40% intend to.

McKinsey projects this AI-led commerce could account for US$3–5 trillion in retail spending worldwide by 2030. The businesses that appear in those answers are the ones an assistant can read, and for most small merchants, that has not been true until now.

In the Philippines, only about 14.9% of local firms use AI tools, even though 90% own computers and 81% have an internet connection. The appetite is clearly there: 77% of Filipino MSMEs say they want to adopt digital tools, while only 16% actually do. In a country where micro and small businesses make up majority of enterprises, that gap increasingly decides who gets found when a customer asks an assistant for a recommendation.

Every HitPay Online Store now carries a clear signboard AI assistants can read. Each store publishes a machine-readable version of its catalogue, product names, prices and stock levels, that refreshes through the day, so an assistant draws on current information rather than an outdated page. Each store also carries a signal that identifies it to AI shopping agents as open for business. Together, they give a small seller a genuine chance of surfacing when a shopper asks an assistant for a recommendation.

Completing a purchase inside an AI assistant is still settling as an industry standard, and several large platforms have scaled back in-app checkout while the underlying rails develop. HitPay’s current focus is discovery, making sure smaller sellers are visible at the point where shopping behaviour is changing, so they move ahead of broad adoption rather than chase it.

“Filipino entrepreneurs are among the most resourceful sellers anywhere. They have built real businesses on GCash, on QR, inside their phones, often without a website at all. What held them back from AI was never ambition, and it was never connectivity, it was the technical setup the tools quietly assume. We have removed that. As more customers ask an assistant what to buy, a small seller in Manila or Cebu should have the same chance of showing up as any large brand, from the moment they open. That is where commerce is heading, and we want Filipino merchants there first,” said Aditya Haripurkar, Co-Founder and CEO of HitPay.

This feature is integrated into HitPay Online Store, the company’s ecommerce website builder and online checkout solution. It enables merchants to accept payments through GCash, Maya, QR Ph, and over 50 other payment methods available across Southeast Asia.

 

 

 

July 14, 2026 by
Entertainment

Golden Melody Award-winning artist Shi Shi (孫盛希) releases new EP The Taste Of… after two-year break

Photo Credits:
EP Cover – Rock Records
Press Photos – ATTIQ Project

After a two-year hiatus, Golden Melody Award-winning artist Shi Shi (孫盛希) is finally back with her new EP The Taste Of…, a project that represents the accumulation of her experiences during her break.

“During this period, I experienced a wide range of emotions, from the sweet ones to the bitter ones, and even some moments that were sour or spicy! It is hard to describe the feelings we feel every day using merely our words, but sometimes they can be expressed and digested in a song.”

“In this EP, each track is like a unique cocktail, bringing a different flavour and taste profile, and a different composition of ingredients and emotions. I hope my listeners can savour each one of them!”

Listen to Shi Shi’s new EP The Taste Of… here 

The Taste Of… is Shi Shi’s first-ever English-based EP, featuring songs in three languages – English, Mandarin and Korean, a nod towards her roots in South Korea and a first step of Shi Shi’s career onto an international stage.

The album brings together an impressive lineup of global producers, further elevating its musical craftsmanship. Contributors include K-pop producer parkhyeon, who has worked with MISAMO (TWICE) and (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon; Different Sleep, whose recording credits include Zara Larsson and Aminé; and Latin Grammy-winning producer Andrø Pop. Among the album’s tracks, the two songs featuring Korean lyrics—‘Falling in Love’ and ‘Tteokbokki’—stand out as its most gentle and intimate moments.

In ‘Tteokbokki’, Shi Shi breaks away from her usual inspirations of relationships, and works off a theme of “food memories”, portraying the emotions of the purest friendships that are both comfortable and also the hardest to come by, recorded as an ode to old friends.

To Shi Shi, who grew up in South Korea, “떡볶이” (Tteokbokki), the traditional spicy Korean rice cake, is not just a familiar snack, but also a symbolism of youth, reminding her of the path that she took to go home each day after school, and the warm atmosphere of the eateries where she spent her time growing up with her friends.

Shi Shi worked with Chinese American producer Morrison Ma (MOSUN) on ‘Tteokbokki’ to bring a retro feeling to the gentle song, which opens with a self-recorded slice-of-life audio of a busy Korean market to bring the audience into the atmosphere.

In the music video, Shi Shi reunites with her old friend, actress Lee Jung-Min, who previously acted in iconic K-dramas like What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Duty After School. Although the two have not met for 16 years, they always kept in touch, and in their first-time working together, showed great chemistry with each other.

Similarly in the music video, they play the role of two childhood friends who come together after a long time in their same local eatery, catching up on all the years that they missed.

Shi Shi is a third-generation South Korean-Chinese singer-songwriter who is based in Taiwan. Her artistry has been recognised in Taiwan at the highest level, having been crowned with the “Best Female Singer” and “Best Album” awards at the prestigious Golden Melody Awards.

In 2020, Shi Shi also gained popularity with her title track ‘Someday or One Day’ for the hit Taiwanese series Someday or One Day (想见你), one of the most popular dramas in recent years. In 2024, she also released a collaborative single ‘Goodbye Spring’ with South Korean jazz artist Lee Jin-ah, gaining attention in both Taiwan and Korea.

Leading into her new EP, Shi Shi highlights her ambitions to continue making music for an international audience, paving the way for the next era of her music.

INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | APPLE MUSIC

 

 

 

 

 

July 14, 2026 by
Entertainment

Pinoy Jowk Box Set for Official Launch at the 3rd Ablas Ning Balas Festival in Porac

Pinoy Jowk Box, an entertainment collective based in Pampanga, is set to make its official debut at the 3rd Ablas Ning Balas Festival on July 19, 2026, in Porac, Pampanga.

The group unites content creators, comedians, and influencers with a shared mission of bringing Kapampangan humor and Filipino entertainment beyond the digital space and onto live stages.

Driven by a common passion for comedy, creativity, and community, Pinoy Jowk Box serves as a collaborative platform where online personalities can work together, entertain audiences, and engage with communities through live performances, festivals, local events, and digital content.

The members of Pinoy Jowk Box have a combined following of more than four million, an average monthly reach of over 30 million, and more than one million monthly engagements. These figures reflect the growing influence of Kapampangan content creators and the strong support they receive from audiences in the Philippines and overseas.

Pinoy Jowk Box was spearheaded by Louie and Josie Sison of Where in Pampanga, together with Gab and Kaye Diaz of Let’s Go Pampanga and ManilaRepublic.com, under the creative direction of Jason Pabalan of Uyat Artista.

The group was established to create more opportunities for local comedy talents to move beyond social media and perform before live audiences. The founders also aim to strengthen collaboration among Pampanga’s content creators and provide a professional platform for partnerships, events, and entertainment projects.

The collective includes recognized comedy and lifestyle creators from Pampanga, including Bels TV, Juper TV, Murph TV, Bubuy Kabulakbuy, Giligit and Mymy, Vavaing Kapampangan, Jessel Kabalungos, Gelay Malagu, Momie Velle and Dadie Bakal, and Marc Pangilinan.

Pinoy Jowk Box celebrates Filipino humor, supports local talent, and connects communities through comedy and entertainment. The group aims to create more opportunities for content creators while expanding the presence of Kapampangan entertainment across digital and live platforms.

Pinoy Jowk Box made its first appearance as a group during LALANG 2026, an event organized by the Central Luzon Influencer and Content Creator Society Inc., held in March 14, 2026 at the Madison Crown Hotel.

The group’s appearance at the 3rd Ablas Ning Balas Festival will mark Pinoy Jowk Box’s first major public performance following its debut. Festivalgoers can look forward to comedy acts, interactive segments, and live entertainment featuring familiar online personalities.

After its official launch, Pinoy Jowk Box aims to collaborate with local government units, festival organizers, private organizations, brands, businesses, and event partners to bring Filipino comedy and entertainment to communities across the Philippines.

FOR BOOKINGS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES

Message on Facebook: Pinoy Jowk Box
Email: [email protected]

 

 

July 13, 2026 by
Lifestyle, News

Eastern Communications Showcases Digital Infrastructure’s Role in Advancing Regional Growth at CLICKCONEX 2026

Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, Edsel Paglinawan, presents a thought leadership presentation entitled “Beyond Connectivity: Telecommunications Infrastructure as the Growth Engine of Regional Economies” at CLICKCONEX 2026.

Eastern Communications emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure in driving regional development during the 10th Convergence of Luzon ICT Champions Conference and Exhibit (CLICKCONEX) 2026.

Jointly organized by the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), the Naga City Government, and the ICT Council of Bicol, the event convened representatives from government, business, and the technology sector to exchange insights on advancing digital transformation and strengthening regional competitiveness.

The event featured a distinguished roster of keynote speakers, including Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.

As one of the conference’s keynote speakers, Eastern’s Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer, Edsel Paglinawan. Paglinawan discussed how telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from a basic utility into a strategic enabler of innovation, economic growth, and regional digital transformation.

In his presentation, “Beyond Connectivity: Telecommunications Infrastructure as the Growth Engine of Regional Economies,” Paglinawan said a nation’s progress has traditionally been measured through physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, and seaports that connect people and commerce. Today, he said, digital infrastructure has become equally critical, enabling the country to connect with the global economy and supporting innovation, productivity, and inclusive regional development.

“Whether it is building international connectivity, strengthening network resiliency, supporting hyperscaler investments, or enabling digital ecosystems, these require collaboration across the industry,” Paglinawan mentions.

As technology continues to evolve, telecommunications companies are the frontliners witnessing how digital infrastructure has transformed from a utility into a growth engine, enabling economic resilience and regional competitiveness. More than connecting people and businesses, telecommunications now empower innovation ecosystems, expand access to digital services, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. For Eastern Communications, the challenge is no longer proving the value of digital infrastructure but ensuring that its benefits are accessible to every Filipino.

“At Eastern Communications, we remain committed to being partners in that journey. Because beyond connectivity, our mission is to help build stronger regions, more competitive businesses, and a more digitally empowered Philippines,” said Paglinawan.

Eastern Communications remains committed to strengthening its digital infrastructure and ICT solutions, empowering businesses and communities to advance their digital transformation efforts across the country.

To discover how Eastern Communications supports organizations in building future-ready digital infrastructure, visit www.eastern.com.ph.

 

 

 

July 13, 2026 by
Entertainment

Enchanted Kingdom marks enchanting June with its Pride Month and Father’s Day celebration

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, celebrated inclusivity, togetherness, and strong family ties among Filipinos through its back-to-back Pride Month and Father’s Day festivities last June.

Concluding this quarter’s Forever Enchanted Summer campaign on a high note, EK brought to life a series of seasonal activities and popup experiences that created even more quality bonding moments for families and communities throughout the month.

The festivities kicked off with Magic of EKquality: A Celebration of Pride Talents, which showcased world-class Filipino talent through performances by exceptional members of the LGBTQIA+ community last June 7, 13 and 14 at the Bandstand.

Among the featured acts were Magic of EKquality Talent Competition 2024 grand winner Alquin Gutierrez, World World Supremacy BattleGrounds International 2023 finalist Vivacious, OPM indie-pop singer-songwriter Rhodessa, and Asia’s Trans Dual Diva Sephy Francisco.

The theme park also paid a heartfelt tribute to all devoted dads who bring magic into every home with the return of its Forever Enchanted Father’s Day specials on the third and fourth weekends of June. Beloved EK Storyverse paternal figures, Faerie King and Balasik, offered exclusive treats for fathers, such as body care and relaxation services situated at Eldar’s Theater.

While the fathers enjoyed the pampering sessions, they were serenaded by special performances from rising Viva Records artists Dana Pauline and Jehramae. EK’s very own P-pop girl group were also there to cap off the more than two-month run of its seasonal musical show, SMS Summer Blast, with a high-energy finale.

Meanwhile, the all-male vocal group, Kingsmen, also honored all dads through their weekend show at the Bandstand.

Other exciting Father’s Day activities were rolled out around the Park, including the Fun Kart’s Rev Up Speed Showdown, High Striker’s Dad’s Ultimate Strike, and a car display and test drive experience.

The magic continues this July as EK announces the return of its regular operating hours from 11AM to 8PM every Friday to Sunday until August 30. Starting September 1, the Park will be open Thursdays to Sundays, also from 11AM to 8PM.

Guests can secure passes for their next EK visit as early as today and enjoy a refreshing experience with Sip the Magic! Promo, in collaboration with Coca-Cola. Bundle includes one Regular Day Pass and a free magical drink featuring the newest drinks from Coca-cola, all for Php 1,400. This offer is available for walk-in purchase and through the EK Online Store until August 9 only.

For more information and updates on this and EK’s other events and offerings, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.

July 13, 2026 by
Entertainment

Japanese pop artist YUKIPOYO teams up with Filipino rapper Zae for the “Te-Te Gyaru” remix

The upcoming release pairs innovative club production with a powerful tribute to confidence, style, and the legacy of gyaru culture

Japanese pop artist, model, and TV personality YUKIPOYO has launched “Te-Te Gyaru” on global music streaming platforms.

A remix featuring emerging Filipino rapper Zae is also expected to be released soon.

Fast-rising Pinay rapper Zae

A cross-border collaboration

Filipino rapper Zae has quickly emerged as one of the country’s most promising hip-hop artists, attracting more than 580,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Her collaboration with rap heavyweight Hev Abi on “SUBOMOTO REMIX” also received a nomination for Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the inaugural Filipino Music Awards in 2025.

It was such a fun experience attending the press conference and seeing YUKIPOYO in person. Meeting her and hearing about the global release of “Te-Te Gyaru” made the moment even more memorable, especially with the upcoming remix featuring Filipino rapper Zae. It’s exciting to witness a collaboration that brings together Japanese and Filipino artists, and I can’t wait to hear the remix when it drops.

Both artists are currently in Manila to shoot the music video for YUKIPOYO’s “Te-Te Gyaru (feat. Zae) [Tagalog ver.],” which will accompany the release of the remix once it comes out.

“Te-Te Gyaru” – out this Friday

“Te-Te Gyaru,” the original version of the track, is produced by XLII, a Tokyo-based producer who has previously worked with MINMI, Yayoi Daimon, Watson, Akko Gorilla, Reichi, and other heavy-hitters in the Japanese dance/urban/pop music scene.

Brimming with bizarre sonic textures, jittery beats, percussive grunts, and YUKIPOYO’s commanding rap performance, “Te-Te Gyaru” captures the artist at her most confident. On the upbeat bop, the half-Filipina, half-Japanese pop star asserts herself not only as a fashion-forward tastemaker but also as a multifaceted artist unafraid to challenge expectations through both style and sound.

Japanese producer XLII on deck

Even before its official release, preview clips of the track had already amassed a combined 4 million views on TikTok and 1.52 million views on Instagram. Meanwhile, the latest visual garnered 92,000 likes on X shortly after it was posted, underscoring the growing excitement surrounding YUKIPOYO and the continued evolution of gal culture in Japan’s Reiwa era.

▼Stream & Download platform:

“Te-Te Gyaru” :: https://yukipoyo.lnk.to/TeTeGyaru

YUKIPOYO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poyo_ngy

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poyo_ngy.15

X (Twitter): https://x.com/poyo_ngy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TV-dg4em

Zae

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaezacarias

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zaexx

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zaezacarias

X (Twitter): https://x.com/zaetan_

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zae.111

XLII

Official website: https://xliimusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xliimusic

KSR Corp

Official HP: https://ksr-corp.com

Head Office: Jingumae M-SQUARE, 1-4-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

 

 

July 10, 2026 by
Lifestyle, News

Skip the transfer fees with the Metrobank App.

Send money anytime without paying extra charges. Whether you’re making everyday transfers through InstaPay or sending larger amounts via PESONet, you can now enjoy zero transfer fees on all eligible transactions made through the Metrobank App.

Find out more here: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/articles/zero-instapay-pesonet-fees-via-metrobank-app

If you need assistance or have any questions, send us a private message and our Community Managers will be happy to help. For account-specific concerns, you may contact the Metrobank Contact Center at (02) 88-700-700 (domestic toll-free: 1-800-1888-5775). For general inquiries, email [email protected].

Metrobank is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (https://www.bsp.gov.ph/).

Deposits are insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor.

 

July 9, 2026 by
Lifestyle, Travel

TARA! Your Next Memorable Escape Starts Here

From left: Claire Bernabe, Head of Sales of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR); Geraldine Gaw, General Manager of Hotel Lucky Chinatown; Eden Decano, Chief Finance Officer of MHR; Arturo Boncato Jr., Group General Manager of MHR; Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of MHR; Capt. Stanley Ng, Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism; Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of MHR; Divine delos Reyes, Head of People Management of MHR; Den Navarro, General Manager of Savoy Hotel Manila; Rowena Samonte, General Manager of Twin Lakes Hotel.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) takes inspiration from the well-loved Filipino expression “Tara!”—a casual invitation that means “Come on!”, “Let’s go!”, or “Join me!”. More than just a phrase, it reflects the warmth, sense of adventure, and shared experiences that make travel in the Philippines unique. Through its newest campaign, TARA!, MHR encourages Filipinos to travel more often, discover destinations more deeply, and create memorable journeys with affordable accommodations and value-packed travel offers.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts held the TARA! media launch at Hotel Lucky Chinatown on July 6, 2026.

Members of the press and content creators embarked on Binondo Food Crawl 2.0, a curated culinary and cultural tour offered by Hotel Lucky Chinatown.

The campaign was officially launched during a media event at Hotel Lucky Chinatown on July 6, 2026, attended by members of the travel and lifestyle media along with content creators. After the program, guests joined a specially curated Binondo Food Crawl, highlighting the district’s rich culinary heritage and reinforcing the campaign’s message that unforgettable travel experiences can start right in the heart of one’s own city.

One thing I appreciated from the launch was how “TARA!” transforms a simple everyday Filipino expression into an invitation to rediscover the country. It was a reminder that meaningful travel doesn’t always have to mean going far—sometimes, the most memorable experiences can be found in familiar places, like exploring Binondo’s rich food culture. The campaign also highlights that traveling can be more accessible through affordable and value-driven stays, encouraging more Filipinos to explore, reconnect, and create new memories closer to home.

Newly appointed Undersecretary Stanley Ng of the Department of Tourism graced the event and recognized MHR’s initiative and how it is deeply aligned with the department’s “Discover More to Love” campaign, which encourages Filipinos to experience more of Philippine destinations.

“This campaign reflects our shared belief with the Department of Tourism that domestic tourism remains one of the strongest drivers of a resilient and sustainable tourism industry,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts. “Every local trip supports livelihoods, celebrates our culture, and creates meaningful economic opportunities for communities across the country. Through TARA!, we hope to make discovering more to love about the Philippines easier, more accessible, and ultimately more rewarding for every Filipino.”

As the Philippines’ largest hotel operator with 16 hotels and more than 9,000 room keys across Metro Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo, MHR offers travelers more ways to rediscover the country through TARA!.

“TARA! is not just another hotel room promotion. It is an invitation for Filipinos to rediscover the incredible destinations we already have, from the heritage streets of Manila and Iloilo to the pristine beaches of Boracay and Cebu to the cool escapes of Batangas. With thousands of room keys across our portfolio, we are creating more opportunities for travelers to explore different parts of the country while enjoying the warmth of our Sampaguita brand of service wherever they go,” Loleth So, Group Commercial Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said.

Participating hotels feature promotional rates starting at Php 3,800, with room-only offers available at Belmont Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Manila, Grand Westside Hotel, Kingsford Hotel Manila, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, Belmont Hotel Iloilo, and Mercure Mactan Cebu. Guests looking for stays with breakfast can enjoy the same local rate at Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Chancellor Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, and Savoy Hotel Mactan, while Eastwood Richmonde Hotel and Twin Lakes Hotel are available from Php 5,800.

Through TARA!, MHR offers Filipinos affordable stays starting at P3,800.

Running from June 17 to November 29, 2026, with stays valid until November 30, 2026, guests may contact their preferred participating hotel directly or make their reservation through the property website using the promotional code TARAMHR.

The launch of the TARA! campaign comes as domestic tourism continues to play a vital role in driving the country’s travel sector. Based on data from the Department of Tourism, domestic tourism spending reached PHP 3.26 trillion last year, marking a 3 percent increase from PHP 3.16 trillion in 2024.

Tara sa Boracay Newcoast!

More than a travel campaign, TARA! is an invitation for Filipinos to rediscover the beauty of their own country—encouraging them to explore new destinations, embrace fresh experiences, and deepen their appreciation for everything the Philippines has to offer.

July 7, 2026 by