Entertainment

The Itchyworms Set to Tour Four New Zealand Cities This September

Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch are set to experience the band’s celebrated blend of catchy hooks, clever lyrics, and irrepressible Filipino spirit

Filipino pop-rock favorites The Itchyworms are bringing their music to New Zealand this September 2026 as the headliners of the Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour. The band is set to perform across four major cities: Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch.

Celebrated for their clever songwriting, catchy guitar-driven sound, and memorable anthems, The Itchyworms continue to push OPM to new audiences. Their upcoming New Zealand tour will give Filipinos abroad a chance to reconnect with home through music while introducing international listeners to the distinct sound, spirit, and creativity of Original Pilipino Music.

According to Jugs Jugueta, the tour is about reconnecting with Filipino communities and rediscovering the best the Philippines has to offer. “It’s very humbling. It’s really great that the world is now discovering all things Filipino,” he says, noting the growing global appreciation for Filipino culture, artists, and music.

With the tour covering four cities across New Zealand, Jugueta is excited to share the experience with both Filipino fans and their Kiwi friends. He encourages Filipinos in New Zealand to bring along their friends and family and let them experience firsthand how Filipinos know how to celebrate.

Meanwhile, drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas describes the band’s cross-generational songwriting as one of the things Filipinos and foreigners should look forward to: “It’s like hiding medicine in chocolate. We like to put petty or tragic lyrics inside a catchy pop melody.” That distinctive balance of humor, heartbreak, and melody has helped make The Itchyworms’ music appeal across borders. Nicolas also sees the tour as an opportunity to introduce OPM to an even wider audience.

NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES:

AUCKLAND — September 18 | Galatos

WELLINGTON — September 19 | Notre Dame Performing Arts Center

QUEENSTOWN — September 25 | Queenstown Memorial Center

CHRISTCHURCH — September 26 | Christ’s College Auditorium

Tickets are priced at $99 NZD for Standing VIP (including a photo opportunity) and $69 NZD for Standing General Admission. Tickets are available here: https://fastevents.com.au/ticket_category/the-itchyworms-new-zealand-tour-2026-tickets

 

Tech

Your Galaxy S Moment Starts Now with the Galaxy S26 FE

Flagship cameras, all-day power, and Galaxy AI — now within reach with launch discounts as much as 7,000 off and up to 6,000 guaranteed savings via trade-in

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to experience the Galaxy S, this is your moment. The newly launched Galaxy S26 FE brings a premium flagship experience closer than ever, making it easier to upgrade to the mobile experience you’ve been waiting for—with exclusive offers for those ready to make the switch.

Enjoy the introductory discount until November 30, with savings of ₱7,000 on the 512GB model, ₱5,000 on the 256GB model, and ₱4,000 on the 128GB model. You can also get up to 15% off for up to 36 months through select bank partners, plus up to ₱6,000 in guaranteed savings when you trade in your old device.

No credit card? No problem. GalaxyS26 FE is available via Home Credit with up to P14,000 off until October 31.

With all the best things from the Galaxy S26 series, the Galaxy S26 FE is the gateway to the premium Galaxy experience — made for the way you live and create, so you can get more out of every day.

Welcome to Galaxy S

What sets the Galaxy S experience apart is its premium and intelligent camera capabilities that make capturing special moments easier in high quality, an experience that the Galaxy S26 FE delivers from hardware to features, powered by Galaxy AI.

The Galaxy S26 FE features an enhanced triple rear camera with advanced image processing, including a 50MP Wide Camera and 8MP Telephoto Camera that supports 3x Optical Zoom. It also has enhanced Nightography that captures bright, clear shots in low light while preserving every detail, ensuring your best moments never get lost in the dark.

First introduced in the latest Galaxy Z series, it finally brings My FanCam to Galaxy S — a feature that intelligently tracks a selected person, reframing video as the scene moves, for less need for manual editing. There’s also Super Steady with Horizontal Lock, which made waves in the market when it was launched with the Galaxy S26 series, as it lets you capture level, smooth footage while filming fast-moving activities like sports, travel, and everyday adventures.

Meanwhile, the enhanced Photo Assist can elevate any photo, even after the moment has passed — adding, changing, or restoring elements using natural language prompts, with an edit history you can review step by step and revise or undo along the way.

Your Tool to Life-Maxxing

The Galaxy S26 FE is built to keep up with you, no matter how packed your day gets, with a long-lasting 4,900mAh battery that allows you to reach up to 69% charge in around 30 minutes with the 45W adapter.

Powered by the latest One UI 9, the enhanced Now Brief features customizable briefing cards like weather and wellness insights that you can create using a single prompt while Now Nudge has expanded to select third-party apps and notifications providing users with relevant insights all throughout the day.

When you’re ready to make the switch, Smart Switch keeps the upgrade process simple and hassle-free. With just a few taps, you can transfer your data, photos, apps, and settings from your old device, allowing you to continue right where you left off—without the stress of losing files or having to start over.

The Galaxy S26 FE is now available at Samsung Experience Stores nationwide and will be available on Samsung.com/ph starting September 11. It comes in three colors—Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio—with prices starting at ₱46,990 for 128GB, ₱53,990 for 256GB, and ₱67,990 for 512GB.

For more information about the Galaxy S26 FE, visit the official Samsung Philippines website https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-s/galaxy-s26-fe-pistachio-128gb-sm-s741blgbphl/

Terms and conditions apply.

*Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-265742 Series of 2026

*Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-265761 Series of 2026

For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Lifestyle, Travel

2GO Reinforces Growth and Employee Focus with New Four E-Com Center Headquarters

2GO Group Inc.’s new corporate headquarters situated in FourE-Com Center, Pasay City

2GO Group Inc., the Philippines’ leading provider of shipping and logistics solutions, has officially moved its corporate headquarters to FourE-Com Center at the MOA Complex in Pasay City. The relocation marks an important step in the company’s long-term strategy, reflecting its continued focus on operational excellence, employee experience, and sustainable business growth.

According to Will Howell, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of 2GO Group, the move was a purposeful business decision guided by the company’s vision for the future. He emphasized that the new workplace is designed to better support employees, encourage collaboration, and help drive 2GO’s next stage of growth.

2GO’s new headquarters offers a significantly enhanced workplace experience with modern facilities, professionally managed environment, and future-ready infrastructure providing a stronger foundation for the company’s evolving operational requirements.

At the heart of the relocation is 2GO’s continued investment in its people. Recognizing that the workplace plays a vital role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and organizational culture, the new office has been designed to support greater cross-functional engagement and provide employees with an environment where they can perform at their best.

The move also reflects the company’s broader commitment to excellence. As one of the Philippines’ leading transportation and logistics providers, 2GO believes its workplace should embody the same standards of quality, professionalism, and reliability that it delivers to customers and partners across the country.

“As we continue to transform the business, we believe our workplace should evolve alongside us,” Howell added. “Our new home at FourE-Com is more than a new office—it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our ability to deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”

The move marks another milestone in 2GO’s ongoing pursuit of improvement, creating a workplace that empowers its employees, encourages innovation, and strengthens the company’s path toward sustainable growth in the years to come.

For more information, please visit https://2go.com.ph/ 

Automotive, Lifestyle

Metrobank showcases leading car and property brands at its “Live & Drive” loan festival

Secure great deals from your favorite car brands and home developers

Shopping for a new car or home often requires going from one dealership, property showroom, and bank to another before making such a major investment. This September, Metrobank is making the process more convenient by bringing various car brands and property developers together in one venue for the Metrobank Live & Drive: Home & Car Loan Fest.

The two-day event will take place on September 12–13, 2026, at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall. Guests can explore a range of vehicles and property developments while getting guidance from Metrobank loan specialists who can help with their financing options.

Visitors can take advantage of the following offers if they apply for a car or home loan on-site during the event:

Customers who apply for a Metrobank Home Loan or Car Loan on-site during the event can enjoy waived fees of up to PHP 60,000. In addition, Car Loan applicants can receive free first-year AXA insurance.*

Visitors can make the most of Live & Drive: Home & Car Loan Fest through four interactive zones that bring home and car ownership journey to life, from finding the right vehicle or property to figuring out how to make the purchase work for their budget:

> Smarter Financing – Sit down with Metrobank specialists for personalized guidance on Home Loans, Auto Loans, and Home Equity Loans, and find an option that works with your budget and goals.

> Smarter Mobility – Get up close with the latest hybrid vehicle offerings from participating automotive brands and discover a ride that matches your lifestyle and needs.

> Smarter Homes – Explore residential developments from participating property partners and discover options for your first home, next investment, or move to a bigger space.

> Smarter Living – Discover how solar energy can help make your home more efficient and future-ready. Learn about solar panel solutions from Solviva and explore financing options through Metrobank Home Equity Loans to support your renewable energy goals.

The event will feature property partners such as Robinsons Land Corporation, Federal Land, Wee Community Developers, DMCI Homes, Torre de Lorenzo Development Corporation, Megaworld Corporation, and Solviva. Meanwhile, automotive brands Deepal, Kia, Toyota, MG, and Jetour will be on-site to present their latest vehicle models.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, get a new car, or explore sustainable energy solutions, Metrobank’s Live & Drive: Home & Car Loan Fest gives visitors a chance to compare options and make the most of exclusive financing offers.

For more information, visit https://www.metrobank.com.ph/personal/loans

*Terms and conditions apply.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-265972 Series of 2026

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-265980 Series of 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle

Craft ’Til You Drop Brings a 12-Hour Craft Marathon to Metro Manila

Crafters in Metro Manila will have the opportunity to spend an entire day immersed in their favorite creative hobbies as Craft ’Til You Drop: The Backlog Edition takes place from September 4 to 6, 2026, at Assembly Grounds, The Rise in Makati City.

The three-day event is designed around a concept that has become popular among creative communities abroad: dedicating an extended period of time to working on unfinished creative projects while surrounded by people who share the same interests. Instead of crafting alone at home or trying to find a few spare hours between work and other responsibilities, participants can bring their unfinished projects and spend up to 12 uninterrupted hours creating.

The event encourages participants to bring their “PHD,” or “Projects Half Done,” whether it is an unfinished journal, scrapbook, sewing project, watercolor painting, photo project, or any other creative work that has been waiting to be completed. The idea is to turn those projects that have been sitting in drawers, boxes, and craft rooms into finished pieces while giving participants a dedicated day to focus on something they enjoy.

Craft ’Til You Drop will feature a variety of creative stations and resources that participants can use throughout the event, including a Tool Bar, Sewing Station, Photo Printer, and Watercolor Table. There will also be snacks, games, prizes, and other activities designed to keep participants engaged throughout their crafting session. The event gives attendees the freedom to work on their own projects while exploring different creative stations and meeting other members of the crafting community.

While crafting is at the heart of the event, Craft ’Til You Drop also recognizes the value of creative hobbies as a way to slow down and take a break from the demands of everyday life. Journaling, painting, sewing, scrapbooking, and other hands-on activities encourage people to step away from screens, focus their attention on something tangible, and make time for themselves.

The social aspect of the event is equally important. Crafting can often be a solitary hobby, and many enthusiasts may not have friends or family members who understand their enthusiasm for journals, stickers, paper, fabric, stationery, or other creative supplies. Craft ’Til You Drop creates an environment where participants can meet people who share the same passions, exchange ideas, discover new techniques, and simply enjoy being around others who understand the joy of making things by hand.

The event is also designed to make a full day of crafting accessible to more hobbyists. The Friday Pass is available for only ₱600, while Saturday and Sunday passes are ₱1,100 each and include meals. A Two-Day Pass is available for ₱1,900. Participants will have a dedicated crafting space and access to the event’s creative stations and activities.

The affordable pricing allows participants to treat themselves to an entire day dedicated to their hobbies without having to invest heavily in a traditional craft retreat or workshop. Whether someone is an experienced crafter with a growing collection of unfinished projects or a beginner looking for a welcoming creative environment, the event is designed to accommodate different interests and skill levels.

More than simply a crafting activity, Craft ’Til You Drop aims to highlight the strength of the local creative community and provide a space where people can make, connect, and enjoy their hobbies together. As interest in journaling, paper crafting, scrapbooking, sewing, painting, and other creative pursuits continues to grow, events like this provide opportunities for hobbyists to turn individual interests into shared experiences.

Craft ’Til You Drop: The Backlog Edition will run from September 4 to 6, 2026, at Assembly Grounds, The Rise, Makati City. Participants are encouraged to bring their unfinished projects, favorite supplies, and creative ideas and spend the day finally giving those projects the time and attention they deserve.

EVENT DETAILS

Craft ’Til You Drop: The Backlog Edition
September 4–6, 2026
Assembly Grounds, The Rise, Makati City

Friday Pass: ₱600
Saturday/Sunday Pass: ₱1,100 with meals
Two-Day Pass: ₱1,900

Registration is available through the official event form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRP-i8W2Q44KepPKhILmXzCdZM5lkcCCGZaH5Oxfj7r_wQpg/viewform

About The Crafters Marketplace

The Crafters Marketplace is a community-driven creative platform that brings together artists, makers, journalers, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs. Through workshops, markets, crafting activities, and community events, The Crafters Marketplace provides opportunities for creatives to learn, connect, discover new products, and celebrate the growing crafting community in the Philippines.

Media Contact:
Kathy Balmores
Marketing and Public Relations
The Crafters Marketplace
Email: [email protected]

 

Lifestyle, News

Think You Know Coconut? Discover 5 Ideas That May Surprise You

From Gen Z innovation to zero-waste businesses, Filipino coco-preneurs are taking coconut somewhere new.

Around 300 Filipino coco-preneurs are transforming the country’s “tree of life” into fresh ideas, innovative products, and businesses ready to grow.

A coconut may be familiar, but what Filipino entrepreneurs are doing with it is anything but. A college feasibility study has become a Gen Z-run coconut milk business. Surplus coconut shells are being transformed into handcrafted bags while helping provide livelihood to more than 100 workers. And one entrepreneur has developed around 40 products by finding new uses for virtually every part of the coconut.

These are among the ideas and founder stories waiting to be discovered at the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026, now underway at SMX Convention Center Manila until August 30.

“Over the next five days, we bring our coco-preneurs, our buyers, shoppers and partners together under one roof here in SMX as we celebrate National Coconut Week,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista during the opening ceremony. 

Mounted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA) and supported by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), the fair brings together around 300 coconut MSMEs nationwide. With SM Supermalls, through SM for MSMEs, providing a marketplace that gives entrepreneurs greater visibility and access to more customers, visitors get an early look at fresh ideas—and perhaps the next great Filipino brands waiting to be discovered.

Coconut, reimagined. From food and beverages to fashion, home, and lifestyle finds, Filipino entrepreneurs transform the “tree of life” into innovative, market-ready products—showing there’s still so much more to discover from one coconut

Here are five discoveries worth making before the fair ends.

  1. One coconut. More possibilities than you imagined.

For Elmer Marbello, General Manager of Marbello’s Processed Foods Manufacturing, virtually every part of the coconut can inspire another product. He has developed around 40, including coconut liniment and coconut bagoong made from coconut remnants.

“Mahilig po talaga akong mag-develop ng products. I have about 40 that I have developed. Lahat po ng parte ng coconut, ginamit ko na… Tree of life po talaga ang coconut.”

Adrian Ramilo of Ayanas is also pushing coconut in unexpected directions with coconut wine. “Hindi po siya tuba—and masarap po siya,” he shared. More importantly, demand generated through trade fairs is helping create jobs in their community: “Marami po kaming produkto na nabebenta sa trade fair kaya may mga trabaho na sa amin.”

One crop. Dozens of possibilities. And hundreds of entrepreneurs finding new ones.

  1. A Gen Z school project can become a real business.

For Dehusk, the business began with a college feasibility study—and a very personal problem. One of its founders is lactose intolerant. At the same time, the young entrepreneurs saw an opportunity in the country’s surplus of coconuts. Their solution was to develop drinkable coconut milk as a milk alternative, rather than coconut milk traditionally used for cooking. That school project eventually became a Gen Z-run business.

“We are very proud to have come up with this product, being the only one in the market locally producing drinkable milk from coconut—not for cooking. It’s a great alternative to other milk alternatives. Our company is also proudly run by Generation Z!” said Chloe De Ocampo, Marketing Lead of Dehusk.

From feasibility study to trade fair floor, Dehusk shows how a personal need, a local resource, and a fresh idea can become a promising Filipino business.

  1. What looks like waste can create livelihoods.

For Virna Morales of Venice Rose Integrated Farms and Johnalyn Lamprea of Lampre’s Integrated Farm, surplus coconut shells weren’t something to throw away. They saw raw material—and opportunity. The partners transform the shells into handcrafted bags, alkansya, and other useful products.

“We believe nothing from the coconut should go to waste. We transform surplus shells into handcrafted products—creating new value from what could have been discarded. Today, this innovation helps provide livelihood to more than 100 workers.”

Morales, a nurse by profession, returned to help with her family’s farming business. Their coconut-shell bag venture is only in its first year, and with DTI Iloilo helping expand their market linkages, their first showcase at SMX opens another opportunity to connect with potential buyers. Less waste. More value. More than 100 livelihoods.

  1. The right opportunity can turn a skill into a growing business.

Juvy Crusina of Crusina’s Handicrafts in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte began her entrepreneurial journey by learning the craft through DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program. She eventually moved from being part of a cooperative to becoming a sole proprietor in 2024. Then another turning point came when she joined DTI’s National Trade Fair at SM Megamall.

“I learned the craft through DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME Program, and today I have my own business. Joining the National Trade Fair at SM gave us so much exposure that orders became overwhelming. Now at my first COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair here at SMX, I’m excited to be discovered by even more customers.”

 Her story shows how opportunities can build on one another—from learning a skill, to starting a business, to finding a bigger market. Learn. Build. Be discovered. Grow.

  1. Big ideas go further when the right partners open doors.

Behind these individual success stories is a bigger ambition: helping promising Filipino ideas become sustainable businesses that create jobs and reach wider markets. DTI and DA-PCA help develop coconut farmers and enterprises, while SM and SMX provide a highly visible marketplace where entrepreneurs can showcase their products, meet shoppers and buyers, and explore new opportunities.

Where style meets purpose. SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and DTI Secretary Cristina Roque celebrate Filipino creativity and enterprise at the COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026—championing the coco-preneurs turning local ideas into Filipino brands.

As DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque emphasized during the opening, “Our challenge is turning good products into lasting and sustainable businesses that can provide income for our country and provide jobs for our people.” She also called for stronger collaboration between government and business to create more Filipino success stories: “Let us now continue to create more Filipino products and more superstars through stronger coordination between private sector and government as we continue to build better lives for our farmers and for our communities.”

For Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, SM’s long-standing partnership with DTI is about helping those ideas reach the market. “Some of the most exciting Filipino brands begin with a simple idea and an entrepreneur willing to pursue it. Through our long-standing partnership with DTI, we help bring these ideas closer to the market—giving MSMEs opportunities to be discovered, connect with customers, and grow.” There’s still more to discover.

A school project turned into a Gen Z business. Surplus coconut shells turned into livelihoods. A craft learned through mentoring became an enterprise. And around 300 coconut MSMEs are showing just how many possibilities can grow from one of the Philippines’ most familiar resources.

A marketplace for Filipino ingenuity. COCONUTPhilippines brings hundreds of coconut MSMEs under one roof, giving homegrown businesses greater visibility and opportunities to connect with shoppers, buyers, and new markets.

The coco-preneurs are here. Their ideas are ready to be discovered. Come meet the founders, try something unexpected, and proudly support Filipino businesses. Somewhere on the trade fair floor could be the next great Filipino brand waiting for its big break. The DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026 runs until August 30 at SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City. FREE ADMISSION.

See it. Discover it. Experience it.

 

Lifestyle

SM Megamall Becomes Part of Metro Manila’s Transit Backbone with Busway Link

As ridership on the EDSA Bus Carousel increases, infrastructure evolves to meet daily demand

Commuters no longer have to take the inconvenient walk across EDSA to arrive at the SM Megamall station
Download the video or GIF here

Every day, over 170,000 commuters board the EDSA Bus Carousel to get to work, school, and everywhere in between – and this passenger count continues to climb. As more Filipinos turn to the EDSA busway as their daily mode of transportation, the infrastructure around its busiest stations is being pushed to keep pace, with one of the initiatives being a direct walkway linking the bus station to SM Megamall.

The SM Megamall EDSA Busway Concourse, which opened to the public on April 2026, is an elevated, weather-protected walkway that connects the EDSA Bus Carousel’s SM Megamall station to SM Megamall Building A, eliminating the need for commuters to traverse the lengthy stretch across EDSA. It houses escalators and elevators to ensure convenient access for all, including commuters with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.

The SM Megamall busway link features escalators and elevators for easier mobility from the entrance to exit points
Download the video or GIF here

The concourse was developed by your most loved SM Supermalls in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), as part of joint efforts to improve the commuter experience. The link provides direct access to the bus platform that serves northbound trips to Monumento and southbound trips to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

This development reflects a broader shift in how Philippine malls are evolving in design – being positioned not only as shopping and leisure destinations, but also as functional nodes within the country’s urban mobility network. SM Megamall’s busway link builds on a similar model previously introduced at SM North EDSA, signaling a pattern that may be replicated across other SM Supermalls strategically located along major transit corridors.

Under the My SM campaign, the mall operator highlights its larger commitment to enhancing and reenvisioning how daily activities – like commuting – can be made more seamless, comfortable, and safe for every Filipino. For more information, visit @smmegamall or https://www.smsupermalls.com/.

 

 

Fashion, Food, Lifestyle

7 Reasons You Can’t Miss BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair

Forty years. Generations of makers. One landmark celebration of everything Negros—back at SM

Forty years of Negrense creativity, craftsmanship, and enterprise—all coming together under one roof. Food, fashion, home, and craftsmanship at BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair, in partnership with SM for MSMEs, brings homegrown businesses closer to more customers and opportunities at SMX Convention Center Aura, September 22–27.

Some fairs are worth visiting for the shopping. Others for the food. BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair gives you 40 years of reasons to come. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the country’s longest-running provincial trade fair returns to SMX Convention Center Aura, bringing the best of Negros closer to Metro Manila shoppers for its milestone 40th anniversary.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM Supermalls continues its collaboration with the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), helping provide Negrense entrepreneurs a highly visible marketplace where their products, stories and craftsmanship can connect with more customers and potential markets.

Crafted in Negros, made to be discovered. Negrense artisans give traditional craftsmanship a fresh, contemporary spin.

This year’s theme, BÚTLAK, celebrates a legacy moving forward with fresh energy: honoring the flavors, craftsmanship and stories that made the fair an institution while giving Negrense creativity a distinctly contemporary spin. Whether you come to eat, shop, discover something new—or all three—here are 7 reasons this milestone edition deserves a spot on your calendar.

  1. Because the Big 4-0 is going BIG!

Forty years doesn’t happen every day. More than 115 Negrense entrepreneurs are preparing to fill 178 booths with the best of the island—from beloved food and fashion to handcrafted furniture, home accents, art and more. For longtime NTF fans, it’s a homecoming. For first-timers, this may be the best year to finally discover why generations of shoppers keep coming back. Six days. 178 booths. One island’s creativity under one roof.

Hot off the griddle—and always worth the wait! One of the most sought-after experiences at the Negros Trade Fair is watching the iconic piaya freshly heated and served warm on-site. Crisp on the outside with its sweet, gooey filling inside, this beloved Negrense delicacy proves that some favorites are simply best enjoyed fresh, warm, and straight from the fair.

  1. Come hungry. Very hungry.

Ask an NTF regular what they’re looking forward to and chances are, food is somewhere near the top of the list.

  • 21 Restaurantis bringing Bacolod favorites including its Signature Batchoy, Spanish-style Boquerones and Lola Nitang’s Bibingka.
  • Quan Delicaciesbrings the ultimate Negrense comfort-food haul: classic kakanin, napoleones, chicken pie and Frozen Sud-an—including Cansi—alongside newer creations such as Puto Sorbetes and Batuan Focaccia.
  • Then there’s Sir and Ma’am Restaurant’sheirloom Morcon, a family tradition dating back to 1962.
  • Casa Carmela’ssmall-batch Negrense dishes and culinary staples made for stocking the pantry.

Come hungry. Leave with enough pasalubong to make everyone at home very happy.

Discover old favorites and new finds from Quan Delicacies, Casa Carmela, 21 Restaurant, Sir and Ma’am Restaurant, and more—proof that at the Negros Trade Fair, there’s always something worth coming back for seconds.

  1. Wear Negros differently.

This isn’t heritage that stays behind glass. At BÚTLAK, traditional craftsmanship finds its way into pieces made for today’s wardrobe.

Behind every contemporary Negrense fashion piece are skilled hands transforming fabric, texture, and tradition into something made for today. Negrense makers transform craftsmanship and tradition into fashion designed for today.

  • Tia Lacson The Label’s Medina Collectionbrings effortless resort dressing in natural linen, lace, fine piña and recycled materials, with selected pieces supporting mother-embroiderers in Silay and local seamstresses across Bacolod and Talisay.
  • Ellege Handcrafted Fashionkeeps Negros Occidental’s intricate hand-smocking tradition alive, translating a painstaking heritage technique into elegant contemporary clothing.
  • And Arêtebrings handcrafted island-style accessories made with indigenous Philippine materials and created in partnership with local Local fashion, but make it unmistakably Negrense.
  • Negrense style, reimagined. From contemporary fashion to handcrafted accessories, local makers bring heritage, artistry, and modern design together—unmistakably Negros.

  1. Bring a little bit of Negros home.

Consider this fair dangerous territory for anyone who says, “I’m just looking.”

  • Hacienda Craftstransforms abaca, rattan, bamboo and coconut twigs into export-grade lighting and home décor while providing livelihoods to sugarcane communities during tiempo muerto. Around 90% of its artisans are local mothers who weave from home.
  • Hacienda Crafts: Woven with purpose. Local materials become beautiful home pieces while creating livelihoods for Negrense artisan communities.

  • Tumandok Crafts Industriesturns carefully treated capiz shells into premium houseware and statement décor, preserving a craft it has developed since 1988.
  • Meanwhile, Artisana Island Craftscombines ceramics with wild pandan harvested from the foothills of Mt. Kanlaon to create eco-luxury table décor while supporting livelihoods for wives of local sugarcane farmers.

Crafted by nature, shaped by Negros. Capiz, ceramics, and wild pandan are transformed into distinctive pieces that bring Negrense artistry home.

These aren’t simply beautiful objects. They’re pieces of Negros—and the communities behind them—that you can bring home.

  1. Be among the first to discover what’s new.

Here’s where the 40th gets particularly exciting. Five product specialists from the Design Center of the Philippines went directly into Negros workshops to collaborate with ANP makers, exploring local raw materials and combining time-honored skills with contemporary design perspectives. The result? Fresh, market-ready collections debuting at the 40th Negros Trade Fair, alongside the 2026 Bulawan Awards pieces.

After four decades, Negros isn’t simply looking back. It’s designing what comes next.

  1. Find something you never expected to buy.

One of the best things about NTF has always been discovery.

  • A typhoon once stripped Chef Mae Selene Puentespina-Resultay’s Sarisa trees of their fruit. Instead of looking at what was lost, she looked at what remained—the leaves—and eventually transformed them into Rensel’s crispy Sarisa Chips.
  • Come for your favorites, leave with a new discovery. From Sarisa chips and mosaic art to clay sculptures, NTF is full of unexpected finds shaped by creativity, resourcefulness, and purpose.

  • Artist Ramon De los Santosmakes his official NTF debut with Lutak Art Sculptures, combining clay and raw earth in textured works inspired by the nostalgia of Larong Pinoy.
  • And NVC Foundationtransforms discarded materials such as broken tiles and used Nespresso capsules into intricate mosaic art, with every purchase helping fund nutrition, education and livelihood initiatives in Negros Occidental.

Made in Negros, designed to stand out. Natural and repurposed materials are handcrafted into one-of-a-kind décor and art pieces—showcasing the ingenuity behind Negrense craftsmanship.

Come looking for your favorites. Leave having discovered a new one

  1. Because when the right partners open doors, local businesses can go further.

The Negros Trade Fair has always been more than a place to shop. For four decades, it has helped give Negrense entrepreneurs a marketplace for their creativity, craftsmanship and products. This milestone edition builds on that legacy by bringing together ANP, the Provincial Government, SM Supermalls through the SM for MSMEs program and SMX Aura around a shared opportunity: helping more Filipino enterprises reach more people.

Through SM for MSMEs, SM helps bring platforms such as the Negros Trade Fair closer to a ready, high-traffic market—providing entrepreneurs with greater market access, business visibility and opportunities to connect with customers.

It’s an idea at the heart of SM for MSMEs: when Filipino entrepreneurs are given the right marketplace and the right opportunities, small businesses have more room to grow.

After 40 years, NTF offers plenty of proof of what can happen when communities, entrepreneurs and partners grow together. 40 years brought them here. Come see where they go next. BÚTLAK is more than an anniversary. It’s a chance to taste recipes passed through generations, wear craftsmanship reimagined for today, bring home extraordinary Filipino design, meet the people behind the products—and support businesses helping keep Negrense culture and enterprise thriving. So come hungry. Come curious. And perhaps come with an extra shopping bag!

  • BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair
  • September 22–27, 2026
  • SMX Convention Center Aura

Taste it. Wear it. Bring it home. And be part of the next 40 years of Negros.

 

Entertainment

Ben&Ben makes “Limasawa Street” tangible with new CD and vinyl editions

The acclaimed debut is now available in physical formats, offering listeners a tangible way to reconnect with the record that helped define the band’s early years

Nearly a decade into their career, Ben&Ben revisits where much of their story began with the physical release of the band’s acclaimed 2019 debut studio album, Limasawa Street—now available on CD and vinyl.

Recorded when the band was still finding its footing, the record introduced Ben&Ben’s expansive, lush take on folk-pop while giving music fans a taste of their distinct songwriting style.

Sabi nga nila: you never forget your first,” shares the nine-piece collective. “The energy we had going into creating our very first album was one of the things we would never forget about that era of ours. It was the first time we collectively immortalized our music together in a body of work as ‘nine,’ especially since we weren’t technically complete yet when the EP was recorded. Revisiting an album like that brings back so many memories of the entire creation process, especially our Limasawa Street tour. That album brought us to so many places; it introduced so many people to us and our music, and up to now all the songs remain near and dear to us.”

Their maiden release eventually became one of the most important Filipino records of its time, earning multi-platinum certification from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). It produced modern classics such as “Pagtingin” and “Araw-Araw”– songs that resonated then and continue to be relevant now. The critically acclaimed release also bagged major industry recognitions, including Album of the Year honors at the 33rd Awit Awards. The album’s success led to an extensive multi-city tour that brought the album and the band to audiences across the Philippines and Singapore.

Limasawa Street was always meant to be a work of its time: an exploration of fresh ideals and a new heart, a new start,” Ben&Ben explains. “We have always been very open about how our albums serve as bookmarks in our lives, meant to encapsulate our beliefs, feelings, and outlook on love and life at that specific moment in time. We hear all of that and remember exactly the people who recorded those songs back in 2019. We still hear us; we still hear the beginnings of our current sound—and we are very grateful to those versions of ourselves who dared to dream and build a world of their own.”

Remastered for vinyl and CD by Grammy-award-winning sound engineer Jett Galindo, its arrival in physical formats gives fans a new way to experience a record that has long lived through streaming and live performances.

For Ben&Ben, the physical release also meant preserving a game-changing phase in their journey: the beginning of an illustrious period that transformed them into bona fide artists. In an era shaped by digital consumption, owning a physical record offers something that lasts: a relic of time you can hold, revisit, and pass down.

The chart-topping band adds: “Many of us have always been massive fans of physical media, especially vinyl. To finally have our very own press feels surreal. We still can’t quite believe it because we haven’t seen them in person yet, so we’re super excited—and even more so for our listeners who have been waiting for us to release our music in a format that they can really collect and have in their hands and homes.”

Pre-orders for Ben&Ben’s Limasawa Street CD and vinyl open this Saturday, August 29, at 12 noon via Backspacer Records.

More details here: https://benandben.lnk.to/shop-limasawastreet

 

 

 

 

Fashion, Lifestyle

Raco Ruiz Expands His Creative Universe Through Art Toys, Coffee, and Streetwear

The Filipino multipurpose artist brings his distinctive visual language to Dopatopia with Art Toys PH, Plain Sight Coffee’s Snack Attack collection, New Era Philippines’ CO11ECTION, and SM Mall of Asia’s MOA20 anniversary drop.

Raco Ruiz with products from Art Toys PH, Plain Sight Coffee, New Era Philippines, and SM Mall of Asia MOA20 

Filipino visual artist, content creator, and creative director Raco Ruiz, represented by NYMA Talent Management, continues to bring his colorful creative universe beyond traditional art spaces through four recent projects spanning collectible art, specialty coffee, merchandise, and streetwear.

Through collaborations with Art Toys PH, Plain Sight Coffee, New Era Philippines, and SM Mall of Asia, Raco has translated his bold, playful, and nostalgia-driven visual style into objects that audiences can collect, wear, display, and experience in their everyday lives.

Together, the projects reflect Raco’s growing multidisciplinary practice and demonstrate how his visual language can move naturally across galleries, lifestyle products, brand collaborations, public spaces, and contemporary culture.

Dopatopia Takes Shape with Art Toys PH

Raco Ruiz with the Dopatopia custom art toy collection

Raco expanded his original character universe through Dopatopia, a collaborative custom art toy project presented with Art Toys PH.

At the center of the project is Dopa, an original dog character created by Raco as the playful embodiment, or “puppification,” of dopamine.

“Dopa has always been my own little mascot for happiness,” Raco shared. “He’s that little reminder that when it’s hard to find happiness within yourself, sometimes you just need something outside of you to help you get there.”

Set within a colorful universe where nostalgia meets high-energy contemporary art, Dopa represents the excitement, curiosity, humor, and creative chaos that define much of Raco’s work.

For Dopatopia, participating artists were invited to create their own renditions of Dopa. Each artist used the same base character as a canvas, transforming it according to their own visual language, personality, and creative perspective.

Group photograph of the participating artists’ customized Dopa figures

For Raco, seeing a character that began as something deeply personal take on new identities through other artists was one of the most meaningful parts of the project.

“Seeing other artists reinterpret him was honestly surreal because they brought out emotions and ideas I never would’ve thought of myself,” Raco said. “That’s what I love most about collaboration. Other artists will always see things differently, and watching them expand this little world I created was really special.”

Dopatopia also grew from what started as a casual conversation between Raco and Art Toys PH.

“This whole project would not have been possible without Art Toys PH,” Raco added. “It actually started with me passing by their booth last year and casually saying, ‘Hey, we should make a toy together one day.’ I honestly didn’t think it’d happen so soon, and then a year later, here we are.”

Raco also created his own versions of Dopa, including Neon Dopa and Strawberry Dopa. Both pieces were created in 2026 using acrylic on resin and measure 6 × 5 × 7 inches.

The project also includes two original paintings by Raco, giving collectors another way to experience the visual world surrounding Dopa.

As Dopa’s original creator, Raco provides the creative foundation for Dopatopia, while the participating artists expand the character’s world through their own interpretations.

Selected customized Dopa figures, Raco’s Dopa pieces, and his original paintings are available through Art Toys PH, subject to availability.

For orders, availability, and other inquiries, collectors may send a message to 0997 845 0527 or email [email protected].

Turning Coffee into a Colorful Experience with Plain Sight Coffee

Raco Ruiz with the complete Plain Sight Coffee collaboration

Raco also partnered with Plain Sight Coffee for a limited-edition collection combining specialty coffee with his colorful and playful artwork.

At the center of the collaboration is the Snack Attack Blend, a 200-gram whole-bean coffee developed around Raco’s personal coffee preferences and packaged with his original artwork.

“The coffee itself was really Plain Sight’s genius,” Raco said. “They asked me what I liked in coffee, came up with the blend based on my preferences, and we just went back and forth until it felt right.”

The collaboration extends beyond the coffee itself through the Snack Attack Merch Box, a graphic T-shirt, and a limited-edition art print designed by Raco.

For Raco, one of the highlights was having the creative freedom to translate his visual language across the packaging and merchandise.

“My favorite part was designing the packaging and the merch,” he shared. “They gave me so much creative freedom that I was basically giving myself comments instead of getting them. It’s rare to have that kind of trust from a brand, so the whole process just felt really fun and effortless.”

The collaboration also featured Raco’s Strawberry Yogurt Latte, a limited-time signature beverage developed as part of the Snack Attack experience and offered through Plain Sight until the end of July 2026.

The limited-edition Snack Attack collection may be viewed and purchased through Plain Sight Coffee’s official online store:

https://plainsight.coffee/pages/raco-ruiz

Products are available while supplies last.

For product and order inquiries, customers may email [email protected] or message Plain Sight Coffee through Instagram at @PlainSightCoffee.

Celebrating Creative Pride with New Era Philippines

Raco Ruiz wearing products from the New Era Philippines CO11ECTION

Raco brought his visual identity into streetwear as one of four Filipino artists featured in New Era Philippines’ CO11ECTION, a special release celebrating the global headwear brand’s 11th anniversary in the country.

For the collection, New Era invited Raco alongside visual artists Jethro Olba, Lei Melendres, and Nicolo Nimor to interpret different values through their respective characters and artistic styles.

Raco’s contribution explores pride, but deliberately moves away from its association with ego or superiority.

“I wanted to steer away from the ego side of pride, where it’s all about ‘I’m right and you’re wrong.’ That’s not what pride means to me,” Raco explained.

“For me, pride is about being unapologetic about who you are and what you create. It’s about standing by your work and not feeling pressured to make something else just because other people expect it. I think that’s the healthier version of pride, and that’s what I wanted to represent in this collection.”

Launched on July 14, 2026, at Uptown Bonifacio Global City, the CO11ECTION features three New Era headwear silhouettes and a special graphic T-shirt incorporating illustrations from the participating artists.

The collection includes a red 59FIFTY cap featuring embroidered artwork and interchangeable enamel pins, a navy blue 9TWENTY cap, and a green Camper cap with interchangeable Velcro patches.

A graphic T-shirt brings the four artists’ illustrations together in one design. Each purchase also comes with a blind-pack illustration card featuring the work of one of the participating artists.

By turning New Era’s signature products into wearable canvases, the collaboration brings Raco’s characters and creative philosophy to audiences beyond traditional art spaces.

The project also reflects New Era Philippines’ support for the local visual arts community, providing Filipino artists with a platform to bring their work into streetwear, personal style, and everyday self-expression.

The New Era Philippines CO11ECTION is available at select New Era stores and through its official online store:

https://neweracap.ph/collections/philippine-collection

Products, sizes, and collectibles are available while supplies last.

For questions regarding product availability, sizes, online orders, and participating stores, customers may contact New Era Philippines through the Contact Us section of its official website or its official social media pages.

Reimagining 20 Years of Mall of Asia Through MOA20

Raco Ruiz with his MOA20 designs

Raco is also one of three Filipino visual artists featured in the MOA20 Limited Edition Anniversary Drop, a special collection created to celebrate SM Mall of Asia’s 20th anniversary.

Together with artists Bitto and Jill Arteche, Raco was invited to reinterpret two decades of Mall of Asia memories through his own distinctive creative lens. Each artist drew from everyday experiences, pop culture, nostalgia, and contemporary Filipino life to transform familiar MOA moments into collectible designs.

For Raco, whose work often transforms familiar imagery and nostalgia into something colorful, surreal, and unexpected, the project offered an opportunity to reinterpret a place woven into the everyday lives and shared memories of Filipinos.

The limited-edition collection translates the three artists’ work into statement shirts and premium canvas tote bags, turning memories of one of the country’s most recognizable destinations into pieces that can be worn, carried, and collected.

Raco Ruiz MOA20 statement shirt

Raco Ruiz MOA20 premium canvas tote bag

The collaboration was officially unveiled at the MOA20 Limited Edition Anniversary Drop Press Launch on August 12, 2026.

From August 15 to September 15, 2026, shoppers who spend a minimum of ₱7,000 in a single receipt at any establishment at SM Mall of Asia may receive a complimentary MOA20 anniversary shirt or premium canvas tote bag, while supplies last.

Redemption is available at Level 2 of the Main Mall, in front of Abercrombie & Fitch. Terms and conditions apply.

A Creative Practice Without Boundaries

From an art toy to a coffee bag, a cap, or a commemorative shirt and tote, Raco’s work is increasingly finding its way into spaces where audiences may encounter art without necessarily setting foot inside a gallery.

For Raco, that accessibility is part of the appeal.

“Honestly, I just hope it sparks a little curiosity,” he said. “I hope it reminds people to just enjoy life a little more and not take everything so seriously.”

Rather than limiting himself to one discipline or format, Raco approaches each collaboration as another opportunity to build a larger creative world and create small moments of connection with the people who encounter his work.

“If something I made can make someone smile or brighten their day, even for a moment, then I feel like I’ve done my job.”

Across Dopatopia, Snack Attack, CO11ECTION, and MOA20, that philosophy takes different forms but remains rooted in the same ideas that have long defined Raco’s work: curiosity, humor, experimentation, individuality, and play.

With NYMA Talent Management, Raco continues to explore collaborations that extend his creative practice across art, culture, lifestyle, and brand partnerships while remaining true to his distinct visual identity.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RACO RUIZ, PLEASE CONTACT:

Camille Yaptinchay | [email protected]

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