PETA x Move to Change Foundation, Inc. bring audiences into a world where they call the shots in “Gen G: GG na ’to!”

Because change does not begin only when young people become leaders, it begins when they recognize that their choices already matter.

What’s next for PETA? Aligned with its continued commitment to advocacy and educational theater, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) presents “Gen G: GG na ’to!”—a new interactive play about choice, survival, and community.

Created in partnership with Move to Change Foundation, Inc. (M2C)—a social purpose organization creating opportunities for young people to lead positive change—the production is part of Project GG: Game Changers for Good Governance, a youth-centered campaign that transforms civic education into lived experiences where young people learn that every voice matters and every act of participation helps shape more accountable communities and stronger democratic systems.

But this isn’t your usual sit-back-and-watch kind of play, the audience gets to participate, make choices, and help shape the experience.

Show Synopsis:
Set in an alternate Philippines submerged in flood waters, Gen G follows a group of young people placed in “Balangay Gen Zones”, temporary communities for youth who are adaptable, flexible, and have high chances of survival. They were to remain safe in the Balangay while adults sought solutions elsewhere.

But when the supposed return date arrives, the adults are nowhere to be found. Left to fend for themselves, the young people must figure out how to run their Balangay—and this time, the audience gets a say. Through votes, choices, negotiations, and unexpected consequences, audiences become part of the community and help determine what happens next.

As the story unfolds, Gen G asks: Who gets heard? Who gets left behind? What do we prioritize? Survival isn’t just about making the “right” choice. And when the system we inherit doesn’t work anymore, do we simply adapt—or do we dare to change it?

Through the world of the Balangay, Gen G invites young people to see participation as something that extends beyond elections, and agency beyond choosing among options given to them. It encourages them to question, imagine, and act together.

For co-playwright and PETA Artistic Director J-mee Katanyag, the starting point was the seemingly simple question, “G?”

“Every time we say yes to something, we are also making a choice. And whether we realize it or not, our choices reveal what we value, whom we care about, and what kind of community we are helping create.”

At the helm is an exciting creative team led by director Ian Segarra (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), playwrights J-mee Katanyag (Nobody is Home, 2025 - PETA) and Jhudiel Sosa (Identité, 2024 - Virgin Labfest 19), musical director Kabaitan Bautista (Si Faust, 2025 - Areté), set and props designer Julio Garcia (Walang Aray, 2023 & 2025 - PETA), and costume designer Johnnie Moran.

The cast features a mix of emerging and established performers, including Lyle Viray as New Character, Johnrick Noynay as Dex, James Lanante as Sid, Camille Fabian as Chloe, Francheska Andaya as Achi, Cb Lagapa as Achi/Chloe, and Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker.

 
Lyle Viray (New character), Johnrick Noynay (Dex)

 
James Lanante (Sid), Camille Fabian (Chloe)

 

Francheska Andaya (Achi), Cb Lagapa (Achi/Chloe)

 

Ada Tayao and Zoe Damag as Joker

The show will be touring 12 schools from September to December 2026.

Beyond the performance, “Project GG” will create opportunities for young people to engage through interactive experiences, workshops, community conversations, and other participatory activities designed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and collective decision-making.

From September to November 2026, the campaign will bring together partners and communities through initiatives focused on Global Citizenship Education, narrative change, and youth participation—from Reclaiming Democratic Spaces for Children through GCED in partnership with Terre des Hommes and Dachser, to the Narrative Change Education Series with DAKILA, Misereor, and FNF Philippines, culminating in Control + Shift Live! Narrative Change StudioLab and the Narrative Change Forum, which will extend conversations around narrative, power, care, and social change through performances, dialogue, and community exchange.

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PascualLab banners 80th Anniversary with the launch of Alevia-B and Mycolla C

One of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines forays into the mobility market and expands its beauty & personal care portfolio as it celebrates 8 decades in the industry

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab), one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines continues to expand its health and wellness portfolio on its 80th year in the industry with the launch of two new health and wellness products plus new campaigns for its flagship brands.

As it celebrates 80 years of delivering quality, family-friendly health and wellness products to Filipino families since 1946, PascualLab proudly enters the mobility market.

It also launches its newest product under one of its core categories, food supplementation.

ALEVIA B For Triple Action Relief for Muscle, Joint or Nerve-related Mild to Moderate Pain
Consistent with its history of purposeful health solutions, PascualLab now enters the mobility market with one of its newest offerings Alevia-B that combines Paracetamol with Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B6 (Pyridoxine), & B12 (Cyanocobalamin) in one convenient tablet to help relieve mild to moderate pain while supporting normal nerve function. 

• ALEVIA B features a triple-action formula that addresses different types of pain in a single formulation. an analgesic component (Paracetamol) with neurotropic vitamins (B1, B6, B12), providing a complementary, mechanism-based approach to support relief across multiple pain components.
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a widely used first-line non-opioid analgesic for mild to moderate pain. Vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are essential for normal nervous system function and contribute to neuronal metabolism and myelin maintenance.

MY COLLA C Premium Marine Collagen + Vitamin C

For people approaching their mid-30s and 40s, the time when one needs to focus on the things that truly matter; look ahead into the future; and make choices that prepare them for the next chapter, PascualLab unveils MyColla C. At this time when certain realities appear – aging; skin rebuild; and need for nourishment from within – MyColla C offers a pairing that makes perfect sense:

• Premium Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen – building blocks that help support skin health: elasticity, hydration, and firmness
• Vitamin C - essential in producing and maintaining collagen

Collagen and Vitamin C work together to help support normal collagen formation and structure to achieve skin nourishment and radiance from within when paired

with proper diet and exercise.

My Colla C comes in different formats for varying lifestyles so users can choose what works: easy-to-drink Strawberry Milk powdered drink in sachets; versatile and easy-to- mix with favorite drinks Unflavored sachets; and compact and easy Chewable tablets for those always on the move. Begin your brightest chapter with MyColla C, #MyPremiumCollagenChoice at Mercury Drug, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy, St. Joseph Drugstore, and Watsons.

GALING THAT KEEPS GOING
This year, flagship brand Ascorbic Acid (Poten-Cee) Vitamin C also launched its #CeeGe Lang campaign while its no. 1 Lagundi brand Ascof Forte also launched its campaign on natural cough relief for various cough (not caused by bacterial infection). Meanwhile top psyllium fiber brand C-Lium Fibre unveiled its #PowerTheSlay campaign earlier this year to get Filipinos going and not be weighed down by irregular bowel movement while Poten-Cee + C highlights the benefits of bovine and marine collagen in one campaign: #MyGlowToChoice. To celebrate its 80th-anniversary, PascualLab also gifted customers with Php 80 Mercury Drug GCs for every accumulated purchase of PascualLab products worth Php 400. More offerings are also in the pipeline.

80 YEARS of PASCUALLAB
Launched in 1946 by founders Isosceles and Leonora Pascual to address the post-war needs of their fellowmen, PascualLab has since been continuously evolving to help address the health needs of Filipinos while keeping quality and care front and center. Now on its 80th, the company behind other product innovations such as OraCare Mouthrinse, PelarGo, and Glutaphos, looks forward with a theme that best captures its foundation, its purpose, and the Filipino excellence that factors in all these: #GalingThatKeepsGoing

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'LAST DANCE - HUBO'T HUBAD' all set for September - October shows at Halxyon Club

JAPS Collectives and World Theater Productions (Guam/Manila) proudly present LAST DANCE - HUBO’T HUBAD, an intimate queer ensemble play running this September and October at Halxyon Club, Makati’s premier LGBTQ+ nightlife destination.

Written and directed by award-winning actor, director, and producer Jojo Urquico, LAST DANCE is set inside the dressing room of a struggling Manila male revue bar on what may be its final night. As a violent storm rages outside and the threat of a police raid looms, five performers prepare for one last show while confronting abandoned dreams, concealed identities, and the sacrifices made to survive. Told through humor, music, and raw confession, their intertwined stories reveal the resilience of a chosen family determined to keep dancing despite an uncertain future.

Meet the Cast & Characters
GERALD MAGALLANES as ACE: The Fearless One
"How much of me is just an act?"
An Aliw Award-nominated actor and choreographer with over a decade of stage experience. Bold and outspoken, Ace uses humor to shield a deeply resilient core.

PAOLO DOMINGO as JAY: The Dreamer
"How far will I go for my dream?"
A versatile stage/film actor and resident DJ at Halxyon Club. Young and hopeful, Jay fights for his place as a professional dancer and the courage to live authentically.

JOHN SEGUI as DODONG: The Heart of the Group
"Who am I when the lights go out?"
A model and King of the World Philippines 2025 representative for Cainta, Rizal. Warm and protective, Dodong uses laughter to mask a longing for true acceptance.

KRISZAN MANIPON as MARK: The Veteran
"When do you know it's time for the last dance?"
A seasoned theater actor and improviser bringing intelligence and sharp wit to the role of a practical survivor evaluating his future on stage.

ROBBIE PADILLA as RAFA: The Quiet Soul
"What happens when the music stops?"
A visual storyteller making his stage debut. Grounded and observant, Rafa brings quiet depth to a character searching for purpose.

Marking a major creative milestone, LAST DANCE is the debut play written by Jojo Urquico. Known for notable international performances—including MISS SAIGON (Thuy), RENT (Angel), ROMEO & JULIET (Tybalt), and Die Zauberflöte (Tamino)—Urquico has performed across Europe and Asia, including the Göteborg Opera and Staatsoper Stuttgart. Since 2017, he has served as Artistic Director of World Theater Productions.

"Five Men. One Stage. Stripped Bare. Stories Uncovered. Their bodies may draw you in; their stories will stay with you."

Performance Schedule & Details

• September: 29 (Premiere)
• October Runs: 1, 6, 8, 13, 15
• Special Screening: October 17
• Final Shows: October 20, 22, 27, 29
• Time: 7:30 PM

Venue: Halxyon Club, Poblacion, Makati, Philippines

Ticketing: Available online via Ticket2Me.com

• ₱700.00 – Front Seated
• ₱600.00 – Side Seated
• ₱500.00 – Standing

A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to PRIDE PH to support local LGBTQIA+ advocacy and community programs.

Content Advisory: Strictly for adult audiences aged 18 and above. Contains mature themes, sensual performances, and theatrical partial and full nudity.

Follow Japs Collectives and Halxyon Club on Instagram and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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4 Pro Tips to Avoid Traveling Mistakes

Even the most seasoned travelers can forget a thing or two when they travel abroad. On a trip that’s supposed to be fun and full of adventure, the last thing anybody wants to deal with is problems that could have been avoided with better preparation and planning. So, here are four things travelers tend to forget, along with pro tips from some travel experts to help avoid these common travel blunders.

Forgetting about the home
Travel plans begin at home, literally. It’s easy to focus on packing and planning an itinerary and forget to make sure everything is taken care of at home before leaving. The last thing any person wants is to come back from a relaxing trip to a major cleanup job, or worse, discover that their home wasn’t properly secured while they were away.

Many homeowners keep an eye on things through CCTV, while others ask a close relative to drop by every now and then. It’s also important to unplug all electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running. It may seem obvious, but taking care of these things before leaving can give travelers one less thing to worry about while they're on vacation.

Overlooking important travel documents
There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing an important document was either left unfinished or not brought at all. To avoid these moments, it’s important to have a checklist of everything that needs to be completed – such as the eTravel pass – ahead of time. These are easy to put off at the last minute, but doing so often leaves travelers scrambling once at the airport.

Another pro tip is to keep photocopies of a valid ID, your passport, the destination’s visa (if needed), and hotel bookings stored in both your hand carry and check-in luggage. If you lose your luggage, have it swapped, or your passport goes missing, you’ll have proof they’re yours.

Not getting travel insurance
Travel insurance is one of those things that’s easy to put off because travelers are hoping they won’t actually need it. But when something unexpected happens on a trip, having coverage can make a big difference.

For content creator Maki Santos, travel insurance is among her non-negotiables before heading out on her travels. “Sadly, getting travel insurance is still not top of mind for Filipinos, when in fact, it is a need especially during trips where you do so many different activities that are out of the ordinary,” she shares.

According to her, travelers tend to assume that getting insurance means dealing with a complicated process or having to spend a lot of money on an already expensive trip. But what they don’t realize is that there are many accessible options that make it easier to get covered these days.

GCash offers GInsure Travel starting at only PHP 299, with protection covering medical emergencies, flight delays, trip cancellations, lost baggage, personal accidents, based on their chosen coverage plan. Policies can cover up to PHP 2.5 million, and travelers can avail of coverage for themselves or family members in as fast as 5 minutes, even at the airport, up to 2 hours before their flight.

Not mixing it up with payment options
The way people pay in different countries can be very different. Some destinations are almost completely cashless, while others still rely heavily on cash especially for transportation and night markets. It’s this extra step of research that travel creator Marvin Samaco makes sure to never miss.

According to him, “Some destinations especially in Southeast Asia are still very cash-heavy, so I make sure to carry enough cash when I visit there. Others are mostly cashless, so when I’m there, I use my cards. Then there are places like China, where digital wallets are essential. That's why I always research the payment culture of a destination before I travel. I usually end up using a mix of cash, cards, and digital wallets depending on where I am.”

GCash allows travelers to manage different payments through a single e-wallet, get access to 0% forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app to make sure they stay within their budgets.

For everyday expenses like dining at restaurants or at the convenience store, users can Scan to Pay via Alipay+ for safe and seamless transactions. For instant, on-the-go payments, especially in high-volume areas or pasalubong shops, users can also Tap to Pay with their NFC-enabled Android phone, so they don’t need to pull out their wallets in the crowd.

 

Meanwhile, the GCash Card offers 0% Forex fees that one can enjoy on shopping purchases abroad. It can also be used to withdraw cash 24/7 from ATMs worldwide.

The ultimate travel pro tip: Be ready for the unexpected
The goal isn’t to plan for everything that could go wrong, but to be ready when the unexpected happens. With GCash as a travel partner, travelers can stay ready for any payment moment, wherever their travels take them.

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SM Group receives 12 Stevie® Awards for reporting and community programs

The SM Group received 12 Stevie Awards at the 2026 International Business Awards, with recognition spanning parent-company reporting and programs delivered through its malls and communities.

SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, received four awards. It won Gold Stevies in the Conglomerates (Large) and Best Annual Report (Publicly Held Corporations) categories for its 2025 Integrated Report.

Its 2025 Sustainability Report received Bronze for Best Sustainability Report. The SM Sustainability School also received Bronze under Sustainability Initiative of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

“Clear reporting gives investors and other stakeholders a better view of how we make decisions, manage the business and plan for the long term,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “The other awards show how that same sense of responsibility is carried through by our businesses in the communities they serve.”

Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments

That work can be seen across the eight awards received by SM Supermalls.

“People experience a mall through the things they do there, not through what we say about it,” said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan. “A place to read, an event that brings local art to more people, or a program that makes the mall easier to use can make a practical difference to a community.”

SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition won Gold for Brand Experience of the Year (Consumer), while the Find Your SM campaign received Silver in the same category.

The SM Green Movement won Silver for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility. The SM Cares Coastal Cleanup initiative received Silver for Achievement in Environment, while SM Cares: A Mall for All received Silver for Achievement in Diversity and Inclusion.

The SM Cares Book Nook received Bronze for Most Innovative Creative Project. The program makes space in malls for people to read and share books. The Empowering Communities campaign was also recognized under Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

SM Mindanao Art received Bronze in the Corporate and Community (Community Engagement Event) category, giving Mindanaoan artists and their work a wider public audience.

More than 300 business professionals took part in two months of judging. Winners were determined from their average scores.

The International Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, recognize organizations, executives, entrepreneurs and teams worldwide.

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Prophetic Filipino musical "Ambon, Ulan, Baha" reawakens at the MET amid rising climate crises

Award-winning musical returns in a timely reimagining, holding a mirror to a generation increasingly burdened by the realities of climate change while underscoring the urgent need for collective action.

The acclaimed ethno-pop-rock modern zarzuela Ambon, Ulan, Baha, written by multi-awarded playwright Frank G. Rivera, marks a significant full-circle homecoming as it reawakens at the Metropolitan Theater (MET) on September 26 and 27.

Presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Metropolitan Theater, and produced by Pixel Art Media Production Co., the Filipino musical returns in a timely reimagining, exploring themes of greed, social inequality, and environmental reckoning.

The homecoming carries special significance as Ambon, Ulan, Baha returns to the MET’s storied halls after more than three decades.

In 1992, the musical was staged at the historic theater under Rivera’s helm as founder and artistic director of Teatro Metropolitano, the MET’s resident theater company during its celebrated Second Golden Age. It would become the last production staged at the Metropolitan Theater before the venue closed its doors. More than three decades later, Ambon, Ulan, Baha returns to the same stage, bringing both the musical and a significant chapter of the MET’s theatrical history full circle.

The 2026 restaging also forms part of the celebrations for the 52nd anniversary of Sining Kambayoka, the pioneering theater company founded by Rivera at Mindanao State University in 1974. Widely regarded as one of the country’s significant cultural institutions, the ensemble is celebrated for its distinctive Kambayoka Theater Form, which weaves together Meranaw chants, folklore, music, and dance into a uniquely Filipino theatrical tradition.

Ambon, Ulan, Baha tells the story of Nonoy (CJ Navato) and Inday (Thea Astley), two young lovers whose dreams become entangled in promises of progress brought about by a logging concession set in motion by the rich and powerful Don Calixto (Anton Juan) and his son Doctor Anton (Rendell Sanchez) in the fictional Barrio Magubat. As ambition, power, and self-interest take hold of the community, forests are stripped bare, traditions fade, and nature ultimately retaliates in a catastrophic flood that forever alters the lives of its people.

CJ Navato and Thea Astley

Vladimir Manio, Anton Juan, Rendell Sanchez

Combining stylized minimalism with modern stage technologies, the production will transform the Metropolitan Theater into a living world of rain, memory, destruction, and hope through innovative visual storytelling, immersive projections, and breathtaking theatrical moments, including rainfall and aerial sequences within the historic venue itself.

Led by an esteemed artistic team composed of CJ Andaluz (Director), Frank G. Rivera (Playwright and Principal Composer), Pipo Cifra (2026 Musical Arrangement and Direction), Anthony Cruz (Choreography), Ohm David (Production Design), Raqs Regalado (Costume Design), Charlotte Despuez (Lighting Design), and Roman Cruz (Technical Direction), among others, the production brings together some of Philippine theater’s seasoned creative talents in reimagining the work for contemporary audiences.

Joining Navato, Astley, Juan, and Sanchez are Nazer Salcedo as Kapitan Berto, Onyl Torres as Mang Pedro, Shermaine Santiago as Nana Ilyang, and Sweet Buchanan as Nana Maring.

Onyl Torres, Shermaine Santiago, Nazer Salcedo, Sweet Buchanan

Bringing the community of Barrio Magubat to life is the Taumbayan (Townspeople), an ensemble that brings together alumni of previous Ambon, Ulan, Baha productions and a new generation of performers, including Beng Jordan, Jerome Ferguson, Joseph Sy, Jonathan Montes, Lian Silverio, Peachy Dumaya, and Phil Panganiban.

Ensemble -  Beng Jordan, Jerome Ferguson, Joseph Sy, Jonathan Montes, Lian Silverio, Peachy Dumaya, and Phil Panganiban

Completing the company is the Koro (Chorus), composed of members of Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, with lead dancers JM Ursula and Joch Bucacao.

Ensemble - Tanghalang Bagong Sibol

Far from a conventional revival, the new staging also highlights indigenous Filipino expression through traditional chants and musical elements, including the participation of Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) Rosie Godwino Sula, recognized for her mastery and preservation of T’boli epic chanting traditions. Her involvement further grounds the production in Filipino cultural memory while underscoring the universality of its environmental message.

Manlilikha ng Bayan Rosie Godwino Sula

First written and staged as Kaingin in 1976 as part of Ang Hawla, a trilogy of plays created and performed by MSU-Sining Kambayoka, the work was expanded into the full-length zarzuela Ambon, Ulan, Baha in 1978. Its original music grew out of Kambayoka’s collaborative tradition, with Rivera composing the majority of the score, including the Ambon, Ulan, Baha theme, the opening prologue, “Tagtuyot,” “Hapdi,” “Tao’y May Pakpak Din,” alongside contributions from members of the pioneering ensemble.

Emilio “Boy” Nicolasin Jr., the original Nonoy from 1976 onward, composed the song “Kislap ng Iyong mga Mata,” while the crowd favorite “Kay Hirap Mag-isa” was composed by the late Philip James Tremedal.

Created decades before climate change became part of mainstream public discourse, Ambon, Ulan, Baha was already confronting the consequences of environmental destruction, particularly illegal logging and the communities left vulnerable in its wake. In the years that followed, the Philippines would witness tragedies that chillingly echoed its warnings, from the devastating Ormoc flash floods of 1991 to the typhoons, landslides, and catastrophic floods that continue to displace communities across the country. Nearly five decades after Ambon, Ulan, Baha first took shape, its message has not faded into history. It has only become more urgent.

The musical’s continued relevance has been affirmed through accolades such as the 2004 Aliw Award for Best Musical Production and the 2012 Fr. Satur Nery Environmental Heroism Award, underscoring its lasting contribution to Philippine theater and environmental consciousness.

For CJ Andaluz, Creative Director of Pixel Art Media Production Co. and Director of the production, the enduring relevance of Ambon, Ulan, Baha lies in its ability to hold a mirror up to contemporary society.

“What once seemed like a cautionary tale has become our present reality. We are no longer standing at the water’s edge. As Filipinos, we have found ourselves increasingly immersed in floods, both literal and metaphorical, that continue to devastate our communities, our livelihoods, and our everyday lives. Ambon, Ulan, Baha reminds us that every act of progress carries a corresponding responsibility. When development is pursued without regard for ecological balance, even noble intentions can leave irreversible consequences. No one is exempt from the consequences of a wounded planet.”

At its heart, Ambon, Ulan, Baha confronts a difficult truth: environmental destruction is rarely born out of malice alone. Often, it is driven by aspirations for progress, modernization, livelihood, and economic opportunity. Yet when development comes at the expense of nature, even well-intentioned decisions can exact a profound cost on both people and the environment.

The musical thus begs an urgent question: How many more floods, landslides, and environmental tragedies must occur before we recognize that even the smallest human actions and decisions can alter the delicate balance between humanity and nature?


Nearly five decades after it was first staged, Ambon, Ulan, Baha remains both a cautionary tale and a call to collective reflection, challenging audiences to confront an uncomfortable but necessary question: Have we truly learned?


PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
26 September 2026
2:00 PM – Ticketed Matinee Performance
7:00 PM – Gala Performance sponsored by the NCCA and MET

27 September 2026
*All performances are ticketed.
10:00 AM
2:00 PM
6:00 PM

TICKET PRICES:
Available via Ticketnation.ph
Reserved Seating: PHP 1,500
General Admission: PHP 1,000
URL: https://bit.ly/aubtickets

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Fall into Hong Kong: a Season of Festivals, Flavors and Citywide Celebrations begins

From centuries-old traditions and world-class sporting events to culinary extravaganzas and Halloween thrills, Hong Kong comes alive this autumn

Celebrate an exciting fall season as Hong Kong welcomes one of its most exciting times of the year with a city-stopping cyclothon, luminous festivals, and mouth-watering culinary delights. This season showcases why Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as the Events Capital of Asia, while offering visitors a collection of Only in Hong Kong moments, from iconic harborfront experiences and vibrant neighborhoods to hidden natural escapes and one-of-a-kind cultural traditions.

For Active Travellers: The Urban Adventures

Hong Kong’s biggest cycling event is back! The Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, the city’s largest annual cycling event, will be held on October 11 and will take cyclists through the city’s most iconic locations. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. on August 20, 2026. Those interested in participating in this heart-pumping event may check event and registration details on the Discover Hong Kong Cyclothon page.

Featuring 56 km and 32 km scenic, non-competitive rides, participants will enjoy a rare opportunity to cycle across iconic bridges, through tunnels and past some of the city's most striking urban landscapes. Whether taking on the more challenging 56 km ride or the shorter 32 km ride, participants will have the rare opportunity to cycle on major roads that are closed to all traffic, savoring the thrill of riding through the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

The excitement continues off the course at the Cyclothon Carnival in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where visitors can enjoy a full day of sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and gourmet experiences.

For Culture Lovers: Where Ancient Tradition Illuminates the Modern City

The fall revelries officially begin with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional lunar calendar milestone and one of Hong Kong's most cherished celebrations. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration that spotlights family and togetherness, where people gather to eat mooncakes and admire the brightest full moon of the year. From September 17 to 27, a large-scale international Mid-Autumn lantern display at Victoria Park will showcase spectacular lantern displays, including the renowned Qinhuai Lanterns from Nanjing and an International Lantern Corridor featuring festive lantern artistry from over 20 countries.

Visitors can also enjoy the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, one of Hong Kong's most treasured cultural traditions, taking place from September 24 to 26.

For Food and Wine Lovers: A Feast for the Senses in Asia’s Culinary Capital

Food and wine lovers can savor the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival from October 29 to November 1, when the Central Harbourfront transforms into a vibrant celebration of global flavors against the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline, featuring more than 300 booths, world-class wines, live entertainment, exclusive tastings, and food and wine pairing experiences.

The Festival will also introduce a new highlight, “Only in Hong Kong” Flavors, featuring signature dishes from more than 100 restaurants—including Michelin-starred establishments, luxury hotels, and beloved local favorites—celebrating the city’s rich and diverse culinary scene. The festivities will continue throughout November with Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month, bringing exclusive dining offers, curated menus, and gourmet experiences to restaurants, bars, and hotels across the city, inviting visitors to discover Hong Kong's diverse and dynamic food scene.

For Party Lovers: A Spook-tacular Fall

October will see Hong Kong host its first-ever citywide Halloween celebration, transforming the entire city into a giant stage for creativity, costumes, and immersive experiences.

Guests can enjoy themed activities and local Halloween collaborations across multiple districts, such as the legendary street party hotspots in Lan Kwai Fong, where visitors can immerse themselves in the drinks and nightlife. Themed food and beverage specials await visitors in Knutsford Terrace and Soho, while costume hunters can head to Pottinger Street in Central or explore Tai Yuen Street in Wan Chai and Fuk Wing Street in Sham Shui Po.

The Halloween excitement begins with two pre-heat weekends on October 17 and 24 before the citywide grand finale on October 31.

Popular attractions including Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park will also unveil their signature Halloween experiences, adding even more thrills to a month-long celebration unlike anywhere else in Asia.

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Book your fall trip in time for Hong Kong’s most exciting time of the year! For more information, visit https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.html.

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Lea Salonga set to make history as First Filipina honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Filipino pride is about to shine brighter on Hollywood Boulevard as Broadway and international theater icon Lea Salonga prepares to make history as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles announced the milestone on August 14, 2026, celebrating Salonga's upcoming recognition in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category. The honor recognizes her extraordinary contributions to live performance and her decades-long career spanning Broadway, film, television, music, and the concert stage.

For generations of Filipinos, Salonga's journey has been a source of pride. Her breakthrough international role as Kim in Miss Saigon established her as a major force in musical theater and earned her a Tony Award, Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Theatre World Award for Best Actress. She also made history as the first Asian actress to play Eponine on Broadway's Les Misérables.

But Salonga's influence extends far beyond the theater.

Millions around the world know her voice as Princess Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. She was later named a Disney Legend, cementing her place among the performers whose work has become part of popular culture across generations.

Her career has also continued to evolve across stage and screen. She has appeared in productions including Once on This Island, Here Lies Love, Allegiance, and Flower Drum Song, while continuing to perform internationally as a concert and recording artist. More recently, she lent her singing voice to Celine in KPop Demon Hunters and is set to appear in DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island.

Now, another historic chapter is about to unfold in Hollywood.

According to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Salonga's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony is expected to take place in early September, around the same period as the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), which runs from September 3 to 6, 2026 in Los Angeles. Recent reports have identified September 4 as the expected date for her star ceremony.

The timing makes the occasion even more meaningful for Filipino audiences, as Salonga will also be celebrated by MIFF during its third edition.

On September 6, she will receive the MIFF Icon Award during the festival's Closing Night Gala at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The award recognizes her decades-long contributions to theater, film, television, and music and her role in bringing Filipino artistry to audiences around the world.

MIFF itself played an important role in Salonga's Walk of Fame journey, having nominated her for the prestigious honor. The festival described Salonga as a trailblazer whose career has broken barriers and inspired generations of Filipino and Asian artists globally.

For Filipinos, the significance of Salonga's Hollywood star goes beyond another accolade on an already extraordinary résumé. It represents decades of Filipino talent crossing borders and earning a place on one of the world's most recognizable entertainment landmarks.

From Miss Saigon to Disney, from Broadway to Hollywood, Lea Salonga has spent more than four decades showing the world what Filipino artistry can achieve.

And soon, her name will be permanently written among the stars.

Lea Salonga's Hollywood Walk of Fame milestone is not just her moment. It is a moment for Filipino theater, Filipino entertainment, and every Filipino artist dreaming of taking their talent to the world.

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Disney’s Frozen is coming to the Philippines in 2027

It’s about to be an snowy summer in April 2027 as 9 Works Theatrical brings the magical kingdom of Arendelle to the Philippines with Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical!

Theater fans can now start dreaming of snowflakes, ice palaces, and a certain unforgettable anthem as 9 Works Theatrical opens its search for the Filipino actors who will bring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, Olaf, and Prince Hans to life on the Philippine stage.

 
Based on Disney’s 2013 Academy Award-winning animated film, Frozen: The Broadway Musical expands the beloved story of sisters Elsa and Anna with new songs and scenes created specifically for the stage. The musical features music and lyrics by Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, whose score includes beloved songs from the film alongside new musical numbers written for Broadway.

 
The Broadway production opened in 2018 and received three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Jennifer Lee, and Best Original Score for Anderson-Lopez and Lopez.

 
Now, the story of sisterhood, acceptance, and true love is set to find a new home in the Philippines.
So, who will be our Elsa? Our Anna? Our Kristoff, Olaf, Sven, and Hans?

 
The search for the next Arendelle stars has begun. Let it go, let it go... and let the auditions begin!

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Tech & Play Month brings the fun to SM Malls in the East Metro

Tech & Play area at the atrium of SM City Masinag this August

From the latest gadgets and must-have collectibles to cosplay showcases and a dedicated collectors’ destination, Tech & Play Month brings every kind of passion to life at SM Malls in the East Metro.

This August, Tech & Play Month brings together technology, gaming, creativity, and fandom communities for a month-long celebration at SM Malls in the East. From August 1 to 31, discover the latest gadgets, join cosplay activities, hunt for collectibles, and connect with fellow fans.

The new Huawei Puro 90s Series and Huawei Matepad 12 X 2026 available at SM Cyberzone Marikina, Masinag and San Mateo

The trusty, powerful Macbook available at Power Mac Center SM Cyberzone Marikina, Masinag, and iStudio Plus in SM Cyberzone San Mateo

For those ready for their next gadget upgrade, SM Cyberzone offers a wide range of tech finds, from the HUAWEI Pura 90s Series to Apple devices, including MacBook, available at Power Mac Center. Explore smartphones, laptops, accessories, gaming gear, and other tech essentials all in one place.

Stock up on your work essentials -- storage devices, ink, printers, and more at Office Warehouse, SM Center Antipolo Downtown.

Fandom also takes center stage with Cosplay events lined up at SM City Masinag on August 23, and August 29 at SM City Marikina where fans can bring their favorite characters to life and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Catch Cosplay Fest at SM City Marikina and SM City Masinag and see fandom favorites come to life.

Meanwhile, collectors can hunt for toys, character merchandise, and pop-culture finds at Toy Kingdom inside SM Store Marikina, Masinag, and San Mateo. For more dedicated collectors, SM City Marikina’s Collector’s Hub offers a space to discover new finds and connect with fellow hobbyists.

The Collector's Hub at SM City Marikina is open until August 20 at the Ground Level

From Gundam kits to Hot Wheels, discover exciting collectibles and a new favorite to your collection at Toy Kingdom

Tech & Play Month celebrates the many ways people enjoy their passions—from max out upgrade of gadgets and exploring new tech to cosplaying, collecting, and connecting with fellow fans.

So whether you're a techie, gamer, creator, cosplayer, collector, or simply curious to discover something new, make you most-loved SM Malls in the East Metro part of your August itinerary.

Experience Tech & Play Month from August 1 to 31 at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, SM Center Antipolo Downtown and participating SM Supermalls.

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