Fueling the Hustle: The busy professional’s cheat sheet to powering through the day

For many young professionals, it has become the norm for mornings to feel like a sprint rather than a leisurely walk. With so many things to do (but so little time!), it's common to feel as if you’re jumping from one priority to another the moment you get out of bed.

Here’s the big question, though. With your “You got this” mindset, do you also give time to fuel yourself? After all, you can’t really expect to speed through the finish line without the gas to drive you.

B2bcarshow presents SuperFest Manila 2026 at City of Dreams Manila | February 7-8, 2026

This weekend will be SUPER Full throttle to SuperFest Manila 2026 by B2bcarshow at City of Dreams Manila on February 7-8, 2026.

🚘  Last few car slots left for the show so register now.

FREE Entrance to all Spectators!  FREE Parking! FREE raffle coupon for a chance to WIN A FREE TRIP TO AUTOMOTIVE TOUR JAPAN!? IT'S FREE TO JOIN.

The VIRGIN LABFEST is now accepting script submissions for VLF 2027

The Virgin Labfest is an annual festival of unpublished, unstaged, untried, and untested one-act plays held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez). This festival is a partnership project of The Writer’s Bloc, Inc., Tanghalang Pilipino Foundation, Inc., and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The call for script submissions is open to all FILIPINO CITIZENS.

Manila to host largest ASEAN-Korea Music Festival “ROUND” this April at the Araneta Coliseum

A two-day free concert will be the

centerpiece of the regional music calendar as the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and KBS WORLD TV officially unveiled the complete lineup for the 2026 ROUND Festival on January 28, 2026. This monumental musical exchange is set to take place on 18-19 April 2026, at the Araneta Coliseum, marking the largest iteration in the festival's history to coincide with the Philippines Chairship of ASEAN this year.

Nagpugay ang KWF sa búhay at akda ng dati nitong direktor

Nagpugay ang Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) sa dati nitong direktor at mahalagang manunulat at iskolar na si Julian Cruz Balmaseda noong 28 Enero 2026 sa auditorium ng Philippine Information Agency, Lungsod Quezon.

Si Julian Cruz Balmaseda (1885–1947), na nagdiriwang ngayon ng kaniyang ika-141 anibersaryo ng kapanganakan, ay isang mahalagang manunulat at iskolar na nagsulat sa Filipino at humúli sa kaluluwa at ubod ng isang mahalagang panahon sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. 

MSME Expo 2026 at Crowne Plaza | January 29-30, 2026

The Future-Proof MSME Expo 2026 is the major face-to-face mobilization event under the APAC Cybersecurity Fund (ACF). Focused on MSMEs across all sectors—from formal businesses to online sellers—this crucial Expo provides practical skills, tools, and partnerships for digital defense. The goal is to rapidly accelerate the nationwide movement, ensuring every participant leaves ready to operate as a Scam-Proof MSME.

A new address for stylish stays and celebrations in Quezon City: The Tribute Hotel

Quezon City, Philippines–Right in the heart of Tomas Morato in Quezon City, touted as the “Entertainment Capital of the Philippines,” lies The Tribute Hotel Quezon City, a chic and comfy hotel quietly making its mark as one of the city’s newest lifestyle destinations for staycations or dazzling celebrations.

An establishment that blends comfort, thoughtful design, and a sense of ease that feels both modern, welcoming, and rejuvenating, The Tribute Hotel had its soft opening in November 2024. Since then, the hotel has been drawing attention for offering a refined yet relaxed stay experience in one of Quezon City’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

With a design that eyes both business and leisure travelers, The Tribute Hotel offers well-appointed rooms that balance function and comfort. Currently available for booking are the Deluxe Room and Superior Twin Room, both equipped with lifestyle essentials such as flat-screen TVs, unlimited Wi-Fi, safety deposit boxes, mini refrigerators, kettles, and complete bathroom amenities. 

Deluxe Rooms, on the other hand, come with a bathtub and the option of twin or queen beds at the same rate, while Superior Twin Rooms feature a sleek shower setup. Guests also enjoy access to the hotel’s pool, gym facilities, and breakfast for two already included in published rates. A larger Junior Suite is set to open next year, expanding the hotel’s offerings even further.

Beyond its rooms, The Tribute Hotel positions itself as a versatile venue for gatherings of all kinds. Its three function rooms—Ibiza, Valencia, and Mallorca—are designed to host everything from intimate meetings to milestone celebrations. Ibiza, the largest at 165 square meters, can accommodate up to 120 guests, while Valencia and Mallorca offer more intimate settings for smaller groups. Banquet menus are curated by the hotel’s in-house kitchen, with flexible options tailored to different budgets and occasions.

Adding to the hotel’s lifestyle appeal is Don Tomas, its signature restaurant, which serves Spanish fusion cuisine in a stylish yet approachable setting. Here, classic Spanish flavors are reimagined with modern touches, making it a go-to spot for both hotel guests and local diners. This holiday season, The Tribute Hotel also rolls out special Christmas buffet dinners on December 24 and 31, priced at Php 2,000 nett per person, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

As a new player in Quezon City’s hospitality scene, The Tribute Hotel QC is carving out its niche by offering more than just a place to stay. With its central location, thoughtful amenities, flexible event spaces, and growing dining experiences, it presents itself as a destination where stays, celebrations, and everyday moments feel effortlessly well put together.

The Tribute Hotel Quezon City is located at 99 Scout Gandia, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City. For bookings and reservations, visit the hotel’s Facebook and Instagram pages, email reservations@thetributehotel.ph, or call 0977 203 3805.

A festive peek at the hotel’s future as a social hotspot

Over the weekend, the hotel offered a glimpse of its potential as a social hub when it hosted the annual Christmas gathering of the Filipino Bloggers Network (FBN), a prestigious group of some of the country’s most recognized members of the blogging community.

The celebration unfolded as a relaxed, convivial evening—filled with shared stories, good food, and laughter—reflecting the kind of warm, community-driven experiences the hotel aims to create. Rather than a formal affair, the night felt like a reunion, made more memorable by the hotel’s attentive service and comfortable, inviting spaces.

The FBN also extends its heartfelt thanks to all the generous sponsors for their invaluable support in making the FBN Christmas gathering a success. Their partnership, contributions, and unwavering commitment helped bring the celebration to life and created a memorable experience for everyone involved. The group truly appreciates the trust and collaboration, and will be looking forward to more meaningful partnerships in the future.

“The Man Alive Choice” Is set to heat up the Holidays in City of Dreams - Manila

After successful runs in Seoul and Jeju, The Man Alive Choice will debut in the Philippines for a limited engagement at City of Dreams Manila. For two nights only, the steamy production will heat up the holidays with Korean charm and Las Vegas-style entertainment.

The Man Alive Choice in City of Dreams Manila blends high-energy dance, exceptional production design, and captivating visuals for a memorable evening. Composed of dashing oppas, the performers embody idealized male archetypes, allowing the audience to "choose" and experience their fantasy.

PEPA celebrates 75 years of developing Filipino textbooks

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian receives a Plaque of Recognition during the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA). Joining him (from left) are: Danda Crimelda Buhain and Atty. Dominador Buhain of Rex Education; Jose Paolo Sibal of Phoenix Publishing House; and John Emyl Eugenio of C&E Publishing Inc.

The Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA) recognized its achievements and honored  its partners during its 75th anniversary held last December 5, 2025 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Highlights of the event entitled HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING THE PRESENT AND PUBLISHING IN THE FUTURE, were presentation of plaques to HONORABLE SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, SENATOR RODANTE MARCOLETA, HONORABLE CONGRESSMEN ANTONIO CERILLES and RUFUS RODRIGUEZ, and ATTY RODELIO T. DASCIL who were instrumental in the legislation of the Book Industry Development Act (RA 8047). Plaques were likewise presented to government and private agencies like the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, the NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD, the PRIVATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE and the CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.  

 

Past PEPA presidents Dr. Ernesto Sibal, Jesus Ernesto Sibal, Jose Agaton Sibal, Atty. Dominador Buhain, Jose Maria “Toots” Policarpio  and current president Jose Paolo Sibal were likewise given awards for their service and dedication to the Association.

 

SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, was recognized for his diligence in pushing for educational reforms as the then Chairman   of the Senate Education Committee in the 19th Congress. In his acceptance speech, Senator Gatchalian  reiterated his position that the public schools be permitted to select the textbooks best suited for their students and their conditions, citing the practice of private schools whose textbooks are chosen by the subject coordinators and teachers.  

 

Speaking for PEPA, President Emeritus Dominador Buhain stated that the good senator’s proposed solution for providing each public school student with a set of textbooks through liberalized procurement is being adopted by advanced countries with high ratings in international assessments like China, Japan, Finland and Singapore, whose students score high in international assessments like PISA. Senator Gatchalian lamented the delays in textbook allocation for public schools which are caused by a centralized procurement process.  

 

Senator Gatchalian, a product of the private school system, even sees no opposition on the adoption of  procurement program in the private schools due to their perceived accessibility and presumptive quality of   textbooks to be adopted (brought out by  competitive market forces where quality prevails) within a shorter time frame.

 

He believes that with the enhanced  DEPED budget, his earlier estimated P28  billion peso allocation mentioned in 2024 would be  sufficient to provide one textbook per subject per student.  Possessing a textbook instead of having none due to bureaucratic delay could serve as a better proposition to improve our standing in the PISA.

 

Unfortunately, the procurement for textbooks for SY 2025-2026 in some grade levels has been delayed by new procurement guidelines under RA 12009. 

 

As PEPA looks forward to another seven decades of service to the Filipino learner, it is resolved to meet the rigorous demands   of knowledge production for the diverse learning needs of Philippine schools.

A delightful new era for Gardenia: Diversifying beyond baking to complement your daily fresh bread

A delightful new era for Gardenia: Diversifying beyond baking through spread, noodle and coffee brands that complement your daily fresh bread

For 27 years, Gardenia has led the industry in modernizing breadmaking in the country and in offering daily fresh bread to Filipino families nationwide. In line with the company’s mission to provide an assortment of great-tasting and enjoyable bakery, food and beverage products, Gardenia introduced new brands that greatly complement its freshly baked breads.

A new era which began with Delicia, the company’s very own chocolate spread formulated to delight homes, Gardenia’s journey towards diversifying reached a new milestone in 2023 with the

introduction of a new coffee brand, Coffee Smile, which brings joy and satisfaction in every cup, and Happy Mie, an authentic mi goreng instant fried noodle produced in Indonesia, where the best mi goreng is made.

Delightfully Delicious with Delicia!

Delicia Chocolate Spread is a delightful treat for anyone who loves chocolate! Available in Hazelnut Chocolate and Milky

Chocolate, Delicia offers a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading on your Gardenia Classic White Bread or Pandesal.

The smooth spread glides effortlessly over bread, making every bite a pure chocolate bliss.

You can also try the newest variant, the Delicia Salted Caramel and enjoy the exquisite blend of sweet, butter caramel flavor with a pinch of sharp-salty taste that you can pair with bread, biscuits, waffles, and even fruits!

Whether for breakfast, merienda, or as a snack on its own, Delicia brings sweetness and satisfaction to any moment. Indulge in this delightful chocolate spread and taste the magic yourself!

Ibang klaseng meal time with Happy Mie!

Happy Mie Mi Goreng captures the true essence of Indonesia’s beloved stir-fried noodles. Through its savory sweet soy sauce with a spicy kick and the delicious texture of its smooth and firm noodles, it guarantees an authentic, flavorful experience at an affordable price. Whether you choose the classic Original or the fiery Hot & Spicy variant, every bite delivers an irresistible burst of flavor that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Indonesia, where mi goreng originated.

And now, happiness comes in even more flavors! Happy Mie is also available in Mamielicious variants. The Happy Mie Chicken mamie offers a hearty, flavorful broth paired with perfectly firm noodles, while the Beef mamie delivers a rich, savory broth with the same satisfying noodle texture.

Moreover, Happy Mie also takes the happiness to a cheeeeeesy new level with its Happy Mie Mi Goreng Cheese flavor bringing a cheesy umami twist to mi goreng’s classic sweet, savory, spicy

flavors.

From the bold flavors of Mi Goreng to the comforting Mamielicious taste of Mamie, Happy Mie has a variant for every craving, made with high-quality ingredients and ready in minutes. It’s the perfect

choice for busy students, young professionals, and anyone craving a satisfying meal anytime, whether dining solo, sharing with friends, or enjoying with family, making mealtime happier.

Smile Sarap in every cup with Coffee Smile!

Coffee Smile by Gardenia is the perfect pair to your favorite Gardenia breads! Hot or cold, it brings smiles in every cup with its cafe-style flavors. Coffee Smile offers two exciting variants: Cafe Latte and Mocha Latte.

Whether you prefer Cafe Latte — a perfect blend of coffee and milk, or the rich chocolate goodness of Mocha Latte, Coffee Smile brings a coffee shop experience at an affordable price. Its aromatic taste makes it a perfect treat for any time of day, from morning to night, Coffee Smile will bring delicious smiles in every cup.

Unlimited Pairing Possibilities

With this new era for Gardenia, consumers can enjoy a variety of food pairings that are all filling and delicious. From morning, lunch, merienda, dinner and even midnight snacks, whether you’re craving

for a sweet spread for your pandesal, café-style hot or iced coffee with your muffin, or the spicy goodness of mi goreng as palaman for your classic white bread, Gardenia has got you covered.

For Gardenia Philippines, it remains committed to producing your favorite bread that’s always freshly baked and masarap kahit walang palaman; but now, you can also look forward to more world-class Gardenia products that go beyond baking — with Delicia, Happy Mie and Coffee Smile — delightful products that complement your daily fresh bread.