Category: Food

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BÚTLAK at 40: How the Negros Trade Fair Blooms with Heritage, Flavor, and Enterprise

Leaders and partners behind BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair come together during the media launch. From left: Royce Cabuñag, AVP and Head of SM Communities; Chef JJ Yulo; Mary Anne Colmenares, NTF Chairperson; Chef Tony Boy Escalante, owner of Antonio’s; Francis Esteban, owner of Breakfast at Antonio’s; Christina Gaston, ANP President; Antonio Sebastian Escalante of Antonio’s; Pats Lim Dy, SAVP for SM Communities; and Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls.

Step into SM Aura this September, and you’ll find yourself transported—not just to a mall, but to Negros Island itself. For 40 years, the Negros Trade Fair has been more than a marketplace; it’s been a living showcase of Filipino creativity, resilience, and pride. This year’s milestone edition, aptly called BÚTLAK (to bloom), brings together 178 brands under one roof at the SMX Convention Center Aura from September 22 to 27, 2026.

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.

A Journey Without a Plane Ticket

The launch preview captured the essence of Negros through a stirring video that whisked guests across its landscapes, kitchens, and workshops. It was the kind of reel that makes you want to book a flight—but the fair itself brings Negros to Manila, offering six days of food, fashion, art, and handcrafted treasures.

ANP President Christina Gaston reminded everyone why this fair matters: “MSME development is about giving people the opportunity to discover what they can create, what they can become, and where their creativity can take them.” Over four decades, small ventures have grown into enterprises, and local products have reached markets once thought impossible.

Flavors That Tell Stories

Guests at the launch were treated to a culinary journey led by Negrense icons JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo. From heirloom recipes to bold new interpretations, the tasting was a delicious preview of what’s to come.

Joel Torre, actor-restaurateur and proud Negrense, summed it up simply: “I’m very proud of Negros products.” Chef JP Anglo added, “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution. That’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving—it’s about the chase for perfection and love for craftsmanship.”

From savory empanadas and sisig to ube halaya and distinctive local ice cream flavors, the BÚTLAK media launch served a flavorful celebration of Negros—featuring Wawa Bing’s, JT’s Manukan, Cocina Javellana, and Marcelo’s Microcreamery.

Expect beloved names like Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products, alongside fresh food concepts and pasalubong finds that go far beyond inasal.

Fashion, Crafts, and Culture

Beyond the table, the fair is a treasure trove of wearable art and homegrown design. Labels like Arête and Ellege Handcrafted Fashion showcase accessories and clothing rooted in tradition yet styled for today. Meanwhile, Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries, and Artisana Island Crafts transform abaca, bamboo, capiz, and other indigenous materials into décor and furniture that sustain artisan livelihoods.

The fair will feature 178 brands across food, fashion, furniture, homeware, art, and local crafts—bringing come for the names they already love and leaving with a new favorite—or several.

For Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat Sustainables, the fair feels like family: “There are a lot of new brands to discover, especially from the new generation. That’s the most exciting part.”

Roots and Blooms

The anniversary theme, explained by ANP Vice President Mary Anne Colmenares, captures the fair’s spirit: “Our roots are found in traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those roots.”

SM Supermalls EVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin echoed the sentiment: “We’re celebrating 40 remarkable years—but we’re equally excited about the next 40.”

Final Take

The 40th Negros Trade Fair isn’t just about shopping. It’s about heritage, talent, and heart. It’s about supporting local makers while discovering flavors, fashions, and crafts that carry the soul of Negros. Bring your family, bring your friends, and take home a piece of the island.

See you at BÚTLAK!

 

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Davao Diaries: Eagles, Escapes, and Every Cup of Matcha

Is the “Durian Capital of the Philippines” now also called the “Matcha Capital of the Philippines”? Welcome to Davao City, Philippines. Aside from being the home of the monkey-eating Philippine eagle, you can also find Mt. Apo on its land and harvest its pride fruit, durian. (Philippine Tourism USA, n.d.)

Going in and out of Davao, there are undeniably lots of tourist places you can visit that are also undeniably amazing to go to. One of the people’s favorites is the Malagos Garden Resort; any chocolate lover would love to go there. Other places to visit are Philippines Eagle Center, Eden Nature Park, and, with a short boat ride, Samal Island. 

But beyond the buzz and viral posts, what makes this place truly deserving of its newfound spotlight? Perhaps the answer lies not in a single landmark or attraction, but in the moments that linger long after the journey ends. From timeless destinations to emerging favorites, these are the places that reveal Davao at its finest.

Azuela Cove

    • Being the city that is widely considered one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines, with its disciplined culture and strict local ordinances (Department of Tourism, n.d.), imagine that, but with a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational vibes within one place. Thai, Mexican, and other cuisines, different cafes, and retail stores are all merged and can be found within Azuela High Street. The place also offers a rent-a-bike and rent-a-scooter for a breezy ride within the Azuela perimeters. It also provides a court for everyone’s favorite sport nowadays, pickleball. Pickleball is not the only athletic activity that this place offers; runners and joggers are also welcome to go around the area. And of course, the place also offers its famous Azuela Seaside Promenade, an open-air walkway along the Davao Gulf. Where post-runs and post-cafe dates turn into sunset watching. Azuela Cove offers the perfect Sunday morning vibes that can be enjoyed whether it’s exercising or pure relaxation.

Davao Global Township

    • Davao excels at creating green spaces where good food, great company, and scenic views come together. DGT is an open space where visitors can go for a run or a leisurely jog or spend a restful day by lying down a picnic mat and enjoying quality time with friends and family. It is also home to a personal favorite, SMASHD., where a local take on the famous In-N-Out Flying Dutchman can be found. Matcha cafés, AnniPie Bakery, food carts, and high-end restaurants all share this vibrant space, framed by the silhouette of residential mountains and some of the city’s most breathtaking sunsets.

The Philippines’ Newest Matcha Capital

    • Crowned by the internet, Davao is known as the Matcha Capital of the Philippines, offering countless Matcha cafes within the city. But does it really deserve the spotlight? Whether it be big or small cafes, the city seems to refuse to use instant and not-so-freshly made matcha for every order. Though matcha drinks are not the most affordable beverages out there, every cup should be worth the price. That is why it is always better to know where to go before taking that first sip. Here are some of the cafés that deserve a spot on every matcha lover’s list.
      1. &Matcha – The store not only sells matcha but also offers the best scenery to drink their drinks as well. From the exterior to the taste of their matcha, it’s an automatic 10/10. They offer a safe variety to choose from that fits within everyone’s taste buds.
      2. Mille Matcha – A minimalist and modern interior paired with their authentic tasty matcha drinks. Mille Matcha can also be found within the grounds of DGT, which makes it the perfect place to go for dessert.
      3. Kisom Matcha – Grab your current read, as this place not only offers good matcha but also a cozy yet productive setting. Without question, Kisom is said to offer good matcha, and guess what? They also let you pour the matcha and the sweetener yourself. 
      4. Manu Cafe – A Japandi-style cafe that is surely within reach. The cafe doesn’t only offer matcha as a dessert but also serves coffee. The vibe and atmosphere of the place is definitely perfect for WFC, work-from-cafe.
      5. The Matcha Tokyo – The safest place to satisfy your matcha cravings, offering a quality and tasty treat. The Matcha Tokyo can be found either at SM Davao or Azuela High Street, along with its other branches within the country. 

These are not the only places to enjoy matcha within Davao City, but they are undoubtedly among the most recommended. In the end, perhaps the best way to discover Davao is not only through the places it is known for, but also through the quiet moments shared over a cup of matcha, one cup at a time.

Davao City has been known for its traditional attractions, towering mountains, undeniable biodiversity, and the unique aroma of durian. But beyond these cultures, the city continues to reinvent itself without losing its identity. From serene green areas and energetic neighborhoods to cafés subtly perfecting each cup of matcha, Davao demonstrates that its top attractions are not just those seen in travel brochures but also the moments that entice tourists to stay a bit longer. It is up to each traveler to determine whether or not it really merits the moniker “Matcha Capital of the Philippines.” But one thing is certain: Davao is now a city to experience, one location, one sunset, and maybe even one cup of matcha at a time, rather than merely a place to travel.

Philippines Tourism USA. (n.d.). Davao. https://philippinetourismusa.com/destination/davao/  

Department of Tourism. (n.d.). Davao City. Love the Philippines. https://www.tourism.gov.ph/destination/davao-region/davao-city/  

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Beyond the Latte Art: The Unfiltered Truth About Running a Coffee Shop

If there’s one trend that has stubbornly refused to slow down over the years, it’s cafe culture. In the Philippines, the coffee scene is brewing stronger than ever. With the foodservice sector projected to rise by 10% in 2026, small businesses—particularly independent coffee shops—are the main drivers of this caffeine-fueled boom.

But step behind the counter, and you’ll find a reality that doesn’t always make it to Instagram. Behind the stylish minimalist interiors, the curated playlists, and the perfectly poured latte art lies a massive hidden challenge: the immense pressure to operate efficiently.

Many coffee shop owners pour their hearts into getting their product right, but the operational side—the gears that keep the business running smoothly—often gets overlooked.

We took a trip to the country’s summer capital, Baguio City, to see how two local cafe owners are trading in their operational headaches for their “easy era” by upgrading their tech.

When Manual Systems Simply Can’t Keep Up

For Archie Villamor and his team at Honey Bakes Café Baguio, the biggest hurdle wasn’t baking the perfect pastry; it was the time-consuming manual processes that ate up their day.

“Before, we simply had a system of manually tracking cash flow and recording expenses daily. Each month, we summed up sales to determine if we had a positive net income,” Archie shares.

As the cafe grew, manual tracking became a heavy burden. To solve this, Archie partnered with GCash for Business. Today, his team uses the GCash for Business portal to track and manage all transactions in one centralized dashboard. It’s a massive time-saver for the staff, and the perks are hard to beat: there is no wallet limit for receiving cashless payments, and zero transaction fees when paying their suppliers.

Conquering the Peak Hour Rush

A few streets over at Chambee Ace Café, franchise owner Cynthia Tiplady was fighting a different battle: peak-hour bottlenecks.

Operating in Baguio means serving a wildly diverse crowd—from massive groups of tourists ordering in bulk to students and office workers in a frantic rush. When you’re dealing with that kind of foot traffic, every second counts.

“Before, we were using a mix of payment methods like bank transfers, QR codes, GCash, and cash,” Cynthia explains. Small delays, like staff manually verifying online transfers on their personal phones, were slowing operations down to a crawl. For a long time, the solution to this—enterprise-grade POS terminals—was completely out of reach for small businesses.

That changed with the GCash EasyPOS. This game-changing innovation allows Chambee Ace Café to accept all payment types—whether a customer wants to scan a QR code or tap a card—all from a single device. It instantly prints receipts and allows Cynthia to manage transactions, refunds, and reconciliation directly on the terminal itself.

Speeding Up the Checkout Line with SoundPay Plus

Back at Honey Bakes, Archie has also revolutionized his checkout counter with the new GCash SoundPay Plus.

This affordable, all-in-one payment device lets merchants accept QR, card, and tap-to-pay (NFC) transactions. The best part? It provides real-time voice confirmation. This means both the staff and the customer get instant audio verification that the payment was pushed through.

“Using GCash SoundPay Plus has sped up the long queues in our store,” Archie notes. “It has just made everything more convenient, secure, and overall easier for both our customers and our staff.”

By automating the checkout process, Archie’s team now has the time to focus on what actually matters: talking to customers, introducing new menu items, and ensuring every guest leaves happy.

Ready to Enter Your Business’s “Easy Era”?

As more people seek out memorable cafe experiences, business owners need to ensure their back-end operations can keep up with front-end demands.

If you’re a business owner looking to scale efficiently, you can be among the first to adapt the newest payment solutions from GCash for Business, including the GCash EasyPOS and GCash SoundPay Plus.

Here is how to get started:

    1. Create an account on the GCash for Business Portal.
    2. Apply as an official GCash merchant (you just need a verified GCash account active for at least 12 months to qualify for the Starter Plan).
    3. Order your desired device, wait for the email confirmation, and look out for your delivery details!

Want to learn more about how to empower and scale your operations? Visit GCash for Business to explore their full suite of products tailored for growing enterprises.*

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Mindful Snacking: Turning Everyday Bites into Moments of Well-Being

Because even the smallest habits can shape how we feel, think, and live.

In a world that rarely slows down, where days are packed, and expectations run high, finding small pockets of comfort has become more important than ever. For many Filipinos, that comfort often comes in the form of a simple snack—something to enjoy between tasks, to share with loved ones, or to savor during a quiet pause.

But what if snacking could be more than just a quick fix?

What if it could be intentional, nourishing, and even empowering?

This is the idea behind mindful snacking—a growing movement that invites people to rethink how they eat, not by restriction, but by awareness.

From Mindless to Mindful

Snacking has always been part of daily life. It slips naturally into routines—a mid-afternoon biscuit, a sweet treat after a long day, or a merienda shared with friends. These moments, while small, carry meaning. They offer comfort, connection, and a chance to pause.

Yet because snacking feels so automatic, it’s easy to fall into habits without much thought. Portions become guesswork. Nutrition labels go unread. And enjoyment, while present, lacks intention.

Mindful snacking shifts that perspective.

At its core, it’s about being present—choosing snacks with awareness, understanding what’s in them, and savoring each bite. It’s not about giving things up but about finding balance between indulgence and well-being.

A Shift in How Filipinos Snack

Today, more Filipinos are becoming intentional about their health and lifestyle choices. Taste and convenience still matter—but they’re no longer the only considerations. There’s a growing curiosity about ingredients, portion sizes, and how food fits into a balanced day.

Without the right information, however, even simple choices can feel uncertain.

Recognizing this, Mondelēz International, together with registered nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian, launched the “Snack na Swak” initiative—an effort to help Filipinos navigate their snack choices with confidence.

The goal is straightforward: turn everyday snacking into something more mindful, more informed, and ultimately more satisfying.

Making Mindful Snacking Practical

Mindful eating might sound like a big lifestyle shift, but in practice, it’s surprisingly simple.

It starts with small habits:

    • Reading and understanding nutrition labels
    • Being aware of portion sizes
    • Taking time to actually enjoy what you’re eating

During a recent event at Common Ground in Rockwell, participants experienced this firsthand. Through activities like the “Portion Puzzle,” they learned how to build snack combinations within a 250-calorie range, aligning with guidance from the FNRI-DOST.

The takeaway?
Balance isn’t about saying no to your favorite snacks—it’s about knowing how they fit into your day.

Keeping the Joy in Snacking

One of the biggest misconceptions about mindful eating is that it takes the fun out of food. In reality, it does the opposite.

Mindful snacking encourages people to fully enjoy the foods they love—whether it’s the familiar twist of an Oreo, the creamy richness of Cadbury Dairy Milk, or the crunch of a biscuit—without guilt, but with awareness.

Because when you slow down and pay attention, even a small treat feels more satisfying.

More Than Just Food

Ultimately, mindful snacking isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about how you relate to food in everyday life.

It’s about:

    • Finding balance in the middle of busy days
    • Turning routine habits into intentional choices
    • Creating small moments of care, even when life feels overwhelming

With better access to information, clearer labeling, and initiatives that make nutrition easier to understand, mindful snacking becomes something anyone can practice.

And in those simple, everyday bites, there’s an opportunity to feel a little more grounded, a little more present—and a lot more in control.

Because sometimes, the smallest choices—like how you snack—can make the biggest difference.

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Treat Yourself Promo 2026: Deals, Rewards, and Freebies at SM Supermarket & Savemore

Grocery shopping just got a whole lot more exciting. SM Supermarket and Savemore are bringing back their popular “Treat Yourself” promo, giving shoppers more ways to enjoy exclusive deals, earn rewards, and take home exciting freebies.

Running from April 15 to June 15, 2026, this much-anticipated campaign is packed with value—whether you’re shopping in-store or online at smmarkets.ph. Backed by trusted brands like Del Monte, Unilever, Lucky Me, Nissin, Head & Shoulders, and Creamsilk, every purchase comes with added perks.

Earn More Rewards When You Shop

Make every grocery run count with extra SMAC points when you purchase participating items at SM Supermarket and select Savemore stores.

Shoppers can also enjoy:

    • Free SM Bonus items with qualifying purchases using SMAC
    • 4+1 bundles and exclusive in-store deals

It’s a simple upgrade to your usual grocery routine—more value, more rewards.

Shop Online and Get Exclusive Freebies

If you prefer shopping from home, Treat Yourself has you covered. With a minimum spend of ₱1,500 on participating items, you can score limited-time freebies using special promo codes.

Freebie Schedule:

    • April 18–19, 24–25 & May 2–3
      Code: TY FOOD – Free Lay’s Stax Sour Cream & Onion (42g)
    • May 9–10, 17–18 & 23–24
      Code: TYBEAUTY – Free Creamsilk Hairfall Defense Conditioner (320ml)
    • May 30–31, June 6–7 & 13–14
      Code: TYHEALTH – Free Pediasure Plus Choco Liquid (110ml x 4 RTD)

Perfect for stocking up on essentials while enjoying a little extra.

Experience the Treat Yourself Expo

The Treat Yourself Expo adds even more excitement to your shopping experience, featuring games, exclusive promos, and surprise rewards.

Highlights:

    • Indulge Wheel – Spin for prizes with a minimum ₱500 purchase using SMAC
    • Surprise Treat – 50 lucky shoppers can get ₱200 OFF vouchers (with a minimum ₱3,000 spend), redeemable until June 15

Upcoming Locations:

    • May 1–3 – Savemore Festival Mall
    • May 15–17 – SM Supermarket Southmall
    • May 29–June 1 – SM Supermarket Fairview

 

Collect Limited-Edition Sticker Surprises

Starting May 1, 2026, SMAC members can collect fun, limited-edition “Sticker Surprise” collectibles featuring Ron Turon and partner brands.

Get them with a minimum ₱1,500 grocery purchase at SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and select Savemore stores.

These playful stickers are perfect for personalizing notebooks, tumblers, journals, and gadgets—adding a little fun to your everyday essentials.

Make Every Grocery Trip More Enjoyable

With the return of Treat Yourself, every trip to SM Markets becomes more rewarding. From exclusive deals and bonus rewards to exciting freebies and collectibles, there’s always something extra to look forward to.

So whether you’re shopping for essentials or indulging in your favorites, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself.

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Seoul Snow Is Bringing a Korean Winter Wonderland to the Philippines

If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting winter in a cup, Seoul Snow might just be your next favorite stop.

This fast-rising Filipino brand is turning heads (and cooling down taste buds) with its authentic Korean snow bingsu—ultra-fine, milk-based shaved ice so soft and fluffy, it melts like fresh snow on your tongue. Think sweet, creamy, and refreshingly light—the kind of dessert that instantly transports you straight to the streets of Seoul.

And now, it’s not just one or two stores.
Seoul Snow is gearing up to open over 70 branches nationwide.

Yep—your Korean dessert fix might soon be right around the corner.

A Taste of Korea, with a Pinoy Twist

At the heart of Seoul Snow’s menu is its signature snow-like texture, made possible by specialized machines that create impossibly fine shaved ice. It’s smoother than traditional halo-halo and lighter than ice cream—basically the best of both worlds.

The flavors? Comforting, playful, and very Instagram-worthy.

Originals

  • Choco Cheese Snow

  • Strawberry Cheese Snow

  • Ube Cheese Snow (a clear local favorite!)

New Flavors

  • Coco Peanut Snow

  • Melon Cheese Snow

  • Seoul Snow Original

Prices stay budget-friendly too, ranging from PHP 49 to PHP 179, making it an easy treat whether you’re a student, barkada, or family out on a mall day.

From Cavite to the Rest of the Country

Seoul Snow’s journey started just recently, opening its pioneer branch in Cavite in November 2025. Not long after, it popped up in Fora Mall, Tagaytay, quickly attracting curious dessert lovers and K-culture fans.

And they’re just getting started.

Coming soon are branches in:

  • Davao (Segue Building)

  • Robinsons Las Piñas

  • Pure Ride Makati

Plus planned openings in Marikina, Antipolo, Baliwag, and Malate.

By early 2026, the brand is set to roll out over 70 stores nationwide—a rapid expansion that demonstrates the strong demand for this popular Korean treat.

More Than a Dessert—A Business Opportunity

Beyond serving sweet snow cups, Seoul Snow is also carving a name in the franchise scene.

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, the business model focuses on:

  • simple operations

  • compact kiosk setups

  • standardized systems

  • controlled costs

With franchise packages starting at PHP 299,000 and a projected 2–3 month ROI, it’s positioned as an accessible entry point for those looking to start a food business—especially fans of Korean culture who want to turn their love for bingsu into something bigger.

Your Next Cool Craving

Whether you’re chasing dessert after dinner, hanging out with friends, or simply looking for something new to try, Seoul Snow offers a sweet little escape—a Korean winter wonderland in every spoonful.

And with dozens of branches on the way, you won’t have to travel far to get your snow fix.

Follow Seoul Snow on social media to catch the next store opening near you.

Trust us—this is one trend you’ll want to chill with. ❄️🍧