Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippines’ only world-class theme park, celebrated Eldar the Wizard’s 30th birthday on August 2 with a fun-filled party.
Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash at the Spaceport Grounds on Saturday culminated a month of celebrations for his beloved local mascot, who has given magic, values, and fun to Filipinos since the park opened in 1995.
Last July, Park guests enjoyed exciting activities like searching for missing birthday invitations and hats in preparation for Eldar’s big day. EK encouraged everyone to donate sentimental presents like toys, clothes, and non-perishable goods through The Birthday Giver to spread the magic.
Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash began with the Faerie King and Queen’s royal arrival to welcome guests.
The crowd enjoyed the performances by SMS and Kingsmen, as well as the original theatre play, The Enchanted Story of Eldar the Wizard: Volume Two, which explored the cultures of the park’s theme zones through music and dance.
Kids and companions from Casa dei Bambini Home for Children and Southville Foundation were also invited to this special day, where they were surprised with the official turnover of The Birthday Giver proceeds as the chosen beneficiaries.
Eldar’s Theatre provided all parkgoers with activities such as colouring, slime creation, and face painting.
Thereafter, the entire kingdom, including EK characters and sponsor mascots, joined Eldar for the wonderful birthday greeting and candle blowing. The jovial wizard gave everyone a memorable birthday parade and fireworks as a token of appreciation.
Eldar’s Mega Birthday Bash was spectacular thanks to Klook, Coca-Cola, Cherifer, Scott’s, McCormick, Krispy Kreme, Rich Garden, RCBC, Fit Style, Evensia Events Management, Iced Gems Biscuits, Snackeroo, Ceres, Australia’s Own Milk, Barilla, Tulip, Avea Handsoap, Dayzinc, Nutri10Plus, Bounty Fresh, Cobra Rise, Vitamilk, Pascual, Sunkist, Pic-A, Mang Juan, Roller Coaster, Chiz Curls, Nova, Mr. Chips, Goodday, Protect, Hello Glow, Nestle Chuckie, Chupa Chups, Silka, Tiny
Shakey’s, Purefoods, Dairy Queen, Hap Chan, Potato Corner, and ViewTrue Imaging supported Eldar’s birthday.
EK’s official social media accounts, @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok and @ek_philippines for Instagram, provide updates on EK’s forever enchanting events and offers.
The opening of the BELONG MUSEUM, which will have exhibits from the famous SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, is finally happening this August.
The Museum is located on the 4th floor of the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, beside the famous carousel. It is as big as the journey each visitor would take through its more than 20 display halls.
It tells the stories of everyone—my story, your story, our story—through a tapestry of artefacts, lights, and sounds that lasts for more than 75 minutes. It makes us think about our past, our present, and our limitless future.
I Belong Museum shows us that what we thought was going to happen yesterday is happening right now.
Thanks to the kind support from NutriAsia, Lydia’s Lechon, and Toyota, I BELONG MUSEUM is another must-see event for families.
Come see us on the 4th floor of the Festival Mall Alabang in Muntinlupa City. You can reach us at contact.ibelong@gmail.com or 0962 4746232 for further details.
For more than two decades, The Linden Suites has been a reliable haven for countless business travellers, families, and professionals, right in the vibrant heart of Ortigas Center, Pasig City. This year, the hotel elevates its legacy by launching a new sub-brand, Living in Linden, tailored for guests in search of the ideal combination of comfort, convenience, and extended stays.
Crafted for the dynamic lifestyles of today, Living in Linden presents meticulously curated, fully furnished living spaces — from 40 sqm to 120 sqm in our one- to three-bedroom suites — that embody the essence of home while providing the luxurious benefits of a hotel. Guests who choose to stay longer benefit from weekly housekeeping, front desk secretarial support, and complete access to hotel amenities. Their stay allows them to concentrate on work, study, or simply lead an active lifestyle, with complimentary use of the gym and the all-weather indoor heated pool. At the same time, The Linden Suites manages everything else.
The Linden Suites boasts a prime location in the heart of Ortigas’ bustling business district, surrounded by shopping centres, hospitals, restaurants, and cafes. Living in Linden caters to professionals seeking a home, students chasing their academic aspirations, and young adults ready to embrace the vibrant city lifestyle.
The Linden Suites is evolving alongside its guests, and Living in Linden embodies this fresh perspective: a commitment to providing a warm, versatile environment that caters to the varied demands of today’s generation while prioritising space, comfort, and style. Crafted for ultimate flexibility and comfort, every space empowers guests to tailor their stay to perfectly align with their lifestyle.
Experience the ultimate comfort at The Linden Suites, where we invite you to make your life Linden with our exclusive rates designed specifically for extended stays. For any enquiries or to make reservations, connect with them on Facebook and Instagram @LivinginLinden, or reach out via phone at +632-56387878, +63917-1324108, or +63917-1356835.
Filipino tourists can now enter without a visa again! The Taiwan Tourism Administration is sending a group of people to the Philippine Travel Expo and Promotion Events. They are also inviting top influencers to promote Taiwan.
Taiwan just said that Filipino travellers can now enter the country without a visa for another year, until July 31, 2026. In response, the Taiwan Tourism Administration quickly put up a Taiwan tourist delegation made up of 50 people from 25 groups, such as the Taichung City Government, travel agencies, hotels, and airlines. From July 11 to 13, the delegation will travel to the Philippines to participate in the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2025.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration’s most recent statistics show that the visa-free policy has greatly increased travel from the Philippines. In the first quarter of 2025, 146,581 people came from the Philippines. This is a huge 29% increase from before the pandemic, making the Philippines the fastest-growing source market in the world and the largest source market in Southeast Asia.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration will build up a “Taiwan Pavilion” at TME based on its “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder” campaign for its Tourism Brand 3.0. The pavilion will use bright colours and fun features to show off how beautiful Taiwan is across all four seasons. Taipei 101, Taichung’s Rainbow Village, the Taiwan International Balloon Festival in Taitung, and the Morning Hot Springs of Green Island are all popular Instagram spots that are highlighted in the pavilion. This encourages Filipino visitors to capture unforgettable photos as they immerse themselves in Taiwan’s rich and diverse travel appeal.
The Taiwan Pavilion has asked well-known Filipino influencers, such as Carl Chuidian (The Chui Show) and Mommy Haidee, a travel vlogger, to help make this year’s campaign even more effective. Both will talk about their trips to Taiwan and the food and sights that are a must-see. People are likely to discuss the delegation’s appearances, which may encourage more Filipinos to choose Taiwan as their favourite travel destination.
Travel from the Philippines to Taiwan has been on the rise recently. Filipino tourists are drawn to Taiwan because it is close by, has a short flight time, a wide range of food, and unique attractions, such as the high-speed rail system that the Philippines doesn’t have. In 2024, Taiwan had the most Filipino tourists of any Southeast Asian country, with 467,000. The boom keeps going in 2025, with 25.38% more people coming in from January to March than in the same time in 2024. The Philippines is currently Taiwan’s top source market in Southeast Asia and sixth in the world, showing amazing performance.
The Taiwan tourism delegation will also hold promotional events in Iloilo (the Philippines’ fourth largest city) and Cebu (the second largest city) on July 15 and 16. The visit is in addition to their participation in the TME. The events will help strengthen cooperation between the two countries’ tourism industries and bring in more Filipino tourists. More than 100 important travel professionals, airline officials, and mainstream media will be at these events. They will show off Taiwan’s newest tourist attractions and incentives, with the goal of keeping the high rise in Filipino visitors coming to Taiwan and opening up new chances for Taiwan’s tourism in the Southbound market.
Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, is set to bring even more enchanting experiences to all Filipinos for its 30th anniversary, as it temporarily closes two of its major rides, the Space Shuttle and AGILA The EKsperience, from July 1 to September 30, 2025.
EK President and Chairman Cesar Mario O. Mamon shared that the major enhancement and upgrade of the two attractions are at the forefront of their ongoing park revitalization and commitment to providing more magical experiences to all parkgoers.
“Beyond our steadfast pursuit of introducing new enchanting experiences, we are also dedicated to reimagining and reengineering our existing attractions, ensuring that multi-generational guests will be forever enchanted this 2025 and the years to come,” he furthered.
We expect both attractions to reopen as part of EK’s 30th anniversary celebration in October.
The iconic rollercoaster ride, Space Shuttle, is one of EK’s legacy rides, which has been bringing thrill and excitement ever since the theme park opened its gates to the public in 1995. Aside from its signature twists and turns, the upgrade will feature a new loading and unloading experience, along with more efficient operation and monitoring of the ride.
AGILA The EKsperience, the first and only flying theater in the Philippines, has been the cornerstone of EK’s magical and educational entertainment, catering to over half a million students each year. Parkgoers experience a magical journey soaring on the wings of the Philippine eagle to witness the most iconic destinations in the country.
The reopening of AGILA will elevate learning and entertainment to new heights as it delves further into advancing awareness of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
In addition to these, EK is diligently restoring and improving all its other themed areas, attractions, and facilities, setting the stage for its milestone celebration on October 18 and 19.
Guests can still enjoy the theme park’s more than 30 rides and attractions, including EKlipse, its newest family thrill ride and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Various enchanting events and offerings are also in store for everyone as EK continues to be the premier theme park in the country.
For more information and updates regarding these, along with EK’s other events and offers, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph and EK’s official social media accounts @enchantedkingdom.ph for Facebook and TikTok, and @ek_philippines for Instagram.
In Partnership with Mountain Man to Promote Indigenous Flavors and Culture in Baguio
Nestled in the cool climes of Baguio City, John Hay Hotels redefines hospitality by embracing Cordillera culture and community empowerment through its vibrant partnership with Mountain Man, the culinary brand of the famed Romawac family that is deeply rooted in indigenous food heritage.
Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), the hospitality arm of Landco Pacific Corporation, a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, helmed by Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, manages John Hay Hotels and leads this exciting collaboration. LLV commits not only to elevating guest experiences but also to fostering sustainable growth and welfare within the local community.
“Our vision is to create lifestyle destinations that not only showcase the natural beauty and culture of their locations but also actively contribute to the sustainability and prosperity of the local communities. Through partnerships like this with Mountain Man, we ensure that the heritage and traditions of the Cordilleras are honored and that our support helps uplift local SMEs, preserving their livelihoods for generations to come,” Patrick C. Gregorio, Head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures, emphasizes this holistic approach.
“We are also deeply committed to responsible tourism that empowers people. At John Hay Hotels, we don’t just want to offer visitors a beautiful place to stay—we want to build a thriving ecosystem where culture, community, and commerce grow hand in hand. This means supporting our local suppliers, providing fair wages and benefits to our colleagues, and creating memorable experiences that celebrate Baguio and the Cordilleras authentically,” Gregorio adds.
The Mountain Man’s signature open-fire Cordilleran dining experience on Saturdays at the Garden Wing of John Hay Hotels perfectly exemplifies this vision—offering guests an authentic, immersive taste of Cordillera heritage while supporting local farmers, fishermen, and artisans. Through this synergy, LLV and Mountain Man jointly nurture a sustainable hospitality ecosystem that honours culture, uplifts local communities, and delivers unforgettable experiences.
John Hay Hotels pays homage to Cordillera cuisine with local culinary master Mountain Man; and supports SMEs through sourcing of local ingredients.
A Culinary Journey Deeply Rooted in Cordillera Identity
Mountain Man, led by lakay ken baket, husband and wife Chavi and Millie Romawac, together with their family, is much more than a dining concept. It is the manifestation of a lifelong journey dedicated to preserving Cordillera’s indigenous culinary practices—many of which generations of elders and local communities have passed down. Their work began during the challenging pandemic years when they traveled extensively throughout the Cordillera provinces to document heirloom recipes, open-fire cooking techniques, and the cultural narratives that give these dishes meaning.
“We see food as a living story, a bridge connecting the past to the present,” shares Chavi. “Our goal is to keep these traditions alive not just as cultural artifacts but as everyday experiences that people can taste, share, and celebrate.”
“We are very happy to partner with Landco Lifestyle Ventures because we share a passion and commitment to uplifting Cordillera culture and communities. Their support enables us to bring indigenous cuisine to a wider audience while ensuring that the local farmers and artisans who make it possible are respected and valued,” Millie enthuses.
Their ‘Roofdeck Kitchen’ in Baguio has become a cultural hub where ancestral recipes meet contemporary sensibilities. This heritage now generously reaches guests at John Hay Hotels, where open-fire dinners recreate authentic Cordillera meals using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients—directly benefiting indigenous farmers and small-scale producers.
John Hay Hotels guests can savor iconic Cordillera dishes such as:
• Hinanglag — a slow-cooked pork belly inspired by Kiangan traditions, cooked in its own fat until tender and flavorful
• Pinikpikan-style Baguio Chicken Rice — featuring the indigenous chicken preparation ritual that tenderizes the meat and enhances its flavor
• Mountain Man Clambake — combining locally foraged watercress and fresh seafood from Pangasinan, bridging mountain and coastal culinary traditions
• Heirloom rice dishes made with grains from Ifugao farmers, paired with indigenous vegetables from Benguet and traditional condiments
These dishes are not merely food but living expressions of Cordillera culture, reflecting indigenous rituals, storytelling, and community values passed down through generations. The open-fire cooking technique stands as a sacred practice, symbolizing a deep connection to the land and ancestral traditions.
By sourcing directly from local small-scale producers and honoring traditional culinary methods, Mountain Man and Landco Lifestyle Ventures promote not only sustainable tourism but also the preservation and celebration of Cordillera identity, empowering indigenous communities to keep their culture alive and thriving.
An Invitation to Experience Cordillera’s Rich Heritage
John Hay Hotels invites locals and visitors alike to experience this unique culinary and cultural journey every Saturday evening at The Manor’s Garden Wing. The Mountain Man open-fire dinners provide a rare opportunity to savor the flavors of the Cordilleras while supporting a sustainable ecosystem that honors heritage, empowers communities, and fosters genuine connections.
“We hope each guest leaves with more than just a meal,” says Millie Romawac.
“They take home a story, a memory, and a piece of Cordillera’s soul.”
Rediscover Landco Lifestyle Ventures managed John Hay Hotels for leading sustainable tourism and gastronomy in Baguio.
Sustainable Tourism: Celebrating Culture, Cuisine, and Active Lifestyles
Sustainability is at the core of Landco Lifestyle Ventures’ strategy for John Hay Hotels, where every initiative benefits the environment, local communities, and the broader tourism ecosystem. The Mountain Man partnership exemplifies sustainable dining tourism, sourcing heirloom rice from Ifugao farmers, fresh vegetables from Benguet growers, and seafood from nearby coastal provinces. This approach enriches the guest experience with authentic flavors while ensuring economic benefits flow directly to indigenous farmers, fishermen, and artisans—helping preserve their livelihoods and traditional practices.
Complementing this culinary tourism is John Hay Hotels’ growing role in promoting sports tourism in the Cordilleras. Recently, the hotel proudly hosted the finish line of the Tour of Luzon, a major cycling race attracting athletes and visitors from all over the country. This event showcased Baguio’s challenging mountain terrain and vibrant community spirit, drawing attention to the region as a prime destination for active, outdoor tourism.
“Our goal is to enrich the facets of Baguio tourism with diverse attractions from gastronomy, festivals to sports events. We offer visitors a rich tapestry of experiences—whether savoring indigenous flavors or engaging with Baguio’s unique natural landscapes through cycling and other outdoor activities. Hosting the Tour of Luzon finish line was also a milestone that highlighted John Hay Hotels’ commitment to sustainable tourism, blending culture, community, and healthy living.” Patrick Gregorio explains the synergy on tourism.” Gregorio states.
“Sustainable tourism is about balance—celebrating our rich heritage while preserving our environment and supporting local livelihoods. This is the legacy we want to build for Baguio and the Cordilleras,” further highlighted.
Empowering John Hay Hotels Colleagues
Beyond cultural preservation and community support, LLV takes pride in its enhanced management practices that prioritize the welfare of John Hay Hotels’ colleagues. A recent implementation of a service charge ensures that employees receive fairer compensation, fostering a more motivated and empowered workforce. This initiative is part of LLV’s commitment to professionalize hotel operations while cultivating an environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
The success of John Hay Hotels also rests on how LLV cares for its own people. Implementing a service charge was a deliberate move to improve employee welfare—an often overlooked but crucial aspect of sustainable hospitality.
“Our colleagues are the backbone of what we do,” Gregorio affirms. “Ensuring they are fairly compensated and feel supported creates a culture of pride and excellence that our guests can genuinely feel. It’s a win-win for the team, the community, and the guest experience.”
