Lapu-Lapu City LGU’s Executive Order recognizes the township as a key driver of tourism growth, cultural appreciation, and economic development 

Megaworld's THE MACTAN NEWTOWN

In a landmark recognition of its contribution to the city’s growth, property giant Megaworld’s 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown has been officially declared the ‘Tourism, Culture, and Investment Capital of Lapu-Lapu City’ under Executive Order No. 2026-072, signed by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia ‘Cindi’ Chan. 

The Executive Order recognizes the township’s significant role in promoting tourism, providing a venue for cultural appreciation and activities, and attracting investments that contribute to significant employment and economic development of Lapu-Lapu City. It also underscores The Mactan Newtown’s contribution to helping strengthen Lapu-Lapu City’s identity as a dynamic destination for tourism, culture, business, and investment.

“This recognition affirms our continuing vision for The Mactan Newtown as an integrated township that demonstrates how tourism, culture, and investments can come together to unlock a city’s potential, create more opportunities for its people, and strengthen its position as a destination for both visitors and businesses. With The Mactan Newtown, we are committed to continue creating a destination that brings lasting value and long-term economic progress for Lapu-Lapu City,” says Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso,  President and CEO of Megaworld. 

The Mactan Newtown brings together residential condominiums, office spaces, hotels, retail and commercial establishments, and tourism and recreational facilities. 

Tourism is a key driver of the township’s growing influence as The Mactan Newtown is  home to more than 1,000 hotel room keys from two world-class hotels in Savoy Hotel Manila and Mercure Mactan Cebu. At the heart of the township sits Mactan Expo,  Cebu’s first stand-alone convention center with access to the beach, which hosted leaders of Southeast Asian nations and thousands of other delegates during the 48th ASEAN Summit earlier this year. This important infrastructure further strengthens the  township’s impact in supporting Lapu-Lapu City’s development as a competitive destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. 

The Mactan Newtown is also home to colorful festivals and major tourism-related  events, including the Cebu Mangoes Festival, Ironman 70.3 Mactan, and Cebu Lechon Festival, attracting visitors and helping stimulate economic activity across Lapu-Lapu 

City. 

The soon-to-open Mactan World Museum is also expected to further elevate the  township’s cultural significance, complementing its hospitality, dining, retail, and recreational offerings with a destination dedicated to Cebu’s rich history and heritage. 

Beyond tourism and culture, The Mactan Newtown continues to attract businesses and investments through its growing portfolio of offices and commercial establishments, including two first-in-the-Philippines dining concepts from multi-Michelin-starred British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay: Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips and the Gordon Ramsay Street Burger. These enterprises generate employment, support local livelihoods, and create opportunities for entrepreneurship, reinforcing the township’s contribution to the city’s long-term economic development. 

Under the Executive Order, Megaworld and the Lapu-Lapu City Government will  continue working together with other public and private stakeholders to develop programs and initiatives that promote tourism, cultural activities, investment, employment, and sustainable local development in the city. 

The declaration marks a significant milestone for The Mactan Newtown, further  reinforcing its role as a catalyst for Lapu-Lapu City’s continued transformation into a thriving center for tourism, culture, and economic development.

The trademark of every Filipino home is its ability to be the perfect space, no matter the occasion. We perceive home as something that goes beyond the four corners of a space filled with rooms, furniture, and a strategically placed television set. At its heart is tahanan, the Filipino word for “home,” which means more than just a place to rest. It is a space of comfort, connection, and solace.

Uratex Monoblock’s Kate Chair and Leo Table

As modern home setups continue to rise in popularity, more millennials and Gen Zs are putting their own spin on what the ideal Filipino home looks and feels like. Less traditional, more personal and intentional. Modern homes are now designed with character while keeping functionality in mind for everyday living.  

In case you’re planning your modern dream house soon or simply curating to redesign your space, here’s where you can start. 

Design a space that reflects you 

A modern Filipino home isn’t simply about how the space looks; it has become an extension of your own personality. A good question to ask is, “How do I want the space to feel?” and the work starts from there. 

The variety of styles and designs on social media can sometimes be overwhelming. Try to set up an inspiration board with sample designs that catch your interest, mix and match color palettes, or even take random visuals and collage them together — let your imagination run wild! This will eventually help you decide what you want to keep in your space and what to leave out. 

Whether you want your space to be minimalist, vibrant and fun, or warm and cozy, choosing the look that feels personally you is a great first step to making a home that resonates with you and the people you cherish.

Invest in functional, timeless pieces

A modern Filipino home isn’t complete without furniture that not only looks good but works for the way you live. Choose pieces that complement the style of your space while being functional and durable enough to keep up with everyday life.

A couple of great pieces to start with are Uratex Monoblock’s Kate Chair and Leo Table, a product set recommended for those living in smaller spaces or anyone looking to keep their interiors timeless and functional. The woven rattan finish of the set combines lightweight versatility and space-saving convenience, keeping aesthetics and style in mind. 

The Kate chair gives you dependable support with a 200-kg seat load capacity, so you can sit comfortably and confidently without worry. Its built-in UV protection also helps prevent fading and surface degradation, making it a practical choice for spaces that get plenty of sunlight or for outdoor areas, too. 

The Leo table, meanwhile, supports up to 100 kg, giving you the flexibility to use it for everyday meals, work, or even occasional gatherings. Its easy-to-attach legs lock securely into place, so you can set it up without a hassle and enjoy a stable surface for everyday use. 

Uratex Monoblock’s Kate Chair and Leo Table

Make room for gatherings and celebrations

Communal living is central to Filipino culture, and our homes are where many of our most cherished gatherings take place. With thoughtful design choices  you can create a modern Filipino home that welcomes loved ones for any occasion.

Choose flexible furniture, such as extendable dining tables and movable chairs, and arrange seating to encourage conversation. Keep pathways clear and leave enough space for guests to mingle, making it easier to host anything from intimate get-togethers to bigger celebrations. This modern space also treasures lasting moments and memories behind every corner. Follow this guide, and you’ll surely shape the perfect modern Filipino home!

To learn more about Uratex Monoblock and their latest designs of furniture, visit https://uratex.com.ph/collections/monoblocs or follow their official Facebook page @uratexmonoblockchairs.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow returns, calling on students from government-managed science high schools nationwide, with almost PHP 2 million worth of prizes awaiting the top teams.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026

Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow returns for its fourth year in the Philippines, continuing its mission of empowering young Filipino students to leverage science and technology and contribute meaningful change. With the support of the Department of Education (DepEd), Samsung invites STEM students to be the voice of their own communities and propose innovative solutions to challenges they see and experience around them.

Entering its 16th year, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a global competition that empowers young changemakers to tackle real-world challenges through STEM-based solutions. 

Open to students in Grades 8 to 10 from government-managed Science High Schools across the Philippines, Solve for Tomorrow gives students the opportunity to bring their ideas forward and turn them into meaningful solutions.

Samsung will recognize the winning teams, schools, and teacher advisers with almost PHP 2 million worth of prizes, including the Grand Prize valued at PHP 730,000, Second Prize at PHP 595,000, and Third Prize at PHP 465,000. The remaining teams shortlisted in the Top 10 will each receive PHP 20,000 in cash prizes. 

How to Join

Each team will consist of up to four students and one teacher-adviser, working together to develop a STEM-focused proposal that addresses a community, social change, or environmental sustainability challenge. Proposals may be submitted using a standardized format in Word, up to 3,000 words or seven pages, or PowerPoint, with a maximum of six slides. All entries must be submitted as PDF files not exceeding 40 MB.

Teams are encouraged to think creatively and explore how technology can help turn their ideas into practical solutions that can make a difference in their communities. Students may explore one of the following themes:

Under Environmental Sustainability through Technology, students are encouraged to use STEM to find creative ways to reuse, recycle, and transform materials into valuable products, helping reduce waste and promote more sustainable practices.

Meanwhile, under Social Change through Tech and Sport, students can harness the power of technology and sports to support education, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion, creating new opportunities and a brighter future for the youth.

Lastly, under Solving Community Problems with AI, students can explore how AI can be used to develop innovative and practical solutions to challenges in their communities, while fostering critical thinking, social responsibility, and meaningful impact.

The Deadline for Entry submissions is on 02 November, 2026 at 11:59 PM via https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow/.

Entries will be evaluated based on design innovation, relevance to the community, feasibility, STEM integration, sustainability and clarity of proposal.

The top 10 shortlisted entries will be announced on 16 November 2026, and will receive mentoring from a Samsung coach to refine their solutions. These teams will then present their final proposals to a distinguished board of judges on 07 December 2026.  The top three teams will be announced on 15 December 2026, and awarded by Samsung Philippines.

 

What’s at Stake

The Grand Prize winner will receive Php 400,000.00 worth of Samsung devices for their school, Php 200,000.00 worth of Samsung devices for the students and their teacher, Php 100,000.00 in cash for the team members, and Php 30,000.00 in cash for their teacher.

Meanwhile, the Second Prize winner will take home Php 300,000.00 worth of Samsung devices for their school, Php 200,000.00 worth of Samsung devices for the team and their teacher, Php 70,000.00 in cash for the team members, and Php 25,000.00 in cash for the teacher.

Finally, the Third Prize winner will receive Php 200,000.00 worth of Samsung devices for their school, Php 200,000.00 worth of Samsung devices for the team and their teacher, Php 50,000.00 in cash for the team, and Php 15,000.00 in cash for the teacher.

The remaining teams in the top 10 will receive Php 15,000.00 in cash for their team and Php 5,000.00 for their teacher.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026 Contest Mechanics

Enabling Changemakers

Since its launch in the Philippines in 2023, Solve for Tomorrow has empowered participating schools, students, and teachers to bring innovative ideas to life and create meaningful impact in their communities. Among them is last year’s winning entry from Cavite Science Integrated School, which introduced a solar-powered, water-quality sensing buoy for monitoring mangrove ecosystem health. Other notable innovations include an egg-segregation solution and a sustainable low-cost pest control solution designed to help farmers reduce their reliance on chemicals.  

As AI advances, Solve for Tomorrow encourages young Filipinos to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly, turning new ideas into solutions for challenges in their communities. Through these themes, Samsung continues to inspire students to imagine, create, and lead the way toward a better tomorrow. 

To participate in this year’s Solve for Tomorrow, please visit  https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow/. You can also follow Samsung Philippines on social media for the latest updates: Facebook, X, Instagram.

DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-267269 Series of 2026

Excited na ba mo sa latest iPhone? While naghulat ang mga Bisaya sa arrival sa newest iPhone generation, naa nay good news! Ang Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), one of the country’s leading consumer finance companies, naghatag og mas flexible nga paagi para ma-plan ninyo ang inyong next phone upgrade. With flexible financing options, mas ma-manage ninyo ang inyong budget while getting ready to own the new iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 Pro as low as 137 pesos per day with Home Credit

Sugdi na ang inyong next-level phone experience! Starting October 2, puwede na mo mag-pre-order sa latest iPhone models through Apple Authorized Resellers ug partner stores nationwide gamit ang Home Credit financing. Enjoy eye-opening control ug next-gen performance sa iPhone 18 Pro ug iPhone 18 Pro Max for as low as ₱137 per day! Mas exciting pa, puwede mo maka-avail og as low as 0% interest ug 0% down payment, with payment terms of up to 24 months. Of course, subject gihapon ni sa applicable terms ug customer eligibility.

Food entrepreneurs and merchants from across the Visayas recently converged in Cebu City for foodpanda’s CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2026, underscoring the platform’s growing role in helping regional food businesses reach more customers, streamline operations, and expand beyond their home markets. The gathering spotlighted how digital platforms are enabling local food enterprises to scale their presence and tap into opportunities across provincial borders.

Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing, previewed upcoming Christmas campaigns to help partner vendors capture seasonal demand and drive growth

Restaurant leaders from key hubs across Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas came together at the summit, which centered on equipping homegrown merchants with the digital tools and capabilities they need to adapt, grow, and stay competitive in an evolving market. 

Beyond delivery logistics, foodpanda is enabling regional vendors to leverage real-time customer analytics, targeted marketing solutions, and improved delivery fulfillment to capture demand both locally and from visiting tourists.

“Our mission is to actively power the growth of our merchant partners,” said Patricia Jacinto, Director for Growth and Marketing at foodpanda Philippines. “When Visayan restaurants combine their culinary expertise with foodpanda’s ecosystem and insights, they can respond faster to market shifts, drive higher order volumes, and sustainably scale their businesses beyond physical storefronts.”

Honoring the Visayas’ Top-Growing Brands

CRAVE 2026 celebrated regional partner vendors across the Visayas that leveraged foodpanda’s platform to achieve exceptional business performance and operational scale. 

Rose Pharmacy was recognized with the gold Operational Excellence in foodpanda shops Award for seamless and reliable service.

Market leadership and sales performance were recognized through the Pau-Pau’s Top of Table award, which went to Alberto’s Pizza, Sal’s Bar and Restaurant, Dimsum Break, Ribshack, and PorkHub. 

Alberto’s Pizza received the gold Pau Pau’s Top of Table Award for outstanding sales performance and market leadership.

Sisigan Sa Doctors, Ma. Lina Catering Services, The Original AA BBQ, Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries, and Tiktilaok earned the Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master award for outstanding year-on-year growth in the first half of 2026. 

Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant earned the gold Pau Pau’s Brand Spotlight Award for innovative marketing and business growth.

Meanwhile, Felisa’s Cafe & Restaurant, Mom Rose, Cebu’s Tasty Lechon, Cribs, and Ram’s Pizza, Pasta and Milktea, and Metro Retail Supermarket were honored with the Pau-Pau’s Brand Spotlight for their innovative marketing and strong platform partnership. 

Metro Retail Supermarket claimed the gold Pau Pau’s Brand Spotlight in foodpanda shops Award for consistent growth and partnership.

Hybrid Coffee was honored with the gold Operational Excellence Award for high operational standards and reliable service.

Demonstrating seamless fulfillment and high service reliability, Hybrid Coffee, Somac Korean Restaurant, Got Tea? Crafted Milk Tea, Popcha Milktea Station, Gabby’s Bistro, and Rose Pharmacy took home the Operational Excellence award. 

Hukad Everyday Filipino took the gold People’s Palate Award for its strong customer following and ratings.

Sisigan Sa Doctors claimed the gold Pau Pau’s Momentum Master Award for strong H1 2026 performance.

Finally, the People’s Palate Award recognized crowd favorites with outstanding customer ratings and repeat orders, honoring Hukad Everyday Filipino, SAJ HUT, Mango Magic, Dapogan, and Wingers Unlimited.

Driving Continuous Merchant Scale

To support long-term restaurant growth ahead of the upcoming holiday season, foodpanda is deepening its ecosystem with enhanced AI-driven forecasting tools and automated marketing features designed to help regional vendors maximize daily capacity and attract repeat diners.

CRAVE 2026 brought together foodpanda partner vendors from across the Visayas to celebrate their shared achievements and growth-driven partnerships.

“We view ourselves as a complete growth engine for regional entrepreneurs,” added Jacinto. “We’re here to ensure local food brands across the Visayas have every technological advantage needed to thrive.”

Following its successful Cebu event, the nationwide CRAVE 2026 roadshow heads to Manila for its final leg.