DTI 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generates P309.57M in sales

 

DTI Sec. Ma. Cristina Roque (4th from left) formally opened the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair held on September 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The 5-day event generated P309.57M in total sales for the participating cocopreneurs. 

Proving that trade exhibitions offer far more than simple product exposure, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generated P309.57 million in total sales. The impressive figure marks a major milestone for Filipino coconut enterprises following the event held from August 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

This year’s fair brought together 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Philippines. The sales performance represents a massive leap from the P96.9 million generated by 213 participating businesses during last year’s event.

Participating “cocopreneurs” showcased a wide variety of value-added products across food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, home and lifestyle items, craft, and sustainable non-food materials. The strong turnout highlights both an expanding local coconut industry and the growing capacity of domestic businesses to meet diverse consumer and commercial demands.

Held in conjunction with National Coconut Week, the fair demonstrated a collaborative, whole-of-government approach. DTI’s market-development strategies in tandem with programs led by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and partner agencies under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

As the lead implementing agency, the PCA coordinates targeted initiatives designed to strengthen the coconut sector and raise incomes for local farming communities. The wider CFIDP ecosystem also supports total industry growth—funding farmer assistance, cooperative training, research, technology adoption, product innovation and enterprise building.

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque alongside key PCA leadership. Highlights of the opening included the release of the CFIDP Coffee Table Book, the launch of the 2022–2025 CFIDP Terminal Report documenting key milestones and beneficiary stories, and the debut of the official CFIDP website to streamline public access to industry resources.

To maximize commercial opportunities, the event featured a dedicated Buyers Lounge. Here, coconut MSMEs met directly with corporate and institutional buyers to pitch product lines, discuss sourcing requirements and secure long-term business partnerships.

Ultimately, the success of the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair reinforces how research, technology, and market development can align under unified government leadership to create sustainable, high-value economic opportunities for Filipino coconut farmers.

DQ’s Breakout Blizz is for those moments when you can’t help but say ‘DQ na kaya’

 

We’ve all had those moments where our brains just completely run out of RAM, our inboxes are basically screaming at us, and we find ourselves sitting in meetings and lectures nodding along to things we don’t even remotely understand. We could try to sit there and do those deep breathing exercises people always talk about, or we can just give in to the simple, guilty pleasures that actually make us happy. You know, like ice cream! 

When life gets ridiculously loud and overwhelming, you can always count on DQ for your well-deserved break from, well, everything, with sweet treats to help you hit pause and enjoy a  ve the perfect excuse to finally slow down and live in the moment!

Made in collaboration with KitKat, the new Breakout Blizz collection features six irresistible desserts centered around the iconic chocolate wafer biscuit. KitKat has always been known for perfectly locking down the whole “take a break” vibe, and this team up with DQ will surely elevate your well- deserved ice cream breaks, making them more indulgent and satisfying!

Treat yourself to a fun little recess and dig into the rich, salty-sweet swirls of the new Caramel Almond Chill Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with caramel fudge, chopped almond nuts, chocolate fudge, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with a caramel-chocolate drizzle and half a KitKat piece! 

Drop everything now and dive straight into a vibrant, fruity dessert with the new Berry Much Done Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve mixed with blueberry syrup, mini marshmallows, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with a blueberry drizzle and half a KitKat piece!

Take a timeout and savor the new Tired-Me-Su Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve mixed with coffee concentrate, cheesecake bits, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with even more cheesecake bits and half a KitKat piece!

For a quick selfie break, you’ll never go wrong with the new Caramel Almond Chill Parfait (P189), featuring layers of DQ's signature vanilla soft serve with caramel fudge, chocolate fudge, chopped almond nuts, and KitKat pieces in between, and then topped with whipped cream!

Or take your sweet time with the new Mudpie Me-Time Tin Cake (P439), a 100-percent ice cream cakemade with DQ's signature soft serve, chocolate fudge, coffee concentrate, and KitKat pieces, all in a to-go tin can so you can enjoy it at your own pace! 

And finally, take a breather with the whole gang with the new Cherry-Out-Here Blizzard Cake (starts at P749), a 100-percent ice cream cake made with DQ's signature soft serve, cake crunch, and chocolate fudge, made even more delectable with frosting, cherries and KitKat pieces! 

Enjoy these new offers together with your other favorites from DQ by visiting your nearest store today for dine-in or take-out or have them delivered straight to your doorstep by ordering through DQ’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary). 

Stay updated about anything and everything DQ by following the brand and giving a like on Facebook, Instagram, and X!

‘Tis the season for manipeds, but don’t forget what’s beneath the polish

 

With the holiday season fast approaching, salons are getting booked and busy with people glamming up for all the year-end parties and reunions. A glamorous look is incomplete without the magic of perfectly manicured fingers and toes.

Beyond French tips and glossy colors, a mani-pedi session has evolved into a form of art and self-expression. Intricate and elaborate nail art now use gel polish, dip powder, acrylic extensions, as well as studded and magnetic designs, which include whimsical fruit and beach designs in playful jelly-like 3D art, Met Gala- approved metallic nails with chrome accents, or even fool-proof dainty gemstone flowers. Sky’s the limit these days!

Nail art may be a great way to elevate a look, but it is important to keep your nails healthy. Top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) reminds that playing with colors and embellishments shouldn’t get in the way of taking care of your actual nails.

“What may look pretty on the surface may be covering an entirely different story underneath. Our nails can provide us with clues and hints about our health as a whole,” explains dermatologist Sharon Osmena Lim, MD, FPDS, DPSV. “Keep an eye out as changes in nail color, its texture, shape, and even its strength. These can point to underlying medical conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, infections, and possibly even cancer, which will definitely require further attention.”

A healthy nail usually feels smooth, strong, and is uniformly pink with white tips. Dr. Lim underscores that unusual changes in the nails should not be overlooked.

When nails feel brittle or break easily, this may be linked to many causes which can include poor nutrition, fad diets, decreased circulation, or trauma from excessive manipulation during a mani-pedi session.

Brittle, discolored nails can also be the result of harmful exposure to chemicals or even excessive chemicals in nail polish and cuticle removers, excessive removal of the nail itself, traumatic removal of ingrown nails, as well as excessive removal of the cuticle meant to protect the nails.

Unsightly discolored or yellowish nails may be caused by nail polish stain, but it can also signal a fungal infection. Moreover, horizontal ridges across the nails, known as Beau’s lines, may stem from an illness or injury. In addition, dents or pits on the surface of the nail may also be linked to skin problems including psoriasis.

“Discoloration, changes in color or thickness, swelling of the finger or toe, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and pain require medical evaluation, especially if the condition worsens over time or does not resolve on their own. This is particularly crucial for individuals diagnosed with systemic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease and other conditions that may affect wound healing,” Dr. Lim adds.

Dr. Lim also notes that such changes may also be related to other illnesses such as anemia, thyroid problems, and issues with circulation. “While we cannot diagnose a health issue just by basing it on the changes in one’s nail appearance, it can serve as a starting point for further assessment by a medical professional.”

Regular manicures with gel nails and nail art can also affect nail health, the MakatiMed doctor stresses. This is primarily due to the cocktail of chemicals in nail products, the nail’s exposure to the UV curing lamps, and the application and removal processes of the extensions and gems that can weaken the natural nail plate over time.

Some tips for nail health

Dr. Lim underlines that taking care of your nails should go beyond the regular sessions you have with your go-to nail technician. It is important to maintain proper hygiene and habits to keep your nails strong and healthy, especially if you love wearing nail art designs.

“Make sure that our nails are always kept clean and dry to avoid bacteria and fungi from growing, as they thrive in moist environments. A good practice is to use a non-fragrant, mild cleanser and to always dry our hands after being exposed to water or chemicals,” Dr. Lim states. “Avoid frequent hand-washing and nail- biting and picking, as well as using your nails as tools like opening hard containers. When handling chemicals, wear gloves as a precautionary measure.”

Finally, Dr. Lim strongly advises going bare. “Give your nails a break from all the buffing and chemical and UV exposure. Allotting recovery time after treatments can reduce risks of long-term damage that may be harder to reverse – or worse, cause permanent damage.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

What to See, Eat, and Drink Around Hong Kong’s Old Town Central

 

For Filipino travellers who have already ticked off Hong Kong’s most familiar sights, the next trip could be less about checking landmarks off a list and more about discovering the neighborhoods that give the city its character.

One place to start is the Old Town Central neighbourhood that brings together historic streets, old-school shops, and award-winning restaurants that sit just along the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator, the iconic Central Mid-levels Escalator. Here’s how to spend a day discovering a more local side of Central:

Old Town Signatures

• These are local institutions that showcase Central Hong Kong’s traditions, flavors, and everyday experiences that have built the neighborhood for years. From the cuisines that are served at the dai pai dongs (open-air street food stalls) of Upper Lascar Row to traditional wet markets and historic temples, Old Town Signatures offer experiences that are unmistakably Hong Kong.

Old Town Legacy

Walk through Central’s layered history and influences that have kept the district standing for generations. Explore through the distinctive granite steps of Pottinger Street, the revitalised former police station and prison complex at Tai Kwun, the historic Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, and traditional tong lau architecture.

Neighbourhood Taste

Michelin-starred restaurants, acclaimed bars and beloved local institutions together side by side. Immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s famous flavors such as traditional teas, dim sum, neighborhood bakeries, and cocktail bars even after dark.

Art & Soul

Roam around the artistic side of Central, where contemporary art and design exist alongside traditional craftsmanship and historic streetscapes in every corner. From galleries and colorful murals along Hollywood road, cutting-edge creativity and design at PMQ, antiques along Upper Lascar Row, and the character-filled streets in Wing Lee Street and Tai Ping Shan Street, this creative side of Hong Kong is worth the visit.

To get even closer to the heartbeat of the community, allow this new interactive AR web app to guide you throughout your journey along Central which not only offers dynamic, motion-activated content at key locations along each themed experience but also allows visitors to listen to immersive audio experiences, where local business owners or staff at local institutions share personal stories about Central’s evolving character. Featured local voices include:

• Bonny Yuen (Founder of Yuen’s Tailor): a family-run tailoring shop boasting over 55 years of history and craftsmanship.
• Gavin Yeung (Co-founder of Kinsman): a Central cocktail bar known for its innovative drinks inspired by Cantonese and Chinese spirits.
• Ben Tsui (Fourth-generation owner of Kung Lee Herbal Tea Shop): a time-honoured herbal tea shop famous for its fresh sugar cane juice and traditional herbal jelly.
• Cecilia Chan (Co-founder of Glocal Mahjong): one of the few places in Hong Kong where visitors can pick up a unique mahjong-themed souvenir.

Take Central Memories Home with Limited-Time Keepsakes and Cocktails

The Opposites

Get a chance to redeem one of five limited-edition Street Sign Pins at Central Market, Tai Kwun, PMQ or other participating merchants when you spend HKD200 or more in a single same-day transaction at participating merchants.

Bar Deluxe

To add to the celebration, 14 neighbourhood bars will serve Old Town Exclusive Cocktails inspired by the Central’s character for a limited period. This includes 50 Best-listed bars such as COA, Montana, The Opposites, The Savory Project and Tell Camellia.

Visit Hong Kong Tourism Board’s page to start planning your Old Town Central journey!

Araneta City serves up weekday dining deals with Lunch Festival

 

Lunch breaks get more exciting at the City of Firsts with the launch of the Araneta City Lunch Festival, a city-wide dining treat that brings more than 60 restaurants to offer specially curated lunch set menus starting at just Php399.

Starting September 1, the Lunch Festival is available Mondays to Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving office workers, students, residents, shoppers, and commuters more reasons to enjoy a satisfying midday meal at Araneta City.

For as low as Php399, diners can enjoy a complete lunch set that includes an appetizer and a main course from top restaurants across Araneta City's malls. Participating establishments include a diverse mix of well-known food brands, along with Le Bistro at ibis Styles Manila Araneta City and food concepts at World Kitchens, all offering a wide range of flavors and dining experiences in one destination. This offer is exclusive to dine-in guests.

See here the list of participating restaurants and their lunch menu: https://qrco.de/CityofFirsts

Strengthening its position as one of Quezon City' s fastest-growing food destinations, Araneta City continues to expand its dining landscape with more than 365 food brands and establishments that suit every taste, mood, and budget. Through the Lunch Festival, guests can enjoy a different flavor every day while taking advantage of affordable and convenient weekday lunch deals.