Step into the HALO-HALOverse: Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo now featured at The Dessert Museum

 

Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo now featured at The Dessert Museum

The Philippines’ No. 1 Halo-Halo, Mang Inasal’s iconic Extra Creamy Halo-Halo, has officially taken over Asia’s trendiest dessert wonderland, The Dessert Museum! The exciting HALO-HALOverse offers a playful, colorful, and interactive experience that celebrates the country’s beloved dessert.

This immersive exhibit brings Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo to life in a vibrant, fun- filled environment, making it the star of the HALO-HALOverse. The exhibit offers a sweet summer adventure that visitors won’t want to miss.

"We’re thrilled to bring Mang Inasal’s Extra Creamy Halo-Halo to life here in the HALO- HALOverse at The Dessert Museum," said Mike V. Castro, President of Mang Inasal. "This collaboration gives us a new way to share the flavors of Mang Inasal and the Unli-Saya (unlimited fun) of this iconic dessert with a bigger crowd, creating a fun and unforgettable experience for everyone."

HALO-HALOverse at The Dessert Museum

Inside the HALO-HALOverse, visitors can enjoy:

 Halo-Halo Hotline: Fun flavor facts about Mang Inasal’s famous dessert.

 FLANTASY: Hop on giant Leche Flans and relive childhood memories.

 Halo-Halo Anatomy: Discover the secrets behind each layer and snap the perfect photo.

 Giant Halo-Halo Bowl: Step into a massive bowl of shaved ice and immerse in the

 ultimate Halo-Halo experience.

 

Mang Inasal is also offering FREE Halo-Halo:

 Sundays: Enjoy a free cup of Extra Creamy Halo-Halo onsite at The Dessert Museum.

 Mondays–Saturdays: Redeem vouchers for a free Halo-Halo at any Mang Inasal store nationwide.

FREE Halo-Halo at TDM

Tickets to the HALO-HALOverse are now available! Book your tickets today to experience the sweetest adventure of the season at The Dessert Museum. Get your tickets now at http://book.thenextperience.com/TheDessertMuseum/Booking.

Don’t forget to share your experience on social media with #MangInasalxTheDessertMuseum and #MangInasalCreamyYESSummer for a chance to be featured on Mang Inasal's channels.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit https://manginasal.ph for the latest news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph  for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

Big Bad Wolf Books is Back in Town: Metro Manila Gets First Taste of Epic Promos with Exclusive Sneak Peek of 2025 Book Sale at V-Mall

 

Good news, Metro Manila Wolfies! Your favorite big book sale is coming back to the city at V-Mall, Greenhills. The Big Bad Wolf Metro Manila Book Sale will start from May 23 to June 2, 2025 with opening hours on Monday to Thursday at 10AM–9PM, while on Friday to Sunday from 10AM–10 PM.

Big Bad Wolf Books’ return to Metro Manila marks its first-ever partnership with V-Mall, welcoming readers to a brand-new venue for the book sale. With over 2 million books across a wide variety of genres to choose from, awesome promos, and exciting surprises up ahead, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at V-Mall promises the same heart-racing book-hunting event readers know and love.

A Global Advocate for Reading Takes the Stage

 

“We’re so excited to bring the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale to Metro Manila again. It’s going to be a wonderful experience and hopefully a lot of moments that spark joy for readers,” said Big Bad Wolf Books Co-founder, Jacqueline Ng.

 She added, “This upcoming Metro Manila Book Sale is an opportunity for families, young readers, and lifelong book lovers to connect and grow together. We’ve worked hard to make sure there’s something for everyone.”

Jacqueline also touched on the growing importance of literacy advocacy: “We came across a report from the Philippine Statistics Authority that said nearly 19 million students in the Philippines are struggling with functional literacy—and that’s a number that really moved us. It’s a wake-up call and a reminder that access to books and reading isn’t just about enjoyment, it’s about giving people the tools to navigate life, to understand the world around them, and to write their own stories.”“That’s why programs like Red Readerhood mean so much to us,” she continued. “Through it, we’re able to donate books to underserved communities and help ignite that first spark of imagination. We believe every child deserves a chance to read, dream, and grow—and if Big Bad Wolf Books can help even one child get closer to that, then we know we’re on the right path.”

Get a Glimpse of the Book Hunt

 To give guests a true feel of the upcoming book sale, the Big Bad Wolf set up a mini mock-up version of the sale. With carefully curated shelves and actual book selections available for browsing, the preview showcased the incredible variety readers can expect at the book sale.

From bestselling novels, BookTok sensations to educational gems, delightful children’s activity books and more, check out these titles only at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at V-Mall:

 

 

The Kite Runner (20th Anniversary Edition) Author: Khaled Hosseini Original Price: Php 1,800 BBW Price: Php 560 The Party Crasher: A Novel Author: Sophie Kinsella Original Price: Php 1,120 BBW Price: Php 500 Think and Grow Rich: The Secret to Freedom and Success Author: Napoleon Hill Original Price: Php 700 BBW Price: Php 340 The Unhoneymooners Author: Christina Lauren Original Price: Php 950 BBW Price: Php 340 Awesome Deals and Fun Activities Await at V-Mall, Greenhills The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is packed with excitement for readers of all ages. Book lovers are in for a wild variety of awesome promos, grab reads for as low as Php60 and enjoy daily tiered discounts. Plus, you can join the Reels Challenge for a chance to win a Php5,000 cash voucher. Ten lucky creators  can take home a Php1,000 cash voucher as consolation prize. As part of its advocacy, Big Bad Wolf Books is also offering exclusive bulk discounts to educational institutions and libraries, helping them bring the joy of reading to more young minds. While grown-ups hunt for their next great read, kids can dive into their own world of fun. Big Bad Wolf Books is bringing back the Little Wolfies Crew, an exciting way for young readers to get involved and experience the book sale. To know more about how to register for the Little Wolfies Crew, visit Big Bad Wolf Books social media pages for the details. What are you waiting for, Wolfies? Visit the Big Bad Wolf Metro Manila Book Sale at V-Mall, Greenhills from May 23 to June 2, 2025. Doors open on Monday to Thursday at 10 AM to 9 PM, while on Friday to Sunday at 10 AM to 10 PM. Plus, admission is free! With books at up to 95% off, it’s the perfect chance to grow your library without breaking the bank. Join Big Bad Wolf Books for another book-hunting adventure you won’t want to miss.    For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Custom Father’s Day Gifts That Aren’t Just for Display

 

Can we count how many Fathers’ Day gifts have ended up on a shelf collecting dust. And let’s be honest, it’s not that these gifts aren’t appreciated. It’s that they haven’t really made it into Dad’s daily life. And eventually, that’s a shame, because Father’s Day is definitively the perfect time to give a gift that is useful and meaningful. Something that he’ll actually want to wear, use or interact with on a more regular basis.

This is why custom father's day gifts that go beyond display are having a huge moment. Items that are thoughtful items that blend function and sentiment with practicality. Your dad can be lounging, organizing or even reliving memories. There will be a gift that will check all the boxes. 

The following are a few ideas to help you ditch those dust-collecting gift and give your dad something he’ll use and genuinely love.

Cozy and custom sweatshirts

One of the easiest ways to combine comfort and a personal touch can be with personalized sweatshirts that have been made just for your dad. This is not about those novelty sweatshirts with giant #1 Dad logos. Today’s personalized options lean more into a minimalist and wearable options. Consider neutral tones, soft fabrics and subtle embroidery. Some that will nod fatherhood without screaming it from across the room. 

You can keep it simple, adding his initials or the year he became a dad. If you want to go more heartfelt, consider a line from an inside joke or the nickname only his kids use. It’s a gift that he’ll add as a part of his rotation. Being perfect for early morning coffee runs, backyard barbecues or Sunday lounging. The best part is that every time he’ll pull it on, will feel like a warm hug from the people that love him the most. 

Custom photo frames that fit his space

Photo frame? Isn’t that the kind of gift that ends up gathering dust? Yes, but it won’t if you actually choose it well. Today’s custom photo frames can be tailored, not only in content but also in style. They can match your dads’ home or office space. Consider reclaimed wood finishes for rustic interiors. Or sleek metal edges for those who have modern tasted. Even soft matte black for those who love a minimalist look. It should be blending into his environment.

But what makes it really special is what you put inside. Consider a picture of his favorite vacation spot, goofy family selfies or even candid moments he didn’t know were snapped. You can even add a custom caption underneath, like a few words that tell a story behind a smile.

The key is to give him something that isn’t only decorative but it’s also emotionally grounded. The frame should feel personal and not performative.  

Sentimentality and functionality

 The best gifts won’t just sit on shelves because they serve a purpose. If you want to avoid the display-only trap. Aim for items that your dad can actually integrate into his routine. Some ideas are customized desk organizers with his engraved initials or motivational message. Or it can also be a custom tool set, with a nice label. Even photo calendars with sweet notes and snapshots tucked into each month. These types of gifts walk the line between practical and thoughtful.

The sentiment is in the details

Sometimes this is not about creating something that is entirely new. Sometimes it is about adding a layer of meaning for something he already uses. If your dad loves grilling, then give him a new set of grilling tools, but engrave the handles with messages from the kids.

 If he’s a coffee lover, then find a thermal tumbler in his favorite color but personalize it with a quote he always says, or even a moment you’ll never forget. These are the touches that won’t scream gift shot, but show and say that you actually thought this through. 

The Manila Hotel Celebrates May with a Feast of Flavors and Festive Promotions

 

As summer unfolds, The Manila Hotel embraces the vibrant month of May with a variety of food and beverage promotions across its iconic dining destinations.

 

Pahiyas Food Festival at Café Ilang-Ilang

Hardinera

In celebration of the colorful Pahiyas Festival, Café Ilang-Ilang pays tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Quezon Province. From May 5 to 31, 2025, diners can indulge in a buffet featuring regional specialties such as Paco Salad, Hardinera, LucbanLongganisa, Kulawong Puso ng Saging, Adobo sa Puti, Pancit Habhab, Ginisang Santol, Nilupak, Kalamay, and Tayabas Bonete. These dishes, among others, will be served on rotation during lunch and dinner buffet.

Paco Salad

Sinantolang Hipon

 

A Mother’s Day Tribute at Champagne Room

Grilled U.S. Beef Tenderloin 

Pan Seared Gindara Fillet with Dill Lemon Sauce 

From May 9 to 11, 2025, a specially curated menu awaits the queen of every family. This special set menu begins with a choice of Fresh Pomelo-Prawn Roll in Pink Crepe or Beetroot Cured Gravlax, followed by either Light Cream of Carrot-Squash Soup or Cream of Zucchini Soup, Four-Cheese Ravioli or Mixed Mushroom Risotto. A refreshing Pink Peach Sorbet cleanses the palate, leading to the main course selection of Grilled U.S. Beef Tenderloin or Pan-Seared Gindara Fillet with Dill Lemon Sauce. A Sweet finale features Mango Pavlova or Baked Alaska, capped with coffee and pralines. The set menu is served with a complimentary glass of Pebble Lane Rosé. Early reservations are encouraged via +632 8527 0011 or restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com.

Mixed Mushroom Risotto

Mango Pavlova

 

Floral Symphony: Manuel Baldemor’s ‘Flowers of May’ Exhibit

Manuel Baldemor's Flowers of May

The Art Gallery bursts into bloom as renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor returns with a floral-themed collection. Following his contemplative Kuwaresma series, Baldemor’s ‘Flowers of May’ exhibit captures the joy and color of Flores de Mayo through vibrant depictions of flowers in his signature style.The exhibit runs until May 31, 2025. Admission is free.

 

Cinco de Mayo at Lobby Lounge and Tap Room

Cinco De Mayo

Spice up the season with a month-long Cinco de Mayo celebration. Lobby Lounge and Tap Room serve up Mexican-inspired à la carte dishes including Mexican Grouper Ceviche, Pan Fried Beef Tortilla, Mexican Pizza, Grilled Mexican Chicken Burger, and Nachos & Dip. Tequila-based cocktails complete the celebration, available throughout the month of May.

 

Cool Summer Delights to Beat the Heat

Buko Halo Halo

Satisfy sweet cravings and cool down with The Manila Hotel’s summer delight line-up such as Buko Halo Halo, Tropical Banana Split, Mango Delight, Minatamis na Saging and Mantecado Sorbetes, Kit Kat Crêpes, and Dreamy Drizzle—a decadent 10-scoop ice cream with assorted toppings such as barquillos and chocolate candies. Guests can also enjoy Korean-style Bingsu in Strawberry Cheesecake, Mango Graham, and Tiramisu. Available at the Lobby Lounge and Pool Bar until May 31, 2025.

 

Red Jade Presents Machang for the Dragon Boat Festival

To mark the traditional Dragon Boat Festival, Red Jade presents a limited-time selection of Machang—glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves and filled with flavorful ingredients. Options include Red Rice with Red Bean, Red Dates with Lotus Seed, Salted Egg with Pork and Mushroom, and Baby Abalone with Black Mushroom. Prices start at Php 200. These savory delicacies are available until May 31, 2025.

 

For inquiries, call +632 8527 0011 or +632 5301 5500, email info@themanilahotel.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.

The AOV International Choral Festival Calls for Entries for its first Choral Composition Competition

 

Are you ready to have your composition performed by one of the most prestigious choral groups in the Philippines?

The Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival (AOVICF) is now accepting entries for the first ever AOVICF Choral Composition Competition until May 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM (GMT+8).

Named after the founder of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers and one of our

National Artists, the AOVICF is bound to its mission of nourishing passion for music and nurturing artistic excellence within and beyond the country.

With the launch of the 2025 Choral Composition Competition, the AOVICF welcomes all composers worldwide, amateur or professional, aged 18 years and above except employees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the current and former members of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. Entries must be original, unpublished, and have never been performed publicly.

Each composer may submit only one entry of an a cappella SATB composition with no more than two divisi per voice part. The piece must be ranging from 3.5 to 6 minutes and must be suitable for an intermediate-level choir. Solo sections are allowed but should not exceed 30% of the piece’s total length. Texts in any language are welcome, but an English translation must be provided. If the text is not in the public domain and the composer is not the author, written permission from the copyright holder is required. All scores must be prepared using standard music notation software.

Composers may submit their entry via email to secretariat@aovchoralfestph.com, with a subject line “AOVICF 2025 Composition Competition.” Interested composers must pay the registration fee before submission, amounting to PHP 2,000 for Filipino composers and USD 40 for non- Filipino composers. To pay, please refer to the payment guide of which may be accessed through: bit.ly/AOVICF2025CompositionPaymentGuide.

The Grand Prize winner will receive PHP 50,000 and a certificate, while two runners-up will be awarded certificates. The top three compositions will be premiered by the Philippine Madrigal Singers during the closing concert of the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival on August 24, 2025.

The winning composition will be under exclusive performance and publication rights of the festival for two years, and may not be publicly performed before AOVICF 2027. All entries will be judged anonymously, and the decisions of the jury are final and non-appealable.

The AOVICF is a collaboration of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, through its Artist Training Division under the CCP Arts Education Department, with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the first Asian choir to win the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing twice (in 1997 and 2007, respectively). You may visit https://www.aovchoralfestph.com/compositioncompetition for more details on the competition.