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.

Why Pet Parents Deserve More than an Ingredients List

 

What if pet parents could feel as confident about their pets’ food as they do about the food they choose for themselves?

With shelves crowded with products promising everything from “natural” ingredients to better

digestion and healthier coats, making an informed choice can feel overwhelming. According to the 2025 ADM Pet Insights Report, pet parents are looking beyond the growing front-of-pack claims and becoming more discerning about the information behind the products they choose, making ingredient visibility an increasingly important part of premium pet nutrition.

“True transparency goes beyond simply listing ingredients. Pet parents are increasingly interested in understanding where those ingredients come from, how they are sourced, and the standards behind the food they give their pets,” said Romy Sia, Managing Director of Bow & Wow Philippines. “The more information pet parents have, the better they can make choices

that are right for their pets and aligned with their values.”

What Real Transparency Looks Like

For Open Farm founders Jacqueline Prehogan and Isaac Langleben, the journey began after rescuing their first pugs, Maddie and Bella, and struggling to find pet food that met their standards for nutrition, animal welfare, sustainability, and transparency. This led them to build Open Farm around three core commitments: premium nutrition, animal welfare, and sustainability.

Today, Open Farm brings these commitments to life through every aspect of its products, from the ingredients it selects to the standards behind their sourcing and production. 

Available at all Bow & Wow Stores and the Bow &Wow Online Store, Open Farm’s recipes feature ethically sourced meats as the first ingredient, alongside non-GMO fruits and vegetables, naturally occurring prebiotic fiber, and natural superfoods. Its animal proteins are

also sourced according to specific welfare and sustainability standards, including pasture-raised lamb from New Zealand, crate-free pork, pasture-raised beef, and sustainably sourced, wild- caught fish.

Open Farm takes these commitments a step further through traceability, empowering pet parents to understand exactly where their ingredients come from and hold the brand accountable for delivering on its promises.

Through Open Farm’s own transparency platform, pet parents can enter the lot code found on

the back of each bag to access information about where the ingredients in that specific batch

came from. With this greater visibility into the supply chain, pet parents can see how the brand's standards are carried through every step of the process, from sourcing and raising ingredients to their final production.

“Pet nutrition is becoming a more holistic conversation,” Sia added. “Pet parents are looking not only at whether it meets their pets’ nutritional needs, but also at the practices behind it. Understanding sourcing, animal welfare, and sustainability gives them a fuller picture of what

they are choosing for their companions.”

Making Transparency Easier for Pet Parents

For Bow & Wow, this emphasis on transparency reflects a broader commitment to helping pet

parents make more informed choices. As the pet care market continues to expand, the company puts standards first when curating its portfolio, considering ingredient quality, sourcing, nutritional standards, and transparency. By bringing in brands like Open Farm that align with these values, Bow & Wow aims to give pet parents access to better options and greater visibility into what they feed their pets.

Transparency is also the heart of Bow & Wow's approach to pet care advice. Rather than simply recommending the most expensive options, its trained Pet Care Advisors work closely with pet parents to understand each pet’s individual needs and tailor recommendations based on formulation, ingredients, sourcing, and production practices, helping pet parents make informed decisions with confidence.

“Every pet is different, so choosing food should go beyond simply picking the product with the

most appealing claims,” Sia concluded. “Our role is to help pet parents understand their options, ask the right questions, and find a food that fits their pet’s individual needs.”

For those who want to experience the products before committing, Bow & Wow also offers free in-store samples of Open Farm’s Wild-Caught Salmon and Homestead Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free Kibble recipes. Pet parents can also browse Bow & Wow's full Open Farm Collection online to explore recipes tailored to their pets' needs to explore recipes tailored to their pet's needs.

Ultimately, the evolution of pet nutrition is reshaping what “premium” means. Today, pet parents increasingly want to understand the story behind the bowl—from the ingredients and how they are sourced to the standards and practices behind them.

For Open Farm, that means traceable ingredients, responsible sourcing, and animal welfare standards. For Bow & Wow, it means making better options and the information behind them more accessible. For pet parents, it means greater visibility and confidence in every choice they make for the companions they love.

Saving someone’s life involves seeing the signs and triggers according to MakatiMed

The challenge for anyone who knows of a friend or loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of their triggers and stressors, and observant of out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

 

The loss of the will to live, withdrawing from family and friends, a lack of interest even in activities and things that once sparked joy, and sleeping too much or too little are the classic symptoms of a person who may be courting suicidal thoughts. And yet, as beloved celebrities like chef Anthony Bourdain, comedian Robin Williams, and others who have taken their own lives have shown us, a happy and successful exterior can mask struggles with hopelessness and despair.

While suicide rates in the Philippines are lower than global statistics (an estimate 3.2 to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 Filipinos are by suicide, according to the Department of Health), they remain a serious cause for concern. Thirty percent of suicide cases are by individuals between the ages of 15 and 24, men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, and whether they push through with it or not, 1 in 5 youths have seriously thought of ending their lives.

What would drive someone to resort to such an irreversible and permanent act? “Mental illness or personality disorder affect a person’s ability to make sound judgement,” says Carmina Charmaine G. Bernardo, MD, FPPA, FPCPsych, a psychiatrist and Head of the Mood and Anxiety Resource and Referral Center (MARRC), Institute of Neuroscience, from top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

“But so can a traumatic life event like a bad breakup, death in the family, physical or emotional abuse, financial loss, or a ruined career. A person dealing with a painful illness or terminal disease may decide to end their suffering prematurely. Intense feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and being a burden to others have also pushed people to take their own lives.”

“In other words, certain triggers or stressors compel people to take action and free themselves from what they perceive to be unbearable and unending physical or emotional pain.”

The challenge for anyone who knows of a friend or loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of their triggers and stressors, and observant of out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

“Of course, this is not always easy, as a person thinking of committing suicide can pretend that all is well so as not to arouse suspicion,” explains Dr. Bernardo. “Some even appear suddenly calm and happy after experiencing severe depression. This could mean that they are resolved with their decision to end their life.”

Looking out for a friend or family member with suicidal thoughts is a huge responsibility. Still, if you can prevent them from pushing through with it, you could actually save a life—and that is no mean feat.

Dr. Bernardo cites common triggers and warning signs:

Specific dates and occasions.

Everybody gets a case of the birthday blues: Maybe the special day reminds us that we are getting older or have no one significant to celebrate it with. “Birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays can be sensitive times for suicidals,” reveals Dr. Bernardo. “In fact, an international team of researchers discovered that Monday has the highest risk of suicide mortality, as does New Year’s Day. Call a friend or loved one to check on how they’re doing or make

Reckless behavior.

Does your friend or family member drink too much, drive too fast, not watch where they are going, miss doctor appointments, or skip prescription medication? “A lack of regard for their safety, health, and well-being can mean they no longer value their life,” shares Dr. Bernardo. “Offer to accompany them to their appointments or drive them home when they are under the influence.”

Seeing people.

While suicidals tend to withdraw from the world, others will go out of their way to seek out certain friends or relatives. Perhaps they will forgive someone—or ask someone for their forgiveness. “It is likely a form of closure before they end things,” says Dr. Bernardo. Giving away prized possessions is another sign of “saying goodbye” by offering something to remember them by. “Simply accept the token and assure the person that it will be in your safekeeping for now. It’s a subtle way of saying you will give it back when things get better.”

Talking about suicide is never easy, both for the person contemplating it and the one who speculates a loved one is strongly considering taking their life.

“But it has to be done,” says Dr. Bernardo. “Ask them pointblank gently and coming from a place of concern and sincerity. And be prepared to listen—not judge, scold, or dismiss their feelings. Let them talk and express themselves as much as they want. Sometimes, venting provides them with much-needed relief from negative thoughts.”

For the emotionally vulnerable, knowing that someone genuinely cares for them and wants to help them get out of their black hole can be enough reason to live. “Offer hope and the prospect of better things ahead if they just give themselves and others a chance,” says Dr. Bernardo.

Most importantly, evaluate if a suicidal friend or family member is in immediate danger. Those at the highest risk already have a specific suicide plan, the means to carry out the plan, the time set, and an intention.

“If an attempt is imminent, make sure they don’t have access to lethal objects that they can use to harm themselves like drugs, guns, or knives. And never ever leave a suicidal person alone,” stresses Dr. Bernardo. “The best that you can do is to call emergency services or bring the person to the nearest hospital where they can get the necessary professional help.

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.

4 Pro Tips for You to Avoid Most Travelers' Mistake

 

Even the most seasoned travelers can forget a thing or two when they travel abroad. On a trip that’s supposed to be fun and full of adventure, the last thing anybody wants to deal with is problems that could have been avoided with better preparation and planning. So, here are four things travelers tend to forget, along with pro tips from some travel experts to help avoid these common travel blunders.

Forgetting about the home

Travel plans begin at home, literally. It’s easy to focus on packing and planning an itinerary and forget to make sure everything is taken care of at home before leaving. The last thing any person wants is to come back from a relaxing trip to a major cleanup job, or worse, discover that their home wasn’t properly secured while they were away.

Many homeowners keep an eye on things through CCTV, while others ask a close relative to drop by every now and then. It’s also important to unplug all electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running. It may seem obvious, but taking care of these things before leaving can give travelers one less thing to worry about while they're on vacation.

Overlooking important travel documents

There’s nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing an important document was either left unfinished or not brought at all. To avoid these moments, it’s important to have a checklist of everything that needs to be completed – such as the eTravel pass – ahead of time. These are easy to put off at the last minute, but doing so often leaves travelers scrambling once at the airport.

Another pro tip is to keep photocopies of a valid ID, your passport, the destination’s visa (if needed), and hotel bookings stored in both your hand carries and check-in luggage. If you lose your luggage, have it swapped, or your passport goes missing, you’ll have proof they’re yours.

Not getting travel insurance

Travel insurance is one of those things that’s easy to put off because travelers are hoping they won’t actually need it. But when something unexpected happens on a trip, having coverage can make a big difference.

Maki Santos - Bangkok

For content creator Maki Santos, travel insurance is among her non-negotiables before heading out on her travels. “Sadly, getting travel insurance is still not top of mind for Filipinos, when in fact, it is a need especially during trips where you do so many different activities that are out of the ordinary,” she shares.

Maki - BKK

According to her, travelers tend to assume that getting insurance means dealing with a complicated process or having to spend a lot of money on an already expensive trip. But what they don’t realize is that there are many accessible options that make it easier to get covered these days.

GCash offers GInsure Travel starting at only PHP 299, with protection covering medical emergencies, flight delays, trip cancellations, lost baggage, personal accidents, based on their chosen coverage plan. Policies can cover up to PHP 2.5 million, and travelers can avail of coverage for themselves or family members in as fast as 5 minutes, even at the airport, up to 2 hours before their flight.

Not mixing it up with payment options

The way people pay in different countries can be very different. Some destinations are almost completely cashless, while others still rely heavily on cash especially for transportation and night markets. It’s this extra step of research that travel creator Marvin Samaco makes sure to never miss.

Marvin Samaco - HongKong

According to him, “Some destinations especially in Southeast Asia are still very cash- heavy, so I make sure to carry enough cash when I visit there. Others are mostly cashless, so when I’m there, I use my cards. Then there are places like China, where digital wallets are essential. That's why I always research the payment culture of a destination before I travel. I usually end up using a mix of cash, cards, and digital wallets depending on where I am.”

Marvin - HK

GCash allows travelers to manage different payments through a single e-wallet, get access to 0% forex rates, and have real-time spend tracking on the app to make sure they stay within their budgets.

For everyday expenses like dining at restaurants or at the convenience store, users can Scan to Pay via Alipay+ for safe and seamless transactions. For instant, on-the-go payments, especially in high-volume areas or pasalubong shops, users can also Tap to Pay with their NFC-enabled Android phone, so they don’t need to pull out their wallets in the crowd.

Scan to Pay

Meanwhile, the GCash Card offers 0% Forex fees that one can enjoy on shopping purchases abroad. It can also be used to withdraw cash 24/7 from ATMs worldwide.

Tap to Pay

The ultimate travel pro tip: Be ready for the unexpected

The goal isn’t to plan for everything that could go wrong, but to be ready when the unexpected happens. With GCash as a travel partner, travelers can stay ready for any payment moment, wherever their travels take them.

Celebrating National Artist Larry Alcala’s 100th birth anniversary with free exhibit and cartooning workshops

 

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) marks the 100th birthday of National Artist Lauro “Larry” Alcala with a month-long exhibit, titled “Return to the Popular: Drawing the Filipino Imagination,” opening to the public on August 19, 2026, at Gallery 2 of the Metropolitan Theater in Manila City. 

Co-organized with the Larry Alcala Estate, the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI), the CCP, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Lennon Group, the exhibit features reproductions of his Slice of Life comic illustrations, original works, memorabilia, and works by members of the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas.

Curated by Dr. Jose Santos “Chong” Ardivilla, the exhibit elaborates on how National Artist Alcala’s drawings captured familiar moments in Filipino life and transformed them into humorous stories that people could see themselves in. Showcasing the late cartoonist’s timeless creativity, the exhibit provides an opportunity to share his socio-political observations with the new generation of Filipino artists, comic readers, and enthusiasts.

Return to the Popular: Drawing the Filipino Imagination invites the audience to delve into the same spirit of imagination and poignant appreciation for the mundane that ignited Alcala’s legacy. Known as Mang Larry, the National Artist became a household name in Philippine cartooning by documenting people, their habits, and the experiences that surrounded him.

Among his notable works were the comic strips Kalabog en Bosyo, Siopawman, and Mang Ambo, as well as the weekly cartoon series Slice of Life.

These works helped establish Alcala’s legacy in Philippine popular culture, with Kalabog en Bosyo later earning the title of the longest-running comic strip made by a Filipino.

Mang Larry’s contribution to the arts extended into education and visual communication. As a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, he shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring young artists, introducing the country's first college degree course in commercial design.

Through teaching, mentoring, and his own practice, Alcala encouraged younger artists to explore cartooning as both a profession and a way of communicating ideas. He was recognized as the “Dean of Filipino Cartoonists.”

Reintroducing Mang Larry to the new generation of Filipinos

National Artist Larry Alcala - Centennial Celebration Workshop Schedules

The exhibit also honors Mang Larry’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge through a series of workshops. In partnership with the University of the Philippines’ Department of Visual Communication and Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, there will be five (5) workshops on cartooning happening from August to November 2026.

Open to children aged 8 to 10 years old, illustrators Ardie Aquino, Giodesk Guiao, and Celso Quijano Jr. will expound on character design, comic strips, and basic cartooning on August 29.

Comic artists Boboy Yonzon, Barry Jose, and Mike Yonzon will discuss the complexity of expressing thoughts through cartoons on September 5. Both workshops are slated at Gallery 3 of the Metropolitan Theater.

Meanwhile, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez, comic artist Crown Dolot elaborates on the essence of life and form on September 22, while illustrator Sebastian Cacho explains cardboard characters on October 17, and artist Melvin Calingo spotlights moving images on November 21.

For the Larry Alcala Workshop Series at CCP, interested individuals can sign up at https://bit.ly/RTTP-Workshops. All workshops are free of charge. Materials will also be provided to the participants. Registration for the Larry Alcala Workshop Series at the Met will be available on the official NCCA Facebook page.

Through the collaborative efforts of the CCP, NCCA, FHFI, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, the Larry Alcala Family, UP Fine Arts, Lennon Group, Worldwide Womb, Tony &, Hala! Media,the partners present Alcala’s centennial celebration this year, which commemorates his depiction of Filipinos’ collective experience.

For more information, follow the official social media pages of the CCP, NCCA, Official Larry Alcala, and Lennon Group. To keep up with the CCP’s exhibits, workshops, lectures, and events, check its official website.