DTI Kicks Off 2026 Trade Fair Calendar with Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair

 

Mandated to promote the efficient marketing of local products and expand market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town One Product (BMDPO) continues to strengthen its national trade fair program as a core platform for enterprise growth, buyer linkage, and product development.

As part of this mandate, DTI-BMDPO will open the 2026 trade fair calendar with the DTI- Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, happening from February 18 to 22, 2026, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

Building on a Year of Strong Results

In 2025, DTI-BMDPO, in partnership with industry stakeholders, successfully delivered ten DTI–Bagong Pilipinas national trade fairs, alongside strategic international participations across priority sectors.

Across these national fairs, participating enterprises generated a combined Php 621.1 million in cash sales, confirmed orders, and ongoing negotiations, directly benefiting 1,490 MSMEs nationwide. Collectively, the fairs attracted more than 163,000 buyers and visitors, significantly expanding market reach for Filipino products and strengthening domestic value chains.

According to DTI-BMDPO, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained trade- fair programming in moving MSMEs beyond one-time transactions toward longer-term market relationships and brand growth.

A Curated Showcase of Sustainable Filipino Products

The 2026 National Trade Fair will present a curated selection of eco-friendly, design-driven, and high-value Filipino products for buyers, entrepreneurs, and conscious consumers.

A major highlight of the fair is the upgraded Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, featuring furniture, textiles, fashion, and handicrafts made from coconut-based materials, engineered bamboo, natural fibers, plant-based dyes, and native grasses sourced from regions across the country. Innovative uses of recyclable and reusable materials will also be showcased, transformed into functional pieces for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

Beyond the exhibition floor, visitors can take part in daily live activities, including craft workshops, product demonstrations, and cultural performances. These activities aim to deepen appreciation for Filipino creativity while highlighting the skills, materials, and traditions behind locally made products.

Strengthening B2B Sourcing Through Buyer’s Day 2026

Complementing the National Trade Fair is DTI Buyer’s Day 2026: Sourcing and Connections, a dedicated pre-event activity designed to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) sourcing, networking, and partnership-building between MSMEs and institutional buyers.

Buyer’s Day 2026 will serve as a venue to show appreciation to institutional partners and corporate buyers, particularly those who have consistently supported the DTI’s trade events.

Together, the National Trade Fair and Buyer’s Day form an integrated platform that connects MSMEs with both consumer and institutional markets, reinforcing DTI-BMDPO’s market- driven approach to enterprise development.

Trade Fairs as Engines of MSME Growth

DTI-BMDPO’s trade fairs function as more than retail platforms. They serve as engines of MSME development, enabling enterprises to test products, refine branding, adjust pricing strategies, and respond to consumer demand in real time.

Large-scale national fairs deliver broad visibility and high foot traffic. For many participants, repeated exposure across multiple fairs has translated into stronger sales performance and improved readiness for both domestic and export markets.

DTI-BMDPO Supervising Head Asec. Nylah Rizza Bautista noted that the 2026 trade fair calendar strengthens both retail and B2B market linkages. “With twelve trade fair events planned for 2026, we are strengthening the trade fair program as a system—one that combines consumer-facing platforms with buyer sourcing and networking opportunities. This approach enables MSMEs to move beyond single-event participation toward sustained market integration,” she said.

Anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas Vision

Anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas agenda, the 2026 National Trade Fair reflects DTI- BMDPO’s continuing commitment to sustainable production, elevated Filipino design, and inclusive market access for MSMEs. As the opening event of the 2026 trade fair calendar, it sets the tone for a year focused on stronger buyer engagement, expanded sourcing opportunities, and more meaningful business outcomes for Filipino enterprises.

Whether sourcing sustainable products, exploring B2B partnerships, or discovering proudly Filipino innovations, the 2026 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair offers a dynamic platform where sustainability, creativity, and enterprise converge.

To know more about the upcoming 2026 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas trade fairs, follow their social media accounts on Facebook (@BDTP), Instagram (@dti.bmdpo), X (@DTI_BMDPO). You may also email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph for more information.

Mang Inasal makes Ihaw-Sarap more accessible with its newly revamped delivery app

 

Whether it’s a spontaneous family salu-salo, a late-night craving, or a weekend treat for yourself, Mang Inasal is making sure your favorite Ihaw-Sarap meals are now just a few taps away! The brand recently rolled out its newly revamped delivery app, offering a smoother, more rewarding way to order Mang Inasal food anytime, anywhere.

 

Designed with convenience in mind, the new Mang Inasal App puts Pinadaling Ordering front and center. The improved interface allows users to browse, order, and check out with ease, cutting down wait time, and making the whole experience feel refreshingly simple.

With the app, value remains key! Through Pinakasulit Prices, the app offers lower prices compared to other online delivery platforms, paired with a fixed Php 49 delivery fee and no surge pricing. That means more budget-friendly orders and more sulit Ihaw-Sarap fixes, even during peak hours or busy mealtimes.

 

And because no Mang Inasal experience is complete without a little extra saya, the app also comes with Pinatodong Deals: exclusive promos and treats available only to app users. From special discounts to surprise freebies, every order has the potential to feel a little more exciting!

“At Mang Inasal, we’re always looking for ways to make our Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya experience more accessible to our customers,” said Mike V. Castro, President of Mang Inasal. “With the revamped Mang Inasal App, we’re making it easier, more rewarding, and more convenient for our customers to enjoy their favorites, whether they’re ordering for themselves or sharing a meal with family and friends.”

“We really encourage people to download and register on the app because we’ve made it one of the most convenient and rewarding ways to enjoy Mang Inasal to date,” said Baberly Barairo, Mang Inasal’s Channels Marketing Manager and the delivery app project lead. “There are already some exclusive deals going on for in- app orders, but we also have a lot of exciting new features coming up for our users, so I hope they keep a look out for that in the future.”

The app’s launch was marked by the first-ever Mang Inasal Creators Lab, a gathering that brought together today’s content creators for a day of learning, collaboration, and creative exchange. Held at Concept Space Manila in Quezon City, the event featured some of today’s top content creators like world-famous Lumpia Queen Abi Marquez, relatable food, lifestyle, and fashion vlogger Jahd Ong, and comedic short-form video creator Steven Bansil, alongside fellow influencers exploring fresh ways to create engaging content.

 

The Creators Lab highlighted Mang Inasal’s growing presence in the creator space, showing how the brand continues to connect with communities through creativity, storytelling, and shared experiences.

 

With a revamped delivery app and a new platform for creators, Mang Inasal proves that enjoying Ihaw-Sarap isn’t just about the food, but about making every experience more convenient, more rewarding, and more fun.

 

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.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!

For back pain and tech neck, try tummy time

Like baby tummy time, adult tummy time, the exercise of lying on your stomach and propping yourself up with your forearms, helps improve posture by promoting spinal extension and strengthening your back and neck muscles.

To moms with infants, “tummy time” is a TikTok trend that involves laying baby awake on its chest for a few supervised minutes at a time. Advisable for infants that are at least 3 months old, it is said to strengthen a baby’s neck, shoulders, and back.

Given tummy time’s benefits to baby, experts figured that tummy time can help adults too. “In adult tummy time, you lie on your stomach, prop yourself up with your forearms, and keep your neck aligned with your spine,” explains Ma. Elena Lourdes R. Tan, MD from top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “This helps improve posture by promoting spinal extension and strengthening your back and neck muscles. It also relieves you of ‘tech neck’ or the strain you feel on your neck and shoulders from sitting hunched forward and staring down at a cellphone or computer.”

“Think of adult tummy time as the opposite of slouching and leaning forward while you sit for hours,” adds the MakatiMed health expert.

Is adult tummy time for you?

Although lying on your belly may seem easy, adult tummy time isn’t for everyone, says Dr. Tan. “If you have severe or chronic back pain, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, or degenerative disc disease, skip adult tummy time until you get clearance from your physician. Certain health states, such as pregnant women, particularly those in their second and third trimesters, shouldn’t attempt it either, as do individuals who just underwent surgery may not be a target population for this exercise.”

Adult tummy time, step-by-step

Got the go signal from your doctor? Start slowly. Lie on your stomach on a sturdy surface like a mat on the floor. Prop yourself up with your forearms. Keep your shoulders relaxed, and make sure your neck is aligned with your spine and your abdomen engaged.

Hold the position for a few minutes, rest, then repeat until you’re strong enough to go longer. This, however, isn’t a test of endurance. “Staying in adult tummy time position for 30 minutes or more may do more harm than good,” warns Dr. Tan. “You could develop neck and back pain, which are the very things you were trying to treat. Stop when you feel a strain and discomfort from the position.”

No time for adult tummy time? Do these instead

You can still get the benefits of adult tummy time through other positions that promote good posture and ease the aches and pains of your back and neck tech. “Looking up at the ceiling relieves neck strain and realigns your head with your spine,” says Dr. Tan. “Try wall angels: Stand straight and lean your back against a wall, making sure your head, shoulders, and pelvis are in contact are touching the wall. With your arms stretched to your sides, slowly raise them up and down as you would when you’re doing snow angels.”

“The simplest thing anyone can do is to take walking breaks every 1 to 2 hours pr when you start to feel stiffness or discomfort anywhere in the back while sitting behind a desk,” adds Dr. Tan. “This gets you out of that hunched position that’s responsible for your back and neck pain.”

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.

 

The Worth-It Way to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and Macau

 

Sneaker Street

When you think of traveling to Hong Kong, it’s easy to see why Macau is often visited too—they’re just so close! With its endless shopping spots, iconic attractions, and mouthwatering delicacies, these places have become popular holiday destinations for many Filipinos - especially during Chinese New Year.

Trips to these cities can feel pricey, especially if you’re traveling with family. But it doesn’t always have to be that way! There are plenty of cool spots and tasty eats in both cities where you can score great value without sacrificing the experience.

With your GCash Visa Card and e-wallet, every swipe, scan, or tap helps your money go further—thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.

And if you want great value, you can get that for sure when you use the ultimate shopping hack from GCash. All you need is your GCash Visa Card and e-wallet so you can Swipe- Scan-Tap. When you do, you can stretch every peso, thanks to lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.

If you’re heading to Hong Kong and Macau for the Lunar New Year, check out these stops that are perfect for families and guaranteed to give a worth it experience.

Shop sulit and smart hauls at wholesale stores and markets

Hong Kong is admittedly a shopping haven - but if you want to shop smart, you need to know where to go. Lung Fung Mall offers beauty, skincare, and health products at friendlier prices than malls. You can find fragrances, skincare, and other beauty products at reduced prices at their many locations across Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, if you’re finally ready to buy that brand new item you’ve been saving up for, like new running shoes, a bag, or workout gear, Citygate Outlets is your best option. They carry many brands, such as Lululemon, Evisu, Marimekko, and many more.

For seasoned travellers who frequent Hong Kong, going to Mong Kok to buy clothes, snacks, and a wide variety of anik-anik is also a no-brainer. If you’ve ever heard of Sneaker Street and Ladies Market, you can find things for you and for your pasalubong back home. The best part is that you can still haggle the prices in certain stores, making shopping in the area even more budget-friendly—so get your tawad skills ready!

And when carrying multiple bags after your pasalubong spree becomes a hassle, you can tap your way to easy, convenient payments with GCash Tap to Pay. Available for all NFC- enabled Android smartphones, it lets you pay with just one tap—making it much easier to get around the often-crowded streets.

Discover hidden gems and family fun in Macau

Macau isn’t just about its famous landmarks and beautiful architecture – though it is worth going just to see them for yourself. But there are also many fun experiences that the family can enjoy, and it’s all just a convenient ferry ticket away! These boat trips take about an hour from the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal, and you can secure your tickets by paying with GCash Scan to Pay for a hassle-free experience. Simply generate your QR code and select

Pay Abroad with GCash, and look for merchants with a QR code bearing the A+ logo to scan. If you’re looking for local delicacies, head over to Taipa Village, where you can stock up on crowd favorites like beef jerky and almond cookies. These treats are delicious, affordable, and loved by locals! You can also book tickets to teamLab SuperNature Macau, an incredible interactive art space with 8-meter-tall, colorful exhibitions that kids and adults will enjoy.

Here’s a secret hack when paying with GCash abroad: some merchants also offer special promos and discounts up to PHP 1,500 off, just tap Travel and go into Travel Treats to browse what’s available.

Eat without the splurge at Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose and Cheung Hing Kee

One of the best parts of traveling to Hong Kong and Macao is the food. You can’t leave Hong Kong without trying their roast goose, and a great spot to try is Yung's Tangerine Peel Roast Goose. Yung’s is rich and flavorful, and best of all, budget friendly.

When you hear that a restaurant has been recognized by Michelin, would you believe that you don’t have to pay a fortune for high-quality food? Because that’s what you can expect from MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns at Lock Road. Other than their pan-fried buns, their scallion noodles and wontons are a must-try—perfect bites to snack on when you want to refuel while exploring the city.

Scan, Swipe, and Tap for a sulit and enjoyable trip

Traveling on a budget doesn’t have to mean limiting yourself. When you pay with GCash abroad, you get real-time control over your spending, low forex rates updated instantly in-app, and fast, convenient transactions throughout your trip — all while enjoying to the fullest. Remember to scan, swipe, and tap for an experience you’ll definitely say is worth it! Download the GCash app today to get started.

Put Yourself First with These Health & Beauty Treatments

 

In the rush of daily responsibilities, it is easy to place your own needs at the bottom of the priority list. Work deadlines, family commitments, and social obligations often take center stage, leaving little time to focus on personal wellbeing. Yet choosing to put yourself first is not selfish; it is essential. Investing in your health and appearance can strengthen confidence, support mental wellbeing, and help you show up as your best self in every area of life.

Modern health and beauty treatments are tools that can help you feel more comfortable, refreshed, and aligned with how you see yourself. If you have been considering making a change, this could be the moment to explore options that genuinely support your wellbeing.

Prioritize Skincare That Supports Long-Term Health

Healthy skin is often associated with vitality, and caring for it goes far beyond aesthetics. A consistent skincare routine can protect against environmental damage, slow visible signs of aging, and improve overall texture. If you can set aside time for professional treatments, such as medical-grade facials, gentle chemical peels, or laser therapies, you can target concerns like uneven tone, fine lines, and congestion more effectively than over-the-counter products alone. The bonus of this self-care act is that it can become a calming ritual, your reminder that you deserve moments of care within a busy schedule.

Do Not Overlook Preventive Health Measures

Putting yourself first also means staying proactive about your physical health. Consider whether you have been postponing appointments or ignoring minor concerns. Addressing them now can provide reassurance and prevent unnecessary stress later. True self-care often involves the steps that protect your future wellbeing, even if they seem small today. When your health feels stable and supported, it becomes far easier to focus on the things that bring you joy.

Restore Confidence in Your Smile

Your smile plays a powerful role in how you present yourself to the world. If you feel self-conscious about chipped, uneven, or discolored teeth, it can quietly influence how often you smile or speak with ease.

For those seeking a long-lasting enhancement, Houston veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their shape, color, and overall symmetry, and because they are designed specifically for each individual, the results typically appear natural rather than overly polished.

Beyond the physical transformation, many people notice a meaningful boost in confidence after improving their smile. Feeling proud of your teeth often encourages you to engage more freely in conversations, laugh without hesitation, and approach social or professional situations with greater assurance.

Support Your Mental Wellbeing

Health and beauty are not limited to what you see in the mirror. Emotional balance is equally important, yet it is frequently overlooked. Carving out time for activities that restore your energy, whether that means exercise, mindfulness practices, creative hobbies, or speaking with a professional, can significantly improve how you feel day to day. Even small adjustments, such as setting clearer boundaries or allowing yourself proper rest, can have a lasting impact .When your mind feels supported, confidence tends to grow naturally.

Step Into a More Empowered Version of Yourself

Making your health and beauty a priority is not an indulgence, and it’s not about becoming someone new; it is an investment in the life you want to lead. It is about giving yourself permission to feel as strong, capable, and confident as you truly are.