Taste the World’s Best at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and Hong Kong Gourmet Month

 

Hong Kong has long been a foodie paradise for Filipinos, but this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival and Hong Kong Gourmet Month have significantly raised the stakes. With the theme of “Taste the World’s Best,” the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival will be running for four days from Thursday, October 29, to Sunday, November 1. Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and co-organized by Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), the event will be held at Central Harbourfront Event Space and Tamar Park. 

Wine & Dine your way through Hong Kong

This year’s Wine & Dine Festival returns on an even grander scale, with more than 340 participating booths and a bigger venue that includes Tamar Park. Gourmets and vinophiles can look forward to a curated selection of fine wines and gastronomic delicacies from around 31 countries and regions. 

Some highlights include the Grand Wine Pavilion, featuring prestigious wines from the world’s foremost wine-producing regions, like France, Italy, Spain, Chile and more, the “Amex Gourmet Club,” with a star-studded lineup of Michelin-starred establishments offering their signature dishes at the festival, and the “Tasting Room,” a 10-hand collaborative feast featuring five leading chefs from Hong Kong and Mainland China. 

The debut of “Only in Hong Kong” flavors

Beyond the signature festival experiences, Filipino gourmands can’t miss the series of distinctively local “Only in Hong Kong” flavours, reinventing classic Hong Kong tastes through unexpected combinations. One example pairs traditional soy milk with creative contemporary dessert techniques to craft a rich,  aromatic Black Sesame Soy Milk Pudding Tart. Infusing traditional local flavours with new-generation creativity, this creation showcases the vibrant fusion of old and new in Hong Kong’s culinary culture. 

These offerings weave familiar, beloved Hong Kong flavours into contemporary culinary and mixology concepts. As tradition and modern trends spark fresh inspiration, they create flavors that can truly be savored “Only in Hong Kong”.

A month of fine fare

The feast of celebrations doesn't stop at the end of Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. Immediately following the Festival, HKTB will be launching “Hong Kong Gourmet Month,” joining hands with restaurants and bars across the city to present limited-edition gourmet dishes, unique experiences and dining discounts throughout November. 

In addition, HKTB will be coming out with a “Hong Kong Late-Night Dining Guide”, highlighting the city’s vibrant after-dark dining hotspots. The guide allows Filipino visitors to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s dynamic food and drink scene round the clock.

For more ticketing information and additional details, visit Discover Hong Kong. 

CCP’s National Theatre Live examines personal convictions and power in The Fifth Step and The Audience

 

The Fifth Step

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with National Theatre Live and Ayala Malls Cinemas, brings two acclaimed British theatre productions to Philippine cinema screens on October 27 at 6:00 p.m. through the third season of CCP’s National Theatre Live.

David Ireland's The Fifth Step premieres at Ayala Greenbelt 3 Cinema in Makati, while Peter Morgan's The Audience premieres at Ayala Vertis North, Nuvali in Laguna, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Through these simultaneous screenings, CCP’s National Theatre Live continues its commitment to making international theatre more accessible to Filipino audiences.

Written by acclaimed Irish playwright David Ireland, The Fifth Step follows James, a recovering alcoholic with years of sobriety, who takes newcomer Luka under his wing as he begins his journey through a twelve-step recovery program. What begins as a friendship grounded in shared experiences gradually develops into a more complicated relationship as their differing beliefs challenge their understanding of trust, faith, and recovery.

Blending dark humor with emotional intensity, the play explores addiction, vulnerability, and the complexities of human connection. As the two men confront their personal convictions, their relationship raises questions about the boundaries of mentorship and the difficult process of rebuilding one's life.

The Fifth Step features Olivier Award winner Jack Lowden and Emmy and BAFTA Award winner Martin Freeman. The production enjoyed a sold-out West End run before being brought to international audiences through National Theatre Live.

Meanwhile, The Audience, written by Peter Morgan, offers an intimate glimpse into the private weekly meetings between Queen Elizabeth II and her prime ministers throughout her reign. Behind closed doors, the monarch engages in conversations with the leaders who shape Britain's political landscape, revealing the tensions between personal convictions, public duty, and the changing course of history.

Through these encounters, the play examines the relationship between the Crown and government, while offering a perspective on the Queen's life and leadership across decades of political and social change.

The Audience

The Audience has earned acclaim for its portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II's private meetings with British prime ministers. The original West End production received two 2013 Laurence Olivier Awards, with Helen Mirren winning Best Actress for her portrayal of the Queen and Richard McCabe winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Both actors later reprised their roles on Broadway, earning Tony Awards in 2015 for their performances.

Both productions form part of CCP’s National Theatre Live Season 3, which runs from September 2026 to August 2027. In partnership with National Theatre Live and Ayala Malls Cinemas, the program presents acclaimed stage productions filmed live before theatre audiences and specially adapted for cinema screens, allowing Filipino viewers to experience the best of British theatre.

Witness these powerful performances on the big screen through CCP’s National Theatre Live. Catch The Fifth Step at Ayala Greenbelt Cinema, and The Audience at Ayala Vertis North, Nuvali, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay on October 27 at 6:00 p.m.

For ticket information and updates, follow the official social media accounts of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and visit the CCP website.

Why Michelin-starred chefs are obsessed with your go-to Taco Bell order

 

Visit your nearest Taco Bell branch and dive straight into flavorful offerings like the Crunchwrap Supreme, Gordita,

and Chalupa.

If you have always loved Taco Bell for its bold flavors and undeniable craveability, you are in excellent company. While you might see your favorite order as the ultimate, unpretentious comfort food to cap off a long day, some of the world's most elite, Michelin-starred culinary minds view it as an absolute masterpiece of food engineering!

According to a recently published Wall Street Journal article titled “Top Chefs Have a Confession: They Love Taco Bell,” top high-end restaurant chefs in the US are openly confessing their deep obsession with the brand. These culinary masters praise the Taco Bell’s menu for achieving what they call the elusive "perfect bite," a precise, scientific harmony of contrasting textures and temperatures that even luxury, fine-dining establishments struggle to execute consistently!

Whether you are craving that specific crunch after a long day or celebrating the weekend with your crew, you have

already been appreciating that exact same world-class flavor formula.

The article further highlights how these elite chefs rave about the clever balance between hot, seasoned beef and crisp, cool toppings, meaning that great food design doesn't have to be complicated. These food experts have effectively validated what Filipino foodies have been championing all along, that choosing Taco Bell is an appreciation for comfort food that simply hits the spot every single time!

The good thing is you know where to go whenever you’re in the mood for your go-to Tex-Mex fare! With Taco Bell's strong, highly accessible footprint across Metro Manila’s premier commercial and lifestyle hubs, satisfying your cravings is easy! You can find your flavor fix at on-the-go branches located in Gateway Mall and Cyberpark Tower in Araneta City, Cubao; Trinoma and SM Fairview in Northern Quezon City; SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City; Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City; Venice Grand Canal in Taguig City; and Ayala Circuit and One Ayala in Makati City!

You can visit these branches anytime to experience an entire lineup of bold, crave-worthy products that hit those exact same high-level flavor profiles. Aside from the beloved Crunchwrap Supreme, you can dive into their other flavorful offerings like the pillowy, golden-fried Chalupa and the tender, ultra-meaty Gordita, among many others.

So, the next time you place your order at Taco Bell, hold your head up high because you are eating exactly like the world's best foodies!

Visit your nearest Taco Bell store for dine-in and take-out orders, or have your favorites delivered straight to your doorstep via the 8911-1111 hotline, Taco Bell Philippines’ official website at tacobell.com.ph, or through official delivery partners Grabfood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary)!

Don't miss the latest updates, offers, and deals from Taco Bell by following and giving the brand a like on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Araneta City highlights stories of courage, wellness, healing this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Behind every breast cancer diagnosis is a patient navigating uncertainty, a survivor demonstrating resilience, a family providing unwavering support, and healthcare professionals helping guide the journey toward healing.

This October, Araneta City shines a light on these stories through "Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Recognizing the People Behind Every Story," a Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign in partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) and the Love Hope Dream Foundation (LHDF).

Through a series of health, fitness, educational, and creative activities, the City of Firsts aims to promote early detection, encourage meaningful conversations about breast health, and recognize the individuals and communities whose strength and support continue to inspire hope in the face of cancer.

The campaign begins with Screening for Wellness, a free breast and prostate cancer screening program organized in partnership with PCS on October 15 (for breast screening) and 19 (for prostate screening). This initiative provides members of the Araneta City community with access to early detection services, reinforcing the importance of regular screening in the fight against cancer. Participants who complete their screenings will also receive points through the Araneta Rewards program.

On October 18, Araneta City invites the public to join the Moving for Fitness aRUneta Run Club edition. This Sunday morning event combines movement and community spirit through a morning of running and dance warm-ups at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum in support of breast cancer patients and survivors. Participants are encouraged to wear pink as a symbol of solidarity and encouragement for those affected by the disease

Education takes center stage on October 19 through Learning Through Awareness organized together with PCS and LHDF at Gateway Mall 1. The session will tackle cancer prevention, early detection, common misconceptions about breast cancer, and available support resources. By providing accurate and accessible information, the event hopes to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Complementing the awareness talks is Healing Through Art, an art workshop and two-day exhibit from October 19 to 20. To be participated by patients and survivors invited by LHDF, the initiative highlights the role of creativity and self-expression in emotional healing and recovery. Through art, participants have the opportunity to share their experiences, process their journeys, and connect with others who understand the challenges they have faced.

Araneta City’s "Beyond the Pink Ribbon" campaign reflects a broader understanding of breast cancer awareness. More than raising awareness, this campaign seeks to encourage proactive healthcare, foster compassion, and create spaces where stories of courage, recovery, and support can be shared.

Mang Inasal Serves Up Big Value with New Sulit Bowls

 

As more Filipinos seek meals that deliver great taste, satisfying portions, and budget-friendly prices, Mang Inasal is responding with its newest offering: Sulit Bowls, now available in Metro Manila and Luzon, starting at ₱89.

"We know that Filipinos are constantly looking for meals that are delicious, filling, convenient, and affordable. Mang Inasal Sulit Bowls are our way of giving them exactly that," said Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro.

The Mang Inasal Sulit Bowls feature two crave-worthy variants: Soy Garlic Chicken and Pork Sisig.

The Mang Inasal Sulit Bowl Soy Garlic Chicken combines tender grilled chicken, crunchy garlic bits, spring onions, sliced egg, and rich soy garlic sauce over a serving of rice, creating a savory, flavor-packed meal that satisfies with every spoonful.

Meanwhile, the Mang Inasal Sulit Bowl Pork Sisig brings together crunchy and meaty pork sisig with creamy sauce, served over rice, delivering the bold, comforting flavors Filipinos love in a convenient bowl format.

These Sulit Bowls reflect Mang Inasal' s commitment to creating menu offerings that address the evolving needs of consumers, particularly those looking for food options that strike the right balance between affordability, busog, and sarap. 

Available for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery, Mang Inasal Sulit Bowls are now ready to satisfy cravings across Metro Manila and Luzon.

Customers in Visayas and Mindanao can look forward to enjoying the new offering soon, as the Mang Inasal Sulit Bowls will be available in VisMin within the month.

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!