ATGA launches Australian Table Grapes PH season in Cebu

CEBU CITY – The Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA) launched the 2026 Australian Table grapes season in Cebu with a live cooking demonstration held at The Marketplace Robinsons Galleria Cebu, bringing the Australian Table Grapes experience directly to Filipino shoppers.

“The Philippines continues to be one of our most important and valued export markets, and this event brings Australian grapes even closer to our consumers. Cebu is another key region where we want to grow with the support of our partners in the Philippines.,” said Jeff Scott, CEO of the Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA), in his opening remarks at the event on April 17, highlighting the importance of the Philippines market to the Australian Table Grapes industry.

Scott said Australian table grape exports to the Philippines have grown steadily in recent years, with the country consistently ranking among Australia’s top export destinations for the category. ATGA expects that momentum to continue in 2026, supported by strong supply, an expanded variety mix, and growing Filipino demand for premium imported fruit.

This activation is part of the 2026 campaign that features in-store sampling, eye-catching displays, digital and social media activity, and point-of-sale materials designed to help shoppers identify Australian-grown grapes and learn more about the different varieties available this season.

Scott said that ATGA is the peak industry body representing Australian table grape growers. It is dedicated to advancing the interests of its members through advocacy, research, and marketing initiatives that promote the quality and sustainability of Australian Table Grapes.

Australia’s 2026 table grape season is underway with strong export momentum, especially to Asia.  After trade restrictions were lifted, Australia can now export 130+ grape varieties to markets like Japan and the Philippines, up from just Crimson Seedless, Red Globe, and Thompson Seedless before, Scott bared.

Philippines access, it is the first country allowed to use cold treatment in transit for pest control for table grapes, citrus, cherries, apples, pears, and kiwifruit, Scott said that trade briefings across five to six Asian countries show demand is set to be exceptionally strong again this season. Last year exports grew 300 percent from 3,500 tonnes to nearly 10,000 tonnes, he added.

Australian Table Grapes showcases recipes at the event

Chef Celina David showcased the versatility of the fruit through three recipes — the savory Trio Queso Nacho Grape Pico, the sweet Woodland Panna Cotta with Rosemary Balsamico, and the refreshing Sparkling Twilight Grape Velvet Lassi.

“This program is a great way for us to share the sweetness and story of Australian Table Grapes to Filipino families here in Cebu,” said Jesse White, International Marketing Manager, Australian Table Grapes Association.

The Australian grapes season launch at Robinson Galleria Cebu drew strong engagement from shoppers, media, retail partners and key opinion leaders, with ATGA leadership in attendance further reinforcing the industry’s commitment to on-ground consumer engagement.

The event had free tasting of new-season varieties like Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, Cotton Candy; meet-the-grower or trade rep segments; promos/discounts on Australian grapes in the supermarket section; cooking demos or pairing tips and photo ops and giveaways. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Rose Pharmacy brings carnival-themed health and wellness festival on April 29-30

CEBU CITY— Rose Pharmacy is hosting a Carnival-Themed  Health and Wellness Festival on April 29-30, 2026 at the Atrium of Robinsons Galleria Cebu, creating a vibrant celebration of health, happiness, and community, blending the colorful excitement of a carnival with the company's long-standing commitment to accessible healthcare. 

"Health should not only be accessible—it should be celebrated. Through this carnival-themed festival, we want to create a space where families can learn, enjoy, and discover practical ways to stay healthy together,” said the company’s spokesperson. 

The two-day event promises fun-filled activities, engaging talks, and exclusive wellness offerings for the whole family.  The festival grounds transform into a lively carnival featuring interactive supplier booths with exciting prizes; food booths offering festive treats; live entertainment and health and wellness talks.

Festival goers can also look forward to exclusive promos and product highlights from Rose Pharmacy's extensive range of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including its private label generics that provide customers with more affordable options for their healthcare needs.  Rose Pharmacy also showcases wellness essentials designed to support everyday self-care routines.

Advancing the Vision of Healthier Communities

The Health and Wellness Festival reflect Rose Pharmacy's vision of empowering individuals and families to take charge of their well-being. By combining education, accessibility, and community engagement in a festive environment, the company aims to inspire more Filipinos to prioritize preventive care and healthy lifestyles.

The event is open to the public, and attendees of all ages are welcome to join in the celebration. For a single receipt purchase of a minimum of P1,000, festival goers can avail of 1 full access ticket passes valid for 1 day only.

Established in Cebu in 1952, Rose Pharmacy has grown to become one of the country's top drugstore chains and a preferred go-to destination for quality and affordable medicines across the Visayas and Mindanao. With this festival, the company continues its mission of promoting healthier communities by making wellness education and services more engaging and accessible.

With the acquisition by Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) in October 20, Rose Pharmacy continues to expand options for customers seeking reliable healthcare and wellness solutions with its own line of private label generics.

For more information and event updates, visit your nearest Rose Pharmacy branch or follow Rose Pharmacy's official social media pages.

Chef Ludy Studio opens its doors

CEBU CITY— From the oven to art, CHEF LUDY STUDIO, the latest concept by Chef Ludy, officially opens on April 20, 2026 with a new culinary destination inviting, and filled with the promise of creativity, bringing together a bakery, a café, and a hands-on learning space for baking and cuisine cooking in one thoughtfully designed hub. 

From the moment guests walk in, the experience is immediate and sensory. The comforting aroma of freshly baked bread lingers in the air, drawing attention to a display of artisanal loaves, delicate pastries, and indulgent sweets all crafted with precision and passion. It’s a bakery that doesn’t just serve products, but showcases the artistry behind every creation.

But what truly defines CHEF LUDY STUDIO is its immersive, educational core. Beyond the café lies a dynamic studio where aspiring bakers and home cooks can step into the kitchen and learn firsthand. Offering both baking and cuisine cooking classes, the space transforms curiosity into skill. 

Under the guidance of Chef Ludy, participants are not only taught recipes but are also introduced to techniques, discipline, and the deeper appreciation of food as both craft and expression.  The grand opening sets the tone for what the studio represents a vibrant intersection of flavor, learning, and community. 

Guests can look forward to live demonstrations, curated tastings, and interactive experiences that give a glimpse into the studio’s full potential.  In a city that thrives on food and culture, CHEF LUDY STUDIO stands as more than just a new spot it’s a creative haven. 

A place where bread is baked fresh daily, coffee is poured with care, and knowledge is shared generously.  On April 20, the ovens are fired up, the tables are set, and a new space for culinary discovery begins—one that invites everyone to taste, learn, and create. (Photos: Chef Ludy) 

Amazing deals at KIZUNA Event

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Vios Fest, showcasing Toyota car modification, transition to hybrid variants

 CEBU CITY – The Toyota Vios Fest, a fun-filled event in March 2026 at the Toyota Cebu City Branch celebrating 36 years, has successfully showcased the Toyota Vios Sedan models, with customization, and marketing emphasizing the importance of overall impact and personalization and slowly transitioning to promoting the hybrid variant to address the current issues with gasoline prices.

Toyota Cebu City general manager, Jose Jessaldo Layese discussed the the importance of overall impact and virtual life modification, emphasizing the need to look at different aspects differently, with key points included the flexibility and affordability of the Vios models, with prices ranging from over P738K to P1,019,800 for different variants.

Layese highlighted the reliability and environmental benefits of hybrid technology, starting with the overall impact and working back to specific details, highlighting the importance of personality and art in modifications and noting that hybrid cars can save up to 20 pesos per kilometer compared to gasoline.

Layese noted that the Toyota Corolla is a popular sedan in the Philippines, with a history dating back to the 90s, highlighting its flexibility and affordability making it a top-selling model. The Vios Fest event was meant to highlight the flexibility and affordability of Toyota models focusing on the Vios.

“But the concept of dressing up a car, including modifications like bumpers, spoilers, and side skirts, are based personal preferences and lifestyles influence the look of a car, emphasizing the owner's role in customization,” shared Rex Abrenilla, an entrepreneur and a race car driver under the Toyota Team Cebu Vios Cup, during the media briefing with the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC).

Abrenilla with Carlo Suarez and John Dale Dy were on hand as judges to the Vios Dressing Up Contest as part of the Vios Fest.  The conversation with these racers also delved on their experiences with the Toyota Vios models being used by the Toyota Racing Development Team and its participation in racing events, aiming to showcase the versatility and future direction of Toyota vehicles.

The racers agreed on the reliability of Toyota engines, explaining on the transition basic sedans to more advanced SUVs, emphasizing the elegance of the Corolla, the Vios and the pricing details for different Toyota variants, including the Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) variant.

Abrenilla and Dy talked highly on the benefits of hybrid technology, including fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. They mentioned the reliability and effectiveness of hybrid vehicles compared to electric vehicles and the affordability of hybrid cars, with many options available from Toyota.

Dy emphasized Toyota's long-standing reputation for reliability, backed by decades of engineering experience and these gentlemen racers agreed on the importance of brand trust and the role of Toyota's engineers in maintaining reliability, and the transition from gasoline to hybrid vehicles to address current fuel issues.

Layese noted an increased demand for hybrid models due to high oil prices.  “Hybrid vehicles offer better fuel efficiency and longer battery life, with some models achieving up to 27 kilometers per liter.  After-sales services are robust, with technicians trained quarterly,” he added.

Layese also highlighted the reliability of hybrid technology at Toyota, backed by 30 years of development, and the need for continuous training to maintain high serviceability standards. He also talked about the importance of battery health and the long-term durability of hybrid vehicles, with many still in good condition after running for over 10 years.

“We, at Toyota highlights the importance of the after-sales support and training provided to our technicians to ensure the reliability of the Toyota hybrid vehicles,” Layese concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Montebello Villa Hotel brings back full-day Easter Wonderland

CEBU CITY -- Montebello Villa Hotel at Gov. M. Cuenco Ave. Apas, Cebu City brings back its annual Easter Wonderland on Easter Sunday, April 5, beginning at 9:00 a.m. designed as an all-access family experience featuring a wide range of activities including large-scale egg hunts, live performances, interactive games, and curated lifestyle attractions aimed at creating meaningful family bonding moments.

The event’s centerpiece, dubbed “The Greatest Egg Hunt,” includes more than 15,000 hand-painted eggs, along with special prizes for participants who find golden, dinosaur, and dragon eggs. Guests can also participate in “Eggventure Quests,” a series of challenges where children can win treats and prizes.

Each ticket includes all-day access from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., along with a meal platter, activity map, and event wristband. Early bird tickets are priced at ₱990, while regular tickets are set at ₱1,200 per person.

The event aims to combine entertainment with opportunities for connection, aligning with the theme that “every moment is made for family.”  An Easter Mass will also be held at 8:30 a.m. at the poolside area for guests who wish to begin the day with a religious observance.

CPMS Family Camp highlights this year’s Easter Wonderland at Montebello

A key highlight of this year’s celebration is the introduction of the Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) Family Camp, which brings structured team-building and inspirational activities into the program. The addition is intended to deepen engagement among families beyond traditional holiday entertainment.

Beyond the egg hunt, attendees can explore a variety of attractions such as inflatables, carnival-style rides, obstacle courses, and interactive zones. A lineup of live shows including a fairytale-themed musical, a bubble show, and a costume runway to run throughout the day. The Zootopia Superstars Costume Contest is also expected to draw participation from children, toddlers, and parents.

Animal and nature exhibits will form part of the “Easter Zootopia,” featuring petting zoos, reptile showcases, and botanical displays. Meanwhile, parents can browse the Easter Bazaar, which offers curated selections of fashion, plants, and locally sourced products.

Tickets may be purchased through the hotel’s official communication channels, including phone and social media platforms. (Photos: CPMS)