The Michelin Guide has unveiled its 2027 edition in the Philippines, welcoming new restaurants and recognizing establishments that have earned higher distinctions.

Chef Josh Boutwood can finally breathe a sigh of relief after his restaurant, Helm, retained its Two Michelin Stars for another year.

El Poco Cantina owner Richards “Tots” Ramirez finally got to attend the Michelin Guide ceremony after missing the event due to an email mishap last year.

White Flower Oil is a familiar scent in many Chinese homes – you may even have had a whiff of it on public transport. The sharp, pungent fragrance of eucalyptus and mint is unmistakable and memory-evoking, and has traditionally been used to treat ailments such as headaches, nausea and bug bites. The origins of White Flower Oil, also known as Hoe Hin Pak Fah Yeow, can be traced to 1927 Penang, then part of Malaya, where founder Gan Geok Eng developed a medicated oil initially intended for private...

Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana is among of the four special awardees of the Michelin Ceremony 2027, taking home the Michelin Opening of the Year Award, a recognition new to the Philippines.

All the Philippines restaurants—from Manila, Cebu, and Environs—that earned Michelin Guide 2027 Stars, Bib Gourmands, and Selected

For The Manila Times President and Chief Operating Officer Blanca Mercado, taking care of oneself is not simply a matter of relaxation. It is an essential part of leading effectively, nurturing relationships and staying present for the people who matter most. As a media executive, mother and grandmother, Mercado understands the demands of balancing professional responsibilities with family life. Through her 15-year partnership with BlueWater Day Spa, she has learned to make wellness a regular part of her routine, finding time to recharge while sharing the experience with her daughter. “Wellness is very important to me because leadership requires energy, focus and a clear mind. I’ve learned that taking time to recharge allows me to come back to work with better perspective and make better decisions. As a mother and grandmother, taking care of my health also means being present for the people I love,” Mercado shared. Leading with confidence and compassion Mercado believes effective leadership is not measured solely on the ability to make difficult decisions but also on creating an environment where colleagues feel heard, supported and encouraged to grow. “Being a ‘girl boss’ is about being confident in your abilities while remaining compassionate and grounded,” she said. “Most importantly, I believe in inspiring and empowering other women to believe in themselves and become the next generation of leaders,” Mercado added. That perspective also informs how she approaches her own well-being. “I make it a point to take care of myself despite a busy schedule. I believe balance doesn’t always mean having equal time for everything, but making sure that the important things — including yourself — are not neglected,” she said. 15 years with BlueWater Mercado’s relationship with BlueWater Day Spa has been a longstanding part of her personal wellness journey. As the brand celebrates its 21st anniversary, she is marking 15 years as one of its ambassadors, a partnership she said has allowed her to witness how the spa continues to respond to its clients’ needs. “I truly consider myself a ‘BlueWater baby.’ Over the years, I’ve seen how the brand has remained relevant by consistently understanding what its clients need and making wellness an important part of their lives,” she said. For Mercado, visiting the spa is also an opportunity to spend quality time with her daughter. “On my free time, I spend time at BlueWater Day Spa with my daughter for our relaxing massages and my favorite non-invasive facial machine treatments such as Oxygen Infusion Therapy, Hifu Face Contour and 5D Laser,” she said. “I look forward to having my ‘me’ time while I enjoy having these non-invasive beauty and anti-aging treatments so I can always look and feel my best as I take on life’s daily challenges. For me, beauty and wellness is not simply a luxury — it is part of living well.” Self-care is not selfish For women who are accustomed to putting their families, teams and careers first, Mercado says personal well-being should not come at the bottom of the prio­rity list. “Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself. You cannot give your best to your family, your team or your work if you are constantly running on empty. Make your health and well-being a priority, because taking care of yourself is not selfish — it allows you to continue taking care of others,” Mercado said. She also connects personal well-being with the way people present themselves to the world, particularly in professional settings where confidence and pre­sence matter. “I also believe that your personal self is your personal brand. How you feel inside reflects how you carry yourself outside. At the end of the day, you are your own brand, so take care of yourself,” Mercado said. BlueWater Day Spa branches, services BlueWater Day Spa offers a widerange of treatments, including Traditional Filipino Massage, Traditional Balinese Massage, Swedish Massage, Chiang Mai Thai Massage, Athlete’s Massage, body scrubs, facials and selected face and body machine treatments. Hand and foot treatments are also available. Guests may visit BlueWater Day Spa at Eton Square along Ortigas Avenue in Greenhills, San Juan (0917-8156659), open daily from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; One Banawe Plaza along Banawe Street in Quezon City (0947-8965075), open daily from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; or the Estancia Mall at Capitol Commons in Pasig (0917-8810092), open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Skin Elements, also at Eton Square in Greenhills (0917-1479142) open daily from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The landmark modern gothic novel, Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” turned 50 this year. There’s been a flurry of gatherings, talks, and panels this month from Pasadena (at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church), to New York (New York Comic Con, the Strand, The National Arts Club) with a culmination in New Orleans. The Krewe of Boo dedicated a special float at the Halloween Parade last Saturday, and a screening of the 1994 “Interview with the Vampire” movie (with Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst) was held last Sunday. Tonight, there will be a special celebration at the 38th annual Anne Rice Vampire Ball and followed by a special book event at the Roussell Auditorium on Halloween. Often in the middle of this commemoration are authors Christopher Rice (Anne’s son), Leigh Bardugo and Eric Shaw Quinn. I had a celebration of my own chatting with Casey Copengco and Lynn Montejo of Anne Rice Philippines, about the first time they picked up a book from The Vampire Chronicles. Casey, who writes as CJ Edmunds, chanced upon “Interview with the Vampire” at the National Bookstore in Virra Mall in 1993. He recalls, “It was the blue Ballantine book with a plantation house on the cover, and it will always be my favorite edition. While my original got worn out, I had to buy a newer copy that later turned yellow. The book then was priced at P131!” “I was expecting more horror, but I didn’t expect it to be something more, something profound that would have a lasting impression and impact on me both as a reader, and as a writer.” “I would love for my work to be a reflection of my love and appreciation for Anne, and if it in turn can inspire a reader to write their own story, then so much the better. We all add to the endless cycle of reading and publishing.” Lynn got her hands on “Memnoch the Devil” (book five) in 1997. She says, “I had begun questioning many aspects of my spirituality and the book found me at the exactly the right moment. I was 17. I didn’t read The Vampire Chronicles in order, mostly because I was buying used or discounted copies and reading whatever I could get my hands on. “Oddly enough, I was never confused by reading the books out of order. It felt like listening to different relatives tell the same family story from their own perspectives, each revealing new details and contradictions along the way.” I can attest to this. Lynn adores how Rice “blended meticulous historical research with supernatural fiction so seamlessly. I love the rich, intricate details that create vivid mental images.” And as Casey would chime in, apart from images, they evoke feelings as well. Leigh Bardugo would agree, in her introduction to the beautiful 50th anniversary edition of book, she talks about how Rice’s vampire stories are “firmly rooted in history,” that Rice has a “mastery of atmosphere,” and beyond that “she wrestles with the moral questions posed by immortality in such deeply human ways.” Rice has achieved a thrilling, enduring work with one foot in the sexy, decadent, lush and another in the philosophical, theological, spiritual and historical. And yes, we all think she’s much more awesome than JK Rowling. Casey will be at the first AuthorCon on November 28 and 29 at the NBS Park in Mandaluyong. The 1994 “Interview with the Vampire” movie is available on HBO Max, and the three seasons of the ongoing “Interview with the Vampire” series is on Netflix. The book is also out there, waiting for you.

Lead cast: Jung Yong-hwa, Hong Seung-hee, Lee Yi-kyung, Park Yoo-na Jung Yong-hwa (Sell Your Haunted House) and Hong Seung-hee (To the Moon) headline Oh! My Guard, a frothy fantasy romantic comedy set in the entertainment world. The general rule with K-drama romcoms is that opposites attract, and at first this appears to hold true for TV actor Uhm Tae-bong (Jung) and wealthy agoraphobe Oh Hae-ra (Hong). Though Tae-bong is a major star, he isn’t afraid to be seen in public, waving and talking to...

P-pop group Alamat embraced Filipino folklore and supernatural elements in the music video for "Pagbigyan (Bad Decisions)."

MANILA, Philippines — The Michelin Guide recognized 127 restaurants in its Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 selection, including 10 Michelin-starred establishments, 31 Bib Gourmand restaurants and 86 Michelin Selected restaurants. The selection was unveiled Thursday at the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of Manila Marriott Hotel, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Michelin Star. Helm retained its Two Michelin Stars, while Flow earned its first One Michelin Star, joining eight restaurants that retained their one-star distinctions. The eight restaurants that retained One Michelin Star are Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kása Palma, Linamnam and Toyo Eatery. Flow completes the nine restaurants in the one-star category. The 31 Bib Gourmand restaurants, recognized for offering good-quality cooking at moderate prices, include 10 new additions: Apag Marangle, ATO-AH, Azela, Balay Dako, Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen, BUTCHER BOY, C.H.E. Bacolod Chicken House Express, Kalipay!, Tatang’s Lechon and Tito Boy. They join returning Bib Gourmand restaurants Abaseria Deli & Cafe, Bolero, Brick Corner, Cabel, Cochi, Em Hà Nội, Esmen, Kumba, La Pita, Lampara, Lasa, Los Tacos, Manam at the Triangle, Morning Sun Eatery, Palm Grill, Pilya’s Kitchen, Sarsa, Some Thai, Taquería Franco, The Pig & Palm and The Underbelly. Meanwhile, 86 restaurants earned Michelin Selected recognition, including 18 new additions: Abé, Bombvinos Bodega, Cyria’s Kandingan, Digámo, Elaia by Cyma, Haliya, Idalia, Kokeek’s Manokan, Kong, Kumedor, Liyab, Makanai, Marjo’s Pochero, Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, Oyster Bay, Playa, Souq and Tadhanà. The new additions join returning Michelin Selected establishments 12/10, Abli, Aida’s Chicken, Antonio’s, Aurora, Automat, Ayà, Benjarong, Blackbird, Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez, Canton Road, Carmelo’s Steakhouse, Chie Chie’s Pancit Batil Patung, China Blue, Cirkulo, COCO, Cru Steakhouse, Deo Gracias, DIP, El Poco Cantina, Ember, Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Fong Wei Wu, Fresca Trattoria, Ginza Nagaoka, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, Goxo, Hálong, House of Lechon, Iai, Juniper, Kamakura, Kei, Kodawari, Locavore, Lola Helen, Lore, Mamacita, Man Ho, Maya, Metiz, Now Now, Oak & Smoke, Offbeat, Old Manila, Origine, Osteria Antica, Pablo, Papillon, People’s Palace, Ramen Ron, Sala, Seva, Sialo, Socarrat, Steak & Frice, Summer Palace, Super Uncle Claypot, Tandem, Taupe, Terraza Martinez, The Test Kitchen, Txanton, Uma Nota, Umu, Yamazato and Your Local. The ceremony also recognized four culinary professionals through special awards. Frances Tariga of Tadhanà received the Michelin Opening of the Year Award, while Ron Job Sanchez of Automat won the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award. Francis Lacson of Digámo was named recipient of the Michelin Young Chef Award, and Clyde Joshua Zafra of Tito Boy received the Michelin Service Award. The 2027 selection highlights the continued growth of the Philippine dining scene, with established restaurants retaining their distinctions and new establishments gaining recognition for their cooking.

In her New York solo exhibition at 47 Canal, Hong Kong-raised artist Cici Wu animates the gallery space with 11 paper lanterns made using traditional techniques. Inside the lanterns constructed with bamboo and willow sticks and sheathed in mulberry paper, she has placed pulsating LED lights that cast moving shadows. There is something cinematic about these luminous sculptures that are traditionally vessels of memories and loss. The pulsating light in each lantern corresponds to a section of the...

Helm by Chef Josh Boutwood did it again, receiving the highest Michelin star rating on Thursday night, with Two Michelin Stars.

Bimby Aquino said that he wants his mother, Kris Aquino, to walk him down the aisle when he gets married.

For its second edition in the country, the Michelin Guide recognized a total of ___ establishments:

It's a big difference from 2026 where only nine Philippine restaurants were awarded stars; eight were given One Michelin Star each and Helm by Chef Josh Boutwood became the only restaurant to receive Two Michelin Stars.

In 2026, the Michelin Guide awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction to 25 restaurants in the Philippines.

At the Michelin Guide Ceremony: Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027, held Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts, __ restaurants were included in the Michelin Selection.

Kris Aquino hopes to reach the age of 60 as she reflected on life and death amid her health battle.

Kris Aquino revealed that First Lady Liza Marcos helped handle her annulment to James Yap in 2012.

“We’re in the golden age of Canadian wines,” legendary wine writer Tony Aspler tells me confidently. We are at an intimate showcase of the stuff at the Canadian consulate in Hong Kong’s Quarry Bay neighbourhood, where representatives of nine wineries have gathered to prove that the true north has more than ice wine to offer. As a wine drinker with no particular bias – I will happily quaff a funky Austrian pét-nat (sparkling wine) as much as a fine Burgundy – it was natural for me to enter with...

None other than President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., and First Lady Liza Marcos graced the Michelin Guide Ceremony: Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 held at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts on Thursday.

Halloween weekend in Hong Kong offers far more than the usual bar or club crawl. From big-stage music and carnival energy to an artsy cocktail night, themed workouts and a family-friendly market, there are many ways to mark one of the city’s biggest celebrations. Read on to plan your perfect Halloweekend. 1. Spooky Halloween 2026 festival After its inaugural run in 2025, Hong Kong’s Halloween music carnival is officially back, taking over the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space from October 30 to...

The festival is planned for Hoài River Square, An Hội Sculpture Garden, along the Hoài River and on streets throughout the ancient town. It aims to preserve traditional lantern-making, promote cultural heritage and expand creative spaces in Hội An.

Despite difficult terrain and limited transport infrastructure, villages in Lai Châu and Sơn La provinces are turning their natural landscapes, distinctive cultures and rural lifestyles into tourism assets.

Ever noticed that crispy foods make such popular appetizers, or that kids gravitate toward crunchy treats like crackers and chips? It isn't just a phase. There's a reason the crispy stuff always disappears first from the plate.

BIGBANG performed at the National Stadium in Mỹ Đình on October 24 and 25, drawing about 90,000 domestic and international fans, the department said.

The expansion of Đà Nẵng’s geographical boundaries following administrative restructuring has opened up new tourism opportunities, with the southern area boasting considerable potential and distinctive advantages.

The festival aims to bring heritage and traditional crafts into contemporary life through new products, services and experiences. The creative economy is a central focus, with efforts to turn cultural resources and creative talent into economic value.

Presenting for the second consecutive year at TIFF, the pavilion aims to connect Vietnamese filmmakers with international partners and promote opportunities for film production, distribution and location shooting in Việt Nam.