A Taste of Australia Launches at Landmark Supermarket Makati, Bringing Aussie Favorites Closer to Home

 The flavors and vibrance of Australia are now closer than ever as “A Taste of Australia” officially launched at Landmark Supermarket Makati. The event was spearheaded by Landmark Chief Operating Officer Teddy Keng, Landmark SVP for Marketing Michelle Keng, and Hans Lim of NexTrade, with the support of Austrade and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Marc Innes-Brown, alongside representatives from leading Australian brands. 

If you’re craving Aussie favorites—from premium snacks to pantry staples—make sure to drop by Landmark Supermarket and experience a true taste of Australia. 

Adding excitement for shoppers, every purchase of participating Australian products until October 31 earns a raffle entry to win a Qantas Airways roundtrip ticket for two to Australia, an opportunity to explore its landscapes, flavors, and hospitality.

Bringing the Australian Way of Life to Filipino Homes

Australia is known for its clean, green lifestyle and wholesome choices, now within easy reach at Landmark through trusted brands.

Celebrating the best of Australia at Landmark. From left: Michelle Keng, SVP for Merchandising, The Landmark Corporation; Rey Co, Managing Director, High Tower Aussie Lamb; Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown; Hans Lim, SVP and General Manager, Nextrade Philippines Inc.; and Warren Chua, VP, Nature’s Harvest Corporation, mark the opening of A Taste of Australia at Landmark Supermarket Makati, showcasing premium Australian brands including Pure Harvest, MasterFoods, Earth Choice, and Yarra Valley Hilltop.

Pure Harvest brings organic almond, oat, soy, and rice milks from one of Australia’s pioneers in plant-based living – fully vegan products. Freedom Fresh Happy Nut delivers only the best Australian macadamia nuts in shell, in many different flavour profiles, perfect for breakfast or a light snack. Cobs Popcorn, made from non-GMO corn and only natural seasonings, are perfect for picnics, family gatherings and movie nights, or a healthy low-calorie snack. Busy weeknights are made easier with Dolmio, offering Italian-heritage pasta sauces for hearty meals, while MasterFoods elevates everyday cooking with its premium and trusted range of herbs, spices, and sauces. Leading the way for environmentally friendly and eco-conscious households, Earth Choice provides the highest quality Earth-safe, biodegradable, and effective cleaning.  Yarra Valley Hilltop offers only the freshest fruit juice from the harvests of the Yarra Valley region in Victoria. The Australian showcase also features other Australian icons like Rafferty’s Garden, Smoovi, Binda Valley, Lo Bros, Leggo’s, Infuzions, Charlie’s Fine Food Co., Tucker’s, Brookfarm, Bega, Vegemite, Chef Joey D, Arnott’s, Laucke, SPC, and Red Rock Deli.

Together, these brands reflect what Australians value most: natural goodness, trusted quality, and guaranteed everyday enjoyment.

Everyday Convenience, Premium Choices

These Australian favorites are available exclusively at Landmark branches in Makati, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Trinoma, BGC, Alabang, and Nuvali, making it easy for families to bring home the best of Australia, from healthy and balanced meals to eco-friendly cleaning.

Strengthening Ties, Celebrating Culture

A Taste of Australia also highlights the growing partnership between Australia and the Philippines: supporting trade, showcasing sustainable producers, and celebrating shared love for good food and sharing joy together in community.

Discover the freshness, flavors, and spirit of Australia, now just an aisle away at Landmark. Visit your nearest branch or shop online at landmark.ph.  

realme 15T 5G: The Slim Powerhouse with a 7000mAh Battery for All-Day Performance

 Sleek, lightweight, and powered by a massive 7000mAh battery — the newest member of the realme 15 Series 5G smartphone empowers users to live more and charge less

Following the launch of the realme 15 Pro 5G and realme 15 5G, realme is set to introduce a new thin with the arrival of the realme 15T 5G, the latest member of the realme 15 Series 5G lineup.

At its core is a 7000mAh Massive Battery that redefines endurance, giving users the freedom to enjoy endless conversations, adventures, and even late-night workouts without the constant need to recharge. Backed by 60W SUPERVOOC Charge, the device powers up quickly, ensuring less time plugged in and more time enjoying activities.  

Beyond its battery, the realme 15T 5G makes a statement with its striking yet practical design. Measuring just 7.79mm thin in Suit Titanium and 7.89mm in Flowing Silver, the smartphone is remarkably slim for a device carrying such a large battery. Its metallic-textured mid-frame and matte-textured back cover not only adds character but also ensures comfort with its rounded corners and lightweight build of just 181g (Suit Titanium) and 183g (Flowing Silver).

Up front, the 6.57” AMOLED flat display with DT Star D+ glass protection delivers both durability and immersive visuals, making it perfect for streaming, gaming, or scrolling through memories.

Built to last yet crafted to stay light in hand, the realme 15T 5G is designed to keep pace with everything that matters day-to-day. 

The realme 15T 5G will officially arrive in the Philippines on October 8. To celebrate its arrival, every purchase comes with exclusive freebies worth up to PHP 2,898, including a TechLife Bluetooth Speaker 2 and a 1-Year Screen Damage Protection Plan. These freebies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at realme partner retailers, only while supplies last.

 Live more, charge less, and experience the new thin with the realme 15T 5G.

To know more updates on the realme 15T 5G, follow realme’s official website and Facebook page.

Watsons Club Marks 7th Anniversary with Exciting Wellness and Travel Getaway for Lucky Members and Their Barkada

 

Your health, beauty, and travel goals are set to take flight this year!

To celebrate the 7th anniversary of the largest health and beauty loyalty program in the country, Watsons Club is giving four lucky members — and their barkada — a wellness and wanderlust getaway.

Unlock the Watsons Club World of Rewards for a chance to win an unforgettable trip for four to stunning locations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, or Singapore. Beyond just a trip, the prize includes a complete wellness package with 3 days and 2 nights of travel, plus complimentary health and beauty services for an ultimate rewarding escapade.

Begin your journey by filling your basket with your favorite health and beauty essentials, available at over 1,100+ Watsons stores nationwide or via the Watsons App from August 21 to October 22, 2025. Reach a minimum single receipt purchase of Php 1,500 to automatically get one entry, while Elite Members enjoy two entries to double the chances of winning.

The anniversary celebration brings more rewards with amazing deals such as 70% off, Buy 1 Take 1 promos, Mix & Match offers, and more across a wide range of products, including OTC medicines, vitamins, skin care, haircare, men’s grooming, and more. 70 lucky members will also get a chance to win pampering perks from top health and beauty merchants in the country, such as free brow and waxing services from Browhaus and Strip Manila, and a salon package from David’s Salon.

The Watsons Club 7th Anniversary is in collaboration with brands including the Watsons Brand, Naturals by Watsons, Ellips, Aveeno, Garnier, Celeteque, Belo, and Physiogell. Keep the fun vibes going with health and wellness products from Watsons Generics, Allerta, Biogesic, Decolgen, Medicol Advance, Tuseran, Neozep Z Plus, Enervon, Myra E, Fortima, Conzace, Revicon, Skin Genie, Vantelin, and Regroe.

The adventure officially kicked off with a 3-day mall celebration at the SM Mall of Asia from September 28 to 30. The event transported attendees to the most popular destinations in Asia and showcased the best in all things health and beauty.

The rewards don’t stop there! Get FREE tickets to the upcoming Watsons Playlist this November when you spend as low as P2,000 via the Watsons App. Shop now and sing-along later with OPM icons such as Rico Blanco, Zack Tabudlo, Ben&Ben, and more, who will bring out all the feels and kilig!

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Be a Watsons Club member today and embark on your rewarding journey! Just download the app, register, and unlock a world of exciting rewards, special offers, and access to member-only events.

Stay in the loop on all the latest news and promos. Follow @watsonsph on Instagram, @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

Strengthening Food Security Through the Power of Local Wisdom

 Across many parts of Asia, flavor is not just a matter of taste; it is a legacy, an identity, and a reflection of the human connection to nature. In Southeast Asia, the rich spices and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations thrive due to the abundance of local food sources, including forests, fields, rice paddies, and rivers. However, climate change and the exploitation of natural resources are now threatening the continued availability of these local food sources.

In the Philippines, 2025 food security efforts increasingly focus on empowering communities and reviving indigenous farming. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set ambitious goals, including raising rice output  to 20.46 million metric tons and cutting post-harvest losses. Still, grassroots initiatives best reflect the nation’s wisdom. In Mindanao and the Cordillera, farmers cultivate traditional rice varieties like Tinawon and Unoy through ancestral practices that value biodiversity, seed saving, and communal labor. These methods have shown resilience to climate shocks and market shifts.

Local governments also play a vital role, tailoring strategies to community needs, building farm-to-market roads, supporting seed banks, and facilitating food-sharing networks. As the Philippines stands at a crossroads, food remains more than sustenance; it is a cultural and ecological legacy to protect and pass on.

La Ode visited Rimba Gupung and learned more about the local food wisdom

Nature as the Anchor of Dayak Desa Tribal Cultural Heritage

In the midst of this global vulnerability, Indonesia has the opportunity to preserve local practices that have  long adapted to natural change. In West Kalimantan, renowned for its rainforest and biodiversity, generational knowledge of farming, forest harvesting, and natural food processing has guided communities toward a regenerative food ecosystem. The Sintang Regency government supported the community effort through the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan (RENSTRA) allocating 2.16 million hectares for sustainable agriculture, an area 3.7 times the size of Bali.

Yet this wisdom risks being lost without wider recognition. To address this, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL), together with youth centers in Sintang and Sanggau, launched the ExploNation program that invites content creators to showcase the link between local culture and conservation. Among them is La Ode, a top 10 contestant from MasterChef Indonesia Season 8, that explored Sintang’s cuisine shaped by Dayak, Malay, and Chinese influences. The exploration includes La Ode’s trip to Rimba Gupung and Kapuas River, discussing with local food activists in Sintang. ,. 

"The trekking trip to Rimba Gupung was a thrilling experience, discovering the Akar Bajakah (Bajakah Root), which can be drunk directly and is believed to have health benefits. We also harvested red fern shoots to be cooked for dinner with residents at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang. This made me realize how important it is to maintain the sustainability of the forest ecosystem, so that the inherited knowledge about roots, leaves, and fruits can continue to be utilized and the regeneration of culture remains unbroken," said La Ode.

He also stayed at Rumah Betang Ensaid Panjang, a communal home of 33 Dayak Desa families, where he learned how the community processes and stores ingredients from the Rimba Gupung. La Ode said, "The unforgettable experience was processing ikan pekasam (fermented fish) and mashed sweet potato leaves with the women of Ensaid Panjang Village. I learned that the effort to protect and restore nature is not only important for the environment but also contributes significantly to nurturing the culture passed down through generations. From that process, I realized that local food, sourced from the surrounding nature and processed with traditional wisdom, holds a much deeper value. It's not just food, but also a part of our cultural identity."

Building Capacity to Drive the Local Economy

As part of the ExploNation agenda, La Ode led a "Food Content Taking and Storytelling" workshop for 14 young people from Sintang, Sanggau, and Kapuas Hulu Regencies. This training helped them  hone storytelling skills and develop communication materials rooted in local culture, with the goal of empowering them as community narrators supporting West Kalimantan’s restorative economy. 

Kurniawan, Head of the Sintang Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA), stated, "We highly appreciate the enthusiasm of the young people in this activity as a tangible effort to promote the natural and cultural richness of Sintang. This initiative is a crucial step in raising awareness of the local cultural heritage and its relevance in protecting and restoring the environment for the well-being of the entire community."

The role of Sintang's local food has proven to contribute significantly to the creative economy and tourism sectors, which are the main pillars of the regional economy. This was evident in the 2025 Sintang Creative Economy and Culinary Exhibition, which involved 199 business actors and recorded total transactions of more than Rp2 billion in one week.

La Ode added, "Restoring the environment means restoring our own cultural roots. I believe the future of Sintang's food lies in our courage to see nature not as an object of exploitation, but as a source of life that must be cared for."

In the spirit of the ExploNation program, La Ode worked with residents to document Sintang and West Kalimantan food recipes. This step not only preserves Sintang's culinary heritage but also strengthens food security by anchoring it in culture amid modernization By encouraging the community to re-appreciate and develop local food ingredients, this initiative also creates innovative economic opportunities that involve farmers and businesses. This entire ecosystem contributes to the creation of a more self-sufficient, diverse, and sustainable food system.

The ExploNation program is expected to trigger a broader movement for environmental restoration, emphasizing the importance of a restorative economy as a development model that restores nature while also preserving culture. Through this approach, local food becomes not only an essential part of regional identity but also a sustainable economic pillar that ensures natural resources remain productive and protected, while strengthening the local community's identity and well-being.

5 Reasons to Turn Your Kitchen into a Foodie’s Paradise with Toshiba’s Nature Pure Series Refrigerator

 

The kitchen is a place of joy for every gourmet, whether you are hosting a dinner for friends, meal-prepping for the weeks’ worth of conscious cuisine, or simply cooking warm and delicious meals for your family. All you need is the right kitchen solution to cook up your magic.

Toshiba, the world’s leading manufacturer of artisanal home appliance solutions, redefines food storage with Asia Pacific’s first and biggest 711-liter Side-by-Side and Multidoor refrigerator, designed to deliver unmatched capacity and lasting freshness, transforming the kitchen into a gourmet paradise. 

Sizable Storage for Stocking up Groceries

 

Enjoy the convenience of keeping two weeks’ worth of groceries fresh with the Toshiba Nature Pure Series Refrigerator.

 

Grocery shopping multiple times a week to restock food essentials can be a chore. The Toshiba Nature Pure Series is designed to hold up to two weeks’ worth of groceries, ensuring that you always have ingredients on hand. You won’t have to worry about running out of organic fruits and vegetables, and you’ll have a sizable freezer space to store premium cuts of meat and meat substitutes.

Sophisticated Technology that Preserves Freshness

Toshiba Nature Pure Series Multi-Door Refrigerator

 

At the heart of the Nature Pure series is the PureAIR technology, which naturally purifies the air inside, reducing bacteria, neutralizing odors, and keeping ingredients and meals fresher for longer. Whether you’re preparing celebratory spreads ahead of time or carefully assembling the week’s balanced and nutritious meals, every item is stored in a clean, safe environment you can count on.

 

Tailored Storage Systems for Artisanal Ingredients

 

The Toshiba Nature Pure Series Refrigerator is designed with advanced technology to keep your food fresh, crisp, and full of flavor.

Featuring a smart cooling technology that keeps food at its best, the Toshiba Nature Pure refrigerators also offer super cooling and freezing functions that rapidly lower the temperature, preserving nutrients and flavors while slowing the growth of bacteria. You can easily store leftovers from yesterday’s get-together with friends or last night’s family dinner and have them for when the cravings kick in.

 

 

Sleek Design for a Modern Kitchen

 

With its sleek Morandi Gray finish, the Toshiba Nature Pure Series Multi-Door Refrigerator brings modern elegance to any kitchen.

 

Finished in a sleek Morandi Gray, the Toshiba Nature Pure refrigerators are not just about performance, they seamlessly blend style and practicality, creating a serene and calming home atmosphere. Their timeless design allows the refrigerator models to elegantly enhance any modern kitchen’s interior. 

From smart storage solutions to innovative features that keep food crisp and flavorful, Toshiba’s Nature Pure Series supports every part of your cooking journey and transforms your kitchen into a culinary haven—one fresh ingredient and one deliciously preserved meal at a time.

For more information on Toshiba’s brand-new Nature Pure refrigerator series, visit https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph and follow Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

 

Power Mac Center Honors Educators with Heartfelt “To My Teacher” Campaign for Teachers’ Month

 They say a good education can spark change in anyone, but a great teacher can ignite change in everything. For Teachers’ Month, premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) is turning this wisdom into action through “To My Teacher,” a gratitude-driven campaign inviting everyone to celebrate the teachers, professors, and mentors who have guided us like parents.

The initiative involves on-campus activations, an online contest, and exclusive promotions for students and educators, reflecting PMC’s commitment to equipping the academe across the country with the technology and solutions they need for the classrooms of today and the future.

“‘Thank you’ is a powerful message, and we want more teachers to receive it and realize the ripple effects of their efforts and sacrifices. At Power Mac Center, we amplify that message by empowering educators and students with the technology, training, and support that extend learning’s reach,” said PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.

A freedom ‘Wall of Thanks’

PMC will kick off on-campus Wall of Thanks activations in its campus stores, inviting students to write short messages of gratitude on sticky notes to be posted on a dedicated board for their teachers. Those who share their messages can also take home special PMC merchandise.

The photo wall will be open to the public from October 1 to 4, 2025 at the University of Santo Tomas, UP Shopping Center, and De La Salle University Manila stores. Alongside this, PMC will set up a Mac Clinic booth offering students and faculty free external device cleaning, assessment, and consultation on the following dates:

●       University of Santo Tomas — October 1, 2025

●       UP Shopping Center — October 2, 2025

●       De La Salle University Manila — October 3, 2025

Join the fun online

All students can join the fun online through a photo contest. To participate, post a photo with your teacher on Facebook along with a heartfelt message that completes the statement, “To my teacher, ___,” answering the question: “How does your teacher improve your learning experience with the help of technology?”

Include the official hashtag #PMCToMyTeacher, set your post to Public, then submit your entry via <https://forms.gle/bmcEFxKPCF26pQLF8> to qualify. Only one entry is allowed per person. The submission period runs from October 2 to 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM. Entries will be judged based on the strength of the narrative and overall creativity.

Six (6) winners will each receive P3,000 Power Mac Center Gift Certificates plus accessory bundles worth P6,000. Winners will be announced on PMC’s official Facebook page <fb.com/powermaccenter> and notified through their registered email.

Celebrate teachers, earn rewards

Tie your Teachers’ Month tribute to everyday rewards. Download the new 1 Infinite app from the App Store <http://bit.ly/4hljdr2> or Google Play <https://bit.ly/42ovsyK> and earn points on every purchase. Members in Connected, Lunar, and Stellar tiers earn 1 point per P200 spent, while Astra and Cosmos members earn 1 point per P100. Points can be redeemed for premium devices, accessories, and select services and training courses (1 point = P1). Members also get up to 50% off Apple training and exclusive perks from Basecamp and Mobile Care, PMC’s training and service arms.

Power Mac Center is an Apple Authorized Education Reseller and Apple Professional Learning Provider. It assists schools and universities in completing Apple integration and maintaining systems to achieve learning results apt for the 21st-century education paradigm. To get started on your journey, visit any Power Mac Center or The Loop store nationwide or learn more at <https://powermaccenter.com/pages/education>.

Be updated on the latest news and promotions by following the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube

HONOR Teases Its Next All-Angle Water-Resistant Smartphone Innovation

Leading global smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is once again making waves as it teases the upcoming launch of its next X Series smartphone this October, featuring upgraded durability designed to withstand water-related concerns. 

“Following the back-to-back success of our HONOR X Series smartphones, we have continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation. This time, we are proud to introduce a top-notch, all-angle water-resistant smartphone that Filipino consumers can truly relate to,” said Mr. Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “This new device is set to elevate the lifestyle of Filipinos, addressing one of the biggest concerns of smartphone users today—water damage.” 

As a global brand committed to revolutionizing human-to-device interactions through AI, HONOR revealed that this new addition to the X Series lineup will also debut a practical AI Button for an all-new, one-click AI experience. With a single press, users can instantly launch a customized app, clear background processes, or boost performance. Meanwhile, a long press activates powerful functions such as AI Translation and AI Creation, offering a truly personalized and seamless user experience. 

More exciting updates about this latest HONOR device will be revealed in the coming days. Stay updated by visiting www.hihonor.com or following HONOR’s official social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To explore HONOR’s full list of retail stores, visit https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/. 

Finestra and Yakumi Unite for the First Time in “The Code of Umami,” a Rare Four-Hands Dinner at Solaire Resort North

 

Two of Solaire Resort North’s premier dining destinations, Finestra and Yakumi, join forces for the first time in a rare four-hands dinner titled “The Code of Umami,” taking place on October 17 at Finestra. This one-night-only experience brings the spotlight to the culinary talent and creative collaboration of two remarkable chefs who have redefined the dining landscape in the north.

Finestra and Yakumi have already earned acclaim for setting new standards in their respective cuisines at Solaire Resort North. Now, in a first-time collaboration, Chef Joel Manchia of Finestra and Chef Cristian Asato of Yakumi will present a six-course tasting menu that brings together the soul of Italy and the precision of Japanese craftsmanship in one unforgettable evening. Priced at Php 4,988++ per person with an optional Php 1,888++ pairing of wine and sake, the event offers a refined, limited-edition dining experience that celebrates harmony, contrast, and culinary storytelling.

Chef Joel Manchia, Chef de Cuisine of Finestra, brings over two decades of experience in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He has led fine dining teams in Four Seasons properties in Houston, London, Beijing, and Hampshire, before making his mark at The Ivy Asia in Brighton. He now leads the kitchen of Finestra at Solaire Resort North, bringing both warmth and world-class technique to every plate.

Chef Cristian Asato, Chef de Cuisine of Yakumi, was born to Japanese heritage and is known for his mastery of Nikkei cuisine. His training began in Lima and was further honed in Tokyo, with experience across Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and the Middle East. Chef Cristian’s career includes leadership roles at Mandarin Oriental, The Alpina Gstaad, and Soneva in the Maldives. At Yakumi, he champions traditional techniques with a modern, soulful twist.

This event is a celebration of culinary identity and creative synergy at Solaire Resort North. It is not a regular feature of either restaurant, but a one-time engagement designed for those who seek something rare, refined, and remarkable.

After dinner, guests are invited to extend the evening at Skybar, located just across from Finestra on Level 38, where crafted cocktails and expertly curated pours await, offering the perfect setting to let the night’s flavors linger over conversations and sweeping city views.

With limited seats available, early reservations are highly recommended. For bookings and inquiries, visit sn.solaireresort.com or sn.solaireresort.com/dining/finestra, call +632 8888 8888, or email snrestaurantevents@solaireresort.com.

The refreshing Oyster dish with Ensui Uni, ponzu, and truffle snow.

 Chawanmushi – a light starter with Rock Lobster and seasonal mushrooms in aglio olio.

 

The Carpaccio di Wagyu dish for diners to indulge in melt-in-your-mouth goodness from sesame paste, shiso chimichurri, and parmesan chips.

 Mixing two signature cultural dishes together, the Udon alla Carbonara with Guanciale, pecorino, and an onsen egg.

A classic M6 Australian Wagyu Rib-eye steak with a sweet potato miso mousseline with a chianti reduction.

Riso al latte – a sweet encounter between cultures with Koshikari rice in evaporated milk, topped with pistachio gelato alongside chocolate and matcha powder.