Your New Comfort Food Era Starts at Frankie’s & Bloom & Baker at SM City Marilao

Hungry? SM City Marilao has just become a lot tastier. Frankie's and Bloom & Baker have arrived, and foodies in Bulacan should be thrilled. These two restaurants elevate comfort food to new heights, with large, powerful flavors and desserts that make you feel good.

Frankie's draws you in right immediately. Their wings are the type you fantasize about, and the mains? Hearty, generous, and ideal for sharing with friends and family. Whether you're finishing up a shopping trip or simply looking for a relaxing supper, Frankie's strikes the perfect combination of old and fresh. The type of place you keep wanting to return to.

Then there's Bloom & Baker, just around the corner, and the atmosphere completely alters. It's serene, pleasant, and smells like freshly baked pastries. If you enjoy soft breads, pastries, and a wonderful cup of coffee, this is the place to go. You can stay and take it all in, or you can grab a box of treats to carry some sweetness home.  

Frankie's and Bloom & Baker combined? They elevate a routine mall visit into something memorable. Suddenly, SM City Marilao feels warmer, kinder, and far more wonderful.

Cebu Pacific to Launch Direct Clark-Hanoi Flights with Piso Sale

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines' biggest carrier, is preparing to operate the first direct flight between Clark and Hanoi, providing travelers from north and central Luzon with more inexpensive and accessible gateways to the Philippines and Vietnam.

• Start Date: May 2, 2026
• Frequency: 3x weekly
• Clark-Hanoi: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• Hanoi-Clark: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

“Launching direct flights from Clark to Hanoi is an exciting milestone for Cebu Pacific as we continue to strengthen Clark as a hub. This route enhances travel options from Clark, allowing passengers from north and central Luzon to reach Hanoi more easily.” ~Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific President and Chief Commercial Officer

• Seat Sale Period: January 28 to February 1, 2026
• Price: PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges
• Travel Period: May 2 to October 31, 2026

Hanoi will be the fifth foreign destination served by CEB's Clark hub, after Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore. It will also be CEB's fifth route into Vietnam. The airline now offers direct flights from Manila to Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as from Cebu to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Visitors to Hanoi can stroll through the historic streets of the Old Quarter and savor unique Vietnamese food. They can also go on a day trip to Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, which are famous for their limestone formations and natural beauty.

CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

CEB currently operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.  

Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

Cebu Pacific's Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificairphilippines

X: https://twitter.com/CebuPacificAir

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cebupacificair

MR.DIY kicks off 2026 with newest “Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY” Campaign

“Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY” shows the everyday realities and aspirations of Filipino families to live the life they want | Screengrab from MR.DIY Philippines

Leading home improvement shop MR.DIY Philippines has officially launched its latest brand thematic campaign, "Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY!" 

The campaign, which is centered on the main concept of home and life development and attaining one's goals, contrasts the value-for-money, everyday ease of MR.DIY with the daily realities of Filipino families. 

The campaign comes at a time when Filipino households continue to emphasize necessary spending and cautious budgeting, emphasizing how the home remains central to everyday decisions and family life. 

"Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY" emerges from this genuine, grounded knowledge — not as a faraway ambition, but as a mirror of everyday reality.

“We see Filipinos choosing to fix instead of replace, organize instead of discard, and improve little by little. Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY’ is about empowering those everyday choices — making practical solutions, accessible, and easy for every Filipino household to live the life they want.” ~Ms. Coleen Ducusin, Chief Marketing Officer of MR.DIY Philippines

“Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY” captures the optimism and quiet ambition of a mother for her family | Screengrab from MR.DIY Philippines

With a continuously growing store network and over 18,000 products across household and kitchen essentials, hardware, electrical, school and office supplies, accessories, and many more — the campaign positions MR.DIY not just as a store, but as an everyday ally. 

“At MR.DIY, we want to grow with our customers, and be the practical partner of Filipino families and a progressive brand that reflects the aspirations of modern consumers. From their everyday needs to long-term dreams, MR.DIY helps make the life they want within reach.” ~Ms. Roselle Andaya, Chief Executive Officer of MR.DIY Philippines

“PanDIY,” MR.DIY’s Official Mascot, makes an appearance in the “Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY” video | Screengrab from MR.DIY Philippines

To watch the Gusto Mong Buhay, i-MR.DIY! Official Video visit www.mrdiy.com/ph and follow MR.DIY Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and TikTok.

CHURROSTAR Now Open at SM City Valenzuela

The Korean cuisine revolution shows no signs of slowing down, and it now has a delightful new stop in Valenzuela City. CHURROSTAR, a new spin on the classic churro, has opened its doors at SM City Valenzuela, bringing a lively, street-snack ambiance to the mall's expanding culinary scene.

Churros at CHURROSTAR are more than just a sweet treat. Each one is created to order and fried to a beautiful golden crisp, with a soft, chewy middle that melts in your mouth. The aroma of warm dough and sugar wafts through the store, making it nearly hard to walk by without pausing for a taste.

Customers might stick with traditional flavors like cinnamon or icing sugar, or they can try something new. Dipping sauces range from chocolate and caramel to popular tastes like ube and berry, all with a modern, Korean-inspired twist. It's a combo that's equally enjoyable to eat as it is to shoot.

Beyond the food, CHURROSTAR has established a reputation for casual excess. It is ideal for a fast merienda, a post-shopping treat, or catching up with friends over a modern yet comfortable sweet snack. With ample quantities at reasonable rates, it is intended to be a regular stop rather than a one-time treat.

CHURROSTAR's arrival reflects a larger shift in dining trends. Korean-inspired concepts are gradually influencing the local food scene, and malls such as SM City Valenzuela are becoming popular destinations for experiencing new flavors without leaving the north side.

Find CHURROSTAR on the second floor of SM City Valenzuela and prepare to satisfy your taste senses with something both familiar and delightfully new.

SM Morning Beats & Brews Brings the Vibes to Bulacan

SM City Baliwag, in collaboration with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, kicks off Morning Beats & Brews in Bulacan.

SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag have recently launched Morning Beats & Brews, which combines handpicked music, delicious coffee, and feel-good morning energy.

Good music and great coffee come together during the launch of Morning Beats & Brews in partnership with Cong Caphe at SM City Marilao.

Morning Beats & beverages is designed for early risers, creatives, and cultural enthusiasts, delivering tunes matched with premium beverages to set the tone for a productive and inspired day.

At SM City Marilao, a multitude of coffee lovers congregate at Cong Caphe to dance to the beat of music, with DJ Wency providing a lively yet laid-back ambiance.

Meanwhile, SM City Baliwag, in collaboration with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, serves the crowd a delicious cup of coffee while DJ Melvin plays energetic music.

daily Beats & Brews is more than a daily routine; it's a feeling that brings people together through rhythm and flavor. Moments like these distinguish SM Bulacan malls as the “Home of Everyday Celebrations.”

Stay tuned as more vibin’ events will unveil your way in 2026. For updates, check out the official Facebook pages of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.

Asia’s Biggest ACE Store Opens at Baliwag, Bulacan

A new era in home and building retail is about to begin as ACE Builders opens its largest store in Asia at SM City Baliwag. This newest branch, spanning over 6,000 square meters, is the most expansive ACE store to date, offering a vast and comprehensive choice of construction supplies, home renovation products, and lifestyle essentials—all under one roof.

ACE Builders officially opens its largest store in Asia at SM City Baliwag. Present at the ribbon cutting were (L-R): SM City Baliwag Mall Manager Rodora Tolentino; SM Retail Inc. President Jonathan Ng; Baliwag City Mayor Sonia Estrella; Ace Hardware Phil Inc. Director JV Cobankiat; AHPI Business Unit Head Alvin So; Ace International Sales Director Calvin Kim; and AHPI VP Supply Chain Alex Kho

.

Designed for both homeowners and professionals, ACE Builders SM City Baliwag combines scale, selection, and service to provide a shopping experience tailored to real, everyday needs.

Everything You Need, All in One Place

ACE Builders SM City Baliwag carries an extensive lineup of trusted and reliable products across major categories:

• Tiles & Flooring
• Wall Cladding
• Sanitary Wares and Plumbing
• Paint and Paint Accessories
• Electrical
• Lawn and Garden 
• Home Hardware
• Small Appliances
• Hand and Power Tools
• Automotive Products
• Chemicals and Cleaning Solutions
• Pet Care Essentials
• Home Basics and Storage

From major renovation projects to simple home upgrades, the store is designed to meet the demands of modern Filipino households, contractors, and construction professionals alike.

Strengthening a Growing Network

ACE Builders SM City Baliwag joins other flagship stores in the ACE Builders network, such as ACE Builders North EDSA, Fairview, and Pampanga. With the launch of its largest location yet, ACE continues to broaden its reach and increase access to high-quality building supplies and home solutions.

ACE Hardware Philippines, founded in 1997 at SM Southmall in Las Piñas, has expanded to 238 branches nationwide, making it a leading hardware company in the country. The ACE Builders idea was developed to give a more comprehensive solution for customers that require larger-scale or more specialized items for building and residential projects.

With expert assistance from in-store staff, a wide product assortment, and a convenient location at SM City Baliwag, this store is set to become a key destination for building, improving, and upgrading living spaces in Bulacan and neighboring areas.

To find your nearest ACE Hardware or ACE Builders location, visit our store locator here.

Top Filipino science students urged to apply for the 2027 Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant

Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC) confirms its commitment to promoting Filipino science proficiency by providing financial help to academically exceptional students pursuing postgraduate studies in Japan.

APC announces that applications are now open for the 2027 Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant, a program that provides deserving candidates the opportunity to pursue master's-level studies in Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, or Engineering at partner schools including: University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Nagoya University, Institute of Science Tokyo, Ochanomizu University, Waseda University, and Japan Nutrition University (form).

The successful applicant who meets the program's qualifications and requirements will be given full support and access to important advantages to help them prosper in their postgraduate journey. These include full examination, entrance, and tuition expenses; full coverage of medical, psychiatric, and Japanese language training prior to travel to Japan; and monthly allowances. The scholar's flight from the Philippines to Japan will also be covered.

Japan's famous education system, noted for its high academic standards, continues to attract students from all over the world. According to the Japan Student Services Organization's (JASSO) 2024 study, Japan has approximately 336,708 international students, with 58,215 of them enrolling in graduate education. According to the JASSO 2022 Career Status Progress Survey, a considerable number of international graduates find work in Japan after completing their education.

According to Mika Makino, APC Director of Marketing, Sales, and Public Relations, the company's continuing support and commitment in the Ajinomoto Scholarship Foundation is rooted in the company's mission to improve the well-being of people, society, and the environment.

“We believe that a world-class postgraduate education in Japan empowers scholars personally and professionally. The scholarship is an advantageous pathway to career advancement and global mobility. It is our hope that with advanced knowledge and training, the scholars will also be able to contribute to developing solutions for helping people Eat Well, Live Well.” ~Mika Makino,  APC Director for Marketing, Sales & Public Relations

Since the Ajinomoto Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship Grant was introduced in the Philippines in 2010, fifteen (15) full scholarship awards to various colleges in Japan have been awarded to meritorious Filipino students.

APC encourages applicants to seize the opportunity to level up their education and careers. To know the full requirements and application process, visit https://www.ajinomoto.com.ph/whats-new-archive/2027-ajinomoto-foundation-postgraduate-scholarship-grant/. The deadline for sending applications is March 2, 2026.

The Ajinomoto Group is a global company with specialties in the business of food and amino acids, guided by our leading-edge bioscience and fine chemical technologies.

Based on the corporate message “Eat Well, Live Well.”, we have been scientifically pursuing the possibilities of amino acids in supporting the healthy lives of people all around the world. We aim for future growth and continuous contribution to greater wellness by creating value through sustainable and innovative solutions for communities and society.

The Ajinomoto Group has offices in 36 countries and regions and sells products in more than 130 countries and regions. In fiscal 2021, sales were 1.1149 trillion yen (8.73 billion U.S. dollars). To learn more, visit www.ajinomoto.com.