GAME CHANGERS’ HOBBY FEST
Activity Area, Gateway Mall 1,
April 24 to 26


Card game collectors and enthusiasts alike will gather once again, not just to play, but to trade, discover, and celebrate the growing MTG community. Activities include:

• MTG tournaments (Friday–Sunday) — hosted by Game Changer & High Market
• CookieRun: Braverse TCG — catch them at their booth
• Tabletop gaming experiences by Neutral Grounds
• Trading Card Merchants — explore singles, sealed & grails
• Toys, collectibles & must-have finds
• Freebies, prizes & surprises all weekend

MARIANAS PRO MANILA BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP
Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2,
April 25 & 26
 


Filipino jiu-jitsu athletes clash for national pride at the MARIANAS PRO Manila Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, happening April 25–26 at Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall 2, where champions will rise to represent the Philippines in Guam.



The event is sanctioned by the Asian Sport Jiu-Jitsu Federation (ASJJF) and follows standard IBJJF-style weight divisions, with competitions held in Gi and No-Gi, across Kids, Juvenile, Adult, and Masters categories.

ART IN THE CITY: FIGURE IN CHARCOAL
Gateway Gallery, 5F, Gateway Mall 1,
April 25
 


The third session of Art in the City is an inspiring art workshop for a cause happening on April 25, 2026 (Saturday), 2 PM to 5 PM at Gateway Gallery in Araneta City.



In partnership with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation and Grupo Kwadro, this workshop invites both beginners and art enthusiasts to explore the expressive beauty of charcoal drawing while supporting a meaningful cause.

FREE ZUMBA FITNESS
Activity Area, Lower Ground Floor, Ali Mall,
April 23



A free Zumba fitness session will also be held to promote health, wellness, and active

At the heart of the celebration is The Green Circle Market, an eco-conscious marketplace happening at the hotel lobby on April 18 and 19 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Open to all guests with free admission, the market brings together a diverse community of brands committed to ethical sourcing, local craftsmanship, wellness, and environmental responsibility.

The Green Circle is more than just a market—it is a movement. It gathers purpose-driven merchants advocating mindful living and sustainable practices. Featured participants include Eco Shift, known for handmade, plastic-free personal care essentials created by Filipino women; Sip & Tell Café, a Quezon City-based artisanal coffee shop offering locally rooted brews; and Pili Ani, a proudly Filipino skincare brand known for premium products made from sustainably sourced Pili and Elemi oils.

Also joining the lineup is Physiaré, which provides clinically guided physical therapy and rehabilitation services focused on restoring movement and enhancing overall wellbeing; Devarana Spa, offering wellness retail products inspired by Thai healing traditions; and The Pantry, showcasing freshly baked goods crafted by Dusit Thani Manila’s culinary team using thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Through The Green Circle Market, guests become more than visitors—they become part of a growing community dedicated to conscious living, where every small choice contributes to a greater impact.

Complementing this initiative is “Under One Sky: Poolside Stargazing,” a unique evening experience on April 22. Priced at ₱2,500 per person, the event offers guests an immersive journey through the night sky, guided by astronomy experts from the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS). Held from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the experience blends science, serenity, and wonder in a relaxing poolside setting.

The evening also features a curated photo exhibit. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the program will transition into engaging astronomy discussions led by experts, ensuring an equally enriching experience. Guests will be served light snacks and refreshments, while educational materials and astronomy-themed merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Through these Earth Month initiatives, Dusit Thani Manila invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace sustainability—not merely as a concept, but as a shared way of life.

For reservations and inquiries, guests may contact dtmn@dusit.com or call +63 (2) 7238 8888.

Screening results will be released on the same day and will be reviewed and explained by partner doctors.

The Bone and Blood Caravan was rolled out because studies show that women, compared to men, are at higher risk for osteoporosis and anemia.

Also for this reason, Dr. John Earl Conese was invited during the recent launch event at Mercury Drug’s Trinoma branch in Quezon City to discuss how good nutrition and proper supplementation can help women maintain strong bones and ensure healthy blood. He also shared what nutrients are essential for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Through the launch event and the caravan, Unilab and Mercury Drug aim to help Filipino women make informed choices about their health across different life stages, so they could build a foundation for lifelong strength, vitality, and well-being.

Underscoring the importance of empowering women to address their unique health needs, Mercury Drug Corp. Vice President for Merchandising Cora Lim said, “When women take charge of their health, they strengthen not only themselves but also their families and communities.”

Unilab Field Operations Manager Lhea Ancheta said the longstanding partnership between Mercury Drug and Unilab has enabled the two organizations to help uplift women’s wellness.

“Because of this partnership, we can bring effective, science-backed solutions to more women,” she said.

The free services and helpful information provided at the Bone and Blood Caravan are made possible by Unilab brands Calciumade and Hemarate.

Calciumade helps women strengthen their bones and prevent osteoporosis by combining calcium with Vitamin D, which enables the body to maximize calcium absorption.

Hemarate prevents and treats iron-deficiency anemia. Meanwhile, Hemarate FA contains folic acid to address both anemia and folate deficiency.

Unilab Customer Team Head Marlon Carpizo said that with Unilab, Filipino women can be sure that they get only the highest-quality products which will empower them to have healthier lives so they could continue to rise and inspire others.

Bone and Blood Caravan Schedule

March 25 – Q-Plaza in Cainta, Rizal

March 25 – Malagasang II-A in Imus, Cavite

March 25 – Maharlika N.S. Amoranto, Quezon City

March 25 – Tayuman LRT in Sta. Cruz, Manila

March 25 – Gen. Luna in San Mateo, Rizal

March 26 – Puregold Anabu in Imus, Cavite

March 26 – Oroquieta San Lazaro in Sta. Cruz, Manila

March 26 – Fernandez in Nagcarlan, Laguna

March 26 – Matalino in Diliman, Quezon City

March 26 – Guitnang Bayan I in San Mateo, Rizal

March 27 – Nueno Ave. in Imus, Cavite

March 27 – Araneta Center Farmers Plaza, Quezon City

March 27 – V. Luna Ext. in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

March 27 – 32nd Street, BGC Taguig

March 28 – V. Luna East Ave., Quezon City

March 28 – Market Market, BGC Taguig

March 29 – Rockwell Center, Makati City            

This was a key takeaway from Women Who Shape Tomorrow: Giving to Gain Progress, a forum led by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), which highlighted the critical link between wellness and women’s empowerment.

“Women’s wellness is the greatest investment in leadership we can make — not a cost, but a multiplier of strength and productivity,” said Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong.

Experts pointed out that despite growing recognition of women’s contributions, gaps remain in workplace policies, healthcare access, and institutional support systems. Addressing these gaps, they said, is essential to unlocking women’s full potential in leadership and economic participation.

Alongside wellness, discussions also tackled the role of institutions in building environments where women can thrive — through mental health support, inclusive workplace practices, and sustained investment in human capital.

The forum brought together leaders from healthcare, business, and advocacy sectors, reinforcing that empowering women requires both policy reform and cultural change.

The forum was organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), which continues to advance inclusive growth by promoting women’s participation in business and leadership. With a strong network of over 940 members, ECCP works closely with government and industry stakeholders to translate advocacy into actionable outcomes.

The operation, conducted across retail outlets and distribution hubs in Metro Manila and Region IV-A, was supported by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG). Authorities targeted establishments suspected of selling vape products that violate government regulations.

The crackdown underscores the government’s enforcement of Republic Act No. 11900, the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, which governs the manufacture, sale, and marketing of vape products. The DTI and BIR are intensifying efforts against illegal trade, particularly the sale of unregistered products, items lacking health warnings or tax markings, and products marketed to minors.

Inspections revealed multiple violations, including:

Missing mandatory graphic and text health warnings on packaging

Absence of internal revenue fiscal markings or tax stamps

Use of flavor descriptions (e.g., fruit or candy) appealing to minors

Non-compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS) for product safety, quality, and consistency

The DTI warned that violators may face serious administrative and criminal penalties. Packaging and health warning violations can carry fines of up to ₱2 million and two years’ imprisonment for the first offense, rising to ₱5 million and six years’ imprisonment for repeated violations. Offenses involving product standards, online trade, or communication may lead to fines of ₱100,000–₱400,000, imprisonment of up to three years, and possible revocation of business permits. Non-compliant products may also be recalled, banned, or seized.

The DTI urged retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to adhere to RA 11900 and other fair trade laws to ensure market compliance and consumer safety. The public is encouraged to report suspected violations via email at OSMV@dti.gov.ph, or through the DTI Consumer Complaints Assistance and Resolution System at https://consumercare.dti.gov.ph.

The new centers aim to make high-quality cancer care more accessible to Kapampangans by providing free chemotherapy services covered by PhilHealth, along with oncologist consultations and patient education programs. Designed as safe and welcoming spaces, the facilities emphasize holistic care — addressing patients’ physical, emotional, and social needs throughout their treatment journey.

The expansion marks a major step in We Hope Medical Group’s mission to bring patient-focused, affordable, and reliable healthcare closer to Filipino families.

“Beacon of Hope represents our commitment to uplifting communities through accessible and dignified healthcare,” said Dr. John Paul Aclan, Chairman and CEO of We Hope Medical Group. “By opening branches in San Fernando and Guagua, we are strengthening our promise to support healthier futures for Kapampangans.”

Each facility is staffed by licensed medical professionals trained to deliver care grounded in empath

On 22 January 2026, Japanese Ambassador ENDO Kazuya signed and exchanged notes with International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett for the project “Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Services for Internally Displaced Persons on the Remote Islands of Conflict-Affected Areas.”

The ceremony was attended by officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Ministry of Health, the Department of Health, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The Government of Japan will provide a grant of ¥516 million to upgrade health facilities and provide maternal, newborn, and child health equipment compliant with Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) and PhilHealth standards. The project also includes training and technical assistance to help facilities achieve and maintain accreditation.

Dubbed REACH BASULTA (Resilient and Equitable Access to Care and Health in BASULTA), the initiative addresses gaps in facility readiness, workforce capacity, and community awareness, with a focus on displaced and mobile populations. It also supports culturally sensitive health promotion campaigns and PhilHealth registration drives to expand access to quality care.

Ambassador Endo said the project underscores Japan’s commitment to building a resilient and inclusive health system where mothers and children can access essential services.

The occasion marked the relaunch of bike racks at Rizal Park Luneta, an initiative supported by the European Union (EU) and carried out in partnership with the National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC). More than a ribbon-cutting, the event felt like a quiet but determined celebration of urban possibilities where heritage spaces and modern lifestyles can coexist.

“The European Union has set ambitious targets to combat climate change. We are working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. But we know that climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions,” said EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro.

“It is heartwarming to note that today we are all convinced that soft mobility, through public transport and bicycles, are effective and affordable solutions for achieving these objectives,” he added.

For Luneta visitors, the newly rehabilitated bike racks are a small but meaningful invitation: arrive by bicycle, linger longer, breathe easier.

According to Ambassador Santoro, the racks represent cycling as a viable and accessible mode of transport; one that reduces carbon emissions and traffic congestion, improves air quality, and supports a healthier lifestyle within the city’s most iconic green space.

The project extends beyond Luneta, with similar facilities rehabilitated in Intramuros, reinforcing the idea that even heritage districts can welcome contemporary, climate-friendly habits.

As NPDC Deputy Executive Director Jezreel Gaius A. Apelar put it: “These facilities and partnerships stand as a testament to our shared commitment to promoting active mobility, sustainability, and inclusivity in our public spaces. They also represent our support for environmentally responsible transport and our dedication to making our parks more accessible to all through international cooperation.”

The relaunch drew support from cycling groups and sustainable-living advocates including Kalyetista, CYCAD, Cyclebros, Firefly Brigade, Tiklop Society of the Philippines, PINASLOWRIDAZBC, and Make it Safer Movement—communities that see bicycles not just as transport, but as tools for connection.

In a symbolic moment, participants rang their bike bells in unison, a lighthearted call for families and communities to do their share in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reclaiming streets for people.

Mia Bunao, Administrator of Kalyetista/Explore Your City on a Bicycle, described the project as more than infrastructure: an enduring gift that fosters community and reflects pakikipagkapwa (being one with others) in the shared mission to build livable cities.

Poetry, too, found its place among spokes and spokespeople. Dr. Roselle Leah Rivera of Firefly Brigade Inc remarked: “We summon the city to the dusk-dance of wheels, pedals pulsing like heartbeats in cooling twilight. Fireflies reborn in flickering bike-lights as communities rise, ride, and breathe as one, each crank-turn sparking awareness and every mile rekindling climate courage.”

For Pio Fortuno Jr., President of Tiklop Society of the Philippines, the moment carried both symbolic and practical weight: “Today is a great day, as we bear witness to the relaunching of the bike racks at the Luneta. While every completion of any bicycle friendly infrastructure is a cause for celebration, this one is special since it allows bicycle access to the Philippines’ foremost historical landmark, and it is made possible from friends from the European Union.”

In a city often defined by congestion and concrete, the return of bike racks to Luneta is a reminder that progress does not always roar. Sometimes, it arrives quietly on two wheels, with a ringing bell, and the promise of a softer way to move.

The United States was once the undisputed dream destination for global travelers. Today, it is losing tourists for a simple reason: it has lost its welcome.

Much of this shift traces back to President Donald J. Trump, whose leadership style — marked by hostility, paranoia, and strongman theatrics — has steadily alienated the very world America once attracted. Under his watch, travelers are no longer courted; they are scrutinized, discouraged, and often humiliated.

In 2025, foreign arrivals to the U.S. dropped sharply. Land travel from Canada fell by more than 30 percent, while air arrivals continued to slide. This is not a seasonal lull or a post-pandemic correction. It is reputation risk in real time — self-inflicted and politically driven.

Tourism is not a vanity industry. It is a serious economic pillar, contributing billions to GDP, sustaining jobs, and projecting soft power. You do not need to be an economist to understand what happens when a country signals suspicion instead of hospitality.

By contrast, nations that treat visitors as guests rather than walking ATM machines benefit from something no ad campaign can buy: word of mouth. Social media fills with images, stories, and recommendations. Trust travels faster than policy memos.

Trump, however, appears indifferent to tourism’s value. His rhetoric consistently frames foreigners as threats rather than contributors. The result: tighter border scrutiny, punitive visa fees, and widely publicized cases of travelers being delayed, interrogated, or denied entry. Even legitimate visitors now approach U.S. borders with anxiety.

His combative posture toward allies, trade wars disguised as patriotism, and public belittling of partner nations send a clear message: Visitors are no longer welcome; they are liabilities.

The fallout does not stop with foreign tourists. Ordinary Americans increasingly absorb the backlash of Trump’s foreign policy choices. Abroad, U.S. citizens report subtle — and sometimes open — resentment, blamed not for who they are, but for what their government represents.

Immigration crackdowns, diplomatic bullying, and institutional contempt have reshaped the American passport’s meaning. Once a symbol of openness and curiosity, it now comes with caveats. Tourism and security analysts note that this erosion of goodwill feeds directly into travel decisions: If Americans themselves face discomfort abroad, why would foreigners feel welcome in the U.S.?

Greenland, Denmark, and the cost of diplomatic absurdity

Few episodes captured this decline more vividly than Trump’s fixation on acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. By publicly floating the idea as if it were a real-estate deal, Trump drew swift rebukes from Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who reminded the world that sovereign territories are not commodities.

What sounded like spectacle carried real consequences. Diplomatic assessments show the episode strained relations with Denmark and unsettled Nordic partners, reinforcing perceptions of an America willing to antagonize allies for ego and headlines. Tourists, like investors, pay attention when leadership turns erratic.

Europe: What the U.S. can’t replicate

Against this backdrop, Europe’s appeal becomes inevitable. Beyond friendliness and scenery, Europe offers something the U.S. cannot replicate: layered diversity.

In one journey, travelers can explore Poland’s restored old towns, absorb the quiet elegance of Prague and Vienna, marvel at Switzerland’s alpine majesty, experience Germany’s blend of history and efficiency, or savor Belgium’s medieval squares and world-class cuisine. A short train ride later, they are cycling Dutch canals, immersed in French art and gastronomy, or standing inside Italy’s living museums, where history, fashion, food, and daily life coexist effortlessly.

Borders dissolve in hours, yet languages, traditions, architecture, and flavors change dramatically. Europe does not sell a single narrative. It offers many, each grounded in centuries of culture and proudly preserved identity.

Canada’s quiet windfall

As U.S. tourism campaigns stumble, Canada continues to offer what money can’t manufacture: authentic places, living culture, and seasons genuinely worth traveling for.

As inevitable, America’s self-inflicted tourism wounds benefit Canada. Beyond Niagara Falls, it offers Quebec’s old-world charm, Nova Scotia’s coastal calm, Prince Edward Island’s pastoral beauty, Whistler’s alpine adventures, and Banff’s breathtaking wilderness.

More importantly, Canada now delivers much of what the U.S. once promised, and without the hostility, suspicion, or political chaos.

Soft power on life support

For decades, America’s greatest export was goodwill. Under Trump, that soft power has withered. Tourism, where diplomacy, culture, and economics intersect, is among the first casualties.

This decline is not accidental. It is the direct result of leadership that mistakes intimidation for strength and isolation for sovereignty.

Trump as Duterte 2.0 and Venezuela as the warning label

Trump increasingly resembles a Duterte-style strongman: impulsive, institutionally dismissive, and driven more by ego than statesmanship. History shows where this path leads.

Venezuela is the clearest cautionary tale. Once among Latin America’s wealthiest nations, it slid into isolation, economic collapse, and mass emigration after strongman rule hollowed out institutions and alienated global partners. Tourism vanished. Investors fled. The country became a warning rather than a destination.

The United States is not Venezuela — yet. But the pattern is familiar: Attack institutions, antagonize allies, personalize power, and dismiss accountability. Tourism, being sentiment-driven, is always among the first industries to flee when a country’s moral compass spins out of control.

Why I’m done with the U.S. and why many others are too

After watching Trump turn the United States into a visa obstacle course, antagonize allies, and govern like a strongman rather than a statesman, I chose not to renew my U.S. visa. No plans. No regrets.

If a country treats visitors like suspects and allies like enemies, why spend hard-earned money there?

The world offers better options. Canada welcomes with warmth and ease. Europe opens its arms with depth, diversity, and genuine hospitality.

Trump’s undoing of America’s goodwill has given travelers clarity: endure bureaucracy, suspicion, and bad headlines—or choose destinations that still value you as a guest.

I know which stamp I’m putting in my passport. How about you?

Approved by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 2025, the resolution affirms every consumer’s right to safe, non-hazardous products, in line with the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection.

Key principles include:

All products—new, used, repaired, or reconditioned—must be safe.

Businesses hold primary responsibility for product safety throughout the design, production, and supply chain.

Public authorities can conduct risk assessments, order recalls, remove unsafe online listings, and share safety alerts internationally.

The framework is flexible and non-trade-restrictive, allowing countries to strengthen domestic laws, enforce safety standards, protect vulnerable consumers, and align product safety with sustainable consumption and circular economy goals.

Businesses are expected to act promptly on unsafe products. If they fail, authorities can require corrective measures, such as notifying consumers of risks, marking products with warnings, withdrawing or recalling items, repairing or destroying unsafe goods, or removing unsafe listings from online marketplaces. Companies that proactively ensure product safety can reduce recall risks, strengthen consumer trust, and meet global sustainability standards—key factors for competitiveness in international markets.

According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 44% of UN member states still lack adequate legal frameworks for consumer product safety. The rise of e-commerce complicates enforcement, with an OECD study finding that 87% of recalled or banned products remain available online.

To support implementation, UNCTAD is developing its first Handbook on Consumer Product Safety, offering guidance to policymakers—especially in developing nations.