Lifestyle

When the hot air balloons rise again in February 2026, it will feel less like the return of an event and more like the reopening of a beloved chapter in Philippine travel. After taking a breather in 2025, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta comes back with renewed purpose, reminding travelers why this sky-filled weekend has long been a bright spot on the tourism calendar.

Every January 9, Manila wakes up to a city transformed. Streets close, mobile signals strain, and time seems to slow as millions of barefoot devotees converge for the Traslación of the Black Nazarene—one of the world’s largest religious processions and among the most powerful public expressions of Filipino faith.

Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) didn’t just survive in 2025—they went live and thrived.

Fast food rarely gets applause from nutritionists—but Kenny Rogers Roasters is quietly changing that narrative. As it rolls out an expanded Eat Healthy Everyday lineup for 2026, the brand is making a clear case that convenience dining doesn’t have to clash with wellness goals.

Two decades ago, Big Apple Express Spa identified a market gap and moved with purpose. The concept was simple: deliver quality massage therapy, remove unnecessary frills, keep pricing accessible, and run the operation with disciplined efficiency. Since then, the express spa model has grown into more than a trend—it is flexing real commercial muscle.