BY ALEX ALAGON
IN CELEBRATION of culture, gastronomy and faith, Dusit Thani Davao and the Consulate General of Malaysia officially launched Malaysian Nights, a Ramadan culinary experience on February 10 at the hotel’s Madayaw Cafe.
The event commenced with a welcome address from Dusit Thani Davao general manager Vanessa Sustengco, who hosted a distinguished assembly of local government officials, dignitaries, and VIP guests.
“This evening is a celebration of life partnership and tradition. We are proud to collaborate with Consulate General of Malaysia to bring you a truly authentic Malaysian ‘iftar’ (meal used to break the fasting during Ramadan). Tonight is also about connection, getting to know this wonderful community and celebrating the values of reflection and kindness that define the Ramadan season,” she said.
Sustengco’s sentiments were echoed by Malaysian Consul General Deddy Faisal Ahmad Salleh, who shared a message highlighting the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
“This culinary fair brings values to life, through food, hospitality, and shared experience,” he said. The ConGen also hinted exciting prospects of their Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism campaign.
The atmosphere of the evening was carefully curated to transport guests to the heart of Southeast Asia, with Malaysian-inspired décors and traditional tapestry accents, creating a refined yet welcoming ambiance. This visual feast was complemented by traditional Malaysian performances and music.
The culinary centerstage was occupied by a sprawling spread of authentic dishes prepared by visiting Malaysian Chef Benny Ho and Dusit Thani’s culinary team. Guests enjoyed a dynamic dining experience at live cooking stations, where fresh seafood, shellfish, and specialty dishes were meticulously prepared.
In a poignant display of inclusivity and respect, the celebration paused for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of five daily obligatory Islamic prayers (“salah” ), performed after sunset.
Through this initiative, Dusit Thani Davao reinforces its commitment to thoughtful hospitality and cultural appreciation.
For those looking to partake in this limited-time cultural journey, Malaysian Nights will run at Madayaw Café until March 3.
MANILA, Philippines — When it comes to unwinding after a long day of taping and guest appearances or just simply savoring a little me-time, Tanduay Calendar Girl 2026 Andrea Brillantes keeps it simple and refined. She doesn’t like fussing about when it comes to de-stressing, and it helps that she has a well-stocked bar of her favorite Tanduay products to indulge in.
“After a busy day at work, I just want to slow down and do low-key activities that can help me relax like mixing cocktails using Tanduay rums. It helps me reset and turn my ordinary evenings into something special, whether I’m on my own or chilling with friends,” she shared.
One of the Tanduay products that the talented actress and budding entrepreneur loves to experiment with is Tanduay 5 Years, an extra special blend of rums that has a lush shade of mahogany and a sweet and slightly smoky, lasting aroma of dark sugar and oak.
“It’s a good rum to make cocktails with,” Andrea said.
Below are the recipes of some of the cocktails that the TV5 star loves to make at home using Tanduay 5 Years.
Daring Duo
Easy to make, this cocktail is Andrea’s go-to for nights when she wants to chill with her close circle of friends.
Ingredients:
Ice cubes
0.5 oz lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
2.5 oz Tanduay 5 Years
Lemon for garnish
Procedure:
Put ice in a tall glass. Pour in the lime juice, ginger beer, and Tanduay 5 Years. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Fiesta Paradise
When she is in the mood for something fun and vibrant, Andrea goes for this cocktail. It reminds her of a day at the beach with its tropical flavors and colorful vibe.
Ingredients:
Ice cubes
1 oz Tanduay 5 Years
2 oz passion fruit juice
1 oz orange juice
0.5 oz grenadine syrup
0.5 oz lemonade soda
1 oz coconut cream
Mint leaf for garnish
Procedure:
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Tanduay 5 Years, passion fruit juice, orange juice, grenadine, and lemonade soda.
- Top with coconut cream and garnish with a fresh mint leaf.
Golden Sunset Fizz
For evenings that call for something a little more elevated, Andrea loves serving this cocktail to friends. She sees it as the perfect drink to impress her guests.
Ingredients:
0.8 oz orange juice
0.5 oz lime juice
0.8 oz honey syrup
0.5 oz egg white
2 oz Tanduay 5 Years
Ice cubes
Wedge of lemon for garnish
Procedure
- In a shaker, add orange juice, lime juice, honey syrup, egg white, and Tanduay 5 Years with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled and frothy.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish with a wedge of lemon.
Sunburst Sour
This colorful cocktail combines bright citrus with the unexpected sweetness of carrot juice, creating a refreshing balanced drink that Andrea loves to have when she wants to enjoy something a little different.
Ingredients:
Ice cubes
2 oz Tanduay 5 Years
1 oz triple sec
1 oz lime juice
2 oz carrot juice
1 oz orange juice
Mint leaves for garnish
Procedure:
- Add ice, Tanduay 5 Years, triple sec, lime juice, carrot juice, and orange juice into a shaker. Shake well until chilled.
- Fill a glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture over it. Garnish with mint leaves.
For Andrea, the best thing about these cocktails is their simplicity.
“You don’t need to learn complicated techniques, just Tanduay 5 Years, quality ingredients, and the right vibe. With these cocktails, staying in is just as fun as going out,” she said.
Tanduay 5 Years and other Tanduay products are available at www.shots.ph and through leading supermarkets and liquor stores nationwide.
Philippines – HUAWEI unveiled its latest innovations at the recent “Now is Your Run” global product launch event in Madrid, Spain. Among the powerful lineup, the brand announced the return of the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, reaffirming the tech giant’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovation and performance to consumers worldwide. The brand also introduced the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2, which represents five years of technological development and redefining the professional running watch category.
Both products are set to launch in the Philippines this April, giving Filipino consumers the chance to experience the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro’s advanced technology and the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2’s professional-grade running features.
HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro: The Legendary Mate Series Returns to Redefine the Flagship Era
HUAWEI marks a pivotal moment with the announcement of the return of the Mate Series. For years, the flagship line has showcased the company’s technological prowess and has consistently raised the bar for smartphone excellence. The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, representing HUAWEI’s cutting-edge innovation, features an AI-powered True-to-Color Camera for lifelike color accuracy across various and complex lighting conditions and mixed color temperatures.
Its iconic Dual Space Ring design, which embodies the spirit of infinite exploration, blends elegance with modern sophistication. Reinforced by 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass and IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro combines durability with premium craftsmanship. While the industry-first SuperCool Dual Phase Change Heat Dissipation system ensures sustained peak performance without thermal throttling.
With cutting-edge AI, performance innovations, and ultra-durable design, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro continues the powerful Mate legacy, delivering a flagship experience built for users worldwide.
HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2: Five Years of Accumulation, Redefining Professional Running Watches
HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 is equipped with a new 3D floating antenna architecture, engineered to deliver unparalleled positioning precision. Equipped for the first time with an intelligent positioning algorithm, it continues to calculate the runner’s trajectory and distance even during signal interruptions, ensuring uninterrupted positioning.
The new intelligent marathon mode offers one-stop race management, acting as a personal coach on your wrist throughout the journey. Not only does the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner 2 help professional athletes boost their performance, but it also brings a smart and professional running experience to amateur runners.
Two-time Olympic athlete and WATCH GT Runner global ambassador Eliud Kipchoge shared his experience of co-creating products with Huawei at the event, stating, “I am passionate to share my opinions and perspectives to improve the smartwatch experience not just for elite athletes but for runners all around the world.”
Experience the Next Level of Innovation with HUAWEI This April
The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is launching in the Philippines this April, marking the long-awaited return of the flagship Mate series after two years. It’s designed to elevate the premium smartphone experience with cutting-edge camera innovation, powerful AI capabilities, and a refined, premium design.
Also making a comeback is the HUAWEI WATCH GT Runner — its last version launched in 2021. The new WATCH GT Runner 2 continues the series’ focus on precision, performance insights, and intelligent training support, built by runners for runners.
Stay tuned for updates as HUAWEI brings the latest in smartphone innovation and professional running technology to local consumers. For more information about HUAWEI’s latest innovations, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).
- Davao City activates crisis center for OFW families; AFP gears up amid Middle East conflict
THE CITY government moved swiftly to prepare ample support for the families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who may be caught in the crossfire as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
Davao City Information Office head Harvey James Lanticse announced on March 2, 2026, that the Davao City OFW Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center is now closely monitoring the situation to provide immediate assistance to “left-behind” families.
How to access assistance
Families concerned about their relatives in the Middle East are encouraged to contact the city’s dedicated welfare center through the following channels:
- 24/7 Hotline: 0962-996-6520
- Landline: (082) 225-6214
- Email: ofwcenter.davaocity@gmail.com
- Facebook: OFW Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center Davao City
The city’s activation of these services coincides with the national directive to ensure all government agencies are ready to assist Filipino lives and uphold national security as the global situation evolves.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is on heightened monitoring status as tensions escalate in the Middle East, but it assured the public that while there is no “credible direct threat” to Philippine territory, national security forces are prepared for large-scale repatriation and crisis response.
In an official statement released on March 1, 2026, the AFP confirmed it is working in close coordination with the Department of National Defense and various civilian agencies to track developments overseas.
The military emphasized that national security conditions remain stable, but urged citizens to rely only on verified government sources to combat potential disinformation.
“The AFP stands ready to augment possible repatriation and crisis response efforts for Filipinos in affected areas, when directed,” the statement read, reinforcing the military’s commitment to the government’s “whole-of-nation” protection strategy.
THE 89TH Araw ng Dabaw formally opened through the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog in front of City Hall on Sunday evening, March 1, 2026.
Despite the marching order of Mayor Sebastian Duterte to refrain from using political images in the events, the image of former President Rodrigo Duterte was flashed at the City Hall facade as part of the 3D light show during the opening ceremony.
The month-long Araw ng Dabaw officially kicked off with the unveiling of the 100-year centennial stamp for City Hall.
The Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 candidates were also presented to the public.
Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II said that celebrating the 89th founding anniversary of the city is celebrating not only the strength, progress, and pride but also the discipline and values that define Dabawenyos.
“It is the same commitment to order, responsibility, and discipline that has transformed our city into a hub of progress and harmony,” Duterte said.
The vice mayor emphasized that this year’s edition of Araw ng Dabaw marks the centennial celebration of the city hall of Davao, as the building turns 100 years old.
“A century of unwavering service, stability, and the enduring legacy of our forefathers, a legacy that has laid the strong foundation upon which our city stands and thrives today,” he added.
This year’s theme, “Dabawenyo Ko, Nilambo, Nagkahiusa,” highlights peace, unity, and harmony.
“For it is by working together, by each one of us doing our part and by adhering to our local laws in the city that we can drive our city forward,” he said.
The vice mayor reminded Davaoeños to observe simple everyday practices, such as abiding by the liquor, smoking, and firecracker bans and the speed limit, and using pedestrian lanes and proper waste disposal.
He stressed the contribution of each resident makes the city “not only a place to live but a city that is worthy of being every Dabawenyos’ pride.”
THE COUNTRY is confronting a critical cardiologist shortage, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) reported, noting the need for “One Cardiologist for Every City.”
PHA, during the induction of the PHA Davao-Southern Mindanao officers and the launch of its flagship advocacy programs on February 27, emphasized the need to produce more cardiologists to combat cardiovascular disease, the nation’s top cause of death.
PHA said as of February 2026, only 2,550 cardiologists are serving the 112 million Filipinos- a ratio of one specialist for every 44,000 people.
“More than half are concentrated in Metro Manila, leaving provincial communities navigating long travel hours, delayed diagnoses, and limited access to specialized care,” PHA stressed.
“One Cardiologist for Every City” is one of the PHA’s flagship advocacies to enhance access to heart care for those who lack it by strengthening the regional chapters and creating new chapters and sub-chapters across the country.
“Each new or strengthened chapter represents a big stride toward communities that can detect, manage, and respond to CVDs within their own regions, reducing dependence on distant metropolitan centers and bringing quality heart care closer to every Filipino,” PHA president Walid Amil said.
“For millions of Filipinos outside urban centers, that means traveling hours, even days, just to see a cardiologist一a gap that can mean the difference between life and death,” he added.
The chapters aim to encourage newly-minted cardiologists to serve or go back to their hometowns, and the internal medicine fellows to pursue cardiology.
PHA noted that the cardiology shortage is very evident in Mindanao, Davao Region, with 5.38 million residents, has only 98 cardiologists- a ratio of 1:55,000. A total of 68 are concentrated in Davao City.
PHA Davao president Erwin Ybañez said in an interview that to materialize the advocacy, the PHA will take advantage of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Heart Institute in the city, which serves as the region’s primary referral hub and designated Regional Heart Center.
SPMC is an ISO-certified Level 3 government tertiary hospital and PHA-accredited training institution, which provides specialized services including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), cardiac valve surgery, congenital heart defect repairs, and cardiac catheterization.
“When every city has a competent cardiologist, early diagnosis becomes routine, complications are prevented, referral systems become stronger, and emergency care becomes more coordinated, which allows communities gain confidence in their local health care system,” Ybañez said.
As of this writing, the PHA has 17 regional chapters and one sub-chapter, including the newly formed chapters: Bohol, Capiz-Aklan, Negros Oriental-Dumaguete chapters, and Basilan sub-chapter. In the pipeline are PHA Tawi-Tawi and Sulu subchapters, which are under the PHA ZamBaSulTa Chapter.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) seized nearly P4 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested over 200 suspects in several operations in February.
Acting city director Col. Mannan C. Muarip credited the month’s “significant breakthroughs” to a unified strategy involving local government units, barangay officials, and heightened community cooperation.
The DCPO’s anti-illegal drug campaign remained the most active front, with 184 operations conducted throughout the month. These operations led to the arrest of 207 drug personalities, the seizure of 484.76 grams of shabu and 5,512.07 grams of marijuana, with a total street value of P3,957,823.20.
Police also filed 222 drug-related cases in court.
In the same vein, police arrested 159 fugitives, with 75 classified as “most wanted persons,” while 84 others were wanted for various criminal offenses.
For loose firearms, the DCPO launched 32 operations, resulting in 12 arrests and the confiscation of 15 guns. Under “Oplan Katok,” an additional 12 firearms were voluntarily surrendered, and six were turned in for safekeeping.
Finally, 49 anti-illegal gambling operations led to the arrest of 60 individuals, the confiscation of P17,671 in bet money, and the filing of 46 cases in court.
“The success of DCPO’s operations is not solely the result of law enforcement efforts, but also the active participation of the community and barangay leaders,” Muarip said. “Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Davao City.”
THE NEW minimum wage for agriculture and non-agriculture in Davao Region will take effect beginning March 13, 2026.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI regional director Randolf Pensoy announced on March 2 that the first tranche (on Mar 13) of Wage Order No. RB XI-24 for non-agriculture will increase the amount from P510 to P525, while agriculture will go from P505 to 515.
The second tranche, which is the full implementation of the new wage order and will be effective on Sept 1, 2026, raises to P540 (non-agriculture) and P525 (agriculture).
Last Feb 13, DOLE XI and the National Wages and Productivity Commission, under RTWPB XI, conducted a public hearing on minimum wage determination (onsite and virtual) at the Grand Hotel.
Representatives from the labor management sectors shared their concerns as well as possible adjustments to the current minimum wage (Wage Order No. RB XI-23).
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Production Board XI is mandated under RA No. 6727, also known as the Wage Rationalization Act, to periodically assess wage rates and conduct ongoing studies to determine the minimum wage applicable in the region or industries.
In response to the evolving situation in the Middle East, Globe is extending targeted roaming support measures to help Filipino customers stay connected with loved ones and access essential services while abroad.
Globe’s Middle East relief initiative includes complimentary roaming services in select countries and support credit/bill relief where needed.
Globe is offering a complimentary roaming package to eligible customers identified in the following countries:
- Saudi Arabia – connect via roaming partners such as STC and Zain
- United Arab Emirates – connect via Du and e& (Etisalat)
- Bahrain – connect via Batelco and Zain Bahrain
- Qatar – connect via Ooredoo and Vodafone
- Kuwait – connect via Ooredoo Kuwait, and stc Kuwait
This roaming relief package includes 1GB of all-access data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS credits valid for seven days, to support critical communication needs. The offer will be automatically provided to eligible Globe Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid customers in these markets with no registration required, and recipients will receive confirmation messaging once the service is active and ready for use.
Eligible customers must ensure they are connected to one of Globe’s preferred roaming partners in each country to enjoy the benefit. Globe’s global roaming partner directories list these networks as the primary operators for roaming services in the Middle East.
For customers in Iran, Globe is providing load support or bill adjustments to help offset connectivity costs during this period. Assistance will be administered through account credit adjustments tied to usage patterns while connected to roaming partners such as MTN Irancell.
“We recognize the importance of connection especially when circumstances are unpredictable. These measures represent Globe’s commitment to supporting our customers abroad, keeping them reliably linked to family and critical communication even in challenging contexts,” said Paula Rivera-Castillo, Head of Globe International Business.
Globe continues to monitor conditions in the region and collaborate with international partners to ensure seamless connectivity and timely support for subscribers affected.
For more information on Globe’s roaming services and partner networks, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/international/roaming
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