Jen Balisi and Tiana Ludhani Chat Filipino Food on The Delish Guestlist

After a successful start last year, the Luxury Dining Series returns with a new lineup of experiences by renowned global culinary talents across Marriott properties in the Asia Pacific region. 

Organized by the Luxury Group by Marriott International, the Luxury Dining series is a multi-city gastronomic journey featuring carefully curated culinary experiences prepared by the hotel group’s talented chefs and mixology professionals. 

This year’s campaign will take place from July to September across the Asia Pacific and will be participated by The St. Regis Osaka (Japan), JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa (South Korea), JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa (India), The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (Australia), The St. Regis Singapore (Singapore), The St. Regis Jakarta (Indonesia), and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok (Thailand). 

“We are thrilled to unveil the latest edition of the Luxury Dining Series, featuring an expansion of stops with a broader lineup of culinary talents across our global portfolio of luxury hotels,” said Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “This year's exclusive collaborations and experiences will celebrate ancient ingredients reimagined for the modern palate, reflecting a key theme identified in The Future of Food 2025 report – 'Forgotten Flavors.' Through immersive collaborations and multi-sensory storytelling, we are offering crafted, unforgettable culinary experiences that seamlessly blend craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and innovation.”

Marriott Bonvoy members will have the opportunity to bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. 

Looking to rediscover a world of Forgotten Flavors? Here’s a definitive timeline of the series set to begin on July 11, 2025.

July 11 to 13: The St. Regis Osaka (Japan)

The culinary celebrations will kick off at The St. Regis Osaka, promising an exceptional ensemble of gastronomic masters. 

Chef Takato Kitano, Head Chef of Wajo, will join forces with Master Teppan Chef Yuki Oe of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, to pay tribute to the purity and depth of Japanese produce, highlighting pristine seafood, heirloom vegetables, and heritage culinary techniques. 

Chef Agustin Balbi of Hong Kong’s highly-acclaimed Andō, who has been awarded by Michelin and Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, will be collaborating with Chef Michiaki Yoshida, Head Chef at La Veduta, to deliver an elegant tasting menu that aims to weave timeless Italian flavors with Japanese cuisine. 

For the beverage segment, there will be a dynamic 50 Best Bar Takeover at The St. Regis Bar, Osaka by Hideyuki Saito, the creative mastermind behind Gold Bar at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon. The bespoke cocktail menu will reflect his blend of precision, creativity, and global hospitality. 

And reinterpreting the traditional tea ritual is Executive Pastry Chef Alex Chong of The Singapore EDITION. Lastly, the first leg of the series will conclude with a grand dinner at Brasserie RÉGINE, prepared by Chef Takatoki Minagawa and Chef Ryuta Iizuka, who is acclaimed for his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ryuzu.

July 17 to 20 - JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa (South Korea)

The culinary tour makes a stop in South Korea’s Jeju Island next with culinary virtuosos Paul Smart of Citrique at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Ryan Byrne of Atria at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, and Jayden Kim of The Flying Hog, set to create a Six-Hands dinner comprised of a contemporary tasting menu. 

In The Lounge, Head Pastry Chef Sienna Wang and Chef Shigeru Nojima of the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, which is slated to open in Q3 2025, will present an elevated Midsummer High Tea where diners can expect delicate pastries paired with tea-inspired cocktails from award-winning Head Bartender Yosuke Asano of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. 

A curated brunch at Yeoumul will pay tribute to Jeju’s legendary female divers called the Haenyeo, with a selection of dishes that highlight the ocean’s treasures. Chef Jin Lee of Yeoumul and Chef Hirotaka Nakashima of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, will prepare a menu inspired by Jeju's fresh seafood and local produce, elevated by the elegance and precision of kaiseki techniques. 

Guests can also discover more about Jeju's traditional liquor-making through an exclusive masterclass taught by renowned fermentation artisan, Master Kim, and Yosuke Asano. This experience aims to blend Korean heritage with the finesse of Japanese mixology.

July 31 to Aug. 3: JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa (India)

In India, guests can experience the grandeur of Daawat-e-Aaleeshan where Chef Riyaz Ahmed will craft a feast of authentic Indian flavors. Another highlight is the enchanting farm-to-table meal by Director of Culinary Neeraj Rawoot at JW Garden, inspired by the whimsical world of “Alice in Wonderland.” 

Don’t miss the Five Elements Dinner prepared by renowned Chefs Neeraj Rawoot, Riyaz Ahmed, Saiful Agam, Vu Van Thien, and Santosh Rawat, which is an immersive and sensory dining experience highlighting different flavor components held in unforgettable spaces across the property. 

There will also be a Lazy Lakeside Brunch at EAST prepared by resident Chef Saiful Agam, who will join hands with Chef Vu Van Thien of Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, to reimagine the restaurant's signature cuisine blend, which draws on Korean BBQ traditions and is elevated with Omakase techniques and Cantonese flavors. 

The Great Getaway Brunch offers a poolside experience comprised of a curated selection of cocktails, a global spread of grilled foods and decadent desserts, coupled with exciting live music set against the backdrop of the Nandi Hills. 

For cocktail enthusiasts, don’t miss the Shaken & Stirred Collaboration with Kuldeep Rawat and Simone Ciambrone from the acclaimed The Bvlgari Bar in Ginza, which is ranked among the World's 50 Best Bars. 

Aug. 15 to 17: The Ritz-Carlton, Perth (Australia)

An East Meets West dinner will offer a seamless fusion of Australian open-fire cooking and Western Australian produce with refined Japanese kaiseki in a traditional multi-course dining masterfully curated by Chef Brian Cole of Hearth and Chef Katsuhito Inoue from Chef's Table at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. The chefs will also be collaborating with local producers for a one-night-only second farm-to-table menu, dubbed Farmers’ Bounty, which pays homage to the land, season, and the hands behind the harvest. 

Hearth's reimagined afternoon tea experience will be presented by Chef Brian Cole and Pastry Chef Jiu Jiang, celebrating Western Australia's diverse landscapes, stories, and flavors, where each artisanal confection showcases the treasures of the region. 

For cocktail fans, an exceptional tasting will be prepared by Marco Barsotti, Beverage & Bars Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, and award-winning Head Bartender Kentaro Wada from The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, where their curated menu will be paired with distinctive bites by Executive Sous Chef Stephen Cocks. 

Aug. 29 to 31: The St. Regis Singapore (Singapore)

Staying true to the “Forgotten Flavors” theme, The St. Regis Singapore will feature an authentic Four-Hands Cantonese menu at Yan Ting by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing, and Daniel Wong, Michelin-starred Chinese Executive Chef of Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, with dishes that reintroduce indigenous ingredients in inventive ways. 

Guests can also look forward to an exceptional six-hands menu at The Astor Grill, curated by Chef Vladimir Veiga, Head Chef of one Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola of The Ritz-Carlton, Penha Longa Resort, Executive Chef Fabio Granata of The St. Regis Singapore, and Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio of The Astor Grill. 

In celebration of the country’s 60th anniversary, Chef Angela Lai, winner of Asia's Best Pastry Chef in 2021 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, joins forces with Executive Pastry Chef Ng Chee Leong to reimagine the island's beloved sweet and savory flavors through a refined lens. 

Meanwhile, Marco Dongi, Bar Manager of Bar Sathorn at W Bangkok from last year's Luxury Dining Series and Paulo Naranjo, Bar and Beverage Manager of The St. Regis Jakarta will be shaking things up at The St. Regis Bar with a menu that shines a spotlight on three of Asia's most compelling cocktail destinations: Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok. 

Sept. 11 to 14: The St. Regis Jakarta (Indonesia)

Starting the Indonesian leg of the series is a decadent tasting of fine confections by celebrated Pastry Chef Janice Wong, highlighting Indonesian cacao beans. 

IGNIV Bangkok will also be offering a modern Swiss cuisine with Chef Arne Riehn brings his while a family-style dinner led by Chef Almatino "Tino" Gabriel Ibrata, will have a pre-dinner reception featuring a traditional Wayang performance, blending cultural prelude to an immersive dining experience. 

The St. Regis Afternoon Tea experience will be designed by pastry visionaries Chef Janice Wong and Chef Kevin Lee. There will also be a noteworthy bar takeover by Yasuhiro Kawakubo of Punch Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, and Giovanni Graziadei of Punch Room at The Singapore EDITION, honoring the origins of punch in Batavia as well as featuring creations from their respective bars. 

Sept. 25 to 28: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok (Thailand)

The series concludes in Bangkok at the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. At Duet by David Toutain, Chef Toutain himself and Chef Valentin Fouache will join hands with Chef Adam Catterall of Hong Kong's Michelin-starred Roganic, the acclaimed outpost of three-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan, to present a six-hands European tasting menu rooted in honoring local terroir. 

The collaborations between these two countries continue with another six-hands meal focused on French tradition and Asian finesse between Duet by David Toutain and Hong Kong’s Louise with Executive Chef Loïc Portalier. 

For a special Friends of Lily's brunch helmed by Chef Pop, guests can further expect an explosion of Middle Eastern, French, and Thai flavors prepared by Chef Tala Bashmi, Chef Loïc Portalier, and Chef Jai of Charmgang. There will also be a private dining experience at Lily's, exclusive to 10 guests, crafted by Chef Tala, where diners can experience Bahraini cuisine.

The Calēo Bar, headed by Bar and Beverage Manager Ewen Ledan, will feature a guest bar takeover by Simone Rossi, celebrated cocktail master from Hong Kong and creator of Ratafia Rossi — a distinctive Italian ratafia cherry liquor, and Angelo Sparvoli, Head Bartender of the legendary American Bar at The Savoy, London. 

Also at Calēo, guests can dive into a multi-sensory chocolate afternoon tea experience, which involves guided tastings and live demonstrations of the craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans. 

For more information and programming details, click here. Also, follow Marriott International on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more updates on exclusive moments you won’t want to miss. 

If you remember the thrill of spotting your name on a Coke bottle, get excited, because that beloved moment is back! 

After 10 years, Coca-Cola’s iconic Share A Coke campaign is making a major comeback, this time targeting Gen Z, with the reminder of how powerful a simple, personal connection can be in today’s digital world. 

Now, you can find bottles and cans with more than 5000 Gen Z-relevant names and nicknames on shelves in supermarkets and convenience stores across more than 120 countries globally.

The campaign first sparked joy down under in Australia in 2011 and reached Singapore in 2015, replacing the classic Coca-Cola logo with popular names and fun titles. 

In the ASEAN and South Pacific region, it’s already lighting up hearts from Thailand to New Zealand, with Myanmar next in line to join the party. This time, Coca-Cola is inviting fans to jump into the fun via their mobile app and QR codes on packaging. 

These links lead to a digital hub where you can customize your own Coke packaging or dive into the “Share a Coke Memory Maker,” a playful tool that helps you craft personalized videos and memes to celebrate friendship and share special moments.

As Islam ElDessouky, Global VP of Creative at Coca-Cola, puts it, “Share a Coke is back and supercharged, celebrating the pure magic when people connect.”

Keep an eye out for ‘The Magic of Sharing’ film, influencer collaborations, and “Share a Meal” bundles at select McDonald’s locations. 

Click here to get started on customization, whether it's for a gift, a celebration, or just for fun!

For more information, visit Coca-Cola on their website, Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

SEVENTEEN, one of the biggest names in K-Pop, now adds “Korean Food Global Ambassador” to their glowing list of endorsements. 

Announced on May 19, 2025, SEVENTEEN will now be representing Korean food brand bibigo in the global market, marking a major step in bibigo’s efforts to attract Gen Z consumers everywhere.

As the leading K-Food brand, bibigo aims to bring Korean food closer to international audiences by working with SEVENTEEN, whose influence reaches across the globe. 

Their campaign, “Taste What’s Beyond,” will include a wide array of exciting activities such as a Campaign Video Release, Collaborative Product Launches, and Online and Offline Events to promote bibigo’s products and give CARATs more content from SEVENTEEN. 

Through this partnership, CJ aims to share bibigo’s unique stories and flavors of Korean food with a fresh and creative approach. CJ Foods picked SEVENTEEN as their global brand ambassadors because of the group’s bright and positive energy that synergizes well with bibigo’s fun and passionate brand image. 

bibigo has launched a campaign video across all its social media platforms since May 20. These short-form videos feature the SEVENTEEN members enjoying a range of bibigo products, including gimbap, corn dogs, and tteokbokki. Fans can also view the video on a dedicated SEVENTEEN microsite, which is now live! 

In the second half of the year, bibigo will be rolling out collab products with SEVENTEEN in global markets. Fans and consumers can look forward to a series of online and offline events in international markets like Japan and the United States in the future. 

“By partnering with SEVENTEEN, we hope to connect with more consumers worldwide and significantly drive awareness for our brand bibigo,” said Stephan Czypionka, Global Chief Marketing Officer of CJ Foods. “Through this campaign, we aim to showcase bibigo and Korean food to a broader audience in a fun and engaging way.” 

SEVENTEEN will be returning for their 10th debut anniversary with their fifth studio album, “HAPPY BURSTDAY” on May 26, 2025. 

Follow bibigo on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram for more updates. Visit bibigo’s SEVENTEEN site here. 

Follow SEVENTEEN on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram to catch their upcoming comeback!

Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus has officially launched the Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025, highlighting aspiring sommelier talents from across 10 regions in Asia. This landmark event was designed to cultivate and celebrate the next generation of sommelier talent across Asia.

The competition aims to provide the next generation of sommeliers with a platform to showcase their skills and prepare them for future success on both local and international stages. Vietnam will host this year’s competition, welcoming wine talents from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

The semi-final and final rounds are scheduled for May 20 to 21, 2025, at the Mai House Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. On the 20th, semi-finalists will undergo rigorous assessments, featuring a thorough written examination and educational workshops to assess and elevate their knowledge and skills. The top three will then proceed to the public final on the 21st. 

The final round will feature a dynamic public showcase where finalists will demonstrate their prowess through live performances judged on wine region knowledge, sensory analysis, food pairing, and service technique. 

The winner of the competition will receive a special prize package: a five-day immersive experience in Bordeaux, exploring the prestigious Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus estates, a Châteaux Montalbert gift box, and a bottle of Châteaux Beychevelle. 

“We are thrilled to host the Best Young Sommelier Competition – Asia Edition 2025, bringing together talented young sommeliers from across the region,” said Mrs. Stephanie Voy, APAC Senior Marketing Manager at Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus. “This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering strong connections within the Asian sommelier community and empowering the next generation of wine professionals.” 

Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus also stated that they aim to provide an enriching and unforgettable experience to the candidates, complete with valuable knowledge, insights into Bordeaux wines, and exceptional networking opportunities. 

For more information, you may visit Castel Châteaux & Grands Crus’ website here or follow their Instagram page.  

Ready to sip your way into summer? Aperol is causing a new orange wave to sweep over the world as they unveil their global campaign, "L’unico. Per tutti," which is set to splash across over 30 countries in 2025. 

This campaign celebrates Aperol's iconic status as the heart and soul of the perfect Aperol Spritz, the drink that has captured the world’s imagination and become synonymous with summer bliss.

As the number one cocktail in Italy, the Aperol Spritz has long been the drink of choice for sun-soaked afternoons and relaxed evenings with friends. 

Now, Aperol is inviting everyone to experience the true spirit of Italian Aperitivo culture, setting the campaign video against the sun-drenched backdrop of a piazza in Italy’s Ascoli Piceno. 

“At the heart of this campaign is a celebration of Aperol's unique place in global culture. Aperol has helped a beloved Italian ritual become a global tradition, and today, when people think of a spritz, Aperol comes to mind. With 'L'unico. Per tutti,' we're celebrating the vibrant orange wave that accompanies the connections of friends and communities everywhere,” stated Andrea Neri, Managing Director at House of Aperitifs – Campari Group.

Created with DDB Paris, the campaign's hero film captures a moment that feels as fresh and sparkling as an Aperol Spritz itself.  Stay tuned, as the campaign will roll out across TV, social media, YouTube, OOH, and more, bringing the Aperol magic to your screens and feeds. 

For a taste of the campaign and more, head over to Aperol’s website or follow them on Instagram.

Sip in style with exclusive glassware and cocktail collections this World Cocktail Months from MGallery Hotel Collection, Maison Sarah Lavoine, and Citadelle Gin. 

Starting May 13, boutique hotel collection MGallery is partnering with French lifestyle brand Maison Sarah Lavoine to launch an exclusive glassware set. Born out of a collective ethos dedicated to character, curiosity, and creativity, MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine have come together to expertly infuse emotion and memories into their designs. 

The three stunning cocktail glasses have been paired with a trio of limited-edition cocktail creations from Citadelle Gin, the world’s first craft gin, that guests can sip and enjoy in MGallery bars around the world or recreate at home, turning every sip into a work of art. 

MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine’s personalities come together in this glassware collection. Inspired by MGallery’s one-of-a-kind designs and Maison Sarah Lavoine’s distinctive, bold, and playful colors, elegant lines, and timeless designs, this exclusive glassware collection includes a tumbler and two refined coupes, each with matching coasters. 

Blown and tinted to perfection, the glassware combines the essence of each brand, featuring MGallery’s distinctive diagonal geometric pattern, set against Maison Sarah Lavoine’s exclusive Pantone colors, including Sarah Blue. 

A Daring and Delightful Cocktail Trio

MGallery has partnered with Citadelle Gin to create three bold new cocktails designed specifically to match the glassware. Guests can indulge in rich and delightful recipes made with 100% natural ingredients. 

These one-of-a-kind cocktails are: 

• The Crystal Diva: featuring Citadelle Gin Original, this drink has floral and herbal notes, fino sherry, jasmine and lemongrass cordial, and orange blossom. Stirred and poured effortlessly in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Nick & Nora coupe, it is garnished with a white chocolate shard and a touch of jasmine and lemongrass, much like a gimlet cocktail.
• The Timeless Negroni: A contemporary twist to the classic Negroni featuring Citadelle Gin Original, it infuses sandalwood, red vermouth, and Italian bitters infused with pineapple and pandan, oozing something more earthy and rich. It is served in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Old Fashioned tumbler with a 5 cm oval ice cube, and is topped with pineapple and pandan leather.
• The Honey 75: This salty, zesty twist on a French 75 features Citadelle Gin Original, fat-washed with local olive oil, verjus, salted local honey, orange, and cardamom syrup. Topped with Pommery Champagne, this cocktail is served in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Coupe, evoking a local anchorage that grounds its sparkling profile in timeless elegance. 

The three limited-edition cocktails will be launched alongside five brand-new MGallery cocktail creations with a variety of flavors to transport guests around the world. The creations, available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, will be added to the MGallery cocktail menu and include a refreshing Sage Highball, a citrusy Spring Sour, a modern and fruity Guava Adonis, a silky lemon Bee’s Heat, and a tropical Paolo Verde. 

The Citadelle Gin cocktails will be available to sample and will be served in their perfectly paired Maison Sarah Lavoine cocktail glass in MGallery bars around the world from May 13 until Aug. 31, 2025. 

The limited-edition Maison Sarah Lavoine glassware collection is also exclusively available for purchase at MGallery Boutique.

Follow MGallery Hotel Collection on Facebook and Instagram for more information. You may check out their website here.