Where to Treat Mom: Hotel Dining Offers to Check Out This Mother's Day

Cebu foodies, get ready to feast! This June, SM City Cebu is about to become the ultimate destination for eating out as The Moment Group, the culinary force behind Manila’s trendiest dining spots, brings its concepts to the Queen City of the South. 

From June 18 to June 25, 2025, Cebu’s dining landscape is set for a tasty makeover with exciting new restaurant openings packed within the mall. 

Leading the charge is Manam, opening on June 18, famous for putting a creative spin on classic Filipino flavors and favorites. Imagine crispy Pancit Palabok, Sinigang na Beef Short Rib with Watermelon, and refreshing Ube + Sago shakes—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying a casual celebration.

Also launching on June 18 is Ooma, bringing a playful, bold take on Japanese cuisine to Cebu. Dive into fan favorites like Aburi Maki Rolls, tender Hanger Steak, and rich Uni Udon.

Mark your calendars for July 1 when 8Cuts Burgers fires up its grills. Known for juicy, custom-blended patties and crave-worthy sides, their cheeseburger, Bleu 2.0, and crispy onion rings are about to become your new go-to bites.

Having sweet cravings? Mo’ Cookies arrives on June 28 with its famous gooey, palm-sized cookies baked fresh daily, with options like Dark Chocolate Macadamia to South Cotabato Chocolate Fudge. 

Last but definitely not the least iconic, Taiwanese Michelin-starred brand Din Tai Fung will open on July 18, bringing its legendary Pork Xiaolongbao to Cebu’s eager food lovers.

For more information, visit SM Supermalls on their website, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). 

Location: SM Supermalls, 7th Floor, MOA Square, Marina Way, Seashell Lane, cor Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

Sustainable dining is the way forward as IHG Hotels & Resorts (Intercontinental Hotels Group) properties in the Philippines pledge to make 30% of all menu offerings plant-based by 2027. 

IHG hotels across the country namely Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria, Holiday Inn Cebu City, Holiday Inn & Suites Batangas Lima Park, and Holiday Inn & Suites Makati pledged to this policy, which represents one of the most comprehensive plant-based dining initiative undertaken by a major international hotel group in the Philippines. The initiative spans multiple dining venues at the properties, including restaurants, room service menus, and banquet offerings. 

“Our commitment to increasing plant-based options to 30% across our menus at Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria by 2025 reflects our dedication to sustainable hospitality and responsible dining," said Patria Puyat, Cluster General Manager at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria. “This initiative aligns with our global 'Journey to Tomorrow' sustainability program and reflects our determination to reduce our environmental footprint while meeting the evolving preferences of today's conscious travelers.”

"We've always believed that great hospitality is about making people feel cared for, not just through comfort, but through the choices we offer,” added Andy Belmonte, General Manager of Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. “Expanding our menus to include 30% plant-based dishes by the end of 2027 is one way to support our guests' well-being while caring for the planet. It's a meaningful step for us as part of the Makati community, where modern living and conscious choices go hand in hand."

Research shows that plant-based proteins generate up to 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions and require up to 90% less land and water use than animal proteins. Additionally, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that plant-based foods also generate approximately 50% less food waste than meat and dairy products. This undertaking from IHG showcases meaningful progress toward conscious dining and provides a more thoughtful and forward-looking guest experience.

“This commitment demonstrates how the industry can evolve with purpose, integrating care for people and the planet with the quality and comfort guests expect,” said Marielle Lagulay, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation — a global NGO that assists leading companies to upgrade their food sourcing to a more sustainable supply chain.

“We hope IHG Philippines’ great initiative inspires other hospitality groups to pursue similar commitments, understanding that thoughtful changes in food service can generate substantial positive impact.”

For more information on bookings and reservations, follow IHG Hotels & Resorts on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. 

Want to experience a deluxe slice of Paris right in Manila? Ladurée, the iconic French bakery famed for its delicate macarons from Paris (also Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf's sweet treat of choice), is opening its flagship boutique right in the heart of Bonifacio Global City!

Mark your calendars for July 5, 2025, at 1 PM sharp, when Manila will welcome something truly special. Ladurée Philippines' BGC branch is set to be the grandest flagship in Southeast Asia, thanks to the efforts of Gastronova Hospitality Group. 

You may have tried their popular macarons at their shop at 8 Rockwell, which opened in 2015. Now, the BGC Ladurée store is getting a fresh revamp, modeled after the legendary Ladurée store in Champs-Élysées, bringing a touch of Parisian elegance and charm straight to Southeast Asia. 

Nestled in One Bonifacio High Street Mall, this upscale destination is set to become the go-to spot for lovers of French patisserie and signature treats.

Imagine a pastry counter filled with signature macarons in an assortment of rainbow flavors, buttery croissants, rich pains au chocolat, and handcrafted artisanal chocolates that are almost too pretty to eat (but you’ll want to anyway).

In a different zone, sip on expertly brewed lattes, refreshing frappuccino drinks, and dive into gelatos at their coffee and viennoiserie bar — perfect for cooling down during a warm afternoon.

And if you’re in the mood to truly indulge, the 37-seat salon in the same space offers a full French dining experience from breakfast up until dinner time. For the first time in Ladurée's history, there will be an executive lunch menu, tailored just for the bustling BGC business crowd. 

And don’t miss their Parisian-style high tea, served daily from 3:30 to 6 PM — a perfect way to unwind.

Reservations for the store are recommended. Bookings open on June 6, 2025, so stay tuned on Ladurée Philippines' website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Ladurée, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue corner, 28th Street, BGC 

After six years of delighting Bonifacio Global City’s food lovers, beloved Spanish restaurant La Picara is closing its doors — but not without a farewell celebration.

Not one to shy away from a party, La Picara has been a go-to spot since opening in 2019, charming diners with a unique blend of authentic Spanish flavors infused with stylish Asian influences. 

Founded by Isabel Calvo and Felipe Antonio Díaz de Miranda Fernández de Molina amid the pandemic, the restaurant quickly gained popularity for its creative tapas, such as the addictive Kimchi Croquettes and crispy Patatas Bravas, and its flavorful paellas, including the Chili Crab Paella and Truffle and Mushroom Paella.

La Picara announced it will serve its last plate on June 18, 2025. Until then, guests can indulge in all their favorites one final time. And what better way to toast the occasion than with a refreshing glass of sangria or one of their signature cocktails?

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, the team at La Picara expressed deep gratitude: “To our cherished guests, after many unforgettable meals, warm conversations, and shared memories, we’ve decided to change direction. Exciting things are underway, but for now, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being part of our journey.”

Though La Picara’s chapter in BGC is closing, fans are invited to stay tuned for what’s next, promising new ventures on the horizon. 

For more information, visit La Picara on their Instagram and Facebook. Book your table here.

Location: La Picara, 2/F One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, BGC, Taguig

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 3 PM until 11 PM, Saturdays to Sundays from noon until 11 PM

Filipino culinary content creator, Abi Marquez, also known as the Internet’s resident “Lumpia Queen,” bags the Best Food Influencer award at the 2025 World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA) in Cannes, France.

The social media star is known for her viral TikTok videos, showcasing innovative and mouthwatering recipes that make Filipino food more accessible and appreciated around the world. 

On May 23, Abi attended the WIBA awards ceremony, which took place at the Hotel Martine in Cannes, coinciding with the film festival. She wore a custom Jo Rubio gown, styled and conceptualized by Pam Ricarte, inspired by the iconic Filipino spaghetti. 

Deemed as the Oscars for Influencers, WIBA has been recognizing the most influential personalities in the social media world since 2019. It's an annual award highlighting the most important social causes, empowering influencers’ voices, and encouraging global conversations and friendships. 

The Filipino content creator shared an emotional post on social media post-ceremony, expressing her disbelief at the incredible honor and her appreciation for her family, her team at NYMA, and her fans’ support. 

“Still CRAZY to me that I’m in Europe for the first time and recognized for what my team and I have built with love, to be surrounded by creators from around the world AND to represent Filipino food on another global platform. To everyone who watched and shared our content, MARAMING SALAMAT PO. You helped Filipino Food be seen across the globe.”

Her caption ended with a Filipino flag emoji, showing that it’s more than just a personal achievement, but one shared with the Filipino community as she brings local flavors to the world stage. 

Abi gained popularity for her “Lumpia Wrapper” series, where she basically creates spring rolls out of iconic Filipino and international dishes. She recently collaborated with Chef Gordon Ramsay during his visit to his restaurant in Newport City, where she gave him a taste of his popular Beef Wellington recipe in lumpia form. 

Abi has also collected several accolades in recent years, including three awards at the 46th Telly Awards and the Webby People’s Voice Award in 2024, which she has once again been nominated for in the Creators - Food & Drink category this year.  

For more delish updates and recipes, follow Abi Marquez on Facebook, TikTok, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Disney’s mischievous little blue alien, Experiment 626, is taking over in our hearts and now our taste buds too, thanks to Krispy Kreme Philippines' latest donut drop!

With the buzz around the new live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, the beloved characters from the film have spilled into the world of sweet treats, and we are here for it.

Starting May 16, 2025, a limited-edition Stitch-themed donut collection is landing in the Philippines, and it’s bold, colorful, and downright irresistible! 

Priced at P480 for an assorted half-dozen (fixed selection), these donuts are a must-try for fans of the beloved troublemaker. You can grab them in-store, via drive-through, take-out, or delivery on their website, but be warned, you won’t be able to escape their adorable charm.

Each box is a mini-Hawaiian paradise with adorable packaging. Open it up and you’ll find decorated Insta-worthy donuts designed to look as "cute and fluffy" as Stitch himself. 

The colorful collection includes different Stitch Donuts, blue-frosted delights that are as cheeky as the little guy, a Lilo Ohana Donut (a tribute to everyone’s favorite big-hearted Hawaiian girl), and a Pineapple Kreme Donut, a tropical explosion in the shape of a cartoon pineapple, filled with luscious pineapple cream.

This sugary Stitch takeover is exclusive only to the Philippines, making it a must-grab before they’re gone!

To order the donuts online, visit their website. Find Krispy Kreme on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.