New Flavors and Festive Drinks to Try in Manila This Holiday Season

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. 

The Manila Hotel will soon be offering a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes across its dining outlets and banquet offerings. 

The Grand Dame of Manila continues to embrace dining trends that nourish both body and soul with this culinary shift that aims to provide various health benefits from supporting cardiovascular health and minimizing environmental impact to embracing holistic well-being. The new offerings address the growing global and local demand for healthier and more sustainable food options, while also honoring Filipino agriculture through the use of locally-sourced ingredients.

“At The Manila Hotel, we recognize the growing importance of conscious dining,” shares Konrad Walter, Executive Chef of The Manila Hotel. “Our enhanced vegan and vegetarian offerings are a reflection of our commitment to wellness, sustainability, and evolving with the modern palate, without compromising the richness, tradition, and flavor that define Filipino cuisine.”

The hotel partnered with Riza Shanti Lim, an internationally certified holistic health practitioner, clinical nutritionist, and plant-based culinary advocate, to bring these dishes to life, using her expertise to conceptualize and develop each dish. The menu features a selection of fine dining options from refreshing appetizers and filling main dishes to sweet desserts.

The Manila Hotel hosted an exclusive press dinner at the Champagne Salon last May 7, which highlighted a multi-course preview of the vegetarian fine dining menu, executed by Chef Riza Shanti Lim, supervised by Executive Chef Konrad Walter, and assisted by the hotel’s culinary team. 

Some of the dishes that you can look forward to include the Fresh Garden Spring Roll in Peanut Cream Sauce, Papaine Moringga with Crisps Soup, Fern Salad with Paneer, Vegan Skewers, 8 Spice Curry, and the Creamed Buko Pandan Plantain with Chia Seeds.

These vegan and vegetarian dishes will soon be available for private banquets, special events, a dedicated station at the buffet in Café Ilang-Ilang, and a la carte dining at the hotel’s restaurants, such as Champagne Room, Red Jade, and Lobby Lounge. It will also be available through in-room dining and M Takeout.

For updates, visit their official website or follow The Manila Hotel on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

Filipino foodies, if you're craving something truly magnifique, get ready for a feast that will transport you straight to the streets of Paris!

The much-awaited street festival Goût de France, aka Good France, is coming to Paseo de Roxas this May 24 to 25, 2025, and trust us, you won't want to miss it.

This grand celebration of French gastronomy, organized by the Embassy of France in collaboration with Ayala Land, Inc and Make It Makati, promises the traditional flavors of French classics as well as innovative, sustainable creations.

Goût de France is a nod to both the rich heritage and the exciting future of French cuisine. Whether you're a fan of flaky croissants, mouthwatering escargots, or delicate patisseries, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Expect a vibrant atmosphere where French culinary traditions meet the local spirit of bayanihan.

Talented chefs will prepare a selection of delicious dishes from France, showcasing their skills in the heart of Makati. It's the perfect chance to indulge in fine food while taking in the lively vibe of Paseo de Roxas.

Entrance is free, so bring your friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts to this delightful celebration of flavors. Whether you're a long-time lover of French food or just curious to try something new, Goût de France is the place to be. You might even discover your next favorite dish!

For more information, visit the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia on their website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Paseo de Roxas, Makati, Philippines

Dates: May 24, 2025 from 4 PM to 12 AM | May 25, 2025 from 8 AM to 10 PM

Admission Fee: Free

If you’re looking for things to do on a Friday night to decompress, you need to make a mental note of Sake Manila 2025.

The buzzing second edition is back on May 23, 2025, at 5 PM in the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila, a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship under one roof. 

This year’s lineup includes over 200 premium sakes, including exclusive bottles flown in just for Sake Manila 2025. And if you don’t like sake, there is also a wide range of premium Japanese whiskies, gins, wines, shochu, and craft beers to try.

A highlight is the Meet the Masters segment, where you’ll get the chance to connect with renowned brewers, distillers, and brand ambassadors, learning about their craft and the stories behind the bottles.

You won’t even need to travel to Japan for a true sensory experience; Sake Manila 2025 will feature rare, small-batch sakes that you can only find at the event. 

With more than 40 participating breweries and distilleries, including names like Dassai, Gekkeikan, and Choya, you’re in for a diverse and unforgettable experience.

As you sip and savor, you’ll also be able to network with industry professionals, business leaders, and fellow sake enthusiasts. And if that’s not enough, there will be exciting raffle prizes, including airfare tickets to Japan courtesy of Cathay Pacific.

Get ready to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, with traditional Japanese music played early in the event that will transition into DJ sets as the night unfolds.

The ticket price for entry costs P6,000 and includes full access to the event, all sakes, and food. You can secure your tickets here. 

For the full list of the participating breweries, stay updated on their website here. For more information, visit Sake Manila 2025 on their Facebook or Instagram. 

Location: Grand Ballroom, Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City Parañaque City, 1701, Metro Manila

Date & Time: May 23, 2025, from 5 PM onwards

Admission Fee: P6,000 (full access)

Discover some of the finest local craft beers and cultivate your taste buds for the finer things in life at the upcoming Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival this May 16 to 18, 2025, at the Ayala Triangle Gardens! 

With over 60 unique craft beers from all over the Philippines, this celebration promises unforgettable experiences — from only the finest local craft brews, live performances, masterclasses, and the community spirit. 

The Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival 2025 is set to be the ultimate celebration of malt, ale, and freshly brewed (and free-flowing!) beer from all the best breweries across the Philippines. These include Engkanto Brewery, Elias Wicked Ales & Spirits, Papa Bolo, Nipa Brew, and much more! You can check out the list of participating brewers here.

A variety of craft beers will be available for guests to taste, each representing the depth and diversity of the Philippine craft beer scene. From fruity pale ales to smooth, deep stouts, there surely will be a drink for everyone!

Live performances, artists, creativity, and more will also be joining in the fun, making the Ayala Triangle Gardens the setting of a vibrant community built on artistry and celebration. Beer masterclasses and beer-related games will be held throughout the weekend, so come join in! 

Raise a glass to Philippine-made beers and mark your calendars for May 16 to 18, 2025! Register here.

The Mabrewhay Craft Beer Festival is co-presented by Ayala Land and Make It Makati, and is sponsored by Ayala Land Premier, Ayala Malls, BPI, GCash, Grab, and Yakima Chief Hops. 

Follow Make It Makati on Facebook and Instagram for more upcoming events and updates! 

Location: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, Philippines

Opening Hours: 4 PM to 1 AM (Friday), 10 AM to 1 AM (Saturday), 10 AM to 8 PM (Sunday)

Admission: Free

Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI has finally opened their 8th and flagship store in Manila at the Glorietta 3 mall! 

It is the brand’s largest outlet in the Philippines, spanning three floors of the Glorietta mall and filled with all their cult favorites and essentials — from stationery, home décor, skincare, clothing, travel, and more. 

Along with the opening of this new branch, MUJI also introduced their first MUJI Bakery in the Philippines, which also includes a huge dining area and a coffee counter. 

MUJI Bakery + Coffee Counter at MUJI Glorietta 3

Located on the Ground Floor of the MUJI Flagship Store in Glorietta 3, the MUJI Bakery offers a wide array of sweet and savory bread and other baked goodies that you can enjoy in-store at their expansive dining area. 

Their bread options include Plain Pandesal (P10), Ube Pandesal (P35), Salted Butter Bread (P45), Plain Croissant (P85), Plain Ensaymada (P95), Ube Ensaymada (P115), Sausage Bun (P135), Red Bean & Butter Croissant (P135), Chocolate Croissant (P155), Almond Croissant (P155), Bacon & Egg Round Croissant (P195), and Shoku Pan / Whole Loaf (P195).

MUJI Bakery bakes their bread fresh daily, only offering the best to their patrons. 

Much like their other Coffee Counters in SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, and other branches, the Coffee Counter at Glorietta 3 has the same offerings and refreshments that can be served hot or iced. 

MUJI Glorietta 3 also offers their curry rice meals, soft serve, and other go-to Japanese snacks in-store too. 

Don’t miss out and check out the MUJI Flagship Store at Glorietta 3 to try out their newest offers! 

Follow MUJI Philippines on their Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates. You can check out their online catalog here.

Location: Levels 1 to 3, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati, 1226 Metro Manila

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM (Sundays to Thursdays), 10 AM to 10 PM (Fridays to Saturdays), MUJI Bakery (opens at 8 AM daily).