Gateway Art Fair marks fifth year of opening opportunities for Filipino artists

 

Gateway Art Fair, Quezon City’s most awaited celebration of visual arts, is back with more opportunities for Filipino artists. It returns with the standard four-day art fair with over 200 featured artists from all over the country, free art workshops and talks led by art experts, interesting art installations across Araneta City, and more!

Presented by J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), the Gateway Gallery and Araneta City, and co-presented by Metrobank, the Gateway Art Fair will be held from October 1 to 4, 2026 at Gateway Mall 2. Annually held since 2022, the event reinforces JAAF’s main goal: to open gateways to opportunities.

Now in its fifth year, the Gateway Art Fair expands its support for artists with a capacity- building workshop, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry NCR Office, to empower them with marketing tools as creative entrepreneurs. This year also launches the first Gateway Art Fair Awards that aim to recognize and uplift artistic talent, with prizes from Boysen Paint Philippines, Art Bar, and a specially sculpted trophy.

“By investing in capacity building and creative entrepreneurship, we aren’t just putting on an art fair—we are helping artists step through the threshold into sustainable careers,” Diane Romero, JAAF Executive Director, explained. “We are elevating creative entrepreneurs, opening market access, and growing the Philippine creative industry, hand-in-hand with our community.”

Since its launch in 2022, the Gateway Art Fair has reinforced JAAF's mission of opening gateways to opportunities through art, culture, and creative development.

“Our core mission has always been simple. Every doorway we unlock for an artist opens a dozen more for our culture and economy,” Romero said.

Beyond showcasing artworks, the fair invites the public to engage more deeply with art through three days of talks and workshops led by Gateway Art Fair exhibitors and experts from the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts. These activities will run from October 2 to 4, 2026, at Gateway Mall 1.

Visitors can also immerse themselves further in art through installations by local artists located throughout Gateway Mall 2 during the art fair.

Artist Learning Session

Apart from opening doors for artists and art enthusiasts, the Gateway Art Fair continues to sustain the art and culture programs of JAAF. These programs help sustain the initiatives of Gateway Gallery, the museum of Araneta City, and provide broader access to art and culture for the Filipino community.

“When we open doors together, we don’t just showcase art; we empower lives,” Romero said. “Let’s walk through these new gateways together and make the fifth edition of Gateway Art Fair our most vibrant one yet.”

For more details about the Gateway Art Fair, stay tuned to its social media accounts onFacebook and Instagram .

Natural ways to unclog a stuffy nose

 

Home remedies such as steam inhalation and eating hot soups can help with the stuffiness one experiences when having the common cold.

It begins with a sore or itchy throat, a mild headache, constant sneezing, achy joints and muscles, and a feeling of being unwell. Before you know it, you have a cold and just as annoying as a runny nose is a stuffy one, because it makes your head feel heavy and breathing difficult.

“While most people think it is due to an excess production of mucus, a blocked nose, or nasal congestion, is your immune system’s response to the presence of the cold virus in your nasal lining,” according to Paulo Angelo D.C. Catindig, MD, an otorhinolaryngologist of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).

“As the immune system releases white blood cells to fight the infection, the blood vessels in your nasal passages become inflamed and swell. This narrows the airways, leaving little room for air and mucus to pass through. This results in the stuffiness you experience.”

A common cold lasts between 7 and 10 days; till then, there is no need to suffer through the stuffiness. “Nonprescription decongestants (in pill, syrup, and nasal spray form) work by shrinking swollen vessels in your nasal passages,” says the MakatiMed doctor. “Look for ingredients like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine but take them only as prescribed in the package or by your doctor.”

A number of home remedies have also been known to help clear clogged nasal passages and make you breathe better:

Nasal inhalers, like the popular Hong Thai and Vicks, combine ingredients like camphor, menthol, and natural herbs that provide a refreshingly cool sensation when inhaled through each nostril. “It does not unclog the nose but rather gives a quick, temporary relief from the stuffiness,” explains Dr. Catindig.

Steam inhalation involves pouring boiled water into a large bowl, placing the bowl on a steady, flat surface, and leaning over the bowl while draping a large towel or blanket over the back of your head to trap the rising moisture. “Keep your eyes closed and your face about 12 inches away from the boiling water,” advises Dr. Catindig. “Inhale slowly through your nose. The steam softens and loosens thick, trapped mucus, allowing you to breathe better.” Again, this does not cure the underlying cause of your cold, but it does relieve you of the congestion, albeit temporarily.

Food is also an effective way to address nasal congestion. “Hot soups and broths soothe a sore throat, and the steam can unclog a stuffy nose,” points out Dr. Catindig. “Add a bit of spice to the soup, as they help thin mucus, lessen nasal swelling, and stimulate sinus drainage.” The steam from hot tea has the same effect; choose flavors with peppermint and ginger, which act as a natural decongestant.

Getting adequate rest can hasten recovery from a cold and the stuffy feeling that comes with it. “Remember, this is just temporary,” says Dr. Catindig. “With these home remedies and a few days at home, you will be breathing better in no time. See your doctor if your cold does not improve after 10 days and if it comes with symptoms like a fever, a persistent sore throat, pain in the ear, and difficulty breathing.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

Treat your grandparents to their Mang Nasal faves up to Sept. 20

 

Make your grandparents feel extra special with the Mang Inasal Grandparents' Day Fiesta Treat that runs until Sept 20. 

Exclusive for takeout, delivery and drive-thru, the promo offers savings of up to P140 for the Mang Inasal Family Fiesta bundle of Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho and Pork BBQ, with java rice, four Extra Creamy Halo-Halo 8 oz, and four small drinks. You may also opt for an all-chicken Family Fiesta meal.

For simpler celebrations, you may order the Mang Inasal Buddy Fiesta bundle and save as much as P70.

These bundles are ideal for families who want to spend time with their grandparents over a shared meal, whether after errands, during a quick catch-up, or simply as a way to make time for each other.

“Grandparents’ Day is a meaningful opportunity for families to make time for the people who have helped bring generations together,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro. “Through our Grandparents’ Day offerings, we want to make it easier for families to celebrate in ways that feel true to them—from a generous family feast to a simple get-together shared with Lolo and Lola.”

Beyond the food, the occasion reflects a distinctly Filipino way of celebrating. Gathering around the table is often an expression of love, gratitude, and togetherness, making shared meals an important part of family milestones and traditions.

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest news, manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal on social media for more Ihaw- Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!

DTI 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generates P309.57M in sales

 

DTI Sec. Ma. Cristina Roque (4th from left) formally opened the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair held on September 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The 5-day event generated P309.57M in total sales for the participating cocopreneurs. 

Proving that trade exhibitions offer far more than simple product exposure, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair generated P309.57 million in total sales. The impressive figure marks a major milestone for Filipino coconut enterprises following the event held from August 26 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.

This year’s fair brought together 300 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the Philippines. The sales performance represents a massive leap from the P96.9 million generated by 213 participating businesses during last year’s event.

Participating “cocopreneurs” showcased a wide variety of value-added products across food and beverage, health and wellness, personal care, home and lifestyle items, craft, and sustainable non-food materials. The strong turnout highlights both an expanding local coconut industry and the growing capacity of domestic businesses to meet diverse consumer and commercial demands.

Held in conjunction with National Coconut Week, the fair demonstrated a collaborative, whole-of-government approach. DTI’s market-development strategies in tandem with programs led by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and partner agencies under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

As the lead implementing agency, the PCA coordinates targeted initiatives designed to strengthen the coconut sector and raise incomes for local farming communities. The wider CFIDP ecosystem also supports total industry growth—funding farmer assistance, cooperative training, research, technology adoption, product innovation and enterprise building.

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque alongside key PCA leadership. Highlights of the opening included the release of the CFIDP Coffee Table Book, the launch of the 2022–2025 CFIDP Terminal Report documenting key milestones and beneficiary stories, and the debut of the official CFIDP website to streamline public access to industry resources.

To maximize commercial opportunities, the event featured a dedicated Buyers Lounge. Here, coconut MSMEs met directly with corporate and institutional buyers to pitch product lines, discuss sourcing requirements and secure long-term business partnerships.

Ultimately, the success of the 2026 COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair reinforces how research, technology, and market development can align under unified government leadership to create sustainable, high-value economic opportunities for Filipino coconut farmers.

DQ’s Breakout Blizz is for those moments when you can’t help but say ‘DQ na kaya’

 

We’ve all had those moments where our brains just completely run out of RAM, our inboxes are basically screaming at us, and we find ourselves sitting in meetings and lectures nodding along to things we don’t even remotely understand. We could try to sit there and do those deep breathing exercises people always talk about, or we can just give in to the simple, guilty pleasures that actually make us happy. You know, like ice cream! 

When life gets ridiculously loud and overwhelming, you can always count on DQ for your well-deserved break from, well, everything, with sweet treats to help you hit pause and enjoy a  ve the perfect excuse to finally slow down and live in the moment!

Made in collaboration with KitKat, the new Breakout Blizz collection features six irresistible desserts centered around the iconic chocolate wafer biscuit. KitKat has always been known for perfectly locking down the whole “take a break” vibe, and this team up with DQ will surely elevate your well- deserved ice cream breaks, making them more indulgent and satisfying!

Treat yourself to a fun little recess and dig into the rich, salty-sweet swirls of the new Caramel Almond Chill Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with caramel fudge, chopped almond nuts, chocolate fudge, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with a caramel-chocolate drizzle and half a KitKat piece! 

Drop everything now and dive straight into a vibrant, fruity dessert with the new Berry Much Done Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve mixed with blueberry syrup, mini marshmallows, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with a blueberry drizzle and half a KitKat piece!

Take a timeout and savor the new Tired-Me-Su Blizzard (starts at P119), made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve mixed with coffee concentrate, cheesecake bits, and KitKat pieces, and then topped with even more cheesecake bits and half a KitKat piece!

For a quick selfie break, you’ll never go wrong with the new Caramel Almond Chill Parfait (P189), featuring layers of DQ's signature vanilla soft serve with caramel fudge, chocolate fudge, chopped almond nuts, and KitKat pieces in between, and then topped with whipped cream!

Or take your sweet time with the new Mudpie Me-Time Tin Cake (P439), a 100-percent ice cream cakemade with DQ's signature soft serve, chocolate fudge, coffee concentrate, and KitKat pieces, all in a to-go tin can so you can enjoy it at your own pace! 

And finally, take a breather with the whole gang with the new Cherry-Out-Here Blizzard Cake (starts at P749), a 100-percent ice cream cake made with DQ's signature soft serve, cake crunch, and chocolate fudge, made even more delectable with frosting, cherries and KitKat pieces! 

Enjoy these new offers together with your other favorites from DQ by visiting your nearest store today for dine-in or take-out or have them delivered straight to your doorstep by ordering through DQ’s official delivery partners GrabFood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary). 

Stay updated about anything and everything DQ by following the brand and giving a like on Facebook, Instagram, and X!