Taste the bold flavors of Vietnamese coffee in Don Macchiatos’ new product line

Don Macchiatos, the country’s first ₱39 coffee chain, is bringing more of Asia’s flavors to its lineup of affordable and delicious coffee-based drinks with the introduction of four new flavors. The coffee chain officially launched four new flavors on October 20, 2026, at its flagship branch in P. del Rosario Street, right beside Sto. Rosario Church.

Inspired by Vietnam’s bold coffee culture, the new additions, Salt Coffee, Coconut Coffee, Iced Black Coffee and Iced Milk Coffee, are prepared using the traditional phin filter, which produces a rich, textured brew commonly paired with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice.

The new lineup also features Trung Nguyen, authentically-sourced Robusta beans, known for its strong, dark-roasted and distinctly chocolatey profile, a hallmark of Vietnamese coffee. Vinamilk, a popular condensed milk in Vietnam is also one of the key ingredients of the new flavor lineup.  

This partnership underscores Don Macchiatos’ authentic homage to Vietnamese coffee, bringing the taste of the Land of the Blue Dragon to the Filipino masses. Brewed using traditional phin filters and premium Robusta beans, the new lineup captures the bold, distinctive spirit of Vietnam across four expertly-crafted beverages:

Cà Phê Cốt Dừa

Coconut Coffee 

Known for its abundant coconut harvests, Southern Vietnam is home to one of the most sought-after Vietnamese coffee specialties: coconut coffee. Don Macchiatos’ take on this beloved creation is as bold as it gets, featuring a sweet and creamy component over the coffee, finished with desiccated coconut bits for an added crunch. This is priced at ₱59.

Cà Phê Muối

Salt Coffee

A distinctive Vietnamese brew combining strong coffee with a lightly salted creamy topping, Don Macchiato's new Salt Coffee flavor features subtle saltiness that enhances the rich, roasted notes of the coffee while balancing its controlled sweetness for a smooth, bold finish. This is priced at ₱59.

Cà Phê Sữa Đá 

Iced Milk Coffee 

Classic is never something to get tired of. With this timeless coffee flavor, the Original Vietnamese flavor boasts a strong brewed coffee blended with rich sweetened condensed milk. Perfectly balanced with a bold coffee aroma, smooth creamy body, and a mellow sweetness. This is priced at ₱59.

Cà Phê Đen Đá

Black Coffee

A pure, bold Vietnamese coffee experience crafted with strong phin-brewed coffee poured over ice. Intensely aromatic with deep, dark-roasted bitterness and subtle chocolate or caramel undertones, served black (or with a touch of sugar) for an invigorating, uncompromised flavor profile.

Alongside the launch of its new products, Don Macchiatos is also sprucing up its flagship store along P. Del Rosario, right beside Sto. Rosario Church. Designed by Yaoto Architects + Partners, the newly renovated shop emulates the chill street side feel of Vietnamese coffee shops where patrons can comfortably sit in the coffee shop’s store front, facing the bustling streets while enjoying their coffee delights.  

This new flavor lineup will be rolling out to all branches soon. Customers can get an exclusive first taste at Don Macchiatos’ flagship branch on P. Del Rosario, Cebu City. Come on over and taste a little bit of Vietnam at the heart of Cebu with Don Macchiatos’ new product offerings.

Puregold Teatro Panalo unveils groundbreaking lineup for historic inaugural festival

Philippine theater history is in the making!

After months of anticipation, excitement, and speculation, the stage is finally set for the inaugural Puregold Teatro Panalo! From a total of 373 submissions nationwide, only 12 exceptional works have emerged as the festival’s historic first batch of finalists.

Some of the biggest names in Philippine theater have meticulously reviewed hundreds of entries, searching for the most compelling stories, freshest voices, and boldest creative visions. Now, the chosen 12 are ready to take center stage and usher in an exciting new chapter for Filipino theater.

The highly anticipated announcement took place during a special live event at Cinema 16 of Gateway Mall on October 14. The selected playwrights stepped into the spotlight to receive their ₱100,000 talent fees, officially marking the beginning of their journey as pioneers of the first-ever Puregold Teatro Panalo.

Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold Teatro Panalo Festival Chair, expressed her excitement over the historic lineup and the extraordinary response from Filipino theater artists across the country.

“It was encouraging to see how many Filipino storytellers are eager to share their work, and it made choosing only 12 plays especially difficult. They remind us how much Filipino theater has to offer; how live experiences offer authentic connections, and how important it is to create more opportunities for these stories to find their audience,” said Hayagan-Piedad. “With Puregold Teatro Panalo, we hope to give these works the stage they deserve and, in our own way, help Philippine theater continue to grow.” 

The 12 finalists—eight straight plays and four musicals—of the inaugural Puregold Teatro Panalo are:

• “The Girl Scout Law” by Rhain Arabella Alcoriza
• “True to Life” by John "Sweet" Lapus
• “Trahedya ng Kamote” by Marjay S. Manalastas
• “The Boy Foretold By The Stars (One Act Play)” by Dolly Dulu
• “Nothing But Dreams” by Ricardo C. Novenario
• “Youngstunna” by Jerom Andrei M. Canlas
• “Walang Maliit na Bagay” by Joshua Lim So
• “@HOME” by Edralin Cabrera, Kathlyn Castillo, Michael Ian Lomongo, Marjorie Lorico, Maria Teresa Jamias, Wenah Nagales, & J Victor Villareal
• “Ang Maayong Balita Sumala Kang Bibo Bautista” by Jude Thaddeus M. Gitamondoc
• “Baka mali ang Tamaraw” by Emmanuel Benbinuto Antonio
• “Manang-Mana Nga!” by Steven Hotchkiss and Jay Pangilinan
• “The Fourth Wall Has Fallen” by Heber Justin P. O'Hara

Behind this landmark selection is an impressive assembly of some of the country’s most respected theater luminaries: NCCA SUDI National Music Awardee and multi-award-winning composer and playwright, Festival Director Vincent A. DeJesus; two-time Philstage Gawad Buhay! Award-winning director and accomplished actor Jenny Jamora; five-time Palanca Award-winning playwright Liza Magtoto; actor, award-winning film director, and producer Marlon Rivera; and theater artist, lyricist, and Palanca Awards Hall of Famer Atty. Nicolas Pichay.

Joining the team as Screening Committee members are multiple Palanca Award winners Dr. Layeta Bucoy and Allan Lopez, who screened the festival submissions and shortlisted the entries. Providing invaluable expertise and creative guidance to the festival is its Artistic Adviser, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee.

With such an extraordinary roster of artists behind the selection process, the inaugural lineup represents a powerful showcase of the creativity, imagination, and storytelling talent thriving in the Philippines today.

And this is only the beginning!

All 12 finalists will receive comprehensive development and production support from festival organizer Wishbone Collective Inc., transforming their winning concepts into fully staged productions. Audiences will finally get to experience these exciting new works when Puregold Teatro Panalo runs from February 20 to March 14, 2027.

The stakes will rise even higher as the festival draws to a close. One straight play and one musical will each be awarded an additional development grant, giving their creators the opportunity to expand their works into full-length theatrical productions.

More than a festival, Puregold Teatro Panalo is shaping up to be a major new platform for discovering Filipino talent, championing original stories, and creating opportunities for the next generation of theater makers.

Twelve groundbreaking works. One historic inaugural festival. A bold new era for Philippine theater.

The future of Filipino theater is ready to take center stage. And when the curtains rise in 2027, audiences will witness the beginning of something truly extraordinary.

Puregold Hakot Relay crosses finish line as the can’t-miss sporting event of the year

 

Over 4,000 runners felt their hearts pumping and their muscles burning at the latest leg of Puregold Hakot Relay in Imus, Cavite. The highly anticipated running event proved to be a massive success with Puregold shoppers, running enthusiasts, and more driven by the panalo spirit throughout the athletic journey.

 

Puregold created their signature Hakot Relay as a unique physical challenge for loyal Puregold shoppers, spurring them to showcase teamwork and camaraderie as they sprint to the finish line. 

 

The unstoppable panalo spirit shone through despite the rains. Teams of runners were seen excitedly hauling groceries won in the hakot sections through the course and to the finish line. For some, this meant everyday kitchen essentials like bags of rice, packs of instant noodles, and jugs of soy sauce. For others, it meant singlehandedly carrying home appliances like electric fans on their shoulders through the rain.

 

Puregold senior manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad spoke on the importance of the event. 

 

“We started Hakot Relay with a simple idea of bringing our shoppers together through an experience that is uniquely Puregold,” said Hayagan-Piedad. “Seeing everyone show up, cheer each other on, and keep going through the rain was incredible. That’s the panalo energy that makes Hakot Relay so special, and we can’t wait to bring it to more communities.” 

 

Puregold Hakot Relay was more than a treat for families looking to stock up on groceries, however. For those seeking a raw athletic challenge, there was also the 8K Individual Challenge, a new addition to the Puregold Hakot Relay event. 

 

Over 500 runners chose to take on the individual challenge, pushing themselves through a full 8 kilometer course to reach the finish line. Here, the spirit of athletic competition truly came alive, as every runner raced not against the clock or even their fellow runners, but simply against themselves. Making it to the finish line was an achievement in itself, one that was rewarded with a finisher’s medal and a surprise grocery cart they could take home. 

 

Whether pursuing personal achievement or a big win for the family, there was something to be gained for all participants in the Puregold Hakot Relay.

For updates, subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X and @puregoldph on TikTok.

‘MOMMY GUARD’ brings good vibes and Marvin-Jolina magic to afternoon tv starting October 19

Afternoons are about to get brighter as Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin reunite in “Mommy Guard,” a fresh, lighthearted family romantic comedy premiering October 19 and airing Monday to Friday at 2:30 PM on TV5 and ABS-CBN platforms.

The series follows Tina (Jolina Magdangal), a devoted mother who takes a job as a school guard so her son Happy (Amo Wilding) can study in a school that could give him a better future. There, she unexpectedly crosses paths again with school principal Pio (Marvin Agustin)—a man she already had an unforgettable and irritating first encounter with. As Tina fights for her son’s dreams and Pio works on rebuilding his relationship with daughter Kitty (Nathalie Apollo), their daily banter slowly turns into friendship, understanding, and possibly something more.

More than a much-awaited Marvin-Jolina reunion, “Mommy Guard” offers viewers something fresh for the afternoon slot—a fun, warm and easy-to-watch story filled with family, humor, heart and the unmistakable MarJo chemistry generations of Filipinos have loved.

Catch “Mommy Guard” starting October 19, Monday to Friday at 2:30 PM on TV5 and ABS-CBN platforms.

TARA sa TV5.

“Mono No Aware” and “Limlim” take top honors at 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Awards Night

 

The dust has settled and the victors stand triumphant. At the end of the most competitive Puregold CinePanalo awards season ever, “Mono No Aware” and “Limlim” took home the top prizes in their respective categories.


In the full-length category, the Japan-set drama “Mono No Aware” was far and away the most awarded film. The film landed nine awards including Pinakapanalong Pelikula, Panalo sa International Jury, Panalong Direktor for BC Amparado, Panalong Aktor for Juan Karlos Labajo, Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for Momoko Kobayashi, Best Ensemble, Panalo sa Cinematography for TM Malones, Panalo sa Editing for Edmund Telmo, and Panalo sa Sound Design for Willie Apa Jr.


“Apol of my Ai,” “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo),” and “Patay Gutom” took home four awards each, while “Stuck on You” left with two.


Notable wins include Xyriel Manabat taking home Panalong Aktres for her comedic turn in “Stuck on You,” young Zion Cruz of “Apol of my Ai” taking home the Panalong Child Performer award, and Zanjoe Marudo winning the Panalong Pangalawang Aktor award.


In the student shorts category, “Limlim” and “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.” found themselves in a neck-and-neck race best highlighted when Samantha Palaje and Jomarie Corro-Reyes respectively took home Panalong Direktor in a tie for the award. Both films ended the night with four awards each, with “Limlim” taking home the top honor of Pinkapanalong Maikling Pelikula.”


The complete list of 2026 Puregold CinePanalo award winners is as follows:


PINAKAPANALONG PELIKULA

Full-Length: “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: “Limlim”


PANALONG KARANGALAN MULA SA HURADO

Full-Length: “Apol of my Ai”

Student Shorts: “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”


PUREGOLD ALWAYS PANALO FILM

Full-Length: “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” & “Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry)”

Student Shorts: “Miss Intrams” & “Pulis Dunggab”


PANALO SA INTERNATIONAL JURY

Full-Length: “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: “Alumahan”


PANALONG DIRECTOR

Full-Length: BC Amparado - “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Jomarie Corro-Reyes - “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.” &

Samantha Palaje - “Limlim”


PINAKA PANALONG MAIKLING PELIKULA (PANORAMA SECTION)

“The Other Side of Reality” - Zig Dulay


PANALONG AKTRESS

Full-Length: Xyriel Manabat - “Stuck on You”

Student Shorts: Jonalyn Mateo - “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan”


PANALONG CHILD PERFORMER

Full-Length: Zion Cruz - “Apol of My Ai”

Student Shorts: Zoey Madison Lim - “Limlim”


PANALONG AKTOR

Full-Length: Juan Karlos Labajo - “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Jay Gabriel Cañada - “The Sound of K”


PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTRESS

Full-Length: Momoko Kobayashi - “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Nour Hooshmand - “Starfish”


PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTOR

Full-Length: Zanjoe Marudo - “Apol of My Ai”

Student Shorts: Nor Domingo - “12 Shots”


BEST ENSEMBLE

“Mono No Aware”


PANALO SA MGA MANONOOD

Full-Length: “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)”

Student Shorts: “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan”


PANALONG KWENTO

Full-Length: Carl Joseph E. Papa, Yvonne Garcia - “Patay Gutom”

Student Shorts: Jomarie Corro-Reyes, William Roberts - “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”


PANALO SA CINEMATOGRAPHY

Full-Length: TM Malones - “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Geia de Vera - “Limlim”


PANALO SA PRODUCTION DESIGN

Full-Length: Rodrigo Ricio - “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)”

Student Shorts: Jim Flores, Minnesota Flores, Sol Samodio - “12 Shots”


PANALO SA MUSICAL SCORING

Full-Length: Emerzon Texon - “Apol of My Ai”

Student Shorts: Lenard Kent Villanueva - “Miss Intrams”


PANALO SA VISUAL EFFECTS

Full-Length: “Patay Gutom” Animation Team

Student Shorts: Junelle Bacho Tecson, Luis Martin Mañalac - “Starfish”


PANALO SA EDITING

Full-Length: Edmund Telmo - “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Brian Spencer Reyes - “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”


PANALO SA SOUND DESIGN

Full-Length: Willie Apa Jr. - “Mono No Aware”

Student Shorts: Hannah Gagalac - “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen”


PANALONG AWITIN

Full-Length: “Reyna ng Quezon City” by Juana - “Stuck on You”

Student Shorts: “Game Na!” by Kier Mosquito, Edlyn Icao, John Dave Brion - “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!”


PANALONG POSTER

Full-Length: Denver Balbaboco - “Patay Gutom”

Student Shorts: Keith Ian Serfino - “Alumahan” & Eidan Maninang - “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay”


PINAKAPANALONG PROMOSYON NG PELIKULA

“When Heaven Inched Towards Earth”


PANALO SA BRAND INTRUSION

Full-Length: “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo”)

Student Shorts: “Alumahan”


Puregold CinePanalo festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad spoke on the importance of the occasion. “Each year, we gather to honor the brave artistry, and passion of Filipino filmmakers who continue to make a statement in Philippine cinema,” she said. “We proudly celebrate their achievements and we will continue to push this new voice and new perspective that move, inspire, and resonate with our panalo cinema audience.”


The Puregold CinePanalo continues to run until October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!


Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, while PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Puregold Perks cardholders can purchase discounted ₱200 tickets.


A ₱2,000 festival pass provides access to all seven full-length films and four sets featuring the festival’s 19 student shorts. Festival passes are available at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.


The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is supported by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Creamsilk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack’N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins and Zonrox.