Lights, Camera, Action! Kingsford Hotel Manila Brings Family Movie Magic This Halloween

Imagine spending Halloween afternoon inside a movie set where your favorite characters come to life—and you and your family get to be part of the cast.

That is the concept behind “Harriwood: The Thriller on Set,” the upcoming Kingsford Hotel Manila Halloween celebration on October 24, 2026. The family-friendly event encourages children and parents to come dressed as their favorite movie characters and experience an afternoon of games, entertainment, treats, and movie-inspired Halloween fun.

The adventure is hosted by Harri, the beloved character familiar to children visiting Kingsford Hotel Manila. His name is derived from the Filipino word “hari” which means “king” in English. For this special Halloween event, Harri becomes a friendly movie director, inviting families to join his production and giving children the chance to take center stage as stars of the show.

Guests can expect a lively afternoon featuring Halloween treats and food, fun games, entertainment, trick-or-treating, a costume competition, and loot bags filled with giveaways. From movie heroes and villains to animated favorites and other memorable characters, families can get creative with their Halloween costumes and become part of the Harriwood cast.

The event will be held at the Kingsford Ballroom from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost PHP 1,600 per adult and PHP 900 for children ages 2 to 11, while children aged 0 to 1 can attend for free. With its movie-themed concept and family-friendly activities, Harriwood offers a playful way for families to celebrate Halloween together at Kingsford Hotel Manila.

Make It a Halloween Stay

Make this Halloween a family adventure with a movie-inspired staycation at Kingsford Hotel Manila through the Harriwood Stay Package.

For PHP 7,999 nett, the package gives families more than just a place to stay. It comes with an overnight Deluxe Room, buffet breakfast for two, two tickets to "Harriwood: The Thriller on Set," a 10% discount on up to three additional tickets, plus complimentary late check-out until 2 p.m. on October 25.

The package is a convenient option for families who want to combine their Halloween celebration with an overnight getaway. Whether the kids are excited to dress up as their favorite movie characters, parents want to relive childhood favorites, or the whole family simply wants to spend Halloween together, Harriwood brings everyone into the spotlight.

Your Halloween movie adventure starts here. Pick your characters, prepare your costumes, gather the family, and get ready to become part of the Harriwood story.

For reservations and inquiries, reach out to Kingsford Hotel Manila via SMS or Viber:

Room Reservations: +63 917 859 5307

Banquets: +63 917 805 3585

About Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts

Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts (MGHR) is a subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation under the Alliance Global Group Inc. Recognized with a Tourism Excellence Award by the Department of Tourism in 2025, MGHR is the country’s largest homegrown hotel operator, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and mindful stays across its growing portfolio of 16 hotels, 8 brands, and 12,000 room keys, including those in the pipeline. Experience Filipino hospitality through its signature brand of service, The Sampaguita, across its brands, including Savoy, Belmont, Richmonde, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Twin Lakes, Kingsford, Grand Westside and Chancellor. Its properties are located in key tourism and business destinations across Metro Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo. MGHR also manages international brands, including Mercure Mactan Cebu and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.

Savoy Hotel Manila Highlights Filipino Hospitality With 2026 World Travel Awards Wins

The global hospitality spotlight once again turns to the Philippines as Savoy Hotel Manila takes home two major honors at the World Travel Awards 2026, earning the titles of Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel 2026 and Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel 2026.

The latest wins represent the property’s sixth consecutive recognition in the Philippine category and its second award at the Asia level, adding to Savoy Hotel Manila’s record of recognition for airport hospitality.

According to Socrates “Sonny” Alvaro, Managing Director of Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts, the achievement is an opportunity to introduce homegrown Filipino hotel brands to a broader international market. At the same time, it reinforces the group’s goal of consistently delivering the warmth and quality of Filipino hospitality across its portfolio of properties.

“What makes this recognition meaningful is that it puts a spotlight on what is already strong about our hospitality: the destinations we represent, the people behind every stay, and the genuine care Filipinos naturally extend to Guests. Our responsibility is to keep strengthening the systems, people, and service standards that allow these qualities to be experienced consistently across our hotels, while giving our brands greater visibility across more markets and channels.” ~Socrates “Sonny” Alvaro, Managing Director of Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts

Filipino by Design, Competitive by Standard

Since earning Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel for the first time in 2021, Savoy Hotel Manila has continued to build its reputation in airport hospitality, securing the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel title every year since. Its 2026 recognition adds another regional milestone to a brand defined by operational consistency and a commitment to the Filipino guest experience.

A key part of that experience is the Sampaguita Brand of Service, which brings together the values of Love, Honor, Dignity, and Healing. These principles are embedded throughout Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts through staff development and training, guest touchpoints, service standards, and daily hotel operations.

The framework provides a common foundation for service across the group while giving individual hotels the flexibility to express the identity of their respective destinations, including their local culture and communities.

As Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts continues to grow its portfolio, sustaining this balance remains an important part of its hospitality approach: delivering a consistent standard of service while allowing each property to remain authentic to the destination and people it represents.

Taking the Savoy Brand to More Philippine Destinations

Today, the Savoy brand operates in Manila, Boracay, and Mactan, Cebu.

The expansion of Savoy Hotel in the Philippines will continue with two upcoming destinations: Savoy Hotel Capital Town in San Fernando, Pampanga, featuring 374 rooms within Megaworld’s 35.6-hectare Capital Town development, and Savoy Hotel Palawan, located in Paragua Coastown in San Vicente.

With more properties joining the brand, maintaining a consistent Savoy Hotel service experience becomes increasingly important. New hotels are expected to follow the same operating discipline and service culture that define the brand, while also adapting their guest offerings to the local character, culture, and setting of each destination.

The Savoy brand is part of Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts, whose expanding portfolio now includes 16 hotels. MGHR is targeting nearly 12,000 hotel rooms across key Philippine destinations by 2032, reflecting its continued growth in the country's hospitality sector.

As the portfolio develops, MGHR is working to align its hotel operations, people development, service standards, and destination identities. This approach seeks to ensure that expansion in room capacity goes hand in hand with maintaining the quality and consistency of the guest experience.

For the group, building a larger hotel portfolio also means preserving the essence of Filipino hospitality—delivering a consistent service culture while allowing every property to create an experience that feels authentic to its destination.

Taking the Savoy Brand to More Philippine Destinations

Today, the Savoy brand operates in Manila, Boracay, and Mactan, Cebu.

Savoy Hotel is continuing its Philippine expansion with Savoy Hotel Capital Town in San Fernando, Pampanga and Savoy Hotel Palawan in Paragua Coastown, San Vicente. The Pampanga property will feature 374 rooms and form part of Megaworld’s expansive 35.6-hectare Capital Town development.

As the hotel brand grows into new destinations, maintaining its established service culture remains a key consideration. Each Savoy property is designed to follow a shared operating framework and service standards while adapting its guest experience to the distinctive qualities of the destination it serves.

Savoy Hotel is part of Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts’ 16-hotel portfolio, with MGHR targeting nearly 12,000 hotel rooms by 2032 across major destinations in the Philippines.

To support this growth, MGHR continues to focus on the alignment of operations, employee development, service standards, and destination-specific experiences throughout its hotel portfolio. The strategy aims to make sure that an increase in room inventory is matched by the continued delivery of a consistent and meaningful guest experience.

For MGHR, the expansion represents more than adding new hotels and rooms. It is also about ensuring that each property reflects the warmth of Filipino hospitality while creating an experience that remains relevant to its location, local culture, and guests.

About Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts

Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts (MGHR) is a subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation under the Alliance Global Group Inc. Recognized with a Tourism Excellence Award by the Department of Tourism in 2025, MGHR is the country’s largest homegrown hotel operator, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and mindful stays across its growing portfolio of 16 hotels, 8 brands, and 12,000 room keys, including those in the pipeline. Experience Filipino hospitality through its signature brand of service, The Sampaguita, across its brands, including Savoy, Belmont, Richmonde, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Twin Lakes, Kingsford, Grand Westside and Chancellor. Its properties are located in key tourism and business destinations across Metro Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo. MGHR also manages international brands, including Mercure Mactan Cebu and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.

SM Calls on Bulacan Book Lovers to Build Stronger Libraries Through “The Great Book Share 2026”

A beloved book can open the door to a new story, a new idea, or even a new opportunity. This is the spirit behind “The Great Book Share 2026,” a book donation drive brought to Bulacan by SM Supermalls’ Book Nook, in partnership with SM Cares and the National Library of the Philippines. The campaign is being held at SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag.

Until October 25, 2026, shoppers can share gently used or brand-new books that may help educate, inspire, and empower communities. The drive welcomes a variety of suitable titles, including children’s books, young adult novels, Filipino-authored works, reference books, graphic novels, and other reading materials that can contribute to public libraries nationwide.

To help make every donation meaningful, participants are encouraged to check the campaign guidelines and choose books that remain in good condition and are suitable for readers of all ages. Each book should be ready for a new reader to discover and enjoy.

Through this initiative, SM City Marilao, SM Center Pulilan, and SM City Baliwag encourage communities to give their books a new chapter. What may be a well-loved title on one person’s shelf can become a valuable resource and a source of discovery for another reader.

Be part of building stronger libraries. Share a book and help spread the joy of reading at Your Most Loved SM Supermalls.  

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 90 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China. Every Filipino has an SM story. For generations, SM has been more than a place to shop. It has become part of everyday Filipino life, a place where families gather, friendships grow, milestones are celebrated, passions are discovered, and communities come together. As Filipinos’ lifestyles continue to evolve, SM continues to transform its destinations through My SM creating malls that are more connected, experiential, and meaningful, while remaining the place Filipinos know, trust, and call home. My SM. Your Most Loved Supermall.

BPI brings Japanese flavors closer through VYBE and Ramen Nagi, plus other dining brands

The growing shift toward cashless dining continues as the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its VYBE e-wallet, strengthens its network of brand partners with Noodlerama, Inc. The collaboration brings together digital payment convenience and exclusive dining opportunities, giving customers more ways to get value from their everyday transactions.

As part of the partnership, VYBE users can enjoy exclusive dining offers at participating branches of Ramen Nagi, Ramen Ton-ichi, Propaganda Bistro, and Akimitsu until October 31. The initiative provides customers with a convenient cashless payment option while giving them added benefits when dining at participating restaurant locations.

As part of the partnership, VYBE users can enjoy exclusive dining offers:

• Ramen Nagi: Get ₱150 off participating Hot Nagi side dishes with a minimum spend of ₱1,000.
• Ramen Ton-ichi: Enjoy a regular-sized Ton-ichi Ramen for only ₱99 when ordered with any participating regular-sized ramen.
• Propaganda Bistro: Get ₱100 off on one order of Crunchy Pork.
• Akimitsu: Enjoy an 8-piece California Maki for only ₱150 with a minimum spend of ₱500.

"At BPI, we continue to expand VYBE's network by partnering with brands that are part of our customers' everyday lifestyles. Through our collaboration with Noodlerama's restaurant chains, we're making QR Ph payments more rewarding while helping our partners connect with more customers. It's another step in making digital payments more convenient, accessible, and valuable for everyone." ~Eric M. Faustino, Head of Digital Partnerships at BPI

The exclusive dining offers can be availed by customers who pay via QR Ph using VYBE at participating branches nationwide during the promotional period. At the same time, VYBE users are not limited to participating partner brands. Through its QR Ph interoperability, the e-wallet can be used at any merchant nationwide that accepts QR Ph, expanding the convenience of cashless payments across a wider range of businesses.

This broader merchant acceptance allows VYBE to connect customers with more payment opportunities while supporting the continued adoption of digital transactions in the Philippines. By providing access to an expanding QR Ph network, VYBE helps make cashless payments more practical for everyday purchases.

BPI is likewise continuing to expand VYBE’s ecosystem through partnerships across dining, shopping, travel, and other lifestyle categories. With close to 2.9 million users as of September 2026, the e-wallet is developing into a platform that combines payment convenience with exclusive customer benefits. Its collaborations with partner brands are designed to create additional value for users while helping businesses reach a wider customer base.

The latest partnership underscores BPI’s broader commitment to encouraging digital payments as part of everyday transactions. By combining secure and convenient payment technology with meaningful rewards from trusted brands, the Bank continues to create opportunities for Filipinos to get more value from going cashless.

SM Center Sangandaan Job Fair Generates 150 On-the-Spot Hires

Hundreds of job seekers took part in the weekend job fair at SM Center Sangandaan, where 726 applicants explored employment opportunities and 150 were hired on the spot.

Hosted on the mall’s third level, the event brought together employers offering more than 7,971 vacancies in industries such as retail, hospitality, logistics, and business services.

The available positions covered different levels and functions, including sales, customer service, warehouse operations, administrative work, and management, providing applicants with multiple employment options suited to their skills and experience.

The job fair also responded to the seasonal hiring needs of businesses preparing for the expected increase in shoppers, customers, and day-to-day operations during the Christmas season. With the holidays traditionally bringing higher business activity, companies are ramping up recruitment to strengthen their workforce.

For SM Center Sangandaan Assistant Mall Manager Roma Bautista, the partnership between the mall and participating companies serves as a way to connect job seekers with employers that are actively looking to grow their teams, particularly during the busy holiday period.

"The holiday season holds great significance for us Filipinos, and having a dedicated and dynamic workforce is the key to making Christmas truly memorable for everyone." ~Roma Bautista, SM Center Sangandaan Assistant Mall Manager

She emphasized that the goal of the SM Center Sangandaan job fair was not limited to filling current vacancies. The initiative also sought to help applicants discover employment opportunities that could open pathways toward long-term careers and future professional growth.

The successful turnout highlighted the value of community-based employment initiatives in bringing companies and job seekers together. Such job fairs can provide businesses with access to potential employees while giving applicants a convenient way to explore multiple career opportunities in one venue, particularly ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Preliminary figures from the event showed that 150 applicants were hired on the spot, while hundreds of additional job seekers were able to submit applications and learn more about available positions from participating companies.

Kingsford Hotel Manila Advances to 5-Star Crescent Rating, Strengthening Muslim-Friendly Hospitality

Kingsford Hotel Manila continues to raise the bar in inclusive hospitality after advancing from a 4-Star Crescent Rating last year to a 5-Star Crescent Rating. The new distinction recognizes the hotel’s continued commitment to making its facilities and guest experience more welcoming and accommodating for Muslim travelers. The Crescent Rating is a globally recognized rating system focused on Muslim-friendly and halal travel, giving travelers greater insight into hospitality establishments that understand and accommodate Muslim guests. The latest achievement is also significant for Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts (MGHR). With this recognition, Kingsford Hotel Manila becomes the first property within the MGHR portfolio to achieve a 5-Star Crescent Rating, marking another step toward providing more inclusive and accessible hospitality experiences in the Philippines.

“Achieving a 5-Star Crescent Rating is an important milestone for Kingsford Hotel Manila, but more importantly, it reflects our commitment to making Muslim guests feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely welcomed. We want them to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality while having access to the facilities, dining, and services that allow them to observe their faith with ease throughout their stay.” ~Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila

From Recognition to Everyday Hospitality

At Kingsford Hotel Manila, the new 5-Star Crescent Rating is a reflection of the hotel’s broader commitment to Muslim-friendly hospitality. The recognition highlights the integration of services, facilities, and practices designed to make Muslim guests feel more comfortable and accommodated throughout their stay.

As a Department of Tourism-certified Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment, the hotel has strengthened its culinary offerings with a fully Halal kitchen. Its trained culinary and service teams are equipped with knowledge of Halal food preparation and handling, making Halal dining an integral part of the guest experience.

Kingsford Hotel Manila also provides facilities and amenities that support Muslim guests’ religious practices. These include a dedicated prayer room, access to Qibla direction and the Qur’an, and an optional in-room prayer set-up that can be arranged for guests who prefer additional privacy and convenience.

Together, these offerings help create a more seamless hotel experience, allowing Muslim travelers to enjoy their meals, relax, and observe their daily prayers with greater ease while staying in Manila.

Underlying these efforts is the Filipino tradition of genuine hospitality. Drawing inspiration from the sampaguita, a symbol closely associated with Filipino warmth and welcome, Kingsford Hotel Manila aims to provide an environment where every guest is welcomed with care, respect, and a meaningful sense of belonging.

Welcoming Muslim Travelers from the Philippines and Beyond

Kingsford Hotel Manila is positioning itself to welcome an increasingly diverse community of Muslim travelers in Metro Manila, including guests traveling for business, leisure, family vacations, government activities, and group events.

This opportunity comes as the hotel reports a notable 102% year-on-year growth in Muslim guest arrivals, reflecting increased demand for hotels that provide greater consideration for the religious and faith-based needs of Muslim travelers.

With its growing range of Muslim-friendly amenities and services, Kingsford Hotel Manila aims to offer a welcoming and comfortable base for visitors exploring Manila and the wider Philippines. The hotel’s approach focuses on creating a stay where Muslim guests can feel at ease and confident that their faith-based needs are understood and thoughtfully accommodated.

As the property continues to enhance its Muslim-friendly hospitality, Kingsford Hotel Manila remains grounded in one of the Philippines’ most familiar traditions—the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Through genuine care, respect, and attentive service, the hotel seeks to make every guest feel truly welcome.

About Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts

Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts (MGHR) is a subsidiary of Megaworld Corporation under the Alliance Global Group Inc. Recognized with a Tourism Excellence Award by the Department of Tourism in 2025, MGHR is the country’s largest homegrown hotel operator, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and mindful stays across its growing portfolio of 16 hotels, 8 brands, and 12,000 room keys, including those in the pipeline. Experience Filipino hospitality through its signature brand of service, The Sampaguita, across its brands, including Savoy, Belmont, Richmonde, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Twin Lakes, Kingsford, Grand Westside and Chancellor. Its properties are located in key tourism and business destinations across Metro Manila, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, and Iloilo. MGHR also manages international brands, including Mercure Mactan Cebu and Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo.

CASIO Brings Iconic Timepieces to SM City Marilao

CASIO officially opens at the second level of SM City Marilao.

A new destination for watches and personal style has arrived in Bulacan. CASIO has officially opened its doors at SM City Marilao, giving shoppers easier access to the brand’s iconic timepieces and innovative watch designs.

Iconic timepieces are now within reach as CASIO opens its doors at the second level of SM City Marilao.

CASIO offers a wide selection of watches suited for different lifestyles at its newly opened store at SM City Marilao.

With its reputation for functionality, durability, and distinctive style, CASIO continues to offer watches that can complement a wide range of lifestyles. Its collection includes timepieces suited for everyday use as well as statement designs for those looking to give their personal style an upgrade.

Shoppers can find timepieces suited for every personality and occasion at CASIO’s newly opened branch in SM City Marilao.

The new store at SM City Marilao brings some of CASIO’s most popular collections closer to shoppers, making it easier to browse different designs and choose a watch that fits their personality and occasion.

Discover timepieces featuring innovative designs and functionality at CASIO in SM City Marilao.

Get closer to CASIO’s popular collections at its newly opened store at SM City Marilao.

Whether you're treating yourself, searching for a gift, or growing your personal watch collection, CASIO offers a combination of timeless style and reliable performance now conveniently available at your Most Loved SM City Marilao.