Looking for a reason to head to BGC High Street this November? UNIQLO is celebrating the first anniversary of its store at the lifestyle and shopping destination with a lineup of special shopping offers, local collaborations, and holiday festivities starting November 6.

Since opening its doors, UNIQLO BGC High Street has become a LifeWear destination for shoppers in the district. For its anniversary celebration, the global apparel retailer is bringing together exclusive promotions, creative partnerships, and community experiences that give visitors more reasons to explore the area.

UNIQLO BGC High Street marks its first anniversary with exclusive LifeWear offers, local collaborations, special shopping rewards, and festive Holiday experiences starting November 6.

Anniversary Sale Offers at UNIQLO BGC High Street

From November 6 to 11, shoppers can enjoy more than 60 LifeWear items at limited-time offers, including special anniversary promotions available exclusively at UNIQLO BGC High Street.

Highlights include special prices across UNIQLO's HEATTECH collection, giving shoppers a chance to stock up on cold-weather essentials ahead of their holiday travels.

Featured offers include:

• Women's and Men's HEATTECH Ultra Warm Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt, from PHP 1,490 to PHP 990

• Women's HEATTECH Ultra Warm High Neck T-Shirt, from PHP 1,490 to PHP 990

• Women's and Men's AIRism Cotton Oversized Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt, from PHP 790 to PHP 590

• Women's Jersey Barrel Leg Pants, from PHP 1,990 to PHP 1,490

• Men's Stretch Easy Shorts, from PHP 790 to PHP 590

• Men's DRY-EX UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie, from PHP 1,490 to PHP 990

• Kids' HEATTECH Ultra Warm Crew Neck T-Shirt and Leggings, from PHP 790 to PHP 590

• Kids' HEATTECH Extra Warm Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt and Leggings, from PHP 690 to PHP 590

• Baby Leggings, available at PHP 390

Celebrate UNIQLO BGC High Street’s first anniversary with special prices on over 60 LifeWear essentials for the whole family, including HEATTECH, AIRism, and everyday favorites, from November 6 to 11.

Local Collaborations Celebrate BGC's Creative Community

Beyond the anniversary sale, UNIQLO is also highlighting the art, culture, and neighborhood experiences that make BGC distinctive.

Visitors can explore new designs through the store's UTme! customization service, featuring collaborations with three local partners. The Metropolitan Museum of Manila offers designs inspired by the city's art and visual identity, while BGC-based creative Avin Doodles celebrates the district's pet-friendly culture through Cats and Dogs of BGC designs.

AF Hospitality also brings familiar dining establishments Steak & Frice, a mano, and CIBO into the collection through exclusive designs.

The store's RE.UNIQLO Studio will likewise offer repair, remake, and anniversary-exclusive embroidery services, allowing customers to personalize and give their favorite LifeWear pieces a new lease on life.

Holiday Tree Lighting and Cup of Joe Concert

Adding to the festive atmosphere at BGC High Street, UNIQLO officially kicked off its holiday celebrations by lighting its UNIQLO Holiday Tree last November 6.

The event also announced award-winning Filipino band Cup of Joe as UNIQLO Philippines' newest holiday artist. The quintet brings a fresh rendition of the brand's holiday jingle to this year's campaign, celebrating thoughtful gifting and shared holiday experiences.

Music fans can also look forward to the UNIQLO Holiday Concert on November 22, headlined by Cup of Joe. Customers who spend at least PHP 5,000 in a same-day, single-receipt purchase at UNIQLO BGC High Street from November 6 to 8 can receive a concert ticket, subject to availability.

Meanwhile, shoppers who spend at least PHP 4,000 in a same-day, single-receipt purchase from November 6 to 11 can receive a commemorative tote bag designed by local artist Jasmin Lacay when they present the UNIQLO App.

Celebrate UNIQLO BGC High Street’s first anniversary with special prices on over 60 LifeWear essentials for the whole family, including HEATTECH, AIRism, and everyday favorites, from November 6 to 11.

With shopping deals, creative local collaborations, and holiday activities all in one place, UNIQLO BGC High Street's first anniversary adds another reason to visit Bonifacio Global City this November.

For the latest updates and complete promotional mechanics, visit the UNIQLO Philippines website, download the UNIQLO App, or follow UNIQLO Philippines on Facebook and Instagram at @uniql

Pancake House Makes Every Gathering Feel Like Home This Christmas

Looking for a place to enjoy a comforting meal with family and friends this Christmas? Pancake House is welcoming the holiday season with Holiday, Everyday, a celebration of familiar favorites and festive flavors that make every gathering feel like home.

For Filipinos, Christmas is a time for reunions, potlucks, thoughtful gifts, and meals shared with loved ones. With over five decades of serving comforting favorites and more than 100 stores nationwide, Pancake House offers a familiar dining spot for holiday catch-ups, family meals, and even casual celebrations with colleagues. Its all-day menu makes it easy to enjoy a favorite meal while making room for something special this season.

Holiday Specials for the Table

Available from November 1 to December 31, 2026, Pancake House's limited-time Holiday Specials bring festive flavors to its signature comfort food lineup.

The new Pan Chicken® Steak (P469) features a crispy buttermilk Pan Chicken® fillet with sautéed mushrooms and peppered gravy, served with mashed potatoes and buttered vegetables. The new Homestyle Salisbury Steak (P469) brings together Salisbury steak, sautéed mushrooms, peppered gravy, mashed potatoes, and buttered vegetables.

Pancake House’s new holiday savories available from Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2026 
Top: Pan Chicken Steak - Crispy buttermilk pan-fried chicken fillet topped with sautéed mushrooms and peppered gravy. Served with mashed potatoes and buttered vegetables 
Bottom: Homestyle Salisbury Steak - Salisbury steak topped with sautéed mushrooms and peppered gravy. Served with mashed potatoes and buttered vegetables

For a distinctly Filipino Christmas treat, the relaunched Bibingka Pancakes (P209) are mini pancakes topped with queso de bola, salted egg, and butter, served with muscovado sugar and freshly grated coconut. The improved Puto Bumbong Pancakes (P209) layer mini pancakes with ube cream and queso de bola, topped with muscovado sugar and freshly grated coconut.

Pancake House’s holiday pancakes available from Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2026 
Top: Bibingka Pancakes - Mini pancakes topped with slices of queso de bola, salted egg, and butter. Served with muscovado sugar and freshly grated coconut on the side 
Bottom: Puto Bumbong Pancakes - Mini pancakes with ube cream, topped with queso de bola. Served with muscovado sugar and freshly grated coconut on the side 

A Warm Cup That Gives Back

No holiday meal is quite complete without a comforting cup of hot chocolate. Continuing its partnership with Cacao-Trace, which began in 2025 as part of the brand's 50th anniversary, Pancake House is bringing back its commitment to supporting cocoa-growing communities.

Cacao-Trace works with cocoa-growing communities to improve cocoa quality while supporting farmer livelihoods through training, long-term development, and its Chocolate Bonus program. More than a sourcing program, Cacao-Trace has reached almost 32,000 farmer families globally, with 2,400 based in the Philippines, directing millions of euros to farming communities and providing access to education, water, and sustainable environmental projects.

This Christmas, Pancake House introduces an improved Hot Chocolate (P169) and the limited-time Hot Chocolate S'mores (P199), crafted with Chocolante and available in select stores only. Five percent (5%) of sales from these Cacao-Trace items will support livelihood programs for Cacao-Trace farmers and their communities. Guests who purchase them will also receive a Pancake House x Cacao-Trace Christmas card, while supplies last.

Hot Chocolate S'mores - a rich and indulgent hot chocolate crafted from the finest 100% locally sourced Cacao Trace cocoa beans topped with whipped cream, torched marshmallows, and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder, available in select stores only. Also available in its regular hot chocolate version. 

Share the Gift of Good Food

For those looking for thoughtful presents, Pancake House Gift Certificates are also available for purchase in limited-edition holiday envelopes. These make practical gifts for loved ones who enjoy a comforting meal any time of the day.

Planning a bigger celebration? Pancake House also offers catering packages through Book-a-Pancake House, which customers may arrange by emailing catering@pancakehouse.com.ph. Enjoy 10% off holiday catering bookings made from October 15, 2026 to January 14, 2027.

Whether it's a quick holiday catch-up, a family meal, or a festive gathering with colleagues, Pancake House makes it easier to bring people together over familiar favorites. This Christmas, make room for good food, meaningful moments, and the warmth of sharing a meal at a place that feels like home.

Staycation Experience at 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Pilipinas

For our birthday celebrations this year, my cousins and I chose a staycation at a nice, affordable hotel in the Metro. Of all the options I presented, we ended up staying at 1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Pilipinas in Poblacion, Makati City. I watched a TikTok review from someone who stayed there and said they had a really nice stay. 

When I walk around Poblacion, I often see this hotel because it's on a corner. Not hard to miss at all. And because of the video review, I considered the hotel. Now, I'm sharing my staycation experience at the 1898 Hotel for anyone planning an affordable staycation. 

Front facade of the 1898 Hotel. (Photo credit: 1898 Hotel) 

 About 1898 Hotel 

1898 Hotel was established in September 2018. Stepping into the lobby, I felt like traveling back in time to the 1900s in old Manila. As soon as I entered, I spotted Cafe Tranvia. If you're up for a snack and coffee, you can stay here. On the left are the elevators leading up to the rooms, and beside the cafe is the reception area, which features a wall of black-and-white photos of Soldados Americanos (American soldiers) and clocks displaying various time zones. 

For those traveling with companions, the lobby has sofas to rest on and set your bags down while one of you checks in or out. Just a few steps away from there is also a Spanish restaurant.Tiabuela. 

Quick Room Tour at 1898 Hotel  

The room we booked was only good for two people with twin beds, so we got an extra mattress since there were three of us. It's a small room, but it has enough space to walk around comfortably to the bathroom and the dresser drawer, and to fit our stuff. It was only an overnight trip, so we didn't have many bags. 

Our room's bathroom only has a toilet and shower. I usually like my hotel rooms with a bathtub, but I let it go for this trip. I knew I wouldn't be able to use it anyway during our staycation.

It does, however, have a balcony with a city view. We were gifted with clear, blue skies during our staycation which made me appreciate the Poblacion view. 

1898 Hotel Amenities 

1898 Hotel offers visitors a number of amenities, such as a fitness center, so if you want to squeeze in a workout while staying in the hotel, you can do so. It's on the same floor as the spa, Fez Moroccan Spa. They offer a decent massage experience - a good way to cap off the night. 

And they also have a pool and a jacuzzi area. It also has a restaurant beside it, La Piscina, so if you get hungry after swimming for a while, you can order from there. 

 

 The pool reaches about 7 ft deep. As a short girl, that's always something I check before fully swimming. Still, I know how to swim, so I can manage getting from end to end. There were a couple of people swimming in the pool before us, but by the time we went for a swim, we had the entire pool to ourselves.

Night view of the pool 

Top shot view of the pool 

View from the pool side of 1898 Hotel 

Dining Experience at 1898 Hotel 

1898 Hotel is surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops that are within walking distance. During our stay, we wanted to maximize it so we chose to try their restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Lunch at Tiabuela

Tiabuela is a Spanish restaurant located in the hotel's lobby area. While we waited to check in, we decided to have lunch here. The restaurant has both an air-conditioned and an al fresco area. As it's beside a busy street, we thought it would be better to dine inside. 

Waiting for lunch at Tiabuela

We ordered patatas bravas as an appetizer, fried chicken, and paella. I strongly recommend ordering an appetizer at Tiabuela. The food takes about 30 minutes to arrive. Definitely not good for hungry diners.  

The food is just okay. I thought the Paella was small for 3 people for its price of Php800+. For the entire meal, it cost us around Php2,500. Our main issue here really was the serving time. I can't say it might be because it was peak lunch hour because there weren't a lot of diners when we were. 

La Piscina 

We had a spa appointment the night of our staycation, so we didn't go out. We dined at La Piscina instead after showering and changing in our room. We had the place to ourselves. 

Dressed up for dinner 

We wanted a light dinner, so we ordered fries and a four-cheese pizza to share. Plus vodka sprite cocktails. 

We were already disappointed with Tiabuela. But this one really took the cake for the longest wait time. It took almost an hour to get our food. When we followed up, we were told the chef had burnt the pizza and asked if it would be okay to wait longer while they redid it. When we asked how long that would take, they told us another 30 minutes. We asked to cancel our order because our spa appointment was coming up in about an hour. We were pressed for time and just asked for the bill. Imagine our surprise when they served the pizza that was supposed to be burned. 

It wasn't the most enjoyable dining experience. The pizza was just so-so. The price of our meal? Almost Php1,000. It's a hotel restaurant. It was bound to be pricey, I get that but when the dine in experience doesn't justify the price, I get very disappointed.  It honestly made me wish I'd followed my initial recommendation to check out Pizzetta, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. It's way cheaper, but the pizza? So good! 

Cafe Tranvia 

We opted for a room stay with breakfast included. Buffet breakfast at 1898 Hotel is at a restaurant called Cafe Tranvia, which is maybe an extension of the coffee shop in the lobby. That's where we dined the next morning. It's a nice-looking restaurant with a tranvia in the middle of the room. You can also opt to dine in the tranvia, though we chose a different area. 

 Of the three restaurants we tried at 1898 Hotel, this was the best one. The buffet has plenty of choices, and yes, the food is delicious. They also have a selection of coffee - it's not limited to the usual brewed coffee. That's what we liked the most about Cafe Tranvia. We left the breakfast place with full tummies and satisfied smiles. 

Overall Verdict for 1898 Hotel 

For our overnight stay including breakfast, we paid almost Php7,000 for three people. 

1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Pilipinas offers modern charm and comfort for guests looking for a hotel in Poblacion, Makati. The spaces are clean and well-ventilated, from the lobby area to the guest rooms. Enough elevators accommodate incoming and outgoing guests, and wait times are short. Check-in and check-out are also easy, and the staff is friendly and approachable. Even the guards at the door will greet you every time you come in or out of the hotel. 

The bathroom water pressure is good, with hot and cold water. The toilet flush is strong too. And for those who want to dry their hair after showering, there's a hair dryer in the room too. The bed mattress and the pillows are also comfy, so you can get a good night's sleep. 

Its location is also very accessible to other establishments that you might want or need to go to - convenience stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. And since it's on a corner of a main street, it's easy to get dropped off or picked up there. The hotel also has parking at the back for those with cars. 

We had a comfortable stay at 1898 Hotel. I recommend this place for anyone looking for an affordable hotel, whether you're a tourist or a local. And yes, avail the breakfast buffet. Just skip the rest of their restaurants. Anyway, you have plenty of options once you leave the hotel. 

1898 Hotel Colonia En Las Pilipinas

5030 P. Burgos St., Poblacion

Kalayaan Ave., Makati City