HOSPITALITY WATCH PH

Ube, the purple yam native to the Philippines, is no longer just a nostalgic ingredient in Filipino desserts. In 2026 it has become a global star across cafés, bakeries and social‑media feeds. Longtime matcha drinkers are now sampling ube lattes, while big brands experiment with everything from ube cocktails to ube‑cheese pies. Some trend watchers call it the “new matcha” , but is that comparison fair? This feature explores how ube rose to prominence, its parallels with m

The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) has maintained its baseline target of 6.7 million international visitors for 2026. This goal was set under former Secretary Christina Garcia‑Frasco and remains in place under the current administration. By the end of 2025, arrivals totaled only 6.48 million, highlighting the challenge of reaching—or surpassing—the ambitious figure. A New Secretary, the Same Target In April 2026, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dita Angara‑

The Philippine hospitality industry continues to build on its post-pandemic recovery, with 2026 shaping up to be another year of growth, investment, and transformation. As tourism rebounds and business travel gains momentum, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and mixed-use developments are adapting to meet the changing expectations of today’s travelers. Across the country, new hotel developments are expanding room inventory not only in Metro Manila but also in emerging destination