When Cuisine Blooms: Sheraton Manila Bay’s Petals and Palates 2 Unfolds an Enchanting Floral Feast on May 29

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a night where gastronomy meets garden elegance, and visual art intertwines with indulgent bites, Sheraton Manila Bay once again sets the stage for a multi-sensory journey unlike any other. Back by popular demand, the “Discovery Moment: Petals and Palates Part 2” returns on May 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM—and this time, it’s bolder, more vibrant, and dripping in fragrant, floral sophistication.

Set within the refined interiors of &More by Sheraton, the hotel’s signature café will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland where edible flowers dance on porcelain plates and art spills from canvases into cocktails. After the undeniable success of its first edition, Sheraton’s second act in this floral-gastronomic series promises an elevated immersion into beauty, taste, and creative expression.

A Symphony of Blooms and Bites

At the heart of Petals and Palates 2 is an intricately curated four-course floral menu, each dish a masterpiece that embodies both flavor and floral elegance. It’s not just a dinner—it’s a narrative told in textures, colors, aromas, and taste.

Mini Salad Bouquets – Not your ordinary greens. These garden-fresh arrangements, styled like tiny handheld flower bundles, offer both a feast for the palate and a snapshot-worthy start to the evening. Vibrant vegetables and lush greens are plated with couture precision.

Chawan Mushi with Tako and Edible Blooms – A refined Japanese classic reimagined. The silky-smooth custard cradles tender octopus and earthy mushrooms, gently kissed by the delicate petals of edible flowers. A dish that whispers luxury in every spoonful.

Pearls and Petals Mini Chirashi – The main act. A dazzling rice ensemble layered with treasures from the sea—fresh tuna, salmon, kani, shrimp, unagi, and tamago—crowned with floral accents, creating a visual mosaic that tastes as divine as it looks.

Each course is artfully paired with bespoke cocktails, meticulously mixed to heighten the dining experience, teasing the tastebuds and weaving in fragrant floral notes that echo the dishes they accompany.

Art Beyond the Plate

The enchantment doesn’t end at the table. Fili Artists Manila, known for their bold and contemporary Filipino expressions, will unveil an art exhibit that stretches across the space, bringing every corner of &More to life. The walls will bloom with colors, textures, and stories—further enhancing the magical atmosphere of the evening.

The exhibit transforms Sheraton Manila Bay into more than a dining venue—it becomes a living canvas, marrying the culinary with the creative in a celebration of Filipino culture and artistry.

More Than a Meal, It’s a Moment

For the discerning diner, the art enthusiast, or anyone in pursuit of an unforgettable night out, Petals and Palates Part 2 is an invitation to momentary escape—a place where petals fall gently onto palates, and every detail is touched by beauty.

Seats are limited, ensuring an intimate experience for each guest. Whether you're sipping on a floral-infused cocktail, admiring the bold strokes of local art, or tasting a petal-laced chirashi for the first time, this Discovery Moment is one that promises to linger long after the final course.

Event Details

Where: &More by Sheraton, Sheraton Manila Bay

When: May 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM

Investment in an unforgettable evening: Php 1,999 net per person

Club Marriott Exclusive: Php 1,800 net

For inquiries and reservations:

Facebook & Instagram: @sheratonmanilabay

Email: reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com

Call: (02) 5318 0788

Let your senses blossom. Step into a world where food is art, and art is flavor.

Because at Sheraton Manila Bay, every bite blooms.

Beyond the Ballot: Angara Calls for a New Revolution in Education After Historic Voter Turnout

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the dust settles from the heated battlefield of the 2025 midterm elections, one voice rises above the celebratory noise—not in triumph, but in challenge. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, speaking in the wake of an electoral turnout that galvanized nearly 80% of the nation’s 68 million registered voters, offered both a message of gratitude and a powerful call to action: champion education, or risk betraying the promise of democracy.

In a moment that could have easily been consumed by political self-congratulations, Angara chose instead to shine a spotlight on the deeper meaning of democracy. “We are grateful to every Filipino who exercised their right to vote. Democracy is our people staying engaged, especially in causes that shape the future, like education,” he declared.

His words, laced with sincerity and urgency, served as both tribute and dare. If the vote was the spark, then education must be the fire that sustains it.

A Mandate Renewed, a Mission Reimagined

Angara aligned his sentiments with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s post-election message, calling the peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls a “renewal of our democracy.” But he did not stop there. “Now, we must channel that same commitment to the long-term work ahead, ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality learning aligned with our Bagong Pilipinas vision,” Angara asserted.

His call comes at a critical juncture. The elections ushered in a wave of new leaders—some returning veterans of public service, others young reformists armed with idealism. But for Angara, hope is not enough. “Leadership needs clarity,” he said through Undersecretary Ron Mendoza during the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) national data dissemination forum.

He challenged the incoming public servants to translate data into action. Every number in a literacy report, every statistic on school access, every indicator of digital divide—they are not just metrics. “For the hands of newly elected leaders, every percentage point becomes a budget line, a classroom, a reading corner, a chance at a better life.”

Teachers: Unsung Heroes of Democracy

In an impassioned recognition of those who stand on the frontline of both education and civic duty, Angara lauded over 600,000 teachers and Department of Education (DepEd) personnel who served as poll workers across the nation. “Our teachers once again proved to be frontliners of democracy,” he said. “Their professionalism, calm under pressure, and deep sense of service are examples we can all learn from.”

The gratitude was not perfunctory—it was deeply personal. In a country where teachers often face low wages, limited resources, and unrealistic demands, their silent labor in ensuring peaceful and transparent elections speaks volumes about the soul of the nation.

The Ballot is Cast, But the Real Vote Is Daily

Perhaps the most profound message from Secretary Angara was that elections are not the culmination of democratic participation—but merely the beginning.

“The Midterm elections may be over, but the real work of nation-building continues,” he said. “We encourage everyone to be an education champion.”

It’s a rallying cry not just to elected officials but to every Filipino—to parents choosing between tuition and groceries, to students juggling studies and part-time work, to community leaders deciding how to spend limited barangay funds.

The underlying truth Angara wants the country to grasp is this: if democracy is to mean anything beyond the ballot box, it must be lived every day in our commitment to education.

From Civics to Classrooms: A Call to All Filipinos

As the nation reflects on a historic voter turnout and a largely peaceful electoral process, Angara’s message is clear and uncompromising—we must match our democratic will with educational resolve.

The classroom, not the campaign stage, is where the battle for the future will be won or lost. And if the Filipino people can rally behind a single day of elections, Angara believes they can—and must—rally every day for the future of their children.

After all, in the words of the Education Secretary himself: “Hope alone is not enough.”

This article was written by Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, in support of nation-building through education and civic engagement.

9 Practical and Sustainable Brand Giveaways That Resonate With Eco-Conscious Consumers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Giving free items or souvenirs is one of the most effective marketing strategies for increasing brand awareness, boosting engagement, and even making sales. But as the world continues to shift to a more eco-conscious stance, the expectation around brand giveaways and similar marketing tactics has also changed. More consumers are now looking to support brands that prioritize reducing their ecological impact, and how these brands conduct their marketing campaigns is a huge indicator of their stance about the environment. 

To that end, offering practical and sustainable products for your giveaways not only reduces your brand’s environmental impact, but also helps establish a deeper connection between the brand and eco-conscious consumers. If you’re looking for sustainable giveaway ideas for your next marketing campaign, here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling.

1. Tote Bags

No matter the industry you’re in, tote bags are a classic choice for sustainable promotional products. Their practicality and versatility make them a great giveaway choice, providing a large canvas for your branding while also giving the consumer a great bag for shopping or daily errands. The main draw for sustainability is that they’re reusable, but you can take it a step further by ensuring that your tote bags are made with eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton or recycled polyester. 

2. Reusable Water Bottles

Single-use water bottles are a huge contributor for plastic waste, so offering reusable water bottles as a giveaway or souvenir sends a great message to consumers who prioritize sustainability. Stainless steel is the best material for water bottles for its recyclability and durability; plus, you can use the surface of the bottle for your promotional branding. You can also pair your bottle with a reusable straw made from glass or silicone to further help your customers minimize their plastic usage.

3. Eco-Friendly Office Supplies

Pens, notebooks, and other office essentials made from recycled materials are both practical and environment-friendly. They also provide a more subtle form of promotion for your brand. Nowadays, office supplies like pens, pen holders, desk organizers, and even laptop stands are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Consider these items as your next eco-friendly giveaways, especially since bamboo is a durable yet easily renewable material with minimal environmental impact.

4. Organic or Recyclable Clothing

Most consumers appreciate wearable promotional products like shirts, jackets, polos, and other apparel—after all, nobody can say no to free clothes. By wearing branded shirts while they’re out and about, your brand’s consumers become literal walking advertisements, allowing your brand to gather more attention and awareness. Again, lean towards materials such as organic or recycled cotton to reduce environmental impact as much as possible.

5. Eco-Friendly Tech Gadgets

Tech gadgets are almost always a popular and useful product to offer a more tech-savvy audience, especially if they’re also the eco-conscious type. One of the most practical options your brand can offer is a solar-powered portable charger, giving your consumers a reliable source of green energy anywhere they go. You can also opt for wireless chargers made of bamboo, biodegradable phone cases, or flash drives made of recycled materials. 

6. Sustainable Dining and Kitchenware

Home supplies like dining and kitchenware are useful, environmentally friendly, and sure to be appreciated by your audience. For example, a biodegradable lunchbox with matching cutlery is a great alternative to single-use styrofoam or plastic containers. Bamboo cutting boards, silicone or metal straws, and glass drinking cups are also great additions to any kitchen.

7. Eco Gift Sets

For larger promotions or events, why not go even bigger and combine some ideas to make sustainable yet useful gift sets? For instance, if you have a food business, you can create a giveaway bundle of biodegradable cutlery, lunchbox, and a reusable water bottle. This can highlight your brand’s dedication towards being more eco-conscious. 

8. Eco-Friendly Pet Accessories

Pet accessories made of sustainable or recyclable materials are another kind of unique promotional product you can use for your brand, which are also sure to appeal to eco-savvy animal lovers. Look for collars and leashes made of recycled plastics or toys made of natural, animal-free products like hemp, cotton, or jute. Compostable waste bags are also great alternatives to single-use plastic, allowing owners to clean up after their pets with minimal environmental impact.

9. Digital Products

If you don’t think offering tangible products is feasible or aligned with your brand, you can instead consider digital products as giveaways. For example, you can offer online coupons or vouchers, gift cards, digital subscriptions, or even tickets to an online event. Choose popular or practical brands, such as restaurants or supermarkets, so you can further boost the usability of your giveaways.

Go Green With Sustainable Brand Giveaways

Opting for sustainable giveaways and promotions has several advantages with minimal risk. It not only shows that your brand is committed to being environmentally friendly, but it also helps your brand resonate with an eco-conscious audience. Plus, it helps your brand stand out from your competitors, making it an effective marketing strategy for boosting sales and brand awareness. The sooner you order your promotional giveaways, the sooner you can start spreading the word about your brand to potential customers.