The Giving Café Barista Wins National Latte Art Championship

The Giving Café, a company dedicated to cultivating world-class barista talent, celebrates another major win as its barista, Jay Ar Mañago, emerged as champion of the recent Latte Art Throwdown. Beating out seasoned baristas from across the country, Mañago took home the top prize of Php120,000, adding another significant victory to his impressive career.

The competition featured the nation’s most skilled coffee artisans. In a series of high-pressure elimination rounds, Mañago stood out with exceptional technique, creativity, and precision — a testament to the rigorous training and values instilled at The Giving Café by Henry & Sons. This win adds to the growing list of baristas from The Giving Café who continue to set new benchmarks in the coffee industry.

Mañago's success strongly reflects The Giving Café's continuous support and dedication to cultivating excellence, nurturing homegrown talent, and empowering its baristas to become leaders in the Philippine coffee industry.

"Jay Ar's success is more than just a personal victory. It  is a source of immense pride that reflects the culture of excellence and heart that we nurture at The Giving Café," said Michael Harris Conlin of Henry & Sons. 

"We are more than just a café; we are a training ground for champions. We believe in empowering our people with the skills and confidence to rise, compete, and shine on national and global stages, and Jay Ar's achievements are a testament to that commitment. This achievement adds to our growing list of baristas who have gone on to set new benchmarks in the Philippine coffee industry.”

Jay Ar Mañago's recent championship is the latest achievement in a proven track record as a top-tier coffee artisan, highlighting his mastery of technique and precision. His impressive list of wins includes multiple first-place finishes in 2019 alone, where he took top honors at the Breville, Rancilio, and MAFBEX Latte Art Competitions, as well as the 6th Allegro Beverage Philippine Grand Latte Art Throwdown. This string of victories follows a strong fifth-place showing at the same competition in 2018, demonstrating a consistent and growing skill set that culminated in his most recent win.

For inquiries, collaborations, or more information about our barista programs, please visit thevault.ph.

Top 3 Things You Can’t Miss at HIMBON: The 39th Negros Trade Fair

Culinary Creations by Rising Negrense Chefs - Two Negrense talents wowed the crowd and stole the spotlight during the media launch of Himbon: The 39th Negros Trade Fair last Aug 26, 2025—and their names are worth remembering. Their gastronomic menu was just a taste of what’s possible: innovative, world-class, and proudly Negrense!

Chef Cara Davis (Halong, Makati) – trained in Michelin-starred kitchens from New York to San Sebastián, she now fuses bold Asian flavors with her Mexican culinary background.

Think uni toast with foie gras and crab aligue pave — just some of the inventive dishes she crafted, alongside many other culinary creations.

Chef Luis Locsin (private dining star) – CIA-trained, with global stints from Jean Georges NYC to Bali, he now curates private dining. His charcuterie spread at the launch featured Negros blue cheese, Don Papa rum pâté. Proudly Negrense, globally trained.

Pâté en croute, and Casa del Formaggio Stracciatella, olive oil, and confit tomatoes

This year, the Negros Trade Fair makes its historic debut at SM Aura—and it’s bringing with it the flavors, fashion, and flair of Negrense heritage. Here are the main reasons of must-experiences for foodies, fashionistas, and lifestyle lovers you don’t want to miss:

#1 Heritage Weaves, Modern Fashion & Accessories

Handwoven Hablon, hand-smocked dresses, and chic tropical fibers reimagined for today’s wardrobe. Paired with striking local jewelry and artisanal accessories, these pieces prove heritage and modernity can walk the runway together.

#2 Handcrafted Home Finds

From pandan to bamboo to buri—Negrense artisans transform natural fibers into elegant accents for your home. Discover design-forward décor and furnishings that bring timeless Negros craftsmanship into modern living spaces.

#3 Artisan Sweet & Savory & Pasalubong 

Stock up on flavors that define Negros: – From Mumshies’ delicacies to Virgie’s home-made mango tarts and pastries, plus savory favorites like the Ereneta-Manaloto’s bottled Chorizo de Bacolod and a lot more— Sweet or savory, these iconic bites are made for gifting—or for keeping all to yourself.

Experience More at HIMBON

Beyond shopping, HIMBON is a celebration of Negrense culture. Sip on Don Papa rum and locally crafted wines as live acoustic music fills the air, bringing the warmth of Negros hospitality right to the city. Let the fair inspire your next adventure with showcases of pristine beaches, heritage haciendas, and food tours—each one an invitation to experience Negros firsthand. And of course, every artisan booth and styled corner is a story waiting for your feed, so don’t forget to capture your #HimbonMoments along the way.

At its core, HIMBON means “to gather.” And this fair is exactly that—a gathering of food, fashion, and heritage that celebrates both tradition and modern creativity.

Save the Date: Sept 23–28 | SMX Convention Center, SM Aura

Taste. Shop. Celebrate. Experience Negros like never before. 

About SM Supermalls MSMEs

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators with 88 malls nationwide—marks a new era of connecting communities and redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. MSMEs are everywhere in SM Supermalls. From pop-ups to trade fairs, they transform our malls into launchpads of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship—fueling energy, ideas, and everyday experiences. Be part of this success story—visit msme.smsupermalls.com or email customercare@smsupermalls.com to grow your business with SM today!

Pru Life UK Strengthens Its Promise of Protection with “The Power of Two” Solutions

In a time when uncertainty is increasingly part of everyday life, Pru Life UK is taking another bold step to further empower Filipinos with guarantees they can count on.

At its latest launch, a first-of-its-kind curated culinary journey at Electric Garden, Bonifacio Global City, aptly themed The Power of Two: Count on Guaranteed Income and Protection with PRU, Pru Life UK introduced to market two powerful solutions—PRUSteady Income and PRUWealth 10—designed to provide steady payouts and lasting protection to help Filipinos plan, grow, and secure their future with confidence.

“Life is about the meaningful moments—big and small,” said Garen Dee, Chief Product Officer of Pru Life UK. “And no matter what every day brings, we want Filipinos to know they can count on PRU. With these two products, we give them the tools to embrace every chapter of life while ensuring that their financial plans are backed by guarantees.”

Pru Life UK aims to make financial planning simpler, accessible, and more empowering for every Filipino through its reliable solutions. By combining guaranteed payouts with reliable protection, the company addresses the growing need for stability amid life’s uncertainties. These reliable solutions were thoughtfully designed to cater to different priorities—whether it is securing steady cash flows, preserving wealth, or preparing for future milestones—helping customers take control of their financial journey with confidence.

PRUSteady Income is a 20-year endowment plan for individuals who value predictable income while ensuring strong protection for the future. It provides 10% guaranteed annual cash payouts from the 11th to the 20th policy year, a 100% maturity benefit at the end of the term, and up to 200% life insurance coverage. It delivers financial stability without sacrificing long-term growth—ideal for parents and professionals preparing for major milestones.

Targeted for affluent clients, PRUWealth 10 offers a balance of growth, preservation, and protection. Available only for a limited time, this endowment plan provides a guaranteed 5% net annual cash payout for 10 years, a 100% full premium back upon maturity, and 110% life insurance coverage based on single premium paid. Beyond these guarantees, the plan builds cash value over time, allowing flexibility to access funds when needed.

Backed by Prudential plc’s over 175 years of global legacy, and with more than two decades serving Filipinos, Pru Life UK continues to stand as the market leader in new business premiums as of H1 2025 and serves over 930,000 individual policyholders nationwide. 

“With this latest launch, we reinforce our mission to empower Filipinos to live fully today and feel secure about tomorrow,” added Dee. “We promise to provide certainty in an uncertain world with customer-focused financial solutions that are built on guarantees. Whatever your stage in life—earning, growing, or preserving—Pru Life UK has a solution that fits.”

For more information on PRUSteady Income and PRUWealth 10, visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph or follow Pru Life UK on Facebook. Product terms and conditions apply