The Manila Times’ Blanca Mercado on why self-care matters in leadership and life

Manila Times - Oct 29, 2026

For The Manila Times President and Chief Operating Officer Blanca Mercado, taking care of oneself is not simply a matter of relaxation. It is an essential part of leading effectively, nurturing relationships and staying present for the people who matter most. As a media executive, mother and grandmother, Mercado understands the demands of balancing professional responsibilities with family life. Through her 15-year partnership with BlueWater Day Spa, she has learned to make wellness a regular part of her routine, finding time to recharge while sharing the experience with her daughter. “Wellness is very important to me because leadership requires energy, focus and a clear mind. I’ve learned that taking time to recharge allows me to come back to work with better perspective and make better decisions. As a mother and grandmother, taking care of my health also means being present for the people I love,” Mercado shared. Leading with confidence and compassion Mercado believes effective leadership is not measured solely on the ability to make difficult decisions but also on creating an environment where colleagues feel heard, supported and encouraged to grow. “Being a ‘girl boss’ is about being confident in your abilities while remaining compassionate and grounded,” she said. “Most importantly, I believe in...

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Michelin Guide names 127 restaurants in Philippines 2027 selection

Oct 29, 2026

Michelin Guide names 127 restaurants in Philippines 2027 selection

MANILA, Philippines — The Michelin Guide recognized 127 restaurants in its Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 selection, including 10 Michelin-starred establishments, 31 Bib Gourmand restaurants and 86 Michelin Selected restaurants. The selection was unveiled Thursday at the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of Manila Marriott Hotel, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Michelin Star. Helm retained its Two Michelin Stars, while Flow earned its first One Michelin Star, joining eight restaurants that retained their one-star distinctions. The eight restaurants that retained One Michelin Star are Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kása Palma, Linamnam and Toyo Eatery. Flow completes the nine restaurants in the one-star category. The 31 Bib Gourmand restaurants, recognized for offering good-quality cooking at moderate prices, include 10 new additions: Apag Marangle, ATO-AH, Azela, Balay Dako, Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen, BUTCHER BOY, C.H.E. Bacolod Chicken House Express, Kalipay!, Tatang’s Lechon and Tito Boy. They join returning Bib Gourmand restaurants Abaseria Deli & Cafe, Bolero, Brick Corner, Cabel, Cochi, Em Hà Nội, Esmen, Kumba, La Pita, Lampara, Lasa, Los Tacos, Manam at the Triangle, Morning Sun Eatery, Palm Grill, Pilya’s Kitchen, Sarsa, Some Thai, Taquería Franco, The Pig & Palm and The Underbelly. Meanwhile, 86 restaurants earned Michelin Selected recognition, including 18 new additions: Abé, Bombvinos Bodega, Cyria’s Kandingan, Digámo, Elaia by Cyma, Haliya, Idalia, Kokeek’s Manokan, Kong, Kumedor, Liyab, Makanai, Marjo’s Pochero, Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy, Oyster Bay, Playa, Souq and Tadhanà. The new additions join returning Michelin Selected establishments 12/10, Abli, Aida’s Chicken, Antonio’s, Aurora, Automat, Ayà, Benjarong, Blackbird, Cantabria by Chele Gonzalez, Canton Road, Carmelo’s Steakhouse, Chie Chie’s Pancit Batil Patung, China Blue, Cirkulo, COCO, Cru Steakhouse, Deo Gracias, DIP, El Poco Cantina, Ember, Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Fong Wei Wu, Fresca Trattoria, Ginza Nagaoka, Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, Goxo, Hálong, House of Lechon, Iai, Juniper, Kamakura, Kei, Kodawari, Locavore, Lola Helen, Lore, Mamacita, Man Ho, Maya, Metiz, Now Now, Oak & Smoke, Offbeat, Old Manila, Origine, Osteria Antica, Pablo, Papillon, People’s Palace, Ramen Ron, Sala, Seva, Sialo, Socarrat, Steak & Frice, Summer Palace, Super Uncle Claypot, Tandem, Taupe, Terraza Martinez, The Test Kitchen, Txanton, Uma Nota, Umu, Yamazato and Your Local. The ceremony also recognized four culinary professionals through special awards. Frances Tariga of Tadhanà received the Michelin Opening of the Year Award, while Ron Job Sanchez of Automat won the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award. Francis Lacson of Digámo was named recipient of the Michelin Young Chef Award, and Clyde Joshua Zafra of Tito Boy received the Michelin Service Award. The 2027 selection highlights the continued growth of the Philippine dining scene, with established restaurants retaining their distinctions and new establishments gaining recognition for their cooking.

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