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Local News

🪑 Furniture Giant Nitori Brings Japanese Flair to Manils

By Tobias Bautista

Big news for home decor enthusiasts: Japan's largest furniture and home-furnishing retailer, Nitori, has just opened its first store in the Philippines at MITSUKOSHI BGC. Think IKEA, but make it Japanese and extra cozy.

Nitori’s debut in the Philippines is already making waves, offering everything from chic living room sets to bedding with cool tech (literally). Occupying the entire 3rd floor of MITSUKOSHI BGC, this flagship store is a haven for high-quality, budget-friendly home goods.

Nitori isn't the only Japanese brand making its mark in Manila. MITSUKOSHI BGC is quickly becoming the go-to spot for all things Japanese. Fashion labels Snidel and Fray I.D. bring their unique “street meets formal” style to the ground floor, while beauty buffs stock up on essentials at MITSUKOSHI Beauty.

Hungry? Head to the basement for a culinary journey with MITSUKOSHI Fresh's groceries and the Itadaki Food Court. Coffee aficionados can sip on brews from Key Coffee, one of Japan’s oldest roasters, or indulge in organic matcha from The Matcha Tokyo.

For pop culture lovers, the Gashapon Bandai official store offers 300 capsule toy machines, and Fully Booked x Kinokuniya bookstore has the largest collection of Japanese manga.

Above MITSUKOSHI BGC is The Seasons Residences, a development by Federal Land, Nomura Real Estate Development, and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings. Haru Tower, the first of The Seasons Residences, is now ready for turnover, offering units that blend Japanese innovation with Manila’s urban vibe.

These units feature smart design elements like a sunken slab drainage system and earthquake-resistant damping technology. Spacious two-bedroom (60 to 108 sqm) and three-bedroom suites (116.5 to 177.5 sqm) come with airy, light-filled interiors that promise a serene living experience.

The Seasons Residences perfectly complement the offerings at MITSUKOSHI BGC, making it easy to create a home that’s stylish, functional, and distinctly Japanese.

Curious? Visit www.theseasonsresidences.ph or email [email protected] to schedule a private viewing at their showroom in BGC.

World News

🌶 China Throws a Tantrum Over Taiwan’ New Prez

By Tobias Bautista

China isn’t thrilled about Taiwan’s newly inaugurated President Lai Ching-te. To show their displeasure, Beijing launched two days of "punishment" drills, but don't worry, they're not as intense as the 2022 military show-off when Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei.

The drills, including mock air and sea strikes near Taiwan’s Kinmen and Matsu islands, were expected. Beijing is flexing its muscles to signal discontent and shape the narrative around Lai’s presidency, but the real fireworks might come later, according to Taipei-based analyst Wen-Ti Sung.

Taiwan’s military officials noted these drills look like reruns—crossing the Taiwan Strait’s median line and mock attacks near Taiwan’s waters. Before Lai's inauguration, China already ran three "joint combat readiness patrols" around the island.

Collin Koh, a security expert from Singapore, pointed out the danger: “These opposing forces could be operating in pretty close proximity.” So, here’s hoping everyone plays nice and keeps the saber-rattling to a minimum.

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