Pinoy invention, The Better Vessel, sets new high standard for quality espresso at the World Barista Championship (WBC)

Following an inspiring performance at the 2025 World Barista Championship (WBC) in Milan, twotime Philippine National Barista champion, Michael Harris Conlin shares his vision for the future of Filipino coffee. Conlin, who secured a remarkable 13th place overall and took home the distinction of Best Espresso in Round One of the global competition, unveils his groundbreaking invention, The Better Vessel.

Conlin’s performance at the WBC was a testament to collaboration and purpose. His signature espresso—a complex, harmonious blend of Philippine Liberica and Colombian Eugenioides, cocreated with producer Wilton Benitez— immediately captured the judges' attention. This blend was lauded not just for its complexity, but for showcasing the untapped potential of Philippine Liberica on the world stage.

“For a fleeting instant, the world understood what my heart has been trying to say,” Conlin shared regarding his Round One success. “That cup represented people, passion, and the power of working together. It was a clear win for every dreamer who has ever believed that coffee could build bridges instead of walls.”

CDO Marks 50 Years With the Holiday’s Perfect Pair: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola

For 50 years, CDO Foodsphere, has been part of Filipino Christmas celebrations, from Noche Buena gatherings to holiday gifting with loved ones. This year, CDO marks its golden anniversary by spotlighting two enduring symbols of the Filipino holiday table: CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola.

At the media event “Unwrapping the Holiday’s Perfect Pair” held at Manila House, CDO welcomed guests for an immersive holiday experience designed to spark creativity, connection, and celebration. The program showcased how the perfect pairing of CDO Holiday Ham and Danes Queso de Bola continues to make gatherings special, whether served during Noche Buena, shared at parties, or given as thoughtful gifts.

BEST NEW FIRSTS IN METRO MANILA: Flavors You’ll Come Back For

Great meals don’t just fill you up—they keep you coming back for more.

This season, SM Supermalls invites you to discover a bold new era full of evolving finds with a delicious lineup of food destinations made to spark cravings and create lasting favorites. From Japan’s rich culinary traditions to the artistry of coffee and chocolate, each first is thoughtfully made to raise the bar for flavor and bring fresh dining experiences to every table.

Jollibee Foods Corporation Recognized for Strong Corporate Governance

Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) has received honors at the Golden Arrow Awards 2025, marking a new milestone in its corporate governance journey. This recognition marks the company’s first-ever award in the higher category (90–99), following an achievement of a score of 90.03 in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) assessment conducted by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

The 2 Golden Arrows award reflects the Jollibee Group’s sustained commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership across its global operations.

“We strive each year to improve how we uphold strong corporate governance, and these recognitions encourage us that our efforts are progressing well,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global President and CEO. “As we grow and expand globally, we remain mindful that good governance is essential to creating long-term value for our stakeholders, communities, and customers. It is a foundation that enables us to stay true to our purpose of spreading joy through superior taste.”

Jollibee Group and GrabFood Team Up to Make Weekday Rush Hours More Manageable for Commuters

Traffic Made Joyful: Jollibee Group and GrabFood Offer Rush Hour Rewards to Make Weekday Traffic More Bearable for Commuters in Greater Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines. December 4, 2025 - The Jollibee Group has partnered with GrabFood to introduce Rush Hour Rewards, an initiative designed to ease the strain of weekday travel by helping commuters in Greater Metro Manila plan their meals during the busiest times of the day. 

Launched on November 3 and running until December 26, 2025, the program offers customers a ₱100 discount when they order from participating Jollibee Group brands during the morning and evening rush hours, subject to a minimum order value that varies per brand. The offer is available on weekdays between 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 5:00–9:00 p.m. 

Mang Inasal brings ChristmaSAYA treats this holiday season

Mang Inasal, the Philippines' Grill Expert, is welcoming the Christmas season with its ChristmaSAYA Deals, Family Fiesta bundles, and the limited-time 4 Cheese Halo-Halo, offering Filipinos more affordable and festive dining options as the Christmas season approaches.

Customers nationwide can enjoy ₱10 savings with Mang Inasal’s ChristmaSAYA Deals from November 15 to December 31, 2025, available for dine-in and takeout. Combo A includes Chicken Inasal Regular, Palabok, a drink, and an eight-ounce Extra Creamy Halo-Halo for ₱219, while Combo B features Pork BBQ with Palabok and a drink, also paired with an eight-ounce Extra Creamy Halo-Halo for ₱149. Diners may choose to replace the Extra Creamy Halo-Halo with Crema de Leche Halo-Halo for a different dessert experience.

Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro said the holiday offerings were created to help people bond over food. “The holidays are a time for connection, and we want every celebration to be filled with great food that brings people together. Our ChristmaSAYA Deals, Family Fiesta, and 4 Cheese Halo-Halo capture that spirit of togetherness and the joy of sharing,” he said.

The Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza is Pizza Hut’s cheesiest creation yet

Made with 8 cheeses, this festive number is bound to be the centerpiece of any celebration

Celebrate the holidays in the cheesiest way with the Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza. 

When it comes to the Filipino holiday spread, no other ingredient is as joyful and indulgent as cheese. Commonly found in many of today's yuletide staples, from spaghetti and macaroni salad to bibingka and puto bumbong, this symbol of festivity can brighten up any dish, making every celebration feel complete.

This year, Pizza Hut is adding more fun and flavor to the festivities with a new creation that captures the comfort of tradition while offering a fresh twist for the holidays—the new Ultimate Cheesy 8 Pizza, available for a limited time only! Unwrap the season's cheesiest gift yet with eight premium cheeses sourced from around the world: mozzarella from the US and New Zealand; parmesan from New Zealand; cheddar and cheese fondue from the US; Gouda, feta, and cream cheese from Denmark; and queso de bola from the Philippines. It also comes with a hot honey dip, for an experience that feels both familiar and exciting!

Philippines to Host the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals

Following the conclusion of the Red Bull Half Court 2025 World Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Red Bull shifts the global spotlight to the Philippines, proudly announced as the next official host of the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals, marking the the first major 3-on-3 world championship staged outsideFIBA.

As the next host country, the Philippines invites the world to witness firsthand the heart and grit that define Filipino streetball in Manila. The Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals aims to showcase the Philippines' energy, passion, and creativity for streetball on the global stage, inviting fans around the world to experience what makes 3-on-3 basketball truly one of a kind.

Red Bull Half Court’s signature format will once again take center stage, featuring its fast-paced 3-on-3 half-court system, where games run under a 12-second shot clock, capped at 10 minutes, or end when a team scores 21 points. The format demands speed, creativity, and relentless hustle, pushing athletes to showcase pure instinct and high-pressure decision-making on every possession.

Photo Credit: Red Bull

Follow the journey to the World Finals for this landmark moment in Philippine basketball culture as this once-in-a-lifetime event will see the world’s top 3-on-3 teams converge on Philippine soil. Keep up with all the action by visiting the official Red Bull website and following Red Bull Philippines on social media.

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )

Jollibee Group’s Vem Bautista-King Earns Multiple Honors in Asian and Philippine Legal Circles

Jollibee Group’s Atty. Vera Marie “Vem” Bautista-King, General Counsel for Corporate & Commercial Global, continues to earn recognition across Asia and the Philippines as a leader in corporate law, most recently named finalist for In-House Lawyer of the Year and Woman Lawyer of the Year at the ALB Philippine Law Awards.

The Jollibee Group celebrates another employee milestone as Atty. Vera Marie “Vem” Bautista-King, General Counsel for Corporate & Commercial Global, EMEAA, and Legal Business Partner for Global and Philippines, continues to earn recognition from some of Asia’s most prestigious legal publications.

Atty. Bautista-King was included in Asian Legal Business (ALB) Asia’s 40 Under 40 list of outstanding lawyers throughout Asia, the only Filipino in-house lawyer to have this distinction. 

Comfort in Every Bite: Snack Pairings for the Holiday Season

Between holiday shopping, last-minute get-togethers, and the nonstop playlist of Christmas tunes, the days can start to blur in the best way possible. Good thing there’s always time for little pockets of comfort—the kind that can come from your favorite snacks. Whether it’s the cool morning breeze, a rainy afternoon, or a chill night in, these small moments call for big flavors and cozy bites that make the season extra satisfying.

This is your cue to grab your favorite snack pairings—sweet and savory duos that match every Ber month mood. Here’s how some well-loved goodies from Universal Robina Corporation (URC) can keep you company through the rush and make every bite feel like home.

Jollibee Group Honored for Sustainable Supply Chain at Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards

Jollibee Group Manufacturing and Logistics’ Assistant Vice President and Head of Engineering Services Julius Leyba, received the award during the Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards Gala Night last November 6.

The Jollibee Group has been recognized for its sustainable supply chain practices at the inaugural Asia ESG Positive Impact Awards, earning the Silver Award for its commitment to sustainability and responsible business operations. The recognition, held on November 6 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, highlights the impact of Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (“FEP”) of the Jollibee Group Foundation (“JGF”), which empowers smallholder farmers to become active participants in the Group’s supply chain in the Philippines.

The recognition is the latest in a string of awards that prove once again that the Jollibee Group continues to make measurable progress toward its sustainability goals, driven by its leaders, employees, and partners.

Mang Inasal becomes first QSR brand to partner with Google Wallet in the Philippines

Mang Inasal, the country’s Grill Expert, is making history as the first quick-service restaurant in the Philippines to partner with Google Wallet. This partnership supports the new Mang Inasal App and shows the brand’s effort to make customer experience simple and convenient for everyone.

“Mang Inasal always looks for better ways to serve our customers. With Google Wallet, we can offer an easier way for people to save and use our special deals,” said Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro.

Honoring Filipino Fishermen: Mega Sardines’ Zamboanga Heroes’ Welcome Celebration

Mega Prime Foods, Inc., maker of Mega Sardines, the country’s #1 sardines brand and the world’s first “Superfood” endorsed by the Medical Wellness Association, kicks off National Sardines Month 2025 by recognizing the dedication of Filipino fishermen and supporting local communities through a series of outreach programs. This month-long celebration highlights Mega Prime Foods’ commitment to uplifting communities, promoting nutrition, and honoring the hard work of those who make every can of Mega Sardines possible, culminating in the Heroes’ Welcome in Zamboanga—a special homecoming that directly honors the hardworking fishermen whose dedication ensures the freshness and quality of every can.