Why Mang Inasal Is an Influential Brand: 5 Ways It Connects with Filipino Consumers

Influential Brands® CEO Jorge Rodriguez (right) presents the Influential Brands® trophy to Mang Inasal President Mike V. Castro (center) and Mang Inasal Vice President for Marketing Mari P. Aldecoa

What makes a restaurant brand influential? Is it the number of stores it operates, the meals it serves, or the memories it creates for its customers?

For Mang Inasal, it is a combination of these everyday experiences. The brand formally received its Influential Brands® trophy on August 24, following its recognition as the 2025 Top Brand in the Philippines under the QSR Grilled Category in April 2026.

Rather than influence being something a brand simply claims, being an influential brand is built through the experiences customers have with it—from the food they crave, to the convenience of getting their grilled favorites, to the people who serve them.

Treat your grandparents to their Mang Nasal faves up to Sept. 20

Make your grandparents feel extra special with the Mang Inasal Grandparents' Day Fiesta Treat that runs until Sept 20. 

Exclusive for takeout, delivery and drive thru, the promo offers savings of up to P140 for the Mang Inasal Family Fiesta bundle of Chicken Inasal Paa or Pecho and Pork BBQ, with java rice, four Extra Creamy Halo-Halo 8 oz, and four small drinks. You may also opt for an all-chicken Family Fiesta meal 

For simpler celebrations, you may order the Mang Inasal Buddy Fiesta bundle and save as much as P70. 

Jollibee Group Kicks Off Joy Learning Center Initiative with First Three Sites in Cebu, Occidental Mindoro, and Sarangani

Three schools down, more joy to go! The Jollibee Group’s Joy Learning Center initiative has grown from Tangub Elementary School in Pinamungajan, Cebu, and Buriraoan Elementary School in Occidental Mindoro, all the way to Alabel Integrated School in Sarangani (in photo) — where, on August 24, the third set of classrooms was proudly turned over, followed by a series of fun activities for the students led by Jolliskwela volunteers. 

Jollibee Group is expanding access to quality education, marking another milestone with the turnover of its third set of Joy Learning Center classrooms, this time at Alabel Integrated School in Sarangani. The initiative, which has now built six classrooms, has reached communities in Cebu, Occidental Mindoro, and Sarangani as part of the Group’s efforts to create engaging, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments that foster long-term development.

Jollibee brings the joy of friendship to life with DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island

Jollibee , is marking a milestone with its global collaboration with DreamWorks Animation for the worldwide theatrical release of Forgotten Island on September 23, 2026.

At the heart of Forgotten Island are lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, who discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with mythical creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families. When they discover that returning home could come at the cost of losing the memories of their friendship, Jo and Raissa must find a way to leave the island without forgetting each other.

Forgotten Island features Filipino and Filipino-American talent including Tony Award-winning Lea Salonga, global comedy star Jo Koy, Grammy and Academy Award-winning H.E.R., actress Liza Soberano, and co-writer and co-director Januel Mercado.

Solaire’s Chef Janu Belardo Brings Filipino Soul to Western Cuisine at Quezon Club

Chef January “Janu” Belardo invites us into her kitchen, showcasing the Filipino techniques and ingredients she is weaving into the Western-forward menu of Solaire Resort Quezon City’s Quezon Club.

After almost a year of redefining Quezon City’s after-dark moments, pairing exquisite dishes with a stage alive in music, dance, and comedy, welcoming both local and international acts across regular nights and private events, Quezon Club at Solaire Resort Quezon City ushers in the next chapter, continuing its evolution as both a dining destination and an entertainment hub.

World Cellar Pours Into a New Weekly Wine Dinner Series

Wine lovers can now look forward to indulgent and flavorful Saturdays at World Cellar, the wine destination at World Kitchens in Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City with its new Wine Dinner series schedule.

Previously held monthly, the Wine Dinner series is now made weekly, still pairing carefully selected wines from World Cellar with menus prepared by international chefs behind the diverse dining concepts at World Kitchens.

The September lineup celebrates a diverse range of wine and cuisine pairings, beginning with the classic and authentic Chinese flavors of Jade Table by Chef Peng of 18 Jade on September 5. On September 12, Chef Jessie Sincioco presents a special Degustation that celebrates Filipino culinary pride and showcases the artistry of one of the country’s most respected chefs. Chef Oliver Buenviaje of Seafood 8 by Olio’s follows with Tide & Terrain on September 19, highlighting the flavors of the sea, while Chef Gale Tan Sun of Asador de Manila closes the month with Vino y Fuego, featuring the flavors and traditions of Spanish cuisine, on September 26. 

Think You Know Coconut? Discover 5 Ideas That May Surprise You

From Gen Z innovation to zero-waste businesses, Filipino coco-preneurs are taking coconut somewhere new.

A coconut may be familiar, but what Filipino entrepreneurs are doing with it is anything but. A college feasibility study has become a Gen Z-run coconut milk business. Surplus coconut shells are being transformed into handcrafted bags while helping provide livelihood to more than 100 workers. And one entrepreneur has developed around 40 products by finding new uses for virtually every part of the coconut.

Around 300 Filipino coco-preneurs are transforming the country’s “tree of life” into fresh ideas, innovative products, and businesses ready to grow.

These are among the ideas and founder stories waiting to be discovered at the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas COCONUTPhilippines Trade Fair 2026, now underway at SMX Convention Center Manila until August 30.

“Over the next five days, we bring our coco-preneurs, our buyers, shoppers and partners together under one roof here in SMX as we celebrate National Coconut Week,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista during the opening ceremony. 

Araneta City serves up weekday dining deals with Lunch Festival

Lunch breaks get more exciting at the City of Firsts with the launch of the Araneta City Lunch Festival, a city-wide dining treat that brings more than 60 restaurants to offer specially curated lunch set menus starting at just Php399.

Starting September 1, the Lunch Festival is available Mondays to Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving office workers, students, residents, shoppers, and commuters more reasons to enjoy a satisfying midday meal at Araneta City.

For as low as Php399, diners can enjoy a complete lunch set that includes an appetizer and a main course from top restaurants across Araneta City's malls. Participating establishments include a diverse mix of well-known food brands, along with Le Bistro at ibis Styles Manila Araneta City and food concepts at World Kitchens, all offering a wide range of flavors and dining experiences in one destination. This offer is exclusive to dine-in guests.

Jollibee Group Foundation and UPLB Partner to Strengthen Support for Farmer Leaders

A key focus of the partnership is the continued development of JGF’s Agri-Tech Facilitators Program, which brings together farmer leaders and community-based agricultural extension workers who help fellow farmers identify, test, understand, and adopt technologies and farming practices that are relevant to their local conditions.

Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) have formalized a partnership to combine their expertise in research, innovation, and agricultural development in support of smallholder farmers.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the two institutions will collaborate on farmer training, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity-building initiatives that aim to help farmers improve productivity, strengthen their enterprises, and adopt more sustainable farming practices.

Jollibee treats Jolly Hotdog fans to weekend savings via drive-thru

Jollibee, the Philippines' number one fast food chain, is giving Jolly Hotdog fans more reason to look forward to their weekend food runs with a limited-time Joy-Thru Deal offering two Jolly Hotdogs for only ₱149.

The Joy-Thru Deals run every Saturday and Sunday from August 15 to September 13, exclusively at participating Jollibee Drive-Thru stores. Customers can save ₱27 when they get two Jolly Hotdogs through the promo.

A longtime Jollibee favorite, the Jolly Hotdog is a crave-worthy and savory treat that continues to be a go-to choice for customers looking for a tasty Jollibee classic.

“For many of our customers, a weekend drive-thru stop is part of their usual routine, whether they’re picking up food for the family or grabbing a quick bite. Since the Jolly Hotdog is a favorite among many, we wanted to give them a little more to enjoy during those weekend stops,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “We hope this gives our Jolly Hotdog fans something to look forward to on weekends and makes their food runs a little more enjoyable.”

Every Bottle Tells a Story: How a Shared Love for Coca-Cola Built a Community Across Generations

Across the Philippines, independent communities of Coca-Cola collectors continue to connect through shared memorabilia, stories, and friendships built over time. These groups—formed organically by enthusiasts—reflect a broader culture of collecting that brings together people from different backgrounds through a common appreciation for the brand.

Among these communities is the Coca-Cola Collectors Club Philippines, one of several independent collector groups in the country. It has brought together collectors and enthusiasts who share an interest in Coca-Cola memorabilia since 2015.

Experience Taco Bell’s bold flavors like never before with these new Rice Bowls

If you are a passionate foodie, you have likely traveled far and wide to taste every unique flavor and trendy dish available. Yet, despite exploring all those exotic culinary creations, you know deep down that nothing satisfies a true craving quite like a hearty rice dish. It remains the one ultimate comfort food you naturally find yourself going back to all the time when you want a meal that leaves you genuinely full and happy.

As a favorite destination where foodies constantly gather, Taco Bell understands exactly how to whip up something that always hits the spot, whether you're stepping out for a casual weekend brunch or looking for a comforting midnight snack. On those specific days when you simply need your rice to be the perfect anchor for a flavorful meal, you'll never go wrong with Taco Bell's newest creations!

Experience the Tex-Mex flavors you know like never before with the new Taco Bell Rice Bowls, featuring two rice dishes that will surely satisfy any rice craving: the Beef Rice Bowl and the Grilled Chicken Barbeque Rice Bowl, each priced at just P249 a la carte (or +P30 with a 12-oz soda)!

First is the new Beef Rice Bowl, made with Mexican rice, seasoned beef, shredded iceberg lettuce, seasoned nacho chips, sour cream, jalapeno peppers, and diced tomatoes, a crave-worthy number complete with bold, traditional Tex-Mex spices to wake up your taste buds!

Then there's the new Grilled Chicken Barbeque Rice Bowl, made with Mexican rice, char-grilled chicken, shredded iceberg lettuce, seasoned nacho chips, fiesta salsa, garlic sauce, and barbeque sauce, making it the perfect dish if you want a rich, smoky glaze that hits that familiar grilled flavor!

The new Beef Rice Bowl and Grilled Chicken Barbeque Rice Bowl will be available for a limited time only. Order today by visiting your nearest Taco Bell store for dine-in and take-out orders. You can also order for delivery via the 8911-1111 hotline, Taco Bell Philippines’ official website, or through official delivery partners Grabfood, foodpanda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary)!

Don't miss the latest updates, offers, and deals from Taco Bell by following and giving the brand a like on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok!

Where Japanese Artistry Meets the World of Wine

As part of the Araneta City Seafood Festival happening this August, World Cellar at World Kitchens, Gateway Mall 2 joins the month-long celebration with an exclusive wine dinner on August 20, 2026. The next in World Cellar’s series of exclusive wine dinners features an omakase-style dinner created by Japanese Chef Masaki Watanabe, who is well known in the industry as the “Tuna King.” Chef Watanabe is not just a master sushi chef; he is trained in both the art of Japanese fine dining and classical French culinary techniques. He also leads the two show kitchens at World Kitchens—Unagi Yukimitsu and Kuro Maguro—where guests can experience his signature craftsmanship and passion for Japanese cuisine firsthand.